The first ray of morning sunlight filtered through the worn window lattice, spilling across Ling Qianxue's exquisite face.
The young woman slowly opened her glazed purple eyes, as if awakening from a dream. Even in such humble surroundings, her beauty remained breathtaking—her obsidian-black hair scattered across the pillow, shimmering with a faint purple luster in the morning light; her skin as white and delicate as condensed cream, so tender it seemed a breath could mar it; her cherry lips slightly parted, her breathing even and elegant.
"Young Miss, it's time to rise," came an aged voice from beyond the door.
"I understand, Uncle Fu," Ling Qianxue responded softly, her voice like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, crisp and melodious.
She sat up, her slender fingers gently caressing the crimson jade pendant at her chest. This was the only memento her mother had left her, warm as fire, radiating a faint warmth even on such a cold morning. Whenever she touched it, Ling Qianxue always felt an inexplicable sense of comfort.
Donning a plain dress that had been washed until it faded yet remained immaculate, Ling Qianxue pushed open her door. What greeted her eyes was the dilapidated courtyard of Ling Manor—the garden that once bloomed with countless flowers now harbored only a few stubborn weeds; the corridors with their carved beams and painted rafters had peeling paint, revealing the rotting wood beneath.
This was the current state of the once-illustrious Duke Ling's Manor.
"Sister Qianxue!" A vibrant voice rang out.
Ling Qianxue looked toward the sound to see a tall youth practicing his punches in the courtyard. The morning light outlined his lean form, his wheat-colored skin covered with a thin sheen of sweat, his dark brown hair gleaming with golden highlights in the sunlight. When those amber eyes looked at her, they were filled with pure concern.
This was Xiao Hanye, the son of a family servant, one year younger than her, and the person closest to her in this world.
"Hanye, practicing so early?" Ling Qianxue smiled softly, like a hundred flowers blooming.
"Yes! Yesterday, Wangteng, the Young Master of Wang from the west side of the city came to cause trouble again, demanding protection money." Xiao Hanye clenched his fists, a flash of anger in his eyes. "I must become stronger to protect Sister Qianxue and Ling Manor."
Ling Qianxue felt warmth in her heart. This youth had always been like this—though still a child himself, he always thought of protecting her.
"Silly child, what is there left in Ling Manor worth coveting?" She sighed softly.
Indeed, ever since the last Awakening Stage ancestor of the Ling family passed away three hundred years ago, the family had never produced another cultivation genius. By her father's generation, they couldn't even reach the Foundation Building Stage. In this Longhua Empire where martial might reigned supreme, having no strength meant having no status.
Even though the Ling family retained their ducal title, in Tiandu City, anyone could step on them.
"Young Miss, Hanye, breakfast is ready," Uncle Fu announced tremblingly, carrying a tray.
The so-called breakfast was merely some coarse grain buns and plain porridge with simple vegetables. In other noble households, breakfast meant delicacies from land and sea, spiritual fruits and divine nectar. But for the current Ling Manor, being able to eat their fill was already fortunate.
Ling Qianxue sat down gracefully. Even while eating such simple fare, her manners remained impeccable. This was the aristocratic upbringing etched into her bones—even if the family had fallen, they could not lose their dignity.
"Sister Qianxue, it's our turn to shop today," Xiao Hanye said while eating his bun. "The people at the market are becoming more and more excessive. When Aunt Li went to buy vegetables yesterday, they deliberately raised the prices, even saying things like 'fallen nobles don't deserve fresh vegetables.'"
Ling Qianxue put down her chopsticks, a flash of helplessness in her eyes. "There's nothing we can do. The Ling family has no cultivators anymore. In this world, strength is everything."
As they spoke, a sudden violent knocking came from the main gate.
"Open up! Wang family business!"
Uncle Fu's face changed as he went trembling to open the door.
Entering was a fat, big-eared middle-aged man—Wang Fugui, the Wang family's steward. Behind him followed seven or eight thugs, each looking fierce and menacing.
"Oh, is Duke Ling at home?" Wang Fugui asked in a mocking tone, though his lecherous gaze swept over Ling Qianxue.
"My father is unwell and resting," Ling Qianxue stood, speaking neither servile nor overbearing. "What brings Steward Wang here?"
"What brings me?" Wang Fugui chuckled, revealing yellowed teeth. "Of course, I'm here to collect protection money. Your Ling Manor sits in our Wang family's territory—shouldn't you pay some tribute each month?"
"Steward Wang jests," Ling Qianxue said calmly. "Ling Manor is a ducal residence. By law, we need not pay any protection fees."
"Law?" Wang Fugui stepped closer, his greedy eyes brazenly roaming over Ling Qianxue's body. "Little beauty, do you think this is still your Ling family's glorious era? In Tiandu City, might makes right!"
Saying this, he actually extended his greasy hand, attempting to touch Ling Qianxue's face.
"Insolent!" Xiao Hanye rushed forward in a flash, blocking Ling Qianxue.
"Oh, the little pup is quite protective of his master," Wang Fugui sneered. "But with your pathetic skills, you dare play hero before me?"
