"Liu Yichen! I'll kill you!" Zhu Xiaotian roared, the tiger spirit behind him letting out a deafening roar that made everyone's ears ring. The violent energy surged forth like a volcanic eruption, visually resembling a torrent of molten lava rushing toward Liu Yichen.
His eyes were bloodshot, like an enraged beast, as he lunged at Liu Yichen with a gust of wind that stung everyone's cheeks.
The surrounding air distorted under the immense energy, sand and stones flying into people's eyes. The trees swayed and creaked, as if the world was on the brink of destruction.
However, just as Zhu Xiaotian was about to reach Liu Yichen, Diao Lingyue moved.
Her figure flashed like lightning, a shadow streaking across the space as she positioned herself in front of Liu Yichen. Before she moved, Liu Yichen had given her a grateful and trusting glance, to which she responded with a slight nod. Her toes lightly tapped the ground, as if preparing to unleash her power.
With a graceful motion, her slender hand pushed forward, her fingers slightly curved and moving rhythmically. An invisible force, like a tidal wave, surged toward Zhu Xiaotian, accompanied by the sound of howling wind.
*Boom!* A loud crash echoed as Zhu Xiaotian was sent flying like a kite with its string cut, landing heavily on the ground. The dust kicked up by his fall made everyone cough.
He struggled to get up but found his body numb and immobile. His star soul power seemed frozen, completely unresponsive. A cold sensation spread from within his body, as if he were encased in ice, his fingers trembling involuntarily.
"You… who are you?" Zhu Xiaotian stared at Diao Lingyue in terror, unable to comprehend how a seemingly delicate girl could possess such terrifying strength.
Diao Lingyue ignored his question, standing silently in front of Liu Yichen like a guardian deity, her icy aura radiating around her.
A faint mist of cold surrounded her, and a thin layer of ice formed on the ground. The temperature in the air plummeted, causing everyone to shiver, their skin prickling with goosebumps.
Liu Yichen gently patted Diao Lingyue's shoulder, his fingers lingering for a moment. "Lingyue, thank you," he said softly. Diao Lingyue's lips curved into a faint smile, and she tilted her head slightly. "It's nothing," she replied quietly.
Mo Wanqing stood to the side, watching everything unfold with mixed emotions.
She had always considered herself one of the top talents among the younger generation of the Gathering Star Sect. Yet, this girl, younger than herself, possessed such overwhelming power.
A wave of indescribable envy and jealousy surged within her, making her chest feel tight, as if a heavy stone were pressing down on it. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she felt no pain. Only the rapid beating of her heart echoed in her chest.
She glanced at Liu Yichen, who happened to look her way. The disdain in his eyes only fueled her anger. Her eyebrows twitched, and her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Liu… Liu Zixuan…" Zhu Xiaotian turned his head with difficulty, his voice trembling as if grasping at a lifeline.
Liu Zixuan, who had witnessed the once-mighty Zhu Xiaotian being effortlessly tossed aside by Diao Lingyue, turned pale as if all the blood had drained from his face.
A chill ran up his spine, and he couldn't help but shiver, his teeth chattering slightly. He instinctively wrapped his arms around himself.
Zhu Xiaotian was a senior inner disciple of the Gathering Star Sect, far stronger than Liu Zixuan, a mere intermediate outer disciple. If even Zhu Xiaotian was powerless, what could he do?
Thinking back to his earlier mockery of Liu Yichen, Liu Zixuan regretted his actions deeply. He took a few stealthy steps back, the ground crunching softly under his feet. Each step was hesitant, his heels lifting and lowering as he tried to slip away unnoticed. However, Mo Wanqing's icy gaze pinned him in place, her eyes like sharp icicles piercing through him.
Mo Wanqing whispered to Liu Zixuan, "You think you can run? This mess is all your fault." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke. Liu Zixuan, on the verge of tears, replied, "Sister Mo, I didn't mean for this to happen." His shoulders trembled slightly.
Liu Yichen walked slowly toward Zhu Xiaotian, each step feeling like a stomp on Zhu Xiaotian's heart. He looked down at him from above.
He raised his foot, pausing mid-air for a moment, as if to exert pressure, before stomping down hard on Zhu Xiaotian's chest. The sound of bones cracking was unmistakable, like dry branches snapping.
"Where is Xun'er?" Liu Yichen's voice was icy, like a frigid wind from the depths of hell, making Zhu Xiaotian shiver. Zhu Xiaotian's body curled up slightly.
Zhu Xiaotian spat out a mouthful of blood, the warm liquid staining the ground red. Yet, he stubbornly turned his head away, refusing to meet Liu Yichen's gaze, the veins on his neck bulging.
"Cough… I… I don't know what you're talking about…"
"Looks like you prefer the hard way!" Liu Yichen increased the pressure under his foot. Zhu Xiaotian felt as if his chest were about to be crushed. Breathing became increasingly difficult, each breath feeling like it was tearing at his lungs. His vision blurred, dark spots dancing before his eyes.
