After their breakthrough, the twins returned to the marketplace. Their bodies and minds were still recovering, but their newly refined Qi gave them a subtle aura that others could sense.
The crowd parted slightly as they walked, whispers spreading among merchants and cultivators.
"Branch family kids…" a young cultivator murmured. "But their aura… it's far stronger than it should be."
Matthew noticed the reaction but ignored it, focusing on their stall. Michael set down a freshly forged blade.
Within minutes, a seasoned cultivator approached. His eyes widened as he picked up the blade. "The balance… it's perfect. I've never seen such precision from a branch family member."
Michael smiled faintly. "It's just practice."
The cultivator shook his head. "No, this is talent. Rare talent. I'll take it."
As the transaction concluded, more and more cultivators came to their stall. Word of the twins' skill spread quickly, and soon, they were surrounded by a small crowd, all eager to witness their alchemy and forging prowess.
Matthew handed a packet of recovery powder to an elder cultivator. "Try it carefully."
The elder examined it, then tasted a small amount. His eyes widened. "The purity… it's remarkable. You… you refined this yourself?"
"Yes," Matthew replied simply, though his mind raced. The dragon turtle spirit whispered guidance: Your influence grows. But remember—visibility attracts both allies and enemies.
Michael leaned close. "We need to be careful. The elders might notice this."
Matthew nodded. "Let's focus on improving. Reputation is good, but it can also be dangerous."
And from the shadows, elder eyes watched, calculating. The twins' rise was no longer a curiosity—it was a potential threat.