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"This is their first ti visiting Murim, so please forgive their lack of knowledge," Elder Wu said.
"Tche! Well, this is the first ti I've ever seen this old man being so generous and empathetic with a group of total strangers. He's not called a demon for nothing," Yoomyung sighed. "Fine, fine—just co with already. Hurry!"
"Thank you," Maria replied, containing herself and deciding to go along with the old n for once. She was slightly annoyed by how often they were being called "ignorant," even though it wasn't entirely wrong.
As they made their way through the city, people stepped back and bowed to Yoomyung, a respected Elder of the sect that governed Kunlun City.
The group admired the city's beauty and architecture. Even the pavent in so areas was painted with pale flower patterns and drifting clouds.
Eventually, they descended a long staircase and reached the highest point in the city, arriving at a district reserved exclusively for disciples of the White Mist Sect or mbers of the Murim Alliance.
There, a large white Chinese castle stood, shrouded in mysterious mist.
"Welco to the Temple of White Mist. You're welco to stay here tonight," Elder Yoomyung said.
"Wait, is that okay, my friend? Isn't this the sacred palace of your sect?" Elder Wu asked.
"And it's also my property," Yoomyung replied. "Unless the Sect Master cos rushing down from the skies to tell I can't welco outsiders, I think it's fine."
"Who's the Sect Master?" Nyx asked curiously.
The two Elders glanced at her for a mont.
"He's an Immortal," Yoomyung said. "A God. He watches over us and occasionally joins us during a full moon. The White Mist Sect wouldn't exist without him. By now, he's probably been alerted that the formation was broken, but as you can see, it's already been restored. You may have to explain yourselves to him, but if what Wu says is true, you shouldn't have anything to fear. He also has a soft spot for children, so he might make an exception—your group has quite a few."
"I'm not a child..." Arthur groaned as Yoomyung gave him a quick glare.
"Haha, well, you do look the part," Yoomyung laughed. "Maybe drink more cow milk and eat more eggs, boy. You don't strike as quite the adult yet."
"Hmph..." Arthur crossed his arms, visibly annoyed.
"However, I can sense within you an incredible talent for Martial Arts," Yoomyung said, pausing on the stairs. His gray eyes briefly glowed bright blue. "You have a remarkable physique—unlike any other. And yet, your talent remains underdeveloped."
"W-What?" Arthur was stunned. "I do?"
"Our Sect Master is watching even now. He must have noticed it too," Yoomyung chuckled. "In fact, many of you have great potential—even the older ones. Wu, if you're planning to let them join a sect, why not mine? I promise to invest significant resources if they swear loyalty to the White Mist Sect and the Murim Alliance."
"Haha, unfortunately, I'm not the one who makes that decision," Wu laughed as they reached the temple gate. "Maria here is the true leader."
"Is that so?" Yoomyung raised an eyebrow. "She has a certain presence, but she doesn't strike as particularly strong."
"That's only because her true power is tightly sealed," Wu said with a faint smile. "She broke the formation, after all."
"Right..." Yoomyung stroked his beard. "Anyway, co in. Let's talk over dinner. I hope you like goat and fish—that's what we eat most around these mountains."
"I love goat and fish!" Nyx said.
" too," Celes added with a cheerful nod.
"Hahaa, glad to hear it!" Yoomyung laughed.
The family entered the temple, greeted by a stunning interior filled with statues, ornate furniture, and large, beautifully painted jars. Trees grew within interior gardens, surrounded by glowing spiritual herbs and other plants cultivated by the sect.
They arrived at a vast room with a polished wooden floor, where everyone took seats on intricately decorated chairs around a grand circular table made of gold, adorned with various embellishnts.
At the center of the table stood a small tree bearing glowing red fruits. Nyx and Celes, curious, reached out to grab one.
"No touching, children," Yoomyung said. "The food is here. Behave."
A group of disciples entered the room—not servants, but sect mbers in uniform. Their expressions were blank as they served food and drinks, filling the table to capacity.
Once finished, they exited quietly. Yoomyung waved his hand, sealing the doors with floating water sigils inscribed with glowing red and white Chinese characters.
"An Isolation Seal," Elder Yoomyung explained. "So no one can overhear what's about to be discussed. Now, please enjoy the food—you must be hungry."
"Thank you," Maria said, beginning to eat with her family.
The food was delicious and of exceptional quality—perhaps even better than anything they'd tasted in other worlds, save for Atlantis.
While the two Elders conversed, Maria opened her shadows and summoned the three disciples she had kept hidden, startling Yoomyung.
"Ahh, we're finally free!"
"Food...! Wait, are we back ho?!"
"Elder Yoomyung?!"
The trio overreacted upon seeing the Elder of the White Mist Sect, gasping at his calm yet powerful presence.
"I see now that her shadows can store not just items, but living beings?" Yoomyung mused. "I've only seen a power like that from the Dark Shadow Master—your father, Wu."
"I thought the sa when I saw her abilities," Elder Wu said, smiling. "But they go far beyond that. Now, all of you—please behave and eat with Maria's family. Don't speak unless asked."
"Y-Yes..."
"We're finally outside..."
"Ahhh, the food looks amazing..."
Kim Huan glanced at his fellow disciples before joining the feast, eating modestly to make a good impression in front of the two Elders, who were clearly observing every move.
Naturally, Maria's family wasn't quite as formal. They ate with whatever manners they had. The children, in particular, grabbed food with their hands.
However, Maria, her brother Arthur, Jonathan, Eraldine, Nia, and Alma made an effort to eat with the etiquette they had been taught as children.
Kim Huan smiled, relieved to see that Master Maria carried herself with grace and dignity.
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