Rain came to the Ao Clan on the second day of Ao Lian's retreat.
It began as a thin mist drifting down from the mountains.
By noon, the mist had become a steady rain.
By evening, the entire clan was wrapped in silver.
Water streamed from the tiled roofs. The stone paths reflected lantern light, and the mountain forests beyond the walls disappeared beneath a curtain of gray.
Ao Longtian stood beneath the covered walkway outside the eastern chamber.
He had been there for nearly an hour.
Not because he was worried.
At least, that was what he told himself.
Inside the sealed chamber, Ao Lian remained in meditation.
The formation surrounding her had not weakened.
If anything, it had grown stronger.
Longtian could feel her presence from outside.
Her spiritual energy was changing.
Slowly.
Methodically.
She wasn't fighting the demonic blood anymore.
She was learning it.
That was the dangerous part.
Longtian turned away from the chamber.
"How long?"
Gu Ren stood several steps behind him.
"Two days and six hours."
"Her condition?"
"Stable."
"Any interference?"
"None."
Longtian nodded.
"Good."
Gu Ren hesitated.
"Young Master."
"What?"
"There is another matter."
Longtian glanced over his shoulder.
"The Yun Clan has sent a delegation."
Longtian frowned.
"Why?"
"They claim they wish to discuss trade."
"Do we have trade with the Yun Clan?"
"Not enough to justify a delegation."
"Then they're lying."
Gu Ren smiled faintly.
"I came to the same conclusion."
Longtian began walking.
"Send them away."
"They requested a meeting with you personally."
"No."
"They insist."
"Then insist harder."
Gu Ren chuckled.
"Very well."
Longtian continued down the corridor.
Then Gu Ren added:
"They brought the Yun Clan's young miss."
Longtian stopped.
The rain fell steadily beyond the roof.
He turned.
"Yun Mei?"
"Yes."
Longtian's expression became thoughtful.
"That changes things."
The main reception hall was filled with incense.
The Yun delegation sat along one side of the room.
Their clothing was unmistakable.
White robes embroidered with pale blue clouds.
The Yun Clan specialized in water-based techniques and spiritual healing, and their clothing reflected that heritage.
At the head of the delegation sat an elderly man.
Yun Zhen.
Clan Leader of the Yun Clan.
Beside him sat his daughter.
Yun Mei.
She was young, perhaps around Longtian's age.
Her black hair fell over her shoulders, secured by a silver ornament shaped like a crescent moon.
She wore a pale blue dress.
Her expression was calm.
But Longtian noticed something immediately.
Her spiritual aura was unusual.
Extremely pure.
And beneath it was a dense Yin attribute.
Longtian entered the hall.
Everyone stood.
"Young Master Ao."
Yun Zhen bowed.
Longtian took his seat.
"Sit."
The delegation obeyed.
Longtian looked at the clan leader.
"You requested this meeting."
"Indeed."
"Why?"
Yun Zhen smiled.
"Straight to business."
"I don't enjoy wasting time."
"A trait I admire."
"That's unfortunate."
Yun Zhen blinked.
Longtian continued.
"You'll have to admire it from somewhere else."
The old man laughed.
"You're direct."
"I'm told it's a family trait."
Yun Mei covered a smile.
Longtian noticed.
He looked at her.
She immediately composed herself.
"Forgive me."
"You found something funny."
"Your answer."
"Which one?"
"The last one."
Longtian studied her for a moment.
"You seem unusually relaxed."
Yun Mei smiled.
"I've heard enough stories about you to be curious."
"Stories?"
"That you've become dangerous."
Longtian leaned back.
"People exaggerate."
Yun Mei looked at the cracked stone pillar visible through the open doors leading toward the training courtyard.
"I don't think they do."
Longtian smiled.
Fair.
He returned his attention to Yun Zhen.
"Now tell me why you're here."
The clan leader's expression became serious.
"We wish to strengthen relations between our clans."
"Why?"
"The recent disturbances have reminded us that cooperation is necessary."
"Cooperation usually means someone wants something."
Yun Zhen sighed.
"You truly don't make this easy."
"I don't intend to."
The old man finally said:
"We want an alliance."
