MARD Chapter 18 An Introduction

The World Marble basked in its eternal daylight. The grass shimmered a vibrant green, swaying softly in a breeze that never seemed to tire. Birds with strange markings sang on branches, foxes darted between tall grass, and monkeys tumbled across the fields, Wu Xiao’s “pets,” though they were far more spirited than any normal animals. Their frolicking filled the meadow with life, a scene so idyllic it seemed like something out of a dream.

Then the air shimmered, rippling like the surface of water. The portal opened.

From it stepped the three Wu sisters, Issei, and a hesitant, wide-eyed Mei. Issei held her hand gently, guiding her into this world for the first time. Her sandals pressed into the lush grass, her body stiff with uncertainty.

Mei’s purple eyes widened as she gazed upward. The sky stretched endlessly, bright but never blinding, the sun frozen in its eternal place. Her lips parted, a breath escaping in awe. “What… is this place?” Her voice trembled, caught somewhere between disbelief and wonder.

Issei smiled, scratching the back of his head. “Our… home, kind of. It's complicated, I know. Don’t worry, I’ll explain later.”

Mei shook her head quickly, her hair falling into her face as she turned this way and that. ‘How is this possible?’ Her mind spun. ‘A miniature world? And those creatures…’

Her gaze landed on the animals. Unlike the scrappy dogs and half-starved chickens she was used to seeing in the town, these animals looked sharper, almost intelligent. A pair of foxes sat watching her with unblinking eyes, their tails swishing in eerie synchronization. Birds perched on low branches, tilting their heads as though measuring her worth. Even a snake slithered closer, not with malice but with an unsettling curiosity.

Mei froze, clutching Issei’s hand tighter. “They… they’re looking at me…”

“Don’t worry.” Issei squeezed her hand reassuringly. “They’re harmless. Well… mostly harmless.”

A bark echoed through the meadow, loud and commanding. Mei’s eyes snapped toward it—and she froze.

From between the trees padded a massive silver wolf, its fur gleaming like moonlight, its golden eyes burning with intelligence. The sheer size of it made her breath hitch—it was taller than she was, its muscles coiled beneath its sleek coat like springs ready to snap.

Mei staggered back. “T-that’s—”

Before she could finish, Wu Xiao’s laugh cut across the field. “Yaaaah! Faster, Luna!”

The youngest sister sat astride the wolf’s back, gripping its fur like reins as the beast galloped across the meadow. A trail of animals gave chase—monkeys leaping, foxes bounding, birds circling overhead in a frenzy. Wu Xiao threw her head back and cackled with wild joy, the picture of pure chaos and delight.

Mei could only stare, speechless, as Luna skidded to a halt, the wolf’s claws tearing up the grass. Wu Xiao hopped off and ran over, grinning ear to ear. “That’s Luna! She tried to eat us once, but now she’s mine!”

“More like she had no choice but to obey us.” Wu Ying muttered flatly, crossing her arms.

Issei chuckled and leaned closer to Mei. “She’s not kidding. Luna’s a Low-Rank Beast. She attacked us a while back, but we managed to tame her. Now Wu Xiao thinks she’s some kind of mount.”

Luna padded closer, sniffing Mei curiously. The flower girl’s entire body locked up, her hands gripping her tattered skirt tightly. ‘It’s so close… it could kill me with a single bite.’

But the wolf got closer and merely huffed warm air against her, then sat down, its golden eyes calm.

Mei let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding. “…She’s… tamed?”

“Depends on the day,” Issei joked, earning a light smack on the arm from Wu Ying.

Mei turned, finally noticing the small wooden house tucked into the meadow’s edge. Compared to the surreal sky, the intelligent beasts, and the endless fields, the house seemed… plain. Its timber walls were worn but sturdy, its roof patched in places, its windows simple squares with shutters. It looked like something that belonged in a quiet farming village, not inside a pocket dimension filled with wonders.

Her brows knit together. “…This is your home?”

Wu Lan stepped forward, her voice soft and dignified as always. “Yes. It may not look like much compared to the rest of this world, but it is ours.”

