Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Jia Lan(Garlan) = Azure Lotus

Chapter 2: A One-of-a-Kind Soulmate

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, are you about to give up?”

Inside the cabin, Ji Ya leaned against Yan Zhen, her posture incredibly intimate. However, her words held a competitive edge, stirring his youthful spirit.

He glanced at her, smirking. “Nope, I’m perfectly comfortable. You’re the one who’s about to crack, Sister Ji Ya. Your face is getting pale.”

“You’re mistaken, Little Brother. I’ve already experienced… intimacy with you in my dreams. Hugging is nothing.”

“That’s easy to say. Then why are you scratching my waist?”

She blinked innocently. “Aren’t you doing the same?”

“You started it!”

He retaliated, his hand moving across her waist, his fingers playfully squeezing her soft flesh.

She nearly moaned, quickly covering it with a chuckle. “I never said we couldn’t use other methods to distract each other~”

Her hand suddenly slipped beneath the hem of his shirt, her fingers scratching his sensitive waist, her movements like a skilled musician playing a pipa.

She went straight for the kill?! He gasped, wanting to retaliate, but her form-fitting qipao offered no openings.

He squirmed under her relentless assault.

“That’s cheating!”

“It’s called thinking outside the box.”

He refused to admit defeat, his hand moving more aggressively across her waist, from her ribs to her hips, back and forth, his finger accidentally brushing against the soft underside of her breast.

Her heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Those with “cauldron physiques” were naturally sensitive, especially when the touch came from someone she had secretly admired for years.

His touch, though lacking romance, elicited a physical response regardless of his intentions.

“You’re blushing, Sister Ji Ya.”

“I’m not! You are! Your ears are bright red!”

“I won’t lose!”

“You’re so competitive, Little Brother Yan Zhen… But your… little brother isn’t so confident, is he?”

“!!!”

— He had lost. His arousal was too obvious to deny.

Sometimes, being too big wasn’t a good thing.

“That’s because you cheated, Sister Ji Ya! Otherwise, I wouldn’t have… Hmph!”

She sighed inwardly with relief. If he had continued, she would have lost control.

Of course, she wouldn’t admit that. Instead, she chuckled. “Are you refusing to admit defeat, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

“Who said I’m not admitting defeat? It’s just being a puppy. What’s the big deal?” He pouted. “Should I bark for you?”

“Just barking isn’t enough~”

“What do you want, Sister Ji Ya?”

“If you’re the puppy, then I’m the master.” She winked at him. “Shouldn’t a good puppy obey its master’s commands?”

He crossed his arms, his tone defiant. “Sorry, I’m a clever husky. My mind is filled with million-dollar renovation plans. I don’t obey commands!”

“You little rascal~” She chided him playfully. “But even a husky would accept treats from its master, right?”

She picked up a cherry from the fruit platter, holding it delicately between her slender fingers, and popped it into his mouth.

“Calm down, Little Brother. I was just teasing you.”

His demeanor softened instantly. “I wasn’t really angry.”

“Really? Then why don’t you feed me?” Her expression was skeptical.

He grabbed a banana, peeled it, and offered it to her.

“Here you go.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, taking a small bite, then covering her mouth with her hand until she had swallowed, her every movement elegant and refined.

“Thank you, Little Brother Yan Zhen~”

He blushed, suddenly feeling shy. He withdrew the half-eaten banana, quickly finishing it himself.

She giggled, then challenged him, her voice seductive. “Ready for another round, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

His shyness vanished. He tossed the banana peel aside. “Bring it on! I’m not afraid of you!”

…

The Sky Skiff soared smoothly through the clouds, Yan Zhen and Ji Ya locked in their playful competition, their arms wrapped around each other. The twin bodyguards, their eyes closed, meditated peacefully, while Aunt Mu, at the helm, shook her head, unsure who was truly winning this battle.

The Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters wasn’t located within the Gallo Kingdom, but in the Royal Capital of the neighboring Sunward Kingdom, a considerable distance. Even for a Mystic King traveling at full speed, it would take some time, let alone a Sky Skiff.

