[Wuxia] The Carefree Journey of the Tang Dynasty (Book 1-3)

[Synopsis]

This story follows a young man, a learned but somewhat stubborn man who has never experienced the world, as he undergoes a period of spiritual refinement in the world of "Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty."

Chapter 001: Learning Skills on Tianshan Mountain

. In 2082 AD, in Xinjiang, China, on the summit of Khan Tengri Peak in the Tianshan Mountains, at Wuji Cave, the Yunji Immortal Abode,

a strange scene unfolds: a peculiar old man, with white hair and beard, exudes an air of otherworldly grace. At first glance, one might think that even if he isn't a deity, he is certainly a highly accomplished hermit. However, what is comical is that the old man is holding a comic book in one hand, his eyes fixed on a sphere of light about ten feet in diameter a few feet away.

The contents of the sphere are unknown, as the seven-colored light emanating from it is too dazzling.

"Seven years have passed, Xiao Ze, you should be emerging from seclusion soon," the old man sighed, continuing to look down at his comic book.

Another six months pass.

That night, the old man, as always, stared at the sphere of light while reading his comic book. Suddenly, the light within the sphere began to dim slowly. The old man's face lit up with joy. He put down his comic book and went to the sphere of light, gazing at it intently.

With a soft "snap," the sphere ceased emitting any light and began to slowly crack, until countless marks appeared. Then, without a sound, the sphere shattered, its fragments vanishing into thin air.

"Master!"

The moment the sphere shattered, a young man rushed forward like the wind, kneeling before the old man. Although it was night, the young man's body emitted a pale white light, enough to replace a fluorescent lamp.

The old man smiled and helped the young man up. He was about twenty years old, with a handsome face, bright eyes, and a refined, elegant demeanor. He was about 1.85 meters tall, a head taller than the old man. His skin was fair, like a woman's, yet also full of life like a newborn infant. His muscles weren't particularly developed, yet he exuded a perfect, peaceful aura. He exuded an aura of sage-like wisdom, making him instantly approachable.

"Good lad, you've finally grown into a man! I'm so proud of you. Go find some clothes to wear,"

the old man said, patting the boy's shoulder with a hearty laugh.

"Okay," the boy nodded in reply. He went to where the old man had been sitting and found some clothes to put on.

"Master, how have you been these past seven years? What's the outside world like? I came up the mountain with you when I was four, and it's been fifteen years now. This seclusion has made it seven years since I last saw you. I've only come down the mountain a few times before. The books say the outside world is wonderful, and I want to go out and see it too,"

the boy said, casually picking up the comic book the old man had been reading and flipping through it absentmindedly. "Don't rush," the old man said with a smile,

"this is also the last time I'll see you in the mortal realm. With your current abilities, even if you go out, I'll be at ease wherever you go." "What! The last time we met? Master, what happened to you? Are you passing away? Will I never see you again?" The boy asked anxiously, bombarding the old man with a series of questions that left him speechless. "Haha, don't worry, let's sit down and talk slowly," the old man said. "Xiao Ze, do you know my identity?" the old man continued. "Didn't you tell me your name was Yun Jizi when you accepted me as your disciple?" the boy replied, puzzled. "That's right, my name is indeed Yun Jizi, but I haven't told you my detailed identity yet," the old man said. "Detailed identity?" the boy countered. "Yes, my immortal title is 'Ancient Sword Immortal,' and I am 130,000 years old this year. After participating in the final battle of the gods in the primordial era, I traveled to the mortal realm. Although the scenery of the upper realm is beautiful, the lower realm also has its own unique charm. Fortunately, I met you. You possess a physique and mind rarely seen in the mortal world, far surpassing my own aptitude. However, I can see from your face that you have a very deep romantic entanglement in the lower realm, so I took you in and forcibly helped you refine an extraordinary body within a dozen years. This way, I won't have to worry too much about your safety after we part ways. After cultivating and rejuvenating in the mortal realm for several hundred years and achieving a complete divine body, you can then ascend to the true Cloud Mystery Immortal Palace in the upper realm and seize your own destiny." The old man laughed. "What? My love life is full of troubles? Don't joke around, Master. I'm nineteen years old, and I've been cultivating in the cave all day. I haven't even seen a real woman yet. I blush when I see those scantily clad women in books. Don't lie to me. Do you think it's fun to fool a young person at your age?" The boy looked unconvinced. "You brat, why would your master lie to you?" Yun Jizi gave him a flick on the forehead. "Alright, alright, I surrender. Please continue, Master. " The boy surrendered with both hands. "For the past fifteen years, all my energy has been focused on creating a body for you. I haven't taught you any martial arts. Have you ever wondered why I did this?" Yun Jizi asked. "Well, I did have that question at first, but I gradually forgot about it." The boy answered while flipping through the comic book. "..." Yun Jizi was speechless, thinking to himself, this brat looks like a greenhorn. How could he be so destined for a deep love life? Could it be that my divination sometimes fails? It's no wonder Yun Jizi thought that way, because our protagonist—oh, right, we haven't introduced his name yet—is surnamed Yuan, named Yueze. He's an orphan. Since our protagonist hasn't experienced much of the world, in Yun Jizi's eyes, he's like a blank sheet of paper. Yun Jizi shook his head, thinking, "What am I even thinking?" He continued, "I'll stay with you for another year. During this year, I'll teach you martial arts and other skills you like. In addition, I'll give you ten pills, each of which can restore youth and increase lifespan by ninety-nine eight hundred and ten years. You must not give them away casually afterward. You must fully verify their character before giving them to anyone. Otherwise, if you give them to an evil person, I won't forgive you! You brat, are you even listening?" Yun Jizi was furious when he saw Yuan Yueze constantly looking down at his comic book. "Yes, I'm listening, Master, please continue," Yuan Yueze replied without looking up. Just as Yun Jizi was about to continue, Yuan Yueze suddenly looked up and asked, "Master, what martial arts do you plan to teach me? Also, you said I have many romantic entanglements, but what will happen to me if all my wives die after a hundred years?" "Martial arts are up to you. As for your wives, your worries are completely unnecessary. Every woman who has had a physical union with you will be influenced by you and gain eternal life after receiving your life essence. After another hundred years of cultivation, they will naturally achieve a complete divine body like you. But you're still a greenhorn; you don't even have a wife yet and you're already worrying about their lives. That's really strange," Yun Jizi replied. "Haven't I ever seen a sheep walk even if I haven't eaten mutton? Besides, I've read all the books around Master. Although I haven't put them into practice, I'm still very confident in my theory," Yuan Yueze said confidently. Yun Jizi curled his lips, thinking to himself: You're a king of theory, huh? You'll know what a headache it is when you actually run into a brick wall.

"Master, what kind of martial arts do you think I should learn?"

Yuan Yueze asked.

"You can learn whatever you like, but wouldn't you like to create your own martial arts? That would be so exciting!"

Yun Jizi said.

Yuan Yueze nodded.

Then he thought: If I could create my own martial arts technique, it would really be as exciting as Master said!

So he said, "I'll refer to the manuals Master has collected. It would be best if I could summarize my own martial arts technique. If not, I'll just learn a few."

Yun Jizi was taken aback when he heard his words, and laughed, "You're really a newborn calf that's not afraid of tigers. But with your temperament, summarizing a martial arts technique might not be a difficult task at all!"

"Yes? I wonder if I can be invincible in the lower realm and protect myself and the people around me?"

Yuan Yueze continued to ask.

After a moment's thought, Yun Jizi replied, "This is a difficult question to answer. Martial arts are not as simple as you imagine, nor can invincibility be achieved solely through physical strength. Moreover, you haven't yet entered the world. When you truly integrate into it, you will gradually understand that invincible power is not the most terrifying thing."

He then wanted to explain the aspects of martial arts—body, mind, spirit, and technique—but realized that explaining to this childlike young man would be of little use. It was better to let him comprehend it little by little on his own. With this in mind

, Yun Jizi continued, "A hundred years from now, when you and your wives have all attained the power to travel between the upper and lower realms, go and live in the Yunji Immortal Mansion in the upper realm. The scenery there is picturesque; it is one of the most beautiful fairylands in the Chaos Realm."

Yuan Yueze couldn't help but show a longing expression upon hearing this. However, relatively speaking, he wanted to go out and explore more now. After all, he had lived for almost twenty years without entering the world, and there was probably no one else in the world who would have such an experience as him.

In the following year, Yuan Yueze began his path of martial arts cultivation.

This young man was simple and innocent, untouched by worldly affairs, and had spent years studying various books. In the end, he actually managed to peruse the "secret manuals" collected by Yun Jizi within six months. These "secret manuals" were actually just a set of golden, black iron scrolls, completely blank without a single word. Yun Jizi simply said it could be called the "Wordless True Scripture," containing all the secrets of martial arts, and what martial arts one could comprehend depended entirely on the viewer's comprehension. Yuan Yueze was astonished; this thing was too mysterious! He was about to ask Yun Jizi for a few copies of the "Four Great Classical Books" to look at when he discovered that Yun Jizi had already fallen asleep.

Left with no other choice, Yuan Yueze could only stare blankly at the blank scrolls. Within a few months, through his own comprehension and further modifications, he actually created his own set of martial arts techniques.

This technique is based on absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. During meditation, all this energy is continuously gathered into 108 major acupoints throughout the body. As the energy circulates, it is gradually transformed into primordial energy. This primordial energy is then concentrated at the Baihui point (GV20), flowing throughout the limbs and bones, and finally merging into the Dantian (lower abdomen). Through continuous refinement of essence, gathering of qi, and concentration of spirit, it is further tempered into true primordial energy, ultimately becoming completely absorbed into one's own power.

This is an unprecedented phenomenon in the history of martial arts.

According to common sense, Yuan Yueze starting martial arts at nineteen would be laughable, for the obvious reason that he had long missed the golden age for martial arts training.

However, this young man possesses a body unlike any other. Although his body is neither human nor divine—more accurately, a monster—this monstrous body brings him immense advantages. His meridians and acupoints are not limited by the constraints of a normal human body. In other words, if a normal person's body is a pool of water, then Yuan Yueze's body is an ocean. This greatest advantage is enough to allow him to progress rapidly in his training.

However, this progress will slow down at a certain point, which is related to the source and the flow of water, and also to the relationship between primordial essence and primordial energy. No matter how long and wide a river is, without a source, it will remain a dry river and will never become the Yellow River or the Yangtze River.

But the training method that Yuan Yueze comprehended precisely fills the gap in the 'source' problem. As long as one absorbs the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for a long period of time, transforms it into primordial energy, and finally integrates it into one's own body and uses it, it will be effective.

Superior innate qi cultivation emphasizes mental techniques, and deliberate actions can easily lead to inferior levels and even qi deviation. Yuan Yueze's strange training method, on the other hand, is precisely the most in line with nature and conforms to the way of non-action. As long as he persists in it for a long time, his future will be limitless.

But relying solely on the true qi in the body is not enough. True martial arts cultivation requires the mastery of body, mind, spirit, and technique.

'Body' refers to physical training, including physical strength, purity of true qi, etc. 'Mind' is a more profound level, such as control of the mind, grasp of will, and control of emotions; in simpler terms, it refers to spiritual cultivation. 'Spirit' refers to understanding of heaven and earth and all things, and ultimately achieving harmony with them. 'Skill' refers to techniques; as cultivation deepens, it refers to the intent behind the techniques.

At this point, Yuan Yueze's physical and spiritual cultivation is quite good. His mind and skills are much weaker. His temperament is a double-edged sword. His simple and straightforward nature makes it easier for him to communicate with heaven and earth, which is an advantage. However, his disadvantage is also obvious: he has almost no worldly experience. How can a 'mind' that hasn't been trained be considered a complete 'mind'?

Yun Jizi seemed quite satisfied with Yuan Yueze's physical training, thus reminding him to continue training the other aspects.

It was nearly June.

Yuan Yueze sat alone atop the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, his figure ethereal, seemingly blending into the surrounding landscape.

He had been sitting there for two months, repeatedly trying various methods to perceive the universe with his heart.

Time passed unnoticed; Yuan Yueze had long since entered a state of complete absorption, his mind growing ever calmer and deeper. Suddenly, a strange, faint white light began to flash in his upper dantian. This light, like a gentle breeze awakening rotten wood, went unnoticed by Yuan Yueze, yet it nourished his entire body. "All

things arise and flourish, and I observe their return. All things, in their myriad forms, return to their roots. Returning to the root is called stillness; this is called returning to one's destiny. Returning to one's destiny is called constancy; knowing constancy is called enlightenment." Yuan Yueze condensed his vast true energy into a stream, gradually merging it with all things in the world, perfectly aligning with the principles of Taoist cultivation.

In this state, his soul seemed to leave his body, wandering in the vast emptiness.

As his mind and true energy merged and became natural, Yuan Yueze slowly awoke.

Everything is found in stillness.

A sense of tranquil clarity suddenly welled up in his heart. At this moment, Yuan Yueze sat there, as stable as a mountain, yet his true energy roared like thunder, and wherever his mind went, it was as swift as lightning. This feeling of stillness within movement and movement within stillness could be described as having no discord or entanglement within, no pulling or sticking sensation in front, behind, or to the sides.

Yuan Yueze's breathing gradually became peaceful and long, and with each breath, he inhaled and exhaled the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, his mind became clearer, his understanding of all things in heaven and earth became more thorough, and the strange white light in his upper dantian became more and more obvious.

Stillness overcomes agitation, cold overcomes heat.

Yuan Yueze's spirit seemed to have entered an incomparably profound state of tranquility, a state of transparent emotion that had filtered out all impurities, a pure and peaceful state of utter calmness. Body, mind, and will became increasingly harmonious. Yuan Yueze's consciousness seemed to have grown soul tentacles, allowing him to clearly perceive the movement of everything within a radius of several dozen feet through his mind's eye, even seeing the path of his own true energy with remarkable clarity.

A gust of fierce wind blew by, and Yuan Yueze's entire spirit spread and swirled with the wind, as if completely merging with heaven and earth.

At this moment, Yuan Yueze had become someone who could communicate with heaven and earth. An inexplicable sense of comfort arose unexpectedly in his mind; he could truly feel the way all things exist and operate. If the scene were to change, he was equally confident that he would feel the fields become even more open, bright, and ethereal; famous mountains and rivers, small bridges and flowing water would please the eye; the chirping of cicadas and insects, the sounds of wind and rain would move the heart.

Even the movement of waves, clouds, tides, and stars would touch his emotions.

This was a pure, selfless emotion, a calm, smooth, peaceful, and generous style. It would be like a warm current of youth and warmth, constantly nourishing his striving to cultivate a state of mind that was perfect, beautiful, pure, and true.

Seemingly realizing that he had glimpsed the path to 'cultivating the mind,' Yuan Yueze shouted excitedly and jumped up. Instantly, the strange white light in his upper dantian disappeared, and the previous state of mind and all the changes in his surroundings vanished simultaneously.

Yuan Yueze gave a helpless bitter smile, realizing that his path of 'cultivating the mind' was still far too long. How to freely control and guard his state of mind seemed to be the key.

The one-year period he had agreed upon with Yun Jizi had finally arrived, and Yuan Yueze was very reluctant to part. After all, they had lived together for sixteen years, and Yun Jizi was now his only family, a figure both teacher and father to him, deeply etched in Yuan Yueze's heart.

Seeing Yuan Yueze's expression, even Yun Jizi, a primordial god who had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, couldn't help but feel a little sad. Yun Jizi made an exception and stayed with Yuan Yueze for an extra day. The two of them ended up getting completely drunk and unconscious.

The next day, when Yuan Yueze woke up, he found that Yun Jizi was nowhere to be found.

"Master should have returned to the Chaos God Realm by now, right?"

Yuan Yueze thought. After moving slightly, Yuan Yueze noticed a letter on the small table beside his bed, addressed to "Xiao Ze." He slowly unrolled the paper: "Xiao Ze, all good things must come to an end, and besides, I am not dead. I look forward to seeing you and your family in the Cloud Machine Immortal Mansion in the Upper Realm several hundred years from now. You are still innocent and pure-hearted, and I couldn't bear to see you so reluctant to part, so I left after you got drunk. Don't worry about it. There are a few other things I haven't had time to tell you in detail. One is about your health. Because for the past ten years or so, I have forcibly helped you refine your body with chaotic energy to reach a level that others would need thousands of years to achieve, you have paid a price. I haven't been able to explain this to you face to face." "It was my forced refinement that caused you to lose the ability to conceive. Similarly, the women you are destined to marry will also lose their fertility. Although you now possess an extraordinary body, and your wives will become gods in the future, you all came from ordinary people. Some of you may place great importance on the ability to reproduce, which is why I dared not tell you. As for your future wives, that's up to you to handle. Actually, it doesn't really matter. Just because you and your wives can ascend to the higher realms doesn't mean your descendants can. So even if you still have fertility, think about how tragic it would be to watch your offspring grow old and die!"

"Furthermore, the *Yunji Lu* (Record of Cloud Mechanisms) that I gave you contains a wealth of knowledge. The last page even contains methods for controlling and using the power of space travel. With your current abilities, you can use it in the lower realms. However, you still need to continue practicing the power to travel to the upper realms."

"Before I leave, I have nothing to give you except a space bracelet that I spent a hundred years refining from Nine Heavens Profound Iron. The bracelet is connected to your mind, and it's filled with things I prepared for you: daily necessities, weapons, money, books, medicine, and so on. Among them is a replica of the Xuanyuan Sword that I made. Although it's not the real thing, its power is by no means simple. You must find it a destined owner." "

I noticed you used to enjoy reading the novels I collected. You can also travel to the eras depicted in those novels. You don't need to worry about your actions altering history, because the eras in novels are mostly fictional. Even if you return to the Song Dynasty and cause the Mongol invasion of the Central Plains to fail, it won't have any impact on later history. That's the principle."

"Furthermore, Xiaoze, you are of pure and kind nature. In the outside world, you are easily hurt, deceived, or even influenced to go astray. Although you are already twenty, you have had too little contact with the outside world, and I cannot help but worry about this. In recent years, you have spent most of your time refining your body, and I haven't taught you much in other aspects. But seeing that you always like to read alone, I believe that books will teach you a lot."

"Just remember, one thought is good, and one thought is evil. There is no absolute good or evil in the world, only the choice of the heart."

"I will give you one last piece of advice: do not make any woman who loves you sad or upset." —Master, Yun Jizi left these words.

"Phew—"

Yuan Yueze let out a long sigh. His master was finally gone, and he would have to rely on himself from now on. He felt a little bitter. He didn't know when he would see his only relative again.

Yuan Yueze was simple-minded and sadly reminisced about the past. On the other side, Yun Jizi was standing alone in front of the door of the Yunji Mansion in the Upper Realm, his face expressionless. In reality, the old man was overjoyed: "Nuwa, Nuwa, I'm back! I've finally finished training Xiao Ze. This time, I must sneak a peek at you bathing..."

The scene then returns to the protagonist. After a moment of sorrowful reminiscence, Yuan Yueze composed himself and began planning for the future: his martial arts weren't perfect yet, only gradual comprehension remained. There was no rush. With his current abilities, he was already considered a master in the lower realm, though he didn't know exactly which level. Besides, he possessed this seemingly indestructible golden body!

Looking down, Yuan Yueze discovered a pair of pure white bracelets, about two inches wide, on his wrist. According to his master, these were divine objects. He decided to see what was inside. Closing his eyes, he scanned the bracelet on his right wrist with his mental eye. Yuan Yueze gasped: Good heavens, it was like a miniature Earth warehouse, filled with all sorts of things. Money, books, clothes, food, weapons, and even a small jar of pills refined by Yunjizi, etc.

With a quick glance at the bracelet on his left wrist, Yuan Yueze discovered it was completely different from the one on his right. This left bracelet contained only a vast, boundless space—a life space. A life space could store living beings. Moreover, it was a self-contained world, with mountains, rivers, houses, fields, spirit beasts, and birds—a beautiful, picturesque landscape, like a paradise on earth. Yuan Yueze jumped for joy.

Suddenly, he remembered the counterfeit Xuanyuan Sword mentioned in his master's letter. His consciousness swept across the storage bracelet on his right hand and finally spotted a longsword radiating a sacred light. Remembering

his master's words about giving this sword to someone destined for it, he wondered if he was destined for it. What exactly constituted a destined connection? Thinking these questions, Yuan Yueze reached out to pick up the Xuanyuan Sword to play with it, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't touch the blade. With a soft sigh, Yuan Yueze muttered to himself, "Is this what they call being destined to be apart?"

This sword should be an emperor's sword, but given his personality, it was certainly not an emperor's sword. After figuring this out, Yuan Yueze smiled and simply forgot about the sword. He

then found another sword among the others, made of Chaos Refined Iron. It was quite novel in appearance, completely transparent, and instead of wings at the tip, a beautifully crafted disc served as the hilt, connecting the blade to the handle. Each side of the disc was imprinted with a Tai Chi symbol, a symbol of Taoism. He decided to use this as his future weapon.

After scanning the bracelet with his mental eye, Yuan Yueze took out the *Yunji Record* left to him by Yunjizi. It contained a vast amount of information, including a mantra called *Concentration Technique*. Yuan Yueze felt that although this mantra wasn't martial arts, it was exceptionally effective in calming the mind. As for whether it had other effects, he would have to explore that later. Turning to the last page, it only took half a day to master the method for traversing the lower realms. As for the chapter on traversing the Chaotic God Realm, he still couldn't quite understand it.

Yuan Yueze thought: Now that I have everything, where should I go? My master said I'm born with a heavy burden of romantic entanglements. Perhaps I should first travel through the timeline of a novel? To experience history and wander through the legendary martial arts world!

But where to go first? Thinking carefully, his favorite female characters were all from Huang Yi's works from the late 20th century: Jin Bingyun and Xu Yeyue from *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, Wanwan and Zhu Yuyan from *Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty*, and Shan Rou and Ji Yanran from * A Step into the Past*.

A headache struck; where should he go first?

"Let's draw lots," Yuan Yueze said to himself, unable to come up with a solution.

The order of the lots was: *Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty*, *A Step into the Past*, and *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*. Thus, "Yuan the Fool's" journey through the Tang Dynasty was about to begin.

Chapter 002: Mistakenly Entering the Central Plains

of the Sui Dynasty in the Eastern Sea, at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

On an incomparably luxurious giant ship, three beautiful women sat at the bow and stern. Although describing the women as 'beautiful' from behind might be a bit presumptuous, judging from their figures, even if they weren't stunning beauties, they certainly weren't plain or ugly. The three women stood in two rows, one in front and one behind. The one dressed as a maid was clearly a servant.

"Mother, why didn't you send our trusted confidants back with Elder Shang and the others? Aren't you worried about their underhanded dealings?"

asked the younger of the two pretty women at the bow of the boat, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's.

"They've had our spies under close surveillance for months. Even if we send someone to follow them now, we can't infiltrate their core, let alone find out their inside information. Alas!"

replied the other woman. Her voice alone was enough to evoke a sense of melancholy, and her soft sigh conveyed a profound sense of loss, making one want to hold her close and cherish her.

"But, Mother, if we don't use some methods, I'm afraid the Danxi clan's days will become increasingly..."

the young woman continued, her voice slightly hurried.

The woman the young woman called "Mother" suddenly fell silent, standing motionless at the bow, staring blankly at the water.

"Mother, what's wrong?"

the girl asked, pressing for an answer when her mother didn't respond.

"Wanjing, look at that dark shadow on the water!"

the woman called "Mother" said to the girl.

The girl looked in the direction her mother was pointing, a strange expression slowly spreading across her face.

About ten feet ahead of the boat, a spherical dark shadow was slowly growing larger on the water. The girl and her mother were both skilled martial artists, but even with their keen eyesight, they couldn't see what was hidden beneath the ever-growing shadow. Driven by the innate human fear of the unknown, a nameless dread gripped their hearts.

"Madam, Miss, it's not in the water, it's in the sky!"

the maidservant behind them said, pointing to the sky directly above the water, her voice trembling slightly.

The two women in front immediately looked up, their fear replaced by horror.

In the sky, a black hole was slowly expanding. The originally clear, cloudless sky and gentle breeze suddenly became unusually discordant due to the slowly expanding black hole.

The black hole continued to slowly expand, stopping when it reached a diameter of several feet. Suddenly, a dark shadow plummeted from the black hole with a "plop," hitting the water and continuing to sink due to inertia.

"Mother, what was that just now? What fell out of that black hole? Did you see it clearly?"

After a long while, the girl, recovering from her shock, asked first.

"Mother didn't see it clearly either. It fell too fast, and it seemed like it was surrounded by flames,"

the girl replied, her expression calm, but inwardly she was still somewhat frightened. She wondered, "What exactly happened? What fell down?"

"Could it be a treasure sent to us from heaven?"

the girl tilted her head, thinking for a moment before answering. Then, as if remembering something, she exclaimed, "Oh, Mother, let's send someone to retrieve it quickly!"

The lady didn't reply, but looked at the water's surface: "Wanjing, look underwater."

The girl looked and saw the object that had just fallen from the black hole sink below the surface, and a faint white light gradually rose to the surface. After a moment, the white light finally reached the surface. The three women on the boat were certain that the light contained a person. Because the light was so dazzling, they couldn't see anything inside, no matter how hard they tried.

"Mother, what should we do?"

The girl was at a loss.

"Let's wait and see, and see clearly first."

A quarter of an hour later, the light began to weaken and slowly dissipate. Inside was a young man. For some reason, his skin looked like it had been burned, black and charred. The only thing covering his skin was a pair of white bracelets on his wrists.

The three women at the bow were clearly stunned. So, the person who had fallen from that black hole in the sky was actually a person? They just didn't know where he came from, or whether he was alive or dead.

The lady was the first to react. She lightly touched the bow with her lotus feet, her graceful body rising into the air. She swept over the man in the distance and used a gentle stream of internal energy to pull up his left arm, which was floating on the water. However, for some reason, she paused slightly when she saw the man clearly. She shook her head, then calmed down, caught her breath, and darted back towards the bow. Her entire movement was graceful and natural, like a fairy walking on water. It was clear that the lady's martial arts skills were indeed quite good; this single display of lightness skill was enough to demonstrate it.

The lady flew back to the bow of the boat, placed the man's body on the deck, and turned to the two women, saying, "This man's body is strangely unusual. He has no heartbeat or breath, yet his body remained warm in the cool river water, and his body temperature didn't drop. I suspect he might be practicing some kind of martial art. Ruyin, go find a cloth to wrap him up and take him back to the cabin for a closer look. If he wakes up, we can ask him more questions."

The lady had seen a man's body before, but her daughter and the maid were seeing it for the first time. They were stunned. Although the man's features were obscured by the fire, the perfect combination of muscles and bones was enough to make the two girls, who had never seen a man's body before, breathe rapidly. They stared intently at the man's body.

"Wanjing, Ruyin, didn't you hear what I said?"

The lady noticed the two women's unease and raised her voice. But then she thought: even she herself had been captivated when she saw a man's body up close.

"Ah?"

The two little girls who had been staring intently at the man finally snapped out of their daze, their faces flushed, and their gazes began to dart away, no longer daring to look at his body.

The lady smiled slightly, repeated what she had just said, and then returned to her cabin alone.

"What happened to me? Am I dead?"

Yuan Yueze wondered in his unconscious state. It turned out that since the age of four, when Yun Jizi had refined his body with chaotic divine power, this simpleton had never truly used his power, let alone fought anyone. That's why the scene at the beginning had occurred. Because Yuan Yueze was unfamiliar with controlling the power of spatial travel, and it was his first time using it, he had made such a fool of himself. As for the burn scars on his body, it could be understood as the reason why he hadn't released his true essence energy to protect himself when traveling through space.

Scanning his entire body with his divine sense, Yuan Yueze breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, they were just superficial injuries. He could recover within half a quarter of an hour by using his true essence energy. In fact, it didn't even take half a quarter of an hour, because he had never properly applied his true essence energy, so he was inevitably rusty.

Having made up her mind, she focused her thoughts, and her true energy began to fill her entire body, repairing the damaged skin all over her body.

To Yuan Yueze, all of this seemed perfectly natural.

But what about to outsiders?

After returning to her cabin, Madam Dongming sat down alone, unable to stop thinking about the man from earlier: Why did he evoke such a sense of familiarity? He had fallen from the sky—was he a deity? Why did her heart, which had been calm for so many years, suddenly pound when she saw his body? Lost in thought, Madam Dongming blushed.

Suddenly, Madam Dongming's door was flung open, and her daughter Shan Wanjing's voice rushed in: "Mother, go quickly and see that person who fell from the sky today! Something strange has happened again!"

Madam Dongming was deep in thought when her daughter abruptly interrupted her. Remembering the slightly hot feeling she had just experienced, she took a deep breath and scolded Shan Wanjing, "How many times have I told you? You're all grown up now. You need to be more composed and dignified. Otherwise, how can I entrust the affairs of the sect to you?"

"Yes, Mother,"

Shan Wanjing replied awkwardly, then raised her voice, "But Mother, it's really terrible! You have to go and see. The person who fell today is acting very strangely."

With a "whoosh," Shan Wanjing felt a fragrant breeze waft past her. When she came to her senses, she heard her mother's voice from afar: "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

Why was her mother in such a hurry? She herself wasn't composed, so why was she telling her to be? Tilting her cute little head, Shan Wanjing thought for a while but couldn't figure it out. Full of questions, she followed.

At this moment, Madam Dongming was already in Yuan Yueze's room, staring at the man on the bed with disbelief. Yuan Yueze's body floated in mid-air, enveloped in a faint white light. His skin and muscles were rapidly recovering. After a quarter of an hour, Yuan Yueze slowly opened his eyes. Turning his head, he saw three young and beautiful women staring intently at him. Yuan Yueze, a novice, had never experienced anything like this before. His face flushed red, and he panicked, forgetting to control his true energy. With a

"thud," he fell from mid-air onto the bed.

A cry of "Ouch!" brought the three beauties by the bedside back to their senses.

Lady Dongming's heart was now filled with even more turmoil: What eyes those were! Clear and transparent, like a vast starry sky. Looking into the man's eyes, one felt as if immersed in a boundless sea of stars, utterly blissful. Looking more closely at the man's features, his handsomeness was indescribable; the entire room seemed to pale in comparison. He was nothing like the man who had just rescued her! Looking at her jade-like skin, even she, a woman herself, couldn't help but feel envious. Lady Dongming was already a peerless beauty, one in a million, yet she felt a sense of inferiority in front of this man.

After a moment of inner turmoil, Yuan Yueze silently recited the "Concentration Technique," calmly raised his head, and looked at the most beautiful woman among them, saying, "My surname is Yuan, courtesy name Yueze. May I ask how you three sisters are addressed, why I am here, and where this place is?"

Lady Dongming, having seen many grand occasions, quickly calmed herself after her initial confusion and said, "This is the Piaoxiang ship of my Dongming Sect. My name is Shan Meixian."

She then pointed to the two women beside her, still gazing at her with infatuation, and said, "These two beside me are my daughter Wanjing and my personal maid ." "Where did Young Master Yuan come from? Why did he fall into the river from the black hole in the sky? I saw that Young Master had no breath, but still had body temperature, so I rescued him. I didn't expect Young Master to recover so quickly." "So he's my savior. It seems I still need to slowly familiarize myself with and use this power of time travel. This time I really embarrassed myself. Wait a minute, Shan Meixian, Shan Wanjing, Ruyin... So we've arrived at the Dongming Sect. I just don't know the specific year. I'll ask later."

Yuan Yueze lowered his head in thought.

Seeing Yuan Yueze deep in thought and silent, Shan Meixian didn't want to interrupt. Thus, the room was completely silent with three women and one man, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward. After a long pause, Yuan Yueze raised his head and bowed deeply to the three women, saying, "I am deeply grateful to the three sisters for saving my life. Great kindness needs no words of thanks. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, I will certainly do my utmost to help you. As for the question you asked me, it's a long story, shall we discuss it here?"

As he spoke, Yuan Yueze gestured to a small table in the room.

"We were being impolite.

Young Master Yuan, please take your time to recover. We'll invite you back for dinner later." Shan Meixian was itching to be called "sister" by Yuan Yueze, and was also strongly attracted by the inexplicable sense of intimacy brought about by the chaotic divine power emanating from him. She couldn't resist saying this and hurriedly pulled Shan Wanjing away.

After the three women left the room, they all took a deep breath, realizing the strangeness between them, and exchanged bewildered glances. Shan Meixian said, "Ruyin, go and tell the kitchen to prepare the best meal for dinner. Wanjing, come with me to the room."

Shan Ruyin responded and went to work, looking somewhat lost.

After Shan Meixian returned to the room with her daughter, the two sat silently around the small table for a while before Shan Meixian muttered to herself, "This Young Master Yuan is too mysterious. Could he really be a god descended to earth?"

Shan Wanjing, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought, absentmindedly playing with her teacup.

Seeing her daughter's expression, and recalling the way her daughter had looked at the mysterious Young Master Yuan earlier, Shan Meixian smiled and asked, "Wanjing, have you fallen for Young Master Yuan?"

"Ah?"

Shan Wanjing's teacup slipped from her hand, her face flushing red before darkening. "No, not at all! Young Master Yuan was only looking at Mother, barely glancing at me. And he even blushed when he looked at Mother!"

Shan Wanjing, remembering the way Yuan Yueze had looked at her mother, felt a pang of jealousy and said sourly. Then, thinking of her arranged marriage…

Shan Meixian blushed deeply upon hearing her daughter's words. Recalling the way the mysterious Young Master Yuan had looked at her in the room earlier, she felt a little shy. Logically speaking, she should be past the age of a young girl, and her experiences over the years have rarely moved her. Yet, why did her heart seem to flutter again when she saw Young Master Yuan's eyes? The more Shan Meixian thought about it, the more shy she became, unable to figure it out, so she simply stopped thinking about it. She'd talk about it properly at dinner. What was the background of this mysterious Young Master Yuan? Why did just one glance make her so captivated? She had only saved his life; would he tell her his origins? Would he lie to her? Lost in thought, Shan Meixian found herself in a rut, exhibiting the typical anxieties and uncertainties of lovers.

In truth, all of this could be attributed to Yuan Yueze's unique aura refined by chaotic divine power, coupled with his dashing and handsome appearance. These were powers not found in the mortal realm, and their attraction to mortals was unimaginable. Whether it's Shan Meixian or Shan Wanjing, no matter how high their martial arts skills or how strong their spiritual power, they can never escape the realm of the "lower realm." While

Shan Meixian and her daughter were lost in their own thoughts in their room, what was our "Foolish Yuan" doing?

Actually, his body had long since recovered after being restored by true energy, but this young man simply couldn't resist Shan Meixian's unparalleled charm, to the point that he didn't dare look her in the eye. So when Shan Meixian suggested they discuss it further at dinner, he readily agreed, hoping to calm himself down first.

"I even told my master I was the king of theory, but it seems theory alone is useless. Practice makes perfect. Just one Lady Dongming is enough to make me afraid to look directly at her. What kind of charm will Empress Yin, one of the four beauties of the previous generation, and the five beauties of this generation possess? Will they steal my soul with just one glance..."

Lost in thought, Yuan Yueze turned over and fell asleep.

Two hours later, Shan Ruyin came to call Yuan Yueze for dinner. Yuan Yueze slept for an hour and spent the remaining hour thinking a lot. His master was right; he lacked experience and hadn't interacted much with outsiders. He should feel much better after a while.

Looking at Shan Ruyin's blushing, lowered face outside the door, Yuan Yueze bowed gently. Shan Ruyin blushed even more and led Yuan Yueze to Madam Dongming's room. After Yuan Yueze entered, Shan Ruyin closed the door and stood guard outside.

Just as Yuan Yueze was wondering why Shan Ruyin hadn't come in to eat with him so he could express his gratitude in person, Shan Meixian's voice came: "Young Master Yuan's recovery ability is truly amazing; he looks completely recovered in just a few hours."

Yuan Yueze looked up and met Shan Meixian's gaze. He immediately blushed, lowered his head, and said, "Sister, you flatter me. It's all thanks to the sisters who saved me; otherwise, I wouldn't be alive to have dinner."

At the dining table in the room, only Shan Meixian and her daughter were present. Before them was a large table of sumptuous dishes. Yuan Yueze bowed and sat down. Shan Meixian personally poured Yuan Yueze a full cup of wine, which he hurriedly accepted with trepidation, repeatedly saying he dared not accept it. Shan Meixian spoke first: "Today we witnessed a miraculous phenomenon; Young Master Yuan descended from the sky. We are destined to meet, so let's drink this cup first."

With that, she downed her cup in one gulp, a blush spreading across her face. Yuan Yueze quickly raised his cup as well, gesturing to Shan Wanjing, and drank it down as well. The strong liquor stung his throat, causing him to cough uncontrollably. Shan Wanjing quickly offered him warm tea, which finally calmed the burning sensation.

Thanking Shan Wanjing, Yuan Yueze blushed and said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, sister. This is the first time I've ever drunk such strong liquor."

Shan Meixian, seeing Yuan Yueze's reaction, couldn't help but chuckle inwardly: it seemed he had no drinking skills whatsoever. But that wasn't the case. Back when Yuan Yueze was with Yun Jizi, he began a seven-year seclusion at the age of twelve. Before twelve, he hadn't been exposed to much alcohol, occasionally only drinking a little wine from Yun Jizi's reserves. In the last year of his life with Yun Jizi after emerging at nineteen, Yuan Yueze developed a liking for tobacco and alcohol, but those were all high-end items from Yun Jizi's reserves—how could there be such a strong liquor?

Shan Wanjing picked up a piece of food for Yuan Yueze, blushing as she said, "Brother Yuan, please try this Kunlun Purple Melon. This dish was personally approved by the Emperor himself."

Shan Wanjing finally spoke her first words to Yuan Yueze, addressing him as "Brother Yuan" instead of "Young Master Yuan." Yuan Yueze didn't seem to mind, smiling and nodding. Shan Wanjing became even more shy.

Picking up a piece of the "Imperial Approval" Kunlun Purple Melon, Yuan Yueze chewed a few times, then frowned. This dish was actually approved by the Emperor himself—it must be awful! Shan Meixian, not minding Yuan Yueze's "rudeness," smiled and asked, "Is this dish not to your liking, Young Master?"

This naive young man, Yuan Yueze, knew very little about worldly etiquette; the only etiquette he knew was being polite when speaking to people. He didn't care much about other manners. Firstly, he had spent a long time cultivating in the Tianshan Mountains, with little contact with outsiders; secondly, the era he lived in was not as strictly governed by ancient etiquette.

Yuan Yueze nodded shamelessly at Shan Meixian's lack of concern and gentleness, a gesture that was extremely impolite. However, perhaps due to his great charm, Shan Meixian and her mother didn't say anything. Yuan Yueze then realized: This is ancient times. Books say that people in ancient times valued etiquette highly. They had gone to great lengths to prepare a meal for me, and I had criticized them without hesitation. I need to find a way to make amends.

Seeing that the mother and daughter remained silent, clearly displeased with his "rudeness," Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Please forgive me, sisters. I have cultivated in the Tianshan Mountains for sixteen years and rarely interacted with outsiders except for my master, so I am not very familiar with etiquette. I apologize for my rudeness. May I have the honor of making amends to you?"

Hearing Yuan Yueze explain his background, the mother and daughter became interested, and then, hearing his apology and offer of compensation, their attention was immediately diverted. "Brother Yuan, what kind of compensation?"

Shan Wanjing asked sweetly.

"Let you two try my cooking."

Yuan Yueze casually reached out and pinched Shan Wanjing's delicate nose. This was bad news! In ancient times, this was practically a rogue's way of harassing a respectable woman. Shan Wanjing's face instantly turned bright red, her head almost drooping to the floor.

Yuan Yueze then realized he had done something against ancient etiquette and quickly apologized. Shan Wanjing was even more ashamed and dared not lift her head. Actually, Yuan Yueze now treated Shan Wanjing like a younger sister, so he naturally thought his actions were perfectly normal. Shan Meixian watched the two with amusement: "Young Master Yuan is also skilled in cooking?"

"Skilled, I wouldn't say. It's just that during the more than ten years my master and I spent in Tianshan, I cooked most of the meals, so I have some experience. May I ask what kind of dishes you two prefer? I'll definitely have them ready within half an hour."

Shan Meixian preferred light flavors, while Shan Wanjing wanted to try everything.

"Please wait here for a moment, I'll borrow the kitchen for a bit."

Yuan Yueze got up and, led by Shan Ruyin, went to the kitchen.

His entrance startled the other chefs, who wondered if he was a newly hired chef. Why are all chefs so handsome?

Leaving the other chefs aside, under Shan Ruyin's astonished gaze, Yuan Yueze closed his eyes and scanned his bracelet with his divine sense, taking out a set of kitchen utensils. These were modern kitchen utensils, leaving Shan Ruyin and the other chefs dumbfounded. Moreover, the fact that so many pots, pans, and seasonings appeared out of thin air made them all look like idiots. Yuan Yueze chuckled to himself, "Master is truly thoughtful; he even prepared cooking utensils for me. This way, I won't starve to death even in the wilderness.

" Glancing at the stunned crowd around him, Yuan Yueze said to Shan Ruyin, "Sister Ruyin, could you lend me a hand this time?"

Shan Ruyin blushed deeply at his affectionate address and bowed her head, saying, "Please feel free to ask, young master."

Yuan Yueze smiled and nodded, then began working with Shan Ruyin. The other chefs watched as if observing.

Before long, Dongpo pork, lion's head meatballs, boiled beef, Kung Pao chicken, braised eel, Three-Snake Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix Feast, oyster sauce beef, winter melon soup, Cantonese roast goose, and stir-fried double crisp in soup were all served. The kitchen was instantly filled with a delicious aroma. Because Yuan Yueze used many cooking methods from later generations and various seasonings imported from overseas, everyone in the kitchen was constantly swallowing their saliva.

Then, Yuan Yueze and Shan Ruyin carried the dishes into the room of Shan Meixian and her daughter, who were chatting about something. The dishes immediately caught the mother and daughter's attention, and they unconsciously swallowed.

When all the dishes were served, Shan Ruyin got up to wait outside. Yuan Yueze then said, "Why don't you sit down and eat with us, Ruyin?"

Seeing the three women looking at him strangely, Yuan Yueze was completely bewildered, wondering what he had done wrong.

Although Shan Ruyin had grown up in the Dongming Sect and her relationship with Shan Wanjing was nominally that of mistress and servant but practically sisters, Shan Ruyin had never dined with Shan Wanjing. This was a manifestation of the class divisions of this era. Whether you were a true sister or a false sister, as a maid, you were inferior. Yuan Yueze's words had precisely touched upon the bottom line of class distinctions in this era.

Shan Ruyin was extremely grateful; this extraordinary man had treated her, the lady, and the young lady as equals. However, despite her gratitude, she dared not disregard etiquette. Shan Meixian glanced at the two and said, "In that case, Ruyin, you may sit down as well."

Hearing the lady's approval, Shan Ruyin nervously approached to sit down, only to find there were no extra cushions.

Yuan Yueze then made another surprising move: he pulled Shan Ruyin over and pressed her onto his cushion, then stood up, closed his eyes, glanced at his bracelet, took out an ordinary cushion, and sat down.

After sitting down, Yuan Yueze noticed the three women staring at him. He scratched his head and said, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

He picked up a wine glass, then suddenly remembered how painfully he'd choked on the strong liquor earlier. So he closed his eyes and scanned his storage bracelet, pulling out a bottle of low-proof Moutai. The three women watched him effortlessly, their faces filled with astonishment.

Seemingly oblivious to their expressions, Yuan Yueze casually unscrewed the cap, releasing a rich aroma of liquor into the room. Seeing the glasses already filled with strong liquor in front of them, Yuan Yueze took out clean triangular glasses from his bracelet, poured half a glass for each of the three women, and then filled his own glass. He tilted his head back and said, "Please, the three of you, try my cooking."

He then raised his glass in a gesture of appreciation and downed it in one gulp.

Shan Meixian and Shan Wanjing also took a small sip and praised, "This is really good wine, much better than what we prepared!"

So they began to eat and drink, praising the wine as they went.

Looking at Shan Ruyin, who sat awkwardly beside him, hesitant to touch her chopsticks, Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No...no, thank you for your concern, Young Master,"

Shan Ruyin replied, still somewhat reserved.

"Ruyin, don't be like that. Eat and drink freely. Don't you see how easygoing Young Master Yuan is?"

Shan Meixian encouraged her.

Shan Ruyin gradually relaxed, and the group chatted and drank, their conversation revolving around the food and wine. Yuan Yueze patiently answered the women's questions. The atmosphere among them gradually became closer and more harmonious.

Seeing that Shan Ruyin's wine glass remained untouched, Yuan Yueze asked, "Sister Ruyin, don't you drink? This wine isn't strong; it's quite delicious."

"No...no, I've never touched alcohol before. I'm afraid I'll make a mistake if I drink too much,"

Shan Ruyin explained, her face flushed.

"Oh, I see. Why didn't you say so earlier? Let me get you some drinks,"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile. With his eyes closed, Yuan Yueze took out some juice from his bracelet and poured it for Shan Ruyin, making her embarrassed and prompting her to stand up to thank him. However, Yuan Yueze pulled her back down to sit.

"Sister Meixian and Sister Wanjing, would you like to try some?"

It seemed that Yuan Yueze's way of addressing the girls had become so intimate.

Shan Meixian, seeing him seemingly conjure things out of thin air as if using magic, had some questions, but considering it impolite to ask, she focused on enjoying the food. Shan Wanjing, being a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, was also somewhat puzzled by Yuan Yueze's ability to conjure things out of thin air, but her mind was currently more focused on eating and drinking.

Then, Yuan Yueze conjured colorful, transparent containers out of thin air. After opening the lids, the fruity aroma emanating from them was very pleasant to the girls. Shan Meixian and Shan Wanjing each had a glass; the juice tasted even better than the wine. Fragrant and delightful.

After taking another sip, Shan Wanjing exclaimed with delight, "It's summer now. If these juices were a little colder, they would be even more refreshing."

Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

He then picked up the juice bottle beside him, subtly channeling his inner energy, and poured another glass for Shan Wanjing. "Sister Wanjing, try it again. Is it not cold enough? Would you like it even colder?"

Shan Wanjing took another sip and said, "It's cold enough. Thank you, Brother Yuan."

Shan Meixian, standing nearby, was astonished to see Yuan Yueze's simple touch of the bottle make the juice so cold. She wondered: What kind of technique was this? Although martial artists who specialized in cultivating Yin energy could also do this, their inner energy would inevitably leak out slightly during the process. Yuan Yueze, however, released his inner energy without a sound, and she herself didn't feel any flow of inner energy. Shan Meixian thought to herself: Could it be because his cultivation is far superior to mine? But he looks to be only around twenty years old; how could he have such a high level of cultivation? But there was indeed a faint, extremely powerful and surging aura of heaven and earth flowing within his body. What was going on?

The meal was enjoyed by everyone, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. After the meal, Shan Ruyin was about to get up to clean up when Yuan Yueze pulled her back, saying, "Sister Ruyin, why don't you sit down and chat? Let someone else clean up."

Shan Ruyin blushed again and waited for Shan Meixian's instructions. Seeing that Yuan Yueze seemed to treat Shan Ruyin exceptionally well, Shan Wanjing couldn't help but feel jealous. Even Shan Meixian felt a little sour. Reluctantly nodding, Shan Ruyin knelt down below Shan Meixian.

After cleaning up, she noticed that no one had made tea yet. Shan Ruyin wisely stood up and said, "This servant will go make tea. Please wait a moment, Madam, Princess, and Young Master."

"Wait, Sister Ruyin, just go and fetch some clean, cold water. Go quickly and come back soon,"

Yuan Yueze interrupted.

Seeing the strange expressions on Shan Meixian and her daughter's faces, Yuan Yueze laughed and said, "Boiling water to make tea is too troublesome and time-consuming."

Shan Meixian and her daughter remained bewildered, not knowing what Yuan Yueze was up to.

A moment later, Shan Ruyin brought over a small basin of cold water. Yuan Yueze smiled, his right hand forming a claw shape, and he reached for the teapot on the nearby table. He lifted the lid with his left hand and placed it aside, then extended his index and middle fingers, forming a sword-like gesture. The cold water in the basin transformed into a thin stream, shooting directly into the teapot. Normally, the water, controlled by force, would splash upon entering the teapot with such a rapid jet. However, the small stream of water entered the teapot as if someone had carefully poured it in, without splashing at all. Once the teapot was full, Yuan Yueze cupped his right hand, supporting the bottom of the pot. Instantly, steam rose from inside. Yuan Yueze casually took out some fine Longjing tea from his bracelet, poured some into the teapot, covered it, filled the three women's teacups, handed them over, and poured himself a cup, savoring it slowly.

This series of movements seemed ordinary to Yuan Yueze, but the shock it caused to Shan Meixian and the other two women was immense. The effortless use of both hard and soft techniques, the complete control over these two energies—this was something no ordinary martial arts master could achieve. Shan Meixian thought: Perhaps even a grandmaster would be like this? Then she remembered that this mysterious young man had descended from the sky; perhaps this level of strength wasn't his true potential.

After a few sips of tea, the group chatted casually. Shan Meixian was eager to know everything about this mysterious man. The two young girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, were already stunned by Yuan Yueze's display. They just stared at him blankly.

Noticing the three women's intense gazes, Yuan Yueze couldn't help but blush. Looking up, he said, "I am deeply grateful to Sister Meixian, Sister Wanjing, and Sister Ruyin for saving me today."

The three women repeatedly expressed their gratitude. Meixian then asked, "Young Master Yuan's cultivation is so high that I cannot fathom its depth. I have also heard that you have been training with your master in Tianshan. May I ask who your master is and what kind of martial arts you practice?"

Normally, people in the martial arts world keep their lineage and skills secret, and asking about someone's master and skills to their face is extremely impolite. However, Meixian had been holding this question in all afternoon, so she couldn't wait to ask. She realized her rudeness as soon as she spoke, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize, and her eyes revealed her eagerness to know. Wanjing and Ruyin felt the same way.

Looking at Meixian, whose expression was slightly girlish and whose eyes flashed with anxiety, Yuan Yueze became increasingly infatuated, his eyes fixed on her as if he wanted to devour her. Seeing the man staring at her so rudely, Shan Meixian's heart pounded like a deer's. She should have been angry, but she couldn't muster any rage, only lowering her head in embarrassment and sighing inwardly, "This little devil, how can he be so rude?" Yet, a strange sense of secret joy

stirred within her. Seeing the man staring so impolitely at her mother, and witnessing her mother's mixture of shyness and delight, Shan Wanjing's jealousy flared up. She couldn't help but nudge Yuan Yueze, saying sourly, "Brother Yuan, my mother is asking you a question."

