With a delicate point of her foot on the mountain rock, Xiao Xun'er soared upward like a purple butterfly, her graceful body tracing an alluring arc. She landed lightly atop the summit, slightly tilting her head and casting her gaze toward the boy at the cliff’s edge. Staring at the young man, Xun'er was momentarily taken aback. Though only half a day had passed since their last meeting, she sensed that Xiao Linxi now carried something different—something that had been missing before. When their eyes met amidst the gentle sway of the mountain breeze, it finally dawned on her what had changed: confidence! After three years, the brightest radiance once belonging to the young man seemed finally returning. Lost in the subtle smile dancing at Xiao Linxi’s lips, Xun'er's rosy cheeks bloomed with endearing little dimples. She smiled gently: "Looking at Xiao Linxi now, it seems as though I no longer need to comfort him." "People grow through challenges," Xiao Linxi shrugged and smiled. "He will surely regret it," Xun'er murmured, her lips slightly pursed, speaking with the conviction of a judge. Xiao Linxi gave a faint, calm smile, casually adjusting his robes, then walked toward her. As he drew nearer, observing Xun'er now standing almost as tall as himself, and glancing at that slightly youthful yet beautiful face, Xiao Linxi felt a sudden sense of dizziness. Back then—when the boy had been trailing behind with a dripping nose and bare bottom, so awkwardly floundering—he never imagined he'd grown into such a refined and elegant figure. He smiled softly. His gaze warmed, and as he gently pressed his palms against Xun'er’s startled face, he said: "You’ve grown up so much, haven’t you? Though I’m glad you still remember how embarrassed I used to be when I’d reach for fruit just for you—how I'd fall over with a bruised, clammy appearance." Stunned by the unexpected tenderness, Xun'er stared into his clear, unclouded black eyes. A quiet smile warmed her heart. In childhood, he had always loved gently pressing her round cheeks. But since that incident three years ago, he had seemed to have built an invisible wall in his heart—barrier-like—keeping everyone outside. No matter how hard she tried to draw near, he remained aloof and cool, often leaving her quietly disappointed. "He's truly returned," Xun'er thought, slightly pouting. "But still, he treats me like a little follower from the past—such a stick-in-the-mud!" She looked at him with a touch of gentle reproach. "Xun'er, don’t blame Xiao Linxi over these three years," Xiao Linxi said, awkwardly brushing his hair aside. "I’ve actually felt so aimless during that time. But thank you for being by my side." Xun'er beamed warmly. The accumulated frustrations from those years melted away instantly with the boy’s hesitant apology. "Ahem—by the way, Xun'er," Xiao Linxi suddenly cleared his throat and asked dryly, "how much money do you still have?" In the Family, only her father and she were close to him. Today, having let down her father so publicly, he felt it would be awkward to ask for another loan from him. So his thoughts had naturally turned to Xun'er. "Money?" Xun'er blinked her bright eyes in surprise. "Does Xiao Linxi need money?" "Certainly," Xiao Linxi admitted, a gentle blush rising on his cheeks. "I’d like to purchase something—I just don’t have enough yet." For the first time, seeing the usually composed Xiao Linxi so flustered and humble, Xun'er found herself utterly amazed. She clasped her lips and giggled softly: "I still have over one thousand gold coins—will that be sufficient? If not…," she added, as she lightly tapped the slender fingers of her back against a delicate purple-gold card that suddenly emerged between her fingers. The card shimmered with five distinct colored waves. A Five-Wave Purple-Gold Card—a credential signifying status—was typically required for candidates possessing at least Juniors' level in Spirit Power, or even higher, particularly within elite organizations on the Spirit Continent. "More than enough," Xiao Linxi nodded excitedly. He couldn’t help but reach out to gently press again on Xun'er’s lovely face—but he paused just before doing so, finally holding back. "I’ll repay you all of it one day," he assured her, patting his chest with a sincere smile. "Who needs your repayment?" she teased, slightly tilting her