[Rouqi's Residence, Late Afternoon]
The atmosphere was tense at Rouqi's estate. Servants moved quietly, whispers fluttering between them like ghosts. Madam Roulan sat by the tea table, her brows furrowed in deep concern. She had not heard from Rouqi or her younger aunt since morning.
A sharp knock at the door broke her concentration. A servant rushed in, bowing deeply.
Servant
(panicked tone)
"Madam! News from the western district… It's Lady Rouqi and Lady Xinyi. They've... they've been taken!"
The cup in Madam Roulan’s hand shattered against the stone floor.
"Taken? By whom?" she demanded, her voice sharp and unyielding.
The servant hesitated, eyes cast downward.
"The Yao Clan, Madam. They struck without warning."
Madam Roulan staggered back into her chair, her expression pale but resolute.
"Send word to Ye Hann. Immediately."
[Ye Hann's Study, Evening]
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Ye Hann sat at his desk, the glow of a single candle casting long shadows across the scrolls and maps before him. His focus was absolute, the quiet hum of cultivation energy surrounding him.
A rapid series of knocks shattered the stillness. Ye Hann's eyes flickered open.
"Enter."
The door swung open, revealing one of Madam Roulan's personal attendants. Her face was flushed, breath ragged from running.
Attendant
"Young Master Ye! Lady Rouqi… she’s been taken! The Yao Clan—they struck at midday."
Ye Hann stood so quickly his chair nearly toppled over. His eyes sharpened, the aura around him darkening.
"Taken? And you waited this long to tell me?" he snapped, the sharpness in his voice making the attendant flinch.
She bowed deeply, trembling.
"We only just confirmed it, Young Master. Madam Roulan has sent for you."
Ye Hann’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening. Memories of his past life clawed their way back—moments when he had been too slow, too naive. He would not make that mistake again.
"Prepare the car," he ordered coldly. "We leave now."
The attendant rushed out, and Ye Hann turned back to his desk, eyes flickering over the maps of the western districts.
"Yao Clan… you’re courting death," he murmured under his breath.
[The Western District, Midnight]
The moon hung high, casting pale light over the crooked rooftops and shadowed alleyways. Ye Hann stood silently, Uncle Wei by his side. His eyes scanned the distant watchtowers, guards patrolling with lanterns swaying in the breeze.
Uncle Wei
"The Yao Clan stronghold is well-guarded. They’ve locked down the perimeter. No one gets in or out without their permission."
Ye Hann's gaze remained fixed, his voice low and resolute.
"That won’t matter. I’m not asking for permission."
Uncle Wei nodded, a faint grin stretching across his lips.
"As expected from the Young Master. I’ll make preparations."
Ye Hann’s eyes darkened, his fists clenching. He would not fail this time. Rouqi and her aunt would be brought back safely. And the Yao Clan would pay the price.
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