“Master, when are you going to kick the bucket? ”
I froze, my spoon halfway to my mouth. My own disciples were joking about my death. Nell, the youngest, had stars in her eyes.
nbsp;. “You said it yourself, Master. Once you’re gone, all your cool stuff passes down to us. That seven-star sword would be nice.
”
I sighed. “Nell, remember old man Jong from the mountain across the way? ”
She nodded eagerly. “When you can use a wooden sword to summon lightning and shatter the vat in his yard, that sword’s yours.
”
She grabbed a wooden stick, eyes blazing. “Master, I can do that right now. ”
“You’re still too little. ”
But she was already chanting.
“Lightning, purge all evil. Go. ”
A bolt struck the mountainside. Old man Jong’s house collapsed.
nbsp;. Nell turned to me, beaming. “So, can I have the seven-star sword now, Master? ”
I rubbed my temples.
“Oh no, old man Jong’s house collapsed. Nell, I’ll get junior disciple Duong to help him rebuild. I need to lay low for a while. You should get out of here, too.
”
But Christina, the eldest, stepped forward with a smirk. “Who’s junior disciple Duong? Why shouldthe seven-star sword go to some little kid? Christina, once you’re gone, I get the sword.
Then, I become the next celestial master. ”
I looked at Wuchi, who was already packing. “Head straight west down the mountain. Your brother will meet you.
”
Wuchi’s face crumpled. “Mom, did I fail you? I still haven’t found little sis. ”
But I had other plans.
I called Mr. Blake, the wealthy patriarch who’d been searching for his missing daughter for years. His voice cracked with hope. “Mr.
Blake, we’ve got news about those missing person posters. Someone spotted Miss Emily Nedd at the Trizzy Road intersection. ”
“Really? Get everybody back to the house.
We’re going there now. ”
I hung up, hoping I was right. But as I turned, I realized I’d forgotten to tell Nell how far west to go. The bus was already pulling away, and she was just a little girl alone.
nbsp;
Nell got off the bus and looked around, confused. A woman with kind eyes approached her. “Hey, kiddo. Why are you out here alone?
Where are your parents? ”
“Master said if I keep walking west after getting off the bus, I’ll find my brother. But Nell’s been waiting for him. Auntie, have you seen my brother?
”
The woman’s smile widened. “Probably nobody wants her. Perfect. Yeah.
I’ll take you to him right now. ”
But Nell noticed the woman was walking east, not west. “Auntie, do you really know my brother? ”
“Do I look like I know?
This is taking you to the village, too. Sell you to that damn old bachelor. ”
Nell screamed. “Get back here.
Brock, where are you? Shut Help. Brock, save me. ”
A man stepped out from behind a tree, blocking the woman’s path.
“How dare you trying to snatch a child in broad daylight? What are you talking about? I don’t understand. ”
“Huh.
The evidence is undeniable, and you’re still making excuses? A rotten guy like you should be hauled off by the officer. ”
“It’s not like that. I saw her alone and brought her here to what?
”
“Brock, I was wrong. Please let me go. ”
Nell tilted her head. “Hey, mister, are you my brother?
”
The man’s eyes widened. “Christina. Brock, finally found you. I swear I’ll never leave you again.
”
He hugged her tight, and she buried her face in his chest. “Don’t cry. Someone, your carriage is ready. Come on.
Dad and second sister are waiting at home to welcome Nell back. ”
Nell cheered, but from the shadows, Jeffrey Tang, the family’s only male heir, watched with cold eyes. “Christina Tang, you got lucky. Wise year, heaven’s helping us.
”
His mother appeared beside him, her voice low. “Jeffrey Tang, if Christina makes it home safely, do you really think there’ll still be a place in this family for you and your mother? ”
He sneered. “I’m the only grandson and heir of the Tang family.
How dare some little girl go challenge me? ”
“But Master Martin, remember this. If the Tangs discover I’m scheming behind the scenes, bye that reward I promised you. ”
He waved her off.
“Well, HM. Jeffrey Tang, you want fortune, while I want the seven-star sword and the grand sorcerer position. We help each other. No need for threats.
