Chapter Twenty-One: Selecting the Guardian Kitten

Appearing alongside Wangchuan was Rebecca, whose elegance and pride surpassed all the cats present. To be honest, people always say outsiders bring fresh perspectives, and foreign cats are no exception. All the Soul-Guarding Cats and Soul-Devouring Cats were mostly ordinary Chinese rural cats or common kittens. Only Rebecca, with her exotic Persian pedigree, stood out as truly noble.

The master said nothing, sitting in his chair with a weary glance at the kittens below, gradually leaning on his chin in a doze, his breathing low and steady. Rebecca, with her sea-blue eyes, surveyed the little cats around her and spoke softly.

"The triennial election for Guardian Cats begins again. The kittens chosen as Guardian Cats will no longer need to venture out in search of souls and essence. They only need to stay by the master's side and guard him during his monthly soul-forging ritual."

Listening to Rebecca's words, I felt a stirring desire in my heart, my tail flicking unconsciously across the floor. Heaven knows, what troubled me most was the endless task of hunting for essence day and night! Every day, watching those plump bodies intertwine before me, blushing as I devoured their fetal souls and escaped! Such days could not continue forever, even if I advanced to become a Soul-Guarding Cat; it would only mean repeating the hunt for souls.

But if I could become a Guardian Cat, the rules would be far fewer! Only one ritual to guard each month!

It was only then I understood why Ningning and her circle went to such lengths to suppress all the other kittens, fighting tooth and claw to become Guardian Cats! It was like finding a secure, well-paid job with full benefits—who wouldn't want it?

Yet I wondered, since all cats here were formed from condensed essence, their bodies linked to former lives but no longer truly alive—never dying, recovering quickly from injuries—where were the previous Guardian Cats if elections occurred every three years?

As I pondered, Rebecca spoke again.

"I trust everyone has considered carefully. We will now begin the election, selecting ten kittens in total. After passing the trial, the master will choose his favorites. The Guardian Cat will become the master's special companion. And after three years, they will return to the human world, granted a new body, never again to enter the void rift."

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, silenced under Rebecca's blue gaze.

I was among those sighing—isn't this freedom?

My paw nearly stepped forward! Like me, perhaps twenty or thirty kittens raised their paws, eager to join. But I noticed Rebecca had said only those who "pass the trial" could become Guardian Cats. Was there some challenge to overcome?

So I lowered my paw, quietly listening as she continued.

"There are three trials. Remember, kittens, do not act recklessly. Those who wish to participate, remain in the hall; those who do not, leave and return to your duties in the human world."

The cat crowd bustled. Xiaoyun nudged me, "Qianqian, let's go." She turned to leave.

"Where are you going?" I smiled. "I'm staying."

"What?" Xiaoyun was stunned. "You want to be a Guardian Cat?"

Yubao, though silent, was clearly surprised, furrowing his brow at me.

"Yes," I affirmed, tapping my paw. "As a Guardian Cat, I can get a new body and return to the human world!"

That was my ultimate dream! When all this became a fleeting dream, I would return to Xin’er’s side as her sister—what's a few years’ hardship for that?

Besides, it didn’t sound arduous now!

Yubao tugged at me, "Don’t be silly, Qianqian, come with us. Those trials are tough—even Soul-Guarding Cats struggle, how can Soul-Devouring Cats possibly..."

He hadn’t finished before I interrupted, "Sorry, Yubao. My sister is in trouble, and instead of living in unrest, I'd rather find ways to become stronger."

Before, I lacked the skill and ambition, only hoping that on the long road of devouring fetal souls, I could become human again.

Now, Xin’er’s impending death and the pressure from Ningning’s group have forced me to take this step!

I need to become human quickly; I need the power to protect myself! They forbid me to curry favor with the master or show interest in the Soul-Guarding Cat selection?

Then I’ll do the opposite! Even if Ningning becomes a Guardian Cat, she won’t dare trouble me openly anymore!

But if I remain a mere Soul-Devouring Cat, and she becomes a Guardian Cat, she’ll become even more arrogant, dealing with me swiftly.

In this world, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.

Right now, becoming a Guardian Cat benefits me most—even if it's a leap in rank, I'm willing to try.

Besides, the master never said Soul-Devouring Cats couldn’t participate. Why shouldn’t I?

