Back on Earth, I am the only cultivator.

For the next two days, this small apartment in the Xingfuli residential area became the two women's temporary retreat for spiritual practice.

"Ice spikes, go!"

In the early morning, in the living room, Wu Xi let out a delicate shout, her fair hands quickly forming three mysterious hand seals in front of her chest.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The moisture in the air was instantly sucked away, and three ice spikes, each about an inch long and entirely blue, materialized out of thin air and pierced fiercely towards a spiritual energy barrier in front of Wu Fan.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

A slight ripple spread across the light screen, and the ice spikes instantly transformed into blue ice shards that exploded and scattered across the wooden floor, before turning into wisps of white mist.

"Brother! Look! Didn't I condense much faster this time?"

Wu Xi jumped up excitedly.

"It's indeed much faster now, and my control over spiritual power has become much more stable."

"However, there was still a slight rush in your breathing when you formed the hand seals. If it were a life-or-death battle, this slight opening would be enough for your opponent to take your life."

"Okay, I'll keep practicing!"

Wu Xi playfully stuck out her tongue.

Standing to the side, Jiang Chuxue watched Wu Xi's rapid progress, a hint of envy and a touch of nervousness flashing in her beautiful eyes.

She clutched the hem of her dress and spoke softly:

"Wu Fan, what about me?"

"I always feel that my 'Spirit Wood Body Protection Technique' is losing some of its spiritual power towards the end."

"Fool, you've only just entered the second level of Qi Refining. You must not be impatient or restless."

Wu Fan walked slowly to Jiang Chuxue and gently took her hand in his.

"Close your eyes and follow my guidance."

As Wu Fan spoke, he separated a wisp of gentle spiritual energy and channeled it through Jiang Chuxue's palm, guiding the spiritual energy vortex within her body to slowly circulate.

"Spirit Wood Protection!"

Jiang Chuxue murmured softly.

"Buzz"

A faint, fluorescent green glow, like the phantom of a giant leaf, gently enveloped her exquisite figure.

The green light shimmered, radiating a vibrant life force, and even the potted plants in the room seemed to grow a little taller.

"Great, that's the feeling."

Wu Fan looked at her, his eyes full of encouragement.

……

With the sound of firecrackers a year old, the spring breeze sent warmth to Tusu.

In the blink of an eye, Lunar New Year's Eve has arrived.

In Xingfuli residential area, every household has put up Spring Festival couplets, and the sound of firecrackers can be heard everywhere.

On this festival of reunion, which is deeply ingrained in the blood of the Xia people,

Inside the small house on the fourth floor of the building

The lights were warm and inviting.

The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year is strong.

The table was laden with steaming dishes: braised pork ribs, stir-fried lobster with scallions, and a plate of freshly cooked dumplings, still steaming.

"Brother, try this!"

"My sister-in-law made the filling herself, and I made all the dumplings!"

Wu Xi grinned and picked up a plump dumpling, holding it directly to Wu Fan's mouth.

Her large eyes curved into crescent shapes, and the dimples on her cheeks were faintly visible.

Wu Fan took a bite, and a rich aroma of meat immediately filled his mouth. He smiled and nodded.

"Not bad, Xiaoxi's skills have improved, and Chuxue's filling preparation skills are even more remarkable."

Jiang Chuxue, sitting to the side, was wearing a loose red sweater today, which made her originally somewhat aloof temperament appear more gentle.

Hearing Wu Fan's praise, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she said somewhat shyly:

"I'm glad you like it, there's plenty more in the pot."

"Come on, let's clink glasses."

Wu Fan picked up his cup and looked at the two girls in front of him.

One is her beloved younger sister, whom she cherishes dearly; the other is her devoted lover.

"Brother, sister-in-law, I wish us many more happy returns of the day!"

Wu Xi happily picked up the juice and said excitedly.

"May we both be safe and sound from now on."

Jiang Chuxue also gently picked up her cup and looked tenderly at Wu Fan.

"Okay, may you be safe and sound, and never be apart."

Wu Fan clinked glasses with them and drank it all in one gulp.

That night, firecrackers went off incessantly outside.

The three of them sat around the television to stay up all night. At the stroke of midnight, as fireworks exploded across the night sky...

Jiang Chuxue nervously gripped Wu Fan's hand and gently leaned against his shoulder.

Happy New Year, Wu Fan.

