Inside their home, Qingsai explained everything.
The bandits. The shrine. The girls. The awakening.
He left nothing out.
Master Luren remained silent for a long time, then finally turned his gaze toward Meiyan and Chunsi. Despite her bruises, Meiyan stood tall—her noble air unshaken.
"I am Princess Meiyan Zhuanyi of Orilan," she said with practiced grace. "And this is Lady Chunsi Fengrui, daughter of your Prime Minister."
Luren's brow furrowed. "Then your presence here is dangerous for all of us."
"We know," Meiyan answered. "But we had no choice. Qingsai saved our lives."
Chunsi bowed deeply. "Please forgive us, Master Luren. We don't wish to burden your village."
Luren looked between them, then at his son. "And you, Qingsai. You used… fire."
Qingsai nodded. "It listened to me. It knew me."
Luren's face tightened. "Then it's true. The old blood returns."
He turned and opened a chest—inside was a worn scroll, sealed with spirit ink.
> "If the flame returns to Lotus Basin, prepare the soul for war."