Shi Yi let out a soft exclamation. She was very confident in her technique. From the first day of her missions, at least eighty to a hundred people had died from this move. Shi Lan's survival was already somewhat unexpected, let alone her ability to move freely into the woods. However, that was all. Shi Yi scoffed. She firmly believed that once someone was hit by her unique technique, no one could survive. Shi Lan's death was nothing more than a struggle before her demise.

The boys who had fallen behind quickly caught up. The one who looked like the leader stood respectfully a step behind her and whispered, "Leader, should we go into the mountains to search?"

Shi Yi waved her hand and said, "No need, I will handle this."

The children looked at each other and obediently withdrew.

The sparse footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Shi Yi, a cold smile playing on her lips, slowly walked into the woods.

The dark forest was littered with fallen leaves, and the climbing vines resembled menacing monsters, baring their tentacles to boldly declare their territory. Shi Lan clutched her injured shoulder and staggered forward, hoping to get away from the threat behind her.

Outside the forest, Shi Yi lit a tinderbox and, following the mottled bloodstains on the ground, slowly approached her wounded prey like a hunting lioness.

The crackling sound of breaking branches and leaves faintly came from behind. Shi Lan used the last of her strength to walk to an old tree that would take two people to encircle, and slowly sat down. The tree's protruding roots curved gently, just enough to accommodate Shi Lan's body.

Shi Lan leaned against the tree trunk, her eyes half-closed, gazing calmly ahead. She knew very well that she knew Shi Yi's secret, and Shi Yi would never let her return to the Shi residence.

Her shoulders and back were numb, and the constant flow of heat seemed to have lost its previous temperature, indicating that she had severely lost her strength and was basically on the verge of losing consciousness. There were scattered bright colors on the ground, which were clear signs pointing the way she came, allowing Shi Yi to get here easily.

Shi Lan clenched her small fists slightly, her fingertips gleaming with a faint gold. She had one last move left, and she was confident that she could defeat Shi Yi in an instant. However, she didn't know what would happen to her after she used this move.

A gentle breeze stirred, carrying the faint scent of camellias. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her, who was leaning against a tree trunk, into its embrace. Shi Lan opened her eyes, looking at the person who had come in with surprise.

The newcomer chuckled softly, pressed his rosy lips against her small ear, and said, "What? Don't you recognize me?"

Shi Lan stared with her mouth slightly open at the boy who always appeared at unexpected moments, momentarily at a loss for words.

Rong Qing's lips curled up slightly, his head lowered subtly, and the faint fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafted into his nostrils.

Rong Qing's actions were intimate and natural, and Shi Lan shifted uncomfortably. After all, she wasn't a real child, and such close contact made her very uncomfortable.

The slight movement tugged at the wound, causing it to throb with pain again, which had already gone numb. Shi Lan couldn't help but gasp.

Rong Qing leaned back, creating some distance, and scrutinized her with a furrowed brow. "Are you injured?"

Shi Lan's face was pale. She nodded slightly, and her short, plump body struggled again. Rong Qing was worried that she would aggravate her wounds, so he let go of her arm. Shi Lan leaned against the rough tree trunk again, breathing softly.

Rong Qing lowered his head and remained silent.

Without the mischievous surprises and the comforting aromas, the stench of blood in the air darkened his mood, and a bloodthirsty desire began to gather within him.

A soft 'crack' suddenly came from behind the tree, the last mournful sound of a withered branch being trampled. Rong Qing's ears twitched slightly, and he turned his tall and straight back with elegant composure.

The pale moonlight was hazy and shallow. Although the boy was not fully grown, he was already very tall. His straight shoulders and strong arms conveyed a strong sense of security and composure.

In the blink of an eye, Shi Yi strolled out from behind the tree, her gaze slowly sweeping over Rong Qing before landing on Shi Lan.

Having chased her this far, Shi Lan had piqued her curiosity. She wondered what had sustained Shi Lan's journey so far. She knew that blood loss would lead to death if the body lost too much blood, and Shi Lan had lost about a third of her blood. Such a loss was enough to cause someone to faint. If she hadn't already begun to lose consciousness, she would have doubted whether her skills had declined.

It's a tough nut to crack.

Shi Yi chuckled dismissively and continued walking forward.

Rong Qing pursed his lips, took half a step forward, and with each movement, firmly shielded Shi Lan behind him.

Shi Lan's short, plump body was replaced by Rong Qing's muscular physique. Shi Yi paused for a moment before looking directly at Rong Qing, but then her expression gradually turned serious.

Rong Qing stood shoulder to shoulder, his strong arms slightly outstretched, his long, slender hands loosely clenched. Although his handsome face was smiling, his dark eyes were as cold and deep as an ancient well.

Shi Yi stared intently at the fair-skinned young man before her, who looked like a wealthy young master. In his eyes, she saw a light unique to his kind—a cold, indifferent glint, a light that only those who had killed and seen blood possessed, a light that disregarded rules.

Rong Qing casually moved his wrist and said in a gentle tone, "What? Scared? Don't worry, I'll spare your life because you're her sister."

Shi Yi pursed her lips. From the first day she became an assassin, no one had ever dared to look down on her like this. She never expected that she would be looked down upon by this half-grown child after being reborn.

Shi Yi moved gracefully, adjusting her body to its optimal position. Her arms were slightly bent, and her fair fingers rested on her waist, where a dagger was concealed.

Shi Yi's movements were slow and composed, her demeanor exuding a natural ease.

Rong Qing glanced at her coldly and contemptuously, then with a flick of his long leg, before she could react, he was already in front of Shi Yi like a phantom.

Shi Yi was startled and quickly took two steps back, her arm instinctively swinging defensively, her fingertips gleaming with a cold light.

Rong Qing sneered mockingly, his tall figure swaying again, this time pressing close to her chest and abdomen, directly towards her face.

With such unpredictable and ghostly movements, Shi Yi was completely powerless against them. Her face turned pale, and cold sweat rolled down her temples.

Rong Qing moved with incredible speed, his dreamlike shadows, like swimming fish or giant sharks, swirling around Shi Yi, the killing intent gradually intensifying as he surrounded her.

Shi Yi's legs began to tremble, and her arms trembled uncontrollably. She knew that she had really gotten herself into big trouble this time. The boy's kung fu was unpredictable and unfathomable. If he wanted to take her life, it would be as easy as taking something out of a bag. At this moment, she could only hope that he would keep his word and spare her life for the sake of Shi Lan.

Shi Yi subconsciously looked a few steps away.

Beneath the thick tree trunk, a small, dark shadow remained motionless.

Qing Che noticed her gaze and looked over. His fierce look softened for only a moment, but after discovering that Shi Lan was already unconscious, his eyes instantly turned crimson. His casually hanging fingers came together and lightly traced a line towards Shi Yi's usual right hand. (To be continued.)