"Actually, I..."

Bai Ming grabbed his own neck, feigning distress, and shot Shen Yuan Yuhu a meaningful glance.

"Hm?"

Noticing something was off with Bai Ming, Shen Yuan Yuhu frowned and slightly lowered her guard.

"Actually, I was cursed from the very beginning."

"A... a curse?"

Only upon hearing that word did she completely forget her imposing stance. With a puzzled expression, she began scrutinizing the man before her.

"What kind of curse?"

"Anyone within three steps of me drops dead instantly."

"..."

Holding up three fingers, Bai Ming gestured as he explained to Shen Yuan Yuhu. Yet she wasn't impressed by his "brilliant" acting, nor did she retreat. Shen Yuan Yuhu simply sheathed her sword and stared at him with pity.

If "curses" truly existed, it might resemble what she just heard. Or perhaps she’d misheard—someone as serious as Bai Ming wouldn’t say something so absurd.

"Sorry, I was joking."

"Please don’t say things like that upfront. 'Curses' are distressing to hear, whether real or just words."

As she replied, Shen Yuan Yuhu sheathed her sword and let out a soft sigh. She’d been too suspicious. It was unfair to doubt someone who joked with her. Maybe Bai Ming realized his words were embarrassing and changed his attitude. That was fine—it spared her further misunderstandings.

"Huh? Aren’t you going to keep questioning me?"

"No need anymore, Bai Ming. I apologize for my rudeness."

Without hesitation, Shen Yuan Yuhu bowed politely to express her apology. Then she raised her head, turned away, and walked forward.

"I’m now certain you’re uninvolved. I won’t act like that again."

Shen Yuan Yuhu hoped he’d understand. Waving a sword in someone’s face only worsened impressions—especially for ordinary people. It was expected Bai Ming would dislike her, just like at the mall when he’d clearly said not to follow him. She couldn’t recall why, but it had always been this way. She only caused trouble, well-intentioned or not, making others hate her more. With self-awareness, she thought vanishing was best—for both sides.

"Then... I’ll just—"

"Wait a moment."

Just as she decided to head alone to the building’s other end, Bai Ming called out.

"It’s a bit late, Miss Shen Yuan, but I must ask—are you familiar with this building?"

"Huh?"

Shen Yuan Yuhu turned, her gaze shifting back to Bai Ming. He had his head turned aside, frowning gravely, muttering under his breath. But his earlier words were crystal clear.

"You... you mean—"

"Ah, I’ve changed my mind. Please lead the way."

Bai Ming clenched his fist and swung it fiercely forward. Shen Yuan Yuhu saw clearly—he punched empty air, nothing but floating particles ahead.

What was the meaning of that punch?

"I’ve thought it over. Better to resolve things fast. Dragging it out only makes it worse."

Before Shen Yuan Yuhu could react, Bai Ming retracted his fist, walked slowly to her side, and said, "This way?"

"Oh... oh... um..."

Blinking dazedly, Shen Yuan Yuhu mumbled a reply without time to process.

"Let’s go. Time waits for no one."

"Ah... okay... got it..."

Seeing Bai Ming’s genuine urgency, she dared not question further. Setting aside suspicion, she turned and led him straight to the building’s other end.

...

"Cough... this... this guy... really is a..."

Elsewhere, after Bai Ming and Shen Yuan Yuhu had left, Sasm clutched his wound and tumbled out from behind the wall. He glanced at Phani, already lying in a pool of blood, and let out a bitter laugh, coughing up blood.

He hadn’t expected one distant punch to leave them like this. How the opponent found them didn’t matter—that absurd power alone sealed their defeat.

"I see... that punch was just a warning... huh..."

Realizing the opponent had held back, Sasm took a last look at Phani and Abraham. Then he closed his eyes, body going limp. He collapsed to his knees with a thud, unable to rise.

"Only... only that guy... could possibly... win..."

After those final words, Sasm lost consciousness and passed out.