Chapter 20
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Although Duan Zhen initially didn’t want to agree to this condition, he was silenced by Li Xi’s words, who said that “sooner or later, he will be left alone to complete the mission.” In the end, he reluctantly agreed and agreed to Li Xi’s choice of the next world, which was the world of Hewlett1His name is kinda weird so I choose Hewlett instead of Hughlet or idk how it can be written. I just choose the best writing so it can match with Phil/Senafel and Clemens!.
Hewlett was the fourth Demon Lord, with a lazy and perennially sleepy personality. He only joined the game entirely because they dragged him over to make up the numbers. He had no ulterior motives and was straightforward, a trait deeply experienced in the game.
Li Xi chose him purely because he was always asleep and wouldn’t disturb what would be the two-person world of him and Duan Zhen. Yes, Duan Zhen was already an intermediate player in the world of Hewlett, but the members of his team were all low-level and couldn’t join him in clearing the instances there. As for Li Xi, where he claimed to have cleared instances, that was entirely his fabrication.
After agreeing, Li Xi spent a month reading books in his room, deciding to step up in the next world. He couldn’t be as naive as before, being treated as a child.
After a month had passed, Li Xi and Duan Zhen, both confident, walked together to the starting point of the game.
“Take care of yourself,” Duan Zhen said with a hint of worry.
“I’m familiar with Hewlett’s world; nothing will happen,” Li Xi said confidently, raising his chin. “And I’ll definitely be in the same world as Brother Duan.”
Duan Zhen still didn’t entirely agree with Li Xi’s idea, but seeing that he seemed determined, they entered the teleportation array together.
Both of them disappeared from the original location at the same time.
“Can Li Xiaoxi and Brother Duan really enter the same instance?” Xia Qirong stood nearby, showing concern. “What if not? Then he’ll have to go through an intermediate instance on his own.”
Sun Le remained silent and did not speak.
According to his observation, Li Xi did not seem like someone who would do such a thing, but young people, especially those driven by hormones, were prone to impulsiveness. Therefore, he couldn’t be sure if the other had some hidden move.
Li Xi didn’t care about what the two of them thought. Although it seemed like he and Duan Zhen disappeared together, in reality, there was a tiny fraction of a second difference. He used this tiny fraction of a second to confirm Duan Zhen’s direction and followed suit into the world.
However, this world was strange. It was filled with a gentle force similar to waves, causing no harm but pushing people away. Without a support point upon entering the world, Li Xi was unintentionally pushed a few meters to the side. Just as he was about to approach Duan Zhen, he felt himself falling into the water with a splash, and a force entered his body.
He initially thought of expelling the force, but after some thought, he endured it.
【In an endless ocean, there exists a species known as mermaids. They are enchanting in appearance, their voices melodic, capable of drawing all creatures near when they sing. However, the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it can be. Their main diet is raw flesh, and they often lure passing ships with their songs, devouring all the people on board. After the disappearance of the one hundredth fisherman this year, the king finally dispatched his most powerful team to the ocean to hunt and kill the mermaids. However, as soon as they arrived at the ocean, a big wave overturned their boat, leaving them stranded on a deserted island…】
With the backdrop that sounded like storytelling fading away, tasks were announced on everyone’s smart bracelets.
“Either the mermaids or humans must completely disappear. The survivors will be declared victorious,” Li Xi glanced at his bracelet and fell silent for a moment. “Indeed, it’s Hewlett’s lazy style of not using his brain.”
This task was more straightforward than Clemens’, directly instructing both sides to kill each other. Initially, Li Xi didn’t mind this, but the problem was that when he entered the world, that force separated him and Duan Zhen. It was likely that they were now in different factions.
Li Xi looked at the task again and paused at the word “disappear.”
Disappear didn’t mean death, so as long as he expelled the strange force from his body, he could become human again. After all, the task didn’t specify each person’s faction. It currently only relied on the presence or absence of a fish tail to distinguish.
Having resolved the faction issue, Li Xi joyfully patted the water with his fish tail, deciding to find Duan Zhen.
Just as he swam a few meters, he suddenly stopped as if lost in thought, touched his cheek, and had a sudden realization.
