"Sis, who’s this little girl?"

Yichen chose to ask Zixuan, who’d definitely answer him. But Claire suddenly stepped forward.

"I am Claire Alshavien, the Witch of Eternal Darkness!"

Claire planted her hands on her hips, glaring at Yichen with utter disdain.

"Huh?"

Yichen bit his lip hard to stifle laughter. Claire frowned at his weird expression.

"What’s wrong?"

"The Witch of Eternal Darkness? I’ve never seen such a cringey little girl. Hahaha!"

Yichen pointed at Claire, doubling over with laughter.

Claire’s face flushed crimson instantly, her whole body trembling with rage.

"You... you... Claire hates you!!!"

She thrust her left hand high. A pitch-black sphere materialized above her palm. An ominous aura flooded the room, pressing down on Yichen until he could barely breathe. It felt like being trapped in an icy, hopeless abyss.

"Claire!"

At Zixuan’s sharp rebuke, Claire reluctantly lowered her hand. The aura vanished.

Cold sweat dripped down Yichen’s cheeks. The lingering dread left him shaken. He’d teased her partly for revenge earlier, but now he didn’t dare provoke her again.

Claire said nothing, just puffed her cheeks and glared sulkily.

Just then, Shiyue Zhao’s expression softened as she lay on the ground. Her breathing steadied. Seeing this, Yichen smiled.

"Yichen, Shiyue Zhao’s injuries are too severe. I stabilized her, but she needs hospital surgery soon."

"Thank you, sis."

Even so, Yichen felt much more at ease.

Suddenly, Shiyue’s body glowed green and floated into the air. Zixuan pulled back her hand in surprise.

Just like last time, the green light rapidly healed Shiyue.

"Shiyue had this happen once before, just now."

"It happened just now too?"

"Yeah, sis. After you cut off her arm, I carried her to the hospital. She lost too much blood... Her breathing stopped. Then green light wrapped around her, and she healed completely."

Zixuan slightly furrowed her brows, gazing at Shiyue thoughtfully.

Soon, the light faded. Shiyue gently descended. Her abdomen was smooth and unblemished; only torn clothes proved her injury.

Shiyue slowly opened her eyes. She sat up like waking from sleep, rubbing her eyes with no trace of harm.

"Huh? How did I... Miss Zixuan!"

Spotting Zixuan, Shiyue froze in terror. Trembling like a small animal, she scooted backward frantically.

Yichen rushed forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Shiyue, it’s okay! Sis won’t hurt you anymore. Right, sis?"

Zixuan’s expression darkened. She stayed silent.

"Sis!"

After a long pause, Zixuan gave a slight nod.

Yichen helped Shiyue up. But weakness hit him instantly, and he nearly collapsed. Shiyue caught him instead.

Zixuan’s foot twitched forward for a split second, then stopped.

Yichen gave Shiyue a wry smile.

"Haha, your healing ability is so convenient. I envy you."

"My ability?"

"Your automatic recovery. Weren’t you badly hurt by Monsters? That green light healed you completely just now."

"Eh? Wh-why is this happening?"

Shiyue looked like a student stuck on a math problem. Yichen chuckled dryly.

"How should I know? But thanks to it, you didn’t die twice today."

Shiyue’s lips twitched. Dying twice in one day left her with mixed feelings.

"Yichen, how are your injuries?"

"I’m fine. Sis healed me. Just feel a bit weak."

Zixuan interjected suddenly:

"Yichen, you used Soul Power just now, didn’t you?"

"Huh? I’m not sure, but I felt a surge of power."

Zixuan nodded.

"That proves it. Your weakness comes from forcing Soul Power. Rest, and you’ll recover."

"But why do I have it? I’m ordinary, right? And you, sis... are you a Soul Force Wielder?"

Zixuan silently nodded.

"Can you give me time? I’ll explain everything."

She lowered her head like a child awaiting scolding.

"What about Shiyue? Is she a Soul Force Wielder too?"

"Yes, but her case is special."

Zixuan looked puzzled.

"Master, what she just did..." Claire whispered, eyeing Shiyue strangely.

"Hmm, we need to investigate."

"Eh? Miss Zixuan, how did I..."

"I don’t know your situation. But hidden powers sometimes go undiscovered."

Zixuan turned to Yichen. After hesitation, she timidly reached out her hand.

"Yichen, let’s go home."

Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of unease.

Just as Yichen was about to reply, both Zixuan and Claire’s eyes sharpened with alertness.

ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!!!!!!!

A deafening roar echoed outside.

"Claire, protect them."

"Yes, Master."

"Yichen, I’ll be right back."

"Sis, where are you going?"

Zixuan gave a gentle smile.

"Just to deal with those Monsters."

"...Be careful."

Zixuan nodded. Her gaze turned sharp. Clenching her fist, she walked out.

"Hey, wanna go see?" Claire challenged Yichen.

"See what?"

"Hmph, you don’t even know Master’s battle form. You’re just her pet! Follow me!"

Claire turned and strode out proudly.

Anger flared in Yichen. He wanted to punch this arrogant girl, but knew even a hundred of him couldn’t win. He held back.

"Shiyue, let’s go."

"Okay."

Shiyue replied softly, supporting Yichen as they followed.

They entered a narrow alley.

The sight made Yichen and Shiyue hold their breath.

A crescent moon hung in the sky, bathing the world in frosty silver. Dozens, even hundreds of vicious Monsters covered the alley and rooftops. Only their low growls broke the silence. Zixuan’s snow-white hair shimmered silver under the moonlight. Her skirt fluttered gently. Like a sacrificial maiden, her slender figure stepped toward the Monsters. She reached into the void, grasping. The exquisite white longsword, Stellar Mark, carved like crystal, appeared in her hand.

Sensing her danger, the Monsters roared but didn’t advance.

Then, all at once, they lunged at her.

Yichen’s tension peaked.

"SIS!!!"

The next second, the feast began.

Not Monsters tearing her apart. Not a fierce battle like the blue-uniformed trio Yichen had seen.

Pure slaughter.

Zixuan swung Stellar Mark. Her movements were a graceful dancer’s, or a merciless reaper’s. Under the night sky, the blade carved cold arcs of light. Each arc splattered Monster blood.

The frosty world slowly stained red.

Monsters charged like moths to a flame, paying with their lives in this bloody feast. Amidst it, Zixuan remained untouched—a pure lotus blooming in the Netherworld. She danced. Stellar Mark, swung effortlessly, carried crushing power. Her casual moves struck with deadly precision. Fierce Monsters revealed their fragility before her, embodying the law of the jungle.

"Heh heh! Shocked? This is just the tip of Master’s power!"

Yichen clenched his fists, watching bitterly.

ROAR!

Three Monsters appeared above a house, lunging at them. But pitch-black chains coiled around the beasts instantly, tearing them into chunks.

Blood and flesh rained down. Behind Claire’s petite body floated a huge purple magic circle—complex yet beautiful.

Claire spread her arms dramatically.

"And I have the power to stand by Master’s side!"

Her gaze turned predatory, as if devouring Yichen.

He instinctively stepped back, gritting his teeth. His nails dug into his palms, nearly piercing the skin.