Early morning, a thin mist enveloped the suburban forest, and the air was filled with the fragrance of earth. Shen Mo habitually jogged along the forest path, breathing in the fresh air. Suddenly, a flash of white caught her eye. She slowed her pace and approached, discovering an unconscious girl curled up under a tree. Her figure was petite, and her white clothes were stained with some dirt. The girl had soft silver hair, pointed ears peeking out from between her strands, and a fluffy white tail curled beside her, like a cute pillow.
Shen Mo bent down and reached out to check the girl's breathing; there was still a faint breath. She frowned slightly, picked up the girl, and walked towards the small cabin she had built in the forest.
Sunlight streamed through the window into the simple wooden cabin, illuminating everything inside. Bai Li slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying in bed, covered with a thin blanket. A woman was sitting by the bed, gently wiping the dirt from her face with a warm towel. Bai Li blinked, looking at the woman before her with a hint of confusion. "You're awake?" Shen Mo stopped her movements and revealed a gentle smile. Only then did Bai Li get a clear look at the woman's appearance: she had long black hair, delicate features, and a gentle demeanor. Bai Li subconsciously touched her ears and tail; they were still there.
"Thank you for saving me," Bai Li said softly, her voice slightly hoarse.
"You're welcome," Shen Mo said, getting up to pour a cup of water and handing it to Bai Li. "You were unconscious in the forest, and I happened to pass by, so I brought you back. How do you feel? Is there anywhere you're uncomfortable?"
Bai Li took the cup and took a small sip, feeling her throat much more comfortable. "I'm fine now, thank you." She put down the cup, hesitated, and then decided to confess, "Actually... I'm a fox demon." Bai Li's voice was very small, and after speaking, she secretly observed Shen Mo's reaction.
Shen Mo was slightly startled, then chuckled softly, "Fox demon? I think you look more like a cute little fox." She reached out and gently stroked Bai Li's hair.
"My name is Bai Li," Bai Li said softly.
"My name is Shen Mo." Shen Mo withdrew her hand, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "How did you get here?"
"I... I don't know." Bai Li shook her head. "I woke up in the forest and don't remember anything. Why did you save me? Logically, beasts and humans shouldn't be in opposition, right?"
"I saved you because I thought you were quite cute, cough cough, just kidding. If I didn't save you, how would I be any different from the people in my Family? They abused me every day and kicked me out of the house early. I think you were quite similar to me back then, and I couldn't bear for you to be alone and helpless like I was." Shen Mo lowered her head, her body trembling with sobs as the memory hurt her once again.
Bai Li reached out and patted Shen Mo's back, "I'm sorry for bringing up your sad memories again." In her previous life, wasn't she the same? Alone, eating alone, working alone, only able to read novels by herself, with no one to care. The human and the fox girl sat quietly by the bed, confiding in each other, both sharing similar misfortunes.
Meanwhile
Lin Yaoyao's vehicle arrived at the edge of the Western Forest. The driver stopped the car steadily. "Young Miss, we've arrived."
Lin Yaoyao nodded, opened the car door, and stepped out. "Uncle Li, you can go back first. I'll return by myself after I'm done."
"Yes, Young Miss," the driver respectfully replied, then drove away. Lin Yaoyao looked at the dense forest before her, took a deep breath, and stepped into it.
system xiao han's voice rang in her mind: "host, the target is three hundred meters to the northeast. Please follow this small path." Lin Yaoyao followed Xiao Han's guidance, pushing aside the dense branches and leaves, and walked deeper into the forest.
Birds chirped, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled light spots on the ground. Lin Yaoyao pushed aside the last clump of bushes, and her view suddenly opened up, revealing a small wooden cabin. The cabin was built of sturdy logs, and its roof was thickly thatched, appearing rustic and serene. Wisps of smoke rose from the chimney, carrying a faint scent of grass and wood, adding a touch of life to the quiet forest.
Lin Yaoyao walked to the front of the cabin and gently knocked on the wooden door. The "thump-thump-thump" of the knocking sounded particularly clear in the silent forest.
Inside the cabin, Shen Mo heard the knocking and got up to open the door. She had expected it to be a nearby villager, but to her surprise, outside stood a gorgeously dressed young girl. The girl's appearance was delicate, her temperament noble, and the dress she wore was smooth as water, clearly worth a fortune. Shen Mo couldn't help but be a little surprised, subconsciously tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Bai Li also got off the bed when she heard the commotion and walked behind Shen Mo, curiously observing Lin Yaoyao. She tilted her head, her jewel-like eyes blinking, her silver-white hair softly draped over her shoulders, and her fluffy tail restlessly wagging from side to side.
Lin Yaoyao explained her purpose: "Hello, my name is Lin Yaoyao. I sensed a powerful Spiritual Qi fluctuation nearby, suspecting there might be an Innate Spirit Treasure here, so I apologize for the intrusion."
Shen Mo smiled apologetically: "I'm sorry, I've lived here for a long time and haven't found any Innate Spirit Treasure." She stepped aside, "Please come in."
Lin Yaoyao entered the cabin and looked around. The furnishings inside were very simple: a wooden bed, a table, a few chairs, and nothing else.
"The Spiritual Qi fluctuation I just felt was very strong," Lin Yaoyao frowned slightly. "Perhaps it's some hidden treasure. May I search thoroughly here?"
Shen Mo nodded: "Of course."
At this moment, Bai Li heard Lin Yaoyao's words, and a small voice spoke, "host, she is the contractor we are looking for!" Bai Li pondered for a moment, then walked up to Lin Yaoyao and tugged on her sleeve.
"Emmm... Big Sister, what you might be looking for isn't an Innate Spirit Treasure, but..." Bai Li paused in her speech.
Lin Yaoyao turned to look at the small loli and asked softly, "But what?"
Bai Li pulled Shen Mo, and Lin Yaoyao followed them out of the wooden cabin, just about to release a burst of Spiritual Qi.
A rustling sound came from afar, and soon the bushes shook as three massive Iron Armored Bears burst out, their heavy footsteps making the ground tremble slightly.
Their bell-like eyes stared fixedly at Bai Li, and they let out low roars. "You clearly have the scent of a Spirit Beast, but as a Spirit Beast, why do you associate with humans!" The leading Iron Armored Bear spoke in human tongue, its voice rough and questioning. Its massive body cast a long shadow, and its sharp claws dug deep furrows into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.