"Hmm, so this is the younger brother you mentioned, Miss Ouyang Shi?"

"Yes."

"He looks full of energy. Does he really need someone to take care of him?"

"He is..."

Ouyang Shi’s previously normal expression instantly turned icy and professional at Zokilia’s question.

"Well... whatever happens to your brother doesn’t concern me. I’m in no position to comment anyway. Since Li Zhao already agreed to you, this little brother’s fate is none of my business."

With a flick of his hair, the sinister man struck a cool pose—but neither sibling reacted.

"Why is the dean of Atlantis here? And sister, what exactly..."

From their conversation, Ouyang Ge had keenly caught key details: Ouyang Shi and Zokilia knew each other well, their bond running deep.

"Ge, I’ve agreed to go with this man to Atlantis."

"What?!"

"That’s right, little Ouyang Ge. Your sister leaves with me soon. And you’ll leave this place too." Zokilia glanced around the wooden hut. "This hellish spot. You should be happy."

Yes, Zokilia had noticed: amid the glorious Ouyang Clan, Ouyang Ge’s tiny hut was a glaring anomaly. Such places only housed one kind—those abandoned.

"Shut up! Dangerous man, what are you after? Why target my sister!"

Ouyang Ge pulled a pure black dagger from behind his back, gripping it reversed as he crouched into a fighting stance.

"Targeting? Such an ugly word..." His smiling eyes behind the glasses gleamed, sending a chill through Ouyang Ge’s heart. "Your sister, Miss Ouyang Shi, wields Magic that can reshape the world. But she can’t control it yet. Raw talent like hers needs polishing to shine. My teaching skills are excellent. As dean of Atlantis, don’t you grasp my significance, little brother?"

"Tch... troublesome man."

Ouyang Ge didn’t relax or react. He’d met this man in his past life—mysterious, cunning, powerful. As head of a world-famous Sorcerer academy, Zokilia held unimaginable privileges; no one knew his true Magic.

"Little brother, you’re in battle stance. Don’t lose focus~"

In the instant Ouyang Ge recalled past intel, Zokilia’s smiling face loomed inches away.

"......"

But Ouyang Ge didn’t dare move. The enemy’s power was unknown. With zero intel, reckless resistance was foolish. His battle-honed sixth sense screamed—don’t move.

"Mr. Zokilia, stop toying with my brother."

An icy voice cut through the air. Silvery-white mist rose behind Ouyang Ge as Ouyang Shi’s frosty face appeared before Zokilia.

—She was furious.

"Alright, alright. I was just teasing this interesting kid."

Zokilia raised his hands, straightening up slowly—stepping back out of the dagger’s range aimed between his legs.

"Honestly, that move feels familiar. Reminds me of someone... But isn’t she single now? When did she take a disciple?"

Zokilia’s eyebrow lifted as he recalled an intriguing woman from Ouyang Ge’s stance.

"........"

Silent, Ouyang Ge stayed on guard.

"Enough joking. Miss Ouyang Shi, I’ll fulfill our agreement. You’ll become this world’s strongest Sorcerer. My wish is to nurture an invincible being—I can barely wait to take you now."

"You won’t take my sister!"

"Ge..."

Hearing his sister would leave with this man, Ouyang Ge’s heart churned with frustration. Gentle arms suddenly wrapped around his shoulders.

"It’s fine. For you to live well, Ge, I don’t mind leaving awhile. His Majesty the Heavenly Ruler promised to care for you forever. Then I’ll have no worries."

"When are you leaving..."

"Probably in a few—"

"Three nights from now."

Ouyang Shi had meant to say "days," but Zokilia cut in. The date he named...

Ouyang Ge froze. The future had changed. Originally, his sister never met Zokilia—she died three nights later protecting him.

"Perfect... Your timing is uncannily coincidental..."

Relief flooded Ouyang Ge. He lowered his dagger, fixing the man by the door with an eerie smile.

"Coincidence? Three nights from now is Ouyang Long’s birthday. He personally invited me. I’ll attend—and announce Miss Ouyang Shi’s departure."

"Sister, go peacefully. I’ll contact you regularly. Go without worry."

"Huh? He agreed?"

Zokilia gaped at Ouyang Ge’s sudden shift.

"But Ge, three days is too rushed—"

"No. You must leave early. Did you forget what I said?"

"........."

Minutes ago, Ouyang Ge had warned of an attack that night. Ouyang Shi still doubted him.

"I won’t let you get hurt. This man can protect you."

"But what about you, Ge! Let’s leave now!"

"No!"

His sharp refusal stunned her. Ouyang Ge locked eyes with his sister, his gaze unshakable.

"This is my destiny. I must face it alone. You’re just caught in the crossfire—this isn’t your fate!"

"But..."

"Sister." Ouyang Ge suddenly beamed. "Trust me. I’ll be fine. Remember the alley? I can protect myself."

"Hey! Don’t ignore me! And speak plainly—human words!"

Zokilia rolled his eyes but turned to leave.

"Three nights it is. Keep talking, siblings. Such deep love, such deep love."

Waving, he strode off.

The siblings ignored him, eyes locked.

"Ge, I believe you. But I won’t let you face danger. If your warning comes true, I’ll protect you."

"Sigh..." Ouyang Ge knew her resolve was firm. "Understood. That night, protect yourself well, sister."

"Don’t underestimate me, little brother~~"

Ouyang Shi tapped his forehead, smiling.

Anyway, his sister’s fate was resolved—a path that never existed before.