Lin Chen's face turned pale, and he stammered, "S-Senior Sister, I truly don't know! I think it might have been because of that mysterious fruit. I had no idea something like this would happen—I only thought it would help with cultivation."

"Now that the effect has worn off, my cultivation feels the same, but my spiritual energy is completely drained."

"It's slowly recovering, but that's why I couldn't handle this myself. If I had enough spiritual energy, it would've been much easier, at most I'd probably just be a little tired, given my current Realm."

Su Mei folded her arms and glared at him. "Where did you even find such a fruit?"

Lin Chen looked nervous but finally spoke, "It happened during my last mission. I found a tree that emitted a mysterious aura. I went to look around and saw two fruits suddenly growing out from their branches."

"Curious, I picked one and ate it, and instantly felt my meditation improve. I decided to bring the other fruit for you, Senior Sister, knowing you were struggling with your cultivation."

He hesitated before continuing, "But… after I took the second fruit, the tree withered and crumbled into nothing within moments. At the time, I thought it was just some mysterious phenomenon."

"However, I now have a theory. Maybe the tree was seeking a host and could only produce two fruits in its lifetime and as for why it bore fruit as I passed by, I don't know."

"And why I, as a man, gave birth to a baby girl instead of something resembling the tree is beyond me." He looked away, his expression filled with embarrassment.

Su Mei's anger flared. This idiot! He thought he was eating something good, but he didn't even stop to think about what the fruit was! She clenched her fists, glaring at Lin Chen.

"Do you even realize what you've done, Lin Chen? You've put both of us in an impossible situation. If anyone finds out, the whole sect will mock us, and my reputation will be ruined!"

Lin Chen flinched at her words but asked hesitantly, "Senior Sister… Did you also eat the fruit?"

Su Mei froze for a moment, her mind racing. Then she quickly said, "No. I didn't. I was planning to investigate it first. Now that I know what it does, I don't intend to eat it at all."

She avoided Lin Chen's gaze as she spoke, her calm demeanor hiding the storm of emotions within her. She turned her back to him, her hands trembling slightly. What am I going to do now? She thought.

Lin Chen noticed Su Mei's cultivation aura. It was slightly unstable, likely due to her recent breakthrough. His sharp senses picked up on the faint traces of advanced spiritual energy around her. With a small smile, he said, "Senior Sister, don't worry. I know you've probably eaten the fruit. If you need my help when the time comes, I'll assist you."

Su Mei's face darkened, her anger flaring up. "I told you, I didn't eat it!" she snapped. Without giving him a chance to respond, she turned and stormed out of the cave, her robes billowing as she moved.

"Senior Sister, if you ever need my help, make sure to call me!" Lin Chen shouted after her retreating figure, his voice echoing in the quiet night.

As the door closed again, Lin Chen turned his attention to the baby on the ground. Using a gentle thread of spiritual energy, he brought the child closer to himself. The baby giggled happily, as she wiggled in the air.

Lin Chen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Now what am I supposed to do with you?" he muttered. "Should I throw you away? No, that'd be too cruel…" He frowned, pacing back and forth as he thought. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, "Alright, fine. I'll take care of you."

He looked at the baby's look and golden eyes and smiled faintly. "But what should I call you?" After a moment of thought, he said, "Since you're a girl, let's go with… Lin Yue. Yes, Lin Yue will be your name."

The baby giggled again, seemingly happy with the name. Lin Chen gave her a half-smile and shook his head. "I hope you don't turn into a monster and eat me," he joked, though a small part of him wondered what mysteries this child might bring into his life.

Ten minutes later...

Su Mei returned to her cave, her mind full of thoughts. Worry came and went like waves, crashing against her resolve before receding. What should I do with this child? Should I kill it?

The idea crossed her mind, but before she could even fully consider it, an unfamiliar sensation washed over her—an instinct she didn't recognize as her own. It was as though her body, her very being, rebelled against the thought of harming the baby.

