Red—a curious color. It could radiate warmth and vitality, like blossoms and flames. Or evoke bloodshed and dread, like… a hill of corpses awash in blood.

Death made manifest. Thousands of bodies piled into a grotesque mound. Crimson rivers stained the earth. Shattered limbs and gore splattered everywhere. Even the sky hung heavy and gray, mourning this hellscape. And I—or rather, the one sharing my sight—stood silently aside, gazing at the carnage she’d wrought.

“I warned you it was a dead end… Why persist in hunting me?”

The voice mirrored mine, yet lacked its softness. Mature. Husky.

“But since you’re dead anyway… waste not.”

As “I” spoke, scarlet light erupted from every corpse on the mound. Blood pooling on the ground surged upward, merging into a colossal crimson torrent that flooded into “my” body. In seconds, it vanished. The earth bared its natural hue. Corpses dried like withered wood. The stench of blood dissipated, leaving only desiccated husks whispering of the atrocity.

“I” sighed, turning to leave—

“Wasted my time, I thought. But you’re… passable.”

A man’s voice cut through the silence behind me. Laced with disdain. Impatience.

“You’re my subordinate now. Follow me. No delays.”

A tall, slender figure emerged from the shadows of the corpse pile. His face remained hidden.

“…And what exactly are you?” “I” asked coldly.

“Mind your tone, woman.” He stepped into the light. “Seems I must carve fear into your heart. Hmm… If I shatter everything below your neck, will you obey?”

—the dream shattered.

***

That blood-mist memory again?

I rubbed my throbbing temples, sitting up in bed. Last night’s argument with Sinan Ying over refusing to wear *that* underwear had dragged on till midnight. Speaking of which—where was she?

“Mmm… Xiao Ye… five more minutes…” A murmur beside me. I lifted the blanket.

Sinan Ying curled like a cat in her pajamas. Her usually wide eyes were shut. Long lashes fluttered with each breath. Her dewy skin looked squeezable. Pink lips parted slightly, sweet breath warming my arm…

“…”

Playful kisses between friends were normal, right? Just… one tiny peck wouldn’t hurt…

As I leaned down, bewitched by her sleeping face—

“Lay a finger on Miss, and I’ll kill you!”

“Yikes!”

Sinan Yuan materialized beside me like a ghost. Icy eyes brimmed with murder.

“When did you get here?!”

“I guarded from the shadows all night. Did you think I’d trust you alone with Miss?”

“I-I was just momentarily weak…”

“And,” she cut in, averting her gaze—was that a blush? “Cover yourself properly. That look of yours… it’s dangerously tempting.”

“This—why am I still wearing it?!” I shrieked like a startled maiden, yanking the blanket over myself. Damn it!

“At least you have shame. Dress. Now.” Sinan Yuan turned toward the door without looking back.

“Wait!” I called out.

“What?”

“While I slept… you didn’t… take advantage?”

Her body stiffened. After a long pause: “Don’t imagine I’m as vulgar as you! I didn’t touch you!”

“Didn’t touch… so you just watched?”

“Die!”

***

Blood welled from my fingertips—not forming whips or blades, but condensing into marble-sized orbs hovering before me. I held my breath, senses razor-sharp.

*Shhh…* A breeze stirred. Leaves drifted down. In that instant—

*Whoosh!* A blood pellet shot forth, piercing the first leaf. It veered sharply, tracing crimson arcs through the air, skewering every falling leaf in under half a second!

“Hah. New skill test: success.” I flicked my wrist. I stood in the inn’s garden. After last night’s dream, fragmented knowledge of this Anomaly Power had surfaced in my mind. More memories from the blood mist seeped into me. Was this a blessing or a curse?

Still, knowing techniques didn’t mean strength. I had methods, not mastery. Real combat demanded relentless practice.

More leaves fell. Time for a new move.

A gush of blood surged out, stretching into crimson ropes that lashed toward the leaves. They wove midair into a net, trapping every leaf. Instantly, the ropes morphed into blades, snapping tight—shredding the leaves to confetti!

*Clap. Clap. Clap.*

I turned. Rui Feng stood behind me, applauding. His face remained stern, but his eyes held genuine admiration. “Elegant technique. Had you used this against me, my defeat would’ve been swifter.” He paused. “You’re still adapting to your Anomaly Power. Newly awakened?”

“Uh… something like that.”

“Remarkable. Defeating me with raw talent and reflexes despite recent awakening—you’re a prodigy.” His tone held no envy, only respect. Warmth bloomed in my chest.

“Thanks. But I’m practically a suspect now. Safe to get this close?” I cautioned.

“No issue. I read character through combat. Secrets or not—I trust you’re no villain.”

“Just like that…? Well. I’m glad you trust me. Thank you.” I bowed sincerely.

“No need. Why train here? The inn’s central courtyard has a dedicated practice ground.”

“Honestly? It’s full of Sinan clansmen. An outsider like me’d feel awkward. Plus… Miss Sinan Yuan’s glare.”

“No worry. The captain ordered: no force unless you overstep. And she’s in a meeting. Won’t be at the grounds.”

“I see… Wait, a meeting? About wh— Sorry. Not my business.”

“No secret. Tomorrow’s the final survey of Winteredge Mountains. After clearing the central zone, we withdraw.”

The last survey…

“I’ll return to my room. Preparing for tomorrow.” He raised a hand to leave.

“Hey!” I stopped him. “What kind of ‘preparation’?”

“Checking gear and rations. Mostly limbering up. Must be battle-ready by dawn.”

“Then,” I grinned, “how about a few more spars? You warm up. I gain experience. Perfect.”

He studied me. Then smiled back.

“Just what I was thinking!”