From Xiao Wu's Perspective
"Are you okay?" the boy asked, his gentle smile somehow making her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
Still dazed, heart racing from the chaos of battle, she stared at him for a moment before nodding slowly. "I... I'm okay."
He gave a small nod in return, then turned and knocked the last bandit unconscious with a single, precise punch.
But when he moved, she saw it, a deep gash running across his back, blood dripping steadily down his robe.
Her heart clenched.
He had shielded her... with his body.
"This happened because of me... I'm so sorry," she whispered, voice filled with guilt.
He turned back, still wearing that gentle smile despite the pain.
"It's alright. I chose to save you. I wouldn't stand by and let a beautiful girl get hurt in front of me."
Her cheeks turned pink. She looked down, unsure how to respond.
A moment passed in silence before her gaze returned to the wound on his back.
"Th-Then... let's find a healer. You're hurt."
But then, she witnessed something she would never forget.
He raised his hand. A crystal orchid bloomed into the air, delicate and luminous, its petals like sculpted jade. The moment it appeared, his entire aura changed. It felt calm, sacred... almost immortal. The soft scent of orchids filled the air, soothing her heart and easing her fear.
She felt safe. Peaceful. Like she never wanted to leave his side.
Then he smiled again."It's okay. I'm a healer."
She couldn't look away.
From Wu Lan's Perspective
The pain wasn't unbearable. After so much training, his body had grown used to worse. Besides, the blade hadn't gone too deep. He had absorbed defense from Tang Hao.
Still, it stung.
After comforting Xiao Wu, he activated his healing ability. In moments, the wound on his back closed. Once it was done, he turned his attention to the villagers, moving swiftly to heal them one by one.
From the corner of his eye, he could feel Xiao Wu's gaze on him, curious, watchful... gentle.
Once the final villager was healed, the village chief approached them, bowing gratefully.
"Young man, young lady... please stay the night. Let us show our thanks for saving us."
Wu Lan nodded. It was already getting dark, and he was exhausted from travel. Xiao Wu agreed as well.
The chief hurried off to prepare accommodations, leaving just the two of them behind.
Xiao Wu stepped closer.
"Thank you for saving me. My name is Xiao Wu. What's yours?"
He smiled. "Wu Lan. Nice to meet you, Xiao Wu."
"You're really strong. You beat up those bandits and saved everyone!"
She puffed her cheeks and waved her small fists proudly."I saw them bullying the villagers, and I got mad. So I beat them up!"
Wu Lan chuckled. "You did a good job."
Her smile widened. "You too, Wu Lan. You healed everyone. That was amazing."
"Thank you, Xiao Wu."
A comfortable silence followed. But Wu Lan didn't want the conversation to end.
"What's your Martial Spirit?" he asked.
"I haven't awakened it yet," she replied casually. "I was on my way to Nuoding Spirit Hall to do that."
Wu Lan froze.What?
If she awakened her Martial Spirit at Spirit Hall, her innate full soul power would be detected instantly. That kind of talent would draw immediate attention, even from Bibi Dong. A soul power of 8 made someone a Saintess candidate. A perfect 10? That would trigger alarms across the entire Spirit Hall.
Then how did she remain hidden in the original timeline? Maybe divine protection... but now that she met him, he couldn't take that risk.
He thought of her painful past. Her mother's sacrifice. Tang San's hypocrisy. The fear she lived in.
He clenched his fists.
"Xiao Wu," he said, voice low and serious. "Don't go to the Spirit Hall."
She blinked. "Why not?"
"Because... they'll discover your identity."
She paled. "What identity?"
"You're a transformed soul beast, aren't you? If you awaken your Martial Spirit, your innate full soul power will be exposed. That kind of talent is unbelievably rare. If Spirit Hall finds out, Title Douluo's will come to take you as a disciple. But once you're in their hands, your true identity will be discovered. And you know what happens after that."
His words hit her like a crashing wave.
She took an unconscious step back. Her breath quickened. Cold sweat dampened her back as she imagined what might've happened if she hadn't met Wu Lan.
Seeing her reaction, he softened his tone.
"Xiao Wu... go back home. It's not safe here. Not in the human world."
She looked up at him, saw the worry in his eyes... and the fear eased slightly.
"But... why are you helping me?"
"Because you're kind. You helped humans when they were in danger. Someone like you shouldn't be hunted. You should be protected. You deserve peace, not fear."
Her heart trembled. Her eyes turned red.
He really cared.
She thought of her mother. Of her sacrifice. Her fists clenched with resolve.
"Thank you, Wu Lan... but I can't go back. I came to the human world to become stronger."
She was determined, Wu Lan thought. Probably for revenge.
He began weighing his options. Immortal grasses were out. Poison Douluo guarded them. Entering Nuoding without registration was impossible.
They had to hide her power.
Then it came to him. Xuan Tian Record. Intermediate level. It could suppress aura completely.
"Alright," he said softly. "You must have an important reason to come here despite the danger. And since you helped people selflessly... I'll help you too. I'll teach you a method to hide your aura."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened. "Wu Lan... why are you helping me so much?"
"I already told you, you're a kind girl." Then, he rubbed the back of his head, a little sheepish. "Also... I'm a healer. I'm not exactly strong. But you have amazing potential. So... protect me, okay?"
She blinked, then nodded seriously.
"Don't worry, Wu Lan. If anyone tries to hurt you... they'll have to get through me first."
Wu Lan smiled gently.
No, I'm definitely not keeping her around just because she's beautiful. Definitely not...But still... being protected by a beautiful girl wasn't so bad either.