[Outside the Golden Fragrance Pavilion – Night breeze cool, tension hot]
The auction had ended, and the crowd slowly trickled away, but Hann Jinhai
Ye Hann, calm as ever, stepped into the night with the Spirit-Withered Root
Hann Jinhai (gritting his teeth):
You think a pill and a trade make you invincible?
Ye Hann:
No.
But they seem to make you insecure.
Hann Jinhai (aura flaring):
Let’s settle this. Right now. You and me—no crowds, no rules.
Ye Hann (yawning):
It’s been a long night. Can we not?
Hann Jinhai (voice rising):
Afraid?
Ye Hann (grinning):
Bored, actually.
[Hann Jinhailunged, hand glowing with internal energy—but before he could close the distance—]
A quiet voice cut through the air like a blade.
???:
That’s quite enough, Young Master Du.
[Everyone froze. Even Hann Jinhai.]
[Scene: A Cloaked Figure Steps Forward]
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
From the shadows stepped a tall man, not old, but his presence carried weight. He wore deep crimson robes trimmed in cloud silver, his family insignia faint but unmistakable:
The Yun Clan.
Not just anyone from it—this was Yun FeiYun Tianli
Yun Fei (looking only at Ye Hann):
Young Master Ye.
Our clan leader has taken interest in you. He would like a word.
Ye Hann (raising a brow):
That’s sudden.
Yun Fei (smiling faintly):
The world moves fast when talents shine bright.
Hann Jinhai (in disbelief):
You… you want ?
Yun Fei (calmly):
We do not “want” people.
We acknowledge them.
[The words hit harder than a slap.]
Ye Hann (after a pause):
I’m listening. But I’m not following you into any dark alley.
Yun Fei (smiling):
Understandable. We’ve prepared a private lounge nearby. Just a conversation.
[Inside a Luxurious Teahouse – Moments Later]
The room smelled faintly of sandalwood and aged scrolls. Ye Hann sat across from Yun Tianli
Yun Tianli (pouring tea):
You’ve caused quite the stir in just a few weeks.
Refining rare pills. Refusing the Hann Clan. Silencing Du Minghao.
And now… acquiring a root that hasn’t surfaced in twenty years.
Ye Hann (smirking):
Is that praise or interrogation?
Yun Tianli:
Neither. Just observation.
We value potential, Ye Hann. But more than that—we value control.
People like you… usually burn bright. Then burn out.
I’m offering a different path.
Ye Hann:
A leash?
Yun Tianli (smiling):
A partnership.
Access to our vaults. Protection from petty clans.
And, if you prove worthy—support to enter the Heavenly Trials
[Ye Hann stiffens slightly. That name—the Heavenly Trials—was one of the turning points in his past life. The door to immortality… and also the start of his downfall.]
Ye Hann (quietly):
I’ll think about it.
Yun Tianli (nods):
Good. Think fast. The world does not wait.
[Aftermath – Ye Hann Walks Alone]
As he stepped out into the city lights, Ye Hann looked up at the moon.
So many people, all suddenly watching him.
And this time… he wouldn’t die before reaching the top.
Ye Hann (muttering):
If the heavens want a storm, I’ll be the thunder
