Xiao Feng soon returned to his usual daily routine.
His days were busy yet fulfilling. He divided his time carefully between cultivation, studying formations, and refining pills. Whenever he had free time, he would immerse himself in researching array formations, especially the ones he planned to integrate into the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower.
At the same time, he also spent a great deal of effort helping his teacher advance to the sixth-tier alchemist realm.
Under Xiao Feng's guidance, progress was smooth.
Xiao Yi Xian, too, had made astonishing progress. With Xiao Feng's assistance and careful control, she successfully broke through to the Dou Spirit class much earlier than expected. More importantly, throughout the entire breakthrough process, not a trace of poisonous gas escaped from her body, ensuring that no one around her was harmed.
This was a significant step in controlling her unique constitution.
Not only that, but Xiao Feng had also begun teaching her the art of alchemy.
Although she was still a beginner in true pill refinement, her talent was remarkable. She was already capable of refining peak third-tier medicinal pills and had even started learning some lower-level fourth-tier pills.
For someone so new to alchemy, such progress was extraordinary.
Xiao Yi Xian was naturally overjoyed.
Every time she successfully refined a high-quality or perfect pill, she would excitedly rush over to Xiao Feng and reward him with a quick kiss—sometimes on the cheek, sometimes directly on the lips.
At first, Xiao Feng had been slightly caught off guard.
But after the third or fourth time, he had simply accepted it with a helpless smile.
Zi Yan, however, had loudly protested the unfairness of these "alchemy rewards."
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng had also informed the Guardian Elders and Dean Su Qian about Qing Lin's unique Three-Flower Green Spirit Eyes constitution.
Upon learning this, both the elders and Su Qian were stunned.
Then, without hesitation, they gave Xiao Feng a thorough scolding.
"You knew about such a rare constitution and waited an entire year to tell us?" one elder exclaimed.
"Do you know how valuable a talent like that is?" another added.
Even Su Qian looked at him with exasperation.
Xiao Feng could only smile awkwardly before explaining.
"I simply wanted Qing Lin to enjoy a carefree childhood for a little longer. Once she enters the academy, responsibilities and expectations will naturally follow. I didn't want her to bear that burden too early."
Hearing this, the elders fell silent.
Su Qian's stern expression softened.
In the end, he nodded approvingly.
"You've thought this through well."
After a brief pause, he added, "Very well. I will personally travel to the Xiao Clan and bring Qing Lin back within the next few days."
Xiao Feng naturally had no objections.
A few days earlier, Xiao Chen had arrived at the Inner Academy to deliver updates about the Xiao Clan and to collect resources for the family's continued growth.
The Xiao Clan had been developing steadily, and under the combined efforts of the elders and younger generation, its overall strength had risen significantly. Xiao Chen had come not only to report on the family's progress, but also to bring news from home and discuss future needs.
Thus, when Su Qian decided to personally travel to the Xiao Clan to bring Qing Lin back, Xiao Chen was the perfect person to accompany him.
After all, he had only recently arrived from the Xiao Clan, making him an ideal guide. He could introduce Su Qian properly, explain the situation to the clan members, and ensure that Qing Lin's transfer to the Inner Academy proceeded smoothly.
It would also allow Xiao Chen to return home once more, deliver the resources Xiao Feng had prepared, and help the family with any immediate matters before accompanying Qing Lin back to the academy.
Before their departure, Xiao Feng called Xiao Chen over.
He handed him three storage rings.
"The first ring contains alchemy materials," Xiao Feng explained. "There are over five hundred sets of medicinal ingredients, mostly first- to third-tier, along with a smaller number of fourth-tier ingredients."
Xiao Chen's eyes widened.
"The second ring contains medicinal pills for the general members of the Xiao Clan."
"And the third," Xiao Feng continued, "is specifically for the core family members—our elders, Uncle, Xiao Yan, Xun'er, Xiao Ning, Xiao Mei, Xiao Mai, yourself, and the others."
He then paused before adding, "There is also a special letter inside for Xun'er."
Xiao Chen nodded knowingly.
"I understand."
