Chapter 119: A Strange Feeling

The aroma of roasted battle camel beasts drifted across the third island, wave after wave, drawing competitors from every corner. The lawn, once sparsely occupied, was packed solid by nightfall; the activity never ceased for a moment. The six-hundred-pound beast was, quite simply, eaten almost to the bone.

"Brother Nan, shouldn't we save some for ourselves? The meat is all sold out—what are we going to eat tomorrow?" Li Xiang was already fretting over their next meal.

"Don't you all want to earn some spirit pearls? Such a golden opportunity is rare, so we certainly can't pass it up," Xiang Nan replied nonchalantly.

"Spirit pearls are great, but meat is better! Xiao Nan, I want to keep eating battle camel meat," Su Yao said, finally managing to sound a bit coquettish.

"Brother Xiang Nan, I’d rather have the meat too," Xu Jiya added, joining the 'Meat Defense Squad.'

"And what about you?" Xiang Nan asked Meng Qingwan.

"I... of course I want to eat it too." Meng Qingwan looked at Xiang Nan with wide, eager eyes. After all, the temptation of the meat was just too great.

Seeing them all acting like hungry little cats, Xiang Nan decided to stop keeping them in suspense.

"Don't worry, the meat won't be missing from the menu tomorrow," Xiang Nan laughed. "Don't we have the detailed electronic map? My patrols during the day weren't in vain—I've already figured out the patterns of where these beasts appear."

"Really? We can find more battle camel beasts tomorrow?" Meng Qingwan’s interest piqued.

"Absolutely," Xiang Nan said, raising an eyebrow. "Think about it: why were they the first things we encountered today? During my patrol, I already marked the spots they frequent. I guarantee you’ll have meat to eat every single day."

"Brother Xiang Nan is the best! I was so busy flying the aircraft that I didn't notice those details," Xu Jiya exclaimed excitedly.

"No wonder you’re being so generous—trading twenty pounds of meat for a single Tier 2 spirit pearl. You had this all planned out, didn't you? You’re the slyest of them all, Xiao Nan!" Su Yao said, nudging him with her shoulder.

"Since I’m so brilliant, don't I deserve a reward?" Xiang Nan made a cute face.

"Absolutely. Tell me, what do you want?" Su Yao blurted out without a second thought.

"I want to stroke cat ears and sleep while hugging a cat tail!"

"Consider your wish granted!" Su Yao winked, looking utterly adorable.

Standing nearby, Li Xiang drooled with envy. "I want that too..."

Xu Jiya patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Don't even dream about it. Brother Xiang Nan has endured countless cat scratches just to get that privilege."

"Hey, hey, hey! Yaya, you're being biased! You're taking Xiao Nan's side too much—I'm getting jealous!" Su Yao pouted, pretending to be upset. Meng Qingwan watched them bicker, giggling to herself.

"Ugh! This is all too confusing. I think I’ll go out and find some peace and quiet. Qingwan, do you want to take a walk? The moon looks amazing over the lawn right now," Li Xiang suggested.

"Sure, I was just thinking the same thing." Meng Qingwan stood up with a smile and walked out with Li Xiang.

"I haven't properly enjoyed the moonlight in the Spirit Void yet, so I'm coming too!" Xu Jiya brushed off her skirt and followed.

"They're all running off? What's the meaning of this? Yaya, you can't leave me behind!" Su Yao made a show of getting up to follow.

With the rest of the team heading out, Xiang Nan also walked toward the exit. The meadow was vast, and the air was crisp and refreshing, making one feel exceptionally at ease. Without realizing it, Xiang Nan wandered some distance away.

"The spiritual energy in the Spirit Void seems quite abundant. While it’s still peaceful, I should take the time to absorb some moonlight and starlight to strengthen my internal cultivation. This tranquility probably won't last many more days; that shadow we tracked today was a warning—they won't wait much longer."

Muttering to himself, Xiang Nan reached a secluded spot near the water. The moon in the Spirit Void was truly massive, and the stars were large and brilliant, like diamonds embedded in a black curtain, dazzling and shining in tandem with the moon. Their reflections on the mirror-like surface of the lake were breathtaking, creating the illusion that he was standing in a dream world.

Afraid to delay any longer, Xiang Nan sat cross-legged on the spot, steadying his breath and focusing his mind. He began practicing the Heart-Cleansing Mantra. Indeed, the Spirit Void was richer in energy than the outside world; moonlight and starlight poured into him, eventually settling in his glabella and his dantian.

In less than an hour, Xiang Nan felt his internal power surging, reaching a saturation point. He finished his meditation and looked back up at the sky. The moon and stars were still as dazzling as before, but they gave him a strange sensation. It felt as if the moon and the stars were all rushing toward him.

Xiang Nan couldn't help but chuckle. "It must be because the moon and stars here are so enormous that I'm having such illusions. Still, the moonlight and starlight are wonderful things. Just absorbing them for this short while has left me full of energy."

In the distance, Meng Qingwan’s urgent voice called out. "Xiao Nan! Xiao Nan, where are you? Xiao Nan, come out quickly—don't scare us like this..."

"I'm here," Xiang Nan replied, walking quickly toward her.

Upon seeing him, the pale, anxious look on Meng Qingwan’s face bloomed into a smile. "Everyone was looking everywhere for you; we were worried sick! There’s no mobile signal in the Spirit Void, it’s maddening."

Seeing her genuine concern, Xiang Nan felt a surge of joy. "The air is fresh over here, so I spent some time practicing. Put your hearts at ease; it’s only the first day, I won’t get into any trouble."

"But the Spirit Void is filled with dangers, and many people are targeting you specifically. We were five, keeping an eye on each other—how could we not worry when you suddenly disappeared?" Meng Qingwan’s tone held a hint of reproach.

Seeing her slightly coquettish and stubborn expression in the moonlight, Xiang Nan felt his heart stir. He couldn't help but take her slender, soft hand in his. "You care about me so much that I won't let anything happen to myself. Have some faith in me—when have I ever failed to turn danger into safety? If anyone is going to end up in trouble, it will be those with malicious intentions."

"Mm. I have faith in you. But you must stay within our sight."

Meng Qingwan was a mix of gentle and stubborn. Being held so earnestly by Xiang Nan made her feel a bit shy. "Alright, I understand. Let's head back now."

The two returned to the campsite together. Li Xiang and Xu Jiya were waiting anxiously; one was pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, while the other was furrowing her brows and twisting the hem of her clothes.

"I'm back!" Xiang Nan shouted from a distance.

As soon as Xu Jiya saw him, perhaps influenced by Su Yao, she rushed over and gave him a massive bear hug without a second thought. "Brother Xiang Nan, you’re finally back! You scared us to death."

Xiang Nan held Xu Jiya with one arm while looking at Li Xiang, who was rushing over. To be cared for by so many people—it really was a damn good feeling.