Affectionate Flowing Waters (3)

This pleasure did not last long before a fierce wind, carrying threads of chill, rushed straight at them. Chu Shihan's expression changed abruptly, his gaze turning cold as ice. On instinct, he swiftly shielded Shen Yuxi behind him, spiritual power instantly circulating through his entire body as he watched their surroundings warily.

When the wind stopped, an uninvited guest appeared before them out of thin air without warning.

The newcomer was actually a young boy, leisurely floating in midair.

His round little face was scrunched into a ball, his miserable expression making it seem as though he had suffered some earth-shattering grievance—or as if everyone owed him an enormous debt they could never repay. He looked at everyone with intense displeasure.

From the instant he appeared, the boy's eyes had remained fixed on Shen Yuxi, his gaze carrying an indescribable focus.

Chu Shihan's heart lurched. A powerful unease welled up within him. He instinctively shifted another half-step to the left, completely blocking his junior brother from view.

Seeing Chu Shihan act as if he faced a formidable enemy, the boy gave a disdainful snort. It echoed through the silent air like a sharp needle piercing Chu Shihan's taut nerves, making the already tense atmosphere even more drawn-bow tight.

"Sen—" Chu Shihan had only just tentatively uttered the first sound when, before he could finish, the boy vanished from before his eyes like a ghost. He was so fast that Chu Shihan had no time to react at all.

In an instant, Chu Shihan's vision blurred. Then a cool breeze brushed past his ear. His heart sank, and he inwardly cried that things were bad. He hurriedly turned around to look. Sure enough, Shen Yuxi had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only an empty, silent space.

"Little one, I'll borrow