[Qingyang Martial Academy – Practice Courtyard]
The sun was barely up when the academy’s courtyard started buzzing. Not because of drills, but because of rumors.
“He turned them down.”
“Straight to their faces.”
“Walked out without even bowing.”
Students whispered between sparring bouts. Teachers tried to maintain order, but even they looked curious.
Ye Hann arrived last, stretching lazily, as if he hadn’t just set half the city’s cultivators talking.
Ruoqi (arms crossed):
You really told your family to shove it?
Ye Hann (grinning):
In much politer words, of course.
Ruoqi (smirking):
That’s... actually kind of impressive.
Also kind of stupid.
Ye Hann:
That’s my specialty. Stupid decisions, genius results.
[Training Platform – Challenge Issued]
As Ye Hann walked across the stone-tiled arena, a group blocked his way. At the center stood Hann Jinhai—fifth cousin, top of the advanced martial division, cultivation at the peak of Meridian Opening Realm.
Slick hair. Condescending eyes. Gold-trimmed robes.
Hann Jinhai:
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Cousin Ye Hann.
Or should I say… stray dog?
Ye Hann (sighs):
If I had a coin for every insult today, I could start my own sect.
Hann Jinhai (loudly):
You rejected the clan’s goodwill. Fine.
Then prove you deserve to walk with your head held high.
Spar me. One round. Or leave the academy courtyard with your tail between your legs.
Ruoqi (low voice):
It’s a trap. He’s stronger than you—on paper.
Ye Hann (softly):
Paper burns fast.
[The Duel Begins]
A crowd formed.
The academy instructor sighed but allowed it. Martial duels weren’t uncommon—especially not when family drama made things .
Jinhai drew his blade. It shimmered with frost aura.
Hann Jinhai (mocking):
Come on, cousin. Don’t you want to show off that 'miracle’ talent?
Ye Hann (walking forward slowly):
Sure. I’ll show you something you’ve never seen.
[Jinhai attacked first — a quick, clean arc of cold blade aura.]
Ye Hann stepped to the side, fingers forming a subtle sigil in the air.
Ruoqi (watching closely):
Wait… that’s not basic footwork.
That’s—
[With a shift in pressure, the wind cracked.]
Ye Hann’s body blurred forward. He wasn’t —just . He tapped Jinhai’s elbow with two fingers, redirecting the sword’s path just enough—
Ye Hann:
Lesson one: don’t swing from the shoulder when you’re showing off.
[Jinhai stumbled. Ye Hann pivoted, palm striking his chest lightly.]
Ye Hann (calmly):
Lesson two: internal technique beats brute force.
Goodbye.
[Jinhai was sent skidding backwards. Not injured—just humiliated.]
The crowd was dead silent.
Then—
“He won.”
“He beat Hann Jinhai with a touch.”
“That was spirit disruption technique. That’s… ancient.”
Ruoqi (approaching, amused):
Where did you learn that?
Ye Hann (grinning):
Let’s just say twenty years of mistakes come with a lot of unusual teachers.
[Far Away – Hann Estate Observation Room]
Elder Xu (reading reports):
He refused the offer.
Defeated Jinhai publicly.
Crowd cheered for him.
Hann Zhengyuan (quiet):
Then let them cheer.
Let them raise him high.
The higher he climbs, the louder the fall.
Hann Jianxun (softly):
Unless he’s not falling anymore.