Just This?

But how could Fang Che let her expose herself? Even if she really did expose herself, he had to smooth things over for her.

So just as Night Dream was at a loss, she heard Fang Che's impatient voice from outside.

"Come out and clean the courtyard and study once you're done washing. Mother and I are going to the Lineage for a while. You'll do it yourself—don't think about getting anyone to help you. Qiu Xue and Dong Mei are both out handling matters, so hurry up!"

Fang Che snorted and called from outside, "Mother, let's go."

Fang Qianyi's voice followed: "All right... Che'er, Night Dream has only just begun recovering. Don't be too harsh on her..."

The voices gradually faded into the distance.

Night Dream's heart immediately settled.

They were all gone. Truly, heaven had sent her a perfect opportunity. Break through—quickly! She hurriedly swallowed an Aura Concealing Pill to slightly conceal the aura of her breakthrough. Its effect was limited, but something was better than nothing.

To her surprise, by the time she finished breaking through, took another bath, and cleaned the courtyard and study, night had fallen—and the Fang family still had not returned.

Only after the candlelight was lit did Qiu Xue and Dong Mei return in a carriage, directing people to carry one large chest after another into the house.

Then Fang Che and Fang Qianyi finally returned, both looking exhausted. The Fang Family promptly sent over two tables' worth of food.

It seemed they had been busy all afternoon and half the night, with no time to eat.

The Fang Family's arrangements had been completed. After obtaining part of the former Su Family's sphere of influence and commercial territory, the entire Lineage now possessed a solid foundation for development.

Fang Zhenghang summoned everyone for a meeting and began arranging the Lineage's next plans.

"First, our military strength must take another step forward! At present, the highest cultivation in the Lineage is only at the Great Grandmaster level. That won't do. With our current strength, we have no hope of breaking into the Eighth Grade. There's even a risk of dropping a grade while in the Ninth Grade."

"After all, aside from protecting the people, tending to their livelihoods, and facilitating society, the most important duty of a prestigious family is to complete the Guardian Hall's missions, hand in contributions that meet the requirements of a Ninth Grade Family, obtain contribution points, and qualify. That is what matters most."

"As for the matters mentioned above, the various levels of government and the merchants throughout the world can handle them. As long as goods continue circulating, the people's lives can be secured. Without a prestigious family, it wouldn't matter."

"What a prestigious family must hand in contribution points for is, first, capturing all kinds of fugitives and people who endanger the public and society. Second, submitting Demon Beast cores to eliminate the threat from the wilderness. Third, eradicating heretical cultists."

"Only these three things can be exchanged for contribution points."

"And each of these three requires formidable strength. Therefore, martial cultivation must be our top priority."

The entire Lineage's higher-ups wore faces as heavy as still water.

Everyone's hearts felt burdened.

Last year, a Ninth Grade Family had needed two hundred contribution points. The Lineage had completed two hundred and fifteen, barely maintaining its grade.

Half of this year had already passed, yet they had obtained only ninety-eight contribution points.

Completing the year's mission still seemed a distant dream.

"Right now, we have two martial Great Grandmasters..." Fang Zhenghang sighed.

Just then, Fang Qianyi timidly raised her hand.

"I..."

"What is it?"

"I estimate that I can break through to the Innate Grandmaster level this month," Fang Qianyi said.

She had no idea what was happening. Ever since returning home half a month ago and sharing a meal with her son, her cultivation had surged at a terrifying pace.

Her aptitude had also improved considerably.

Her speed of absorbing spiritual energy was several times faster than before.

Although she vaguely suspected that it was because of the fruit her son had given her, Fang Qianyi did not say anything.

Nor did she ask.

This matter was too sensitive.

Once exposed, even dealing with the covetousness and greed of their own clansmen would be impossible. There could never be many things like that.

"You're about to break through?"

Fang Zhenghang was overjoyed. The others in the room were also shaken, their faces revealing ecstatic delight.

This was truly tremendous news.

With one more Great Grandmaster, they would have several more chances of completing the Guardian Hall's mission.

"Yes. I estimate I can break through before next month. I've already begun to feel it these past few days."

Fang Qianyi smiled.

"Excellent! That's wonderful!"

Fang Zhenghang was beside himself with joy.