"Ah?"

Yuan Yueze snapped out of his daze, but the hot tea in his hand was accidentally knocked over by Shan Wanjing, spilling all over her hand.

"Ouch!"

Shan Wanjing cried out immediately, scalded. Tears streamed down

her face. Seeing this, Shan Meixian quickly told Shan Ruyin to find some ointment. Just as Shan Ruyin was about to sit up, Yuan Yueze interjected, "No need, Ruyin, please sit down."

He then gently lifted Shan Wanjing's scalded, red hand with his left hand and slowly stroked it with his right. After a few moments, Yuan Yueze released Shan Wanjing. The three women stared in astonishment as Shan Wanjing's hand, which had been scalded red, returned to its original fair and delicate state after Yuan Yueze's gentle touch.

"Wanjing, I'm so sorry, I almost hurt you,"

Yuan Yueze said apologetically.

Shan Wanjing was clearly still recovering from the shock. Shan Meixian then asked, "What kind of technique did you use just now, young master? Why was it so miraculous?"

Yuan Yueze smiled first and asked Shan Wanjing, "It shouldn't hurt anymore, right? Don't worry, it won't leave any scars."

Shan Wanjing nodded, "Thank you, Brother Yuan."

Yuan Yueze laughed, "If you really considered me your brother, you shouldn't be so polite, thanking me all the time."

Then he turned his gaze to the window and muttered to himself, "I've never experienced this feeling before. Maybe this is what home feels like."

The three women saw that Yuan Yueze had suddenly become mysterious and unpredictable, his figure elusive. Although he was sitting there, looking out the window, they couldn't tell that a living person was sitting there. If their eyes hadn't told them that there was a man sitting there, they wouldn't have believed that a person was actually sitting there.

After a moment, Yuan Yueze turned around and smiled apologetically, "I was just thinking about my master and felt a bit sentimental."

Shan Meixian asked, "May I ask what your master's name is, young master?"

Yuan Yueze glanced at her, "My master is Yunjizi."

"Yunjizi? I've never heard of him before. But judging from this young master Yuan's abilities, his master must be some kind of otherworldly being, right?"

Shan Meixian thought to herself.

Seeing the expression on Shan Meixian's face, Yuan Yueze somewhat guessed her thoughts: "Sister Meixian, don't worry about it. I think no one else in this world knows about my master except me, so it's normal that you haven't heard of him."

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian blushed and said, "Then your master must be an old immortal, right? Judging from your strength, young master, your master must be a hermit."

"Sister Meixian, don't be so polite. If you consider me one of your own, just call me Yueze or Xiaoze. Calling me 'young master' is too formal."

"Actually, I also want to talk about my master. He has been gone for a while now, but if I were to tell you about me and my master, you would probably all think I'm crazy, a fool talking nonsense."

Yuan Yueze said. If he were to reveal that he had transmigrated, people in this era would all think he was crazy.

"Oh? Could it be that Xiaoze's master is really an immortal?"

Shan Meixian asked jokingly.

Yuan Yueze nodded slightly with a strange expression, which made the three women look puzzled.

After taking a sip of tea, Yuan Yueze let out a long sigh, as if he had made up his mind. He became serious, which puzzled the three women.

"Sister Meixian, can the three of you swear an oath that everything I'm about to say can only be known by the three of you, and not by anyone else? Because my background seems incredibly astonishing, even unbelievable, to you."

The three women were taken aback again, but seeing Yuan Yueze's serious expression, they swore a solemn oath without hesitation.

"Then I'll swear an oath too: if even half a word I say is false, may I be struck by lightning, die a horrible death, and be cast into the eighteenth level of hell, never to be reincarnated."

The three women were completely dumbfounded. It seemed his background was indeed astonishing, otherwise why would he swear such a vicious oath? But then, thinking that they were actually being told his amazing secret, the three women couldn't help but feel a sweet warmth in their hearts.

Chapter 003 A Beautiful Fairy's Affection

Because Yuan Yueze came from the 21st century, he scoffed at things like oaths. However, given the importance the ancients placed on oaths, and the fact that revealing his background would be too unbelievable, making a solemn oath was a win-win situation, beneficial to both himself and others.

Although Yuan Yueze had little contact with outsiders in his twenty years of life, he had read all the books collected by his master Yun Jizi atop Mount Tianshan. He had also spent his leisure time with Yun Jizi watching television and movies before his seven-year seclusion. In terms of knowledge, he was no less than outsiders at the time. His only weakness was that his 'path of the heart' was too short; his life experience was like a blank sheet of paper.

His gaze swept over the three women, who were struggling to control their breathing, and Yuan Yueze began to speak slowly and deliberately, "My master's name is Yun Jizi, an ancient god of the Chaos God Realm, whose divine title is Ancient Sword Immortal. I come from an era more than 1,400 years in the future. My master met me when I was four years old, and then took me to Mount Tian, and then..." He

went on and on, recounting all his secrets: refining his body on Mount Tian, his master's prediction of his deep-seated romantic troubles, giving him a spatial bracelet, his time travel to find his soulmate, and his ascension to the Upper Realm a hundred years later. He told them all his secrets until his throat was dry.

He breathed a sigh of relief, downed a cup of tea in one gulp, and looked up at the three women again. Their beautiful eyes were wide open, their mouths agape.

"Maybe I shocked them too much, but it's alright. They gave me a warm feeling of home, so telling them is fine. Even if someone tries to take advantage of me, I can kill them. What's there to be afraid of?"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself.

"Xiao Ze, you...you...is everything you said true?"

Shan Meixian asked, immediately regretting her words. He had just made such a solemn oath, and she had still asked if it was true or not. But she couldn't blame Shan Meixian; Yuan Yueze's background was simply too astonishing, both in ancient times and now, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to accept. Almost everything he said from the beginning was beyond the comprehension of people in the lower realms; every single word was earth-shattering, especially since he had been talking for half an hour. Frankly, Yuan Yueze was at a disadvantage due to his lack of life experience. Even if the other person had saved his life, who would open their heart and reveal all their secrets after only knowing each other for an afternoon! Yuan Yueze didn't have bad intentions, but how could he guarantee that the other person didn't? Even with his indestructible body and top-tier martial arts skills, Yuan Yueze's actions were completely unwise. If someone plotted against him, they could threaten him with his family if they weren't his match. Yuan Yueze had gotten lucky this time, because even if the other party wanted to scheme against him, he was still an old man now. But what about the future?

Human hearts are unpredictable.

However, fools sometimes have good fortune, and Yuan Yueze was lucky. Shan Meixian had no intention of harming him, not to mention the other two slightly naive young girls.

The three women listened to Yuan Yueze's background in stunned silence, almost dumbfounded. The room was silent, with only the occasional sound of Yuan Yueze sipping tea. Half an hour, a quarter of an hour, half an hour later, the three women finally recovered, but their gazes towards Yuan Yueze became increasingly strange, as if they were Columbus discovering a new continent. The

three women were all thinking the same thing, repeatedly saying: My God, the man sitting in front of us is not an ordinary person!

Shan Meixian closed her eyes for a while, then slowly opened her beautiful eyes, but didn't know where to begin, opening her mouth several times as if to speak.

"The three of you need not be anxious. I know how extraordinary my background is in the world. Please calm down first, and we can talk later."

Seeing the three girls' expressions, Yuan Yueze spoke up.

"Has Brother Yuan ever seen a fairy? Is she as beautiful as the legends say?"

Shan Wanjing didn't care whether he was human or god; she genuinely liked this older brother. He gave her a strange sense of closeness, a feeling she only ever felt with her mother. Besides, she was a young girl, and her thoughts weren't particularly profound. What Shan Wanjing wanted to know now was how her older brother, Yuan, treated her. Although she was annoyed by his constant staring at her mother's stunning beauty and jealous of his unusual kindness towards a maid, she had forgotten her engagement to the Shang clan of Dongming.

Yuan Yueze, unaware of Shan Wanjing's thoughts, answered truthfully, "I've always cultivated atop Mount Tian; I haven't even entered the mortal world."

Seeing the slight disappointment in Shan Wanjing's eyes, Yuan Yueze naturally spread his hands and shrugged. Normally, this gesture would have been eye-catching, but the three women were too "shocked" today to react much to his dashing action.

They knew that even if they asked, they wouldn't understand much, so it was best to process it slowly. Tonight was arguably the most shocking night of their lives.

"Xiao Ze, you must remember in the future not to casually tell anyone about your background. Firstly, your background is astonishing, and secondly, it might be used by those with ulterior motives,"

Shan Meixian reminded him thoughtfully after a long pause, speaking like an older sister.

Yuan Yueze smiled: "I think Sister Meixian and the two younger sisters are trustworthy, so there's nothing to worry about."

Hearing this, the three women were deeply moved. They had only known each other for an afternoon, yet he trusted them so much, readily sharing his biggest secret. How could they not be incredibly touched?

Little did they know, Yuan Yueze now presented everyone as a good person, someone worthy of trust. If today's scene had been different—into one of the four great clans, Cihang Jingzhai, or the Demonic Sect—he might very well have been manipulated. This is because all these forces prioritize "profit above all else."

"Brother Yuan, what about your body?"

The four were chatting so congenially, and the three women, still in shock, had forgotten the time; it was already past midnight, the beginning of Hai hour. Lost in conversation, they forgot to move. The sky was already dark, and although no lights were on in the room, it was brightly lit. Shan Wanjing was the first to notice the milky-white glow on Yuan Yueze's face and exposed arms, and asked curiously.

"My body is like this; as long as I naturally disperse my true energy, I don't need lighting at night,"

Yuan Yueze replied, pointing to his face, which glowed like a fluorescent light. The

three women exclaimed in amazement again.

"Besides, oil lamps produce smoke. Your skin is so good; it will definitely be affected by the smoke over time,"

Yuan Yueze said half-jokingly. Hearing his praise of their skin, the three women blushed.

"What are Xiaoze's plans next?"

Shan Meixian finally got to the point, asking with a hint of nervousness. The other two girls also looked at Yuan Yueze nervously, afraid he would say he was leaving tomorrow.

Yuan Yueze didn't pay much attention to the three girls' expressions. To be honest, he himself didn't know what he was planning.

Go out to find love? He didn't even know what love was like.

Go out to make a name for himself? That was even more impossible. He was a lazy person and couldn't stand being restrained.

So what should he do next? Thinking about it, his head started to ache.

Seeing his confused look, Shan Meixian roughly guessed his current confusion: "Why don't you stay with us for a while, Xiaoze? You'll be unfamiliar with the place if you go out on your own, and you're still naive. We're worried you'll be taken advantage of. Although we know you're quite capable, being taken advantage of is never a good thing."

Hearing Shan Meixian's suggestion, Yuan Yueze also wanted to live with them for a while. Perhaps because the three girls were the first and deepest contact he had with any women in his life, this virgin was inevitably attracted.

After agreeing to Shan Meixian's request, Yuan Yueze saw the joy on the three women's faces and didn't know why they were so happy.

He then asked about the current year, and recalling the novels he'd read, he calculated that it would be about eight months before Yuwen Huaji obtained the Longevity Formula and the Twin Dragons appeared in the world. He figured he could join in the fun then. He didn't have any particular objections to the Twin Dragons; he simply wanted to see the two protagonists. However, as a human being, he also had reservations about Kou Zhong's eventual retreat and Xu Ziling's prioritization of romance over friendship.

But thinking about it carefully, what right did Yuan Yueze have to look down on others? He himself was a lazy person; what had he done for his nation and country? The only explanation was: everyone has their own ideals and the right to choose their own path. On the path of ideals, to reap rewards, one must pay a certain price; it depends on how you weigh the gains and losses and make your choices.

It was nearly midnight. Although Yuan Yueze hadn't slept for a year and wasn't tired, the three women were already showing signs of exhaustion. They still wanted to learn more about Yuan Yueze, such as his martial arts and other abilities, but their bodies were already giving out. They figured there was plenty of time; Yuan Yueze would be staying for a while, and they could learn more gradually. What they had learned today was enough to keep them awake all night.

After a few casual words, they said their goodbyes and returned to their rooms to rest.

The two young girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, were too tired and quickly washed up before falling asleep.

Shan Meixian, however, tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Her mind was filled with Yuan Yueze's handsome figure and elegant demeanor. Then she thought about her experiences over the past few decades, and a bitter feeling welled up inside her: Had she fallen for Xiaoze? No, it had been so many years since she'd felt this way. Reflecting on how many times she had blushed that afternoon and evening, Shan Meixian herself found it strange. Whenever Yuan Yueze gazed at her intently, she couldn't help but blush and her heart race, a strange joy welling up within her. Thinking it over and over, her heart was filled with alternating joy and sorrow. She was joyful because she was more attractive than her daughter; when Yuan Yueze talked to them, his attention was mostly on her, and he even blushed when their eyes met. She was saddened because she was old enough to be his mother, and she wasn't a virgin anymore. Even if Yuan Yueze liked her, how could she face him? Her

mind was troubled, and Shan Meixian became increasingly awake. Due to her high cultivation level, she didn't tire as easily as her daughter. Since she couldn't sleep, she decided to go out and check on things.

At midnight, only a few servants were still on guard duty on the ship. Shan Meixian gently knocked on the door, and a cool breeze rushed in, refreshing her. Looking towards the bow of the boat, Yuan Yueze's friendly figure came into view, the light emanating from his divine power illuminating the bow as if it were daytime. As

Shan Meixian pondered whether to go over and greet him, Yuan Yueze turned around, staring into her beautiful eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Propelled by some unknown force, Shan Meixian walked over.

Seeing Shan Meixian approach, her graceful figure and lines sculpted by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth made Yuan Yueze's heart race. He hurriedly turned away, continuing to gaze at the river, silently reciting the "Concentration Technique" to suppress his pounding heart.

Seeing him shyly avoid her gaze, Shan Meixian, amused and pleased, walked to his side, standing together and looking at the river.

Neither of them spoke.

As the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward, Yuan Yueze, being a man, should have taken the initiative, but this novice had no experience and instead acted as shy as a young girl.

Shan Meixian spoke up: "Xiao Ze, why do you always look away when you look at me? Am I scary?"

Listen to that, she's already calling herself "sister." Yuan Yueze, that blockhead, doesn't understand at all.

It's not that Shan Meixian is being unproactive, it's just that being around Yuan Yueze makes her feel exceptionally good. Moreover, Yuan Yueze's ethereal, fairy-like aura doesn't feel strange, but rather an indescribable sense of intimacy.

Seeing Yuan Yueze stammering and unable to answer, Shan Meixian's mischievous side suddenly arose. She feigned a sigh: "It seems sister has really aged and lost her beauty. Does that frighten Xiao Ze?"

"No...no, Sister Meixian is too...too beautiful. I dare not look directly at you, it feels like I'm...disrespecting you,"

Yuan Yueze stammered, sweating profusely as he finished.

Hearing him say she was charming, Shan Meixian felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but then she said wistfully, "I'm not as good as Xiaoze says. I'm almost an old woman."

As she spoke, she unconsciously thought of her past,

and her expression grew increasingly somber. Yuan Yueze, of course, didn't understand what she was thinking and thought she had misunderstood him, so he quickly explained, "What I said is true. Sister isn't old at all. When you sit with Wanjing, no one can tell you're mother and daughter; you look more like sisters."

Shan Meixian's appearance was indeed not old. Although she was almost forty, the profound internal energy she had gained from practicing the Demonic Heavenly Demon Technique made her look like she was only in her early twenties. The only flaw that made it impossible for anyone to believe she was still a woman in her early twenties was her eyes. Eyes don't lie, and Shan Meixian's eyes often revealed an expression of having experienced the vicissitudes of life and the joys and sorrows of human existence.

Hearing Yuan Yueze's words of comfort, Shan Meixian felt even more inferior. A knot in her heart remained: she wasn't a virgin. Standing before this near-perfect man, she always felt ashamed.

"Sister, are you thinking about your past again?"

Yuan Yueze intended to comfort and console Shan Meixian, but he had no experience in this area and spoke bluntly, which only made things worse.

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian's pain intensified, and two streams of tears flowed uncontrollably. The dam that had been dammed for so many years had finally broken, and she could no longer hold back her tears.

Seeing this, Yuan Yueze panicked. Having never been in love, he knew nothing of romantic love. But seeing Shan Meixian like this, his heart ached. "Sister, don't cry, I misspoke."

Flustered and unsure how to comfort Shan Meixian, Yuan Yueze, drawing courage from who-knows-where, pulled her close, saying almost involuntarily, "Sister, don't cry, it's my fault. Seeing you cry makes me so sad."

Yuan Yueze's actions were purely instinctive. But when Shan Meixian saw him pull her into his arms, a masculine aura washing over her, as he stroked her hair to comfort her, she was immediately overwhelmed with shame and confusion. She didn't know whether to push him away or remain in this ambiguous position. Yet, her heart seemed to whisper, "Don't leave this embrace, isn't this what you've always longed for?"

So Shan Meixian could only bury her face in Yuan Yueze's chest, tears streaming down her face. The tears were no longer filled with the previous bitterness, but with a bitterness mixed with pleasure.

Just then, a patrolling servant walked onto the deck. Seeing a blinding white light at the bow, as bright as day, he curiously went to investigate. From afar, he saw a woman kneeling before a man whose entire body was radiant. The man's left arm was around her slender waist, and his right hand was stroking her hair. This scene evoked only one phrase in the servant's mind: a divine couple. "Hmm, that woman's clothing...it seems to be the style the lady usually wears. Could that be the lady?"

The servant was startled: Oh no, I've seen something I shouldn't have! We commoners shouldn't know these things. So he immediately turned his head, pretending not to see anything, and walked away, muttering to himself, "I didn't see anything, I didn't see anything..."

Given the extraordinary cultivation of the two men at the bow, the servants could naturally hear their voices. Only then did Yuan Yueze come to his senses that he was actually holding a woman as beautiful as a celestial being. In his twenty years of life, he had never had such intimate contact with a woman of the opposite sex. Coupled with the stimulation from the woman's warm, jade-like body, Yuan Yueze's physiological instincts ignited, and all his blood rushed to his genitals.

At this moment, Shan Meixian's bitterness was completely overshadowed by happiness, and she had stopped sobbing. She simply didn't know how to face the man before her, and could only continue to lie against his chest, savoring the feeling of being cared for. Suddenly, she felt an unusually hot sensation. Having experienced matters between men and women, Shan Meixian knew what was happening. Her whole body became even hotter, and her inner turmoil erupted like a volcano.

But at that very moment, the image of the man she had hated all her life flashed through her mind, and with a sudden surge of strength, she pushed Yuan Yueze away. Though panting and blushing, the happiness she felt was replaced by bitterness once more.

The two stood there on the bow of the boat, neither speaking, the atmosphere incredibly awkward. Yuan Yueze's action was purely instinctive, and he had never experienced anything like this before, so naturally he blushed. Shan Meixian's inferiority complex deepened: if she were still a virgin, she was absolutely confident and qualified to be with this man. Unfortunately…

The two stood silently for a long time. Shan Meixian lowered her head, shy and hesitant to look at Yuan Yueze, her bitterness growing heavier. Yuan Yueze, meanwhile, wondered what love was. Had he fallen in love with Shan Meixian? Even so, why had Shan Meixian pushed him away, and why did she look at his complex expression—a mixture of joy and sorrow? Joy was understandable, but why sorrow? Was it because of her past? What's past is past, thinking about it won't help. It's better to focus on the future, right? Then why is she still so sad? Right, he's the king of theory, so he quickly recalled the theories and experiences he'd gained from books.

Actually, Yuan Yueze had no idea about the delicate feelings of a young woman. He could ignore the past, but Shan Meixian couldn't let go. What she needed now was care and guidance. He needed to use sincerity to touch that long-dormant heart of the beauty.

Each lost in their own thoughts, they stood silently for almost half an hour. Shan Meixian calmed down, and that cold, aloof expression returned to her face. She looked up and said, "Xiao Ze, it's late, go back to sleep."

Having recalled a whole set of theories, Yuan Yueze now found a way. His face was no longer awkward. He simply said to Shan Meixian, who was about to leave, "I'm not sleepy. Are you sleepy, sister? Why not continue to enjoy the moonlight?"

Shan Meixian wasn't sleepy at all; she had just made up an excuse to avoid further embarrassment. Seeing Yuan Yueze's invitation, Shan Meixian's expression became complicated again. She wanted to accept, but felt that standing next to him would make her feel inferior.

Our "King of Theory," the great "Yuan the Dumb," now emboldened by his theories, took a few steps forward and grasped the beauty's smooth, white jade-like hands: "Sister, why are you avoiding me? Do you dislike me? Then I'll leave at dawn."

"No...no, Xiaoze, don't go."

Hearing Yuan Yueze's words, Shan Meixian was completely flustered. Explaining was impossible, but not explaining would only lead to misunderstandings. She was on the verge of tears again.

Seeing the beauty about to weep, Yuan Yueze quickly pulled her into his arms. It wasn't a matter of practice making perfect. Yuan Yueze, this inexperienced young man, couldn't possibly learn so quickly; all his actions were purely instinctive.

As the warm jade embraced him again, Yuan Yueze's emotions surged once more. "Little Ze" was once again awakened to "stand guard," feeling the heat emanating from him. Shan Meixian felt hot and itchy all over, her body began to weaken, and her expression became hazy. Before her last shred of consciousness faded, Shan Meixian whispered, "Little Ze, didn't we say we were going to look at the moonlight?"

Comrade Chu was enjoying the wonderful feeling of the beauty in his arms when he heard these words. Realizing he might have been too abrupt, he quickly turned around. The two faced the starry sky at the bow of the ship, but Yuan Yueze's hand was still around the beauty's slender waist, not letting go. Shan Meixian also enjoyed this feeling. Although shy, since they were alone, she didn't object much.

The two silently faced the starry sky, chatting idly about trivial matters. Even so, Yuan Yueze's knowledge from the future was enough to fascinate Shan Meixian. From why rivers flow eastward to why the starry sky is so vast, Yuan Yueze spoke eloquently about everything.

"Sister, do you like music? Would you like to hear some songs?"

Yuan Yueze suddenly asked.

Shan Meixian nodded curiously, wanting to see this young man's musical talent.

"Most people on the ship are sleeping now. Let's not wake them. How about we go to the shore?"

Yuan Yueze suggested.

"It's good, but how do we get there now? We're already out to sea, at least a thousand feet from the shore. Even though I'm confident in my martial arts, I can't do it,"

Shan Meixian said. At this moment, she seemed like a woman in love, her IQ rapidly declining. She even forgot about the existence of Yuan Yueze, this freak.

"Sister, have you forgotten my background?"

Yuan Yueze asked.

"Ah, I remember now, Xiao Ze is a god, how could I forget such a freak like you?"

Shan Meixian forgot her inferiority complex, giving him a charming glance and teasing him.

"Haha!"

Yuan Yueze was a little dizzy from that glance, only able to laugh foolishly: "Then how about I take you across?"

Without waiting for Shan Meixian's agreement, he stepped forward and, with a soft cry from the beauty, swept her up in his arms. He channeled his true energy, and the two of them flew across the shore as if they had no weight at all, at an unimaginable speed.

Shan Meixian was also puzzled; despite the incredible speed of their flight, she hadn't felt a single breeze. In the martial arts world, the faster a person uses light-footed skills, the greater the wind resistance they encounter. "Could this be the difference between divine power and human strength?"

Shan Meixian wondered.

After setting down the shy Shan Meixian, Yuan Yueze took out a round table and chairs, along with glasses and red wine, from his bracelet. Shan Meixian was already becoming accustomed to this. She sat down gracefully, accepted the red wine Yuan Yueze poured for her, took a small sip, and became quite content.

After finishing his glass, Yuan Yueze took out a guitar from his bracelet and tuned it a few times. "Is this a musical instrument? I've never seen one before,"

Shan Meixian asked like a curious child.

"This is a musical instrument from later generations, but it sounds very beautiful. I haven't played it for eight years. I practiced it for a few years when I was a child,"

Yuan Yueze replied.

After a moment of familiarity, Yuan Yueze spoke, "Now I will perform a song for you, sister. Please offer your critique and guidance."

There was indeed a hint of affection in Yuan Yueze's eyes, but to Shan Meixian, it appeared as boundless love. Yuan Yueze's own charisma and handsome demeanor had already captivated her.

The guitar began, followed by a beautiful baritone voice: "Because I dreamt you left, I woke up crying, watching the night wind blow through the window, can you feel my love… How many people have admired your youthful beauty, but who can withstand the relentless changes of time? How many people have come and gone in your life, but know that I will always be by your side… When everything has become mundane, is there still a kind of reserve remaining in your heart…"

Yuan Yueze performed "You'll Be With Me All My Life," a song that could be considered a 'perfect love song' in ancient times, with utmost skill. Listening to the moving melody and melodious voice, Shan Meixian was intoxicated by the beautiful lyrics. Gazing at the man before her, her heart was completely captivated.

"Does he really like me? Otherwise, why would he sing such a heartfelt song to only me? But I'm not good enough for him. I'm so much older than him, and my daughter is only a few years younger. What should I do? I can't bear to say anything harsh."

The more Shan Meixian thought about it, the more confused she became. How could she face the man before her?

"Sigh."

With a soft sigh, Shan Meixian forcibly suppressed the chaotic thoughts in her mind. "Xiao Ze, I'm a little tired. Shall we go back?" She

didn't even comment on Yuan Yueze's song, showing how much her conflicted feelings were tormenting her.

Yuan Yueze didn't care about her comments. He nodded, put away the table, picked up Shan Meixian, and strode towards the boat.

This time, he wasn't fast because he had his own reasons. Holding the beauty in his arms made him feel so comfortable that every pore on his body opened up. He noticed that the beauty in his arms had her hands wrapped around his strong waist, and her fragrant shoulders were trembling slightly.

Finally, they returned to the boat. He put Shan Meixian down, and saw that Shan Meixian's face showed no emotion whatsoever—cold, indifferent.

As Yuan Yueze escorted Shan Meixian to the cabin door, before he could even speak, she whispered, "Xiao Ze, I will never forget this night. Please don't do it again."

"Why?"

Yuan Yueze asked, confused. Forcing

down his reluctance and lingering affection, Shan Meixian said, "Don't force me. I'm not worthy of you..."

She then turned and closed the door without looking back, leaving the young man standing there, stunned.

Her sorrowful words revealed immense reluctance and attachment. The desolation and bitterness were even more pronounced.

"Has this been rejected? Is this first love? Why does my heart ache so much?"

Yuan Yueze thought painfully.

Yuan Yueze had indeed done something that seemed like he had experience, guided by theory, but theory is just theory. If he truly had experience, he could have simply pulled the beauty into his arms and resolved everything naturally. Unfortunately, this greenhorn truly needed to grow and experience life's lessons.

With a heavy heart, Yuan Yueze walked towards his room.

Chapter 004 A Happy Ending

Lying in bed, Shan Meixian still couldn't sleep. She had painfully rejected the man she loved. In the instant she turned away, she saw his once dark and deep eyes, like the starry sky, now filled with sorrow, devoid of their former brilliance.

Why was this happening? Why did fate torment her so? Why hadn't this affectionate man been born before her demise? If so, even if she had abandoned her identity as the "Holy Maiden" of the Demonic Sect, she would have resolutely given him everything. But what was the use of saying all this now?

It was all that scoundrel of the Demonic Sect's fault, that beast who insulted her man. It was also that heartless woman's fault for indulging the sect's scoundrel and neglecting her daughter.

The inner demons began to grow, becoming increasingly uncontrollable. Shan Meixian's boudoir was filled with malevolent energy and demonic aura. Her true energy also began to surge chaotically through her meridians.

Shan Meixian didn't notice any of this. Her mind was filled with the image of the man who had just embraced her, rejected her, and looked at her with a sad expression. Then she immediately thought of who had ruined her and brought her to this point. Her

inner energy became increasingly chaotic, and Shan Meixian's face turned an eerie purple. She had

gone into qi deviation!

Suddenly, a sweet taste came from her throat, and "Pfft!"

A mouthful of blood spurted out, and Shan Meixian gradually lost consciousness. In that instant of losing consciousness, she cried out in her heart, "Xiao Ze, if there is an afterlife, I will marry no one but you!"

Yuan Yueze also returned to his room, his heart agitated. Recalling the despair and bitter look in Shan Meixian's eyes when she was rejected, he felt a sudden pang of heartache.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, recalling the last words the beauty had spoken: "I am unworthy of you..."

After sorting through his thoughts, Yuan Yueze's ideas became clearer: She must like me too, otherwise why would she blush when I looked at her? Why didn't she refuse when I hugged her? Why did she look so sorrowful when I told her I liked her? She must have remembered being humiliated by Bian Bufu in the past. Ancient women valued chastity, which is why she rejected me! Based on this alone, Yuan Yueze understood the depth of Shan Meixian's feelings for him!

He understood the whole story. Yuan Yueze's dejection vanished. Humming a little tune, he slowly closed his eyes...

"Bang, bang, bang."

With a loud knocking on the door, Yuan Yueze opened his eyes. It was already broad daylight.

With his demigod body, he didn't need sleep at all. However, the extreme joy and sorrow he experienced last night, coupled with his unstable temperament, inevitably left him mentally exhausted. He got

out of bed and opened the door.

"Brother Yuan, please save my mother! She's stopped breathing!"

Shan Wanjing cried, throwing herself into Yuan Yueze's arms. Tears streamed down her face.

"What?"

Yuan Yueze's initial joy immediately plummeted.

"Take me there!"

Yuan Yueze roared.

Arriving at Shan Meixian's room, they found many core members of the Dongming Sect and their servants already standing outside, their faces filled with sorrow. Shan Ruyin was also silently weeping.

Pushing open the door, Yuan Yueze and Shan Wanjing rushed to the bed.

Shan Meixian lay on the bed, neatly dressed in white, her body completely lifeless. Her chest showed no movement. Upon seeing this, Yuan Yueze was utterly stunned. He completely forgot his own abilities. He was experiencing a scene of life and death he had never witnessed before. Especially with this woman he loved, who even resembled a sister to him.

Still unwilling to give up, Yuan Yueze trembled as he reached for Shan Meixian's delicate nose, only to abruptly pull his hand away, tears streaming down his face. A heart-wrenching pain coursed through his body.

"Meixian, how could you leave me all alone..."

Holding her now-cold hands, Yuan Yueze's way of addressing her changed; he truly regarded the woman before him as his beloved.

Shan Wanjing also wept beside him. Although she didn't understand why her brother Yuan addressed her mother so affectionately, she knew this wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

"Brother Yuan, can't even you save Mother?"

Looking at Yuan Yueze, who wept like a statue, Shan Wanjing, remembering his extraordinary nature, spoke up.

Yes! How could I not even save a mortal? It was all because I was too hasty and lost my composure.

Having figured this out, Yuan Yueze's sorrow vanished: "Wanjing, don't worry, I will definitely save Meixian. I swear on my life!"

With that, Yuan Yueze channeled all his true energy, scanning Shan Meixian's body and consciousness, finally discovering a sliver of spiritual energy remaining in her mind. From that faint spiritual energy, Yuan Yueze sensed her boundless love for him.

Having ascertained her condition, Yuan Yueze transferred all his true energy into Shan Meixian's body.

His extraordinary power coursed through Shan Meixian's eight extraordinary meridians. Shan Meixian's pale face slowly began to regain its color, and her chest began to rise and fall slightly. Shan Wanjing was overjoyed at this sight.

Yuan Yueze wondered to himself, "How can my true energy be so powerful that it can bring the dead back to life?" This question seemed difficult to answer, and now was not the time to dwell on it.

Half an hour later, Shan Meixian finally slowly opened her beautiful eyes. The first thing she saw was the man she loved. He was gazing at her tenderly, no longer blushing as before. Beside him was her daughter, her face filled with surprise, tears still streaked her cheeks.

Before she could fully grasp what had happened, the man pulled her into a tight embrace, stammering, "Meixian, you're finally back! Don't scare me like that again."

Before she could even feel shy, he kissed her lips fiercely. That wretched tongue pried open her teeth, clumsily swirling inside her mouth—clearly an inexperienced virgin.

Meixian was mesmerized by Yuan Yueze's intimate gesture, and remembering his affectionate address, she was even more smitten, completely forgetting her daughter's 'watching' beside her, utterly absorbed in the passionate kiss. Dan Wanjing

stared in disbelief at everything before her, feeling both joy and sorrow. She was happy that her beloved Brother Yuan was indeed as good as his reputation, even managing to pull her deceased mother back from the brink of death. She was also saddened that the Brother Yuan she loved actually loved her mother. Seeing her mother safe and sound, Shan Wanjing began to feel jealous.

Seeing the two of them kissing for so long without stopping, she felt embarrassed to watch any longer and spoke up: "Mother, Brother Yuan, are you ever going to stop?"

Her tone was full of sourness.

Hearing her daughter's voice, Shan Meixian remembered that her daughter was beside her. She cursed her daughter inwardly and tried with all her might to push Yuan Yueze away, but Yuan Yueze was lost in the passionate kiss, holding her tightly in his arms, impossible for Shan Meixian to push away. So Shan Meixian could only use her small hands to "gently" massage Yuan Yueze's soft waist.

"Ah!"

Yuan Yueze, engrossed in the passionate kiss, cried out, finally releasing Shan Meixian's swollen lips.

"Meixian, what are you doing? It hurts so much!"

Yuan Yueze cried out.

Hearing the man address her so affectionately again, Shan Meixian, already blushing and panting, was even more ashamed and dared not lift her head. She tried to break free from the man's embrace, but he was too strong, and she was slightly weak, so after a few attempts, she had to give up and nestled in his arms, inhaling his extremely comfortable masculine scent.

"Meixian, what happened? Why didn't you have a heartbeat or breathe just now, and why was your body so cold?"

Yuan Yueze asked, still holding the beauty tightly.

It wasn't that this novice wanted to take advantage of Shan Meixian, nor that he had only thought about it for a few hours and already knew how to coax a woman. Rather, the life-or-death situation he had just experienced still made him a little scared, afraid that if he let go of the beauty, she would fall into a deep sleep again.

"Brother Yuan, please put Mother down first. She's probably not fully recovered yet, is she?"

Shan Wanjing couldn't help but "kindly" remind her, her voice trembling with rage.

"No! What if Meixian leaves me again after I let go? Can you bear that responsibility?"

Yuan Yueze suddenly became domineering.

"You!"

Shan Wanjing nearly fainted from anger.

Shan Meixian, like a frightened bird, nestled in the man's arms, silently spitting. Her heart, however, was filled with extraordinary joy, for even a fool could understand the love the man's words conveyed.

Seeing that the man before her was completely focused on her mother, and that no matter what she said, she couldn't get him to let go of her, Shan Wanjing could only ask helplessly, "Mother, what exactly happened last night? I was too tired and fell asleep as soon as I got home. This morning, Ruyin came to call you for breakfast, but no matter how much we knocked, you wouldn't answer. Ruyin told me, so I came over. When I came in, I found that you were ice-cold and lifeless, and you were covered in blood. It scared us to death. Later, I called Brother Yuan, and he pulled you back from the brink of death."

After saying this, tears streamed down her face again.

Shan Meixian quickly comforted her daughter, Shan Wanjing, before stopping her tears.

Shan Meixian felt exceptionally comfortable in Yuan Yueze's embrace. Although she was quite shy about such an intimate moment in front of her daughter, no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't get Yuan Yueze to let go. She could only let him hold her, and slowly her shyness faded. When her daughter asked about it, she thought for a moment and said, "Last night, Mother accidentally went into a qi deviation, and then I don't know anything anymore."

Of course, Shan Meixian wouldn't be so bold as to say in front of her daughter that she went into a qi deviation because of Yuan Yueze. However, she was somewhat regretful that she hadn't witnessed the man's ability to bring the dead back to life.

"Meixian, don't practice that damned Heavenly Demon Technique anymore. Wouldn't it be better to learn some authentic martial arts that are in harmony with nature?"

Yuan Yueze, being simple-minded, naturally couldn't imagine that Shan Meixian's near-death experience was because of him.

"Brother Yuan, I want to learn your kung fu too,"

Shan Wanjing said, seizing every opportunity.

“Very well, I have a secret manual left by my master here. Sister Wanjing, you can learn it yourself when you want,”

Yuan Yueze replied casually. Instantly, the image of Shan Meixian, cold and lifeless, flashed through his mind again. He shuddered, lowered his head, and said to the beautiful woman in his arms, “Meixian, I love you. Will you marry me?”

Hearing such a bold and explicit confession, Shan Meixian's face, which had just recovered, flushed red again. She lowered her head tightly, not daring to raise it, even her jade-like neck was covered in a blush. Shan Wanjing was once again stunned, her face filled with unbearable sorrow.

Shan Meixian didn't know how to answer. They did indeed have mutual affection, but her inferiority complex prevented her from facing this feeling openly. Moreover, the other party had confessed to her so directly in front of her daughter!

Yuan Yueze, on the other hand, didn't have many thoughts. Today, he experienced for the first time the pain of being separated from his beloved by death. He also remembered the letter his master had left him, in which he wrote not to hurt the woman who loved him. He had nothing to worry about, so he confessed directly.

Honestly, after saying that, he didn't even consider how he would face the possibility of his beloved rejecting him again. He only knew that he had to keep her by his side and ensure her safety before he could feel at ease.

The three people in the room remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Yuan Yueze, impatient, spoke again: "Meixian, why won't you answer me?"

Now, the king of theory, Yuan Yueze, was starting to apply it to reality, vaguely understanding that he should take the initiative.

Shan Meixian blushed and looked up at the mournful-looking Shan Wanjing, roughly understanding Shan Wanjing's current state of mind. Thinking that she had already lived half her life, and her daughter was still in the prime of her life, how could she compete with her daughter for a man? At this moment, both mother and daughter forgot the fact that Shan Wanjing was already engaged to the Dongming Shang family.

Her expression shifted several times before Shan Meixian finally mustered the courage to look at Yuan Yueze: "Xiaoze, what my sister said yesterday..."

With her daughter beside her, Shan Meixian couldn't bring herself to refer to herself as "this concubine."

"Wait," Yuan Yueze immediately interrupted Shan Meixian. He stared intently into Shan Meixian's eyes: "Meixian, I thought a lot last night. I understand your feelings. Did you think about your past, about that beast who insulted you?"

Hearing this, Shan Wanjing's face immediately turned icy cold, her teeth clenched, her beautiful eyes filled with murderous intent.

Shan Meixian closed her eyes, letting two streams of bitter tears flow down her face.

While gently wiping away Shan Meixian's tears, he said, "I know you and your daughter are both wary of that beast. Bringing him up in front of you might embarrass you, but you can rest assured of one thing: within a year, I will definitely bring him alive to you, so you can do whatever you want with him. I thought all this through yesterday."

Yuan Yueze sighed and continued, "Meixian, I truly love you. I don't care about your past. Your past life wasn't entirely your own control; the fault isn't yours. I just want you to open your eyes, look at me, and answer me: do you truly love me? Are you willing to marry me? I want to protect you, to prevent you from suffering any more harm, and to stand proudly with you across millennia to come, laughing at the world's troubles. If you are unwilling, then it's just my unrequited love, and I'll leave today."

Yuan Yueze wasn't threatening Shan Meixian; he was just being straightforward. Having decided to pursue Shan Meixian, he was expressing his innermost thoughts without reservation. See, he's not slow at applying theory to practice.

Hearing Yuan Yueze's heartfelt and direct confession, Shan Meixian could no longer suppress her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes again. Ignoring her daughter beside her, she reached out her arms and tightly wrapped them around the man's waist, burying her face in Yuan Yueze's broad chest: "Xiaoze, don't say anymore. I'm willing, I'm willing to marry you. From now on, there will be no more Lady Dongming in the world, only Xiaoze's wife, Shan Meixian."

Receiving the answer he had longed for, Yuan Yueze was so happy he almost blew snot from his nose. Ignoring Shan Wanjing beside him, he lifted Shan Meixian's chin with his left hand and pressed his lips to hers again…

Shan Wanjing, on the other hand, felt much the same way Shan Meixian had felt the night before—sorrow, bitterness, and sorrow all welled up in her heart. She knew how unhappy her mother had been all these years, not in terms of food, clothing, and shelter, but in terms of her spiritual life. Looking at the extraordinary man before her, possessing a demigod's body, omnipotent yet brimming with tenderness, Shan Wanjing thought: How wonderful it would be if Brother Yuan could treat me like this! I would be willing to die even if it meant the next moment. But this man she admired so much was about to become her stepfather. Seeing her mother, who had always doted on her, now nestled in this gentle man's arms, her face radiant with happiness as he kissed her, bitter tears streamed down Shan Wanjing's cheeks, falling silently to the ground.

After a long kiss, Shan Meixian was deeply moved; her mature beauty captivated the naive Yuan Yueze.

"Gurgle..."

The woman in his arms let out a soft groan in her stomach. Embarrassed, she dared not lift her head.

Yuan Yueze slapped his forehead and said, "Are you hungry? Lie down first, I'll make you some porridge."

After placing Shan Meixian back on the bed and carefully tucking her in, Yuan Yueze looked up at Shan Wanjing, who was still looking at him with a complicated expression, and said, "Sister Wanjing, don't worry. My Chaotic Divine Power not only pulled Meixian back from the brink of death, but also cleared all the blocked meridians caused by practicing the Heavenly Demon Technique and her depression over the years. Her body will be much healthier from now on."

He then added, "Go out and tell the people outside not to worry, then come back and take care of Meixian. I'll make the porridge in a bit." After

saying that, he lowered his head and gave Shan Meixian, whose cheeks were flushed, a light kiss on the forehead, then turned and left.

Shan Meixian truly felt that the happiest day of her life had arrived, and she was incredibly moved. But when she looked up and saw her daughter turning to leave, she couldn't help but worry. She didn't know how she would tell her daughter when she returned.

After informing everyone that her mother was alright, Shan Wanjing returned to her mother's bedside with mixed feelings, sitting down with her head down, unsure of what to say.

Should she offer congratulations? How could she possibly congratulate her mother right now?

Should she be jealous of her mother? What right did she have to be jealous of her mother? Her mother had sacrificed so much for her over the years; if she were jealous, she would be unworthy of being a daughter.

Shan Meixian also dared not look at her daughter, only hoping that Yuan Yueze would return quickly to ease the awkward atmosphere in the room.

Sure enough, about fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded at the door, and Yuan Yueze and Shan Ruyin each carried a jade tray in.

"It's ready. Have you been waiting long?"

Yuan Yueze spoke.

Shan Wanjing remained silent, while Shan Meixian simply shook her head gently.

He placed two silver bowls of porridge by the bedside, filling one bowl and saying to Shan Meixian, "This porridge is called lotus seed and longan porridge. It nourishes the heart and spleen, and replenishes qi and blood. Meixian lost some blood last night, so this is perfect for her."

He then filled two more bowls from the other silver bowl and said to Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, "This is called eight-treasure porridge. It replenishes qi and calms the mind. It takes a quarter of an hour to cook. Wanjing and Ruyin are worried about Meixian and must be a little flustered, so I made this porridge for you two."

Shan Meixian was deeply moved, and although Shan Wanjing was still jealous, she was happy to hear that Yuan Yueze had personally cooked porridge for her. Shan Ruyin was puzzled by Yuan Yueze's intimate address of "Madam," but hearing that he had cooked porridge for her and personally served it, she was overjoyed. However, she dared not show it on her face, only looking at her mistress and princess with trepidation. Seeing the lady nod, he sat somewhat reservedly at the small table.

Yuan Yueze personally served the porridge, holding Shan Meixian close to his chest, and carefully fed her spoonful by spoonful, blowing on it to cool it down.

The two maids beside the table silently drank their own porridge, occasionally stealing glances at the two people by the bedside. A hint of envy flashed in their eyes.

Shan Meixian noticed the two maids peeking at her and was incredibly shy, but looking at the man who loved her so deeply and was so gentle and considerate, she simply let go of everything, blushing and happily enjoying his attentive feeding. She felt as if she were in a dream, because the perfect man beside her was someone she could never have imagined.

The beauty didn't have a big appetite, but she still managed to drink two small bowls. Partly, Yuan Yueze's cooking was indeed excellent; partly, Shan Meixian thoroughly enjoyed his attentiveness. After finishing their meal, Shan Ruyin looked at her mother, whose face was rosy and radiant with happiness, and knew that her mother had recovered. She then said her leave, cleared away the dishes, and went out.

The three people in the room returned to silence.

After a while, unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, Shan Meixian spoke first, "You must be tired, go and rest."

Shan Wanjing was indeed mentally exhausted from worrying about her mother, but at this moment she didn't want to leave at all. Instead, she stared at Yuan Yueze: "Brother Yuan, have you had breakfast?"

Although she knew she shouldn't be jealous of her mother, she still didn't want to see Yuan Yueze treating her mother so gently and considerately, so she tried to coax Yuan Yueze out.

"I can go a year without eating and not feel hungry. I only eat to satisfy my cravings. Besides, Meixian has just woken up, how can I leave? But Wanjing, you must be tired, go and rest."

Yuan Yueze's words were as direct as ever.

"I... I'm not tired,"

Shan Wanjing hurriedly covered up. The conflicting emotions of not daring to be jealous of her mother, yet not wanting Yuan Yueze to be alone with her, were tormenting the little girl quite a bit.

Seeing her daughter's expression, Shan Meixian naturally guessed what she was thinking and said, "Xiaoze, I'm all better now. I've had my porridge, and it'll be good to go for a walk. You two come with me."

Shan Wanjing nodded eagerly.

Yuan Yueze, however, looked reluctant: Shan Wanjing was a real third wheel, stubbornly insisting on following him and Shan Meixian, making it difficult for him to be too intimate with Shan Meixian.

Seeing the expressions of her young lover and daughter, Shan Meixian chuckled inwardly, and with the help of Shan Wanjing and Yuan Yueze, she got up and walked towards the door.

At this moment, the Piaoxiang ship began to sail towards the mainland again. The three stood at the bow, watching the mainland draw closer, feeling quite refreshed.

The three remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Seeing that Shan Wanjing, the third wheel, was unwilling to leave, Yuan Yueze, already satisfied with winning Shan Meixian's heart today, only wanted to spend some time alone with her and exchange sweet nothings. He spoke first, "Wanjing, you should go back and rest. Your emotions were too volatile today; it's not good for your health."

Hearing this, Shan Wanjing assumed he only wanted to spend time with her mother, so she stubbornly replied, "I'm fine. Mother just woke up, and I'm worried about her. I'll stay and watch over her for a while."

Shan Meixian had intended to say something on behalf of her young lover, but hearing Shan Wanjing's words, she didn't dare to speak. Forced to make conversation, Yuan Yueze asked, "Xiao Ze said he'd teach me martial arts. What kind of technique?"

Yuan Yueze was already annoyed that Shan Wanjing insisted on staying as a third wheel, and when Shan Meixian spoke up, he replied, "Meixian, you'd better be my husband someday."

Shan Meixian immediately blushed, glaring at him reproachfully, thinking to herself: How could he speak like that in front of Wanjing?

Shan Wanjing, hearing Yuan Yueze's words, was even more furious. However, she didn't show it on her face, continuing to stare into the distance as if she hadn't heard anything.

Seeing that Shan Wanjing remained unmoved, Yuan Yueze, too shy to lay a hand on Shan Meixian in front of her daughter, said, "After Meixian and I become husband and wife, she will naturally be refined into the same body as me. However, during the refining process, all the martial arts she has cultivated before will be erased. In other words, after Meixian is reborn, she will have to find suitable martial arts to practice again."

Shan Meixian didn't care. Not only would she be reborn, but her lover's abilities were enough to ensure she wouldn't be harmed.

Shan Wanjing, however, became nervous: "But Mother has cultivated the Heavenly Demon Art for many years to reach her current level. How can it be erased so easily? Isn't that a pity?"

"Not at all. If Meixian refines her body in the future, she will be able to cultivate martial arts again much more efficiently. The speed at which she accumulates true qi will be several times faster than before,"

Yuan Yueze said.

Shan Wanjing was somewhat surprised to hear this, but Shan Meixian showed no surprise whatsoever. Her physical, mental, spiritual, and technical skills were all quite formidable, and one could vaguely guess at Yuan Yueze's greatest strength.

Shan Wanjing spoke up, "Brother Yuan, why don't you show us your skills?"

Yuan Yueze smiled and glanced at Shan Meixian, noticing a glint of longing in her eyes. He reached out and gently pinched her nose, nodding.

Caught off guard by his sudden attack, Shan Meixian blushed again, scolding softly, "Silly boy, Wanjing is still here!"

Shan Wanjing, determined to be a third wheel, simply pretended not to see anything. She thought to herself, "You won't be forced to leave anyway; I'll let you take even more advantage of my mother."

Seeing Shan Wanjing's reaction, Yuan Yueze had no choice but to ask the two women, "Which city do you like? I can take you there now, and we can be back before dark."

Even though the two women knew a little about Yuan Yueze's abilities, their ability to go wherever they wanted and travel thousands of miles in a single day still greatly surprised them.

"I want to go to Luoyang, Mother, what do you say?"

Shan Wanjing asked after a moment's thought.

Shan Meixian didn't care where she went, as long as she could be with her lover and daughter. She nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the two women had a destination in mind, Yuan Yueze glanced at the bracelet and with a thought, the "Soaring Cloud" flying sword appeared in the air, hovering in front of the three of them. He

stepped forward, put his left arm around Shan Meixian, and his right arm around Shan Wanjing, and said, "Then I will take you there. With me here, you don't need to be afraid."

Amidst the two women's cries of joy, he jumped onto the flying sword, and with a thought, the flying sword carried the three of them away at high speed.

The two women initially clung tightly to Yuan Yueze's waist with their eyes closed, listening to the wind whistling past their ears. Gradually, they boldly opened their eyes, gazing at the earth thousands of feet below, overwhelmed with excitement. Shan Wanjing even began to shout. The usually composed Shan Meixian also gradually joined in, letting out a few shouts, her heart filled with indescribable joy.

In just half an hour, the flying sword reached Luoyang City, thousands of miles away. To avoid causing a commotion, the three landed in a secluded corner of the city. They sheathed their flying swords and headed towards the bustling city center.

