Chapter 20: Misunderstanding – Likes the Master the Most

What…

Who was captured? Who was snatched?

Ming Shuang was stunned for a moment. He subconsciously glanced toward Coal Ball, only to see that it hadn’t uttered a word in rebuttal. Instead, it hung its head in silent admission.

The Little Dragon Hatchling stared blankly in confusion before turning his head to look at Xuzhi.

By then, Xuzhi had already stepped forward. He bent down and scooped Ming Shuang into his arms.

He had sensed the abrupt shift in the atmosphere but couldn’t understand a thing Tomato was saying.

It was probably nothing pleasant.

Xuzhi kept his expression calm as he lowered his gaze and asked, “Your friend?”

Ming Shuang fell quiet for a moment before softly humming, “Mm.”

Tomato’s eyes brimmed with suspicion. It scrutinized Xuzhi once more.

He didn’t recognize it anymore?

No wonder he looked so different from before…

“What does it want?” Xuzhi’s tone carried a chill. “Where is it trying to take you?”

Tomato bristled at the words. Why did it make the bird sound like some villain?

They had been apart for far too long, and it had no idea what was going on… In any case, it only wanted to see Ming Shuang and Coal Ball. It had no interest in Xuzhi.

Ming Shuang listened to its muttering, a complicated mix of emotions stirring within him.

He had missed Tomato terribly too. He never imagined they would reunite here… It should have been a moment of pure joy, but…

Ming Shuang reconsidered. No matter what misunderstandings there had been in the past, they had all come together safely now. That was what truly mattered.

It was just like with Coal Ball. On the night they first met, it had nearly come to blows with Xuzhi. Yet things had turned out fine in the end…

However, Tomato clearly didn’t see it that way.

It stood up, shaking out its feathers as its muttering grew louder. “Cheep cheep!”

Fine then! It would just pretend it had never come here at all. It would leave right now!

Ming Shuang panicked and straightened up in Xuzhi’s arms. “Awoo?”

The Red Bird paused mid-turn, catching sight of the Little Dragon Hatchling’s anxious, aggrieved gaze. Its heart instantly softened.

But with Xuzhi right there, it still felt awkward—especially after its earlier failed attempt to snatch the little dragon, which had left everything feeling terribly embarrassing.

Tomato dawdled along, taking a few slow steps toward the outside.

Ming Shuang wanted to chase after it but was held firmly in place by Xuzhi.

Xuzhi stroked the Little Dragon Hatchling’s back in a soothing motion. “It won’t go far.”

Besides, he had already witnessed this Red Bird’s Earth Array. There was no chance he would let it get another opportunity to take Ming Shuang away.

The Red Bird hadn’t flown off very far. It overheard Xuzhi’s words and froze stiff.

It whipped its head around for one last fierce glare before spreading its wings and taking flight.

The Little Dragon Hatchling hurriedly called out after it. “Awoo?”

Even without Shapeshifting—and even though Tomato didn’t understand the Dragon Language—it could hear the clear plea to stay in his voice.

It didn’t look back, but its form inexplicably wobbled once in midair.

Coal Ball let out a resigned sigh and took off after Tomato.

It woo-wooed reassuringly, letting Ming Shuang know not to worry—it would go and talk some sense into the bird.

Only then did Ming Shuang relax a little. He watched the retreating figures of the two magical beasts.

Xuzhi took the moment to survey their surroundings and assess the environment they were in.

Tomato had snatched Ming Shuang away and fled in a chaotic panic. They had no idea which part of Netherworld Mountain they had ended up in.

Heading back the way they had come and making it to White Cloud City would take them well past nightfall.

Xuzhi glanced down at Ming Shuang cradled in his arms. The Little Dragon Hatchling was still gazing wistfully in the direction the beasts had gone, clearly reluctant to leave just yet.

They hadn’t made many preparations, but spending the night in the forest was hardly impossible.

Xuzhi lifted his eyes and spotted one black shape and one red in the distance.

His face betrayed no emotion, but in the end, he relented. He began searching nearby for a water source.

Meanwhile, Tomato vented its frustration by kicking at the bushes. It demanded to know from Coal Ball why it was siding with Xuzhi. Had it truly accepted him as its master?

Coal Ball kept its head low. “Woo…”

But the Little Dragon was happy staying with Xuzhi.

Xuzhi had lost his memories and grown much weaker. Wasn’t it all for protecting Ming Shuang?

On top of that, Ming Shuang had inexplicably reverted to his juvenile phase. He still couldn’t stabilize his Shapeshifting either. Xuzhi was the one taking care of him.

Tomato shot back immediately. “Cheep!”

I can take care of the Little Dragon too!

Really?

Coal Ball eyed Tomato skeptically and began listing off all the things Xuzhi handled every day.

