792: Without leakage, marriage? (A massive chapter of 110,000 words!)

Liu Ling's gaze fell directly on Lin Yang, carrying a hint of scrutiny.

Zhao Yuan had spread the news that Lin Yang was already approaching the peak of the Yuan He Realm.

To tell the truth, Liu Ling, and even most people, did not really believe it in their hearts.

Because this was absurd.

He was previously at the early stage of the Yuan He Realm, and suddenly he was approaching the peak.

It was hard for anyone to believe.

Although there was no need for Zhao Yuan to lie, one could only be certain by seeing it with one's own eyes.

Liu Ling stared at Lin Yang, carefully sensing the changes in Lin Yang's aura.

His eyes became increasingly solemn.

Because Lin Yang had no intention of concealing his aura fluctuations; that thick aura was incomparably solid.

It was undoubtedly the cultivation of the late stage approaching the peak!

"How could it be so fast?"

Liu Ling still couldn't quite believe it in his heart, but he maintained a calm expression, slowly releasing his own aura, then climbing bit by bit until it reached its peak.

The next instant.

Lin Yang and Liu Ling both made their moves at the same Time.

There was no communication, nor was there any need for it.

Both sides understood each other's purpose.

Vast power erupted.

Lin Yang did not use World-in-a-Flower, only thrusting out with the Silver Dragon Spear, one strike after another.

Liu Ling had originally wanted to resist head-on to test where Lin Yang's power limit was.

But as the Silver Dragon Spear thrust out, his eyes couldn't help but change slightly. He dared not be arrogant and resist head-on anymore, instead dodging to the side.

However, since the Silver Dragon Spear had already locked onto him, it was naturally not that easy for him to dodge.

Liu Ling used his Dao weapon to counterattack, attempting to weaken the might of the Silver Dragon Spear.

Boom, boom, boom.

The two forces collided, erupting with bursts of roars.

Tiny cracks appeared in the void, sending out ripples.

One strike, two strikes, three strikes...

The immense pressure made Liu Ling retreat step by step, in a sorry state.

On Lin Yang's side, it was relaxed and casual.

The difference in skill was immediately apparent!

"It's truly incredible. This Guest Elder Lin of the Zhao family is so strong, completely suppressing Liu Ling."

"I heard that when the Ancient Ruins invasion ended, this Guest Elder was already suppressing middle-stage Yuan He Realm experts from other families with his early-stage Yuan He Realm cultivation, building the current foundation for the Zhao family. I hadn't come to Xiwu City then, so I just thought it was an exaggeration. I didn't expect that now, both being in the late stage, Liu Ling is actually completely outmatched."

"This Guest Elder of the Zhao family is probably worthy of being called the number one person in Xiwu City."

"I don't know what kind of good fortune this Zhao family has, to actually be able to obtain the help of such a Guest Elder. It's really enviable."

"..."

The spectators watching the battle could see the situation even more clearly.

Although the battle between Lin Yang and Liu Ling did not look very intense or grand on the surface.

But this kind of pure power suppression could most intuitively reflect the gap in strength between the two.

Liu Shan was also watching the battle.

Just now, when Liu Ling said that even if the two of them joined forces, it was unlikely they would be a match for Lin Yang, he was still a bit unconvinced, saying that Liu Ling was bolstering the morale of others.

But now, as he watched the battle, a look of frustration appeared in his eyes.

Judging from Lin Yang's relaxed and casual performance, Liu Ling was right; even if he joined the battle now, it still wouldn't change anything.

Liu Shan's expression flickered, and he turned to leave. He wanted to arrange for the members of the Liu family to take away as many resources as possible at the fastest speed before the battle ended.

The battle continued.

Although Liu Ling was no match for Lin Yang, he was still struggling to hold on; he wanted to buy more Time for the Liu family.

Seeing this, a faint glint flashed in Lin Yang's eyes.

He naturally could also see Liu Ling's intentions.

Immediately, the Silver Dragon Spear was suddenly retracted, followed instantly by thousands of spear shadows thrusting straight towards Liu Ling.

He did not intend to tangle with Liu Ling; he wanted to end the battle directly.

After all, ending the battle one minute earlier meant the Liu family could steal away fewer resources.

Those resources were all his!

Liu Ling's expression changed, realizing the change in Lin Yang's offensive.

Such a fierce offensive was a bit difficult for him to parry.

He also instantly understood Lin Yang's thoughts.

Lin Yang did not want to let him drag out the Time.

Feeling the suddenly increased power, Liu Ling gritted his teeth, suddenly turned around, and ran towards Xiwu City, shouting at the same Time: "This Time, my Liu family has lost!"

He admitted defeat.

If he continued to fight, he felt that even if Lin Yang respected the rules and didn't kill him on the spot, he would still be crippled.

He could not be crippled.

If he wasn't crippled, even if the Liu family gave up the position of one of the Five Great Families, they would still be a top-tier family, and there might still be a possibility of seizing the position of one of the other four great families in the future.

If he was crippled, then it would be completely over.

Liu Ling admitted defeat very decisively.

The spectators were not surprised.

