Chapter 24 - A Heart-Stirring Reunion
[Mu Ran: This is bad... if this keeps dragging on, my performance rating is going to hit rock bottom...]
Mu Ran felt a pang of distress as he watched several potential experimental subjects slip through his fingers over the past few days. The players—the Star Lords—were becoming far too observant, their attention fixed on the small white fox in his arms rather than the tasks at hand.
[System: I’ll leave the fox’s body directly. Given their current attitude, they’ve likely already sensed something is amiss.]
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have intentionally left a portion of their group behind just to monitor the fox’s every move. It was better to have the experiment delayed than to have it rendered impossible to conduct at all.
[Mu Ran: That’s our only option. Go ahead.]
The white fox curled into a small, fluffy ball beneath the shade of a towering tree. Slowly, the System’s vast consciousness began to withdraw, detaching itself from the animal’s physical form.
The surrounding Star Lords watched from the shadows, whispering among themselves.
"Oh? Did it fall asleep?"
"That’s a first. It usually stays so alert whenever the Wanderer is around..."
As the System’s consciousness fully departed, the original, primal instincts of the white fox returned. Suddenly sensing the terrifying, overwhelming pressure of the high-level Spirit Manifestations lurking in the darkness, the little creature began to tremble violently. Its fur stood on end, puffing out like a dandelion in the wind.
Voices drifted from the shadows, filled with confusion.
"Eh? What happened? Is it having a nightmare?"
"Whitey, go take a look."
"Awoo!"
A white wolf bounded forward happily. It had been eyeing this small, snowy fox for a long time, but because the creature was always tucked away in the arms of that mysterious Soul Bearer, the wolf had never found a chance to get close.
"Awoo~" *Hey little guy, I’m here to play!*
The white fox’s eyes went wide with terror. It let out a series of high-pitched, feigned growls, backing away with trembling paws. Seeing the massive predator continue its approach, the fox made a desperate, clumsy lunging snap before its legs gave way. It scrambled frantically, slipping and sliding on the forest floor as it fled in a pathetic, panicked state.
The white wolf froze. "..."
The spectating Star Lords were equally stunned. "..."
What was going on? Had the fox’s soul been swapped?
***
After the day’s experimental session concluded, Mu Ran found himself surrounded once again, the target of the Star Lords' relentless affection. However, as he listened to their chatter, he realized something was very wrong.
"Hey, sweetie, who exactly are you waiting for?"
He had answered this question countless times with vague, poetic diversions. But this time, before he could speak, the Star Lords began finishing each other's sentences with practiced ease.
"What do they look like? Have we seen them?"
"Maybe we have~ As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest place!"
"Stop talking nonsense! Ahem, what we mean is... is it possible that you’ve actually already found them?"
Mu Ran’s emerald pupils, which had softened under their hospitality, slowly began to constrict. His voice turned cold. "What do you mean by that?"
[Mu Ran: I smell the familiar scent of wild fan-theories. (Despairing Cat Face.jpg)]
[Mu Ran: I have to stop this before it gets out of hand!]
His eyelashes fluttered downward, his expression shifting to one of rare weariness and exhaustion. "I would prefer it if you didn't make jokes about this."
The crowd grew flustered, immediately trying to soothe him. "Sorry, sorry! We were just suggesting a small possibility!"
*But even so,* they thought privately, *that reaction was definitely suspicious...*
The System, having escaped earlier, observed the micro-expressions of the crowd from a hidden vantage point.
[System: They don't seem to have changed their minds at all.]
[Mu Ran: ...Darn it. Do I really have to add more drama to the script?]
[System: If we can see what’s happening on the forums, we might understand exactly what they’re thinking.]
[Mu Ran: The forums, huh...]
He glanced at the Star Lords, whose eyes were darting around guiltily, and sighed inwardly. It seemed he would have to rely on that mask from Lost Island.
***
Mu Ran had been debating how to contact Qi Mo and the others when he looked down at the back of his hand. He suddenly remembered the "little gift" Qi Mo had given him. He traced the invisible lines of the mark with his fingers, the System perched on his forearm, watching his movements intently.
Suddenly, starlight flickered. When Mu Ran opened his eyes again, he found himself back on that somber, grey little island. Feeling a weight on his arm, he was surprised to see the System had been pulled along with him.
