Refined by Moonlight, Tempered by Pain

Lin Yuan stared at the woman, heart pounding. *How does she know about my mother?* he wondered. *Is this another illusion? Or something else?*

He clenched his fists. *Which mother is she even talking about?*

Was it Lady Mingyan, whose voice echoed in his mind through soul transmission? Lady Baihua, hidden within the depths of a pocket dimension? Lady Fengyan, who had once saved Lady Qingxue? Or Lady An who guide him in the Moonmist Hall?Where she discover my secret? 

With a calm but wary tone, Lin Yuan asked, "Which mother are you talking about?"

The woman grinned proudly. "Of course, it's Qingxuan."

Lin Yuan instinctively released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"She's actually my master," he replied quickly, trying to sound relaxed.

The mysterious woman narrowed her eyes. She clearly didn't believe him. She guide Qi throughout his body trying to test his limits.

The pain hit him like lightning.

It was just like the first time. He try to stay conscious as his body turned crimson, veins bulging . He consumed 237 mid-grade healing pills just to endure.

Still, his strength faded. "I… I want to rest," he whispered.

He activated his sect token.

Moments later, Lady Yuexian arrived with hurried steps. The moment she saw the woman, her face changed. She bowed low and greeted respectfully, "Ancestor."

The mysterious woman pointed at Lin Yuan. "Why is she here?"

Lady Yuexian bowed again. "This disciple apologizes. It will not happen again. Lin Yuan will no longer step foot in Moonmist Hall."

The woman gave a short nod. 

With that, she vanished.

Lady Yuexian helped Lin Yuan into her arms and brought him to her residence. She laid him in bed. "Rest. I'll bring Xiao Hu and Qingxue here."

Later, she returned with both siblings in tow. She cooked a nourishing meal, then headed out to buy more milk for Xiao Hu. That night, she read them poems from a cultivation-themed book as a bedtime story.

---

The next morning, she brought Lin Yuan to a different location—**Moonlight Hall.**

"This place is more potent," she said. "It draws in true moonlight. But it can feel scorching. Normally, we use moonstones to activate the formation—but you don't need it. 

She gestured to a stone alcove. "There's a bathroom if you need it. Just by staying here, your body will begin evolving into a treasure body."

She handed him a small pouch. "These are fasting pills. You won't feel hungry. Don't go anywhere. Just stay inside."

Then she left.

Moments later, Lady An stepped out from the pocket dimension. "This is a good place to refine your physical body," she said. "If the pain is too much, we'll stop."

Lin Yuan nodded, and the cultivation began.

He consumed all the healing pills Lady Yuexian had given him. His daily cycle became strict: drink spiritual water, take healing pills and fasting pills, relieve himself, rest briefly, then start again.

Lady An never stopped circulating Qi throughout his body. She took sleep-reducing pills and watched over him without rest.

Ten days passed.

Lady Yuexian returned, brought him home, and prepared a feast. The trio—Lin Yuan, Xiao Hu, and Qingxue—devoured it.

Afterward, she sat beside him and said, "You need to join the upcoming sect competition."

Lin Yuan's eyes widened. "Do I have to fight?"

She shook her head. "No fighting. Just games—jump rope, long run, short run, long jump, short jump, making flower arrangements, designing clothes, drawing on paper, painting, smashing pots, candy picking, and cooking."

Lin Yuan blinked. "But I've never made a flower in my life."

She laughed. "Don't worry. I'm an expert. The competition will be hard—but I'll teach you everything."