Ash the unyielding

The courtyard of the Yan Family Manor was lavish, built of marble stone and age-old timber, with pavilions linked by red-roofed corridors. But Ash didn't care for architecture—the stares were enough.

As he walked beside Yan Qing, every step felt heavier under the weight of eyes. Servants paused mid-task. Disciples whispered. Some even stepped aside.

> "What's wrong with them?" Ash muttered.

> "You're new," Yan Qing said, trying to downplay it. "And dressed like a direct sect disciple. They're just... surprised."

But that wasn't the full truth.

---

The Patriarch's Gaze

Inside the grand hall, Patriarch Yan, Yan Qing's grandfather, sat on a raised platform, clad in regal blue robes and wearing a weathered jade crown. His aura was calm—but his eyes?

They flickered the moment Ash entered.

> "That boy…"

He hadn't expected it. Not at all. But his senses didn't lie.

> Core Vein Formation? Already? At his age?

Few of his own grandchildren had even reached Qi Condensation. And this boy was just shy of sect elder strength.

> If he can be tied to our family... even the royal court would take us seriously again.

Yes… if Yan Qing can secure this boy… the Yan family will rise again.

The Patriarch was already weaving futures of influence and power in his mind.

---

The Cousin's Mockery

The air soured.

"Yan Qing, you actually returned?" A sharp voice cut through the hall.

From the other entrance walked Yan Mei, draped in silks, chin high, her eyes full of contempt. Behind her stood a tall young man with a bulky physique and silver battle robes—her so-called "strong" ally, Fan Lei, a disciple of the Northern Cloud Sect.

Yan Mei looked at Ash and smirked.

> "You brought this little pauper as your backup?"

The hall's atmosphere tensed.

Ash remained silent, his hands calmly behind his back.

Yan Qing stepped forward. "At least I didn't drag in a paid loudmouth with a cracked core."

The man behind Yan Mei stepped forward.

> "What did you say, little girl?" Fan Lei's voice growled.

Yan Mei scoffed. "Come now, Qing'er. Be humble. The difference between a prince and a beggar won't change just because you found one in cleaner clothes."

> "I'd watch your mouth," Ash finally spoke, his voice calm—dangerously calm.

Fan Lei sneered. "Oh? The beggar speaks."

Then he stepped forward.

> "Why don't I show you what a real cultivator can do—"

He didn't finish.

Because in one breath, Ash was already in front of him.

> CRACK—!

A fist collided with Fan Lei's jaw, launching him backwards like a sack of stones. The air shattered as the man crashed through a table and slid across the hall.

Silence.

Everyone froze.

> "You talk too much," Ash said coldly.

Yan Mei's mouth dropped open. Even the Patriarch leaned slightly forward on his throne, expression unreadable.

Yan Qing's eyes sparkled. But she didn't say anything. Not now.

---

Tension of Power

Ash looked around the room, his voice even.

> "Anyone else wants to mock her?"

No one replied.

Even the guards shifted nervously.

The Patriarch finally stood up.

> "Enough."

His voice was deep and resonant. His spiritual pressure alone silenced everyone further.

> "Qing'er, you may introduce your… friend to the elders. The matter of marriage selection between you girls is closed for today."

Yan Mei's eyes trembled, rage boiling beneath her skin.

---

Aftermath

Later, in a quiet corridor, the Patriarch called for Ash privately.

> "Ash… you have strength. More than I've seen in a young man in a long time. I would be honored to have you visit again—and perhaps, help guide some of our disciples."

Ash said nothing at first.

> "I didn't come to teach anyone. I came for her." He nodded toward Yan Qing, waiting down the corridor.

The Patriarch nodded slowly, calculating.

> So… he's not simple. Not at all.

> "Well then," he smiled. "You're welcome at this manor anytime, Ash."

Ash had made a mark—not by cultivation, but through decisive action.

Yan Qing had proven she had allies.

Her cousin had been humiliated.

And the Patriarch?

He now had a new target: tie Ash to the Yan Family at all costs.

But Ash knew this was only the beginning.

The political chains were tightening.

And he needed to

rise faster than ever.

---