CH 49

TL: Moonlit

The atmosphere fell into an awkward silence for a moment.

After a brief moment of embarrassment, Lin En and Qin Yi finally regained their composure and explained, “We’re not stealing. These are sent by Lin Feng from North Star for us to taste. There are still quite a few left. Try one.”

Lin En handed a piece of apple to Lin Te, as if this could “compensate” for their act of eating.

Lin Te took the apple in his hand and sat on the other side of the sofa. “The purified fruit from North Star, containing 69% natural elements?”

“Yes, that’s the one everyone is rushing to get,” Qin Yi nodded. “Do you want me to peel it for you?”

Lin Te reached out to take the knife. “No need, I’ll do it myself.”

As he peeled the apple, Lin Te suddenly remembered the purpose of his return. “By the way, I came back to tell you that there’s news about Prince William. Have you heard, Male Father and Female Father?”

Despite his words, his hands didn’t stop. The enticing aroma of the fruit filled the air, making it quite tempting.

“Not only in North Star, but they also sent a large box of this fruit to His Majesty. As you mentioned earlier, Prince William is now the partner of the little female who possesses special purification abilities. Lin Feng is with them,” Lin En quickly explained, naturally reaching out to tap Lin Te’s hand. “Cut half for me and your female father to taste.”

Lin Te chuckled and reached into the box to take one and placed it on the table. “There’s more here if you two want to eat. Don’t fight over this one with me.”

After saying that, he took a bite of the freshly peeled apple—crispy and extra sweet!

Lin En glared at him for a while, then finally picked up the knife to peel his own apple. “You brat, eating all by yourself!”

Lin Te remained unfazed. “I only ate my portion. There are six in total, and both Lin Feng and Lin Mu are not at home. It’s just the three of us, one person with two portion. You two can share the remaining two. It works out perfectly.”

With that said, he casually took the last orange from the box and walked upstairs.

Qin Yi shook his head helplessly. “He’s quite calculating. Well, this apple is mine then. Take your time with your own.”

Saying that, Qin Yi took the last apple from the box and left.

As Lin En continued to peel the apple, he couldn’t help but say, “You guys don’t have to calculate everything so precisely, do you?”

If only he had known, he wouldn’t have peeled that one!

After devouring a large apple, Lin En, despite having a substantial appetite as a male, felt a bit full, but his body was incredibly satisfied.

Back in the room, Lin En saw Qin Yi placing the apple on the table, holding a small photo in his hand with a melancholic expression.

Hearing the movement, Qin Yi looked up and then placed the photo back into the book: “Finished eating?”

Lin En knew that Qin Yi was once again missing their little cub. It had been 18 years since they were separated, and in one week, it would be the cub’s birthday. During this time, Qin Yi always felt more down.

Gently embracing his lover’s shoulder, Lin En didn’t know how to console him anymore. He had said so many comforting words over the years.

Fortunately, Qin Yi no longer needed consolation. He held onto Lin En’s hand and smiled: “Take a seat, I have something to tell you.”

Lin En followed his words and sat by the bed: “What is it?”

Qin Yi picked up the apple from the table and played with it absentmindedly: “It’s about that little female on North Star.”

Lin En glanced at the apple in Qin Yi’s hand. Ever since the announcement on North Star, the entire empire had been buzzing about this female: “He is indeed remarkable. If we can obtain the purified seeds from him and conduct cultivation, it would be a great endeavor benefiting both the nation and the people. Based on my understanding, we should immediately bring her to the capital.”

“Yes, you’re right, but that’s not what I meant. In the reports sent back by Lin Feng these days, besides the data on the purified fruits and vegetables, there’s another crucial report. Very few people are aware of it, not even the North Star government.”

Lin En’s curiosity was piqued by Qin Yi’s words: “What is it exactly?”

Qin Yi smiled and placed the apple back on the table, leaning closer to Lin En: “This little female called Lin Su can cure mental disorders, although only up to grade A.”

Lin En’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Qin Yi who was so close to him. He didn’t immediately speak but carefully analyzed Qin Yi’s expression to see if he was joking.

After a moment, he finally spoke: “This is not a joking matter.”

Qin Yi returned to his original position, calmly saying, “According to the report submitted by Lin Feng, the beast pattern is incomplete. This little female, Lin Su, uses the method of restoring the beast pattern to treat mental disorders. The report also mentions that after the male’s beast pattern is restored, there will be signs of promotion. Lin Su’s male father, a grade B contract beastman, became a grade A contract beastman and triggered a phenomenon that caused quite a stir in their local area.”

“How could this be true? It’s too exaggerated. Qin Yi, as an expert in this field, do you think it’s true?”

