On the same day that Bo Jian intervened at Yùqīng Hú, an urgent meeting convened within the Shé and Huǒ family estates. News of the incident had quickly reached the ears of the family heads, stirring resentment and fury. In the Shé family's grand hall, Shé Ying, the cunning and calculating chief, sat at the head of a long table, her expression cold as she listened to her eldest son, Shé Zhaowu, recount the events with barely concealed irritation.
Across the city in the Huǒ family estate, Huǒ Jianhong, the fiery chief of the Huǒ family, paced back and forth as his eldest son, Huǒ Lingyun, described how Bo Jian had "interfered" and "disrespected" them. The stories from both eldest sons fanned the flames of their families' long-standing rivalry with the Bo family.
In both halls, words of anger and impatience filled the air, and eventually, the two families joined together, meeting in secret to discuss the "problem" of the Bo family. The chiefs of the Shé and Huǒ families had always viewed the Bo family as their rival and an obstacle to their power, but the recent encounter had struck a nerve. Bo Jian's actions felt like an open challenge, a reminder of the influence and values of the Bo family that they both despised.
Shé Ying's voice was icy, her tone controlled but filled with underlying venom. "The Bo family has always stood in our way, undermining our efforts with their pretentious sense of justice. And now, the audacity of their second son to meddle where he's unqualified… It's time we consider taking serious action."
Huǒ Jianhong's eyes blazed with intensity as he nodded. "We've endured their insolence for long enough. The Bo family stands with the Lóng family, and that alliance has been our obstacle for generations. If we are to secure our rightful place as the most powerful families in Huǒmáng Chéng, we must sever their ties and break their influence."
A heavy silence filled the room as the chiefs and elders of both families exchanged looks, knowing the weight of what they were suggesting. The Lóng family was known not only for its formidable martial power but also for its loyalty and deeply rooted connections. They were allies of the Bo family, a bond strengthened through years of mutual respect and trust. To challenge the Bo family would inevitably mean confronting the Lóng family as well.
Shé Zhaowu, eager to support his mother's ambitions, spoke up. "Mother, Father Huǒ, this city is small compared to the powers that lie beyond its borders. There are alliances and forces from other continents that seek to expand their influence. If we reach out to them, perhaps they will see the opportunity here and support us in ending the Bo and Lóng families' dominance."
Huǒ Lingyun's face lit up with a malicious grin as he added, "Exactly. With the right alliances, our families can invite warriors and cultivators from distant regions—forces that surpass anything the Bo and Lóng families can muster. All we need is the right leverage, the right timing, and the unity of purpose."
Shé Ying's gaze sharpened, her mind already calculating the possibilities. "It's true. If we align ourselves with the powers outside this city, from the other continents, they may see the strategic value in helping us. But we must act carefully. The Bo family has allies who will come to their aid if we move too openly."
The gathered members nodded, their expressions shifting from rage to contemplation. Huǒ Jianhong's voice softened but retained its bitterness. "We bide our time, strengthen our alliances, and prepare. When the time is right, and we've united our forces with those from beyond this continent, we will be ready. That day, the Bo family and their Lóng allies will fall, and we shall claim the power that rightfully belongs to us."
A cold silence settled over the room as the chiefs shared a knowing glance, their long-simmering ambitions finding a renewed purpose. Each of them held a deep-seated resentment against the Bo family, and now, with the promise of allies from afar, they saw a path to victory. They knew that with patience, unity, and careful planning, they could bring about an end to the Bo family's influence and, eventually, to the Lóng family's hold over the city.
And so, with a pact sealed in mutual ambition, the Shé and Huǒ families began their plans, a shadow forming over the future of Huǒmáng Chéng. Unbeknownst to the Bo family, their enemies had set their sights on a calculated and ruthless path, one that would bring foreign forces to their doorstep with one single aim—the downfall of the Bo and Lóng families.
Shadows on the Streets
The next morning, Bo Jian set out for his usual walk, intending to spend time at his sanctuary, Yùqīng Hú. The events of the previous day had left him with a lingering sense of tension, but the lake had always been a source of peace and perspective, and he hoped it would help clear his mind.
As he made his way through the winding streets of Huǒmáng Chéng, he noticed something unusual. Groups of Huǒ and Shé family members gathered along the pathways, their expressions dark and unfriendly. Many of them carried weapons—swords, spears, and daggers gleaming in the early morning light. As they noticed Bo Jian approaching, their eyes narrowed, expressions twisting with barely concealed hostility. Whispers spread through their ranks, and he could feel the air around him growing thick with tension.
Some of the younger Shé family members glared openly, hands gripping their weapons tightly as if itching to make a move. A few Huǒ family men muttered under their breath, casting disdainful glances his way, their intent clear. Despite their aggression, Jian walked calmly, his expression unchanging, his gaze focused forward as he strolled through their midst without the slightest hesitation. He knew, even with the clear hostility, that they wouldn't dare touch him—not directly, not in the open. The Bo family's influence and connections, along with his position, made him untouchable in the streets.
As he continued walking, one Huǒ family member sneered, speaking just loudly enough for Bo Jian to hear. "One day, even your family's name won't protect you, Bo Jian. Enjoy your safety while it lasts."
Jian simply walked past without a word, his calm demeanor never faltering. Though he sensed the animosity radiating from the Huǒ and Shé members, he chose to ignore it, dismissing their veiled threats as empty bluster. He knew that while they may harbor resentment, any open aggression against him would only bring severe consequences on them and their families. The Bo family's reputation was too strong, and the allies they had—particularly the Lóng family—would not take lightly to an attack on Bo Jian.
