Early the next morning.
Zhou Fan and the others arrived at the Qin Family estate bright and early.
Qin Bai, the head of the Qin Family, was already waiting for them.
"Uncle," Xia Qingran greeted him politely.
"Greetings, Qin Family Head," Zhou Fan said just as courteously.
After all, the man was the head of the Qin Family.
Though the Qin Family was not one of the Imperial Capital's Four Great Families, its strength ranked just below theirs.
"Zhou Fan, we meet again." Qin Bai greeted him with a warm smile.
At their first meeting, he had exuded a steady, imposing air, commanding respect without any show of anger.
Now, however, he seemed noticeably less imposing and more kindly.
That also had to do with the different circumstances.
Last time, they had been trying to suppress Xia Qingran's Ice Spirit Body, a matter of grave importance.
Although Xia Qingran had suffered a minor mishap this time, her life was not in danger, so he could naturally relax.
"Brother, is everything ready at the Secret Realm?" Qin Lin asked.
"Yes, everything has been ready for a while. You can go in whenever you like."
"Then let's go."
The group headed toward the Qin Family Secret Grounds.
Quite a few people were already waiting outside the Qin Family Secret Grounds.
Qin Nuannuan was among them.
"Qingran, you're here!" She jogged over and scooped Xia Qingran straight into her arms.
"Qingran, you're so adorable like this, so tiny!"
As she spoke, she could not resist rubbing her cheek against Xia Qingran's.
It was just like nuzzling a little child.
"...Nuannuan, if you don't let go, I'm going to teach you a serious lesson," Xia Qingran said expressionlessly.
"No! I never dreamed I'd get a chance like this, to hold such a tiny little