The warm welcome

What is the life of Yun Jin, the Limitless Blade?

Born a prodigy, Yun Jin carried the weight of expectations from the moment he drew his first breath. As the son of one of Wudang’s great pillars and a mother from the illustrious Moon Orchid Clan, his destiny had seemed inescapably grand. Many sought to tether themselves to his rising star, with clans vying to offer their daughters, each promising alliances of wealth and power.

But Yun Jin had been taught early how to navigate this world of smiles hiding daggers. His mother had ensured that.

"If you want to marry someone," she had once said, her tone deceptively light as she combed his hair. "Pick someone who can beat you. At least you’ll know they aren’t just after what you have."

That simple advice had shaped him. It wasn’t just a way to fend off suitors; it became a lens through which he viewed the world. Yun Jin had spent his life perfecting his craft, knowing that his talents, looks, and status made him a target. The more he excelled, the more he attracted attention—not all of it welcome.

Even now, he could see through people’s veils. It wasn’t paranoia; it was survival. And while he didn’t act hostile without reason, there were moments when his instincts flared, warning him of hidden dangers.

Moments like this one.

After shaking the woman’s hand, he knew something was amiss. She was strong. Stronger than the petty thief she claimed as her accomplice. Her grip, though delicate, carried an underlying force that only someone trained would recognize.

It was all a performance, and he had no intention of playing along.

--

The woman’s demeanor shifted like the flip of a coin. Gone was the sweet, innocent charm, replaced by a cold, detached expression. Her eyes sharpened, and her voice lost its warmth as she turned to the unconscious thief. “Get up,” she barked, her tone curt.

But the thief didn’t stir.

Her jaw tightened, and a flicker of panic crossed her face before she quickly masked it. She turned back to Yun Jin, her composure seemingly restored. “You’re perceptive,” she said flatly. “I’ll admit it—I was sent here with orders to befriend you and gather information about your intentions.”

Yun Jin remained silent, his expression unreadable, his hand still resting casually on the hilt of his sword.

Her voice grew firmer, as though trying to wrest control of the situation. “Who are you, and why are you visiting this town? Who sent you?”

Yun Jin’s gaze bore into hers, calm yet unyielding. “I’m here to visit the House of Altheron,” he said evenly. “Anything beyond that is none of your business.”

The woman frowned, clearly dissatisfied. “You expect me to just accept that answer? If you’re here for—”

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“Enough,” Yun Jin cut her off, his voice dropping a note colder. “Next time, don’t bother scheming. But be warned—next time, I attack first.”

She froze, startled by the steel in his tone. Before she could muster a response, Yun Jin turned and walked away, motioning for Merlin to follow.

As they disappeared into the bustling streets, the woman stood rooted in place, her fists clenched at her sides.

--

The canal reflected the pale moonlight, its tranquil surface a stark contrast to the lavish mansion that stood beside it. Inside, a stunning woman reclined on a velvet chaise lounge, a glass of crimson wine held delicately in her manicured fingers. Her red dress clung to her figure, accentuating her elegance and power. A handsome servant stood behind her, his strong hands kneading her shoulders with practiced ease.

She exhaled contentedly, swirling the wine in her glass. “Perfect,” she murmured. “A woman should always be at peace.”

The door to the room burst open, shattering the tranquil atmosphere. A man and a woman rushed in, bowing low, their expressions tense. They dragged an unconscious thief between them, his body limp as they dropped him unceremoniously to the floor. The sound of his body hitting the polished tiles made the woman’s perfectly arched brow twitch in annoyance.

Her piercing gaze turned to the intruders. “You dare disturb my peace?” Her voice was soft, yet it carried an edge sharp enough to cut glass. “Speak. Quickly.”

The spy straightened, her face pale under the scrutiny of the woman’s golden eyes. “Madam, I bring urgent news,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I encountered someone... someone strong. He’s headed to the House of Altheron.”

The woman waved a dismissive hand, her interest clearly lacking. “The House of Altheron entertains many guests. Why should I care about one more?”

“Because,” the spy insisted, “he knocked my brother out with just two punches.”

The thief, now stirring on the floor, groaned weakly. “Two punches,” he muttered, his voice hoarse. “The second one hurt like hell. I thought I was done for.”

The woman’s wine glass paused mid-air as her eyes narrowed. “Two punches?” Her lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Interesting. What else?”

The spy hesitated, her hands clenching at her sides. “He saw through my act immediately. No hesitation. It was as if he could see straight into my intentions. I couldn’t even buy a moment to deceive him.”

The woman tilted her head, studying the spy with a mixture of amusement and contempt. “You, the pupil of the Thousand Masks Thief, bested by a single man?” She laughed lightly, a sound that sent a shiver down the spy’s spine. “How utterly disappointing.”

The spy’s brother rubbed his neck, his bruised pride evident. “He’s no ordinary man, Madam. His strength... it’s unnatural.”

The woman’s smile faded as her eyes turned cold and calculating. She swirled her wine absentmindedly. “A man who can see through deception and possesses such power. Interesting indeed.”

She placed the glass down on the table beside her, standing gracefully. “If he’s heading to the House of Altheron, I need to know why. If his presence disrupts my plans... well, I’ll deal with him myself.”

The spy and her brother exchanged uneasy glances. “What are your orders, Madam?”

“For now, we observe. I’ll dispatch someone more... capable to keep tabs on him,” she said with a smirk. “If he proves too dangerous, we’ll take action. And if he’s merely passing through, we’ll let him be.” She turned her sharp gaze to them. “You both should hope it’s the latter. I’d hate to clean up another mess.”

The spy and her brother bowed deeply, murmuring their thanks before retreating from the room.

Left alone, the woman waved her servant away, her demeanor shifting as she walked to a window overlooking the canal. The cool night air brushed against her face, but her mind was far from tranquil.

“That old man...” she whispered, her voice carrying an undertone of suspicion.

“Has he started moving against me already?”