"You said... you're that kid's girlfriend?"

"Little girl, you're not joking with me, are you?"

Boss Pang Cheng stared at Liu Xiyun like he'd seen a ghost, his face full of utter disbelief.

Beside him, Song Xiaoxi also gaped at the stunning girl before her, astonishment plain on her features.

This girl was so breathtakingly beautiful that Song Xiaoxi couldn't help but wonder just how handsome her junior must be.

A Half Step Yellow Rank martial artist—not even at Yellow Rank yet—had such a gorgeous girlfriend? It was utterly mind-blowing!

"Huh! Wait!"

Song Xiaoxi froze, as if struck by a sudden thought.

Why did this girl look so familiar? She just couldn't place where she'd seen her before.

"No, I am his girlfriend," Liu Xiyun replied without hesitation, nodding firmly. She turned to Pang Cheng and Song Xiaoxi. "I heard you mention he went to Huagui District A. What's he doing there? Can I go find him?"

"Uh, well..."

"No!" Song Xiaoxi cut in sharply, locking eyes with Liu Xiyun. "That place is dangerous. An ordinary person like you shouldn't go."

"...

...

"Ordinary person?" Liu Xiyun met Song Xiaoxi's gaze calmly. "Even a late-stage Yellow Rank martial artist can go. Why can't I just take a look?"

"Ah!?" Song Xiaoxi froze, stunned that her martial arts level had been instantly seen through.

She realized this beautiful girl wasn't ordinary at all—her strength must surpass her own to spot it so easily.

"Boss Pang, what do you think? I feel I've heard your name before." Liu Xiyun shifted her attention to Pang Cheng.

Pang Cheng, owner of Yuyu Express, sighed at her serious expression and nodded reluctantly.

But he warned her, "Miss, your Liu Clan is powerful, but this situation isn't simple. If you're just fetching Qin Ling back, fine. But if you get involved too, when your clan elders come demanding answers, remember—I warned you."

"My place is covered in cameras. They'll have no grounds to complain. I advise you not to go."

"Thank you."

Liu Xiyun nodded once and turned to leave.

Behind her, Song Xiaoxi finally processed Pang Cheng's words. She stared in shock at the elegant figure walking away toward Yuyu Express.

"Liu Clan? Commander Pang, do you mean the Riversea Liu Clan? Is this... is this the genius girl who topped the national martial arts prodigy list years ago—Liu Xiyun!?"

Pang Cheng shot Song Xiaoxi an exasperated glance. "If not Riversea's Liu Clan, then Kyoto's? That's Liu Xiyun. Don't tell me you've never seen her."

"You're making me lose face, girl!"

"Uh... sorry, Commander. It slipped my mind..." Song Xiaoxi apologized.

Pang Cheng waved it off. "Forget it. Not your fault. Riversea's Liu Clan was held back by their main branch for years. Only now, with Liu Xiyun nearing Earth Rank breakthrough, are they reemerging. It's normal you forgot."

"Alright, gear up. We're heading to Huagui District A."

"Huh? You're going too, Commander?" Song Xiaoxi asked, surprised.

Pang Cheng rubbed his temples wearily. "I have to. If this prodigy gets hurt, fine. But if she dies? My Yuyu Express will be front-page news tomorrow. What business would I have left?"

"True."

Song Xiaoxi nodded and hurried off to prepare.

After leaving Yuyu Express, Liu Xiyun made her way to Huagui District A.

As she walked, she mulled over how to approach Qin Ling.

She knew it!

He wasn't ordinary!

But she never expected he'd be tied to a national organization.

How did he even connect with the Shadow Group? Without official or military ties, even Profound Rank martial artists rarely knew of it. Yet he not only knew—it but joined as a Half Step Yellow Rank member!

"Of course! The man I chose is extraordinary!"

Liu Xiyun pressed on toward Huagui District A.

Meanwhile, inside an apartment building there,

Qin Ling stumbled back in terror, staring in disbelief at the woman advancing toward him.

"You! You actually deceived me!"