For the past 250 years, the Fire Clan and Water Clan had been locked in an unrelenting war for dominance over the Xiayan Continent.
The Fire Clan, known for their aggressive and prideful nature, believed that strength was absolute. They sought to expand their power by crushing any clan that threatened their rise. The Water Clan, in contrast, was calm, strategic, and masters of defensive arts. Despite their peaceful nature, they proved to be the only force capable of resisting the Fire Clan's expansion.
The balance of power tipped dangerously when Lim Kris was born.
Rumors spread that the newborn princess of the Water Clan possessed the Heart of the Golden Ocean – a divine core capable of granting immense power over water and life itself. It was said that whoever bore this heart could ascend to heights no ordinary cultivator could reach, even rivaling the immortal realms.
The Fire Clan feared this prophecy.
If Lim Kris were to awaken the true power of the Golden Ocean, the Fire Clan's long-standing ambition to dominate the Xiayan Continent would crumble. From that day, they vowed to eliminate Lim Kris at all costs.
Now, 25 years later, the Fire Clan's relentless pursuit led them to Dead Mountain, where Lim Kris unknowingly sought refuge in the home of the most powerful man in existence – Chen Franz.
The soft crackle of the fire filled the quiet hut as Lim Kris sat across from Chen Franz, her eyes filled with determination.
Lim Kris: "I won't leave until you teach me."
Chen Franz stirred the soup in his pot, pretending not to hear.
Chen Franz (calmly): "Training under me isn't something to take lightly. I live a quiet life for a reason."
Lim Kris crossed her arms, leaning closer.
Lim Kris: "I just need to get stronger… If I return now, the Fire Clan will finish what they started."
Chen Franz's gaze sharpened slightly.
Chen Franz: "The Fire Clan…? Why are they after you?"
Lim Kris hesitated but exhaled deeply.
Lim Kris: "Because I'm the princess of the Water Clan… and I was born with the Heart of the Golden Ocean."
Chen Franz blinked, setting down his spoon.
Chen Franz: "So that's why they want you dead. The Fire Clan is scared of your potential."
Lim Kris nodded.
Lim Kris: "They think I'll grow powerful enough to tip the balance of power in my clan's favor."
Chen Franz leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling.
Chen Franz (thinking): "A war that started over fear… and she's at the center of it."
For the first time in centuries, Chen Franz felt curiosity stir within him.
Chen Franz: "Fine. But I won't treat you like a princess."
Lim Kris smiled faintly.
Lim Kris: "I didn't expect you to."
Later That Evening…
As Lim Kris rested inside the small hut, Chen Franz stood outside, looking at the tiny, worn-down home he had been living in for the past 300 years.
Chen Franz (thinking): "I guess it's time to expand a little."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Chen Franz (softly): "A large temple… with a grand garden… and all the tools I'll need."
In that moment, his imagination sparked reality.
The small hut shifted and expanded, stone by stone. In its place, a massive temple rose into existence – its towering walls shimmering with immortal energy. The roof glowed faintly with inscriptions, and golden phoenix statues lined the garden path.
A lush garden bloomed in the courtyard, brimming with herbs, immortal plants, and a clear flowing stream. At the heart of the garden, a majestic phoenix perched on a tree, preening its glowing feathers.
Nearby, tools shimmered into view – but these were no ordinary tools.
Immortal shovels, brooms, and kitchen utensils materialized, each glowing faintly with divine energy.
The Next Morning
Lim Kris yawned as she stepped outside. The moment her foot touched the ground, her body stiffened.
Lim Kris (thinking): "W-what is this feeling…!?"
She glanced around in shock. A massive temple now stood where the small hut had been. Immortal energy flooded the air, pressing against her like a gentle but firm force.
Suddenly, her spiritual energy began to surge uncontrollably.
Lim Kris (panicking): "My… my cultivation level is rising?!"
She fell to her knees as the energy wrapped around her, seeping into every pore.
[Ding!]
Your cultivation has increased by 10 levels.
Lim Kris gasped as she felt the shift.
Lim Kris (checking her status):
Cultivation Level: 40 – Senior Elder
Lim Kris's eyes widened in shock.
Lim Kris (whispering): "I… I reached Level 40. This is the strength of an elder…"
Chen Franz stepped out from the temple, holding a cup of tea.
Chen Franz: "Oh, you felt that?"
Lim Kris glared at him.
Lim Kris: "Felt that?! I just increased 10 levels without doing anything!"
Chen Franz grinned.
Chen Franz: "I accept you… as my lover."
Lim Kris froze, her face turning bright red.
Lim Kris (blushing): "W-what?!"
Chen Franz chuckled.
Chen Franz: "Relax. I meant as my disciple."
Lim Kris frowned, her cheeks still warm.
Lim Kris (grumbling): "I thought you were serious…"
Chen Franz laughed, his carefree nature adding lightness to the moment.
Lim Kris (thinking): "Even if he jokes… I feel safer here than anywhere else."