On the deserted island, five people stood together, seemingly unfamiliar with each other. Duan Zhen’s gaze quickly swept over everyone’s faces but didn’t find Li Xi. His heart sank slightly.
But just because he wasn’t here didn’t mean he wasn’t in the sea.
Duan Zhen listened to the others quarreling and eventually concluded that they should kill all the mermaids. In this rare instance, he felt absent-minded during the mission.
Suddenly, a disturbance appeared on the sea not far away. A head popped out of the water, revealing a pair of lively eyes.
Just by looking at the eyes, one could tell that this person had an outstanding appearance. More importantly, Duan Zhen recognized him; it was Li Xi!
Although he didn’t know how the other found his way here, seeing the others who had just proposed the plan to kill all the mermaids, Duan Zhen left with the intention of acting alone, walking towards the other side of the island.
The little head saw him leave and submerged back into the water.
Duan Zhen selected a large reef, conveniently facing away from the others. Looking from the outside, there was barely anything visible.
The reef was slightly higher than the coastline, just enough to accommodate Duan Zhen. It was like a perfect spot specially created for their secret rendezvous.
Duan Zhen crossed out the two words “secret rendezvous” in his mind.
He stood behind the reef for a short while before seeing Li Xi emerge from the sea, lips curved in a smile.
Duan Zhen’s breath hitched.
Perhaps he could no longer be called a youth. His features had completely matured, with his brows and eyes fully developed. His wet, jet-black hair clung to his cheeks, his skin fair. Those peach blossom eyes slightly curved, overflowing with sweet laughter. Calling him a sea elf wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
It’s hard to envision a visage that can captivate one’s soul with a single glance.
“Brother Duan?” Li Xi observed the astonishment in his eyes. His petite frame subtly straightened, head slightly tilted, revealing a look of confusion.
His voice had matured, tinged with a youthful huskiness.
After a brief pause, Duan Zhen found his voice. “How have you grown so much?”
“Have I truly grown?” Li Xi played along, peering at his reflection on the water’s surface. “I’m not entirely certain, but in a world where people can transform into merfolk, growing up seems rather ordinary.”
With that, he swam closer, propping himself up on a platform just above the sea level, settling down.
His deep blue tail shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.
“Brother Duan, look at my tail. Isn’t it exquisite?” Li Xi gently pulled Duan Zhen’s hand. “The scales emit a soft glow, and the tail fin is impressively large and elegant.”
He arched his tail, revealing a nearly half-meter-long translucent tail fin, reflecting a spectrum of colors in the sunlight.
In earlier times, Duan Zhen might have thought he was merely sharing the beauty of his fish-like tail. Yet now, as Li Xi pulled him down, their proximity intensified, revealing each other’s radiant cheeks and graceful necks.
Duan Zhen felt a subtle allure, as if he was enticing him with his beauty.
However, meeting Li Xi’s earnest gaze, he dismissed such thoughts. After all, Li Xi was merely an eighteen-year-old. Surely, he wouldn’t entertain such intentions.
“Brother Duan, feel it. It’s smooth, reminiscent of jade rather than fish scales.” Li Xi, still in his act, guided Duan Zhen’s hand to his tail.
After a moment of hesitation, Duan Zhen’s attention shifted to his waist, realizing that beneath the shimmering scales laid Li Xi’s actual leg. He promptly withdrew his hand.
Transformed into a mermaid and stripped of his previous attire, Li Xi’s upper body was exposed. His small stomach, though lacking pronounced abdominal muscles, was taut and devoid of excess flesh, its round belly button adding a touch of charm.
Sensing Duan Zhen’s gaze, Li Xi subtly adjusted his pose to accentuate his silhouette. Yet, Duan Zhen’s attention was fleeting, seemingly eager to rise.
Swiftly, Li Xi clasped his hand, encircling his neck, nuzzling close like an affectionate pup. “Brother Duan, you smell divine.”
Drawing nearer, his voice hushed, and he whispered, “May I taste? I promise, no biting.”
Duan Zhen’s posture rigidified, akin to a solid rock.
Li Xi, receiving no response, proceeded with the default handling. He extended his tongue and lightly licked Duan Zhen’s neck. Perhaps due to the altered taste buds post-mermaid transformation, he found it genuinely fragrant, a tempting urge to take a bite.