Since Lin Yang's cultivation was not intentionally exaggerated by Zhao Yuan, Liu Ling's defeat was inevitable.

It was just a pity that they didn't get to see a spectacular battle.

And with Liu Ling's defeat and admission of defeat, the Zhao family naturally ascended to the position of one of the Five Great Families, swallowing up the Liu family's industries and territories.

The people of Xiwu City originally thought the Zhao family would take advantage of the momentum to continue expanding, but the Zhao family did not make any further moves afterwards.

Inside the Zhao family residence.

Zhao Yuan and the elders of the Zhao family were all in high spirits.

They had never imagined that they too could become one of the Five Great Families.

"Guest Elder Lin, this is the total account after annexing the Liu family's industries and territories. We will liquidate some assets that can be cashed out as soon as possible and exchange them for the corresponding resources for you."

Zhao Yuan personally handed the summarized total accounts to Lin Yang for review.

Lin Yang was not polite and began to look through it.

It was made very clear before taking action this Time: he helped the Zhao family ascend to the position of one of the Five Great Families for the sake of resources.

He took the lion's share, and the rest belonged to the Zhao family.

When it came to resource issues, he naturally would not be vague.

After a careful review, Lin Yang returned the accounts to Zhao Yuan and said:

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhao. Now that we have annexed the Liu family's industries, the resources should be enough for the Time being."

It wasn't that he didn't have the ability to annex some of the industries of the other four great families as well.

But it was for the sake of the Zhao family's future.

Dealing with only one Liu family, the Zhao family would probably be able to handle it in the future.

If he offended the other four great families all at once, after he left Xiwu City, the Zhao family would likely be destroyed.

Therefore, Lin Yang had no intention of continuing to expand.

With the massive amount of industries from the Liu family, plus the power feedback from "World", and added to the fact that he was already approaching the peak.

Although the resources required to break through to the Dao Wulou Realm Practitioner were an astronomical figure, it was barely enough if he scraped them together.

After all, now that the Zhao family had become one of the new Five Great Families, the speed of obtaining resources was at least ten Times faster than before.

Especially since he had shown absolute suppressive power when fighting Liu Ling, this would make other families in Xiwu City, including the other four great families, afraid to easily conflict with the Zhao family over resource issues again.

This could also invisibly reduce resource losses and increase invisible gains.

Therefore, the overall resource income was very considerable.

After all, the previous Five Great Families had similar strength to each other, and could mutually check and balance each other, so no one could occupy an absolute advantage in some matters. But his strength was now unmatched in Xiwu City; he could be said to be the uncrowned king of Xiwu City.

Naturally, the Zhao family had also become the strongest among the Five Great Families.

Therefore, the Zhao family's resource income was actually far exceeding any of the Five Great Families in the ordinary sense before.

There was no need to continue reaching out to the other four great families.

After all...

If it really didn't work out, he could even take the initiative to set up a Spirit Communication Array, let that Yin Soul come over, and then let "World" absorb it.

The power that "World" had fed back to him after absorbing the Yin Soul's power previously was simply too terrifying.

This was also not a bad way to improve.

Of course, this was the last resort.

He would not use it lightly.

After arranging the Zhao family's affairs and incidentally taking away a large batch of resources, Lin Yang went to the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm.

The absorption of the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm by "World" had not yet stopped.

"Now, I can sprint towards the peak of the Yuan He Realm."

Lin Yang said to himself.

This wave of annexing the Liu family had yielded many resources. He was already approaching the peak, and with sufficient resources, a breakthrough was just around the corner.

It wouldn't even take much Time.

The facts were indeed so.

Following Lin Yang's seclusion.

It took less than ten thousand years to break through to the peak of the Yuan He Realm without any suspense.

Lin Yang had no emotional changes.

Because what followed was the truly difficult path.

The peak of the Yuan He Realm was only one step away from the Dao Wulou Realm Practitioner.

But this step had hindered thousands upon thousands of people.

Although he was confident that there would be no surprises in the end and he would definitely be able to break through successfully.

He still had to treat it cautiously.

Lin Yang's estimate was about two hundred thousand years.

Just for this path from the peak to the Dao Wulou Realm Practitioner, he estimated it would take about two hundred thousand years.

This was a little longer than the total Time it took him to break through from the early stage to the peak.

It was enough to see how difficult it was to take this step.

But compared to those who were stuck at this step and could hardly see any hope of breaking through, being able to cross it in two hundred thousand years was something many people dreamed of.

Lin Yang slightly adjusted his mindset.

To continue cultivating for as long as two hundred thousand years at once was also a rare experience for him.

The only advantage was that this Time he did not need to go into a closed-door seclusion, nor did he need to cultivate to the end in one breath.

He still needed to receive resources brought by the Zhao family from Time to Time.

Although the Zhao family was currently one of the Five Great Families, they could not take out the massive amount of resources needed for him to cultivate continuously for two hundred thousand years all at once.

Still the same saying, the production and conversion of resources require a certain amount of Time.

Therefore, Lin Yang did not need to go into closed-door seclusion.

Time passed leisurely for ten thousand years.

On this day, Lin Yang received a communication from Yu Qing.

He was still quite surprised.

