At the gates of Yanjing City, people streamed in and out while the guards inspected everyone in an orderly fashion. Yun Ce and Qin Yu walked side by side. The three little beasts perched on their shoulders—Black Eagle, Red Phoenix, and Dragon Rock Lion—curiously poked their heads around, occasionally rubbing their little heads against their faces. They were docile and lively, drawing frequent glances from passersby, though people merely assumed they were three unusual pets kept by Yun Ce and Qin Yu and thought nothing more of it.
The two made their way through the bustling streets toward the Qin Family estate. Though three years had passed, Yanjing City looked much as it always had. Qin Yu's state of mind, however, had changed completely. In the past, he had been the Qin Family's second young master, unable to cultivate inner strength. Now he was a Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator, with his master to protect him and three divine beasts at his side. He was no longer the child who needed his father and family to shelter him.
Before long, the imposing gates of the Qin Family estate came into view. The vermilion doors were shut, and stone lions stood majestically on either side. When the guards at the entrance saw Qin Yu, they froze for a moment, then delight flashed in their eyes. They hurried forward and bowed. "Your Highness, Third Prince! You're back!"
Qin Yu looked at the familiar guards and smiled warmly. "I'm back. Is my father at home?"
"Yes! Yes!" the guard replied excitedly, nodding quickly. "The Supreme Emperor heard you were coming back and has been waiting at the estate since early this morning. Mr. Feng, General Zhao, and Mr. Lian are there too! I'll go inform them at once!"
With that, the guard turned and hurried inside to announce their arrival. Before long, the gates slowly opened, and Qin De came out first, followed by Feng Yuzi, Qin Feng, Zhao Yunxing, Lian Yan, and the others. Every face was alight with joy.
"Xiaoyu!" Qin De spotted Qin Yu at once, his eyes brimming with excitement. He hurried over and looked him up and down. "Good! Good! You're back! You've grown so much in three years!"
Qin Feng also hurried forward and grabbed Qin Yu by the arm, his voice hearty. "Third Brother! You're finally back! You've been cultivating under Senior Yun Ce for these three years, so you must have become much stronger! Come on, tell your big brother—what realm are you at now?"
Feng Yuzi turned to Yun Ce and bowed respectfully. "Brother Yun, thank you for taking such good care of Xiaoyu and guiding him these past three years. Words cannot express my gratitude!" Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan also stepped forward to greet Yun Ce with bows.
Yun Ce smiled faintly and raised a hand, inviting them to rise. His voice was warm. "There's no need for such formalities. Xiaoyu is my disciple, so guiding him is only my duty. He has worked hard these past three years and lived up to everyone's hopes."
Hearing this, Qin De's delight grew. He quickly invited them in. "Brother Yun, Xiaoyu, come in! We've already prepared a banquet to welcome you home!"
Surrounded by the others, Yun Ce and Qin Yu entered the estate. Xiao Hei, perched on Qin Yu's shoulder, looked around the Qin Family grounds with curiosity. Xiao Hei sent Qin Yu a message through their spiritual connection. "Big Brother, the Qin Family has changed so much!"
Qin Yu smiled and gently patted Black Feather's little head without saying anything. The group entered the main hall and took their seats, with host and guests arranged accordingly. The maids brought tea and refreshments, and Qin De eagerly asked, "Xiaoyu, Brother Yun, did everything go smoothly during your years of training in the Great Wilderness? What realms have you reached?"
Qin Yu was about to answer, but Yun Ce spoke first. "Everything went smoothly. Xiaoyu has exceptional talent and works hard. He has now reached Golden Core Mid Stage. Black Eagle has also survived the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation and reached Golden Core Mid Stage."
"What?! Golden Core Mid Stage?!" Qin De, Feng Yuzi, and the others were stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief. Three years ago, Qin Yu had been at the Xiantian stage. Now he had reached Golden Core Mid Stage and even survived the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation. His progress was simply heaven-defying!
