Deviant: No Longer Human

Bing Xueli, "...Plus, you possess an ability that I lack..."

The ability that she lacks? What is it?

"... Kill people?" Wang Xiao asked suspiciously. "Is that the reason you wanted an outsider to succeed you?"

Bing Xueli remained silent. "There is more to it. You have seen the state of this place for yourself. I want it to be a haven where we don't need to manipulate minds anymore and, possibly, surpass the outside world in terms of innovation."

"Ambitious..." Wang Xiao muttered, his tone reflecting a mix of skepticism and admiration.

Bing Xueli, smiling wryly, replied, "Unlike you, I am responsible for everyone here."

Wang Xiao sharply retorted, "You are not, at least not you, in the very least." In his time within the village, he had come to realize that this woman orchestrated myriad schemes from the shadows, holding a puppeteer's control over every aspect.

The realization left him with an uneasy sensation, even when engaging in the most mundane activities, like going to pee.

He sauntered towards the riverbank, the playful splashes of water refreshing against his face. With a flick of his PK, he effortlessly banished the droplets, a display of the heightened mastery over his abilities acquired in recent years.

In the river's mirrored surface emerged Wang Xiao's transformed figure—a commanding presence at 6 feet and 2 inches. Surpassing Bing Xueli in height, he radiated the vibrancy of a 22-year-old, his eyes gleaming like orbs of crimson fire, and his long, smooth hair cascading with an almost ethereal grace.

'I have grown quite a lot...' he reflected, a touch of self-appreciation coloring his thoughts as he admired the sculpted edges of his physique, a evidence to the demanding training under Yu Yutong (A/N: To be revealed later).

A sigh escaped him, laden with the weight of time's passage. While he stood at 22 within Xianthera, the world beyond remained frozen in time, casting a shadow over the age gap separating him from his sisters. Did they even retain memories of him at this point? Wang Xiao deliberately avoided delving into the unsettling contemplation.

Yet, the persistent thought lingered—a specter whispering of growing old and fading away before the echoes of his existence reached the ones he left behind.

Yin Yue chimed in, [You won't die from aging, at the very least.]

Wang Xiao pondered, 'You've said that so many times. Why not just reveal the trick to me?'

Yin Yue responded, [That white-haired woman has already given you the clue. It's up to you to solve the mystery.]

Glancing back at Bing Xueli, her visage illuminated with a serene smile, Wang Xiao faced her inquiry. "Ready to go back?"

He nodded, and in unison, their bodies soared a few meters above the ground before taking off.

Whoosh!

Naturally, reaching such heights with PK wasn't a feat for everyone. Only the most proficient wielders could achieve it, while others could only float a few meters above the ground. The wind whispered through the floating figures, a manifestation of the unity between ability and mastery.

As they soared through the open sky, Bing Xueli shattered the stillness, her words weaving with the currents. "You might depart for the outside after the graduation ceremony," her voice echoed through the air, reaching Wang Xiao's ears with a clarity that defied the wind.

He nodded, a silent acknowledgment. "I would, and I know the rules. You don't need to remind me. I don't want to be dissected by scientists or bombed by the military outside. I won't reveal anything to them."

Bing Xueli's response wafted with a subtle melancholy. "I know, but time in the village moves faster..." The reminder held a delicate weight.

Wang Xiao squinted, his gaze probing. "What do you mean?"

She continued, her words carrying the weight of foresight. "By the time you come back, I would still be here, but Mei Leiyan and Yu Yutong might be gone. Even with their increased lifespan, if you stay outside for more than two decades, you might never see them again. Shouldn't you think about them as well?"

The echoes of her plea lingered in the vast expanse, urging him to consider the profound impact of time on his bonds within the village.

Bing Xueli's eyes failed to discern the distinctions between Mei Leiyan, Yu Yutong, and Wang Xiao – all seemingly fresh out of the womb, lacking the weight of considerable life experiences.

Wang Xiao's expression soured. "I know, but what can I do? Can I even do anything to them? One looks like her eyes would kill me, and another threatens me to pierce me with a spear."

Bing Xueli, amused, questioned, "Since when did you start showing signs of fear?"

Wang Xiao hesitated for a moment before admitting, "It's not them."

Bing Xueli probed further, "Then what is it?"

Wang Xiao sighed, deciding to confront the issue head-on. "It's you." Since the conversation had taken this turn, he might as well address the source of his discomfort.

Bing Xueli, stunned, blinked in surprise. "Me?"

Wang Xiao affirmed, "Yes, you. You keep spying on me every time, even while I am going to pee. How am I supposed to do anything with them or even think of it? What if you came from behind attacking me like some madwoman?"

He refrained from adding that, in such a scenario, laying his claws over her might be his primary goal before considering the others.

"..."

Bing Xueli fell into a contemplative silence, absorbing Wang Xiao's candid words. Most would shy away from labeling her as a "madwoman," a term that could have consequences, yet Wang Xiao, her unofficially adopted son, seemed to possess a certain latitude in his interactions with her.

He enjoyed privileges like unfettered access to her house, living rent-free – a level of familiarity that even surpassed his relationship with Xinyue Zhilan.

At times, he found himself entertaining the thought that she might be his long-lost mother. His interactions with Xinyue Zhilan paled in comparison to the dynamic he shared with Bing Xueli.

As he glanced at her, he couldn't help but gulp, his gaze lingering on her red lips. 'Mother or not, she is only for me...' he reassured himself, relegating sentimental considerations to the backseat.

Wang Xiao had previously probed her relationship status and past romantic interests, but Bing Xueli deftly sidestepped the question.

Given her intelligence, she couldn't possibly be unaware of his interest in her, leaving the nature of their connection shrouded in mystery.