First thing upon waking, he would wipe down the Little Dragon’s face and help him with his morning routine. Then he would head downstairs to select a suitable breakfast and feed him. His days were mostly spent venturing out to earn money.

Lunch and dinner couldn’t be just anything either. Ming Shuang was quite picky about his food and wouldn’t touch anything that didn’t suit his palate.

In the evenings, he bathed the Little Dragon, using the softest towel to wipe him down twice over. The water temperature had to be just right—not too hot, not too cold. Sometimes he even had to carefully trim his claws with scissors.

Lately, Ming Shuang had consumed quite a few Magic Stones. Perhaps it was his growth spurt in this juvenile phase, but he was starting to grow neck fur. His neck would itch at night, and every time, he needed Xuzhi to gently scratch it for him.

Ming Shuang wasn’t like ordinary magical beasts, after all. He could Shapeshift, and many of his habits and preferences were far closer to those of the Human Race. He had never known hardship.

Was Tomato suggesting they take him away from Xuzhi and make him live like a feral dragon out in the woods?

Tomato fell silent. It plopped down onto the ground with a thud.

All right… Back in the day, Xuzhi had taken care of every aspect of the Little Dragon’s food, shelter, and daily needs too.

Coal Ball pressed on with its persuasion. Xuzhi had amnesia now anyway, and his strength was a shadow of its former self. They might as well treat this as a fresh start—get to know him again and keep the Little Dragon company in the meantime.

Tomato struggled with the idea for a while but eventually trailed after Coal Ball, slowly making their way back.

By the time the two magical beasts returned, Xuzhi had discovered a small lake not far off. He decided they would camp there for the night.

His Storage Bag still held a Simple Tent—one they had used back in Green Pine Town. It was rather thin, but it would do in a pinch.

Ming Shuang lit up with joy upon seeing Tomato trailing behind Coal Ball. He flew straight toward it.

This time, Xuzhi didn’t interfere. He simply stood back and watched.

Tomato was still acting awkward, its gaze darting away. Returning like this felt a little humiliating.

But the moment it saw the Little Dragon Hatchling barreling toward it, all those thoughts vanished. It spread its wings in excitement. “Cheep!”

Ming Shuang dove headfirst into the thick mass of feathers. Tomato wrapped him up tight and rolled around on the ground in delight.

“Cheep cheep!”

It poured out all its longing for Ming Shuang, along with tales of its own hardships over the years.

It had guarded Netherworld Mountain for so long, and finally, the Little Dragon had returned. Woo woo woo…

The Little Dragon Hatchling caught the key detail in Tomato’s words and poked his head out from the feathers. “Mm?”

Eh? What did that mean?

Tomato picked up on the bewilderment and curiosity in Ming Shuang’s eyes. It chirped back. “Cheep?”

Wasn’t the treasure on Netherworld Mountain the one the Little Dragon had left behind?

Ming Shuang grew even more baffled. One that I left?

And so Tomato explained. A very long time ago, rumors had spread of a Dragon Clan treasure hidden on Netherworld Mountain. Back then, it had assumed the treasure belonged to Ming Shuang, so it had rushed over to investigate.

Unfortunately, it couldn’t enter the entrance to the ruins at the mountain peak. Worried that some other Beast Tamer might claim it, it had set up an Earth Array in the vicinity of the summit.

The peak sat at the very heart of Netherworld Mountain, surrounded by other High-Tier Magical Beasts. Every Beast Tamer who came searching for the treasure had failed.

And so Tomato had stayed on Netherworld Mountain, hoping that one day Ming Shuang would come.

Until recently, when it seemed someone else had set their sights on the treasure.

Tomato huffed twice. Even if anyone managed to reach the peak, they wouldn’t be able to break its Earth Array. Ming Shuang’s treasure was perfectly safe.

And even if they somehow broke the array, rumor had it that the outskirts of the ruins were guarded by a pack of ferocious Guardian Beasts—though it had never actually seen what they looked like.

Ming Shuang listened quietly all the way through before letting out a soft “Mm.”

So that was how it was…

A pang of sympathy tugged at his heart. He leaned in close and licked Tomato’s forehead.

The green feathers on Tomato’s head all fluffed up as it nuzzled against Ming Shuang’s cheek.

As for the treasure…

Ming Shuang decided he absolutely had to go take a look.

Tomato had guarded it for so long. No matter who had left it there originally, it was his now anyway!

Just then, Xuzhi called out, “Come and eat.”

Dusk was settling in. Several orbs of golden magic floated in the air, providing light. Xuzhi retrieved the preserved Deer Hoof Soup from before. Coal Ball had already helped reheat it once and was now off foraging for wild fruits nearby.

Ming Shuang flew back to Xuzhi’s side and was promptly scooped up into his arms.

Tomato approached at a leisurely pace from behind, its eyes still evasive as it gave a light kick to some roadside weeds.

