The Qin Prince's Residence handled matters with impressive efficiency. In just one day, Yun Che's teaching certificate for academic subjects had been processed.
Outside, Qin Keyi stood at the entrance, as beautiful as a proud, aloof snow lotus. Unexpectedly, she had come to see Yun Che off.
The sight stunned everyone. News that Yun Che had not been drained to death spread through the streets and alleys like wildfire.
Qin Keyi's cheeks were faintly flushed. At first, she had thought nothing of it, but as things settled down, she realized that she and the young man before her had already consummated their marriage.
She had indulged herself, exposing her most secret side completely before him. She even regretted not killing him a little.
Qin Keyi composed herself and said coolly, "Husband, after you leave, I will also be heading to the Sacred Profound Sect for its entrance assessment. With my current cultivation, admission should be all but guaranteed."
"As I told you at dinner yesterday, I will not stay at the Qin Prince's Residence to spend my life with you. I am devoted to the sword and want to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Our relationship may end here."
"If you wish to leave the Qin Prince's Residence, I am willing to agree to an amicable divorce. You may marry someone else, have children, and live out your life in peace."
Yun Che smiled and shook his head in refusal. Was she kidding? If I leave the Qin Prince's Residence, where else will I find a King Realm powerhouse to milk for benefits?
Although he was also heading to Falling Moon Academy, which would greatly reduce his chances of seeing King Qin, at least he would still have some opportunities.
As for returning to the Yun Family, that was out of the question. In Divine Martial, the Yun Family was destined to become a political sacrifice. He had no intention of getting dragged into that.
After a brief silence, Yun Che smiled and said, "Perhaps one day, I will come to the Sacred Profound Sect to find you. When that day comes, I only hope you will still recognize me as your husband instead of making me a spectacular cuckold."
Qin Keyi was not angry. A rare hint of a smile appeared on her face as she said, "That is not certain. Though I have no interest in romance now, once I achieve success in cultivation, I might fall for someone more outstanding."
"So, if you truly have the ability to enter the Sacred Profound Sect, you had best not delay too long. Otherwise, I may have already forgotten you."
"Of course, if that day ever comes, I will tell you beforehand. I will not leave you wondering why you lost."
Yun Che smiled easily, turned, and climbed into the carriage.
He had to admit that he rather liked Qin Keyi's future she-devil personality. She was genuine, without a trace of pretense.
"Then we'll meet again if fate allows. I'm off."
Before boarding, Yun Che had used Divine Hand on Qin Keyi. Unfortunately, he had failed to snag anything good, obtaining only a fine silk handkerchief.
As the carriage slowly departed, the smile faded from Qin Keyi's face. She murmured, "With your aptitude, entering the Sacred Profound Sect would probably be impossible even in a lifetime!"
"Still, since you have that intention, I am willing to wait three years. If I hear nothing from you after that, I will have the divorce papers delivered to you."
At the Yun Family estate, Yun Jin learned that his younger brother had not only survived but was also going to teach at Falling Moon Academy. Rather than joy, his face showed a horribly twisted mixture of jealousy and resentment.
The reason, naturally, was Yun Che's current standing.
Yun Che was now not only the Qin Prince's Residence's live-in son-in-law, but also the husband of Qin Keyi, the most beautiful woman in the Great Yuan Kingdom. It was an enviable position.
"What is going on? Could Qin Keyi never have practiced that soul-damaging cultivation technique? Was it all just a rumor?"
The more Yun Jin thought, the angrier and more jealous he grew, and the more unfair it all seemed.
"Did my brother know the truth about Qin Keyi from the beginning? Is that why he agreed to die in my place?"
Yun Jin convinced himself that this had to be the truth. Why else would anyone sacrifice their life for another person? It simply made no sense!
Furious, he decided that Yun Che had stolen his opportunity. He should have been the one to become Qin Keyi's husband!
"Well played, Yun Che! And here I was worrying about you. What a wonderful little brother you are!"
"No, I have to confront him and make him reveal the truth to everyone."
