On a still, summer morning, as the sky slowly begins to emerge from the darkness, it carefully immerses itself in a light blue canopy. Dew droplets dissipate, and the air becomes fresh and pure, filling one's heart with serenity.

    Pushing open the door, Lu Jinnian walked out of the Su Xiao House and yawned into the early morning light. Then he came to the square in front of the main hall of Taizhi Hall to start his morning exercise.

    Although I went to bed late last night, the cool breeze of the early morning greeted me and as I gradually settled into my routine, feeling the warmth within me generated by the flow of spiritual energy and qiangli, all traces of sleepiness vanished.

    As Chengping Mountain is one of the few sacred places for cultivation on the Cloud Top Continent, the density of the earth's spiritual energy is naturally incredibly rich. Practitioners here must be more cautious when breathing.

    Thin spiritual power is not enough to feed the practitioners, while vast spiritual power can cause them to overeat.

    Either not eating enough or eating too much will cause problems.

    Although Lu Jinnian spent nearly a year and a half in the small place of Nanzhuo Domain, he was able to seamlessly integrate into the spiritual energy-filled Wandaozong without needing to adapt, as he breathed with the flow of a dragon.

    In the past year and a half, although Lu Jinnian's realm had remained stagnant, his strength had naturally improved as he repeatedly refined spiritual energy and qiangli within their limits.

    As beams of early morning sunlight fell on the square, Lu Jinnian, who had finished his morning exercises half an incense time ago, spotted the approaching Fei Wanhu and Dong Hanyan from afar.

    The four spirit beast maidens of the Master each have their own duties: Chunyu is responsible for assisting with the affairs of the Deputy Abbot, Xiaming is in charge of procurement, Qiuye handles the daily affairs of the Taichu Hall, and Donghan serves as the personal maid.

    Lu Jinnian did not rush to greet her, and Fei Wanhu did not interrupt her disciples' morning exercises. She quietly stood by in the distance, watching the red qiangli around him.

    Energy originates from the heart and moves with the body.

    As he watched Lu Jinnian's fierce punches during today's morning exercise and the thunderous sound that shattered the air, Dong Han whispered behind him, "Today, Eldest Brother is practicing the Eight Extremes."

    Fei Wanhu nodded lightly, saying that it was not uncommon for cultivators to focus on martial arts techniques, and there were many similar styles to the one her obedient apprentice was practicing. However, what made her proud was that her apprentice had refined it into a technique that best suited herself. That was truly excellent!

    She pursed her lips, a strange glint flickering in her eyes. Boys should train their bodies more; otherwise, they might not be able to handle women who still carry a charm from their youth.

    It didn't take long for Lu Jinnian, who had just finished his morning exercises and was in the process of gathering his energy, to turn towards the Master Fei Wanhu.

    Fei Wanhu, meticulously dressed, tied her long hair into a unique bun at the back of her head, with light purple tassels adding extra color to the silk gown. This further highlighted the subtle beauty of her lightly powdered face.

    However, paired with her deep purple robe with a mandarin collar and the overlying long sleeves embroidered with roses, her allure was subdued, revealing more of her dignity and elegance.

    Elegant and noble, yet commanding and authoritative.

    "Met the Master," Lu Jinnian bowed.

    Fei Wanhu's eyes flicked an unusual color. She hadn't noticed it last night, but today, as she watched her obedient disciple bow, she couldn't help but feel that there was a hint of maturity in his gesture.

    Could it be because he is about to reach his eighteenth birthday?

    No... it's because of something he's been doing for half a year that has made him grow up.

    All of this is because of that maid, Zhunian... Really? That maid has grown all her hair back and started flirting with her obedient apprentice?

    And then there's that dead head, Qingyue. She had actually proposed taking Jinnan back to the sect before me. But after returning, she hasn't communicated much at all. Could it be that she's been poaching my nest?

    Pressing down the thoughts in her heart, Fei Wanhu faintly smiled and asked, "What's the plan for next?"

    Lu Jinnian straightened up: "Take a bath, pay a visit to the sect head and others, close myself in, and then merge with the Dao."

    "Not in a hurry," Fei Wanhu said. "I've already announced to the outside world that you're in seclusion. It's only natural for others to worry if you seclude yourself again."

    Fei Wanhu moved forward two steps: "First, there's no need to visit the sect head and others. The Spirit Herb Selection Conference has not yet ended. Since you have returned, you can take your place for me."

    "Is it not over yet?" Lu Jinnian asked in surprise.

    "In a world of great contention, more talents emerge than before." Fei Wanhu opened her mouth softly, "You can just show your face for now."

    "Alright." Lu Jinnian nodded and agreed: "I'll go wash up first."

    Fei Wanhu suddenly pointed her index finger to her chin, like a young girl, and said, "Do you need the Master to help you?"

    "I don't need it."

    Lu Jinnian declined outright, turning around to head towards his Su Xiao House. In his heart, he thought that if she helped him wash, it would only satisfy his desire for eye candy similar to last night. How could he dare to make a move on his Master who is in a state of divine inspiration?

    In the end, the only one who would be uncomfortable would be himself.

    More importantly, he is very clear that even though he is a young cultivator of the Tenth Level of the Holy State, when he is away, his Master still worries about him. Therefore, it is more important to focus on improving his strength at this time.

    It's time to eat and drink, I'll always be able to enjoy some.

    "Too bad... Do you want to know if the Master wore the black silk stockings you gave me last night?" Fei Wanhu's voice from behind was as charming as it could be.

    "I don't want to," Lu Jinnian replied without turning his head, "I can still tell if the Master is lying to me or not."

    At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh internally, given the Master's temperament, how could the icy sister who looks nothing like her be her daughter?

    Perhaps she's like him as well, a famous but nameless apprentice picked up from the outside world and raised as a daughter.

    Watching her apprentice disappear into the distance, Fei Wanhu slightly curled her lips and turned to Dong Han: "Today there's nothing to do, what should I do?"

    Dong Han blinked her eyes: "Would you like to investigate the background of Zhunian? Eldest Brother said she is at the Holy State, so she must be from a large sect or a wealthy family."

    "This is his own matter, let it be," Fei Wanhu turned around and took a step, her tone tinged with mischief. "I wonder when Qingyue will come out of seclusion. It would definitely be interesting to tell her about this."

    Dong Han followed the steps of the deputy abbot and asked, "Are you looking forward to them fighting each other?"

    "It's interesting, isn't it?" Fei Wanhu's pace had a bit of joy in it: "Let her be like an iceberg every day. See if she gets anxious or not."

    "Deputy Abbot, does Senior Sister really like Eldest Brother? I didn't feel that way," Dong Han asked puzzledly. "Are you trying to force a match?"

    "How can it be called forceful matchmaking?" Fei Wanhu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Back then, she couldn't take her eyes off of him."

    "Isn't Senior Sister supposed to be blind?" Dong Han was even more puzzled.

    "Cultivators can't really be blind," Fei Wanhu said ambiguously, "But that's not important. What matters is that Zhunian gets into a fight."

    "Then what?" Dong Han continued to ask, "Even the Master dotes on him!"

    Fei Wanhu walked out of the entrance of the Taichu Hall and, looking at the myriad of flowers in full bloom that greeted her eyes, spoke softly, "That's his own business."

    Standing by the steps, she gazed down at the majestic peak. With her arms crossed, she used her left index finger to tap her right arm, speaking in a calm tone, "Go, instruct Chunyu to notify the other four sects and seven halls... tell those young people..."

    "The Master of Wandaozong, Lu Jinnian, has emerged from seclusion."

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