Morning in Wulong City was still wrapped in a thin veil of mist when the door to Xue Yunxue's room slowly opened.
Lu Xiao stepped out soundlessly.
His footsteps were light, nearly inaudible against the wooden corridor floor. His expression had returned to its usual calm—cold, pale, and unreadable. Yet his crimson eyes appeared darker than usual, as if he had not truly rested throughout the night.
He had just closed the door when three gazes instantly locked onto him.
The air in the upper hall froze.
Luo Shixin stood near the window with his arms folded across his chest. Morning light reflected sharply in his eyes as his gaze slowly moved from Lu Xiao's face… to the door behind him.
One second.
Two seconds.
Enough to understand the situation.
The eagle beastman did not react immediately. His jaw merely tightened slightly, the muscles along his neck tensing before he drew a slow breath, forcibly restraining his emotions.
This vampire… came out of Yunxue's room at dawn.
His mind reached a conclusion he did not like.
Across the room, Yun Wu sat silently with a cup of tea in hand. He said nothing, yet faint creases formed between his brows. His gaze was like a sheathed blade—calm, but heavy with pressure.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan lounged lazily against the sofa.
He snorted softly, his mocking gaze sweeping Lu Xiao from head to toe.
Is this vampire planning to leave behind an heir before dying?
The corner of his lips curved faintly.
But Lu Xiao simply wore an indifferent expression and walked past them as if he had no interest in explaining anything.
A moment later—
The bedroom door opened again.
Xue Yunxue appeared, her hair slightly messy and her eyes half-open. She still looked sleepy, moving slowly while letting out a small yawn.
She did not notice the strange atmosphere filling the living area.
Nor did she see how all three men turned toward her at the same time.
Luo Shixin moved first. In a single long stride, he was already standing before her.
"What would you like for breakfast?" he asked gently.
He leaned slightly closer—too close to be coincidence.
But his true intention remained hidden. His eagle senses worked quietly.
He inhaled subtly.
No vampire scent. No lingering masculine aura clung to her body.
The tension in his chest slowly eased.
It seemed nothing had happened last night after all.
The relief was so subtle even he nearly failed to notice it.
Xue Yunxue blinked in confusion.
"Hm? What?" she mumbled sleepily. "Why are all of you awake so early…?"
Only then did she realize the three men were staring at her strangely.
Lin Yuan crossed his legs, smiling crookedly.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked casually, his tone clearly teasing.
Yunxue frowned.
"Of course."
That innocent answer completely reassured Luo Shixin, while Yun Wu quietly exhaled, the tension leaving his shoulders.
Only Lu Xiao remained standing at a distance, leaning against the wall with half-closed eyes.
His gaze briefly fell upon Yunxue.
Xue Yunxue, however, was completely unaware of the small storm she had just passed through.
She simply walked toward the dining table while rubbing her eyes.
"I'm hungry…"
Luo Shixin gently held her hand and guided her to sit at the table.
He prepared a simple breakfast—fried sausages and sunny-side-up eggs.
Xue Yunxue quickly began eating. She needed to leave soon for the black market to search for ingredients required to create the Rebirth Elixir.
------------------
Xue Yunxue was already neatly dressed when she came downstairs.
Her long hair was tied simply, and her clothing was light yet practical for travel. From the outside, she looked like an ordinary girl heading out for a casual walk through the city—nothing eye-catching.
She had just reached the door when a voice stopped her.
"Where are you going?"
Yun Wu stood leaning against the living room doorway, arms crossed. His gaze was sharp yet calm, like a hunter who already knew his prey would move before the first step was taken.
Xue Yunxue stopped.
"I'm going to the market," she replied lightly. "To buy a few things. I won't be long."
Yun Wu stared at her a few seconds longer than usual, as if trying to read something behind her words.
"I'll go with you."
Yunxue blinked briefly before nodding.
That was exactly what she had hoped for. Yun Wu knew Wulong City far better than she did—especially places not recorded on official maps.
