“Huh?”

“Me, scared??”

“Me, scared???”

Liang Lin pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and shoved the hand lantern into Liang Di’s arms. “You hold this. I’ll turn her wrist over and take a look.”

A triumphant smirk spread across Liang Di’s face.

*This woman is so easy to manipulate~*

Suppressing her nausea, Liang Lin lifted the female corpse’s arm, held her breath, leaned in close, and examined it carefully. A tiny puncture mark dotted the wrist. Liang Di also stifled her disgust and peered over.

“Feels… like a needle prick? Maybe from a syringe,” Liang Di murmured.

Liang Lin frowned, recalling Laura’s vampire talk…

“Oh… Vampires have two fangs, right? Just one hole here. Definitely not a vampire.”

“Still hung up on vampires?”

“Ugh, done? Let’s go. This stench is unbearable.” Liang Lin dropped the arm with clear disdain.

It wasn’t disrespect—it was the overwhelming reek, choking her, making her insides twist violently.

“Let’s go.”

“Watch out!”

In a flash, Liang Lin yanked Liang Di’s head close, pulled her into her chest, and stepped back two paces. Her waist sword sprang free. Gripping the hilt, she thrust—*shunk*—straight into the attacker’s shoulder.

Huh?

“You’re unbelievably clueless. Didn’t even notice someone behind you?” Liang Lin sneered at the girl in her arms. “Still smug about your little tricks? Without me, you’d have a sack over your head.”

Liang Di turned. A man sat on the ground, wailing. Blood gushed from the gaping wound on his shoulder.

“More are coming. Stay sharp.”

Truth be told, Liang Lin was annoyed. *If that sack had poison… this monster might’ve been gone. But my body moved before my brain.* Damn it. Too used to protecting others. Now Liang Di’s alert. If she doesn’t keep saving her, Liang Di will fight back—and Liang Lin ends up suffering “discipline” again. *Ugh. Slap myself later.*

Sure enough, rustling sounds surrounded them. Five or six burly men emerged, gripping ropes, burlap sacks, and sharp daggers.

“You… skipping the sneak attack? Challenging me head-on?” Liang Lin kept one arm wrapped around Liang Di’s waist, longsword raised. Her gaze—sharp as a shark’s—radiated cold intimidation.

The men exchanged silent glances. Their leader charged dagger-first.

With an elegant spin, Liang Lin shoved Liang Di behind her, confirmed safety, then surged forward alone. Her form-fitting outfit traced her slender frame; leather cap shadowing sleek black hair—phantom-like in the night.

“Just… one strike.”

That was her pride.

Steel tore through the man’s chest. Blood sprayed. A scream ripped through the forest, scattering birds in panic. The others flinched back—but charged together with beast-like roars.

“Disgusting noise.”

*Ah~ So elegant.* Liang Di’s entire summary: four words.

The fight ended swiftly. Liang Lin didn’t even break a sweat.

“Trash. If I were your boss, I’d kick you out. Couldn’t beg for warm scraps. Pathetic.” She spat toward the groaning men.

“Are you okay?” Liang Lin turned, feigning concern, then tilted her chin up—clearly fishing for praise.

Liang Di hesitated, then gave a thumbs-up. “Wow~ Took them all down so fast! Amazing!”

Liang Lin’s eyes lit up. She just craved praise—anyone’s. Always.

Liang Di crouched beside the wounded thug. “Who sent you?”

Silence. He clutched his shoulder, wailing. Others stayed mute.

“Tch. Mangy dogs.”

Liang Lin pressed the sword tip to the fresh wound. “I wouldn’t mind piercing you again. You wouldn’t mind either… since you’re mute.”

He trembled but stayed silent.

*Shunk~*

“Aaaah!!”

“Oh? You *can* scream. Then talk. Stop playing dumb, trash.” She yanked the blade out, wiped blood with her handkerchief, and blew lightly.

*My, how ruthless~* Liang Di almost laughed.

But… she liked it. *Same cloth, huh?*

“Why won’t you speak?”

The man gurgled—“Aah,” “Abah,” “Ruru”—nonstop. Liang Di froze. “Wait.” She pried his mouth open, shone the lantern. No tongue. Cut out. Not born that way.

“They’re mute. Tongues removed. Someone’s brutally thorough.”

*Damn cruel.* Liang Lin sheathed her sword. “What now?”

“They can’t speak, but they know the way. Make them lead us. Looks like… no peaceful sleep tonight.”

Liang Lin kicked the man’s boot. “Want to live? Lead us to your boss. No tricks. My sword’s at your back—ready to strike.”