Shen Yun closed his book slightly, leaning forward with genuine interest as the conversation flowed naturally. "Fire Fist technique, huh? That's a bold choice—pure offensive power, but it demands precise qi control to avoid backlash."
Lu Yan looked up, her eyes lighting up with passion. "Exactly. I've been stuck at the third layer for weeks. The manuals say channeling inner fire qi through the meridians builds explosive force, but mine keeps scattering like wildfire. What about you? That book looks like advanced meridian theory."
He nodded, tapping the cover. "Meridian Forging Arts. It's about reinforcing your dantian pathways for higher realms. Weak foundations killed the original prince here—low cultivation made him a target. You have to build smart, not just fast."
She leaned in closer, voice eager. "The original prince? You mean Shen Yun? Rumors say he's weak, but I heard he survived an assassin squad yesterday. If meridians are key, how do you stabilize fire qi without burning out?"
"Balance it with water essence pills," Shen Yun suggested, his tone thoughtful.
"Qi Condensation, mid-stage," Lu Yan admitted with a wry smile. "Foundation Establishment feels impossible. You?"
"Same boat," he replied vaguely, masking his true weakness. "But tricks from the shop—er, manuals—can bridge gaps. Ever tried essence traps? Modern... I mean, rare artifacts that amplify strikes."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "Traps? Like array formations? Tell me more—that sounds genius for someone like me, grinding solo."
They dove deeper, exchanging tips on qi circulation, pill refining basics, and sect politics, the library fading around them as shared ambition sparked an easy rapport.
After a few days of shared discussions in the library, the time came for Shen Yun to depart for the Azure Sect. He lingered near the palace gates longer than necessary, his crimson eyes scanning the crowds for Lu Yan's familiar figure. *She said she'd come to see me off,* he thought, a flicker of disappointment stirring. But as the sun climbed higher, she never appeared.
With a resigned sigh, Shen Yun climbed into the sturdy carriage, joined by Mei who settled beside him with a warm smile. Outside, Lian gripped the reins confidently, urging the horses forward with a gentle flick. The carriage rumbled along the winding road, leaving the palace behind.
Inside, Mei squeezed his hand reassuringly. "This time, Your Highness, you'll pass the outer sect exam and rise as an inner disciple. I believe in you—your training has sharpened your edge."
Shen Yun managed a faint smile, gazing out at the passing landscape.
As dusk fell, they veered off the main path into a secluded forest clearing. Lian deftly unhitched the horses while Mei unpacked their supplies, kindling a small campfire that crackled invitingly. The three gathered around it, sharing a simple dinner of roasted meats, steamed buns, and herbal tea under the starry canopy.
Lian passed Shen Yun a skewer, her eyes soft in the firelight. "Eat well, my prince. Tomorrow brings new challenges, but we'll face them together."
Mei nodded, leaning close. "Rest now. Strength for the Azure Sect awaits."
The night wrapped them in peaceful warmth, bonds unbreakable amid the whispers of the woods.
The first rays of dawn pierced the forest canopy as Shen Yun stirred from sleep, the campfire reduced to glowing embers. A low growl shattered the morning calm—a massive shadow beast, its fur matted and eyes glowing with feral hunger, lunged from the underbrush toward their camp.
Lian sprang into action, drawing her sword with a fierce cry. "Stay back!" She charged the monster, her blade flashing in precise arcs, slicing at its thick hide. Claws raked the air as the beast roared, swiping wildly while Lian dodged and countered, drawing its fury.
Mei positioned herself in front of Shen Yun, her stance protective, qi flaring around her like a shield. "Your Highness, remain behind me!" A tendril of dark energy from the beast lashed out, but Mei deflected it with a glowing barrier, her voice steady. "I won't let it touch you."
Shen Yun's heart raced, his weak cultivation no match for the Core Formation-level beast. System, he thought urgently, open shop—modern weapons section. A holographic interface flickered in his mind: [Pistol - 500 points. One-time purchase: Loaded, silencer attached.]
Purchase confirmed. A sleek black handgun materialized in his palm, cold and heavy. He gripped it tightly, aiming at the beast's snarling maw as Lian leaped aside from a crushing paw.
"Get clear!" Shen Yun shouted. He squeezed the trigger—bang! The suppressed shot pierced the air, bullet slamming into the monster's skull with explosive force. Black blood sprayed as it staggered, howling in agony.
Lian pressed her advantage, driving her sword into its exposed flank. Mei reinforced with a qi blast, and Shen Yun fired two more precise shots—center mass. The beast collapsed in a twitching heap, the forest falling silent once more.
Panting, Lian sheathed her blade, eyes wide with awe. "Your Highness... what sorcery was that weapon?"
Mei rushed to his side, checking him over. "Are you hurt? That power... it saved us."
Shen Yun pocketed the gun smoothly, forcing a calm smile. "Just a rare artifact from my collection. Let's move—the noise might attract more."
Relief and admiration shone in their eyes as they broke camp, the trio closer than ever after the brush with death.