Consumed by resentment and anger, Yun Jin refused to consider that he himself had begged Yun Che to replace him as the Qin Prince's Residence's live-in son-in-law-to die in his place.
Ding! Congratulations, player Yun Che! Your accumulated reputation has exceeded 1,000. Reward: one gold treasure chest (unique).
Inside the carriage, Yun Che suddenly heard a Divine Martial announcement. He froze for a moment, then was overcome with delight.
In the world of Divine Martial, the first player to reach the required reputation would receive a treasure chest. The developers had announced that from the outset.
"To think even a live-in son-in-law like me could earn this much reputation. Looks like spending the night with Qin Keyi really made a lot of people green with envy!"
Yun Che smiled knowingly and opened the gold treasure chest directly in his inventory. He received 500 experience points, 100 silver coins, a low-grade combat technique manual, and a low-grade longsword.
"Not bad. Just when I was worrying about having no combat techniques, one gets delivered to me. Could I be the only player on the Divine Martial Continent?"
As he pondered this, Yun Che selected the combat technique called Star-Chasing Slash and learned it. Then he took out the low-grade Azure Autumn Sword to admire it.
Though it was only low-grade, it was more than sufficient for his current level.
He gave the longsword a gentle swing. Its gleam flowed like water, smooth and natural, and he could not help praising it inwardly. What a fine sword!
Falling Moon Academy was not far from the Qin Prince's Residence. The carriage ride would take about two hours.
The driver was a servant named Amu. Seeing that he was an honest fellow, Yun Che had specifically chosen him as his attendant and coachman.
Upon arriving at Falling Moon Academy's entrance, Yun Che gazed at the academy, which resembled an earthly paradise, his eyes filled with awe.
Falling Moon Academy stood beside mountains and water, surrounded by lush woods. Elegant old buildings dotted the mountainside in a harmonious arrangement, lending the place both a scholarly air and an ethereal grace.
Two lifelike stone lions guarded the academy's entrance, majestic and solemn.
Classes seemed to have ended just then. Countless lively young men and women emerged in groups, apparently heading to nearby restaurants.
Among these students, the most eye-catching was a girl in a blue dress.
Her face was exquisite, her bearing ethereal. Like an immortal maiden descended to earth, she left others afraid to look directly at her.
Numerous admirers crowded around her, but she remained unmoved, her gaze fixed ahead and her expression cold and proud.
"Young master, it's the second young lady!" Amu reminded him from beside him.
Yun Che looked startled. Only then did he remember that Qin Yelan, the Qin Prince's Residence's second young lady, was a student at Falling Moon Academy.
He marveled inwardly, The Qin family's genes are almost too good. My sister-in-law's looks and figure are every bit as impressive as Qin Keyi's.
At that moment, Qin Yelan recognized the Qin Prince's Residence's carriage at a glance. Without any change in expression, she walked straight toward Yun Che, making him somewhat nervous.
Yun Che had expected this seemingly cold sister-in-law to greet him with a few mocking remarks. After all, being a live-in son-in-law was hardly an honorable position in this era.
Unexpectedly, however, she merely approached and looked him over for a moment, nodded slightly, then shook her head before walking away.
"What... what did she mean by that?" Confused, Yun Che turned to Amu.
Amu was equally puzzled. "Maybe... she's hungry?" he guessed.
Yun Che's mouth twitched. He should never have asked him.
Still, whatever his sister-in-law meant, it would not stop him from using Divine Hand.
As a wisp of blue light was swiftly drawn out of Qin Yelan, a notification sounded.
Ding! Successful grab! Congratulations on obtaining mid-grade armor: Ice-Silk Brocade Garment.
"Nice!" Yun Che snapped his fingers in satisfaction.
Mid-grade armor!
That was essential equipment for going out!
Yet when he saw the garment in his inventory clearly, his expression changed at once, and cold sweat began to pour down.
This thing! I absolutely cannot let Qin Yelan know I took it, or she'll hack me to death!
Before you continue