Double Happiness

At dusk.

Spirit Farmer Residential Area, Courtyard No. 17.

The room was simply furnished, with only a wooden table and several stools.

Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on a bamboo couch, circulating his hand seal as he began today's Qi Refining cultivation.

His eyes were lightly closed, his fingers forming seals.

The meridians throughout his body rose and fell faintly with his breathing, and wisps of white vapor escaped from his nostrils with every breath.

Three hours later.

Many of Chen Sheng's meridians had begun to swell.

He had already reached his limit.

He slowly opened his eyes. A glimmer flashed through them before quickly fading.

He murmured inwardly:

"Today, I refined another nine strands of spiritual power."

He looked inward at his Dantian.

The vortex of spiritual power there was a little more solid than it had been yesterday.

"At this pace, another forty days should be enough to fill the spiritual power of the Third Layer."

His cultivation speed was not particularly fast.

But in this process of piling earth into a mountain,

he could see progress every single day.

That gave him an exceptional sense of security.

He greatly enjoyed this feeling of advancing day by day.

Chen Sheng touched the item at his waist—the Storage Bag.

His Storage Bag was merely low-grade.

It was only one cubic meter in size, barely enough to hold an octagonal table.

He had picked it up from a stall in the Market Town for only six Spirit Stones and three grains of Spirit Sand.

A small bargain!

With a Storage Bag,

Chen Sheng could carry many of his important belongings with him, saving him quite a bit of trouble.

At that moment, he sent his spiritual sense inside.

He saw the Purple Cloud Pill lying quietly within.

Beside it was a small pile of Spirit Stones, ninety-seven in total.

His fingertips gently rubbed the opening of the bag.

He calculated silently, That should be enough to buy a mid-tier Dharma Artifact.

The Inner Area.

Qin Dajiang's home.

Over the past five years, Chen Sheng had often come to visit, and their relationship had grown increasingly close.

Back then, he had entrusted Ji Feng's matter to Qin Dajiang.

He truly was an old hand in the Jianghu!

In just three months, the pair had been caught red-handed by the Market Town Guard Team while committing another crime, then executed as Robber Cultivators.

They had not caused Chen Sheng the slightest trouble.

When the gates were pushed open, hearty laughter arrived first:

"Yun is here!"

Qin Dajiang was practicing spells in the corner of the courtyard. When he saw Chen Sheng enter, he immediately stopped.

"Come sit. Your aunt steamed some Spirit Rice cakes this morning—they're still warm!"

Chen Sheng smilingly declined, then said:

"Uncle, why do you seem especially happy today?"

Qin Dajiang slapped his thigh and sat down.

"Isn't it because of that Eldest Brother of yours, who never lets anyone stop worrying? He sent word a few days ago that he'll be coming back soon."

Chen Sheng immediately understood upon hearing that.

After several years, he was no longer a complete novice ignorant of the Cultivation World.

There were many books in his master's home, which he had been allowed to borrow. As a result, he had gained an increasingly thorough understanding of the entire Cultivation World.

The Cultivation World here was called the Chu Kingdom, vast and boundless, stretching millions of miles in every direction.

It contained three great Golden Core Sects.

They were Qinghua Sect, Yueling Sect, and Lixiao Sect.

Below them were various small and medium-sized sects and clans. Qianji Market, for instance, had been jointly established by three Foundation Establishment Forces.

Among the three great sects,

Qinghua Sect was the closest to this place, yet it was still thirty thousand miles away, requiring one to cross vast stretches of the mortal world's Spirit-Poor Land.

The journey was long, and a round trip often took several months.

Qin Shuang possessed a High-grade Spiritual Root, a rare aptitude in the Market Town, which was why he had been able to enter Qinghua Sect.

Yet such aptitude was ordinary within Qinghua Sect.

Therefore,

Qin Shuang cultivated diligently and spent all year cultivating bitterly within the sect.

It was rare for him to return even once.

No wonder Qin Dajiang was so happy.

Chen Sheng smiled as he poured more tea.

"Eldest Brother left in a hurry last time. When he returns this time, we must have a good few drinks."

Qin Dajiang laughed heartily.

"Don't worry, we have plenty of time this time."

"He's returning this time because his cultivation has reached a critical juncture."

"He won't need to return to the sect anytime soon."

Chen Sheng nodded. "That couldn't be better."

