The pale morning sun stretched slowly over the mountain ridges, washing the village in cold light that barely touched the frost-dusted earth.
A sharp chill lingered in the air, cutting through the lingering mist that clung to the trees and the scent of damp soil and pine.
Han Li's gaze flicked instinctively toward the herb garden at the village's edge, where Mianhua knelt among young shoots of ginseng and astragalus. Her breath rose in delicate clouds, fingers tender as she coaxed life from the frozen ground.
The quiet rustling of leaves was the only sound—until a shadow slipped silently through the thinning willow branches.
He caught it immediately—a figure cloaked in tattered black robes, a wide-brimmed hat dipping low to hide his face. The man's stance was calm, calculating, but the sharp ripples of qi leaking from him betrayed a predator's intent. Han Li's heart thumped steady, muscles coiling.
The System hummed in his mind:
[Warning: Unauthorized cultivator detected]
[Threat Level: Moderate]
Han Li's fingers tightened on the worn wooden handle of his hoe. The tool was a placeholder—a farmer's weapon at best. But he had other means, less obvious and far deadlier.
The man's gaze locked on Mianhua, who remained unaware of the danger lurking beyond the willows. Time slowed.
Without a breath, Han Li released the iron-tipped cord he'd crafted in secret days ago. Two nails arced through the icy air, plunging into the frozen earth and stretching a taut snare between two fence posts.
The rogue cultivator's foot caught the line, his step faltering but still swift.
Han Li surged forward, sinews taut as a hunting panther. The man twisted with a speed that spoke of dangerous skill, pulling a dagger from beneath his robes. The blade shimmered faintly with violet qi.
But Han Li was faster.
He slammed his elbow into the man's ribs with brutal precision. The rogue gasped, momentum breaking as he stumbled into the brittle willow branches. The twigs snapped and tangled his cloak, giving Han Li a precious second to press the attack.
[Skill Acquired: Combat Instinct +1]
[Temporary Buff: Adrenal Flow — Reaction Speed +12% for 30 seconds]
Han Li's senses sharpened, the world narrowing to the thudding of his heart and the scent of cold earth.
The rogue cursed low, weaving a palm charged with dark qi that flickered like black flame. The attack hissed as it surged forward, aimed straight for Han Li's chest.
Instinct took over. Han Li ducked low, scooping a handful of frozen soil and flinging it with unerring precision into the man's eyes.
The rogue hissed, stumbling back, blinded.
Han Li didn't hesitate. His knee slammed into the man's thigh with a crack like thunder. The rogue's qi faltered.
"Not bad… for a farmer," the man growled, voice rough as gravel.
Han Li's eyes didn't leave Mianhua, who was now rushing forward, hands trembling but face set like iron.
"Did he touch you?" Han Li asked, voice calm but urgent.
Mianhua shook her head, then without warning closed the distance and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was fierce, burning away the cold like wildfire. Her hands gripped his shirt, pulling him close, their breaths mingling in the frost.
The System exploded in his mind:
[Emotional Resonance Level 2 Achieved]
[Unlock: Beginner Dual Cultivation Stance]
[Passive Bonus: Vitality +5%]
A pulse of energy flowed between them—not just qi, but something deeper. Trust. Gratitude. An unspoken vow.
When they parted, Mianhua's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"You protect us all," she whispered.
Han Li's gaze shifted back to the dark treeline, where the rogue had vanished.
"They'll come again. Others."
Her fingers entwined with his. "Then we'll be ready. Together."
The wind stirred the willows, carrying the sharp cry of a lone crow.
Han Li's lips curved into a grim smile. "Let them come. This soil has roots… and thorns."
Another System ping sounded:
[Beginner Dual Cultivation Stance Unlocked]
[Description: An optimized posture and breathing technique to maximize yin-yang energy exchange during partner cultivation. Increases cultivation efficiency by 25%.]
He flexed his fingers, feeling the warmth of promise in Mianhua's grasp. Every battle, every kiss, every breath fueled his growing strength—not just for himself, but for the village he'd sworn to protect.
With the Beginner Dual Cultivation Stance now within reach, Han Li knew the real trial was only beginning.
The fight for this land was only beginning. But with roots deep and thorns sharp, they would endure.