Ling Li summoned Shi Min to her study the following day, the aroma of freshly brewed tea mingling with the hints of sandalwood from the incense burning softly in the corner. The air was still heavier than usual, as if the house itself held its breath, anticipating something significant.

Outside, the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets of the day. At the same time, the other gentlemen were engrossed in their foreign language lessons, oblivious to the brewing storm of conversation awaiting Shi Min.

"Mom, I'm here," Shi Min announced, stepping into the warm, inviting space with its ornate wooden furniture and the mystical flicker of candles casting shadows along the walls.

"Shi Min. Read this," Ling Li said, an unusual tremor darkening her tone as she handed him a delicate, folded card. Its edges were intricately embossed, an emblem from Otako that Shi Min recognized instantly.

Shi Min's brows knitted together as he opened the card. "This is from Otako," he said, absorbing the formal penmanship that seemed to carry more than just words.

Ling Li nodded, a shadow of worry etching deeper into the creases of her brow. The heavy silence between them spoke volumes; Shi Min could feel the weight of his mother's concerns resonating within him.

"What the hell!" Shi Min exclaimed after scanning the contents of the letter, his voice laced with disbelief. "They will go to the Mystical Mountain instead of the Amazon???!!!"

"Yes," Ling Li confirmed, her voice steady yet strained. "That's what Otako has planned."

"Mom, they will fight with the demonic beasts! Their cultivation is still very low," Shi Min argued, concern swirling in his chest like a tempest. The thought of his friends facing off against fearsome creatures sent a shiver down his spine.

"I think this is why Otako is sending them to the Mystical Mountain; using their skills in actual combat is the best way to quicken their cultivation," Ling Li stated, her resolve shining through her worry.

Shi Min shook his head vehemently, brushing a hand through his hair in agitation. "Their sword skills are not even at their best! How can they face such dangers now? Why not send them to the Hidden Valley instead?" Shi Min suggested, desperation creeping into his tone.

"Our family can let them enter as inner disciples and train there. They'll be safe!" Ling Li's expression shifted, and concern flickered in her eyes. "As you said, their cultivation is too low; they would be outmatched and bullied in the Hidden Valley.

You know how those old geezers are, all hungry for power. Suppose they find out we've brought outsiders under our protection. In that case, they will surely show their superiority and target our people," Ling Li reminded Shi Min, her voice rising slightly, reflecting her frustration.

"Yeah, you're right," Shi Min conceded, a dark cloud of disdain creasing his forehead.

"And with the family competition approaching, I can't stand those old geezers. They're insufferable." Ling Li sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to formulate a plan.

"We must take them to the magic array. It's the only way." Shi Min leaned back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as consideration replaced his indignation.

"That's the only way I see fit." Ling Li called out, "Mushu."

Moments later, a light knock heralded the entrance of Mushu, whose loyalty was unwavering. "Madam, Young Master," he greeted, bowing slightly.

"Are they done with their lesson?" Ling Li inquired, her eyes narrowing as she prepared for the upcoming announcement.

"They just finished and are waiting for Master Shi Min," Mushu replied, standing with his hands straightened neatly on his side.

"Let them come in, you and Pharsa as well," Ling Li instructed, her tone leaving no room for defiance.

A few moments later, the study was filled with youthful energy as everyone gathered. The sun filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on the group, highlighting their eager faces, still flushed from their recent intellectual endeavors.

"Everyone, I have an important announcement." Ling Li's voice rang out, commanding attention. The atmosphere shifted as she dropped the bombshell. "Otako changed the plan. You are no longer going to the Amazon."

"Oh, great!" Fatty and Chatty, ever the mischief-makers, exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable.

"Don't celebrate yet; I'm not done," Ling Li warned, maintaining an air of gravitas. The cheers died instantly, replaced by a tense silence. Fatty and Chatty exchanged confused glances, their enthusiasm quickly evaporating.

"You are no longer going to the Amazon; instead, you will be going to the Mystical Mountain," Ling Li continued, allowing her words to sink in.

"Mystical Mountain?" they echoed, bewildered murmurs weaving through the group.

"I know you haven't heard of it," Ling Li explained, her voice steady amid the rising tide of uncertainty, "but it is notorious among martial artists, a place where many come to train and enhance their cultivation."

"What is in the Mystical Mountain?" Four Eyes piped up, his curiosity cutting through the thickening air, only to be met with an unwelcoming response.

"You will be fighting demonic beasts," Ling Li stated, a sigh escaping her lips, laden with the weight of what was to come.

Four Eyes was left speechless, his mind racing with the implications of her revelation.

In contrast, the others felt their hearts stop momentarily, a collective chill running down their spines as reality settled in. The gravity of their fate hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. This looming adventure beckoned them into the unknown.

"Why…Why do we have to go to this place?" Chatty asked nervously.

Ling Li's expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on Chatty's shoulder. "It could be said that Otako wants to hasten your cultivation. You can do it by using your full potential in the actual fight."

Chatty swallowed hard but nodded. Ling Li continued, "I will take you to a place where you can practice today and tomorrow. And know what to expect from Mystical Mountain." Ling Li added, her voice firm with resolve.

"Mushu, we will show them the magic array. Let's go. We have no time to waste," Shi Min said, his tone commanding.

As they left the study, Ling Li grabbed Four Eyes' hand and held it tightly, her touch warm and reassuring.

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