Because since Yu Qing last told him that she was going deep into the Gu Xu Clan, nearly one hundred thousand years had passed, and she had not contacted him during this period.

Lin Yang connected the communication and smiled: "Fellow Daoist Yu Qing, long Time no see. How are you doing now? Are you still in the Gu Xu Clan, or have you returned to Xiwu City?"

Yu Qing said: "Fellow Daoist Lin Yang, thank you for your concern. I am doing well, and I am currently still in the Gu Xu Clan, but I am planning to return to Xiwu City soon."

"Have you been staying in the Gu Xu Clan for so long?" Lin Yang asked in surprise.

Yu Qing nodded: "Yes, I was also in seclusion before, and only recently came out. Let's not talk about me for now; I should congratulate you instead. I heard that you have supported the Zhao family to become one of the Five Great Families of Xiwu City, with strength unmatched in Xiwu City. To be honest, when I first heard it, it was truly unbelievable. Your cultivation has actually improved so fast!"

Yu Qing's words revealed some surprise.

She had also just come out of seclusion, and hearing this news was indeed quite shocking.

Lin Yang's improvement speed was terrifyingly fast.

Lin Yang laughed: "It's a matter of coincidence and luck."

"Coincidence? Luck?" Yu Qing couldn't help but laugh, "Why must Fellow Daoist Lin Yang be so humble? I have never heard of cultivation being able to improve by luck in this world."

Lin Yang smiled slightly and didn't say much.

It was indeed luck for him.

If it weren't for "World" absorbing the Yin Soul's power and feeding it back to him.

It would have been impossible for him to improve his cultivation by two small levels in a row.

After a pause, he asked: "Fellow Daoist Yu Qing, do you have something to discuss with me this Time? It wouldn't be just specifically to congratulate me, would it?"

Yu Qing also smiled: "Can't I just come to congratulate you? Or is it that Fellow Daoist Lin Yang is expecting me to have something to discuss with you?"

Lin Yang was stunned: "This... it's not that, then thank you, Fellow Daoist Yu Qing."

Yu Qing's smile did not diminish: "Fellow Daoist Lin Yang wants to complete our agreement from back then as soon as possible, right?"

Hearing this, Lin Yang did not deny it: "Fellow Daoist Yu Qing, to tell you the truth, I have indeed always kept the agreement from back then in mind. If there is an opportunity, I naturally hope to complete it as soon as possible."

Back then, Yu Qing provided the funds to take him away from the Ancient Ruins invasion.

He promised to help Yu Qing complete one thing.

He would naturally not forget this promise.

Yu Qing laughed: "Fellow Daoist Lin Yang, the agreement is not urgent for now, and you don't need to keep it in mind all the Time. Still the same words as before, I won't make things difficult for you."

"Alright." Lin Yang smiled helplessly.

"Fellow Daoist Lin Yang, then I won't disturb you for now. Your cultivation improvement is so fast that it puts a lot of pressure on me. It seems I have to work hard too, otherwise, I will just be a pure drag in the future." Yu Qing smilingly ended the communication.

Lin Yang couldn't help but knit his brows slightly.

This person Yu Qing was a bit mysterious.

Possessing huge wealth, unknown origin, and the words she just said were also very meaningful.

It sounded like the thing she wanted him to do in the future not only had high requirements for his cultivation, but it also seemed to be the same for Yu Qing herself.

Otherwise, Yu Qing shouldn't have said things like his improvement making her feel pressured and being a drag.

"What could it be that Fellow Daoist Yu Qing wants to do?" Lin Yang thought to himself.

A moment later, he took back his thoughts and concentrated on his cultivation again.

Guessing now was meaningless; improving as soon as possible was the most important thing.

Time flew by.

Unknowingly, more than ten thousand years passed.

Lin Yang's cultivation had almost reached the critical point of breakthrough.

He had already touched the threshold of the Dao Wulou Realm Practitioner.

He only needed an opportunity, a realization of the Dao, to break through in one go.

And in these more than one hundred thousand years, the Zhao family's resource supply to Lin Yang had always been fully supported, without ever having the slightest slack.

There had been no major changes in Xiwu City.

That day, Lin Yang paused his cultivation. After considering for a moment, he sent a message to Zhao Yuan: "Fellow Daoist Zhao, I temporarily need a batch of additional resources to break through my cultivation bottleneck. The required amount is quite large, and you might need to cover it for me first. Would that be possible?"

He had originally estimated that it would take two hundred thousand years to reach the breakthrough, but he had reached the threshold early, after only over one hundred thousand years. However, he had not prepared enough resources.

If he were to push for the breakthrough now, once successful, he would need massive amounts of resources to stabilize his cultivation in the Dao Wulou Realm.

Yet, his current resources were insufficient, and he needed the Zhao Clan to provide some support.

However, he understood the Zhao Clan's situation over these years; most of their resources had been supplied to him, so he feared the Zhao Clan was likely running low.

Therefore, he added: "If resources are tight, we can also delay it."

However, Zhao Yuan replied almost instantly: "No problem, Guest Elder Lin. Just let me know how much you need. My Zhao Clan has accumulated some reserves over these years. If you need them, we will exhaust everything we have to gather them for you!"

