Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Chapter 63: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Sleeping Face

Being waited for was a meaningful thing.

Song Mingzhi was a businesswoman at heart, time was something she valued greatly, because the more important something was, the more time she would spend on it, and positive anticipation was often associated with beautiful expectations.

Was this a date invitation? she wondered.

“Okay, I’ll go now, see you later.”

Song Mingzhi showed no signs of fatigue from filming, but rather looked radiant.

Dong Ling nodded, and after Song Mingzhi left, she took out her phone and confirmed with Yuki that the arrangements were in place.

Ten minutes later, Song Mingzhi, in casual clothes and wearing a mask, came out.

Dong Ling was sitting in the driver’s seat, and only after Song Mingzhi fastened her seatbelt did they set off.

Dong Ling booked a private cinema room with a bed and a large projector.

She specifically asked Yuki to use the essential oils she bought for aromatherapy, and even chose a relaxing movie.

She wasn’t there to watch the movie, but to complete the task and get the reward, so she didn’t care about the movie’s content, she just wanted Song Mingzhi to be comfortable and have a good sleep, after all, she had been busy all day and was truly tired.

Arriving at the room, Song Mingzhi was slightly surprised by the warm ambiance and the bed, thinking Dong Ling intended to take things further.

But looking at Dong Ling’s expression, she knew that wasn’t the case.

Dong Ling always had a way of raising her expectations, then letting them fall, creating ripples in her heart.

“There are clean pajamas in the bathroom, all new, I had Yuki buy them, do you want to take a shower first?”

The private cinema room Dong Ling booked had an ensuite bathroom. There were bathrobes provided, but Dong Ling preferred using brand new ones.

Song Mingzhi nodded, took the pajamas from Dong Ling, and sighed inwardly.

Did the girl really not realize how ambiguous her words were?

It was as if they weren’t here to watch a movie, but to have a tryst, even making preparations beforehand.

But Dong Ling’s expression was too serious, her tone leaving no room for imagination.

After Song Mingzhi entered the bathroom, Dong Ling randomly chose a movie to play and heard the task completion notification from the task system.

The task system was very rigid, so as long as she and Song Mingzhi arrived at the cinema together and the movie started playing, regardless of whether they watched it or not, it was considered a success.

[Current main storyline progress: 50%.]

Dong Ling smiled, they were finally over halfway.

Adding the 10% from filming the movie, which hadn’t been awarded yet, it would be 60%.

But thinking of the potential future tasks, Dong Ling’s smile faded slightly, she sighed inwardly, hoping 021 could contact headquarters soon.

Song Mingzhi came out in her pajamas shortly after, the warmth of the shower giving her cheeks a faint blush, full of mature charm.

Dong Ling didn’t dare look too much, afraid her heartbeat would betray her.

She pretended to be busy making the bed and said: “The remote is over there, you can choose whatever you want to watch, I’ve already told Director Yu, she’ll adjust tomorrow’s filming schedule, so it doesn’t matter if you arrive late, you can have a good rest tonight.”

When discussing this matter with Yu Shuangwei, Dong Ling finally felt like a real investor, although her investment wasn’t a major part, the majority of the investment Yu Shuangwei received came from companies in Jingzhou and Beihai, Dong Ling didn’t know much about those two companies.

Song Mingzhi lay on the bed, looked at Dong Ling, and asked: “Is today a special occasion?”

“Hmm?”

Dong Ling made a questioning sound, and from her angle, she saw a water droplet, seemingly wiped away by Song Mingzhi, slide down her jawline to her neck, reflecting a faint light under the dim yellow light, like a dim star.

Song Mingzhi asked: “Or did something happen at the birthday party you went to yesterday?”

After the initial confusion, Dong Ling quickly understood what Song Mingzhi meant and couldn’t help but laugh.

So Song Mingzhi thought she did this today because of something that happened, after all, from Song Mingzhi’s perspective, she didn’t know what had happened, or her reasons for being here.

“No, it’s not because of that, no reason, I just happened to be free to watch you film all day today, and I thought you were working very hard, so I wanted to take you out to relax, although… this isn’t exactly relaxing, but it’s better than staying in a hotel.”

Setting aside the task system, Dong Ling did have such intentions, but it wasn’t inviting her to watch a movie, but to a hot spring or a spa, she just hadn’t found the right opportunity.

“I’ll go take a shower, Mingzhi, you can choose a movie, you can call the front desk with that phone over there if you need any drinks or food.”

It was the end of August, the days were still quite hot, Dong Ling had been on set all day, and was also sweating, she grabbed her pajamas and eagerly went to the bathroom.

Song Mingzhi didn’t change the movie, but continued watching what Dong Ling had put on. The movie was a feel-good film, so even without seeing the beginning, it didn’t affect her viewing experience.

In the soothing background music, everything seemed to fade away.

Song Mingzhi drifted in and out of sleep, the changing lights of the movie reflecting on her face.

In this state of extreme relaxation, she heard Dong Ling’s voice.

But she couldn’t respond, she couldn’t even lift her fingers, as if her soul had sunk into the depths of her body, relinquishing half of its control.

The voice seemed to be talking about something, then suddenly disappeared, probably thinking she was asleep, so she stopped talking.

Then she felt the bed shake slightly, perhaps due to the special material of the bed, even the slight dip beside her could be felt, so without opening her eyes or thinking clearly, she could picture Dong Ling’s cautious movements.

Perhaps like a small hamster, like the one the protagonist in the movie had.

Song Mingzhi smiled, in the fragrance emanating from Dong Ling, she felt like she was walking on soft clouds, being carried away in an unknown direction.

Dong Ling thought Song Mingzhi was truly tired, she had just come out of the bathroom and wanted to tell her about yesterday’s events, like the strange situation between those two sisters, but after saying a few words, she noticed that Song Mingzhi’s eyes were closed, already asleep.

She immediately stopped talking, afraid of waking Song Mingzhi.

She didn’t know why, but she stared at her for a while before snapping back to reality, lifting the quilt and lying down on the bed.

The movie was still playing, but Dong Ling wasn’t in the mood to watch, she wondered if she should turn down the volume so Song Mingzhi could sleep better, but she was afraid Song Mingzhi wasn’t sleeping soundly and lowering the volume might wake her up.

Caught in this dilemma, Dong Ling stared blankly at the movie, her mind filled with Song Mingzhi beside her.

This feeling was strange and inexplicable, yet also uncontrollable.

Perhaps half an hour passed, perhaps not.

Dong Ling didn’t look at the time, she turned off the projector. It was probably a good movie, Dong Ling thought vaguely, she didn’t remember anything except for the cute hamster the protagonist had, the way it hoarded food made her want to pet it.

The light switch was by the bed, but not on Dong Ling’s side, but on Song Mingzhi’s.

Dong Ling didn’t climb over Song Mingzhi to turn off the lights, after all, that would mean getting very close to Song Mingzhi and then stretching her arm as far as possible, and if she lost her balance, she might fall on top of Song Mingzhi, she didn’t even dare imagine that scene.

Dong Ling quietly got out of bed, and before turning off the lights, she couldn’t help but take a picture of Song Mingzhi’s sleeping face with her phone.

She wasn’t worried about the shutter sound or the flash, she always had them turned off.

The camera captured the image, and a face that didn’t belong to the phone’s owner appeared in the photo album.

Dong Ling turned off the lights, blew out the aromatherapy candle, and lay down on the bed, her cheeks slightly flushed.

It was just a picture, why was she feeling guilty?

Dong Ling put the picture in her phone’s private album, locking it away, along with her secret feelings.

This way, she could confidently tell everyone, we’re just good friends.

Dong Ling closed her eyes, she thought she would have trouble falling asleep tonight, but it seemed the sleep-inducing essential oil aromatherapy Yuki bought was quite effective.

She should ask Yuki to prepare more next time, Dong Ling thought hazily before drifting off to sleep.

The morning sunlight was blocked by the thick curtains, leaving only a dim glow, like twilight.

Song Mingzhi hadn’t slept this well in a long time. When she opened her eyes and saw Dong Ling’s face so close to hers, her smile deepened.

Dong Ling was very still in her sleep, probably because she disliked physical contact, so she wouldn’t move closer to others even when asleep.

Song Mingzhi stared at her for a while, and noticing Dong Ling’s eyelids fluttering, as if she was about to wake up, she lay back down.

Dong Ling rubbed her eyes and sat up, staring blankly for a few seconds before realizing where she was and looked at Song Mingzhi beside her.

Song Mingzhi happened to open her eyes at this moment. Dong Ling, caught off guard by her gaze, greeted her somewhat awkwardly: “Morning, Mingzhi.”

“Good morning, I slept very well last night, it’s a pity I didn’t finish the movie.”

