The Long Bridge Canal, located in southern Winteredge City, was a grand waterway cutting through the Heavens Origin Kingdom from north to south. Like a colossal bridge spanning the nation, it earned its name. True to that, large trestle bridges dotted the canal every few kilometers, easing travel between both banks.
Excavated eight hundred years ago, this canal was a monumental feat. The nation then mobilized its full might, linking major rivers. Tens of thousands of Anomaly Power users were deployed over decades. Few countries worldwide could match such ambition.
Right now, I sat aboard a ship bound for the Imperial Capital, sailing south along this man-made wonder toward the Central Plains.
Naturally, a top-tier family’s ship was extraordinary. Though far inferior to Earth’s vessels, it was the finest Spirit Star’s industry could produce. Function mattered less than decor. I rode the fleet’s flagship, where high-status figures gathered. Gold, sandalwood, jewels, and nameless luxuries filled the luxurious decks. Luckily, my Winteredge Inn stay had immunized me—I didn’t shrink back like a country bumpkin.
My cabin sat midship. At my insistence, Sinan Yuan arranged the most “plain” room. “Plain” meant minimalist style—no gaudy gold or jewels. But my sharp eyes spotted the ultra-high-end tiles and wood furniture. Breaking anything would cost more than I was worth.
It was a warm, post-lunch afternoon that made you drowsy. But I couldn’t rest, because—
“Thirty years on the west bank, thirty on the east—never scorn the poor youth!”
Sinan Ying leaned left, left hand splayed over half her face.
“Heaven and earth show no mercy; to them, all creatures are straw dogs!”
She shifted stance, arms crossed over her head.
“If Heaven abandons me, I’ll defy it and become a demon!”
Her pose changed: legs apart, one hand on hip, the other pointing forward.
“A dragon has its reverse scale; touch it, and you die!”
Upper body twisted sideways, one hand pressed to forehead, the other under chin.
“If Heaven betrays me, why not slaughter all living beings!”
Legs bent slightly, one hand pulling open her shirt front.
“My fate is mine to control, not Heaven’s!!!”
Her pose locked into Kakarot’s classic Kamehameha stance.
“Break for me!”
Whoosh! A bubble shot from her palm, zipping through the open window. It struck a leaping river fish. The innocent victim exploded into blood mist. Power and blast radius were controlled with pinpoint precision.
“Hahaha~ Above heavens and below earth, only I am supreme! Hahahahahaha!”
Sinan Ying threw her head back, arrogant laughter grating on my nerves.
Ever since mastering her Anomaly Power, she’d been hyper-energetic. Overflowing with vigor, she tested powers whenever free, then drowned in self-absorbed cackles.
Honestly, I shared blame—I’d taught her those weird poses. Just for fun, I showed her classic stances from JoJo and Dragon Ball. She got hooked. Now she struck a pose with every move. Why did Joestars and Saiyans look cool, while she just seemed adorably silly?
Though I taught the poses, those cringy lines were all hers: “Thirty years on the west bank…” and “My fate is mine to control…” They screamed overpowered protagonist dialogue. Did she have that potential? Her background fit perfectly: youngest daughter of a major clan, highly talented but long neglected. After a trip out, she mastered her power, becoming a genius powerhouse. Now returning to show off… Wasn’t this the standard overpowered MC novel opener? Had I accidentally teamed up with one? Not bad—loyal followers usually got good treatment. But overpowered MCs were typically male. What to call a female version? Mary Sue? Dragon Tsundere? Feng Xiangtian? Wu Zetian?
Lost in thought, a knock came. Before I could answer, Sinan Yuan walked in… Hey, wait for a reply! What if I’d been indisposed?
Sinan Yuan glanced at Sinan Ying, lost in self-admiration, and shook her head helplessly.
“Miss Ying’s thrilled. Controlling Anomaly Power is good, but this arrogance isn’t,” she said, looking at me. “Someone should humble her.”
“You mean I should fight her properly and teach her manners?”
“You’re so reasonable, it’s wonderful.”
“Cut it out… You didn’t come just for this.”
“Correct.” Her expression turned deadly serious. “Elder Hong wants to see you.”
“Elder Hong, Miss Ye is here.”
“Come in.”
Nervously, I stepped inside. Elder Hong’s cabin sat at the ship’s rear. Some design blocked all outside noise; nothing escaped within.
The room was sparsely furnished. Yet it was clearly the ship’s most expensive—its walls were solid high-grade spirit stones. Just entering refreshed me.
Elder Hong looked pale and unwell. But he sat rigidly upright on a wooden chair, posture formal. I couldn’t help respecting him.
I mirrored him, spine straight, feet together, hands on knees, hood lowered. Seeing my face, admiration flashed in his eyes. My proper posture earned more approval—he seemed impressed.
“I never expected Miss Ye’s beauty. In the Imperial Capital, you’ll rival the Tatalia Family’s young lady in popularity.”
“You flatter me.” Caught off guard, I gave the safest reply.
Elder Hong stared, his sharp gaze making me feel transparent. Panic flickered, but I kept my expression calm and friendly.
After a moment, he looked away, smiling faintly. “A cautious girl. You read atmospheres well, know how to behave. Far better than that unruly one.”
“Ah… well…”
He waved, dropping the topic.
“Then, to the point.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“After we reach the Imperial Capital, please help Xiao Ying.”
Help her?
My mind raced. Sinan Ying had called herself the weakest sibling, unable to self-protect. Weakness meant needing trusted allies. Days together had deepened my bond with her—I knew her well. I was the obvious choice. Elder Hong just said I’d “rival the Tatalia Family’s young lady.” Popularity meant recruitment offers. I knew much about him and Sinan Yuan now. Siding with her four brothers would harm Xiao Ying. We’d become enemies.
So… Elder Hong asked: friend or foe?
As a friend, warm welcome.
As an enemy… I might not leave this room alive.
Only one answer remained.
“In the Imperial Capital, if trouble comes,” I chose words carefully, “I’ll stand by Xiao Ying. Even if I can’t help, I won’t hold her back.”
Elder Hong’s brow relaxed. Satisfied. I exhaled softly.
“Then, I leave Xiao Ying in your care.”
He solemnly extended his hand. We shook.
