Achieving the Tianxin Lotus Ring through cultivation was anticipated, but the sheer difficulty of its mastery surprised Ye Wen somewhat. That it ultimately helped him break through a crucial barrier was an unexpected, delightful bonus.

“Wonderful, buy one get one free!” His palm flipped ceaselessly, the purple lotus hovering upon it, rotating gently no matter how Ye Wen manipulated his hand, as if it were rooted there.

Ye Wen was unsure if this lotus Jingqi was strong or weak. Normally, the Tianxin Lotus Ring should emit searing Jingqi. After a slight probe, he discovered his lotus, while possessing a trace of heat, remained fundamentally balanced and temperate, strikingly similar to his inherent Purple Qi.

Yet, it was slightly more yang-heated than common innate Purple Qi. Whether it manifested as hard or soft depended entirely on Ye Wen’s will.

“Its power must not be insignificant!”

Having mastered this technique now proved that the current masters of the Shu Shan Sect could all attempt it, though perhaps none could achieve it with the seamless flow he possessed.

He presumed this until, after explaining the profound technique to his junior sister, he discovered Ning Ruxue learned it far more easily than he had.

Ning Ruxue focused her concentration and channeled her power. After a cycle of sword energy circulation, a cyan lotus gradually manifested on her fingertip. Though this lotus was incredibly verdant and lifelike, it evoked a prickling sensation on the skin, for while it resembled a common green lotus, it possessed the intimidating sharpness of a drawn sword; even the petals seemed honed.

“Sword Qi manifests as a Lotus?” Ye Wen observed for a while before grasping the subtlety of Ning Ruxue’s lotus. This acquired lotus was purely a condensation of incomparably sharp sword energy. If unleashed with a strike, the recipient of this lotus Jingqi would likely be instantly shredded into rags by the internal sword energy.

In terms of raw power, Ning Ruxue’s cyan lotus far surpassed Ye Wen’s purple one, though it lacked the versatility of his. Especially after witnessing her cyan sword energy lotus, Ye Wen realized his purple lotus gained a new dimension: the ability to suddenly switch to the sword energy of the Zixiao Dragon Qi Sword during use. This sudden shift would catch most opponents off guard, although the consumption and control were significantly more troublesome than Ning Ruxue’s technique.

They took turns tossing out a cyan lotus and flinging a purple one. Hua Yi, watching beside them, found the spectacle quite engaging. If she hadn't known these beautiful lotuses were formed from dangerous Jingqi—beautiful yet lethal—she might have tried to snatch one to examine. Fortunately, Ye Wen’s purple lotus was slightly safer; after condensing one, he placed it in Hua Yi’s hand, delighting her for quite some time.

As for why Ning Ruxue learned the Tianxin Lotus Ring so quickly, Ye Wen surmised it was due to the Minor Formless Skill (Xiao Wuxiang Gong). The intricacies and refinement required for Xiao Wuxiang Gong’s internal energy manipulation ranked among the most advanced in the current Shu Shan martial arts; with that as a foundation, learning the Tianxin Lotus Ring was naturally much simpler for Ning Ruxue.

Moreover, since her Innate Body-Breaking Formless Sword Qi was perfected, her body was filled entirely with sword energy. Using the Tianxin Lotus Ring bypassed the necessary transformation of true essence, effectively eliminating the most troublesome step. She merely manifested a lotus-shaped burst of sword energy following the formula of the Tianxin Lotus Ring. Most of the original profound attributes of the Tianxin Lotus Ring were not expressed, making it far less taxing than Ye Wen’s cultivation process.

In essence, Ning Ruxue had merely integrated the Tianxin Lotus Ring into her existing Formless Sword Qi, whereas Ye Wen had truly mastered the original technique.

He could not guess what changes others would experience upon learning it. After all, the top martial artists in the Shu Shan Sect each followed distinct paths—imparting the same technique to different individuals would inevitably yield varied results. Ye Wen mused that if Xu Xian practiced this art, the Tianxin Lotus Ring he manifested would likely assume yet another form.

After teaching his junior sister the technique, Ye Wen guided Hua Yi in learning basic footwork and striking. He started from the absolute fundamentals, even enlisting Zhou Zhiruo to instruct her—Zhou Zhiruo had gained teaching experience lately instructing Wei Shishi, so Ye Wen wasn't worried she'd teach poorly.

