Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

160 The Yin Polar Secret Realm

Ahem, making fun of someone’s appearance is rude!

Besides, while Huangfu Wenqing might be a bit… intensely green, she looked good in green!

Apart from her slightly underdeveloped figure, her looks and temperament were top-notch. And unlike in the script, she wasn’t arrogant and domineering, even turning a blind eye to his philandering ways.

—The more he thought about it, the more guilty he felt.

Yan Zhen scratched his head, walked over to Huangfu Wenqing, released Long Ying’s hand, and embraced his fiancée.

“I’m back.”

Huangfu Wenqing was startled, then a joyful smile bloomed on her beautiful face. She hugged him back and whispered, “Welcome back.”

They embraced quietly, enjoying each other’s warmth.

Long Ying, at their feet, pondered. It seemed her method of welcoming him back was wrong. That’s why Zhenzhen hugged Sister Xunyi and the green-haired bad woman, but not her.

—A missed opportunity!

Long Ying was filled with regret. The flying tackle was fun, but too childish. She should have hugged him gently, affectionately.

She needed to become a graceful and elegant lady dragon for Zhenzhen to see her as a woman!

The couple, unaware of the little girl’s complex inner thoughts, finally separated and walked upstairs, chatting.

“Anything interesting happen while I was gone?”

“After you left, I cultivated in the Celestial Dome Pagoda every day. The Black Horn society tried to recruit me, but I refused.”

“Did they attack you?”

“Just their second-in-command, a two-star Mystic General. He challenged me, and I defeated him, even winning quite a few points.”

“Impressive.”

“Of course… I have to be impressive to be worthy of you, my fiancée.”

Yan Zhen smiled wryly. Defeating a two-star Mystic General as a seven-star Mystic Scholar? The Huangfu Wenqing in the script wasn’t this powerful.

They arrived back in his room.

Yan Zhen brewed a pot of tea, poured them each a cup, then took out a box of pastries he had packed from the dining hall and placed it on the table.

He offered a pastry to Long Ying first, effectively silencing her, then another to Huangfu Wenqing.

“I’m planning to enter the Yin Polar Secret Realm tomorrow and will be there for at least ten days. Do you want to come, Wenqing?”

He took a pastry for himself.

The taste was decent, but not as good as Zi Ji’s.

Huangfu Wenqing swallowed the pastry and smiled sweetly. “Of course! Although I don’t cultivate my soul, since I’m at the Sacred Ground Academy, I should experience both Polar Secret Realms. Besides, it’s not like I can’t cultivate at all inside.”

“That’s true. Then let’s all go together, like last time. Zi Ji is a soul cultivator, so she’ll probably want to go too.”

“And me!”

Long Ying interjected, then continued nibbling on her pastry, trying her best to appear ladylike.

They chatted for a while, catching up on recent events. As dusk approached, Huangfu Wenqing excused herself to take a bath. Yan Zhen asked her to bathe Long Ying as well.

Long Ying, refusing to let the green-haired bad woman defile her pure body, ran off to find Zi Xunyi, inadvertently giving Huangfu Wenqing the opportunity to pull Yan Zhen into the bathroom for another… shared bath.

Inside the steaming bathtub, Huangfu Wenqing, naked, leaned against Yan Zhen, kissing him passionately, expressing the longing she had felt during his absence.

Sensing his arousal, her own desire flared, and her hand moved beneath the water, fulfilling her duties as his fiancée.

Soon, Huangfu Wenqing, not satisfied with just this, straddled Yan Zhen’s lap, wanting to go further. Fortunately, Yan Zhen, with his strong willpower, managed to stop her, using Yun Xiu and Cloud Heaven Palace as excuses.

Feeling his own desire rising, Yan Zhen didn’t dare to stay in the bath any longer and quickly excused himself, heading to Zi Xunyi’s room.

He didn’t realize that Grand Elder Great Aunt had seen him leaving, a suspicious look in her eyes.

She had initially assumed that Yan Zhen was close to Zi Xunyi because of Long Ying and hadn’t stopped him from visiting the cliffside building. But the more she observed, the more she felt something was amiss.

It was late at night, and Yan Zhen, in his pajamas, was going to a young lady’s room, and Zi Xunyi didn’t seem to mind. This was… intriguing.

“Could they be…? No way…”

When Yan Zhen arrived at Zi Xunyi’s room, she and Long Ying had just finished their bath, their faces and hair still slightly damp, looking as fresh and beautiful as lotus flowers.

Compared to the now-experienced Instructor Yu Xuan, Zi Xunyi didn’t have much of a mature aura, still elegant and noble, captivating yet untouchable.

Perhaps because she hadn’t expected his visit, her sash was loosely tied, and the lapels of her robe were slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her cleavage, a tantalizing sight.

“Ahem, Zi Ji, we’re going to the Yin Polar Secret Realm tomorrow. Would you like to join us?”

Zi Xunyi released Long Ying and nodded. “I was planning to visit sometime anyway. Tomorrow works.”

Yan Zhen sat down and poured three cups of tea. “Do you know what it’s like inside the Yin Polar Secret Realm?”

Zi Xunyi sat beside him, took a sip of tea, and then replied, “I’ve been there once. It’s a vast snowy plain with constant blizzards. The wind and snow temper the soul, and the closer you get to the center, the stronger the effect. There’s a frozen lake at the center, and soul fish live beneath the ice. You can catch them with your spiritual sense; they’re treasures for strengthening the soul.”

Yan Zhen nodded thoughtfully.

In the script, his “first meeting” with Zi Xunyi was in this Yin Polar Secret Realm. To avoid trouble, she wore a veil, and they passed each other without recognition. Later, at the frozen lake, they both caught a significantly larger number of soul fish than the others, making them suspect each other’s identities.

Then, the Black Horn society would cause trouble, recognizing Yan Zhen by his movement technique as the one who stole the Fire Spirit Crystal, and demanding he hand over the soul fish as compensation.

Yan Zhen, knowing they had no proof and were just looking for an excuse to steal his loot, would escape with Long Ying.

Within the snowy plains, with few obstacles, Yan Zhen would have nowhere to hide and be forced to fight. However, the gluttonous little loli would suddenly unleash her power and defeat the Black Horn members.

That was the script: tempering his soul and advancing to the fourth stage, “Hidden-Midst-Manifest”; catching thirteen soul fish, shocking everyone; defeating the Black Horn thugs; and quenching and tempering his flame sword.

This time, however, he was bringing not only Long Ying, but also Zi Xunyi and Huangfu Wenqing as backup. If the Black Horn members dared to cause trouble, they would be toast.

After a while, Huangfu Wenqing, having finished her bath, arrived and sat beside Yan Zhen, casually taking his arm.

Zi Xunyi, seeing this, calmly picked up Long Ying and placed her on Yan Zhen’s lap, forcing Huangfu Wenqing to let go of his arm.

The two women exchanged glances, sparks flying between them.

Long Ying, however, was the one who benefited, happily swinging her little legs as she hugged Yan Zhen’s arm around her waist.

Yan Zhen, feeling the pressure, soon excused himself, taking Long Ying back to his room. After putting her to bed, he entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky to continue forging his sword.

159 Comforting His Pregnant Wife

—”I’m so done!” Yan Zhen lay sprawled on the balcony, feeling like he’d sustained internal injuries, at least three broken ribs… Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but his pure, young heart had definitely taken a hit. Playing dead seemed like a reasonable response.

“Zi Ji, help me~” he whined, as if genuinely injured.

Zi Xunyi, dressed in purple, walked over, glanced at him indifferently, then squatted down, picked up Long Ying, and carried her back to the table, setting the dazed little dragon aside and practically ignoring Yan Zhen.

Angry face.JPG It seemed she had sensed what happened last night with her mature self in the dreamscape.

Yan Zhen scratched his head awkwardly, got up, walked over to Zi Xunyi, placed his hands on her shoulders, and said gently, “What’s wrong, Zi Ji? Who upset you? Tell me, and I’ll teach them a lesson.”

Zi Xunyi didn’t answer, simply shrugging off his hands as if to say, “We’re not close.”

Long Ying, looking back and forth between them, finally understood and, ever the opportunist, immediately switched sides, scolding, “Zhenzhen, why did you upset Sister Xunyi? That’s not right!”

