Four Eyes, his face framed by the light filtering in from the window, simply nodded, the corners of his lips tugging into a fatherly smile. "We are family, Ren," he replied, his voice deep and resonant.

Fatty, always eager to contribute to the conversation, chimed in, "He's like a father to all of us! No one can care like he does. That crocodile blood... it's phenomenal!" His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, recalling the events with a hint of nostalgia.

Chatty, feeling empowered from the warm exchange, added, "Yeah! At first, I thought applying that crocodile blood was disgusting. But after hearing everyone rave about how it alleviated their pain, I had to try it! It was truly magical!" The memory of relief washed over Chatty, a reminder of the miracle in their darkest times.

"I still have some leftovers," Four Eyes mentioned casually, "It's in my backpack." His voice exuded pride as if sharing a secret treasure.

"Oh, I would love to have them!" Ling Li replied eagerly. "I can make so much out of that! Think of the elixirs and meals I could concoct!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, drawing smiles from everyone at the table.

As they settled into the warmth of food and camaraderie, the burdens of the day began to dissipate, if only momentarily. It was in these shared moments of laughter and stories that their bond grew stronger, weaving a fabric of resilience against the world beyond their walls.

Everyone chatted animatedly around the dining table, the clink of utensils mingling with bursts of laughter. Ling Li, seated at the head of the table, observed her companions with a mix of warmth and resolve. She could sense the camaraderie swelling in the cozy room as the casual conversation interwove memories and shared experiences. However, a cloud of seriousness loomed over her thoughts. Just before the energy in the room started to fizzle out, she raised her hand, silencing the chatter.

"Can we gather in the living room for a moment? I need to discuss something important," Ling LI called out, her voice steady yet commanding.

Intrigued, everyone followed her, the lively ambiance shifting to one of curiosity. The living room, adorned with eclectic furnishings and warm lighting, became the backdrop for what Ling Li understood as the beginning of a new chapter. As they settled onto plush couches and scattered cushions, she took a deep breath, her gaze meeting each of them in turn.

"You've faced trials in the training ground—pushing limits, testing resolve. But believe me, it's merely a baby step toward where you truly belong," Ling Li began, the gravity of her voice capturing their attention.

"Shun, we need to erase your digital footprint. Delete all your social media," Ling Li instructed. The words hung in the air, creating a moment of disbelief before Shun's brows furrowed in understanding.

"Ren, this applies to you too. Remove every photo with Shun. We must make people forget as much as possible," Ling Li continued the resolute tone in her voice unyielding.

Murphy and Quan Ye exchanged glances, a flicker of apprehension mingling with the excitement of the unknown. Ling Li was aware that their lives would transform drastically. "Your identities must remain concealed, just like Shun's," Ling Li said, her eyes pinning them down, transmitting unspoken truths of weighty responsibility.

Fatty and Chatty nodded in unison, their minds already whirling with the implications. They had tasted the fervor of the hidden world after meeting Otako, and now, that thrill ignited again within them.

"I want you all to cultivate martial arts," Ling Li declared, a fierce glint igniting her depths as her excitement spilled over. "In this age of technology, true martial artists are often overlooked, even forgotten. Yet, they exist, and they remain a powerful force worthy of respect and fear."

Ling Li reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, intricately designed case, delicate and gleaming in the soft light of the room. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she opened it, revealing five exquisite-looking pills nestled within a velvet lining. Each pill shimmered as if holding a universe within.

"Take these," Ling Li urged, her voice firm yet encouraging. "These pills are designed to enhance your vital energy, allowing you to break through into the first level of martial arts cultivation."

An awed silence descended upon the group as Shi Min leaned in closer, his eyes brightening. "This isn't just any pill; it's personally refined by my mother. The ingredients exceed imagination; there are only ten in the world."

Four Eyes raised an eyebrow, skepticism battling curiosity. "And you're not going to keep one for yourself?" His tone carried a hint of disbelief.

Ling Li gently shook her head, her hand brushing against his reassuringly. "No. This is for you. All of you. We're in this together," she replied, her conviction resonating like a bell tolling through their shared space.

"Just place the pill in your mouth and let it melt," Ling Li instructed, watching attentively as each of them gingerly took a pill, fingers trembling with anticipation.

As they swallowed them, Ling Li's expression softened into a smile brimming with hope. "There are seven levels in martial arts cultivation, each with nine stages. I want you to reach the first level before your journey to the Amazon."

With determination, Ling Li reached for a stack of books resting on her desk, ancient volumes filled with knowledge passed down through generations. "Study these. They'll teach you how to cultivate your vital energy. And remember, practice every night for at least two hours to make the most of the pill's potential."

The room buzzed with questions, excitement mingling with trepidation. "What if we don't understand something in the books?" Chatty interjected, her brow wrinkling in concern.

"If you don't understand, ask! It's vital. Misunderstanding can lead to harm rather than growth," Ling Li urged, her voice layered with urgency.

"How will we know if it works?" Four Eyes piped in, the burning question echoed in the eyes of the others.

Ling Li smiled, her expression haloed by confidence. "You'll start feeling something building inside you. It might cause discomfort at first, but don't worry; it's a sign that something's happening. Remember your training, position yourself accordingly, and you'll feel your strength grow," Ling Li explained, her eyes glinting like shards of hope.

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