Though envious, the two could never live ordinary lives.
Their strength simply wouldn’t allow it.
If they were truly weak and powerless, no one would notice them.
No one cares about a weakling’s life—but they weren’t weak.
Nian Xifeng’s power wasn’t the strongest on the continent, but it came close.
Nian Yuchi’s ability was even rarer.
Healing-type superpowers were scarce here.
But since Yuchi rarely used hers, few knew of it.
Otherwise, the entire continent would go mad.
Mad for her alone.
As for the Yan family—that red-cloaked man didn’t know her power either.
Otherwise, he’d never treat her as just a commoner.
Nian Xifeng and Nian Yuchi attended school, living seemingly ordinary days.
Beneath that calm surface, currents swirled.
Xifeng gazed at the classrooms, a nameless feeling stirring.
He’d only been here days, yet this place held years of Yuchi’s memories.
Memories of someone she longed to see.
He didn’t know how long he’d stay.
But he didn’t hate this atmosphere.
Seated beside Yuchi, Anqi often chatted with her.
Their bond was one of the strongest in class.
"Yuchi, ready for today’s practical session?" Anqi asked suddenly.
"You know I never join, Anqi. I just tag along to take notes. Nothing to prepare." Yuchi sighed.
"But why skip it? It’s fun!" Anqi pouted, disappointed.
"Well... there are reasons," Yuchi replied with a sheepish smile.
Practical sessions tested students’ superpowers in protected zones.
No injuries. Clear combat assessments.
Class placements hinged on power and skill.
Yuchi had never participated—not since awakening her ability.
She knew her healing power couldn’t stay hidden forever.
If malicious eyes discovered it, her weak strength couldn’t protect her.
Not even her brother could shield her then.
*Owning a treasure invites trouble.* She’d learned that young.
Orphaned early, they’d grown up fast.
"What reasons?" Anqi pressed, curious.
She’d transferred schools recently. Didn’t know Yuchi’s secret.
Almost no one did. Xifeng had helped her awaken it privately.
Even Han Yuying learned of it later.
That’s why Wang Kun told Yan’s red-cloaked man Xifeng had a "commoner sister."
"Don’t pry," Yuchi said firmly.
"Fine..." Anqi slumped, dropping it.
Just then, the teacher entered.
Waving a hand, he led everyone to the changing rooms.
Boys whooped and charged out.
Girls shuffled reluctantly.
Practical sessions meant skin-tight uniforms.
Every curve exposed.
Especially the school beauty’s.
Boys always feasted their eyes.
After the boys left, girls trudged toward the changing rooms.
"Let’s go," Yuchi smiled at Anqi, unfazed.
"How are you so calm?" Anqi grumbled, pouting adorably.
Yuchi topped the class in looks and figure.
Boys stared longest at her.
Yet she acted like it meant nothing.
Even waved back with a smile.
Anqi couldn’t understand.
To Yuchi, letting them look cost nothing.
Clothes still covered her.
What could they do but stare?
"Think of their stares as envy," Yuchi shrugged.
"Envy? Of what?"
"Every boy dreams of being a princess—beautiful and wise. They envy our bodies. Wish they could be girls like us." Yuchi’s smile dazzled. No one saw it.
Anqi blinked. That... made sense.
The teacher’s voice cut in:
"Nian Yuchi, come score for us."
He always called her. She’d record results while he rested.
"Okay!" Yuchi called back, turning to Anqi.
"Off I go."
"Uh-huh." Anqi stood, joining the girls’ line.
Yuchi glanced at Nian Xifeng.
He said nothing. Just a look.
She understood: *Be careful.*
Yesterday’s warning echoed in her mind.
He didn’t know when danger would shatter their peace.
Vigilance was necessary.
Xifeng had considered fleeing this city.
Finding a quiet, hidden place.
But they’d lived here for years.
This was their birthplace. Hard to leave.
Their friends lived here too.
Taking them all? Impossible.
Leaving them behind? Loneliness would follow.
Unspoken, but real.
Xifeng knew Yuchi well.
Shy with strangers, yet clingy with friends.
Watching Yuchi leave, Xifeng followed.
The school had strong teachers—but enemies might have stronger.
He stayed alert everywhere. Ready for anything.
He’d guard her twenty-four-seven if he could.
Reality forced separation.
So he’d woven his power into her.
A shield. A beacon.
If she was in danger, he’d know instantly.
Reach her in time.
Yuchi entered the changing room.
Her window waited.
Other girls had already changed.
She and Anqi were late starters.
When the last girl left, only they remained.
Thick silence filled the air.
Anqi shifted, about to break it—
A figure lunged from the shadows.
Struck Anqi’s neck.
She crumpled, eyes rolling back.
Darkness swallowed her.
Yuchi spun at the sound.
Too slow.
A chop aimed for her own neck—
Then, Xifeng’s power erupted within her.
