Yun Jin had been in the Spirit Beast Forest for three days. She had let all her spirit beasts out, and at this moment, they were by the river, leisurely roasting fish.
The three little ones ran around wildly. Gun Gun and Huan Huan were excusable, but Dan Dan, with her mature "elder sister" face yet childish heart, was rolling around just like the other two. Yun Jin could hardly bear to watch.
Only Yun Mu was more composed. He had taken the initiative to volunteer to catch fish for her.
Yun Jin felt genuinely gratified. Among her spirit beasts, she finally had someone reliable—the faithful steward she had always imagined.
Having just left Luoyun Mountain, everything was fresh and exciting to Yun Mu. He carefully stepped into the river and immediately displayed an expression of utter comfort. Then, suddenly, with a splash, he plunged completely into the water.
Yun Jin, who had just been impressed by Yun Mu's maturity, was stunned. "???"
The next moment, the three little ones, hearing the splash, jumped in one after another toward Yun Mu.
The entire river descended into chaos.
Yun Jin could not stand it any longer. She ground her teeth and scolded, "Behave! How am I supposed to catch fish like this!"
"Master, it's so much fun! You should join us," Dan Dan said, looking innocent.
The two smaller ones in her mind continued to wildly pitch in their invitations.
Yun Jin bit her lip. "I really can't do anything with you lot!"
She waved her hand, forming a giant water slide in midair.
Yun Jin chuckled and launched herself, sliding down with a swoosh. She landed in the river, sending up splashes of water.
Wow, you could play like this!
The three little ones immediately went crazy, scrambling for the next chance to slide.
Yun Jin also created a water swing, gently swaying.
The three were utterly lost in play. Yun Jin glanced at the only one who seemed still composed, Yun Mu, and raised an eyebrow. "Mu Mu, aren't you going to play?"
Yun Mu cleared his throat lightly. "Master, I'm a little afraid of heights."
It was understandable. He had never left the ground in ten thousand years. Even a thousand-year-refined Yun Mu could be afraid of heights, which Yun Jin found amusing. She casually formed a water sphere and tossed it to Yun Mu. "Try this."
Though these were simple toys for children, Yun Mu's eyes lit up immediately. He grabbed it and played with unbridled delight.
The sunlight was perfect, the breeze gentle.
Yun Jin swung on the water swing, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
The Spirit Beast Forest's spiritual energy was far richer than the outside world, likely due to the many refined plants and trees here. Their natural exchange subtly transformed the environment.
Yun Jin lifted her eyes and noticed some spirit beasts hiding in the grass along the riverbank, all peeking at Gun Gun, Huan Huan, and the others with curious eyes. From their gaze, she could see clear envy. The Spirit Beast Forest's environment was excellent, but entertainment options were limited.
Yun Jin smiled at the little beasts. "You can come play too."
She waved her hands, forming high and low slides, water bridges, and bouncing water trampolines…
With another wave, the giant slides turned colorful.
Yun Jin nodded with satisfaction. The rainbow slides looked fantastic.
The three little ones squealed with delight, even more excited by the new additions.
The smaller beasts hesitated a little.
Yun Jin did not force them. Most spirit beasts in the forest were naturally cautious around humans, which was perfectly normal.
Though official Beastmasters required spirit beasts' consent for contracts, some unscrupulous hunters forcibly captured them. Those beasts could be resold or bound, often with dire consequences.
Of course, such behavior carried risks. If the forest's king noticed, poachers were doomed. Even a legitimate Beastmaster witnessing it would initiate a chase.
Most poachers stayed in the outer zones to avoid the king. Hunting in the core or inner areas was almost suicidal.
Flying was prohibited in the Spirit Beast Forest. Yun Jin and her four beasts had been in the outer zones for three days, so the beasts' caution was natural.
She refrained from further invitations, yet the little beasts grew increasingly conflicted.
This human doesn't seem bad. Her contracted spirit beasts all seemed to like her. No, not necessarily! Some poachers were experts at disguise. Maybe she was using this trick to lower their guard.
But… it does look fun.
A majestic Phantom Leopard seemed to be the leader among these little beasts. All the others watched him intently.
"Big Brother, should we go play too?"
"This human doesn't seem bad at all."
"Just a little, just for a while."
The little beasts began to chatter among themselves.
The Phantom Leopard's expression grew serious. "Do not get close! This human is tempting us. If anyone approaches, she will reveal her true nature.
You all are too easily deceived. Not like me. I will never trust humans. Even if I am cut down, I will never approach another human!"
Suddenly, a panicked voice rang out.
"Big Brother! Little Sister! Little Sister ran over!"
A startled Spike Deer was charging toward the lake, curiosity bright in its eyes, now right in front of Yun Jin.
The Phantom Leopard's face went pale.
"Little Sister was too young to understand humans' danger!"
"You stay back! I'll save her!"
He bared his teeth and charged at Yun Jin.
Yun Jin noticed the Spike Deer and smiled, casually waving her hand.
The Phantom Leopard's mind raced.
"This woman is showing her true nature. What will she do to Little Sister? I have to fight her."
Just as he prepared for a life-or-death charge, Yun Jin had already sent the Spike Deer to the top of the slide, and with a swoosh, it slid down.
The Spike Deer squealed in delight.
The Phantom Leopard, standing before Yun Jin moments ago, froze. "???"
He had come to fight her.
The Spike Deer's joy embarrassed him. He slammed the brakes, but lost control, plummeting into the lake and splashing water everywhere.
The Spike Deer turned around and saw the soaked Phantom Leopard. She beamed. "Big Brother, this is so much fun! Let everyone come play!"
The Phantom Leopard's expression darkened. "Stop fooling around! This place is dangerous. Leave with me immediately! This woman may look kind now, but soon, she will reveal her true nature!"
He was about to take the Spike Deer away when a cold, sinister voice echoed in his mind:
"Is this the true nature you expect?"