After Zhao Shuning finished speaking, she took Kong Shishuang's hand and gently placed it on the leopard cat's neck.
At first, Kong Shishuang's hand was trembling. She was still a bit scared. But later, seeing the Lotus Green - Silk Cat looking so content, and feeling the soft fur which was really nice to the touch, with the tears still on her face, she burst into laughter.
"Zhao Shuning, look!"
"It let me touch it."
"This is the first time I've ever been this close to a spiritual beast."
"Do you want to touch it too?"
Zhao Shuning shook her head. Looking at Kong Shishuang's tear - streaked face and then at the smile on it now, she suddenly remembered something Zhao Huai had done for her before.
When they were in Zhao Village, since her parents were always busy, the person she spent the most time with was Zhao Huai. Once, Zhao Huai went to the back mountain. When he came back, he quietly called Zhao Shuning aside and then carefully took out a snow - white rabbit from the basket behind his back and showed it to Zhao Shuning.
Zhao Shuning was extremely confused at that time.
Zhao Huai said awkwardly, "Xiaoning'er, don't you like it?"
"Ah, I don't like rabbits."
Zhao Huai smiled gently and said, "I see. I thought all you girls liked furry animals."
At that time, Zhao Shuning was completely at a loss. She didn't like these cute little animals. What she liked were divine beasts like the phoenix. They were not only extremely beautiful but also had top - notch offensive capabilities among divine beasts.
Large and aggressive divine beasts were the kind of animals Zhao Shuning liked.
However, seeing Kong Shishuang's reaction now, Zhao Shuning finally understood why Zhao Huai said that most girls liked furry animals.
"Zhao Shuning, can we adopt this leopard cat?"
"No!" The answer was firm and left no room for negotiation.
"But I like it so much."
"Still no."
"Zhao Shuning, please, okay?"
"It's no use even if you beg me."
Kong Shishuang deflated like a punctured balloon.
Zhao Shuning said, "If you're not afraid of its mother coming to cause you trouble, then feel free to take it. But Miss Kong, I have to remind you that its mother is not as docile as it is."
Kong Shishuang suddenly thought of the scene of being disemboweled. She shivered and then timidly withdrew her hand and let the leopard cat go.
Before leaving, Kong Shishuang didn't forget to pick up the firewood at her feet. Then she walked away, looking back every few steps, extremely reluctant to leave.
When they reached the place to start a fire and cook, Kong Shishuang still seemed in low spirits.
A Shui and A Yue had already started the fire. Shuang'er and Se Se were boiling water. There were some wild fruits picked from somewhere beside them, lying under the tree.
"Xiaoning'er, you're finally back."
"Leader!"
Zhao Shuning nodded. Kong Shishuang slowly put the firewood into the fire.
After making some simple food, Kong Shishuang just took a few bites and lost her appetite.
"What? Can't get used to it?"
"Yeah."
"You should eat more. We were teleported to the wrong place during this field trial. We'll probably have to stay here for about half a year. If you only eat this little each time, you'll starve to death soon, not to mention waiting for the spiritual beasts to tear you apart."
"I want to go home."
"Kong Shishuang, don't be so childish at this moment."
"Zhao Shuning, I miss my brother."
Zhao Shuning sighed. She walked up to Kong Shishuang and gave her some of the dry rations in her hand. "Is your brother really that great?"
"Yeah. My brother is the only third - grade alchemist in the Misty Rain Tower. He's the most powerful hero in my heart. Zhao Shuning, you don't have a brother, so you won't understand this feeling."
"Who says I don't have a brother? I miss him too."
Kong Shishuang stopped crying. She looked up at Zhao Shuning standing there and said, "Your brother is also very powerful, right?"
Zhao Shuning shook her head. "My brother is in poor health. He can't practice martial arts and can't become a spiritual pharmacist. But I think he's the best brother in the world."
Kong Shishuang lowered her head and continued, "I always thought you were cold - hearted and didn't have anyone you liked."
Zhao Shuning was stunned for a moment. Suddenly, the peerless face of her master popped into her mind. Then she shook her head to get rid of this thought.
"Kong Shishuang, you're not a child anymore. Most of the time, you have to learn to take responsibility for your actions."
"What?"
"You're too weak. Every time you encounter danger, you only know how to escape or rely on your brother to protect and save you. But have you ever thought that your brother can't always be by your side? Just like today. If you really care about your family, what you should do is not rely on them but work hard to make yourself stronger and become the one who protects them."
"Zhao Shuning—"
"Miss Kong, why are you looking at me like that?"
"Zhao Shuning, I feel like you're not just a five - year - old kid. I always think you've lived much longer than us. Your words always make so much sense. Although I don't want to admit this fact."
Zhao Shuning wanted to laugh. It was really not easy for Kong Shishuang, who was used to a life of luxury, to say such things.
"So, Miss, if you throw a tantrum again in the future, I'll definitely leave you behind."
"You won't."
Kong Shishuang's eyes were very bright, and her tone was very certain. Zhao Shuning didn't say a word. Kong Shishuang continued, "Zhao Shuning, you're always so sharp - tongued, but I can feel that you're not a cruel person. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to find me."
Zhao Shuning was speechless for a moment.
Kong Shishuang picked up the half - piece of dry ration in her hand, stuffed it into her mouth, and chewed slowly.
"You're right. I've grown up. I can't always ask my brother to protect me. My brother is my only relative. I have to learn to protect him."
Zhao Shuning nodded.
Kong Shishuang then said, "Zhao Shuning, do you hate the Meng father and son?"
"I don't just hate the Meng father and son. I hate all those villains who only use despicable means in secret."
Kong Shishuang nodded vigorously. "Yes, the Meng father and son are really scumbags!"
After she said this, she found that everyone except Zhao Shuning was looking at her.
This young miss had changed her stance so quickly? A Shui and A Yue couldn't help but sigh. Their leader's personal charm was really amazing.
"By the way, Zhao Shuning, you spent the whole night on it. Is the map ready?"
Everyone looked at Zhao Shuning in unison. They all knew that without a map, it was impossible to move forward in the Dark Marsh Land.