Soon, another two days passed within the relative safety of the hidden cave. True to his enhanced constitution and diligent cultivation, Bai Yu finally healed the last of his serious injuries. His broken ribs had mended, the internal bruising had faded, and his Qi reserves were full, solidifying his place in the Mid-Qi Refining Realm. While Mei Ling continued her own recovery and Elder Jian maintained his vigilant watch, Bai Yu sat down near the cave entrance, gazing out at the forest, and began to ponder the fight with Shen Mo, as he always did after significant battles. He replayed the duel in his mind, analyzing his movements, his technique execution, his decision-making. My River Reversal Counter needs more strength behind the redirection against powerful opponents. The Meandering Stream Cut's targeting needs finer control. The Flood Surge Advance drained my Qi too quickly... He identified areas where he could have done better.
Suddenly, his contemplation was shattered. Both he and Elder Jian snapped to attention, sensing a powerful aura approaching at incredible speed. It wasn't hostile, but its sheer intensity dwarfed even Elder Jian's Peak Martial Master presence. It felt vast, deep, like a calm but immeasurable ocean of power.
It arrived in mere seconds. A figure appeared silently at the cave entrance, momentarily blocking the light. It was a middle-aged man with sharp, authoritative features, short, neatly-trimmed black hair threaded with hints of grey at the temples, and eyes that held immense depth and power. He wore fine, ice-blue robes embroidered with silver crescent moons.
As his gaze fell upon Mei Ling, his stern expression instantly softened into overwhelming relief and affection. "My daughter!" he exclaimed, striding quickly to her side. He embraced her tightly, then gently held her shoulders, checking her over with worried eyes to ensure she was truly okay.
"Father! I'm okay now, really," Mei Ling assured him, hugging him back tightly, tears welling up in her eyes from the relief of seeing him. "It was scary, but... these two gentlemen rescued me." She gestured towards Bai Yu and Elder Jian.
Mei Rong's gaze shifted to them. He straightened up, his powerful aura settling, and performed a deep, formal bow, a gesture of profound respect. "Thank you," his voice was deep and resonant, filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you both sincerely for saving my daughter's life." There was no doubt this man was Mei Rong, the formidable Martial Grandmaster and Sect Leader of the Snow Moon Sect.
Elder Jian quickly stepped forward, returning the bow, albeit slightly shallower. "Sect Leader Mei Rong, you are a respected Martial Grandmaster. We do not deserve such respect for simply doing what was right," Elder Jian said immediately.
But Mei Rong shook his head, his gaze earnest. He was truly grateful; it was clear he doted greatly on his only daughter, and the thought of what could have happened sent a shiver through even his powerful frame. "May I ask for your names, esteemed rescuers?" asked Mei Rong.
Elder Jian clasped his hands formally. "I am the Fifth Elder of the Bai Clan in Water Court City. My name is Bai Jian. And this young man beside me is Bai Yu, the Young Master of the Bai Clan."
Mei Rong's eyes showed recognition. "I see. From one of the three great clans of Water Court City," he acknowledged with a nod. "My deepest thanks to the Bai Clan for nurturing such righteous individuals."
Mei Ling, who was still held protectively within her father's grasp, looked up at him, her expression turning grim. "Father, it was people from the Shen Clan who chased and injured me. That arrogant youth Shen Mo led them. They wanted to kill me and steal the Grade 3 Fire Lion core I found!"
Hearing this, a terrifying murderous intent instantly flooded out from Mei Rong. The temperature in the cave seemed to plummet, and his eyes turned dangerously cold. "The Shen Clan?! They DARE?!" he roared, his voice echoing with contained fury. "They lay hands on my daughter?! They will deeply regret this day!" The sheer force of his anger made Bai Yu instinctively take a step back.
Seeing the powerful Sect Leader's rage directed squarely at the Shen Clan, Bai Yu, who had been standing quietly to the side, suddenly had a great idea. An opportunity had presented itself. He stepped forward respectfully. "Sect Leader Mei Rong," Bai Yu began, choosing his words carefully. "I understand your righteous anger. The Shen Clan acted despicably. Perhaps... I have a suggestion. Our Bai Clan also has grievances with the Shen Clan. Our clan could potentially work together with your esteemed sect... to annihilate the Shen Family entirely."
Mei Rong was first surprised by the bold proposition from the young man. He looked from Bai Yu, noting his calm demeanor despite the suggestion's gravity, then to Elder Jian, who remained impassively silent, indicating he deferred to the Young Master. Then, considering the insult to his daughter and the potential benefits of aligning with another major power against a common enemy, Mei Rong laughed, a cold, sharp sound devoid of humor but filled with decision.
"Annihilate the Shen Clan?" he repeated, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "An excellent suggestion, Young Master Bai! Bold, decisive! I like it!" He clapped Bai Yu lightly on the shoulder. "Great! I will accompany you back to the Bai Clan immediately and speak directly with your father, Patriarch Bai Feng. Let us discuss this alliance!"
With that decided, they departed the small cave.