The Lin family quickly rushed over the sand dunes until they reached Qin Ruqing.

“Elder Qin,” Lin Yan greeted actively.

Qin Ruqing returned the greeting, and Qirong, Lu Wei, and Tang Zifeng all showed respect as juniors to the Lin family leader.

Qin Ruqing glanced at the people behind Lin Yan and smiled. “The Lin family is sending us off so grandly; it makes us feel a bit anxious.”

With someone backing her, Lin Yijun felt more confident. “Elder Qin, stop pretending! You stole our Lin family’s Mysterious Heart Liquid and expect us to let you go easily?”

Lin Yan scolded her sharply. “Yijun!”

Qin Ruqing said, “Isn’t the Lin family leader here to see us off, but to take the Heart Liquid?”

As she spoke, her eyes flashed with a green glow, colliding fiercely with Lin Yan’s gaze.

It felt like an invisible wind had stirred, causing the grass to roll forward and leave a trail in the sand before coming to a stop.

Lin Yan was shocked and involuntarily took a step back.

The Lin elders immediately surrounded Lin Yijun, their faces changing dramatically.

Lin Yan had seemed to scold Lin Yijun but was actually using her spiritual sense to probe Qin Ruqing, trying to understand her true strength.

However, she found herself unable to see through Qin Ruqing’s cultivation level, surrounded by a mist that revealed no fluctuations.

When she tried to look closer, that green flash in Qin Ruqing’s eyes made Lin Yan feel an overwhelming pressure that weakened her legs and sparked a desire to submit.

Lin Yan, being the clan leader, quickly stabilized herself after stepping back and trembled as she asked, “Elder Qin, what level of cultivation are you?”

Why did she feel a pressure equal to that of a Golden Core cultivator?

It was impossible for someone so young to have such power!

Even powerful figures from noble families wouldn’t cultivate this quickly.

Qin Ruqing only smiled. “What level of cultivation am I? Didn’t the young lady from your family tell you?”

Lin Yijun was confused, still protected by the elders and unaware of what had just happened.

“Mother, she’s only in mid-Foundation Establishment! Yes, she can defeat a late Foundation Establishment Thunder Beast, but with so many of us, and our formations and spirit tools, she can’t change anything!”

Lin Yan hesitated but then slapped Lin Yijun hard and scolded, “Shut up! We’re here to see off the Qin family and Elder Qin, so stop shouting and apologize!”

Lin Yijun covered her face, stunned and shocked by her mother’s action.

Fortunately, the elders reacted quickly, exchanging glances and sighing in unison, taking the initiative to apologize to Qin Ruqing.

“The younger generation is inexperienced; please don’t take offense, Elder Qin.”

Qin Ruqing chuckled and casually waved her hand. “So you were here to see us off! With so many people earlier, I thought a fight was about to break out. I just had a battle with the Thunder Beast in the floating Island and was hoping to stretch my muscles today—what a pity…”

Lin Yan pretended not to notice the earlier confrontation and politely clasped her hands. “Elder Qin, the journey to Nanling involves crossing Duanmai Mountain, which is quite dangerous. Why not let our Lin family send a team to escort you?”

“No need, but thank you for your kindness, Lin clan leader.”

After a few more exchanges, Qin Ruqing and her group confidently walked past the Lin family, who didn’t try to stop them.

Once Qin Ruqing’s group was completely out of sight, Lin Yijun pouted and called out to her mother in frustration.

Lin Yan sighed and gently touched her daughter’s swollen face. “I know you have questions. But that earlier exchange made it clear: even if we get the Mysterious Heart Liquid, it might not help our ancestor achieve Golden Core, while that Elder Qin will definitely reach Golden Core in less than three years!”

“There are also rumors about the Qin family having ties with the Celestial Bureau . We really don’t need to provoke such a powerful and terrifying enemy!”

Lin Yijun’s cheek throbbed with pain, leaving her both scared and confused.

Could the Qin family’s monster really achieve Golden Core in just three years?

It seemed impossible.

She was so young! But her mother never lied to her.

If this was true, was it really worth bringing such a formidable enemy upon themselves just for a chance at the Mysterious Heart Liquid?

…

Qin Ruqing smiled slightly and said, “Just a little intimidation tactic.”

In reality, she had activated a pressure skill from her hidden badge.

The badge had two skills, which she had never used until now.

Seeing the Lin family approach with a clear desire for the Heart Liquid but hesitating to make a move was the perfect opportunity to showcase her power.

As expected, the pressure made the Lin family react as if they had seen a ghost, likely questioning whether she had already reached Golden Core.

“Impossible,” Qin Ruqing thought to herself.

“Really impressive!” Qirong said, not pressing for details since he trusted his sister’s abilities.

