Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

41 Zi Xunyi: How Did We Meet?

The cliffside building faced the mountain and backed onto a cliff overlooking a vast sea of clouds, churning under the bright moonlight.

Inside, Zi Xunyi, elegantly dressed in a purple gown, sat at a table.

A pot of tea steamed on the table, and a plate of delicate pastries, made by her own hand, sat beside it.

The beautiful young woman glanced at the window, then took a sip of tea, a hint of nervousness in her expression.

After waiting for a while, not seeing the man from last night, Zi Xunyi sighed, looking at the tea and pastries, and felt a wave of self-deprecation.

—What am I doing, waiting for him like this?

Although she did want to talk to him again, about her future, he clearly had “ulterior motives,” and she should avoid him. It was best if he didn’t come.

Even if he did come, she shouldn’t act like this, lest she give him the wrong impression and encourage him to pursue her.

—Cold, indifferent, aloof.

Zi Xunyi patted her cheeks, trying to appear emotionless.

Suddenly, she sensed an aura rapidly approaching, putting her on high alert.

“This is…”

Her alertness turned into nervousness.

Zi Xunyi held her breath, turned towards the window, and stared intently.

Starlight fell to the ground, scattering multicolored sparks, revealing Yan Zhen’s figure.

He wasn’t wearing the Inner Academy uniform but casual white clothes. With his neat short hair, handsome face, and deceptively slender yet toned physique, he was undeniably attractive.

His grayish-black eyes held a maturity and melancholy beyond his years, because he was reborn, carrying memories of his past life, longing for the wife he loved but couldn’t have, which was why he… no, perhaps there was a deeper sorrow she didn’t know.

Rebirth… one had to die to be reborn.

—Perhaps, in the future, he and I will experience a painful separation, a loss so profound…

Thinking of this, Zi Xunyi’s heart softened, and her gaze towards Yan Zhen became gentler.

“Zi Ji, I’m back.”

Yan Zhen’s voice was deep and magnetic, with a hint of nervousness, worried that his “wife” might be displeased. But seeing the tea and pastries on the table, his eyes lit up.

“Were you waiting for me?”

Zi Xunyi quickly schooled her expression, saying coldly, “You’re overthinking it. I was just a bit hungry, so I made some pastries.”

She picked up a mung bean cake, took a small bite, and then put it back down.

Yan Zhen hesitated for a moment, then, instead of sitting across from her, sat beside her. Zi Xunyi immediately became wary, frowning and shifting away, putting a safe distance between them as she watched him cautiously.

Yan Zhen looked disappointed but didn’t try to get closer. He smiled gently. “I’m also a bit hungry. May I have some?”

Zi Xunyi turned her face away. “Do as you please. They’re not that valuable.”

They were just pastries she made herself.

Yan Zhen, however, reached for the mung bean cake she had bitten into, picked it up, and ate it with relish.

Zi Xunyi blushed deeply, pointing at him angrily. “W-why are you eating my leftovers?! There are plenty more on the plate!”

Yan Zhen blinked innocently, swallowed the cake, and said, “I saw it on the table and thought you didn’t want it anymore. To avoid wasting food, I ate it.”

Zi Xunyi glared at him. “If you keep acting like this, don’t come back. You’re not welcome here.”

Yan Zhen lowered his head, like a scolded pet. “I wasn’t… I’m just… used to it… I’m sorry.”

Used to it? Zi Xunyi’s anger dissipated, wondering if they were truly that intimate in the future.

“Would I… feed you my half-eaten pastries?”

Yan Zhen looked up at her beautiful face and shook his head gently. “I’m the one who always steals your pastries when you’re eating them, then I enjoy watching you blush. You’re very cute when you’re embarrassed.”

An image appeared in Zi Xunyi’s mind:

She was sitting in the garden, enjoying the scenery and eating pastries, when an arm suddenly reached around her from behind, holding her waist. Then, the pastry she had just bitten into was snatched away and eaten by her mischievous husband.

“So sweet!”

Not satisfied with just stealing her pastry, he then tried to… touch her, first kissing her cheek, then his hand wandering.

She struggled, flustered and weak. “Husband, not here, the servants are watching~”

/（/ /o/ω/o/ /）/ (Blushing emoticon)

“Ahem.” Zi Xunyi quickly dismissed the strange thoughts and said seriously, “We’re not… that kind of relationship. Please respect me.”

Yan Zhen said gently, “I’ll be more careful next time. It’s my fault for upsetting you again.”

His affectionate gaze made Zi Xunyi uncomfortable, as if she had wronged him somehow.

Seeing the empty space before him, Zi Xunyi poured him a cup of tea, calming herself down, and changed the subject. “I rarely leave this building. How did we even meet?”

Yan Zhen took a sip of tea, his breath warm and moist. “Zi Ji, you’re cultivating the Spiritual Union chapter of the Emperor and Empress Yin-Yang Grand Art, right?”

Zi Xunyi replied, “Yes,” further convinced that Yan Zhen wasn’t lying.

She had obtained the Spiritual Union chapter by chance. No one else knew she was cultivating this soul technique, yet Yan Zhen knew. The only explanation was that he was reborn.

“We met in a dream.” Yan Zhen said nostalgically, “While you were cultivating the Spiritual Union chapter, your soul wandered into the void and was drawn to my soul fluctuations, entering my dreamscape. That’s where we first met.”

“And then?”

“I’m also… partially a soul cultivator. At first, seeing a beautiful woman in purple appear in my dreamscape, I thought it was an inner demon. So, I said a lot of nonsensical things to you, treating you like a… tree hole to vent my negative emotions.”

Who’s an inner demon… Zi Xunyi snorted inwardly and continued to listen.

“I’m actually a transmigrator, reborn from another world. So, I always feel like I don’t belong here. If anyone else heard the things I said, they would think I was crazy. But you, this ‘inner demon,’ were different. You listened patiently, occasionally adding a few words, your beautiful face filled with interest, filling the emptiness in my heart.”

40 The Fiancée Seems Quite Powerful

Cutting in line with their movement techniques was a display of skill, but it also offended the White Fang society. They would be coming for Yan Zhen soon.

Fighting was forbidden inside the Celestial Dome Pagoda, so they would only spout some threats, then foolishly wait outside for Yan Zhen to emerge, only to be defeated by him, now a four-star Mystic Master, and become experience points.

These were just minor members of the White Fang. After being defeated by Yan Zhen, they would call for the Mystic General-level experts within their society to avenge them, only to be defeated as well.

In the end, Yan Zhen would confront Bai Ao, the leader of the White Fang, defeat him soundly, and take his place on the Rising Star List, officially establishing his dominance in the Inner Academy.

A clichéd plot.

But the more clichéd, the easier it was to act out. While boring for the readers, it was a good thing for Yan Zhen, the protagonist.

The moment he stepped into the Celestial Dome Pagoda, Yan Zhen heard a deafening thunderclap that made his head ring and his limbs go numb, paralyzing him.

—Whoa, here it comes, the fantasy version of electric shock.

Yan Zhen channeled his Mystic Power into his palm and saw electric arcs crackling around it. He didn’t have the Lightning attribute.

However, the electric arcs were quickly dispelled by the Extreme Flames within his Mystic Power, and he regained control of his body.

Huangfu Wenqing, also startled by the sudden thunder, clutched her head, her face pale. “What was that? I keep hearing thunder in my head, and my limbs are numb.”

Yan Zhen quickly said, “Don’t worry. Focus your mind and circulate your energy. It will pass soon.”

Huangfu Wenqing followed his instructions, calming her mind and circulating her Mystic Power. The thunder gradually faded, and the numbness in her limbs subsided. She sighed in relief.

“It seems this pagoda has gathered a tremendous amount of wind and thunder energy. But why does it cause such a reaction?”

Yan Zhen thought for a moment, then decided to explain, whispering, “There’s a thunder pool at the top of the Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda, and within it is the ‘Wind-Thunder Crystal Fire.’ It can transform any energy into lightning. The thunder in your head and the numbness in your limbs are because you were electrocuted.”

“Wind-Thunder Crystal Fire?”

Huangfu Wenqing blinked, recalling that this was one of the Extreme Flames Yan Zhen possessed in her previous life, ranked twenty-first on the Extreme Flame List. Wind and thunder converged, forming a crystal, beautiful yet incredibly explosive.

