At The Beginning Of The Novel, The Villain Forced The Protagonist’s Step-Mom To Bear His Children

In the office, a stunningly beautiful woman with an alluring figure and an enchanting presence practiced a set of martial arts moves.

After finishing the routine, Yan Wumei, her fox-like, captivating face flushed—revealed a hint of regret.

This particular set of techniques had been taught to her by Xu Hao.

She remembered it vividly.

She had practiced it countless times, each session bringing her new insights.

The reason for her regret? Xu Hao had only taught her half of the routine.

She had yet to learn the remaining half.

His hands-on teaching method made it easy to grasp, but the poses were… awkward.

The way he adjusted her movements, the lingering touches, how could anyone endure that?

She was a mature woman in her thirties.

She couldn't handle it.

She had lost control on the spot…

She understood why Xu Hao had reacted the way he did.

She was confident in her own charm.

But understanding didn't erase the shame.

That trembling of hers, there was no way Xu Hao hadn't noticed.

Too embarrassed to face him, she had spent these days practicing alone, never returning to seek his guidance.

Even though she hadn't visited the Xu family, thoughts of Xu Hao still crossed her mind.

She remembered every moment of his teachings.

After all, it was the first time a man had made her feel… that way.

And what she had sensed, Xu Hao's strength was beyond imagination.

She couldn't help but wonder—how did his wife, that elegant and mature matriarch of the Xu family, endure it?

Shaking her head, she forced those distracting thoughts away.

What am I even thinking?

Yan Wumei, you're the queen of the underground world, the leader of countless sisters!

How can you be fantasizing about a man?

And a married one at that!

Though, to be fair, Xu Hao didn't look old at all. In fact, he was at the peak of a man's charm…

[Ding… Yan Wumei's heartbeat quickened. Emotional value +555…].

Thud! Thud!

Just as her thoughts spiraled, a knock sounded at the door.

Suppressing her emotions, she spoke coolly.

"Come in."

Xiao Qi, her short-haired subordinate, entered with a grave expression.

"Sister Yan, those two factions are attacking again."

Yan Wumei's expression turned icy.

She strode to her weapon rack, slipping on a pair of silk gloves before grabbing a Tang sword.

Without hesitation, she headed for the door.

"Let's see what they want. Do they really think they can still push us around? I haven't even settled the score with them yet, and they dare come to my doorstep?"

"Sister Yan…" Xiao Qi hesitated.

Yan Wumei glanced at her. "What is it?"

Xiao Qi took a deep breath. "They came in full force, like they're determined to wipe us out this time. It seems… they've found some powerful backers."

Yan Wumei's face darkened.

Xiao Qi had been with her for years—she wouldn't lie.

If those two factions were bold enough to attack despite knowing she had broken through in strength, they must have a trump card.

But that didn't mean she would back down.

Yan Wumei wasn't one to be intimidated.

Past midnight, three factions stood in confrontation.

Well, technically two factions had allied against the third.

One side was a group of burly, tattooed men, armed to the teeth, exuding a fierce aura.

The other was entirely composed of women—wielding long blades that contrasted with their delicate appearances, their killing intent palpable.

Despite facing a more numerous and aggressive enemy, they showed no fear.

The leaders of the Azure Dragon Hall and the Tyrant Sky Gang met.

"Old Tie, no holding back this time. Once we crush the Scarlet Roses, we'll settle things between us."

"Hah! Old Wang, I was thinking the same. We've been allied for half a year, yet that woman from the Scarlet Roses is still running wild. It's embarrassing."

"Exactly. But leave Yan Wumei to my Tyrant Sky Gang. Just because she broke through doesn't mean she can look down on us. I've got someone who can handle her."

"Oh? So you've also hired an expert?"

"Also?"

After some mutual boasting, both realized the other had enlisted a peak Dark Force expert.

Suspicion arose.

One expert showing up could be a coincidence.

But two? That was deliberate.

Yet, they had no choice.

A peak Dark Force expert could single-handedly crush their factions.

If these experts were willing to join and follow orders, they couldn't ask for more.

