Two graceful figures and an adorable little dragon girl sat beneath the circular bamboo pavilion. A ceramic teapot and several delicate teacups rested atop the table, accompanied by two plates of exquisite snacks.
The freshly brewed green tea released a gentle steam, carrying with it a faint, soothing fragrance that drifted through the air.
Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin each raised a teacup to their lips with elegant composure, savoring the tea's warmth as a subtle sense of calm settled within them. Meanwhile, Zi Yan cheerfully munched on the snacks, her face alight with satisfaction.
Suddenly, all three sensed a familiar presence approaching. Their gazes turned toward the wooden door that connected the cabin to the rear garden.
The door creaked open softly, revealing a handsome young man stepping into the tranquil courtyard. A gentle smile surfaced on his face the moment his eyes landed on Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin—his cherished companions.
Xiao Hua made his way toward the pavilion, his voice carrying a hint of apology. "It seems I took a little longer than expected to finish refining the pill."
It had taken him a total of fifteen days to refine the Tier 9 Treasure Medicinal Pill for his beloved unborn child within Cai Lin. Altogether, twenty days had passed since he first secluded himself to refine both the puppets and the pill—the latter of which had demanded the most time and focus.
"It's fine. We are not in any rush," Little Fairy Doctor said softly as she rose to her feet and refilled the empty ceramic cup for Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua offered a faint smile and took his seat. He gently lifted the teacup, taking a small sip of the lukewarm green tea. A subtle warmth spread through him, yet his heart grew slightly heavy with emotion.
After all, he would soon be leaving this peaceful place—and the road ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. No matter how powerful one became, the unknown future could still stir a quiet melancholy within the heart.
He shook his head lightly, dispelling the sentiment as he turned his gaze toward Cai Lin. With a flick of his wrist, a jade box appeared in his hand. As he opened it, a gentle and soothing fragrance wafted out—one that seemed to calm the heart, soul, and mind alike.
"This is the pill for our beloved child, Cai'er," Xiao Hua said, his voice laced with gentle affection and a soft smile blooming on his lips.
"Thank you, Xiao Hua." Cai Lin's usually majestic and cold countenance softened at the sight of his care and tenderness. She lowered her gaze to the jade box and beheld the pill nestled within. With graceful fingers, she lifted it with utmost care, cradling it in her palms.
The pill was no larger than a pearl, yet it exuded a serene and noble aura. Its surface shimmered with a soft, milky-white glow, reminiscent of moonlight glancing off a tranquil lake. Faint golden-blue veins threaded across its body, flowing like gentle streams of life essence, echoing the quiet rhythm of a heartbeat.
As she held it, the pill emitted a warm and soothing radiance, akin to the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. A delicate mist lingered around it—an ethereal blend of nourishing energy and a faint floral fragrance, evoking the tender warmth of a mother's embrace.
If one listened closely, they might even catch the subtle thrum of a heartbeat, a sign of the pill's profound affinity with life itself.
This was not a pill meant for violent breakthroughs or explosive power—but one born of quiet perfection, concealed potential, and unwavering strength.
Xiao Hua's gaze softened as he watched Cai Lin examine the pill with quiet curiosity. A gentle warmth flickered in his eyes before he finally spoke, his voice calm and reassuring.
"This pill is called the Heaven's Origin Nurturing Pill. It is a rare Tier 9 medicinal pill, refined solely for the sake of both mother and unborn child."
He paused briefly, then continued with measured clarity.
"Once consumed, its gentle yet potent medicinal essence will circulate through the mother's meridians, reinforcing her vitality and ensuring a safe, stable pregnancy. It strengthens her life force, stabilizes her cultivation realm, and prevents the common frailty many female cultivators experience after childbirth—even at the higher realms."
"At the same time," he added, "the majority of its essence will naturally flow into the child through the spiritual bond between mother and womb. Within, it will gradually merge with the child's forming meridians, strengthening the foundation of body, bone, and soul. By the time of birth, the child will possess a physique of perfect balance—yet brimming with latent dominance. A foundation born for cultivation."
He then concluded softly, "It is said that a child nurtured by the Heaven's Origin Nurturing Pill will not only be born with extraordinary innate talent... but will never encounter a single bottleneck along their cultivation journey."
Quietly listening to Xiao Hua's explanation, a warm smile bloomed on Cai Lin's lips. She understood clearly—this pill was not just for their unborn child, but also a heartfelt effort to protect her health and well-being.
