By the time Yun Che returned to Cold Mountain Town, it was already deep into the night.

  He didn’t want to disturb his parents, so he quietly climbed over the wall and entered the yard. Inside, he could hear his father’s soft snoring, while his mother seemed to be tossing and turning—she always had light sleep.

  He returned to his room and lit an oil lamp.

  From his storage bag, he took out the Red Yang Grass. The 80-year-old herb had bright red leaves, and in the lamplight, it looked like burning flames, emitting a soft pure Yang aura.

  He then took out several jade bottles—these were the materials he bought today, combined with Cold Marrow Water soaked in the stone bead to create the "Continuing Pulse Powder." While not as potent as the Red Yang Grass, it was highly effective for nourishing the meridians.

  Once everything was prepared, Yun Che went out and walked to Wang Hao’s house.

  Wang’s father was already asleep. Wang Hao sat alone at the oil lamp in the main room, staring at the flickering flames. When he heard the knock, he froze for a moment, then got up and opened the door.

  Seeing Yun Che, Wang Hao’s eyes flickered with surprise, followed by a bitter smile, "Yun Che... you didn’t have to..."

  "Let’s talk inside." Yun Che interrupted, stepping in.

  After closing the door, Yun Che placed the Red Yang Grass and the Continuing Pulse Powder on the table. "The Red Yang Grass can drive out the Yin cold in your body, and the Continuing Pulse Powder will nourish your meridians. Take one piece of Red Yang Grass and one scoop of Continuing Pulse Powder at noon, when the Yang energy is the strongest. In a month, the Yin cold will be gone, and your meridians will recover by thirty percent."

  Wang Hao stared at the herbs on the table, his eyes turning red. "These... they must be expensive, right?"

  "Not too bad." Yun Che said calmly, "You helped me once, I’ll help you once. We’re even."

  He was referring to how Wang Hao had secretly helped him during his time in the service area.

  Wang Hao shook his head. "That was nothing..."

  "Take it." Yun Che said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If you die, what will happen to your father?"

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  Wang Hao shuddered, fell silent for a long time, then nodded heavily. "I understand. Thank you."

  Yun Che didn’t say more and turned to leave.

  As he reached the door, Wang Hao suddenly called out to him, "Yun Che!"

  Yun Che turned back.

  Wang Hao took a deep breath and whispered, "Be careful of Yun Han... Before I left the sect, I heard that after he joined the Snow Domain Alliance, he was appreciated by Ling Xuzi, who gave him pills, and his cultivation has reached the 7th layer of Qi Condensation. He... has always seen you as a thorn in his side."

  Yun Che’s expression tightened, and he nodded. "I understand."

  Returning home, Yun Che could not sleep.

  He sat by the window, looking at the cold stars in the night sky.

  Li Han’s voice sounded in his mind: "That kid was right. Since you’ve made an enemy of Yun Han, now that he’s in power, he won’t let you off. The 7th layer of Qi Condensation... isn’t a big threat for you right now. But behind him is the Snow Domain Alliance, and Ling Xuzi."

  Yun Che remained silent.

  "That’s why you must advance to foundation building as soon as possible." Li Han’s voice became serious. "Once you build your foundation and learn the Nine Hells Prison Technique, you’ll have a way to protect yourself. Otherwise, any random foundation-building cultivator could easily crush you."

  "I know." Yun Che whispered. "But building the foundation requires a place with extreme cold and Yin veins... and I still need to prepare foundation-building pills..."

  "I have the pill formula," Li Han said. "The materials are precious, but not impossible to find. As for the extreme cold Yin veins... the Northern Region has no shortage of them. Three thousand miles north, there is a place called The Abyss of the Frozen Underworld. It is said to be a gathering place for ancient ice veins, and the Yin cold there is unmatched in the Northern Region. If you build your foundation there, the success rate will increase by 20%."

  Yun Che made a note of the name.

  "But before that, you must complete the wood element of the Heaven Reversal Pearl." Li Han continued, "There are still two Ironwood Jade Mushrooms left, but they are far from enough. You need more, and of a higher level. You must go to The Ten Thousand Wood Ridge."

  Yun Che looked to the north.

  The Ten Thousand Wood Ridge—one of the most dangerous places in the Northern Region. It was said to be filled with towering ancient trees, abundant spirit herbs, and also strong beast guardians. Many cultivators sought treasures there, engaging in fierce battles.

  Dangerous, but necessary.

  "One more thing," Li Han suddenly added. "Now that you’ve left home, you should sever your earthly ties. The path of cultivation is long, and the lifespan of mortals is short. This farewell may truly be the last one."

  Yun Che’s heart trembled.

  Did he not know? His parents were getting older, and with their mortal bodies, they only had about two or three decades left. Once he started foundation building, a single seclusion could take ten or more years.

  This visit home might truly be the last time he saw them.

  Outside, the cold wind howled.

  Inside, the oil lamp flickered weakly.

  Yun Che sat silently for a long time, until the east began to lighten.

  He got up, walked to his parents’ room, knelt down, and respectfully bowed three times.

  Then, he stood up, packed his things.

  It was dawn. It was time to leave.

  ① Yun Che’s decision to help Wang Hao: Was it the right choice? ??

  In the dangerous world of cultivation, is it wise for Yun Che to help someone who might be beyond saving?

  ② How do you view Yun Che’s growing sense of responsibility towards his friends?

  Does this show a deeper change in his character as he progresses on his cultivation journey?

  ③ What are your thoughts on Yun Che’s farewell to his parents?

  Do you think he is prepared for what lies ahead, knowing this could be his last time seeing them?