Only then did Yunxi return to the main hall, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. She stopped suppressing her cultivation, allowing the pent-up energy to settle, and began circulating her technique to cultivate properly.
A month later, intense spiritual energy fluctuations erupted from the back courtyard of Xianke Ruyun, churning the air into a localized gale. Three breaths later, pressure belonging to mid Unity spread outward from Yunxi's small courtyard, sweeping across the entire Songran City like an invisible tide. Every cultivator in the city sensed the shift in the atmosphere, realizing that someone had broken through.
At Dengyun Tower, Han Qingwen looked toward the source of the pressure, his gaze piercing through the distance. A trace of satisfaction flashed through his eyes before he summoned a subordinate with a sharp gesture and gave a few quiet instructions.
Along with the pressure spreading out, Yunxi's divine sense also unfurled, domineering and overwhelming as it claimed the surrounding space. The moment it covered all of Songran City, she immediately withdrew it, pulling the mental net back into her consciousness. That way, she made it clear she had broken through without provoking the city lord's displeasure by lingering too long.
The city lord of Songran City and the cultivators within the city only felt the heavy pressure for an instant before it vanished completely. Everyone knew this was an instinctive reaction after a breakthrough, a brief overflow of new power, so no one blamed her. They were simply curious which high-level cultivator it was who had reached such a stage.
After breaking through, Yunxi didn't leave the courtyard right away. She kept the closed cultivation sign hanging on the entrance and patiently waited for Bing Li's message. Her advancement was a minor one, while Bing Li's was a major breakthrough of her entire state, so it would definitely take longer for her to stabilize. She was also curious about what kind of face she would wear this time.
Another month passed in quiet meditation until a transmission talisman flew toward Yunxi's courtyard and stuck to the shimmering restriction. With a flicker of divine sense, she drew it into her hand, the paper cool against her skin. The message was simple, consisting of just six words: "Breakthrough complete. See you tomorrow." Yunxi smiled faintly and put the talisman away into her storage space.
The next day, she waved her hand and removed the closed cultivation sign. She set up a stone chessboard in the center of the courtyard and waited for Bing Li. It was nearly wu (horse) hour (around 11 AM) when someone finally knocked on the courtyard's restriction, sending a ripple through the air.
Li Li had been waiting impatiently for a long time, its small body tense with anticipation. It was also curious about what identity Bing Li would take after this act of a cicada shedding its shell. Hearing the movement, it straightened up, its black grape-like eyes fixed tightly on the courtyard gate.
Yunxi flicked her sleeve and opened the door. A handsome man in a black robe stepped inside, his movements fluid and confident. He smiled as he cupped his hands in a respectful greeting.
"Big sister, I came late."
Yunxi narrowed her eyes, assessing the figure. The man in front of her was nearly one point nine meters tall, with a strong and well-built frame that dominated the space. The pressure of early Unity had not fully been reined in yet, radiating from him in faint waves that made it obvious he had only just broken through. He had a square face and fair skin. His brows and eyes were not particularly striking on their own, but together they looked comfortable and balanced. Those almond-shaped eyes and lips were especially similar to Yunxi's, at least five parts alike.
Li Li stared at him for a while, its head tilted, before wagging its tail.
"Zunshàng, his divine soul hasn't changed. It's Bing Li. She adjusted this new body to resemble you by three parts. It feels like she is trying to cling to you."
Yunxi had noticed the resemblance at first glance. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at her antics, waved her sleeve to close the door, and set the restriction again before inviting her to sit at the stone table.
Bing Li sat across from Yunxi with a cheerful smile. She glanced at the chessboard on the stone table, naturally picked up a black piece between two fingers, and placed it down with a soft click. Her voice was steady as she spoke.
"Ran Xi Daoyou, how is it? Can this new shell fool the Tower Master of Dengyun Tower?"
Yunxi casually placed a white piece and replied lazily, "You shaped this face because you want to latch onto this Lord."
Bing Li laughed, the sound bright in the quiet courtyard. "Yes, and no. People from hidden families rarely walk around the Cultivation Realm. Even when they go out to gain experience, they disguise themselves. Dengyun Tower can't reach into the Su family for now, so appearing as your younger brother won't seem out of place."