An hour later, they approached the border of the Gallo Kingdom. Through the cabin windows, they could see a range of towering mountains in the distance, resembling a giant dragon sprawled across the land.

This was the renowned “Demon Dragon Mountain Range,” spanning the territories of two kingdoms, stretching for thousands of miles, the largest mountain range in the eastern part of the Jia Lan(Garlan) Continent.

Even from this altitude, they couldn’t see the “Great Marsh Desert” beyond the mountains, a testament to its vastness.

The Demon Dragon Mountain Range was home to countless medicinal herbs and Mystic Beasts, a land of both danger and opportunity. Hunters and adventurers flocked to the mountains, dreaming of discovering ancient inheritances and hidden treasures, hoping to achieve greatness.

The Great Marsh Desert beyond the mountains was even more wondrous. Amidst the endless sands lay a city built on water, its inhabitants worshipping a mysterious serpent deity.

Both the Demon Dragon Mountain Range and the Great Marsh Desert held Extreme Flames that Yan Zhen needed. After completing Ji Ya’s treatment, he would venture into these lands, encountering individuals who would play crucial roles in his journey.

Near the Demon Dragon Mountain Range lay a bustling town called “Green Water Town,” named after the clear river that flowed around it. It was a popular stopover for hunters and adventurers, a hub for trade and information exchange.

The Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, never missing an opportunity, had established a branch in this town. They would be making a brief stop to inspect it.

The Sky Skiff landed in the courtyard behind the Chamber of Commerce’s branch in Green Water Town. They disembarked, greeted by the branch manager.

Yan Zhen, following behind Ji Ya, was on high alert.

He was about to encounter his one-of-a-kind soulmate here, a woman who held a crucial clue to the second Extreme Flame, the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.

Only with her guidance could he locate the second Extreme Flame after completing Ji Ya’s treatment.

This encounter was of paramount importance!

…

The manager led them to the VIP room. After a brief rest, Ji Ya began reviewing the branch’s accounts and listening to the manager’s report.

Bored, Yan Zhen excused himself, leaving the VIP room.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw her. She was also emerging from the VIP room across the hall, their paths colliding.

Their eyes met, and they both stared at each other, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

Vol 3 Chapter 1: Getting Used to Physical Contact

Yan Zhen arrived at the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce by carriage, then, guided by a servant, made his way to the rear courtyard.

Ji Ya, her twin bodyguards Jin Tong and Yu Nu, and Aunt Mu, who had been lurking in the shadows, were already waiting for him.

Before them lay a sleek, yacht-like vehicle, officially known as a “Sky Skiff.” Its cabin was compact, typically used for small group excursions.

Ji Ya stepped forward, taking his arm, her voice laced with playful reproach. “I thought you weren’t coming, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”

He scratched his head, forcing a smile. “Sorry, I slept in a bit.”

“Poor Little Brother Yan Zhen. Did your cousins drain you dry last night?”

“Well…”

“Save some for Older Sister! I’m counting on your… essence for my treatment~”

“…”

He knew he couldn’t match her teasing. He wisely chose to remain silent.

She, sensing his surrender, led him to the Sky Skiff, guiding him to the back seat.

As he sat down, she gracefully took the seat beside him, her shapely bottom brushing against his thigh. The contact was subtle, almost imperceptible, perfectly calculated.

The twin bodyguards sat in front of them.

Aunt Mu was at the helm. This was the first time he had seen her face, but he didn’t ask any questions.

“Everyone ready? We’re taking off.”

With those words, Aunt Mu activated the Sky Skiff. It slowly rose into the air, then shot forward, disappearing into the distance.

The inertia from the rune-powered propulsion system caused the passengers to sway slightly.

He felt her silky leg brushing against his thigh repeatedly. He knew it wasn’t intentional, but the sensation sent a surge of warmth through him.

“Ahem.”

He discreetly shifted his leg, but she noticed his movement.

