Shin-Lu stared at Bai-Xue, disbelief written across his face.
"Me... your brother?"
She nodded lightly, her eyes calm behind the white mask.
"Yes. If you don't mind accepting me as your younger sister."
For a moment, Shin-Lu was speechless. His throat tightened, and his hands trembled slightly.
"I... I always wanted a family," he said quietly. "To have someone call me brother... it is an honor beyond words, Master White Mask."
Bai-Xue frowned slightly.
"If you've already accepted me as your sister," she said, her tone gentle yet firm, "then stop calling me that. From now on, you may call me Sister."
Shin-Lu's lips curved into a genuine smile—one free of fear or restraint.
"...Sister."
Their gazes met, and for the first time, both of them smiled freely.
The cultivators who had survived the beast siege exchanged uneasy glances before one of them stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Master White Mask," he said respectfully, "please forgive us for doubting your judgment earlier. We were blind and fearful."
Bai-Xue crossed her arms calmly.
"You wish to say something else. Speak."
The man swallowed hard.
"Our master abandoned us and fled when danger appeared. We were left here to die. Now we have no master, no protection, and no future." He clenched his fists.
"Please... accept us as your disciples."
Bai-Xue tilted her head slightly.
"And why should I do that?" she asked calmly. "What benefit do I gain?"
The cultivators exchanged glances, then all knelt at once.
"We are willing to form a bond with you," one of them said. "We will offer loyalty, obedience, and our lives if necessary. Just give us one chance."
Shin-Lu stepped forward and looked at Bai-Xue.
"Sister," he said softly, "they are not bad people. Fear made them weak, not betrayal. If you give them a chance, I believe they will prove their worth."
Bai-Xue looked at him for a long moment... then smiled faintly.
"This is the first time my elder brother has asked me for something," she said. "How could I refuse?"
She turned back to the cultivators.
"Very well. I will give you a chance. But there will be no binding contract—for now. You will prove your worth with your actions. If you fail... I will not forgive you."
The cultivators' eyes lit up with hope.
"We will not disappoint you, Master!" they said in unison. "Our loyalty belongs to you alone!"
Suddenly, footsteps rustled through the bushes.
"Master! Master!"
Rinvi came running, her face glowing with excitement.
Bai-Xue turned toward her.
"Rinvi? Why are you here so soon? What about your Gold Layer?"
Rinvi bowed excitedly.
"I completed it, Master! The moment I opened my eyes, Fri-Ze told me you came this way and that something strange was happening."
Bai-Xue smiled slightly.
"There's nothing strange happening. Come here."
She gestured toward Shin-Lu.
"Rinvi, meet your new master. This is Shin-Lu—my elder brother."
Rinvi immediately bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Master!"
She then glanced at the group behind them and whispered,
"Master... who are they?"
"They are our allies now," Bai-Xue replied. "From today onward, they are my disciples."
She turned to the group.
"We return to Salang Blossom Valley. Rinvi will guide you to your living quarters. After that, your training begins."
Her eyes sharpened.
"From today on, you train harder than anyone else. You are weak—your techniques are flawed, your foundation unstable. If you wish to remain by my side, you will improve. Now... move."
"Yes, Master!"
In salong valey,Beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree, petals drifting gently in the air, Bai-Xue and Shin-Lu sat across from each other, sipping tea.
"Sister," Shin-Lu said quietly, "no matter how hard I train, my cultivation will not advance. Ever since my first transformation... it feels like a wall."
Bai-Xue placed her cup down calmly.
"Do not worry. I anticipated this."
She took out a small jade vial and handed it to him.
"Drink this potion. It will help you break through the restriction left by your bloodline awakening."
Shin-Lu stared at it in shock.
"...Thank you, Sister."
Suddenly, Bai-Xue's expression shifted. Her brows furrowed slightly.
Shin-Lu noticed immediately.
"Sister? What's wrong?"
She smiled faintly.
"Nothing important. A wild rat has fallen into my trap."
"...What?" Shin-Lu blinked.
"I'll explain later," she said, standing up. "I have something to take care of."
She entered her private courtyard and extended her hand.
A glowing white sphere formed above her palm.
Her spiritual energy connected to it instantly.
Images and voices flooded her senses.
Ning's ya-ting yard
Ya-Ting admired the bracelet on her wrist.
"Sister Hai-Rang," she said softly, "this bracelet truly strengthens my cultivation. Master White Mask is incredible... I wish I could become his disciple."
Hai-Rang nodded dreamily.
"He really is extraordinary. I wish the same."
Suddenly, their mother entered the courtyard, her expression cold.
"Enough dreaming," she said sharply. "Today, is the day, you will act."
The sisters straightened.
"The Third Prince, Min-Sheng, has returned today," their mother continued.
"You will go to him and tell him that Bai-Xue is dead."
Ya-Ting's eyes widened.
"You must look broken," their mother said coldly. "Sick. Weak. Heartbroken."
She stepped closer.
"Make him escort you through the city himself. Gain his sympathy. Gain his affection."
Her voice hardened.
"You have only one chance. The Third Prince must fall for you today."
The white light sphere trembled slightly...
And Bai-Xue's lips curved into a dangerous smile.
"You have only this one chance," her mother said coldly. "After everything I have done, I trust that you will not disappoint me."
Ya‑Ting lowered her gaze respectfully. "Mother, do not worry. I will not fail you. Today, the Third Prince, Min‑Sheng, will become mine. And I will completely erase Bai‑Xue from his life. She will never return—ever again."
Her mother's eyes narrowed with satisfaction. "Good. I believe in you. That is why I have done so much for you. Remember—he must believe that you are gravely ill. Make him bring you here himself. That will benefit you greatly."
Ya‑Ting glanced at her own body and smiled faintly. "Mother, in this condition, anyone would think I have been wandering for years without food or rest."
Her clothes were filthy and torn, her face pale and lifeless. Her body looked so weak that she could barely stand. Every detail—every mark of suffering—was part of her carefully crafted plan.
Hai‑Rang clapped her hands excitedly. "That's perfect! After today, First Sister's dream will finally come true. I'm so happy for you! And now... I only want to find my own dream prince."
Ya‑Ting smiled gently and held her younger sister's hands. "Do not worry, my dear sister. You will definitely meet your destined prince. And if you don't..." her eyes glinted softly, "then I will find one for you myself."
Their mother stood up. "Enough talking. Girls, prepare yourselves. It is time to go."
"Yes, Mother," they replied together.