Yunxi nodded, accepting the logic of the explanation, then asked, "What is your new name?"
"Yun Po."
"Not bad."
They played a full game of chess, the pieces clicking rhythmically against the stone, which ended with Yunxi's victory. After that, they went to see Zhuge Muyu, who had been in a dormant state the entire time. His cultivation had already fallen to the Nascent Soul realm, and the damage to his foundation was obvious at a glance to any experienced cultivator.
Yun Po raised his hand and sent a stream of spiritual energy into Zhuge Muyu's dantian. Moments later, Zhuge Muyu opened his eyes, the clouded look clearing. After sitting up, he bowed respectfully.
"Master."
Yun Po turned toward Yunxi. "Ran Xi Daoyou, he has already become my puppet. He can be sent back to Dengyun Tower."
Yunxi retrieved the black storage bracelet she had given out earlier and nodded. "Alright. Then we will go to Dengyun Tower tomorrow."
The next day was clear and breezy. Yunxi swept up Zhuge Muyu and Yun Po, her spiritual energy enveloping them as she headed straight for Dengyun Tower.
This time, Tower Master Han Qingwen personally received them in a private hall. He smiled and cupped his hands.
"Congratulations, Daoyou, on your successful breakthrough."
Yunxi didn't put on airs this time. She returned the greeting with a bright smile.
"Tower Master, you're too polite. This Lord's breakthrough was thanks to Young Master Zhuge. However, there was a mishap during the breakthrough. Muyu helped block the backlash for me and suffered some injuries."
Han Qingwen's expression changed for a brief moment, a flicker of concern crossing his features, but he quickly adjusted. Lowering his gaze, he asked, "Xi Yun Daoyou, how badly is Muyu injured?"
Yunxi waved her sleeve and released Zhuge Muyu from her side. After steadying himself on his feet, Zhuge Muyu bowed with a pale face, his breathing slightly shallow.
Seeing that his cultivation had fallen to the Nascent Soul realm, Han Qingwen frowned slightly before looking back at Yunxi.
"Xi Yun Zunshàng, may I let Muyu go heal first?"
Yunxi nodded. "Of course. This Lord happens to have something to discuss with you."
Zhuge Muyu exchanged a glance with Han Qingwen, then obediently withdrew from the room.
Once he left, Yunxi spoke with an apologetic expression. "Tower Master Han, Muyu damaged his foundation this time to help me advance. Even if his cultivation recovers in the future, he will only be able to stop at the Refining Void stage. This Lord feels deeply sorry and wants to compensate him. I also like his considerate nature. Since he has never left Dengyun Tower since entering the cultivation path, this Lord wishes to take him away."
"This…"
Han Qingwen didn't agree right away. Hesitation showed on his face as he considered the request.
Yunxi continued calmly. "Tower Master, don't rush to refuse. This Lord already asked Muyu about this, and he agreed. I wouldn't stoop to forcing him. I will also give Dengyun Tower a price you will be satisfied with, enough to make up for the loss of his departure."
Han Qingwen cupped his hands. "I understand your meaning, honored guest. However, Muyu is the first disciple I ever accepted, so I do have feelings for him. I don't wish to make a decision against his will either. May I speak with him for a moment? As long as I confirm this is truly his wish, I won't stop him.
When I sent him out before, I also promised that as long as he helped the honored guest break through, I would allow him to leave Dengyun Tower to gain experience. If he can now receive Xi Yun Daoyou's protection, that's his fortune and also completes the bond between us."
Han Qingwen's words were beautifully phrased. Yunxi naturally didn't refuse and smiled as she nodded.
"As it should be. My younger brother and I will wait here."
Only then did Yun Po speak up from the side. "I have long heard of Dengyun Tower's reputation. After receiving my sister's message, I came over to join the fun. I have just broken through recently and want to consolidate my cultivation as soon as possible. I hope the Tower Master can also find a gentle female disciple like Muyu to accompany me for a few days."
Han Qingwen smiled like a spring breeze. "Since Young Master thinks so highly of Dengyun Tower, I will make arrangements right away. Please wait a moment, honored guests."