Ye Thirteen paused slightly upon hearing Qu Yi’s words, then nodded.

“Mm, I understand.”

If even Qu Xuelin was willing to put his own granddaughter through this duty, what could Ye Thirteen possibly say?

Others likely felt the same.

After all, Qu Yi, Han Xiangxue, and Lai Yingxin—the cherished daughters of Southgate Garrison’s leadership—were all on patrol. A true example of leading by example!

Qu Xuelin and the others had no choice.

Many officially stationed Demonhunters at Southgate Garrison hadn’t returned home for Lunar New Year in over three years.

Some hadn’t celebrated the holiday with family for seven consecutive years.

But now, with student Patrol Squads showing solid results and High-tier Demonhunters overseeing each unit, the squad system had matured.

That’s why Qu Xuelin decided to grant holiday leave to those Demonhunters who’d been denied time with family year after year.

It was only seven or eight days—from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. With luck, nothing would happen.

And if trouble arose, each Patrol Squad had a High-tier Demonhunter onboard, giving them room to respond.

After half a day of strolling, Sector 069 buzzed with festive peace—absolutely no incidents.

By lunchtime, Ye Thirteen sat on the park bench where he’d first learned Qu Yi was fighting for the people. He glanced up at the giant screen, which happened to be live-streaming a Hunter League match.

“Uncle~!”

Amid the thick crowd, Qu Yi stood on her tiptoes and called out.

Hearing her, Ye Thirteen rose and waved. “Over here.”

Spotting him, Qu Yi’s face lit with a radiant smile, bright enough to rival the winter sun.

She pushed through the crowd, jogged to him, and handed over the large shouzhua bing in her left hand.

Ye Thirteen accepted it smoothly. They sat side by side, watching the distant screen.

Elders played chess under shaded trees; children chased each other laughing. The park hummed with lively warmth.

Yet Ye Thirteen felt not joy, but a quiet gloom.

Qu Yi, munching her shouzhua bing and sipping juice, noticed his mood. Tilting her head, she asked,

“Uncle, what’s wrong?”

*The shouzhua bing tastes the same… Did his portion miss the chili?*

But he hadn’t even taken a bite—how could he know?

As Qu Yi wondered, Ye Thirteen kept his eyes on the Hunter League broadcast and countered softly,

“Yi Yi… Do you look down on the Demonhunters in the Hunter League?

Think they’re shirking duty, avoiding demon dangers…

Do you believe the Hunter League shouldn’t exist?

Was that choice… a mistake?”

Sixteen-year-old third-rank girls like Qu Yi, Lai Yingxin, and Han Xiangxue fought demons head-on—while some Hunter League members might never face one all year.

In past crises, the League mattered. But recently, with no urgent deployments, it had become a “safe zone” for some—a place to polish resumes.

Third-rank teens defended the people; Entry-Rank League members competed in Jinling City, even the Imperial Capital.

The contrast weighed on Ye Thirteen. He’d championed the League’s creation. Everyone agreed then. Now, doubt crept in.

Qu Yi blinked her big eyes.

“Some League members? Not my favorite—but not all~

And the League’s existence? Absolutely necessary!

Grandpa and Mom say it often: without the Hunter League pioneering tactics, training, gear… Dragon Realm’s Demonhunter casualties would’ve been *much* higher!

Grandpa watches every replay if he misses the live stream!

If *he* respects it that much, the League’s value to Dragon Realm—and humanity—is clear.

…Though lately? It’s lost some charm. Not as fun as when I was little.”

Demonhunters spanned professions: Elementalist, Magic Swordsman, Fist Master, Talisman Master, Priest… Demons had varieties too.

Hunter League matches weren’t just sport—they offered real combat insights.

Demons wield similar abilities. Watching matches builds counter-strategies.

Reality isn’t a game. Lives hang in the balance. Every choice must be right.

And the Hunter League shows them *how*.

Qu Yi took two bites, then froze—eyes widening.

“Uncle… You didn’t try out for the League, get rejected, and hold a grudge, did you? Hahaha!

The League only requires skill—Entry-Rank minimum—but nowadays? Unspoken rule: they recruit the young.

At your age… you’re a *bit* too old~

So just stay our instructor!

In a few years… *I’ll* be the one protecting you!”

She patted his shoulder, then giggled at the mental image.

Ye Thirteen gave a wry smile.

“You little smarty-pants. With your half-baked skills? Catching up to me won’t be easy.”

He flicked her forehead, snapping her out of her giggles.

Qu Yi pouted, cheeks flushed with mock outrage. “I *said*—I’m not little!”

Ye Thirteen’s gaze briefly swept her figure as she stood straight. He gave a slight, reluctant nod.

Not as dramatically developed as Lai Yingxin’s, but still… impressive.

Qu Yi noticed. Her cheeks warmed further, but she held her ground.

His eyes shifted away quickly—he focused on his shouzhua bing.

She muttered under her breath, then sat beside him to eat.

Bad moods never lingered on Qu Yi.

Finishing her portion, she snatched the rest of his shouzhua bing and devoured it without hesitation.

Ye Thirteen could only offer a fond, exasperated smile.

*Still insisting she’s not little… acting like a playful kid.*

*…Doesn’t she know men and women should keep their distance?*