Hundreds of survivors hurried through the gap between the two collapsed buildings and soon reached another street.
Their squad leader quickly determined the direction and led them toward the safety barrier.
But before they had gone far, a terrifying sound echoed from behind—the Bloodthirsty Ants were swarming toward them once again!
"Fight them!" the Hunters and Military Mages roared.
They all knew—there was no way out now.
On the adjacent street, the Military Commander arrived and witnessed the chaotic scene.
She bit her lower lip hard, her expression grim but determined. There was no room left for fear.
Meanwhile, Song Jie, flying above on his Wind Riding Sky Eagle, saw the tide of Bloodthirsty Ants flooding toward the humans like a black wave.
At that instant, a suffocating sense of helplessness welled up in his chest.
Humans facing demon beasts— they were still far too weak.
Under the flickering streetlights, the Bloodthirsty Ants poured down the street like a living torrent, their carapaces gleaming crimson.
Every person on the ground gritted their teeth, clutching sticks, stones, broken weapons—anything they could use. They knew they would likely die here, yet they refused to back down.
Each one would be remembered as a hero of You City.
They would never again see their homes or say farewell to their families.
Just as everyone prepared for a final stand—
The Bloodthirsty Ant army suddenly stopped.
The ground trembled no more. The insects, moments ago crazed with bloodlust, began retreating at a visible pace!
"What's going on?"
"The Bloodthirsty Ant army is… retreating!?"
Everyone froze in disbelief.
Song Jie and the Military Commander exchanged glances—they both knew what this meant.
"Why are the Bloodthirsty Ants suddenly retreating?" Mu Tingying asked, confusion in her voice.
Song Jie gave her a sharp look. "Why are you so stupid?"
Mu Tingying sucked in a deep breath. She really wanted to hit him right now.
"What? Still have an attitude?" Song Jie raised his hand and smacked her lightly on the butt.
A sharp "Ah—!" escaped her lips, and she turned back, glaring at him with teary eyes.
"Not convinced?"
"…Convinced. I'm convinced…" Mu Tingying muttered pitifully, not daring to argue further for fear of another slap.
"Commander," one of the soldiers asked, "could it be that they've found the Ant Queen?"
"Most likely," the Military Commander replied, a faint smile of relief appearing on her tired face. That was the only explanation for the sudden retreat.
All around, exhausted survivors collapsed to the ground, their tense bodies finally relaxing.
Meanwhile, deep beneath Golden Mountain—
The Hunter King and his team had located the approximate hiding place of the Ant Queen.
They were certain because an enormous swarm of Bloodthirsty Ants was gathered below them, forming a living fortress.
The Hunter King narrowed his eyes. "Seems this is the place."
"When do we move?" Xu Chu asked, gripping his weapon tightly.
"No rush. We'll pinpoint her exact position first, then strike," the Hunter King replied calmly.
Xu Chu frowned. "But it's calling the rest of the swarm back! We'll be surrounded by even more soon!"
The Hunter King chuckled coldly. "Let it gather them. When they're all here—we'll wipe them out in one sweep."
Xu Chu nodded. He didn't fully understand, but he trusted his leader completely.
Back at the Hunter Union camp—
Ling Tiancheng, Dean Songhe, and several senior officials received word that the Hunter King had found the Ant Queen's nest.
"Do we old folks still need to lend a hand?" Dean Songhe asked.
"No need," Ling Tiancheng said, his tone steady. "I've already sent reinforcements. This will be over soon."
They discussed the details briefly before dispersing.
Outside, Professor Deng was immediately surrounded by three anxious girls — Ding Yumian, Jiang Shaoxu, and Huo Yumeng.
"Professor Deng, is there any news about Song Jie?" Ding Yumian asked urgently.
The old professor looked at the three worried faces before him and sighed softly. He couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy. When I was young… no, better not brag… I've never been that lucky.
He shook his head with a wry smile.
Seeing this, the girls' expressions tightened. "Did something happen to him?"
"He's fine," Old Deng reassured them quickly. "He's in You City right now."
The three girls let out sighs of relief almost in unison.
Old Deng smiled faintly. What kind of good karma did that brat accumulate to have three girls worried about him at once?
Inside You City
With the Bloodthirsty Ants retreating, the immediate crisis had finally passed.
But the Military Commander refused to let the citizens return yet — they couldn't be sure if the monsters would come back. It was safer to wait for reinforcements.
The military arranged two rooms for Song Jie and Mu Tingying.
Song Jie was utterly drained. Without saying a word, he stumbled into his room, collapsed on the bed, and instantly fell asleep.
Mu Tingying yawned, covered her mouth with her hand, and went to her own room next door.
That night passed peacefully.
By the next day, Song Jie awoke around noon, fully rested.
Just as he got up, Mu Tingying entered carrying a tray of food.
"This is your lunch. The Military Commander asked me to bring it," she said casually.
"Come here," Song Jie called.
Mu Tingying frowned suspiciously but walked over.
In the next second—smack!
Song Jie's hand landed on her butt again.
"Mmm…!" Mu Tingying gasped, her cheeks flushing crimson.
"I brought you food! Why did you hit me?!" she snapped.
"I'm your savior. And this is how you talk to me?" Song Jie said righteously.
Mu Tingying wanted to retort, but she bit her tongue — if she argued, she'd probably get hit again.
Instead, she stomped her foot, turned around, slammed the door behind her, and stormed off.
But after taking a few steps, she froze.
Wait… I'm free now. So why am I still listening to him?!
"Hmph! Song Jie, I'll make you pay for this!" she growled under her breath.
Unaware of her brewing vengeance, Song Jie focused on his meal.
After eating, he reinserted his SIM card, opened his messages, and saw countless unread texts.
Most were from people concerned about him — Ding Yumian, Jiang Shaoxu, Huo Yumeng, and Mu Lei.
After replying to them all, he noticed one more message — from Mu Nujiao.
He figured Mu Lei must've told her about his situation.
Mu Nujiao: "Song Jie, I heard from Brother Lei that you were in danger…"
Song Jie smiled faintly and typed back:
Song Jie: "I thought I'd never see you again. Thankfully, I survived."
At that very moment, Mu Nujiao, who was meditating, heard her phone chime. She immediately opened her eyes and picked it up.
Mu Nujiao: "It's good that you're okay…"
Song Jie hesitated for a moment, then sent another message.
Song Jie: "I'm sorry about that night. I was drunk… but if you don't mind, I'll take responsibility for you."
Upon seeing his words, Mu Nujiao's beautiful face flushed crimson.
She had avoided contacting him because she hadn't known how to face him after that night…
And now—
The girl sitting on the bed beside her, with a mischievous grin, leaned closer.
"Sister Mu, why is your face so red?"
Mu Nujiao's heart skipped a beat.
"…It's nothing."
But inside, her heart was racing uncontrollably.
...
Author's Note:
The first half (completed version more that 320 chapters) of Versatile Mage: My Magic Has Gone Beyond Limits! is now available on Patreon!
🔥 I also have an Additional 18+ fanfics now available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1.Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
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