Deep within a rainfall cave, a young girl of fourteen was going through a painstaking breakthrough into the formidable Profound realm.
Sweat glistened on her brow as she merely frowned through the pain, which many would rather die through.
Straightening her brows, with a resolved mind, she began circling her chi again.
"Zoe! Zoe, where are you?" an exhausted voice called out, followed by a feminine screech. The natural inhabitants of the forest directed scornful glances to the owner of the voice - Ethwa, a young kid fooling around the forest, making a spectacle of herself.
All of a sudden, three things happened at once:
the bothersome bottleneck was successfully broken through by Zoe,
the earth trembled, marking the birth of a Profound realm expert,
the pale-faced governor of Nuhaa was forced to dispatch all of his forces to rope in the expert.
With a swoosh, Zoe landed before Ethwa and gently pulled the bullied kid back to her feet.
With her phoenix eyes twinkling, amusement covering her stunning features at the silly girl's guts to enter the wild alone. She gently tucked a stray strand of hair back into the kid's bun.
In contrast to her gentle action, the words coming out of her mouth held more than a touch of threat.
"Daring to enter the wild alone, you must be yearning for a duel. Come, this big sister has decided to entertain you."
...Since when did I court death?! Please don't bother with little fish like me.
"Hehe, I just couldn't wait to share the good news with you. Remember the lantern festival? this time, it will be patronized by Charles, the governor's child, himself. Isn't it too well-timed with your breakthrough...?"
Ignoring the pointed look thrown by Ethwa, Zoe turned her gaze
towards the horizon,
towards her path,
sure of blood, sweat and tears.
For a fire raged in her delicate phoenix eyes, as she swore in her heart,
Her debts will be collected one by one...