A mystical expanse stretched out before him, bathed in a soft, glowing mist that drifted through the air.

  Just a single glance, and an inexplicable yearning surged in Han’s heart.

  "Where is this?"

  He had appeared here without warning, a sense of confusion washing over him.

  Glancing down at himself, Han realized he wasn’t physically present—only a spectral projection of his soul had arrived.

  "How did I get here? What state am I in right now?"

  Surveying his surroundings, he soon noticed an irregular, shadowy sphere in the distance.

  After a brief hesitation, he began moving toward it.

  Standing still wouldn’t provide any answers—he had no idea what this place was or if he could even return.

  As he drew closer and finally saw what lay within the darkness, Han froze.

  It was a person.

  A woman, curled up, completely unclothed.

  She appeared around eighteen, her flawless skin as pure as the finest jade ever crafted by the heavens.

  Her long, slender legs and graceful curves exuded a natural elegance, her figure both soft and powerful. Though her chest was partially obscured, the glimpses visible at the edges hinted at an undeniable grandeur.

  Her facial features were simply divine—delicate brows, long lashes, and a symmetry so perfect it seemed sculpted by the gods themselves.

  But what stunned Han the most wasn’t her beauty.

  It was her eyes.

  They were wide open.

  Clear and untainted, devoid of any emotion.

  Their gazes met.

  A tense silence.

  Then, Han snapped out of his daze, quickly turning his back to her and apologizing profusely.

  "My lady, I meant no offense! I don’t even know why I’m here!"

  "You are here because I brought you," she said.

  Her voice was serene, distant—like moonlight cascading from the heavens.

  Han was dumbfounded.

  She brought me here?

  In this setting? In this situation?

  "And… why would you do that?" he asked cautiously.

  "Every Lunar Demon is connected to this place. But you are not."

  Han's heart pounded.

  Lunar Demons are connected to this place?

  Then that would mean…

  "Where exactly is this?"

  "In your terms… this is the Moon. And this place—this is the Lunar Core."

  Han’s breath caught.

  So it really was the Moon.

  His head snapped back toward the woman, eyes filled with shock.

  "You… pulled my soul from Earth to the Moon?"

  "Only a fragment of your soul. Because you are a Lunar Demon."

  But this was still the Moon!

  What kind of absurd, fantasy novel logic was this?

  …Oh, right. This was a supernatural world.

  That made things… somewhat reasonable.

  Han’s past-life knowledge told him that if the Sun and Moon weren’t divine beasts, then they were likely celestial bodies.

  And now, here he was—on the Moon.

  Han remained silent, steadying his thoughts.

  Landing on the Moon wasn’t actually that shocking, was it?

  His past life had seen technology achieve it, so why couldn’t this world’s mystical powers do the same?

  But to be randomly dragged here like this… wasn’t that a bit too reckless?

  Still, from what she had said, it seemed to be because of his transformation into a Lunar Demon.

  "Senior… can you send me back?" Han asked carefully, adjusting his tone.

  This wasn’t fear—this was respect.

  "I can," she replied.

  The woman stretched, unfolding herself from her curled-up position to stand tall.

  That movement alone was enough to make Han’s breath hitch.

  Perfection unveiled.

  Every curve, every delicate line of her body exuded an ethereal allure beyond mortal comprehension.

  Han spun around instantly, averting his gaze.

  "You are not a Lunar Demon," she suddenly said.

  "You merely transformed into one. Am I right?"

  Han hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to respond.

  "Can you transform into something like me?" she asked.

  "Uh… well, Senior… my transformation ability requires physical contact, and this is only a fragment of my soul. I don’t even know if it would work."

  Besides, turning into something like her… wouldn’t that mean I’d become… a woman?

  Before he could process his thoughts further, she appeared directly in front of him, extending a hand.

  "Your soul’s ability is intact. Transform."

  "…"

  Han turned his head slightly, trying to remain respectful, and hesitantly placed his hand in hers.

  Her palm was warm, her skin flawless.

  But Han had no time for distractions—he activated his metamorphic trait.

  And then—

  It stopped.

  The ability deactivated the moment it began.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Han frowned and tried again.

  Nothing.

  He made several more attempts, but the result was the same.

  He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

  No forced transformation. No ‘female Han.’

  "Seems it doesn’t work," the woman observed, stating the obvious.

  "Senior, as far as I know, I can only transform into other races. Whether I can mimic specific individuals… I have no idea."

  "I am not human," she said.

  "I am a god."

  I should have guessed.

  So she’s the Moon God.

  Well, that explains a lot.

  "Senior… can you send me back now?" Han asked again.

  "Why do you keep looking away?" she asked, seemingly curious.

  "Because it would be disrespectful to stare directly at you," Han replied.

  The Moon God studied him for a moment before realization dawned.

  "Humans… must wear clothing?"

  "Most species in my world do."

