Four Eyes and Ling Li carefully placed the twins in their high chairs. "Everyone, let's eat," Ling Li announced, signaling the start of the meal.

As everyone picked up their chopsticks and began serving themselves, the dining hall filled with the sounds of clinking dishes and cheerful conversation. The twins, now seated at the table, watched with wide eyes, their earlier moods forgotten as they observed the lively scene around them. The air was thick with the aroma of delicious food, and the warmth of camaraderie enveloped the room.

The dinner was very lively; everyone was eager to share their experiences from the last two months of being away from each other. The group from the mystic mountain shared their unforgettable fight with the demonic beast; Lily and Ren shared their updates on their training and studies. Ling Li's side shared how they entered Camp Phoenix and discovered the android project and how Otako fought the thousands of soldiers in two strikes.

"Whooooaaaa! Otako is truly awesome!" Everyone in the dining room was thrilled.

"Killing more than five thousand in two strikes! How can it not be awesome!" one of them exclaimed, their eyes wide with admiration.

"Not only that! Remember, the Mystic Mountain Azure Dragon said that Otako is immortal!" Shun added, his voice filled with awe.

"Mom, is Otako truly immortal?" Ren curiously asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Ling Li's heart skipped a beat, but she recovered in an instant. These split-second changes didn't escape Four Eyes. "Yes, it is true. Otako became immortal several years ago. That is why Otako has been preparing to look for his protege to take over his legacy. Because in time, Otako has to return to the Heavenly Dao where immortals belong."

"Mom, is the Heavenly Dao you are referring to the Hidden Valley?" Ren once again asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, it's the Hidden Valley," Ling Li confirmed.

"What is the Hidden Valley, and where is it?" Chatty raised a question that some of them had the same in mind.

"Hidden Valley is a place where all martial artists are registered. Also, only martial artists can go in. They are like the government of all martial artists; that is why everyone has to be registered so martial artists won't get out of hand in the mortal world," Shi Min explained.

"Oooohhhh…" Everyone was astonished to find out there was such a place.

"In time, you will visit this place to cultivate. This place is very special; it is best for cultivation. And you will participate in competitions," Shi Min added.

"Competition???" Chatty asked as he almost choked on his food.

"Yes, every four years, there's a family competition. The next competition will be next year. Don't worry about it for now," Shi Min clarified.

"Big Brother, did you actually make human androids?" Lily asked in excitement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Lily, you don't seem to believe in your brother's capability? You Brat! Are you looking down at me?!" Shi Min declared sheepishly, a playful grin on his face.

"No, no, no, big brother, you are awesome! I want to see them!" Lily cheekily said, her excitement palpable.

Shi Min snorted as he continued to eat, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Lily, you had your first major breakthrough," Ling Li remarked, her voice filled with pride.

"Yes, Mom, I did!" Lily exclaimed happily, her eyes shining with joy.

"Good for you. Everyone, starting tomorrow, every five in the morning, each one will join me for training at the back courtyard. No one is exempted," Ling Li declared, her tone firm and authoritative.

"Mom, my dance practice starts at six in the morning," Lily said, her voice tinged with concern.

"Leeroy will adjust your schedule and coordinate with your coaches. He will inform you of your final schedules," Ling Li replied, her tone reassuring.

Despite the challenges and busy schedules, moments like these reminded them of the importance of togetherness and the bonds that held them all together.

After dinner, "Ling, I'll go visit my parents first," Four Eyes said, his voice gentle.

"Yes, let me go with you," Ling Li replied, her eyes filled with concern.

"No need, you can visit them tomorrow, you should rest first," Four Eyes insisted. How can he let Ling Li join him; visiting his parents is only a way out for him to meet the guys later to ask for their help with his wedding proposal he plans to surprise Ling Li.

"Ooh," Ling Li could sense that Four Eyes had something that he didn't want her to know, so she gave in. Four Eyes gave her a kiss before leaving, his heart pounding with excitement.

Since Ling Li couldn't join Four Eyes, she turned to her son. "Shi Min, come to my study," Ling Li said firmly.

Shi Min, intrigued by the unusual request, followed his mother to her study. As he entered, his curiosity was palpable. "Mom, is everything alright?"

Ling Li took a deep breath before revealing, "Otako called and informed me of Azure bone and Ruby Coral in his possession. With the snow ginseng that your Paps brought back from Mystic Mountain, I can refine pills that will help you break through to the end of the Exalt Realm. You've been at this bottleneck for many years."

Shi Min's eyes widened. This was a significant breakthrough. He thought in excitement.

"I hope you can break through before the family competition next year. Go into seclusion and take Wushing with you. He could also use this time to strengthen himself," Ling Li suggested, her voice determined and resolute.

Shi Min hesitated, concern etched on his face. "How can I take Wushing with me? He manages all my businesses when I'm not around. Also, how can I go into seclusion at this crucial time? Shun has to train twice as much, and we only have until next year to prepare for Otako's order to take over the Chinese government."

Ling Li's expression softened but remained firm. "You don't have to worry about these trivial matters; I will take care of it. If you can't take Wushing, take Dane with you. The human androids will handle Camp Phoenix. You can leave after the wedding," she insisted.

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