Shan Wanjing still clung tightly to Yuan Yueze's right arm, refusing to let go. Yuan Yueze couldn't say anything directly, so he looked to Shan Meixian for help. Shan Meixian, however, seemed oblivious, continuing to walk forward while clinging to Yuan Yueze's left arm.

Yuan Yueze had no choice but to let the two women remain close to him, looking around as they walked.

Since waking up, Shan Meixian had thought a lot. She was grateful to heaven for the love and affection her lover showed her, and for the chance to be with him for eternity; she had no more desires. As a woman herself, she could easily see her daughter's feelings for her lover.

In this era, even capable men married both mother and daughter; how much more so her man, who was a thousand times more capable than the most capable men of the time! Having experienced so much, Shan Meixian easily understood. The problem now lay with her lover. His complete devotion to her made Shan Meixian very happy and proud. But if this continued, her daughter would have no chance. She needed to find a way to guide him.

Shan Wanjing, on the other hand, was determined to go down a dark path. Her stubborn personality made her unwilling to be outshone by her mother, even though she was younger than her mother, though the difference wasn't obvious in appearance. In any case, she loved this man, and unless she heard him say he didn't love her, she would never give up. This was the passionate and decisive Shan Wanjing. From the moment Yuan Yueze appeared, her mind was no longer filled with thoughts of Shang Ming, her "fiancé" whom she already somewhat disliked.

Yuan Yueze, being the simpleton he was, was completely unaware of the complex thoughts of the two women beside him. He simply assumed they didn't want to talk. He had long forgotten his master's prophecy of "extremely heavy peach blossom calamity." His eyes were only on Shan Meixian.

Neither woman was in high spirits, so they casually strolled around the imperial palace in Luoyang, the "secondary capital," before flying back to the "Fragrance Ship."

Yuan Yueze personally prepared dinner. The idea of "a gentleman keeps away from the kitchen" was deeply ingrained in this era, and Shan Meixian felt somewhat apprehensive seeing her lover's attentiveness. However, Yuan Yueze insisted that he cook for her personally, otherwise he wouldn't let her eat. Shan Meixian had no choice but to agree, and thinking of the happiness she had never dared to hope for, which had now descended upon her, she sat there gazing at the small table, lost in her own bliss.

A few light side dishes and a steaming pot of spicy hot pot were enjoyed by the four of them, who ate with great relish. Shan Ruyin was 'honored' enough to be pulled down from her seat by Yuan Yueze to dine with them. During the meal, Yuan Yueze showed great care for Shan Meixian, frequently feeding her himself. The beautiful woman was both embarrassed and delighted in front of the two younger men.

Yuan Yueze loved spicy food, but Shan Meixian and Shan Ruyin almost cried after just one bite, daring not to touch the hot pot again. Shan Wanjing, on the other hand, loved the hot pot more, eating with great relish.

After feeding Shan Meixian a bite, Yuan Yueze turned to look at Shan Wanjing, whose face was full of envy, and picked up a piece of crab meat, holding it out to her, teasingly saying, "Come on, Wanjing, let me feed you a bite too."

Shan Wanjing, whose face was already flushed from the heat, immediately became even more shy, her rosy cheeks looking incredibly cute. Opening her small mouth, Shan Wanjing took the crab meat offered by the man. She felt a tongue touch it, a warm current flowing through her body, making her feel hot and restless. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to look up.

Shan Meixian thought her lover had already set his sights on her daughter, and her heart naturally ached. But when she looked at her lover again, she found that his eyes didn't hold the same love he had shown her, and she couldn't help but worry about her daughter.

A woman's heart is like a needle in a haystack!

One second she was jealous, the next she was worried about her daughter's future. The human heart is indeed the strangest thing.

Shan Ruyin, standing to the side, was also filled with envy and jealousy, but in this situation, she dared not show it.

After dinner, the two girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, finally left. Ah, finally, she could enjoy some alone time. Yuan Yueze couldn't help but think.

Looking at the shy, head-down Shan Meixian, Yuan Yueze moved closer, gently embraced the beauty, and said nothing, only softly calling her name.

Hearing him call her name, Shan Meixian looked up unexpectedly, meeting his deep gaze. Feeling the affection within, Shan Meixian's emotions were beyond words.

"Xiao Ze, do you like Wan Jing?"

Shan Meixian finally spoke.

"Ah? Wan Jing? I don't know, but I feel that now that I have you, I don't want to think about other women. Besides, Wan Jing is your daughter!"

Sighing softly, Shan Meixian didn't know what to say. The man before her was practically perfect, except for his lack of life experience; otherwise, he would truly be perfect. However, the man's high regard for her made Shan Meixian even more elated.

"By the way, Meixian, didn't I say you'd call me husband from now on? Why haven't you changed your address yet?" "

..."

Shan Meixian was too shy to say anything.

"Hus...husband."

After holding it in for a long time, she finally managed to utter a small sound, like a mosquito's hum.

Yuan Yueze's heart warmed at her words, and he pressed his lips to hers again. Now it was their own private world, and Shan Meixian no longer needed to suppress herself, taking the initiative and guiding Yuan Yueze to enjoy himself.

When they parted, she was completely melted in her lover's arms, forgetting the time.

Aroused, Yuan Yueze, this novice, acted on instinct, picking her up and carrying her to the bedside.

Knowing what was about to happen, Shan Meixian felt her heart pounding wildly, as if it would leap out of her throat, her face buried in her lover's chest.

In a few clumsy movements, they removed their "clothing," and Yuan Yueze finally saw a woman's body for the first time—a completely unadorned, 'natural' body.

The beauty, her eyes tightly shut in embarrassment, her long eyelashes trembling with nervousness, possessed skin like jade, a slender neck, a pair of high, firm breasts, alluring rosy nipples, and a flat, fat-free abdomen. His gaze continued downwards, revealing lush green grass, long, shapely legs, supple and delicate feet…

The young man's heart raced, and he remained motionless, staring intently at the beautiful sight before him, his mind blank.

The passionate kiss had already aroused Shan Meixian's desire, and now she was dazed and exposed. Too ashamed to open her eyes, the beauty, sensing her lover's lack of further movement, peeked out and saw the handsome man beside her staring blankly at her breasts, drool dripping from his lips. She felt an immense sense of pride in her own allure.

"Silly boy, what are you looking at?"

a scolding voice chided, as if reminding him: Don't just look and not eat!

Yuan Yueze, jolted back to his senses by the scolding, was somewhat at a loss. He had never experienced anything like this before, let alone had any experience with it! After a moment's thought, he continued his clumsy attempt to apply the little theory he had learned from books to the beauty.

His technique was indeed utterly terrible, but Shan Meixian was already aroused, and being touched by her lover only intensified her desire.

Finally, the moment of reckoning arrived!

He felt a few brushes against her delicate area, and the beauty trembled all over, but after a few more brushes, the anticipated fullness did not come. The beauty couldn't help but curiously open her beautiful, watery eyes, secretly wanting to see what was going on.

Seeing her lover sweating profusely and still unable to find the right path, Shan Meixian chuckled. Yuan Yueze looked up, feeling incredibly embarrassed, his face turning bright red.

Seeing her lover's anxiety, Shan Meixian suppressed her shyness and guided him onto the right path with her jade-like hand.

"Plop!"

With a sound, the long spear plunged straight to the bottom.

"Oh!"

Yuan Yueze groaned comfortably, while the beauty beneath him cried out in pain as his large "little Ze" swelled.

"Husband...husband, slow...slow down, how...how can it be so big..."

The beauty, who had been celibate for nearly twenty years and was suddenly receiving such a 'huge thing,' trembled and sighed softly.

Perhaps due to the long period of celibacy, Shan Meixian's narrow, tight, hot, and lubricated vagina gave Yuan Yueze an extremely comfortable feeling. His long spear felt as if it were wrapped in a layer of fleshy folds that constantly writhed, and the beauty's jade cave was extremely magical, with the cervix being pressed against by the spearhead constantly sucking on the glans like a nursing infant. The moment it entered, Yuan Yueze, who had never experienced anything like it before, was overwhelmed with pleasure and almost ejaculated. He hurriedly stopped, took a deep breath, and teased, "Meixian is going to drain me dry!"

Shan Meixian only had experience with men and women once, when she was raped by Bian Bufu. She clearly felt that Yuan Yueze's huge member began to swell and throb violently after entering her body, seemingly about to burst her little honey pot. Knowing that Yuan Yueze was about to climax, she also stopped her movements and waited for Yuan Yueze to calm down. Hearing this, she couldn't help but let out a soft moan, a shy groan like a young girl, saying, "You're still teasing me! Oh!"

It turned out that although Yuan Yueze hadn't started his piston-like movements, his mouth and hands were already at work. One hand grasped her left, extremely elastic, trembling breast, kneading and squeezing it with varying pressure. His mouth, meanwhile, took her right breast's brightly colored, erect nipple into his mouth, teasing and licking it. Shan Meixian felt her body growing hotter and hotter, and streams of lustful fluid continuously gushed from the depths of her fully stretched jade pot. Her jade-like skin glowed with a rosy hue, and her slender eyebrows furrowed and relaxed, making it impossible to tell whether she was in pleasure or discomfort. Her small mouth also began to uncontrollably emit seductive moans. Yuan Yueze's other hand moved over her full, yet perfectly flat abdomen, brushing against the pubic hair already damp with lustful fluid, and reached her clitoris, his thumb beginning to tease that most sensitive spot.

Shan Meixian's delicate body began to tremble violently, her long, slender legs wrapping tightly around his waist. Her juices flowed freely from their joined bodies, and her slender waist began to writhe, as if annoyed that Yuan Yueze wasn't thrusting.

Yuan Yueze kissed her sweat-drenched neck as he began to thrust. Inexperienced, he knew nothing of the "nine shallow thrusts and one deep thrust" technique, only knowing to go all the way in each time. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her, and Shan Meixian felt as if she were floating on clouds, experiencing both the boundless love of her lover and the intense pleasure her body was receiving. She instinctively and mechanically responded to Yuan Yueze. When he thrust forward, she raised her round, white buttocks, their bodies tightly joined, without a single gap; when he withdrew, she lowered her buttocks, preparing for the next soul-stirring thrust. With such perfect coordination, they moved in tandem, their pleasure doubling with each thrust.

With each vigorous movement, Yuan Yueze's breathing grew heavier, while Shan Meixian's mind became hazy, her small mouth uttering incoherent cries, unsure of what she was making.

"Ah! Husband...husband, faster..."

Shan Meixian cried out loudly. Stimulated, Yuan Yueze thrust even more vigorously, the pleasurable sensation spreading throughout his body from his massive member. Yuan Yueze groaned, his thrusts becoming increasingly forceful, the point of their union producing a series of sharp, slapping sounds. Shan Meixian's abundant, glistening vaginal fluid dripped continuously, flowing down Yuan Yueze's inner thighs, finally leaving large, faint stains on the white sheets.

"Ugh!"

Shan Meixian's lovely eyebrows furrowed tightly, her slender arms clinging tightly to Yuan Yueze's neck, her head tilted back, a long, plaintive moan escaping her lips, as if she were nearing climax.

Yuan Yueze, full of vigor, felt her narrow jade cave begin to warm and contract, and he thrust even harder.

"Ah!"

After another close connection with Yuan Yueze, Shan Meixian suddenly let out a loud, high-pitched scream. Her slender arms and jade legs tightened simultaneously, her head pressed tightly against Yuan Yueze's shoulder, as if trying to squeeze into his body, almost suffocating him. At the same time, her sweat-drenched body began to spasm violently, her vaginal opening suddenly tightened, and a stream of vaginal fluid sprayed onto Yuan Yueze's penis, clearly indicating that she had reached orgasm.

Yuan Yueze's body, refined by Yun Jizi, possessed extraordinary fighting power. Although he felt the beauty of the woman's jade pot, he did not ejaculate.

After a shiver, Shan Meixian slowly calmed down, lying softly on her back. Her pretty face was radiant with pleasure as she murmured contentedly, "It feels so good."

Yuan Yueze carefully tucked her disheveled hair behind her ears, then kissed away the glistening beads of sweat on her forehead, softly saying, "From now on, Meixian can enjoy this wonderful feeling every day."

Shan Meixian gave him a charming glare, then said shyly, "A young lady can't do this when she's menstruating."

Yuan Yueze scratched his head and chuckled dryly.

Still feeling the firmness of the large object inside her, Shan Meixian said, "My husband isn't satisfied yet. Let me serve you."

With that, she gently pushed, changing to a woman-on-top position.

Having opened her arms, and having grown up in the Demonic Sect, her understanding of matters between men and women far surpassed that of ordinary women. In this lotus-sitting position, Shan Meixian, mature and beautiful, possessed a captivatingly radiant body. Her jade-like face, brimming with spring-like vitality, and her fair, delicate skin swayed with her movements. Her snow-white, full breasts, her slender waist that seemed impossible to grasp, her flat, smooth abdomen, and the alluring mons pubis covered in thick, black pubic hair, slightly arched in an enticing curve, caused Yuan Yueze's enormous member to swell once more. His hands began to caress her alluring, voluptuous body with abandon.

Shan Meixian began to moan again. After several thrusts, perhaps exhausted, she leaned back, resting her white arms on the sheets, continuing her movements in a pose that would make anyone's nose bleed.

From Yuan Yueze's perspective, he saw her legs spread wide apart, and she couldn't help but extend her fingers to part the thick, glossy pubic hair. He could see her pink labia minora parted by the thick, long penis. As Shan Meixian moved, when the huge penis was fully inserted, her labia minora were also pushed slightly into the overflowing opening. When the huge penis was pulled out, her labia minora were parted to the sides, and the bright red tender buds inside her jade pot flesh cave were brought out. Yuan Yueze stretched out one hand, pressing on her clitoris, which made Shan Meixian, who was shaking her head wildly, moan even more urgently. Then, she used her fingers to forcefully spread her labia majora to the left and right, watching the long penis enter and exit the bright red flesh cave, bringing up splashes of lustful fluid. Yuan Yueze felt greatly stimulated. He suddenly lifted her up, holding her round buttocks, and brought her most mysterious and sacred place before his eyes, examining it closely. He parted her labia minora wide beneath the messy hair, revealing a slightly parted opening that was oozing hot steam and vaginal fluid. The complex internal structure was clearly visible, with layers of deep red, folded flesh and clitoris. Yuan Yueze impatiently lowered his head, burying it in her vulva, and used his tongue to part her labia, carefully licking the crevices of her flesh.

The sudden loss of her sense of fulfillment caused Shan Meixian a surge of restlessness. Then, Yuan Yueze's hot breath sprayed directly onto her labia, his tongue swirling inside her, intensifying the sensation. She moaned, instinctively reaching for Yuan Yueze's magnificent, hot member. Turning her head, she saw the purplish-red glans covered in her own fluids, and her lust intensified. She immediately grasped his erect penis, taking the glans into her warm, moist mouth, her tongue circling it, her teeth occasionally nibbling lightly.

The two continued to moan and groan, Yuan Yueze feeling almost out of control. Suddenly, Shan Meixian's slender waist began to twist wildly, as if another climax was approaching.

With a sharp scream, Shan Meixian's legs tightened, reaching another climax, her vagina gushing forth a torrent of fluids that splashed onto Yuan Yueze's face and flowed down his chest.

She also sensed that Yuan Yueze was about to reach his climax, so after the initial pleasure, she immediately got up and kissed him, their tongues locked in a passionate kiss. After they separated, Yuan Yueze lovingly caressed her moist vulva beneath her pubic hair. Shan Meixian, holding his large member, covered in her saliva and vaginal fluid, brought it to her labia minora and gently rubbed it, trembling as she asked, "Will my husband laugh at my wantonness?"

Yuan Yueze kissed her rosy cheeks tenderly and said, "It's a serious matter between husband and wife; just open your heart. You are most genuine now, how could I laugh at you?"

Shan Meixian was overjoyed, feeling the large member in her hand suddenly throb and become even harder. She rubbed the glans against her pink, moist labia a few times, then positioned the large glans at her vaginal opening and forcefully sat down, swallowing Yuan Yueze's thick member whole.

The two began a new round of piston-like movements while seated. Shan Meixian wrapped her arms around Yuan Yueze's head, moaning incessantly and twisting her slender waist wildly to meet his powerful thrusts. Her entire jade cave overflowed again, the tender flesh inside gripping his massive member as if afraid of losing a treasure. Feeling the intense pleasure of the tender flesh gripping his jade pot, Yuan Yueze pressed his head against her full, firm breasts, kissing and sucking them incessantly, while one hand roughly squeezed her breasts until they were deformed. His other hand held Shan Meixian's buttocks, helping her move up and down to meet his frenzied thrusts. Lustful fluids continuously overflowed from Shan Meixian's jade pot, soaking a large area of the bed sheet.

The stimulation of intercourse brought them such intense excitement that their breathing grew heavier and heavier. After another climax, Shan Meixian was completely exhausted. Yuan Yueze felt he was about to explode, so he rolled over, pinning her beneath him, his chest pressing against her breasts. Shan Meixian, breathing heavily, used her last bit of strength to hold him tightly. Her two full breasts instantly turned into fleshy pancakes, and she let out moans that even she couldn't understand. Yuan Yueze thrust wildly, desperately pushing his massive member deep into her body. "Splash," "splash," "slap," "slap"—the sounds of their fluids splattering, the penetration, the colliding of bodies, the slight creaking of their teeth, and their wanton moans intertwined into a symphony of intercourse.

After the beauty beneath him, already limp as mud, let out one last high-pitched and melodious moan, the virgin finally surrendered his virginity. The already exhausted Shan Meixian, overwhelmed by the burning heat, exploded once more. But at this moment, she couldn't even utter a sound, for she had fallen into a deep sleep.

The essence of life merged into Shan Meixian's body, and a wondrous phenomenon occurred. Just as Yuan Yueze was trembling with pleasure, the previously unconscious beauty's delicate body was enveloped in a faint, seven-colored light and slowly floated into the air. After his pleasure subsided, Yuan Yueze remembered that this might be the process his master had described—helping his wife refine her body. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, he decided to keep a close eye on her. About an hour later, the seven-colored light gradually faded. Shan Meixian's delicate body slowly landed back on the bed.

At first glance, Yuan Yueze was startled; the change in his beloved was too drastic. He could hardly believe it. However, since she was now unconscious, he believed that she would surprise everyone when she woke up the next morning!

He held her in his arms, tidied her disheveled hair, pulled the covers over her, and also drifted off to sleep…

The next day, the sun was high in the sky.

Shan Meixian finally opened her eyes, feeling strange yet strangely comfortable. She could sense the movements of everything within a hundred feet, her spirit seemingly returning to the youthful days of eighteen, her body as tender and vibrant as ever. Shaking her head, she looked back at the man holding her, a feeling of boundless happiness welling up inside her. She remembered fainting from her husband's vigorous thrusts last night. The thought of that intimate moment made her blush.

"You...who are you? Why are you in my mother's room?"

The door was flung open, and Shan Wanjing rushed in, staring in surprise at the unfamiliar yet somewhat familiar woman on the bed.

"Wanjing, what's wrong? It's me!"

Shan Meixian said, looking at her daughter with a puzzled expression, sitting up, her beautiful upper body exposed to the air.

"You...you're Mother?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Shan Wanjing also exclaimed in surprise. Then she saw the handsome man she had been longing for sleeping beside her mother, and she no longer cared about her mother's drastically changed appearance. Bitter tears welled up in her eyes, and without a word, she turned and ran away.

04-20
Chapter 005 Famous Throughout the World

Shan Wanjing's boudoir on the Fragrant Ship was the closest to Shan Meixian's room. Putting aside their mother-daughter relationship, Shan Wanjing's status as a princess within the Dongming Sect made her the stable 'second-in-command'.

Yesterday, Shan Wanjing witnessed her mother's life hanging by a thread. In addition, the man she liked was completely focused on her mother, and she had put in a lot of 'efforts' to attract his attention. By the end of the day, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and what was worse, the various negative emotions weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her mentally exhausted. Shan Wanjing was a naturally sleepy and innocent young girl. Having enjoyed red wine and a delicious hot pot for dinner, she went back to bathe and rest afterward, needing a break both physically and mentally.

Back in her room, she sat dazedly in a wooden tub filled with fragrant flower petals, her delicate hands idly splashing water to wash herself, her mind filled with the day's events. While bathing, she vaguely heard strange sounds coming from next door, sounds somewhat decadent, yet also sending a chill down her spine. She gently dried herself, put on a robe, and went out to investigate. She recognized the sounds as coming from her mother, and it seemed to include her older brother Yuan's heavy breathing.

Shan Wanjing was still a virgin, but even so, she knew a little about matters of the heart. Hearing the intoxicating moans and panting breaths, Shan Wanjing, her body weak and trembling, tiptoed to her mother's window. It was nearly midnight, and in the quiet night, the decadent sounds were all the more distinct.

The little girl didn't know why, but she inexplicably pushed lightly against her mother's window. It was summer, and Shan Meixian's window wasn't properly closed. With Shan Wanjing's gentle push, the window opened slightly, and through the crack, Shan Wanjing saw a scene that made her blood boil.

Resentment, sadness, loss, jealousy—a complex mix of negative emotions surged through her. Though her heart ached, a last shred of reason told her: this should be the happiest moment of her mother's life, the culmination of decades of hardship. She absolutely couldn't disturb her mother, and had no right to interrupt the "good show" unfolding inside. Dragging her seemingly uncontrollable body, she mechanically turned, went back to her room, and lay down. Although exhausted, Shan Wanjing kept her beautiful eyes wide open, staring motionlessly at the ceiling. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her mind filled with the scene in her mother's room. Finally, unable to bear the physical and mental exhaustion any longer, she fell into a deep sleep.

As the saying goes, what you think about during the day, you dream about at night. Not long after falling asleep, Shan Wanjing dreamt of her mother and Brother Yuan's intoxicating scene again, and immediately woke up with a start. Realizing she was dreaming, she looked up and saw that the sky outside was already slightly bright. Still thinking about the "good thing" in her mother's room, Shan Wanjing, driven by some unknown force, decided to go and see what was going on: What should I say to them if they're awake? I mustn't panic; I can just pretend I know nothing.

Having made up my mind, I went to my mother's door, but there was no sound inside. Listening carefully, I heard only long, drawn-out breathing: They weren't awake yet? What should I do? Would it be appropriate to just push the door open like this? "Let me peek first."

Without further ado, she went to the window, gently pushed open the pane, and peered intently. She saw a beautiful woman, as lovely as a fairy descended to earth, sleeping peacefully. The scene was so harmonious, so beautiful, that she didn't feel the urge to wake her and disrupt the scene.

"Who is that woman? Why does she have such a familiar aura? Could she really be a celestial being? Why is she sleeping in Mother's bed? Where is Mother? I clearly heard Mother's voice last night, but… but how could this be?"

Dan Wanjing was distraught and lost, her mind racing with wild guesses.

The little girl pondered these wildly for a long time without coming to any conclusion. Worse still, she couldn't calm down and think things through; otherwise, with her intelligence, she could have guessed the gist of it.

The more anxious she became, the more confused she felt, her heart growing increasingly turbulent.

In desperation, she peeked through the crack in the window again. The fairy-like woman on the bed seemed to have woken up, her back to the window, groping for something.

Overwhelmed by all sorts of negative emotions, Dan Wanjing rushed into the room without considering the consequences, demanding to know who the fairy-like woman was.

Upon hearing her mother's familiar voice, Dan Wanjing was about to ask why her mother had changed so much when her gaze shifted, and she saw the man she admired sleeping soundly behind her mother. Upon seeing this scene, she forgot everything else. A surge of bitterness and jealousy overwhelmed her. Without a word, she turned and left. At that moment, her heart was filled with only pain: she only wanted to get away from this place and never see them again.

Shan Meixian had been happily reminiscing about yesterday's romantic encounter when her daughter barged in. She was about to scold her when her daughter uttered the

inexplicable question, "Who are you?" Seeing her daughter's resentful outburst upon seeing her husband lying beside her, even someone as experienced as Shan Meixian didn't know how to handle the situation.

She stood there stunned on the bed for a while before finally snapping out of it and quickly waking her lover. Yuan

Yueze, whose virginity Shan Meixian had taken the night before, slept soundly, even dreaming of riding on her. He was groggily woken, and the drastically changed beauty from the previous night came into view.

"Don't push me away, come on, sleep a little longer."

Yuan Yueze, his words slurred, pulled the beauty into his arms again.

Once they had consummated their relationship, their feelings intensified, and all shyness vanished.

"Ah!"

Shan Meixian was once again lost in her lover's scent.

The virgin comrade, having finally bid farewell to his former single life, was now craving more and was about to conquer her again when Shan Meixian, taking advantage of the last vestige of clarity in her mind, weakly said: "Husband... I can't take it anymore, please stop and listen to me, I'm worried about Wanjing."

"What happened to Wanjing?"

Yuan Yueze asked, bewildered.

So Shan Meixian recounted what had happened, then added strangely, "Wanjing acted strangely when she barged in this morning; she even asked me who I was."

Yuan Yueze looked at the fairy-like beauty before him and laughed heartily. Recalling the changes in Shan Meixian's body after refining her physique last night, Yuan Yueze, who had witnessed the refining process firsthand, was terrified, let alone others.

"Meixian, come and see." "

He conjured a mirror out of thin air and held it a few inches in front of Shan Meixian.

'Ah!'

Shan Meixian exclaimed in surprise. Her delicate body, which had been lying in Yuan Yueze's arms, suddenly sat up again.

In the mirror sat a peerless beauty, completely naked, with skin smoother than a newborn baby's, seemingly about to drip water at the slightest touch. Her features were exquisite, her dignified and holy aura like that of a celestial being descended to earth, making one dare not look up. Her black hair reached her shoulders, her eyes were bright and lively, her nose was delicate and exquisite, her lips were rosy red, her shoulders were snow-white and smooth as if carved by a knife, and her breasts were high and firm, adorned with plum blossoms. She embodied the essence of heaven and earth." Her exquisitely beautiful upper body was exposed to the air.

The woman in the mirror exuded an intoxicating charm, giving one the feeling that even death would be willing to endure it after just one glance. Yet, her face shone with a holy radiance, a kind of ethereal beauty, a transcendence of worldly wisdom. These two seemingly incompatible qualities were perfectly embodied in Shan Meixian.

Gazing at herself in the mirror, even Shan Meixian was captivated.

In truth, Shan Meixian's appearance had simply returned to that of twenty years ago, even more perfect than before. A recreation of her former self. The "Holy Maiden" of the Demonic Sect possessed unparalleled beauty. The biggest difference from before was the addition of a youthful charm and an ethereal grace. And it was precisely these two new qualities that were most captivating.

Yuan Yueze and Shan Wanjing were astonished by Shan Meixian's changed appearance and aura. This was because neither of them had ever seen Shan Meixian from over twenty years ago. Shan Meixian was initially surprised by her youthful appearance, but was immediately drawn to her unique aura.

Practicing martial arts and relying on profound internal energy to preserve youth was a common method among female martial artists of this era, but no matter how deep one's internal energy or how skilled one was at preserving youth, one's aura would easily betray them. Before yesterday, Shan Meixian did indeed look like a woman in her twenties, but the aura of a young married woman was very obvious. Now, although no longer a virgin, she gave off a flawless, youthful feeling. Her body, now a married woman, faintly emitted a girlish fragrance. How could such strange phenomena not shock Shan Meixian!

"Husband...husband, is this me?"

After a long pause, Shan Meixian turned and pointed at the mirror, asking.

"Congratulations, Meixian, on regaining your youth. You're just like me now,"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile. The transition from boy to man had made Yuan Yueze's mentality mature considerably.

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian could no longer care about anything else and threw herself into her husband's arms, which gave her an unimaginable feeling, tightly hugging his strong waist. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she murmured words of gratitude.

Knowing that Shan Meixian's emotions were quite volatile, Yuan Yueze held her like that for most of the day, until Shan Meixian gradually calmed down.

"What did you say happened to Wanjing?"

Yuan Yueze asked after seeing that the beautiful woman in his arms had calmed down.

"Wanjing suddenly barged in this morning and saw us like this, so she ran out crying. That girl is still young and stubborn. I was afraid she would cause trouble if she acted impulsively. Didn't you realize, husband, that she likes you too?" "I was jealous of my mother all afternoon yesterday,"

Shan Meixian said shyly, then chuckled softly.

Hearing this, Yuan Yueze was stunned. From the beginning, his attention had been entirely focused on Shan Meixian. He had no experience with men and women, and his personality wasn't the type to fall in love with every woman he met. Although he was naive, he had his own principles and, though unmarried, understood the responsibilities of marriage. Therefore, he had never considered anything to do with Shan Wanjing. He only remembered her as a lively and stubborn little girl. Besides, Shan Wanjing was Shan Meixian's daughter!

Undeniably, Yuan Yueze was doing well living in ancient times, because his thinking was indeed somewhat conservative.

But he overlooked one thing: himself. He was indeed too outstanding, whether in ancient or modern times. Let's not even mention ... He was no ordinary man; one could easily describe his temperament, his gentleness, his thoughtfulness, his strength, and his genuine nature. If he also possessed rich life experience, this young man could shine brightly even if buried in the ground.

Seeing Yuan Yueze deep in thought, remaining silent, Shan Meixian had no choice but to help him get dressed. Shan Meixian herself discarded the noblewoman's attire she had worn for many years, wearing only a simple white dress that covered her breathtakingly graceful figure. At first glance, she looked like a fairy standing on a cloud. Her hair was no longer styled, but simply draped over her shoulders.

Seeing that Yuan Yueze was still silent, Shan Meixian continued, "Husband, I know your heart. Your affection makes Meixian feel like she's in a dream, but do you remember what Master told you about the deep calamities of love? If you are truly certain that you have no romantic feelings for Wanjing, then I will simply go and speak to her for you."

"Yes! Master said I have a lot of romantic troubles, but right now my heart only belongs to Meixian. I feel like

I'd be letting Meixian down if I even glanced at another woman. But what should I do?" Yuan Yueze's head started to ache again. "I feel like my heart is completely filled with you, Meixian. There's no room for any other woman. I feel like I'd be letting Meixian down if I even glanced at another woman. Besides, Wanjing is your own daughter,"

Yuan Yueze, this young 'old-fashioned' man, said honestly.

Overwhelmed with emotion by her young husband's deep affection, Shan Meixian was moved beyond words, tears of happiness streaming down her face once more: "With such profound love from my husband, Meixian dares not ask for anything more. These days, which man with any ability doesn't have multiple wives and concubines, surrounded by courtesans? So what if Wanjing is my daughter? We are no longer mortals now, why should we constrain ourselves by mortal standards? Besides, even if Wanjing becomes Meixian's best friend, Meixian will feel more at ease. Otherwise, how painful it would be to watch her daughter slowly die after her death! Furthermore, my husband is so powerful, he even fainted last night, I guess he wasn't quite satisfied, it would be good for someone to share the burden..."

Shan Meixian became increasingly shy as she spoke, her voice growing softer and softer. But she knew this wasn't the time for shyness; her young husband needed guidance, and with her greater life experience, she had a responsibility and obligation to help him.

Yuan Yueze was still conflicted, hesitant and unsure what to do. Listening to Shan Meixian's words of comfort, he couldn't help but ask, "But Meixian, will you be comfortable not having a complete husband in the future?"

"I'm a woman too. Of course I'll be jealous. But my husband isn't an ordinary person. He's given me everything I never dared to dream of. He's kind, loving, and loyal. I know he's not a heartless person, and he won't be fickle. That's why I felt comfortable saying those things."

Yuan Yueze, of course, didn't know how he would face other women in the future either. He simply pulled Shan Meixian closer, saying, "I don't know what the future holds, but no matter what happens, if I ever wrong Meixian in the slightest, may I die a horrible death."

Shan Meixian was even more moved by this promise. The two leaned against each other, and time slowly passed.

Finally, Shan Meixian had no choice but to urge Yuan Yueze to talk to Shan Wanjing. Yuan Yueze, feeling uneasy, went out to look for Shan Wanjing, searching the entire ship but finding no trace of her. He asked a few servants, who told him that Shan Wanjing had stormed ashore and left angrily over an hour ago. Seeing her like that, the servants dared not ask any more questions.

Yuan Yueze had no choice but to report to Shan Meixian. Shan Meixian thought for a moment and realized that Shan Wanjing might have run away in a huff. Worried about her daughter, she urged Yuan Yueze to go out and search immediately. Yuan Yueze initially wanted to take Shan Meixian with him. Although Shan Meixian's constitution had drastically changed, she hadn't yet adapted, and her martial arts had been refined away; naturally, Yuan Yueze was worried about leaving her alone. However, after some thought, Shan Meixian still refused. The Dongming Shang faction had already returned to their Ryukyu headquarters for their annual clan meeting, and those remaining in the Central Plains were mostly from the Shan lineage. If Shan Meixian left now, there would be no one to lead the discussion.

Before leaving, Yuan Yueze left the Xuan Tie scroll with Shan Meixian, then set off alone on his flying sword to search for Shan Wanjing.

He flew aimlessly for half a day without finding a single clue, and Yuan Yueze, somewhat discouraged, landed and sat down to ponder. Suppressing his restlessness, Yuan Yueze channeled his true energy, scanning the area within a thousand feet, but found nothing. He had no choice but to continue searching while flying.

Suddenly, he sensed two auras approaching from over seven hundred feet ahead. One was the familiar Shan Wanjing, and the other was clearly a masculine aura. Shan Wanjing's aura was somewhat disordered, as if she had encountered some danger. Yuan Yueze swiftly flew over and landed instantly in front of the two.

The first person he saw was Shan Wanjing, holding a sword in one hand, panting heavily, her delicate body trembling slightly. The ground bore the messy marks of a fight. The clothes on her left shoulder were torn, revealing glimpses of her fair skin.

His gaze shifted again, and three zhang in front of Shan Wanjing stood a middle-aged man with an unusual appearance. He was tall and imposing, with exceptionally broad shoulders, a remarkably slender waist, and long, flowing hair, leaving an unforgettable impression. The wicked look in his eyes as he looked at Shan Wanjing instantly enraged Yuan Yueze.

Upon seeing the man from her dreams come to her rescue in her moment of crisis, Shan Wanjing immediately dropped her sword, threw herself into his arms, and began to cry pitifully.

"Wanjing, don't cry. As long as Brother Yuan has a breath left, I won't allow anyone to lay a finger on you!"

Yuan Yueze gently stroked Shan Wanjing's shoulder, comforting her.

"Wanjing, what do you think we should do with this beast?"

Yuan Yueze asked, bowing his head.

"Brother Yuan, you decide. I don't know either. Just don't let him get away with it,"

Shan Wanjing said shyly, nestled against her beloved's chest.

“Killing this beast who only knows how to bully and humiliate weak women is too easy. The best way is to make him wish he were dead.”

Yuan Yueze also became “wicked.”

He hated men who used force against women the most in his life, and he hated men who only knew how to rape women to the bone.

“What’s going on? Why can’t I move?”

The strange-looking man opposite him was extremely terrified, and cold sweat began to flow down his back. An inexplicable sense of fear filled his heart. He thought to himself, “My life is over!”

Just now, Yuan Yueze was worried about Shan Wanjing’s safety from a hundred feet away, and he had used his true energy to completely lock the other man’s aura, which was why the man couldn’t move.

“Tell me your name, as your last words before you die.”

Yuan Yueze was as direct as ever.

"Kill me? You dare touch a hair on my head, Dugu Ba? The Dugu clan's assassins will hunt you down to the ends of the earth, ensuring you never have a moment's peace!"

The strangely-looking man, trying to seize the initiative, immediately revealed his clan name, intending to intimidate the young man who had inexplicably frightened him.

It turned out he had unexpectedly encountered Dugu Ba, the notorious rapist of the Tang Dynasty. Yuan Yueze thought, his already 'evil' heart instantly becoming even more 'evil': Hmm, I need to think of a way to properly torture him.

Seeing the man embracing the beautiful girl, head bowed in deep thought, Dugu Ba assumed he was frightened by the sound of his family's name and became even more defiant: "Boy, I have no interest in wasting my time with you today. Release your sorcery, I'm taking my leave!"

"Ha-ha-ha!" Three long laughs followed. "The Dugu Clan? A mere Dugu family dares to boast and try to intimidate people? Do you know that in this world, only I, Yuan Yueze, disapprove of anything and anyone, and no one has ever been able to threaten me! Dugu Ba, Dugu Ba, you've run into me today, and you even tried to bully my Wanjing. You're just unlucky."

With that, he embraced the beauty with his right hand, his left hand forming a claw, sword energy flashing between his fingers, five beams of energy shooting rapidly towards Dugu Ba. A bloodcurdling scream, like a pig being slaughtered, immediately echoed through the forest.

With all his bones shattered and five powerful streams of true energy surging wildly through his meridians, Dugu Ba gritted his teeth, raised his head, glared at the elegant man, and said hatefully, "If you have the guts, then kill me, you surnamed Yuan. If I don't die, I will repay you a hundredfold for the humiliation you suffered today."

“Kill you? Wouldn’t that be too merciful? For a beast like you, only slow torture, making you wish you were dead, would be enough to atone for the woman you violated,”

Yuan Yueze said. Then he lowered his head and asked the beauty in his arms, “Wanjing, do you have any other methods you want to try on this beast?”

Shan Wanjing had been incredibly shy since he called her “my Wanjing,” and the resentment she felt that morning had long since vanished. Now, hearing him ask her how else she wanted to torture Dugu Ba, she looked over and saw Dugu Ba lying on the ground, howling in agony, truly wishing he were dead. She couldn’t bear to look any longer and shook her head. “Brother Yuan, let’s go. Let this man spend the rest of his life in endless suffering.”

Seeing that the beauty in his arms had calmed down, Yuan Yueze couldn’t think of any better way to torture Dugu Ba, so he didn’t say anything, took Shan Wanjing’s hand, and left side by side.

The two didn't return to the 'Fragrance Ship' immediately, but instead, at Shan Wanjing's request, slowly wandered through nature. Four days passed, and under Shan Wanjing's enthusiastic and proactive influence, Yuan Yueze, this honest and simple-minded simpleton, gradually grew fond of this slightly eccentric, sometimes warm, sometimes cold little girl. The two seemed to wander aimlessly, taking out various snacks and drinks from their storage bracelets when tired, pestering Yuan Yueze to sing to her when annoyed, and simply falling asleep next to him when sleepy.

In these four days, the two did almost everything they could except for the final challenge. They kissed and touched each other. Shan Wanjing was still somewhat worried about her mother's feelings, reminding Yuan Yueze several times when they were lost at the last moment. As soon as Yuan Yueze heard her mention Shan Meixian, his passion immediately vanished. This simpleton Yuan Yueze seemed to have fallen in love at first sight with Shan Meixian, while his relationship with Shan Wanjing felt like a real romance.

Until the afternoon of the fifth day, the two were once again snuggling by the small lake, whispering sweet nothings. Suddenly, Yuan Yueze stiffened, sensing his beloved man's unusual behavior. Shan Wanjing asked curiously, "Brother Yuan, what's wrong?"

"I sense Meixian is in danger. We must go back immediately."

Having been avoiding the thought of seeing Shan Meixian, Shan Wanjing, upon hearing of her mother's danger, disregarded everything else and immediately agreed.

The two immediately rode their flying swords towards the direction of the 'Piaoxiang' ship, which Yuan Yueze sensed.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the 'Piaoxiang' ship was visible in the distance. It was currently anchored on the riverbank, where many people were fighting, and numerous corpses lay on the ground.

"Meixian!"

With a roar, unaware of what was happening ahead, Yuan Yueze, holding Shan Wanjing, descended from the air.

"Stop!"

A low roar imbued with true energy rang out like thunder in the ears of everyone present. Many with insufficient internal energy vomited blood and fainted on the spot. The rest of the crowd, unaware of what had happened, looked towards the purple-clad man who had just descended from the sky and the green-clad woman beside him.

"Husband!"

Shan Meixian exclaimed with joy, rushing into his arms. With the beautiful woman in his embrace, their true energy resonated, and Yuan Yueze, finding her unharmed, was relieved.

"Meixian, what happened?"

No one dared to move, for the man who had just descended from the sky exerted immense pressure on them, as if any slight movement would surely result in them losing limbs.

As Shan Meixian slowly recounted her story, it turned out that after several days, Yuan Yueze and her daughter still hadn't returned. Worried that Yuan Yueze lacked life experience, she ordered her servants to go ashore to gather information. However, when the defenses on the 'Piaoxiang' ship were weak, dozens of mysteriously skilled men in black launched a sneak attack on her cabin. Shan Meixian was reading a martial arts manual called "Tianwai Xiaoyao Lu" (The Record of the Carefree Journey Beyond the Heavens), left to her by Yuan Yueze. When the group of men in black rushed in, she remained calm and exchanged a few words. She discovered that they were after the Dongming Sect's leader's token, the sect's most prized possession—the "Wanhua Jingjin Pestle." Seeing Shan Meixian's ethereal beauty, the men mistook her for a princess of the Dongming Sect, and some of the less refined ones began to hurl insults and abuse at her. Shan Meixian had never suffered such humiliation before. Enraged, she attacked. Although her martial arts were completely neutralized, relying on her strong physique and past martial arts experience, she held her own against more than twenty experts. Unable to subdue Shan Meixian and inquire about the whereabouts of the "Myriad Flower Refined Gold Pestle," the men in black began hurling insults and vandalizing items on the "Fragrance Ship." The battle then spilled from the ship to the shore. The Dongming Sect's members, though not weak, were no match for these incredibly strange men in black. Coincidentally, they encountered Yun Yuzhen, the leader of the "Giant Kun Gang." The two sects had some prior ties, and dozens of Giant Kun Gang experts joined the fray. Both sides suffered casualties, but the men in black suffered relatively fewer losses. Just then, Yuan Yueze returned, his voice silencing everyone present.

After hearing Shan Meixian's account of what had happened, Yuan Yueze sighed in relief: if Shan Meixian had truly been injured, the blow to him would have been immense.

Releasing Shan Meixian and Shan Wanjing, Yuan Yueze slowly raised his eyes and swept them over the crowd. Everyone present, except for those from the Dongming Sect, shuddered: that gaze was terrifying; another glance could easily kill them instantly. The Giant Kun Gang, originally allied with the Dongming Sect, naturally had some resentment towards Yuan Yueze's treatment, but given his overwhelming strength, they dared not express their dissatisfaction.

Seven men in black remained standing in the center; the others were either unconscious or dead. Staring at one of the men in black, presumably their leader, Yuan Yueze coldly said, "Tell me who ordered you here, and I'll spare your lives!"

"Hmph!"

The leader of the men in black feigned composure, scoffing, "It's not difficult for me to tell you; do you have the ability?"

"In that case, I'll give you a fair chance. I'll attack you head-on with my sword. If you survive, I won't ask any more questions and will let you leave safely."

Arrogant, incredibly arrogant, utterly disdainful of everyone!

Enraged, the leader roared, "It's a deal!

Make your move!" Yuan Yueze nodded to Shan Meixian and Shan Wanjing, his left index and middle fingers forming a sword, his true essence transforming into a silver sword beam. "Take this!"

he shouted, thrusting forward from several feet away. The invisible sword energy instantly materialized into a massive, tangible sword, sparking brilliantly as it pierced the air. The air around the sword's path seemed to be sucked dry, and space itself visibly distorted. It swiftly pierced the leader, who was sweating profusely and forcing himself to muster all his strength.

"Ah!"

With a single cry, a crack appeared at the leader's Baihui point, then his brow, philtrum, jaw, scrotum, navel, and groin.

"Crack!" He was completely cleaved in two, collapsing to the sides.

Several people with weaker constitutions were too frightened to watch. Several women in the crowd turned their heads away.

This was Yuan Yueze's first time killing someone, yet he felt no fear. Perhaps it was because his lover had been humiliated. He continued, pointing at the remaining men in black, "Will you talk or not?"

The remaining men in black began to laugh wildly, chanting in unison: "In the beginning, before heaven and earth existed, there was only light and darkness. Darkness encroached upon light, indulging in its desires. Light entered darkness, surrendering itself to the shifting tides. The sacred teachings are thus, even falsehood is taken as truth. Who dares to obey the command and seek liberation? When the teachings are finished, truth and falsehood return to their root. Light returns to the Great Light, and darkness returns to accumulated darkness. The two sects return to their original state, and the two return to each other." After chanting, one by one, they fell, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. Clearly, they had committed suicide by poison.

Before the last man in black fell, he took out a strange bamboo tube and launched a flare signal into the sky. With black blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, he spoke: "The Holy Venerable One's might shakes the world, granting me eternal life. The Eastern Sea Sect is determined to conquer, and the world will belong to me... "

Before he could finish speaking, he collapsed and died.

Yuan Yueze, having heard the song, realized that these people were from the Great Ming Venerable Sect from beyond the realm. They were after the Eastern Sea Sect, likely needing weapons to build an army.

But who was this "Holy Venerable One" they spoke of? He hadn't encountered such a character in the novels he knew. "

Hmph, I don't care if you're human, ghost, god, or Buddha. You insulted my beloved wife, and I will repay you a hundredfold! "

With that thought, Yuan Yueze roared to the sky. A golden dragon formed from condensed true energy materialized between his brows, seemingly real yet ethereal, baring its fangs and claws, soaring straight into the heavens.

"Holy Venerable One of the Great Ming Venerable Sect, listen carefully! You dared to order someone to attack my beloved wife, Shan Meixian. When we meet again, I, Yuan Yueze, will tear your tendons out, skin you alive, and subject you to a thousand cuts before you die!" Unconsciously

, Yuan Yueze once again drew upon the extraordinary power within his mind. His voice shook the heavens and resounded throughout the land, causing the entire earth to tremble.

Countless martial artists were awestruck by the profound cultivation contained in those words, and various factions began to speculate: Who is Yuan Yueze? Why does he possess such formidable strength?

From that moment on, Yuan Yueze's name resounded throughout the world.

Chapter 006: Amidst much discussion,

seven days after the Great Ming Sect's secret attack on the Dongming Sect.

Uyghur, Gaochang.

A secret room.

The room was simply furnished, with only two people, one sitting and one kneeling.

The person seated was clad in black armor, a black cloak, and a black mask. The pattern on the mask was extremely ferocious and bizarre.

Even more eerie was his flowing, fiery red hair, as if crimson flames were rising from his head. His eyes were filled with a cold, piercing light, making him seem like a black Grim Reaper reborn, or a demon king descended to earth. His fierce and imposing aura was terrifying, shaking one's soul!

The person kneeling below was timid and submissive, trembling and not daring to utter a sound.

"Kai Shan, are you aware that the failure of this operation might bring us a formidable enemy that could shatter the grand plan I've meticulously crafted over thirty years?"

The person on the throne spoke, his icy voice sending chills down one's spine, causing the person kneeling below to tremble violently.

"Your Majesty," the man replied, "before this operation, I did conduct thorough reconnaissance. We don't know where Yuan Yueze came from. We only know that a few days before our operation, he visited the Dongming Sect, acting like an ordinary person, and seemingly an old friend of Lady Dongming, getting quite close to her and Princess Dongming. Later, we discovered that Lady Dongming had fallen unconscious due to a qi deviation during her cultivation, and Yuan Yueze treated her. Since only Princess Dongming accompanied him into the room, the spies couldn't ascertain the details. Afterwards, Lady Dongming was injured..." "Since he hadn't displayed any martial arts skills, I treated him like a doctor and didn't take him seriously. Later, Princess Dongming ran away for some unknown reason, and Yuan Yueze chased after her. I was worried that Yuan Yueze was a hermit master, so I waited until he left before making my move. However, at the most crucial moment, Yuan Yueze descended from the sky, and the Fire Master couldn't even withstand a single blow from him before he was killed without a complete corpse. This failure was my fault, and I humbly request Your Majesty to punish me as you see fit,"

said the person below.

"Who exactly is that Yuan fellow? I believe I know almost all the famous masters outside the Central Plains. Why did we run into this jinx this time?"

the person on the throne sighed.

The person below was even more shocked: Your Majesty's lifespan is nearly a hundred years, and your martial arts can be said to be unparalleled in the world. Since taking over this sect more than ten years ago, you have been riding high and your power has shaken all directions. Today, you actually showed weakness.

"Kai Shan, do you think that Yuan fellow is a match for me?" "

This subordinate dares not presume, but the Holy Venerable's martial arts cultivation has reached the Celestial Realm. I suppose that Yuan fellow wouldn't dare to provoke the Holy Venerable."

The person below said insincerely.

Yuan Yueze's earth-shattering roar had already terrified the respected people of the Great Ming.

"You don't need to flatter me. I know my own strength better than anyone else. I am indeed no match for that Yuan fellow now. I don't even think I have the confidence to withstand his full-force attack. However..."

"If I obtain the He Shi Bi, then even if that Yuan fellow comes in person, I am confident I can kill him."

The person above sighed, his voice no longer as cold as before.

"Has Cihang Jingzhai sent any new information regarding the He Shi Bi?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, two days ago, the Abbot sent a secret letter stating that Fan Qinghui is still biding her time, only holding several secret meetings. Only four people participated; the Abbot was not qualified and was not allowed to attend, so the content of the conversations is unknown,"

the person below replied respectfully.

"Oh? So, even that old nun Fan Qinghui has taken an interest in the Yuan family? Good! We can act after Shi Feixuan sends the He Shi Bi to Luoyang,"

the "Holy One" said.

If Fan Qinghui heard this, she would be incredibly surprised, because Shi Feixuan had been taken into the sect at a young age and had never left the mountain for over a decade, yet this "Holy One" seemed to know everything about Cihang Jingzhai. Their intelligence network was indeed terrifying.

"Have you gathered any other information about that Yuan family?"

The "Holy One" was clearly very interested in Yuan Yueze.

"Your Majesty, the latest news came from near Jiangdu four days ago. Yuan Yueze is only close to Lady Dongming and Princess Dongming, and has not made any special moves. However, our spies say that he seems to possess sorcery, able to conjure objects out of thin air. Moreover, there is even more bizarre news."

"Oh? Such things exist? What is this even more bizarre news?" "

The spies said that Yuan Yueze called Lady Dongming 'beloved wife' that day, which suggests that he must have some dealings with her. Lady Dongming, for some unknown reason, seems to have undergone a complete transformation, regaining her youthful beauty. It must be due to some sorcery Yuan Yueze used." "

...I understand. The failure this time is not entirely your fault. Go and tell everyone not to provoke that Yuan without cause. Gather your strength and prepare to seize the He Shi Bi first."