In her past life, Huangfu Wenqing had been stuck at the peak of the Mystic Lord realm, lacking the catalyst to advance to Mystic Ancestor. Yan Zhen, noticing this, had given her a Wind-Thunder Crystal. After refining its immense power, she successfully advanced.

That was the only “gift” she had received from Yan Zhen in her previous life, and it was thanks to Yun Xiu’s influence.

“So that’s where he got it~”

“What?”

“Nothing. I just find it amazing. Truly worthy of being a Heavenly Extreme Flame.”

“The reason the Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda can accelerate cultivation is because the Wind-Thunder Crystal Fire’s electrocution effect tempers Mystic Power and even expands the meridians.”

“So powerful?”

“Yes, the Inner Academy is what it is mainly because of this pagoda. Cultivating here can be up to ten times faster than outside, much better than a Mystic Gathering Formation!”

“The Sacred Ground Academy truly lives up to its reputation… But how do you know so much?”

“Ahem, I… heard it from the Grand Elder. She also said it was a secret, so don’t tell anyone.”

“Then why did you tell me? Is it because I’m not an ‘outsider’ but an ‘insider’?”

“No, you’re my fiancée.”

“That’s almost the same. We just haven’t officially married yet.”

“There’s a big difference.”

“—You two, stop right there!”

A shout interrupted their pleasant conversation.

Huangfu Wenqing’s face darkened. She turned and saw the White Fang members catching up, nearly twenty of them quickly surrounding them.

Other Inner Academy students, who had been entering the pagoda, stopped to watch the drama unfold.

Yan Zhen, mentally prepared, listened to the leader’s threats, then was about to turn and leave when Huangfu Wenqing suddenly slapped the leader, using Cloud Heaven Palace’s King-level Mystic Skill, the Thousand Leaves Fluttering Palm. Not only was it incredibly fast, but it also created multiple afterimages, like a thousand willow leaves fluttering in the wind.

Slap, slap, slap!

Although it was just a single slap, over a dozen sounds echoed as the seven-star Mystic Scholar from the White Fang was sent flying, spinning in the air before crashing to the ground, spitting out blood and two teeth, his head ringing.

Not just the White Fang members and the onlookers, even Yan Zhen was dumbfounded.

—Instantly activating a King-level Mystic Skill? So powerful!

Although its power was reduced, the instant activation was outrageous! Yan Zhen clearly remembered that during their duel in the script, she had needed hand seals even for General-level Mystic Skills.

The seven-star Mystic Scholar got up, clutching his swollen face, his speech slurred. “You… you dare hit me?”

Huangfu Wenqing snorted. “If you’re not convinced, then come at me. A mere seven-star Mystic Scholar… I’ll even fight you with one hand.”

This was the confidence of a former peak Mystic Ancestor.

There were ten realms in the Mystic Path. The first five were still mortal. From Mystic Lord onwards, one underwent a transformation. Reaching Mystic Ancestor was already considered transcendental, just like how Tier 7 Mystic Beasts could transform into human form.

Hence the saying, “Mystic Ancestors, terrifyingly powerful.”

Although Huangfu Wenqing was currently only a five-star Mystic Master, her understanding and application of Mystic Power and Mystic Skills surpassed even Mystic Kings. Defeating an opponent one or two stars above her was child’s play.

Wind Mystic Power specialized in speed, and using a sword compensated for its lack of raw power. If she truly fought, her opponent would be killed instantly before they could even react.

The White Fang member was enraged and about to attack when a patrolling elder arrived and stopped him. After spouting a few more threats, he left angrily.

Yan Zhen was relieved. If they had fought now, it would have disrupted the later plot points.

However, he hadn’t expected Huangfu Wenqing to be so powerful. He couldn’t underestimate her anymore. Otherwise, he might actually have to use his trump cards to win their duel in two years, which would be embarrassing.

Afterward, Yan Zhen took Huangfu Wenqing to a high-quality cultivation room, paid 100 points, and they began cultivating.

Both of them were on the verge of advancing. With the tempering effect of the wind and thunder energy, they both broke through before dusk, reaching four-star and six-star Mystic Master, respectively. They left the pagoda and walked to the platform at the mountain summit.

The White Fang members were already waiting there, clearly intending to gang up on them.

“So persistent.”

Huangfu Wenqing was about to step forward, but Yan Zhen stopped her.

“Let me handle this.”

—It’s my turn to perform.

Yan Zhen charged into the crowd, using the Ninth Burst of the Eight Extremities Burst, taking down one opponent with each punch. Enhanced by the Starry Sky Dance, they couldn’t even touch his clothes.

After gaining a bunch of experience points, Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing left, returning to their respective residences.

The Grand Elder was still not there, probably back at the Yu family residence, discussing Yan Zhen’s matter.

Yan Zhen quickly washed up, changed into casual clothes, flew out the window towards the cliffside building, and continued his mission of pursuing his wife.

39 The Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda

Both of them had changed into the Inner Academy uniform, which was white with customizable accents. Yan Zhen’s was red, while Huangfu Wenqing’s was green.

Standing together, they looked like a perfect match, a golden boy and jade maiden.

“What is it?” Yan Zhen asked.

“Isn’t the Grand Elder Instructor Yu Xuan’s great-aunt? Why would she accept you as her disciple? Did she do anything to you?”

“Sorry for making you worry, but I’m fine. The Grand Elder has approved of my relationship with Instructor Yu Xuan, but I need to continuously prove my abilities. I’m confident I can do it.”

“I see.”

“I’m sorry…”

“I don’t want to hear that.” Huangfu Wenqing covered Yan Zhen’s mouth and said stubbornly, “No matter what, I’ll defeat you and keep you in Cloud Heaven Palace.”

“Haha.”

Yan Zhen chuckled, scratching his head, unconcerned. Although Huangfu Wenqing’s cultivation seemed higher than described in the script, defeating him was practically impossible.

Even if he couldn’t win, he still had the system’s trump cards to turn the tables. Huangfu Wenqing was destined to lose.

Huangfu Wenqing snorted. “Don’t underestimate me. You’ll regret it.”

“Where are you planning to go?”

Yan Zhen changed the subject. Huangfu Wenqing smiled. “What do you think? Now that we’re in the Inner Academy, naturally, we have to visit that cultivation pagoda in the sky.”

“Then let’s go. I was just about to head there.”

They walked together towards the Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda.

The Inner Academy didn’t have fixed classes. Cultivation was mostly independent. Students could cultivate their Mystic Power in the pagoda, hone their skills in other secret realms, earn points in the dueling arena, and so on…

Of course, they could also choose to slack off and sleep, but everyone who made it into the Inner Academy was an elite and wouldn’t waste their talent and effort.

The Nine-Layered Celestial Dome Pagoda was embedded in the sky above the Inner Academy’s central plaza through special means, nearly five hundred zhang above the ground. Its lower levels were already within the clouds, and the topmost ninth level was usually invisible.

To enter the pagoda, one had to climb a nearby mountain. From the summit, a floating staircase of one hundred and eight steps extended, leading to the entrance.

When Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing arrived at the summit, it was already crowded with people queuing on both sides of the path, waiting for the pagoda to open.

According to the script, the pagoda could only accommodate three thousand people at a time. Once it reached capacity, the doors would close and reopen only after some people left, admitting the next batch.

Therefore, those who wanted to cultivate inside had to arrive early and queue.

However, not everyone followed the rules.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several figures dashed up the mountain, landing behind the queue, then they pushed their way to the front, shoving aside other students and sitting down.

Everyone else was indignant but didn’t dare to protest. The newcomers wore white fang badges on their chests, clearly members of the prominent “White Fang” society.

The Inner Academy’s structure was different from the Outer Academy’s. Students formed societies, competing and challenging each other, similar to the various sects under the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground.

A society’s rank was determined by the number of Mystic Generals it had. A society with three or more Mystic Generals was considered first-rate, two was second-rate, one was third-rate, and those without any were just insignificant groups.

Besides these, there was only one top-tier society, the “Seven Stars,” whose members included seven Mystic Generals and many high-star Mystic Masters, led by Gu Tiange, the top-ranked student on the Rising Star List, a nine-star Mystic General.