Xuzhi shot it a glance. As he fed Ming Shuang the soup, he said, “There’s not enough food. Go find your own.”

Tomato huffed. It turned and headed under a nearby tree. After sniffing around for a bit, it dug up a thick, tender root vegetable from the soil and chomped it down in one bite.

~~~

Night fell swiftly. Ming Shuang sprawled in Xuzhi’s arms, digesting his meal while having him scratch his neck.

Tomato wanted to chat more with him. It huddled into a ball on the ground and inched closer bit by bit.

Ming Shuang rolled over, about to beckon it nearer, when he suddenly felt a familiar surge of mana within his body.

A flash of white light—and he involuntarily Shapeshifted once more.

Xuzhi reacted the fastest. He caught Ming Shuang just before he could tumble into the grass and steadied him, then checked his condition.

Ming Shuang leaned against him, still a little dazed. Moments later, a wave of warmth enveloped him.

The night breeze was cool. Xuzhi removed his outer robe and draped it over him. “Any discomfort?”

Ming Shuang hesitated before nodding. “I can’t control the Shapeshifting…”

Just like the night before, his internal mana was in disorder, and his chest felt somewhat stuffy.

Fortunately, he had been through it once already and had some experience now. Ming Shuang focused on regulating his breathing and sorting through his mana.

Xuzhi frowned. “We’ll head back to the city tomorrow…”

Should they find a physician? But Ming Shuang’s condition was unique. It was best not to let outsiders learn of his identity—seeking medical help would only complicate matters.

The two magical beasts crowded closer. Tomato let out an anxious chirp of inquiry.

Coal Ball offered a rough explanation on Ming Shuang’s behalf, but in truth, none of them fully understood what was going on with him.

Ming Shuang rested in Xuzhi’s arms and reached out to stroke Tomato’s head.

“I…” He lowered his lashes. “You all left back then. I slept for a very long time on my own… and when I woke up, I was like this.”

However, Tomato shook its head and let out two chirps.

It wasn’t that they had wanted to leave. The previous space had kicked them all out, and now they couldn’t return. They had no idea where Xuzhi and Ming Shuang were, either.

Coal Ball nodded at its side, while Ming Shuang gazed at them in confusion. “Is that how it is…?”

He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Then what you said earlier, about being… being…”

Xuzhi was standing right there in front of them, but since he couldn’t understand the language of beasts, Tomato spoke without any reservations. “Chirp!”

That’s right! It had originally lived in a forest when Xuzhi suddenly captured it.

Under normal circumstances, high-tier magic beasts rarely submitted to a master willingly. Xuzhi wasn’t a beast tamer, and he hadn’t patiently tamed it or formed a beast contract with it.

Tomato had been forcibly kept at his side. If not for how cute Little Dragon was, and how friendly the other magic beasts seemed… most importantly, it simply couldn’t beat Xuzhi!

Xuzhi only appeared gentler when Ming Shuang was around. At other times, he paid little attention to the magic beasts.

Tomato also remembered how Ming Shuang used to sleep for long stretches at a time. He couldn’t play with the magic beasts every single day.

As it chattered on, Tomato shot Xuzhi a covert glare.

Coal Ball tugged at its feathers, urging it to calm down and not disturb Ming Shuang’s rest.

Seeing how pale Ming Shuang looked after shapeshifting, Tomato finally fell silent. Coal Ball pulled it to a spot farther away, and the two of them stood guard together beneath the tree.

Ming Shuang closed his eyes and remained quiet for quite a while.

He had never imagined… that the reason Coal Ball and the others seemed to have such a rocky relationship with Xuzhi was something like this.

Tomato had also mentioned how he often slept for extended periods, but Ming Shuang had little recollection of that.

The card pool was a place of eternal spring, where days stretched longer than nights. He had no strong sense of time and only knew that he was growing.

Ming Shuang felt deeply confused himself. It was as if, all of a sudden, too many incomprehensible things had cropped up.

If Xuzhi hadn’t lost his memory, he might have been the one who understood everything most clearly.

Xuzhi held Ming Shuang close and gently ran his hand through his silver hair. “What did it say?”

Ming Shuang stammered, refusing to repeat Tomato’s words to Xuzhi.

Just last night, he had declared that both he and Coal Ball were Xuzhi’s card beasts. But now, with this reunion with Tomato, it seemed like everything had changed.

Xuzhi didn’t press the issue. From Tomato’s behavior, he could guess the gist of it.

“It’s fine,” he murmured softly. “I don’t need magic beasts.”

Ming Shuang lifted his head and looked at Xuzhi. “What about me?”

His voice was barely above a whisper, and he looked rather aggrieved. Suddenly, he threw his arms around Xuzhi and hugged him tightly.

“There must be a misunderstanding!” Ming Shuang nuzzled against the side of Xuzhi’s neck. “Anyway, I like Master the most… and Master likes me the most too!”

~~~