Felix Fuller! The Lan, Phoenixfield, and Fuller clans have all converged here—was this just coincidence, or is it true that enemies are destined to meet?
A faint, inscrutable smile flashed in Nolan Dongling’s eyes. For the Fuller clan to reappear on the Nine Provinces Realm at this moment—they truly know how to pick their timing.
This continent is getting livelier by the day. Nolan never believed Felix’s arrival was a coincidence—how could there be such luck, that Felix would instantly befriend Serena Feng?
Just then, Serena Feng was describing how she found William Wang Jinling’s miserable state in the valley. Remembering William’s ordeal, Serena’s eyes reddened and her guilt deepened—she always felt that arriving late was why William suffered so much.
Seeing this, Nolan Dongling quickly pulled himself from his thoughts and interrupted Serena: "So, apart from Easestream City, you weren’t ambushed on the way? And your leg wound—no one else was involved?"
He absolutely didn’t want Serena feeling sorry for William—William was lucky enough already, what more could he want?
Nolan’s interruption snapped Serena out of her thoughts. She nodded and explained, following his lead: "Mm, the wound on my leg came from days of hard riding. I was worried about William’s safety and kept rushing ahead, so I didn’t have time or energy to deal with it. It just kept getting worse, until it turned out like this."
Fortunately, it’s just a flesh wound—no damage to the tendons or bones. With proper rest, it should heal in ten days to half a month. But with such a large area affected, I’ll probably be left with a scar."
When people relax, their guard drops, and they naturally follow the questioner’s lead. If anyone else tried this trick on Serena, it wouldn’t work—but Nolan is different. In front of him, Serena can’t help but let down her defenses.
Nolan carries a calming, reassuring presence. With him nearby, even the biggest crisis feels terrifying to Serena.
"Besides the wound on your leg, where else are you hurt?" Nolan Dongling continued to coax Serena gently, his touch growing softer, his gaze growing deeper and more unreadable.
William? You sure sound close.
Great. All this suffering for William Wang Jinling—Serena, you’ve really outdone yourself.
Nolan was so angry he could cough up blood, but the more furious he was, the less he let it show. Not a trace of anger on his face, only an aura of calm that made people drop their guard.
Serena had been tense for days, mentally and physically exhausted. Only beside Nolan did she finally relax. His gentle caresses made her so comfortable she just wanted to sleep, with no energy left to keep up her defenses.
Besides, Nolan would see through any attempt to hide her injuries. Serena figured she might as well play up her misery, hoping he’d feel sorry for her—and maybe, just maybe, go easy on her.
Serena snuggled into Nolan’s palm like a spoiled kitten, clearly trying to please him. "After leaving Easestream City, we lost our horses. We had to walk for days, and I got blisters on my feet.
It hurt so much—every step felt like walking on knife blades. And my throat? I had to shout for help in the canyon with no one to assist me. Nearly lost my voice. But after resting there for four or five days, I got much better."
She really was being honest—shouldn’t she get a reward for that?
Serena peeked at Nolan and saw his gentle eyes, which confirmed her guess: even if he was angry, he still appreciated her honesty.
Well done, Serena—you really went all out for William, didn’t you?
Nolan let out a muffled sigh. Only after making sure he’d masked his anger did he finally ask the question he cared about most, aside from Serena’s injuries.
"You and William Wang Jinling were trapped at the bottom of the canyon for five days—just the two of you? How did you get along? The late autumn chill is so harsh; did you catch cold?" Nolan trusted Serena, but not William. No matter how much of a gentleman William pretended to be, with an opportunity like that, what man wouldn’t be tempted?
Don’t be fooled by William’s gentlemanly act—he’s not nearly as virtuous as he seems. Only Serena would believe he’s just a confidant who’s given up on her.
Hmph. William had better watch himself. If he steps out of line, Nolan will personally pack him off to Skyvault Palace Sect’s eldest miss.
Nolan’s words sounded utterly caring and considerate, not a hint of suspicion or anger—at least, Serena didn’t sense anything wrong. Plus, she knew some things could be hidden, but some things couldn’t. Like the fact that she and William slept together for warmth in the canyon—she couldn’t keep that from Nolan.
Serena had already decided: when Nolan was in a good mood, she’d find a chance to tell him herself. Better to confess than let him hear it from someone else later.
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust William’s character; it just felt better to say it out loud. Keeping it secret would make things look shady. She’d already been accused of enough—what’s one more? If she admitted it herself, maybe Nolan would mind less.
Being upfront was better than hiding. Most men probably couldn’t accept it, but Nolan was different—she trusted him!
Serena went full ‘ostrich mode,’ closed her eyes, and told Nolan every detail about what happened in the canyon, leaving nothing out. When Nolan didn’t erupt in anger or interrupt her, she nervously added a summary and a little self-defense.
"Reporting to Your Highness: Yes, I did take care of William’s daily needs, but only as a physician treating a patient—there was nothing ambiguous between us. Besides, you know I’ve always seen William as a confidant and close friend, never even considered whether he’s a man or woman.
Same goes for sleeping together for warmth—it was pure necessity. There was only one quilt, and I didn’t want to freeze. That’s all there was to it.
Oh, and I was bundled up so tightly, not even a sliver of skin was showing. I swear to you, I’ve never betrayed you—my body and heart belong only to you, now and forever.
That’s the whole story. I beg you to understand and forgive me, just this once. I promise, this is the last time—there won’t be a next time."
With that, Serena sprawled out shamelessly, stretched her legs, closed her eyes, and kept her face covered.
She’d done everything she could. Now it was up to Nolan. She knew he’d be angry, but what’s done is done—and if she had to do it all over, she’d make the same choice again.
She waited, bracing for Nolan’s storm—ready for his rage, his scolding, even a beating if that’s what it took. She wouldn’t complain, not one word.
But after waiting ages with no reaction, Serena started to panic. She slowly peeked through her fingers to check Nolan’s expression, only to see…