"Thank you again, Xiao Hua… for loving me, and for loving our child," she said softly.
With delicate care, she returned the pill to the jade box and gently closed it. Her voice, tender and gentle, carried a deep sense of gratitude. In her heart, she truly believed that meeting Xiao Hua—and having him by her side—was the most unforgettable and fortunate moment in her life.
"This is my duty as a husband and a father," Xiao Hua replied quietly. "Naturally, I'll do everything within my power to support you both."
His arms wrapped gently around her slender waist—soft and supple, as though boneless. His gaze lingered on her face; the usual majestic coldness had given way to an exceedingly rare blush, a vivid red that only made her naturally bewitching features all the more irresistible.
Cai Lin did not resist. She leaned into his chest, embracing the warmth and comfort he offered. Her enchanting eyes turned misty, brimming with unspoken emotion.
"Ahem!"
Just as their lips were about to meet, a pointed cough pierced the air. The two turned to see a small purple-clothed dragon girl standing nearby, arms crossed, cheeks flushed bright red as she glared at them—clearly determined to prevent things from going too far.
Awkward silence followed. Xiao Hua and Cai Lin quickly parted, clearing their throats and looking away, their faces tinged with embarrassment.
Little Fairy Doctor let out a soft giggle, clearly amused by the scene. She felt no envy toward their affectionate exchange—after all, she too had shared moments of tenderness with Xiao Hua. Though each time they came close to crossing that final line, Lady Azure would appear at the most inconvenient moment and stop them...
"Anyway," she said, offering a helping hand to shift the mood as she changed the subject, "when will we depart for the Central Plains?"
"Tomorrow," Xiao Hua replied, a faint trace of reluctance flickering across his face. "We'll leave then—lest I grow too unwilling to part from this place."
Little Fairy Doctor, Cai Lin, and Zi Yan exchanged glances before all three involuntarily let out a bitter laugh. His words, honest and heartfelt, struck a chord within them.
"In that case, we should spend more time together while we still can," Little Fairy Doctor said with a light clap of her hands, her smile as radiant as blooming spring flowers.
Naturally, Cai Lin and Xiao Hua had no objections. Zi Yan, however, rolled her eyes with a knowing look—fully aware that this so-called "spending time" often ended with the three becoming a little too intimate for her young eyes.
...
The soft, gentle rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, signaling the break of dawn. A warm glow stretched across the entrance of the Inner Academy, though a layer of white mist still drifted along the ground, clinging to the earth like a fading dream.
Most students remained in slumber, unaware of Xiao Hua's quiet departure. Only a handful—those closest to him—had gathered at the academy's gate. Their gazes extended toward a small hill just outside the entrance, where a few figures stood tall and unmoving.
"Cai'er, First Elder, Master... There's no need to see us off beyond this point."
Xiao Hua turned to Cai Lin, Su Qian, and Elder Huo, who stood at the entrance. A faint smile surfaced on his face as he spoke with a clear and steady voice.
Gazing at the black-robed young man whose expression brimmed with warmth, Elder Huo couldn't help but feel a touch of sentimentality. He sighed softly and said, "Though I accepted you as an alchemist of the Inner Academy, I've taught you little. All I offered were a few words of guidance for your path ahead."
"That alone is more than enough. Master may not realize it, but many of the trials I've overcome were thanks to the words you once spoke to me," Xiao Hua said, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes reddened slightly as he bowed deeply to Elder Huo, his tone brimming with heartfelt gratitude.
It was true that Elder Huo had not taught him much in terms of pill refienemtn techniques during his early days—but Xiao Hua still remembered the words that had saved him during the Heavenly Astral Lightning's spiritual trial.
More than that, his steady cultivation path and the patience he had developed were deeply rooted in the life lessons Elder Huo had once offered. Though there were moments when he acted rashly or became impatient, it was Elder Huo's calm guidance that helped him regain clarity and try again with renewed resolve.
Even in times of failure—when a pill refinement ended in ruin—he no longer grew frustrated or disheartened. Instead, he focused on understanding the cause, learning from it, and calmly moving forward.
It wasn't just Lady Azure's guidance that shaped him. Elder Huo's words had left an even deeper imprint—not on his alchemy, but on his mindset, his spirit. That was why, even though the old master had not taught him many techniques, Xiao Hua had learned something far more valuable: the strength to endure, to reflect, and to rise again.
