Chapter 19: Disturbing Prelude

The safehouse that Chen Feng had painstakingly secured was now destroyed, leaving him seething with inexplicable anger. He lowered his gaze for the first time to truly observe the girl who had brought this calamity upon him.

Despite being covered in dust and bearing a smear of blood at the corner of her mouth, the girl's eyes remained strikingly clear, like an oasis in a desert. They were bright, filled with a stubborn resolve and an unwavering confidence. She stood like a winter plum blooming proudly amidst the snow, serene and elegant, untouched by the chaos around her. No matter what transpired in her surroundings, she seemed to exist in her own world, exuding an almost unnerving calm.

Chen Feng couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The Heavens truly played favorites. The girl before him was far from ordinary. Not only did she possess exceptional talents, earning her the title of a "Hero Template," but her resilience and mental fortitude also set her apart from others.

In a world where most were still reeling from shock and confusion, this girl had not only fought bravely against the Earth Dragon but had even seized the opportunity to grievously wound it. Such courage and timing were rare indeed.

Hero Template.

These individuals were the backbone of humanity, blessed with extraordinary talents and abilities. Compared to other professionals, they were favored by the heavens themselves.

The Elite.

These were the people who would always be the center of attention, whether in groups, organizations, or even military camps. Their rise to power was swift, and it wouldn't take long for them to assume leadership roles.

Had it not been for his intervention, this girl's life would have ended here. Even if she had managed to hide in a room, the Earth Dragon would have torn her to shreds.

But now, because of his involvement, her fate had taken a sharp turn.

What should I do with her?

The girl had potential, but that arrow earlier might have left her harboring resentment. This could lead to trouble in the future...

So, the best course of action is...

Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, a glimmer of killing intent flickering within them.

---

Xu Hongzhuang gazed at the fallen Earth Dragon, her breathing slightly labored, her eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment.

Slaughtered.

Such a powerful creature had been mercilessly killed, its life ending in such a pitiful manner. The Dretch loomed nearby, motionless like a statue, awaiting Chen Feng's next command.

Xu Hongzhuang looked up at Chen Feng, a mix of curiosity and awe in her eyes. She couldn't fathom how this man could command such terrifying monsters.

Their eyes met.

For the first time, their gazes collided. Seeing the coldness in Chen Feng's eyes, Xu Hongzhuang felt a sudden tremor in her heart, her face flushing slightly.

Xu Hongzhuang had always been fond of swordplay, and as a result, she had never had close male friends. Her emotions were as untouched as a blank sheet of paper. She had once fantasized about a life of passion and fighting, where her destined lover would be a peerless master.

And now...

The appearance of Chen Feng stirred her heart in a way she had never experienced before. It wasn't love, but an entirely new feeling. After all, in the crisis just now, it was he who had saved her, bravely battling the monster and pulling her back from the brink of death.

Xu Hongzhuang struggled to stand. After a brief pause, she spoke, "My name is Xu Hongzhuang. Thank you for saving me just now..."

It was a simple introduction. Xu Hongzhuang's face was pale, but she managed to stand. If an ordinary person had sustained such injuries, they would have long been dead.

Immense Endurance.

An enviable talent.

At this moment, Xu Hongzhuang was somewhat nervous. Speaking with a professional who could control monsters was unsettling.

In fact, she had already noticed that the woman standing beside Chen Feng was not human. Her unusual skin color and pointed ears were clear indicators that she was an otherworldly being.

To have two such beings willingly submit to him meant that Chen Feng's strength far exceeded her understanding. As she looked at Chen Feng's silence, she paused before continuing, "Those arrows earlier, were they shot by you? It was incredible, being able to hit its eyes from such a distance. Although the first one missed, and I was almost hit..."

Xu Hongzhuang was attempting to compliment him.

But Chen Feng didn't respond to her attempt at goodwill. He simply stood there, cold and indifferent.

How amusing...

Missed?

When she said those words, there was clearly no resentment in her tone. Her skills were impressive, but her mind seemed less so.

Chen Feng realized he had misjudged her. He had been viewing things from his own perspective, but the reality was that this girl, despite her Hero Template, had not yet matured mentally. She hadn't endured the baptism of darkness, and her heart remained pure.

The girl was somewhat naive, or perhaps just simple.

She was like a poppy that had yet to bloom, and Chen Feng could cultivate her in his own way...

Conquer.

The word surfaced in Chen Feng's mind.

Heaven's Favored.

These people had great potential. In a sense, they were responsible for humanity's rise. If he could subdue someone like her, she would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in the future.

She was pure.

Having never experienced the baptism of death or the betrayal of humanity, her mind was easily imprinted, marked by an influence that could last a lifetime.

There was a brief silence.

Chen Feng's lips curled into a smile, the killing intent in his eyes gradually fading. The thought of conquering a Heaven's Favored filled him with a strange sense of anticipation.

Having long been surrounded by dark creatures,

Chen Feng had unknowingly absorbed some of the Abyss's nature—dangerous, evil, and twisted.

But this wasn't a bad thing. Good people don't live long in this world, and that adage was more relevant than ever.

Feeling the awkwardness of the situation, Xu Hongzhuang let out an embarrassed laugh. She didn't know if she had said something wrong or if the other party simply had no interest in talking to her.

Suddenly, the dark elf raised her hand, the cold gleam of an arrow aimed directly at Xu Hongzhuang.

"Are you implying... that I almost killed you earlier?"

Chen Feng's voice was quiet, but it was filled with a cold chill and a deadly intent. The dark elf, eager to prove her loyalty, twitched her fingers, and the arrow was now pointed at Xu Hongzhuang's head.

"No way... Of course not! I really do thank you for saving me... How could I ever think otherwise?"

Chen Feng's sudden hostility took Xu Hongzhuang by surprise. She quickly waved her hand in denial, not out of fear of death, but because she disliked being misunderstood. As the one who was saved, she was genuinely grateful to Chen Feng.

That should do it.

Watching Xu Hongzhuang's earnest attempts to explain herself, Chen Feng shook his head and said softly, "No, even if you did think that way, it wouldn't matter. Because with that arrow earlier, I really did intend to kill you..."