Father took a step back in surprise as multiple people filled the room. They were dressed entirely in black and had black masks over their faces. Two white horns shaped their masks. The man in the center didn’t have a mask, but instead had a large gash across his face. His teeth were smeared with red.

Xue Li felt the energy pulse from Father’s body. He narrowed his eyes. “Xue Li, Lin, Fuhua—leave.”

“Father—” Lin started.

“Now!”

Lin grabbed Fuhua’s hand and hauled him up to his feet. The man in the center of the room flicked his finger, and one of the men rushed to the door that led to the hallway, blocking their way. Father’s lips curled. “What’s the meaning of this?”

“I’ve asked this before,” the man in the center said, shifting on his feet. “Either join us, or die. Your family isn’t an exception.”

“Duan He Ping,” Father spat. “Leave, or I’ll kill you.”

“Do you really think you can do that?”

“I do.” His gaze flitted over to Xue Li. “Leave my children out of this.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Duan He Ping unhooked his sword from his waist. “What’s your final decision? Join us, or no?”

Xue Li felt the air pressurize with Father’s energy. Everything happened all at once; she vaguely heard Father yell for them to run, just as he charged at Duan He Ping. His fist connected with the larger man, and he jabbed his elbow at him. The man stumbled back, but was barely fazed. All the other men sprang into action immediately. Three men were already headed towards Xue Li. The corner of her mouth twitched; she had no idea what was happening, but there was one thing she knew: she had to fight these men and protect her family.

Her fist tightened as she felt the rush through her bloodstream. Her lips formed a smile and before she could even think, her body moved into action. She ducked from the closest man’s punch, and slammed her fist into his gut. He reeled back and coughed, but she was already moving too fast for him to see.

The Black Blood arts were a form of fighting that relied on defense above all; their bodies were cloaked with their intense magic, creating an insanely strong shield over their bodies at all times. It was nearly impossible not to have their magic shield them, because if they let their magic out, disaster ensued.

However, that was only part of it. If she focused her energy into her fist—or any other body part—she could break bones and punch boulders. Her own personal touch was pouring her energy into her legs and moving fast enough that her enemies couldn’t keep up.

The air sizzled with her energy, smelling like iron. She was moving faster than she normally did in practice. She zipped towards the next enemy, who had a large sword trained at her. She sidestepped him and poured all her energy to her leg, right before she kicked him in the torso. He flew across the room and crashed into the wall. Splinters of wood broke across his body and he slumped forward, the mask slipping off to reveal a young face.

Xue Li barely paid attention and moved onto her next target. She seemed to dance around her enemies, punching and kicking as if it was child’s play. Were these men truly trained killers? They were too weak against her. Or perhaps she was too strong?

She punched her next target, but he dodged in the nick of time. She blinked back in surprise. Had he read her movements? Impossible; there was no way he could match her speed. She lurched forward and kicked him, only to have him once again dodge. She blinked back, while the man laughed.

“Surprised? You might be strong for a little girl, but this world is bigger than you think,” he sneered before slicing the air with his sword.

Xue Li jumped back, but two men were already running towards her. She sidestepped and barely dodged the blade’s kiss. One of the men managed to punch her in the abdomen, sending her reeling to the side. She kicked him across the face. The second man exchanged blows with her, while the swordsman continued slashing her. She dodged each of their blows, her teeth gritted together and sweat dampening her brow. Fighting multiple people at the same time was difficult, even for her.

“Xue Li!”

She turned just in time to see Duan He Ping’s sword enter Father’s chest. His face was wracked with pain, while the other man was grinning widely. Xue Li’s eyes widened and she was knocked to the side. A sword dug into her shoulder and pain exploded in her body, coloring her red. However, due to the heavy cloaking of energy around her, it only went an inch deep, touching her bone, before it couldn’t go any further.

More and more energy pumped through her and she inhaled sharply, her eyes set on Father. She grabbed the blade on her shoulder and clenched her fist around it. It shattered in seconds.

But the pain was nothing compared to the sight in front of her.