Liam Ardent lightly patted Isla Drake's shoulder, smiling faintly.
"Little sister Isla, your mother's injury has just stabilized. She needs rest. Why don't we go outside for a bit?"
"Mm, alright!" Isla chirped, showing not a trace of wariness toward him.
Liam's composure masked the faint heat rising in his chest. But before he could say more, Lady Moira Drake spoke up from her bed, her voice calm but firm.
"Isla, your Brother Liam is tired as well. Don't cling to him—stay here with me."
Inwardly, Liam thought wryly: Tired? Not in the least.
But Isla shook her head stubbornly, her clear voice ringing out.
"Brother Liam's scent is so nice—I don't want to get down."
"Mind your manners! Down, now." Lady Moira's brows drew together ever so slightly. At once, Liam caught the subtle shift—her favorability dropped from 98 to 95.
Liam stifled a sigh. Too hasty… she saw right through my thoughts.
He gently tapped Isla's back. "Listen to your mother, little one. Don't cause trouble."
With a pout, Isla slowly released him, muttering in a conspiratorial whisper, "When Mother falls asleep, I'll come play with you again."
Her words sparked a trace of wicked amusement in Liam's mind, but he merely smiled and set her down.
The soft murmur of the valley was suddenly broken by the rapid drumming of hooves.
The sound drew closer, until it halted right outside the hut.
A loud voice rang out:
"Fellow of the martial world, we seek the divine healer Master Edric Thornwell! Please, treat our wounds!"
Liam stepped to the doorway. Outside stood a tall, black-skinned, gaunt man dismounting from his horse, a blood-stained bandage wrapped around his head, his right arm slung in a cloth, left hand holding the reins of two more horses. Upon those mounts lay two more wounded men, their clothes soaked in red.
The system's crisp chime sounded in Liam's head, feeding him their details:
Name: Xander Farrow
Affiliation: Direct disciple of Master Soren Blackridge of the Huashan Sect
Level: Second-rate expert, mid-stage
Name: Garreth Hallowway
Affiliation: Elite disciple of the Huashan Sect
Level: Second-rate expert, early-stage
Name: Tobias Kane
Affiliation: Elite disciple of the Huashan Sect
Level: Second-rate expert, early-stage
So, the ones wounded by Isolde Serpentis's schemes are gathering here now, Liam mused.
He spoke evenly, "Master Thornwell is away gathering herbs. He is not in the valley."
The lean youth slumped over one saddle—Garreth Hallowway—snorted coldly. Without warning, his fingers flicked, sending a flash of gold streaking through the air. The object buried itself in the hut's doorframe with a sharp thunk—a golden flower.
Garreth's voice carried a mix of arrogance and frustration:
"We've ridden hundreds of miles. Our lives hang by a thread, and only the divine healer can save us. Don't stand in our way! Take this golden flower to the one known as 'He Who Refuses the Dying'—tell him it was the one who wounded us that sends it, and that the culprit will soon come seeking his misfortune! If he treats our wounds, we'll stay and fight at his side. Our skills may not be the best, but three extra blades are better than none!"
Liam's handsome features darkened. In a single motion, his palm struck the doorframe, sending the golden flower whistling back through the air twice as fast. It struck Garreth's shoulder with a sickening crack, spraying blood and snapping bone.
Liam's internal strength—already at the peak of second-rate experts—didn't need fancy techniques to make such a strike devastating. Against an already wounded opponent, the result was inevitable.
Garreth screamed, shock flooding his eyes.
The other two—Xander Farrow and Tobias Kane—froze in astonishment. They had not expected this seemingly youthful man to hold such crushing power.
In Liam's mind, the system's calm voice chimed again:
Achievement Unlocked:Minor Retribution
Reward: Mid-grade Experience Pill ×3
A faint smile touched Liam's lips. Another step toward his goals, even if the rewards were modest.
He stepped forward, voice cold as steel.
"Master Thornwell knows a great enemy draws near. He chose to leave. Now, this is my domain. And you—mere stray dogs—dare to throw your weight around here?"
His gaze swept over the three men. For a moment, he considered whether to teach the other two a lesson as well—another achievement wouldn't hurt.
Garreth Hallowway, face pale and drenched in sweat, slid from the saddle and dropped to his knees. Both hands slapped his own cheeks in loud, stinging blows.
"This fool, Garreth Hallowway, failed to recognize your ability, young master! I beg forgiveness. May I know your esteemed name, and your relation to Master Thornwell?"
Liam studied him coolly, mind already weighing whether their presence might be useful—or if it would simply bring more trouble to Butterfly Valley.
Glossary – Chapter 6
Xander Farrow – Disciple of Huashan Sect master Soren Blackridge; injured in ambush.
Garreth Hallowway – Huashan Sect elite; brash, quick-tempered.
Tobias Kane – Huashan Sect elite; companion of Garreth and Xander.
Golden Flower – Signature weapon of Isolde Serpentis, often carrying poisoned tips.
Minor Retribution (Achievement) – Earned by punishing a wrongdoer; rewards minor EXP items.
Mid-grade Experience Pill – Grants 1000 EXP upon use.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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T/N :
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