What about the talisman I gave you? ”
“Buried under the tree. Now’s our chance. Let chaos begin.
”
The carriage ride home was smooth until the driver, Old Chen, suddenly slumped over the wheel. Nell screamed as the vehicle swerved. But the car’s emergency system kicked in, slowing it to a stop. The family patriarch, Mr.
Blake, blinked, dazed. “Old Chen, what’s wrong? ”
“Brother Carl, what’s going on? ”
Nell squeezed his hand.
“Don’t be scared, Nell. I won’t let anything happen to you. ”
But later, at home, she whispered to herself. “This place should be a lucky spot full of golden light.
Why is there nasty black mist everywhere? ”
Her sister, Janey, hugged her tight. “Nell. Oh.
I’ve missed you so much. Good things come to those who wait. I finally got you back home. ”
“Nell, it’s wonderful you’re home.
I’m your sister, Janey. Let’s head inside quickly. You must be exhausted. ”
Nell hesitated, then hugged her back.
“Janey gets me. I really need to rest. Dad, let’s go home. ”
But as they crossed the threshold, she felt it—a crawling, icy sensation under her skin.
She muttered a quiet spell. “Family of Christina, protected by Christina. The way is selfless. All things thrive.
Release. ”
The cold vanished. Janey blinked. “That’s strange.
Just now, it felt like icy bugs were crawling through my bones, but now that feeling is completely gone. Tiantian is really amazing. Her imagination is truly vivid. ”
Nell gave her a small, knowing smile.
nbsp;. But at dinner, Kylie, the second sister, glared at her. “Mom, hurry up and kick him out. Where did this little con artist come from?
”
Her mother, a sharp-faced woman, sneered. “Scammersare everywhere these days. Our Blake family’s the wealthiest. We’d try anything for money.
”
Nell’s brother, Jorge, stood up for her. “She’s my sister. Who gave you the right to questionthat? ”
Kylie snapped.
“Seems to me you found some fake just to butter dad up and inherit everything. ”
Jorge’s voice went cold. “Truth doesn’t lie, Kylie. You know that better than I do.
”
“I don’t care. This little bastard isn’t setting foot in this house. ”
Mr. Blake’s voice thundered from the doorway.
“Who told you to bully my daughter? ”
Kylie paled. “Dad, I was just worried someone was impersonating our sister. ”
“Christina, come to Kylie.
My, what a precious little thing. You and your son showed up and immediately started playing games with our sister. Apologize to Christina. ”
Kylie’s face twisted, but she bowed her head.
“She should apologize. You scared my baby girl. Get out. ”
But Jeffrey sneered at Nell’s shabby clothes.
“You’re dressed so shabbily. As it reeks of being poor. That’s why my mom suspects you. Look at my gold brocade.
This is the style of the only eldest grandson of the Blake family. ”
Nell met his eyes calmly. “Whatever. After dinner, I’ll take you to the mall to get some clothes.
”
“No need. The fourth young lady is a Blake. Family only wears custom-made clothes. ”
Jeffrey’s face reddened.
“You harmed me and now you’re trying to harm Nell. Richard, the car accident that harmed you, I really didn’t do it. Dad is unconscious and you all really want to bully dad’s only son? ”
Mr.
Blake cut him off. “Enough. Today is Nell’s first day back. Stop making a fuss.
Let’s eat. ”
Nell noticed something strange—there was no black aura swirling around Jeffrey or his mother. But there was something else, something she couldn’t quite place. As she ate, Kylie mocked her.
“Christina, didn’t anyone tell you that a wealthy heiress shouldn’t eat like this. Eating so much, people will say you’re a little brat. ”
Nell looked up calmly. “No, auntie.
Christina, you should call my mom sister-in-law. Then you should call Nell little aunt. That’s right. What Nell said is correct.
Besides, what’s this auntie and Carl? They haven’t even registered their marriage. Since that’s the case, you are not the only son of the Blake family. ”
The table went silent.
Jeffrey’s mother’s face went white. But before she could respond, Kylie stood up. “And Christina, when you shouldn’t criticize my mom. Besides, I am the only grandson heir in the Tang family now.
Grown-ups are talking. Kids shouldn’t interrupt. And why they never got married, we’ll find out later. Right now, you two are the most suspicious.
