A Troubling Sight

Yun Shaoyun walked along the bustling streets of a market town outside the sect, humming to himself. The scent of roasted meat, fresh herbs, and ink from the calligraphy stalls mixed in the air. It was a rare break from training as he is on 1st stage of his bloodline( CHAOS SEED) that helps him to absorb qi energy, and he had planned to enjoy it in peace.

Then he heard it—

Thud!

A muffled groan.

Curious, Yun Shaoyun turned a corner into a narrow alleyway and saw a young Outer Disciple of the Unwavering Sword Sect crumpled on the ground, his robes stained with dust and blood.

Two figures loomed over him. One was a burly man with a cruel smirk, likely a bodyguard or lackey. The other was a richly dressed young man, his silk robes embroidered with golden clouds, a jade ring on his finger glinting in the light.

The young master sneered, flexing his fingers as if he had just delivered the last blow.

"Know your place, you lowly worm. You think you can stand in my way?"

The disciple on the ground coughed, spitting out a bit of blood but refusing to back down. "I already told you… she’s my childhood friend! You can’t just—"

Another kick silenced him.

Yun Shaoyun leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. Ah, so it’s this kind of drama. Classic.

It was always the same: some arrogant rich brat, a helpless victim, and a girl caught in the middle. Yun Shaoyun sighed.

He could walk away… but where was the fun in that?

And besides—his new power practically begged to be tested in ways beyond combat.

Playing the Fool

Yun Shaoyun clapped his hands loudly. "Alright, alright! What a beautiful performance! I rate the kick an 8 out of 10—good form, but lacking grace. And your threats? Oof, very cliché. You should work on that."

The young master’s head snapped toward him, scowling. "Who are you?"

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Yun Shaoyun grinned and strolled forward, helping the beaten disciple sit up. "Oh, I’m just a concerned bystander, moved to tears by your tragic villainy. Really, do you practice this in a mirror?"

The lackey stepped forward aggressively. "Watch your mouth! Do you know who you’re talking to?"

Yun Shaoyun gasped dramatically. "Oh no! A ‘Do you know who I am?’ threat! My greatest weakness!" He placed a hand over his chest mockingly. "Spare me, great young master! I am but a humble Outer Disciple of the Unwavering Sword Sect, a place where actual talent matters more than family background."

The young master's face darkened. "You dare mock me?"

Yun Shaoyun shrugged. "Only if you have the intelligence to realize it."

The lackey lunged forward, but Yun Shaoyun stepped aside casually, letting him trip over the beaten disciple and land flat on his face.

"Oof." Yun Shaoyun winced. "That’s got to hurt."

The watching crowd chuckled.

The young master’s face turned red with anger. "You! You think you’re clever? Do you even know who I am?"

Yun Shaoyun pretended to think. "Hmm… judging by your fragile ego, expensive robes, and inability to win a fight fairly, you must be the young master of some influential but not top-tier family. Am I right?"

The crowd murmured, amused.

The young master gritted his teeth. "I am Xie Zhen of the Xie Family! One word from me, and your life in the Eastern Dragon Empire will be ruined!"

Yun Shaoyun snapped his fingers. "Ah! The Xie Family. That explains a lot. You guys are known for… Hmm, what was it again? Ah! Producing the finest embroidered pillows in the empire!"

Xie Zhen’s face twitched.

"Wait," Yun Shaoyun continued. "Was it pillows? Or was it having the softest-spined young masters in history?"

The crowd burst into laughter. Even the beaten disciple cracked a weak smile.

Xie Zhen’s hand shook with fury. "You… You think you can humiliate me like this?"

Yun Shaoyun’s grin widened. "Oh no, no, no! I don’t think—I know."

Flipping the Tables

Xie Zhen took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that. But words won’t save you when my guards arrive."

Yun Shaoyun sighed. "See, this is why you’ll never be a real threat. You rely on others too much. No personal skill, no real power—just an inherited title and a bunch of yes-men."

Xie Zhen smirked. "And yet, despite all that, I can still have you thrown in jail with one order."

Yun Shaoyun tilted his head. "Hmm. True. But that’s only if you’re still here."

Xie Zhen frowned. "What are you—"

"Look behind you," Yun Shaoyun whispered.

Instinctively, Xie Zhen turned—just in time to see a trio of armored city guards approaching the alley.

Yun Shaoyun casually waved them over. "Ah, officers! Perfect timing! This noble young master was just attacking an Unwavering Sword Sect disciple without provocation. Surely such a respected family as the Xie Clan wouldn’t break imperial law, right?"

Xie Zhen’s eyes widened. "You—!"

Yun Shaoyun leaned in with a smirk. "Run now, and you might be able to spin this as a ‘misunderstanding.’ Stay, and we can find out just how much your family’s influence matters to the law."

Xie Zhen hesitated.

The guards were already too close. His reputation wasn’t enough to directly challenge the Unwavering Sword Sect, not without consequences.

With a furious glare, he turned. "Let’s go!"

The lackey scrambled to his feet, and both fled before the guards could reach them.

As the guards questioned the gathered crowd, Yun Shaoyun helped the injured disciple stand.

"You alright?"

The disciple coughed but nodded. "Thanks… I’m Wei Jun. I didn’t expect someone to step in."

Yun Shaoyun waved off the thanks. "Eh, don’t mention it. Actually, do mention it! Tell people how I, the great Yun Shaoyun, heroically saved the day with my unmatched wit."

Wei Jun chuckled weakly. "I’ll… consider it."

As the two walked out of the alley, Yun Shaoyun asked, "So, what’s this about a childhood friend?"

Wei Jun’s face darkened. "Her name is Lan Xue. We grew up together, and she’s like a sister to me. But Xie Zhen saw her once at a banquet and became obsessed. He’s been pressuring her family to give her to him as a concubine."

Yun Shaoyun clicked his tongue. "Classic scum behavior."

Wei Jun clenched his fists. "She refuses, but her family is afraid. I don’t know how to help. Can you help me with this? I am Grade-4 alchemy student, I can help you spiritual cleansing pill or any other grade 4 pill. "

Yun Shaoyun’s eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh? I can help you with this and also this Xie Zhen sounds like a problem that requires a… special solution. But promise one thing, you will help me to get introduced to your master"

Wei Jun looked at him, confused. "Ok . I promise. But, What are you thinking?", seeing glint in Yun Shaoyun eyes.

Yun Shaoyun smirked. "Oh, don’t worry. I’m just considering how to make Xie Zhen regret ever laying eyes on Lan Xue."

And just like that, his next scheme began.