Lin Region.
Amid the towering mountain ranges, a grand sect gate loomed in and out of sight. Dense spiritual energy drifted between the peaks, forming rolling currents of aura. Quite a few cultivators flew back and forth through it, coming and going without end.
This was the Lin Clan's mountain gate, the core of the newly promoted first-tier cultivation faction, the Lin Clan.
Within a secluded stretch of forest stood an ancient, simple courtyard. The spiritual energy here was not particularly dense, but the scenery was beautiful—small bridges over flowing water, flowers perfuming the air. This place was not within the Lin Clan's core territory, yet numerous formations had been laid nearby. Some could kill without a trace if one was careless. It was one of the forbidden areas in the hearts of the Lin Clan's people.
"Madam, please be careful..."
"An'er, where is my An'er... He must be playing a game with me, hehehe... I'm going to find him. He must be hiding here..."
An elderly woman's voice rang out. She laughed foolishly, as though she were playing a game with her son, constantly wandering through every corner of the courtyard in search of him, never tiring of it.
"Hahaha, I found him! My An'er really is here!"
The elderly woman found a cloth doll taller than a person in a corner. She happily hugged it to her chest, her face filled with delight.
"There, there, don't cry. Mommy will hold you..."
The elderly woman patted the doll's back, her kindly gaze fixed upon it, as if afraid that her son would go missing again the moment she looked away.
Just then, a streak of white light descended outside the courtyard, taking the form of a handsome young man.
"Young Master Lin An, you're here?"
The instant she saw