19: Chapter 19 The Storm Is Brewing

Tianjian Peak, Qingyun Cottage.

It was late autumn, and the leaves of the spirit trees in the courtyard were stained golden-yellow, shimmering with a warm luster under the afternoon sun.

The surface of the pond was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the overhanging eaves of the main building.

The air was permeated with the faint scent of Spiritual Plants and a subtle, reassuring fragrance of medicine.

Inside the bedroom of the main building, Liu Ruyan leaned against a reclining chair covered in soft brocade, her belly noticeably swollen; she was less than half a month away from her due date.

Her complexion was rosy, and her breathing was steady; although she had become slightly fuller due to pregnancy, it only added to her gentle charm.

At this moment, she was gently stroking her belly, a tender smile on her lips, while her gaze drifted from time to time toward the spirit field outside the window.

By the edge of the spirit field, a toddler of about a year old, wearing a red bellyband and sporting two small pigtails, looked like a carved jade doll.

She was wobbling as she chased a colorful spirit butterfly, emitting crisp, giggling laughter. It was Lin Wan and Liu Ruyan's eldest daughter, Lin Qingyao.

The little girl had inherited her parents' excellent features; her eyebrows and eyes were like a painting, her skin was so fair it was almost translucent, and her pair of lively, large eyes were clear to the bottom.

Deep within her pupils, golden, blue, and green lights faintly swirled.

She seemed naturally close to Spiritual Qi; as she ran, faint, almost invisible three-colored light spots lingered around her, causing the flowers and plants in the courtyard to lean slightly toward her.

"Qing Yao, run slowly, be careful not to fall." Xiao Yun walked in carrying a freshly brewed bowl of fetal-protection spirit porridge, and she couldn't help but smile and warn the little girl frolicking in the courtyard.

She was now in the prime of her youth; because she practiced the Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique and consumed spirit meals year-round, her skin was lustrous, her posture was upright, and her temperament was gentle yet carried a hint of vigor.

Although her cultivation had not yet reached the Innate stage, her movements already possessed considerable strength, and three or five burly men could not easily get close to her.

"Auntie Yun!" Hearing the voice, Qing Yao immediately gave up chasing the butterfly, took short, unsteady steps as she rushed toward Xiao Yun, hugged her leg, and tilted her little face up, acting spoiled in a milky voice, "Yao Yao is hungry."

"You little glutton, are you hungry again right after eating a spirit fruit?" Xiao Yun bent down to pick her up and pinched her tender little face. "This is fetal-protection porridge for your mother; you cannot drink it. How about Auntie Yun gets you some cloud-flake cakes?"

"Okay~" Qing Yao nodded obediently, hugging Xiao Yun's neck, while her big eyes rolled toward Liu Ruyan's belly. She reached out a small hand, seemingly wanting to touch it but hesitating slightly, "Little brother... little sister..."

Liu Ruyan smiled and pulled her little hand over, gently placing it on her own belly: "Does Qing Yao want to touch little brother or little sister?"

When Qing Yao's little hand touched the round belly, she immediately felt a powerful fetal movement from within, as if responding to her.

She widened her eyes in surprise, her little mouth forming an "O" shape, and then giggled: "It moved! Little brother and little sister like Yao Yao!"

Liu Ruyan and Xiao Yun looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of tenderness. Although Qing Yao was young, she was very spiritual and seemed to be able to vaguely sense the emotions and state of the fetus in the womb.

Just at this warm moment, a slight sound of breaking air came from outside the courtyard. A five-colored stream of light landed quietly, and as the light dissipated, it revealed the tall figure of Lin Wan.

He was wearing a simple cyan Daoist robe today, his long hair tied up with a wooden hairpin. His face was handsome, his aura was as deep and steady as a mountain, and his gait was firm, blending faintly into the surrounding environment.

It had been nearly a year since he returned from the Secret Realm. He had been living in seclusion, spending most of his time in Qingyun Cottage cultivating, digesting what he had gained from the Secret Realm, consolidating his Five Elements Spirit Body, and comprehending the Great Five Elements True Scripture.

His cultivation had quietly stabilized at the Peak of the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, just a hair's breadth away from the Middle Stage.

"Daddy!" Qing Yao's eyes lit up. She immediately struggled down from Xiao Yun's arms, took short, unsteady steps, and opened her arms, rushing toward Lin Wan like a fledgling returning to its nest.

The cold expression on Lin Wan's face instantly melted, turning into endless tenderness. He bent down, picked his daughter up, and lifted her high, causing the little girl to emit silver-bell-like laughter.

"Did you listen to Mommy and Auntie Yun today?" Lin Wan gently touched his forehead against his daughter's.