“We can watch it together again next time. I’ll go wash up first.”

Dong Ling pointed to the bathroom and quickly went to wash up.

The girl was truly thin-skinned, always so shy, even though they didn’t do anything, Song Mingzhi thought, looking at Dong Ling’s back.

Dong Ling looked at herself in the mirror, brushing her teeth, wondering if she was being too obvious just now, seemingly eager to escape, as if she had a guilty conscience, but she hadn’t done anything, except take a picture of her sleeping face.

A sudden knock on the door startled Dong Ling, she quickly spat out the water in her mouth and wiped her face with a towel.

“One moment, I’ll be right there!”

“I’m not in a hurry, it’s your phone ringing.”

Song Mingzhi looked at the unidentified number flashing on the screen, and handed the phone to Dong Ling, who opened the door.

Dong Ling glanced at it and saw it was a call to her personal number, most of her contacts were saved with names, unsaved numbers were usually from the same person, because she had blocked her, that person could only call from different numbers.

Dong Ling thought about it and answered the call: “What, still borrowing money?”

“Dong Ling, help… she’s crazy…”

Gasps and hurried footsteps, mixed with Xuan Du’s panicked and angry voice, came from the other end of the phone.

Then a loud bang, as if the phone had been thrown against the wall, made Dong Ling’s temples throb, her ear ringing.

80 Yan Zhen: Wait, Are You Jealous Now?

[Special Trump Card – Dog Head Protection: Upon activation, a dog head mask appears on the host’s head. All damage taken during this period is absorbed by the mask, until it disappears.]

In a private room at the dining hall, Yan Zhen ordered a table full of dishes. After two consecutive battles, he was hungry. He and Long Ying ate heartily, occasionally wiping the little Dragon Girl’s mouth and serving his fiancée a chicken leg.

Huangfu Wenqing ate delicately, her eyes fixed on her fiancé with affection.

The hero saving the damsel, although clichéd, was still heartwarming.

She hadn’t expected him to come, but he did. Perhaps, this was fate~

This further strengthened Huangfu Wenqing’s belief that she had changed the outcome of her previous life. She smiled radiantly.

Yan Zhen, however, wasn’t thinking so deeply. After finishing one table of food, he ordered another, continuing to devour the dishes with Long Ying.

After finishing the second table, Yan Zhen and Long Ying patted their bellies contentedly, leaning back in their chairs and burping in unison, their synchronized actions looking rather silly and making Huangfu Wenqing giggle.

After their meal, the three of them were about to head towards the Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda when they were stopped outside the dining hall.

Three people, all wearing rhinoceros horn badges, the symbol of the first-rate society “Black Horn.”

The Black Horn society was one of the top ten societies in the Inner Academy. Its founder was said to be the current imperial son-in-law of the Black Horn Empire. The current leader was the grandson of the Imperial Mystic Academy’s Dean, named Wu Tie.

The Black Horn society had seven Mystic Generals, with Wu Tie, a seven-star Mystic General, ranked ninth on the Rising Star List. The others were mostly three or five-star Mystic Generals, making them a powerful force.

The three who stopped them weren’t the society’s leaders but officers at the Mystic General realm.

They had noticed Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing’s potential and, learning that they were from the eastern part of Jiā Lán Continent, decided to try and recruit them.

However, their offer lacked sincerity, their tone arrogant and the promised benefits no better than those of ordinary societies. Since neither Yan Zhen nor Huangfu Wenqing had any intention of joining a society, they politely declined.

However, the three officers were offended by their rejection and began to threaten the two juniors.

“Junior Brother Yan Zhen, defeating Bai Ao so soon after entering the Inner Academy is a slap in the face to all the senior students. You can expect many challenges from the top-ranked students soon… Your best option is to join our society. With our protection, those people will restrain themselves. Otherwise, no matter how strong you are, you won’t be able to handle constant harassment from dozens, even hundreds, of experts.”

Yan Zhen ignored their warning, held Long Ying’s hand, and continued towards the Celestial Dome Pagoda with Huangfu Wenqing.

Having been ridiculed and mocked after his downfall, Yan Zhen had become somewhat withdrawn, unwilling to form close relationships. Therefore, he wouldn’t join any society but planned to create his own to participate in team activities.

The academy required at least three members to establish a society.

In the script, Yan Zhen had Long Ying and Zi Xunyi join as nominal members, creating the smallest and strongest society—”Yan Huang.”

Now, he would also add Huangfu Wenqing.

Thinking of this, he arrived at the Celestial Dome Pagoda, entered the fourth level, and found a cultivation room, just big enough for the three of them.

Long Ying sat beside Yan Zhen, imitating his posture, seemingly cultivating, but soon, she fell asleep, her head resting on his leg, a small bubble escaping her nose.

Yan Zhen sighed, took out a jacket from his storage ring, covered the little Dragon Girl, then swallowed a pill and began his advancement.

He cultivated for three full days before finally breaking through.

Five-star Mystic Master!

His power had increased significantly. In the script, it was at this level that he defeated Bai Ao. Now, it had happened earlier.

But it couldn’t be helped. He couldn’t let that mutt continue to act so arrogant; it wouldn’t be a satisfying story.

After Yan Zhen’s breakthrough, Huangfu Wenqing also benefited greatly. Long Ying, having woken up from her nap, was hungry again. The three of them left the Celestial Dome Pagoda and went to the dining hall.

As soon as they arrived, they attracted a lot of attention, some students even greeting them.

Clearly, news of Yan Zhen’s victory over Bai Ao had spread during these three days, earning him the respect of these proud prodigies.

After their meal, they returned to the Grand Elder’s residence. Yan Zhen decided to take a bath and also bathe Long Ying.

Long Ying blushed and lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers, but she didn’t object.

Huangfu Wenqing, hearing this, also blushed and asked in surprise, “You… you’re going to bathe this little girl?”

Yan Zhen tried to maintain his composure. “Is there a problem? She’s just a child.”

“But she’s still a girl. It’s not appropriate. I’ll do it.”

“But…”

Yan Zhen wanted to take care of Long Ying to earn her favor and, eventually, her divine blood.

Long Ying quickly hid behind Yan Zhen and glared at Huangfu Wenqing. “I don’t want that bad woman to bathe me!”

—As if I want to!

Huangfu Wenqing also disliked this little loli who was always clinging to Yan Zhen, suspecting she wasn’t as innocent as she appeared. Hmph.

“You don’t have a choice. Come here, or I’ll take you to Zi Xunyi and let her bathe you!”

—Bad woman, always trying to separate me from Zhenzhen. So annoying!

Long Ying wanted to punch her and declared stubbornly, “I-I want to bathe with Zhenzhen!”

“Absolutely not!”

“I want to!”

The two glared at each other, sparks flying.

Yan Zhen sighed, pulling Long Ying back, and said to Huangfu Wenqing, “Why are you arguing with a child? I’ll bathe her. It’s no big deal.”

Huangfu Wenqing bit her lip and said resolutely, “…Then you have to bathe me too.”

“Huh?” Yan Zhen was stunned, wondering if he had misheard. “Are you serious, Wenqing?”

“Is there a problem?” Huangfu Wenqing blushed. “We’re engaged. We should take care of each other~”

—That’s not what “taking care of each other” means…

Yan Zhen was speechless. Why was Huangfu Wenqing suddenly jealous? She hadn’t been this jealous when she learned about his relationship with Instructor Yu Xuan, yet now she was competing with Long Ying. How strange.

Huangfu Wenqing continued, “If you bathe her, you have to bathe me too!”

Long Ying was furious. The bad woman, failing to sabotage their time together, was now trying to steal her special privilege! She retorted, “You’re so old, and you still need someone to bathe you? How shameless!”

Saying this, Long Ying felt a twinge of guilt, as she was technically also “so old.”

Huangfu Wenqing was embarrassed but retorted, “This is called ‘couple’s intimacy.’ What do you know, you little child?”

Seeing them about to argue again, Yan Zhen quickly intervened. “Alright, alright, in that case, let’s all bathe together.”

79 Grand Flame Extinguishing, Ashless Slash!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sounds of clashing metal and whooshing air echoed through the arena, each strike like a hammer blow against the hearts of the tense audience, their eyes glued to the battle between Yan Zhen and Bai Ao.

Bai Ao, ranked thirty-third on the Rising Star List and leader of the White Fang, was quite famous in the Inner Academy, with numerous admirers.

Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing, both having reached the Rising Star List at the Mystic Master realm, were equally prominent. Several society leaders and officers were already plotting how to recruit them.

On the stage, the battle intensified. Yan Zhen, wielding the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo, exchanged blows with Bai Ao in a rapid exchange, their hands numbing after over a hundred strikes. They separated, leaping back, then both began gathering their Mystic Power again.

