Chapter Twenty-Two: Through Your Body Some readers’ cameo kittens make anonymous appearances—can you guess who is who?

Three minutes passed quickly.

After Rebecca finished speaking, many kittens began whispering among themselves, and gradually, quite a few were considering whether to leave. After a minute, a few scattered kittens, their ears drooping, glanced at the bubbling cauldron emitting red bubbles and walked away. Another minute passed, and many more abandoned the idea.

All those present were Soul-guarding Cats; truthfully, they enjoyed a life of ease and certainty, much better than Soul-devouring Cats. They only needed to find one soul a week, unlike the Soul-devouring Cats who had to bring one back daily or face punishment. Most were content with their lot and chose not to risk everything.

With a minute remaining, I saw Ning Ning standing helplessly, her tail tracing circles on the ground. Many kittens had already left her side, perhaps unable to hold out any longer, trembling at the sight of the red molten steel. I admit I was terrified too; my paws felt soft and weak.

Fish Treasure looked at me and sighed softly, “Let’s go, Qian Qian.”

I didn’t answer him. Instead, I stared at the cauldron, my heart heavy. Ning Ning was now utterly alone, no one left to cheer her on, only able to glare hatefully at me. In truth, I felt myself wavering. Who wouldn’t recoil at such a terrifying thing? But there was no choice; like every other kitten, my confidence had been strong at first, but upon seeing the rolling red steel, terror overcame me. I even thought about turning back.

Yet when I met that hostile gaze, I suddenly felt all my efforts were worthwhile. The saying goes, “If one is too gentle, others will take advantage,” and there’s truth in that. So I had to stay.

Wang Chuan didn’t even glance at us; he merely closed his eyes, feigning sleep. His long hair hung from his cheeks, lending him a chaotic, seductive air.

Three minutes passed. Only six cats remained in the hall: myself, Fish Treasure, Ning Ning, and three unfamiliar kittens.

They’d wanted ten, but after that fright, only six stayed. I wondered what would happen now that there weren’t enough Guardian Cats.

With a loud bang, the doors closed. The six kittens left waited in silence. I observed them briefly: one white and yellow, one calico, one gray. The gray one looked exceptionally proud, its entire demeanor cold, even more intimidating than Ning Ning. Its green-gray eyes scrutinized the cauldron.

The white-and-yellow one wore a stern face, its earthy yellow eyes devoid of emotion. The calico’s markings clustered on its back; its limbs and head were snowy white, and its crystalline blue eyes resembled Rebecca’s.

I couldn’t help but think all Soul-guarding Cats looked equally terrifying—never smiling, even icy. Had years in this role eroded their human feelings?

Time seemed frozen. Rebecca spoke softly, “Now, we may begin. Who will go first?”

No one moved. Fish Treasure seemed unafraid, but he watched me closely; I suspected he wouldn’t act unless I did. The other three, formidable as they looked, showed no intention of moving either—perhaps waiting to see how others fared.

Ning Ning was visibly trembling now, her hind legs quivering uncontrollably. I guessed she stayed only because I was there. She’d bullied and warned me before, oppressing me time and again, and even before I arrived, she was planning to fight me. If she left now and I became a Guardian Cat, she wouldn’t be able to bear it. Perhaps it was this force that kept her here.

“No one dares?” Rebecca sneered, clearly looking down on us.

I wanted to rush forward, but the desire was one thing; action, another. After much hesitation, I took slow, shaky steps toward the front.

Rebecca glanced at me, her lips curling. “Oh, so there’s a Soul-devouring Cat here.”

I felt uncomfortable at her words and raised my head defiantly, “Yes, that’s me!”

“What?” Rebecca was surprised by my answer. “What are you saying?”

“I said—yes, that’s me!” I repeated.

Rebecca smiled, “Alright, little cat, I’ll take that as your declaration. You’re the first to go in—do you dare?”

“Yes! That’s me!”

I answered again, and many kittens nearby covered their mouths, giggling quietly.

“So this cat’s a fool!” The yellow-and-white one was surprised.

“No wonder she didn’t leave,” the calico muttered in shock.

“Heh—foolish cats are strong, don’t underestimate them,” Fish Treasure said with a cheerful grin. I shot him a glare.

“That’s right, foolish cats are strong,” Ning Ning echoed.

The gray-blue-eyed cat finished the exchange with a soft laugh, sighing, “The world is full of foolish people; fools laugh, and the world is beautiful.”

“Tch—” several cats replied in unison.

Even now, they found the energy for this literary jest. Wang Chuan yawned, sat up slightly in his chair, and a black dragon coiled around his hand. He idly teased the dragon, which slithered about his fingers like a snake, occasionally lifting its head to observe the kittens below.

I admit I was momentarily entranced, but Rebecca’s mocking laugh snapped me from it.

“If you don’t dare, then leave, little Soul-devouring Cat. Here’s your chance.”

I shook my head and met her gaze stubbornly, “Who said I’m leaving?!”

I thought to myself: sooner dead, sooner reborn. Jumping in might not change anything!

So, I took three steps at a run, lifted my paw, and dashed toward the massive three-legged cauldron. Those nearby scattered quickly, perhaps afraid I’d leap in like a rocket and splash molten steel over them.

Splat—hiss—

Two sounds: first, me falling into the fiery pit; and before I could cry out, there was no need. I felt