One by one, the broken steel bars fell at Yan’s feet. Once she cut the one binding her body, she would gain her freedom.

Hurried footsteps echoed outside the door.

With a sudden bang, the door was thrust open.

The group disguised as bandits rushed in, quickly surveying the scene and grasping the situation.

Without a word, one of them swung a knife at Yan’s hand that was holding Shorty.

In such circumstances, Yan couldn’t block; she could only withdraw her hand, witnessing the swift knife stroke of the impostor — she was utterly unable to defend.

The impostor returned the knife to his superior, who then ordered the others, "Take him away." He immediately turned around to launch an attack on Yan.

The experienced fighter displayed adept combat prowess and sharp judgment.

Upon his entrance, he identified the key to resolving the issue: He first slashed free his superior, then quickly instructed his subordinates to remove him.

In the chaos, his superior’s risk of danger soared, be it from his own side or the enemy, there was a risk of attack;

Meanwhile, Shorty had become useless here — keeping him around would merely be a hindrance, offering the enemy an opportunity to exploit. It was better to remove him and eliminate any worries.

After having his subordinates escort Shorty away, the impostor swung a knife aimed at Yanran’s neck — this vicious strike was precise, intended as a killing blow.

Although Yan was still bound by a steel band, limiting her movements somewhat, her limbs were free to move.

Facing the impostor’s attack, Yanran leaned her neck back to avoid the strike as much as possible while fiercely kicking towards the man’s groin.

This kick, constrained by Yan’s restrained body, lacked the speed and force it could have had — yet the groin was a critical area for any man. Although the power exerted by the girl from the extraterrestrial planet was not tremendous, no impostor would willingly risk his manhood.

If he didn’t dodge, this strike could’ve ended Yanran’s life; however, it was certain he’d be kicked in the groin.

As for the result of being kicked, the impostor was unwilling to find out.

Thus, faced with Yanran’s menacing attack, the impostor stepped back slightly to avoid it.

The impostor dodged and retreated, closing in on Yan — around just a second was spared, but never underestimate that one second.

On Earth, there exists a creature called a cheetah that can sprint twenty-eight meters in one second.

In North America, a type of small hummingbird can flap its wings around seventy times per second;

And in the universe, light advances 300,000 kilometers a second. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Common people often perceive time as non-precious, living in oblivion without any meaningful sense of its loss.

Each day the sun rises and sets, eyes open and close, and another day just passes by.

However, for certain distinguished individuals, this is not the case.

For instance, time is incredibly important to some scientists — they race against time, diligently researching in their domains with hopes of achieving even the slightest progress.

Similarly, for Yan, this second proved critically different.

In a contest between experts, a second can determine life or death — such was the case for Yanran.

When the impostor facing Yan was forced into a temporary retreat during her counterattack, he inadvertently granted her a precious second!

The final steel band binding Yan broke.

The impostor watched Yan stand from the special chair, sighing inwardly.

The best opportunity faded!

Just a moment ago was the perfect chance to eliminate this formidable rival, but although the young girl before him looked youthful, her combat experience was notably extensive; the window of opportunity was fleetingly seized, making what could’ve been a deadly assault, ineffective now.

The impostor slowed his attack pace, planning to wait until reinforcements arrived for a joint offensive against the girl, thereby enhancing their chances slightly.

Yan broke the final steel band binding her, stood up from the chair, and was suddenly filled with regained freedom — the intense satisfaction made her emit a long breath.

Yan took a deep breath, confronting the vigilant enemies surrounding her from Zhou Country. She exerted immense willpower to prevent herself from attacking them.

To the enemies, although they’d previously clashed with this extraterrestrial being, Yan now exuded a different aura.

The person was the same, unmistakably, yet she was distinct from before—this adversary differed starkly from prior encounters.

If once the extraterrestrial girl was merely a combat expert, now she had undergone a fundamental change.

Though difficult to articulate clearly, the transformation continually reminded them of the terrifying nature of their opponent.

Yan cast a cold smile, finally deciding to abandon attacking the foes.

Yan’s form flickered, and amidst the enemies ready to strike, she suddenly leaped, her body soaring as she reached out — her steel claws scraping the wall briefly, feet rapidly pushed off the ceiling, her form rising, passing through the enemies encircling her and diving through a window.

Defeating foes is crucial, yet salvaging teammates is imperative.

Yanran was eager to escape her enemies, worried about Ba Lvluo, similarly captured.

The adjacent room was empty, causing Yan’s heart to sink.

She frantically surveyed the surroundings, failing to spot Ba Lv’s figure, briefly overwhelmed by panic, nearly tearing up.

Where had Ba Lv gone, could the enemies have taken her?

Behind, a gentle hand rested on Yanran’s shoulder — startled, she hadn’t realized the enemy had snuck behind her, she prepared to counterattack.

A familiar voice sounded.

Yan relaxed, recognizing the cherished voice; it was none other than her dear friend, Ba Lv.

No wonder she hadn’t responded when Ba Lv quietly approached her.

For someone of Yan’s caliber, sensitivity was exceptional, effortlessly distinguishing various information sources, and instantly reacting.

"How could it be you?" Ba Lv looked incredulously at Ruoran, "You didn’t fall for their trap? Weren’t you captured?"