"I think they never stop watching. And if they find out we're stronger than before… they may come back. Not with a scout."
She let the words hang in the air.
Xu Qianghua didn't flinch. He looked calm. Steady.
"If they come back, we won't be the same planet they marked in their records."
"No," she replied, quiet but firm. "We'll be the ones who buried their advance ship."
Silence returned between them for a moment. It wasn't heavy—just reflective.
Xu Qianghua gave a single nod.
"I'll inform the heads of the other top sects. Quietly. No announcements. No panic. Let's see what's on that ship first."
Li Xinyue gave a soft nod. No more words were needed.
She turned to leave, her robes trailing behind her in gentle folds. But just as she reached the doorway, he spoke again.
"Xinyue."
She looked over her shoulder.
"Thank you. For telling me."
"I hope I'm wrong," she said, and then she walked away.
Xu Qianghua stayed near the window.
