Chapter 214 - 25-35

Chapter 25. Reward

Kanoru stood outside the Lord's study door, glancing at the two samurai guarding it. 

One of them said, "Knock on the door. If the Lord is free, he will tell you to come in." 

Kanoru nodded. "Thank you." He knocked, and after a moment, he heard a voice from inside, "Come in." 

Nodding at the guards, he opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him. Lord Mori sat behind a table, observing a scroll. Looking up, he said, "Kanoru, you have come." 

Kanoru walked forward, stood before him, and bowed. "My Lord, what do you need me to do?" 

Lord Mori replied, "Nothing." 

Kanoru frowned. "Then?" 

Smiling, Lord Mori said, "I called you to reward you for your accomplishments. Without your help, the war would not have ended so quickly." 

Kanoru shook his head. "The war ended because of Master Junzo. My contribution was insignificant." 

Unaware that his sword technique had helped Master Junzo break through the final barrier to the last stage of the sword wind realm, Kanoru remained humble. 

Lord Mori smiled. "You first helped us invent a new bow, and then your plan prevented the Niwais from attacking our city. Those are not insignificant contributions." 

He continued, "But the most significant help was your sword technique. It deepened Junzo's understanding of the nature of wind, allowing him to advance to the final stage of the sword wind realm." 

Kanoru's eyes widened in shock. "It was my fortune to be able to assist Master Junzo." 

Lord Mori nodded. "I will reward you with Koi Mansion, Nisi Village, and—" 

Before he could finish, a knock sounded at the door. 

"Come in," Lord Mori said. 

Kanoru felt the wind vibrate around him. A moment later, the door opened. 

He wondered how the person outside had heard Lord Mori when he hadn't spoken loudly enough for his voice to carry beyond the closed room.

Lord Mori said, "Asuna, you are here." 

Kanoru glanced behind him. Asuna stood in a beautiful dress adorned with jewelry. She had always been beautiful, even in armor and simple clothing, but now, her beauty struck him differently. His eyes lingered on her. 

Asuna stepped beside him, met his gaze, and smiled. He returned the smile before reluctantly shifting his attention back to the Lord. 

"Father," Asuna said. 

Lord Mori nodded. "I was just telling Kanoru about his rewards." 

"What rewards are you giving him?" she asked. 

"Three," Lord Mori replied. "The first is Koi Mansion, the second is Nisi Village as his property, and the third concerns you. That is why I had the servants call you when Kanoru arrived." 

Kanoru frowned, wondering what his third reward had to do with her. 

Then Lord Mori said, "Asuna, do you want to marry Kanoru?" 

Kanoru's eyes widened in shock. 

Asuna, however, remained calm. "Yes, Father. I will listen to your command." 

"It is not a command," Lord Mori said. "If you do not wish to, you can say no." 

Kanoru, still processing, couldn't help but wonder why no one was asking for his opinion. He was only ten years old. But in this land, once a child became a low-level samurai, they were considered an adult. Even without opening a gate, their strength surpassed that of ordinary adults. 

Kanoru understood why the Lord wanted him to marry Asuna—it was to tie him to the Mori family because of his rapid progress in cultivation. 

Still, this was marriage—his marriage—yet his opinion didn't seem to matter. 

Then he heard Asuna say, "I agree, Father." 

She didn't love Kanoru, but she understood her father's intentions. With Kanoru's talent, his rise to higher-rank samurai was inevitable. By marrying him, she would ensure that even if he left their territory in the future to establish his own family, the Mori and his lineage would remain connected as natural allies. She didn't love him, but she did admire him. 

Lord Mori then asked, "Kanoru, what about you?" 

Kanoru hesitated. If he refused, it might strain his relationship with the Mori family, which had never wronged him. Becoming the Lord's son-in-law could also benefit him on his path to becoming a Divine Samurai. More importantly, in his eyes, this world was no more than a virtual game—one where he completed missions and grew stronger. His real body wasn't the one marrying Asuna. 

So, Kanoru replied, "It is my honor to marry Lady Asuna." 

Lord Mori nodded. "Good, good. I have decided that when Asuna turns sixteen, I will hold your wedding." 

Asuna said, "Father, you must inform Mother." 

"I will send a letter to her. She and your two elder brothers will attend the ceremony." 

Then Lord Mori continued, "Asuna, you can show Kanoru the Koi Mansion." 

Asuna nodded. "Then, I ask for your leave, Father." 

Kanoru followed, "I also ask for your leave, Lord." 

Lord Mori picked up two scrolls and tossed them to Kanoru, who caught them with ease. "These are the transfer agreements for Koi Mansion and Nisi Village. They are now officially yours." 

Kanoru bowed, while Asuna simply turned and walked out. He followed closely behind her.

Outside the Lord's room, Kanoru found Mika waiting for them. 

Asuna said, "Mika, prepare a carriage for us." 

Mika replied, "Yes, Lady Asuna," and walked ahead to make the arrangements. 

Asuna and Kanoru followed in silence, exiting the Lord's Mansion. Mika then left to fetch the carriage, leaving them standing quietly at the entrance. 

Then they heard a voice call out, "Sister, Kanoru." 

Kanoru turned to his left and saw Takenaka and Tasuo approaching. 

Asuna greeted them, "Brother." 

Takenaka asked, "Why are you and Kanoru just standing here?" 

Before she could answer, Mika returned with the carriage. 

Asuna said, "Father rewarded Kanoru with the Koi Mansion and asked me to show it to him." 

Tasuo immediately said, "Then we'll come with you and see the mansion too." 

Takenaka turned to Asuna. "Sister, do you want us to come along?" 

Asuna shook her head. "No, Brother, I can manage." 

Turning to the carriage, she added, "Brother, we are leaving." Then she climbed inside. 

Kanoru followed without a word, stepping into the carriage behind her.

Chapter 26. Xinghai City

From an inn's balcony, Kanoru gazed at the port city coming to life in the dawn's mist. A light spring rain fell, veiling the streets in a soft haze. Now seventeen, he stood on the balcony of an inn in Xinghai, a city on the Five Sacred Beast Continent. He had arrived the evening before, but a heavy downpour forced him and his party to take shelter, spending the night there. 

It had been six years and ten months since the Lord rewarded him. The years had been uneventful, with no wars, allowing him to focus on practicing and managing Nisi Village. His training bore results—he had gained complete control over the energy within his fourth gate and could briefly open the fifth, marking his advancement to a middle-ranked samurai. 

His sword training had also progressed; he had reached the third stage of the sword wind realm. With it, his perception of the power of the wind deepened, leading him to understand its fundamental nature—Cut. Wind had three natures: Cut, Shatter, and Sound. If he could comprehend one of the remaining two, he would step into the fourth stage of the sword wind realm and truly enter the threshold of mastering the power of wind.

He suddenly turned at the sound of movement behind him and said, "You're awake." 

On the bed, beneath the covers, Asuna opened her eyes. She glanced toward Kanoru, silhouetted against the soft morning light, with the gentle rain falling behind him. 

"It's already morning? Why didn't you wake me up?" she asked, sitting up quickly. Her loose clothing barely covered her, but Kanoru showed no reaction. 

"A few hours won't make a difference in a journey that lasts months," he replied as she grabbed some clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. 

From inside, her voice came: "Can you check if Mika is awake and bring me some food?" 

Kanoru responded, "Yes, my wife." 

Six months ago, he and Asuna had married. 

He stepped out of his room and knocked on the door next to his. After a moment, Mika opened it. 

"What? Are we leaving now?" she asked. 

"Not yet. Asuna asked me to check if you were awake," Kanoru replied. 

"I woke up at dawn and got ready for the journey," Mika said. 

Kanoru nodded. "Did you have breakfast?" 

"Yes, about half an hour ago," she answered. 

"You can wait in our room and talk to Asuna. She's nervous." 

Mika nodded. "Okay." 

Kanoru turned and walked down the stairs. Reaching the first floor, he scanned the room and spotted Takenaka and the others seated at tables, plates of food in front of them. He approached one of the inn workers and said, "Send two plates of food to my Room." 

"Room number?" the worker asked for confirmation. 

"Seven," Kanoru repeated. 

The worker nodded and walked away. 

Kanoru then saw and heard Takenaka calling and waving at him. He walked toward him, and Takenaka said, "Kanoru, I asked about the route to the capital of the Ming Empire." 

Kanoru gestured for him to continue. 

Takenaka explained, "It's best for you, Asuna, and Mika to join a caravan to Qinhua City. From there, you'll need to take a boat across to Bilo City. After that, you can decide whether to join another caravan or complete the journey on your own." 

Kanoru nodded. "Alright, then we should buy a carriage." 

"Yes," Takenaka agreed. "A carriage would be better. The journey to Qinhua City takes about a month." 

Kanoru noticed the same inn worker carrying two plates of food up the stairs. 

He then asked, "Brother, can you handle buying the carriage and finding where we can join the caravan?" 

Takenaka smiled. "Leave this small task to me. And thank you for doing this for my family." 

Kanoru shook his head. "You forget—I became part of your family after marrying Asuna. Besides, this journey to the Ming Empire's capital is a new experience for me, a chance to see the world and take a break." 

Takenaka nodded, then stood up from the table and left the inn with some of their samurai. 

Kanoru also turned and walked up the stairs, passing the worker along the way. A few moments later, he entered his room to find Mika sitting in a chair, while Asuna sat behind the only table, eating her meal. 

