Chapter 25: An Unexpected Turn

In the desolate wilderness, Blueheart was carrying out her mission. Her sword-like brows swept the horizon, catching sight of two winged beings speeding toward her, weapons in hand—one brandishing a firearm, the other a blade.

In this world, there are always those who, in their ignorance, believe themselves invincible, untouchable—certain that their flight ability, their place in the sky, renders them absolutely secure. They think that in their supposed safety, hunting down even a high-bounty target comes with no risk, and even if they fail, there's nothing to lose.

Blueheart's strength was formidable—so much so that even seasoned Guardians dared not claim certain victory over her. Thus, the powerful seldom sought trouble with her. But these lesser ability users, some even members of organizations, were always overreaching, dreaming of ascending with a single leap.

They never realized that a single extra swing of Blueheart’s sword would spell their end. No matter how many wings they had, there would be no escape.

She stood motionless, her gaze following the two winged figures as they barreled toward her, only to flee in terror. A look of pain and confusion overtook her face.

If these could be likened to demons of the heart, then Blueheart was nearly overwhelmed by her own. She was afraid, anxious—terrified that, should she kill someone, her inner hatred would be exposed.

Would she still be able to pursue her future? Could she hold onto her true self? Or would she, in that moment, become a madwoman consumed only by slaughter, no different from those she despised?

A single tear traced its way from the corner of Blueheart’s eye. Here, in the empty wilderness, she allowed herself the sorrow and vulnerability she could show nowhere else.

She crouched down, burying her face in her knees, sobbing quietly.

“Grandfather, what should I do?” she murmured. “I’m not sure I can hold on much longer. If I kill them, if hatred completely overtakes me, will I lose myself forever? Will I become just like them—a lunatic who knows nothing but hatred for other races and the lust for killing?”

“I don’t want this, but what choice do I have? In this endless cycle of slaughter, I’m losing myself.”

“Save me… please, save me…”

Her tears fell as if she were just an ordinary city girl—no trace of her former strength visible now.

In the Lan family residence, Xiayan received a communication from Gong Kui.

The moment Gong Kui’s voice came through, a torrent of scolding followed, in line with her usual manner.

“Xiayan, what’s wrong with you? Why did you make the new recruit cry?” Gong Kui protested. “What is it, are you dissatisfied with the new member and voted against her? But she’s quite the beauty, and her background is clean.”

Xiayan shook his head, still a bit dazed, but it was only natural that Gong Kui would intercede.

“What is it?” Xiayan did not beat around the bush.

“She’s lodged a complaint, what else? This Miss Nangong Yong is from the Nangong clan in District One—a family with a seat in the parliament, not to be underestimated.”

“What does that have to do with me? If she’s unhappy, transfer her to another squad,” Xiayan replied, unwilling to argue further.

“But she insists on joining your team! And you’re short-handed anyway!” Gong Kui snapped, “Her background is solid—I can vouch for it with my life. She’s a member of the Nangong family; she would never betray humanity.”

Gong Kui, perhaps fearing Xiayan would worry about another Qingxia situation, proactively explained.

“So?” Xiayan pressed.

“Let her join your team. Try working together for a few months. If you’re still not satisfied, you can transfer her then. Is that so hard?” Gong Kui was clearly frustrated.

Xiayan frowned but said nothing.

“What, you won’t even do this much for me?” Gong Kui’s anger flared. “After all we’ve been through—have you forgotten who helped you with those two million credits?”

She’d abandoned her tough approach and turned to pleading. Though the two million credits hadn’t been her personal funds, and the money hadn’t actually been paid, Xiayan didn’t want to dispute it.

“All right, have it your way,” Xiayan relented. “But I’ll only take part in Grade 4 mutant missions with the squad. I won’t collaborate on any others.”

“No problem,” Gong Kui agreed readily, a smile in her voice.

Xiayan ended the call, his expression troubled.

Out in the wilderness, the four members of the human third squad assembled, tasked with hunting a Grade 4 mutant.

This was their second assembly since the initiation test, and throughout, the aristocratic Nangong Yong cast Xiayan hostile looks.

The more you look down on me, Xiayan, the more I’ll surprise you, she vowed inwardly.

“Hold up, everyone,” Feng Qiang halted the group. “There’s someone ahead—looks like a Guardian squad.”

“A Guardian squad?” Nangong Yong frowned. “Are they from another race? Why would they appear at our target location?”

She gripped her sword, Polar Frost, in her right hand, her eyes icy, ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

Blueheart also drew her Midnight Sword, wariness in her eyes.

