Qing Tan Is Sleepy...

"So strong..."

All of a sudden, a trembling voice from a young member of the Lin Family, like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, shattered the suffocating silence.

As that voice fell, it was as though some switch had been flipped. The throats of the Lin Family members, locked tight by shock, finally regained their ability to speak.

"My heavens... that was an Origin Core Realm Minor Perfection cultivator! And just like that... he's gone?"

"That Wei Tong was acting so high and mighty just now, and this was the result?"

"Form Creation Realm... that cat was actually a Form Creation Realm Beast! Brother Liu Yuan actually has a monster pet of that level?"

The gazes countless Lin Family disciples directed at Liu Yuan now held not only their former admiration, but also fervent reverence.

To them, what they had witnessed today would become a shocking memory they could never erase for the rest of their lives.

At the front of the crowd, Lin Zhentian, Lin Xiao, and the other elders exchanged looks. They could all see the lingering horror in one another's eyes.

"It seems we still underestimated Xiao Yuan..."

Lin Zhentian took a deep breath, suppressing the stormy waves surging through his heart, and sighed bitterly.

"Wei Tong was a dominant figure in Flame City, yet before Xiao Yuan, he was so utterly vulnerable."

"Yes." Lin Xiao nodded, his expression complicated as he looked at that tall, straight back. He murmured softly.

"Just one monster pet has already reached the legendary Form Creation Realm... then how strong must Xiao Yuan, its master, be by now?"

Even thinking about it made his scalp tingle.

Beside Lin Dong, a lazy voice that only he could hear quietly came from within the Stone Talisman.

"Tsk, tsk. Interesting."

There was surprise and contemplation in Little Sable's voice.

"That brat's monster pet... even I can't see through its true origins."

"Logically speaking, there aren't many monster beast races in this world that Lord Sable doesn't recognize. But that white cat's aura is terribly strange. It isn't one of those common ferocious beasts, nor does it seem to possess some mutated bloodline... How bizarre."

Hearing this, Lin Dong could not help but smile bitterly and rub his nose helplessly.

Looks like I still haven't caught up to Brother Liu Yuan...

He had originally thought that after improving his strength so much, he would at least be able to narrow the gap between himself and Brother Liu Yuan.

But the cruel reality was that not only had he failed to catch up to Liu Yuan, he had not even caught up to one of Liu Yuan's cats...

That was quite a blow.

"Hehe, kid, don't lose heart."

Little Sable seemed to have sensed Lin Dong's thoughts and laughed teasingly.

"What if you still can't catch up in the future?"

At the battlefield ahead.

With Wei Tong dead, the remaining Blood Robe Disciples had long since been frightened out of their wits. They threw away their weapons and armor as they tried to flee.

Liu Yuan showed no mercy. He merely swept his gaze indifferently over those retreating backs before issuing his final command in an icy tone.

"Xiao Huan, kill them all."

"Meow!"

Xiao Huan immediately accepted the order. Her petite body instantly transformed into a streak of white lightning and charged into the crowd.

Since a deadly enmity had already been formed, no future trouble could be left behind. That was Liu Yuan's principle of conduct.

Screech! Screech! Screech!

This was a slaughter without the slightest suspense.

A Form Creation Realm Beast facing a rabble like this was simply a wolf among sheep.

Screams rose and fell one after another, while blood dyed the ground outside the Lin Family gates red.

Many younger members of the Lin Family, who had never seen such a bloody sight before, turned pale and trembled with fear. Some could not help turning away and vomiting.

But Lin Zhentian's Burning Gaze shone brightly, his face full of appreciation and approval.

"Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. Showing mercy to enemies is being cruel to oneself."

"Xiao Yuan's decisive ruthlessness is the bearing a true powerhouse should possess!"

Very soon, as the last Blood Robe Disciple fell, this crisis that might have wiped out the Lin Family was completely resolved in an extremely short time.

"Alright, Grandpa Lin, I'll leave the aftermath to you."

Liu Yuan called Xiao Huan back and casually tossed her a Monster Core as a reward, then turned and walked toward the Lin Family members.

Lin Zhentian immediately came back to his senses. With a broad wave of his hand, he shouted.

"Quick! What are you all standing around for? Clean up the battlefield and dispose of these corpses!"

After arranging the cleanup, Lin Zhentian was about to step forward to speak with Liu Yuan when he saw Liu Yuan walk straight toward Qing Tan at the back of the crowd.

