Before the first light of dawn pierced the heavy clouds, a lone visitor arrived at Jueyun Karst.
The early morning mist still lingered in the valley when Shajin stood at the foot of the towering peaks.
"So this is Jueyun Karst?" he murmured, stretching lazily as he looked up at the mountain peaks shrouded in drifting fog. His gaze sparkled with curiosity and appreciation.
The scenery was breathtaking, but he was here for something far more important: finding that immortal.
Wearing a mask that obscured his face, Shajin's eyes gleamed mysteriously beneath. His long harbinger's coat billowed in the wind, giving him the appearance of a messenger from the shadows.
He silently took In the mountainous surroundings, the wind brushing past his gloved fingertips.
It was a soothing moment—but he hadn't come for peace.
"I'm not going to waste as much time as Lumine did, looking around cluelessly. Adeptus~" he called teasingly.
A sly smile tugged at his lips as he lifted his hand. Geo energy gathered at his fingertips, channeling through the glove.
Threads of Geo energy shot out like piercing spears, cleaving through nearby hills with frightening ease.
The mountain trembled as the stone split, the crash of falling rock echoing through the valley like a quake.
Suddenly, a glint of cold light flashed—a spear shot at him like lightning.
Shajin's eyes narrowed. He twisted his body, narrowly dodging the strike as the spearhead grazed his cheek, its chilling edge like a blade of ice.
"Oh? Finally, someone shows up."
His grin widened as a figure emerged from the mist.
Shajin retreated swiftly, widening the distance, only to frown in slight surprise.
"Huh?"
He tilted his head like a curious child.
He'd expected an Adeptus to appear after such a commotion—but her?
He remembered this woman. Three years ago, she hadn't made a huge impression, but she'd held her own. And now, here she was again.
To keep things "fair," Shajin decided to rely only on his Geo threads.
The battle in the valley intensified.
Her spear glittered with cold light. Every thrust tore through the air with a sharp whistle, swift and precise. In her hands, the spear seemed almost alive—her mastery unmistakable.
Shajin moved like a phantom, his threads slicing through the air like serpents, clashing against the spear with ringing strikes.
Each collision shook the valley, sending clouds of dust swirling like a sandstorm.
Every flick of his threads was like a mountain's roar; each spear thrust was a blade of frost that pierced the wind with a bitter chill.
Stone shattered, dust flew, trees trembled.
Their duel resembled a choreographed dance—every motion a mix of brute force and deadly beauty.
Shajin's eyes stayed sharp, studying her moves, watching for an opening.
Finally, he saw it. A thread coiled around her spear like a viper. With a yank, he disarmed her.
She staggered back, momentarily caught off guard.
Shajin launched another wave of threads, as relentless as a thunderstorm.
She leapt back and reached into her Vision, drawing a second spear. Her Cryo energy flared—misty phantoms materialized, intercepting his strikes.
The smile beneath Shajin's mask never left.
His attacks grew fiercer. Threads poured in like hail, while she countered with ever-faster spearwork and thickening ice fog.
Even though the mist blocked his threads, Shajin didn't relent.
He increased his force. The threads grew more alive, snaring her movements while pressing the assault.
Shenhe's spear danced faster still. The frost grew denser. Each clash sent shockwaves rippling through the air, shaking the valley itself.
Shajin's form weaved through the haze, striking relentlessly. Yet her defenses held strong—each blow repelled by her powerful strikes.
Still, he didn't miss a beat.
He kept moving, kept searching for a crack in her stance.
She remained calm and cold, eyes like winter stars. Her spear never faltered, slashing down his attacks with iron precision.
The valley roared with their combat, trees swaying under the force of their battle.
At last, one thread reached her throat—hovered there—but did not strike.
Shajin pulled it back.
They froze, staring at each other.
The woman before him stood tall, long gradient white-gray hair tied in a high ponytail with a red ribbon, one eye partially hidden beneath her bangs. Pale teal eyes, a faint downward tilt—quiet and composed.
She wore a high-collared qipao-style top and a black bodysuit with cutouts around the waist. A crane-tail shaped adornment fluttered behind her, with wide sleeves etched in dark motifs.
An ethereal aura surrounded her. Her snowy hair and tranquil gaze gave her the bearing of a goddess untouched by the mortal world.
Shajin scratched his chin. A raspy voice came from beneath his mask.
"If I'm not mistaken… you must be Shenhe, disciple of Cloud Retainer?"
Her eyes narrowed at the mention of her master.
But she said nothing—only gripped her spear tighter, eyes fixed on the man who'd just crossed blades with her.
Shajin shrugged, unbothered.
"Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to speak with your master about something important."
"Who dares disturb the sacred domain of Jueyun Karst under the guise of seeking the Adeptus?"
_
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