Chong Yue’s hands trembled as he gripped the dagger, its blade glinting coldly under the dim light.
His eyes were hollow, staring blankly at Eika’s swollen, festering wound.
A deep, wrenching pain tore through his heart.
“Is this… really the only way? Do I really have to cut off her leg?”
His voice was hoarse and weak, his eyes bloodshot and his forehead drenched in cold sweat.
He clenched his teeth, slowly raising the dagger, its blade aimed at the root of Eika’s thigh, ready to make the cut.
Just as the blade was about to touch her skin—
“Rustle—”
A faint noise broke the silence of the night, coming from the bushes behind him.
Chong Yue’s body jolted, the dagger freezing mid-air as his gaze snapped toward the source of the sound.
“Who’s there?!”
In the shadows of the forest, beneath the flickering, dim light, the trees swayed, and something seemed to be watching them from the darkness.
Chong Yue’s pupils contracted, his eyes sharp and tense.
“Could it be… a Hellhound tracking us?!”
He tightened his grip on the dagger, his legs bending into a defensive stance.
His muscles were taut, ready to spring into action at any moment.
“Eika can’t move… If it’s another monster, I can’t beat it alone.”
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, his eyes filled with caution and anxiety.
Suddenly, quick, light footsteps echoed from the bushes.
In the dim light, a shadowy figure flashed past and disappeared swiftly into the depths of the forest.
“A… human?”
Chong Yue’s eyes widened in shock and confusion.
“There’s… someone else out here?”
The darkness made it impossible to see the figure’s face clearly, but it was undoubtedly human-shaped.
As the shadow vanished into the forest, silence fell once more, broken only by the crackling of the campfire.
Chong Yue’s heart raced, his grip on the dagger unwavering.
“Who… or what… was that?”
Chong Yue stared cautiously at the forest, confusion swirling in his eyes.
“What… was that?”
He whispered to himself, slowly approaching the bushes, his right hand gripping the dagger tightly, ready to strike at any moment.
Using the blade, he parted the foliage, revealing a small pouch hidden behind the undergrowth.
“A… medicine pouch?”
His eyes widened in shock as he crouched down, his fingers trembling slightly as he picked it up.
Opening the pouch, he found several fresh herbs and a small jar of honey.
“Plantain leaves, echinacea… and honey…”
His eyes widened further, filled with astonishment and excitement.
“If I remember correctly, these are all natural antibiotics!”
He glanced back at the direction the shadow had fled, a mix of gratitude and bewilderment in his gaze.
“Who… left these here?”
There was no time to ponder. Chong Yue quickly returned to the campsite and knelt beside Eika, his eyes burning with determination.
Taking a deep breath, he gathered two stones and placed them near the campfire to warm them up.
He then ground the herbs into a fine powder using the heated stones and mixed them with honey to form a soothing herbal paste.
The air filled with the gentle, fresh scent of herbs as the pale green paste gave off a faint, healing fragrance.
With utmost care, he used clean leaves to gently apply the herbal mixture to Eika’s wound.
As the paste touched the inflamed skin, Eika’s eyebrows twitched, and a faint groan escaped her lips.
“Sorry… I know it hurts, but you have to hold on.”
Chong Yue’s voice was soft and comforting, his movements tender and precise.
His eyes were filled with worry and hope as he worked meticulously to save her life.
After applying the herbal paste, Chong Yue tore a strip from his own shirt, carefully wrapping it around Eika’s wound to prevent the infection from spreading further.
Throughout the process, his hands trembled slightly, but his movements were firm and swift.
“It’s… done for now…”
He let out a long, exhausted sigh, his body sagging as he collapsed onto the ground.
A sharp pain flared in his abdomen, and he clutched his side, his face pale as cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
Turning his head, he looked at Eika, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief, concern, and complex emotions.
Eika’s face was still pale, but her breathing had steadied, and the pain etched on her brow had softened.
Watching her peaceful, sleeping face, Chong Yue’s thoughts drifted to his sister, Chong Yunruo.
He pictured her bright, cheerful smile, her playful, mischievous grin, and the innocent laughter they shared during that camping trip.
“Yunruo…”
He murmured, pain and longing clouding his gaze.
“Are you… okay… wherever you are?”
His voice trembled as his heart ached with worry.
“Wenyuan, my brother… If you’re with Yunruo… please… take care of her… for me.”
The campfire flickered, its warm light casting shadows across his weary, pale face.
As his tightly wound nerves began to relax, the exhaustion finally overtook him, his eyelids growing heavy.