Kanoru took the seat opposite her, picked up his chopsticks, and began his breakfast.

After a moment, he heard Asuna ask, "Why are you late?" 

Kanoru replied, "I was talking with your brother," then continued, "I asked him to buy a carriage and find a caravan for us," before explaining their discussion. 

Asuna frowned. "A caravan will slow us down. We should go alone." 

Kanoru chewed his food before responding, "You shouldn't be anxious. We don't know the rules and customs of the Ming Empire. Traveling with a caravan will help us understand them." 

Mika agreed. "Asuna, Kanoru is right. Your two elder brothers are with Aunty. She will be fine." 

Kanoru nodded. Their journey to the Ming Empire's capital was to check on Asuna's mother. At their wedding, her mother and brothers hadn't attended, only sending gifts. The messenger had informed them that Asuna's mother was sick, which was why they couldn't come. 

As time passed, Asuna worried about her mother daily. Kanoru, curious about the Ming Empire and the Five Sacred Beast Continent, had suggested they travel to visit her. Lord Mori, also concerned for his wife, had permitted them easily. 

They finished the rest of their meal in silence. Gathering their luggage, they walked out of the room and down the stairs, where they found Takenaka waiting for them.

Seeing them, Takenaka said, "I brought a large carriage for you three." 

They followed him to find a spacious carriage pulled by four black horses. 

Asuna said, "Thank you, Brother." 

Takenaka replied, "It's the least I can do." 

Kanoru asked, "What about the caravan?" 

Takenaka said, "I found one. They'll be leaving for Qinhua City in an hour." 

Asuna said, "Then let's go." She and Mika entered the carriage with their luggage. 

Kanoru, noticing there was no driver, knew he would have to take the reins. He climbed into the driver's seat, and Takenaka sat beside him. With a flick of the reins, the horses started moving. 

Following Takenaka's guidance, they soon reached the caravan's location. A bald man spotted Takenaka and walked toward them. 

Seeing him approach, Takenaka said, "That's Ji Yuan, the caravan's guard captain. He's a medium-rank warlock." 

Kanoru, hearing this, noted that the man's realm was the same as his, but he suspected his strength was greater. 

Ji Yuan said, "Mr. Takenaka, are they joining the caravan?" 

Takenaka nodded. "Yes, this is my brother-in-law, Kanoru. My sister and her maid are inside the carriage." 

As Takenaka introduced him, Kanoru gave Ji Yuan a nod. 

Ji Yuan asked, "You're a Samurai?" 

Kanoru replied, "Yes, does it matter?" 

Ji Yuan said, "Yes, it does. If you agree to help protect the caravan from demons and bandits, we can offer you a discount." 

Kanoru asked, "How much does it cost to join the caravan?" 

Ji Yuan replied, "It depends," then glanced around. "Wait here. I'll call the manager to discuss the cost with you."

Kanoru and Takenaka nodded, watching Ji Yuan leave. 

Kanoru said, "You didn't negotiate the price?" 

Takenaka replied, "I did. The manager said it's 10 gold per person for the journey to Qinhua City. They'll provide all necessary supplies." 

Kanoru spotted Ji Yuan returning with an older man. 

The older man said, "Nice to meet you. I am Wang Hui, manager of the Golden Sparrow." 

Kanoru nodded. "I'm Kanoru. My wife and her friend will be joining your caravan." 

Wang Hui replied, "I heard you three are heading to Qinhua City." 

Kanoru nodded, and Wang Hui continued, "That will be 30 gold coins. Since you're using four horses, there's an additional fee of 2 gold coins for their feed." 

Ji Yuan added, "Kanoru is a Samurai." 

Wang Hui raised an eyebrow. "What is your rank?" 

"Middle-ranked Samurai," Kanoru replied. 

Wang Hui seemed surprised to see a teenager at that rank but said, "Then, the total will be 25 gold coins." 

Takenaka nodded. "Okay." He took out two large gold coins and five small ones from his pouch and handed them to Wang Hui. 

Wang Hui nodded. "Do you need a carriage driver? Don't worry, it's free." 

Kanoru nodded. "When does the caravan leave?" 

"In a few minutes," Wang Hui said. "I'll make the preparations." 

Ji Yuan nodded and followed Wang Hui. 

A few minutes later, a teenager approached, following Ji Yuan. 

Ji Yuan said, "This is Zhao He. He'll be your driver for the journey." 

Kanoru nodded and jumped down from the driver's seat. 

After half an hour, the caravan set off, with their carriage positioned in the middle of the convoy. 

From inside the carriage, Asuna, Mika, and Kanoru waved goodbye to Takenaka. 

"Take care," Takenaka called out as they left. 

As the caravan disappeared from his sight, he sighed. "I wish I could go with them and check on Mother." But he knew he couldn't—he was the only heir left to his father's.

Chapter 27. Warlock

As the sun rose the next day, Kanoru woke up. He had slept with his legs stretched out, his back leaning against the carriage wall. Glancing to the side, he saw Asuna and Mika sleeping on a makeshift bed on the carriage floor. Without disturbing them, he quietly climbed down. 

Taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air, he observed the surroundings. Guards were still patrolling the convoy, and some caravan workers had already started preparing breakfast. 

He spotted two people meditating on the roof of their carriage, energy visibly flowing into their bodies. Sensing their auras, Kanoru thought, 'They are apprentice warlocks.'

The cultivation systems of the two continents were completely different. On the Five Sacred Beast Continent, extraordinary individuals were called Warlocks. Like in Athia, their cultivation system followed a structured path: Apprentice Warlock, Low-Ranked Warlock, Middle-Ranked Warlock, High-Ranked Warlock, and Great Warlock. 

Before coming to this continent, Kanoru had studied the Warlock practice system. In the Apprentice realm, one began by awakening their spiritual power. To advance to a Low-Ranked Warlock, they had to draw a lower-rank talisman inside their spiritual space. A Low-Ranked Warlock could inscribe up to four such talismans. 

Three lower-rank talismans could then be merged to form a middle-rank talisman. Advancement to Middle-Rank Warlock required successfully merging the talismans. Failure to do so meant being stuck at the Low-Rank Warlock stage forever. 

As he walked toward a stream beside the convoy, Kanoru washed himself, deep in thought. *If I can obtain a Warlock practice method, I'd like to study how they cultivate.* He had no intention of practicing it himself but sought to expand his knowledge. He knew this world wouldn't be his last stop—he would travel to many more in the future. The knowledge he gained on his journey might one day prove useful. 

Nodding to himself, he turned and walked back to camp.

Leaning against his carriage, Kanoru pondered, *There are two other continents. I should try to visit them before this body dies.* 

He had little information about them, only their names—Sacred Continent and Golden Continent. The Sacred Continent could be reached by traveling west from the Five Sacred Beast Continent. 

A noise from inside the carriage broke his thoughts. Ten minutes later, Asuna and Mika stepped out, fully dressed. 

"Good morning," Kanoru greeted. 

They both nodded in response. 

"How did you two sleep?" he asked. 

Asuna replied, "We were fine, but what about you?" 

Mika added, "Tonight, you sleep on the carriage floor, and I'll take your place." 

Kanoru shrugged. "Go wash your face and do your morning routine. I'll bring breakfast." 

Noticing that the food preparation had finished, he watched as Asuna and Mika walked toward the stream. Then, he headed toward the workers, who had just finished cooking breakfast—tea and buns. 

After collecting their portions, he asked, "Will there be any stops today?" 

He had spoken with Zhao Ye earlier and learned that the Golden Sparrow Caravan stopped not only at night but also in certain villages, towns, and cities along the route to Qinhua City. These locations had caravan bases where travelers could bathe and resupply. 

One of the workers replied, "Fu Village, around noon, I think." He glanced at another worker, who nodded in confirmation. 

Kanoru nodded in acknowledgment and walked away with their breakfast.

Two weeks passed. Now, at noon, the convoy traveled through a dense forest. They had to exit before dusk, as this was the Demon Forest—home to demons and Great Demons. 

Kanoru sat beside Zhao Ye at the front of the carriage and asked, "Have you seen demons before?" 

Zhao Ye nodded. "Yes, many times. Every two or three journeys, the caravan is attacked by demons." 

Kanoru continued asking about demons and found that the information matched what he had read in the Mori family's private library. 

Demons were evolved beasts capable of using a single elemental spell known as their talent. Great Demons, however, could learn multiple spells. Like Blood Beasts, a demon's greatest strength lay in its physical body—an advantage that increased when facing warlocks. 

Warlocks cultivated spiritual power, making their bodies no different from ordinary people. However, some rare warlocks trained their bodies, allowing them to match a demon's strength.

Their carriage came to a stop as the one ahead halted. Kanoru wondered, *What happened?* He hadn't heard any sounds of fighting. 

From the carriage window, Asuna poked her head out and asked, "What happened?" 

"I don't know," Kanoru replied. 

Zhao Ye jumped down and walked to the side for a better view. "Looks like something happened at the front of the convoy," he said. 

Kanoru also jumped down. "I'll go check," he said. 

Behind him, he heard Asuna call out, "Be careful." 

---

*A few minutes earlier…* 

At the front of the convoy, a crowd had gathered, whispering among themselves as they stared at a woman lying on the ground. Claw marks covered her stomach and arms. A sword lay beside her, and nearby, the body of a black wolf lay lifeless, wounds covering its body. 

