The disciples trudged back onto the road, the weight of the ambush still clinging to their shoulders. For many, this was the first time they had seen true killing intent—not sparring matches, not training duels, but death. And the one who had carried them through it all walked at the back of the group, sipping tea from a gourd as though he'd done nothing more than swat a few flies.Jiang Hao hummed faintly, his eyes half-closed.Lin Xueyao stomped up beside him, her expression tight with irritation. "You should at least pretend to take this seriously! What if another squad comes after us?"Jiang Hao tilted his head, as if genuinely confused. "Then I'll deal with them. Like I just did. Problem solved.""That's not the point!" she snapped, glaring at him. "Do you ever think ahead? Do you realize what this means? The Demon Sect now has your name. Your face. Your strength.""Mm. Tragic," Jiang Hao replied dryly, sipping again.She nearly exploded. "Tragic?! That's all you have to say?""Should I say 'tragic' with more feeling?" He deepened his voice, raising a hand in mock drama. "Tragic!"Several disciples snickered.Lin Xueyao's face turned crimson. "Stop making light of this!"Mei Ling's soft laughter floated between them, a gentle bell-like sound that eased the tension. "Senior Sister, he's teasing you.""I know that!" Lin Xueyao barked, her cheeks burning hotter.Jiang Hao smirked faintly, enjoying the rare chance to see her flustered. She's too easy to provoke.As the group walked, disciples began whispering behind them."Did you see how he flicked the assassin across the valley? Just like that!""And the tea—he used tea as a weapon. Who does that?""He's… he's so cool…""And handsome. Don't forget handsome."Lin Xueyao's ears twitched at the last part. She turned on the juniors like a wolf. "Focus on the mission, not on ridiculous thoughts!"The disciples ducked their heads, murmuring apologies.Jiang Hao, however, raised an eyebrow, faint amusement dancing in his eyes. Handsome, huh? He glanced at Lin Xueyao just long enough to see the flush still staining her cheeks.Mei Ling walked quietly beside him, her serene gaze scanning the trees. She seemed calm, but there was a subtle softness in her eyes whenever they lingered on him."Thank you," she said suddenly.Jiang Hao glanced her way. "For what?""For protecting us. Even if you act like it was nothing."He shrugged, sipping again. "It was nothing."She smiled, the kind of smile that warmed like spring sunlight. "Perhaps. But still… thank you."Lin Xueyao groaned. "Don't encourage him, Junior Sister Mei Ling! He'll never stop acting smug.""Smug? Me?" Jiang Hao placed a hand on his chest, feigning innocence. "I'm the picture of humility. I nap under trees, I make tea, I avoid trouble. Truly, I am a humble man."Several disciples snorted laughter. Even Mei Ling giggled softly, covering her lips with her sleeve.Lin Xueyao pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm going to lose my mind before this mission ends…"By the time they reached the outer foothills of Azure Heaven Sect, the sun was dipping low, casting the mountains in gold. The delegation was weary but unscathed, and that fact alone brought relief to the elders who rushed to greet them.When reports of the ambush were given, shock and outrage rippled through the ranks. Demon Sect assassins this close to sect borders? Unthinkable.Lin Xueyao reported the details crisply, her voice steady, though her eyes flicked once toward Jiang Hao before she quickly looked away.Mei Ling quietly filled in gaps, her words painting Jiang Hao in a softer light. She didn't exaggerate—she didn't need to—but the way she phrased it made his casual defense sound almost noble.The elders frowned deeply."We must inform the Sect Master.""The Demon Sect grows bold.""This Jiang Hao… perhaps he should be…"But before anything harsher could be suggested, a firm voice cut through the murmurs.Elder Yan—the man second only to the Sect Master, Jiang Hao's master—stepped into the courtyard. His sharp eyes swept across the group before softening ever so slightly on Jiang Hao."You've returned," Elder Yan said. His tone carried authority, yet warmth hid beneath it. "Unharmed, I see. That is enough."Several elders looked uneasy. "But Elder Yan, the boy's power—""Is his own business," Elder Yan interrupted, his gaze turning like a blade. "Do not forget whose disciple he is."The protests died instantly. No one wished to test Elder Yan's wrath.He turned back to Jiang Hao, his sternness fading into something almost paternal. "Good work, boy. Come, walk with me."Jiang Hao blinked, then shrugged, falling into step beside him.Lin Xueyao and Mei Ling exchanged glances."His master really does treat