A cold night breeze swept through the clearing, carrying a chilling bite.
Chong Yue leaned back against the ancient tree, his body finally surrendering to fatigue as he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
He didn’t know how long he had slept, but the warm sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, gently falling on Chong Yue’s face.
The brightness and slight burning sensation of the sun coaxed him from his deep sleep.
His eyes fluttered open, his vision hazy and blurred, his mind still foggy from exhaustion.
But the moment he woke, a sharp, searing pain shot through his right side, jolting him fully awake.
“Ah—damn, that hurts!”
He sucked in a sharp breath, his face contorting in pain as he clutched his abdomen, his brows knitted tightly together.
Lifting his shirt gingerly, he looked down and saw a large, dark bruise spreading across his right side, swollen and tender to the touch.
“Looks like getting body-slammed by that Hellhound did more damage than I thought.”
He let out a bitter chuckle, a helpless smile tugging at his lips.
“Ugh… Looks like I’ll be out of commission for a few days…”
Slowly, he sat up, his gaze instinctively drifting toward Eika.
She lay motionless on the ground, her eyes closed and her breathing steady. Her face was no longer deathly pale; in fact, a faint flush of color had returned to her cheeks.
Chong Yue leaned in closer, his eyes filled with concern.
He gently reached out, pressing the back of his hand against her forehead.
Her skin was still warm, but the fever was nowhere near as intense as it had been the night before.
“Looks like the herbs are working…”
A sigh of relief escaped his lips, his face softening with a grateful smile.
Reassured that Eika was safe for the moment, Chong Yue grabbed the blood-stained bandages and the dagger, slowly rising to his feet.
Pain flared up in his abdomen, forcing him to clench his teeth as his face twisted in discomfort.
But he endured the pain, one careful step at a time, making his way toward the small stream beside the campsite.
His body screamed in protest, but his determination burned brightly in his eyes.
“I can’t afford to collapse… Not yet…”
The gentle murmur of the stream grew louder as he approached, the cool air refreshing against his heated skin.
Kneeling by the water, Chong Yue began washing the dagger and bandages, his movements slow but precise.
The icy water soothed his aching muscles as he worked, his mind filled with thoughts of survival and the mysterious shadow that had saved them.
The stream was crystal clear, the water weeds swaying gracefully with the current.
A few small fish darted around, their scales glinting under the sunlight, plump and fresh-looking.
Chong Yue’s mouth watered instinctively.
“Fish! There are fish here!”
His eyes lit up with excitement and longing.
“If there are fish, we can have meat! No more surviving on mushrooms and berries!”
His stomach growled loudly as he imagined the smell of roasted fish, his hunger clawing at him.
But he quickly calmed himself, his eyes regaining their steady focus.
“No… There’s something more important to do first.”
Taking a deep breath, he forced down his hunger and continued cleaning the bandages.
“I need to take care of Eika before I even think about food.”
Once the bandages were clean, Chong Yue gathered several large leaves, shaping them into makeshift cups.
He filled them with the cool, refreshing stream water, balancing them carefully to avoid spilling.
Moving slowly, he carried the leaf cups back to the campsite, his steps cautious but determined.
He knelt beside Eika, gently lifting her head as he brought the leaf cup to her lips.
“Here… Drink some water.”
His voice was soft and kind, his gaze filled with genuine concern.
Eika’s lips parted instinctively, the cool water flowing into her mouth, soothing her dry, cracked lips and parched throat.
Her throat moved faintly as she swallowed, her tense expression easing just a bit.
After patiently giving her water, Chong Yue began tending to her wound once more.
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He carefully unwrapped the old bandages, his movements delicate and precise.
Using the herbs and honey, he prepared another batch of the healing paste, the fresh, herbal scent wafting through the air.
He gently spread the mixture over her swollen, inflamed wound, his fingers light and tender.
As the herbal paste touched the wound, Eika’s brows furrowed slightly, a faint wince crossing her face, but she remained unconscious.
Chong Yue’s movements were delicate and careful, his face full of concern and tenderness.
“You’ve got to pull through… You’re the only ally I’ve got.”
Once he was sure the wound was securely wrapped, he let out a long sigh of relief.
“That should do it for now… Hopefully, it won’t get any worse.”
After tending to Eika’s injury, Chong Yue stood up, his gaze drifting back to the gently flowing stream.
He picked up his dagger and sharpened another wooden spear, his eyes burning with hunger and determination.
