After everyone was reborn, I was strictly disciplined.

"Come on, Ranran, Qingwan, you two sit here."

Lin Feng carried the soft Xie Xingran in one arm and gently led Liu Qingwan with the other, leading the two into the main hall of the Lin residence with light steps.

The main hall of the Lin family in the Northern Territory was magnificent. The gold brick floor reflected the sunlight filtering in from the corridor, and the sandalwood chairs on both sides were carved with intertwined branches. Only the two pear wood chairs next to the main seat were covered with snow-white fox fur cushions, which made it clear that they were not ordinary seats.

"These two seats are reserved by the Lin family for our most distinguished guests."

Lin Feng smiled and led Liu Qingwan to a seat, his tone full of sincerity.

"Anyone who has sat here will be protected in the Northern Territory. As long as they mention the name of the Lin family, no one will dare to cause them trouble, and the members of the Lin family will do their utmost to protect them."

Upon hearing this, a hint of warmth flashed in Liu Qingwan's eyes. She slightly curtsied in a standard holy ceremony, her figure as slender as a bamboo swaying in the wind, dignified yet gentle.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Lin. I am unworthy of such treatment."

After saying this, she sat down, her robes fluttering lightly, exuding the refined elegance of a holy maiden from the Fire Marrow Pill Holy Land.

Although Lin Feng treated her with kindness and warmth from beginning to end, without any airs of a lord of a northern family, and even doted on her son Xie Xingran along the way, Liu Qingwan never forgot her own identity.

As the Holy Maiden of the Fire Marrow Pill Holy Land, she must not lose her composure.

After settling down, she looked up at Xie Xingran, who was being held tightly in Lin Feng's arms, and said in a softer voice, "Ranran, come to your mother's side quickly."

Xie Xingran was carried in Lin Feng's arms the whole way, his small body wrapped in a brocade robe, and his feet didn't even touch the ground.

The little one's round eyes curiously surveyed the furnishings in the hall. Hearing his mother's call, he instinctively struggled and raised his little hand to grab Liu Qingwan's sleeve.

But as soon as he moved, Lin Feng hugged him even tighter, his strength gentle yet filled with an irresistible doting affection: "Hey, Qingwan, don't rush."

Lin Feng looked down at the little one's exquisitely beautiful face in his arms, his eyes overflowing with joy, and a smile never left his lips.

"Let Ranran stay here with me for a while. This child has a good appearance, bright eyes, and is very talented. She is so lovable and much more well-behaved than my naughty grandchildren."

Lin Feng wished Xie Xingran were his baby.

Seeing this, Liu Qingwan shook her head helplessly, but a smile appeared in her eyes. She stopped insisting and just looked at her son tenderly.

Before long, several servants dressed in blue long gowns walked in lightly carrying trays. On the trays were crystal-clear white porcelain tea sets and plates of exquisite pastries.

As soon as the tea was placed in the pot, a refreshing aroma of tea wafted out, mixed with the sweet fragrance of pastries, which was very pleasant.

Lin Feng picked up a cup of tea and handed it to Liu Qingwan. "Qingwan, try this. This is a unique snow velvet tea from our Northern Territory. It only grows in the crevices of rocks on the snow-capped mountains and can only be harvested in the dead of winter. It is brewed with snow water and has a refreshing and sweet taste. It can also dispel cold and warm the body. It is very nourishing."

"Thank you for your help, Senior Lin." Liu Qingwan accepted the teacup with both hands.

On the other side, Lin Feng picked up a piece of pastry and carefully offered it to Xie Xingran's lips.

The pastry was shaped like a plum blossom, with a translucent white body adorned with fine silver foil. It shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and when you got close, you could smell a delicate plum blossom fragrance mixed with the crispness of ice and snow, clean and sweet.

"Here, Ranran, try this. This is a plum cake specially made for you by the kitchen. It's made with melted snow from the mountains and fresh plum petals. It's not too sweet or greasy, and it's delicious."

Xie Xingran blinked her big, round eyes, but didn't immediately take it. She twitched her little nose and inhaled the fragrance thoroughly, a hint of curiosity showing on her face.