Mei tilted her head, her surprise slipping into uncertainty. “It feels… ordinary. Mundane, even.” She flinched after the words left her lips, realizing how rude it sounded. “I-I didn’t mean—”

Wu Lan raised her hand gently, her calm smile easing the tension. “It’s alright. You’re not wrong. We could build something grander. We have the skills, the resources. But…” Her eyes softened, glancing at the house as if peering into memories. “This place has sentimental value. It was the first home we ever had, and for that reason, we couldn’t simply abandon it.”

Mei blinked, her lips parting in realization. ‘Sentimental value… it’s not about how it looks. It’s about what it means.’

She bowed her head, her voice quiet. “I understand. I wasn’t trying to insult you.”

“You didn’t,” Wu Lan assured her with a serene nod. “And you don’t have to apologize for speaking your mind.”

Mei straightened, her cheeks flushing faintly. She felt a warmth bloom in her chest, the faintest sense of belonging stirring.

Wu Xiao’s laughter was heard as she ran after her foxes, the rustle of the grass in the eternal breeze, the distant bark of Luna. Yet for Issei, all of it faded into background noise. His focus was on Mei, who was still gazing around with wide, awestruck eyes, her hand lightly brushing the petals of one of the various wild flowers that had grown as if to confirm it was real.

Issei scratched at the back of his neck, a bead of sweat trailing down. ‘Okay… we showed her the house, the animals, Luna. All went fine. But… there’s still him.’

He glanced over his shoulder toward the far edge of the field. The ground there rose into a low hill. But no, that hill, resting lazily, was the unmistakable bulk of crimson scales. Even from here, Issei could see the faint glow of emerald eyes watching with feigned disinterest.

‘Ddraig.’ The thought made his stomach twist. ‘How do you even introduce someone to a giant dragon? I do not want a repeat of last time.’

Wu Ying noticed his hesitation instantly. Her sharp eyes narrowed, then curved in a sly, wicked smile. She crossed her arms and leaned casually against a still growing tree, her posture practically radiating smug amusement.

“Oh, I know that look,” She said softly, almost to herself. “He’s dreading it.”

Memories flickered in her mind—the first time she and her sisters had been introduced to Ddraig. The dragon had deliberately toyed with them, his booming voice shaking the ground, his body looming like a mountain. Wu Xiao had screamed, Wu Lan had gone pale, and Wu Ying herself had only just managed to keep her composure. The dragon had laughed about it for days afterward.

Now it was Mei’s turn. Wu Ying’s grin widened, her eyes gleaming. ‘Let’s see how the little flower girl handles it. Maybe she’ll run back and never come back.’

Mei, sensing Issei’s tension, tilted her head curiously. “Issei? What’s wrong?” Her purple eyes blinked innocently, her voice light.

Issei froze for a second, then rubbed his neck harder, his laugh awkward. “Uh, well… there’s one more person you haven’t met yet. Or, uh… not exactly a person.”

Mei’s brows furrowed, confusion flickering across her face. “Not a person?”

He nodded quickly, his tone hesitant. “Yeah. He’s… uh… part of the family, I guess you could say. But, um… he’s a little different. And, uh, kinda big.”

Mei blinked once, then again, her lips curving into a small, amused smile. “Is that all? You’re making it sound like some terrible secret.”

Issei laughed nervously, his hand slipping to his gauntlet instinctively. “You say that now, but… I dunno. Most people would freak out.”

Mei stepped closer, her ragged dress brushing the grass, her voice soft but firm. “You’re being silly. After everything you’ve shown me—the animals, this world, even Luna—what could possibly scare me away?”

Her words carried a quiet conviction, but also a fragile innocence. She had no idea what awaited her.

Issei looked at her, his heart twisting between admiration and worry. ‘She really believes that… poor girl. Ddraig’s gonna scare her half to death.’

He chuckled weakly, his eyes darting toward the hill where crimson scales gleamed faintly. “Heh… yeah, you say that now. But, uh… you’ll see.”

