Chapter 354 I want a baby.
"Okay, I've decided not to use this technique."
Baihu's words left Chen Tian shocked. He hadn't expected her to reject him.
"W-Why not? This technique is pretty good," Chen Tian stammered, trying to understand Baihu's sudden change of heart. He had thought that Baihu wouldn't refuse his offer, considering she had always shown interest in him, but now he was left feeling confused and unsure of what to do next.
Baihu shook her head gently.
"I know. This is one of the best techniques I've seen. But it conflicts with my goals—the path I've chosen."
Chen Tian's confusion deepened as he tried to comprehend her reasoning.
"Goals?"
Baihu simply nodded, her expression unreadable.
"Yes, my goals," she repeated, her eyes fixed on her stomach. For some reason, Chen Tian felt cold sweat beginning to form on his forehead.
A bad premonition crept over him as he realized what Baihu meant. He wasn't stupid enough to miss the meaning behind her words.
"If I use this technique, I can't get pregnant," Baihu stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. Chen Tian's mind raced as he tried to process her words.
"I want a baby."
'Does she want to trap me with child support?' Chen Tian thought, feeling a rising sense of panic.
He wasn't ready to be a father, especially under these circumstances. He still didn't know what his purpose in life was, why he had been reincarnated, and he hadn't even achieved revenge on his enemies.
His life was a mess.
As he looked into Baihu's eyes, he saw determination and a hint of desperation. He knew he had a choice to make—either run away from his responsibilities or face them head-on.
Chen Tian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her gaze. Her words echoed in his mind: *I want a baby.*
Everything about his life had been chaotic until now—revenge, reincarnation, cultivation struggles. Fatherhood had never been part of his plan. Yet here it was, looming like a wall he couldn't dodge.
"Baihu… I…" His throat felt dry, and the words failed him. Chen Tian wasn't ready for this. He wasn't ready for the responsibility, the commitment, or the permanent shift in his life that a child would bring.
But Baihu was serious—deadly serious. Her gaze was unwavering, and the faint hint of desperation in her eyes had morphed into something stronger.
"I know you're not ready," she interrupted his scattered thoughts, her voice softer now. "But this is my choice too. I want a future. You may not understand now, but…" Her words trailed off as she gently placed a hand over her stomach, her meaning clear.
Chen Tian clenched his fists, his thoughts spiraling out of control. He had never run from anything in his life, not even death. But this—fatherhood—felt different. It felt like the ultimate responsibility.
His heart pounded in his chest, and cold sweat still clung to his skin.
Finally, Chen Tian broke the silence.
"I… don't know what I want," he confessed, his voice hoarse. "My life is a mess. I don't know my purpose or my path. I can't even promise you that I can stay alive. How can I give you… a child?"
Baihu's eyes softened, her fierce resolve giving way to understanding. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly, reassuring him with her touch.
They were still naked, their skin pressed together, and Baihu's two peaks pressed against Chen Tian's chest making his heart race a little.
"You're the mate I've been waiting for," she whispered, her warm breath tickling his ear. "We'll figure it out together."
Her tail wrapped around his waist, pulling him even closer.
"And it doesn't mean I have to get pregnant right now. Among the tiger races, it takes a long time for the female to conceive. We have all the time in the world to explore our bond and strengthen our connection," she continued, her voice filled with reassurance.
Chen Tian felt a wave of relief wash over him. He wasn't ready to be a father yet, and the thought of taking things slowly with Baihu was a welcome one. He couldn't force Baihu to use the technique; if she didn't want to, he had no choice but to wait patiently for nature to take its course.
A normal woman could conceive within a day if she didn't expel the Yang Qi inside her body. A cultivator's body was different— the higher the realm, the harder it was to conceive.
With Baihu being a powerful cultivator in the Nascent Soul realm, it could take much longer for her to become pregnant.
'At least she's willing to follow me,' Chen Tian thought as they embraced in a warm hug. They spent the rest of the night holding each other close.
The next day, Chen Tian opened his eyes, feeling the familiar warmth of Baihu beside him. He shifted slightly, careful not to disturb her, but as soon as he moved, Baihu stirred. Her golden eyes opened lazily, and a soft smile spread across her lips as she met his gaze.
"Morning," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Morning," Chen Tian replied, his voice low and gravelly.
For a moment, they simply lay there in silence, basking in the quiet comfort of the morning. But Chen Tian knew he couldn't stay in this moment forever.
"I need to get stronger. Now that I can't advance, I need to fix this quickly. My best option is to explore the cultivation world, but I'll have to wait a while before I return. The Grand Expedition is in a few days; I definitely need to go. Maybe I'll find another opportunity," Chen Tian thought inwardly.
"Are you going with me?"
As they dressed and prepared to leave, Baihu nodded.
"Yes, I'm not leaving my mate alone. Wherever you go, I'll follow."
"Good," Chen Tian smiled as they both decided to head back to the Ming Mansion.
But before they could leave, both of them felt a presence approaching at a fast speed.
"Madam Baihu!! I FINALLY FOUND YOU!!!"