Verdant Stone City was alive with celebration.
Red lanterns swayed from the rooftops, the air filled with the faint aroma of spirit wine and incense. Tonight, the Chen Mansion stood at the heart of it all—its towering gates adorned with golden silk and flowing banners, the courtyard illuminated with soul lamps that glowed like floating stars. Servants scurried through the decorated halls, and guests in fine robes walked with grace, their laughter echoing under the moonlit sky.
It was the hundredth birthday of Chen Yuyang, patriarch of the Chen Family and one of the city's true powerhouses. At the 1st Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm, he commanded respect from sect members, local clans, and merchants alike.
Long Tianyan arrived in silence, his steps light but sure. Dressed in a modest blue robe with no visible clan emblem, he attracted a few curious glances—but it wasn't until he reached the main gate that attention sharpened.
"Halt!" barked one of the Chen guards, stepping forward. "State your name and show your invitation."
Without a word, Tianyan pulled a folded jade slip from his sleeve and handed it over.
The guard examined it carefully. "You're… Long Tianyan?" A flicker of disbelief passed across his face. "You're really the one Lady Chen Yixuan invited?"
Tianyan said nothing.
"Very well. You may enter," the guard said, stepping aside reluctantly. "But don't cause any trouble. This banquet is for cultivators and honored guests only."
Tianyan walked past without replying.
Inside the main courtyard, the atmosphere was rich with spirit energy. Dozens of tables had been arranged beneath pavilions draped in gold and red. At the center, a large stage had been erected for performances, and near it, the higher-ranking guests mingled, including members of the Chen family, the Liu family, and even alchemists from the Jade Cauldron Pavilion.
Near the front, Tianyan spotted Chen Yixuan, dressed in a graceful crimson robe embroidered with phoenix feathers. She was greeting guests with a gentle smile and directing attendants to offer them tea and wine.
When her gaze landed on him, her face lit up.
"Tianyan! You came."
"I said I would," he replied calmly.
She stepped forward, her tone warm. "I'm still greeting guests. But go, find a seat near the quiet side of the garden pavilion. I'll join you shortly, alright?"
He nodded and turned, moving toward the indicated area.
But the peace didn't last long.
A mocking voice sounded behind him. "Well, well. If it isn't the fallen prince of the outer sect."
Tianyan stopped mid-step and turned. Liu Yan stood there, dressed in a flamboyant silver robe, a spirit ring glowing faintly on his finger. His cultivation aura had clearly improved—he now stood at the 4th Layer of the Marrow Washing Realm, two whole minor realms above Tianyan.
A few Liu family disciples gathered behind him, sneering.
"I was wondering who would show their face here uninvited," Liu Yan continued, smirking. "But I suppose Chen Yixuan invited you out of pity. After all, who doesn't feel sorry for a cripple who got lucky in a competition?"
Tianyan didn't respond. His eyes were calm, unreadable.
"Oh, what's this? No rebuttal? Did you forget how I threw you off a cliff?" Liu Yan leaned in closer, voice low and sharp. "You may have won last time, but that was a fluke. You're still nothing without your little tricks."
Tianyan's voice was soft, but carried weight. "If you think so… then test it again."
Gasps rippled through the bystanders. Liu Yan's eyes narrowed. "Gladly."
Before anyone could stop them, he launched forward, flame qi coating his palm. He struck with Flame Serpent Slash, a technique infused with bone-honed fire.
But Tianyan moved like flowing water.
With the first step, he avoided the strike completely. With the second, he struck Liu Yan's chest with the Dragon Soul Palm, sending shockwaves through his bones. And with the third, he stepped forward, sweeping Liu Yan's legs and delivering a sharp palm to his abdomen.
Three strikes.
That's all it took.
Liu Yan coughed blood and crumpled to the ground, his aura flickering.
"Y-You…!" he growled, but couldn't get up.
The gasps rang through the courtyard as dozens of eyes turned toward the confrontation. Elders from the Liu family stood in shock—until one of them finally surged forward, releasing a wave of pressure.
A 7th Layer Heavenly Passage Realm elder.
"Impudent brat!" he roared. "How dare you injure a Liu family heir during a celebration!"
He raised a palm, spirit energy condensing. "I'll teach you some manners—"
A shimmering light erupted mid-air.
A gust of wind blew through the courtyard as a slender figure landed lightly between them.
Qing Yue.
Wearing the robes of the Jade Cauldron Pavilion and a cold expression, her presence silenced the courtyard.
Her voice was sharp and direct. "Elder of the Liu family, are you intending to strike a registered alchemist of the Jade Cauldron Pavilion during a public banquet?"
The elder's expression twitched, his raised hand slowly lowering. "Lady Qing Yue… I wasn't aware he was—"
"You should be aware of the rules before you act," she interrupted. "This banquet is hosted by the Chen family, and unless you'd like to offend both them and the Pavilion, I suggest you step back."
The elder gave a cold snort but ultimately withdrew, face darkening as he dragged the injured Liu Yan away.
As the crowd slowly relaxed, Qing Yue turned to Tianyan.
"You don't hold back," she said, voice unreadable.
Tianyan met her gaze. "He deserved worse."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You've changed since the Pavilion… stronger, sharper. That flame of yours—have you improved it again?"
Before Tianyan could answer, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Tianyan!"
Chen Yixuan rushed over, her crimson robe swaying as she approached. Her tone was cheerful—until her eyes fell on the girl standing beside him.
She slowed, eyes narrowing. "You… know each other?"
Qing Yue glanced sideways but didn't answer.
Tianyan raised a brow and said simply, "She wanted to talk about flame control."
Yixuan's lips pressed into a thin line. "Flame control, huh?"
Her tone was light, but Tianyan caught the subtle shift in her expression—the slight downturn at the corner of her eyes, the stiffness in her smile. She didn't like seeing another girl standing so close.
Tianyan turned his head slightly and asked Yixuan, "Who exactly is she?"
Chen Yixuan blinked in surprise, then glanced at Qing Yue before replying. "Her name is Qing Yue. She's the granddaughter of Qing Yuntian, one of the three Saint-tier alchemists in the Eastern Domain. He's famous across cities. And she's not just some noble heiress—she's a genius herself. Also… known for being cold to most people."
Qing Yue gave a soft chuckle at that, her arms folding as she looked at Yixuan. "You know quite a bit about me."
"I pay attention to who walks into my city," Chen Yixuan replied smoothly.
For a moment, a quiet tension lingered between the two girls.
Tianyan, however, didn't notice or perhaps chose not to acknowledge it. His gaze drifted past them, toward the distant mountains, as if their clash of emotions didn't concern him.
Then he turned away and said, "Let's find a quieter place."
Both girls followed, but neither said another word.
Yet something had shifted.
And neither Qing Yue nor Chen Yixuan would forget that.