Turning around, Nian Xifeng walked toward Nian Yuchi's room. He reached the door and gently knocked.

"Yuchi, I'm going to cook for you!"

Soon, footsteps sounded from inside. The door opened, and Nian Yuchi peeked out.

"Hmm!" Nian Yuchi replied. She glanced around the living room but didn't spot the Wang Clan steward. Curious, she asked,

"Bro, did that guy leave?"

"Yeah, he's gone," Nian Xifeng said with a smile. He didn't want to tell her about their talk yet. He'd handle it alone—she just needed to stay happy.

"Bro, no matter what happens, I'll always stand by you. I'll support any decision you make!" Nian Yuchi looked straight into his eyes. She didn't know what they'd discussed, but she guessed enough. She didn't need details—just knowing she was on his side was enough.

Seeing her earnest expression, Nian Xifeng smiled. Warmth filled his heart.

From that moment, he hardened his resolve to protect her. No one would ruin their life together.

"Alright! Go rest in your room. I'll cook dinner," Nian Xifeng said, smiling.

"Hmm!" Nian Yuchi obediently agreed.

Without hesitation, Nian Xifeng turned to prepare their meal. Decisions meant action.

He didn't know how the Wang Clan found him, but since they'd moved, he couldn't wait. Protecting Yuchi alone wasn't hard, but he hated trouble. He just wanted quiet days with her.

Now that he'd offended the Wang Clan, they wouldn't let it slide. They'd strike again.

He needed a powerful ally—a shield against the Wang Clan.

His city had three great families. The Yu Family was already gone. The Wang Clan bullied innocents, so he'd refused their offer. Only the Shen Family remained untainted—he'd never heard of their crimes.

The Shen Family was the perfect choice.

"Guess I'll have to pay them a visit," Nian Xifeng muttered while cooking.

He'd act fast to ease his mind. But cooking for Yuchi came first—nothing mattered more.

Pushing worries aside, he focused on dinner. Feeding Yuchi was the priority.

After some time, dinner was ready. Nian Xifeng returned to her door and knocked softly.

"Yuchi, time to eat!"

"Coming!" Her cheerful voice rang out. Moments later, she stood before him, door wide open.

"Let's go," Nian Xifeng said with a slight smile.

"Hmm!"

After dinner, Nian Xifeng looked at Yuchi.

"Yuchi, can you stay home alone for a bit?"

"What's up?" She tilted her head, puzzled.

"Just a small errand," Nian Xifeng said lightly. To others, it might be impossible—but to him, it was trivial.

"Okay! I'll be fine alone," Yuchi replied. She wouldn't ask more. She'd support him blindly, even if he was wrong.

"Be good, alright?" Nian Xifeng smiled, gently ruffling her hair.

"I'm always good!" Yuchi pouted, but her blissful expression made it funny.

"Yeah, yeah! Yuchi's the best. I'll be back soon," Nian Xifeng chuckled, dropping his hand.

"Hmm! Be careful, Bro!" Even knowing his strength, she worried.

"Don't worry," Nian Xifeng said, turning back with a grin.

Leaving home, he didn't rush to the Shen estate. He circled the area first, checking for spies. Seeing no one suspicious, he headed toward the Shen compound.

Inside a Shen Family room, Clan Head Shen Yundi sat at the head table, chin propped on his hands. His face was grim as he stared at a servant kneeling before him. Other Shen elders sat nearby—they'd been discussing something urgent.

"Is this true?" Shen Yundi's voice was low.

"Yes, Clan Head. I saw the Wang Clan steward leave their estate, heading south. Curious, I followed. He stopped at a humble house—no noble residence. He waited there even when no one was home. I waited too, but after a long time, I came to report." The servant kept his head down. He was just a spy planted near the Wang Clan.

"Interesting. Whatever he's doing, it's serious. Only big matters need his attention. Dismissed—keep watching the Wang Clan, especially their steward." Shen Yundi addressed the room first, then the servant.

"Yes!" The servant bowed.

"I'll take my leave."

"Go." Shen Yundi waved him off.

The servant backed out slowly, closing the door.

"What do you think the steward was after?" Shen Yundi asked the elders.

"Only major events warrant his involvement. The Yu Family's destruction comes to mind. I didn't expect the Wang Clan to move so fast—we haven't even found the culprit yet." An elderly man on Shen Yundi's left spoke slowly.

"If it's tied to the Yu Family's fall, we must be cautious. If they recruit the one who wiped them out, it's bad news for us," Shen Yundi nodded.

"We must act too. We can't let the Wang Clan get there first. Ideally, we recruit this mysterious figure. If not, we block the Wang Clan from doing so." Another elder on the right added.

"And how would you proceed?" Shen Yundi turned to him.

"First, show sincerity. If refused, we stop the Wang Clan from recruiting him—but never offend him. A man who erased the Yu Family overnight isn't someone we can provoke." The elder glanced around the room, including Shen Yundi.

"You're right. We don't know if the Wang Clan succeeded. Acting rashly might anger him—or worse, if he's already allied with them, we'd walk into a trap." Shen Yundi paused.

"I suggest we observe for one day. Watch the Wang Clan and that humble house. If he's recruited, he'll act. Then we decide." The left elder spoke again.

"Agreed. We watch both sides for a day. Our goal: recruit him if possible. If not, stay on good terms—but never provoke him. A man who can wipe out our entire clan demands caution." Shen Yundi stood to end the meeting.

"Today's session is over. We'll decide tomorrow."

Just then, a voice cut through the room!

"I haven't arrived yet! How can the meeting end?"