Including the place she intended to visit.
She would feel safer with him.
The bustling main market greeted them with loud bargaining voices, the scent of spices, and the lively chaos of city life. Vendors shouted their offers, children ran between stalls, and beastmen from various clans moved endlessly through the crowd.
But Xue Yunxue did not linger.
Her gaze kept searching in a specific direction.
Yun Wu watched her silently.
"We're not stopping here, are we?" he finally asked.
Xue Yunxue turned toward him.
"I want to go somewhere else."
She pointed toward a narrow alley beside the market.
"…the black market."
Yun Wu's steps paused for a fraction of a second.
His expression changed.
The black market was not a place for someone like Yunxue. It was filled with illegal hunters, poison merchants, mercenaries, and creatures who survived through bloody transactions.
But he did not ask why.
If Yunxue wished to go there, then it meant something important awaited.
"Alright," he said simply.
The alley leading toward the black market grew narrower and darker. Sunlight gradually vanished, replaced by dim crimson lamps. The air carried the mixed scents of metal, dried blood, and cheap alcohol.
The atmosphere changed completely.
Rough laughter echoed from shadowed corners.
Sharp gazes began to appear.
And the moment Xue Yunxue stepped inside—
All attention shifted toward her.
Her beauty was far too striking for a place like this.
Conversations slowed.
Some men stopped drinking.
Others stared openly, making no attempt to hide their malicious intent.
Hungry gazes. Evaluating. Predatory.
As if rare prey had just walked into a den of hunters.
Xue Yunxue felt the pressure but continued walking, pretending not to notice.
Heavy footsteps sounded behind her.
Yun Wu walked half a step behind, his killing aura dense and suffocating.
Calm. Cold. Deadly.
Close enough to protect her, distant enough to grant her freedom.
When the surrounding beastmen noticed him, everything changed instantly.
His death-god aura erupted, causing nearby beastmen to tremble.
The hungry gazes vanished. People lowered their heads.
Some even turned away, pretending to be busy. A path opened before them without a single word spoken.
Yun Wu said nothing.
He simply walked.
Yet his presence alone was already a warning.
He glanced slightly toward Yunxue.
"What are you looking for in a place like this?" Yun Wu asked quietly.
His tone remained calm, but sharp vigilance lingered within it. His gaze constantly scanned the market—every shadow, every subtle movement, every pair of eyes lingering too long on them.
Xue Yunxue exhaled softly before answering.
"I need some ingredients," she said honestly. "And those things aren't sold in ordinary places. So… this is the only option left."
Yun Wu turned slightly, studying her face as if trying to read the words she did not say.
"Are you planning to make a specific elixir?" he asked.
Xue Yunxue simply nodded.
She did not elaborate.
And Yun Wu—as always—did not press further.
---------
Without saying another word, Yun Wu reached out, grasped Yunxue's wrist, and guided her deeper into the narrow passage of the black market.
The air there was damp and heavy. The smell of metal, dried blood, and rotting herbs mixed into an unpleasant scent that lingered in the throat. Conversations lowered—or stopped entirely—whenever they passed by. Several large men who had previously stared at Yunxue with predatory hunger immediately lowered their heads upon recognizing Yun Wu.
The Death God of Wulong.
They stopped at the darkest corner.
An old stall stood there, nearly hidden behind a tattered cloth curtain. The wood was decayed, its paint peeling away, and the nameboard had long since become unreadable. The display case was almost empty—only a few dusty glass bottles and dried roots hanging like remnants of a forgotten era.
An old man sat behind the table.
His body was hunched, his narrow face dominated by a sharp, rat-like nose. His small eyes gleamed with cunning light, but when he saw Yun Wu, a wrinkled grin spread across his lips.
"What do you need this time?" he asked hoarsely.
His tone made it clear—they were not strangers.
Yun Wu gave a slight nod toward Xue Yunxue.
