Returning to the Xiu Ling Academy, Chu Lingwei reported to her master and then retreated to her cave dwelling for closed-door cultivation.
This time, if her cultivation did not improve, she would not emerge.
“Weiwei, how long will we be in seclusion?” Feng Ming, holding Chu Lingwei’s arm, would naturally also go into seclusion with Weiwei.
“At least three years, at most…”
Chu Lingwei was unsure how much her cultivation could improve.
Her cultivation had always been unstable. After entering the Rong Tian Realm, she had reached the Hua Tian Realm a few times through fortunate encounters, but it remained unstable. Chu Lingwei knew this was due to her insufficient cultivation, as the Hua Tian Realm was built solely through spiritual herbs and immortal elixirs.
Her ability to reach the fighting power of the Hua Tian Realm was entirely due to the augmentation of the ancient bronze sword.
During this closed-door cultivation, she not only had to resolve all the shortcomings in her cultivation but also to improve it.
“If my cultivation does not advance, I will not emerge,” Chu Lingwei vowed solemnly, looking at the familiar Wuhui Mountain.
Although the Phoenix Clan was currently enjoying a moment of peace, danger could erupt at any time. Improving her cultivation was the only pressing matter.
“Weiwei, we will cultivate well with you,” Feng Ming promised earnestly, she would definitely cultivate with Weiwei.
“Let’s go.”
Chu Lingwei waved her hand, closing the barrier of the cave dwelling, and turned to enter the spiritual spring to begin her cultivation.
Outside the cave dwelling.
“Eldest Senior Brother, is Weiwei really in seclusion?” Nangong Luo looked at the layered barriers outside his junior sister’s cave dwelling and sighed. They would not be able to see their junior sister for a while.
“She must improve her cultivation and cultivate diligently.” Leng Xingzhi gazed at his junior sister’s cave dwelling, hoping her cultivation would greatly improve upon her emergence.
“I should also go and cultivate well.”
Nangong Luo transformed into a streak of neon light and departed. His junior sister was making efforts to improve her cultivation, and he should also strive harder.
Leng Xingzhi turned and concealed himself within his own cave dwelling.
Ten years later.
Opening the barrier, Chu Lingwei stepped out of her cave dwelling, looking at Wuhui Mountain, which remained unchanged, and a faint smile appeared on her face.
“Junior Sister, you’ve finally decided to emerge?”
Nangong Luo sensed Chu Lingwei’s emergence and rushed over immediately.
“Greetings, Second Senior Brother.”
Chu Lingwei bowed to Nangong Luo. Ten years had passed, and Nangong Luo was still in red, appearing elegant and dashing. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that her second senior brother’s cultivation had reached the Tong Tian Realm.
“Congratulations, Second Senior Brother, on entering the Tong Tian Realm.”
“Junior Sister is not bad either.”
Although Chu Lingwei had not yet entered the Tong Tian Realm, she was on the verge of a breakthrough, needing only a catalyst.
“Weiwei.”
Leng Xingzhi arrived upon hearing their voices, landing before Chu Lingwei. His white robes fluttered in the wind, and the gentle smile on his face blended with the surroundings.
“Greetings, Eldest Senior Brother.”
“Congratulations, Junior Sister, on your cultivation advancement.” Leng Xingzhi lowered his gaze; after ten years of seclusion, his junior sister’s spiritual power was even more profound.
“Thank you, Eldest Senior Brother.”
Having not seen her eldest senior brother for ten years, Chu Lingwei’s eyes met his, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. As he stood quietly before her, her heart, which had been calm for ten years, began to flutter like a startled deer.
“Eldest Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, I will go see Master first.”
After bowing to Leng Xingzhi and Nangong Luo, Chu Lingwei headed to her Master Bei Chenfeng’s cave dwelling.
“Disciple greets Master.”
Bei Chenfeng sat regally on his seat. He was very pleased with his youngest disciple’s cultivation improvement. Weiwei was very intelligent; she had not rushed to break through to the Tong Tian Realm.
