Cutting Off Na'er, the Passing Masked Rider

That afternoon, at Red Mountain Academy.

"Old man, you head back first."

Fang Ming said, "I'm going out for a walk."

"Alright."

Cang Xuan said nothing more and left directly.

Fang Ming walked down the street, thinking about something else.

If he remembered correctly, Na'er seemed to be somewhere near Red Mountain Academy.

"Sorry, Tang Wulin. The Silver Dragon King's flower language is first come, first served!"

A smile curled across Fang Ming's lips, and his steps grew lighter as he began wandering around Red Mountain Academy.

The sunlight slanted down, coating the streets in a warm orange glow.

The sea breeze swept through the streets, carrying a faint salty dampness as the roadside trees rustled.

Before long, a tiny, frail figure came into view.

She was a little girl who looked no more than five or six years old. Her clothes were old, and she was filthy from head to toe.

She sat alone on the stone steps by the roadside, like an abandoned young beast.

Her rare silver hair stood out vividly. But at that moment, the beautiful hair was covered in dust and looked somewhat dull.

She kept her head lowered, her arms wrapped around her knees as she curled herself into a ball, looking tiny and fragile.

As if sensing something, the girl raised her head and looked in Fang Ming's direction.

Those unusually clear purple eyes were like two flawless amethysts.

"Boss, look over there."

A few young men loitering on the streets happened to pass by. One of them had sharp eyes and immediately noticed that flash of silver.

"Whoa, silver hair is pretty rare."

A trace of ill intent flashed through the blond youth's eyes.

The red-haired youth beside him nodded repeatedly. "She might be one of those foreigners from the other two continents. We could definitely sell her for a good price on the black market."

"Boss, we're gonna make a fortune this time." The green-haired youth's eyes were filled with greed.

"Come on. After this job, brothers, we'll be eating and drinking like kings."

The blond youth at the lead walked straight over with the other two.

The blond youth forced a hypocritical smile, crouched down, and leaned close to the little girl. "Hey, little sister, where's your family?"

The little girl lowered her head and shook it without saying anything.

The blond youth spoke again, his voice gentle. "You're hungry, right? Big brother will take you to get something tasty."

At his words, the little girl shook her head vigorously and shrank back, her resistance obvious.

"Damn it, you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

The blond youth's pretense of warmth instantly vanished, replaced by viciousness.

He gave the green-haired and red-haired youths a look. The two immediately stepped forward and surrounded the little girl.

This sudden malice

made Na'er's little face turn pale. Hugging her knees tightly, she curled up desperately like a frightened little beast.

"Stop!"

A voice suddenly rang out.

The three punk youths jumped in fright and turned around together.

A black-haired youth had somehow already walked over.

Fang Ming stood tall, with clear and handsome features, watching them calmly. There was little emotion in his gaze, yet it inexplicably sent chills down their spines.

"Where did this brat come from, sticking his nose into our business?"

The blond youth's expression darkened. "Get lost if you know what's good for you. Don't ruin our fun."

Fang Ming said nothing and simply kept walking forward.

"Damn it, another fool who refuses a toast only to drink a forfeit."

The blond youth's eyes reddened, his breathing heavy. "Brothers, teach him a lesson!"

Without another word, the red-haired youth threw a punch at his face.

Though he was not a Soul Master, he had spent years fighting in the streets. His punch carried considerable force as it flew straight toward Fang Ming's face.

Fang Ming tilted his head slightly and effortlessly dodged it.

He raised his right hand, and a scorching aura suddenly surged forth.

"Puff."

A ball of green flame appeared out of thin air.

The flames flickered, instantly warping the air around them as a terrifying pressure spread like a tide.

"Y-you're a Soul Master?!"

The red-haired youth's voice trembled, fear filling his eyes.

The blond youth and green-haired youth at the lead also staggered back several steps in fright.

All their arrogance had vanished, replaced by sheer terror.

"No."

Fang Ming shook his head. "I'm just a passing Masked Rider."

He walked over to Na'er and gently stroked her silver hair. "Be good. Close your eyes. It'll be over soon."

Na'er looked up at him, and Fang Ming's figure was reflected in her clear amethyst-like eyes.

A moment later, she obediently closed her eyes.

Fang Ming turned to look at the three punks.

"Lord Masked Rider, we were wrong."

The blond youth's voice was full of fear. "Please spare us. I have elderly parents and young children to care for..."

"No, you don't know that you were wrong."

Fang Ming spoke in an utterly calm voice. "You just know you're about to die."

"Netherworld Poison Flame."

The blond youth's face went deathly pale. He shoved the green-haired and red-haired youths forward. "N-no... Boss..."

Before he could finish, the green-haired and red-haired youths were swallowed by green flames. They did not even have time to scream before turning to ash that scattered into the wind.

The blond youth turned and fled desperately, but after only two steps, he stumbled and collapsed, vomiting blood.

"Interesting. You've been poisoned, and you still want to run?"

Fang Ming glanced at the blond youth.

The blond youth's eyes widened. Lying on the ground, he struggled to raise his head and watched the lingering glow of the green flames slowly fade from the air.

The next moment, his body turned to ash as well.

The street fell quiet again.

Three piles of ash scattered in the breeze, as though nothing had happened.

Fang Ming withdrew his gaze and returned to Na'er's side.

His voice was gentle. "It's okay now. The bad guys have been driven away."

Na'er slowly opened her eyes, her purple gaze reflecting the youth's gentle face.

"My name is Fang Ming. What's yours?"

Na'er pursed her lips, her voice soft and thin. "Na'er..."

"Na'er. What a lovely name."

Fang Ming smiled.

At his words, Na'er's little face immediately reddened, and she lowered her head shyly.

Fang Ming asked, "Na'er, where is your family?"

Confusion filled Na'er's eyes. She shook her head, making her silver hair sway. "I... don't have any family."

"Then would you like to come home with me?"

Fang Ming smiled gently and held out his right hand.

"I... I want to."

Na'er stared at his outstretched hand and hesitated for a moment.

Perhaps the kindness in his eyes was too clear. Carefully, she placed her small hand in Fang Ming's palm.

"Grrr..."

An untimely sound suddenly rang out.

Na'er's ears instantly turned red. She buried her head low, not daring to look up at him.

"Hungry?"

Fang Ming asked with a smile.

"Mhm..."

Na'er answered softly.

"Then big brother will take you to buy something to eat." Fang Ming took Na'er's hand and led her away.

After the two left, a black shadow slowly emerged.

"That kid really cleaned things up thoroughly."

The black shadow murmured softly before dispersing into the wind again, as if it had never appeared.