Transmigrated Into the Body of a Sickly Villain's Kitten - Chapter 3

Fu Rou had been at Wuqi Mountain for quite some time, but her activities with Brother Ping Tou were always confined to the foothills. This was her first time venturing to the mountainside and the summit.

The spiritual energy on the mountainside was far richer and more abundant than at the base. The bubble enveloping Brother Ping Tou burst near the Crescent Moon Pond, and he landed safely on the ground.

He lifted his gaze to the little cat being taken to the summit by the master of Wuqi Mountain, silently praying for her in his heart.

Whether she was truly the reincarnation of the Cloud Mystery Immortal Lord or merely a substitute, he hoped she would live well.

At first, Fu Rou had expected a villa at the summit, but instead, she found an ancient-style mansion with two red lanterns swaying in the wind at the entrance. Flanking the door were two stone lions, each standing three feet tall, exuding an imposing grandeur.

Looking up, she saw a black plaque above the main entrance adorned with gilded characters: “Moon Abode.”

At first glance, it appeared majestic and opulent.

It made sense, the woman who owned the entire mountain would hardly live in a humble dwelling.

The ancient residence was elegant, comfortable, and exuded an air of nobility. However, Fu Rou’s mind was preoccupied with the thought, “I’ve actually interfered in the relationship between Shi Yao and the cat.”

She felt as though she were surviving in a narrow crevice, on one side, her favorite couple was on the verge of being torn apart by her, and on the other, she faced the immediate issue of survival.

What should she choose?

Fu Rou had now fully grasped the situation and sorted out two possibilities in her mind.

Currently, there were two scenarios: either she had transmigrated into a new book written by the yuri author about Shi Yao and the cat, or she had entered the sequel of the story she had previously read about the pear blossom demon and the alchemist.

If Shi Yao and the cat were the main characters, then she was the substitute who had been sent to the back mountain and taken in by Shi Yao. If the pear blossom demon and the alchemist were the protagonists, she would still be the innocent substitute by the antagonist’s side.

Either way, Fu Rou was bound to be affected, and as a cannon fodder character, she would likely meet a tragic end.

She had been thrown onto Wuqi Mountain for some unknown purpose, and she had no memories of this cat body.

The real cat had yet to appear. Brother Ping Tou’s remark about her being “chosen” probably meant she was selected to be a substitute.

What would a substitute have to do? Provide emotional comfort or… offer herself?

If she complacently accepted the role of the cat’s substitute, she would inevitably become a major obstacle to Shi Yao and the cat’s relationship in the later plot!

She didn’t want to be the seductive, scheming villainess; she only wished for her favorite couple to be together.

Fu Rou whimpered, Fu Rou felt wronged, Fu Rou sobbed softly.

How could she prevent Shi Yao from being captivated by her beauty and avoid developing too much of an emotional connection, lest the cat grow jealous later?

Thinking of the twenty-plus cats in her cat café, a sudden inspiration flashed through her mind.

When they reached the entrance of the ancient mansion, Fu Rou was cradled in Shi Yao’s arms.

Shi Yao’s slender, pale fingers gently stroked the soft fur on Fu Rou’s head, then lightly scratched under her chin, whispering softly, “I’ve lived here for centuries. You always said I drifted without a home. Now that you’re back, let’s make this our home.”

“No, wife! Ah, no, sister! Am I not just a substitute? I’m only a substitute, don’t take it seriously! And you’re saying all this to me! How can you face the cat?!”

Fu Rou could already imagine the storm that would erupt when the real cat returned.

Shi Yao’s journey of chasing after her beloved was definitely going to be a fiery ordeal, right?

Originally, Fu Rou had mentally prepared herself with a cat persona, no matter how much Shi Yao doted on her or sought emotional solace from her, Fu Rou wouldn’t yield. She was determined to be a proud and aloof cat.

But Shi Yao’s gentle strokes under her chin were just too soothing. Fu Rou slowly narrowed her eyes, feeling a wave of pleasure.

Well, maybe just for now?

She wants to spoil me, but I’m not willing, right?

I’m just a substitute forced to work.

Thankfully, Shi Yao’s eyes were currently covered with a cloth; otherwise, she would surely laugh at the cat’s current state.