As for the “White Fang” society, it was led by Bai Ao, ranked thirty-third on the Rising Star List, a four-star Mystic General, quite powerful.

Besides Bai Ao, the White Fang had two other Mystic Generals, and its other members were also quite strong, making them a force to be reckoned with.

Huangfu Wenqing whispered, “Yan Zhen, are you planning to join any society?”

Yan Zhen shook his head. “I’m not very sociable. I’ll pass.”

“Then I won’t join either. We can stick together, and we won’t have to be afraid of them.”

“But didn’t you come to the Sacred Ground Academy to make connections? Joining a society would be beneficial. I heard there’s a society exclusively for women. You could check it out.”

“No, a girls-only society sounds terrifying. The gossip alone would be unbearable.”

“Uh…”

Just then, a boy beside them interrupted. “You two are new students, right?”

Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing looked at him and nodded.

“I knew it, seeing your pristine uniforms.” The boy said smugly, “Let me tell you, if you don’t join a society, life in the Inner Academy will be very difficult. Take entering the pagoda, for example. Without senior society members to guide and protect you, you’ll have to queue for an entire day. Oh, look, another group.”

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Several more people arrived and cut in line, queuing behind the White Fang members.

This pushed Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing further back.

“See? If you join a powerful society, not only do you not have to wait in line, but you can also cut in front of others. Otherwise, you can only wait at the back, like me.”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly, unconcerned. Huangfu Wenqing simply looked away haughtily.

The kind senior shook his head. “You’ll regret not listening to my advice—a three-star and a five-star Mystic Master… you’ll be queuing until tomorrow. I’ll eat my own shit if you don’t!”

After about half an hour, the crystals on the pagoda’s doors suddenly lit up, and the doors slowly opened. Over a hundred students emerged, walking down the cloud staircase. Most of them looked energized and refreshed, while a few had darkened faces and messy hair, as if they had been struck by lightning.

After they left, the White Fang members at the front of the queue stood up and walked towards the entrance, followed by the second group, then the third.

The number “111” appeared on the door, indicating that one hundred and eleven people could enter.

Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing exchanged glances and stood up.

Hundreds of eyes immediately turned towards them, their gazes turning hostile as they saw their three-star and five-star Mystic Master cultivations.

Weaklings trying to cut in line? Even a beauty isn’t allowed, let alone one who’s clearly close to that boy!

However, the next moment, their hostility turned into astonishment.

Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing leaped into the air, the former stepping on starlight, the latter riding the wind, flying over the heads of the White Fang members, crossing over a hundred zhang before landing gracefully on the last step of the cloud staircase.

—Two Mystic Masters who can fly?!

Everyone was stunned, especially the kind senior, whose eyes almost popped out of his head. “Such impressive movement techniques!”

Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing glanced back, then turned and entered the pagoda.

38 Yan Zhen, the Schemer

Zi Xunyi felt dizzy, her thoughts in disarray.

So, the little secrets between husband and wife referred to… this?

And Yan Zhen was mostly right.

She was indeed a “white tiger cub,” and because of her bloodline divine mark, her belly button was extremely sensitive. Even accidentally touching it would make her body go weak. As for whether she preferred being on top or bottom, she was still inexperienced, but in her previous spring dreams, she did feel more… enthusiastic when she was on top.

—It’s over. This scumbag junior is really my future husband, and he’s even reborn, acting like he wants to be intimate with me right now.

—I can’t admit it. Absolutely not. He can’t prove whether it’s true or not anyway.

“Enough, stop it.” Zi Xunyi quickly interrupted Yan Zhen, her face showing a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. “I’ve already decided. You’re just here to… harass me.”

“Sorry, I went too far. Please don’t be angry.”

Yan Zhen didn’t argue, his gaze still filled with affection, his smile gentle, as if he doted on her immensely.

Zi Xunyi avoided his gaze. “You must have mistaken me for someone else. I… will never be your future wife. Your wife should be that Yu Xuan from the Yu family.”

Ah, this… Yan Zhen was stunned. How did she know about Instructor Yu Xuan?

Seeing his confused expression, Zi Xunyi closed her eyes and said coldly, “You’re the Yu family’s prospective son-in-law, right? And you’re also close to that Huangfu girl, the top-ranked freshman in the East District. Now you’re saying these things to me? I don’t think this is how a good man should behave.”

Damn, she even knows about Wenqing? Yan Zhen’s mind raced, then he said “honestly,” “Huangfu Wenqing is my fiancée through an arranged marriage. She’s the heir of Cloud Heaven Palace in the Gallo Kingdom. She wants me to marry into her family, but I don’t want to. We’ll have a duel in about a year, and I’ll win, but Cloud Heaven Palace won’t honor the agreement and have her marry me. It’s the same with Instructor Yu Xuan. I don’t want to marry into the Yu family, and they don’t want to let their heir marry outside the clan, so we’re fated to be apart. In the end, the only one who will be with me is you, Zi Ji. You’re my only wife!”

Yan Zhen stood up excitedly and grabbed his future wife’s hand.

Zi Xunyi was startled and struggled. “What are you doing?! Let go of me!”

Yan Zhen, as if waking from a dream, released her hand. “Sorry, I got carried away. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

When he said “offend,” his tone was noticeably dejected, making him seem pitiful.

A loving couple in their past life, and now, even holding hands was considered an “offense.” This man was truly… pathetic~

Zi Xunyi pulled her hand back, hiding it in her sleeve, and bit her lip, her cheeks flushing, making her even more captivating.

She didn’t understand what was happening to her. It was as if she had forgotten she was a Mystic King, letting him hold her hand. If it were anyone else, she would have already broken their hand with her Mystic Power—no, no one else would even have the chance to enter her room and talk to her face-to-face.

She shouldn’t want to interact with him, let alone be close to him, but her body didn’t seem to resist.

“If you keep this up, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

As soon as she said this, Zi Xunyi regretted it. She should have said, “Get out!” If he stayed any longer, who knew what he would do?

However, as if reading her mind, Yan Zhen said, “Sorry, I lost control. I should leave. Otherwise, I might not be able to hold back. After all, I finally met you, and I don’t want you to hate me…”

He smiled sadly and quickly left the room, walking onto the balcony. Then, he paused, turned around, and looked at Zi Xunyi longingly.

“I-I’ll come back tomorrow night.”

Then, he transformed into starlight and vanished.

—Don’t go!

Zi Xunyi’s heart clenched, her lips parting slightly, wanting to call him back. But reason told her not to, and she remained silent.

She sighed, her gaze falling on the teacup Yan Zhen had used, lost in thought.

She would normally avoid a philandering scumbag, no matter how sweet his words.

But Yan Zhen was her future husband, reborn with memories of their past life. He clearly loved his future self, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection whenever he spoke to her. And she had also “dreamed” of her future self.

—Wait.

She had been dreaming of intimate moments with Yan Zhen, even their wedding night. Could these be signs of her past life memories awakening?

Her husband was reborn, and she was also reborn. It was possible.

—No, I am my current self. Even my future self cannot replace me.

Zi Xunyi thought resolutely.

Then what about him?

Thinking of Yan Zhen’s sad smile, Zi Xunyi felt restless, a voice in her head saying, “I don’t want to hurt him.”

But she truly didn’t like him… yet.

She sighed again.

“…”

While Zi Xunyi was troubled, Yan Zhen had already returned to his new room, sat on the bed, and exhaled, relieving his stress.

It had been over a year since he transmigrated. He had been forcibly kissed, forcibly… serviced, ambushed, and even r*ped, but he had never actively pursued a girl.

Therefore, Yan Zhen had to resort to unconventional tactics, using the script and the information provided by the mature Zi Xunyi, pretending to be reborn and using his identity as her future husband to… seduce the younger Zi Xunyi, accelerating the relationship development!

Although deceiving his own wife felt wrong, a bit manipulative, it was all to save Ling’er. After she regained her past life memories, she would understand his actions.

In any case, he had finally taken the first step. Now, he just needed to continue interacting with her as her “future husband.”

He would rest for now. Tomorrow, he had to go to the Celestial Dome Pagoda to cultivate and act out the next key plot point.

Yan Zhen lay down and closed his eyes.