Xiao Feng then gave him two sixth-tier magical beast flames—one for Xiao Chen and one for Xiao Mai—along with the medicinal cauldron he had previously obtained.
Seeing such precious gifts, Xiao Chen was deeply moved.
For a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Finally, he said quietly, "Thank you, Brother."
Xiao Feng simply smiled.
"Take good care of the family. And while you're there, make sure Dean Su Qian is treated as our most honored guest."
Xiao Chen nodded solemnly.
Before long, Su Qian impatiently grabbed Xiao Chen by the arm.
"Enough talking. Let's go."
With that, the two of them soared into the sky and quickly disappeared into the horizon.
Watching their departure, Xiao Feng shook his head with a faint smile.
"Dean Su Qian certainly doesn't like wasting time."
By his estimate, Qing Lin would likely arrive within ten to fifteen days.
That gave him enough time to prepare.
He had already decided that he would make several special medicinal preparations specifically for her.
Among the alchemical inheritances he had obtained from the Beast Venerable were numerous medicinal formulas tailored for magical beasts and unique constitutions. One of them was a particularly extraordinary sixth-tier pill capable of awakening or strengthening dormant bloodline power.
Such a pill would be perfect for Qing Lin in the future.
However, the ingredients required were extremely rare and numerous. Refining it would have to wait until later.
For now, Xiao Feng intended to focus on creating something more suitable for her current stage.
First, he planned to prepare a gentle yet powerful body-strengthening medicinal bath. Qing Lin's physique needed to be gradually reinforced to withstand the burden of her unique eyes.
Second, he would refine several medicinal pills specifically designed to nourish and strengthen the soul.
The Three-Flower Green Spirit Eyes relied heavily on spiritual power. A stronger soul would allow Qing Lin to better control her abilities, reduce strain, and unlock more of her potential.
As he considered these preparations, Xiao Feng could not help but smile.
Qing Lin's arrival would undoubtedly bring even more life to the already lively courtyard.
And he looked forward to it.
After spending several days refining medicinal pills and preparing resources for Qing Lin, Xiao Feng finally turned his attention back to his own cultivation.
Although his current strength had grown tremendously, he knew that true combat ability was not determined by cultivation alone. It required constant practice, refinement, and battle experience.
Techniques, no matter how powerful, would lose their edge if not honed regularly.
Thus, Xiao Feng decided to focus on improving his combat skills.
And naturally, he sought the best sparring partners available—the Qilin Queen and the Snow Demon Sky Ape.
When Xiao Feng proposed the idea, the Snow Demon Sky Ape immediately burst into laughter.
"Haha! Good! It has been a long time since I last had a proper fight. Young Master, don't blame me if I hit too hard!"
Xiao Feng smiled confidently.
"That depends on whether you can actually hit me."
The ape's eyes widened before it roared with laughter.
"Excellent! That's the spirit!"
The Qilin Queen, standing nearby in her elegant human form, crossed her arms and smiled faintly.
"Be careful, Xiao Feng. The Snow Demon Sky Ape is not known for holding back."
Xiao Feng turned to her with a playful grin.
"If I get injured, will you take care of me personally?"
The Qilin Queen's cheeks flushed slightly.
"I... suppose I could."
Zi Yan, who was watching from the side, rolled her eyes.
"You two can flirt later. Fight first already."
The training ground soon became lively.
The first sparring match was against the Snow Demon Sky Ape.
As soon as the battle began, the ape slammed its massive fist into the ground, causing the earth to tremble.
"Mountain Shattering Fist!"
A huge shockwave surged outward.
Xiao Feng smiled and stepped forward instead of retreating.
"Blazing Meteor Step!"
His body transformed into a streak of crimson light, weaving through the shockwave with astonishing speed.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared above the ape.
"Inferno Sky Sever!"
A gigantic crescent blade of compressed flame slashed downward like a falling star.
Boom!
The Snow Demon Sky Ape crossed its arms and blocked the attack, but the force still pushed it back several steps.
"Again!" it bellowed excitedly.
Xiao Feng laughed.
"Then take another one!"
He raised his palm, and a spiraling sphere of fire rapidly condensed.
"Scarlet Dragon Burst!"
