After returning home, Zhang Yang headed straight for his study. He held several newspapers, all detailing the recent giant python incident.

The Golden Crown Python was enormous, far larger than the serpents usually seen, which explained the massive public stir. The very top newspaper among those he held was the one reporting the disappearance of the giant python’s corpse.

This news piece included a photograph: an empty display stand surrounded by onlookers frozen in astonishment. The Golden Crown Python’s body had rested on that very stand, and it was the stand that now captured most of Zhang Yang’s attention.

The theft of the python’s body was a certainty; what puzzled Zhang Yang now was who would be bored enough to steal a carcass. The Golden Crown Python was too massive; even a practitioner at the second level of Inner Strength would struggle to remove it without a trace, especially with so many people nearby.

Anyone capable of this feat had to be at least a third-level practitioner, and likely mid-stage third level or higher. Most third-level experts kept a low profile and were familiar with the Golden Crown Python.

Even if it was a spirit beast, now it was just a useless corpse; stealing it served no apparent purpose, which left Zhang Yang completely perplexed about the master’s motive. After staring at the photo in the newspaper for a while, Zhang Yang shook his head again.

A single photograph offered too few clues to identify the perpetrator or their goal. It seemed he would have to visit the location himself to uncover more leads.

“Wild Man Mountain. It looks like I really have to make a trip there!” Putting the papers away, Zhang Yang sighed softly and stood up to look out the window.

Back on the Long Family Plain, Zhang Pinglu had once told him that a visit to Wild Man Mountain would yield rewards if he ever had the chance. Unfortunately, he had been too busy to find the time.

This incident presented an opportunity; he could combine investigating the situation with a thorough expedition into the mountains. Regarding the stolen python corpse, Zhang Yang felt more curiosity than concern.

Since no one knew he was the one who killed it, its theft was inconsequential to him; he simply couldn't fathom why anyone would bother with such a tedious act. The one who took the matter seriously was Long Cheng.

Different levels of strength led to different perspectives. Long Cheng was intensely curious about why anyone would steal the giant python’s body, which is why he readily agreed to the suggestion of returning to Wild Man Mountain.

Of course, he wasn't reckless. Knowing that other Inner Strength practitioners might be involved, he insisted on bringing Zhang Yang along.

With Zhang Yang present, Long Cheng had no worries; he knew Zhang Yang had already reached the fourth level of Inner Strength—a rare powerhouse among human cultivators. Setting the newspapers down, Zhang Yang picked up two jade bottles.

Each bottle contained a single medicinal pill. One of them emitted a faint red glow, which would be more noticeable if the lights were off.

This was the Marrow Cleansing Pill, formulated primarily from Fire Dragon Fruit, capable of enabling an ordinary person without cultivation conditions to become suitable for practicing Inner Strength. The other bottle held the Peilan Pill, harvested from Yinlong Mountain, a pill designed to transform the physical body.

Taking the two jade bottles, Zhang Yang hesitated no longer and left the study. “The food is warmed up, hurry and come eat!” As soon as he entered the living room, Mi Xue, wearing an apron, came over and smiled at him.

Zhang Yang had intended to treat Su Zhantao and the others to dinner, but they had left unexpectedly due to an urgent matter, so the meal never happened. He was quite hungry upon his return.

Mi Xue had just arrived, and upon asking him discovered Zhang Yang hadn't eaten, so she immediately reheated the dishes. Reheating was almost akin to starting over, but time was tight, so it wasn’t a large spread—just two dishes and a soup, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Zhang Yang walked over, gently embraced Mi Xue, and casually untied her apron. “I’m not hungry; I’ll eat in a bit.

Mi Xue, there’s a secret I want to tell you!” He had been too busy lately to bring Mi Xue into the Inner Strength cultivation world as he planned. This time, since he needed to go to Wild Man Mountain, bringing her would be inconvenient.

This was the perfect moment to tell her and have her start the introductory cultivation at home. Zhang Pinglu had already returned secretly a couple of days ago, unbeknownst to the rest of the family.

With him around, Zhang Yang felt completely secure about everyone’s safety at home, which was why he agreed to go to Wild Man Mountain. At least for this trip, he could leave with a clear conscience.

“Whatever the secret is, let’s talk after dinner!” Mi Xue turned, lightly pecked Zhang Yang’s cheek, and said with a smile. Judging by her expression, she assumed Zhang Yang was about to give her some sort of happy surprise and didn't suspect anything else.

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, said nothing, embraced Mi Xue, flashed once, and instantly appeared outside, then leaped out with her in his arms. Before long, they vanished towards the back mountain.

Zhuifeng, who had been playfully wrestling with Wuying in the room, suddenly perked up his ears and bolted out after them. Wuying and Shandian followed immediately.

After helping Zhang Yang resolve the Soul Devourer issue, Shandian had slept for a full seven days. Upon waking, Shandian still seemed listless and only now had fully recovered.

Zhang Yang had monitored it closely for a while, only relaxing once he was sure it was fine. Reaching the summit, Zhang Yang finally set Mi Xue down.

