The sky was still tinged with the deep blue of dawang Xi's maid ehe room silently, calling her in a soft voice:— "Miss, your father is waiting for you for breakfast."

  Tang Xi slowly opened her eyes, taking a deep breath as she gathered her thoughts. It was the beginning of an important day. She dressed quickly and walked to the main hall, where her father, Tang Wei, and Uncle were already at the table.

  — "Good m, Father. Good m, Uncle ." — She greeted them, bowing respectfully before sitting down.

  — " Xi, sit a. Today will be a long day for you." — Tang Wei said, his voice firm but carrying a hint of .

  Breakfast passed iive calm, but Tang Xi could not ighe attentive gazes of her father and Uncle . When the meal eang Wei wiped his mouth with a cloth and spoke seriously:

  — " Xi, listen carefully."

  She lifted her eyes to him, meeting his firm yet warm gaze.

  — "You are heading to a dangerion. I know you are capable, but still, I want you to be careful. Do not trust anyone you do not know deeply. If you enter trouble, use these unication talismans."

  He handed her three white talismans with intricate deep blue inscriptions.

  — "Father, these talismans…" — She hesitated, knowing they were extremely rare and expensive.

  — "Yes, they are single-use, but your safety is more important than any resource. Do not hesitate to use them if necessary."

  Tang Xi held the talismans carefully, feeling the weight not only of the material but also of her father's .

  — "I uand, Father. Thank you. I will be careful."

  Uncle , who had remained silent until then, leaned forward and added:

  — "Remember, Xi, the Clear Water Mountains are not just home to wild beasts. There are worse things: bandits, opportunists, and even dark cultivators. Always stay alert."

  She nodded, engraving every word in her mind.

  — "I will return home safely. I promise."

  After bidding farewell to her father and Uncle , Tang Xi returo her room. There, she ged into a discreet male outfit. Looking at herself in the mirror, she adjusted the details, ensuring her identity would remain protected during the journey.

  — "Ah Tao, take good care of everything while I'm away." — She said as she bid farewell to her maid.

  — "Yes, Miss. Take care aurn to us safely."

  Tang Xi smiled before leaving. When she reached the back door, she found Kai, her secret guard, waiting.

  — " Kai, I know you have been following me all this time. Thank you for everything. Now, follow my father's orders." — She said in a ge firm tone.

  Kai hesitated for a moment before responding:

  — "Take care, Miss. May the heavens protect your path."

  With a final nod, Tang Xi stepped through the back door and into the alley. The m air was fresh, and the sky was slowly beginning thten. She walked with determination toward the city's east gate, where hunting groups regurly passed—some carrying their prey, others returning with weary expressions. But now, there were few cultivators leaving the city.

  The Clear Water Mountains were known for both their beauty and their dangers. Some hunters never returned, falling victim to beasts, bandits, or dark cultivators lurking in the shadows.

  Tang Xi adjusted her posture, feeling fidence grow in her chest. With the [Harmonic Matrix of Chaos] and her newly developed abilities, the Moonlight Umbrel, she knew she was more prepared thao face whatever y ahead.

  As she crossed the city gates, a light breeze carried the st of trees and damp earth, marking the beginning of her journey. Looking back as she left the city, she thought of her return in 22 days—as a stronger version of herself.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  On a Distant Path from Moonlit Grove

  Five figures walked in a natural formation, moving effortlessly. The group exuded a striking presehree men and two women. The two young male cultivators and the two girls wore robes from the same sect, adorned with embroidered herbs and pnts, while the elder apanying them had an imposing demeanor and sharp eyes, as if he could see through souls.

  The you girl in the group, full of curiosity, turo the other woman beside her.

  — "Senior Sister, when will we reach your city?" — Her voice was light, filled with innoce, but also admiration for her panion.

  The woman, eared to be the leader among the younger ones, smiled gently before responding. Her face radiated calm and grace, but there was an unshakable fiden her posture.

  — "We still have about ten days of travel to Moonlit Grove, Xia'er. Don't worry, we will arrive safely."

  If Tang Xi were present, she would immediately reize the young eaking. Shang Hua-Yen, elder sister of Shang Hua-Ren, shared a striking resembh her: delicate facial features and bright eyes. However, there was something about Shang Hua-Yen that veyed greater maturity and talent.

  The elder apanying them observed the iion with a slight nod of approval. He seemed satisfied with Shang Hua-Yen's posed demeanor as she guided the younger ones with firmness ahy. He walked in silence, but his thoughts were clear to himself.

  'I inally had no iion of visiting this remote city. However, the hat a Twilight Mist Clover otted here ged my pns. This rare pnt could be the key to my breakthrough.'

  The elder cast a discreet g Shang Hua-Yen.

  'If she ducts herself properly during our stay, I won't mind some assistance.'

  As they tinued walking, one of the young male cultivators beside Shang Hua-Yen asked with curiosity:

  — "Sister Hua-Yen, is your homete? It must be quite lively, right?"

  Shang Hua-Yen ughed softly.

  — "Moonlit Grove isn't as rge as other cities we've visited, but it has its charm. Despite being far from major ters, there are many opportunities for observant cultivators. Of course, the Shang family holds a strong position there."

  Xia'er, the you, tilted her head, intrigued.

  — "Senior Sister, is your family also made up of cultivators? Are they as powerful as you?"

  Shang Hua-Yen's smile wavered slightly, but she maintained her posure.

  — "My younger sister is promising. I'm sure she will make great progress as she tinues on her path. But like any city, Moonlit Grove has its own disputes."

  The elder, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice deep and authoritative.

  — "Disputes are part of human nature and of cultivators. If you keep your mind clear and yoals firm, you will know how to handle any situation. Hua-Yen, I hope your presen Moonlit Grove will be beneficial both to you and your family. Do not disappoint me."

  Shang Hua-Yen bowed her head in respect.

  — "Yes, Master. I will do my best."

  As the group tiheir jourhe elder gazed at the horizon, lost in thought. He had not mentio, but he hoped that the news of the rare Twilight Mist Clover had not spread. Otherwise, there would be no guarantee he would obtain it.

  Meanwhile, Shang Hua-Yen, still wearing a serene smile, reflected on her return to her hometown. She khat her arrival would cause ripples, especially within the Shang family.

  'Hua-Ren, I hope you've behaved well in my absend made some progress,' — she thought. But as she recalled how their mother doted on her younger sister, she hesitated.