Bai Ao punched, his Lightning Mystic Power surging forth. Yan Zhen raised his greatsword and slashed downwards, the fiery sword Qi leaving a scorched mark on the arena floor as it collided with Bai Ao’s lightning-fast fist.

Bang!

The clash of Mystic Power created a massive explosion, a shockwave sweeping across the arena, kicking up dust and debris.

Both of them panted slightly, calming their turbulent Mystic Power and preparing for the next round.

Bai Ao’s gauntlets were covered in flames from the Gold and Silver Fire, the metal starting to melt, much to his distress. Yan Zhen’s sword embryo also dimmed slightly. After all, it was just an embryo, not a complete sword, its power somewhat lacking.

“You do have some skill, no wonder you could defeat Fu Cheng.” Bai Ao sneered. “But you’re still just a four-star Mystic Master, while I’m a four-star Mystic General. That difference isn’t something Mystic Arts or Mystic Skills can bridge!”

“Are you afraid?” Yan Zhen saw through his bluff. “You realized I’m stronger than you expected, so you’re scared, worried that I have more tricks up my sleeve.”

Bai Ao was enraged. “You? I can crush you like an ant!”

Yan Zhen smirked. “Crushing an ant… that’s you.”

He was mocking Bai Ao’s nickname, “White Dog” (Can mean mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff, which are types of dogs).

Bai Ao, knowing he couldn’t win a verbal spar, unleashed his rage, his Lightning Mystic Power surging, electric arcs crackling across half the arena, a faint wolf’s head forming behind him.

“Thunder Beast Transformation!”

He kicked off the ground and charged towards Yan Zhen with lightning speed, unleashing a barrage of punches, each heavier than the last, forcing Yan Zhen to retreat defensively. The final blow sent him flying.

Yan Zhen used the momentum to create some distance, landing unsteadily. Before he could dispel the numbing effect of the Lightning Mystic Power, Bai Ao had already begun charging his next attack.

“It’s over, Yan Zhen!”

A vast amount of Lightning Mystic Power transformed into a giant azure wolf that howled, its roar like thunder, shaking the entire arena.

This was Bai Ao’s ultimate technique, the King-level Mystic Skill Azure Thunder Howl!

It was this technique that earned him his thirty-third place on the Rising Star List.

—It is time to end this.

Yan Zhen’s duel with Bai Ao was a key plot point. The system had already issued its instructions. Bai Ao using Azure Thunder Howl was Yan Zhen’s cue to defeat him.

If not for the script’s restrictions, Yan Zhen would have already put on the snake scale gauntlets given to him by Cai Lian and ended the fight with a single, crippling blow.

“Hmph!”

Yan Zhen gripped the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo with both hands and raised it high. Crimson and grayish-black flames ignited on the gold and silver blade.

Three Extreme Flames intertwined and clashed on the sword’s surface, creating a destructive energy similar to Myriad Forms Annihilation, Heaven and Earth Incineration, incredibly unstable.

Yan Zhen tightened his grip on the hilt and shouted, “Grand Flame Extinguishing… Ashless Slash!”

Intensely hot sword Qi erupted, slamming into the incoming thunder wolf like a crashing wave. Fire and lightning collided, creating a massive explosion that shook the entire arena.

The power of the Flame Extinguishing, Ashless Slash increased with each additional Extreme Flame. With three flames, its power was tripled.

The thunder wolf was instantly torn apart by the searing sword Qi, the remaining energy engulfing Bai Ao, who stared in horror.

As the dust settled, Bai Ao was revealed, his body charred black and covered in cuts, a gruesome sight. Although he wasn’t bleeding, he was clearly severely injured.

—Bai Ao actually lost?!

The audience was shocked. He was a four-star Mystic General, yet he was defeated by Yan Zhen, a four-star Mystic Master!

Even Gu Tiange, the monstrously talented, top-ranked student on the Rising Star List, hadn’t been this dominant at this level. Yan Zhen’s victory over Bai Ao completely shattered their expectations.

“…”

Bai Ao looked up with difficulty at Yan Zhen, who stood, leaning on his sword, panting slightly, his eyes filled with resentment and a hint of fear.

“How… how could you—”

Yan Zhen dispelled the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo and said calmly, “There’s always someone stronger… And I wasn’t even trying my best.”

He had only used the “heat” of the Extreme Flames, not their special abilities. Otherwise, with the Gold and Silver Fire as his sword, the Great Crimson Skyfire for defense, and the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire for disruption, Bai Ao wouldn’t have stood a chance.

Especially the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, its mind-altering ability was incredibly difficult to defend against, and those who hadn’t cultivated their souls were especially vulnerable.

Once he obtained the sonic Mystic Skill “Heavenly Dragon’s Eight Tones” from Grand Elder Yu Yan, this ability would be further enhanced, becoming one of his most powerful attacks.

“Hand them over.”

Yan Zhen stepped on Bai Ao’s hand, ignoring his pained cry, and forcibly took his storage ring.

Since they hadn’t specified the wager amount before the duel, it was assumed to be all the points they possessed. This was the academy’s rule.

Yan Zhen’s Spiritual Power probed into the storage ring and retrieved Bai Ao’s Tier 5 academy card, then tossed the ring back to him.

He then walked over to the White Fang’s second-in-command, took his storage ring, and retrieved his winnings.

After that, Yan Zhen returned to the center of the arena, looked around at the audience, and said loudly, “Anyone else who’s not convinced can come at me. But if anyone dares to lay a finger on my people again, I won’t be so merciful!”

Looking at the scorch marks on the arena and the two unconscious White Fang members, the students felt a sense of dread towards this seemingly harmless junior.

A four-star Mystic Master, ranked ninety-ninth on the Rising Star List, now having defeated the thirty-third rank. What level of power would he reach next month?

Yan Zhen ignored their reactions, turned, and left the stage, taking Long Ying’s hand and walking towards Huangfu Wenqing.

“Let’s go.”

Huangfu Wenqing’s heart swelled with happiness. She took Yan Zhen’s other arm, and they left the dueling arena together.

They first went to the Seven Stars Hall to collect Yan Zhen’s reward, then headed towards the dining hall for a meal.

78 Yan Zhen vs. Bai Ao

“This guy is still so annoying… Zhenzhen, should I teach him a lesson?”

“No, I’ll handle it myself.”

Their attention shifted to the dueling platform.

The two combatants were similar types of cultivators: Wind Mystic Power, speed-focused. One used a sword, the other dual swords. However, Huangfu Wenqing was only a six-star Mystic Master, while the White Fang’s second-in-command was a two-star Mystic General, a significant difference in cultivation.

Anyone else would have already been defeated, but Huangfu Wenqing, relying on her refined swordsmanship and movement technique, had managed to hold on until now.

—No, wait. With her strength, she should be able to defeat a mere two-star Mystic General.

Yan Zhen suddenly realized that Huangfu Wenqing’s Mystic Power wasn’t stable, as if she was struggling, unable to overpower her opponent in their clashes, gradually losing ground. If this continued, she would inevitably be defeated.

—What’s going on?

“Little girl, you were so arrogant earlier, but now you’re just dodging? Do you dare to take one of my attacks head-on?”

“Despicable!”

“Once we’re on the stage, it’s all about skill. There’s no such thing as despicable. The academy only forbids lethal attacks, not non-lethal poisons on weapons.”

“…”

Huangfu Wenqing gritted her teeth, furious.

There was a small cut on the back of her hand, a mere graze from his blade. It was a minor injury that would have healed by tonight with her regenerative abilities. She hadn’t expected him to apply a poison that disrupted Mystic Power flow.

Although the academy didn’t explicitly forbid poisons or hidden weapons, most students considered them dishonorable and wouldn’t resort to such underhanded tactics.

But some were shameless.

Like the one before her.

Huangfu Wenqing knew she couldn’t prolong the fight any longer. The White Fang member also wanted to end it quickly. Their swords clashed, and they separated, then both began channeling their power, preparing to unleash their strongest techniques.

General-level Mystic Skill, Sword Fang Bite!

King-level Mystic Skill, Piercing Wind Thrust!

Bang! Mystic Power exploded, shockwaves rippling outwards, sending both of them flying. Huangfu Wenqing dropped her sword and coughed up blood, her aura weakening. She was clearly injured internally.

There was no need for a referee. Everyone knew Huangfu Wenqing had lost.

“You have some skill, but losing is losing.” The man clutched his chest, stood up, and looked down at her. “Your academy card and pills, I’ll be taking them. Hand them over, or I’ll take them myself. Hmm? Hahaha~~~”

Huangfu Wenqing was filled with resentment. She still had a trump card, but it was a lethal technique, unsuitable for a duel. She had to concede.