Christina will get to the bottom of this soon. ”
She turned to her father with a sweet smile. “Dad, can I have another bowl of rice? ”
Mr.
Blake smiled. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you want. Go get it now.
”
Jeffrey’s mother clenched her fists. “Damn it. Last life, she was just some spineless idiot. I took her out without breaking a sweat.
How’d she get so tough this time? ”
Later that night, Jeffrey cornered Nell in her room, his voice dripping with false warmth. “And Christina, please forgive me. Dad, I want to sleep with my sister tonight.
She hasn’t finished the story she was telling me. ”
Mr. Blake, exhausted, nodded. “All right.
Whatever my baby girl wants. ”
Jeffrey smiled, but his eyes were cold. He pressed a small velvet box into Nell’s hands. “Christina, don’t blame me for what happens next.
You asked for this. Here’s a gift I prepared for you. Don’t be mad at me anymore, Aunt Christina. Got this for you.
”
Nell pushed it away. “I don’t want it. ”
“Auntie Nell, oh, are you still mad at me? Master Martin said this necklace is really useful.
You’ve got to wear it. ”
He clasped it around her neck before she could stop him. The moment it touched her skin, a wave of dizziness washed over her. She staggered, and the room spun.
nbsp;. Jorge caught her. “Nell, this will take you back to our room. Let’s just ignore him, okay?
”
She nodded weakly, but as they left, Jeffrey’s smile widened. She heard him whisper to his mother. “Enjoy the first gift I’m giving you. The Tang family’s fortune.
The heir position. It’s all mine. ”
The next morning, Nell woke up to find Kylie’s leg had been crushed in a bizarre accident. The doctors said it was a million-dollar car crash, but Richard had only gotten a busted leg.
Nell knew better. She sat beside Kylie’s bed, her small hands trembling as she laid out old acupuncture needles. “Second sis, I can’t help hatch those scumbags, but I can heal your leg. ”
Kylie laughed bitterly.
“Top doctors hereand abroad saw this leg. Now, nothing can be done. ”
Nell met her eyes. “Huh.
Don’t believe me? I’m the real deal with those ancient needles. I’ll prove it right now. You don’t trust me?
Well, the leg’s numb anyway. Fine. Play doctor if you want, Nell. ”
An hour later, Kylie gasped as feeling returned to her leg.
“How is that possible? Not bad with a needle, huh? ”
Nell smiled. “Second sis, could Nell really heal me?
”
But that night, everything unraveled. A figure appeared at her bedside—a woman with Kylie’s face, but her eyes were hollow. She grabbed Nell’s arm, dragging her through an endless darkness. Nell screamed, but the woman’s grip was iron.
“Nell, wake up, Nell. How come you look exactly like Nell? Seeing you cry broke my heart, too. ”
“No, I want to go back.
Second sister, Jorge, and dad are all waiting for me at home. Let me go. ”
The woman’s face twisted, and then it was Jeffrey’s mother again. “Nell.
Damn it, Jeffrey Fuller, again. Where’s the necklace? ”
Nell’s hand flew to her throat. But the necklace was gone.
The woman lunged, and Nell scrambled backward, screaming. A bright light flashed, and she woke up, gasping, tangled in her sheets. Jorge was shaking her. “Richard.
Richard. Magic spell, do your thing. ”
But before she could answer, a commotion erupted downstairs. By the time they got there, Kylie was screaming, pointing at Nell.
Nbsp;. “Someone help. Christina’s trying to kill Aunt Ten. ”
Mr.
Blake’s face was ashen. “What’s going on? Christina. Richard.
Christina, are you okay? ”
Jorge stepped forward. “Jorge, I’m fine. It’s all Jeffrey’s fault.
”
Jeffrey’s voice rang out, smooth and righteous. “Hey, Dad. I’ve told you before, don’t bring just anyone home. Look, she just came back and attacked Auntie.
In the future, our whole family will be harmed by her. ”
Nell’s grandfather, an old man with a stern face, glared at her. “Shut up. Jeffrey, you speak.