[Mu Ran: Oh? How did you get here too?]
The System, still in fox form, looked dazed.
[System: When that pattern appeared, I felt a powerful suction... I didn't expect it to bring me along.]
The System hopped down to the ground, surveying the unfamiliar environment.
[System: Do you need me to come with you? Or should I wait for you at the entrance?]
[Mu Ran: I’m just going to borrow the mask. I’ll be quick.]
As Mu Ran headed toward the center of the island, the System curled up in the bushes beneath a large tree to doze. He had only closed his eyes for a moment when a familiar sense of dread washed over him—a sensation similar to the Mimic from the other day.
"A new little brother!"
"Hmm, a child I haven't seen before... A-Xiang, do you remember him?"
*There are guards at the entrance too?* the System thought. *A miscalculation.*
He opened his sapphire-blue eyes. Two young girls were crouching before him.
"Oh...!"
"Ah."
The sight of his eyes clearly startled the girls. The blonde girl wearing an eyepatch stared blankly, her voice halting and rhythmic like a broken music box. "No... not a little brother..."
Before the System could feel relieved, the other girl, dressed in traditional Miao attire, spoke in a tiny, delicate voice.
"It’s a Big Brother..."
***
"Well~ I can certainly lend it to you..." Bai Shan licked his lips, his voice buzzing with excitement. "But can you tell me what kind of creature you actually are? I’m just so curious!"
Mu Ran stood his ground awkwardly, an apologetic glint in his eyes. Yun He delivered a sharp knock to the back of Bai Shan’s head before snatching the mask and handing it directly to Mu Ran. "The ID is 23142. Help yourself."
Qi Mo, sitting nearby, sipped his tea slowly. Even as Bai Shan bristled, Qi Mo only offered a mild rebuke: "Don't let your curiosity get the better of you."
Bai Shan looked at them in disbelief. *Weren't you two the ones dragging the Mimic into a meeting just to analyze that fox a few days ago?!*
Mu Ran didn't notice the silent exchange between the three. He quickly browsed the forum posts and fell into a state of utter confusion. *What is going on... what are they thinking? Why do they think the person I’m 'waiting for' is the System?!*
However... some of the guesses were disturbingly accurate. They had actually begun to suspect that the System was possessing various animals.
*No, I can't let their imaginations run wild like this! The 'involved parties' need to step in and clear up these doubts before they spiral further!*
After formulating a rough plan, Mu Ran took off the mask and handed it back to Yun He. "Thank you very much."
"The thoughts of these people are quite interesting," Yun He said, gripping the mask and lifting his eyelids slightly as if observing Mu Ran’s reaction. "Aren't they?"
Mu Ran: "...Yeah, I suppose."
Qi Mo leaned his head on his hand, chuckling softly. "They’re quite annoying, aren't they? Do you need our help?"
*That won't be necessary...*
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but Mu Ran found himself asking instead, "What could you do?"
"Since they all suspect that fox, why don't you send him to the island?" Qi Mo suggested.
Yun He added, "We will keep a close eye on him."
Bai Shan didn't quite understand the underlying motive, but he chimed in naturally, "A-Xiang will take good care of it too! There are plenty of small animals on the island for it to play with~"
Mu Ran shook his head. If the System stayed here, the experiments would be even harder to conduct. "No, thank you. I’ll handle it."
...
As Mu Ran departed, Bai Shan sighed with regret. "What a shame. I was looking forward to having a new fluffy thing to tease."
He paused mid-sentence, realizing the other two were staring at him with unreadable, complex expressions.
"? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Qi Mo smiled. "You only want to tease that fox?"
"Well, yeah? If it's staying with us, why wouldn't I?"
Yun He sneered. "Truly a stupid dog. Even after being purified, your brain still doesn't work right."
Bai Shan’s eyes widened, the gloom and chaos in his gaze replaced by a look of pure bewilderment. "Why are you insulting me again?!"
Yun He closed his eyes in silence. Qi Mo looked away at his teacup. Bai Shan, left alone in his confusion, felt deeply wronged.
***
[Mu Ran: Hey, where are you?]
[System: I seem to have been spotted by the island's residents. Sorry, I didn't expect anyone to be at the entrance.]
Mu Ran then remembered the little Miao girl with the lantern.
[Mu Ran: Sorry, that’s my fault. I forgot to warn you QAQ.]
