"That's because we've established a telepathic connection right now."
Hearing this and seeing Xiao Jietian's mischievous grin, Han Yue's face flushed even deeper. She playfully patted his chest. "Stop it—you're embarrassing me."
Xiao Jietian caught her hand, giving her something to hold onto. "Let me test you too."
"Guess where I am right now?"
Han Yue gripped his hand tightly in return, finding it a little easier to focus. Her brows furrowed, then relaxed. "Hmm! You… you've reached the Northern Region? No—since you're here… have you already arrived at Tianbei City?"
"Exactly. I just got here tonight. I was planning to tell you," Xiao Jietian replied with a warm smile.
"Ah~" Han Yue let out an excited exclamation, her whole body trembling slightly—perhaps from the sudden rush of joy.
She leaned excitedly against him. "Then I'll head back tomorrow to see you."
"Okay, it's your decision. I'll find a suitable time to meet your father-in-law," Xiao Jietian said, embracing Han Yue's soft, boneless body. He smiled and added, "Now your problem is solved… but mine isn't."
…
At noon the next day, after Han Yue finished washing up, she leaned in and kissed Xiao Jietian lightly on the lips.
"Then I'm going back now. It's a pity about the sisters…"
Han Yue had originally planned to return together with her other sisters and show them around Tianbei City, but unfortunately they were still in seclusion.
Xiao Jietian gave her perky bottom a light pat and smiled. "Except for Hui Ying, Fei'er and the others should emerge in the next day or two."
Han Yue's eyes instantly brightened. "Really? That's wonderful! Then I'm leaving."
With those words, Han Yue slowly faded from her spot and reappeared inside Tianbei City.
Looking at the familiar streets and architecture, she took a quick glance around and realized she was currently not far from the Han Family estate.
It was clear Xiao Jietian had deliberately chosen this location. Feeling her man's thoughtfulness, her lips slowly curved into a gentle smile.
She arrived outside the main gate of the vast Han Family estate. Gazing at the familiar entrance, a look of longing appeared in her eyes. She had been away for several years.
…
Tianbei City — Han Family — dining hall.
All the high-ranking members of the Han Family had gathered to host a welcoming banquet for the returning Eldest Miss.
Fine wine and delicious dishes filled the table. Everyone toasted Han Yue repeatedly, and the entire banquet hall was filled with a harmonious, warm atmosphere.
After three rounds of drinks, the elders at the main table began discussing various family affairs, while Han Yue and Han Xue huddled together, whispering excitedly.
As time passed, the banquet gradually wound down. Many people left, supported by maids or their relatives.
When almost everyone had departed, only Han Chi, Han Yue, and Han Xue remained in the hall.
"Father, do you want to guess what realm I've reached now?" Han Yue looked at her father, her voice carrying a trace of playfulness.
"Huh? Your father can't sense anything at all." Han Chi discovered he couldn't detect any cultivation aura from his eldest daughter.
Han Xue—who could no longer contain herself—hugged Han Yue's arm and shook it gently. "Sister, tell me! I can't guess!"
"Then listen carefully, both of you. My current cultivation realm is…" Han Yue deliberately dragged out her words, "Two-star Dou Zong!"
"Wha—what?!" Han Chi's teacup suddenly tilted, tea spilling onto his robe. He didn't even notice.
The entire hall fell into sudden silence. Only the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves outside the window could be heard.
"Say that again?" Han Chi stared at his eldest daughter in disbelief, his face full of shock.
Han Yue tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Two-star Dou Zong, Father!"
"This… this… this!" Han Chi abruptly stood up. The wooden chair scraped harshly against the bluestone floor. He placed his hand on Han Yue's shoulder and began to sense her aura.
Han Yue willingly released her cultivation, allowing her father to probe.
After sensing it clearly, Han Chi confirmed the aura emanating from Han Yue was indeed that of a Two-star Dou Zong.
He suddenly frowned—not because his daughter's cultivation now surpassed his own, but because Han Yue had only been away for a few years, yet her strength had increased so dramatically and so solidly.
"Yue'er… don't tell me you've taken some crooked path! Your current foundation is far too stable—this kind of growth isn't logical."
Han Xue was equally stunned, mouth agape. "Yes, yes, Sister—how did you do it? This is too exaggerated! Your cultivation is even higher than Father's—almost catching up to Great-grandfather's!"
Han Yue smiled mysteriously and did not answer her sister's question directly.
She looked up at her father, eyes gleaming with determination and a hint of shyness. "Because your daughter met someone… and everything I have now is thanks to him."
Han Chi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What kind of extraordinary person could allow you to reach the Dou Zong realm in just a few years—and with such a solid foundation, not the unstable power gained through forced advancement?"
Han Yue lowered her head slightly. Her earlobes turned faintly red.
"He is… your daughter's current beloved. I have already pledged my life to him."
"What?!" Han Xue exclaimed in shock, eyes wide as she stared at her sister.
Han Chi also showed surprise, but quickly composed himself. He studied his eldest daughter carefully. He had noticed long ago that her personality was no longer as cold and distant as before—occasionally playful words and expressions slipped out.
After a moment of silence, he spoke in a low voice.
"Tell me—what kind of extraordinary person is he? Not only can he make your strength soar, but he can also capture your heart so completely?"
"Yes, Sister—tell me about this future brother-in-law of mine!" Han Xue recovered and immediately hugged her sister, pressing eagerly for details.
Han Yue lifted her head. Her eyes sparkled with admiration and deep affection as she spoke of Xiao Jietian.
"He and I are both from Jia Nan Academy. To be precise… he is my junior."
"Ah—Sister, you're robbing the cradle!"
Hearing Han Xue's words, Han Yue gently knocked her silly younger sister on the head.
"Xue'er, don't interrupt. Let your sister finish." Han Chi also shot Han Xue a warning glance before speaking in a deep voice. "Yue'er, continue."
Han Xue pouted but didn't dare speak again.
"He is widely recognized as the most talented and monstrous genius in the entire history of Jia Nan Academy. Any so-called prodigy pales in comparison to him."
"In less than two months after entering the Outer Academy, he forcefully broke into the Inner Academy with only Dou King cultivation—and he was just eighteen at the time."
"After entering the Inner Academy, he even dominated the Strong Ranking, directly setting a new record for Jia Nan Academy."
"Now, at twenty-one years old, he is already a Dou Zun."
"Most importantly… he told me yesterday that he is about to break through to become a Grade 8 Alchemist."
Han Yue excitedly recounted Xiao Jietian's identity and achievements. Pride and love shone clearly on her face.