Hei Long was in a good mood as he left the training grounds, hands clasped behind his head, whistling lightly.
The sun was warm, the sky was blue, and Lin Fan was soaking wet sowhere muttering curses into the grass.
A perfect day.
But that peace shattered the mont he rounded a corner near the inner court gardens.
"What’s wrong, Saintess? Don’t be so cold."
"Co on, we’re inner disciples! That makes us practically elite. You should be honored we’re even talking to you."
"Why don’t you co with us for so tea, huh? Or we can skip the tea if you’re shy—"
Three robed young n stood surrounding a woman in pure white robes.
Her expression was calm, but her eyes flickered with visible discomfort.
It was Ji Yao — the Saintess herself.
Hei Long’s smile faded instantly.
He didn’t shout. He didn’t even raise his voice.
He simply walked forward with the calm energy of a man who had nothing to prove — which, of course, made him twice as terrifying.
One of the goons reached out to grab Ji Yao’s wrist—
—and a hand grabbed his first.
Crack.
"AIIIIIGH!!"
The disciple shrieked as Hei Long twisted his wrist with casual elegance and shoved him backward.
The man spun midair like a sack of potatoes and landed face-first in a decorative pond nearby with a splash.
The other two turned. "H-Hey! Do you know who we—"
"Oh, believe ," Hei Long interrupted, rolling his sleeves up.
"I know exactly what you are. You’re the knockoff villains that show up halfway through Chapter thirty. A walking cliché."
"H-Huh?!"
"You’re the kind of guys who say things like ’Why don’t you smile more?’ and ’My father is an Elder!’ right before getting your teeth kicked in."
"I—YOU—!"
Before the second man could finish his sentence, Hei Long planted a foot directly into his chest.
The man launched backward like a human kite and slamd into a fruit stand, sending apples flying through the air like festive confetti.
The third tried to run.
Hei Long appeared in front of him like a ghost.
"Oh no no no," he grinned. "You don’t get to leave before the group photo."
Then he backhanded the last one so hard he did a full backflip mid-air before crashing into the sa pond his buddy was still flailing in.
"...I think he swallowed a koi," Hei Long noted helpfully.
Silence settled.
Ji Yao blinked.
"...You didn’t have to go that far," she said softly.
Hei Long brushed a nonexistent speck off his shoulder.
"They’ll be fine. Their pride took more damage than their bodies. Besides, I was being gentle."
As one of the n groaned in the pond, flopping like a dying fish, Hei Long called out, "You know, you should really stick to harassing your reflection. It’s the only one that won’t run away."
"Uuuugh..."
Ji Yao covered her mouth, barely suppressing a laugh.
Hei Long turned back to her and bowed slightly.
"Apologies, Saintess. I saw a few dogs loose in the garden. Figured I’d clean it up."
Ji Yao gave him a small smile — subtle, but sincere. "Thank you, Hei Long... Again."
He winked.
"You’re welco. Want to walk back together?"
She hesitated. "...Yes."
Not long after Hei Long and Ji Yao disappeared down the walkway, the scene remained... chaotic.
Two disciples lay soaked and twitching in the koi pond, and a third was half-buried in a broken fruit stall, still drooling apple juice.
A small crowd had gathered, whispers buzzing louder by the second.
"Did soone report this yet?"
"I think that guy’s crying."
"Oh no... soone went to get his father..."
And just like that—
"WHO DARES TOUCH MY SON?!"
A thunderous voice echoed through the courtyard.
Storming into view like an angry ox was Elder Yu, a stout, red-faced man with a mustache that trembled with every step.
Behind him trailed servants and disciples, trying and failing to keep up.
The mont Elder Yu laid eyes on his son floating like soggy bread in the pond, his fury erupted.
"Who did this?! Who dared lay a hand on my flesh and blood?! I’ll cripple them myself! Guards, block the exits!"
The inner disciples exchanged looks and quietly stepped back, wanting nothing to do with this.
"Speak!" Elder Yu roared at his disciples. "Who was it?! Which madman beat you three like stray dogs?!"
The boys pointed in the sa direction with shaking hands. "I-It was him, F-Father... it was the Saint..."
"The what?"
"The Saint—Hei Long! H-He just appeared out of nowhere and—BLAM!—sent us flying!!"
The courtyard fell deathly silent.
Elder Yu blinked.
"Did you say... Hei Long?"
The third disciple coughed up pond water. "Y-Yes, father..."
A vein bulged on Elder Yu’s forehead.
He turned to the crowd and demanded, "WHERE IS HE?!"
Then paused.
Because walking right toward him was none other than Hei Long himself, hands behind his back, a soft smile on his lips, Ji Yao walking calmly beside him.
"...Oh," Elder Yu said stiffly.
Hei Long tilted his head, curious. "Elder Yu, was it? I heard soone shouting."
"Ahaha, yes—yes! That was . You see, uh... my son here... was involved in a training mishap, yes! Yes, that’s it!"
The three disciples all looked at him like betrayed puppies.
Elder Yu marched over to Hei Long and cupped his hands deeply in a respectful bow.
"Esteed Saint Hei Long, forgive this old man’s shouting. I had no idea it was you who was involved. If my son offended you, I shall personally make sure he cleans every latrine in the sect for the next six months—no, a year! A decade, even!"
Hei Long blinked slowly. "That won’t be necessary. A few bruises should teach them more than a lecture."
"You’re too wise and rciful," Elder Yu laughed nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. "Your brilliance truly shines like the sun! A man of your status—ha! No need to concern yourself with such rabble."
He turned to his son and whispered in a panic: "Why didn’t you warn it was him?! Do you have any idea who you just pissed off?! You want to die?!"
"Sorry, father..."
Hei Long patted Elder Yu on the shoulder as he walked past. "No hard feelings, Elder Yu. But maybe teach your son not to act like a stray dog around won next ti."
"Yes, yes of course! Thank you for your divine guidance!"
As Hei Long and Ji Yao walked away, the crowd parted like the Red Sea.
Ji Yao leaned over slightly and whispered, "That was... impressive."
Hei Long smirked. "What can I say? I’ve got that Saintly charm."
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