The sun hung high overhead, its light filtering through the forest canopy as the carriage rolled along the uneven dirt road. The horses snorted softly, hooves thudding in a steady rhythm while Lian guided them from the driver's seat. Inside, Shen Yun sat with his eyes half-closed, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage, Mei seated quietly opposite him, occasionally glancing out the small window.
The peaceful journey shattered in an instant.
"Somebody help! Please! Anyone!"
A desperate scream tore through the still air, followed by angry shouts and crude laughter.
Lian instinctively pulled on the reins, and the carriage slowed to a stop. Mei's brows furrowed as she leaned toward the window. "Your Highness… it sounds like trouble ahead."
Shen Yun opened his crimson eyes, their depths calm but razor-sharp. "Stop the carriage, but don't get out yet," he said evenly.
Outside, just off the road, a small merchant wagon was surrounded by a group of ragged bandits. They wore mismatched armor and carried rusted blades, but their eyes gleamed with cruel greed. A middle-aged man—likely the merchant—knelt on the ground, clutching a crying young girl to his chest. A few of his guards lay nearby, injured or already dead.
"Shut up, old man!" one bandit snarled, kicking him in the side. "Hand over everything, and maybe we'll let you and your brat live."
"Please... spare her," the merchant begged, voice cracking. "Take the goods, just don't hurt my daughter!"
As Shen Yun's carriage began to pass along the road, one of the merchant's surviving guards spotted them. His eyes lit up with a spark of hope.
"You there!" he shouted hoarsely toward Shen Yun's carriage. "Young master! Please, help us! We're under attack by bandits!"
The bandits turned their heads, noticing the ornate carriage, the fine horses, and Lian on the driver's seat. The air thickened with tension.
Inside the carriage, Mei looked anxiously at Shen Yun. "Your Highness..."
Lian twisted slightly in her seat, calling through the window, "Prince, they're asking for our help. What should we do?"
For a brief moment, Shen Yun said nothing. His gaze was distant, his mind turning swiftly.
Bandits this close to the Azure Sect's route? Either they're idiots or someone's letting them operate. And those guards... they're not weak, just outnumbered. This smells like someone else's game.
He let out a quiet breath and then spoke with a calm, almost detached tone. "Lian, keep driving. Ignore them."
Lian froze, surprised. "Your Highness… ignore them?"
Mei's eyes widened. "But, Prince, if we join hands, we could—"
Shen Yun raised a hand slightly, cutting her off. His voice remained cool and controlled. "We don't have time to waste on them. Our destination is the Azure Sect. Every moment we delay increases our risk."
A pained cry sounded from the merchant's side, followed by cruel laughter. The guard, still clinging to hope, shouted again, voice cracking in desperation, "Please! You're clearly nobles—help us! We'll repay—"
Shen Yun's expression did not change, but his eyes grew colder. "Most importantly," he continued, his tone turning sharper, "we never interfere in someone else's work."
Mei blinked. "Someone else's... work?"
Shen Yun's gaze drifted toward the struggling scene through the narrow gap in the curtain. "Bandits like these don't last long on major roads. If they're still here, someone allows it—or uses it. Whether it's the local lord, a sect, or a hidden faction, this is their 'hunting ground.' Interfere once, and we step into their web."
Lian bit her lip, hands tightening on the reins. "But… those people…"
Shen Yun's eyes softened just a fraction as he looked at her back. "Lian," he said quietly, "we can't save everyone. Right now, our priority is to survive, pass the Azure Sect exam, and gain power. Without strength, rushing to play hero is just suicide."
Mei lowered her gaze, torn between compassion and reason. "Your Highness… you're right, but it feels…"
"Cruel?" Shen Yun finished for her, a wry smile touching his lips. "The cultivation world is cruel. If we die here, we won't save them. We won't save anyone."
Outside, a bandit called out to the carriage, waving his weapon. "Oi! Fancy carriage! Keep moving and we'll pretend we didn't see you!" Another snickered. "Or stop, and we might just invite you to join the fun!"
Shen Yun's eyes flickered dangerously for a heartbeat, but he leaned back in his seat. "Lian. Move."
Lian drew a slow breath, then flicked the reins sharply. "Hyah!" The horses surged forward, the carriage rolling past the scene. As they passed, the crying of the girl and the laughter of the bandits echoed briefly, then began to fade behind them.
Mei clenched her hands tightly in her lap, struggling with the gnawing guilt. "Prince… do you think they'll survive?"
Shen Yun stared ahead, his face unreadable. If I had higher cultivation… if my system wasn't broken… if I had more weapons… maybe.
Aloud, he replied softly, "If fate favors them, they will. If not… that is their karma to bear."
Silence settled inside the carriage for a moment, broken only by the sound of wheels against the road and distant forest birds.
After a while, Shen Yun added, his voice almost a whisper, "Remember this feeling. The frustration… the helplessness. Let it fuel your cultivation. One day, when we are strong enough, we won't have to turn away."
Mei looked up at him, eyes shining. Lian, from the driver's seat, heard his words carried by the wind and set her jaw with new determination.
The carriage rolled on toward the Azure Sect, leaving behind the cries and blood of strangers—and carrying with it three hearts resolved to grow stronger, no matter the cost.