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

Whether Lu Chen lives or dies is not something he really cares about.

But his life force is still locked in that kid's body!

If that kid really dies, his soul will never be whole again! That concerns whether he can recover his full cultivation in the future, and whether he can make further progress in this life!

More importantly... the Boundary-Breaking Pearl is still in Lu Chen's hands!

That's the key treasure for returning to the spirit world!

"Kid..."

Li Cheng clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his voice low and deep, as if squeezed out from between his teeth:

"You absolutely can't die..."

Li Cheng's voice was deep and resonant, as if seeping from the earth, each word carrying a rough, abrasive quality, like the friction of gravel.

"If my life force cannot be recovered, the severing of my cultivation path is a minor matter; I fear I will suffer its backlash day and night, my soul will crack, and I will never have peace!"

Before he finished speaking, a shadow flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly frowned and muttered to himself:

"No... there's no ominous sign on his soul, that kid must still be alive..."

Having said that, he flicked his sleeve, and his figure vanished into the vast天地 (heaven and earth) like ink scattered by the wind.

Only a faint sigh remained, continuing the almost obsessive search.

……

Qinglan Sect.

In the backyard of the sect, in a fairly tidy side room.

The window was half-open, and the autumn wind, carrying a chill, slipped in, stirring the gauze curtains, but it couldn't dispel the heavy fog of sorrow that filled the room.

Gongsun Mili leaned against the window, sunlight streaming in from the side, making her originally bright and beautiful face appear somewhat thinner.

The crease between his brows looked like it was etched there, and he couldn't erase it no matter what.

She gazed at the drifting clouds in the sky, her eyes empty and blank, as if her soul had already followed the cloud to some unknown distance.

Gongsun Chan sat at the table, her fingertips unconsciously fiddling with a jade pendant left behind by Lin Fengmian. The jade was smooth and warm, but it couldn't warm her heart.

She glanced sideways at her niece's frail back, so thin it seemed a gust of wind might break it, and her heart ached. She couldn't help but whisper:

"Moon, don't push yourself too hard. Although our Gongsun family... is now down to just the two of us, my good disciple is incredibly lucky and clever. He'll be fine. Maybe he's hiding somewhere in a secret realm and has found a great opportunity, and he's just unable to send a message right now."

Even so, she herself felt that this comfort was as thin as a sheet of paper, easily torn.

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Mili's long eyelashes trembled, like a butterfly's wings dampened by rain. She slowly lowered her hand and gently placed it on her still flat stomach, the movement so gentle as if afraid of disturbing something.

Her voice was extremely soft, yet it carried a kind of unsettling stubbornness:

"Aunt, you don't understand. I don't care where he is or what he's been through; I just want him to be alive."

She turned her head away, her eyes glistening with tears, her voice almost broken:

"Lin Fengmian...you absolutely cannot be harmed...even if you really...don't come back, I will...I will leave an heir for you, and then I will go to the Situ family to avenge our blood debt!"

The last few words were so light they seemed to dissipate in the wind, yet they struck Gongsun Chan's softest spot like a heavy hammer.

Gongsun Chan suddenly stood up, the chair scraping against her ear with a harsh sound. She rushed to her niece, her beautiful eyes wide open, even her voice changing tone:

"Revenge can't be rushed! What...what did you just say? Could it be...you're pregnant?!"

A faint blush rose on Gongsun Mili's pale cheeks, like a peach blossom petal falling on the snow.

She bit her lip, her eyes unfocused and hesitant.

"I...I'm not sure either."

I've been feeling very tired lately, and my appetite is strange. I feel nauseous when I smell oily food... My period is also more than half a month late.

But our cultivators' physiques are different from ordinary people, so whether that's true or not... I can't say for sure..."

His voice grew softer and softer until almost only his lips were moving.

Gongsun Chan felt a pang of heartache and sorrow upon seeing her like this, and pulled her into her arms, her voice choked with emotion:

"Auntie's silly confusion... It'll be alright, everything will be alright. That brat wouldn't bear to leave us, he'll definitely come back!"

……

Fortunately, they are currently in a relatively stable situation.

Li Cheng, that old fox, though cunning and ruthless, still possessed a broad vision and a discerning eye. He knew full well how important those two girls from the Gongsun family were to Lin Fengmian.

That guy is easy to talk to about everything, but touching his woman is like stirring up a hornet's nest.

Therefore, he not only did not do anything outrageous to the two women, but also took great care to protect them.

After all, he had truly experienced and was genuinely afraid of Lin Fengmian's torturous methods.

……

The Land of Absolute Spirits, Phoenix Cries in the Imperial Palace.

After a good night's sleep, Lin Fengmian felt refreshed. The next morning, he summoned Yu Chan'er according to the established schedule.

This girl is in the prime of her youth, radiating youthful energy, like a magnolia blossom covered in morning dew.

In terms of appearance, she was exceptionally beautiful, with exquisite features; in terms of figure, she already possessed a graceful curve, with a full and well-proportioned physique.

What's even more remarkable is that focused dedication to learning and excellent aptitude.

It is truly a beautiful jade that has an inner radiance even before it has been carved.

Lin Fengmian pondered that such a promising talent truly deserved special nurturing.

Before long, Yu Chan'er gracefully entered the main hall. Today, she had clearly dressed up carefully, wearing a light blue long dress that made her look as elegant as a spring stream.

Her dark hair was simply tied up, revealing her long, fair neck, exuding a dignified air with a touch of girlish tenderness.

She lowered her eyes slightly, her expression focused and respectful, and gracefully bowed:

"Chan'er greets Young Master, and requests your guidance on cultivation techniques today."

That sincere attitude of learning was particularly gratifying to Lin Fengmian.

He glanced at her, inwardly praising her character. To be honest, although he was naturally unrestrained, he hadn't originally planned to arrange such a concentrated period of one-on-one instruction with several female disciples.

After all, when it comes to teaching, getting too close can breed resentment.

Unexpectedly, Empress Su Miaoyun acted unpredictably, directly presenting a "talent development plan" and insisting that he personally guide her step by step.

Oh well, what can I do when I have the Pure Yang Holy Body?

As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Having accepted the Empress's entrustment, he had no choice but to shoulder the burden of guiding everyone's cultivation.

Lin Fengmian looked at the charming and lovely Yu Chan'er in front of him, and his old face couldn't help but feel a little hot.

When he was giving her guidance before, although he occasionally showed her affection, he asked himself honestly if he really thought of anything else at the time. He just felt that this girl had great talent and should be given more guidance.

He always kept to his limits and never overstepped the bounds—this girl deserved his respect, not to be defiled by lust.

But today is different; they are about to enter the stage of cultivating both body and spirit.

Although the two were already familiar with each other, taking this step suddenly created an ambiguous and awkward atmosphere, and for a moment neither of them knew how to start.