At the foot of the mountain, among a pile of rocks.

"Little Black Tortoise, you stay here."

Luciel stroked the giant rock tortoise and instructed, "Cover yourself with stone armor and disguise as a small mound."

"Woo~~" The rock tortoise let out a low, rumbling response.

"And if anyone tries to break down the wall behind us, crush them for me."

The Starlight Tea Tree could not be allowed to suffer even the slightest accident—it was one of the core foundations for his future home.

"Woo~~" The tortoise bellowed softly, as if to swear its loyalty.

"Xiaohong, the first line of defense is yours."

Luciel turned his gaze to the Red Ghost Spider. "Don't let anyone harass Little Black Tortoise. Drive away anyone who dares approach."

A beast like the rock tortoise was better left hidden. Once discovered, it would cause too much attention. A fierce beast of that size loitering beside the Moon Lake Tribe would inevitably lead to their encirclement and extermination.

"Squeeeak..." the red spider replied, its voice sharp.

"I'll leave the house to you, then." Luciel smiled faintly and set off toward the Moon Lake Tribe with Liyue and Minuo.

Trailing silently beside them was the three-colored lizard, hidden in stealth. Luciel had brought it along to ensure the two girls were protected if danger arose.

Guided by Liyue, they took a secluded path. After half an hour, the walls of the Moon Lake Tribe came into view.

The perimeter was surrounded by a fence of tall wooden stakes. At the tribe's gate, a long line had formed—hunting parties, wanderers, and traders all waiting to pay their entry fees.

The arrival of Luciel's group immediately drew whispers. People stole glances at them, eyes filled with curiosity and greed.

"Luciel... their stares feel disgusting." Minuo pressed closer to him, her long rabbit ears drooping in unease.

"It's fine. They're only envious." Luciel gave her a calm smile.

He walked leisurely toward the gate.

"Mino, remember what Luciel taught us." Liyue reminded her in a low tone.

On the way here, Luciel had explained basic etiquette and posture.

"I remember." Minuo inhaled deeply, straightened her back, and hurried after him, clutching her package tightly.

"I just hope nothing goes wrong." Beneath her mask, a faint crease of worry touched Liyue's face. Her sharp, cold gaze swept across the crowd, and the oppressive aura she exuded silenced many prying eyes.

To others, she was not a fragile girl, but the cold and vigilant guard of Lord Luciel.

The three didn't queue up. Instead, they walked directly toward the gate, their presence commanding silence.

The clothing they wore was elegant and refined. Aside from a bit of dust on the hems, the fabric was spotless. In a place like this, ordinary folk with such garments would already have been robbed and killed.

The fact that they could stroll openly into the Moon Lake Tribe like this said everything.

"Please, enter." The reviewing guard at the gate lowered his head and dared not block their path.

Thus, Luciel and his companions stepped into the Moon Lake Tribe, the stealth lizard slipping in with them unnoticed.

"Quick! Report this to Lord Moon!" the guard barked.

"Yes, sir!" Another guard sprinted toward the tribe's inner grounds.

Luciel's lips curled upward as he watched the man vanish into the crowd. He whispered, "Won't be long before someone comes to test us."

"Huh?" Minuo tilted her head in confusion.

"They must have already reported to the Moon Lord," Liyue muttered grimly.

The Moon Lord—the leader of the Moon Lake Tribe. Every generation bore that title, and each was a formidable powerhouse. Rumor said the current one was an Awakened.

"Relax. We're not here to cause trouble." Luciel's voice was steady as he patted Liyue's shoulder.

"Hopefully." Liyue rolled her eyes slightly but kept her silence.

Inwardly, she sighed. We might not want trouble... but with what we carry, others will surely covet it.

She still remembered the bounty the Moon Lake Tribe had placed on the Crystal Fish.

"Xiao Nuo, do you see anything you like?" Luciel asked casually as he glanced around.

Most of the houses nearby were ramshackle wooden sheds. Merchants bartered loudly, trading worn goods for scraps.

"No," Minuo whispered, clutching her bundle even tighter. Everything she held was more precious than anything in sight.

"This is only the outer ring of the Moon Lake Tribe," Liyue explained softly. "Slaves and handymen live here. Ahead lies the district for those who can afford taxes."

"Then let's go take a look." Luciel strode forward.

The girls followed closely. As the road widened, the homes became sturdier, less like sheds.

"Hmm... The Moon Lake Tribe is poorer than I thought." Luciel mused.

All around, he saw people with sunken cheeks and lifeless eyes, walking like husks.

"Of course. Life in our little tribe can't compare to someone from the great cities."

A sweet, teasing voice drifted from the side.

Luciel halted, surprise flickering in his eyes. So soon?

He turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

A girl with long crimson hair stood there. Seventeen or so, clad in a gray robe. Unlike the cold beauty of the white-haired Liyue, this girl exuded fiery heat.

Her curves were youthful yet already striking, enough to make Minuo and Liyue seem less imposing beside her.

"She's Yue Feiyan, the Big Miss of the Moon Lake Tribe," Liyue leaned closer, her lips barely moving. "A fire-type Awakened... very powerful."

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