To the Forbidden Land, an Episode in the Car

The location of Forbidden Zone No. 5 was a remote area far from the bustling city center.

As the armored vehicle moved farther from the urban district, the scenery outside the window became nothing but endless stretches of flat land.

Inside the vehicle, every inch of space was utilized efficiently. Sturdy metal walls were lined with various weapons and equipment—from rifles custom-made for martial artists to specialized communication devices—each placed in the most accessible positions.

The team members, clad in uniform combat suits, sat on the benches inside the compartment or leaned against the walls. Some quietly inspected their gear, ensuring every weapon was in optimal condition. Others spoke in hushed tones, discussing the details of the upcoming mission or conducting final radio checks.

Though the atmosphere was tense, it wasn’t oppressive.

The vehicle rumbled slowly over rugged terrain, the roar of the engine and the jolts of the uneven road forming the dominant rhythm within the enclosed space.

Gu Yan stared at the black blade in his hand, sensing a refined silver energy pulsing within it.

No doubt, this was a specialized anti-demon weapon issued by the Martial Arts Department.

But... would something like this really work against the Nether Clan?

Just as Gu Yan was lost in thought—

Thud.

A voice that sent a shiver down his spine spoke up.

"You like that weapon? If you need something better, I can give it to you."

Gu Yan stiffened, then slowly turned his head.

To his shock, Leng Bingning was now sitting right beside him.

What?

He glanced to his right—Old Gao was meditating with his eyes closed.

Then to his left—Liu Jianxing, who had been sitting there moments ago, was now standing dazedly off to the side.

"Something wrong, Gu Yan?"

Bai Jun, seated across from him, noticed his strange expression and asked with concern.

Lin Yinyin, sitting beside Bai Jun, saw her subordinate’s unease and assumed he was nervous. Swinging her legs playfully, she reassured him, "Don’t worry, Little Gu! I’ll protect you when the time comes! Just stick close behind me!"

Before Gu Yan could respond—

Leng Qingqiu shot Lin Yinyin a hostile glare.

"...Hmph. A century-old puppet."

As if realizing her tone was too harsh in front of Gu Yan, she turned back to him, her voice softening.

"Relax, little brother. No one else can see me."

"Try speaking to me in your mind. Act natural."

Gu Yan forced himself to suppress his unease, gradually regaining his composure.

What’s wrong with me? I’ve never been this tense in front of others before.

Even if she is Qingqiu’s sister… does bloodline suppression really have this much influence?

He took a deep breath, then smiled at Bai Jun and Lin Yinyin.

"Nothing’s wrong. I was just thinking… with everyone here, this Forbidden Zone expedition might actually be pretty safe."

Bai Jun chuckled and shook his head. "Let’s hope so."

From the corner, Li Chuan, who had been wiping down a communication device, sneered.

"It’s because of naive people like you that so many die in these Forbidden Zones every time."

His words cast a brief silence over the compartment.

Bai Jun sighed at the tension between the two.

Li Chuan came from an ordinary background and had clawed his way into the Martial Arts Department through sheer effort. Naturally, he held deep contempt for privileged heirs like Gu Yan.

The two had been part of the same batch of martial artists, and due to past connections, Bai Jun had brought his old comrades together to form this squad.

Now, caught in the middle, he could only play mediator.

"Don’t say that. Gu Yan was just trying to ease the tension."

Qin Rong, the oldest among them, carried enough authority to shut the argument down.

"Li Chuan, shut it. Everyone’s already on edge about the Forbidden Zone—just focus on your equipment."

"Gu Yan’s part of the advance team. He’ll be exploring the zone with us later. Don’t mess with his head."

She didn’t want to be too harsh—after all, they were all teammates.

But having dealt with Gu Yan back in the Martial Arts Department, she knew he could be a troublemaker. If things escalated now, it could jeopardize the entire mission.

"Tch. Whatever."

Li Chuan scowled and went back to cleaning his gear in silence.

As a post-natal martial artist, he wasn’t required to enter the Forbidden Zone—his role was limited to communications and logistics outside.

