Threaten

When was it already?

Sunlight sneaked in from one side of the curtain, half of it illuminating the smooth floor, the other half reflecting into her eyes. In the deep confusion of her black pupils, a trace of golden hue glimmered.

That dim gold also reflected the picturesque shadow on the mirror-like floor. Even just a reflection on the ground, that soul-stirring charm could easily reach one’s mind.

The maids around her stepped forward. The head maid spoke to the girl.

“The person has been brought.”

The girl stiffly nodded. She looked at the reflection on the floor, her lips curving into a beautiful arc, and then fell silent.

“Then let’s go.”

The maids began dressing her and preparing her makeup.

What defines the boundary of a person’s capability?

Or rather, what determines a person’s intrinsic value?

Although in this era everyone preaches freedom and equality, claiming that all people are the same, and that no matter how powerful a mage is, they too must be held accountable by law—class still remains deeply rooted in the human psyche from the moment of our species’ birth.

Just like how an ordinary person would feel intimidated in front of a billionaire, and even a billionaire would show respect to a head of state—the entire human world is a pure food chain, one level pressing down on the next, each possessing more resources and power than the one below.

Especially for someone like Sphinx, class was a tangible thing.

He knew exactly what kind of demeanor to adopt in front of different people, and which families were stronger than his own.

And among those families, he also knew which heirs were the most outstanding.

Leng Qing—heir to the Leng family, their most brilliant successor. Not only did her family’s influence surpass that of Sphinx’s own, her personal abilities were also exceptional. Her future was highly favored by the elders of the Leng clan.

This woman, so beautiful it seemed unreal, stood in a completely different class compared to someone like Sphinx. When faced with her, he had to lower his head and remain humble and sincere.

Forced to appear before Leng Qing, Sphinx straightened up, his eyes appropriately reflecting admiration for her beauty. Then, he performed a respectful junior’s greeting to a senior.

“Senior Leng Qing, may I ask why you’ve summoned me?”

Her lowered eyelids slowly lifted. Her gaze, like a still autumn lake, contained many layers. Yet, she showed no interest in lingering on anything. Her eyes merely skimmed across Sphinx’s body.

“I heard you went to see Collins?”

So direct—wasn’t that a bit too harsh?

“Uh… Compared to you, Senior, this junior’s talent is quite limited. My magical studies are already very difficult, so I often need help from some friends.”

Leng Qing smiled, and that smile bloomed like a hundred flowers, resplendent and dazzling. A smile that could intoxicate ninety-nine percent of men appeared to Sphinx like a terrifying death sentence.

Leng Qing rarely smiled. For a woman like her, a smile was not a simple expression of joy—it meant her emotions had been stirred. As to whether that feeling was love or wrath, it was up to the observer to decide.

“What benefits did Landon give you, to make you so willing to serve him?”

Leng Qing’s tone was soft. She even had the maid pour Sphinx a cup of tea. It was a fine tea, fragrant and rich, carrying a trace of vitality. But Sphinx dared not indulge—he merely lowered his head and laughed nervously.

“Senior Leng Qing, I really don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Her tone grew gentler still. She even picked up the tea cup in front of her, her delicate fingers pressing against the smooth porcelain. She raised the rim to her tempting red lips, and the faint sound of swallowing reached Sphinx’s ears.

Sphinx’s skin broke out in fine goosebumps.

He knew clearly that helping Landon meant offending Leng Qing. He had already planned to vanish from campus for a month after this, anyway—since Collins would be earning credits for him, Landon wouldn’t mind if the professors started questioning his attendance.

But now, this situation completely shattered that plan.

Sphinx never imagined Leng Qing’s retaliation would come so swiftly.

So what should he do now?

Should he surrender and beg Leng Qing for mercy?

Should he remain silent and wait for her wrath to fall?

Or should he cling to Landon’s power and bluff his way through?

His trembling hand reached for the tea cup in front of him. He shakily swallowed a mouthful. But the moment he swallowed it, he instinctively knew—something was wrong with the tea.

Leng Qing spoke right on cue.

“Don’t understand? That’s fine.”

Sphinx collapsed to the floor, forcing his fingers into his mouth, trying to vomit.

But after wave upon wave of dry heaves, he realized in despair—his body was heating up, his limbs were too weak to move.