Failure is not shameful—countless have stumbled before. Defeat is not the end—many have tasted it and risen again. What truly must be avoided is the refusal to accept such moments... and the inability to move forward from them.
Only by facing failure and embracing defeat can one finally pierce through the grey clouds lingering above—a sky that was always meant to be clear and bright.
Elder Huo's eyes trembled slightly, a faint sheen of moisture gathering as he looked upon the deep bow of his disciple, one overflowing with reverence and gratitude.
He had once believed himself a poor master—having taught little in the pill refinement. But after spending these past months together, witnessing the young man Xiao Hua had become, he finally realized: his words had taken root.
Xiao Hua had grown into someone with strength, composure, and character—a man to be respected.
"Ke ke, Old Huo, if you start crying now, you'll only make it harder for Xiao Hua to leave," Su Qian said with a chuckle, clearly amused. His eyes swept over the smiling youth, and his own smile softened with genuine warmth.
"Like hell I'd cry and make a scene in front of my disciple!" Elder Huo snorted coldly, shooting a sharp glare at Su Qian. Yet even as he spoke, he swiftly turned away—one hand rising to brush the corners of his eyes.
When he turned back, his expression was calm and composed, as though nothing had happened.
Su Qian let out another low chuckle before turning his gaze to Xiao Hua. "Thanks to you, we managed to resolve the long-standing crisis that plagued the Inner Academy—and even gained an unexpected treasure from it."
"It was nothing, First Elder," Xiao Hua replied with a gentle smile and a nod. "As a former student of Jia Nan Academy, it was my good fortune to be able to help."
Naturally, he understood what Su Qian was referring to—his subduing of the violent, fully-matured Fallen Heart Flame and returning with a now-docile, infant Fallen Heart Flame. That flame would serve the Inner Academy well, not only making the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower open permanently but also playing a vital role in nurturing the next generation of students.
For Xiao Hua, this matter had also been closely tied to Xiao Yan's growth. It was a matter he personally valued, which made his involvement all the more meaningful. However, knowing he had his own motives, he felt somewhat embarrassed to receive the First Elder's gratitude so openly.
His gaze then swept over the group standing nearby—Han Yue, Xiao Yu, Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, Lin Yan... and unexpectedly, Liu Fei as well. He had never spoken to Liu Fei about it directly, but judging from her presence here, she must have heard the news from Liu Qing.
"Take care of my cousin when he arrives," Xiao Hua said, his tone half-teasing yet serious underneath. "And make sure he doesn't end up taking one of the spots in the Top Ten for the Inner Academy Grand Competition too easily."
"Rest assured, Elder Xiao Hua. I'll make sure your cousin has a hard time securing a spot in the Top Ten," Lin Yan said with a playful grin, clearly amused.
"Why are you the one saying that? Isn't that something Brother Liu Qing should be responsible for, not you?" Liu Fei cut in sharply, her tone laced with irritation.
"Heh, still bitter that Elder Xiao Hua didn't pay you any attention?" Lin Yan snorted, flashing a mocking smile. "I did warn you to give up, didn't I?"
"You...!" Liu Fei's expression turned green with anger, her hand pointing at Lin Yan as her teeth clenched tightly in frustration. His words struck a nerve—a sore spot she wished to keep hidden.
It was true. Despite her numerous attempts, she had failed time and again to win Xiao Hua's affection. But that didn't mean she was ready to give up.
"Fei'er," Liu Qing leaned in and whispered sternly, "If you really want to win Elder Xiao Hua's heart, don't show more of your spoiled behavior in public. You're only making it worse."
Though his tone was calm, Liu Qing knew deep down that her chances were slim. Winning Xiao Hua's affection would not be easy—especially not with the two lovers already standing by his side.
Lin Xiuya let out a helpless laugh at the bickering scene before turning toward Xiao Hua, a puzzled expression on his face. "But Elder Xiao Hua, if I may ask… why are you deliberately preventing your cousin from entering the Top Ten in the Inner Academy Grand Competition?"
Xiao Hua's smile turned faintly mysterious as he replied, "It is merely a test. If he manages to overcome it, then naturally, he will be rewarded… generously."
His words carried a hint of ambiguity, and his gaze subtly shifted toward Su Qian, who could only shake his head with a wry expression.
While the students remained puzzled, Su Qian alone understood the sheer absurdity of the reward Xiao Hua had prepared. The thought caused waves of disbelief to stir within his heart.