Although Hua Yi possessed significant imbalances in her learning, she did have a foundation of high-level martial arts cultivation, meaning learning these basics wasn't as daunting as it would be for a complete novice. Within a few days, she completed the survey of all foundational skills; the rest required diligent daily practice to fully assimilate and master them.

For simple punches, kicks, and sword forms, Ye Wen required her to practice for a minimum of three months, practicing diligently every single day. If she failed to meet his standards after those three months, she would continue practicing those fundamentals for another three months until Ye Wen was satisfied.

“Senior Brother is quite attentive to Miss Hua!”

Ye Wen feigned confusion: “Do I? It’s the same as how I teach all my other apprentices!”

Ning Ruxue shot him a look, saying, “Miss Hua is not your disciple!” Then she glanced at Hua Yi, who was practicing the Jade Maiden Sword Style: “And I suspect Senior Brother doesn't intend for her to be one either!”

“Haha!” Ye Wen offered a dry laugh, finally resorting to using the sect as a shield: “Regardless, since she has become a member of our Shu Shan Sect, her martial arts cannot be subpar; otherwise, it will only bring shame to our sect!” After parrying a few more comments, he excused himself abruptly and hurried toward the back mountain.

Since returning to the mountain, Ye Wen had been busy handling sect affairs. He hadn't had a moment to visit the secluded valley in the back mountains. Having finally settled various matters over the past couple of days, the Shu Shan Sect’s numerous enterprises were secure, and disciples sent out traveling had begun returning in trickles. Those few still down the mountain had sent word that they were safe, and the majority of disciples were busy consolidating the insights gained from their recent travels, so they didn't require his immediate guidance. Thus, seizing a moment, Ye Wen went to check on the state of the Secluded Valley.

He also recalled promising Xu Xian he would retrieve a Green Fruit for him, so Xu Xian could feign illness and resign his official post after eating it. Considering how long he’d been away, he wondered how many fruits might have fallen by now.

As for the Red Fruits ripening suddenly during his absence, he wasn't worried. Given the rate at which the Green Fruits dropped, they probably wouldn't fully mature until next year.

Upon reaching the edge of the cliff and entering the Secluded Valley, Ye Wen sighed at how unchanged the place remained. It truly was an ideal spot for secluded retreat.

With scenery that remained like spring year-round, the cool pool nearby, pleasant breezes, and encircling mountain walls shielding it from harsh external winds—it was undeniably a superb location.

“Perhaps in the future, the elder generation of the Shu Shan Sect can retreat here while guarding the secret of this Cold Pool, lest everyone learn of such a treasure ground belonging to us!” If the overall strength of his Shu Shan Sect weren't so desperately in need of improvement, he wouldn't have revealed the location of the Cold Pool to the disciples so quickly. Ideally, only those disciples who made monumental contributions to the sect would be rewarded with access to cultivate here, their status in the sect elevated in the process.

But given the current situation, he couldn't afford to be so cautious. Fortunately, the backgrounds of the few disciples currently accepted were all traceable and clear, so he didn't fear spies from other factions discovering this place and plotting harm against Shu Shan.

Entering the cave, Ye Wen first checked the storage area for the numerous secret manuals, finding nothing amiss. Only then did he turn his attention to the fruit tree. Looking down, he realized that during his extended absence, only a single Green Fruit had fallen.

He turned to look at the Red Fruit; its color was unchanged from when he left, with no visible difference. He supposed that the later the ripening stage, the slower the process, just as the Green Fruits fell more slowly.

Picking up the fallen fruit, he examined the point where it had broken off and found the flesh still quite tender. It must have fallen recently. Coupled with the biting cold air within the icy cave—a natural freezer—the fruit remained as fresh as if just harvested, so there was no fear of its essence dissipating over time.

Setting the fruit aside, Ye Wen practiced his internal arts for a while in the spring. The chilling air of the Cold Spring now had less effect on him; only at the spring’s source did it provide some utility. Ye Wen knew he probably wouldn't need the Cold Spring much longer, especially as his skills deepened; he would have to rely solely on his own cultivation for further progress.

Fortunately, he still possessed the Ring—his cheat device. If he could obtain several more secret manuals comparable to the Tianxin Lotus Ring, relying solely on cultivating those techniques, Ye Wen wasn't worried about becoming stuck at any single stage.

