After transforming into a fairy, I, in my simulation, wreaked havoc in the cultivation world.

[After a long while, until the profound enlightenment in your mind slowly receded like the tide, you slowly opened your eyes.]

You lower your gaze, silently staring at your right hand, which grips the longsword tightly.

You can clearly sense that around the cold blade of sword, there seems to be a subtle "aura" that is imperceptible to ordinary people.

That is the flow of energy between heaven and earth, and also the clearest flaw.

[You understand in your heart: if you can follow this invisible momentum when you strike with your sword, not only will its power increase several times over, but you will also be able to accurately perceive and cut off the enemy's fatal weaknesses in the blink of an eye.]

[Understanding the mind and seeing the edge means understanding not only one's own swordsmanship, but also the power of heaven and earth, thus laying the foundation for the next realm of swordsmanship: the formation of a domain of sword intent.]

【"Phew~"

You slowly exhale a breath of stale air, letting it dissipate into a wisp of white mist before your eyes. The slender figure standing in the moonlight appears frail, yet her back is ramrod straight, like a long sword that will never bend.

[You know very well that even with the blessing of the Moonlit Divine Body, you are not exactly a genius when it comes to the way of the sword.]

But since embarking on your spiritual practice, you have consistently adhered to one principle:

If you lack talent, then repeat the process!

There are no shortcuts in life for ordinary people. The more you compare yourself to others, the more desperate you will become. Only by stopping those unrealistic comparisons and delusions can you move forward through self-improvement!

After a comforting, harmless dose of inspirational advice, you're about to take off your robes and reward yourself with a refreshing soak in a mountain spring.

However, just as his fingertips touched the sash, the figure within his consciousness finally stirred.

You paused, then without hesitation, quickly wrapped your robes tighter around yourself and vanished into the distance, becoming a blur as you sped out of the forest.

【...】

As night deepened and all was quiet, a slender figure moved alone through the dark mountain forest.

If you look closely, you'll find that her current state has an inexplicable eeriness.

Those eyes seemed devoid of all emotion, like two stagnant pools of water, utterly devoid of any ripples.

She stared blankly ahead, like a marionette, moving forward step by step with a stiff and mechanical posture.

[This figure is Zhou Xiaonuan.]

From dozens of miles away, you witnessed everything, yet you made no rash move. Instead, you concealed your aura and followed her at a leisurely pace.

[Upon entering a crevice in a canyon, Zhou Xiaonuan's figure vanished in the blink of an eye.]

Your eyes flickered slightly, but you didn't rush forward, remaining hidden dozens of miles away.

After nearly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a figure slowly crawled out of the gap in a chilling manner.

Yes, they crawled out on all fours.

The face still resembled Zhou Xiaonuan's, but the hunched back, twisted joints, and the beast-like crawling posture exuded an indescribable eeriness and incongruity.

After she crawled out of the crevice, she cautiously looked around like a wild animal.

【"Meow~!"】

Without warning, a perfectly clear meow escaped her lips.

[Then, as if instinctively wanting to clean something, she slowly raised the back of her hand, brought it to her lips, and gently licked it.]

But in just a moment, her movements froze, as if she had remembered something, and her expression visibly turned disappointed as she silently lowered her hand.

"Zhou Xiaonuan."

A cold, clear voice abruptly pierced the silent night.

The girl's body stiffened abruptly, instinctively displaying beast-like agility as she swiftly retreated several steps. She crouched low, her eyes fierce and wary, fixed on the direction from which the sound came.

However, when the moonlight illuminated the newcomer's face, the fierce glint in her eyes quickly faded, replaced by pure confusion and curiosity.

【"Meow?"】

A low, questioning sound escaped her throat, and her body instinctively tried to move forward, but she stopped abruptly after taking only half an inch.

Looking at the other person tilting their head, staring intently at you with those clear eyes, a soft ripple of emotion welled up uncontrollably in your heart.

The divination phrase resurfaced in my mind: "If you blossom, butterflies will come."

And so...

You slowly crouched down, assuming a completely non-threatening posture, and gently opened your arms towards her, your tone incredibly gentle:

【"Come."】

At this moment, you seem to have some kind of unseen premonition; with a slight thought, you completely withdraw the suppression of all auras.

【"Meow!!!"】

Zhou Xiaonuan's pupils suddenly contracted, as if she had caught a familiar scent that sent chills down her spine. Her figure blurred into a blur, lunging straight at you.

You were already in a very relaxed state, and her powerful bump caused you to lose your balance.

The two rolled around several times on the soft grass until they bumped into a tree root, finally coming to a stop amidst a flurry of activity.

【"Meow~ Master~"

A soft, gentle voice, tinged with a hint of dependence, suddenly rang in your ear.

You were already frowning, ready to scold her, but those two unexpected words startled you so much that you froze, your mind going completely blank.

[Master...Master?]

Your thoughts begin to wander uncontrollably: If you could truly subdue this great demon, and one day ride that colossal cat that reaches the heavens and earth, swaggering through the cultivation world, what a spectacular sight that would be!

You raised your hand to wipe away non-existent drool from the corner of your mouth, then reached out and gently ruffled the fluffy head of the girl in your arms.

Zhou Xiaonuan squinted her eyes in obvious enjoyment, letting out a soft, satisfied sigh. She even tilted her head back and rubbed her cheek against your palm.

Feeling the warmth and softness of his palm, you fell silent.

[After a moment, you pulled yourself out of the enjoyment of petting the cat, helped the girl sit up straight, and, under her resentful gaze, asked seriously:]

"Why do you call me master?"

【"Um..."】

The girl frowned slightly, instinctively putting her finger in her mouth, but slowly lowered it after meeting your gaze.

A moment later, she gave a perfect answer:

"A master is a master indeed."

"Waaaaah~ Master, I've been looking for you for so, so long!"

Before you could speak again, the girl rushed into your arms once more, her sobbing voice ringing in your ear:

"Where did you go? Don't you want Xiaonuan anymore? Do you have a new cat?"

Looking at the girl clinging to you in your arms like a kitten, you sighed helplessly and could only gently pat her back to comfort her, while a sense of confusion arose in your heart:

Could this really be my cat?

...

...

...

(One update at 7 PM tonight, I have some things to do this afternoon.)

(Thank you so much for all the gifts and for all the hard work!)