After killing the goblin elite, Nora spotted the fleeing goblins and charged back into the fray, mowing them down like wheat.

Watching Nora’s bravery, Alang truly gave up inside. This girl would never fancy him. He’d better stay put in his village, aiming low—just find a village girl to be Xiaofei’s stepmom.

He shouted to Nora, “Miss, be careful!”

Honestly, he still didn’t know her name. How embarrassing.

He recalled his late wife. Winning her over had taken ages, even just learning her name.

Lost in thought, he forgot the battle.

A cold glint flashed toward him. He froze, drenched in cold sweat.

But the blade never hit. A sweet voice called, “You be careful too, big brother.”

It was Nora. Alang smiled shyly and returned to fighting.

Cutting through enemies, the “divine blessing” was incredibly powerful.

Truth was, it wasn’t divine at all—Qin Jun had cast Holy Light Blessing, boosting allies’ strength. Without it, many villagers would’ve died.

By nightfall, the goblins were mostly driven off. The fighters showed no fatigue, all energetic. Later checks revealed zero injuries.

The village chief nodded warmly. “We’ll remember this day as our festival. Celebrate it yearly.”

Everyone agreed. Even without his words, they’d thank the blessing for saving them.

Seeing their approval, the chief added, “But we must thank this young lady most. She’s our hero, who slew many foes. Tonight, we feast to honor her. Right?”

The guards cheered, “Right! We’ll drink till dawn! Wives, cook your best for our heroine!”

One man got slapped by his wife mid-cheer, sparking laughter.

Nora blushed under the attention. She’d never been treated like a savior.

She shook her head quickly. “No need. I must leave soon. Thank you kindly.”

The chief frowned. “Heroine, won’t you let us repay you?”

Nora hurriedly replied, “No, no! I have urgent matters. Truly sorry.”

Groans filled the air. Alang stepped forward. “Friends, though she can’t stay, let’s gift her food for safe travels.”

Nora seized the lifeline. “I’d be so grateful for that.”

She shot Alang a thankful glance. He just smiled back.

The chief relaxed. “Then everyone, prepare gifts for our heroine.”

Nora said, “Steamed buns as rations are enough.”

Villagers protested, “No way!” and rushed off. Only Alang, the chief, and Nora remained. The chief left after a meaningful look.

“Alang, take good care of our heroine,” he said, assuming a bond between them.

Once alone, Nora thanked Alang. “Big brother, thank you. I’ve never handled crowds like this.”

Alang scratched his head. “I just hated seeing you uncomfortable.”

Noticing her stiff expression, he panicked. “I meant nothing by it! Don’t overthink!”

Nora smiled. “It’s fine. I can’t really date anyway. I must finish something first.”

Qin Jun, eavesdropping as a bear, grew curious.

Alang asked, “Why?”

Nora shook her head. “Private. Sorry, big brother.”

Alang sighed. “Alright. I hope you resolve it soon and find a good man.”

Nora grinned. “You’re a good man too. Your mom is kind. I’ll try my best.”

She’d effectively friend-zoned him—though that concept didn’t exist here.

“And I hope you find a good girl someday.”

Alang chuckled. “I’ll check on Mom and Xiaofei first.”

“Goodbye!”

“Goodbye!”

Alang turned after a few steps. “Miss, may I know your name?”

She beamed. “Of course. I’m Nora.”

Alang nodded. “Nora. A lovely name.”

“Nora, remember mine too. I’m Wang Zeliu. Alang’s just a nickname.”

Nora waved. “Goodbye, Brother Alang!”

Hearing that, he called back happily, “Goodbye, Nora!”

Once Alang vanished, Nora patted Qin Jun. “Silly bear, let’s go. We can’t take the villagers’ gifts.”

Qin Jun was stunned—the greedy girl refusing free stuff?

She climbed onto his back. “They’ve had a tough battle. They need those supplies to recover.”

“Hurry, silly bear! They’ll notice soon.”

She rode off, regretting it only when hunger hit. She’d skipped dinner.

Luckily, Qin Jun found wild fruits and caught a rabbit. Nora grinned. “You’re not so bad, silly bear. If you were human, I’d marry you. Too bad.”

Qin Jun’s thoughts raced: *Little wife, you said it yourself—I didn’t force you!*

Meanwhile, Alang faced his mom’s scolding. “You fool! Believing whatever she says?”

Alang winced. “But Nora seemed honest.”

His mom snapped, “Backtalk now?” and hit him harder. He laughed. “Mom, stop! I’ll find someone better.”

She huffed. “With you? I’ll rely on my grandson.”

“Right, Xiaofei?”

Xiaofei just stared, confused, thinking his dad was in trouble.

Time flowed on. Under the bright moon, life went on regardless.

Next morning, Nora woke on Qin Jun’s back. Checking the map, she gasped—they were just kilometers from Snowstorm City.

But they had to cross a high mountain first. The map explained: this peak blocked the cold, making Snowstorm City eternally snowy. Beyond it lay four-season lands.

Nora washed her face in a stream, refreshed. Riding Qin Jun, she chatted about entering Snowstorm City—what to do, what to avoid.

She planned to take escort missions. Riskier than regular guarding, these faced foes far deadlier and sneakier than Monstrous Beasts. One slip meant death.

But the pay was many times monster-hunting bounties. Worth the risk.

Nora had never done this before. But she couldn’t die—she owed debts and needed money for Ferrero’s wife and daughter.

She glanced at Qin Jun, stroking his ear. “Silly bear, if I’m in danger, will you save me?”

Qin Jun nodded firmly.

Nora smiled. “Good boy. You must protect me. I know you’re stronger than me.”

She tugged his ear playfully. “So soft!”

This girl forgot worries fast. Earlier stress vanished as she focused on Qin Jun.

Qin Jun let her fuss, thinking: *Wife, I’ll protect you anyway. You promised to be mine—no backing out now. Time to turn human soon. Hope I don’t scare you. Get ready for your husband.*