Ji Yuan furrowed his brows. "Manager Wang, I think I recognize her." 

Wang Hui turned to him. "You know who she is?" 

"I don't know her name, but I recognize where she's from." 

Wang Hui studied the woman. Her deep blue hair spread behind her, blood marring her delicate features. Even with her injured, her beauty was evident. Her white warlock robe bore green markings, and a small tree was woven into the fabric. 

"It looks familiar…" Wang Hui murmured, trying to recall where he had seen that insignia before. 

Ji Yuan spoke firmly, "It's from the Evergreen Sect." 

Wang Hui's eyes widened. "The *Evergreen Sect*?" He spun around. "Old Liu, save her quickly!"

When Wang Hui shouted, "Evergreen Sect!" Kanoru had just reached the gathered crowd at the front of the convoy. His gaze fell on the injured woman, and he wondered, *Evergreen Sect?* 

As he listened to the murmuring around him, he learned that once they left the forest, they would arrive at Ren County, where the Evergreen Sect was the ruling power. Their influence, however, extended far beyond Ren County, as they were renowned throughout the Ming Dynasty for their unique pills. 

A familiar voice called his name. Turning, he saw Ji Yuan. 

"Yes?" Kanoru responded. 

Ji Yuan stepped forward. "Mr. Kanoru, can we let her rest inside your carriage? It's the only one large enough." 

Wang Hui added, "Mr. Kanoru, I will return five gold coins for the inconvenience. We wouldn't ask if we weren't still inside the demon forest." 

Kanoru shook his head. "I don't need the five gold coins. But if you want my agreement, you have to ask my wife." 

Wang Hui nodded. "Then let's go." He turned to Ji Yuan. "You carry her." 

Ji Yuan nodded and carefully lifted the woman into his arms. The old physician, Old Liu, groaned. "Be careful! Her wounds will reopen." 

Ji Yuan adjusted his hold and nodded. With the crowd following behind, Kanoru and Wang Hui led the way back to the carriage. 

Reaching it, Kanoru called out, "Asuna." 

Asuna's beautiful face appeared from the carriage window. "Kanoru, what is it?" 

Kanoru quickly explained the situation. Asuna's gaze shifted to the unconscious woman in Ji Yuan's arms. After a brief pause, she said, "Okay." 

She and Mika rearranged the makeshift bed on the carriage floor and took their seats on the bench, then helped Ji Yuan lay the woman down carefully. 

Wang Hui stepped forward, extending five gold coins toward Kanoru. "Here." 

Kanoru shook his head. "No need." He climbed onto the driver's seat. "Zhao Ye, let's go." 

Wang Hui sighed and turned back toward his own ride. The crowd dispersed to their carriages, and within minutes, the convoy was moving again.

Chapter 28. Bai Yue

As night descended, the forest came alive with the howls, roars, and shrieks of unseen creatures. Without further commotion, the convoy finally emerged from the Demon Forest. A few hours later, it came to a stop, and the formation shifted—formal carriages circling around the guest and important carriages for protection. 

Kanoru jumped down and walked to the carriage door, opening it to check inside. His gaze first landed on the still-unconscious woman before shifting to Asuna and Mika. 

"Are you two coming down?" he asked. 

Mika and Asuna exchanged glances. Mika nodded, and Asuna replied, "Yes, my legs are stiff." 

Careful not to disturb the injured woman, Kanoru helped them out of the carriage. 

A few hours later, after finishing their dinner, Wang Hui approached with Old Liu, the physician. Peering inside, they found the woman still unconscious. Apologizing for the inconvenience, they asked if Kanoru and his group would be willing to sleep in a tent for the night. 

Asuna, knowing there was little choice and unwilling to disturb the injured woman—especially after learning she belonged to the powerful Evergreen Sect, the unofficial rulers of Ren County—agreed. 

Grateful, Wang Hui thanked them profusely and even offered to return half of their payment. However, Kanoru declined, knowing that a favor from the Evergreen Sect was far more valuable than a few gold coins. 

Wang Hui then offered them tents, but Kanoru refused, as they already had their own. Retrieving a large tent and bedding from beneath the carriage seats, they prepared for the night. 

Kanoru set up the tent while Asuna and Mika arranged the bedding inside. Once everything was ready, they settled in, with Asuna lying between Kanoru and Mika. 

As they talked, they discussed their journey—if nothing unexpected happened, they would reach Qinhua City in two weeks, take a boat to Bilu City, and from there, ride on horseback for a week to reach the capital. 

Eventually, their conversation faded, and sleep took them. 

--- 

Elsewhere, under the moonlight, a valley lay in serene stillness. At its center stood a massive tree, its towering form surrounded by buildings that made the place seem peaceful and tranquil. 

Tonight, however, danger lurked in the shadows. 

A guard patrolling the perimeter squinted at a vague figure in the darkness. "Wait!" he whispered. 

His partner turned to him. "What?" 

"I think I saw someone," the guard murmured. 

His partner scanned the area carefully, his eyes sweeping over the shadowed landscape. Finding nothing, he sighed. "Probably just a beast." 

The guard hesitated, then exhaled. "Yeah… let's keep moving." 

They turned away, resuming their patrol—unaware of the figures perched in the trees just above the shadow they had inspected. Four figures, cloaked in black, moved with silent precision. The moment the guards turned their backs, they raised their hands in unison, forming intricate incantations. 

A swarm of golden needles materialized in the air and shot toward the unsuspecting guards. 

Reacting instantly, the guards raised vine-like shields, blocking the deadly projectiles. However, their focus on defense left them vulnerable. 

Two more assassins, hidden in the darkness, crept up behind them. In perfect synchronization, they plunged daggers into the soft flesh of the guards' necks, muffling their final breaths. 

Lowering the lifeless bodies to the ground, the six assassins pressed forward, slipping deeper into the valley. 

This silent slaughter unfolded across the perimeter, with every sentry meeting the same fate. 

Then, the killings moved inward. The intruders infiltrated the first building, eliminating its inhabitants with ruthless efficiency. 

For fifteen minutes, silence reigned. 

Then, a cry pierced the night. 

The alarm had been raised. 

Suddenly, the valley erupted into chaos—fireballs roared through the air, serpentine streams of water lashed out, stone walls rose to block attacks, golden needles and blades clashed, and trees and plants sprang to life as the defenders fought back. 

The battle raged into the dawn. 

As the morning light bathed the valley, devastation lay in its wake. Some buildings had been reduced to rubble, while others stood damaged, flames still licking at their charred remains. The ground was strewn with bodies—both of the masked attackers clad in black and the defenders dressed in black, white, and light green robes, each adorned with dark green markings and the insignia of the great tree at the valley's center. 

The masked figures, their faces devoid of features, moved methodically through the carnage. They searched the dead, looted valuables, and ransacked buildings for anything of worth. From one structure, a steady stream of books and crates of various sizes was hauled out and loaded onto the many carriages gathered nearby. 

At the valley's heart, beneath the towering tree, a man in dark green robes lay lifeless—a hole where his heart had once been. 

Nearby, several masked figures stood behind three kneeling men and two women, all dressed in light green and white robes. Before them stood a figure clad in an immaculate white robe, a mask obscuring his face. Calmly, he wiped his bloodied sword clean. 

His voice, cold and emotionless, cut through the silence. 

"Whoever gives me the 100 Herb Pill… will be spared." 

The five kneeling men and women exchanged glances. Among them, an older man with white hair and a beard, dressed in light green robes, spoke firmly. 

"The whereabouts of the 100 Herb Pill were known only to the sect leader. Even if we knew, we would never tell you." 

The masked man tilted his head slightly. "Really?" 

With a simple hand gesture, the executioner behind the old man swung his blade. The elder's head rolled to the ground, his lifeless eyes staring up at his remaining companions. 

"Now," the masked man continued, "who can tell me where to find the pill?" 

A woman among the captives broke into quiet sobs. "We don't know… Only the sect leader knew." 

Another man, his face resolute, spat, "Kill us. Even if we knew, we wouldn't tell you." 

The masked man let out a quiet sigh. "Kill them." 

The last kneeling man trembled. "Wait!" he gasped. "I know where the 100 Herb Pill is." 

The others had no time to glare in betrayal before their deaths were sealed. The masked man gave another signal, and the remaining three captives were swiftly beheaded. 

The traitor's voice was weak, laced with fear. "I don't know exactly where it is… but I know someone who does." 

The masked man's eyes narrowed. "You lied to me." 

Without hesitation, he drove his sword through the man's arm, twisting it. A scream tore through the air. 

"Talk," the masked man ordered. 

Through ragged breaths, the traitor gasped, "The sect leader's daughter—Bai Yue. She must know where the pill is." 

The masked man turned to one of the black-clad figures nearby. 

"We didn't find her in the valley," the figure reported. 

The kneeling man, still trembling, spoke quickly. "She left for the Demon Forest to gather Blood Grass. I can help you find her!" 

The masked man replied coldly, "We don't need your help to find her." 

Desperate, the kneeling man continued, "You think you've killed everyone, but you're wrong. Many escaped through the underground tunnel in the library. The massacre of the Evergreen Sect has already spread across Ren County. Bai Yue will hear of it and won't return—she'll head to Yunshui County instead." 

The masked man's gaze sharpened. "Why?" 

"Because her mother is from the Shui family," the man answered. 

The masked man's posture stiffened. "Shui family?" 