Her brows furrowed as she sat down. Why do I feel this way? she wondered. Su Mei had never been particularly kind or nurturing.

She had often abused her father's influence as an inner sect elder, using his authority to intimidate others and gain advantages. Compassion had never been her strong suit. Yet, here she was, unable to bring herself to even think of harming this unborn life.

"I don't want to kill a baby," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "But what should I do?" She moved around the room, in thoughts. Finally, she came to a decision.

"I'll leave the sect for now. I'll take on a mission far from here and figure things out after the birth. Once it's born, I'll decide whether to keep it or…" She hesitated, unable to finish the thought.

Su Mei clenched her fists. This thing is affecting my emotions too much, she thought bitterly. The calming energy radiating from her core was influencing her mind, consuming her spiritual energy and keeping her unnaturally calm.

Without wasting time, she made her way to the mission hall.

Disciples were choosing assignments to acquire resources and contribution points in the busy mission hall. As missions were issued, the air was filled with the waves of spiritual energy and the hum of conversation.

Notices describing missions ranging from easy chores like gathering herbs to dangerous missions needing teamwork were posted on the walls. Uncle Fang, the overseer of the mission hall, sat in the middle of the room.

He was a big, round-faced, chubby man who was well-known for his humble nature and sharp vision. He was appointed to the hall by the sect head himself, and despite his humble nature, everyone knew he was a skilled cultivator.

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Su Mei walked toward Uncle Fang, her graceful movements drawing the attention of nearby disciples. Her reputation preceded her—not only was she beautiful, with her long, dark purple hair and striking purple eyes, but she was also the daughter of an inner sect elder.

Many whispered about her, saying she often used her father's influence to get her way.

Though she never forced anyone, it was well known that she rarely went on missions herself, instead relying on others eager to earn her favor.

Those who offended her often disappeared mysteriously, though she never openly provoked anyone. Her presence commanded both awe and wariness.

Uncle Fang smiled but tilted his head in curiosity. "Niece Mei, what brought you here today? And Congratulations on breaking through the late stage of Vein Fusion Realm."

Su Mei nodded politely, concealing her internal conflict. "I'm grateful, Uncle Fang. I am looking for a mission, Something simple and far away, preferably in the mortal world."

Uncle Fang said in confusion. "The mortal world? Niece Mei, isn't that troublesome? You've just broken through. Shouldn't you stay here and stabilize your cultivation first? I can sense uneven spiritual waves coming from you. It could affect weaker people nearby or make others your enemy."

Su Mei maintained her composure. "That's exactly why I need to go, Uncle. I plan to stabilize my cultivation while away, and the mortal world is a good place for that. There's no danger, and I won't make any enemies there."

Uncle Fang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I see your reasoning, but are you sure? These days, many people in the mortal world pretend to be ordinary, only to reveal themselves as pig eating tigers. You might find yourself in unnecessary trouble."

"Don't worry, Uncle Fang," Su Mei said, her tone firm but polite. "I'll be careful, and you can choose a mission that's unlikely to draw attention."

Uncle Fang sighed heavily. "Alright, if you insist. But be cautious, Niece Mei. You may have broken through, but it's still better to avoid unnecessary risks."

He turned to the mission board, scanning it for a suitable task. After a moment, he pulled out a scroll and handed it to Su Mei.

"So, the mission is to pick up the new disciples that the low-ranked mortal clan finds every five years in the mortal territory. Normally, this is assigned to outer hall disciples, but since you're looking for something safe and easy, it's a good choice."

"The southern territory has mostly harsh spiritual energy making cultivation difficult. As a result, it's unlikely that any strong cultivators reside there, so the risk should be minimal.$

"It'll also give you time to stabilize your spiritual energy. With your cultivation level, the task of bringing those disciples here should take no more than 2 months, Niece Mei."