The intense pain forced him to let out low groans, like a wounded beast. Yet, he clenched his teeth, refusing to utter a single word.
Liu Yichen snorted coldly, bending down to grab Zhu Xiaotian's hair, his fingers gripping tightly at the roots, and lifted him up.
Zhu Xiaotian felt a sharp pain on his scalp, as if his hair were being ripped out. His face was forced upward, his eyes squinting from the pain.
"I'll give you one last chance. Where is Xun'er?" Liu Yichen's voice was low and hoarse, like the growl of a beast, reverberating in Zhu Xiaotian's ears. Zhu Xiaotian's ears twitched involuntarily.
Zhu Xiaotian raised his head with difficulty, his eyes filled with venomous hatred, sending chills down anyone who saw them.
"Liu Yichen! You… you'll die a horrible death! I… I'll haunt you even as a ghost…"
"Seems you won't learn until you're at death's door!" Liu Yichen pressed a dagger against Zhu Xiaotian's throat. The sharp blade cut into his skin, a trickle of blood flowing down. Zhu Xiaotian could feel the cold, piercing pain of the blade, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.
"I'll ask you one last time. Where is Xun'er?"
"Hahaha… just kill me… kill me… cough…" Zhu Xiaotian laughed maniacally, his laughter filled with despair and hatred. The sound echoed eerily in the silent space, his body shaking slightly with each laugh.
Liu Yichen's eyes turned cold, and he was about to exert force when a timid voice called out from behind him, "Young Master…" The voice was soft and gentle, like a breeze brushing past his ear.
Liu Yichen's hand holding the dagger paused. He turned his head and saw Xun'er standing not far away, trembling. Her clothes were tattered, swaying in the wind, and her face bore clear slap marks, with bruises at the corners of her mouth. It was evident she had suffered greatly.
"Young Master…" Xun'er's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum, tinged with a sob, like the whimper of a wounded animal.
She reached out with a trembling hand, her fingers quivering in the air as if wanting to grasp Liu Yichen's sleeve but not daring to get closer. Just as her fingers were about to touch the fabric, she pulled her hand back.
Liu Yichen quickly walked over to Xun'er, his steps slightly hurried, and gently pulled her into his embrace. One hand stroked her back in a soothing rhythm as he whispered, "Xun'er, don't be afraid." Xun'er clung tightly to Liu Yichen, her fingers gripping his clothes as she sobbed quietly, her body still trembling.
Liu Yichen's heart softened instantly. He sheathed his dagger, the soft *click* of the blade returning to its scabbard breaking the silence, and released his grip on Zhu Xiaotian's hair.
Zhu Xiaotian collapsed to the ground like a limp rag, coughing violently and gasping for breath. Each breath seemed to take all his strength, as if he had just returned from the brink of death. His hands weakly clawed at the dirt.
"Zhu Xiaotian, I'll ask you one last time. What happened to Xun'er?" Liu Yichen's voice was still cold, but the killing intent had lessened, replaced by a hint of concern, as if a faint warmth had seeped into his tone.
Zhu Xiaotian sensed the change in Liu Yichen's tone and knew his life was temporarily spared. He hurriedly said, "I… I locked her up… in the abandoned woodshed. Liu Zixuan showed me the way…"
"Liu Zixuan!" Liu Yichen's eyes blazed with fury as he turned sharply toward Liu Zixuan.
Liu Zixuan trembled in fear, his legs weakening as he fell to his knees. He stammered, "I... I just... just showed him the way! I hadn't done anything!" His lips quivered, and he couldn't meet Liu Yichen's gaze.
Liu Yichen didn't bother listening to his excuses. He coldly ordered, "Bring Xun'er here."
Liu Zixuan didn't dare disobey. He stumbled toward the abandoned woodshed, his steps frantic, knocking over small stones along the way, creating a clattering noise. His arms flailed as he tried to keep his balance.
Soon, he returned with Xun'er.
When Xun'er saw Liu Yichen, she could no longer hold back her fear and sorrow. She rushed into his arms, crying uncontrollably.
"Young Master… sob… Xun'er was so scared… they… they hurt me…" Xun'er cried so hard that she could barely catch her breath. Tears streamed down her face like broken pearls, soaking Liu Yichen's clothes. He could feel the warmth and wetness of her tears.
Liu Yichen gently patted Xun'er's back, his hand moving in a soothing rhythm, while he glared at Liu Zixuan and shouted, "You dared to hurt Xun'er!" Liu Zixuan was too terrified to speak, only lowering his head and staring at his feet.
After crying for a while, Xun'er's emotions gradually stabilized.
She looked up, her eyes still glistening with tears, and pointed at Liu Zixuan. "Young Master… he… he even slapped me. His hand hurt so much…"
Liu Yichen's eyes flashed with cold fury. He raised his hand and, without hesitation, slapped Liu Zixuan across the face.
