Veiled Concern

The next day, at noon.

The long-awaited cultivation allowed Xu Yuan to absorb the strange energy composed of life source, yin source, and Source Qi from the array patterns like a sponge.

Having not cultivated for several months, the time allotted for one night and a midday was only enough for him to complete the Qi Absorption, replenishing the depleted Source Qi within his body.

After completing these steps, Xu Yuan did not continue with the cultivation of the source.

When he used Source Qi to cultivate, he could cultivate without any worries using the inexhaustible Source Crystal within the Prime Minister's Mansion, but now he could no longer do so.

Although he could cultivate indefinitely, the hundred Yingui and Strange Ghost imprisoned as firewood in the cave beneath his room were his limit.

They convert Source Qi into yin and life energy at a slower rate than he cultivates. This night's breathing exercises have completely depleted the life energy and yin energy he had accumulated over several days.

However, the underground cave below is likely just a preliminary testing ground; expansion will only proceed if it proves successful.

With that in mind, Xu Yuan prepared to go out and find Xu Changge, asking the elder brother to order his men to transport more Yingui and Strange Ghost over.

The warm winter sun streamed into the room through the window, and some things floating in the air were clearly visible under the sunlight.

After getting out of bed, Xu Yuan dressed and then pushed open the door.

But as soon as he stepped outside, he was taken aback.

Why is Dad back?

In the elegant pavilion beside the small pond in the courtyard, I saw a middle-aged man with graying temples.

He was still wearing his signature black dragon robe, his face calm and composed, revealing no emotion whatsoever, his eyes fixed on the sycamore tree in the courtyard.

After a moment of silence, Xu Yuan suppressed his original thoughts and strode towards the pavilion.

Stepping into the pavilion, Xu Yuan sat directly opposite the stone table and softly called out:

"Father, you've been staring at this sycamore tree; is there a story behind it?"

Xu Yinhe slowly withdrew his gaze from the sycamore tree, and when it fell on Xu Yuan, a barely perceptible smile flashed in his eyes:

"There are indeed some stories, but they are all from the past."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan also glanced at the sycamore tree planted in the courtyard.

Under the warm sun, the sycamore tree's branches are bare, its lush foliage having fallen with the arrival of winter.

This sycamore tree is not Spirit Plant; it is a fairly common ornamental tree species within the Great Yan territory.

In the height of summer, when the branches and leaves are in full bloom, a gentle breeze will produce a melodious sound like wind chimes, hence the name "Hanging Bell".

Xu Yuan's eyes revealed a hint of curiosity as he asked:

What story?

Xu Yinhe didn't hide anything, his words carrying a hint of nostalgic smile:

"A story related to your mother."

Xu Yuan's eyes flickered.

Just like every child, everyone is curious about their parents' love story.

Not to mention the romantic escapades of someone as exceptionally handsome and refined as the old man before us.

Thinking about it, Xu Yuan's lips curled into a smile:

"Father, you and Mother didn't pledge your lives to each other under this sycamore tree, did you?"

"."

Upon hearing this, the man, whose temples were already gray, looked once more at the large tree that three people could barely encircle.

In the sunlight, he could vaguely see the ethereal beauty of the deceased woman when she was a young girl.

Xu Yinhe narrowed his sharp eyes slightly, gradually closing them. A smile played on his lips, and his voice was soft and gentle:

Yes, that's right.

"."

Seeing his father's expression, Xu Yuan lowered his eyes slightly and a smile appeared on his face, but he did not ask any further questions.

The silence in the pavilion lasted for more than ten breaths before Xu Yinhe's steady voice broke the tranquility of remembrance:

"Is your cultivation going smoothly?"

Xu Yuan smiled upon hearing this:

"The array formations that Xin Yao developed are very powerful, and now I can cultivate them normally."

Xu Yinhe glanced at the side room and said:

"That probably isn't enough."

Xu Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then understood and nodded:

"The Yin and Life Sources produced are indeed insufficient to support my continued cultivation."

Xu Yinhe nodded slightly:

"Xin Yao is very meticulous and cautious. To prevent any accidents from happening to you, she didn't easily summon too many Yingui and Strange Ghost."

Xu Yuan instantly understood the meaning behind his father's words.

Everything is ready; we're just waiting for you to come back and test it out before we can continue the expansion.

This father is always like this; even in such small matters, he arranges everything meticulously.

A thought flashed through his mind, Xu Yuan suddenly remembered the promise he had made to Xu Xinyao last night, and whispered:

"Father, this formation actually needs improvement."

"Um?"

Xu Yinhe raised an eyebrow slightly, a perfectly timed look of surprise in his eyes.

Upon seeing this, Xu Yuan immediately recited his prepared remarks:

"Xin Yao said that although this formation is highly complete, it is still a work in progress."

Xu Yinhe nodded, signaling him to continue.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan chuckled:

"This formation is too large. If I want to cultivate, I need to stay in this room for a long time. In Xin Yao's plan, this formation can be simplified to the point that it can be carried around."

Xu Yinhe gave Xu Yuan a meaningful look, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, and nodded.

"That makes sense then. What do you want?"

"."

Xu Yuan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

To be honest, he felt like his father had seen right through him once again.

However, he still forced himself to speak in a low voice:

"I hope Father can allocate some array masters and weapon refiners to Xin Yao."

Xu Yuan didn't directly state how many he needed, because he felt that his father probably knew what he wanted to do.

"Um"

Xu Yinhe gave a vague, soft reply, then continued, "Five array masters and five weapon refiners of the highest rank (A-grade). That should be enough."

have to.

The old man really knew what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem to object.

Thinking it over, Xu Yuan licked his lips and tentatively said:

"That funding?"

"I will instruct Hua Hong to allocate 500,000 taels of silver to Xin Yao for equipment."

"Only 500,000 taels?" Xu Yuan was taken aback; this was not what he had expected.

Xu Yinhe glanced at him:

"What, you think it's too much?"

Xu Yuan's eye twitched, then he immediately smiled and said:

"No, no, it's just right."

"Oh, that's good."

Xu Yinhe chuckled and slowly stood up, "That's enough for now. I have other matters to attend to."

Seeing this, Xu Yuan slowly stood up and bowed.

"Yes, Father."

Xu Yinhe looked at the three men in front of him and suddenly said:

"Xin Yao is too kind-hearted, Changge isn't good at expressing himself. As her older brother, you need to be more understanding."

As soon as he finished speaking, a gentle breeze blew by, and the middle-aged man's figure had vanished.

After standing in the pavilion for a while, Xu Yuan shook his head and slowly sat down again.

The father's visit was indeed specifically to inquire about Xin Yao's condition.

However, since you care,

Why not do it yourself?