Chapter 4: A Sudden Turn in the Alley, A Desperate Counterattack

The dim streetlamp in the alley flickered on and off, mirroring Mao Yu’s fluctuating mood. The glow of the Essence Condensing Bead pulsed through his clothing, emitting a faint, alluring ripple of energy.

"Heh, I’ve hit the jackpot this time!" Mao Yu thought with delight, completely unaware that danger was silently closing in.

Suddenly, a figure appeared at the alley entrance like a ghost, blocking his path. The man was burly, with a hideous scar across his face, his eyes fixed greedily on the bead in Mao Yu’s hand.

"Kid, hand that thing over!" His raspy voice sounded like sandpaper rubbing against glass—harsh and grating.

Mao Yu’s heart tightened as he gripped the bead. This was the key to his advancement; how could he just give it away?

"This is mine. Why should I give it to you?" He forced himself to stay calm, fighting to keep his voice from trembling.

"Why? Because I’m stronger than you!" The scarred man sneered, and a powerful wave of pressure instantly engulfed the alley.

Mao Ling, terrified, hid behind Mao Yu, shivering. "Brother..." she whispered, her eyes filled with fear.

"Hand it over if you know what’s good for you, unless you want to suffer!" The scarred man stepped forward, a murderous glint in his eyes. He had been eyeing the Essence Condensing Bead for a long time; it was a rare treasure that could fetch a fortune on the black market.

Mao Yu feigned composure while panicking internally. He was only a novice esper, and the man was clearly far superior. A direct confrontation was impossible; he had to find a way out.

"Big brother, let’s talk this over. No need for violence!" While stalling for time, he secretly reached into his pocket and grasped another item rewarded by the system—a flashbang. He weighed his options quickly; this was the only flashbang the system had provided. If he used it now, he would have nothing for future dangers. But the man before him was too powerful. If he didn't risk it, the bead would be stolen and his chance to improve would vanish. Gritting his teeth, he decided to gamble everything.

"Enough talk! Hand it over!" the scarred man roared, his patience exhausted.

"Here..." Mao Yu suddenly reached out, mimicking the action of handing over the bead.

The scarred man’s eyes lit up with joy, and he reached out to grab it. At that moment, a cunning smile touched the corner of Mao Yu’s mouth. He hurled the flashbang.

"Blinding your titanium dog eyes!"

The flashbang exploded in the narrow alley like a miniature sun, releasing a blinding white light. The dim walls were instantly illuminated, revealing every speck of moss and grime. Caught off guard, the scarred man was overwhelmed by the glare. His hideous expression froze, his eyes bulging wide, followed by a howl of agony.

"Now!" Mao Yu shouted internally. The "Swift Wind Step" skill, newly granted by the system, activated instantly. He moved like a bolt of lightning, appearing behind the scarred man in the blink of an eye.

"What?!" Before the man could react, he felt a sharp pain in his back. Mao Yu’s fist, infused with wind elemental energy, smashed into him, sending him flying.

"Damn, this kid is playing the pig to eat the tiger!" a bystander exclaimed. They had assumed Mao Yu was just a novice, never expecting him to have such a hidden trick up his sleeve.

The scarred man crashed to the ground, vomiting blood, his eyes filled with shock and terror.

"You... you actually..."

Mao Yu clapped his hands, looking down at him with disdain. "Didn't expect that, did you? I'm not someone you can mess with!" He acted arrogant, though he was secretly relieved. If not for the system, he would have been done for today.

The air around him began to churn as visible energy ripples emanated from his body. He slowly raised his hand, gathering a cluster of cyan wind blades in his palm that emitted a chilling aura.

"This... this is wind element power?!" The scarred man’s face turned pale. He never imagined a novice could master such formidable strength.

"Scared now? Too late!" Mao Yu sneered and launched the wind blade. It streaked out like cyan lightning, whistling as it tore through the air. Dust swirled into a small vortex in its wake, instantly shredding the man’s clothes and leaving a deep wound on his chest, where the lingering cyan energy caused a stinging sensation.

"Ah—" the scarred man shrieked.

"Stop! I give up!" The man clutched his chest, pleading for mercy. He didn't want to lose his life here.

Mao Yu retracted the wind blade and looked down at him. "You’re smart enough to know when to quit." He bent down, snatched the storage bag from the man’s hand, and opened it to find it filled with rare herbs and spirit stones. "Heh, made a killing!"

He turned to look at Mao Ling, who was staring at him with wide, admiring eyes.

"Brother, you're so amazing!"

Mao Yu ruffled her hair and smiled. "It's nothing. From now on, I've got your back!"

Earlier, when Mao Yu was in danger, Mao Ling had spotted a rock on the ground. She had bitten her lip and picked it up, determined to help her brother if he couldn't win, even if it cost her her life.

"Wait, there’s someone else..." Mao Yu sensed an odd presence.

Seeing the man down, Mao Ling cautiously peeked out from behind Mao Yu, her large, watery eyes full of concern. "Brother, are you okay? Are you hurt?" She reached out to check his arms.

Mao Yu dodged with a laugh. "Don't worry, I'm agile—how could I get hurt?" He patted his chest dismissively, though he felt a warm glow inside. The little girl really cared for him.

"But..." Mao Ling was still worried, standing on tiptoes to check his back for wounds.

"I'm really fine, look!" Mao Yu spun around to show he was unscathed. "See? Not a hair out of place!"

Only then did Mao Ling relax, breaking into a smile through her tears. "That's good, you scared me to death!"

Just then, the system’s voice echoed in Mao Yu’s mind: "Congratulations to the host for successfully repelling the enemy. You have gained 100 experience points, a 10% increase in wind elemental proficiency, and an additional opportunity for an elemental breakthrough!"

"Damn! This is awesome!" Mao Yu was ecstatic; this was a massive windfall! He felt a warm current surge through his body, his internal energy flowing like a rushing river.

The surrounding crowd noticed the change in Mao Yu and cast envious glances. "That kid is so lucky; he actually broke through during a fight!" "Indeed, it seems the Essence Condensing Bead really is a treasure!"

Mao Yu clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within and a newfound confidence. The days of being bullied were finally coming to an end!

However, as he savored his victory, he felt a cold, snake-like gaze fixate on him. He spun around, but the depths of the alley were empty, save for the flickering, eerie light of the streetlamps.

"Strange, was it just my imagination?" Mao Yu frowned, a flicker of unease rising in his heart. He felt as though something was about to happen. The matter of the Essence Condensing Bead would likely not end so easily.

"Brother, let's go," Mao Ling urged, tugging his hand.

Mao Yu nodded and led her out of the alley. As night deepened, the dim streetlights stretched their shadows long.

"Brother, what are we eating tonight?" Mao Ling asked innocently.

Mao Yu ruffled her hair. "Whatever you want. It's on me today!"

They walked slowly along the street toward home. Yet, they failed to notice a dark shadow following them not far behind, its eyes gleaming with greed.

"Almost there..." Mao Yu looked ahead; their dilapidated rental apartment was in sight.