Gao Wu: Oh no! Young Master Zhen is a cultivator!

"The Wang family, Xie family, Chen family, Zhou family, Zheng family, Huang family, and Wei family of Kyoto, the Liu family of Sichuan, the Kong family of Shandong, and the Qian family of Yangcheng are the ten major families in total."

Lin Hongbo said solemnly, "In addition, there are many vassal families, which together form the aristocratic family alliance."

"The Wang family, the Zhou family, no wonder." A knowing glint flashed in Lin Ran's eyes.

Lin Hongbo leaned forward slightly: "You suspect that these two families deliberately set a trap?"

"Is there any doubt? They deliberately dug a pit for you to fall into." Lin Ran said with certainty.

"The Lin family has been the richest family in Xinhai for quite some time now, so why are they inviting you at this particular time? And why did they specifically create an eleventh seat?"

At this point, a mocking smile crept across his face: "This kind of behavior—wanting to cheat people but being too ashamed to admit it—is truly laughable."

After a moment's thought, Lin Hongbo immediately made up his mind: "Then I'll just refuse directly."

"Why refuse?" Lin Ran's lips curled into a playful smile. "Such a good deal, of course I should agree!"

According to the information Wang Defa gave before his death, the top ten members of the Aristocratic Alliance hold twelve spots for entry into the No. 0 Secret Realm.

Lin Ran possesses cultivation techniques, so the Martial Venerable realm holds no appeal for him.

So, he didn't take it to heart when he heard it.

Looking back now, of those twelve spots, the top family occupied three, receiving far more resources than the other families.

If an eleventh seat is added, will the number of slots for the secret realms be redistributed?

Or perhaps, this so-called eleventh seat is just a formality, offering no real benefits whatsoever?

Since the other party had deliberately set a trap, he decided to go along with it and try to outmaneuver them.

Lin Hongbo hesitated: "But, this might be difficult to explain to your Grandpa Jiang."

"If you're worried about upsetting them, then tell them secretly," Lin Ran said calmly.

"But we must make sure they act this play well, showing that they want to break with the Lin family, otherwise it will be easy for them to give themselves away."

"You mean to openly join in, but secretly stir up trouble?" Lin Hongbo asked with concern, "In that case, the Lin family will probably face suppression from the major powerful families."

"As long as we act well, how will they know if we're being sincere or not?" Lin Ran said confidently.

Lin Hongbo pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Okay! We'll do it your way!"

Night slowly enveloped the entire city of Xinhai, and lights from thousands of homes lit up one after another.

After dinner, Lin Ran returned to his bedroom alone, sat upright on the bed, and closed his eyes to concentrate.

The Secret Realm Protection Organization harbors sinister intentions, the Aristocratic Alliance lays a trap of intrigue, and the overseas Cherry Blossom Country continues to exert pressure.

With various forces entering the fray, the situation has become increasingly complex.

However, for Lin Ran, the muddier the water, the easier it is to fish.

He cleared his mind of distractions, took out the crystal core, and began to practice his cultivation technique.

A peaceful night passed, and as dawn broke, the morning light streamed through the curtains.

A crisp bell rang out suddenly, breaking the morning tranquility.

Lin Ran raised his wrist, and the screen displayed Chu Xining as the incoming caller ID.

He tapped his fingertip to answer the phone.

A sweet, soft, girlish voice came through the receiver, tinged with a hint of reproach.

"Brother Lin Ran, you said you'd spend time with me after you finished your work, but I'm about to start school. When are you going to keep your promise?"

Lin Ran coughed twice, his tone somewhat apologetic: "Ahem... I've been so busy lately, let's do it today, I happen to have some free time today."

"So where are you planning to take me today?" Chu Xining's tone instantly became a little lighter.

Lin Ran's mind raced, and he casually suggested, "How about I take you to the secret realm?"

"Who goes on a date to a secret realm?" Chu Xining asked with a hint of resentment.

"Going to the secret realm can also help you improve your combat power. After school starts, you can become the big sister of Xinhai Martial Arts Academy based on your combat ability."

"I don't care about being a big sister."

Lin Ran asked with a smile, "Then where do you want to go?"

"Hmm..." Chu Xining thought for a moment, "It seems there's no particular place I want to go. As long as Brother Lin Ran is with me, I'll be happy no matter where we go."

