A white shadow zipped past like lightning, the scenery around it blurring into streaks.
"That two-legged monster is terrifying!"
The horrifying scene replayed in its mind, sending a shiver through the White-haired Mouse's tiny body.
In its eyes, the six mighty clan leaders — apex predators of this secret realm — had been effortlessly slaughtered by that beast.
If it didn't escape now, it feared its fate would be even worse.
Oddly enough, the injuries it had sustained earlier had already healed. What was that about? Could it be because of the fruit it had eaten?
Well — it didn't have time to dwell on that. First, it had to outrun that two-legged terror!
The White-haired Mouse darted frantically, its nose twitching, whiskers quivering as it sniffed the air.
Then, its heart dropped.
A familiar, oppressive scent was closing in.
"No, it's coming for me again!"
Its fur bristled in terror, limbs flailing as it bolted through the forest like a whirlwind.
Swish!
A ripple appeared in the void.
Ye Junlin emerged from the spatial rift, using the Great Void Technique to narrow the distance in an instant.
"Master, is the mouse just ahead?"
[Beep — correct! A little more effort and you'll catch it!]
The system's notification chimed.
Ye Junlin chuckled to himself, "This little thing's got some speed. If not for my system, I'd be chasing shadows right now."
A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. Catching it now felt less like a chore and more like sport.
Meanwhile, the White-haired Mouse was spiraling into despair.
"Why is it still keeping up? How does this two-legged freak always know where I'm hiding?"
It was losing its mind.
All it did was nibble on a fruit while passing by — how had it ended up being hunted for its life?
"I just want to live in peace! Why does everyone want me dead?"
A powerful shockwave rumbled overhead.
A crushing pressure descended, pinning the White-haired Mouse down like an invisible mountain. Its chest tightened, its limbs struggled.
"Cheep Cheep!!"
It fought desperately — but its tail was suddenly yanked up by a shimmering magical hand, lifting its tiny body off the ground.
Swish.
Ye Junlin landed before it, examining the trembling creature with interest.
The White-haired Mouse felt cold sweat drip down its back as the silver-haired youth's gaze lingered on it. In its mind, this monster was surely about to make a meal out of it.
Panicked, the mouse blurted out, "My meat's awful! Sour and nasty — I swear! Spare me!"
Ye Junlin raised an eyebrow. "Sour, huh?"
"It's true! I taste horrible! If you eat me, you'll be tooting for a week!"
The White-haired Mouse seized its chance to sell the lie, eyes wide and desperate.
Ye Junlin stroked his chin, a wicked grin spreading. "Heh. Now I'm tempted to test that claim."
He leaned in.
The White-haired Mouse's eyes bulged, its tiny body trembling. In the next second, its pupils rolled back, its head lolled, and it fainted dead away — white foam bubbling at the corners of its mouth.
Ye Junlin blinked. "Passed out?"
He poked the little mouse's cheek. No response. His expression turned odd.
According to the system, this White-haired Mouse had a rare immortal constitution — the strongest of its kind.
Who would've guessed it was such a coward?
Ye Junlin shrugged. "Whatever, guess I'll keep it as a pet."
He grabbed it by the tail and casually tossed it beside a large rock.
Half an hour later.
The White-haired Mouse's nose twitched, and it groggily came to.
A rich, tantalizing aroma drifted through the air, immediately awakening its senses.
"Huh? I'm still alive?"
It cautiously peeked out and scanned its surroundings.
Then — it froze.
Not far away, a striking young man sat cross-legged by a crackling fire. His black robe, embroidered with gold, shimmered in the light. Long silver hair spilled over his shoulders, each strand gleaming like fresh snow.
He was leisurely roasting meat over the fire, the golden, crispy exterior glistening, releasing mouthwatering fragrance.
A large pot nearby simmered with something equally inviting.
"Wait… could that be me in the pot?"
The White-haired Mouse's heart clenched. It frantically patted itself down. Everything seemed intact.
Relieved, it gulped.
As Ye Junlin remained focused on his cooking, the White-haired Mouse tiptoed backward, hoping to sneak away.
"Come here quietly, or I'll catch you again."
A calm, unhurried voice drifted over.
To the White-haired Mouse, it sounded like a divine decree from the heavens.
"Master…"
The little creature cautiously scurried over.
Then its gaze subtly drifted toward the roasted meat — drool pooling at the corners of its mouth as its stomach growled audibly.
Ye Junlin shot it a sideways glance. "Look at you — what a sight."
He tossed a chunk of meat over.
The White-haired Mouse caught it with both paws and, without hesitation, devoured it in a single bite.
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within. A burst of flavors exploded in its mouth.
Its eyes sparkled. Its tail wagged.
"What kind of meat is this? It's incredible!"
Ye Junlin smirked, "Mouse meat."
The White-haired Mouse froze. "!!!"
Its head whipped up in horror.
Ye Junlin burst into laughter and flicked its forehead. "Relax — it's rabbit."
"Oh… rabbit," the White-haired Mouse sighed in relief. Then it licked its lips. "Poor rabbit… but it's so good."
After a moment's pause, it hesitantly asked, "Master… you really won't eat me, right?"
Ye Junlin chuckled. "If I wanted you in the pot, you'd be stew by now."
He gestured to the simmering pot.
The White-haired Mouse gulped hard but felt a bit more at ease.
"I trust you, Master!"
It hesitated, then asked, "Um… could I have another piece?"
Ye Junlin grinned. "Sure — but only if you become my disciple. How about it?"
The White-haired Mouse blinked.
A disciple?
That was even more unexpected than being eaten.
"Is… is it dangerous?"
It only wanted to roam the forest and live a carefree life.
Ye Junlin cleared his throat. "Being my disciple means endless good food. And if there's danger, I'll protect you. Still don't want it?"
That promise was too tempting.
The White-haired Mouse's tiny heart wavered.
"Yes! I want to be your disciple, Master!"
It raised a tiny paw excitedly.
"Then greet your Master properly."
The White-haired Mouse bowed in human fashion.
"Disciple Bai Xiaoxi greets Master!"
Ye Junlin nodded in satisfaction. "Good."
Just then, the system chimed in his mind.
[Beep — congratulations to the host for completing the recruitment task. Reward incoming…]
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