After Disaster

In the wake of the Vagrant Woods' chaos, Redwater Town, nestled within the domain of the Forest Clan, bustled with activity. The elder generation, their brows furrowed with concern, grappled with reports of damage and coordinated efforts to restore order. 

Meanwhile, the younger generation huddled together, seeking solace amidst the lingering unease. The echoes of bestial roars still resonated from the forest's edge, a chilling reminder of the recent spirit beast rampage. Fortunately, the tide of beasts had surged away from Ming Ren, sparing eastern settlements like Bluecloud City and Redwater Town from utter devastation. Yet, the scars of the chaos remained, etched upon the land and the minds of the survivors.

Little Fu, perched atop a boulder, entertained his fellow clansmen with a dramatic recounting of his supposed heroism. He described his valiant battle against the two-headed lioness and her pack, embellishing his role in leading the group to safety. Some listened with wide-eyed astonishment, while others cast skeptical glances. When he boasted of Lin Dong and Lin Qiang's prowess in slaying the formidable spirit beast, scoffs and murmurs of disbelief filled the air.

"Wasn't he cowering in a corner, crying for his mother?" Lin Yin interjected, rubbing his eyes as if to dispel a vision of such absurdity. Lin Shu chuckled, recalling the scene.

*

A while back...

Little Fu, consumed by anxiety as he awaited the group's return from the Vagrant Woods, paced restlessly, pestering everyone with his incessant worries. When the earth-shaking roar echoed through the air, his fear reached its peak.

"Mother! They're coming for me!" He had wailed, seeking refuge in Lin Yin's arms, his terror unabated until news arrived of the group's safe return.

**

"East Elder and Lin Qiang? Hmph! Little Fu, your lies are going too far!" A young woman, her cultivation at the ninth layer of the Body Tempering Realm, scoffed. "My cultivation surpasses hers, yet even I wouldn't dare face a Spirit Sea Realm beast! Stop joking."

Little Fu, his pride wounded, puffed out his chest. He had added himself to the narrative to avoid the shame of admitting his inaction, but the rest, he swore, was true. "I speak the truth! Diarrhea Elder Dong and Lin Qiang vanquished that beast!"

"And you claim they gained such power from a mere stew?" another inquired, incredulity lacing their voice.

"Not just any stew! The greatest stew in all the land! I'm certain of it! Even I feel stronger!" Little Fu defended his belief with unwavering conviction.

The clansmen exchanged weary glances. "Why do we still entertain Little Fu's fantasies?"

Little Fu, his large eyes pleading for support, turned to Lin Yin and the others.

"He's not completely lying this time," Lin Yin admitted, unable to deny what she had witnessed. 

"We saw East Elder fight." Lin Shu nodded in agreement.

"Truly?" Surprise rippled through the crowd. Lin Yin and Lin Shu were known for their honesty; their words carried weight.

The welcome bell resonated, and Little Fu's voice pierced the air, "They've returned!"

The Forest Clan's party emerged from the forest, their faces grim, their clothes tattered, and their bodies bearing the weariness of their journey. They had witnessed the devastation wrought by the spirit beast tide, the scars of destruction engraved upon the land. Lin Huangfu led the group, flanked by the Second Elder, Lin Dong, and Lin Qiang. Lin Dong carried the weaponized spine throughout the journey, a safeguard against any lingering threats. Upon nearing the clan, he stored it within a size-reducing formation plate.

"Father!" Little Fu's joyful shout momentarily shattered the somber atmosphere.

"My son!" Lin Huangfu returned the greeting with a warm embrace.

The senior generation and guards bowed respectfully. "We greet the Patriarch!"

Lin Huangfu, his hands clasped together, inquired, "Is all under control?"

"Yes, Patriarch. Every guard is on high alert, and the defensive formation stands ready."

"We subdued the crazed beasts, but many perished. Alas, we lost several valuable companions," an elder lamented.

"Yet, no lives were lost among our own," another added. "We are fortunate in that regard. Other clans have not fared so well. I hear several towns were razed to the ground."

A chorus of agreement followed. Then, all eyes turned towards Lin Dong and Lin Qiang.

"Little Fu spoke of it, but... I can barely believe my eyes! East Elder, just what in the world happened to you?"

"Are they truly East Elder and Lin Qiang? They seem completely different!"

Lin Dong grinned, a newfound confidence radiating from him. "I have been fortunate!"

His demeanor had shifted, exuding an air of authority that had previously been absent. The tempering, combined with Jana's bloodline, had reshaped his physique, just as it had for Lin Qiang.

Lin Huangfu cast a knowing glance at Little Fu. His son's inability to keep secrets was well-known. It was a blessing that he remained ignorant of their true elements and rare energies; otherwise, the entire Soaring Country would be abuzz with the news. Lin Huangfu had forbidden the cultivators from divulging the events of the Vagrant Woods, but too many had witnessed the spectacle – members of the White Clan, the City Lord's Mansion, and unaffiliated cultivators.

It was inevitable that news of Lin Dong and Lin Qiang's new power would spread. For now, the focus remained on recovering from the spirit beast tide, but eventually, attention would turn to the Forest Clan, their rise in strength an undeniable reality.

"East Elder, you have worked hard; it seems the heavens haven't forgotten you," a friendly elder remarked.

Lin Dong nodded in acknowledgment, but a shadow of concern lingered in his eyes. The elders sensed something amiss. Despite the safe return and the promising news, a sense of foreboding hung over the group.

"See to the injured and allow them to rest. Convene a meeting of the elders. I will explain all," Lin Huangfu instructed, his gaze scanning the crowd. "Where is the Third Elder?"

"With the situation under control, he ventured out to aid the townsfolk."

Lin Huangfu and the Second Elder exchanged a look of concern. The Forest Clan, lacking guidance with all ancestors dead, relied on the strength and unity of its leadership. While the Patriarch held the highest authority, the position was not hereditary but rather bestowed upon the strongest and most capable member. 

The Third Elder, along with Lin Huangfu and the Second Elder, stood at the pinnacle of the Spirit Sea Realm. The Second Elder, content with his role and recognizing Lin Huangfu's leadership, posed no threat. However, the Third Elder, fueled by ambition and bolstered by his wife's connections to the Redwater City Lord's Mansion, had long coveted the position of Patriarch.

Their rivalry, though fierce, remained within the bounds of clan unity, for survival took precedence over personal ambitions. The absence of a peak cultivator could destabilize the clan and invite disaster. The Third Elder's absence at this critical juncture raised concerns, his motives shrouded in uncertainty. Given that his wife was a relative of Redwater's City Lord's Mansion, the Third Elder had close ties to many of the other clans.

"We shall convene upon his return," Lin Huangfu declared, dismissing everyone. "You are all dismissed."

The clansmen bowed respectfully, dispersing to their respective duties, leaving only a handful of high-ranking individuals behind.

"Patriarch, I must speak with you," Lin Dong insisted, his urgency evident.

Lin Huangfu nodded in understanding. "Let us go."

***

In Bluecloud City, the City Lord, adorned in green robes, surveyed the wreckage of his domain with a heavy heart. The wild spirit beasts had been subdued, but the cost was staggering. Over half of the city's domesticated spirit beasts lay dead, along with dozens of cultivators and thousands of civilians. The damage to buildings and infrastructure was extensive, demanding a significant investment of resources for repairs. Yet, despite the losses, Bluecloud City had been spared the full brunt of the disaster. 

"At least peace has returned," the City Lord murmured, a sliver of hope flickering within him. His words were cut short as the Flame Commander burst into the room, his clothes disheveled and his face carved with the aftermath of a fierce struggle. Even after returning from the Vagrant Woods, he had been tirelessly assisting in quelling the chaos, only now finding a moment to report.

"Finally, you return. What news do you bring?" The City Lord observed the uncharacteristic fear upon the Flame Commander's face. This man, known for his bravado and unwavering courage, now appeared shaken to his core. The devastation he had witnessed, coupled with the chilling accounts of similar events across the land, had shattered his usual composure.

"My Lord, this is what happened..." The Flame Commander recounted the events in detail, from their entry into the Vagrant Woods to the confrontation with the Forest Clan, culminating in the death of the White Elder and the subsequent revelation of Ming Ren's power. His report was laced with accusations against the Forest Clan, highlighting their disrespect towards the City Lord's Mansion.

"The roar originated from the Ming boy, the one who was supposedly comatose? He, a mere Body Tempering Realm cultivator, slew a late-stage elder of the White Clan?" The City Lord's head throbbed with disbelief. "And now you claim cultivators of the Forest Clan possess True Elements, Rare Energies, and even formidable battle formations? Has the world gone mad overnight?"

"It is the truth, My Lord," the Flame Commander insisted, his voice trembling with conviction. "I witnessed it with my own eyes. We must inform the Overlord immediately!"

The City Lord, scrutinizing the Flame Commander's demeanor, discerned the truth in his words. With so many witnesses, lying would be futile. Frustration and despair washed over him. "Even if true, who would believe such a report? They would deem me insane and strip me of my position."

He turned away, gazing once more at the ravaged city through the window. "But if I remain silent and the rumors prove true... sigh, other places are easy to govern; why is my city always this chaotic? Should I retire to the woods and cultivate?"

"My lord..." The Flame Commander was worried he would actually do it.

"No matter," the City Lord sighed, dismissing his earlier musing. "Merely an old man thinking out loud."

'My lord, you're not that old…' The Flame Commander thought.

"We shall inform Redwater Town of the conflict between the Forest and White clans," the City Lord instructed, his voice regaining its usual authority. "Omit unnecessary details. Let them resolve their own affairs. Focus your investigation on the Silver Clan's involvement in hunting the newborn and inciting this chaos."

'He intends to place the blame solely on the Silver Clan? Surely he understands a crazed queen alone could not orchestrate such widespread turmoil.' The Flame Commander raised his brows and questioned, "What about the Forest Clan? Are we not going to punish them? The boy may have been able to escape, but those techniques and battle formations would be of great assistance to you, my lord. They are truly valuable." 

"Punish them for what? Sheltering a boy from a traitorous clan? For their stroke of heaven-sent luck?" The City Lord cut to the heart of the matter. "Coveting the fortune of others is a swift path to ruin. Though the Overlord and the Silver Clan eradicated the Bright Clan years ago, powerful figures remain dissatisfied with their actions."

"Dissatisfied? But was it not a royal decree?" The Flame Commander's confusion deepened.

"Is the royal family a haven of unity and peace? When branches grow too large, they seek to extend their reach even further. Balance is essential. I knew of their treachery against the Bright Clan, yet I was powerless to intervene. Even those in higher positions tread carefully, wary of the Sunflower Pavilion's ever-expanding influence."

The Flame Commander stared at the City Lord in astonishment. His typically reserved leader was uncharacteristically talkative today, revealing a depth of knowledge and insight he had kept hidden.

"Do you understand why I pass this information to Redwater Town, expecting the White Clan to act, while I remain uninvolved?"

"I confess, My Lord, I do not. The Forest Clan is insignificant; we could crush them overnight. We have ample justification!"

The City Lord sighed, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "You are a fool, blinded by shortsightedness."

"M-My Lord?"

"You crossed a Heaven-chosen talent and dare to assume he will not mature and seek retribution? You antagonized a clan harboring True Element cultivators, allowing greed to cloud your judgment. Were you in my position, I suspect you would lead the City Lord's Mansion in a full-frontal assault on the Forest Clan, demanding their secrets until they yielded."

"T-that is..." The Flame Commander could not deny the truth in his lord's words.

"And that," the City Lord continued, "is precisely what I expect the other clans to do. They will charge blindly at the Forest Clan, fueled by vengeance and a thirst for power."

"My Lord?" The Flame Commander's confusion deepened.

"Do you understand why I share this with you?" the City Lord inquired. The Flame Commander shook his head, bewildered by his lord's uncharacteristic openness.

"You. Why did you attempt to capture the boy?" The City Lord's demeanor shifted abruptly, his aura turning frigid, filling the room with a chilling pressure.

"I... I sought to aid My Lord," the Flame Commander stammered, his eyes darting nervously.

"To aid me? I have never coveted the Bright Clan's treasures, nor do we share any animosity. Their lineage residing in the Soaring Country is no crime; only their clan name is forbidden. Do you take me for a fool?" The City Lord's aura intensified, pressing down upon the Flame Commander.

"T-that...!!"

"Whatever the Brave Clan offered you, I hope it was worth your life."

The Flame Commander's desperate pleas for mercy were cut short as a blade emerged from the shadows, severing his head from his body. His focus had been solely on the Spirit Gate cultivator before him, leaving him completely vulnerable to the assassin's strike.

"Remove this traitor from my sight," the City Lord commanded, summoning guards to dispose of the body. "Go."

The assassin, clad in dark attire and a concealing mask, vanished back into the shadows, his presence fading like a wisp of smoke. The City Lord retrieved a piece of exquisite jade, channeling his spiritual energy into it.

"Speak," a voice, authoritative and confident, resonated from the other end.

"Your Highness, I have matters of grave importance to report..."

****

Bluecloud City, White Clan.

Compared to Bluecloud City itself, the clan was much more chaotic. As the clan with the largest number of spirit beasts, some still wild and untamed, the consequences of the frenzy had been catastrophic. Buildings lay in ruins, and the casualties, both cultivators and servants, were numerous. To exacerbate the situation, only one Spirit Gate cultivator remained within the clan. The White Patriarch, Bai Xun's father, and another Spirit Gate cultivator were away on urgent business.

The cultivators who had ventured into the Vagrant Woods returned with downcast eyes, bearing the body of their fallen elder. The news of their disastrous expedition spread like wildfire, igniting shock and outrage throughout the clan. A hunting party, well-equipped and experienced, should not have suffered such a humiliating defeat. The loss of a late-stage elder, along with valuable equipment like spirit crossbows and traps, was a heavy blow.

"Repeat yourself. How did the elder die?" Unbending Bear, the remaining Spirit Gate cultivator, demanded, his voice resonating with barely suppressed fury. He was a towering figure, over six feet tall, with a stern face and a physique honed through years of rigorous training. His white robe, adorned with intricate patterns of a spirit bear, accentuated his imposing presence. His perpetually furrowed brow and calloused fists spoke of a life spent in relentless pursuit of strength and dominance.

"The boy from the Bright Clan took his life," the cultivator reported, his voice trembling slightly. As the details of the events unfolded, Unbending Bear's skepticism gave way to a burning rage.

"That damned Forest Clan," he snarled, his fists clenched tightly. "Had they not interfered, none of this would have happened."

"What should we do?" an elder inquired, his voice laced with indignation. "This humiliation cannot go unanswered. The other clans will perceive it as weakness."

Another elder voiced a suspicion that had been festering in their minds. "Perhaps they orchestrated this entire affair. What if the boy used the crazed queen as a pretext to exact revenge upon the clans?"

"That's... highly improbable, is it not? Had the elder not provoked him..."

"No, that is precisely what happened," Unbending Bear interjected, his voice filled with certainty. "The Forest Clan conspired with those Bright Clan traitors to ambush us."

The other elders exchanged knowing glances, understanding his intentions.

"But the Patriarch..."

"Are we to hold off and miss this chance? Even if he rushes back upon hearing of the roar, it will take time for him to return from Radiant Bridge. He had his reasons for going there," Unbending Bear argued, his resolve unwavering. "Focus on restoring order. Then, we shall act. Inform the Redwater City Lord as well. We cannot allow the Forest Clan to escape."

"Yes!"

'Those formations and techniques are invaluable,' Unbending Bear thought, his eyes gleaming with avarice. 'I will not allow them to fall into the hands of the City Lord's Mansion or the other clans.' His mind was made up; he would seize this opportunity to elevate the White Clan's standing, even if it meant defying the Patriarch's authority

*****

Bluecloud City, Silver Clan.

The Silver Clan, like its counterparts, was recovering from the spirit beast rampage. However, with a smaller contingent of spirit beasts, their losses were comparatively minimal. The elders were deliberating on reconstruction priorities when a messenger arrived, bearing news that brought both relief and trepidation.

"Patriarch, we have received word from the young lady's guard. Though they lost their mounts during the journey, the lady is unharmed and will proceed as planned before returning to Brave City."

The Silver Patriarch exhaled a sigh of relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. His daughter's safety was paramount.

"However..." The messenger hesitated, his voice laced with apprehension.

The Silver Clan, through whispers and rumors among unaffiliated cultivators, had learned of the events in the Vagrant Woods, the news arriving almost simultaneously with the other clans.

"Is this information accurate?" the Silver Patriarch inquired, his face contorted with a mixture of disbelief and concern.

"We have verified it through multiple sources. The other clans are also abuzz with the news."

"Unbelievable. That boy possesses such potential?" The Silver Patriarch felt a pang of envy mixed with fear. His own clan lacked such prodigious talent.

"Patriarch, we must eliminate him! He cannot be allowed to grow stronger!"

"Indeed. He may forgive the other clans, but our Silver Clan is different. Our enmity is irreconcilable," the elders voiced their anxieties.

"Do you think I am unaware of this?" the Silver Patriarch sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "We have already dispatched numerous agents, but that brat is resourceful. Our only options now are the Brave Clan and the Sunflower Pavilion. He must die. If such talent is allowed to mature, or worse, recruited by those powerful forces..."

The elders shuddered at the thought. They had eradicated the Bright Clan for this very reason. A Heaven's Chosen talent could alter the destiny of an entire clan.

"But that means we forfeit the treasure."

"Perhaps we should wait. There is no guarantee he will reach the Spirit Sea Realm. Even if he does, without a True Element, he poses no significant threat. Must we truly abandon the treasure?"

"Are you willing to gamble the fate of our clan on such uncertainties? He must be eliminated. I will not tolerate any threat to our survival," the Silver Patriarch declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "The news of the boy's movements has spread; secrecy is no longer an option. His performance in the Vagrant Woods, even if exaggerated, cannot be ignored. His head will fetch a handsome price."

The elders reluctantly agreed. The treasure was a tempting prize, but their patriarch's resolve was absolute. The clan's future took precedence.

"However, instead of focusing solely on the boy, we have another task at hand."

"What could be more important than finding the boy and the treasure?"

"The Forest Clan. We need those formations," the Silver Patriarch stated, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "And those True Element cultivators cannot be allowed to live, especially if they are associated with the Ming brat."

"That may prove difficult. The City Lord seeks to restrain us. Rumors circulate that the beastly roar was triggered by our clansmen hunting a newborn. They may use this as leverage against us," an elder cautioned.

"Therefore, we need a scapegoat. And who better than the Forest Clan?" the Silver Patriarch countered, a cunning smile spreading across his lips. "There is someone who despises them even more than we do right now. They will act swiftly; that bear is not known for his patience. It is unfortunate that we may have to share the formations, but such is the price of victory."

"Patriarch, your wisdom is unmatched in Bluecloud City!" an elder exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. The others nodded in agreement, their confidence bolstered by their leader's cunning plan.

******

Bluecloud City, Cloud Clan.

Before the beastly roar...

Within the Yun Clan of Bluecloud City, Yun Jie, his father, and the clan's other Spirit Gate cultivator, Cloud Fox, observed Yun Shuqing's cultivation with bated breath and profound anticipation. The young woman was immersed in a deep state of enlightenment, on the cusp of a breakthrough. Yun Jie, determined to shield his beloved daughter from any disturbances, had not only activated the protective array but also stood guard himself.

As Yun Shuqing stood at the heart of the chamber, her spiritual power surged, drawing in the water and ice elements from the surrounding environment. The air grew frigid, the temperature plummeting as the elements coalesced around her. Frost crept across the walls and floor, transforming the chamber into a crystalline realm of icy beauty.

With each influx of water and ice essence into her Spirit Sea, Yun Shuqing's control over these elements intensified. The dense, azure energy that enveloped her extended outwards, blanketing the ground in a shimmering, icy expanse. Despite the biting cold, she remained in a trance, her mastery over the elements evident in the graceful dance of frozen energy that swirled around her like a protective veil.

"Ice Energy!" Yun Jie exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy. Tears welled up in his eyes as he witnessed his daughter's extraordinary talent blossom. "Shuqing, you... you are truly a prodigy..."

"Congratulations, Patriarch!" Cloud Fox beamed, his heart filled with pride and excitement.

"A foolish patriarch," Yun Jie's father, Yun Qing, muttered softly, "but a father blessed by the heavens."

Within Yun Shuqing's Spirit Sea, the spiritual energy coalesced, solidifying and taking shape. The shackles of the Body Tempering Realm had been broken. Her body temperature returned to normal as she gently opened her eyes, marveling at the flow of spiritual energy within her. "I..."

"My daughter!" Yun Jie cried out, his voice overflowing with paternal love and pride.

"Father! Grandfather and Uncle Cloud Fox too?"

"Qing'er, what happened? How did you ascend through so many layers? It's almost unbelievable!" Cloud Fox inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"I... I was dreaming," Yun Shuqing replied, her expression filled with wonder. "Everything felt so real." The memories of her dream were vivid, as if she had truly lived through them.

"Dreaming? The Purple Cloud Dreamland?" The three men exchanged glances, their eyes widening with understanding.

"I saw Father, Sister, and Grandfather fighting," Yun Shuqing continued, a hint of sadness tinging her voice. "I always believed Sister would be enough, that she could overcome any challenge. But I was wrong. She struggles too... just like me."

"Qing'er..." Yun Jie felt a pang of guilt. Despite his love for his daughter, he had failed to see the burdens she carried, the doubts that had plagued her heart.

"I used to find the world dull, devoid of meaning. I questioned the purpose of existence, of cultivation. Why strive, Father, when all my efforts seemed futile? No one held any expectations for me anymore."

"That..." Yun Jie found himself at a loss for words, his heart heavy with regret.

"But then," Shuqing's face lit up with a radiant smile, "I saw such wondrous places, sights beyond description."

"How can mere words capture such wonders?" Yun Shuqing's hands danced in the air, tracing the ethereal images etched in her memory. "There was a breathtaking spirit waterfall, where immortal fish swam upstream, defying all limitations."

"Immortals? The Upper Realms?" Yun Qing's eyes widened, his heart pounding with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"In one realm, a magnificent palace stood adorned with enigmatic scrolls and jade sculptures. Immortals roamed its halls, discussing the profound mysteries of the Dao, imparting wisdom far beyond the realm of combat." Yun Shuqing's voice brimmed with longing, yearning to be part of that world.

"Does such a place truly exist...?" Her vivid descriptions captivated even Yun Jie, igniting a spark of wonder within his soul.

"There are countless worlds, Father, each filled with beauty and wonder! That was when I resolved to reach those realms. Suddenly, the barriers to my cultivation crumbled."

Yun Jie inhaled sharply, exchanging meaningful glances with Cloud Fox and Yun Qing. They all agreed; this was no ordinary dream conjured by the Purple Cloud Dreamland. The boy's influence was undeniable.

"There's no doubt," Cloud Fox spoke first, his voice laced with certainty. "This was intentional."

Yun Qing nodded in agreement. "Heavens! Did he see all that inside the treasure?"

The allure of the Upper Realms was irresistible. Every cultivator dreamed of ascending to a higher plane, attaining immortality, and exploring the infinite worlds beyond. Though they had settled into their clan lives, the yearning for transcendence had never truly faded. The Upper Realms remained a distant, almost unattainable goal, yet they could not help but yearn for it in their hearts.

"He? Grandfather, who are you speaking of?" Yun Shuqing inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Yun Jie was about to deflect the question when a monstrous roar shook the entire Soaring Country. Yun Jie, Yun Qing, Cloud Fox, and Yun Shuqing fell to their knees, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

"Heavens! What is this?!" Yun Jie stammered, fear gripping his heart.

"A supreme beast!" Yun Qing, recovering his composure first, exclaimed. "From the Vagrant Woods?"

Cloud Fox nodded in agreement. Moments later, the ground trembled again as the spirit beasts within the Cloud Clan succumbed to madness, their eyes burning with primal fury.

"Subdue them quickly!" Yun Qing and Cloud Fox charged out, their spiritual senses painting a picture of utter chaos.

"Shuqing, remain here; this is the safest place! No arguments!" Yun Jie, sensing his daughter's desire to join the fray, commanded firmly before rushing out to assist the clan.

After everything settled down…

After the turmoil subsided and the clan began to rebuild, the senior information officer entered the main hall, where Yun Qing, Yun Jie, Cloud Fox, and Yun Shuqing were gathered. Even Shuqing, her recent breakthrough still a topic of wonder, was present.

"Patriarch, Ancestors," the officer bowed respectfully, "I bring a report."

News of the events in the Vagrant Woods, as witnessed by unaffiliated cultivators, had reached the Cloud Clan's network. As the officer relayed the details, Yun Jie's eyes widened in astonishment. He rubbed them repeatedly, half-convinced he was still trapped within the Purple Cloud Dreamland.

"Brother Ming Ren is incredible! Sister has a keen eye for talent!" Yun Shuqing giggled, her delight evident. The elders marveled at her sudden surge in cultivation, while Yun Jie and the others kept her true elements and rare energy a secret.

Cloud Fox, Yun Jie, and Yun Qing exchanged knowing glances. Escaping the Cloud Clan, rising to the peak of the sixth layer, demonstrating exceptional combat prowess, and even slaying a late-stage cultivator of the White Clan – Ming Ren's accomplishments were undeniable.

He was a rare talent, a force to be reckoned with. Such a formidable individual should either be befriended... or eliminated.

Yun Qing sent a spiritual sense transmission to Yun Jie: 'There is no middle ground. As the Cloud Clan's patriarch, you must choose – to stand with Shufen and embrace his cause, or to eradicate him at all costs.'

*******

Meanwhile, within a secluded chamber protected by a low-grade Spirit Sea formation, Lin Dong, Lin Huangfu, Lin Qiang, and the Second Elder convened. Their bodies and minds, weary from the recent events, sought respite, yet the future loomed uncertain. The death of the White Elder would undoubtedly bring conflict to their doorstep.

"East Elder, what did you want to talk about?" Lin Huangfu inquired, his voice tinged with hope.

"Patriarch, Second Elder, you have witnessed our techniques," Lin Dong began, his tone serious. "It would be faster to demonstrate."

He proceeded to impart the new [One With the Wood] cultivation law, guiding them through its intricacies. Within half an hour, the Forest Patriarch was the first to grasp the profound changes it entailed.

"This... this is... Heaven Grade? Our cultivation law is truly Heaven Grade?! How is this possible...?" Lin Huangfu's composure crumbled, his hands ruffling his hair in disbelief. It was the first time the others had witnessed such a display of astonishment from their stoic leader.

"We owe it all to our benefactor!" Lin Dong declared, giving credit where it was due.

"That boy? He improved it? Unbelievable! Is such a feat even possible? But wait, your time in the forest was brief. He accomplished this... in a matter of days? To Heaven Grade?" The Second Elder and the Patriarch gaped in disbelief, their minds struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Ming Ren's abilities.

"It's best If I don't answer," Lin Dong said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"It took less time than it takes to finish a cup of tea!"

Lin Dong instantly regretted his words as he witnessed the Patriarch and Second Elder's souls seemingly depart their bodies in shock. They stared at Lin Qiang, who merely smiled enigmatically.

'Perhaps we should keep the fact that he tailored it to our individual constitutions a secret,' Lin Qiang and Lin Dong thought, exchanging knowing glances. 'Or they'll be leaving this world early!'

"Was it because of the rumored treasure?" Lin Huangfu inquired, attempting to piece together the puzzle.

"I believe so. I did not pry. Patriarch, Second Elder, please swear upon the heavens that you will not divulge this information. If others learn of his abilities..." Lin Dong's gaze held an unwavering intensity. Understanding the gravity of the situation, they readily swore an oath of secrecy. The revelation of Ming Ren's talents would attract attention not only from the Soaring Country but from the entire world, placing him in unimaginable danger.

Lin Huangfu's eyes shone with newfound hope. "This is the dawn of a new era for the Forest Clan... Our talents will flourish. We will no longer be subservient to the other clans of Redwater or even Bluecloud. The Flame Commander? Hah! He will never mock me again!"

The Patriarch's joy was so palpable that he momentarily resembled his exuberant son, Little Fu.

"Patriarch, we must exercise caution. These secrets are too precious," the Second Elder reminded him, but Lin Huangfu was lost in his own reverie.

Lin Dong's face paled with worry. He had only revealed the cultivation law; what would happen when the Patriarch learned of the arts or the battle formation? 

He truly was afraid the shock would kill him!