Old Yang, Look How Sneaky You've Become

Linyuan Pavilion.

Lin Yuan reclined in a bamboo chair beneath the veranda, watching several Gugas tussle in the middle of the courtyard. Guga, Dark Gold Guga, and Golden Mastiff Guga chased a ball, bounding up and down as they played to their hearts' content. Starry Guga had made three swings out of vines and sat on them with Jade Guga and Xuanwu Guga, swaying lazily.

Ning Rongrong propped her chin in her hands, toying with a fallen leaf in front of her. "It's all that damned big hammer's fault. He exposed Xiao Wu's identity, and now none of us can go out and have fun."

Bai Chenxiang lay sprawled over the stone table, her chin resting on her arms.

"Exactly. I'm bored to death! When can we go out?"

Just then, a member of the Speed Clan ran into the courtyard, only stopping once he reached Lin Yuan.

"Pavilion Master!" he said, panting. "We've spotted Spirit Hall scouts in Sunset Forest. They're heading toward Linyuan Pavilion."

As his words fell, the sounds of play in the courtyard gradually died away.

"They're here already?" Lin Yuan sat up straight, tapping his fingers against the armrest. "Keep watching them."

"Yes."

The Speed Clan member cupped his hands in acknowledgment, then ran toward the courtyard exit.

Before he could leave, Lin Yuan called out another order. "Extend the perimeter farther out. Report immediately at the slightest rustle of wind or stir of grass. Don't wait until Spirit Hall's people reach our doorstep before noticing them."

"Understood, Pavilion Master."

Zhu Zhuqing spoke up. "Spirit Hall won't be easy to turn away this time. We need to prepare for battle as soon as possible."

Xiao Wu set her teacup back on the stone table, her voice soft. "Lin Yuan, how about..."

She lowered her head,