“This time… I’m definitely catching some fish!”
His jaw clenched with resolve as he made his way back to the stream.
At first, his attempts were clumsy. He lunged at the fish with his makeshift spear, but each time, he missed by a wide margin, not even grazing a single scale.
“Damn it! You slippery little things!”
He stomped his foot in frustration, but he didn’t give up.
Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and remembered how light refracts in water, realizing he needed to adjust his aim.
After countless failures, he gradually refined his technique.
He learned to hold his breath, staying perfectly still as he waited for the right moment.
Then, just as a fish swam within range, he struck.
“Swoosh—!”
The wooden spear pierced the water, skewering a plump fish that wriggled frantically on the stick.
“I did it!”
Chong Yue shouted in excitement, his face lighting up with joy.
Motivated by his success, he kept going and eventually caught two more plump fish.
It wasn’t much, but it was enough to feed the two of them for the night.
“Finally… We’re having meat tonight!”
His laughter echoed through the valley, his eyes gleaming with pride and satisfaction.
The evening descended quickly, the shadows of nightfall creeping over the valley. A cool breeze blew through the air, carrying a hint of chill.
Chong Yue cleaned the fish by the stream, proudly carrying his catch back to the campsite.
He built up the campfire again, his hands moving skillfully as he prepared the fish for roasting.
Just as he skewered the fish and positioned it over the flames, a faint voice reached his ears.
It was soft, weak, almost like a whisper carried by the wind.
"Chong Yue..."
His movements froze, his gaze instantly shifting towards the source of the voice.
On the other side of the campfire, Eika was weakly opening her eyes, her violet pupils flickering with a faint light.
“You’re awake!”
Chong Yue quickly set down the wooden stick and rushed over, his face full of joy and concern.
“How do you feel? Does your wound still hurt?”
His voice was filled with urgency, every word laced with worry and warmth.
Eika didn’t answer, merely nodding lightly, a barely noticeable smile forming at the corner of her lips.
Seeing this, Chong Yue’s smile grew even brighter, as if a heavy weight had finally lifted from his heart.
“You must be hungry. Hang on, I’m roasting fish. It’ll be ready soon!”
The campfire crackled, its light dancing in the darkness, casting a warm, orange glow over their faces.
Chong Yue skillfully turned the fish over the fire, ensuring it was evenly heated. He carefully adjusted the flames, determined not to burn it.
Even without any seasoning, the fish released a tantalizing aroma as it roasted, the savory scent wafting through the air.
“Just a little longer, it’s almost ready.”
He continued to roast the fish, glancing at Eika every now and then, his eyes filled with anticipation.
The fish’s skin turned golden and crispy, tiny bubbles forming as the fish oil dripped into the flames, producing a satisfying sizzle.
Chong Yue carefully took the fish off the fire, using his dagger to meticulously remove the bones, ensuring each bite was tender and safe to eat.
“Here, eat slowly.”
He gently helped Eika sit up, wrapping the fish in a leaf and feeding her small bites.
Eika opened her mouth, taking a tiny bite, her movements slow and cautious.
Her eyes were still somewhat dazed, but as the flavor of the fish melted on her tongue, a hint of life returned to her gaze.
“Is it good?”
Chong Yue asked with a smile, his face full of anticipation.
Eika nodded slowly, her voice weak but clear,
“Yeah… It’s delicious.”
Chong Yue’s smile grew even brighter. After carefully feeding Eika and making sure she was full, he finally started devouring his own fish.
He took a big bite, the tender meat bursting with rich flavor, every mouthful filling him with satisfaction.
After dinner, Chong Yue leaned against the campfire, grinding the last of the herbs with two stones.
The firelight flickered, casting shadows that danced around them, while the forest echoed with the soft chirping of insects and the gentle whisper of the wind.
The scene was serene and peaceful.
But despite the calm atmosphere, Chong Yue’s heart was far from at ease.
Whenever his mind quieted, his sister Chong Yunruo’s face would appear in his thoughts.
Her lively, innocent smile, her playful laughter, and the way she’d say,
“Big Brother, let’s go home together!”
“Yunruo…”
He murmured softly, his eyes growing distant.
His grip tightened around the herbs, his fingers turning white, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Chong Yue… thank you.”
The weak voice shattered the stillness of the night, snapping Chong Yue back to reality.
He turned to see Eika lying on the ground, her face still pale, but her eyes warmer and more alive.
“It’s nothing. Saving a beautiful girl… how could I refuse?”