Even if a fight broke out, he wouldn’t be afraid.

After walking a bit further, Tang Zifeng suddenly stopped.

Qin Ruqing turned around, feigning surprise as if she had expected it.

Tang Zifeng bit his lip and finally spoke, “I… won’t be returning to Nanling with you.”

Qirong exchanged glances with Lu Wei, stunned. “Brother Tang, have you really made up your mind?”

Lu Wei stayed silent, understanding the weight of his decision.

Some things are hard to let go of, and with the current situation in the Tang family, it clearly wasn’t the right time for him to leave.

Qin Ruqing had sensed his hesitation that night.

Sometimes, people hesitate not because they don’t know the answer, but because they do.

Still, she couldn’t help but frown, visibly upset.

Tang Zifeng seemed reluctant to meet her gaze, lowering his head as he handed her a storage bag.

“Inside is the Starfall Explosion Ball, which I finished refining in the Fire Pool. I’m giving it to you now… You can decide how the Qin family uses it. I’ve marked the precautions and usage rules.”

Qin Ruqing snorted heavily, “Using such a precious item as a farewell gift.”

The Starfall Explosion Ball could injure even those in the Golden Core stage.

Yet, Tang Zifeng wasn’t afraid of the Tang family’s reaction.

Tang Zifeng remained calm, ignoring Qin Ruqing’s sarcasm.

He continued, “I’ve already designed the blueprint for your spiritual weapon. But for something meant for you, it must be the best. I plan to start refining it after I reach the Foundation Establishment stage, so its potential will be higher. After I finish, I’ll send it to you.”

Without looking at Qin Ruqing, he handed out two more pouches, saying, “These are for Qirong and Lu Wei.”

After distributing the gifts like candy, he stood firm and looked at Qin Ruqing and the others seriously, “It’s been a pleasure knowing you…”

Before he could finish, Qin Ruqing sighed deeply and cut him off, hands on hips, “Tang Zifeng, this is a farewell, not a farewell forever! Don’t make it so melancholic!”

Tang Zifeng choked up, blinking in confusion at Qin Ruqing.

Qin Ruqing sighed again, approached him, and hugged him tightly.

She held him, pressing her cheek against his beating heart, and spoke passionately, sincerely, and loudly:

“You chose to stay in the Western Ridge yourself, you stubborn fool. Don’t turn into charcoal! Remember what I told you: don’t work for Tang Chen, unless you plan to escape or become a boss… I mean, a clan leader.”

“Lastly, about your collaboration with the Celestial Bureau ‘s spaceship project, remember to find a way to impress Director Lingyu. Also, that artifact blueprint from the previous alchemy competition—I have a feeling it’s your future opportunity.”

Qin Ruqing let go of him and said, “You need to learn how to take advantage of the Celestial Bureau like I do, understand?”

When Qin Ruqing hugged him softly, Tang Zifeng felt a surge of emotion and almost cried.

Time felt both long and short.

By the time Tang Zifeng reacted, she had already released him.

Qin Ruqing stared at him, and Tang Zifeng bit his lip, responding with a firm “mm.”

Lu Wei, unexpectedly, burst out laughing and came over to hug Tang Zifeng, saying, “Big Brother Tang, remember what I told you about wounds and rotten flesh? We’re all waiting for you to heal!”

After her hug, it was Qirong’s turn.

He was strong and not only hugged Tang Zifeng but also gave his back a couple of hearty pats. “Big Brother Tang, if you miss us, just use the communication stone to chat!”

While they were hugging, Qin Ruqing took out their next mode of transport: a desert hoverboard that the Yang family had given them earlier.

“Alright, enough hugging! We need to go!” Qin Ruqing disliked sad goodbyes.

Plus, this wasn’t really a farewell—once he was done taking advantage of the Celestial Bureau, she’d pull him back to Nanling.

The three of them got on the hoverboard and grabbed the control ropes.

Qin Ruqing turned her head and said, “Tang Zifeng, the mountains are high and the roads are long, so you don’t need to see us off. And don’t you dare cry secretly! Remember to take good care of the Celestial Bureau. We’re leaving!”

With that, she slid forward dramatically but struggled to control the hoverboard, which twisted wildly before she finally steadied it.

Not feeling embarrassed at all, she waved her hand in her red dress.

Tang Zifeng stood in place for a long time, watching until their figures completely disappeared before slowly turning around.

He held back his tears.

After walking for a bit with a dazed mind, he suddenly felt the communication stone vibrating violently.

Tang Zifeng’s eyes widened as he quickly took it out.

A familiar, clear voice came through:

“Hey, Tang Zifeng! Bad news! I got so caught up in riding the hoverboard that I forgot we don’t know the way in the desert. You need to come guide us to the canyon!”

Tang Zifeng: “…”