"Yes! Yao Yao was very good! I even helped Auntie Yun water the flowers!" Qing Yao hugged Lin Wan's neck and proudly announced, then, as if offering a treasure, she took out a crystal-clear, faintly fragrant cyan fruit from her arms, "Daddy, look, the 'Heart-Clearing Fruit' in the backyard is ripe. Auntie Yun said the first one is the sweetest, so Yao Yao saved it for Daddy to eat!"

A warm current surged in Lin Wan's heart. He took the fruit and took a bite in front of his daughter's expectant gaze. The sweet juice melted in his mouth, carrying the effect of clearing the heart and calming the spirit. "Mhm, it's very sweet. Thank you, Yao Yao."

"Senior Brother is back." Liu Ruyan said softly on the reclining chair, her eyes full of attachment.

"Big Brother Lin." Xiao Yun also greeted him with a smile.

"Mhm." Lin Wan carried Qing Yao to Liu Ruyan's side, and with his other hand, he gently held hers, inputting a gentle and pure Five Elements spiritual power to check the condition of her and the fetus. "How are you feeling today? Has the child been behaving?"

"Very good, just moving more vigorously than Qing Yao did back then. I'm afraid it's a mischievous little boy." Liu Ruyan smiled, feeling the warm spiritual power from Lin Wan's palm, her whole body feeling comfortable.

Lin Wan scanned with his Divine Sense. The fetus in the womb was developing extremely well, with a vigorous life force, far exceeding Qing Yao at the same period.

What surprised him was that the child's spiritual power attribute seemed even more complex than Qing Yao's. Qing Yao had clear Gold, Water, and Wood Spiritual Roots. But this one seemed to have a response to all Five Elements Spiritual Qi, yet it was mixed and unclear.

It would sometimes be sharp like the Metal element, sometimes full of vitality like the Wood element, sometimes soft and moist like the Water element, sometimes scorching like the Fire element, and sometimes heavy like the Earth element. It was constantly changing and difficult to define.

"Could it be... a Five Elements Spiritual Root?" A shocking thought popped into Lin Wan's mind.

But the Five Elements Spiritual Root, also known as "False Spiritual Root" or "Waste Spiritual Root," was recognized as the worst Aptitude because having all Five Elements meant they countered each other, making cultivation twice the effort for half the result and extremely difficult.

However, his child's life force was so strong and full of spirituality that it didn't seem like that...

"Perhaps it is because of my Five Elements Foundation Establishment and the influence of my Dao Foundation, coupled with the improvement of Ruyan's Physique, that the child is innately responsive to all Five Elements Spiritual Qi. I will only know for sure after the birth."

Lin Wan suppressed his doubts. Regardless, it was his own flesh and blood, and he would naturally Cultivate it with all his heart.

"By the way, Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother came by earlier. Seeing that you were in seclusion, he didn't disturb you but left a message saying that Revered Master wants you to go to Lingyun Hall after you come out of seclusion." Liu Ruyan remembered something and said.

"Revered Master is looking for me?" Lin Wan nodded. "It should be to ask about the Secret Realm and subsequent arrangements. I will go and return shortly."

He handed Qing Yao to Xiao Yun and instructed Liu Ruyan to rest well, then rose on his sword, turning into an inconspicuous cyan sword light, flying toward the main Peak of Tianjian Peak.

Along the way, he could feel many gazes, open or hidden, falling upon him. It had been nearly a year since he returned from the Secret Realm, but rumors about his performance in the Secret Realm and the opportunities he gained were rampant in the Inner Sect.

Especially the news of his Five Elements Foundation Establishment and his suspected acquisition of an ancient Legacy, which attracted countless attention, envy, jealousy, and even... greed.

Ghost-Hand Daoist, Elder Sun, Elder Zhou, and others, although constrained by Sect rules and the deterrence of Yue Lingyun, dared not openly attack Tianjian Peak, but the suppression, spying, and provocation in the dark had never stopped.

Elder Li (Zhao Yuan's clan uncle) at the Spirit Plant Department even tried every possible way to trip up Qingyun Cottage, deducting supplies and increasing the difficulty of tasks, but Lin Wan had pushed them all back with his strength and Contribution Points.

Since his crushing defeat in the Secret Realm and the damage to his Dao Heart, Zhao Yuan had been in seclusion and had not come out, but Lin Wan could clearly feel his resentment.

The tree wants to be still, but the wind does not cease. Lin Wan knew deeply that he was already at the center of the storm. Only by improving his strength as quickly as possible could he cope with the greater storms to come.

Before long, he arrived at Lingyun Hall.

