Ouyang Tao’s fears became a terrifying reality—the killer had found him again.

This time, he had no ready weapons, not even materials. Unable to use any elemental magic except mechanical magic, Ouyang Tao was utterly defenseless.

Just like before, the assailant raised his hand. A crimson ball of light gathered power, aimed straight at Ouyang Tao.

What to do? Ouyang Tao instinctively stepped back.

Yet Zhao Yuehan remained calm. She released Ouyang Tao’s hand and stared straight at the attacker, showing no hint of fear.

Ouyang Tao moved behind her. It was humiliating, but he had to rely on his senior sister’s protection now.

The red light shot out. Instantly, a Magic Array appeared on the ground before Zhao Yuehan. A massive sword, taller than her, rose from it like an unbreakable shield, blocking the deadly beam.

“Go to the Arcane Library,” Zhao Yuehan said plainly. She meant to cover for him.

Ouyang Tao didn’t hesitate. He turned and sprinted down another path toward the Arcane Library.

What a useless piece of trash I am! Letting a girl cover for me. But survival came first—he ran like hell.

Seeing Ouyang Tao flee, the killer knew Zhao Yuehan wasn’t weak. He didn’t plan to fight her. His form shifted into red light, chasing after Ouyang Tao.

“Not a chance.” Zhao Yuehan saw his intent. She flicked her wrist. The giant sword slashed down, cutting through the red light as it passed her, forcing the killer back into physical form.

This was Zhao Yuehan’s fighting style. She controlled the sword with magic, never needing to wield it herself.

“It’s the Spectral Sword…” the killer realized. This wasn’t an ordinary blade—it was the Deathly Relic, Zhao Yuehan’s token as a Death Envoy.

Zhao Yuehan didn’t respond. She stood firm, blocking his path. Her hands held her stance, her calm gaze locked on every detail, guarding tightly.

But the killer didn’t give up. He raised his hands. The crimson ball flew skyward, unleashing countless red light arrows that rained down on the fleeing Ouyang Tao.

At the same time, the killer himself turned into red light again, speeding after Ouyang Tao on the ground.

Seeing the two-pronged attack, Zhao Yuehan’s expression didn’t flicker. Her reaction was lightning-fast. She and the giant sword teleported mid-air. With a twist of her hands, the sword spun rapidly, becoming a shield of blades, deflecting all arrows.

Below, the red light form was about to catch Ouyang Tao at the next intersection. Zhao Yuehan channeled her Mana, conjuring two identical giant swords. They shot straight at the Magic Array ball still firing arrows.

Then Zhao Yuehan plummeted down, landing in front of the red light. She spread her arms, an invisible barrier blocking it again. Meanwhile, the swords from the sky fell like meteors. The killer, caught off guard, retreated hastily. He dodged the strike but his shoulder was slashed by the Spectral Sword.

“Not a chance,” she repeated, her voice firmer than before.

Ouyang Tao was running farther. With the battle’s commotion, patrols would arrive soon. The killer had to end this fast. “This time, let’s see what you do!”

He shot multiple light balls into the sky. Each transformed into a light arrow, raining down on Ouyang Tao from all directions…

Unaware of the fierce battle behind him, Ouyang Tao ran for his life.

Just a few more intersections to the Arcane Library—he was almost free. Suddenly, Zhao Yuehan appeared before him. She shoved him hard, sending Ouyang Tao sprawling on his back.

Before he could grasp what happened, a horrifying sight unfolded—red light arrows pierced through Zhao Yuehan from behind and vanished. Two jets of crimson blood sprayed toward him. Then Zhao Yuehan collapsed like a broken kite, falling onto Ouyang Tao.

Too close to block all attacks, she’d used her body as a shield for the last two arrows to protect him.

Why… why? Why would this senior sister, who barely knew him, go to such lengths?

By then, the killer had vanished. Patrol teams rushed past them, but no one noticed Ouyang Tao or Zhao Yuehan.

“Senior! Stay with me!” Ouyang Tao shouted desperately. “Hey! Anyone! Help us!”

But there was no response…

“Can’t… dispel…” Zhao Yuehan struggled to say. “They can’t see… or hear…”

“This… how…” Ouyang Tao didn’t know why, but this plunged him into desperate confusion.

Blood flowed from wounds on Zhao Yuehan’s lower right ribs and left abdomen. Every second meant life slipping away. Ouyang Tao was helpless. Magic-inflicted wounds weren’t easily healed.

What could he do?

In the crisis, Zhao Yuehan gave instructions: “Arc… ane Library…”

Ah! Right—the Arcane Library! Monster Girl had said it was also Zhao Yuehan’s private residence. Someone there might save her!

“Hold on, Senior! I’ll take you there!” Without hesitation, Ouyang Tao scooped her up and sprinted toward the Arcane Library faster than before.

With her last strength, Zhao Yuehan guided him to a hidden passage underground. They took an elevator to the unmarked fifth sub-level.

The doors opened to a courtyard of a Subterranean Palace. True to Monster Girl’s words, it was lavishly equipped with everything imaginable.

But where was anyone? And what could save Zhao Yuehan?

Zhao Yuehan gave another instruction, her last effort: “Straight ahead… the altar…”

No time to think. Ouyang Tao ran straight to a room at the end.

The room was over thirty meters square, yet empty. Only a giant glowing Magic Array on the floor, and in its center, a stone platform holding a white Crystal Coffin.

“…Clothes… off… put in…” Zhao Yuehan couldn’t form full sentences.

“Senior, do you mean I should take off your clothes and put you in the Crystal Coffin?”

Zhao Yuehan gave a slight nod.

Though it was to save her life, undressing a girl was utterly embarrassing for Ouyang Tao…

But there was no time for such thoughts. Her ornate dress was incredibly complex to remove.

Seeing Zhao Yuehan’s breath fading, almost unconscious, Ouyang Tao had no time for modesty. He gritted his teeth, ripped the dress from the collar, peeled it off her body, and placed her into the Crystal Coffin.

The Crystal Coffin lid closed automatically. The Magic Array activated. Zhao Yuehan’s complexion improved instantly. Surface wounds healed at an astonishing rate.

However, magic-inflicted wounds needed more than surface healing. Deep treatment would take time—but clearly, she was out of danger.

“Thank you,” Zhao Yuehan said from inside the Crystal Coffin.

“I should be thanking you,” Ouyang Tao replied. She was indeed fine.

Since she was safe, Ouyang Tao thought he should step aside. He couldn’t just stay here staring at her naked body.

“Senior, I’ll… step out,” he turned to leave.

“Don’t go,” Zhao Yuehan called out. Her reason: “I’m scared.”