—I was too careless, underestimating these “children.”

Just as she was about to take out her newly acquired academy card and pills from her storage ring, a figure landed before her, helping her up.

“Yan Zhen? What are you doing here?”

Yan Zhen took out a healing pill and placed it in his fiancée’s mouth, making her blush.

“Leave it to me. I’ll win it back for you.”

He turned to the White Fang member and said, “Fight me.”

The man wasn’t stupid. He sneered, “Sorry, I just finished a duel. I don’t want to fight anymore. Just hand over your wager.”

Yan Zhen took out the Tier 6 academy card Grand Elder Yu Yan had given him and waved it, saying, “If you can withstand a single attack from me, this Tier 6 card, and the ten thousand points within, are yours.”

All eyes were on Yan Zhen’s hand, everyone’s breath catching in their throats.

A Tier 6 academy card with ten thousand points! That was the kind of wealth possessed by the top ten students on the Rising Star List!

Even Bai Ao’s heart skipped a beat. He was only using a Tier 5 card, with only four or five thousand points, and had always wanted a Tier 6 card but had no way of obtaining one.

The White Fang’s second-in-command was stunned, then overjoyed. This was a windfall!

“Alright! Deal!”

He was afraid Yan Zhen would change his mind.

Even knowing about Yan Zhen’s terrifying flame sword, he was confident he could withstand at least one attack.

After all, he was a two-star Mystic General, and Yan Zhen was only a four-star Mystic Master!

Thinking this, he unleashed all his Mystic Power, summoning a whirlwind that enveloped him, then he leaped into the air, merging with the whirlwind.

The massive whirlwind moved across the arena, its trajectory like lightning, approaching Yan Zhen.

King-level Mystic Skill, Great Wind Dragon Dance!

Yan Zhen calmly raised his hand, and gold and silver flames erupted, swirling and compressing into a large, branding iron-like sword embryo.

The moment the sword appeared, the temperature around the arena soared, the audience sweating profusely as if it were midsummer, forcing them to circulate their Mystic Power to resist the heat.

Yan Zhen gripped the sword with both hands and raised it high, a massive amount of Fire Mystic Power converging on the blade, emitting a terrifying aura.

“Flame Extinguishing… Ashless Slash!”

Sword Qi, like a raging river, poured forth, slamming into the Mystic Power whirlwind. Without any resistance, it sliced through the whirlwind, creating a massive explosion of wind and fire.

Boom!

A shockwave rippled outwards, making it difficult for the onlookers to keep their eyes open. The White Fang’s second-in-command was thrown from the whirlwind, landing outside the arena, his body charred black, unconscious.

The crowd gasped!

A single strike, shattering a King-level Mystic Skill used by a Mystic General! What kind of monster was this Yan Zhen?

Bai Ao’s face darkened. Before he could speak, Yan Zhen pointed his sword at him.

“Come up here, you mutt!”

Bai Ao was instantly enraged and flashed onto the platform, attacking Yan Zhen directly. “You’re courting death!”

He wore gauntlets, his fists the size of cooking pots, his punches carrying a fierce wind, his aura intimidating.

Those were Tier 5 Mystic Tools!

However, Yan Zhen was fearless. He swung his sword, the blade slamming against Bai Ao’s fist.

The impact numbed Yan Zhen’s hand and sent Bai Ao stumbling backward. Gold and silver flames ignited on his Tier 5 gauntlets, slowly corroding the metal.

Bai Ao’s heart sank. He quickly circulated his silver-white Lightning Mystic Power, extinguishing the flames.

So it’s an Extreme Flame… No wonder this brat’s Mystic Power is so strong for a Mystic Master.

—But he’s still far inferior to me!

Bai Ao unleashed his powerful Lightning Mystic Power, charging forward like a ferocious mastiff.

Yan Zhen met his attack head-on, wielding the Gold and Silver Fire Sword Embryo to block Bai Ao’s punches.

Their movements were incredibly fast, their figures blurring into afterimages.

77 Yan Zhen Strikes it Rich

After listening to Grand Elder Yu Yan’s report, Supreme Elder Yu had initially assumed it was just an ordinary young dragon lost in Jiā Lán Continent. She hadn’t expected Long Ying to possess royal blood.

“Little girl, how are you related to the Myriad Dragon King?”

The Myriad Dragon King was the current leader of the Dragon God Clan.

The Dragon God Clan had the lowest birth rate among the ten great God Clans, their numbers always hovering around seven or eight thousand. In this generation, however, due to a period of recuperation and growth, their numbers finally exceeded ten thousand, hence the Clan Leader’s title, “Myriad Dragon King.”

Like Zi Xunyi’s father, the Myriad Dragon King’s cultivation had reached nine-star Mystic Saint, just one step away from Celestial Sovereign, one of the few peak experts in the Mystic Heaven Continent!

Long Ying, not bothering to hide her identity, said proudly, “The Myriad Dragon King is my father, the Jade Dragon Consort is my mother, and I have three older brothers: the Black Dragon Lord, the White Dragon Lord, and the Flower Dragon Lord.”

Supreme Elder Yu and Grand Elder Yu Yan’s expressions shifted slightly. Although they were mentally prepared, hearing Long Ying admit it still surprised them.

This little pink-haired loli was actually the little princess of the Dragon God Clan, the Myriad Dragon King’s beloved daughter!

This meant her status was no less than Zi Xunyi’s.

—It was a good thing she came here personally.

Supreme Elder Yu, thinking this, said calmly, “So it’s Princess Long. I apologize for my earlier negligence.”

Long Ying puffed out her chest proudly and hummed in acknowledgment.

“No worries.”

“In that case, Princess Long, please come to the Sacred Ground. I’ll have someone arrange suitable accommodations for you.”

“No need. I want to stay here, with Sister Xunyi and Zhenzhen.”

Supreme Elder Yu was surprised. “You know Zi Ji?”

Long Ying nodded vigorously. “Sister Xunyi and I are very close.”

—Could it be that the Celestial God Clan and the Dragon God Clan have become allies?

As far as she knew, the ten great God Clans were hostile towards each other, often vying for power and forming alliances with the seven Sacred Grounds. For example, the Celestial God Clan and the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground were allies.

Perhaps this young Princess Long didn’t understand these things yet.

Supreme Elder Yu dismissed the thought and looked at Yan Zhen, observing him carefully.

She had heard from Grand Elder Yu Yan that Long Ying was very attached to Yan Zhen, which seemed to be true, judging by her words.

A four-star Mystic Master, about to advance to five-star, yet he had already refined three Extreme Flames, one of them the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire. This was even more impressive than that person.

—Interesting.

“Your name is Yan Zhen?”

“Yes, Supreme Elder.”

“Reach the Mystic King realm within three years, and I’ll allow you to marry into the Yu family and become Xuan’er’s husband.”

“…Thank you for your generosity, Supreme Elder. I will cultivate diligently and strive to reach the Mystic King realm as soon as possible.”

Although he responded politely, Yan Zhen thought, I’m not marrying into your family. I’m going to marry Yu Xuan.

As long as he reached Mystic Venerable, he would have the power to surpass Supreme Elder Yu, change the Yu family’s rules, and even bring the entire family under his control.

Supreme Elder Yu nodded slightly, then looked away.

No matter how talented Yan Zhen was, it was still just potential. He needed time and resources to grow. He was currently under observation, and she, with her status, wouldn’t pay him too much attention for now.

“Princess Long, if you wish, you can go to the Sacred Ground with Yu Yan at any time… I have important matters to attend to and won’t be staying any longer.”

Supreme Elder Yu transformed into a stream of water-colored light and vanished.

Silence returned to the office. After a while, Grand Elder Yu Yan said, “Then I’ll leave Little Dragon Ying in your care, Little Yan Zhen. This is a Tier 6 academy card with ten thousand points, for Little Dragon Ying’s food expenses. Let me know if it’s not enough.”

—Holy crap!

Yan Zhen almost cried out in surprise.

A Tier 6 academy card with ten thousand points! That was the kind of wealth possessed by the top ten students on the Rising Star List!

Although this was exactly as described in the script, he wasn’t supposed to receive this “food allowance card” until much later.

Before this, Yan Zhen was supposed to struggle to feed the gluttonous Long Ying, refining and selling pills, even getting into conflicts at the marketplace.

Those were all crucial plot points.

With mixed feelings, Yan Zhen accepted the Tier 6 academy card that made him instantly rich.

“Higher-tier academy cards are always better, but I suggest you don’t use this card to cultivate on the sixth level of the Celestial Dome Pagoda. Your current cultivation isn’t suitable for that level yet,” Grand Elder Yu Yan advised. “Levels one to three are most suitable for Mystic Masters. However, since you possess Extreme Flames, you can try the fourth level. There’s no need to go any higher for now.”

