He fell off a cliff but unexpectedly gained a cultivation inheritance.

For three whole days, the main peak plaza of the Huashan Secret Realm was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. The celebration held by the Immortal Sword Sect for Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding's new breakthrough to the Core Formation stage was a grand event unprecedented in nearly five hundred years. Yue Buwei personally presided over the ceremony, dressed in a robe embroidered with the pattern of a green sword, sitting solemnly and gratified on the jade steps in front of the main hall. During the ceremony, he personally handed two lustrous and translucent jade waist tokens to Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding. The tokens were carved entirely from thousand-year-old warm jade, with the three characters "Immortal Sword Sect" engraved on the front and the name of a Core Formation cultivator embedded in the back, a spiritual energy imprint exclusive to Core Formation cultivators. Wearing them allowed them to gather surrounding spiritual energy and further highlighted the sect's core status.

In addition to the spirit jade waist token, Yue Buwei also ordered the opening of the low-level resource area of ​​the sect's treasury to distribute benefits to every disciple participating in the celebration. A long queue formed outside the treasury, the disciples' faces beaming with joy as they held the heavy resources in their hands, their eyes filled with envy and admiration as they looked at the two newly promoted Core Formation cultivators on the jade steps. This grand treatment was not only the sect's recognition of Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding's strength, but also a deliberate encouragement from Yue Buwei—he wanted all the disciples to understand that as long as they diligently cultivated and broke through their cultivation levels, they could become the sect's darlings and enjoy boundless glory.

For three days, the lanterns in the plaza burned all night, and the sect's prepared spiritual meals were served continuously. Disciples from each peak took turns congratulating Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding, their laughter echoing through the main peak. Xie Ding, with his cheerful disposition, toasted each person, his words filled with gratitude for the sect. Yue Ling'er, on the other hand, was gentle and poised, dressed in a plain white dress, her body surrounded by a faint wood-attribute spiritual energy. She responded to the congratulations from her fellow disciples, her eyes revealing the lightness she had gained after her breakthrough. Zhang Bufan and Ye Qingxue stayed by Yue Ling'er's side throughout. The former calmly handled the greetings from all sides, while the latter gently adjusted Yue Ling'er's robes. The three worked together seamlessly, drawing secret admiration and envy from many disciples who admired Zhang Bufan for having such beautiful companions.

As the sun set on the third day, the celebration finally came to a close. With Yue Buwei's command, the spirit lanterns in the square gradually went out, and the disciples dispersed in an orderly fashion. However, the cultivation atmosphere throughout the entire Huashan Secret Realm had reached its peak due to the celebration. Disciples could be seen everywhere on their swords heading towards the convergence point of the spiritual veins, and countless cultivators were meditating in their caves. Even the usual afternoon chats among fellow disciples were now rare. Everyone was determined to take advantage of the sect's abundant resources and the secret realm's closure to cultivate diligently, break through their cultivation levels as soon as possible, and become the next person revered by the entire sect.

Standing at the edge of the plaza, Zhang Bufan gazed at the vibrant, upward-looking energy, feeling a sense of satisfaction. The Immortal Sword Sect had gained fame in this battle at Kunlun, and now, with the addition of two Core Formation cultivators, the foundation for the sect's rise was firmly established. He turned to Yue Ling'er and Ye Qingxue beside him and said softly, "Let's go back to Qinglan Peak." Yue Ling'er nodded obediently, and Ye Qingxue smiled in agreement. The three of them stepped onto their flying swords side by side and flew towards Qinglan Peak.

Qinglan Peak is Zhang Bufan's exclusive mountain. Compared to the bustling main peak, it remains tranquil and serene. Spiritual herbs abound, streams murmur, and the spiritual energy in the air is even richer than on the main peak. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of these herbs, soothing the mind and spirit. The cave dwelling is built into the mountainside, its wooden doors blending seamlessly with the surrounding scenery. A small herb garden has been cultivated in the courtyard, planted with spiritual seeds Zhang Bufan brought from the Xuanqing Secret Realm, which are now thriving and radiating a faint spiritual glow. Here, there are no sect affairs to disturb, no peers to watch; it is Zhang Bufan's private haven with his two wives.

The moment Zhang Bufan stepped into the cave, his nerves, which had been taut for over a month, finally relaxed completely. From the fierce battles in the Kunlun Secret Realm to the glorious moment of winning the Foundation Establishment group championship, and then to the celebrations and social engagements after returning to the sect, he had never dared to relax for a moment. Now, with the sect's status soaring due to his achievements, his own value being recognized by the entire sect, and the Huashan Secret Realm closed for another ten years, completely isolating him from the covetousness and scheming of the outside world, he felt an unprecedented sense of ease for the first time.

He turned to look at Yue Ling'er beside him. The transformation she underwent during her Core Formation stage had brought about a tremendous change in her. Her skin, beneath her simple white dress, glowed with a radiant luster nourished by spiritual energy, like the finest mutton-fat jade, so delicate it was flawless. Her aura had become increasingly ethereal and otherworldly, yet her eyes betrayed an undeniable tenderness and dependence on Zhang Bufan. This captivating beauty made Zhang Bufan's emotions surge uncontrollably; a torrent of love swept over him.

