Zhu Jin

Unfettered by the shocked Bai Shuixian, the white tiger walked closer to her condescendingly. Although she was appalled, she was not afraid of the tiger anymore. Despite the tiger getting closer to her with every step it took, she did not crouch or react in fright.

Instead, she stared at the tiger with curious eyes. Her intrigue had been struck by the tiger and she started to eye him with a bright shine. The tiger that saw her glowing scrutiny, began to slow his walking speed and think if it was a good idea to get closer to her.

His radar was screaming 'DANGER'. This feeling was something he had not felt in years. Especially after becoming the king of the forest.

He was even feeling happy about how the forest was named after him. After generations of preying in this forest, he was the most famous character and humans feared him. The only ones that stayed close to the forest also did their best to stray far from him.

At the final step when his paws could touch Bai Shuixian's ripped shoes, he paused. His previous greatly inflated ego and bravery beaten down when he saw the peculiar expression on her face. It was a mixture of not only fascination, but also an additional calculating gaze.

"You… Why are you staring at me like that?" the tiger asked with a tough front, though feeling like a piece of meat on a chopping block.

It was unknown who was in control of her body at the moment. Only, Bai Shuixian felt that she could not control her emotions nor actions at the moment. She was in a bind that she did not know about and she feared it yet was interested to know more.

With a grin, Bai Shuixian answered, "No need to worry, dear white tiger."

The white tiger felt a shiver up his spine. Even his coating of beautiful white and black was standing up as though lightning had struck it. He slowly took steps backwards.

"I was a bit worried about water and food, but it seems I won't have to worry now," Bai Shuixian happily said.

'What in the world is this human going off about?' the white tiger thought while continuing to back up as Bai Shuixian followed it at the same pace.

"Dear white tiger, tell me, what is your name?" Bai Shuixian kindly asked with a smile. "Ah, it seems I am being a bit rude. I should be introducing myself first."

Giving the tiger a not full bow, Bai Shuixian introduced, "Hello, my name is Xuan Yueji."

Still jolted by Bai Shuixian's actions, the tiger remained speechless. Its movements also paused when hearing her introductions.

'Really… When did humans introduce themself in such a condescending way? Is this the new trend among humans?' the white tiger asked himself.

At the same time, Bai Shuxian scared herself. She did not say those words at all. She did not even know who Xuan Yueji was, so what in the world was happening?

Once again, Bai Shuixian spoke, "White tiger… Looking at your form… Don't you need some water and self-care?"

The tiger had not noticed his body, so though he thought about finding water, he did not really care about cleaning himself up. Only after being reminded by Bai Shuixian did he finally look down. Changing his perspective, he found that his paws were bloody and that the thorny bushes had caused damage to his beautiful coat of fur.

"Y-you… T-this… Roar!" the tiger shouted in anger and embarrassment.

He had never been in such a pitiful position before. The white tiger truly regretted trying to hunt down this little child. If only he knew that this person was so good at causing him to smash into plants, then he would not have tried to prey on him!

"White tiger, what's your name?" Bai Shuixian asked again. "White tiger, even if you don't like me, I think being together in this forest would be beneficial. Don't you think? Also, I might have something you want."

The white tiger did not care about the things Bai Shuixian said at first, but the last sentence struck him. He was a little suspicious at what this person could have that he would want though. She could also tell that he was suspicious of her.

Even she was suspicious of herself. Bai Shuixian seriously wondered if someone put her under a spell or curse. She felt like there was another person in her body controlling everything she was doing right now.

"The Temple of Clairvoyance," Bai Shuixian lightly and simply stated.

Hearing that name, the tiger finally focused on Bai Shuixian more. However, it also wondered how she knew what he wanted. Also, how did she know about the Temple of Clairvoyance?

Giving a "hmph" the tiger introduced himself, "Zhu Jin."

"Hm… Not a bad name," Bai Shuixian commented. "Though… Not exactly as grand and fancy as I thought it would be."

Zhu Jin was mad again. In the animal kingdom, nobody cared for names. Your name was your scent and taste.

Angrily, Zhu Jin retorted, "Only you stupid humans would care for those names that represent nothing."

"Hm… That's where you're incorrect," Bai Shuixian rejected. "Why don't you look at my name? Xuan Yueji… Xuan as in the color black and Yueji as in a rose."

Scoffing, Zhu Jin rebutted, "Your parents must have hated you to give you such a feminine name."

"Now, now, that's where you're wrong," Bai Shuixian informed. "My parents did not give me this name, but my creator."

Zhu Jin stared at Bai Shuixian as though she was joking with him. When she shook her head casually, his entire body trembled. He also muttered to himself, 'Could this be? Could it truly be?'

Whilst all of this was happening, Bai Shuixian was freaking out with herself. Truly, who could help her? She was confused by everything her body was doing.

She did not command for something to be done or said, yet her body was doing it. Her muscles did not listen to her and the limbs of her body that was sore and fatigued felt a bit lighter though still painful. She did not know how this could be happening when just a second ago, she felt that there was a huge mountain stacked on top of her.

"Is your name truly Xuan Yueji?" Zhu Jin asked, a little shaken.

Smirking, Bai Shuixian answered, "What do you want to know?"

She was avoiding the question. Zhu Jin knew that, but he was really desperate for the answer. Only the Jade Emperor knew how long he had waited for this day.

"Please tell me… What is the name of the person who owns this body?" Zhu Jin asked more humbly.

"Bai Shuixian," she finally relented.

His emotions stirred, Zhu Jin shouted, "Thank you… Thank you heavens! Hahahaha! The heavens have truly not abandoned me!"

Bai Shuixian jolted at the loud screaming of Zhu Jin and asked quietly, "Uh… Sir? Why is my name important?"

With an unforeseen smile, Zhu Jin answered, "Naturally it is! You have no idea how long I've been waiting!"