How to put it… If danger had been anticipated before, their mistress would surely have been the first to warn them to be cautious.
But this time, it was as if she had become a different person—she seemed almost eager for the danger to arrive…
No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t understand why their mistress would wish for danger to come.
The wind rustled through the bamboo leaves.
Though they couldn’t fathom the reason behind Yun Qingxue’s subtle change, everyone remained on high alert as they followed her.
Whatever their mistress was thinking, their duty was to protect her!
After walking forward another few hundred meters, the anticipated danger still hadn’t arrived. Instead, a clearing suddenly appeared ahead in the dense bamboo forest.
At the center of the clearing stood a bamboo hut, surrounded by a bamboo fence that formed a simple, rustic courtyard.
The secluded wooden house deep in the bamboo grove inevitably evoked thoughts of a hermit’s dwelling…
But Yun Qingxue’s heart tightened with unease.
The setting certainly matched the image of a reclusive master’s abode, but…
The energy was wrong!
Despite the tranquil surroundings, there was an unmistakable tension in the air…
“Mistress, something feels off here!” Liuli’s snow-white fur bristled as her glass-like eyes darted around warily.
“What’s strange?” Yun Qingxue asked. Animals usually had keen instincts.
But Liuli shook her head. “I don’t know, but staying here makes me feel uneasy—like we’re being threatened!”
Yun Qingxue frowned, her sharp gaze scanning the bamboo hut before them.
Whoever was inside hadn’t even shown themselves, yet their mere presence was enough to unsettle them. Clearly, this was no ordinary opponent.
She wanted to grow stronger, to uncover the truth about her birth parents, to solve the many mysteries surrounding her.
But ambition was no excuse for recklessness.
Even before seeing their adversary, they all sensed the danger…
She couldn’t risk Daise and the others’ lives.
“Fall back!”
Keeping her eyes fixed on the hut, Yun Qingxue issued the quiet command.
The group retreated cautiously, their expressions tense as they watched the hut.
“Whoosh!”
The sound of something cutting through the air shattered Yun Qingxue’s strained nerves. Instinctively, she spun and struck toward the source of the noise.
A pale blue wave of energy shot toward a spot just above Liuli’s head.
A shadowy figure darted upward, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Liuli kicked off with her hind legs and leaped to Yun Qingxue’s side.
“Ahahahaha…” A sinister cackle echoed through the bamboo grove.
“Who are you?” Yun Qingxue demanded coldly, her sharp eyes scanning the verdant forest.
“Ahahaha… Now that you’ve come, why rush to leave?”
The shrill voice reverberated from all directions.
“We meant no intrusion. Our apologies!” Yun Qingxue called out politely but firmly.
She had hoped to slip away unnoticed, but their presence had already been detected.
From the earlier attempt to seize Liuli, it was clear this being was no friend.
Still, they *had* trespassed into its territory. Its hostility could be seen as self-defense.
If a peaceful resolution was possible, she’d take it.
“Apologies? Hahaha… Of course I forgive you! When a meal delivers itself to my doorstep, I’m more than happy to oblige!” The voice cackled mockingly.
Yun Qingxue’s expression darkened. The creature had no intention of letting them leave…
And that “meal” it mentioned?
Damn it—clearly, it meant *them*!
She’d sensed its malice earlier, but to think it was a man-eating monster!
“Who are you? Hiding in the shadows—are you too ugly to show yourself?” With hostility confirmed, Yun Qingxue shed her courtesy.
“Hmph…” The creature sneered, and suddenly the surrounding bamboo swayed violently as if struck by a gale.
Leaves rustled furiously.
“Bold words for someone about to die! I’ll drain your blood first!” the voice rasped.
Yun Qingxue smirked. “Empty threats. Face me if you dare! The outcome is far from decided!”
“Ha! Such arrogance, little girl. If you seek death, I’ll grant your wish!”
With that, a shadowy figure shot from the bamboo, lunging straight for Yun Qingxue’s face.
“Scatter!” Yun Qingxue barked at Daise and the others. With a flick of her fingers, a green vine burst from the earth, lashing like a whip toward the attacker.
The shadow twisted midair, landing instead on a thick bamboo stalk.
Clutching the stalk with sharp claws, the figure finally came into view—
A bat yokai! A massive, gray-furred creature with leathery wings, pointed ears, protruding fangs, and blood-red eyes.
Frustrated by the failed ambush, the bat yokai glared venomously before flapping its wings and diving again.
Yun Qingxue swung her vine, but the bat dodged nimbly, inching closer with each evasion.
Her fingertips glowed blue, and the surrounding bamboo seemed to respond—leaves tore free, swirling like disciplined soldiers.
With a sweep of her hand, she sent the leaves slicing toward the bat from all directions, razor-edged on the wind.
Trapped, the bat yokai exhaled dark mist, folding its wings tightly around itself.
The leaves struck—then fell harmlessly to the ground.
Yun Qingxue’s eyes narrowed. Its wings were like armor—as tough as the Black Pythons they’d faced before.
She *hated* these thick-skinned brutes!
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