[Ye Hann’s Training Hall, Early Morning]
Sunlight crept through the windows of the training hall, stretching across the wooden floors where Hann Ye practiced his forms with silent precision. His movements were smooth, each one a calculated expression of power and restraint. His breath was steady, his focus unyielding.
A sharp knock on the door broke the rhythm.
Hann Ye paused, his hands freezing mid-strike. He straightened, his gaze flicking to the entrance.
Hann Ye :"It’s open," he called out.
The door swung open, and Ruoqi
Ruoqi (tone firm) : "You’ve been busy lately."
Hann Ye raised an eyebrow, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"I have. I didn’t know you were keeping tabs."
She stepped closer, arms crossed, eyes not leaving his.
"The Yao Clan’s been in a frenzy since last night. Rumors say you were the reason."
Hann Ye smirked, tossing the cloth aside.
"I suppose I was."
Ruoqi’s eyes flashed with irritation.
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"What are you playing at, Ye Hann? This isn’t like you. The Ye Hann I knew wasn’t… this reckless."
Hann Ye met her gaze with surprising calmness.
"Maybe the Hann Ye you knew was too soft. Too blind."
Ruoqi took a step back, visibly stunned by his bluntness.
"So, that’s it? You’re going to burn bridges and start wars with every family that crosses you?"
Hann Ye's expression softened just a bit.
"I’m doing what I should have done before… protecting what’s mine. And if that means going against the Yao Clan, then so be it."
Ruoqi watched him for a long moment, her eyes searching his face for some sign of the boy she once knew. But she found none. Just resolve.
"I hope you know what you’re doing," she murmured before turning to leave.
Hann Ye called out before she stepped through the door.
"Last time… I should have listened to you."
She paused, glancing back with a flicker of surprise. But before she could respond, he was already walking back to the center of the hall, resuming his practice.
[Ruoqi's Home, That Evening]
The room was warm, filled with the soft scent of herbs and old parchment. Madam Rou
Madam Ruolan
"You look troubled, dear."
Ruoqi sank into the chair across from her, her hands clasped together.
"It’s Hann Ye… he’s different. Bolder. He’s making enemies faster than I can count. He’s not the same."
Madam Ruolan smiled knowingly, continuing her work.
"That boy always had fire in him. Perhaps it’s finally found its way out."
Ruoqi frowned, her thoughts racing.
"But this isn’t like him. Not the Hann Ye I remember...he’s cutting through obstacles without hesitation."
Madam Ruolan paused, her eyes meeting Ruoqi’s.
"People change, child. Sometimes the fire needs to burn brighter… before it can be controlled."
Ruoqi sat quietly, the words settling over her like a veil.
"I just… I just hope he doesn’t burn everything with him."
Madam Ruolan reached out, patting her hand gently.
"Trust your instincts, Ruoqi. Sometimes, the most dangerous flames are the ones meant to cleanse."
Ruoqi looked down at her hands, her mind swirling with doubt and… something else. Hope, perhaps.
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