This time, as true combat partners, compared to their previous discord and mood swings, the two had grown much more in sync.

Or perhaps, due to the mental marking, they could instantly understand each other’s thoughts—knowing when to block out the overly sensitive sense of smell and when to enhance his hearing while filtering out unnecessary information.

Gu Nanfeng no longer needed to be distracted by his overly heightened senses, and Si Yu no longer had to waste effort breaking through the other’s mental barriers to communicate.

Everything flowed naturally.

Si Yu powerful mental strength acted like a stimulant. Even after prolonged high-intensity combat, Gu Nanfeng showed no signs of mental fatigue. In the cloud of his consciousness, the world remained a clear blue sky, with no burden weighing on body or mind.

After several battles, Gu Nanfeng’s Cougar couldn’t help but try to lick Si Yu all over. Whenever there were no enemies, the big cat would cling to Si Yu, impossible to pull away.

Gu Nanfeng couldn’t even drag him off.

Si Yu for his part, felt awkward. Previously, just stroking the Cougar once caused Gu Nanfeng to react, so he didn’t dare to touch it again.

Gu Nanfeng also felt awkward all over. Ever since being marked, his attention had never strayed from Si Yu. What the other ate, what he looked at, how his bangs shifted when he’s thinking deeply—all of it was absorbed into his consciousness.

This indescribable sensation made Gu Nanfeng feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

The high-level guide’s guiding pheromones were too powerful, Gu Nanfeng thought, trying to block out the information from Si Yu.

With the perfect cooperation between Gu Nanfeng and Si Yu, the mission proceeded smoothly. First, they broke through the mental barrier set by the rebels. Then they destroyed the device that created it. While dismantling the last one, however, they were ambushed.

Luckily, Si Yu noticed the attacker’s movements first, and Gu Nanfeng preemptively blocked the attack. Under Gu Nanfeng’s cover, Si Yu dismantled the device, while the Cougar remained dutifully by Si Yu’s side, never more than half a meter away.

After the battle, the Cougar rubbed its face against Si Yu, seeking praise. The big cat’s expression practically screamed, “I’m so awesome, both cute and fierce.”

Si Yu couldn’t resist and scratched the Cougar under its chin.

Gu Nanfeng, walking ahead, instantly tensed.

Si Yu stopped: “Sorry.”

Gu Nanfeng, flustered: “Can you control yourself a little? Are you that desperate for attention—”

He suddenly fell silent.

Si Yu was stroking his animal spirit. The Cougar was so comfortable it went limp, its tail swaying in the air.

Gu Nanfeng: “You—you—you—”

Si Yu: “Who’s the one lacking control here? Look down at your toothpick.”

Enraged at being insulted, Gu Nanfeng nearly choked.

Si Yu continued teasing: “Weren’t you boasting about your self-control earlier? All I did was pat it on the head.”

Humiliated, Gu Nanfeng shot back: “Do you think everyone’s like you?”

Si Yu narrowed his eyes: “Like me how?”

Gu Nanfeng: “You’re always making mental marks on people, aren’t you—”

Si Yu, cutting him off: “Aren’t I what? Say it.”

Gu Nanfeng was at a loss for words.

Si Yu, using his mental abilities, gently stroked the Cougar’s spine. The invisible touch glided along the big cat’s back and lightly patted its ass. The Cougar yowled, collapsing in pure bliss at Si Yu’s feet, eyes squinting with joy.

Meanwhile, Gu Nanfeng’s veins bulged, fists clenched.

Si Yu taunted: “You call me indecent? Am I a tramp or a whore? If you’ve got the guts, retract your animal spirit. You keep running your mouth, but I’m getting a firsthand look at what it means to talk out of both sides.”

Gu Nanfeng: “You—”

Si Yu boldly sneered: “You think being crass makes you tough? From what I see, the guides must have overinflated your ego, thinking you’re some beautiful princess. You can’t even stand to look at yourself pissing while standing up.”

As Si Yu spoke, his mental power grew overwhelmingly dominant. Gu Nanfeng, drenched in sweat, was completely subdued.

Si Yu, icy and composed: “Your mouth is so foul, hitting you would dirty my hands.”

After they dismantled the rebels’ barrier defenses, their camp’s offensive surged forward. Within days, they wiped out the enemy’s main base.

The mission was a success, but the relationship between the two had hit rock bottom.

Gu Nanfeng’s squad was praised for their outstanding performance and received commendations afterward. As a high-ranking external support, Si Yu sat below the stage with the camp’s leadership, dressed in a military officer’s uniform that highlighted his slim waist and straight legs.

Before Gu Nanfeng went on stage, his teammate whispered: “Lieutenant Qiao looks really handsome, doesn’t he?”

Gu Nanfeng said nothing.

The teammate persisted: “What’s wrong? Ever since we got back, you’ve been acting like you’ve got depression. Did you fight with Lieutenant Qiao?”

Gu Nanfeng, annoyed: “Why are you so concerned about him?”

The teammate: “Lieutenant Qiao’s a nice guy. I don’t see why you’re so upset. He even helped guide you—”

The teammate trailed off, sounding a bit envious: “Last time, your mental barrier was shattered, and you almost went berserk. He kissed you and made a mental mark without a second thought.”

Gu Nanfeng was stunned: “Wait, I thought he just injected guiding pheromones?”

The teammate, jealous: “No, I saw him kiss you.”

Gu Nanfeng: “?!”

Still in a daze, Gu Nanfeng was pushed onto the stage. He muddled through the commendation ceremony, reciting his oath in front of the Federation flag. When he got off stage, he stole a glance at Lutienant Qiao. He was engaged in conversation with someone nearby, looking impeccable in his military dress uniform.

Gu Nanfeng quickly looked away.