“Lin Feng wouldn’t joke about something like this. However, all the instruments we currently use in the laboratory cannot detect the incomplete nature of the beast pattern. This is because we have never focused on this aspect before. Now we must develop a new set of sophisticated instruments specifically for analyzing beast patterns. Lord Lin En, could you please assist us in this matter?”

“This matter is of great significance. If there are any difficulties, please let me know. I will discuss it with His Majesty. Furthermore, if what you said is true, then this little female on North Star cannot stay there any longer.”

Compared to the purified fruits and vegetables, the ability to cure mental disorders is of utmost importance.

“We should also consult with His Royal Highness about this matter.”

“Naturally, but it’s about time for His Royal Highness to return as well.”

—

As more and more people flocked to North Star, Farm No. 13 became increasingly popular. To ensure the safety of Lin Su, the North Star government stationed guards at the entrance of Farm No. 13.

Even so, the soldiers on duty had to discourage the incoming crowds day after day.

If you want to buy purified fruits and vegetables, you can place an order online. If you want to meet the person in real life, sorry, but you’ll have to leave.

Thanks to the thoughtful measures taken by the North Star government, the lives of Lin Su and his family remained unaffected.

On the other hand, when Zhao An and his family arrived, they were stopped outside. Fortunately, they had Lin Su’s contact information, so they called for Su Ge to come and escort them inside.

The crowd gathered in front of the guard post and watched as a group of people was allowed to enter. Immediately, someone asked, “How come they can go in? Are they richer than us?”

“They are friends. If you can also get in touch with Lin Su, they’ll let you in too,” the guard said nonchalantly, glancing at the person. “If you’re here for the purified fruits and vegetables, you’d be better off waiting online instead of staying here.”

“We mainly want to meet the person in real life. I have to say, the North Star government is not fair. They have already released the public announcement, so why won’t they allow for a photo?”

“What do you think Lin Su is? A celebrity debut? Needing a photo? Are you here to idolize him?”

“Idolizing him wouldn’t be a bad thing. He’s such a big shot, being able to have 69% natural elements in the purified fruits and vegetables. Can’t we admire him a little?”

As the guard listened to the heated discussions from all sides, although he didn’t continue to participate in the conversation, he had great respect for Lin Su as a female.

This time, Zhao An only brought his parents, as Gen hadn’t reached the right time and had work to do, so he wasn’t brought along.

The three of them followed Su Ge and walked towards the courtyard, where they saw a lush orchard that seemed to have a few more trees than the last time they were here. It looked even more magnificent as they gazed at it.

When Lin Su saw them approaching, he smiled and opened the courtyard gate: “Zhao Ge, Uncle, please come in.”

“Lin Su, we’re bothering you again today.”

“It’s okay,” Lin Su smiled and led the three of them into the room. He turned to Lin Feng and said, “Help me take William to the next room.”

Lin Feng already knew that the natural elements released during the restoration of the beast pattern were beneficial to William’s body. Without Lin Su needing to explain the reason, Lin Feng quickly got up and left.

“Uncle, you should be aware of the specific process, but I still want to remind you that the restoration process can be painful, so please don’t move. The contract beast can be released for observation,” Lin Su said.

Zhao An’s male father nodded, “I definitely won’t move. Don’t worry.”

“That’s good.” Lin Su took out the blood of the A-rank contract beast and placed it aside. When he turned around, he saw Lin Feng helping William over. Their eyes met, and Lin Su nodded and smiled at William. Then he noticed a fluffy squirrel perched on Zhao An’s male father’s shoulder.

The small creature was about the size of an adult’s palm, with big round eyes in a blackish-brown color. Its two front paws were clasped together as it curiously examined Lin Su, tilting its head.

“This is my contract beast, called Mao Mao. It’s a three-colored squirrel.”

“It’s very cute.” Lin Su gently touched the little creature’s head with a finger. The squirrel, named Mao Mao, not only showed no fear but unexpectedly enjoyed it, tilting its head back and rubbing against Lin Su’s finger. It sniffed Lin Su’s scent with its small nose, as if trying to remember his scent.

“Zhao Ge, I’ll trouble you to help Uncle for a while,” Lin Su said.

“Okay, Lin Su.”

This was not the first time Zhao An had experienced this. After soothing the anxious Zhao An’s female father, he sat on the edge of the bed, ready at any moment.

Lin Su opened the vial containing the blood of the A-rank contract beast and applied some to his palm. Then he covered Zhao An’s male father’s palm with it. A faint green fluorescence emanated from his palm, and almost instantly, a surge of natural elements filled the air, causing a shock and brightening the surroundings.

When Su Jin entered with the cut fruit, he saw that Lin Su had already started the process, so he didn’t dare to disturb him. He carefully stepped back to the side, guarding Lin Su.

