I saw a man standing before me—wearing black, torn pants and a sleeveless shirt. His skin was pale white, his expression unreadable. He was about the same height as me.
The moment our eyes met, I felt strangely embarrassed and turned to leave.

But then he spoke, his voice calm and low.
“Don’t go. I’m not here to get you.”

Not here to get me? Then who is he?

“Who are you!?” I demanded. “How did you find me? Even the three high cultivators couldn’t sense my presence—how can you!?”

He didn’t answer. He only smirked. The sight of it made me even more annoyed.
“YOU—HOW DARE YO—”

Before I could finish shouting, he vanished from where he stood. In a blink, he was right in front of me.
What!? How did he move that fast? He was floating in the air just a second ago!

I tried to turn away, but he grabbed my wrist—firm, yet not painful.
He’s strong… too strong for someone this young.

He looked straight into my eyes.
“Woman, I’m not here to cause you trouble. You just happened to cross my territory. I’m here to ask if you’re prepared to face the consequence.”

My eyes widened. “Wait—you’re the owner of the Death Forest!? I’ve never heard of someone like you controlling this place! I’m sorry for trespassing. I’ll leave immediately.”

I took a step back, but his voice stopped me.
“You should know by now… you can’t escape me.”

“Sen—”

“Oppss…” he interrupted, grinning. “Don’t call me senior. Do I look that old to you?”

His teasing tone made me roll my eyes. What is wrong with this guy?

“Young mas—”

Before I could finish, he pressed a finger to my lips.
My heart suddenly raced. What is this feeling? Why… why can’t I control myself?

Then he gently stroked my hair, and for a strange moment, the warmth in his touch felt familiar—comforting, like something I hadn’t felt since my mother. A wave of longing rose in my chest, and I nearly cried without knowing why.

Before I could react, he took my hand—and we soared into the sky.

He’s flying!?

I thought only powerful magic tools could make someone float, yet this man was doing it effortlessly with his own energy. His grip was strong and reassuring. As we flew higher, I instinctively clung to him. He glanced at me, smiling faintly.

Why do I feel safe with him…?

We stopped midair, hovering above the clouds. He looked at me with quiet eyes that seemed to say, “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I snapped out of my thoughts when he asked softly, “What’s your name?”

“My name is Celine. Celine Tong. You, Young Master?”

He smiled faintly. “Yanyan. Just Yanyan. It’s my pleasure to meet you like this.”

My cheeks burned. This guy… so smooth with his words!

“Celine,” he said again—calling my name like it was something precious.

“Yes, Youn—”

“Call me Yan,” he interrupted.

I hesitated, then whispered, “Yan…”

His face turned slightly red, and he looked away. He’s blushing?

Then he asked, “Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

I shook my head. “No. I ran away from home… my father—” My voice trailed off as memories flashed through my mind.

He spoke gently. “Don’t worry. As long as you’re with me, no one in this world can take you away. You’ll be safe.”

Tears welled up, but I quickly wiped them away.

“Stay at my place for the night,” he said. “You need rest.”

“Umm… okay, Yan.”

As we approached his home, I was stunned. Below us stood not a village—but a fortress.
What is that!? How can anyone build something like this here?

When we landed, I saw a small wolf sitting calmly on the couch, staring at me. The house’s design was grand—its structure far more advanced than even the royal palace of Dan.

How is this possible?

I looked at Yanyan again and realized—everything about this place, this energy, this aura—it was all connected to him.

And then I felt it for the first time.
The subtle pressure of dual energy radiating from his body—Cultivation Qi and System Power, merging perfectly within him.

He’s not bound by normal cultivation… he’s both a cultivator and a system wielder.
Just who exactly is this man?