*Slap!* The crisp sound of the slap echoed loudly in the quiet space. Liu Zixuan's cheek instantly swelled, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. He felt a burning pain on his face, his ears ringing, and his head jerked to the side from the force of the blow. His eyes were filled with terror and disbelief.
Liu Zixuan clutched his face. "That slap was for Xun'er," Liu Yichen said coldly. Then, turning to Xun'er, he asked gently, "Xun'er, how do you want to pay him back?"
Xun'er was momentarily stunned. She looked at Liu Zixuan's swollen face, took a deep breath, and slowly walked toward him. Her steps were heavy, and when she reached him, her hand paused in the air for a moment before she slapped him with all her might.
*Slap!*
Liu Zixuan's head buzzed as if struck by a hammer. He stared at Xun'er in disbelief, his hatred boiling like a volcano, but it was overshadowed by deep fear. He knew he couldn't stay here any longer.
His body leaned back slightly, his eyes wide.
He shot a venomous glare at Liu Yichen, then turned to Zhu Xiaotian, who was equally terrified.
"Let's go!" Liu Zixuan growled, helping Zhu Xiaotian up as they tried to flee. His hand gripped Zhu Xiaotian's arm tightly.
Liu Yichen watched them retreat, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Did I say you could leave?"
Liu Yichen's lips curled into a sinister smirk, like a predator eyeing its prey, filled with a bloodthirsty thrill.
He slowly raised his hand, his fingers extending and then flicking. An invisible force shot out, striking Zhu Xiaotian and Liu Zixuan's ankles.
*Thud!* Two dull thuds echoed as the two men tripped and fell face-first into the dirt, raising a cloud of dust that covered them.
They looked back in terror, only to see Liu Yichen still standing there, his expression cold and mocking, his arms crossed.
"Did I say you could leave?" Liu Yichen's voice was soft but carried the weight of death itself, an authority that brooked no defiance. His words seemed to pierce through their very souls.
He took slow, deliberate steps toward them, each step feeling like a stomp on their hearts, making it hard to breathe. The air around them grew heavy and oppressive.
Their bodies instinctively shrank back.
Zhu Xiaotian and Liu Zixuan stared at Liu Yichen in horror, as if he were a demon from hell. Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, their legs bending slightly as if ready to bolt.
They no longer cared about their pride. Scrambling to their feet, they fled in the direction they had come, leaving behind two pitiful figures. The sound of their frantic footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Liu Yichen didn't give chase. He simply watched coldly as they disappeared from sight, the smirk never leaving his lips.
He turned his gaze to Mo Wanqing, who stood nearby with a complicated expression.
"The third young lady of the Mo family, right?" Liu Yichen's voice carried a hint of disdain, as if he were looking down on an ant. "Since you're a woman, I'll let you off today. But if you dare interfere with my people again, I'll make sure you regret it."
Mo Wanqing felt the overwhelming pressure emanating from Liu Yichen. She bit her lip hard, the pain sharp, her teeth leaving faint marks. She wanted to retort, but the words stuck in her throat. She knew she was no match for Liu Yichen, let alone the mysterious girl by his side.
Her heart was in turmoil. On one hand, she felt humiliated, the shame burning like fire in her chest, her face flushing red. On the other hand, she was already plotting how to regain her dignity, whether through revenge or by improving her own strength.
At that moment, Mo Wanqing glanced at Diao Lingyue, who returned her gaze with a cold stare. Mo Wanqing's eyes narrowed slightly, a chill running down her spine.
In the end, she could only leave with her tail between her legs, her footsteps heavy, each step filled with resentment.
Liu Yichen watched Mo Wanqing's retreating figure, uninterested in the petty conflicts. His focus was on the frightened Xun'er in his arms.
He gently held Xun'er, stroking her hair with tender care, his fingers running through her strands as he whispered soothingly, "It's okay. It's all over now."
Once Xun'er had calmed down slightly, Liu Yichen turned his attention to Diao Lingyue.
A meaningful smile played on his lips. "Lingyue, dance for me."
Diao Lingyue was momentarily surprised but soon began to move gracefully. The bells on her body jingled softly, like the sound of a mountain stream, blending with her faint fragrance, reminiscent of spring flowers, refreshing and uplifting.
When the dance ended, Liu Yichen clapped his hands. "Lingyue, you're truly a treasure." He walked over to her, scooped her up in his arms, and she naturally wrapped her arms around his neck. "Tonight, you'll warm my bed," he said with a teasing grin. Diao Lingyue lightly punched his shoulder, feigning annoyance. "You're always teasing me."
Xun'er watched as Liu Yichen carried Diao Lingyue into the inner room. She cautiously stepped forward, tugging at Liu Yichen's sleeve, her voice barely audible. "Young Master, who is Sister Lingyue?"
Liu Yichen turned to her, seeing the curiosity in her eyes. He smiled, his lips curving upward with a hint of anticipation and mischief. He gently stroked Xun'er's hair, his eyes glinting with something unspoken. "Her? Well…"