Chapter Eighteen: The Wilderness Cave

Tang Fei carried a bucket, running ahead, while Phoenix followed behind, also carrying a bucket. As they ran, a dense rain began to fall.

Tang Fei stopped, took off the large, ugly straw hat that Phoenix had secretly mocked, and placed it on Phoenix’s head. Phoenix was about to refuse, but Tang Fei pressed her head down. “Don’t move.”

He tugged gently at the hat, and it suddenly expanded with a rustle, transforming into a large umbrella that shielded Phoenix’s entire upper body.

“This is made of iron sheets, covered with a layer of century-old python skin. It can block acid rain...” Tang Fei explained as he fastened the strap beneath her neck, then seized the bucket and rushed forward again.

This time, he took four buckets with him.

He knew Phoenix was still recovering from her injuries and it would be hard for her to run carrying buckets. Though she was strong, her bucket-carrying skills were inferior even to the chubby boy. She had struggled with just two empty buckets, so Tang Fei saw no reason to make things harder for her.

Truly a loyal dog.

Phoenix paused for a moment, then quickly kept pace with him.

Tang Fei was highly experienced in avoiding acid rain; he moved skillfully and with confidence, soon finding a cave for shelter.

He dashed inside, dropped the buckets on the ground, and leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.

No matter how skilled, even a master must fear a kitchen knife. And even the sharpest knife succumbs to acid rain.

Only now did Phoenix catch up, standing there and panting heavily.

Tang Fei looked at her flushed, darkened face and couldn’t help but laugh. “Take off the hat. It’s heavy on your head... And you look a bit... comical.”

He actually wanted to say “adorable,” but found it too embarrassing, too much like a puppy, so he changed his wording.

Phoenix didn’t get angry. She obediently untied the strap and was about to remove the hat when Tang Fei advised, “Don’t touch the surface. There’s still acid rain residue... It’ll burn your hand...”

Knowing Phoenix wouldn’t handle it properly, Tang Fei walked over and pulled a cord, restoring the hat to its original form, much smaller than before.

He removed the hat from the inside and set it aside. “The outer layer has been exposed to acid rain. It needs to be washed and disinfected before you can touch it.”

Phoenix nodded, standing there thoughtfully, studying Tang Fei.

“What are you looking at?” Tang Fei touched his face. “Has my handsome face become too obvious?”

Phoenix laughed softly and asked, “This acid rain won’t stop anytime soon, will it?”

“No, it won’t. Sometimes ten minutes, sometimes several hours.”

“Let’s sit and rest. I am a bit tired.” Phoenix found a smooth spot in the cave, saw some dry grass and leaves nearby, grabbed a handful to lay on the ground, and sat down. “Did you also prepare these leaves?”

“Yes,” Tang Fei nodded proudly. “Impressive, isn’t it? I’ve set up several rain shelters along this road. When acid rain starts, I can immediately find cover... Others don’t know, and I won’t let them learn. If they find out, this cave will be packed, and I’ll be left out.”

Phoenix nodded, understanding the survival rules of the Old Earth. She could not blame Tang Fei for his selfishness.

Everyone struggles to survive. If you don’t work hard, or aren’t capable enough, you lose your right to live.

Seeing Tang Fei still standing, Phoenix asked, “Aren’t you going to sit and rest?”

Tang Fei looked for a spot opposite her; he was a shy, bashful young man...

Phoenix patted the space next to her. “I’ve already spread the grass for you.”

Tang Fei took her cue and sat down beside her.

As soon as he sat, a captivating scent drifted over.

It smelled wonderful; Tang Fei couldn’t help but sniff...

Even more of a puppy.

“What are you doing?” Phoenix eyed him warily.

A lone man and woman, isolated in a wild cave—if he harbored any bad intentions...

Oh right, she was a cultivator, so it didn’t matter.

Only when Tang Fei met Phoenix’s gaze did he realize what he’d been smelling.

Body fragrance!

The scent of a young girl—the light, sweet aroma, a tang of lime, the unique mark and reward of maidenhood.

Of course, Tang Fei couldn’t admit this; otherwise he’d seem like a lecher.

“Do you smell something foul?” Tang Fei retorted.

Phoenix sniffed and shook her head. “No, I don’t smell anything. Why?”

“Your nose isn’t sensitive... I smell mouse droppings. There must be mice in the corners of this cave.”

Phoenix believed him, deeply impressed. “You’re amazing, even detecting that.”

“Of course. Without survival skills, I would’ve been eaten by wild animals long ago.” Tang Fei thought these girls from New Star were so easy to fool. One trick and they believed, every time. If only he could go to New Star...

Never mind, it’s impossible.

Phoenix felt a sudden sadness at his words.

She turned to look at Tang Fei’s slender profile. “Tang Fei, are you happy?”

“What?” Tang Fei stared at her.

“I asked if you’re happy... Do you enjoy your life?”

Tang Fei was dazed for a long while, then looked at Phoenix in disbelief. “How can you ask such... heavy questions? Don’t you see how obvious it is? Like wrinkles on an old man’s face!”

Phoenix felt guilty. “Sorry, I just want to understand you better... I want to hear about your past, your present, and what you hope for in the future.”

“If you want to know something, ask directly. Don’t ask if I’m happy. Just being alive is hard enough; anything else is a luxury.”

“Alright, I understand.” Phoenix felt even more sorrow. Every casual word from Tang Fei inspired sympathy and pity, a sadness that seemed to seep into his bones.

The more indifferent he became, the more it proved he had grown used to hardship.

“What do you understand?”

“I understand your life is not easy.”

“Exactly. So when you return to New Star, don’t forget your promise to us. I’m not asking for myself, but you’ve seen how Chubby is growing... Smashing so many stones every day, poor child...”

Tang Fei knew Phoenix liked Chubby’s honest nature; their bond was deeper than with him.

He could sense Phoenix was always wary of him.

No help for it—he was a dangerous man.

Phoenix was speechless.

So this shameless guy was setting a trap for her here?

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep my promises—more than I said, never less.” Phoenix nearly pounded her chest in assurance.

“Good.” Tang Fei nodded firmly. “I trust your character.”

Trust, as if.

If he truly trusted her, he wouldn’t keep reminding.

Phoenix said nothing, and Tang Fei didn’t know what else to say.

So the cave fell into a deathly silence.

Only the wind outside, and the patter of acid rain on leaves and earth, could be heard.

Strangely, the trees seemed to have adapted to the acid rain, thriving and drawing nourishment from it, growing like mad.

Of course, those that couldn’t adapt had died.

“I smell sulfuric acid,” Phoenix remarked.

Tang Fei’s expression changed. He quickly jumped up, took off his jacket, and then began to unfasten his trousers...

Phoenix cried out in alarm, “Tang Fei, what are you doing?”

(PS: Thanks to Sunny, our new Star River mascot. Not to brag, but I watched this young lady grow up.)