Xiaoyun pouted, helplessly glancing at Yubao, then at me, gently coaxing, "Let’s go back, Qianqian. Didn’t you hear Yubao? It’s scary!"

"Even if scary, I have to try. Soul-Devouring Cats can’t die—it’s just suffering."

Xiaoyun seemed at a loss for words, speaking plaintively, "So you don’t want us anymore?"

I sighed, "Xiaoyun, I’ll never forget you, but I want my sister more. If I have to choose between the chaotic rift and my sister..."

I didn’t finish, for the depths of such human feelings were too much to express.

Xiaoyun pressed her lips tightly, then turned, leaving me with a sorrowful, round feline silhouette.

"Fine, I understand. Qianqian, we’ll wait for you outside. You must—be careful."

With that, Xiaoyun turned, eyes wet.

"Silly." I reached out to wipe her tears. "We have three years! So long!" Enough for a lifetime of longing.

Xiaoyun nodded, looking at Yubao. "Let’s go."

Yubao didn’t move. Instead, he asked, "You truly want to be a Guardian Cat?"

I nodded, unwavering.

"Why?"

"I already said—for my sister."

Yubao grew dejected, softly warning, "You’re not thinking of... the master, are you? Cats who do always meet a bad end. Apart from Rebecca, I’ve never seen anyone remain by his side for so long..."

His words were halting, perhaps saying things he shouldn’t.

Like Ningning and the others, maybe he feared I’d develop feelings for Wangchuan, ending in disaster.

But if Rebecca could do it, so could I.

"I’ll be careful. I just want to become human."

Yubao sighed, "Alright, I’ll follow your lead."

I nodded, "Go back first. If I fail, I’ll return and cry to you."

Yubao couldn’t help but smile warmly. "Then I’d rather you didn’t succeed."

I gave him a disgruntled look; Xiaoyun, amused, laughed through her tears.

She was like a princess from a fairy tale—always gentle, delicate, timid, kind yet brave and devoted.

She was my best, my only friend since becoming a Soul-Devouring Cat.

"Go on." I felt tears coming, seeing the hall emptying of kittens, urging them to leave.

Yubao raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly, "Who says we’re leaving?"

"Huh?" I scratched my head in confusion. "I thought you weren’t interested in Guardian Cats!"

Yubao stood, hind paws firm, shrugging like a human—comical, but serious.

"I’m interested now."

"Pfft—" Xiaoyun laughed. "Well, with Yubao by your side, I’m relieved. I’ll go, Qianqian. Yubao, take care of her..."

Yubao nodded repeatedly, and we watched Xiaoyun leave, the hall doors closing tightly behind her.

Suddenly, the hall was silent. For the first time, I felt truly safe with Yubao at my side.

Perhaps, at any time, having a male nearby feels protective.

Wangchuan smiled, beckoned Rebecca, who leapt onto his chair and listened as he spoke a few words.

She jumped down again and announced loudly,

"The master says, this year’s Guardian Cat selection requires only one trial, not three!"

As soon as she finished, the remaining kittens burst into murmurs.

Just then, Ningning noticed me, her venomous gaze piercing over! I returned her stare, unhurried and smiling, as if to say: Bite me if you dare!

Obviously, she couldn’t, so her eyes seemed about to pop, turning away angrily.

"Quiet."

Rebecca’s gentle command silenced all.

Then I watched in shock as several women, clearly transformed from kittens, carried in a massive cauldron!

No—it was a furnace! Filled with molten steel, glowing red!

Just like Xiaoyun once described—a torture where cats are thrown inside, burned beyond recognition!

Heavens—my legs weakened, almost convulsing!

Many cats reacted like me, gasping or going limp, unable to stand!

It was truly terrifying!

Yubao tilted his head at me, seemingly unfazed, having expected this, yet somewhat helpless at my reaction.

He gently patted my paw, offering a reassuring smile.

I steadied myself, taking a deep breath, staring at the furnace that heated the entire hall.

Minutes later, the door swung open, all kittens staring at Rebecca in surprise.

Rebecca smiled elegantly, "Those who remain, jump in. If you last five minutes inside, you pass! If you’re afraid, leave now and need not continue."

"You have three minutes to decide. Starting now."