“What’s wrong, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

“N-nothing.”

“Are you… uncomfortable being close to me?” She continued without waiting for his answer. “I understand. We’ve only known each other for a few days, after all. Even though we were… husband and wife in my dreams, that was just a dream. It’s natural to feel awkward in reality.”

He understood the implication.

Despite her seductive appearance, she was actually quite conservative. In the script, during her treatment, she had trembled and blushed whenever he touched any part of her skin besides her hand.

Her deliberate flirtation was partly due to her “cauldron physique” and partly a tactic to disarm people, making them focus on her beauty, overlooking her true capabilities. It was a form of self-protection.

Clearly, she was also uncomfortable being so close to him, but for the sake of her treatment, she was forcing herself to overcome her shyness, engaging in seductive and even submissive behavior.

He had rejected her kindness. Could anything be more hurtful?

He felt a pang of guilt.

“I’m sorry, Sister Ji Ya. I’ll try to get used to it.”

“It’s not your fault, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I was being too hasty.”

She shook her head, then said thoughtfully, “How about this? When we arrive at headquarters, we won’t rush into treatment. We’ll… practice first.”

“Practice?”

“Yes. The treatment requires… intimate dual cultivation. And you need to be in control the entire time. But you’re afraid to even touch me. How can we possibly proceed? You’re already this awkward with clothes on. Imagine what it will be like when we’re both naked! To be honest, I’m also a bit… apprehensive about touching you. My mind tells me it’s fine, but my body instinctively resists. So I was thinking, regardless of whether we develop feelings or not, we should at least get used to physical contact.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense, Sister Ji Ya.”

“So, shall we try it now?” She tempted him. “Let’s start with our hands.”

He had no objections.

Hands? Piece of cake! As a transmigrator, I’m not bound by these antiquated customs!

He extended his hand, expecting her to shake it, but she placed her hand on top of his, her slender fingers slowly interlacing with his.

Although he was much younger, men’s hands were naturally larger than women’s, so their palms were similar in size, fitting together perfectly.

He felt her soft, smooth skin against his, even more enticing than a kitten’s paw pads.

She released his hand. “Your turn, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”

He blinked, taking a moment to understand. It was his turn to initiate contact!

He mimicked her earlier action, placing his hand on hers, his fingers interlacing with hers.

Her arm twitched slightly, as if unaccustomed to being held by a man. Her beautiful face showed a hint of discomfort.

“Sister Ji Ya, are you alright? Should I let go?”

She bit her lip, shaking her head. “I’m fine. Let’s stay like this for now. Now, your other hand.”

She reached out with her free hand, her fingers resting on his thigh.

The touch, even through his pants, sent a shiver down his spine.

“Your turn, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”

She lifted the hem of her qipao, revealing her long, silky leg, her gesture shy yet inviting.

He hesitated, then extended his hand.

The moment his fingers brushed against her stocking-clad leg, his mind went blank. He couldn’t resist stroking her smooth, silky skin, the sound of his hand gliding across the fabric filling the air.

She moaned softly, her cheeks flushing crimson, her eyes fixed on him.

He realized he had gone too far.

He tried to withdraw his hand, but she grabbed it, her expression determined.

“Continue. I’ll get used to it.”

“…”

— Damn, she’s going this far? How can I let her down?

He gritted his teeth, steeling himself, his hand slipping beneath the hem of her stocking, exploring the soft skin of her inner thigh.

She gasped, her legs instinctively pressing together, trapping his hand.

— I underestimated this… This feels amazing! If I continue, I might… lose control in front of him!

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, maybe… another spot? Please?”

“O-okay.”

She released a sigh of relief as he withdrew his hand. “How about this, Little Brother Yan Zhen? We’ll hug each other’s waists until we reach our destination. Whoever breaks first is a puppy. Deal?”

— A hugging contest? As a modern transmigrator, I have nothing to fear! She’s doomed!

He reached around her, his arm slipping between her back and the seat, his hand settling on her slender waist.