Yan Zhen stuffed a lollipop into the little Dragon Girl’s mouth to shut her up, then wrapped his arms around Zi Xunyi’s waist, his hands moving to her lower abdomen, gently caressing the area of her bloodline divine mark. He said softly, “It’s my fault. I didn’t come see you first after returning. Don’t be angry, okay, good girl?”

The caress on her bloodline divine mark sent a wave of pleasant warmth through her. Coupled with his gentle tone, Zi Xunyi’s anger quickly dissipated, though she still couldn’t bring herself to admit it. “I’m not angry. Don’t call me that. It’s embarrassing.”

“Then how about Baby Zi Ji?”

“Childish.”

“Beloved Zi Ji? Wife Zi Ji? My lovely Zi Ji?”

“Stop making up nicknames! Long Ying is right here.”

Seeing Long Ying’s confused expression, Zi Xunyi blushed deeply.

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “Then I’ll just call you Good Girl Zi Ji.”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Good Girl Zi Ji~”

“You…”

Zi Xunyi quickly turned around and covered his mouth, her clear, amethyst eyes glaring at him playfully, as if saying, “I’m really going to be angry now.”

Yan Zhen took her hand, intertwined their fingers, and then leaned down, kissing her.

Zi Xunyi’s eyes widened. Before she could react, he had deepened the kiss, and she quickly surrendered, her tongue tangling with his, responding to his passion.

Long Ying, licking her lollipop, stared at them, wide-eyed, filled with envy.

—When will Zhenzhen kiss me like that?

—Oh dear, what am I thinking? So embarrassing, hee hee hee~

After a long moment, they parted. Zi Xunyi’s anger had completely vanished, replaced by intense shyness from being kissed in front of Long Ying. She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.

Yan Zhen said gently, “It was my fault. Forgive me, okay, Zi Ji?”

“I already said I wasn’t angry,” Zi Xunyi whispered. “Let go of me.”

It seemed she had been appeased.

Yan Zhen, relieved, released her hand and patted Long Ying’s head. “Long Ying, have you been listening to Zi Ji these past few days?”

Long Ying shook her head vigorously, trying to escape his touch. “Don’t treat me like a child! I’m a mature dragon!”

Yan Zhen gave her a look, thinking, You’re not a mature dragon, you’re a horny dragon!

Honestly, he was starting to feel apprehensive about being alone with Long Ying, but for the sake of the plot, he had no choice.

“Then, mature dragon, are you going to continue staying here, or come back with me?”

Long Ying blinked. “Of course I want to stay with Sister Xunyi! But… I can’t keep imposing on her, so I’ll go back. Mm-hmm.”

Just as she finished speaking, Zi Xunyi giggled, covering her mouth with her hand, making the little Dragon Girl blush.

Then, Yan Zhen said mercilessly, “Then you go back first. I’ll be there soon.”

Long Ying immediately understood his intentions. He wanted to send her away and then do… things with Sister Xunyi. Hmph, Zhenzhen was such a pervert!

“Then I’ll be going. You better come back quickly, or I’ll tell the Grand Elder that you’re bullying Sister Xunyi.”

Long Ying stomped out of the room.

Yan Zhen turned his attention back to Zi Xunyi, embraced her from behind, and inhaled the fragrance of her hair and skin.

“Long Ying’s gone. Wenqing doesn’t seem to be here either, right?”

Zi Xunyi’s heart pounded nervously. “W-what are you doing?”

Yan Zhen didn’t answer, his chin resting on her shoulder, his hands gently caressing her lower abdomen.

“Can you feel anything… in there?”

Zi Xunyi hummed softly. “Yes, the fetus is forming.”

“Really? It’s only been less than ten days.”

“Perhaps because I cultivate my soul, I’m more sensitive to it.”

“That’s good. I’ll ask Master to refine some nourishing pills for you later. If you feel any discomfort, tell me. Don’t endure it alone, okay?”

“I’m not a child.”

“Not a child, but my good girl Zi Ji.”

Zi Xunyi didn’t protest his nickname this time, instead blushing shyly, a hint of mature allure in her expression that made Yan Zhen’s heart race. He kissed her gently on the cheek.

“You rest now. I’ll come back tonight.”

After comforting his pregnant wife, Yan Zhen left the cliffside building, went to Grand Elder Yu Yan’s office to report in, chatted briefly about the Yin Polar Secret Realm, and then returned to his room.

Long Ying sat on the bed, listlessly licking a lollipop. Seeing Yan Zhen return, she gave him a scrutinizing look, as if trying to determine if he had done anything inappropriate with Sister Xunyi.

Yan Zhen flicked the little Dragon Girl’s forehead lightly. “I’m planning to enter the Yin Polar Secret Realm tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?”

“Of course!” Long Ying put her hands on her hips and declared firmly, “Wherever Zhenzhen goes, I go! Don’t try to leave me behind!”

“Then it’s settled. Are you hungry? Let’s go to the dining hall.”

“Yay~”

Yan Zhen smiled, took her small hand, and they went to the dining hall for a feast!

Along the way, he sent a message to Huangfu Wenqing, informing her of his return from the Yu residence.

When Yan Zhen and Long Ying returned, their stomachs full, Huangfu Wenqing was waiting for him downstairs.

Standing in the breeze, her green hair and green dress made her look like a forest elf from a fairytale.

Yan Zhen suddenly felt a pang of guilt, realizing he had, in a way, been unfaithful to his fiancée.

“…”

158 Return to the Inner Academy, Intercepted

Within the purple flower sea dreamscape, beneath the large tree, Yan Zhen sat on the fairytale-like swing, holding the mature Zi Xunyi in his embrace, swaying gently.

With each sway, Zi Xunyi let out soft, melodious moans, her lavender hair flowing in the wind, encouraging Yan Zhen to swing even higher.

Unbeknownst to them, the younger Zi Xunyi (?) had secretly followed them and was watching from afar.

Feeling the intense pleasure coursing through her body, the younger Zi Xunyi quickly fled the scene, returning to reality. She then circulated the Jade Firmament Violet Fire to sever the connection between her two selves, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

“…Jerk.”

The younger Zi Xunyi felt a bit wronged.

After taking her virginity, he had been away for days, and upon returning, he immediately started… that with her future self, instead of visiting her.

And she had been worried about him being mistreated at the Yu family residence.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, Yan Zhen was awakened by a bird’s cry. The Tian Shan Snow Eagle circled the dormitory, its calls filled with excitement.

—Is this bird actually a rooster?

No, even roosters only crowed in the morning. Hens didn’t.

—I should see if it likes singing, dancing, rapping, and basketball sometime.

Yan Zhen’s lips twitched. He looked around and saw that only Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er were asleep beside him.

So, the ones under the covers were Cousin Ruyu and Senior Sister Xinyan?

He was surprised by their boldness. After a moment’s thought, he carefully withdrew his arm from beneath Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er’s heads and reached under the covers, gently stroking Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan’s hair.

He remembered Instructor Yu Xuan enjoying this, even acting spoiled and asking for head pats sometimes.

Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan, startled, froze, a mixture of embarrassment and guilt washing over them.

Yan Zhen didn’t speak, his hands gently stroking their soft, silky hair.

Under his silent comfort, the two girls exchanged glances and then shyly continued their… activities.

When they finally emerged from under the covers, Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er were already awake, watching them with knowing smiles.

Yan Ruyu instinctively wiped her mouth, and Xiao Xinyan licked her lips, trying to appear nonchalant.

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er snorted softly, then burrowed under the covers, taking Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan’s places.

Yan Zhen: Oh yeah~

…

After waking up, Yan Zhen had breakfast with the four girls, left some pills and ores for their cultivation, and then, seen off by them, he arrived at the Dragon Gate River.

“I’m going back now. Remember to cultivate diligently. Contact me with your communication talismans if anything happens, and I’ll come immediately. You can also go to Dean Yu Qing or Head Instructor Shui Bailan. They’ll help you, for my sake.”

After his farewells, Yan Zhen transformed into starlight, leaping into the air and flying across the river that separated the Inner and Outer Academies.

The four girls watched him go, their gazes lingering even after the starlight faded, a sense of loss in their hearts.

Passionate lovemaking last night, separated by distance this morning. Why?