From her spot at the fence, Wu Ying smirked wider, her thoughts dripping with satisfaction. ‘Oh, this is going to be good.’

Issei’s grip on Mei’s hand tightened slightly as he led her across the meadow. His eyes flicked nervously toward the low hill at the far edge, where the sunlight caught on glistening crimson scales. Each step closer, the air seemed to grow heavier, thicker, filled with a subtle pressure that pressed down on the chest.

Mei followed without question at first, but the moment her eyes landed on the massive red mound lying in the grass, she froze. Her breath hitched, her feet locking in place.

It was no mound.

The scales shone like polished rubies, layered in perfect armor, each the size of her head. The ridges of a colossal back rose and fell with deep, steady breaths. Even sleeping, the creature radiated power.

Mei’s heart thundered in her chest. ‘What… what is that?’

Her body screamed to run, to flee back through the portal, but her legs wouldn’t move. She hadn’t even seen the beast stand, and already her instincts shrieked that she was prey.

Issei gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, though the nervous laugh that followed did little to soothe her. “He’s family.”

‘Family?’ Her purple eyes widened.

As if summoned by their presence, the dragon stirred.

Crimson wings twitched, claws dug into the earth, and with a rumble that shook the ground, Ddraig rose onto all fours. His massive form stretched upward, each movement carrying the weight of centuries. When his head finally turned, his emerald eyes glowed with ancient intelligence, locking onto Mei.

Her knees trembled. The air felt like it had been sucked from her lungs. She wanted to scream, to bolt—but fear rooted her to the spot.

The dragon’s gaze lingered, and then, in a voice that reverberated like thunder rolling across the heavens, he spoke. (Hello.)

The single word shook the grass and sent birds scattering from the trees.

Mei’s lips parted, her breath catching, unable to form a reply.

“WHAT?!” Wu Ying’s voice cut through the moment like a blade.

She had been standing nearby, arms crossed, watching eagerly, and now she was practically shaking with outrage. She jabbed a finger toward the massive dragon, her face red with indignation. “Why does she get a calm hello?!”

Mei blinked, startled, as Wu Ying stormed forward.

“When I first met you, you nearly gave me a heart attack! You roared, shook the ground, and laughed at me for flinching! But her? She gets a polite hello?!”

Ddraig turned his massive head slightly, regarding Wu Ying with one glowing eye. He let out a deep, rumbling scoff. (Scaring you humans loses its joy after the first time.)

Wu Ying’s jaw dropped. For a moment, she was speechless. Then her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Oh, you think you’re so funny?”

Without hesitation, she stomped toward the dragon and began climbing his scales like a furious mountaineer. “I’ll show you joy, you overgrown lizard!”

Ddraig huffed, his shoulders shaking as though amused. He didn’t bother stopping her as she scrambled up to his broad back and began stomping her feet angrily across his scales. “How dare you scare me but not her?! Do you think I’m less important?!”

From his perch, Issei rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. “And here we go…”

Mei, frozen only moments before, suddenly found herself covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. The sight of the mighty, terrifying dragon allowing a human girl to stomp across his back like a spoiled child’s tantrum was so absurd that her fear melted away.

A giggle escaped, then another, until she was laughing openly, clutching her stomach. “I… I can’t believe this…!”

Wu Xiao, who had been rolling in the grass with a fox, perked up at the sound of Mei’s laughter. She bounded over and pointed at Wu Ying with a grin. “See? Even Mei thinks you look ridiculous!”

Wu Ying froze mid-stomp, her face flushing scarlet as she glared down at her little sister. “Shut it, Xiao!”

But Mei couldn’t stop laughing now, her earlier terror gone completely. The dragon she had thought would devour her was instead part of a comedic scene she would never forget.

—--------------------------------

The sunless sky of the World Marble bathed the meadow in its constant blue color, but around the crackling campfire it felt like twilight. The flames danced brightly, sending sparks into the air, their warm light flickering against faces both human and beast.