“Captain, intel on these missions is shared among the six major races of District Nine. Mistakes happen—it’s not that strange,” Xiayan interjected, sensing the team’s rising tension.

Normally, a Grade 4 mutant would only warrant a single squad, so neither side understood why two teams were present.

“Yes, that’s possible,” Feng Qiang nodded. “Let’s talk to them first.”

They advanced and soon encountered the other squad—five in total, one with an activated bloodline, wings folded warily as he watched Feng Qiang’s team.

“Human Third Squad—I am Godefer, captain of the Winged Fourth Squad. This was our mission first. I ask you to leave at once,” announced the broad-shouldered captain.

“And who says the mission is yours, you filthy alien?” Nangong Yong’s voice was ice-cold, her killing intent palpable.

Xiayan felt a chill—this woman was unhinged, her hatred for the other races at a fever pitch. At this rate, a fight was inevitable.

“Humans, don’t go too far,” Godefer retorted, though he tried to reason. “We arrived here an hour ago and merely wounded the Grade 4 mutant, which escaped. We’re in pursuit now.”

Feng Qiang was usually composed, but the sight of the Winged Ones made his restraint vanish. His daughter had died in an accident at the hands of a Winged One—no man could ignore such a thing.

“Who knows if you’re telling the truth?” Feng Qiang sneered.

“You’re the ones who should leave. The reward for this mission belongs to us,” Nangong Yong snapped.

“Don’t push it, humans!” Godefer gritted his teeth. “We arrived first, and the mission data hit our terminals first. You can verify it in the database—by Federation Law—”

“We don’t care about Federation Law. Strength decides everything,” Nangong Yong scoffed. “If you won’t leave, I’ll make you leave at sword point.”

The Winged Ones looked grim; they’d never met such unreasonable humans. Even if this escalated to a formal dispute, they were in the right.

Both sides seethed with hostility. Fanny, hiding in the rear, dared not step forward, but as she glanced into the distance, someone looked familiar.

“It’s Mr. Xiayan!”

At the rear of the Winged team, Fanny recognized him, exclaiming in surprise. She remembered she hadn’t properly thanked him last time and resolved to do so now.

“Mr. Xiayan,” Fanny greeted him, her pure-hearted manner unruffled by the tense atmosphere. She smiled and walked over.

Xiayan glanced at Fanny, surprised to see her among the Winged Fourth Squad.

At that moment, a blast of icy power surged from Polar Frost, a hailstorm rushing toward Fanny.

Nangong Yong’s killing intent erupted—she showed no mercy. If this struck, Fanny would likely die on the spot.

After all, Fanny was only a healer, with no combat ability.

“You lunatic! What are you doing?” Xiayan shouted, moving instantly to shield Fanny.

The icy power halted abruptly, but Nangong Yong’s face was twisted with rage, her murderous intent now focused on Xiayan.

“That woman came over to ambush us—she nearly got us killed!” Nangong Yong screamed. “Xiayan, you dare to shield a Winged One? Are you a traitor to humanity?”

“You’re insane!” Xiayan growled, still standing in front of Fanny.

She hadn’t expected the ruthless Xiayan from the Tribunal to protect an alien. It drove her nearly mad.

Did she join the Guardians in District Nine just to see a traitor betray them all?

“Xiayan, you traitor!” Nangong Yong spat through clenched teeth and swung her sword. Frost surged from the blade, engulfing both Xiayan and Fanny.

“Damn you, human!” roared Godefer, the Winged captain. He unfurled his wings, bloodline flaring, and rushed to rescue Fanny.

“Don’t come any closer! Don’t force me to act against you!” Blueheart could no longer suppress her rage. Her eyes turned blood-red.

She had been enduring, holding herself back—but now she was at her breaking point.

“Don’t… don’t come any closer!” Blueheart gritted her teeth so hard blood seeped from her lips. Gripping her Midnight Sword, she swung at Godefer.

“You damned Winged Ones, you will not harm my teammates!” Captain Feng Qiang, growing increasingly agitated, began to emit a faint golden light.

In that instant, the Human Third Squad went mad. Reason was lost; all that remained was the scent of slaughter. The battle was on the verge of exploding.

Xiayan cut through the icy blast, but what he saw left him stunned. Everyone in his squad—except himself—was acting strangely.

Why did they hate the other races so intensely? It was their first meeting.

Even if Nangong Yong was the instigator, Feng Qiang and Blueheart shouldn’t have been so affected.

A chill settled in Xiayan’s heart.