If what the Wang Clan members claimed was true, the middle-aged man had no choice but to take it seriously.

A mere commoner’s strength was limited, yet they insisted this civilian had killed his son.

He knew his son’s abilities well—anyone who could slaughter him so easily was not to be underestimated.

Indeed, the red-robed man slain by Nian Xifeng was his son. He’d been the first person Patriarch Wang invited from that distant city.

The red-robed man hadn’t been here long when the Wang Clan sent word of his death.

Upon hearing the news, the middle-aged man rushed straight to the Wang Clan to demand answers.

Their replies were hard to swallow, but after repeated confirmations, he accepted that a commoner had killed his child.

He never expected a mere civilian to possess such power.

“I don’t care who he is. Since he killed my son, he’ll pay in blood,” the man said coldly, his voice devoid of emotion like a devil risen from hell.

Then, as if remembering something, he added,

“I don’t care how you do it. By tomorrow nightfall, I want that civilian before me. Fail this, and the Wang Clan won’t need to exist anymore.” He glared at the terrified elders.

Ignoring their fear, he left without another word.

He’d said his piece. He wasn’t worried—they’d obey. To him, the Wang Clan was just an ant beneath his boot. Defy him, and they’d be crushed.

Only after he left did the Wang Clan members exhale shakily. His presence had choked their breath, chilled their limbs, and slicked their brows with cold sweat.

“What now?” one Elder asked.

“We must comply. The Yan Family’s power is beyond us,” another Wang member replied gravely, resignation in his voice.

Against the Yan Family, the Wang Clan was an ant before a lion. One stomp would wipe them out.

“I suppose we have no choice,” another Elder sighed.

Yesterday, Nian Xifeng hadn’t just killed the red-robed man—he’d also slain Patriarch Wang Kun.

Without Kun’s leadership, the Clan would crumble under these Elders. Ambitious members already eyed the Patriarch’s seat.

Commanding such a family was an honor none would refuse.

Meanwhile, Nian Xifeng’s group had finished their first mission and taken another Fierce Beast hunt. They wrapped it up quickly, returning to the Adventurers Guild just as dusk fell.

Lin Cheng distributed the day’s earnings before dismissing everyone.

Nian Xifeng, Nian Yuchi, and Han Yuying walked together—their homes were in the same direction. Han Yuying’s place was barely a minute’s walk from Nian Xifeng’s.

Night had just begun, so the streets were still busy. People hurried home or packed up street stalls.

“How was today?” Nian Xifeng asked softly, glancing at Nian Yuchi trailing beside him.

“Um… it was fun,” Nian Yuchi murmured. She was shy around strangers, a trace of fear always in her heart.

Yesterday, she’d hidden behind Nian Xifeng like a child. Today, she’d warmed up slightly, chatting a little with Xianxian.

She avoided the boys, though—only Nian Xifeng held her interest. Among the team, only Han Yuying and Xianxian were girls, and girls always had endless topics.

“I’m glad,” Nian Xifeng smiled, ruffling her hair. He’d worried she had no friends beyond school and Han Yuying. Seeing her connect eased his mind.

“Are you tired after two days of missions?” he asked gently. He hadn’t brought it up earlier—he didn’t want others to look down on her.

“No,” Nian Yuchi shook her head with a small smile. Truthfully, she was exhausted. She’d never moved so much or fought Fierce Beasts before.

But being with her brother erased all fatigue. He was her strength—she’d endure anything to avoid worrying him.

She pretended ease, unaware Nian Xifeng saw right through her. His heart ached; protecting her fragile smile was his duty.

Han Yuying watched them, exasperated. Their raw affection felt like a romance straight out of a past life.

“Could you two stop sparking in public?” she teased, narrowing her eyes with a pout. “Have some decency.”

They snapped back to reality. Nian Xifeng stayed calm, but Nian Yuchi’s cheeks flushed crimson.

Dusk hid her blush—few passersby noticed.

Yet one figure in the crowd watched them intently.

Nian Xifeng had spotted him earlier. The man had followed them since the Guild, but Nian Xifeng ignored him, walking on as if nothing mattered.

“Let’s head home,” Nian Xifeng coughed lightly, steering the girls onward.

They didn’t argue. At a crossroads, Han Yuying waved goodbye.

“Xifeng-ge, Yuchi-meimei, I’ll go ahead!”

“Bye!” Nian Yuchi smiled, waving back.

Nian Xifeng turned to his sister. “Yuchi, why not stay at Yuying’s tonight? I’ll pick you up later.”

Nian Yuchi blinked her bright eyes curiously but nodded silently.

Han Yuying was puzzled but welcomed her. She didn’t ask why.

“I have errands,” Nian Xifeng said, waving off.

They waved back. He left without another word.

Nian Yuchi watched him go, reluctant to look away.

“Missing him already?” Han Yuying teased, nudging her shoulder.

“I—I’m not!” Nian Yuchi stammered, face reddening.

“Haha, I know you two are close. No need to hide it, Yuchi-meimei,” Han Yuying laughed, patting her back. Then she grinned mischievously, studying Nian Yuchi’s flustered back.

Nian Yuchi didn’t notice.

“Come on, let’s hurry home!” Han Yuying pushed her gently toward her house.

Nian Yuchi let herself be guided. They reached Han Yuying’s door quickly. The moment she stepped inside, Han Yuying’s breathing turned sharp and eager.