Because they weren’t strong enough.

If they were Mystic Masters, they could enter the Inner Academy and cultivate with him, just like at the Mystic Academy.

—The desire to become stronger intensified.

Before Yan Zhen left for Cloud Heaven Palace, they would enter the Inner Academy, using the resources Instructor Yu Xuan had given them!

Instructor Yu Xuan had long suspected that her students were reborn, so she had given them ample cultivation resources, allowing them to catch up to Yan Zhen.

Of course, besides cultivation resources, she had also included… certain “educational materials,” which someone had even “tested” last night.

Yan Meng’er, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan all gave Yan Ruyu knowing looks.

—Such a pervert, hmph!

…

Yan Zhen, unaware of Instructor Yu Xuan’s secret arrangements, used his Starry Sky Dance to cross the Dragon Gate River, landing smoothly on the opposite bank, scattering starlight and drawing admiring glances from the surrounding students.

—Wow, so cool!~~~

Some bold senior sisters even approached him, asking for his communication talisman number.

Yan Zhen politely declined. After all, he was a married man (or soon-to-be) and couldn’t flirt around.

Virtue points +1.

He took off again, following the route from his memory, and flew towards the cliffside building.

To avoid attention, he flew low, but he was still spotted and even intercepted.

By Wen Canglan.

Standing on a tree, Wen Canglan, his Crystal Eyes gleaming behind his glasses, had spotted the familiar starlight heading towards the cliffside building and immediately intercepted Yan Zhen.

“Junior Brother Yan Zhen, your residence isn’t in this direction.”

Yan Zhen replied calmly, “I’m looking for Zi Ji. Move.”

Wen Canglan was now certain that this boy had ulterior motives towards Zi Ji. And the fact that they were close enough for him to freely visit her private residence made him Yan Zhen’s greatest rival!

“The Vice Dean and the Grand Elder have issued orders that Inner Academy students should avoid the cliffside building and not disturb the esteemed guest residing there… I suggest you return to your own residence, Junior Brother Yan Zhen.”

Yan Zhen frowned. “I suggest you stop lurking around here. You, the second-ranked student on the Rising Star List, the young master of the Wen family, hiding in a tree and spying on a young lady’s residence, you’re acting like a creep. If word gets out, it won’t look good for you.”

Wen Canglan’s face darkened, his Mystic Power shimmering like crystals under the sunlight, almost blinding.

“Junior Brother Yan Zhen, don’t push it.”

Yan Zhen was unafraid. “What? Are you going to send me flying with another palm strike? That’s fine. Last time you did that, I got to spend a day lying in Zi Ji’s bed. It was quite comfortable.”

Wen Canglan’s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat.

This brat actually lay in Zi Ji’s pristine bed… Although he knew it was for healing, the thought still made him seethe with jealousy.

“Yan Zhen!”

“What? Calling my name won’t do anything, unless you have a Purple-Gold Red Gourd—ah, Zi Ji.”

Wen Canglan’s anger vanished, and he turned around quickly, but there was no one there.

He turned back, and Yan Zhen was also gone.

Yan Zhen had taken the opportunity to fly past him and land on the balcony of the cliffside building.

Wen Canglan wanted to give chase, but he didn’t dare.

Zi Xunyi was not only a Mystic King but also a powerful soul cultivator, arguably the strongest person in the Inner Academy, even surpassing Gu Tiange.

He couldn’t risk angering her and could only watch helplessly as Yan Zhen knocked on the French window and entered the goddess’s room.

Wen Canglan clenched his fists, then turned and left.

As soon as Yan Zhen entered, a pink blur came hurtling towards him, a voice calling out before the figure arrived:

“Zhenzhen!”

Yan Zhen’s expression changed drastically.

—Holy crap, not again!

And even worse, he didn’t catch her this time. The loli Dragon Girl crashed right into him.

Dragon-Loli Missile Impact!

“Oof.”

Yan Zhen fell backward, his head spinning, as if hit by a truck.

“Long Ying, you…”

The pink-haired, emerald-eyed loli looked up from his chest and giggled.

“Welcome back, Zhenzhen!”

157 Yan Zhen Grows Stronger With Each Battle

“Whew~”

Soaking in the hot spring water, Yan Zhen let out a long sigh, as if releasing all his fatigue.

He opened his eyes and saw the four girls, clad in their translucent chemises, had also entered the tub, two in front and two behind, surrounding him.

In front were Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, each sitting on one of his legs, holding one of his arms and carefully washing it. Behind him, Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan were scrubbing his back, their four hands moving smoothly across his skin, making him relax.

At this rate, I’ll become a useless bum. This is too enjoyable…

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, did you… convince the Yu family to let you marry Instructor Xuan while you were there?”

“Not yet. I told them I was willing to marry into their family.”

“The Yu family is matriarchal. They won’t let their heir marry out. It will be difficult.”

“Difficult or not, I have to try.”

“That’s true. I’m sure Instructor is also determined.”

“Did they give you a hard time?”

“Not really, otherwise I wouldn’t have their identity token.—Anyway, how’s your cultivation going?”

“Hee hee, Meng’er is a three-star Mystic Scholar now!”

“Not bad.”

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’m also a three-star Mystic Scholar!”

“Good.”

“Sorry, Junior Brother Yan Zhen, I-I’m only a two-star Mystic Scholar.”

“Keep up the good work.”

“I’m a four-star Mystic Scholar now.”

“Huh?”

Yan Zhen turned to look back, but Yan Ruyu pushed him forward. He asked, surprised, “Cousin, weren’t you a three-star Mystic Scholar?”

“To avoid trouble, I’ve been hiding a star. Xue’er too.”

“Huh?”

“Hee hee, it’s a habit,” Mi Xue’er said awkwardly. “I’m also a four-star.”

“???”

Advancing two stars in a month was already impressive. How did they manage three stars? Their talent wasn’t that high. Back when he was… wait, he seemed to have done that too. Never mind then.

But he was the protagonist, and they were just supporting characters. How could they be on the same level?

Xinyan, advancing one star a month, was the most normal one!

“Advancing too quickly isn’t a good thing. Your Mystic Power is a bit unstable.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’ve been practicing my movement technique with Ah Zhen (the Snow Eagle).”

“I’ve also been sparring.”

“Then consolidate your cultivation before advancing further. I’ve prepared some Large Origin Pills for you, and I also have some leftover fire crystals. Meng’er and Older Sister, you can have them. Unfortunately, I don’t have any ice or lightning crystals. You’ll have to find substitutes.”

“Don’t worry about it. The pills are enough.”

“I’m focusing on Mystic Skills now. Cultivation can wait. Don’t worry about me, Junior Brother Yan Zhen.”

“What about you, Yan Zhen?”

“I’ve also been advancing a bit too quickly. I’m a six-star Mystic Master now, about to reach seven-star. I want to… suppress it for now and wait until next month. Although I want to become stronger quickly, it’s better to be patient for the future.”

“That’s true. It’s good that you’re thinking ahead.”

Yan Ruyu agreed, and Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er echoed her sentiments. Only Xiao Xinyan remained silent, as she wasn’t reborn and lacked the experience and foresight of a powerful cultivator, hesitant to speak on such matters.

“Alright, enough talk. You guys are making me too comfortable. I’m sleepy~ I want to be a salted fish~”

Yan Zhen leaned back, and Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan caught him, their arms supporting him from both sides. He wrapped his arms around their waists, pulling them closer, a feeling of deep contentment washing over him.

Their wet chemises clung to their soft skin, almost invisible, highlighting their alluring figures.

Yan Zhen’s heart raced. Holding the two girls in his arms, his gaze fell upon Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er before him.

“Meng’er, Xue’er, come closer,” he said, his voice slightly husky.

The two girls, already sitting on his lap, scooted closer.

Yan Zhen felt himself sinking into a sea of tenderness, lost in their embrace…

Late at night, under the bright moon, only the middle room on the second floor of the private dormitory was lit. Passersby could see flickering shadows through the window.

Inside, the bathtub’s water was murky, its occupants having moved to the bed.

Only as the moon reached its zenith did the sounds of their activities quiet down.

Yan Zhen looked at the four girls sleeping peacefully on the bed, covered them with the blanket, then went to the table and poured himself a glass of water, drinking it all in one gulp.

