I suggested to my parents that we return home. Their frail forms trembled as I supported them, their footsteps slow and unsteady after the torment they had endured. My mother leaned heavily on my arm, her breathing shallow, while my father clutched at his side, his face pale with pain. My heart ached at the sight of their fragility, a stark contrast to the strength they had always shown throughout my life. My mind swirled with a volatile mix of emotions—relief that they were alive and anger so fierce it burned in my chest. The sight of their suffering replayed in my mind, fueling a simmering rage that I struggled to suppress. But in that moment, their safety was all that mattered.
"We need to get you both out of here," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. They nodded weakly, offering no resistance. Their trust in me was implicit, and it only strengthened my resolve. We moved toward the exit, their hesitant steps echoing softly against the cold marble floor of the estate's grand hallway. Each step felt like a victory, a small triumph against the cruelty they had faced. Yet, my thoughts were already racing ahead, formulating plans to ensure they would never be put in harm's way again.
Just as we neared the exit, I saw her. Lian Xue. The sight of her stopped me cold, my breath catching in my throat. She stood there, an imposing figure framed by the grandeur of the estate, her presence commanding and undeniable. She exuded an air of authority, her posture perfect, her expression serene. Flanked by a group of followers, all impeccably dressed in tailored suits, she radiated the kind of power that demanded attention. The group moved in unison, their steps synchronized, their every movement reflecting unwavering discipline and loyalty.
Lian Xue's gaze locked onto mine, and in that moment, the chaos around us seemed to fade. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, assessed me with an intensity that felt almost invasive. It was as if she could see straight through me, peeling back layers to uncover truths I didn't want exposed. The calmness of her expression only made her more unnerving. There was no anger, no surprise—just a quiet, almost detached curiosity that sent a chill down my spine.
She arrived just in time to witness the aftermath of my actions. The wreckage around us was undeniable. Her once-pristine hallway was now a battlefield littered with the incapacitated bodies of her security personnel. Some were groaning, others unconscious, but none had escaped unscathed. The marks of my fury and precision were evident in every broken figure, every shattered piece of decor. For a brief moment, Lian Xue's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the destruction with an almost clinical detachment. If she felt anger or disappointment at the sight, she didn't show it.
Instead, she focused entirely on me. Her piercing stare felt like a blade against my skin, sharp and unyielding. A deep, almost primal desire to eliminate her surged within me. My hands clenched into fists, my body tensing as every fiber of my being screamed for action. This was the woman responsible for so much pain—her power, her influence, the weight of her conglomerate's reach had brought devastation not just to my family but to countless others. She was the source of it all, and the urge to end her reign of terror was nearly overwhelming.
Yet, I refrained. The rational part of me held me back, reminding me of the consequences. Taking her life, though satisfying in the moment, would set off a chain reaction that would likely lead to my own death within days. The Xue conglomerate was not just a family; it was an empire, its tendrils reaching into every facet of society—politics, business, and even the military. To strike at its head was to invite destruction upon myself and anyone associated with me.
Fortunately, Lian Xue did not recognize me. My appearance, altered by years of growth and the weight of my experiences, shielded my identity from her sharp gaze. Instead of suspicion, she regarded me with what appeared to be genuine curiosity. "Impressive," she said, her voice smooth and melodic, carrying the weight of authority. "Your skills are exceptional."
She stepped closer, her entourage parting to make way for her. Each movement she made was deliberate, exuding confidence. "Few people could take down my security team like that," she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to gauge my reaction.
I didn't respond immediately, my mind racing to assess the situation. Her tone wasn't accusatory; in fact, it seemed almost complimentary. This unexpected reaction threw me off balance, but I forced myself to remain calm. Every instinct screamed at me to tread carefully.
Lian Xue tilted her head slightly, studying me with renewed interest. "A talent like yours shouldn't go unnoticed. I would like to offer you a place among my ranks."
Her followers murmured in approval, their eyes fixed on me. There was an eagerness in their expressions, a silent acknowledgment of the power I had displayed. The offer was tempting—not because of any desire to join her, but because of the proximity it would grant me. If I accepted, I could gather information, uncover her weaknesses, and perhaps find a way to dismantle her empire from within. But that path was fraught with unimaginable risks.
And the thought of aligning myself with the very person who had brought my family to ruin turned my stomach.
I politely declined. "I appreciate the offer," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "But I have prior commitments that I cannot abandon. I'm afraid I won't be able to serve you."
Lian Xue's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. For a moment, she said nothing, the silence stretching between us like a taut wire. Finally, she spoke, her tone measured. "A shame. Loyalty is admirable, but so is ambition. Perhaps you'll reconsider in the future."
Before I could respond, one of her security guards stepped forward. A burly man with a scar running down his cheek, he radiated an air of menace. His scrutinizing gaze lingered on me, his lips twisting into a smirk. "Your techniques," he said, his voice low and gravelly, "they resemble those of a seasoned professional. Not something you pick up casually."
His words hung in the air, a subtle challenge. I met his gaze without flinching, my expression icy. "I am a student at Galaxy Academy," I replied, my tone laced with quiet defiance. "The most prestigious institution in China. My training is thorough, as you can see."
The mention of Galaxy Academy had the desired effect. The guard's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of respect—or perhaps wariness. The Academy's reputation was unmatched, its name synonymous with excellence in both academics and combat. To be associated with it was to carry an unspoken authority, a reminder that I was not someone to be trifled with.