Issei sat cross-legged near the fire, poking at the flames with a stick, while Wu Lan and Wu Ying sat with their usual composure, side by side. Wu Xiao sprawled on the grass with her head on Luna’s belly, humming cheerfully as the massive silver wolf flicked her tail lazily.

Ddraig, too large for the circle, lay curled just beyond it, his massive body forming a wall of crimson scales that radiated heat almost like a second fire. His glowing green eyes stayed half-lidded, but his ears twitched whenever someone spoke.

The smaller animals—foxes, monkeys, birds—crowded closer than usual, drawn by the warmth of the fire and the rare stillness of their human companions. Some perched on Issei’s shoulders, others curled by Wu Lan’s legs, and one bold rabbit had hopped directly into Mei’s lap.

It was a strange gathering—family, beasts, and a dragon—yet it felt whole.

Mei sat nervously between Issei and Wu Lan, her fingers absentmindedly stroking the rabbit’s ears. Her purple eyes darted from face to face before she lowered her gaze to the fire. “Um…” She began softly, her voice almost lost in the crackling flames.

Everyone turned to her.

“My name… is Mei,” she said. “At least, that’s what I remember. I… don’t have any memories of my life before I woke up in Meihua Crossing. It’s like… everything before that was erased. The only thing I seem to enjoy, the only thing that feels familiar… is flowers. I like taking care of them, arranging them, even just holding them. Maybe… maybe I did that before. I don’t know.”

She bowed her head, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “That’s all I can really say about myself.”

Silence lingered for a moment, broken only by the fire’s pop and crackle.

Issei smiled softly. “That’s more than enough.”

Mei blinked, her lips parting slightly.

“You’re Mei, you like flowers. That’s who you are right now,” he continued, his voice firm, reassuring. “Memories or no memories and honestly… I think it suits you.”

Her blush deepened, and she quickly looked back down at the rabbit in her lap, unable to meet his eyes.

Wu Xiao rolled over onto her stomach, grinning mischievously. “Hehe, our flower girl Mei~ Don’t worry, Big Bro’s right. You don’t need to remember some boring past. You’re with us now!”

Wu Ying snorted, crossing her arms, though her gaze lingered on Mei more seriously. “Hmph. Just liking flowers doesn’t make you useful. But…” She glanced at Issei, then back at Mei. “…I suppose there are worse hobbies.”

Wu Lan gave her younger sister a soft but pointed look, before turning to Mei with a gentle smile. “What Ying means to say is that you’re welcome here. Memory or not, everyone has to start somewhere.”

Mei’s heart fluttered at those words. She glanced between them all—Issei’s smile, Wu Xiao’s childish enthusiasm, Wu Lan’s quiet warmth, even Wu Ying’s sharp honesty—and felt something stir inside her. A warmth she hadn’t known since waking with nothing.

The campfire flickered higher, as if celebrating the moment. The rabbit shifted in Mei’s lap, nestling closer.

Wu Xiao, naturally, was the first to burst forward. She straightened up from where she’d been sprawled on Luna’s belly and grinned brightly.

“I’m Wu Xiao!” she declared, puffing out her chest with childlike pride. “The youngest and the cutest! I like sweets, riding Luna, and teasing Ying whenever I get the chance.” She waved her hand dramatically toward her sister, smirking. “Oh, and I guess I’m a cultivator too. But don’t worry, I’ll teach you everything you need to know! You’ll be my little disciple!”

Her energy was infectious, and Mei found herself smiling despite her nerves.

Next came Wu Ying. Unlike Xiao’s enthusiasm, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the fire instead of Mei.

“…Wu Ying,” She muttered. Her tone was sharp, but not unkind—more reluctant, as if she hated the formality of introductions. “I’m the second sister. Don’t expect me to sugarcoat things and don’t expect me to be your friend as I don’t trust you.”

Mei swallowed, her fingers stroking the rabbit’s fur nervously. “O-oh… I see…”

Wu Ying’s expression softened slightly when she saw Mei’s hesitation, but she didn’t say more.

