After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

Lin Fengmian raised an eyebrow, a hint of unexpected surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Hmm? Yu Chan'er, you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Upon hearing this, the chattering girls instantly fell silent.

They all turned to look at Yu Chan'er, their eyes filled with admiration and respect.

"Heavens! Sister Chan'er has reached the Foundation Establishment stage?!"

"When did this happen?! How come we have no idea!"

"Sister Chan'er is amazing! It's only been a short time!"

"Waaaaah, I really want to reach Foundation Establishment too..."

A faint blush quickly rose on Yu Chan'er's fair face, like peach blossoms in early March, making her already exquisite face even more beautiful and charming.

She stepped forward, gave Lin Fengmian a graceful bow, and spoke in a clear and respectful voice:

"Reporting to Young Master, I recently broke through to the early stage of Foundation Establishment. It was all thanks to your guidance day and night; I will never forget it."

She paused, lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes trembled gently, and her voice became a few decibels lower:

"I originally wanted to give you a surprise, young master... but I didn't expect you to see through it so easily."

As she spoke, her gaze toward Lin Fengmian was complex, a mixture of gratitude and barely perceptible admiration.

Lin Fengmian laughed heartily upon hearing this, feeling quite gratified.

These girls are all of excellent character and talent; I was right about them.

More importantly, they had originally cultivated desperately so that they could sacrifice themselves and offer their bodies as a sacrifice to the Demon Suppression Abyss ten years later. Now that the spiritual energy has been restored, the seal has naturally been stabilized, and they no longer need to go to their deaths.

My actions, in a way, saved their lives.

Lin Fengmian was also delighted, thinking that he had done a good deed.

He took two steps forward, stood in front of Yu Chan'er, and gently patted her on the head, his tone gentle yet solemn:

"Good! But Foundation Establishment is just the beginning. Now that spiritual energy has revived and the world has undergone great changes, there are both opportunities and dangers. You need to guard against arrogance and impetuosity and stabilize your realm."

Yu Chan'er was slightly startled by his pat, then obediently lowered her head and whispered:

"Chan'er will remember your teachings, young master."

Lin Fengmian nodded, then turned to the other little fairies who were eagerly watching him, and said with a smile:

"You all must also work hard in your cultivation, lest you fall too far behind Yu Chan'er."

"Understood, young master!"

The girls responded with giggles, some even boldly tugging at his sleeves. Their chatter filled the air, a vibrant, youthful energy wafting towards him, coupled with the unique fragrances of each young woman; Lin Fengmian felt himself being overwhelmed by the scent.

Now that spiritual energy has been restored, these girls, nourished by it, have grown into increasingly beautiful and charming young women. Lin Fengmian felt relaxed and content, experiencing a sense of accomplishment as he carefully cultivated future cultivation tools.

Amidst the laughter and chatter, a cool, clear voice suddenly came from the doorway.

"Lin Fengmian."

The sound wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the previously playful atmosphere.

Everyone turned around and looked, only to find that Empress Su Miaoyun was already standing at the door at some point.

Today, she wore a snow-white phoenix robe, spotless, with silver phoenix patterns embroidered on the hem, shimmering with a cool luster in the sunlight. Her ink-black hair cascaded down, gently held back with an antique jade hairpin, a few strands falling over her shoulders, making her exquisite face appear even more ethereal and otherworldly.

Her face remained expressionless, but her usually indifferent phoenix eyes were now fixed on Lin Fengmian, who was surrounded by the girls.

The fairies paled and quickly bowed, instantly becoming incredibly obedient, even softening their breathing.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress!"

Seeing this, Lin Fengmian also stood up, patted his sleeves, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Su Miaoyun's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then she said nothing more, only speaking softly:

"Come with me now."

"yes."

The two walked one after the other through the many palaces.

Lin Fengmian silently followed behind Su Miaoyun, watching the snow-white phoenix-robed figure ahead, muttering to himself, "What's wrong with this woman today? She usually talks in her bedchamber, why is she suddenly going somewhere else?"

After passing through several palace gates and several restrictions, the two finally arrived at a natural cave dwelling deep within the palace, filled with spiritual energy.

The cave dwelling was simply furnished, containing only a cold jade bed and a few futons. The air was filled with a cool fragrance similar to her own. The surrounding stone walls were covered with mysterious runes, faintly glowing with spiritual light, clearly indicating that it was an extremely important forbidden cultivation ground.

Lin Fengmian's heart pounded.

Why did this woman call me here alone?

Surely it's not just another routine matter?

It seems that this is all I'm good for the Empress...

As he was lost in thought, Su Miaoyun, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped and turned around.

The next instant, Lin Fengmian felt an indescribable sense of oppression suddenly descend upon him!

It wasn't spiritual pressure, but a more profound and soul-penetrating gaze! Su Miaoyun's gaze was deep, as if it could penetrate the skin and reach the depths of the soul!

Her gaze was cold, sharp, noble, and dignified; it seemed as if she could see right through him, inside and out.

Lin Fengmian's heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously took half a step back, then chuckled dryly:

"Your Majesty... what's wrong?"

Something is wrong!

Something's really wrong!

Is this woman on some strange medicine today? She usually just takes off her clothes and gets straight to the point, why is she acting so weird today?

You know, they're an old married couple who know each other inside and out. Why look at them like they're aliens?

Su Miaoyun did not answer.

She simply continued to stare at him with that unsettling gaze for a long time, until Lin Fengmian felt extremely uncomfortable, before she slowly spoke, her voice still cold:

"Lin Fengmian."

"Now that spiritual energy has revived, the rules of heaven and earth have changed drastically. If you truly love Hongyu, I can immediately issue a decree to divorce her from the Imperial Preceptor and formally bestow her upon you as your Daoist partner. You should be well aware that she is still a virgin."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Lin Fengmian's instantly frozen face, before continuing calmly:

"Even those female disciples you usually guide and care about in your cultivation, if you wish, I can arrange to bestow them all upon you."

Lin Fengmian: "!!!"

He was completely stunned, his head buzzing.

what's going on?

What is this woman trying to do?

Get rid of him? Discard him?

No, that won't work!

He hasn't conquered the empress yet! He hasn't had enough sleep yet! He hasn't found out the way to leave the Land of Annihilation. If he loses this identity, how can he legitimately stay in the heart of the palace and peruse those ancient books that might contain the way to leave?