"Your Majesty," he said after thinking for a moment.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave."

The person below bowed his head and withdrew.

"Yuan Yueze? Interesting, interesting! If there were no such person in the world, wouldn't I be lonely? The rivers and mountains will change color for generations, and I'll roam the lakes and seas with a laugh! Hahaha!"

The "Holy Venerable" muttered to himself with high spirits.

In a small village about thirty miles outside Yuhang City, as the sun set, inside an ordinary-looking house,

there were seven people: two men and seven women.

One woman sat at the head of the table, the other six seated on either side.

The woman at the head of the table had a full, voluptuous figure, elegant and simple, her face veiled. It was impossible to see her face beneath the veil. However, just by looking at her bright black eyes set deep beneath her delicate eyebrows, one could deduce what a femme fatale she was! She wore a simple, elegant white dress, revealing her smooth, translucent skin, which stirred endless fantasies. However, her noble bearing immediately made those with such fantasies feel ashamed. Even her graceful and elegant posture was captivating. Her jet-black hair was secured with a jade hairpin, with a few strands hanging down, light, transparent, and ethereal like cicada wings, complementing her unparalleled beauty and revealing a kind of alluring charm never before seen.

The other six women seated below could also be called peerless beauties, but only one woman could rival the woman seated above in beauty, each possessing her own unique charm.

This was the first woman on the right, who was not veiled. Dressed in white and barefoot, every part of her—from her face and skin to her figure and posture—was perfect! That breathtaking, awe-inspiring beauty, so stunning it eclipses the stars and moon, seems to require the combined imagination and reverie of the entire world to create! This beauty is beyond the reach of the mortal realm; it possesses a sinister beauty that invites descent into hell, an irresistible force that compels one to willingly surrender!

This is the secret stronghold of the Yin Gui Sect, one of the six factions within the Demonic Path.

The nine people inside are all high-ranking members of the sect, wielding supreme authority and decision-making power.

Since ancient times, the Demonic Path has been scorned by the world for its unorthodox thoughts and beliefs, and its wicked and extreme actions. The Demonic Path subsequently retreated underground, operating only in secret, rarely making a public appearance.

Among the current female martial arts masters, two are revered: one righteous and one wicked.

The woman seated there is none other than Zhu Yuyan, the current leader of the Yin Gui Sect, the "wicked" one, and the Demonic Path's "Yin Queen."

In her life, "Empress Yin" not only took in two outstanding disciples, Wanwan and Bai Qing'er, but also had several experts assist her. Among them were Zhu Yuyan's senior uncle, Bi Shouxuan, the most senior member of the Yin Gui Sect who practiced "cloud-rain dual cultivation", her junior brother Bian Bufu, known as "Demon Hidden", and the four beauties known as "Four Enchantresses": Wen Caiting, Danmei, Elder Yun, and Elder Xia.

Seated to the right, at the head of the table, whose beauty and charm rivaled that of the "Empress of Yin," was Wanwan, the Empress of Yin's eldest disciple.

Among the two sects and six paths of the Demonic Path, unlike the Flower Sect and the Heaven-Mending Path, which only had one successor per generation, the Yin Gui Sect's formidable lineup truly lived up to its title as the "Number One Sect of the Demonic Path."

The Yin Gui Sect's high-ranking members were unusually gathered in such large numbers; what was the purpose

of this gathering? "Let's each share the important information we've gathered over the past two months," the Empress of Yin said ,

her voice melodious and captivating.

After everyone reported, the focus naturally turned to the earth-shattering roar from a few days prior. "Wan'er, have you found out whether the 'beloved wife' Yuan Yueze spoke of is your Senior Sister Meixian or someone else with the same name?"

the Empress of Yin asked.

Bian Bufu, seated to the left, desperately hoped Wanwan's answer would be "someone else." Otherwise, thinking of the crimes he had committed against Shan Meixian and the man's terrifying strength, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Wanwan's beautiful eyes sparkled as she glanced at Bian Bufeng. Her silvery voice rang out, "Reporting to Master, Wan'er has received news that Yuan Yueze arrived at the Dongming Sect about half a month ago. Later, somehow, he ended up with Senior Sister Meixian. On the day of the battle, I heard that the Dongming Sect's ships were ambushed by dozens of highly skilled men in black. Yuan Yueze then descended from the sky and killed the leader of the group of men in black with a single move. Afterward, the remaining men in black committed suicide. Yuan Yueze seemed to be burning with rage, roaring to the sky. From his words, it seemed that the mysterious Great Ming Venerable Sect from beyond the realm had sent people to ambush Senior Sister Meixian, which led to the events that followed."

Upon hearing this, a flash of fear crossed Bian Bufeng's eyes, and cold sweat broke out on his brow. Perhaps he should retreat, but where should he retreat to?

Zhu Yuyan glanced at Bian Bufu and said, "I just don't know what his stance is. If he can be used by our sect, then the time for the revival of our 'Holy Gate' will have come."

"Could our sect send someone to approach him and lure him with women or money?"

Bi Shouxuan asked.

"Grandmaster Uncle, I'm afraid this method won't work. According to our scouts, Yuan Yueze's cultivation is at the Celestial level, and he seems to know some magic. Senior Sister Meixian has already undergone a transformation, regaining her youthful beauty. Moreover, I heard that Senior Sister Meixian's current aura is like that of a fairy in the clouds, a celestial being. It must be some kind of magic used by Yuan Yueze. Ordinary women might not catch his eye."

Wanwan interjected.

"How could the women of our Holy Gate be ordinary beauties? Senior Sister Wanwan's looks and charm are among the best in the world. Why not give it a try?"

Bai Qing'er quickly added, giving Wanwan a sarcastic kick.

A fierce glint flashed in Wanwan's eyes. She didn't answer, only looking at her master.

Zhu Yuyan, on the other hand, was in a dilemma: she had caused her own daughter to be orphaned and destitute years ago. More than ten years had passed since they last met, and her daughter must surely hate her to death. Although the Demonic Sect emphasized ruthlessness and cold-bloodedness, Zhu Yuyan was still human. She could repeat herself, but not a third time. Hearing that voice that echoed throughout the world that day was enough for her to understand that her daughter had finally found a good home. That roaring man dared to defy the world for her daughter's sake. What more could a woman ask for than a husband who cared for her so deeply?

But as the sect leader, the sect's interests came first. What should she do? Should she send someone to ruin her daughter's marriage? Should she sacrifice her daughter again for the Demonic Sect's interests? A trace of regret and hesitation welled up in her heart. Zhu Yuyan remained silent.

Seeing the "Empress of the Underworld" on her high throne change her expression several times, the others below roughly understood Zhu Yuyan's current feelings. "The Evil King" can be considered the biggest weakness of the "Empress of the Underworld," and Shan Meixian can also be considered a weakness of the "

Empress of the Underworld," although she cannot be compared with the "Evil King." "Wan'er hasn't had enough worldly experience. I haven't officially sent you out to hone your skills yet. You should seize the time to consolidate the sixteenth level of the 'Heavenly Demon Great Art,' and strive to break through to the seventeenth level within six months. At that time, I can send you out to officially travel the world,"

Zhu Yuyan said after thinking

for a moment. "As for Yuan Yueze, give the order that we must not offend this person or the Dongming Sect. His cultivation is probably such that even all the experts in our sect cannot defeat him. As for how to win him over, I will think about it for a while before deciding. His current enemy should be the Great Ming Venerable Sect." "

In addition, after you return to your positions, you should all send people to collect as much information as possible about this person, so that we can figure out how to win him over."

After everyone bid farewell, they left. Only Zhu Yuyan remained in the room.

She stood up, went to the window, and muttered to herself, "Meixian, are you still blaming me? I'm going to hurt you again this time. I hope you and that man can withstand the test."

After a moment of quiet thought, she wondered: Who was that man who had been appearing in her dreams every night for about half a month? Why had he appeared in her dreams every day for the past two weeks, yet only quietly, smiling at her? That man could be said to have a fatal attraction to any woman, but why did he specifically appear in her dreams? In the past two weeks, her Heavenly Demon Technique had begun to decline; was it her inner demons causing trouble?

Lost in thought, "Yin Hou" continued to gaze out the window, her eyes once again displaying a calm, placid expression.

In Luoyang, in the reception hall of the Dugu Clan, one of the four great clans,

the clan leaders were seated in order.

Seated alongside the patriarch, Dugu Feng, was an elderly woman nearing a hundred years old. Her hair was streaked with white, her eyes half-closed by eyelids, suggesting blindness. Her face was covered in deep wrinkles, yet she exuded an air of nobility. She wore a black robe over a white silk blouse, her forehead prominent, her cheeks sunken, and strangely, her complexion possessed a pinkish hue beyond her years amidst her paleness.

This woman was named You Chuhong.

Among the current female martial arts masters, Zhu Yuyan and Fan Qinghui, one righteous and one wicked, were revered. However, before their rise to fame, the undisputed number one female martial arts master was You Chuhong of the Dugu clan.

If it weren't for the fact that twenty years ago, You Chuhong had suffered a stroke during practice, developing into a persistent and incurable asthma that stagnated her skills, she could absolutely rival Zhu Yuyan and the current head of the Cihang Jingzhai sect.

You Chuhong was shrewd and ruthless by nature, possessing unparalleled martial arts skills. Although she held no official title as the head of the Dugu clan, she effectively commanded everyone like a patriarch! Among the four great clans of the former Sui Dynasty, her ranking was second only to Song Que, the "Heavenly Blade" of the Song clan.

You Chuhong was undoubtedly the most influential woman in the court and the martial arts world. She relied on the jade staff that symbolized her status and her signature technique, the "Cloak Staff Technique," also known as the "Seven Killings of the Cloak," consisting of seven moves, each incredibly ruthless. The jade staff moved, sending sand and stones flying. Its fierce and ruthless nature instilled fear in all who heard of it. These seven moves were: "A Tall Tree Caught in the Wind," "Snowstorm," "A Rumor from Nowhere," "Lightning Speed," "A Devastating Scene," "Stirring Up Trouble," and "Swift as Thunder." Dugu Feng, on the other hand, was imposing and tall, appearing to be only in his thirties. His dignified appearance and imposing presence, coupled with the piercing light in his eyes, made his gaze as sharp as lightning. But Dugu Feng was far from being as upright as his appearance suggested. He was cunning, scheming, and hypocritical. His martial arts skills ranked second in the entire family; otherwise, how could he have secured his position as clan leader?

You Chuhong sighed first, saying, "I didn't expect Ba'er to have offended such a ruthless figure this time. What are your thoughts?"

"Grandma, what's there to be afraid of? No matter how powerful he is, he's just one person. I don't believe he can defeat a thousand troops!"

Dugu Ce said with disdain.

"You good-for-nothing! How have I taught you? To be calm and composed! Otherwise, you'll die out there one day and no one will even know!"

Dugu Feng scolded his useless son with exasperation.

Dugu Ce could only awkwardly remain silent, but his face still showed an expression of defiance.

“Those five strange auras within Ba’er’s body are something that even the combined strength of all the experts in our clan couldn’t dispel. I never imagined that I underestimated that Yuan fellow!”

“Just from the fact that a single sentence containing internal energy could spread throughout the world, one can guess how terrifying that Yuan fellow must be. Although I am confident in my cultivation, I’m afraid I can’t even come close to him. And what about the three Grandmasters? What face do they have to call themselves ‘Grandmasters’?”

You Chuhong sighed.

“But how can this grudge not be avenged? Ba’er is now like a cripple, barely clinging to life, suffering from those five auras within him every day, a fate worse than death. How can the face of our Dugu clan be so easily erased? How can the people of the Dugu clan hold their heads high if word gets out?”

You Chuhong’s cousin, Dugu Wei, an elder of the Dugu clan, said bitterly.

“Indeed, a gentleman's revenge is never too late. We can plan to start with the women around him. Judging from what that man surnamed Yuan said that day, he dared to defy the world for his wife. Although we can't do anything to him, we can use his women to blackmail him!”

Another elder of the clan, Dugu Gang, chimed in.

“Brother Wei and Brother Gang are quite right, but we need to plan carefully before we act rashly. If we don't act, we won't act; but when we do, it will be spectacular!”

You Chuhong nodded.

Lingnan, Jiashan City.

Mingyue Tower, inside the Sharpening Hall.

There was only one person in the hall, a man, the head of the Song Clan, ‘Heavenly Blade’ Song Que!

Song Que stood with his back to the door, facing several treasured swords of various shapes hanging on the wall. Not far in front of him was a huge whetstone, on which more than twenty names were clearly carved, arranged from top to bottom. At the very top of the whetstone was a red line, above which was only one name: Yuan Yueze. Below the red line was another name: Ning Daoqi! The ‘San Zhenren’, ranked first among the three Grandmasters!

"Father!"

A clear female voice rang out from outside the hall.

Song Que slowly turned around, his handsome face solemn. His fair and rosy complexion was complemented by exquisitely sculpted features. Tall and slender yet robust, a wisp of black beard flowed across his chest. His eyes were bright as stars, and his eyebrows were sharp as swords. Although he stood with his hands behind his back, he exuded a natural and unpretentious majesty. He truly deserved the title of "Number One Handsome Man in the Central Plains" back then.

Stepping outside, a woman was already standing there waiting. At first glance, she didn't seem particularly beautiful, perhaps because her features gave her a slightly masculine air. However, her skin was snow-white with a healthy pink hue, her temperament was noble and elegant, her legs were long and her waist was slender, her figure was tall and graceful, and she had bright eyes and white teeth. Her heroic and spirited demeanor was even more captivating. This woman was none other than Song Yuzhi, the youngest daughter of "Heavenly Blade."

"What brings Zhizhi to the Sharpening Knife Hall? Is there something you need?"

Song Que asked gently and affectionately.

"Father, I also want to go out with Second Brother and Third Uncle. I

'm so bored staying in this mountain city all day!" "I haven't seen you so interested in this in the past few years. Didn't you say that going out on a ship is very tiring? Why are you suddenly interested today?"

Song Que teased his daughter, knowing she must have ulterior motives.

"I just want to go out and have some fun. I don't have any particular purpose," Song Yuzhi pouted.

"Father was planning to have you go to Jiangyin in a while. Why not wait a little longer? You're in such a hurry to go out with your Third Uncle, you must have another purpose, right?"

Song Que said with a half-smile.

Feeling flustered by Song Que's gaze, Song Yuzhi lowered her head and said, "I really don't have any purpose. I just want to go out and see the world."

Then she used her trump card, tugging at Song Que's arm and pleading sweetly.

"Alright, alright, then go back and prepare. Remember, you mustn't cause any trouble outside and bring shame to the family. Listen to your third uncle and second brother."

"Okay, daughter understands, thank you, Father."

Jumping up and kissing Song Que, Song Yuzhi happily ran off.

"Could it be that Zhizhi has also developed a strong interest in Yuan Yueze?"

Song Que wondered to himself.

Whew—she almost gave herself away. Song Yuzhi sighed and thought to herself: This time, her third uncle is transporting salt along the Yangtze River. She hopes to meet that famous man who loves his wife so much. The day before yesterday, her scouts reported that he seemed quite young; she had thought he was an old man. Otherwise, how could he possess such profound inner strength? Not to mention anything else, just his spirit of being able to fight ten thousand men for his wife is enough to make any woman in the world fall for him.

Song Yuzhi's curiosity had been piqued; who knew when she would fall for him?

Taiyuan, a mansion under the Li clan, in a quiet little garden.

A young man in his early twenties stood with his hands behind his back. He possessed striking features, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, a handsome face, and a majestic, spirited appearance. His imposing presence and composed regal bearing blended seamlessly, while his humble and friendly smile was like a gentle breeze, inspiring admiration and respect. It seemed to everyone that this man was no ordinary person, destined for great achievements!

This man was none other than Li Shimin, the second son of Li Yuan, the governor of Taiyuan.

After hearing that angry roar from the sky that day, Li Shimin had been utterly shocked. Today, he had pondered many things: what if this man became his future rival? However, if he could win him over, there would be no one left to challenge him, and even sending Yang Guang to his imperial tomb sooner would not be difficult! Suddenly, a voice came from outside: "Second Young Master, the governor requests your presence."

About fifteen minutes later, in Li Yuan's study...

Li Yuan and his three sons and daughter were all present.

"I've summoned you all today to ask your opinions on that Yuan Yueze from a few days ago. I still feel his roar echoing in my ears these past few days; he is extremely dangerous. Fortunately, our Li clan has no enmity with him and is on good terms with the Dongming Sect. Do you have any ideas on how to befriend him?"

Li Yuan asked.

"I also think that man is quite remarkable! If our Li clan can acquire him, our 'great things' will surely be accomplished!"

said his eldest son, Li Jiancheng.

"The key is how to win him over. I imagine many forces, large and small, are planning how to approach him. Our Li clan should not lag behind,"

Li Yuan replied.

"In that case, please give the order, Father. I will prepare to go to the Dongming Sect tomorrow, under the pretext of purchasing weapons to approach him,"

Li Yuanji eagerly volunteered.

"Third brother, have you figured out how to win over Yuan Yueze after you get close to him?"

Li Jiancheng immediately jumped in, trying to suppress Li Yuanji.

"This..."

Li Yuanji was speechless.

"Father, please give the order. I will personally lead my men to approach the Dongming Sect. We will offer them money and beautiful women at will, and I believe we can win their allegiance,"

Li Jiancheng said.

"According to our scouts, Yuan Yueze is spending all his time with Aunt Meixian and Sister Wanjing. I suppose such a person has no interest in money. I also heard that Yuan Yueze used some method to restore Aunt Meixian's beauty. Before regaining her beauty, Aunt Meixian was already a peerless beauty. Now that she has submitted to Yuan Yueze, how could Yuan Yueze possibly be interested in an ordinary woman?"

Li Shimin finally spoke.

Li Yuan gave Li Shimin an appreciative look and gestured for him to continue.

A flash of jealousy crossed the eyes of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. Li Xiuning, however, had remained silent since entering.

At this moment, she probably thought of her second brother's strategy: he was probably using her as a bargaining chip again, wasn't he? For the sake of the family, she was willing to be a bargaining chip! Besides, if she could see the man that Aunt Meixian had submitted to, it might be an eye-opening experience.

"Xiuning's beauty and charm are in no way inferior to Aunt Meixian's, and Xiuning is younger. It's hard to believe the spies' report that Aunt Meixian has regained her youthful beauty. How could such a thing happen? I don't think it's very credible. It's just hearsay. Furthermore, Xiuning isn't very satisfied with Young Master Chai Shao. If Xiuning and Yuan Yueze can fall in love, it would be a great help to our Li clan, and Xiuning could also have a happy marriage. As for Yuan Yueze, my Xiuning submitting to him is a sign of respect. If this matter succeeds, it would be a happy ending for everyone. Judging from Yuan Yueze's willingness to defy the world for Aunt Meixian, we can tell he is a man of deep feelings,"

Li Shimin continued.

He spoke with high-sounding words, claiming it was all for the family, all for his sister. Little did they know, it was he who personally betrothed his unwilling sister to Chai Shao. Now that someone more valuable than Chai Shao had appeared, he immediately used his sister like a commodity to exchange for Yuan Yueze's surrender.

Li Shimin's claim that Shan Meixian could restore her youthful beauty was likely a fabrication; in reality, the major powers all believed the same. In their eyes, how could there be a magic that could restore youth? The main reason was that the information gathered by the various powers was not the most accurate.

"If things are really as Second Brother says, then where do we put the Chai family? Since Xiuning is engaged to Young Master Chai, how can we easily break off the engagement?"

Li Yuanji questioned.

Li Yuan had just heard Li Shimin's plan, which seemed excellent. His only concern was: if the plan succeeded, how would he explain it to the Chai family?

"This matter need not trouble Father, Elder Brother, and Third Brother. If this plan succeeds, I am absolutely certain that I can handle things properly with the Chai family without causing any trouble,"

Li Shimin said confidently.

This is a politician, a born politician, an outstanding politician, a politician one in a million.

Li Yuan was completely captivated by his second son's plan: "If Shimin's plan succeeds, it will indeed be a win-win situation. I originally planned to go to the Dongming Sect to purchase weapons nine months later, but this time I will advance the trip due to the plan. As for how much earlier, we still need to discuss it further. This plan will be handled by Shimin and Xiuning."

Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji's eyes flashed with ruthlessness when they heard that they were not involved.

At the same time, the major powers in the Central Plains, Goryeo, the Turks, and the Tiele were all talking about this person named Yuan Yueze. Countless passionate young people in the martial arts world, full of ideals, admired Yuan Yueze immensely and discussed him extensively. The women also talked about him after dinner, their hearts fluttering with admiration for his loving care for his wife. Some said Yuan Yueze was a handsome young man not yet twenty. Others said he was an old man over a hundred, a cuckolded old man with a young wife. Otherwise, where would he get such profound inner strength? The storytellers in the teahouses even started making up wildly exaggerated stories. As a result, the rumors became increasingly chaotic, with all sorts of claims, even reaching some places where people said he was Ning Daoqi in disguise. Wouldn't Yuan Yueze be furious if he heard this?

Only the major powers had a real grasp of the situation; ordinary people didn't have such a powerful intelligence network.

During the battle, the Giant Kun Gang leader, Yun Yuzhen, and his gang members were all present. The only ones in the world who knew the true details were Yun Yuzhen and his eyewitness subordinates. But for some reason, when someone inquired about Yuan Yueze at a high price afterward, none of the Giant Kun Gang eyewitnesses would answer. It was only said to be the leader's order, and disobeying it would be punished according to the gang rules. Even when Dugu Ce, in a close relationship with Yun Yuzhen, went to inquire about her feelings, he was driven out of the room. Dugu Ce was furious and cursed, but he was helpless.

The world was about to be thrown into turmoil, and the Central Plains and beyond were driven mad by one person.

Chapter 007 Dongming's Triumph

More than ten days had passed since the Battle of Dongming. The Five Fangs' flagship, the 'Piaoxiang', was severely damaged by the black-clad men of the Great Ming Sect and could not sail normally. After discussion, Shan Meixian decided to stop at the shore to repair and settle down, and to give a proper burial to the sect members who lost their lives in the battle, to appease everyone. On the other hand, she also expedited the repair of the 'Piaoxiang', which was already in a dilapidated state.

This place was already in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and there were large cities such as Jiangdu, Danyang, and Wujun nearby. Everyone in the sect was busy with repairs, recuperating, and preparing food and drink, all in an orderly manner.

On the flat, wide meadow along the riverbank, Yuan Yueze, Shan Wanjing, and Shan Ruyin stood silently, gazing several feet ahead.

In the distance, a figure in white, like a fairy in the clouds, could be vaguely seen, her sleeves fluttering, cold as if riding the wind, like a butterfly fluttering uncertainly up and down among flowers.

Then, the woman's speed increased, and a chilling aura began to emanate from her. Looking closely, the fairy had changed her move; she formed a sword with her fingers, and the sword energy at her fingertips moved at will, surging and zigzagging along a path as powerful as a dragon churning a river. The surrounding air was affected by the thunderous sword energy, causing spatial distortion. It was difficult to pinpoint the exact path of the sword energy.

Gradually, the figure became indistinct. After a long while, the woman abruptly withdrew her attack, standing motionless, and the distorted space slowly returned to normal. The woman's figure appeared motionless, yet it was actually elusive, as if she had merged with heaven and earth.

"Clap, clap."

"Excellent! Meixian, using the Heavenly Demon Great Art as a foundation, supplemented by your own understanding of Taoist principles, this technique is no weaker than the original Heavenly Demon Great Art. Such progress in just over ten days is truly remarkable. Although the results are not yet obvious, as long as you persevere, your future achievements will be limitless."

Yuan Yueze, clapping, walked towards the woman with the two women, sincerely praising her.

The surrounding energy finally dissipated, revealing the true form of the white-clad fairy in the center—it was Shan Meixian, who had been reborn.

"This is all thanks to my husband's help in refining my body. I thank you, husband,"

Shan Meixian said sweetly.

How could an ordinary person resist a fairy's coquettishness?

The foolish Yuan Yueze immediately revealed his lustful, lecherous nature.

Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, standing beside him, should have been jealous seeing the two flirting so much. But no matter what, Shan Meixian was now far superior to them in every way. She was ethereal, her robes billowing in the wind. The two young girls stared at her with boundless admiration.

"Meixian, you've changed so much in every way—physically, mentally, and in martial arts. Even people who know you well might not be so sure of your identity,"

Yuan Yueze said, staring blankly for a moment.

The two girls beside him nodded eagerly in agreement.

Since her relationship with Yuan Yueze, Shan Meixian had changed dramatically. Even her own daughters couldn't recognize her at first glance. Of course, Shan Wanjing was also preoccupied with other matters at the time. Even so, one could imagine the extent of Shan Meixian's transformation. Shan Ruyin felt the same way. She had followed Shan Meixian since childhood, for over ten years. Now, seeing her mistress so transformed, possessing an extraordinary body of eternal youth, how could she not be happy? However, the young girl herself still felt a sense of loss. But what was her own identity? Young Master Yuan is my wife's husband. I am of lowly status, so I can only love him silently and watch him secretly.

"Let's go. It's time for dinner. Let's go back and have a good meal to reward our stomachs. It's also a way to congratulate Meixian on her return to the martial arts hall."

Yuan Yueze stepped forward, put his arm around Shan Meixian, and turned to the two maids.

For the past few days, the two had been inseparable, making Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin both envious and jealous. During the few days that Yuan Yueze and Shan Wanjing spent alone together, Shan Wanjing had indeed successfully built a relationship with Yuan Yueze through her charm and methods. However, as soon as he returned to his mother's side, he ignored her completely. Out of a woman's reserve, Shan Wanjing didn't dare to bring it up directly. But judging by the timeline, the Shang clan's gathering should have already ended, and they would be returning in a few days. At that point, rekindling her relationship with Yuan Yueze would be even more difficult. It was best to hurry up and clarify their relationship.

Shan Wanjing followed behind, lost in thought.

These past few days have been incredibly pleasant for Shan Meixian. Her husband dotes on her, treating her like a precious gem. Not only has her body undergone a transformation, but her state of mind has also changed dramatically. She even finds that she no longer hates her mother, whom she has resented for many years, but only feels pity for her. The carefree days with Yuan Yueze make Shan Meixian increasingly blissful, feeling as if she's in paradise, completely forgetting that her daughter looks at her and Yuan Yueze with resentful eyes every day.

An hour later, a large table of fragrant dishes is laid out, and the four of them sit down.

For the past ten days or so, Shan Ruyin has been invited by Yuan Yueze to dine with her every time. She knows that Yuan Yueze is gentle and approachable. Moreover, she harbors feelings of affection for him. Gradually, Shan Ruyin has also opened up. Previously, the Madam and Princess had always valued proper etiquette, but now, the Madam had changed drastically in appearance, temperament, and even mentality, becoming as gentle as Yuan Yueze. She even treated Shan Ruyin as an equal to Shan Wanjing, almost as a form of compensation. The Princess, on the other hand, was completely focused on Young Master Yuan and didn't care about Shan Wanjing at all.

Wine was poured, chopsticks were picked, and the four of them began to eat and chat.

Shan Wanjing was troubled, unable to bring herself to reveal their relationship in front of her mother and Yuan Yueze, and worried about what would happen to her when the Shang family returned soon. She kept drowning her sorrows in alcohol. Drinking alone was boring, so she pulled Shan Ruyin to drink with her. The two women drank until they were completely drunk, behaving wildly. Finally, they passed out on the table, completely dazed.

Yuan Yueze was exchanging glances with Shan Meixian, not paying much attention to the two young maids until they both collapsed. Seeing that the two women weren't completely drunk, only mumbling incoherently, Shan Meixian had no choice but to have someone take them home.

Just as she was about to call for a servant, she heard Shan Wanjing mumble, "Brother Yuan, why can't you treat me like you treat Mother?"

Shan Ruyin, lying to the side, was only calling out Yuan Yueze's name.

Seeing this, Shan Meixian realized that she had been so infatuated with her husband these past few days that she had neglected her daughters' feelings. Looking at Shan Ruyin, she also seemed deeply in love with Yuan Yueze. It seemed the two women had been holding back for a long time, which was why they had revealed their true feelings while drunk. It seemed she had to have a serious talk with her husband about how to treat the two women.

These past few days, Yuan Yueze had gained some experience, and seeing the two women before him, he understood their feelings for him, but he was still confused: on one hand, he didn't want to hurt the two women, and on the other hand, he was afraid of feeling guilty towards Shan Meixian.

He ordered servants to escort the two women back to their rooms and take good care of them, while Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian went for a walk.

The two strolled slowly, nestled together, without speaking.

Finally, they reached a distant grove of trees, where their passion was ignited, and they decided to engage in a thrilling outdoor battle. They fought for over an hour, their bodies undulating, until a soft moan escaped her lips. Shan Meixian, utterly exhausted, nestled in Yuan Yueze's arms.

Feeling his still erect member, Shan Meixian said shyly, "Husband, weren't you satisfied? Let's do it again. I can still take it."

"No need," Yuan Yueze replied, "Meixian must have reached her limit. What if you hurt yourself? How can I disregard your needs for my own desires?"

His masculinity was growing stronger.

Nestled in her husband's arms like a cute kitten, Shan Meixian lowered her head and gritted her teeth, saying, "Tomorrow, let's talk things out with Wanjing and Ruyin!"

"Our business?" With

his beautiful wife in his arms, Yuan Yueze had no mind for anyone else.

“Didn’t they say last time that I approve of my husband and Wanjing’s relationship? We’ve neglected Wanjing these past few days, and judging from today’s situation, she must be feeling very miserable. As her mother, I feel a little guilty. Besides, Ruyin’s behavior today also shows that she’s hopelessly in love with my husband. Let’s just make our relationship clear tomorrow,”

Shan Meixian said, looking up with a face full of happiness.

“To be honest, I’ve been confused from the beginning, and I’ve been conflicted. I’m afraid of letting you down, but I also don’t want to hurt them. I’ve probably been trying to escape these past few days,”

Yuan Yueze sighed.

"My husband values me so highly, yet I cannot satisfy him, leaving me filled with anxiety and unease. Perhaps adding some close female friends would help share my responsibilities and create a large, happy family—wouldn't that be perfect? I did once harbor thoughts of possessing you entirely, but I realized that would be too selfish. You are no ordinary man, and my master has foretold a fate of 'peach blossom tribulations.' I must face it honestly. If we are destined to be together, let us cherish it. To receive even a single day of your love in this life is like a dream, let alone the countless years we will share together!"

Shan Meixian smiled like a snow lotus.

"If we are destined to be together, let us cherish it..."

Yuan Yueze murmured. Yes, wasn't my current behavior an escape? From the moment my master calculated the outcome, my future was sealed. Yet, I clung to the idea of remaining faithful to one woman. Although this concept was about marriage and loyalty to one's wife, fate is fickle, especially when one is caught in a 'path of destiny' that even gods cannot escape. Even if he remarried, his love for Shan Meixian wouldn't diminish in the slightest. Why not face it naturally?

Looking at the fairy in his arms, he felt an overwhelming surge of affection and understanding. This was understanding, wasn't it? Long live understanding!

The knot in their hearts was finally untied. Shan Meixian, who had regained some strength, felt her "fighting spirit" rise again. She mounted her horse and galloped away once more...

An hour later, Yuan Yueze carried the now blissfully asleep Shan Meixian back to their lodgings. Before he even entered the house, he saw Shan Wanjing anxiously waiting at the door, while Shan Ruyin stood behind the princess.

"Brother Yuan, where have you been? I thought something had happened to you and Mother!"

Shan Wanjing immediately asked.

"Ah, well... um... Meixian and I went for a walk. Meixian got tired and fell asleep, so I carried her back."

Yuan Yueze lied, blushing slightly.

His gaze fell on his mother in Yuan Yueze's arms. Seeing her delicate face, adorned with a fairy-like aura, the blush on her rosy cheeks hadn't completely faded. Although Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin were inexperienced, they were still quite knowledgeable. They immediately guessed what the two had done in the wild, and both girls blushed slightly, secretly cursing: "What a mess!"

Seeing the two girls' shy demeanor, Yuan Yueze quickly changed the subject: "Um... um, Wanjing, weren't you and Ruyin drunk? How come you woke up so quickly?"

"I don't know what happened. It seems like in my dream, the 'Concentration Technique' that Brother Yuan taught me before appeared in my mind, and then I woke up. I didn't feel dizzy at all,"

Shan Wanjing said, and Shan Ruyin behind her nodded.

So it was the effect of the 'Concentration Technique'; this thing could even cure a hangover. Yuan Yueze shook his head and chuckled.

"I'll take Meixian back to rest first. You two can go and rest too,"

Yuan Yueze said, turning to leave.

Shan Wanjing opened her mouth to speak, but didn't know what to say. Just as she was frantically trying to come up with an excuse to stop Yuan Yueze, Yuan Yueze suddenly turned around and said, "By the way, I have something to tell you tomorrow. Come over tomorrow morning."

With his inner turmoil resolved, Yuan Yueze was even more charming and masculine, his speech no longer carrying the hesitant tone of before. He turned and left with a carefree and casual air.

The two young maids were somewhat puzzled by Yuan Yueze's change in demeanor, but their affection for him only deepened. Then, remembering that Yuan Yueze had said he had something to say to them the next day, they couldn't help but ponder.

"Brother Yuan won't make me call him stepfather and directly discourage me, will he? What should I do then? But what if he agrees to marry me?"

Shan Wanjing's expression shifted.

"It's understandable that the young master has something to say to the princess, but I'm just a maid, why should he include me in that?"

Shan Ruyin only dared to hide her love for Yuan Yueze in her heart, how could she dare to imagine that he would accept such a thing from her!

They returned to their rooms, and the night passed without incident.

The next morning, the two women specially dressed themselves and then knocked on Shan Meixian's door.

"Come in."

A melodious voice rang out from inside.

The two women took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Inside, a couple sat together at a small table.

They beckoned, and the two women, their hearts pounding with trepidation, came over and sat down.

"Yesterday, my husband and I went out to discuss things for a long time and decided to tell you the results. You can speak your opinions if you have any,"

Shan Meixian said first.

The two women thought to themselves: Here they come!

"Wanjing, do you like your husband? Are you willing to marry him?"

Shan Meixian asked Shan Wanjing first.

"Ah?"

Shan Wanjing was stunned. This question was actually asked by her mother! How embarrassing! Although she secretly harbored feelings for him, Yuan-gege was now of the same generation as her mother, her elder!

Shan Ruyin, standing to the side, lowered her head and remained silent.

Seeing her daughter hesitate and unsure how to broach the subject, Shan Meixian continued, "My husband and I discussed this very matter yesterday. He likes you, but we can't force you. We need to ask for your own wishes."

"But Brother Yuan already has a mother, what use do I have? Besides, wouldn't that mess up the generational hierarchy?"

The little girl forgot that she always called the man who was now her "stepfather" "brother," and said sourly.

"So what? My husband's background is extraordinary, and he will transcend the three realms in the future, unmatched by anyone. He is also loyal and righteous. Even if he were to possess the world, he would be fully qualified!"

Shan Meixian said generously.

"Is what Mother said exactly what Brother Yuan himself thinks?"

Shan Wanjing insisted on hearing it from him to feel at ease.

"Yes, Wanjing, Meixian and I talked about it yesterday, and we've thought it through. However, we can't force you just because I like you unilaterally, so we need to ask for your thoughts."

Yuan Yueze said very naturally. Opening her arms wide, she cried, "If you're willing, then come over..."

Tears of emotion welled up as Shan Wanjing rushed forward, her small fists raining down on Yuan Yueze's chest. "You jerk, you jerk! Do you know how long I've waited for you to say that? Do you know how heartbroken I am seeing how good you are to my mother?"

"Alright, Wanjing, the good days have finally arrived. Enjoy them slowly,"

Yuan Yueze said, gently stroking Shan Wanjing's trembling shoulders.

He then gestured to Shan Meixian, who wisely pulled Shan Wanjing into her arms, smiling lovingly as she stroked her daughter's flowing hair. She finally had no regrets! Her daughter's future was settled!

Yuan Yueze looked at Shan Ruyin, who still dared not raise her head. "Ruyin, why don't you raise your head? I have something to say to you too."

Shan Ruyin couldn't imagine what Yuan Yueze would say to her. Was he telling her to stop overthinking? But she couldn't control herself! The more she thought about it, the less she dared to raise her head.

"Ruyin, I've watched you grow up since you were little, like Wanjing, you're like my daughter. Are you willing to lower yourself to marry your husband?"

Shan Meixian turned to Shan Ruyin and asked.

Shan Ruyin's delicate body trembled. Something she had never dared to imagine was actually happening to her. She was a little confused, a little happy, and a little scared. She kept her head down, not daring to look up.

"Meixian is right. Ruyin, are you willing to lower yourself to marry me, Yuan? If you're not willing, I can't force you to marry me, this 'toad' who wants to eat 'swan meat,' can I?"

Yuan Yueze laughed.

Hearing his amusing words, the three women all chuckled. Yuan Yueze felt as if he had fallen into a garden of a hundred flowers.

Shan Ruyin finally raised her head: "But...but, young master, I...I..."

She stammered, unable to speak: What was her status? This man in front of her was no ordinary person. He liked the lady and the princess, which was understandable, but she was just a lowly maid. She would never dare to aspire to him!

“Since Ruyin isn’t interested in your husband, let’s just forget about it. We can’t force you, sigh.”

Seeing Ruyin’s expression, Shan Meixian’s mischievous side was aroused, and she teased her with feigned regret.

“No…no…Madam, this servant is willing, Ruyin is willing…”

Hearing Shan Meixian’s words, Ruyin immediately panicked, no longer caring about status or hierarchy, and hurriedly looked up to explain. But when she looked up, she saw Shan Meixian and her daughter, as well as Yuan Yueze’s mischievous smile. She immediately realized she had been tricked, her jade-like neck turning red with embarrassment, and she lowered her head tightly, never daring to look up again.

Yuan Yueze couldn’t bear to see her continue to be embarrassed, so he went over and hugged her tightly: “Ruyin will be the same as Meixian and Wanjing from now on. Don’t look down on yourself anymore. I’ll treat you all the same.”

Ruyin leaned shyly against the man’s chest, smelling his pleasant scent, as if in a dream: Oh my god, the man she secretly loved wanted her to marry him, and she had agreed. Moreover, he showed no sign of belittling me, even saying he would treat me like a lady or a princess. Am I dreaming? If it is, please don't let me wake up!

With the two women's affairs completely resolved, and now having three wives, Yuan Yueze couldn't help but feel elated.

A mischievous thought arose, and he lowered his head to Shan Ruyin, who was buried in his arms, and said, "Ruyin, call me 'husband' so I can hear it."

"Husband...husband..."

After a long while, Shan Ruyin finally managed to utter a sound like a mosquito's hum, and after speaking, she seemed to have used up all her strength and became limp.

"Wanjing, call me 'husband' too."

Shan Wanjing, on the other hand, was generous and straightforward, saying "husband" directly. Yuan Yueze laughed heartily, and Shan Meixian also looked at her daughter with satisfaction.

Then Yuan Yueze pointed at Shan Meixian and said, "You two will have to call Meixian 'sister' from now on, so hurry up and call her that?"

When the three women heard this guy acting so recklessly, they all blushed and spat in unison. Although they would be sharing the same husband in the future, and in terms of seniority, Shan Meixian should indeed call her "Sister," Shan Wanjing had always called her "Mother" since she could speak, so she simply couldn't bring herself to say "Sister." Shan Ruyin, on the other hand, had always been a maid, and in her memory, the mistress had always been high and mighty; calling her "Sister" was something she simply couldn't do.

Seeing the two young girls so embarrassed, Shan Meixian couldn't continue to play along with their antics and changed the subject: "The Shang family will be back soon. Wanjing and Shang Ming are already engaged, but your husband is incredibly capable, and we hope to peacefully dissolve the engagement."

Upon hearing this, Shan Wanjing also became nervous, forgetting her shyness, and looked at Yuan Yueze with expectant eyes.

After a moment's thought, Yuan Yueze said , "Breaking off the engagement isn't difficult; what I'm concerned about is something else."

"Something else?"

Shan Meixian asked curiously.

"Meixian, you should know my ambition is to live a carefree and unrestrained life. I've also thought about taking you all on a journey around the world together sometime, living a free and easy life. This time, I want to resolve the Dongming Sect matter completely. Would you be willing to come with me?"

"Yes, I'm tired these past years, fighting for fame and fortune, weighed down by the responsibilities of the sect. Now that I've seen my husband, I've seen through everything. If things can be resolved properly, everyone will be happy. But if we leave, what will become of the Dongming Sect? My godmother entrusted the entire Dongming Sect to me back then; I feel I'm letting her down if I leave like this. But I also don't want my husband to get into too much trouble,"

Shan Meixian said worriedly.

“It’s only natural for Meixian to have such thoughts. She’s clear about her grudges and values relationships. The marriage arrangement is easy to handle, but how to deal with the Dongming Sect and what its future holds is a difficult problem.”

“I understand Meixian’s concern for the future of Dongming. But think about it, even if you continue to hold the reins now, what about later? The successor’s talent and virtue can’t possibly be exactly like yours. The Dongming Sect’s main business is the sale of weapons, and it has always maintained ties with various major powers. But because of this, all the powers are very wary of you. In times of chaos, the Dongming Sect’s weapons business will be very prosperous, but once the world is at peace, the Dongming Sect will be the first to be eliminated. Everything in the world is governed by people and determined by people. A hundred years from now, rise and fall, prosperity and decline, are not something that our predecessors could control.”

Yuan Yueze said with a slight sigh.

“My husband is right. I was just too impatient. The Shang family does have their own selfish motives, but if we hand over the entire gang to them, I believe they will manage it carefully. They've been fighting with the Shan faction because they've been suppressed and are unwilling to accept it.”

Shan Meixian had come to terms with it.

“That’s good. Let’s just wait for them to come back. After we’ve settled everything, I’ll take the three of you out to enjoy life. What’s the fun in being cooped up in a gang all day? Look at all the other people in the world who are going crazy for power and fame.”

With their worries gone, the four of them started laughing and chatting again.

That night, Shan Meixian led Yuan Yueze to Shan Wanjing’s boudoir. Without thinking, Yuan Yueze knew what she meant.

When he arrived at Shan Wanjing’s elegantly decorated and luxurious boudoir, he saw her sitting on the embroidered bed, lost in thought. When her eyes met Yuan Yueze’s as he entered, her pretty face immediately flushed red, and she quickly lowered her head. However, she was only wearing a thin nightgown, and her upright posture perfectly revealed her exquisite and graceful figure. A faint floral fragrance filled the boudoir, indicating she had just bathed.

Yuan Yueze approached her, placing one hand on her chiseled shoulder and gently lifting her chin with the other, meeting her gaze. He sighed, "Heaven has been kind to me, allowing me to become the princess's husband."

Shan Wanjing's face flushed even more, letting out a soft moan as she slumped into his arms.

Yuan Yueze lowered his head to her lips, teasing her tender, alluring vulva. His large hand nimbly slipped inside her collar, touching her smooth, pink flesh.

Shan Wanjing's body trembled and writhed, her moans growing louder.

Yuan Yueze's hand lingered on her soft, pert buttocks for a while, his middle finger sliding down the crevice between her labia. When his fingertip touched her sensitive clitoris and perineum, Shan Wanjing's body stiffened, her moans turning into a mixture of pleasure and pain. Yuan Yueze moved forward slightly, his fingertips immediately touching the entrance of the girl's jade pot. The slippery, moist sensation told him that Shan Wanjing was already aroused. At the same time, Shan Wanjing let out a

soft "Ah!" and squeezed her legs together, pressing her head tightly against Yuan Yueze's chest, her breathing becoming heavy. When she came to her senses, she was shocked to find herself completely naked, and Yuan Yueze was staring dumbfounded at her precious body. She closed her eyes shyly, letting Yuan Yueze feast his eyes on her beauty.

Yuan Yueze stared unblinkingly at the sexy and alluring body before him, feeling an indescribable temptation. Her delicate, rosy face, long, white neck, and full, firm breasts on her snow-white chest with pink nipples, slender yet strong waist, and long, shapely legs without a single flaw, were all beautifully proportioned. At her most mysterious spot, her pubic hair was neither too thick nor too thin, but neatly arranged, like a brush forming a black mountain range.

He bent down to kiss her again, his hands gently parting her tightly closed legs. Starting from her forehead, he kissed her beautiful eyes, her delicate nose, her small ears, her cherry lips, her breasts, and her lower abdomen, his kisses filling the air with a delicate fragrance. Finally, the girl's most mysterious place was revealed to Yuan Yueze: a soft mons pubis covered in lush pubic hair, a slightly parted, tender slit, and pink labia minora glistening with vaginal fluid, giving an indescribable sense of eroticism. Because her legs were spread so wide, even her tiny, bud-like anus was faintly visible. Yuan Yueze kissed her deeply, licking her pink petals like an ice cream cone. His fingers occasionally pressed the cute little red nipples on her vulva, and soon he felt nectar flowing out, making her alluring vulva moist. His thick tongue moved in and out of her fleshy opening, greedily exploring the layers of secret jade cave. Gradually, Shan Wanjing's lustful fluids flowed more and more, and Yuan Yueze greedily sucked them in like a thirsty traveler in the desert. In no time, his mouth was full of Shan Wanjing's smooth, sweet lustful fluids, and his nostrils were filled with the unique, most private scent of the girl's hidden forbidden land.

A strong stimulation surged through her body like an electric current. Shan Wanjing's beautiful face flushed red, her slightly closed eyes were watery and intoxicatingly alluring, and as her body trembled, she let out a dazed moan.

However, Yuan Yueze's movements seemed a bit too forceful. If the girl's clitoris wasn't fully exposed, it wasn't wise to rush things. Hearing her painful moans, Yuan Yueze knew he'd used too much force. He sucked another mouthful of her vaginal fluid, then stood up and kissed her lips, transferring the slightly salty, sticky liquid to her. Shan Wanjing swallowed it, only realizing it was her own secretion. A wave of nausea washed over her, but at the same time, she felt an indescribable thrill.

Knowing she was already aroused, Yuan Yueze gently rubbed his large member against her labia a few times before slowly thrusting into her incredibly tight opening. A soft "plop" was heard as the two tender labia were roughly parted, softly welcoming the invasion of his large member.

Shan Wanjing's eyes immediately welled up with tears from the pain.

Having just broken through the hymen, Yuan Yueze wasn't in a hurry. He gently kissed and soothed her, taking about half a cup of tea's time before finally inserting his entire member into Shan Wanjing's jade cave. After fully penetrating, Yuan Yueze stopped, feeling that Shan Wanjing's vagina was exceptionally tight, warm inside, with a wet and soft sensation tightly embracing his penis. The sensation was indescribable.

Pain had been replaced by pleasure, and Shan Wanjing let out a soft moan from the feeling of fullness. A pleasant and comforting sensation emanated from the vaginal walls tightly gripping the hard penis, flowing throughout her body and penetrating her heart and mind. That full, tight, and satisfying feeling, that fiery urgency, made Shan Wanjing completely forget the pain of her first time being deflowered and the bitterness of losing her virginity. In its place rose a strong carnal fire. The heroic and pure-looking Princess Dongming blushed crimson, her heart filled with shyness, her body both tingling and numb, obsessively enjoying this tight and satisfying pleasure.

After savoring the initial sensation of penetration, Yuan Yueze began thrusting, gradually increasing the force. Shan Wanjing's mind went blank; aside from the seductive moans emanating from her bright red lips that aroused Yuan Yueze's animalistic instincts, she could remember nothing else.

She only felt her vagina becoming increasingly slippery and pleasurable, and Yuan Yueze grew more and more excited, beginning a frenzied thrusting. The sounds of

"plop!"

and "plop!"

grew louder, and Shan Wanjing's moans became increasingly louder.

His glans relentlessly pounded against the girl's delicate cervix, his scrotum slapping against her labia—the captivating sounds were truly a beautiful symphony.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Shan Wanjing's body convulsed, she screamed, and her jade legs tightly wrapped around Yuan Yueze's waist. Her flower path convulsed violently, and she reached her first orgasm.

After a long while, when she came back to her senses from the wonderful feeling, Shan Wanjing found that Yuan Yueze was still full of energy, but she had just lost her virginity and could not enjoy pleasure for a while, so she had to call Shan Ruyin.

Shan Ruyin had been eavesdropping outside, and she was so embarrassed that she was completely powerless. When Yuan Yueze opened the door, he saw her and glanced at the huge thing standing tall under his robe. Shan Ruyin let out a soft moan and fell directly into Yuan Yueze's arms, not daring to open her eyes again.

Watching Yuan Yueze carry the trembling Shan Ruyin inside, Shan Wanjing, having regained some strength, teased, "This little girl has delivered herself to my doorstep; what a lucky husband she is!"

Shan Ruyin's face burned, and she dared not answer. Yuan Yueze, however, reached out and grabbed Shan Wanjing's breast, eliciting a groan and a plea. Yuan Yueze then covered her with the blanket and began to undress Shan Ruyin. While kissing her small mouth, Yuan Yueze unbuttoned her outer garment, then her belt, and after the outer robe, her inner garment, and finally her undergarments. Layer by layer, her graceful and shapely body was finally fully revealed. Although not as perfect as Shan Wanjing's, it was still quite attractive.

Shan Ruyin's body was hot and weak, and she involuntarily hugged Yuan Yueze back, returning his kisses passionately.

Yuan Yueze released her swollen lips and lowered his head to kiss her firm, pink nipples. Shan Ruyin's body trembled violently, no longer caring about shyness, and she moaned in a daze.

Moving downwards, Yuan Yueze finally buried his head between her two snow-white legs, his heavy, hot breath spraying onto her labia, treating her the same way he treated Shan Wanjing.

Under Yuan Yueze's oral service, Shan Ruyin's virgin body reacted with excitement and enjoyment, her lovely labia wet with saliva and vaginal fluid.

Yuan Yueze kissed her lips again, his long spear aimed at the entrance, ready to move.

"Ah!"

With a muffled groan, Shan Ruyin's legs suddenly bent, clamping tightly around Yuan Yueze's waist, her brows furrowed tightly.

How could this young girl withstand the penetration of such a massive object!

Having pierced that thin membrane, Yuan Yueze used the same method of both pain and soothing. Shan Ruyin's pain gradually subsided, and the head of the massive member finally pressed against her clitoris.