A lingering heat remained within him, the dragon mark still glowing brightly, clearly not satisfied.

Yan Zhen sighed, wondering if he was the protagonist of a power fantasy or an erotic novel. Was he focusing on the wrong kind of “growth”?

—Should he go to the Fire Refining Starry Sky?

If he acted spoiled and cute, Beautiful Master would definitely help him… but that felt disrespectful!

Yan Zhen sighed again and suppressed his desire, quickly wiping his body with a towel and climbing into bed.

—I’ll enter the dreamscape and visit Zi Xunyi.

Arriving in the purple flower field dreamscape, Yan Zhen called out to Zi Ji with his mind.

Soon, with a ripple of spatial energy, the mature Zi Xunyi appeared. Seeing her husband after so many days, her heart was filled with joy.

“Husband, you’re back? My younger self said you went to the Yu family. Did everything go well?”

Yan Zhen pulled her into his arms, inhaling her fragrance. “I missed you, Zi Ji.”

156 A Surprise from the Four Girls

“Hurry up, Older Sister~”

“Ruyu’s being shy again.”

“But she’s the most enthusiastic in bed…”

Hearing her younger cousin and friends tease her, Yan Ruyu blushed furiously, frozen in place, flustered.

Even though she had regained her past life memories, she was even more easily embarrassed now. Before, she had been too arrogant; now, she was too shy.

Yan Zhen gently pulled Yan Ruyu’s hand and sat her sideways on his lap, feeling the soft, firm press of her full, round buttocks against him.

He put his arm around her waist and gazed at her, as if waiting for a “welcoming kiss.”

Yan Ruyu, flustered under his gaze, mustered her courage, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him.

—Just a quick peck…

However, she quickly lost herself in the kiss, nibbling on his lips and sucking on his tongue, reluctant to let go.

Yan Zhen knew that despite her usually composed demeanor, Yan Ruyu was the most passionate in bed, always pushing him to the limit, never knowing when to stop.

Just like now. She finally released him when she was breathless, her eyes hazy with desire, silently pleading for more.

“Ahem.” x3

Three coughs came from behind them, and Yan Ruyu, as if waking from a dream, quickly got off his lap, her face burning red as she met the teasing gazes of the other three girls. She lowered her head, speechless.

“Older Sister was amazing~”

Yan Meng’er tried to encourage her, but it only made Yan Ruyu even more embarrassed. She turned her back to them.

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek and said, “Come on, sit down. Instructor Yu Xuan has gifts for you.”

“Really? What gifts, Cousin?”

“I don’t know. They’re all in boxes.”

Yan Zhen took out four gift boxes from his storage ring, placed them on the table, and then distributed them to the girls.

“Pink is for Meng’er, red for Older Sister, white for Xue’er, and yellow for Xinyan… Here you go.”

The four girls each held a gift box, looking at their own, then at the others’, then exchanging glances.

Mi Xue’er snorted. “Let’s see what Instructor Yu Xuan is up to.”

She quickly opened the box, peeked inside, then quickly closed it again.

Xiao Xinyan frowned. “What is it? I didn’t see.”

Mi Xue’er put the box away in her storage ring and said, a bit defensively, “Don’t you have your own? Look at yours!”

“Hmph.”

Xiao Xinyan rolled her eyes at the annoying Mi Xue’er, then quickly opened her own box, turning away slightly as she peeked inside.

Then, her reaction mirrored Mi Xue’er’s. She quickly closed the box, put it away, blinked a few times, and tried to act as if nothing had happened.

Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu were even more confused. They exchanged glances and opened their boxes.

Their reactions were the same. They immediately closed the boxes, hiding them behind their backs.

Yan Ruyu’s face was crimson.

“So, what did Instructor Yu Xuan give you?” Yan Zhen asked curiously. “Why are you acting so secretive?”

“N-nothing, just some pills and… feminine accessories, hehe.”

“Then why are you so nervous?”

“Gifts from Instructor Yu Xuan should be treasured carefully, of course.”

“…Fine, if you don’t want to tell me, I’ll ask Instructor myself.”

The four girls exchanged glances, their expressions strange.

“Ahem, Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’ll be going back to my room now.”

“M-me too.”

“Cousin, call us when the food arrives.”

“See you later.”

The four girls hurried upstairs, leaving Yan Zhen alone in the living room.

Yan Zhen, stroking his chin thoughtfully, took out his communication talisman and messaged Instructor Yu Xuan, asking about the gifts.

Instructor Yu Xuan probably hadn’t started her secluded cultivation yet and quickly replied:

“Guess~”

Yan Zhen frowned. “I have no idea. Give me a hint.”

“It’s related to you.”

“Me?”

Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan played a guessing game, but even after the food arrived from the dining hall, he still couldn’t figure it out. He put away the talisman and called the girls down for dinner.

The four girls came downstairs, acting as if nothing was amiss, and enjoyed a lively dinner with Yan Zhen, Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er clinging to his sides, feeding him constantly.

Yan Zhen, in turn, also fed each of them.

After dinner, it was already evening, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues.

Yan Zhen relaxed on a recliner, playing rock-paper-scissors with the Tian Shan Snow Eagle while digesting his meal. The four girls cleared the table, placed the food boxes by the door, then closed the door with a click.

Yan Meng’er walked over to Yan Zhen and said with a giggle, “Cousin, we also have a surprise for you.”

Yan Zhen, still playing with the chubby Snow Eagle, asked casually, “What surprise?”

Mi Xue’er, also grinning mischievously, added, “You’ll see, Little Brother Yan Zhen—we’ll go upstairs first. Come up when we call you.”

Yan Zhen looked at the two girls, their secretive smiles, then at his cousin and Xiao Xinyan, and nodded, then continued playing with the Snow Eagle.

After a while, Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er called him from upstairs. Yan Zhen patted the Snow Eagle’s head, telling it to amuse itself, and then leisurely went upstairs.

Both side rooms were dark, only Instructor Yu Xuan’s room was lit.

He opened the door and was immediately enveloped in a cloud of white steam. Looking closely, he saw a screen, like a painted wall, blocking his path.

—Did Instructor’s room have this screen before?

“Cousin, over here.”

His cousin’s voice came from the left. Yan Zhen walked around the screen and was stunned by the scene before him.

A circular bathtub, half a meter high and three meters in diameter, filled with steaming water, had appeared in the room. The four girls, wearing similar, translucent chemises in different colors, stood before the tub, their postures varying: hands behind their backs, arms crossed, hands on their hips, heads bowed. They all looked at him with a mixture of shyness and anticipation, as if waiting for his favor.

Faced with such a breathtakingly beautiful sight, Yan Zhen swallowed hard and asked, dumbfounded, “Wh-when did you install a bathtub here?”

This was Instructor Yu Xuan’s room! Although she probably wouldn’t be staying here anymore, wasn’t it a bit much to remodel it without permission?

“Cousin, don’t worry about that. Come here.”

“That’s right, Little Brother Yan Zhen. Don’t let our efforts go to waste.”

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, one on each side, took his arms and held them against their chests. Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan also stepped forward and gently helped him undress.

155 A Welcoming Kiss, Part 2

“Okay.”

Hand in hand, they left the library under the astonished gazes of the other students.

As they passed the swollen-faced young man, Yan Zhen “helpfully” added another kick, swelling the other side of his face.

Xiao Xinyan’s heart fluttered, feeling protected, but also slightly guilty. She asked hesitantly, “Junior Brother Yan Zhen, did I… cause you trouble?”

Yan Zhen shook his head. “Actually, you helped me a lot.”

He had seized the opportunity to play the hero, bolstering his protagonist image and appeasing the system, as his current image was… less than ideal.

It was also the system’s fault for slacking off on its supervisory and assistive duties lately.

Even if he was ninety-nine percent at fault, wasn’t the system one percent responsible? Hmph.

[???]

[(Grass)] (F*ck)

Yan Zhen guiltily dismissed the system interface and reassured Xiao Xinyan, “Don’t worry, Senior Sister Xinyan. This was nothing. Besides, the Yu family just gave me their identity token. I wanted to test out what it’s like to have connections. I have to say, it feels pretty good.”

Xiao Xinyan giggled. “Who brags about having connections?”