"Steward Wang," Ling Qianxue gently pulled Xiao Hanye back, signaling him to retreat, then spoke composedly, "With such behavior, aren't you afraid of damaging the Wang family's reputation?"
"Reputation?" Wang Fugui leered. "I'm doing you a favor by taking interest in you! Look at your Ling family's current state—if not for your pretty face, who would spare you a glance?"
He licked his lips, the desire in his eyes growing more blatant. "Little beauty, why don't you come with me? I guarantee it'll be better than staying in this broken household. Though I'm just a steward, I have some influence. I can ensure you eat well and live comfortably."
"Exactly!" His lackeys behind him chimed in. "Steward Wang taking interest in you is a blessing from eight lifetimes of cultivation!"
"I'd say, for a woman from such a fallen noble family, becoming Steward Wang's concubine would be reaching above her station!"
"Hehe, this girl's figure is really something. If we could have a taste..."
The vulgar words were unbearable to hear. Xiao Hanye trembled with rage, his fists clenched so tight they cracked.
Yet Ling Qianxue maintained her elegant smile. "Steward Wang, are you aware that the Ministry of Revenue issued new regulations three months ago?"
"What regulations?" Wang Fugui paused.
"Imperial Law Article 237, supplementary clause," Ling Qianxue spoke unhurriedly. "Anyone who speaks disrespectfully to female members of titled nobility shall receive fifty strokes of the cane for minor offenses, or be exiled three thousand li for severe offenses."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Moreover, this law includes collective punishment. The main culprit receives heavier punishment, while accomplices all receive thirty strokes."
Wang Fugui's expression shifted. "Stop trying to scare people!"
"Whether it's a scare, Steward Wang can verify with the Ministry of Revenue." Ling Qianxue produced a document from her sleeve. "This is a copy of the Ministry's official document, bearing Minister's seal."
Wang Fugui took it and saw it was indeed genuine. Sweat began to bead on his forehead.
"Furthermore..." Ling Qianxue continued, "I understand Master Wang is currently vying for an official position that requires the Ministry of Revenue's recommendation. Is Steward Wang certain he wants to cause trouble for Master Wang at this crucial juncture?"
Now Wang Fugui was truly panicked.
Seeing this, Ling Qianxue changed her tone. "Of course, I'm not an unreasonable person. Steward Wang works for the Wang family; collecting some 'tea money' is only human nature. How about this—two taels of silver per month, as a small token of Ling Manor's regard for the Wang family."
"Two taels?" Wang Fugui's eyes bulged. "Are you dismissing a beggar?"
"What does Steward Wang think is appropriate?" Ling Qianxue asked in return.
"At least... at least twenty taels!"
"Steward Wang," Ling Qianxue sighed. "You can see Ling Manor's current situation. Twenty taels—even if you sold me, we couldn't gather that amount. How about this, let me offer you some advice."
"What advice?"
"I heard the gambling house in the east district has been doing good business lately. If Steward Wang is short on funds, why not try your luck there?" Ling Qianxue said meaningfully. "After all, gambling houses make money quickly—certainly better than targeting impoverished families like ours."
Wang Fugui caught the threat in her words—if he continued to harass them, Ling Qianxue would report to Master Wang about his private gambling house operations.
"You..." Wang Fugui was too angry to speak.
"Steward Wang, two taels of silver—this is Ling Manor's greatest sincerity." Ling Qianxue produced two taels of silver. "Please accept this."
Wang Fugui glared at her fiercely and snatched the silver. "You're ruthless! We'll see about this!"
Before leaving, he didn't forget to threaten, "Little girl, don't think you can protect Ling Manor with some clever tricks. In Tiandu City, those without strength will suffer sooner or later! When that time comes, let's see if you can still be so arrogant!"
"Also," he smiled lecherously, "such beauty will bring disaster upon you eventually. Don't say I didn't warn you, hehe..."
After they left, Xiao Hanye said indignantly, "Sister Qianxue, those people are too hateful!"
"You get used to it," Ling Qianxue smiled bitterly. "This is the sorrow of having no strength. If the Ling family still had cultivators, how would they dare be so presumptuous?"
"Sister Qianxue is so clever, actually scaring them away," Xiao Hanye looked at her admiringly.
"It's just a delaying tactic," Ling Qianxue shook her head. "People like Wang Fugui definitely won't let this go. We need to prepare early."
She looked at Xiao Hanye. "Hanye, from today on, you must practice even harder. Though you lack cultivation talent, mastering physical techniques will at least give you some ability to protect yourself."
"I understand!" Xiao Hanye nodded firmly. "I will definitely become stronger, strong enough to protect Sister Qianxue!"
Ling Qianxue was touched and reached out to pat his head. "Silly child, we should become strong together."
This was the reality of the Longhua Empire. Throughout the Eastern Continent, with the Longhua Empire at its head, martial might was revered, and cultivation was supreme. It was said that only ten out of every hundred people possessed cultivation talent. Among those ten, even fewer could awaken elemental attributes.
Ling Qianxue looked up at the sky. Above Tiandu City, cultivators occasionally flew by on their swords—those were all experts who had at least reached the Foundation Building Stage. To ordinary people, they were like deities.
