"So Brother Xifeng is this strong!" Ke Feng couldn't help exclaiming. The others nodded in agreement.

The Chi Xiong they'd struggled to defeat for so long seemed utterly weak under Nian Xifeng's power. It made them doubt their own strength.

"Heh, it's nothing," Nian Xifeng said with a warm smile, no trace of arrogance. "Grab the evidence and let's go. It's late."

"Got it!" Han Yuying replied cheerfully. She walked over to Chi Xiong's corpse and started collecting proof.

Nian Xifeng hadn't used the Dark Mist for a reason. If he had, Chi Xiong's body would've turned to ash. No evidence would remain, failing the mission. He knew that well.

While Han Yuying worked, the others gathered around Lin Cheng. They watched Nian Yuchi heal him.

Nian Yuchi closed her eyes, focusing. A soft light glowed in her hands as it moved slowly over Lin Cheng's body, mending his wounds.

"Wow! So this is healing ability! Truly amazing!" Ke Feng gasped. He'd never seen such a rare support skill before—most powers were just attack or defense types.

"Yeah, it's incredible," Han Yuying added. She'd known Nian Yuchi since childhood but had never witnessed her power firsthand. "Having a teammate like this would massively boost an adventurer's survival!"

"We've got one now," Cheng Runchen said casually.

"Eh..."

"You're right!" Ke Feng and Han Yuying realized simultaneously. They exchanged a smile.

Soon, Han Yuying rejoined the group. They all watched as Lin Cheng's wounds healed visibly before their eyes. The process was slow but steady.

Nian Yuchi slowly withdrew her hands and let out a soft breath.

"How is he?" Xianxian asked anxiously.

"He's fine," Nian Yuchi said, standing up. She smiled reassuringly at the worried girl. "He should wake up soon."

"Thank you, Yuchi!" Xianxian gazed at her gratefully. Lin Cheng had been hurt protecting her. Without this healing, she didn't know what she'd do.

"We're teammates—no need to thank me," Nian Yuchi said gently. She patted Xianxian's hand like an older sister comforting a child. "It's just my duty."

"Hmm..." Lin Cheng stirred awake.

"Lin Cheng! How are you?" Xianxian's face lit up with relief. She rushed over, carefully helping him sit up.

"I'm okay?" Lin Cheng tested his body, surprised to feel no pain.

"Really? No injuries?" Xianxian frowned. His external wounds were gone, but internal damage was harder to heal. Yet he seemed perfectly fine.

"Yeah. I was badly hurt, but now... nothing," Lin Cheng murmured, touching where injuries had been. No pain at all.

"Oh—where's Chi Xiong?" he suddenly asked Xianxian.

"Brother Xifeng killed him. Yuchi healed you!" Xianxian smiled, overjoyed he was safe.

"Thank you, Sister Yuchi!" Lin Cheng bowed slightly to Nian Yuchi, sincerity in his voice.

"Don't mention it," she waved her hands. "We help each other. Healing is my role, Captain. No need for formalities."

"Alright, it's late. Mission's done—let's head back!" Han Yuying cut in.

"Right! Let's go!" Lin Cheng agreed, dropping the matter. He ordered the retreat.

After a while, they reached the Adventurers' Guild. They walked to the submission desk. Lin Cheng handed the quest slip to the clerk. Han Yuying presented Chi Xiong's proof.

The clerk verified everything backstage. Then she gave Lin Cheng the reward.

Lin Cheng split it evenly into seven shares and distributed them.

"That's it for today. We'll continue tomorrow," he announced, ready to disband. It was getting late.

"Okay!" The team agreed and left the guild separately.

Nian Yuchi and Nian Xifeng said goodbye and headed home together.

"Yuchi, what do you want for dinner?" Nian Xifeng asked as they walked. Just the two of them now.

"Whatever Brother makes! I love everything you cook," Nian Yuchi replied sweetly.

"Then your favorite—braised pork!" Nian Xifeng ruffled her hair.

"Yes!" Nian Yuchi hugged his arm, eyes crinkling into crescent moons.

"Honestly, how do you stay so slim? They say 'you are what you eat.' All those years of braised pork..." Nian Xifeng mused, poking her cheek.

"Hmph! Do you want me fat?" Nian Yuchi pouted, cheeks puffing adorably.

"A little meat feels nice to pinch," he chuckled, poking her again.

Alone, they spoke freely—no need for modesty.

"But fat isn't cute!" She swatted his hand away, scowling.

"Don't worry. Even if you gain weight, I won't mind," Nian Xifeng smiled. His hand returned to her head, gently tousling her hair.

"Mmm... bad brother!" Nian Yuchi blushed, pouting with a hint of playful resentment.

"Haha, alright, no more teasing. Let's get home," Nian Xifeng said. Night had fully fallen. He ended their banter.

Just then, he spotted someone ahead.

He recognized the man—a minor servant from the Shen household. Shen Yundi had arranged this contact before.

Nian Xifeng walked over calmly. The servant stood right on his path home.

"Lord Nian! The head of the household requests your presence at the council hall. He has urgent matters to discuss," the servant bowed respectfully.

"Hmm? Didn't he tell you what it's about?" Nian Xifeng's tone held mild annoyance. He and Shen Yundi had agreed: messages could be relayed directly. He avoided visiting the Shen estate—too risky if spotted.

"I... I don't know, sir," the servant stammered nervously. "The head insisted on telling you personally." He was just a lowly servant. This terrifying man had single-handedly wiped out the Yu Family. One wrong word, and he'd be dead. The Shen family wouldn't care.

"Fine. Tell your master I'll come after making dinner for Yuchi," Nian Xifeng waved dismissively. He wasn't angry at the servant—just at Shen Yundi.

"Yes, sir! I'll take my leave!" The servant bowed again and hurried off.

"Go ahead," Nian Xifeng nodded.

After the servant left, he turned to Nian Yuchi with a soft smile.

"Let's go."

"Okay," she replied obediently, falling into step beside him.

"Brother... is it urgent?" Nian Yuchi asked worriedly. The Shen head rarely summoned him personally. If she delayed him...

"Don't worry. Let him wait. Nothing's more urgent than you," Nian Xifeng said lightly. To him, Yuchi always came first.

"But—"

"No 'buts'," he interrupted gently. "Trust me. With me here, nothing can go wrong. Even if the sky falls, you're my top priority. My number one to protect." He smiled, hating to see her anxious. He just wanted her smiling every day.

"Okay..." Nian Yuchi fell silent. Warmth filled her heart. With Brother here, everything would be fine.