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"If anyone here remains unconvinced, then feel free to try if you can shoot better than ZiXuan!"

Wei WuHui scowled as her eyes shifted to the source of that annoying voice which turned out to be a tall and broad person with somewhat dark skin complexion and his voice was booming. Jin ZiXun was his name, Jin ZiXuan's cousin who had an argument with her own brother back when Lanling Jin Sect had their flower banquet.

Wei WuHui rose a brow, noticing the pleased expression that Jin ZiXun had when no one answered. As the Yunmeng Jiang Sect's riding formation arrives to the target area, she saw her brother turning toward the Three Jades of Lan, who were readying themselves with their bows on their horses. "Lan Zhan, want to help me?" Wei WuXian asked.

Lan WangJi glanced over to him wordlessly as Jiang Cheng scowled. "What are you up to now?"

"What?" Lan WangJi asked.

Wei WuXian grinned. "Can I borrow your forehead ribbon?"

Wei WuHui sighed, facepalming. 'You never learned, do you Gege?"

Upon hearing those words from Wei WuXian, Lan WangJi turned his gaze away without responding to the latter.

Lan ChunTao let out a sheepish chuckle as she saw the deadpanned expression on her brother's face. "Wei-Gongzi, you may not remember but..."

"Lan Ling, it's fine.." Lan WangJi stated, stopping his sister.

Lan ChunTao let out a sigh but nodded, listening to her brother's request.

Wei WuHui clicked her tongue in exasperation at her twin but let him do his thing as she just stared up at the beautiful clear sky, not aware that a pair of soft-brown eyes are staring at her lovingly.

'What a pain'

———

The offical Hunting Competition began the moment her twin brother finished showing off to the crowds and making a bet with Jin ZiXun to stay blindfolded for the rest of the competition.

Wei WuHui sighed, relaxing under the warm sunlight that loomed over her as she strolled through the forest.

If she was being honest, Wei WuHui wasn't really interested in the competition in the first place, which doesn't surprised her as after what happened during the war and her falling into the Burial Mounds, she changed.

If Wei WuHui was still that same young maiden, she would enjoy this kind of stuff but now...it doesn't appeal to her anymore.

"I guess doing something is better than nothing." Wei WuHui muttered to herself as she stopped beside a sturdy tree and went to sat herself against it while pulling out Chenqing from her robes.

"Now, a song..." Wei WuHui placed her dizi to her mouth as she closed her eyes before letting her feelings do the work.

———

"Hm?" Was what the first thing Wei WuXian let out when he was pulled from his almost nap. The sound of a soothing flute melody sang throughout the forest.

"Mèimei's playing." Wei WuXian breathed out as he recognised the flute but before he could enjoy it further, the sound of a branch snapping caught his attention.

Something or someone is approaching.

However, he does not sense any killing intent coming from the intruder so Wei WuXian remained in his relaxing position, not moving an inch from his spot against the tree.

...

...

...

A moment has passed and so far, no words came from the newcomer.

"You're here for the hunt?" Wei WuXian asked voluntarily.

...

Still nothing.

"You won't be able to get anything good if you stay around me." Wei WuXian stated.

Again, no answers but he can hear footsteps coming closer toward him. This made his heart lightened up a bit as he knew cultivators would get too nervous whenever they caught a glimpse of him. They wouldn't even approach him, not even willing to be alone with him.

Wei WuXian was about to sit up to confront the stranger when suddenly, he was pushed back against the tree roughly. He tried to used his right hand to reach to untie the ribbon around his eyes but a strong force twisted his wrist back. He then tried to get the talismans that he kept on himself with his remaining hand but like before, he got caught.

With both hands now captured, he turned to using his legs to kick the intruder when suddenly...he felt a soft but warm sensation on his lip.

'EHHHHH?!'

———

Wei WuHui sighed once she finished with her fluting as she pulled Chenqing away. The calmness of the forest began to waved over her as she felt herself getting drowsy.

As her eyes were about to close, she heard a rustling noise that came from the bushes in front of her.

Wei WuHui's eyes narrowed and she began to get up from her spot as low snarls were heard in the same direction.

Then, outcome a pack of dog-like beasts. Crimson eyes glaring into the dark maiden's very soul.

Grey eyes trembled in utter fear as her whole body suddenly shut down and cold shivers washing over her.

She couldn't stop the tremors that came over her body as her eyes never stray away from the canine monsters that were now surrounding her in a circle...with her as a piece of meat in the center.

"BARK BARK BARK"

"STOP! STOP! IT'S HURT!"

"BARK BARK BARK"

"GET AWAY FROM US! STAY AWAY!"

"H-Help...G-Gege...Gege..." Wei WuHui whimpered fearfully as she covered her ears as if that would help keep the barking sound out. "Māma...Bàba..."

Then, Wei WuHui began to gasp for air like she couldn't breath anymore as she can hear her heartbeat hitting against her ribcages rapidly.

One of the beasts stepped forward as its hungry eyes glared into Wei WuHui and without warnings, it lunged at the defenseless maiden who was still curled up on the ground.

"Help me...A-Huan."

Suddenly, a shiny glint flashed in between the two and bloods flew into the air right after.

The rest of the beasts backed away as their comrade fell to the ground lifelessly with blood seeping from its throat.

White robes fluttered around Wei WuHui as she felt herself being cradled against a firm chest and gentle arm wrapped around her waist tightly.

The honey brown eyes that were once soft and gentle are now glaring furiously at the wolf-like monsters, daring them to be brave and attack them.

Sensing the cold fury that radiated from the male, the remaining pack whimpered with their ears folded back before making a run for it with their tails literally between their legs.

Eventually, the sound of the beasts faded away into the forest, leaving on the heavy breathing of Wei WuHui's.

"A-Yang, they're gone. Are you hurt?"

Wei WuHui's wide eyes simply stared up at the Sect Leader in shock and relief. 'He actually came for me'

Lan XiChen returned her stare worriedly, concerned about her silence. "A-Yang?"

A small smile graced on her face as she can feel her breathing return to a normal pace as she leaned against his arm, sinking into his warmth.

'How did I even manage to snatch this type of guy?'

TRANSLATION NOTE:

- 妈妈 Māma: Mother (informal)
- 爸爸 Bàba: Father (informal)

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(Please correct my translation if I'm wrong and the GIFs and pictures used in this chapter does not belong to me, but their rightful owners)