In a quiet command room, Xiahou Shaoxuan leaned back in his chair.
His face was dark as he stared at the sleeping Lian Qiguang on the virtual screen. Those cold, sharp eyes carried a rare softness and anticipation he himself did not notice.
Expectation for the future.
Expectation for home.
After a long silence, as if recalling something unpleasant, his expression darkened again.
He quietly muted the virtual screen and opened his light-brain.
“Second Uncle, it’s me, Shaoxuan. I need you to help me check on someone, and there’s something else I need you to handle.”
……
Wife.
With me guarding your path, I’d like to see who dares touch you.
—
(The next day)
Inside the dean’s office, Lian Qiguang sat on the sofa, head lowered, staring blankly at the floor.
In his mind, Xiahou Shaoxuan’s face kept repeating.
One face. Two faces. Three faces…
Mm.
Want to go find him.
“Lian Qiguang!”
Dean Qing Murong gritted his teeth, trying very hard not to flip the table or grab this kid’s head and shake it.
He slammed the desk and glared.
Lian Qiguang snapped back to attention, expression unchanged, looking at him blankly.
Qing Murong covered his face internally.
The older Xiahou family member was full of schemes, and the younger one was a walking disaster. The whole Xiahou family—big or small—none of them were easy to deal with. All of them were trouble.
“Lian Qiguang! I’ll ask you one last time—what exactly is going on with your ability?!”
He released full pressure.
Lian Qiguang calmly looked at him, then absentmindedly scratched his nose.
“Wood-type ability. Void rank.”
Thud!
Qing Murong’s hand slipped off the table and he face-planted onto the floor.
Lian Qiguang looked up at the ceiling, continuing to think about Xiahou Shaoxuan’s face.
Qing Murong slowly climbed up, gritting his teeth.
Damn it.
When Lian Qiguang first arrived, he had seen his wood-type ability—he had assumed it was at most Human rank.
But now—
Void rank?!
Sixteen years old?!
This level of monster talent was almost catching up to Xiahou Shaoxuan.
But something wasn’t right.
Xiahou Ze had sent this kid over without even mentioning whether he had abilities at all.
Void rank.
Wood-type.
Sixteen years old.
Too abnormal.
Qing Murong narrowed his eyes.
If this was true… then why would Xiahou Ze place him in the Third District?
Unless…
A thought flashed through his mind.
Everything suddenly made sense.
A genius forced to disguise himself as a waste to survive.
Otherwise, he would have been taken to those hellish laboratories long ago.
Yes.
That must be it.
Qing Murong nodded firmly to himself, as if he had solved the world’s greatest mystery.
He looked at Lian Qiguang again, and suddenly felt a bit emotional.
What a pitiful child.
Born with such talent, yet forced to live as trash for so many years.
So strong-willed.
“So, Little Guang,” Qing Murong softened his tone, “you’ve suffered all these years.”
“……”
“But don’t worry. From now on, no one will hurt you.”
“……”
“As long as I’m here, whoever dares touch you, I’ll crush them.”
He made a fierce chopping motion.
“……”
Lian Qiguang silently looked up at the ceiling again.
This person is sick.
“Little Guang,” Qing Murong continued warmly, “with your ability level… are you sure you still want to stay in the Rescue Department?”
“Mm.” Lian Qiguang nodded expressionlessly.
Qing Murong was moved to tears.
What a loyal and principled child.
“Alright then.” He waved his hand tearfully. “Go ahead.”
“The Qi Ying incident has already been handled. You don’t need to worry.”
“The Xiahou family’s Second Master personally came to the Third District and resolved it overnight.”
“Clean, fast, ruthless.”
Qing Murong sighed.
Having backing really is convenient.
Lian Qiguang paused, then turned to leave.
At the door, he stopped.
“Dean.”
Qing Murong looked up, still emotional.
“Take some medicine when you have time.”
Qing Murong: “……”
After Lian Qiguang left, the dean burst into even louder tears.
“What a good kid… even caring about my headaches…”
Outside the office, Lian Qiguang walked out, then couldn’t help but shiver.
He looked up at the blazing sun.
Then tightened his collar.
Expressionless, he walked faster.