The faint glow of dusk painted long shadows across the training hall as Ye Hann stood silently, his gaze fixed on the worn edges of his mother’s jade pendant. His fingers traced the cool surface, memories slipping through his mind like echoes from another life.

  He closed his eyes.

  The voice was clear—Ruoqi’s voice

  He remembered brushing her off, blinded by Xian Yue’s soft smiles and Jianxun’s warm camaraderie. He had been a fool, and it had cost him everything.

  But they were. He just couldn’t see it. Not until it was too late.

  Ye Hann opened his eyes, his grip tightening on the pendant. Not this time.

  [Ye Hann’s Residence, Late Evening]

  Stacks of documents lay open on the desk before him. Names, trade routes, political connections—all linked to the Yao Clan

  A soft knock on the door interrupted his focus. It was Uncle Wei

  Uncle Wei

  “You asked me to look into Yao Pharmaceuticals.”

  Ye Hann nodded, motioning for him to continue.

  Uncle Wei

  “They’ve been moving products through the northern docks. High-value, unregistered. Word is, they’re greasing palms to keep things quiet.”

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  Ye Hann smiled faintly.

  “Just like before…”

  Uncle Wei tilted his head.

  “Before?”

  Ye Hann’s eyes darkened.

  “Let’s just say, I’ve seen this play out once already.”

  He reached into his drawer, pulling out a slip of paper with neatly written coordinates and times. He handed it to Uncle Wei.

  Ye Hann

  “Make sure this finds its way to Yao Longyuan’s ears. It’s a —one where I’m supposed to be selling off rare materials.”

  Uncle Wei’s brows rose.

  “A trap?”

  Ye Hann shook his head.

  “An invitation.”

  Uncle Wei smirked, tucking the note away.

  “Consider it done.”

  As the door clicked shut, Ye Hann leaned back, eyes narrowing.

  [Rooftop Overlooking the City, Midnight]

  Ye Hann stood with his hands in his pockets, looking down at the sprawling lights below. From up here, the world seemed almost serene. Almost innocent. But he knew better.

  His mind drifted back to Ruoqi

  The thought lingered like a splinter in his mind.

  But there was no going back. Only forward.

  [The Old Cargo Yard, Nightfall]

  The air was damp and heavy with mist. Shadows flickered across the towering crates and rusted containers. Ye Hann stood alone, hands still in his pockets, his face expressionless.

  Footsteps approached—three figures cloaked in dark coats, their eyes glinting with predatory intent.

  The leader stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips.

  “You must be brave or stupid to come alone.”

  Ye Hann chuckled.

  “I figured I’d save you the trouble of searching.”

  The man’s eyes flared with anger, but before he could react, Ye Hann raised his hand. The ground shimmered beneath their feet—an array of qi threads

  Their faces twisted with shock.

  Ye Hann stepped forward calmly, his voice low and controlled.

  “Give Yao Longyuan a message. Tell him… this is just the beginning.”

  The leader struggled against the bindings, eyes filled with rage.

  “You think you can take on the Yao Clan alone?”

  Ye Hann leaned in, his voice barely a whisper.

  “I don’t need to. You’ll destroy yourselves. I’ll just help you along the way.”

  He released the formation, watching them stumble before they scrambled away, dragging their wounded pride with them.

  [Ye Hann’s Study, Midnight]

  Back at his desk, Ye Hann sat alone, fingers tapping the jade pendant around his neck. His eyes flickered with quiet determination.

  Outside his window, the city lights flickered—and somewhere out there, the Yao Clan was beginning to understand that the game had changed. And Ye Hann was holding the pieces.

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