The butler and maid who stood before them were clearly of a higher caliber, their synchronized movements and crisp uniforms speaking of a level of training far beyond the common staff.

  They stood at the 6th stage of the Qi Sensing Realm, nearing both Bi Kan and Xia’s own.

  The revelation made her jolt.

  Xia's hands, which had been relaxed, clenched into tight fists at her sides.

  Her jaw tightened.

  So, if they deployed all their maids and butlers, even I wouldn't be able to cleave through them easily.

  Her eyes narrowed, the casual wonder she'd felt moments before hardening into a competitive, hostile glare.

  The butler’s eyebrow raised a fraction of an inch, a flicker of confusion in his professional demeanor at the girl’s sudden hostility.

  Bi Kan’s gaze flickered between them, noting the subtle shift.

  The butler’s hand, previously relaxed at his side, twitched slightly.

  His posture stiffened.

  He’s anticipating whether Xia will attack. A flicker of pride glinted in Bi Kan’s eyes.

  I'm afraid you’re unworthy. If Xia were to attack, even remotely seriously, your head would be rolling on the floor before you could blink.

  "Ahem." The maid cleared the tension with a graceful step forward.

  "I must ask again, what do these esteemed guests request of us? We are to do anything the guest desires." She bowed, her soft eyes landing on Bi Kan with a professional warmth.

  The butler reluctantly bowed a second time, a hint of jealousy hardening the line of his mouth.

  It's better not to get involved in this, Bi Kan noted, side-eyeing Xia, who was still gripping her fists as if crushing her greatest enemies in her palms.

  "Well," Bi Kan said, his voice smooth and polite, "your main guest would like to know if we are permitted to wander the manor. Waiting here for dinner will get boring far too quickly."

  He folded his hands together. "We humbly request that the two of you escort us, so we do not get lost in this huge abode."

  The maid rose from her bow, the butler following a half-second later. "Very well! Then I shall assist this young gue—"

  "Ahem, I shall be your guide today, esteemed guest." The butler interjected, stepping forward to block the maid's path to Bi Kan. His voice was a strained attempt at a softer tone.

  "I'm sure the two of you would rather explore separately than together! Then I shall assist you, while my partner here assists the Honored Guest."

  He gestured pointedly at Xia.

  Bi Kan gave a slight nod of approval.

  Not bad. A different guest might notice the jealousy in your tone, but you're making sure no one gets too close to someone you hold dear.

  "Very well," Bi Kan said. "Xia, we'll meet back in this room in an hour. If dinner starts, wait for me at the table."

  Xia gave him a thumbs up. "Alright!"

  "And don't act too reckless, Xia. I repeat."

  She planted her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "I know! I've told you a million times already that I'll behave, jeez!"

  She spun around, gesturing for the maid to follow. "Let us go! You must show me where the young heirs train!"

  The maid nodded eagerly, a professional smile returning to her face as she followed closely behind. "Yes! It's right this way, honored guest."

  As their voices faded into the distance, Bi Kan’s gaze settled on the butler beside him.

  The man’s stiff, defensive posture softened, the tension bleeding from his shoulders as a quiet breath escaped his lips.

  You don't need to worry, Bi Kan thought, a ghost of a smile touching his face before vanishing.

  I have no interest in that maid whatsoever.

  "You may lead the way," he said, his voice a low murmur.

  "I am not looking for anything in particular. I would just like to see the Manor in all of its glory."

  The butler nodded, stepping forward to lead. "Yes, Esteemed Guest. Perhaps I shall show you the library first? There are all sorts of books that might pique your interest."

  He moved at a leisurely pace, ensuring it was neither too fast nor too slow.

  Bi Kan’s eyes narrowed on the man's back. Too quick. Too specific. How did you know my interests?

  His hands folded behind him, fingers slowly clenching.

  The sect disciples have been watching my every move. I must have passed by the library far too often.

  Or perhaps it was Wei Zing? No, I checked the library before we left.

  The receptionist was different. Wei Zing is still on that research mission.

  They arrived at a grand building with ornate, carved wooden doors. The butler stopped.

  "You may enter, guest. I shall stand by here and wait for you to finish."

  Bi Kan glanced inside. A few disciples with the golden Han crest milled about, their robes marking them as part of the young generation.

