Chapter 24: Blind Emotions

After slaying a level 4 mutant and harvesting materials from the blazing horse, Xia Yan’s contribution points increased by seventy in one fell swoop. There was a vast gulf between level 4 mutants and level 3 mutants; the latter were of little value, while the former were completely different.

After that urgent mission, Xia Yan trained for several days in the Lan family’s courtyard.

On this particular day, he received another communication from Gong Kui—a situation deemed urgent, and outside of Baihui City. Because it concerned Lan Xin, Xia Yan didn’t even have time to change his clothes before rushing out.

In the wilderness, Lan Xin knelt on the ground, empty-handed, her face buried in her knees, pupils contracted to the utmost, consumed by boundless fear. She trembled violently, enduring some strange torment.

Xia Yan found Lan Xin’s location and hurried over.

“What’s wrong, Miss Lan Xin?” Xia Yan showed confusion and concern as he asked.

“I’m fine.” Lan Xin shook her head and stood up, her expression returning to calm.

She let out a long breath, her demeanor restored, and looked at Xia Yan. “Xia Yan, why are you here?”

“Your position hadn’t changed for a long time, and Miss Gong Kui couldn’t reach you, so she sent me over,” Xia Yan explained, worry in his voice. “Miss Lan Xin, what happened?”

“Nothing, just ambushed by two aliens,” Lan Xin replied with a bitter smile. “They were from the Winged People.”

“Why?” Xia Yan’s pupils contracted, a trace of killing intent escaping.

“I once…” Lan Xin furrowed her brow. “I once killed a Winged People genius. Because of a dispute, I wasn’t judged, but I ended up on their wanted list.”

Xia Yan knew well—once someone was wanted by an alien race, it meant there had been a conflict, and the Winged People could hunt her without fear of reprisal.

Lan Xin smiled at Xia Yan. “Xia Yan, I’m really fine now. You don’t have to worry.”

“Alright.” Xia Yan scanned Lan Xin; seeing no injuries, he relaxed. Though he sensed something strange, since Lan Xin didn’t wish to speak, he wouldn’t press.

“Xia Yan, let’s go back together. My mission’s finished anyway,” Lan Xin added.

“Okay.” Xia Yan nodded with a smile.

Xia Yan walked ahead, Lan Xin slightly behind, her expression still laced with terror and confusion. The effort she made to conceal it was heartbreaking.

Two days later.

Wilderness area, Qu Ning City No. 11.

The third squad of human guardians assembled here, awaiting the arrival of a new member.

The squad leader, Feng Qiang, a congenial man, looked at Xia Yan and Lan Xin with a sigh.

His squad had four members before Lan Xin joined; now, two were dead and one disabled, leaving only himself. Such unpredictability was always lamentable.

“Xia Yan, I heard you single-handedly killed a level 4 mutant, the blazing horse?” Feng Qiang asked with a smile.

“Yes, barely managed to kill it,” Xia Yan replied.

“That’s impressive.” Feng Qiang patted Xia Yan’s shoulder gently. “Sorry, Xia Yan, as captain, I failed in that matter.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Captain. Who could have guessed Qingxia’s second ability would be so bizarre…” Xia Yan shook his head, changing the topic. “Captain, what’s the new member’s background?”

“She’s a human sent from District One—probably a true prodigy.” Feng Qiang sighed. “This woman’s strength is at least on par with He Changlou, a veteran guardian. She’s a direct member of the combat division. Though perhaps a bit weaker than you, Xia Yan, she’s not far off.”

“We don’t lack combat specialists, but we could use more support-type members,” Lan Xin said with a hint of dissatisfaction.

“No choice—apparently she requested to join. Her background is notable, likely from a prominent family,” Feng Qiang said seriously. “Xia Yan, Lan Xin, you both know that being a guardian is a thankless, high-risk job. Many ability users don’t want it. For a District One human to join District Nine’s guardians—it’s strange.”

“Indeed,” Xia Yan nodded.

Guardians had to fight not only mutants and demons, but also defend against alien attacks. The dangers were immense, and deaths frequent.

“She’s arriving now,” Lan Xin said, looking skyward as a unique flying vehicle approached.

The girl alighted from the craft, lips pursed, running lightly toward them. Her attire was youthful—a pink top and white skirt, the image of a city girl.

Of course, for combat, she wore safety shorts beneath.

“Hello, Captain,” the girl greeted Feng Qiang with a smile.

“Hello, Miss Nangong Yong,” Feng Qiang nodded.

“Hello, Miss Lan Xin,” she smiled at Lan Xin.

“Hello,” Lan Xin replied softly.

“Hello, Mr. Xia Yan. Delighted to meet you.” The girl was enthusiastic toward Xia Yan, extending both hands, awaiting his response.

Xia Yan reached out his right hand, which she grabbed with both of hers. Her gaze was strange, filled with a burning emotion toward Xia Yan.

He looked at her, his expression changing slightly, eyes avoiding hers. Her azure-blue hair reminded him of Su Zhu’s former image.

More importantly, the girl resembled Su Zhu—though more beautiful, taller, and with fairer skin.

“Let me introduce myself: I’m Nangong Yong, seventeen, from District One. I’m a combat-type ability user. My first ability is weapon-class, ‘Polar Tea,’ and my second is telekinesis.”