"Yes," the kneeling man nodded. "The same Shui family with Great Warlock Shui Xueling. And Shui Xueling is Bai Yue's mother." 

For the first time, the masked man hesitated. After a moment, he gave a curt order. "Take him. Burn the valley. Erase all traces." 

His mind was already calculating the next move. If they found Bai Yue, they couldn't torture her—she was the daughter of a Great Warlock. The wrath of such a powerful figure wasn't worth any employer's gold. Perhaps it was wiser to turn the traitor over, collect the reward, and disappear for a while. 

With that thought, he mounted his horse and rode away. 

--- 

In the convoy, under the morning sun, Kanoru leaned against his carriage, sipping tea from his cup. 

A faint groan came from inside. He heard stirring. 

"She's awake," he thought. 

Opening the carriage door, he found himself face-to-face with the injured woman, now sitting up. 

"I am Kanoru," he said. 

Surprised, she replied, "I am Bai Yue."

Chapter 29. Change of Plan

A few hours after Bai Yue woke up, the convoy entered a town to rest, as there was a branch of the Golden Sparrow Caravan there. 

Inside his and Asuna's room, Kanoru finished dressing. He planned to practice in A training field beside the branch. After adjusting his clothes, he stepped out and knocked on the door of the room next to his. 

"Who?" Mika's voice called out before the door creaked open. 

Peering inside, Kanoru saw both Asuna and Bai Yue. He wasn't sure how or why, but ever since Bai Yue woke up, she and Asuna had become instant friends. 

"I'm going to train," Kanoru said. 

Asuna glanced at him. "Is there a place to practice nearby?" 

"Yes, to the right of this building," he replied. 

Asuna nodded. "I'll bring your dinner to our room." 

"Thank you. I'm going now." 

Asuna nodded again, and Kanoru turned, walking away. Mika shut the door and returned to her seat. 

Bai Yue looked at Asuna. "Cousin, you and your husband weren't familiar with each other before marriage, were you?" 

Asuna didn't react to being called 'cousin.' She had already learned that Bai Yue's mother was from the Shui family, while her own mother was from the Yun family—two families connected by blood. Her maternal grandmother was from the Shui family, making them distant relatives. 

"No," Asuna replied. "We've known each other for seven years and were friends, but we're still adjusting to our new roles." 

Bai Yue tilted her head. "What was the reason for your marriage?" 

"My father arranged it six years ago." 

Bai Yue frowned. "Six years… yet in all that time, you two remained just friends? Being engaged didn't change that?" 

Mika scoffed. "That wooden head only cares about practice." 

Bai Yue raised an eyebrow, intrigued, waiting for more details. 

Asuna replied, "After our engagement, he left for a village my father awarded him. Over the next six years, he spent about 80% of his time there." 

Bai Yue sighed. "Oh! So his mind is only filled with training. Then why did you agree to marry him?" 

"Because he's talented," Asuna said. "At seventeen, he's already a middle-rank Samurai and has grasped the nature of wind's power. How could I pass up such a husband? In this dangerous world, only a strong husband can protect my family and me." 

Bai Yue understood her reasoning, though it didn't apply to her. As the daughter of the Evergreen Sect's leader, a high-rank warlock, and Shui Xueling, an even stronger great warlock, she never had to worry about protection. "If I ever marry, it'll only be for love," she stated. 

Asuna nodded, respecting her view. Though she didn't love Kanoru, she saw him as a friend and trusted he would protect her. Suddenly, she remembered something—before Kanoru knocked on the door, she had been about to ask Bai Yue about her mother. 

Her expression turned serious. "Cousin, do you have any news about my mother?" 

Bai Yue's face fell, and she hesitated. 

Seeing her silence, fear gripped Asuna. She grasped Bai Yue's hand. "Cousin, is my mother okay?" 

Bai Yue sighed. "I don't know much… only that she's unconscious, but her life isn't in danger." 

Asuna's breath caught. "When did she fall unconscious?" 

"Eleven months ago. She was ambushed while returning to the capital. She killed all her attackers, but she was poisoned. At first, she only grew weaker, and two months later, she lost consciousness." 

Asuna's eyes widened. "Poisoned?" 

"Don't worry," Bai Yue reassured her. "The poison doesn't threaten her life—it just prevents her from waking up. My father has already found the cure." 

Asuna leaned forward. "What is it?" 

"The Hundred Herb Pill. It should have been refined a few days ago, and in a day or two, my father will bring it to the capital." 

Asuna's resolve hardened. "Then we should go to your sect and join your father on his journey to the capital." 

Bai Yue smiled. "Good. Tomorrow, we'll head to my sect." 

Asuna stood abruptly. "I need to inform Kanoru." 

Mika rose to follow her, but Asuna stopped her. "You two don't need to come with me."

Kanoru arrived at the practice field and found it completely empty. He thought, *I have the whole place to myself.* 

Sitting down, he took a deep breath and began opening the inner gates of his body, one by one. Up to the fourth gate, there was no visible reaction, but as he opened the fifth, a surge of energy erupted within him. Like a wildfire, it raged through his body, surrounding him in a red aura that flickered like flames. 

He focused his chakra, trying to tame the wild energy, but it bucked like an untamed horse, tearing through his insides and leaving internal injuries. After five minutes, he shut the gate, sensing the accumulated damage reaching a dangerous level. 

Channeling his chakra, he directed it toward his injured areas, accelerating his body's natural healing. Fifteen minutes later, he resumed training. Repeating this process again and again helped him grow familiar with the energy inside the fifth gate. With each attempt, he gained more control, slowly refining it into his chakra. This not only strengthened his control over the energy but also tempered his body. 

On his third recovery session, as his chakra worked to heal his wounds, he heard approaching footsteps. A voice called out, "Kanoru! Where are you?" 

Under the moonless, starless sky, Asuna couldn't see him. 

Hearing her voice, Kanoru recognized it immediately and called out, "Here." He listened as her footsteps drew closer. 

"Kanoru, tomorrow we won't be following the caravan. We're heading to the Evergreen Sect," she said. 

Kanoru frowned. "Why? Is it because of Bai Yue? I didn't know you two had become so close." 

Asuna crossed her arms. "I learned something surprising—you know, Bai Yue is my cousin." 

Kanoru raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" 

"Yes." 

"Did she have any news about your mother?" 

Asuna nodded. "She did. Mother was poisoned and has been unconscious for months, but don't worry—her life isn't in danger. The Evergreen Sect has a pill called the 'Hundred Herb Pill' that can wake her. I want to escort it to her personally." 

Kanoru considered this and then said, "Then at dawn, I'll inform the manager, and we'll leave for the Evergreen Sect." He closed his eyes, focusing on healing his body. 

Asuna hesitated before asking, "Are you not coming back with me?" 

Without opening his eyes, Kanoru replied, "I want to practice a little longer." 

Asuna suddenly said, "Okay," and she walked away, leaving Kanoru to practice.

Chapter 30. Unexpected News

Under the afternoon sun, a large white carriage traveled through the wilderness. Some distance ahead stood a building with a sign reading ''Fulu Rest House''. Around it, horses were tethered, and carriages were parked as people moved in and out. 

The white carriage gradually slowed to a stop in front of the rest house. Kanoru, the driver, climbed down first. As he landed, a face peeked out from the carriage window—Bai Yue. 

"Brother, why—" she started, then noticed the rest house and immediately thought of food. "Fulu Rest House." 

Kanoru said, "I'll buy food. You all wait inside the carriage." 

Asuna, understanding the situation, countered, "Let's go inside together." 

Kanoru hesitated. He recalled stories from novels in his past life where the presence of beautiful women often invited trouble for the protagonist. Though he didn't see himself as one, he knew beauty attracted problems. With not one, but three stunning women in his company, he expected trouble from unruly or reckless men. 

"Wear your veils before stepping out," he instructed. 

They didn't object, and within two minutes, all three emerged, their faces now covered. 

Kanoru gave a satisfied nod, then stepped forward, took Asuna's hand, and led the way toward the rest house.

Kanoru pushed open the door to the rest house and stepped inside. The room buzzed with conversation as men and women in diverse clothing filled most of the tables. Scanning the room, he spotted an empty table and led his companions to their seats. 

After settling in, he looked around and spotted a waiter. "Waiter," he called. 

A young boy, finishing up with another table, hurried over. "What would you like to eat?" 

"What's on the menu?" Kanoru asked. 

The boy quickly listed the available dishes. Kanoru turned to the three women. "What do you want to eat?" 

Asuna hesitated. "I don't know most of the dishes. Cousin, you decide." 

Bai Yue thought for a moment. "Silver-lin fish, Fried Goose, and Mountain Goat are the best choices." 

Kanoru nodded. "Bring four plates of each, along with rice and a few good side dishes." 

The boy nodded. "It'll be ready in twenty minutes." 

As the boy left, Asuna, Mika, and Bai Yue leaned in and began whispering among themselves. Kanoru didn't join them. Instead, he focused on the conversations of the other patrons, picking up bits and pieces of local news. 

"The Gu family from Shadong Town is hiring priests to kill a demon that murdered their eldest son." 

"A war has broken out between the Black Tiger Gang and the Silver Snake Gang at Pearl Fish River. It's making travel across the river dangerous." 

"A young man from the Si family advanced to middle-rank priest at just twenty years old!" 

"The Wu and Pi families are arranging a marriage alliance." 

"Li Shi, a poor villager, passed the imperial exam!" 

