The four friends waited quietly outside the mansion gate.
After a while, the guard who had gone inside returned, his expression professional but attentive. He spoke, "Our commander has asked you to meet him. He is in the back garden of the mansion. Follow me, and I will take you there."
Wang Yan and his friends nodded respectfully, they followed the guard, anticipation and curiosity mixing as they moved toward the heart of the mansion.
Soon, they arrived at the back garden. Before them were two figures seated comfortably in chairs. A low table stood between them, neatly arranged with tea cups and a kettle, giving the place an air of calm authority.
The guard bowed deeply. "My lord, they have arrived," he announced.
With that, he turned and left the garden, leaving Wang Yan, Liu Ming, Chen Yu, and Zhao Qing standing quietly. The four friends bowed respectfully to the commander and the lady before them, showing proper courtesy as they awaited acknowledgment.
Commander Shuo Tian sat with an imposing presence, his posture upright and eyes sharp, radiating the strength and decisiveness of a seasoned leader. Beside him, the lady carried an air of calm grace. Her features were striking, her presence serene yet dignified, complementing the authority of the commander without overshadowing him.
Shuo Tian's eyes shifted toward the four friends, his gaze steady and appraising. "So," he began, his voice calm but firm, "the four of you are friends of Brother Liang Qiu."
The lady's eyes flickered slightly at the name, showing a trace of curiosity.
Wang Yan spoke respectfully, bowing slightly. "Yes, Mr. Liang Qiu is our instructor. He has guided us in everything we have done, and even before we came to Lingyun City, he instructed us to meet you, Commander."
After saying this, Wang Yan reached into his robes and produced a letter. He handed it carefully to Shuo Tian, explaining, "This is from Instructor Liang Qiu, as he asked me to deliver it to you."
Shuo Tian took the letter from Wang Yan, scanning it carefully. After a moment, he folded it and placed it on the table, his gaze lifting slowly to the four youths standing before him.
Without a word, he rose from his seat. Every movement was deliberate, filled with the authority. His eyes, sharp and unwavering, swept over the four friends.
He folded his hands and released his soul rings. Instantly, a massive Flame Eagle materialized behind him, wings blazing with fire, feathers flickering with ember-like energy, eyes blazing with intelligence and ferocity. His six soul rings — two yellow, two purple, two black — glowed in succession, each amplifying his aura. The pressure radiating from him rolled outward like a physical force, compressing the space around the youths.
The four friends stiffened. The weight of a Soul Emperor's presence pressed against them, every breath feeling heavier, every step seeming more constrained. Yet, even under this immense pressure, they did not release their Martial Spirits, nor did they activate their soul rings. They remained composed, holding their stance without a hint of panic.
Shuo Tian's eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his expression. Even under the full force of a Soul Emperor's Martial Spirit and soul ring pressure, these youths showed no rash movements, no fear, no response to provoke his wrath. Their restraint was shocking, and he could not help but feel a rising curiosity.
Before he could step closer, the lady beside him leaned forward. Her voice was soft, calm, yet firm. "Husband… please. There is no need to press them so harshly," she said gently.
Shuo Tian's stern expression softened slightly, and a low chuckle escaped him. He inclined his head politely toward her. "My lady, I am merely testing them," he said. His gaze turned back to the four youths, sharp but now tinged with curiosity. "Brother Liang Qiu wrote in his letter of their accomplishments. I wished to see their courage, their composure… to measure them for myself."
The pressure gradually eased, though the Flame Eagle still hovered majestically behind him, wings fanning embers into the air. The four friends exhaled slowly, understanding that the display had not been an attack, but a measure of their willpower and presence.
Shuo Tian leaned back slightly, his expression softening. "I apologize if my earlier display caused you discomfort," he said in a friendly tone. "I was merely testing you out of curiosity. If it felt wrong, I am sorry."
The four friends bowed slightly, acknowledging his words.
After a brief pause, Shuo Tian spoke again, his tone courteous and measured. "You would likely already know who I am, but for the sake of formality, allow me to introduce myself. I am Shuo Tian, and this lady beside me is my wife, Liang Mei. She is the sister of your instructor Qiu."
Liang Mei gave a gentle smile and looked at the four friends. "It is a pleasure to meet you all," she said softly. "As my brother's students and friends, I welcome you here. I hope we may get along well, and that your time here will be safe and fruitful."
The four friends bowed slightly, returning her courtesy. Then introduced themselves.
"I am Wang Yan," the first said, his tone steady and respectful.
"I am Liu Ming," the second added, nodding politely.
"I am Zhao Qing," the third spoke, his voice calm but confident.
The fourth stepped forward slightly and said, "I am Chen Yu. It is an honor to meet both of you. We are grateful for your courtesy."
Shuo Tian and Liang Mei exchanged a brief, approving glance.
Then, Shuo Tian continued, a faint smile touching his lips. "You are quite talented, boys. Brother Liang Qiu mentioned in his letter that I should help you if you require it. He also told me of the Iron Guards, the powerful group you created. If you wish to rebuild a similar group here in Lingyun City, I will assist you."
Wang Yan spoke first, his tone measured. "Commander, we have decided to create a group. But we do not wish to begin with a large organization. We want to start from ourselves, step by step."
Liu Ming nodded, his voice calm and steady. "Yes. If we were given a fully formed group with many people, they would see us only as leaders appointed by authority. Respect would come, but true trust would not. Trust is built through shared effort, shared hardships. That is why we want to start small, with just the four of us, and slowly rebuild the group, as we did before with the Iron Guards."
Shuo Tian's eyes gleamed with interest. He leaned back slightly, impressed. "I see… you understand the true meaning of leadership and trust. Starting from the foundation, creating bonds with your team, valuing loyalty and effort… very few youths grasp this so clearly."
A faint smile crossed his lips. "Very well. You have my respect. Begin from the start, step by step. That is the only way to create a group that will endure and be truly trusted by its members."
He glanced toward one of his guards. "Bring me ink, a pen, and paper."
The guard quickly obeyed. Shuo Tian wrote carefully on the sheet, pressed his command seal onto it, and handed it to Wang Yan.
"This is my letter," he said firmly. "With this, you can acquire a proper base for your organization. Show it to the seller, and they will understand your position. Even if the cost is beyond your immediate means, they will make allowances — installments or special arrangements — ensuring your group can begin safely and securely."
He studied Wang Yan for a moment, eyes sharp but approving. "Use this wisely. Lay your foundation carefully, and your group will grow strong and respected."
The four friends bowed once more to Shuo Tian and Liang Mei. Without another word, they turned and left the garden, their steps measured but purposeful.
As they disappeared from view, the garden grew quiet again, leaving only the couple behind, seated gracefully amidst the soft rustle of the trees and the faint scent of tea lingering in the air.
End of Chapter.