“I’ll heed your advice, Grand Elder.”

“Didn’t I tell you? No need to be so formal in private. Just call me Great Aunt.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and patted Yan Zhen’s head until he blushed, then she withdrew her hand.

“Alright, if there’s nothing else, then go cultivate… I’ll be working here. Come find me if you have any questions.”

“I’ll take my leave then.”

“Goodbye, Grand Elder~”

Yan Zhen, holding Long Ying’s hand, left the office and went downstairs.

“Zhenzhen, are you going to cultivate in the Celestial Dome Pagoda?” Long Ying asked, then, without waiting for his answer, continued, “I want to go too! That card is mine, so I can enter the pagoda now!”

“Wait, let me collect my reward first.”

“Oh~”

They went to the Seven Stars Hall.

The Seven Stars Hall was where the Rising Star List was updated monthly, and rewards were distributed.

Newly ranked members of the Rising Star List would receive a Tier 4 academy card with 1000 points, a bottle of Large Origin Pills, a bottle of fasting pills, access to the two secret realms, permission to browse the scripture library, and other benefits.

This was why Outer Academy students were so eager to enter the Inner Academy.

Rewards were distributed starting from sunrise. It was already noon, so most students should have already collected their rewards and gone to cultivate.

However, before they even reached the Seven Stars Hall, Yan Zhen saw a large crowd gathered near a dueling arena outside the hall. There seemed to be a fierce battle going on, the energy fluctuations intense.

There were too many people, and their auras were chaotic.

Yan Zhen felt a sense of familiarity and extended his Spiritual Perception, scanning the area like an X-ray. To his surprise, one of the duel’s participants was Huangfu Wenqing!

Yan Zhen quickly picked up Long Ying, used his Starry Sky Dance to fly over the crowd, and landed near the arena.

He looked closely and saw Huangfu Wenqing wielding her sword, fighting fiercely against a male student.

The opponent was a two-star Mystic General, wielding two swords, also a speed-type Wind Mystic Cultivator.

And he was wearing the white canine tooth badge of the White Fang society.

Yan Zhen had seen him once before in the dining hall. He was the White Fang’s second-in-command!

Scanning the crowd, he quickly spotted other White Fang members, even their leader, Bai Ao.

Yan Zhen knew they were deliberately causing trouble.

“…Courting death.”

Yan Zhen’s face darkened, his gaze fixed on Bai Ao, his hostility undisguised.

Bai Ao, who was watching the duel, noticed Yan Zhen’s intense gaze and turned to look at him, first stunned, then a mocking smile appeared on his face.

76 Supreme Elder Yu

Long Ying yawned, walked to the bed, and lifted the curtains. She saw not only Yan Zhen but also Zi Xunyi lying together intimately.

More precisely, Zi Xunyi was nestled against Yan Zhen, sleeping soundly like a kitten—because they had studied very diligently and were exhausted.

Long Ying froze, surprised to see them together, her cute face quickly turning red.

In her mind, Yan Zhen and Zi Xunyi were husband and wife, so this was normal, but she had never seen them so intimate before.

Although they were covered by a blanket, Long Ying could see their bare shoulders. They were clearly naked!

—So embarrassing~~~

Long Ying quickly covered her eyes with her hands, peeking through her fingers, curious about their sleeping posture, wondering if she and Zhenzhen would also sleep naked together like this if they became a couple.

“Long Ying?” Yan Zhen suddenly spoke, startling her, even though his eyes were still closed. “How did you get in?”

“You’re awake, Zhenzhen?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Zhenzhen, I’m hungry~”

“Alright, go back to your room and wait. I’ll take you to the dining hall after I wash up.”

“Hurry up, and no more cuddling with Sister Xunyi~”

Zi Xunyi, pretending to be asleep, blushed even more.

Long Ying giggled, padded over to the door, stood on tiptoe to reach the latch, and then went out.

Zi Xunyi opened her eyes, curious. “How did Little Long Ying get in?”

Yan Zhen, still with his eyes closed, said calmly, “She ate the Nirvana Fruit and awakened her spatial talent. That’s how she managed to travel from the Eighth Continent to Jiā Lán Continent, albeit clumsily.”

“Spatial talent? That’s incredible. No wonder she appeared so suddenly the other day.”

“She can’t fully control it yet. She has to grow a bit more.”

“Aren’t you getting up yet? Little Long Ying must be waiting.”

“Give me a kiss, and I’ll get up.”

“…”

Zi Xunyi blushed slightly and pecked him on the lips.

Yan Zhen finally opened his eyes, looking at her beautiful face, his hands involuntarily caressing her smooth skin.

“Stop… stop it, Yan Zhen. It’s almost noon.”

“Alright.”

Yan Zhen controlled himself, sat up, the blanket slipping down to reveal his toned abs.

Zi Xunyi covered her chest with one arm, supporting her ample breasts, and sat up as well, smoothing her lavender hair. After a moment’s hesitation, she began to dress him.

After their night together, Zi Xunyi seemed to have accepted Yan Zhen as her husband from the bottom of her heart. Influenced by her fragmented memories of their past life, her actions felt natural and unhindered.

About fifteen minutes later, Yan Zhen left the room and knocked on the door next door, but he couldn’t sense Huangfu Wenqing’s presence.

He quickly took out his communication talisman and saw that she had gone to collect her monthly reward for being on the Rising Star List. Besides the ranking, there was also a valuable Tier 4 academy card and some points, best collected as soon as possible.

However, Yan Zhen already had a Tier 4 card, so he wasn’t in a hurry.

He sent Huangfu Wenqing a message: “We’re going to the dining hall,” then put away his talisman and went downstairs to Zi Xunyi’s room. He saw Long Ying sitting on a stool, swinging her little legs, looking bored, and he chuckled.

“Long Ying, did you brush your teeth?”

The little Dragon Girl, initially happy to see him, immediately puffed out her cheeks. “Of course, I did! I’m not a child!”

Yan Zhen ruffled her pink hair and smiled. “Then after Sister Xunyi comes down, we’ll go to the dining hall together.”

Long Ying blinked. “I think the Grand Elder is coming back soon.”

Eh? Yan Zhen paused, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

He was still the Yu family’s prospective son-in-law, yet he was staying in Zi Xunyi’s residence. It might arouse the Grand Elder’s suspicion.

Moreover, the Grand Elder had explicitly warned him to stay away from the cliffside building, clearly not wanting him to have any contact with Zi Xunyi…

“Zi Ji, Long Ying and I will go back now. You can have lunch on your own.”

Yan Zhen picked up the little Dragon Girl, used his Starry Sky Dance to fly out of the balcony, and headed towards the Grand Elder’s residence.

Shortly after landing, he sensed a powerful aura rapidly approaching—Grand Elder Yu Yan.

Yan Zhen felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. He quickly turned around, holding Long Ying, as if they had just come down from the building and were about to leave.

A moment later, a stream of water-colored light landed before them, revealing Grand Elder Yu Yan’s mature and beautiful form. Her narrow, smiling eyes gave her a gentle and approachable air.

“Grand Elder, you’re back!” Yan Zhen said, feigning surprise. “I missed you so much~”

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled faintly. “Where are you going?”

Yan Zhen blinked. “I-I was just about to take Long Ying to the dining hall for lunch.”

“Not yet. I have some fasting pills here. Have some to tide you over.” Grand Elder Yu Yan took out a bottle of pills and placed it in Yan Zhen’s hand. “Come with me to my office.”

Yan Zhen took the pill bottle, opened it, and gave it to Long Ying, then he held her hand and followed the Grand Elder obediently.

Long Ying, holding Yan Zhen’s hand with one hand and the pill bottle with the other, continuously popped pills into her mouth like candy.

Arriving at the office, Grand Elder Yu Yan gestured for Yan Zhen to close the door. She then took out a shimmering water talisman from… somewhere within her robes and gently crushed it.

With a flash of water-colored light, a blue figure emerged. Her face was veiled, obscuring her features. She wore an elaborate and heavy dress, befitting her noble status, and her aura was profound and unfathomable.

Yan Zhen blinked. If he guessed correctly, this must be “Supreme Elder Yu,” one of the Seven Sons of Jiā Lán.

Supreme Elders were a level above Mystic Venerables. Besides Beautiful Master, this was the strongest person Yan Zhen had ever met!

However, he wasn’t nervous. Although Supreme Elder Yu was aloof and distant, she was a fan of Beautiful Master.

In the script, Yan Zhen met Supreme Elder Yu after participating in the Yu family’s husband selection ceremony. She had mostly ignored him until he joined the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground. After recognizing the Gold and Silver Fire and learning that he was “Master Chen Xi’s disciple,” her attitude immediately became even warmer and more welcoming than Grand Elder Yu Yan’s.