She smiled inwardly, leaning against him, her arm also wrapping around his waist.

They sat together, their embrace intimate, like a loving couple.

— It took Instructor Yu Xuan months to achieve this level of closeness, yet Ji Ya managed it in just a few days.

vol2 Chapter 133: Their Farewell 

Honestly, leaning against Mi Xue’er’s bosom was quite comfortable. Her breasts, neither too large nor too small, provided the perfect pillow for his head. The warmth of the bathwater further relaxed him, and before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

When asleep, the body’s self-control weakens. Children often wet the bed, and Yan Zhen, a teenage boy, was already quite… restless. The moment he fell asleep, his sage mode deactivated.

Through his hazy consciousness, he heard the girls gasp, followed by a heated argument, which seemed to end in some sort of agreement.

He fell into a deep sleep, entering a bizarre dream. He encountered Xiao Xinyan, mischievous and trouble-seeking, and quickly avoided her. Turning around, he saw Mi Xue’er, transformed into a kung fu master, wielding a staff with impressive skill.

Trapped between the two aggressive girls, he trembled, offering them his finest yogurt to appease them.

They, however, were unimpressed. Mi Xue’er used the yogurt to wash her hands, while Xiao Xinyan applied it to her face as a mask. Neither of them took him seriously.

He was furious! That was his precious yogurt! How could they waste it like this?! He grabbed a whip and lashed out, chasing them around, their screams echoing as they begged for mercy, submitting to him.

He stood triumphantly, laughing maniacally.

— What a strange dream…

It was so bizarre that it woke him up.

He opened his eyes to see Mi Xue’er and Xiao Xinyan, their towels wrapped around them like strapless dresses, their figures alluring.

They were kneeling beside the bath, their hands shaking his shoulders.

“Wake up, Little Brother Yan Zhen! You’ve been sleeping for almost an hour!”

“Dinner’s ready, Junior Brother Yan Zhen.”

He blinked, his mind still foggy. “Senior Sister Xue’er, Senior Sister Xinyan, why… are you here?”

They exchanged glances, their cheeks flushing slightly.

“We came to call you for dinner.”

“But you didn’t respond, so we came in to check on you.”

He stared at them for a moment, then recalled the events before he fell asleep. He decided not to expose them.

“Thank you. I’ll be there soon.”

Relieved that he didn’t seem suspicious, they left the bathroom.

“I’ll go first.”

“Hurry up.”

He splashed water on his face, climbed out of the bath, and went to the changing room. He dried himself and changed into his pajamas.

As he emerged, he saw Mi Xue’er and Xiao Xinyan returning, accompanied by Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, and Instructor Yu Xuan.

Instructor Yu Xuan spoke softly. “It’s our turn to bathe now. Go set the table.”

He obeyed, heading to the dining hall.

The table was laden with dishes, mostly meat and seafood, with a few vegetables, all emitting tantalizing aromas.

Only the bowls, chopsticks, and wine were missing.

As he finished setting the table, the five beauties arrived, clad in their pajamas, taking their usual seats.

“Let’s toast to Yan Zhen’s journey tomorrow.” Instructor Yu Xuan raised her glass. “Cheers!”

Their glasses clinked together, and they all drank the floral wine, their cheeks flushing slightly.

Their last feast had been to celebrate their enrollment. Now, half a year later, they were toasting to his departure, a bittersweet moment.

When he returned, it would be time for graduation. They wouldn’t be staying in this house for much longer. They would be separated again for several months.

As he ate, the girls sipped their wine, their gazes becoming slightly hazy, their cheeks flushed. One by one, they approached him, offering toasts.

Yan Meng’er led the way, followed by Yan Ruyu, then Mi Xue’er and Xiao Xinyan, and finally, Instructor Yu Xuan.

By the end of the round, he was feeling rather tipsy.

…

After dinner, he entered the crystal space, briefly greeting his Beautiful Sect Master. He wouldn’t be cultivating tonight, as he was leaving tomorrow.

