Chapter 5: A Bold Step Forward

Bo Jian took a steady breath and stepped forward, his eyes calm but resolute as he approached the scene. Before he could reach Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu, however, two large bodyguards moved to block his path, their imposing forms silently signaling him to stop. Yet as they looked him over, their initial expressions of indifference quickly shifted to surprise, then to respect. Recognizing Bo Jian as the second son of the Bo family, one of the top five families in Huǒmáng Chéng, they dared not interfere.

The bodyguards exchanged glances before bowing slightly, stepping aside to allow Bo Jian passage. Their obedience caught the attention of both Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu, who turned to see who had approached. Though their eyes flickered with annoyance, they quickly masked it with strained smiles as they recognized Bo Jian. Despite his lack of cultivation prowess, he was still a member of the esteemed Bo family, and they knew better than to risk offending him openly.

Huǒ Lingyun was the first to speak, his tone smooth but laced with condescension as he forced a welcoming smile. "Ah, if it isn't Bo Jian! What a surprise to see you here. It's been too long, hasn't it?"

Shé Zhaowu gave a similar forced smile, inclining his head slightly in mock respect. "Indeed, it's good to see you, Bo Jian. How fortunate we are to have the second son of the Bo family grace us with his presence today."

Bo Jian returned their polite nods, though he could sense the falseness in their words. His gaze then shifted to Yun Qiuand Yun Xiang, the mother and daughter caught in this uncomfortable situation. Yun Qiu's eyes showed a mix of fear and relief, while Yun Xiang looked back at him with cautious hope, her defiant stance softening slightly as she sensed an ally.

"It seems I arrived at an interesting moment," Bo Jian said, keeping his tone neutral. "I couldn't help but notice some… disagreements happening here. Is there a problem?"

Huǒ Lingyun's eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his cordial tone. "Oh, not at all, Bo Jian. We were merely offering some assistance to this family. After all, they could benefit greatly from our protection and support. Isn't that right, Madam Yun?"

Yun Qiu hesitated, her gaze dropping as she struggled to find her voice. Bo Jian's calm yet piercing look made it clear he wasn't convinced by Lingyun's words. He turned to Yun Qiu, his voice gentle as he addressed her."Madam Yun, please, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to speak openly. I'm here to help however I can."

Emboldened by his respectful tone, Yun Qiu managed a small nod, glancing quickly at her daughter before speaking. "We appreciate your kindness, young master. Truly, we do not wish to burden anyone… We only wish to live in peace."

Yun Xiang, encouraged by her mother's words, lifted her chin, her voice clear and unwavering. "We don't need help that comes with strings attached. We're capable of taking care of ourselves."

Bo Jian smiled softly, impressed by her strength and resolve. He looked back at Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu, his expression calm but unyielding.

"It seems they've made themselves clear. There's no need for further persuasion, wouldn't you agree?"

Lingyun and Zhaowu exchanged irritated glances, clearly displeased with Bo Jian's interference but unwilling to challenge him directly. Forcing a strained smile, Huǒ Lingyun inclined his head slightly.

"Of course, Bo Jian. We wouldn't dream of forcing our generosity on anyone who doesn't wish for it."

"Yes," Shé Zhaowu added, his smile tight. "It's always best to respect others' wishes. Perhaps we were a bit… overzealous in our approach."

With a final nod to Bo Jian, they gestured for their bodyguards to follow, stepping back reluctantly and leaving Yun Qiu and Yun Xiang unbothered. Bo Jian watched as the two young masters walked away, their false politeness barely concealing the irritation in their eyes.

Once they had left, he turned back to Yun Qiu and Yun Xiang, offering them a warm smile. "I'm glad you're both safe now. If there's ever anything you need, don't hesitate to reach out. The Bo family is here for you."

Yun Qiu expressed her gratitude with a low bow, her voice filled with relief. "Thank you, young master Bo Jian. Your kindness will not be forgotten."

Yun Xiang's eyes lingered on him, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she nodded. "Thank you, Bo Jian. It's rare to find someone willing to stand up for others… You have our deepest thanks."

With a gentle nod, Bo Jian watched as they continued on their way. Though he lacked cultivation strength, he had found a different kind of power that day—the strength to stand up for others, even when it meant confronting those stronger than himself. And as he turned back toward his family estate, a quiet resolve grew within him, a determination to keep protecting those who needed it, even in a world that valued only the power he could not wield.

A Father's Concern

Not long after his encounter with Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu, Bo Jian returned to the familiar walls of the Bo family mansion. Seeking solace from the day's events, he settled down in his study with a well-worn book on alchemy in hand. Since he could not cultivate or control the internal flame essential to alchemy, Jian had dedicated himself to experimenting with external flames—simple, ordinary flames that lacked the potency of those generated by qi.

Lighting the flame, he set up his ingredients, carefully adding each one into the pill cauldron, mindful of the temperature and timing. With patience and precision, he began the refining process. Though he lacked an internal flame's controlled intensity, he had refined his technique to such a degree that he could create pills of surprising quality. The pills he produced might not reach the strength of those made with qi-based flames, but they far exceeded the quality of common low-level pills, bearing a hint of the skill and dedication he had poured into his craft.

As he worked, a subtle yet determined glow appeared in his eyes. Though limited by his inability to cultivate, he had found his own approach, making the most of what was available to him. The aroma of herbs filled the room, and as the pill took shape, Jian smiled with satisfaction at his accomplishment.

While Jian honed his skills, news of his encounter with the sons of the Huǒ and Shé families reached the ears of his father, Bo Tianzheng. Tianzheng had heard many things over the years about the untrustworthy reputations of Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu. Hearing that Jian had stepped in to protect a struggling family from these young men's schemes brought a mix of pride and concern to his heart. Proud that Jian, despite his limitations, had stood up for others, Tianzheng nonetheless worried about the potential consequences of defying the heirs of two other powerful families.

In the family hall, Elder Bo Xun, a man known for his cautious nature and strategic thinking, observed his chief's expression and spoke up. "Chief Tianzheng, I commend young master Jian for his courage, but I must say, this move may bring trouble. Both Huǒ Lingyun and Shé Zhaowu are not known for their grace or tolerance. They're likely already stewing over this and may look for ways to settle what they view as a score. I worry for young master Jian's safety."

Tianzheng nodded, a furrow forming in his brow. He knew that his second son's lack of cultivation left him vulnerable in a world where strength often determined safety. "I know, Elder Xun. Jian's courage and kindness make me proud, but his limitations could put him at risk if he crosses the wrong people."

Elder Bo Ren, the family historian and a long-time mentor to both Tianzheng and his sons, stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Jian may lack cultivation strength, but his heart and mind are unparalleled. We must ensure he is protected, but we must also trust him to navigate his own path. His wisdom may yet surprise us all."

Tianzheng sighed, the pride and worry mingling as he considered his next steps. He resolved to quietly bolster security around Jian without stifling his son's independence. In his heart, he knew that Jian's path would be different from the rest of the family, but he could not help but feel a sense of foreboding. The families of Huǒ and Shé were known to bear grudges, and he would not allow them to harm his son.

As the elders discussed the matter, Tianzheng's gaze softened. For now, he would let Bo Jian continue with his studies and pursuits. But if the time came, he would ensure that his son was prepared for whatever challenges the future held.