"Han Li? What's wrong? It's rare for you to come home when everyone else has already left."
"I ran into some trouble. But never mind that. I'm curious—is that your spiritual beast?"
Honestly, I had no intention of making small talk in front of Wang Ying.
Even Wang Ying seemed surprised to see how interested I was in the bird perched on her head.
At first, she hesitated, unsure whether she should explain what was going on.
If she did, she feared I might mock her.
Luckily, judging from my expression, she realized I was genuinely serious about the spiritual beast above her head.
So, without much thought, Wang Ying began explaining the origin of the creature.
After her lengthy explanation, I started to wonder—was this pure luck?
If it was intentional, could a mythical-quality spiritual beast really be sent to the Mortal Realm?
Surely, those above the Divine Realm knew it was impossible to summon a divine beast at just one month old.
"I see... It truly is a stroke of luck. That's your spiritual beast—and your guardian. Never, ever abandon it. That bird is your treasure," I said, warning Wang Ying to never let go of the little phoenix.
If she dared, she likely wouldn't survive the wrath of the phoenix.
Of course, Wang Ying would never throw away a spiritual beast she had summoned.
On the contrary, she was eager to care for what she believed was a weak creature.
If she knew the bird on her head was of mythical quality, could she even stay calm?
Most likely not. It would be impossible for Wang Ying not to show fear on her face.
Fortunately, judging by the little phoenix's reaction, I knew it had no intention of revealing its true nature.
Even when I looked directly at the little phoenix, I could tell it had no desire to fight me.
If memory served, the phoenix race was one of the most arrogant beings in the upper world.
Regardless, the fact that they saw themselves above all other races was undeniable.
Maybe that's why I felt Wang Ying was extremely lucky to summon a one-month-old phoenix?
From the very beginning, I knew Wang Ying's life would change in the future.
A phoenix... this must be fate.
Good, good...
Deep down, I was glad that the phoenix summoned by Wang Ying was not an intruder.
At first, I wondered if perhaps those from the outside world had already started their plan.
"What's wrong? Why do you keep staring at Wang Xiao?"
"Wang Xiao? Is that the name of the bird?" Realizing it, I figured the little phoenix's name was Wang Xiao.
And sure enough, my guess was correct.
The moment I asked Wang Ying, she nodded in response.
That alone told me the phoenix had indeed been given a name by its owner.
"Yes. I just named it. I didn't know what to call it at first, but I decided on Wang Xiao."
"I see... I wish you luck. And remember my words—never abandon it."
"Of course! Don't worry! Wang Xiao is mine! I'd never leave it behind!"
Without hesitation, I turned and walked away from the gates of Jinshi School.
Unexpectedly, a sense of dread began to rise in my heart.
Maybe... I should check things out.
As I strolled down an empty road, my figure slowly vanished from sight.
Moments later, I reappeared—right in front of my house.
For some reason, I could feel the presence of people inside my parents' home.
Without a word, I instantly dashed to the upper floor where my parents' room was located.
"Quick, grab all of Professor Han's research. We don't have much time. I heard his son is on his way back from school."
"I know, don't rush. Even if he finds out—what can he possibly do?"
"You're right... I guess it's fine. Alright. Grab as much of the research as we can!"
Honestly, I immediately recognized the three people in my parents' room as thieves.
But from their conversation, it seemed they had done something to my parents.
Initially, I had the urge to stab them right then and there.
But I changed my mind—deciding instead to follow them silently.
A few minutes later, I saw the thieves had finished their work.
Now...
Within seconds, I managed to sneak into their vehicle unnoticed.
I easily sat in the back seat—right behind the driver—without them realizing.
How foolish...
Don't think you can escape me.
Dad, Mom... please hang on. Your son is coming to save you.
In a secret government lab in Beijing...
Inside one of the hidden rooms, both my parents were present—badly injured from the thieves' attack.
"Traitor! Why did you betray us? Why did you side with outsiders? Answer me, An Zhi!"
Suddenly, a small chuckle came from a man standing before them.
Yes, this man—he was none other than the traitor, once a close colleague of my parents.
"Hahaha. Han Jiang, how naïve you are. Why did you ever trust me? You should've known—I'm not someone you could rely on. I was never Chinese. I'm an American spy."
"America...? I see. So you're the one who leaked our technology to them? How dare you!"
"What...? No wonder we couldn't catch up to the Americans. I never imagined you were the mole." said Han Xi, now understanding why their tech had always lagged behind.
If it hadn't been for An Zhi, none of this would've happened.
But now, they realized—there was nothing they could do.
In the end, the fact that they were cornered by the American forces was undeniable.
If they fought back, it would surely cost them their lives.
Suddenly, An Zhi's expression brightened with a twisted smile.
He had just sensed that his men had returned.
If he remembered correctly, he had sent them to retrieve the research from my parents.
And since they were back, did that mean their mission was a success?
Unfortunately, just as An Zhi's three men approached the room...
He heard their screams—the last thing he didn't want to hear.
"Haha... Mr. Liu Wei... I'm sure it's him. You're finished. He knows everything you've done..."
"Liu Wei? Ck... That man... he's such a nuisance! Once he's locked onto you, escaping is as good as dying. We need to change our plan."
"But Captain... we can't just—"
"Silence! No more delays. We're leaving China immediately!"
Crack!–
Unfortunately for An Zhi, just as he attempted to leap onto the rooftop—
An explosion shook the building, blasting open the lab entrance.
Followed by the bodies of his three men, thrown violently to his side.
And with that, they knew—their plan had been thwarted by Mr. Liu Wei.
In truth, I was the one who stopped them.
As for where Mr. Liu Wei was... he was already hunting An Zhi down.
***
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