Seeing his flushed cheeks, his hazy eyes, and his silly grin, she couldn’t help but pull him into a hug, urging him to rest.

He nuzzled her chest, a gesture of affection, then activated his Star Shifting Fire Seal, returning to his room.

As Mi Xue’er had predicted, Yan Meng’er, abandoning her restraint, arrived with Yan Ruyu in tow.

They pulled him onto the bed, helping him remove his pajamas. They were only wearing their alluring strapless dresses, their bodies pressed against his. Then, they began their “ministrations”.

First, Yan Meng’er’s kisses, then Yan Ruyu’s, followed by a combined assault.

However, they could only control the prelude. Once things got serious, it was his show.

Yan Meng’er had learned her lesson this time. She let Yan Ruyu take the lead, content to provide support from behind.

Though she still crumbled quickly when her turn came, she had managed to prolong their physical contact and even tease Yan Ruyu. Progress!

Yan Ruyu, on the other hand, became completely uninhibited once aroused, losing all reason, transforming into a love-struck puppy, driven by her primal instincts to please her beloved.

After years of unrequited longing, her dreams had finally come true. She seemed determined to unleash all her pent-up passion, showering him with affection.

They served him with all their might, finally collapsing in satisfied exhaustion, their arms wrapped around him, as sleep claimed them.

…

He woke up late the next morning, greeted by two soft “good mornings,” one sweet and innocent, the other shy and hesitant, followed by two kisses on his cheeks, one on each side, perfectly symmetrical.

He was surrounded by their soft, alluring bodies.

Smooth skin, warm bodies, intoxicating scents, and an abundance of softness… No wonder they called a woman’s embrace a “hero’s tomb.” It was truly difficult to resist!

With immense willpower, he suppressed his morning urges, climbing out of bed, washing up, and changing into his travel clothes.

They were still asleep, curled up beneath a blanket, their expressions serene, their beauty enhanced by a touch of newfound sensuality.

“You two should rest a little longer.” He felt awkward. “I drank a bit too much last night. Sorry.”

Yan Meng’er, ignoring her disheveled appearance, threw herself into his arms, nuzzling him like a kitten.

“Remember me, Cousin Yan Zhen~”

Yan Ruyu, clutching the blanket to her chest, sat up slowly. “Be careful. And come back soon.”

His heart warmed. He kissed them both gently before leaving the room.

…

In the dining hall, Instructor Yu Xuan had prepared breakfast, even packing some food for him to take on his journey.

“Take these.”

“Thank you, Instructor.”

She hugged him boldly yet naturally, her voice filled with concern. “Be careful out there.”

He nodded. “I will.”

His Messaging Talisman vibrated. He retrieved it, reading the messages from the two other girls:

Mi Xue’er: I’m not seeing you off because I’ll miss you too much, you silly goose~

Xiao Xinyan: Safe travels.

He smiled, finished his breakfast, and stepped out of the house. The Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s carriage was waiting for him.

***

Volume 2 (END)

Chapter 132: Their Farewell

Yan Zhen was enveloped by her unique scent, their sweat mingling, their body heat intensifying.

He knew she loved cleanliness, so he deliberately hugged her while drenched in sweat, a small act of revenge.

Her previous punishments had mostly involved leaving strawberry marks, lasting for days, forcing him to be careful not to expose them. It was rather… tormenting.

Now the tables had turned. It was his turn to “torment” her.

“Instructor, don’t I smell very… manly right now?”

She buried her face in his chest, inhaling deeply, her eyes closing in a moment of bliss.

“Mmm, you smell wonderful. I love it.”

He felt a twinge of awkwardness. This wasn’t how he had imagined it.

“Don’t you find it… stinky?”

She shook her head, then wrapped her arms around his neck, her tongue darting out, tracing a path along his neck before stopping, her lips latching onto his skin, sucking away a bead of sweat, leaving a faint mark.

She licked her lips, a playful smile curving her lips. “You smell like sunshine.”

