The sun bathed the Yang Cn estate in a warm golden glow. In the garden, a little girl pyed among the flowers. Her ughter rang out like chimes in the wind.

  From the corridor, her mother stood watching — a soft smile resting on her lips. The woman’s presence was serene yet carried an air of quiet sadness.

  The little girl’s eyes sparkled as she spotted a vibrant flower swaying gently in the breeze. She rushed over, plucked it, and dashed toward her mother.

  "Mother, look what I found!" she giggled, holding the flower up proudly.

  Her mother knelt and took the delicate bloom. "Wow," she whispered. "This flower is just like you — pure and beautiful."

  The little girl’s smile widened. "But I want to be like you, Mother. You're the most beautiful person in the world."

  Her mother cupped her daughter’s face, brushing stray hair from her cheek. "Don’t worry, my dear. One day, you’ll grow even more charming and beautiful than your mother."

  Before the moment could linger, a voice called out.

  "My dy... Lord Yang Wei is waiting."

  The mother’s smile faded. She stood up, her fingers slipping away from her daughter’s grasp.

  "Mother, don’t go!" The little girl cried out, chasing after her.

  Her mother paused and turned back. Her eyes — once warm and gentle — were now pitch bck, like two endless voids.

  The little girl froze in terror.

  Yang Rui woke with a start, her breath ragged and her body drenched in sweat. The dream clung to her mind like a shadow.

  She sat on the edge of her bed, trying to calm her racing heart. After a moment, she stood, dressed, and left her room.

  As she crossed the corridor, she noticed Xu Wang in the courtyard, struggling to control his Qi. His breathing was bored, his face tense with concentration. Nearby, Wang Li sat calmly with a book in hand, lost in thought.

  Yang Rui hesitated for a moment, then continued onward.

  Yang Rui reached Zhen Rao’s room and knocked softly.

  "My dy... I am here," she said.

  "How many times must I tell you?" Zhen Rao’s voice was gentle yet firm. "You can call me mother."

  Yang Rui bowed her head. "I’m sorry. I respect you from the bottom of my heart... but I can’t. I have only one mother, and she’s gone."

  Zhen Rao's expression softened. "I understand."

  Yang Rui took a breath. "I’ve decided... I have no purpose here anymore. I wish to leave."

  "If that’s what you want, then fine." Zhen Rao’s voice hardened slightly. "But where will you go?"

  "I’m going with them," Yang Rui answered firmly.

  Zhen Rao’s gaze sharpened. "You still believe in your mother?"

  "Yes," Yang Rui said without hesitation. "I believe in her... and I always will."

  She bowed deeply, then turned and left.

  In the garden, Xu Wang knelt on the ground, his face pale and beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. Mei Ling knelt beside him, her face tight with concern.

  "If you want to use the Anahata Core Healing Technique," Mei Ling expined, "you must understand how Anahata Qi works."

  Xu Wang grimaced. "Then tell me... how?"

  Mei Ling took a breath. "When we cultivate Qi and absorb aura from the atmosphere, a core forms in our chest. That's normal. But to convert that core into an Anahata Core, you need another Anahata user to transfer their Qi into your core, turning it green. Only then can your core amplify your aura and sustain you in battle."

  "I know," Xu Wang muttered. "Sir Zhu Sun already taught me that. What I need to know is how to use the healing technique."

  "It’s simple... but dangerous," Mei Ling warned. "Your Anahata Core lies in your chest. Focus your Qi there, then guide that aura into your heart and mix it into your blood. This will amplify your body fluids and boost your natural healing. But..."

  "But what?"

  "When you're using the healing technique, your Anahata Core will shift entirely into recovery mode. You won’t be able to fight using Anahata Qi during that time."

  "I’ll manage," Xu Wang said.

  He closed his eyes and began.

  The first attempt was disastrous. His heart faltered, and for a chilling moment, it stopped altogether. Xu Wang colpsed to the ground, gasping for air.

  "What happened?" Mei Ling cried, panic in her voice.

  Xu Wang groaned. "What do you mean, what happened? I nearly died!"

  "Don’t worry!" Mei Ling said quickly. "I’m here..." She blushed, then murmured, "If you faint, I’ll wake you up with my mother’s secret technique... it always worked on my father..."

  "What?" Xu Wang muttered.

  "Nothing! Just focus!"

  On his second attempt, Xu Wang successfully guided his aura into his bloodstream. His wounds began to mend — deep cuts closing, bruises fading.

  "Now remove the aura from your blood," Mei Ling instructed.

  Exhausted, Xu Wang withdrew his Qi. His body slumped back against a tree.

  "Haaa... air feels cool..." he sighed. "I’ll just... take a nap..."

  He drifted off under the shade of the tree.

  Mei Ling knelt beside him, watching his peaceful face. Something stirred within her — a fluttering warmth she couldn’t expin.

  She gnced left and right, confirming no one was around. Then, hesitantly, she leaned in and kissed his lips — soft and brief.

  Blushing furiously, she murmured, "This is my mother’s secret technique... it always works..." She smiled, cheeks still warm.

  Little did she know, Yang Rui had seen everything from the second-floor corridor — her expression frozen in shock.

  To be continued.......