In the heart of the Fire Clan's fortress, Elder Tohan knelt before a towering figure shrouded in flames. The Clan Leader, seated on a molten throne, listened patiently, his crimson eyes flickering with amusement as Tohan recounted the events of Dead Mountain.
Elder Tohan (bowing deeply):
"My lord, the princess of the Water Clan is alive and well. She is under the protection of a mysterious man in Dead Mountain. His cultivation level is only Level 1, yet his strength…"
Tohan hesitated, recalling the devastating blow that had effortlessly thrown Senior Zhuan through the trees.
Elder Tohan:
"…is far beyond what I've ever seen."
The lord leaned back, chuckling softly.
Clan Leader (mockingly):
"A Level 1 cultivator who can overpower my men? Are you sure you weren't imagining things, Tohan?"
Laughter erupted from the gathered elders, their fiery auras flickering with confidence.
Elder Tohan (grimacing):
"My lord… if I may add…"
The laughter began to die down as Tohan continued.
Elder Tohan:
"The man lives in nothing more than a small, broken-down hut. There was no grand fortress, no spiritual barriers, nothing of significance. Just a simple hut where he and the princess reside."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Clan Leader:
"A hut?"
Elder Tohan (nodding):
"Yes, my lord. It didn't seem like a place where a formidable master would reside. But despite the modesty of his home, his strength is undeniable."
The Fire Clan leader narrowed his eyes, fingers drumming lightly against the molten armrest of his throne.
Clan Leader (thinking):
"A mere hut…? Could this man be a wandering immortal? Or is he purposely hiding his identity?"
His gaze shifted to Pung Han, the second strongest elder of the Fire Clan, known for his ruthless methods and unmatched battle prowess, second only to the Clan Leader himself.
Pung Han stepped forward confidently, flames swirling faintly around his hands.
Pung Han:
"My lord, if this mysterious protector is nothing more than a man living in a hut, then allow me to handle it. I will personally reduce the entire mountain to ashes."
The lord's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he nodded.
Clan Leader:
"Very well, Elder Pung Han. But take no chances. Gather fifty elite warriors. I want the entire mountain scorched. Ensure there are no survivors."
A predatory grin crept onto Pung Han's face.
Pung Han:
"Consider it done, my lord. I'll make sure the hut and everything in it is reduced to cinders."
Pung Han's Preparation
Pung Han wasted no time as he descended the stone steps of the Fire Clan's central chamber. Warriors gathered swiftly at his command, each clad in crimson armor and armed with enchanted blades and fire-forged weapons.
In the training courtyard, fifty elite warriors lined up before Pung Han, their eyes burning with anticipation.
Pung Han (loudly):
"Listen carefully! The princess of the Water Clan is hiding in Dead Mountain, and we will ensure her head is delivered to our lord. A so-called protector stands in our way, but he is nothing more than a recluse living in a hut."
His voice hardened, flames dancing around him.
Pung Han:
"You are the Fire Clan's elite! No mere hermit or hut will stop us. Burn everything in your path. I want that mountain reduced to ash by sunrise."
The warriors roared in unison, raising their weapons high.
As they marched from the courtyard, the sky above the Fire Clan fortress burned with streaks of red and orange, signaling their approach toward Dead Mountain.
Pung Han (thinking):
"Let's see if this mysterious protector can survive a true blaze."
Meanwhile, at Dead Mountain…
Inside the newly formed temple, Lim Kris sat cross-legged in the grand hall, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and glowing spiritual plants. Immortal energy lingered in the air as she focused on cultivating, her spiritual power steadily rising.
But as the days passed, her frustration grew.
Lim Kris (thinking):
"Three days of cultivating… and not a single martial arts technique? Is Master ever going to teach me?"
She opened her eyes, staring out at the temple courtyard where Chen Franz leisurely sipped his tea, seemingly lost in thought.
Unable to hold back any longer, Lim Kris stood and approached him.
Lim Kris (pouting):
"Master, how many days do you plan to make me cultivate? I thought you were going to teach me martial arts!"
Chen Franz raised an eyebrow, setting his teacup aside.
Chen Franz (calmly):
"Just focus on cultivating."
Lim Kris (groaning):
"I've been doing that for days! I need martial arts techniques, not just meditation."
Chen Franz smiled faintly but remained silent.
She crossed her arms, frustration boiling over.
Lim Kris:
"Master, if I don't start learning how to fight, how can I defend myself against the Fire Clan?"
Chen Franz exhaled softly, standing up. Without a word, he raised his hand and lightly flicked his finger against Lim Kris's forehead.
A burst of warmth surged through her, and suddenly her mind filled with ancient martial arts techniques. She gasped, stumbling backward as countless moves, forms, and techniques connected to the Water Clan's lineage flowed into her consciousness.
Lim Kris (shocked):
"W-what was that?!"
Chen Franz (smirking):
"I just implanted the basics directly into your mind. Easier than explaining for hours."
Lim Kris staggered for a moment, then suddenly dropped into a defensive stance, flowing through the basic forms as if she had been practicing for years.
Chen Franz (watching her closely):
"Good. Now, show me how you would defend against a real opponent."
Lim Kris blinked, confused.
Before she could react, Chen Franz appeared behind her and launched a soft palm strike toward her back.
Lim Kris (panicking):
"W-wait—!"
Her instincts kicked in, and she twisted her body, forming a shield of water from thin air, blocking his attack.
Chen Franz smiled.
Chen Franz:
"You're learning faster than I thought. Let's see if you can keep up."