The backyard of Kaal's home was adorned with Rasen flowers, known for their unique fragrance that could calm the mind of anyone nearby.
Inside the hall, three people could be seen. A boy in purple robes with jet-black hair, deep black eyes, sharp eyebrows, and a well-defined nose sat comfortably on a chair, enjoying Conor leaf tea—a brew that enhanced the body's healing ability. He also listened intently to the harmonious blend of Harp and flute music.
A red-haired girl with violet eyes, dressed in a red Chinese-style dress, exuded a mature aura. She sat gracefully, playing the Qulin with her jade-like fingers. Beside her was a pink-haired girl with pink eyes and a pure, angelic smile, skillfully playing the flute.
The music they produced didn't clash but rather complemented each other. Every note resonated in harmony, painting the atmosphere with vibrant emotion, as if a master artist had brushed the canvas of the world with joyful colors.
The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Moments later, a servant arrived, panting as he struggled to catch his breath.
"Young master... the spy who betrayed the Kilvish Clan has been caught by the Punishment Hall. The clan leader seeks your opinion, as your life was endangered because of this traitor," said the short, midget-like servant between breaths.
"So, they finally caught him. Tell Father that I leave the decision to him," Kaal said calmly, without shifting his gaze.
"What about the message I asked you to deliver?" Kaal added, looking toward the servant.
"It will take a week to get a response due to the Poison Soul Sect's strict security," the servant replied nervously. "Also, General Ruke has caught his spy and is waiting outside."
"Let him in," Kaal ordered with a wave of his hand. The servant bowed and left.
"This Raven matter is nearly resolved. The captured spy was no doubt arranged by Elder George. He certainly lives up to his reputation—even preparing a fake spy," Kaal muttered, then turned to the two beauties in front of him with a gentle, warm smile.
"That was beautiful music. It helped calm my mind and brought peace to my heart."
"You don't have to be polite with us, young master," said Jane, the red-haired beauty.
"Yes, young master," added Mia, the pink-haired girl.
With that, both of them quietly exited the backyard hall, understanding that the upcoming conversation was not meant for their ears.
Meanwhile…
General Ruke had been on edge ever since the Mist Valley incident, when the young master of the Kilvish Clan was attacked and a clan member died under his protection. A failure of that magnitude should have cost him his life. However, he had been spared—at the cost of his left arm—to appease Elder Alvin's fury.
Being in the Opening Realm, he could regrow his arm. But Ruke knew that if he tried to heal it without permission, it would be his final mistake.
"I'm only alive because the real spy hasn't been caught… until now," General Ruke murmured, his voice heavy with guilt.
Today, that changed. He had finally captured the traitor who had revealed the path of the attack on the young master. Gathering his thoughts, General Ruke entered the hall.
There, he saw a boy in purple robes with jet-black hair and deep eyes, exuding a powerful and domineering aura. Ruke immediately recognized him: one of the Twin Shadows of the Kilvish Clan—Kaal Kilvish.
"Young master, this subordinate is here to report—the spy has been captured and handed over to Elder Alvin," Ruke said formally.
"General Ruke," Kaal began in a firm, assertive voice, "you understand this incident alone was enough to warrant your execution. It was only delayed because the spy had not been found. Now that both have been captured, your role is finished."
"I understand, young master," Ruke replied, falling to his knees. "I have no objection to my death. But please… spare my soldiers. They are truly innocent."
Kaal said nothing, prompting Ruke to continue.
He bowed deeply and slammed his forehead against the floor.
Bang
Bang
Bang
Blood appeared on his face, but Ruke ignored the pain and continued to kowtow.
"General Ruke," Kaal finally spoke in a calm, thoughtful tone, sipping his Conor tea. "Originally, I was going to let Elder Alvin deal with you. But when you stood firm under his Truth Realm aura—without yielding despite being only in the Opening Realm—I saw something in you."
Kaal put his teacup down, then extended a hand toward the kneeling general.
"Join my side, and I'll erase both your sins and your soldiers'."
To Ruke, this felt like a blessing from the heavens. Without hesitation, he declared, "I, Ruke Gregor, from this day onward, shall live and die for the young master!"
"Very well. Welcome to the Shadow Death Squad. Shadow Zero, take him in," Kaal said.
Suddenly, a man appeared out of thin air, dressed in black robes, face covered, his eyes void of emotion.
His sudden appearance made Ruke tense up immediately. His instincts screamed that if this man moved, he would die without being able to react. The aura he gave off… was that of a Truth Realm expert.
Truth Realm cultivators were apex beings—Elders of top-tier clans, those who had touched the Dao itself. For someone like Ruke, a mere Opening Realm cultivator, this was like facing a god.
And this man… was Kaal's servant.
"Shadow Death Squad is my personal guard," Kaal said in a relaxed tone. "And now, you are part of it."