Chong Yue scratched his head with a sheepish grin, his voice playful with a hint of humor.
The air grew silent once more, the crackling of the fire the only sound as embers occasionally popped and danced in the night.
To break the awkwardness, Chong Yue cleared his throat and resumed grinding the herbs, his voice soft and cautious,
“So… who did this to you? Who hurt you so badly?”
He expected Eika to remain silent as she had before, but to his surprise, she spoke softly, her voice hoarse:
“My father.”
“Huh?! Why?”
Chong Yue’s eyes widened, his face full of shock and confusion.
Eika lowered her head, her violet eyes flickering with complex emotions.
She was silent for a long time before she began to speak, her voice cold and distant.
Eika’s father was a powerful tycoon in Japan, controlling vast wealth and influence.
Her mother, however, was merely a maid in his household.
At first, her father was drawn to her mother’s breathtaking beauty and gentle personality.
He began to approach her frequently, showering her with attention and affection.
Initially, her mother was cautious and guarded, but she eventually succumbed to his sweet words and the illusion of tenderness.
Their relationship grew closer over time, and her mother became pregnant with Eika.
However, when her father learned of the pregnancy, his affection and warmth turned to cold indifference.
He was already married, with an esteemed family name and social standing, and he could not allow a “bastard child” to tarnish his reputation.
He denied responsibility, demanding that her mother get an abortion, using threats and bribes to pressure her into submission.
But her mother refused to give in, determined to protect the unborn child within her, risking everything to shield the life growing inside her.
Desperate to eliminate the illegitimate child, her father’s actions grew increasingly cruel.
Fearing for her life, her mother fled in the dead of night.
With nowhere to go, she traveled alone from Tokyo to her hometown in Kyoto, living in hiding and bearing the burden of shame and pain in silence.
Finally, during the cherry blossom season, she gave birth to a baby girl all by herself.
She named her daughter Tsukimi Eika, using her own family name “Tsukimi,” wishing for her to be as beautiful and resilient as the cherry blossoms.
Though life was harsh and poverty-stricken, her mother did everything she could to raise Eika with love and care.
Eika grew up understanding the sacrifices her mother had made.
From a young age, she worked hard in school, excelling in her studies and pushing herself to be the best.
She also taught herself martial arts, vowing to protect her mother from harm.
However, happiness was fleeting and fragile.
The year Eika graduated from high school, her existence was discovered by her father’s spies.
Terrified that his illegitimate daughter would ruin his public image and status, her father ordered his men to find her.
At first, Eika was unaware of the looming danger.
Then one day, she came home to find the door wide open.
Her mother lay in a pool of blood, her body battered and bruised.
Eika’s heart shattered. She rushed to her mother’s side, her hands trembling as she cradled her mother’s broken body, screaming her name in anguish.
Her mother’s eyes fluttered open, filled with love and tenderness.
She gently caressed Eika’s face, her voice faint and warm.
“I''m sorry… Eika… Mom… couldn’t protect you…”
Her voice was weak and hoarse, her eyes filled with pain and guilt.
“No matter what happens… you must live… live on…”
Tears streamed down Eika’s face as she clutched her mother’s hand tightly, shaking her head desperately.
She rushed her mother to the hospital, and after an emergency operation, her mother’s life was barely saved.
However, from that day on, Eika’s world shattered completely.
While her mother was hospitalized, Eika threw herself into relentless training, honing her combat skills and martial arts.
She was consumed by one purpose—revenge.
Finally, she followed the trail of her father’s spies, fighting her way to his mansion.
Without mercy, she cut down his bodyguards, drenched in blood as she fought her way through.
At last, she stood before her father.
She wanted to end his life with her own hands.
But in the end, she was outnumbered and overwhelmed.
Her father personally struck her down, leaving her battered and broken.
Barely escaping with her life, she fled into the mountains, pursued relentlessly by her father’s men.
While fleeing, she stumbled upon an abandoned shrine.
Hoping to rest and heal her wounds, she was instead drawn to a glowing pillar within the shrine.
The moment she touched it, a mysterious energy enveloped her body.
In the blink of an eye, she was transported to this strange world.
She awoke lost and in pain, overwhelmed by helplessness and loneliness.
Until she met Chong Yue.
When Eika finished recounting her tragic past, a heavy silence fell over the campsite.
The campfire flickered softly, its warm light dancing on her pale, weary face.
Her violet eyes were filled with pain and helplessness.
Chong Yue watched her quietly, his heart swirling with anger and sympathy.
