The morning sunlight filtered gently through the bamboo shutters as Li Qingyue sat on the edge of her bed, braiding her long hair. Outside, the village stirred to life, but inside her room, peace lingered—until her mother's voice called from the courtyard.
"Qingyue, come here. Your grandfather has called for a village gathering. We're to go to the main manor. He says it's urgent."
A quiet ripple ran through Qingyue's heart. She nodded slowly, already suspecting the reason. Her grandfather, Li Huoshan, had seen the seal in the forest with his own eyes. Though he had met with cultivators from neighboring villages to discuss the matter, it was only right that he now warn the common folk.
But there was something she had yet to do.
She turned to her mother, eyes calm but serious. "Mother… yesterday, I didn't tell you everything. You were frightened, and I didn't want to add to your worries."
Her mother's hands froze as she was folding a robe. "What do you mean, Qingyue?"
Qingyue then recounted the story she had told her grandfather—the fabricated tale about how she had merely wandered too deep and encountered the bear, narrowly escaping through luck and instinct.
Though her tale omitted the truth of the battle , her mother paled as if she had heard it all. She wrapped her arms tightly around her daughter, her voice trembling. "You… how could something like this happen?
Qingyue nodded gently, allowing the embrace to linger. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you yesterday. You were already worried."
Her mother let out a sigh, releasing her. "From now on, no more entering the forest. Promise me."
"I promise." Though Qingyue knew in her heart that promise would be broken again.
Her mother's gaze lingered. "You're just like your father. Stubborn and brave… too brave." Her expression softened. "He was the most gifted cultivator the Li Clan ever produced. It's strange—you must've inherited his legacy. I only wish you were older. So you could also start cultivation. I… I know I can't keep you hidden forever."
What she didn't know was that Qingyue had already begun her journey of cultivation. In secret. In silence.
After helping her mother with morning chores, Qingyue retreated to her room. What greeted her, however, was pure chaos.
Feathers exploded in the air like snow. Her pillow lay gutted on the floor, and three tiny tiger cubs pranced gleefully atop the bed—ears twitching, tails swaying, eyes full of mischief. Qingyue groaned, rubbing her temples. "You little furballs…"
The cubs blinked up at her innocently, and one even let out a soft mew.
"They're too young to stay hidden like this," she muttered. "I need to do something…"
A thought struck her—perhaps she could just… tell her mother. They didn't look like spirit beasts. Not yet. They resembled strange kittens more than anything else. If she said she found them while playing outside, her mother might believe her.
With that plan in mind, she scooped them up—one in each sleeve and the third tucked gently into her sash. She crept outside toward the old orchid tree in the courtyard, her spiritual sense stretching outward. No one nearby.
She crouched down and whispered, "Stay here and don't make any noise. I'll come back." Even if they couldn't understand words, she could sense they grasped her intent. They remained still, curious eyes blinking.
Rushing back into the house, she called out, "Mother! Come with me! I found something!"
Her mother, halfway through preparing their robes for the visit to the main manor, sighed. "What is it now, Qingyue?"
"Please, just come!"
Following her daughter with mild curiosity, she was led to the orchid tree. There, under its shade, the three 'kittens' looked up adorably.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Qingyue asked sweetly. "They were crying. I think they're hungry. Should we keep them?"
Her mother crouched down, inspecting them. "Their colors are… odd. Red stripes? I've never seen cats like this before. Where's their mother?"
"I found them under the tree. I don't think their mother is coming back…" Qingyue bit her lip. "If we leave them out here, something might hurt them…"
The tiger cubs, as if understanding their cue, let out soft chirps and rubbed against her mother's foot.
Her mother's heart melted. "Fine. We'll take them in. But if their mother returns, we return them."
Qingyue beamed. Success.
However, she quickly made an excuse to not bring them to the clan manor. While her mother was none the wiser, others might not be so easily fooled. Cultivators from outside the village would easily sense the beast core within the cubs. Although Qingyue could place a minor illusion spell, it was risky. Some experts could see through it.
Her own cultivation was easier to hide. With techniques inherited from her previous life and her unique spiritual root, she had learned to completely suppress the flow of spiritual energy within her body.
After feeding the cubs and coaxing them to sleep, she layered a formation around them for protection and departed with her mother.
The Li Clan's main manor was nestled at the heart of the village—a sprawling estate that echoed the glory of an older age. Even though only her grandfather, uncle, aunt, and cousin resided there, dozens of servants bustled about, keeping the manor pristine.
Villagers gathered in the training ground, where a great dragon symbol was carved into the stone. Children stared in awe, and elders murmured among themselves. A servant greeted them and ushered them into the main hall—a vast space resembling a royal throne room.