Su Mei took the scroll and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Uncle Fang. I'll make sure to complete this mission without issue."

Uncle Fang nodded, though his expression remained slightly concerned, if something happened to her then who is going to face her father. "Be safe, Niece Mei. Remember, the mortal world can be unpredictable. Don't let your guard down."

"I won't," Su Mei replied before turning and leaving the mission hall.

As she walked away, she unrolled the scroll to read the mission details, her mind already calculating her next steps. This will give me the time and space I need, she thought.

Once I'm far enough from the sect, I'll figure out what to do next.

After an hour…

At the majestic gate of the sect, stood Su Mei. A huge range of mountains, each covered with clouds and filled with spiritual energy, extended beyond the gate. With its flowing waterfalls, floating relics and busy members honing their skills, the sect itself was a work of art.

She looked back one last time. Having been born and raised inside the sect's protective walls, it was her first time leaving in 200 years. She had not gone on any missions because of her father's overprotectiveness, after her mother died in a mission, but now things were different.

She was now a strong cultivator at the late stage of the Vein Fusion Realm, standing outside the sect, summoning her flying boat from her storage ring. The boat is crafted from dark jade with a complex golden rune on it.

It had a small room area enclosed in an energy barrier, shielding it from wind and spiritual disturbances. The boat hovered in the sky, as it absorbed spiritual energy from the stones placed in its core.

Stepping onto the boat, Su Mei directed it forward. The boat glided smoothly through the clouds, its energy-efficient design allowing her to conserve her spiritual power.

She avoided Cultivation cities and sect territories, knowing that flying through their areas without permission could create unnecessary conflicts.

As she moved further south, the landscape began to change. Dense forests and fertile lands gave way to rocky mountains, dry valleys, and sparse greenery. The soft spiritual energy in the air got thinner, marking her entry into the southern territory.

Days turned into weeks as Su Mei traveled. During this time, she noticed small changes in her body. Her stomach had begun to swell, she put a hand on her abdomen, to feel the lifeform inside of her.

Unlike Lin Chen's experience, her pregnancy was like a normal woman, she didn't need to cut her stomach open.

Also, over the past few days, she had been studying through books about childbirth and observing mortal women in the southern territory who were giving birth.

Su Mei's eyes were fixed on the wide Southern Territory as she stood at the edge of her flying boat. She saw that only a few plants, such as the Bloodthorn Vine and Voidroot Cactus, could survive here due to harsh spiritual energy present in this region.

Her dark purple hair fluttered in the wind, and her hands gently rested on her swollen belly. She felt that the time for giving birth was near.

According to the map imprinted in her memory, Su Mei knew a small city was nearby. Without hesitation, she adjusted the boat's direction.

The boat responded immediately, flying in the direction of the city.

After a few minutes, as she got closer to the city, a view of the little community surrounded by decaying sandstone walls appeared more decorative than defensive.

Is this really meant to keep enemies out? she wondered, her eyes scanning the faded carvings on the walls.

The city was as simple as inside it the buildings of stone and mud bricks stood close together, their flat roofs built to endure the relentless heat. Narrow, winding streets wove through the settlement, alive with the daily movements of mortals going about their routines.

Slowing the boat, She guided the boat downward, landing smoothly on the sandy ground a kilometer away from the city. As the boat settled, the dry wind brushed against its surface.

Su Mei stepped off the boat, her feet sinking slightly into the golden sand. The sand swirled around her blue shoes, briefly revealing her smooth, jade-like ankles before her flowing sect robes settled elegantly around her legs.

She raised her hand, and with a simple flick, the flying boat shrank instantly, disappearing into the small blue crystal embedded in the golden ring on her finger.

From her spatial ring, she retrieved a plain grey cloak, its fabric light yet sturdy, with faint glowing runes along the edges—crafted to conceal the presence.

She wore the cloak and pulled the hood over her head, letting it drape over her sect robes. Adjusting it carefully, she tied the cloak around her waist before covering her face with a thin white veil, covering all but her purple eyes.