The night passed uneventfully. Even the mature Zi Xunyi didn’t contact her “husband.”

Waking up, Yan Zhen noticed his communication talisman beeping incessantly. He took it out but saw no messages, then remembered he also had the Cloud Heaven Palace talisman.

He opened the other talisman, and as expected, it was a message from Huangfu Wenqing asking about his dormitory.

[Husband Yan Zhen: I’ve been accepted as Grand Elder’s disciple, so I’m living with her, not in the dormitory. Come find me here.]

He sent her his location information, then quickly washed up.

Soon, he heard Huangfu Wenqing calling out, “Yan Zhen, where are you?”

Yan Zhen opened the window, waved at her, then jumped down, landing gracefully before her.

37 Yan Zhen’s Grand Deception!

Late at night, the Inner Academy was brightly lit, except for the cliffside building, which was shrouded in darkness.

In the dense branches of a large tree near the building, a young man and woman stood facing each other.

The young woman’s face was a mixture of astonishment, embarrassment, confusion, and a hint of wariness. The young man, however, gazed at her with an intense, unspoken affection.

“I’ve finally found you, Zi Ji…”

Yan Zhen reached out, as if out of habit, to touch Zi Xunyi. She instinctively recoiled, making him pause and withdraw his hand, a wry smile appearing on his lips.

Seeing his expression, Zi Xunyi felt an unexpected pang of guilt, regretting her instinctive reaction.

“Do you know me?”

“Of course. More than just knowing you, we—”

Yan Zhen suddenly stopped, hesitating, as if struggling to find the right words.

Zi Xunyi frowned slightly. “We… what?”

“Zi Ji, do you believe in past and future lives?”

“Past and future lives?” Zi Xunyi shook her head. “I only care about the present.”

“Heh, just as I expected.” Yan Zhen chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Although I already knew how you felt, I still couldn’t help but come. Actually—”

He paused again, as if wanting to say something but unable to.

Zi Xunyi’s frown deepened. If it were anyone else, she would have already sent them away. But Yan Zhen was the “male lead” of her spring dreams. Perhaps he knew the reason behind them, so she waited patiently.

“What are you trying to say?”

Hearing this, a spark of hope appeared in Yan Zhen’s melancholic eyes. “You really want to know?”

Zi Xunyi nodded. “Let’s talk inside.”

Yan Zhen was surprised. She was letting him inside so easily?

He had only intended for the mature Zi Xunyi to project his image into the younger Zi Xunyi’s mind, creating a sense of familiarity to facilitate their interaction.

But this was their first meeting. He had been prepared for rejection, even a beating. How could she invite him inside after just a few words?

—Could this be a trap?

As Yan Zhen hesitated, Zi Xunyi had already returned to the cliffside building. He followed, landing on the third-floor balcony and entering the building.

A delicate fragrance filled the air, and Yan Zhen realized, to his surprise, that this was Zi Xunyi’s room. He had thought she would only take him to the living room.

“…”

Yan Zhen became uneasy. He was no match for Zi Xunyi in her current state.

“Sit.”

Zi Xunyi sat on a chair, gestured for Yan Zhen to sit opposite her, and even poured him a cup of tea, her movements elegant and refined.

Yan Zhen cautiously sat down, maintaining his affectionate gaze, letting her gradually understand his… character.

“This place hasn’t changed.”

“You’ve been saying strange things since you arrived.” Zi Xunyi said directly, “Could you be more specific? Have you lived in this building before?”

“I haven’t lived here, but I’ve been here a few times,” Yan Zhen paused, then added, “to meet you.”

“Meet me?” Zi Xunyi was surprised. “This is the first time I’ve met you. I don’t even know your name.”

She told a small lie, otherwise it would be difficult to explain.

“Yes, that’s true now. But…”

He paused again, until Zi Xunyi asked, “But what?”

“You might not believe this, but we’ve met many times in our past lives.”

“Past lives?”

“Yes.” Yan Zhen took a deep breath, as if making a momentous decision. “I’m actually reborn, with memories from a distant future.”

Zi Xunyi’s face showed astonishment, then disbelief. She thought Yan Zhen was lying, but then she remembered the “future self” who seemed to be an inner demon, and her heart raced.

Her future self must also be reborn!

Things might be more complicated than she thought… Zi Xunyi forced herself to calm down and asked, feigning indifference, “What do you mean by reborn? And what was our relationship in our past lives?”

Yan Zhen lowered his head. “I don’t know why I was reborn, but I remember clearly… you and I, in our past lives, were… husband and wife.”

“Eh?”

Zi Xunyi froze. Yan Zhen smiled sadly. “You might not be able to accept this, but in our past life, you were indeed my wife, and I was your husband. We were a loving couple, envied by all.”

Zi Xunyi, of course, couldn’t accept this. A boy her age suddenly appearing and claiming to be her husband from a past life? What girl could accept that?

What made it even more difficult to accept was that the way her “future self” addressed Yan Zhen in her dream, it was indeed “husband”!

—This… this is terrifying!

Yan Zhen was clearly the Yu family’s son-in-law and had ambiguous relationships with other women, a clear sign of a scumbag. Yet, she eventually agreed to become his Dao companion?

—What were you thinking, future me?

“Do you… have any proof?” Zi Xunyi refused to believe him. “I can’t just accept your words without any evidence.”

“There’s no proof for such things.” Yan Zhen smiled wryly. “However, I can tell you some things about you.”

“What kind of things?”

“Your identity, talent, interests, experiences, or… some little secrets only a husband and wife would know.”

Little secrets? Zi Xunyi’s breath hitched. The shameful scenes from her spring dream flashed through her mind, her heart pounding. Despite her best efforts, a faint blush colored her cheeks, adding to her allure.

“Tell… tell me!”

“Ahem.” Yan Zhen cleared his throat, maintained his affectionate gaze, and then began recounting details about her as if he knew her inside and out. “You’re from the Eighth Continent, the daughter of the Celestial God Clan’s leader, and the next Goddess candidate. Your soul is naturally powerful, so you had the Jade Firmament Violet Fire implanted within you since childhood. You currently focus on soul cultivation, with Mystic Power cultivation as secondary. You appear to be a Mystic Master, but you’re actually a Mystic King.”

—He’s right about everything!

Zi Xunyi stubbornly said, “This is basic information. Anyone could find out with a little investigation. It doesn’t prove anything.”

“Then I’ll have to reveal something more… personal.” Yan Zhen blinked, then said something shocking. “You… are a… ahem… white tiger cub.”

Zi Xunyi froze, then her face turned crimson, almost as if she was about to faint.

However, Yan Zhen continued, “Your weak spot is your belly button. Touching it makes your body go weak, leaving you at my mercy, because that’s where your ‘bloodline divine mark’ is located. After we’re intimate, it appears involuntarily, a violet-gold, blooming crystal flower…”

Listening to Yan Zhen’s words, Zi Xunyi was so embarrassed she almost fainted.

/（/ /o/ω/o/ /）/

36 Husband and Wife on a Swing!

The cliffside building was the residence of Zi Xunyi, the esteemed guest of the Sacred Ground Academy.

Although there was no explicit prohibition against approaching it, the instructors and elders living nearby would consciously avoid the area, so as not to disturb her.

The higher-ups had made it clear that if even a single hair on that young lady’s head was harmed, they would be held responsible.

Therefore, both instructors and elders warned their students to stay away from the cliffside building.

Yan Zhen feigned ignorance. “Is there something special about the cliffside building?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan patiently explained, “That’s the residence of a specially recruited student. She has a noble status and a powerful background. Even people from the Sacred Ground headquarters treat her with utmost respect. You’d best not provoke her. Otherwise, even I might not be able to protect you.”

—After all, she’s the young lady of the Celestial God Clan.

The Jiā Lán Sacred Ground’s influence was considerably less than the Celestial God Clan’s. The former only had a single one-star Mystic Saint, while the latter had multiple Mystic Saints, and the Celestial God Clan’s leader, Zi Xunyi’s father, was even a nine-star Mystic Saint.

Not just the Celestial God Clan, but the other God Clans were also more powerful than the seven Sacred Grounds.

The reason for the marriage alliance was twofold: firstly, their close relationship, and secondly, Yan Zhen’s exceptional talent and potential to become a Great Emperor.

