Luan returned.
To a city within the Xin Clan's domain, where neon signs flickered and cultivators paraded in pride.
He entered a small urban tea-house-club hybrid named "Sway Lotus." Penniless, exhausted, craving something warm.
Behind the counter stood a sharp-tongued, sharp-eyed girl — Mei.
"No money, no tea," she said, unimpressed.
"I'll pay," Luan replied, sipping regardless.
"Then you'll work it off."
Before either could argue, a gang of Inner Sect Bullies strolled in. Loud. Drunk. Entitled.
They surrounded Mei. "Pretty girl like you, why hide behind counters? Come dance with us."
Mei tensed.
Luan stood.
One whispered, "Isn't that the cripple who was banished?"
Luan raised a hand. Black flame flickered.
A single clinch — and the bullies were reduced to vapor. Not burnt. Erased.
The room froze.
Mei stared, trembling.
But far away, atop a building, another woman watched — eyes narrowed, curiosity ignited. Dressed in silver-blue robes, she whispered to a floating token:
"A man with no Qi just erased three Spirit Foundation cultivators. Inform
the Clan. We may have a problem."