The days of toil and travel had finally come to an end, and Xia Dong had at last stolen half a day of leisure.
With Xiao Hong, a thoughtful and trusted attendant, at his side to pour tea and water, knead his shoulders, and rub his back, life was naturally quite pleasant.
However, even as he enjoyed the peace and quiet, Xia Dong kept his wits about him.
His eyes were half-closed as he turned over something Qin Wan had mentioned during the day: True Person Lone Moon had emerged from seclusion.
The unseen favors True Person Lone Moon had shown him before were certainly not because Xia Dong was handsome. Clearly, they were because of the "Dao Registry disciple" token he carried.
True Person Lone Moon simply hoped he would continue the family line and produce a descendant with a Spirit Root, so she could reap the corresponding benefits.
Previously, True Person Lone Moon had been in seclusion for a long time, and Xia Dong had been content to enjoy the peace, devoting all his energy to cultivation.
This was especially true while he practiced the foundational section of the Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art. The technique's most crucial element involved transforming one's constitution, and nothing was more taboo than allowing his Primordial Yang to leak away.
So he had not only guarded his virginity fiercely, but had also been unable to take a concubine and have children.
There was a deeper reason, too—a thorn in his heart. He knew exactly where he stood. If he really fathered a child with a Spirit Root, he, the mortal father who had served as a "breeding stud," would likely lose all value in an instant and might even face unknown dangers.
But things were different now. True Person Lone Moon had emerged from