Chapter 590 - 472:

The original opportunity to make a breakthrough was there, but now she has given up. First, she needs to cultivate her realm to Great Perfection or even halfway to the Heavenly Origin, then refine her cultivation before attempting a breakthrough. Without ten years of effort, it simply cannot be done.

And she has less than the time for reflection before she turns forty. Reaching halfway to the Heavenly Origin would be considered a blessing.

Moreover, once "Qingsi" is used, it takes a significant toll on her body. Even if most of the damage is remedied in a timely manner afterward, the harm done to her is still considerable.

Earlier, when she was examining herself internally, she discovered that her Dantian had noticeably shrunk.

Upon reaching the Meridian Passage Realm, the size of the Dantian indicates your future achievements. The larger the Dantian, the more internal energy it can hold, the stronger your power, and the greater momentum you have during a breakthrough.

If during the breakthrough your internal energy suddenly falls short, failure is inevitable.

As for how large the Dantian needs to be to safely break through to the Heavenly Origin, it’s hard to say. There is no set size—it depends on the barrier at the time of the breakthrough.

For some, the barrier is very thin and can be breached with a light push, while for others, thoughts arise and ultimately end in failure during the breakthrough.

It’s not certain that martial prodigies will eventually advance to the Heavenly Origin. In fact, those who were considered geniuses before the Meridian Passage Realm often get stuck at this step or even fail, ending up as cripples. Breaking through to the Heavenly Origin more heavily tests one’s mindset and comprehension.

"I brought you some food, come and eat." Lin Miao, being a doctor, could clearly tell whether Situ Wan was practicing or just pretending.

She was obviously aware of his arrival yet deliberately feigned cross-legged meditation, clearly unwilling to pay him any mind.

After all, he had taken her precious chastity of thirty-six years. It was already generous of her not to kill him, let alone give him a pleasant look.

However, as a disciple of a reputable sect, Situ Wan understood that she was to blame for her own predicament.

If she hadn’t planted "Qingsi" on Lin Miao and lured him over, subsequent events wouldn’t have occurred.

She practically delivered herself to be devoured.

"I’m not hungry..."

Just as she spoke, a loud growl emanated from her stomach.

Utterly awkward.

"Alright, come and eat. Don’t make jokes at the expense of your body." Lin Miao chuckled as he took out the food from the basket and set it on the table, still steaming.

"Not eating?" Seeing Situ Wan still sitting on the bed, near forty, yet still acting like a little girl?

Men remain boys till death, and don’t women always have the heart of a girl?

"I-I have pins and needles in my legs..."

Hm?

Lin Miao nearly burst into laughter upon hearing this excuse—Situ Wan, the esteemed eldest disciple of Yaoguang Peak, the renowned Rose Fairy, a Meridian Passage Realm expert, claiming her legs had gone numb.

Come on, you’ve recovered your cultivation, using such a childish excuse isn’t lame?

"Really, who told you to be so rough last night!"

"I was rough?" Lin Miao instantly understood. Compared to Lien Yurou, indeed, he hadn’t been gentle with Situ Wan, perhaps harboring a slight vengeful mindset, took her fiercely.

Lin Miao walked over, scooping Situ Wan from the bed, "Sorry, it won’t happen next time."

"You plan on a next time?"

"You don’t want one?"

Those eyes met, excessively flirtatious, Situ Wan realized she was a bit shameless, enjoying this embrace.

A mysterious heartbeat accelerated, an unprecedented peculiar sensation arose within her heart.

He is so young and her junior’s betrothed, yet how could she allow this? The relationship has already changed; can it revert?

At worst, she won’t meet or contact him again in the future, but now, she seems incapable of..

How can I think like this? Could it be, deep down, I am a shameless woman?

Situ Wan’s cheeks flushed red as she directed her gaze elsewhere, daring not meet Lin Miao’s eyes.

"Hurry and eat, do I have to feed you?"

"Ah?" Situ Wan snapped back to reality, looking at the dishes on the table, fragrant and tempting, her stomach promptly grumbled again, reminding her to eat before the temple of her organs rebelled.

"Why aren’t you eating?" When she saw Lin Miao hadn’t moved, Situ Wan instinctively asked with concern.

"I’ve eaten. These are for you," Lin Miao replied, "Plus, pack up after eating. You’re free to leave now."

"You’re releasing me?"

"Otherwise what, you want to stay here?" Lin Miao asked amusingly.

"I didn’t mean it like that. Just because we, um, does that mean you’re letting me go?" Situ Wan felt odd, her freedom exchanged for her body, how ridiculous — if this spread, where would the face of the Rose Fairy be?

"What do you think?"

"Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Youwei what you’ve done to me when I get out?"

"I captured you without Youwei knowing. She’s so kindhearted, unaware of the perils of the world. Releasing you might place her in considerable trouble, but I can’t—I can’t just watch you bring danger to her. So, I’m responsible for this. It all started because of you, right?"

Hearing this, Situ Wan felt somewhat out of sorts—a realization that in her current state, he was interested?