head. She promptly tucked the card away behind her back. "Let’s go," Xiao Linxi waved to the girl and took off toward the valley below with animated enthusiasm. Standing still at the scene, Xun'er smiled softly as she watched the young man regain his vibrant, spirited self—just as he had been three years ago. She murmured gently: "Nalan Yanran—I wonder whether I should blame you or thank you?" … Morning sunlight streamed through the window and illuminated the boy seated cross-legged in meditation, warm and golden. "Hmm…" After a long period of stillness, Xiao Linxi took a deep, steady breath—visible white energy flowing smoothly into his body through his mouth and nose, nourishing every bone and limb. His eyes snapped open. A glow swept across them as he slowly stretched. His expression was full of affection and wonder: "That’s it—the sensation of growing stronger. It’s returned after three years." He slowly descended from the bed, stretching his limbs, then changed into a fresh set of robes. Outside, Xun'er’s delicate voice drifted in: "Xiao Linxi brother—haven’t you woken up yet?" "Such an early arrival," Xiao Linxi sighed, shaking his head. He turned and searched through the wardrobe before finally pulling out a small chest. With careful hands, he opened it—the golden light pouring forth immediately, causing his eyes to slightly close. "This is all I have left," he said, smiling sadly. Stepping outside, gazing at the young woman standing there, Xiao Linxi couldn’t help but whistle softly. Today’s Xun'er wore a refined, pale green ensemble—her gentle color enhancing her pure charm. Her long legs were wrapped in a slim trouser that accentuated both her slender form and graceful curves. Her long legs, rounded hips, and slightly developed chest gave her the appearance of a vibrant young woman from Earth—full of energy and youthful allure. Yet there was something uniquely refined about her—a quiet elegance that Xiao Linxi had never seen in any other girl. "Here," Xun'er said, smiling kindly as she handed him over a black card—ordinary gold deposit card with a maximum limit of five thousand coins. Receiving the card, Xiao Linxi teased: "You must be trying to impress someone else now—aren’t you making an appointment?" "Yes! Yes! This is actually the first time in three years that Xiao Linxi has invited me out," Xun'er said, her eyes curving into gentle crescents. Her bright smile expressed both delight and charm. Shaking his head with a light sigh, Xiao Linxi smiled back at her as they began walking toward the outside of the Family together. As they strolled along the way, several members of the family noticed their close, comfortable interaction—each one’s eyes widened slightly in amazement. Xun'er had long since become the most radiant star among the younger generation within the Family—not only in appearance but also in potential. Though she always seemed polite and composed during daily interactions, beneath her gentle smile lay a quiet reserve. It was easy to greet her—harder to engage with her deeply. Unbothered by these glances, Xiao Linxi led Xun'er directly out of the Family and then slowed their pace, strolling leisurely through the bustling streets. Worthily, Wutan City stood as one of the largest cities in the Gamma Empire—the vibrant atmosphere was impressive. Even under the blazing summer sun, the streets buzzed with activity—sometimes even revealing glimpses of unusual races. Perhaps due to Xiao Linxi’s presence, Xun'er had become much more lively after leaving the Family. She kept pulling him along from stall to stall, her light, joyful laughter giving a refreshing sense of coolness to the otherwise hot and sun-drenched streets. Once she grew tired, Xiao Linxi led her to nearby herbal shops, where they spent over nine hundred gold coins purchasing three specimens of twenty-year-old Purple Leaf Lian and two of five-year-old Bone-Cleaning Flowers—all considered basic materials. These could be easily acquired at pharmacies—though if higher-grade supplies were needed, one would have to search farther afield or visit markets and auctions. Watching his rapidly diminishing funds, Xiao Linxi shook his head in amusement. Now he truly understood how precious money had become on the Spirit Continent. The herbs were secured—the only remaining item still missing was a first-tier Wood-type Magic Core!