Three days later, Long Chen stood before a boulder.
Left—forest. Right—river. Stones littered the bank.
He inhaled, qi erupting. His body rocketed forward, fist striking like a meteor!
CRACK!
The boulder shattered, shards flying into the river, water erupting skyward.
"Weight and speed—the fist's dual truths. Level 2 limits me, but against Chen Liu? Fatal."
He grinned at his reflection. "Muscles honed, skin tanned—still handsome. Women won't resist."
A rustle—he ducked, leg sweeping upward. Contact! A figure soared, crashing into the river.
A drenched girl surfaced, fury in her jade eyes.
Yang Lingqing—Second Elder's daughter, same age, born moments after him.
Her soaked dress clung, revealing curves. Confronted by his stare, she blushed, shouting, "Pervert!"
Qi flared, drying her clothes instantly. "What did you see?!"
"Nothing!" he insisted, though guilt flared.
She stomped closer. "Trying to scare me? You pushed me in!"
"Scare?" He smirked. "We share a birthdate, but I'm older—辰时 trumps酉时."
"Impossible! We're equals!"
He shrugged, settling on a boulder. "Fine. But your Falling Star Fist? Weak. Let me guide you."
Her cheeks reddened. A punch shattered a larger stone. "See? I'm Level 5—stronger!"
Long Chen raised a brow. "Form over force. Without meteoric resolve, it's empty."
She pouted. "Teach me, then! No rewards—I'm broke."
"Family duty—no payment needed. Just don't call me 'vulgar' again."
Reluctantly, she agreed.
Hours passed. He demonstrated Falling Star Fist's essence: relentless momentum, like stars plunging earthward.
"Hesitation kills intent. Commit fully—to kill or be killed."
By dusk, she mastered it. Admiration shone in her eyes. "How'd you grasp this?"
"Talent? Or destiny?"
As she left, she mentioned the clan tournament. "Ling Yue's Level 6—unbeatable. But thanks to you, I'll contend for the Dragon Seal."
Dragon Seal—the key to Dragon Warrior—ignited Long Chen's resolve.
He vowed, "Level 6? I'll push beyond limits. For the seal, for strength, for vengeance."
Sweat dripped as he trained into the night.
Returning home, he encountered his mother, Yang Xueqing, escorting guests—White Clan's Patriarch, Bai Zhanxiong, and his son, Bai Xian.
Ling Yue flirted with Bai Xian, ignoring Long Chen entirely.
Rage simmered. After Dad's death, she parades this beast? Bai Zhanxiong—a monster who once killed the Jade Tower girls. I won't let her discard us.
His nails dug into palms, bloodied. You'll acknowledge me. When I stand tall, you'll kneel. A mother's neglect demands retribution.
In his room, a note awaited: Save Huang—meet at Sunrise Tavern, Room Peony. Now.