"Darling, don't be mad! I'll get you your favorite Silver-Lin Fish!" 

But then, from a table nearby, a thin man spoke in a hushed but urgent tone. 

"Did you hear? The Evergreen Sect has been destroyed." 

Kanoru's eyes widened, his focus snapping to the conversation. 

He studied the thin man carefully. Seated with three others, and their clothing suggested they came from middle-class families. 

Another man leaned in, whispering, "I heard the same thing this morning at the market. They say men dressed in black wiped out the Evergreen Sect last night." 

"Really?" one of the others asked, doubtful. 

"It's true, I can confirm it," the third man said firmly. 

The thin man frowned. "Are you sure?" 

The fourth man nodded. "Yes. My wife's brother works as a guard at the governor's mansion. Yesterday morning, six teenagers arrived there, all wearing the Evergreen Sect's outer disciple uniforms. They claimed the sect was attacked by men in black." 

The third man hesitated. "So… they don't actually know if the sect was completely destroyed?" 

"No," the fourth man admitted. "But the governor sent people to investigate. In a few days, we'll have confirmation." 

The second man shook his head. "I never heard of the Evergreen Sect having enemies." 

"Exactly," the thin man agreed. "The sect maintained good relations with other forces, even the imperial court, because of their pills. Why would anyone attack them?" 

"The teenagers didn't know," the fourth man said. 

Their conversation soon drifted to another topic. Kanoru let out a slow breath and glanced at his own table. Asuna, Mika, and Bai Yue were still whispering among themselves, unaware of what he had just heard.

Kanoru's mind churned with the weight of what he had just heard. But he chose not to inform Asuna, Bai Yue, or Mika yet. 

"Why would such a powerful sect, with no apparent enemies, be destroyed?" he wondered. "Was it because they possessed something valuable? Or did they stand in someone's way?" 

He decided to tell them only after they had left the rest house. Bai Yue's reaction was unpredictable, and if the Evergreen Sect had truly fallen, her situation was dangerous. As the sect leader's daughter, she might still be a target. "The enemy could still be searching for her," he thought grimly. 

Another concern weighed on his mind. They couldn't go directly to the Evergreen Sect. If it was destroyed, marching straight into the ruins could be a death trap. But where could they find reliable information? 

'The Evergreen Sect was the unofficial ruler of Ren County,' he mused. "They must have businesses and industries in the towns and cities. Before heading to the sect, we should visit those places to confirm the truth." 

Resolving to follow this plan, Kanoru finished his meal in silence. After paying the bill, he stepped out of the rest house with Asuna, Bai Yue, and Mika. 

Taking Asuna aside, he quietly told her what he had overheard. 

Asuna, shocked, asked, "Are you sure?" 

Kanoru shook his head. "I'm not. I only heard it from a conversation inside the rest house." 

Asuna frowned. "Then what do we do?" 

"We shouldn't tell Bai Yue yet," Kanoru said. 

Asuna nodded. "But we also can't take her straight to the Evergreen Sect. The attackers could be waiting for her." 

"Ren County's capital is only half a day's journey from here. Let's go there first and confirm the news," Kanoru suggested. 

Asuna agreed but hesitated. "What do we tell her about the detour?" 

Kanoru replied, "We'll say we don't know if her father is still at the sect, so we're stopping by the capital first. It's on the main road between the Evergreen Sect and Qinhua City anyway."

Asuna took a deep breath. "Alright, let's do that." She climbed into the carriage and relayed the plan to Bai Yue. To Kanoru's relief, Bai Yue agreed without suspicion. 

Kanoru flicked the reins, steering the carriage toward Ren County's capital.

Chapter 31. Ren County City

Under the morning sky, a group of 100 riders moved in unison toward a city. All but one wore identical red robes and bronze chest armor. Leading them at the front, clad in a white robe and red armor, was Yun Feng—also known as Mori Takumi, the eldest son of Mori Tsuki and Yun Xin. 

He and his family's private army were on their way to the Evergreen Sect to escort Sect Leader Bai Mo and the Hundred Herb Pill to the capital for his mother. 

Suddenly, Yun Feng halted. The riders behind him followed suit. He looked up and saw a blue, glowing bird soaring toward him. Raising his hand, he let it land on his palm, where it transformed into a scroll. Unrolling it, he read the message. The moment he finished, the scroll dissolved into thin air. 

A woman riding beside him asked, "Lord, what was it about?" 

Since it was no secret, Yun Feng answered, "A letter from my second brother. He wrote that my little sister and her husband are on their way to the capital." 

Surprised, the woman asked, "Lord, you have a little sister?" 

"I have two younger brothers and one little sister," Yun Feng replied. 

"So, one of your brothers and your sister don't live with you?" she inquired. 

" Yes. They live with my father, a minor lord in Athia," he confirmed. He continued, "My little sister and her husband left Xinghai City two weeks ago." 

The woman noted, "To reach the capital, they'll have to pass through Ren County City." 

Yun Feng nodded, musing to himself, "Then they should be arriving in Ren County City or have already arrived." 

Since they hadn't crossed paths on the road, he assumed they hadn't left the city yet. Thinking of reuniting with his sister after many years, he pulled the reins of his horse and urged, "Hyah!" 

His horse surged forward, and his army followed, kicking up a cloud of dust as they raced toward their destination.

-----

At the same time, on a busy road between farmlands, Kanoru drove his carriage with Asuna seated beside him. He glanced at her frowning face. Ever since he told her the rumor about the Evergreen Sect's destruction, she had remained worried. Her mother's healing depended on the Hundred Herb Pill, and Bai Yue, her newly recognized cousin, was from the Evergreen Sect. 

"Stop frowning," Kanoru said. 

Asuna sighed. "I keep thinking… what if my mother's enemy attacked the Evergreen Sect? It's too much of a coincidence that they were attacked right after the pill was completed." 

Kanoru considered her reasoning—it made sense. "It's possible," he admitted. "But it's just a rumor from three people. It could be false, just someone spreading baseless news." 

Asuna shook her head. "If it were any other place, maybe. But this is Ren County. No one would dare spread false rumors about the Evergreen Sect. You saw how the caravan reacted when they found out Bai Yue was from there." 

Kanoru had to agree. A rumor this bold likely had some truth to it—otherwise, who would dare spread it? 

Asuna clasped her hands together. "I just pray nothing has happened to the Evergreen Sect or the Hundred Herb Pill." 

Kanoru reassured her, "Even if something did, someone must have the pill recipe. If we need to, we can refine another one. And if that fails, we can always find an alternative treatment. So don't worry." 

With his right hand, he reached over and gently squeezed her left hand. Asuna leaned her head on his shoulder, silent, until the gates of Ren County City came into view.

----

Inside the city, in a dimly lit dining room, a man sat alone, calmly having his breakfast. The door swung open, and a woman entered. She had a round face, sparkling green eyes, and hair styled in an elegant bun adorned with gold and gemstone jewelry. Her red dress hugged her figure, accentuating her curves. 

As she walked toward the man, silver snakes materialized around him and lashed out at her. She leaped back just in time, a fire shield forming where she had stood, blocking the attack. The silver snakes and the shield vanished into thin air. 

"What is the meaning of this?" the woman demanded. 

The man's gaze remained cold. "For giving us false information." 

"What false information?" she snapped. 

"Why didn't you mention that Bai Mo was the husband of the Great Warlock, Shui Xueling?" 

The woman's expression changed to shock. "You… you killed Bai Mo?" 

The man's voice remained indifferent. "Didn't you tell me about the Hundred Herb Pill so I could obtain it?" 

Her hands clenched into fists. "Yes, I told you about the pill and how to obtain it," she hissed, her voice rising. "But I never told you to kill Bai Mo!" 

Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her anger—fear flickering in her eyes. Softening her voice, she continued, "There were many ways to get the pill. You didn't need to kill him." 

Then, she suddenly recalled the rumors circulating in the city—several teenagers and children, outer disciples of the Evergreen Sect, had escaped the attack. 

"The outer disciples… why are they still alive? They can expose you." 

Her mind raced. If she wanted to survive, she needed to find a way to kill this man first. 

The man spoke calmly. "Don't worry. I didn't act personally—I paid the Nine Reverse Palace to do it." 

The woman narrowed her eyes. "Does the Nine Reverse Palace even know it was you who hired them?" 

The man smirked. "Of course not. I didn't go myself—I sent a servant." 

She crossed her arms. "Then what happened to the Evergreen Sect and the Hundred Herb Pill?" 

The man leaned back in his chair. "My servant went to the Nine Reverse Palace's station to inquire. We'll wait for his report." 

The woman nodded and sat opposite him, falling into silence. On the surface, she appeared composed, but inside, her thoughts were in turmoil. She needed to escape this situation before it was too late. 

Any other family would have been manageable, but the Shui Family was different. They were one of the rare millennial clans in the land, producing Great Warlocks in nearly every generation. Sometimes, they were even more powerful than the royal family itself. Dynasties rose and fell, but Families like the Shui Family only grew stronger with time. 

She and the forces backing her had to sever their ties to this man before it was too late. The best option was to eliminate him—but first, she needed to be certain he hadn't left behind any information that could implicate them. 

An hour passed. The door creaks open, and a middle-aged man enters with a smile, closing it behind him. 

The man asked, "Dazhe, did they get the pill?" 

Dazhe remained smiling. "No, but they destroyed the Evergreen Sect and killed their sect leader, Bai Mo. Only some teenagers and children managed to escape." 

