CHAPTER 755: CHAPTER 755: THE CHANGES THROUGH THE DECADE

The golden blur gradually slowed and came to a gentle stop just outside the mountain peak. A moment later, the jade carriage descended from the sky, its wheels lightly touching the stone-paved courtyard without making a sound.

As the doors opened, Noah stepped out first, followed by Xin Yan, Mo Ji, and Yu Ming.

The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the quiet energy of the mountain.

Their entrance might not have made any disturbance, but the landing clearly announced their arrival.

Suddenly, the massive front gates of the mansion creaked open.

A figure walked out confidently yet alertly, holding two machete-type blades, ready to attack the ’intruders.’

It was a young woman dressed in a tight black maid gown that highlighted her curves while still managing to conceal her long, powerful legs.

Her sharp eyes scanned the courtyard, but the moment she saw who had arrived, her cool expression melted into a warm, genuine smile.

It was Wu Ping—the maid whom Xin Yan had saved years ago and taken under her wing.

Thanks to Xin Yan’s guidance, Wu Ping had not only survived but thrived. She had been trained in body cultivation personally by Xin Yan and had now reached the fourth stage of the Body Refinement Realm.

Her every step was steady, grounded, and full of strength.

But she suddenly froze in her tracks when she saw Noah and Xin Yan standing in front of the group, watching her with a light smile on their faces.

She blinked...

And blinked again.

As the realization set in, Wu Ping noticed the blades still in her hands, raised upwards. Her cheeks flushed furiously, and in panic she shoved the blades up her maid gown at a speed and precision that made them seem to have vanished all of a sudden.

If Mo Ji and Yu Ming had not seen the twin blades themselves, they might have even doubted ever seeing them.

Even though her heart raced with excitement upon seeing Xin Yan and Noah, she tried her best to keep her composure and greeted them with a deep bow.

"Welcome home," she said, her voice soft but firm.

Just behind her, the door of the mansion creaked again, and a shy teenage boy peeked out.

His eyes were curious and wide as he looked at the group.

When his gaze landed on Xin Yan and the other beautiful women, his cheeks instantly turned red.

Noah noticed.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Of course, he recognized the boy.

It was Wu Ping’s son—Wu He.

This little brat had always had a crush on Xin Yan, and he knew it was but a hormonal thing, but that did not mean he had to like it.

Quiet, respectful, and a little awkward, the boy took a small step forward and bowed clumsily.

"G-Greetings..."

He glanced at Noah, then quickly looked down, not daring to meet his eyes again.

Noah didn’t say anything. He just gave the boy a long, unreadable look.

It was the kind of look that made you rethink every decision you’d made since waking up that morning.

Everyone followed Wu Ping inside as she politely led them through the front hall and into a spacious sitting room. She moved quickly and efficiently, soon returning with a tray of cold drinks and light refreshments.

"Please have some," she said with a smile, placing the tray down on the table.

The group sat around casually, relaxing for the first time in days. Mo Ji and Yu Ming took small sips while sneaking glances at their surroundings—though their eyes occasionally wandered to Noah.

In the corner of the room, Wu He quietly sat down on a stool, his head lowered the whole time. He didn’t even dare to look up. His ears were red, and he fidgeted with the hem of his robe nervously.

Yu Ming and Mo Ji exchanged a glance, both finding his awkward behavior strangely adorable. They didn’t tease him, but there was a hint of amusement in their eyes.

Even Xin Yan, who noticed it all, smiled faintly but said nothing.

Noah, however, didn’t waste time. His gaze shifted to Wu Ping.

"Where is everyone else?" he asked.

His tone was calm, but his soul sense had already swept across the entire mountain. He knew the answer before asking.

There was no one else here.

Not a single presence besides Wu Ping and her son.

Even Ruo’er—who was supposed to be in closed-door cultivation underground, preparing to form her Golden Core—was gone.

Wu Ping’s smile faded a little as she respectfully lowered her head, causing her wavy black hair to bounce and her feather-adorned earring to twirl in the air.

"The disciples were sent on a mission a few days ago, under Elder Shisan’s lead," she explained. "They’re still within the Feng Empire but won’t be back for another week or so."

She hesitated before continuing.

"As for Ruo’er and Elder Ming... They left nine years ago."

Noah’s brow lifted slightly. "Left?"

"Yes," Wu Ping nodded. "Ruo’er had just stabilized her foundation after forming her core. It was after the deadliest tribulation I’ve ever seen..."

Her expression darkened slightly as she recalled the scene.

"Black lightning rained from the sky—like the heavens wanted her dead. But she survived. Barely."

Noah inwardly sweat-dropped. ’What did you do, Elysia...’

Xin Yan’s face also twisted a little when she heard those words. She was well aware that Elysia had full control over the tribulation clouds when someone broke through.

Taking their silence as a sigh, the black-haired maid continued, "Elder Ming said that young lady Ruo’er needed experience in the outside world, and they also had some unfinished business at their home. That was all he would say before the two of them left."

Noah’s expression darkened slightly as he leaned back into his seat, his fingers gently tapping the armrest of the chair.

He had told the old man—Elder Ming—not to take Ruo’er back to that place. Not to the Ming family.

But when he was in EverDawn City, Noah had quietly spread his soul sense through the spirit realm and had clearly sensed the location of the hidden Ming Family’s stronghold.