He shivered, the sensation of her tongue against his skin sending shivers of pleasure down his spine. It reminded him of a beautiful, noble vampiress feeding.

But she wasn’t sucking blood. She was sucking his sweat.

She seemed to have a particular fondness for his bodily fluids. Even when leaving strawberry marks, she always licked the area clean before proceeding.

— She’s becoming more and more like a juice extractor, the kind that doesn’t leave a single drop behind!

He felt a sense of pressure. “That’s enough punishment, Instructor. You can let go now.”

“No.” She refused. “My punishments always lasted at least half an hour. It’s only fair that yours lasts just as long.”

She tightened her embrace, her breasts pressing against his chest. Her raised arms loosened her neckline, offering a tempting glimpse of her cleavage.

He considered himself a gentleman, so he averted his gaze, only stealing a quick glance.

But he was already struggling.

Her body, like a ripe, juicy peach, was incredibly alluring.

“But Instructor, I’m a bit hot.”

“Hot? Then…”

She channeled her Water Mystic Power, a cool stream of water enveloping them.

“That’s better, right?”

“Uh…”

She sensed his reluctance, her teeth biting her lower lip, her eyes pleading.

“You’re leaving tomorrow… Let me hold you a little longer, please?”

Her gaze melted his heart, calming the turmoil within him, replaced by a gentle warmth. He smiled.

“If you don’t mind, Instructor, you can hold me as long as you like.”

“You said it! Then I’ll hold you until you leave!” Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. “If you feel uncomfortable, I can… help you.”

He quickly dispelled the warmth he had been feeling, replaced by embarrassment. “I-I’m fine! I’m not uncomfortable!”

“Liar. Look how… energetic you are~”

He wanted to disappear. She leaned closer, her voice a whisper against his ear.

“Close your eyes.”

He hesitated, then surrendered to his desires, closing his eyes.

After confirming he wasn’t peeking, she slowly lowered herself, her lips finding his… dragon. She “comforted” him with her mouth, then meticulously cleaned him, like a puppy grooming its beloved.

He leaned back against a wooden post, his head resting comfortably as he pretended to sleep, one hand supporting him, the other stroking her soft, silky hair.

Her hair was truly like water, slightly damp to the touch. Due to her Water Mystic Power cultivation, the underside of her hair had a subtle blue tint, contrasting with the black outer layer. It was quite unique, likely a deliberate choice.

Her beautiful face was usually adorned with a pair of oval-shaped glasses, accentuating her intelligent, scholarly aura. However, she had removed them before their training session, revealing her features fully. Her blue eyes were downcast, focused on her task.

When he was finally calm and relaxed, she sat up, licking her lips, her voice soft.

“You can open your eyes now.”

His neck was stiff from maintaining his position. He opened his eyes, his gaze meeting hers. Her face was flushed, her eyes filled with desire.

He was about to speak, but the words caught in his throat. He pointed at his lips.

She blinked, then realized what he meant. She quickly wiped her mouth, her cheeks burning crimson as she saw the evidence of her… attentions.

He awkwardly looked away, his mind conjuring images of Gintoki’s natural perm, Cloud’s instant noodles hair. *Curls can be soulful, they can be ridiculous, and they can be… sexy. *

After a long silence, she spoke.

“Yan Zhen, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Mmm?”

He turned, their eyes meeting.

“I… The reason I haven’t… given myself to you is because my grandmother placed a family restriction on me. If you take my virginity, it will trigger the restriction, draining your cultivation and turning you into a cripple.”

“Oh… I see.”

“After I remove the restriction… I’ll… I’ll… give you… everything. ”

“Uh… O-okay?”

They both blushed furiously.

He knew about this restriction.

The Yu family was a matriarchal clan. Women held the power, so choosing a husband was crucial.

He couldn’t be too strong, overshadowing her, nor too weak, bringing shame upon her. And he had to be willing to marry into her family. Therefore, the restrictions placed on the heir were strict. She had to remain pure until marriage.

