Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Return to Kunyu City 2

“Wei Ling Yue said your mother accidentally stepped onto an incomplete teleportation formation and vanished right before his eyes. Afterward, he tried contacting her with a communication talisman, but the talisman just circled in place. Seeing no other option, he gave up exploring the ancient cultivator’s cave and returned to Kunyu City.”

“Wei Ling Yue later checked your mother’s soul lamp kept by the Wei family, which showed she was still alive but hadn’t returned. However, one month later, he came to the Feng family carrying an extinguished soul lamp, claiming your mother had ‘fallen.’”

“In truth, the Feng family’s Soul Lantern Hall has your mother’s soul lamp, and it remains lit. Your mother even sent us a message through a bloodline secret art, informing us that she’s now in the Majestic Spirit Realm, and told us not to worry.”

Yun Xi’s eyes brightened upon hearing this: “Maternal uncle, are you saying my mother is currently in the Spirit Realm?”

“Yes,” Feng Jia Qing confirmed gently. “But back then, your mother’s cultivation was only at mid-Foundation Establishment, so it must’ve been hard for her to survive in the upper realm. She hasn’t contacted us since then. Using the bloodline secret art across realms greatly consumes blood essence, and perhaps she no longer wishes to return to the Lofty Cosmos Realm.”

Feng Jia Qing calmly shared his thoughts on the matter.

Yun Xi understood perfectly. As a woman with the mind of an adult, it made sense for her mother to prefer adventure in the upper realm rather than remain with someone who didn’t cherish her. With a chance to rise higher, why would she return to Lofty Cosmos Realm? Perhaps, in Majestic Spirit Realm, her cultivation might advance even faster.

Most likely, her daughter was her sole lingering attachment. That explained why she left so many hidden resources behind—ensuring her daughter’s smooth cultivation path.

Feng Jia Qing added timely comfort: “Yun Xi, don’t overthink it. The soul lamp’s glow means your mother is at least alive. Your cultivation has already reached the Golden Core stage; one day, when you ascend to the Majestic Spirit Realm, you can take the soul lamp and find her yourself. Then you may ask her directly about anything troubling you.”

Yun Xi nodded. “Maternal uncle, I’m certain my mother has her own reasons for staying away. I don’t blame her. Once I ascend to the Spirit Realm, I’ll reassure her that our family is doing well, and so am I.”

“Good. In that case, I’ll hand your mother’s soul lamp to you now.”

Yun Xi did not refuse. She shared deep bonds with Feng Jia Yun, and was confident she’d see her original mother again in the higher realm.

Feng Jia Qing quickly settled some family affairs before going into seclusion to attempt his Golden Core breakthrough. Yun Xi stayed a few extra days in the Feng household, only leaving quietly once she confirmed Feng Jia Qing safely passed the heavenly lightning tribulation and formed his Golden Core.

On the fourth day, Yun Xi openly returned to the Wei household.

Wei Ling Tao gazed at his niece’s face, so strikingly similar to his eldest sister-in-law’s. His heart stirred with complex emotions. In terms of children, he had lost once more to his unreliable older brother. How could such an excellent daughter belong to someone like Wei Ling Yue?

These thoughts flashed briefly through Wei Ling Tao’s mind. He smiled warmly: “Yun Xi, congratulations on reaching Golden Core. Your return greatly strengthens the Wei family.”

Yun Xi gave a slight smile. “I heard upon entering the city that the Feng family patriarch recently broke through to Golden Core. After greeting Father, I plan to visit Maternal Uncle.”

Wei Ling Tao replied with forced cheerfulness: “Ah, yes. Indeed, Clan Master Feng will be very happy to see you.”

A vague suspicion flickered in Wei Ling Tao’s heart—his niece’s return seemed too conveniently timed—but he refrained from asking further.

Yun Xi smoothly changed the subject: “Second Uncle, where is my father?”

“He’s currently in seclusion, but I believe he has already heard of your return.”

