Returning to the Taibai Mountain Range

The third day of the Lunar New Year, in the afternoon.

The harsh winter of the Taibai Mountain Range has not yet fully receded. The mountain wind, carrying a chill like shattered ice, howls through the valleys and peaks, leaving behind a fine layer of white frost wherever it passes.

From above, the mountains appear as if draped in a thin, silvery-gray veil, cold and serene.

The Lin Household Valley, however, presents a completely different scene.

The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year had not yet dissipated, and red silk and lanterns hung from the eaves of every house, swaying gently in the mountain breeze.

The warm red lights still stood out against the gray daylight, contrasting with the mottled frost on the valley walls, creating a sense of tranquility.

Cultivators from other forces in the Taibai Mountain Range frequently visit the valley. They are all dressed in respectable robes and bring gifts. After announcing their names at the entrance of the valley, they are led inside by members of the Lin Household family.

Although they all claimed to be visiting Lin Qiaohua, the patriarch of the Lin Household, everyone knew that their true intentions were not what they seemed.

Among the visitors were many cultivators from Golden Core level forces.

They had only met Lin Qiaohua once, or even just met other cultivators from the Lin Household, yet they claimed to be "old friends" and came to try and establish a relationship.

The reason is self-evident: it's for Lin Ying.

When Lu Yang took Lin Ying to Taibai Market, it caused quite a stir, and the whole Taibai Market area knew about it.

No one knows the origin of that mysterious young nobleman.

But everyone knows very well who Lin Ying is.

As that noble young man's dao companion, being able to befriend her is equivalent to indirectly connecting with that noble young man.

Almost all the visiting groups of cultivators were accompanied by young female cultivators.

Firstly, they were of similar age, making it easier for him to chat with Lin Ying; secondly, since they were both female cultivators, their interactions wouldn't be too abrupt.

Meanwhile, another group of visitors tried to befriend the older generation of cultivators in the Lin Household, aiming to catch both sides at once.

In fact, these young female cultivators who came to visit barely even saw Lin Ying's face.

In the days following the New Year, True Person Guan Qiu of the Miaoshou Pharmacy has been staying in Lin Ying 'Lin Ying villa, diligently teaching her alchemy.

The courtyard gate is closed all day long. Occasionally, fluctuations of Spiritual Qi and the fragrance of herbs can be heard wafting out, but few people go in or out.

Even so, many cultivators from the Taibai Mountain Range still visited him with great enthusiasm.

For them, even just sitting in the Lin Household's main hall and drinking a cup of coarse tea is a gesture of respect.

Around noon.

A massive, Flowing Light Flying Boat emerged from the clouds without warning, sailing from the deep gray-blue of the distant sky.

The Runes on the boat lit up in layers, and as the light flowed, it reflected a shimmering ripple across half the sky.

The thick clouds were cleaved open by the bow of the ship and slowly rolled to both sides.

Almost the instant the flying boat appeared, the entire Lin Household was alarmed.

The monks who came to visit were all very excited.

It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early.

Many cultivators from the Taibai Mountain Range have visited in recent days, but very few have even seen Lin Ying.

However, they were incredibly lucky to meet that mysterious young nobleman!

Lin Qiaohua was chatting with several Foundation Establishment Realm visitors in the main hall when she heard the commotion outside. She put down her teacup and quickly walked to the door.

When she looked up and saw that familiar flying boat, a flush of excitement immediately rose on her aged face.

It's the Lin Household's son-in-law!

How could she not go and greet such a wonderful son-in-law?

These days, Lin Qiaohua feels like she's dreaming.

Originally, the Lin Household only had one Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, and although the Lin Household had some status in the surrounding area, she was not the only one.

However, within the entire Taibai Market area, it is relatively unknown.

Those Golden Core level powers were high and mighty; they never even gave the Lin Household a second glance.

But things are different now. Even those Golden Core level forces treat the Lin Household with great courtesy, and can even be described as quite enthusiastic.

All of this was brought about by this son-in-law!

A cold wind brushed against her face as Lin Qiaohua soared into the air.

She gathered her wind-blown gray hair, and every wrinkle on her face relaxed into a smile, like a new bud sprouting from a withered tree.

The Flowing Light Flying Boat slowly came to a stop at the edge of the clouds.

Lu Yang's figure appeared at the edge of the deck, his robes fluttering in the wind at high altitude.

Wang Da used his Spiritual Qi to support him, and the two of them rose into the air, leaving the edge of the boat.

Lin Qiaohua immediately went to greet him, "A Yang, what brings you here? I've never heard Yingying mention you!"

Lu Yang smiled gently. "Great-grandmother, I didn't tell Senior Sister Lin. I wanted to give her a surprise."

Hearing this, Lin Qiaohua's smile grew even brighter, the lines at the corners of her eyes crinkling together, full of satisfaction.

This son-in-law clearly loves his daughter, Yingying.

