At 1:00 AM, Shen Han comforted Madam Yun for a while before sending her back to her own courtyard.

After asking the household servants, he learned that Shen Lingsheng had not stayed in his own courtyard.

Instead, he had casually found a room in the guest quarters to settle in.

Madam Yun didn't say a word; she had long expected it to happen.

After escorting Madam Yun and Cailing, Shen Han's mind once again delved into cultivation.

The Shen family's main courtyard was cold and indifferent to this extent, even his own biological father was like this.

From now on, he must rely on his own efforts.

Tonight, after taking a palm strike from Shen Lingsheng, two hours passed and it still faintly ached.

He currently possessed Seventh Grade strength, and yet still felt such pain.

If it truly had been aimed at little Cailing, what would the outcome be?

Fortunately, he was already Seventh Grade, if he were any weaker, he feared he wouldn't have easily withstood it.

Thinking of this, Shen Han felt even more contempt for Shen Lingsheng.

His mind sank into the sea of consciousness; he had advanced to Seventh Grade, but his foundation was still unstable.

Tonight, Shen Han intended to consolidate his power and thoroughly stabilize his Seventh Grade strength.

The biggest difference between Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade is the extraordinary advancement of the five senses and a tremendous increase in spiritual power.

Tonight, he was able to react and notice the slap Shen Lingsheng dealt Cailing, also due to his enhanced five senses.

In the sea of consciousness, Shen Han wielded a long sword, facing the Celestial Dao Sword Momentum once again.

His own five senses had made a qualitative leap, finally able to endure under the Celestial Dao Sword Momentum for a quarter of an hour.

Before, he was always pierced by that move, now Shen Han could finally see clearly how it was executed.

Throughout the night, Shen Han battled against the Celestial Dao Sword Momentum in his sea of consciousness.

This mysterious Sword Momentum indeed benefited him greatly.

Now that he was Seventh Grade, the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill's effect on him was diminishing.

If he couldn't find an advanced cultivation method, his progress would significantly slow down.

At 7:00 AM, after the rooster crowed, Shen Han got up from bed.

He had a simple breakfast and sat on a stone chair, contemplating his next steps.

The Shen family would not let him leave Yun'an City.

Where could he find an advanced cultivation technique?

Go to the East Market to buy one?

Obviously unrealistic, as advanced cultivation techniques are something only martial path cultivators above Seventh Grade need.

Seventh Grade is considered quite a master in Yun'an City.

Such advanced cultivation manuals are hard to buy with patterned silver.

Even if one could be bought, they'd certainly be outrageously priced and extremely ordinary cultivation methods.

Shen Han frowned, aware of his mysterious ability to extract entries; no cultivation method was too profound for him.

For him, as long as it was powerful enough, it was fine.

It's just that among advanced cultivation techniques, none were as both difficult and widely spread as the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill...

While pondering, a household servant quickly approached Shen Han.

"Young Master Han, Third Master, when leaving the house, instructed me to deliver this letter to you."

As he spoke, the servant handed the letter over with both hands.

Shen Lingsheng's letter, left behind, certainly wouldn't contain kind words.

Opening the envelope, the handwriting on the letter was scribbled, seemingly venting inner dissatisfaction.

Upon reading the contents, Shen Han felt a surge of anger rising in his chest, his clenched fist showing bulging blue veins.

Currently, Shen Han had Prefect Xu's protection.

In the eyes of the Shen family, there even seemed to be the shadow of the Imperial Family.

Because of this, they did not dare to directly lay a hand on Shen Han.

Afraid of arousing infamy for the Shen family.

Shen Lingsheng was clearly aware of this, and his response proved especially malicious.

Since they couldn't target Shen Han directly, they targeted those he cared about.

Last night seeing how Shen Han protected Cailing, Shen Lingsheng thought of this stratagem.

[Before the wedding date, if you cannot prove yourself superior to the Su Family's pride.

Then cooperate with the Shen family to cancel this marriage contract.

If the marriage date approaches and the contract is not annulled, then that maid named Cailing will take your place to be beaten crippled.]

Since he couldn't be threatened, they stooped even lower.

He said there were three months left, but in reality, there were only slightly over two months until the wedding.

Shen Han knew his time was limited, yet he still lacked a suitable cultivation method...

His greatest hope currently lay with Liu Xilan, Fairy Liu.

Half a month had passed; whether she could refer him to Xiaoyao Peak remained unknown.

He calmed his mind, and over the next two days, Shen Han remained in his room visualizing and enhancing his spiritual power.

Amidst anticipation, Fairy Liu Xilan finally came.

Every time she came to the Shen Mansion, Shen Fu would tail her diligently, hoping to ingratiate herself.

At the entrance of Shen Han's courtyard, at Liu Xilan's request, she had to wait outside.

"Senior Sister Liu."

Shen Han greeted Liu Xilan with a cupped fist, an involuntary bit of hope on his face.

But regret showed on Liu Xilan's face...

"I'm truly sorry, I recommended you to the peak, and even told the elders about Young Master Han comprehending the Sunset Sword Formulas..."

Seeing Liu Xilan's expression, Shen Han already guessed the outcome.

"Senior Sister Liu, there's no need to say that. Whether it succeeds or not, I ought to thank you for helping me."

Though Shen Han said this, Liu Xilan still felt a bit guilty.

After all, the Sword Intent given to her by Senior Lin Yuanlong was explained with Shen Han's help, elucidating its essence.

Otherwise, she didn't know how long it would take her to apprehend such profound meaning; perhaps a lifetime wouldn't suffice.

She thought repaying this favor shouldn't be too difficult, just a matter of referring Shen Han to Xiaoyao Peak.

But now it seemed the matter was more complex than assumed.

"Xiaoyao Peak, from its founding, had the doctrine to stay out of Imperial Court disputes.

The marriage contract between Young Master Han and Junior Sister Jinyu is a point of contention...

The elders say that if you are accepted into Xiaoyao Peak, the matter becomes even more convoluted, possibly offending both the Shen family and the Su family...

Furthermore, because of Junior Sister Su Jinyu, it's even more difficult to allow Young Master Han into Xiaoyao Peak..."

Indeed, it was due to these reasons.

This path to survival had been blocked from the start.

"No worries, Senior Sister Liu has done her best; the outcome, regardless, is fate."

Shen Han smiled, seemingly more at ease than Liu Xilan.

"I heard from Shen Fu that the Shen family gave Young Master Han a final ultimatum?"

"Before the wedding, exceed Su Jinyu's strength; otherwise, cooperate with the Shen family to cancel the marriage contract."

Liu Xilan also understood what that cooperation meant.

Essentially, it was giving the Shen family a perfect excuse to annul the marriage contract.

The excuse needed to be solely about Shen Han, without implicating the Shen family.

In essence, it meant sacrificing oneself.

Even if it meant losing one's life, such an excuse would be acceptable to the Shen family.

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