"Then many thanks." Upon hearing this, Lin Yang did not exchange too many pleasantries. He kept this favor in his heart.

He informed Zhao Yuan of the required amount of resources. When Zhao Yuan saw it, he was indeed startled.

For so many years, although the Zhao Clan had firmly remained one of the Five Great Families and had obtained countless resources, they had indeed provided a large amount to support Lin Yang's cultivation. Now that he suddenly needed so much more, it was indeed difficult to produce it all at once.

He called Zhao Xiongshan and the others to discuss it. Zhao Xiongshan and the group of elders looked at each other in dismay after reading it.

"This... this is too much. The main issue is that the Time is too short. If we had more Time, even just a few tens of thousands of years, we could scrape it together. Needing so much on such short notice is truly difficult to manage."

As the Clan Head, Zhao Xiongshan usually managed all affairs, and after a rough calculation, he spoke with some difficulty.

Zhao Yuan pondered for a moment after hearing this, then decisively said: "If I have guessed correctly, Guest Elder Lin is likely preparing to break through to the Dao Wulou Realm. We cannot delay such a major event. Let the clansmen scrape together what they can, and sell whatever can be sold. We must gather these resources as quickly as possible."

Another elder couldn't help but say: "Supreme Elder, if Guest Elder Lin breaks through, I fear he will leave Xiwu City, just as he said he would back then."

"If we now spare no cost and use the entire clan's strength to gather resources for him, once he breaks through and leaves, won't we suffer heavy losses?"

"Otherwise, let's just give a portion, to leave ourselves a way out. Once Guest Elder Lin leaves Xiwu City, we will definitely be targeted, and we will need the capital to make a comeback."

Hearing this, two other elders subconsciously nodded in agreement: "That's right, Supreme Elder. Although we have become one of the Five Great Families by relying on Guest Elder Lin over these years, the vast majority of our resources have already been supplied to him, and we haven't saved up much of a foundation."

"He suddenly wants so much more; it's as if we've been working for him alone all these years. Why don't we keep a little bit back?"

Zhao Yuan's gaze suddenly turned cold: "Zhao Xian, Zhao Ben, Zhao Cheng, the three of you shut up! If it weren't for Guest Elder Lin, how could our Zhao Clan have been so glorious for so many years? Let alone becoming one of the Five Great Families, we would likely still be that second-rate clan!"

"As for that nonsense you're spouting about working for Guest Elder Lin alone all these years, have you not enjoyed the corresponding benefits during this Time?"

"If we weren't one of the Five Great Families, the resources you've enjoyed over these years, even if you were a second-rate clan for a million years, you would never have enjoyed them!"

"The benefits you have already enjoyed, aren't they already tangibly with you?"

"These benefits are things a second-rate clan could never enjoy!"

"To dare to say such nonsense now, you are absolutely disgraceful!"

Saying this, Zhao Yuan mercilessly kicked each of them out of the main hall: "The three of you, go and reflect behind closed doors immediately. If you dare to speak nonsense again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

After speaking, he looked back at Zhao Xiongshan and the remaining elders, saying: "What about you? What do you think? Do you feel that what those three just said makes sense?"

Zhao Xiongshan immediately said: "The Supreme Elder is absolutely correct. We have already enjoyed benefits that were previously unimaginable; naturally, we should be content and grateful to Guest Elder Lin. Therefore, I also agree to fully gather resources for Guest Elder Lin now."

"We agree too!" the other elders said one after another.

Only then did Zhao Yuan snort coldly: "That's more like it. My Zhao Clan members must not be the type to forget their roots. Not to mention that Guest Elder Lin might not leave immediately after breaking through, even if he were to leave directly, no one is allowed to have any complaints."

"We will strictly follow the Grand Elder's teachings." Zhao Xiongshan and the others said in unison.

Subsequently, orders were passed down, and they began to prepare the resources with all their might.

In the end, after the Zhao Clan took on a significant amount of debt, they successfully gathered the resources.

Then, it was personally delivered to Lin Yang by the Grand Elder Zhao Huoshan, who had also successfully broken through to the Yuan He Realm.

When sending it, Zhao Yuan specifically instructed Zhao Huoshan not to mention that they had struggled to gather the resources, so as not to distract Lin Yang. He was afraid that Zhao Huoshan might not be able to help himself and would make unnecessary comments.

Zhao Huoshan naturally complied and did not mention a single thing when delivering the resources.

After receiving the resources, Lin Yang immediately began to push with all his might to break through to the Dao Wulou Realm.

Meanwhile, in the distant Fuzhou Prefecture, within a relatively remote mountain range, the Huan Yin Sect was located.

In the current Fuzhou Prefecture, there were many people and countless sects. For a small sect like the Huan Yin Sect to have a mountain peak to stand on, it was already not easy.

In a quiet Villa within the sect, Xia Shuang sat on a stone stool, a hint of weariness between her brows.

The current Xia Shuang did not look much different from the seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl she was back then. Not only was her appearance still as stunning as it was initially, but she had also added a touch of nobility and the aura of cultivation. At a glance, she seemed as ethereal as moonlight.

