The breakthrough happened on an ordinary morning during their journey. Cheng Wenyu went to the inn's kitchen to prepare breakfast for her, while Shen Jianxi was struggling to put on her clothes. Suddenly, she felt a surge of spiritual energy within her, and the surrounding spiritual energy began to pour into her body.
This time, the breakthrough was not as painful as the previous one. It was probably because the Ji Yue Divine Axis had been automatically circulating within her body all along, so the breakthrough was very smooth. By the time Cheng Wenyu came up with breakfast, she had already formed her Golden Core and become an early-stage Golden Core cultivator.
Shen Jianxi: It was rather sudden.
Even Cheng Wenyu hesitated when he saw her, "Xixi, you... you broke through?"
She nodded. The discomfort after the breakthrough had disappeared, and at least now she could walk to the table on her own.
After Cheng Wenyu served her a bowl of porridge, he served himself one and sat opposite her.
"We should reach the sect today."
Shen Jianxi's hand paused as she held the spoon, and her heart immediately tensed.
Although Qiu Tao was still in Dongchang Prefecture, Lin Xinglan was genuinely staying in Mingxin Sect, not to mention bringing Fu Zi. Since he could transform into human form, he was increasingly dissatisfied with his fox form. If she hadn't been so firm this time, he would have probably transformed into human form long ago.
Cheng Wenyu continued, "Once we reach the sect, we need to pay our respects to Master first."
She responded absentmindedly. The closer they got to Mingxin Sect, the more nervous she became.
However, no matter how worried she was, this trip was unavoidable.
After breakfast, the two of them set off. They arrived in less than half a day.
No matter how much Shen Jianxi dawdled, she eventually went up the mountain.
The disciples guarding the gate respectfully bowed when they saw that it was Cheng Wenyu, and then let the two of them pass.
The residence of Immortal Lord Lian Hua was located in the most serene part of Qingyuan Peak.
Cheng Wenyu first took her to his own courtyard. He had intended for them to share a courtyard since they were married, but Shen Jianxi refused, claiming she was shy. He then had the courtyard closest to him tidied up and arranged her belongings.
After finishing everything, Shen Jianxi stepped forward and handed him a cup of water. She then took a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. "When are we going to see Immortal Lord?"
Cheng Wenyu had not used any spiritual energy for what he had just done, and there were still some beads of sweat on his face. "Xixi, you can call him Master too. If you are ready, we can go now."
Shen Jianxi asked 77 to check Lin Xinglan's location. Confirming that he was still investigating in the village at the foot of the mountain, she felt relieved and smiled, saying, "Then let's go now. We should pay our respects to Immortal Lord, Master, as soon as possible."
Cheng Wenyu always indulged her words. After changing into some slightly soiled clothes, they put on matching outfits and walked towards the residence of Immortal Lord Lian Hua.
To be honest, Shen Jianxi did not expect Immortal Lord Lian Hua to live in a cave. Looking at the simple cave hidden behind the weeds, her mouth twitched.
Cheng Wenyu's expression was calm. He bowed respectfully, "Disciple Cheng Wenyu, with my wife Shen Jianxi, has come to pay respects to Master."
After speaking, he stood still, waiting for a response from inside.
Shen Jianxi felt a gust of wind suddenly arise around her, and then she watched in disbelief as the cave transformed into a door.
Shen Jianxi: ???
She was indeed ignorant.
Cheng Wenyu knew this meant his Master had granted them entry. He smiled reassuringly at Shen Jianxi, took her hand, and they walked in.
Upon entering, she discovered it was like another world. All she could see was white ice and snow, and she even saw icicles.
Led by Cheng Wenyu, they arrived at a hall. A handsome man with white hair sat on a raised platform. Hearing the sound of their arrival, he slowly opened his eyes.
Shen Jianxi was surprised that Immortal Lord Lian Hua looked so young. Not only that, but he was also incredibly beautiful, yet with a chilling aura that made people hesitant to approach.
Even his gaze towards Cheng Wenyu was devoid of emotion. If she hadn't heard him call out "Master" with her own ears, Shen Jianxi would have believed that these two people didn't know each other at all.
She followed Cheng Wenyu's example and bowed, timidly calling out, "Master."
Only after hearing a faint "Hmm" from above did they rise.
Then, Cheng Wenyu reported the matters concerning the demon race they had encountered on the way. Shen Jianxi stood quietly with her head bowed. She clearly felt that cold gaze was constantly on her.
She complained in her mind, "77, what's with this Immortal Lord Lian Hua? Has he never seen a beautiful woman before!"
77 choked, speechless. "Perhaps he has never seen a funny woman before."
Shen Jianxi: "@#%...¥#%"
"Xixi?" She was in the middle of a heated exchange with 77 in her mind when she suddenly felt her sleeve being gently tugged. She snapped back to reality to find Cheng Wenyu looking at her with a questioning gaze, seemingly concerned but unable to express it due to the inappropriate setting.
She pursed her lips, gave a slightly shy smile, quickly glanced at Immortal Lord Lian Hua on the platform, then lowered her head as if frightened. "Goodbye, Master."
After speaking, she subtly hooked her fingers with Cheng Wenyu's.
He clasped her hand in return, they looked at each other and smiled, and left hand in hand, just as they had arrived.
However, Shen Jianxi did not notice that after they left, Lian Hua's gaze at her retreating back became complex.
...
But there were many things she didn't notice, like now.
It was simply because she forgot to ask 77 where Lin Xinglan was, that the three of them had encountered each other like this!
Before Lin Xinglan could see, she subtly let go of their clasped hands.
"Junior disciple brother."
Lin Xinglan did not bow when he saw Cheng Wenyu for the first time. He stared blankly at Shen Jianxi, as if unable to believe his eyes.
This situation made it obvious to anyone, even a blind person, that there was an unusual relationship between the two of them, let alone Cheng Wenyu.
He looked at Shen Jianxi in surprise, "Xixi, you know each other?"
Shen Jianxi gave a forced laugh. How was she supposed to answer? Although she had anticipated this scenario the moment she decided to follow Cheng Wenyu to Mingxin Sect, she hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
"Yes, we know each other, just..."
Before she could finish, Lin Xinglan strode forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"You're here."
He only said this simple sentence, which conveyed his deep longing.
77: "Beep! Favorability +7, Lin Xinglan's current favorability is 68."
Cheng Wenyu was still beside them. Shen Jianxi was about to push him away when 77's voice suddenly rang out:
"Random mission released! Please hug Lin Xinglan back and tell him with deep emotion, 'I missed you so much, that's why I came to see you'."