"Happy New Year."

Wu Fan tightened his grip on Jiao Rou, his eyes filled with tenderness.

……

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated.

A series of low, rumbling engine sounds suddenly came from downstairs in the Xingfuli residential area.

A convoy of several black Rolls-Royces was neatly parked in front of the dilapidated iron gate of the residential area, looking out of place.

Many early-rising residents gathered around, whispering among themselves:

"Holy crap, whose motorcade is that? This is an extravagant display! Even the mayor doesn't go out like this!"

"That license plate? It looks like a car from the Li family, one of the most prestigious families in our city!"

"The Li family? What are they doing in our run-down neighborhood? Does someone with connections live here?"

Amidst the shocked gazes of the crowd, the door of the first Rolls-Royce opened, and Li Wen, the eldest son of the Li family, strode out.

He was wearing a sharp suit and black-rimmed glasses today, but he looked somewhat reserved.

He walked to the entrance of the stairwell, bowed slightly, and spoke in a loud voice:

"Senior, I am Li Wen, and I have come to welcome you to your new home!"

A moment later, Wu Fan, holding Jiang Chuxue's hand, followed by Wu Xi, slowly walked down.

They carried almost no luggage; the belongings of cultivators had already been stored in Wu Fan's storage ring.

"Thank you for making this trip in person, Young Master Li."

Jiang Chuxue smiled politely.

"Miss Jiang, you're too kind. It's Li Wen's honor to serve you and the two young ladies."

Li Wen was flattered and immediately opened the car door for them.

The convoy slowly drove away amidst the almost stunned gazes of the residents.

The convoy sped along and finally drove into the "Cloud Top Villa" located in the eastern part of the city.

Nestled amidst mountains and water, this place is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The car drove through a series of checkpoints and finally stopped in front of the No. 1 detached villa on the mountaintop.

"Senior, this is Villa No. 1 of Cloud Peak Manor."

This is the best and quietest location in the entire city.

I've already had it thoroughly cleaned and rearranged. Please take a look, senior.

Li Wen got out of the car and respectfully handed over the keys.

As soon as Wu Fan got out of the car, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

He could clearly sense that the spiritual energy here was much richer than in the city.

The mountain behind the villa is faintly filled with the energy of water vapor and wood spirit, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

Wow! It's so beautiful!

As Wu Xi stepped through the gate, he couldn't help but sigh at the luxurious villa with its artificial hills and flowing water, its private garden, and its huge outdoor swimming pool.

Jiang Chuxue stood beside Wu Fan, looking at the luxurious building with its modern design.

A happy smile appeared in his eyes.

Do you like it?

Wu Fan asked softly.

"like."

Jiang Chuxue nodded vigorously, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears.

"As long as you're here, it doesn't matter where we live."

After the Li family left, Villa No. 1 in Yunding Mountain Villa returned to silence.

Standing at the highest point of the villa, Wu Fan looked down at the entire estate, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"Since we're staying here temporarily, we can't be without protection."

"rise!"

Wu Fan gave a low shout and suddenly waved his sleeve.

Dozens of spirit stones emitting a faint glow,

And several jade talismans engraved with micro-carved defensive formations,

Transformed into dozens of streams of light,

It blends perfectly into the surrounding environment of the manor.

He rapidly formed hand seals in front of his chest, and the spiritual power of the fourth level of the Golden Core within his body surged out, condensing into complex array runes in the void.

"Gathering spirits from the nine heavens, controlling thunder from heaven and earth, unite!"

As Wu Fan pointed out his last finger.

"Boom!"

A muffled thunderous roar faintly echoed from the void.

A massive golden light curtain shot into the sky from all around the manor, then slowly disappeared, completely merging into the air.

In an instant, the sparse spiritual energy within several kilometers around the villa began to converge rapidly towards Villa No. 1, like rivers flowing into the sea.

The air in the villa area was so rich in spiritual energy that a faint layer of white mist appeared.

The formation of the "Qiankun Thunder Control Formation" means that this villa has become a defensive fortress that can replenish its spiritual energy on its own.

Let alone ordinary martial arts masters, even if modern heavy weapons bombard them one after another, they wouldn't be able to harm the people inside in the slightest before the array's energy is exhausted!

Wu Fan stood in the misty manor and nodded in satisfaction.

"This is my first cultivation ground on Earth."