“Good.”
“Master, Disciple vaguely senses a catalyst and wishes to go out for trials to break through to the Tong Tian Realm.”
Chu Lingwei’s cultivation was sufficient for her to break through to the Tong Tian Realm in one go, but she preferred it to happen naturally and at her own pace.
“Go. Return to Wuhui Mountain immediately when you are about to break through.”
Bei Chenfeng waved his hand, granting Chu Lingwei’s request.
“Thank you, Master.”
Returning to her cave dwelling, her eldest, second, and third senior brothers had already set out tables and chairs, waiting for her.
“Junior Sister, where do you wish to go for trials?” With her breakthrough imminent, she would need to seek out her catalyst.
“Let’s go to Ling Province first.”
Her three senior brothers knew her identity, so Chu Lingwei saw no need to hide it. She wanted to visit her maternal uncle and the others. Now, even her father and mother were out for trials; she didn't know where they were.
Leng Xingzhi pinched the spiritual tea cup in his hand, his expression subtly shifting.
“That’s not bad.” Nangong Luo and the others nodded in agreement. In fact, they had anticipated that their junior sister would head to Ling Province upon emerging from seclusion.
“Junior Sister, why don’t I accompany you?”
At this moment, Leng Xingzhi spoke, placing down his teacup. “I was planning to return to the Leng family anyway, I’ll escort you to Ling Province.”
Upon hearing his eldest senior brother’s words, Nangong Luo chuckled softly. “That’s excellent. With Eldest Senior Brother accompanying you, we can rest assured.”
Chu Lingwei’s heart began to pound wildly. She dared not meet her eldest senior brother’s gaze and nodded. “Then I will trouble Eldest Senior Brother.”
The next day.
Chu Lingwei and Leng Xingzhi left the Xiu Ling Academy together.
Chu Lingwei and Leng Xingzhi stood facing the wind. Feng Ming and the phantom cat hid nearby, eating spiritual fruits, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
“Eldest Senior Brother, aren’t we heading in the direction of Lu Zhou City?” Chu Lingwei noticed their current direction was not towards Ling Province and asked with confusion.
“Weiwei, first come back to the Leng family with me.” Leng Xingzhi nodded. He wanted her to see the sacred tree she had never seen before, believing it might help her break through to the Tong Tian Realm.
“To the Leng family.”
Chu Lingwei had not expected her eldest senior brother to take her to the Leng family.
“Yes, to see your Phoenix Clan’s sacred tree.”
Chu Lingwei’s heart skipped a beat. During her cultivation, she had repeatedly seen images of the sacred tree withering in her mind. The sacred tree had, unknowingly, become her obsession.
“Thank you, Eldest Senior Brother.” It seemed her eldest senior brother had already guessed why she had not broken through to the Tong Tian Realm.
“Between us, why the need for thanks.”
Leng Xingzhi reached out and gently clasped Chu Lingwei’s hand, his eyes filled with affection. He sighed softly, “Weiwei, you were in seclusion for a whole ten years.”
During these ten years, she had cultivated diligently, while his mind was filled with her image, making it impossible for him to concentrate.
Faced with her eldest senior brother’s sudden intimacy, Chu Lingwei’s face flushed. She turned her head and saw that the two small beasts had long since disappeared. She clasped her eldest senior brother’s hand back. “I’m sorry, I want to improve my cultivation as quickly as possible.”
During these ten years, Chu Lingwei had many times considered emerging to see her eldest senior brother, but the thought of her cultivation always held her back.
She desired cultivation, she desired strength. Only then could she stop being protected under someone else’s wing. She wanted to create a vast sky for those she wished to protect.
“Weiwei, I miss you dearly.” Leng Xingzhi understood Weiwei’s thoughts all too well. It was precisely because of this that he felt even more for the woman before him.
“Eldest Senior Brother, I miss you dearly too.” Chu Lingwei stepped forward and hugged Leng Xingzhi’s waist, leaning against his chest.