“I understand. I won’t go there.”

Yan Zhen acted obediently, much to Grand Elder Yu Yan’s satisfaction.

“Go on. Choose any room you like. Stay wherever you prefer.”

“Where does Grand Elder live?”

“Why do you ask? Do you want to live with me?”

“Ahem, no, I’m just worried about choosing the wrong room.”

“Don’t worry. No one can enter my room without my permission. Choose freely.”

“Alright~”

After bidding farewell to his great-aunt, Yan Zhen went upstairs and chose a room close to the cliffside building, with a side window offering a partial view of it.

Yan Zhen felt the urge to use his Spiritual Power to sense his future wife, but Zi Xunyi’s Spiritual Power was currently stronger than his. Doing so would only invite trouble.

I’ll hold back. I’m in the Inner Academy now, and we live so close. There will be plenty of opportunities to approach her.

As long as I can meet her alone, my plan is half successful.

Yan Zhen sat on the bed, opened the system interface, and claimed the reward for the examination mission.

[Special Trump Card – Deja Vu: Activates when the host is riding a vehicle. Increases the vehicle’s speed to its theoretical limit and grants complete control over its movement.]

Hmm, the reward had returned to normal, seemingly useful, yet also not.

Yan Zhen put away the card and reviewed the upcoming plot points.

First, he would visit the Celestial Dome Pagoda, encounter some trouble, and despite beating up his opponents, provoke some of the Rising Star List’s top students.

Then, some of those top students would try to recruit him as a follower, and he would refuse, leading to further conflict.

Besides that, there were also essential cultivation plot points.

However, the schedule wasn’t too tight, leaving him some time to… pursue his wives.

In the script, Yan Zhen’s first encounter with the real Zi Xunyi was at a banquet, after he made it onto the Rising Star List. That was too late, so he had to be proactive.

It was still early, so Yan Zhen meditated on the bed until nightfall. Then, he opened his eyes and entered the dream to meet Zi Xunyi (mature version).

It was the familiar purple flower field, with the large tree and the swing beneath it.

Stepping onto the lush grass, Yan Zhen called out, and the elegant and mature Zi Xunyi appeared.

“Husband~”

“How is it, Zi Ji? Can you project my image into your current self’s mind?”

“Yes, but not completely.”

“Uh…”

“I’ve tried many times, only succeeding two or three times. The rest were blocked by the Jade Firmament Violet Fire.”

“As long as it worked a few times, that’s enough. Even just once would be a great help.”

“Really?”

“Yes. As long as your current self sees my face before we officially meet, she’ll feel a sense of familiarity when we actually meet.”

“My husband is so clever~”

“Hehe.”

Yan Zhen felt quite proud of himself.

Zi Xunyi, seeing his shy smile, felt her heart warm and whispered, “Husband, it’s been several days since we created the ‘soul cocoon’ for Ling’er. Its power is almost gone. We need to replenish it…”

The soul cocoon was the result of their spiritual dual cultivation, right?

Yan Zhen blinked, understanding his future wife’s meaning. He blushed and said, “Then… shall we swing again?”

Zi Xunyi, both shy and happy, hummed softly and then embraced Yan Zhen, kissing him passionately.

Their souls intertwined, and they both sighed softly.

Holding her soft body in his arms, Yan Zhen responded to her kiss, removing her elegant purple dress, then gently pushing her onto the vine swing, spreading her long, slender legs and hooking them over the ropes, her delicate feet dangling in the air.

“Husband…”

Zi Xunyi’s face was crimson, her reddish-purple eyes filled with desire as she looked at him pleadingly.

Yan Zhen smiled and, holding the ropes of the swing, began to sway.

They swayed and swayed, until late into the night.

Seeing their daughter’s consciousness enveloped in a new protective cocoon, they reluctantly stopped. Yan Zhen slowly withdrew, and Zi Xunyi, after catching her breath, cleaned him with her tongue.

After a tender moment, Yan Zhen left the dreamscape and returned to reality.

The spring dream vanished without a trace.

Yan Zhen quickly took a bath, changed into clean clothes, and then sensed Grand Elder Yu Yan’s aura, realizing she wasn’t in the building.

—Good!

Opening the window, Yan Zhen transformed into a streak of multicolored starlight, flying straight towards the cliffside building and landing on the branch of a nearby tree.

This position was level with the window on the third floor.

The third floor was the highest level of the building, and Zi Xunyi’s room was definitely there. Yan Zhen stared at the window intently, then deliberately released a trace of his aura.

A moment later, the window opened slightly, and a streak of purple light shot out, quickly arriving before Yan Zhen and transforming into Zi Xunyi.

To be precise, it was the younger Zi Xunyi, looking even younger and more innocent than in his dream.

Her beautiful face was cold. “Who’s sneaking around, not daring to show their face… I-it’s you?”

Before she could finish, Zi Xunyi recognized Yan Zhen, her cold expression replaced by astonishment.

Then, embarrassment.

Because, just a while ago, she had another erotic dream about Yan Zhen, even unlocking a new… position on the swing, completely ruining her childhood memories of it.

How did he get into the Inner Academy?

35

Gold and Silver Fire.

Great Crimson Skyfire.

Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

Three Extreme Flames appeared simultaneously, the temperature in the office soaring, the air turning a fiery red.

Grand Elder Yu Yan’s eyes widened, staring at Yan Zhen in disbelief, momentarily stunned.

Although she only recognized the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire that her younger sister had mentioned, the other two flames also exuded a violent and domineering aura, unlike any ordinary fire. They were undoubtedly Extreme Flames!

“Y-you’ve actually refined three Extreme Flames… How is that possible?!”

Heavenly Extreme Flames were usually tamed and utilized by alchemists.

Only those with sufficiently powerful Spiritual Power could control them; otherwise, they would only burn themselves.

Refining one Extreme Flame was already the limit for most people. Refining two was incredibly rare throughout history, with most who attempted it being reduced to ashes. The most recent success was the legendary Alchemist Saint from the Eighth Continent. As for refining three Extreme Flames, it was unheard of.

Extreme Flames greatly enhanced one’s combat power.

Alchemists were generally considered weak due to their lack of combat experience and limited knowledge of Mystic Skills. However, alchemists who had refined Extreme Flames were formidable opponents, as the flames themselves were incredibly powerful. Simply activating them could cause devastating damage, especially the higher-ranked ones, which even Mystic Venerables wouldn’t dare to face directly.

If a single Extreme Flame was so powerful, how terrifying would the combined might of three be?

Grand Elder Yu Yan was utterly shocked. Yan Zhen, a mere Mystic Master, having refined the thirteenth-ranked Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire was already impressive enough. She hadn’t expected his potential to be so far beyond her expectations.

“How did you do it?” Grand Elder Yu Yan tried to maintain her composure. “Refining three Extreme Flames, your body shouldn’t be able to withstand it. Did you use some method that sacrifices your potential or even your lifespan?”

Yan Zhen extinguished the three Extreme Flames and said, his expression showing exasperation, “Do I look like I’m on the verge of death, Grand Elder?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan narrowed her blue eyes again, scrutinizing Yan Zhen. She even stepped closer, pinching his fair cheeks and his muscular arms, making him even more speechless.

“Rosy complexion, clear forehead, firm muscles, vigorous Blood Qi… you indeed don’t seem to be suffering from any hidden ailments, hehe.”

“…”

“Then how did you do it?”

“Can I… not tell you?”

“Of course. I was just curious. If you don’t want to say it, then forget it.”

“Then I won’t say it.”

Yan Zhen pressed his lips together, refusing to divulge his secret.

Grand Elder Yu Yan sighed. “You child, so cute-looking, yet so stubborn.”

“I think I’m fine, at least much better than Younger Aunt Dean.”

Hearing this, Grand Elder Yu Yan immediately pictured her younger sister’s furious expression and giggled, quickly covering her mouth with her sleeve.

“No wonder Xiao Qing was so angry. So you provoked her like this?”

“She’s the petty one, resorting to violence over a few words. I think she’s going through menopause.”

“Yu Qing is only thirty-six, still in her prime.”

“Premature menopause—ow!”

Yan Zhen’s head was flicked, and he quickly recoiled, seeing Grand Elder Yu Yan’s slightly flushed face, and he understood.

