The Third Trial Announced
The thunder returned before sunrise.
In the sky, an enormous scroll unfurled, displaying golden characters that glowed like embers in the dark:
🔥 Trial 3: The Crimson Forest Survival War
Location: The Living Forest of Molten Roots
Goal: Survive for 3 days
Top 6 advance based on performance
Natural hazards, hostile creatures, and illusion storms present
New rule: Factions may now be formally declared
Only 1 leader per faction
Rewards for performance, kills, leadership, and romantic bonds under duress
Li Wei nearly choked on his tea.
"Wait, what was that last one?"
System: "Romantic bonds under duress will generate bonus stat affinity and passive buffs. Proceed accordingly."
Lana snorted. "You heard it, lover-boy. It's literally in the rules now."
Yue Xiaolan rolled her eyes. "This trial is ridiculous."
Shen Ruo just quietly blushed. Scarlet Fang stood nearby, silent… but her coffin pulsed faintly.
Declaring a Faction
Overseer Hu Lin floated above the main hall. "Declare your faction. Forming one makes you a target. But it also earns you fame."
He turned to Li.
"You first. Do you lead?"
Li looked at his girls.
They all nodded — even Yue, who normally scowled at everything.
"I lead," he said.
Name: Fang of the Unbroken FlameMembers: Li Wei, Yue Xiaolan, Lana Qi, Shen Ruo, Scarlet Fang
Overseer Hu blinked. "Five members? No one else dared go that high. Bold."
Yue: "We don't play safe."
Lana: "We play hot."
Scarlet: "We play… to win."
Entering the Crimson Forest
The Crimson Forest wasn't red by name alone.
The trees bled sap that hissed on the ground.
The roots pulsed like veins.
Fog moved like living breath.
And creatures screamed far in the distance.
Li turned to his team.
"Three days. We keep each other alive. We stick close. And—"
Yue: "—no solo heroics."
Lana: "No secret alliances."
Scarlet: "No coffin-related accidents."
Everyone stared at her.
"…What?" she said innocently.
They moved out.
Day 1 – The First Bond
As they set up a camp beside a hollowed root, Lana pulled Li aside.
"Hey," she said, twisting a gear on her gauntlet. "Wanna see something cool?"
He followed her to a clearing.
She tapped her chest once, then the drone on her shoulder. It lit up, humming.
"You're the first guy I ever trusted enough to show this to."
The drone flickered — projecting a small glowing hologram.
A younger Lana… hugging her mother in a mechanic's shop.
"…She built it for me," Lana whispered. "Before she vanished."
Li was silent.
"I think I'm scared," she said. "Of getting close. Of losing people again."
He took her hand.
"You won't lose me," he said. "I'm not just a leader. I'm… yours too, if you want me."
She leaned in slowly.
Then kissed him — hard, fast, and full of fire.
When she pulled away, her cheeks were red.
"I want. Definitely want."
Lana Qi Affection: 80 → 95Kiss Status Achieved: YesBond Skill Unlocked: Overclock Link Pulse
When fighting beside Li, Lana can double his speed for 5 seconds, once per battle.
Day 1 – Unexpected Visitor
Later that night, as they patrolled near the ridge, Li heard a rustle.
He turned—blade drawn.
A girl stepped from the trees.
She wore shredded robes, had a torn hood, and glowing silver eyes. Her skin was pale, but her steps were silent.
"Help…" she whispered. Then fainted in his arms.
System: "New Entity Detected. Danger Level: Unknown. Beauty Level: Extremely High."
"Of course," Li muttered.
They took her back to camp.
Yue was suspicious.
"She appeared too conveniently."
Lana frowned. "She's injured."
Scarlet said nothing… but her coffin pulsed again.
Shen Ruo treated the girl's wounds.
"She's not lying," Ruo said. "She's been in the forest for days. Alone."
The girl opened her eyes slowly.
"…I'm Meiyu," she whispered. "I was… abandoned by my sect."
Li offered her water. "You're safe now."
She stared at him.
Then blushed.
"Thank you…"
New Character Added: Meiyu – Sectless SurvivorAffection Initiated: 5/100Traits: Mysterious Past, Hidden Potential, Passive Allure
Danger Status: Uncertain
Day 2 – The Rift Forms
By midday, tension brewed.
Yue saw Meiyu sitting close to Li.
Scarlet watched Meiyu like a cat watching a mouse.
Lana was uncharacteristically quiet.
Shen Ruo tried to defuse things with tea.
"…I'm just saying," Yue snapped, "she could be a spy."
"She hasn't done anything," Ruo said softly.
"She's too… perfect," Scarlet murmured. "Like someone made her for him."
Lana stood suddenly. "Let's go hunt something. I need to hit stuff."
They all scattered, leaving Meiyu with Li.
She looked up at him, sad.
"I didn't mean to cause trouble…"
Li sighed. "It's not your fault. They're just… protective."
"…Are you?" she asked.
"Am I what?"
"Protective. Of me."
He hesitated.
Then smiled.
"Yeah. I guess I am."
She smiled back.
And her hand brushed his.
Day 2 – Danger in the Roots
As night fell, the ground beneath them shook.
A creature burst from the forest floor — a massive snake-like worm with molten eyes.
"AMBUSH!" Yue shouted.
The group scattered.
Meiyu screamed — nearly crushed by the tail.
Li ran to her — grabbing her waist and diving aside.
"Stay with the others!" he shouted.
The worm lashed out — hitting Li full-on.
Health -35%
He staggered.
Scarlet stepped forward, eyes glowing.
"I'll protect him."
Her coffin snapped open slightly.
Dark chains shot out — wrapping the worm's face and slamming it to the ground.
Yue and Lana dashed in.
Combo Strike Activated: Yue + Lana + Li
Tri-Blade Overdrive
400% damage multiplier
They slashed, crushed, and burned the creature down in a flash of light.
Aftermath – Emotions Boil
Back at camp, after healing, the girls circled Li in silence.
Yue finally spoke.
"You keep risking your life. For us. For strangers."
"I'm your leader," he said.
Scarlet stepped in. "You're more than that. You're becoming... ours."
Lana elbowed her. "Speak for yourself."
Shen Ruo held Li's arm gently.
"I don't care how many others come. I know how I feel."
Meiyu stood nearby, eyes wide.
Yue moved close, breath warm on his ear.
"Next time you protect someone, make sure you're still breathing after."
Lana kissed his cheek. "Next time, let me take the hit."
Scarlet stood inches from him. "Next time… I'll let the coffin choose who lives."
Ruo kissed his hand.
"I'm just glad you're still with us."
Group Affection Status:Yue: 90/100Lana: 95/100Ruo: 100/100 (Bound)Scarlet: 68/100Meiyu: 18/100
Harem Level Up: Tier 3 Bond AchievedNew Buff: Unbreakable Heartfire
Li Wei cannot be charmed or mentally broken if at least two bond partners are nearby.