Ling Li's eyes shimmered with worry as she clung to Four Eyes, her voice a soft whisper filled with anxiety. "Honey, remember your safety is your priority. Use your power if it will save you, and never hesitate. Demonic beasts are called demonic beasts for a reason."

Before Ling Li could continue, Four Eyes silenced her with a tender kiss, drawing her into a protective embrace. Her initial shock quickly dissolved into a serene acceptance as she melted against him, savoring the moment of closeness.

"Don't worry too much. I will come back for you and the children," Four Eyes assured, his voice unwavering and full of promise. The firmness in his tone was a stark contrast to the vulnerability he felt inside.

Ling Li's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice trembling with raw emotion as she whispered, "Chu Yan, I love you."

"Um, I love you too," Four Eyes replied, holding her close. Their hearts beat in unison, and they drew strength from each other.

Ling Li's worry faded for a moment, replaced by a mischievous sparkle. "Did you see Pharsa and Chatty earlier?" she asked, a playful grin lighting up her face.

Four Eyes chuckled, "Um, I'm happy for them."

Their tender exchange was suddenly interrupted by Pharsa's voice, laced with irritation. "Madam, I could hear you, you know," she whined, clearly having overheard their conversation.

Ling Li turned towards Pharsa, a playful smile curling her lips. "Ha ha ha, why are you seated with Mushu? You should sit with Chatty and not poke your ears at us."

Pharsa crossed her arms, huffing in annoyance. "Who wants to sit with him?" she retorted.

Ling Li shook her head, chuckling softly. "What a stubborn woman."

After a three-hour flight and another hour's drive, the group finally arrived at the base of the Mystical Mountain, its towering presence looming ahead of them. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of pine.

Shi Min's voice boomed across the gathered crowd, his authority undeniable. "This is it, everyone. Little Jack, lead your troop to the mountain. We will meet you back here in three months." His words carried a weight of finality and expectation.

"Good Luck and all the best. You may go," he declared, Shi Min's final words echoing like a commandment.

With purposeful strides, Shi Min walked towards Shun, Chatty, and Fatty, tapping each on the shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie and encouragement. Then, he moved to his mother, who stood with his stepfather, a pillar of strength and support.

"Paps, you must take care. I will take care of Mom and the rest. Don't worry about them," Shi Min vowed, his voice filled with filial piety and determination.

His stepfather's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you."

"We need to go," Four Eyes declared, his voice firm. He gave Ling Li one final kiss and embrace, the goodbye tinged with a mixture of hope and uncertainty and turned away without another glance.

Ling Li, Shi Min, Mushu, and Pharsa stood together, watching as the twenty eight men team walked into the thick forest. Their figures gradually were swallowed by the dense foliage until they disappeared from sight. The forest seemed to hold its breath, embracing the warriors within its ancient and mysterious grasp.

"Let's go back," Ling Li said, her voice resolute but tinged with a lingering sadness.

As they turned to leave, the enormity of their journey ahead weighed heavily on their hearts, each step back to the car filled with silent prayers and steadfast resolve.

As Ling Li and the others returned to their grand estate in the heart of Russia, she swiftly moved to address the pressing matters at hand. Her voice, a mixture of authority and concern, broke the momentary silence as they settled in. "In two days, we will go to Camp Phoenix. I must arrange for Ren and Lily and settle them well before we leave."

Shi Min's brow furrowed with curiosity. "Mom, I heard Lily is joining the Dance Sports Competition and will be training; what about the business she is taking over from Ren?"

Ling Li nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I was going to discuss it with you. Lily is training not only for dance sports but also for the Asian Olympic gymnastics. You have to build her training area as soon as possible.

I will take over Ren's jewelry business since buying resources for our jewelry needs expertise." Ling Li expressed her thoughts.

Shi Min acknowledged his mother's plan with a decisive nod. "I understand. I will have my staff design and construct Lily's training area."

Ling Li turned to Mushu, her trusted aide. "Mushu, find Lily a confident assistant. Also, please inform the head of 'RS Bijou' to report to me."

RS Bijou, the prestigious jewelry company Ren had taken over and renamed, was a testament to their family's legacy, with its exquisite custom designs sought after by clients worldwide.

Later that evening, the family gathered for dinner, the room filled with the comforting aroma of a homemade feast. Ling Li suddenly remembered someone. "Pharsa, please call Goldie," she said, realizing she hadn't seen him since his trip to the casino.

Almost on cue, Goldie's cheerful voice rang out from the doorway. "My Queen! I'm here."

Ling Li's smile widened. "Join us for dinner, Goldie. I heard you worked hard and won a lot in the casino. So, what do you plan to do with your money?"

Goldie beamed with pride. "I gave it to Mushu, my queen."

Curious, Ling Li turned to Mushu. "Mushu, what did you do to the winnings?"

Mushu explained with a respectful nod. "Master Shi Min gave me his winnings and instructed me to put them under Rockie's account. Since it was official work, I divided Goldie's winnings between Rockie and him."

Goldie frowned, trying to recall the name. "Rockie? Rockie?"

Ling Li's eyes softened. "Don't you remember Rockie?"

Goldie's eyes lit up with recognition. "Rockie, I know Rockie! He is my best friend! Where is he? Where is he? Is he here?" he exclaimed excitedly, clasping both his hands.

Mushu's expression turned somber. "Goldie, Rockie is sick."

Goldie's face crumpled with worry. "What happened to him?" He began to sob like a child. "I want to see him. Where is he?" he asked, his voice breaking with emotion.

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