Finally, Wu Lan leaned forward, her calm voice smoothing the rough edges her sisters had left. “I am Wu Lan, the eldest. I handle… most things.” Her lips curved into a gentle smile. “We weren’t born into privilege, Mei. We came from a small mountain village, far from any great sects or noble families. Our father was a wandering cultivator who, for reasons of his own, chose to live in seclusion. We lived simply, as villagers, until fate guided us down another path.”

Mei’s eyes widened, her head tilting in disbelief. “Truly? But… the three of you… you look like you come from a prominent family. Your clothes, your bearing, even your beauty…” She glanced down at her own ragged dress, her cheeks burning. “Compared to me, you seem like nobles.”

Wu Lan shook her head softly. “Much of that is cultivation, Mei. It refines the body, strengthens it, and sometimes… changes it. And most of what we have now is thanks to Issei.”

At that, Mei’s gaze flicked to Issei, surprise flashing in her eyes. ‘Him? He’s helped them that much?’

Her thoughts were interrupted by Wu Xiao suddenly rummaging in her sleeve. “Oh, that’s right!” With a triumphant grin, she pulled out a neatly rolled scroll and held it out dramatically in front of Mei. “Here! This is the Yin Flower Empress manual! If you practice what’s written here, you can cultivate too!”

Mei blinked, her hands trembling as she stared at the scroll. “C-cultivate? Me? But… I thought not everyone could become a cultivator. I heard it was something rare, reserved for the chosen…”

Wu Xiao waved her hand dismissively. “Nah, it’s easy! You just need the right technique and guidance! And now you have both, thanks to me!” She shoved the scroll toward Mei eagerly.

“Xiao!” Wu Ying shot to her feet, glaring. “What do you think you’re doing? That scroll is mine! Issei went through trouble to get it for me!”

Wu Xiao stuck her tongue out. “And? It was meant for all of us, not just you. Mei’s part of the family now, so she gets a chance too!”

Wu Ying’s fists clenched, her voice sharp. “You can’t just hand out cultivation manuals to strangers! Do you have any idea what—”

Mei shrank back, clutching the rabbit tighter as the sisters argued. Her voice wavered, barely audible. “Um… I don’t want to cause trouble…” She turned to Issei, her eyes pleading. “I-Is it really alright? If Wu Ying doesn’t want me to…”

Issei blinked, caught off guard by the sudden weight of her gaze. He rubbed the back of his neck, thinking quickly. “It’s fine. Honestly.”

Wu Ying whipped her head toward him, her eyes narrowing. “Issei!”

He held up his hands defensively. “Look, it’s not like it’ll hurt. Only girls can even use that manual anyway, so it’s not like I have any use for it. If Mei wants to try, I don’t see the harm.”

Mei’s lips parted, her heart fluttering. “Only girls…?” She stared down at the scroll Wu Xiao still held out, her fingers twitching with the urge to take it.

Wu Ying groaned, dragging her hand down her face, muttering under her breath. “Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable…”

Meanwhile, Wu Xiao beamed, thrusting the scroll into Mei’s hands. “See? Even Big Bro agrees! Congratulations, Mei—you’re officially on the path to becoming a cultivator!”

Mei stared down at the scroll, her reflection faint in the polished surface of the rabbit’s eyes. ‘Me… a cultivator? Someone like me?’

For the first time since she’d woken with no memories, she felt something stir inside her—hope.

The fire had burned low, glowing coals painting warm light across the circle. The sisters had finished their introductions

The animals dozed nearby, the foxes curled together, a monkey clinging to Wu Xiao’s shoulder, and Luna’s silver fur gleaming softly in the firelight.

Issei shifted awkwardly under the weight of everyone’s eyes. “Guess… it’s our turn, huh?” He scratched the back of his head, clearly stalling.

But a low, rumbling chuckle echoed from beyond the firelight. The crimson giant shifted, the ground vibrating as Ddraig raised his head. His green eyes glowed, casting long shadows as he exhaled smoke into the cool air.