Shan Ruyin groaned ecstatically, her cries turning into sounds of pleasure and ecstasy. Seeing the situation improve so much, Yuan Yueze seemed greatly encouraged and began to thrust harder, pumping back and forth repeatedly. Shan Ruyin's virgin, tender flower passage tightly gripped the massive member, the tender inner walls scraping against the large head of the penis, making Yuan Yueze groan with pleasure, and his movements became increasingly larger.

Having regained some strength, Shan Wanjing's face was flushed. Her large, watery eyes stared unblinkingly at the erotic scene unfolding before her. Her desire was reignited, and she unconsciously began to gently knead her breasts. The intoxicating sensation immediately overwhelmed her senses. Her slender fingers lightly played with her nipples, while her other hand eagerly reached between her legs. She spread one leg wide to facilitate masturbation, forgetting not only that she had just lost her virginity but also how lewd the action was. Driven by lust, the princess acted purely on instinct, her inexperienced fingers teasingly kneading her clitoris. With each touch, she quickly became extremely aroused; her nipples hardened, her breathing deepened, and she emitted muffled moans.

The two, engrossed in their battle, were oblivious to the commotion around them. Completely absorbed in their "fight," Yuan Yueze was deeply absorbed in his "battle." Shan Ruyin's cervix tightly gripped the glans of Yuan Yueze's penis, as if possessed by a powerful suction, constantly drawing in his glans like lips. A surge of intense pleasure rushed to his head, and Yuan Yueze, like a madman, thrust in and out relentlessly. His hands, of course, were not idle either, pressing against her breasts, which undulated rhythmically with her body, grasping and kneading them tightly, occasionally rubbing her erect nipples with his fingers.

After Shan Ruyin reached her first climax, Yuan Yueze enjoyed the massage of her "jade pot flesh," comforted her, and then pulled Shan Wanjing, who had masturbated but hadn't reached orgasm, to join the fray.

The two women were exhausted after their second round of pleasure, but Yuan Yueze's body was too strong, showing no signs of climaxing. Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, both virgins, were too weak to continue, but unable to resist the temptation of refining their bodies, Yuan Yueze's eyes darted around, and he told the two women to go to sleep.

He knocked a few times on the cabin deck, and soon, Shan Meixian from next door appeared at the door.

Having listened to the erotic music for so long, Shan Meixian's body was burning hot. Finally, the room next door quieted down, and hearing Yuan Yueze's signal,

she came to see what was happening. As soon as she opened the door, the lewd smell assaulted her nostrils, and Shan Meixian's pretty face immediately flushed red. The two women on the bed were breathing evenly, seemingly asleep from Yuan Yueze's onslaught. Seeing his still erect member, Shan Meixian immediately understood that he hadn't yet reached his climax. But she hesitated. Although mother and daughter had agreed to share a husband, doing the most intimate things between husband and wife in one bed was still too shameful. Yet, a strange thrill surged within her. Yuan Yueze's appearance had drastically changed her worldview and values; it was as if she were now immortal, something she could never have dreamed of before. But her long-standing reserve made her momentarily unsure whether she should go to the bedside and do the most wonderful thing in the world with Yuan Yueze.

Looking at the beautiful woman in a pure white robe at the door, who looked like a goddess emerging from the water, her face so beautiful that it would shame the flowers and eclipse the moon, her fair and delicate skin with veins faintly visible on her slender, translucent, snow-white hands, and the gentle and charming allure that combined holiness, nobility, elegance and dignity, Yuan Yueze's eyes softened, and his mind involuntarily conjured up the image of her lying prostrate, wanton and submissive. With a burst of true energy, he immediately pulled Shan Meixian into his arms like leaves from a tree.

Seeing the look in Yuan Yueze's eyes, Shan Meixian's pretty face flushed even more, a feeling of boundless happiness welling up inside her. She gently pressed her head against his chest and murmured, "Do you want me and Wanjing to keep you company, my husband?"

Yuan Yueze stroked her long hair and said, "That depends on whether you're willing or not. To be honest, I think it would be better if we slept together from now on. Otherwise, if I spend every night with one of you, I'll always feel like I'm neglecting you."

Shan Meixian said, "My husband is right. I see Wanjing and the others are asleep too. Let me help you. We should help them refine their bodies quickly."

After saying that, her body slid down like a water snake, her slender hand grasping the spear, and she swallowed the huge spearhead into her wet mouth. Her tongue also began to move. Her nimble little tongue and the seductive smile on her beautiful face gave people a very shocking feeling. A chaste woman and a wanton woman were one, this was probably what it meant! One moment she was as pure and beautiful as a secluded orchid in a valley, the next as alluring and captivating as a blooming peony, making Yuan Yueze ecstatic. His large hands began to undress her, kneading her breasts.

The two women, Shan Wanjing and Shan Meixian, hadn't actually fallen asleep; they were just tired and needed rest. But Yuan Yueze had called Shan Meixian in and, without a word, began performing a lovemaking act. Even Shan Wanjing blushed at the sounds her mother made when kissing Yuan Yueze's penis. Her heart pounded, a thrill rising within her. She secretly opened her eyes, wanting to see her mother's "technique" so she could learn a few moves herself. Shan Ruyin was even more terrified. The madam had always been aloof and cold to everyone. Although her personality had changed drastically after following Yuan Yueze, she had never imagined witnessing her wanton behavior in her boudoir. The young maid dared not get up, so she could only feign sleep and wait and see.

Shan Meixian was highly skilled, making Yuan Yueze moan with pleasure. Then he chuckled, pushed her onto the bed, and pulled her to his side. The two immediately assumed a "69" position. Shan Meixian, whose clothes were almost completely off, was beautiful and charming, like a flawless piece of jade. Her alluring body seemed to radiate a holy light. Her eyes were seductive, her hair was disheveled, and her lower body was exposed in front of Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze bent her thighs and gently swayed them from side to side, carefully observing her lower body before kissing her already overflowing valley.

Shan Meixian, who had been carefully savoring Yuan Yueze's spear, paused. Her phoenix eyes closed slightly, her face flushed crimson with extreme shame, and her tender vulva gushed forth nectar, the thick pubic hair glistening, even her crotch becoming wet. Yuan Yueze opened his mouth and took her full vulva into his mouth, sucking hard, his tongue swirling wildly.

Shan Meixian groaned, immediately arching her back, her jade buttocks twisting, seemingly trying to escape the stimulation, yet also seemingly responding to Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze sometimes pursed his lips, sometimes sucked, sometimes gently licked with his teeth, sometimes teased and squeezed with the tip of his tongue, making "tsk tsk" sounds, his heart filled with genuine excitement.

Shan Wanjing stared in disbelief. The two had fallen in this direction, and the image of Yuan Yueze kissing her mother's vulva was just inches away. The sight of her mother's gushing fluids and the pink opening made her heart race. While she was still in a daze, Yuan Yueze gently tapped her with his finger. Looking over, she saw Yuan Yueze's tongue kissing Shan Meixian's vulva, while he gestured for her to feel it too.

Shan Wanjing's face flushed crimson, as red as a blooming peach blossom. Seeing that her mother, who was currently enjoying Yuan Yueze's penis and moaning incessantly, couldn't see this scene from their position, she instinctively leaned forward to carefully observe this sacred place she had passed by on her birth.

Her pubic hair, slightly thicker than her own, was already wet and parted to the sides. Yuan Yueze was using his fingers to separate the two large labia, gently licking the two tender, delicate petals inside, as well as the bright red clitoris where they met. Clear, transparent vaginal fluid gushed from her own jade-like opening. The stimulation in Shan Wanjing's heart grew stronger and stronger. When Yuan Yueze pulled her jade fingers to Shan Meixian's perineum, she jolted and forcibly withdrew her hand.

On the other side, Shan Meixian was completely unaware. She frowned and opened her mouth, her two round and slender jade legs spread wide, constantly swallowing Yuan Yueze's spear. A series of beautiful moans escaped her throat. Her jade hands tightly hugged Yuan Yueze's waist, her body trembling more and more violently, and her moans growing louder and louder. Yuan Yueze glanced at the dazed Shan Wanjing and gestured for her to come up and experience it. For some reason, Shan Wanjing actually brought her small mouth closer and gently licked her mother's full, honeyed lips with her little tongue. Yuan Yueze then inserted two fingers into her jade cave and began to probe. Shan Meixian, already lost in passion, could not notice anything amiss. She only felt as if thousands of tiny insects were crawling inside her vagina, her nipples felt like they were being bitten by ants, and her breasts felt like they were constantly growing larger and larger. Her legs were uncontrollably spreading wider and wider, and the flow of fluid in her vagina was becoming faster and faster. While swallowing and expelling Yuan Yueze's huge member, she was emitting moaning sounds.

As Shan Wanjing enjoyed the intoxicating sensation of Yuan Yueze's constant caresses of her body, she imitated him, savoring the fragrant garden before her mother. The stimulation grew stronger, and her newly deflowered entrance began to gush forth, soaking a large patch of the disheveled sheets.

Shan Ruyin, watching from the side, was already stunned.

"Ah!"

Shan Meixian suddenly let out a high-pitched moan, her legs snapping shut, her body trembling. Caught off guard, Shan Wanjing's face was drenched by the gushing fluids, her neck tightly gripped by her mother, causing her to cry out in pain. Shan Meixian, who had

just reached a small climax, heard the sound from below and hurriedly released her legs. Looking in surprise, she saw her daughter covered in sticky fluid; how could she not guess that she had just been brought to orgasm by her daughter's mouth? Mother and daughter stared at each other, their faces flushed, unsure what to say.

Yuan Yueze pulled the spear from Shan Meixian's hand and kissed away the wetness on Shan Wanjing's face, the scene as lewd as could be. He held the mother and daughter in his arms and said, "Don't be shy, this is a secret between us as husband and wife, no one else will know."

The mother and daughter both lowered their heads, feeling a mixture of shyness and excitement, and for a moment they didn't know what to say. Yuan Yueze knew they were embarrassed, so he kneaded their breasts. The two women were already overflowing with lust, and under the pressure of passion, they both thought to themselves, "Forget it, what's the point of saving face between husband and wife?" From the moment they decided to share their husband, they should have foreseen today's scene. So they looked at each other and saw a look of relief in each other's eyes. Mother and daughter smiled at each other.

"Wanjing, let Meixian demonstrate for you first."

Yuan Yueze chuckled, lifting Shan Meixian up. The two, man on top, joined together skillfully. Shan Meixian, now completely uninhibited, let out a satisfied sigh from the fullness of his massive member. She then twisted her slender waist, swaying her moist, snowy buttocks, rhythmically manipulating Yuan Yueze's penis. At first, she didn't moan, but after a hundred or so thrusts, she was completely lost in the moment, crying out loudly, seemingly forgetting her daughter's existence.

Just moments before, seeing her lustful mother kissing her secret garden, Shan Wanjing's own jade cave had unknowingly secreted a trickle of fluid. Now, seeing this scene before her, she felt an intense emptiness within her. While pulling Yuan Yueze to caress her swollen nipple, she unconsciously reached her hand to her entrance, preparing to satisfy herself first.

She had just lost her virginity and was at risk of infection, so Yuan Yueze immediately grabbed her hand and guided it to Shan Meixian's breasts, which were heaving with each thrust. He pressed her clitoris with his own hand while kissing her.

After Shan Meixian reached another climax, Yuan Yueze turned her over and pinned her down. With his hard, iron-like member erect, he slowly and powerfully moved towards Shan Meixian's vulva. When the purplish-black head touched her already wet and sticky labia, Yuan Yueze did not rush in. Instead, he slowly rubbed the head of his penis against her labia, sometimes moving it up and down, sometimes flicking it left and right. The constant flow of fluid made the head of his penis glisten. Although Shan Meixian had experienced another climax, at this moment she only felt her delicate labia gradually heating up from the friction of Yuan Yueze's hot glans. Then, an even stronger wave of itching traveled along the inner wall and penetrated deep into her uterus. The intense pleasure made her forget everything else, and she straightened her back, swallowing the long spear into her hole.

Yuan Yueze's hands and mouth were teasing Shan Wanjing, who was moaning and completely disoriented. His lower body was equally unhurried, and he thrust his hips forward, the hot and large glans forcing open Shan Meixian's two glistening, tender labia and beginning to pierce into the inner flesh. With a "plop" sound accompanied by splashing fluid, the thick, hot spear finally went all the way in, reaching the very core of her flower. Shan Meixian let out a soft moan, her beautiful legs spreading wider, her pink toes curling tightly, completely immersed in the sea of desire.

Yuan Yueze thrust with tremendous force and frenzied movements, his long spear pumping in and out of the wet jade cave. Shan Meixian, in perfect cooperation, swayed her snow-white, plump buttocks, panting heavily and drenched in fragrant sweat.

Shan Wanjing was no longer in the mood to watch this; she had already been brought to another climax by Yuan Yueze's fingers.

"It's...it's coming...I'm...losing it!"

Shan Meixian cried out in a daze, her jade cave contracting and writhing as she released her passion.

After enjoying the massage from the quilt, Yuan Yueze covered the limp Shan Meixian with the quilt and turned to deal with the confused and infatuated Shan Wanjing.

Shan Wanjing slumped against Yuan Yueze, her plump, fair body flushed with a rosy glow and fragrant sweat. Her firm, pert breasts exuded a breathtakingly alluring fragrance, highlighting the stunning charm of her flawless, lightly blushed face. Her already beautiful features now possessed an added allure.

Yuan Yueze embraced her slender waist, burying his face between her breasts, smelling and licking them. Shan Wanjing, her starry eyes closed, gripped his broad shoulders, letting out soft moans.

Yuan Yueze pushed her down, thrusting into her amidst her resentful expression, eliciting a satisfied sigh from Shan Wanjing. The fact that she could still do it after just being deflowered showed her remarkable physical condition. She moaned shyly, her soft, delicate body swaying gently, her slender legs wrapping around Yuan Yueze's waist, her buttocks raised high, as if this would allow Yuan Yueze's massive member to penetrate deeper into the depths of her vagina, relieving her tingling thirst.

As he moved, Yuan Yueze opened his mouth wide, taking a quarter of her breast into his mouth, his tongue rubbing against her erect nipples, causing Shan Wanjing to moan even louder. Her cries were beautiful and pure, giving listeners a sense of pleasure.

His desire was aroused by her fiery movements, her shyly blushing face, and her increasingly erect, tender nipples. Yuan Yueze's long spear, deeply inserted into the depths of her jade cave, moved in and out rapidly.

Stimulated by the intense thrusting, Shan Wanjing moaned and cried out, involuntarily thrusting her round, soft buttocks forward, her beautiful, pure face flushed red with desire.

Yuan Yueze thrust wildly, his hot spear "drilling" into Shan Wanjing, making her cry out in pleasure, feeling as if she were dying of ecstasy. Streams of thick, slippery lustful fluid flowed from the entrance of the beautiful, pure woman's jade cave. Yuan Yueze gripped her breasts with both hands and began to cultivate Shan Wanjing's fertile and tender field in various ways. Shan Wanjing, in a state of blissful pleasure, gripped Yuan Yueze's back tightly with both hands, her full, fragrant buttocks twisting up and down to meet his powerful attacks. Amidst her wild movements, her gaze occasionally drifted to Yuan Yueze's massive member. Watching that fierce member enter and exit her body, creating waves of pleasure, Shan Wanjing seemed to lose her soul, her entire being melting into his virility.

Shan Meixian, who was experiencing the blissful feeling after her orgasm, stared wide-eyed at the lewd and alluring scene before her. Then, glancing at Shan Ruyin in the corner of the bed, her eyes closed, her slender fingers in her mouth, one hand kneading her genitals, Shan Meixian thought of her own wantonness and wished she could hide in a crack in the ground. However, looking at her daughter's appearance and seeing Shan Ruyin, who had only taken matters into her own hands because she couldn't resist the temptation, Shan Meixian knew that the most wonderful thing between men and women was something no one could resist. Since they weren't monks, they could only face it calmly and enjoy it.

Thinking this, her mind settled, and she prepared to go again.

Shan Wanjing suddenly let out a loud, delicate cry, her little legs twitching uncontrollably, and streams of cool liquid gushed from deep within her flower passage, hitting the tip of his penis. Yuan Yueze was also on the verge of climax, violently thrusting his hips, each stroke penetrating deep inside, pumping in and out of the constantly contracting, narrow flower passage a dozen times, a gush of scalding semen shooting into Shan Wanjing's body. The tender uterine wall, scalded by Yuan Yueze's heat, sent Shan Wanjing to another climax, then her eyes rolled back, and she fainted. With Yuan Yueze's essence absorbed by her uterus, Shan Wanjing was immediately enveloped in a ball of light, a sign that her body was beginning to be refined.

Shan Meixian struggled to her feet and pulled Shan Ruyin, who was still masturbating, over, signaling Yuan Yueze not to transfer all his essence to Shan Wanjing, as that would be too wasteful, since one ejaculation from him would keep the women busy for a while.

Shan Ruyin was so embarrassed she didn't dare lift her head. After a gasp, Shan Meixian, holding Yuan Yueze's penis, inserted it into her delicate flower path. The semen was scalding hot; Shan Ruyin, who was already close to orgasm from masturbation, finally experienced that blissful feeling of ecstasy again with his thrust.

After a burst of ejaculation, he distributed his essence to the two women. Yuan Yueze embraced Shan Meixian and her daughter on either side, while Shan Ruyin lay on top of him. The sheets were a mess, stained with the women's fluids. None of them spoke, quietly enjoying the pleasure.

After this experience, the three women opened their hearts, and after the two women finished their purification, the four of them embraced and fell asleep.

The two women underwent astonishing changes the day after their bodies were refined. Their entire bodies, like Shan Meixian's, exuded charm and ethereal beauty. Impurities were completely eliminated from their bones, meridians, flesh, and skin. With these impurities gone, their appearances became even more perfect. Shan Ruyin, who was originally only of above-average beauty, was now only slightly less attractive than Shan Meixian. The two women, cherished by their beloved men, had their long-cherished wish fulfilled and had refined their bodies, promising longevity even after a hundred years. Overjoyed, they disregarded their shyness and repeatedly offered sweet kisses.

Afterwards, both women began to learn Shan Meixian's techniques, but they lacked the perseverance and determination for martial arts, so they slacked off after a few days.

In the days that followed, Yuan Yueze slept with the three women every night. Despite their best efforts, the three women were utterly powerless against him.

Time flew by, and a month later, Yuan Yueze was having a barbecue with three women in the countryside, enjoying himself, when he heard servants' voices in the distance: "Madam, son-in-law, princess, and Master Shang are back. They're waiting for you in the reception hall."

"Finally back! Come on, once we've settled things, we can finally enjoy our carefree days!"

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly.

A moment later, the four of them arrived at the reception hall. Since the day Yuan Yueze arrived, the four guardian fairies of the Dongming Sect had become the 'gatekeepers'. Pushing open the door, they saw dozens of men in the hall. Several who seemed to be in charge were sitting at the table, while the rest stood behind them. These burly men had bulging temples and sharp eyes, clearly skilled in martial arts.

The four people seated at the table were led by Shang Gong, the eldest member of the Shang family. Shang Gong was tall and hunched over, but his deeply wrinkled eyes often flashed with a strange purple light, seemingly both divine and vacant, making him extremely intimidating. Everyone in the hall treated him with utmost respect.

Beside Shang Gong sat a handsome young man in white robes. This man appeared dignified, but a sinister glint frequently flashed in the depths of his eyes. This man was Shang Ming, the 'Young Marshal' of the Dongming Sect.

Beside Shang Ming sat Generals Shang Bang and Shang Kuiyi. As soon as

Yuan Yueze and the three women entered the hall, all eyes were drawn to the four. The man was elegant and refined, with a commanding presence; the three women were like fairies descended from heaven. Their movements were captivating, their beautiful eyes sparkling. Yet, they exuded a faint, holy, ethereal aura, inspiring both lust and self-consciousness.

Even a seasoned veteran like Shang Gong was stunned by the sight before him, his eyes fixed intently, let alone the others.

Shang Ming, upon seeing the dramatically changed Shan Wanjing, beamed with joy, turning around to reveal himself as a truly elegant

gentleman. "I have returned with my people. I heard that someone attacked Madam a month ago. Is Madam well?"

Shang Gong asked, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.

"Thank you for your concern, Shang Gong. I am perfectly safe. Your journey has been long and tiring,"

Shan Meixian replied with a slight smile.

Those in the room felt as if her smile was a clear spring in a turbid world, cleansing their souls, like a gentle evening breeze leaving a lingering fragrance that would haunt their dreams!

Shan Meixian had never shown her true face to her subordinates before, always veiled in a heavy gauze, and for over a decade, she had maintained a cold and arrogant demeanor. When had she ever shown such a warm expression?

Some of the people in the room couldn't help but swallow hard.

Yuan Yueze was pleased to see his wife's great charm, but he was also jealous of the way everyone was staring at her.

"Ahem!"

A light cough brought everyone back to their senses. The cough contained a powerful burst of true energy, and everyone felt a sweet taste in their throats, wanting to spit out blood but unable to. They had to suppress their anger and dared not look again. No one could guarantee they would leave the reception room alive if they looked any longer.

Shan Meixian was secretly delighted to see her husband jealous, but she didn't show it. She exchanged greetings with Shang Gong and the others and took their seats. Soon, all the dishes were served, and the group chatted insincerely about trivial matters while eating and drinking.

From the outset, Shang Gong was extremely surprised by the drastic changes in the three women who entered with Yuan Yueze. Now, he saw the princess's personal maid intimately linking arms with Yuan Yueze as they took their seats, while the madam seemed to have seen nothing at all.

Yuan Yueze had no interest or time to talk to the Shang family. After taking his seat, he ate and drank incessantly, even frowning as he indicated that the food wasn't very good.

When Shang Ming first met Yuan Yueze, he was also stunned by his charisma; Yuan Yueze surpassed him in both appearance and temperament. Moreover, he had personally heard Yuan Yueze's thunderous roar in Ryukyu, so he dared not show his dissatisfaction. However, seeing Yuan Yueze not only bring his maid to the table but also act intimately with her, and witnessing his utter lack of manners as he kept serving food to Shan Wanjing, who was also exchanging flirtatious glances with him, Shang Ming's jealousy flared up. He completely forgot his fear!

Feeling Shang Ming's murderous gaze fixed on him, Yuan Yueze completely ignored him, continuing to devour his food and drink, nodding and commenting incessantly. Then, quite naturally, he picked up a piece of beef and offered it to Shan Wanjing's lips, which she naturally opened and slowly chewed.

Seeing this, Shang Ming could no longer contain himself: "Brother Yuan, why have you treated my fiancée with such disrespect?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Brother Shang, Wan Jing is already married to me."

Yuan Yueze still didn't even glance at him.

Seeing this, even the seasoned Shang Gong couldn't suppress his anger. He coldly said, "Oh? I heard Brother Yuan's resounding announcement the other day. Didn't you and your wife tie the knot? The princess is your wife's biological daughter. Aren't you afraid of violating etiquette and becoming a laughingstock?"

"My marriage with Mei Xian and Wan Jing is a matter of mutual consent and affection. What business is it of the world? And what business is it of yours?"

Yuan Yueze had no concept of politeness.

Shang Gong was speechless. What Yuan Yueze said made sense. It was their own marriage; what right did an outsider like him have to interfere?

"I have no right to interfere in your affairs, Madam, but the princess is already engaged to my son. Could you please give us a satisfactory explanation?"

Lord Shang began to reprimand Shan Meixian.

"Tomorrow, the four of us will leave the Dongming Sect. The Dongming Sect will have no further connection with me, Shan Meixian. All affairs within the sect will be handed over to the Shang family. Just swear an oath before the sect members that you will agree to one condition,"

Shan Meixian hurriedly stated the agreement the four had previously reached.

"!"

Now it was the Shang clan members in the hall who were surprised: this man was indeed perfect, yet they had so easily abandoned the vast Dongming Sect for him. Shan Meixian's magnanimity impressed the Shang clan members.

"That depends on what condition you state, Madam. We can't force someone to do something they don't want to do!"

Lord Shang was shrewd and calculating, his emotions hidden.

"My condition is simple: after I leave, you must not make things difficult for the other members of the Shan clan, and you must treat them as you would any other members of the Shang clan,"

Shan Meixian said.

"As long as they observe proper etiquette and refrain from misbehavior, I hereby swear to treat the Shan and Shang families equally from now on; otherwise, may I be struck down by heaven and earth!"

Shang Gong, having understood the condition, readily agreed.

Shang Ming, standing to the side, was furious. He had grown up with Shan Wanjing since childhood and was betrothed to her. Although Shan Wanjing completely ignored him, he truly loved her deeply. He had just heard that Shan Meixian had easily given up her century-old legacy for a man, and while he admired her, he was also puzzled. But hearing that the price was the annulment of his engagement with Shan Wanjing, the anger he had suppressed under Shang Gong's gaze resurfaced.

"I wonder how skilled Brother Yuan is in martial arts? Why not spar a bit to liven things up?"

Shang Ming's reason was completely clouded by jealousy. Ignoring Shang Gong's subtle winks, he recklessly spoke to Yuan Yueze.

"A contest is fine, but my martial arts are unpredictable; once I strike, I'll take a life. Brother Shang, are you prepared for that?"

Yuan Yueze glanced at Shang Ming.

Seeing things escalate to this point, Shang Gong cursed his son inwardly as a fool. Was it worth it for a woman? Seeing his son on the verge of madness, Shang Gong quickly turned to Shan Meixian for help. Shan Meixian, however, smiled at Yuan Yueze, ignoring Shang Gong completely.

"Fine! If I hurt Brother Yuan, don't blame me!"

His beloved woman had been taken, and he was being utterly humiliated. How could he swallow such indignation? If he didn't demand an explanation today, how could he ever hold his head high again?

Shang Ming stood up and drew his sword: "Please!"

Yuan Yueze rose easily and stood a short distance from Shang Ming, then turned back to Shang Gong and asked, "Does Lord Shang have any other sons?"

Shang Gong, flustered and unsure how to stop him, heard this and knew he was in trouble.

"Lord Shang has several illegitimate sons handling affairs in Ryukyu,"

Shan Meixian interjected.

Shang Gong thought to himself, "Damn it!"

Before Shang Gong could stop him, Shang Ming had already drawn his sword. The sword flashed, like a golden snake, aiming straight for Yuan Yueze's vital points. The sword wind whistled, and the attack was quite impressive.

The sword light pierced through Yuan Yueze's body. Shang Ming thought to himself, "Good! Let's see if you're still alive this time! "

Turning around, he discovered that Yuan Yueze was nowhere to be seen within the two-zhang radius of his golden snake sword light.

"Go in peace, Brother Shang,"

Yuan Yueze's voice sounded behind Shang Ming.

His left palm swiftly pressed down on Shang Ming's shoulder, his inner force surging like a torrent, directly entering Shang Ming's body, impacting his limbs and bones, circling and destroying.

The vast, bottomless abyss of true energy forcefully rushed into his meridians, wreaking havoc. In just two breaths, Comrade Shang Ming died with his eyes wide open, his death gruesome. Yuan Yueze's true energy, like a flood breaking through a dam, completely destroyed and shattered his internal organs. Shang Ming had only been stunned for a moment before he was gone.

"Young Marshal!"

The members of the Shang clan in the hall could no longer contain themselves. They drew their swords, their killing intent blazing as they stared at the four men sitting nonchalantly at their seats.

Old Master Shang was in tears, but his son was gone. The man with the radiant smile before him now appeared as a demon to him.

The crowd in the hall was furious, waiting for Old Master Shang's word before they would rush forward to kill the four. A

gentleman's revenge is never too late!

Old Master Shang calmed down, waved for everyone to put away their weapons, and said coldly, "Brother Yuan, what you have done today, I and the Shang clan will never forget! Please, gentlemen! Farewell."

"Very well, farewell. Remember your promise! Farewell!"

Yuan Yueze embraced Shan Meixian and gracefully departed.

In the following hour, Shan Meixian gathered the Shan clan and explained the situation. Many of her subordinates were reluctant to part, some were confused, and many more worried about who would stand up for them if they were oppressed by the Shang clan in the future.

Yuan Yueze, sensing the worry in everyone's true energy, said, "Don't worry, everyone. I can guarantee that Lord Shang will treat you all equally from now on and will not hold a grudge against you. We will remind Lord Shang again when we leave, so please rest assured."

Lord Shang was currently grieving the death of Shang Ming with his family and had no mind to say goodbye to Shan Meixian and the others. A powerful voice with deep inner strength came from outside.

"Lord Shang, remember your promise. If you have a grudge, come to me. But if I find out you have mistreated anyone from the Shan lineage, I will return and destroy your Shang clan! Brothers and sisters of the Shan lineage, if you are bullied or insulted by anyone from the Shang lineage, just tell me, and I will definitely seek justice for you. Take care, everyone. Farewell!"

With that, the four of them drew swords out of thin air and, under the gaze of the Shan lineage servants, soared into the sky, eliciting gasps of amazement from the surrounding crowd.

Chapter 008 Trip to Yangzhou

Yangzhou, a shining pearl of ancient Chinese civilization, was a vital hub in terms of economy, culture, and military transportation. From Yangzhou, one could travel east down the Yangtze River to Japan, Ryukyu, and Southeast Asia, making it one of the most important transshipment points in the country, busier and more hectic than any other city.

Besides being a transportation center, Yangzhou was also a renowned red-light district since ancient times. Whether wealthy merchants, self-proclaimed scholars, or chivalrous swordsmen, no one could be considered a true hero of the pleasure quarters without visiting Yangzhou. At that time, Yangzhou

was known as Jiangdu.

Historical records indicate that human habitation in Yangzhou began in the 6th century BC. In the fifth year of the Yuanfeng era of the Han Dynasty, parts of Jiangdu and Guangling counties were divided to establish Yu County. After the Liang Dynasty, Jiangdu County was repeatedly abolished and re-established during the Northern Qi, Chen, and Northern Zhou dynasties. When Jiangdu County was re-established during the Northern Qi and Northern Zhou dynasties, it was under the jurisdiction of Jiangyang Prefecture. After the early Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, Jiangdu County belonged to Wuzhou. In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, it was directly under the jurisdiction of Yangzhou. In the first year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty,

it was under the jurisdiction of Jiangdu Commandery. Jiangdu is located south of the Yangtze River and west of the Grand Canal, rich in resources, producing abundant grains, cotton, mulberry, and hemp. Its riverside location also makes it a major producer of various aquatic products. For example, the "Four Delicacies of the Yangtze River"—silverfish, shad, knife fish, and catfish—can all be found in Jiangdu. This has earned Jiangdu the renowned title of "Land of Fish and Rice."

Over nearly a thousand years of development, Jiangdu has become increasingly prosperous, ranking among the top cities in China in terms of culture, politics, and economy.

As the first rays of sunlight fall upon the earth, Yangzhou gradually comes alive. After the city gates open at dawn, merchants, travelers, and farmers rush in and out. Ships that arrived the day before, their goods unloaded at the docks, are brought into the city at this time, creating a bustling and noisy scene.

At the south gate of Yangzhou, a man and three women walk in.

From behind, anyone would be drawn to the four. The man was tall and slender, not particularly muscular, yet possessed an air of elegance, walking with a graceful and unrestrained air. The three women were even more striking, with curvaceous figures and boundless allure.

Passersby invariably glanced at the four before continuing on their way, paying them no further attention.

Why, in Yangzhou, a city teeming with brothels and teeming with romantic scholars and libertines, did no one approach them?

The four stopped before a brothel, looking up at the large red plaque bearing the three characters 'Spring Breeze Pavilion'.

"In those days, before war and conflict, brothels sang every night. Flowers bloomed in the cave, spring days were long, the moon shone brightly, and a gentle breeze caressed my clothes. After the King of Huai left, not even chickens or dogs remained; Emperor Yang returned to bury his silken robes. The Twenty-Four Bridges stand desolate, the old official riverbank broken and green willows withered."

The man glanced at the plaque, then turned and sighed.

What fine writing! A passerby overheard

this and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, but still no one approached him. The man who had turned around was incredibly ugly, with cross-eyed eyebrows, a bulbous nose, and thick lips. His features, except for his eyes, were unsettling in every way, completely contradicting the elegant appearance he had just displayed from behind.

"Husband, your poem is wonderful,"

one of the three women praised, her voice melodious and captivating.

Looking at this woman, however, was appalling: uglier than Mo Mu, as plain as Wu Yan. Her forehead protruded, her nose was large and bulbous, and her nostrils turned upwards, like a demon reincarnated, sending chills down one's spine. No matter how one imagines, it's unimaginable that such an ugly woman could possess such a graceful figure and captivating voice.

The other two women beside her were equally plain-looking and incredibly ugly.

Furthermore, the poem they just recited was clearly the work of Wei Zhuang, a Tang Dynasty poet of the Flower School; how could such an ugly man utter it?

If someone knew this man was from the future, there would be no surprise at all.

This group of four was none other than Yuan Yueze, Shan Meixian, Shan Wanjing, and Shan Ruyin, all in disguise.

After finishing all the affairs of the Dongming Sect that day, the four of them soared into the air on their swords, arriving at a picturesque, idyllic valley within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Having no immediate plans for the future, the four decided to settle there and enjoy a carefree life. They watched the sunrise and sunset each day, played music, sang, and danced gracefully. At night, one man would seduce three women, experiencing unparalleled pleasure and ecstasy. The four women, including Naoki, were as carefree and at ease as immortals in a paradise on earth, having long forgotten the outside world.

A month and a half later, one night, Yuan Yueze fought the three women again, and as before, they were utterly routed, retreating in disarray. Although Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin had recently improved their "fighting power," they were still no match for him and had long since fallen into a deep sleep like slumbering mud. Shan Meixian, though more resilient, was still no match for Yuan Yueze. After a long, loud moan, the small cave fell silent. Only heavy breathing and soft, drawn-out breaths could be heard.

"Husband, these past month has truly felt like a dream. Life can be so beautiful, and life can be so carefree,"

Shan Meixian sighed contentedly, nestled softly against her husband's chest.

“I’ve always loved this carefree life since I was little, and it’s become even more perfect after meeting you all,”

Yuan Yueze said, kissing the beautiful woman on his body.

“I just don’t know if Lord Shang has kept his promise. I’m still a little worried about the Shan clansmen,”

Shan Meixian said, a hint of worry appearing on her dignified and elegant face.

“Don’t worry, Meixian. Didn’t we intimidate Lord Shang again before we left? Besides, the Shan clansmen are just subordinates. It won’t do us any good to make things difficult for them. And Lord Shang must have been wary of what I said before I left and wouldn’t dare to do anything to the Shan clansmen,”

Yuan Yueze comforted the woman.

“My husband’s abilities do indeed make Lord Shang wary, but I have dealt with Lord Shang for many years and know his temperament well. Even if he doesn’t dare to provoke us, he can still secretly use some underhanded tactics, or he might take his anger out on the Shan clansmen. The Shan clansmen don’t know where we are right now. If they are humiliated, how will they come to us to seek justice for them?”

Shan Meixian said after thinking for a moment.

"Oh right, how could I forget about that!"

Yuan Yueze exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "What should we do then?"

"We've been living quite comfortably these past few days. If I could be like this with my husband every day, I would ask for nothing more. But I've noticed that Wanjing and Ruyin seem to be getting restless these days. They're both unstable and lack life experience. This kind of mundane life might have a negative impact on their mental cultivation and character if it continues for too long." "

Then let's go out for a walk. It would be good to combine activity and rest, and complement each other's work and leisure. Actually, even I'm starting to feel restless and want to go out for a walk."

Yuan Yueze thought that he himself seemed to be just like Shan Meixian described—unstable and lacking life experience—but the difference was that his temperament was much more detached than the two young girls'. He spoke up casually.

"But where do we go now?"

"Even if we return to the Dongming Sect to visit the Shan clan, we probably won't get any results. With Shang Gong's ruthlessness and treacherous methods, even if the Shan clan harbors resentment, they won't dare to show it. I'm just worried that he might be plotting something."

"Let him fly to the sky, I can easily catch him and crush him to death,"

Yuan Yueze said confidently.

"My husband's abilities are extraordinary, I have no doubt about it. But think about it, why should we make enemies on all sides? Although they are no match for us, it's so annoying to be harassed by them wherever we go."

"We now have three enemies, none of them easy to deal with: the Dugu Clan, the Great Ming Sect, and the Shang Family of Dongming. Although we are not afraid of their direct attacks, if they send reckless assassins to harass us every day, even if we manage to kill them all without leaving a trace, our lives will change. What should have been a carefree life will become a daily bloodbath."

"Bloodstained hands and a changed life are only one aspect. I am even more worried that they might use tricks to slander and plot against my husband. Most people in the martial world believe rumors without seeing them for themselves. If these three families succeed in their conspiracy, my husband's enemies will become the entire martial world and various forces, both overt and covert. Although we can annihilate all our enemies, is that really the outcome we want?"

Shan Meixian continued her rational analysis.

Yuan Yueze listened and nodded, his expression becoming serious. He was indeed not afraid of anyone, but he didn't want his hands stained with blood. What freedom would remain then?

"Actually, before we left the Dongming Sect, my husband could have avoided making enemies with the Shang family. Shang Ming was indeed arrogant and conceited, but he certainly didn't deserve to die. He had liked Wan Jing for many years, and although Wan Jing never gave him a kind look, it could be said that it was Shang Ming's unrequited love. However, it's only natural that he felt uncomfortable and even angry when he later learned that Wan Jing was in love with my husband. Furthermore, although he was angry with my husband at the time, he didn't show any sign of insulting him. He just wanted to prove himself through force and regain some face. But my husband killed him. Thinking about it later, I feel it was somewhat rash."

In this era, what woman would dare to criticize or even interfere with her husband's behavior? But Shan Meixian was different. In these three months, she had already learned about Yuan Yueze's character and understood his personality thoroughly: although he was inexperienced, he was a self-aware man who knew how to reflect. He treated his wife as an equal, was reasonable, and could correct his mistakes. Shan Meixian's love for him grew stronger each day, not just romantic love, but also mixed with the affection of a sister for her brother.

"Meixian is right. Looking back, I have no regrets about making enemies with the Dugu Clan and the Great Ming Sect. After all, they provoked us first. However, I was indeed too rash in the matter of Shang Ming. Thinking about it carefully, if I hadn't killed Shang Ming, then after we left, Lord Shang would have had no reason to make things difficult for the Shan Clan members who remained. It seems I've implicated them."

Yuan Yueze said with a slight frown.

"What's done is done, husband, there's no need to blame yourself. We can go out tomorrow, sightseeing and visiting various cities, while also inquiring about the latest news in the martial arts world and seeing if there are any rumors about us. It'll be good to prepare in advance."

Shan Meixian comforted him.

"Then where should we go first?"

Yuan Yueze had no idea.

"The Giant Kun Gang is one of the three major gangs along the southeast coast, specializing in selling intelligence in the martial arts world. We can go there first to gather the latest news. I have some connection with Yun Guangling, the previous leader of the Giant Kun Gang, and the current leader, Yun Yuzhen, is my junior. Moreover, during the last battle on the riverbank, Yun Yuzhen helped me when I was in danger. She was also a beautiful woman who exchanged a few polite words with you later. Don't you remember, husband?"

"Oh, I remember now, but at the time my attention was all on you, and I didn't pay much attention to her. I can't even remember what she looked like."

Yuan Yueze recalled somewhat absentmindedly.

"Hehe, luckily my husband isn't a womanizer, otherwise, with your charm, demeanor, and skills, I wouldn't doubt that you could give Meixian a hundred sisters within half a year."

Shan Meixian giggled.

"It's not as good as you say. Before my master left me, he said I was old-fashioned, dull, and lacking in romance."

"Then let's set off tomorrow or the day after, otherwise these two girls will go crazy from being cooped up."

Shan Meixian said.

"Alright, let's go to the Giant Kun Gang first."

Yuan Yueze nodded.

After exchanging some more sweet words, the two fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, after getting up, he explained his plans to Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, and the two girls jumped up excitedly.

Shan Ruyin was originally a maid, and even though she had submitted to Yuan Yueze, she was still reserved. In the past month or so, Yuan Yueze always felt that she regarded him as inferior, which was not a good sign. He forced her to change that attitude of superiority. Gradually, the little girl really opened up. It turned out that Shan Ruyin, after opening her heart, was just as lively and mischievous as Shan Wanjing.

That afternoon, the four of them took to the air to scout out the Giant Kun Gang's location. Finally, at dusk in Danyang City, they met Yun Yuzhen, the leader of the Giant Kun Gang.

Recently, Yuan Yueze had been the most talked-about figure in the martial arts world. A little over a month ago, explosive news spread throughout the entire martial arts world: Madam Shan Meixian of the Eastern Sea, in order to dissolve the engagement between Princess Shan Wanjing of the Eastern Sea and the young marshal Shang Ming of the Eastern Sea, actually used the entire Eastern Sea Sect as a bargaining chip to get back the marriage contract. Even more astonishing was that Madam Shan Meixian intended to give her daughter to her husband, the "world-renowned" Yuan Yueze! She was willingly having her daughter "share a husband"! The subsequent news was equally shocking: the young marshal of the Eastern Sea was furious at Madam Shan Meixian's actions and challenged Yuan Yueze to a duel. He was killed by Yuan Yueze in a single move! And Shang Gong, the head of the Shang family of the Eastern Sea, actually witnessed his own son's death and then respectfully saw Yuan Yueze and his entourage off!

Madness! Chaos! What on earth is going on! Unrestrained by manners, rules, or lawlessness!

While the martial world was engrossed in discussing Yuan Yueze, speculating about the state of Lady Dongming and her daughter in bed with a man, shocking news spread from Lingnan: Yuan Yueze had learned demonic arts from a powerful Taoist priest in the mountains and even possessed demonic power. This explained his infamous roar that could be heard throughout the land. However, after his affair with Shan Meixian, he lost his virginity, resulting in the loss of all his demonic power and rendering him no longer as formidable as before. Furthermore, the young marshal of Dongming, Shang Ming, was not dead at all; he was simply too weak to defeat Yuan Yueze and had been injured. Shang Ming had already sent him back to the Ryukyu headquarters to recuperate!

At the same time, another rumor surfaced: Yuan Yueze, along with Lady Dongming, Princess Dongming, and their personal maid, had ascended to immortality on a sword.

This only added to the chaos. Which version was true? Who initially leaked the news? No one knows. Those unaware could only speculate wildly over tea, each with their own version of events.

Several days ago, Yun Yuzhen arrived at the Danyang branch to handle some business. This evening, a servant brought news that four masked men wearing bamboo hats wanted to meet the gang leader, claiming to be his old acquaintances.

Yun Yuzhen was puzzled; if they were old acquaintances, why were they masked? Unable to figure it out, she agreed to meet them, though she didn't know their background. She immediately ordered her men to lie in ambush outside the reception hall, ready to attack if things went wrong.

Yuan Yueze and his group of four, all wearing bamboo hats and masked, entered. Yuan Yueze, with his lawless nature, usually disdained such clandestine behavior. However, Shan Meixian suggested this plan to avoid being followed and harassed. Yuan Yueze thought Shan Meixian's suggestion made sense and agreed.

With Yuan Yueze's current cultivation level, he sensed the people lurking in the shadows even before reaching the reception hall.

Shan Meixian, on the other hand, devoted all her time except for eating and sleeping to practicing, and her progress was astonishing.

The four of them were highly skilled and daring, and they didn't take the group of lurking minions seriously at all. They entered the reception hall directly under the steward's guidance.

Inside, Yun Yuzhen and several leaders of the Danyang branch of the Giant Kun Gang were waiting. Yun Yuzhen saw that although she couldn't see the faces of the four people who entered, their figures felt somewhat familiar. She asked, "May I ask who you are, and what brings you here?"

A female voice rang out, "Sister Yuzhen, we have come here only to meet you. Please leave the others aside so that we may reveal our true identities."

Upon hearing this voice, Yun Yuzhen's delicate body trembled.

Hearing this woman speak so domineeringly and rudely, the leaders of the Giant Kun Gang in Danyang were furious and about to shout at her, but Yun Yuzhen gestured: "You may all leave now. Those outside, please leave as well. They are indeed old friends of mine and will not harm me."

The leaders were still unconvinced, but they had no choice but to obey their leader's orders and retreat outside, ordering their ambushing subordinates to leave.

The group sat down, and the four of them removed their hats. Yun Yuzhen saw the handsome, god-like man again, whose martial arts were unparalleled, and her heart leaped with joy. Seeing the three women behind her, she smiled gently and said, "The rumors outside that Madam and Young Master Yuan have ascended to immortality are all just rumors." "

We've come to bother Yuzhen today, firstly to express our gratitude for her rescue, and secondly to ask for your help,"

Shan Meixian spoke first.

Yuan Yueze, standing to the side, carefully observed Yun Yuzhen: she appeared to be in her early twenties, draped in a long white cloak against a lake-green warrior's uniform. Her hair was as black and lustrous as a waterfall, her skin as smooth as snow, her eyes bright and almond-shaped, her lips cherry-red, her breasts high and firm, and her waist slender. Sitting there, she was undeniably radiant. Her beauty was comparable to that of the former Shan Wanjing.

However, at this moment, Yun Yuzhen could no longer compare to the three women of the Shan family in any aspect. Even Shan Ruyin, whose beauty had been inferior to hers in the past, now seemed like a fairy descended from heaven.

Yun Yuzhen was twenty-two years old and had been the leader of the Giant Kun Gang for four years. On the day she saw Shan Meixian, who had some connection with her deceased father, in distress on the banks of the Yangtze River, she had immediately offered her assistance. She then witnessed firsthand the ethereal man before her, flying in on his sword, descending from the sky and annihilating the highly skilled man in black with a single move. Her heart trembled inexplicably at that moment.

While Yun Yuzhen wasn't exactly the most beautiful woman in the martial world, she was certainly one in a million. She was usually quite proud of her appearance. However, upon meeting Yuan Yueze, she found him merely nodding politely and offering a few words of thanks before focusing all his attention on Shan Meixian. This made Yun Yuzhen somewhat uncomfortable. At the time, Yun Yuzhen was surprised by Shan Meixian's dramatic transformation and couldn't deny that the changed Shan Meixian could indeed be called "the most beautiful woman in the world."

A little over a month later, when news arrived that Shan Meixian had left Dongming and ascended to immortality with Yuan Yueze, Yun Yuzhen was both surprised and disappointed.

Surprisingly, Shan Meixian so easily entrusted the powerful Dongming Sect to others. It should be noted that this was the beginning of a chaotic era, with various forces secretly strengthening their military, making the Dongming Sect, a gang that made its living selling weapons, extremely sought after.

Disappointingly, she found herself inexplicably wanting to see that mysterious man again.

After the battle by the river, Yun Yuzhen sealed off internal information, forbidding any eyewitnesses from revealing the truth. Even when her former "male lover," Dugu Ce, came to inquire, she simply shooed him out of the room. Yun Yuzhen didn't know why, but she felt that if the truth got out, it might cause trouble for that mysterious man. Although she wasn't worried about him being injured, avoiding trouble was still preferable. Previously, she had seen Dugu Ce as a handsome young man, and she had even had some dealings with him, allowing the Giant Kun Gang to find a powerful backer. Ever since meeting that mysterious man, Yun Yuzhen's mind had become increasingly unsettled. After saying goodbye to him, she never saw Dugu Ce again. In the lonely nights, whenever she couldn't sleep, the image of that mysterious man would vaguely float in her mind, and Yun Yuzhen even felt a slight regret for her past actions.

And today, she finally saw that mysterious man again. Judging from the situation, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin beside him must have also slept with him. Thinking of this, Yun Yuzhen couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. When she looked up and saw that the mysterious man was actually scrutinizing her, she naturally straightened her body, revealing her most beautiful side.

After carefully examining Yun Yuzhen, Yuan Yueze also felt that this girl was indeed very beautiful. Recalling the novels he had read before, he felt that this girl's experience was very pitiful: she lost her father in the prime of her youth and had to shoulder the burden of a large gang with her own two weak shoulders. In order to have a powerful backer, she even had to sell her body to gain assistance. It was truly remarkable for a woman to achieve such things in this era, yet women's status was incredibly low. In later times, Yun Yuzhen would undoubtedly be

considered a successful and powerful woman. She was indeed ruthless, but in this treacherous world of martial arts, she had to support an entire gang; without forcing herself to adapt, she would only decline or even die. The reason for this wasn't her fault. Even regarding her dealings with Dugu Ce, outsiders only saw her as promiscuous and lacking self-respect, but who knew the difficulties and bitterness in her heart?

Thinking about this, Yuan Yueze's gaze softened further, devoid of any lust, filled only with understanding and pity.

Seeing the understanding and pity in this extraordinary man's eyes, Yun Yuzhen's heart trembled. Suddenly, remembering her past, she immediately lowered her head, as if she were no longer worthy to meet the man's gaze.

Hearing Shan Meixian speak, Yun Yuzhen also politely replied, "Madam, you're too kind. Madam and my father were old friends, so it's only natural for Yuzhen to lend a helping hand. As for what Madam requests, may I ask what it is?"

"Yuzhen, there's no need to be so polite. If you don't mind, just call me 'sister',"

Shan Meixian added.

"Madam and my father are of the same generation, how can Yuzhen be so presumptuous?"

Yun Yuzhen said, flustered.

"Propriety? Yuzhen should know that the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods was a land of propriety, yet it was still destroyed. Everything is as you wish,"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile, addressing Yun Yuzhen affectionately, just like Shan Meixian.

Hearing him address her so affectionately, Yun Yuzhen blushed again, her heart pounding like a deer.

Shan Meixian gave Yuan Yueze a reproachful look, as if to say how could he be so rude. She had just seen the understanding and pity in Yuan Yueze's eyes when he looked at Yun Yuzhen. Knowing Yun Yuzhen's actions and reputation since taking over as gang leader, they felt deep pity for this daughter of an old friend: her frail shoulders bore responsibilities she was powerless to bear, robbing her of the happiness that should belong to a woman. Moreover, Shan Meixian's mindset had drastically changed after she refined her body, making her approachable and approachable. To outsiders, she now appeared only slightly younger than Yun Yuzhen. Therefore, her suggestion to address each other as sisters was not surprising.

After calming down for a moment, Yun Yuzhen recounted several recent rumors circulating in the martial arts world. Yuan Yueze and the other three fell silent. The rumors circulating in Lingnan were undoubtedly fabricated. Lingnan was Song Clan territory, and given Song Que's character, he would never stoop to such despicable acts. Furthermore, Yuan Yueze and the others had no grudge against Song Que. The rumors were so convincing that Yuan Yueze's power would surely crumble, attracting many to seek trouble and revenge. But who could it be? The Dugu Clan? The Great Ming Sect? Or perhaps the treacherous Shang Gong?