'I still can't believe he left it inside the pagoda… in that wooden cabin of all places…' Su Qian murmured inwardly, astonished.
Indeed, Xiao Hua had left the Boundless World Seal—containing none other than the mature and violent Fallen Heart Flame—on the second highest floor of the Inner Academy's cultivation pagoda. Just one level beneath the array responsible for making the energy of heaven and earth in the Chaos Spiritual Forest dense and pure.
"Regardless, I hope your journey in the Central Plains will be at least somewhat smooth," Su Qian said with a soft sigh.
He understood well the dangers and harshness of that vast land. The Central Plains was no place of ease—it was a region teeming with power struggles, hidden dangers, and turbulent forces. Though he held no illusions that Xiao Hua's path would be easy, he still wished, even if faintly, that it wouldn't cost the young man his life.
Moreover, Su Qian was well aware of the reason behind Xiao Hua's journey—to rescue Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu, who had become trapped within the perilous Stormcoil Mountain Range.
"Rest assured, First Elder," Xiao Hua replied with a faint, calm smile. His gaze shifted behind him and landed on Tian Huo Zun-zhe. "Old Yao will be there. If danger comes, he'll keep me safe."
"That's right, First Elder," Tian Huo Zun-zhe added with a confident nod and an easy smile. "I'll make sure nothing happens to him while he's rescuing his brother and two sisters."
'Though unless an elite Ban Sheng intervenes, even a peak Dou Zun would find it difficult to make this boy stay,' Tian Huo Zun-zhe thought to himself with a touch of bitter amusement.
He had experienced Xiao Hua's overwhelming strength firsthand during their sparring session. Even though his new body had yet to fully stabilize and still felt rough around the edges, Xiao Hua's strikes had been unrelenting—sharp, precise, and frighteningly powerful.
It is enough to leave even a seasoned expert like him in awe.
"Ke ke. With Elder Tian Huo Zun-zhe's assurance, I suppose this reckless young man might just have a safe journey after all," Su Qian chuckled lightly as he cupped his hands toward Tian Huo Zun-zhe.
He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to the small dragon girl beside them. A faint unease crept into his expression as he spoke in a slightly concerned tone, "I know I was the one who suggested it, but… are you truly certain about following him to the Central Plains?"
"Old man, how many times must we have this conversation?" Zi Yan huffed, rolling her eyes with mild frustration. "We've already talked about this again and again. Stop wavering and just make up your mind already."
Su Qian smiled sheepishly, letting out a resigned sigh. "That's fair… I suppose I have been going back and forth these past few weeks—even though I was the one who suggested it first."
He rubbed the back of his neck before continuing, "It's true I said you should go, especially since there may be secrets tied to your origin waiting to be uncovered in the Central Plains. But you're still only at the Dou Huang class. That place is vast and chaotic—Dou Huang is considered merely the starting point. How could I not worry?"
"First Elder, Zi Yan may only be at Dou Huang," Xiao Hua interjected calmly, "but with her physique, she can contend with an ordinary Dou Zong. Besides, she won't be going alone. She'll be traveling with us."
His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a reassuring steadiness that helped ease Su Qian's lingering concern.
"That's true. I only hope this little girl will remain safe." Su Qian nodded with a sigh, though Xiao Hua's words had somewhat eased the weight of his concern.
"Well, whether you allow it or not, I'm going to follow Xiao Hua to the Central Plains!" Zi Yan huffed, crossing her arms defiantly with a light snort.
Both Xiao Hua and Su Qian smiled sheepishly, shaking their heads helplessly at her childish obstinance.
Soon after, Xiao Hua turned to Han Yue and Xiao Yu, engaging them in a quiet conversation about the future. A subtle sense of anticipation laced their voices, especially Han Yue's, as her clan resided in the northern region of the Central Plains.
Of course, Han Yue remained unaware of the true reason behind Xiao Hua's sudden departure—he had deliberately chosen not to speak of Li Mei's situation. He didn't wish to burden her heart and preferred she focused solely on her cultivation.
On the other side, Liu Fei stood silently, glaring at their conversation with veiled envy. Despite her efforts, she could not help but feel overshadowed—Han Yue and Xiao Yu clearly held a deeper place in Xiao Hua's heart than she ever had.
While their exchange played out, Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor stood a short distance away, engaged in a quiet conversation of their own.
"Make sure to keep an eye on our man," Cai Lin said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Try to stop him from doing anything reckless."
