Chapter Thirty-Three: Tao Lu’s Declaration

“Xia Yan,” Tao Lu called out, her voice breaking the silence as she looked at Xia Yan standing nearby.

“Hm?” Xia Yan responded.

“It’s been a year since we last met, yet you’re still just as arrogant,” Tao Lu pouted. “You’re really something—while I was away from District Nine, you even managed to charm a girl, leaving her all pitiful.”

She was, of course, referring to Lan Xin, which made Xia Yan smile wryly.

“How was your identity exposed? Why were you betrayed by that detestable woman? You shouldn’t have been so reckless!” Tao Lu sighed. “I always longed to meet Xia Yan again, but never imagined it would be under such circumstances.”

Xia Yan could only smile faintly and remain silent.

“How pitiful you are!” Tao Lu said softly, a smile playing on her lips. “Being betrayed is bad enough, but to be betrayed by your own companion—that’s truly pathetic. If only I had found you earlier, I would have sold you off right away.”

Though a year had passed since they last saw each other, Xia Yan could tell that Tao Lu was still the same Tao Lu—undaunted by the future, steadfast in her beliefs. She had never changed.

The tension in Xia Yan’s heart eased accordingly. The situation hadn’t deteriorated to the worst possible outcome. Tao Lu was not his enemy, absolutely not.

“Xia Yan, shall I take her out for you?” Tao Lu asked, a teasing smile in her tone. “A traitor should be prepared to face death, shouldn’t she?”

Her eyes flicked toward the nearby flag, burning with lethal intent. If Xia Yan nodded, not only she but the four winged warriors with her would direct their blades at the flag bearer.

That woman would have no chance of survival—facing Tao Lu and the four winged warriors, even three would be too many.

“Not just yet,” Xia Yan shook his head. “I kill anyone who stands in my way, but that woman is special. I must spare her life because I owe my employer an explanation.”

“Alright then,” Tao Lu nodded with a smile.

She then took a step back.

Many had witnessed this moment and assumed Tao Lu would not make a move against Xia Yan. It was strange—how could a girl of the winged tribe know a human like Xia Yan?

Then, in the next instant, everyone’s eyes widened, jaws dropped, and disbelief swept over the crowd as if they had seen a mirage.

Because Tao Lu’s step back was not a retreat—it was to adjust her stance.

Then, she moved close to Xia Yan, wrapping her arms around his waist, her body pressed tightly against his.

This was a battlefield, not some place for public displays of affection!

Yet countless minds were filled with this surreal scene, utterly baffled, unable to comprehend what was happening. All they could see was Tao Lu’s radiant smile—fearless and brimming with absolute confidence.

She had never changed. The Tao Lu who joined the organization was the same as the Tao Lu now: unafraid of anything, even the whole world.

“Xia Yan, I am different from her. I will never betray a promise once made—just as you once told me,” Tao Lu murmured softly, her breath carrying a faint fragrance to Xia Yan’s ear. “After awakening my bloodline, I felt fortunate. Only two old men surpassed my pure bloodline, and even they have yet to reach their full potential. I even regret leaving your side—I laugh now at my own foolishness back then.”

“Is that so?” Xia Yan replied, unsure how to respond.

“If only I were stronger, at least strong enough to take down a level six mutant,” Tao Lu buried her head in Xia Yan’s embrace. “But the Tao Lu of today can’t do that—there’s nothing I can do.”

Xia Yan could feel Tao Lu’s resolve—and the frustration beneath it.

“Xia Yan, answer me now. We must first overcome this initial hurdle and eliminate everyone who stands in our way,” she whispered. “Are you confident? Don’t waste too much energy; the real battlefield lies ahead.”

“Mm,” Xia Yan nodded.

Tao Lu was astute. She knew that showing any reluctance now would only put her at a disadvantage. Xia Yan was a wanted man, hated by the Free Zone. To avoid trouble, people kept their distance from him.

But what did that matter? Would Tao Lu back down because of it?

Would she care?

No—if she did, she would no longer be Tao Lu.

The Free Zone was just that—free zone. Was it really so intimidating?

Ha! What did it matter at all?

Tao Lu’s tone was somewhat defiant as she extended her pinky finger, beckoning the four winged warriors in the distance, or perhaps signaling them through her psychic abilities.

The four exchanged reluctant glances but dared not disobey their commander’s order and stepped closer.

“Listen carefully. Anyone who dares to block Xia Yan’s path will be killed,” Tao Lu declared plainly, issuing the command without explanation or justification.

This was the fundamental difference between Tao Lu and Lan Xin.

The four winged warriors looked grim—this was a command they never expected. Their mission was not only to seize the Pure Chain from Xia Yan but also to kill him.

No matter what, killing this future enemy would yield a bounty a hundred times greater.

“Now answer me—agree or disagree?” Tao Lu’s gaze was icy as she toyed with the laser pistol in her hand. “You can refuse my order, but know this: defying me means you must be prepared to face the consequences.”

“But, my lady, if we offend the Free Zone—” one winged woman said awkwardly.

“I don’t give a damn about the Free Zone!” Tao Lu sneered.

“I have no objections. Your orders are absolute,” the winged warrior in white quickly agreed.

“Same here,” the tall winged man nodded.

“Fine,” the small winged man reluctantly consented.

The winged woman smiled bitterly but had no choice but to nod.

This scene stunned the entire world. The winged tribe among these outsiders had turned sides at the last moment—from enemies seeking to kill Xia Yan to his allies.

This girl was truly intriguing.

Tao Lu seemed fully aware that all eyes were on her, so she composed her expression and smiled softly at the sky.

Then came her personal declaration—words that would undoubtedly shock the world.

“Xia Yan, when the day comes that you have nowhere left to go, don’t return to the humans. Just come to me,” Tao Lu said with a gentle smile and tender eyes. “I, Tao Lu, promise you, I will never, ever betray you.”