The man in red robes had never seen Nian Xifeng before. But Wang Kun had investigated him—he knew exactly what he looked like.

Seeing him in person now, recalling how he’d annihilated the Yu Family, Wang Kun felt cold sweat trickle down his forehead.

His gaze flicked to the man in red beside him, and his nerves steadied. Not just because of the man’s status—but his power.

This red-robed man wasn’t from their small city. He came from a metropolis teeming with true experts. Their so-called "three great families" here? In that city, the Wang Clan wouldn’t even rank among the third-tier houses.

And this man held significant standing there. His family commanded such awe that few dared provoke them.

Even if his position within the clan wasn’t supreme, his strength was undeniable.

Wang Kun had no doubt: if this man wished it, none of their city’s three great families could withstand his wrath.

So even with Nian Xifeng standing before him, Wang Kun found courage. He bowed his head.

"My lord, this is our target."

"Oh? So this is him." The red-robed man studied Nian Xifeng with interest, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Only a formidable expert could approach this close undetected.

Two possibilities: either this man matched his own strength—or surpassed it.

Pride refused the second option. The nobleman sized Nian Xifeng up coldly.

"Since you’re here, I won’t trouble myself to find you. Two choices: pledge loyalty to the Yan Family, and I’ll ensure you live in comfort forever. Or refuse—and we’ll kill you. And everyone tied to you." He spoke with arrogant disdain, ignoring the killing intent in Nian Xifeng’s eyes.

"Well?" The man smirked.

Nian Xifeng stared at him for several silent seconds.

"Not good," he replied, his voice icy and hollow—a devil’s whisper from hell.

"Tsk. I’m offering you salvation, boy. Don’t throw your life away on impulse." The nobleman shook his head pityingly.

"I never regret my choices. But you—you threatened me endlessly. Now I stand before you. Why do you hesitate?" Nian Xifeng’s calm words struck like a silent slap.

"Are you provoking me, boy?" The man’s tone turned glacial. A killing chill swept toward Nian Xifeng.

Nian Xifeng ignored it. His gaze remained fixed on the nobleman—as if looking at a corpse.

That stare ignited fury in the man’s chest.

*A mere commoner dares look at me like this? Has he grown tired of living?*

"You seek death? Then I’ll grant it."

The words barely left his lips before he struck. Energy surged from his body like lightning, aimed at Nian Xifeng’s chest.

He wouldn’t kill him—not yet. Just a lesson. To crush his arrogance.

His attack was blindingly fast. Less than a blink—and it was already at Nian Xifeng’s chest.

A smirk curled the nobleman’s lips. No one could dodge this.

But his smile froze.

Nian Xifeng’s fingertip had already conjured a wisp of Black Mist. It touched the lightning—and the attack vanished like an ox sinking into mud. The energy severed its connection to its master.

Shock flashed across the nobleman’s face.

"Unexpected. You have some skill." He waved it off. That strike had been a mere test.

Nian Xifeng said nothing. He just looked at the man like he was an idiot.

"But can you handle this?" The nobleman thrust out a finger again. Lightning erupted—faster, fiercer this time.

Nian Xifeng raised one finger. Black Mist swirled—and effortlessly swallowed the attack.

The nobleman’s eyes widened. He’d expected resistance from a peer. Not this... ease.

Before he could speak, Nian Xifeng cut in.

"Finished?" His voice was flat. "My turn."

A single finger extended. Black Mist bloomed at its tip, surging toward the nobleman.

In an instant, it engulfed him.

Inside the Dark Mist, the nobleman panicked. His energy wouldn’t respond. No matter how he strained—nothing.

The ever-composed man trembled. True terror gripped him. A raw, wordless scream tore from his throat—but trapped within the mist.

Outside, Nian Xifeng turned away. His gaze locked onto Wang Kun.

One look shattered Wang Kun’s will. He collapsed to his knees, scrambling forward to clutch Nian Xifeng’s pant leg.

"P-please! Don’t kill me!" he sobbed, groveling like a dog.

Nian Xifeng’s eyes stayed cold. This man had just plotted against Yuchi. Begging changed nothing.

Ignoring the pleas, he flicked his finger.

Black Mist swallowed Wang Kun too.

Nian Xifeng didn’t glance back at the two swirling clouds. He vanished from the Wang Clan’s estate—as if he’d never been there.

Only the mist remained. And two blackened corpses on the ground.

Nian Xifeng returned home as if nothing had happened.

He slipped quietly into his room—and paused.

Someone lay in his bed. Nian Yuchi.

The door’s creak woke her. She blinked sleepily, rubbing her eyes as she looked toward the entrance.

"Brother... you’re back." Her voice was soft, thick with drowsiness.

"Mm. Why are you in my room again?" Nian Xifeng walked to the bed, gently smoothing her messy hair.

"Ehehe... I just drifted in," she mumbled, eyes half-closed, grinning like a sleepy child.

"You never change." He sighed, lifting her into a princess carry. "Let me take you to your room."

Before he could move, Yuchi wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. She buried her face against his chest.

"Yuchi? What’s wrong?" Her behavior was unusual.

"Brother..." Her voice was small, hesitant.

"I’m here."

After a long silence in his arms, she lifted her head. Her sleepy haze was gone. In the dim room, her eyes shone bright as lanterns.

"Brother... next time, tell me what’s burdening you. Let me share it with you." Her gaze was fiercely earnest.

Nian Xifeng held her stare for several seconds. Then he nodded.

"Okay."

"You promise?" Her playful smile returned.

"Mm."

"Then take me back to my room." He shifted to carry her out.

"No way!" She clung tighter to his neck. "I’m sleeping with you tonight."