Five years had passed since the sacrifice of Natsou, the Master of Water, whose name was whispered with a mix of reverence and regret throughout the land of Gwangnan. Life had moved on, but the shadow of the Demon King still lingered, a constant reminder of the fragile peace bought with a life.

At the Masaru family residence, a different kind of storm was brewing. Lin, a woman weathered by life but with a warmth in her eyes, sighed as she called out, "Yuri!"

(Where has that boy wandered off to this time?) she wondered, her voice laced with a familiar exasperation.

From the distance, a reply echoed, "I'm here, Mother! Must you always shout?" It was Yuri, her son, a young man teetering on the edge of adulthood, with a spirit as restless as the wind.

"Where have you been gallivanting?" Lin asked, her hands on her hips.

Yuri sauntered into view, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I merely went to the market. Behold," he declared, flourishing a bundle of clothes, "I acquired new garments."

Lin raised an eyebrow. "New clothes? Your wardrobe is already overflowing."

Yuri shrugged, a carefree gesture that belied a deeper restlessness. "Why not indulge? They were on sale, after all," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. (Such exquisite designs!) he thought to himself, admiring the intricate patterns.

Lin couldn't help but smile, despite herself. "It is rather excessive, but alas, son. Let us retire indoors; you have a visitor."

The lightness in Yuri's eyes vanished, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "A visitor?" he asked, his voice flat.

(No, not that persistent nuisance again!) he thought, a wave of irritation washing over him.

"Nay, Mother! I refuse to go," he declared, his feet planted firmly on the ground.

Lin's expression softened. "Why ever not?"

Yuri's face twisted into a grimace. "It is that girl with the unruly tresses, is it not?"

Lin's eyebrows shot up. (Unruly tresses?) she thought, a disapproving frown creasing her forehead. "Such a discourteous observation, son," she chided gently.

Before Lin could say another word, a voice, sweet and melodic, rang out, "Oh, good afternoon, Yuri." A young woman with a radiant smile stepped into view. It was Yoona, a childhood friend whose affections for Yuri were as obvious as the sun in the sky.

Yuri's face hardened. (Not this again!) he thought, a surge of frustration coursing through him.

Without a word, Yuri turned and fled to his chambers, abandoning his newly acquired attire on the ground.

Lin sighed, shaking her head. (This tiresome charade again.)

Turning to Yoona, she offered a warm smile. "Forgive his impoliteness, dear."

Yoona's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "It is of no consequence, Mrs. Masaru," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness.

Lin patted Yoona's hand reassuringly. "Do stay for dinner; I shall have a word with him."

Yoona nodded, her eyes fixed on the closed door. "Very well..."

Within the confines of Yuri's chamber, a different kind of battle was being waged.

Yuri paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. (Why must she be so relentlessly persistent?) he wondered, his frustration growing with each step.

His gaze fell upon the clothes he had abandoned, a pang of regret shooting through him. "Where are the clothes I purchased?" he muttered to himself, his fingers twitching with longing.

He rushed to the window, peering out into the courtyard below. "Nooooo, I left them outside!" he groaned, his face contorted in dismay.

(I cannot endure an encounter with that woman again!) he thought, a shiver of aversion running down his spine.

A soft knock echoed from the other side of the door. It was Lin, her voice gentle and coaxing. "Yuri? I am preparing a meal. I shall prepare your cherished dishes; emerge for dinner, won't you?"

Yuri pressed his lips together, refusing to respond. (Silence prevails.)

Lin sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of warning. "Son, do not be discourteous to Yoona, understood? Offer her an apology later," she instructed, her words laced with a mother's unwavering resolve. (I shall prepare his favorites. He cannot resist, and he shall surely emerge later.)

With that, Lin's footsteps faded away, leaving Yuri alone with his thoughts.

(Nay! I shall not succumb to her tactics!) he vowed, his eyes hardening with determination.

He glanced around the room, his gaze landing on the open window. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "I must abscond!" he declared, a plan forming in his mind.

(Aha! I can escape through the window!) he thought, a surge of excitement coursing through him.

Without hesitation, Yuri leaped from the window, landing silently on the soft earth below. "Woo! (Triumph!)" he whispered, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Free from the confines of his home, Yuri returned to the bustling market, a place where he felt a sense of belonging amidst the chaos.

