Hua stood silently at the edge of the training ground, her arms crossed as she watched the small figure before her.
Lin Zhaoyu — her first disciple.
The little girl, now just over six years old, moved with determined focus. Her feet planted firmly in the earth as she practiced basic stances and simple punches under the morning sun.
Her small fists struck the air again and again, each movement steady and deliberate.
Hua narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
She didn't know much about teaching others.
But she knew enough to give this child a solid foundation.
Strength first.
For someone so young, it would be impossible to mimic Hua's full techniques yet.
Basic body strengthening would be enough for now.
Her thoughts drifted back to four months ago.
Back to when Lin Zhaoyu had first woken up.
The memory still weighed heavily on Hua's chest.
The child's eyes wide, hopeful, fragile had locked onto hers.
Her first words had been sharp and direct
"Where is my mother?"
Hua had wanted to lie.
To soothe her, even if only temporarily.
But she knew better.
A false hope would only breed deeper hatred later.
So, Hua sat by the bed and calmly explained the truth.
That her mother had been afflicted by a disease incurable by human means…
That death had been her only escape from suffering.
Lin Zhaoyu's reaction had been everything Hua expected.
Anger.
Screams.
Tears that fell endlessly as she hurled everything within reach at Hua — pillows, cups, books.Calling Hua a murderer, a liar, a bad person.
Hua didn't move.
She let it happen.
She stood there silently until the child, exhausted, cried herself to sleep again.
When Lin finally stirred hours later, Hua was still standing in the same spot.
Her voice was quiet but unwavering as she spoke.
"Your mother asked me to take care of you until you are strong enough to choose your own path. It does not matter if you hate me. But wait... wait until you are strong. Then, you may leave if you wish."
With those words, Hua turned and walked out of the room.
But the next morning, as she meditated by the pond, she sensed the little girl approach her quietly. Without a word, Lin Zhaoyu knelt before her.
That was the day she became Hua's disciple.
Now, watching the girl throw another precise punch, sweat glistening on her brow, Hua exhaled softly.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Still…
In the depths of her mind.
she just hope… she don't end up betrayed by her own disciples like certain tablet.
Hua gave a small shake of her head, brushing aside the dark thoughts lingering in her mind.
Lin Zhaoyu was still young.There was time yet before she'd be ready to truly learn martial arts.Besides Hua herself hadn't fully grasped how her own techniques in this new world.It had only been a year and a half since she'd arrived here doing martial art every morning.
She stood straight and called out calmly, "Lin Zhaoyu."
The little girl stopped mid-punch, immediately turning toward her master with sharp attentiveness.
"Rest and eat," Hua instructed firmly.
"You are still a child. Even if I have accepted you as my disciple, you are not yet ready to learn martial arts. Grow first like other kids."
Lin Zhaoyu nodded dutifully. "Understood, Master…"
Without complaint, the girl turned and made her way toward the dining room.Hua followed a few paces behind, her footsteps soft and thoughtful.
This had become their quiet routine ever since the child began training under her care exercise, meals, rest, repeat.
Without complaint, she turned and made her way toward the dining room.Hua followed shortly after, her sharp eyes watching the child's small figure move with calm composure.
As the girl quietly took her seat at the table, Hua narrowed her eyes slightly, a flicker of doubt touching her mind.
Day by day, this child grows more and more obedient… almost too obedient.
Part of her couldn't help but wonder if she was laying the groundwork for a future betrayal.A hidden ambition, perhaps?A disciple plotting to overturn her one day, like…Like certain second disciple of FUHUA.
Hua exhaled quietly and pushed the thought aside for now.
She stepped into the kitchen and prepared something simple for both of them —Fried eggs, seared slices of meat, and fresh bread.
Returning, she set the plate in front of Lin Zhaoyu, then sat across from her.They both began to eat quietly.
Yet the silence, thick and heavy, began to weigh on Hua's shoulders.It felt as if a storm cloud hovered right above them, waiting to burst.
Finally, Hua spoke.
"Don't you hate me?"
Lin Zhaoyu's chopsticks paused mid-air.Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet Hua's.
"…No."
Her voice was soft but clear.
"There's no need to hide it," Hua said evenly. "Speak openly. Your master only wants to understand."
Lin Zhaoyu lowered her chopsticks gently onto her plate. Her small hands rested on her lap, fingers curling slightly as she gathered her words.
"At first… when I learned what Master had done, I was very angry.I hated it.I hated you."Her eyes did not waver."But… Zhaoyu also knows that it was not Master's fault. Mama… Mama suffered too much. I understand that now."
Her lips pressed together firmly, her young brow furrowing in quiet determination.
"So… Zhaoyu does not resent Master. Instead… Zhaoyu is grateful. Grateful that Master accepted me as your disciple and did not abandon me."
The sincerity in her voice rang clear, without hesitation or falsehood.Even her gaze pure, unwavering, and honest left no room for doubt.
Hua, who had quietly listened the entire time, slowly closed her eyes. There was no trace of hatred in the child's eyes. None at all.
"I see…" Hua murmured softly.
She lifted her chopsticks again and resumed eating, her movements steady but less tense than before.
----------------------------------
Three days later…
Hua descended from the mountain path toward the village below.
