We Are Screwed

A stark contrast fell between Eligma and Aurora Country, like two worlds caught on opposite ends of time. While it was still bright the elves' home, Aurora was already swallowed by night. Its moon seemed unusually bright, bathing the forests and farmlands in pale silver. But for every stretch of Aurora's wilderness teeming with nocturnal life, one place stood oddly quiet—Moon Lake Forest.

An unnatural hush lay over the valley, as though some invisible hand had pressed a finger to nature's mouth. The Spirit Beasts, which should have been rousing for their dusk hunts, instead cowered in their dens. Sharp instincts warned them of lethal presences circling overhead like predatory shadows. And indeed, those silhouettes were Xiao Family experts from the Central Region, patrolling the canopy and the forest floor, scanning every nook and hollow with their powerful Spirit Awareness. No beast dared risk incurring their wrath.

It was under this tense vigilance that two men scurried through the darkness. One was Liu Xiaobei, leader of the Liu Clan and father to Liu Xuefeng; the other was Senior Wang, a wizened figure with an uncanny knack for evasion. Time and again, they ducked behind thick tree trunks or sank into the undergrowth, letting the swirling glimmer of Spirit Qi overhead pass them by.

Eventually, Liu Xiaobei's patience frayed. "Why on earth are the Xiao Family's experts blocking off the entire Moon Lake Forest?" he whispered, exasperation carving lines across his face. They had already hidden themselves five times, and the stress was telling.

Senior Wang stroked his short mustache thoughtfully. "Perhaps it has something to do with the young mistress Xiao Wen. I've learned from discreet inquiries that it was Manager Wu who arranged for Xuefeng to team with her for a mission. Then, the next thing we know, the Central Region Xiao Family appears, locking down the forest… It could be about that rumored talent-increasing technique Xuefeng has. Or maybe they're simply here to recruit him."

Liu Xiaobei's gut twisted with dread. "If that's their aim, we can guess they want Xuefeng's unique ability. But we can't confirm anything from out here." Another swirl of Qi glowed overhead, forcing them to melt into the shadows of a broken oak. A moment later, a masked cultivator glided past, scanning the terrain.

When the aura vanished, Senior Wang reappeared, brows furrowed. "We won't get any closer by sneaking. If we remain invisible but keep moving, they'll spot subtle signs eventually—broken twigs, footprints. Our best chance might be walking in openly under the Liu Clan name. If they recall Xuefeng, they might let us pass without trouble."

Liu Xiaobei hesitated, then gave a curt nod. "Yes. Let's try the direct approach. I'd rather not spend half the night scuttling around while Xuefeng could be in danger."

They both relaxed their Spirit Qi suppression. Instantly, multiple pinpoints of light flared in the sky—five Xiao Family experts descended in a swirl of energy. Sensing the significant power level Senior Wang radiated, they refrained from overt hostility, though the tension in their postures was plain.

One masked man stepped forward, voice measured yet firm: "The valley is sealed. We're handling urgent business on behalf of the Xiao Family. State your purpose."

Senior Wang bowed respectfully, gesturing to Liu Xiaobei. "We come from the Liu Clan. This is our clan leader, father of Liu Xuefeng. I believe Xuefeng entered the forest alongside Miss Xiao Wen, also known as the Princess of your clan. We only want to ensure his safety."

The mention of Xiao Wen made the masked man exchange glances with his comrades. At length, he plucked out a small signaling crystal. After a pulse of Spirit Qi, the gem sparked with a faint voice that rasped, "Yes?"

"Two men request entry," the masked man said, eyes never leaving the pair. "They claim ties with the Liu Clan, specifically father of Liu Xuefeng. Do you acknowledge them?"

A brief pause followed, then a disembodied woman's voice: "… Bring them to the camp." The connection cut.

"Follow me," the masked man said curtly, stowing the crystal away and lifting off in a graceful leap. Senior Wang enveloped Liu Xiaobei with flight assistance, and they soared after him toward the waterfall. The scene they arrived at was drastically different from the last time Xuefeng's party was here.

