Zhang Xuan was on his way back to the coffee shop. His steps were light and nearly soundless, as if he were floating gently above the forest path. Wild grass lined both sides of the narrow trail, while the muddy ground beneath his feet hinted that the area had recently been drenched by rain.
His coffee shop was located deep within the forest. However, that night, he was not walking alone. Moonlight pierced through the gaps between the tree branches, casting sharp reflections onto the earth. Leaves were carried through the air by strong gusts of wind, sending chills down the spine of anyone caught in its path.
At last, the outline of the coffee shop came into view from a distance. Upon closer inspection, a man could be seen standing at the doorway. His jet-black hair was accompanied by a thin mustache and beard. His expression was one of clear irritation, as if barely containing his anger. In his hands, he held a long cane, and his left foot tapped the ground repeatedly in a steady rhythm.
"Wonderful. Truly wonderful, Hundun. It's already late at night and now you decide to return," Zhang Xuan muttered in a flat tone. He reached out and twisted Hundun's ear lightly but firmly.
"I've been waiting for you since noon. And just look at yourself. Don't tell me you caused more trouble while using that body," he said sharply. His gaze was piercing, as if trying to read the thoughts in the boy's mind. "How many times have I told you, never impersonate me for anything foolish?"
"Forgive me, Master!" cried Hundun, who had taken on Zhang Xuan's appearance moments earlier. Wincing in pain, his form slowly shifted into that of a young boy, no older than fourteen.
"What have you done?" Zhang Xuan asked, his tone hardening. Clad in a brown robe, he stood tall, his posture resolute as though prepared to discipline the boy.
Hundun began recounting everything that had happened, including his encounter with Princess Lyria.
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows rose high. His eyes widened with disbelief. "Then what did you do with the princess and the man named Gu Cheng?" he asked with suspicion.
Hundun continued his explanation, his voice soft yet steady. His hands moved to emphasize his points, and his body leaned slightly forward, his eyes fixed on his master.
"I managed to save Princess Lyria, but—"
Zhang Xuan kept staring at him, his left brow twitching as if anticipating what would come next.
"I killed Gu Cheng. Along with everyone in his sect."
Zhang Xuan sat down heavily. His jaw clenched, deep lines formed on his forehead, and his breathing grew labored, a clear sign of mounting frustration.
"Hundun... how many times must I remind you?" he said quietly, though his tone remained stern. "I know you have spiritual roots and that you can cultivate. But please, don't cause problems this big."
"I'm just an ordinary man without any spiritual foundation. We are only supposed to sell coffee. What if one day you provoke something that you cannot handle?" Zhang Xuan added, his eyes locked onto Hundun. The boy said nothing, unable to return the gaze.
"This time, I'll let it go. Think of it as a lesson," Zhang Xuan said in a calmer voice, his authority once again filling the air. "Now, where are the coffee supplies?"
Hundun's eyes widened as if he had just remembered something important.
"Master… I left the supplies at the sect."
Zhang Xuan covered his face with one hand and muttered under his breath, "I am doomed..."