The four friends had left the garden, leaving only Shuo Tian and Liang Mei behind.
Liang Mei turned toward her husband, a trace of annoyance mixed with humor in her eyes. "You really scared those boys today," she said lightly. "Did you have to release that kind of pressure on them?"
Shuo Tian chuckled softly. "No, no. I was only curious," he replied. "I wanted to see just how talented they truly are."
Liang Mei crossed her arms and turned her head aside, giving him her back. "Curiosity, hm?" she muttered, clearly unconvinced.
Shuo Tian stepped forward, closing the small distance between them. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back flush against his chest. The solid warmth of him was an undeniable anchor, and for a moment, her resolve wavered. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur meant only for her. "Alright, alright… I admit it. I may have tested them a little more than necessary."
He leaned in, his breath a warm caress against her skin before his lips met the soft curve of her cheek. The kiss was gentle, a silent plea for forgiveness. "I'm sorry."
A faint blush rose on her cheeks, but she held her ground. Shuo Tian only laughed softly, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated through her. Before Liang Mei could say anything else, he leaned in again, pressing another kiss to her cheek, this one lingering a fraction longer. Then another.
"Enough," she said at first, trying to keep her tone stern, though it was already wavering, betraying the flutter his touch ignited within her.
He didn't stop, his voice a low, coaxing whisper against her ear. "Still angry?"
His arms tightened around her, one hand sreading wide across her stomach, holding her securely. She could feel the steady, reassuring beat of his heart against her back. She shifted slightly, unable to maintain her pretense any longer, and finally turned her head back toward him. Their faces were now inches apart, his dark eyes searching hers, filled with a tender warmth that made her breath catch. "Alright, alright," Liang Mei said, her voice barely a whisper as she gave him a small, token push against his arm. "I get it. Just don't scare people like that next time."
Shuo Tian smiled, a slow, triumphant curve of his lips. He was clearly satisfied. His arms loosened around her, but only enough to turn her gently in his embrace to face him fully. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs stroking her cheekbones, and his gaze held hers for a long, heartfelt moment before he lowered his head and finally captured her lips in a kiss that was both apologetic and deeply loving, sealing their unspoken reconciliation.
.....
After leaving the mansion, the four friends returned to their room and talked quietly for some time, discussing what they should do next. In the end, they agreed that starting the next day, they would go in search of a suitable base of their own.
The following day, they set out early and spent several hours searching around the city. Eventually, they found a place that suited them well. It was neither too large nor too small, with adequate space inside the house and a decent courtyard outside. After discussing it briefly, they decided this would be their base.
When the seller named the price, they realized they did not have enough money to pay it outright. Wang Yan then presented the letter given to them by the Commander. After reading it, the seller's attitude changed noticeably. He became much more polite and agreed to let them purchase the place through installments.
With the matter settled, the four friends moved into the base and organized themselves properly. They decided to once again use the name Iron Guards for their group.
From the next day onward, they began taking missions. For the first few days, they were unable to secure any, but gradually, opportunities started to come their way. As time passed, the number of missions increased, and the Iron Guards slowly began to establish themselves once more.
.....
Nearly four months had passed since the Iron Guards had settled in Lingyun City. During this time, the four friends trained steadily, took on missions, and slowly adapted to the rhythm of the city. Their growth was quiet but real.
Wang Yan had broken through to level 53, Liu Ming to level 48, Zhao Qing to level 46, and Chen Yu to level 45. They were stronger, more disciplined, but still small enough to avoid drawing attention in a city filled with powerful mercenary groups and cultivators.
One morning, a messenger arrived at their base bearing an invitation. It carried the seal of the Commander's mansion. The occasion was a celebration in honor of Minister Shou Hai, who had just broken through to level 70, reaching the Soul Saint realm.
The four friends prepared carefully and departed together the next day. Their clothes were simple, neat, and respectful, appropriate for a formal gathering but not flashy. As they moved through the inner district, the streets grew quieter and the buildings more refined. Finally, the grand Commander's mansion appeared before them.
At the gate, they presented the invitation. A guard nodded and led them inside.
The four friends stepped into the hall, where a soft murmur of conversation filled the air. The room was large and elegant, lined with banners and subtle decorations, and filled with dignitaries of the empire. Cultivators, nobles, and influential families mingled quietly, their presence commanding respect without fanfare.
From the center of the hall, Shuo Tian noticed them immediately. A faint smile crossed his lips as he approached, with Liang Mei by his side. "Welcome," Shuo Tian said, his tone warm yet composed. Liang Mei gave a polite nod.
The four friends bowed slightly, acknowledging the greeting. Shuo Tian exchanged a few friendly words with them, asking briefly about their journey to the city and their well-being. Liang Mei's calm voice added a soft encouragement, her presence steady and reassuring.
After a short exchange, Shuo Tian turned back to attend other guests, and Liang Mei followed him briefly. Before leaving, Shuo Tian gestured to a nearby guard. "Accompany these four and ensure they have anything they need," he instructed firmly. The guard bowed and moved close to the friends, ready to assist them as required.
The four friends observed the hall quietly, their eyes sweeping over the dignitaries. Soon, the true guest of honor arrived: Minister Shou Hai, his presence calm but commanding. The room instinctively quieted as all eyes turned toward him. Beside him walked a young girl, around fourteen years old. She moved lightly, her expression lively and confident, her bright eyes scanning the hall with curiosity. She wore an elegant gown, delicate yet suitable for her age, and carried herself with the poise of someone already aware of her family's standing.
As Shou Hai entered, several guests approached, bowing and greeting him with respect. The girl beside him smiled politely at each visitor, charming in her own quiet way.
The guard leaned slightly toward the forefront, positioning himself so all four friends could hear him clearly. "Those greeting Minister Shou Hai are not random," he said. "The men standing to his sides are the first, second, and fourth commanders of the empire. Their names are Feng Zhan, Gao Ming, and Huo Tian respectively. The first and second commanders hail from the Feng Family and Gao Family. They hold the same rank as Commander Shuo Tian, though they are older, around seventy, and accompanied by their wives."
The four friends nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information.
Chen Yu then asked, "And the others standing nearby?"
"They are the representatives of the three great families," the guard continued. "Feng Rui represents the Feng Family, Gao Lin represents the Gao Family, and Su Xi represents the Su Family. They are all Soul Emperors, powerful and influential in the empire."
Their eyes shifted back to the young girl beside Shou Hai. The guard spoke softly, "And the girl with him? That is Shuo Linger, his granddaughter. Though only fourteen, she is already showing remarkable poise and presence."
The four friends absorbed the information quietly, noting the subtle hierarchy and careful interactions among the empire's powerful figures.
End of Chapter.