A loud shout echoed from outside. Shen Yue's ears twitched at the sudden noise, his expression shifting to one of irritation. He rose from the bed, and almost at the same time, Shen Yue's mother and his younger sister, Shen Ning, also stirred. Their gazes instinctively turned toward Shen Yue with worry.
Shen Yue gave a faint smile, his voice calm but firm.
It's nothing, Mother. You both can rest.
Without waiting for a reply, he stepped out toward the front gate. His face turned cold, his aura sharp like unsheathed steel.
Inwardly, his thoughts were racing.
After the performance I gave last time, who would still dare to provoke me in this slum? Could it be the Inspection Hall? No... From the memories I've inherited, I understand how this place works. If someone dies here, they won't act. To them, everyone in this area is nothing more than ants. And if some ants die, who cares?
His steps halted just before reaching the door.
There stood a crowd.
At least forty people had gathered, forming a loose formation. Twenty or so were cultivators at the fifth or higher level of the Blood Qi Realm. Eighteen were at the peak of Blood Qi. The final two stood out—they had already stepped into the first level of the Muscle Strengthening Realm.
A dark crown seemed to shadow Shen Yue's features. His fists clenched silently, and a fire lit in his eyes.
These people… they were puppets. Tools.
If I kill them here, I'll send a message. I'm not a soft target. And more importantly… the one behind this will feel the sting. The mastermind will know—he has my attention.
Behind him, Shen Yue's mother and Shen Ning had followed, their steps heavy with dread. Their eyes widened in horror as they beheld the group before them. Shen Ning's knees buckled, and their hearts pounded like war drums.
Fear turned their limbs cold.
Shen Yue, however, stood still as a mountain. He gazed at the attackers calmly. Despite their numbers, he could see the gloom in their eyes, the flickering signs of unwillingness. Many of them weren't here by choice—but there was also a dangerous confidence. When they saw their opponent was just a young man, that confidence sparked again.
That was their mistake.
Shen Yue didn't let fear or hesitation touch him. His leg shifted slightly, and the next moment, a low whistle sliced through the air.
His figure blurred.
Raging Wolf Wind Steps.
He moved like a lone predator on a blood hunt. A glint of silver flashed—the sword danced, singing a sharp, cold melody as it carved through air and flesh. The blade found the necks of those who underestimated him.
Screams tore through the silence. Agony flooded the narrow street.
Shen Yue moved like flowing shadow. Every step was a kill, precise and clean. The confidence in the attackers' eyes was rapidly replaced by horror and despair. Their formation collapsed like dry twigs before a storm.
When the last body fell, Shen Yue stood alone amidst a field of corpses.
He looked like a demon god summoned from an ancient battlefield. Yet not a single drop of blood stained his robes. Not even a crease marred his expression.
Shen Yue's mother and Shen Ning stared, frozen. Their eyes were wide, hearts clenched with fear and awe. Their breathing grew heavy—but amid their shock, a sense of safety settled in. A strange pride glimmered in their gaze.
Shen Yue turned toward a few nearby neighbors who had dared to peek at the scene. With a casual flick of his hand, he gestured for them to approach. Though they were mere commoners, their hearts ached under the weight of his presence. They had come to watch a spectacle—only to realize they stood in the presence of a monster.
Shen Yue didn't care for their trembling.
Clean this mess, he said coldly. If I see a single trace of blood by evening, you'll become the next corpses. No rewards, no mercy.
Without another word, he turned and walked back into the house. His mother and sister followed, still silent, still unsure how to speak.
Inside, the quiet stretched.
Shen Yue looked at them and sighed.
I only did what I had to. I'm protecting you. Why are you both silent?
Shen Ning opened her mouth to say something, but their mother raised her hand gently, silencing her.
Ning'er, go to the other room and study the books your brother gave you.
Without protest, Shen Ning nodded and quietly left.
When the door closed behind her, Shen Yue's mother stepped closer, her eyes soft but filled with depth.
You've grown up, my child. And that's good. It may be hard, but it's good for Ning'er too… this world doesn't forgive the weak.
Shen Yue didn't deny it. He smiled faintly but said nothing.
His mother looked at him, her eyes misted with memories. Then, with a heavy sigh, she spoke.
Do you want to hear what happened… why we ended up here?
Shen Yue nodded, his expression turning serious.
She sat down, her voice trembling at first.
When your father died… they took you away to the military. I remember standing there, unable to move. The world felt like it was collapsing. He had many enemies in outer city , and without him, we had nothing. No money. No allies.
Not long after you were taken… someone came to our home. They said they were from the Inspection Hall. They told me your father was dead. That this house now belonged to the government.
I tried to negotiate. I begged.
Her voice cracked, and her hands trembled slightly.
Then I heard a voice I will never forget. Lan Xue clenched her fists as fury flared in her eyes. There was a commander, Cao Jiang—the fourth young master of the Cao family. He said if I agreed to become his concubine, he would return the house. He would even take care of Shen Ning.
A look of utter disgust painted her face.
I refused. And with what little we had left, I brought Ning'er and came to the slums. I thought I could save money… survive quietly. But everywhere we went, we were blocked. It felt like we were being watched. Hunted.
I tried to work. I even learned to hunt. I went days without food just to feed Ning'er. But it was never enough. And every path… every effort… led nowhere.
Tears streamed down her face now.
I even tried reporting it. I contacted the military and the government. No one replied. No one dared help. That's when I understood… someone powerful was pulling the strings.
Then, just a few days ago… I ran into Cao Jiang again. He tried to force me to drink. He touched me in ways I… I can't say. I lost control. I spat in his face.
And after that, everything unraveled.
She lowered her head, the tears no longer held back.
Shen Yue's blood boiled beneath his skin. But his face remained calm. Quietly, he reached out and embraced her.
Don't worry, Mother. I know someone who can help me end this mess.
Lan Xue blinked in surprise. But she nodded slowly, her heart finally finding a shred of comfort in his presence.
You go rest. Leave everything to me. I'm going to practice now.
With those words, Shen Yue made his way outside. His expression hardened.
Far away from view, he contacted his clone through spiritual link. His voice was low and filled with icy intent.
You've gathered all the information?
The clone answered in a similar tone.
Yes, Master. Everything is ready. We hold all the strings.
Shen Yue's lips curved into a cold, bone-chilling smile.
Tonight will mark a turning point in Luoxing County.
The wind howled across the rooftops, heavy and fast, as if the heavens themselves were preparing for what was to come.
And beneath the stormy clouds, a devil was ready to awaken.