Mist rolled low over the Han River, its surface dark as steel beneath the waning light. Liam Ardent and Lilith Stormbane had just reached the banks when the stillness was broken by shouts and the splash of oars.
Out on the water, a small boat fled desperately from a larger vessel in pursuit. On the prow of the little craft stood a broad-shouldered man, his hair wild, beard bristling, swinging his oar like a weapon to shield those within. Behind him, a young boy lay limp in his arms, and at the bow knelt a girl no older than fourteen, her roughspun clothes soaked with tears.
"Father… please, wake up…" she sobbed over the unmoving body of the boatman.
Liam's gaze sharpened. The girl's face was pale but uncommonly refined, her eyes wide with both terror and purity. Even dressed as a boat girl, there was an air of natural grace about her that shone through the dirt and grief.
Rowena Sterling. He recognized the name the System whispered into his mind. Not yet the disciple of Emei, not yet tempered by hardship—only a girl of the riverside, caught in fate's cruel tide.
Behind them, the larger vessel surged closer, rowed by Mongol officers and guarded by four Western monks, their robes dark against the wind.
"Hand over the boy and I shall spare your lives!" one monk bellowed across the water. "Defy us, and not even your corpses will find rest!"
The bearded man—Marcus Ashford, a disciple of the Ming Cult's fallen Maitreya branch—snarled in defiance. "Over my dead body!" He spun the oar, batting away arrows that rained down like locusts. One shaft sank deep into his shoulder, another tore through his side, yet he did not fall.
Then a scream split the air. The boy in his arms convulsed, struck by a deadly arrow to the back.
Marcus's roar of grief shook the river.
The Mongol ship closed in, soldiers leaping to board the smaller craft. Rowena shrieked, curling into a corner of the deck, trembling as blades flashed above her.
It was then Liam moved.
His figure blurred like lightning across the water. Mist parted around him as his hand closed upon the Heavenly Reliquary Sword. With a single unsheathing, the night was filled with azure radiance.
"Who dares—" one monk began.
Steel sang. His head rolled into the river before the words were done.
Liam landed lightly on the small boat, sword dancing in arcs of brilliance. The first Mongol officer lunged—his halberd snapped in two, chest split clean through. Another raised a spear—its shaft shattered, his throat pierced.
Lilith Stormbane's voice rang from the bank: "Brother Liam, behind you!"
Liam turned, blade whirling. The Heavenly Reliquary Sword flashed like lightning splitting the storm. Three soldiers fell in pieces, their screams swallowed by the rushing current.
System Update
[Enemy Slain: Mongol Officer]
[Reward: Silver +300 | EXP +1,000]
System Update
[Enemy Slain: Western Monk]
[Reward: Silver +1,000 | EXP +3,000]
The notifications rang one after another, flooding his vision in golden light. Liam's heart surged—not with greed, but with fierce clarity.
"These invaders trample our rivers, enslave our people," he roared, his voice like thunder over the waves. "This river belongs to Jianghu, not to foreign tyrants! Die!"
His sword became a storm. Wherever it fell, flesh parted, steel shattered, life ended. Within moments the deck of the larger ship was strewn with corpses, the remaining Mongols scrambling to flee. Liam showed no mercy. One by one, they perished beneath the azure glow.
System Update
[Enemies Defeated: Total EXP +20,000 | Silver +6,400]
Silence returned at last. Only the sobs of the girl remained, soft against the creak of the bloodied boat.
Rowena Sterling lifted her tear-streaked face. Her wide eyes fixed upon Liam—upon the youth who had descended like a celestial general, sword gleaming, aura untouchable.
Her heart stirred, an imprint forever etched.
System Update
[Rowena Sterling's Favorability +32 → Current: 92 (Admiration)]
Marcus Ashford staggered, still clutching the dead boy. His eyes were wild with guilt. "The young master is gone… I have failed my charge!"
Before anyone could stop him, he raised a bloodied palm toward his own skull, ready to end his life.
Liam's arm shot out, seizing his wrist with crushing strength. His voice cut like steel.
"Do you think death repays a debt? If the Mongols still breathe, if our land still bleeds, what right have you to seek release?" His gaze burned into Marcus's. "A warrior dies when the enemy is no more—not before."
For a heartbeat, Marcus froze. Then slowly, tears mixed with blood as he lowered his hand. His knees struck the deck, bowing to Liam.
"Sir… you have saved me, saved us. From this day, Marcus Ashford lives only to drive out the Mongols. Command me, and I shall follow unto death!"
System Update
[Marcus Ashford's Favorability +45 → Current: 90 (Loyalty)]
Liam exhaled, the sword's glow dimming as he slid it back into its scabbard. Lilith Stormbane came to his side, her eyes wary but proud.
The Han River carried away the bodies of Mongols and monks alike, but three new bonds had been forged that night: a grieving girl, an oath-bound warrior, and the youth whose path burned brighter with each step.
And somewhere in the mist, destiny stirred.
Glossary – Chapter 24
Rowena Sterling – (HSDS: Zhou Zhiruo). A 14-year-old boat girl at this stage, not yet an Emei disciple. Pure-hearted and graceful, her life is forever changed after Liam saves her at the Han River.
Marcus Ashford – (HSDS: Chang Yuchun). Disciple of the fallen Maitreya branch of the Ming Cult. Fierce, loyal, and courageous. After Liam saves him, he swears a lifelong oath to fight the Mongols under Liam's banner.
Heavenly Reliquary Sword – King-Class Divine Weapon. Once wielded by Mother Clarisse Hale of Emei Sect. Known as the sword that governs destiny. Now fully bonded to Liam.
Han River – A major river of central China. In Jianghu, often a contested crossing where rebels, Mongols, and martial wanderers clash.
Western Monks – Martial experts from the far western regions, often allied with the Mongols. Fierce and disciplined, but no match for the Heavenly Reliquary Sword.
System Store – A new feature unlocked after the death of Mother Clarisse Hale, allowing Liam to purchase items with silver. Includes training cards, cultivation pills, and temporary experience boosts.
Jianghu – Literally "Rivers and Lakes." Refers to the martial world: a society of wandering heroes, sects, and rivalries, where strength, loyalty, and reputation matter more than law.
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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