[Mu Ran: How are you doing now?]
The System looked at the various small animals that were trembling as they "offered" him food in a desperate, unending procession.
[System: I’m fine. How was your search?]
Mu Ran informed the System of the various theories on the forum and his preliminary ideas.
[Mu Ran: It would be best if we just played along... but since you don't have a human form, it’s hard to act out the 'reunion' they’re expecting just through our mental link.]
He felt a headache coming on.
[Mu Ran: If they keep bumping that 'Unforgettable Regret' thread to the top, every experiment will be swarmed by onlookers...]
*A human form?*
The System looked up at the two little girls who were nervously biting their nails, lost in thought. *Do these Soul Manifestations... have similar abilities?*
[Mu Ran: Forget it, let’s head back first. Where are you?]
The System decided to share his new plan.
[System: I have an idea...]
...
"Little ones, it’s time to eat~"
The Mimic stood at the entrance, looking around. Since being purified, he was only allowed to interact with children who had low levels of pollution to prevent re-contamination. After getting to know them, he found he actually enjoyed the company.
"Huh? Are they not here?"
He looked again and saw the two girls crouching anxiously beneath a large tree, their small backs looking like two little mushrooms. The Mimic crept closer, intending to give them a fright.
However, the familiar white animal in front of them gave him a much bigger shock first.
"The Fox Immortal...!"
***
"It’s a Big Brother," the blonde girl said seriously. "Just like... you all."
A-Xiang stood by her side, nodding obediently. Her black snake spoke for her: "A-Xiang thinks so too."
Qi Mo’s heart skipped a beat. A certain suspicion grew stronger. He couldn't help but ask again, "The same? The same as what?"
The blonde girl’s eyes were clouded with confusion. She blinked, trying hard to think, but eventually grew frustrated. "Ugh, the same... Brother Mo..."
A-Xiang patted her comfortingly and opened her mouth to help, but her brow remained furrowed. She could only whisper, "Just... the same..."
The black snake poked its head out, drawing circles in the air. "Anyway, he’s not like those silly little brothers..."
Hearing this, A-Xiang unhappily tied the black snake into a knot.
"I see. That’s enough, thank you both," Qi Mo said soothingly. He patted the girls' heads and told the Mimic to take them out to play.
The Mimic hesitated as he left, stealing one last glance at the white fox sitting on the table, quietly grooming its fur.
...
Bai Shan was restless. The atmosphere had turned heavy the moment the Mimic left. *What’s going on... it’s just like when we were questioning the Wanderer...*
Just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard Qi Mo speak.
"May I ask... are you the companion who truly escaped?"
Bai Shan: "?!"
Before he could voice his confusion, Yun He followed up: "Purifying the Mimic... is that your ability?"
Bai Shan: "?!" *You guys are making me look like a total idiot! Give me an explanation!*
The System paused his grooming. Countless loopholes and possibilities flashed through his mind, eventually coalescing into a vague but executable plan. He turned his head, his azure eyes meeting Qi Mo’s gaze directly.
Then, very slowly, he nodded.
***
Mu Ran waited until nightfall, searching the forest for the vines adorned with small blue flowers. When the vines saw him again, they were visibly excited, twisting themselves into the shape of a heart.
*Vines: We meet again, cutie! Mwah~*
Mu Ran gently stroked the vine, whispering his request. "Can you take me to your master?"
The vine hesitated, its blue flowers dimming slightly. Lan, whose sleep was light, sensed the vine’s conflict and woke up. Through the vine, she perceived the Wanderer’s request. After a moment of hesitation, she agreed.
*Vines: Yay!*
After struggling for a while to weave a chair large enough for a teenager, the vine settled for a compromise. It grew two small branches at the top, resembling horns, and nudged Mu Ran eagerly, signaling for him to climb on.
"Thank you," Mu Ran said, surprised.
*Vines: =v=*
...
This was the first time Mu Ran had officially met Lan. She looked even more fragile than in her photographs, her translucent body making her appear as if she were made of easily shattered ice.
A gentle female voice echoed in his mind.
"Hello... may I ask... what brings you here?"
Though she sounded composed, Mu Ran could see her nervous fidgeting.
"I have something I’d like to discuss with you." Mu Ran’s emerald eyes focused on her. "Do you... want to leave? To live on an island that belongs only to Soul Manifestations, with an identity that can no longer be threatened?"
