Chapter 5: Concealing Brilliance and Cultivating Patience

Su Family Manor

Father Su's thunderous roar shook the courtyard, simultaneously forcing a figure to materialize mid-air: Ke Zhan.

The moment Ke Zhan appeared, Ke Lu urgently commanded in her mind, "System, immediately conceal my Talent!"

[Ding! Talent concealed. Host, rest assured.]

Ke Lu exhaled in relief.

If her heaven-defying Talent were discovered, she would be eliminated without hesitation. With her current meager strength, concealing her brilliance and cultivating patience was the only prudent course.

Ke Zhan had been lurking here to investigate a fleeting, heart-stopping anomaly that had just occurred. However, before he could delve deeper, Father Su's keen senses detected him and forcefully interrupted his investigation.

Now, Father Su stood suspended in mid-air, facing Ke Zhan from afar, his Spirit Power surging like a tempest, forming an invisible yet impenetrable barrier. "Ke Clan Leader," he demanded, "are you seeking to ignite a war between our families by trespassing on Su Manor?"

Ke Zhan's face darkened as he sensed the overwhelming power emanating from the barrier. Realizing his strength was roughly equal to Father Su's, he knew success was unlikely today.

Below, in the courtyard, Su Rou and Ke Yang's expressions relaxed slightly now that Father Su had successfully intercepted Ke Zhan. Su Rou playfully made a "pinching" gesture with her hand, her voice brimming with pride. "See? My dad's amazing, right? Dealing with a mere Ke Zhan is child's play."

"Uncle Su is truly admirable," Ke Yang said, his eyes shining with genuine admiration. "I wonder when I'll ever reach such a level of mastery."

Ke Lu and Hysilens, however, remained vigilant. Hysilens closed her eyes slightly, tilted her head to listen intently, and suddenly announced, "Everyone, two more Martial Grandmasters are rapidly approaching."

In A City, besides Father Su and Ke Zhan, only the Clan Leaders of the Li and Yue Families could reach the Martial Grandmaster realm. As soon as her words left her lips, the atmosphere instantly tensed again.

Ke Lu noticed the worried glances directed her way, but she felt no panic.

If even Martial Grandmasters can see through the System's camouflage, this world is far too absurd.

But how do I explain my ability to block their observation?

As Ke Lu pondered this, Hysilens proactively offered, "I possess an artifact that can conceal your Talent. Miss Ke, what are your thoughts on this?"

These words only deepened the others' understanding of the Divine Radiance Knight Order's profound resources.

A mere Master-level Martial Artist carrying an artifact capable of blocking the observation of Martial Grandmaster-Rank Martial Artists?

If they hadn't witnessed it firsthand, they would never have believed it possible.

After all, having lived their entire lives in A City, their understanding of the peak of martial cultivation had always stopped at the Martial Grandmaster level.

Seeing Hysilens offer her a way out, Ke Lu naturally seized the opportunity.

Ke Lu suddenly realized that Hysilens' identity served as the perfect cover for the System's artifacts.

After all, she could blame everything on that mysterious Knight Order.

Ke Lu silently thanked the Divine Radiance Knight Order in her heart.

She said, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Miss Hysilens."

Hysilens retrieved an ancient-looking token and hung it around Ke Lu's neck.

Su Rou leaned closer to Ke Yang, whispering, "Strange... I can't sense any Spirit Power fluctuations from this token at all."

Ke Yang smiled helplessly. "Sister Su Rou, I haven't even awakened yet. How would I know? Maybe... its rank is too high, or it's been imbued with special magic that exceeds your perception."

"That makes sense," Su Rou said, snapping her fingers in realization. She clicked her tongue in amazement. "As expected of the Divine Radiance Knight Order—their foundation is truly unfathomable."

Ke Lu lowered her gaze to the token resting against her chest, equally unable to detect any anomalies. She silently asked the System, What exactly is this token?

[This is just an ordinary token.]

Fine, Ke Lu thought. As long as it serves its purpose.

High in the sky,

High in the sky, Father Su's voice boomed like thunder, "Ke Clan Leader, are you still not retreating? Do you truly want this old man to force you out?"

Ke Zhan remained unhurried. "Su Family Clan Leader, since the other two Clan Leaders have arrived, I certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity."