But now, the trace of sorrow on her face could never be dispelled.

Wen Qingsu sat opposite Xia Shuang, her face also filled with endless sorrow, and a gentle voice came from her mouth: "Xiao Shuang, that Mu Yunhan from the Lan Ye Holy Sect has just sent another letter, saying he will give you another ten thousand years, and that you must marry him within that Time. This is the final deadline."

There was an irrepressible bitterness in Wen Qingsu's words. Looking at Xia Shuang's expression, she paused and said with guilt: "Your master knows your heart. You don't like him. It is my incompetence that I cannot protect you."

Xia Shuang immediately said: "Master, please don't say that. The Lan Ye Holy Sect is powerful, and we cannot afford to offend them. If he insists on forcing me to marry him, no one can stop him. Since he wants me to marry within ten thousand years, then I will just marry him."

Wen Qingsu felt even more distressed, and then, as if she had decided something, she said solemnly: "Xiao Shuang, if you are unwilling, run away starting from today. I will find a way to help cover for you. Run far away and do not come back."

Hearing this, Xia Shuang was startled, and then said: "Master, I... I cannot leave. If I leave, he will not let you go, nor will he let the sect go."

"Silly child, you don't need to worry about your master, nor do you need to worry about the sect. Our Huan Yin Sect has long existed in name only. At worst, the sect will disband from now on. If he wants to cause trouble, I will take it on," Wen Qingsu said softly.

"Master, I cannot leave!" Xia Shuang still shook her head. "Mu Yunhan has already set up measures around the sect. I cannot escape, and I would only implicate you and the sect."

Xia Shuang's tone was firm: "I have already been targeted by him. He is the Holy Son of the Lan Ye Holy Sect and also the direct grandson of a Dao Wulou Realm ancestor of the Lan Ye Holy Sect. With the strength of the Lan Ye Holy Sect, I cannot escape anywhere. Rather than running away and getting caught, and then implicating you and the sect, it would be better to just grant his wish. At the very least, it might bring some benefits to the sect."

"Xiao Shuang, you..." Wen Qingsu felt a lump in her throat, her heart pained to the extreme. As a master, being unable to even protect her own disciple from being forced into marriage made her feel immensely painful.

"Master, do not be sad. You should think about the positive side. At least the Lan Ye Holy Sect is powerful. If I marry over there, I won't suffer, will I?" Xia Shuang comforted Wen Qingsu in turn.

"Sigh... Xiao Shuang, it's all because your master is useless!" Wen Qingsu's eyes reddened upon hearing this. "That Mu Yunhan has a poor character. If you marry over there, how could you not suffer?"

Xia Shuang still said softly: "Master, this is not your fault, and you don't need to worry about the future. Isn't that still a long way off?"

"Please tell Mu Yunhan for me that I can willingly marry him, but he needs to have the Lan Ye Holy Sect send someone to Xiwu City to bring my Big Brother Lin Yang back."

"Big Brother Lin Yang raised me to adulthood; in my heart, he is like a father. Now that I am to be married, I hope that my Big Brother Lin Yang can come to witness it."

Wen Qingsu wiped the corner of her eyes, suppressing the pain in her heart, and said: "Alright, I understand. Your Big Brother Lin Yang's kindness in saving and raising you is as heavy as a mountain. If we didn't know he was still alive, that would be one thing, but since we have already made contact, we might as well take this opportunity to have the Lan Ye Holy Sect send someone to bring him back. Being all alone in a place as far as Xiwu City, it certainly cannot be easy for him."

Xia Shuang nodded: "That is exactly my intention. I want to take this opportunity to bring Big Brother Lin Yang back. However, I am also a bit worried. If Big Brother Lin Yang finds out the truth after returning, he will feel pained for me or even become angry. I do not want him to worry, so I am also a bit hesitant about whether to bring him back."

She wanted to use this opportunity to make the Lan Ye Holy Sect spend money and effort to bring Lin Yang back. This was also the main reason she was willing to be forced to marry over there.

She did not know how Lin Yang had suddenly ended up in a place as far away as Xiwu City, but now she wanted to take the opportunity to let Lin Yang return.

Wen Qingsu hesitated for a moment upon hearing this and said: "Then, how about we don't bring him back? Let the Lan Ye Holy Sect send him a large batch of various cultivation resources. As long as he has cultivation resources in hand, it is the same wherever he cultivates."

"But I am worried that if that's the case, Big Brother Lin Yang will be too dangerous alone outside. Carrying a huge fortune, it would be terrible if someone sets their sights on him," Xia Shuang said with some concern.

"This... is indeed a problem." Wen Qingsu frowned, but thought for a moment and said: "However, your Big Brother Lin Yang has been able to live alone in Xiwu City for so many years; he should have some ability and is certainly not a reckless person. Currently, there is no perfect solution. If you don't want him to worry about you, it would be better not to bring him back but to send resources over instead."

"If it really doesn't work, we can have the people from the Lan Ye Holy Sect deposit a sum of resources at a trading firm over there, the kind that your Big Brother Lin Yang can withdraw at any Time. This can reduce the risk of him carrying too much on him and being coveted by others."