As Shi Yao stepped into the ancient mansion, three little spirits hurried up to greet her: “Honored Master, you always go to the foot of the mountain when you’re at your weakest. We were so worried about you, afraid that you… Huh? What’s that in your hand…?”

Fu Rou turned her head, her little face still looking listless. However, the three people in front of her seemed shocked to see her. After exchanging glances, they knelt in unison: “Congratulations, Honored Master!”

What are you congratulating her for?!

Just end it all, I’m exhausted.

Fu Rou no longer had the energy to complain. All she felt now was a strong sense of guilt and remorse.

When she first arrived here, Fu Rou had looked at her reflection in a stream. The cat she had possessed was indeed beautiful and adorable: snow-white fur, soft ears, a pink nose, and a cherry-like mouth. Even as the owner of a cat café who had raised many cats, she found this one perfect, wanting to give it a good pet. This little appearance could truly be called the dream cat.

But now, alas. Fu Rou still clung to a sliver of hope.

Maybe as she grew older, her fur would gradually develop patches like those of stray cats. By then, she could quietly slip away without disturbing Shi Yao and the real cat, right?

The three demons kept staring at the little cat in Shi Yao’s hands. Sensing their gaze, the kitten met their eyes and suddenly let out a fierce yet adorable “meow.”

The demons took a step back. One of them, a male demon with horns on his forehead who looked like a deer demon, said, “The Immortal Lord seems weak, probably hungry. We’ll go prepare some food for the Immortal Lord right away.”

Shi Yao remained silent as the three demons scattered. Fu Rou rested her head back on Shi Yao’s shoulder, only to hear Shi Yao chuckle softly: “You’re still the same as before, always so fierce when you meet strangers. This time, after your reincarnation, I will stay by your side as you grow up and never leave.”

Fu Rou: “…”

Why hadn’t she noticed how gentle Shi Yao was when she read books and comics before?

While the three demons were preparing food for Fu Rou, Shi Yao carried her around the ancient mansion for a tour.

The mansion wasn’t a traditional courtyard house but more like a garden, seamlessly blending with the mountain scenery as if one with nature.

Shi Yao casually walked around with Fu Rou, not explaining anything along the way. Only when they reached the final courtyard did she finally speak: “This is where I live. From now on, you’ll stay here with me.”

For the first time, Fu Rou felt that the mountain forest was bustling with life.

At least there was the rustling of leaves and the sound of a flowing stream there, but here it was very quiet.

So quiet that Fu Rou felt a bit unsettled in her heart.

A few peach blossom trees were planted outside the courtyard, but they hadn’t bloomed yet. Only a few new branches had sprouted, giving them a vibrant look. However, perhaps because Shi Yao was present, those trees stood as still as sculptures.

As if… they didn’t dare to move.

Shi Yao felt the cat in her arms stiffen. She gently tapped Fu Rou’s soft little ear and asked, “What are you afraid of?”

Shi Yao definitely couldn’t hear Fu Rou’s inner thoughts. Not long ago, the honey badger had mentioned that Shi Yao couldn’t understand the sounds she made when she meowed, so…

“Meow~ Meow meow meow~!” This place is too eerie, I don’t want to stay here anymore. Can you let me go?

Shi Yao: “…”

Not understanding what the kitten in her arms was meowing about, she carried Fu Rou inside and held her up in her hands.

Shi Yao’s room wasn’t as rustic as it appeared from the outside. It had quite a few modern furnishings. Fu Rou was placed on a carved wooden bed, and the blanket beneath her feet felt incredibly soft. She sprawled out on the blanket, clearly enjoying herself immensely.

Fu Rou thought she should act a bit more reserved in a new place, so she curled up into a little ball on Shi Yao’s bed, looking adorable and slightly nervous in her new surroundings.

Just then, a female voice sounded from outside: “Honored Master, the Immortal Lord has just been reborn and is still very young. Ordinary food won’t do, so we’ve prepared goat milk suitable for kittens. Shall I bring it in for you?”

“Mm.”

The demons outside didn’t dare to enter Shi Yao’s bedchamber casually, so the bottle of goat milk floated into the room on its own.

Shi Yao took the bottle and touched the small nipple on it, pausing for a moment.

Her eyes were covered, so accurately feeding Fu Rou might be a bit challenging.