The four pondered for a while, unable to figure it out. After a moment of silence, Yuan Yueze raised his head and said, "Thank you, Yuzhen, for keeping my secret last time. Today, you have such detailed information to share with us. I have no way to repay you, so I will pass on a martial art to you. From now on, you will no longer need to humble yourself; your strength alone will be enough to deter others from easily provoking the Giant Kun Gang."

Yun Yuzhen had only seen the four of them bowing their heads in silence, and she herself hadn't spoken, only staring at Yuan Yueze with increasing infatuation. Suddenly, when she saw him look up at her, she was instantly overcome with shame and at a loss for words. Hearing him say he would pass on his martial art to her, and seemingly implying that she 'no longer needed to humble herself,' she felt a surge of sadness and regret, all sorts of bitterness and sorrow erupting within her. She lowered her head, tears streaming down her face, speechless.

Yuan Yueze couldn't bear to see a woman cry, and he was completely bewildered, wondering what he had said wrong. He turned to Shan Meixian for help. Shan Meixian glared at him reproachfully, then went over with Shan Wanjing to gently comfort Yun Yuzhen.

After a moment, Yun Yuzhen finally stopped crying, and Yuan Yueze quickly pulled out a few jokes from later generations, which made Yun Yuzhen laugh again.

Because the four women didn't want anyone except Yun Yuzhen to know about their arrival, Yun Yuzhen had to abandon her plan to arrange a lavish banquet, looking at Yuan Yueze with regret. Yuan Yueze said, "What's so difficult about having a good meal without letting outsiders know?"

With that, he moved his divine sense, and the four women, Shan Meixian and her companions, were instantly stunned by the scene before them.

Before them stretched an endless expanse of lush green grass, with towering trees faintly visible in the distance. Not far ahead stood a large, luxurious house, its architectural style unlike anything found in this dynasty. Various flowers bloomed in front of the house, vying for attention. Beside the flowerbeds, many small animals played freely.

Upon seeing this scene, the four women stared blankly, only snapping out of their daze after a short while. They looked at Yuan Yueze; Shan Meixian and the other two women were relatively composed, while Yun Yuzhen looked bewildered.

"Husband, where is this place? Why don't I know such immortal techniques?" Shan Ruyin asked.

“You’re all familiar with this place, remember the bracelet on my left wrist? We’re inside that bracelet now,”

Yuan Yueze replied.

“What? Husband’s bracelet is just for storage?”

Shan Wanjing asked in surprise.

“You all, I actually told you all this at the beginning, but you were probably too shocked to hear everything.”

“Your husband has two bracelets, the one on his right is for storage, and the one on his left is a space bracelet where living things can live. Remember?”

Yuan Yueze said.

The three women lowered their heads and thought for a while. Shan Ruyin said sweetly, “I can’t remember. Never mind, what are you going to cook for us today, husband?”

“Whatever you want, there’s nothing I can’t make!”

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly.

Yun Yuzhen was completely dumbfounded: What’s going on? Were we inside a bracelet? She had indeed noticed the bracelet on Yuan Gongzi’s wrist, but how could a person get in? Was Yuan Gongzi really a god? Was she dreaming?

With a thought, Yun Yuzhen raised her jade hand and pinched her cheek.

"Oh dear!"

It was real, not a dream!

Suddenly, she saw the four people in front of her looking at her strangely, and Yun Yuzhen was extremely embarrassed, wishing there was a crack in the ground she could disappear into.

"Yuzhen probably doesn't believe it either, right? Not only you, Meixian and the others had the same expression when they first learned about these things,"

Yuan Yueze comforted her.

Nodding with a blushing face, Yun Yuzhen looked up again and said, "Young Master Yuan, are you really a god? There are rumors outside that you know demon...immortal magic, so it's true!"

Yuan Yueze smiled and nodded, without answering. He led the four women into the room.

It turned out to be incredibly luxurious inside, with all modern facilities, furniture, appliances, and leisure and entertainment items. There was even a rather large outdoor swimming pool in the back.

"Why are there appliances? Where is the power supply system?"

Yuan Yueze wondered. After checking again, he found that it was the huge solar panels on the roof.

Back inside, the women looked around like country bumpkins visiting a grand garden, looking at this and touching that. Even Yun Yuzhen forgot her restraint and curiously began to admire everything.

"I'll put on a movie for you all, you can watch it slowly, I'll go cook,"

Yuan Yueze said.

Yun Yuzhen was surprised again: "This amazing man can actually cook? And what's a movie?"

The three women from the Shan family were also completely confused. Yuan Yueze explained that it was something that didn't exist yet, like a play.

Seeing that the women seemed to understand but not quite, and knowing he couldn't explain it clearly in a short time, Yuan Yueze simply showed them how to play the videotape themselves. He then turned and walked towards the kitchen.

Yuan Yueze's taste wasn't actually that great; he only liked a few things over and over again, and if they weren't cooked well, he absolutely refused to eat them. Since transmigrating to this era, he hadn't encountered anyone whose cooking skills could rival his, so he cooked every meal himself. It wasn't a hobby of his; it was purely to make his taste buds feel better.

Half an hour later, a sumptuous table of dishes was laid out, a perfect balance of meat and vegetables, excellent in color, aroma, and taste. He went to the living room and called the women to join them for the meal. The three women from the Shan family were already used to it, while Yun Yuzhen sighed with admiration: "Just by the smell, you can tell how exquisite these dishes are. Even the emperor might not have the fortune to enjoy them. Is this amazing man truly omnipotent?"

He casually took out some juice, red wine, and white wine, filled the women's glasses, and they began to eat. They ate, drank, and chatted, with Yuan Yueze occasionally throwing in a humorous remark, eliciting bursts of giggles from the women.

After the meal, they presented their bracelets, and Yun Yuzhen arranged several VIP rooms for them next to her own boudoir. Yuan Yueze, however, said one room was enough. The three women from the Shan family immediately blushed, secretly cursing him for being so blatant in front of Yun Yuzhen!

Yun Yuzhen's face also turned bright red, but she felt a pang of envy and jealousy towards the three women. After a hasty farewell, they returned to their rooms to chat.

Afterwards, the three women bathed, and halfway through, Yuan Yueze entered and carried them one by one to the bed. What followed was a relentless, intense lovemaking session. The three women of the Shan family moaned incessantly, gritting their teeth in the struggle, but ultimately they were no match for Yuan Yueze's prowess and all eventually fell into a deep sleep.

The next day, Yuan Yueze was the first to rise. Looking at the three beauties still asleep, he lowered his head and lightly kissed them before going out to teach Yun Yuzhen her martial arts.

Arriving at the small garden, he found Yun Yuzhen already waiting in the pavilion. Yuan Yueze went over to greet her, but found that Yun Yuzhen dared not look up at him, only keeping her head down.

It turned out that the 'battle' between Yuan Yueze and the three women last night had been too intense, and the sounds had disturbed Yun Yuzhen in the nearby room, making her weak in the knees and her face flushed. She couldn't sleep even if she wanted to. She was tormented like this for about two hours before Yuan Yueze's side finally quieted down, but Yun Yuzhen was still unable to sleep because of the "demonic sounds" from before, tossing and turning until dawn before finally falling asleep.

"I'll first open up all of Yu Zhen's meridians. After changing her acupoints and meridians, her progress in martial arts will be much more noticeable," Yuan Yueze said.

Yun Yu Zhen, who had just been shy and hesitant to face Yuan Yueze, was immediately drawn to him and nodded silently.

Yun Yu Zhen felt the mysterious man's hands pressing against her back, and a hot sensation emanated from them, causing her face to flush instantly. Hearing Yuan Yueze's warning to calm her mind, Yun Yu Zhen quickly suppressed her lustful thoughts and focused on circulating her true energy throughout her body. This was to help her cleanse her marrow and eliminate impurities. Of course, the effect was not as great as that of the three women from the Shan family, but even so, Yun Yu Zhen had already undergone a complete transformation.

Yuan Yueze suddenly felt puzzled: Cleansing the marrow and eliminating impurities was no small matter, so why could he do it with just his true energy? Then he thought that his own energy could even bring the dead back to life, so cleansing the marrow and eliminating impurities was a piece of cake for him.

Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yun Yuzhen opened her beautiful eyes and immediately felt the world brighten considerably. Her hearing

and vision sharpened, and her breathing became smoother than ever before, as if every pore on her body was opening to breathe. Suddenly, she smelled a foul stench again. Looking down, she saw that her exposed jade-like arms were covered in black dust. Startled, she turned to Yuan Yueze, her eyes questioning.

"I just helped Yuzhen cleanse her marrow and purify her body, expelling impurities. Yuzhen has now undergone a complete transformation. From now on, your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds, and you won't have to fear anyone bullying you anymore,"

Yuan Yueze explained.

"Yuzhen, you can take a bath first. I'll also go check if Meixian and the others have woken up. We can talk later."

Yun Yuzhen was filled with immense gratitude towards the man. Everything she had experienced from the previous night until now felt like a dream. This man had helped her undergo a complete transformation without asking for anything in return—something many martial artists dreamed of! Although she longed to spend more time alone with him, the odor emanating from his body was unbearable, so she reluctantly went back to bathe.

Yuan Yueze returned to his room, where the three women of the Shan family were already up and chatting. Seeing him return, they all came over to ask about the outcome. Upon hearing that Yuan Yueze had successfully cleansed Yun Yuzhen's marrow and genitals, Shan Meixian teased, "Yuzhen should be so grateful that she'll repay you with her body, right?"

"Meixian, don't talk nonsense. I have no romantic feelings for her. I just couldn't bear to see such a pitiful woman end up so tragically,"

Yuan Yueze quickly explained. Indeed, he hadn't thought that way at all.

"If your husband has no romantic feelings for you, how do you know if Yuzhen has any?"

Shan Meixian retorted.

"Haha, I can't argue with you. Anyway, I have no ulterior motives, believe it or not..."

The four of them, wearing bamboo hats, went out and entered Yun Yuzhen's room. Yun Yuzhen had already bathed and was sitting at the table waiting.

Upon seeing Yun Yuzhen, the four of them were immediately struck by her appearance: although Yun Yuzhen's appearance hadn't changed drastically, it was still quite different. Her already beautiful face was now even more refined and elegant, and her skin was as fair and delicate as jade, radiating vitality as if it were breathing. A small part of her arm, carved and polished like ivory, was exposed, and she even had a slightly otherworldly air about her. At this moment, she was looking at Yuan Yueze with affection, her eyes filled with longing.

"Yuzhen has changed so much! Now she can be called the most beautiful woman in the world! Congratulations!"

Shan Meixian praised.

"Sister, you flatter me. How could my humble appearance compare to even a fraction of yours? All of this is thanks to Young Master Yuan. I, Yu Zhen, thank Young Master Yuan for your kindness in giving me a second chance ."

Yun Yu Zhen glanced at Shan Mei Xian, then came before Yuan Yue Ze and bowed gracefully. Yesterday, she hadn't dared to call Shan Mei Xian "sister," but today she did so so naturally.

"Yu Zhen, there's no need for such formalities. I'll say it again: I simply cannot bear to see a woman unable to enjoy the happiness that is rightfully hers because of a sense of responsibility."

Yuan Yue Ze waved his hand, reached out to help her up, and felt the warmth from her smooth, jade-like hand, momentarily lost in thought. As soon as Yun Yu Zhen's hand was held, two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks.

Yuan Yue Ze only paused for a moment before immediately withdrawing his hands: "We hope Yu Zhen will not tell anyone about our whereabouts this time. Now that this matter is settled, we must take our leave. Take care."

Hearing that he was leaving, Yun Yu Zhen felt anxious, wanting to stay but unable to find an excuse. Her expression became unnatural.

With her vast life experience, Shan Meixian knew her husband had likely stirred up another romantic entanglement in his impulsiveness. Instead of being jealous, she smiled slightly at Yun Yuzhen and said, "Yuzhen, don't be sad. Since we are destined to meet, we will naturally meet again. The martial world is dangerous; you must diligently cultivate your skills and always be careful."

The four of them put on their bamboo hats, bowed, and left.

Yun Yuzhen stared blankly at the tall figure gradually disappearing into the distance, murmuring, "Does the young master truly disdain Yuzhen? Does he look down on Yuzhen? But everything Yuzhen did before was due to unspeakable suffering. Does the young master only pity Yuzhen? In this world, besides the young master, who else can win Yuzhen's heart?"

Yuan Yueze and the other three had a wide range of spiritual senses; even though they were far away, they still heard Yun Yuzhen's soft murmurs. Yuan Yueze was at a loss, while Shan Meixian and the other two women looked at him with reproach.

"Husband, it seems someone has taken a liking to you, hehe." Shan Wanjing

giggled

. Yuan Yueze was speechless .

"Sister Wanjing is right, husband, you are too charming. If you really had the heart, a single glance on the street could attract countless women!" Shan

Ruyin chimed in.

"Don't talk about me, you all look like celestial beings. How many men have drooled over you along the way?"

Yuan Yueze added.

"Wearing a straw hat is too troublesome. Let's just disguise ourselves and see if our husband will still be so charming after we become ugly!"

Shan Meixian said.

"Good idea, but not only will I disguise myself, you all will too. Let's see if any men will still stare at you after you become ugly!"

So the experienced Shan Meixian began to make some temporary masks. Yuan Yueze had his own selfish motives: he felt uncomfortable seeing other men looking at his wife, so he asked Shan Meixian to make extremely ugly masks for the three women. Under the pressure of the three women, the mask Shan Meixian made for Yuan Yueze was also extremely ugly. Finally, the four masked women looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"Husband, where do we go next? Who's behind these rumors from Lingnan? Should we go and investigate?"

Shan Meixian asked.

"I think there's something fishy about this, and I believe 'Heavenly Blade' would never do such a thing,"

Yuan Yueze replied.

"Then where should we go next?"

Shan Wanjing asked.

"Yangzhou!"

Yuan Yueze thought of the protagonist of this era, and of Wei Zhenzhen, who died for love and lived a tragic life. He answered.

"Husband, what are we going to Yangzhou for?"

Shan Ruyin was also confused.

"To see two petty thugs and a lonely, suffering woman!" (Chapter 009

, April 20th) Looking at Yuan Yueze reciting poetry under the brothel sign, the two maids, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, were filled with trepidation: Could it be that they couldn't satisfy their husband, and he was going to find "wildflowers" to indulge himself? Shan Meixian remained calm, for she understood Yuan Yueze better than the two young maids, and her mind was more perceptive. She even believed that even if Yuan Yueze had been drugged, his will would not allow him to seduce other women so easily. Let alone such despicable acts as soliciting prostitutes in the streets. Of course, whether the drug would even work on Yuan Yueze's abnormal body was uncertain; Shan Meixian was merely speculating. However, given Yuan Yueze's current slow-witted and somewhat pedantic nature, it would be difficult for him to get along with the prostitutes if he entered a brothel. The reason Yuan Yueze stopped to examine the "Spring Breeze Pavilion" was because a scene had flashed through his mind when he first saw it: in the original novel, Kou Zhong often dragged Xu Ziling here to spy on the popular prostitutes bathing, and dreamed of having sex with her. Yuan Yueze had even become interested in going inside to see what kind of beauty the prostitute was. However, this fool had never been to a brothel before, let alone with three wives by his side. Bringing his wives into a brothel would be quite a laughingstock. Looking at the signboard again, Yuan Yueze said, "Let's go, let's continue our stroll." Shan Meixian smiled slightly and followed. The two maids behind were stunned: So their husband wasn't here to seek pleasure? Then why was he reciting poetry in front of a brothel? Full of questions, the two maids quickly followed. It was the prime time of day, and the streets were gradually becoming crowded, everyone busy with their livelihoods. The four walked and chatted, and since it was breakfast time, the three women suggested finding a small shop to eat something first. Actually, with their current bodies, they could absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to nourish their flesh and blood; not eating wouldn't have any effect on their bodies at all. It was just that their years of living a regular eating habit were causing the problem. Hearing the three women's suggestion, Yuan Yueze smiled knowingly: "I'll take you to a place with delicious food."

The three women, confused and seeing his mysterious demeanor and refusal to answer any questions, could only follow behind him.

Just as Yuan Yueze turned to flirt with Shan Wanjing, "Bang!" he was bumped into by someone coming from the front.

"Ouch!" The person was knocked flat on their back.

"Young man, are you alright?"

Yuan Yueze stepped forward to help the person he had bumped into.

"My goodness!"

The person on the ground let out a shrill scream, their voice still somewhat childish. They seemed terrified upon seeing Yuan Yueze's appearance.

Hearing this, Yuan Yueze laughed: it seemed he was indeed too frightening to look at; even a ragged little beggar on the street was stunned by his appearance.

"Young man, are you hurt?"

Yuan Yueze asked.

The little beggar who had been bumped into got up on his own, rubbing his bleeding nose, and said, "Can't you see whether I'm hurt or not?"

He was quite defiant.

"I apologize for my rudeness. Here's some silver; take it to see a doctor, and use the rest to buy some tonics."

*Whoosh!*

A silver ingot weighing about five pounds landed on the little beggar's feet. Yuan Yueze and the three women then turned and left.

The little beggar, bewildered, picked up the heavy ingot from the ground and stared blankly as the four disappeared into the distance.

"Hey, that scared me to death! I thought we'd been discovered."

Suddenly, another boy dressed as a beggar darted out from the roadside, staring at the ingot. He was very handsome, with long, bright eyes, a high nose, a broad forehead, and a sunny smile. If it weren't for the greasy face and tattered clothes, he would have been quite good-looking. Now, however, one couldn't be too flattered.

"Let's go back first,"

said the little beggar who had been bumped earlier.

Yuan Yueze had already deduced the boy's identity when he saw the little beggar who had been knocked down. Although the young beggar was ragged, covered in dust, and only moderately handsome, his features were strong, exuding a powerful masculine spirit. His eyes were deep and bright, and the dust on his face couldn't conceal his burgeoning heroic aura. This young man was none other than Kou Zhong from the original story, who ultimately became an unparalleled grandmaster, changing the fate of the entire martial arts world and even the world itself.

It was slightly regrettable that he didn't get to see the other protagonist, Xu Ziling.

Yuan Yueze, however, had fulfilled a wish by meeting the protagonist. Although he could instantly heal Kou Zhong's injuries, to avoid attracting more attention and to prevent Kou Zhong from setting his sights on him, he left some valuables as a meeting fee. He knew that if Kou Zhong discovered his abilities, given Kou Zhong's ambition and shamelessness, he would definitely not let him go. From the beginning, he didn't want to get too involved with the Twin Dragons, fearing that if they became too close, he wouldn't be able to refuse to help them in the future.

Yuan Yueze and the Twin Dragons were not on the same path, and their personalities were completely opposite, so it was best not to have too much contact.

In an abandoned manor overgrown with weeds in the east of Yangzhou, most of the buildings had long since fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect, wind and rain erosion, and termite infestation, leaving only a small stone house huddled alone in a corner, its perforated roof boarded up, barely enough to serve as shelter. The house was dark inside, but the faint sounds of people could be heard.

"We've struck it rich this time! I thought we were doomed after you were knocked down,"

one of the slightly childish voices said.

"Xiao Zhong, why aren't you saying anything? What are you daydreaming about?"

The voice from before rang out again.

"The person who bumped into me just now gave me a very strange feeling. He looked terrifying, but his eyes held no malice whatsoever; instead, they were quite gentle. One look from his eyes made me uneasy, as if our entire scheme had been seen through. To make it safer for you to strike, I bumped into him with great force, but it felt like hitting an iron plate; my bones felt like they were about to shatter. I suspect that person is a master. Let's go out and look for him again later, see if we can get any more benefits, like learning some martial arts or something."

Another voice chimed in.

"I think he's just a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and江湖义气, a

code of honor) rogue. Even if his martial arts are high, can he be as good as Master Shi? Let's think about what we should do next! This silver coin is worth several dozen taels; we can finally abandon our evil ways and join the righteous army! I can't stand Boss Yan anymore; he treats us like pigs and dogs!" "A few taels of silver should be enough for the righteous army. Which righteous army should we join?"

"The other day, when I was listening to Master Bai's storytelling, someone said that Li Zitong is currently the most powerful, with many fierce generals under

his command. Bai Xin and Qin Chaowen are both top masters in the martial arts world. Why don't we join Li Zitong's righteous army?" "Didn't you say before that the most powerful one was Yang Gongqing, who raided Yang Guang's army? Why has Li Zitong suddenly appeared? And what about the others you mentioned, like Li Hongzhi, Hu Liumiao, Wang Deren, etc.? What kind of characters are they?"

"Well... well... anyway, we're brothers for life, would I lie to you? Besides, we can't just go down this dark path! In my opinion, we must find the most promising rebel army. When the world is at peace, with our combined virtue and talent, I, Kou Zhong, can at least become a great general, and you can become a prime minister."

"Just that one Yan Boss is already crushing us, how can we possibly have the virtue and talent to become some kind of great general or prime minister?"

"That's why I drag you to eavesdrop on Master Bai's lectures every day, and to secretly watch and learn kung fu under the big tree next to Shi Long's dojo. Virtue and talent are cultivated, we brothers will definitely make something of ourselves in the future, at least we can go back to Yangzhou and become governors, and give Yan Boss a good beating!"

"I think there's no need to rush to join the rebel army now, we can wait and see how things develop before deciding, anyway, the dog emperor is still alive, the situation will be clearer after he dies, then we can decide."

"Alright, alright, whatever you say. We two brothers have struck it rich today, how about we treat ourselves to a good meal first? What do you say?"

"Excellent!"

"By the way, when you have time today or tomorrow, go and pay back the money you owe Sister Zhen. Sister Zhen is even kinder to us brothers than our own mother. We can't forget our roots now that we've made a fortune, can we?" "

Okay, okay, I know, let's go out and buy some wine and meat!"

There are five markets in Yangzhou City, among which the South Gate Market, facing the Yangtze River, is the most prosperous. There are at least dozens of stalls offering all kinds of food, of varying sizes, making it an ideal place for travelers preparing to board ships on the Yangtze River to have breakfast. Among the food stalls at the South Gate, Old Feng's vegetable and meat buns are the most famous. In addition, Sister Zhen, Old Feng's concubine who is in charge of selling buns, is beautiful and has become a living billboard to attract business.

After walking for about half a cup of tea's time, Shan Wanjing asked in a coquettish voice, "Husband, where can we find something to eat? I'm starving!"

Yuan Yueze only knew that Old Feng's steamed bun shop was in the direction of the South Gate, but he had no idea about the specific route. Hearing Shan Wanjing's urging, he had no choice but to stop an old man and ask, "Excuse me, sir, how do I get to Old Feng's steamed bun shop?"

The old man was stopped for no reason, and when he looked up at the person's appearance, he was immediately startled. Hearing that they were asking for directions, he pointed out the way to Yuan Yueze and the others and then ran away as fast as he could.

Yuan Yueze shook his head and smiled wryly. After another half a day, they finally saw a long queue in the distance. "These people must be queuing to buy Old Feng's steamed buns,"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself.

The four of them did not join the end of the queue, but stood in a relatively open area not far away, watching the woman busy in front of the steamed bun shop.

"Husband, how can we buy steamed buns if we don't queue? They'll all be sold out soon

, and then there won't be any left for us!" Shan Ruyin asked, puzzled, seeing that Yuan Yueze wasn't queuing and had even brought them here.

"Do you remember what I told you we came to Yangzhou for?"

Yuan Yueze asked, his gaze fixed on the dainty, sweaty woman bustling about in front of the steamed bun shop.

"Husband said he was coming to see two hooligans and a pitiful woman,"

Shan Meixian replied, her eyes following Yuan Yueze's gaze.

"Could it be?"

Shan Meixian looked at Yuan Yueze with suspicion, surprised.

Yuan Yueze didn't speak, but simply turned back and nodded gently to Shan Meixian.

"Who is that woman? A servant? She doesn't seem as destitute as husband described,"

Shan Wanjing said, also staring at the woman in front of the steamed bun shop. In her opinion, even if the woman was a helper, she couldn't possibly be as miserable as Yuan Yueze described. In this era, the lower class was everywhere, while the upper class was relatively rare. Therefore, the lower class generally shared the same fate: though they sold their labor and were looked down upon, they still had food and shelter. Thus, Shan Wanjing found Yuan Yueze's words somewhat inexplicable.

Yuan Yueze looked at Wei Zhenzhen, who was still busy in the distance, his lips moved slightly, but he didn't make a sound. Then he turned back and told the three women everything he knew about Wei Zhenzhen's past and future.

The three women listened with a sorrowful expression.

"Then let's go help that Miss Wei later. At least we can redeem her from her servitude, find her a good family, and let her live peacefully until old age,"

Shan Meixian said, staring at Wei Zhenzhen in the distance with a strange expression.

Noticing Shan Meixian's strange expression, Yuan Yueze asked, "Why does Meixian look so strange?"

"According to my husband, that Miss Wei should have already married Feng Qiang as a concubine, but based on my experience, she is still a virgin, so it feels a bit strange,"

Shan Meixian explained.

“Mother, what’s so strange about that? Maybe old Feng is useless now.”

Shan Wanjing had an expression that said, “I understand everything.”

“Oh! You crazy girl, how can you say such shameless things in the street? Shut up!”

Shan Meixian blushed and tried to cover Shan Wanjing’s mouth.

“Husband, save me!”

Shan Wanjing quickly hid behind Yuan Yueze, poked her cute little head out, stuck out her tongue, and said mischievously.

“Mother, you’re the one who’s always the most clingy to your husband!”

Shan Wanjing added fuel to the fire.

“You!”

Shan Meixian was so embarrassed that she didn’t know what to say. She could only turn her bright red face away and simply ignore Shan Wanjing.

Today was no different from any other day for Wei Zhenzhen. She got up in the morning and was busy setting up the steamer, lighting the fire, adding firewood, and working the bellows. On the upper bunk, she wrapped buns for customers, collected money, and then repeatedly wrapped packages and collected money.

However, when she was halfway through selling the buns, she felt several gazes fixed on her from somewhere. Turning her head slightly, she saw three women and a man not far away, all with unattractive appearances. When Wei Zhenzhen's eyes met those of the man in the middle, she trembled. The man was imposing and tall, with a graceful and upright figure. Although he was ugly, she felt no fear whatsoever; perhaps it was the calming effect of his eyes. His eyes were deep and dark, like an infinitely vast starry sky. And unlike the lewd looks she received from the customers she dealt with daily, his gaze was full of pity.

"Sister Zhen, are you done?"

A reminder brought Wei Zhenzhen back to her senses, and she continued packing and collecting money from the customers. However, her eyes would occasionally glance at the four people standing in the distance, but her attention remained mostly on the unassuming man with the strange eyes.

"Miss Wei, please go ahead with your work. Just leave us a dozen or so buns. We can discuss our purpose after you're done."

A pleasant male voice rang in her ears, and Wei Zhenzhen instinctively looked towards the man not far away. She saw him smiling and nodding at her.

Her face flushed inexplicably, and Wei Zhenzhen quickly and secretly hid two baskets of buns before continuing her work.

Half an hour later, finally, everyone in front of the bun shop had left, and the morning's business was over. Wei Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and was about to carry the large steamer basket back to the kitchen. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to the strange men from before, and she noticed that they were being led by the unassuming man and were already approaching her. Seeing this

, Wei Zhenzhen put down the steamer basket, took out the buns she had just hidden from a secret compartment underneath, and handed them over: "These are the buns I saved for you, please take them."

Her voice was as melodious as a nightingale's song.

"Thank you, Miss Wei. Please take us to see Boss Feng. We have important matters to discuss with him."

Yuan Yueze handed the steamed buns back to Shan Ruyin and turned to Wei Zhenzhen.

"Please wait a moment, I'll go and inform him,"

Wei Zhenzhen said. She had no idea what these people's purpose was.

After a while, Old Feng personally came out to greet them. This fellow was short and fat, only slightly better looking than the disguised Yuan Yueze.

"What brings you gentlemen here? Please come inside to discuss this,"

Old Feng said. He noticed their ugly appearance, but their unique demeanor and the obviously high-quality silk clothing they wore made him less likely to underestimate them.

"We apologize for the intrusion,"

Yuan Yueze said, and the group entered the living room under Old Feng's guidance.

Only Old Feng's first wife was waiting in the living room; Wei Zhenzhen was nowhere to be seen.

Old Feng's first wife was quite ugly, with a face full of fat and a fat, deformed figure. She and Old Feng were practically a "perfect match." "May I ask what business you gentlemen have with me?"

Old Feng asked with a forced smile .

He thought to himself: Could it be the God of Wealth visiting? He was right; it was indeed the God of Wealth visiting, but this God of Wealth was a bit "unusual." "We are indeed here to discuss a business deal with Boss Feng,"

Yuan Yueze said.

Old Feng thought to himself: Sure enough!

He immediately smiled obsequiously again: "Then what kind of business is it?"

"Where is Miss Wei? Why haven't we seen her?"

Yuan Yueze asked after scanning the living room.

Old Feng immediately cursed inwardly: Damn it, so he's got his eye on my concubine! I haven't even had her yet, how can I easily give her away! Want to buy her? Let's see if you can come up with a price! Hmph, a toad trying to eat swan meat? Not so easy!

Cursing inwardly, she dared not show it on her face, continuing with a forced smile, "Zhenzhen is busy with some work in the backyard and may not have time to see you all."

"Tell her to come out!"

Yuan Yueze said coldly.

Old Feng inwardly cried out in alarm; this time, he might lose both his money and his wife.

Left with no other choice, the first wife went to call Wei Zhenzhen out.

Wei Zhenzhen hadn't even had time to take off her apron when the first wife, cursing and swearing, dragged her into the living room, where she saw those unremarkable-looking men sitting. Wei Zhenzhen looked bewildered: Why was I called here in this situation?

"How much does Miss Wei's family owe Boss Feng?"

Yuan Yueze glanced at Wei Zhenzhen and asked Old Feng.

"Zhenzhen's family originally owed my family fifty taels of silver, but Zhenzhen has been eating and living in my house for the past three years... and last month, the proprietress of Zuifeng Pavilion even said she wanted two hundred taels to buy Zhenzhen, but I couldn't bear to part with it..."

Old Feng quickly raised the price.

"No...no...one hundred taels, one hundred taels and you can take her away."

Seeing Yuan Yueze's cold eyes, Old Feng broke out in a cold sweat and immediately changed his words.

"Bang!"

A large ingot of gold was thrown heavily onto the coffee table in the living room, shattering it instantly.

"This is two hundred taels of gold! Bring Miss Wei's indenture!"

Yuan Yueze ordered.

Upon seeing such a large piece of gold, Old Feng and the wicked old woman immediately beamed with joy, while Wei Zhenzhen covered her mouth with her delicate hand in surprise, her eyes filled with gratitude as she looked at Yuan Yueze.

Old Feng took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Yuan Yueze.

"Miss Wei, is this the one?"

Yuan Yueze handed the indenture to Wei Zhenzhen without even glancing at it.

Wei Zhenzhen, her slender, jade-like fingers trembling, took the paper that would decide her fate. After reading it, glistening tears streamed down her face, making her even more beautiful.

"Miss Wei..."

Seeing the beauty shed tears, Yuan Yueze couldn't help but whisper.

Hearing Yuan Yueze's voice, Wei Zhenzhen knew she had lost her composure and quickly wiped away her tears, though her face remained flushed. She handed the indenture to Yuan Yueze, saying, "Sir, this is it. Please accept it. From now on, I... I belong to you." Wei Zhenzhen seemed to use all her strength to say these words, then lowered her head.

Yuan Yueze looked at the shy and delicate beauty; her flushed cheeks revealed her current excitement.

He looked at the paper; this was the indenture that bound her to a life of servitude! For a woman to be bound by a mere piece of paper is nothing short of a tragedy for women of this era.

Yuan Yueze stared blankly at the paper, lost in thought. Beside him, Shan Meixian gently tugged at his sleeve. Yuan Yueze snapped out of his reverie, smiled, and tore the indenture to shreds. He turned to Old Feng, who was still grinning foolishly at the gold nuggets, and bowed, saying, "Boss Feng, what happened today is only known to those present. If you and your husband dare to utter a single word..."

He clenched his right fist, his little finger pointing straight, and a powerful burst of energy shot rapidly towards the wall.

"Boom!"

A hole more than a meter high was blasted into the wall, and the stove and iron pot behind it were shattered to pieces.

Amidst the terrified gazes of Old Feng and his wife, Yuan Yueze and the three Shan women turned and left. Wei Zhenzhen quickly untied her apron, threw it away, and followed closely behind Yuan Yueze and the others.

A group of people emerged, and Yuan Yueze said, "I've finally done another good deed. I hope Miss Wei can find a good family and live a stable life."

He hadn't noticed Wei Zhenzhen following them out. After saying this, he felt Shan Meixian push him from behind. Turning around, he saw that Wei Zhenzhen had also come out. Hearing Yuan Yueze's words, her initially happy face immediately turned pale.

Just now, she had seen Yuan Yueze use hundreds of taels of gold to exchange for her freedom, freeing her from the first wife's wrath. Seeing Yuan Yueze casually destroy the indenture without hesitation, giving her true freedom, she was overjoyed. She had even considered repaying this kindness even if it meant becoming a slave. But after following them out, hearing Yuan Yueze say he wanted to find her a good family, her heart was filled with sorrow.

She had initially thought Yuan Yueze and his companions were unremarkable in appearance, but their behavior was upright and heroic, and their casual display of skill was incredibly powerful. Wei Zhenzhen thought: even if I were to become this gentleman's maid, it would be much better, because he didn't seem like the kind of man who would bully others. She also felt a strange sense of kinship with him. Besides, she had once sworn that whoever could rescue her from the pit of fire that was the Feng family, she would be their slave for life, and the man would repay her with his body.

Who knew that this kind-hearted man was so 'kind'—he wanted to marry her off to another family! How could Wei Zhenzhen not be heartbroken?

Seeing this, Yuan Yueze understood what was happening and said to Wei Zhenzhen, "Miss Wei, you are now free. You can do whatever you want. Do you have anywhere else to go? I can give you some silver to use." "

I don't even know your name, sir, yet you rescued me from this pit of fire. I am willing to be your slave and serve you for life,"

Wei Zhenzhen immediately knelt and wept, seeing that he seemed truly willing to abandon her.

Wei Zhenzhen was indeed homeless. Her family had long since disappeared. Now a frail woman, she was better off staying at Old Feng's house; at least it was safer there. If she were alone, she would be targeted by countless lecherous men.

She glared reproachfully at Yuan Yueze, as if to say, "Look, you've seduced another woman."

Shan Meixian stepped forward and helped Wei Zhenzhen up.

"In that case, sister, you can come with us. However, my husband and I are homeless and aspire to travel the world. Are you willing to endure such hardship?"

Yuan Yueze looked at Shan Meixian with a puzzled expression,

scratching his head in bewilderment. It was the first time she had heard one of the women speak; her voice was melodious and ethereal. Wei Zhenzhen was stunned. Looking at the three women's intoxicating charm and graceful figures, yet their faces were ugly, Wei Zhenzhen couldn't help but think: if they had average looks, these ladies would definitely be far superior to her.

"This servant dares not address you as 'sister,' Madam. I am filled with trepidation. Please just call me Zhenzhen, Madam,"

Wei Zhenzhen said, bowing her head.

"In that case, we won't stand on ceremony. Zhenzhen, if you are willing to follow us, then don't consider yourself a servant anymore, otherwise we dare not keep you,"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile.

"This...this servant understands."

Hearing that the man did not treat her as a servant, Wei Zhenzhen was secretly pleased: it seemed that this man, apart from his ugly appearance, was quite good in other aspects.

"Alright, let's not be so polite for now. Let's find a place to rest,"

Shan Wanjing suggested.

The five of them found a high-end restaurant, reserved a private room, ordered some food and drinks, and began to eat and drink.

Wei Zhenzhen was clearly still reserved and hesitant to touch her chopsticks.

Yuan Yueze then said, "Zhenzhen, are you so uneasy because we frighten you?"

He pointed to his face as he spoke.

"No...no...I think a person's appearance is innate, and beauty or ugliness doesn't mean anything. Some people are beautiful on the outside but have poisonous hearts. In my opinion, Master is much better than those people,"

Wei Zhenzhen hurriedly explained.

"Haha, Zhenzhen, you don't need to worry about it. Actually, what you see of us now is all disguise."

Yuan Yueze looked at the gentle and graceful Wei Zhenzhen, like a girl from a modest family, and felt there was no need to lie to her anymore, especially since they would be traveling together in the future. He had admired Wei Zhenzhen's character when he read the original novel.

"Ah?" Wei Zhenzhen was taken aback. She looked at them in astonishment.

"Look at this."

Yuan Yueze and the women removed the masks that Shan Meixian had temporarily made, revealing their true faces.

"Ah!"

Upon seeing Yuan Yueze's true face, Wei Zhenzhen gasped in surprise. The man who had been so hideously ugly just moments before was now breathtakingly handsome, his features like exquisite gems set in his jade-like face, exuding an indescribable air of elegance. This face truly befitted his physique and those deep, captivating eyes. Wei Zhenzhen stared at Yuan Yueze in disbelief, a look of infatuation spreading across her face.

"How old are you this year, little sister? We should arrange your address,"

Shan Meixian's voice rang out.

Hearing someone call her name beside her, and remembering her earlier dazed and impolite staring at the handsome young man before her, Wei Zhenzhen's face immediately flushed crimson. She lowered her head, not daring to look up again.

"This...this servant was rude...please punish me, young master,"

Wei Zhenzhen whispered.

"Zhenzhen, don't be so polite. Your husband detests formalities above all else. Just relax,"

Shan Meixian chuckled.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhenzhen looked up at Shan Meixian: "Heavens, is this a dream?" The three women before her, who had just been indescribably ugly, were now breathtakingly beautiful! It was like heaven and earth! If they were celestial beings descended to earth, she would have no doubt!

After staring blankly at the three women for a while, Wei Zhenzhen realized she had lost her composure again and quickly lowered her head: "Reporting to Madam, I am twenty-one years old this year."

"Then you can call me elder sister. Elder sister's surname is Shan, and her given name is Meixian. This is my daughter Wanjing, who is eighteen years old this year. This is Ruyin, who is four months younger than Wanjing. You can call them younger sisters. My husband's surname is Yuan, and his given name is Yueze. I believe you have heard of our names before."

Shan Meixian introduced them one by one.

"Shan Meixian? Why does this name sound so familiar?"

Wei Zhenzhen thought to herself. She said, "How could I presume to address you as my sister?" "Sister Zhenzhen, please don't be so polite. I like your personality. Mother always says I'm not gentle enough. Sister Zhenzhen, you must teach me more!"

Shan Wanjing moved closer and took Wei Zhenzhen's arm.

Wei Zhenzhen hesitated, unsure how to respond.

"Ah! I remember now, are you Lady Dongming? Did Young Master Yuan utter those earth-shattering words a little over a month ago?"

Wei Zhenzhen's voice trembled slightly as she spoke absentmindedly.

Yuan Yueze smiled and nodded.

"Heavens! Could it be that Heaven has opened its eyes? Allowing me to meet the world-renowned Young Master Yuan?"

Wei Zhenzhen's heart was filled with turmoil.

Of course, what Wei Zhenzhen knew were just rumors circulating in the marketplace. People passed these rumors around, but they could only tell the general outline, not the details. Most people simply considered Yuan Yueze a divine being descended to earth.

"May I ask your age, Madam? Why do you look younger than me?"

Wei Zhenzhen asked for some reason, though she realized it was somewhat impolite afterward.

"Wanjing is my own daughter. How old do you think I am?"

Shan Meixian said with a smile.

"It was my rudeness, Madam. Please punish me,"

Wei Zhenzhen quickly said.

"Alright, Zhenzhen, you're too reserved. Let's eat and drink first, and chat while we eat,"

Yuan Yueze said.

The group began to eat and drink, and Yuan Yueze then conjured things out of thin air to refill the women's tea and wine. Wei Zhenzhen was even more surprised: it seems the legends are true, this young master really does possess magical powers!

Gradually, the atmosphere became more harmonious. Seeing how warm and welcoming everyone was, Wei Zhenzhen felt the warmth of family and let go of her reservations, slowly enjoying the meal. During the banquet, the group talked about Ruyin's reserved demeanor at the banquet that day, how the little girl had been so embarrassed that she kept 'massaging' Yuan Yueze's soft waist, making everyone laugh heartily. When Wei Zhenzhen saw the lively and fiery Shan Ruyin, she couldn't believe that this fairy-like girl from before was just a maid. She then wondered if she would be lucky enough to follow the same path as Shan Ruyin.

Afterwards, Yuan Yueze suggested that Wei Zhenzhen undergo a marrow cleansing and learn some martial arts, which delighted her immensely. In this war-torn era, who wouldn't be happy to have self-defense skills? Especially since it was rumored to be taught personally by the world's number one martial arts master, Young Master Yuan! Wei Zhenzhen was incredibly excited. Shan

Meixian objected, but without giving any reason, only smiling at Yuan Yueze and Wei Zhenzhen, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes.

Seeing this, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin probably knew what Shan Meixian was thinking and secretly chuckled. Shan Wanjing playfully whispered something in Wei Zhenzhen's ear. Wei Zhenzhen's face immediately flushed red, and she glared at Shan Wanjing coquettishly, lowering her head so low it almost touched her breasts, her jade-like neck a deep blush. Although

Yuan Yueze was initially a bit stunned, he could still hear Shan Wanjing's whisper using his true energy.

Shan Wanjing's words were: "Sister Zhenzhen, Mother wants you to marry a husband too. I wonder if Sister Zhenzhen is willing?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yueze frowned. To be honest, when he first saved Wei Zhenzhen, he had no ulterior motives; he simply pitied the beauty and didn't want her to have such a tragic end. Although Wei Zhenzhen was gentle, her love was unwavering. Just looking at her dying for Yuwen Huaji in the original story shows how devoted she was. But now things had escalated; even his own wife was urging him to take Wei Zhenzhen. Wasn't this a bit too hasty? They'd only known each other for a short time.

Yuan Yueze's experience was gradually increasing with Shan Meixian's guidance, but he wasn't yet at the point of understanding everything. In truth, he was unaware of his own allure. Wei Zhenzhen, after hearing Shan Wanjing's words, felt as if she were floating on clouds. This man before her possessed a fatal attraction in every way. Even if Yuan Yueze were to absurdly "do it" with Wei Zhenzhen in front of the three women, he believed she wouldn't object.

But Yuan Yueze was clearly not the type to be easily controlled by his lower body.

In his philosophy, there should be more than just desire between men and women; the fusion of spirit and desire was his pursuit.

Could this be another "romantic encounter" for him? Ancient times were truly unfair to women; men could have many women, while women with several men were scorned. Perhaps he should try dating Zhenzhen? With his abilities, he could indeed give Zhenzhen a good home.

Yuan Yueze thought to himself.

Having thought it through, he naturally became less hesitant. She knew she should take the initiative.

Encouraged by Shan Meixian and urging from Shan Ruyin, Yuan Yueze picked up a piece of green vegetable and put it in Wei Zhenzhen's bowl: "Zhenzhen, from now on, follow us. I, Yuan, will ensure your safety and happiness."

Wei Zhenzhen, who had just been incredibly shy and had barely recovered, saw the food offered to her and heard the seemingly promise-like words of affection, and she lowered her head again. Although she was gentle and virtuous, she understood the intentions of the people in front of her: Shan Meixian and the other two women were helping Yuan Yueze pursue her!

Wei Zhenzhen also knew that if she didn't seize this opportunity, she might miss the most beautiful romance of her life. So she mustered her courage, raised her head, and said firmly, "Zhenzhen thanks you for your great kindness, young master. I will rely on you in the future."

Yuan Yueze simply smiled and nodded at her, continuing to eat and drink. The atmosphere heated up again, and Shan Meixian and the other two women began to tease and joke with the two of them. Wei Zhenzhen didn't mind at all and even joked back with the three women. The change was quite significant.

When a person has neither long-term worries nor immediate anxieties, then no matter how he changes, it is not surprising. Because at this time, he is his most authentic self.

Chapter 010 Night Visit to the Ranch

Pegasus Ranch is located in Hubei Province, on a large triangular fertile plain between the Zhangshui and Jushui rivers, two tributaries of the Yangtze River.

It was late afternoon, and most of the people on the ranch were already asleep. Only the sentry post at the ranch entrance was still manned. On

a small hill outside the ranch's east gate stood five figures: one man and four women, their clothes fluttering in the wind, like celestial couples descended from heaven.

"Husband, why did we come here in the middle of the night? Don't tell me you're planning to steal someone's horse?"

Shan Ruyin asked, gazing at the distant ranch.

"What do you know, you little girl? I came here to see someone."

"Then why are you sneaking around in the middle of the night to see someone? Can't you meet them during the day?"

Shan Wanjing asked.

"You'll understand why we came here so stealthily when we see that person!"

Yuan Yueze replied.

"This Pegasus Ranch truly lives up to its reputation!"

Yuan Yueze exclaimed, gazing intently into the distance.

"Why has Zhenzhen never heard of it? Is Pegasus Ranch famous?"

Wei Zhenzhen asked.

Shan Ruyin beside her also looked curious.

Due to their humble origins, the two women were not familiar with the major powers of the world. After following Yuan Yueze, they spent their days in carefree bliss, either indulging in romance or practicing martial arts alone, without gaining much insight into the world.

"Then you'll have to ask me! Let me introduce you!"

Upon hearing this, Shan Wanjing quickly patted her ample chest and volunteered.

Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian looked at the three women with amusement.

"Ordinary people might not know the name 'Pegasus Ranch,' but powerful clans or influential sects with large armies are certainly familiar with it. Especially in this chaotic era of strife and power struggles, Pegasus Ranch has become a coveted prize for various powers, its value is extremely high,"

Shan Wanjing said proudly.

"In the southwest of Jingling County, the Zhang River and the Ju River, two tributaries of the Yangtze River, divide a large triangular fertile plain. The two rivers flow gently, irrigating the fields on both banks, and finally merge into the Yangtze River. The climate here is mild, the soil is fertile, and the produce is abundant. The plains where the Flying Horse Ranch is located are particularly lush with pasture. Surrounded by mountains, the fertile plain covers more than ten square miles, with only two narrow passages to the east and west for access. The strategic location forms a natural barrier for the ranch. The

first owner of the Flying Horse Ranch, Shang Xiong, was a military general at the end of the Jin Dynasty. At that time, Liu Yu replaced the Jin Dynasty and changed the name of the country to Song, and the world was divided.

To avoid the war, Shang Xiong led his men and clansmen south. By chance, they found this hidden valley and settled down there, establishing the ranch.

From the establishment of the ranch until the unification of the world by the Sui Dynasty, the Flying Horse Ranch was owned by several people, all of whom were from the Shang family, who held supreme authority.

The others were Liang, Liu, Tao, Wu, Xu, and..." The Luo and other ethnic groups, after more than a hundred years of reproduction, have continuously migrated to the surrounding areas, forming nearby towns and villages. Even the two major cities along the Ju River, Yuan'an and Dangyang, have more than half their inhabitants originating from the Flying Horse Ranch.

The Flying Horse Ranch is also the economic lifeline of this region, its high-quality horses renowned throughout the land. However, because the ranch owner adheres to ancestral precepts, he never participates in matters of the martial world or the imperial court, maintaining a low profile and always focusing on business. This is the main reason why his master didn't know about the Flying Horse Ranch.

The first ranch owner, Shang Xiong, was a military general who deeply understood the principle of might makes right. He encouraged his people to study martial arts and promote a martial spirit. As a result, everyone on the ranch was brave and skilled in combat, fearless of bandits and robbers, becoming a force that could guarantee the safety of the region and winning the respect of the residents of nearby towns. "

Shan Wanjing finished speaking in one breath, glancing triumphantly at Yuan Yueze, then looking at Shan Meixian, as if to say: Mother, is there anything else to add?"

"Back when I was traveling the martial world, I had a few encounters with the current owner of the arena, Shang Qingya. We could be considered old acquaintances,"

Shan Meixian said with some emotion.

"Shang Qingya? Isn't it Shang Xiuxun?"

Yuan Yueze muttered, wondering what was going on. The books didn't say that! Then he thought of the Holy Venerable of the Great Ming Sect, who wasn't mentioned in the books at all.

"Shang Xiuxun is Shang Qingya's daughter. The latest news I received a year ago also said that Shang Qingya is still the current owner of the arena,"

Shan Meixian said, somewhat puzzled.

"Then what's going on?"

Yuan Yueze asked thoughtfully, his expression strange.

"Does my husband have any questions?"

Shan Meixian asked.

"Well, you all know I'm familiar with later history, right? The books I've read record that Shang Qingya passed away several years ago! So how come you say she's still alive and well?"

Yuan Yueze explained.

"This... I don't understand either, but it's not a big deal, is it?"

"I don't understand either, forget it, let's go see the people we want to see on this trip!"

Yuan Yueze couldn't figure it out either, so he stopped thinking about it. He led the women across the mountain behind the Pegasus Ranch.

Weren't Yuan Yueze and the others in Yangzhou City?

Back then, after Yuan Yueze rescued Wei Zhenzhen, he booked two rooms at the most upscale restaurant in Yangzhou City. Wei Zhenzhen wanted to see Shuanglong one last time before leaving. She still couldn't let go of those two poor children.

Wei Zhenzhen noticed that Yuan Yueze seemed reluctant when she mentioned saying goodbye to Shuanglong, so she didn't press him further. Yuan Yueze didn't want to leave with Wei Zhenzhen like that. Otherwise, if Shuanglong became successful in the future, they would definitely send people to search for Wei Zhenzhen, and Yuan Yueze and the others might be harassed all the time. He was even more afraid that Shuanglong would cling to him, which would be even worse. So Yuan Yueze decided to stay a few days first and discuss with Shan Meixian and the other women how to resolve the matter.

Ultimately, after staying at the restaurant for four days, at Shan Meixian's suggestion, Yuan Yueze escorted Wei Zhenzhen to Shuanglong's so-called "home" in the east of the city, where they met.

Of course, the four of them only revealed their true identities when Wei Zhenzhen was present; when they left, they disguised themselves as ugly monsters.

That day, Shuanglong was in their "little nest" planning their future "happy life" when they suddenly heard a familiar voice outside: "Xiao Zhong, Xiao Ling, are you there?"