"Tell him."
Yunxue hesitated for a moment. She was unsure whether this old man possessed what she sought, but seeing Yun Wu's confidence, she finally took out a piece of paper.
A list of ingredients she had prepared the previous night.
Her fingers tightened slightly as she handed it over.
The old man accepted the paper, his hands trembling faintly. His eyes narrowed as he read.
The longer he looked, the deeper the wrinkles on his forehead became.
"Hm…"
He lifted his gaze.
"I can't provide much," he said at last. "All of these materials are extremely rare."
He tapped the list with his long fingernail.
"These herbs… I have them. But only in very small quantities."
Xue Yunxue's face immediately brightened.
"That's fine," she said quickly. "I don't need much."
As long as she had samples… she could cultivate more using her elemental power.
But the old man was not finished.
"However…" his voice slowed, "phoenix feathers… and tears of a nine-tailed fox…"
He shook his head slowly.
"I don't have them. Items like those are nearly impossible to obtain now. They belong to beast races that have not been seen for a very long time."
The hope that had just appeared in Yunxue's eyes slowly collapsed.
Her chest felt hollow. Her shoulders sank.
So creating the Resurrection Potion now… was impossible.
Perhaps that medicine had never been meant to exist again.
From the corner of his eye, Yun Wu observed the subtle change in her expression. Then he spoke, his voice calm yet sharp.
"Old man… have you ever heard of the nine-tailed fox?"
The old man chuckled softly, his raspy laughter sounding like dry paper scraping together.
"Of course."
His gaze drifted far away, as if staring into a distant past.
"They once lived in Jiutian Ling Shang Mountain… the ancestral founders of the Yanhuo Kingdom."
He leaned back slowly in his chair.
"Beautiful creatures… and terrifying at the same time."
Xue Yunxue stepped forward unconsciously.
"Have you… ever seen one?" she asked, her voice filled with fragile hope.
The old man fell silent for several seconds.
"Yes. I once met one," he said with certainty.
"Then… do they still exist?" Yunxue asked again, excitement rising in her voice.
The old man slowly shook his head.
"No. I heard… the last one has already died."
Disappointment was unmistakable on Xue Yunxue's face. Her hope of creating the Resurrection Potion shattered completely.
Even so, she still purchased the herbal materials, spending nearly all the money she had.
Xue Yunxue walked out of the black market slowly.
Her coin pouch felt light.
Far too light.
The afternoon wind swept through Wulong City's stone streets, lifting the ends of her long black hair. Yet her thoughts felt heavier than her body. All the chakra coins she had painstakingly saved were gone in a single day.
Only a few thousand remained.
Not even enough to buy low-grade rare materials.
She lowered her head and sighed deeply.
For the first time since arriving in this world… she truly felt poor.
Yun Wu walked several steps behind her, silent like a shadow. His gaze occasionally fell upon her back—her slightly lowered shoulders, the absence of her usual energy.
He said nothing.
But he watched her the entire way home.
When they finally arrived at the house, Xue Yunxue raised her hand to open the door.
—but another hand gently stopped her wrist first.
She turned.
Yun Wu stood beside her, his expression stiff… slightly awkward—something rarely seen on a man as composed as him.
"There's something I want to give you," he said quietly.
His voice sounded almost… hesitant.
Xue Yunxue blinked, eyes widening in surprise.
"What is it?"
Had this stingy wolf suddenly become generous?
The sun must be rising from the west today.
Yun Wu cleared his throat softly and took out a small object from his pocket.
A chakra computer.
But not an ordinary model.
Its shape was slim like a delicate wristwatch, simple yet elegant in design. Its surface shimmered with soft pink metallic light, reflecting the glow of the afternoon sun.
Without saying much, Yun Wu took Yunxue's hand and fastened it around her wrist.
The device activated instantly.
A thin holographic light appeared in the air as the system began transferring all data, accounts, and settings from her old device automatically.
Xue Yunxue froze.
