In the depths of the Dead Mountain on the Xaiyan Continent, Chinye and Lim Kris devoted themselves to intense training for nearly two weeks. The Ancient Techniques imparted to them by Chen Franz proved to be both demanding and empowering. Under the glow of the moon, their progress became evident Lim Kris' swordsmanship now carried an unparalleled precision, and Chinye's mastery over the Ancient Lightning Technique allowed her to summon storms with a mere thought.
One evening, during dinner inside the serene temple, the two sat by the fire, sharing stories and their thoughts about their progress. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the occasional crackle of the fire and the rustling of the wind outside. Yet, Lim Kris seemed restless.
"Do you think Master will come back soon?" Lim Kris asked, his voice betraying his concern. He poked at the embers of the fire with a stick, his eyes distant.
Chinye, sensing the unease in his tone, smiled faintly. "Relax, Kris. Master knows what he's doing. Maybe this is part of his plan to let us grow stronger on our own." She tilted her head, teasing lightly, "Why? Are you worried about him or just missing him?"
Lim Kris froze at her question, his face turning a deep shade of red. "Uh…" he stammered, averting his gaze. "W-well, yes! I miss him, okay? It's just he's the first person who made me feel seen. Back at the Water Clan, I was always locked away in my room, treated as nothing more than a recluse."
Chinye's eyebrows lifted in surprise at the sudden honesty. "I didn't know you felt that way. But… are you saying it's more than just admiration for Master?"
Lim Kris hesitated, then nodded, his blush deepening. "Yes," he admitted softly. "I think I like him… more than I've liked anyone before." He glanced at Chinye, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Promise me you won't tell anyone, especially Master. It's… embarrassing."
Chinye gave a small laugh, patting his shoulder. "Your secret's safe with me, Kris. Though, to be honest, I think you should focus on training first. Master has his duties, and we still have a long way to go."
Lim Kris nodded, appreciating her support. Despite the levity of their conversation, a lingering tension hung in the air they both couldn't help but worry about their master's prolonged absence.
Meanwhile, in the distant lands of the Fire Clan, unease was brewing.
Inside the grand hall of the Fire Clan's fortress, their leader, an intimidating figure clad in molten-red armor, sat atop a throne of burning embers. His piercing gaze swept across the gathered elders and warriors.
"The spies we sent to the Dead Mountain why have they not returned?" his voice boomed, each word laced with suspicion.
An elder stepped forward, his expression grave. "Leader, they were tasked with observing the Dead Mountain for any unusual activity. It is possible they encountered unexpected resistance or… were eliminated."
The Fire Clan leader's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in his molten irises. "Resistance, you say? Are you suggesting that this so-called 'mysterious man' the elders spoke of is more formidable than we assumed?"
The elder nodded cautiously. "Yes, Leader. The descriptions given by the elders and the reports of his strength suggest he is not to be underestimated. If we are to uncover the truth, we must prepare for the possibility of an encounter with someone powerful."
The Fire Clan leader slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne, causing embers to erupt around him. "Enough of this waiting! If the spies do not return in two days, we will lead the attack ourselves. Assemble the warriors. I want the Dead Mountain scorched to ash if it means exposing this threat!"
Back at the Dead Mountain, the serene night was suddenly interrupted by a faint tremor beneath the ground, as if a distant force was stirring. Lim Kris and Chinye paused mid-conversation, their eyes widening as they felt the shift.
"Did you feel that?" Lim Kris whispered, gripping the hilt of his sword instinctively.
Chinye nodded, her brows furrowed. "It's faint, but something is definitely approaching. We should increase our vigilance."
Unbeknownst to them, the Fire Clan's growing suspicion and planned assault would soon collide with their peaceful training. As the Fire Clan's forces gathered strength, so did the disciples of Chen Franz, whose growing skills would be put to the ultimate test in the days to come.