The market was a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, a vibrant tapestry of humanity woven together by commerce and camaraderie. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, roasted meats, and freshly baked bread, a symphony of scents that both tantalized and overwhelmed the senses.

"There are far too many enticing wares today," Yuri muttered to himself, his eyes darting from stall to stall, taking in the array of goods on display.

As he wandered through the throng, a voice, raspy and weathered, called out to him. "Greetings, young sir. The weather is becoming rather sweltering, is it not?"

Yuri turned to see an elderly woman, her face etched with wrinkles that spoke of a life lived under the harsh sun. (What is the purpose of this elderly woman's inquiry?) he wondered, a flicker of suspicion crossing his mind.

The woman smiled, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "You appear rather flushed. I am peddling fans here, and they are currently on sale," she said, gesturing towards a table laden with colorful fans.

Yuri's eyes lit up. "Indeed!?"

The woman nodded, her smile widening. "Aye, young sir. Take a gander."

Yuri approached the table, his fingers itching to examine the wares. He reached out and gently touched one of the fans, admiring its intricate design. (I have neglected to bring any currency with me.) he realized with a sinking feeling.

As he turned to leave, his hand brushed against another fan, and with a sickening tear, it ripped.

Yuri gasped, his eyes widening in shock. (A gasp of shock escapes his lips.)

The elderly woman's smile vanished, replaced by a stern frown. "Did you just damage my merchandise!?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Yuri recoiled, his face flushed with embarrassment. "What? I did no such thing!"

The woman's frown deepened. "You broke it; you must pay for it!"

Yuri's temper flared. "WHAT!?"

(I have just fled from my own abode!) he thought, a wave of frustration washing over him.

The woman's eyes narrowed. "If you fail to compensate me, I shall report you to the authorities," she threatened, her voice rising.

Yuri's face contorted in anger. "Report me?"

The woman nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Aye!"

Yuri scoffed, his hands clenching into fists. "Hark, woman! I am capable of purchasing all of these fans, and I could even acquire your entire establishment if I so desired!"

The woman's lips curled into a sneer. "You! Then pay for this one! You broke it!"

Yuri sputtered, his face turning red with rage. "I was merely inspecting it, and it tore; what shoddy craftsmanship," he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The woman's patience finally snapped. "You! I shall report you this instant!" she shrieked, her voice piercing the air.

With a swift movement, the woman summoned the cultivators who patrolled the market, their presence a symbol of law and order in this bustling hub.

Yuri's eyes widened in alarm. (Nay! I must flee!) he thought, a surge of panic coursing through him.

Without a second thought, Yuri turned and fled, his feet pounding against the cobblestone streets.

"There! Halt that scoundrel! He is a thief!" the woman shrieked, her voice echoing through the market.

Yuri gritted his teeth, his heart pounding in his chest. (Thief, my foot! I shall have my revenge. Just you wait, you shrew!)

The cultivators, their faces grim, gave chase, their footsteps thundering behind him.

"How can this lad run with such alacrity?" one of the cultivators exclaimed, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Heavy panting.

"Is he a cultivator himself, perhaps?" the other cultivator wondered, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

They rounded a corner, their eyes scanning the crowded streets. "Where has he gone?"

One of the cultivators spotted a figure darting into a side alley. "Behold, over there! I shall pursue him," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

"Understood!" the other cultivator replied, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Yuri, his lungs burning and his legs aching, finally managed to shake off his pursuers.

He collapsed against a wall, his body trembling with exhaustion. (Sighs.) (I have eluded them.)

After catching his breath, Yuri cautiously peeked around the corner, his eyes scanning the streets for any sign of the cultivators. Satisfied that he was safe, he straightened up and continued on his way.

As he wandered through the back alleys, his ears perked up at the sound of music and laughter. Drawn by the commotion, he followed the sound until he came to a small, unassuming building.

A sign above the door read, "Gwangnan Puppet Show - Tales of Heroes and Legends." Intrigued, Yuri hesitated for a moment before pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The room was dimly lit, filled with the chatter of children and the murmur of adults. A small stage was set up at the front of the room, and a crowd had gathered to watch the performance.

Yuri, drawn in by the festive atmosphere, found an empty seat and settled in to watch the show.

