With a HISSING sound, a foul-smelling smoke rose from the alleyway.

It was as if sulfuric acid had been poured over flesh; the bloody wounds rapidly necrotized and underwent Metamorphosis, but then, they were cruelly forced back together by some brutal power, healing as if new.

Yet, on the smooth thigh remained a ghastly scar.

The intense pain lingered, contorting Lin Yu's face with torment, causing her to involuntarily tilt her head back while suppressing moans of agony from her throat.

Her eyes, now overtaken by madness, were threaded with blood.

In the midst of extreme pain, the Potion Bottle in her hand cracked, nearly crushed by her grip.

After a long, long while, she slowly relaxed, leaning against the wall and gasping heavily.

"Damn Yin's family, damn mongrels, and that damn son of a bitch Yuan Zhao..."

She gritted her teeth, snapping off the bothersome 'Ring of Restraint' on her wrist.

The unbridled malice and rage, a Dark Basicity that no creature of the Abyss Horde could compare to, rose from her Soul, dyeing its already murky hue an even deeper pitch black.

But she was ecstatic about it.

Seeing the Crow Flock rising in the distance, she revealed a mocking, cold smile. I've finally escaped! That mongrel couldn't kill me!

This killing intent directed at me and the hatred in my heart will only, after settling, become fodder for my advancement into a Snake... I will only grow stronger!

Once I get out of here, I'll use all my Power to make that despicable bastard pay.

Not just for his arrogance when he snatched my advancement materials during the Chef Demon contest, but also for the humiliation I've suffered this time—he will repay it a thousand-fold!

She steadied herself against the wall and staggered out of the alley, moving forward in a wretched state.

Just one last stretch and she would be safe.

After escaping, she hadn't bothered hiding nearby. Instead, she directly called a taxi from Xiematai, using the fastest method to flee through most of the city district.

Regrettably, the taxi could only take her this far and refused to go any further.

At the end of the street, a tiny fox lay atop a streetlight, illusion-like with its translucent, small body, lazily grooming its fur.

Hearing the sounds, it lifted its eyes, gazing at the newcomer.

Indifferent and detached.

But Lin Yu couldn't help laughing, a sharp and triumphant sound, as she hastened forward.

"Take me inside."

She raised the badge of the Social Security Bureau in her hand and said loudly, "I am Lin Yu. Take me to see Ye Xueya immediately."

The little fox on the streetlight didn't move, gazing at her silently. It neither spoke nor refused, instead allowing her to proceed, cross the boundary, and enter the Ginza District, which had been fortified like a stronghold.

After a while, it indifferently withdrew its gaze and closed its eyes to continue napping.

Lin Yu's smile gradually stiffened.

She stumbled forward, but no matter how hard she tried, she remained on the same street, unable to escape the cyclic scenery even when sprinting with all her might.

The tall wall was tantalizingly close, yet no matter what, she couldn't draw nearer.

Ten meters felt as distant as the Sky Gorge.

Finally, she looked up and saw the woman sitting on the edge of the high wall. Understanding dawned, and her face twisted.

"Ye Xueya! What are you trying to do?!"

Ye Xueya seemed not to hear. She was listening to music with headphones on, smoking a cigarette. Beside her on the high wall was a thick pile of comic books. After finishing "Mountain Bandit King," she was engrossed in "Barbarian King Detective Conan," absorbed in the plot and clicking her tongue in appreciation.

Only after leisurely finishing the last chapter did she close the comic book, lift her eyes to look at Lin Yu not far below, and raise an eyebrow slightly.

"Hmm? This is quite the rare visitor."

She grinned, taking a drag from her cigarette, and studied Lin Yu's face before smiling. "Second Miss, you've taken such good care of my little brother, haven't you?"

"Ye Xueya, are you trying to settle a personal score?!"

Lin Yu's expression twitched, turning unsightly. "Our Lin family is, after all, part of the Dongxia Genealogy! Is your Social Security Bureau just going to watch me get killed?"

"Although I would indeed love to see you killed, you've got one thing wrong."

Ye Xueya smiled and lifted a finger, wagging it. "The one who wants to see you die isn't the Social Security Bureau, but 'me.' Understand?"

She contemptuously flicked her cigarette butt down. It landed at Lin Yu's feet, sending up a spark.

"For Uncle Lin's sake, who looked after me at the Border, I won't kill you." She shook her head mockingly. "Second Miss, you'd best look for refuge elsewhere."

Lin Yu gritted her teeth, her expression shifting. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she said nothing. She just turned and staggered away.

"Oh, and one more thing..."

Ye Xueya suddenly raised her voice, asking curiously, "You haven't forgotten this game is being live-streamed, right?"

When Lin Yu turned around with a sullen face, she saw Ye Xueya's schadenfreude-filled smile. "Those words you said about Yuan Zhao? They might have already gotten out... That Little Brag's uncle has quite the temper, you know. You'd better be careful."

