A month after Ye Yurou's treatment and the announcement made during the Martial Arts Tournament, Chen Zhenlong arrived at the City Lord's Mansion with his wives and daughter in response to Ye Mo's invitation.
To celebrate Ye Yurou's recovery, Ye Zong had arranged a small banquet at his residence.
The gathering was limited to close friends and family, most of whom had been aware of Ye Yurou's condition and the treatment she had received a month earlier.
"C-Chen Linlin pays her respects to Lord Ye Mo!"
Stammering, Chen Linlin gazed up in awe at the towering figure before her as she greeted him.
"And the City Lord too, honey," Chen Yinying gently reminded her daughter, standing beside her. There were two men before them, after all.
"C-City Lord too!"
Realizing her mistake, Chen Linlin hurriedly greeted Ye Zong, her little face turning red with embarrassment.
Seeing her reaction, the adults couldn't help laughing as they watched the charming little princess of the Divine Family fumble her greetings upon formally meeting the legendary Lord Ye Mo.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, young lady."
Smiling warmly, Ye Mo took a couple of candies from his interspatial ring and handed them to the awestruck Chen Linlin.
"I'm glad to see that you're in good health. Here, take these. Good children deserve treats."
Accepting the sweets, Chen Linlin barely seemed to hear his words. She was far too engrossed in admiring the legendary hero of Glory City standing before her.
Although this wasn't the first time the two had met, their previous encounter had been rather different.
Ye Mo had visited Chen Linlin in the past to examine her condition and determine the nature of her illness.
However, this was the first time he and Chen Linlin had properly met while she was fully conscious and healthy.
Thus, no one could blame the little girl for becoming a nervous, stammering mess in his presence.
After all, this was Lord Ye Mo himself. There wasn't a single citizen in Glory City who hadn't heard tales of his legendary achievements.
While everyone exchanged greetings and pleasantries, a little girl hid behind her mother's back, quietly scanning the members of the Divine Family as she searched for someone.
Someone who had saved her mother and little brother.
Ye Ziyun had been told by her father that Xue Hui was a member of the Divine Family and part of Chen Zhenlong's household. Yet no matter how carefully she searched, she couldn't catch even a glimpse of the boy among the gathered guests.
Noticing her daughter's wandering gaze, Ye Yurou wondered why she seemed determined to search every corner of the room.
Then, realization dawned on her, and her lips curved into an amused smile.
'Of course. It's Xue Hui. Yun'er hasn't stopped talking about him since I woke up.'
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
Of course, Yun'er would be eager to see her little doctor again.
Ye Zong had told her that their daughter had stayed by Xue Hui's side throughout the treatment, acting as his little assistant and occasionally wiping the sweat from his face.
Ye Yurou herself had been eager to meet her little doctor and thank him properly for saving both her and the child in her womb.
Unfortunately, her pregnancy was still delicate following her recent illness, and she had been advised to avoid unnecessary movement.
Even her father-in-law, Ye Mo, had barely left the mansion since the incident a month earlier, determined to ensure her safety and that of her unborn child.
Understanding her daughter's behavior, Ye Yurou took Ye Ziyun's hand and gently led her toward Chen Zhenlong and Ye Zong, interrupting their conversation.
"Brother Zhenlong, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you."
Both men paused and turned toward her.
"It certainly has been a while. I'm happy to see you doing well, Sister Yurou," Chen Zhenlong replied with a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Yurou pretended to glance around the room as though searching for someone.
Her actions caught Chen Zhenlong's attention.
"Are you looking for something, Sister Yurou?" he asked.
Ye Yurou nodded.
"Yes, I am indeed looking for someone."
She gently positioned Ye Ziyun in front of her, resting her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Where is Xue Hui? I was hoping to finally meet him. I haven't had the chance to thank him personally for saving me and my baby."
Upon hearing her question, Chen Zhenlong's expression turned awkward. He gave her an apologetic smile.
Just then, Chen Wenrou, Chen Yinying, and Chen Linlin approached and joined the conversation.
Like Chen Zhenlong, both women let out awkward laughs upon hearing Ye Yurou's question.
Chen Linlin, on the other hand, puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms in annoyance.
With a troubled expression, Chen Zhenlong tried to explain Xue Hui's absence.
"Sister Yurou... I... well, you see... Xiao Hui left yesterday to train at St. Ancestral Mountain with his master."
"Oh!"
Ye Yurou wasn't the only one who looked disappointed. The other members of the Snow Wind Family also wore crestfallen expressions.
They had all been looking forward to seeing Xue Hui again and thanking him properly for everything he had done.
Unfortunately, with the boy currently training outside Glory City, they would have to wait for another opportunity.
Just as everyone was coming to terms with the news, a small voice broke the momentary silence.
"Hui-hui is annoying!"
Chen Linlin huffed, her eyebrows knitting together cutely.
"Xue Hui left without bringing me along!"
Although she understood that she couldn't accompany Xue Hui because of her current condition, she still hated the thought of being separated from him.
