Just as they finished eating, the table had already turned into a battlefield of empty plates, bowls stacked so high on both sides that they almost resembled small mountains. One pile belonged to Xiaoshan, which at least made some sense given his size and appetite, but the other was even larger and, to everyone’s disbelief, belonged to Miao-Miao.

Lin Xiao Tian stared at the scene in silence for a long moment, his expression slowly turning darker as calculation instinctively surfaced.

What kind of monstrous consumption is this, and how in the world did this all add up to thirty-seven thousand spirit coins, did she eat the kitchen itself.

His gaze shifted toward Miao-Miao, who sat there innocently as if nothing unusual had happened, while his heart quietly began to ache.

This little beast disguised as a disciple, feeding her is going to bankrupt me sooner or later.

With visible reluctance, he handed over his storage ring, though before he could even hesitate further, the waitress swiftly took it from his hand with practiced efficiency. Lin Xiao Tian felt a sharp pain in his chest as if something had been forcibly torn away.

Just as he was about to recover from the blow, his eyes suddenly narrowed before widening again, his hand instinctively rising as he rubbed them once. He looked again, this time more carefully, his expression turning from disbelief to astonishment.

Noticing the change in his demeanor, the others followed his gaze without hesitation, curiosity replacing their earlier amusement.

There, not far away, stood Han Leu and beside him

A woman stood calmly, her presence commanding and her features were sharp yet refined, her eyes steady and deep, holding a natural authority as if she was accustomed to being obeyed.

The faint curve of her lips did not soften her presence, instead it only added to the sense that every movement she made was deliberate and controlled.

Seeing it, everyone was shocked, but an even bigger surprise came as Chu Yue’s eyes widened slightly and she whispered under her breath, "Aunt...?"

As soon as he saw it, Lin Xiao Tian moved with such speed that it seemed as if he had teleported, appearing beside Han Leu in an instant as his hand landed firmly on his back. "What exactly are you doing here, Elder Han," he asked, his tone calm yet carrying a faint pressure.

Han Leu turned around abruptly, and for a brief moment his face flushed bright red before he forcibly regained composure, only to freeze again as he noticed the entire group behind Lin Xiao Tian. His expression shifted between shock and awkwardness, clearly not expecting to be exposed like this.

The woman beside him showed a flicker of surprise as well, though it vanished almost instantly, replaced by her usual composed and dominant presence. Her gaze moved past Lin Xiao Tian and landed on Chu Yue, her lips curving slightly as she spoke.

"So you still remember this aunt of yours," she said lightly, her tone carrying a faint teasing edge. "Tell me, what information are you here for this time."

Chu Yue pouted slightly, her usual calm demeanor breaking for a moment as she spoke with mild dissatisfaction. "I do not always come just for information, Aunt."

The woman chuckled softly, clearly amused by her reaction, before speaking again with a relaxed tone. "If that is the case, then it is your fortune, because this time I happen to have some rather interesting information about the Xū Xuè Mìjìng (Void blood Legacy Realm).

Her gaze then shifted toward Lin Xiao Tian, sharp yet inviting. "Perhaps Sect Master would also be interested in hearing it."

Before he could respond, Chu Yue immediately stepped forward, her tone quick and slightly defensive. "I did not mean it like that, Aunt, I want the information as well."

The woman laughed lightly and gestured for them to follow, her movements smooth and confident as she led them inside. She instructed that the disciples should remain below, continuing their meal and conversation, while the rest followed her upward.

They ascended through the upper levels, taking a sharp turn at one of the corridors, yet instead of entering the lively pleasure halls, they stepped into a quiet and desolate room. The contrast was immediate, as if they had crossed into an entirely different space.

The woman walked ahead and casually activated a hidden mechanism, causing the wall to shift as another room revealed itself behind it, far more refined and secluded. As they entered, Lin Xiao Tian’s gaze flickered slightly toward Han Leu.

"You never mentioned someone like this," he said casually.

Han Leu coughed lightly, his face turning slightly red again before he spoke quickly. "It is not what you think, Young Master, we are merely acquaintances, she once helped me when I first arrived in this region and was heavily injured after a battle with a demonic cultivator, there is nothing beyond that."

He continued speaking, trying to keep his tone steady, but the moment he saw Lin Xiao Tian’s eyes, his voice faltered. There was no mockery there, only a quiet, pitying fear, and that alone made his heart sink.

A chill crawled up his spine as his body stiffened, and with slow, unwilling movement, he turned his head back. The moment his gaze met hers, his breath caught, as if he had just stepped in front of something far more dangerous than he realized.

She was already looking at him, her eyes locked onto him like a demon watching its prey. Her smile remained, but it had changed completely, still gentle on the surface, yet carrying a cold, terrifying intent that made it clear he had just made a fatal mistake.

Without warning, she reached out and grabbed his ear, her fingers tightening as her voice dropped into something far more dangerous. "Acquaintances," she repeated slowly. "After everything that happened between us, you dare to call it that."

Her grip tightened further as she continued, her tone calm yet filled with suppressed fury. "I even rejected a marriage proposal from the emperor’s younger brother because of you, and you still have the courage to say we are merely acquaintances."

As she spoke, she dragged him into the back room as Han Leu’s scream echoed through the room like that of a slaughtered pig.

Lin Xiao Tian and Chu Yue both instinctively stepped back, silently offering their prayers as the scene unfolded before them. Neither of them spoke, both fully aware that interfering would only worsen the situation.

After a while, the screams gradually subsided. The woman stepped out from the inner room once again, her expression completely calm as if nothing had happened.

Han Leu was nowhere to be seen.

For a brief moment, a chill ran down Lin Xiao Tian’s spine, though he kept his expression steady as he observed her. This woman is truly ruthless.

She glanced at him and spoke casually, as if discussing something trivial. "Do not worry, Sect Master, Elder Han is simply resting for now."

She then straightened slightly, her presence once again radiating quiet authority as she introduced herself.

"Allow me to introduce myself," she said, her tone smooth yet firm. "I am Zhang Qing Yue, leader of the strongest intelligence and assassination organization in the entire Yangzhou region Shadows."