(I suppose introductions would be proper,) The dragon rumbled. Then his voice rose, deep and thunderous, every syllable rolling like a proclamation from the heavens. (I am Ddraig Goch, the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor of Domination, killer of gods and the bane of countless legends! Remember this name, little one, for it has shaken worlds.)

The flames flickered as if bowing to the declaration.

Mei jumped, nearly dropping the rabbit still nestled in her arms. Her purple eyes went wide, awe and fright mingling in equal measure. ‘Red… Dragon… Emperor?’

Wu Xiao clapped her hands together. “Ooooh! You did the dramatic thing again! Nice one, Ddraig!”

Wu Ying groaned, rubbing her temple. “Show-off.”

Ddraig’s jaw curved in something that might’ve been a smile. (I live for the dramatics.)

Mei swallowed hard, her voice small. “Red… Dragon… Emperor?”

Issei coughed, waving his hands quickly. “Uh, don’t take all of that too literally. He likes to… exaggerate a little.”

(Exaggerate?) Ddraig scoffed, his tail thudding against the ground. (Every word is fact.)

Wu Ying muttered under her breath, “And yet he still naps half the day like a lazy cat.”

(Careful, girl,) Ddraig growled, though there was more amusement than threat in his tone.

Issei sighed, turning back to Mei with a sheepish smile. “Anyway, yeah… me and Ddraig aren’t exactly… from here.”

Mei tilted her head, confusion crossing her face. “Not… from here?”

(Not from this world,) Ddraig answered simply, his gaze heavy with ancient weight.

The words meant nothing to Mei. She frowned, her brows knitting. “Other… worlds? I don’t… understand.”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck again. “Honestly? I don’t really understand it either. Just think of it like… we’re from really, really far away. So far that no one here has ever heard of our home. And somehow, we got dropped here without a clue of how or why.” He shrugged helplessly. “We’re lost, Mei. Just as lost as you are.”

Her lips parted slightly, her grip tightening on the scroll. Lost… The word echoed in her chest.

“I woke up with nothing, no memories,” She whispered. “And you… you woke up in a world that isn’t yours.”

Issei gave her a lopsided grin. “Yeah. Guess we’ve got more in common than I thought.”

For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the crackle of the fire. Mei stared into the flames, her heart heavy yet lighter all at once. ‘Maybe… I’m not the only one adrift.’

Wu Lan’s serene voice drew them back. “Our path, as it stands, is toward the capital. Ying intends to join a sect there and test her abilities. With luck, she’ll find a place worthy of her skills.”

Wu Ying crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with quiet determination.

“And Issei…” Wu Lan continued, glancing at him.

He shrugged. “I’m just along for the ride. I’ve got no clue how to get home, no idea why I’m even here. So until I figure something out, I’ll help out however I can. And if Ying’s aiming for the capital, then that’s where I’ll go too.”

He leaned forward, catching Mei’s gaze. His tone shifted, softening but firm with promise. “And now that you’re with us, I’ll help you too. If there’s even the slightest chance we’ll find something about your past in the capital, we’ll look for it. I promise.”

Mei’s breath caught. Her heart skipped, warmth flooding her cheeks. ‘Again he’s… promising to help me, too? Even though he’s already carrying his own troubles…’

She looked down quickly, her fingers curling into the scroll on her lap. “…I doubt we’ll find anything. A month, and no one in Meihua Crossing knew a thing about me. Why would a grand capital be any different?”

Issei leaned back with a shrug, smiling. “Who knows? But it’s worth a shot. And even if we never figure it out… Well, you’ve got us now.”

Mei blinked, her vision blurring faintly. She lowered her head, letting her hair fall over her face. “…Even if I never remember… I’m glad to be here.”

Wu Xiao beamed, throwing her arms around Mei with no warning. “Welcome to the family!”

Mei yelped, nearly falling over as the younger girl hugged her tightly. Wu Ying rolled her eyes, muttering, “Tch. One more headache.” But the way her eyes softened betrayed her true feelings.

Wu Lan smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on Mei with quiet approval.

