"A hidden realm that only allows disciples up to the core formation realm has opened?"

"Yes, Young Master," Lei Qiang promptly replied when Jianyu inquired about the matter. She had been diligently updating her young master on the recent affairs of the sect as he strolled through the garden.

Accustomed to Jianyu's usually absent-minded responses to her reports, Lei Qiang noted a shift in his interest today. Seizing the opportunity, she made an extra effort to provide him with all the intricate details.

"The Hidden Realm in question was safeguarded by the sect approximately eight centuries ago. It was forged by an Immortal from the ancient past, utilizing an unparalleled treasure." Observing Jianyu's focused gaze, Lei Qiang continued with heightened enthusiasm, "This realm imposes a restriction of allowing only thirty-three disciples at a time. Consequently, the sect is facilitating an event, allowing the youth from the sect and its affiliated forces to compete for this coveted opportunity!"

"Is that so?" Jianyu inquired, a gentle, soft smile gracing his face. Over the past year, he had experienced a significant growth spurt, now almost reaching Lei Qiang's shoulders—an unusual height for a thirteen-year-old. His hair, once cascading to his shoulders, had been trimmed to a shorter length. His demeanor spoke of someone who had matured through their experiences.

Observing Jianyu's heightened interest, Lei Qiang felt compelled to share a cautionary note, "Given the strong restrictions on the Hidden Realm, external interference is quite challenging. It'll require significant effort to interfere with the insides of the Hidden Realm." Lei Qiang's expression had turned serious and concerned, however...

Jianyu simply responded with a smile.

...

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...

"...And that's why I am here." Seated in front of Xin Dongyang, Jianyu recounted his conversation with Lei Qiang, culminating in the current scenario of enjoying tea at Stellar Flames Peak.

Xin Dongyang, genuinely concerned for his grandson who had grappled with inner struggles for a year, acknowledged the potential adverse effects of prolonged solitude on Jianyu's well-being. While recognizing this could be a significant opportunity for him,

"Jianyu, the Hidden Realm has been nurtured by our sect for a century, opening once a decade to provide opportunities for young disciples." Xin Dongyang spoke calmly, the atmosphere around him resonating with solemnity.

"This particular realm was crafted by an ancient Immortal using a powerful treasure. Due to its stringent restrictions, the sect chose to nurture it rather than forcibly unlock it, fearing harm to the hidden realm. I, too, cannot influence the inside of the realm without risking its collapse. Moreover, even then, I'm not entirely certain if I can rescue the disciples within..." Xin Dongyang paused, fixing his gaze on Jianyu. "So... do you still wish to participate?"

"Yes," Jianyu responded promptly, his gaze fixed on the cup of tea in his hands. "I think I need to do this... Yeah... It's better if I do this."

Xin Dongyang continued to scrutinize his grandson, but Jianyu simply continued sipping his tea, prompting Xin Dongyang to release a sigh. "Fine... Just be careful and don't do anything 'too' reckless."

"Mhm." Putting down the cup, Jianyu smiled slightly. "As expected, our tea is definitely better."

"?" Xin Dongyang wore a puzzled expression before realizing what his grandson meant. "Those Yin family bastards just don't know how to enjoy life." Xin Dongyang grinned as he spoke.

To this, Jianyu's smile deepened, and so did Xin Dongyang's. Though not as radiant as before, their bond remained just as strong.

...

Having concluded his discussion with Xin Dongyang, Jianyu decided to call it a day. As he strolled back from Xin Dongyang's residence, he marveled at the peculiar vegetation that adorned the mountain.

The trees bore blossoms that flickered like living flames, while flaring lotuses illuminated sunlit ponds of steaming waters. Ferns, with fronds resembling coiled serpents, rustled, creating a serpent-like dance. Amidst the diverse flora, Phoenix flies gracefully danced around, resembling butterflies with wings ablaze.

Amid this natural spectacle, there was Bao Bao, the Solar hound whom he had known since he was merely 5 years old. Bao Bao lazily basked in the warm rays of the sun, prompting Jianyu to decide to leave without disturbing his furry friend.

Admiring the beauty of nature always had a calming effect on Jianyu's mind, which explained his hobby of maintaining gardens from his first life to this one.

'Well,' he mused, recalling distant memories, 'It was more of a job than a hobby back then...'

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These days, Jianyu often found himself looking back at those times, feeling nostalgic...

"Jianyu!!" His body stiffened as he heard the voice from behind him. Slowly turning around, he spotted the person running toward him.

"Xifeng..." His face had lost its faint smile, and he spoke in an unamused tone. "Why are you here?"

"Haha..." She laughed awkwardly, averting her gaze slightly. "I found out that you were visiting, so I hurried over to meet you."

Over the past year, Xifeng had undergone significant changes, maturing slightly in appearance and adorning herself with multiple embellishments to enhance her beauty.

However, to Jianyu, it felt like a desperate attempt to gain attention, making him even more uncomfortable than he already was due to his inner struggles being aggravated by her presence.

Even then, he maintained a calm expression. "There was no need for you to do so."

"Is it... wrong for me to do so?" Xifeng's eyes welled with tears as she spoke in a voice that seemed both afraid and frail.

