Qin Yu actually considered raising his Spiritual Power first.

His cultivation was advancing at an impressive rate now, and his Upper Grade Spirit Bone was more than enough for use.

But at his age, having Middle Tier Spiritual Power at the Refining stage was already unheard of. It’s not like he could leap from Initial Stage to High Tier in just two years, right?!

That would be just too shocking and outrageous.

If the Hall Master asked him to stay at Cyan Mist Hall by then, what would he do?

Cyan Mist Hall didn’t have the Sect Leader!

So, after repeatedly weighing his options, Qin Yu decided to enhance his Root Bone instead.

[Flame Point: 50087]

[Root Bone: Upper Grade Spirit Bone (Flame Point 50087/50000) — Breakthrough available]

"Break through!"

As the Flame Points were consumed, Qin Yu could clearly feel the changes happening inside his body.

Since he gained the Spirit Bone, it was as if a green bud had begun to grow within him. Now, that bud had become a flourishing tree, lush with branches and leaves, overflowing with Spiritual Qi.

[Root Bone: Top Grade Spirit Bone (Flame Point 87/100000)]

The next upgrade would be to the Dao Bone.

A hundred thousand Flame Points sounded like a lot, but at his current rate of gain, it would only take about two years.

The Sect Leader and Liu Zixiao also noticed the change in his Root Bone one after another.

It was only Liu Zixiao who was truly shocked, even asking him if his internal injuries had fully healed.

If he hadn’t recovered completely, wouldn’t that mean Qin Yu actually had a Dao Bone?!

To confirm, Liu Zixiao even went to see the Sect Leader personally.

"Oh, I know."

The Sect Leader’s reaction was flat; she didn’t even bother to lift her eyes from her storybook.

It’s just a Top Grade Spirit Bone. Even the Demoness from the Demon Sect already has a Dao Bone!

Even if Qin Yu attained a Dao Bone, she wouldn’t be surprised at all. In fact, she’d think it completely natural.

This reaction left Liu Zixiao utterly stunned.

Something’s off.

But exactly what, she couldn’t put into words.

Maybe the Sect Leader already knew.

Or maybe she’d given up, lost interest in worldly matters altogether.

Sigh.

She honestly didn’t know what to say anymore.

In the blink of an eye, the designated departure day quietly arrived.

A few nights earlier, Qin Yu had already comforted all his pretty wives.

This trip was just about comprehending an Ancient Array in the Secret Realm—nothing dangerous at all, no need to get so sentimental.

Come morning, when he walked out of the cave mansion, not a single one of them was able to get out of bed.

It’s not that he didn’t know how to be gentle, but all his little wives simply clung to him too much. Even Su Xiyue was the same, as if she wanted to make up for all the days to come in advance.

This time, he might be gone for a whole year!

Qin Yu had never been away from them for so long; there was some genuine reluctance in his heart.

At this moment, inside the Sect Leader’s Cave Mansion.

"Zixiao, no matter what, you must bring Qin Yu back safe and sound."

That was at least the fifth time Su Xihe gave this instruction to Liu Zixiao.

Qin Yu was far too important to Cyan Mountain Sect. There could be no mishap. If it weren’t for the Hall Master’s summons, she’d never have agreed to let Qin Yu leave the sect.

"I know you dote on your precious disciple, but don’t forget—he’s also my disciple."

Liu Zixiao rolled her eyes at Su Xihe. Other than with Su Xiyue, it was her first time seeing her best friend care about someone this much.

"If he has any requests, try to satisfy him if you can."

"???"

Liu Zixiao was puzzled.

What’s that supposed to mean?

What does ’try to satisfy him’ mean?

Wait, Su Xihe, what do you mean by that?

Just as she was about to ask, Qin Yu walked in, so she held back for now.

"Master!"

Qin Yu greeted them as usual, but his gaze lingered on the Sect Leader a little longer.

He wouldn’t get to see the Sect Leader for a long while.

What a shame!

The Sect Leader’s eyes narrowed slightly, but in the end, she didn’t say anything. She just snorted, "Listen to your Master Liu for everything during this trip."

"Yes!"

Afterward, she gave a few more instructions, and on the side, Liu Zixiao had already produced a Cloud Ship.

"Go on, and remember to come back!"

"Don’t worry, Master! I’ll be back for sure!"

Qin Yu said this with utter conviction, his eyes burning, making absolutely no attempt to hide his gaze as it fell on the Sect Leader, causing her heart to skip a beat.

This little rascal!

He dares to be so brazen now?!

She was just about to say something, but Qin Yu had already dashed up onto the Flying Ship.

Hmph!

Wait till he gets back, then she’ll deal with him!

"Whoosh!"

The Cloud Ship sliced through the air and was gone in an instant.

The Sect Leader’s gaze followed, her expression subtly complex. She had meant to read her storybook leisurely, but instead, she got up and headed to the Saintess Cave Mansion.

She rushed out again not long after entering.

"Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!"

She had just caught sight of her younger sister and Qin Yu’s wives all lying on the same bed, with that little Demoness from the Demon Sect there as well!

One look was all it took to know what had happened.

Absurd!

Utterly absurd!

Though she kept scolding them, the Sect Leader’s face grew only more flushed, her gaze softening like water rippling in autumn.

Was she mad, or just embarrassed?

...

On the Flying Ship.

This Flying Ship wasn’t very big—just about the size of a black-roofed skiff.

The vessel was small, but it was fast.

For two people, it was just the right size for travel.

At first, Liu Zixiao thought so too, but when Qin Yu climbed aboard and sat opposite her, she started to feel uncomfortable.

If the Flying Ship was used alone, the size was indeed perfect. But with two people, since the cabin was that small, sitting face-to-face—no matter what—felt a little odd.

Liu Zixiao considered turning away.

But if she sat with her back to Qin Yu, wouldn’t that be even weirder?!

Damn it.

She’d totally been set up by her best friend.

Qin Yu, however, felt right at home.

His Master Liu was the very picture of a queenly beauty—every move radiated the charm and elegance of a mature woman.

Her hair was like a cascade of black night, pinned up with a simple yet delicate jade hairpin, with a few stray strands softly framing her cheeks and giving her an unintentional allure.

Delicate arched brows, a high, elegant nose, and graceful features shaped a strikingly refined face. Her lips were like cherries—plump, inviting, naturally rosy—one gentle smile enough to capture anyone’s soul.

She wore a form-fitting gown that perfectly outlined her alluring curves. Below the hem, a long, snowy-white leg dazzled Qin Yu, making it nearly impossible for him to look away.

The beauty of a queen is all in her legs.

He found himself wondering what it would feel like to have those long legs resting on his shoulders.

"Enjoying the view?"

"Very much!"

Qin Yu replied instinctively.

("▔□▔)

"Uh."

Next moment, he realized something was off. Looking up, he saw Liu Zixiao watching him with an ambiguous, half-smiling expression.

He’d let his guard down!

"I’m your master, you know. Are you thinking of disrespecting your teacher and dishonoring your ancestors?!"

The cabin was too small to avoid anything—so there was only one way left... She’d have to properly teach him how to behave!