She worried that if something happened to her again, no one would be able to help her.
After all, no one had been able to cure her previous illness. Not even Lord Ye Mo, the strongest expert in Glory City, had been able to do anything about her condition.
Only Xue Hui had managed to save her.
It was only natural that she felt uneasy whenever he wasn't around.
"H-He's not annoying! He healed my mother!"
Snapped out of her thoughts, Chen Linlin turned toward the source of the voice.
It didn't take her long to recognize the speaker.
Standing in front of Ye Yurou, her brows furrowed in a frown, was Ye Ziyun, a girl around her age.
The two little girls stared at each other.
An awkward silence settled over the room as neither made the slightest attempt to start a conversation, only making the atmosphere more uncomfortable.
The men present were at a loss, unsure what to make of the situation. In the end, they simply shrugged it off as two children being shy around each other.
The women, however, exchanged knowing glances, all thinking the same thing.
'You two are far too young to be fighting over a boy.'
Suppressing her laughter, Chen Yinying placed a hand on her daughter's back and gently nudged her forward, encouraging the two girls to greet each other.
"Lin'er, this is Ye Ziyun. The two of you used to play together when you were really, really little. Say hello to her, honey."
With little enthusiasm, the two young princesses raised their hands and waved at each other.
"Hi!" Chen Linlin greets in a flat voice.
"Hello!" Ye Ziyun replied in the same manner.
Watching their stiff exchange, Ye Yurou, Chen Wenrou, and Chen Yinying winced in unison.
Leaning slightly toward Chen Yinying, Ye Yurou whispered, "So... Xue Hui is one of those boys, huh?"
Chen Yinying nodded as she watched the two little girls.
"Yup! Hui-hui is going to have his hands full with girls when he grows up, that's for sure."
She laughed softly, imagining Xue Hui being tugged in opposite directions by Chen Linlin and Ye Ziyun.
Of course, in her mind, she was already cheering for her daughter to tug a little harder so she wouldn't lose to Ye Ziyun.
---
Meanwhile, deep within the forest of the St. Ancestral Mountain Range...
A boy and a white demon beast donkey were stealthily stalking a Thunder Mammoth Bear when, suddenly-
"Achoo!"
"ROAR!"
"SILVER! PLAN B!"
"RA-UL!"
THUD!
BOOM!
---
City Lord's Mansion, Patriarch's Office
"Brother Zhenlong... this... how... congratulations! This is wonderful news for Glory City!"
Ye Zong stared at Chen Zhenlong in utter shock.
During their conversation at the banquet, Chen Zhenlong had requested a private meeting with Ye Zong and Ye Mo, explaining that he had something important to reveal to them, something only a handful of people knew.
Agreeing to his request, Ye Zong led both men into his office, where they could speak without being overheard.
To Ye Zong's and Ye Mo's surprise, Chen Zhenlong began explaining the purpose of their meeting by removing the concealment effect of the Mask Realm Bracelet on his wrist.
His true cultivation was revealed.
One-Star Legend Rank Demon Spiritualist!
"For you to have broken through the shackles of Black Gold Rank and entered Legend Rank... this is a tremendous blessing for Glory City," Ye Mo said solemnly, giving Chen Zhenlong an appreciative nod.
Chen Zhenlong's breakthrough held tremendous significance for Glory City's survival. It also lifted a considerable burden from Ye Mo's shoulders.
At the very least, he could sleep a little easier knowing that another Legend Rank expert would be available to protect the city when his own cultivation eventually began to decline.
"This is all thanks to Xue Hui and his master. With their help, I was able to break through," Chen Zhenlong replied before restoring the concealment effect of the Mask Realm Bracelet.
Both Ye Zong and Ye Mo nodded in understanding, their thoughts returning to the many mysteries surrounding Xue Hui and his enigmatic master.
Chen Zhenlong then recounted the version of events he and Xue Hui had prepared beforehand, carefully avoiding any details that might inadvertently expose the boy's secrets.
Ye Mo and Ye Zong listened attentively, surprised by everything Chen Zhenlong had experienced during his time beyond Glory City's walls.
In the end, Chen Zhenlong explained why he wanted to keep his breakthrough a secret from the public.
Both Ye Mo and Ye Zong fully supported his decision.
"For something like this to have happened... Do you think the Dark Guild was responsible?" Ye Zong asked, his eyes flashing with fury.
So Chen Zhenlong's daughter had been poisoned.
"Those bastards are becoming increasingly vicious in their methods. It's a shame we still have no idea where they're hiding."
The Dark Guild was the first group Ye Zong suspected. Its members had caused countless tragedies throughout Glory City, including murder, kidnapping, and plundering.
They were a collection of criminals who operated in the shadows, repeatedly bringing suffering to the city's inhabitants.
"Perhaps... I don't know," Chen Zhenlong replied uncertainly. "For now, I'm simply staying alert and watching for anything suspicious. Whoever the culprit is, whether they're connected to the Dark Guild or not, they hurt my family once. I won't let something like that happen again."
