"Theoretically, it's absolutely foolproof…"
Dai Chengfeng silently repeated to himself, but his gaze grew increasingly complex as he looked at Qiu'er.
Soon, he extended his hand, his fingertips gently brushing against the warm fur on Qiu'er's back. His movements were delicate, as if handling the most fragile flower.
In her sleep, Qiu'er seemed to sense Dai Chengfeng's familiar presence. Her tiny, delicate nose twitched slightly, and she let out a few soft, babyish "murmurs" from her small mouth. Instinctively, she snuggled closer to his large hand.
Dai Chengfeng carefully gathered her small, warm, furry body into his arms.
The little ball of fluff wriggled against his chest, soon finding what seemed like an extremely comfortable spot. She nuzzled it a bit before drifting back to sleep.
Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, shaking his head. His fingertips brushed through Qiu'er's silky golden fur, feeling the complete trust she placed in him. His eyes softened with affection, and he murmured softly:
"…But I wonder, will Qiu'er be willing?"
Although Dai Chengfeng was confident that Qiu'er trusted him deeply, he still wasn't certain she would agree.
After all, for Qiu'er, sacrificing herself…
Meant giving up everything she had, entrusting her life and future entirely—without reservation—to Dai Chengfeng.
"Haa!"
Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath, lowered his head slightly, and whispered softly: "Qiu'er, wake up. Qiu'er…"
"Hmm…?"
Soon, a low mumble sounded, and the fluffy "ball" shifted slightly.
Then, Qiu'er's clear golden eyes, which seemed to hold the stars within them, slowly opened, clouded with the dewiness and confusion of just waking up.
She tilted her small head, taking a while to recognize Dai Chengfeng.
"Dai Chengfeng... you're back..."
Her soft voice carried the weight of heavy sleep, and her eyes reflected pure joy and reassurance.
"Mm."
Dai Chengfeng nodded, his fingers gently combing through her smooth, shiny golden fur. He spoke tenderly, "Qiu'er, would you transform back into your human form?"
Qiu'er's radiant golden eyes were still hazy, clearly not fully awake.
She looked at Dai Chengfeng with confusion, not understanding why he wanted her to transform now.
But long-standing habit and trust kept her from questioning further. She let out a sleepy "Mmm," her voice thick with a nasal tone, as if agreeing.
Soon, a warm golden light enveloped Qiu'er's small beastly form.
The light swirled and condensed, and in an instant, a girl with dreamlike blue-pink hair replaced the ball of fluff, appearing in Dai Chengfeng's arms.
Her waist-length hair cascaded like a waterfall over Dai Chengfeng's arm, and her petite body, still warm and soft from just waking, nestled completely against his chest.
Dai Chengfeng looked down at the pure, flawless face in his arms, her golden eyes wide open, brimming with unreserved trust and dependence.
His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, a corner of his heart touched.
He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.
"Hmm?"
Qiu'er was momentarily stunned by Dai Chengfeng's kiss. The sleepiness in her golden eyes instantly faded, replaced by a pout of dissatisfaction. She murmured softly, "Mmm... here..."
Her innocent complaint sounded like a plea for more.
Seeing her like this, the heaviness in Dai Chengfeng's heart seemed to lighten a bit, and he couldn't help but chuckle softly.
He leaned down again, this time accurately capturing her slightly pouted cherry lips.
"Mmm..."
Qiu'er let out a soft hum, its meaning unclear, then obediently closed her eyes, somewhat awkwardly yet very compliantly accepting Dai Chengfeng's kiss.
Her arms unconsciously wrapped around Dai Chengfeng's neck, her slender fingers curling slightly.
"Mmm~"
---
A long while passed.
Only when Qiu'er pushed against his chest did Dai Chengfeng finally break away, breathing heavily.
By then, Qiu'er's pale little face had flushed with an intoxicating red. Her small mouth panted rapidly, her beautiful eyes glistening as they looked at Dai Chengfeng, filled with naive shyness and delight.
Dai Chengfeng calmed his heartbeat, his long fingers gently combing through her silk-like blue-pink hair over and over, as if organizing his thoughts.
Finally, he cupped Qiu'er's face, making her look directly into his eyes.
At this moment, there was no trace of the usual mischief or casualness in Dai Chengfeng's deep eyes, only an unprecedented seriousness and solemnity.
"Qiu'er," Dai Chengfeng's voice was low and clear, "if…"
He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, "I mean, *if*… one day, I need you to sacrifice yourself to become my soul ring…"
As soon as Dai Chengfeng spoke, the girl in his arms noticeably stiffened. Her golden pupils contracted sharply, filled with surprise and the instinctive fear ingrained in spirit beasts.
Feeling Qiu'er's reaction, Dai Chengfeng immediately tightened his arms, as if to offer some comfort. Still gazing into Qiu'er's eyes, he made his promise, word by word.
"But!"
"I can assure you, the sacrifice won't truly kill you. Your essence, your consciousness—they will not fade!"
"And in the future, I promise to give you a new body, even help you ascend to godhood!"
"Though it may sound like a fairy tale now, this is my promise!"
"You…" Dai Chengfeng looked at Qiu'er's slightly panicked eyes with utmost seriousness, "Do you trust me enough to believe me?"
Instantly, the room fell silent, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
The blush on Qiu'er's face disappeared, leaving behind a pale astonishment.
"…Sacrifice?"
Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, trembling slightly, "Does… does that mean becoming a soul ring? And then… never… never being able to return?"
She recalled stories from long ago, deep in the Great Star Dou Forest, about powerful spirit beasts sacrificing themselves to human soul masters.
Dai Chengfeng quickly shook his head: "In a sense, yes."
"You'll temporarily lose your current body and become an energy essence attached to my soul ring… but I swear, it will only be temporary!"
"Your soul and consciousness will be preserved. Qiu'er will still be Qiu'er!"
"It's not the end—it's a new beginning!"
"What I'm talking about is creating a new, powerful body for you—a body that truly belongs to you!"
Dai Chengfeng's tone was earnest, his arms firmly wrapped around Qiu'er: "I need your help, Qiu'er."
"You are suited to become my most powerful fifth soul ring."
"And this… this is also a chance for you to break free from the shackles that prevent spirit beasts from ascending to godhood!"
Qiu'er didn't respond. Her body trembled uncontrollably.
The instinctive fear of "sacrifice equals disappearance" rooted deep in her spirit beast bloodline made her want to escape, to flee…
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