A Morning at Roasted Inn — Sen City
Morning light draped over the city of Sen, casting long shadows along the narrow streets. The people moved like a stream—some rushing off for early training, others lifting the shutters of their shops, ready to begin a new day.
On the rooftop of the Roasted Inn, Gao Tian sat alone, legs folded and gaze resting on the city below. His eyes followed the crowd, his thoughts heavy.
Sigh. I still can't find a way to pull their attention towards us…
Down below, inside one of the inn's quiet rooms, Shu Yu sat on the floor, her back straight as ever. Her pale hands gently patted the Ruler Dog, who lay sprawled beside her, enjoying the moment. Despite her usual expressionless face, she spoke in a calm, flat voice.
"Do you know why Gao Tian wants to kill you?"
The Ruler Dog tilted his head and, pretending not to understand, simply began licking his paw.
At that moment, the window creaked softly, and Gao Tian slipped inside, landing lightly. He leaned against the wooden wall beside the door, arms crossed.
"Shu Yu, do you know how we can draw the attention of the Shadow Envoys toward us?" he asked, his tone unusually serious.
Shu Yu turned her head slightly to look at him. Her voice remained unchanged.
"Why are you asking that? Are you really planning to bring their attention to us?"
Gao Tian lowered his eyes, staring at the floorboards. His voice was softer now.
"Yes. They've already attacked my clan twice. And every time, they're stronger. My second body is lying unconscious right now… If I don't act, they'll come back again. Stronger. Bolder."
Shu Yu sat in silence for a moment. She understood him—perhaps more than she let on.
"I know this must be difficult for you," she said finally. "After this competition, I'll leave. If I'm not with you anymore, they'll stop targeting your clan."
Gao Tian stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He raised his hand and gently patted Shu Yu's head.
"Little girl, I never said I have a problem staying with you. It's just… If they come after us, I'll at least know my clan is safe. And if they try to attack you while I'm here, I'll protect you. Always."
Shu Yu looked up at him, her expression unchanging. But deep inside, something stirred. Her heartbeat quickened for reasons she didn't understand. The warmth of his hand on her head lingered longer than it should have.
"Please stop messing with my hair," she said quietly. "And I'm not a little girl."
Realizing his mistake, Gao Tian quickly withdrew his hand and took a step back.
"Oh—sorry," he muttered, face flushing with embarrassment.
Damn it, he thought. Back when I was an Immortal Emperor, I used to casually pat girls and call them 'little girl.' Now I can't even do that without feeling like an idiot.
He turned away slightly, trying to hide his growing blush.
The Ruler Dog squinted at Gao Tian and snorted inwardly.
This bastard… Is he hitting on my master? Hmph. Too bad. She's cold as an ice stone. Good luck melting that heart, human.
Morning sunlight seeped through the crimson drapes of Sen City Lord Mansion, bathing the grand chambers in a warm golden glow. Inside the lavish room, Sen Shu sat on the edge of her wide bed, wrapped in a flowing red night robe that shimmered like flames in the dawn.
Before her knelt Sen Ren, head bowed low, his breath steady but his tone cautious.
Sen Shu raised her chin and asked in her usual commanding tone, "So, did you bring any information?"
Sen Ren lifted his head slightly and replied, "Yes, Miss Sen. I did bring some information… but I don't believe it matches the person you're searching for."
A flicker of interest crossed Sen Shu's eyes. "Huh? Is there some problem?"
Sen Ren nodded. "No direct issue, but when I tried to trace the name 'Gao Tian' in the Dragon Continent, I came across a clan in Wai City known as the Gao Clan. Their clan leader had a son by the same name—Gao Tian. But that boy was assassinated at the age of eighteen. He was a prodigy, reached the Nascent Soul Realm at fifteen, and then suddenly vanished from all records."
Sen Shu's sharp eyes widened for a brief second. She fell silent, thoughts racing through her mind.
If Gao Tian is already dead… then who is this person that wears his name and possesses such strength?
Her lips curved upward in a smile filled with curiosity and intrigue.
This is getting more interesting than I imagined…
---
Meanwhile, in the quiet heart of Wai City, the Gao Residence remained under tight protection. Inside one of the guest rooms, a heavy silence blanketed the air. Lying motionless on a wooden bed was Gu Ye—Gao Tian's second body. His breathing was shallow, his expression calm, as though sleeping off a storm.