His eyes burned with determination.
At present, they had no solid clues pointing toward whoever was responsible for the vicious attack on Chen Linlin.
All they could do was remain vigilant and watch for anything out of the ordinary.
"You should be careful as well, Brother Zong. After what happened to my daughter, I can tell that whoever is responsible won't hesitate to target someone else."
Hearing this, Ye Zong nodded solemnly.
"You're right. I should tell my wife and daughter everything they need to know. It wouldn't hurt for them to be more cautious."
Chen Zhenlong, Ye Mo, and Ye Zong fell silent as they contemplated everything they had discussed.
As the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, Ye Zong decided to change the subject to something more cheerful.
Leaning back comfortably in his chair, he offered a genuine smile.
"But that boy of yours is certainly something, Brother Zhenlong."
Hearing this, Ye Mo nodded in agreement.
"Trained by a Heavenly Doctor, already surpassing many gifted physicians in the art of healing despite his young age, and possessing such remarkable cultivation talent... even with a Red Soul Realm, his rate of growth is extraordinary. Glory City's future certainly looks brighter with a talent like him around."
Ye Mo's tone was filled with admiration for Xue Hui.
"Is there really no way for us to meet this mysterious master?" Ye Zong asked.
He genuinely wanted to thank the mysterious expert for nurturing such an exceptional disciple.
If it hadn't been for Xue Hui, his wife and unborn child might not have survived.
According to Xue Hui's explanation after the treatment, the reason it had taken so long and consumed so much of his soul force was that he had also been working to save Ye Yurou's unborn child.
Until then, Ye Zong hadn't even known that another life had been at risk.
He had nearly lost both his wife and child without ever realizing it.
Words could hardly express his gratitude toward Xue Hui. If the boy ever asked him to risk his life in return, Ye Zong wouldn't hesitate. The debt he owed for saving his wife and child was something he would remember until his dying breath.
Chen Zhenlong chuckled softly, knowing that meeting the mysterious master was practically impossible.
"Good luck with that, Brother Zong," he said humorously. "As I mentioned before, during our entire journey, the only person this mysterious master spoke to was Xiao Hui. He never showed himself to us even once."
Hearing this, Ye Zong let out a disappointed sigh.
"It can't be helped, then. If that's the case, I can only hope his master decides to remain in Glory City permanently."
Inwardly, Chen Zhenlong thanked the Mask Realm Bracelet for concealing his cultivation.
Without it, Ye Mo and Ye Zong might have noticed the fluctuations in his soul force whenever he unconsciously tried to suppress his aura. Someone as perceptive as Ye Mo could easily have realized that he was hiding something.
Stroking his beard, Ye Mo grunted thoughtfully before rising from his chair.
"It seems this mysterious master is tempering the boy through hardship, allowing him to face challenges and overcome them on his own."
Such a training method was common among eccentric masters, so Ye Mo wasn't particularly surprised.
As far as he was concerned, as long as Xue Hui continued to grow into a powerful expert, that was enough.
"You don't have to worry, Zhenlong. My son and I will help you keep your secret. Having another hidden Legend Rank expert in Glory City is a good thing."
After assuring Chen Zhenlong of their support, Ye Mo walked to the door and opened it slightly, peering into the banquet hall.
Seeing that everyone outside was enjoying themselves, he appeared satisfied.
"With me and that mysterious master, the public already has reason to believe that two Legend Rank experts are guarding Glory City."
He turned toward Chen Zhenlong and Ye Zong, his majestic aura briefly washing over them and making both men straighten instinctively.
"With you, Zhenlong, remaining hidden in the shadows, we can use your strength to catch our enemies off guard if they ever decide to make a move."
Chen Zhenlong nodded in agreement.
Having finished speaking, Ye Mo's imposing Legend Rank aura vanished as abruptly as a bubble bursting, replaced by the gentle presence of an old grandfather.
"That settles everything. Let's return to the banquet. I'm hungry."
With that, Ye Mo ended the discussion and walked out of the office.
Chen Zhenlong and Ye Zong exchanged a quick glance before following him back to the gathering.
The banquet continued, with both families enjoying one another's company.
Everyone, that is, except for two little girls.
Every attempt to help Chen Linlin and Ye Ziyun become friends ended in failure, until their mothers eventually gave up.
For some inexplicable reason, the two girls remained awkward around each other, unable to manage even the simplest conversation.
---
Meanwhile, far from the City Lord's Mansion...
Deep within the St. Ancestral Mountain Range, a massive waterfall cascaded through the heart of a dense, lush forest.
Behind its powerful torrent lay a hidden cave protected by inscriptions.
Inside, Silver was frantically circling the collapsed body of Xue Hui, who lay motionless on the cave floor.
The boy was as pale as chalk, his body severely weakened. Beneath him, a pool of blood slowly spread across the ground as blood trickled from his mouth, ears, nose, and eyes.
"Ra-ul! Ra-uul!"
End of Chapter 33.