"Xiao Jie?"
Mu Zhuoyun's tone was smooth and cordial—he was a true old fox.
Song Jie walked over calmly and greeted politely, "Patriarch Mu."
"Xiao Jie, you're too polite. Just call me Uncle Mu from now on," Mu Zhuoyun said with a hearty smile.
"Are you hungry? I'll have the dishes brought out right away—we were just waiting for you."
He turned to the butler and instructed, "Go tell Ningxue to come downstairs."
"Right away, Patriarch."
Before the butler could leave, soft footsteps echoed down the stairs.
From the second floor, Mu Ningxue appeared—dressed in a snow-white, off-the-shoulder gown that shimmered faintly under the warm lights. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded like moonlight down her back, and her cold, beautiful face carried an aura that seemed to keep everyone at a respectful distance.
Song Jie couldn't deny her beauty, but in that moment, his admiration remained pure appreciation.
"Ningxue, you must already know Xiao Jie," Mu Zhuoyun said, smiling. "This is my daughter, Mu Ningxue. You've probably heard of her before?"
"I have," Song Jie nodded courteously.
"Good, good. Let's all sit down—dinner will be served soon."
Moments later, the long dining table was filled with exquisite dishes. The three of them sat together, eating and making polite conversation.
While smiling amiably, Mu Zhuoyun's mind was already evaluating. He had secretly investigated Song Jie and learned that he was an orphan with no family or background. In his eyes, that made the boy easy to control.
"Xiao Jie, I heard your parents passed away early, and you've been living alone. That must've been difficult," Mu Zhuoyun said, his tone gentle but probing.
"It's fine," Song Jie replied lightly. "I've long gotten used to being on my own."
Mu Zhuoyun nodded thoughtfully. "Why don't you move into the Mu Family Manor? With your talent, if we gave you proper resources, your growth would be much faster."
"Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Mu," Song Jie said with a small smile, "but I must decline."
He rejected the offer without hesitation.
If he accepted someone's generosity, he would be bound by obligation later—and Song Jie had no intention of becoming anyone's pawn.
He already possessed the strength of a High-level Mage in disguise. He didn't need to rely on anyone. If he needed resources, becoming a Hunter would be a far better path than servitude.
"Xiao Jie, you're only a Light Mage," Mu Zhuoyun pressed, his voice soft but persuasive. "Without proper cultivation resources, your path will become increasingly difficult."
"Patriarch Mu," Song Jie said evenly, "my mind is made up."
Seeing his resolve, Mu Zhuoyun sighed and said no more. "Very well. If you ever change your mind, the doors of the Mu Family will always be open to you."
After dinner, Song Jie stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Mu. I'll be taking my leave."
"Leaving already?" Mu Zhuoyun smiled and then looked at his daughter. "Ningxue, see Xiao Jie off."
Mu Ningxue hesitated slightly. She wanted to refuse, but under her father's expectant gaze, she said nothing and followed Song Jie outside.
The two got into the black Mu Family sedan, and the driver started the car.
The ride was quiet—neither spoke a word. The air was calm but slightly tense.
Half an hour later, the sedan came to a stop in front of the modest residential building where Song Jie lived.
Out of courtesy, Mu Ningxue stepped out of the car as well.
Song Jie thanked her politely and was about to turn toward the entrance when a strange, scratching noise reached his ears—from beneath the nearby manhole.
Mu Ningxue noticed it too. The two exchanged a wary glance, then both turned their eyes toward the source.
The sound grew sharper.
A sudden thought flashed across Song Jie's mind—Demons!
In the next instant, the manhole cover flew into the air with a clang, and a Giant-Eyed Blood Rat leaped out!
Its single enormous blood-red eye gleamed menacingly under the streetlights. It resembled a rat, but its size was that of a small car!
The beast landed directly in front of the sedan.
The driver froze in terror, trembling uncontrollably as he fumbled with the keys. He tried to start the car—but his hands wouldn't obey.
"R-Run!" he screamed, retreating into the back seat and curling up in panic.
The Giant-Eyed Blood Rat bared its fangs and pounced on the car, shaking it violently.
Meanwhile, Song Jie and Mu Ningxue backed away slowly, their eyes fixed on the monster.
It was Song Jie's first time seeing a real demon. He had known they were terrifying—but only now did he truly feel that suffocating fear.
"Ice Spread!"
"Freeze!"
Mu Ningxue's voice was cold and focused. The moment she identified the creature, she completed her casting with breathtaking speed.
Frost spread rapidly across the street, and icy air engulfed the sedan, creeping toward the monster's legs.
Within seconds, the Giant-Eyed Blood Rat was frozen in place—its claws locked in a thick layer of frost.
As expected from someone with an innate Spirit Seed, Mu Ningxue's Ice Magic was far stronger than that of any ordinary mage.
But the creature let out a furious shriek and, with brute strength, shattered the ice around its legs!
Mu Ningxue frowned, quickly forming another Star Pattern.
"Ice Spread—Condense!"
Just as she prepared to strike again—
A second Giant-Eyed Blood Rat erupted from the sewer! Seeing its companion trapped, it screeched and lunged directly at Mu Ningxue!
She reacted instinctively, about to dodge, but it was too late.
Suddenly, a figure darted in from her side—Song Jie!
He grabbed her and rolled across the ground, narrowly avoiding the beast's claws.
They tumbled several times before stopping. Mu Ningxue found herself lying atop Song Jie, her soft body pressed against his chest.
For a brief moment, the air froze.
Song Jie could feel her warmth—but he quickly pushed all distractions aside. Now was not the time.
The Giant-Eyed Blood Rat, enraged, roared and charged straight toward them!
Song Jie took a deep breath, and in his mind, seven stars lit up and connected in a perfect line—forming a complete Star Track!
"Radiance—Great Burst!"
He extended his palm, releasing a blinding flash of golden light!
A radiant sphere of Light Magic shot forth, exploding violently upon impact with the monster.
Boom!
The shockwave sent the Giant-Eyed Blood Rat flying backward, crashing into a wall with a thunderous crack!
Mu Ningxue, still catching her breath, stared in shock.
That was Light Magic?
How could Light Magic possess such destructive power?!
Her icy blue eyes widened slightly in disbelief.
Realizing their compromising position, her cheeks flushed faintly. She quickly got up, brushing the dust from her dress.
Song Jie also stood, his expression calm but alert, eyes locked on the demon struggling to rise again.
The Giant-Eyed Blood Rat's body trembled with rage. Its single red eye gleamed viciously as it bared its fangs—then it charged once more!