  How many are of pure Han descent? There must be factions brewing even within their own family.

  His gaze slid to the reception desk. They have their own librarian?

  The butler felt the weight of Bi Kan’s analytical gaze and flinched, his palm growing slick with sweat.

  He cleared his throat, forcing himself to stare straight ahead.

  Thud.

  The sound of Bi Kan’s footstep crossing the threshold made the butler let out an exasperated breath.

  Thank the heavens… That boy… even if he's only a few stages above me, the way his eyes observe so sharply, it's as if he can read every thought I form.

  No... calm down. He didn't notice I was jealous. Perhaps he's not that observant.

  Or, even worse… he purposefully ignored it.

  A hidden dragon.

  Inside, Bi Kan’s boots sank into a plush carpet that muffled his footsteps.

  The library was vast, with towering shelves that required rolling ladders and a grand staircase leading to the upper floors.

  He tilted his head back, counting. Three floors. I assume I'm not allowed to go up there.

  A disciple with the Han family crest and the robes of an Inner Disciple stepped directly into Bi Kan’s path, his arms crossed.

  "What are you doing—"

  Bi Kan simply walked around him, his gaze fixed on a nearby shelf, ignoring the human wall entirely.

  "H-Hey!"

  The Inner Disciple's eyes widened as Bi Kan reached for a leather-bound book.

  A hand shot out, fingers aiming to clamp around Bi Kan's wrist.

  Smack!

  Bi Kan’s own hand moved in a blur, slapping the disciple’s away with a sharp, stinging crack that echoed in the quiet library.

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  "Y-You dare—"

  "Is this how the Han Family treats its guests?!"

  Bi Kan's voice, sharp and loud, cut through the disciple’s sputtering rage.

  Every head in the library snapped toward them.

  "I was simply reaching for a book, and you dare try to stop me?!"

  The other disciples are watching, Bi Kan thought, his expression unreadable.

  They're predatory. Here comes the worst… for you.

  "Yeah, that's right," another disciple with the same Han crest stepped forward, his arms crossed.

  "Why is this brother harming an esteemed guest? One invited by our great-grandfather, no less."

  The initial aggressor flinched as others joined in, their words a quiet storm of murmurs that carried across the library.

  "Isn't that the kid whose mom was a whore?"

  "I heard his father killed her because she slept with almost everyone in the family even outsiders! Is he even of Han descent?"

  A wave of cruel, stifled laughter erupted in the quiet of the library.

  "You bastards!" The disciple’s face contorted, his shame boiling over into pure rage. He spun, his furious gaze locking onto Bi Kan.

  He clenched his fist, hardening it with a pulse of Qi before leaping forward. "This is your fault!"

  "Hey!" another Inner Disciple shouted, trying to stop him.

  As the fist was about to connect with Bi Kan’s face, a slender, powerful hand clamped around the disciple’s wrist, stopping the blow cold.

  "That's enough. There will be no ruckus within the library."

  The voice was laced with a strict and cold fire. A woman with sharp, intelligent eyes who stood behind the reception desk earleir, her grip like iron.

  "You will stand down or lose your arm. Which will it be?"

  The attacking disciple gasped, the rage draining from his face to be replaced by fear. "P-Please, Aunty! I shall stand down!"

  Her hand loosened.

  He snatched his wrist back, shooting one last venomous glare at Bi Kan before quietly storming away, the laughter of his peers following him like a shroud.

  The woman’s gaze then settled on Bi Kan, sharp and assessing.

  "And you," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "As for being the source of this ruckus, I must ask you to leave. No matter if you're a guest."

  She pointed a single, elegant finger toward the entrance.

  Bi Kan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

  It backfired, huh? I should have been more careful.

  She must have some standing to command such instant respect.

  "I humbly apologize, Martial Aunt. I have overstepped," Bi Kan said, bowing his head in a perfect show of contrition.

  "I was simply trying to browse peacefully. As expected, even if others behave quietly, there are always loud ones who attempt to ruin your family's reputation."

  The woman’s eyes squinted, but before she could respond, the disciples who had mocked the other boy stepped forward.

  "Your punishment is far too harsh, Aunty," one said, folding his hands together.

  "This one was shamelessly attacked by our lesser brother. How can he take the blame when he did not initiate the argument?"