His fists clenched tightly, fury flickering in his gaze.
“How could a father… be so cruel to his own daughter…”
His teeth ground together, his eyes blazing with indignation and resentment.
“That kind of scum doesn’t deserve to be called a father!”
His thoughts drifted to his own late parents, and a sharp pang of sorrow and bitterness filled his heart.
“If my parents were still alive… they would have protected Yunruo… They’d never let her get hurt.”
He let out a long, heavy sigh, his eyes drifting up to the star-filled night sky.
His gaze grew dim, shadows of the past clouding his expression.
Taking a deep breath, his voice grew low and hoarse, tinged with nostalgia and sorrow.
“You shared your past… I suppose it’s only fair I share mine.”
His voice wavered slightly, his eyes softening with pain and tenderness.
Chong Yue and his sister, Chong Yunruo, were born into a modest family in Guangdong, China.
Their parents were loving and harmonious, and the siblings were bright and well-behaved.
Though they didn’t have much wealth, their home was filled with warmth and happiness.
From an early age, Chong Yue was smart and diligent, consistently excelling in his studies.
Meanwhile, his sister Yunruo was lively and cheerful, always clinging to her brother with an innocent, radiant smile.
They grew up carefree, their days filled with laughter and love.
Everything seemed so perfect, so blissfully warm.
Until the day Chong Yue was accepted into Tsinghua University.
Their family moved to Beijing, and life began to steadily improve.
They were filled with hopes and dreams for the future.
His father often boasted proudly,
“My son got into Tsinghua! He’s going to do great things one day!”
His mother would smile gently, preparing meals for them, her eyes warm as she watched the siblings playfully bicker and laugh.
Those were Chong Yue’s happiest days, and also the memories he dreaded revisiting the most.
But that warmth and happiness did not last long.
One rainy night, his father was in a car accident.
Despite the doctors’ best efforts, they couldn’t save him.
He was gone, just like that.
It was as if a bolt of lightning had shattered their world.
Their once-happy family crumbled to pieces.
His mother couldn’t cope with the loss and spent her days drowning in sorrow.
Her health gradually declined, and she eventually passed away from illness.
Chong Yue and his sister Yunruo were left behind, orphaned and alone.
At that time, Chong Yue was still in college, while Yunruo was in high school.
They were left with no one to depend on but each other.
Chong Yue struggled to balance his studies while working two jobs to make ends meet.
Every day, he rushed between classes and work, exhausted but never once yielding to fate.
Yunruo was mature and considerate, taking care of the house by herself, never once complaining about their hardships.
Every night when Chong Yue came home, she would be there, smiling as she served him dinner.
Her gentle smile became his source of strength and warmth.
Determined to build a better future for them, Chong Yue gave his all to finish his education.
He finally graduated and planned to take Yunruo camping to celebrate.
But before they could even start their new life, a mysterious force pulled them into this strange world.
As Chong Yue finished his story, his eyes glistened with pain and longing.
He looked up at the bright moon in the night sky, as if trying to see his sister’s face in its light.
Eika listened quietly, her eyes reflecting understanding and empathy.
She closed her eyes slowly, as if she could feel the sorrow and struggle weighing on Chong Yue’s heart.
They sat side by side by the campfire, saying nothing, yet a bond had already formed deep within their hearts.
Though they came from different countries, they both had lost the most important people in their lives, both cruelly played by fate.
In this strange and perilous world, they were lonely and lost, but their shared sorrows and struggles brought them closer.
Above them, the night sky was dotted with countless stars, the bright moon hanging high, casting a cold, silvery glow.
The night wind whispered softly, carrying a trace of chill, but the warmth of the campfire drove away the darkness and loneliness.
Chong Yue looked at Eika, his eyes filled with determination and gentleness.
“It’s getting late. You should rest and heal properly.”
His voice was firm but caring.
“When you’re better, we’ll keep moving forward. We’ll find a way back.”
He took a deep breath, his gaze burning with unyielding resolve.
“No matter what, we have to make it back… to the people we care about most.”
Eika nodded slightly, a gentle warmth flickering in her violet eyes.
She slowly closed her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips, as if the ice surrounding her heart had begun to melt.
The tranquil night was filled only with the soft crackling of the campfire, sparks dancing and flickering against the dark sky.
In this cold and desolate world, two lonely hearts were tightly bound by pain and shared understanding.
They leaned on each other, supporting one another.
Amid the tangled threads of destiny, they gradually forged an unbreakable bond.