To Long Chen, Huang was no mere cowardly servant—he'd been loyal for six years, sharing in his fortunes. Now, Huang's kidnapping ignited a fury that could not be quenched. He tore the note to shreds and burst from the Yang Estate like a whirlwind, racing toward Sunrise Tavern.
The tavern bordered the Jade Tower. Long Chen accelerated, his speed drawing gasps as he tore through streets, a blur of motion. At the tavern's glow, he slowed, pushing through crowds toward the entrance—only to halt as a child's wail pierced the night. A carriage careered forward, unheeding shouts to slow.
Without thought, Long Chen spun, shielding the child. True qi erupted, and he twisted mid-air to land safely, vanishing into the tavern before onlookers could recognize him.
Inside, he nearly collided with a figure at the threshold. The youth's beauty was otherworldly—androgynous, with a voice like wind chimes. "Male," they stated, pointing to a prominent Adam's apple. Long Chen, momentarily distracted by their allure, cursed his own thoughts and rushed upstairs.
In Peony Room, darkness reigned. He sensed a blade's chill, dodging just in time. Two masked assassins awaited—the same pair from his previous ambush. "Who hired you?" Long Chen demanded.
"Money talks," one sneered. Dual blades slashed, but Long Chen rolled, exploiting their teamwork. "Wild Blade Gale!" The leader thrust, but Long Chen countered with Falling Star Fist. Starlight flared, blinding the attacker, and the punch cracked through, blood spraying as the man crumpled. The second fled through the window.
Yang Zhan burst in, outraged. "You dare murder in my ally's tavern?" Long Chen ignored him, freeing Huang. As Huang fled, Yang Zhan's fury peaked. "You'll learn respect tomorrow," he vowed, though the arrival of his companion—and Long Chen's indifference—forced a retreat.
Alone, Long Chen noticed a gift: Star-Forge Body, a Yellow-rank Mid technique. The youth's note praised his courage. "A fitting reward," Long Chen mused, studying the technique. It synergized with his Falling Star Fist, promising strength beyond pure attack.
Beneath the stars, he trained. Starlight fused with flesh, bone, blood—by dawn, Star-Forge Body reached Minor Accomplishment. Strength surged, yet questions lingered: Who orchestrated the ambush? Why?
Returning to the Yang Estate, he passed the child he'd saved, now safe. But as he reentered, Yang Zhan's threat echoed: "Tomorrow, you die." Long Chen smiled. "We'll see."
The night's events had pushed him to Dragon Meridian Realm Level 3. With Star-Forge Body and Falling Star Fist, even Yang Zhan's Level 4 strength couldn't break him. As sunrise painted the sky, he vowed, "The clan tournament isn't far—let them come. I'll be ready."