Chapter 104: Wan’er’s Heartbreak

Chapter 104: Wan'er's Heartbreak

Tianyun Valley, Royal Tianyun Academy

It was the height of summer, and the lotus flowers in the lake were in full bloom. Along the picturesque lakeside, couples strolled hand in hand, enjoying the serene beauty of Tianyun Lake.

The lake, formed by a meteor's impact, stretched across several square kilometers. In the middle of a lotus pavilion, a young woman in a light blue dress wielded her sword with grace. Her oval-shaped face and exquisite features radiated beauty as she practiced.

With a light tap of her toes, she leapt into the air, landing gently on a lotus leaf. Using the leaf as a springboard, she soared again, her sword emitting streaks of green energy that extended seven or eight meters before fading.

A celestial dance among the lotus; sword energy piercing the skies.

"Brilliant! Such graceful movements and impeccable swordsmanship!"

A voice rang out, accompanied by applause. From the lakeside corridor, a handsome young man dressed in white robes approached with three companions in tow.

The young man's features were striking—sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a noble bearing that set him apart. His long hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his mere presence exuded charm and authority.

Among his companions were Shangguan Qianzhi and Yun Yi.

The young man clapped as he approached, but Yun Qingwan sheathed her sword, stepping off the lotus leaf and returning to the pavilion. Without sparing him a glance, she turned to leave.

"Hey, sister! Don't you see His Highness, Prince Nanling, speaking to you? How can you just walk away?" Yun Yi scolded, stepping forward to block her path.

"It's fine, Yun Yi. Don't blame Wan'er," the young man said with a gentle smile. His gaze toward Wan'er was filled with tenderness.

This was Nanling, the twenty-two-year-old prince who had been at the Royal Academy for four years. Having recently reached the Condensed Qi Realm, he was a promising candidate for the Core Formation stage. His lineage was equally illustrious—his father was none other than North King Nan Hao.

"Brother, step aside," Yun Qingwan said coldly.

"Is this how you speak to your elder brother?" Yun Yi frowned, his tone carrying a hint of anger.

"Why the rush, Wan'er?" Nanling interjected warmly. "The lotus flowers are in full bloom. Why not stay, enjoy some tea, and discuss cultivation? It would be a wonderful way to spend the day."

"Exactly, Qingwan. His Highness is offering such kindness. Why not give him the courtesy of your time?" Shangguan Qianzhi chimed in, eager to curry favor.

Though Shangguan Qianzhi had once admired Wan'er, he had abandoned such thoughts upon realizing Nanling's interest in her. Crossing the prince for a woman was not worth the risk, especially when he had no shortage of admirers.

"Apologies, but I'm tired. I wish to rest," Wan'er replied curtly. She pushed past Yun Yi and walked away.

"Qingwan, you know how I feel about you. Why waste your time on someone like Mu Feng?" Nanling called out, unable to contain himself.

Wan'er froze in her tracks, her eyes flashing with cold anger. She unsheathed her sword, pointing it at Nanling.

"Prince Nanling, Mu Feng is my fiancé. Mind your words," she said icily.

"Sister, the Yun family has already annulled your engagement to Mu Feng. He is no longer your fiancé," Yun Yi said.

"That was the family's decision, not mine. I, Yun Qingwan, will love Mu Feng and only Mu Feng for the rest of my life," Wan'er declared firmly, though a hint of sorrow glistened in her eyes.

The annulment had been forced upon her by her family. Despite her protests, she had been powerless to change their decision.

"Mu Feng is dead. Why hold on to someone who's no longer alive?" Shangguan Qianzhi sneered.

Wan'er's expression shifted. "What do you mean?"

"Sister, put down the sword," Yun Yi urged. "You may not know yet, but Mu Feng has died. There's no reason to continue waiting for him."

"What? Mu Feng… is dead?" Wan'er's voice trembled, her world crashing down around her.

"We're not lying to you. I recently learned that Mu Feng was killed by a Core Formation expert," Shangguan Qianzhi said, glancing at Nanling as he spoke.

"Others may lie, but would I deceive you? Mu Feng is gone, and Father intends to betroth you to Prince Nanling," Yun Yi added, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The sword in Wan'er's hand clattered to the ground. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stood motionless, the weight of the news overwhelming her.

Nanling approached and gestured for the others to leave. He gently embraced Wan'er, his voice soft and soothing. "Wan'er, I know you loved Mu Feng, but I truly care for you. Life must move forward. There's no need to hold onto the past."

"I promise to cherish you, to give you everything you desire. I will never let you suffer…"

His words, combined with his handsome appearance and noble status, would have melted most hearts. But Wan'er shook her head, her tears flowing freely.

"No… no… it can't be true. He wouldn't die. Let me go!" she cried, struggling violently before shoving Nanling away.

Slap!

Wan'er struck Nanling across the face, her tears continuing to fall as she fled.

Nanling stood still, his expression shifting from tenderness to malice.

"Stupid girl. You think I can't conquer you? Once I have you in my bed, you'll see how I break you," he muttered, his eyes dark with fury.

Yun Yi and the others returned, exchanging awkward glances as they approached Nanling.

"My sister is just stubborn," Yun Yi said with a forced smile. "But with time, she'll come to terms with Mu Feng's death and forget him."

"Honestly, I don't understand what she saw in that guy," Shangguan Qianzhi scoffed.

"'Wan'er'? That's not for you to call her," Nanling snapped, his glare silencing Shangguan.

"She grew up with Mu Feng. It's only natural she's attached to him, but she'll come around eventually," Yun Yi added.

"If Mu Feng were alive, I'd be happy to meet him at the Royal Academy. I'd make sure he never forgot his place," Nanling said, his tone venomous.

"But are you sure Mu Feng is truly dead?" Yun Yi asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Nanling sneered. "My father sent Zhang Ju himself. That brat stood no chance. Zhang Ju was a Core Formation expert, though Mu Chen did kill him in the end. Still, trading one expert's life for Mu Feng's was worth it."

With a cold laugh, Nanling strode away, leaving the others to follow in his wake.