"Mhm, got it!" The others replied in unison before parting ways at the Adventurers Guild entrance.

Nian Xifeng took his sister Nian Yuchi's small hand and walked toward their home.

Ever since that incident, he'd grown increasingly protective of Yuchi, never leaving her side for a moment.

"Yuchi," he asked casually as they walked, "what do you think of them?"

"Them? You mean Ying's team?" Yuchi pondered her brother's words.

"Mhm!"

"What aspect, exactly?"

"Oh, all sorts of things," Nian Xifeng said with a smile, gazing ahead.

After days together, he felt a warm closeness to the team. He loved that atmosphere and hoped Yuchi would too.

"They're all really nice," Yuchi replied, recalling how Lin had shared his mission reward with her. "They fight well together, and there's no stiffness between them—like family, sharing everything in harmony."

"Mhm. Do you like it here?"

"I wouldn't say I love it, but I don't dislike it either," Yuchi said, stretching her free hand into the air as if embracing something unseen.

"Heh, alright," Nian Xifeng dropped the topic, his gaze softening with affection as he looked at her. "What do you want for dinner tonight?"

"Anything you make! I'll love it," Yuchi grinned. To her, anything from her brother's hands was the most delicious food in the world.

"Then I'll make your favorite braised pork!" Nian Xifeng teased with a chuckle.

"Won't you worry I'll get fat and ugly?" Yuchi pouted innocently, as if future weight gain were entirely his fault.

"Haha, no matter what, you'll always be my sister. Nothing can break that bond—it's eternal," he laughed warmly.

"Hehe, so will you keep me forever, Brother?" Yuchi covered her mouth, giggling, though happiness bloomed in her heart.

"Fool," Nian Xifeng said gently, a slight sense of loss creeping in as he spoke. "Even if I wanted to, you'll marry someday. I'll support you until you find someone reliable."

"Pfft! I won't marry anyone! Men aren't trustworthy—except you, Brother!" Yuchi lifted her chin proudly, as if scorning all men on earth.

"Yuchi, you can't think like that. Men have good and bad sides. Judging them all that way isn't right," he said earnestly.

"Whatever. I haven't met a decent man yet—only you!" Yuchi held firm to her view.

"Alright, alright. We're almost home. I'll cook as soon as we get inside." Indeed, their house was now visible in the distance.

Soon, they reached their doorstep—but a stranger stood there. He was of average height, handsome, dressed in an elegant suit that accentuated his poised frame, radiating confidence.

He noticed Nian Xifeng and Yuchi approaching.

"Who are you? What are you doing at my door?" Nian Xifeng asked sharply, pulling Yuchi behind him and stepping forward as a shield.

"You must be Nian Xifeng and Miss Nian Yuchi," the man greeted warmly, unfazed by the hostility.

"Who are you?" Nian Xifeng narrowed his eyes. The expensive suit marked him as no ordinary person, yet caution held firm.

"I'm the Wang Clan's steward. Call me Steward Wang." The man ignored the cold tone.

"The Wang Clan? What do you want with me?" Nian Xifeng had no ties to them. An uninvited visit meant trouble.

"Relax, young master Nian. I come with no ill intent—only to talk and perhaps make friends," Steward Wang met his gaze steadily.

"We're just commoners. We can't afford to cling to the Wang Clan's coattails. Leave now," Nian Xifeng dismissed him bluntly.

"Commoners? Hmph. Only fools would believe that about you," Steward Wang's lips curled with a trace of mockery.

"Oh?" Nian Xifeng's narrowed eyes flashed with icy menace. His power coiled ready—if provoked, Dark Mist would engulf the man instantly.

"No need to pretend. We both know the truth. Must I spell it out?" Steward Wang felt a chill but steeled himself for his master's orders.

"Hmph. Come inside," Nian Xifeng snapped coldly.

Steward Wang stepped aside. Nian Xifeng led Yuchi past without a glance, opened the door, and entered—leaving it ajar.

Once inside, Steward Wang smiled faintly and followed, closing the door behind him.

At home, Nian Xifeng gently patted Yuchi's hand. "Go rest in your room, Yuchi. I'll call you when dinner's ready."

"Mhm! Be careful, Brother!" Yuchi wasn't naive. After a quick reminder, she obediently retreated to her room.

Nian Xifeng watched her door shut before turning to the sofa. "Sit."

Steward Wang complied.

"Speak. What is it?" Nian Xifeng's tone was glacial—utterly unlike his warmth with Yuchi.

"Do you recall yesterday's events at the Yu Family estate?" Steward Wang cut straight to the point.

"And?" Nian Xifeng didn't answer, only pressed further.

"The Wang Clan wishes to befriend you. Should you ever need aid, we'll stand by you without hesitation," Steward Wang declared earnestly.

"Hmph. Your clan's intelligence network is impressive," Nian Xifeng sneered. He knew the Wangs preyed on commoners; their reputation left him cold.

"Your praise is too kind," Steward Wang smiled, though his eyes gleamed with arrogance.

Nian Xifeng's dislike deepened. "Leave. I won't ally with your clan."

"Won't you reconsider?" Steward Wang's voice turned awkward.

"No. I know what Wang Clan members are like. Befriending you would mean my own fall. Drop this matter." Nian Xifeng stood, unable to stomach the man's false face any longer.

"Young master Nian, allying with us brings many advantages," Steward Wang pressed stubbornly.

"Go. Words are useless. I'll never join you—give up." Nian Xifeng's patience frayed.

"I—" Steward Wang started, but Nian Xifeng cut him off.

"Get out!"

This pest had crossed his final line.

"Hmph! Don't think crushing the Yu Family makes you untouchable. The Wang Clan isn't trash like them. Our power is beyond your imagination," Steward Wang snapped, fury rising at being scolded by a commoner.

"Leave now—or stay forever." Nian Xifeng's palm thrust forward. Dark Mist surged—death, rage, terror—a wave of crushing dread.

That eerie power made Steward Wang's heart race. He had no doubt it would kill him horribly. He bolted without another word, fleeing for his life.

Watching him vanish, Nian Xifeng retracted the Dark Mist. His eyes narrowed as he sighed inwardly.

"Looks like peaceful days are over."