The second Voidbreaker spear was even more powerful than the first. The villagers, who would have been nearly wiped out by the initial attack, were now utterly silent. Though their minds might not have caught up yet, not a single one made a sound—someone stood before them!

Yan Yi’s back wasn’t broad—he was just a kid. But the villagers, now realizing the truth, all felt it: that small figure wouldn’t let anyone get hurt. He could protect them all! For now, they just needed to stay still and trust Yan Yi. They believed they’d soon return to their peaceful, happy lives.

Yan Yi watched the Stone Spear fly toward him at blinding speed. He didn’t move. His fear of the first spear had only been worry over failing to save his aunt in time. But this one? It posed zero threat.

Finally, the spear reached him. Yan Yi lifted his left hand gently, tapping the tip with his index finger. Instantly, its direction shifted. The spear, flying straight, veered sharply upward with that effortless touch!

Mid-flight, the Stone Spear snapped into four pieces and froze mid-air. After a brief pause, the fragments fell. Without glancing, Yan Yi punched four times. The pieces shot off in four directions at incredible speed!

The bandits about to fight Mo Ping, and the two Class C bandits facing Ink Village’s Class C and D defenders, were baffled. How could this tiny village have not just Class C mages, but even a peak Class C? And their combat experience was solid!

Ink Village was remote. Villagers knew city reinforcements would never arrive in time during real danger. Long ago, they’d set up a protective array covering the entire Central Plaza. The village chief and elders also had to reach Class C strength.

So a group of Class D thugs plus two Class C desperados attacking Ink Village was suicide. Even with a Class B leader, the village could activate the array and rally everyone to hold out until help came. But now, that Class B was useless. Ink Village needed no backup!

Suddenly, three short rods pierced through buildings. Before three scattered bandits could react, the rods stabbed their hearts! The speed was so extreme the bandits didn’t stagger. The rods stopped dead after piercing them. As the bandits fell, clueless to their deaths, the rods clattered to the ground.

Watching the fallen bandits and hearing the *thud* and *clang* of the rods, Mo Ping and the villagers stood stunned. They had no idea what happened.

Meanwhile, the spear tip fragment flew straight out of the village toward the blue-haired youth.

The youth was still fuming over the tough protective array when a wave of danger hit him! Instinctively, he dodged aside. A beam shot through, piercing every tree behind his former spot. With a *boom*, a distant boulder exploded!

"Hmm?" Yan Yi frowned. He knew his attack was reckless, but its speed should’ve been unmanageable. Yet the culprit dodged it. For a moment, Yan Yi felt inexplicably embarrassed.

"Little Yi? Is that you, Little Yi?"

"Oh crap!"

Hearing Mo Qing’s voice from behind—filled with shock and a trace of fear—cold sweat broke out on Yan Yi instantly. His mind raced. How to bluff his way out? How? How?!

A flash of inspiration hit him. He turned and "sobbed," "Auntie, it’s me! I’m Little Yi! This morning, you taught me breakfast. Don’t you remember?"

The voice, expression, and words perfectly conveyed his aggrieved innocence. Villagers watched, speechless. Their discomfort vanished; some even wanted to laugh.

Mo Qing’s lips twitched. She walked over and flicked his forehead.

"You little rascal, tricking your auntie too!"

"Never! Auntie, do I look like I have mana? I’ve never lied about my strength to you."

Yan Yi held his head, sounding utterly wronged. Inside, he cheered himself on. *Damn, thanks to Aqua—I’m a genius!*

Any lingering doubts vanished. Some acquaintances called out, "Little Yi, that’s so unfair! You kept us in the dark (sob)!"

Yan Yi’s face twitched. *What’s with these grown men faking sobs?!*

"Stop it! Cry properly if you must. Besides, uncles, I don’t care if you cry."

"What about Auntie? She almost left this world just now (sob)."

Mo Qing took his words and pretended to wipe her eyes.

"Ah, wait, Auntie—you stop too."

Yan Yi felt helpless, regretting his words. *Karma’s too fast!*

But deeper down, he felt this was home. Even as an outsider, even not understanding this world, even not living here long—this place was where he belonged.

Yan Yi smiled slightly. "I’ve always been upright. Say what you will, I’m not wrong. But wait—after this, complain all you want."

He turned toward the village edge, where the spear came from. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Mo Qing and others saw him look that way. Their hearts tightened. Mo Qing lowered her hands, her finger damp with tears. She was truly scared; even her silliness couldn’t ignore such danger. She suppressed her fear and asked, "Little Yi, will it be dangerous?"

"No. Might sound arrogant, but I don’t see him as a threat."

Yan Yi replied calmly. Villagers recalled his power. They knew he wasn’t boasting. His strength likely surpassed Class A—even Class S would fear him.

Mo Qing nodded slightly. "I’ll settle this with you later. Be careful."

"Yeah. This place where I belong—our village—I will absolutely, never let anyone take it away!"

With that, Yan Yi vanished before their eyes.

...

After dodging the attack, the blue-haired youth shuddered. He sensed no powerful mana in the village. He figured the protective array had counter-damage.

"Damn this troublesome village."

He gritted his teeth, planning to charge in and bury it himself.

"Anyway, I have a scroll sealed with high-tier magic. I don’t believe this array can block that too."

The scroll was stolen loot. He recalled acting before his companions reacted—otherwise, he’d be dead.

"Earth Element, Mid-Tier Alchemy: Stone Steel Sword! Enhanced with Strength and Rage!"

A Stone Sword appeared in his hand. Its oppressive aura dwarfed the spear’s. Red light coated it, radiating eerie beauty.

Gripping the sword, he took one step forward. A crushing pressure slammed into him. He widened his eyes—a figure stood ten meters ahead, appearing from nowhere.

No mana radiated from it. Yet its aura was terrifyingly oppressive!