Xia Yan pondered: weapon-type abilities aside, telekinesis was powerful.

“Polar Tea?” Lan Xin was puzzled.

“Yes, it’s this sword.” Nangong Yong extended her hand, drawing a sword like snow and ice. “Weapon abilities can be named freely, so I call it Polar Tea.”

“Let’s begin the mission,” Feng Qiang said to Nangong Yong. “The level 4 mutant—I’ll take point, you three provide support. We’ll also assess your abilities.”

“Understood! I’ll do my best to satisfy you all.” Nangong Yong replied, laughing.

The four set out quickly toward their target.

On the way, Feng Qiang seemed to recall something and suddenly said to Xia Yan, “The level 4 mutant you killed two days ago—was it to save a Winged People?”

“Yes,” Xia Yan nodded.

Feng Qiang was simply making small talk, not ill-intentioned.

However, as Xia Yan spoke, Nangong Yong’s eyes flashed with disbelief and resentment, before returning to normal.

Lan Xin’s expression changed, too—she hadn’t known Xia Yan had saved a Winged People. What was going on?

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Feng Qiang hurriedly switched topics. After a while, the team returned to normal.

Yet, a shadow lingered in Feng Qiang’s eyes. Mature and steady as he was, he would never forget the day his daughter was killed by aliens.

He buried it in his heart—his duty forbade him from bringing hatred into his work.

Indeed, those willing to become guardians were rarely ordinary; it was the most dangerous profession.

This mission was relatively easy. With Feng Qiang leading the attack, the level 4 mutant had no chance, and the group dispatched it effortlessly. Nangong Yong then defeated two level 3 mutants.

According to Feng Qiang, this girl’s strength was solid. Though her brain development lagged behind veteran guardians, she should reach He Changlou’s level—her two abilities were strong.

Nangong Yong waited nearby while the other three discussed matters not far away. To join the squad, she needed approval from at least two members.

She was a human, visiting District Nine because of Xia Yan. During the judgment assembly, her heart stirred. She felt only Xia Yan could always stand by her side, never betray her.

Perhaps it was blind love.

Even Nangong Yong herself found it hard to explain.

So she looked forward to joining the squad, eager to get closer to Xia Yan.

Soon, the three finished their discussion and returned.

“I agree to Miss Nangong Yong joining the squad. Her strength is undeniable,” Feng Qiang declared.

“Thank you, Captain! I’ll work hard,” Nangong Yong beamed.

She felt joining the third squad was almost certain.

How could Xia Yan refuse her? She had come for him.

Yet, Lan Xin remained silent, and Xia Yan gave his own opinion: “I disagree.”

Nangong Yong was stunned.

She couldn’t understand why Xia Yan refused to let her join. Surely he understood why a District One human would come to District Nine and join the guardians. Even if he was awkward—her attitude toward him was so obvious.

She truly couldn’t comprehend it. Xia Yan had actually refused her!

“Xia Yan, can you tell me the reason?” Nangong Yong’s eyes shimmered, her expression pitiful.

“There’s nothing to say, and no particular reason. Besides, we don’t lack combat personnel,” Xia Yan replied, unwilling to explain further.

“I can’t accept that,” Nangong Yong bit her lip. “Are you rejecting me just because your first impression of me was poor?”

“Then I’ll give you a reason,” Xia Yan said indifferently. “Call it my intuition.”

“You—!” Nangong Yong was furious.

Xia Yan and Feng Qiang turned to Lan Xin, who had the deciding vote.

“My opinion is the same as Xia Yan’s,” Lan Xin said calmly. “Miss Nangong Yong, I have no prejudice against you—I'm rather neutral. But between the captain and Xia Yan, I side with Xia Yan. He is, after all, my junior.”

“Three people, two disagree with your joining,” Xia Yan said to Nangong Yong, his tone cool. “Sorry.”

Feng Qiang was awkward, scratching his head with a wry smile. “Miss Nangong Yong, this is our squad’s rule. If both of them disagree, we can’t let you join.”

“Xia Yan!” Nangong Yong was furious, finally dropping all pretense. She screamed, “Why, why are you doing this? I became a guardian because of you, came to District Nine for you! How can you refuse me? How can you bear to refuse me?”

“I don’t know you,” Xia Yan frowned.

“But I know you! Everything you did at the judgment assembly—I remember it all.” Nangong Yong glared at Xia Yan. “Xia Yan, you alone shouldn’t refuse me, you alone can't!”

“But I refuse,” Xia Yan’s expression darkened. “Captain, the mission’s done. May I leave?”

“Mm…” Feng Qiang was embarrassed.

“Xia Yan, I will join this squad, you can’t stop me!” Nangong Yong shouted after Xia Yan’s retreating figure. “Your third squad lacks members—you must add new ones. Even if I use my family’s influence, I will join. Xia Yan, you can’t refuse me, you absolutely cannot!”

Xia Yan walked farther away, frowning inwardly. She really was a madwoman.

Moreover, in her, Xia Yan saw the shadow of Su Zhu.

This woman must not become entangled with him, or his inner demons would resurface.

Rejecting her—perhaps that was a reason in itself.