Morning arrived quietly in Dustwind Hidden Valley.
Too quietly.
The stones gleamed so brightly they reflected the sky.
The trees swayed softly with freshly purified leaves.
The entire valley felt as if someone had polished the world overnight.
In truth, someone had.
Solene—Miyu's newly bestowed Heavenly Cleanliness Attendant—glided across the courtyard with a divine calmness. Her robes were immaculate, her steps soundless, and the golden broom in her hand radiated purity. She moved like a sacred guardian whose sole purpose was to preserve Miyu's peace.
Inside the main house, Miyu slept curled around her pillow, breathing softly. A faint smile tugged at her lips—completely unaware of the chaos her mere existence caused.
Gu Wenhai, Lin Ruyin, and Jin Haru hovered nervously near Solene, unsure if they should help or flee.
"Master Solene," Lin Ruyin whispered timidly, "may we assist with anything?"
Solene shook her head gently.
"The Master sleeps. I will maintain her rest."
Her voice was soft, yet absolute. The three disciples bowed and stepped back immediately.
---
A Quiet Intruder
At the edge of the sect, hidden between the herb bushes, moved a shadow.
Yin Huani of the Shadow Serpent Clan.
Her eyes, red like polished jade, scanned the surroundings with cold interest. She had lingered since yesterday, not for diplomacy, but to test Dustwind's strength.
And to see how a tiny child could terrify great clans.
In her hand, she held a thin black needle. A silent tool meant for scouting, probing arrays, slipping secrets from wards. Harmless… unless one knew how to use it.
She approached the guest pavilion closest to Miyu's room.
Her footsteps were weightless.
Her breathing nonexistent.
A shadow wearing human shape.
Yin Huani slid the needle into a small crack beneath the chair—
her test to gauge Dustwind's guard.
---
Solene Responds
Before Yin Huani could retract her hand—
a presence appeared behind her.
Not violent.
Not loud.
Just… there.
Solene.
"Excuse me."
Yin Huani froze.
Solene's expression did not change, but her gaze was sharp enough to pierce stone.
"There is a foreign object," Solene said gently, "that does not belong."
The black needle trembled…
rose into the air…
and drifted away in a breeze, vanishing into the distance.
Yin Huani raised one delicate brow.
"My, your sect is quite watchful."
Solene bowed slightly.
"The Master must not be disturbed."
Yin Huani chuckled softly—
the sound of a serpent amused.
"Very well. I will return another time."
And she melted back into shadow.
Solene turned and resumed sweeping as if nothing happened.
But everyone who witnessed it knew:
Dustwind was no longer undefended.
---
Etiquette Lessons
Later, Solene gathered three disciples—Lin Ruyin, Jin Haru, and Liang Yuefeng.
"To serve the Master, your hands must be steady. Begin."
She assigned three small tasks:
Fold a ceremonial cloth
Arrange a breakfast tray in elemental harmony
Polish an old bell until it rang true
None of the tasks were combat-based, yet each demanded precision and awareness.
Lin Ruyin's hands trembled as she folded.
Jin Haru nearly dropped the tray.
Liang Yuefeng treated it like a divine test of patience.
Solene corrected their motions with soft, precise instructions.
When the bell finally rang with a pure tone, all three disciples exhaled in awe.
"You have improved," Solene said. "A clean heart leads to a loyal path."
Gu Wenhai wiped away a tear.
"This… is the first proper training our sect has had in decades."
---
Night Falls Over Dustwind
As the sun dipped below the mountains, visiting clans returned to their lodges. The Silver Phoenix Clan reinforced their alliance. The Black Tortoise elders drew up suggestions for barriers. The Golden Sun-Star envoy offered to send a cultivation tutor.
Dustwind had never been safer… or more tense.
Solene retreated to Miyu's bedside, laying a soft blanket over her tiny form and fixing her pillow with sacred precision.
Miyu murmured in her sleep—
"…warm… pillow…"—
and smiled.
Outside, beyond the lanterns, a distant shadow watched the sect.
Yin Huani was not done.
But for now, Dustwind rested peacefully.
And Solene stood guard, broom in hand, eyes calm, ready for whatever dared approach.
— End of Chapter 7