The Bai family.
An elder in a long robe bowed. "Patriarch, there are strong signs that a secret realm is about to open near the Luo River."
White Branch gazed at the chessboard, slowly lifted his teacup, and took a light sip.
The elder urgently said, "Patriarch! I said strong signs. This time, it seems to be a real-world secret realm! The real-world Dragon Statue Secret Realm!"
White Branch placed a chess piece and stared at the board. "Tell me... do you think I am the one chosen by Heavenly Mandate?"
"Huh?"
The elder was briefly stunned, but he did not dwell on the subject. "You definitely are! The Number One Under Heaven family, Number One Under Heaven talent, Number One Under Heaven wisdom... but this secret realm..."
"Where is Keke?"
"Keke? That girl ran off to play. She is becoming more and more unruly. Does she have even the slightest resemblance to a shadow anymore? When she gets back, she needs to be punished severely!"
White Branch looked up at the peach blossom tree beyond the window.
"She has grown up. We cannot demand that she remain a shadow forever."
"What kind of talk is that?" the elder protested loudly. "The meaning of her existence is to be your shadow! The situation across the world is shifting. Heroes from every direction are eager to make their moves, Sky Net has become increasingly brazen, and even the Elder Council, which has never cared much about affairs, has issued more than three times as many orders lately as in previous years..."
White Branch rose to his feet.
"Third Grandpa, why did you not become Patriarch back then?"
The elder froze. "Me? I could not beat you, nor could I outtalk you! Ah, back then..."
The Great Elder looked somewhat embarrassed. "I