Coercion

After all, this Hui An was a true mid- Intermediate Deity, so she really couldn't do anything to him.

Even though her current spells have become 'Abnormal Arts' because of the Disguise Rune, she cannot act rashly.

"It's simple, sign a contract with me." Hui An pinched Yun Xi's cheek, his fingers tightening, and he coldly threatened, "Whatever contract you signed with the mayor, just sign a contract with me. Don't worry, once you pledge your allegiance to me, I will definitely not treat you unfairly."

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell the mayor if I sign this contract with you?" Yun Xi thought bitterly, vowing to chop off his hand later.

"Do you think the mayor will interfere with our competition? To tell you the truth, that's his tacit approval." Hui An's lips curled into a smug sneer, a smile brimming with unbridled arrogance and absolute certainty of victory.

He leaned closer to Yun Xi and lowered his voice, saying, "Don't naively expect the mayor to uphold justice for you. In his eyes, this is nothing more than a game of survival of the fittest. Only the strong are qualified to gain his attention and favor. You are nothing more than a fish on my chopping block right now."

A sinister glint flashed in Hui An's eyes, as if he had already firmly grasped Yun Xi's fate in his own hands.

"Don't worry, it's not just you. Ku Yu Nei is also my subordinate, and she has signed a contract with me."

He straightened his back, crossed his arms over his chest, and continued, "Ku Yu saw the situation clearly long ago and obediently signed the contract with me. Do you think you had any other choice? Stop making futile struggles; obedient submission is your only way out." Hui An stared intently at Yun Xi, trying to see submission and fear on her face.

Although Yun Xi knew that signing the contract would actually come at no cost to her, she did not want to give in to the other party's wishes so easily.

After all, on the surface, she and the other party are of equal status. If she were to give in so easily, she could forget about ever getting the mayor's favor again.

Judging from Ku Yu's attitude towards Hui An, Yun Xi didn't believe that Ku Yu had signed a contract with him...

After thinking about it, Yun Xi simply sent a message to the housekeeper.

"I've told the housekeeper about this. If he's okay with it, then I have no objection," Yun Xi shrugged, looking relaxed.

Hui An was slightly taken aback. He had not lied when he spoke to Yun Xi earlier.

If Yun Xi complained to the mayor, not only would she not get his help, but the mayor would also look down on her because of it. However, Yun Xi found the housekeeper, and the situation was completely different.

The steward's position was that of a man above all others in the Mayor's Mansion, second only to the most cunning.

Even though Hui An is now the mayor's successor, he still has to defer to San'an. The steward's job also requires him to serve the successor, which naturally includes Yun Xi, thus creating a delicate balance.

As expected, the middle-aged butler immediately appeared beside them. His figure was as elusive as a ghost, and he wore a professional smile as he respectfully asked Yun Xi, "Miss Yun Cai, have you encountered any trouble?"

The voice was deep and gentle, yet it carried an undeniable authority and majesty, inspiring awe in those who heard it.

Before Yun Xi to complain, Hui An snorted coldly and left.

He didn't want Yun Xi to explain the matter in detail to the butler, which would then reach the mayor's ears; that would be bad for him.

If things escalate, he might face reprimand from the mayor, and most importantly, it would affect his standing in the mayor's eyes. Considering these consequences, Hui An could only choose to retreat for the time being, waiting for another opportunity to deal with Yunxi.

Since the other party had taken the initiative to leave, Yun Xi didn't want to say anything more.

Although complaining to the housekeeper is different from complaining to the mayor, once she opens her mouth, it means that she has taken the initiative to show weakness in this competition, making it seem that she is powerless to deal with Hui An's coercion and can only seek help from others.

Moreover, complaining to the housekeeper might cause some unexpected trouble. It might make the housekeeper doubt her abilities, think that she cannot handle such a situation on her own, and thus no longer place high hopes on her in future matters.

Her summons of the steward was merely a means to force Hui An to back down; fortunately, he was also shrewd and knew which choice was best.

"Butler, do you have a more secluded training place, a place where you can be sure you won't be disturbed by anyone?"

"Miss Yun Xi, of course there is. Let me take you to the cultivation room." The butler bowed slightly, a kind smile on his face.

He made a "please" gesture, and then led the way with steady steps.

"Miss Yun Xi, our cultivation room has been meticulously designed. Not only is the environment quiet and peaceful, but it is also fully equipped with all kinds of facilities to ensure that it can meet your needs." The butler introduced the room to Yun Xi carefully while speaking.

Yun Xi's purpose was naturally to study that Strange Energy Crystal.

Perhaps she really can purify the eerie energy within, absorbing only the source power to raise her own level.

In addition, it also allows one to avoid being harassed by Hui An.

The thought of Hui An's aggressive and arrogant demeanor made Yun Xi feel irritated. As long as she was still wandering around outside, she would inevitably run into him again, which would bring her more trouble.

The surrounding environment Tranquil City and solemn, and the decorations on the walls were simple and elegant. The butler led Yun Xi a maze of turns and soon arrived at a corner of the Mayor's Mansion.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the mansion, this place is exceptionally quiet.

The walls were covered with the marks of time, and moss grew quietly in the corners. A few rays of sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees.

In an inconspicuous corner, a tightly closed stone door stands quietly.

Coincidentally, Ku Yu was also heading this way.

The butler greeted her with a smile, "Ku Yu, you're in seclusion again."

Ku Yu nodded slightly, his expression calm and composed. "Mm."

Ku Yu's gaze swept over Yun Xi, and she seemed somewhat surprised, as if she hadn't expected Yun Xi to be able to escape unscathed under Hui An's pressure.

However, the thought of the housekeeper being here made Ku Yu's mind race, and he immediately thought of how Yun Xi had escaped. He couldn't help but feel a little curious about Yun Xi.

Without further ado, the butler led the two into the stone gate, where a completely different world awaited them.

The moment you step inside, a thick, eerie aura hits you, instantly invigorating your spirit.