At the center, seated cross-legged upon a platform, was her grandfather, Li Huoshan.
Upon seeing her, he gave a slight nod, gesturing for them to take their place near her uncle Li Zhen, his wife, and their daughter. Qingyue bowed respectfully and followed her mother forward.
This was only her second time visiting the main residence. Her impression of her aunt and cousin was vague—they had barely spoken before.
Her cousin, a girl slightly younger than her, smiled politely. Her uncle, Li Zhen, was a stern man who rarely smiled. His eldest son, however—Qingyue's favorite—was absent. She remembered him well. A talented youth, perhaps sixteen now, he had been accepted into a sect some years ago.
As Qingyue observed the hall, her eyes widened.
There were many unfamiliar faces among the honored guests seated at the front. Some radiated powerful cultivation, with spiritual auras thick as mist. Several were Foundation Realm experts—but one, seated quietly near the edge, drew her gaze.
He wore plain monk's robes. Beads hung from his neck, wrists, and ankles. His head was shaven, eyes closed in meditation.
When he felt her gaze, he opened his eyes—dark as the night sea—and gave her a serene smile before closing them again.
He masked his cultivation… Qingyue thought with unease. I must be careful.
Soon, her grandfather stood.
With solemnity, he addressed the crowd. "Fellow villagers, members of the Li Clan, honored guests. Yesterday, I discovered that the ancient seal within the Eastern Forest. A beast of unknown strength slumbers within, and it is awakening."
Gasps rose from the crowd.
"I have sent messages to the Zhu Ling Kingdom," he continued, "and they have responded swiftly. Their envoys arrive even as we speak. Furthermore, the Dragon Breath Monastery has also taken an interest in this matter."
Whispers spread rapidly.
Dragon Breath Monastery… Qingyue recalled the name from her past life. It was a formidable monastic order, in this continent second only to the Jade Lotus Sect.
That monk, then, must be their envoy.
The hall grew louder, fear bubbling from the villagers. Li Zhen stepped forward, voice calm and firm. "Do not worry. The beast will be dealt with. All we ask is that you stay away from the forest until the matter is resolved."
Just then, a servant rushed in and knelt. "Clan Leader! The envoys from Zhu Ling Kingdom have arrived."
Li Huoshan's brows lifted slightly. That was fast… too fast.
"Li Zhen," he said quietly, "go and greet them. Qingyue, you may go too if you wish."
Qingyue perked up immediately. Her eyes shone. She had heard many stories about the Zhu Ling Kingdom—their famed weapon forges, the noble cultivators, the martial arts.
Her mother gave a nod of approval, and Li Zhen took her by the hand.
They exited to the training ground where two massive carriages awaited. One was grandly decorated in imperial style—gold patterns shimmering across dark blue lacquered wood.
Two Spirit Formation cultivators dressed in elegant Taoist robes descended first.
Then, from the decorated carriage, a young man emerged. He was handsome, with long black hair, sharp eyes, and a commanding presence. The aura that exploded from him made Qingyue stagger. Li Zhen fell to his knees beside her.
The prince smirked. "Elder Li, there's no need to kneel before me."
His tone was mocking.
Li Zhen gritted his teeth, helped Qingyue up, and gave a respectful bow. "It is this humble elder's honor to receive Your Highness."
The prince turned and extended his hand.
A smaller hand emerged from the carriage.
The girl's flowing robes shimmered like mist in the morning sun, her every movement elegant and measured. A jade ornament hung from her waist, swaying gently as she walked, its soft chime clear in the quiet air.
The crowd around the training grounds buzzed with awe. "Who is that? She looks like a fairy descended to the mortal realm…"
"She must be someone important—probably a princess!"
But Li Qingyue's expression had already turned cold.
Her gaze locked onto the girl in white.
Bai Lian'er.
That face—so gentle, so perfect—had once smiled at her with the warmth of a sister. That voice had once called her "Qingyue-jie" with affection. That hand, soft and delicate, had once held hers on the night of the Moonlight Festival.
And yet, that same hand had pierced her heart with a dagger laced with soul-devouring poison.
The memories came rushing back like a tide—the betrayal, the burning pain of her shattered core, the look of pity in Bai Lian'er's eyes as she stood above her, whispering:
> "You were never meant to stand above me."
Li Qingyue's fingers curled slightly at her side. Her nails dug into her palm.
She had thought their paths wouldn't cross so soon.
But fate was merciless.
Bai Lian'er, the one who stole her future, her trust, and her life—now stood before her once more.
A composed smile returned to Li Qingyue's lips, but her eyes turned colder than winter frost.
> "It seems the heavens truly favor a good show."