This made Xia Shuang's eyes light up: "That's right, let's do that. I am indebted to Big Brother Lin Yang for saving me and raising me to adulthood; this Time will just be my way of repaying him."

"Sigh, I fear that your Big Brother Lin Yang would rather not have this repayment than see you like this..." Wen Qingsu sighed.

Xia Shuang forced a smile: "This is already the best result, Master."

Wen Qingsu was silent. After a long Time, she said: "I will help you tell him."

"Hmm." Xia Shuang nodded, took out the communication jade slip, thought for a moment, and sent a message to Lin Yang: "Big Brother Lin Yang, I have found a Dao companion and am about to be married. I hope to receive your blessing from afar. Sincerely, Xiao Shuang."

Xiwu City. Inside the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm. Lin Yang's breakthrough had reached the final stage.

After many years of accumulation, his understanding of the Space Dao had reached the most perfect level for him at the moment. A mysterious feeling of perfection surged in his heart. He seemed to have merged with space itself. His whole person seemed to have become a part of space.

The next second. Many mysterious laws of the Space Dao flashed through his mind one by one. Accompanied by a subtle feeling of flawlessness and completeness. Dao Wulou Realm — achieved.

Hoo... Lin Yang opened his eyes suddenly, and the aura around him became restrained. Unlike the imposing momentum of every previous breakthrough, he instead seemed more like an ordinary person.

Dao Wulou Realm! The power of the Dao was perfect and flawless, fully controlled, with not a single trace of aura leaking out. It had quite a flavor of returning to simplicity.

"The Dao Wulou Realm allows for perfect control over the power of the Dao one has mastered, without a single bit of waste."

Lin Yang pointed with his fingertip, and a crack appeared in the void before him. But it did not cause any other fluctuations. This was one of the manifestations of having mastered the power of the Dao to perfection.

Previously, when he used his techniques, it would cause some power fluctuations to some extent. But now, as long as he wanted, the space power could be calmly mobilized and used without causing any fluctuations at all.

Unless the other party was also an existence of the same level, as long as he wanted to hide, no one would be able to detect any traces of power fluctuations. This meant that he could even silently kill anyone below the Dao Wulou Realm in full view of everyone. The other party wouldn't even be able to find the source of the power. This was terrifying.

"The Dao Wulou Realm is indeed very strong. The control over the power of the Dao is far beyond the Yuan He Realm; the gap between them is too large to even compare." Lin Yang couldn't help but marvel. Immediately, he took out the communication jade slip as usual to read it.

It had become a habit; after every retreat, he would check the communication jade slip to see if there was anything important.

The next instant.

His expression shifted slightly.

"Hmm? That Little Girl Xia Shuang actually found a partner and is getting married??"

Lin Yang was somewhat surprised.

He wasn't surprised that Xia Shuang found a partner, but he was surprised that she was getting married so directly!

After all, Xia Shuang hadn't mentioned anything about having a partner to him before.

Suddenly saying she was getting married naturally caught him off guard.

It was like having a daughter back on Blue Star who didn't even have a boyfriend, only to have her suddenly announce she was getting married one day; anyone would be stunned by that.

However, Lin Yang quickly regained his composure.

Since that Little Girl Xia Shuang was getting married, it was naturally a happy occasion.

He hurriedly replied, "Xiao Shuang, first of all, congratulations on entering a new stage of your life. You really gave me a huge surprise. Secondly, you sure kept a tight lid on things, Little Girl. You never mentioned having a partner before, and suddenly you tell me you're getting married, hahaha."

After sending the message, he didn't wait for Xia Shuang's reply.

Since she was getting married, she must have a lot of things to take care of.

Afterward, Lin Yang began to ponder something.

That was, since that Little Girl Xia Shuang was getting married, shouldn't he return for a visit to offer his congratulations in person?

After all, this Little Girl was raised by him.

If he didn't have the strength to return, that would be one thing.

But he was now in the Dao Wulou Realm, and he also cultivated the Space Dao.

With his current strength, he was fully capable of traveling across multiple prefectures on his own.

Going from Xiwu City to Fuzhou Prefecture wouldn't take long at all, much faster than taking a Teleportation Array.

Since it was so convenient to come and go, he should certainly return to offer his congratulations in person.

He also needed to prepare a generous gift.

It would serve as a dowry.

"Back in Baichi City, before Cheng Fu passed away, he entrusted me with taking good care of Xia Shuang and gave me all his savings to pass on to her. I watched that Little Girl grow up. Now that he is gone, it is only right that I carry out his wishes and prepare a dowry for her."

Thinking this, Lin Yang stood up and left the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm directly.

At the same Time, he sent another message to Xia Shuang asking about the wedding date.

He hoped he could make it in Time and not miss it.

However, even if he missed it and couldn't make it to the wedding, he still had to make this trip.

"World" was still absorbing the power of the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm.

He didn't know what kind of entity this Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm was, as it had been absorbed by "World" for so many years without any issues.

But now that he was preparing to return to attend the Little Girl's wedding, he naturally had to pause the absorption by "World."

Returning to Xiwu City, Lin Yang went straight to the Zhao family.

Along the way, he concealed himself, not letting anyone discover him.

