Tian Ling exited the palace quietly, his steps as light as the breeze. Outside, he found Jin Yu and Lian Ziyue gathered around the Heaven and Earth Flower, both observing the plant with curious gazes. They were so absorbed in the flower's intricate details that they didn't notice Tian Ling approaching from behind.

"This is the Heaven and Earth Flower. It produces spiritual Qi naturally." His voice was calm and solemn, like a soft breeze cutting through the stillness.

The two women jumped, turning around at the same time. Jin Yu, wide-eyed, was the first to speak.

"Tian Ling! When did you come out of seclusion?"

"Just now," he replied with a faint smile. "Were you looking for me?"

Jin Yu shot a quick, awkward glance at Lian Ziyue, who returned the look with an equally strange expression.

"Well... Yes." Her voice wavered with hesitation, and Tian Ling sensed the tension between the two.

Noticing the situation, he greeted Lian Ziyue with a polite nod and invited Jin Yu to speak with him inside his palace. Lian Ziyue's quiet presence seemed to make Jin Yu uneasy, and Tian Ling found the shift in her behavior amusing.

Inside the palace, Jin Yu sat on a large cushion across from Tian Ling, but her expression was tense, almost bitter. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before breaking the silence.

"When did Elder Lian Ziyue come here? And why?" Her voice carried a sharp edge, barely concealing the jealousy simmering beneath it.

Tian Ling smirked inwardly, amused by how Jin Yu, once shy and reserved, was now displaying a more possessive side.

"She was the first to greet me when I arrived. Besides, we should be grateful to her for that." His tone was light and unconcerned. "I simply helped her break through a barrier and brought her to cultivate in the Mythical Realm."

Jin Yu clicked her tongue in frustration.

"Tsk... I can’t waste any more time," she muttered, suddenly grabbing Tian Ling’s arm.

Without any hesitation, she pulled him toward the bed in the corner of the palace. Before he could react, she shoved him onto the bed and climbed on top of him with a determined smile.

Tian Ling watched her with amusement gleaming in his eyes. Although Jin Yu was unusually bold, her cultivation level was far beneath his. If he resisted, she wouldn’t be able to move him an inch.

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"Is this the same girl who ran away in embarrassment last time? What’s the rush now?" he wondered, a playful smile on his lips as his hands began to undo the layers of her robes.

Although Tian Ling wasn’t ruled by lust, he saw no reason to refuse. If she desired it, he would simply enjoy the moment. Still, he teased her.

"What’s with the sudden hurry? Weren’t you the shy one?"

Jin Yu leaned in close, whispering seductively in his ear, "Hmph... I may be shy, but I’m not slow, dear." Her fingers trailed along the back of his neck as she murmured, "Tonight, I’m going to devour you whole."

And so, they "cultivated" together for an entire week. Jin Yu’s moans echoed throughout the palace, audible even from the outside.

Beyond the palace walls, Lian Ziyue stood frozen, her face bright red as she listened, unable to push away the thoughts invading her mind.

"Wow... That’s... intense," she muttered to herself. For a brief moment, a mischievous thought crossed her mind. "Maybe I..."

Before she could finish, she shook her head vigorously, banishing the idea. Still blushing, she hurried back to her temple, overwhelmed with embarrassment.

Inside the palace, Tian Ling rested against the headboard, gently stroking Jin Yu’s legs as she lay beside him. The silence between them was comfortable, as if words were unnecessary after everything they had shared.

"All this because I brought Lian Ziyue to my Mythical Realm?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You know, you can come too if you’d like."

Jin Yu shook her head with a soft smile playing on her lips.

"It’s not that..." she murmured. "I just wanted to be your first. I don’t mind if you have other Dao companions. In fact, I’d support it—so long as I’m the first."

Tian Ling raised his eyebrows in surprise, though he was secretly pleased. He knew that, as his journey progressed, other women might become his Dao companions. Without harmony among them, it could create problems down the road.

"I see," he said after a pause. "But for now, there’s nothing between Lian Ziyue and me. You don’t have to worry."

Jin Yu sighed in relief, though a playful glint lingered in her eyes.

"That’s what you think."

Tian Ling chuckled softly but didn’t respond. Deep down, he knew that Lian Ziyue’s presence wasn’t a mere coincidence. Still, his heart remained focused on the path of the Dao.

Jin Yu rose slowly from the bed, dressing herself with deliberate movements, as if each gesture was carefully planned.

"I’m heading out to train," she said with a gentle smile. "If I want to be your Dao companion, I need to work hard, right?"

Tian Ling observed her for a moment, considering her words.

"Why not stay here and cultivate with me? The spiritual Qi here is much denser."

She shook her head, smiling faintly.

"Not everyone has your talent. Secluded cultivation works for you, but for most of us, opportunities and chance encounters are essential."

Tian Ling remained silent, understanding the truth in her words. Not everyone possessed the same dedication and talent to cultivate in isolation.

"Good luck," he said simply, respecting her decision.

Jin Yu leaned down to place a light kiss on his cheek before leaving.

Days later, Tian Ling sat alone in his palace, preparing to resume his cultivation. He had reached the fifth level of the True Soul Realm, but he still felt there was much to improve.

However, before he could immerse himself in meditation, an unexpected notification appeared before him.

[Detected: Jin Yu has officially become your Dao companion. Your bloodline is transforming.]

Tian Ling blinked slowly, surprised. A transformation in one’s bloodline was a significant event. He pondered the implications for a moment, feeling a new sense of determination well up within him.