Mo Han continued, his tone calm but sharp as steel. "You've followed me all this way. You've shared hardship, fear, even hunger. I trust you, Lambu. But trust alone won't carry you further. Go outside. Walk the city. Learn about the world, about the families, the power struggles, the enemies that might rise against us in the future. You need to be calculating, observant, always one step ahead. That is the only way you will survive beside me."

Fatty swallowed hard. His round face, usually filled with nervous smiles, suddenly showed a rare seriousness. "Brother Han… I—I understand. I don't want to be left behind. I'll practice this sutra every day, and I'll go outside. Even if the streets are filled with fox-women trying to drag me into their dens, I'll keep my heart steady."

Mo Han nodded, a faint smile flickering in his eyes. "That's the spirit. Remember, no one can seduce a man with true ambition."

Fatty stood up, tucking the manual safely under his robes. He clenched his fists dramatically. "I'll prove it! I, Fatty Lambu, will walk into that city today… and I won't come back until I've learned something useful!" He puffed out his chest, but his knees still wobbled slightly.

Just as he strode to the door, Jia Kai jumped up, alarm flashing in her eyes. "Lambu, wait! Do you even understand where you're going? The Golden Silk City is filled with dual cultivators who live by seduction! One wrong step, and you'll be stripped of your spirit stones and dignity in an instant. It's reckless!"

She moved to block the door, but Mo Han's calm voice stopped her. "Let him go."

Jia Kai turned back sharply. "Are you serious? You're sending him straight into danger—"

Mo Han's tone grew firm, eyes steady. "If his heart is serious, no charm can touch him. If his ambition is strong, no beauty will sway him. Lambu must face his fears, not hide behind us. This is the first step to his growth."

Fatty clutched the doorframe, torn between excitement and terror, before blurting out, "Brother Han believes in me… Sister Jia, please do too!"

Jia Kai's lips pressed into a thin line. She stared at Mo Han, then at Fatty's trembling figure, before finally stepping aside with a reluctant sigh. "Fine. But if he comes back crying, it's your fault."

Mo Han's voice lowered, almost solemn. "He won't. He'll return stronger."

Fatty gulped, nodded once more, and stumbled outside with determined steps, holding the manual tightly against his chest.

-

Moments later, just as the sisters exchanged a quiet look of unease, a sharp knock came at the stone house door.

Mo Han was the one to open it. A servant boy stood there, panting, holding a folded parchment sealed with crimson wax. He handed it over with both hands.

"This is for you, Disciple Mo Han. A notice from the administration."

Mo Han tore the seal and scanned the contents. His expression did not change, but his eyes darkened slightly.

"What is it?" Jia Kai asked, stepping closer.

Mo Han handed the parchment to her. "A warning. Apparently, I've been neglecting sect activities. Every disciple must attend at least two classes—combat, healing, alchemy, talisman making, forging, or at least menial work like cleaning or gardening. Usually, they summon new disciples to the academy hall first to assign tasks. But this… this is a direct warning."

Chi Kai frowned. "That doesn't sound normal. Someone must be targeting you."

Mo Han nodded calmly.

Jia Kai clenched her fists. "It's unfair!"

Mo Han's gaze sharpened. "Fairness doesn't exist in the cultivation world. Only strength and wit do."

He folded the parchment neatly and set it on the table. "I will come back after dealing with this matter." Mo Han said as he prepared to leave.

Chi Kai bit her lip, worry flashing in her eyes. "Brother Han… will you be alright?"

"If they want to play tricks, let them."

Without another word, he stepped out of the stone house, his robes fluttering as he walked towards the academy hall.

After few minutes of walking Mo Han stopped.

He heard soft footsteps behind him—light, careful, hesitant.

Slowly, he turned around. There stood Chi Kai, her hands clasped before her, her long lashes lowered, cheeks tinged crimson. She did not meet his eyes, instead staring at the ground as though it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.

Mo Han's gaze softened slightly. "Do you want to say something?" His voice was low, calm, yet carried a weight that made her breath catch.

For a long moment, she said nothing, her chest rising and falling as though battling within herself. Then, in a voice so soft it was almost like the wind, she replied, "If you want to increase your cultivation… I am always ready to become your partner of dual cultivation. Don't forget that."

Mo Han's eyes sharpened slightly, his body straightening. He studied her intently.

Chi Kai, still unable to meet his gaze, continued, her words tumbling out with sincerity. "I am also a dual cultivator… and I've only ever chosen you. Till now… and forever. Whatever your objective, whatever your motive… I don't care. Don't forget this, Mo Han. I am your partner in dual cultivation."

"And you don't need to hesitate because of my sister. I already asked her for her opinion. She said… I can always dual cultivate with you without asking her permission."

Mo Han froze for a breath, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his normally composed face. For a moment, he was silent, staring at the girl before him. He had seen her shyness before, her timid glances, her respectful tone. But this—this was direct, bold in its own way.

"Chi Kai…" he finally said, his voice firm, almost solemn. "You truly mean this?"

"Yes. I mean it. From the moment we shared that night at the bamboo house… I understood. This path… I want to walk it with you."

The memory of that night—the intoxicating jasmine scent, the sacred ritual, the way their qi had intertwined—flickered in both of their minds. A bond had been forged there, deeper than mere flesh.

He took a step closer, his voice steady but carrying a strange warmth. "You are bold to say this to me. Bold… and sincere. But I will not rush. I need time—to think, to focus on stabilizing my cultivation. I accept your intention, Chi Kai. I will think about it for a few days. Then, if the heavens will it… we will share cultivation again."

Chi Kai's lips curved faintly, relief blooming in her chest like a quiet flame. She nodded, her eyes glimmering with determination. "That's enough for me. I'll also use these days to improve my combat skills and stabilize my foundation. I don't want to just depend on you. I want to stand beside you as your equal."

Mo Han's lips twitched faintly into a rare smile. "Good. That's how it should be."

Chi Kai lowered her head again, hiding her blush, but her voice came clear and unwavering. "Brother Mo Han… even if the world mocks me for following the path of a dual cultivator… even if the sect whispers and laughs… I don't care. As long as it is with you, I will never regret it."

Her words carried a kind of stubborn innocence that startled Mo Han. For a long time, he said nothing, just watched her, as though trying to measure the depth of her conviction. Then, finally, he nodded once.

"I will remember your words, Chi Kai."

"Thank you… Brother Mo Han."

They stood there in silence for a few moments.

Finally, Mo Han turned, his back straight, his voice steady. "Go back and cultivate. The path ahead is long, and strength will decide everything. Do not waste your determination."

"Yes." Chi Kai nodded, her tone gentle yet firm. She turned back toward the stone house, her steps lighter than before.

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