Xiao Wu nodded.
She had deliberated for a long time before deciding to reveal this truth to Zhu Zhuqing.
After all, Tang Yin—the culprit—was right here. Even if she didn't speak, he certainly would. Better to confess proactively than let Tang Yin spout nonsense later.
"Whose is it?" Zhu Zhuqing asked calmly, her curiosity piqued.
Xiao Wu glanced at Tang Yin but hesitated, unsure whether to disclose the truth.
"It's mine," Tang Yin stated bluntly.
His words made Zhu Zhuqing and Liu Erlong snap their eyes toward him, disbelief flashing in their gazes.
How could Xiao Wu be pregnant with Tang Yin's child?
They vividly remembered Tang Yin was Tang San's older brother.
Xiao Wu should've been in love with Tang San—and they'd seen Tang San's feelings for her. Yet now Tang Yin claimed responsibility... It was impossible to believe.
Ah Yin, already privy to the truth, showed no surprise.
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Tang Yin, is this true?"
Tang Yin affirmed, "Yes. The child in Xiao Wu's womb is mine."
"Th-this…" Zhu Zhuqing stammered, still struggling to accept it.
"Zhu Zhuqing, I'm sorry for hiding this," Tang Yin said. "But it was an accident."
He turned to Xiao Wu. "Should you explain, or shall I?"
"I'll do it," Xiao Wu replied. There was no point in concealing things now.
She recounted how she and Tang San had been lured away by Snow Bing's men in Heaven Dou City, drugged, and later "saved" by Tang Yin—through physical intimacy to neutralize the toxins.
Zhu Zhuqing felt a wave of relief. She'd feared Xiao Wu and Tang Yin had secretly been together. Learning the truth, she wasn't jealous but angry that her closest friend hadn't confided in her.
Though a twinge of discomfort lingered over Tang Yin's involvement, Zhu Zhuqing forgave him—he'd acted to save Xiao Wu's life.
"Xiao Wu, will you stay here now?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
Xiao Wu looked at Tang Yin, then away, nodding slightly.
This forest was her home, and staying seemed safest...
But Tang Yin objected fiercely. "You're coming back with me. Whether for the child's sake or your own, you won't remain here."
Liu Erlong and Zhu Zhuqing stared at him.
"She can't join the Elite Soul Master Tournament anymore," Liu Erlong argued. Xiao Wu's identity as a spirit beast and her pregnancy disqualified her. Returning would only invite trouble.
Tang Yin eyed Liu Erlong. "Dean Liu, doesn't your Tyrant Academy have secluded quarters in the back mountains? Xiao Wu can recuperate there."
"That could work," Liu Erlong agreed, then asked Xiao Wu, "But what do you want?"
Tang Yin cut in, his tone domineering: "What I say is what she wants."
"You—!" Xiao Wu fumed. How dare he speak for her!
Zhu Zhuqing intervened gently, "Come back with us. If you stay alone, we'll worry—especially now. If you return, I can visit you often."
"…Fine," Xiao Wu conceded, grateful for the lifeline. Secretly, she'd already agreed when Tang Yin asserted control—this just saved face.
Tang Yin smiled, satisfied. With Xiao Wu returning and Zhu Zhuqing accepting their relationship without resentment, their sisterhood remained intact.
Such close friends…
The chance for them to "fly together" might come sooner than expected.