  Another set of disciples came forward, repeating the same request.

  The woman’s posture was rigid, her gaze flickering between the united front of the disciples and the polite, unassuming boy who had orchestrated the entire scene.

  Her eyes met Bi Kan’s for a split second before she turned away with a huff.

  "Fine. You may stay."

  He folded his hands again. "I thank you for your generosity!"

  I see, he thought, a flicker of respect in his eyes.

  She's sharper than I thought.

  He turned back to the shelves, his hands tracing the spines of the books.

  They were filled with martial arts, some familiar from the sect, others foreign.

  They wouldn't dare let an outsider see their secret manuals. This is a display of wealth, not power.

  His fingers paused on one volume.

  He pulled it from the shelf.

  I wouldn't be able to memorize all of this in one sitting.

  My time here is limited. He opened the book.

  The pages detailed a fighting style focused on unbalancing an opponent.

  Not bad.

  The art of throwing people off balance. Xia would love this. She needs to practice more in pure hand-to-hand combat.

  "The Inner Disciple Trial demands it," he whispered to himself before sliding the book back into place.

  Other than the manuals, there are all sorts of stories here…

  "Hiyah!"

  The sharp shing of steel on steel, fast and rhythmic, reached Ying Xia’s ears before she even saw the duel.

  The air in the training courtyard was thick with the scent of sweat, ozone, and raw battle-lust.

  "So this is where the Han Family proves their worth," she murmured, her body thrumming with a familiar, restless energy.

  Her finger, adorned with the spatial ring, twitched, begging to unleash her spear.

  Her eyes, however, were locked on the stage, observing with a hunter's sharp attention to detail.

  Two swordsmen circled each other, their movements slow and deliberate, a patient dance of feints and probing jabs.

  Then, in a blur, they would explode into a flurry of motion before disengaging just as quickly.

  Xia’s senses heightened.

  One of the swordsmen took a heavy step forward, planting his foot inside his opponent’s guard.

  Too close! It's over! Xia thought.

  The other disciple hesitated for a fraction of a second too long before swinging his blade in a desperate parry.

  "S-Shit!"

  Clang! The block was clumsy.

  With a flick of the wrist, the first swordsman disarmed him, sending the blade spinning through the air to clatter on the stone floor.

  "The duel is over!" a nearby disciple announced, stepping between them.

  Not bad, Xia conceded. Not bad at all. They might even be better than that Lu Pu brat.

  The victor stood panting, his chest puffed with pride.

  Another Inner Disciple, waiting his turn, stepped onto the stage.

  But as he prepared to handle the new challenger, his eyes swept the crowd and landed on a pair of sharp green eyes staring back at him from beneath a shock of pink hair.

  Wait… pink twin-tails? Is that the revered…!

  Swing!

  The blade of his new opponent almost grazed his face.

  "Damn it! I was so close to slashing your ugly mug, you bastard!" the challenger roared.

  The victor snapped back to attention, his focus returning.

  No, I must focus first.

  Xia crossed her arms, shaking her head in silent judgment. That guy, he was distracted.

  Is he even a good swordsman? He dodged that clumsy swing, but if it were laced with a true intent to kill, would he have reacted in time?

  The popular disciple’s embarrassment fueled his next move.

  He became a whirlwind of steel, his blade moving in faster intervals, a relentless assault that overwhelmed his new opponent.

  "S-Shit! This is unfair! A guy born with a handsome face and talents such as this!" the challenger grumbled, parrying desperately.

  The victor scoffed, finding an opening and thrusting his blade forward, the tip stopping a hair's breadth from the man's throat.

  "Don't speak such nonsense. I haven't gotten this far due to talent alone. I work countless nights on my swordsmanship. It is you who takes your own gifts for granted."

  The other disciple gritted his teeth, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He clasped his hands together. "I… I lost."

  The crowd cheered, the maids along the side swooning for the handsome and diligent disciple.

  "Oh? He's popular with the ladies, too," Xia noted, raising an eyebrow.

  Her fingers tapped relentlessly against her crossed arm, her foot matching the same impatient rhythm.

  The excitement coiled in her gut.

  Then, it happened. The victor on the stage locked eyes with her, his gaze intense, his grip tightening on his sword.

