Once MianJu and the others had taken some time off to calm themselves, he came back from the kitchen with another set of delicious tea for them. He then poured each individual cup, observing their reactions. Even if they tried to hide it, MianJu easily knew that telling them about the archenemy of JiangHu would leave them some foreboding thoughts in the back of their minds. Who wouldn't, especially after seeing how much they could affect Xie society. This would likely have never happened if he stayed silent, but he can’t go back on his word and perhaps, it’s for the better.

‘This may motivate them to get even stronger or stay further away from the conflicts. Either way, it is much better than ignorant bliss.’

And, he considered giving them some reassurance about this.

“Everyone, I get you’re frightened but let me expand on why I personally think their threat is just waiting for rocks to turn to diamond.”

“How so…” ShiYan asked in a weak voice.

“The number of times we officially had disputes with them could only be counted on two hands. Spanning the Wulin Alliance’s relationship with the Heavenly Demonic Cult over millennia, there had been no more aggressions in the last thousand years, and that is a fact.

Moreover, while they have the strongest martial warrior, the Orthodox and Unorthodox Sects have more members that take up the top ten rankings with the second and third strongest belonging to the Grand Elder of the Wulin Alliance, Nangong PingLi, and the Fiery Blaze King of the Unorthodox HongYan Sect, whose identity is shrouded in secrecy.”

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“...”

“Stress is a worse toxin for body strengthening and your future meditation so don’t worry too much as we still have plenty of strong fighters on our side as well. Besides, there are more urgent matters at hand…”

“...B-but, Brother MianJu-”

“Enough is enough. Although I promised everything, this is too much for ‘everything’, so please refrain from asking more.”

“…darn it…”

The children sulked in unison.

Disregarding their demands, MianJu looked out to the garden. Long shadows were forming from the treeline.

“Anyhow, I think it's time for you three to head back before your parents question why. ShiYan, Eddisson, I will prepare those manuals with misleading book covers so study wisely back home.

As for ReZhui…Just remember that necklace I gave you, in case you do anything outlandish again. We will begin training the next time you return here.”

Nodding back to his instructions, MianJu rushed to his small library, leaving the trio to get ready for their trip back to Bai village.

“What a fun day we had today, am I right?” ReZhui smiled back as they headed for the entrance.

“...” Looking at a surprised ShiYan, who then grinned proudly in her recollection, Eddisson hesitated for a moment before replying.

“T-thank you for bringing us along, ReZhui.”

“...!”

Nodding at his statement, ReZhui opened the door that faced out to a descending sunset. Light seeped in, nearly blinding them.

“I’m happy to hear that, guys!”