"I doubt I can," Little Fairy Doctor replied with a wry smile. "He's already done far too many reckless things… Remember how he took on eight of the nine trials just to advance his strength?"
"Even so," Cai Lin could only smile helplessly at her words. She said softly, "remind him that he must live to see his child's face… He cannot afford to fall before that."
Little Fairy Doctor nodded with a gentle smile. She knew well—whether reminded or not—Xiao Hua would never allow himself to fall. He wished dearly to witness his children's growth and walk the path of a father alongside them.
"And next time we meet," Cai Lin leaned in, her voice playful and warm, "I want to see your child… I can already imagine how adorable they'll be, Sister Fairy Doctor."
Little Fairy Doctor's cheeks flushed with a deep red at the sudden tease. Flustered, she lowered her gaze but didn't refute the words—she simply gave a faint, bashful nod.
Cai Lin giggled softly, clearly amused by her sister's innocence. She took joy in these little moments of light teasing between them.
"Coincidentally," she added with a soft sigh, "Sister Xun Er must first reach the Dou Sheng realm before she can carry Xiao Hua's child... Seems like the two of you are fated to walk the same path."
Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor were both aware of Xun Er's unique circumstances—her bloodline was still unstable, and Xiao Hua was not of Gu Clan descent. If they were to engage in intimacy prematurely, it could damage the pure bloodline flowing within Xun Er's body.
Should that happen, the consequences would be far too severe. Even if the elders of the Gu Clan remained silent, Xiao Hua would carry a guilt so heavy that not even a lifetime would be enough to atone for it.
Little Fairy Doctor could only smile helplessly at the thought. Xun Er, like herself, was bound by certain constraints. Both of them would need to step into the Dou Sheng realm before they could fully express their love.
"It's still nothing compared to Sister Ya Fei… She rarely gets to see Xiao Hua at all. If he were to perish in the Central Plains, I fear she might curse him for eternity..." Little Fairy Doctor sighed with quiet sympathy.
Her thoughts drifted to Ya Fei, who had been waiting patiently for Xiao Hua's return ever since he promised to watch the Three-Year Agreement with her. It was clear to all that Xiao Hua missed Ya Fei deeply and longed to spend time with her.
Yet, fate was cruel. News about Xin Yu had forced Xiao Hua to abandon his plans, his heart heavy with regret, as he turned his attention toward rescuing his endangered companions.
Though Xiao Hua had apologized profusely, and Ya Fei had smiled while saying she didn't mind—urging him to go and save his sworn brother and sisters without delay—they could still feel the disappointment in her voice, no matter how well she tried to hide it.
Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor shared the same sentiment. They had looked forward to finally meeting their fellow sister-wife together, a rare and joyous occasion for all of them. But now, because of the interference of the Wind-Lightning Pavilion, that long-awaited reunion had been completely ruined.
No matter what, the Wind-Lightning Pavilion would not have peaceful days ahead—they would make sure of that!
"Fortunately, we now have communication jades. At the very least, we don't have to wait months just to hear from one another," Cai Lin said with a soft sigh of relief.
Little Fairy Doctor nodded in agreement.
Thanks to the mysterious methods of Lady Azure and Xue Yue, they had obtained communication jades identical to those Xiao Hua and his companions used.
With this, they could leave messages and remain in contact without enduring the long delays of conventional means.
Because of this, Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor were also aware of the blessings Xiao Hua had received from his sworn siblings. However, they also knew that Li Mei and the others were planning to give Xiao Hua a proper "lesson" once they reunited—likely due to the recklessness he had once again shown.
When that time comes, Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor could only offer a silent prayer... for Xiao Hua's survival.
"It's time for us to depart," Xiao Hua said, his voice calmly cutting through the lingering conversations at the entrance.
With a flick of his finger, a soft gleam of light emerged, and a palm-sized, exquisitely crafted boat appeared in his hand. A gentle surge of energy flowed from his palm, as if awakening the artifact from its dormant slumber.
In the blink of an eye, the miniature vessel began to expand, growing rapidly until it transformed into a sleek twenty-foot-long ship. It shimmered with soft hues of lavender and pale blue, exuding an ethereal beauty. The spiritual fluctuations it emitted made it clear to all that this vessel had been forged from exceptionally rare materials.
This was another Cloud-Void Steering Ship Xiao Hua had obtained from the System. With the passage of time, it was only natural that he had acquired many such treasures—some even among the finest of their kind.