Lin Yu's expression grew even more unsightly. She gave Ye Xueya a dark look but didn't utter any pathetic platitudes about repaying today's supposed blessing with great rewards in the future. She just swallowed this humiliation and turned to leave, staggering away.

It wasn't long before she vanished at the end of the street.

"TSK, she saw through it, huh?"

Ye Xueya shrugged with regret. "I thought I could delay her for a bit, but she left so quickly. Missed a good show."

She lowered her head, continuing to immerse herself in the plot of Barbarian King Detective Conan wreaking havoc at the distillery.

Soon, a deep rumble echoed from the distance. Countless pitch-black flying birds covered the sky. Beneath the black clouds, a racing White Horse came to a sudden halt before the high walls.

On horseback, Huai Shi glanced around. His gaze finally settled on the familiar-looking Sublimator on the wall. He quickly remembered the woman who had fought with him for the Dark Gold Level Items in the elevator, and a look of realization crossed his face.

"Ye Xueya?"

"Yes, it's me." Ye Xueya appraised him, nodding in admiration. "Haven't seen you for a few days, and you've really shaped up, young man!"

Huai Shi didn't reply, simply raising his hand and tossing a Trident and a package towards her.

"These are Yuan Zhao's. He asked me to give them to you."

Ye Xueya beckoned with her finger, and the items flew up, landing beside the comics next to her. After glancing down at them, she couldn't help but shake her head.

"That kid is stubborn, awkward, likes to play the Hero, and is too set in his ways. Thanks for looking after him these past few days."

"He saved me," Huai Shi looked up, telling her seriously. "At the final moment, he turned the tide!"

Ye Xueya raised an eyebrow slightly, as if surprised, then soon broke into a gratified smile.

That Little Brag, he's made quite a decent friend...

"She headed that way."

Ye Xueya raised her finger, pointing. "Out this way and then southwest, probably towards the Shiodome area. Her mother's family has some connections with Shinra; she's likely heading towards the Seven Star Group now, right?"

After a pause, she revealed a wretchedly mocking smile.

"Too bad, she's too late."

She exclaimed with schadenfreude, "Twenty minutes ago, Xiao Xian killed everyone from the Seven Star Group. How tragic... Say, are you confident you can beat your senior sister?"

Huai Shi paused, stumped by the question, and shook his head helplessly. "Hard to say... Anyway, thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Ye Xueya waved goodbye. "Safe travels."

"Alright."

Huai Shi turned his horse and galloped towards Shiodome. Countless Ravens took flight, forming a black cloud, guiding the White Horse forward as if escorted by a thousand troops.

Ye Xueya quietly watched his departing figure, rubbing her fingers together, trying to suppress the unbearable itch in her heart. It's a pity... If only we had met at the Border. If I could encounter such an excellent opponent in a different place, we could definitely have a thrilling fight, couldn't we?

She sighed with regret, then called out loudly to Huai Shi, "Ah, by the way, remember to come by later when you have time! I have something to discuss with you!"

Huai Shi rode off without looking back, whether he heard her or not, unknown.

Amidst the rapid drive, the pitch-black Hearse suddenly slammed on its brakes, screeching to a halt by the side of the road, nearly throwing Lin Yu, who was in the passenger seat venomously uttering Curses, out of her seat.

"What's going on?!"

She looked back furiously, glaring at the driver. The street was clearly empty; there was no need for such an abrupt stop. "I told you, I'm in a hurry!"

"Apologies, guest."

The driver, wearing sunglasses, turned his head stiffly, his tone wooden. "We've just received a notice from headquarters. We regret to inform you that our service to you is temporarily suspended. You need to exit the vehicle."

"Why?!"

Lin Yu was infuriated. "I paid!"

"We will compensate you tenfold for your payment."

The Hearse driver monotonously announced the notice from headquarters: "Due to your public assault on a distinguished honorary citizen and the subsequent destruction of Ueno Park, one of Xiematai's prides, which has caused an extremely negative impact.

Following a meeting and deliberation, the Municipal Administration, Little Cat Paradise, and the Monastic Fellowship have jointly issued an expulsion order against you. The expulsion order will take effect in twelve hours.

Effective immediately, all public services in Xiematai will cease to be available to you, including but not limited to: taxis, dining, accommodation, and supply stores..."

No one was left in the empty carriage to hear the rest.

Before he had even finished speaking, Lin Yu had already pushed open the car door and staggered away.

She gritted her teeth in fury, running disheveled through the streets, her nails digging into her palms in humiliation. This cursed, godforsaken place… even a bunch of Border Variants, destined to live under someone else's roof, dare to be so unappreciative!

In the dead silence, the sharp cawing of Ravens suddenly pierced the air.

When she whirled around abruptly, she glimpsed black flying birds perched on the rooftop, their crimson eyes reflecting her pale face. Unbeknownst to her, countless Ravens had already settled atop the roofs, like an audience punctually taking their seats, quietly bowing their heads to watch.

Their eyes were savage and cruel.

Waiting for the grand show to begin.

The CLATTER of iron hooves on the earth, like the beating of war drums, sounded from afar.

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