"Don't blame me. Blame yourselves for provoking the wrong person," Nian Xifeng said. With a sweep of his hand, a black whirlwind rose, carrying away the corpses. They vanished into dust in the wind.

After that, Nian Xifeng walked over to Nian Yuchi. He smiled slightly at her. "Let's go! Home!"

Watching his actions and the vanished group, Nian Yuchi felt no ripple of emotion. Her brother had done this. Whatever he did, she supported him unconditionally. She felt no pity for them. If he wanted them dead, they deserved it. Had others killed them, she might have felt a trace of sympathy.

"Okay!" Nian Yuchi grabbed Nian Xifeng's hand and bounced along as they left. Nian Xifeng smiled at her back. This girl was always so energetic.

This time, they went straight home.

At the doorstep stood a girl with long pink hair tied in a single ponytail. Her delicate face had bright, lively eyes that now looked bored. Her fair skin glowed faintly in the sunlight. She leaned against the wall, legs crossed, hands behind her back, head down, staring at her feet.

Nian Xifeng and Nian Yuchi knew her well. She was their childhood friend, Han Yuying.

"Yuying!" Nian Yuchi called, releasing Nian Xifeng's hand and running over.

Han Yuying spotted them and flashed a sweet smile. "Yuchi! Brother Xifeng!"

Nian Yuchi pulled her into a bear hug.

"How was school today, Yuchi?" Han Yuying asked after they parted.

"Ugh, same as always. Flies keep following me. But it's handled," Nian Yuchi said with a sigh.

"That must be tough," Han Yuying replied, knowing her influence at school.

"Come in," Nian Xifeng said, joining them. He unlocked the door and stepped inside.

"Sure!" Han Yuying followed Nian Yuchi into the living room and sat on the sofa.

"Yuying, stay for dinner tonight?" Nian Xifeng asked.

"Yes! Brother Xifeng's cooking is amazing," Han Yuying agreed without hesitation.

"Ha, glad you like it. You two chat. I'll start dinner," Nian Xifeng said with a smile, heading to the kitchen.

"Need help?" Han Yuying offered.

"Just relax. I've got it," Nian Xifeng called back, waving his arm.

"Alright," Han Yuying shrugged. She often ate here—she was a regular. Though she never paid, she helped them often. They didn't mind, but she felt awkward over time.

While Nian Xifeng cooked, Han Yuying chatted with Nian Yuchi about everything—world news to girl secrets.

As their talk flowed, dinner was ready.

At the table, Han Yuying paused, then spoke her purpose. "Brother Xifeng, you're always home with nothing to do. Join me at the Adventurers' Guild for missions. We can earn some cash." She looked at him earnestly. She'd never seen him work, guessing their finances were tight. His only job was picking Yuchi up from school.

"Hmm." Nian Xifeng fell silent. True, this couldn't last. Yuchi didn't know their money source. Agreeing would give him an excuse. He glanced at Nian Yuchi. Her eyes said everything—no words needed. Han Yuying watched him too. He looked between them, then decided.

"Alright. I'll do it."

"Great!" Han Yuying clapped happily. She didn't know his strength, but more hands meant more power. Nian Yuchi beamed at her brother. She knew exactly how strong he was. She'd guessed their money source but never asked.

"I'll take you to the Guild tomorrow! Meet my teammates," Han Yuying said sweetly.

"Enough talk. Eat," Nian Xifeng sighed. He hated troublesome missions. He only took them when broke. Being a lazybones was better—as long as he could support himself and his sister.

"Okay!" Han Yuying agreed. She'd invited him because her team wasn't official yet. She needed trustworthy people. A backstabbing teammate would be disastrous. Trust mattered.

"What are you staring at? Eat," Nian Xifeng snapped at Nian Yuchi.

Nian Yuchi stuck out her cute tongue and giggled silently.

After dinner, Han Yuying stood. "Brother Xifeng, Yuchi, I'm off!"

"Be careful," Nian Xifeng reminded her.

"Hehe! See you tomorrow, Brother Xifeng!" Han Yuying winked and left.

"Ah, that girl," Nian Xifeng murmured, watching her go. She was his second priority after Nian Yuchi. Growing up together, the three were like family.

"What's wrong, Brother?" Nian Yuchi asked mischievously.

"Nothing. Wash up and sleep," Nian Xifeng said flatly, glancing at her before heading to his room. He didn't blame them. Missions sounded annoying. He'd slack off and hide his strength.

Back in his room, he prepared Nian Yuchi's bathwater.

"Yuchi! Hot water's ready. Go wash," he called to her on the sofa watching TV.

"Okay!" Nian Yuchi hopped up and headed to the bathroom.

Soon, water splashed inside. Nian Xifeng sat on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "Looks like life won't be easy anymore," he muttered.

The water stopped. "Bro! Clothes!" Nian Yuchi called.

"Oh! Right!" He'd been distracted. He always left her clothes ready. "Coming!" He rushed to the balcony, gathered her underwear and pajamas, and knocked on the bathroom door.

"I'm coming in!"

"Okay!"

He entered and handed her the clothes. Nian Yuchi stood naked. He didn't flinch—they'd seen each other since childhood. But years later, her figure had blossomed. Curves in all the right places, perfectly proportioned. Fresh from the bath, her fair skin glowed smooth and soft. Her slightly flushed cheeks made one want to steal a kiss. No wonder schoolboys fawned over her. Anyone would.

"What are you staring at? Get out! Don't forget next time!" Nian Yuchi frowned cutely, pretending sternness.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll remember. Like I haven't seen it before," Nian Xifeng pouted, turning away. He didn't see her reaction.

Hearing that, Nian Yuchi's face flushed deeper. To her, everything was his gift—her body included. She'd let him look. Even if he took her, it'd be fine. But it was just her one-sided feelings. Nian Xifeng only wanted her happy and safe. That was enough.

She dressed and left the bathroom. Nian Xifeng was still lost in thought.

Nian Yuchi sat beside him, smelling faintly sweet.

"Done?" he asked, turning.

"Mm-hmm." She nodded.

"Bedtime. School tomorrow." Nian Xifeng grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom.

"Okay!" Nian Yuchi padded to her room in slippers.

After his shower, Nian Xifeng lay down. Tomorrow wouldn't be peaceful.

Sleep time.

The night passed without incident.