As Han Yue practiced in peace—steadily improving her martial arts and weapon mastery under the guidance of her personal coach—the outside world had begun to unravel. The black fog had finally descended in full, shrouding cities and towns, distorting vision, and escalating crime and chaos. Looting became rampant. The government deployed more police and military forces in a desperate attempt to maintain order.
Disturbing reports poured in: animals were acting violently. Dogs turned on their owners, birds attacked pedestrians, and rats and cats were increasingly erratic. In some cases, however, there were miracles—some beasts mutated yet remained loyal, growing in size and strength, standing by their humans like silent protectors.
Long Yi and the higher-ups, including Colonel Long, received the same alerts from multiple regions. Then, as if on cue, every smartwatch in the Kingdom buzzed—broadcasting a national emergency announcement:
The black fog is confirmed to be the catalyst for beast mutations.
Most mutated beasts exhibit extreme aggression and will attack humans.
In rare cases, beasts retain their bond with their owners and will protect them.
All mutated companion beasts must be registered and wear a government-issued collar.
Any unidentified or wild mutated beast will be treated as a threat and eliminated on sight.
After digesting the bulletin, Long Yi swiftly moved. He ordered security enhancements at the logging area—floodlights installed, guards doubled, and researchers instructed to send captured mutant beasts for testing. Then, he called Grandpa Long.
"There's only a week left before the extreme heat hits. You and everyone in the mansion will be picked up tomorrow."
Grandpa Long cheerfully replied, "Okay—but I can't find my future daughter-in-law. Did she finally abandon you? 😢"
Long Yi muttered under his breath, "This stingy old man..."
"She's at the training site," he said aloud. "Zhihan and Rose will be sent there too."
Grandpa Long chuckled, "Oh? You imprisoned her? What a terrible kid I raised. Sigh~"
Long Yi rubbed his forehead. If only I could imprison her. She'd be mad...
He then instructed Secretary Wen, "Send word to the remaining shadow guards at the old HQ. Transport the rest of the equipment. Escort Grandpa and the others to the base. Everything must be done within the week."
Secretary Wen nodded and left immediately.
Meanwhile, more orders were issued: lock down the old HQ, send Zhihan and Rose to the training site, and assign daily tree-cutting and foraging quotas—including for kids. Grass, herbs, trees, and other materials were to be processed and stored. Coal, firewood, building material, and fodder would be created on-site.
The next day, everyone at the training site mobilized. Shovels, tractors, bags, and baskets in hand, they set to work. Even children joined the effort. Han Yue walked calmly, hands empty—but her spiritual powers uprooted hills of grass in minutes. The kids cheered as they stuffed it into bags. Older teens mimicked her, chopping trees down like team battles in the arena.
Shadow 8 lit fires to begin coal-making, while mutant guards used their enhanced strength to harvest faster. Other shadow guards kept patrol to scout for danger while working. Everyone was unified in effort.
As Han Yue wandered a bit farther, she spotted a group in black cloaks sneaking near the perimeter. Raising an eyebrow, she silently followed them and overheard their hushed voices:
"This mountain has a hidden base. People saw vehicles going in and out... if we confirm it, we'll take over!"
Before they could move, their bodies froze—paralyzed from the neck down.
"W-what's happening!?"
From behind a tree, Han Yue stepped out, smiling playfully. Using her powers, she dragged the panicked intruders all the way back.
"I'm too lazy to deal with this~ Let Shadow 3 handle the mess, la la la~"
She casually strolled back toward the work area, where piles of grass were being sorted. The shadow guards noticed her approaching—dragging cloaked prisoners behind her—and their gazes sharpened in unison.
Part 2
Han Yue placed the frozen intruders in the center of the work area. The other guards paused, watching curiously. Shadow 3, having already received a report, came over to check the situation.
"They were scouting the perimeter," Han Yue explained. "I overheard them say someone tipped them off about this cave having a secret base. They planned to report to their boss and take over the place, so I froze them before they could escape."
After that, she calmly turned back to chopping trees like nothing happened.
Shadow 3 instructed Shadow 8 to melt the ice and ordered the guards to arrest the suspects for interrogation—especially to find out who this "boss" was and who leaked the location.
Shadow 8, delighted he could finally do something fun, started building a bonfire with a big grin.
The frozen men immediately panicked, screaming,"HELP MOM!""DON'T KILL ME!""I DON'T WANT TO BURN AHHH!"
Some bystanders laughed. Others ignored the chaos and returned to work.
A few kids, curious and wide-eyed, asked Han Yue,"Sister, is Brother 8 really going to roast them?"Han Yue, while stacking tree logs, replied with a smirk,"Well, it's almost dinner anyway."
The kids squealed and ran away, pretending to be scared. "Sister Yue is too naughty!"
About an hour later, a car drove up to the busy training site and parked. Out stepped Zhihan, Rose, Grandpa Long, and Long Yi.
The shadow guards straightened up and saluted."Old master. Boss."
Zhihan and Rose dashed forward and hugged Han Yue, yelling,"Sister Yue! We missed you soooo much!"
Han Yue already sensed them coming with her spiritual powers and welcomed them with a smile.
Grandpa Long approached, arms behind his back."Little girl Yue, if you ever want to escape this prison, let me know. I'll bust you out."
Han Yue: "...I'm not imprisoned."
Shadow 8 jumped in, raising his hand,"ME! PLEASE TAKE ME TOO! THERE'S NO WIFI HERE!"
Grandpa Long ignored him and continued chatting with Han Yue.
Meanwhile, Long Yi was talking with Shadow 3 about the earlier incident. His face darkened after hearing the details. He immediately went to check the report.
By dinner, the day's work was done. Thanks to Han Yue's strength and tireless effort, the mountain was nearly bald. Logs were stacked high, leaves gathered, and even charcoal production had begun. The warehouses filled quickly, and they had to start transporting finished goods to the base.
During dinner, Grandpa Long, Long Yi, Zhihan, and Rose joined Han Yue. They chatted while eating.
"Are you having fun here?" Zhihan asked.
"It's nice," Han Yue replied. "The food's great, the training is helpful, and I feel like my old self again. I even started proper martial arts and weapon training."
She suggested that Grandpa Long and the kids join for training too.
Long Yi asked, "Want to spar later?"
"With powers?" Han Yue asked.
"Powers, then hand combat," he replied.
Shadow 8, eavesdropping nearby:"I'll cheer for you, Yueyue!"
Shadow 3 and 6 both looked up curiously.
Long Yi turned to Shadow 8, frowning,"How many laps do you have left?"
The guards nearby chuckled, remembering the punishment.
Shadow 8 raised his hands proudly,"Already 500 out of 1000! Almost done!"
Grandpa Long blinked. "Why so many laps? Did you mess up again?"
Han Yue giggled.
Shadow 8 pouted."It's all Yueyue's fault. She took 10 photos of me on Long Jin's Emperor Throne! The next day, a notice came out: 'Anyone caught taking throne photos must run 100 laps per pic!'"
The guards burst into laughter.
Assistant Chen, also eating, added,"You should've seen it. He even called me 'Eunuch Chen' and ordered me to bow to this emperor!"
Laughter echoed around the lively dining room.
Grandpa Long slapped the table."HA! I forgot about that stinky chair. I want a photo on it too!"