Several trees had been felled to create an open space, and a sprawling temporary structure—a mansion-sized Spirit House—stood by the water's edge. A shimmering Formation Barrier encased it, wards glowing in the darkness like ghostly lanterns. Meanwhile, the waterfall pool was marred by an ominous opening: a wide tunnel leading under the water, flickering with unnatural light. As Liu Xiaobei watched, two black-robed cultivators shot out of that passage like cannonballs, propelled by a burst of bright radiance. They struck the earth with audible grunts, rose, and stomped away in frustration.

Unfazed, the escort flashed a small jade token to the Formation Barrier, creating a gap just large enough for them to pass inside. They touched down on soft grass near the grand tent. The masked man slipped in to announce their arrival, reemerging seconds later. "You may enter."

The interior was surprisingly lavish, featuring multiple curtained rooms, a small study filled with magical scrolls, and even a bath chamber partitioned by tall screens. In the main lounge, laid out on a plush sofa, lounged Xiao Wen, red hair spilling over her shoulders like flames. Several black-robed guards stood watch around her, one feeding her grapes from a silver bowl.

Liu Xiaobei wasted no time. "Miss Xiao," he greeted, bowing. "I'm Liu Xuefeng's father. Has something happened to my son?"

Xiao Wen popped another grape into her mouth, her posture languid. "He got dragged into some underwater passage and we lost contact with him," she summarized coolly, as though remarking on the weather. "We've tried to breach it, but no luck so far. He's not in immediate danger, so you don't need to worry."

Liu Xiaobei exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "So he's alive… Good." He gave her a searching look. "But how do you know he's safe? You don't seem worried."

Her lips curved into a smug smile. "I trust my father's intel. I got word from him recently. He said Xuefeng will be fine and should come out on his own eventually. Father's on his way here now. You're welcome to stay until he arrives tomorrow."

Liu Xiaobei's gaze flicked to Senior Wang. Some unspoken message passed between them, a mutual dread that only deepened with the next words from Xiao Wen.

"And my father," she continued offhandedly, popping another grape between her lush lips, "is Xiao Feng, leader of the Xiao Family in the Central Region."

At that, Senior Wang and Liu Xiaobei betrayed only the faintest shift in expression, but inside, they both cursed violently. We're screwed…

***

Far from Aurora's borders, beyond the formidable barrier guarding the Central Region, a mighty warship soared across star-laden skies. Its powerful arrays hummed with each passing mile, cutting through the night at a remarkable speed. On the broad front deck, Tianshi leaned against the railing, her sleek black hair drifting in the high-altitude wind. She stared ahead with a pensive smile.

"Xuefeng, it's been two weeks," she whispered, voice nearly lost to the drone of the ship's engines. "I hope you haven't forgotten me… because I'm on my way to see you."

In her mind, she pictured how their reunion might unfold, a swirl of anxious excitement blossoming in her chest. A small fear that he'd found someone else tugged at her thoughts, but she pushed it aside. He wouldn't forget me. He can't…

Moments later, footsteps sounded behind her. Turning, she found her father, Xiao Feng, regarding her with an enigmatic smile. "Tianshi," he said softly, "might I steal a moment of your time?"

She gazed up at him, her fleeting worry replaced by unwavering determination. "Of course," she replied. "Is this about Xuefeng?"

He offered a short nod, folding his arms. "I didn't tell you before, but a week ago, I sent Xiao Wen to check out that young man. Something's happened—though not necessarily bad. He ended up trapped in a certain… special place, but apparently, he'll be out in a few days."

"That's a relief," Tianshi admitted, shoulders easing. "I can wait a little longer, if he's safe."

Xiao Feng hesitated. He clasped his hands behind his back, peering at her with an odd light in his eyes. "But what if leaving that holy land requires… physical intimacy with another woman? I recall it being quite a fervent tradition. Would that be alright with you?"

Tianshi's lips parted in a faint gasp. "Physical… all the way?" She searched her father's face for any sign of jest.

He spread his palms in a resigned gesture. "Yes, my dear. I speak from personal experience." A memory flickered in his gaze, a recollection from decades past. "If he wants to escape that realm, the only route may involve fathering a child with their princess. That's precisely what happened to me, twenty-five years ago."

Tianshi's mind reeled. "Then… shouldn't the current princess be your daughter?"

At that, Xiao Feng's face froze, the color draining slightly. Realization dawned with brutal swiftness. "Damn! This bastard! Two of my daughters at the same time…."