By the time Leon Chen and Isabella Xiang arrived in Xijing, it was already past 11 PM. Isabella, who had an apartment in Xijing, decided not to return to school, while Leon headed straight to his dormitory.
At H University, the gatekeeper was a very meticulous old man. He checked Leon's credentials repeatedly, almost as if interrogating a suspect, making Leon consider heading to a hotel instead.
Just then, a taxi pulled up at the gate, its honking drawing their attention. It was very late for Xijing, especially in autumn, and the security at a prestigious institution like H University was typically very strict. Seeing a taxi arrive at the gate naturally piqued their curiosity.
A beautiful woman stepped out of the taxi. Her hair was tied in a ponytail with a dotted headscarf, giving her a smart, rugged look. She was dressed in a traditional archaeologist's outfit, with tight leather pants and knee-high boots, wearing a pair of scholarly black-framed glasses that accentuated her intellectual charm. Overall, she was strikingly attractive.
After paying the fare, she began unloading her luggage—one large suitcase after another. Spotting Leon, she waved him over. "Hey there, could you help me with my luggage?"
Leon walked over, finding the suitcases extremely heavy, as if filled with rocks. Left with no choice, he used his superhuman strength to lift four heavy suitcases.
The woman chuckled, "Didn't expect you to be so strong."
The gatekeeper seemed to know her well, immediately greeting her with respect. "Dr. Tang, back from your archaeological survey? Why are you alone at this hour?"
"This kind of thing is quite personal," Dr. Tang replied with a faint smile.
Thanks to her, Leon helped transport the luggage to her research lab without further hindrance from the gatekeeper.
Following her through the vast university, Leon wandered around various buildings: teaching halls, office buildings, research facilities, the library, and even faculty housing. Despite his strength, Leon's arms began to ache after a while, and he wondered what was inside the bulging suitcases—corpses, perhaps?
"Did you grow up in the countryside? You seem quite strong," she asked, her voice gentle but strangely enchanting.
Leon cleared his throat. "Not really. What subject do you teach?"
"You don't recognize me? Are you a freshman?" The woman looked at Leon with mild surprise.
Leon was puzzled. H University was so large, it was impossible to know everyone. "I'm a sophomore."
"Oh, I see. You must be quite low-key." She smiled. "I teach a rather special subject."
Special?
Leon didn't press further.
Eventually, they reached a secluded bamboo grove on campus. Leon started to sweat nervously, wondering if she really intended to dispose of bodies. His worries were unfounded as a building nestled within the bamboo came into view.
Leon knew H University had many private facilities, often for high-ranking individuals. But who was this Dr. Tang?
He realized he had no impression of her.
"Come on in," she invited after opening the door.
After moving the luggage inside, Leon took the opportunity to survey the private space. It had a European-style decor, simple yet refreshing, with a Mediterranean feel.
"Please bring the luggage upstairs," came a voice from above.
Leon carried the four suitcases upstairs, finding what looked like a workspace. The room was vast, filled with various tools, pottery, and instruments. What caught Leon's eye were the numerous canvases on the walls, adorned with strange symbols that seemed oddly familiar.
"Thank you so much. I would have been exhausted doing this alone," Dr. Tang said gratefully, handing Leon a latte.
"Helping a teacher is my duty," Leon replied.
"But why are you back so late?" she asked.
"I had some things to take care of," Leon said, embarrassed.
"Well, thanks again for tonight. Feel free to attend my class. I'll save a front-row seat for you..." She gave Leon a teasing glance.
Leon felt awkward. This teacher was far from traditional.
Checking his watch, Leon suddenly froze.
"Is it too late? Do you want to stay here tonight?" she suggested, her expression enticing. Leon shook his head and left, knowing agreeing would lead to trouble.
Outside, Leon checked his Z13 Power Watch. The "Boundary" indicator was rapidly receding, suggesting a hidden power nearby. Frowning, Leon pondered for a moment before turning back to the building.
The main door was locked with an advanced dual-password security system. Taking a deep breath and ensuring the house was empty, Leon activated "NO.15 Ultimate Matter Penetration," a power he disliked using due to its "blood-drinking" price.
Penetrating walls felt surreal, like passing through a water curtain. Inside, Leon observed his surroundings until he heard footsteps descending the stairs. Quickly, he hid in a nearby wall, almost tripping over a cleaning tool.
He breathed a sigh of relief in the spacious bathroom, its decor depicting a seascape. Behind a curtain was a double-door wardrobe filled with various undergarments and robes, mostly women's.
Just then, the door opened, and through a gap in the curtain, Leon saw Dr. Tang in her underwear. The lacy, revealing design left Leon, a virgin, dumbfounded!
Her smooth, delicate skin shone like a polished statue. She tilted her head, running a hand through her hair and removing her headscarf, then applying something to her body.
Oh, dear. Leon's mind began to wander. Every movement she made was incredibly alluring, making his bones feel weak.
Suddenly, she glanced at the curtain where Leon hid, noticing a slight trembling at the bottom. Frowning, she approached cautiously.
She yanked the curtain open, finding only a leaning cleaning tool.
Guessing she was too sensitive, Dr. Tang chuckled and turned on the bathroom heater.
Outside, Leon gasped for air.
That was close. Her curves really were something. Leon calmed himself, checking his watch. The boundary indicator was at its limit, signaling the power was in this house.
He activated the detection function, scanning the room's decor, but found nothing.
Shortly after, Dr. Tang finished her bath. With time running out, Leon decided to leave without further searching.
Just before he left, Leon glanced at her ID.
"H University, PhD in Mysterious Space Engineering: Sienna Tang!"
Sienna Tang?
The name sounded familiar.