Invincible Living A Lowkey Life

The temple atop Dead Mountain stood in silence, save for the soft hum of immortal energy pulsing faintly beneath the surface.

Chen Franz sat on the temple steps, gazing at the horizon. His sharp eyes reflected the distant flames that devoured the lands below the city of the Water Clan.

Even from afar, he could see the destruction unfolding.

Fire Clan warriors stormed the Water Clan's stronghold, led by their Clan Leader. The once-thriving city was reduced to ashes, the cries of its people swallowed by roaring flames.

The palace of the Water Clan Lim Kris's home collapsed in on itself, leaving nothing but smoke and ruin.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"The Fire Clan didn't hold back… They didn't just win—they erased them."

From within the temple, Lim Kris lay unconscious, her body recovering after the exhausting battle against Elder Pung Han.

Chen Franz exhaled softly, his gaze flickering toward the doorway.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"How do I tell her… or do I even tell her at all?"

As Lim Kris slept, her dreams began to shift.

She found herself standing in the center of her clan's courtyard, the breeze carrying the faint scent of blooming lotus flowers.

But something felt off.

The sky overhead darkened, and a faint crackling sound echoed around her.

When she turned, she saw it her home, engulfed in flames.

Fire swept across the streets, and distant figures of warriors clashed beneath the burning sky.

Lim Kris (in the dream, whispering):

"No… this isn't real."

She took a step forward, but her feet sank into ash.

Elder Pung Han's figure emerged from the flames, his smirk illuminated by the destruction around him.

Pung Han (in the dream):

"This is the fate of your clan, princess. And you weren't there to stop it."

His voice echoed, heavy and cold.

Lim Kris's eyes widened in horror as the vision of her city crumbled before her.

Lim Kris (panicking):

"No! Stop!"

Her scream pierced the silence as she shot up in bed, drenched in sweat.

Awakening

Chen Franz's gaze shifted as he sensed Lim Kris's sudden awakening.

A soft breeze swept through the temple as he rose, stepping inside.

Chen Franz (calmly):

"You're awake."

Lim Kris pressed a hand to her chest, breathing heavily.

Lim Kris (softly):

"I… I saw something… Master, is the Water Clan safe?"

Chen Franz's eyes flickered, but his expression remained unreadable.

Chen Franz (gently):

"It was just a dream. You've exhausted yourself—that's all."

Lim Kris lowered her gaze, her heart still racing.

Lim Kris (whispering):

"It felt so real. I saw fire… and Elder Pung Han… he was there."

Chen Franz knelt beside her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder.

Chen Franz (softly):

"Dreams can be reflections of our fears, Lim Kris. The Fire Clan's ambitions may trouble you, but right now, your focus should be on recovery."

Lim Kris searched his gaze, as if hoping for reassurance.

Lim Kris:

"You're sure it was just a dream?"

Chen Franz (nodding slightly):

"I would know if something happened. The Water Clan still stands."

His words were calm but beneath them, Chen Franz felt a faint pang of guilt.

As Lim Kris lay back down, drifting into light sleep, Chen Franz rose quietly and returned to the temple steps.

His eyes once again turned toward the distant smoke that stained the sky.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"I lied."

The reality was undeniable the Water Clan no longer existed.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"I chose not to interfere… and now they're gone."

His fingers tightened slightly as he leaned against the stone pillar.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"Why does this bother me? I've lived in peace, away from mortal struggles… yet somehow, I hesitate now."

For centuries, Chen Franz had abandoned the affairs of the lower realms. Battles, wars, and destruction had come and gone, but he watched from afar, untouched by it all.

Yet something about Lim Kris pulled him back.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"Is it guilt… or something else?"

He sighed, glancing toward the rising sun.

Chen Franz (softly):

"When she learns the truth, will she blame me for doing nothing?"

The thought lingered as the morning light bathed the temple, its golden aura flickering faintly over the mountain.

Later that day, Lim Kris sat by the temple gardens, gazing out at the clouds below the mountain.

Lim Kris (softly):

"Master, do you think peace can last forever?"

Chen Franz sat beside her, watching the horizon.

Chen Franz:

"Peace is fragile. But sometimes, that fragility makes it precious."

Lim Kris tilted her head slightly, sensing a deeper meaning in his words.

Lim Kris:

"You sound… uncertain."

Chen Franz glanced at her, offering a small smile.

Chen Franz:

"I've lived long enough to see peace come and go. Cherish it while you have it."

Lim Kris nodded, but the unease from her dream lingered.

Lim Kris (thinking):

"Why does it feel like something has already been lost?"

As she returned to her training, Chen Franz watched her quietly.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"I'll wait… for now. She'll learn the truth when she's ready."

The wind carried the faintest traces of ash from the fallen Water Clan, but no words were spoken.

For now, the lie would protect her.