Th24

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Shu Yi was born into the prestigious Shu Family, where her talents as an alchemist were overshadowed by her gender. When she refuses an arranged marriage meant to strengthen her family’s power, she is cast out and forced to fend for herself in the martial arts world of Xia Continent.

Determined to live life on her own terms, Shu Yi faces countless challenges—rival clans, powerful sects, and her own self-doubt. But when she discovers a shocking truth—that the family who raised her is not her real family—her journey takes a new turn.

Shu Yi sets out to find her true parents, only to learn they are captives in a distant continent, oppressed by the strongest sect in the martial world. Armed with her wits, alchemical skills, and a sharp tongue, Shu Yi must pass through a world that constantly underestimates her.

The Alchemist Who Defied Fate

First Steps, Big Trouble

The forest was peaceful under the early morning light. Birds chirped, and the cool breeze carried the smell of fresh leaves. Shu Yi stretched and looked at the mess from last night—her failed potion-making experiment. Twigs were still stuck in her hair, and her robes were wrinkled.

"Not exactly how I pictured my grand escape," she muttered, brushing off dirt. She sighed and tied her pouch tightly around her waist. "Alright, Shu Yi. New day, new start. Let's not mess up this time."

With no clear destination, Shu Yi headed down the dirt path, the forest growing thicker as she walked. She had one goal: find a place where she could build her life, away from the Shu Family and their rules.

A Not-So-Friendly Encounter

By noon, her stomach growled loudly. She patted her pouch. "Let's see… nope, no food." Her jade pendant glinted in the sunlight, reminding her of its presence.

As she wandered further, she heard voices up ahead. Shu Yi's steps slowed as she crept closer. She peeked through the bushes and saw a group of rough-looking men surrounding a young boy.

"Hand it over, kid!" one of the men growled.

"I don't have anything!" the boy shouted, his voice shaking.

Shu Yi frowned. Bandits. They were common in these parts, but she hadn't expected to run into them so soon.

She weighed her options. "I could walk away," she whispered to herself. "But... then I'd feel bad all day."

Taking a deep breath, Shu Yi stepped out from the bushes. "Hey! Pick on someone your own size!"

The bandits turned, their surprise quickly turning into amusement. "Look at this! A little girl playing hero," one of them sneered.

Shu Yi forced a smile. "I'm no hero, but I'm also not someone you want to mess with."

The leader laughed. "What are you going to do? Scare us with your pretty face?"

"Not exactly," Shu Yi said. She grabbed a small vial from her pouch and tossed it at the ground. The vial shattered, and a thick purple smoke spread through the area.

The bandits coughed and stumbled back, their eyes watering. Shu Yi grabbed the boy's arm and ran.

Trouble Follows

Once they were far enough, Shu Yi let go of the boy's arm. He looked at her with wide eyes. "Thank you! You saved me!"

"Yeah, yeah," Shu Yi said, waving him off. "Just don't get caught by bandits again, alright?"

Before the boy could answer, a loud voice echoed behind them. "There they are!"

The bandits had recovered and were chasing after them. Shu Yi groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

The boy panicked. "What do we do?!"

Shu Yi thought quickly. "Alright, kid. Just follow me, and don't scream."

She pulled out another vial, this one filled with a blue liquid. "If this works the way I think it does…" she muttered, pouring it on the ground.

The liquid hissed and spread out in a slippery sheet across the dirt path. The bandits, not noticing, charged straight ahead—and slipped.

Shu Yi grinned as the bandits tumbled like dominoes. "That'll keep them busy for a while."

The Boy's Request

After running a bit further, Shu Yi and the boy stopped to catch their breath. The boy looked up at her with admiration. "You're amazing! Are you a warrior?"

"Not really. I'm an alchemist," Shu Yi replied, dusting off her robes. "And I only helped you because I felt bad, not because I'm nice."

The boy smiled. "Still, you're the coolest alchemist I've ever seen!"

Shu Yi rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "What's your name, kid?"

"Xiao Fang," he said. "Can I travel with you? I don't have anywhere to go."

Shu Yi hesitated. Traveling alone was already hard. Adding a kid to the mix? That sounded like trouble.

But then she remembered the way the bandits had surrounded him. She sighed. "Fine, but don't slow me down."

Xiao Fang's face lit up. "I promise I won't! I'll do whatever you say!"

"Great," Shu Yi muttered, shaking her head. "What did I just get myself into?"

Ch 2