Even if they suspected ulterior motives, they had to accept it.

Originally, both had planned to eliminate the Scarlet Roses quickly, then use their new expert to destroy the other faction and dominate the underground.

But now, knowing the enemy also had an expert, they abandoned that idea.

First, they couldn't win.

Second, they didn't know why these experts had approached them.

No leader was foolish enough to become a pawn in someone else's game.

This was the brilliance of Xu Hao's plan—having his men infiltrate both factions to keep them in check.

Until they figured out the experts' motives, they wouldn't dare wipe out the Scarlet Roses completely.

This gave Yan Wumei breathing room—time to seek Xu Hao's help and grow stronger.

This was also why Xu Hao had dealt with the protagonist, Luo Yan, beforehand.

If Luo Yan were here, he'd easily crush these experts, steal the spotlight, and leave Xu Hao's efforts in vain.

Before long, a Porsche screeched to a halt.

Yan Wumei stepped out.

Seeing their leader, the women of the Scarlet Roses relaxed slightly, greeting her with relief.

"Boss!"

"Sister Yan!"

She nodded, listening to her subordinates' reports as she strode to the front.

"Sister Yan, something's off. The Azure Dragon Hall and Tyrant Sky Gang are looking at us like they've already won."

Yan Wumei's gaze turned frosty, but she remained silent.

Standing before her faction, Tang sword in hand, she faced the enemy without fear.

In this moment, her regal dominance was undeniable.

Her arrival stirred murmurs among the enemy forces.

"Damn, the queen of the underground really lives up to her name. She's a knockout."

"Now I get why ancient emperors would burn cities for a woman like her."

"She's like a damn succubus. Who could resist?"

"I wonder who'll tame her. If any man can walk straight after that, he's not human."

"No chance for us. She could slap us dead with a flick of her wrist. Let's see if the bosses can capture her."

The leaders of both factions—Wang Long of the Azure Dragon Hall and Tie Batian of the Tyrant Sky Gang—were equally entranced.

The real reason they had allied against the Scarlet Roses wasn't just territory—it was Yan Wumei herself.

Both had tried courting her privately.

And both had been brutally rejected.

If persuasion failed, force would have to do.

"If you refuse to become my woman, then I'll crush your faction."

Yan Wumei was never one to yield to threats.

A fight? Fine. Who's afraid of who?

Both Wang Long and Tie Batian had declared their intentions—each wanted to claim Yan Wumei for themselves.

"You've got some nerve, daring to challenge the Scarlet Roses," Yan Wumei said coldly. "Did you really think this would be like the past six months?"

Tie Batian laughed loudly. "I've always had a big appetite."

Wang Long sneered. "Don't think just because you've broken through in strength that we'll back down. Before? We were just playing with you."

Yan Wumei's expression darkened.

She knew the only reason the Scarlet Roses had survived their joint suppression was because the two factions had been too cautious, never going all out.

Now, it seemed, they were finally serious.

But she wasn't afraid.

"Fine. Come at me then," she said, gripping her Tang sword. "The Scarlet Roses may not be able to defeat your alliance—but I swear, before I die, I'll drag one of you down with me."

A blatant threat.

Tie Batian and Wang Long tensed.

They knew this woman's temper—it was why their half-year campaign against her had made little progress.

The fear of her targeting one of them in a suicidal last stand had always held them back.

But now?

They smirked.

"Yan Wumei, don't get cocky," Tie Batian taunted. "Did you really think we couldn't handle you just because you broke through?"

"We might not be a match for you," Wang Long added, "but we've got people who are."

As they spoke, the crowd behind them parted, revealing two figures.

One was tall and gaunt (from the Azure Dragon Hall).

The other was short and stout (from the Tyrant Sky Gang).

Both radiated an oppressive aura—deep, unfathomable, like an abyss.

Just their presence alone was suffocating.

"Peak Dark Force…"

Yan Wumei's pupils contracted.

She had expected reinforcements, but not two experts at the peak of Dark Force.

Damn it.