Zhao An’s male father’s face almost instantly turned pale and bloodless. Even though he had prepared himself mentally beforehand, experiencing the pain that seemed to tear his soul and body apart made him tremble and cold sweat dripped from his forehead.

Seeing him in such a state, Zhao An’s female father’s heart couldn’t help but tighten, but he refrained from rushing forward.

Zhao An held his trembling male father’s body, feeling a wave of anxiety rising within himself. He was afraid that his male father couldn’t bear the struggle.

Meanwhile, the squirrel standing on Zhao An’s male father’s shoulder seemed to be intoxicated. It tumbled onto the bed as if drunk, wiggling its four legs in the air and shaking its little butt against the bedsheet, making joyful chirping sounds.

Compared to the pain endured by its owner, this three-colored squirrel was having quite a delightful time.

During the healing process, Lin Su seemed to enter a strange state. The air was filled with a sweet and elegant floral fragrance. A gentle breeze brushed against his face, bringing a refreshing sensation. Cicadas chirped, birds sang, and the sound of a clear spring in the woods echoed, making everything seem so vivid and interesting.

Feeling no fatigue, feeling no pain, even his body felt light and weightless.

At this moment, the Black Flame Panther perched on a large, lush tree in the Star Mist Forest opened its eyes, and looked into the distance.

The young leopard cub that had been chasing and playing with its tail behind it also lifted its head, its eyes reflecting confusion. The pleasant scent in the air made it feel very familiar.

The S-rank contract beasts that resided deep within the Star Mist Forest all opened their eyes at this moment and gazed into the distance in unison.

The refreshing fragrance in the air was like a call engraved in their bones.

A call beckoning them to come.

A hunting team was struggling to surround an S-rank piercing beast. Its defense was too high, and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t make a dent.

But allowing this injured S-rank contract beast to escape was absolutely impossible for them.

After all, an S-rank contract beast was worth a fortune. Once they captured it, they wouldn’t have to work so hard for the next few years.

“Everyone, give it your all! This pangolin is already injured. We can definitely hold on!”

“Did you hear that sound, Boss?”

“What sound? Focus! Is this the time to be distracted?”

“No, the sound is getting louder. It seems to be coming from deep within the forest… Oh my god, run, everyone! There’s something huge coming out of the forest!”

As the thunderous sound grew louder, from the central area of the forest, extending outward, dust and smoke billowed. The S-rank contract beasts, who were supposed to live in the central area and rarely venture to the forest’s edge, were all running in one direction, seemingly triggered by something.

The public servants stationed outside the Star Mist Forest were also attracted by the inexplicable thunderous sound.

Unable to resist, they picked up their binoculars and looked. They saw the thick smoke and various levels of contract beasts rushing towards them from a distance, as well as hunting teams scattering and fleeing.

Everything indicated that something was wrong, something significant was happening!

Lei Sen watched as the panicked secretary barged into the office, his brow furrowing. “What’s happening?”

“Sir, the contract beasts in the Star Mist Forest seem to have been triggered by something. They broke through the defense line and are running towards the direction of Farm No. 13, where Lin Su resides!”

Lei Sen stood up abruptly. “Issue a Code Red command. We must stop them!”

“Yes, sir!”

…

“Hey, I suggest you all go back. You won’t see anyone here. Lin Su rarely comes out in person.” The soldier responsible for guarding Farm No. 13 looked at the group of people squatting nearby, unable to understand what they were up to. It was scorching hot, wasn’t it uncomfortable to squat here?

“You said it yourself, rarely. That means there’s a chance, right? Let’s hold on a little longer. Maybe we’ll see him soon.”

“But did you hear those booming sounds?”

“Is the ground shaking?”

“Look at those dark masses in the distance. What are they?”

“Oh, whatever they are, let’s get out of here!”

The guard was the first to sense that something was wrong. He immediately shouted to evacuate the crowd and ensure safety.

William opened his eyes, and his golden beast eyes were filled with uncontrollable astonishment. The natural elements permeating the air were much denser than before.

The long-eared rabbit nestled at his feet had completely turned white from black and was now sleeping peacefully beside him. Looking at the others outside, Su Ge and Lin Feng sat on the ground, their expressions intoxicated, while their contract beasts frolicked and played nearby.

William leaned against the wall and stood up, witnessing a scene that would forever be etched in his memory. Su Jin, Zhao An, and his own female father were enveloped by contract plants. Around Lin Su, the ground was covered with lush green grass and blooming flowers, while Lin Su himself seemed to be immersed in a strange state.

Looking out the window, he saw a dense forest of fruit trees, lush and abundant, enclosing the small house in the center.

Suddenly, a loud roar caught William’s attention.

Countless contract beasts, innumerable in number, were sitting in the courtyard, prostrating themselves on the ground, devoutly worshipping.

Even someone like William, who had experienced many storms, was filled with astonishment.