Standing at his bedside, Gao Hai watched over him silently.
This young man… he risked his life to protect our family. Who exactly did Tian'er bring into our lives?
Just then, the door creaked open. Seven guardians stepped in with Gao Chi in front.
"Is he alright?" Gao Chi asked, her voice low with concern.
Gao Hai glanced over his shoulder and replied, "Yeah… I think so."
His cultivation is only at Body Tempering, but the strength he unleashed... it was far beyond what that realm should offer.
Before anyone could respond, another figure entered the room. Her hair was long, flowing like dark silk, her posture straight yet respectful.
It was Gao Shui, the daughter of Gao Fen and cousin to Gao Tian—but more like a little sister to him.
She approached Gao Hai and gave a respectful bow. "Uncle Hai, I have a request. Could you hear it?"
Gao Hai's eyes softened. "Oh, Shui'er. What is it?"
All eyes in the room turned to her, curious.
Gao Shui took a deep breath. "I… I want to go on a journey. To cultivate."
Gao Hai remained silent for a long moment, studying her expression.
Gao Chi, unable to hold back, stepped forward. "Shui'er, do you even understand how dangerous that is?"
Gao Shui looked her in the eyes. "I do, Aunt Chi. But if I don't become stronger… then what can I do when Brother Gao Tian is in danger again? I want to protect him too."
Gao Hai finally spoke. "So you want to venture into the world and forge your own path?"
Gao Shui's eyes glimmered with resolve. "Yes."
Gao Hai smiled. "Alright. But you may only leave once Sir Gu Ye wakes up. Until then, prepare yourself."
Perhaps this is what our clan needs… young ones who step into the world and carve their destiny with their own strength.
Gao Shui smiled and bowed again. "Thank you, Uncle Gao Hai."
With that, she turned and walked out of the room, a spring in her step and fire in her heart.
As she left, the guardians and Gao Chi exchanged glances, a mixture of pride and worry in their expressions.
Gao Chi turned to Gao Hai, her brows furrowed. "What if something happens to her out there? Will you take responsibility?"
Gao Hai raised both hands, flustered. "Hey now… she's not a kid anymore. She's already at Foundation Establishment. No need to worry so much."
Two days passed in quiet anticipation.
The bright sun hung over Sen City's grand City Lord Mansion, where the arena buzzed with excitement. The crowd filled the seats, eager to witness the second and final round of the pill-making competition.
On the vast stone platform, twenty-three participants stood in neat lines. Each of them had passed the grueling first round, and now stood face-to-face with their final challenge.
In front of them stood Tong Lin, assistant to the alchemist elder Tong Men. Dressed in long robes, he held a sound-amplifying microphone in one hand.
"This is the second and final round of the Pill Making Competition," Tong Lin announced, his voice echoing across the arena.
With a casual snap of his fingers, a strange spiritual force pushed each participant several meters apart, creating enough space for them to work without interruption.
Cheers erupted from the audience the moment Gao Tian's figure appeared. His calm presence and flawless first-round performance had already made him a favorite among the people.
Gao Tian found himself a few steps apart from Shu Yu. He gave her a sideways glance and smiled faintly.
"Let's see what kind of pill we'll be refining this time."
Shu Yu didn't respond. Her gaze remained fixed on the observation room above, where Tong Men and Sen Zhuo, the city lord, were seated with dignified expressions.
I must win this round. I need that pill to restore my cultivation.
Back in the arena, Tong Lin's voice echoed again.
"Now, take out the cauldrons provided to you after the first round."
Gao Tian pulled a simple bronze cauldron from his spiritual ring and placed it steadily on the platform in front of him.
So this will be our personal cauldron for the final round.
All around, the other contestants followed suit, summoning their cauldrons in bursts of light.
One pair of eyes, however, stared at Gao Tian with cold intensity.
From across the arena, Ao Kan clenched his fists.
His eyes burned with frustration as they locked onto Gao Tian's relaxed stance.
Who is this Gao Tian, and why is he always standing in my path? I've worked for years to enter the Pill Tower. If I lose now… they'll never take me.
He gritted his teeth and placed his cauldron down, determination surging through his veins.
Then I'll just make sure I win. No matter what.