That put her mind at ease.

Given the background and status this son-in-law has revealed, it will likely be difficult for Yingying to gain the approval of such Aristocratic Clan in the future.

But as long as Yingying has this son-in-law's genuine love, her life will be much better.

Lin Qiaohua quickly said, "It's windy outside, let's go home and talk inside! I'll go tell Yingying right away!"

Before the words were finished, two more figures rose into the air below.

It was Guan Qiu and Lin Ying.

Guan Qiu released her Spiritual Qi, supporting Lin Ying as she steadily ascended.

The wind ruffled Lin Ying's dark hair, leaving a few strands clinging to her fair neck. She didn't bother to fix it, her eyes fixed on Lu Yang, not daring to blink.

"Junior Brother Lu, what brings you here?! Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

A surprised smile bloomed on Lin Ying's face, but her eyes were slightly red.

All the longing she had felt over the past few days surged up at this moment, and she could barely control herself.

With Guan Qiu's help, Lin Ying came to Lu Yang's side.

She reached out and hugged Lu Yang tightly, burying her face in his chest, her forehead pressed against his clothes, as if to confirm that this was not an illusion.

Feeling the unreserved longing and love from the person in his arms, Lu Yang smiled gently.

He gently patted Lin Ying's back and whispered, "I just wanted to give you a surprise. Aren't you happy to see me?"

Lin Ying nodded vigorously. "... Mm."

After giving a soft reply, her pretty face immediately turned bright red.

There are too many cultivators nearby.

More than ten cultivators have come to visit the Lin Household today. At this moment, the Foundation Establishment cultivators from each family are standing far away in mid-air, all looking in this direction.

Lin Ying still felt a little embarrassed under the gaze of so many people.

The cultivators wore expressions of awe and nervousness, and some of them subconsciously took a few steps forward, as if they wanted to go up and strike up a conversation.

However, after flying only a few meters, a terrifying, abyss-like Divine Sense pressed down, silently landing on each and every one of them.

Everyone froze in mid-air, as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Many people had cold sweat dripping from their foreheads, and the mountain wind made them feel bone-chillingly cold.

But they dared not suppress their smiles in the slightest, still carefully forcing a smile.

Seeing that Lu Yang and Lin Ying had finally finished speaking, the group of cultivators quickly cupped their hands in greeting.

"Greetings, Young Master Lu! We came to pay a visit to the Lin Household, and we never expected to run into Young Master Lu by such a coincidence."

"May you have a happy and healthy New Year, Young Master Lu! It is truly an honor for us to meet Young Master Lu here!"

"Young Master Lu..."

Amidst the rising and falling greetings, Lu Yang's gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

He wore a slight smile, his expression calm and composed, his smile distant yet polite.

Seeing Lu Yang look at them and nod slightly, the group of cultivators were immediately flattered and bowed even deeper.

Lu Yang didn't say much, turned around and followed Lin Ying and Lin Qiaohua back to the ground.

Lin Qiaohua glanced at the group of cultivators in the distance, then turned to Lu Yang and said, "A Yang, you go with Yingying to her place first. I'll have someone call you when it's time to eat."

Lin Ying took Lu Yang's hand, a slight smile on her face, and said softly, "Let's go, Junior Brother Lu."

Lu Yang naturally did not refuse.

He never liked these social interactions.

Moreover, he also has the right not to participate in these social engagements.

The two walked side by side toward Lin Ying's villa.

Guan Qiu followed at a respectful distance, his steps steady.

Reaching the entrance of the villa, Lu Yang stopped, turned back to look at Guan Qiu, and smiled gently, "Guan Qiu, you've worked hard these past few days. Go and rest now."

Guan Qiu was slightly taken aback, but quickly understood.

Her expression remained unchanged, and she nodded respectfully. "Yes, young master."

After saying that, she turned and left, her steps crisp and decisive.

Lin Ying blinked, paused for a moment, and then understood.

Her pretty face flushed crimson to her ears, and she clutched the hem of her dress in her hands, her fingers twisting nervously. "Junior Brother Lu, why did you let Senior Guan leave? I still need to refine pills..."

Lu Yang turned around, looking at her with burning eyes. "You're here to refine pills?"

Lin Ying felt her heart pounding and her cheeks burning as he stared at her so intently.

She opened her mouth, about to speak.

However, before she could say anything, Lu Yang silenced her with a kiss.

But he couldn't say anything.

The door closed, Wang Liu and Wang Qi appeared silently at the doorway, standing facing outwards.

Wang Da and Wang San stood guard at the entrance of the separate courtyard.

Layer upon layer of Spiritual Qi shields enveloped the room.

The sounds of the wind, human voices, and the faint clamor in the valley were all shut out.

Inside the room, the warm light of the lamp softly bathed the two of them.

The breathing gradually quickened, and the two shadows on the wall slowly intersected, eventually merging into one.