”
Jeffrey bowed his head, playing the hurt son. “Grandpa, I heard a noise and came out. I saw Aunt Christina pushing Auntie’s wheelchair and was about to push it down. Aunt Christina even tried to push me, and then she fell down herself.
”
Nell’s voice was steady. “You’re lying. Second sister was harmed by the necklace. I was pushed down by Jeffrey when I was trying to save her.
”
Jeffrey’s mother sobbed. “Aunt Christina, even if you don’t like me, you can’t frame me. Shameless. Lying and framing are Jeffrey.
Jeffrey specifically picked the gift. And now giving a gift has become a crime. ”
Nell’s grandfather’s eyes narrowed. “Hmm, specifically picked a necklace made from dead people’s hair?
”
But he didn’t wait for an answer. He stormed toward the old guardian tree in the courtyard, grabbed a shovel, and began to dig. Jeffrey’s mother screamed. “You, let’s stop talking nonsense.
Do you think whatever we say is true? ”
Mr. Blake’s voice cut through. “Shut up.
Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you. ”
He raised his hand, and a sword flew into his palm. A golden light flared around him.
Jeffrey’s mother went pale. “Sword, come. Quigley, Aunt Christina is telling the truth. Does she really know magic?
”
Nell watched her grandfather dig, and she saw it—a small wooden box buried under the roots, pulsing with dark energy. She knew what was inside before he opened it. A talisman, soaked in blood, tied to Carl’s fate. Her grandfather’s face went white as he recognized it.
His hands trembled. “Master Martin used human blood to set up a barrier. Did Nell find out? ”
Jeffrey lunged forward, screaming, clutching his head.
“Aunt Kylie, don’t you dare hurt Grandpa’s favorite. Guardian tree. Jeffrey. Jeffrey.
Wake up. You’re the only male heir in our Blake family. ”
But it was too late. The talisman crumbled to ash in her grandfather’s hands.
A wave of dark energy exploded outward, and everyone staggered backward. Jeffrey collapsed, twitching. His mother screamed and rushed to him, but he was already limp, his face gray. nbsp;.
The house was in chaos. In the midst of it, Nell slipped away, her heart pounding. She found Jorge alon and told him everything—the necklace, the dark energy, the voice she’d heard whispering from the tree. He listened, his face pale, but he nodded.
“I believe you, Nell. ”
But before they could act, Kylie called them to her room, her voice shaking. A nurse was there—a nervous young woman named Haley. Kylie lifted her skirt, showing her leg, now fully healed.
“Nell, did you do this? ”
Nell nodded. Kylie stared at her, tears in her eyes. Then she hugged her, hard.
“Nell, you’re our family’s good luck charm. ”
But as Nell hugged her back, she felt it again—a faint pulse of dark magic, coming from Kylie’s pocket. She reached in and pulled out a small, black talisman. Kylie’s face went white.
“What is that? ”
Nell’s voice was cold. “Jeffrey, you know exactly who put me in this wheelchair. Get out of Blake house in 3 minutes.
”
Jeffrey’s mother stepped forward, her voice honeyed. “Grandfather, Jeffrey can’t take care of you anymore. Please stay healthy. Christina badly hurt me.
Can’t help you. ”
But she was already backing away, pulling Jeffrey with her. Nell watched them go, and she knew—this wasn’t over. It was just beginning.
as they disappeared into the night, she heard Jeffrey’s voice, faint but clear. “Dad. Take this. ”
A small puppet talisman dropped from his hand.
She watched it land inthe dirt, and she knew he’d left it for her. A trap. But also a message. He wasn’t done.
Neither was she. nbsp;. “Foxy, Nell will find a way to break this curse. ”
She turned to her grandfather’s grave, his face grey with exhaustion.
“Dad, what are you doing? ”
He didn’t answer. He just looked at the tree, his eyes hollow. “Bringing you to justice.
If the son isn’t taught, it’s the father’s fault. ”
He turned to Jeffrey’s mother, his voice iron. “Did you pick up the talisman or not? And how did you put it on Richard?
Go tell the police. ”
She screamed, but two bodyguards grabbed her arms. Jeffrey tried to run, but he was cornered. Nell watched, her heart pounding, as her grandfather made the call.
