The Test of Strength

The courtyard was quiet, bathed in the silver glow of the moon. Li Xueyan stood in the center, her sword gripped tightly in her hands. The night air was cold, but she barely noticed. Her heart was steady, her mind focused.

She had come back, just as Feng Zhiwei had asked.

Now, she had to prove herself.

Hei Yue sat near the gate, his golden eyes watching her. "Are you sure about this?"

Xueyan nodded, adjusting her grip on the Moonshadow Blade. "If I want his help, I need to show him I'm worthy of it."

The wolf let out a soft huff. "Just remember, he's not an ordinary man."

She knew that.

Feng Zhiwei was more than just a forgotten prince—he was rumored to be the strongest martial artist in the world. If that was true, she was about to face an opponent unlike any she had ever fought before.

But she had no choice.

She had to win.

---

The Fight Begins

A wooden door creaked open, and Feng Zhiwei stepped into the courtyard.

He looked just as he had before—calm, composed, his long hair tied loosely behind him. He wore simple robes, nothing that hinted at his royal blood.

His dark eyes studied her, unreadable as always. "You came."

Xueyan smirked. "Did you think I wouldn't?"

His lips curled slightly, almost like he was amused. "Most people would run if they knew they had to fight me."

Xueyan took a step forward, tightening her grip on her sword. "I'm not most people."

Zhiwei let out a soft chuckle. "Good answer."

Then, without warning—he moved.

He was so fast she barely saw it.

One moment, he was standing in front of her. The next, his palm was inches from her chest, aiming for a quick, clean strike.

Her instincts screamed at her to move. She twisted her body just in time, barely avoiding the hit.

But before she could counterattack, he struck again.

His movements were precise, effortless—like he was testing her.

Xueyan gritted her teeth. If he wanted to test her, she would give him a real fight.

---

A Battle of Skill

She feinted left, then quickly shifted to the right, swinging her sword in a sharp arc.

Zhiwei didn't even blink.

He caught her blade with his bare hand.

Xueyan's eyes widened. He caught my sword?

Before she could react, he pushed her back with a single movement. She stumbled but managed to stay on her feet.

He smiled. "Not bad. But not good enough."

Her heartbeat was loud in her ears. He's holding back. A lot.

She needed to be faster. Stronger.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her qi.

The air around her sword grew colder, the faint glow of the Moonshadow Blade shimmering in the moonlight.

She dashed forward, striking again. This time, he had to actually block instead of just dodging.

For the first time, his expression changed slightly—just for a second.

Surprise.

He countered with a palm strike, forcing her back again. She barely managed to stay standing.

Zhiwei lowered his hand. "Enough."

Xueyan clenched her jaw. "Why? I can still fight."

He studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "You have skill. And you don't give up. That's good."

She straightened, waiting for his decision.

Then, to her surprise, he smiled.

"You pass."

---

An Unlikely Alliance

Xueyan blinked. "That's it?"

Zhiwei chuckled. "What, did you think I'd make you fight until you collapsed?"

She crossed her arms. "I thought you'd make it harder."

His smile didn't fade. "You think I went easy on you?"

She didn't answer.

He sighed. "Let me tell you something. Strength isn't just about winning fights. It's about how you carry yourself. You didn't run. You didn't hesitate. That's why I accept you."

Xueyan felt a flicker of pride.

But Zhiwei's face turned serious again. "Now, tell me the real reason you want my help."

Her expression hardened. "I told you. I need to destroy the Li family."

He nodded slowly. "And after that?"

She hesitated.

After that?

For so long, revenge had been her only goal. She hadn't thought about what came next.

But that didn't matter right now.

She met his gaze. "I'll figure that out when the time comes."

Zhiwei smirked. "Good answer."

Then his expression shifted. "Fine. I'll help you."

Xueyan's breath caught. "You will?"

He nodded. "But on one condition."

She narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We do this my way. No reckless moves. No unnecessary risks. If I'm going to help you, we do it smart."

She considered his words carefully.

She wanted revenge, but she wasn't a fool. If she had to be patient, she would.

Finally, she nodded. "Agreed."

Zhiwei smiled again. "Then from now on, we're allies."

Hei Yue, who had been silent, finally spoke. "A dangerous alliance."

The prince glanced at the wolf. "The best kind."

---

A Long Road Ahead

The moon hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard.

For the first time since waking up in this world, Xueyan didn't feel alone.

She had an ally. A powerful one.

But their journey was only just beginning.

The Li family still ruled with stolen power. The Seven Great Sects controlled the land. And dark forces were moving in the shadows.

The road ahead was long.

But Xueyan wasn't afraid.

With Feng Zhiwei by her side, she would take the first step toward revenge.

And no one would stop her.