  A brief pause.

  "I have clothed myself," she stated.

  Han turned.

  A breathtaking sight awaited him.

  She now wore a flowing, moon-white gown, its fabric seemingly woven from light itself.

  "I once saw a human woman who came here wearing this," she explained.

  Han blinked.

  Wait—someone else had been here before?

  "Senior… does that mean others have visited this place before me?"

  "There have been beings from Earth who came to the Moon. But none have reached the Lunar Core."

  "You are the first to speak with me since my creation."

  Han fell silent.

  If she had been here since the beginning of time, then this world truly did have individuals capable of physically or spiritually traveling to the Moon.

  Were they the legendary figures ranked among the greatest of all time?

  "Senior… do you have any more questions?"

  The Moon God shook her head.

  "I will send you back now."

  "What is your name?" he asked.

  "Han."

  "Han," she repeated, as if etching it into memory.

  "When I wake again… if you are still alive, I will find you."

  Han stiffened.

  Was that… a blessing? Or a curse?

  A sudden thought struck him.

  "Senior, may I ask you one last question?"

  "You may."

  "Does the Sun have a god like you?"

  The Moon God’s expression remained unchanged.

  "No. Since my creation, I have never encountered another like me."

  Han exhaled in relief.

  Good.

  The last thing he needed was to be abducted to the Sun next time he went out during the day.

  "Then, Senior… please send me back."

  The Moon God raised a hand and lightly pressed her finger to Han’s forehead.

  Darkness.

  As his consciousness returned, Han found himself staring at the familiar sight of the peach grove.

  He exhaled deeply.

  He was back.

  Nothing was more unsettling than being trapped in an unfamiliar place—especially when that place was the Moon.

  But as he gathered his thoughts, Han suddenly realized something was… off.

  Why did it feel like someone was in his arms?

  Han looked down—and immediately froze.

  Oh no.

  Why was Lu Qingmo still in his arms? Hadn't she let go already?

  Yet there she was, collapsed against his chest, her body radiating an ominous aura of possession.

  There was no need to guess—Han was, once again, the culprit.

  A sudden tremor ran through his soul, an indescribable sensation rising from deep within.

  Because of his previous journey to the Moon, his soul had been left in a state of partial detachment.

  As a result, his instincts had taken over, and in that brief moment, he had unknowingly absorbed a portion of Lu Qingmo’s soul energy.

  "Mo Yi! Mo Yi!"

  Han suppressed the strange sensation surging within him and called out to her repeatedly. At the same time, he quickly returned the soul energy that wasn’t his, creating a peculiar cycle between them.

  Moments later, Lu Qingmo stirred, regaining consciousness. The first thing she noticed was their… rather compromising position.

  Han's hands were still on her.

  He immediately let go, but she had already broken free, putting distance between them.

  Lu Qingmo stared at Han, her expression cold—but beneath that, a hint of embarrassment flickered in her gaze.

  "What… what exactly happened just now? Why did I completely lose control…?"

  She trailed off, unwilling to finish the sentence.

  Because she knew.

  She had felt it.

  She had thought herself better prepared this time, certain she wouldn’t fall victim again.

  Yet somehow, Han’s influence had been far stronger than before—so overwhelming that she hadn’t even been able to resist.

  Han frowned slightly, a theory forming in his mind.

  Could his time on the Moon have caused some kind of… transformation?

  "I’m sorry, Mo Yi. I didn’t mean for this to happen," Han apologized repeatedly, internally groaning.

  That’s it. No more daytime excursions for me.

  "Enough. Just go back," Lu Qingmo said, her soul returning fully to her body.

  "Do not speak of what happened today—to anyone. Especially Ruoyue."

  "And… don’t come tomorrow either."

  With that, she turned and entered the pavilion, shutting Han out completely.

  Han opened his mouth, then closed it again.

  What the hell was going on?

  This hadn’t even happened in some secluded chamber—this was out in the open!

  Damn that demonic influence.

  Damn that Moon God too!

  Han stood there for a moment, staring at the closed pavilion doors before sighing and turning to leave.

  But just as he was about to exit the peach grove, Lu Qingmo’s voice echoed in his ears.

  "Come again tomorrow."

  Han’s expression lit up instantly.

  "Mo Yi, I’ll be here first thing in the morning!"

  With a bright smile, he waved toward the grove and walked away, his earlier worries vanishing.

  Yeah… I’ll definitely be back.

  Inside the pavilion, Lu Qingmo leaned against the door, having caught every shift in Han’s expression. She let out a quiet sigh.

  Forget it. This wasn’t his fault.

  He had told me to let go—technically, it was my own doing.

  But as she recalled all the entanglements she’d had with Han lately, her thoughts became a tangled mess.

  By the time Han returned home, it was already past midnight.

  He entered the secret realm within the Immortal Tree and summoned his status panel.

