After the god became the devouring eye dominating the region, daily skin care was even more meticulous.
Just the nourishing creams alone numbered in the dozens, aiming to keep his skin and paw pads as tender and elastic as a newborn kitten’s, naturally scented with strawberries.
Jiang Huaying knew Sinclair had arrived and what he wanted, but she said nothing, continuing to eat breakfast nonchalantly.
The cold cat squinted, becoming more persistent, swiping the plate in front of Jiang Huaying far away: “The Butcher only lets you eat that? Zhì is starving to death, and it’s fine for him to live rough, but why do you have to suffer too? I’ll make you something new.”
In the next moment, Sinclair teleported to the kitchen.
Jiang Huaying tried to stop him: “Actually… I think this is fine, I’m almost done anyway.”
“No way, what the god can make, I can too. Mine will definitely be better!” Sinclair’s mysterious competitiveness flared, even supervising Jiang Huaying, “Don’t secretly eat behind my back!”
Jiang Huaying silently withdrew her hand, letting him be.
The Black Mist Density prompt kept changing, rising and falling.
The cat’s psychological activity was very rich.
After waiting more than ten minutes, the kitchen suddenly billowed thick black smoke, followed by a loud explosion—the kitchen blew up.
The other little cats nearby heard the commotion and all puffed up, running out thinking someone had broken in, panicked.
Before they could approach the treehouse, the leader’s dark and gloomy aura was felt; the little cats understood immediately and scattered silently.
In the smoke-filled kitchen, Sinclair lay utterly defeated.
Zhù’s hand hanging at his side bore large burn marks; the deformed pot gave off a foul smell, utterly incomparable to the delicious breakfast they had just seen on the table.
Strong feelings of frustration, jealousy, and powerlessness burned like an unquenchable flame, spreading from his burned hand up to his chest.
Jiang Huaying heard hurried footsteps approaching: “Sinclair, cough cough… are you okay?”
Before entering the kitchen, she was choked by black smoke, coughing uncontrollably, tears streaming from her reddened eyes.
The next moment, the dense smoke seemed swallowed by some force, vanishing without a trace. If not for the still messy kitchen, it would be as if nothing had happened.
“Sinclair, are you alright?” Jiang Huaying calmed her breath and stepped inside but was blocked solidly at the doorway by a shadow.
The thick black shadow gradually transformed into Sinclair’s form—slim, tall, dressed in black, with a faint burnt smell: “I’m fine, just the fire got a bit big.”
【 Black Mist Density +1】
【 Black Mist Density +1】
【 Black Mist Density +1】
Jiang Huaying: “…”
This fire was not just “a bit big,” it had already burned onto him!
Fortunately, Jiang Huaying had figured out the cat’s insincere ways, taking the initiative to hold Zhì’s hand.
【 Black Mist Density -3】
So easy to coax.
Sinclair’s severely burned hand had fully healed, showing no abnormalities, but when she touched the skin, Jiang Huaying clearly felt it was abnormally hot.
Sinclair was about to pull his hand away: “I can go on…”
“Go do what? Such beautiful hands should be used for other things.” Jiang Huaying held onto his hand tightly, refusing to let go.
【 Black Mist Density -3】
“What other things…?” Sinclair’s half-lowered lashes trembled; his gaze slowly moved from their joined hands to Jiang Huaying’s lips, his ears burning red beneath his hair.
【 Black Mist Density -3】
Jiang Huaying’s words turned sweet and playful, twisting at the tip of her tongue, shaking their joined hands lightly: “Just like this!”
Sinclair’s curled lips drooped, his loss laid bare.
Jiang Huaying pinched Sinclair’s hand like kneading a kitten’s paw, finding it extremely fun.
Unlike the Butcher’s hands, Sinclair’s fingers were slender with distinct joints, no calluses, white smooth skin, neatly trimmed round nails, and healthy pink nail beds.
Jiang Huaying held Sinclair’s hand again and returned to the table.
This time, Sinclair’s hostility toward the Butcher’s breakfast was lessened, but he still did not loosen his grip.
Instead, he intertwined his fingers with hers one by one, locking their hands tightly together.
