Dead Mountain loomed high, its newly expanded peak hidden beneath a veil of mist. From a distance, the Fire Clan's spies crept cautiously toward the towering mansion that now stood where an old temple once resided.
Their leader, Senior Guard Zhuan, squinted at the glowing golden mansion, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead.
Zhuan (nervous):
"This… this wasn't here before. What happened to the broken-down hut Elder Toh Han described?"
The other guards exchanged uneasy glances.
Spy 1 (whispering):
"Are we sure we're in the right place? This looks like something from the immortal realm…"
Spy 2:
"I thought this mountain was supposed to be cursed! What kind of curse comes with a mansion and two giant beasts guarding the gate!?"
Zhuan (gritting his teeth):
"Quiet! We need to confirm if the Water Clan princess is here. We can't return without information."
They took hesitant steps forward, edging closer to the mansion's entrance.
Suddenly, a low growl rumbled from above.
Zhuan froze as the massive dragon perched on the roof opened its eyes, locking onto them.
Spy 1 (whispering in terror):
"I think the dragon saw us…"
Before they could react, the phoenix glided gracefully down, landing directly in front of the gate. Its feathers shimmered with flames, and its piercing gaze bore into the intruders.
Zhuan (trembling):
"W-what are these creatures doing in the lower realm…?"
As the phoenix let out a soft caw, flames flickered around its body.
Spy 2 (panicking):
"Forget this I'm not getting burned alive!"
One of the guards turned to flee, but before he could take more than a few steps, the dragon's eyes flashed.
A pulse of energy shot forward, and the fleeing guard collapsed instantly, lifeless.
Zhuan (stammering):
"W-we need to get out of here!"
The remaining Spies turned and ran, their terrified footsteps echoing through the mountain's valley.
But none of them made it far.
The phoenix soared into the sky, releasing a trail of fire that descended upon the escaping spies. Moments later, silence returned to Dead Mountain.
Chen Franz stood by the window, sipping tea as he observed the fleeing spies from above. He watched with mild amusement as the phoenix and dragon effortlessly eliminated the intruders.
Lim Kris and Chinye sat at the dining table, enjoying their lunch.
Lim Kris (casually):
"Master, those were Fire Clan spies, right?"
Chen Franz nodded, setting his cup down.
Chen Franz:
"Yes. But it seems the phoenix and dragon handled it before I needed to step in."
Chinye (softly):
"They must've been investigating after Elder Pung Han's disappearance."
Lim Kris (grinning):
"Well, they won't be sending any reports back."
Chen Franz smirked faintly but remained silent.
As the meal continued, Lim Kris rested her chin on her hand, gazing curiously at Chen Franz.
Lim Kris (playfully):
"Master, how old are you exactly? You never talk about your past. Where did you come from?"
Chen Franz paused for a moment, his gaze flickering toward Lim Kris.
Chen Franz (calmly):
"It's not important. All that matters is that you and your sister are safe, and that the Fire Clan pays for what they did to your people."
Lim Kris (pouting):
"Come on, you never answer my questions! It's like you're hiding something."
Chen Franz (grinning slightly):
"Maybe I am."
Lim Kris huffed, crossing her arms.
Lim Kris (thinking):
"He's so mysterious. How can someone that powerful not reveal his past?"
Meanwhile, Chen Franz's thoughts drifted.
Chen Franz (thinking):
"It's not time to tell her the truth… not yet."
After finishing their meal, Chen Franz leaned forward, gazing intently at Chinye and Lim Kris.
Chen Franz (calmly):
"I have a question for you two. Do the Sword Clan and Lightning Clan still exist?"
Chinye blinked, tilting her head.
Chinye:
"Sword Clan and Lightning Clan? Those are just stories from the ancient era. They disappeared two million years ago."
Lim Kris (curiously):
"Why do you ask, Master? No one has seen those clans for generations."
Chinye (softly):
"There is one story, though… Some say the Emperor King of Xiayan Continent is descended from the leaders of both clans a union between the Sword Clan's leader and the female leader of the Lightning Clan."
Chen Franz's gaze narrowed thoughtfully.
Chen Franz (thinking):
"So the clans were wiped out, but their bloodline survived…"
He leaned back, his eyes reflecting the faint glow of the spirit tree outside.
Chen Franz (softly to himself):
"Perhaps it's time to revisit the past."