The morning after the failed engagement was colder than usual, the skies blanketed with gray clouds that mirrored Kael's inner storm. Within the Lin family estate, servants tread carefully, rumors buzzing like flies around a rotting feast.
But in a quieter corner of the compound, Lin Mei knelt beside a tray of medicine. She had prepared it herself—an excuse, perhaps, to visit Kael again.
He opened the door before she could knock, eyes calm, almost unreadable.
"You again," he said, not unkindly.
"You didn't eat anything last night," she replied, holding the tray. "You'll weaken your body before it strengthens."
He smiled faintly and took the tray. "Thank you, Mei."
Her face lit up, but she quickly turned away, pretending to adjust her sleeve. She didn't want him to see her blush.
Kael sat by the window, slowly sipping the warm soup. Outside, he could see the Lin courtyard bustling with visitors. Today, a noble delegation from the Jin family was visiting. The Jin family were famed martial cultivators, and their young heir, Jin Rui, was said to be among the most talented youths in Emberlight City.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Why are they here?" he asked.
Lin Mei sighed. "They say... Jin Rui wants to meet Sister Xue. Rumor says he may ask for her hand."
Kael remained quiet, but his fingers gripped the bowl tighter. Not out of jealousy—he had long known Lin Xue's heart was closed to him—but because the Jin family was known for their arrogance. Jin Rui wasn't coming to ask—he was coming to claim.
"He's coming to parade his strength," Kael murmured.
"And to humiliate you," Lin Mei added, quietly. "Sister Xue refused you by using your cultivation level as an excuse. If Jin Rui humiliates you publicly... it will only confirm everyone's assumptions."
Kael stood. He placed the tray back on the table, his eyes calm as still water, but within that stillness… an unseen storm brewed.
Meanwhile, in the grand reception hall, Jin Rui stood tall and proud, clad in a deep crimson robe embroidered with golden fire serpents. He was eighteen, handsome, and his every movement exuded confidence—or arrogance, depending on who observed.
Lin Xue stood nearby, poised and elegant, her beauty heightened by her cold demeanor. She offered polite greetings, but her eyes betrayed unease.
Jin Rui laughed loudly, flashing his white teeth. "So, Lady Xue, what a fortunate city we live in, where such beauty blooms."
"My gratitude, Young Master Jin," she replied coolly.
He stepped closer. "But tell me—why would such a divine flower accept a cripple as her fiancé?"
Lin Xue's smile froze.
Kael arrived at that moment, entering the hall silently. The crowd quieted as eyes turned toward him—some curious, others mocking.
Jin Rui turned with a smirk. "Ah, the man of the hour."
Kael gave a shallow bow. "Young Master Jin."
Jin Rui chuckled. "I heard you were once engaged to Lady Xue. I must say, she deserves someone who can protect her."
Kael didn't respond immediately. His eyes swept over Jin Rui, then turned to Lin Xue—who, for the first time, looked away.
"Strength," Kael finally said, "is not always what people think it is."
"Oh?" Jin Rui arched a brow. "Shall we test that?"
Gasps filled the room. Lin elders began to protest, but Jin Rui raised a hand.
"Only a light spar," he said. "No spiritual energy. Just basic technique."
It was a trap. If Kael refused, he'd be mocked as a coward. If he accepted and lost, his humiliation would be complete.
Kael stepped forward. "Very well."
The two young men stood in the courtyard. Jin Rui's aura was suppressed, but still heavy. Kael remained calm, his posture unassuming, like a gentle breeze. But as they clashed, Kael moved with unnatural precision.
He dodged the first strike effortlessly, then redirected Jin Rui's second with a subtle shift of his shoulder—using a deflection technique he had secretly mastered from a stolen Wind Sect scroll.
The watching crowd fell silent.
Jin Rui's face twisted in irritation. He lunged, feinting left, striking right. Kael flowed around the attack like water—then, with a single palm strike to Jin Rui's chest, sent him stumbling three steps back.
Not a defeat, but enough to stun the spectators.
Kael bowed slightly. "I believe that concludes our test."
Jin Rui's eyes burned with fury. "You—"
"Enough!" Lin Xue's voice rang out. All eyes turned to her.
She looked at Kael, for the first time, with confusion in her eyes. "You've improved."
He smiled, but his voice was distant. "Did I? Perhaps. Or maybe... you never truly saw me."
He turned and walked away.