him like family," Mei Ling whispered.Lin Xueyao folded her arms, conflicted. "That may be true… but it only means the sect will rely on him more. And knowing him…" She shot a glare at Jiang Hao's relaxed shoulders as he walked away. "…he'll keep pretending it's nothing."Mei Ling smiled faintly. "And maybe that's what makes him so different."The quiet of Elder Yan's courtyard was a stark contrast to the restless buzz filling the sect beyond. Moonlight spilled over the stone path, the fragrance of plum blossoms drifting in the cool night air.Jiang Hao trailed behind his master, hands tucked in his sleeves, teacup balanced perfectly in one palm. Elder Yan walked slowly, but his back was straight, his presence commanding even in silence.At last, the old man stopped beneath a blooming plum tree. "Sit," he said simply.Jiang Hao dropped onto a stone bench with no ceremony, taking a slow sip. "You called me back for a tea session? I should warn you, I already drank half a pot."Elder Yan's lips twitched in something that almost resembled amusement. "You joke, but you know why I called you here.""Because I'm handsome?"The elder smacked his cane against the stone with a sharp crack. "Because you are reckless."Jiang Hao raised an eyebrow. "Reckless? I saved everyone without a scratch. Isn't that the opposite of reckless?""You revealed yourself." Elder Yan's eyes narrowed, cutting like blades. "The Demon Sect has always been watching, probing. They will not let this pass. You've caught their attention—whether you intended to or not."Jiang Hao shrugged. "I didn't intend to. They attacked first. I just wanted to finish my tea before it cooled."Elder Yan pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like a curse. For all his wisdom, Jiang Hao was the one disciple who consistently tested his patience.Still, when he looked at the young man again, his gaze softened. "Boy… do you think I don't see what you're doing? You hide your true strength. You keep to yourself. You claim you only wish to live quietly, without drawing the heavens' eye.""Exactly," Jiang Hao said, nodding. "Nine to five, Master. That's my rule. No overtime, no unnecessary heroics. You taught me balance, didn't you?"Elder Yan's expression wavered between pride and exasperation. "…You twist my teachings in ways that make my head ache.""Consider it a gift," Jiang Hao said dryly.The old man barked a laugh despite himself. He leaned heavily on his cane, staring up at the plum blossoms above them. "You remind me of your father."Jiang Hao blinked. "My father?"Elder Yan's eyes softened further, his voice low. "Your spirit… carries a weight older than this life. You hide it well, but not from me. Sometimes, I wonder if the heavens themselves sent you here for a reason."Jiang Hao frowned faintly. He's too close for comfort. Out loud, he said, "If the heavens did send me, they owe me back pay for all the overtime."Elder Yan stared at him, then chuckled, shaking his head. "Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless."For a long moment, they stood in companionable silence. The night wind stirred the branches, scattering petals that drifted across Jiang Hao's shoulders.Finally, Elder Yan's tone grew serious again. "Listen well, boy. The Demon Sect will come again. Stronger. Smarter. You must be ready—not just for yourself, but for those who look to you. The disciples, the sect… Lin Xueyao. Mei Ling."At the mention of their names, Jiang Hao's brow twitched ever so slightly. "They're strong enough. They don't need me.""They need you more than you think," Elder Yan said firmly. His voice carried not only authority, but something deeper—fatherly care. "Don't push them away forever."Jiang Hao tilted his head, gaze distant. "I'm not good at that sort of thing, Master.""You don't have to be. Just… be yourself." Elder Yan sighed. "As irritating as that can be, it seems to work."Jiang Hao's lips curved in the faintest smirk. "So you admit it. I'm perfect.""Perfectly aggravating.""Details," Jiang Hao said, sipping again.Elder Yan rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his gaze lingered. "Go on. Rest. Tomorrow, the sect will send you on another mission. It seems the heavens have decided you won't have the peace you crave just yet."Jiang Hao groaned. "Overtime again."But as he rose and turned to leave, there was a flicker in his eyes—something ancient, restrained, waiting. Beneath the lazy exterior, the sealed power of an immortal pulsed quietly, unnoticed by all but the sharpest gaze.Elder Yan watched him go, the petals still drifting in the night air. His expression was thoughtful, even worried."Boy… if you truly wish for peace, you'll have to fight harder than anyone else."
