Lin Yaoyao gently helped the Trial Participant to his feet, saying, 'Fellow Daoist Li, there's no need for such courtesy. It was just a small effort on my part.' Her eyes were sincere, her tone gentle, showing not a hint of pride in her own merit. She remembered how her friends and fellow Senior Brother had met tragic deaths.
After a moment's thought, she said, 'Fellow Daoist Li, rest assured. After returning to the Family, I will truthfully report everything that happened in the Secret Realm to the Family Head and do my utmost to plead on your behalf to lessen your punishment.' Lin Yaoyao's tone was solemn. She knew Li Ming would inevitably face punishment upon returning to his Sect, but she would try her best to help him. After all, Li Ming had risked his life to save her, a debt of gratitude she could not ignore.
'Thank you, Miss Lin.' Li Ming looked at Lin Yaoyao with gratitude, his eyes filled with hope. He hadn't expected Lin Yaoyao to be so righteous, willing to plead for him. This filled his heart with profound gratitude. The Lin Family was a prestigious and powerful clan in the Cultivation World, and Lin Yaoyao was the most beloved daughter of the Lin Family Head. With her help pleading his case, perhaps he could truly avoid punishment.
Lin Yaoyao took out a bottle of Healing Medicinal Pills and some Spirit Stones from her Storage Ring and handed them to Li Ming. 'Take these Healing Medicinal Pills and Spirit Stones. They should help with your injury recovery.' Her tone was gentle, her eyes carrying a hint of concern. The Healing Medicinal Pills were specially made by the Lin Family, extremely effective, capable of quickly Healing wounds and restoring stamina. The Spirit Stones were the common currency of the Cultivation World, usable to purchase various Cultivation resources.
Li Ming received the pills and Spirit Stones with both hands, overwhelmed with gratitude. 'Thank you, Miss Lin! I, Li Ming, will never forget your great kindness for as long as I live!' His voice choked with emotion, tears glistening in his eyes. He knew Lin Yaoyao had given him not just Medicinal Pills and Spirit Stones, but hope for life itself—a debt he would forever remember in his heart.
Lin Yaoyao, Shen Mo, and Bai Li rode their swords, flying towards the direction of the Lin Family. Three streaks of sword light cut across the sky like three shooting stars, extremely fast, vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant. Standing in place, Li Ming gazed in the direction the three had left, unwilling to depart for a long time. His heart was filled with gratitude and admiration. He knew he would never forget these three kind and brave Young Misses in this lifetime, nor would he forget their life-saving grace.
The flying shuttle landed smoothly on the plaza of the Lin Family estate. Lin Yaoyao, Shen Mo, and Bai Li stepped down from it. The Lin Family estate was imposing and magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters, resplendent in gold and jade, everywhere displaying the Lin Family's formidable strength and deep heritage. On the plaza, many Lin Family Disciples came and went. Seeing Lin Yaoyao and the others return, they all stepped forward to bow and offer greetings.
Lin Yaoyao put away the flying shuttle and led Shen Mo and Bai Li straight to the main hall where the Family Head resided. The main hall was located in the central area of the Lin Family estate, a grand structure. Before the hall's entrance stood two guards clad in golden armor, holding long halberds, standing imposingly. Their gazes were sharp, their expressions solemn, vigilantly alert to the surroundings at all times.
Lin Yaoyao walked to the main hall entrance and said to the guards, 'Please announce my return. I have important matters to report to the Family Head.' Seeing it was Lin Yaoyao, the guards promptly bowed respectfully. 'Yes, Young Miss.' One guard turned and entered the main hall to announce her, while the other continued standing guard, safeguarding the hall's security.
A moment later, the guard emerged from the main hall and said to Lin Yaoyao, 'Young Miss, the Family Head requests your presence.' Lin Yaoyao nodded and led Shen Mo and Bai Li into the main hall.
Inside the main hall, it was spacious and bright, luxuriously decorated. A few majestic landscape paintings hung on the walls, the floor was covered with soft red carpet, and the air carried a faint scent of sandalwood. In the center of the hall stood a huge round table, surrounded by over a dozen chairs. Seated on the chairs were several Lin Family Elders, discussing Family affairs.
Lin Family Head Lin Tianxiong sat in the main seat. He was a tall, imposing middle-aged man with an Aura of dignity, wearing brocade robes and a jade crown, commanding respect without anger. Seeing Lin Yaoyao and the others enter, a kind smile appeared on his face. 'Yaoyao, you're back.' His tone was gentle, his eyes filled with doting affection. Lin Yaoyao was Lin Tianxiong's most beloved daughter. He had high hopes for her, wishing for her to become the future head of the Lin Family and lead the Family to an even more glorious future.