"Li Chuan… don’t be like this…"

Wang Yi, another post-natal martial artist assigned to support duties, whispered a gentle plea.

She, Li Chuan, and the others had all joined the Martial Arts Department in the same batch. Thanks to their past ties with Bai Jun—and their actual competence—they’d been allowed to participate in the expedition.

For most, Forbidden Zones were death traps.

But for a select few, joining these missions was a chance to earn glory.

Especially for the support team—safe on the sidelines, yet still eligible for commendation medals upon return.

"Got it."

Seeing everyone side with Gu Yan, Li Chuan scrubbed the equipment even harder, his mood thoroughly soured.

Damn it, why does everyone favor Gu Yan? Just because he's the young master of the Leng Family?

Gu Yan himself found it baffling.

Seriously, do I just have a face that invites hatred?

I'm not even the protagonist, Xiao Lin, so why do random nobodies keep picking fights with me?

Tch, what a hassle. Li Chuan was barely mentioned in the original story anyway.

Probably died on some demon-slaying mission or another.

Well... whatever.

I, Gu Yan, have far more important things to do than waste time on small fry like this.

But... just thinking about it...

A sudden chill gripped Gu Yan's chest.

An inexplicable sense of oppression weighed on him. Puzzled, he followed the feeling and glanced to the side.

Instantly, cold sweat drenched his back.

Leng Qingqiu's nails dug deep into her palms.

Her chest burned with fury.

Her eyes were locked onto that trash, Li Chuan, who had dared to mock Gu Yan.

Trash. Trash. Trash. Trash. Trash.

A mere low-tier nobody actually had the gall to insult Gu Yan.

Trash. Trash. Trash. Trash. Trash.

Kill him. Right here in this forbidden zone—I swear I'll kill this worthless Li Chuan.

To think Gu Yan had been suffering like this in the Martial Arts Department, with everyone siding with Li Chuan.

Anyone could just walk all over him.

And yet, Gu Yan had never once mentioned it to her.

Gu Yan... just how much pressure have you been holding in...?

The thought only deepened Leng Qingqiu's murderous intent.

Damn trash... I will kill you...

Bai Jun and the others suddenly shivered as the temperature in the vehicle plummeted. "Ugh... is it just me, or did it get cold in here, teacher?"

"Yeah! It's freezing!"

Lin Yinyin bundled herself up, exhaling a visible puff of air. "Look! I can see my breath!"

"No, teacher... that's not qi..."

Li Chuan felt it even worse. Rubbing his hands together, he wondered if his anger at everyone fawning over the rich kid had made him physically cold.

Meanwhile, Gu Yan gulped and cautiously poked Leng Qingqiu's arm. "Uh... sis, you okay?"

Leng Qingqiu: !!

She snapped back to reality, quickly suppressing her killing intent before clearing her throat and replying coolly, "Of course I'm fine."

"I just never realized my little brother had such... poor social standing in the Martial Arts Department."

She forced a composed tone.

Gu Yan hesitated, unsure how to respond. He couldn’t exactly admit that he’d acted like a total jerk back in the department, could he?

So he shrugged. "Can’t be helped. Such is the loneliness of the strong!"

Leng Qingqiu smirked. "The strong? You?"

She gave him a once-over. Aside from his life essence glowing slightly brighter than before, nothing had changed. "You're still just at the Innate Realm."

"What’s wrong with the Innate Realm? It’s plenty strong," Gu Yan grumbled. "Anyway, sis, you’re not seriously planning to stick by my side all day to protect me, are you?"

Leng Qingqiu nodded. "Naturally. To prevent any accidents, I’ll ensure your safety."

She paused, then added pointedly, "Only because I don’t want my sister, Leng Qingqiu, to be sad. Don’t misunderstand."

"I have zero interest in little brothers like you, and I would never compete with my sister Leng Qingqiu for a man."

"Really, don’t get the wrong idea!"

[...Other me, control yourself...]

Gu Yan: ?????

What kind of nonsense is she spouting?? I asked if she was protecting me, and she’s talking about what now?