MingHao

"I doubt I'll use it. Why not just wait until your method is perfected?" Emily examined the storage ring, rolling it between her fingers. Then, she looked at Alex, raising a brow. "If it's just to use this ring, wouldn't the storage cube be better?"

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course not. The storage ring is bonded to your soul. I still can't replicate that in the storage cube." He tapped the cube lightly. "This? Anyone can access it. It's not that safe. You should know by now—even passwords and biometrics can be cracked."

Emily frowned. "Then why did you give me the cube?"

Alex's grin widened. "For promotion, obviously. Who better to showcase our product than a hunter?"

Emily's eye twitched. For a moment, she seriously considered throwing the cube straight at his face. 'Couldn't he have just said that from the start!?' She clenched her fist, mentally cursing him before sighing.

***

Meanwhile, in Another World MingYue remained at the same inn, carefully altering her strategy. Instead of moving recklessly, she had Zan Lu and the rest of her entourage gathering information and recruiting for her sect.

The situation in Da Ying City remained unchanged. The Xueqi Family had locked down the area, but so far, there were no major movements. She only saw their patrols every few hours—nothing more. Then—KNOCK. KNOCK. A voice came from the other side of the door. "Miss, Mr. Jianfeng is here. He brought a child with him."

MingYue exhaled. "Finally…" she muttered under her breath. Then, she raised her voice. "Bring them to the reception room." Since deciding to stay longer in the city, MingYue had outright purchased the inn and given all the employees a break. Now, only her people were here. She wasn't worried about her family finding out— The Xueqi Family didn't care about commoners as long as they paid taxes.

Jianfeng had already been informed that she was safe and recuperating. Of course, she had hidden the truth. If the Xueqi Family ever suspected something, they wouldn't bother asking questions— They would simply search his memories and come straight here. But that wasn't why she did it. Not really. If she was being honest— It just felt awkward. Jianfeng had knelt before her countless times, pleading for her to take care of MingYue— Who was her. She rubbed her temples in frustration. 'Why do people in novels enjoy pretending to be some mysterious powerhouse? This is annoying as hell.' She wouldn't have hidden her identity if she had known things would get this complicated.

Now, she didn't even know how to tell Jianfeng the truth. It was ironic. She used to hate him. And yet— Despite everything— It would be a lie to say she wasn't touched by his concern. When her entire family abandoned her, he had remained.

***

Reception Room

The room was simple—rows of wooden chairs lined up neatly. Jianfeng stood near the entrance, his posture rigid, formal. Beside him, a young boy stood quietly. He had short black hair and amber eyes. MingYue's gaze softened slightly. It was time.

Anyone who saw the boy would know instantly—he was related to MingYue. The resemblance was undeniable. MingHao's amber eyes burned with hope as he turned to Jianfeng. "Uncle, is it true? Is Sis… still alive?"

Jianfeng gave a firm nod. "Yes. But listen carefully— You will show respect to the lady. Do not speak unless spoken to. Her life is in her hands."

Before he could say more, the door opened. MingYue stepped inside, still wearing her disguise. The moment she entered— MingHao's eyes widened. For a second, he looked ready to run to her. But Jianfeng's grip tightened on his shoulder. His voice dropped to a whisper. "Where are your manners?"

MingHao swallowed hard, wanting to say something But before he could, MingYue spoke first. "Leave us, Jianfeng."

Jianfeng hesitated. But there was no reason for her to ask this if she intended to harm MingHao. After a long pause, he reluctantly bowed and stepped away. But not before giving one final warning. "Behave yourself." The door closed.

Now, they were alone. Silence stretched between them. MingHao stared at her, thoughts swirling in his head. Despite his young age, he wasn't stupid. He knew his sister's personality. His voice came out in a whisper. "Sis… Why are you doing this? Does the family really want you dead?"

From the moment she walked in, he could feel it— A connection, something deep, something he would never feel with anyone else. MingYue met his gaze, and for the first time in a long while— She smirked. Her rosy lips curled upward. "You've grown taller, brat."

MingHao froze. That tone—those words— Tears threatened to spill. The last time he saw her, he had only barely reached her waist. Now, he stood at her elbow. But it wasn't the height difference that mattered. It was her calling him a brat. Because only she would say that His hands clenched the fabric of his clothes. His uncle's words echoed in his mind— "Men shouldn't cry." So he bit his lip, forced himself to hold back. His voice was small, strained. "I'm sorry, Sis. I shouldn't have disturbed you when you were practicing. I just… wanted to play with you." His head lowered. "But I get it now. I was just a hassle. I was disrupting your practice."

MingYue chuckled. "Come here." MingHao's head shot up. Then— He nodded and slowly walked toward her. He wasn't sure why he was suddenly so obedient. Maybe because, deep down, he was afraid she would vanish again. When he was just an arm's length away, he stopped. His voice wavered.

"Did you think I died too?" MingYue's smirk faded.

"Everyone did… Even your talisman broke." His hands tightened into fists. Then he lifted his head, eyes searching hers. "You're really my sister, right?"

MingYue tilted her head. "Why do you think I am?"

MingHao didn't even hesitate. "Because only she would call me a brat. And… I just know." He paused. Then, his voice turned serious. "What happened after you left, Sis? Mom started acting weird. Dad too."

MingYue pinched his cheek. Not gently. "You brat—since when did you start acting so mature?"

MingHao grimaced, his cheek reddening from the pinch. But despite the pain,He smiled.