After receiving the celebratory message from the Wei Family Head, Yun Xi made a point of inviting Wei Zongjin to return home with her to congratulate Wei Lingtao and check on Wei Nanfeng's condition.
Although Wei Zongjin's current cultivation was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment early stage, his foundation was solid and he was quite satisfied with his progress. While he couldn't compare to Yun Xi, he was still ahead of the other disciples in the clan. Now that his father had formed a Golden Core, his motivation to cultivate was stronger than ever.
As the two of them entered the Wei family's new estate, they were greeted by the beaming face of Wei Lingtao.
"Father, congratulations on forming your Golden Core."
"Second Uncle, congratulations!"
Their back-to-back congratulations made Wei Lingtao so delighted he could hardly keep the smile off his face. When his gaze landed on Yun Xi, it grew noticeably gentler, and his grin deepened.
"This Golden Core is the result of many years of accumulation. It proves that perseverance truly pays off."
Yun Xi understood the meaning behind Wei Lingtao's words and followed his lead with a warm reply.
"Second Uncle is the head of the family and has worked tirelessly for its development. You've sacrificed much of your cultivation time. Forming a Golden Core now is a direct result of your steadfast dedication."
Wei Lingtao laughed heartily at her words and quickly invited the two of them inside to talk.
As soon as they entered, Yun Xi was surrounded by a group of Wei family elders, all eager to ask how she had managed to advance so quickly in her cultivation. They wanted her insights and any secrets she might be willing to share.
But Yun Xi didn't want to give them false impressions. She briefly described the crises she'd encountered during each breakthrough—especially the twenty-seven bolts of lightning she endured while advancing to Golden Core. Anyone who could go through what she did would surely have a fast cultivation speed as well.
By the time she finished speaking, the elders understood her path couldn't be easily replicated. They finally let her be.
Only then did Wei Lingyue, her father, find a chance to approach her and make small talk.
"Yun Xi, the past ten years in the sect haven't been easy for you. But all your efforts were worth it."
The moment Yun Xi heard that opening line, she knew he was about to ask for something. She nodded calmly.
"Father is right. Everything else is fleeting, only the cultivation I've earned with my own efforts truly belongs to me. That's what gives me the confidence to face anything."
Wei Lingyue sensed her subtle jab but thickened his skin and continued.
"You're not wrong. Now that your Second Uncle has formed his Golden Core, I'm still stuck at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. You see…"
Yun Xi interrupted bluntly.
"What do you want, Father?"
"I'd like a Golden Core Pill."
Yun Xi's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of contemplation, she said,
"That might be difficult. The sect only gave me one Golden Core Pill, and I've already used it. Getting another one in a short time won't be easy."
Seeing that Yun Xi didn't reject him outright, Wei Lingyue knew there was hope. He quickly added,
"Yun Xi, your Master is a Yuányīng Zhēnjūn. I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a way."
Yun Xi sneered inwardly, though her expression only showed hesitation before she lowered her voice.
"Father, you should go ask Yun Qing for help. She might be able to grant your wish."
Wei Lingyue assumed this was her way of refusing. His smile stiffened and turned awkward.
"Since we settled in Haoran City, Yun Qing hasn't returned even once. I haven't even seen her. How could she help me?"
Yun Xi continued in a hushed voice.
"Father, I heard from a disciple on Dan Peak that Yun Qing cultivated a high-grade spiritual plant. It's said this plant can raise a cultivator's level by an entire stage. I don't know the specifics though.
You know our relationship has always been strained. We rarely see each other. Maybe Madam Du can help you. But whatever you do, don't let Yun Qing know it was me who told you this. Otherwise, I won't dare say anything to you ever again."
Wei Lingyue's eyes lit up at this unexpected good news. He gave a slight nod and, instead of continuing to press Yun Xi for a Golden Core Pill, turned to seek out Du Ruolan.
Only then did Yun Xi rise slowly and head to the back courtyard to visit Wei Nanfeng.
Wei Lingtao's breakthrough to Golden Core was only being celebrated within the family. No outsiders had been invited. The other clans in Haoran City likely wouldn't care about a newly advanced Golden Core cultivator. Wei Nanfeng didn't appear at the gathering, and no one seemed to mind.
When Yun Xi saw Wei Nanfeng, he looked even younger and more handsome than the last time. Even she couldn't help but offer genuine praise.
"Ancestor, you're looking more youthful than ever. It seems the Rejuvenation Elixir is working wonders. You're in great shape."
Wei Nanfeng clearly enjoyed the compliment from a younger generation. His elegant features lit up with a pleased smile.
"All thanks to you! Any word on the Longevity Pill?"
Yun Xi knew how anxious Wei Nanfeng was and replied directly.
"Ancestor, before leaving the sect today, I went to Dan Peak specifically to check. But I didn't see Yu Huo Zhēnjūn.
According to Zong Hao, the Zhēnjūn is still in seclusion refining pills and hasn't left the alchemy chamber. Judging by the timeline, he should emerge in two or three days. Once he does, I'll get the Longevity Pill and bring it to you immediately."
Although Wei Nanfeng was still worried, hearing a more definite timeframe put him at ease. He followed up with another question.
"Yun Xi, since you entered the sect, have you seen Wei Chenyin?"
Yun Xi raised a delicate brow. So this was the real reason for his invitation. She answered smoothly.
"Ancestor, I've only heard there's a Wei family disciple among the inner sect elders who's a Golden Core cultivator. I haven't seen her. They say she resides on Law Peak. But I have run into my uncle a couple of times.
It seems likely that Wei Chenyin is intentionally avoiding us. The sect is large. Even for siblings like us to meet requires making an effort. And since I've been focused solely on my cultivation, I've never gone out of my way to find her."
Wei Nanfeng cast a glance at Yun Xi before putting on a show of regret.
"She became a target back then over a cultivation technique. I tried to protect her, but she misunderstood and rejected my goodwill. She even turned the technique over to the sect and accused me, humiliating me completely. That betrayal left me disheartened enough to leave the sect and return to oversee the clan. It's been years. I don't even know how she's doing now."
Yun Xi could practically hear a thousand alpacas charging through her mind. She'd seen shameless people before, but this man took it to a whole new level—twisting his own despicable behavior into an act of kindness. She felt like she had just learned a masterclass in hypocrisy.
Keeping a straight face, she said seriously,
"Ancestor, would you like me to find out how she's doing? If you wish to see her, I'll find a way."
Wei Nanfeng hesitated, then agreed while giving himself an excuse.
"Yun Xi, I'll trouble you with this. Now that the family has moved to Haoran City, I don't want things to remain tense between us. Some misunderstandings are better resolved early."
"Understood. Ancestor, I'll bring you good news."
In her estimation, Wei Nanfeng had only two or three days left to live. Even if she made a promise, it wasn't as if she'd be breaking it. Now that her goal was accomplished, she rose to take her leave.
Wei Nanfeng couldn't shake the feeling that Yun Xi's smile was too bright. But he couldn't find any fault in her words, so he could only watch as she walked away. All he wanted was to show off his youthful appearance and the adoration of his juniors to Wei Chenyin—to prove to her just how much she had lost by turning her back on the family.
By the time Yun Xi returned to the sect, Wei Zongjin was still talking with his father. She decided to stay for another couple of days, and they parted ways for the time being.
Three days later, Wei Zongjin came rushing to Lingxue Peak, his face full of panic. He brought grim news:
Ancestor Wei Nanfeng had fallen.