Feng Jiaqing had also written in the jade slip that if one day the Wei family returned to Kunyu City, the industries they had taken over could all be sold back at the original price. It was a veiled promise, a way of ensuring that the Wei family's retreat path would remain open.
Yun Xi believed these words. The Feng family had their own code of conduct. They assessed the situation carefully, never forcing what could not be gained, but never letting go of a chance to strengthen themselves either. She felt that was already very good.
At the end, Feng Jiaqing also mentioned that they had begun guarding against evil cultivators in secret, and since the Wei family's departure, had already started quietly investigating both their clan disciples and some outer-branch members, cutting off hidden threats before they could arise.
Yun Xi strongly approved of Feng Jiaqing's caution. It was not the obvious danger that killed people, but the chance you dismissed as unlikely. By the time you saw one cockroach, the hidden ones were already swarming in the dark. Preventive measures were always necessary.
With confirmation that the Feng family was well, Yun Xi could rest easier. But she never relied on luck. She was already planning that once she emerged from the Baohua Secret Realm, she would slip back to the Feng family in secret to see for herself whether any evil cultivators had infiltrated.
That day Yun Xi did not cultivate much. She busied herself reviewing accumulated message talismans, attending to minor affairs of Lingxue Peak, and listening to Fei Xia's retelling of the important sect events she had missed during her four months of seclusion.
"I didn't expect Sheng Yuhong to have already become a Jīndān Zhēnrén."
Yun Xi waved her hand, letting Fei Xia settle on her hairpin as she murmured to herself.
"Yes, Master," Fei Xia's voice echoed softly in her mind. "And when he advanced, a celestial phenomenon manifested: a sword standing between heaven and earth."
"Tsk, tsk. Truly worthy of a male lead. To trigger such a heavenly sign upon reaching Golden Core… We can't compare."
Yun Xi sighed with some emotion.
In truth, when Yun Xi broke through to Golden Core back in the mortal world, the disturbance she caused was far from small. It was only because the place she chose was special that the heavenly phenomenon had been veiled. She herself had never realized this, nor had Fei Xia, who quickly tried to comfort her:
"Master, you withstood nine bolts of heavenly lightning just to destroy that zombie in the mortal world. To come out alive, with merit gained, was already fortune enough. Having no heavenly phenomenon may actually be a blessing. Otherwise it would only draw jealousy."
Yun Xi chuckled at that.
"Fei Xia, you're getting better at comforting people. The way you phrase it, I feel quite at ease."
"It's all learned from Master."
Fei Xia answered humbly.
Their quiet exchange lasted until the moon was already high overhead. Yun Xi immediately sat cross-legged within a cluster of Snowbell Blossoms, circulating the Golden Core stage formula of the Mingyue Frost Condensation Art. Ice spiritual energy rushed eagerly into her body, winding through her meridians before settling in her dantian.
The night passed without disturbance. At dawn, Yun Xi changed into a white robe embroidered with pale blue patterns. After tidying herself, she went to meet her companions at the sect gate.
When she arrived, Wei Chenyin was speaking softly with Zhang Lingrui. Both looked up the moment they saw Yun Xi.
Zhang Lingrui's eyes lit up, and he said with his usual boisterous cheer, "Junior Sister Wei, it hasn't even been that long, and your cultivation has already improved again. At this rate, I'll soon have to call you Senior Sister."
Yun Xi smiled sweetly and cupped her hands.
"Senior Brother Zhang, you jest. Your sword intent is restrained and condensed, your cultivation no weaker than mine. Besides, for sword cultivators, challenging across realms is commonplace. Before long, I will still be the junior."
"Haha! I love hearing you speak truths dressed as modesty."
Zhang Lingrui burst out laughing.
Lin Keyang, who stood with arms crossed at the side, gave his friend an exasperated glare before cupping his hands. "Congratulations on your advancement, Junior Sister Wei. With your progress, our chances of success in the secret realm exploration rise greatly."
Yun Xi returned the salute. "Senior Brother Lin, you're not far behind. Reaching late Golden Core is no small feat. Congratulations to you as well."
Lin Keyang spoke frankly. "It's all thanks to you for leading us into the Medical Immortal Sect's underground palace. Without that chance, it would have taken me at least thirty more years to break through to late Golden Core."
"This was an opportunity we all shared."
As they spoke, Cao Yi arrived in haste, bowing in apology.
"My apologies for keeping everyone waiting."
"No matter. We had only just gathered, and were marveling at Junior Sister Wei's progress."
Noticing Yun Xi's improved cultivation, Cao Yi quickly cupped his hands in congratulations, then summoned his flying boat for the group to board.
Once the protective barrier was activated, Cao Yi's expression grew serious. "The reason I was late today was that I overheard some troubling talk in the sect. It concerned Junior Sister Wei."
Hearing her name, Yun Xi raised her head. "Senior Brother Cao, was it unpleasant rumor?"
Cao Yi nodded gravely.
"Among the inner disciples, there's word going around. They say that since you've already inherited the Yixian Gate's legacy, you shouldn't be competing with others for opportunities in the Baohua Secret Realm. And furthermore—"
Yun Xi's tone turned cold as she cut him off.
"And furthermore, since the whole western region already knows I carry the inheritance of an entire sect, anyone who can kill me inside the secret realm would consider the trip worthwhile even if they gained nothing else. Is that it?"
Cao Yi nodded heavily.
"Yes. Junior Sister Wei has spoken the truth."
Zhang Lingrui's voice chilled.
"If that's their reasoning, then none of us should go. We've already gained plenty, so why bother? Since when does the cultivation world follow such absurd logic?"
Wei Chenyin's face hardened.
"Hmph! Even if Yun Xi lacked for resources, she would still be qualified to enter for tempering. How does her participation count as stealing their opportunities? What about disciples from the other four regions, then? Are they just entering for fun? Utter nonsense!"
Even Lin Keyang, normally more restrained, showed a change of expression.
"Whoever started this rumor clearly wants to mislead others and use it to pressure Yun Xi into staying out of the secret realm."
Yun Xi nodded.
"Senior Brother Lin is right. Their goal is simple: to bar me from entering the new Baohua Mountain Secret Realm. But I won't let them succeed.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, I'll enter under another identity."
She had already obtained the sect master's permission for this. The only question was whether the face-altering treasure she requested had been completed.
Wei Chenyin frowned.
"Yun Xi, since you're determined to enter, you must prepare thoroughly. Now that we're heading out to Haoran City, it would be best if you changed your face immediately."
Yun Xi thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"Not this time. We've lingered in the sect long enough, and all the eyes that should have seen me already have. If I suddenly change my appearance now, it will only raise suspicion. I'll see you all off openly, then return to Lingxue Peak in seclusion. When the secret realm opens, I'll meet you inside."
"Very well, we'll follow Junior Sister Wei's judgment. We're not afraid of trouble, but we don't need to court it either." Cao Yi agreed that her decision was wise.
The others nodded as well. On the flying boat, the five exchanged resources, filling gaps in each other's supplies. Naturally, good items stayed within their own group at fair terms.
By the time they landed at the gates of Haoran City, their purchase list had already shrunk by several entries.
The group entered the city together. With news of the Baohua Mountain Secret Realm's imminent opening already widespread, high-level cultivators were noticeably numerous within the bustling streets.