The fiery sphere shot forward, exploding into dozens of flame dragons that circled around the ape before converging simultaneously.
The resulting explosion shook the entire training field.
Yet the Snow Demon Sky Ape only grew more excited.
The two exchanged dozens of blows.
Xiao Feng moved like a blazing phantom, using Blazing Meteor Step to dodge and reposition while unleashing one powerful fire technique after another—Inferno Sky Sever, Scarlet Dragon Burst, and Ember Collapse Palm.
Each strike was faster, smoother, and more controlled than the last.
After a long and intense battle, both finally stepped back.
The Snow Demon Sky Ape grinned broadly.
"Excellent! Your control over your flames has become far more refined."
Xiao Feng nodded.
"But there is still room for improvement."
At that moment, the Qilin Queen stepped forward.
"Then allow me to help."
Her beautiful eyes gleamed with challenge.
Xiao Feng smiled warmly.
"I was hoping you would."
Unlike the brute strength of the ape, the Qilin Queen's fighting style was graceful, elegant, and incredibly precise.
The moment the match began, she vanished.
Xiao Feng's eyes narrowed.
A soft voice whispered behind him.
"Too slow."
He spun around just in time to block her palm strike, though the force still pushed him back several steps.
"So fast," Xiao Feng admitted.
The Qilin Queen smiled faintly.
"You'll need more than fire to catch me."
The battle that followed was a dance of speed and precision.
Xiao Feng used Blazing Meteor Step to keep up with her movements, while she continuously forced him to refine his reactions.
He launched waves of scarlet flame, each attack sharper and more controlled than the last.
At one point, Xiao Feng gathered his flames into a rotating lotus of fire.
"Crimson Lotus Spiral!"
The fiery lotus expanded outward in a magnificent explosion.
Yet the Qilin Queen simply spun gracefully through the gaps in the flames, appearing directly before him in the next instant.
She gently pressed a finger against his chest.
"You lost."
Xiao Feng blinked before laughing helplessly.
"I surrender."
The Qilin Queen smiled with quiet satisfaction.
"Good choice."
As Xiao Feng caught his breath, she stepped closer and gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.
"You've improved a lot."
Her voice had softened considerably.
Xiao Feng looked into her eyes.
"Only because I have such excellent teachers."
The Qilin Queen's cheeks turned slightly red.
"Flattery won't help you win next time."
"Perhaps not," Xiao Feng said with a grin. "But maybe this will."
Before she could respond, he leaned forward and lightly kissed her cheek.
The Qilin Queen froze for a brief moment.
Then, to everyone's surprise, she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.
Even the Snow Demon Sky Ape stared in shock.
Zi Yan immediately covered her eyes—though her fingers remained slightly apart.
"I saw nothing," she declared.
The Qilin Queen stepped back gracefully, though the faint blush on her face remained.
"That," she said calmly, "is your reward for fighting well."
Xiao Feng touched his lips with a smile.
"Then I should spar with you more often."
The Qilin Queen raised an eyebrow.
"We'll see if you can keep up."
The Snow Demon Sky Ape burst into thunderous laughter.
"Young Master, your training methods are truly admirable!"
The entire training ground soon filled with laughter.
As the sun began to set, Xiao Feng felt deeply satisfied.
His techniques had become sharper.
His combat instincts had improved.
Over the next days, Xiao Feng maintained a strict and disciplined routine.
Every day, he would spar with the Qilin Queen and the Snow Demon Sky Ape, refining his combat techniques through constant practice. Under their guidance, his battle instincts sharpened rapidly. His control over flame grew more precise, his reactions faster, and his ability to adapt in combat improved tremendously.
Each battle taught him something new.
Sometimes it was a subtle flaw in his footwork.
Sometimes it was a brief opening in his defense.
Other times, it was simply learning when to attack and when to wait.
By the end of the month, even the Snow Demon Sky Ape had to admit his progress.
"Young Master, your combat awareness has been improving by leaps and bounds," it said approvingly. "Another few months, and even seasoned Dou Emperors will find it difficult to gain an advantage over you."
The Qilin Queen also nodded.
