Taking care of one sheep is no different than tending two. In fact, it might even make things easier. So why not handle both together? Lu Ding reached out to help Kim Yeon-ju up. "I've heard your sincerity, but hearing alone isn't enough. However, I choose to believe you. As the Great Han saying goes, don't put all your eggs in one basket." He concluded, "Remember, my name is Clark Kent." Witnessing this scene, Kim Gyeong-joo felt a tumult of emotions. It was true—she held no grudge against Kim Yeon-ju, who had even helped her before. Yet this tangible sense of having something taken away was undeniably uncomfortable. Still, she harbored no resentment, only this lingering discomfort. Noticing her expression, Lu Ding, in a rare good mood, offered some advice: "The Diancang Sect's assets will be yours alone—that won't change. As for her..." He glanced at the composed Kim Yeon-ju. "She'll have her own designated share to expand upon." Having said his piece, Lu Ding turned and surveyed the river before them. "I heard this was supposed to be a scenic area. What a disappointing view." Kim Yeon-ju took half a step back, positioning herself respectfully behind Lu Ding. "The Diancang Sect's back mountain features a waterfall with a drop of several dozen meters. While it can't compare to your home, the scenery is quite pleasant. With the fine weather today, may I guide you there?" "Let's go take a look then." Follow current novᴇls on NovelHub(.)net They boarded the vehicle as the engine roared to life. Meanwhile, the Diancang Sect remained blissfully unaware of the impending disaster about to befall them. Their attention was wholly consumed by the infuriating news from Tianxing Group. In the grand hall of Diancang Sect, Hong Quan-hwan sat at the head seat, struggling to contain his rage. "So after pooling all our resources to cultivate Kim Yeon-ju, this is the result? We raised her just to become a stepping stone for someone else? For Min-seo's daughter no less?!" As sect leader, he had played a pivotal role in the incident involving Kim Gyeong-joo's mother years ago. Now that Kim Gyeong-joo had risen to prominence by using Kim Yeon-ju as her stepping stone, it was inevitable she would return for vengeance. Beside him, Kim Yeon-ju's mother Liu Qingxi looked absolutely livid. Never had she imagined her carefully groomed daughter would make such a traitorous move without consulting her first. "I'll discipline her properly." "Discipline her? What good would that do now?" Hong Quan-hwan bellowed. "Kim Gyeong-joo has already gained momentum, ranking among the top ten candidates while securing White Eagle military backing! Instead of wasting energy punishing Kim Yeon-ju, we should be figuring out how to defend against Kim Gyeong-joo's inevitable retaliation!" Hong Quan-hwan's son Hong Jae-myung chose this moment to chime in with unhelpful commentary. "All that superior bloodline and training wasted. If it were me—" He suddenly caught himself, realizing the implication that he might not be his father's biological son would earn him a beating. "...Never mind." "Can't even speak properly? Keep your mouth shut!" Hong Quan-hwan snapped before slowly resuming his seat. "At least Kim Gyeong-joo hasn't secured any assets yet—we still have time to strategize. Prepare some valuable gifts. In a few days, you'll accompany me to negotiate with the White Eagle garrison." Liu Qingxi nodded stiffly, her mind preoccupied with how her daughter dared defy her authority. I'm her mother! How could she make such decisions without consulting me? Doesn't she respect me at all? Her anger spiraled until a voice thundered across the entire Diancang Sect: "Kim Gyeong-joo comes today to demand justice for her mother! Sect Leader Hong Quan-hwan and Elder Liu Qingxi—come out and face me!" The three in the hall froze in shock. So soon? Shouldn't she be busy with asset allocations right now? Exchanging glances, Hong Quan-hwan and Liu Qingxi rushed out to find four figures ascending the stone steps to the main plaza. Their eyes immediately locked onto Kim Yeon-ju standing alongside Kim Gyeong-joo. "Yeon-ju! What are you doing?!" Liu Qingxi demanded, her face darkening. Kim Yeon-ju had always maintained perfect composure in public—even when facing Lu Ding directly. But now, at her mother's first words, her body began trembling uncontrollably. Still, she managed to reply steadily, "Isn't it obvious, Madam Liu Qingxi? I'm showing my younger sister the way." "What did you call me?" Liu Qingxi couldn't believe her ears—her daughter addressing her so formally? "You insolent brat! Who gave you the audacity to speak to me like that? Have you outgrown your mother's discipline?" Liu Qingxi advanced furiously. Kim Yeon-ju trembled violently now, bracing for the inevitable beating. But just then, Lu Ding stepped forward, shielding her from Liu Qingxi's glare. While most seek the light, for Kim Yeon-ju in this moment, the darkness of Lu Ding's silhouette became her safe harbor—just like the childhood hiding spots under beds or in storage closets that offered fleeting peace from her mother's wrath. If the world turns toward the light, she would turn her back to embrace the shadows alone. "Who the hell are you?!" Liu Qingxi snarled at the stranger protecting her daughter, charging forward without slowing—