"What’s going on…"

Qiu Xiaoshuang tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

After half an hour of restless sitting, she finally got up, changed into a lightweight uniform, and headed downstairs.

She walked straight ahead, recalling Luo Yu’s usual path—toward the abandoned grassland inside the academy.

*"Luo Yu always lazes around there. She even told me once she’d hidden a Training Dummy there."*

Soon, she tiptoed lightly onto the grassland.

No living person was in sight—only an ancient wooden Training Dummy standing over two meters tall, its eyes glowing as if powered on.

Qiu Xiaoshuang stepped forward through the grass, about to speak—when the Dummy turned its head and locked onto her first.

"Witch-species—Witch. Young mistress of the Qiu Clan. Eighteenth-ranked Upper Demon of the Demon Kind hierarchy. What brings you here?"

Qiu Xiaoshuang’s expression shifted slightly. "You know me?"

"The Emperor… no, my master Luo Yu often speaks of you. She says you’re a girl she adores deeply. When she opens her harem later, she’ll promote you to Imperial Consort."

Qiu Xiaoshuang: "…"

"Enough." The Dummy raised both arms, tone turning serious. "Since you’ve stepped onto this grassland—untrodden by anyone but the Emperor—you must have a purpose. Seeking battle? Very well. The Emperor granted you clearance, so you may—"

"Uh…" Qiu Xiaoshuang scratched her chin lightly, gaze drifting downward. "I do have business… but not that kind."

"Are you here to ask about Luo Yu’s whereabouts?" the Dummy cut in abruptly.

"Huh?" Qiu Xiaoshuang lifted her brows, staring at it. "You know?"

"She came to me just now," the Dummy paused, then shifted tone. "To be precise—she came to weep. She said no girl might ever love her again. She was heartbroken."

"You know where she is? Excellent."

Relief washed over Qiu Xiaoshuang. Anxiety sharpened her voice as she faced the Dummy. "Tell me where Luo Yu went. There are things only I can handle."

"Why?"

"Why? I’ve helped her countless times! At the very least, I’m her roommate—"

"No." The Dummy refused firmly, its gaze fixed on her face. "I have no reason to disclose my master’s location."

"Hmph."

Qiu Xiaoshuang frowned. As the Qiu Clan’s young mistress, she’d never been defied by a half-sentient scrap of wood.

"Don’t test me. I’m Upper Demon Kind. One word, and I’ll dismantle your rotten frame."

"Oh."

The Dummy gave a dismissive grunt, silently raising its fists, eyes locking onto the Witch before it. "If you seek battle—then come."

"*Sigh*… Just like Luo Yu. Impervious to reason."

Watching its indifferent stance, Qiu Xiaoshuang gritted her teeth. She chanted swiftly in her mind—a multi-layered spell array materializing visibly in her palms.

Just as she prepared to blast the Dummy with Great Magic—

It dropped its guard, arms falling limply to its sides.

Qiu Xiaoshuang couldn’t help but smirk. "Scared? Do half-sentient beings even have fear protocols?"

Ignoring her taunt, the Dummy strode forward on long wooden legs until it loomed over her.

"If you’re begging for mercy—it’s too late," Qiu Xiaoshuang sneered up at its expressionless face.

"Your inherited Witch bloodline… it must be exceptionally pure," the Dummy stated.

"Obviously. I’m the Crown Princess," Qiu Xiaoshuang replied instinctively—then froze. "Why ask that?"

"Then your mastery of Divination Magic—the core power of Witches—must be complete with such pure blood."

"Of course," Qiu Xiaoshuang snapped, growing impatient. "Stop dodging! Where is she?"

Threat laced her words. Her irises shifted hue, an aura of oppressive power radiating from her Upper Demon physique.

"Hmm."

Unfazed, the Dummy crouched on the grass, leveling its gaze with hers. Calmly, it said: "If you’re a master Diviner… why not locate Luo Yu yourself? Why ask me?"

"*Tch*…" Qiu Xiaoshuang’s face contorted. Her lips twitched as she glared at the leisurely Dummy. "Why waste precious mana on a Lower Demon? Spit it out—"

Her threats washed over it like rain. After studying her expression, the Dummy seemed to smile.

"You can’t divine her location at all, can you… Young Mistress Witch?"

The words struck like ice. Qiu Xiaoshuang went rigid, trembling. "What did you say?!"

"I mean," the Dummy continued flatly, "ever since Luo Yu returned, you lost control over her. You know nothing of her actions—where she went on this journey, who she met… nothing."

"That’s—"

"Am I wrong?"

"…"

Silence stretched. Qiu Xiaoshuang finally lifted her head, resignation in her eyes—but her guard rose higher, killing intent flickering in her pupils. "How do you know?"

"I’ve lived long enough. Experience outweighs raw talent."

"Fine." Qiu Xiaoshuang sighed. "What do you want to tell me where Luo Yu is?"

"Why find her? To hurt her again?"

"No—" She shook her head. "I need to explain things… and treat her facial wound. If it scars, she’ll be disfigured."

"Oh." Another dismissive grunt from the Dummy.

"You—!" Qiu Xiaoshuang’s earnest tone shattered. Seeing its indifferent face, frustration boiled over. "This is critical! You know Luo Yu’s body now holds a mysterious Fairy Kind bloodline—that unknown thing—"

"Why panic?" The Dummy cut her off sharply.

"I’m not panicking! I just want to help her!"

"Then why beat her? Why slash her face? Ruin her looks?"

"I was showing her the consequences of her path! That child needs discipline, or she’ll never understand—"

"Understood. Then I’ll discipline *you*, Witch."

As Qiu Xiaoshuang spread her arms to explain further—

The Dummy lunged up from the grass.

Its speed was terrifying. A massive wooden hand clamped around her slender waist before she could react.

"Dare you—?!"

Ignoring her threat, the Dummy leaned forward, slamming her down onto the grass. Its ruby eyes bore into hers.

"Let me be clear: Luo Yu no longer needs your so-called protection."