Long Ying wasn’t nervous either. She looked at Supreme Elder Yu curiously, munching on the remaining pills while trying to recall the Supreme Elder’s true appearance.

—She doesn’t seem as beautiful as she was when she was older~

“Yan Zhen, Long Ying, this is an elder of our Yu family, one of the Seven Sons of Jiā Lán. You may address her as Supreme Elder Yu.”

Yan Zhen immediately bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Supreme Elder Yu.”

Long Ying also said politely, “Hello, Supreme Elder Yu.”

Supreme Elder Yu glanced at Yan Zhen briefly, then her gaze shifted to Long Ying, her expression changing slightly.

“Royal bloodline of the Dragon God Clan…”

75 Laying the Foundation

Hearing their conversation, Yan Zhen felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. Although he knew Zi Xunyi was only making an empty threat, as a man, he had to speak up.

Yan Zhen stood up and cleared his throat. “Zi Ji—”

Just as he started, Zi Xunyi flicked her handkerchief, rolled into a ball, directly into his mouth, effectively silencing him.

—Seriously?

Yan Zhen blinked innocently, pulled out the fragrant handkerchief, and put it away.

Huangfu Wenqing’s expression flickered. She wanted to grab the recording, but she was no match for Zi Xunyi. And the consequences of refusing were too great, so she chose to endure the humiliation.

“You win this round.”

Zi Xunyi smiled faintly. “Wise choice. Then it’s settled. You’ll live here from now on. Remember your duties as a servant. And also, you’ll have to adjust your address. Call me ‘Lady Zi Ji,’ call Yan Zhen ‘Master,’ and call Little Long Ying ‘Lady Long Ying’.”

Huangfu Wenqing clenched her fists, her teeth gritted. “Don’t push it!”

“Forget it, titles are trivial matters. I won’t bicker with you over this. However, if you disobey me, I’ll make another copy of this recording and send it to Cloud Heaven Palace in the Gallo Kingdom, letting your Master see her disciple’s… indecent behavior. Hehehe~~~”

“Ugh…”

Huangfu Wenqing was indignant. She had just gotten close to Yan Zhen, only to be sabotaged by her rival.

—That Celestial God Clan Goddess, using such underhanded tactics!

But if her Master saw the recording, what would she think?

The dragon mark was so distinctive. If Master had been intimate with Yan Zhen, she would recognize it as his, wouldn’t she?

And with Master’s intelligence, she would naturally realize that the young man she had feelings for was her disciple’s fiancé.

Master liked Yan Zhen, and she was his fiancée, with the right to be intimate with him, while Master could only yearn from afar.

Just the thought of this made Huangfu Wenqing feel a thrill of excitement, as if she had… cuckolded her Master.

“Hee hee~”

Zi Xunyi frowned, seeing Huangfu Wenqing’s strange smile, a chill running down her spine.

—Why does this woman seem… creepy? Is it just me?

Huangfu Wenqing quickly composed herself, turning to Yan Zhen. “It’s getting late. I’ll go back to my room. You should rest early too.”

Yan Zhen nodded, patted her head, and smiled gently. “Don’t overthink it.”

Huangfu Wenqing’s bad mood instantly vanished. Without even glancing at Zi Xunyi, she left the room.

Only Zi Xunyi and Yan Zhen remained. He spoke first, “Ahem, Zi Ji, about that…”

Zi Xunyi quickly hid the reflection mirror behind her back. “I’m not giving it to you. It’s my leverage against that little thief, to keep her in her place!”

She put the mirror away in her storage ring.

Yan Zhen scratched his head and asked tentatively, “Are you… angry?”

“Who’s angry?” Zi Xunyi turned her face away, then suddenly asked, “Did that Instructor Yu Xuan… do similar things to you?”

—Cough, cough.

Yan Zhen was embarrassed and mumbled an affirmation.

The thought of Instructor Yu Xuan also serving Yan Zhen like Huangfu Wenqing, bringing him pleasure, made Zi Xunyi feel even more uncomfortable.

“You know you’re not fated to be with them, so why don’t you just reject them clearly?”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “Fate is a mysterious thing. It’s better to let nature take its course.”

Zi Xunyi snorted softly. “Bad man.”

Yan Zhen reached out, putting his arms around Zi Xunyi’s slender waist and pulling her closer. She didn’t resist but placed her hands on his chest, maintaining a distance, as if saying, “I won’t get too close to a bad man.”

Yan Zhen pulled her closer, their bodies almost touching.

“I’m not bad. I just want to be… bad to you~”

Zi Xunyi blushed and said coyly, “I don’t want you to be bad to me…”

Yan Zhen tilted his head slightly, looked at her delicate ear, leaned in, and whispered, “Stay here tonight, okay?”

His lips brushed against her ear as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine, her body warming.

Zi Xunyi bit her lip and whispered, “Will Little Long Ying be alright sleeping alone?”

“Don’t worry about her. She won’t wake up until she’s hungry.”

Yan Zhen gently caressed Zi Xunyi’s back, enjoying the smooth feel of her silk nightgown. The warmth emanating from her body indicated her arousal.

“Don’t worry, I won’t… do anything. I’ll just… teach you some… relevant knowledge, okay?”

Zi Xunyi lowered her head, remaining silent.

Yan Zhen understood her silent consent, lifted her into his arms, carried her to the bed, and sat down.

Zi Xunyi sat sideways on his lap, her arms around his neck, the wide sleeves of her nightgown sliding down to reveal her fair arms.

A blush colored her beautiful face, and she leaned in, offering her lips.

Yan Zhen responded to her kiss, his hand undoing her sash.

The bed curtains fell automatically, concealing the scene.

That night, Yan Zhen “educated” his future wife until late into the night, not just with words, but also with actions, including the dual cultivation technique that guaranteed pregnancy. Zi Xunyi even took out the reflection mirror, replaying the recording and comparing it to their own actions, learning diligently. They finally fell asleep in each other’s arms just before dawn.

He had to lay the foundation before they officially began. Otherwise, how could she, a novice, possibly keep up with him?

Their premature intimacy was for the sake of creating a body for their daughter. Zi Xunyi couldn’t be defeated too quickly; she had to match his pace.

In other words, she didn’t have to reach his cousin Ruyu’s level, but she couldn’t be like his cousin Meng’er either.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Huangfu Wenqing, constantly aware of their activities, barely slept all night, a mix of excitement and frustration churning within her.

Only Long Ying, sleeping in Zi Xunyi’s room on the second floor, slept soundly, not waking until noon, her stomach growling with hunger.

The little Dragon Girl rubbed her eyes, sat up, looked around the empty room, then hopped out of bed.

She sniffed the air, following Yan Zhen’s scent, her little feet padding softly against the stairs.

Soon, she arrived at Yan Zhen’s room on the third floor. Seeing the closed door, she blinked, then walked straight through it.

Long Ying originally only possessed the talent for physical strength, pursuing the ultimate path of overwhelming force. After consuming the Nirvana Fruit, she gained the spatial talent, able to travel vast distances instantly with a flap of her phoenix wings. Passing through a mere door was child’s play.

The little Dragon Girl entered the room and walked towards the curtained bed, still drowsy.

“Zhenzhen, wake up~”

---

Author note:

(PS: The previous chapter clarified that the recording only captured Huangfu Wenqing, not Yan Zhen’s face directly. Zi Xunyi only used this as leverage to gain the upper hand, threatening Huangfu Wenqing verbally, and wouldn’t actually act on it.)

74 Zi Xunyi’s Threat

Zi Xunyi was furious. The consequences would be severe!

This Huangfu Wenqing, daring to behave so shamelessly in her own house, right under her nose. It was utterly unacceptable!

However, Zi Xunyi didn’t act rashly but forced herself to calm down and devise a plan.

Direct confrontation wasn’t her style. As the daughter of the Celestial God Clan’s leader, she should have a more elegant solution.

After pondering for a moment, a cunning smile appeared on Zi Xunyi’s beautiful face.

She discreetly extended her Spiritual Perception, the scene outside appearing in her mind, making her blood boil.

Huangfu Wenqing was doing the very thing she had only just tried in her dream!

Zi Xunyi bit her lip, took out a reflection mirror from her storage ring, activated the recording function, and then carefully extended it from under the tablecloth, using her Spiritual Perception to adjust the angle, perfectly capturing Huangfu Wenqing’s indecent behavior without revealing Yan Zhen’s identity.

—Huangfu Wenqing started this shameless act. Don’t blame her for retaliating!

“…”

Seeing the reflection mirror emerge from under the tablecloth, Yan Zhen was startled, then he quickly understood Zi Xunyi’s intentions and felt a twinge of awkwardness.

