Mike and Jianwu had no idea that their interference would come back to haunt them especially Mike. Instead of stepping back and observing, Mike chose to step in and end the fight. On the surface, he stopped the conflict. In reality, he ignited something far more dangerous. A major problem was now set in motion, silently waiting for him. Jianwu remained unaware of it as well, but for Mike, this single decision would shape a dark and unavoidable future.
At first Mike watched quietly, but then he and jian wu enter in and standing behind them.
Mike spoke. Well now, he said, his tone light but sharp, this is impressive. The strong pressing down on the weak, right here in the open.
The laughter stopped.
A boy stepped forward slightly, his eyes narrowing.
Hm? he said. Someone's trying to play the hero?
This was Han Yueling and his rank Jing Ying, third step. And his brother is core disciple named Han Yueran.
Jian Wu finally saw them clearly. Her face drained of color. No, she whispered. Why are they here? She grabbed Mike's sleeve. Mike, we shouldn't be involved. Let's leave. Now.
Before they could move. Han Yueling said, Hm? What's this. Han Yue Ling's gaze fixed on Jian Wu. His lips curled into a smile.
Leng Shui Yuan, standing beside him. He also Jing Ying, second step. Followed him line of sight. Jian Wu? he murmured, loud enough to be heard.
The remaining two companions stiffened, recognition flashing across their faces. They says Her? With another boy? Interesting.
Then, From behind them, a presence stirred. A figure stepped forward from the shadow cast by a pavilion. The lantern light caught his face slowly, deliberately, as if unveiling him piece by piece.
White pupils.
Calm. Detached.
He walked forward, and with each step, the air seemed to tighten.
A young man around twenty in appearance, though his true age was unreadable. His long bluish hair fell loosely down his back, pristine and untied. His robes were white and pale blue, layered with elegant craftsmanship, carrying a noble refinement that could not be imitated.
Han Yue Ran, Core Disciple on eighteenth place. His rank jing Ying Realm, Star One.
Jian Wu's breath caught. He's here too… .
Mike glanced sideways. Who is he?
Before she could answer mike.
Han Yue Ran took one step. Then another and vanished. He reappeared directly in front of Jian Wu, close enough that the air trembled. Bingo, he said with a grin. How was that speed, Sister Wu?
Jian Wu forced herself to breathe, her expression steadying. Faster than before.
Really? he laughed softly. Good. Then I'm satisfied. I've learned many new techniques. I'll show them to you sometime.
His tone was playful almost childish.
Then his eyes shifted on Mike. The smile faded. Oh? Han Yue Ran said slowly. Who is this?
Jian Wu hesitated. …He's a friend.
Mike met Han Yue Ran's gaze calmly.
Han Yue Ran adjusted his sleeves, straightened his posture, and stepped closer slowly, deliberately.
A friend? he said. Interesting. You look confused, friend. Curious about me?
He smiled faintly. I am Han Yue Ran. Rank one star jing Ying Realm And I am stronger than you. Stronger than Jian Wu as well.
Jian Wu stiffened. You've fully entered the realm?
Yes, he replied simply. He turned back to Mike. Your name?
Mike answered evenly. Mike. One star Dou Ba.
Han Yueran says mike, good name but your appearance, i don't like.
But Laughter erupted behind Han Yue Ran. His friends said wh-what, One-star Dou Ba? With her?
Han Yue Ran raised a hand, silencing them.
Don't mind them, he said softly. Fools often bark the loudest.
He studied Mike carefully. Tell me. Are you truly her friend?
Mike brushed dust from his own robe, then looked up. You're right, he said calmly. I'm not pleasing to the eye. I never cared about appearances. I was busy surviving.
He met Han Yue Ran's gaze. As for being her friend, if her answer isn't enough for you, then your question already has its answer.
The air turned heavy. Han Yue Ran's companions stepped closer.
Han Yue Ling scoffed. See, Brother? Isn't he arrogant?
Han Yue Ran shook his head slowly. No. He's a hard worker. He glanced at Mike's partially healed injuries. Old wounds. Not fully recovered. Yet still standing straight.
Mike smiled faintly. Sharp eyes. I like that.
Jian Wu stepped between them. This is enough, she said firmly. She grabbed Mike's hand. Let's go.
Han Yue Ran watched them leave, then turned slightly. Has she changed? he asked Bai Xue Lian and Bai xuelian rank is Jing Ying step 1.
She hasn't, Bai Xue Lian replied. She just hasn't confessed.
Han Yue Ran exhaled. I'm tired of fighting others to win her.
They walked in silence for a long time, the lantern light behind them slowly fading until only darkness and the faint sound of their footsteps remained.
At last, Mike spoke.
So… who exactly is he?
Jian Wu hesitated, then released a quiet sigh. He's a core disciple. Rank eighteen. She paused, her voice lowering. And… he likes me.
Mike glanced at her but did not reply.
I don't, she added immediately, her tone firm. He's dangerous. A madman.
Mike's brow furrowed.
He once fought hundreds of students at the same time, she continued. Some of them were at the same level as him. The only reason was to get me.
Mike stopped walking. …What?
He stared at her, disbelief flickering in his eyes. He exhaled slowly, trying to process her words.
A hundred… at the same time?
Jian Wu laughed lightly, as if trying to dismiss the weight of her own confession. Don't worry about him. Obsession makes people foolish. Let's just focus on our cultivation.
Mike nodded after a moment. Yeah. You're right. Tomorrow, I'll take you there.
She walked a few steps in silence, then slowed.
Mike… can I tell you something?
Her voice was soft. When he looked at her, he noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.
Hm? What is it? he asked, faint amusement touching his tone. Tell me.
She hesitated, fingers tightening around her robe.
Actually… Mike, if the situation comes… would you fight hundreds of people for me? Her gaze dropped. I'm just saying.
Mike stopped completely.
His expression turned serious. His hand slowly clenched.
Jian Wu, he said quietly. If that happens… if you want it… if you ask me…
His fist tightened further.
I give you my word. Not just hundreds. Even if it's the whole world.
Her eyes widened, her face flushing deeper.
Brother Mike…!
He stepped closer and took her hand.
She froze. Mike, what are you doing?
He didn't release her.
Listen to me, he said, his voice low and heavy. Whether I fight or not doesn't matter. Strength, battles, enemies, none of that matters to me.
He looked directly into her eyes.
What I want is your side. Your loyalty. In this cultivation world, even the closest people betray each other.
Her fingers tightened around his hand.
Brother Mike, don't worry, she said softly. I'm always on your side.
She quickly pulled her hand back, flustered, and turned away.
But it's late. Let's go now.
They parted there, walking in opposite directions, their footsteps slowly fading into the night each carrying thoughts they could not put into words.