An hour passes. The rain finally begins to fade, leaving the Star Dou Great Forest fresh and glimmering under the night sky.
Inside the mountain cave, Dugu Yan lies curled beneath a blanket, quietly watching Su Linfeng, who is setting up a small makeshift cooking area.
He asks if she's still cold. Dugu Yan, her face flushed, replies that she's fine—though still sore and exhausted from what happened earlier. The situation is awkward for both of them, yet there's an unspoken warmth between them now.
Linfeng sighs inwardly; he hadn't expected things to turn out this way. According to the story's "original fate," Dugu Yan's affection was supposed to be directed toward Yu Tianheng, but their bond seems to have completely shifted.
Still, he tries to stay composed. When he sees her weak and hungry, he cooks a simple meal of noodles for her. Dugu Yan, wrapped in the blanket, accepts the bowl gratefully. As they eat, the conversation turns shy and uncertain. Linfeng awkwardly assures her that he will take responsibility for what happened—but also tells her that if she prefers, they can simply treat it as a beautiful memory.
Dugu Yan blushes deeply at his words. Though nervous and still unsure of her feelings, she realizes she cherishes the time they've shared. For the first time, she allows herself to feel close to him without reservation.
Later that night, the rain clears. The cave glows softly in the moonlight as Dugu Yan rests against Linfeng's shoulder, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and affection. She never imagined her relationship with him would change so much.
When she teasingly asks Linfeng whether he's ever been this close to Hu Liena or Qian Renxue, he can only smile awkwardly, not knowing how to answer. Dugu Yan quickly apologizes, saying she doesn't need promises or labels—just that she'll treasure this as a cherished moment between them.
The two agree to rest and take turns standing watch. For now, the forest outside is calm, and both finally allow themselves to sleep.
By dawn, the Golden Crow sun rises again. Linfeng and Dugu Yan set out once more, heading toward the inner region of the forest to hunt the Red-Tailed Serpent, a powerful soul beast that Dugu Yan seeks for her next spirit ring.
Though Dugu Yan's steps are still unsteady, she insists on continuing. Along the way, she asks Linfeng to treat her the same as before—no guilt, no burden. Linfeng nods, assuring her that their bond is whatever she wants it to be.
Just as they finish speaking, a sudden, terrifying energy wave ripples through the forest. The trees shake, birds scatter, and an overwhelming aura surges through the air—so powerful it makes the ground tremble.
Both instantly recognize it:
"A hundred-thousand-year soul beast!"
"A Titled Douluo!"
The two exchange a look of alarm and immediately rush toward the source of the disturbance. Linfeng's face turns pale as he senses the aura clearly—it's a familiar one.
That human… It's the aura of the Death Spider Emperor… Bibi Dong.