The Grand Elder was his great-aunt, older than Younger Aunt Dean, who was already an elder. Saying that Younger Aunt Dean was going through menopause was indirectly insulting the Grand Elder.

Yan Zhen shut his mouth.

He actually had a good impression of the gentle-looking Grand Elder.

According to the script, she was kind, approachable, and open-minded, but also firm when necessary, a woman of principle. All the Inner Academy students respected her, and Instructor Yu Xuan’s gentle nature was influenced by her.

Because of Instructor Yu Xuan, and Yan Zhen’s own talent, Grand Elder Yu Yan took good care of him, even wanting to accept him as her disciple. However, Yan Zhen, worried about Beautiful Master’s jealousy, politely declined.

In any case, this amiable great-aunt was much better than the childish Younger Aunt Dean. Otherwise, Yan Zhen wouldn’t have revealed his three Extreme Flames to her, demonstrating his value.

“Ahem, your potential is indeed beyond my expectations, but you’re still far from a Demigod.”

“I believe it’s a worthwhile investment, low risk, high reward!”

“…”

Grand Elder Yu Yan wavered. Honestly, she had taken a liking to Yan Zhen at first sight. If he became the Yu family’s son-in-law, it would greatly benefit the family.

Seeing this, Yan Zhen continued, “And it’s not like Instructor Yu Xuan has to be the Yu family heir. Someone else can take over, right? Or… just have another daughter. You’re all still young.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan shook her head. “Xuan’er’s father has passed away, and Xiao Lu only has Xuan’er.”

Xiao Lu was Instructor Yu Xuan’s mother, the Clan Head of the Yu family, Yu Lu.

She didn’t work at the Sacred Ground Academy but managed the Yu family’s affairs.

Yan Zhen pouted. “In that case, let Younger Aunt Dean have a child. She’s old enough to find a Dao companion. Or, Grand Elder, you could also—uh, forget I said that.”

Yan Zhen wisely stopped himself, as a hint of killing intent flashed in Grand Elder Yu Yan’s narrowed eyes, sending a chill down his spine.

Grand Elder Yu Yan was also single and had relinquished the position of Clan Head to her younger sister for this very reason. He had stepped on a landmine.

Silence fell over the office.

After a long while, Grand Elder Yu Yan sighed and said, “I can allow you and Xuan’er to be together, but on three conditions: first, you cannot… cross the line with Xuan’er, especially not before marriage; second, you must gradually achieve the goals I set for you, proving your capabilities; third, if you truly become a Demigod in the future, you must do a favor for the Yu family.”

Yan Zhen said seriously, “As long as the requests aren’t unreasonable, I agree.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan opened her eyes slightly and looked at him sideways. “Can you be devoted to Xuan’er and not… pursue other girls?”

Ah, this…

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek awkwardly and whispered, “I’d like to, but I can’t betray their feelings.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan shook her head. ” youthful indiscretions are understandable, but ultimately, there’s only one person who can spend their entire life with you. The rest are just fleeting clouds.”

“Oh, do you have any experience with that, Grand Elder?”

“…”

Yan Zhen inwardly scoffed. A single person pretending to be a relationship expert.

Grand Elder Yu Yan composed herself. “That’s all I have to say. Whether you listen or not is up to you. You’ll understand eventually.”

Yan Zhen recited monotonously, “Thank you for your guidance, Grand Elder.”

“You can call me ‘Great Aunt’ in private.” Grand Elder Yu Yan said kindly, genuinely liking this junior. “You can stay here with me. It’s more convenient for me to guide you—I was actually planning to take you as my disciple.”

Even after the incident with Instructor Yu Xuan, Grand Elder Yu Yan’s attitude towards him was almost the same as in the script, which relieved Yan Zhen.

“Is… is that alright?”

“You don’t want to? I’ll let Xuan’er visit you once a month.”

Yan Zhen immediately agreed, and Grand Elder Yu Yan nodded with satisfaction.

“Remember, you can go anywhere around here, except for that small building on the cliff edge.”

34 Grand Elder Yu Yan

Grand Elder Yu Yan’s words lifted the spirits of the dejected examinees. The proctors, who had been feeling awkward, also smiled.

“Wise words, Grand Elder!”

The examinees, realizing that this gentle-looking, mature beauty with narrow eyes was the Grand Elder of the Inner Academy, bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, Grand Elder!”

Grand Elder Yu Yan maintained her amiable smile.

“You’re welcome. Everyone has worked hard. Now, some senior students will escort you to your new dormitories. As for the rewards for this special examination, besides the first and second place, everyone else will be ranked tenth. Any objections?”

Most examinees had no objections, but Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan, who had been aiming for the top ten, were reluctant.

Points were essential for cultivation in the Inner Academy.

The first-place reward was 3000 points, second place 2000, third place 1000, and so on, decreasing by 100 points for each subsequent rank, with tenth place receiving only 300 points.

The difference from their expectations was significant.

Moreover, as representatives of their respective academies, they were proud and felt that being ranked tenth alongside others was beneath them.

Qi Yuxuan clasped his hands. “Grand Elder, I have an objection. I believe I’m strong enough to compete for the top five.”

Chu Nan added, “Instead of being ranked tenth, I’d like to request another attempt. Please grant my request, Grand Elder.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan saw through their thoughts, but her expression remained calm, and she said gently, “I understand your feelings, but you should consider this: some people still managed to arrive on time despite the unforeseen circumstances, while the rest of you passed only because of an exception.”

Qi Yuxuan, Chu Nan, and the others were taken aback, then they all looked at Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing. The former had been delayed by the Jiao Venerable, and the latter had waited for him. They had been far behind, yet they still managed to overtake them.

“That’s all I have to say. Instructors, distribute the academy cards.” Grand Elder Yu Yan turned to Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing. “As for you two, student Yan Zhen landed first, so he’s first place, and student Huangfu is second. Is that acceptable?”

They both nodded.

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and handed them two academy cards.

“These cards contain points. Points are very important in the Inner Academy, as you’ll soon learn. Use them wisely.”

They accepted the cards and nodded in understanding.

Grand Elder Yu Yan hummed in acknowledgment. “Student Huangfu, you can go with the senior students to your new dormitory. Student Yan Zhen, come with me.”

Huangfu Wenqing, hearing this, asked worriedly, “Where are you taking Yan Zhen, Grand Elder?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to him,” Grand Elder Yu Yan said gently. “All students are valuable members of the academy. As instructors and elders, we should respect, care for, and guide your growth.”

Huangfu Wenqing was speechless.

Yan Zhen patted his fiancée’s shoulder reassuringly, then turned to Grand Elder Yu Yan.

“Please lead the way, Grand Elder.”

“Such a good boy. Let’s go.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan patted Yan Zhen’s head, then transformed into a stream of clear water, carrying him away, disappearing from everyone’s sight.

Ling Fei, seeing this, said sourly, “I feel like the Grand Elder is showing special favor to this junior… Yu Die, do you know why?”

Wen Canglan pushed his glasses up his nose. “She’s probably asking him what the Jiao Venerable said.”

Yu Die chuckled. “What you don’t know is that this Junior Brother Yan Zhen is my cousin Xuan’er’s… love interest.”

“Yu Xuan’s love interest?” Ling Fei’s eyes widened in shock. “But he looks only fifteen or sixteen. Isn’t he a bit too young?”

“Younger has its advantages. What do you know, you single dog?” Yu Die curled her lip. “He’s not only handsome but also incredibly talented. He even faced the Jiao Venerable without flinching.”

“He’s indeed quite impressive.” Wen Canglan agreed, then added, “However, he seemed quite close to that green-haired junior sister as well…”

Their gazes fell on Huangfu Wenqing.

Yu Die, observing Huangfu Wenqing, said, “If I remember correctly, that Huangfu girl is Junior Brother Yan Zhen’s fiancée.”

What? Ling Fei was shocked again.

Yan Zhen, unaware that he had become the topic of discussion among the seniors, was taken by Grand Elder Yu Yan to her office.

“Sit down.”

Yan Zhen didn’t sit but said directly, “Grand Elder, do you want to ask about the Jiao Venerable?”