However, mindful of causing Duan Zhen pain, he settled for a couple of gentle licks, relishing what he considered the peak of his life.
Just as he contemplated a third lick, Duan Zhen finally reacted. He forcefully pulled Li Xi away, his tone serious but unable to conceal a hint of fluster. “Enough of this nonsense!”
Li Xi tilted his head, looking at him with innocent eyes. The crimson tip of his tongue peeked out as he playfully licked his lips.
Unable to tolerate further, Duan Zhen’s hands slipped under Li Xi’s armpits, lifting him like a large doll, and without waiting for a response, he tossed him into the water.
As the mermaid returned to the water like returning home, Li Xi shook his head, feeling no discomfort. Aware that he had gone too far with his antics, he grinned, swaying his fish tail. “My bad, Brother Duan. I must be hungry. I’ll find you after I finish my meal.”
With that, he raised two fingers, blowing a kiss towards Duan Zhen. “Remember, this time we’re in the same world. You have to allow me to pursue you.”
Without waiting for Duan Zhen’s response, he swiftly dove into the water. Ripples danced on the surface, and he vanished from sight.
Standing on the reef, Duan Zhen felt a mix of resignation and amusement. He touched his neck, lips forming a thin line. Eventually, he shook his head and walked back towards the island.
Special news for today! As it’s this humble translator’s birthday in two days and i won’t be around much, I’m releasing some extra chapters for all my projects to celebrate with you all ///////
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Although Duan Zhen initially didn’t want to agree to this condition, he was silenced by Li Xi’s words, who said that “sooner or later, he will be left alone to complete the mission.” In the end, he reluctantly agreed and agreed to Li Xi’s choice of the next world, which was the world of Hewlett1His name is kinda weird so I choose Hewlett instead of Hughlet or idk how it can be written. I just choose the best writing so it can match with Phil/Senafel and Clemens!.
Hewlett was the fourth Demon Lord, with a lazy and perennially sleepy personality. He only joined the game entirely because they dragged him over to make up the numbers. He had no ulterior motives and was straightforward, a trait deeply experienced in the game.
Li Xi chose him purely because he was always asleep and wouldn’t disturb what would be the two-person world of him and Duan Zhen. Yes, Duan Zhen was already an intermediate player in the world of Hewlett, but the members of his team were all low-level and couldn’t join him in clearing the instances there. As for Li Xi, where he claimed to have cleared instances, that was entirely his fabrication.
After agreeing, Li Xi spent a month reading books in his room, deciding to step up in the next world. He couldn’t be as naive as before, being treated as a child.
After a month had passed, Li Xi and Duan Zhen, both confident, walked together to the starting point of the game.
“Take care of yourself,” Duan Zhen said with a hint of worry.
“I’m familiar with Hewlett’s world; nothing will happen,” Li Xi said confidently, raising his chin. “And I’ll definitely be in the same world as Brother Duan.”
Duan Zhen still didn’t entirely agree with Li Xi’s idea, but seeing that he seemed determined, they entered the teleportation array together.
Both of them disappeared from the original location at the same time.
“Can Li Xiaoxi and Brother Duan really enter the same instance?” Xia Qirong stood nearby, showing concern. “What if not? Then he’ll have to go through an intermediate instance on his own.”
Sun Le remained silent and did not speak.
According to his observation, Li Xi did not seem like someone who would do such a thing, but young people, especially those driven by hormones, were prone to impulsiveness. Therefore, he couldn’t be sure if the other had some hidden move.
Li Xi didn’t care about what the two of them thought. Although it seemed like he and Duan Zhen disappeared together, in reality, there was a tiny fraction of a second difference. He used this tiny fraction of a second to confirm Duan Zhen’s direction and followed suit into the world.
However, this world was strange. It was filled with a gentle force similar to waves, causing no harm but pushing people away. Without a support point upon entering the world, Li Xi was unintentionally pushed a few meters to the side. Just as he was about to approach Duan Zhen, he felt himself falling into the water with a splash, and a force entered his body.
He initially thought of expelling the force, but after some thought, he endured it.