Qin Dajiang gave a soft snort.

"He's already over thirty. When he comes back this time, he has to leave behind an heir."

As he spoke, he looked at Chen Sheng again.

"You're twenty already too, kid. Hurry up."

Chen Sheng smiled faintly.

"Uncle, there is no need to worry. Your nephew has his own plans. I'll just have to trouble you to arrange the marriage proposal when the time comes."

Qin Dajiang immediately revealed a gratified smile.

"Not bad. You're better than Brother Shuang in that regard!"

"With your uncle here, I guarantee you'll marry a wife in grand style!"

The two chatted about family matters for quite some time.

Only then did Chen Sheng leave.

He walked to the Core Area of the Market Town and entered a shop—Mingqi Pavilion.

All manner of Dharma Artifacts were displayed on the shelves, dazzling to the eye.

Not long after, when Chen Sheng emerged, only three of the ninety-seven Spirit Stones he had saved to buy a Breakthrough Pill remained in his Storage Bag.

However, he now had an additional box on him.

Inside was an exquisite Phoenix Hairpin. Its body had been refined from Cold Iron, while a High-grade Cold Crystal the size of a pigeon's egg was set into the phoenix's beak.

It was a First-grade mid-tier Dharma Artifact.

It possessed the two wondrous effects of calming the mind and cleansing the body.

Several days later.

The Medicine Room of the Pill Workshop.

Huang Wangyou was in a wonderful mood, humming a little tune as she walked.

Li Huayao had just put the dried Medicinal Ingredients into ceramic jars. She carefully examined her and quickly noticed what was different from before.

She discreetly glanced at the Phoenix Hairpin.

The Phoenix Hairpin glimmered beneath the morning light. Its delicate phoenix head rested perfectly beside Huang Wangyou's temple, making the girl's bright face appear all the more charming.

"Why does Senior Sister look so pretty today?"

Li Huayao deliberately leaned closer, drawing out her words as her eyes brimmed with teasing amusement.

"This Phoenix Hairpin is so unique. Which young man gave it to you?"

As she spoke, she secretly glanced at Chen Sheng, wanting to see the appearance of the other party involved.

Chen Sheng was sorting Spirit Grass with his head lowered, looking calm and unruffled, as though he had heard nothing at all.

Over here,

Huang Wangyou's hand trembled at those words, and her medicine pestle nearly fell to the ground.

She clearly had not expected their "token of love" to be discovered so quickly.

Her cheeks reddened, but she immediately put on a stern face and lightly tapped Li Huayao's forehead.

"You can't focus on work and only know how to gossip!"

"Keep dawdling, and I'll punish you by making you copy texts!"

Though her words were stern,

Huang Wangyou's heart was sweet with happiness, and even the tips of her ears had turned pink.

Li Huayao covered her forehead and snickered.

"Got it, Senior Sister. I'll get back to work right away."

Yet as she turned around, she secretly rejoiced inwardly.

I finally got one back by making Senior Sister blush and fluster.

The Inner Hall.

Before an altar.

A yellowed portrait hung in the center.

The woman in the painting had gentle brows and eyes and bore a seventy percent resemblance to Huang Wangyou.

Huang Yueyang stood silently before the altar, gently placing three sticks of incense into the burner.

Smoke curled upward!

He gazed at the portrait and murmured softly:

"Yuyin, Wangyou has grown up. She has someone she likes now. That child is steady and reliable. You can rest easy."

That afternoon.

Chen Sheng finished his work.

Then Wangyou pleaded with him to play chess with her again.

Huang Wangyou rested her chin on her hand and stared at the board, the Phoenix Hairpin gently swaying as she tilted her head.

Her eyes suddenly lit up.

"I'll take this black piece of yours!"

"Not so fast."

Chen Sheng smiled and placed a piece, cutting off her attack at just the right moment.

Huang Wangyou cried out, "Oh no!" and was about to act shamelessly.

But then she saw a figure in a Green Robe approaching.

Huang Yueyang had stood beneath the corridor for quite some time, glancing at the Phoenix Hairpin atop his daughter's head.

He deliberately waited until they had finished this game before speaking.

"Come with me to the Inner Hall."

Chen Sheng and Huang Wangyou exchanged a glance, and both saw a trace of unease in the other's eyes.

They hurriedly followed him.

The scent of Sandalwood Incense still lingered in the Inner Hall.

