Night before the Atack

"Has Elder Su emerged from his seclusion?" Bai Yu inquired, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

Grand Elder Long and Grand Elder Xiu exchanged a somber glance. A heavy silence descended upon them before Grand Elder Long spoke, his voice laced with grief. "Patriarch," he began, "I'm afraid we bear unfortunate news. Elder Su did not survive his tribulation."

Bai Yu's expression darkened, a flicker of pain crossing his golden eyes. He understood the harsh realities of cultivation – breakthroughs were not guaranteed, and the tribulation was a perilous test. "I understand," he muttered, his voice heavy with a newfound weight.

Despite the somber news, they continued their discussion, Bai Yu and Grand Elder Long guiding Grand Elder Xiu in harnessing his newfound power as a Law Domain Master. The hours melted away, the moon ascending high in the night sky, before a joyous shout pierced the tranquility.

"Father! Father! I heard you broke through!"

The voice belonged to Bai Feng, Grand Elder Xiu's son. Now at the Early Xiantian Realm, he was considered a prodigy within the younger generation of the Bai Clan. He burst into the residence, his eyes sparkling with excitement. His gaze fell upon Bai Yu and Grand Elder Long, and he immediately bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Lord Patriarch," he said, his voice brimming with admiration. "And Grand Elder Long."

Bai Yu and the Grand Elders acknowledged Bai Feng's greetings with a curt nod. 

"Grand Elder Long, Grand Elder Xiu," Bai Yu addressed them, his voice firm with resolve. "We depart for the Bloodsword Sect tomorrow. Prepare yourselves accordingly."

"Yes, Lord Patriarch!" they both replied in unison, their expressions reflecting unwavering obedience.

With a final nod, Bai Yu vanished, reappearing moments later in his residence. The weight of the coming conflict pressed upon him, but a steely determination burned in his eyes.