An invisible black energy wave rippled out instantly, sending the figure flying.

At that moment, Nian Yuchi finally saw her attacker.

A woman stood there, clad in tight-fitting clothes that hugged her perfect figure.

"Why attack me?" Nian Yuchi's voice was icy, showing no trace of panic. Though powerless, she remained calm.

The woman ignored her, muttering to herself.

"Protected by someone else's power?"

She was slightly surprised by the black wave from Nian Yuchi but quickly recovered.

She charged again. This time, no black wave appeared.

Her arm landed on Nian Yuchi instantly.

Nian Yuchi's speed couldn't match hers. She was easily closed in on.

The moment the Dark Mist wave erupted, Nian Xifeng sensed it nearby. Without thinking, he flashed to Nian Yuchi's side.

"Brother!"

He saw the woman grabbing Nian Yuchi. His face turned cold instantly.

Dark Mist surged within him, enveloping the woman.

He spared no one who harmed Nian Yuchi—not even a woman.

No mercy.

But as the Dark Mist neared her, a flash of light appeared. Nian Yuchi and the woman vanished.

The Dark Mist covered empty space. No trace remained.

Nian Xifeng's expression darkened.

"If you want her alive, come!" The woman's cold voice lingered in the air.

Nian Xifeng chased immediately. School meant nothing now. He'd only come for Nian Yuchi.

With her gone, he cared nothing for school.

He followed the aura to a desolate wilderness. It was deserted, but he sensed multiple strong presences waiting. Each rivaled his strength.

His face turned grave upon arrival.

"Why lure me here?" His voice sounded slow.

Hearing this, the hidden figures stepped out.

They brought bound, unconscious Nian Yuchi.

Rage surged in Nian Xifeng's chest at the sight.

Nian Yuchi had never suffered like this. He'd raised her like treasure, shielding her from hardship. Now she was beaten unconscious. How could he not rage?

It felt like his most precious thing was trampled.

They ignored his growing fury, staring coldly.

A man stepped out from behind them.

The red-clothed man Nian Xifeng had injured at the Wang Clan.

"You." Nian Xifeng's eyes narrowed. He'd expected trouble, but not so soon.

The man coughed lightly. Hatred flickered deep in his eyes, but his face stayed calm.

"Heh, didn't expect this? You hurt me, but you'll fall to me. Who told you to offend the wrong person?" His tone was mocking.

"Release her." Nian Xifeng stared coldly, ignoring the taunt.

"Heh, I can release her. But my injuries can't go unpaid." He coughed again, faking it.

"What do you want?" Nian Xifeng's voice carried a trace of killing intent. He held back—if not for Nian Yuchi in their hands, he'd kill the man now.

"Heh, why does a strong one like you stay in this backwater? Serve me as my slave, and I might spare her." He smiled faintly, confident.

Nian Xifeng didn't agree immediately. The demand was too unreasonable.

Agreeing meant lifelong slavery, forced obedience.

The red-clothed man didn't rush him. He signaled someone nearby.

That man approached Nian Yuchi, drew his knife, and pressed it to her neck.

Nian Xifeng nearly lost control. His eyes turned blood-red. Terrifying killing intent radiated from him.

Everyone shivered under it.

The red-clothed man smirked. He glanced at the knife-wielder, who increased pressure.

A red mark appeared on Nian Yuchi's neck.

"Bastard, release her." Nian Xifeng wanted to kill them all. But he was too far. Acting meant her instant death.

These weren't weaklings. They couldn't be crushed easily.

"So, agree or not?" The red-clothed man asked, ignoring the killing glare, smirking.

Nian Xifeng looked deeply at Nian Yuchi. Then he gritted his teeth.

"If I agree, will you spare her?" His eyes locked onto the man.

"Of course." The man smiled victoriously.

He tossed a yellow paper imbued with power to Nian Xifeng.

"Sign it!"

"If you break your word, I'll kill you." Nian Xifeng stared coldly.

"Don't worry! I keep my word." The man kept his confident smile.

Nian Xifeng didn't hesitate. He carved his name onto the paper with his power.

He had no choice. This was the only way to save her.

Instantly, a binding force surged into his mind from the paper.

"Release her now!" His voice was icy.

Seeing the signature, the red-clothed man smiled brightly.

Now he had a powerful servant—likely his strongest. Anyone who injured him was formidable.

He waved slightly. The men carrying Nian Yuchi brought her over.

But at that moment, the knife-wielder, signaled by the red-clothed man, struck Nian Yuchi's defenseless back.

Boom!

Her body flew through the air, landing before Nian Xifeng. Blood spurted from her mouth.

Seeing the strike, Nian Xifeng's eyes turned red instantly.

"Stop~!" He roared desperately, but couldn't stop it.

Watching Nian Yuchi lie dying before him, his mind went blank. He saw her fall helplessly.

Pain overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down. A massive killing intent swept the area—colder, denser than before.

The red-clothed man was unconcerned. With a thought, the mental shackles tightened slowly.

"Ah~!" Nian Xifeng clutched his head, roaring in pain.

"Heh, you're my slave now. Killing her severs your attachment. Just do your duty." He dropped his pretense, showing arrogance.

He never spared those who hurt him. Enslave them. Make them watch loved ones die. Break their spirit. Train them perfectly.

But this time, he miscalculated. Nian Xifeng wasn't easily controlled.

His eyes were blood-red, fixed on the man. Killing intent radiated like a physical force.

"What are you looking at?" The man glared. With a thought, Nian Xifeng roared in pain again.

"Well? Still not obedient?"

"Hehehe, hahaha!" Nian Xifeng ignored him, laughing maniacally. His black hair whipped wildly. He looked like a madman.