When Huang Yueyang turned around, his gaze lingered on Chen Sheng for a long time.

It made Chen Sheng rather uncomfortable.

"Father! Why are you staring at Brother Yun like that? It's scary!"

Huang Wangyou could not help planting her hands on her hips again, like a little fox protecting her cub.

But her cheeks were flushed red, leaving her with no real intimidation.

Huang Yueyang sighed softly, his tone full of helplessness.

"A grown daughter can't be kept at home."

"Father!"

Huang Wangyou's face reddened further. She stamped her foot coquettishly, and the Phoenix Hairpin swayed along with the movement.

Huang Yueyang stopped teasing her.

With a lift of his hand, he took a jade slip from his Storage Bag.

He said nothing.

He merely handed it to Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng accepted it instinctively.

Huang Yueyang spoke:

"This is the Secret Manual of Pharmacy I have compiled over my lifetime."

Chen Sheng's heart jolted at those words, and he hurriedly looked up.

"Master, this..."

Huang Yueyang looked at him, his solemn gaze softening.

"Take it."

"My most treasured daughter, along with this family heirloom manual—I am entrusting them both to you today."

Huang Wangyou's eyes shone as she shook his shoulder from the side, reminding him:

"Father has already agreed!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng dropped to his knees with a thud and knocked his head against the ground three times in succession, his forehead making soft sounds against the Green Stone floor.

He spoke with heartfelt sincerity:

"Master's kindness toward me is as weighty as a mountain! After my parents died young, you taught me the Way of Alchemy and raised me to adulthood."

"From this day onward, you are my own father. I will cherish Wangyou and see to your needs in old age, until the very end!"

Huang Yueyang hurriedly helped him up, patting his shoulder with satisfaction.

"Good child, get up. Have your uncle come tomorrow, and we'll settle the marriage."

"Father!"

Huang Wangyou immediately threw herself into Huang Yueyang's embrace, laughter mingling with the tears in her voice.

Chen Sheng nodded solemnly. "Yes!"

The next day, dawn had only just broken.

Qin Dajiang arrived at the door with gifts and a smile.

The elders of both families sat around the main hall, brewed fresh tea, and discussed the matter. In the end, they set the wedding date—May seventh, an auspicious day.

Huang Wangyou counted the days on her pale, scallion-white fingers, then suddenly leaned close to Chen Sheng's ear, her voice carrying a touch of adorably aggrieved complaint.

"Brother Yun, there are still ninety-seven days. That's so long!"

She looked at Chen Sheng eagerly.

Chen Sheng fondly scraped the tip of her nose.

"Master and Uncle Qin have both agreed. Let's be patient and wait."

"Who wants to wait patiently?"

Huang Wangyou abruptly turned her face away, puffing out her cheeks as she gave a soft snort.

"You make it sound like I'm dying to marry you."

Chen Sheng chuckled and leaned close to her ear, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"But Brother Yun is in a hurry to marry you and bring you home."

"Pfft!"

Huang Wangyou burst out laughing and reached over to pinch his arm, though her strength was as light as a tickle.

"I knew you'd sweet-talk me!"

Yet her sparkling eyes were already brimming with honey-sweet delight.

Time slowly passed.

Two months later.

Several more stalks of fresh green had sprouted from the bamboo in the courtyard.

Inside, on the bamboo couch.

Chen Sheng sat cross-legged as usual, cultivating Qi.

Several hours passed.

The refined spiritual power circulated through his meridians.

Yet his Dantian seemed blocked by an invisible barrier. No matter how he urged it onward, there was not the slightest increase.

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes.

A trace of helplessness flashed through them.

"The ancients truly did not deceive me. This bottleneck really is an impassable chasm."

Half a month ago, he had successfully reached the peak of the Qi Refining Third Layer, only to encounter a bottleneck exactly as expected.

Over these past days, he had deeply experienced what it meant for a bottleneck to be an impassable chasm, and for one to be unable to advance even an inch.

Chen Sheng quietly sighed.

"For ordinary people, being able to persist for several months in such a state of no progress is already no easy feat. If they can persist for years, they can be called truly steadfast."

Having gained an initial understanding of the bottleneck, he had no intention of testing whether he possessed such unwavering perseverance.

Two days later.

Chen Sheng brought himself to peak condition.