“Hello, is this the police? I want to report a crime. ”
But even as the police arrived, Nell felt no relief. She knew the real enemy was still out there—Preston Martin, the dark sorcerer who’d been pulling strings all along.
And she knew, deep in her bones, that he would come for her next. nbsp;. And she was right. nbsp;.
That night, a shadow slipped into her room. She woke with a start, but it was too late—a dark hand clamped over her mouth, and everything went black. When she woke, she was in a dark, damp cellar, bound hand and foot. A figure stood over her, face hidden in shadow.
“Christina Blake, you ruined everything. Since I can’t beat you, I’ll take your powers. Let’s see what you do then. ”
She tried to summon magic, but her power was draining, slipping through her fingers like water.
The figure laughed. “Thank you. Master Martin, why does Christina always bubble break your charms? ”
But then, a voice cut through the darkness, calm and familiar.
“Neil. Are you okay? ”
Golden light flared. The shackles dissolved.
Preston stumbled backward, his face twisted in fury. “What? ”
The light coalesced into an old man—the Celestial Master, her master. He looked at her with fierce pride.
“Neil. I got here just in time. ”
He turned to Preston, his voice hard. “Neil.
You’re badly hurt now. And the compass is gone. Only the seven star sword can break the curse on your Blake family. ”
He pressed a worn piece of paper into her hand.
“Here’s the master’s assembly address. The seven star sword and all your fellow disciples are there. I’ve got other things to do so I can’t go with you. You’ll have to go alone.
Go get it. ”
Nell nodded, her jaw set. “Okay. Neil will definitely bring back the seven star sword.
”
But as she turned to leave, Preston lunged. The Celestial Master blocked him, drawing a circle of light around them both. His voice echoed through the cellar. “Still unrepentant.
If that’s how it is don’t blame me for being ruthless. ”
A blinding flash. Nell stumbled into the night, Carl’s compass clutched in her hand. She had no time to look back.
She ran, her bare feet cutting on stones, until she reached a dark, forgotten shrine half-buried in the forest. The compass needle spun wildly, then pointed toward a stone door hidden behind a curtain of vines. She pushed it open and stepped inside. nbsp;.
The air was cold and thick with dust. A single torch flickered on a ancient sword floating in the center of the chamber, surrounded by nine glowing crystals. The seven-star sword. It hummed with power as she approached, recognizing her.
But before she could touch it, a voice rang out behind her. “Hey, Miss Haley. Didn’t your dad tell you to stay inside? ”
She spun.
Haley stood in the doorway, her face pale. Behind her, Jeffrey’s mother smiled, cold and triumphant. “Hey. Here it is.
The seven star sword is hidden inside. Where is this place? Nell has never seen it before. This is where the Celestial Master hides treasures.
Only a genius like you can go in and get the sword. ”
Suddenly, the ground beneath Nell’s feet gave way. She fell, screaming, into a pit of black, writhing shapes. Above her, Jeffrey’s mother’s voice echoed, mocking.
“Puppet arts. Neil, Celestial Master, tell me where the seven star sword is. Come on. Hurry up and follow.
”
But as the darkness closed around her, Nell heard another voice—deep, familiar, filled with iron. “I saw your hand. You’re really amazing, sis. I was just joking with you.
I actually have something to tell you. ”
The world spun. She landed hard on cold stone. When she opened her eyes, she was in a vast, empty hall.
Ahead of her, a gate of black iron loomed, pulsing with malevolent energy. She heard whispering from the other side. “This is the punishment gate. Anyone with even a trace of evil thoughts will turn to dust.
”
She took a breath. She had no evil thoughts. She had only one thing left—her family, her master, her promise. She stepped forward.
Behind her, voices called her name, desperate. “Nell! Nell! Where are you?
”
But she didn’t turn back. The gate swung open, its darkness swallowing her whole. nbsp;. Whether she emerged again—and what she would find on the other side—was a question she couldn’t afford to think about yet.
She had a sword to claim, a curse to break, and she would not fail. She could not fail. The fate of her entire family hung in the balance. And somewhere, far above, she heard her master’s voice, faint but certain: “Go get it.
I believe in you. ”