Her eyes widened slowly as she looked at the transparent display—far cleaner and more advanced than her old bulky computer.
The interface was smooth. Simple. Intuitive.
As if it had been made specifically for her.
She lifted her hand, staring at it in disbelief.
"This… is for me?"
Yun Wu averted his gaze, slightly stiff.
"Your old computer is outdated," he said shortly. "And… it breaks often."
A practical excuse.
In truth, he had spent days choosing that model—its color, size, even additional spiritual protection features—all secretly tailored for her.
Xue Yunxue slowly turned toward him.
A smile bloomed on her face—warm, sincere, and so beautiful that time itself seemed to pause.
"Thank you, A-Wu," she said happily.
Her light voice struck directly against Yun Wu's emotional defenses. His heartbeat suddenly lost its rhythm, accelerating uncontrollably.
He immediately turned his face away, struggling to maintain his usual indifferent expression.
Xue Yunxue stepped into the house feeling far lighter than before.
The new chakra computer wrapped around her wrist still made her smile to herself from time to time. For a brief moment, her thoughts drifted away from the Resurrection Potion, the Gu poison, and the terrifying decision that continued to haunt her.
For a while… she almost felt normal.
With light steps, she pushed open the door to her room.
Click.
Her movement stopped instantly.
Someone was already inside.
Lu Xiao sat at her study desk, leaning back lazily as if the room naturally belonged to him. An open book rested in his hand—Xue Yunxue immediately recognized it as the one Lin Tianhai had given her.
One hand supported his chin elegantly.
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, slanting across his face and casting soft shadows along his sharp jawline and long lashes. His pale skin appeared almost translucent beneath the golden glow.
The sight was breathtaking…
as if he had just stepped out of an ancient painting.
Xue Yunxue's heartbeat quickened without her realizing it.
"Xiao… what are you doing in my room?" she finally asked.
Lu Xiao lifted his gaze slowly. His dim yet deep crimson eyes settled on her.
"I was bored," he replied calmly. "And I wanted to wait for you here."
His tone sounded casual, almost relaxed.
But Xue Yunxue immediately noticed something wrong.
His face was paler than usual.
His fingertips tightened faintly against the book's pages, and his breathing—though subtle—was unstable. The Gu poison… was still working. Silent. Cruel. Devouring his body from within while he pretended nothing was wrong.
Her chest tightened painfully. How could this man still sit so calmly?
"Do you want to take a walk with me?" she asked suddenly.
Lu Xiao looked slightly surprised.
Xue Yunxue averted her gaze, trying to sound casual.
"You've been staying inside the house, and you just recovered. At least you need some fresh air."
For a moment, Lu Xiao's expression softened.
The coldness in his gaze warmed.
"If Xue'er is inviting me," he said quietly, almost like a whisper, "I would never refuse."
They walked toward the outskirts of Wulong City.
The area was quiet, far from the bustling streets. Tall trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves rustling like whispered secrets. The air felt clean and refreshing.
They walked side by side.
Like an ordinary couple enjoying a peaceful moment free from the burdens of the world.
But only they knew—
that time together might not be long.
They walked in silence for a while.
Then Lu Xiao stopped.
"Xue'er," he said softly, "there's something I want to give you."
He raised his hand. His chakra computer activated, projecting a holographic light into the air.
Seconds later, a transfer notification appeared on Xue Yunxue's device.
The system connected automatically. A savings account opened.
Xue Yunxue lowered her gaze to the screen.
—and froze.
A long string of numbers filled the transparent display.
Dozens… hundreds… zeros continued endlessly.
Nearly one hundred billion chakra coins.
Her eyes widened.
Almost popping out.
Was this vampire appointing her as his heir before dying?!
Yet instead of joy, her chest ached sharply.
"I don't need this money," she said quickly, her voice softer than she expected. "Take it back."
