In the early morning, the Liou Family’s courtyard was covered with a layer of snow.

Constant little snowflakes fluttered down into the courtyard from outside, draping every brick and tile with a soft, white veil.

In a secluded corner of the rooftop, a figure wrapped in frost and snow was present.

As the starlight in the firmament faded, he opened the eyes that had been shut all night.

"Twenty-nine strands of Spiritual Power, just a step away from Qi Cultivation Third Layer." Liou Yuan’s eyes were bright; the night’s cultivation had been profoundly beneficial, with two additional strands of Spiritual Power gained overnight.

The significant progress was entirely due to confronting that Alien Star Evil on the city wall yesterday, almost dying in the process, and gaining rewards from it.

The pressure from being on the brink of death caused a qualitative transformation of the Spiritual Power within him.

Liou Yuan estimated that if he continued at this pace, another night’s cultivation might allow him to break through by tomorrow.

"Reaching the Qi Cultivation Third Layer means the first mansion in the Five Mansions Star Gazing Breathing Skill is perfected."

"By that time, following my elder brother back to Five Extremes Mountain won’t be too difficult for him anymore."

Liou Yuan had just learned about the name of the sect behind Liou Zhen yesterday, Five Extremes Mountain.

Even though Liou Zhen’s status within the sect was not low, if Liou Yuan were too slow, it would be challenging for him as well.

As long as Liou Yuan breaks through to Qi Cultivation Third Layer, the tops of Five Extremes Mountain won’t be able to find faults with Liou Zhen.

"Finally, the day has come." Liou Yuan smiled, stretched, and shook off the snow on him.

Simultaneously, a mouth-watering aroma wafted from the house.

Next came the resounding voice of Kong Yi: "Breakfast is ready!"

Without waiting for Liou Yuan’s response.

The house burst into the babbling of several juvenile voices.

"What are we having for breakfast today, Sister Kong Yi!"

"Wow, old hen!"

"Sister Kong Yi’s cooking is amazing."

...

The responding voices were both male and female.

They were the three youths who had come to Yanhe City with Liou Zhen yesterday.

These three were the novices Liou Zhen was responsible for bringing to Wuji Mountain.

Originally in Yufengcheng, Liou Zhen hurried back to Yanhe City for support, bringing them along.

Now they were residing at the Liou Family.

"So noisy!" With so many voices, Liou Yuan felt a headache.

Luckily, Liou Zhen wouldn’t stay long in Yanhe City. Liou Yuan sighed resignedly, accepting the fact.

Liou Yuan didn’t rush down.

Instead, he stood at the snow-covered rooftop corner, closed his eyes, and felt the changes in the Fixed Star Compass within him.

After absorbing the energy of that Alien Star Evil yesterday.

The light at the center of the Compass was still dazzling, not fading even after a day.

The light was mixed with a trace of purple energy, standing out in the white expanse.

"That is the energy of the star baptism given by the Fixed Star Compass." Liou Yuan looked at that streak of purple, feeling a tinge of anticipation.

He didn’t know what the star baptism was.

But it was the reward for slaying the Alien Star Evil, not comparable to the cats and dogs Liou Yuan killed before.

It surely held unimaginable benefits for Liou Yuan.

But with many family members and prying eyes, Liou Yuan couldn’t act rashly, so he had to suppress his excitement.

"Tonight, find a secluded place in Yanhe City to channel the energy of this star baptism."

"Then I’ll know what this star baptism is all about."

Mumbling to himself, Liou Yuan adjusted his clothes slightly before flipping down from the rooftop.

Inside the house, Kong Yi and the three youths were already seated at the dining table.

The four were of similar ages, and Kong Yi was easygoing, making the atmosphere naturally harmonious.

Of course, the special status of the Liou Family was also a reason.

The Liou Family produced a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

Making the three soon-to-be Five Extremes Mountain disciples not dare show any arrogance.

Moreover, Liou Zhen’s brother, Liou Yuan, was about to break through to Qi Cultivation Third Layer. They had heard from Kong Yi that Liou Yuan had only been cultivating for less than half a year.

His speed was not lesser than that of his elder brother Liou Zhen.

As Liou Yuan entered the house, the four all turned their gazes towards him.

Liou Yuan returned a smile, promptly sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and greeted the three: "Let’s eat!"

As he spoke, Liou Yuan’s eyes scanned over the two boys and a girl in front of him.

One was dressed in fine clothes, looking just like a young master from a wealthy family, handsome with a sweet tongue.

The one who had just been calling Kong Yi "sister" every other word was him.

His name was Xie Miaobo, and it seemed he was the leader among them.

The other two were dressed ordinarily.

The girl was sallow and skinny, with a big head and small body, already secretly swallowing her saliva at the old hen on the table.

The boy did not show such obvious excitement, keeping his head down, appearing taciturn.

The girl was called Zhong Cuiyu, the boy Xiang ManCang.

"Liou Zhen said this, among the three, Xie Miaobo’s aptitude was the highest, possessing the Four-Star Water Acupoint, and had long been practicing the Breathing Skill."

"He is already at Qi Refining Third Layer now."

Liou Yuan’s eyes settled on Xie Miaobo, focusing on this talented boy.

Those who could practice the Breathing Skill before entering the sect usually had backgrounds.

At least within Five Extremes Mountain, they had connections.

Otherwise, practicing an unauthorized Breathing Skill outside of Five Extremes Mountain, Five Extremes Mountain would definitely not accept them, never knowing what their intentions might be entering the sect.

Like Liou Yuan, because the Breathing Skill was left by Liou Zhen, coupled with the relationship with Liou Zhen, his background was clean, so there was no worry of being rejected by Five Extremes Mountain.

Such people had a significantly higher starting point than many peers.