"Qing Tan."

Liu Yuan looked at the Maiden before him, who had clearly grown a little thinner, and a trace of heartache flashed through his eyes as he called softly.

"Brother Liu Yuan!"

The Maiden could no longer suppress the longing in her heart. Without caring that so many people were watching, she lunged straight into Liu Yuan's arms like a swallow returning to its nest.

"Brother Liu Yuan, you're finally back..."

She tightly wrapped her arms around Liu Yuan's waist and buried her face in his chest, as if afraid he would disappear the moment she let go.

This sight completely relaxed the tense nerves of the surrounding Lin Family members. Quite a few elders revealed kind smiles and burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahaha, it seems our Little Qing Tan really missed her Lover!"

"This girl never seemed so clingy before."

Hearing the teasing from the elders around her, Qing Tan finally realized the situation she was in. Her delicate little face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple.

She shyly poked her head out of Liu Yuan's arms, but still could not bear to loosen her arms around him. She merely buried her face even deeper.

Liu Yuan affectionately stroked her head, then raised his head and smiled at Lin Zhentian, Lin Xiao, Lin Dong, and the others who were approaching.

"Grandpa Lin, Uncle Xiao."

"Xiao Yuan..."

Lin Zhentian walked over and looked at the outstanding young man before him, his voice filled with emotion and gratitude.

"This time, it was truly thanks to you. If you hadn't arrived in time, our Lin Family today... would likely have faced utter ruin."

Lin Xiao also nodded solemnly and clasped his fists.

"Xiao Yuan, no words can repay such a great kindness. If there is ever anything our Lin Family can do for you, just say the word. Even if I must Climb mountains of knives and descend into seas of fire, I, Lin Xiao, will not so much as furrow my brow!"

"Grandpa Lin, Uncle Xiao, you're being too polite."

Liu Yuan waved his hand, wearing his usual gentle smile.

"We're family. How could I stand by and do nothing when the Lin Family was in trouble? Why say such distant words?"

The words "we're family" immediately filled Lin Zhentian and the others with warmth, and the smiles on their faces grew even brighter.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Lin Zhentian laughed heartily and waved his hand with heroic vigor.

"Come! Tonight, we'll hold a grand feast. The two of us will have a good drink and welcome Xiao Yuan home!"

The banquet lasted until deep into the night.

The Lin Family was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with jubilation. Everyone was immersed in the joy of having survived a catastrophe.

After eating and drinking his fill, Liu Yuan politely declined Lin Zhentian's offer to let him stay in the main residence. He brought Qing Tan, who was still slightly tipsy with rosy cheeks, back to the quiet Small Courtyard where he had once lived.

The courtyard was still as neat as ever. Clearly, even while he had been away, Qing Tan had often come to clean it.

"This girl..."

Seeing this, a trace of tenderness rose in Liu Yuan's heart.

He had originally planned to take out the Extreme Cold Fiend Controlling Pill he had prepared for Qing Tan and let her take it tonight, helping her resolve the trouble caused by her Demonic Body as soon as possible.

However, something unexpected happened.

The moment they returned to the courtyard, Qing Tan blushed and said she wanted to bathe.

Liu Yuan did not think much of it and simply sat in the room, drinking tea to sober up.

He did not know how much time had passed.

Creak—

The door was gently pushed open.

A fragrant scent carrying moist vapor instantly spread throughout the room.

Liu Yuan instinctively looked up, and his entire body froze. He nearly failed to hold the teacup in his hand steady.

Qing Tan stood prettily in the doorway.

Having just finished bathing, her skin was as fair as snow, glowing with a faint pink luster. Her wet, long hair hung loosely over her shoulders, adding a touch of languid charm and allure.

Most fatally, she was wearing nothing but a pure white Bath Towel!

The Bath Towel barely covered the important areas, revealing her delicate collarbones, rounded fragrant shoulders, and those long, straight, dazzlingly fair legs.

The somewhat reserved little girl she usually was now displayed an astonishing maidenly charm.

Qing Tan nervously clutched the edge of the Bath Towel. Within her large, watery eyes was both a Maiden's shyness and a certain resolute courage.

She took a deep breath and walked toward Liu Yuan step by step on her bare feet.

Then, beneath Liu Yuan's shocked gaze, she gently bit her Red Lips. Her voice was so soft and sweet it seemed as though water could drip from it.

"Brother Liu Yuan..."

"Qing Tan is sleepy."