She turned back toward their villa district in shock. The distance from their home to this spot was at least two or three thousand meters, all uphill.

Yet, they had reached the summit in less time than it takes to steep a cup of tea. The speed was almost unimaginable.

“Mi Xue, there is actually a world you don’t know about…” Just as Zhang Yang began to speak, Mi Xue suddenly interrupted him, looking at him excitedly. “I know!

You mean the martial arts world, don’t you? Zhang Yang, are you a martial arts master?

Just like in novels, incredibly powerful, mastering Qinggong so you can fly around freely?” Looking at the excited Mi Xue, Zhang Yang felt speechless. He hadn't expected such a reaction from her.

“Actually, I guessed when you first fought Shandian. You never said anything, so I didn’t ask.

I imagine Shandian and Zhuifeng are extraordinary too. Is Long Feng very powerful as well?

Oh, and is Xiao Lan a master like that? I saw her lift the refrigerator with one hand last time; she’s amazing!” Mi Xue didn't notice Zhang Yang’s reaction and continued talking rapidly, clearly buzzing with excitement.

“Mi Xue, it’s not exactly what you think!” Zhang Yang shook his head helplessly. Mi Xue looked stunnedly behind him—Zhuifeng, Wuying, and Shandian had already arrived.

“Martial arts masters are stories in novels. I am an Inner Strength cultivator, and our world is called the Inner Strength Cultivation World.

You can understand it as the martial arts world you describe, but it’s different from your imagination!” Zhang Yang slowly began to explain the Inner Strength Cultivation World to Mi Xue. Mi Xue kept her mouth agape.

She had harbored suspicions before, but learning that Long Feng and Qu Meilan were also part of the Inner Strength Cultivation World naturally left her somewhat astonished. The people she had lived with for so long were all martial arts masters, including Zhang Yang.

“Are you saying there are a total of four levels of Inner Strength, and there are Inner Strength aristocratic families and sects? You are from the Zhang family of the Medical Saint lineage, and Long Feng is from the Long family?” After Zhang Yang finished speaking, Mi Xue immediately asked, her eyes wide.

In those eyes, Zhang Yang saw only one word: ‘Curiosity.’ “That’s right!” Zhang Yang nodded again, feeling a sense of helplessness. “Then what level is Xiao Lan, and what about Long Feng?” Mi Xue quickly followed up, behaving like a curious child.

“Xiao Lan is currently mid-first level, and Long Feng is early-third level!” Zhang Yang answered quietly. He felt helpless but understood that Mi Xue’s reaction was entirely normal.

This was a world she had never encountered or understood; initial exposure would naturally lead to a barrage of curious questions. If Mi Xue had accepted it calmly, that would have been abnormal.

“Long Feng is that powerful? What about you?” Mi Xue let out a small gasp.

She thought Qu Meilan was formidable, but she hadn't expected Long Feng to be so much stronger than her. She had spent a lot of time with Qu Meilan and, although Qu Meilan tried to hide her abilities, she occasionally revealed her distinctiveness—like lifting a refrigerator or a washing machine with one hand, or jumping directly from the second-floor balcony.

Qu Meilan thought these actions were discreet, unaware that Mi Xue had secretly witnessed them. “Let’s not talk about that for now.

I need to ask you: are you willing to cultivate Inner Strength and become an Inner Strength practitioner?” Zhang Yang shook his head with a trace of resignation and looked at Mi Xue, asking the question very seriously. Whether Mi Xue was willing to cultivate was crucial.

If she refused, Zhang Yang would absolutely not force her and would let her live a happy, ordinary life. If she agreed, Zhang Yang would spare no effort to help her.

With his current wealth, he could afford even aggressive, accelerated methods using elixirs. Moreover, he possessed a Shaolin Great Reversion Pill, which significantly reduced the threat of Qi deviation backlash.

Mi Xue paused slightly and immediately asked, “Didn’t you just say that Inner Strength must be cultivated from childhood, and once you’re older it’s too late?” Zhang Yang had indeed mentioned this during his introduction: Inner Strength required laying a foundation from a young age; even with great talent later on, it would be impossible. “That is generally true, but there are exceptions.

I can use an exception right now to allow you to become an Inner Strength practitioner!” Zhang Yang said again. Mi Xue then lowered her head, seemingly contemplating something.

The fact that Mi Xue didn't immediately agree surprised Zhang Yang slightly, but he didn't press further, waiting patiently for her answer. Shandian, Wuying, and Zhuifeng all behaved exceptionally well, making no sound behind Zhang Yang.

“Zhang Yang, if I cultivate Inner Strength, will I be able to stay with you always? Can I go wherever you go?” After a few minutes, Mi Xue finally looked up, her bright eyes shining, and asked in a small voice.

Zhang Yang was momentarily stunned. He hadn't realized that Mi Xue’s concern wasn't about whether to cultivate, but rather how her cultivation could assist him.

All this time, she had regretted being unable to help him. The moment he told her about this world, her heart had never objected to cultivation; the difference was that she wanted to cultivate not for herself, but for Zhang Yang—she only wished to spend more time with him, no longer feeling like a burden.