【In an endless ocean, there exists a species known as mermaids. They are enchanting in appearance, their voices melodic, capable of drawing all creatures near when they sing. However, the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it can be. Their main diet is raw flesh, and they often lure passing ships with their songs, devouring all the people on board. After the disappearance of the one hundredth fisherman this year, the king finally dispatched his most powerful team to the ocean to hunt and kill the mermaids. However, as soon as they arrived at the ocean, a big wave overturned their boat, leaving them stranded on a deserted island…】
With the backdrop that sounded like storytelling fading away, tasks were announced on everyone’s smart bracelets.
“Either the mermaids or humans must completely disappear. The survivors will be declared victorious,” Li Xi glanced at his bracelet and fell silent for a moment. “Indeed, it’s Hewlett’s lazy style of not using his brain.”
This task was more straightforward than Clemens’, directly instructing both sides to kill each other. Initially, Li Xi didn’t mind this, but the problem was that when he entered the world, that force separated him and Duan Zhen. It was likely that they were now in different factions.
Li Xi looked at the task again and paused at the word “disappear.”
Disappear didn’t mean death, so as long as he expelled the strange force from his body, he could become human again. After all, the task didn’t specify each person’s faction. It currently only relied on the presence or absence of a fish tail to distinguish.
Having resolved the faction issue, Li Xi joyfully patted the water with his fish tail, deciding to find Duan Zhen.
Just as he swam a few meters, he suddenly stopped as if lost in thought, touched his cheek, and had a sudden realization.
On the deserted island, five people stood together, seemingly unfamiliar with each other. Duan Zhen’s gaze quickly swept over everyone’s faces but didn’t find Li Xi. His heart sank slightly.
But just because he wasn’t here didn’t mean he wasn’t in the sea.
Duan Zhen listened to the others quarreling and eventually concluded that they should kill all the mermaids. In this rare instance, he felt absent-minded during the mission.
Suddenly, a disturbance appeared on the sea not far away. A head popped out of the water, revealing a pair of lively eyes.
Just by looking at the eyes, one could tell that this person had an outstanding appearance. More importantly, Duan Zhen recognized him; it was Li Xi!
Although he didn’t know how the other found his way here, seeing the others who had just proposed the plan to kill all the mermaids, Duan Zhen left with the intention of acting alone, walking towards the other side of the island.
The little head saw him leave and submerged back into the water.
Duan Zhen selected a large reef, conveniently facing away from the others. Looking from the outside, there was barely anything visible.
The reef was slightly higher than the coastline, just enough to accommodate Duan Zhen. It was like a perfect spot specially created for their secret rendezvous.
Duan Zhen crossed out the two words “secret rendezvous” in his mind.
He stood behind the reef for a short while before seeing Li Xi emerge from the sea, lips curved in a smile.
Duan Zhen’s breath hitched.
Perhaps he could no longer be called a youth. His features had completely matured, with his brows and eyes fully developed. His wet, jet-black hair clung to his cheeks, his skin fair. Those peach blossom eyes slightly curved, overflowing with sweet laughter. Calling him a sea elf wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
It’s hard to envision a visage that can captivate one’s soul with a single glance.
“Brother Duan?” Li Xi observed the astonishment in his eyes. His petite frame subtly straightened, head slightly tilted, revealing a look of confusion.
His voice had matured, tinged with a youthful huskiness.
After a brief pause, Duan Zhen found his voice. “How have you grown so much?”
“Have I truly grown?” Li Xi played along, peering at his reflection on the water’s surface. “I’m not entirely certain, but in a world where people can transform into merfolk, growing up seems rather ordinary.”
With that, he swam closer, propping himself up on a platform just above the sea level, settling down.
His deep blue tail shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.
“Brother Duan, look at my tail. Isn’t it exquisite?” Li Xi gently pulled Duan Zhen’s hand. “The scales emit a soft glow, and the tail fin is impressively large and elegant.”
He arched his tail, revealing a nearly half-meter-long translucent tail fin, reflecting a spectrum of colors in the sunlight.
In earlier times, Duan Zhen might have thought he was merely sharing the beauty of his fish-like tail. Yet now, as Li Xi pulled him down, their proximity intensified, revealing each other’s radiant cheeks and graceful necks.