“Everyone hates people with connections, yet everyone wishes they had connections.”

“That’s true. Junior Brother Yan Zhen’s words are always so insightful.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll have connections too in the future, Senior Sister Xinyan.”

“But I don’t have any powerful backing.”

“Of course, you do. Me. I’m your strong backing, no matter what.”

“Junior Brother Yan Zhen… I-I’m happy just being with you. Nothing else matters.”

Under a tree outside the library, Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu, seeing them emerge, immediately rushed over.

“What took you so long, Cousin?”

“A minor incident.” Yan Zhen brushed it off and changed the subject. “Only Xue’er is left. Where is she?”

“Probably off flying her bird.”

“Flying her bird?”

“Yeah, she somehow caught a tame Snow Eagle and has been flying around with it for the past few days, having a blast.”

“…”

Yan Zhen recalled the script mentioning Mi Xue’er having a Tian Shan Snow Eagle, which resembled a pure white owl.

The Tian Shan Snow Eagle was a Tier 5 King Beast with a fierce temperament, especially the males, who often fought amongst themselves. Only female Snow Eagles could be tamed as battle companions, making them quite rare. He wondered where she got it.

However, that was supposed to happen much later, when he was about to enter the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground and came to say goodbye.

A spoiled young lady was supposed to take a liking to her Snow Eagle, try to buy it, then try to steal it when Mi Xue’er refused, leading Yan Zhen to slap her and gain another slightly masochistic admirer.

How did she find her destined avian companion after only a month in the academy?

“In that case, let’s not look for her. I’ll send her a message telling her to come back early. Let’s go back to the dorm.”

As the four of them returned to the private dormitory, they saw Mi Xue’er gliding overhead, holding the Snow Eagle’s claws, then she let go and launched herself at Yan Zhen.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen!”

—Again?!

Yan Zhen’s face darkened, but he still extended his arms, catching the enthusiastic beauty, spinning around once, and setting her down.

However, Mi Xue’er didn’t release him. Instead, she kissed him passionately right there at the dormitory entrance, greedily savoring his taste.

The other three girls were stunned, then both embarrassed and annoyed.

—This Xue’er, always jumping the gun! Where’s her sense of sisterly solidarity?!

The Tian Shan Snow Eagle circled above them a few times, then landed at its owner’s feet, folding its large wings and tilting its head, observing the kissing couple with a rather unintelligent expression.

After a long while, they finally parted. Mi Xue’er licked her lips, a satisfied smile on her face, ignoring the resentful glares of the other three girls.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, let me introduce you. This is my new best friend, Ah Zhen!”

The Tian Shan Snow Eagle let out a cry, seemingly greeting him.

Yan Zhen looked down at the pure white owl, thinking it was rather plump. Can it even fly at that size? This fantasy world defies logic.

“Hello, Ah Zhen. I’m Yan Zhen. You can also call me Ah Zhen. Where’s your… Ah Qian?” (A common name, often used as a placeholder or to address someone generically.)

The Tian Shan Snow Eagle tilted its head, puzzled, as if asking, “What the hell is this human talking about?”

Yan Zhen patted its head and told it to go buy itself some sunflower seeds, then led the four girls inside.

Returning to the familiar dormitory after over a month, seeing the familiar hall and the four beautiful young women (wives?), Yan Zhen felt relaxed.

As soon as he sat down, Yan Meng’er climbed onto his lap, cupped his face in her hands, puckered her lips, and kissed him passionately, clearly not wanting to be outdone by Xue’er.

Yan Zhen didn’t resist, calmly responding to Yan Meng’er’s affection until she was satisfied.

When the kiss ended, Yan Meng’er gazed at him seductively. He smiled faintly.

“Easy, Meng’er. Let’s eat first. I’m hungry.”

His cousin said obediently, “Meng’er will go prepare a meal for Cousin right away.”

“No need to trouble yourself. Let’s order from the dining hall. I’ll enjoy your cooking another time, okay?”

“Okay, Meng’er will listen to Cousin.”

She winked at her older sister and got off Yan Zhen’s lap.

Yan Ruyu wasn’t as bold as her younger cousin or their friend. As she hesitated, Xiao Xinyan, blushing, leaned down and kissed Yan Zhen.

After a while, Xiao Xinyan reluctantly released him and whispered, “Welcome back, Junior Brother Yan Zhen. This is… a welcoming kiss.”

Yan Zhen nodded. “I’m back.”

Only Yan Ruyu was left. The three girls and Yan Zhen all looked at her expectantly.

Yan Ruyu had no escape.

/（/ /o/ω/o/ /）/

155 A Welcoming Kiss, Part 1

The Outer Academy Library had only two floors. The first floor was open all day, closing only at the end of each month for cleaning. The books there could be borrowed freely. The second floor, however, had restricted access.

For example, achieving a top-ten ranking in the monthly assessments granted access.

Or, after reaching the Mystic Master realm, students had one opportunity to enter the second floor and choose a secret manual.

Xiao Xinyan wasn’t eligible to enter the second floor yet. She sat quietly in a corner on the first floor, reading a small booklet.

Ingenious Applications of Protective Mystic Power

It described how to effectively use protective Mystic Power in battle, minimizing damage and achieving victory.

Xiao Xinyan was completely absorbed in her reading, occasionally practicing the techniques, electric arcs flickering around her.

The boys nearby were secretly watching her.

Since Xiao Xinyan had toned down her arrogance, her proud yet not haughty demeanor enhanced her beauty. Quietly reading like this, occasionally tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she exuded a scholarly air. A pair of simple glasses would complete the look.

This type of girl was a playboy’s dream.

Soon, a tall, thin young man with a scholarly air, ignoring the hostile glares of the other boys, sat down opposite Xiao Xinyan and greeted her politely, “Junior Sister, may I sit here?”

Xiao Xinyan didn’t respond, continuing to read.

The young man didn’t mind, casually opening a book and staring at her intently.

Based on his experience, this pure and beautiful junior sister would soon look up, unable to ignore him.

However, Xiao Xinyan remained motionless, completely focused on her reading. The young man, unable to resist, tried again. “Junior Sister, what’s your name? Let’s get acquainted. I’m Han XX, the third young master of the Han family’s main branch. I’m currently a one-star Mystic Master. If you have any questions about cultivation, feel free to ask me.”

Xiao Xinyan sighed softly, closed the booklet, and said helplessly, “Talking loudly is prohibited in the library. Could you please be quiet, Senior?”

The refined young man smiled faintly. “If Junior Sister acknowledges me, I naturally won’t need to speak so much. Let’s get acquainted.”

He extended his hand, wanting to shake hers.

“There’s no need.”

Xiao Xinyan stood up, gathered her things, and prepared to leave.

“Are you leaving?” The young man also stood up. “I was just about to leave as well. Let’s go together.”

Xiao Xinyan sat back down. “After you.”

The young man’s face stiffened, then he sat down again with a playful smile, acting shamelessly. “Actually, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to leave anymore.”

“—Yes, you do.”

A hand suddenly reached out from the side, gripping his shoulder tightly. Then, with a surge of force, he was lifted from his chair and tossed aside like trash, landing heavily on the floor.

“Ouch!”

The commotion echoed through the quiet library, attracting everyone’s attention. Curious and annoyed glances turned towards them.

The young man quickly recovered, looked up, and saw that his seat had been taken by a handsome young man. Just as he was about to get angry, he heard the beautiful junior sister exclaim in delight, “Junior Brother Yan Zhen! You’re back!”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “I lied about coming back in two days. I wanted to surprise you.”

“You’re so mean.”

“Am I really that mean?”

“Yes, very mean, but… the kind of mean I like.”

“Since Senior Sister Xinyan says so, then I’ll continue being mean.”

Seeing the junior sister chatting and laughing with the handsome young man, the refined young man felt a surge of jealousy and resentment. He pointed at Yan Zhen and shouted, “You dare to use violence in the library?! You’re dead!”

Yan Zhen instantly appeared before him and, without a word, slapped him across the face, sending him flying into a pillar. The young man’s face swelled up like he had been stung by a bee.

The refined young man, now sporting a swollen face, clutched his cheek, fear and shock in his eyes. “You crazy—”

Yan Zhen sneered. “You want another one?”