"Do as you please." With these words, Jianyu turned and left for his residence. He couldn't discern how much of the Xifeng he had just encountered was genuine; he couldn't even be sure if there was a shred of honesty in her actions. To him, it all felt like an elaborate falsehood.

After all, Xifeng was a 'liar,' but he found himself in a situation where he was afraid to confront the 'truth'. Yet, soon, all of this would come to an end. Once he had achieved his objectives in the Hidden Realm, perhaps the need for uncovering the 'truth' would dissipate entirely.

...

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...

"Huh? Are you planning to enter the Hidden Realm?" Jianyu inquired of Xiao Xiang, whom he had encountered at the foot of the Lunar Frost Peak.

"Yes," Xiao Xiang replied as they ascended the mountain peak together. "Master said that it might help me broaden my horizons."

"That old—I mean, that person asked you to do so?" Jianyu nearly fumbled with his words.

'I've gotten too used to calling her an old hag...' He noted, recalling all the times he had referred to Yin Meili as an old hag over the past year.

He always used that term in front of Xin Dongyang, and recently, he had even done so in front of Lei Qiang. Thankfully, he hadn't made such a mistake in public... yet

"..."

"..."

Both of them walked in silence, not uttering a single word. Nevertheless, their hearts were stirred by each other's presence, each for their own reasons.

To Xiao Xiang, this encounter with the one she admired was a stroke of luck. For Jianyu, however, it was a bit more complicated.

While he felt a sense of gratitude towards Xiao Xiang, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about her at times. Though based on his own intuition, which hadn't always been the keenest among his peers, he still sensed an oddity.

Initially, he assumed she was just a young girl who began to admire him after he helped her; however, he wasn't so certain anymore.

'Her presence in the Hidden Realm might disrupt my plans...' Jianyu sighed as he pondered this, an action noticed by Xiao Xiang.

"Brother Jianyu, are you feeling unwell?" Xiao Xiang asked, her worry evident even though her face remained expressionless.

"Ah..." Feeling a bit lost for words, Jianyu expressed what was closest to his true feelings. "I am worried about you going to the Hidden Realm."

While Jianyu wasn't sure how far exactly her 'eyes' had advanced, however, he firmly believed that it was better to be safe than sorry. After all, it's better to be truthful before the eyes that would sooner or later see through his lies.

However, Xiao Xiang was unaware of these thoughts. To her, this was genuine concern for her safety, and it came from the person she admired. Her eyes sparkled with delight, and the corners of her mouth subtly lifted.

...

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...

"Senior brother!" Jianyu and Xiao Xiang arrived at the gardens Jianyu tended to, and a certain someone rushed towards them—or more accurately, towards Jianyu. This individual jumped onto him, embracing him tightly.

"Sigh, that's no way to greet someone, you know?" Jianyu released a tired sigh, but warmth filled his expression as he looked at Cao Meihui, his mother's only disciple.

While patting Cao Meihui's head, Jianyu glanced towards Xin Guang, who approached them with a helpless smile.

People had indeed changed significantly with time. The once confident Xifeng had become somewhat meek, the previously expressionless Xiao Xiang now exhibited myriad emotions, and the once arrogant Xin Guang had transformed into this... yet, why did it feel like...

'...Like I've regressed to back then...'

...

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...

"And then, you know what Xin Guang did?" Cao Meihui spoke merrily at the dining table...

"Ah! Please stop!" Xin Guang stood up, desperately trying to cover Cao Meihui's mouth.

"What did he do?" Xiao Xiang unexpectedly found herself amused and curious about this.

Jianyu sat quietly. Even eating felt like a chore. The inner devil had caused him to lose his sense of taste and he could obtain the energy he needed through pills. "Did Junior Sister Suyin make this?" Jianyu asked as he took a bite of the sweet and sour pork on his plate.

Suddenly, the whole table fell silent, all eyes turning to Jianyu. This moment became quite rare; Jianyu was usually silent at the dining table, only responding to others with a nod.

"Is... it bad?" Mo Suyin asked with an awkward smile. She, too, had grown a lot over the last year. She attempted to fill the void left by Jianyu's absence, sometimes imitating him, desperately trying to maintain the peace of this new family of hers.

"Not at all," Jianyu shook his head, "I just sensed the traces of your Qi in the food," he continued, pointing to his plate.

"Well..." Mo Suyin paused for a moment, looking towards the food she had cooked, "I decided to learn it since I had the chance."

Jianyu's response was blunt, "There was no need for you to do all this," he muttered as he examined his meal.

Although Jianyu's mutterings were soft, Mo Suyin and everyone else easily heard them. Her smile faltered briefly, but she quickly put on a bright expression. "I am doing this because I like it."

"..." A moment of heavy silence passed as nobody spoke. "That's good," Jianyu finally said, resuming his meal.

Mo Suyin smiled cheerfully, and everyone returned to eating their food and chatting.

'Cooking for others... huh?' Silently eating his meal, his thoughts wandered. 'When was it that I did that for the first time?'

His head pulsed and ached as he attempted to recall memories that were 'long gone.'

...

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