Duan Zhen felt a subtle allure, as if he was enticing him with his beauty.
However, meeting Li Xi’s earnest gaze, he dismissed such thoughts. After all, Li Xi was merely an eighteen-year-old. Surely, he wouldn’t entertain such intentions.
“Brother Duan, feel it. It’s smooth, reminiscent of jade rather than fish scales.” Li Xi, still in his act, guided Duan Zhen’s hand to his tail.
After a moment of hesitation, Duan Zhen’s attention shifted to his waist, realizing that beneath the shimmering scales laid Li Xi’s actual leg. He promptly withdrew his hand.
Transformed into a mermaid and stripped of his previous attire, Li Xi’s upper body was exposed. His small stomach, though lacking pronounced abdominal muscles, was taut and devoid of excess flesh, its round belly button adding a touch of charm.
Sensing Duan Zhen’s gaze, Li Xi subtly adjusted his pose to accentuate his silhouette. Yet, Duan Zhen’s attention was fleeting, seemingly eager to rise.
Swiftly, Li Xi clasped his hand, encircling his neck, nuzzling close like an affectionate pup. “Brother Duan, you smell divine.”
Drawing nearer, his voice hushed, and he whispered, “May I taste? I promise, no biting.”
Duan Zhen’s posture rigidified, akin to a solid rock.
Li Xi, receiving no response, proceeded with the default handling. He extended his tongue and lightly licked Duan Zhen’s neck. Perhaps due to the altered taste buds post-mermaid transformation, he found it genuinely fragrant, a tempting urge to take a bite.
However, mindful of causing Duan Zhen pain, he settled for a couple of gentle licks, relishing what he considered the peak of his life.
Just as he contemplated a third lick, Duan Zhen finally reacted. He forcefully pulled Li Xi away, his tone serious but unable to conceal a hint of fluster. “Enough of this nonsense!”
Li Xi tilted his head, looking at him with innocent eyes. The crimson tip of his tongue peeked out as he playfully licked his lips.
Unable to tolerate further, Duan Zhen’s hands slipped under Li Xi’s armpits, lifting him like a large doll, and without waiting for a response, he tossed him into the water.
As the mermaid returned to the water like returning home, Li Xi shook his head, feeling no discomfort. Aware that he had gone too far with his antics, he grinned, swaying his fish tail. “My bad, Brother Duan. I must be hungry. I’ll find you after I finish my meal.”
With that, he raised two fingers, blowing a kiss towards Duan Zhen. “Remember, this time we’re in the same world. You have to allow me to pursue you.”
Without waiting for Duan Zhen’s response, he swiftly dove into the water. Ripples danced on the surface, and he vanished from sight.
Standing on the reef, Duan Zhen felt a mix of resignation and amusement. He touched his neck, lips forming a thin line. Eventually, he shook his head and walked back towards the island.
Special news for today! As it’s this humble translator’s birthday in two days and i won’t be around much, I’m releasing some extra chapters for all my projects to celebrate with you all ///////
Although Duan Zhen initially didn't want to agree to this condition, he was silenced by Li Xi's words, who said that sooner or later, he will be left alone to complete the mission. In the end, he reluctantly agreed and agreed to Li Xi's choice of the next world, which was the world of Hewlett1His name is kinda weird so I choose Hewlett instead of Hughlet or idk how it can be written. I just choose the best writing so it can match with Phil/Senafel and Clemens!.Hewlett was the fourth Demon Lord, with a lazy and perennially sleepy personality. He only joined the game entirely because they dragged him over to make up the numbers. He had no ulterior motives and was straightforward, a trait deeply experienced in the game.Li Xi chose him purely because he was always asleep and wouldn't disturb what would be the two-person world of him and Duan Zhen. Yes, Duan Zhen was already an intermediate player in the world of Hewlett, but the members of his team were all low-level and couldn't join him in clearing the instances there. As for Li Xi, where he claimed to have cleared instances, that was entirely his fabrication.After agreeing, Li Xi spent a month reading books in his room, deciding to step up in the next world. He couldn't be as naive as before, being treated as a child.After a month had passed, Li Xi and Duan Zhen, both confident, walked together to the starting point of the game.Take care of yourself, Duan Zhen said with a hint of worry.I'm familiar with Hewlett's world; nothing will happen, Li Xi said confidently, raising his chin. And I'll definitely be in the same world as Brother