"One day, I'll make everyone look at me with new eyes," Xiao Hanye vowed silently.
After breakfast, Ling Qianxue took Xiao Hanye to the market. She covered her stunning beauty with a plain veil—not out of affectation, but necessary protection. A powerless beauty in such a world was far too dangerous.
The Eastern Market of Tiandu City bustled with activity, various hawkers' cries rising and falling. Cultivators remained high above, while ordinary people struggled for survival below. Ling Qianxue carried a bamboo basket, with Xiao Hanye vigilantly following beside her.
On the way, they passed the city's largest cultivation institution—Tiandu Academy. From within the towering walls came occasional elemental fluctuations—students practicing their combat techniques.
Xiao Hanye stopped, his eyes full of longing. "If only I had cultivation talent, I could enter the academy and truly protect Sister Qianxue."
Ling Qianxue's heart ached. Every spring on Awakening Day, youths under sixteen could test for cultivation talent. Xiao Hanye had tested twice already, with no response either time. Next year would be his last chance—if he still couldn't awaken, it would mean he could never cultivate in this lifetime.
As for herself, she would also face her final deadline at sixteen next year.
"There will be a way," she comforted softly, unconsciously gripping the jade pendant at her chest.
For some reason, whenever her emotions stirred, the pendant always transmitted warmth. It was like her mother gently stroking her head, telling her not to give up.
Returning to Ling Manor, Ling Qianxue saw her father Ling Tianhua sitting in his study, staring blankly. This once-spirited man now appeared utterly dejected. Since his wife's death ten years ago, he had never recovered.
"Father," Ling Qianxue called softly.
"Ah, Qianxue has returned," Ling Tianhua forced a smile. "Was everything smooth today?"
"Everything was fine." Not wanting to worry her father, Ling Qianxue didn't mention the incident with Wang Fugui.
Looking at his daughter's beautiful face, guilt flashed in Ling Tianhua's eyes. "Qianxue, it's father's uselessness that makes you suffer. If your mother were still here..."
His voice choked at this point.
Ling Qianxue walked over and gently held her father's hand. "Father, don't say such things. Mother's spirit in heaven surely wouldn't want to see you like this."
"Your mother..." Ling Tianhua seemed to remember something, hesitating to speak. "She was a very special woman."
"Does father know mother's origins?" Ling Qianxue's heart stirred. Over the years, she had always wanted to know about her mother's background, but her father always avoided the topic.
"I..." Ling Tianhua hesitated. "I only know she came from the south. As for the rest, she never said. Qianxue, promise father you'll take good care of the jade pendant your mother left. Never lose it, no matter what."
"I understand," Ling Qianxue nodded, though doubt arose in her heart.
What was so special about this jade pendant? Why did father value it so highly?
Night fell, and Ling Qianxue sat by her window, reading an ancient text by candlelight. This was one of the few precious books remaining in the manor's library, recording legends from ancient times.
"The Phoenix Clan, the strongest fire-element race of ancient times, mysteriously vanished a thousand years ago..."
Her gaze lingered on this line. For some reason, whenever she read about phoenixes, a peculiar feeling always arose in her heart, as if something was calling to her.
"Sister Qianxue, still awake?" Xiao Hanye's voice came from outside the window.
Ling Qianxue closed the book and walked to the window. In the moonlight, the youth stood beneath a phoenix tree, holding two roasted sweet potatoes.
"I brought you a late-night snack," he smiled bashfully.
Warmth filled Ling Qianxue's heart as she opened the window. "Come up."
Xiao Hanye nimbly climbed to the second floor and handed her the still-steaming sweet potatoes. "Just roasted, careful, they're hot."
The two sat side by side on the windowsill, eating sweet potatoes while gazing at the star-filled sky.
"Sister Qianxue, do you think there might be people cultivating on those stars too?" Xiao Hanye wondered aloud.
"Perhaps," Ling Qianxue laughed softly. "They say those who reach the Mythical Stage can shatter the void and roam the galaxy."
"The Mythical Stage..." Xiao Hanye's eyes were full of yearning. "How powerful that must be."
Ling Qianxue remained silent. For ordinary people like them, let alone the Mythical Stage, even the Awakening Stage was a luxury.
"Sister Qianxue," Xiao Hanye suddenly turned, looking at her earnestly. "No matter what happens in the future, I will protect you. Even without cultivation talent, I'll use these fists to carve out a world for you."
Moonlight illuminated the youth's determined face, those amber eyes filled with sincerity and resolve.
Ling Qianxue's heart trembled. This youth had always been like this, from childhood to now, always putting her first.
"Fool," she reached out to ruffle his hair. "We should become strong together, not have you protect me alone."
"Yes!" Xiao Hanye nodded vigorously, a brilliant smile blooming on his face.
Deep into the night, after Xiao Hanye left, Ling Qianxue sat alone by the window. She removed the jade pendant, examining it carefully.
Under the moonlight, the pendant gleamed with an extraordinary luster. Faintly, she seemed to see the shadow of a fire phoenix flash by.
"Mother, who exactly were you?" she murmured to herself.
Just then, a shrill scream suddenly pierced the night's tranquility from the distance.