'Father.' Lin Yaoyao walked before Lin Tianxiong and bowed respectfully. 'Your daughter has important matters from this Secret Realm trial to report to you.' Her tone was respectful, her expression serious, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent.
'Oh? Tell me.' Lin Tianxiong looked at Lin Yaoyao with great interest. He very much wanted to know what exactly Lin Yaoyao had encountered during the Secret Realm trial and what important discoveries she had made.
Lin Yaoyao detailed the events that occurred in the trial Secret Realm and the news of obtaining the bloodline essence to Lin Tianxiong, including informing him about Bai Li obtaining a Legacy in the Secret Realm and her significant increase in strength. As she narrated, she observed Lin Tianxiong's expression, hoping to discern his view on the matter.
After hearing Lin Yaoyao's account, Lin Tianxiong's face revealed an expression of pleasant surprise. 'bloodline essence!' He stood up excitedly, a note of disbelief in his tone. 'Oh? You actually passed that trial? Excellent, excellent. Truly worthy of being my daughter.' bloodline essence was a legendary spiritual object that could elevate a Spirit Beast's Bloodline and enhance its strength. For the Lin Family, this was absolutely momentous, joyous news.
Lin Tianxiong paced back and forth excitedly. He took a deep breath to calm his agitated emotions, then said to Lin Yaoyao, 'Yaoyao, you've done very well! You've rendered a great service to the Family!' His tone was full of praise and pride. Lin Yaoyao's outstanding performance made him feel immensely proud. He was proud to have such an excellent daughter. 'Father, it wasn't me. It was Bai Li who obtained it. She passed the trial.' Lin Yaoyao interrupted Lin Tianxiong. Lin Tianxiong looked at the little girl beside Lin Yaoyao. 'You are Yaoyao's friend?' 'I am Sister Yaoyao's contracted Spirit Beast, and also Sister Yaoyao's friend. This is Shen Mo, also Sister Yaoyao's good friend,' Bai Li said nervously, her tails behind her swaying incessantly. Lin Tianxiong nodded. 'I see. Since you are Yaoyao's friends, then I must properly celebrate. My precious daughter is willing to bring friends home. This is a first.' Lin Tianxiong turned to the steward beside him and ordered, 'Immediately prepare a banquet. I want to welcome Yaoyao, Shen Mo, and Bai Li and wash away the dust of their journey!' He wanted to celebrate properly and reward these three young people who had rendered great service to the Family.
'Steward, give the order. Tonight, we hold a banquet. I want to properly entertain Yaoyao, Shen Mo, and Bai Li.' Lin Tianxiong's tone held unconcealed joy. He stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming. The bloodline essence held extraordinary significance for the Lin Family. Lin Yaoyao's ability to bring it back was sufficient proof of her capability and Luck. The Elders in the main hall also offered their congratulations to Lin Yaoyao, their words filled with praise and envy. Lin Yaoyao's journey to the Secret Realm had not only brought back the precious bloodline essence for the Family but also further solidified her position within it.
Lin Yaoyao bowed respectfully to Lin Tianxiong and the various Elders. 'Thank you, Father. Thank you, Elders.' She slightly lowered her head, concealing the joy in her eyes. She knew that achieving today's success was inseparable from Bai Li and Shen Mo's help.
'Yaoyao, how do you intend to handle this bloodline essence?' an Elder asked, stroking his beard, his gaze fixed intently on the jade bottle in Lin Yaoyao's hand, a note of inquiry in his tone. Something as precious as bloodline essence naturally drew intense attention regarding its ownership.
Lin Yaoyao glanced at Bai Li beside her, smiled slightly, and said, 'This bloodline essence will naturally be used by Bai Li,' and she briefly told her father about Bai Li's Bloodline. Lin Tianxiong listened and nodded. 'I never expected the extinct Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox to reappear. Excellent, excellent.' He raised his wine cup and took a large gulp, looking at his daughter with a gratified smile. 'Take good care of Bai Li, my good Yaoyao.' 'I will, Father!' Lin Yaoyao's tone was firm, without the slightest hesitation. The purpose of her journey had been to find a spiritual object that could elevate Bai Li's Bloodline. Now that she had found it, naturally, it should be used to its fullest. Bai Li had been severely injured protecting her at Snow Lotus Peak. Now that the bloodline essence was found, it could help Bai Li elevate her Bloodline and recover her strength.
Lin Tianxiong nodded in agreement. 'This Child Bai Li is exceptionally talented and so considerate towards Yaoyao. Using the bloodline essence on her is most fitting.' He paused, his gaze turning kindly towards Bai Li. 'Bai Li, you now have two tails. I wonder what your current strength is like?' His tone held a note of curiosity and anticipation.
Bai Li hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully replied, 'Reporting to Family Head, I am currently at Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer.' Her two fox tails swayed gently behind her like two blooming white puffballs, appearing exceptionally cute.
'Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer. Not bad, not bad.' Lin Tianxiong and the various Elders were quite surprised. They hadn't expected Bai Li's Cultivation Base to have risen so quickly. Lin Tianxiong stroked his beard, his eyes filled with appreciation. He said, 'At such a young age, to have such a Realm. Your future prospects are limitless.' He paused, then continued, 'Yaoyao and Bai Li will undoubtedly achieve extraordinary things in the future. Young lady Shen Mo is also good. The three of you must support each other, progress together, and bring glory to the Family.' Lin Tianxiong earnestly instructed the three, hoping they could unite as one, strive together, and contribute their strength to the Family's prosperity and flourishing.
Bai Li secretly glanced at Lin Yaoyao and found Lin Yaoyao was also looking at her. Their gazes met, and a sweet smile appeared on Bai Li's face. Lin Yaoyao also returned a gentle smile. She reached out and patted Bai Li's head, saying softly, 'Bai Li, you've done very well.' Her tone was full of relief and pride. Bai Li's growth and progress filled her with immense relief, and she was also proud of Bai Li.
Shen Mo also said with a smile, 'Bai Li, congratulations.' She knew Bai Li's achievements today were inseparable from her own efforts and talent, as well as from Lin Yaoyao's help and support.
'The banquet won't start for a while yet. Bai Li, you should return to your room and rest first, gather your energy.' Lin Yaoyao said softly. She knew Bai Li had expended a lot of spiritual power in the Secret Realm earlier and must be quite tired now.
Bai Li nodded. 'Sister Yaoyao, Sister Shen Mo, I'll head back first then.' She smiled at Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo, then turned and left the main hall. Outside the hall, the sunlight was bright, a gentle breeze brushed her face. Bai Li's mood, like this clear weather, was bright and pleasant.
Bai Li returned to her room and summoned the system xiao mai. 'Xiao Mai, open my Attribute Panel.' Her tone held a note of anticipation. She wanted to see the changes in herself after refining the bloodline essence.
'Okay, host.' The system xiao mai's crisp voice sounded in Bai Li's mind.
System Panel:
Name: Bai Li
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Race: Spirit Beast Clan (Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox)
Height: 1.44 meters
Weight: 4 kilograms
Appearance: 92 (out of 10)
Strength: 55 (15+4 attribute points)
Speed: 54 (14+4 attribute points)
Defense: 97 (37+4 attribute points)
Talents: Myriad Medicine Body, Spiritual Qi Affinity
Skills: Mastery of Alchemy (max level), Nine-Tailed Fox Fire, Shapeshifting Art
Cultivation Base: Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer (/4500)
Bloodline: Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox (Sealed, 2/9 Awakened, Bloodline Talent: All Attributes +4, Acquired Second Tail Authority: Illusion Art)
Contract Status: Contracted (Lin Yaoyao)
Main Quest: Awaken the Nine-Tailed Bloodline
Current Quest: Refine the bloodline essence, elevate own Bloodline.
Quest Reward: Bloodline elevation, Cultivation Base increase, acquire new tail Authority.
Quest Progress: Not Started
Possesses extremely powerful Healing abilities, purification abilities, and Illusion Art abilities. As the Bloodline Awakens, the host's various abilities will be greatly enhanced, eventually restoring the body of a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. The Nine-Tailed Fox's fur is an extremely rare material for Artifact Refining, usable to craft armor and cloaks with extremely high Defense; the Nine-Tailed Fox's blood can be used to refine Medicinal Pills that enhance Divine Sense; the Nine-Tailed Fox's tails can be used to refine various Magic Treasures, possessing formidable power.
Bai Li looked at the updated System panel, delightedly discovering that all her attributes had significantly improved, her Cultivation Base had also risen by a minor Realm, and more importantly, she had Awakened her second tail and acquired a new tail Authority—Illusion Art. She excitedly clenched her small fists. Her two fluffy tails swayed happily behind her, one shimmering with green light, the other with pink light, like two colored ribbons floating in the air. 'Xiao Mai, what does this Illusion Art do?' Bai Li asked curiously, filled with anticipation for this newly acquired Authority, eager to understand its functions.
'Illusion Art, as the name implies, is about creating illusions to confuse enemies,' system xiao mai explained. 'The host can use Illusion Art to create various illusions, confuse enemies, causing them to fall into the illusion, unable to extricate themselves. The power of Illusion Art depends on the host's Cultivation Base and Mental Energy. The higher the host's Cultivation Base and the stronger the Mental Energy, the greater the power of the Illusion Art.' It paused, then continued, 'Illusion Art can not only be used to confuse enemies but also to assist in Cultivation. For example, the host can simulate various combat scenarios within an illusion to enhance her own combat experience.'