“That’s one of the reasons, but since you brought it up, let’s talk about that first.” Grand Elder Yu Yan, her eyes still narrowed into slits and a gentle smile on her face, asked, “The Jiao Venerable must have been awakened by the draconic might you emitted. Did it say anything to you?”

Yan Zhen told her the truth: “It made a trade with me, exchanging a Dragon Pearl and a scale for a wisp of Extreme Flame.”

“I see. Just as I suspected.” Grand Elder Yu Yan nodded. “The Jiao Venerable suffered a Dao injury and needs dragon-type treasures to recover. Your Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, being Yin in nature, is perfect for it.”

“It seems you’ve already heard about me from Younger Aunt Dean.”

“Younger Aunt Dean?” Grand Elder Yu Yan paused, then chuckled. “Is that what Xuan’er calls her?”

“Is there a problem? I’m not giving up on Instructor Yu Xuan.”

“Not at all. You can even call me ‘Great Aunt’.” Grand Elder Yu Yan said gently. “But on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“Your talent, background, and age all meet our Yu family’s criteria for a husband. You’re also Xuan’er’s love interest. As long as you’re willing to… sever ties with the other girls, you can marry into our family anytime and become Xuan’er’s husband. I can even take you as my disciple and personally nurture your talent.”

So that was her plan.

“I’m sorry, Grand Elder, but I won’t marry into your family, and I won’t abandon them.”

—I’m even planning to seduce my wife in the Inner Academy and have children with her!

Grand Elder Yu Yan opened her narrow eyes slightly, revealing a cold, light blue gaze. “If you refuse to marry into our family, then give up on Xuan’er. The Yu family heir will never marry outside the clan.”

“I’ve already said, I won’t give up on Instructor Yu Xuan.”

“Such a stubborn child.” Grand Elder Yu Yan narrowed her eyes again. “Are you challenging the Yu family’s rules?”

“If I were the Jiā Lán Holy Son, would the Yu family agree to let Instructor Yu Xuan marry me?”

“The Holy Son? Ambitious…” Grand Elder Yu Yan praised him, then shook her head. “The Holy Son’s Dao companion is chosen by the Sacred Ground’s higher-ups, not someone Xuan’er can aspire to. If she were to marry the Holy Son, she would only be a concubine, a pointless endeavor.”

“Then what if I were the Jiā Lán Sacred Lord? Would you still object to me marrying Instructor Yu Xuan?”

“You child, such bold aspirations.” Grand Elder Yu Yan didn’t answer but chuckled. “The Sacred Lord is at least a Demigod. Reaching that realm isn’t just about talent, effort, and resources. It also requires opportunity and luck. The path is fraught with peril, and one could fall at any moment. Mere words are meaningless.”

“But I have a better chance than others, because…”

Yan Zhen paused, and behind him, the shadows of a gray dragon, a crimson valkyrie, and a gold and silver sword appeared. Three Extreme Flames, of different colors and forms, ignited on his forehead, his body, and his palm.

“!”

Grand Elder Yu Yan’s narrow eyes slowly widened.

33 Flying Across

Calling it a dragon head wasn’t entirely accurate. It was more like a Jiao head, with two short, straight horns on its head, flat eyes, and a flattened snout, retaining some serpentine features.

It slowly emerged from the water, revealing its claws, its lower body still submerged in the whirlpool, yet it was still dozens of zhang tall, like a building rising from the river, looming over them. The sight alone was incredibly imposing, not to mention the terrifying draconic aura it exuded.

According to the script, this ancient Jiao was a Mystic Venerable, commonly addressed as “Jiao Venerable,” possessing immense power and status.

The Jiao Venerable’s vertical pupils fixed on the examinees on the water’s surface and the proctors hovering in the air, its gaze quickly settling on Yan Zhen.

“The aura of a dragon…”

Its ancient and powerful voice echoed, making their ears ring. Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan, in the leading group, covered their ears and knelt on their boats. Huangfu Wenqing also felt dizzy and quickly steadied her mind. Yan Zhen, however, used the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire to resist the Jiao Venerable’s draconic might.

The Jiao Venerable, after all, was a Jiao, not a true dragon. Its draconic might wasn’t as pure as Yan Zhen’s. It looked Yan Zhen up and down, trying to discern his origins.

“Who are you?”

Yan Zhen, feigning fear, bowed respectfully. “This humble one is Yan Zhen. Greetings, Jiao Venerable.”

“Yan… not a member of the God Clans. Do you possess a treasure from the Dragon Clan?”

“No.”

“Then where did your draconic aura come from?”

“Are you referring to this, Senior?”

Yan Zhen didn’t hide anything and summoned the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

The Jiao Venerable’s eyes widened, and it exclaimed, “A Dragon Extreme Flame!”

Its excitement caused its massive body to tremble, creating visible ripples in space, making everyone’s scalp tingle.

The Jiao Venerable immediately sealed the surrounding space and expelled everyone except Yan Zhen.

“Is it the Tyrant Dragon Flame?”

It lowered its massive head, approaching Yan Zhen to examine the flames in his hand.

“No! The grayish-black color, the sinister aura… this is the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire!”

The Jiao Venerable abruptly recoiled, its vigilance rising.

The Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire was born from the corpse of a true dragon and was extremely effective against dragon-type creatures, especially a half-dragon like itself.

One wrong move, and it would become a slave to the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

“The Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, ranked thirteenth on the Extreme Flame List, is difficult even for Demigods to subdue. How did it end up in the hands of a mere Mystic Master like you?”

Yan Zhen blinked and said shyly, “Just lucky, I guess.”

“There must be an expert guiding you. Otherwise, no matter how lucky you are, a Mystic Scholar couldn’t possibly refine the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.”

“…”

“Well, it’s none of my business how you obtained it. But a Dragon Extreme Flame is very useful to me.” The Jiao Venerable’s voice rumbled. “Don’t worry, I only want a small wisp, and I won’t take it for free.”

The Jiao Venerable opened its mouth and spat out a glowing pearl, which floated into Yan Zhen’s hand.

“This is a ‘Dragon Pearl.’ It has the power to bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh and bones. Even if one is severely injured and near death, holding this pearl in their mouth can keep them alive.”

Yan Zhen looked at the Dragon Pearl, hesitant.

“What? Not enough? The Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire is indeed incredibly rare, but I only want a small wisp. Trading it for this Dragon Pearl is a good deal for you. What else do you want?”

“Ahem, well, Jiao Venerable, could you also give me a dragon scale? I have a use for it.”

“Just one scale? That’s fine.” The Jiao Venerable plucked a scale from its body and gave it to Yan Zhen. “Is that enough?”

“Thank you, Jiao Venerable. Here’s the flame you requested.”

Yan Zhen accepted the scale and the pearl, then separated a small wisp of flame from the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire and offered it respectfully.

The Jiao Venerable swallowed the flame and retreated back into the whirlpool.

“I owe you a favor. If you ever need help, come to the Dragon Gate River, and I’ll protect you once.”

Yan Zhen bowed again, and the spatial seal dissipated, the whirlpool disappearing, and the waves calming down.

“Yan Zhen! Are you alright?” Huangfu Wenqing rowed over and looked him over. “Did that Jiao do anything to you?”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Yan Zhen smiled. “I just made a trade with the Jiao Venerable.”

“A trade?”

“Never mind that. Where are the others?”

“Ahead. They took advantage of the spatial seal and went ahead.”

“Damn it… We have to hurry. We’re almost out of time.”

They quickly rowed forward, trying to catch up.

They had been first and second, but now they were last.

Qi Yuxuan, Chu Nan, and the others were also giving it their all, approaching the finish line at the ferry terminal on the other side.

At this distance, they couldn’t possibly catch up.

And the time limit of one incense stick was almost up.

“Ten seconds left!” The proctor, still shaken, continued his duties and began the countdown. “Ten, nine, eight…”

“Less than ten seconds left! We’re going to be eliminated, Yan Zhen! We have to fly!”

“You’re right! Eh? Y-you can fly?”

“I cultivate Wind Mystic Power. This distance is nothing. What about you?”

“Uh, I’m fine too.”

They smiled at each other, then kicked off their boats simultaneously. The boats shattered, turning into starlight and a whirlwind as they soared into the sky, shooting forward like lightning.

