Next Day Morning…

Pink Blossom Tree Sect…

The sect bustled with quiet activity, disciples whispering curiously as Mo Han walked across the courtyard. Jia Kai and Chi Kai walked a few steps behind him, while Fatty Lambu trailed at the very end, yawning loudly and rubbing his eyes with a round hand.

"Brother Han…" Fatty muttered, his voice still shaky from the restless night. "I swear, I've never had dreams so terrifying. Beautiful women… with claws, sharp teeth, and glowing eyes, all chasing me around saying, 'Dual cultivate, fatty! Dual cultivate!'" He shuddered so dramatically that even Chi Kai stifled a laugh.

Mo Han only glanced at him with his usual indifferent look. "Then cultivate harder, Fatty. At least then, you'll have the strength to run faster in your dreams."

"Run faster?!" Fatty cried, clutching his chest. "Brother, in my dream I was already running at the speed of a wild boar!"

Jia Kai sighed. "If you're done with your nonsense, try not to embarrass us in front of the Matriarch. Keep your mouth shut unless spoken to."

Fatty zipped his lips with his fingers.

At the top of the courtyard stairs, Matriarch Shijin stood waiting. Her long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her presence was dignified, calm. She studied Mo Han as he approached and inclined her head faintly.

"You must be Mo Han," she said, her voice like flowing water, steady and commanding.

Mo Han cupped his fists respectfully. "Matriarch Shijin, thank you for agreeing to see me."

She did not waste words. Instead, she motioned toward a servant, who brought forward a jade box. Inside lay two sealed letters, each stamped with the pink blossom tree insignia.

"These are the letters of recommendation for the Eternal Night Mansion. They carry my personal seal, but you must understand—" she paused, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, "—recommendations are only introductions. They do not guarantee acceptance."

Mo Han took the letters with steady hands, but his sharp eyes caught something unusual. "Two letters?"

Shijin nodded. "The contents are the same. If something goes wrong, if one is lost or… tampered with, you will have the second as added safety. Once you step into the Eternal Night Mansion, you will face tests of loyalty, strength, and… compatibility. The Mansion does not open its doors lightly."

Mo Han bowed deeply. "I understand. Thank you, Matriarch, for this invaluable help."

Chi Kai and Jia Kai exchanged a look of pride—neither had expected the Matriarch to show such trust in Mo Han, but perhaps even she had glimpsed the rare fate burning behind his calm eyes.

"Go," Shijin said firmly, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at Su Kai's daughters. "And remember, the path you three have chosen is not one of ease. It is filled with both temptation and trial. Tread it carefully, or you will fall."

Mo Han tossed the letters safely into the storage ring. "I will not forget your words."

When he turned, Su Kai was already standing by with moist eyes, her hands gripping her daughters' fingers tightly. "Jia Kai… Chi Kai… from this day, your path is no longer here. Go, follow him. He may be young, but he carries a fire I have not seen in any man of this region. With him, you may walk further than you can imagine."

"Mother…" Chi Kai whispered, her voice trembling. She hugged Su Kai tightly, her body reluctant to let go.

Jia Kai, always more composed, gave her mother a firm bow. "I will take care of sister Chi Kai. Please, don't worry."

Su Kai's lips trembled, but she managed a smile as she looked at Mo Han. "Young master Mo… no, I should call you Mo Han. My daughters are stubborn, proud, and sometimes reckless. If they ever cross the line… don't abandon them. Guide them."

Mo Han nodded solemnly. "I gave them my word. As long as I draw breath, they will not walk alone."

Fatty Lambu peeked from behind Mo Han, his face pale. "And me too, Madam Su! I'll… I'll also take good care of two sisters!"

The tension cracked, and even Su Kai let out a soft laugh, wiping her tears. She patted Fatty's shoulder. "Then you just eat well, little one. That will be your great contribution."

Fatty's cheeks flushed, and he puffed his chest proudly. "Eating is my specialty!"

The group departed under the falling blossoms, leaving Su Kai watching until they vanished beyond the sect gates.

-

The journey to the nearest village was quiet, save for the beating wings of the mountain eagle and the spirit crane. A few hours later, they descended at a small settlement where thatched roofs and stone-paved paths greeted them.

Villagers stopped to stare at the majestic beasts landing before small stores, whispering in awe.

Mo Han dismounted and headed straight toward a familiar wooden store at the centre of the village. A middle aged man with sharp eyes was mending a basket when he saw them. His face lit up in recognition.

"Young man! You returned!" the elder exclaimed.

Mo Han cupped his fists respectfully. "Elder, the rent period is almost over. Now, Iwant to pay in full for this mountain eagle."

He produced a heavy pouch and placed it in the old man's hands. The weight made the elder's eyes widen as he untied the string. A glittering cascade of spirit stones filled his wrinkled palms.

"This… this is 150 spirit stones! For that old eagle?" the elder's voice cracked with disbelief. "With this, you could buy a new one from the southern market, strong and unscarred. Why waste so much on an old beast like this?"

Mo Han turned, his gaze falling upon the mountain eagle resting proudly by the field, its feathers ruffling in the breeze. He reached out and stroked its neck gently.

"Because this old eagle carried me through danger. Many good things happened to me after I first rented it. Bonds are not broken just because something is old. It has spirit, loyalty… and more manners than half the cultivators I've met."

The elder blinked, stunned into silence. Slowly, his eyes softened. "Young master… you're not like the others. Most see beasts as tools, nothing more. You see them as companions."

Mo Han only gave a faint smile.

Fatty Lambu waddled forward, clapping Mo Han's shoulder. "That's my brother Han! Always sentimental. Personally, I think the eagle is too stubborn for anyone else—just like you. Perfect match!"

The mountain eagle let out a sharp cry, as though agreeing, and rubbed its beak against Mo Han's arm.

Chi Kai laughed softly, while Jia Kai shook her head. "If you're done wasting money, Mo Han, we should prepare for the road ahead. It's not a short journey."

The elder still stood frozen, staring at the spirit stones in his hands, then back at Mo Han. At last, he bowed deeply. "I don't know who you are, young master, but… I hope fate carries you far. This old-man will pray for you."

Mo Han nodded. "Farewell, Elder."

With that, the group mounted their beasts again, the crane lifting them high into the sky. The villagers were surprised to see a spirit-pet.