【 Black Mist Density -3】
Jiang Huaying didn’t bother with utensils and ate her meal single-handedly.
Today Sinclair was taking her to visit the mutation zone.
He said visit, but it was more like showing off.
This was the innate desire and competitiveness of male creatures, displaying their strength to defeat rivals and win a lover’s favor.
As they walked, Jiang Huaying noticed a nearby meadow blooming with a cluster of white flowers.
In this world, plants were extremely rare; even a small green sprout outside the A-Da region fetched sky-high prices, coveted by the wealthy in the Upper City.
But in the mutation zone, plants were common.
The ecology here resembled the real world more.
What surprised Jiang Huaying was not this, but that she recognized the flower.
On the third day of entering the game, there had been a similar white flower glowing with moonlight on her bedside.
“What is that?” Jiang Huaying asked Sinclair.
“That’s a moonlight flower.” Sinclair led her slowly into the sea of flowers. “This flower is very rare, and only in the past two years has such a large patch been cultivated. It has a calming effect, effectively soothing mutation creatures. Besides the Marshlight Forest, it’s rarely seen elsewhere.”
As if welcoming them, the flower sea swayed gently without wind, silver ripples spreading layer by layer from their center, the scent growing increasingly refreshing.
Jiang Huaying’s fingertip brushed the swaying flower, like warm jade playing with moonlight, unable to tell which was whiter. The petals felt icy cold, smooth like velvet.
More of the previously overlooked details emerged with the moonlight flower’s presence.
Rare, but not nonexistent.
She didn’t know how much effort the Butcher had spent finding that single patch of moonlight flowers.
No wonder she slept peacefully that night.
No wonder since then, the Butcher would always come home soaking wet, dripping with moisture.
No wonder he avoided her at the cat café that day.
Because the god had noticed that night she was tormented by nightmares.
That day during the daytime, she had seen a living person die right before her eyes for the first time, realizing how much blood a person sheds after death.
The smell of blood was like a ghost haunting her bones, causing fear and nausea every time she smelled it.
The Butcher noticed she couldn’t get used to the smell of blood and had kept that in mind, which was why he behaved so cautiously.
After Sinclair finished speaking, he found Jiang Huaying staring blankly at the moonlight flowers, clearly lost in thought.
No need to guess—it was definitely that shameless wild dog, still not here but trying to seduce the god’s master!
In a corner untouched by bright sunlight, dark shadows twisted and fermented.
[ Black Mist Density +1]
Just as the shadow was about to coil around Jiang Huaying’s ankle, two little kittens rushed over.
“A-Da! Monk’s in trouble!”
“Monk’s gone mad; Chanyue can barely hold him back!”
Sinclair’s expression changed; the previously dark and calculating shadow receded like a tide.
“I’ll be back soon. It’s safe here, don’t leave.” He warned Jiang Huaying, then hurried off.
The two little kittens followed behind Sinclair.
The lagging kitten bit off the stems of two moonlight flowers and held them in its mouth.
It didn’t leave immediately but looked up at Jiang Huaying, raising its left front paw folded in front of its chest.
The mutation creatures were ugly and terrifying, especially when enraged; humans always feared them.
After hesitating for several seconds, it lightly placed its paw on her shoe.
The little fellow still looked proud and aloof, but Jiang Huaying saw a comforting expression on its furry face.
Jiang Huaying recognized this little Siamese—it had been at the cat café that day.
“Getting treated is more important; go quickly and give the moonlight flowers to your good friend. I won’t go anywhere, little Chao Tang.”
At the mention of the name, the Siamese’s ears perked up instantly.
She still remembered it!
“Alright~” The little Siamese wagged its tail, no longer hesitating, and ran off, its back radiating silent joy.
The stray cat boy had a good relationship with Sinclair and hurried over once he heard.
But he was still a bit late, unable to help, and instead encountered the leader who was leaving.
The stray cat boy felt strange—why did the leader look so weak? Could Monk’s situation be that bad?
Thinking this, he dared not delay further, quickening his pace.
Jiang Huaying didn’t wait long before Sinclair returned.
But Zhì’s condition looked poor.
