After some contemplation, you still couldn't figure out Wan Qingluan's intentions despite feeling something was off.

You temporarily set the matter aside and refocused on cultivation and pill refining.

For the past two years, you'd been attempting to refine seventh-grade pills without success.

Today, you prepared to try again.

You placed an exquisite pill furnace before you.

Xie Huide had left you two furnaces - this practical one you'd obtained through your own efforts, and another commemorative model he'd specifically bequeathed to you on his deathbed.

You treasured the commemorative furnace dearly, never using it for refining - only occasionally as an ashtray.

Activating your Divine Micro-Vision and Mind Awakening Technique, you began adding ingredients to the practical furnace.

With precise control, you guided the materials through transformation and fusion.

Every step was completed with full concentration.

Finally, with solemn expression, you opened the furnace lid.

Your grave expression immediately transformed into joy.

Two perfectly formed seventh-grade pills lay before you, looking utterly adorable.

"Damn, finally cracked it!"

Your seventh-grade pill refining skills had finally reached entry-level, putting you halfway into the ranks of high-level pill refiners.

One month later, in your courtyard:

"You actually collected all the keys!" you said with mild excitement, observing Wan Qingluan.

The coldly elegant woman spread her hands, displaying five exquisitely crafted keys of varying designs.

A faint smile played on her lips while subtle intoxication flickered in her eyes. "Indeed~"

Genuine happiness colored your voice: "Then go make your wish!"

Wan Qingluan's red lips curved as she asked, "Do you... have any wishes?"

Your brow twitched. "I eat well and sleep soundly. No wishes."

"Then..." Her smile deepened. "Do you have any enemies? The kind that must be killed?"

Her current demeanor strongly reminded you of her third simulation incarnation - her mental state seemed beautifully unhinged.

You suspected her cultivation progress had intensified her technique's influence.

Laughing, you replied, "I'm always amicable. If someone steps on my foot, I apologize for their shoe's discomfort. How could I have enemies?"

Wan Qingluan gave a light smile. "Then I'll make my own wish."

"Of course you should."

Collecting the keys, she chuckled and turned to leave.

After thoughtful hesitation, you called out, "What will you wish for?"

Half-turning, her cunning gaze met yours as she slowly answered, "Guess~"

You silently watched her radiant smile.

Without another word, Wan Qingluan departed Danxia Sect.

Frowning, you muttered, "Damn, this eerie atmosphere... feels like disaster looming."

But subsequent events were beyond your control - you'd done your part.

Now you could only focus on cultivation advancement.

Your Organ Fortifying peak cultivation had accumulated four years' foundation - breakthrough to Essence Refining wasn't far off.

During cultivation breaks, you visited Lin Mo's family.

His Heavenly Dao Alliance had expanded significantly, absorbing several minor sects to reach over three hundred members.

However, the alliance's martial artists varied wildly in quality, including many deadweight members.

With Danxia Sect having just over four hundred members, the alliance's three hundred seemed bloated.

You warned Lin Mo that such numbers invited unnecessary trouble.

Lin Mo admitted recognizing this and was currently "downsizing" to about a hundred members.

His cultivation had caught up to yours - also at Organ Fortifying peak.

Learning your true level, Lin Mo solemnly declared, "Uncle Yu, from now on I'll protect you!"

Smiling, you nodded. "Good lad, that warms my heart all day. Though I've nothing left to give you."

"Uncle Yu, I mean it sincerely!"

After consideration, you said, "Then let me share something sincere about the Nine Condensations Profound Skill."

Lin Mo grew attentive. "Please speak, Uncle Yu."

"I lied about the technique."

Lin Mo tensed, sensing importance. "What do you mean?"

"I claimed it was my creation but least impressive work. That was false..."

As Lin Mo waited gravely, you met his gaze firmly. "Truth is, not only did I create it - it's my masterpiece, extremely impressive!"

Standing mountain-top with hands clasped behind you, sunset gilding your form in radiant gold,

Lin Mo stared awestruck with reverence.

You knew your performance succeeded.

Indeed, Lin Mo breathed, "Uncle Yu, you're incredible!"

After this grand display, you visited Wei Xia and Lin Kaifeng at their lavish manor.

Wei Xia had fully transformed into a noblewoman - her excellent maintenance made her forty-something self appear early thirties.

Her ever-present warm smile welcomed you as she and Lin Kaifeng hurried out.

After pleasantries, she excused herself to personally prepare specialties in the kitchen.

Lin Kaifeng had thrice retaken provincial exams without success, yet bore no regret.

Exposure to martial arts had shown him his son's extraordinary talents.

Naturally easygoing, he now enjoyed domestic leisure - the ultimate "lying flat" father.

Having originally supported Lin Mo's martial path, he felt deeper gratitude than even Lin Mo for your guidance.

Otherwise he'd still be torturing himself with examination essays instead of comfortable retirement.

That evening's sumptuous family banquet concluded with you staying overnight.

Lin Mo insisted on escorting you back, accompanying you all the way to Youtong County below Danxia Sect.

As he departed, you noticed a bustling new brothel - Mingchun Court - with constant traffic of giggling courtesans and patrons.

Preparing to leave, you spotted Bai Chen exiting with satisfied expression.

Noticing you, he hurried over. "Haha, senior brother! What luck - you finally came down the mountain!"

You smiled. "My rare descent coincides with you sowing wild oats."

"Senior brother misunderstands..."

A flustered courtesan interrupted, clinging to Bai Chen while complaining of a non-paying customer.

Your eyebrow rose. "Proprietor? You own this place?"

Bai Chen beamed. "Haha, senior brother! Mingchun Court's grand opening! Care to experience?"

"Do I seem the type?"

Undeterred, he pitched: "We have promotions!"

Amused, you asked, "Such as?"

"First day free!"

"Hopefully meaning opening day."

"Later too! Bring new customers for second item half-price!"