When she said that, Nian Yuchi—who had already been feeling a little embarrassed—flushed crimson from her cheeks down to her neck.

"Haha! Just messing with you!" An Qi burst out laughing at Nian Yuchi’s flustered expression, then turned to Nian Xifeng. "Brother Xifeng, you were the one who wiped out the Yu Family, right?"

Nian Xifeng turned back, surprised. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. "How did you know?" Since she’d already figured it out, hiding it served no purpose.

"Well, the whole city’s buzzing about it! But no one knows who actually did it. I’m probably the only one who does!" An Qi declared proudly, then continued counting on her fingers. "See, I told you Brother Xifeng that Yuchi got kidnapped. Then the next day, Yuchi came to school—and so did you. That means she was rescued the same day. And someone as strong as you? Saving her from the Yu Family wouldn’t be hard. Plus, you hate trouble and avoid crowds. So who else could’ve saved her but you?"

"Hmm. It was me," Nian Xifeng’s gaze turned icy. *Daring to target Yuchi? They were begging for death.* "I need you to keep this secret." He locked eyes with An Qi, dead serious. Exposure would only bring him trouble.

"Don’t worry, Brother Xifeng! I won’t tell a soul," An Qi promised, fully aware of the stakes—he’d just said he hated trouble.

"Good." Reassured but still wary, Nian Xifeng relaxed slightly. *She’s Yuchi’s friend, but I know too little about her. Better stay cautious.*

At the crossroads, An Qi waved goodbye. "I’m heading this way! See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow, An Qi!"

"Bye!"

After she left, Nian Xifeng turned to his sister. "Yuchi, let’s grab lunch, then head to the Adventurers Guild." It was noon anyway.

"Okay!" Nian Yuchi never questioned his decisions.

"Should we cook at home or eat out?" He added, "Our place and the Guild are in opposite directions. Going home would take a detour."

"Whatever you decide, Brother. I’ll follow your lead." As long as she was with him, it didn’t matter.

"Let’s eat out. Cooking would waste time—and I’ve kept my team waiting too often lately." He felt guilty about rescheduling their missions for his sake.

"Alright!"

"Then let’s go."

He led her toward the Adventurers Guild, ducking into a random restaurant along the way. He ordered a nutrient-rich set meal—skimping on Yuchi was unthinkable. They settled at a window seat. Moments later, a waiter approached with a menu.

"What’ll it be?"

Nian Xifeng pointed at the menu and smiled. "This’ll do."

"Got it!" The waiter dashed off.

Soon, their table overflowed with dishes.

"Brother… isn’t this too much?" Nian Yuchi glanced around nervously. *Two people can’t finish all this! He really doesn’t know how to save money.* "This must’ve cost a fortune!" She worried their modest savings couldn’t handle such waste. Even their first mission reward—split among the team—wouldn’t cover a single dish here.

"Don’t worry about the cost. For you? It’s nothing. Just eat." He flicked her nose lightly. "So many questions!"

"Okay… but no more wasting money next time!" She finally picked up her chopsticks, though concern lingered.

"Alright, alright." He sighed, joining her for lunch.

The modest restaurant was nearly full—eighty percent occupied by townsfolk and adventurers. Chatter filled the air, drifting between tables. At a nearby booth, a group of adventurers debated the city’s hottest topic: the Yu Family’s annihilation.

*Who wiped them out?*

They’d never guess the culprit sat right beside them. Nian Xifeng tuned them out.

After lunch, he stood. "Wait here for me."

"Okay." Nian Yuchi nodded obediently, gazing out the window at passersby.

At the counter, Nian Xifeng asked the owner, "Total?"

The man glanced at their table. "One gold coin."

Nian Xifeng tossed a coin on the counter and walked away without looking back.

Before he reached Yuchi, his expression darkened. The adventurers from next table had surrounded her, leering.

"Yuchi. What happened?" He strode over, face grim.

"Brother!" She sprang up, hiding behind him.

The adventurers noticed him. One scrawny man sneered, "Hey, kid! Who do you think you are? Can’t you see our boss is busy? Scram!"

Nian Xifeng ignored him, focusing on Yuchi. "Are you hurt?"

"I’m fine," she whispered.

"Let’s go." Since she was unharmed, he’d deal with them later. *But targeting Yuchi? They’ll learn what despair means.* He took her hand and headed for the exit. *Not here—too many witnesses. I’ll handle them somewhere quiet.* He was certain they’d follow. *If they dare.*

"Oi! I’m talking to you, brat!" The scrawny man’s face flushed with rage. "No one ignores me in this city!"

Nian Xifeng didn’t pause. "If you’ve got guts, follow me."

"You little—!" The man lunged, but a hand stopped him.

"Boss!" He shrank back instantly.

The leader—a sharp-featured man in his twenties, draped in a long coat—smirked. "Interesting. Let’s see what tricks this kid’s playing." He waved his six companions forward. "Follow him."

Nian Xifeng led them through winding alleys until they reached a deserted, shadow-choked passage where sunlight never reached. He turned, facing the seven pursuers. His expression turned glacial.