Li Yang gazed at the boy cowering before him, shook his head, and began walking toward his residence. Despite Li Zheng's feigned bravado, he was merely a bundle of empty threats. Li Yang had no inclination to engage with such individuals who were destined to achieve nothing noteworthy in their lives.
Li Zheng seethed, witnessing the blatant disregard he received from the youth in front of him. Had this supposed young master ever experienced fear in the presence of his peers? If news of this audacious encounter spread among the clan members, where would his reputation stand? Li Yang needed to be eliminated from the clan's equation for Li Zheng's path to the role of clan head to remain unhindered.
The world of the nine continents was characterized by, as the name implied, nine distinct landmasses. The City of Green Cloud, while sizable, was relatively unremarkable in the context of the vast continents. Though the Li clan held sway over this region, there was a tower overseeing the city.
This tower, omnipresent in the city, refrained from direct involvement in disputes among clans or individuals. Instead, it symbolized power to the common folk, offering an assurance that its intervention would come at significant moments. However, hidden experts within the tower remained vigilant, ready to react to threats akin to a surge of beasts or a calamity.
Li Yang proceeded toward his dwelling at a leisurely pace. Perhaps due to his two-year sojourn in the valley, he had acclimated to a more deliberate rhythm of life. Every breeze, every raindrop, and every blossoming flower within the valley felt like an extension of his own being. He possessed intimate familiarity with every nook and cranny of the landscape. Progressing through a narrow passageway, he arrived at a clear waterfall, one of his favored sanctuaries within the valley.
A sword rested in his grip, occasionally brushed as he traversed the rain-sodden forest floor. The hilt of the sword gleamed with a blue hue, its blade a testament to pristine sharpness. The sheath mirrored the hilt's blue shade, and two clear gemstones adorned its hilt, bestowing a regal aura.
He projected an air of composure and collectedness, his grip on the sword emanating readiness despite the absence of visible fatigue. He reached his customary spot by the lake and surveyed his surroundings. All remained unaltered over the past two years. Yet, his focus shifted to a new presence. In the midst of the waterfall stood a figure clad in red, wielding a sword, her furrowed brows indicative of deep contemplation. Li Yang's attention was fixed on her, witnessing a woman possessing a beauty reminiscent of a fairy. Her form exuded grace, and the sword's presence infused her with an aura of heroism. For any other man, she would have been an irresistible vision, a radiant and enchanting presence.
However, Li Yang felt vexation stir within him. His coveted solitude had been disrupted once again. This time, another intruder emerged, a woman. Although her gender could be a distraction for most men, it meant little to him. Just as he was about to address her, the woman vanished before his eyes, reappearing right in front of him.
"Staring at someone engrossed in cultivation is terribly impolite, especially when that person is engaged in such practice," she admonished. "In certain cases, such rudeness could lead to dire consequences. Tell me, how would you prefer to meet your end?" Lu Yan's day had been troublesome already, as she attempted to refine her sword technique. Just when she thought she'd gained some insight, she was disturbed by an uncouth fellow who had been spying on her. Men, she mused, were all cut from the same cloth, much to her frustration.
Although Li Yang hadn't initially noticed, upon closer examination, the boy before her was remarkably handsome. A faint crease marred his brow, almost as if she were the one who had wronged him. However, she detected a notable absence of fear, even with her sword poised at his throat. Something was amiss with this boy; his lack of fear perplexed her.
"It's discourteous to trespass into my valley and brandish a sword at my throat, young lady. If you attempt to take my life, you'll forfeit your own in the process. Should we really take it to such extremes?"
Lu Yan regarded him as though he were a complete fool. "What do you mean, 'die together'? With my sword at the ready and your neck exposed, why should I be the one to meet my end?" A shiver coursed through her as she glimpsed the delicate dagger aimed toward her heart. If she had intended to end his life, she'd have forfeited her own. It seemed like an eye for an eye. Dumbstruck, she stared at the boy before her, finding his stance utterly merciless.
Li Yang studied the bewildered expression on the lady's countenance. Though unintentional, his own near-death experiences had left him on the precipice of mortality. He retracted the blade, inching backward while gauging whether further unsheathing was warranted. While he could potentially catch her off guard with his blade, when it came to actual combat, she had the upper hand. Facing her in battle meant almost certain defeat for him.
Turning away, he began making his way home when something nearby caught his attention: rustling foliage. The grass shifted, revealing a middle-aged woman emerging from concealment. Her bafflement was evident, directed at the boy who sported an expression of annoyance. She'd observed the entire sequence of events, witnessing her young mistress nearly lose her life, and even before she could react, the boy had retreated. Yet, the true astonishment came from his acknowledgment of her presence. This boy was far from ordinary.
Lu Yan observed the boy's gaze locked onto the middle-aged woman, and she was at a loss for words. Was he truly unafraid of death? He even dared to confront Elder Su when her cultivation was at its lowest. Suppressing a chuckle, she marveled at the existence of such recklessness.
A sigh escaped Li Yang's lips, his demeanor shifting to one of indifference as he regarded Lu Yan.
"Finish your cultivation and then depart. Just make sure to avoid causing a ruckus. I prefer not to be disturbed," he stated. This sentiment wasn't born of benevolence; his current frailty cautioned against provoking someone as striking as this woman merely to attain a fleeting peace. He understood well that irritating a woman was the height of folly.
Lu Yan found herself surprised once again by his leniency, agreeing to comply with his request. Was his generosity genuine or perhaps a ploy to convince her of his magnanimity, much like the other men she'd encountered? These thoughts swirled in her mind as he departed without uttering another word.
"By the way, what's your name? How is it that I've never heard of someone like you within the Li Clan?" Lu Yan called out to his retreating figure, her voice raised.
Without turning back, he responded, "My name is Li Yang. You may have heard of me from the clan head." His voice held a hint of nonchalance as he continued his departure.
It dawned on Lu Yan that the renowned young master, who'd remained secluded in the valley for two years, was none other than this boy. Contrary to appearances, he hardly resembled a cripple. A chill coursed through her at the memory of his intense gaze earlier. Li Yang was far from ordinary.