Chapter 33: Ding Yumian

In this setting, a girl stood, her delicate oval face unforgettable, her appearance stunning, easily the most beautiful in the academy. Her eyes, pure and immaculate, sparkled like stars, yet held a trace of sorrow that evoked a desire to protect her. She had fair skin, a slim figure, and a fragile demeanor that aroused a protective instinct in men.

In front of her was a handsome man. He wore a black leather outfit with a high-collared cloak that covered half of his face. His pale complexion and cold expression gave an impression of being cold-blooded at first glance.

«Who are you? Why did you bring me here?» The girl looked at the man calmly, as if she had no fear of him doing anything harmful to her.

«Honorable Miss Ding Yumian, I am from the Nie family. My name is Nie Yuanxing. I invited Miss Ding here to ask her to join our family and become one of us.»

«Miss Ding has extraordinary talent in the mental arts, and we have investigated your past. We discovered that you have lacked familial love, so we want to invite you to join our family. We believe you will find the warmth of a family with us.»

Nie Yuanxing spoke politely and gentlemanly. If it weren't for the environment, others might truly believe he was a gentleman.

«Sorry, I am not interested in joining your family. Please do not come looking for me again.»

When family was mentioned, Ding Yumian's body trembled, but her willpower was strong. She quickly steadied herself and resumed her calm and indifferent expression, speaking coldly. After speaking, she turned and walked away without hesitation.

«Miss Ding, your answer puts me in a difficult position. The family has instructed that no matter what, we must have you join our family today. If not, we will not hesitate to take measures that might harm our family relationships.»

Seeing Ding Yumian's uncooperative attitude, Nie Yuanxing's face darkened. Gone was the gentlemanly demeanor. He flashed in front of Ding Yumian, blocking her path. Such speed, purely physical, without a trace of magic, was beyond what an ordinary mage could achieve below the advanced level.

«I've said, I won't join your family. Give up on that idea.»

Ding Yumian's tone remained firm, her voice cold and indifferent, as if her decision was final and unchangeable.

«If that's the case, don't blame me. Once you become my subordinate, you will have no choice but to join our family.»

As Nie Yuanxing spoke, his face twisted. He opened his mouth, revealing two sharp fangs that extended, his nails grew long, tearing through his gloves. A pair of black, bat-like wings burst through his clothes and cloak. This appearance clearly marked him as a member of the Blood Tribe!

«What kind of demon are you? How dare you appear in a human city? Aren't you afraid of being captured by human mages?»

Ding Yumian was stunned by Nie Yuanxing's transformation. In her mind, humans couldn't become like this. If not human, then a demon. But how could demons disguise themselves as humans and live among them? There seemed to be much she didn't know.

«Heh, we live among humans, mingling in the crowd. Despite this, we've existed for thousands of years, growing ever closer to humans. As for being captured by human mages, that's even less likely. Until we reveal ourselves, who knows if we are human or demon?»

«Moreover, we are not demons. We are the Blood Tribe, a race born from humans, superior to humans. So, once again, I invite you, Miss Ding Yumian, to join us. Once you become one of us, you will gain supreme power, eternal life, and freedom from the constraints of human mortality.»

Nie Yuanxing, seeing Ding Yumian's calm expression finally change, felt a surge of pride. He elaborated on the greatness of his race, extolling the virtues of the Blood Tribe, hoping to persuade Ding Yumian.

«If your so-called family consists of demons like you, I'd rather die than become a monster like you.»

Ding Yumian remained resolute, rejecting him without hesitation, showing no respect to Nie Yuanxing. Despite being only a novice mage, she showed no fear, maintaining her calm demeanor, as if nothing in the world could move her.

«Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit. Once you become my subordinate, I doubt you can maintain this calm.»

Nie Yuanxing, angered by Ding Yumian's unchanging expression, lunged at her.

Seeing this, Ding Yumian's heart chilled. She prepared to unleash her hidden power, knowing that if she did, her efforts to suppress it would be in vain. But she couldn't care about that now. If caught, she would become a monster, something she couldn't accept.

Just as Nie Yuanxing was about to grab Ding Yumian and she was about to unleash her power, a voice rang out.

«Mental Control — Phantom Claw.»

A silver-white claw appeared behind Nie Yuanxing, grabbing him and throwing him away.

Ding Yumian suppressed the power within her and looked in the direction of the magic. She saw a handsome, tall, and sunny boy, whose presence shone even in the dark surroundings. He walked quickly to her side, like a heroic knight, bringing a touch of warmth to her long-frozen heart.

While keeping an eye on the thrown Nie Yuanxing, Qin Chen asked with concern, «Miss, are you alright?»

«I'm fine, thank you.»

Ding Yumian responded with gratitude, though her tone remained calm. Despite feeling thankful, her long-standing habits made it hard for her to express her emotions fully.

(End of Chapter)