A Candid Exchange

"You know everything!" Xiao Wu's mind went blank, and her heartbeat slowed for a moment.

Her body trembled slightly—not a coincidence. Chen Xuan really did know everything.

On the day the Spirit Hall attacked the Heaven Dou army, his words were somewhat suggestive, hinting that he had known for a very long time.

Xiao Wu stood frozen in place, her mind blank, not knowing how to respond.

Chen Xuan's words reminded her and made her realize her selfishness. How painful would it be for her child to be born without a father?

Xiao Wu had never met her own father from birth and grew up relying solely on her mother. Later, her mother was hunted down by the Spirit Hall, leaving her completely alone in this world.

Having experienced hardship, she lacked a sense of security and craved familial love. She didn't want her unborn child to suffer as she did and wished to give her baby a happy life.

That was why Xiao Wu was so tormented and resistant; she couldn't accept Chen Xuan.

Whenever she thought about accepting Chen Xuan, the memory of that night resurfaced—the disgusting liquid, the pungent smell, the suffocating sensation. It felt as if it had happened just yesterday. She felt nauseous, her throat constricted as if it were clogged, and her stomach churned uncomfortably.

On one hand, there was her child's happy childhood, and on the other, the man she rejected. Xiao Wu wished deeply that this man were her Third Brother, so she wouldn't have to make this difficult choice.

Chen Xuan could read all of Xiao Wu's conflicted emotions. He sighed, feeling heavy-hearted.

He understood that, given Xiao Wu's ideals of purity, it would be hard for her to accept him after losing herself to him. It would take time to heal those wounds.

"No matter what, whatever you choose, I will respect you," Chen Xuan said softly, offering the greatest respect he could. He didn't want Xiao Wu to make a painful decision.

"I don't have any family left in this world. You and the baby are now the ones I most want to protect. Whether you want me to or not, I won't let anyone hurt either of you," Chen Xuan said with determination, making a solemn promise.

For the sake of the child and the child's mother, what did it matter if he acted devoted?

The trees swayed, and the sunset's glow filtered through the leaves, casting a golden light over the two of them.

Xiao Wu's eyes were complex, her mind swirling. After hesitating for a long time, she spoke, "Chen Xuan, do you really not mind the child?"

She lowered her head, touching her stomach, her thoughts chaotic.

Chen Xuan was stunned. What kind of question was that? Who would dislike their own child?

"Why would I mind my own child?" He truly didn't understand.

"No, you must promise!" Xiao Wu was emotional and insistent on this matter.

Chen Xuan felt perplexed but still raised three fingers and swore to the sky, "If I am not good to my wife and child, may I be struck by lightning."

Then, thinking it wasn't enough, he added, "I will never gamble or poison myself; if I do, may I be struck down."

"Who… who said I was your wife? If you keep talking nonsense, I'll tear your mouth apart!" Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed red, her shame and anger apparent. She ignored the rest of his silly talk.

"Huh?"

Now it was Chen Xuan's turn to be confused. What was going on? Wasn't her earlier question a step towards reconciliation?

He had even felt a moment of happiness.

"I no longer have parents, and the child cannot go through what I did," Xiao Wu said, her eyes dim with sorrow, recalling painful memories.

Looking at Chen Xuan, her tone softened, "Thank you for not rejecting the baby, Chen Xuan."

Xiao Wu couldn't imagine what she would do if, one day, her future child naively asked, "Mommy, why don't I have a daddy?" How would she answer then?

Only those who have been through hardship know the pain it brings. She didn't want her child to suffer the way she had. For this, she could compromise and try to accept the man who had violated her.

"Why would I ever reject my own child?" Chen Xuan smiled. A beautiful wife and an obedient, lovely daughter were all he had ever wished for.

"Don't get any ideas. I'm only compromising for the child's sake. I haven't accepted you yet!" Xiao Wu lifted her chin and huffed at Chen Xuan.

Chen Xuan heard the underlying meaning—if not now, then someday in the future?

He looked at Xiao Wu with an odd expression. Was she implying he should try harder?

"Even in the future, no!" Xiao Wu snorted, raising her head and chest to quash any of his thoughts.

Chen Xuan felt indifferent. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to accept his presence anyway; it was enough that she didn't hate him.

"Chen Xuan, do you really know nothing?" Xiao Wu's expression turned strange as she eyed him with suspicion.

Chen Xuan was confused. What was she talking about?

Xiao Wu walked to a large tree, turned her back to him, and sighed, "For any soul beast that takes human form, before reaching level sixty, their body and spirit power remain unstable. If they get pregnant during this time, the baby will inherit some soul beast characteristics."

In other words, their child might be born with traits of the Soft Bone Charming Rabbit.

Men's words can be deceitful. Now that Chen Xuan knew the details, how would he react, and what would he do?

Xiao Wu's heart was tense, even though she had her back turned. When it came to the baby, every detail mattered. Her heart pounded as she waited nervously for Chen Xuan's response.

Truth be told, Chen Xuan was quite affected when he heard this. No one would wish for their offspring to be half-beast, half-human. What should he do now?

It wasn't that he couldn't accept it; he was just worried about the child's well-being. How would they deal with discrimination and odd stares?

During Chen Xuan's silence, Xiao Wu's heart raced, and her nervousness increased. She had already crumpled the edge of her dress with her fingers.

"Are you… are you going to change your mind?" Her voice trembled.

Chen Xuan said, "You've misunderstood. I was just thinking that the child would eventually enter human society and face discrimination. I was worried about that."

"Don't lie to me. You really don't mind?"

"Really!"

Chen Xuan's expression was serious, giving her an affirmative answer.

"I was wondering if there might be an elixir that could stabilize your body and nourish the child, ensuring they are born strong," he murmured, solidifying his thoughts. He would need to ask around or hope for a reward that could help.

Xiao Wu shook her head sadly. She also wished the baby would be free of soul beast traits and avoid strange looks.

"I don't know either. Third Brother knows so much about medicinal herbs; maybe he could help."

Even as she said this, she felt scared and didn't dare to ask, because that would mean Tang San would find out about her pregnancy.

"Don't worry, I'll find a way," Chen Xuan said softly. He reached out his hand but quickly pulled it back.

Xiao Wu blinked her long eyelashes but said nothing.

After a moment of silence, Chen Xuan acted as if nothing had happened and continued, "Xiao Wu, I came to see you for another reason."

"Mm." Xiao Wu nodded gently, her demeanor softer, no longer so resistant to his presence.

Chen Xuan took a deep breath, his expression turning serious. "I know I have no right to persuade you, and I shouldn't, but I can't just watch you and the baby get hurt. Xiao Wu, it's time to leave Spirit City. Let me take you away."

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!

LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus