Supreme paths

The backyard sank into a brief, somber silence before Ren Shu broke it, attempting to lighten the mood with a touch of positivity.

"But for as much as the world takes, it is fair," he began, lifting the teapot with a graceful wave of his hand. He poured tea into his and Shao An's cups, then returned the teapot to its original position in one swift motion.

After taking a small sip, he continued. "While the cultivating conditions of the Aurora Dark Winter Jade Spruce tribe are far from ideal—one could even say ruthless—the world has always been balanced. Whatever it takes, it gives something in return. It has always been fair and impartial.

"The Aurora Dark Winter Jade Spruce tribe might only be able to cultivate using nebulous yin qi, but they are also one of the few beings in the world capable of using it without fear or extensive training. They require almost no effort to sense or absorb it, not to mention the astronomical benefits it holds."