Tension—
Pure tension—
Bled into the air.
The Young Master stood still, as though caught in a trance, his gaze fixed on the figure before him.
Slowly, he exhaled, turning his head toward the maid.
Understanding immediately, she bowed and withdrew without a word, leaving the two alone.
"You look nice."
His voice was light.
He lifted his sleeve, revealing a golden wristwatch.
At first glance, it seemed ordinary.
But upon closer inspection, intricate engravings spiraled across its surface—so fine, so deliberate, that one could not help but admire the craftsmanship.
A piece worthy of obsession.
"9:00 PM."
As if summoned by the ticking of time itself—
A figure appeared.
An old man.
Ancient beyond years.
His eyes carried the weight of countless lifetimes, filled with the quiet erosion of time and experience.
His lips parted.
"Where is she?"
He did not look at his son.
Instead, he walked calmly toward the dining hall.
The Young Master bowed slightly, then turned toward the staircase. Extending a hand, he looked at the girl.
She met his gaze.
Then—
Ignored it.
Stepping past him, she descended the stairs on her own.
Her dress flowed with quiet elegance, complementing a beauty that needed no embellishment.
Left standing with his hand outstretched—
He looked almost ridiculous.
For a moment—
Silence.
Then—
He chuckled softly and followed.
Perched on the stair railing—
A tiny mass of flesh watched everything unfold.
On the rooftop above, Li Mu sat quietly, a simple book resting in his hands.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Truly brave… for someone held captive."
The wind howled.
Moonlight poured over him, illuminating his crimson hair as it danced in the night.
For a fleeting moment—
He resembled a fallen immortal.
Eyes gleaming.
Watching.
Dining Hall
The sharp clink of cutlery echoed.
No one spoke.
Conversation was reserved for after the meal.
Time passed slowly.
Plates emptied.
Maids moved in and out like shadows—silenty and smoothly
Until—
Click.
The doors shut.
Sealing the room.
Silence fell.
"Mu Chen… you have done well acquiring her."
The Patriarch's voice was calm.
Measured.
"I have sensed her bloodline. It is… pure."
Mu Chen smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Father. All for the glory of the Mu family."
The girl remained silent.
Her expression darkened with each passing moment.
She was not a person here—
Only a commodity.
The Patriarch turned his head slightly, sensing her emotions.
He snorted.
"Girl… if you wish to keep even the illusion of freedom, behave."
A pause.
"I have no issue placing a collar around your neck."
Something shifted.
Deep within her—
A primal fury stirred.
A refusal to bend.
Behind her—
A figure flickered into existence.
Clad in ancient battle armor.
Its presence was overwhelming.
Its gaze—
Pure, unfiltered bloodlust.
The kind that would make even demons kneel.
The Patriarch's expression sharpened instantly.
His aura erupted.
BAM!
His hand shot forward—
Gripping her throat.
Lifting her effortlessly.
"It seems… you have yet to learn submission."
Her feet dangled.
Air fled her lungs.
Her vision blurred—
But her eyes—
Still burned with defiance.
The Patriarch turned to Mu Chen.
"I told you to train her."
The temperature dropped.
Sweat formed along Mu Chen's brow.
Yet his voice remained steady.
"I await punishment, Patriarch."
A pause.
Then—
"Twenty strokes of the cane."
"No more. No less."
Mu Chen exhaled slowly.
"Thank you… for your mercy."
Moments later—
The Patriarch released her.
She collapsed into her seat.
Gasping.
Air flooding back into her lungs.
But still—
No fear.
The Patriarch continued as if nothing had happened.
"The reason you were purchased… lies within your blood."
"You carry the remnants of the Mao Clan."
"A lineage of generals."
Silence.
"You will marry my son."
"Your purpose is simple—preserve that bloodline."
The girl's heart turned cold.
Slowly—
She looked at Mu Chen.
His face remained calm.
Like still water.
But beneath—
Waves crashed violently.
Their eyes met.
Something flickered.
Mu Chen stood and bowed.
"I thank the Patriarch for such a gift."
SMACK!
"Sit down."
The Patriarch slammed his utensils against the table.
"You will both attend the Academy."
His gaze shifted to the girl.
"The Academy is your chance."
A pause.
"If my son cannot subdue you…"
"Then that is your fortune."
"The Mao Clan is gone."
"But I value talent."
His voice turned cold.
"Remember this."
"You were bought."
"You were freed."
"Your life… belongs to the Mu Clan."
Silence.
He stood.
And left.
Click!.
Mu Chen sat still.
The words echoed in his mind.
"If my son cannot subdue you… that is your fortune."
His gaze slowly shifted.
Toward the girl.
Her head lowered.
Face hidden behind strands of white hair.
His eyes sharpened.
Something dark—
Something possessive—
Took root.
Unseen by him—
Two pairs of eyes watched.
From the rooftop—
Li Mu.
Smiling faintly.
And beside him—
Something else.
Something far worse.
Both radiating killing intent.