The Southern Sea stretched out endlessly, its deep blue expanse meeting the azure sky on the distant horizon.


    Underneath the midday sun, three massive ships emerged, their imposing presence disrupting the serenity of the open waters.


    Each vessel bore the markings of war, bristling with soldiers, weaponry, and the foreboding aura of impending conflict.


    At the forefront of this formidable fleet was the central ship, its grandeur surpassing that of the nking vessels.


    As the ships cut through the sea with powerful grace, their billowing sails swelled in the ocean breeze, propelling them forward.


    The imposing figurehead of the central ship was an intricately carved dragon, its gleaming eyes casting an eerie, lifelike re over the waters.


    On the bow of this majestic vessel stood a figure of undeniable authority and regal bearing. She was a striking young woman.


    Her presence exuded both confidence and an air of authority, instilling admiration and fear in equal measure.


    "If theyy a finger on my brother…"


    The chilling voice of Wang Baozhai hung in the air like an ominous, impending storm, sending shivers down the spines of everyone aboard the ship.


    Her words were heavy with a foreboding threat that reverberated through the hearts of all everyone on the ship


    As the heiress of the Wang family, a formidable pir of the powerful Crimson Jade Pavilion, Wang Baozhai was renowned for her icy demeanor, ruthless nature, and an unyielding determination that allowed her to crush anyone who dared to cross her path.


    Her very name was a source of dread among the city''s inhabitants, and her reputation had cast a long shadow over all who dared to defy her. Now, provoked by what she considered weak, spineless ants from the barrennd, her rage was palpable.


    For the unfortunate souls of the barrennd, the doom that awaited the barrennd seemed inevitable.


    The prospect of bing ves or facing even graver fates loomed as a dark cloud, born from the wrath of this formidable demoness.


    Meanwhile, on the barrennd, life continued with an illusion of peace.


    The residents went about their daily routines, a newfound sense of safety and security gracing their lives.


    No longer did they fear beastly attacks or marauding bandits, thanks to the presence of the Celestial Heavenly Sect''s army.


    Su Yen returned from his date and, with genuine concern, summoned his brother to the main hall. Upon seeing the tired, darkened bags under Su Ming''s eyes, Su Yen''s own widened in surprise.


    "What happened to you, brother? Did you get into a fight?" His voice was filled with empathy and curiosity.


    Su Ming, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to unleash his frustration on his well-intentioned brother.


    He couldn''t help but be irked by the mere suggestion that he had engaged inbat.


    Sorting through scrolls and memory jades had proven far moreborious than any physical fight, and sleep had eluded the four of them for days on end.


    Su Ming couldn''t help but think, "Who asked you to be stronger than me?" before quickly dismissing the thought as unrealistic.


    "I didn''t fight with anyone," he grumbled, his annoyance clear as he cast an irritated nce at Su Yen. "It''s that foolish work that''s got me like this."


    "What? I thought you''d be done already," Su Yen eximed, his surprise evident, but tinged with sympathy for his brother''s plight.


    "Done your head," Su Ming scoffed, his annoyance evident. "Do you think it''s that easy to sort everything out?"


    Recognizing that the workload might have overwhelmed the four of them, Su Yen felt a twinge of guilt and offered assurance. "Don''t worry, I''ll make it up to the four of you."


    Su Ming''s lips curved into a faint smile at the gesture. "Better..."


    "That aside, we have more pressing issue" Su Yen voice turned serious.


    But the weighty issue at hand soon took precedence. Su Yen''s voice turned somber, and his expression grew serious. Su Ming noticed the abrupt change in his brother''s demeanor, a telltale sign that something dire had urred.


    "Are we under attack?" Su Ming inquired, concern creasing his brow. That was the worst possible scenario they could face right now.


    Su Yen nodded gravely. "Yes. I don''t know how these people are sending messages to those on the other side of the ocean... Now, their reinforcements are on their way."


    Hearing this, Su Ming''s brow furrowed even more, and the dark circles under his eyes seemed to vanish as he became fully alert. "You mean the Crimson Jade Pavilion."


    Su Yen confirmed with a solemn nod. "Yes. It appears that the n for us to develop slowly before pursuing Father and Mother won''t be possible anymore. Things have escted beyond our control. We must be prepared for battle at all times."


    Understanding the gravity of the situation, Su Ming adopted the demeanor of a battle-hardened general, his resolve unshakable. "I understand. When should I send the army, and how many?"


    With a ruthless smile, Su Yen outlined the n. "They should be here in three days, but I don''t want them on mynd. Huang Yin has prepared ten battle ships. Lead ten thousand of our men and eliminate every one of them."


    "Alright, I''ll get to it immediately," Su Ming replied and turned to leave the hall.


    Su Yen''s concern for his brother''s well-being prompted him to say, "You should get some rest before heading to the barracks."


    "I will... on the road," Su Ming replied as he departed, sending messages to variousmanders.


    Observing his elder brother''s retreating figure, Su Yen sighed, aware that all of them were striving tirelessly for the sake of the sect and n.


    The three siblings were determined to increase their strength enough to search for their missing parents, and now, they were thrust into a situation that demanded their utmost resilience.


    He shook his head, determined to banish any unnecessary thoughts as he contemted how to handle the impending threat.


    The guards interrupted his thoughts, announcing the arrival of Elder Su Feng. Immediately, he beckoned the elder to enter.


    "Sect master," Elder Su Feng greeted with profound respect, bowing deeply.


    "Congrattions on bing a Qi Refinement expert," Su Yen acknowledged with a warm smile.


    "Thank you. This achievement is all thanks to you," Elder Su Feng replied, his gratitude evident.


    "Enough of that," Su Yen waved off the praise. He got straight to the matter at hand. "Did the turtle give you the stones?"


    Elder Su Feng nodded in affirmation and approached Su Yen, handing over a pouch. Su Yen opened the pouch and retrieved a shiny white stone.


    He examined the stone with great care, noting the presence of intricate runes inscribed upon it.


    As a formation master, Su Yen immediately recognized the nature of these runes. He muttered in astonishment, "What a genius idea."


    Elder Su Feng was perplexed, his curiosity piqued. He watched as Su Yen scrutinized the white stone, not understanding what was so remarkable about it.


    However, before he could inquire further, the stone suddenly began to emit a radiant light.


    The words he intended to speak got stuck in his throat as he stared in dumbfounded amazement at the intense brilliance emanating from the stone.


    Shortly after, the light dissipated, and the stone returned to its tranquil state.


    "Sect..."


    Before Elder Su Feng could continue speaking, the stone once again shone brightly, only this time, a vivid image of himself materialized above the white stone.