Han Jiao and Wen Renxi were dressed similarly, in practical athletic wear. The only difference was the absence of a butcher knife at Han Jiao’s waist.

Night had fallen completely, and Hu’s residence was quiet. Most people were out searching for Zaoya. Wen Renxi and Han Jiao exchanged glances, then slipped out of the room.

“Guests, where are you going?”

A servant employed by the Hu family approached, his gaze sweeping over the two girls, assessing them.

“We heard everyone’s searching for the bride. Since we’re staying here, we thought we should help. We couldn’t sleep anyway,” Han Jiao said casually. Wen Renxi stood beside her, appearing to cede control.

She couldn’t track Zaoya herself, after all.

“Thank you, kind guests. But it’s dangerous at night. Please don’t wander alone.”

More veiled warnings.

Han Jiao frowned, a hint of irritation.

“We know.”

Wen Renxi and Han Jiao walked a few steps, then Wen Renxi suddenly turned back, smiled at the servant, and continued on.

Merchandise.

The way he looked at them wasn’t like looking at guests. It was like looking at merchandise.

If they couldn’t find Zaoya, they’d likely find another bride.

Once out of sight, Han Jiao pulled out a palm-sized compass. The needle trembled, and she beamed.

“Quick! We need to find Zaoya!”

They couldn’t let anyone beat them to it.

Wen Renxi had no objections.

It was mid-month, with clear skies. The stars were dim in the moonlight, and the large moon made visibility better.

Useful for finding someone.

Shangyang Village was small. Han Jiao led, with Wen Renxi behind, moving away from the houses.

As they left the residential area, Wen Renxi’s hand moved to her knife hilt. She looked relaxed, but her knife would be out at the first sign of trouble.

Han Jiao rubbed her arms. Despite the summer heat and her long sleeves, she felt cold and scared.

When scared, people often talk to prove they’re not alone. So, Han Jiao spoke.

“What happens to Zaoya after we take her back to the Hu family?”

“You really don’t know?”

Wen Renxi wasn’t interested in discussing Zaoya’s fate.

She’d rather get intel from Han Jiao.

“…This shitty world!” Han Jiao stammered, then cursed softly.

Before she could say more, Wen Renxi abruptly pulled her aside and slashed her knife to Han Jiao’s right.

A human-like yet animalistic howl echoed. Wen Renxi twisted her wrist, the knife slicing through, severing the creature’s head.

The howl stopped.

Wen Renxi wiped the blood off her knife and sheathed it, turning to Han Jiao, whose legs wobbled.

Han Jiao had been distracted. Without Wen Renxi’s warning, the creature would have bitten her head off.

She hadn’t even had time to use her life-saving items.

Realizing she’d narrowly avoided death, her heart pounded, and cold sweat broke out.

“…Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. I charge a fee.”

Han Jiao: “…”

Her gratitude vanished, replaced by reluctance. She grudgingly handed over an item.

Wen Renxi took it.

Checking if I can use their items.

Done, she walked away, examining the headless creature in the moonlight.

It resembled a wolf, but its cry was different. Some mountain beast?

Wen Renxi memorized its appearance, then continued with Han Jiao.

Despite the “fee,” Wen Renxi’s help had an effect. Han Jiao felt closer to her.

She’d still betray her, of course. But she was less wary.

As they continued, Han Jiao became more alert.

After Wen Renxi killed the sixth beast, they reached Zaoya’s vicinity.

“About five hundred meters to the right,” Han Jiao said.

Wen Renxi glanced at her. They moved simultaneously.

Han Jiao whipped out a whip that snaked towards Wen Renxi. Wen Renxi leaned back, dodging, one hand gripping the knife, the other grabbing the whip.

It was a powerful item. It coiled around her arm, trying to bind her. Wen Renxi pulled, sending Han Jiao stumbling forward.

Han Jiao couldn’t regain her balance.

Wen Renxi hit her on the head with the flat of the blade, then kicked her in the stomach. Han Jiao gasped in pain. Wen Renxi held the knife to her shoulder.

Han Jiao: “…”

She knew Wen Renxi was fierce, but she didn’t expect to lose in one move. The knife at her throat sent shivers down her spine.

“We’ve only found her. How do you know you can take her back without being intercepted?” Wen Renxi said steadily.

“So, want to work together? Deliver her to Hu?”

Han Jiao caved, nodding quickly.

And… Wen Renxi was right.

Han Jiao’s only advantage was her items. She was no match for the others.

If they waited at Hu’s gate, she couldn’t protect Zaoya.

“…Fine. I was out of line.”

The whip vanished. Han Jiao showed her sincerity. Wen Renxi withdrew her knife, but kept it in her hand.

Han Jiao glanced at it, but said nothing.

Wen Renxi ignored Han Jiao’s sore stomach and led the way.

Right?

A lie. Zaoya was ahead, about a thousand meters away.

They soon found her, hiding in bushes.

Zaoya was still in her white gown, visible in the dark. She looked terrified.

A beautiful girl.

No wonder Hu wanted her for his son. It was a curse for Zaoya.

As for the villagers’ envy? Was it for Zaoya’s fate, or her family’s? They might not be so envious if it was them.

There was blood.

Zaoya was injured.

“I mean no harm. You’re hurt. Can I treat your wounds?” Knowing Zaoya was scared, Wen Renxi approached slowly, hands raised.

She forgot she still held the knife.

Zaoya shrank back, trying to flee. The gown hampered her, and she fell.

Wen Renxi closed the distance, holding her shoulder.

She couldn’t let her escape. She wouldn’t be safe.

“I won’t go back! I’ll die! I don’t want to marry a dead man…”

“It’s not safe here. They’ll find us. We need to move.”

They were close to the village. Villagers and players could find them.

Zaoya, sheltered and naive, was hopeful.

“…You’ll really help me?”

“Yes, we’re here to help. We can’t let them see us,” Han Jiao said, looking away, avoiding Zaoya’s eyes.

She was lying.

Lying to a helpless girl, to take her back.

“It’s illegal,” Wen Renxi said, comforting Zaoya. She and Han Jiao exchanged glances and helped Zaoya up.

Zaoya knew a cave where she wanted to hide, surviving on berries, until she could leave. It was too dangerous to go there at night, so she hid nearby.

Han Jiao knew they couldn’t return yet. Other players would see them.

Before seeing Zaoya, Wen Renxi had said she left something at Hu’s gate, to monitor it. They couldn’t return.

Han Jiao, thinking Wen Renxi was a player, believed her.

Strange bird calls echoed, like monsters laughing. Zaoya and Han Jiao were scared. Wen Renxi supported Zaoya and comforted Han Jiao.

Wen Renxi: “…”

Sigh.

The cave was too far, and Zaoya was hurt, so they stopped at a hidden spot.

Helping Zaoya sit, Wen Renxi was about to treat her wounds when she froze, turning around. Han Jiao stood beside her, shielding Zaoya.

“Didn’t expect you two to get here first,” Huang Pingyu said, looking surprised. “She’s hurt. I’ll carry her. You two can follow. How about it?”

Wen Renxi sneered, pointing her knife. “Try and take her.”