His name was Zhang Hao — outer sect prodigy. He wore a silver robe with twin phoenixes embroidered across the chest and carried a spirit blade too big for his ego.
Han Li was sweeping near the courtyard gate when Zhang Hao stomped toward him.
"Move, trash," Zhang Hao snapped.
Han Li stepped aside without a word.
"You know who I am?" Zhang Hao asked loudly for others to hear. "I broke through to Qi Condensation Ninth Layer last night. Soon, I'll enter Core Formation. Unlike you—filthy, crawling worm."
He spat near Han Li's feet.
Han Li glanced down. The saliva began evaporating from the pressure of his suppressed aura.
Zhang Hao didn't notice.
"What? Nothing to say?" he mocked. "Let me teach you respect!"
He raised his foot to kick.
Before contact — time slowed.
Han Li's eyes flickered. Just for a second.
In that instant, the entire sect's defensive array shivered.
A small breeze stirred the leaves.
Then...
THWACK.
Zhang Hao flew ten meters through the air and crashed into a lotus pond, screaming like a pig.
Han Li stood still, holding the broom upright.
"Oops," he said.
Elder Mu appeared, frowning. "What happened?"
Han Li bowed. "The young master tripped. Must've been the uneven floor."
The elder glanced at the perfectly flat tiles… then at the janitor.
Han Li's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Hmm. Very well," Elder Mu said slowly. "Carry on."
As Han Li resumed sweeping, hidden eyes across the sect watched him.
The wind whispered, "He's here."
And in a crumbling realm far away, an old demon god woke up from slumber — drenched in cold sweat.
"He... returned?"