Invincible Living A Lowkey Life

The morning sun painted the temple courtyard in soft light, but Lim Kris's mind lingered on shadows from the past.

Seated across from Chen Franz, she poked at her breakfast, her gaze distant as if weighed down by lingering thoughts.

Chen Franz, who had been calmly sipping tea, finally broke the silence.

Chen Franz (calmly):

"Kris, why were you buying spirit stones in the City of Poyro that day?"

Lim Kris glanced up, momentarily startled by the question.

Lim Kris (softly):

"Oh… that day?"

She shifted uncomfortably, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Lim Kris (sighing):

"It's… not that interesting, honestly."

Chen Franz:

"I'm curious. Humor me."

After a brief pause, Lim Kris set down her chopsticks and leaned back slightly, gazing at the sky.

Lim Kris (softly):

"Well… I guess I should start from the beginning."

Lim Kris (softly):

"I'm not just anyone, Master. I'm the second princess of the Water Clan."

Chen Franz showed no surprise but gave a slight nod for her to continue.

Lim Kris:

"Since birth, I've been… different. I was born with the Golden Heart of the Sea. It's a rare condition or gift, depending on who you ask. Because of it, I've been treated like some fragile treasure."

She clenched her fists lightly.

Lim Kris:

"I was barely allowed to leave the palace. Everyone thought if I stepped outside, something bad would happen. Guards followed me everywhere."

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

Lim Kris (softly):

"They didn't protect me. They caged me."

Chen Franz remained quiet, letting her speak freely.

A faint smile tugged at Lim Kris's lips.

Lim Kris:

"The only person who didn't treat me like glass was my older sister Princess Chinye."

She chuckled softly, warmth flickering in her eyes.

Lim Kris:

"Chinye was reckless, bold. She always snuck out of the palace, and when I turned sixteen, she started sneaking me out too."

Chen Franz (raising an eyebrow):

"Your sister convinced you to break the rules?"

Lim Kris (grinning):

"She said life outside the palace was more fun. And she was right. The City of Poyro was exciting. I could pretend I was normal, even if only for a while."

Her smile faded slightly.

Lim Kris (softly):

"But as I got older, they tightened security. Even Chinye couldn't sneak me out as often."

Lim Kris's expression darkened.

Lim Kris (quietly):

"The day I went to Poyro alone to buy spirit stones… I wasn't supposed to be there. I was careless."

She rested her chin on her knees, sighing softly.

Lim Kris:

"I didn't think much of the Fire Clan at the time. I thought they were just proud warriors who liked to pick fights. I didn't believe they'd actually come after me."

Chen Franz's eyes narrowed slightly but said nothing.

Lim Kris (bitterly):

"I was wrong."

Her fists tightened in her lap.

Lim Kris:

"They followed me from the market. I thought they were just normal cultivators, so I wasn't worried… until I sensed their aura. They were all Level 30 or higher."

Chen Franz glanced at her.

Chen Franz:

"You underestimated them."

Lim Kris (nodding):

"I did. I tried to lose them by running into the forest. I thought I could fight them off, but there were too many. I barely escaped with my life."

She exhaled, running a hand through her hair.

Lim Kris (softly):

"I wouldn't have made it if not for the teleportation stone my sister gave me."

She glanced at Chen Franz.

Lim Kris:

"That stone brought me here, to Dead Mountain."

Chen Franz remained still, his eyes locked on the distant horizon beyond the mountain.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"She doesn't know. The Fire Clan didn't just chase her they destroyed her clan afterward."

His fingers tapped lightly against the stone step, but he said nothing.

Lim Kris (curiously):

"Master… why do you ask?"

Chen Franz gave a faint smile.

Chen Franz (softly):

"I was curious. That's all."

Lim Kris nodded, brushing off the unease in the pit of her stomach.

As Lim Kris stretched, ready to resume her training, Chen Franz's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.

Chen Franz (thinking):

"For now… I'll let her hold on to hope. The truth will only break her."

His eyes drifted toward the fading traces of smoke in the far distance the last remnants of the Water Clan's fall.

Chen Franz (softly to himself):

"She doesn't need to know… not yet."

The wind whispered gently through the courtyard, and for the moment, the truth remained a secret.