His face was pale and bloodless; although he tried hard to hide it, his delicate and beautiful features were still shrouded by an unshakable fatigue.
Yet even so, his back was slender and straight, his expression cold.
As if telepathically connected, Sinclair looked over.
Their eyes met; instantly, Sinclair’s aura softened, smoothing all edges and spikes to reveal his softest, most harmless side.
“Is it troublesome?” Jiang Huaying patted the seat beside her, inviting him to sit.
“Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious.” Sinclair immediately came over but did not sit beside her properly, instead pulling her into his arms.
His long limbs encircled Jiang Huaying like a big cat, gently resting his chin on her shoulder. Their shoulders pressed together, thighs touching—a closeness even more intimate than holding hands.
“My ability can just devour the negative pain inside their bodies, stabilizing the mutations. It just takes some time to digest the pain, so it’s not particularly uncomfortable.”
Though he said it was fine, every word betrayed that it wasn’t.
Jiang Huaying turned her head, her pert little nose brushing his cheek and hair, her breath full of rich strawberry scent: “Then what can I do to help?”
【 Black Mist Density -3】
“Pet me, as long as you pet me, I’ll be fine.” Sinclair held her hand, guiding it to his chest.
Besides nurturing his paw pads and hands, his entire body was well cared for, ensuring Jiang Huaying always experienced the best touch.
Jiang Huaying’s body tilted slightly with Sinclair’s movement.
Even sitting, the height difference was obvious; her view perfectly caught the open collar.
Though the angle wasn’t wide, it was deep—the black clothing contrasting with his cold pale skin evoked a sudden rush of desire.
Mmm, and it was pink after all.
Jiang Huaying’s hand was led open finger by finger, resting on the strong, muscular chest.
Compared to the Butcher’s burning passion, Sinclair’s touch was more delicate, warm, and controllable.
“Not really that big,” Jiang Huaying mumbled unconsciously, so softly even she barely noticed.
Sinclair’s ears twitched, catching those five words precisely.
Whose is bigger?
The Butcher’s?
That dirty dog could be better to touch? Smell better than Sinclair?
【 Black Mist Density +1】
Sinclair was so angry his entire body ached.
Faithless and never satisfied humans!
He grabbed Jiang Huaying’s other hand, bringing it to his mouth, grinding his teeth fiercely but carefully avoiding the sharp canines.
Jiang Huaying was inexplicably slobbered on and indignantly twisted her hand: “What are you doing?”
Sinclair let out a low growl; his muscles instinctively contracted: “Ah Cai, I like you so much.”
“Lick it clean!” Jiang Huaying ignored his spoiled act, holding her sparkling fingers out in front of him.
Sinclair obediently lowered his head, extending his pink tongue.
[ Black Mist Density -2]
[ Black Mist Density -2]
[ Black Mist Density ….]
The trained kitten obediently pleased his master.
Gradually, the pleasing took on a different flavor.
Sinclair licked from Jiang Huaying’s fingers to the back of her hand, wrist, shoulder… finally rubbing his sticky face against hers, proudly demanding more: “Ah Jun Ah Ying, kiss me, please? I’ve been very good today, and very fragrant. I’m the most fragrant.”
At this moment, Jiang Huaying finally understood the mindset of a capricious ruler facing a demon consort.
Sinclair knew exactly where his advantages lay, and clearly understood human weaknesses.
His cat eyes, with beautifully upturned corners, gazed at her intently; the honey-like glow in his bright yellow eyes made one unconsciously sink deeper.
And those flawless features, so close and striking; despite his cold and aloof appearance, he radiated charm meant for her alone.
It was truly hard to stay angry at Sinclair.
Luckily, Jiang Huaying had another task keeping her rational.
She couldn’t satisfy Sinclair so easily.
If she did now, it might reduce her Black Mist value significantly, making it harder later.
“Kissing isn’t impossible, but…” Jiang Huaying dragged out her tone, lightly teasing Sinclair’s heart like feathers, “but right now, I only want to kiss the cat pig.”
The next instant, Jiang Huaying felt weight on her legs.
Sinclair transformed into a golden tabby, obediently sitting on her thighs.
