She gasped, looking at a face that was exquisitely handsome, his thin lips set in a straight line of tension. A straight and proud nose, his bewitching, captivating black pupils enthralled her.
He seemed to embody an ethereal nobility and a frigid aloofness, two entirely different traits flawlessly converging in him. This man's aura was so intense, it felt as if it could swallow her whole.
"What are you doing out here so late?"
As Xiaren was lost in thought, the man spoke first, his words ending with a prolonged note that insinuated a hint of laughter. Xiaren was somewhat surprised, their exchange was so ordinary, it felt as if they had known each other before.
What surprised Xiaren even more was that the stern and cold aura around the man seemed to be suddenly blown away as soon as he opened his mouth, replacing it instantly with a clear breeze and a bright moon.
This was her first encounter with a man who could instantly shift his aura and temperament, as if the solitary, dangerous man from earlier wasn't him at all.
"Just taking a walk."
These four words made Qiao Xiaren move a few steps back, wanting to escape from this man's presence. However, he seemed to see through her intentions, approaching her step by step with tread so soft that it raised Xiaren's caution.
The man's cold, isolating aura began to intensify again. In that moment, Xiaren could feel his domineering energy surge to the surface.
"Out for a walk?" His voice was steady but harbored a certain coldness. The moment Si Limo reached out his hand, Xiaren lifted her foot, intending to kick him.
During her 17 years of training high in the mountains, not only had she, along with three others, learned various spiritual and geomancy arts under their master's guidance, she had also honed her physical capabilities. Among the four, Xiaren was the best.
Seeing how wary this young lady was of him, Si Limo raised his eyebrows slightly and evaded her like a leopard. But when Xiaren lunged a punch, it was caught by his large hand, which then held her waist firmly.
Qiao Xiaren was startled, rage simmered in her eyes. Si Limo seized the opportunity to raise her hands above her head, reminiscent of surrender. Xiaren was so flustered, she didn't notice that her fingers were intertwined with his.
This was certainly embarrassment turning into anger, Xiaren being subdued by a strange man for the first time.
Now, looking closely at the man, Xiaren realized she had never seen such beautiful eyes. His eyes were deep like abysses, suppressing a formidable, murderous aura, suggesting an arrogance that could overlook anything. One look, and it was as if one could fall into their depths.
He appeared a born ruler, and an innate conqueror.
"Don't go out alone again. It's very dangerous here." Si Limo looked steadily at the woman in front of him, his eyes unreadable, making it hard to fathom.
His gaze was sharp and piercing, as if he could see into one's soul. It left Qiao Xiaren at a loss.
The lad looked good in a military uniform.
As he finished speaking, Si Limo released one of the arms binding the woman. Qiao Xiaren freed herself, her eyes gleaming with a cold light.
A deliberate rustling came from underneath a birch tree nearby. Qiao Xiaren's ears pricked up, and she squatted down to pick up a rock, ferociously throwing it in that direction.
The breaking of branches could be heard. Qiao Xiaren heard the grunting sounds getting closer. Lifting his head, Si Limo spotted a group of wild boars coming their way.
From the moment she heard the grunting, she figured there must be not only one but several wild boars. However, she never expected an entire group of them. Xiaren gave a chilling stare, she had no weapon to fight with, and these swarms of wild boars were ready to consume them.