Ji Xiaoxiao possessed a strong mental fortitude; she remained calm and composed, sitting cross-legged without showing any surprise or anger.

Tiger pushed open the door and rushed in, panting heavily. He hadn't even had a sip of hot water. He told Ji Xiaoxiao in detail about the horrifying and strange things he had heard about.

"Mother, Mother, something terrible has happened! A serial killer has appeared in Taoyuan Town. My second uncle's entire family of thirty-six people, from the elderly and women to servants and animals, have all been killed."

Ji Xiaoxiao slightly opened her eyes, her surprise barely perceptible. She was actually pleased that the Chen family had been wiped out. However, the appearance of a serial killer in Peach Blossom Town was ultimately a threat to her and Hu Zi, and they had to be vigilant and on guard.

"Tiger, just stay home and cultivate for now. Don't worry about those few acres of land anymore. Our family doesn't need that much food," Ji Xiaoxiao said in an unyielding tone.

Tiger frowned, seemingly wanting to speak but holding back, clearly hesitant.

“Mother, although we have embarked on the path of cultivation, we still need to eat grains before advancing to the Golden Core stage. Our family is penniless and has no money at all. If we don't farm properly, this…”

Ji Xiaoxiao was well aware of Hu Zi's worries and anxieties. Even a hero can be brought down by a penny, let alone a poor family. Food is the most important thing for people; eating, drinking, defecating, and sleeping are all unavoidable. However, Ji Xiaoxiao held a trump card: money was a trivial matter that she didn't need to worry about at all.

"It's alright, Mother will handle this little matter herself. You just need to focus on your cultivation."

Ji Xiaoxiao's words were so eloquent that Hu Zi couldn't help but believe them.

A month later, the murderous maniac was gradually forgotten. Ji Xiaoxiao used her "Midas touch" skill to ensure that her son didn't lack food or clothing; on the contrary, she fattened up Hu Zi considerably.

Staring at the gold and pebbles in front of her, Ji Xiaoxiao was lost in thought for a moment—she wondered how they were doing.

Shaking her head, Ji Xiaoxiao smiled sadly, her face stiff.

Time flies, and another month has passed. Tiger has finally entered the Foundation Establishment stage of cultivation.

Winter passed and spring came, and all things sprouted. Ji Xiaoxiao, who had developed the bad habit of never leaving the house during the dead of winter, heard the noise made by the irritated "little tiger" once again.

"Mother, the serial killer who disappeared for two months has reappeared."

After more than a year of training, Tiger had become even more handsome and dashing. His exquisite features were breathtaking, as if meticulously sculpted by God himself. A high, straight nose, sensual thin lips, bright, large eyes, and a face that was handsome from every angle—truly…

The thought that she had personally crafted this high-quality product filled Ji Xiaoxiao with emotion and pride.

"Tiger, you're all grown up now. Do you have a girl you like? Do you want your mother to find you one? Oh, no need to look anymore. Our Tiger is so handsome, he's bound to be a heartthrob. You can have whichever girl you want." Ji Xiaoxiao couldn't resist the urge to nag, especially about her son's marriage.

"Mother," Hu Zi called out plaintively, and Ji Xiaoxiao reluctantly stopped. "Alright, alright, Mother won't bother you anymore. Tell me about the serial killer!"

Tiger stopped his playful expression, sat up straight in the chair, and began to tell Ji Xiaoxiao about the return of the serial killer.

Fifteen minutes later, Tiger, whose mouth was dry, shut his mouth.

"Third Aunt?" Ji Xiaoxiao paused, then said, "This time, it was our Chen family who were brutally wiped out again. It seems that the murderous maniac must have a grudge against our Chen family. Tiger, you must be careful and don't go out unless necessary. Your mother is afraid that you will be in danger."

As it turns out, Ji Xiaoxiao's advice was not unfounded.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye. A disheveled man, whose true face was not visible, stood upright at the door of Ji Xiaoxiao's house, holding a long sword.

As soon as the man approached the courtyard, Ji Xiaoxiao sensed something. A chilling aura that seemed to reach the heavens was impossible to ignore.

Ji Xiaoxiao stepped out of the small house and said softly, "You're the rumored serial killer, aren't you?"

The man remained silent, gripping his longsword tightly, and charged directly at Ji Xiaoxiao. His speed was lightning-fast; in an instant, he stood before her. The longsword was raised high, a faint red aura swirling around its blade.

Never take chances when facing an enemy. Ji Xiaoxiao was well-prepared and her ability to remain calm under pressure was outstanding, allowing her to gracefully deflect the man's deadly attack.

One strike failed, so a second struck. The man took a step back, slashing with his longsword, the chilling sword energy tearing through the surrounding space. Seeing that she couldn't directly face the man's attack, Ji Xiaoxiao leaned her upper body downwards, using gravity to bend into a ball, and quickly rolled to one side.

Wherever the sword energy reached, a deep chasm several feet deep was visible. Then, with a loud "boom," the hut was cleaved in two by the sword energy, as if cutting tofu, and collapsed with a crash.

Ji Xiaoxiao leaped up. Ignoring everything else, she formed a hand seal, and a thick fog descended. The white fog reduced visibility to extremely low levels. Despite the blurred vision, Ji Xiaoxiao managed to barely manage to entangle the man.

"I'm only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, no match for him. It's best to retreat now and fight again another day."

Ji Xiaoxiao knew her own limitations and would never risk her life for a vague and uncertain victory.

After glancing at the man who kept swinging his sword, Ji Xiaoxiao didn't linger. She spread her divine sense, found Hu Zi, and quickly fled to a deserted place.

"Mother, what happened?" Tiger asked, puzzled.

"The serial killer has come after us." Ji Xiaoxiao kept looking back, nervously saying, "My mother just fought him. He's really strong; my mother is no match for him. We can't beat him, so we have to run away. If he really goes all out, my mother and I will definitely die."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!