Li Hao looked around the store, his gaze sweeping over the many appliances. Yet his expression remained unmoved, indifferent to all he saw.

Just then, the door opened with the soft chime of the bell. Li Hao turned, and so did his mother.

“Ms. Fei, our boss says he wants another one of those pork chops of yours—oh? And who might this be?” the first gang member said as he stepped into the shop.

His eyes landed on the elegant young woman behind the counter—her blue eyes like frosty lakes, her white hair as soft as clouds. His bored expression shifted, replaced by something more primal.

He stepped forward, grinning. “Mind introducing yourself, young lady?” he asked.

Judging by her plain clothes, she doesn’t look like someone from a noble family. And with that kid in her arms... a husband, maybe?

No matter. What could he possibly do, with the boss backing me?

The man felt like he'd just hit the jackpot. 

[Name: Lin Ji-hoon

Age: 34

Realm: Third-Rate Martial Artist

Affiliation: Silver Fang Gang, Lower-Grade Member] 

Lu Ru-yue’s legs tensed. This moment had come out of nowhere. Fear gripped her heart.

She tried to calm herself—but failed.

The man stepped closer. “Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?” he repeated.

He reached out and lifted her hair, feeling its softness as he smiled.

Lu Ru-yue’s body refused to respond. 

Her limbs locked in place. Her brain struggled to process what was happening.

“Brother Bai Mo, you really found a good one,” another gang member said from behind. “We’ll have some fun with this beauty.”

Lu Ru-yue’s mind clenched. She knew what they intended—but her body still refused to move.

Bai Mo glanced down at the boy in her arms. Li Hao. The child looked blank, as if unaware of what was happening—yet his small hand was gripping his mother’s trembling fingers.

Bai Mo reached out. “Hey there, little one. Aren’t you cute?” he said, face twisted with lust.

Li Hao grabbed his wrist. Small fingers—cold, unmoving.

Suddenly, Bai Mo’s grin froze.

A sharp, dry snap echoed—like twigs breaking in winter.

Pain surged up his arm. He screamed, falling to his knees.

Li Hao didn’t blink. His gaze drifted downward—calm, detached—like an immortal examining a struggling ant.

There was no hatred in his eyes. No satisfaction.

Just distant, inevitable judgment.

The man writhed in pain, staring at the source.

Li Hao still held his hand—his wrist, skin and flesh torn, despite all the cultivation.

What is this? Who is this kid? How can he do this?

And those eyes…

They’re different from the boss’s. They’re...

Bai Mo stared into Li Hao’s eyes—and froze.

It was as if he were staring into the gaze of an immortal.

A being beyond understanding—one who had watched the passing of eons.

The weight of those eyes crushed him.

His spiritual will shattered. His consciousness collapsed under that vast, heavenly pressure.

Li Hao then turned to the other man.

The second gang member met Li Hao’s gaze—

—and recoiled.

It was as if he had seen something he never should have.

To him, Li Hao’s presence was that of a tiger.

One paw rested on his shoulder—he could feel it.

He froze in fear.

Then liquid soaked his pants.

But his mind wasn’t on that.

It was on the tiger—standing before him—ready to pounce.

He took one slow step back.

Then spun on his heels and bolted out the shop door.

Lu Ru-yue stood still, holding her child, unable to believe what had just happened. She stared at the door for a long moment.

Li Hao looked up at her, eyes calm and serene.

“Let’s go home,” he said. “The things you ordered are here.”

“Here you go, Mrs. Li,” the older woman behind the counter said as she returned with a basket.

“O-okay…” Lu Ru-yue stammered as she took it and left.

“I wonder what she’s so worried about,” the old woman muttered.

Then she looked down.

A man was on his knees—staring blankly at the ground.

His mind and spiritual will shattered.

“Seems I missed something interesting,” she said, gazing calmly at him.

“Missed something interesting?”

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