Advance by Retreat: The Return of Yi Bai's Silver Tongue

The glow faded.

The mirror world fell into a silence so profound it was almost suffocating.

In Yi Bai's arms, Hil nestled close, her face flushed an adorable shade of pink. Reluctantly, she loosened her grip on him, stepping away with a small pout and an expression of guilty innocence. Turning to her mother, she whispered softly, "Mama, Hil was wrong."

Her voice, sweet and tender like spun sugar, carried a charm that could melt the hardest of hearts. But in Qing Yuan's ears, it sounded like a rebellious daughter unapologetically declaring, "I was wrong, but I won't change! So, what can you do about it?"

Anger surged through Qing Yuan.

The daughter she had raised so carefully for centuries had been swayed in less than a day! Worse still, the contract was sealed—binding Hil's fate to Yi Bai's in a way that was both empowering and irreversible.

Qing Yuan's fury burned with the heat of a thousand suns, yet it was laced with worry. Her darling Hil, her precious daughter, was now tied to this bloodborn—this human gamer. The thought of Hil constantly by Yi Bai's side, sharing his struggles and risks, made Qing Yuan's head spin.

But there was no turning back now.

Did she really think Yi Bai would voluntarily relinquish such a rare and powerful opportunity? Since the arrival of the Thrill Game, every human player dreamed of contracting a ghostly partner. And Hil wasn't just any partner—she was unique, a rare gem among specters, and deeply connected to Qing Yuan, a pinnacle Bloodied Ghost.

No, Qing Yuan thought bitterly, no human alive would reject such a gift.

And though she loathed it, she could only sigh heavily, letting the smoldering fury in her chest subside.

Hil, meanwhile, looked up at her mother with teary eyes. She was keenly aware of how her actions must have hurt Qing Yuan. Though she had no regrets, she wanted to soothe her mother's emotions, to make her see that Yi Bai was different—a kind and gentle soul, unlike the others.

Yi Bai stood silently to the side, wisely holding his tongue. He knew this was a moment for the mother and daughter, not for him. After all, Qing Yuan still regarded him as an intruder, and any misplaced words might reignite her wrath.

"Perhaps Mama wasn't wrong," Qing Yuan finally murmured, her voice soft, tinged with regret. "Perhaps it was I who erred, controlling Hil so tightly all this time. If I hadn't…" Her voice trailed off.

Hil shook her head, her amber eyes glowing with determination.

"Mama isn't wrong. Hil was just being a little willful. But… just this once, can't Hil be allowed to be selfish?"

Her delicate words carried an unexpected weight, and her gaze shimmered with an unrelenting light. Hil didn't regret her decision, but she hoped her mother would come to accept it—that she might look beyond her anger and see Yi Bai for who he truly was.

"You've grown up, haven't you?" Qing Yuan whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands rested on Hil's head, gently stroking her silken hair. "You've learned to be selfish… and even rebellious."

"Mama…" Hil murmured, throwing her arms around her mother's waist, her voice once again laced with the innocence of a child seeking comfort.

Yi Bai observed the touching scene, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.

The infamous Mirror Lady, full of ruthless control and power, truly has a soft side after all.

Yet, as the tender moment unfolded, Yi Bai turned his gaze away, focusing on a nearby field of vibrant flowers and fluttering butterflies. He didn't want to intrude. But more importantly, he didn't want to be caught staring at something he wasn't supposed to see.

After all, Qing Yuan—crying? The very notion was unthinkable. Yet here she was, her tears sparkling like diamonds, falling silently in the glow of the mirror world. Such a revelation, should it ever spread, would rock the entire Underworld City to its core. The fearsome Mirror Lady, who ruled with an iron will, capable of commanding legions of ghosts, crying?

For his safety—and sanity—Yi Bai quickly decided not to dwell on the sight.

Moments later, Qing Yuan's voice, strong and authoritative, cut through the stillness.

"Bloodborn boy."

Yi Bai turned, noting her restraint. She hadn't used his name—likely because just uttering it might reignite the flames of her suppressed fury.

Hil stood dutifully beside her mother, all innocence and charm. Yet those amber eyes sparkled mischievously, shooting quick glances at Yi Bai. Her expression practically screamed: "Gotcha!"

Yi Bai sighed inwardly, his lips curling into a faint, resigned smile. He didn't need to look at Qing Yuan to know she was fully aware of her daughter's antics. After all, this was her domain. Every little movement, every breath was hers to observe.

But Hil didn't care. She had already claimed her victory.

As Qing Yuan took a deep, shuddering breath to steady herself, Yi Bai cautiously stepped closer. With the contract now sealed, he knew Qing Yuan wouldn't act recklessly, but her animosity was palpable.

Her sharp breaths betrayed her struggle to suppress her emotions. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke.

"Promise me one thing. Take care of Hil. Never let her suffer."

Yi Bai nodded solemnly, his voice soft but steady. "I swear it."

He hesitated, then added, "Actually…" His silver tongue sprang into action, the gears of his mind spinning as he carefully crafted his response. "Hil's decision caught me off guard as well. She is… extraordinary, the most remarkable and radiant soul I've ever met. I couldn't bring myself to refuse her."

"But seeing the bond you share, I would never dream of coming between you. If Hil wishes it, I would willingly release the contract to ensure her happiness."

The sincerity in his voice gave Qing Yuan pause. Her piercing gaze scrutinized him for any trace of deception.

Hil's reaction, however, was instant—her lips parted in protest, her amber eyes wide with alarm. "No! I'll never break the contract!"

Qing Yuan's fury ebbed as she observed Yi Bai's genuine intent. For the first time, doubt crept into her heart. Could it be… that this bloodborn wasn't like the others?

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