Xing Yue's gaze was distant. She realized that at some point, the small, palm-sized young beast, after transforming into its true form, had become large enough for her to lie upon.
"Sister, are you alright?" Xing Yuan immediately shrank its body, making it convenient for Xing Yue to dismount.
"I'm fine. My spiritual energy is just depleted. I'll be fine after a rest," Xing Yue shook her head, forcing a pale smile onto her face.
"Xing Yuan, grow larger. I want to lie on you and rest a bit." Xing Yue leaned against Xing Yuan, her body weak and appearing extremely frail.
Xing Yuan felt a strong sense of condemnation towards Bai Qi. Although Bai Qi had helped him, hurting his sister was unacceptable.
Xing Yuan was heartbroken. It quickly reverted to its largest form, gently coiling its tail to place Xing Yue onto its back. "Sister, rest well!"
Xing Yue was momentarily stunned, but she was indeed too tired. Weakly, she lay on Xing Yuan's back for a moment before quietly closing her eyes, falling asleep like a sleeping beauty on Xing Yuan's back.
Xing Yuan lay down cautiously. After a long while, hearing his sister's even breathing, he gently lifted his head. A spiritual phantom emerged from between his eyebrows.
The small figure cautiously approached Xing Yue's face, then placed its finger on Xing Yue's brow. Strands of golden light flowed through its finger and into Xing Yue's body.
Xing Yue felt a warmth spread through her body, her brow slightly unfurling as if she were dreaming of something beautiful, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.
Xing Yuan withdrew its hand, gently nuzzling Xing Yue's face. Its fingers playfully poked Xing Yue's cheek. His sleeping sister seemed exceptionally gentle!
With that thought, Xing Yuan glanced around, then gently kissed Xing Yue's face. The spiritual body seemed to blush and quickly retreated back into its own form.
Xing Yue opened her eyes, rubbing her pillow sleepily. Her consciousness gradually cleared, and she quickly jumped off Xing Yuan.
Standing on the ground, Xing Yue couldn't help but cast an envious glance at Xing Yuan's snowy white fur. Sleeping on it was far more comfortable than sleeping on a bed!
"Sister is awake?" Xing Yuan instantly shrank its body and leaped back into Xing Yue's embrace, its expression as usual.
"Awake!" Xing Yue stroked the small beast's head, her expression filled with a hint of joy.
"Alright, I don't know how long we've been here. Let's get out quickly!" Xing Yue said, then directly opened a spatial rift and stepped through.
Having reached the late stage of Heavenly Realm, she had touched upon the laws of space. Though not yet formidable, it was more than enough to leave this secret realm.
Xing Yue opened her communication jade slip and found that many people in the sect had sent her messages. Especially her master, seeing the 99+ messages, Xing Yue felt a headache coming on. It seemed she had been trapped in this secret realm for at least several decades.
She quickly sent a message to the sect elders and her master, assuring them she would return soon, and then rode her sword towards the direction of the Heavenly Cliff Sect.
Upon returning to the sect, Xing Yue discovered that she hadn't just been missing for decades; a century had passed.
Xing Yue explained with a face full of guilt that she had been trapped in a secret realm and had only recently emerged.
Fang Qiu Mo was initially furious, but upon sensing Xing Yue's increased cultivation, his face instantly broke into a warm, benevolent smile.
"It's alright! Cultivation is important. Seeing how much A'Yue's cultivation has progressed, she must have gained a great deal in the secret realm. Being trapped for a hundred years for that is worthwhile, as such gains are difficult to achieve through external training for so long."
Thus, the intended assembly to reprimand Xing Yue for not diligently cultivating within the sect instantly transformed into a commendation ceremony.
"Then, may this disciple take her leave?" Xing Yue asked tentatively, her expression bewildered.
"Go on! Go on!" Fang Qiu Mo waved his hand dismissively. After seeing Xing Yue off, his expression immediately turned serious. "I have a few matters to discuss with the elders. Elders, please stay."
"May I ask what important matters the Sect Master has?" Mo Feng, pushed forward by the other elders, asked reluctantly.
Fang Qiu Mo had been waiting for them to ask this question. He cleared his throat lightly, exuded the authority of a sect leader, and said solemnly, "Since Xing Yue has returned and her realm has advanced so much, she will lead the expedition to the Myriad Races Realm this time."
"She is the most promising among all Heavenly Cliff Sect disciples to reach the Divine Realm. Therefore, elders, do not be stingy. Bring out whatever treasures you have hidden away."
"Currently, there are only a few dozen cultivators in the Divine Realm in the entire cultivation world, and our Heavenly Cliff Sect only has one Grand Elder who has reached this realm. Therefore, you know what needs to be done, don't you?"
"Go back and prepare. In three days, you will take turns going to Ruo Yue Peak to provide her with special tutoring." Fang Qiu Mo made the final decision and was the first to return to prepare. This not only concerned the future of their Heavenly Cliff Sect but also the entire strategic layout of the cultivation world.
Xing Yue lay on her bed, rolling around with the fluffy, now miniaturized Xing Yuan in her arms, sighing, "Finally, I'm back!"
"Xing Yuan, Xing Yuan, why is your fur so soft! Can you be my pillow?" Xing Yue said while stroking its fur, her expression full of excitement.
Xing Yuan didn't understand what a pillow was, but it understood that Sister wanted to hug it to sleep. It nodded repeatedly, its ear tips turning slightly red, its body adopting a relaxed posture, allowing Xing Yue to stroke its fur more comfortably.
Most felines enjoy being petted. Xing Yuan yawned comfortably and nestled obediently in Xing Yue's embrace, closing its eyes.
Xing Yue, however, had no intention of sleeping. Seeing Xing Yuan drowsily dozing off, she lightened her touch. So cute! If only she had raised such an adorable spirit beast cub earlier.
Three days later, Xing Yue looked at the Sect Master earnestly explaining his arrangements to her, feeling a little overwhelmed. It really wasn't necessary; the resources should be given to other disciples who needed them more. She didn't want to be burdened with such high expectations!
Fang Qiu Mo had already made his decision. This was merely a notification, and Xing Yue was not given the right to refuse.
Xing Yuan covered its mouth at the side, gloating. Hahaha! It's finally Sister's turn to be forced to cultivate.
Xing Yue turned and gave Xing Yuan an exceptionally bright smile. Don't think she couldn't hear Xing Yuan laughing just because its mouth was covered.
As "sisters," they should share blessings and hardships together.
Therefore, at Xing Yue's request, Mo Feng was the first to come and guide her cultivation.