"It's Zhen's voice. Didn't you say the day before yesterday that Lao Feng had sent Zhen to work in another place?"

Kou Zhong asked Xu Ziling.

"Yes! When I went to return the money to Sister Zhen, I was hoping to take the opportunity to get a few more steamed buns and then surprise her with some silver. But the steamed bun seller had changed to that wicked old woman, and their business has suffered a lot! I saw many people asking if Sister Zhen was sick, and I heard her say that Old Feng had sent her to another place, and she might never come back!"

Xu Ziling replied.

"Then why did I think I heard Sister Zhen's voice just now? Was it just my imagination?" Kou

Zhong looked bewildered.

Xu Ziling was also at a loss.

"Xiao Zhong, Xiao Ling, are you there?"

Wei Zhenzhen's voice rang out again. It turned out that Wei Zhenzhen had never been to their "little nest" before, only knowing that its approximate location was in an abandoned manor in the east of the city.

"It really is Sister Zhen's voice, let's go out and see!"

Xu Ziling jumped up and said.

The two dragons ran out of the stone house and saw a man and a woman already standing outside the door, the woman wearing a bamboo hat that covered her face. Looking at the familiar figure, combined with the voice they had just heard... Both dragons were certain that this person was Zhen's sister-in-law!

Turning their gaze to the man beside Sister Zhen, both Shuanglong were startled: wasn't this the wealthy-looking "ugly ghost" they had been planning to "scheme" against on the street a few days ago?

"Sister Zhen, we heard from Old Feng that you've been sent to another place? How come..."

Xu Ziling spoke first.

"Let's go inside first,"

Wei Zhenzhen replied.

Following Shuanglong into the small stone house, the interior was much colder than the outside, with nothing but straw in the corner. There was practically no light inside, even though it was broad daylight!

Shuanglong could indeed be called "immortal cockroaches." If it weren't for Yunjizi helping them refine their bodies, and being penniless, they would probably have already "reported" to the King of Hell in their living conditions. Yet, the two of them were still alive and well!

What one thought when reading the original work was one thing, but seeing it with one's own eyes was quite another!

Yuan Yueze was immediately filled with admiration for Shuanglong.

"Our place is too simple, Sister Zhen and this gentleman, please don't mind,"

Kou Zhong said with a smile.

Yuan Yueze simply shook his head and chuckled.

"Sister Zhen, what's wrong? Why did Old Feng say he'd already sent you away? Now so many people in Yangzhou are asking about you! Old Feng won't say where he sent you! I heard many high-ranking officials are also asking! It's said even the Yangzhou Governor's Office sent people to inquire about you!"

Xu Ziling was eager to know what had happened.

"That day, this gentleman saw Old Feng and his wife bullying me, so he redeemed me. But fearing they'd leak the news, he told them not to tell anyone. I'll be following this gentleman from now on, and I'm leaving Yangzhou tomorrow. I'm a little worried about you all, so I came to see you and say goodbye,"

Wei Zhenzhen said, following Yuan Yueze's instructions.

"I was wondering why Sister Zhen came with this gentleman. So that's what happened!"

Kou Zhong said, suddenly understanding.

"Hehe, gentleman, we're quite destined. It's not very nice of you to just take Sister Zhen away like this. How about giving us two brothers a little something..."

Kou Zhong smacked his lips, looking at Yuan Yueze with a half-smile.

Yuan Yueze thought to himself: This future "young marshal" really has a sharp tongue!

Wei Zhenzhen, hearing Kou Zhong about to act like a rogue again, hurriedly tried to stop him. But the message in her eyes was: help Shuanglong if you can, because these two boys are really too pitiful in her eyes.

Although Yuan Yueze explained to her that Shuanglong would definitely soar to fame within two years, Wei Zhenzhen still didn't quite believe it. In this situation, no one could imagine that these two slovenly little beggars and hooligans would soon become famous.

"It's already a blessing if they don't starve to death or get beaten to death,"

Wei Zhenzhen thought quietly.

Yuan Yueze didn't want to have any more dealings with Shuanglong at this moment. Because he was soft-hearted, he felt that if he stayed here a little longer, he might pity the two of them and might not be able to resist revealing his secrets! And then he saw Wei Zhenzhen's reluctant and pitying expression. Yuan Yueze's brow furrowed. "I originally only wanted to rescue Zhenzhen from this hellhole, but who knew that after rescuing her, she had nowhere to go? So I let her stay with me. We'll be leaving Yangzhou tomorrow. I know you two brothers are worried about Zhenzhen's future, and I can guarantee she'll live a safe and happy life. I don't have much to give you before we leave, but here's fifty taels of gold as my final gift. Take care of yourselves. Farewell!"

Yuan Yueze's words were quite decisive.

In the eyes of the two brothers, this guy was indeed somewhat frightening, but looking at Zhenzhen's sister-in-law, she showed no fear whatsoever! Moreover, she kept glancing at the ugly man out of the corner of her eye, and the affection in her eyes was obvious to everyone!

The two brothers had no romantic experience, so of course they were completely confused. Anyway, Zhen's sister-in-law was rescued, and she didn't dislike the ugly man in front of her. In fact, he wasn't bad; they'd only met twice. Last time, he "sponsored" the two brothers with fifty taels of silver, and this time it was even more impressive—fifty taels of gold!

Wei Zhenzhen wasn't surprised by Yuan Yueze's harsh words. Through their interactions over the past few days, she had a general understanding of him: lazy, averse to etiquette, and only wanting to live without any constraints.

Although she sensed from his explanation a few days ago that Yuan Yueze didn't want any friendship with the Shuanglong, she saw no contempt in his eyes, but rather a hint of admiration.

"Perhaps it's as you said, young master. Xiao Zhong and Xiao Ling are simply not on the same path as you!"

Wei Zhenzhen had known the Shuanglong for several years and naturally knew why Yuan Yueze was avoiding them. If the Shuanglong, especially Kou Zhong, discovered Yuan Yueze's skills, he would never have a peaceful life again!

"Xiao Zhong, Xiao Ling, please take care. After the young master and I leave, we may never see each other again. You must remain calm in the future and avoid reckless actions. We're leaving now."

Wei Zhenzhen said sadly.

Kou Zhong was clutching the large gold ingot, grinning foolishly, while Xu Ziling was somewhat saddened: "Sister-in-law Zhen, please take care too."

Yuan Yueze stood up and went outside the stone house with Wei Zhenzhen. Under the lingering gazes of the two dragons, Wei Zhenzhen walked away, turning back every few steps.

"Sir, we don't even know your name yet!"

Kou Zhong called from behind.

"No need for a name! My surname is Yuan!"

Yuan Yueze didn't turn around, but his voice rang in the ears of the two dragons.

"In that case, may our friendship endure forever, Master Yuan, until we meet again!"

Kou Zhong called again from behind.

Yuan Yueze almost collapsed upon hearing this: he had already been very discreet, yet the sharp-eyed Kou Zhong had still spotted him!

Shaking his head and offering a bitter smile, Yuan Yueze turned to find Wei Zhenzhen behind him. Her face was sorrowful, her eyes brimming with tears. She seemed deeply saddened by parting with Shuanglong.

Wei Zhenzhen's heart was indeed filled with bitterness: although she had grown up in Yangzhou, her parents had shown her little love. At eighteen, her father sold her to Old Feng, and thereafter she was treated like a vase, used to attract customers. In her twenty-one years of life, only Shuanglong, these two petty thugs, could be considered her friends. And Wei Zhenzhen had treated them like her own sons. Now, this might be the last time she saw them. How could she not be heartbroken, how could she not be sad!

Sensing her sorrow, Yuan Yueze naturally took Wei Zhenzhen's hand, gently squeezed it, and gave her a reassuring smile.

Wei Zhenzhen suddenly felt a strange warmth in her palm. Looking up, she saw the man she admired holding her hand, and the gaze in his eyes—a gaze she could rely on for a lifetime—made Wei Zhenzhen somewhat lost in its beauty.

The feeling of parting vanished instantly, and a blush rose to Wei Zhenzhen's face. She lowered her head shyly, letting the man hold her hand tightly.

Feeling the woman's reliance and trust in his palm, Yuan Yueze felt a surge of pride: "If Zhenzhen doesn't mind that I already have a family, would you be willing to marry me? As long as I have a breath left, I will never let Zhenzhen suffer any injustice!"

This was the first time Yuan Yueze had proactively confessed his feelings to a woman. In the past few months, under Shan Meixian's 'guidance,' he had gained a great deal of experience. In Yuan Yueze's eyes, Shan Meixian was his wife, and sometimes even like a sister. She even played the role of a 'teacher' on his life's journey.

The woman before him was now destitute and alone. Since she had decided to follow him, and he himself was quite fond of her, especially considering the constant teasing from Shan Meixian and the other women these past few days, Yuan Yueze felt he should take the initiative. A woman's reserve is instinctive, especially for a gentle and virtuous woman like Wei Zhenzhen.

Hearing her beloved so boldly confess her feelings, Wei Zhenzhen's tears welled up again. However, these were no longer tears of parting, but tears of excitement.

Overjoyed, yet too shy to answer, her face flushed with embarrassment. Her head was almost bowed between her breasts, too ashamed to look up.

"It seems Zhenzhen dislikes me, Yuan. Then I'll wait until you find your true love and marry you off like a family member!"

Yuan Yueze said, feigning regret.

Listen to this guy, he's even teasing women now! Is this the same naive boy from a few months ago who blushed at the mere glance of a woman?

"No...no, I'm willing, please don't misunderstand, young master. I'm just so happy to have your favor that I can't believe it!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhenzhen forgot all about being shy and hurriedly looked up to explain. But when she found the other party looking at her with an "I understand everything" expression, Wei Zhenzhen realized she had been tricked.

"Young master, you're so naughty!"

Wei Zhenzhen glared at Yuan Yueze and said coquettishly.

"Zhenzhen should call you husband or sir now!"

Yuan Yueze continued to tease.

Wei Zhenzhen dared not speak again, afraid that he would say something else to tease her, and lowered her head with a red face.

"Let's go, we'll leave Yangzhou today. The food in the restaurants these past few days has been terrible. I'll cook a meal for you myself when we get to the countryside. I heard that Zhenzhen is quite good at cooking, so she can give me her opinion!"

Yuan Yueze said, looking into the distance with high spirits.

"Young master can cook?"

Wei Zhenzhen asked in surprise. This man before them was too amazing. What other amazing abilities did he have that he hadn't yet revealed?

"You can draw your own conclusions after you've tasted it for yourself. Let's go. As for my skills, Meixian will tell you everything."

Taking the beautiful woman's smooth hand, Yuan Yueze walked towards the restaurant amidst her shyness.

Back at the restaurant, he explained everything to the three women of the Shan family. The three women were also happy for Wei Zhenzhen: a lonely and helpless woman had finally found a good home. Their warm family had gained another member, a cause for celebration.

"Then let's hurry up and go. The food at the restaurant these past few days has been inedible. I still prefer my husband's cooking!"

Shan Wanjing said sweetly.

"That's right, don't you know who I am? Your husband's skills are far superior to the emperor's chef!"

Yuan Yueze boasted.

"Arrogant!"

the women spat in unison.

So, they went to the restaurant counter, paid the bill, and left.

Arriving at a scenic meadow in the countryside, Yuan Yueze took out various cooking utensils, ingredients, and seasonings from his bracelet and began to busy himself. He had originally intended for Shan Meixian to explain her background to Wei Zhenzhen, but Wei Zhenzhen herself was quite fond of cooking and insisted on watching him prepare a meal, so Yuan Yueze's plan had to be postponed.

With everything ready, Yuan Yueze realized that the women probably hadn't tried northern cuisine before, as the northernmost region of the Central Plains at that time only reached the areas of Yulin, Zhuojun, and Youzhou.

He used various northern cooking methods—braising, frying, roasting, steaming, stewing—and soon several dishes, beautiful in color, aroma, and taste, were ready. Amidst Wei Zhenzhen's exclamations of admiration, he served them, calling over Shan Ruyin and Shan Wanjing, who were still playfully fighting in the distance, and they ate and drank happily together.

As night fell, Yuan Yueze and the women entered the bracelet on his left hand to rest. Wei Zhenzhen was once again stunned, just as she had been when the women first entered.

Shan Meixian telepathically instructed Yuan Yueze to capture Wei Zhenzhen that very night. Yuan Yueze, however, preferred to have Shan Meixian reveal her entire background to Wei Zhenzhen first.

That night, Yuan Yueze suffered somewhat, as while "Little Ze" showed no signs of fatigue, the two girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, had already fallen into a deep sleep. The most resilient, Shan Meixian, slept in a separate bedroom with Wei Zhenzhen. Yuan Yueze could only smile wryly, pull the two girls into his arms, cover himself with the blanket, and slowly drift off to sleep.

The next morning, Yuan Yueze woke up early as usual, whistling and humming a tune as he prepared a sumptuous breakfast, then went to wake the girls to enjoy it.

When Shan Meixian and Wei Zhenzhen came out, Yuan Yueze noticed that Wei Zhenzhen had noticeably dark circles under her eyes. She even hesitated to look him in the eye.

"Perhaps my background is too astonishing; Zhenzhen has insomnia!"

Yuan Yueze thought.

After a few casual banter, they began to enjoy their cozy breakfast.

"Zhenzhen, what's wrong? Is my cooking not to your liking?"

Seeing Wei Zhenzhen seemingly lost in thought, only occasionally touching her chopsticks absentmindedly, Yuan Yueze asked.

"No...no, it's not that. Young Master's cooking is superb; I admire it greatly,"

Wei Zhenzhen quickly explained.

Last night, she had overheard Shan Meixian explaining Yuan Yueze's background in detail. She learned that the person who saved her a few days ago was no ordinary person, and that if she married Yuan Yueze, she would ascend to the Upper Realm in hundreds of years. This had greatly shocked Wei Zhenzhen. Although she had witnessed Yuan Yueze's miraculous abilities, she had always thought they were just magic.

"How could Young Master Yuan possibly be interested in a weak woman like me who has nothing? Sigh."

With a sigh, Wei Zhenzhen, preoccupied with uncertainty, had long forgotten Yuan Yueze's confession to her face yesterday.

"Zhenzhen, why are you still calling me 'Young Master'? You should call me 'Husband'!"

Shan Meixian teased from the side.

Yuan Yueze understood that Wei Zhenzhen was frightened by her past, so he didn't say anything, just smiled at her as if to say: I'm waiting for you to call me husband!

Teased by Shan Meixian, Wei Zhenzhen's mood immediately eased considerably. Seeing the expectation in the eyes of the man called "God," Wei Zhenzhen saw pity and affection. Then, remembering this strange man's public confession to her yesterday, she immediately became shy again. But she still slowly managed to utter, "Husband...husband,"

before slumping down as if all her strength had left.

"Sister Zhenzhen is too weak, you need to eat more. Our husband is stronger than a bull! Being so weak will only cause you trouble later!"

Shan Wanjing picked up a piece of food and placed it in Wei Zhenzhen's bowl.

Hearing the deeper meaning in her words, Wei Zhenzhen became shy again.

"That's right, that's right! Yesterday, without Sister Meixian, Sister Wanjing and I fainted again! Sister Meixian is amazing, Zhenzhen, don't lose to her next time!"

Shan Ruyin chimed in from the side.

"You two crazy girls, don't you know how to be shy? Shut up!"

Shan Meixian, hearing the two girls' crazy talk and being dragged into it again, and recalling the passionate moments in bed, couldn't help but feel shy, laughing and scolding the two unrestrained girls.

Yuan Yueze just ate and laughed on the side.

After the girls' playful banter, Wei Zhenzhen was no longer shy, and even retorted a few times. The long-awaited warmth of "home" welled up in her heart, and Wei Zhenzhen felt infinitely satisfied. Every now and then, she would steal a few affectionate glances at Yuan Yueze.

After dinner, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin dragged Wei Zhenzhen around aimlessly. Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian sat together discussing their next plan. They decided to first visit Lu Miaozi at the Pegasus Ranch and help him heal his long-standing injuries.

Shan Meixian was stunned to learn that Lu Miaozi was still alive; he knew of the renowned scholar, Lu Miaozi, and also knew about how Lu Miaozi had been injured by his mother years ago. Now, Shan Meixian lived a carefree and happy life, no longer harboring any hatred for her mother, Zhu Yuyan, only pity. Yuan Yueze's visit to treat Lu Miaozi was, in a way, atonement for his mother's sins.

The four then strolled towards the Pegasus Ranch, enjoying themselves as they went. Two days later, in the evening, after dinner, Shan Meixian and the other two women made an excuse to leave, leaving Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian alone.

Wei Zhenzhen's heart pounded like a deer's, but her nervousness gradually subsided under Yuan Yueze's series of jokes. He then involuntarily pressed his hot, delicate body against hers, Yuan Yueze naturally supporting her beautiful, full waist with his strong arms. Neither of them spoke, simply savoring the tender feeling.

Yuan Yueze's rough hands didn't stop, constantly caressing her slender waist, making her almost moan with pleasure.

Although Wei Zhenzhen had done several years of rough and heavy work, she actually had an excellent figure, perhaps because a lot of physical labor could maintain a certain body fat percentage and a beautiful physique.

Looking down, Yuan Yueze noticed the faint calluses on her delicate hands. He reached out his other hand and lovingly took her soft hand in his, saying gently, "These years have truly been hard for Zhenzhen."

Wei Zhenzhen was overcome with passion, her body burning, her lips dry, her mind filled with erotic thoughts, and her eyes became hazy. Hearing his words, she was overjoyed and wept, murmuring, "If it weren't for these years of hardship, I probably wouldn't have met my husband."

He slowly lifted her chin, and saw her delicate body tremble slightly, her jade-like face flushed red, her starry eyes too shy to open, a charming look of surrender.

Yuan Yueze pressed his lips to her red, almost bleeding lips.

Wei Zhenzhen's sensitive body was so weak that she had no strength left, only managing to stay upright by leaning against Yuan Yueze's chest. She limply allowed Yuan Yueze to kiss her fragrant lips, even invading her mouth to search for his intoxicating tongue. Before long, Wei Zhenzhen, quick to learn, began to entwine her own inexperienced tongue with Yuan Yueze's.

Yuan Yueze's hands, of course, didn't stop either, working in tandem. When they separated, Wei Zhenzhen was dizzy and disoriented, only able to gasp softly, unable to utter a single word.

Yuan Yueze nibbled on her delicate earlobe, breathing softly on her sensitive earlobe, and said, "Let me serve Zhenzhen to bed."

Wei Zhenzhen gave him a shy glance and nodded slightly.

Yuan Yueze lifted her soft body and gently placed her on the bed, and the two became entwined. Wei Zhenzhen was completely lost in the moment, weakly letting his hands caress her sensitive areas, unconsciously and slowly undressing her. In a short while, she was completely naked.

Yuan Yueze stopped what he was doing and examined the exquisitely beautiful body of the young girl before him, as smooth and delicate as white jade.

Her face was as beautiful as a fairy's, with painted eyebrows, long phoenix eyes, a small and delicate nose, and delicate cherry lips. Her cheeks were fair with a rosy glow. Her cloud-like hair was scattered slightly messily on the pillow, clinging to her jade-like neck and fragrant shoulders. Her arms were as white as lotus roots, and her shoulders were rounded and sculpted like by a knife. Below were her firm breasts, which were maddening. Her pink and hardened nipples were like two rubies, exuding a captivating aura. Her abdomen was flat without any excess fat. Her long and rounded jade legs were tightly pressed together in shyness. Wei Zhenzhen's trembling little hands covered the alluring triangle between them, with only a few long pubic hairs peeking out from between her fingers, making it even more tempting.

Yuan Yueze bent down, his skilled hands teasing her sensitive spots one by one. Wei Zhenzhen's moans were soft and sweet, as adorable as a kitten's, evoking tenderness and affection. Yuan Yueze's broad, agile tongue began to roam over her body, his large hands caressing her smooth legs, while his mouth explored her high, full breasts. The two cherry-red nipples on Wei Zhenzhen's breasts, burning with passion, hardened and swelled under Yuan Yueze's sucking, resembling ripe grapes, their color, aroma, and flavor alluring, further enticing Yuan Yueze to suck and nibble.

Moving downwards, to her perfectly clean navel, Yuan Yueze gently parted Wei Zhenzhen's small hands, his tongue slowly kissing her tender, peach-like garden. Amidst the lush, fragrant grass, Gu Xi was already overflowing with love juice, causing Wei Zhenzhen's delicate body to tremble violently from the stimulation. Her pearly teeth gently bit her slender fingers, and driven by the surge of passion, her mind went blank, only instinctively following her body's natural reactions to moan and gasp.

Yuan Yueze, while teasing her two pink labia, secretly thought that what he had just seen must be a hymen; what Shan Meixian had said was true—Wei Zhenzhen was indeed still a virgin. But now was clearly not the time to discuss this; Yuan Yueze diligently began his "work."

Buried in the fragrant, grassy valley, Yuan Yueze's persistent labor within her flesh aroused an even stronger reaction from her beautiful body. A piercing, agonizing itch spread through her body like crawling insects, and waves of throbbing made the valley throb with spring tides. Although Wei Zhenzhen initially felt it was dirty and wanted to interrupt Yuan Yueze's actions, she clearly felt his love for her. A surge of tenderness welled up in her heart, and she didn't refuse. Instead, she shyly opened her jade-like legs to facilitate his movements. An unprecedentedly pleasurable and stimulating sensation washed over her brain; she felt as if her soul had flown out of her body, soaring freely and unrestrained in the heavens and earth. That feeling was indescribably beautiful.

Yuan Yueze insisted on this first time with every wife, mainly because he knew his penis was too large; he could only penetrate her when she was fully aroused, otherwise it would be excruciatingly painful.

Pulling back a step, Yuan Yueze glanced at the beautiful sight before him and sighed inwardly at the wonders of nature; a woman's mysterious parts truly possessed an alluring quality. Because Wei Zhenzhen's legs were spread wide, her entire most intimate area was displayed before him: her snow-white, plump buttocks, pale pink anus, wispy pubic hair, and pink petals were all clearly visible. After Yuan Yueze's tongue had "caressed" her, this mysterious garden was overflowing with lustful fluids, utterly tempting.

Sensing that Wei Zhenzhen was at the peak of her excitement, he returned her trembling lips with a kiss, whispering, "I'm coming, Zhenzhen, don't be afraid, it will only hurt once."

Wei Zhenzhen slightly opened her eyes, nodding with a dazed look.

"Ah!"

As Yuan Yueze broke through the hymen, leaving drops of blood, Wei Zhenzhen let out a painful cry. Her face, previously flushed and infinitely shy, furrowed brows, and her complexion turned pale. Her dazed eyes regained some clarity, and two clear tears slid from the corners of her eyes.

A pillow had been placed under her lower back earlier to alleviate the pain, and Wei Zhenzhen clung tightly to him. Her slender waist arched into a tight curve, and she gasped for breath, crying out with difficulty, "Husband, it hurts so much, Zhenzhen is going to tear!"

Yuan Yueze stopped, gently kissing away her tears, caressing her erect nipples, and saying comforting words to ease her pain of losing her virginity.

After a moment, Wei Zhenzhen's delicate brows slowly relaxed, as if she had already gotten used to the size of his member.

Yuan Yueze also began to move slowly, his hands constantly caressing her full, round breasts to increase her pleasure. Soon, his member plunged deep into her flower path, reaching her inner palace, enveloped by the tender flesh inside, making Yuan Yueze tremble with pleasure. Then he began to thrust in and out.

"Mmm!"

Wei Zhenzhen's two jade-like hands grasped Yuan Yueze's, which was kneading her breasts, teasing her pink, protruding hands. She moaned softly, her lovely slender waist swaying rhythmically with Yuan Yueze's thrusts.

Yuan Yueze was aroused, and in his excitement, he quickened the pace of his movements. Wei Zhenzhen's flower passage flowed with more and more lustful fluid, making continuous lewd "plop" sounds as it lubricated her.

Wei Zhenzhen's face was flushed red, covered in fragrant sweat, and her pretty face still bore traces of tears. Her tearful yet passionate appearance made Yuan Yueze's movements even more vigorous.

"Ah! I'm...dead!"

With a series of unconscious screams, Wei Zhenzhen's delicate body trembled violently, and her juices gushed out, reaching her first orgasm in her life.

Streams of vaginal fluid hit the tip of his penis, and the tender flesh inside her vagina relentlessly gnawed at the shaft, undulating like a human mouth kissing and licking. Yuan Yueze gently kissed her tired forehead, tenderly stroking her glistening breasts, helping her enjoy the afterglow of her orgasm. As the spasms in her vagina subsided, he began to thrust again.

With each groan, Wei Zhenzhen, who had only regained a little consciousness, was once again overwhelmed with pleasure. The exciting sensation from the walls of her vagina quickly spread throughout her body, and her nectar began to flow out continuously again. With Yuan Yueze's thrusts, Wei Zhenzhen, oblivious to the danger, responded passionately, tightly embracing her husband, her breasts pressed against his chest, her petals greedily sucking on the tip of his huge penis.

After less than half an hour, Wei Zhenzhen let out a mournful cry, reaching her second climax. A series of violent spasms followed, and her smooth, pink arms went limp at her sides, as if she no longer had the strength to speak.

"Husband...you're too amazing, Zhenzhen...is so...useless!"

Wei Zhenzhen managed to utter the last of her strength.

Yuan Yueze lovingly wiped the sweat from her forehead, saying, "Silly girl, there's no need to apologize for this. I just need to help you refine your body as soon as possible."

Although Wei Zhenzhen couldn't speak, her expressive eyes gazed at Yuan Yueze, as if telling him: "Can you call Sister Meixian for help?"

Looking at his still-powerful "little brother," Yuan Yueze smiled wryly, pulled the blanket over her, and went out to find Shan Meixian.

With Shan Meixian's generous help, Yuan Yueze finally transferred his life essence to Wei Zhenzhen, assisting her in refining her body.

Wei Zhenzhen finally gave her virginity to the man she loved. Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian asked her why. It turned out that Wei Zhenzhen had been forced by her father to marry Lao Feng, but she refused to comply even unto death. Whenever Lao Feng tried to approach her, she would threaten to kill herself with a dagger she carried. Lao Feng was afraid she would actually do something foolish, which would not only prevent him from having her but also damage his finances, so he couldn't do anything about it. After being rescued from this ordeal, Wei Zhenzhen finally threw away the dagger she had hidden for three years. Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian were moved by Wei Zhenzhen's steadfastness upon hearing this.

A few days later, the five of them finally arrived at the outskirts of the Pegasus Ranch. Since Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian were now making all the decisions for the family, the other three girls were still unaware of what they were going to do at the Pegasus Ranch.

The two young girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, only knew how to fool around all day, doing whatever they wanted. Wei Zhenzhen, while practicing martial arts, also improved her culinary skills by studying various Chinese and foreign recipes collected by Yun Jizi, even showing some symptoms of qi deviation.

Arriving at the back mountain of the Pegasus Ranch, they found the ranch vast and the back mountain area extremely expansive. However, for the five of them, searching for someone's aura within it was quite easy. They quickly detected a faint trace of life in the northern part of the back mountain.

Their bodies naturally emitted light, requiring no additional lamps. Ahead lay endless mountains of varying heights, densely covered with trees. Moving nimbly left and right, up and down, they arrived at a spacious area hidden deep within a valley. This land seemed artificially cultivated; the vegetation and ponds were perfectly arranged, scattered like stars. Each tree appeared to be planted according to a specific method, and the entire garden exuded a natural, mysterious atmosphere. Amidst the mountains, water, and vegetation stood two uniquely designed pavilions.

The four women gazed at this 'man-made miracle' with a touch of fascination. Shan Meixian secretly

thought that Master Lu knew how to enjoy life, managing to find such a secluded place to live in seclusion. As the five walked further, a loud voice rang out from inside the pavilion: "A distinguished guest has arrived. Please invite this esteemed master inside for a chat."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yueze, along with the four women, swiftly landed outside the pavilion door and pushed it open. He announced loudly, "Yuan Yueze and my wife have come to pay their respects to Master Lu."

Entering the pavilion, they saw a long-bearded, venerable old man sitting directly in front of them. His hair and beard were completely white, but he appeared to be in his forties or fifties. His pale face, like jade, still retained traces of his youthful handsomeness. His demeanor was dignified and composed, his eyes filled with a sense of having seen through the vicissitudes of life, yet also radiating extraordinary wisdom, inspiring a feeling of warmth and approachability.

This man was none other than Lu Miaozi, the greatest craftsman in the world.

Lu Miaozi saw a man and four women, radiating a pale white light and exuding an ethereal aura, enter through the door. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, saying with a half-smile, "Brother Yuan, you're so young! Did you come to play chess with this old man after your ascension to immortality, having nothing better

to do?" It turned out that Lu Miaozi had sensed a surge of true energy approaching the pavilion, but seeing five people enter meant that the other four were more powerful than him. Seeing that these five appeared to be under twenty years old yet possessed such cultivation, how could he not be astonished? Hearing the elegant, otherworldly-looking man state his name, Lu Miaozi suddenly realized: it was the man whose fame shook the world, and his wife.

Wei Zhenzhen had comprehended a graceful and agile sword technique from the *Wordless True Scripture*, but her control over true energy was still unclear, causing it to leak out and be noticed by Lu Miaozi.

Seeing Lu Miaozi staring blankly at his group, Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Master Lu

, won't you invite us to sit down and have a few drinks?" Lu Miaozi then came to his senses: "It was my presumption. You all possess an ethereal aura and emit a holy light. I was so impressed that I thought there really were immortals descending to earth, and thus I was lost in thought. Please, sit down and let's talk."

Shan Meixian and the other three women bowed and sat down with Yuan Yueze around a round wooden table with wine pots, cups, and other drinking utensils.

"Please try some of my homemade, albeit humble, wine. And welcome to my simple abode."

Lu Miaozi put down his book and personally poured wine for Yuan Yueze and the women. Shan Meixian and the other women already knew that Lu Miaozi was a renowned senior figure, so they naturally rose to thank him repeatedly.

"Master Lu, you're too kind. A refined room need not be large, and fragrant flowers need not be numerous. This wine tastes quite good, mellow and refreshing, and most importantly, its aroma is rich and harmonious, leaving a lingering aftertaste. It must be Master Lu's own 'Six Fruit Juice',"

Yuan Yueze praised after taking a sip.

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaozi's eyes flashed with surprise again: "Indeed, this wine is made from six kinds of fresh fruits: pomegranate, grape, orange, hawthorn, plum, and pineapple. It goes through the processes of selecting the fruit, washing, rinsing, crushing, discarding the pits, soaking, extracting the juice, fermenting, blending, filtering, and aging, before being stored in wooden barrels and buried underground for three years to mature. How did you, young brother Yuan, learn that this old man brewed this wine?"

Yuan Yueze smiled without saying a word.

Perhaps it was his seemingly harmless smile that affected Lu Miaozi, for Lu Miaozi also took another sip and smiled bitterly, "For the past few decades, this is all I've been clinging to life with."

Seeing Lu Miaozi so tormented by his mother, Shan Meixian couldn't help but feel saddened, "Master Lu, you no longer need to rely on this wine. My husband and I have come today to help Master Lu heal his wounds and cure his illness, as a way of making amends for the sins my mother committed against you."

"You must be Shan Meixian, the daughter of the Empress of the Underworld, right? Your affair has already become the talk of the martial world."

Lu Miaozi glanced at Shan Meixian and pondered for a moment before speaking.

Shan Meixian nodded silently.

"Please calm your mind, Master Lu. I'm sure you have many questions, but healing your wounds is the priority."

Yuan Yueze's hand glowed with a pale yellow light as he spoke to Lu Miaozi.

"Husband, please wait. Let me treat Master Lu myself, as a way to express my remorse on behalf of my mother,"

Shan Meixian interrupted Yuan Yueze.

Yuan Yueze remained silent, smiling and nodding. He held his wine cup in his left hand and gestured "please" with his right.

Lu Miaozi focused his mind and saw that Shan Meixian's hand beside him also emitted a pale yellow light. She pointed her thumb towards him, and a peaceful, vibrant energy surged from her forehead into his body, rapidly circulating through his meridians. Lu Miaozi closed his eyes, feeling the energy pass through each acupoint. The demonic energy that had accumulated within those acupoints and tormented him for over thirty years was instantly refined and eliminated, replaced by boundless vitality.

A few breaths later, Lu Miaozi opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming, feeling a complete transformation. He turned to Shan Meixian, gratefully rising to bow: "This old man thanks you, Madam, for saving my life." Shan Meixian quickly returned the bow.

"Everyone, there's no need to be so polite. Master Lu's old ailments are completely healed, and Mei Xian has also helped him cleanse his marrow and purify his body. Master Lu has truly been reborn! Congratulations!"

Yuan Yueze laughed.

"What!"

Lu Miaozi thought that Shan Mei Xian had only helped him expel the Heavenly Demon True Qi and heal his injuries. Who knew that, according to Yuan Yueze, in just a few breaths, the powerful Qi that Shan Mei Xian had injected into his body had actually helped him cleanse his marrow and purify his body, allowing him to be reborn! Even Lu Miaozi, who could remain calm despite his many trials and tribulations, couldn't help but be astonished.

Seeing Lu Miaozi's astonished expression, Yuan Yueze casually took out a glass mirror and handed it to Lu Miaozi: "Master Lu, you'll see for yourself."

Lu Miaozi took the mirror, and while he was still wondering what it was, he saw that his reflection had undergone an unimaginable transformation: the person in the mirror was completely familiar with him. This was himself at thirty years old, spirited, handsome, and imposing. His hair and beard had all returned to their original black luster.

Staring in astonishment at his rejuvenated self, Lu Miaozi seemed lost in thought, simply gazing blankly into the mirror.

After a long while, he rose again, bowed deeply to the five men, and said respectfully, "Lu Miaozi thanks you all for your life-saving grace."

The men quickly rose to return the greeting.

Once seated, Lu Miaozi seemed like a different person, a genuine smile spreading across his face, though a faint trace of sorrow lingered in the depths of his eyes.

"Master Lu, you must be feeling a bit itchy now, right?"

Yuan Yueze asked.

Lu Miaozi nodded curiously; he didn't know why he felt itchy all over, and he couldn't openly admit it in front of them.

"The beautiful fairy just helped Master Lu cleanse his marrow and purify his body, expelling impurities that are now adhering to his skin. Master Lu, please don't be shy, go and bathe first; we'll wait here."

Lu Miaozi understood what was happening. Tonight had brought him too many surprises; in his nearly ninety years of life, he had never experienced anything so miraculous. He needed a bath to calm his mind.

"In that case, I'll excuse myself for a moment. Please make yourselves at home, I'll return shortly."

Lu Miaozi rose, bowed, and withdrew.

Half an incense stick later, Lu Miaozi returned, having bathed, brimming with vitality and wearing a smile—a truly rare and handsome man.

After Lu Miaozi sat down, Yuan Yueze conjured a bottle of finely brewed, low-proof Moutai and some fruit juice out of thin air. He poured Moutai for Lu Miaozi and fruit juice for the women, then raised his glass and said, "Master Lu, please try the wine I brought; it's no less excellent than your own brew."

Lu Miaozi was puzzled by Yuan Yueze's ability to conjure things out of thin air, but then he remembered that even his wife could transform him in an instant, so he understood and began to regard the men as immortals.

Taking a sip of the wine, Lu Miaozi praised, "This wine is fragrant and elegant, with a rich cellar aroma, smooth and sweet, harmonious in flavor, and a clean finish with a lingering aftertaste. It's far superior to my inferior wine!"

"Master Lu is too modest. Master Lu's 'Six Fruit Juice' is absolutely worthy of being called the best of the world..."

"Old man, Mother is dying!"

Before Yuan Yueze could finish speaking, a beautiful, melodious voice, like string music, came from outside the pavilion, but it was filled with deep sorrow and anxiety.

Chapter 011 The Sword Immortal Arrives

Lu Miaozi heard the familiar voice outside and, disregarding all etiquette, immediately stood up, pushed open the small door of the pavilion without a word, and rushed downstairs.

"What happened to Qingya?"

Lu Miaozi's voice was no longer calm as before; instead, it trembled as she asked the person who had just called out from outside.

“Mother… Mother is dying. She said she wanted to see you one last time and asked me to come and fetch you.”

“Then take me there quickly!”

“Wait, Master Lu, why are you so alarmed? Aren’t we here?”

Yuan Yueze and the four women also came out of the pavilion and stopped the distraught Lu Miaozi.

“Right, right! I almost forgot that Brother Yuan’s abilities are extraordinary. Now Qingya can be saved. Then please, Brother Yuan and the ladies, come to Qingya’s ‘Bird Garden’ for treatment.”

“Master Lu, my wife and I don’t want outsiders to know our whereabouts, so we would appreciate it if you could bring Sister Qingya here so we can treat her.”

Shan Meixian hurriedly said.

“That’s fine. Please wait inside for a moment. I will be back in a short while. Xiuxun, what are you daydreaming about! Take me to ‘Bird Garden’ quickly!”

Lu Miaozi urged Shang Xiuxun, who was slightly dazed.

Shang Xiuxun originally hated Lu Miaozi intensely, so she rarely visited Lu Miaozi's pavilion in the back mountain. She only knew that a heartless man, whom her mother had loved unconditionally until her death, lived there. Today, Shang Qingya was terminally ill, her breath coming in fits and starts. Shang Qingya probably understood that her life was nearing its end. She sent a maid to fetch Lu Miaozi, wanting to see the man she had loved all her life one last time.

Upon hearing her mother's words, Shang Xiuxun's already immense sorrow was instantly ignited with rage: That damned old man, that heartless man, made my mother suffer her whole life, what was so good about him? Why did my mother love him so devotedly until her death without a trace of resentment!

Although she was furious, Shang Xiuxun also understood that this seemed to be her mother's last wish. She immediately instructed several maids to take good care of Shang Qingya, and informed the head steward and several stewards waiting outside about her mother's condition, before hurrying to the back mountain to fetch Lu Miaozi.

Filled with bitterness, Shang Xiuxun rushed to Lu Miaozi's pavilion and called out. A man around thirty years old rushed out. Before she could even hesitate, the man's voice rang in her ears. Shang Xiuxun recognized the voice of this heartless man, and was somewhat puzzled: Wasn't this old man supposed to be very old? How could he look so young? Her mother had said he was very talented; perhaps he was a disguised man? What was he doing disguised alone in his room so late at night?

Having just told Lu Miaozi about her mother's situation, Lu Miaozi was completely flustered. Just as Shang Xiuxun was about to take Lu Miaozi back to 'Flying Bird Garden' to see her mother one last time, she noticed a man and four women emerging from the pavilion door, emitting a pale white aura that illuminated the surrounding area as if it were daytime.

Looking at the man and four women, they possessed an ethereal beauty, like immortals descending to earth. The man had a face like jade, gentle and refined, elegant and handsome beyond compare. Especially when she looked into his eyes, they seemed to possess an infinite magic, captivating her and making her momentarily lose herself in their allure. Upon closer inspection, those piercing eyes were like the unfathomable depths of a black starry sky, or the vast expanse of a starry sea. The women beside him were equally stunning, possessing unique气质 (qi zhi, a kind of refined elegance or aura), their charm and purity intricately intertwined. Even as a woman herself, she found it difficult to resist the allure of their extraordinary气质.

While she was still staring blankly at the five women, she heard Lu Miaozi's urging voice. Shang Xiuxun immediately composed herself and, filled with curiosity, hurried towards the 'Flying Bird Garden' with Lu Miaozi.

"You old fool! Your mother is dying, and you still have a smile on your face? All your mother's love for you is wasted!"

Shang Xiuxun shouted angrily when she saw that Lu Miaozi's face showed no sorrow, but rather a slight smile.

"Xiuxun, do you know why I'm not sad?"

Lu Miaozi asked with a smile.

"I don't know! I don't want to know! You heartless man, after seeing your mother one last time, get as far away as possible!"

Shang Xiuxun shouted again.

Lu Miaozi wasn't angry at Shang Xiuxun's scolding; he knew he had wronged Shang Qingya and her mother in the past.

"You saw those five people who came out of my room just now, didn't you? Aren't they strange? Don't you think I've regained my youth? They're the ones who healed me. So I'm bringing Qingya to them; they can definitely cure Qingya!"

"What? So you weren't disguised?"

Shang Xiuxun looked at Lu Miaozi in surprise.

“Have you ever seen such a realistic disguise? Haha. But those five people are my great benefactors. They don’t want their whereabouts to be exposed, so I’m taking Qingya to my attic for treatment. You and the head steward should explain this to them later, and absolutely not reveal the whereabouts of those five people,”

Lu Miaozi reminded her.

Shang Xiuxun, still confused, nodded silently.

Who were those five people? Could they really cure her mother’s illness? Hopefully!

Shang Xiuxun thought to herself.

The two ran and talked, and soon arrived outside Shang Qingya’s bedroom in ‘Flying Bird Garden’. Several men dressed in luxurious clothes paced back and forth outside.

The head steward, Shang Zhen, had been in the ranch for almost fifty years and naturally knew about Shang Qingya’s affair with Lu Miaozi. He was also one of the few people in the ranch who knew that the person living in the back mountain was the ranch’s son-in-law. At that moment, he and several stewards were anxiously waiting outside the main room when they heard footsteps outside. Looking up, they saw Shang Xiuxun leading a man of about thirty years old into the room.

Shang Zhen was stunned when he saw the man's face clearly.

"Young...Young Master?"

Shang Zhen had met Lu Miaozi before, and seeing that the man behind Shang Xiuxun resembled Lu Miaozi somewhat, he tentatively asked.

"Head Steward, I need to take Qingya to my secluded valley for treatment. Let's not waste any more time on small talk. Xiuxun will explain to the head steward and the stewards."

Lu Miaozi nodded to Shang Zhen, pushed open the door, and turned back.

Seeing the haggard beauty sleeping unconscious on the bed, Lu Miaozi couldn't help but burst into tears. He stepped forward, picked up Shang Qingya, and rushed out of the room, flying towards his secluded valley.

Shang Xiuxun briefly explained a few things to Shang Zhen and the stewards, telling them not to worry, as Lu Miaozi was taking Shang Qingya back to his secluded valley for treatment. He then flew after Lu Miaozi.

Yuan Yueze was chatting with his wives when he sensed two distinct auras and one faint aura rapidly approaching the small pavilion.

"Master Lu, quickly put Master Shang on the bed in the inner room!"

Shan Meixian went to open the door and welcomed Lu Miaozi and Shang Xiuxun in.

Lu Miaozi responded quickly and went into the bedroom, putting Shang Qingya down. Then, he pulled Shang Xiuxun, whose face was still wet with tears, to the foot of the bed.

Yuan Yueze also quickly followed the four women into the bedroom. After giving Lu Miaozi a reassuring smile, he slowly raised his right hand, and a pale yellow holy light flashed again on the tip of his index finger.

Then, he slowly pressed down on his fingertip, and the pale yellow light shot rapidly into the center of Shang Qingya's forehead, who was already unconscious. In an instant, Shang Qingya's body was enveloped in a pale yellow halo, slowly flying off the bed. After hovering in mid-air for a few breaths, the light began to fade, and Shang Qingya's body slowly landed back on the bed.

Shang Xiuxun looked at all this with a strange expression, thinking to herself: Could this really cure Mother's illness of many years? What kind of martial arts is this? So powerful?

Shang Qingya slowly opened her eyes, her gaze shifting as she saw several strangers standing by the bed, and at the head of the bed was her daughter, who looked astonished, tears streaming down her face, covering her mouth with her small hand, and a young stranger who seemed strangely familiar.

"Where am I?"

Shang Qingya asked Shang Xiuxun.

"Mother!"

Shang Xiuxun could no longer contain her excitement and threw herself into Shang Qingya's arms, bursting into tears.

After gently patting Shang Xiuxun's back a few times, Shang Qingya looked up again, her expression strange as she stared at Lu Miaozi, whose appearance had drastically changed. She exclaimed, "You...you're Brother Lu?"

"Qingya, you've suffered so much. Now your illness is completely cured,"

Lu Miaozi nodded to Shang Qingya and said softly.

"Master Lu, please speak slowly with Lord Shang. We'll wait in the living room first,"

Yuan Yueze said to Lu Miaozi upon seeing this.

Lu Miaozi looked grateful: "Brother Yuan, please sit outside for a while. I will express my gratitude for your great kindness later."

Under Shang Qingya's questioning gaze, Shan Meixian pulled Shang Xiuxun up and, along with Yuan Yueze and the others, walked towards the living room, leaving the inner room to Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya.

After the group sat down around a small round table in the outer hall, Shang Xiuxun gratefully addressed Yuan Yueze, saying, "Xiuxun thanks you for saving my mother's life, young master. But may I ask how you and the other ladies are addressed?"

"My surname is Yuan, and my given name is Yueze. These are my wives: this is Shan Meixian, this is Shan Wanjing, this is Shan Ruyin, and this is Wei Zhenzhen,"

Yuan Yueze replied with a smile.

"Ah!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Xiuxun gasped, covering her mouth with her hand in surprise as she stared at the five women.

Taking advantage of Shang Xiuxun's surprise, Yuan Yueze also took a good look at this woman, described in the original story as one of the five most beautiful women of her time.

Her beautiful, jet-black hair cascaded down her chiseled shoulders like two small waterfalls, making her exceptionally beautiful. Even the four most beautiful women in the world were only slightly more beautiful than Shang Xiuxun. One could only imagine her stunning beauty and allure if Shang Xiuxun could also refine her body.

Shang Xiuxun was dressed in elegant attire, her figure both strong and graceful, exuding a vibrant energy that accentuated her striking face and tanned, glowing skin, radiating youthful energy and enviable health.

Her beautiful eyes, still bearing traces of tears, were deep and unfathomable, her thick eyelashes adding to the mystery of her phoenix eyes, which seemed to shimmer with the finest, most fragrant wine.

Truly one of the five most beautiful women of our time, she was truly extraordinary!

Yuan Yueze silently praised her. The four women beside her were the same; they had only achieved their current beauty and charm after meeting Yuan Yueze and having all the impurities in their bodies removed, while Shang Xiuxun remained a mere mortal.

"Weren't there rumors that you all ascended to immortality? Why are you here today…?"

Shang Xiuxun asked Yuan Yueze after a moment of surprise.

"There must be more than one rumor circulating, right? Why does Miss Shang only believe one version?"

Yuan Yueze, only slightly taken aback by Shang Xiuxun's appearance, replied.

"If Young Master Yuan doesn't mind, just call me Xiuxun. Miss Shang is being too formal!"

"I'm a little shy," Shang Xiuxun said. The incredibly handsome man before her was indeed too mysterious. She had only heard various rumors about him, the only certainty being that he "loved his wife dearly." "There are indeed many rumors about you and your wives, but the one about you ascending to immortality came from a single branch of the Dongming Sect, so I think it's the most credible."

Shang Xiuxun dared not look at Yuan Yueze any longer, because the man before her was too attractive. If she stared at him for a while, she would lose herself, and who knows what kind of trouble she might cause.

Shan Meixian, amused by Shang Xiuxun's unease and evasive gaze, gave Yuan Yueze a reproachful glare before pulling Shang Xiuxun aside to chat casually. Shan Wanjing and the other two women also chimed in with jokes and harmless banter, and Shang Xiuxun gradually became more at ease, occasionally laughing with the women.

“The last time I saw Xiuxun, she was just a nine-and-a-half-year-old girl. Now she’s grown up so much and is so beautiful. There are probably no more than five people in the world who can rival her beauty,”

Shan Meixian exclaimed.

“Xiuxun is nothing like what Aunt Meixian says. Xiuxun is just an ugly girl. Aunt Meixian and the three older sisters are much more beautiful than Xiuxun, and they even radiate a holy glow. Could it be that you are all immortals who descended to earth?”

Shang Xiuxun was still extremely interested in the origins of Yuan Yueze and the others.

“There are indeed immortals in the world, but they can’t just descend to earth at will. Besides, we are not immortals,”

Yuan Yueze said with a smile, thinking that his family was now more accurately described as 'monsters' that were neither human nor god.

"What technique did you use to heal Mother's illness, Young Master? The ranch has consulted many renowned doctors from within a hundred miles, but none could cure Mother's ailment. Yet, Young Master Yuan simply emitted a beam of light, and Mother miraculously recovered!"

"This...this...how about we explain in detail after Master Lu and the ranch owner come out?"

Yuan Yueze didn't want to reveal the secret to outsiders, so he had to stall and think of a way to deal with it first.

Shang Xiuxun nodded, somewhat puzzled, and didn't ask any further questions. She then resumed her chattering with the four women. Yuan Yueze, however, didn't like to talk much, simply watching the women quietly, drinking his "Six Fruit Juice" while waiting for Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya to emerge.

More than an hour later, Lu Miaozi helped the rosy-cheeked Shang Qingya out of the inner room. Yuan Yueze also took the opportunity to carefully examine this woman who hadn't even appeared in the original story.

Shang Qingya, in terms of looks, charm, and figure, was in no way inferior to the former Shan Meixian. She was indeed a stunning beauty! Moreover, the Shang Qingya before him was even more outstanding than the former Shan Meixian, because Yuan Yueze had just helped her undergo a complete transformation, cleansing her body and removing impurities.

Regarding Shang Qingya, the original novel only mentions her briefly. She was gentle and virtuous, devoted to Lu Miaozi, and deeply in love. Even in death, she harbored no resentment towards Lu Miaozi for abandoning her, only silently loving him!

Yuan Yueze also felt that rescuing Shang Qingya today was a perfect ending; otherwise, such a virtuous woman dying like this would truly be "a tragedy caused by heaven's jealousy of beauty."

"Brother Yuan and the ladies have been waiting for a long time. With the help of your inner strength, Qingya has not only recovered from her old illnesses, but has also undergone a complete transformation, emerging from her cocoon. I could never repay such a great kindness in my next life! Please accept my bow!"

Shan Meixian was about to rise to help him up, but Yuan Yueze stopped her. He knew that Lu Miaozi's bow was truly from the bottom of his heart, and if he didn't accept it, Lu Miaozi wouldn't feel comfortable.

"Alright, Master Lu, I have a connection with your family, so please don't mention thanks again. Let's sit down, enjoy some wine, and chat. Wouldn't that be pleasant?"

Yuan Yueze said loudly.

"I don't know how to express my gratitude either, so please accept Qingya's bow as well, young master."

Shang Qingya must have heard Lu Miaozi's explanation of Yuan Yueze and the others inside the house. She was also deeply grateful to Yuan Yueze for saving her life and giving her a second chance.

