THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 489: BACK TO HIDDEN VALLEY
Otako’s Presence
Ling Li, as Otako, moved silently among them. Her presence was cloaked, but her aura pressed down like a storm. Every trainee straightened when she passed, their hearts pounding under her unseen weight.
She paused beside Four Eyes, watching his cultivation sequence. His shield flickered, his ink dao wavered. His jaw clenched, his eyes desperate.
Otako’s voice was quiet, but it cut sharper than any blade.
"Your heart is loyal, but loyalty without discipline is weakness. Steady it."
Four Eyes swallowed hard, his body trembling, but his shield stabilized, and his ink dao flowed more smoothly. His eyes burned with renewed fire.
The hall roared with qi, sweat, and determination. Every disciple was pushed to the edge, every expert tested, every oath weighed.
Ling Li, hidden as Otako, watched silently.
"Two days remain. If they falter now, they will falter before the Hidden Valley. No weakness can be shown. No heart can break. The Family Competition will decide not only their strength, but the future of the Li Clan."
The same intense training could also be seen at the Li Mansion, the Verdant Bamboo Pavilion, and the rest of the Hidden Valley, as well as the Family of Cultivators, Clan, and Sects.
As she observed, Ling Li’s mind weighed heavily. The Family Competition was not just a test of skill — it was a test of unity, discipline, and resilience. The clan’s future depended on these trainees and the experts who stood beside them.
Her gaze lingered on Rockie, then shifted to Goldie, Reginald, and Leeroy.
"They must be ready. No weakness can be shown before the Hidden Valley. And Mushu... he must steady Sisu before then, or the storm in his heart will break him."
That evening, Mushu returned with Sisu, his mind torn between Ling Li’s command and his brother’s restless silence. Sisu walked beside him, his eyes shimmering with unspoken words.
The training ground still echoed in Ling Li’s mind, the disciples’ sweat and determination a reminder of what was at stake.
Two days remained before the Family Competition. Two days for Mushu to confront the storm in his brother’s heart. Two days for the Li Clan to sharpen its blades and steady its qi.
The heavens watched, silent and merciless.
Five Days Before the Family Competition
Five days before the Family Competition, Ling Li and her family, together with the disciples chosen to represent the Li Clan, finally set off for the Hidden Valley. As they embarked on their journey, the clan banner snapped sharply in the wind, like a warning of the dangers that awaited. The Hidden Valley promised more than just a test of strength; it was a place where histories clashed, and ambitions were as keen as the morning air.
Sisu stayed with the triplets. Mushu especially arranged this with Ling Li because he was afraid Sisu, with his gentle demeanor, would be bullied in the valley. Mr. and Mrs. Xu and Ling Li’s parents came to take care of the little ones.
Every step closer to the Valley meant stepping into history, into the crucible where clans proved their worth. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, covered in ancient gravel, each crunch echoing with the sound of past battles. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and distant incense, a subtle reminder of the spiritual significance this journey held for many. With every step, the Hidden Valley seemed to come alive, whispering stories of old alliances and rivalries into the ears of those who ventured forward.
Arrival at the Hidden Valley
When they arrived, the Valley was alive with energy. The streets bustled with cultivators and family members from every corner of the land. Disciples from rival sects walked proudly in their uniforms, their eyes sharp with ambition. At one of the stalls, a merchant caught everyone’s attention, a wizened old man with tales as enticing as the wares he displayed. His voice rose above the din as he beckoned to a pair of young disciples, showcasing a pair of beautifully crafted swords. Elders exchanged greetings nearby, their voices carrying both warmth and veiled rivalry.
Spectators filled the streets, eager to witness the battles that would soon unfold. Stalls overflowed with food and cultivation tools, merchants shouting to attract customers. Restaurants spilled with laughter and chatter, eager to profit from the influx of visitors.
As Ling Li and her entourage entered, the crowd stirred. Cheers rose from the people — respectful, admiring. The Li Clan, one of the oldest families in the Valley, was known not only for its strength but for its generosity. Their arrival was not just noticed — it was celebrated.
Freedom Before the Storm
The competition details will be revealed only three days before the event. This shroud of secrecy hovered like a dark cloud over the Valley, fueling countless rumors. Whispers of past competitions echoed in every corner, with tales of a mysterious trial that had once demanded the courage of even the bravest cultivators. Many secretly feared its return, wondering if they were truly prepared for the test that awaited.
For Ren and Lily, this was a rare chance. Though they had always been part of the clan, Ling Li had kept them away from the Valley in the past, fearing they would be targeted since they were not martial cultivators. But now, with their cultivation awakened and strengthened through the ’Eye’, they had earned the right to walk proudly among their peers. Yet, as they approached the Valley, a flicker of doubt crept into their minds.
’Were they truly ready? Could they really stand among the seasoned cultivators, something that once seemed distant and unattainable?’ The thought stirred within them, a hint of uncertainty that they quickly tucked away, determined to prove themselves worthy. Aside from the time they participated during the opening of the ’Eye’, this was only their second time in the Valley. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to explore what had once been forbidden.
"Mom, can Lily and I explore the Valley?" Ren asked, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Last time, we never got to see it properly."
Ling Li’s gaze softened. She knew how much this meant to them.
"Of course. Take Reginald and Leeroy with you," Ling Li said, her tone firm yet gentle.
"Thanks, Mom!" Ren beamed. Lily’s laughter bubbled beside her.
"Me too, Mom! I want to go!" Kim Kim called out, eyes shining.
"I want to come!" Chin Chin echoed, bouncing at Kim Kim’s side.
Ling Li chuckled, shaking her head.
"I’ll take you out later with your Dad."
The twins pouted in unison, their excitement dimming. "Oh..." Kim Kim sighed, tugging Chin Chin back toward the backyard where they had been playing earlier.
