Who knew how much time had passed...
An inexplicable aura was wantonly spreading through the room.
Tang San glared at the childishly innocent-looking Chao Tianxiang, his eyes bloodshot. The last threads of reason in his gaze seemed ready to snap.
"Let me go!" he roared. "Now! Right now! Or... I'll tell Meng Shu everything you did to me, exactly as it happened!"
The look of satisfaction on Chao Tianxiang's face froze. A cold flash of murderous intent appeared deep in her eyes, then vanished.
She narrowed her eyes and studied Tang San, who looked on the verge of madness, as if weighing her options.
After a moment, the chill on Chao Tianxiang's face gradually faded. She gave a slight nod and said, "All right."
"But not now."
"Stay for three more days. I'll personally guide your cultivation during that time, help you stabilize your realm, and sort out your Soul Power."
"After three days, if you're still determined to leave, I won't stop you. I'll even prepare travel money for you."
"Don't even think about it!" Tang San's eyes bulged with rage. He struggled to get up, but his unsteady body staggered.
"That's not up to you!" Chao Tianxiang said coldly, a lingering look in her eyes as if she were savoring the memory. "You'll stay right here for the next three days. Don't worry, I'll 'take good care' of you."
The eastern district of Heaven Dou City's inner city.
A carriage came to a smooth stop in front of a grand residence.
Broad stone steps and vermilion gates stood beneath a lintel with no grand plaque, yet an air of solemn dignity radiated from within its walls. It was utterly unlike the ostentatious bustle of the other noble estates nearby.
The carriage curtain lifted. Xiao Wu hopped down first, then carefully helped Zhao Linchuan by the arm as he stepped down using the footstool.
Zhao Linchuan stretched his limbs. A faint weariness from the long journey showed on his face, but his eyes remained clear.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing climbed down after them.
Once she was on her feet, Ning Rongrong immediately lifted her curious face and examined the unfamiliar residence.
Her lively eyes blinked, a hint of confusion passing through them.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has records of nearly every prominent family and young talent in Heaven Dou City.
This estate sits in an excellent location and is built on an impressive scale. It certainly doesn't belong to an ordinary wealthy family.
But him... Zhao Linchuan? How have I never heard of anyone like him in Heaven Dou City?
She muttered to herself, curiosity scratching at her like a kitten's paw.
Just as her thoughts were running wild—
"We welcome the young lord home!"
Two rows of Golden Armored Warriors had been standing at attention before the gate, waiting. In perfect unison, they clasped their fists and bowed, their voices ringing out like bells and making the stone steps seem to tremble.
Every one of them was broad-shouldered and powerfully built, their auras heavy and steady. Though they hadn't deliberately released their Soul Power, their fierce bearing and dark golden armor were enough to draw anyone's attention.
"Ow!" The sudden "welcoming ceremony" left Ning Rongrong's ears ringing. She cried out and hurriedly covered them with both hands, rubbing hard.
Then she turned to Zhao Linchuan and glared at him, her lips puckering as she shouted:
"Pay up! Your guards are way too loud. You scared me!"
"If you don't give me at least eight pretty pieces of jewelry, I'm staying here and never leaving!"
Zhao Linchuan didn't even raise an eyelid. He simply said to Xiao Wu, "You heard her. Miss Ning wants to stay."
"Go tidy up the unused woodshed in the west courtyard. No need to fuss over the bedding, but make sure there's plenty of mugwort to keep the bugs away."
"Yes, young lord." Xiao Wu smiled behind her hand, then nodded with mock seriousness, counting on her fingers. "Woodshed, mugwort, old bedding... Got it."
"You... you two!" Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed with anger. She stamped her foot and pointed at Zhao Linchuan and Xiao Wu. "So you're ganging up on me! I'm not staying in a woodshed!"
Though her words were defiant, her eyes drifted back to the silent yet intimidating Golden Armored Warriors, and her confidence wavered.
Zhao Linchuan paid no further heed to her chatter. He strode up the steps and into the residence.
Xiao Wu made a cute face at Ning Rongrong and hurried after him.
Zhu Zhuqing silently followed.
A burly man with an even heavier aura than the warriors at the gate was waiting just inside. It was Jin Wu. When Zhao Linchuan entered, he bowed. "Young lord."
As he walked, Zhao Linchuan asked, "Where are Yue Shen and Yan Fei? I'm back, but neither of them came out to greet me."
Jin Wu followed half a step behind him and replied respectfully, "Reporting to you, young lord: Lady Yue Shen and Lady Yan Fei went out to sea several days ago with twenty of our brothers. They haven't returned yet."
"Out to sea?" Zhao Linchuan paused, turning his head with a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Do you know what for?"
"When the two ladies left, they said they were going to find suitable Soul Beasts for the brothers who had reached a bottleneck, hunt Soul Rings, and search for Soul Bones," Jin Wu answered.
Zhao Linchuan nodded and didn't ask anything more.
Yue Shen and Yan Fei had grown much stronger, and their knowledge and abilities were no longer what they'd once been. Taking the lead to seek Soul Rings for their subordinates would improve the group's overall strength while giving them experience and strengthening their authority.
"Understood. Have a banquet prepared. Make the dishes to their usual tastes, and make them exquisite."
Zhao Linchuan gave the order, a gentle smile curving his lips. "I'm back now, so they should be back before long, too."
"Yes! I'll see to it at once!" Jin Wu accepted the order and hurried off to make arrangements.
Zhao Linchuan headed straight to the main courtyard.
The estate's pavilions, towers, rockeries, and waterside structures were arranged with elegant precision, refined yet grand. Servants bowed respectfully as he passed, and everything was orderly.
He dismissed his attendants and entered the spacious bathhouse alone.
Warm jade paved the floor, and a natural hot spring flowed into the bath. Steam rose through the air, carrying the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs and easing the mind.
Zhao Linchuan had just loosened the ties of his outer robe when a pair of cool, delicate hands, soft as boneless jade, gently wrapped around him from behind and took over undressing him.
A familiar, cool fragrance drifted around his nose.
"Husband, you must be tired from the journey. I'm back."
Yue Shen's voice sounded beside his ear, tender and melodious.
She gently removed his travel-stained outer robe and inner garment.
Zhao Linchuan relaxed and let her tend to him, enjoying the warm steam and the softness of his beloved close behind him.
Two hours later, Yue Shen had changed into a light moon-white outfit. Her long hair was damp, and a blush still lingered on her cheeks, making her even more breathtaking.
She carefully tied the sash of Zhao Linchuan's undershirt and helped him put on his brocade clothes, her movements gentle and meticulous.
Zhao Linchuan took her busy hands and drew them in front of him. Studying her features, he asked softly, "My dear, your aura... did you get into another fight with Yan Fei?"
With her hand in his, Yue Shen didn't pull away. She only glanced up at him. "Why call it a fight? You make it sound as if Yan Fei and I are two little children quarreling over candy."
Her tone was languid and coquettish. She didn't deny it outright, instead gently changing the subject. "Husband, what do you think... when would be a good time to officially welcome Yan Fei into the family?"
Before you continue