Volume 1, Chapter 20: Wu Xiang Awakens His Ability

As the words fell, Wang Xinran jumped to Yu Yue’s side like a startled bird, casting a look of disgust and fear at the unconscious Wu Xiang.

Many people approached, and upon seeing Wu Xiang’s condition, a middle-aged man pointed at Yu Yue and shouted, “What are you waiting for? If you don’t throw him out, do you want to get us all killed?”

The crowd murmured in agreement, their eyes flicking toward Yu Yue and Wu Xiang’s backpack, as if waiting for the chaos to seize an opportunity to grab a share.

Wang Xinran cowered behind Yu Yue, too afraid to approach Wu Xiang, and whispered desperately, “Cheng Yue, throw Wu Xiang out quickly. If he turns into a monster, it’ll be too late.”

Yu Yue’s eyes glinted with scorn. Wu Xiang, convulsing on the ground, was far from unconscious—she was certain he heard every cold, heartless word Wang Xinran uttered.

Is there any despair more intense than the intertwining of death threats and betrayal by someone you love?

Just then, Yu Jiao Jiao sauntered over, feigning sympathy. “Xinran, Wu Xiang has always treated you well. Maybe he’s just sick. How can you be so cruel as to toss him out like this?”

Yu Jiao Jiao’s expression was sincere, her voice tender as she stole glances at Yu Yue, but when her gaze shifted to Wang Xinran, it turned into a blatant provocation.

Yu Jiao Jiao’s affected demeanor made Yu Yue feel nauseated. She turned her face coldly away, refusing to grant her even a glance.

Her sudden coldness threw Yu Jiao Jiao off balance, who cursed silently, blaming Wang Xinran for meddling once again.

But Wang Xinran was indeed embarrassed—just minutes ago, she had condemned Yu Jiao Jiao’s character.

Still, in her heart, Wang Xinran justified her behavior as perfectly natural. “Oh, Miss Yu is so kind-hearted—why not carry this guy over to your family’s place?”

Wang Xinran’s sarcastic words silenced Yu Jiao Jiao, who had been ready to continue her accusations. She looked at the fallen Wu Xiang with utter disgust and contempt. Perhaps overwhelmed by shame and grievance, tears welled up and spilled from Yu Jiao Jiao’s eyes.

“Xinran, I just think Wu Xiang is really pitiful. I don’t know what I did to offend you to make you so hostile.”

Her fragile tone subtly shifted the topic. Yu Yue almost wanted to applaud Yu Jiao Jiao for her masterful display of sanctimony—a true white lotus indeed.

Just then, the rest of the Yu family arrived. The hot-tempered Yu Han immediately pulled the tear-streaked Yu Jiao Jiao behind him.

“Wang Xinran, I warned you before—I don’t mind getting physical with a woman.”

As he spoke, Yu Lin and Yu Shen stepped forward to stand beside Yu Han. The three towering men, each over six feet tall, formed an imposing barrier.

Yu Shen’s face was stern, radiating the authority of an elder. Normally, he wouldn’t meddle in disputes among the youngsters, but Yu Jiao Jiao was his favorite youngest daughter, his sole exception.

“Miss Wang, please apologize to Jiao Jiao.”

Wang Xinran had never encountered such an unreasonable family. Why should she apologize when Yu Jiao Jiao was the one who provoked her first? Why did the whole world seem to revolve around that hypocritical, manipulative woman?

Wang Xinran glared at Yu Jiao Jiao with venom, wishing she could burn her with her eyes.

Taking advantage of the confrontation, a few men reached Wu Xiang and tried to lift him up.

Yu Yue lazily raised her eyes, releasing a chilling murderous aura that nearly made the men stumble in fright.

Yu Shen’s face changed, eyes sharply fixed on Yu Yue. Such an aura… this young-looking lad had surely killed before!

“This man hasn’t turned into a monster yet. Are you trying to kill him?”

The men wanted to argue but dared not utter a word under Yu Yue’s icy glare.

They had no knowledge of Wu Xiang’s true condition and were simply looking out for themselves, which was understandable; however, Wu Xiang was a key piece in Yu Yue’s future plans—she couldn’t afford to lose him now.

Looking at his face on the ground, already unattractive and now distorted further, Yu Yue knew that without his strength, Wang Xinran wouldn’t have the ability to sabotage the Yu family.

Sure enough, although Wu Xiang’s condition worsened, there was no sign of him turning into a zombie.

Late into the night, he finally struggled to his feet, only to find Yu Yue watching him with a faint, enigmatic smile. Wu Xiang’s feelings were complicated—he never expected that the person he despised most would be the one to save him in the end.

Instead, the woman he once cherished and doted on was the first to abandon him.

Wu Xiang looked at the deeply asleep Wang Xinran. Although his feelings still stirred faintly, they no longer held the purity they once did.

Having clawed his way back from the brink of death, Wu Xiang felt no discomfort; instead, a boundless energy surged through him, a scorching power gathering in his palm as a flame suddenly ignited in his hand.

Wang Xinran was awakened by the flickering firelight, stunned for a moment before her expression transformed into delight.

“Ah Xiang, you’re awake! That’s wonderful! What is this…”

Wu Xiang extinguished the flame and gently held Wang Xinran’s hand, though his gaze was cold and devoid of warmth. “I’m fine, and I feel better than ever. Xinran, I’ve awakened a supernatural ability.”

Wang Xinran’s mouth fell open in shock. Her understanding of supernatural powers was limited to films and novels—she never imagined an ordinary man like Wu Xiang would awaken one.

After a brief daze, her joy turned to ecstasy. Wu Xiang was her devoted admirer—now that he had gained power, he would surely be hers to command. Her future safety and quality of life were guaranteed!

Yet inwardly, she remained deeply resentful—why did such a blessing never come to her?

The seemingly joyful yet envious woman, the gentle man whose eyes hid turbulent emotions—watching this scene, Yu Yue finally allowed a genuine smile to touch her lips.

She picked up her backpack and the Tang sword, walked over to the two, and nodded lightly to Wu Xiang. “Congratulations.”

“I plan to leave now. Farewell.”

The sudden farewell caught Wang Xinran and Wu Xiang off guard, especially Wang Xinran, who truly admired Yu Yue’s appearance.

“Aren’t you coming with us?”

But now that Wu Xiang had awakened his ability, his strength clearly surpassed Yu Yue’s. Good looks alone could not guarantee survival or safety in this apocalypse.

Of course, she could persuade Cheng Yue to stay, but she had to consider Wu Xiang’s feelings.

The scales in Wang Xinran’s heart already tipped in favor of the newly empowered Wu Xiang, but Yu Yue’s next words shattered the last flicker of hope in her mind.

“No. I have no interest in traveling with dead weight.”