She looked at him, her gaze filled with emotions she could not hide—worry, anger, and sadness tangled together. Watching Lu Xiao endure pain was already unbearable. If he was truly preparing for death… then all the wealth in the world meant nothing.
Lu Xiao watched her quietly as the evening wind stirred his black hair.
"My money is yours as well," he said calmly. "You are my partner."
His voice was gentle, yet left no room for refusal.
"It is only natural that I share everything I have with you."
Xue Yunxue looked at him softly. A faint smile lingered on her lips, yet moisture gathered at the corners of her eyes, as if she were holding back something far heavier than gratitude.
"Xiao…"
But the sentence never finished.
Lu Xiao's body suddenly stiffened.
His breathing hitched—short and rough, like someone drowning and grasping for a final breath. His hand shot upward, clutching his own head. Veins faintly surfaced at his temples, pulsing violently beneath pale skin.
"Ah—!"
He dropped to his knees.
The heavy impact echoed through the quiet outskirts. Birds perched in the trees scattered in panic, as if sensing something wrong… something unnatural.
His red eyes flickered wildly.
Once.
Twice.
The color began to fade.
That blood-red hue cracked like shattered glass… slowly draining into a cold, lifeless gray.
"Xiao! What's happening to you?!"
Xue Yunxue's voice broke with panic. She immediately knelt, pulling his trembling body into her arms. His body felt cold—far too cold, even for a vampire.
She could feel something moving beneath his skin.
Like living poison.
Like tiny creatures writhing and devouring him from within.
Lu Xiao's breathing grew heavy, his chest rising and falling irregularly. After several seconds, his body gradually stilled within her embrace.
Silence descended.
Only the evening wind whispered through the trees.
Xue Yunxue let out a relieved breath.
Carefully, she loosened her hold. Her hand moved gently, brushing aside strands of black hair that had fallen across his handsome face.
"Xiao… you scared me…"
The words died in her throat.
Lu Xiao's eyes opened.
Not red.
Not the eyes that always looked at her with quiet gentleness.
But empty gray.
Cold.
Dead.
And utterly devoid of recognition.
In less than a heartbeat—
Lu Xiao moved.
Fast. Brutal. Without hesitation.
His hand shot forward and clamped around Xue Yunxue's throat.
CRACK.
The air in her lungs vanished instantly.
Her body lifted slightly off the ground under terrifying strength. His fingers tightened like living iron—unyielding, impossible to resist.
Xue Yunxue choked.
Her eyes widened, vision trembling as her hands instinctively grabbed his wrist. But the vampire's strength was like an immovable mountain.
"X… Xiao…"
Only a broken breath escaped her lips.
The man before her was still handsome… still flawless… yet completely devoid of emotion. No warmth remained. It was as if something else had taken residence inside him.
Those gray eyes stared at her like prey.
The pressure on her neck increased. Her bones creaked softly as sharp pain shot toward her skull. Black stars began filling her vision.
Her heart pounded wildly.
What… happened to her gentle vampire?
As Xue Yunxue's consciousness began sinking into darkness, the world around her blurred. The sound of wind faded, her heartbeat echoing as though from somewhere impossibly distant.
The grip tightened further.
Her vision darkened—
SUDDENLY.
A shadow tore through the air.
WHOOSH!
A violent impact exploded outward. Lu Xiao's arm was knocked aside as if struck by an invisible wave. Xue Yunxue's weakened body fell—
—but before she hit the ground, someone caught her.
Cold yet steady arms supported her.
Air finally rushed back into her lungs.
She coughed violently, gasping for breath. Her throat burned, a dark purple bruise already forming around her neck, stark against her pale skin.
With trembling vision, she looked at her savior.
"…Lin Yuan…"
The merman stood before her, his usually calm face now tense. His sharp gaze locked onto Lu Xiao, who growled low like a feral beast.
Without hesitation, Lin Yuan stomped his foot.
BOOM!
