Closer.

The terrifying celestial phenomenon was drawing nearer to Tiandi Island.

It was as if the entire sky was pressing down upon them.

Qin Lan had initially thought it might be a coincidence.

But now, it was clear—this was aimed directly at Tiandi Island.

What the hell?

Was this person really here to show off?

To flaunt just how overwhelming their celestial phenomenon could be?

Qin Lan’s eyes narrowed to pinpricks as he stared at the distant sky, waiting for the arrival of this uninvited guest.

Finally.

After a brief wait, a youthful figure stepped through the air.

"Who dares—"

The Qin family had always kept a low profile, and facing this unknown future Saint, Qin Lan had no intention of provoking trouble. He began to shout, but his words caught in his throat halfway.

Because the visitor was none other than Qin Nan.

"N-Nan'er? How can it be you?" Qin Lan asked in disbelief. The moment the words left his mouth, he sensed the aura of a Saint emanating from Qin Nan—and the celestial phenomenon in the sky was following him.

Qin Lan’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"Nan'er… is it really you who’s about to break through to Sainthood?"

Even with his Saint-level composure, Qin Lan couldn’t stop the storm of shock raging in his heart.

The Qin family had been deeply worried about the disappearance of Qin Nan and the others. Yet here Qin Nan was, not only returning on his own but also on the verge of becoming a Saint?

The commotion of Qin Nan’s return instantly shook the entire Tiandi Island. Every member of the Qin family rushed out, and when they realized Qin Nan was the future Saint, their jaws dropped in unison.

"Nan'er, what in the world is going on?"

"How did you become a Saint?"

Qin Lan was too stunned to even feel joy. He urgently demanded answers.

The others also fixed their gazes on Qin Nan, their minds reeling.

What was happening was simply too absurd—so absurd they could hardly believe it.

Everyone knew Qin Nan was talented, that he had the potential to become a Saint one day. But potential was one thing; actually achieving Sainthood was another matter entirely.

Before his disappearance, Qin Nan had only been at the Dao Confirmation Realm. While that might seem close to Sainthood, the chasm between the two was immeasurable.

Throughout the history of Yunxing, countless prodigies had reached the Dao Confirmation Realm. But very few ever became Semi-Saints, let alone true Saints.

"Greetings, Ancestor, and to all my elders."

Qin Nan, still stepping through the air, bowed respectfully.

"Enough with the formalities! Explain yourself—what happened?" Qin Lan pressed urgently. "Earlier, I couldn’t sense your presence in the Heavenly Domain at all. The entire family, even the Tiandi Society, was searching for you. And now you suddenly reappear, about to break through to Sainthood? What in the heavens occurred?"

"Ancestor, it’s true that Zhiyu and I were trapped in a spatial prison. We almost didn’t make it back," Qin Nan began, recounting in detail how they had entered that mysterious sea, how an unknown force had drained their life force and cultivation.

The listeners shuddered in horror.

"But how did you escape that space? And how… how are you about to become a Saint?" Qin Yi, the family head, couldn’t help but interject.

"Because I met our Qin family’s greatest benefactor," Qin Nan declared solemnly.

"The Qin family’s greatest benefactor?"

Qin Lan was momentarily confused, but then his entire body jolted in realization. He lunged forward, gripping Qin Nan’s shoulders.

"You mean… the one from the Soul Lamp?"

"Exactly."

Qin Nan then narrated how, in their moment of despair, they had encountered Yi Feng, who arrived riding a snail.

"So, Ancestor, elders, that senior never forgot about our Qin family. Not only did he know Zhiyu and I were in danger while searching for him, but he also came to rescue us."

"Not just that—to temper my mindset and push me to grow, he spent over ten days with me."

"Thanks to him, I not only escaped danger but am now on the verge of Sainthood." Qin Nan’s voice brimmed with excitement.

"Hahahaha!"

"Good! Excellent!"

"That senior hasn’t forgotten our Qin family!"

Qin Lan burst into laughter, tears of joy streaming down his face—something unimaginable for a being of his stature.

"Father, do you hear this?"

"That senior hasn’t abandoned our Qin family. He still holds us in his heart. Not only did he save Nan'er, but he’s also given our family a new Saint!"

Qin Lan wept openly.

This news thrilled him even more than Qin Nan’s impending Sainthood.

Because through this, he saw the senior’s acknowledgment of the Qin family.

It was a confirmation of their existence!

"Everyone, kneel and give thanks to the senior!"

Qin Lan’s voice boomed as he dropped to his knees, facing the sky.

Without hesitation, the rest of the family followed, bowing in reverence.

"Oh, Ancestor, the senior also gave me this."

Qin Nan waved his hand, summoning the spatula Yi Feng had gifted him.

The moment it appeared, all eyes locked onto it.

"This…"

Qin Lan, still emotional, leaned in to examine it. "This divine artifact is no weaker than the kitchen knife and ladle the senior gave to Father. In fact, its craftsmanship and quality might even surpass them."

"Nan'er, did the senior say anything else to you?" Qin Lan pressed.

"Before leaving, he told me that the next time we meet, he expects me to cook him a few good dishes," Qin Nan replied honestly.

"Good, very good!"

Qin Lan clapped Qin Nan’s shoulder, laughing heartily. "For the senior to say such a thing to you means he truly acknowledges you."

"Keep this divine artifact for yourself."

"No one is more suited to wield it than you."

"Thank you, Ancestor."

Qin Nan immediately knelt in gratitude.

"You should be thanking the senior," Qin Lan said, helping him up. "Now, focus on your breakthrough. I’ll personally oversee your protection."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Qin Nan nodded eagerly.

Under Qin Lan’s orders, Tiandi Island went into complete lockdown. With a Saint like Qin Lan guarding him, Qin Nan’s ascension to Sainthood was guaranteed.

"Ancestor, I’ll begin my seclusion now. Oh, Zhiyu and the others are still sealed in the Four Directions Array Box. Please help release them." Qin Nan handed over the box.

"Go and focus on your breakthrough. Leave this to me."

Qin Lan took the box and personally escorted Qin Nan to the meditation chamber.

Only after everything was settled did Qin Lan return to the main hall.

Saintly power surged, enveloping the Four Directions Array Box.

Though the box was bound to Qin Nan and should have been unopenable by anyone else, a Saint’s power transcended such restrictions.

With ease, Qin Lan undid the seal.

The moment it broke, several streaks of light shot out.

Among them were Qin Zhiyu and the other surviving Qin family members from the ship.

The instant they saw Qin Lan after their ordeal, their emotions overflowed.

Without even greeting him properly, Qin Zhiyu rushed forward, tears streaming down her face, and dropped to her knees.

"Quick, Ancestor! Save Big Brother! Please, save Big Brother!"

"Yes, Ancestor, please save the Young Master!"

The others also dropped to their knees, urgently pleading, "The Young Master sacrificed himself to protect us—you must save him!"