“Stop!” Hearing the commotion, the elder on duty on the first floor walked over and shouted, “Fighting is strictly forbidden in the library! Who gave you the audacity to cause trouble here?!”

The now-swollen-faced young man immediately complained, “Elder, I was sitting here minding my own business when this lunatic suddenly grabbed me and threw me across the room!”

The elder looked at Yan Zhen, then paused, surprised. “Are you an Inner Academy student?”

Yan Zhen, who had assumed no one in the Outer Academy recognized the Inner Academy uniform, was finally acknowledged. “That’s right.”

The atmosphere in the library instantly shifted, the students’ gazes turning to respect and admiration.

The swollen-faced young man’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected this young, fresh-faced boy to be an Inner Academy student!

The elder on duty, however, showed no respect, wanting to defend the Han family young master. “As an Inner Academy student, why are you here in the Outer Academy, throwing your weight around?”

Yan Zhen said calmly, “The library is a place for reading and learning, not for harassing girls… Elder, you must have seen how he was behaving just now. Why didn’t you stop him or even warn him?”

The elder stroked his beard. “I’m only responsible for the library’s rules, not personal conduct. That’s the Disciplinary Instructor’s job.”

“Rules are meant to be guidelines, not absolute. As an Outer Academy elder, you should have some sense of responsibility, some professional ethics. A simple reprimand could have prevented this and maintained order. Why didn’t you do anything? ‘Don’t dismiss a good deed because it’s small, and don’t commit a bad deed because it’s small.’ You should understand this principle, Elder, yet you chose to turn a blind eye, then claim it’s ‘not your responsibility’ when questioned. And now you’re questioning me? I wasn’t throwing my weight around. I was enforcing the very discipline you neglected.”

“Insolent!” The elder, enraged, shouted, “Don’t think you can act recklessly in the Outer Academy just because you’re an Inner Academy student! The library has its rules, and even Inner Academy students must abide by them! You started a fight and disrespected an elder on duty! Your crimes are compounded! I’ll take you down now as an example to others!”

The elder lunged, his Mystic Power forming a giant hand to grab Yan Zhen—but grasped only air.

“?”

The elder’s eyes widened in surprise. His attack had passed right through Yan Zhen, causing no harm.

“Y-you… what sorcery is this?!”

“A Mystic King, and you can’t even recognize spatial power?” Yan Zhen scoffed, tossing something towards him. “Take a good look and see who I am!”

The elder caught the small object, opened his hand, and saw a wooden token with the character “Yu” inscribed on it. His expression changed drastically, his hand trembling as he held the token.

He had only seen this token on two people: Outer Academy Dean Yu Qing and Disciplinary Head Instructor Shui Bailan!

This was a Yu family identity token!

The Yu family held immense power within the Sacred Ground Academy. Although the Wen family could rival them in the Inner Academy, the Outer Academy was under the Yu family’s complete control. The Han family was insignificant in comparison.

What was this boy’s connection to the Yu family? How could he possess their identity token?

The elder’s expression flickered. After a long moment, he tossed the token back to Yan Zhen and said, “I’ll let it go this time. But there won’t be a next time. Now, disperse!”

He turned and returned to his post, clearly wanting to sweep the matter under the rug.

Yan Zhen didn’t pursue it.

Xiao Xinyan’s injury on the airship had left him slightly traumatized, making him react more strongly than usual.

“Let’s go, Senior Sister Xinyan.”

 

154 Older and Younger Sister, One Month Later

Cousin Admirer’s eyes lit up. He immediately abandoned Yan Zhen, rushed to the window, and waved. “Junior Sister Meng’er! Junior Sister Meng’er…”

Yan Meng’er ignored him, jumped out the window, and launched herself at Yan Zhen.

“Cousin!”

“Whoa!”

Yan Zhen’s eyes widened. He quickly caught his cousin, held her in his arms, spun around once, then set her down, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

“Why does everyone like to pounce on me… You scared me. Don’t do that again.”

It brought back unpleasant memories of being tackled by his daughter.

Yan Meng’er stuck out her tongue playfully. “Meng’er missed Cousin!”

Cousin Admirer, still holding the fire crystal, stared dumbfounded.

—Goddess Meng’er actually threw herself at another man! Noooo!

“Junior Sister Meng’er, w-who is that?”

Yan Meng’er, holding Yan Zhen’s arm, said proudly, “This is my cousin, and also my beloved, Yan Zhen!”

Yan Zhen looked at Cousin Admirer calmly. “Now you know who I am?”

Cousin Admirer blinked, then realization dawned on him. “Oh~~~ So you’re her older—”

“—Older, my ass.”

Before he could finish the disrespectful term, Yan Zhen kicked him, sending him flying into the crowd.

Someone in the crowd recognized him. “You’re Yan Zhen? The ruthless freshman who just entered the Inner Academy last month and defeated a one-star Mystic General as a four-star Mystic Master?!”

Yan Zhen glanced at the speaker impassively, and the person quickly retreated, trembling.

Rising Star List experts, even those ranked near the bottom, were still far beyond these Mystic Scholars.

“Meng’er is mine. If anyone bothers her again, I won’t be polite… Scram!”

His voice carried a hint of the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire’s sinister aura and draconic might.

The Mystic Scholar-level weaklings turned pale and quickly scattered.

Yan Zhen hadn’t started cultivating the Heavenly Dragon’s Eight Tones yet. Otherwise, a single shout would have knocked them all unconscious.

Yan Meng’er, holding Yan Zhen’s arm, entered the building with him.

“Cousin, you arrived just in time! Meng’er was so annoyed by those guys!”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Meng’er didn’t want to disturb Cousin’s cultivation.”

“You could have gone to Head Instructor Shui Bailan, the Disciplinary Head. She would have handled it.”

“No, Meng’er only wants Cousin’s protection.”

“…”

This cousin of his, as always, was a bit manipulative.

However, a girl who only manipulated him was also quite cute.

Yan Zhen looked her over, instantly discerning her cultivation level. “Three-star Mystic Scholar? You advanced two stars in a month?”

“Hee hee, isn’t Meng’er amazing? I just broke through. I almost failed because of those guys outside, but I persevered, thinking about how Cousin would praise me.”

Yan Zhen sighed. “How do you want me to praise you? ‘Good girl, Meng’er, here’s some candy’?”

Yan Meng’er blushed slightly and whispered, “If it’s Cousin’s… candy~”

“…”

—Don’t suddenly turn this suggestive!

Although he knew his cousin was… forward, her sudden innuendo caught him off guard. He quickly changed the subject. “Are you alone in the dormitory? Where are the others?”

“Older Sister should be at the training grounds.”

When they arrived at the training grounds, they saw Yan Ruyu sparring with a female student from the South District, a crowd of onlookers gathered around.

His cousin’s cultivation had also reached three-star Mystic Scholar. Her opponent was a four-star Mystic Scholar, a level higher, but his cousin’s aura was strong, her swordsmanship sharp, not giving an inch.

After her younger cousin confessed to being reborn, the two sisters had exchanged many memories of their past lives. Her memories had now returned.

Having been a Mystic Lord in her previous life, she had been sparring constantly to hone her skills and match her experience and instincts.

She was currently using Sword Three: Momentum Break from the Nine Swords Technique.

The Nine Swords Technique was a unique skill of the Sacred Ground Academy. The Outer Academy only taught the first three swords, the Inner Academy the middle three, and only instructors and elders were qualified to learn the final three.

Gu Tiange, ranked first on the Inner Academy’s Rising Star List, had mastered the first six swords of the Nine Swords Technique. His swordsmanship was incredibly powerful, each strike stronger than the last. Even Wen Canglan, ranked second, didn’t dare to face his strongest attack head-on.

This sword technique wasn’t suitable for great swords, so Yan Zhen hadn’t fully mastered it, only selecting the three most powerful, aggressive forms: Sword Three: Momentum Break, Sword Six: Army Breaker, and Sword Nine: Heaven Breaker. He would later exchange points to learn the complete technique, modify it, and integrate it into his own swordsmanship, creating Sword Eleven: Star Shatterer.

It was called Sword Eleven because the combination of the nine swords formed Sword Ten: Severing the Horizon.

The Sword Three: Momentum Break Yan Ruyu was using was the version Yan Zhen had improved in his past life, even more powerful.