He hesitated for a moment before reaching out his little hand, gently pinching the small piece of plum cake, and taking a small bite.

The soft and chewy cake melts on the tongue, and the sweet taste spreads instantly. The fragrance of plum blossoms and the coolness of ice and snow intertwine, without being cloying at all, but rather exceptionally refreshing.

Xie Xingran's eyes lit up instantly. She chewed quickly with her little mouth, then looked up at Lin Feng with joy in her eyes and nodded her head slightly.

"Haha, isn't it delicious?"

Seeing his expression, Lin Feng laughed even harder, reached out and ruffled his soft hair, his tone full of pride, "I knew it! This plum cake is perfect for kids. I specially instructed the kitchen to make extra so that Ranran can have it anytime he wants."

Afterwards, Lin Feng chatted with Liu Qingwan for a few minutes, asking her about her situation in the Fire Marrow Pill Holy Land over the years with concern.

Liu Qingwan responded to each question in turn, her words gentle yet measured. Before long, the topic naturally shifted to Xie Xingran's apprenticeship at Cangfeng Valley.

Lin Feng's smile faded, and his expression became serious. He looked at Liu Qingwan and said confidently, "Qingwan, don't worry. I've seen Ranran's talent firsthand; she's an exceptionally talented child, one in a million."

"This time when we go to Cangfeng Valley, I will personally find him the most qualified and powerful elder to be his master. I will never let this child suffer."

Liu Qingwan nodded slightly, a relieved smile on her face: "Senior, you flatter me. This matter is entirely up to Senior Lin. I trust your judgment and will surely find a good master for Ranran so that he can cultivate in Cangfeng Valley with peace of mind."

She knew in her heart that Lin Feng, as an elder of Cangfeng Valley, carried great weight in his words. With his protection, Ranran would definitely avoid many detours in Cangfeng Valley.

"Alright, since you trust me, I'll take care of it!"

Lin Feng patted his chest, his tone bold and his eyes full of determination, "You two must be tired from your journey. Rest well at the Lin residence tonight and get plenty of rest. I will personally take you to Cangfeng Valley first thing tomorrow morning."

"Those old men in the valley, if they see a promising talent like Ranran, they'll all be vying to take him as their apprentice; they'll be ecstatic!"

Hidden Edge Valley has always been strict in accepting disciples. The first requirement is that the disciple must be no older than ten years old and must have at least a top-grade three spiritual root.

After passing this step, one must climb the 999 steps in front of the Hidden Edge Valley. These steps are not ordinary stone steps; each step is engraved with mind-tempering runes, specifically designed to hone a disciple's will and character. If one cannot persevere halfway, one will be eliminated.

After passing all these tests, you will have to go to Sword Valley to undergo the trial of swords.

Every sword in Sword Valley is the natal sword left behind by the fallen disciples of Hidden Edge Valley throughout the ages. They are imbued with the disciples' spiritual energy and sword intent, and each one is exceptionally spiritual.

Disciples who come to become apprentices must gain the approval of one of the swords to truly step into the gates of Hidden Edge Valley and become a formal disciple.

These rules, which are difficult for others, are nothing to Xie Xingran.

Lin Feng is an elder of Cangfeng Valley, and Xie Xingran has a noble status and outstanding talent, so those formalities can be skipped.

Lin Feng had already planned it out; he would take Xie Xingran through the back door to save her the trouble.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingwan bowed slightly: "It's all up to Senior Lin to decide. Thank you for your trouble."

"Don't be so polite with me!"

Lin Feng waved his hand, about to continue talking, to explain to Liu Qingwan the temperaments of the elders of Cangfeng Valley so that she would have a better understanding.

Just then, a young man dressed in the attire of a member of the Lin family strode in. He gave a simple bow and reported:

"Patriarch, we just received news from Hidden Edge Valley that after discussions between the Valley Master and the elders, it has been decided to open the Hall of Inquiry for this disciple recruitment ceremony."

"What?!" Lin Feng's smile froze instantly, his eyes filled with shock. He abruptly stood up, his voice trembling with disbelief, "What did you say?? Open the Hall of Inquiry? How is that possible?!"