Water erupted from the ground, spiraling like a liquid dragon. In a single motion, the torrent wrapped around Lu Xiao's body, freezing instantly into transparent ice that glittered beneath the evening light.
The vampire was sealed.
Only his head remained free.
His gray eyes glared at them with savage hatred—the gaze of a predator that had lost its mind.
"W-what… is happening?" Xue Yunxue's voice trembled.
Lin Yuan did not answer immediately. His jaw tightened as he maintained the pressure of his water energy, restraining Lu Xiao without harming him.
"The Gu poison has reached its peak phase," he said quietly, his voice heavy.
"His predator instincts have taken over. His consciousness… is gone."
Lin Yuan's eyes flickered. Even with his strength, he could feel Lu Xiao's body constantly trying to shatter the ice seal from within.
At that moment—
Moa's voice whispered inside Xue Yunxue's mind.
His consciousness has been isolated by the Gu poison… If this continues… he will die.
The world seemed to stop.
Pain throbbed in Xue Yunxue's chest.
No.
She would not allow that to happen.
Silently, she asked within her thoughts:
If my heart-core blood is taken… can I survive?
Moa fell silent for a moment before answering.
Your chance of survival is only about ten percent.
But if your injuries are healed immediately… your odds will increase.
Ten percent.
Enough.
Xue Yunxue's gaze turned calm.
She had to save Lu Xiao—now.
She had already made her decision.
"Yuan," she said softly yet firmly, "take my heart-core blood. Now."
Lin Yuan turned sharply.
"What?"
His eyes widened, clearly thinking he had misheard.
"Are you sure?" he asked again, his deep voice carrying rare pressure.
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Xue Yunxue grabbed his hand. The merman's sharp claws had already emerged reflexively, gleaming coldly beneath the sunset light.
She guided his hand—
directly toward her own chest.
Lin Yuan's pupils shrank.
"What are you—"
SHRK.
The claws pierced flesh.
Lin Yuan's breath caught.
He didn't even have time to pull back before Xue Yunxue pushed his hand deeper herself.
Warm blood immediately poured out, soaking her clothes and the ground beneath them.
Lin Yuan's expression shattered into chaos.
Had this girl… gone insane?
"No—stop now!" his voice broke.
But Xue Yunxue gripped his wrist tightly. Her eyes locked onto his—calm, sharp, filled with unshakable resolve.
"Don't move… or you'll kill me."
Lin Yuan froze.
He didn't dare pull back.
One wrong movement… and her heart could truly be destroyed.
Xue Yunxue winced. Agonizing pain surged through her body as the claws sank deeper—through bone, through flesh, piercing her heart itself and reaching its core.
The world trembled.
The sound of her heartbeat echoed violently through Lin Yuan's claws, forcing the merman to hold his breath.
Then—
a crimson light appeared.
A small, brilliant red bead formed at the tip of Lin Yuan's claw, pulsing gently like a living heart.
The heart-core blood.
With the last of her strength, Xue Yunxue pulled Lin Yuan's hand from her chest.
Blood sprayed outward.
"Give… this… to Lu Xiao…"
Her strength vanished.
She collapsed.
Lin Yuan caught her instantly before her body struck the ground.
His hands pressed against her chest, trying desperately to stop the endless flow of blood. Healing energy surged forward, but her breathing was chaotic, her chest hollow and suffocating. Every breath felt like knives piercing her lungs.
Her healing power became unstable.
"Yunxue—!"
For the first time, true panic appeared on Lin Yuan's face.
He dropped to his knees, pressing both hands against her wound, desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
But there was too much blood.
Xue Yunxue's eyes began to lose focus. The sounds of the world faded again. Darkness slowly crept into the edges of her vision.
"Yunxue… don't sleep… listen to me…"
Lin Yuan's voice sounded distant, as if coming from the depths of the ocean.
Her eyelids grew heavy.
So heavy.
Finally—
they closed.
Her body went still in Lin Yuan's arms.
"Yunxue… Yunxue!"