It was just past noon, and Gu Yangcheon was deep into his training within the cave.

Meanwhile, Baek Hwaju Mi Horan, mistress of the Gu family and a renowned head of a merchant guild in the central plains, was meeting with her husband.

The quiet was punctuated by the faint, rhythmic sound of a waterwheel turning in the distance.

Three teacups were placed on the table, with two of them emitting a gentle steam.

Mi Horan, with steady hands, lifted her teacup and took a silent sip, moistening her throat before addressing her husband.

"Did you have a good talk?"