He failed to notice how the room's atmosphere turned ice-cold. 

The man's expression darkened. "So they didn't get the Hundred Herb Pill?" 

Dazhe quickly reassured him. "Don't worry, sir. They captured an inner disciple of the Evergreen Sect. That disciple can help us locate Bai Yue—she knows where the pill is." 

The woman finally spoke, her voice sharp. "Wei Min, not only did you fail to obtain the Hundred Herb Pill, but you also got Shui Xueling's husband killed. I thought you were a smart man." 

She stood up and walked behind Dazhe. 

Wei Min scowled. "If you had given me all the information, this wouldn't have happened." 

The woman's tone was cold. "Forget the pill. Start covering our tracks before Shui Xueling finds us." 

Wei Min exhaled sharply. "I'll raid every Nine Reverse Palace station in Ren County." 

The woman nodded. "Do that. But first—" 

A sharp golden blade suddenly emerged from Dazhe's chest. He gasped, blood spilling from his mouth, before collapsing to the ground—dead. 

Wei Min's eyes narrowed. "That wasn't necessary. His family has served my mother's family for decades. He wouldn't have betrayed me." 

The woman's gaze was indifferent. "I don't care. If, within a week, I don't hear that every Nine Reverse Palace station has been uprooted in the Ren county, you'll be lying there just like your servant." 

Without waiting for his response, she turned and left. 

Wei Min stared at Dazhe's corpse in a daze. Then, fury overtook him. He slammed the table, shattering it and sending plates crashing to the floor. 

Through gritted teeth, he muttered, "Lu Ying."

Chapter 32. Yun Feng

Kanoru stopped the carriage in front of a building called Evergreen Pavilion under Bai Yue's direction. They all stepped down. 

Asuna frowned. "It's closed." 

Kanoru glanced around the sparsely populated street. Most buildings were shut, but he figured it was simply too early—after all, they had entered the city only an hour after dawn, and it had taken just twenty minutes to reach this place. 

"It's too early," Bai Yue confirmed, walking forward. She pushed open the side gate beside the building and turned back. "Follow me." 

Asuna followed immediately. Kanoru turned to Mika. "Stay and watch the carriage." 

"Yes," Mika replied. 

Kanoru then followed Bai Yue and Asuna into the narrow passage between the store and the wall. Up ahead, he heard Asuna calling out, "Uncle Guan! Sang! Aunty Lu!" 

Then came the sound of crying, followed by Bai Yue's urgent voice. "Aunty Lu, what happened? Why are you crying?" 

Kanoru emerged into an open courtyard. A middle-aged woman was clinging to Bai Yue, sobbing uncontrollably. Behind her stood a middle-aged man and two young men, their expressions grim. 

Kanoru moved to stand beside Asuna, taking in the scene. The raw grief before him made him certain—the rumors were true. And judging by their reactions, the reality was likely even worse than what he had heard. 

The middle-aged man gently pulled the woman away from Bai Yue. "Miss, I'm glad you're alive." 

Bai Yue's voice trembled. "Uncle, what happened?" 

Before the man could respond, a deep voice rang out from above. 

"Guan! Bring them upstairs." 

Kanoru looked up to see a man in a black robe standing on the balcony. 

Bai Yue gasped. "Elder Li! Why are you here? Why is Aunty Lu crying? Uncle Guan—" 

Elder Li cut her off. "Come upstairs first." 

Uncle Guan nodded. "Young Miss, come up." 

Kanoru watched as Uncle Guan, Aunty Lu, and the two teenage boys turned and disappeared into the building. Bai Yue quickly followed. 

Kanoru met Asuna's eyes and gave her a subtle nod before moving forward. She followed closely behind as they stepped into the building, finding a staircase to the right. Without hesitation, they ascended.

Reaching the first floor, Kanoru saw a balcony with Elder Li standing straight ahead. 

Elder Li glanced at the middle-aged man. "Guan, take Mei to rest. I will tell her." Then, looking at the two teenagers, he said, "Sang, Hou, go check on the children and see if they're awake." 

The four nodded and disappeared down the right corridor. 

Bai Yue stepped forward, stopping near Elder Li. "What happened?" 

Elder Li sighed, opening his mouth only to close it again. He did this three times, struggling to find the words. 

Impatient, Bai Yue pressed him. "Elder Li, tell me what happened!" 

Finally, Elder Li spoke. "The Evergreen Valley was attacked." 

Bai Yue's eyes widened in shock. "What?!" she shouted. 

Elder Li continued, "The Sect Leader and everyone present in the valley… died. Only some new outer disciples managed to escape." 

Bai Yue staggered, unable to stand. Asuna caught her just in time. 

A minute passed before Bai Yue steadied herself. "Elder Li, are you joking? How can this happen?" 

Elder Li's expression remained grim. "It happened." 

The weight of his words crushed Bai Yue. Her body gave out, and she collapsed unconscious in Asuna's arms. 

Elder Li stepped forward in concern. "Bai Yue!" After checking her pulse, he muttered, "She's injured." 

Asuna responded, "She was wounded by a demon wolf." 

Elder Li nodded. "The shock must have overwhelmed her already weakened body." 

Kanoru spoke. "Take her inside." 

As Asuna carried Bai Yue into the building, Elder Li turned to Kanoru and asked, "Who are you two? How did you meet Bai Yue?"

Kanoru said, "Bai Yue is my wife's cousin." 

Elder Li frowned. "Cousin? And the name 'Asuna' sounds like one from here." 

Kanoru nodded. "We are from Athia. My wife's mother is Yun Xin." 

Elder Li's eyes widened. "Marquise Yun Xin?" 

"Yes." 

"I know Marquise Yun Xin only has two sons." 

Kanoru explained, "They are her elder brothers. She and her third brother live with their father. After our marriage, we came to visit her mother." 

Elder Li's expression remained cautious. "Do you have proof?" 

Kanoru recalled Asuna's token. "Yes, but it is with my wife." 

Elder Li nodded. "Forgive my suspicion, but given the circumstances—" 

"No need to apologize, Elder. I understand." 

Just then, Asuna returned from the corridor. "I left her with Aunt Lu." 

Kanoru said, "Asuna, show Elder Li the Marquis mansion token." 

Asuna nodded, taking out a large golden ring adorned with five carved clouds embedded with red, blue, green, silver, and dark yellow gems. 

Elder Li examined it carefully before nodding. "Yes, this is the token of the Marquis Yun Mansion." He handed it back. 

Asuna quickly asked, "Elder Li, do you know about the Hundred Herbs Pill?" 

Elder Li thought for a moment. "The Sect Leader refined one for Marquise Yun Xin." 

Asuna's eyes lit up as she eagerly nodded. "Yes! For my mother." 

Elder Li sighed. "The pill was with the Sect Leader. Now, it may be with the attackers… or in the sect's secret library." 

Asuna's excitement faded. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. "Do you have any information on the attackers?" 

Elder Li shook his head. "No. They erased all traces of their involvement." 

Asuna's focus sharpened. "The secret library—" 

Elder Li interrupted, "Yes, but opening it requires at least four elders and a key." 

Before Asuna could respond, a loud voice called from below. "Hello!" 

Kanoru glanced down to see a man in a white robe with red armor, alongside a woman in red and bronze armor.

Elder Li asked, "Who are you?" 

The woman replied, "We are from Marquis Yun Mansion." 

Elder Li glanced at Asuna. 

Kanoru then heard the man below call out, "Sister!" 

Asuna squinted at him, studying his face carefully before hesitantly saying, "Elder Brother?" 

Kanoru figured he must be Yun Feng. 

With a swipe of his right arm, Yun Feng conjured a staircase of clouds leading up to the balcony. He ascended swiftly and, upon reaching the top, pulled Asuna into a hug. 

Releasing her, he said, "You've grown up." 

Asuna smiled. 

Yun Feng then turned his sharp gaze to Kanoru. "You must be her husband." 

Kanoru nodded. "Nice to meet you, Brother." 

Yun Feng's expression remained serious. "Father may have approved the marriage, but you must pass my test to stay married to my sister." 

Kanoru asked, "What test?" 

"A fight. If you can take ten of my moves, I will acknowledge the marriage." 

Hearing this, Asuna burst into laughter. "Brother, you'll lose." 

Yun Feng frowned in confusion. "Why?" 

Asuna smirked. "You're in the same realm as my husband, but he has already mastered the third stage of the Sword Wind Realm." 

Yun Feng's eyes widened. "What? He's only seventeen!" 

Asuna nodded. "Why do you think Father married me to him?" and she thought," And why do you think I agreed?" 

Yun Feng crossed his arms. "Even so, I still want to challenge him." 

Kanoru met his gaze. "I'm ready anytime." 

Asuna changed the subject. "Brother, why are you here?" 

Yun Feng replied, "I came to escort Sect Leader Mo Li, but after entering the city, we heard the unfortunate news. I came here to investigate the attack on the Evergreen Sect and the Ancient Herb Pill." 

Elder Li then recounted everything he had told Kanoru and Asuna. 

Yun Feng asked, "Can the Evergreen Sect gather four elders? And who has the key?" 

Elder Li nodded. "Half of the sect's elders are stationed outside the valley, so gathering four won't be a problem. But retrieving the key will take time." 

"Why?" Yun Feng asked. 

