C18 Yuh Yan from the Mountain of Dreams.

Giggles of joy filled the air.

Ann Yi's eyes fluttered open, and she shook her head, disoriented. Where was this place?

Before her lay a bamboo hut, modest in its furnishings. But something was amiss—her spiritual energy was gone. What had happened?

Staggering to her feet, Ann Yi pushed through the bamboo door and stepped outside. The sun blazed overhead, and a cacophony of sounds drifted from ahead.

A gaggle of children frolicked in the sunshine, their laughter mingling with the playful antics of various animals—rabbits, foxes, tigers, and more. These creatures, seemingly endowed with a sense of awareness, weaved among the children harmlessly, sharing in their mirth.

"Oh, you're up! Why not rest a bit longer?" A young girl, about fifteen, approached, balancing a large basin of laundry.

She set down the clothes, her face dotted with freckles, cheeks flushed, eyes squinting with a smile:

"You're quite handsome, you know. Come on, let's go meet Sister Yuh Yan. Xiao Yun, help me hang these clothes, will you? All you do is play!"

The girl beckoned a lanky boy, tapped him playfully on the head, and with a cheerful grin, guided Ann Yi towards the valley's tallest bamboo tower.

"Excuse me, miss, but where exactly are we? And how did I get here?" Ann Yi was brimming with questions.

"Oh, well, this is Mengshan. I'm not sure of its location myself—I've never left. As for you, Sister Yuh Yan brought you here last night and asked me to take you to her once you awoke."

Soon, they reached the imposing bamboo structure at the center, where they found Sister Yuh Yan on the second floor.

Tall and smiling, she exuded a welcoming aura. She gestured for Ann Yi to sit comfortably, poured a cup of aromatic tea, and said warmly:

"Ah, Young Master An, you've come around. Please, enjoy the tea. Little Dong, you may leave us for now."

Ann Yi savored a sip, the tea's rich aroma enveloping his senses.

"Heh, it's good, isn't it? We roast the tea ourselves. Oh, and I haven't properly introduced myself—I'm Yuh Yan. Xiaoqi was the one who brought you here yesterday. The somewhat lethargic fellow you met before."

"Which territory is this? And why am I devoid of spiritual energy?"

"We're near the border of the Red Leaf Empire. I'm afraid I can't disclose the exact location.

As for your missing spiritual energy, Xiaoqi is responsible. He instructed you to rest here for the time being. When it will return, I'm not sure. My apologies. Xiaoqi can be a bit... eccentric at times."

Ann Yi was baffled by the notion of traveling such a vast distance to the Red Leaf Empire overnight. His inability to sense his spiritual energy was distressing, especially since he was on a quest to find his sister.

Noticing Ann Yi's distress, Yuh Yan offered a reassuring smile and said:

"Master Ann, please, try to remain calm. Miss Zhu Jiu has been awake for some time and has already shared the location of the hidden roster with me. I sent someone to investigate last night, and we expect news shortly."

Skeptical yet curious, Ann Yi inquired about the place's origins.

Yuh Yan explained that it was Lee Yiran who had established this haven, and that the children and the forlorn Demonic Beasts outside had all been liberated from the Tiangou Association. Their objectives aligned with Ann Yi's, so there was no need for concern.

Hope ignited within Ann Yi, buoyed by the thought that Yuh Yan's assistance could lead to a swift reunion with his sister. And Lee Yiran, the gracious benefactor, certainly deserved his gratitude.

Meanwhile, Lee Yiran, the very person Ann Yi wished to thank, was in a less than enviable position. He had been cornered by Tian Binn, who spent a grueling half-hour lecturing him about the previous day's events, thoroughly spoiling his appetite.

Later, Wey Chengtian interrogated him about a possible theft from the painting studio's owner, which had sparked a furious outburst. After enduring Wey Chengtian's incessant nagging for another half-hour, Lee Yiran could no longer bear it and stealthily left the Demonic Beast Management Headquarters.

Upon returning home, Red Flame greeted him with news:

"The matter Fatty Yuan mentioned last time is progressing. Today, someone delivered the mission details, and it's set to commence in a few days."