Time flowed like a river, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Under Dean Xiao's meticulous guidance, Qin Che had barely managed to tame the wild, uncontrollable power within him.
From initially being unable to suppress it at all to later controlling it with ease, each step in mastering his power was soaked in his tireless efforts, day and night. Now, even in crowded places, he could perfectly conceal the unsettling, distorted aura that once surrounded him.
Meanwhile, Ding Yumin, another Victim, had broken free from the constraints of her past life in this new existence. Her cultivation path had become remarkably smooth, as if a hidden gate had opened within her.
Already blessed with exceptional talent, she now lacked both external shackles and inner restraints. The emotional power within her surged like a river finding its outlet, growing at an astonishing rate.
Like Qin Che, she successfully advanced to High-Rank Mage at the age of eighteen.
Qin Che still remembered the radiant light in her clear eyes—a blend of joy from her breakthrough and unwavering confidence in the future.
Looking back on these three years, Qin Che occasionally felt a strange illusion:
He and Ding Yumin seemed to be engaged in a form of "dual cultivation."
They always practiced magic together in the training grounds and studied magical texts at home.
Their powers not only avoided interfering with each other but instead formed a miraculous synergy.
The emotional energy radiating from Ding Yumin might disrupt others, but it had no effect on Qin Che.
As those shimmering streams of power approached him, his Chaos Power quietly absorbed them, transforming them into nourishment for Qin Che.
Conversely, if Qin Che's chaotic fluctuations accidentally leaked out and encountered Ding Yumin's emotional energy, they would dissipate like ice meeting warm sunlight, neutralizing each other without conflict.
In each other's company, they supported and complemented each other, advancing step by step together.
They had transformed the curse of being "Victims" in the eyes of others into a catalyst for their mutual growth.
Given this extraordinary bond, it's no wonder Qin Che occasionally entertained such "strange" thoughts. After all, across the entire magical world, there were scarcely any peers who could move forward side by side with such seamless harmony.
***
"Dean Xiao, I've reached High-Rank now. I want to go out and gain experience! And see what my true power is!"
Qin Che now controlled his Afflicted powers even more skillfully than Qin Yuer.
As long as he avoided extreme life-or-death situations, he appeared no different from an ordinary person—at most, a prodigy with exceptional talent.
"Are you sure you've thought this through?"
Dean Xiao wasn't worried about Qin Che. After three years of observation, he knew Qin Che's character better than anyone else. He never acted without certainty.
"Xiao Che..."
The young woman beside him watched Qin Che with concern.
Three years had refined Ding Yumin like polished jade. Once merely a "potential beauty," she had blossomed completely under the nurturing passage of time.
Her skin now glowed like porcelain, her eyes sparkled with intelligence and charm, and her ethereal aura accentuated her breathtaking beauty, making her seem like a maiden stepped straight out of a painting—an unforgettable sight.
"Don't worry, Yumian," Qin Che reassured her, gently taking her delicate hand. "I know my limits."
Feeling the warmth of his hand on hers, a faint blush crept across Ding Yumin's cheeks, and her anxiety instantly vanished.
As a Mind-type Afflicted, she was acutely sensitive to emotions. Qin Che had never shown her a hint of insincerity, not even bothering to conceal his feelings with the Chaos System.
"Since you want to gain experience, I suggest you go to the southern mountains. They're sparsely populated, mostly inhabited by Demon Beasts. Even if your powers go out of control, no one will notice."
Dean Xiao paused, a confident smile suddenly spreading across his face. "Even if the military finds out about you there, I can get you out!"
With those words, Dean Xiao's figure seemed to grow taller, radiating the composure of a Forbidden Spellcaster and the confidence born of overwhelming power.
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher!" Qin Che said sincerely before returning to his room to pack.
Dean Xiao watched Qin Che's retreating figure, his heart swelling with satisfaction.
Three years to reach High-Rank Mage status—he had foreseen this moment years ago. But back then, he had missed his chance to act, resulting in that girl being frozen in Tianshan.
This time, he would nurture a peerless genius who would shake the world!
"Grandpa Xiao, can't I go too?"
Suddenly, Dean Xiao felt someone tugging at his sleeve.
Looking down, he saw Ding Yumin.
"Of course not. Your emotional control is still lacking, while Qin Che has already achieved 90% mastery. You'd only hold him back."
Hearing Dean Xiao's stern rebuke, Ding Yumin shrank back, daring not to argue.
She could only retreat to her room and resume her training.
***
Early the next morning, Qin Che bid farewell to Dean Xiao and boarded the high-speed train south.
After three years of meticulous observation, Qin Che had determined that the Blood Disaster in Bocheng was not yet imminent.
The Bocheng Blood Disaster was known to feature numerous One-Eyed Demon Wolves, Bone-Spike Ferocious Wolves, and even a small commander-level Winged Azure Wolf!
These were all "nourishment" he could obtain without lifting a finger!
Qin Che saw no reason not to reap this easy harvest.
But this wasn't his primary motivation.
What truly mattered was Wu Ku, the Water-type Calamity Victim.
As everyone knew, there could only be one Calamity Victim for each element in the world.
When a Calamity Victim died, their innate talent would transfer to the next "unlucky soul."
In the original narrative, after Qin Yuer's death, the Ice-type Calamity Talent had passed to Mu Ningxue.
Her Innate Spirit Seed had instantly evolved into an Innate Soul Seed.
Even more astonishingly, after Mu Ningxue reached the Forbidden Spell level, her Ice-type Divine Gift became utterly heaven-defying!
It completely rejected any element not aligned with ice!
*If it's not the element I want, it's rejected!*
Therefore, Qin Che intended to kill Wu Ku, betting that the Water-type Calamity Talent would transfer to Dean Xiao!
He believed this Afflicted Talent would be of greatest use to Dean Xiao!
Even with only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, it was a gamble worth taking.
It was a way to repay Dean Xiao for saving his life and recognizing his potential.
"Attention, passengers! We will soon be arriving at Bocheng Station, the next stop on this train. Please gather your belongings, especially items stored on the overhead racks and under your seats, to avoid misplacing or leaving anything behind..."
The arrival announcement jolted Qin Che from his thoughts.
Gazing out the window at the scenery so different from the Demon Capital, Qin Che couldn't help but smile slightly.
"You wolf cubs, your executioner has arrived!"
Every ounce of suffering I endured in the One-Eyed Demon Wolf den three years ago, I, Qin Che, will repay you tenfold!
And Wu Ku, don't even think about running.
We're kindred spirits, after all.