Fang Che sat behind his mother and spoke calmly. "As for the Demon Beast cores, I still have some. They were assets left behind by Big Brother Su Yue's family—several hundred of them. Their quality varies, but they can all be used toward the mission. The Lineage can use them; you only need to pay me. However, I hope the mission quota can be placed under my mother's name."

"That's even better! There's no problem placing it under your mother's name. In any case, we're completing the mission under our Lineage's name."

Fang Zhenghang was even happier.

When the Guardian Hall accepted cores for missions, after counting them toward the contribution points, it also bought each core at seventy percent of the market price.

There was money to be made.

The Fang Family obtained the mission credit and contribution points, while Fang Che collected the money and put it into the 'Su Family's assets.' Each side got what it needed.

The Su Family did not need to submit missions anymore, anyway.

"In that case, two or three hundred cores should provide nearly forty contribution points. Our yearly mission will immediately become much easier."

Everyone beamed with joy.

"Still, we can't relax. The more contribution points, the better!"

Fang Zhenghang issued a stern warning.

Everyone readily agreed, but their expressions had relaxed somewhat.

After all, completing a mission ahead of time and completing it while clinging to the deadline brought entirely different feelings—and entirely different risks. If they still could not finish by the final month, everyone in the Lineage would have to fight for their lives. Casualties would be unavoidable.

The meeting lasted a long time.

Fang Che accompanied them throughout.

Fang Qianyi found it very strange. Her son had never attended meetings before, so how had he suddenly become so patient?

He had actually stayed until the meeting ended.

"What's wrong with you? Is your brain all right?"

Fang Qianyi worriedly touched her son's forehead. It wasn't hot.

Fang Che helplessly removed his mother's hand.

Nearly a month had passed since his rebirth.

Ever since that night when he had seen his mother, Fang Qianyi, Fang Che had always felt something peculiar.

Whenever he chatted or worked with Fang Qianyi, he always felt as though he were with his brothers from back then—a rough-and-hearty martial-world camaraderie.

It was refreshing, straightforward, and simple.

She had none of the delicate airs of an ordinary young woman. She was not even particularly refined, but rather broad-minded and carefree.

Being with her was extremely comfortable.

"My old father must have had smoke rising from his ancestral graves to find such a wonderful wife."

Fang Che felt envious.

When he was with Fang Qianyi, he rarely felt as though a mother were caring for her son. Instead, Fang Che was the one tolerating and looking after his mother.

There was even a feeling of "looking after a not-very-bright little sister" and "looking after a daughter."

It was truly strange.

Seeing that Fang Che did not react, Fang Qianyi chattered as they walked. "You brought that Night Dream into the house. Your mother took a look, and that girl's pretty good. She's lovely, with big breasts and broad hips—she can bear children. You plan to take her as a concubine, don't you?"

The corner of Fang Che's mouth twitched. "...Uh..."

Fang Qianyi solemnly warned him, "But if you want to achieve anything in martial cultivation, then before reaching the Innate Grandmaster level, you absolutely must not lose your virginity. Remember that."

Fang Che was covered in black lines.

Do you really need to tell me? I knew that long ago.

Fang Qianyi snorted. "Take your mother, for example. Back then, your father tricked me, and I had you before reaching the Innate Grandmaster level. In the end... sigh, once upon a time, your mother was also a peerless genius."

Her voice held the wistful sigh of someone speaking from experience.

Fang Che rolled his eyes.

"Mother, when you teach people, could you stop letting that hidden satisfaction seep through? Anyone who knows you would think you're sighing. Anyone who doesn't would think you're bragging and encouraging me to find a wife early."

"Do I? Do I?"

Fang Qianyi hurriedly adjusted her expression.

Fang Che sighed wearily and changed the subject. "Mother, there's something I want to ask you. Why do I have your surname, Fang? What is my father's surname?"

Fang Qianyi turned her head and looked at him in surprise. "How did you come up with that?"

Fang Che laughed helplessly. "Aren't children supposed to take their father's surname?"

"They are."

Fang Qianyi said, "What's the problem?"

Fang Che froze and stammered, "Could it be... could it be..."

Fang Qianyi said matter-of-factly, "Your father's surname is Fang. Didn't I tell you?"

Fang Che: "..."

He was suddenly thrown into complete chaos.

A whole mouthful of complaints was stuck in his throat, making him unbearably uncomfortable.

Fang Qianyi was already frowning, searching her own memory. "I didn't tell you? Hmm?... Emmmm, it seems I really did forget to tell you... Hahaha..."

