The sky was still tinged with the deep blue of dawn when Tang Chun Xi's maid entered the room silently, calling her in a soft voice:
— "Miss, your father is waiting for you for breakfast."
Tang Chun 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 Chen were already at the table.
— "Good morning, Father. Good morning, Uncle Chen." — She greeted them, bowing respectfully before sitting down.
— "Chun Xi, sit and eat. Today will be a long day for you." — Tang Wei said, his voice firm but carrying a hint of concern.
Breakfast passed in relative calm, but Tang Chun Xi could not ignore the attentive gazes of her father and Uncle Chen. When the meal ended, Tang Wei wiped his mouth with a cloth and spoke seriously:
— "Chun Xi, listen carefully."
She lifted her eyes to him, meeting his firm yet warm gaze.
— "You are heading to a dangerous region. I know you are capable, but still, I want you to be careful. Do not trust anyone you do not know deeply. If you encounter trouble, use these communication 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 Chun Xi held the talismans carefully, feeling the weight not only of the material but also of her father's concern.
— "I understand, Father. Thank you. I will be careful."
Uncle Chen, who had remained silent until then, leaned forward and added:
— "Remember, Chun 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 Chen, Tang Chun Xi returned to her room. There, she changed 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 and return to us safely."
Tang Chun Xi smiled before leaving. When she reached the back door, she found Chen Kai, her secret guard, waiting.
— "Chen 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 gentle but firm tone.
Chen Kai hesitated for a moment before responding:
— "Take care, Miss. May the heavens protect your path."
With a final nod, Tang Chun Xi stepped through the back door and into the alley. The morning air was fresh, and the sky was slowly beginning to brighten. She walked with determination toward the city's east gate, where hunting groups regularly 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 Chun Xi adjusted her posture, feeling confidence grow in her chest. With the [Harmonic Matrix of Chaos] and her newly developed abilities, the Moonlight Umbrella, she knew she was more prepared than ever to face whatever lay ahead.
As she crossed the city gates, a light breeze carried the scent 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.
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On a Distant Path from Moonlit Grove
Five figures walked in a natural formation, moving effortlessly. The group exuded a striking presence: three men and two women. The two young male cultivators and the two girls wore robes from the same sect, adorned with embroidered herbs and plants, while the elder accompanying them had an imposing demeanor and sharp eyes, as if he could see through souls.
The youngest girl in the group, full of curiosity, turned to the other woman beside her.
— "Senior Sister, when will we reach your city?" — Her voice was light, filled with innocence, but also admiration for her companion.
The woman, who appeared to be the leader among the younger ones, smiled gently before responding. Her face radiated calm and grace, but there was an unshakable confidence in her posture.
— "We still have about ten days of travel to Moonlit Grove, Xia'er. Don't worry, we will arrive safely."
If Tang Chun Xi were present, she would immediately recognize the young woman speaking. Shang Hua-Yen, elder sister of Shang Hua-Ren, shared a striking resemblance with her: delicate facial features and bright eyes. However, there was something about Shang Hua-Yen that conveyed greater maturity and talent.
The elder accompanying them observed the interaction with a slight nod of approval. He seemed satisfied with Shang Hua-Yen's composed demeanor as she guided the younger ones with firmness and empathy. He walked in silence, but his thoughts were clear to himself.
'I originally had no intention of visiting this remote city. However, the news that a Twilight Mist Clover was spotted here changed my plans. This rare plant could be the key to my next breakthrough.'
The elder cast a discreet glance at Shang Hua-Yen.
'If she conducts herself properly during our stay, I won't mind offering some assistance.'
As they continued walking, one of the young male cultivators beside Shang Hua-Yen asked with curiosity:
— "Sister Hua-Yen, is your hometown large? It must be quite lively, right?"
Shang Hua-Yen laughed softly.
— "Moonlit Grove isn't as large as other cities we've visited, but it has its charm. Despite being far from major centers, there are many opportunities for observant cultivators. Of course, the Shang family holds a strong position there."
Xia'er, the youngest, 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 composure.
— "My younger sister is promising. I'm sure she will make great progress as she continues 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 your goals firm, you will know how to handle any situation. Hua-Yen, I hope your presence in 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 continued their journey, the elder gazed at the horizon, lost in thought. He had not mentioned it, 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 knew that her arrival would cause ripples, especially within the Shang family.
'Hua-Ren, I hope you've behaved well in my absence and made some progress,' — she thought. But as she recalled how their mother doted on her younger sister, she hesitated.