He didn't want others to know about him coming out of seclusion for the Time being.

After all, there were no Dao Wulou Realm Practitioners in Xiwu City.

If word got out, it would inevitably cause a sensation, followed by people coming to pay their respects.

Not just the various major families, but officials from both Xiwu City and the prefecture capital would come.

The others were one thing, but if officials from the prefecture capital came, he would have to give them face and meet them.

After all, the officials represented the Human Ancestor Hall.

The Human Ancestor Hall was the largest official organization of the entire human race on the Primal Ancient Continent.

It was overseen by several of the strongest human powerhouses, who managed it together.

That was why it could command all parties and protect the safety of all human cultivators.

Human members not killing each other without cause was one of the rules established by the Human Ancestor Hall.

This was also why each prefecture had a Prefecture Army that patrolled various places to maintain order.

There were also the reception points, and the regulations regarding local sects having to accept human cultivators who arrived at the Primal Ancient Continent through these points—all these beneficial policies for newcomers were established by the Human Ancestor Hall.

These were all the handiwork of the Human Ancestor Hall.

Although, regarding the rule against killing each other, they didn't really care much as long as it didn't happen in some public setting.

For example, private duels were tacitly allowed.

This was also a way of tempering and competition.

However, in general terms, the Human Ancestor Hall aimed to ensure the lives of as many cultivators as possible.

For instance, the prohibition against killing people within cities, and so on.

In a broader sense, the Human Ancestor Hall was like a massive, scaled-up national institution.

It established rules at a macro level to protect ordinary cultivators as much as possible.

Then, these were enforced by the Prefecture Army in each region.

But it wasn't as strict; for example, killing someone in a major country on Blue Star would certainly lead to sanctions.

But on the Primal Ancient Continent, as long as one didn't violate those bottom-line rules, the Prefecture Army wouldn't really pursue, investigate, or punish private disputes and killings.

Only the relatives, friends, or sect of the deceased would pursue it.

But he was preparing to leave for Fuzhou Prefecture immediately and didn't have Time to hold down the fort at the Zhao family and receive visitors.

So he planned to slip away quietly first, and it wouldn't be too late to return to Xiwu City to receive visitors after attending the Little Girl Xia Shuang's wedding.

"World" still needed to absorb the power of the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm, so he would definitely have to come back.

Moreover, even if he were to switch to mainly cultivating the Time Dao, he would still need to raise his Time Dao to a certain level before considering traveling abroad.

He wouldn't be leaving Xiwu City entirely for the Time being.

When he appeared silently and suddenly before Zhao Yuan.

It really gave Zhao Yuan a fright.

Although Zhao Yuan had received advance notice from Lin Yang and knew that Lin Yang was coming.

He didn't expect Lin Yang to arrive so suddenly and so quickly!

And there were no signs at all.

He didn't even detect the slightest fluctuation of power or change in aura.

Looking at Lin Yang before him, whose aura was calm, as if he were an ordinary person, Zhao Yuan seemed to understand something and immediately couldn't help but widen his eyes, saying:

"Lin... Guest Elder Lin, you... no, have you perhaps broken through?"

Lin Yang's aura currently made him look like an ordinary person.

But how could an ordinary person approach him silently?

Moreover, Lin Yang had been in seclusion all these years, and even if he had failed to break through, he wouldn't have fallen to the level of an ordinary person.

So there was only one possibility.

That was, Lin Yang had reached the Dao Wulou Realm!

At this thought, Zhao Yuan's breathing became a bit rapid.

Dao Wulou Realm!

Don't look at the fact that he had also successfully reached the late Yuan He Realm over these years.

But he knew that, barring any accidents, the best he could do in this lifetime was to advance a bit more to reach the peak of the Yuan He Realm; it was unlikely he would have the chance to step into the Dao Wulou Realm.

The Yuan He Realm and the Dao Wulou Realm were only one realm apart, yet they were worlds apart.

This difference of one realm had stumped countless Yuan He Realm practitioners.

A Dao Wulou Realm Practitioner is an existence that can truly be called a sect founder or ancestor.

Looking at the entire human race, these were figures standing at the peak.

In Xiwu City, it was even more unique.

Even though Xiwu City was a major border city, the strongest person in the city before this had only been at the peak of the Yuan He Realm.

And now, Lin Yang had become the first and only Dao Wulou Realm existence.

Zhao Yuan couldn't help but reveal envy and longing in his eyes, as well as a bit more admiration and awe.

He knew how terrifying Lin Yang's speed of improvement had been along the way.

When Lin Yang was first rescued by Zhao Hu and Zhao Chen outside Xiwu City, he was only in the Nie Kong Realm.

And at that Time, he was already a Supreme Elder of the Zhao family at the mid Yuan He Realm.

But now, Lin Yang had gone from the Nie Kong Realm to the Dao Wulou Realm.

Yet he had only improved by one small realm.

This gap made Zhao Yuan have to admire him, and at the same Time, feel immense awe.

He hadn't seen many geniuses, but he had heard of plenty.

But none of the so-called peerless geniuses he had heard of seemed to be as terrifying as Lin Yang.

