"Who?" Shen Yundi shot up from his seat, his face grim as he scanned the room. Yet he found no trace of anyone.

That voice had definitely come from inside this room. But none of them knew its source.

Not just him—every Shen Family elder present leaped to their feet, their sharp eyes sweeping the space.

"No need to search. I'm right here." The voice sounded again. Before anyone could react, a slender youth stood at the doorway. He looked barely seventeen or eighteen.

"Who are you?" Shen Yundi didn't lower his guard despite the boy's youth. To slip unseen into the Shen estate's central hall meant formidable power.

"Weren't you just looking for me? Forgotten already?" Nian Xifeng sneered. He'd arrived earlier, listening curiously as they discussed him. Their talk of his destruction of the Yu Family and Wang Clan's overtures hadn't disgusted him—so he stayed. Had they plotted against him, he might have erased them first. Leaving future enemies was unwise.

"You must be the one who wiped out the Yu Family?" Shen Yundi wasn't foolish. Their debate had centered on the Wang Clan and the Yu Family's destroyer. But he'd never seen a Wang youth like this—and such power at this age? Unheard of in their clan.

"Heh. Yes." Nian Xifeng smiled slightly, not hiding it. He needed the Shens' help and had to show strength. Without proof, they wouldn't take him seriously.

"What brings you to the Shen Family?" Shen Yundi's expression darkened further upon confirmation. A being who crushed the Yu Family so easily was beyond their reach.

"Two things. You listen. Understand?" Nian Xifeng adopted an arrogant pose, glancing down at the elders.

The elder on Shen's left bristled like a stepped-on cat, ready to snap—until Shen cut him off.

"Speak, honored guest." Shen Yundi interrupted swiftly. One wrong word might provoke Nian into attacking. Strong ones never cared for the weak.

Nian Xifeng eyed the furious elder, then Shen's steady face. He sneered. "First: I destroyed the Yu Family. They angered the wrong person. Second: I need a favor." The first point was a warning—to avoid the Yu's fate. The second was his true purpose.

"What favor does the Shen Family owe you?" Shen Yundi knew payment was due. No one would reveal such a secret for nothing.

"Heh. I prefer dealing with smart people." Nian Xifeng smiled faintly. "Monitor the Wang Clan's movements. You guessed right—their steward tried recruiting me. But I refused. They won't give up. Block their pests from bothering me. Can you?" He paused. "This benefits you too, doesn't it?"

"It does. We accept. But you didn't come just for this small matter." Shen Yundi met Nian's gaze. No malice meant lowered guard.

"Haha! Sharp as ever, Elder Shen." Nian Xifeng's laughter faded into seriousness. "I value peace. Disturb it, and I destroy the source. But I hate trouble. So—handle it for me. This could be good for your clan too."

"We agree." Shen Yundi didn't hesitate.

"Oh? Nothing else to say?" Nian Xifeng raised an eyebrow.

"We'd do this anyway. Rest assured." Shen Yundi smiled.

"Hmph. If major trouble comes your way later, call on me." This time, Nian Xifeng's smile was genuine. A strong one's promise was ironclad.

"Gratitude, honored guest!" Shen Yundi bowed slightly.

"Just send word about the Wang Clan. Keep our contact minimal. You understand." Nian Xifeng gave Shen a meaningful look. Then he dissolved into Dark Mist—vanishing as if he'd never been.

"What now?" Shen Yundi stared at the empty space after Nian left.

"What now? His terms help us. Sharing news costs nothing. And the Wang Clan? We'd stop them anyway." The elder on the right had supported this from the start.

"Double the watchers on the Wang Clan. Report any movement immediately." Shen Yundi turned and left the hall without looking back.

"Yes!" The elders followed him out.

...

Back home, Nian Xifeng found Nian Yuchi curled on the sofa, eyes closed, breathing even—fast asleep.

Seeing her like this twisted his heart. He sighed softly. *Silly kid.*

He tiptoed over and gently lifted her. Despite his care, she stirred awake. Her eyes met his familiar face. She smiled faintly.

"Brother, you're back!"

"Hmm. Sleeping on the sofa? You'll catch cold." His voice ached. Her exhaustion cut deep—he blamed himself. If he'd stayed, she wouldn't have waited till she collapsed.

"Hehe. I waited for you!" She nuzzled closer into his chest.

"Tch. Never do this again." He wanted to flick her forehead but couldn't—his arms were full.

"Mm." She hummed absently, not really listening.

"Are you even hearing me?" Nian Xifeng nearly roared. Spoiled by his love, she grew bolder. Time to teach her a lesson.

He grinned but dropped the scolding. "Enough. Let's get you to bed."

Her instincts screamed danger—but trapped in his arms, she could only brace herself.

Nian Xifeng carried her to her room, laid her down softly, then smirked. "Disobedient? Time to learn your mistake."

Cornered, she could only watch his hands descend.

He pounced like a starving wolf, fingers dancing over her waist.

She arched off the bed, peals of laughter bursting from her cherry lips.

"Ha—haha—Brother! Stop! Please!" She gasped between giggles. Her stomach was her weakest spot—and he knew it well after years together.

"Admit you were wrong?" He didn't stop.

"Y-yes! Haha!"

"Will you do it again?"

"N-no! Hahaha!"

"Hmph. Good. You're my dearest sister. Never risk your health again. Understand?" He released her, voice stern but softening at the end—pure brotherly love.

"Mm." She nodded quietly, seeing his worry. She truly had erred.

"Sleep now. School together tomorrow." His smile returned at her promise.

"Okay!" Her grin was sweet.

"Goodnight, Yuchi."

"Goodnight, Brother!"