"Xia Zixin." Nangong Shiyu tugged Xia Zixin's hand, her expression serious. "Was this done by those monsters from this morning?"

Xia Zixin glanced around slightly, then shook her head.

"Not the Aberrants. No traces of magic here."

She took Nangong Shiyu's hand and led her deeper into the alley.

Nangong Shiyu saw the little girl lying on the ground. She felt a bit scared, worried they might accidentally get into trouble.

"Don't be afraid," Xia Zixin tightened her grip. "Your big sister's here."

"Mm."

Feeling the reliable warmth of her palm, Nangong Shiyu squeezed back. They walked to the girl's side.

The girl had black shoulder-length hair. Her white dress was blood-stained, arms smeared with blood. The pungent metallic smell hit Nangong Shiyu's nose, making her cover it.

"We should call the police and an ambulance."

"Too late for that now."

Xia Zixin crouched, released Nangong Shiyu's hand, and placed both palms on the girl's back. A faint green glow emanated from them.

"Healing magic?" Nangong Shiyu quickly glanced behind. "What if someone sees us?"

"Saving lives first. The Balancers are around—if spotted, they'll erase ordinary people's memories. Don't overthink it."

As the green glow brightened, the girl's pale, lifeless face gradually regained color.

Just then, frantic footsteps echoed from deeper in the alley, as if chasing someone.

"Xia Zixin, someone's coming."

"Heard it." The glow faded and vanished. "Treatment complete."

Nangong Shiyu sighed in relief—until two bare-chested men burst out. Their muscular bodies were covered in dragon, tiger, snake, and ox tattoos, looking oddly handsome. Each wielded a blood-stained, meter-long cleaver.

"What are you two doing?"

"Stop! Don't move! Let go of that girl! Hand her over, and we'll pretend we never saw you. We'll let you go!"

Nangong Shiyu realized they were caught in a gang fight. Escape seemed impossible.

"Little Shiyu," Xia Zixin stood, stared straight at the thugs, and clenched her fists. "Looks like we get some post-dinner exercise tonight."

"Wait, you're not going to—"

Before Nangong Shiyu finished, Xia Zixin charged in a blur. She swiftly knocked both lackeys flat, giving no chance to counter.

"..."

Nangong Shiyu stared, jaw nearly dropping.

"How about that? Your big sister's still strong, right?" Xia Zixin grinned, flexing her biceps—though she had little muscle to show.

"You really scared me... I never guessed you could fight like that."

"Hehe, cheated with magic," Xia Zixin teased, sticking out her tongue. "I'll teach you later—it's a simple spell to boost strength. But if you learn it... I won't be able to tease little Shiyu anymore. Nope, better not."

"Just teach me!"

"Nope."

"Stop messing around. Do you want me dead in future fights?"

"Your big sister will protect you. What's there to fear?"

"..."

Abilities not her own always felt hollow. Nangong Shiyu thought.

"...Brother..."

The little girl on the ground stirred and spoke.