I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 578: The Balance of the Woods

Chapter 578: The Balance of the Woods

Adam’s heart warmed, and his gaze softened as he observed Misha’s warm smile.

Her ability to forgive and give others a second chance always fascinated him. No, fascination was not the right word.

’Admiration?’

His lips curled, the edges reaching his eyes as he nodded.

"And I admire your inner strength. You’re like a lighthouse that brightens my tumultuous life."

Misha’s eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed before hearty laughter rocked her shoulders as she shifted in his arms. With the proficiency of a snow leopard, she climbed onto his back and shoved her finger forward.

"Of course I am!" She giggled cutely and hugged his head. "Now carry me to the mission!"

A villager passing by with his children smiled at them and grumbled.

"That’s how you should act as brothers and sisters. God, I wish those were mine!"

Adam and Misha gazed at each other, freezing upon hearing the comment. An icy shudder ran down their spines as they lost the ability to talk for a second.

Then, Adam scrambled at top speed, his mind rumbling.

’We aren’t real kids! It’s normal for siblings to get into fights. Don’t advise weird stuff!’

After leaving the village, they enjoyed the natural vista on their way north. The most notable place was a vast plain brimming with life. The multicolored flowers sprouting randomly to create a breathtaking view reminded them how natural chaos could birth harmony.

Even when they reached their mission’s location, they observed the wildlife striving by the forest village. Slight rustles disturbed the bushes as small animals moved within, the musty scent of the earth filled the air—the predatory howls of the pack of wolves that threatened the poor villagers echoed.

"Twenty." Misha frowned. "That’s rare for a pack to count so many members."

Adam shook his head, gesturing to what little remained of the forest’s resources.

"I guess the pack boomed when the forest was rich. It’s turning to humans to sustain itself now that the number of prey dwindles."

Misha tilted her head sideways, a pensive frown creasing her brows.

"I don’t understand the mission, though. The other predators will proliferate without the wolves’ deterrence, and I don’t even mention the smaller animals." Her lips twisted. "You don’t know how damaging an overpopulation of rabbits can be to the ecosystem, for example."

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Those critical considerations didn’t enter the villagers’ or the sects’ sight at all.

"Let’s keep two alive and leave the puppies untouched."

Misha raised her thumb and led the way, approving the solution.

A moment later, they confronted the poor animals, who had just tried to feed themselves.

The howls died down, and calm regained the mountain a few minutes later, broken only by the whimpers of pups.

Misha ignored the two surviving wolves and counted the trembling pups, her fingers caressing their soft furs to comfort them before her eyes dimmed.

"Only four. That’s sad because their population would have declined over time. Well, at least we mitigated the damage the best we could."

With their job done, they carried the wolves’ corpses to the village chief.

After they recounted how they managed the mission, the latter patted their shoulders, a genuine smile broadening on his face. Satisfied, he signed the mission paper and insisted on offering them hospitality for looking after the woods’ well-being.

However, Adam declined the man’s good intentions and gazed at the sky. The sun had passed its zenith, and the evening wind would blow on their backs when they reached the sect if they left now. The clock ticked by, yet too many things required his attention: registering in the Qi forging association, refining pills, and beginning to search for a suitable lodging before Shen Wu kicked them out in six days.

Therefore, they took this morning’s route to return to the outer sect, reaching it just before the bright sun began to dip on the horizon.

A sea of excited disciples flooded the streets, making them grumble as they pushed through the inner sect’s mission hall.

Unlike yesterday, an eerie silence contrasted with the fruity scent of incense.

The empty place made him squint as he moved to elder Xu Fei’s counter.

"We completed the mission, elder."

He cupped his fists and placed the paper on the counter, noticing the deep furrow that added a new layer of wrinkles to the aged man’s brow.

Xu Fei’s eyes regained clarity upon hearing his voice. He checked the signature, then scrutinised the pair.

"Baldur’s dead. If you have anything to do with it, it’s not too late to confess."

Misha snorted while he shrugged.

"And do it for free? Never. At least give us the mission before you accuse us." A mischievous smirk split his lips as he continued. "Anyway, didn’t you claim we had no chance against him when you refused?"

Xu Fei scratched his head before a long sigh escaped his lips.

"Right. I’m just interrogating anyone who left today. But whoever did this..." He let his words linger, his tone darkening. "The sect’s core elders are investigating the matter. Even if they don’t catch him, Xian Yunxu won’t let this humiliation slide. She will hunt him down, no matter how many years it takes."

However, Adam rolled his eyes and placed his jade card on the counter.

"Good for them. I wish them luck." Mocking chuckles filled his mind as he bowed respectfully. "We have pressing matters to attend to. Can you please process our payment?"

Reassured by Adam’s confidence, Xu Fei nodded and swiped his golden card.

"Two sect points for the mission. I doubled it." His lips curled into a soft smile. "Consider it an apology and a reward for your first performance. Yun, Shen, and I have high hopes for you, so keep up the good work."

The unexpected gesture and the gentleness in Fei’s voice affected him—at least enough to show genuine gratitude. "Thank you, elder. Have a nice evening."

He cupped his fists, retrieved his card, and left.

Unbothered by the investigation, he hugged Misha and whispered, "Return to Shen’s house and have a nice meal. I’ll join you after registering in the forging association."

Her lips twisted as she shook her head.

"We still have a few hours before night, so refresh your mind and recover strength with the meal. Then, register." Her arms tightened around his back as she whispered. "I won’t eat without you."

He patted her smooth hair, a bright smile spreading across his lips.

"My excitement got the better of me, sorry." Holding her hand, he pulled back and walked toward Shen Wu’s house. "We definitely can’t eat apart, and you’re right. I could use a good meal after all that."