Lin Ran said with a hint of helplessness, "You've really given me a difficult problem."

After a brief moment of thought, he came up with another idea: "I've got it! I'll give you a surprise later."

After hanging up the call, Lin Ran got up and got out of bed.

Although a dust-avoiding spell could cleanse him, he still preferred to wash himself.

I always have to wash my face every morning to feel refreshed.

After a quick breakfast, he stepped out the door and, in a flash, headed straight for the Chu family villa.

A moment later, outside the Chu family courtyard, Lin Ran raised his hand and pressed the doorbell.

Before long, Chu Xining arrived quickly, carrying the little fox, and opened the courtyard gate.

Her eyes crinkled into crescents, and her smile was radiant: "Brother Lin Ran."

Shen Ruyun followed closely behind and walked out the door, her expression warm and gentle: "Lin Ran is here."

"Auntie." Lin Ran nodded politely.

"Come in and sit down." Shen Rujun stepped aside to offer him a seat, her attitude warm and welcoming.

Seeing that Lin Ran had become a Tongxuan Realm martial artist, the Chu family had already changed their attitude.

The F-rank Awakened who were once looked down upon have now become top-tier powerhouses whom they can only look up to.

"No need, Auntie, I'll take Xining out for a stroll," Lin Ran politely declined.

Shen Rujun didn't insist: "Okay, then you guys go ahead and have fun."

"Okay, Auntie." Lin Ran turned to Chu Xining beside him and said softly, "Let's go, I'll take you somewhere."

"Where are we going?" Chu Xining asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

You'll know when you get there.

Lin Ran reached out and took her wrist, leading her out of the villa courtyard.

When they reached a secluded corner, he suddenly bent down and swept Chu Xining into his arms.

A surge of air rose beneath his feet, and his body suddenly took to the air, speeding towards the mountains and forests outside the city.

Chu Xining suddenly took to the air, looking down at the buildings and streets rushing past below, and was slightly startled.

"Ahhh...it's too high!"

Tu Shan Wushuang in her arms also kept her eyes tightly closed, screaming incessantly.

"When you break through to the Transcendent Realm, you will also need to learn to fly," Lin Ran said gently, slowing down his pace.

Chu Xining nestled in his arms and asked in confusion, "Speaking of which, how exactly did Brother Lin Ran manage to reach the Profound Realm in just a few months after awakening?"

"I'll tell you later." Lin Ran kept him in suspense and continued flying out of the city.

After flying for several miles, it landed in a quiet forest.

The forest is lush with vegetation, the air is fresh and moist.

Chu Xining landed on her feet, looked around, and asked in confusion, "What are we doing here?"

"Now, it's time to witness a miracle!"

Lin Ran smiled and snapped his fingers.

Snapped!

Invisible ripples spread silently in the space, and a secluded grotto slowly unfolded.

A hazy, ethereal light enveloped the surroundings, isolating all external sounds and sights.

Chu Xining's pupils contracted slightly, her face filled with surprise and doubt: "What's going on?"

"Let's go in and take a look." Lin Ran reached out and pulled Chu Xining along, heading into the cave.

Stepping inside, the scenery changes, and lush greenery greets you.

The two landed on an island in the middle of the lake. The surrounding terrain was flat, and the lake water was crystal clear.

Several weeping willows stand by the water, their soft branches drooping and swaying gently in the wind.

Exotic flowers and rare herbs bloom everywhere, creating an endless expanse of life.

The mutated fruit tree, having lost all its fruit, stood silently in the center of the island.

Lin Ran raised his hand and waved it, and a stone table and benches instantly appeared on the open ground.

He pulled Chu Xining to sit down, and with a thought, hundreds of flowers suddenly bloomed, their vibrant colors surrounding the two of them, filling the air with a rich fragrance.

Chu Xining looked around at the stunning scenery, her eyes filled with amazement.

Wow! So beautiful!

The little fox broke free from Chu Xining's embrace, landed lightly, and hopped and frolicked among the flowers.

Its furry body moved nimbly among the flowers, while simultaneously transmitting its thoughts to Lin Ran.

"Is this your hidden paradise?"

Lin Ran glanced down at the frolicking little fox and replied calmly, "You know quite a lot."