Forbidden Forest: The Beast King, Rhubarb

Qilin?

"You mean that creature in the Forbidden Forest?"

"You two really are thick as thieves, always thinking about each other."

"If it's willing, you can take it with you."

Though somewhat surprised, Mu Yunyao didn’t stop him. If a qilin truly followed Chen Chang’an, at least he wouldn’t be bullied outside.

"Master, I’ll be leaving now."

"Mm."

"Master, in the days without me, you must be happy and joyful."

"This master understands."

"Master, remember to stay happy, alright?"

"Mm."

"Master—"

"Scram!"

"Right away!"

Humming a cheerful tune and skipping merrily, Chen Chang’an began fantasizing about how he would indulge in the pleasures of the world once he left.

Seeing him so delighted, Mu Yunyao’s expression darkened.

What was this?

What exactly did this brat mean?

Was leaving her really such a joyous occasion?

Even if she was the one who drove him away, how dare he act so happy?

Hiss!

A sudden chill from behind made Chen Chang’an freeze mid-step, sending a shiver down his spine.

After ten thousand years together, he knew this cold aura all too well.

Tsk. You’re the one who told me to leave, yet now you’re unhappy?

Such a fickle woman!

Of course, Chen Chang’an would never dare say this out loud—only think it in his heart.

Not daring to push his luck further, he walked steadily out of Mu Yunyao’s sight.

The place where Chen Chang’an lived wasn’t far from the Forbidden Forest. In the time it took to burn a stick of incense, he had already arrived at its outskirts.

The Forbidden Forest—as the name suggested—was a place of taboos. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare approach, let alone venture inside.

Because even the weakest beasts here were at least fifth-tier—equivalent to human cultivators at the Divine Ability Realm.

Though Chen Chang’an had no cultivation, he was well-versed in the hierarchy of strength.

The realms of power were divided as follows: Spirit Gathering Realm, Core Formation Realm, True Qi Realm, Transcendent Realm, Divine Ability Realm, Divine Transformation Realm, Void Comprehension Realm, Supreme Realm, Immortal Realm, and Great Emperor.

His master, Mu Yunyao, was one of the few peak Great Emperor experts in existence.

While others wouldn’t dare set foot in the Forbidden Forest, for Chen Chang’an, it was like returning home—strolling leisurely without a care in the world.

From start to finish, not a single beast appeared, as if they didn’t exist at all.

"Mother, why are we hiding?"

"Who is that young man? He doesn’t seem dangerous at all."

Deep in the forest, a young beast’s eyes were filled with confusion.

"Not dangerous?"

"He’s nothing but trouble. Memorize his face—if you ever see him, stay far away. Understand?"

"But why?"

"Why? For others, this place is forbidden because of us. But for us, it’s forbidden because of him!"

"Don’t ask too much. Just remember my words."

Walking all this way without seeing a single beast, Chen Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh.

"Ah, too outstanding to have friends."

"Honestly, I don’t even mind. Why are you all so insecure?"

"At least my Big Yellow is reliable!"

Continuing forward, Chen Chang’an reached the heart of the Forbidden Forest.

There, a qilin lay lazily on the ground, seemingly asleep.

Sensing Chen Chang’an’s presence, its eyelids twitched slightly, but it didn’t open them.

Chen Chang’an walked right up and sat beside it, leaning back against the qilin’s body.

"Big Yellow."

At the sound of the name, the qilin’s breathing noticeably grew heavier, as if it actually liked being called that.

Seeing it still ignoring him, Chen Chang’an chuckled.

"It’s been nearly ten thousand years since we met. Maybe we’ve lived too long, but lately, I keep reminiscing about the past."

"Remember what happened when we first met?"

"I looked at you warmly, and you looked at me warmly. I greeted you, and you happily swallowed me whole."

"By that logic, we’re practically life-and-death comrades—family, even."

"I mean—"

"What the hell do you actually want to say?!"

The qilin finally lost its patience. After all, that incident wasn’t exactly something to be proud of.

It had swallowed Chen Chang’an in one gulp, only for the brat to survive inside its stomach for days, endlessly chattering away.

In the end, the qilin had even been beaten up by Chen Chang’an’s master. Just thinking about it was humiliating—no, humiliating for a beast!

"I’m leaving."

At these words, the qilin’s body stiffened for a moment before it lazily replied, still keeping its eyes closed.

"Sneaking out to play again?"

"Your master isn’t in seclusion. I can still sense her presence."

"This time, I’m going somewhere far. Might be gone for a long while."

Far away? Gone for long?

The qilin snorted dismissively. "Then it’s none of my business. Have a safe trip."

"In the past, when I sneaked out to play, you were always thrilled. What’s different this time?"

"Because back then, your master was in seclusion, and you didn’t go far!"

"Don’t you remember the rules your master set for us? You can’t die, but I still want to live!"

Though the qilin was the king of the Forbidden Forest, it wouldn’t dare defy Mu Yunyao.

The rules she laid down were absolute—violating them meant unthinkable consequences.

"Relax, my master gave permission."

"This time, I might be away for a long time, and I’ll need a strong companion by my side."

"My master specifically named you to come along, Big Yellow. In her eyes, you’re… a true powerhouse." Chen Chang’an said with utmost sincerity.

The qilin’s spirit suddenly stirred.

A powerhouse?

So that was how Mu Yunyao saw it?

"Your master… has good judgment."

"Where are we going? Let’s leave now!" The qilin abruptly stood up, sending Chen Chang’an tumbling to the side.

"What’s the rush?"

"Rush? If we’re late, I’m afraid your master might change her mind!"

"Don’t worry, she won’t. She’s the one who kicked me out. Sigh. Guess she got tired of me after all these years."

Seeing Chen Chang’an’s dejected expression, the qilin—Big Yellow—was stunned.

He was actually driven away?

"Weren’t you your master’s treasure? How could she bear to kick you out?"

"Once a treasure, now just a weed. Enough, no need to dwell on it—it only brings sorrow."

The qilin wasn’t one for overthinking. As long as it could go out and play, that was all that mattered.

"Same rules as before?"

"Again? I don’t want to be a dog this time!"

Though Big Yellow loved going out, it knew its true form wasn’t exactly inconspicuous.

Every time it sneaked out with Chen Chang’an, it had to transform into a big yellow dog. But after so long, even the qilin was getting fed up.

I'm a freaking Qilin, yet every time I go out, people keep calling me "doggy" or "puppy." Do I not have any dignity left?

"It's just a temporary measure for convenience," Chen Chang'an said with a chuckle, trying to placate him.

"Chen Chang'an, do you really think I'm some naive fool who's never stepped outside?"

"Others ride horses, donkeys, or even spirit beasts."

"But you—you ride a damn dog!"

"No way. This time, I refuse to be a dog anymore."

"If you want to, go ahead—I’ll ride you instead!"

"Hey now, we’re brothers—why split hairs over who’s who?"

"Let’s just get moving first. We can discuss it along the way, alright?"

"Everything else is negotiable, but I won’t be a dog."

"Fine, fine, you’re not a dog. Happy now?"