What does my ancestor's pregnancy have to do with me, a mere servant?

One hour later.

The stone chamber of the old cave has returned to silence.

Lin Feilu calmly adjusted her plain white dress. Her slender fingers smoothed out the slightly disheveled hem inch by inch, ensuring that every wrinkle was back in its proper place.

She gathered her long hair back up, inserting the plain silver hairpin into her bun at the exact same angle as when she arrived.

Her complexion was rosy, and her skin, which was originally pale and cold, now had a healthy glow.

The sharpness in his eyes softened, replaced by an indescribable languor—like a snow leopard that had just had a hearty meal, its claws retracted into its paw pads, its eyes half-closed as it enjoyed the aftertaste.

The magical power within his body flowed smoothly.

His Foundation Establishment stage cultivation was more solid and refined than an hour ago. The speed of mana flow in his meridians increased by nearly 20%, and the sluggishness during the flow almost completely disappeared.

This level of cultivation efficiency is simply astonishing.

An hour of arduous practice is equivalent to a month of seclusion for her.

Lin Feilu put down her hands that were tidying her clothes and took a deep look at Lin Yuan's reflection in the bronze mirror.

The man in the blue robe sat cross-legged on the stone bed, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing. His expression was calm and undisturbed. "I'm leaving," Lin Feilu said, withdrawing her gaze.

His tone returned to its usual coldness.

She pushed open the door, the hem of her plain white dress swept across the threshold, and she soared into the air.

The figure disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

……

Inside the cave.

Name: Lin Yuan

[Cultivation Level: Early Foundation Establishment Stage]

【六品丹师：0/100000（可加点）；八品灵植师：0/1000（可加点）；七品符师：0/10000（可加点）；七品器师：0/10000（可加点）】

[Formless Mortal Transformation Technique: Perfected (Cannot be upgraded); Thousand Evolutions Corpse Control Technique*Remnant: Perfected (Cannot be upgraded)]

Remaining attribute points: 32658

Lin Yuan stared at the numbers at the bottom and shook his head helplessly.

They truly had to survive in the cracks and live under the threat of violence.

……

Lingcui Peak, Sima Duan's Cave Abode.

Separated from Black Crow Mountain by a large part of Xuan Yin Peak, on the other side of Ling Cui Peak, there is a magnificent cluster of pavilions.

With its green-tiled roofs and upturned eaves, jade steps, and towering spiritual trees all around, the area is filled with rich spiritual energy. This is the private residence of Sima Duan, the Grand Elder of the Xuan Yin Sect who has reached the Core Formation stage.

Inside the lobby.

Jiang Huaiyue, dressed in a smart black robe with the Bloodthirsty Blade of Breaking Qi hanging at her waist, silently entered the hall, carrying a purple-gold wooden tray in both hands.

On the tray sat two cups of fragrant tea, steaming gently. The tea liquor was a clear, emerald green, emitting a delicate aroma.

She gently placed a cup of spiritual tea on the purple wood tea table at the head of the table, and another cup to the side of the guest seat. Her movements were skillful, respectful, and proper.

After doing all this, she remained silent and quietly retreated to Sima Duan's side, standing quietly like a wooden or stone statue.

On the surface, it appears as a proper disciple showing respect to his master.

My heart was completely unmoved.

Her heart was no longer in this grand hall.

Two people sat upright in the lobby.

Sima Duan sat in the main seat. He wore a dark purple robe, his temples were gray, and his face was thin and dignified.

In the guest seat sat a female cultivator dressed in a magnificent emerald green robe.

This woman possessed a mature and radiant beauty, her eyes and brows carrying an unyielding arrogance and indifference. The slight tilt of her chin exuded an innate sense of superiority, as if nothing in the world could possibly meet her standards.

Her facial features are extremely similar to Li Yang's. They are almost like two peas in a pod.

If Lin Yuan were here, he would recognize her at a glance—this woman is Li Yang's twin sister, Li Lan. She is also a Core Formation stage cultivator, and the strongest among the current direct descendants of the Li family.

Li Lan picked up the teacup, her slender fingers pinching the lid, and casually stirred the foam on the surface of the tea.

She lifted her gaze from the teacup and glanced at Jiang Huaiyue, who was standing quietly behind Sima Duan.

"Your disciple's cultivation has improved remarkably," Li Lan said calmly. "Your aura is solid, and your magical power flows smoothly and without hindrance. You have already firmly entered the late stage of Foundation Establishment."

