Identity on the Edge!

In the middle of night, Lin Yuan woke up to find both Xiao Hu and Qingxue still sleeping soundly beside him. He tried to carry Qingxue to bed, but she was heavier than a stone. "How does she even fly?" he murmured in disbelief.

He then attempted to lift Xiao Hu, only for the little one to blink awake. Qingxue stirred next to him.

"Let's go eat some dried fruit," Lin Yuan whispered. The two nodded sleepily.

After a small midnight snack, the trio returned home and fell asleep once more.

---

The next morning followed the same routine: cultivation, pain, and healing. Lin Yuan brought some children's books for Xiao Hu and Qingxue—illustrated animal stories he read aloud with them.

Ten days passed like this.

One day, Lady Yuexian handed him a pouch with 10,000 ordinary spirit stones. "Your body can circulate Qi automatically now," she said. "You can cultivate on your own. Let's see if your body evolves further."

They tested his Qi flow again—and discovered his body had transformed into a spiritual body.

"Impressive," she said, giving him 1,000 mid-grade healing pills. "Practice alone now."

For the first time, Lin Yuan entered the spiritual pool alone.

But suddenly, Lady An emerged from his pocket dimension. "Let me help you cultivate."

Lin Yuan was stunned. "Mother, you're a cultivator too?"

"I also practice Taiyin techniques," she said. "But don't worry—if anyone comes, I'll hide in the pocket dimension."

And so, his days passed: painful cultivation in the morning, warm time with his siblings in the afternoon, and bedtime stories at night. Another thirty days went by.

One day, Lady An said, "Tell Yuexian that Xiao Hu and Qingxue can take human form."

The next morning, Lady Yuexian arrived and found three children building a mud house.

"Who are they?" she asked.

"They're Xiao Hu and Qingxue," Lin Yuan replied. "My mother told us not to reveal our identities to those we don't trust."

"Does that mean you trust me?" she asked.

"Not completely," Lin Yuan replied honestly.

Lady Yuexian smiled. "Good . Qingxue, how cute you are! I have a gift for you—a little princess dress."

Xiao Hu pouted. "Where's my gift?"

"Do you want a princess dress too?"

"No! I want a king's crown!"

"What about a sword?"

"Sword is okay."

She handed him a large sword. "This one can fly. And here's a magic necklace—wearing this, no one can harm you. I'll also add a vision-blocking spell to the formation."

Qingxue asked, "We need to build a house for our horses."

"Don't worry. I'll transport a proper one."

Xiao Hu added, "We also need to buy mineral salt."

Lady Yuexian raised an eyebrow. "How do you know that?"

"I read it in a book."

"You're very intelligent."

"Okay, Lin Yuan," she said. "Let's train."

Another seven days passed.

During that time, the sect leader herself cooked meals and washed Xiao Hu and Qingxue's clothes.

One morning, she warned Lin Yuan, "Be cautious in Moonmist Hall. An ancestor might visit soon. No more swimming, and speak less to keep your identity safe."

"Yes, Grandmaster," Lin Yuan nodded.

That day, he cultivated without help. It was slow and painless—until a woman suddenly appeared beside the pool.

"Why are you in my pool?" she snapped. "This is my place!"

Lin Yuan quietly moved to a corner.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

"I'm Lin Yue," he answered softly.

"It's forbidden for disciples to be here. Then why are you?"

He stayed silent.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm washing my physical body with Taiyin Qi."

She frowned. "Come here. I'll guide the Qi through your body."

*Let me test this girl,* she thought. *I'll kick her out when she can't endure it.*

Thirty minutes passed. Lin Yuan took healing pills and drank spiritual water.

She narrowed her eyes. *Still not leaving?*

Lin Yuan continued calmly—187 mid-grade healing pills consumed.

*Any other girl would've exploded by now,* she thought, stunned.

Seven hours passed. Frustrated, she finally left. Lin Yuan quietly followed.

Another eight days slipped by.

Then one day the woman asked, 

"Who's your father?" 

"He's dead," Lin Yuan replied.

"Tell me. I'll keep it secret."

Lin Yuan stayed silent.

"Tell me," she pressed. "Can't you see I'm helping you cultivate? I'm a good person. I already know who your mother is."

Lin Yuan's eyes widened. "That's impossible."