—This isn’t very… appropriate, is it?

But he had no right to speak, no right to object.

Huangfu Wenqing, completely oblivious, knelt before her fiancé, diligently attending to him, her emerald eyes occasionally glancing up at Yan Zhen, as if asking, “Am I doing this right?”

Seeing Yan Zhen’s flushed face, Huangfu Wenqing felt both shy and pleased. Every time his breathing hitched, she carefully noted the position and pressure, constantly refining her technique.

Yan Zhen could clearly feel her improvement. If this continued, she would definitely surpass her prideful master.

Perhaps their roles as master and disciple would even be reversed, with Huangfu Wenqing teaching Yun Xiu the best way to please him.

Imagining Yun Xiu, dressed in white, kneeling beside Huangfu Wenqing, observing her disciple’s demonstration with rapt attention and learning humbly, Yan Zhen thought of a certain delicacy: the Situ family’s “rice bowl”!

“…”

Zi Xunyi, observing the scene through her Spiritual Perception, felt a pang of jealousy, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. She even found herself taking Huangfu Wenqing’s perspective, swallowing hard.

—If she went out now, would Yan Zhen let her… join in?

Zi Xunyi thought of “Sister Cai Lian,” who would marry Yan Zhen with her in the future.

Would she and “Sister Cai Lian” serve Yan Zhen together?

The two women kneeling side by side, their tongues… the image flashed through Zi Xunyi’s mind, her heart racing, her head spinning.

Lost in thought, the “endurance competition” outside ended. Huangfu Wenqing, unknowingly assisted by her Master’s memories, narrowly won.

Yan Zhen, distracted by his thoughts, was defeated, paying a heavy price, his body limp, his breath coming in short gasps.

Huangfu Wenqing savored her “victory,” then cleaned up before releasing her fiancé.

“Feeling better?” she asked. “If not, I-I can try other methods~”

Although Huangfu Wenqing also wanted a romantic first time, she wouldn’t refuse if Yan Zhen needed her.

Romance wasn’t just about the setting but also the connection between their hearts.

“…”

Yan Zhen slowly closed his legs, then nervously pointed behind Huangfu Wenqing.

Huangfu Wenqing blinked, turned around curiously, and saw a beautiful young woman in a purple nightgown.

Who else could it be but Zi Xunyi?

Huangfu Wenqing was dumbfounded, then mortified. “W-what are you doing here?!”

She quickly wiped her mouth.

Zi Xunyi said calmly, “No need to wipe. I recorded everything.”

“What?!” Huangfu Wenqing’s heart sank. “Recorded what?”

“Your little… tryst, of course.” A sinister smile appeared on Zi Xunyi’s face. She held up the reflection mirror. “From beginning to end, everything is recorded clearly. You can’t deny it.”

Huangfu Wenqing’s expression changed, and she lunged for the mirror, her speed like the wind. However, Zi Xunyi easily dodged with her Hidden Realm soul cultivation and Mystic King strength.

“Give that to me!”

“Why would I? It’s mine.”

“What do you want?”

“To punish a little thief, of course.”

Huangfu Wenqing was furious but forced herself to calm down. She sneered, “You’re just jealous.”

Zi Xunyi scoffed. “Jealous of you?”

“As the Celestial God Clan Goddess, so proud and aloof, you would never do something like that, right? So, you’re jealous. You’re resentful. How unsightly.”

“Nonsense. Who says I can’t?”

“Then do it. Yan Zhen isn’t satisfied yet, and my mouth is sore. You can take over.”

Huangfu Wenqing stepped aside.

Zi Xunyi met Yan Zhen’s gaze, then looked down and saw that he was still… aroused. Her heart raced.

She couldn’t do it. She wasn’t even mentally prepared, let alone having any experience.

“I-I—”

“So you can’t do it after all? Hmph, and you call yourself his future wife. How shameless!”

“I’m not falling for your trick! Even if I were to do it, it would be when we’re… alone… Stop trying to change the subject!”

Zi Xunyi quickly regained her composure.

Tsk! Huangfu Wenqing bit her lip and said coldly, “Then what do you want?”

“If you don’t want me to publish this recording, then you’ll listen to me. I happen to be living alone here and lack a servant. It’s quite inconvenient. You can be my servant for about six months. You just have to do some basic chores and be available whenever I call for you.”

“A servant? Me?” Huangfu Wenqing felt insulted. She was the Young Sect Master of Cloud Heaven Palace and the Holy Maiden of the Evergreen Sacred Ground in her past life. How could she be someone’s servant? “You’re dreaming!”

“You can refuse. But then, everyone in the Inner and Outer Academies will see your… indecent behavior, hehehe~~~”

“You!”

73 I’m Screwed This Time

After a while, Huangfu Wenqing calmed down and asked in a coquettish tone, “Yan Zhen, if I win, will you honor our agreement and marry into Cloud Heaven Palace?”

Yan Zhen nodded. “Yes, but you won’t win.”

“Hmph, we’ll see. I haven’t shown you my true strength yet.”

“Uh-huh~”

It’s useless no matter how strong you are. If I have to, I’ll use my trump cards. Anyone below Mystic Ancestor is toast.

He was confident he could defeat her, even if she teamed up with Yun Xiu.

After all, he had cheats.

“Don’t be so complacent. If I win, you’ll have to abandon those other women, stay in Cloud Heaven Palace, and be only with me (and Master). And you’re not allowed to go back on your word.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Yan Zhen’s perfunctory response annoyed Huangfu Wenqing. She was reborn, having reached the peak of Mystic Ancestor in her past life. She was confident she could reach Mystic General before their duel, and with the Evergreen Sacred Ground’s secret techniques and sword skills, she could even defeat ordinary Mystic Kings.

Unless Yan Zhen used that devastating Extreme Flame technique that nearly leveled Cloud Heaven Palace. But with their current relationship, he wouldn’t use such a lethal move against her.

“How are your injuries?”

“Completely healed.”

After all, he had consumed so much… medicinal fluid that he wouldn’t need to eat for days.

“That’s good. Tomorrow is the first of the month, the day the Rising Star List is updated. You’ll be replacing Fu Cheng, since you defeated him.”

“What rank was he?”

“Ninety-ninth.”

“Ugh!”

There were one hundred and eight spots on the Rising Star List. Ninety-ninth was practically at the bottom!

Huangfu Wenqing said worriedly, “A Mystic Master on the Rising Star List is quite rare. It will attract a lot of attention, and also… trouble.”

Yan Zhen naturally understood. In the script, after he made it onto the Rising Star List, many Mystic Generals challenged him, unconvinced that a mere Mystic Master could be ranked among them. There were also society leaders who tried to recruit him, then retaliated when he refused. And there were also many opportunistic people trying to get close to him…

“Things are about to get busy.”

Not just cultivation, but also dealing with these people.

“However, there are also benefits to being on the list. Besides receiving a Tier 4 academy card, there are also monthly resource rewards, and access to the two secret realms.”

The Inner Academy had two secret realms, one Yin and one Yang, relocated and modified by Mystic Venerables of the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground. The Yin Secret Realm was for soul cultivation, and the Yang Secret Realm was for body tempering.

The Yang Secret Realm was primarily a volcanic region, rich in medicinal herbs and ores. Yan Zhen needed to go there to gather materials for forging his Gold and Silver Fire Sword and also to further strengthen his physique.

The body tempering technique he learned, the Primordial Dharma Body Chart, was essentially a bloodline technique. By gathering the blood of the ten great God Clans, one could revert their bloodline to its ancestral form, manifesting the “Primordial Dharma Body” of the Human Ancestor.

However, his attribute was fire, unlike the Human Ancestor’s attributeless body, so he would eventually manifest the “Supreme Yang Body.”

Speaking of Yang Bodies, Yan Zhen thought of Yi Xian’er with her natural Yin Body. He wondered how she was doing, whether she had safely arrived at the Waning Moon Kingdom and entered the Yin Spirit Valley for cultivation.

When they met again, they would be enemies. He had to resolve her inner conflict before they could reconcile.

And even after reconciling, they couldn’t be as intimate as before. Yin and Yang clashed. Physical contact between them would cause a strong repulsion.

Sigh…

“Yan Zhen?”

“Oh, I was saying, you should also try to get on the Rising Star List, Wenqing. That way, you’ll get a Tier 4 academy card and can cultivate with me on the fourth level of the pagoda.”

“Actually, I’ve already defeated a student ranked one hundred and first. After the list is updated tomorrow, I’ll also be on the Rising Star List.”

“Eh? When did that happen?”

“That guy who was harassing me earlier, I challenged him and defeated him in three moves, even winning five hundred points.”

Ah, this… Yan Zhen was speechless.