As she spoke, she actually began laughing.

She found it hilarious that her mistake had created such a huge joke.

Fang Che stared wordlessly at the sky, his face covered in black lines.

After a long while, he said, "Mother... thank you. Raising me this big really wasn't easy for you. Truly."

"That's right. I had to clean up your poop and urine with one hand each..."

Fang Qianyi began sighing over the hardships of raising a child.

Fang Che looked at the sky the entire time.

You completely missed what I was trying to say...

"...What about my father, then? Where is he now?"

"I've told you this eight hundred times. Your father still can't come back, but he's a good man. He's a great hero!"

Pride filled Fang Qianyi's voice.

Perhaps when she had said those words to the original Fang Che, he had been disdainful.

But now, Fang Che truly believed her.

That night.

After dinner.

When it was time to sleep, Night Dream brought water inside and began fulfilling a maid's duties.

Fang Che sat comfortably on the bed, and Night Dream began washing his feet.

He did not seem surprised in the slightest by Night Dream's recovery.

Night Dream served him carefully and obediently.

Aside from the sound of water, the room was utterly silent.

At last.

"Night Dream, have you gotten used to your new name and new home?"

Fang Che broke the silence.

He knew that some things had to be initiated by him. After all, a spy sent out like Night Dream could never take the initiative to ask anything.

They would only observe silently.

"I'm very used to them. Thank you, Young Master."

Night Dream answered obediently, her voice soft and filled with unease. She seemed exactly like a weak woman who had just been rescued and brought into a completely unfamiliar environment, without the slightest sense of security or belonging.

Fang Che nodded. He did not care about her disguise.

On the contrary, he hoped Night Dream's disguise was even stronger. It would be best if he could not detect it at all.

"Then do you know why I gave you that immortal fruit?"

Fang Che asked.

"Immortal fruit?" Night Dream appropriately revealed a dazed expression.

"That was a Heavenly Vein Vermillion Fruit. It's tremendously beneficial for improving a person's aptitude."

Fang Che laid everything bare.

He knew Night Dream would never play along with him, so he could only spell everything out himself.

"Ah... it was actually such an immortal fruit? This servant, this servant... isn't worthy..."

Night Dream knelt down in panic and repeatedly knocked her head against the floor.

A flash of approval crossed Fang Che's eyes.

This girl's acting is truly impressive. No wonder she was specially sent to be a spy.

"When I saved you, it was only an impulse," Fang Che said seriously, delivering a lie even he did not believe. "But after saving you, I realized that this wouldn't do. Keeping you as a mere maid would be too wasteful."

"..." Night Dream fell silent.

"If I made you a concubine, I haven't reached the Innate Grandmaster realm yet. I can't let you seduce me into breaking my virginity and ruin my future," Fang Che said.

"...!"

Night Dream lowered her head and could not help quietly rolling her eyes.

"So after thinking it over, you're not much use after all," Fang Che said righteously.

Night Dream: "I..."

Fang Che continued, "So I had no choice but to give you some benefits and let you practice martial arts too. That way, perhaps you'll be of some use in the future."

Fang Che said as though it were only natural, "So starting tomorrow, you'll practice with me. If you fail to meet my requirements in the future, I'll still abandon you at any time."

"Understood?"

"This servant understands."

"Good. Work hard. I don't need a good-for-nothing."

After wiping Fang Che's feet, he sprawled onto the bed. "Why haven't you left yet? Do you want to attend me in bed? Let me tell you, don't even dream of such a fine thing."

"!!!"

Night Dream lowered her head and clenched her fists.

She turned around angrily and walked out. "This servant takes her leave!"

"Dreaming is allowed."

Fang Che added another remark.

Her footsteps grew heavier.

Fang Che had already fallen asleep, and the bedroom was as silent as the grave.

Outside the room.

Night Dream tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She kept feeling that this mission had gone far too smoothly. Everything had proceeded according to the most ideal outcome she had envisioned.

Before she came, she had already prepared herself for how difficult and dangerous it would be.

But now, it seemed... it wasn't like that?

She had considered everything. Even if this fellow forcefully demanded that she attend him in bed, she had already made flawless arrangements for using illusions or a substitute...

But now, that was it?

That night.

Night Dream sent out her first undercover report after infiltrating Fang Che's side.

As usual, asking for votes at midnight.