After I Got Pregnant With The Hero’S Baby, I Ran Away With The Ball. Chapter 15
byAlthough he had relaxed his mindset, Wei Lin’s mental state was still not good. Duan Xi had been staying by his side recently, keeping a close eye on him.
Initially, Duan Xi still lived in Sun Candle Palace, coming over every morning and returning at night. But later, seeing how severely uncomfortable Wei Lin was, he simply moved in directly, taking the room next door.
Perhaps due to the change in his psychological state, although he was still vomiting severely and getting sleepy frequently, he no longer repeatedly dreamed of being hunted down as before, and his nerves were not as tightly strung.
Because Duan Xi was constantly watching him, even if Wei Lin had no appetite, he was forced to eat many medicinal dishes. His face gradually regained color, and he looked like he had gained a little weight.
As usual, after noon, Wei Lin hugged a thin blanket and spread it onto the lounge chair.
It was now deep autumn, and the temperature was somewhat low. Wei Lin had a poor constitution and couldn’t stand the slightest cold. He had to cover himself with a quilt during his nap, or he would easily catch a chill.
Duan Xi watched him from the side, his eyes fixed intently on Wei Lin’s still slender waist.
Wei Lin looked at him strangely, tilting his head: “Why are you staring at me?”
Duan Xi propped up his hand and rubbed his chin, clicking his tongue: “Why do I feel like you’ve gotten a little fat recently?”
He wondered if it was an illusion, but he felt like Wei Lin’s belly seemed to have swelled slightly.
Wei Lin looked down in confusion, not noticing any weight gain. He said coldly: “You must be mistaken.”
“Is that so?”
Duan Xi raised an eyebrow. He was sure he wasn’t mistaken, but he didn’t think much of it, assuming Wei Lin had simply gained weight from eating properly recently.
Wei Lin couldn’t be bothered to argue. He was too sleepy. He lay down on the lounge chair, closed his eyes, and fell asleep in less than the time it takes to steep a cup of tea.
Duan Xi smiled helplessly and shook his head, stepping forward to cover him with the thin quilt.
The sleeping person was completely defenseless, utterly different from the Wei Lin he saw the day he returned, who was like a startled bird.
After spending some time together, Wei Lin’s guard against him had faded more and more. Their current mode of interaction was like that of old friends who had known each other for a long time. While not exactly sharing their deepest secrets, peaceful coexistence was completely unproblematic.
This change wasn’t bad; Duan Xi was even vaguely pleased. He was completely unable to feel hostility towards Wei Lin anymore, even though he knew he shouldn’t.
Temporarily setting aside the complicated and tangled relationship, he remembered that Wei Lin liked small animals. He considered catching a small pet for him to raise, hoping it would cheer him up and prevent him from being in low spirits every day.
With Wei Lin taking his afternoon nap, it was the perfect time to leave for a while.
Putting thought into action, Duan Xi left the small courtyard and immediately found Chu Jingyun, who was preparing to water the demonic vine. He instructed Chu Jingyun to keep a close watch on the courtyard and prevent anyone from running in and disturbing Wei Lin’s sleep.
Chu Jingyun was naturally delighted. Since Duan Xi returned, he hadn’t had any contact with Wei Lin, so this was exactly what he wanted.
He respectfully said: “Sect Master, rest assured, I will guard the Madam well.”
“Good, then.”
Duan Xi trusted him completely and left, riding his Nine Nether Sword.
Chu Jingyun watched him fly far away, then turned to walk toward the courtyard. However, halfway there, he bumped into someone.
The white-bearded old man had already brushed past him, but then turned back and grabbed his arm: “Where are you off to, young Jingyun?”
This white-bearded old man was originally a white ape. He was notoriously troublesome and gossipy in Heaven Gate. Once he latched onto someone, he wouldn’t let go until his curiosity was satisfied.
“To water the demonic vine,” Chu Jingyun rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. He dared not tell the truth; if he said he was going to see the Valley Master, this old man would definitely try to join in the fun.
He wouldn’t allow the white-bearded old man to follow him, or how could he conspire on important matters with the Valley Master?
The white-bearded old man was not easily fooled. He glanced at him and chuckled: “You’re terrible at lying, kid. Is this the direction for the demonic vine? Who are you trying to fool?”
One was in the south, the other in the north—completely opposite directions. Watering? Watering the air?
Chu Jingyun: “…”
He sighed, and under the white-bearded old man’s pressing gaze, he honestly said: “The Sect Master asked me to look after the Madam and not let anyone disturb him. Do you want to come with me?”
He heavily emphasized the words “anyone.” The white-bearded old man sheepishly rubbed his nose, “Ah… is that so.”
Although he was very curious about the Madam, whom the Sect Master had hidden away after only one encounter, he dared not face the consequences of angering the Sect Master.
The white-bearded old man recalled the incident last month when he went to water the demonic vine and ended up having three ribs broken. His now-healed ribs suddenly felt a faint ache again.