Longtian's eyes narrowed.
"Against whom?"
"The surrounding clans."
"Which ones?"
"The Wang Clan."
Longtian knew the name.
The Wang Clan was one of the strongest clans within the region.
They controlled several mines and had considerable influence with the royal court.
"What happened?"
Yun Zhen's expression became uncomfortable.
"The Wang Clan has requested a marriage."
Longtian looked at Yun Mei.
"With you?"
She nodded.
"Their clan leader's son."
"Do you want it?"
"No."
Longtian looked back at Yun Zhen.
"And your answer?"
"I refused."
"Then why come here?"
Yun Zhen was silent.
Longtian's eyes sharpened.
"Say it."
The clan leader sighed.
"We need protection."
"From the Wang Clan?"
"Yes."
"You have your own cultivators."
"Not enough."
"How many?"
"Three Core Formation elders."
Longtian raised an eyebrow.
"And the Wang Clan?"
"Nine."
That was more significant.
The Wang Clan was powerful.
But not powerful enough to frighten Longtian.
Not anymore.
Longtian looked toward Yun Mei.
Her Yin aura was even stronger than he had first sensed.
A thought entered his mind.
The Pink Fog Technique.
The inheritance might require Yin-rich spiritual energy as a catalyst.
He would need to test it.
But there was another reason.
Something about Yun Mei's aura felt familiar.
Not demonic.
Not corrupted.
Simply compatible.
Longtian turned back toward Yun Zhen.
"You want protection."
"Yes."
"I can provide it."
Yun Zhen's eyes brightened.
"But."
The brightness disappeared.
Longtian continued.
"Protection isn't free."
"Of course."
"You will owe the Ao Clan."
"Within reason."
Longtian smiled.
"I decide what reason means."
Yun Zhen hesitated.
"What do you want?"
Longtian looked toward Yun Mei.
Her expression remained calm.
"The young miss."
The hall became silent.
Yun Zhen stared.
"Excuse me?"
"Yun Mei."
"Why?"
"She will become part of my household."
Yun Mei's eyes widened slightly.
Yun Zhen's expression hardened.
"Young Master Ao, my daughter is not a bargaining chip."
"Then don't bargain."
Longtian stood.
"You asked for protection."
"I did."
"I've given you a price."
Yun Zhen looked furious.
"You expect me to simply hand over my daughter?"
"No."
Longtian's voice remained calm.
"I expect you to make a decision."
Yun Zhen clenched his fist.
The pressure of a Core Formation cultivator spread through the room.
Longtian didn't move.
The pressure reached him.
Then disappeared.
Yun Zhen's expression changed.
Longtian's crimson aura flickered.
Not enough to attack.
Enough to make the message clear.
"Don't mistake my patience for weakness."
Yun Zhen slowly withdrew his aura.
Yun Mei looked at Longtian.
"Why me?"
Longtian turned toward her.
"Because your spiritual constitution is useful to me."
She stared.
"At least you're honest."
"I have no reason to lie."
Yun Mei thought for several seconds.
Then she stood.
"Father."
Yun Zhen looked at her.
"Don't."
"I want to hear him."
"Mei."
She shook her head.
"You've already refused the Wang Clan."
"I did that for you."
"I know."
She looked toward Longtian.
"If I agree, will you protect the Yun Clan?"
"Yes."
"Even if the Wang Clan attacks?"
"Especially then."
"And me?"
Longtian's answer came immediately.
"Yes."
Yun Mei studied him.
"You sound very confident."
"I am."
She smiled faintly.
"Then I agree."
Yun Zhen stared at his daughter.
"Mei!"
She turned toward him.
"Father, the Wang Clan wants me because of my constitution."
Her expression became colder.
"At least this man is honest about why he wants me."
Longtian raised an eyebrow.
She was more perceptive than expected.
Yun Zhen closed his eyes.
He looked exhausted.
Finally, he said:
"Very well."
Longtian nodded.
"Then we have an agreement."
Outside the hall, thunder rolled across the mountains.
Longtian looked toward the storm.
Something about the timing bothered him.
He had barely made the agreement when another thought entered his mind.
The Wang Clan would not accept this.
And he was right.