In an instant, they caught up to the leading group, then overtook them, landing on the ferry terminal.

The starlight touched down first, followed by the whirlwind.

A gust of wind swept across the terminal as they landed.

Then, the starlight and the whirlwind dissipated, revealing the figures of the handsome young man and the beautiful young woman, standing together like a perfect match.

The surrounding Inner Academy students were dumbfounded. What kind of movement technique allowed a Mystic Master to fly such a distance?

Even Yu Die, Ling Fei, and Wen Canglan, the top-ranked students on the Rising Star List, were surprised.

Normally, Mystic Masters could only glide. Only those at the Mystic General realm and above could truly fly.

Being able to fly at the Mystic Master realm meant he had learned a special flying technique, which required exceptional talent and Mystic Power control, not something everyone could achieve.

The proctor paused for a moment, then announced, “Time’s up. The special examination is now concluded. Those who crossed the river have passed. Those who didn’t are eliminated…”

Qi Yuxuan, Chu Nan, and the others, who had just arrived, felt their hearts sink.

They were also eliminated?

So, the only ones who passed were Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing?

They felt a sense of injustice. If it weren’t for the Jiao Venerable’s sudden appearance, they would have reached the finish line long ago.

“Wait,” Grand Elder Yu Yan said. “There were unforeseen circumstances during this special examination. Therefore, all examinees who hadn’t been eliminated before the Jiao Venerable appeared are considered to have passed.”

32 The Jiao Venerable Awakens

Playing the fool? Shan Ben’s eyes widened in disbelief. Yan Zhen continued, “That’s not quite right either. With your level, you’re not worthy of being called a ‘tiger.’ A ‘bull’ at most. Since I’m a champion of pure love, I naturally cut down two-timers. It’s just a simple predator-prey relationship.”

Shan Ben gritted his teeth. “I’ll admit defeat this time, but next time, it won’t be so easy.”

“Next time? In your dreams!” Yan Zhen channeled his Mystic Power into the accelerator. “Enjoy your extra year in the Outer Academy.”

Fear finally appeared on Shan Ben’s face. “Wait, Yan Zhen, let’s talk this over!”

“Two-timers must die!”

Yan Zhen steered his boat, ramming it into Shan Ben’s boat, sending both him and the boat flying. The boat capsized, and Shan Ben fell into the water.

The proctor announced Shan Ben’s elimination, and another instructor rescued him from the river.

Yan Zhen turned his boat and continued forward. The nearby examinees quickly distanced themselves from him.

He had defeated the West District’s representative in just two moves. Whether he cheated or not, it was terrifying.

At the Outer Academy ferry, Bai Yue watched Shan Ben’s swift defeat and cursed him under his breath.

“All brawn and no brains. I shouldn’t have placed my hopes on him… It seems I need to utilize my connections in the Inner Academy.”

Yan Zhen was now at the back of the pack, while Huangfu Wenqing, Qi Yuxuan, and Chu Nan were in the lead, over a hundred zhang ahead. With the turbulent river, it would be difficult to catch up.

However, Yan Zhen remembered from Instructor Yu Xuan that the top ten examinees would be rewarded with an academy card containing points.

“Points” were essential for cultivation in the Inner Academy, used to access training facilities and for transactions. Without points, life in the Inner Academy would be difficult.

Therefore, Yan Zhen was determined to be first.

He channeled his Mystic Power into the boat, making it shoot forward like an arrow. However, a group of examinees blocked his path. Going around them would take too long, and jumping over them would leave him vulnerable to attacks when he landed. Ramming into them might capsize his own boat.

In this “desperate” situation, Yan Zhen used the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire, its sinister aura and dragon’s might momentarily intimidating one of the examinees, causing him to slow down and creating an opening.

Yan Zhen surged forward, passing through the gap.

“What the hell?! He can do that?”

“You tricked me!”

“Bastard, don’t run!”

The examinees were enraged, but Yan Zhen ignored them, skillfully navigating his boat through the choppy waters, using the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire to disrupt anyone who blocked his path, quickly closing in on the leading group.

The leading group had already passed the center of the river. Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan were neck and neck, with Huangfu Wenqing slightly behind. Sensing Yan Zhen catching up, she even slowed down to join him.

“Did you finish them off?”

“Completely destroyed.”

“Then let’s aim for first place.”

“Yes, let’s go!”

Yan Zhen’s eyes turned into gray vertical slits, and the usually clear spiritual flame on his forehead became tainted with grayish-black, a sinister aura and dragon’s might emanating from him. Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan felt a chill down their spines, their minds momentarily dazed, as if they were under the gaze of a terrifying dragon, waiting for death.

Taking advantage of their momentary lapse, Yan Zhen and Huangfu Wenqing surged forward, taking the lead.

Qi Yuxuan and Chu Nan quickly recovered, enraged, and desperately tried to catch up, dodging the waves.

The leading group could now see the other side, an identical ferry terminal crowded with Inner Academy students and several instructors, led by Grand Elder Yu Yan, the eldest of the three Yu sisters.

She looked quite similar to Dean Yu Qing, but with narrow, slanted eyes and a gentle smile. Her figure was also quite voluptuous, exuding the mature charm of an older woman. Watching the four in the leading group competing fiercely, Grand Elder Yu Yan nodded to herself, then her gaze settled on Yan Zhen.

His appearance was pleasing, and he seemed quite talented, but his character… his philandering nature was unacceptable.

—It’s a shame Xuan’er finally found someone she likes. Sigh~

“Oh, so that’s the boy Xuan’er likes. He’s quite cute.”

Behind Grand Elder Yu Yan, a beautiful woman with short hair, wearing the Inner Academy uniform, leaned against the railing, her eyes shining as she observed the scene from afar.

This was Instructor Yu Xuan’s cousin, Yu Die, ranked fourth on the Inner Academy’s Rising Star List.

“He seems quite capable too. It looks like he’ll be in the top four for sure.”

“It’s too early to say that before they reach the finish line.” Beside her, a cheerful young man in the Inner Academy uniform chuckled. “If they wake up the Jiao Venerable, all these juniors will fall into the water. That would be a good show.”

He clearly enjoyed watching the drama unfold.

Ling Fei, ranked third on the Rising Star List.

Yu Die rolled her eyes at his jinxing words. “If it wakes up, are you going to deal with its morning grumpiness?”

Beside Ling Fei stood a tall, cold, and handsome young man, Wen Canglan, ranked second on the Rising Star List. He pushed his glasses up his nose and said indifferently, “The Jiao Venerable woke up during last year’s Dragon Gate Selection. It won’t wake up again so soon. Besides, with the Grand Elder here, nothing will happen.”

“I was just joking, trying to lighten the mood. Why are you so serious?” Ling Fei shrugged. “I’ve been so bored lately. There’s no entertainment at all.”

“If you’re bored, then challenge Gu Tiange.”

“Come on, I’m looking for entertainment, not self-torture.”

As they spoke, a chilling aura suddenly entered their perception.

Their expressions changed, and they instinctively channeled their Mystic Power, becoming wary.

“What’s going on?”

“This aura… could it be that the Jiao Venerable really woke up?”

“It feels like it.”

Not just them, but all the students and instructors sensed something amiss, becoming restless.

Because the waves on the river were getting bigger and bigger.

“Grand Elder…”

“Quiet.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan opened her narrow eyes, her gaze fixed on the water’s surface, her brows slightly furrowed. She didn’t understand why the Jiao Venerable would wake up, but then she had a sudden realization, remembering what her younger sister had said about Yan Zhen refining the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

“It must be the dragon’s might that stimulated the Jiao Venerable! This is bad!”

The river suddenly became turbulent, the waves surging like towering walls, blocking the path of the leading group. The waves crashed down, pushing all the examinees back over a hundred zhang, almost half of them capsizing and falling into the water.

Then, a whirlpool appeared on the river’s surface, growing larger and larger, a terrifying aura emanating from it, making the examinees’ hearts tremble. They slowed down, then stopped, not daring to approach the expanding whirlpool.

“There’s something beneath the surface.”

Huangfu Wenqing, wary, placed her hand on the sword at her waist.

—Is it coming?

Yan Zhen stared at the center of the whirlpool, then a massive dragon head, the size of a house, emerged from the water.