Moreover, his ACP Rate had undergone several upgrades. From once gaining 190 ACP per hour, it had now increased to 200 ACP per hour—an indication of his ever-growing strength and fortune.
With the appearance of the Cloud-Void Steering Ship, Xiao Hua gently wrapped his arms around Cai Lin's waist and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss upon her lips. She accepted it without resistance, her eyes filled with reluctant warmth.
"Be safe, Xiao Hua," she whispered.
"I will, Cai'er," he replied with a faint smile.
Without further delay, Xiao Hua, Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, and Tian Huo Zun-zhe ascended onto the Cloud-Void Steering Ship. The vessel, spacious and refined, easily accommodated the four of them.
With a graceful wave of his sleeve, a soft tremor ran through the ship's hull. Spatial force surged around it, causing faint ripples to spread beneath like waves upon the sea. The ship slowly lifted into the sky, gliding forward with an air of quiet majesty.
"Elder Xiao Hua, travel well!"
Voices rang out in unison from below. Xiao Hua turned to see Han Yue, Xiao Yu, Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, Lin Yan, and Liu Fei, all cupping their fists with smiles of sincere farewell.
A soft smile touched Xiao Hua's lips. He returned the gesture, cupping his hands toward those gathered below. A gentle yet hearty laugh echoed from above as the Cloud-Void Steering Ship ascended through the clouds.
"Nothing remains unchanged forever. I believe we shall meet again one day! Let us reunite in the Central Plains. But remember—if you haven't grown stronger by then, I'll show no mercy and train you all until you cry for relief!"
As Xiao Hua's clear laughter echoed from above, the ethereal Cloud-Void Steering Ship gradually shrank into a distant black speck before vanishing entirely from sight.
A faint trace of sentiment lingered in the air, stirred by the fading sound of his voice. Among those watching, several figures stood in quiet reflection—Han Yue, Xiao Yu, Su Qian, and Elder Huo—all of whom had spent much time by his side within the Inner Academy.
Han Yue slowly withdrew her gaze from the sky. She turned her head slightly to glance at Xiao Yu's delicate face, her own lips curving into a smile as radiant as blooming spring flowers.
"There's no need to worry. With Elder Xiao Hua's strength, even in the Central Plains, he will still outshine most of the younger generation."
"Naturally," Xiao Yu replied with a gentle smile, a hint of pride and subtle affection slipping into her voice. "He is, after all, the pride of my Xiao Clan."
"Hmph! He's also this old man's proudest disciple!" Elder Huo chimed in with a huff, his face alight with smug satisfaction. "For centuries to come, I'll boast that his upright character was shaped by none other than my wise teachings!"
"Haha! Don't forget—he's also the pride of the Jia Nan Academy!" Su Qian laughed heartily as he joined in, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement at their cheerful exchange.
"We'll definitely meet Elder Xiao Hua again one day, Liu Qing!" Lin Yan laughed heartily, his voice echoing with confidence.
"Indeed," Liu Qing nodded with a faint smile, his gaze firm. "When that time comes, I'll prove that his guidance and gifts were not wasted on me."
"We must focus on growing stronger first," Lin Xiuya added with a composed expression, a rare smile playing at the corners of his handsome face.
"But one day, we too shall step into the Central Plains. When that day comes, our strength will speak for itself—and we will show Elder Xiao Hua how far we've come through our own efforts."
"I… I'll definitely make Elder Xiao Hua fall for me…!" Liu Fei muttered under her breath, her voice carrying a mix of indignation and unwavering determination.
Han Yue and the others could only shake their heads in mild exasperation as Liu Fei's declaration instantly shattered the solemn atmosphere.
Lin Yan, of course, couldn't resist tossing out a sarcastic remark—only to be rewarded with a sharp kick from Liu Fei that sent him staggering back. Liu Qing sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, already feeling a headache coming on. The others watched the scene unfold with helpless smiles.
Off to the side, Cai Lin listened quietly to their cheerful banter. Her gaze drifted upward, lingering upon the empty sky where the Cloud-Void Steering Ship had vanished moments earlier. Her expression softened, and she whispered to the winds:
"Xiao Hua… I will wait for you. I will wait until your name resounds across the entire Dou Qi Continent. When that day arrives—when you return to stand before me and Sister Ya Fei—I hope you still remember the love we shared... and recognize the child born from our bond."
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