However, a sudden curiosity arose: what was the ultimate limit of his Ring?

If he could continue improving indefinitely, would the Ring continuously provide him with secret manuals? Or would it only grant manuals up to a certain tier, and what would happen if he surpassed that limit?

“Will it explode? Or will it stop absorbing once it reaches a certain threshold, only then providing manuals of that specific level?”

This question had sometimes troubled Ye Wen in his free moments, but as of now, the Ring behaved like an bottomless pit, and he likely wouldn't be able to discern its limit anytime soon.

Emerging from the cave, it was already evening. By the time Ye Wen reached the dining hall, he saw Ning Ruxue and Huang Rongrong waiting for him at the table, but their expressions seemed a bit odd, and Huang Rongrong’s look was slightly strained.

When he returned, Ye Wen noticed Xu Xian was also back on the mountain and was heading out, likely to find him.

Sure enough, the moment Xu Xian spotted him, he called out, “Senior Brother is back! I was just coming to fetch you for dinner!”

“When did you return?” Ye Wen had assumed Xu Xian would stay home for several more days. Especially after achieving the top rank in the imperial examinations and becoming an official, his father surely wouldn't stop hosting banquets for days on end without treating guests. How could it only be a few days before he ran back to the mountain?

“Just got back not long ago, just in time for dinner!” As he said this, Xu Xian offered a wry smile, apparently sensing Ye Wen’s confusion from his expression. He quickly explained, “Senior Brother, these past few days have worn me out. My father has been hosting banquets constantly, and my mother hasn't stopped urging me to marry. I couldn't bear it anymore, so I ran back… However…”

They walked toward the hall while conversing. Ye Wen noticed for the first time that there was an additional person at the table. This person had their back to him, so he couldn't see their face, but the waterfall-like black hair was striking, along with the hairpin worn atop the head—it was immediately clear this was a woman.

“Who is this?”

As soon as he spoke, the woman stood up instantly and bowed to Ye Wen: “This humble girl, Qin Su, greets Sect Leader Ye!”

Just from her bearing, Ye Wen could tell this woman was the type of young lady from a prestigious family. Her noble aura was contained yet potent, her speech polite and soft. Her delicate hands suggested she had never done manual labor—both Ning Ruxue’s and Hua Yi’s hands were delicate, but that was due to the divine nature of their martial arts.

But this woman before him… “Surely she isn't another strange woman possessing peerless skills, is she?” He glanced at Xu Xian, hoping for an answer. He had never seen this woman before; her appearance with Xu Xian in the Shu Shan Sect clearly meant she was connected to him.

“This Qin Su is the person my mother insists I marry! She is the daughter of the Qin family,” Xu Xian whispered conspiratorially in Ye Wen’s ear, explaining the situation in the simplest terms, which immediately clarified everything for Ye Wen.

But looking at the woman again, Ye Wen asked curiously, “Then what is she doing coming up the mountain?” Xu Xian replied, “The moment I was about to leave, my mother knew I would bolt, so she sent her to follow me. She said we should spend more time together, and we should pick an auspicious day soon to finalize the marriage agreement!” Ye Wen sighed upon hearing this: “A father knows his son best, but a mother knows him even better,” he muttered, then addressed Qin Su with sincere politeness: “Miss Qin, there is no need for formality. You are a guest; please, be seated!”

At that moment, Ye Wen finally understood why Huang Rongrong's expression was so strange. The seating arrangement was also exquisite: Huang Rongrong and Qin Su were seated on either side of an empty seat—the seat belonging to… Ye Wen looked again at his junior brother beside him.

Looking from Huang Rongrong to Qin Su, the contrast was too great. Qin Su was exceptionally beautiful with distinguished bearing. Judging by her speech, she likely possessed a gentle and elegant temperament—the ideal wife favored by great families, perfect for managing the household and raising children.

As for Huang Rongrong’s temperament… best not to mention it!

Furthermore, Qin Su’s figure was flawless. While Huang Rongrong’s figure wasn't bad, she was slightly shorter. Ye Wen wondered if the Xu family cared about height.

Regarding knowledge and skills, ladies from noble families were typically well-read and virtuous, viewing needlework as mere pastime. Huang Rongrong excelled at none of these. If it came to wielding weapons to strike people, Huang Rongrong was stronger than Qin Su. However, marrying a wife isn't always about finding the fiercest one.