As the lights dimmed and the curtains rose, a hush fell over the crowd. The puppet show began, and Yuri found himself captivated by the story that unfolded before him.

"Twenty-one years ago, here in Gwangnan, a girl was born; she possessed hair as white as snow and skin as pale as moonlight," the narrator began, his voice booming through the room. The only girl into the whole Hiwari clan "She was destined to slay the Demon King, and her father named her 'Natsou.' She was born of both demon and divine lineage. Her father, Hiro, trained her to become a cultivator at the tender age of nine."

Yuri rolled his eyes. (Oh, this tale again. The Hero of Gwangnan.)

"Thus, she became the Master of Water," the narrator continued, his voice filled with reverence. "She vanquished numerous demons on her missions. But then, chaos descended."

The audience gasped, their eyes wide with anticipation.

Yuri scoffed. (Such melodrama.)

"The barrier that her father had forged in the demon realm shattered," the narrator boomed, his voice echoing through the room. "Consequently, demons slaughtered countless humans. Cultivators clashed with them. Natsou battled hundreds of demons in the demon realm single-handedly. She encountered the Demon King, her own grandfather. They engaged in a fierce battle; Natsou managed to inflict wounds upon the Demon King, but she sustained injuries herself. The Demon King, a craven at heart, summoned his malevolent preceptors, who cornered Natsou. She was unable to continue the fight."

Yuri's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. He had heard the story of Natsou countless times, but something about the way the narrator told it this time struck a chord within him.

The audience gasped, their faces etched with sorrow.

Yuri bit his lip, a strange mixture of emotions swirling within him. (Again, excessive.)

"Thus, Natsou realized she had made an error. Due to her impulsiveness following her father's demise, she was on the precipice of death," the narrator continued, his voice filled with grief. "She knew she could not allow the demons to triumph. Natsou made a momentous decision; with all of her power, she created a new barrier in the demon realm, sacrificing her natural energy and her very life. And thus, Natsou's barrier shielded us from the demons."

Yuri's face softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. He had always dismissed Natsou as a naive and impulsive hero, but now, for the first time, he began to see her in a different light.

The audience erupted into a heated debate, their voices filled with passion. Some praised Natsou for her selflessness, while others criticized her for her recklessness.

Yuri, overwhelmed by the noise and the intensity of the emotions, stood up to leave. (Too noisy.)

As he turned to exit, a small voice piped up, "Look, that man! He resembles her, sir."

Yuri froze, his heart skipping a beat.

"Who?" the narrator asked, his voice curious.

The child pointed a finger at Yuri. "White hair and white skin."

A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to Yuri.

Murmurs rippled through the room, their voices filled with suspicion and unease.

"Aye," one of the women whispered, her eyes narrowed.

"He appears peculiar; he looks like a girl," one of the men muttered, his face contorted in disgust.

Yuri's face flushed with anger. "Are you all mad!?" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with indignation. "I am a man!"

He glared at the crowd, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Hmpt. (Madmen.)"

With a surge of anger, Yuri turned and yanked open the door, determined to escape the scrutiny of the crowd. But as he did so, he found himself face to face with two familiar figures.

"Halt, young man!" one of the cultivators exclaimed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Yuri's eyes widened in shock.

"Gotcha!" the other cultivator declared, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Yuri's heart

End of chapter 1

"Yuri!?" Yoona's voice pierced the air, laced with a mixture of surprise and concern.

Cultivator 1, a man hardened by years of training, turned his gaze towards her. "Do you know him?"

Yoona hesitated, her mind racing. "I'm his..."

Before she could formulate a plausible explanation, Yuri interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Servant!"

Yoona's eyes widened in confusion, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and hurt.

Cultivator 1 raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Servant?"

Yoona stammered, "Ah, yes, I'm his servant. I'm here to take him out."

Cultivator 1 studied her for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "Well, Miss. We just need some questionings, would you mind?"

Yoona swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "Oh, sure..."

With a sigh of resignation, Yoona followed the cultivator, leaving Yuri standing alone in the puppet show house.

Yuri clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tsk. (Why does she have to be here?)"

Minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, the cultivator returned, his expression apologetic.

"Okay, you're out now," he announced, his voice tinged with regret.

Yuri, his arms crossed and his face set in a scowl, retorted, "What took you so long?"