No sooner had he spoken than Wei Ling Yue hurried into the main hall.

Wei Ling Yue stiffened slightly upon seeing Yun Xi, but quickly forced a smile: “Yun Xi, you’re back! You’ve truly made your father proud; your cultivation is even higher than mine now.”

Still comfortably seated, Yun Xi merely inclined her head slightly: “Father, I heard you were injured after failing to break through to Golden Core. How is your recovery?”

Her casual words pierced straight through Wei Ling Yue’s sore spot. But with the family patriarch present, he could only awkwardly reply: “It’s nothing serious, just minor wounds. Seeing you return has already healed half of them.”

A quick sweep of Yun Xi’s divine sense revealed Wei Ling Yue’s struggles. She deliberately sighed dramatically: “It seems Daughter worried needlessly. I prepared some top-grade healing pills, but if you’re fine, I’ll just save them for myself.”

Wei Ling Yue’s heart clenched, realizing he’d spoken too soon. He hurriedly backtracked, embarrassed: “How could I ignore my daughter’s goodwill? Of course, I’ll gladly accept them.”

Only then did Yun Xi show a sweet smile and rise. “Patriarch, I’ll go back with Father first. Should you need anything, please come to Radiant Brilliance Courtyard to find me.”

Wei Ling Tao said kindly, “Father and daughter haven’t met in ten years. Take your time to catch up. When you have a moment, your uncle will talk with you more.”

Yun Xi cupped her hands respectfully, then left the hall alongside the awkwardly smiling Wei Ling Yue.

However, Radiant Brilliance Courtyard was now occupied by Du Ruo Lan.

Yun Xi frowned, dissatisfied: “Father, I’ve only been away a short time, yet my courtyard has already changed hands. Does this mean you don’t welcome your daughter home?”

Wei Ling Yue answered with embarrassment, “Of course not—”

Truthfully, he had given in to Du Ruo Lan’s pillow talk, handing over the courtyard the very next year after Yun Xi’s departure. Yet, he still defended weakly: “Du Ruo Lan is already my official wife. Her living in Radiant Brilliance Courtyard is only natural.”

Yun Xi shot Wei Ling Yue a sharp look and threw the problem back at him: “Father, Daughter was born and raised in Radiant Brilliance Courtyard. I have great sentimental attachment to it.”

Wei Ling Yue wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead: “Yun Xi, don’t worry. I’ll immediately arrange for her to vacate the courtyard.”

Only then did Yun Xi smile contentedly. “Good, I’ll listen to Father.”

She had no intention of playing the villain. It was Wei Ling Yue who had acted unfairly.

Had Wei Ling Yue not been so eager to elevate Du Ruo Lan, she wouldn’t have stirred things up like this. She considered this her way of avenging Feng Jia Yun. Wei Ling Yue didn’t have to love Feng Jia Yun, but he owed her basic respect—especially given their shared daughter, Wei Yun Xi.

Wei Ling Yue’s earlier decision was not only a slap to Feng Jia Yun’s face but a disregard for his daughter’s dignity. Now Yun Xi planned to return every bit of that insult to him.

Soon, Du Ruo Lan arrived, her face flushed with anger.

But before Du Ruo Lan could even speak, Yun Xi’s gaze forced her onto her knees.

With indifferent calmness, Yun Xi said, “Madam Wei, why perform such a grand gesture? This Daoist Master cannot bear such courtesy.”

Du Ruo Lan inwardly fumed but couldn’t rise. She knew Yun Xi intended this humiliation, so she gritted her teeth and replied, “Du Ruo Lan greets Daoist Master Wei.”

Yun Xi smiled lightly, noting Du Ruo Lan’s ability to swallow humiliation. She casually waved her sleeve: “Rise. If Father sees this, he’ll surely blame me.”

Du Ruo Lan felt lighter and stood up hastily. Knowing she’d gain nothing here, she turned to leave but halted at Yun Xi’s voice:

“Don’t you want to hear about Yun Qing’s recent situation?”