Because hundreds of miles away, inside a luxurious estate, a young man had just received the news.
Wang Zhi was the eldest son of the Wang Clan.
He was handsome.
Well dressed.
Talented.
And spoiled beyond reason.
He slammed a cup against the wall.
"She chose Ao Longtian?"
The messenger bowed.
"Yes, Young Master."
"That cripple?"
The messenger lowered his head.
"He is no longer considered a cripple."
Wang Zhi's eyes narrowed.
"I don't care."
He stood.
"I wanted Yun Mei."
"Young Master…"
"Prepare the carriage."
"Where are you going?"
Wang Zhi smiled.
"To meet my future wife's new owner."
The messenger swallowed.
"Are you certain?"
Wang Zhi's smile disappeared.
"Do I look uncertain?"
"No."
"Good."
He walked toward the door.
Behind him, a servant quietly cleaned the shattered cup.
Back at the Ao Clan, Longtian returned to the eastern chamber.
The rain had become heavier.
He stood outside the sealed door.
Inside, Ao Lian was still meditating.
Longtian sensed her aura.
It had changed again.
He smiled.
"One day left."
Gu Ren approached.
"Young Master."
"Yes?"
"I have completed the search you requested."
"For what?"
"Women with exceptional Yin Qi."
Longtian turned.
Gu Ren handed him a scroll.
"I consulted our merchants, physicians, wandering cultivators, and intelligence contacts."
Longtian opened the scroll.
Names appeared.
Dozens.
Each accompanied by a description.
Yin spiritual roots.
Pure Yin bodies.
Cold Moon physiques.
Ice Phoenix bloodlines.
Moonlight constitutions.
Longtian read silently.
The list was extensive.
"How reliable?"
"Very."
"Any dangerous individuals?"
"Several."
"Good."
Gu Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Good?"
"The stronger they are, the more useful the information."
Gu Ren nodded.
Longtian rolled up the list.
"We don't touch anyone without permission."
"Understood."
"We're not criminals."
Gu Ren gave him a look.
Longtian smiled.
"Not officially."
The old butler almost laughed.
Then a sudden shockwave erupted from the eastern chamber.
BOOM!
The ground trembled.
The formation flashed crimson.
Gu Ren immediately reached for his weapon.
Longtian raised his hand.
"Wait."
The chamber became silent.
Then another wave erupted.
This time, black-red energy burst through the cracks around the formation.
Longtian stared.
Inside the chamber, Ao Lian opened her eyes.
The crimson ring around her pupils had become brighter.
She looked at her hands.
Black markings covered her fingers.
The demonic blood whispered again.
Accept me.
Ao Lian smiled.
"No."
The markings spread.
She clenched her fist.
"I'll accept what belongs to me."
The entire chamber shook.
Outside, Longtian smiled.
His sister had passed the most important part of the transformation.
She wasn't becoming the demon.
She was becoming something else.
A human who could command demonic power.
A new path.
Longtian turned toward Gu Ren.
"Prepare the clan."
"For what?"
Longtian looked toward the distant mountains.
"The Wang Clan is coming."
Gu Ren's expression sharpened.
"How many?"
"Enough to make noise."
"And if they refuse to leave?"
Longtian smiled.
"Then we'll teach them something."
"What?"
Longtian looked at the sealed chamber.
"That the Ao Clan has stopped asking permission."
Above the clouds, unseen by mortal eyes, the heavenly guards watched the scene.
One guard whispered:
"The Wang Clan has moved."
Another nodded.
"And Ao Longtian?"
"He knows."
"How?"
The guard looked down.
A strange expression crossed his face.
"He always seems to know."
The oldest guard remained silent.
Then his gaze shifted toward the horizon.
Something else had appeared.
A faint streak of golden light was descending from the heavens.
Not a cultivator.
Not a heavenly guard.
Something else.
A treasure.
It fell silently through the clouds.
Toward the mortal world.
Toward the Ao Clan.
And as it descended, a mysterious voice echoed from within it.
Candidate detected.
A pause.
Testing sequence initiated.
Ten seals appeared across its surface.
The first one began to glow.
Test One: Survive.
The treasure continued falling.
And no one below knew what was coming.