Ling Li remained wholly immersed in controlling her energy over the kiln, furnace, and broiler, her mind attuned to the delicate yet volatile alchemical process. The world beyond her chamber no longer existed—only the flames, the swirling essence of her concoctions, and the unwavering focus required to maintain balance.

Yet, unbeknownst to Ling Li, the storm outside the mansion had grown fiercer.

Ling Li had unwittingly become the beacon that drew the different martial arts factions to her doorstep. The whispers of failed attacks had spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the martial world. Rumors swelled and twisted, each faction scrambling to uncover the identity of the formidable force that had single-handedly thwarted their efforts. Even the Hidden Valley was alerted.

At dawn, Shi Min strode toward the alchemy chamber, his expression unreadable, his steps brisk with anticipation. He halted before the Samurai man guarding the entrance and wasted no time.

"Did you catch it?" His voice was taut with expectation.

The Samurai immediately knelt, his back straight, his hands cupped in a formal bow. "Young Master, please punish me. The pursuit lasted an hour, but the enemy—he was a powerful, cunning practitioner of dark arts. His aura was stronger than expected, filled with malice and immorality. He resorted to poison, attempting to cripple me in battle. I fought him fiercely and managed to injure his right abdomen, right arm, and knee, but in the end, he lured me deep into the forest. I feared an ambush was set and decided to retreat."

Shi Min's gaze darkened, thoughts racing. His jaw tensed.

"Stand," he ordered, watching as the Samurai obeyed. "There will be no punishment. Your retreat was the right choice. Safety takes precedence. This adversary is no ordinary foe—an evil practitioner bound by darkness and deception. No wonder his aura felt suffocating."

Shi Min exhaled sharply, rubbing his chin, his mind weaving through endless possibilities. "This man will return. He won't give up easily." His voice held certainty. "Please inform the others—capturing him is our priority. Mushu and his team can hold off the external threats for now. The factions who attacked last night suffered severe losses. They won't dare to make another move so soon."

Shi Min pivoted slightly. "Wusheng and his team will arrive this afternoon," he added before walking away.

Just before stepping into the hall, Shi Min encountered the training group, their movements steady as they made their way toward the grounds. Only then did he remember—he would be leading them for the coming days.

As they walked, Ren surveyed their surroundings, her sharp eyes catching the heightened security, the tense vigilance in the air. Her brows furrowed.

"What's going on?" Ren asked his brother Shi Min.

Shi Min gave him a brief rundown of the situation. The weight of the news pressed upon them, though none spoke further—until a small voice cut through the stillness.

"Evil! Evil! Big Bro..der.. temple! Temple!"

The words came from Kim Kim, spoken with startling clarity. The twins had been trailing behind with their tiny steps everyday during the training, but now, Kim Kim's words rang with an eerie certainty that froze them in place.

Shi Min's breath hitched. He turned abruptly, kneeling to lift Kim Kim into his arms. His eyes locked onto hers. "Kim Kim," he said slowly, "do you mean the evil is at the temple?"

Kim Kim's small face scrunched as she nodded vigorously. "Big Bro..der.. catch.. catch evil! Temple! Temple!"

A stunned silence followed.

Four Eyes stiffened beside them. His pupils constricted—was his daughter truly capable of sensing something so precise? Concern flickered across his features.

Shi Min, however, felt something entirely different—exhilaration.

A rare talent.

A gift.

Shi Min's lips parted slightly in amazement before he gently patted her head. "Thank you, Kim Kim," he murmured. "Big Brother will definitely catch the evil."

He passed Kim Kim to Four Eyes, who regarded her with suspicion. His grip was secure, his eyes sharp. "Are you sure?" he asked, voice steady but laced with an unmistakable edge.

Kim Kim giggled, her toothless smile unwavering. "Sur! …Sur! Pa… pa!" She cooed, pressing tiny hands against her father's cheeks before planting a messy, affectionate kiss on him.

The tension within Four Eyes softened—just a little.

Four Eyes only wanted her daughters to live a carefree simple life without worries; he only wished for them to be happy and live like a princess. However, it seemed his wish was no longer possible. His daughter is gifted with special ability at such a young age. Four Eyes could only silently sigh inwardly.

As Shi Min arrived at the training ground, his eyes swept over the group. His expression hardened. "Drills and conditioning—three times the usual. Kata—thirty repetitions. Sparring—one full hour," he commanded.

He turned toward Butler Peng. "Make sure everyone completes it."

"Yes, Young Master." The bow was respectful, the tone unwavering.

Meanwhile, Chatty had been preparing to slack off, thinking today would be light without Shi Min present—but the moment he saw Butler Peng's piercing gaze, every lazy thought fled. A shiver ran down his spine.

'Since when was Butler Peng this terrifying?' he thought in disbelief.

Beside him, Cannonball, coiled snugly around his neck, whispered, "Master, train diligently. Otherwise, Miss will be angry and disappointed again."

Chatty swallowed. He imagined Pharsa's wrath and immediately straightened his posture. "You're right!"

Shi Min met with the Samurai man beside Mushu and Pharsa, recognizing him as Otako's group team leader. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, wondering how to broach Kim Kim's revelation—but decided there was no use delaying.

When he relayed the information, the Samurai man did not hesitate. "I will make arrangements to check every temple," he said before vanishing like mist in the wind.

Shi Min barely had time to process his departure before Rockie arrived.

Shi Min acknowledged him with a nod. "Report," Rockie said with cupped hands.

"Let's go to the study," Shi Min said.

Once they were in the study, the atmosphere turned serious.

"Speak," Shi Min commanded.

Rockie took a measured breath. "We've been tailing Solaris. Every day, after leaving our territory, he visits a temple—one that only houses an old monk and a young disciple around his age. He stays until the evening before returning home."

Shi Min listened intently.

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