After announcing his arrival, Lin Wan entered the main hall. Peak Master Yue Lingyun sat high in the main seat, and besides Xu Feng, two others were standing below.

One was the cold-faced Second Senior Brother Han Lingtian, and the other was a woman wearing a goose-yellow long dress, with a beautiful appearance and a gentle yet heroic temperament; it was Second Senior Sister Su Qing. She was already at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage and was a quite famous Second-Rank Alchemist.

"Disciple Lin Wan pays respects to Revered Master, and greets Second Senior Sister, Second Senior Brother, and Fourth Senior Brother." Lin Wan stepped forward to salute.

"Mhm, sit down." Peak Master Yue Lingyun nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Lin Wan, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "Peak of the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, Five Elements Spirit Body initially formed, solid Foundation, not bad. It seems you have gained a lot from your trip to the Secret Realm."

"It is all thanks to Revered Master's cultivation and the care of my Senior Brothers." Lin Wan said modestly and sat down below Xu Feng.

"I called you here today for a few matters." Peak Master Yue Lingyun's expression became serious. "First, regarding the incident where Ghost-Hand Daoist, Sun Buyi (Elder Sun), and Zhou Tong (Elder Zhou) joined forces to ambush you in the Secret Realm, the Sect Enforcement Hall has reached a preliminary conclusion."

Lin Wan and the others perked up, listening quietly to the rest.

"After investigation, Ghost-Hand Daoist is an Elder of the Yin Kui Sect, who sneaked into our Sect's Secret Realm without authorization and attacked and killed our Sect's Disciples. The evidence is conclusive. The Sect has issued a stern protest to the Yin Kui Sect and demanded that they hand over Ghost-Hand Daoist."

"However, the Yin Kui Sect denied it, claiming that Ghost-Hand Daoist acted on his own initiative and had already betrayed the Sect, and that they were also hunting him down. I am afraid this matter will be left unsettled."

Hearing this, everyone was not surprised. Demonic Path Sects were always treacherous, and shirking responsibility was the norm. It was difficult to bring down a Golden Core Elder based on this.

"Sun Buyi and Zhou Tong, although they had collusion with Ghost-Hand Daoist, there is no direct evidence to prove that they participated in the ambush. They claimed that they only had old ties with Ghost-Hand Daoist and met by chance in the Secret Realm, and did not attack you."

"The Enforcement Hall had people from their faction maneuvering, and in the end, they were punished with a deduction of three years' salary and half a year of confinement for the crime of 'acting recklessly and having negligence,' and that was the end of it."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun's voice turned cold. "However, while the death penalty can be avoided, the living punishment is inevitable. I have noted this debt. When there is an Opportunity in the future, I will definitely get it back for you."

"Thank you, Revered Master!" the four said in unison. They also knew that without ironclad evidence, it was almost impossible to severely punish two powerful Golden Core Elders. It was already a great protection that their Revered Master could express that he had noted this debt.

"The second matter," Peak Master Yue Lingyun looked at Lin Wan, his eyes deep. "The Legacy you obtained in the Secret Realm, as well as your Five Elements Foundation Establishment and Spirit Body, have already attracted the attention of the Sect's higher-ups, and even... higher levels."

Lin Wan's heart tightened. Higher levels? Does he mean the Nascent Soul Old Ancestor?

"The Five Elements Dao was once brilliant in the ancient times, and the Five Elements Sect was an overlord that dominated one side. Its Legacy is no small matter." Peak Master Yue Lingyun said slowly.

"The Sect has several Grand Elders who are very interested in the Five Elements Legacy. However, since you are a Direct Disciple of my Tianjian Peak, the Legacy you obtained is the property of my Tianjian Peak, and others have no right to seize it by force."

"But it is inevitable that some people will come to test you or exert pressure under the names of 'exchange and discussion' or 'joint research.' You must be prepared."

"This Disciple understands." Lin Wan replied in a deep voice. Bringing a treasure to the public invites trouble; this has been the case since ancient times. Fortunately, he had his Revered Master and Tianjian Peak as his backing.

"Of course, it is not all bad news." Peak Master Yue Lingyun changed the subject. "Your Five Elements Foundation Establishment has huge potential, and the Sect is also happy to see it happen. As long as you do not betray the Sect and do not harm the interests of the Sect, the Sect will not treat Disciples with true potential unfairly. On the contrary, it will provide certain support. I called you here today to give you an Opportunity."

Opportunity? Lin Wan looked up.