"Master, you're too kind. Alright, please don't be so polite in the future. I really can't accept such a gesture. This is a one-time thing!"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile.

"By the way, Master Lu, what did you talk to the Master about that took an hour?"

Yuan Yueze asked curiously. Lu Miaozi probably didn't know his background at all. Did he really need to say an hour?

"After helping Qingya cleanse her marrow and purify her hair, of course she needed to bathe, so it took some time,"

Lu Miaozi explained.

"Oh! So Master Lu personally helped the Master bathe. No wonder!"

Yuan Yueze replied.

The faces of the women in the room immediately turned red, especially Shang Qingya and Shang Xiuxun, who were extremely embarrassed. Although Shan Meixian and the other three women had become somewhat accustomed to Yuan Yueze's often impolite and "unrestrained" remarks, how could they not be embarrassed when he said such things in front of so many people without batting an eye?

Lu Miaozi was even more embarrassed, thinking to himself: What's wrong with this kid? He had been so gentle and refined just moments before, how could he suddenly utter such rude words?

The atmosphere in the room became awkward, the women blushed, and lowered their heads. Lu Miaozi was also at a loss for words.

Although Yuan Yueze had learned a lot about the 'etiquette' of this era with Shan Meixian's help over the past few months, he was a person who hated etiquette, so he didn't take Shan Meixian's teachings to heart at all. He was still as straightforward as ever, saying whatever came to mind.

"My husband hates etiquette the most, so he often doesn't know how to mince words. He's used to being straightforward. Please don't laugh at me, Master Lu and Sister Qingya."

Seeing the situation becoming increasingly awkward, Shan Meixian quickly suppressed her embarrassment and explained.

"It's alright. Young Brother Yuan is a person worthy of admiration, so sincere and genuine."

Lu Miaozi also quickly spoke up to ease the atmosphere.

"Master Lu, you and the host have rekindled your youth today. You should cherish life. Don't you think so, Master Lu?"

Yuan Yueze said meaningfully.

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaozi's face was filled with remorse: "Indeed, today, Qingya and I have received a great favor from Brother Yuan, allowing us to be reborn. This allows me to finally 'atone' for my past actions. From now on, I will never leave Qingya and stay with her until old age!"

"Well said! Only in this way can we live up to everything I've done today. Master Lu, it's not that I look down on you, but your past actions have truly disheartened me. A virtuous woman like you, so devoted and selfless in love, is truly rare in this world. You must cherish her!"

The scene was somewhat strange, a young man lecturing an older man with the air of an old man. The people in the room didn't find anything wrong with Yuan Yueze's words, because although they were impolite, they came from the heart and were all reasonable.

Lu Miaozi, with his rich life experience, heard Yuan Yueze's heartfelt words. Although they were disrespectful, Lu Miaozi wasn't angry at all; instead, he nodded with remorse.

He immediately took Shang Qingya's hand and addressed the group before him, saying, "With everyone here, you can all bear witness for Qingya and me. I, Lu Miaozi, swear to Heaven that from this day forward, if I ever do anything to betray Qingya, may I be struck by lightning!"

Hearing Lu Miaozi's heartfelt repentance and love, Shang Qingya disregarded the presence of others and threw herself into Lu Miaozi's arms, bursting into tears.

Shang Xiuxun looked at her mother and Lu Miaozi with mixed feelings.

"Xiuxun probably still can't let go of her hatred for Master Lu, right? Let time prove it."

Shang Xiuxun heard Yuan Yueze's voice and realized that no one around her had heard her, so it seemed he had specifically sent it to her. She nodded involuntarily.

Shang Qingya, her face flushed, slowly rose from Lu Miaozi's embrace after calming down, saying, "I'm sorry for making you all laugh."

Yuan Yueze and the others simply shook their heads and smiled at them.

"Young Brother Yuan, what is your background? Could you tell us?"

Lu Miaozi asked.

"This…this…"

Yuan Yueze stammered, unsure how to answer. Shan Meixian, standing nearby, felt the same way. The women knew Yuan Yueze's background was too astonishing; firstly, it would be hard for anyone to believe, and secondly, if someone with ulterior motives overheard, they would inevitably get into trouble.

Seeing Yuan Yueze and the women hesitate, Lu Miaozi sensed they were reluctant to reveal their backgrounds and didn't press them. Just as she was about to change the subject, a powerful voice came from the doorway: "Little Ze, since the Miaozi family is destined to be with you, why hide anything?"

Everyone in the room was startled, because none of the five members of Yuan Yueze's family were ordinary people, especially Yuan Yueze and Shan Meixian, whose cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds. They hadn't even noticed anyone standing at the door. Upon hearing this voice, Yuan Yueze trembled violently. He slowly turned around.

The pavilion door was pushed open, and a white-haired old man, radiating seven-colored light, stood smiling in the doorway, nodding to everyone.

"Master!"

Yuan Yueze roared, rushing forward and kneeling before the old man, tightly embracing his legs.

The Lu Miaozi family felt this old man was unfathomable, and his aura was unlike anyone else in the world. Before they knew his origins, Yuan Yueze roared and rushed forward. They then realized: it was Young Master Yuan's master! If Young Master Yuan was so powerful, his master must be extraordinary too. Seeing

Yuan Yueze's excitement and hearing his roar, Yuan Yueze's four wives also realized that the old man before them was the great god of the Chaos Realm, the 'Ancient Sword Immortal' Yun Jizi, whom they had heard about from Yuan Yueze!

The four women quickly rose and knelt gracefully, saying in unison, "Disciple's wives greet Master!"

Yun Jizi smiled and called for them to rise. He then approached the Lu Miaozi family of three, who were already standing, nodded in acknowledgment, and sat down first: "Please sit down, everyone. I prefer to be casual; there's no need for formalities."

Yuan Yueze's temperament was very similar to Yun Jizi's, and he sat down before Yun Jizi could. Having witnessed a true god descend to earth, and being Yuan Yueze's master, the four women were already extremely reserved and dared not sit down.

The Lu Miaozi family had no idea about Yun Jizi's background. They didn't stand on ceremony, bowed, and sat down. Seeing the four women, Shan Meixian and her companions, behaving timidly, Yuan Yueze personally pulled them down to sit and introduced them to Yun Jizi one by one.

"This old brother is actually Young Master Yuan's master.

May I ask how the old immortal is addressed?" Lu Miaozi asked, noticing that although the man was old, he was vigorous, and the auspicious seven-colored light emanating from him was exceptionally comforting.

"Miaozi, you are the first person to dare call me 'old brother'! Haha!"

Yun Jizi laughed.

The Lu Miaozi family was still wondering: what was this old man's background? Could he really be an immortal?

"Master Lu, my master is a great god of the Chaos God Realm, his divine title is 'Ancient Sword Immortal' Yun Jizi, and he is already 130,000 years old this year."

Yuan Yueze had just heard Yun Jizi say that he had a connection with the Lu Miaozi family, so revealing his background wouldn't matter, and he spoke to the Lu Miaozi family.

"!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaozi, Shang Qingya, and Shang Xiuxun jumped up immediately.

Yun Jizi, Yuan Yueze, and Shan Meixian remained seated, enjoying their wine.

"So it is the Venerable God who has graced us with his presence. Lu Miaozi has failed to greet you properly; please forgive him."

Now it was Lu Miaozi and his family's turn to be so uneasy that they dared not even sit down, kneeling instead.

"Why are you so certain that I am a god, Miaozi? Do you believe in gods? Why don't you think I am an imposter?"

Yun Jizi asked.

"Lu Miaozi is but a mortal; how could I dare doubt the identity of the Venerable God? I once believed that there were no gods or ghosts in the world, but today, seeing the extraordinary abilities of Brother Yuan and his family, who can grant rebirth with a wave of their hand, I realize that such power cannot be cultivated through martial arts, nor is it a power that should exist in this world. Therefore, I also feel that Brother Yuan and his family are not of this world, and thus I have begun to inquire about Brother Yuan's origins,"

Lu Miaozi replied respectfully.

“Miaozi, you don’t need to be so polite. I’ve said I dislike these formalities the most. Please make yourselves at home. Please rise. Let’s sit down and talk slowly,”

Yunjizi said.

The Lu Miaozi family stood up and sat down, still very reserved, all with their heads down. Only Shang Xiuxun boldly looked at Yunjizi and Yuan Yueze, her eyes filled with surprise and admiration.

“Master, why have you come down to the mortal realm? Has something special happened? How have you been these past few months?”

Yuan Yueze asked.

“I’m fine. I did come down here to see you. I happened to see you here, so I showed myself to meet you,”

Yunjizi replied.

“What is it that requires Master to come down to see his disciple personally?”

Yuan Yueze asked, puzzled.

“It is indeed something that I can only resolve personally. But before we talk about the matter, let me tell Miaozi’s family about your background. I can tell they are very eager to know,”

Yunjizi said with a smile.

So, Yun Jizi began to tell Lu Miaozi, Shang Qingya, and Shang Xiuxun everything about Yuan Yueze and himself. The three were stunned, their mouths agape, their hearts pounding wildly.

When Yun Jizi mentioned that Yuan Yueze's wives could ascend to the upper realm hundreds of years later, Shang Xiuxun stole a glance at Shan Meixian and the other three women, her eyes flashing with intense envy.

Lu Miaozi and her family stared at the group in astonishment, speechless.

A quarter of an hour later, they finally recovered, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked at the group.

"I have come down to the mortal realm to find you three things: First, to help you fully refine your inner strength and divine power. Second, because I also have a connection with Xiuxun. Third, to tell you that I will give two pills to Qingya and the other two."

Shang Xiuxun was incredibly excited to hear that this god among gods had a connection with her. Lu Miaozi and the other two became interested in the elixir.

"Master, what do you mean by refining internal energy and divine power?"

Yuan Yueze and the other women looked at Yun Jizi with puzzled expressions.

"Have you noticed that even when you use your internal energy casually, your martial arts become unimaginably powerful?"

Yun Jizi asked them.

Yuan Yueze and the other women nodded.

"Your martial arts aren't actually that powerful. It's because your bodies currently have a mixture of internal energy and divine power. So when you use your internal energy, some divine power mixes in, making your attacks exceptionally powerful—powerful beyond the realm of martial arts. This is also my fault. I originally intended to store all your divine power in your sea of consciousness, but I couldn't achieve perfection in a short time, so a few strands of divine power still mix into your internal energy."

"However, if things continue like this, it will greatly affect your ascension to the God Realm a hundred years from now. The impurity of your divine power will delay the process of refining your complete divine body."

"Moreover, Xiao Ze, you made a few mistakes a few days ago, such as killing several people in the lower realms. Your divine power is tainted by the lives of those people

in the lower realms, which has already affected your future." "However, the mistakes have already been made, and it's no use regretting them now. I see that your emotional tribulations are too heavy, and you will have to stay in the mortal world for many more days. This will inevitably lead to encountering enemies. Therefore, I'm here to help you completely seal your divine power in your sea of consciousness, so that you won't make any more mistakes in the future when you act impulsively."

Yun Jizi continued to explain.

"Then Master, please help us refine the two powers separately. No wonder I felt incredibly powerful when I casually made a move before!"

Yuan Yueze suddenly realized.

At this moment, he finally understood why he could shake the world with his true qi, fly on a sword, revive the dead Shan Meixian, and even cleanse the marrow and molt the fur of Yun Yuzhen, Lu Miaozi, Shang Qingya, and others.

Then Yuan Yueze frowned again and asked, "Then how will I release the divine power in the future?"

Yun Jizi smiled and said, "Master is just afraid you'll use it impulsively. As long as you concentrate your mind in your sea of consciousness for half an hour, you can still draw upon the divine power. However, remember not to use it recklessly, because once you use the divine power again, you will be completely exhausted and lose all resistance. Even with your current physical condition, it will probably take several hours to recover."

Yuan Yueze asked again, "Will this power play a decisive role in our future cultivation of body and mind?"

Yun Jizi shook his head and smiled mysteriously, "This is just a life-saving power that I'm leaving for you. The secret of cultivating body and mind must be found by yourselves."

"All of you, sit cross-legged, concentrate your minds and calm your breath. The refining process will take the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. In the future, Xiaoze's wives will not have the chaotic power within their bodies like you did before."

Seeing the thoughtful expressions on Yuan Yueze and the women's faces, Yun Jizi quickly added.

After Yuan Yueze and the four women were ready, Yun Jizi suddenly opened his eyes, shooting out five beams of light that circulated throughout their bodies, starting from the Baihui points (crown of the head) of each of them. The five were immediately enveloped in a hazy light.

Seeing that they had entered a meditative state, Yun Jizi turned to the Lu Miaozi family and said, "Now, let me tell you about the connection between this old man, Xiao Ze, and you."

The family held their breath, listening intently to Yun Jizi's explanation.

"First, let me tell you about the pills I will give to Miaozi and Qingya. These pills can increase your lifespan by ninety-nine eight hundred and ten years,"

Yun Jizi said to Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya.

After a moment of shock, Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya immediately knelt down again, saying, "Your grace is higher than the heavens; thank you for your great kindness."

With trembling hands, they accepted the pills. The two women, quick-witted as ever, wondered why Yun Jizi would give them such a pill, something even emperors dreamed of. Was it simply a matter of fate?

Seeing the strange look in Lu Miaozi's eyes, Yun Jizi chuckled, "You must be wondering why I'm so generous in passing on such a precious gift to you."

Lu Miaozi blushed, unsure how to explain.

A mysterious smile flashed across Yun Jizi's face: "This is a heavenly secret; you will understand in the future."

Yun Jizi then turned to Shang Xiuxun and smiled, "Xiuxun, would you be willing to become my disciple's wife?"

"Ah?"

Shang Xiuxun had been staring blankly at everything before her, utterly shocked, her mind seemingly slow to process what was happening. Hearing Yun Jizi ask her so directly, Shang Xiuxun's face flushed instantly. Undeniably, Yuan Yueze's charm was irresistible, and Shang Xiuxun had even felt a touch of affection. But all of this had happened too quickly; they had only known each other for a short time. Yun Jizi truly lived up to his reputation as Yuan Yueze's master; even his words were so direct.

"Xiuxun, don't be shy. Your fate with Xiaoze is ordained by heaven, and you and I are also master and disciple,"

Yunjizi continued to explain.

"What?"

Shang Xiuxun felt dizzy, her mind completely blank.

Seeing this, Yunjizi said nothing, silently watching her with a smile.

Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya weren't much better off; they had received too many surprises today. Shang Qingya was even more delighted to hear that her daughter was destined to be with Yuan Yueze, and that they would one day ascend to the Upper Realm. Moreover, Yuan Yueze was handsome, dashing, upright, and warm-hearted. How could she not be happy for her daughter!

Although her "future son-in-law" already had several wives, a few months ago, upon hearing this extraordinary man's earth-shattering roar, she could sense his love for his wives. Besides, this extraordinary man was no ordinary person; it was truly her daughter's good fortune to marry him! As Shang Qingya thought about this, she looked at Yuan Yueze, her gaze softening, becoming more and more satisfied. As the saying goes, "A mother-in-law's

eyes light up when she looks at her son-in-law." Shang Xiuxun's heart trembled upon hearing Yun Jizi's words . She was filled with a mixture of anxiety and shyness, and kept her head down, secretly glancing at Yuan Yueze, who was still practicing his internal energy. She became increasingly captivated by his gaze.

"Xiuxun, don't worry about it. Xiaoze and the others couldn't hear what I said earlier. Xiaoze

is a straightforward boy; he says what he thinks and does what he wants. He's also a bit rigid and dull. Don't mind him; just let things develop naturally." Hearing this, Shang Xiuxun nodded shyly, thinking to herself, "Should I be more proactive in the future? Will my sisters laugh at me? "

She already considered herself halfway to Yuan Yueze's wife.

"Xiuxun, why are you still daydreaming? Hurry up and pay your respects to Master!"

Shang Qingya urged, seeing Shang Xiuxun standing silently with her head down.

Upon hearing this, Shang Xiuxun remembered her apprenticeship and quickly rose to her feet, kneeling before Yun Jizi and kowtowing, saying, "Xiuxun kowtows to Master."

"Good, good. Master also has a book of my own creation, the 'Tianyan Gua,' which can predict the future, to give you. However, it's currently in Xiao Ze's hands. I'll give it to you when he wakes up,"

Yun Jizi said.

Shang Xiuxun's mind was entirely focused on her "fate" with Yuan Yueze, and she didn't react much to the prospect of receiving such a treasure as the 'Tianyan Gua.'

A moment later, Yuan Yueze and the other women, including Shan Meixian, finished their practice. At this moment, their demeanor had changed somewhat: their celestial aura was less pronounced, making them appear more approachable. Their internal energy was also less powerful, which even Lu Miaozi could detect.

"Xiao Ze, I have just accepted Xiuxun as your junior sister. You must take good care of her from now on!"

Yun Jizi said to Yuan Yueze, who seemed to still be trying to activate his divine power.

Yuan Yueze stopped abruptly, looking at Shang Xiuxun, completely bewildered: She'd gained a junior sister so quickly, interesting.

Shang Xiuxun shyly called out "Senior Brother" before quickly lowering her head, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes with her delicate hands. Yuan Yueze was even more confused.

The two mischievous girls, Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, seeing Shang Xiuxun's unexpected encounter, immediately ran over to congratulate her. Then they started playfully fighting. Shan Meixian and Wei Zhenzhen, both perceptive women, naturally noticed something amiss in Shang Xiuxun's demeanor and smiled mysteriously at Yuan Yueze. This left Yuan Yueze utterly confused.

"Alright, it's about time for your master to return to the Divine Realm to spy… ah, no, secretly do some good deeds, yes, secretly do some good deeds. I must take my leave now; the next time we meet will be in the Upper Realm,"

Yun Jizi said. Thinking to himself: I almost gave myself away again!

“Xiao Ze’s path of cultivation is extremely difficult. Mei Xian, you have more experience, so you should help Xiao Ze more on his journey of training in the future,”

Yun Jizi said to Shan Mei Xian.

Shan Meixian nodded hurriedly in agreement.

"I've already placed a copy of the *Tianyan Gua* in my bracelet. This is something I'm going to pass on to your junior sister. You can take it out and give it to her later."

"There are currently five people in the world who possess the aura of emperors: one in Yangzhou, one in Taiyuan, one in Luoyang, one in Lingnan, and one in Baipu. Be careful when you encounter them. Remember this well."

"Now that this matter is settled, I'm leaving."

Yun Jizi ignored the bewildered crowd and vanished instantly, leaving only his voice echoing in the room.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to Master (the Venerable God)," the

people in the room knelt and bowed in unison.

Chapter 012 Traveling through Bashu

Yuan Yueze and the four women stayed under the warm hospitality of Lu Miaozi's family. Because the area behind the Flying Horse Ranch was extremely vast, Shan Meixian considered honing her skills again before leaving: to improve her martial arts as much as possible. At the same time, the back mountain of the Flying Horse Ranch was like a paradise, which pleased the women greatly.

For the next two months, the five continued to enjoy their carefree lives. However, compared to before, they spent more time improving their martial arts skills.

Yuan Yueze and the women tried to activate the extraordinary power again, but found that it was extremely time-consuming each time. Moreover, once released, their essence, energy, and spirit were completely depleted, requiring at least half a day to recover. Therefore, they decided that they would never use this extraordinary power unless absolutely necessary.

Lu Miaozi was amazed by his terrifying cultivation method: constantly absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to refine it into his own Yuan Qi. Yuan Yueze's true Qi gradually became more abundant and vast with each passing day.

Lu Miaozi and his wife enjoyed their time together and rarely concerned themselves with other matters.

One day, while the women were being taken away by Shang Xiuxun to 'connect,' Yuan Yueze sat quietly alone on the back mountain, lost in thought.

"It's been almost half a year since I came to this era. The real show is finally about to begin,"

Yuan Yueze sighed softly, muttering to himself.

"There are so many people in the world with the aura of an emperor! The one in Taiyuan must be Li Shimin, the one in Yangzhou should be Kou Zhong, but who is the one in Lingnan? How come there are also people with the aura of an emperor in Luoyang and Baiyue? And why did Master tell me these things before he left? What does it have to do with me?"

"Why didn't I go for a stroll with Xiuxun and the others?"

Yuan Yueze was lost in thought when a familiar voice sounded behind him.

"I was thinking about some things here. Besides, Master Lu wasn't with Aunt Qingya either, was he?"

Yuan Yueze turned around and smiled.

"You brat, how dare you joke with this old man?"

Lu Miaozi scolded.

"Tomorrow I plan to take Meixian and the others out for a walk. Staying in one place all the time gets boring. There are still so many places in this era that we haven't been to yet,"

Yuan Yueze said.

"Oh? Not staying any longer? You young people always like to run around! You can't stay still!"

Yuan Yueze just smiled and didn't answer, his gaze turning into the distance: "Master Lu, you must have finished reading all those books these past few days. Now that we're leaving, I believe that if the ranch encounters any difficulties, with you and Aunt Qingya here, we can overcome any adversity."

When Yuan Yueze stayed at the back of the Pegasus Ranch, Lu Miaozi kept squeezing all sorts of knowledge about later generations into his mind. Hearing that Yuan Yueze was familiar with the history of this era, she curiously asked Yuan Yueze for the "original" Tang Dynasty text to study. At first, Lu Miaozi also doubted the authenticity of the events recorded in the book: although the various people and events described in the book had not yet begun to happen, they were all living people of this era, including the major clans and various figures in the martial arts world. However, the book recorded that Shang Qingya had already died several years ago.

Yuan Yueze could only explain this as: historical inaccuracies.

Lu Miaozi was actually quite pleased that he was recorded in historical records and known to future generations. Yuan Yueze, however, chuckled inwardly: "What kind of historical record is this? It's just a novel for entertaining the masses. Official history is nothing like this!"

"Indeed, since I received the elixir of immortality from the Venerable God, and you helped Qingya and me expand our meridians, if we diligently cultivate our martial arts in the future, our achievements should not be small. The book you gave me also records that the ranch will be secretly sabotaged by various forces in two years. I will make preparations, so you can go out and have fun without worry."

"Where do you plan to go next?"

"We haven't decided yet. We'll discuss it again after Meixian and the others return. We might go to Sichuan or Lingnan first."

"Oh! I remember now, we can go to the capital first and see the 'Yang Gong Treasure House' created by Master Lu."

"Ha, ha. You brat, so you were trying to humiliate this old man! But it's good that you go and take a look, take all the treasures inside, so that the various forces won't commit mass killings because of it. Oh, and by the way, it would be best to take the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' from the hidden chamber as well. It's more reassuring to have it in your hands than in someone else's. At least I can give Yutian, who is now in the afterlife, some peace of mind..."

Lu Miaozi said with emotion.

Yuan Yueze nodded with a light laugh. The essence in the Evil Emperor's Relic was equivalent to several hundred years of cultivation, but his own method of absorbing the energy of heaven and earth would also yield considerable rewards if he persisted. Most importantly, he didn't want to rely on external forces.

Just as Yuan Yueze was about to speak again, a silvery laugh came from the distant horizon. It seemed that the women had returned. He could tell them his decision and see what they thought.

Lu Miaozi tactfully walked away, leaving the time for Yuan Yueze's family.

"Husband, we're back!"

Shan Ruyin was as playful as ever, a fragrant breeze wafting by as she rushed into Yuan Yueze's arms.

"Come on, everyone sit down, I have something to say."

Yuan Yueze gestured to the women, including Shang Xiuxun.

Yuan Yueze explained his plan, and Shan Meixian, as the eldest of the women, was the first to agree, leaving the others with nothing to say. Shang Xiuxun, however, seemed a little sullen.

"Junior sister, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Yuan Yueze asked curiously.

"No...nothing, I just want to go out and play with senior brother and all the sisters. I've never been out to play before, I'm so envious of senior brother and the sisters!"

Shang Xiuxun said shyly, her face beginning to blush.

"That's not a good idea, junior sister, you'll be taking over as the head of the sect in the future. It's better to stay, we might see each other again in a few years!"

Yuan Yueze, the simpleton, didn't understand the meaning behind Shang Xiuxun's words and spoke up anyway.

"A few years later?"

Shang Xiuxun wondered to herself. She then whispered, "I don't want to be a farm owner. Besides, Mother and that old man have both gotten younger. They can have more younger siblings, and anyone can take over as farm owner. Why does it have to be someone else?"

"This..."

Yuan Yueze didn't know how to answer.

She secretly cursed her husband for being such an emotional idiot. Shan Meixian smiled and said, "Then Xiuxun will come with us on our travels, but you'll have to get past Sister Qingya and Master Lu first."

"Shh..."

Shang Xiuxun let out a long breath, patted her ample chest, and laughed, "Don't worry, Sister Meixian, Xiuxun will come to find you tomorrow."

After saying that, she secretly glanced at the dumbfounded Yuan Yueze and flew away.

As expected, the next day, Shang Qingya personally escorted Shang Xiuxun to the back mountain of the ranch to bid farewell to Yuan Yueze and the others. Shang Qingya had long seen through her daughter's feelings for Yuan Yueze. Adding to this, Yun Jizi had said the two were "match made in heaven," and Yuan Yueze was undeniably pleasing to the eye—except for his somewhat immature personality. Therefore, when Shang Xiuxun suggested going on a trip with Yuan Yueze and the others, Shang Qingya agreed without hesitation. While the ranch was undoubtedly the most important thing to the Shang family, Shang Qingya, as a woman who had experienced life and death, knew what a woman should pursue and what a woman's greatest happiness was. If Shang Xiuxun could be happy, that was what Shang Qingya most wanted to see.

Under the reluctant gazes of Lu Miaozi and Shang Qingya, Shang Xiuxun, with tears in her eyes, embarked on her journey with Yuan Yueze and the others. Perhaps because it was her first time away from home, Shang Xiuxun forced a smile throughout the journey. Yet, deep in her eyes, a trace of lingering sorrow remained.

The four girls, Shan Meixian and Shang Qingya, had been privately told by Yun Jizi about the supposed "match made in heaven" between Shang Xiuxun and Yuan Yueze. They were asked to help encourage them. The girls were happy to have such a lively and adorable younger sister as Shang Xiuxun.

Because Shang Qingya hadn't died young like in the original story, and Shang Xiuxun hadn't succeeded as the head of the monastery, she didn't possess the aloof and arrogant personality of her predecessor. Her only unresolved issue was the heartless Lu Miaozi. After Shang Qingya's resurrection and over thirty years of waiting finally leading to a happy ending and a miraculous encounter, Shang Xiuxun's inner turmoil vanished. Now, she was simply a lively and adorable little girl.

However, the warm family atmosphere between Yuan Yueze and the girls quickly dissolved the homesickness in Shang Xiuxun's heart.

The five traveled towards Kyoto, intending to first witness the "Yang Gong Treasure." Flying on swords was now history; they gradually adapted to walking and using their light-footed skills. A month later, they finally arrived outside Kyoto.

That night,

Lu Miaozi, the designer of the treasure vault, clearly explained all the mechanisms to Yuan Yueze's family, allowing them to easily enter the vault. Yuan Yueze's original intention was merely to sightsee. However, Shan Meixian, after consideration, insisted that Yuan Yueze take all the treasure. Although Yuan Yueze's bracelet contained a considerable amount of wealth, Shan Meixian did this because she didn't want to benefit those hypocritical forces who constantly proclaimed "for the country, for the people, for all under heaven."

Yuan Yueze didn't object to Shan Meixian's idea. He was a straightforward person and had no good impression of hypocritical forces. Easily collecting all the treasure and the "Evil Emperor's Relic" in the hidden chamber, the group turned and headed towards the secret passage.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Yuan Yueze smiled, turned and walked into the treasure room. He channeled his inner energy and used his finger to carve a line of large characters on the wall: "Miss Fu Junzhuo, you've come all this way for nothing. Yuan Yueze's message."

"Husband, who is this Fu Junzhuo?"

Wei Zhenzhen asked curiously.

"How lazy are you all? Didn't I give you some books to read? They contained the history of this era that I knew! And yet, you didn't have the slightest interest in reading them! Fu Junzhuo was a Goryeo woman recorded in those books, and she will soon enter this place. But she was 'jealous of beauty,' dying too young."

Yuan Yueze complained.

"There are dozens of books, just looking at them gives me a headache, I'm too lazy to read them."

Shan Wanjing, spoiled by Yuan Yueze, wrinkled her small, cute nose and said coquettishly.

"Since you know she died young, why didn't you carve a message here to remind her? Was she a bad person?"

Shang Xiuxun also asked curiously. In her memory, her senior brother was an extremely kind-hearted man.

"I don't know if she's a good person or a bad person, but I feel she's more of a good person,"

Yuan Yueze said with some emotion, as if recalling the scene when he first read the original work.

"Oh? What makes you say that, husband?"

Shan Meixian also became interested.

"This woman is from Goryeo. Because of Yang Guang's three expeditions to Goryeo, the people of Goryeo hated the Han people. Fu Junzhuo was one of these Goryeo people. She would later use the 'Yang Gong Treasure' to lure various forces in the Central Plains into fighting each other to the death, hoping to use this to cause chaos in the Central Plains. But later, she died saving two Han hooligans. So, do you think she's a good person or a bad person?"

Yuan Yueze asked.

"People also believe that this Korean woman is indeed more of a good person than a good one, just as my husband said, because she sacrificed herself to save two Han people; these are genuine feelings from the bottom of her heart. As for the chaos in the Central Plains, it's all that bullshit 'national righteousness' at work. Perhaps this Korean woman was also forced into it,"

Shan Ruyin began to swear.

"Oh dear, you little rascal, why are you becoming more and more like your husband, disregarding etiquette!"

Shan Meixian laughed and scolded.

"Haha, I love Ruyin's genuine nature, she's so adorable. Much better than those pretentious, hypocritical people outside."

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly. "But don't worry, because in the history I know, she took a once-famous jade pendant from this 'Yang Gong Treasure Vault' to attract the attention of various powers, which ultimately led to her death. Now that the treasure vault is empty, she should be able to avoid her demise!" "

But Zhenzhen thinks her attempt to plunge the Central Plains into chaos is also hateful. Aren't people from all places human? Why insist on distinguishing between Han Chinese and Koreans?"

Wei Zhenzhen, kind-hearted by nature, frowned.

"Zhenzhen's idea is good, but too idealistic. Reality and ideals are very different. However, I also believe that there are good and bad people among the Han Chinese. And even more so among the Koreans. So in my mind, there's only the distinction between good and bad, not the so-called Han Chinese or Koreans."

Yuan Yueze put his arm around Wei Zhenzhen's slender waist and praised her.

“Xiuxun thinks Senior Brother’s idea is the most suitable,”

Shang Xiuxun nodded in agreement.

“Junior Sister has too little experience with people and things. If some ‘nationalists’ heard me say this in the future, they would definitely curse me out. In short, there are millions of people in the world, and it’s impossible for everyone to have the same thoughts and opinions. The only thing we need to do is never harm others for our own benefit, and do everything in accordance with our conscience. Then we can live a happy and open life.”

Yuan Yueze said as he walked towards the entrance of the secret passage with Wei Zhenzhen in his arms.

The other girls nodded in agreement when they heard Yuan Yueze say this. They then walked out of the secret passage.

More than ten days later, the group of people who had traveled south finally arrived in the Sichuan-Chongqing region and were now on the outskirts of Chengdu.

During this time, at the urging of Shan Wanjing and the other girls, Yuan Yueze and Shang Xiuxun were often left alone together. Although Yuan Yueze’s inherent taciturnity had not changed much, under the influence of Shan Meixian and Lu Miaozi, his mindset had matured considerably. Seeing this, he gradually realized that his wives were clearly trying to force him to make this junior sister his wife! So he took the initiative to accompany Shang Xiuxun, and even intentionally or unintentionally flirted with her a few times. Yuan Yueze felt that everything he did was natural. But how could Shang Xiuxun resist his charm? Gradually, she became even more lost in him.

Many women in the world should be jealous, but Yuan Yueze is no ordinary man; he's incredibly charming, and more importantly, after consummating their relationships with him, these women experience boundless satisfaction in both love and desire. Even setting aside all that, the fact that he can bring about extraordinary transformations in them is enough to drive women mad. Fortunately, Yuan Yueze's secret is known only to his family. So, in the ambiguous state before their relationship is established, it's normal for any woman to feel jealous. But once they've consummated their relationship with Yuan Yueze and learned his biggest secret, no woman is jealous anymore. They might even help this slightly pedantic fool pursue other women. Shan Meixian and Wei Zhenzhen are prime examples. As for women like Shan Wanjing and Shan Ruyin, who have completely opened their hearts, they don't care how many women will fall for Yuan Yueze in the future. They only know that no matter how many more people join their family, Yuan Yueze's feelings will remain the same as they were at the beginning.

The group had reached the outskirts of Chengdu, chatting and laughing while enjoying the scenery of Sichuan and Chongqing, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Shan Meixian led the four women ahead, leaving Shang Xiuxun and Yuan Yueze a distance behind. Shang Xiuxun understood that this was an opportunity created for her. However, her ladylike modesty made her want to catch up quickly and join the others. Seeing this, Yuan Yueze quickly grabbed Shang Xiuxun's hand, saying, "They're being silly, Junior Sister, accompany me to slowly enjoy the scenery."

Shang Xiuxun didn't know whether to answer or not. She could only blush and let him lead her by the hand, following behind with her head down. She was secretly quite pleased with herself.

Yuan Yueze turned his head to look at the distant, layered mountains, stretching endlessly, and sighed: "Alas! How perilous and high! The road to Shu is harder than ascending to heaven!

Cancong and Yufu, how vague their founding of the state!

Forty-eight thousand years have passed since then, and it has not been connected to the Qin region by human habitation.

To the west, there is a bird path near Mount Taibai, which can traverse the summit of Mount Emei.

The earth collapsed and the mountains crumbled, and brave men died, and then the heavenly ladder and stone plank roads were linked together...

When will you return from your westward journey? The perilous and precipitous road is impossible to climb.

Only the mournful cries of birds can be seen in the ancient trees, the male flying and the female following, circling among the trees...

The road to Shu is harder than ascending to heaven, I turn to the west and sigh deeply."

This poem, "The Road to Shu is Hard," by Li Bai, depicts the breathtaking peril and grandeur of nature, leaving the reader with a profound sense of awe. Numerous scenes appeared and disappeared, whether it was the height of the mountains, the swiftness of the waters, the changing landscape, the desolation of the forests, or the perilous cliffs, all possessing an imposing presence. The grandeur of the scenery and the vastness of its scope were truly unmatched. Furthermore, the overall changes were rapid, increasingly bizarre, and often unexpected, leaving one breathless.

Shang Xiuxun, standing beside him, looked at Yuan Yueze with starry eyes, her jade-like hand, which Yuan Yueze had been holding, now taking the initiative, praising, "Senior Brother's literary talent is truly extraordinary!"

Yuan Yueze was taken aback, then smiled, "This wasn't written by me, it was written by someone else. I just witnessed the scenery of Sichuan and Chongqing for the first time and was moved to think of this poem."

While countless fellow time travelers plagiarized later poems as their own, Yuan Yueze, this simpleton, was an exception, utterly honest.

Shang Xiuxun laughed, "Anyway, I've never heard of it before, so let's just assume it was made by my senior brother."

"Alright, let's rest properly once we get to the city,"

Yuan Yueze said with a smile, pinching Shang Xiuxun's cute little nose. Pulling Shang Xiuxun forward, her face flushed with embarrassment, Yuan Yueze continued on.

The city was established in one year, and became Chengdu in two, hence its name.

In the autumn of the ninth year of King Huiwen of Qin's reign during the Warring States period, the King of Qin sent his ministers Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo with a large army to conquer Shu. After annexing it, they established Shu Commandery, with Chengdu as its capital.

The following year, the King of Qin accepted Zhang Yi's suggestion and built Chengdu County.

Looking at the city construction throughout history, most relied on natural barriers or waterways, but Chengdu had neither natural defenses nor convenient waterways. Moreover, the city site was located in a low-lying plain, damp and rainy, with numerous swamps nearby, requiring human effort to improve the situation.

To build the city, the people of Shu extensively excavated earth around the city, creating large ponds in the excavated areas. Notable examples include Willow Pond to the west, Tianjing Pond to the northwest, Ink-Washing Pond and Wansui Pond to the north, and Thousand-Year Pond to the east. These ponds not only irrigated fertile fields and raised fish for food, but also served as natural barriers on the east, west, and north sides during wartime. Combined with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System built by Li Bing, the governor of Shu during the reign of King Zhaoxiang of Qin, this formed a unique water conservancy system that effectively solved the three major problems of flooding, irrigation, and navigation on the Chengdu Plain.

The main city of Chengdu had a circumference of twelve li and walls seven zhang high, divided into the Taicheng (Greater City) and Shaocheng (Lesser City). The Taicheng, located in the east, was seven li wide; the Shaocheng, in the west, was less than five li wide.

In the early years of Emperor Wen of Sui, Chengdu was the capital of Yizhou, later changed to Shu Commandery.

The Taicheng was the seat of the commandery government and the place where people lived, serving as the political center. The Shaocheng was mainly a commercial area, most notably the South Market, where artisans, wealthy merchants, and ordinary people all conducted their businesses and lived.

The entire Sichuan region is a melting pot of different factions. Aside from smaller martial arts groups, there are three major factions: The first is "Duzun Fortress," led by Xie Hui, known as the "Martial Arts Judge." Xie Hui is a man of deep cunning and insightful wisdom, renowned throughout the martial arts world for a long time. He is even considered on par with Song Que, the "Heavenly Blade," and Song Zhi, the "Earthly Sword," of the Song Clan, one of the four great clans. Duzun Fortress is located on the south bank of Wansui Pond in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, facing north, resembling a miniature imperial city. The entire fortress is built of stone bricks, making it impregnable. It is even considered the location of the largest power in Sichuan.

The other two major forces are relatively weaker: the "Sichuan Gang," led by Fan Zhuo, known as the "Gun King," and the "Ba Alliance," led by Feng Zhen, known as the "Monkey King." Yuan Yueze and his group of six, wearing Lu Miaozi's exquisitely crafted ugly mask, paid the entrance fee and entered Chengdu.

Upon entering the city gates, the group immediately sensed the unique peace and prosperity of Sichuan compared to the war-torn Central Plains, and the unpretentious, extravagant atmosphere of its wealthy residents. As they walked, they observed the exotic beauty of the Qiang girls

in their elegant attire, their laughter and playful chatter filling the air. Those who had never been to Sichuan before were amazed. Suddenly, Yuan Yueze felt his heart skip a beat, and he instinctively turned around. Just a few feet away, he saw a woman in the crowd also looking in his direction.

The woman standing there wore a blue floral print dress with a round neckline and a double-breasted design. Her figure was graceful and slender, her features exquisitely sculpted, and her skin flawless. It seemed that even the slightest change would detract from her natural beauty. She was the epitome of natural beauty.

Unfortunately, the woman's skin was dark and rough, her face ugly, especially her indescribably ugly nose. It was this face, or more precisely, that nose, that ruined what should have been a picture of beauty, a masterpiece born of the essence of heaven and earth. If this woman possessed a face comparable to Shang Xiuxun's, then she would be no less beautiful than Shang Xiuxun in any aspect. However, like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each had their own strengths. Shang Xiuxun's advantage lay in her lively and playful nature. This woman, on the other hand, seemed to be born with the essence of heaven and earth, like a fairy descended from the deepest, darkest starry sky, as pure and beautiful as an orchid in a secluded valley. But everything was ruined by that face.

Looking again at the woman's eyes, they were as black as jewels, as deep and unfathomable as a pool of clear water, bright and captivating. Yuan Yueze, inexplicably, sensed a profound sorrow hidden deep within them, a sorrow that seemed impossible to erase.

"That must be the deepest sorrow in her heart,"

Yuan Yueze murmured to himself after a brief eye contact. He then nodded and smiled at her before turning to continue on his way.

The woman, with her ugly face but perfect figure, was also drawn to Yuan Yueze by her pounding heart. She felt the same astonishment: the man in the distance was tall and imposing, with a unique air about him, but his ugly face created an incongruous effect. No one could imagine that a man with such a physique and bearing could have such an unattractive face. However, the man's eyes were exceptionally unique; his deep black eyes, with their slightly blue pupils, radiated boundless warmth. Looking into them, one felt a vastness like the night sky, as if they contained a sky full of stars, captivating the viewer. The man met her gaze, paused slightly, nodded in acknowledgment, and turned to leave. And she, for some reason, mechanically nodded as well.

"How long has it been since my heart beat like this?"

the woman wondered. "It seems like it hasn't happened since I was seven. That man's eyes are so strange, especially the innermost ones, like an endless sea of stars, just like when I used to gaze at the stars alone, longing for my mother."

Then she wondered, "Could it be that man who made my heart race? And why did he look at me at the same time? Apart from his face, he seems perfectly normal, and the women beside him are just as strange. Could they be like me now..."

The woman watched as the man and his group disappeared into the distance. She shook her head with a smile and vanished into the crowd.

"Why did you pause just now, my husband? Did something strange happen behind you?"

The women, disguised and walking beside Yuan Yueze, weren't really paying attention to him, but rather looking around at the bustling street and the various novel things. Only Wei Zhenzhen, with her keen senses and seemingly an innate connection to Yuan Yueze, noticed that he had paused slightly and glanced back.

"It's not that strange, but my heart suddenly skipped a beat, and then I looked back and saw a woman just like you all, ugly in appearance but with a perfect figure. It's quite bizarre,"

Yuan Yueze replied.

"Maybe she's disguised too! Could it be that my husband just keeps running into lucky charms on the street? Everyone, keep a close eye on him, or countless women will pounce on him!"

Shan Wanjing exclaimed.

Everyone laughed at her teasing.

"It's getting late, let's find a place to stay first, and experience the local customs of Sichuan,"

Shan Meixian suggested.

Everyone agreed.

"Yixiang Pavilion" was a well-known restaurant in Chengdu's commercial district. Yuan Yueze and his companions went in and booked two superior rooms. Under the curious gaze of the innkeeper, they ordered some food and drinks and went inside to enjoy their meal. However, the women were already used to Yuan Yueze's cooking and simply couldn't stomach the restaurant's food. Left with no other choice, Yuan Yueze had to ask the innkeeper for permission to borrow the kitchen of "Yixiang Pavilion" and cook himself.

"Zhenzhen's skills have reached about 80% of mine; she'll probably be ready to cook in a month or two,"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself as he cooked. He

'd already said before that this guy didn't really enjoy cooking. Now, things were different. His own women were becoming increasingly picky eaters, so he had no choice but to cook for them every time. Firstly, he called it loving his wives, and secondly, not wanting to deprive his own palate. Soon after, Zhenzhen would be ready to cook, and Yuan Yueze could continue to be lazy.

The innkeeper, seeing that this ugly guest and five equally unattractive women had only booked two rooms, found it strange. Then he saw this ugly guest borrow the kitchen and bustling about, and soon the air was filled with delicious aromas. Some people sitting near the kitchen were even ordering the innkeeper to bring out several plates of the chef's cooking. The smell was mouthwatering.

It was peak dining time at the restaurant, and the commotion quickly spread throughout the establishment. Everyone was clamoring to see the chef's cooking skills. The restaurant owner was now in a dilemma: he hadn't hired the chef, so how could he use him to make money? He could only bow and scrape as he explained to the customers outside. Hearing this, everyone assumed it was just a passing chef and didn't make things difficult for the owner, continuing to eat and drink.

The owner wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking to himself that he was finally relieved and should hurry up and attend to other matters.

Just then, a burly man in tight-fitting clothes approached. "Owner," the man said, pointing to a man sitting in a private seat by the window not far away,

"our young master wants to try the cooking of that chef. Go and inform him to prepare a table of top-quality food and bring it over immediately!" Standing beside the man seated were several equally imposing, burly men with swords at their sides. They wore ornate brocade robes, long knives at their waists, had dark skin, and robust physiques. Their expressions were arrogant and disdainful, as if they looked down on everyone. "My goodness!" the innkeeper thought to himself, "This is bad! What I feared most has come to pass. This guy is someone important; how can we, mere commoners , afford to offend him!" Though he thought this to himself, he dared not show it on his face. The innkeeper forced a smile and said, "Sir, the person cooking just now wasn't one of our servants, but a few guests. They apparently didn't like the food here and asked to borrow the kitchen." "Oh? Country folk actually have such skills? Innkeeper, please take me to their guest room. I'll invite them to my residence to be my full-time chefs," the man said to the innkeeper as he walked to the counter after hearing his subordinate's report. The innkeeper dared not refuse and obediently led the group towards Yuan Yueze's room. He thought to himself, "Those ugly guests, please don't hate me. I can't afford to offend these powerful people!" Meanwhile, Yuan Yueze and his companions, now alone in their room, removed their disguises at the women's request. What woman doesn't love beauty? Disguising herself in front of strangers is one thing, but why would she make herself look so ugly in front of her beloved? The women ate their food and drank their red wine, occasionally giving Yuan Yueze a flirtatious glance, their voices sweet and cheerful. Just then, a knock sounded at the door: "Guests, I have something to report. There are some guests outside who want to discuss something with you." "No need, innkeeper. We don't have time or interest. Please ask them to go back." Yuan Yueze didn't even bother to open the door, simply saying to the person outside while eating. "Hmph!" A cold snort came from outside. "Sir, it seems the guest in this room is facing some difficulties, you see..." The innkeeper, seeing the man outside the door was getting angry, feared things would escalate and immediately spoke up. "Such arrogance! Do you think he can just refuse my young master as he pleases?" a burly man beside the young master said disdainfully. "Innkeeper, you can leave now. This young master wants to go in and see who they are." the young master said. "Yes, yes, I'll take my leave." The innkeeper retreated obsequiously, secretly thinking: Good heavens, please don't tear down my shop! "Bang!" The door to Yuan Yueze and the women's room was kicked open. Six or seven burly men dressed in warrior attire walked in. Yuan Yueze immediately stood up, his gaze coldly fixed on the men who had forced their way in. Shan Meixian and the other women also immediately stood up and surrounded Yuan Yueze. The men who entered were dressed in fine clothes, especially the one in the middle, who seemed to be of considerable status. The young master in the middle, upon seeing the women inside the room, now restored to their original appearance, was first stunned, then his eyes lit up with amazement. His gaze had long since disappeared from Yuan Yueze, who was coldly watching him. "May I ask where you beauties are headed? If you wouldn't mind, would you be invited to my residence as guests?"

The young man had long forgotten that he had come to hire a cook. His eyes were fixed on Shan Meixian and the other women, filled with lewd and wicked lust, as if he wanted to devour them on the spot.

"Get lost!"

Yuan Yueze's face grew colder and colder, like ice and snow. Shan Meixian and the other women looked at him with disgust, but Shang Xiuxun spoke first, coldly cursing. When had she ever seen a man look at her with such a lewd gaze!

"Did you beauties refuse me because of this pretty boy? This kind of good-looking but useless, seemingly tall and strong but weak pretty boy can't protect you beauties!"

The young man was blinded by lust and shamelessly pointed at Yuan Yueze. The six men who seemed to be bodyguards around him also looked at Yuan Yueze with mockery.

"You're asking for death!"

Shan Meixian and the other women were enraged when they heard someone insult their husband. Before Shan Ruyin could speak, Yuan Yueze had already shouted angrily.

With this angry shout, the young master's eyes were filled with horror, for he could clearly see Yuan Yueze, his clothes fluttering without wind, appear before him as if out of thin air, a simple, unadorned punch aimed directly at his chest, the chilling aura penetrating and freezing to the bone. But this was not what was terrifying; what shocked him was that although his eyes could clearly see the punch, his body could not react in any way to block or dodge!

Watching Yuan Yueze's seemingly ordinary, yet seemingly slow and fast, clumsy yet skillful fist expand, the young master felt as

if this simple punch had filled the entire world, coming from nothing and going to nothing, its subsequent changes unpredictable! Those around the young master saw the space around Yuan Yueze's fist distort, violently pushing aside the surrounding air like waves breaking, forcing them back in disarray!

The fist, which appeared incredibly slow to the young master but lightning fast to the others, finally struck his chest.

"Bang!"

A long time after Yuan Yueze's fist struck the young master's chest, everyone seemed to hear a dull thud. The feeling was extremely strange.

The young master's face and eyes were filled with horror. Under the oppressive, eerie aura, he didn't even have the strength to utter a final scream before his vision blurred and his body went limp, collapsing backward.

With a "thud," he lay motionless.

After a long while, the burly men, who looked like bodyguards, stared in horror at the young master on the ground. Blood streamed from his seven orifices, his eyes were wide open, and his entire body emanated the powerful, chilling aura that Yuan Yueze had injected into him. A thin layer of ice had even begun to slowly form on his skin; he had died instantly!

"Ice...Ice Profound Strength! You...you're from the Yuwen Clan!"

Cold sweat began to pour down the six burly men's backs, and the one who seemed to be the leader asked tremulously.

"Ice Profound Strength? Haha!"

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly upon hearing this.

"This isn't the Ice Profound Force. Take the corpse and get out of here. I'm clear about my grudges. You didn't speak just now, so you can leave as you please,"

Yuan Yueze said, waving his hand.

The bodyguard-like men didn't dare utter a word and hurriedly carried the corpse away.

"Husband, weren't you a bit reckless? It's best not to provoke those troublesome forces again. Zhenzhen thinks that man seemed like a rich young master,"

Wei Zhenzhen said with some reluctance.

"Zhenzhen, you're too kind. But you must remember this: I won't offend others unless they offend me. If they offend me, I'll repay them a hundredfold! Meixian, you all must remember this too!"

Yuan Yueze gently stroked Wei Zhenzhen's hair and said to the women beside him.

"Husband is right! We were having a peaceful meal when he dared to barge in, looking at us with those lecherous eyes and insulting you. How can I quell my hatred if I don't kill him!"

Shan Wanjing said firmly.

"Zhenzhen, don't worry. The strongest person in Bashu is Xie Hui. Even if he came in person, I'd still like to teach him a lesson without my husband lifting a finger! Let alone such a small fry!"

Shan Meixian comforted Wei Zhenzhen, who was still somewhat worried.

"Meixian, you're wrong. Bashu doesn't just have Xie Hui; there are several other figures who are roughly on par with him,"

Yuan Yueze said.

"Oh? There are others on par with Xie Hui? Are they friends or foes?"

Shan Meixian asked curiously.

"It's hard to say whether they're friends or foes, but they're all villains!"

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