Her cup lid gently tapped the rim of the cup, producing a crisp clinking sound of porcelain.

"Although the Crimson Forbidden Zone is a place where one is almost certain to die, this girl, even though she failed to obtain the position of Saintess, must have had extremely rich opportunities within it. Otherwise, she wouldn't have progressed so quickly."

Jiang Huaiyue remained expressionless, showing no reaction. She kept her eyes down, her breathing steady.

"You've come in person today, not to praise a junior," Sima Duan interrupted the pleasantries, his voice low and direct. "How's the marriage we agreed on last time progressing?"

He leaned forward slightly, his sharp, hawk-like eyes fixed on Li Lan.

"I won't beat around the bush. You know my situation. I'm just one step away from condensing my Nascent Soul. I've been stuck on that step for a full ten years."

His voice was lowered, and his tone carried an undisguised urgency.

"If I could have the assistance of your Li family's pure Yin body, and break through the bottleneck by harnessing the power of Yin and Yang harmony, reaching the Nascent Soul stage would be within reach. And once I step into the Nascent Soul stage, I will be the sixth Nascent Soul cultivator after the sect's five great ancestors. At that time, you should understand what the influence I would have in the Elder Council would mean."

Li Lan put down her teacup.

"The family is already putting pressure on us," Li Lan sneered, her smile devoid of any warmth. "My sister has always been arrogant, thinking she can remain unscathed within the Li family with her meager Danbao Pavilion business. How naive."

She crossed her legs, and the emerald green skirt slipped to one side, revealing a section of her fair ankle.

"The family has given her a final deadline. If she still cannot break through from the early to the middle stage of Core Formation this year, it will prove that her cultivation has reached its limit."

Li Lan's voice turned cold.

"At that time, the family's enforcement team will take direct action. They will forcibly seal her Qi Sea and send her to your residence."

Sima Duan nodded slightly and leaned back in her chair with satisfaction.

"good."

Li Lan tapped her knee lightly with her fingers twice.

"However, I have come today for another matter."

"What is it?" Sima Duan asked.

Li Lan frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. A hint of annoyance flashed in her eyes.

"It's about my disciple, Wen Yuci."

Upon hearing this name, Li Lan's expression visibly changed. A mixture of irritation and a rare hint of anxiety lingered between them.

"You know about the extreme cold cultivation technique she practices; it's incredibly powerful, but the backlash is equally astonishing. The reverse flow of yin-cold energy damages her meridians."

Li Lan took a deep breath.

"We have now reached the critical stage of condensing the Golden Core. If we cannot suppress the rebellious cold energy within our bodies as soon as possible, at best our cultivation will be completely ruined, and at worst we will suffer from qi deviation and severed meridians."

"There's only one way—the Frost Marrow Lotus." Li Lan said, emphasizing each word. "This substance can neutralize the reversed cold energy and repair the cracks in the dantian. It's the only medicinal ingredient to save Yu Ci."

Her tone turned somber.

"During this trip into the Crimson Forbidden Land, I arranged for people to collect Frost Marrow Lotus. Everything went smoothly."

"but--"

Sima Duan remained silent for a few moments.

"It's really difficult to deal with Senior Sister Shen taking the Frost Marrow Lotus. Given her temperament, she's unlikely to give back what she's taken. Besides, she's a Nascent Soul cultivator, while I, though at the Great Perfection of Core Formation, have to be careful what I say in front of her, even uttering a fart requires careful consideration."

He changed the subject and leaned forward slightly again.

"but--"

Those hawk-like eyes stared directly at Li Lan.

"If you can hurry up and make your sister's marriage happen..."

He slowly rubbed his right thumb and forefinger together, making a meaningful gesture.

"That Cold Marrow Lotus has nine petals. Whether for alchemy or medicine, Uncle Shen will only use three or four petals at most. Nearly half of the petals will inevitably be left unused. I'll go to pay my respects to the sect under the pretext of trying to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, and incidentally, I'll act as a go-between, allowing you to meet Uncle Shen in person. Then, you can personally ask for a few extra petals, and the chances of success will be extremely high."

A glint of light flashed in Li Lan's eyes.

She made the decision immediately, her tone resolute without the slightest hesitation.

"That's exactly why I came." She stood up, the hem of her emerald green gown cascading down the floor like water. "Don't worry. The family will take care of things with my sister within three months. You can focus on preparing for your challenge."

The two finalized their plan amidst the fragrant aroma of tea.