Chapter 20: Intimidation

Silence.

Xu Hongzhuang stood frozen, her wide eyes fixed on Chen Feng, utterly at a loss for how to respond.

Chen Feng remained silent as he observed her bewildered expression. After a moment, he waved his right hand, and a tentacle materialized out of thin air, wrapping around Xu Hongzhuang's waist. With a quick flick, she was pulled in front of him.

This was Xu Hongzhuang's first time being lifted into the air so suddenly, and it left her feeling dizzy.

The dark elf had already put away her bow and arrow, her gaze now fixed on Xu Hongzhuang. Her eyes roamed from Xu Hongzhuang's neck to her waist, lingering on every inch of exposed skin.

The dark elf's gaze, whether intentional or not, lingered on Xu Hongzhuang's chest for an unsettling amount of time. She licked the tip of her tongue, even placing her index finger on her lips.

She could smell a hint of purity.

Dark elves despise purity as much as they despise forest elves. Having fallen into darkness, their favorite sacrificial offerings during large rituals are creatures that represent light, such as unicorns.

Lust.

If Xu Hongzhuang were handed over to the dark elf, it would only take a few hours for her to understand the true meaning of despair.

The dark elf was skilled with her fingers, her bow, and various other tools, all of which she used to bring pure-hearted individuals to the brink of ecstasy.

Sensing that something was wrong, Xu Hongzhuang felt the hairs on her body stand on end under the dark elf's gaze. She hesitated before saying, "I think this is a misunderstanding, I didn't mean to…"

"You didn't misunderstand."

Chen Feng cut off her explanation. "It's dangerous out there. I put in a lot of effort to find this hiding place, but because of you, it's all gone up in smoke. In that situation just now, the best solution would've been to kill you. As soon as you died, the threat from that oversized reptile would've ended."

"But it's unfortunate..."

Chen Feng paused deliberately before continuing, "You blocked that arrow. Although the reptile is dead, the commotion was too great. Unfortunately, we can't stay here any longer…"

Cold.

Chen Feng's words were like an icy cave that extinguished any warmth, erasing whatever good impression Xu Hongzhuang had of him.

No matter how much she tried, Xu Hongzhuang couldn't comprehend it. Wasn't this supposed to be a scene where the hero saves the beauty? Why was the reality so different from what she imagined? In a chaotic world like this, humans should be helping each other. Why was he so cruel? Just because she threatened his safety, he was ready to kill her?

But…

Xu Hongzhuang still had to appreciate his honesty. There was no sugar-coating, just the brutal truth that cut straight to the heart.

What should she say?

No matter what, he had saved her. Xu Hongzhuang's emotions were a tangled mess. On one hand, she was grateful for Chen Feng's help; on the other hand, she couldn't reconcile herself to his ruthless nature.

His appearance was so peaceful—white shirt, linen pants, exuding a clean aura in every movement—but his heart was so ruthless, so dark. Xu Hongzhuang, who was so full of righteousness, found it impossible to accept.

While Xu Hongzhuang wrestled with her thoughts, Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her. He could clearly see her thoughts—pure, straightforward. It was obvious that this was a girl with no hidden agenda; everything she wanted to say was written on her face.

This is good...

Controlling a Dretch is far easier than controlling a dark elf. The examples around him had taught Chen Feng a simple truth: fools are easier to control.

The word 'fool' is broad.

Chen Feng often used it to describe certain types of people.

Judges.

Brave, fearless, self-sacrificing, and overly righteous.

Judges are part of an organization that believes in the inherent goodness of humanity. Wherever there is suffering, you will find them—selfless, fearless, dedicating their lives to helping others. For the sake of ordinary people, they would willingly plunge into nests of insects or tides of corpses.

This is an extraordinarily noble endeavor. They swore to cleanse the world of all darkness and filth, targeting insects and evildoers as their enemies. Though they had their own criteria for judging good and evil.

Xu Hongzhuang reminded Chen Feng of the Judges.

Clear in their love and hate.

For those in need, or those who had helped them, they would give everything. But for those they deemed heretics or evildoers, they would not hesitate to raise their blades.

Like Xu Hongzhuang—the fierce warrior who had just fought against the earth-strike dragon and the now conflicted girl were so starkly different, like fire and water, it was hard to believe they were the same person.

Every Judge lives an ascetic life, ignoring love and worldly pleasures, devoting everything to the greater good. This is why so few of them ever fall to corruption, not even the most alluring succubi could shake the mind of a Judge.

A girl with the potential to become a Judge?

At this thought, Chen Feng snapped back to the present. He smiled coldly at the girl before him. "Well, I think it's time we had a talk. I have to leave here soon, so I'll give you a chance to say your last words…"

"I...we...what? You still want to kill me?"

Xu Hongzhuang had been about to explain herself when Chen Feng's words struck her like a bolt of lightning, making her eyes widen in shock.

"I'm a cautious person. Your abilities earlier gave me quite a scare. It's hard for me to know if you'll bear a grudge against me, so to eliminate the risk of revenge, it's best to kill you!"

"But why? This was just a misunderstanding, wasn't it? I didn't blame you at all, and...and I'm very grateful to you...I never thought of seeking revenge…"

Xu Hongzhuang tried to explain hurriedly, but Chen Feng was unmoved. At the same time, the dark elf raised her bow again, and this time, Xu Hongzhuang could feel the killing intent emanating from her. It was like a quagmire, making her heart sink. She knew now that he wasn't joking.

'No!'

'I can't die yet!'

Xu Hongzhuang clenched her fists. She wasn't afraid of death, but her family's blood feud had yet to be avenged. She had sworn to wipe out these monsters and honor her family's spirits. How could she die in a place like this?

"No, please listen to me. I can't die yet. This terrible catastrophe took all of my family away. I swore to make these monsters pay with blood. I can't die here, at least not now!"

Xu Hongzhuang raised her head, her voice hoarse as she faced Chen Feng.

But Chen Feng merely shook his head. "And how does that concern me? I'm only concerned about my own safety. Don't you think that verbal promises are a bit too flimsy?"

"Then...what do I have to do for you to spare me? I swear on my family's grave that I will never harm you…"

"You think someone like me would believe in something like an oath?"

Xu Hongzhuang was stunned for a moment. Yes, how could someone so selfish and paranoid believe her vow?

So...was she really going to die?

"Of course, if you can agree to one condition, I might consider letting you go."

"Really?"

Xu Hongzhuang seized on this hope like a drowning person grabbing a lifeline. Without thinking, she nodded eagerly. "Tell me! No matter what it is, I'll do my best to fulfill it!"

This is exactly what he wanted.

Hearing her words, Chen Feng smiled. He took a step forward, leaning close to Xu Hongzhuang's ear, and whispered, "Anything at all? Then become my slave. Now, call me...Master."