Boom!

Yan Ruyu thrust her sword, creating a powerful gust of wind, and decisively defeated her four-star Mystic Scholar opponent.

“I concede.”

Yan Ruyu stood, her high ponytail swaying in the wind, her pretty face filled with a heroic spirit, both beautiful and valiant, drawing cheers from the surrounding students.

Yan Ruyu, her expression unchanged, was about to continue sparring when she heard her cousin call out, “Older Sister, over here!”

She turned and saw her cousin, whom she hadn’t seen in a month, waving at her with a smile.

Yan Ruyu blushed. After regaining her memories, she had become even more shy.

Having failed to marry Yan Zhen in her past life, she had become intimate with him early on in this life. Remembering how she, her cousin, and their two friends had knelt before him, receiving his… attentions, she felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Yan Ruyu sheathed her sword, jumped down from the platform, and, under the curious gazes of the crowd, walked over to her cousins.

“When did you get back? Didn’t you say last night it would be another two days?”

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek. “I wanted to surprise you… Aren’t you happy, Cousin?”

“Who said I wasn’t happy?” Yan Ruyu held her arm, her hand fidgeting. “It was just… unexpected.”

“Unexpected? What were you expecting, Cousin?” Yan Zhen, a playful glint in his eyes, leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Were you preparing to… drain me dry?”

Her ear tickled, and Yan Ruyu’s face turned bright red. She quickly stepped away and glared at him playfully.

“You little pervert! Leave me alone!”

“Oh, come on, Cousin, don’t bully Older Sister as soon as you arrive,” Yan Meng’er said reproachfully. “Bully Meng’er too~”

Yan Zhen’s lips twitched. “Let’s go find Xue’er and Xinyan. I remember Xinyan saying she’s been spending time in the library lately, so let’s check there first.”

He extended his hand towards his cousin.

Yan Ruyu looked at her younger cousin, who was clinging to Yan Zhen’s arm, then at his outstretched hand, and shyly placed her hand in his, intertwining their fingers.

The three of them walked towards the library, the scent of jealousy following them like a cloud.

153 Supreme Elder Yu: Only a Mother-Daughter Combo Can Truly Conquer Yan Zhen

Supreme Elder Yu never interfered in the Yu family’s affairs, but the Clan Head would usually consult this guardian deity on important decisions.

The matter of Yan Zhen marrying into the Yu family was naturally of utmost importance. Moreover, he was Alchemist Saint Chen Xi’s disciple, and the Alchemist Saint was Supreme Elder Yu’s benefactor. Therefore, after Yan Zhen left, Clan Head Yu Lu immediately contacted Supreme Elder Yu.

Inside her room, Clan Head Yu Lu used a high-level communication talisman to video call Supreme Elder Yu at the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground. She informed her that Yan Zhen was Alchemist Saint Chen Xi’s disciple, capable of treating the cultivation affliction caused by the Yu family’s techniques and constitution. She also mentioned Yu Xuan’s rebirth and that, according to her future self, Yan Zhen would become the future Jiā Lán Holy Son, and even the Sacred Lord.

“Rebirth involves the manipulation of time; it’s a profound matter. Have Xuan’er come to the Sacred Ground. I’ll question her personally.”

“As you command.”

“As for Yan Zhen, I’ve already met him and, through him, reunited with Master Chen Xi… It’s clear that Master Chen Xi is very fond of this disciple. I also believe his potential is limitless, and becoming the Holy Son, even the Sacred Lord, isn’t impossible… He’s just a bit of a womanizer and needs to restrain himself.”

“Son-in-law Yan Zhen does have… quite a few lovers.”

Although Yan Zhen had been well-behaved during his three days at the Yu residence, especially during their treatment sessions, the fact that he was involved with other women despite being with Xuan’er indicated his philandering nature.

“As for whether the Sacred Ground will forcibly annul the marriage agreement after he becomes the Holy Son, the answer is yes. He’ll likely end up marrying Xuan’er instead, but that’s not important. When he’s powerful enough, he can control his own destiny. Whether he’s a Yu family son-in-law depends on whether he acknowledges it in his heart.”

“But—”

“Since Yan Zhen is currently willing to marry in, it means he truly loves Xuan’er and is willing to humble himself for her. As long as he feels a sense of belonging to the Yu family, whether he’s officially a son-in-law or not is irrelevant. The key is to capture his heart.”

“Your wisdom is profound, Supreme Elder. I was being shortsighted… I’ve already agreed to choose one or two women from the clan to marry him along with Xuan’er, and I’ve also allowed him to bring his other lovers into the Yu family as concubines… However, that child is a philanderer. That alone might not be enough to tie him down. We need to offer him something unique to the Yu family.”

Supreme Elder Yu looked intently at Clan Head Yu Lu, understanding her meaning.

Something unique to the Yu family… that would be their almost-forgotten tradition of “shared husbands.”

It seemed she truly intended for both mother and daughter to serve Yan Zhen, binding him firmly to the Yu family.

After all, in this era, sisterly “sharing” was common, but mother-daughter sharing was rare, a surefire way to conquer a philanderer.

However, as the Clan Head and heir, sharing a man would undoubtedly draw opposition from the clan elders, so she couldn’t act without approval.

With the Supreme Elder’s consent, the resistance within the clan would be much less.

Supreme Elder Yu pondered, then said, “Since you’ve made up your mind, then do it. A philanderer like Yan Zhen definitely wouldn’t be able to resist a mother-daughter pair. Sharing a husband might be considered shameful in the outside world, but it’s not uncommon within the Yu family.”

Clan Head Yu Lu blinked, stunned. Mother and daughter?

She had been thinking of having her younger sister and sister-in-law serve Yan Zhen.

It was clear that Yu Qing had feelings for Yan Zhen, though she refused to admit it, and Bai Lan’s attitude towards him was also unusual. She had never seen her so close to any other man.

Having them serve Yan Zhen would not only win his heart but also… bring them together, killing two birds with one stone.

But why did the Supreme Elder say “mother and daughter”? Could it be that she thought Yan Zhen wouldn’t be satisfied with just that and needed a mother-daughter combination? Meaning… she wanted her to participate personally?

Th-this—

Clan Head Yu Lu’s heart was in turmoil.

Although the Supreme Elder didn’t interfere in the Yu family’s affairs, her words carried significant weight. Few would oppose her.

Sharing a husband with her daughter… the image of her and Xuan’er, naked, kneeling before Yan Zhen, their buttocks raised… Clan Head Yu Lu’s mind reeled.

“Your wisdom is profound, Supreme Elder. I’ll… consider it carefully.”

…

Yan Zhen was unaware that in the eyes of Supreme Elder Yu and Clan Head Yu Lu, he was now a lecher. And he didn’t know that the next time he treated Clan Head Yu Lu, her attitude towards him would be… subtly different.

He leisurely arrived at the four girls’ private residence and found a crowd gathered in the open space before the building. The center of the crowd was clear, a large heart shape made of fiery red flowers, with the character “Meng” (dream) written within.

A tall, thin young man in an Outer Academy uniform knelt beside the heart, holding a jewelry box containing a thumb-sized fire crystal.

Fire crystals were polished and carved from fire crystal ore. Judging by its Mystic Qi fluctuations, it was probably Tier 4.

—Is he confessing to Meng’er? But where is she? She’s not here.

The young man shouted towards the closed door of the residence, “Junior Sister Meng’er, I like you! Be my girlfriend!”

The surrounding crowd echoed his words, “Girlfriend! Girlfriend! Girlfriend!”

Bang!

A window on the second floor suddenly opened, revealing Yan Meng’er’s cute face, her pink eyes looking down coldly.

“Are you guys done? I’m trying to cultivate!”

The rejected young man, however, was overjoyed. “Junior Sister Meng’er, you came out! Does that mean you’ll be my girlfriend?”

Yan Meng’er, being reborn, didn’t want to waste her breath on an ordinary, self-absorbed boy. “I already have someone I like. Stop bothering me. If you dare disturb my cultivation again, I won’t be polite. Don’t think I can’t beat you just because you’re a nine-star Mystic Scholar.”

She slammed the window shut, clearly annoyed.

