Lin Yuxun’s amethyst eyes shimmered with an indescribable light as she gazed at Lin Luo—was it surprise? Or something else?

Beyond words. Beyond clarity. Beyond comprehension.

Yet in Ziwan’s eyes, tension and worry were unmistakable.

Yuxun’s soft pink lips parted slightly, as if to speak.

"HOLY CRAP!" Zhang Dajian charged back, hefting his greatsword. "You? Little Luo? You like girls? HAHAHAHAHA!"

Zhang Dajian scrutinized Lin Luo like he’d uncovered world-shattering news, then turned to Yuxun with a toothy grin. "You think you can snag our class rep? Look at you—delicate wrists and ankles, built like the class rep herself. What makes you think you stand a chance? HAHAHAHA!"

He swaggered to Yuxun’s side, puffing his chest toward Lin Luo. Against the howling wind, he declared solemnly, "Let me tell you something. Our class rep only goes for real men."

"Right, Class Rep? Check me out." He leaned close to Yuxun. "In a world like this, only a man like me can protect you."

"Protect me?" Lin Yuxun’s voice stayed calm, her expression utterly still. "Where were you when the Leviathan appeared?"

"Uh… well… that thing’s not meant for humans to fight, okay?" Deflated, Zhang Dajian trudged ahead, muttering.

Facing the girls’ stares, Lin Luo could only shrug with a wry smile. "Don’t listen to him. It’s nonsense."

Ziwan seemed to exhale in relief.

"Is that so?" Yuxun’s tone turned icy. "With your beauty, Lin Luo, why would you ever look at someone like me?"

She turned away, pulling Feier’s hand with her.

Was she mocking me? Or angry? Lin Luo had zero experience with girls—and zero understanding of them.

…

The ancient forest stretched endlessly. Some trees towered like small mountains. Mountain winds rustled through the leaves, swaying even the mightiest trunks.

If not for lurking dangers, this would be the most idyllic journey on earth.

Lin Luo breathed deeply, pushing Yuxun’s earlier words from her mind.

*Senior Sister Xueyin… I wonder how she’s doing. But as a Silvermoon Realm cultivator who’s survived nearly a year here, she’s more than capable. No need to worry.*

*Still… why did she come to mind right after my worries?*

Lin Luo didn’t know. But recalling how she’d held Senior Sister as they landed—the scent, the warmth—a sweet flutter rose in her chest.

*Nothing to be ashamed of. Any normal guy would replay that moment.*

*This… this is proof I’m a real man!* She clenched her fist.

Though uneasy, that thought lifted her spirits.

*Damn right—I’m a real man!*

After over two hours of trekking, the class finally found water!

A crystal-clear stream danced through the primordial forest, singing over smooth stones.

Sunset painted the sky as they stood on the bank. The water’s shimmer, the cool breeze, the gentle rush—it stole their breath away.

"So beautiful…" Yuxun murmured.

"Heh. Even this other world has its charms," Zhang Dajian chuckled, staring at the water.

Lin Luo stood behind Yuxun, watching her slender silhouette glow in the sunset. *She’s grown even more womanly since we last met.*

Amidst this raw, boundless nature with such a girl, a surge of pure happiness washed over Lin Luo.

"Lin Luo…" Ziwan’s voice came softly from behind. After Zhang’s antics, she’d noticed how Lin Luo’s gaze lingered on Yuxun—different, somehow.

"HEHEHEHE!" Han Lianfei had already dashed to the stream. Kneeling on a smooth rock, she cupped water in her palms, tilted her head back, and let it cascade over her face. Her violet hair spilled like liquid twilight. She looked like an elven mage straight out of a fantasy shampoo commercial—radiant, carefree.

"Hey! Don’t drink without the captain’s order!" Zhang barked.

But thirst overruled caution. Everyone rushed toward the water.

Lin Luo joined Han Lianfei. Watching droplets cling to her face like a lotus blossom fresh from the water, she almost felt that refreshing coolness herself.

Han Lianfei was thoroughly refreshed. Beaming, she turned with water cupped in her hands. "Want some? It’s sweet."

*Huh?*

Lin Luo blinked. *Why offer? I can scoop my own… but water blessed by a water-lily goddess probably does taste sweeter.*

Suddenly—Splash! Han Lianfei flung the water straight at Lin Luo, laughing gleefully.

"Hey!" Zhang yanked Lin Luo back, scowling. "Don’t drink random water! What if it’s poisoned—"

"Relax. This water’s perfectly safe." Lin Luo grinned, hair dripping.

In the sunset glow, Zhang Dajian froze, staring at Lin Luo’s soaked shirt. He turned away stiffly, an odd flush creeping up his neck. "Y-Your clothes are drenched. You’ll catch a cold…"

"Don’t act all caring out of nowhere!"

Just as laughter and splashes filled the riverside…

A rustle stirred in the shadowy undergrowth nearby.

Hunched, filthy figures with greenish skin peered through the leaves. Their eyes gleamed with malicious intent.