The mood in the room changed as soon as Emily Wentworth faced the elders. She carried herself with an elegance that was both striking and intimidating, a product of her family's name, a name that probably held more influence than the Arrows could ever hope to wield. "Mr. Arrows," she said, her voice smooth, while she offered Silas a respectful bow. She did the same for Grant, but when her gaze landed on Amelia, she simply brushed past her as if Amelia was just part of the hospital decor. Cyril couldn't contain himself any longer. His voice wavered between confusion and a hint of desperation. "What are you doing here, Emily?" Emily tilted her head slightly, a teasing smile flickering on her lips. "Oh, I came to see Cai, Cyril. Had no idea you'd be here." Cyril’s expression twisted, insecurity flashing across his face. Emily Wentworth. The girl who aced the entrance exams effortlessly. She is also the daughter of the Wentworths family, one of the Big Three Families in Lume Cit

Cai felt completely paralyzed by the sheer absurdity of what was happening. He glanced at Shane and Yura, who were staring at Emily as if she had just grown wings. After spending ten years gazing at rocks, learning simple tricks, reading books on Qilan Mountain, he was suddenly being told that he was the city’s spiritual savior."What is this girl talking about?" Cai's voice was flat, but his mind was racing. "What does it mean, the only shaman the city needs? I’m just a regular guy who just got back from exile a few weeks ago."Emily didn’t blink. "You have a calling, Cai. A calling to be a shaman."He let out a breath that was almost a laugh. "A calling? Shamanism isn’t exactly a hobby you just pick up, Emily. You need a lineage, a bloodline... it’s about family traditions. My family’s the Arrows. They worship money and corporate influence. I don’t see how that relates to me or the Arrows Family."Finally, Yura found her voice, and it was sharp with impatience. "I can't believe the

Minister Tommy sat behind his big desk, hands clasped together, his face a mask of cold indifference.In front of him stood five men, the most powerful Shamans he had in his circle, those who had been moving the city’s tides for him for years. But now, they looked as if all the color had drained from their faces."So, let’s get this straight," Tommy started, his tone dangerously low. "You’re telling me that after all these years, not one of you has managed to reach the level needed to perform the Rite of the Golden Harvest? You've been working for me for over a decade, and you’re still not at that level of mastery?"The tension in the room escalated. In a sudden, furious sweep, he knocked everything off the desk, pens, fancy crystal decanters, and files scattered across the floor."Why have I been paying you?" he continued, his voice now a low and rhythmic tone. "I’ve got bigger dreams than just local power. I'm building something that will last for centuries, but a garden needs a ga

Below the estate lay a cold, windowless hall known as the sanctuary, its air thick with the scent of damp stone and bitter herbs. A massive circular design carved into the granite floor was filled with symbolic runes that seemed to pulse softly in the dim light.Cai lay in the middle of that circle, wrapped in layers of stark white cloth, his skin appearing like bruised parchment. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was so shallow it hardly stirred the fabric above his chest. Around him, the "symbolic signs" formed a sort of cage, crafted by Tommy’s men to capture every ounce of power leaking from his soul.In one corner, Emily stood trembling. Tears had streaked her face, and her hands gripped a damp handkerchief. Next to her, Minister Tommy stood like a rock of support, his hand resting softly on her shoulder."Don’t cry, Emily," he murmured, his voice smooth as silk. "These spiritual masters are the best in the field. They know precisely what they’re doing."He glanced down a

The ringing in Cai’s ears was piercing, like a sharp needle stitching through his brain. He shut his eyes tight, but the darkness was far from empty. He could see flashes of green mist rolling over mountains, that long, pale arm from his vision, and a swirl of whispers that didn’t seem to come from anyone alive.Ever since handling Minister Tommy, things had felt this way. His body was like a radio stuck between five different channels, all at once.Then, just like that, the noise disappeared. The sudden silence felt heavy, his breath ragged in the stillness. When Cai opened his eyes, his chest was heaving. The luxurious ceiling of his Uncle Andrew’s room, with its gold-leaf molding and crystal chandelier, looked almost surreal after the wild energy he had experienced just four days ago.Deurigo and people relating to the evil things done had all been arrested and currently, Tommy is awaiting trial.Pushing himself up, Cai's muscles cried out in protest from the deep exhaustion. He