Duan.Duan Zhen still didn't entirely agree with Li Xi's idea, but seeing that he seemed determined, they entered the teleportation array together.Both of them disappeared from the original location at the same time.Can Li Xiaoxi and Brother Duan really enter the same instance? Xia Qirong stood nearby, showing concern. What if not? Then he'll have to go through an intermediate instance on his own.Sun Le remained silent and did not speak.According to his observation, Li Xi did not seem like someone who would do such a thing, but young people, especially those driven by hormones, were prone to impulsiveness. Therefore, he couldn't be sure if the other had some hidden move.Li Xi didn't care about what the two of them thought. Although it seemed like he and Duan Zhen disappeared together, in reality, there was a tiny fraction of a second difference. He used this tiny fraction of a second to confirm Duan Zhen's direction and followed suit into the world.However, this world was strange. It was filled with a gentle force similar to waves, causing no harm but pushing people away. Without a support point upon entering the world, Li Xi was unintentionally pushed a few meters to the side. Just as he was about to approach Duan Zhen, he felt himself falling into the water with a splash, and a force entered his body.He initially thought of expelling the force, but after some thought, he endured it.In an endless ocean, there exists a species known as mermaids. They are enchanting in appearance, their voices melodic, capable of drawing all creatures near when they sing. However, the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it can be. Their main diet is raw flesh, and they often lure passing ships with their songs, devouring all the people on board. After the disappearance of the one hundredth fisherman this year, the king finally dispatched his most powerful team to the ocean to hunt and kill the mermaids. However, as soon as they arrived at the ocean, a big wave overturned their boat, leaving them stranded on a deserted islandWith the backdrop that sounded like storytelling fading away, tasks were announced on everyone's smart bracelets.Either the mermaids or humans must completely disappear. The survivors will be declared victorious, Li Xi glanced at his bracelet and fell silent for a moment. Indeed, it's Hewlett's lazy style of not using his brain.This task was more straightforward than Clemens', directly instructing both sides to kill each other. Initially, Li Xi didn't mind this, but the problem was that when he entered the world, that force separated him and Duan Zhen. It was likely that they were now in different factions.Li Xi looked at the task again and paused at the word disappear.Disappear didn't mean death, so as long as he expelled the strange force from his body, he could become human again. After all, the task didn't specify each person's faction. It currently only relied on the presence or absence of a fish tail to distinguish.Having resolved the faction issue, Li Xi joyfully patted the water with his fish tail, deciding to find Duan Zhen.Just as he swam a few meters, he suddenly stopped as if lost in thought, touched his cheek, and had a sudden realization.On the deserted island, five people stood together, seemingly unfamiliar with each other. Duan Zhen's gaze quickly swept over everyone's faces but didn't find Li Xi. His heart sank slightly.But just because he wasn't here didn't mean he wasn't in the sea.Duan Zhen listened to the others quarreling and eventually concluded that they should kill all the mermaids. In this rare instance, he felt absent-minded during the mission.Suddenly, a disturbance appeared on the sea not far away. A head popped out of the water, revealing a pair of lively eyes.Just by looking at the eyes, one could tell that this person had an outstanding appearance. More importantly, Duan Zhen recognized him; it was Li Xi!Although he didn't know how the other found his way here, seeing the others who had just proposed the plan to kill all the mermaids, Duan Zhen left with the intention of acting alone, walking towards the other side of the island.The little head saw him leave and submerged back into the water.Duan Zhen selected a large reef, conveniently facing away from the others. Looking from the outside, there was barely anything visible.The reef was slightly higher than the coastline, just enough to accommodate Duan Zhen. It was like a perfect spot specially created for their secret rendezvous.Duan Zhen crossed out the two words secret rendezvous in his mind.He stood behind the reef for a short while before seeing Li Xi emerge