Cultivator 1 rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes darting nervously. "Oh, well. We're sorry, we didn't know you're from the Masaru clan. We're truly sorry."

Yuri merely grunted, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Hmpt..."

Cultivator 1, clearly unnerved by Yuri's demeanor, stammered, "(confuse)"

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Yuri turned and strode out of the puppet show house, leaving the bewildered cultivator in his wake.

As he emerged into the bustling market, he saw Yoona engaged in a conversation with the elderly woman who had accused him of theft.

"Well, thank you so much," the woman said, her voice dripping with gratitude.

Yoona smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "No problem, are my compensation enough?"

The woman chuckled, her face creasing into a network of wrinkles. "Well, it was more than enough. If I only know his from the Masaru clan, I shouldn't have reported him."

Yoona's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Thank you, for your understanding."

"I'll be going now, miss," the woman said, turning to leave.

"Bye," Yoona replied, her eyes fixed on Yuri, who was approaching them with a thunderous expression.

As the woman disappeared into the crowd, Yoona turned to Yuri, her voice laced with concern. "Oh, Yuri?"

Yuri, his jaw clenched and his fists clenched, demanded, "Where's my mother?"

Yoona's face fell, her eyes clouding with sadness. "Oh, she had a business to deal in Congseong. That's why I'm the one who bailed you."

Yuri, his anger momentarily forgotten, stared at her in disbelief. (speechless)

Yoona, sensing his unease, offered a reassuring smile. "Let's go now."

Yuri, his mind still reeling from the events of the day, remained silent.

Together, they walked towards a waiting carriage, the silence between them thick with unspoken emotions.

As they settled into the plush seats, Yoona turned to Yuri, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. (smiles)

Yuri, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, couldn't help but wonder, (Why is she smiling for?)

Yoona, gathering her courage, cleared her throat. "Uhm..."

Yuri, his patience wearing thin, sighed heavily. "What is it?"

Yoona, her voice trembling slightly, confessed, "I know, you don't want to be engage with me. But..."

Yuri, his brow furrowed in confusion, stared at her intently. (confuse)

Yoona, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, continued, "You know... it hurt's me too, identifying me as your servant."

Yuri, his face devoid of emotion, retorted, "What's the problem with it?"

Yoona, her voice rising in desperation, cried out, "You really hate me, don't you?"

Yuri, his eyes hardening with defiance, snapped, "So what!?"

Yoona, her voice barely a whisper, pleaded, "What I'm trying to say is... with our marriage, your family will not fall apart from one of the most wealthiest clan's in Gwangnan. I'm just trying to help. That is why, please treat me a little bit... kind?"

Yuri, his mind struggling to comprehend her words, scoffed, "Huh! (Treat you kind?) I don't understand anything you have said. My clan falling apart from the wealthiest clan's in Gwangnan? IMPOSSIBLE!"

Yoona, her face etched with despair, stared at him in disbelief. (speechless)

Yuri, his voice cold and dismissive, declared, "Whatever happens, nothing will change between us! Remember that!"

With that, Yuri abruptly left the carriage, slamming the door behind him.

Yoona, her heart breaking, cried out, "Wait, don't!"

Yuri, his back turned to her, retorted, "Don't follow me!"

Yoona, her voice laced with desperation, pleaded, "But we're still ahead, get back inside now. Yuri!"

Yuri, his pace quickening, ignored her pleas and continued to walk away.

Yoona, her mind filled with worry, cried out, "YURI!?" (It's dangerous for him to be left alone at night)

As Yuri disappeared into the darkness, Yoona, her heart heavy with concern, commanded her two servants to follow him.

Minutes later, the servants returned, their faces etched with failure.

"Apologies, Lady Yoona," Man 1 said, his voice filled with regret. "But he ran so fast."

"We can't find him everywhere," Man 2 added, his eyes downcast.

Yoona, her face pale with worry, cried out, "No! We need to find him!"

Man 1, his voice firm, cautioned, "But, Milady. It would be dangerous, it's night and monsters or demons maybe roaming."

Man 2, his expression grave, added, "We need to head back now, Milady. Your father will get angry if something bad happens to you."

Yoona, her heart torn between her own safety and her concern for Yuri, whispered, "But, Yuri?"