He patted Chu Jingyun’s shoulder: “Since it’s the Sect Master’s order, you should hurry and do it. Don’t delay.”
With that, he scurried away.
Finally having gotten rid of the troublesome old man, Chu Jingyun breathed a sigh of relief and quickly headed toward the courtyard.
In his haste, he didn’t notice the white-bearded old man, who had seemingly left, stepping out from around the corner, his gaze fixed on the courtyard with a sinister look.
He stared at Chu Jingyun’s retreating back for a long moment, snorted, turned, and flicked his sleeve before departing.
The Extreme North was still swept by wind and snow. Under a cold plum tree, a man in white stood on the cliff edge, facing the blizzard, looking isolated and independent. The melodious sound of his flute drifted through the air, like a beautiful landscape painting.
The intrusion of a white-furred monkey broke the peaceful scene. The flute music stopped. The man put away his flute, turned, and coldly glanced at the white-furred monkey: “Is there something so urgent that it couldn’t wait?”
The white-furred monkey seemed terrified of him. It shivered upon hearing the question, held up a jade slip, and spoke in human language: “It seems we have news of the Ghost Valley Valley Master’s whereabouts.”
“Oh?” The man finally showed some interest. He crooked a finger: “Present it.”
The white-furred monkey quickly handed the jade slip to him.
This jade slip was a memory recording slip that stored visual images. The man crushed the slip, and the image of Duan Xi carrying Wei Lin into Heaven Gate entered his mind.
The man’s calm eyes instantly turned ruthless. He laughed in anger: “Good, Duan Xi. It really is you.”
This good son of his was truly capable, hiding the person so thoroughly. Fortunately, he had spies planted in Heaven Gate, or he wouldn’t know how many obstacles this good son had placed in his path.
He clenched his fists, his chest heaving with rage. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then instructed the white-furred monkey: “Have Ninger go to Heaven Gate.”
The white-furred monkey was stunned, unable to understand. He scratched his head: “Why send Miss Ninger?”
The man smiled coldly: “Ninger is Duan Xi’s fiancée. It is perfectly justifiable for her to visit her future husband.”
“Brilliant,” the white-furred monkey slapped his forehead, suddenly enlightened. “Miss Ninger can keep the Young Master occupied, allowing us to secretly take the Ghost Valley Valley Master away without anyone knowing.”
“If you know, then hurry up and do it!”
The man scolded him, adding at the end: “I don’t care what method you use, but remember, absolutely do not kill Wei Lin, otherwise…”
The unspoken threat in his words sent a chill down the spine. The white-furred monkey hastily said: “This subordinate understands.”
The man flicked his sleeve. “Now, scram.”
The white-furred monkey fled as if for its life.
On the other side, Duan Xi stood on the Nine Nether Sword, looking down at the peaceful spirit beasts in the Spirit Deer Forest, pondering which kind Wei Lin would like.
He immediately ignored the scaly, strangely shaped ones. Finally, he fixed his gaze on a small Celestial Wolf playing with a butterfly.
Celestial Wolves have smooth, glossy fur. They look fiercely cute when young but grow up to be very handsome and ferocious. They could both protect Wei Lin and serve as his mount, making them the most suitable choice.
Duan Xi grew more satisfied the more he looked, even finding the small Celestial Wolf endearing and clumsy when it failed to catch the butterfly and tumbled into a mud puddle.
Without hesitation, he directed the Nine Nether Sword toward the small Celestial Wolf.
The small Celestial Wolf sensed danger, but found its four limbs completely unresponsive. It couldn’t run, only opening its mouth to howl for its parents to save it.
Just as he was about to touch the ground, Duan Xi reached out a long arm and accurately pinched the scruff of the Celestial Wolf’s neck—the fate-deciding spot.
Having successfully captured the small Celestial Wolf, he didn’t linger for a moment, lifting the pup and taking off.
The small Celestial Wolf howled pitifully, its four short legs kicking in the air. Before long, two large Celestial Wolves chased after them.
Duan Xi had no intention of fighting them. He directed the Nine Nether Sword to fly back toward Heaven Gate.
Celestial Wolves were fast, but the Nine Nether Sword was faster. Duan Xi left the two wolves behind, yet they continued to pursue relentlessly.
The small Celestial Wolf in his hand was crying, tears streaming down its face. Duan Xi glanced at it, thinking it was quite pitiful. It seemed wrong to separate the Celestial Wolf family like this, so he commanded the Nine Nether Sword to turn back.
A short while later, two unconscious Celestial Wolves lay on the Nine Nether Sword. The small pup huddled beside its parents, too frightened to cry anymore, shaking like a sieve.
Duan Xi was satisfied with this result. A wolf family should be kept together. In any case, Heaven Gate could afford to feed three Celestial Wolves.
Duan Xi dragged the three Celestial Wolves back to Heaven Gate, and the disciples looked at him strangely.
When he had gone far, the disciples whispered amongst themselves: “Heavens, where did the Sect Master wreak havoc this time?”
