Return to Star Luo City, Three Years Later. (Test run, seeking follow-up reads.)

When Liu Lin withdrew from his Sea of Consciousness, the first thing he felt was something soft and warm beneath his head, yielding to the touch.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the face of Xu Jiujiu mere inches away. However, she was fast asleep, likely exhausted from looking after him.

Watching her peaceful sleeping expression, even a fool like Liu Lin knew he was currently resting his head on her lap.

Liu Lin immediately began to shift his body with the utmost caution, trying to slide off her lap.

Just as he moved a short distance, Xu Jiujiu's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

The two found themselves locked in a gaze, and Liu Lin took the opportunity to sit up while they were still staring at each other.

"Liu Lin, you're finally awake! Do you have any idea how long you've been unconscious?" Xu Jiujiu asked, her face lighting up with joy as she saw him awake.

As she spoke, she embraced the newly upright Liu Lin.

Looking at the joyful expression on Xu Jiujiu's face as she held him, Liu Lin stroked her hair and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Jiujiu. I made you worry."

"Who was worried about you? I was just afraid that if you died, I wouldn't know how to answer to my Imperial Brother," Xu Jiujiu replied with a feigned haughtiness upon hearing his words.

"Yes, yes, of course. It was just my own wishful thinking. Though, I wonder whose lap I was just resting on? Do you know, Jiujiu?" Liu Lin said with a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at the proud girl in his arms.

Xu Jiujiu's face turned even redder at his words.

Seeing her shy and speechless in his embrace, Liu Lin decided not to tease her any further.

"Alright, no more jokes. How long have I been asleep, Jiujiu?" Liu Lin set aside his playful smile and asked the girl still nestled against him.

Xu Jiujiu took a deep breath to steady her emotions, then looked up at Liu Lin and said, "From the time we left the Star Dou Forest until now, you've been unconscious for about an afternoon."

"Do you have any idea why we lost consciousness?"

Hearing her question, Liu Lin shook his head.

Xu Jiujiu nodded in response. After all, if Elder Lin, a Titled Douluo, didn't know the reason, she hadn't held out much hope that Liu Lin would.

"Alright, you must be hungry since you just woke up. They should have the food ready by now, let's go."

With that, Xu Jiujiu left his embrace, stood up, and pulled Liu Lin toward the outside of the carriage.

"Mm, I am indeed a bit hungry." Liu Lin nodded and walked outside with her.

As soon as the two stepped down from the carriage, they saw Old Wang walking in their direction.

"Young Master Liu, you're awake."

Old Wang bowed respectfully when he saw Liu Lin and Xu Jiujiu.

"Mm."

"That's perfect. I was just about to call Miss Xu for dinner. You must be hungry now that you're awake; let me take you to eat."

"Alright, thank you, Uncle Wang," Liu Lin said with a grateful nod.

"It's nothing, no need to thank me." Old Wang led them to the campfire.

Seeing Old Wang arrive with the pair, Sun Heng handed the freshly roasted rabbit in his hands to Liu Lin and Xu Jiujiu.

"Young Master Liu, Miss Xu, have a taste. This roasted rabbit is a specialty."

After thanking him, the two took the rabbit and began to eat slowly.

"Don't mention it. It's just a pity I didn't bring all the seasonings; otherwise, I could have made a spicy rabbit head," Sun Heng said with a hint of regret.

High up in a nearby tree, Elder Lin saw that Liu Lin had awakened and returned to cultivating to heal his own injuries.

The next morning, just as the sky began to brighten, the caravan set off toward the Star Luo Empire.

About two days later, in the early morning, the caravan arrived at Star Luo City.

After bidding farewell to Old Wang and the others, Liu Lin and Xu Jiujiu followed Elder Lin back to the Star Luo Imperial Palace.

Upon entering the palace, Elder Lin told them to go and rest, as they hadn't had a proper break during their time in the Star Luo Empire.

The two nodded and walked side-by-side toward their quarters.

Once they had left, Elder Lin prepared to head to Xu Jiawei to report what had transpired in the Star Dou Forest.

That evening, as Liu Lin was reading in the pavilion, a knock sounded at the door. Xiao Xue, who was standing behind him, hurried to the entrance and opened the door.

When she saw who was standing outside, she knelt and performed a formal salute.

"This servant, Xiao Xue, pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise. I am here to see Liu Lin; where is he?" Xu Jiawei waved his hand, signaling her to stand.

"Yes. This servant will take you to him immediately." She led Xu Jiawei to the pavilion to find Liu Lin.

Sitting in the pavilion, Liu Lin saw Xiao Xue bringing Xu Jiawei over. He set down his book, stood up, and bowed to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities. Didn't I say that you are family to me now? You don't need to bow," Xu Jiawei said as he walked over to Liu Lin and helped him up.

"Then I thank Your Majesty. May I ask what brings you here to see me?"

"Hmm, I heard from Elder Lin about the incident in the Star Dou Forest, and that you entered a state of cultivation. How is your body now? Did it leave behind any lingering side effects?" Xu Jiawei asked with a tone of concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My body is fine. This deep cultivation allowed my soul power to break through to level 13."

"That is good, that is good." Hearing Liu Lin's words, Xu Jiawei let out a sigh of relief.

After listening to Elder Lin's account, he had visited his younger sister immediately after court today, and then hurried over to check on Liu Lin's injuries.

"Since there is nothing wrong, you should get some good rest. I still have matters to attend to." Seeing that Liu Lin was unharmed, Xu Jiawei prepared to return to his chambers to handle state affairs.

"Safe travels, Your Majesty."

With that, Liu Lin and Xiao Xue saw Xu Jiawei off.

Time flew like a shuttle, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside a cultivation room, a youth with long black hair sat cross-legged on the floor, took a deep breath, and opened his eyes.

"Finally broke through to level 27."

The youth stood up and opened the door to the cultivation room, only to see a golden-haired girl dressed in a golden ceremonial gown.

Seeing the door open, the girl walked over and said, "Level 27 already? You really are a freak, Liu Lin."

"Jiujiu, if people hear you say that, they'll misunderstand. I am a gentleman, after all." Hearing Xu Jiujiu's words, Liu Lin tried to correct her.

"Aren't you? Every day you... mmph..." Hearing Liu Lin's words, Xu Jiujiu rolled her eyes and began to complain, but before she could finish, Liu Lin covered her mouth.

"Alright, enough of that. What did you come here for?" Liu Lin hurriedly changed the subject, fearing that Xu Jiujiu would continue.