The Shadow Behind the God
As Mi-An stepped into Xiao Yan's room, her heart clenched.
A demonic presence—vast, cold, and far stronger than before—lingered in the air.
"The Ansha…?" she whispered.
She hid behind an obstruction as a two-horned demon emerged, sniffing the air.
"I sensed a god's scent," it growled. "Where is he?"
Mi-An steadied her breath. Not the Ansha… but they're hunting Xiao Yan.
The demon advanced.
"Who is there?" it hissed.
Before it could strike, Nem appeared.
"What are you doing?" Nem asked calmly.
The demon froze, then bowed deeply. "Lord… forgive me. I did not mean to trespass."
"You have already trespassed," Nem replied coldly.
He struck once.
The demon died instantly.
Mi-An stepped out, shaking. "Nem…?"
"It's me," he said, smiling.
Her heart pounded. "You're an accomplice of the Ansha?"
"The Ansha?" Nem tilted his head. "Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not."
"I'll tell the Saints."
"You dare?"
Lightning shot toward her—she destroyed it instantly.
"You're no match for me," she said firmly. "I'm an immortal."
Nem laughed. "You really want to die?"
Before she could react, Nem unleashed a hidden weapon.
Xiao Yan surged forward and caught the attack with his body.
"Nem! What are you doing?!" Xiao Yan demanded.
Mi-An clutched his robes, shaking.
Nem's eyes gleamed. "This is getting interesting."
"How can you be a demon?" Xiao Yan asked.
Nem laughed loudly. "What do you know?"
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes. "You're not Nem."
The figure laughed—and transformed.
"The Ansha."
Mi-An gasped.
"You dare impersonate my friend!" Xiao Yan roared.
"So you trust him that much?" the Ansha mocked. "Good."
"Have you no fear?" Xiao Yan shouted.
"All my fears died a thousand years ago."
"You know I can't beat you," Xiao Yan said quietly. "Leave us."
The Ansha's gaze flicked to Mi-An. "You like her?"
"She'll kill you," he added calmly.
"Curses won't work on me," Xiao Yan replied.
"Oh, it won't be soon."
A massive wind erupted.
The Ansha vanished.