  Most of the information remained unchanged—except for two things.

  [Soul Realm: Night Wanderer]

  [Stamina: 6/6]

  "Yes!"

  Six stamina points! Han surveyed the secret realm with newfound confidence, feeling as though he had reached the pinnacle of existence.

  The only downside?

  This boost had come a little too late.

  Everything… was already nearing its conclusion.

  But his fortune wasn’t done yet.

  A new item had appeared.

  [Mid-Grade Soul Herb: Revival Grass]

  Effect: When consumed, stabilizes the soul, delaying complete disintegration. Can also be used to heal soul injuries.

  Mid-grade!

  Han’s spirits soared.

  After nearly a month of relentless tree-cutting, he had finally broken through—from low-grade herbs to mid-grade!

  And this Revival Grass certainly lived up to its classification.

  It could literally prevent a soul from being utterly obliterated.

  Sure, it only delayed the inevitable—but that alone was invaluable.

  True resurrection would require divine pills, but this? This was already heaven-defying.

  Then, his next stamina point brought forth something even stranger.

  [Special Item: Half-Cup of Fortune (Temporary)]

  Effect: Can be used in three separate doses or all at once. Temporarily increases personal luck. Three doses last three days each, or a full dose lasts ten days. (Does not affect the Immortal Tree.)

  Han blinked.

  Luck?

  That could drop as loot?!

  The Immortal Tree was hiding some serious secrets.

  A jade cup materialized in front of him, containing a swirling, ethereal liquid—precisely half a cup’s worth.

  Han hadn’t expected this at all.

  But was it useful?

  Absolutely.

  After studying it for a moment, he carefully stored it away.

  If it had worked on the Immortal Tree, he would have used it immediately.

  But since it didn’t, he’d save it for a truly critical moment.

  Wasting it just to "see how it feels" would be beyond idiotic.

  This was a fantastic start—Han’s excitement grew.

  Tonight was going to be incredible.

  His second stamina point only brought a single item—but once he saw its description, he knew it was worth it.

  [Special Item: Longevity Spirit Gu]

  Effect: A specially refined spirit gu. Grants ten additional years of lifespan with no side effects. (Cannot be consumed by mortals.)

  Unbelievable.

  Every drop tonight had been better than the last.

  Han had hit the jackpot, while the Immortal Tree was hemorrhaging losses.

  In a world like this, where power reigned supreme, few things were more valuable than lifespan.

  Ten extra years meant ten more years to cultivate—ten more years to break through bottlenecks.

  The spirit gu looked like a small black tortoise, completely motionless.

  Han poked its head experimentally.

  No reaction.

  He carefully stowed it away.

  There was no rush to use it.

  If news of this spread, countless people would go to war over it.

  Sure, there were other longevity-extending treasures in this world.

  But that didn’t make his "little tortoise" any less precious.

  Then came another drop:

  [Human-Tier Pill: Heart-Liver Pill]

  Effect: Strengthens the heart and liver, enhancing vitality.

  [Rare Item: Communication Snail (Mother)]

  Effect: Can produce up to three child snails. Mother and child snails can transmit messages across great distances. As the mother snail grows in rank, it can create more child snails and increase transmission range.

  [Artifact: Dragon-Tiger Cauldron]

  Effect: Emits a roar that shakes all beings. The fusion of dragon and tiger, an infinite power.

  Three more gains.

  A battle cauldron—likely a combat artifact rather than an alchemy tool.

  Though, theoretically… he could still try using it for alchemy.

  After all, even a regular iron pot could be used for pill refinement, right?

  The Heart-Liver Pill? Not the best name, but a solid effect.

  And the Communication Snail…

  Why did that feel so familiar?

  It was nagging at his memory.

  The mother snail was the size of a palm, and when Han split off three child snails, they appeared in red, yellow, and blue, each about the size of a fist.

  Cute. Not slimy at all.

  Han had already decided who would receive them.

  But first—he had to head to Yunjiang and "pick them up."

  More loot followed.

  [Rare Item: Explosive Dust]

  Effect: Fuses with weapons, adding explosive properties to attacks.

  Oh, so an enchantment. He’d seen similar things before.

  Then—

  [Rare Item: Sword Comprehension Stele]

  Effect: Ancient swordsmen once left their marks upon this stele. Their sword intents remain etched within, allowing others to study and refine their own techniques.

  Nice.

  First the Grinding Stone, now this?

  The Immortal Tree was finally dropping some real sword-related treasures.

  Maybe he’d go easier on it next time.

  …Maybe.

  Then came the last reward of the night.

  [Weapon: Royal Battle Armor]

  Effect: Crafted by ancient imperial artisans for royal heirs. Extremely durable, possessing the "Unbreakable" trait.

  Han sighed.

  Ancient royal whatever—again?

  Seriously, how many relics did these people leave behind?!