Chapter 14: Han Tianxue
Mo Yanyu had just slain a fox-type monster. Its body crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as she swiftly extracted its monster core. The glowing orb pulsed faintly in her palm before she slipped it into the small bag hanging from her waist.
Without wasting time, she turned to leave the forest. But just as she took a step forward, an inexplicable sense of unease washed over her. She halted, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings. Something—or someone—was nearby.
Then, without a sound, a figure materialized before her.
The woman stood in the middle of the narrow woodland path, her presence almost surreal. She was tall, her mature figure cloaked in a flowing dark robe, its fabric so fine it shimmered under the filtered moonlight. A hood concealed most of her face, revealing only the lower half-soft lips curved into a faint smile and pale skin that seemed almost luminescent.
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Mo Yanyu tensed, instinctively summoning her dark element. The air around her shifted as her seven dark arms manifested behind her, each wielding a different weapon. She felt the power of this woman and she knew that this woman was way too strong, Mo Yanyu directly summoned the strongest technique.
The woman remained unfazed. In a calm, measured voice, she asked, "What is your name? Where do you come from?"
Mo Yanyu narrowed her eyes. She didn't answer. Instead, she countered, "What do you want from me?"
The woman let out a soft chuckle. "I am simply a traveler, wandering the world to witness its wonders." She paused, tilting her head slightly. "And I happened to come across you. You are... interesting."
Mo Yanyu's grip on her weapons tightened. "Is that so? Then you can move along."
She turned her back on the woman and walked away, dismissing her presence entirely. The fight with the fox monster had left her exhausted, and she had no time to entertain strangers who spoke in riddles.
However, after only a few steps, she realized that the woman was following her.
Mo Yanyu's brows furrowed. "Why are you still here?" she demanded, not bothering to turn around.
"I wish to travel with you," the woman replied simply. "You are strong, yet you walk alone. That intrigues me."
Mo Yanyu scoffed. "I have no interest in companions. Find someone else."
"Perhaps," the woman murmured. "But for now, I will walk with you."
Mo Yanyu clicked her tongue in annoyance but didn't stop. If the woman wanted to follow her, then so be it. She knew that if she were to fight with this woman in her current situation, she would not be able to defeat her. So best to avoid fighting as much as possible.
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Inside the main hall of the Han household, Han Zhentian sat at a long wooden desk reviewing documents. The news of Han Tianming's defeat by Mo Yanyu still stung, and his disappointment had hardened his resolve. Han Tianming was now locked away in his room, punished and isolated. Today, Han Zhentian had made a decision—he would no longer rely on his son but instead place his trust in his daughter.
After a short while, the door opened and Han Tianxue entered the hall. At eighteen, she carried herself with calm dignity. Her short, jet-black hair was cut into a neat bob that framed her angular yet well-balanced face. Her warm bronze-brown skin was clear and smooth, and her eyes shone with quiet determination. She wore a crisp, clean shirt and fitted trousers that highlighted her lean, muscular build without any sign of fatigue or strain. Every detail of her appearance spoke of discipline and careful grooming.
Han Zhentian looked up and fixed his stern gaze on her. His tone was cold and businesslike as he began, "Han Tianxue, do you want to be the clan head?"
She met his gaze without any emotion. "I will do whatever you want me to do," she replied.
The old man's face hardened. "You must not lose to anyone, not a single person. If you ever lose in any fight, then you must kill yourself on the spot. I will not tolerate failure. If you do not do this, I will be forced to see it done for you."
Without a change in her expression, Han Tianxue simply nodded.
Han Zhentian continued, his voice growing even harsher. "You are also absolutely forbidden from having any relationship with any man. I do not care what distractions may come your way. If you ever get involved with a man, I will personally have you killed along with that man. There will be no exceptions."
Again, Han Tianxue nodded.
After a moment of silence, Han Zhentian spoke once more, "Now, go and train with Elder Han Jiang. Under his guidance, you will learn everything needed to become strong. You must return only after you have completed your training. Understand that you cannot show any weakness."
Han Tianxue inclined her head slightly. "Yes, Father," she said, her voice still neutral and emotionless.
Han Zhentian's eyes did not leave her as he added, "Remember, you must win every fight. Failure is not an option. The future of our clan depends on your strength and discipline. Do not disappoint me."
The silence in the hall was complete as Han Tianxue remained motionless, absorbing every word without any hint of hesitation. Then, without another word, she turned and walked out of the hall.
After that Han Zhentian ordered his men to kill Mo Yanyu. Mo Yanyu became the 9th Stage Mortal Elemental in three years and was a serious threat to them, if possible they kill it.