Manipulating Li Yao

As golden rays of sunlight filtered through the tangled canopy of the ancient forest, streaks of warm light touched the blood-stained leaves scattered across the ground. A soft breeze brushed past the trees, carrying with it the scent of crushed herbs and scorched spiritual energy. The forest, once serene, now pulsed with the aftermath of battle.

While Meng Hao sat quietly by the thick bark of a centuries-old tree, still reviewing the favorability list shown by the system, chaos erupted just a few meters away.

Suddenly, the crisp rustle of leaves turned into the fierce clang of steel.

Li Yao, her eyes burning with fury, shot forward like a crimson arrow. Her orange robes billowed violently behind her, and the sword in her hand hummed with spiritual energy as she launched herself at the mocking newcomers.

The girl who had first insulted Meng Hao—Xue Yue—sneered coldly, raising her blade with arrogance.

"Trash like you thinks she can stand before me?" she spat, dashing forward to clash with Li Yao. The two blades collided with a metallic screech, sparks flying in the air as their spiritual forces burst outwards in shockwaves, disturbing the nearby flora and shaking the branches overhead.

Despite being at a lower cultivation level, Li Yao's sheer fury, sharpened instincts, and hatred-fueled strikes gave her the upper hand. Her blade moved like a dancing flame, fierce and unpredictable.

From the side, the second girl gasped. "Xue Yue, wait! I'm coming!"

She rushed forward, her qi gathering aura flaring violently, kicking up loose dust and twigs. But by the time she reached the clearing, it was already too late. Xue Yue was on one knee, blood dripping from her mouth, her sword knocked far from her reach.

With a guttural scream, the second girl leapt, attacking Li Yao from behind with a sweeping arc meant to slice through her neck. Li Yao, sensing the movement, twisted mid-step with the grace of a seasoned martial artist. Her sword spun downward, parrying the blow, then flashed upward in retaliation.

The battle intensified.

Leaves were shredded into pieces as their swords sliced through the air, their qi clashing with a deafening boom. Just as the second girl lunged forward again, aiming for Li Yao's throat, Li Yao narrowed her eyes and activated the movement technique passed to her by her master. Her body blurred into a streak of orange light.

In the blink of an eye, her blade was already at the girl's throat.

Before the final blow could land, the sect's protective mechanism activated—a faint blue light enveloped the girl and teleported her out of the arena. Her token dropped to the ground with a soft clink, bouncing once before settling among the grass.

Li Yao didn't spare a glance at the token. Her eyes immediately turned toward the severely injured Xue Yue, who was still trying to push herself up from the forest floor.

Xue Yue's lips trembled. Her pride was screaming in defiance, but her strength was failing.

"You… think I'll lose… to trash like you?" she snarled weakly.

Li Yao's eyes narrowed. She stepped forward with no hesitation.

Xue Yue, sensing her end, cursed aloud. The sect's protective light surged again and teleported her out of the area—leaving behind a second token.

A moment of silence returned to the forest.

Meng Hao, who had been watching the entire scene from beneath the tree, couldn't help but smile slightly. His gaze swept toward the two glowing tokens on the ground—both packed with points gathered by the eliminated girls.

His eyes flashed with interest.

Li Yao, panting from the battle but not letting it show, turned to look at him. Her eyes, once fierce and deadly, now softened with guilt.

She approached him slowly, her voice filled with regret. "Junior brother… I'm sorry."

Meng Hao shook his head, his voice calm and gentle. "Senior sister, why are you saying sorry? It should be me apologizing. Those lustful girls came because of me… It's my fault."

Li Yao gritted her teeth, a storm swirling behind her calm face. "No, junior brother. It's because of me they troubled you. If only I were stronger… they would never dare."

Her hands clenched tightly at her sides. The pain of weakness. The burden of protecting someone she now cared for.

"Damn it…" she thought, "Now that junior brother also loves me… how can I let him be harmed again? Not again. Along with my revenge on that bastard Fang Shui… I now have another responsibility. I must protect Meng Hao… I will not fail again."

Resolute determination carved itself into her heart.

While she stood there lost in thought, Meng Hao's voice cut through the stillness.

"Senior sister," he said, feigning hesitation, "Could you help me kill some spirit beasts? I don't have any points left…"

Li Yao blinked, then shook her head quickly. "No! Junior brother, you mustn't fight in your condition. Take these tokens. Combined, they have 1,200 points."

She extended the two tokens toward him without hesitation.

Meng Hao's brow twitched, and he said with practiced reluctance, "Junior sister, I can't… this is your hard-earned reward."

But Li Yao was firm. She pushed the tokens into his hands with a warm, determined smile.

"Take them, junior brother. Don't worry about me. I can earn more."

For a brief moment, Meng Hao looked moved.

Then, as she turned to scan the forest for more beasts, a sly smile crept across his lips—hidden beneath a veil of innocence.

"What a good girl, Li Yao… truly, you'll make a fine puppet," he mused silently.