In the current sector world where the martial artists and cultivators assembled, there are seven major family clans - Bai, Hu, Shi, Man, Rong, Lei, and Huan. It was no secret to the world that Bai Sect has grown powerful over the last 4 years - after merging with Hu, Shi, and Rong sectors. Their ultimate goal was to merge all sector clans under Bai.

Man, Lei, and Huan had refused.

There was the unwritten code of honor among the sectors, and the Bai Clan had broken it when they attacked Lei Clan Leader and his family.

Lei Kai beloved wife does not like the cold winters so he often takes her and their daughter to South where it's warmer. It was during this trip that the Bai Clan sent their top cultivators to get rid of the strongest among Man, Lei and Huan.

Susu could still remember how her mother along with many other Lei Clan members was killed mercilessly. Lei Kai was in despair when he witness his wife murdered, but to protect Susu, he made the decision to run. He had wanted to take Susu back to the Hidden Valley before he goes take his revenge. In the end, Lei Kai died before he was able to get his daughter safely home.

In the matter of days, Susu had lost the people she loved more than anything in the world.

"What are your plans now?"

After listening to the event that had happened, Commander Zhu observed how calm the little girl was. There had been no anger - no desire for revenge in her eyes. Even though her parents had been killed by the enemies, Susu's held clarity.

"Plans..."

"Yes, how will you live now that you're an orphan?"

Susu eyes were on her small hands, folded properly on her lap.

"Do you want revenge? I am willing to help for a price"

Susu eyes lifted to Commander Zhu and saw his unchanged playful smile. She knew he was half serious - half joking. While she was young, she understood that the old man was offering a dangerous deal. It's never a good idea to shake hands with the devil and she had already done it once. Susu cannot repeat the offense.

"With father and mother's death... Susu is now the head of the Lei Clan" Susu eyes held no arrogance or naivety of an 8 year old child. "As the Head of the Lei Clan, Susu cannot ask any more favors from anyone"

The Commander was impressed. The little girl before him was both intelligent and valiant, but at the same time, those qualities can be a curse to her.

"In a few days, the Lei elders will come and retrieve Susu"

Susu's eyes went to the tent's entrance, looking deeply into the distance.

"Oh? How would they know you're here?"

"The dove should already arrive to the Hidden Valley"

Commander Zhu laughter brought Susu's attention back to him.

"It seems this army of soldiers still needs training, considering how easy it was to get messages in and out of the camp"

"Commander Zhu, please do not take offense... you are Susu benefactor after all..."

"Oh, that reminds me" Commander Zhu shamelessly held out a hand. "What do I get in return?"

"Old man"

Ignoring his grandson's cold tone, the Commander continued to smile with his hand still holding out to Susu. Not a bit troubled by the old Commander playful nature, Susu unhook the round pendant hanging at her waist. The pendant was made with purple jade and white metal found only in the Hidden Valley. Shaped and carved intricately, the pendant revealed Susu's roots to the Lei Clan. What even more special about the pendant was that it was Susu's phoenix crest.

Only nobles, sons and daughters of wealthy and powerful family owned such pendants. Given to them at birth to symbolize their status, the pendant is used for engagement promise. If a man wore the phoenix crest, he is engaged. If a woman wore the dragon crest, she is promised to someone.

"Ohhh" Commander Zhu took the pendant without hesitation. "Such a beautiful crest"

Commander Zhu noticed the hidden map carved on the side of the round pendant and chuckled. He didn't miss the deadly aura coming off his grandson.

"Without the crest, are you not afraid of becoming an old maiden?" The Commander teased Susu even while he put the pendant inside his robe."This is your phoenix crest. To give it to an old man like myself is a waste"

"Commander Zhu is Susu's benefactor... Currently, Susu currently have no power or skill to return her benefactor the same favor he has given her. In the future, use this crest to enter Lei Valley. No matter what is asked, Susu will fulfill her benefactor request"

Despite his initial statement, Commander Zhu had never needed Susu to return any favors. And yet the little girl before him was serious and firm in her words. It had been admirable to find anyone with such honor, dignity and virtue. It was even rarer because of her young age.

"Susu, how long until your elders arrive?"

"Five days at most" Susu answered honestly.

"Until then" Commander Zhu smiles were warm and kind. "Keep this old man company"

Susu studied the Commander for a moment before she bowed her head with respect. She will do as her benefactor have requested.