Then Su Mei moved swiftly through the sky in city direction, to keep her presence concealed, she descended into a quiet corner of the city. Her landing was light, barely disturbing the dust on the cracked stone pavement.

Next, Su Mei observed the nearby market through her spiritual sense, she saw mortals exchanging metal coins for goods at various stalls and shops. So they don't use spiritual stones here… the realization made her pause.

In the sect, wealth was measured in spiritual resources, but here you need metal thing's.

Wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble, she decided to search for hidden metal wealth. Su Mei extended her spiritual energy carefully, scanning cracks in walls, the floors of stalls, and hidden shop compartments.

After finding little, she pushed her spiritual energy further in search of hidden treasures. However, due to her unstable cultivation, she suddenly lost control of her energy and sent the strong spiritual waves in random directions.

At a nearby fruit stall, a middle-aged vendor suddenly stiffened, his eyes rolling back before his body collapsed onto the wooden stand, knocking over baskets of fresh fruits.

A woman carrying her child stopped a mid-step, her knees giving out as she fell to the ground. The child slipped from her hand, hitting his head on the dirt road. His cries pierced the air, sharp and panicked.

Near a well, a group of children played joyfully, their laughter filling the streets, until one boy, at mid-jump, suddenly froze and crashed onto the stone pavement. His friends stood frozen, their innocent faces twisting in horror before they erupted into terrified screams.

The city, once bustling with noise and life, was now filled with chaos and confusion.

Shouts rang out as people rushed to check on the fallen, their expressions shifting from concern to dread. Whispers of fear spread like wildfire. A curse? A hidden killer? Panic filled the air.

Su Mei stood motionless, watching the scene unfold with a calm, detached gaze. There was no guilt in her eyes—only cold acceptance.

Life and death are merely part of this world, she thought indifferently.

Once, she might have felt pity for mortals caught in the crossfire of a cultivator's power. But after 200 years, that sympathy had long since faded.

Weakness is a sin.

However, as she observed the city's growing alarm, irritation flickered in her eyes. I was careless… I need to avoid unnecessary trouble. If anyone from the sect realizes I'm here and I am pregnant, my reputation will be ruined.

She swiftly retracted her spiritual energy, suppressing her presence to avoid further deaths.

The city is already on high alert… I need a different way to cover my expenses here.

Her mind worked quickly, searching for a new plan.

Without wasting time, she reached into her storage ring, retrieving a pair of gold earrings gifted by her junior sister. The earrings shone under the sunlight. At the center of each earring, a small jade gem sparkled, adding to their already impressive value.

These should be enough to make a quick trade and avoid suspicion, she thought.

With a flick of her sleeve, Su Mei concealed the earrings within her hand. No distractions now. I need to finish this quietly and disappear.

With the earrings in hand, Su Mei stepped out into the bustling market. The streets were crowded with people, many covering their faces with cloth to protect themselves from the harsh desert winds.

The market was lively, filled with merchants shouting prices, customers bargaining, and the scent of spices and cooked meat lingering in the dry air.

She walked toward a large, well-established shop, its sturdy wooden frame and decorative banners setting it apart from the smaller stalls around it.

The moment she entered, a staff member approached her, his expression shifting to caution.

He knows that People who concealed themselves like her were usually here for big transactions—either selling valuable goods or making expensive purchases.

The staff member, a thin man with sharp brown eyes and dark hair tied back neatly, bowed slightly. "Miss, are you here to sell or buy?"

"To sell," Su Mei responded calmly.

The man nodded and gestured for her to follow. "Please, this way."

He led her to a private area where a middle-aged man sat behind a counter, inspecting a piece of jewelry through a magnifying glass.

This was Manager Xu, the store's chief appraiser. He had graying hair, sharp blue eyes, and wore fine silk robes with a single jade ring on his left hand, marking his status.