“Who knows? Those Celestial Wolves are truly pitiful.”
They all assumed Duan Xi had captured the wolves to cook them, unaware that they were meant to be Wei Lin’s pets.
Wei Lin slept until the afternoon. The sky was already ablaze with sunset clouds, the entire expanse looking like burning flames, casting a brilliant, dazzling red glow over the world.
Chu Jingyun had been guarding him all afternoon. He originally had something to discuss, but seeing Wei Lin sleeping so soundly, he couldn’t bear to disturb him. Since it wasn’t a critical matter, he put it aside.
Just as Wei Lin finally woke up, Duan Xi happened to return, dragging two fluffy white Celestial Wolves behind him and carrying a small Celestial Wolf pup in his hand.
Chu Jingyun’s mouth twitched slightly. So the Sect Master’s trip out was to raid a Celestial Wolf den and capture the entire family of three?
Wei Lin also saw Duan Xi, his eyes filled with shock. He looked at the triumphant Duan Xi walking toward him and couldn’t help but ask: “Which wolf den did you raid?”
Duan Xi tossed the wolves onto the courtyard ground, turned to Chu Jingyun, and said: “Keep a close eye on them.”
Then he sat down on the stone stool opposite Wei Lin and poured himself a cup of tea.
He explained: “I originally intended to catch a small one for you to keep as a pet, but seeing how deeply attached the family of three was, I couldn’t bear to separate them, so I brought them all back.”
Wei Lin: “…”
So, was it his fault that this Celestial Wolf family suffered this unwarranted disaster?
Duan Xi pointed at the three Celestial Wolves, indicating them one by one, “The small one as a pet, the male as a battle companion, and the female as a mount. A complete set.”
Wei Lin hesitated, wanting to speak, then stopping, then wanting to speak again. Finally, he couldn’t hold back: “I never intended to keep a pet.”
He had never raised an animal before. Asking him to raise them—wasn’t that just tormenting the wolves?
Duan Xi shrugged indifferently: “They’ve been caught anyway. Heaven Gate isn’t short on food for a few wolves. If you enjoy raising them, keep them by your side. If not, just send them to Beast Taming Peak.”
Wei Lin considered it. It didn’t sound impossible.
He looked at the small wolf pup clinging to its parents for comfort. When he met those watery, pitiful green eyes, his heart softened. He waved a hand toward the small wolf: “Little fellow, come here.”
Wei Lin’s face was expressionless, but his eyes were very gentle. Moreover, he seemed to possess an aura that made spirit beasts want to approach him. The small Celestial Wolf, unable to resist the temptation, whined softly, feeling tempted. It wanted to go over but didn’t dare leave its unconscious parents.
Wei Lin softened his voice again: “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.”
The small Celestial Wolf hesitated, then stumbled toward him, circling his feet and sniffing, then wagging its tail ingratiatingly and whining a few times.
Wei Lin’s heart melted. How could there be such an adorable wolf pup?
He picked up the small pup and placed it on his lap, gently stroking its chin. The small Celestial Wolf purred contentedly, rubbing and rolling against his palm.
Wei Lin couldn’t help but laugh, thoroughly amused.
Duan Xi watched from the side, feeling a pang of jealousy. He suddenly regretted catching pets for Wei Lin. However, seeing Wei Lin in such a good mood, he felt it was worth it.
Chu Jingyun, standing nearby, was utterly shocked. If he wasn’t mistaken, Duan Xi was trying to cheer up his Valley Master?
What happened to the sworn enemies who would fight to the death? He felt like his prized cabbage was being eyed by a pig.
Chu Jingyun’s expression instantly became subtle, and he looked at Duan Xi with a measuring gaze.
One was the mysterious Ghost Valley Valley Master, the other was the rising star, the Heaven Gate Sect Master. One was refined and elegant, the other was handsome and extraordinary. They actually seemed quite well-matched.
Chu Jingyun: “…”
This thought was too dangerous! Absolutely not! The Valley Master could not be ruined! Moreover, if they were to calculate by generation, Li Qing was of the same generation as the Valley Master, meaning Duan Xi should call the Valley Master “Little Uncle.” Wouldn’t that mess up the hierarchy?
In this moment, Chu Jingyun felt like an old father, worrying himself sick over Wei Lin, his tender white cabbage.
However, the cabbage was completely unaware of being courted. Wei Lin was unusually pleasant toward Duan Xi, a hint of a smile gracing his cold, clear eyes.
He said: “I like these wolves very much. I’ll keep them by my side.”
Duan Xi replied: “As long as you like them.”
He then turned and instructed Chu Jingyun: “Have someone build two wolf dens outside the courtyard later. The courtyard is too small for them.”
Chu Jingyun wanted to object but could only respond with a silent “Yes.”
Then he was dismissed by Duan Xi.
As he left, he glanced at Wei Lin, but Wei Lin was completely captivated by the small Celestial Wolf and had no time to heed his subtle warnings.
He secretly sighed and resigned himself to his task.