"Grandmaster Bai is in the study. I'll inform her."
Uncle Huang bowed. The man before him commanded respect.
Because he was also a Grandmaster.
In a military full of warriors, this weak-looking young man had made general. He was one of four generals controlling the Black Hawk special forces.
Appearances deceived. Without real strength, no background could get you this position.
"Cough cough... Please."
He didn't just look weak—he seemed genuinely sick. His face paled as he coughed.
Several subordinates rushed out of the vehicle, checking on their chief.
"Please wait a moment."
Uncle Huang disappeared from the front gate so quickly that Liu Yianfei's subordinates were surprised.
"That butler is a Martial Master?"
"He's the Tang clan head's right-hand man."
Jin Ling had come too. He stepped out of the vehicle, looking incredulous.
"But didn't I remember he was just an early-stage Martial Master?"
Jin Ling turned to his assistant. That speed and movement were mid-stage Martial Master level—like Jin Ling himself.
"Yes, sir. Huang Zihuan's injuries in youth stagnated his cultivation at early-stage. Records show Martial Master 2nd stage."
His assistant reported.
"This is getting really interesting."
Liu Yianfei murmured.
Moments later, Black Hawk received permission to enter, led by both children. Uncle Huang was teaching them to be proper attendants, starting with basic tasks.
Liu Yianfei held both children's hands, walking ahead with a smile. Only Jin Ling and a female assistant followed. The rest had orders to wait outside.
The assistant kept staring at Tang Yeye. She stared so long that Jin Ling had to ask.
"What're you looking at?"
"Sir, isn't that child Tang Yeye?"
She asked, computer already searching for information.
"I didn't notice yesterday, but according to data, this child's been bedridden for years with an incurable disease."
The female assistant furrowed her brow.
"But now she's not just recovered—she's lively as hell."
Jin Ling watched the girl running ahead.
"That's what's strange."
The young woman turned to make eye contact with Jin Ling, who was beginning to understand.
"You mean... someone cured them."
They both finished speaking and looked at their own chief with hopeful eyes...
.
.
.
"Tea. Be careful, it's hot."
Hui'er served tea on a tray. She'd been learning from Huang Zihuan. Not flawless, but the serious expression on that small face was adorable.
"Thank you."
Liu Yianfei took the tea, sipping as he surveyed the house. Just the elderly butler and two children besides them.
He couldn't sense Bai Fanxian within his Heaven Sense range. With over 25 meters reach, it should cover most of this house.
Or could she be in another part of the house?
While he pondered, Bai Fanxian appeared before them—no sound, no warning. A book in her hands.
Her sudden appearance almost made Liu Yianfei spill his tea. But a military general recovered quickly. He sipped, assessing her.
Extremely beautiful—more than the photos circulating online. But what surpassed that was the strange feeling around her.
She appeared supremely lofty and powerful.
Most importantly, his Heaven Sense had not sensed her presence beforehand at all.
Jin Ling shot to his feet. He still hadn't gotten over his fear of this woman's overwhelming pressure. Her mere presence made him sweat.
His assistant's legs trembled. She stared at Bai Fanxian, lips quivering.
"Mm..."
Bai Fanxian ignored them entirely. She walked to the host's seat and sat down.
"Hello, Miss Bai. I'm Liu Yianfei."
Liu Yianfei stood and introduced himself. But all he received was just a lazy hum.
Liu Yianfei didn't know how to continue. Since reaching his position, no one had ever responded to his introduction like this.
He gave a dry smile and sat back down.
Jin Ling stepped in, explaining their purpose.
"Grandmaster Bai, about yesterday's matter..."
"Miss Bai, we came today to apologize for yesterday's rudeness."
Before Jin Ling could finish, Liu Yianfei stood and bowed. His subordinates scrambled to their feet.
"We hope Miss Bai won't take offense."
Liu Yianfei straightened. Bai Fanxian had already sprawled on her chair, reading. Uncle Huang didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The man was apologizing sincerely—Grandmaster Bai, at least look at him!
"Grandmaster Bai..."
Uncle Huang bent down to whisper beside Bai Fanxian.
"Hm? What did you say?"
Bai Fanxian looked up at Uncle Huang. He realized she hadn't been paying attention from the start.
"General Liu Yianfei came to apologize about yesterday."
Uncle Huang summarized.
"Is that so? Then there's nothing more, right?"
Bai Fanxian started to get up, as if her book was more interesting than Grandmaster-level guests.
"Miss Bai, wait."
Liu Yianfei stopped her. He sighed. First time he'd ever felt this troubled by a woman.
"Besides apologies, we also prepared a gift."
Jin Ling signaled outside. Someone brought in a box. Bai Fanxian sensed something inside—her attention sharpened.
The box wasn't large but filled the table. Jin Ling opened it, revealing what lay inside.
It was a pearl.
Not the usual pearlescent white—this one gleamed crimson. Light made it glow with a faint red aura.
Uncle Huang's eyes widened. He hadn't expected the military to invest this heavily.
"Fire Pearl?"
A level 4 treasure, Fire Pearl.
A fire-element treasure that promoted yang qi, reduced fire deviation risk, and raised the wearer's power by at least one stage.
Easily crafted into jewelry—necklaces, bracelets.
The military had won it at auction years ago.
No one knew its origin, but it had caused an uproar. Major clans fought hard, but the military won.
A level 4 equipment treasure—coveted by many. Countless cultivators in the military had requested to use it. All rejected.
And now they were gifting it to Bai Fanxian.
Bai Fanxian stared at the Crimson Fire Pearl. Lost in thought. She traced her hand through the air—the pearl floated to her palm.
She studied the pearl in silence. No one dared disturb her. Even Liu Yianfei just sipped his tea, waiting.
"Hui'er..."
Bai Fanxian looked away and called the little child over.
"My lady?"
The girl approached. Bai Fanxian said nothing, just stared at her face, then the pearl, then back.
"It's not, is it..."
Bai Fanxian murmured. Hui'er, standing close, saw her expression dim.
"Never mind... I'll just give this pearl to you."
Bai Fanxian closed her eyes. The Fire pearl floated down to rest in Hui'er's small hand. She stood, patted the girl's head, and walked away with her book—ignoring the guests again.
This time she actually left. Uncle Huang had to turn and apologize to Liu Yianfei for the impropriety.