As Li Yang continued his slow walk to his residence, the thoughts that had been gnawing at him resurfaced. The city of Green Cloud, though large by regional standards, was just a speck on the vast Nine-Star Continent. While the Li Clan dominated here, other cities and territories were home to greater powers. But Green Cloud City had its own significance.
The tower, for example, an imposing structure that overlooked the city. It housed an unknown number of hidden experts, all revered as a symbol of ultimate power. The tower rarely intervened in conflicts, but when it did, it was always decisive. The people of the city believed the tower would act when truly needed. For now, it stood as an undeniable presence in the background, observing.
Li Yang finally arrived at his favorite spot by the waterfall. The soft sound of water crashing against the rocks was like music to his ears. He walked slowly, savoring the peace of the valley. It was here, amidst the solitude, that he had come to understand the subtle rhythms of nature—its winds, its rains, its blooms. It was here that he felt most at ease.
His hand brushed against the hilt of his sword, the blade sharp and pristine, reflecting the light of the overcast sky. The sword was a rare treasure, its hilt inlaid with two jewels that gleamed like stars. It was a constant companion, a reminder of both his past and his uncertain future.
He walked to the edge of the lake and paused. Everything was as it always was. The same familiar peace. But then something caught his attention.
A figure dressed in red stood in the middle of the waterfall. She held a sword in her hand, her brow furrowed in concentration. She seemed completely absorbed in her thoughts, unaware of his presence.
Li Yang's annoyance flared. He didn't like being disturbed, especially after dealing with Li Zheng. But this woman… she was no ordinary disturbance.
Before he could speak, she vanished in an instant, appearing before him with a speed that left him no time to react.
"It's rude to stare at someone cultivating, especially when they're deep in focus. Tell me—how do you wish to die?" The girl's voice was sharp, her tone cold.
Li Yang blinked. It seemed like she was having a bad day, but her words still hit their mark. There was something about the way she held her sword that exuded an aura of danger. If anyone else had been in his position, they would have already panicked.
But Li Yang's eyes were calm as he met her gaze.
"It is rude to trespass into my valley and point a sword at my neck, young miss. If you try to kill me, you'll die too. Should we take it that far?"
The girl froze, her sword hovering inches from his neck. She stared at him, dumbfounded, before glancing down at the dagger he had subtly drawn in response. It was pressed against her heart.
A shiver ran down her spine. If she had struck first, she would have died with him. Her expression shifted, disbelief mixed with admiration. This boy… was dangerous.
Li Yang, sensing her hesitation, stepped back, sheathing his dagger. He didn't want to fight her, not now. She was strong, and his current state left him little room for error.
But just as he was about to turn away, he noticed something else—a middle-aged woman, hidden in the grass nearby, watching them both. The look on her face was one of shock. She had seen everything, from the near-fatal confrontation to the boy's deliberate retreat. And what struck her the most was that Li Yang had noticed her too.
Li Yang glanced at the woman with a hint of annoyance. He didn't need to deal with her either.
Lu Yan looked at him, half-amused, half-impressed. "You're not afraid of death, are you?"
He gave her a cold look. "You can return to your cultivation, but don't make noise. I don't like being disturbed."
Lu Yan paused, trying to make sense of his words. Was he truly weak, or was this his way of pretending to be generous, like other men who thought they could win favor through subtle tactics?
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. "What's your name?"
Li Yang didn't even glance back. "Li Yang."
"Li Yang?" She repeated, her eyes narrowing. "The famous young master who's never left the valley for two years?"
The more she thought about it, the more intriguing he seemed. He didn't look like a cripple. And when he had looked at her earlier… There was something dangerous in those eyes. This boy was not simple.