On the way back, everyone was thrilled—not for any other reason than Nian Xifeng’s strength. They were overjoyed to have such a powerful teammate. With him around, future missions would be far easier. At least, that’s what they truly believed. In their eyes, Nian Xifeng’s abilities had already reached an advanced level.

Once they left the forest, danger was no longer a concern. Stepping out, Ke Feng was the first to ask Nian Xifeng,

"Bro Xifeng, you’re this strong—you must’ve taken quests at the Adventurers’ Guild before, right?"

"Hmm, a few times," Nian Xifeng replied casually. It was true—he’d always gotten his living expenses from there.

"Bro Xifeng, how come I’ve never seen you at the guild?" Han Yuying asked, puzzled. She often took quests there but had never spotted him.

"You never asked," Nian Xifeng said helplessly, shrugging. Truthfully, he felt a little guilty—he’d always hidden his identity at the guild.

He didn’t know how many others concealed themselves there, but he certainly did. Now that they’d witnessed his power, he worried they might connect him to that other persona.

*Guess I’ll need to stay even lower-key from now on.*

"Oh? Right!" Han Yuying finally remembered—it was true.

*Whew.* Nian Xifeng exhaled quietly. *Good thing she didn’t press further.*

"Once all of you level up," Lin Cheng said with a smile, "we can try human-rank quests. What do you think?"

"Yeah! Great idea! I can’t wait!" Ke Feng cheered, raising both hands.

"Then you’d better train hard," Han Yuying told him seriously. "That way, we’ll reach human-rank quests sooner."

"Sure, but wait—you’re only level one like me!" Ke Feng grumbled. He’d listen to someone stronger, but Han Yuying was on his level. Who was she to lecture him?

"I’m almost level two!" Han Yuying declared, hands on her hips, chin tilted skyward with smug pride.

"Huh? You’re leveling up soon?" Ke Feng thought he’d misheard and double-checked.

"Hmph! Of course!" she repeated smugly.

"Wow! Congrats in advance, Yuying!" Lin Cheng said sincerely. This brought them one step closer to human-rank quests.

"Congrats, Yuying!" Xianxian added with a sweet smile.

"Thanks, Xianxian!" Han Yuying beamed back.

"Alright, alright—we’re almost there. Let’s submit the quest together," Lin Cheng cut in, stopping their playful bickering.

Back at the Adventurers’ Guild counter, Lin Cheng placed the ox-armored beast’s scales on the desk.

"We’re here to submit a quest."

"Hello, which quest did you accept?" the receptionist asked with a smile.

"Kill the ox-armored beast and retrieve its scales."

"One moment, please." She bowed her head to check records, then looked up. "Here’s your reward."

Lin Cheng took the coins she handed over, thanked her, and led everyone to the lounge area. He divided the coins equally.

"Shall we take another quest?" Lin Cheng suggested once everyone pocketed their share.

"Sure!"

"I’m in!"

"Me too!"

"I’ll pass. I’ve got things to do," Nian Xifeng said. *Nian Yuchi’s class must be ending soon—I need to pick her up.*

"Ah, that’s a shame. Then let’s call it a day. We’ll all take quests together tomorrow!" Lin Cheng’s disappointment faded quickly.

"Sounds good."

"Then I’ll take my leave," Nian Xifeng said, ready to slip away.

"Okay!"

***

Elsewhere…

A lavishly decorated hall glittered under a crystal chandelier’s soft glow. Precious artifacts dotted the space, resting atop a sandalwood table at its center. Platters of fruit adorned the table, flanked by two full-length leather sofas. At the head sat a single seat carved from purple sandalwood, its edges gilded with gold, dragon heads coiled around the armrests.

A man lounged in that seat, gazing down at a figure kneeling at the table’s far end.

"Did you find out?" The man’s voice was icy, each word freezing the air. A cigar dangled from his lips, smoke curling around his shadowed face.

The kneeling man trembled slightly, a trace of fear in his reply. "Yes, Boss! We found out."

"Who did it?" The Boss’s expression remained unreadable.

"Nian Yuchi from Tianqin Academy. Your nephew followed her that day… and never returned."

"Hmph. Her background?" The Boss snorted dismissively.

"She has no connections or backing. She’s skilled, lives with her brother—but his strength is unknown. Likely weak." The informant spilled every detail without hesitation.

"Good. Anyone who dares touch someone from the Yu Family will pay. Bring that woman to me." His command echoed through the hall, sharp as frost.

"Yes, sir!" The man scrambled out to gather his team.

After he left, the Boss exhaled a plume of smoke. "Worthless. Killed by a girl—disgracing the Yu Family. But I won’t let that shame stand."

***

Tianqin Academy…

*Ding! Ding! Ding!*

The dismissal bell rang. After the teacher left, Nian Yuchi stretched lazily. Her figure drew stares from boys across the classroom.

Her seatmate, An Qi—a girl with chestnut hair, clear eyes, and porcelain skin—teased with mock jealousy, though her eyes sparkled with warmth. "Yuchi, your body’s unreal! Aren’t you scared the boys might lose control?"

"An Qi, yours isn’t bad either," Nian Yuchi shot back, scanning her friend’s frame.

An Qi was her desk partner. They often walked home together.

"Pfft. No way. They all prefer you," An Qi pouted, shooting Nian Yuchi a playful glare.

"Enough, An Qi. Let’s go," Nian Yuchi said, cutting off the familiar debate. It always gave her a headache.

"Fine, let’s go." Their squabbles were just jokes—neither ever took them seriously.

At the school gate, a group of men in black suits blocked their path. They sidestepped, but the men shifted, still barring the way.

"Can we help you?" Nian Yuchi asked.

"You’re Nian Yuchi?" A middle-aged man stepped forward from the group.

"Yes. Why?" She frowned, racking her brain for enemies.

"That’s her! Grab her!" he barked.

"Who are you? I’ve never wronged you!" Nian Yuchi glared coldly.

"Hmph! The Yu Family doesn’t chase ghosts. Attack!" He lunged first.

If they wanted a fight, she wouldn’t hold back.

An Qi wouldn’t let her friend be dragged off blindly either. She braced to fight.

Nian Yuchi’s strength lay in support—not combat. An Qi alone couldn’t hold off the group. Within moments, both girls were slammed to the ground.

"Take her away," the man ordered.

"Yes, sir!" A thug hauled Nian Yuchi up. She struggled, but her strength was no match for his.

"Move out!" The leader turned to leave. They only wanted Nian Yuchi; An Qi was ignored.

An Qi could only watch helplessly as her friend was carried off. She couldn’t even stand, let alone chase them.