Elder Li explained, "The key is the blood of a Bai family member who has reached the middle-ranked Warlock stage. Bai Yue is the only one who qualifies, but she has yet to reach that stage." 

Yun Feng frowned. "Is there no other Bai family descendant at that level?" 

Elder Li shook his head. "There are, but they must have practiced the sect's main inheritance, and Bai Yue is the only one who has." 

Yun Feng sighed. "Then we have no choice but to wait. In the meantime, we should investigate the attackers." 

Elder Li nodded. "Agreed." 

After discussing their strategy, Kanoru and Asuna followed Yun Feng to the mansion where he had taken temporary residence.

Chapter 33. Warlock's Method

At dawn, a day later, Kanoru stood opposite Asuna's elder brother, Yun Feng. 

Yun Feng said, "My sister claims I can't defeat you, but we must fight to see the truth." 

Kanoru nodded, unconcerned with winning or losing. He was more interested in experiencing the difference between Warlock combat and Samurai techniques. From what he had observed, Samurai fought like warriors, while Warlocks wielded magic. 

"Let's start," Kanoru said. 

Yun Feng performed an incantation, murmuring under his breath while weaving hand signs. He exhaled, releasing a dense cloud that engulfed the battlefield. 

Outside the field, the woman who had accompanied Yun Feng to the Evergreen Pavilion stood with Asuna and Mika. She remarked, "I doubt my lord will lose." 

Asuna merely glanced at her. 

The woman continued, "Lord Yun Feng already has four middle-rank talisman spells stored in his spiritual space. He only needs to combine three to ascend to higher-rank Warlock." 

Asuna watched as the cloud dissipated, revealing a mini tornado forming around Kanoru. He stood still, both hands guiding his sword in a rapid dance, creating a vortex of wind so fast that the blade disappeared from sight. 

Asuna stated, "It doesn't matter. If my brother doesn't understand true power, he will lose." 

As the tornado faded, Kanoru's sword reappeared in his right hand. With a single swing, he unleashed a wind blade toward Yun Feng. 

Spotting the attack, Yun Feng slammed both palms onto the ground, conjuring a yellow cloud wall that blocked the wind blade. As both vanished, two fire-cloud serpents shot toward Kanoru. 

Without hesitation, Kanoru swung his sword, releasing two wind blades that tore through the fiery serpents. 

As he fought Yun Feng, Kanoru realized that without his understanding of the wind's nature, he would have already lost. Warlocks, with their talisman spells, inflicted greater damage and attacked from a distance.

Kanoru stood in place, effortlessly destroying every attack Yun Feng sent his way. Realizing none of his spells could even make Kanoru move, Yun Feng ended the fight. 

"Looks like my sister was right. Brother-in-law, I admit defeat." 

By addressing Kanoru as brother-in-law, Yun Feng fully acknowledged his loss. He now understood that Kanoru's talent rivaled those of the Great Sects and Millennial Families. It was clear why his sister had agreed to marry Kanoru, even without love between them. 

Kanoru replied, "Brother-in-law if you had comprehended any of the five powers, I would have lost." 

Yun Feng sighed. "Our family has no inheritance that explains how to understand them." 

Kanoru observed, "All your spells use clouds as their foundation." 

"Yes," Yun Feng confirmed. "Our inheritance relies on clouds to form talisman spells." 

Kanoru continued, "Then you should be able to comprehend the power of wind. Clouds are more compatible with wind than any of the five elemental powers." 

Yun Feng shook his head. "I've tried for years, but in our land, only the five elemental powers can be comprehended." 

"No, that's wrong," Kanoru corrected. "I can still feel the power of wind here. It's suppressed, but it exists." 

Kanoru, drawing from the scientific knowledge of his past life, knew that clouds formed from water vapor and moved with the wind. To harness their full potential, one had to comprehend fire, water, and wind—three forces that, when mastered together, led to understanding the power of the world itself. 

Yun Feng hesitated. "Really?" 

"Yes," Kanoru affirmed. 

Asuna added, "Brother, I can also sense the power of wind." 

Having advanced to the second realm of wind power under the training of her uncle and Kanoru, she continued, "Brother, Kanoru can help you understand it." 

Noticing Asuna's gaze shift toward him, Kanoru nodded. "Yes, brother-in-law, I can help you." 

"How?" Yun Feng asked. 

Kanoru glanced at the soldiers, who had been watching the fight and were now listening intently. 

Noticing this, Yun Feng said, "You all can leave." He then turned to the woman beside Asuna. "Tong, take the soldiers, divide them into teams, and send them around Ren County to gather information on the attackers of the Evergreen Sect." 

Tong nodded and left with the soldiers. Once they were gone, Yun Feng turned his attention back to Kanoru. 

"Do you practice any of the five styles?" Kanoru asked. 

"I used to, but I stopped ten years ago," Yun Feng admitted. 

Kanoru nodded. "In this land, the power of wind is suppressed. To understand it, you must first be proficient in the five sword styles and master at least one." 

Asuna interjected, "But we learned the power of wind through a different method." 

Kanoru understood she was referring to cutting the Black Kanji tree with an axe. However, that method required a solid foundation in the five sword styles. In his training group, only two others besides him had comprehended the power of wind within a month—and both had already mastered one or two styles. 

"That method won't work here," Kanoru explained. "He needs to be proficient in all five sword styles and master at least one first." 

Yun Feng nodded. "Then let's begin." 

Kanoru said, "First, we need wooden swords." Teaching a novice with sharp metal blades was dangerous for both the student and the teacher. 

"I'll have a servant make some," Yun Feng said before walking off to arrange it.

Kanoru watched Yun Feng leave, then turned to Asuna and Mika. "Let's train. It's been two weeks since we last practiced together." 

Asuna and Mika nodded, unsheathing their swords before lunging at Kanoru. Alone, neither could match him, so they fought together. They sparred relentlessly for hours without a break, stopping only when a servant arrived to summon them for breakfast. 

Sweating, they returned to their rooms to change before heading to the dining hall, where Yun Feng was already waiting. Halfway through their meal, a servant entered, announcing Bai Yue's arrival. 

Asuna asked the servant to bring her in. When Bai Yue entered, Kanoru immediately noticed the dark circles under her eyes, their redness, and her pale complexion. She looked exhausted—her usual smile absent. 

"Elder Cousin, will you come with us to investigate Evergreen Valley?" Bai Yue asked. 

Yun Feng frowned. "I thought the valley was burned, leaving no clues behind." 

"We have a method to uncover traces of the attackers." 

"Alright, I'll go." 

Bai Yue nodded. "Then I'll take my leave." 

Asuna stood. "Cousin, wait and have some food." 

"I have work to do," Bai Yue replied, turning and walking away. 

The four exchanged glances before Asuna said, "I'll check on her." She hurried after Bai Yue, Mika following close behind. 

Kanoru and Yun Feng remained, staring at each other for a moment before resuming their meal.

Chapter 34. New Way

After breakfast, Kanoru trained Yun Feng for a few hours until Yun Feng exhausted, decided to rest. Left alone in the training field, Kanoru glanced around before sitting under the shade of a tree. 

As he rested, an idea struck him—analyzing how Yun Feng's clouds formed during their fight. He thought about the process of cloud formation and thought of cold and hot wind during the process. Wind naturally carried the temperature of the season, meaning he could manipulate its heat or cold to enhance its offensive power. 

Now, with summer approaching, he could feel the warmth of the wind against his skin—perfect conditions to test his theory. He sat cross-legged, placing his sword on his lap, with a hand on either side of the blade. Closing his eyes, he focused on the wind around him, attempting to control its temperature. 

He continued his practice until the sun had completely set. As the night air grew cooler, he considered switching to understanding cold wind but decided to master the manipulation of heat first.

-----

At dawn the next day, a team on horseback and a large white carriage departed from Ren County City, heading west. Many eyes followed them, curiosity and suspicion lingering in the air. 

Among the onlookers stood Wen Min, accompanied by several others on the city walls, watching the group disappear into the distance. He asked, "Has anyone discovered why they are going to Evergreen Valley?" 

Something felt off. The news that Yun Feng and members of the Evergreen Sect were heading there unsettled him. He had expected the remnants of the sect to return eventually to rebuild, as no force would dare claim the valley. With the sect's strong connections and its renowned achievements in pill refinement, its survival was all but guaranteed. In fact, with 70% of their members dead, the remaining ones had only become more valuable. 

However, it was too soon. The survivors had yet to fully regroup—why were they moving now?

A man behind him said, "I heard the Evergreen Sect has a method to obtain clues about their attackers." 

Wen Min narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure?" 

The same man replied, "Highness, I obtained this information from a relative whose son is one of the surviving outer disciples of the Evergreen Sect." 

Wen Min's expression darkened. "How is the investigation of the Nine Reverse Palace progressing?" If the Evergreen Sect remnants could uncover the truth, they would learn that the Nine Reverse Palace was responsible for slaughtering 70% of their sect. 

Another man stepped forward. "We have identified all the branch stations in Ren County except the main branch." 

Wen Min's voice turned cold. "The branch stations don't matter. We must locate the main branch before anyone else does. I'm giving you three days. If you fail, there will be no reason for you to remain alive." 

The man bowed deeply. "I will find them within three days, Highness." 

"Then go and do your job," Wen Min ordered, and the man quickly departed. 

Turning to the others, Wen Min asked, "What about the attackers who poisoned Marchioness Yun Xin?" 