"Three years from now, the 'Tiannan Cultivation World Centennial Grand Competition' will be held in 'Tianque City' in the Central Region. By then, young talents from the five major regions—the Southern Territory, Eastern Wasteland, Western Desert, Northern Plains, and Central Region—who are at the Foundation Establishment Stage or below, can all participate."

"The top ten of the Grand Competition can obtain the qualification to enter the 'Tianqiong Secret Realm' and receive generous rewards jointly provided by the five major Immortal Sects."

"Among them, there are Heaven And Earth Treasure such as 'Five Elements Spirit Objects,' 'Star Sand,' and 'Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Milk' that assist in condensing the top three grades of Golden Core, and there is even a chance to receive a lecture from a Nascent Soul Immortal Master or to select Earth Rank Cultivation Techniques or Divine Abilities."

Tiannan Centennial Grand Competition! Tianqiong Secret Realm! Spirit objects to condense the top three grades of Golden Core!

Lin Wan's breathing quickened slightly. This was indeed a great Opportunity! Especially the Five Elements Spirit Objects, which were crucial for him to condense a Five Elements Golden Core.

"With your current strength, you might have a chance to hit the top hundred, but the top ten..." Peak Master Yue Lingyun shook his head slightly. "You are still far from it. Those who can participate in the Centennial Grand Competition are all Prodigies cultivated by top Sects and families in each region."

"Many people have already comprehended Sword Intent or Saber Intent at the Foundation Establishment Stage, or possess special Physiques or Bloodlines, and their combat power far exceeds those of the same rank. There may even be those at the Great Perfection of the Foundation Establishment Stage or even Half-step Golden Core."

"This Disciple will definitely Cultivate diligently, strive to achieve a ranking in the Grand Competition, and not live up to Revered Master's expectations." Lin Wan said solemnly. He knew that his Revered Master telling him this was to give him pressure and motivation.

"Mhm. In these three years, you need to raise your cultivation to the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, at least the Peak of the Middle Stage. The Five Elements Spirit Body needs to go further, and you also need to Revered Master a few Divine Abilities of the Five Elements True Scripture. In addition, you should also start preparing for your Lifebound Treasure."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun said, "I heard from Xu Feng that you obtained a piece of 'Chaos Five Elements Iron'?"

"Yes, Revered Master." Lin Wan nodded and took out the divine iron that had been nourished until it was lustrous and contained five colors within.

As soon as the Chaos Five Elements Iron appeared, the Spiritual Qi in the main hall fluctuated slightly. Han Lingtian, Su Qing, and Xu Feng all showed looks of shock. Although they had heard Xu Feng mention it, seeing it with their own eyes was still shocking. Such divine Materials were enough to make even Golden Core Immortal Masters jealous.

A trace of surprise also flashed in Peak Master Yue Lingyun's eyes. He reached out and grabbed it in the air, and the Chaos Five Elements Iron flew into his hand. He sensed it carefully for a moment and nodded.

"It is indeed Chaos Five Elements Iron, and the quality is excellent, containing a wisp of Chaos Qi. The Magic Treasure refined from this has infinite potential and can grow with you."

"Coincidentally, your Second Senior Sister, Su Qing, has quite an accomplishment in the way of Artifact Refining and has reached the level of a Third-Rank Artifact Refiner. You can ask her to help you refine the embryo of your Lifebound Treasure."

"Second Senior Sister?" Lin Wan looked at Su Qing. This Second Senior Sister had a cold personality, and usually, besides Alchemy, she was busy cultivating, so he didn't have much interaction with her.

Su Qing met Lin Wan's gaze and nodded slightly, her voice crisp. "Chaos Five Elements Iron is a top-tier divine material and is not easy to refine. I need at least three types of Fourth-Rank auxiliary Materials with Five Elements attributes, as well as a wisp of 'Earth Core Flame Fire' or 'Heavenly Thunder Fire' above the Fourth Rank as the smelting fire."

"In addition, the refining time will be at least one year and up to three years. Are you willing to wait? Furthermore, during the refining process, you need to participate throughout the whole time, using your own essence blood and Five Elements spiritual power to nourish it, so that the Magic Treasure can be in harmony with your heart."

"I will leave it to Second Senior Sister's arrangement. As for the required Materials, this Disciple will try his best to collect them." Lin Wan did not hesitate. A Third-Rank Artifact Refiner was already top-tier in the Qingyun Sect, and since she was his own Senior Sister, she was trustworthy.

"In terms of Materials, the Sect's warehouse can exchange for some, but Fourth-Rank spirit Materials are precious and require a large number of Contribution Points. Earth Core Flame Fire might be in the depths of the Sect's Earth Fire Room, but it requires authorization. As for Heavenly Thunder Fire, it requires Opportunity."

