In a well-defended hall within the vast manor of the Mitel family in the imperial capital of the Gamma Empire, three figures sat there, the atmosphere slightly tense. "Yafei, why have you summoned us so urgently?" The elder, dressed in a light blue robe, slightly furrowed his brows as he gazed at the graceful woman seated at the head of the hall, speaking first. "Ah, yes, Miss Yafei. We've just received a mission today, and we're quite pressed for time," said a man seated in a wheelchair on the other side of the hall, his eyes fixed on the woman at the head of the table, smiling. "Master Xiao Ding simply calls me Yafei—any other title feels rather formal." The woman at the head of the table had porcelain-like cheeks, brows finely drawn, and the gentle curve of her smile, framed by rosy lips, exuded both maturity and elegance, making her presence especially striking. It was clear that she was someone with a particularly close relationship to Master Xiao Ding. Yet upon hearing how he addressed the man, it was clear—he called him Brother Xiao, Xiao Ding! "Last time we sent urgent messengers to summon Hai Lao and Xiao Ding, it was mainly because I received some rather unfavorable news." With a delicate finger lightly tapping the table, the Lady Ya furrowed her brows slightly. "According to the intelligence, Yunlan Sect seems to be showing signs of significant developments. The last time they made a move was when they launched an attack on the Xiao family. This time, they're doing it again—clearly, their intentions must be substantial." As she spoke of the attack on the Xiao family, her gaze briefly swept over Xiao Ding, who sat in a wheelchair. Yet his expression remained unchanged—calm and composed, as if smiling gently like spring breeze, as though the very incident when the Xiao family nearly faced extinction had never affected him at all. "Has Yunlan Sect made another move?" Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong frowned, his brows knit together. "What do they intend this time?" "We still don't know their intentions, and their movements have been quite discreet. If it weren't for my current intelligence network having infiltrated Yunlan Sect, we likely wouldn't have noticed them at all." Yafei shook her head slightly, her lips parting as she spoke. "Could it be that they're targeting us? How did they discover that the remnants of the Xiao family are under our protection at the Mitel family?" Haibo Dong frowned, his voice steady. "This is still just a speculation. In recent years, Yunlan Sect's actions have increasingly diverged from the calm, detached demeanor of the sect we once knew. I believe the imperial family has been closely observing them for some time. However, due to Yunshan's formidable strength, the imperial court has remained cautious, unwilling to make any moves that might provoke this close, powerful entity and potentially disrupt the delicate balance." Yafei mused. "The Miter family is one of the three most influential families in the Gamma Empire, and their situation is deeply significant. Unlike our Xiao family back then, if Yunlan Sect were to take action against you, it would undoubtedly trigger internal unrest within the empire. Other powers would hardly remain passive while Yunlan Sect destroyed the Miter family. Of course, there are always exceptions—exactly as you've pointed out. Yunlan Sect has always been the strongest force in the empire, and now with the addition of figures like Yunshan, even if other powers wish to assist, they'll have to carefully weigh their options." Sitting in a wheelchair, Xiao Ding crossed his fingers in front of him and spoke slowly. "That does make sense. Still, caution is essential. During this period, please ensure your family members minimize their outings, and the Miter family should remain vigilant. Should Yunlan Sect indeed make any moves, we won't be caught off guard." Hai Boheng paced back and forth in the hall for a while before speaking in a steady tone. "Agreed." Xiao Ding nodded slightly, gazing at the furrowed lines on Hai Bode's face, and sighed gently. "Hai Elder, I truly apologize. It's quite unfortunate that our Xiao family has dragged your Miter clan into this mess." "Why all this talk now?" Hai Bode waved a hand, smiling calmly. "Moreover, this isn't entirely out of the blue. Perhaps you're thinking of me, this old man, betting my life and the Miter clan's future on a game of chance." "Are you betting that my third brother will surely return and triumph over Yunlan Sect? If so, then indeed it's a bold wager." Xiao Ding chuckled lightly. "Then, do you believe that young man will return and turn the tide?" Hai Bode asked with a smile. Xiao Ding rubbed his nose, smiled gently, and said softly, "I certainly do. And I can sense that this day may not be too far off..." "Indeed, that's exactly what I've been thinking too. Haha." Watching the two smiling warmly, Yafei's own lips curled