Man 1, his voice reassuring, said, "We will call for help when we get back."

Yoona, her shoulders slumping in defeat, murmured, "Okay. (sad)"

Man 2, his hand outstretched, urged, "Get inside now, Milady."

With a heavy heart, Yoona obeyed, and the carriage lumbered forward, leaving Yuri alone in the darkness.

Meanwhile, Yuri, his anger still simmering, stormed through the forest, his thoughts consumed by Yoona and her unwanted affections.

"That woman!" he muttered to himself, his fists clenched. "Always think she can marry me!"

As he continued to walk, the forest grew darker and more ominous, the trees looming over him like silent sentinels.

Yuri shivered, his anger momentarily forgotten. (It's cold)

Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air, sending a shiver down Yuri's spine.

Yuri, his senses on high alert, froze in his tracks. (cautious)

Driven by a mixture of curiosity and fear, Yuri cautiously made his way towards the source of the scream.

As he crept through the undergrowth, he caught a glimpse of a clearing ahead. (What the?)

Yuri, his heart pounding in his chest, ducked behind a thicket of bushes, peering through the leaves.

In the clearing, he saw two figures locked in a deadly embrace.

"No! Don't do this, Master," one of the figures pleaded, his voice filled with terror.

The other figure, his face hidden in shadow, replied, his voice cold and menacing, "You're really cunning."

"Master! Please spare me, please!" the first figure begged, his voice cracking with desperation.

Yuri, his eyes wide with disbelief, wondered, (What the? What is he doing to him?)

The figure in the shadows, whom the other had called "Master," was holding the first figure by the neck, his grip tightening with each passing moment.

"I told you, I will kill you. You traitor!" the figure snarled, his voice dripping with contempt.

Yuri, his mind racing, thought, (Is he a demon or something?)

"Master, I only did it because my daughter is sick," the first figure pleaded, his voice barely audible. "And I need fortune for her meds."

The figure in the shadows scoffed, his grip tightening even further. "What you did is against cultivator's law. Whatever your reason is, it's unacceptable."

With a swift and brutal movement, the figure in the shadows began to suck the life force from the first figure, his body convulsing violently.

"Master! No! Help!" the first figure screamed, his voice fading into a gurgling whimper.

With a final shudder, the first figure went limp, his body collapsing to the ground.

Yuri, his eyes wide with horror, gasped, "Hah! (shock)"

The figure in the shadows, alerted by the sound, turned his head sharply, his eyes piercing the darkness. (cautious)

Yuri, his heart pounding in his chest, realized that he had been discovered. (Sht)*

Without a second thought, Yuri turned and fled, his feet pounding against the forest floor.

(What the?! He killed him? I don't know, what I need to do now is to run) he thought, his mind racing with fear.

As he ran, his thoughts swirled with confusion and terror. (Why is that man called him Master? Is he a cultivator, his like a demon to me)

His foot caught on a root, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Ahh!" he cried out, his body wracked with pain. (hurt)

As he struggled to his feet, a voice, cold and menacing, echoed through the trees.

"Stop running."

Yuri froze, his blood turning to ice.

With a swirl of energy, the figure in the shadows teleported in front of Yuri, his eyes glowing with an eerie light.

Yuri, his body trembling with fear, closed his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable. (No! His going to kill me)

(I'm going to die) he thought, his mind filled with terror.

Suddenly, a sickening thud echoed behind him, followed by a chorus of guttural growls.

Yuri squeezed his eyes shut, his body tensing with terror.

I'm going to die.

A sound of struggle echoed behind him, then fell silent— the monster had been slain.

Huh?

"You lost?"

Yuri's eyes snapped open. He stared at the stranger in confusion. "Huh?"

The man frowned. "What is a human doing wandering the forest at this hour? There are monsters everywhere here."

Yuri stammered, "Ah, I... I..."

The man cut him off, gesturing toward the distance with one hand. "That way leads to the village. Once you're there, you'll be safe."

"Oh... thank you," Yuri managed, but when he looked up again, the man was already gone.

He didn't kill me!?

A wave of relief washed over him, and he let out a quiet breath.

A village... Now I see— that man must be a cultivator. But his eyes... they were so frightening.

Shivering in the darkness and cold, Yuri made up his mind. He turned and set off along the path that the man had pointed out.

