Jian could only watch the commander's back grow smaller as he flew away in the distance, powerless to stop him.
Rage coiled in his chest, but before he could speak, a metallic taste filled his mouth. Blood splattered the ground as he coughed violently, his body trembling under the lingering spiritual pressure he was directly exposed to.
Even inside the mansion, muffled cries and groans echoed—his people had not escaped unscathed. Gritting his teeth through the pain, Jian forced himself upright and scanned the surroundings, counting faces, searching for injuries.
He turned sharply to Yun Ji, voice breaking into a roar.
"Why didn't you stop him the moment it started?"
Yun Ji's gaze was flat, unshaken by the accusation.
"You have to understand," he said slowly, "the only reason I'm not branded a criminal right now is because Lang Fang and I go way back—and he's a royal guard now. A Commander at that. In situations like this, I cannot openly defy him without drawing a death mark for both of us."
His tone cooled further, edged with irritation due to not being appreciated had it been another protector in my shoes you wouldn't have a family.
"If you want someone to blame, blame yourself—for being weak." he continued flatly.
The words were heavy, cutting deeper than the injuries in Jian's body.
"To the Commander," Yun Ji continued, "you're just another mouthy, wannabe noble and this is his way of putting you in your place. In this world, no respect is given to the weak. And for someone this weak, you have a very big mouth. So—get strong. Match that confidence with power. If not you will die soon."
In his past life as Yu Jian, he had no family—no one to shield, no one whose downfall could be used against him.
He moved through the world without a care for anyone or anything, without fear of backlash. But now… now it was different.
He had never seen this side of Commander Lang Fang before, and it unsettled him. This was the sort of ruthless decisiveness and habit that had once earned men a place on Yu Jian's infamous list, the kind of action he would go after dragging the reputation of the said family through the mud without mercy.
In this world where name was everything?, that was a condition worst than death.
Yun Ji's words lingered in the air, firm and unyielding. Jian couldn't refute them. Lou Jian still spoke like the Yu Jian of old, with a confidence that never wavered, even in the face of death.
But when Jian's gaze shifted to his servants—loyal men and women who had served his family for years all throwing up their mouths full of blood—something sharp and molten ignited within him. Rage burned in his chest. And then it struck him, a sudden, urgent thought.
His father.
"Please… help them," he murmured, his voice low but trembling with desperation. He didn't look at Yun Ji directly, only from the corner of his eyes, as if afraid the plea itself made him vulnerable.
And then he was running—feet pounding the polished floors, breath ragged, thoughts racing faster than his body. Is he safe? Was he caught in the attack? The corridors blurred around him until he reached the heavy double doors of his father's chambers.
He shoved them open.
Inside, his father stood at the center of the room, surrounded on all sides by guards—men from seemingly every division, forming a wall of steel and flesh around him.
"Son, you're back! Are you hurt?" his father called, "We were attacked… I don't know by whom, but if not for the guards lifting the siege, I would have been forced to use my life-saving treasure."
Hearing that cheeky response, Jian finally let out a slow sigh of relief. At least his old man was still alive.
He wasted no time.
"It was the royal guards," Jian said quickly. "And Lady Xue—mother—was taken. Apparently… she's been using a human furnace. She's also affiliated with the Blood Mist Assassins."
"What!?" Lou Shen roared, his voice shaking the chamber. "She did what? I don't believe that. Your mother would never—"
"Father," Jian cut in, his tone low but firm. "She's not what you think she is. She and Doctor Lee poisoned me. I couldn't say a word before, because if she was exposed without preparation… I didn't know what she might do."
Lou Shen froze with disbelief, "No Xue'er wouldn't do such a thing, no matter how hard he wanted it to be a lie the truth was laid bare before his eyes, anger twisting across his face. But Jian had no time to argue.
"I'll explain later," he said, already turning away.
He bolted down the corridor, his mind racing. Reaching one of the side rooms. Opening the door his heart sank. Maria lay curled on the floor like a wounded earthworm, a small puddle of blood beneath her. Every breath she took was shallow and trembling.
Jian knelt instantly, gathering her into his arms. Then he sprinted back toward the main hallway where Yun Ji had been helping victims that had severe complications due to being exposed to such pressure.
"Yun Ji!" Jian's voice thundered through the hall.
In the blink of an eye, the protector appeared before him. Jian didn't hesitate—his voice was raw with desperation.
"Please… help her."
Without a word, Yun Ji took Maria into his arms, placing a steady palm over her abdomen. Threads of spiritual energy pulsed from his hand, strengthening the organs that had just endured a spiritual pressure far beyond their limits.
Moments later, Yun Ji looked up. "She will live," he said quietly, before returning her gently to Jian's embrace.
Just then Maria shut open her eyes looking at Jian, muttering in a low voice "young master, what happen ........"
Shh Jian shushed her before she could complete her statement, "rest ease don't speak, you will be fine he said in a soft caring voice