One's hunting method can reveal their true character.
Third Elder Brother Yuan Yong would swiftly bleed and skin a caught rabbit, even if it was still alive, he would continue without hesitation.
Fourth Brother had a completely different approach. The fishing line formed a graceful arc in the air, passing through beams of morning sunlight before landing gently on the misty lake surface.
A feathered lure, soft and natural, floated on the water like an unfortunate insect, luring the fish to come bite.
And the hooked ones would meet their demise at the hands of Yuan Si.
Yuan Si said quietly to Yuan Luoyi, "You intentionally suppress your talent. You could be just like me if you wished. If you dislike killing, you can have others do it for you."
"But first, you must learn to deceive."
"The lesson is complete. Now you try."
A professional fly fishing rod was handed to Yuan Luoyi. Mimicking Yuan Si's movements, she cast the line, and immediately a fish took the bait.
Pain from the pierced mouth brought it to its senses, and it desperately tried to escape, pulling Yuan Luoyi stumbling forward as the line grew taut.
Yuan Si's pale hand covered Yuan Luoyi's, helping her reel the fish out of the water. It thrashed and flopped on the ground.
"Excellent, you learn quickly as always," Yuan Si said with satisfaction.
As the fish neared the shore, Yuan Si turned to the Believers and gave a chilling order, "Kill it."
One Believer swiftly plunged a knife into its head, ensuring it could never return to the water.
Witnessing this, Yuan Luoyi's face drained of color, not from the gruesome scene, but because the darkness within her was reveling in the successful hunt.
Each of Yuan Si's words and actions exerted an indescribable pressure, truly bringing out Yuan Luoyi's dark side.
Sensing his sister's discomfort, Yuan Si gently embraced her, tenderly stroking her hair.
"Let's end our morning stroll here. I'm enjoying this place, and soon you will too."
Back at the villa, Yuan Si gave Yuan Luoyi some personal space, allowing her to wander the premises while he didn't watch her closely.
His control loosened in moderation. Whenever Yuan Luoyi couldn't take it anymore, he would relax his grip, but whenever she showed resistance, he would tighten it sharply.
He was slowly and gently consuming Yuan Luoyi's rationality, bit by bit.
Sitting alone in the courtyard, Yuan Luoyi felt a sense of dread. She could still resist Yuan Si's influence now, but what if this continued long-term?
She would be corrupted...
Falling deeply into the darkness.
She would feel that Yuan Si here was more her kind than the one from that world.
Once she truly enjoyed this place like he did, she could never return.
She had to escape!
Looking around, Yuan Si and the Believers were nowhere to be seen - this was her last chance to flee.
After this, Yuan Si's control would only grow stronger.
Yuan Luoyi left the courtyard. The gate was unlocked, opening with just a push. She cautiously stepped out, unobstructed by anyone.
After a few steps, Yuan Luoyi broke into a run.
Following the mountain path downwards, Yuan Luoyi ran until she was out of breath, now far from Yuan Si's villa.
Ahead was still dense forest, uncertain how long until she could escape it.
As she continued, Yuan Luoyi spotted a small hut with a young man sitting outside, wearing a badge depicting tree branches - he was a forest ranger.
He noticed Yuan Luoyi too, calling out, "Kid, why are you alone out here? Where are your parents?"
"I got separated from them," Yuan Luoyi said.
"Separated? Do you remember their phone number?"
"No."
"Ah, then let me take you out of here. There's an organization that helps reunite lost children with their families."
Yuan Luoyi sighed in relief. No matter what, she had to get away from this place first.
The man opened the hut door. "Come inside and have a seat."
"Thank you," Yuan Luoyi said.
"No problem, you're such a well-behaved child. Don't get separated from your parents again, okay?"
"Okay."
Yuan Luoyi entered and sat down. The man brought out a plate of seeds and candies, placing it on the table.
Eyeing the familiar packaging, Yuan Luoyi said, "This is the Cat's Ear Meow brand candy."
"Yep, someone gave it to me this morning. I don't really like snacks, so you can have it since you're here."
"What did that person look like?"
"Very tall, spoke in an exaggerated manner."
Yuan Luoyi's heart raced with excitement.
It was Fourth Brother Yuan Fa! He had come looking for her!
"Did he mention where he's staying?" she asked.
"No, he didn't," the man replied.
Yuan Luoyi felt a pang of disappointment, but more so anticipation.
If Fourth Brother was nearby, then escaping would allow her to find him!
"I'll go bring the car over. Wait here for a bit," the man said.
"Okay."
The man strode off, leaving Yuan Luoyi alone.
Finally, she saw a glimmer of hope. Compared to Yuan Si, Yuan Fa was much more lucid. With his help, she could boost her influence in this realm and activate a new Time Travel Portal.
After a few minutes, footsteps approached from outside. The man pushed open the door. "The car's ready, let's go."
Yuan Luoyi hopped off the chair, pocketing one of the candies. Though she hadn't seen Yuan Fa yet, having something he left behind would reassure her.
Suddenly, a silent shadow appeared beside the man, its elongated form stretched by the light.
Yuan Si stood expressionless behind the man, swiftly wrapping an arm around his throat while plunging a knife into it.
"Thud!"
The man collapsed, clutching his neck in horror as blood poured through his fingers.
His mouth opened and closed, seemingly trying to speak, but with his windpipe severed, only bloody bubbles emerged. Soon, he lay motionless.
Yuan Si approached Yuan Luoyi, his black shadow engulfing her.
A chilling, suffocating pressure weighed down on her, her heart racing as she wondered how Fourth Brother would treat her next.
"Slap!"
The blood-stained dagger was thrown to the ground by Yuan Si, who bent down and opened his arms, hugging Yuan Luoyi tightly, his body trembling.
"I thought I lost you again, thank goodness you haven't gone far," Yuan Si's voice was filled with sadness, he was so broken and fragmented, as if Yuan Luoyi's slightest struggle would cause him to collapse.
If Yuan Si had acted more aggressively and menacingly, Yuan Luoyi would have wanted to escape from him even more.
But now, Yuan Luoyi was completely unable to move.
He was a ruthless villain, but he was also her loving brother.