“No wonder Huang Rongrong looks uneasy. This Qin Su is truly the preferred choice for a wife in this era—a formidable rival!”

But these matters were hardly his to meddle in; he left that headache for Xu Xian. Seeing the table laden with steaming dishes and so many people gathered, he felt the atmosphere of the Shu Shan Sect growing more vibrant and was inwardly delighted. Raising his chopsticks, he picked up a piece of food and declared directly: “Eat!”

The meal that followed was hard to suppress laughter over. Whether intentionally or not, Xu Xian was constantly intimate with Huang Rongrong, serving her a piece of food here, gently brushing a speck of rice from her cheek there—and even deliberately eating it, making the entire table feel awkward about looking their way. Even Huang Rongrong herself was acutely self-conscious. Although Xu Xian had said he would marry her, such overtly affectionate behavior was rare, and doing it in front of everyone made her so shy she wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor.

But thinking of Qin Su seated beside her, Huang Rongrong endured the shyness and reciprocated Xu Xian’s gestures. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she passed him some food, her chopsticks trembling so violently they almost made a sound. Had Xu Xian not quickly offered his bowl, the food likely wouldn't have reached its destination smoothly.

“Junior Sister, eat this. This chicken meat is the finest breast meat!” After watching for a moment, Ye Wen made a similar move. The result was that Ning Ruxue’s face also turned bright red, and even Hua Yi, watching from the side, couldn't help but let out a burst of laughter.

Fortunately, because there was a guest, the other disciples did not eat with them, otherwise, Ye Wen’s antics would have utterly stripped him of any authority. As for intentionally picking out that specific piece of chicken and whispering to Ning Ruxue, “Eat what you lack to supplement yourself!”—that was purely Ye Wen indulging his mischievous side. He kept his voice very low so others couldn't hear.

After the meal concluded, Xu Xian escorted Qin Su to his separate small courtyard to arrange lodging. Xu Xian’s courtyard had several rooms, and Huang Rongrong was already residing in the same courtyard.

As for the room she had originally occupied—the one in Ye Wen’s courtyard—it still belonged to Xu Xian, and they hadn't moved anything yet. Ye Wen had initially assumed Xu Xian would move back in after Huang Rongrong left, but now it seemed…

“Wait a moment until Junior Brother Xu moves his things out, Hua Yi, then you can move into that room!”

Hua Yi demurred: “How can this servant occupy the main chamber? An adjacent room will suffice!”

“Stop all this chatter, just go and stay there if I tell you to!” Hua Yi was being overly polite to him now, which irritated Ye Wen a bit. Speaking so formally was exhausting; he didn't want to have to speak like that on his own territory. In his excitement, his tone inevitably became a bit harsher, startling Hua Yi.

It was Ning Ruxue who intervened: “Do as Senior Brother says, then leave!”

After a brief exchange, Ye Wen sat in the courtyard for a while. Only two cups of clear tea sat on the stone table; he and Ning Ruxue simply chatted while gazing at the pitch-black night sky.

“Senior Brother seems to enjoy watching the stars more and more!” She looked up, noticing that the night was overcast, hiding any starlight whatsoever.

Ye Wen replied, “What one looks at isn't important; what matters is who one looks with.” He then took Ning Ruxue’s delicate hand and gently stroked it: “In a few days, if I have leisure, I’ll take Junior Sister to the seaside to see the magnificent, turbulent ocean!” Ye Wen had harbored this thought for a long time. In his previous life, he had only seen the sea a few times when he was very young, and for various reasons, he hadn't visited the coast much as an adult. After arriving here, he had been constantly busy with cultivation. Now that he had achieved some success, he wanted to see what the sea in this world looked like.

Ning Ruxue felt a surge of sweetness hearing Ye Wen hold her hand and speak of taking her to the sea. But then she abruptly recalled the teasing comment Ye Wen had made earlier. She glanced down and meekly asked, “Senior Brother… do you think Junior Sister needs to supplement… that?”

Ye Wen was lost in thought and didn't react immediately. After a moment’s pause, he realized what Ning Ruxue was referring to. He turned to look at her, finding she had turned her head away, afraid to meet his gaze, though her ears were completely crimson: “It was just a joke, Junior Sister. Things are fine as they are now! Yes, they are very fine!”