Xiaoxiao.

Chapter 145 Peaceful Times

That morning, just as the east was beginning to lighten, the morning sun shone through the window into the room.

Kuang Zheng slowly opened his eyes, ending his night of meditation.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Ying Yue sitting on the edge of the bed, gazing at him with loving eyes.

That gentle and affectionate gaze seemed to penetrate one's soul, instantly sending a warm current through Kuang Zheng's heart.

After a period of careful recuperation, Ying Yue's body has not fully recovered, but as long as she does not easily use the spiritual energy in her body, she will not have any major problems for the time being.

Her complexion was rosy, and she looked much better than before when she looked haggard.

Kuang Zheng gently held Ying Yue's hand, his voice as soft as a spring breeze across a lake, and said in a low voice, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer? You've been taking care of everything inside and outside these past few days, you've really worked hard."

Hearing her lover's caring words, Yingyue's heart was instantly filled with sweetness.

She tilted her head slightly, looked at Kuang Zheng with affection, and replied softly, "What's so hard about this? I'm much better now, and I'm not unable to get out of bed and walk around."

If we're talking about hard work, you guys are definitely working harder!

Every day they had to fight against those ferocious and brutal beasts, constantly facing the danger to their lives.

In contrast, all I do every day is plant flowers and cook meals; it's not tiring at all.

As she spoke, Ying Yue's face beamed with a happy smile, a smile as radiant and captivating as spring flowers in full bloom.

At this moment, Ying Yue seemed to remember something, and her originally bright, star-like eyes gradually dimmed.

Her voice also became low: "It's my fault that you've been trapped here for so long. If it weren't for me, how could you have been trapped here for so long?"

This not only wasted a lot of time, but also made us vulnerable to being exposed at any time.

Now, the entire wilderness is filled with teams searching for our whereabouts.

Staying here for even one more day means adding another layer of danger.

"Ever since you met me, you've all been unable to leave. I've been a burden to everyone..."

Hearing Ying Yue's words of self-reproach, Kuang Zheng frowned slightly. He deliberately put on a stern face and pretended to be a fierce and menacing look.

He slowly reached out and gently stroked his lover's high, jade-like nose, feigning anger as he said, "Hmph, you're such a big idiot!"

What does 'burden' mean? I've told you countless times, in this life and the next, you already belong to me alone.

What's the difference between "yours" and "mine" anymore?

We are inseparable, like fish and water, and it's impossible for us to separate!

The reason we risked venturing into the wilderness was precisely to break free from the shackles of fate and take control of our own life and death.

Fortunately, we have finally achieved our goal.

As for your concern about being hunted down, the outcome would probably be similar regardless of whether you consumed the Vermilion Fruit or not.

After all, we are strangers from the outside world, and it is ultimately difficult for us to completely integrate into this place.

So stop overthinking and just listen to me.

The wilderness is full of hostility and rejection towards outsiders. Even if we do nothing, as long as we enter, the wild beasts will regard us as invaders.

Therefore, what difference does it make where we choose to stop?

As he gently stroked his lover's delicate cheek, Kuang Zheng slowly continued, "You always say you're a burden to me, darling, that's utter nonsense!"

I exist because of you, and you're only complete because of me! You fool!

Our staying here for so long has little to do with whether you are injured or not. Regardless of whether you are injured or not, we must hide for a while.

Because the enemy is too powerful, far beyond our ability to cope.

Knowing full well the disparity in strength, it is unwise to engage in a head-on confrontation.

The best course of action is to temporarily avoid the limelight and find a safe corner to wait for the right opportunity.

The saying goes, "Knowing there are tigers in the mountains, yet still venturing into the tiger's den." If one were not truly desperate, who would be willing to take such a huge risk?

The instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm is an innate instinct of all living beings, and it has no direct relation to being timid or cowardly or brave and fearless.

In order to possess the ability to compete with powerful enemies, it is essential to temporarily hide and avoid conflict.

As the saying goes, a fist is most powerful when it is pulled back before it is thrown!

So, the reason we've stayed here for so long isn't entirely because of your injuries, but more so because of considerations of the current situation and the need for a coping strategy.

"Finally, your concern about being discovered is completely unfounded. This place is already very close to the boundary between the Devouring Python and Wild Mouth Ridge."

It's a typical "no man's land" area; their influence can't reach this far, so you can rest assured.

Upon hearing this correct explanation, Ying Yue's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly asked, "Really? You weren't delayed here because of your injury, were you?"

Kuang Zheng nodded without hesitation and replied, "Of course not!"

Upon receiving this definitive answer, Ying Yue's joy was overwhelming, like a surging tide.

For a long time, she felt that her injuries had been a burden to everyone, and she felt deeply guilty and uneasy about it.

However, at this moment, the answer Kuang Zheng gave was completely different from what she had thought, which suddenly relieved her of the heavy psychological burden she had been carrying.

But in the blink of an eye, Ying Yue frowned again and asked, "Since it wasn't because of me, why didn't everyone choose to return to the Dragon's Nest? Isn't it more suitable for cultivation there?"

Kuang Zheng smiled slightly and said slowly, "The reason we don't return to the Dragon's Nest is precisely so that we can better improve our strength."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Ying Yue asked curiously.

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the door: "Big sister, let me tell you. If there is anything inaccurate, please correct me."

Before he finished speaking, Wu Ren strode into the house.

He walked straight to his seat without looking to the side, and then sat down without hesitation.

He then cleared his throat and continued, "The reason we're not going back to the Dragon's Nest is to avoid making everyone dependent on us!"

If we only think of retreating to the dragon's lair for protection when faced with difficulties, then over time, the dragon's lair will not become a solid and reliable safe haven. Instead, it will transform into a deep-seated inner demon that is difficult to shake off—whenever we encounter adversity, that inner demon that wants to escape will quietly take hold!