A few more days passed before Qian Ran and Qian Renxue finally left the Star Dou Forest.
Qian Ran still hadn't decided to do anything significant regarding the Auspicious Beast or Bi Ji. In fact, during this time, he hadn't even attempted to tease Bi Ji. Despite many of the Great Beasts in the Star Dou Forest being capable of easily assuming human form, they still mostly chose to present themselves in their beast forms when facing Qian Ran.
The Auspicious Beast hadn't successfully transformed yet, and though Bi Ji had mastered the method, as a ferocious beast of the Star Dou Forest, she rarely used her human form.
Di Tian and the other Great Beasts still harbored significant disdain for humanity. Although Bi Ji was relatively tolerant, she still needed to consider the perspectives of Di Tian, Xiong Jun, and the others. After all, humans had long slaughtered soul beasts, so it was only natural for the beasts to harbor no goodwill toward them. Qian Ran had no intention of trying to change their opinions of humans. In truth, he didn't even see himself as human.
All felines are grouped under the cat family, and canines under the dog family, but powerful humans never consider themselves as part of the primate family. The strong never view themselves as the same as the weak. The lack of unity among soul beasts could likely be attributed to the same mindset.
Qian Ran, staring at a Three-Eyed Golden Lion and an Emerald Swan, felt no particular interest toward them.
His aesthetics were still relatively normal—he couldn't appreciate the beast forms of female soul beasts. If someone could be aroused by looking at an animal, they'd definitely need some serious help.
Zi Ji, knowing Qian Ran preferred her human form, always appeared before him as a human. Over the past few days, she'd managed to thoroughly satisfy him.
Qian Ran speculated that Zi Ji might still harbor doubts about whether or not he was the Golden Dragon King, which explained her reverent attitude toward him. Her feelings for him were a mix of obsession and awe, a combination Qian Ran found quite appealing—especially in a wild yet obedient soul beast beauty.
Zi Ji didn't accompany Qian Ran when he left this time. After helping Qian Renxue repair her godhood, Gu Yuena seemed to see genuine hope for returning to the God Realm through Qian Ran and Qian Renxue. She decided to assist Di Tian and Zi Ji in enhancing their strength. As a fellow dragon, Gu Yuena's casual offerings were enough to overwhelm Zi Ji with their benefits.
After leaving the Star Dou Forest, Qian Ran and Qian Renxue went their separate ways, with Qian Renxue returning directly to the Star Luo Empire.
With her newfound power, Qian Renxue could now effortlessly control the forces of the Star Luo Empire.
As for Qian Ran, his safety was now firmly secured. Even the so-called Sea God Pavilion Elders of Shrek Academy no longer posed a significant concern. If he wanted to, he could easily have Qian Renxue deal with them at any time.
During Qian Ran's absence, Huo Yuhao had been secretly relieved.
Ever since sensing the threat, he had wanted to send his mother, Huo Yun'er, away. However, Huo Yun'er adamantly refused.
She had no interest in going to the Clear Sky Sect. In fact, she had been somewhat reluctant to even come to Huo Yuhao in the first place. She only stayed to satisfy her master Qian Ran's whims, reluctantly playing the role of Huo Yuhao's mother in front of him.
Since being revived by Qian Ran, she harbored nothing but deep-seated disdain for Huo Yuhao.
In her eyes, if it weren't for Huo Yuhao, her master Qian Ran would undoubtedly cherish and favor her even more. Because of this, she hated Huo Yuhao and despised the Dai family.
Not far from home, Qian Ran contacted Huo Yun'er via soul communicator.
He had been away from Shrek City for quite some time. Because he had informed his women beforehand that this trip would take a while, they hadn't been overly worried, though their longing was inevitable.
Hearing Qian Ran's familiar voice again, the bored Huo Yun'er, who had been idling in her room, was instantly overjoyed. She began bustling around in preparation.
"Good girl Yun'er, long time no see."
Having not seen Huo Yun'er for half a month, Qian Ran had missed this beautiful woman terribly. The moment she opened the door, he embraced her without hesitation.
After a month apart, Huo Yun'er seemed even more radiant. She wore a deep-V top that boldly revealed her chest, without bothering to wear a bra underneath. Her figure dazzled Qian Ran to the point of almost being blinded.
Her lower half was clad in tight shorts, just barely covering her hips. It seemed that even the slightest bend would expose her tantalizing curves. Her full, shapely legs were accentuated by a pair of sky-high heels, making them appear even longer and more alluring.
Huo Yun'er's seductive outfit drove Qian Ran wild with pleasure.
Though Gu Yuena and Zi Ji were both stunning, their outfits tended to be formal and conservative, which Qian Ran, with his unabashed preferences, found a bit too restrained.
Previously, Qian Ran had taught Huo Yun'er some fitness techniques from his past life, which had worked wonders on her figure. Her tight shorts now made her peach-shaped hips even more pronounced.
"Master, I missed you," Huo Yun'er murmured, her beautiful eyes glistening with infatuation as she clung tightly to Qian Ran.
"I missed Yun'er too," Qian Ran replied, pinching her cheek affectionately.
Who wouldn't adore this foxy little minx?
Even Zi Ji couldn't compare to Huo Yun'er.
After all, Huo Yun'er carried an identity that Qian Ran appreciated even more.
"I want to see Yun'er in a wedding dress," Qian Ran said wistfully, his mind conjuring up an image of her in bridal attire. He felt an irresistible urge to make that vision a reality.
"I can go change right now. I've been looking at wedding dress styles recently and bought all the ones I liked," Huo Yun'er responded with a flushed face. Ever since Qian Ran mentioned wanting to take wedding photos, she had been deeply invested in the idea.
"Good girl," Qian Ran said, ruffling her hair before leaning in for a kiss.
At that moment, Huo Yuhao returned home from school.
As he approached the door, he heard voices inside, and his heart instantly tightened.
"Could it be… Qian Ran is back?"
His heart raced with a mixture of nervousness and fury.
Qian Ran's whereabouts during his absence had been a mystery, which Huo Yuhao had tried and failed to uncover. But this had been a rare piece of good news for him.
And now, Qian Ran had returned so soon—and even gone straight to his home?
Huo Yuhao clenched his teeth in rage.
If he had the power to take Qian Ran down with him, he wouldn't hesitate to exchange his life for Qian Ran's. But that power eluded him.
All he could do was seethe with hatred for Qian Ran, while feeling utterly powerless toward his mother. No matter how furious he became, he couldn't bear to blame the person he respected and loved most. It was entirely his own fault.
If it weren't for the longstanding animosity between him and Qian Ran, perhaps Qian Ran wouldn't have fixated on her, and she wouldn't have been hurt as a result.
"Qian Ran, you'd better not push things too far. Otherwise…"
Huo Yuhao took a deep breath, gritting his teeth as he inserted his key into the lock. Quietly, he opened the door just a crack—enough to glimpse what was happening inside.
End of Chapter.