Inside a quiet room, Ren sat perfectly still in a meditative pose. The only sign that he was alive was the slow rise and fall of his chest.
Several minutes passed before his eyes opened.
"Hm… finally some progress in the Lycanrim Art," Ren muttered with a satisfied grin. "Truly, a class without an ability isn't much of a class at all."
The Lycanrim Art was one of the core secret cultivation arts of the Vishun Clan—an art that had earned the clan its place among the Big Seven. At its first realm, the art allowed its user to rapidly digest food and restore energy by accelerating the body's internal processes.
Every time Ren finished eating, he would cycle his energy through a specific pattern, guiding it along his organs. His digestive system would respond immediately, breaking down nutrients at an absurd speed. It was a simple ability on the surface, but one perfectly suited to relentless training.
Two days had passed since Dillard escorted him to his residence within the Mystic Castle. Since then, Ren hadn't seen him again. His only human interaction came when the maids arrived to deliver meals or collect empty dishes.
By now, the stay almost felt like imprisonment.
Still, he couldn't complain too much.
Each room was equipped with advanced training tools, and the strength-measuring apparatus was accurate down to the smallest unit—on par with the equipment back in the Vishun Clan.
And the food…
The food was absurd.
Every meal was plentiful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Sweet, rich, and endlessly satisfying.
"This should be illegal," Ren thought as he swallowed, already salivating at the memory.
As usual, after finishing his meal, he circulated the Lycanrim Art to digest and restore his energy before continuing his training.
But today was different.
A soft knock echoed from the door, followed by a timid voice.
"Hello, Mister Ren."
The sound snapped Ren out of his thoughts. He stood and moved to the door. When he opened it, a young girl—no older than twelve—stood in the hallway with her hands clasped nervously in front of her.
She dipped her head politely. "Sir, the lady has awakened… and she's requesting an audience with you."
Finally, Ren thought. Took her two days.
"I'll be right there. Give me a moment," he said calmly.
Closing the door, Ren hurried to the washroom and splashed cold water on his face, steadying his breathing. Moments later, he followed the girl down the corridor.
They walked through a long passageway, the atmosphere growing quieter with every step. Soon, they arrived at a small garden behind the residence, fresh with morning dew and the scent of flowers.
"She's inside," the girl said softly, stopping at the entrance.
Ren stepped in.
Gentle, flowing notes filled the air.
The sound was soft yet profound, each vibration sinking into his chest and spreading warmth through his body. He followed the melody deeper into the garden room.
There she was.
Rui Yan sat cross-legged at the center, her back straight and graceful as her hands guided a violin. Each stroke of the bow released a smooth, hypnotic tune. She seemed perfectly synchronized with the instrument, as though the music itself obeyed her will.
In the far corner, seated quietly, was Dillard.
Ren took a step forward, but Dillard raised a hand, stopping him silently before gesturing toward the wooden bench beside him.
Ren nodded and sat.
The music continued, flowing gently—until it began to rise.
The tempo sharpened. The notes climbed higher, faster, igniting Ren's blood. His heartbeat quickened, muscles tightening as if preparing for battle.
Then, abruptly, the sound vanished.
The silence left him craving more, his body still humming with restrained energy.
Rui Yan lowered the violin and rested the bow at her side. Rising smoothly, she carried her chair forward and set it before the two. Her movements were elegant, controlled.
"Good day, friend," she said warmly. "I hope you've been comfortable during your stay."
"My name is Rui Yan," she continued, gesturing lightly toward Dillard. "And this is Dillard—my companion."
She bowed her head slightly. "Please forgive our neglect over the past two days."
When she lifted her gaze, her eyes lingered on Ren, gratitude unmistakable.
"He told me everything that happened. Thank you. If you hadn't been there at that moment… I might not be sitting here now."
Ren remained silent. I was just in the right place at the right time, he thought.
Rui Yan folded her hands neatly on her lap.
"As a gesture of appreciation, the Matriarch of our house has made a decision," she said. "She is willing to welcome you as a member of our clan—if you choose to accept."
"If you decline," she added calmly, "you will still be granted a special pass to the Dragon Bone Valley."
"May I think about it?" he asked.
Rui Yan nodded. "Of course. You have sixty days before the Trial begins. That will be your deadline."
"If you accept," she continued, "participation in the Trial is mandatory. It's the only way to earn your place."
"I understand," Ren said.
He met her gaze. Sixty days, a trial, and a clan that clearly wants something from me "huh".
"In the meantime, you're free to stay here," Rui Yan said gently. "The clan will provide whatever you need. And if you wish to leave the residence, simply press the white button on the wall inside your room."
After chatting a while longer about minor matters, Ren stood.
"If you'll excuse me," he said, "I'd like to retire for the day."
"Of course," Rui Yan replied with a polite nod.
Ren left the garden and returned to his room.
Once he was gone, Dillard stepped closer to Rui Yan, lowering his voice. "Why did you invite him to join the clan? You barely know him."
Rui Yan's gaze drifted toward the corridor Ren had disappeared into. "He's special," she said softly.
"Special how?"
"I'm not certain yet," she admitted. "But my instincts reacted strongly. And more importantly… the Matriarch's Gift, it didn't work on him."
Dillard stiffened. "Not even a flicker?"
She shook her head. "Nothing at all. Someone who can resist it is either incredibly dangerous—or incredibly valuable. For the clan's future, we need him on our side."
Dillard fell silent, carefully weighing her words.