His fiancée’s storyline had been completely off track from the beginning and was getting increasingly ridiculous.

Why did Yun Xiu even send her to the Sacred Ground Academy?

—Tsk, when I go to Cloud Heaven Palace, I’ll make her understand her mistake… with her body!

Thinking of Yun Xiu beneath him, moaning softly and begging for mercy, Yan Zhen felt a surge of desire.

For some reason, he always felt an uncontrollable urge whenever he thought of Yun Xiu.

Huangfu Wenqing, still in his arms, sensed his arousal, her heart filled with both shyness and happiness. She whispered, “Yan Zhen, are you… thinking about something… lewd?”

Yan Zhen, snapping back to reality, felt embarrassed and quickly denied it. “N-no, it’s just… my normal size.”

Huangfu Wenqing bit her lip.

Clearly, he was reacting to her.

She was dressed rather provocatively and had been clinging to him, rubbing against him…

Thinking of this, Huangfu Wenqing blushed even more and, after a moment’s hesitation, said, “Since I caused it, then let me… take care of it for you.”

Yan Zhen was startled. Take care of it? Zi Ji is still in the room, probably under the table!

“Really, there’s no need. It will subside on its own.”

“I’m your fiancée. It’s my duty to… take care of you~”

“B-but—”

Huangfu Wenqing used her trump card: “Instructor Yu Xuan can do it, but I can’t?”

—Oh my god!

Yan Zhen was mortified, his resistance crumbling as Huangfu Wenqing pushed him onto the chair.

“Wenqing, let’s not…”

Huangfu Wenqing ignored him. Zi Xunyi’s presence gave her a strong sense of crisis, even greater than that of Instructor Yu Xuan and the other four girls combined.

Zi Xunyi was one of the biggest winners in her previous life, and now she was also “reborn,” giving her a huge advantage.

To capture her fiancé’s heart, she had to capture his body first.

Huangfu Wenqing knelt before him, quickly undid his belt, and stared at the dragon mark that gradually appeared, her heart racing.

—I remember Master doing this…

She bit her lip, leaned down, and kissed the dragon mark, then traced its outline with her tongue, from bottom to top, until she reached the tip, gently taking it into her mouth.

Although her technique was clumsy, she was meticulous and earnest, a promising student!

Yan Zhen clenched his fists, trying to suppress any sounds, then he sensed an invisible spiritual presence emanating from under the table, his body tensing.

—She was hiding under the table after all! I’m screwed!

72 Blame the System

Yan Zhen was taken aback.

“Practice beforehand?”

Zi Xunyi’s cheeks were flushed, making her look even more beautiful.

“You must be very experienced, right? Then teach me~”

“I can… but…”

“Don’t misunderstand! I-I’m just worried I won’t be good at it and will affect… affect the process. We can’t delay Ling’er’s situation any longer.”

“Mm-hmm.” Yan Zhen smiled. “I know.”

“If it’s inconvenient, then forget it.” Zi Xunyi felt uncomfortable under his gaze, as if he could see right through her. She regretted her impulsive words. “I-I’ll just go back and read.”

She turned to leave.

Yan Zhen reached out and grabbed her wrist, gently pulling her. She let out a soft cry and fell sideways onto his lap, her soft buttocks sinking into his thighs.

She was wearing a nightgown. Although warm, the fabric was thin, and whether intentionally or not, she wasn’t wearing anything underneath, the feeling of skin against skin very distinct.

Zi Xunyi’s heart raced. She turned to meet Yan Zhen’s gentle gaze, blushing even more, and lowered her head, shyly waiting for his next move.

Yan Zhen put one arm around her slender waist, releasing her wrist and gently caressing her cheek, making her look at him.

“I’ll teach you now. You have to learn carefully—no, you have to learn with your body.”

Zi Xunyi blinked, then wrapped her arms around his neck, leaned down, and pecked him lightly on the lips.

“Is… is this right?”

Seeing his future wife so cute and obedient, Yan Zhen’s heart raced, and he kissed her again.

This time, he wasn’t gentle, his tongue invading her mouth.

Zi Xunyi closed her eyes, responding to his kiss, mimicking her actions from the dream, lost in the sensation.

Until Yan Zhen’s hand moved from her waist to her breast, she suddenly came back to her senses, her eyes widening slightly, soft moans escaping her lips as his fingers kneaded and caressed her.

His other hand gently stroked her leg. This three-pronged attack was too much for the inexperienced young woman to handle.

“Yan Zhen~”

Zi Xunyi’s face was flushed, her expression seductive, clearly aroused.

“It’s not the right time yet,” Yan Zhen said tenderly. “After everything is ready, we’ll… create a new body for Ling’er, and she’ll be our daughter again.”

Zi Xunyi buried her face in his shoulder and hummed softly in agreement.

Yan Zhen gazed at her beautiful face, flushed and alluring.

“Do you still… want it?”

Zi Xunyi blushed deeply.

“N-no.”

Yan Zhen smirked, leaned close to her ear, and whispered four words.

Zi Xunyi almost fainted from embarrassment. She bit her lip, then hesitantly parted her legs, her eyes closing as she watched his hand disappear beneath the hem of her nightgown.

Just as she was about to reach her peak, a knock came at the door, followed by Huangfu Wenqing’s voice:

“Yan Zhen, it’s me. Are you asleep?”

Zi Xunyi’s body trembled, and she covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a cry.

Yan Zhen was also startled. He quickly withdrew his hand, circulated his Mystic Power to dry it, and replied, “What is it, Wenqing?”

“I can’t sleep. I came to talk to you. Can I come in?”

“Of course. Wait a moment. I’ll open the door.”

Yan Zhen gently moved Zi Xunyi to a nearby chair and said, “Zi Ji, compose yourself. Don’t let Wenqing notice anything.”

Zi Xunyi, having just recovered, nodded.

Yan Zhen got up and opened the door. Huangfu Wenqing stood outside, her long green hair cascading down her left shoulder, giving her a mature, almost wife-like appearance. Her attire was also quite alluring.

She wore a light green nightgown that just covered her buttocks, a short, revealing chemise underneath, her long, slender legs bare, and her delicate feet in slippers.

The only flaw was her relatively flat chest, incomparable to her master’s.

Yan Zhen stared for a moment before looking away and smiling. “Come in.”

Huangfu Wenqing, noticing his gaze, blushed, a hint of smugness in her heart, and entered the room.

“Sorry to disturb you.”

Yan Zhen closed the door, turned around, and froze.

Because… he didn’t see Zi Xunyi.

He walked to the table, looking at the empty chair, a thought suddenly striking him.

—Could she be under the table? But why would she hide?

Huangfu Wenqing, looking at the two teacups on the table, said, her voice laced with suspicion, “That woman… was she here just now?”

Yan Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. He blinked and said, “Yes, she was.”

Huangfu Wenqing narrowed her eyes, thinking that Zi Xunyi was indeed up to something. She wondered what they had been doing.

The thought of her fiancé secretly meeting with his wife from a past life, alone in a room, likely engaging in intimate acts, made Huangfu Wenqing blush.

“She didn’t… do anything to you, did she?”

Yan Zhen quickly shook his head, trying to appear innocent.

Huangfu Wenqing was relieved, yet also slightly disappointed. After a pause, she asked, “Yan Zhen, do you… like her?”

Yan Zhen scratched his head and answered honestly, “Zi Ji… will be my wife in the future.”

So he did tell her…

Ever since she learned that Zi Xunyi was reborn, Huangfu Wenqing had been worried that she would tell Yan Zhen about their past, including her breaking off their engagement.

Huangfu Wenqing clenched her sleeves and said, her voice trembling slightly, “Then what about me? Do… do you not want me anymore?”

“Of course not.” Yan Zhen chose his words carefully. “We’re engaged. How could I not want you? Unless… you don’t want me, we won’t separate.”

“No matter what happens, I would never do that!” Huangfu Wenqing threw herself into Yan Zhen’s arms. “Even if I lose to you in the future, I’m willing to be your wife. And if you want to marry other women, I… I can accept that too… I like you so much, Yan Zhen, so, so much. Please don’t leave me, okay?”

Yan Zhen held her close and sighed inwardly.

Huangfu Wenqing was indeed different from the arrogant young lady in the script. He didn’t dislike her, but for the sake of the plot, he had to hurt her.

Specifically, he had to reveal his relationship with Yun Xiu.

Although Huangfu Wenqing was quite tolerant, learning that her fiancé was having an affair with her own Master would definitely be unacceptable, perhaps even shattering her resolve.

—Sigh, is this too cruel?

Such a good girl, yet she had to suffer like this.

—It’s all the system’s fault, with its stupid script, making it so difficult for me to act! Damn it!

[…]