Just then, two more figures materialized in the air: the Li Family Clan Leader and the Yue Family Clan Leader.

They spoke in unison: "Su Family Clan Leader, such a commotion in your family... Is there something you're trying to hide?"

Father Su narrowed his eyes. "There's nothing here that would interest you. Are you determined to force your way in?"

The three remaining Clan Leaders exchanged glances, each seeing unwavering resolve in the others' eyes.

Though typically rivals, this was the first time they had shown such unified resolve.

Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't have been so aggressive, but this situation was different. The leaked energy signature had stirred genuine unease within them.

Moreover, the aura was undeniably distinct from Father Su's.

Though fleeting—vanishing as quickly as it appeared—the implications were dire. If the Su Family had gained the backing of another Martial Grandmaster-Rank Martial Artist, the entire power structure of A City would be upended.

Hence, the three Clan Leaders had rushed here together, prepared for any eventuality.

The Yue Family Clan Leader softened his tone first, tossing a spatial storage ring forward. "Brother Su, please don't be offended. We're merely curious. Accept this humble gift as a token of our sincerity, and grant us a little leeway."

Father Su's divine sense swept through the ring, confirming the treasures within were indeed of considerable value.

The other two also presented lavish gifts.

Under normal circumstances, Father Su might have relented, but on this matter, he stood firm. He knew all too well the frenzy that would erupt if an SSS-Rank Talent were discovered.

Moreover, many would rather destroy it than let anyone else claim it, making it doubtful even he could protect Ke Lu.

After all, Ke Zhan had already fed Ke Lu the Absolute Origin Pill merely upon learning of her S-Rank Talent. If he discovered her SSS-Rank Spirit Source, who knew what drastic measures he might take?

Just as Father Su braced himself for a final showdown, Hysilens telepathically conveyed, "Let them in."

Hesitant, he weighed his options for a moment before deciding to trust her judgment.

The instant the barrier dissipated, three overwhelmingly powerful spiritual energies swept through the Su Family estate, searching every nook and cranny with ruthless efficiency.

Ke Zhan's gaze lingered briefly on Ke Lu and Ke Yang.

At that moment, the two siblings stood together, Ke Lu's petite frame positioned protectively in front of the towering Ke Yang.

As Ke Zhan observed Ke Lu, he was struck by her uncharacteristic maturity. She exudes an aura far beyond her years. He felt a strange disconnect. The old Ke Lu, though ambitious, had been too naive, lacking this newfound composure.

In contrast, the present Ke Lu carried the air of a seasoned warrior.

Ke Zhan noticed this subtle difference but dismissed it. Her Talent remains F-Rank—utterly worthless. She's nothing to worry about.

I wonder if Father Su told her about her Talent being crippled? Even if he did, she can't change anything. After all, I've left no evidence.

As for Hysilens, despite her youth, she had already reached the Master realm, her Talent undoubtedly exceptional. Yet it fell far short of explaining the earlier, heart-pounding sensation.

Finally, Ke Zhan turned his gaze to Su Rou and discovered she possessed S-Rank Talent.

A realization dawned: Could that earlier anomaly have been a celestial phenomenon accompanying her Talent awakening?

There was no other explanation.

The other two clan leaders reached similar conclusions.

"It seems we were mistaken, Su Family Clan Leader. We apologize."

In the end, the three who had arrived with such fierce momentum retreated in defeat.

After hearing Su Rou's explanation, Father Su attributed all the credit to Hysilens.

After dismissing the group, Father Su turned to Ke Lu and said, "In A City, your talent will inevitably be exposed sooner or later. Wait here, and I'll arrange for someone to escort you out of the city to study elsewhere. Your younger brother can stay with our family temporarily."

He then turned to Su Rou and asked, "Do you want to go with Ke Lu?"

"Of course!" Su Rou replied without hesitation.

Father Su's words struck Ke Lu right in the heart, perfectly aligning with her own plans.

However... she still had a mission to complete.

Ke Lu glanced at the "Uncover the Truth" quest in her System interface, feeling a knot of unease.

[Quest: Uncover the Truth]

[Reward: Cerydra Template upgraded to LV1.]