Jiang Huaying reached out to poke his moist nose, finding it odd: “Why like this? I want to see your real tabby form.”
She hadn’t held a little tabby in a long time.
Golden tabbies were cute too, but nothing compared to the tabby she had personally rescued and revived.
Sinclair’s body stiffened; his once-bright golden fur dulled.
“Is this body… not good-looking?” Sinclair hung his head, voice low and hoarse, tail nervously swaying behind.
Compared to the common tabby cats everywhere, golden tabbies were rare, special, and especially favored by humans.
Jiang Huaying shook her head, her fingertip stroking Sinclair’s furry head past his ear, finally lifting his chin so those amber eyes had no choice but to meet hers: “It’s good-looking, but it’s not you.”
The cat’s pupils shrank to tiny dots.
【 Black Mist Density -4】
Jiang Huaying continued: “The one I brought home is a tabby, not a golden tabby. No matter how beautiful or special other cats are, I only like tabbies.”
【 Black Mist Density -6】
“I only like tabbies.”
Six words struck Sinclair’s heart like a heavy hammer.
That was the promise Zhì had once craved so desperately yet seemed unattainable.
The human she loved was fickle and greedy; her affection was divided among so many, leaving only scattered scraps for Sinclair.
But now, Sinclair had it all.
Though just for this moment, it was enough to shake his heart and heat his soul.
But the tabby wasn’t good enough.
Not worthy of her.
Sinclair twitched his ears and spoke rapidly: “I think I heard Chanyue looking for me. It must be urgent. I’ll go see him.”
He dared not look Jiang Huaying in the eyes as he spoke, fleeing immediately after finishing.
【 Black Mist Density -10】
Jiang Huaying didn’t react in time before darkness enveloped her.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at the treehouse.
Sinclair clearly felt off, but before Jiang Huaying could figure out what was going on, the Butcher returned.
Seeing Zhì rush back disheveled, going straight to the kitchen to cook lunch, Jiang Huaying inexplicably felt guilty.
The feeling was like sneaking around with a lover and returning home to find the honest husband working diligently around the house.
Jiang Huaying nervously lowered her head and muttered to herself.
Shouldn’t smell like strawberries, right?
She patted her clothes, dragging her feet to the Butcher’s side, instinctively wanting to make up for Zhì: “Need my help?”
The Butcher washed his hands and with one hand carried her to the farthest place from the stove, sitting her down, then handed her a small bowl of diced apples: “Not enough? There’s more.”
Jiang Huaying puffed her cheeks: “…Okay.”
Sinclair did not go to see Chanyue but instead came to a deserted lakeside.
The still lake surface was like a huge mirror, clearly reflecting his figure.
The shadow covered his figure then quickly twisted and shrank.
The reflection in the lake changed.
Soon, a tabby cat appeared on the lake’s surface; Sinclair slowly stepped forward, revealing his full body in the reflection.
The tabby was beautiful, its fur glossy and bright, with an elegant, agile figure.
But none of this could make up for the physical defects.
Sinclair’s left ear near the tip had a chunk bitten off; though healed, the cat ear had a permanent hole.
His tail was noticeably shorter than other cats’.
When Jiang Huaying found Sinclair, his tail tip had been severely injured and had to be amputated.
These two scars were things Sinclair could never change no matter how hard he tried.
They were the god’s flaws and evidence of Zhì’s former weakness and incapacity.
Sinclair knew Jiang Huaying had many pets.
They all looked better, were more special, more unique than him.
Whenever Sinclair recalled that Jiang Huaying had seen him so ugly once, he felt suffocated by the pain and didn’t want to appear before her in that damaged form again.
After leaving the moonlight flower sea, Jiang Huaying hadn’t seen Sinclair again.
Zhì lay down once more.
Though unseen, his presence was strong.
In the afternoon, Jiang Huaying’s ears were restless; the Black Mist Density fluctuated wildly.
She knew this was important, a key to eliminating Black Mist, and was considering a proper time to have a serious talk with Sinclair.
But before she could find the opportunity, someone arrived first.
A figure in white, Chanyue, brushed aside the bright moonlight and knocked on her door.
“May I come in and talk?”