The morning sun had barely risen over the Ye Clan estate when Ye Tian walked into the training yard. His black cloak billowed behind him, and the shadow disciples scattered around the corners like silent predators. Only Mu Qingyao and Lan Yuhua walked openly by his side, their expressions determined.
"Patriarch… will today be for technique or strategy?" a young disciple asked, bowing slightly.
"Both," Ye Tian replied calmly, his dark eyes scanning the yard. "There is no separation in the night between learning and survival. Every movement, every thought, can become a weapon."
Lan Yuhua tightened her fists, her fingers brushing over the shadow technique manual Ye Tian had given her. "I will not fail you, Patriarch. I want to become stronger, faster… so I can help you take revenge on the Mo Clan."
Ye Tian stopped, glancing at her. "Good. That is your motivation, but remember — emotion clouds precision. Focus on control first. Anger will come later when you have the means to wield it."
Mu Qingyao leaned close to Ye Tian as he began demonstrating psychokinesis with the daggers. They spun midair around him, a blur that cut through targets with invisible force. "Your control is flawless, dear," she whispered, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Watching you… it's terrifying and… beautiful."
Ye Tian smirked slightly. "Beauty, terror… both are tools. You will learn to wield them, Yuhua. Let's begin."
Lan Yuhua nodded, drawing a dagger from her belt. She raised her hand, focusing her intent, and the dagger spun. Ye Tian's eyes narrowed approvingly. "Better… but still too clumsy. Control the spin with your mind, not your body. Your body must move naturally, as if it anticipates your thought."
The next hour passed in a blur of spinning blades, silent strikes, and invisible movements. Ye Tian watched each disciple carefully, correcting minor mistakes while leaving them to discover the limits of their own strength.
Finally, he stopped. "Enough. Today, you have learned control, focus, and precision. But remember — the Mo Clan will not wait. They will strike when you least expect it. We must be ready."
Lan Yuhua's eyes glimmered. "Patriarch… will we destroy them soon?"
Ye Tian's lips curved faintly. "Soon. But first, you must be ready. You will strike not as a woman, not as a second wife… but as a shadow of Nightshade Hall. Only then will the Mo Clan feel the full weight of their arrogance."
Mu Qingyao stepped forward, pressing lightly against his arm. "Dear… will you allow me to help in training her?"
Ye Tian's gaze softened ever so slightly. "Of course. She will need guidance from all sides — body, mind, and heart. You will teach her how to balance loyalty and love… without becoming weak."
Lan Yuhua glanced at Mu Qingyao, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I… I hope to learn everything. From both of you."
The disciples watched silently as Ye Tian moved through the yard, demonstrating finger qi bullets and precise shadow strikes. Every move was deliberate, each one a lesson in power, control, and death.
"Patriarch… may I ask?" one young disciple whispered. "Why are we called to learn such dangerous techniques? Some of us might not survive."
Ye Tian's eyes glinted in the sunlight. "Because the world outside this yard does not care if you live. Only strength ensures survival. Only loyalty ensures life. Those who disobey… will not live to ask again."
Mu Qingyao placed her hand over Ye Tian's briefly. "Your methods are harsh… but effective, dear. They will all learn to fear and respect you."
Lan Yuhua looked at him, determination in her eyes. "I will make sure I am one of the strongest. Not to please anyone… but to serve you."
Ye Tian nodded. "Good. Remember this — the shadow moves unseen, but its impact is felt everywhere. You must be silent, deadly, and loyal. Let no one know we are here until it is too late."
The day ended with Ye Tian summoning his shadow disciples silently to the edges of the estate. "Tonight… observe. Gather information. Find any sign of Mo Clan movements. No one acts without my notice."
One disciple, barely sixteen, bowed. "Yes, Patriarch. We will report everything."
Ye Tian looked at his two wives, smiling faintly. "Yuhua, Qingyao… stay close. The night is ours, and so is the power to strike unseen. Together, we will teach the Mo Clan the true meaning of fear."
Mu Qingyao leaned closer, brushing her lips against his hand. "Dear… we are ready."
Lan Yuhua mirrored her, whispering softly. "Husband… I will not disappoint you."
Ye Tian's chest rose slightly with a rare warmth. "Good. That is the shadow I trust. Tonight… the Mo Clan begins to understand that the Nightshade Hall is everywhere, and no one is beyond my reach."