The wind howled softly across the slopes of Dead Mountain as Elder Pung Han led his fifty warriors toward the peak. The path was steep, but his steps were steady, his sharp eyes fixed on the summit.
The abandoned hut barely visible in the distance didn't fool him.
Pung Han (thinking):
"No powerful cultivator would hide in a place like this… unless they had something worth protecting."
As he walked, the faint glow of spiritual energy flickered behind his eyes, carefully scanning the area.
Nothing.
It was as if the mountain itself was devoid of power – but that only made him more suspicious.
Pung Han (grinning):
"Keep hiding, mysterious protector. I'll find you soon enough."
Fire Clan Stronghold – The Leader's Ambition
Far below Dead Mountain, deep within the Fire Clan's fortress, the Clan Leader sat in his throne room, flames crackling around him. Elder Tohan knelt before him, delivering the latest report.
Elder Tohan:
"Elder Pung Han will reach Dead Mountain by dawn, my lord. If the princess of the Water Clan is there, she won't escape."
The Clan Leader nodded, his gaze dark and brooding.
Clan Leader (calmly):
"Good. But we can't stop with just one princess hiding in the mountains. If she's eliminated, the Water Clan will retaliate."
He leaned forward, eyes glowing like embers.
Clan Leader:
"It's time to wipe out the Water Clan entirely. Gather the remaining elders. We attack at sunrise."
Elder Tohan (hesitant):
"My lord… is that necessary? The Water Clan hasn't made a move since the last skirmish."
The Clan Leader's fingers tightened around the molten armrest of his throne.
Clan Leader (coldly):
"They've been quiet for too long. That girl – Lim Kris – carries the Heart of the Golden Ocean. If she unlocks its true power, the Fire Clan's dominance will crumble."
Flames swirled violently around the throne room as he rose to his feet.
Clan Leader:
"I won't allow it. Burn their cities, crush their warriors, and make sure no heir survives."
Elder Tohan bowed deeply.
Elder Tohan:
"As you command, my lord."
Dead Mountain – The Calm Before the Fire
At the peak of Dead Mountain, Lim Kris sat by the temple's garden, carefully shaping orbs of water that hovered around her. Each orb glistened like crystal under the early morning light.
Nearby, Chen Franz stood silently, gazing toward the distant horizon.
He could feel it – the faint but distinct presence of Elder Pung Han and his warriors climbing the mountain.
Chen Franz (thinking):
"They'll be here by sunrise. But something else…"
His eyes narrowed slightly as his senses stretched further.
Chen Franz (thinking):
"The Fire Clan isn't stopping with Pung Han. Their leader is preparing for an all-out assault on the Water Clan."
He exhaled softly, folding his arms as he glanced at Lim Kris.
Chen Franz (thinking):
"If she knew, she'd try to stop it. But she's not ready for that fight… yet."
Lim Kris's Determination
Lim Kris finally noticed her master's gaze fixed on the horizon.
Lim Kris (curious):
"Master, is something wrong?"
Chen Franz shifted his attention back to her, his expression calm as always.
Chen Franz (smiling faintly):
"Nothing you need to worry about. Focus on your training."
She paused, lowering the orbs of water back into the stream.
Lim Kris (softly):
"I know they're coming… but I don't understand why you're not preparing to fight them."
Chen Franz chuckled, walking closer and gently flicking her forehead with his finger.
Lim Kris (yelping):
"Ow! Master!"
Chen Franz (grinning):
"I am preparing. You just don't realize it yet."
Lim Kris pouted, rubbing her forehead.
Lim Kris (grumbling):
"If I lose because you're holding back, I'm blaming you."
Chen Franz (calmly):
"You won't lose. I believe in you."
Despite his lighthearted tone, Chen Franz's mind remained sharp and focused.
As dawn broke, the Fire Clan warriors reached the final stretch of Dead Mountain's path. Pung Han raised his hand, signaling the warriors to halt just outside the clearing.
His eyes scanned the area, locking onto the small, run-down hut that stood at the mountain's peak.
Pung Han (frowning):
"A hut…?"
A small figure emerged from the doorway – Lim Kris.
She stepped forward, water swirling around her feet, her eyes locked onto Pung Han without fear.
Lim Kris (firmly):
"This is as far as you go."
The Fire Clan warriors exchanged glances, some smirking at the sight of her standing alone.
Pung Han (mocking):
"You're standing between us and the princess of the Water Clan. Brave… but foolish."
Lim Kris didn't flinch.
Lim Kris:
"I am the princess of the Water Clan. And I won't let you pass."
Pung Han (grinning):
"Then I'll deal with you myself."
He stepped forward, flames erupting around his hands.