into a gentle smile, and in her mind, the young man in black robes with clear black eyes slowly came to life. "Little one, I also believe you will return to Gamma as a true strength!" The great door opened, and an elderly figure stepped forward slowly, coming to a halt at a distance from the white-robed woman, offering a gentle smile. "Yun, are you still holding a grudge against me?" Hearing the elderly voice, the white-robed woman slowly opened her tightly closed eyes. Under the reflection of the moonlight, her eyes—like precious stones—exuded a unique charm, enhancing the noble and serene grace of her delicate, refined face, leaving onlookers feeling somewhat self-conscious. It was unmistakably the same face as the former Cloud Lian Sect Master, Yun Yun. Three years had passed, yet no trace of time had etched itself upon her features; instead, under the slow accumulation of years, her noble aura had grown richer and more profound. Yet beneath that nobility, a subtle coldness now seemed to linger—something she had not possessed before. "Master, how is it that you've found time to come all the way to this 'Forbidden Hall'?" She glanced at the elder before her, but did not rise, her voice carrying a hint of self-mockery. "Ah, Yun, you still have this same temperament—how can you forget your teacher's years of guidance, simply because of a distant family, the Xiao family?" The elder sighed, then spoke with a touch of frustration and disappointment. "My teacher has nurtured me for years, and Yun Yun naturally remembers all that." Cloud Yun's face was slightly pained. After a moment, she murmured softly, "But why should you treat them so specially, just because of a small family like the Xiao's? With your actions, you've turned it into an unbreakable rivalry with the Xiao—especially with him." "He's merely a young upstart who thinks he has some talent," the elder replied, his expression growing stern. "How could he possibly make me, Yun Shan, feel any real threat? That boy has been fleeing the Jia Ma Empire for three years now. Yet, in all that time, not a single trace of his has surfaced in the surrounding empires. Perhaps he's already lost somewhere, forgotten entirely." Upon hearing this, Cloud Yun shook her head, then remained silent. "Well, I'm not here to pick on you about that man. As long as you forget that young one, I'll have you reinstated as Supreme Master. But look at you now—still can't seem to let go of him." Cloud Shan observed the still tense atmosphere, furrowed his brows, and then spoke coldly, "As for the Xiao family—I will not let them off. I've already received word that the remnants of the Xiao family are under the protection of the Mitler family. That old man, Hai Bo Dong, has repeatedly obstructed my Yunlan Sect. Does he truly think I won't be able to handle him? This time, I intend to wipe out the Xiao family completely from the Gamma Empire!" "You're going to move against the Mitler family?" Cloud Yun was instantly startled, her tone tinged with growing anger. "The Mitler family is one of the three most prominent families in the Empire. If Yunlan Sect takes action against them, it will surely provoke widespread dissatisfaction among various powers. Do you really intend to position Yunlan Sect as the sole opponent of all the Empire's factions?" "A bunch of minor players, nothing more." "Cloud Shan's weathered face flashed with disdain as he coldly remarked, 'If they wish to act, then so much the better. The Amar Empire has been too tranquil for too long. A thorough cleansing would be a welcome change—for our Yunlan Sect, at least.' Cloud Yun was stunned to see the man whose demeanor had changed so dramatically from when she first knew him. It was hard to believe that the teacher she had once deeply admired had now become such a person. 'Master, if you persist in your stubbornness, Yunlan Sect will surely fall under your hands!' Cloud Yun snapped, her teeth clenched with anger. 'Cloud Yun, you're growing bolder by the day! You dare speak to me like this!' Cloud Shan's expression grew stern as he scolded her, then waved his sleeve and turned, walking toward the outer hall. 'Yunlan Sect will not perish at my hands. On the contrary, I will elevate it to a peak never before reached by any of our past sect masters.' "As Cloud Mountain was about to step out through the grand hall's doors, his steps halted, and he coldly stated, 'Also, you had better forget about that young man entirely—never again dream of him returning to the Jima Empire. Even if he does return, I will take his life at the very first opportunity. Moreover, the Yunlan Sect has been utterly destroyed. As its abbot, your position makes it clear that there is absolutely no possibility of any reconciliation between you and him!' With those words, Cloud Mountain stepped forward, and as his sleeves swept through the air, the heavy doors of the hall slammed shut with a thunderous sound."