Yan Zhen remembered her saying last night that she was close to advancing and that he would be “surprised” when he came back. She must be trying to break through.

This guy had terrible timing. Otherwise, Meng’er wouldn’t be so harsh, only saying, “You’re a good person, but we’re not compatible~”

Back at the Silver Moon City Mystic Academy, many boys had been heartbroken by those words.

Now, there was another victim.

The young man quickly got up, ran to the window, and shouted, “Junior Sister Meng’er, wait! Listen to me! I like you!”

No response.

Just then, a handsome young man emerged from the crowd, walked over to him, patted his shoulder, and said, “Dude, Meng’er already said she doesn’t like you. Stop bothering her, or I won’t be polite.”

The heartbroken young man shrugged off Yan Zhen’s hand and snapped, “Who are you? You can’t call her Meng’er! And you dare threaten me? Do you even know who I am?”

Yan Zhen looked at him, speechless. “Who are you?”

“I’m XXX, a nine-star Mystic Scholar! In six months, I’ll become a Mystic Master and join the Inner Academy! Who are you, you little nobody? State your name, and then I’ll beat you up!”

“I—”

Just as Yan Zhen was about to speak, the window on the second floor opened again with a bang. Yan Meng’er looked out and saw the person she had been longing for.

152 Another Argument with Younger Aunt Dean

Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan, both dressed in their academy uniforms, had a simple breakfast at Clan Head Yu Lu’s courtyard, then leisurely made their way to the landing plaza.

Cousin Yu Die and her mother were already waiting there.

Grand Elder Great Aunt summoned her private airship. Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor boarded first, followed by Cousin Yu Die. Just as Yan Zhen was about to board, Instructor Yu Xuan called out to him.

He turned around and saw Instructor Yu Xuan, unable to contain her emotions, rush into his arms and kiss him passionately in front of the four beautiful elders.

Yan Zhen was stunned, feeling her deep affection, and responded fervently.

The four elders exchanged awkward glances, discreetly looking away.

The maids, led by the head housekeeper, also lowered their heads respectfully.

The couple finally parted for air, breathless.

After the kiss, Instructor Yu Xuan calmed down, a gentle smile returning to her slightly flushed face. “Don’t forget to think of me. I’ll cultivate diligently and try not to let you surpass me too quickly.”

Yan Zhen scratched his cheek and whispered, “I already have~”

Instructor Yu Xuan, experienced in the ways of love, understood his implication and playfully punched his shoulder. “Don’t say such suggestive things.”

“I love you, Instructor. I’ll miss you. You’ll always be in my heart.”

“Hmph, even a tenth of that would be enough for me, you philandering little radish.”

“Uh…”

/(//o/ω/o//)/

Yan Zhen was speechless. Counting carefully, the number of women he was involved with had indeed exceeded ten.

Sigh, he was supposed to be the protagonist of a no-female-lead fantasy novel. How did it end up like this?

[…]

“Then I’ll be going. Goodbye, Instructor.”

Yan Zhen boarded the airship and sat beside Cousin Yu Die, facing Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor.

As soon as he sat down, Cousin Yu Die said, “So passionate. No wonder the books say that lovers separated by distance can’t help themselves when they reunite, often engaging in… activities during the day.”

Yan Zhen gave the heroic-looking, short-haired cousin a look. “What have you been up to these past two days, Cousin? You disappeared after dinner.”

“I had two days off. Naturally, I was relaxing at home.”

“Wouldn’t your mother disapprove?”

“She can disapprove all she wants. I’ll relax regardless, hmph!”

“Right.”

—So, Cousin is a homebody.

Yan Zhen imagined Cousin Yu Die in an oversized T-shirt, her hair in a ponytail, sprawled on a sofa, with chips in one hand and a soda in the other.

He shook his head, dispelling the strange image, and inadvertently met Younger Aunt Dean’s gaze.

“What are you looking at?”

Younger Aunt Dean initiated the confrontation. Yan Zhen wasn’t going to back down. “If you weren’t looking at me, how would you know I was looking at you?”

“I’m your elder. I’m looking at you because I appreciate you as a junior. You looking at me is disrespectful!”

“Oh? You appreciate me, Younger Aunt? Do tell, what do you appreciate about me?”

“I…” Younger Aunt Dean almost instinctively retorted, then said with a forced smile, “Naturally, I appreciate your handsome face, your quick wit, and your silver tongue, which you use to deceive innocent young women and make them fall for you, hmph!”

Yan Zhen was unfazed and stuck out his tongue playfully. “Younger Aunt, you’re mistaken. My tongue isn’t made of silver. See for yourself. Blegh~”

He even made a licking motion towards her.

Younger Aunt Dean froze, watching his pink tongue… “wiggle,” her face flushing, her heart racing. She swallowed hard, snapping back to reality only when she heard a chuckle beside her.

Glaring at her giggling friend, Younger Aunt Dean snorted. “Who wants to look at you? Put that thing away. It’s disgusting.”

Yan Zhen shrugged and retracted his tongue. “Instructor Yu Xuan just cleaned it. It’s very clean.”

“Shameless!”

“I have plenty of shame.”

Yan Zhen grinned mischievously.

Younger Aunt Dean felt the urge to punch him in the face, giving him a black eye.

Cousin Yu Die looked back and forth between Yan Zhen and Younger Aunt Dean, shaking her head inwardly.

—Cousin-in-law is indeed quite something, but is he really that attractive?

She leaned closer to Yan Zhen and sniffed discreetly, surprised by his pleasant scent. She felt a slight stirring within her, but quickly dismissed it.

—No, no, I saw how affectionate he and Xuan’er are. I’m just an outsider.

And watching her cousin and her husband being lovey-dovey every day would be torture!

Thinking of this, Cousin Yu Die ignored Yan Zhen and closed her eyes, feigning sleep.

Shui Bailan also glanced at Yan Zhen and her friend, who were glaring at each other, a faint smile playing on her lips, then she also closed her eyes and pretended to rest.

As for Grand Elder Great Aunt at the helm, she was immersed in the joy of piloting, humming a tune and even using her Water Mystic Power to create a musical accompaniment.

The airship broke through the clouds, following the same route back, arriving at the Outer Academy of the Sacred Ground Academy before noon, landing smoothly in front of Yu Heaven Pavilion.

Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor stepped off the airship, followed by Yan Zhen.

“Why are you getting off?” Grand Elder Yu Yan asked.

“I have some business to attend to in the Outer Academy… Great Aunt, you and Cousin can go back first. I’ll return to the Inner Academy tomorrow.”

“Remember to come back early. It’s almost time to enter the Yin Polar Secret Realm.”

Yan Zhen acknowledged her instructions, and then Grand Elder Yu Yan and Yu Die left.

“Then I’ll be going, Aunt.”

Aunt Head Instructor smiled faintly. “Mm-hmm, go ahead. Come visit again when you have time.”

“Wait!” Younger Aunt Dean blocked his path. “Be honest, are you going to see your four… lovers?”

Yan Zhen, not intimidated at all, replied calmly, “Yes, Younger Aunt. Do you have a problem with that?”

“You’re not allowed to go!” Younger Aunt Dean said, displeased. “You’re practically a member of the Yu family now. Don’t mess around with other women. It’s best to end all those ambiguous relationships as soon as possible.”

Yan Zhen raised his index finger and wagged it slightly. “Small-minded, so small-minded. Mother-in-law has already agreed to let me bring them into the Yu family as my concubines. You should stop worrying about such things, hehe~”

“What? Second Sister agreed? How is that possible?!”

Younger Aunt Dean was shocked, as if betrayed by her own teammate. Even Aunt Head Instructor was surprised, not expecting her sister-in-law to be so indulgent towards Yan Zhen.

“If you don’t believe me, you can ask Mother-in-law yourself. I have things to do. I’ll be going now. See you later.”

Yan Zhen brushed past Younger Aunt Dean, walked through the Outer Academy Dean’s office, down the stairs, and left Yu Heaven Pavilion, heading towards the four girls’ private residence.

Watching him leave, Younger Aunt Dean immediately took out her Yu family communication talisman and demanded to know why her second sister had agreed to let Yan Zhen bring those other women into the Yu family.

Clan Head Yu Lu ignored her foolish sister and contacted Supreme Elder Yu to discuss the matter of Yan Zhen.