Life in the Ha Jin estate slowly settled into routine.
Servants worked, warriors trained, and children played in the courtyard.
But Hēi Lang noticed something different.
The guards were tense.
Patrols increased.
Weapons were being sharpened daily.
Even his father returned home later than usual.
Something was wrong.
---
One night, while pretending to sleep in his crib, Hēi Lang listened carefully.
Two guards spoke outside.
"Black Fang Bandits were seen near the eastern road."
"If they attack, we'll suffer heavy losses…"
Bandits.
Real danger.
Hēi Lang frowned internally.
*So trouble comes this early…*
He focused his breathing as the system's basic energy circulation method activated instinctively.
A faint pulse spread from his small body.
Weak…
But enough to extend his awareness slightly beyond the estate walls.
And then—
He felt it.
Someone hiding outside.
A scout.
Watching the clan defenses.
If the scout reported weakness, a full attack would follow.
Hēi Lang's tiny fists clenched.
*If they attack now… many people will die.*
He focused all his tiny strength.
And released a faint pulse of killing intent.
Outside the wall, the hidden scout froze.
Cold sweat ran down his back.
His instincts screamed danger.
"…Monster…"
Terrified, he retreated into the darkness.
---
The next morning, news spread.
"The bandits retreated."
"Looks like they gave up on attacking us."
The clan relaxed in relief.
Guards laughed again.
Servants smiled.
Children played freely.
No one knew why the threat vanished.
Back in his crib, Hēi Lang yawned quietly.
*First crisis handled.*
*And nobody noticed.*
Perfect.