A black BMW X5 sped down the street like lightning, kicking up dust in its wake. Inside the car, Jun Haotian's handsome, fair face bore a mischievous smile. Having fled from an arranged marriage, Jun Haotian embraced the principle of hiding in plain sight, living alone in Binhai, the economic hub of the entire country.
It had been two years since he arrived in Binhai. Meeting Yun Lao might have been a coincidence, yet it was no ordinary one. To this day, Jun Haotian couldn't believe that such a scholarly, extraordinary, and charismatic old man would run a street stall in Binhai's City God Temple.
Under Yun Lao's tutelage, Jun Haotian learned many things that ordinary people couldn't fathom. For instance, he developed a passion for carving, the only skill he, a notorious playboy, could take pride in. However, the thought of Yun Lao's relentless training still made him shiver. Two thousand knife strokes a day—no ordinary person could endure that.
As the sky darkened and the moon began to rise, trees on either side of the road sped past.
"Guanyin Sea, Guanyin Sea!" Jun Haotian muttered, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he anticipated the challenge.
Soon, the BMW reached Guanyin Sea. The sound of the waves echoed, reflecting the full moon and stirring emotions. Legend had it that this sea was the closest place to Guanyin's realm and where Guanyin attained enlightenment. Usually, it was crowded with people, but it was late now, and only a few scattered lights were visible in the darkness.
As Jun Haotian parked the car, he barely had time to take in the sight of the sea when something strange happened. Figures glided in from the roaring sea, flying through the air. Jun Haotian's mouth dropped open. "Ancient martial artists? Am I hallucinating? How dare they use martial arts so openly?"
Before he could process his shock, the figures landed on the beach in front of him, seemingly ignoring his presence. It was clear that these individuals were not ordinary martial artists but from an extraordinary realm.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Three figures had descended, with a young woman in the center. Her icy, elegant demeanor was complemented by a white dress fluttering in the wind, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her clear eyes and ethereal aura made her seem almost otherworldly.
Flanking her were two menacing figures in ghost masks, exuding a chilling aura.
"You've been following me for three days. Who are you?" the woman finally spoke, her voice cold and emotionless, devoid even of anger.
"Phoenix Smile, Dance of the Nine Heavens. Phoenix Miss should know why we’re following you," one ghost-masked figure replied.
"Phoenix Grass?"
"Smart! I like dealing with smart people," the ghost-masked man chuckled.
From his car, Jun Haotian heard everything clearly, his heart skipping a beat. Snow jade wood and Phoenix Grass were priceless treasures. Who were these people?
Despite his anxiety, Jun Haotian couldn’t help but be captivated by the girl named Phoenix. Lost in admiration, he murmured, "So beautiful, like a celestial being. Pure and noble."
His words caught the attention of the ghost-masked men. One sneered, "Didn't expect such an interesting kid here!"
The other one threatened, "Kid, leave now, or you’ll die horribly!"
Jun Haotian, fearless by nature, raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Two grown men bullying a girl—don’t you find that shameful?"
The ghost-masked man scoffed, "Mind your own business!"
In a flash, the man attacked, a terrifying light beam shooting from his hand.
"Light ability!" Phoenix exclaimed, stepping in front of Jun Haotian and summoning a golden flame in her hand to counter the beam, but it pushed her back.
"Who would have thought the Ice Goddess of the Feng family would save a kid? People in the circle would laugh their heads off!" the ghost-masked man mocked.
"It’s none of your business! I save who I want!" Phoenix snapped, turning to Jun Haotian. "Run!"
"No," Jun Haotian said firmly, stepping out of the car to stand in front of Phoenix. "You two look like ghosts. So ugly. As an artist, I can't tolerate such ugliness in the world!"
The ghost-masked man sneered, "Think you can play hero?"
"Go!" Phoenix urged, a drop of sweat on her beautiful forehead, but Jun Haotian’s mischievous face was resolute. Looking at Phoenix, he said, "I’ll protect you!"
Phoenix’s icy demeanor softened, surprised and slightly moved.
The ghost-masked man laughed coldly, "Since you won’t leave, you can both go to hell!"