Time, it was unknown how much time had passed...
Inside the room, an inexplicable aura was permeating the air with reckless abandon.
Tang San glared at the childish-acting Chao Tianxiang with bloodshot eyes, his sanity on the verge of collapse.
"Let me leave!" he roared. "Now! Immediately! Otherwise... I will tell Meng Shu everything you have done to me, word for word!"
The look of satisfaction on Chao Tianxiang's face froze instantly, and a flash of cold, murderous intent flickered deep within her eyes before vanishing.
She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the frantic-looking Tang San as if weighing her options.
A moment later, the chill on Chao Tianxiang's face slowly receded. She nodded slightly and spoke, "Very well."
"However, not right now."
"Three days. You will stay for three more days. During these three days, I will personally guide your cultivation, stabilize your realm, and organize your spirit power."
"After three days, if you still insist on leaving, I will not stop you, and I will even prepare travel expenses for you."
"Don't even think about it!" Tang San's eyes were wide with rage. He struggled to stand, but stumbled due to his weakened body.
"That is not for you to decide!" Chao Tianxiang said, her tone cold as if she were savoring a memory. "You will stay here obediently for these three days. Rest assured, this concubine will 'take good care' of you."
Tiandou City, Inner City, East District.
A carriage pulled to a steady stop in front of a magnificent mansion.
With its bluestone steps and vermilion lacquer gates, the residence lacked a prominent plaque above the lintel, yet a heavy, composed air emanated from within the walls, standing in stark contrast to the flashy clamor of the surrounding noble estates.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Xiao Wu jumped out first, turning to carefully support Zhao Linchuan's arm so he could step down onto the footstool.
Zhao Linchuan stretched his limbs, a faint trace of fatigue from the long journey on his face, yet his eyes remained clear.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing followed them out of the carriage.
Once Ning Rongrong stood steady, she curiously lifted her small face to examine this unfamiliar mansion.
Her bright, intelligent eyes blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing them.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has records of almost every prominent family and young talent in Tiandou City.
This house is in a prime location with an extraordinary layout; it is certainly not the home of an ordinary wealthy family.
But him... Zhao Linchuan? Why have I never heard of such a figure in Tiandou City before?
She muttered to herself, her curiosity scratching at her mind like a kitten's claws.
Just as her thoughts were racing—
"Welcome back to the manor, Young Master!"
Two rows of Golden Armored Warriors, who had been standing at attention, bowed in perfect unison. Their voices were as loud as bells, making the stone steps in front of the gate seem to tremble.
These warriors were all burly and possessed a heavy, composed aura. Although they did not intentionally release their spirit power, their fierce presence and the dark gold armor they wore were enough to command attention.
"Ouch!" Ning Rongrong's eardrums buzzed from the sudden "welcoming ceremony." She let out a soft cry, quickly covering her ears with both hands and rubbing them vigorously.
She then turned her head, glaring at Zhao Linchuan with her beautiful eyes. Pouting, she shouted:
"Pay up! Your guards are too loud; you scared this young lady!"
"If you don't compensate me with ten or eight pieces of beautiful jewelry, I'm not leaving your place today!"
Zhao Linchuan didn't even lift an eyelid. He simply instructed Xiao Wu calmly, "Did you hear that? The young lady of the Ning family wants to stay."
"Go, clear out that vacant woodshed in the west courtyard. Don't worry about the bedding, just remember to prepare plenty of mugwort to repel insects."
"Yes, Young Master." Xiao Wu pursed her lips into a smile and nodded with feigned seriousness, counting on her fingers, "Woodshed, mugwort, old bedding... yes, noted."
"You... you people!" Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed red with anger. She stomped her foot and pointed at Zhao Linchuan and Xiao Wu. "You're ganging up to bully me, aren't you! This young lady is not staying in a woodshed!"
Though her words were sharp, her eyes couldn't help but glance again at the silent, intimidating Golden Armored Warriors, and her bravado involuntarily weakened by a fraction.
Zhao Linchuan ignored her chatter and stepped onto the stairs, heading into the manor.
Xiao Wu made a cute face at Ning Rongrong and hurried to follow.
Zhu Zhuqing followed silently.
A burly man named Jin Wu, whose aura was even heavier than the warriors at the gate, was already waiting inside. Seeing Zhao Linchuan enter, he bowed, "Young Master."
As he walked, Zhao Linchuan asked, "Where are Yue Shen and Yan Fei? I've returned, yet they haven't come out to greet me?"
Jin Wu followed half a step behind to the side and replied respectfully, "Reporting to Young Master, Lady Yue Shen and Lady Yan Fei led twenty brothers out to sea a few days ago and have yet to return."
"Out to sea?" Zhao Linchuan paused slightly, turning his head with a look of surprise in his eyes. "Do you know why?"
"When the two ladies left, they explained that they were going to seek suitable spirit beasts for the brothers who had reached their bottlenecks, to hunt for spirit rings and search for spirit bones," Jin Wu replied.
Zhao Linchuan nodded upon hearing this and asked no further questions.
Yue Shen and Yan Fei's strength had increased significantly, and their vision and capabilities were no longer what they once were. Taking the initiative to lead a team to secure spirit rings for their subordinates would not only improve their overall strength but also serve as a way to gain experience and consolidate their authority.
"Understood. Go prepare a banquet. Use the dishes they usually like, and make it exquisite."
Zhao Linchuan instructed, a gentle curve appearing on his lips. "Since I've returned, it won't be long before they return as well."
"Yes! This subordinate will see to it immediately!" Jin Wu acknowledged the order, turned, and strode away to make the arrangements.
Zhao Linchuan headed straight back to his main courtyard.
Along the way, the pavilions, rockeries, and waterside gazebos within the estate were arranged with exquisite taste, elegant yet grand, and the servants bowed respectfully as he passed, maintaining perfect order.
He waved his attendants away and stepped alone into the spacious bathroom.
The bathroom floor was paved with warm jade and supplied with flowing hot spring water; the swirling steam carried a faint, refreshing scent of herbs that instantly eased his mind.
Just as Zhao Linchuan untied his outer robe, a pair of cool, boneless jade hands wrapped gently around him from behind, taking over the task of undressing him.
A familiar, chillingly faint fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose.
"Husband, you have worked hard on your journey. I have returned."
Yue Shen's voice sounded by his ear, melodious and tender.
She moved with gentle grace, removing his dust-stained outer robe and inner garments.
Zhao Linchuan relaxed his body, letting her serve him, feeling the warmth of the steam and the softness of the beauty pressed against his back.
Two hours later—Yue Shen had changed into a light, moon-white casual dress. Her long hair was slightly damp, and her cheeks still held a rosy flush, making her appear even more breathtakingly beautiful.
She carefully tied the sash of Zhao Linchuan's inner garment and helped him into his brocade casual wear, her movements meticulous and tender.
Zhao Linchuan took her busy hands, pulled them in front of him, and studied her features closely before asking softly:
"Wife, your aura... have you been fighting with Yan Fei again?"
Held by him, Yue Shen did not pull away; she merely glanced up at him. "What fighting or not fighting? You make it sound as if Yan Fei and I are two children squabbling over candy."
Her tone was languid, and rather than directly denying it, she shifted the topic lightly. "Husband, when do you think... it would be best to let Yan Fei officially enter the household?"
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