End of chapter 2

The Next Day, Recently awake

Yuri stretched, his muscles aching from the previous night's ordeal. "Yawn. (I had a nice sleep.)"

A gentle knock echoed through the small room.

"Knock, knock."

A woman's voice, soft and melodic, called out, "Hello? Mister."

Yuri, his mind still clouded with sleep, mumbled, "?"

"The feast is ready, Mister," the woman announced, her voice filled with warmth.

Yuri's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, thank you."

"Welcome, enjoy your food," the woman replied, her voice laced with genuine hospitality.

Yuri, still somewhat bewildered, nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Uhm. (nods)"

The woman, satisfied that she had delivered her message, turned and left.

Yuri, now fully awake, sat up in bed, his thoughts swirling with gratitude. (It's good that someone sheltered me last night.)

He rose from the bed and made his way to the small table, where a steaming bowl of food awaited him.

Nom, nom

Yuri devoured the meal, his eyes widening with delight. "This is delicious," he exclaimed, his voice filled with appreciation.

An Hour Later

Yuri, his stomach full and his spirits lifted, prepared to depart. "Thank you for helping me, is this enough?" he asked, extending his hand.

In his palm lay a delicate necklace, its gold chain glinting in the morning light.

"This is a real gold," Yuri explained, his voice tinged with sincerity.

The woman's eyes widened in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth. "What!? Really?...Thank you," she stammered, her voice filled with gratitude.

Yuri smiled, relieved that he could repay her kindness. "Uhm, I'll be going now, Miss. Again thank you for your help."

The woman's face softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "Good bye, Mister."

With a final nod of farewell, Yuri turned and continued on his journey.

As he walked, his thoughts turned to his destination. (I need to find a carriage.)

"The lady says the market is just ahead, maybe I can find a carriage there," Yuri mused, his pace quickening with anticipation.

As he continued his walk, the events of the previous night replayed in his mind, casting a shadow over his thoughts. (Last night was so scary, I couldn't forget about that man. If I have seen his face clearly last night maybe I will not be able to sleep.)

He shuddered, his body trembling involuntarily. "His eyes are so scary. (shivers)"

Minutes later, Yuri arrived at the bustling market, its vibrant atmosphere a stark contrast to the darkness he had experienced the night before.

"I need to go home now," Yuri muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the crowd for a sign of a carriage.

Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a commotion unfolding nearby.

"I told you this is fake!" a man's voice boomed, his tone laced with anger.

"No, Mister. It's real silver," a woman's voice pleaded, her tone tinged with desperation.

"How can you say so!?" the man retorted, his voice rising in volume. "This is fake, I've check it. Return my money now!"

"Sorry, I can't return your money," the woman replied, her voice trembling slightly. "You broke it."

Yuri, his curiosity piqued, paused to observe the unfolding scene. (A commotion over a ring..)

The man scoffed, his face contorted in anger. "It broke? Then your products is low quality then, listen Miss. My brother is a treasure hunter and he have seen many jewelry's already. And he said this is fake!"

"That jewel is a high quality, that jewel is produce by one of the wealthiest clan here," the woman countered, her voice growing stronger.

"Hah, really? Stop saying things like this now and return my money!" the man demanded, his face turning red with rage.

"That jewel is owned by the Masaru clan, and their policy is no returning of money if the items has been broke," the woman declared, her voice filled with defiance.

The man's eyes widened in shock. "What kind of policy is that!"

Yuri, his heart skipping a beat, realized the significance of the woman's words. (Shocked. It's our product!)

"I told you, return my money now!" the man roared, his patience finally snapping.

With a swift movement, the man grabbed the woman, his grip tightening around her arm. People nearby began to scatter, their faces etched with terror.

Yuri, his instincts kicking in, knew that he had to intervene. (Sht)*

"You, return my money!?" the man snarled, his face contorted in anger.

The woman, her eyes filled with fear, stammered, "I can't, I will lose my job please have mercy."

"Hah! I will take all of your money now," the man threatened, his grip tightening even further.

Without hesitation, Yuri stepped forward, his voice ringing out with authority. "Stop!"

The man, startled by the interruption, turned his gaze towards Yuri. "?"

"Let her go," Yuri commanded, his eyes blazing with anger.

The man, his face contorted in a sneer, retorted, "And who are you to command me?"

