The morning sun filtered through the intricate wooden gates of the Yuan estate, casting long golden streaks across the polished stone path.
Lin Hao adjusted the cuffs of his tunic and stepped forward. The familiar figure of the old butler, dressed in his pristine uniform, greeted him at the door.
"Young Master Lin, welcome. The family is expecting you."
Lin Hao nodded. "Thank you."
He followed the butler through the wide halls of the mansion. Ornamental vases and ancient paintings lined the corridors. Soon, they reached the main hall. The moment the doors opened, Lin Hao caught sight of Qingyue standing beside Master Yuan and a graceful woman he had only met once years ago.
"Lin Hao," Master Yuan called. "Come, don't be shy."
The woman smiled kindly. Her name was Yu Lian, Qingyue's mother. She had a dignified presence, gentle eyes, and an air of quiet strength. Though she said little, she observed everything, and Lin Hao could feel it—her approval wasn't given lightly, but it was his. She had watched him grow. Secretly, she was satisfied with what he had become.
He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master. Aunt Yu."
Yu Lian gave a small nod. "Welcome, Lin Hao. It's good to see you again."
Before another word could be spoken, a voice echoed from the entrance.
"The General has arrived!"
The hall grew quiet. Heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor until a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped through the doorway. His expression was stern, his posture unshakable. His aura was thick, suffocating, like standing before a mountain.
General Yuan Ji, Qingyue's father, had returned.
Lin Hao's eyes narrowed slightly. He could feel it clearly—the man stood at the peak of the Bronze blood realm, the third level of body cultivation. That level of power wasn't just earned; it was forged through war.
Trailing just behind the General was a well-dressed young man, maybe twenty years old, with an elegant demeanor and a confident smile that bordered on arrogance.
"Qingyue," Yuan Ji said, his tone softer as he walked toward his daughter.
"Father…" Qingyue's voice trembled.
He embraced her briefly before placing a hand on Yu Lian's shoulder. "Forgive me for the long absence. From now on, I'll be here."
Yu Lian's eyes moistened, and Qingyue wiped her own tears quietly, nodding.
Only then did General Yuan Ji notice Lin Hao.
Master Yuan stepped in. "This is Lin Hao, my personal disciple."
The General's gaze settled on Lin Hao. He exhaled through his nose—a quiet, unimpressed breath that lingered in the air like a challenge.
"I see."
He turned slightly and gestured toward the young man beside him. "This is Han Yichen, my disciple in the military. He's been called a once-in-a-millennium genius. Came out of nowhere and climbed ranks with unprecedented speed."
Han Yichen stepped forward, bowing toward Yu Lian. "Madam Yuan. A pleasure."
Then he turned to Qingyue, smiling confidently. He reached for her hand with a slight flourish, clearly aiming to kiss it.
Before his lips got close, Qingyue shifted. In one fluid motion, she extended her arm and shook his hand with practiced politeness.
"Welcome to the Yuan estate," she said, her tone neutral.
Han Yichen's smile twitched for a moment.
His eyes then slid toward Lin Hao, narrowing slightly. There was no courtesy in his glance—only subtle contempt.
Qingyue noticed.
She turned to Lin Hao and leaned closer. Her voice was soft enough that only he could hear it.
"You're the only one I trust to train with me."
Lin Hao blinked in surprise, but said nothing. Han Yichen, however, clenched his jaw, and General Yuan Ji's expression shifted.
"Qingyue," the General said. "You should mind your distance. There's no need to be overly familiar with every man."
Qingyue straightened. "Yes, Father."
"Show Han Yichen the estate. He'll be staying with us for a while."
She turned to leave, then looked back at Lin Hao.
"Come with me."
The words hung in the air like a slap.
Han Yichen's expression soured. General Yuan Ji said nothing, but his tightened fist spoke volumes.
Lin Hao followed Qingyue without hesitation.
Neither of them looked back.