However, her hearing was exceptionally sharp. Even though Fu Rou was lying on the bed, she could still pinpoint her exact location.

And so, Fu Rou watched as Shi Yao reached out with the bottle and then…

Poked it against her furry bottom.

Fu Rou: “…”

Sensing something was off, Shi Yao asked, “Don’t you like milk?”

“Meow!”

Hearing Fu Rou’s meow, Shi Yao realized she had been feeding her the wrong way.

She showed no sign of embarrassment, nor did she move her hand. Instead, she used her spiritual power to turn Fu Rou around, and the nipple naturally ended up at the kitten’s mouth.

Fu Rou instinctively latched onto the nipple and began to drink, her little mouth making soft, rhythmic sounds.

So delicious.

The goat milk was far tastier than the bland dew she had been drinking, several times better.

Fu Rou drank about a third of the milk intermittently before letting out a tiny burp.

Shi Yao gently rubbed Fu Rou’s belly to prevent bloating.

She seemed completely at ease with these tasks, handling them with practiced ease.

Fu Rou’s inner monologue: She must have gained experience from taking care of so many substitutes already.

At this point, Fu Rou didn’t entertain the idea that she might actually be a real cat.

Perhaps it was due to her preconceived notions, but she simply thought of herself as a lucky little stray cat who happened to resemble the cat Shi Yao was looking for and was brought back as a substitute.

Shi Yao had no idea what was going through the kitten’s mind. Stroking the little kitten’s back, she began murmuring to herself again: “Do you remember when we first met? You hopped over to my feet and asked if someone had bullied me, even offering to stand up for me. You said you wanted to perform a hundred good deeds, and once you did, you’d be able to take human form so I could see how beautiful you were. But you were deceived by those people… In the end, all I ever saw was your back…”

Fu Rou had no clue what Shi Yao was muttering about. After finishing her milk, she felt a bit drowsy and simply closed her eyes to sleep.

Feeling the steady breathing of the little kitten in her hands, Shi Yao placed the cat on the bed and covered her with a light blanket.

The mountain temperature was actually quite low. While cultivators were unbothered by the cold, an ordinary kitten definitely needed warmth.

Shi Yao reached up and removed the silk cloth covering her eyes, gazing down at the soft, tiny bundle on the bed.

Blurry, she couldn’t make out anything clearly.

A flicker of sorrow passed through her pale golden irises, and as a tear fell onto the bed, it instantly transformed into a small white pearl.

Shi Yao picked up the pearl and casually tossed it aside before retying the silk cloth over her eyes.

After living in the ancient mansion for nearly a week, Fu Rou’s body had grown noticeably larger.

Her soft fur was gradually thickening, making her look like a fluffy little ball. If she was this adorable as a kitten, she was bound to be a stunning cat when fully grown.

Over these days, Fu Rou had become well acquainted with the three spirits serving Shi Yao in the mansion.

One was a bamboo rat demon named Liang Zhuo, whose simple and endearing nature made him utterly charming, he was the one who prepared Fu Rou’s milk every day. Another was a deer demon, Ke Fan, who handled matters with brisk efficiency and managed all affairs in the mansion, big and small. The third was a peony demon, Guan Jin, who came daily to report to Shi Yao before quietly departing.

Shi Yao seemed to be keeping Fu Rou tucked away like a hidden treasure, rarely leaving the room and spending her days lying beside the kitten, murmuring incessantly.

Fu Rou noticed that after a few days, Shi Yao had removed the silk cloth, revealing her extraordinarily beautiful eyes.

When Shi Yao’s pure black pupils fixed on Fu Rou, it felt as though they were deep abysses, once you looked in, you will never want to pull away.

Moreover, back when she’d read the comic, Fu Rou had particularly adored the villain’s beauty mark, positioned between her right eye and the end of her eyebrow. It gave off an intimidating aura, yet carried an even stronger sense of allure.

Shi Yao’s murmurs were all about the past experiences she’d shared with her cat.

But the version Fu Rou heard from Shi Yao’s lips seemed entirely different from the novel she had once read.

The protagonist’s version was a power-leveling, boss-fighting thrill ride, while Shi Yao and her cat’s story was one of missed chances, deep affection with shallow fate, and love that could never be fulfilled.