"Your control is becoming more refined. You're no longer simply relying on power—you are learning how to truly fight."
Hearing such praise, Xiao Feng felt deeply satisfied.
But while his days were filled with rigorous training, his nights had become... considerably less peaceful.
At first, Xiao Feng had always slept alone, as was his usual habit. However, ever since his training regimen had begun, both Xiao Yi Xian and the Qilin Queen had gradually developed a habit of visiting his room at night.
At first, it had been occasional.
Then it became frequent.
And before long, it had somehow become routine.
One would arrive with some excuse—perhaps to discuss cultivation, alchemy, or the day's training.
The other would soon follow.
By the time Xiao Feng realized what was happening, both of them were already comfortably settled in his room.
And eventually, in his bed.
Of course, nothing improper occurred.
Still, for a young man in the prime of his youth, the situation was far from easy.
Many mornings, Xiao Feng would wake up to find himself in rather difficult circumstances.
Sometimes, he would open his eyes only to discover that the Qilin Queen had unconsciously shifted closer during the night, her head resting near his shoulder, her soft breathing brushing lightly against his neck.
At other times, Xiao Yi Xian would be curled up beside him, one hand resting gently on his chest as she slept peacefully.
And on particularly challenging mornings, both of them would somehow end up using him as a pillow—one resting against his shoulder, the other lying partially across his chest.
In such situations, Xiao Feng would lie perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe.
Not because he disliked it.
Quite the opposite.
That was precisely the problem.
He was, after all, a perfectly healthy young man.
And maintaining his composure under such circumstances required an extraordinary amount of willpower.
To make matters even more difficult, there were occasional moments in the morning when one or both of them would begin adjusting their clothing after waking.
Xiao Feng, caught awkwardly in the middle, could only avert his gaze while silently reciting alchemical formulas in an attempt to calm his mind.
Zi Yan, upon hearing of his predicament, had laughed so hard she nearly fell over.
Eventually, Xiao Feng decided that something had to change.
One evening, after dinner, he gathered Xiao Yi Xian and the Qilin Queen together.
The two women looked at him curiously.
Xiao Feng cleared his throat, trying his best to appear serious.
"I think we need to establish a few... sleeping arrangements."
Xiao Yi Xian blinked innocently.
"Sleeping arrangements?"
The Qilin Queen, however, immediately seemed to understand. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Xiao Feng nodded firmly.
"Yes. From now on, no more sleeping in my room every night."
Xiao Yi Xian looked slightly disappointed.
"Why not?"
Xiao Feng coughed lightly.
"Because I still need proper rest. And... well... it's becoming somewhat distracting."
The Qilin Queen turned her head away, though the slight smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.
Xiao Yi Xian tilted her head.
"Distracting how?"
Xiao Feng stared at her for a moment before sighing.
"You know exactly how."
At that, Xiao Yi Xian's face gradually turned red as she finally understood.
The Qilin Queen let out a soft, musical laugh.
"So, what do you propose?"
Xiao Feng thought for a moment before answering.
"Weekends only."
Both women looked at him.
"Only on weekends," he repeated. "That way, we can still spend time together, but I can also focus properly on training and cultivation during the week."
Xiao Yi Xian pouted slightly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"That seems a little unfair."
The Qilin Queen smiled knowingly.
"I think it's a reasonable compromise."
After a brief discussion, both eventually agreed.
"Very well," the Qilin Queen said. "Weekends it is."
Xiao Yi Xian nodded.
"But only because you asked so nicely."
That weekend, the new arrangement officially began.
The atmosphere was warm and peaceful.
The three of them spent the evening chatting quietly, discussing cultivation, alchemy, and future plans.
Later, as they settled down to sleep, Xiao Feng found himself lying between them.
Xiao Yi Xian rested comfortably against one side, while the Qilin Queen lay on the other.
The room was quiet, filled only with the gentle sound of breathing.
Before drifting off, Xiao Yi Xian softly whispered, "Good night, Xiao Feng."
The Qilin Queen added in a quieter voice, "Sleep well."
Xiao Feng smiled.
"Good night."
For all the difficulties such arrangements occasionally brought, he could not deny that these moments filled him with warmth.