Feng Yuzi stroked his beard, his eyes full of admiration. "Incredible! Simply incredible! Xiaoyu truly has a once-in-a-century talent. With Brother Yun's careful guidance, he reached Golden Core Mid Stage in just three short years. It puts the rest of us to shame. Among the younger generation across the entire Hidden Dragon Continent, such an achievement is a rarity!"
Qin Feng was even more excited. He slapped the table and shouted, "Good! Good! The third young master of the Qin Family is truly impressive! Golden Core Mid Stage! Let's see who dares bully our Qin Family now!"
Seeing the others' astonishment, Yun Ce continued, offering news that was even more shocking. "In addition, I subdued two divine beasts on this journey back: Red Phoenix and Dragon Rock Lion. They're both at Nascent Soul Mid Stage, and from now on, they'll follow Xiaoyu and become his strength."
Qin Yu raised a hand and pointed to Red Phoenix and Dragon Rock Lion on Yun Ce's shoulders, smiling as he said, "Father, Mr. Feng, these are the two."
Red Phoenix and Dragon Rock Lion sensed everyone's gaze and raised their heads slightly, a hint of divine majesty in their eyes. But they remained calm, still lying obediently on Yun Ce's shoulders. The others examined the two little beasts closely. Though small, they could sense the fierce power within them, and were even more astonished.
"Nas... Nascent Soul Mid Stage divine beasts?!" Qin De exclaimed, deeply shaken. "Brother Yun can even subdue divine beasts at Nascent Soul Mid Stage. Your strength is truly awe-inspiring!"
Feng Yuzi nodded, admiration in his eyes. "Nascent Soul Mid Stage divine beasts far surpass cultivators of the same rank in both offense and defense. The fact that Brother Yun subdued them speaks volumes about your strength! I imagine you've reached an even higher realm yourself, Brother Yun?"
Yun Ce smiled faintly and made no attempt to hide it. "I was fortunate enough to reach the Void-Piercing Realm."
"The Void-Piercing Realm!" This time, the others cried out in shock, their faces full of disbelief. The Void-Piercing Realm was one of the highest realms on the Hidden Dragon Continent. There were only a handful of Void-Piercing cultivators in the entire Qin Dynasty and the surrounding powers! Yun Ce had already reached the Void-Piercing Realm; his strength was enough to protect the Qin Dynasty and ensure its prosperity for a long time to come!
Qin De's smile grew brighter, and his heart surged with excitement. With a Void-Piercing immortal cultivator like Yun Ce at the Qin Family's side, Qin Yu, a Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator, and two Nascent Soul Mid Stage divine beasts, the Qin Family would surely establish itself on the Hidden Dragon Continent and perhaps even rise to greater heights!
"Good! Good! Good!" Qin De repeated, his eyes shining with joy. "Brother Yun's strength has grown immensely, Xiaoyu has made rapid progress, and we have two divine beasts to help us. This is truly a blessing for the Qin Family! Come, let's start the banquet! Today, we drink until we drop!"
The banquet was soon set up in the Qin Family garden, with a dazzling spread of fine food and wine. Everyone gathered around the tables, raising their cups and drinking together. The atmosphere was lively. As emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Zheng maintained his dignity. Though delighted, he remained reserved, occasionally raising his cup to exchange a few pleasantries with Yun Ce and Qin De, and drinking only in moderation.
Qin Feng, on the other hand, let loose completely. He downed cup after cup, telling Qin Yu about the changes in the Qin Family over the past three years and his own progress in cultivation. Before long, he was dead drunk and slumped over the table, snoring away, much to everyone's amusement.
Qin De and Feng Yuzi also drank quite a bit, but as cultivators, ordinary wine could not make them drunk, and they remained clearheaded. From time to time, they spoke with Yun Ce, asking about Qin Yu's experiences in the Great Wilderness and seeking his advice on cultivation. Yun Ce patiently answered every question.
Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan also repeatedly toasted Yun Ce, their eyes full of respect and envy. One had reached the pinnacle of postnatal External Martial Arts, while the other had reached Xiantian Great Perfection. Both had been stuck at their current realms for a long time and had been growing increasingly anxious. Now that they had met Yun Ce, a Void-Piercing immortal cultivator, they could not help but feel a desire to seek the Dao.
The banquet lasted until late at night, and everyone finally left, satisfied. Yun Ce was given the best guest room in the Qin Family estate, while Qin Yu returned to his own room. After settling Black Feather, Golden Flame Eagle, and Dragon Rock Lion, he sank into a deep sleep. After three years away, he was finally home, and a deep sense of peace filled him.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yun Ce woke and sat cross-legged on his bed, cultivating the Hongmeng Stellar Art. He refined the Stellar True Essence within him and consolidated his Void-Piercing Mid Stage cultivation. He knew that when he went to the Undersea Beast World, he would face even more powerful enemies and dangers. Only by constantly growing stronger could he protect Qin Yu and the Qin Family.
Before long, there was a knock at the door, followed by a maid's voice. "Immortal Yun Ce, Master has come to visit you with Mr. Feng, General Zhao, and Mr. Lian."
Yun Ce slowly opened his eyes, a knowing glint in them, and the hint of a smile appeared on his lips. He had already guessed what was going on. Qin De had brought Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan with him today because he wanted something from Yun Ce. Most likely, he wanted help advancing their cultivation.
Zhao Yunxing had reached the pinnacle of postnatal External Martial Arts and had been stuck there for years, unable to break through to Xiantian. Lian Yan, meanwhile, had reached Xiantian Great Perfection and was only one step away from Golden Core, yet he had never managed to take that crucial step. Both men were valuable retainers of the Qin Family, so Qin De naturally hoped they could break through and strengthen the family. Now that Yun Ce, a Void-Piercing immortal cultivator, was staying at the Qin estate, Qin De would not let this opportunity pass him by.
"Let them in," Yun Ce said calmly.
As he spoke, the door slowly opened. Qin De entered first, followed by Feng Yuzi, Zhao Yunxing, and Lian Yan. All four wore respectful expressions, and once inside, they bowed to Yun Ce.
"Brother Yun, I'm sorry to disturb your cultivation," Qin De began respectfully, with a hint of embarrassment. "I came today to ask you for help with something."
Yun Ce smiled faintly and gestured for them to rise. His voice was warm. "Brother Qin De, there's no need to be so formal. Just tell me what it is. If I can help, I certainly won't refuse."
Qin De was delighted by his answer and hurried to explain. "Thank you, Brother Yun! Yunxing has been stuck at the pinnacle of postnatal External Martial Arts for years and still can't break through to Xiantian. Uncle Lian has reached Xiantian Great Perfection and is only one step away from Golden Core, but he hasn't been able to break through either. You're a mighty cultivator of the Void-Piercing Realm with vast knowledge. I'm sure you can help them advance, so I implore you to lend them your aid!"
As he spoke, Qin De gestured for Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan to step forward. They immediately bowed, their voices respectful and earnest. "We implore you to help us, Immortal!"
Yun Ce's gaze passed over Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan as he carefully examined their auras. He understood at once: Zhao Yunxing's body was far stronger than an ordinary person's, and he had cultivated his postnatal External Martial Arts to its limit. He simply lacked the opportunity to draw qi into his body and break through to Xiantian. Lian Yan, meanwhile, had refined his Xiantian true qi to its limit but lacked insight into the Great Dao, preventing him from condensing a Golden Core and reaching Golden Core.
For someone else, helping them advance might not have been easy, but for Yun Ce, who cultivated the Hongmeng Stellar Art, it would not be difficult. Besides, Zhao Yunxing and Lian Yan were both valuable retainers of the Qin Family. Helping them advance would further strengthen the family, so this was a favor worth doing.
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