Chapter 11: The Enchanting Maiden's Deep Concerns

Li Chen surveyed the manor inside and out, noting that the surrounding walls had been reinforced and heightened. The outer perimeter was now lined with thorny brambles, three meters wide. Though sparse at the moment, once fully grown, they would reach several meters in height and extend outward, expanding their protective barrier.

Li Chen then arranged an array of protective formations, enveloping the entire estate within a mystical barrier. This array allowed spiritual energy to flow unhindered inside, while preventing any other beings, objects, or devices from entering.

A month later, Lin Ying’s cultivation reached the peak of the Nascent Core stage. Her soul and consciousness had fully recovered and grown considerably stronger.

...

Within the secluded chamber where she cultivated, Lin Ying broke through the Nascent Core realm in a remarkably short time. On this day, as she was refining her true qi to strengthen her inner core, a sweet, crisp voice echoed deep within her soul, saying, “Follow me!” In a trance, Lin Ying followed the sound and suddenly found herself before an ancient wooden door. A strange sense of familiarity washed over her, as if she had been here before.

She pushed open the vine-entwined old door, revealing behind it a dazzling starry sky. The stars seemed within reach, each gently swaying as she stepped forward, radiating a soft and mysterious light.

To her surprise, beneath her feet was not earth but a path made of countless floating fragments of starlight. Every step she took was accompanied by a faint, crisp sound, like the whispering of the stars themselves. Amidst this sea of stars, a translucent white deer approached slowly.

Its eyes reflected the mysteries of the entire cosmos. It gently touched Lin Ying with its antlers, as if guiding her toward an unknown realm brimming with wonders.

Following the white deer, the path of starlight gradually transformed into a river shimmering with silver light. The water glowed faintly, reflecting the ever-changing marvels along the banks.

Strange flowers and plants grew by the riverside, their petals softly swaying and emitting a refreshing fragrance that seemed to cleanse the soul of all impurities. Suddenly, a fish bursting with iridescent colors leapt from the river.

It traced a graceful arc through the air, transforming into a radiant gem that gently settled into Lin Ying’s palm. A warm and gentle power flowed from the gem, filling her with unprecedented calm and strength.

At that moment, the colorful fish’s light flickered and vanished. In its place appeared a radiant fairy dressed in rainbow hues, charming and smiling brightly. She clasped Lin Ying’s wrist affectionately and called out sweetly, “Sister!”

Lin Ying, dazed and confused, asked, “Who are you?”

The fairy blinked in surprise, then said, “Ah! Sister, you’ve lost your memories. No wonder you don’t remember coming home or me, Cai’er!”

With that, Cai’er touched Lin Ying’s forehead, sending a surge of immortal spiritual energy deep into her soul. A grand vision unfolded vividly before Lin Ying’s mind’s eye: memories of past and present lives, her last soul return to the “Medicine Immortal Sect,” roaming the Immortal Realm hand in hand with her younger sister Lin Jiao, and the days spent under the guidance of "Immortal Blossom Pavilion," training together for fifteen days. The scenes unfurled like a painting, clear and complete.

Cai’er was a spiritual fish from the Immortal Lake of the Medicine Immortal Sect. Lin Ying had often fed her celestial pills, and when the fish transformed, Lin Ying named her Cai’er, who in turn called Lin Ying “Sister.” From then on, together with Lin Jiao, the three had journeyed side by side—cultivating, growing, bound by a millennium of deep and unending affection.

Tears streamed down Lin Ying’s face as she embraced Cai’er. “We’ve met again!” she whispered. Cai’er laughed and cried, the atmosphere both warm and bittersweet.

The two rejoiced in reunion, hearts overflowing with happiness. Memories of their past lives together brought joy and comfort, free from worries.

Cai’er’s nature was pure and innocent, kind and honest.

Lin Ying listened gently and lovingly as Cai’er chattered away, occasionally stroking her head. Her heart brimmed with tenderness and joy.

Time passed unnoticed.

Several days later, Lin Ying spoke to Cai’er, “Sister is in seclusion. It’s time to return to your original form. If you see Jiao Jiao, tell her I will come back to visit once my cultivation is complete.”

Reluctantly, Cai’er clung tightly.

Using her immortal spiritual power, Cai’er sent the energy from her fingertips into Lin Ying’s brow, guiding her consciousness back to her true body.