Zhao Yuan even subconsciously lowered his head slightly to show respect.

Seeing this, Lin Yang sighed inwardly; the improvement in strength indeed brought about significant changes. He didn't dwell on it too much and said with a smile:

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, good eye. To tell you the truth, I did luckily break through. This is all thanks to the resources Fellow Daoist Zhao prepared previously, which allowed me to promote smoothly."

Hearing Lin Yang still call him Fellow Daoist, Zhao Yuan couldn't help but shudder and quickly said, "I dare not, Guest Elder Lin, you are too kind."

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, there is no need for this. You and I both know the relationship between me and the Zhao family. You don't need to be so formal; I am still a Guest Elder of the Zhao family," Lin Yang said slowly.

Zhao Yuan felt inexplicably relieved, filled with an indescribable sense of honor, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Guest Elder Lin."

Immediately after, he looked at Lin Yang and said with some trepidation:

"Guest Elder Lin, since you have already broken through and returned quietly, are you preparing to leave Xiwu City?"

Just now, Lin Yang had only sent a message telling him not to make a fuss, to wait alone at the Zhao family Villa, and that he would come to the Zhao family to find him, so he hadn't thought much of it.

But now that he knew Lin Yang had broken through, and coupled with the fact that Lin Yang had previously said he would leave Xiwu City after breaking through to the Dao Wulou Realm.

This made Zhao Yuan very nervous now.

Although he had been prepared for Lin Yang's departure from the beginning, he didn't expect that Lin Yang would seem to be leaving right after breaking through.

As for not letting him make a fuss, it was surely to create the illusion that Lin Yang was still there for as long as possible, to protect the Zhao family for as long as possible.

Zhao Yuan's mood was somewhat complicated.

Lin Yang smiled slightly:

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, I am indeed going to leave Xiwu City."

As expected!

Zhao Yuan gave a bitter smile.

He had really guessed it right.

Lin Yang was leaving.

For a moment, Zhao Yuan could not hide his disappointment.

In his heart, he actually still hoped that Lin Yang could stay a while longer, even if it was just for a few years or decades, to give them some Time to relocate.

But Lin Yang was going to leave so decisively...

However, the next second, before he could think any further, he heard Lin Yang say again:

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, although I am leaving, it is only for a temporary period, because I am going to attend a wedding."

"Hmm... my foster daughter Xia Shuang's wedding. She is getting married now, so I need to go to Fuzhou Prefecture. Therefore, I still need to keep my coming out of seclusion a secret for now. It won't be too late to announce the news of my breakthrough after I return from Fuzhou Prefecture."

"As for the Time I'll be gone, I estimate it will be at most about a thousand years."

"Ah... ah??"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuan was stunned at first, then shocked!

What did he hear?

It was true that Lin Yang was leaving, but only temporarily, and he would be back in at most a thousand years!

"This, this..."

Zhao Yuan was a bit dazed for a moment, and his face inexplicably flushed.

His mood at this moment could be described as an emotional roller coaster, rising and falling.

Lin Yang was leaving, but not entirely.

This huge gap and the surprise made Zhao Yuan's blood rush.

Afterward, he shuddered, seemingly thinking of something, and hurriedly said:

"No problem, no problem, everything will be done according to Guest Elder Lin's arrangements. Please wait a moment, Guest Elder Lin, forgive my rudeness, I will leave for a moment."

Saying this, Zhao Yuan didn't wait for Lin Yang to speak, bowed, and hurried away.

Then, he returned in a rush, even a bit out of breath, took out a spatial ring, and handed it to Lin Yang with both hands, saying:

"Just now, hearing Guest Elder Lin say that you are going to Fuzhou Prefecture to attend your foster daughter's wedding, this is the Zhao family's wedding gift for Miss Xia Shuang. I hope Guest Elder Lin will pass it on for us."

Lin Yang couldn't help but be stunned.

He had thought that Zhao Yuan had left suddenly just now because of some urgent matter, but he hadn't expected that he had gone to prepare a wedding gift for Xia Shuang.

This was...

"Ahem, Fellow Daoist Zhao, you are very thoughtful."

Lin Yang coughed dryly and did not decline; after all, this was a wedding gift for Xia Shuang, and no matter how much it was, it was the Zhao family's intention.

He accepted it gladly and said, "Then I will thank you on behalf of that Little Girl Xia Shuang. I am preparing to set off now. If there is anything, send me a message at any Time."

"Very well, Guest Elder Lin, I once again represent the Zhao family in congratulating Miss Xia Shuang on her wedding!" Zhao Yuan said with a smile.

Lin Yang nodded, took a step, and disappeared before Zhao Yuan's eyes.

Zhao Yuan watched Lin Yang leave, his mood inexplicably stirred.

To be honest, when he heard Lin Yang say he was going to leave Xiwu City, he even had a moment of panic.

He just hadn't expected that Lin Yang was only leaving temporarily.

So now, only excitement remained.

He seemed to see the Zhao family taking flight once again.

PS: I am ashamed, the update is late. Today's chapter has over 11,000 words, close to 12,000 words, to make up for the late update, so that the Readers can enjoy it in one go. Please forgive me! (End of chapter)