Trailing quietly behind her was Lin Zhaoyu, her small steps light but steady.
Hua had made a simple decision.
The child needed proper clothing.
Her current garments, though cared for, were worn and soon would no longer fit as she grew.
Without breaking stride, Hua gestured with her hand, signaling Lin Zhaoyu to walk closer.The child obediently quickened her pace, falling into step at her master's side.
As they entered the village, a ripple of surprise spread through the townsfolk.One by one, villagers paused in their work and turned in astonishment — then smiles broke out across their faces.
It wasn't long before people began gathering, murmuring excitedly and bowing respectfully toward Hua.
Before long, an elderly man with a long, neatly kept beard approached, leaning slightly on a wooden staff.
His weathered face brightened with both reverence and curiosity.
"Immortal Jingwei," the old man greeted, bowing low with deep respect."To what do we owe the honor of your visit to our humble village?"
Hua's crimson eyes swept over the elder calmly, her expression impassive.
"I require clothing for this child," she said simply.Her hand lifted, motioning for Lin Zhaoyu to step forward.
The young girl took a quiet step ahead, bowing politely to the elder.
"Understood, Immortal," the old man nodded quickly, glancing toward the gathered villagers.With a wave of his hand, he called several of them forward.
"Quickly — bring forth fine garments suitable for the Immortal's disciple."
Without delay, the villagers dispersed to fulfill the request.
In the meantime, Hua began walking slowly through the market street, her gaze wandering in silence.Lin Zhaoyu followed close behind her, her steps careful and composed.
The old man, still beside them, glanced nervously between Hua and the bustling villagers.Then, as though remembering something, he cleared his throat and spoke again.
"Immortal… If you wish, we can prepare a rest place for you and your disciple.Our finest house is yours, should you desire it."
Hua did not break her pace.Her answer was immediate and curt.
"No need."
The old man bowed his head again, understanding well that the immortal had spoken her full mind.
You must be wondering why are her eyes crimson now, instead of blue?
When she awoke yesterday, her once-blue eyes had shifted to a deep, vivid crimson.It wasn't alarming . If anything, it suited her appearance more naturally now. The crimson blended seamlessly with the attire she currently wore.And her hair? It too had begun changing strands slowly fading from gray to a soft white, tinged faintly red at the tips.
Yet the transformation wasn't permanent.She had noticed she could revert to her gray hair and blue eyes at will.If her instincts were correct, this was her Phoenix battle form — the state where Garuda genes activated, but stopped short of full AHR (Active Honkai Reaction).
Hmm…Now that she thought about it, should she try make the Azure Empyrea battlesuit from Honkai Impact here?It would certainly fit her style even better.
Hua quietly shook her head to clear her thoughts.
She walked steadily along the cobbled road, Lin Zhaoyu close behind her. Other villagers followed at a respectful distance — not too near, but close enough to observe and perhaps offer assistance.They understood clearly how to respect her boundaries.
Hua moved from store to store, her sharp gaze scanning each place with purpose.
"Master," Lin Zhaoyu piped up gently, "what are you searching for?"
Hua turned her head slightly toward the girl."I'm looking for something for you," she answered."Your birthday is approaching soon, isn't it?"
Lin Zhaoyu blinked once, then tilted her head slightly."Um… Master, my birthday actually passed two months ago."
"I see," Hua replied evenly, a faint hum under her breath."So you're already seven years old now."
Her crimson eyes flicked toward the villagers lingering nearby.They were still quietly trailing after her.
"You there," Hua called out, her voice directed toward a young man — judging by his bearing, he was likely the village chief's son.
The man stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully."Yes, Immortal Jingwei?"
"Is there any iron ore in this village?" Hua asked directly.
"If you require it, Immortal, we do have some in store. Please, follow me."
The young man led Hua and Lin Zhaoyu toward a blacksmith's shop near the village center.
Upon arrival, they informed the smith of Hua's request. The blacksmith a broad-shouldered, middle-aged man seemed nervous but deferential, quickly producing a large wooden box filled with chunks of shimmering white iron.
Hua stepped forward silently, selecting one piece and inspecting it carefully between her fingers.The metal was solid and pure.
"This will work," she murmured to herself.
She then turned her gaze to the blacksmith, who was still bowing nervously, glancing now and then toward the village chief's son.
"How much does this cost?" Hua asked, already slipping a small pouch of gold coins from her sleeve.
She'd collected these coins from a Hilichurl camp some time ago — and fortunately, the village seemed to accept them as currency.
The blacksmith shook his head quickly, raising both hands.
"No need, Immortal Jingwei! Please… you may have it freely."
Hua's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I won't accept it for free," she said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.
"I've come here to buy, not to take by privilege."
The man hesitated, clearly unsure how to respond. His eyes darted again toward the village chief's son, who only shrugged and remained silent.
Seeing that the conversation was going nowhere, Hua sighed softly through her nose. Without another word, she selected a few gold coins she deemed fair payment and set them on the blacksmith's table.Then, she lifted the box full of white iron effortlessly.
Turning on her heel, Hua began walking again. Lin Zhaoyu quietly following behind her.
(A/n: Sumei you should learn from Lin zhaoyu here.)