Chapter 2: Return (1)

Seven years later.

The State of Yu, Jin’an City.

The bustling, noisy street was filled with the tinkling sound of bangles clashing on a carriage. Such a clear, melodious sound was rare, and passersby couldn't help but turn toward it.

A young girl, around thirteen or fourteen, was driving a carriage through the crowd. She was strikingly beautiful; if she weren’t handling the reins herself, her attire might have led one to mistake her for the daughter of a wealthy family.

The tassels hanging from the carriage swayed gently with its movement, and the jade bangles collided softly against each other. Those with a discerning eye couldn’t help but be inwardly astonished: the carriage was made from rare huanghuali wood, the bangles were of creamy white jade; pale blue gauze curtains fluttered at the windows. Though the carriage appeared simple, dominated by white, every detail was exquisitely refined and elegant.

Whose carriage could this be, without even a family insignia?

“Miss, just one more street and we’ll reach the General’s Manor,” the young girl said with a smile.

“Mm…” came a thick, nasal reply from inside.

Listening closely, one could tell the voice was that of a child, still soft and lazy, as if not quite awake.

“Whoa—”

Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt.

Su Qing frowned at the carriage blocking their path ahead. “Didn’t you see us coming? Kindly move aside!”

The girl’s clear voice rang out, audible across half the street.

“How come this carriage has no insignia either? And that driver doesn’t look like an ordinary servant—more like a bodyguard.”

“Who knows? People with power these days sure love their little games.”

“Do you think there’ll be a fight...?”

The townsfolk chattered among themselves.

“Why should we move? Can’t you see we’re in a hurry?” the richly dressed young man driving the other carriage retorted angrily.

Su Qing, quick-tempered and never one to be shouted at, sneered, “Daring to block my mistress’s way? You must have a death wish!”

Before her words had faded, she had already formed a palm with one hand and sent a surge of inner force straight at him!

The boy’s expression changed instantly. “She’s a martial artist!” He drew the long saber at his waist, blocking the force sent his way.

A sharp, clear metallic ring resounded as the saber met the strike.

The onlookers scattered in fear.

Su Qing was about to move again when the curtain behind her was suddenly lifted by a small hand. A petite figure leapt down from the carriage like a little sprite, suddenly stepping into everyone’s view.

She wore a white robe and a matching cloak, its large hood covering her whole head. Once down, she twitched her nose as if sniffing the air.

The hood was so large that her face remained hidden.

“Miss?!” Su Qing assumed Ji Tianxin was about to handle matters herself. “There’s no need for you to step in, Miss. I can deal with them alone.”

Only now did the crowd realize the passenger in this carriage was merely a little girl of six or seven.

From the other carriage, a slender, elegant hand lifted the curtain, and a pair of deep, dark eyes fell upon the girl, carrying a faint hint of surprise.

“Hmph, it’s not certain who will have the upper hand! You wretched brat!” the young driver clenched his saber, preparing to strike.

“Stop.” A round, clear boy’s voice called from within the carriage.

“But, Young Master…”

“You’re no match for her,” came the reply. The voice was not loud, but carried an unquestionable authority.

Both Ji Tianxin and Su Qing heard it clearly.

Su Qing chuckled, “The young lord inside has a sharp eye.”

Lin Si was unconvinced and was about to retort, when he suddenly noticed his saber had shattered into several pieces. He was utterly shocked.

“This…”

He looked in disbelief at the cloaked child—if even a maid possessed such formidable skill, just who was this little mistress?