As Chen Xuanqing looked at Ye Lingling before him, warmth welled up in his heart.
He had never expected his conveniently acquired mother-in-law to have such a discerning eye, sending this beauty, gentle and lustrous as jade, to his side.
Chen Xuanqing smiled and gently ruffled Ye Lingling's hair, a teasing gleam in his eyes.
"All right. Since your mother trusts me enough to send a peerless beauty like you to my side, I won't stand on ceremony." His words held a touch of jest, but also a measure of sincerity.
Seeing Ye Lingling's slightly flustered expression, Chen Xuanqing could not help feeling tender affection for her.
At his words, a blush instantly spread across Ye Lingling's cheeks.
She shook her head shyly, then hurried over to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, seemingly seeking a little comfort from them.
Meanwhile, Dragon Duke Meng Shu, Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang, and Bishop Salas of Spirit Hall also stepped forward.
All three bowed to Chen Xuanqing, their faces filled with reverence.
"Your Highness the Holy Son!" Their voices rang out in unison, brimming with respect.
Chen Xuanqing quickly waved his hand, signaling that such formalities were unnecessary.
Then he smiled and said, "There is no need to be so formal, esteemed Dragon Duke and Snake Granny. The same goes for you, Bishop Salas."
Dragon Duke Meng Shu hastily waved his hands in refusal. "Your Highness the Holy Son! Your strength far exceeds anything we imagined. What's more, you once saved the lives of us, the Peerless Dragon Snake couple. We will forever hold that kindness in our hearts. We could never presume to have Your Highness address us as elders."
Snake Granny Chao Tianxiang chimed in, "Indeed, Your Highness the Holy Son. In the soul master world, attainment determines seniority, and you and