After understanding Anomaly Powers, the next thing to grasp was this world’s commercial and technological level.

Originally, this world mirrored Earth, with different nations using distinct currencies. Two centuries ago, a business genius emerged from the Midsea Archipelago. His ventures spanned the globe, and after decades of lobbying major powers, he secured a consensus: the adoption of "Universal Notes," a worldwide paper currency. Thanks to this, trade on Spirit Star skyrocketed, and nations grew tightly interconnected.

As for technology, it roughly matched Earth’s World War I era. Yet the dominant energy source wasn’t oil or electricity—it was spirit stone ore. This mineral, brimming with spiritual energy, powered machinery and could be absorbed by humans to replenish their energy far faster than drawing it from the air.

---

I rubbed my tired eyes, gazing at the mountain of books piled around me. Had I really been here this long? Time to head back.

Standing up, I glanced at the book heap behind me and felt a trace of satisfaction. Back in college, one of my few hobbies was haunting libraries—whether studying or leeching Wi-Fi. I loved their cozy, tranquil atmosphere.

But… could I ever return to my favorite library corner? Could I finish that half-read book?

I slapped my cheeks, snapping myself upright. Cheer up! Isn’t this exactly what I’m fighting for?

Stepping out of the library, night had fallen. The city center glowed under artificial lights, streets bustling with traffic. People gathered here after a long day, melting away their exhaustion. Walking along the roadside, I closed my eyes, shifting focus to my other senses…

During my fight with Rui Feng, I’d noticed my five senses sharpening dramatically. Now, I’d test them. As darkness swallowed my vision, I concentrated on my feet. The friction of my soles against the ground told me it was cement. Faint vibrations from nearby footsteps revealed how many people surrounded me—and their heights, builds…

Incredible tactile sense! Just walking revealed so much! Thrilled, I wondered: if touch was this sharp, what about hearing?

I tuned my ears to the surroundings…

“Heard the news? That shop’s having a massive sale!”

“Sister Zhou, I heard you got a new boyfriend?”

“Damn foreman, paying me peanuts!”

“Fresh spirit stones for sale! Top quality!”

“Your son got accepted? So jealous!”

“Yeah, that woman’s heading to Eastedge Inn.”

…Huh? What was that last bit?

I zeroed in on the voice’s direction.

“…Right, she might be hired by the Sinan Family. Strong. Don’t underestimate her… Yes, yes. If we get closer, the jammer won’t work… Contact later.”

So I was being tailed! I forced calm, hiding any sign of alarm. He’d said the jammer would fail if they got too close to Eastedge Inn—meaning they’d give up once I reached it? Relief washed over me.

---

“Captain, here’s the file on Ye you requested.”

“Good work.”

Sinan Yuan wouldn’t relax an inch around Ye, this uninvited guest. She had to uncover her secrets. Flipping open the file… Sinan Yuan froze.

Blank. Vast stretches of blankness. Only Ye’s combat assessment and her movements since arriving in Winteredge City were recorded.

Even Sinan Yuan’s temper flared. “I gave you ample time, and this is all you bring? No origin, exact age, or faction affiliation? Are you trying to disgrace the Sinan Family?”

Her subordinate’s face twisted in misery. “Apologies, Captain. We tried our hardest… but it’s unbelievable. Ye seems to have appeared out of thin air!”

Sinan Yuan calmed down. No one could have a completely blank past. If even the Sinan Family couldn’t dig up her background… who exactly was Ye?

*Knock knock.* A sudden rap at the door. Her subordinate’s eyes sharpened; an invisible force field spread beyond it. “It’s Ye. She’s back. Seems she wants to see you.” “Open it.”

I entered Sinan Yuan’s room, scanning the sparse furnishings. It wasn’t just minimalist—it felt utterly unadorned, radiating a jail-like chill.

“Miss Liu, what brings you here so late?” Sinan Yuan sat up straight. “If it’s private, I can dismiss everyone.”

“No, it’s fine,” I stammered, cowed by her aura. “Actually… I was followed on my way back. Those people might threaten the Sinan Family.”

“As the Heavens Origin Kingdom’s top clan, we have countless enemies. But before moving in, we deployed a detection net across the entire city. We’ve already purged every scheming rat.”

“So… no one dares plot anything now? Was I just paranoid?”

“You may think that.”

“But… I heard them mention a ‘jammer.’ What if it’s a tool to bypass your net?”

A jammer? Truly powerful psychics, mentalists, or barrier-type Anomaly Power users could block detection—but such talents were rare. Still, this trip included not just the second young mistress but several high-ranking elders. Worth a heavy investment for enemies.

After a brief pause, Sinan Yuan decided: better safe than sorry. An outsider’s warning was worth heeding.

“Thank you for the intel. I’ll stay alert. Go rest now.”

---

Back in my room, I finally shed my trench coat, letting my face breathe free. Sure, Uncle Ding and Brothers A and E looked cool in-game, but being wrapped head-to-toe like a packaged parcel was unbearable. What now? Wash up and sleep?

*Knock knock.* A soft tapping at the door.

“Asleep yet, Xiao Ye?”

Sinan Ying? What’s she doing here?

I opened the door. What greeted me… was a fluffy cat? She wore loose, doll-like white pajamas that hung off her frame. A hat with oversized cat ears perched on her head, her beautiful violet hair spilling out playfully. Long sleeves swallowed her hands, revealing only slender, porcelain fingers. A tail swayed from her hips, bobbing with her movements.

“…”

I just stood there, dumbstruck, staring.

“Xiao Ye? What’s wrong?”

—Hug! *Rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub rub!*

So cute! So unbearably—cuuuute! How could anything this adorable exist?! It’s criminal!

“X-Xiao Ye! Stop! You’re squishing me!” Sinan Ying gasped as my intoxicating scent filled her nose, two soft, ample curves pressing against her. My face hovered inches away… She wanted to push me off but couldn’t bear to. What was this feeling?!

At her protest, I reluctantly pulled back, heart aching. Seeing her flushed face clutching her chest… Uh-oh. My virgin instincts roared back to life.

“You’re so reckless…” She huffed, thrusting a paper bag at me. “I just came to deliver pajamas.”

“Pajamas?”

“I picked them out myself! Try them on, try them on~~”

I opened the bag. Red-and-white lace and frills spilled out. Definitely women’s sleepwear… Even after days as a girl, I still resisted dresses. I’d already accepted so much…

But I couldn’t refuse her kindness. I pulled out the outfit and unfolded it.

“…Hey, Xiao Ying. How did you even choose this?”

“I described you to the shop assistant, and she recommended this right away.”

“What did you say?”

“Pretty. Tall. Busty.”

“At least check the product first! This is basically lingerie!”