—-----------------------------

The mayor’s residence loomed over the heart of Meihua Crossing, a sprawling estate of stone walls, lacquered wood, and tiled roofs. Lanterns burned along the walkways, their glow struggling to chase away the weight of the night. Within the main hall, silence reigned—thick and oppressive, broken only by the faint hiss of incense curling in the air.

Kneeling on the polished floor, Yao trembled. His silk robes were disheveled, his hands pressed against the ground, his forehead nearly touching it. His body shook not from shame, but from fear.

Above him, seated on a carved chair, was his father—the mayor of Meihua Crossing. Blue hair streaked with silver framed his broad shoulders, and a matching beard, well-kept and imposing, gave him the air of a man who brooked no defiance. His eyes, cold and sharp, bore into his son like blades.

“So,” the mayor’s voice rumbled, low and dangerous, “you return dragging your uncle’s broken body, beaten half to death. Tell me, Yao, why is my brother in such a state?”

Yao flinched, his throat dry. He pressed his palms tighter to the floor, sweat dripping from his brow. “F-Father, it was not my fault! This… this cultivator appeared in our town, arrogant and disrespectful! He mocked me—mocked our family’s prestige! He dared to ignore my face in public!”

The mayor’s gaze narrowed, but he said nothing, allowing his son to stammer on.

“I— I told Uncle of this insult,” Yao continued, his voice rising as desperation made him ramble, “and he, loyal as always, went to teach this vagrant a lesson. But the man… he used tricks! Despicable tricks! In the middle of their fight, he revealed a Spirit Weapon, striking Uncle down before he could react!”

At that word, the mayor’s brows lifted, his cold expression shifting into something sharper. “...Spirit Weapon?”

The air grew heavier. Even the attendants along the hall stiffened, their eyes flicking up briefly in surprise before lowering again.

Yao nodded quickly, sensing his father’s interest. “Yes! A red gauntlet—it appeared on his arm from thin air, glowing with strange light. With it, he suddenly fought with the strength of a higher stage! Uncle never stood a chance!”

The mayor leaned back in his chair, his fingers stroking his beard thoughtfully. His eyes gleamed with something darker now—not concern for his brother, not anger at his son, but greed.

“A Spirit Weapon, here…” He muttered.

Yao glanced up, a flicker of hope sparking. “Father, I swear, it’s true! This vagabond carries a treasure beyond compare! If he remains, it will bring shame to us all, for everyone saw him humiliate Uncle in the streets!”

“Bah,” the mayor scoffed, waving dismissively. “Your uncle is in the Third Stage, and you are at the First Stage. But compared to me? That’s nothing.” He leaned forward, his imposing aura filling the hall like a storm. “That weapon deserves to be in better hands. My hands.”

Yao’s heart thumped wildly. He bowed lower, a cruel smile tugging at his lips, hidden from his father’s view. ‘Yes, Father… take it. That weapon will belong to our family. To me.’

The mayor’s cold voice snapped him back. “Tell me everything. Every detail. Where this cultivator came from, who he travels with, what he wants. Leave nothing out.”

Yao licked his lips nervously but nodded. “Yes, Father. I will tell you all of it…” He began recounting everything he’d witnessed—Issei’s strange appearance in town, the three sisters always at his side, even the ragged flower girl who clung to him like a stray. Of course, he twisted the tale, painting Issei as an arrogant upstart, a cunning trickster who flaunted his Spirit Weapon to humiliate the Yao family.

The mayor listened silently, his expression unreadable, though the gleam in his eyes only grew sharper.

When Yao finished, the mayor rose slowly to his feet. His towering form loomed over the kneeling boy, his aura pressing down with the weight of a predator ready to strike.

“We will hunt tomorrow,” He declared. His voice was calm, yet it carried the finality of a death sentence. “That Spirit Weapon will be ours. The boy will regret ever stepping foot in my town.”

Yao’s lips curled into a trembling smile as he bowed lower, the flames of vengeance and greed burning in his chest.

Done, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. What do you think will happen tomorrow?