I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Inside the cave hall, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the cave ceiling, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The light and shadow changed slowly as the sun moved, like flowing time, tranquil and beautiful.

The air was filled with the faint aroma of spiritual tea, mixed with the fragrance of a few pots of spiritual herbs in the corner, making one feel intoxicated by the scent.

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin were sitting at a stone table, on which several array diagrams were spread out.

The array diagrams were densely packed with various runes and lines, some as bold as dragons and snakes, others as delicate as strands of hair, layer upon layer, interlocking in one another.

Xin Ruyin lightly tapped the runes on the array diagram with her finger, explaining something in a soft voice.

Her voice was soft and clear, like a mountain spring, bringing peace to the listener's heart.

"Zhou Lang, look here. The position of this node can actually be slightly adjusted to make the flow of the Five Elements power smoother..."

Zhou Ding listened attentively, occasionally raising his own questions.

Although his mastery of formations was far inferior to Xin Ruyin's, his foundation was solid, and he could occasionally ask insightful questions.

The two worked together seamlessly, and through their question-and-answer exchanges, the secrets of the formation were gradually revealed.

The sunlight shone on Xin Ruyin's face, giving her a soft glow.

Her profile looked exceptionally gentle in the light and shadow, with her long eyelashes casting soft shadows on her eyelids.

Her slender, fair fingers traced lightly across the array, as if playing a silent melody.

Looking at her, Zhou Ding felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

These days are wonderful.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded.

The footsteps were fast and heavy, completely unlike the quiet, nimble little girl she usually was.

"I've broken through! I've broken through!"

Xiaomei rushed out of the quiet room, her face filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Her hair was a little messy and her clothes were wrinkled, clearly indicating that she had rushed out as soon as she finished her cultivation.

Xiaomei's voice was clear and loud, echoing in the hall.

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin both looked up at her.

Xiaomei ran up to the two of them, put her hands on her hips, and proudly showed off her presence.

That aura was much stronger than before; it was indeed a breakthrough from the fourth level of Qi Refining to the fifth level.

Although it was just a small step, it was a huge improvement for this playful little girl.

A look of surprise flashed in Xin Ruyin's eyes, and she quickly stood up and walked forward.

"Xiaomei, you really broke through?"

She held Xiaomei's hand, carefully sensing her presence.

It is indeed at the fifth level of Qi Refining, with a solid foundation and no trace of superficiality.

This shows that Xiaomei has indeed been practicing diligently during this period and has not been slacking off.

Xiaomei nodded vigorously, her face full of pride, her chin practically pointing to the sky.

"Of course! Miss, I haven't been slacking off. I've been cultivating diligently for the past two weeks! I've been meditating and cultivating every day. I'm almost going stir-crazy, but the thought of spending my life with Miss and the young master has kept me going."

A relieved smile appeared on Xin Ruyin's face, and her eyes were even a little moist.