When Lei Sen appeared in the sky with his specialized hovercraft, he saw high-level contract beasts that were rarely seen gathered in Lin Su’s courtyard, prostrating themselves on the ground, without advancing any further. All the surrounding houses had collapsed, leaving a scene of devastation.

Only the courtyard where Lin Su was located remained intact, surrounded by lush fruit trees.

Inside the hovercraft, no one spoke. Everyone was shocked to the point of silence by the scene.

Lin Su was immersed in a beautiful dream, enjoying the tranquility of the moment, completely unaware of what was happening outside.

“Wh-what should we do now, sir?” the secretary sitting next to Lei Sen asked in a panic. Even though he had experienced many things alongside Lei Sen, this situation was a first for him as well.

Lei Sen collected himself for a moment. “Rescue the people first, hold on a moment!”

As he spoke, a person walked out of the small courtyard where Lin Su was.

This person had a half-fox, half-human appearance, with dog ears on top of his head and a tail behind him, all indicating that there were issues with his body.

Nevertheless, he stood tall and straight, positioning himself in front of the contract beasts, determined to protect Lin Su, his little female.

Lei Sen’s pupils contracted. “Who is he?”

“He… He should be Lin Su’s companion. His mental disorder should be severe. What do we do now, sir? Should we rescue him?”

Lei Sen stared at the person, feeling an overwhelming sense of familiarity. “Rescue the people first, but remember not to provoke those contract beasts.”

“Yes, sir.”

With the command given, the vehicles that came with them dispersed, as they could no longer park here. They had to find a suitable landing site before proceeding with the rescue.

However, at this moment, everything happening on North Star had already spread across the Empire’s star domain via satellite in real-time.

Many people stood in front of large screens, watching the broadcasted images from North Star, observing the contract beasts prostrating on the ground. Someone exclaimed, “Those are S-rank Black Flame Leopards, S-rank Elephant Beasts, S-rank Armor-Piercing Beasts… My goodness, what are these S-rank powerhouses up to?”

“Is this a beast tide?”

“They seem to be worshipping. Who are these contract beasts worshipping?”

…

Seated in the conference room, Emperor Will, accompanied by Lin En, watched the footage closely. His brows furrowed. “Lin En, do you understand what’s going on here?”

Lin En’s gaze fell on the screen, and his black, bright pupils flickered with doubt. He didn’t answer Will’s question immediately.

He was contemplating the possibility of that existence.

After years of fighting outside, he had witnessed many things and heard many stories, most of which were considered legends and never believed.

Among these stories, there was an old man who once told him that in ancient times long ago, there existed a special kind of female. They were greatly favored by the Beast God and bestowed with magical powers.

They possessed a natural affinity, unable to form contracts or have beast markings, yet they could control contract plants and contract beasts.

Their greatness lay in their ability to lead the progress of the era.

However, as time passed, they disappeared, and eventually, the empire was left with only one unique female.

He remembered the profound gaze of the old man after he finished speaking those words.

At that time, Lin En didn’t think much of it, regarding it as a legend, and curiously asked a question, “What characteristics does such a female have?”

The old man told him that he would recognize him when he encountered him.

Could the current situation be considered as such?

The contract beasts living in the forest thousands of miles away abandoned their comfortable lives and rampaged out, prostrating themselves here in devout worship. What must have happened in this small house surrounded by lush fruit trees?

“It’s William, it’s really William. What are those people from North Star doing? How could they put William in danger?” Will suddenly stood up, unable to wait for an answer from Lin En. He never expected that his brother, who had been missing for days, would reappear in such a circumstance. His heart was about to jump out of his chest!

Lin En returned to his senses and watched Prince William walk out of the wooden house.

In his half-fox, half-human form, his mental disorder had reached the level of S-rank, yet he was still able to move and didn’t appear to have lost his sanity.

Even though Lin En had known about this beforehand, seeing it with his own eyes still made it unbelievable. It was nothing short of a miracle.

“Your Majesty, please don’t panic. These contract beasts won’t harm Prince William.”

“How do you know? Lin En, tell me quickly. Do you know something?”

“Your Majesty, right now, I can only speculate. Have you ever heard of a Natural Female?”

As the royal family, they have their own lineage.

Indeed, as soon as Lin En’s words fell, Will, who had been in a state of panic, calmed down. His black pupils contracted sharply as he looked back at the screen, his hand on the table clenched tightly. “Are you saying that he might be a Natural Female?”

“I’m just speculating. The purified fruits and vegetables that can heal mental disorders, comparable to calming agents, and the abnormal behavior of these contract beasts, their devout worship, all indicate that he is special.”

“Natural Female…” Will lifted his gaze and locked eyes with the visibly delighted Lin En. “Do you know what the appearance of a Natural Female signifies?”