"You can prepare Contribution Points first and inquire about the news of Earth Core Flame Fire. As for the auxiliary spirit Materials, I have some clues here, and I will give you a list later." Su Qing said.

"Thank you, Second Senior Sister!" Lin Wan arched his hands.

"Alright, you Senior Sister and Junior Brother can discuss the matter of Artifact Refining yourselves." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand and looked at Lin Wan again. "The third matter concerns your Family."

Lin Wan's heart tightened. Revered Master suddenly mentioned his Family, could it be...

"Your Dao Companion, the Liu woman, is about to give birth. Your eldest daughter, Qing Yao, has an Innate Dao Physique, and her Aptitude is extraordinary. This is no longer a secret in the Inner Sect."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun's gaze was like a torch. "When a tree stands above the forest, the wind will surely destroy it. You should know that in the cultivation world, the acts of stifling Geniuses and cutting off people's paths are commonplace."

"Especially since you are now in the limelight and have many enemies. You need to strengthen your defenses."

Lin Wan took a deep breath. "This Disciple understands. I have already strengthened the Formation at Qingyun Cottage and entrusted Fourth Senior Brother to keep an eye on things. It is just that… my strength is low, and I fear there may be oversights."

"Relying solely on the Formation and those few servants of yours is not enough." Peak Master Yue Lingyun flicked his finger, and a palm-sized, silver-white jade talisman shaped like a small sword flew toward Lin Wan. "This is a 'Sky Sword Talisman.' It Seals three of my Sword Qi attacks, each possessing the full power of a Mid-stage Golden Core strike. Place it within the core Formation of Qingyun Cottage. If an enemy at the Golden Core Stage or above attacks, it can be activated to defend. However, this talisman can only be used once, and once activated, I will immediately perceive it."

"Additionally, you may go to the Internal Affairs Hall to apply for two Foundation Establishment Stage attendant Disciples to be stationed permanently on the perimeter of Qingyun Cottage, responsible for security. The cost will be deducted from your Contribution Points," Peak Master Yue Lingyun added. "This is a privilege I have secured for you. Remember, your Family is your weakness, but also your motivation. Protect them well."

"Thank you, Revered Master!" Lin Wan took the Sky Sword Talisman, feeling moved. His Revered Master had considered everything so thoroughly; he would keep this protective love in his heart.

"Very well, that is all for today. You may all leave. Lin Wan, you stay behind." Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand.

Han Lingtian, Senior Sister Su Qing, and Xu Feng bowed and withdrew. Only Peak Master Yue Lingyun and Lin Wan remained in the hall.

"Lin Wan," Peak Master Yue Lingyun's tone softened. "Do you know why the Five Elements Great Dao has gradually declined since the ancient era?"

Lin Wan shook his head. "This Disciple does not know. Please enlighten me, Revered Master."

"The Five Elements Great Dao encompasses everything and was originally a direct path to the heavens. However, its cultivation has extremely high requirements for Aptitude, resources, and comprehension, and progress is slow. In the ancient era, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi was abundant, and Heaven And Earth Treasure were plentiful, so it could be sustained. But at the end of the ancient era, the world underwent drastic changes, Spiritual Veins withered, and resources became increasingly scarce. Cultivating the Five Elements Great Dao requires simultaneously absorbing, refining, and balancing five types of elemental Spiritual Qi. The resources required are five times, ten times, or even more than those of a single-element Cultivator. Furthermore, the Five Elements generate and counteract each other; the slightest imbalance results in all previous efforts being wasted, or even the destruction of one's Dao Foundation. Over time, few Cultivators chose this path, and most of its Legacy has been severed."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun said slowly, "You have achieved Foundation Establishment with the Five Elements and obtained the Legacy of the Five Elements Sect. It may seem like your future is boundless, but in reality, every step is fraught with thorns. Resources will be your greatest challenge in the future. While the Sect will provide some support, it cannot supply them infinitely. You must fight, scramble, and earn everything you need for cultivation yourself. The Centennial Grand Competition is one such Opportunity. If you can enter the top ten and obtain the qualification to enter the Tianqiong Secret Realm, the resources within will be enough to support you to the Golden Core and even the Nascent Soul."

"This Disciple understands. I will find my own way regarding resources," Lin Wan said in a deep voice. He possessed the Multi-Child Multi-Fortune System and could obtain fortune points to exchange for resources by completing tasks and expanding his Family line. But this could not be exposed; on the surface, he still needed to find other avenues.

"Hmm, it is good that you have this resolve. Go now, Cultivate diligently, and take care of your Family. In three years, I hope to see you shine brightly in Tianque City." Peak Master Yue Lingyun closed his eyes and said nothing more.