Yuri, his chin lifted with pride, declared, "I'm Yuri....Masaru."

The man and the woman both gasped, their eyes widening in shock.

"So, your the owner of this shop then," the man stammered, his voice tinged with fear.

"Yes, I will compensate you so put her down now," Yuri replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

The man hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. Then, with a shrug, he released the woman, sending her stumbling backwards. "Hah!"

The woman, her body trembling, stared at Yuri with gratitude. (Shocked)

Yuri, his eyes fixed on the man, demanded, "You! Can't you be gentle to a woman?!"

The man scoffed, his face contorted in a sneer. "I don't care."

With a menacing stride, the man approached Yuri, his eyes filled with malice.

Yuri, his senses on high alert, took a step back. "What are you doing?"

The man, his voice dripping with sarcasm, sneered, "You might be vulnerable, haha Miss."

Yuri's face flushed with anger. "Miss? I'm a man, you idiot!"

With a swift movement, the man lunged at Yuri, his hands reaching out to grab him.

"Ahh!" Yuri cried out, his body recoiling in surprise.

"You yourself will do a compensation," the man snarled, his grip tightening around Yuri's arm.

"You!" Yuri exclaimed, his anger reaching a boiling point.

With a surge of adrenaline, Yuri kicked the man in the shin, sending him stumbling backwards.

"Ahh! You!" the man roared, his face contorted in pain.

With a snarl, the man lunged at Yuri, throwing a punch.

Yuri, his reflexes honed by years of training, dodged the blow and retaliated, his fists flying.

Kick, kick

Punch, Punch

Yuri, his body moving with agility and grace, landed a series of blows on the man, sending him staggering backwards.

"There's too many of them," Yuri muttered to himself, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

With a burst of energy, Yuri jumped into the air, delivering a flying kick that sent the man sprawling to the ground.

"Ahh! You bastard!" the man groaned, his face contorted in pain.

"You're the bastard!" Yuri retorted, his eyes blazing with anger.

Suddenly, one of the man's subordinates pulled out a knife, its blade glinting in the sunlight.

Yuri, his heart pounding in his chest, went cautious.

The man with the knife approached Yuri, his eyes filled with malice.

Suddenly, a figure appeared as if from nowhere, his sword flashing in the sunlight.

"Ahh!" the man with the knife cried out, clutching his bleeding arm.

Kei, his face impassive, surveyed the scene of destruction. (Tsk, the whole market is destroyed)

His eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the faces of the terrified onlookers. (Twenty men) Fine, come at me.*

With a battle cry, the remaining members of the gang charged at Kei, their weapons raised.

Yuri, his eyes wide with awe, watched as Kei moved with incredible speed and precision, his sword flashing like lightning.

Swing, swing

Swoosh, swoosh

With a series of swift and decisive blows, Kei knocked out all of the gang members, leaving them lying unconscious on the ground.

Yuri, his jaw

Kei turned his head towards Yuri, his gaze intense and piercing.

Yuri, caught in the Master's gaze, felt a jolt of recognition, his heart pounding in his chest. (His eyes!)

Kei, his brow furrowed in confusion, tilted his head slightly. "Confused"

Yuri, struggling to regain his composure, stammered, "Uhm..."

Kei, his voice devoid of emotion, inquired, "Are you alright?"

Yuri, his voice barely a whisper, replied, "Yes..."

Kei, his gaze lingering for a moment longer, simply glanced before turning away.

Yuri, relieved that he had escaped the Master's scrutiny, offered a tentative smile. "Thank you," he mumbled, his voice laced with awkwardness.

Kei, his expression unreadable, remained silent.

Suddenly, a group of cultivators arrived, their faces etched with concern.

Cultivator 1, his voice filled with remorse, apologized, "Apologies, Master Kei."

Kei, his eyes blazing with anger, demanded, "What took you guys so long to patrol in this area? Look, it's devastated. Because of these bastards!"

Cultivator 1, his head bowed in shame, replied, "We're so sorry, Master."

Kei, his voice dripping with authority, commanded, "Clean this up! And half of all your salaries will be deducted for a month."

Cultivator 1, his face paling with dismay, replied, "Yes, Master."

Yuri, his eyes wide with disbelief, remained speechless.