These two factions had already ganged up on her. Now that she'd surpassed them, they resorted to hiring outside help.

Against one peak expert, she might have stood a chance.

But two?

A wave of helplessness washed over her.

If only I were at peak Dark Force too…

Then, a thought flashed through her mind—

Xu Hao.

Just two lessons from him had elevated her skills immensely. If she had continued learning from him, she might have reached the same level as his daughter, Xu Feiyan—able to fight above her rank.

Even now, at late-stage Dark Force, she wouldn't be this vulnerable.

Regret gnawed at her.

If only I hadn't been too embarrassed to go back…

Seeing Yan Wumei's confidence waver, Wang Long and Tie Batian grew bolder.

This woman was beautiful, yes—but too arrogant.

She had humiliated them time and again.

Now, they finally had the upper hand.

"What happened to all that bravado, Yan Wumei?" Wang Long jeered. "Weren't you going to take one of us down?"

"Come on then!" Tie Batian spread his arms mockingly. "Now you see the difference in strength, don't you?"

"Surrender the Scarlet Roses. Hand over all your territory."

"Your faction doesn't have to disband—just merge with my Tyrant Sky Gang. My men have been… eager to get acquainted with your sisters."

"As for you?" He licked his lips. "I'll take personal care of you."

"Hey, that's not fair!" Wang Long cut in. "We agreed—her territory goes to you, but she comes with me!"

"Says who—"

The two leaders started bickering over Yan Wumei like she was already theirs.

It was almost comical—proof of how devastatingly captivating she was.

Watching this, the two peak Dark Force experts—the tall one and the stout one—exchanged a glance.

Disdain. Pity.

They had been sent by "Faceless", though they didn't fully understand their mission.

But the target was clearly this woman.

Why else would their orders emphasize crushing her morale while ensuring not a single hair on her head was harmed?

No overstepping. No disrespect.

They didn't dare disobey.

They knew how terrifying "Faceless" was.

Here, as peak Dark Force experts, they were untouchable.

But within "Faceless"? They were nothing.

The organization had countless Transcendent Force masters—any one of whom could erase them effortlessly.

And "Faceless" lived up to its name.

Those who saw its members either joined… or died.

No witnesses. No mercy.

Even as outer members, their families were held hostage.

They obeyed—but resentment festered in their hearts.

But for the sake of their families' safety, they had no choice.

These two idiots actually thought they could lay a hand on Yan Wumei? Were they looking to die?

Neither of the experts revealed their thoughts. Instead, they stepped forward, unleashing their killing intent toward Yan Wumei.

They were simply following orders.

Yan Wumei pushed aside her distractions.

Facing two peak Dark Force experts, she knew she stood no chance—but she refused to retreat.

Gripping her Tang sword, she strode forward.

The three figures stood in the center of the battlefield, tension thick in the air.

The fight was inevitable.

The stout and the tall men struck first.

To avoid accidentally harming Yan Wumei (as per their orders), they wielded weapons instead of relying solely on brute force.

Yan Wumei gritted her teeth and met their assault head-on.

Clang—!

The sharp ring of steel echoed through the night.

Against two peak Dark Force masters, Yan Wumei was immediately overwhelmed.

Within mere moments—

BAM!

A brutal slash sent her flying, crashing hard onto the ground.

She lay there, her breathing ragged, her body wracked with pain.

Despair crept into her heart.

The difference in strength was too great. Two against one? She never stood a chance.

She had hoped to hold out longer.

But defeat had come too quickly.

And the consequences of her loss?

The Scarlet Roses would be annihilated.

Her sisters would suffer unspeakable horrors.

And she… she would lose her freedom.

The price was too heavy.

A surge of bitter regret flooded her.

If only I had swallowed my pride and gone back to Xu Hao…

Even a few more lessons might have made the difference.

She wouldn't have fallen so easily.

But it was too late now.

There were no second chances in this world.

Yet, if fate granted her another opportunity…

She would seize every possible means to grow stronger.

And as it turned out…

Fate, no,! Xu Hao had given her that chance.