"This Disciple takes his leave." Lin Wan bowed and withdrew from Lingyun Hall.

Walking out of the great hall, the sunlight was just right. Lin Wan gripped the cool Sky Sword Talisman, yet his heart felt not a shred of relief.

His Revered Master's guidance and gift were both an expression of care and a source of pressure. Resources, enemies, the safety of his Family, his own cultivation, the refining of his Lifebound Treasure, the Centennial Grand Competition… a thousand threads of concern, all of which he had to address one by one.

Yet, in his eyes burned a soaring fighting spirit.

With challenges come motivation. With pressure, one can grow faster.

He rose on his sword and did not return to Qingyun Cottage immediately. Instead, he first went to the Internal Affairs Hall to complete the procedures for allocating Foundation Establishment attendant Disciples to be stationed there, and used Contribution Points to exchange for some auxiliary spiritual Materials mentioned in Senior Sister Su Qing's list that were available in the Sect's storehouse. Then, he went to the "Earth Fire Hall" to inquire about the "Earth Heart Flame." He learned that there was indeed a wisp of Tier 4 Earth Heart Flame deep within the Earth Fire Hall, but it was controlled by several Golden Core Elders for Alchemy and Artifact Refining. Ordinary Disciples had no chance of seeing it, let alone borrowing it. Unless, one could pay a price that moved them, or had sufficient Sect authority.

"Earth Heart Flame… It seems I must find another way, or look for clues about Heavenly Thunder Fire," Lin Wan mused. If all else failed, he might have to use his System fortune points to exchange for it, but that required a large number of points. Currently, he only had two thousand points left, which was far from enough.

After handling his miscellaneous tasks, it was already evening. Lin Wan returned to Qingyun Cottage, carefully embedded the Sky Sword Talisman into the core of the Formation beneath the main building, and handed the exchanged spiritual Materials to Senior Sister Su Qing (who was already waiting there), only then feeling slightly at ease.

After dinner, he accompanied Liu Ruyan for a walk and teased Qing Yao for a while before Lin Wan entered the quiet room again.

He did not Cultivate immediately but instead communicated with the System first.

"System, bring up the list of items that can quickly improve cultivation or assist in refining a Lifebound Treasure."

The System store refreshed.

[Five Elements Spirit Marrow (one wisp): Can significantly enhance Five Elements Dao Foundation cultivation, with a chance to promote the Five Elements Spirit Body. Requires 5000 fortune points.]

[Earth Heart Flame (Tier 4, one wisp): Can melt most Materials below Tier 4. Requires 3000 fortune points.]

[Heavenly Thunder Fire (Tier 4, one wisp): Contains the power of Heavenly Thunder; when refining artifacts, it can imbue the Magic Treasure with Evil-Breaking and Swift-Thunder attributes. Requires 4000 fortune points.]

[Great Five Elements True Scripture Golden Core Chapter (Prerequisite: Insight): Requires a perfected Five Elements Dao Foundation, Late Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, and 10000 fortune points.]

[Offspring Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity (Medium Grade Spiritual Root): Requires 15000 fortune points.]

[Family Luck Enhancement (Small scale): Requires 8000 fortune points.]

Lin Wan looked at the exorbitant prices and shook his head inwardly. He only had 2000 points now; he could not exchange for anything.

"It seems I must complete the 'Expanding the Family Line (II)' task as soon as possible." Lin Wan looked at the task bar.

[Novice Guide Task: Expanding the Family Line (II). Task Requirements: Within three years, have at least three offspring (no restriction on birth mother). Task Rewards: 1500 fortune points, 1x Random Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity (Limited to host or direct Bloodline). Current Progress: 2/3, remaining time approximately one year.]

The child in Liu Ruyan's womb was about to be born. When that time came, the task could be completed. Although 1500 fortune points were not much, that "Random Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity" was very useful. Perhaps it could be used on the child about to be born; if they truly had a Five Elements False Spiritual Root, they could receive an improvement.

"Besides this, I must find ways to earn Contribution Points and Spirit Stones to exchange for resources. Perhaps I could try Alchemy and Talisman Making to sell? Ruyan has already achieved Minor Achievement in Alchemy; I can provide Pill Formulas and some insights. Xiao Yun can also learn Talisman Making…" Lin Wan planned silently.

In the days that followed, Lin Wan's life entered a tense and regular rhythm once again.