Kei, his gaze sweeping across the scene, added, "Report to the temple after."

With a swirl of his robes, Kei vanished, leaving the stunned onlookers in his wake.

Yuri, his mind reeling from the encounter, could only utter a confused, "?"

Cultivator 2, his voice filled with awe, whispered, "He changed."

Cultivator 1, his face etched with guilt, replied, "It's our fault, let's clean this up now."

Yuri, his curiosity piqued, stammered, "Uhm..."

Cultivator 1, his brow furrowed in confusion, turned towards Yuri. "Confused"

Yuri, gathering his courage, inquired, "Wouldn't you mind if I ask?"

Cultivator 2, his face softening, replied, "Sure, what is it?"

Yuri, his voice barely audible, asked, "Who is he?"

Cultivator 1, his eyes widening in surprise, exclaimed, "Oh, you didn't know?"

Yuri, his face flushed with embarrassment, nodded his head. "nods"

Cultivator 2, his voice filled with reverence, explained, "That is Master Kei, the head Master of the God of nature's sect."

Cultivator 1, his eyes sparkling with admiration, added, "And the current strongest cultivator."

Yuri, his mind struggling to process the information, could only utter a simple, "Oh..."

Cultivator 1, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, observed, "You, you seem to look like someone?"

Cultivator 2, his eyes widening in agreement, added, "Yeah."

Yuri, his face paling with unease, stammered, "Uhm, I'll be going now. Excuse me."

Cultivator 1, his suspicion momentarily forgotten, replied, "Oh, okay."

With a hasty bow, Yuri turned and left, his mind racing with questions.

As Yuri disappeared into the crowd, Cultivator 2, his voice filled with curiosity, remarked, "He looks familiar."

Cultivator 1, his brow furrowed in thought, replied, "Yeah, but I can feel it's not him."

Cultivator 2, his attention returning to the task at hand, declared, "Well, let's start now. We need to report after this."

At the Temple Study Room

Netheyam, his face etched with concern, greeted Kei upon his return. "Kei, you're back."

Kei, his eyes unfocused and distant, replied, his voice barely audible, "Dazed (That man feels so familiar)."

Netheyam, his voice filled with concern, inquired, "The meeting assembly will be ahead, I've prepared everything."

Kei, his expression unreadable, simply replied, "Good."

Kei, his body slumping into a chair, sat in silence, his mind lost in thought.

Netheyam, his voice hesitant, inquired, "They didn't do anything wrong, right?"

Kei, his eyes snapping back into focus, replied, "Yes, they do all of their works fine."

Kei, his voice dismissive, stated, "You can leave now."

Netheyam, his face etched with unease, replied, "Yes..."

With a respectful bow, Netheyam left the study, leaving Kei alone with his thoughts.

Kei, his body wracked with exhaustion, sighed heavily. "Sigh (Meeting assembly? This is so tiring)."

With a flick of his wrist, Kei cast a portal, its shimmering surface reflecting his troubled gaze.

Kei, his heart heavy with longing, stepped through the portal. "How are you, Natsou?"

Kei, his voice filled with tenderness, continued, "You know, today there are really bad cultivators. But don't worry, I've punished them already."

Kei, his eyes filled with sorrow, reached out and held Natsou's hand, his touch gentle and reverent.

Kei, his voice barely a whisper, vowed, "I will make a way for us to be together again."

With a deep breath, Kei began to unleash his nature's energy, carefully channeling it into Natsou's lifeless body.

Kei, his face etched with concentration, thought to himself, "This is all of the nature's energy that I consume from other cultivators, this should be enough."

As Kei finished unleashing his energy, he waited with bated breath, his eyes fixed on Natsou's face.

Kei, his expression filled with anticipation, murmured, "Dazed"

But Natsou remained still, her eyes closed, her face peaceful but unresponsive.

Kei, his shoulders slumping in defeat, sighed heavily. "Hah..."

Tears welled up in Kei's eyes, his voice cracking with grief as he confessed, "Teary I've been doing this for five years now, Natsou. Maybe you really didn't want me. Cries"

As the tears streamed down his face, Kei embraced Natsou's lifeless body, his heart breaking with each sob. The temple study room, once a place of power and authority, was now a sanctuary of sorrow, a testament to the enduring power of love and loss.

End of chapter 3