Wang Xiao approached the outskirts of the city, the unconscious form of Shadowfox cradled in his arms, his mind rmed with caution. ''Taking her to a city hospital would expose us both. And her identity... it''s still a mystery.''


    He nced upwards and made a decision. With a powerful leap, he soared into the sky, his eyes scanning below for a suitable hideout. Surprisingly, the area was dotted with numerous abandoned vis. He chose one nestled near the forest, its seclusion ideal for their needs.


    Gentlyying Shadowfox on a dusty couch in the vi, Wang Xiao began tidying up the ce using his psychokic (PK) abilities. Objects floated and settled into ce as if guided by an invisible hand. ''At least PK makes life easier,'' he mused, recalling how he used to shirk household chores back in vige, leaving them to Bing Xueli.


    A slight grin formed on his face at the memory.


    Once Shadowfox was settled, Wang Xiao turned his attention to her medical needs.


    Relying on his basic knowledge of medicine, he ventured outside to gather herbs from the surrounding forest.


    His skills in identifying and picking the right nts were surprisingly adept.


    Next, Wang Xiao slipped into the city. Moving through the crowds, he discreetly pickpocketed a few wallets, skillfully avoiding detection. With the stolen money, he purchased essential medical supplies and other necessities.


    Returning to the vi, he set about tending to Shadowfox''s wounds with a focus that belied his usual nonchnce. As he applied bandages and administered herbal remedies, his thoughts drifted. ''Was she with the army...?'' The questions lingered unanswered as he worked.


    The vi, once empty and forgotten, now echoed with the faint sounds of life.


    _______


    22nd April, 2026


    As Yuexiu Anrany recovering on the rooftop of the vi, the sun caressed her features, bringing out the soft glow of her skin and the lustrous sheen of her silver-blonde hair that cascaded around her like a sunlit waterfall. Wang Xiao couldn''t help but notice the way the light yed off the gentle waves in her hair, giving her an almost ethereal aura.


    Her cheeks, tinged with the faintest blush of pink, stood in contrast to the pristine white gown she wore—a random choice by Wang Xiao that seemed tailor-made for her delicate figure. The gown''s fabric clung to her form, entuating the gracefulness of her stature. Even in repose, she exuded a natural elegance, a beauty that did not need the adornment of extravagant attire.


    Wang Xiao watched from his chair, the knife he was ying with momentarily forgotten. ''Such details,'' he thought, ''the way her eyshes cast tiny shadows over her high cheekbones, the subtle hue of her lips...''


    Her appearance seemed inconsistent with that of a fierce fighter. There were no scars marring her perfect skin, no signs of the violence she had surely encountered. ''How does one maintain such a looks in this profession?'' Wang Xiao pondered, his gaze lingering on her face, searching for some signs of the warrior within.


    As her eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that sparkled with a light, Wang Xiao was momentarily surprised.


    The eyes that met his were not just beautiful; they were alive with ''life'', that''s just how he could articte it.


    They were the eyes of someone who had seen much yet stood unfazed by the world''s harsh realities.


    Yuexiu Anran''s gaze fell upon Wang Xiao, and a flicker of confusion crossed her features before she regained herposure.


    "Where am... I?" Her eyes, reflecting the sky''s azure, held a depth that spoke of untold stories, ofughter in the face of danger, of tears shed in silence.


    Wang Xiao cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "You''re awake. How do you feel?" His voice carried a businesslike tone, while his hands, now still, betrayed a flicker of curiosity.


    Her eyelids, light as butterfly wings, fluttered open, revealing eyes clouded with confusion. "You are...?" she began, voiceced with wariness. As memories cascaded back, her expression sharpened like a de drawn from its sheath.


    "Did you... save me?" There was a hint of suprise in her voice, as if the very idea was unfathomable.


    Wang Xiao''s eyebrow arched with a mix of suspicion and irony. "How can you be sure you''re not in the viin''sir??" he countered, the corner of his mouth twitching with the shadow of a smirk.


    Yuexiu Anran surveyed the rustic charm of their surroundings, her finger twirling in the air like she was painting an invisible picture. "Well, for a viin, you have terrible taste in dungeons. Too much fresh air and sunlight," she quipped, her smile unfurling like a g of truce.


    She extended her hand with with a wide grin, "Anran. And you?"


    Wang Xiao found her logic sound and gave a small nod, epting her outstretched hand. But in a swift motion, surprising even Yin Yue, he picked up the knife and with a Boom! drove it into her leg, the fabric of her dress offering little resistance.


    "Ba-ba...ba..."Yuexiu Anran''s mouth opened and closed, her words stumbling over each other in a shocked silence before a squeak of disbelief escaped.


    Catching her gaze, Wang Xiao gestured nonchntly to his own bandaged hand, "Now we''re square," he stated, deadpan. "You stab my hand, I stab your leg."


    Yuexiu Anran''s pain momentarily took a backseat as augh escaped her, surprising even herself amidst the tears. "D-Did you just stab me for etiquette''s sake!?" She choked out, her lips twitching between a wince and a smile.


    Wang Xiao shrugged nonchntly. "At least I have some manners. I don''t go around stabbing my savior in the heart," he retorted with a mock-serious tone.


    !!


    The realization dawned on Yuexiu Anran, leaving her momentarily speechless. Her face flushed with embarrassment. "I... I didn''t know it was you. I thought... it was one of the mercenaries," she stammered, the color of regret painting her cheeks.


    Wang Xiao brushed off her apology, his voice taking on a serious edge. "Let''s talk about this Fairy Ind first." His hand casually caught the handle of the dagger, his intention to twist clear if she proved uncooperative.


    Yuexiu Anran''s face twitched, a mix of pain and apprehension as she offered a sheepish smile. "That... might be a bit difficult for me to exin. But wait... aren''t you with the army?"


    "Which army?" Wang Xiao''s grin widened, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes.


    Anran nodded, her gaze flitted to the vi''s walls, calcting the odds of a daring leap to freedom.


    But Wang Xiao anticipated her thoughts, his voice a step ahead of her escape n. "You wouldn''t make it to the edge, believe me." He smiled, wider than her.


    Yuexiu Anran slumped back, defeated, her thoughts racing. ''Great, saved by a man who stabs first and asks questionster. And apparently, he''s not even military. Just my luck...'' she whispered internally, thinking of away out of this ce.