Han yunxi ...

The news of Han Lu's brutal demise spread like wildfire. Whispers of fear and shock filled the streets, and the Han family was left in ruins—both in reputation and morale. However, one person was not shaken.

Han Yuxi, the eldest daughter of the Han family.

Unlike her foolish younger brother, Han Lu, Han Yuxi was a true cultivator, possessing both strength and intelligence. She was not one to act on impulse, but the sight of her brother's dismembered body had ignited a burning hatred inside her. Her family pleaded with her not to take action, fearing that Zheng Yun was too dangerous. But Han Yuxi had already made up her mind.

She would kill Zheng Yun and restore the honor of the Han family.

The sun shone brightly over the school grounds as students moved about, unaware of the storm brewing outside. At the school's main gate, Zheng Yun stood silently, leaning against a pillar. His sleepy black eyes gleamed coldly as he watched the students go about their day. He had expected retaliation. In fact, he was waiting for it.

And then she arrived.

Han Yuxi, dressed in a flowing black robe embroidered with golden patterns, her hair tied in a high ponytail, walked toward him. Her presence commanded attention, and many students gasped at the sight of her. She was famous—not just for being the eldest daughter of the Han family but for being a formidable cultivator, far stronger than her brother.

She stopped a few meters away from Zheng Yun, her gaze piercing.

"Zheng Yun." Her voice was cold, devoid of hesitation. "You butchered my brother like an animal. Today, you die."

The air around her crackled with energy. She was at Rank 2: Adept of the Elements. A level far beyond what her brother had achieved. Many cultivators would tremble before her.

But Zheng Yun?

He simply smirked.

"This is a school, Han Yuxi. Are you so blinded by anger that you forgot the rules?" His voice was calm, almost mocking.

Han Yuxi's body stiffened. The school had one strict rule—no fighting on school grounds. Breaking this rule meant immediate expulsion and possibly execution, depending on the offense.

She clenched her fists. "So you're hiding behind school rules? Coward."

Zheng Yun chuckled. "I'm not hiding. I'm just enjoying the fact that you can't do anything to me right now." He tilted his head. "But don't worry. I'll see you soon."

With that, Zheng Yun turned and walked away, leaving Han Yuxi fuming with rage. She could do nothing. Not here.

But she would not let him escape forever.

That Night ...

The night was silent, only the distant sounds of the wind howling through the trees. Zheng Yun walked through the darkened streets, his posture relaxed. He had left the school grounds, knowing that Han Yuxi would come for him the moment he was outside the school's protection.

And she did.

From above, a shadow descended. Han Yuxi attacked.

Her sword slashed through the air, a brilliant arc of golden energy trailing behind it. She was fast—far faster than her brother. But Zheng Yun was faster.

With a single step, he dodged effortlessly.

Han Yuxi gritted her teeth and unleashed a barrage of attacks, her sword moving like a storm. Each strike carried the weight of her fury. But Zheng Yun danced between them, his movements precise and controlled. He wasn't just avoiding—he was toying with her.

"Your brother was weak." He whispered as he ducked under a swing.

"Shut up!" Han Yuxi roared, her energy surging.

But anger made her reckless.

Zheng Yun saw an opening. In an instant, he struck.

His palm, infused with lethal energy, pierced through Han Yuxi's chest. Blood sprayed into the air. Her eyes widened in shock. She had underestimated him. She had thought herself superior.

She was wrong.

Zheng Yun leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "You shouldn't have come for me."

With a sharp twist of his wrist, he ripped his hand out of her chest, her body falling lifelessly to the ground. Blood pooled around her as her eyes remained open, frozen in disbelief.

Zheng Yun wiped the blood off his hand. There was no satisfaction in his expression, nor was there regret.

It was simply necessary.

The Next Day

Zheng Yun left the city, his figure vanishing into the horizon. He had made too many enemies here. The Han family would not stop hunting him, and staying in one place would only invite unnecessary trouble.

He had achieved Rank 3 of the Novice stage, but he needed more power.

And for that, he had to move forward.

As the sun rose over the distant mountains, Zheng Yun walked toward the unknown, his path shrouded in blood and ambition.

There was no turning back.