During the day, he cultivated the Great Five Elements True Scripture, comprehended Five Elements Divine Abilities, consolidated his Five Elements Spirit Body, and attempted to break through the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Bottleneck. At night, he practiced Dual Cultivation with Liu Ruyan, using the Yin-Yang Harmony Guidance Technique to nourish each other, helping her stabilize the pregnancy, while also increasing the probability of conception to prepare for the third child (the task required three offspring).

Liu Ruyan displayed good talent in Alchemy. Under Lin Wan's guidance (combining some Alchemy insights from the Great Five Elements True Scripture and Pill Formulas exchanged from the System), she could already successfully refine several Medicinal Pills suitable for Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, such as "Pei Yuan Pill," "Cleansing Heart Pill," and "Rejuvenation Powder." The quality was stable, and besides using them themselves, selling a small amount could earn them some Spirit Stones.

Xiao Yun began to learn Talisman Making from Lin Wan. She was meticulous and had a steady hand. Under the enhancement of the Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique, her essence, energy, and spirit were full, and she progressed quickly in learning basic talismans. Lin Wan taught her some Talisman Making insights exchanged from the System and provided talisman paper and cinnabar, letting her try to draw common talismans like "Fireball Talisman," "Lightness Talisman," and "Diamond Talisman." Although the success rate was not high yet, she could already draw qualified products. Given time, it might become another source of income for the Family.

Qing Yao played in the courtyard every day, occasionally following Lin Wan to "learn" sword practice. In reality, she was just waving a small wooden sword around, but her movements were surprisingly decent, faintly containing a trace of agile Sword Intent, which made Lin Wan click his tongue in wonder. Her "Three Talents Spirit Nourishing Art" had officially entered the introductory stage; she could guide Spiritual Qi into her body on her own. Although slow, her Foundation was solid, and the Spiritual Qi was pure.

Nanny Zhao and Wang Tiezhu managed the internal and external affairs in an orderly manner. The two newly allocated Early Stage Foundation Establishment attendant Disciples, one male and one female, were both children of families affiliated with Tianjian Peak. They were honest and were arranged to guard the perimeter of Qingyun Cottage, and they were quite diligent.

Time slipped away quietly in these plain and fulfilling days.

One month later, Liu Ruyan went into labor.

This time, Lin Wan was better prepared. He not only hired a more experienced midwife and a female Cultivator skilled in healing but also set up powerful Spirit Gathering and Mind Calming Formations in advance, and personally guarded outside.

Perhaps because of Lin Wan's cultivation improvement and the influence of the Five Elements Spirit Body, or perhaps because of Liu Ruyan's improved Physique and advanced cultivation, this birth was exceptionally smooth. In just two hours, a loud cry rang out from the delivery room.

"Congratulations, Immortal Master! Congratulations! Your wife has given birth to a Young Master! Both mother and child are safe!" The midwife came out holding the swaddling clothes, beaming with joy.

Lin Wan stepped forward impatiently to take him. In the swaddling clothes was a large baby boy, sturdier than Qing Yao had been at birth, with rosy skin and thick, black hair. He was currently crying with his eyes closed, his little mouth pouting, his voice loud and clear. What shocked Lin Wan even more was that the baby boy's body naturally radiated an extremely faint, yet clearly discernible five-colored Spiritual Light! Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth—all Five Elements were present, slowly circulating. Although faint, it was exceptionally harmonious, faintly forming a tiny, self-circulating Five Elements energy field!

A natural Five Elements Spirit Body?! No, it seemed even stranger than a Five Elements Spirit Body. In the circulation of that five-colored Spiritual Light, there was faintly a hint of Chaos at the beginning, containing everything.

"This is…" Lin Wan suppressed the shock in his heart and carefully probed with his Divine Sense. The baby boy's Spiritual Root Aptitude was indeed as he had expected: a Five Elements False Spiritual Root. But what was peculiar was that this Five Elements Spiritual Root was not a simple mixture of five attributes; rather, they were interwoven in an arcane way, generating and counteracting each other, forming a dynamically balanced whole. Its Spiritual Root quality was so bizarre that it could not be measured by the conventional Low, Medium, or High Grades; it seemed… like a mutated Five Elements Spiritual Root that had never been recorded?

"System, detect offspring Aptitude." Lin Wan thought to himself.

[Ding! Detected the birth of host's offspring: Lin Jingyun (unnamed).]

[Offspring Aptitude Assessment: Innate Five Elements Chaos Dao Body (Prototype), Spiritual Root Quality: Unknown (Mutated). Bone Structure: Excellent. Comprehension Ability: Unknown. Fortune: Deep.]

[Obtained fortune points: 12000 points!]