What he didn't know was that his family's elders, including his father, were also aware of the growing tensions and potential threats. After learning of the confrontation with the Shé and Huǒ heirs, the Bo family's chief and elders had quietly placed guards to shadow and protect Bo Jian. These guards were elite members of the Bo family, each at Level 3, peak star, skilled and loyal cultivators tasked with ensuring Jian's safety from the shadows.
Hidden within the crowds and rooftops, these guards observed everything, their senses trained on any sign of trouble. The Bo family had long dealt with rivalries, and this was no exception. They knew that the Shé and Huǒ families would attempt to provoke or intimidate Bo Jian, testing the waters of their conflict. For now, their orders were clear: protect the young master discreetly and avoid any unnecessary confrontation.
As Bo Jian continued walking, oblivious to the hidden protection following him, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction in his calm response. He had walked among his family's rivals without flinching, a silent reminder of his confidence in the Bo family's strength and their values. His mind returned to the peacefulness of Yùqīng Hú, looking forward to the quiet space where he could escape the simmering tensions of the city.
Meanwhile, the guards continued to shadow him, moving swiftly and unseen, keeping a watchful eye on the movements of the Huǒ and Shé family members. They knew the situation was far from resolved and that this confrontation on the streets was just the beginning.
A Shared Moment
As Bo Jian settled by the tranquil shores of Yùqīng Hú, lost in a book about ancient techniques and weapon refinement, a faint rustle pulled his attention away. Looking up, he found himself face-to-face with Yun Xiang—the young woman he had helped only days before. Her unexpected presence was enough to leave him slightly stunned, but the sight before him made his heart skip.
In her hands was a carefully prepared basket filled with fresh fruits, delicate rice cakes, and other small treats. Everything was arranged with meticulous care, and as she set it down beside him, he noticed the subtle details—a cloth spread out to protect the food, small leaves used as decorative accents, and even a warm flask of tea. It was as if she had planned this moment, knowing exactly where to find him.
"Yun Xiang…" he started, feeling a rare mix of surprise and admiration, "how did you know I'd be here?"
She smiled softly, a little shy but brimming with sincerity. "I noticed you often come to the lake… and I thought… maybe you'd like something to eat while you study." She looked away, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. "It's just a simple thank you, Master Jian. For what you did for my mother and me."
Bo Jian looked down at the spread before him, touched by the care that had gone into each item. His usual calm composure wavered, a sense of warmth stirring within him as he took in the effort she had made. He had helped many people before, but no one had gone to such lengths to show their gratitude. Yun Xiang had anticipated his routine, prepared food he would enjoy, and sought him out here—all with a thoughtfulness that left him genuinely speechless.
Clearing his throat, he managed to say, "You… really didn't have to do all this, Yun Xiang. But I'm grateful. Truly."
They sat side by side, and as they began talking, the atmosphere around them softened. Yun Xiang shyly offered him fruits and treats from the basket, explaining which ingredients she'd chosen and how she'd prepared each item. Her voice carried a hint of pride, and her delicate gestures showed a warmth that had a strangely magnetic effect on him. For the first time, Bo Jian felt his heart race in a way he couldn't quite explain.
As they talked, he found himself more captivated by her sincerity and quiet charm than by the book he'd come to study. Her laughter, her kind smile—it all felt oddly grounding, something he hadn't expected. Yun Xiang listened intently to him, her eyes lighting up at his stories of the lake, his interest in weapons and techniques, even the small things he found peaceful about this place. There was an ease to their conversation that neither had expected, and Bo Jian was taken aback by how natural it felt.
At one point, he noticed her gaze lingering on him, her expression filled with something deeper than simple gratitude. Her eyes held a tenderness that took him by surprise, and he found himself momentarily frozen, taken aback by the unspoken emotions in her gaze. The soft affection in her eyes, the warmth that radiated from her, left him utterly speechless. He'd never seen anyone look at him that way, and the realization brought a blush to his own cheeks, a reaction he'd never expected to have.
"Thank you for coming today, Yun Xiang," he managed, his voice softened with a newfound shyness. "This… really means a lot to me."
She smiled, her blush deepening, but her gaze remained on him, as if savoring the moment just as he was. "It's my pleasure, Bo Jian. Being here, and talking with you… it feels like a rare kindness in the world."
They lingered by the lake for what felt like hours, sharing thoughts and stories, enjoying the food she had prepared with such care. When the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the lake, Bo Jian offered to walk her home. She accepted, her eyes holding that same quiet warmth as they strolled side by side through the winding streets of Huǒmáng Chéng.
As they reached her home, Yun Xiang paused, turning to him with a look of gratitude and something more—an unspoken bond that neither dared to express but both understood. Bo Jian found himself lost for words, her presence stirring something he couldn't quite place. Her gratitude, her thoughtfulness, the warmth she brought to his life—all of it felt strangely powerful.
With a quiet smile, Yun Xiang thanked him once more, her voice soft yet filled with emotion. Bo Jian simply nodded, watching as she entered her home, feeling a sense of connection he hadn't experienced before. He walked back to his family estate that evening, his thoughts lingering on her thoughtful gesture, her gentle smile, and the emotions that had unexpectedly blossomed between them, leaving him with a warmth he would carry long after the day had ended.