from the sea, lips curved in a smile.Duan Zhen's breath hitched.Perhaps he could no longer be called a youth. His features had completely matured, with his brows and eyes fully developed. His wet, jet-black hair clung to his cheeks, his skin fair. Those peach blossom eyes slightly curved, overflowing with sweet laughter. Calling him a sea elf wouldn't be an exaggeration.It's hard to envision a visage that can captivate one's soul with a single glance.Brother Duan? Li Xi observed the astonishment in his eyes. His petite frame subtly straightened, head slightly tilted, revealing a look of confusion.His voice had matured, tinged with a youthful huskiness.After a brief pause, Duan Zhen found his voice. How have you grown so much?Have I truly grown? Li Xi played along, peering at his reflection on the water's surface. I'm not entirely certain, but in a world where people can transform into merfolk, growing up seems rather ordinary.With that, he swam closer, propping himself up on a platform just above the sea level, settling down.His deep blue tail shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.Brother Duan, look at my tail. Isn't it exquisite? Li Xi gently pulled Duan Zhen's hand. The scales emit a soft glow, and the tail fin is impressively large and elegant.He arched his tail, revealing a nearly half-meter-long translucent tail fin, reflecting a spectrum of colors in the sunlight.In earlier times, Duan Zhen might have thought he was merely sharing the beauty of his fish-like tail. Yet now, as Li Xi pulled him down, their proximity intensified, revealing each other's radiant cheeks and graceful necks.Duan Zhen felt a subtle allure, as if he was enticing him with his beauty.However, meeting Li Xi's earnest gaze, he dismissed such thoughts. After all, Li Xi was merely an eighteen-year-old. Surely, he wouldn't entertain such intentions.Brother Duan, feel it. It's smooth, reminiscent of jade rather than fish scales. Li Xi, still in his act, guided Duan Zhen's hand to his tail.After a moment of hesitation, Duan Zhen's attention shifted to his waist, realizing that beneath the shimmering scales laid Li Xi's actual leg. He promptly withdrew his hand.Transformed into a mermaid and stripped of his previous attire, Li Xi's upper body was exposed. His small stomach, though lacking pronounced abdominal muscles, was taut and devoid of excess flesh, its round belly button adding a touch of charm.Sensing Duan Zhen's gaze, Li Xi subtly adjusted his pose to accentuate his silhouette. Yet, Duan Zhen's attention was fleeting, seemingly eager to rise.Swiftly, Li Xi clasped his hand, encircling his neck, nuzzling close like an affectionate pup. Brother Duan, you smell divine.Drawing nearer, his voice hushed, and he whispered, May I taste? I promise, no biting.Duan Zhen's posture rigidified, akin to a solid rock.Li Xi, receiving no response, proceeded with the default handling. He extended his tongue and lightly licked Duan Zhen's neck. Perhaps due to the altered taste buds post-mermaid transformation, he found it genuinely fragrant, a tempting urge to take a bite.However, mindful of causing Duan Zhen pain, he settled for a couple of gentle licks, relishing what he considered the peak of his life.Just as he contemplated a third lick, Duan Zhen finally reacted. He forcefully pulled Li Xi away, his tone serious but unable to conceal a hint of fluster. Enough of this nonsense!Li Xi tilted his head, looking at him with innocent eyes. The crimson tip of his tongue peeked out as he playfully licked his lips.Unable to tolerate further, Duan Zhen's hands slipped under Li Xi's armpits, lifting him like a large doll, and without waiting for a response, he tossed him into the water.As the mermaid returned to the water like returning home, Li Xi shook his head, feeling no discomfort. Aware that he had gone too far with his antics, he grinned, swaying his fish tail. My bad, Brother Duan. I must be hungry. I'll find you after I finish my meal.With that, he raised two fingers, blowing a kiss towards Duan Zhen. Remember, this time we're in the same world. You have to allow me to pursue you.Without waiting for Duan Zhen's response, he swiftly dove into the water. Ripples danced on the surface, and he vanished from sight.Standing on the reef, Duan Zhen felt a mix of resignation and amusement. He touched his neck, lips forming a thin line. Eventually, he shook his head and walked back towards the island.Special news for today! As it's this humble translator's birthday in two days and i won't be around much, I'm releasing some extra chapters for all my projects to celebrate with you all ///////