  I have no more doubts. That’s her. The way her eyes glint in this training ground…

  The other disciples in the crowd hesitated to step forward, none of them willing to risk their reputation against the genius victor.

  "Tsk. If it was anybody else, I would've stepped in already," another disciple scoffed from the sidelines before turning to leave.

  "Come on, brothers, we're leaving." His eyes rested on a younger boy still watching quietly. "Hey… we need to get going."

  The young disciple didn't move. He had calm features, and his silk-pale yellow hair, long enough to reach his shoulders, swayed in the breeze.

  "I think I'll stay a little longer, Elder Brother. Unlike you, I am not one to back down from a challenge." He bit his thumbnail, cracking it between his teeth.

  That guy… what was his name again? His swordplay is no joke, but he does not compare to me.

  The boy's eyes, previously calm, began to glow with a predatory light.

  Alright, I've decided. Even if you're at the Body Tempering realm…

  The young disciple rose from his crouch, his posture straightening.

  He took a single, deliberate step forward.

  I'll show you what a true swordsman is like.

  His eyes drooped calmly as he walked, each step measured and full of lethal purpose.

  "You!"

  The young disciple’s ambition died on his lips.

  His eyes widened, following the line of the Inner Disciple’s pointed finger, past him, upwards.

  Han Tiechi wasn't looking at him at all.

  He was staring at the girl perched casually on a high stone pillar, a spectator who had suddenly become the main event.

  A girl with twin-tails painted a vibrant pink, her eyes the color of pristine jade.

  "Heh, you challenge me?"

  Ying Xia hopped down from the platform, landing as gracefully as a falling leaf.

  The dust barely stirred around her boots.

  Her spatial ring glowed with a faint golden light.

  "Am I allowed to use a spear?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.

  Han Tiechi shook his head, his own blade held steady. "No. You must use a sword."

  It is without a doubt her, he thought, his pulse quickening.

  Our esteemed guest. The ‘Pink Whirlwind’.

  Even the Sword Maniac acknowledged her skills.

  I'll show you what a real swordsman is like.

  The ones you've fought were too weak.

  "A sword, huh?" Xia’s grin was sharp.

  "Gladly. I bought one some time ago, but I never got the chance to train my swordsmanship. After all, it's inferior to the spear."

  The casual insult was a stone dropped into a still pond. A ripple of tension spread through the disciples surrounding the training grounds.

  Even the laid-back young disciple’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the hilt of his own blade.

  Xia’s spatial ring glowed again, and a simple longsword materialized in the air.

  It was a normal blade, not so cheap that it would shatter, but clearly not a treasured weapon.

  Her hand shot out, grasping it mid-air as she gave it a few experimental swings.

  "Heh, not bad." After seeing Bi Kan receive that Ra Family's sword, I got a bit jealous! she thought, a flash of childish competitiveness sparking within her.

  So I bought one myself! It looks cool with this dragon handle design!

  The sword held no special power, but the unique hilt was enough to satisfy her.

  A disciple in the crowd shook his head. Leng Wuxin, I'm starting to doubt this girl's prowess...

  "Are you ready?" Han Tiechi asked.

  The question surprised some of the onlookers.

  "Huh? That bastard never asks if someone's ready. He just swings his blade and ends it decisively."

  Xia gripped the dragon-handled sword loosely in her palm.

  Han Tiechi’s eyes lowered for a fraction of a second. Amateur.

  "Before we begin," Xia said, her grin widening, "why don't we introduce ourselves first?"

  Hehe, of course, she thought. I’ll make them remember my name, not just my title!

  Han Tiechi’s stance loosened slightly. "Sure. I don't mind." Did she finally realize my name's worth remembering?

  Heh, don't get too cocky. Yours isn't. He pretended to act polite, folding his hands together in a formal gesture.

  "Then let's have a fun duel. I am named Han Tiechi."

  Ying Xia nodded, her smile finally curving upwards, as wide and bright as she could make it.

  "I am the prodigy of the Outer Court!" she shouted.

  Every disciple leaned closer, their eyes fixed on her, hanging on every word.

  She swung her blade in a flashy, confident arc.

  "I am Ying Xia! The Sect's revered Pink Whirlwind! And your one and only Honored Guest!"