He needed to uncover Lu Ying's identity and the force backing her. As long as he remained alive, he was a liability to Lu Ying and her faction. His survival increased the risk of Shui Xuelin and the Imperial Court discovering that Lu Ying and her people had orchestrated the attack and massacre of the Evergreen Sect. 

He understood all too well—even if he erased all traces of his involvement in hiring the Nine Reverse Palace to attack the Evergreen Sect and steal the Hundred Herbs Pill, they would still kill him. The fire was already spreading—he had to act before it reached him.

Another man spoke, "The Six Gates are investigating and discovered the poison came from Poison Valley." 

Wen Min frowned. "Poison Valley only sells poison; they wouldn't have attacked the Marchioness." 

The man nodded. "Your Highness is right. Poison Valley responded that the poison used on Marchioness Yun Xin is usually harmless in small amounts, but someone administered a large dose, causing her to fall into a deep sleep with no way to wake up." 

"Is there an antidote?" Wen Min asked. 

"The Hundred Herbs Pill and the gallbladder of a Golden-Horned Snake." 

Wen Min narrowed his eyes. "Golden-Horned Snake?" 

"They are found in an archipelago in the Outer Western Ocean." 

Wen Min nodded, then turned to leave the city wall when another man suddenly spoke. "Highness, I have a way to locate the main branch of the Nine Reverse Palace." 

Wen Min stopped and turned back. "How?" 

The man asked, "Highness, are you certain that the Nine Reverse Palace attacked the Evergreen Sect?" 

Wen Min was sure—he had personally arranged the attack. "I am more than 50% certain." 

The man smirked. "Then we should leak information that the remnants of the Evergreen Sect have a way to uncover those responsible for the death of their secret leader and the massacre of 70% of their sect members." 

Hearing this, Wen Min's mind raced. The Nine Reverse Palace wouldn't sit idle—they would have to eliminate the remnants before they discovered the truth. Two outcomes were possible: either the Nine Reverse Palace would successfully wipe out the survivors, or they would fail. 

But in both cases, their members would return to their main branch after the attack. All Wen Min had to do was track them to uncover the location of the main branch of the Nine Reverse Palace in Ren County. 

"Go and spread the word to the Nine Reverse Palace's branches," Wen Min ordered. 

The man bowed and left. Wen Min quickly descended the wall, mounted his horse, and rode toward his residence. He turned to a man in armor. "Gather your men." 

The armored man nodded. "Yes, Highness," and hurried away.

--

Kanoru sat inside the carriage with Asuna, Yue, and Mika. While Asuna and Mika tried to cheer Yue up with conversation, he focused on reading a book about awakening spiritual power. 

He wanted to practice the Warlock cultivation system. The first step was visualization—most forces used their spiritual objects, but he had none since he wasn't part of any sect or family. Yun Feng had offered to let him visualize their family's spiritual object, but that required a trip to their ancestral home in Shuiyun County, which would take months—time he didn't have. 

That left the common method used by independent Warlocks: visualizing objects in nature. After reading the book, he concluded that any natural element could aid in awakening spiritual power. For him, wind was the ideal choice. His deep understanding of it would help him awaken his spiritual power more quickly. 

Closing his eyes, he began visualizing the wind in his mind as the carriage rolled toward the Evergreen Valley.

Chapter 35. To the Evergreen Valley

Kanoru opened his eyes as the carriage stopped to see Asuna and the others getting down. He glanced at the carriage windows, which were covered by curtains, but he could still tell that the sun had set. Realizing they had stopped to set up camp, he got out of the carriage and looked around. They were in a clearing with a small pond, surrounded by forest. 

He noticed Yun Feng's men and the Evergreen Sect disciples tending to the horses—tying them up and feeding them. Kanoru walked over to Asuna and asked, "Do I need to set up a tent?" 

She replied, "Mika and Bai Yue can sleep inside the carriage, but we'll need a tent. So, yes." 

Without delay, Kanoru started setting up a tent. Once he finished, he approached Yun Feng and said, "I'm going to hunt." 

Yun Feng shook his head. "No need. I've already sent some of my men to hunt." 

Kanoru insisted, "I know, but I feel like hunting something myself." 

Yun Feng nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but be careful. There are demon beasts in the forest." 

Kanoru nodded. "I will be." 

He then walked over to Asuna. "I'm going to hunt," he told her. 

She nodded without opening her eyes, still meditating. "Be careful," she said calmly. 

Asuna was on the verge of becoming a middle-ranked samurai. She could already open her fourth gate but struggled to control the energy inside it. 

Kanoru entered the forest and, luck being on his side, quickly came across a wild boar—not a demon beast. With a single strike, he killed it and effortlessly carried it back on his shoulder. 

Upon returning to the camp, he handed the boar to the people preparing the food. Then, he walked over and sat beside Yun Feng, who was conversing with two elders from the Evergreen Sect. He recognized one of them—Elder Li—and was introduced to the other, Elder Qi.

The conversation had started before Kanoru arrived, but by listening carefully, he quickly discerned the topic—they were discussing the possible suspects behind the attack on the Evergreen Sect. 

He listened for about ten minutes, piecing together his own reasoning based on the events of the past few days. Eventually, a thought struck him—the Hundred Herbs Pill was at the center of it all. 

He asked, "Elders, Brother Yun, outside of the Evergreen Sect and the Yun family, who else knew about the successful refinement of the Hundred Herbs Pill?" 

The elders exchanged thoughtful glances. Yun Feng spoke first. "I didn't know the Hundred Herbs Pill had succeeded, nor did anyone in my family. I came here based on the timeline Sect Leader Mo Li gave me—the date when the first batch was expected to be refined." 

Kanoru nodded, realizing Yun Feng had arrived without any knowledge of whether the refinement had been successful or not. 

Elder Qi then said, "The leak came from our sect. After successfully refining the Hundred Herbs Pill, we didn't hide the news." 

Kanoru's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew that while the Hundred Herbs Pill was primarily used for healing, it could also harmonize the five elements within the human body—one of the key conditions for advancing to the Great Warlock Realm. 

He asked, "Why did you make the news public?" 

This time, Elder Li responded. "To increase our influence. With the ability to refine the Hundred Herbs Pill, we expected more pill refinement orders, which would bring us greater resources." 

Elder Qi added, "We have enemies, but none with the power or motive to destroy us. So, we didn't consider keeping it a secret." 

Yun Feng's expression hardened. "Then the ones who attacked you must be the same people who ambushed and poisoned my mother. Don't worry, Elders. The Yun family will help rebuild your sect and punish the culprits." 

Elder Qi and Elder Li nodded solemnly. With nothing more to say, they fell into a heavy silence. 

Kanoru broke it, saying, "The attackers may have been after the pill for healing or to advance to the Great Warlock Realm." 

Elder Li frowned. "If that were the case, they could have simply ordered us to refine another batch." 

Elder Qi added, "Yes, with all the required herbs, it only takes about two months to refine the pill." 

Kanoru shook his head slightly. "No. The attacker must not want others to know that they're healing an injury or attempting to advance to the Great Warlock Realm." 

Yun Feng considered this and nodded. "Yeah, that's possible." 

Kanoru continued, "The pill was refined, and just two days later, the attack happened. That means the enemy must be from Ren County." 

Elder Qi's eyes narrowed. "The Seventh Prince." 

Yun Feng's expression became skeptical. "The Seventh Prince?" 

Elder Li nodded grimly. "Yes. Wen Min has held a grudge against us ever since he was injured. He came to Ren County of his own choosing and asked Sect Leader Mo Li to heal him. But the Sect Leader refused—because of the incident with Wen Lin." 

Kanoru's brow furrowed. "Wen Lin?" 

Yun Feng explained, "The Seventh Prince was once a genius like you. Before he turned eighteen, he became a middle-ranked warlock, and by thirty, he reached the high-ranked warlock realm." He paused briefly before continuing, "But during a war against the grassland tribes, one of their leaders severely injured him, damaging his internal organs." 

Yun Feng's expression hardened. "Even after three years, the injury still hasn't fully healed. If it doesn't, he'll never be able to advance to the Great Warlock Realm." 

Kanoru nodded thoughtfully. "The Seventh Prince is definitely a suspect."

After discussing how the Seventh Prince, if he was indeed behind the attack, could have managed to kill 70% of the Evergreen Sect members—including their Sect Leader—the conversation came to a halt as dinner was finally ready. 

Everyone washed their hands and sat down to eat. Afterward, Kanoru and Asuna entered their tent to spend the night. 

Inside the tent, Kanoru asked, "How is your practice going?" 

Asuna, her voice heavy with sleep, murmured, "I was able to control the energy for a brief moment." 

Kanoru smiled faintly. "Then in a month, you'll be able to advance and become a middle-rank samurai." 

"Yes…" she mumbled softly, her voice trailing off as her breathing became slow and peaceful—she had already fallen asleep. 

Kanoru lay still momentarily, then turned his thoughts to his own practice. He realized he needed to create a timetable to follow. 

He decided: 

- At dawn, he would practice his sword skills. 

- When the hot winds began blowing, he would focus on comprehending how to control and wield them. 

- After the winds cooled, he would train his body and attempt to master the energy behind the fifth gate. 

- Finally, before going to sleep, he would visualize the image of wind in his mind. 

Closing his eyes, he began to picture a tornado, using the knowledge of its formation from both this world and his previous life. 

After two hours of deep concentration, he gradually drifted into sleep.