The sun rose and the moon set, and before long, three years had gone by since Zhou Chun opened his Purple Mansion and emerged from seclusion.
During these three years of cultivators' diligent practice, Lin Hongyu, who had been fortifying her cultivation level in the Great Zhou Kingdom, finally returned to the Zhou Family with Zhou Daoyi.
By then, Lin Hongyu had stabilized her cultivation and could conceal the aura of a Golden Core Stage cultivator, masquerading as an ordinary cultivator within the Cultivation World.
Therefore, under Zhou Chun's arrangement, she easily entered the gates of Zhou Family Mountain and met with the higher echelons of the Zhou Family within Zhou Mingde's residence on Pagoda Peak.
This time, to welcome Lin Hongyu, a newly advanced Golden Core Stage cultivator, even Zhou Daoquan, who was far away in the Wasteland Territory, was specially summoned by Zhou Chun to return to the clan.
Including Zhou Daoyi, all four Purple Mansion Phase Cultivators of the Zhou Family gathered in the cave dwelling.
This was the first time since Zhou Daoquan went to oversee Longxing Valley that all four Purple Mansion Phase Cultivators of the Zhou Family sat together.
"Congratulations to Taoist Friend Lin for Golden Elixir Great Achievement, may you enjoy a lifespan of a thousand years!"
Outside Zhou Mingde's cave dwelling, when Zhou Daoyi arrived with Lin Hongyu, Zhou Mingde, Zhou Daoquan, and Zhou Chun, all three together with serious expressions, deeply bowed and extended their congratulations.
"Thank you for the congratulations from the three Taoist friends, and may you also achieve Dao Forming Golden Core in the future," replied Lin Hongyu with a slight smile on her face, graciously accepting their felicitations and returning their courtesy.
After exchanging pleasantries outside, the five of them entered the cave dwelling together.
Inside the dwelling, everyone took their seats. Zhou Chun, as the junior, took the initiative to brew and serve tea for the four seniors.
Then, Zhou Mingde took a sip of the Spiritual Tea, and looking intently at Lin Hongyu, he inquired, "Now that Taoist Friend Lin has achieved Golden Elixir Great Achievement, the vast world is yours to explore. What are your plans for the future?"
Upon hearing this question, Lin Hongyu immediately responded without hesitation, "This servant's success in Core Formation has been greatly assisted by the fellow Taoist friends of the Zhou Family. Now that the deed is accomplished, I will certainly fulfill my initial promise and exhaust all efforts to assist the rise of the Zhou Family!"
Zhou Mingde's face broke into smiles at her answer, and he could not help but applaud, "Excellent, excellent, excellent! With Taoist Friend Lin's words, I can finally rest easy!"
Zhou Chun and Zhou Daoquan at his side also appeared relieved, and smiles crept onto their faces uncontrollably.
Prior to this, their greatest concern was that once Lin Hongyu succeeded in forming her Core, she might cross the river and demolish the bridge, leaving the Zhou Family far behind.
If that were the case, the Zhou Family would truly be unable to do anything to her, and all prior massive investment of Spirit Coins would have been in vain.
Now that they had received Lin Hongyu's personal commitment, they could finally rest easy.
After a burst of laughter, Zhou Mingde looked at Lin Hongyu once more and asked, "Daoyi should have informed Taoist Friend Lin of the plan we discussed earlier. Do you have any opinions about it?"
"If we're speaking of major concerns, I have none. However, although I have now successfully formed my Core, the most crucial matter following Core Formation, the refinement of my Lifebound Dharma Treasure, hasn't made any progress. I will likely be traveling far and wide in search of suitable Spirit Materials for crafting the Dharma Treasure and may not be able to remain stationed within the stronghold in the Wasteland Territory continuously," explained Lin Hongyu candidly, sharing her thoughts straightforwardly.
As a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, Lin Hongyu certainly had no need to engage in verbal games before Zhou Mingde and others. She could act according to her nature.
She believed that none of them would hold it against her for speaking the truth.
This confidence was a manifestation of the strength she possessed.
As expected, after hearing her words, Zhou Mingde quickly responded, "Refining one's Lifebound Dharma Treasure is indeed the most important event for newly advanced Golden Core Stage cultivators, but if it's only about collecting materials for the Dharma Treasure, Taoist Friend Lin need not exert herself in every matter personally. Just inform us of the required Spirit Materials, and the clan will naturally arrange for cultivators to seek out information for you."
"If the clan can assist in the search, that would be excellent. I shall humbly accept your kind offer," Lin Hongyu said, nodding slightly without any hesitation or refusal.
At this moment, Zhou Daoyi also added, "Before returning, we visited Yang Kingdom's stronghold. Hongyu has already revealed her Golden Core Stage identity there, and from now on, it's unlikely anyone will dare to entertain designs on that place."
"Additionally, Hongyu has decided to commit all her income from that stronghold, as well as the remaining yield from the Earth Origin Crystal Jade vein, to Zhengchun to repay for his generous support before!"
Hearing this, Zhou Chun quickly extended his thanks to Lin Hongyu, "Thank you for your generous favor, Senior Lin."
He didn't refuse Lin Hongyu's token of gratitude.
He was well aware that since Lin Hongyu had become a Golden Core Stage cultivator, she certainly wouldn't owe a Purple Mansion Phase junior like himself any favors.
Just as if he, Zhou Chun, owed another Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator a favor, he would definitely repay it if possible.
If he refused Lin Hongyu's repayment now, it would have been a foolish act, potentially leading others to misinterpret it as having ulterior motives.
Seeing him accept the repayment so readily, Lin Hongyu also showed a smile and said with a laugh, "I should be the one thanking you, Zhengchun. After all, you have been a savior and a lifeline for both me and Wan'er."
It was evident from her words that she had learned of Zhou Chun's lifesaving deeds from Lin Wan'er.