[Obtained Special Reward: Offspring Exclusive Growth Gift Pack x1 (Contains: Chaos Qi Baptism Opportunity x1, "Chaos Five Elements Art" (Heaven Rank Fragment) Qi Refining Chapter x1, Protective Spirit Jade (Can withstand one Mid-stage Golden Core strike) x1, Marrow Cleansing Spirit Liquid x20 portions).]

[Obtained Family Reward: Family Luck significantly enhanced, cultivation speed of Family members moderately increased, affinity for Five Elements Spiritual Qi slightly increased.]

[Novice Guide Task "Expanding the Family Line (II)" completed! Obtained task reward: 1500 fortune points! 1x Random Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity (Automatically used on this offspring).]

[Triggered follow-up task: Expanding the Family Line (III). Task Requirements: Within ten years, have at least five offspring (no restriction on birth mother). Task Rewards: 3000 fortune points, 1x Random Bloodline Awakening Opportunity (Limited to host or direct Bloodline), 1x Family Special Building Blueprint. Failure Penalty: Randomly deprive of one acquired System ability and reclaim two issued special rewards.]

[Offspring count +1, currently gaining +20 fortune points daily.]

A series of System notifications left Lin Wan's mind trembling.

12,000 fortune points! A Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique fragment! The Chaos Five Elements Dao Body! The Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity used automatically!

These rewards were even more generous than when Qing Yao was born! Especially the "Chaos Five Elements Dao Body" and the "Chaos Five Elements Art"—one could tell they were extraordinary just by the names. A Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique was a legendary existence! Even if it was just the Qi Refining Chapter, it would be enough to drive countless Cultivators mad.

Moreover, the Random Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity was automatically used on Jingyun. Could it be because his Aptitude was special that the System determined it needed improvement? After the improvement, what would the original "Unknown Mutated" Spiritual Root become?

Lin Wan immediately checked Jingyun's Aptitude information.

[Offspring: Lin Jingyun]

[Mother: Liu Ruyan]

[Current Status: Healthy, developing excellently]

[Aptitude: Innate Five Elements Chaos Dao Body (Prototype, improving), Spiritual Root Quality: ??? (Merging and improving, estimated to be no lower than High Grade). Bone Structure: Excellent. Comprehension Ability: ??? (Improving). Fortune: Deep.]

[Innate Buffs: Random Spiritual Root Aptitude Enhancement Opportunity (in effect), Chaos Qi Baptism (pending use), slight improvement to mother's Spiritual Root, influence of father's Five Elements Spirit Body, nourishment from environmental Spiritual Qi, Family Luck blessing.]

The Spiritual Root quality and Comprehension Ability were both "improving," and it was estimated to be no lower than High Grade! This meant that Jingyun's mutated Five Elements Spiritual Root was not only not trash, but rather some kind of Heaven-Defying Aptitude! Combined with the "Chaos Five Elements Art" and the Chaos Dao Body, his future was simply limitless!

"Good! Good! Good!" Lin Wan was ecstatic, his hands trembling as he held his son. This was a true Qilin child! With a son like this, what more could he ask for!

"Senior Brother, give the child a name." Liu Ruyan's weak but joyful voice came from inside the room.

Lin Wan carried his son into the room, sat by the bed, gently placed the child beside Liu Ruyan, held her hand, and said softly, "My son is born, and the heavens have shown signs (referring to the five-colored Spiritual Light). In the future, he will surely be a person of stunning talent who soars straight to the blue clouds. Let us call him Lin Jingyun. Is that good?"

"Lin Jingyun… Jingyun… A good name." Liu Ruyan looked at her son, who was wrinkled but full of spirituality, her eyes filled with maternal love.

"Little Brother is named Jingyun? Then Yao Yao is the Big Sister!" Qing Yao had snuck in at some point, clinging to the edge of the bed, looking curiously at the little one in the swaddling clothes. She reached out her small hand and carefully touched her little brother's face.

Jingyun seemed to feel his sister's touch; he actually stopped crying and grinned, revealing an unconscious smile.

The Family gathered together, overflowing with warmth.

However, the string in Lin Wan's heart was pulled even tighter.

Qing Yao was an Innate Three Spirits Dao Body, already a peerless Genius. Jingyun was suspected to be a Chaos Five Elements Dao Body, an even more Heaven-Defying Aptitude. Once the news about these two children spread, it would inevitably attract countless covetous eyes and disasters. His Revered Master's concerns were definitely not groundless.

He must become stronger faster and possess the power to protect his Family.

"Three years… Centennial Grand Competition… Golden Core…" Lin Wan looked out the window; there, the night grew deeper, and a storm was brewing.

And his Dao Heart, amidst this interweaving of warmth and pressure, became increasingly firm, like a rock, like a sharp sword.