Ami’s Persecution spun through the air, aimed straight for the dark elf’s throat—just as it was about to strike—

Purify! Blink! Haste!

Three Principle of Heaven Skills, all escape techniques. Purify cleansed every debuff from her body. Blink dodged the whirling blade. The moment she landed, Haste activated.

With movement speed doubled, the enemy triggered Shadow Dash. Her form dissolved into a wisp of concealed black mist and vanished into the dense forest.

“Sir, Shadow Dash grants invisibility. The woods are narrow, thick with undergrowth. We have no anti-stealth skills or gear.”

Ou Tao stared blankly at the trees, listening to Bika’s report. Again, he felt fate’s cruel mockery. Memories of his sister flooded his mind. Through gritted teeth, he spat one word: “Pursue!”

Above Yang City’s commercial district, a sleek maglev sports car sliced through the sky—vibrant red, imposing silhouette, Maserati emblem, roaring blue plasma thrusters drawing every gaze.

It executed a sharp mid-air drift. Long black hair whipped upward. Through the window, a sharp-featured face behind black sunglasses came into view. High heels slammed the brakes. The car landed squarely before Hamiyou’s entrance.

A slender leg in black stockings and heels stepped out from the rising door. She strode inside, removed her oversized sunglasses, revealing a mature, striking face. “Who’s on duty tonight? Get out here—now!”

The lobby manager hurried over with a forced smile. “Director Shu, what brings you here so late? Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“Take me to Lab 7!” Shu Lianxue yanked his tie. “Now!”

The crisp click of her heels echoed down the corridor into the lab. She shoved past technicians and scanned the screen: Ou Tao’s glucose level read 3.3 mmol/L.

“This is severe hypoglycemia! Why hasn’t he been logged out?!”

“He refused to log out. Used his terminal to revoke our access. He’s still chasing the dark elf in the forest. We warned him it’s futile—but he insists.”

Shu Lianxue sighed softly. Sadness flickered in her eyes; her delicate hands clenched tight, yet she suppressed her grief. “Then unplug the cable. Remove the headset.”

“Director Shu, we can’t! These signal-teleportation instruments are expensive. Bypassing protocol risks damage. Our network links directly to satellites—any fluctuation means compensation, repairs, public apologies… The planning team can’t handle it. I can’t bear that responsibility.”

“‘Can’t bear it’?” She shoved him aside, locking eyes. “His glucose is 3.3. Drop further, he collapses—or dies. You executives only care about salaries, status, careers. To you, he’s just a tool to profit from.”

No one moved. Shu Lianxue swept her gaze across them. “Fine. If you won’t—I will.”

“Director Shu!” “Director Shu!” Lab coats and guards stepped forward to block her.

“Who dares stop me?” Her voice, melodious yet commanding, carried absolute authority. Her furious yet beautiful eyes pinned the men in place.

Frozen, they watched as she entered the control room, found Ou Tao’s recliner, pressed power, and yanked off the headset.

*Thud.* The headset emitted strange quantum fluctuations; faint sparks flickered inside. A burn mark seared her palm—but the resolute woman didn’t flinch. “Get up! Are you trying to kill yourself?!”

Meanwhile, in the otherworldly forest, Uncle Rod suddenly collapsed as if soulless.

“Hey, Rod! What’s wrong?” Kai, who deeply admired him, called villagers to carry him and Ke Er back to the mine shaft.

Back in reality, Ou Tao’s consciousness returned. He opened his eyes. A stiff ache gripped his chest—like sleep paralysis, body refusing to move.

After two seconds, he forced his eyes open. He braced a hand on the armrest, tried to rise—but his legs buckled. “No… can’t fall… I have to… save my sister… I can…”

“Ugh—” His stomach churned violently. Off-balance within four seconds, he slipped, collapsed face-down. He retched desperately, but with an empty stomach, only dry, painful heaves wracked his body.