After the deafening silehe effects of the explosion dissipated, leaving only traces of the csh. No sign of Tang Xi was detected by those who came to check the se of the fight. They believed that both cultivators had perished, little did they know that soon, this same person would trigger a shog event.

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  Iy of Moonlit Grove

  After days of travel, the silhouette of Moonlit Grove finally appeared on the horizon. For Shang Hua-Ren, this return brought a mix of nostalgia and ay. Although the city did not possess the splendor of the major cultivatioers, it was where her family resided.

  —"We've arrived. If you'll allow me, I would like to invite you to stay at my house during your visit."Shang Hua-Ren's voice was soft yet firm as she addressed the group and Elder Ki.

  The disciples beside her looked at the city with curiosity. For them, aced to the Spirit Herbs Valley and its affluent regions, Moonlit Grove seemed modest. However, their initial i soon faded as they took in the simplicity of the pce.

  Notig the ge in the group's mood, Hua-Ren smiled slightly and said,—"Don't lose i so quickly. Although the city isn't as prosperous as the great capitals, its specialty is its cuisihe dishes prepared with the spiritual animals from the Clear Waters Mountains are unique. Once we're settled, I'll take you to try them."

  Bai Xiaxia, the you of the group, widened her eyes, her curiosity rekindled.—"Is that for real, senior sister?"—"Of course. You are my fellow disciples, and as your host, it's the least I do."—"You're amazing, senior sister! I heard some people mentioning your name along the way... You're a famous cultivator, aren't you? In the sect, you've never mentioned your ins."

  The question made Hua-Ren's smile falter for a moment, but she quickly recovered, replying in a calm yet slightly cool tone,—"It isn't a good habit to boast."

  She preferred not to recall her humble ins. Her presehere, among the internal disciples of the Valley, was an unforeseen act. However, now that they were here, all that remained was to move forward.

  The group tiheir walk through the city, attrag curious ghe delicate embroidery on Hua-Ren's garments revealed her affiliation with the Spirit Herbs Valley, and the locals whispered among themselves. Snized her from past visits, while others merely observed the group of cultivators.

  Soon after, they arrived at the Shang family mansion. In the main courtyard, two imposing figures awaited: Shang Wei-Liang, the patriarch, and Elder Shang Zhi.

  Hua-Ren stepped forward and greeted her father and the elder with respect. Both responded courteously before turning their attention to the group.

  —"Wele to my humble abode. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My daughter has spoken at length about how Elder Ki is an excellent teacher. I am grateful for yuidance."Shang Wei-Liang's voice was courteous, though his bearing exuded authority.

  Elder Ki smiled slightly.—"Your daughter is talented and disciplined. I see she has ied her father's qualities."

  Theriarch turo the young disciples,—"And these must be the talented disciples Hua-Reioned."

  The group thahem for their hospitality and proceeded into the mansion. Outside, however, the onlookers did not disperse. Some slipped through the alleys of the city, hurrying to report the arrival of the disciples from the Spirit Herbs Valley to their respective employers.

  That night, many would remain awake.

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  The Li MansionDeep within the Li family mansion, a servant hurried across the courtyard. His breathing was rapid, yet he dared not slow his pace.Upon reag the young master, he k and announced,—"Young Master Li, Miss Hua-Ren has arrived."

  Li Feng-Yu lifted his gaze from his tea. His lips curved into a subtle smile.—"After so much time... finally, I see her again."—"She did not e alone, young master. She brought along an elder from the Spirit Herbs Valley and four internal disciples."

  Li Feng-Yu's expression hardened.—"An elder? This is different from the information we received! Who?"—"The informants heard Patriarch Shang refer to him as Ki."

  For a moment, the young master Li's gaze was lost in thought.'An internal elder—what is he doing here? Is it merely a ce, or is there something more he doesn't know?'

  He slowly rose and walked to the window. The city shone in the daylight, but what he saw was not merely a tranquil se. It was like a ke that appeared calm on the surface yet cealed subterranean currents.—"Is the Spirit Herbs Valley ied iy? Or is there something more hidden?"

  After a moment of silence, he turo the servant and ordered,—"Tell everyoo remain cautious until the end of the tour. No taking sides."

  The servant bowed and hurried off to carry out the orders.Li Feng-Yu, meanwhile, let his gaze wander once agaihe city. He couldn't say who would win the fight, but his instincts told him that Patriarch Tang was not to be uimated.'The storm is brewing... It remains to be seen who will survive when the winds ge.Should I wake my father from retirement?'

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  Behind the Ses iyThe arrival of Elder Ki and the disciples from the Valley did not go unnoticed. Unlike Li Feng-Yu, who maintained a cautious stahers quickly cluded that the Tang family was doomed to defeat.Messages were sent into the shadows. The bance of power in Moonlit Grove was about to ge.

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