He longed to spend quality time with his two wives, but during the month spent in the Kunlun Secret Realm, everyone had shared a hall. Because of the watchful eyes of his master, Yue Buwei, and the other disciples, he, Yue Ling'er, and Ye Qingxue had always maintained a respectful distance, barely having any private time together. After returning, he was busy preparing for the celebration and dealing with congratulations from all sides. It had been over a month since he had had a single intimate moment with them. Now, in their cave on Qinglan Peak, undisturbed by anyone, it felt as if only the three of them existed in the world. Zhang Bufan could no longer restrain himself and grasped Yue Ling'er's hand tightly. The touch from her fingertips was delicate and warm, carrying a faint spiritual warmth.

Yue Ling'er's cheeks flushed instantly, like a ripe peach, but she didn't pull away. Her eyes held the same expectation and tenderness as she let Zhang Bufan lead her quickly into the inner room. Ye Qingxue stood there, watching their backs, a gentle smile on her lips. She didn't go forward to disturb them, but turned around and closed the cave door, shutting out all outside noise for them. Then she sat down at the stone table in the courtyard, picked up a spirit stone, and quietly began to meditate and cultivate—she knew that Zhang Bufan and Yue Ling'er had also been suppressing their feelings for a long time.

Inside the room, the light was soft, and the air was filled with the faint scent of spiritual herbs and Yue Ling'er's own aura. Zhang Bufan gently embraced Yue Ling'er, and in that instant of intimate contact, he clearly felt the changes in her body. The spiritual energy reshaping during her Core Formation not only repaired the minor hidden injuries left by her past cultivation but also made her skin smoother and firmer, with a touch far superior to before; every inch of her skin radiated the warmth of spiritual energy nourishment.

To his even greater surprise, Yue Ling'er's body had returned to its original purity, just as it had been on their wedding night, without a trace of impurity. This unexpected joy stirred Zhang Bufan's heart intensely; all his fatigue and tension vanished, leaving only boundless happiness and tenderness. He carefully protected the beauty in his arms, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world, his heart overflowing with affection.

However, this extreme joy was quickly replaced by a subtle sense of loss. Yue Ling'er was already a Core Formation stage cultivator. Her physical body had been tempered and reshaped by a massive amount of spiritual energy, and its strength and resilience far surpassed those of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators. Even without deliberately using spiritual energy for defense, the inherent foundation of her physical body was incomparable to Zhang Bufan, who was currently at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Although Zhang Bufan was exceptionally talented, with a physique far exceeding that of other cultivators of the same level and more abundant spiritual energy, he still seemed powerless in the face of the vast gap in their cultivation levels.

No matter how proactive he was, Yue Ling'er could easily handle him thanks to her Core Formation stage physique. That composure and calmness weren't deliberate; they were instinctive reactions brought about by her cultivation level. This tenderness lasted for three days and three nights. Zhang Bufan exerted all his strength, but was constantly at a disadvantage, eventually collapsing on the bed, exhausted and forced to give up. Yue Ling'er, however, remained calm, her cheeks flushed, her eyes full of tenderness. She gently wiped the sweat from Zhang Bufan's forehead, her tone slightly teasing: "Husband, you don't look like someone who could sweep through Foundation Establishment stage cultivators like this."

Looking at the smile in her eyes, Zhang Bufan felt both amused and annoyed. He reached out to pull her into his arms, but even lifting his arm seemed a bit too weak. He knew in his heart that it wasn't that he wasn't strong enough, but rather that the difference in their cultivation levels was too vast—Foundation Establishment and Core Formation were a huge chasm on the path of cultivation, requiring a qualitative leap in physical body, spiritual power, and soul. This disparity didn't breed resentment in him; instead, it ignited a fierce fighting spirit within him.

Afterwards, Zhang Bufan secluded himself in his cave for three full days to recuperate, nourishing his body with immortal peaches and spiritual spring water each day until he gradually regained all his energy. During this time, Ye Qingxue would bring him personally prepared spiritual meals every day, silently accompanying him and protecting him. She never uttered a word, but her actions provided him with the gentlest comfort. After regaining his energy, Zhang Bufan and Ye Qingxue spent tender moments together. Ye Qingxue was still at the late Foundation Establishment stage, not much different from his cultivation level. With her, Zhang Bufan regained a sense of control, and his inner confidence returned.

Ye Qingxue, gentle and kind, knew Zhang Bufan's resentment and softly comforted him, "Husband, you are exceptionally talented and blessed with the Xuanqing inheritance. Breaking through to the Core Formation stage is only a matter of time. There's no need to rush." ​​Zhang Bufan hugged her, feeling warm inside, and nodded, "I understand. But seeing that Ling'er has already advanced, I also want to break through as soon as possible so that I can better protect the two of you."

This experience strengthened Zhang Bufan's resolve to cultivate. He rose and walked into the courtyard, gazing at the thriving spiritual herbs in the herb garden, a sharp glint in his eyes. During his trip to Kunlun, he had obtained the complete formulas for the Youth-Preserving Pill and the Core Formation Pill. The Xuanqing Secret Realm contained countless spiritual materials for refining pills, and the ten years of its closure provided him with the perfect opportunity to focus on cultivation and pill refining. He had to break through to the Core Formation stage as soon as possible, not only to catch up with Yue Ling'er but also to become a steadfast protector for his two wives, freeing them from the dangers of the outside world.

At the same time, a strange sense of anticipation arose in his heart. Yue Ling'er had such a surprising transformation after reaching the Core Formation stage; would Ye Qingxue experience the same unexpected joy when she broke through to the Core Formation stage in the future? This anticipation took root and sprouted in his heart like a seed, filling him with longing for his future cultivation and life.