From his Storage Bag, he slowly took out a pill—the Purple Cloud Pill.

It was entirely purple, and its rich Pill Fragrance made his mouth water.

He swallowed the pill. It melted as soon as it entered his mouth, and a vast, dense surge of spiritual power emerged, flowing through his limbs and bones like a gushing spring.

The Qi Refinement Hand Seal that had long been etched into his bones began to stir as well.

Chen Sheng involuntarily activated the Hand Seal for the Qi Refining Third Layer, circulating Qi through the meridians all over his body, again and again.

When he opened his eyes once more.

The sky beyond the window had already turned pale with dawn.

Without realizing it.

He had cultivated for an entire night.

With a thought, Chen Sheng immediately looked inward at his Dantian. That invisible barrier shattered with a thunderous crash.

The spiritual power within him flowed full and vigorous like spring water, over twenty percent more substantial than before.

He slowly activated the Hand Seal for the Qi Refining Fourth Layer. It flowed freely all the way through, without the slightest obstruction.

"Qi Refining Fourth Layer, Qi Condensation Mid-stage—I made it!"

"The power of this pill really works!"

Having broken through, Chen Sheng was overjoyed!

In the blink of an eye.

May seventh had arrived, the day of the wedding.

The celebration was not especially grand, but it was still lively.

The parents of both sides sat in the seats of honor.

Friends and relatives from both families, along with several Market Town masters and stewards, came one after another bearing congratulatory gifts.

Qin Shuang was particularly worth mentioning.

He had returned a month earlier.

At this moment, Qin Shuang stood beside Chen Sheng with a smile, receiving guests alongside him.

He made no effort to restrain his powerful Spiritual Pressure.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell his cultivation level at a glance.

Qi Condensation Perfection!

Just over thirty years old, yet already at Qi Condensation Perfection!

Once the guests learned that he came from the Qinghua Sect, the smiles on their faces gained several shades of reverence.

Qin Shuang clasped his hands and offered a sweeping salute, his voice clear and resonant.

"Thank you all for coming to attend the wedding of my younger brother and sister-in-law. I have only just rushed back from the sect and am still travel-worn."

"If there is anything lacking in our hospitality, please forgive us."

Upon hearing this.

Everyone immediately regarded Chen Sheng and his wife more highly.

Chen Sheng felt grateful.

Qin Shuang patted his shoulder. "Brother Yun, we're family. No need for such formalities."

The lively wedding soon came to an end.

At dusk.

The noise gradually died down, and the guests slowly departed.

Chen Sheng headed toward the bridal chamber with light steps.

Red candles burned brightly, bathing the room in festive light.

Huang Wangyou sat on the edge of the bed, her lively figure faintly visible beneath the red veil.

The moment Chen Sheng lifted the veil, his breath caught slightly. She wore a long red dress, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, beautiful beyond compare.

Her bright, lively eyes were misted over, yet remained dazzlingly radiant.

She called softly and shyly:

"Husband."

Chen Sheng gently reached out and brushed aside the loose strands of hair before her forehead.

"My wife, it is time for us to rest."

"No!"

Huang Wangyou suddenly raised her eyes, a hint of mischief flashing within them.

"We haven't had our wedding wine yet. Are you trying to back out?"

Chen Sheng laughed at her teasing.

He turned and brought over two Jade Cups, filling them with wine.

As their arms crossed, her fingertips lightly scratched his palm, making it itch.

The wine slid down his throat with a faint sweetness.

Huang Wangyou suddenly blinked, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"I added osmanthus honey to the wine. Is it sweet?"

Before Chen Sheng could answer, the charm in her eyes stole his senses. His gaze turned fiery, his breathing quickened, and he bent down to sweep her into his arms.

The girl gave a startled cry, her hands instinctively looping around his neck as her red dress spread like flower petals.

"Brother Yun, put out the candles first..."

Huang Wangyou's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, and her cheeks were hot enough to bake flatbread on.

Chen Sheng lowered his head and chuckled beside her ear, his breath brushing against her earlobe.

"No. With such a beautiful sight before me, how could I bear to miss it?"

"You bad man, bullying me."

The red candles flickered, casting their two figures upon the gauze curtains, entwined into a tender silhouette.

Outside, the moon quietly climbed onto the windowsill. Hearing the occasional soft laughter from within, it too shyly hid behind the clouds.