Zhao Chen Li knelt, trembling slightly, before a young woman with long brown hair and fiery red eyes. She looked to be in her early twenties and stood with an air of effortless dominance.
"So, how's the little arrogant one doing these days?"
"M-madam… he's doing well…" Chen Li stammered, her voice shaky but polite.
The woman, Ha Xiu Baok, gave a cold smile as she adjusted the elegant robe draped over her shoulders. She had the poise of a seasoned warrior and the aura of someone you wouldn't dare to cross.
"Good," she said with a sinister edge to her voice. "Then, as the responsible elder sister I am, it's about time I paid him a visit, don't you think?"
---
It was nine in the morning when Ha Yu Han, after a sleepless night, finally concluded his research on the art of demon alchemy. He sat slumped at his desk, surrounded by crumpled papers and scrolls, his eyes red with exhaustion. Yet, despite his fatigue, his findings left him stunned.
Demon alchemy is an art that originated with the Celestial Demon Cult from Hwang, the second wealthiest nation of alchemists after Zheng,
he read aloud to himself, noting the shocking details.
This cult doesn't follow the hierarchical structures of sects or clans. It has no rules, no allies, no interest in politics or conflict—it simply forges its own path, pursuing ultimate power.
He frowned as he delved deeper into the text.
"The art allows practitioners to absorb the life force of humans or demonic beasts. It requires human sacrifices to fuel and refine its techniques, making it an utterly forbidden practice. Only those tied to families, sects, or cults that specialize in demon alchemy can avoid the death penalty for engaging in it."
Yu Han leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.
"So, basically," he muttered to himself, "this is the kind of martial art practiced by complete bastards. How do people even stomach mastering something like this?"
He paused for a moment, gripping the edges of the scroll tightly as a chilling thought crossed his mind.
"But I'm one of them now..."
Tears welled in his eyes, and he clenched his fists.
"Damn it! How did I fall this low?"
As he wrestled with his guilt and moral conflict, the sudden sound of wood splintering jolted him back to reality. His door exploded inward, reduced to shards by a bolt of lightning, the remains crashing onto his bed.
"This… has to be a joke," he muttered, blinking at the destruction.
Before he could fully process what was happening, a booming, cheerful voice filled the room.
"YU HAN! MY BELOVED LITTLE BROTHER!"
Standing in the doorway was a young woman, her aura nearly suffocating the air in the room. She exuded raw, oppressive power despite her youthful appearance. Yu Han swallowed hard, instantly recognizing her.
"Ha Xiu Baok," he murmured. "It's my older sister…"
Ha Xiu Baok, his half-sister, was nothing short of a legend. Known far and wide for her extraordinary feats, she was considered a prodigy in alchemy and combat alike:
- She wrestled and defeated a bear bare-handed at five.
- She killed her first demonic beast at the age of twelves.
- She single-handedly wiped out an entire sect of demonic alchemists.
- Her most notorious (though possibly exaggerated) feat involved slicing through a mountain with a single swing of her sword.
Many whispered that if she had been born a man, she would have easily claimed the throne during the succession wars.
Despite all this, Xiu Baok was anything but cruel to her little brother. To her, Ha Yu Han was precious—even if he was weak and lacked even the most basic martial or alchemical skills.
"Come here, Yu Han!" she exclaimed, opening her arms wide for a hug.
Yu Han immediately took a step back, panic flashing across his face. He knew better than to accept her affection—her monstrous strength could easily snap his spine in half.
"W-wait, Xiu Baok! I'm exhausted, and my body's aching! Please don't—"
"Stop being a baby and let your sister hug you!"
Behind her, Zhao Chen Li was silently praying for Yu Han's survival.
"No!"
---
Hours later, Yu Han lay sprawled on his bed, groaning in pain. His back throbbed from Xiu Baok's "affectionate" embrace. She sat beside him, utterly unfazed, a teasing grin on her face.
"Good grief, Yu Han. You're such a weakling! You haven't changed at all!"
"Not true," he grumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow. "It's not my fault you have the strength of a demon! You're—"
Yu Han froze mid-sentence as Xiu Baok shot him a sharp, warning glare.
"—a very responsible and caring older sister who only wants the best for me!" he quickly corrected, forcing a nervous smile.
Xiu Baok nodded, satisfied. Her proud expression practically screamed, "That's right, I am!"*
"How on earth did the original owner of this body tolerate this monster?"Yu Han thought grimly.
After a brief silence, Xiu Baok's tone softened. "So… did you enjoy yourself while I was away?"
"Enjoy?" Yu Han raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the question.
"Yeah," she replied, her gaze growing somber. "You think I don't know? You've never put in any real effort—neither in alchemy nor martial arts—while I was gone."
Her voice cracked slightly, and her eyes betrayed an unexpected sadness. It was as if his shortcomings hurt her more than they hurt him.
Yu Han shifted uncomfortably, guilt bubbling to the surface. He had underestimated just how deeply she cared for him, even when he didn't deserve it.
"Xiu Baok, I—"
"Save it!" she interrupted, her sorrow replaced by an almost predatory grin. "We're starting your training. Right now!"
The sudden shift in her demeanor sent shivers down Yu Han's spine. Her wide smile and blazing eyes gave her the appearance of a demoness preparing to drag him to hell.
And, perhaps, she was.