***
The young Soul Bearer leaned quietly against the largest tree in the forest. His long, silver-white hair was unbound, cascading over his shoulders in a beautiful mess. His eyes were closed, seemingly lost in a fleeting dream.
In the dim, ethereal light of the forest, his exquisite features appeared even more blurred and dreamlike, like an elf encountered only in legends.
Yi Meng lurked in the shadows, her eyes wide with adoration. *What a beautiful cat... a shame I can't have him, sob sob.*
She couldn't suppress her desire to share this sight and started a livestream. The breathtaking beauty on the screen immediately sent the entering Star Lords into a frenzy.
"Ahhh! What is this?! How can someone be this beautiful?!"
"So pretty... wow, the atmosphere... Sleeping Beauty (x)."
Suddenly, a small white shape moving in the corner of the frame caught Yi Meng’s attention. As she shifted the camera, the viewers saw a small, elegant white fox walking toward the Wanderer.
The chat exploded with excitement, and Yi Meng perked up. But what happened next left them all in shock.
As the fox drew closer, its white form suddenly blurred and solidified into a tall, elegant young man with a melancholic aura.
The comments section went wild:
"Holy crap!!"
"No way, no way!!"
"Ahhh! Wake up, kitty! Look! Wake up!"
They could only see the young man’s back as he knelt on one knee before the sleeping youth. He gently picked up a strand of the youth’s soft, silver hair. His own long black hair fell forward as he leaned in, the black and white strands intertwining. Even from a distance, one could imagine their breaths mingling in the silent forest.
Yi Meng’s face flushed bright red beneath her mask.
The comments turned bashful:
"God, this is so hot..."
"The vibes... wow..."
However, the young man’s words shattered the romantic atmosphere.
"Don't wait for me anymore."
His voice was rich and elegant, yet tinged with an inescapable coldness.
Yi Meng and the viewers: "?" *What are you saying?!*
"You’ve done very well during this time..."
Comments:
"Huh? Is he talking about how the kitty has been helping people?"
"Wait, who exactly is he to the Wanderer...?"
Yi Meng watched the scene unfold while glancing at the comments, her focus absolute. She saw the young man acknowledge the youth’s kindness like an older brother, saw him tenderly tidy the youth’s messy hair, and saw him prepare to leave the sleeping boy behind...
*Wait?!*
*Where do you think you're going?! You're not allowed to leave!*
Yi Meng forgot all about staying hidden. In a fit of passion, she stood up and shouted, "Don't you dare leave!!"
"Sweetie, wake up! This guy is trying to run away!!"
The viewers cheered her on:
"Damn, that was abrupt, but good job!"
"Wake up, wake up! I’m too old for these kinds of tragic misunderstandings..."
Mu Ran’s eyelashes trembled. He was supposed to wake up, but he was meant to wake up on his own, not because someone shouted! If he woke up now, the script would—forget it, he just had to open his eyes!
When he did, the face before him took his breath away.
The handsome, striking young man seemed momentarily startled and flustered, but those emotions quickly settled into the depths of his azure eyes.
He smiled and reached out a hand. "Did I scare you?"
Under the young man’s gentle gaze, a faint blush began to spread across Mu Ran’s face. He forgot to reach back, his emerald eyes fixed intently on the person before him.
System: *Wait?*
This reaction... wasn't right.
[System: Were you really scared?]
Snapping out of it, Mu Ran quickly tried to get back into character, all while screaming for help in his mind.
[Mu Ran: Why didn't I look at your face beforehand?!]
The System felt a pang of sadness.
[System: Do you not like it?]
[Mu Ran: ...No.]
He let out a long, resigned sigh.
[Mu Ran: It’s because I like it too much QAQ.]
Even though he was only speaking through their private mental link, Mu Ran’s cheeks and ears were burning red. His gaze darted around, and though he still wore the cold, haughty expression of his character, he looked incredibly soft—like a little crab that had been pulled from its shell.
The System’s gaze drifted. The script they had agreed upon was likely useless now.
But... a change in direction might not be a bad thing.
Because of Mu Ran’s previous reaction to Lan, the System had assumed he didn't want to act out a romantic story. Though he had felt a bit of regret, he had agreed to the "older brother" persona.
But now... that was no longer necessary.
***
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