This restriction prevented her from crossing the final line with her beloved. It would only harm him.

Another silence stretched between them.

“It’s getting late. Let’s go back, Instructor.”

“Before we do, let’s go to the market. I’m making you a feast tonight.”

…

They purchased a variety of ingredients, returning to the house to find Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan already busy in the kitchen. They all wanted to prepare a farewell dinner for him.

Instructor Yu Xuan joined them, while he, wanting to help, was shooed away. He went to the bathroom to take a bath.

Autumn had arrived, bringing a chill to the air. The bath was filled with hot water, but he found it not hot enough, using his Mystic Power to heat it further.

His mind was unusually calm as he exhaled, a plume of hot air escaping his lips. He closed his eyes, relaxing in the warmth.

His Mystic Power surged within him, the effects of the Small Origin Pills and the surrounding energy aiding his breakthrough.

When he opened his eyes, his cultivation had advanced to the Ninth Star Mystic Adept realm.

“I never expected to break through while taking a bath. That’s weird.”

He sensed his Spiritual Power had also strengthened slightly. He tested his Spiritual Perception, his senses picking up familiar voices outside.

He could now “hear” with his Spiritual Perception, not just “see.” It had definitely improved. His Soul Realm must have advanced from the initial stage of the Concealed Realm to the early stage.

When he reached the middle stage of the Concealed Realm, his Spiritual Perception would gain another sense. And upon reaching the peak of the Concealed Realm, all five senses would be integrated, allowing him to perceive everything with a single scan: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Of course, he could also choose to focus on a single sense.

However, the conversation outside caught his attention.

“I knew I was right to follow you, Mi Xue’er. What are you planning?”

“I’m going to help Little Brother Yan Zhen scrub his back. Stay out of my way, Xiao Xinyan!”

“Are you crazy, Mi Xue’er?”

“You’re the crazy one! I’m perfectly sane! He’s leaving tomorrow, and he won’t be back for a long time! I want to do something for him before he leaves! Is that a crime?”

“Didn’t we agree to prepare a farewell dinner together?”

“Are you stupid, Xiao Xinyan? That’s a group effort. This is personal. Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu have probably already planned to… serve him tonight. And Instructor Yu Xuan must have said something heartfelt or done something memorable during their training session. You and I are the only ones who haven’t done anything! We’re falling behind! And you’re still clueless! How do you expect to win his favor like this?”

“I… I never said I wanted to–”

“—Stop it! One tsundere Ruyu is enough! I don’t have time for this! Move! If we don’t hurry, he’ll be finished!”

“W-wait!”

“What now?”

“I-I’m coming too.”

“Are you trying to annoy me, Xiao Xinyan? If we both go in, we’ll scare him away!”

“Hmph, you’ll scare him away on your own! Didn’t Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu succeed because they went together?”

“Hmm, you have a point… Fine, I’ll cooperate with you this once. But you have to listen to me!”

“As if I would.”

“Hey!”

Click.

The door to the changing room opened, followed by the rustling of clothes. They were undressing.

His scalp tingled. He frantically scanned the bathroom, but there was nowhere to hide.

Should he enter the crystal space? But appearing before his Beautiful Sect Master in his current state would be too embarrassing, and he wouldn’t be able to explain himself.

Mi Xue’er and Xiao Xinyan’s voices continued to drift through the door.

“Tie your towel tightly. Don’t let it fall off. No one wants to see your… lackluster figure.”

“Who are you calling lackluster? I’m above average! And you’re not exactly a goddess yourself!”

“At least I have a prettier face. And my skin is fairer and smoother~”

“I… Hmph! You’re just a vase!”

“Who’s a vase? My cultivation will soon surpass yours, Shorty!”

“As if! With your figure? Dream on!”

They continued their bickering as they opened the bathroom door. Mi Xue’er’s voice suddenly turned cheerful.

“Yoohoo! Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’m coming– Huh?”

There was no response.

They peered into the bathroom, their eyes widening as they saw him submerged in the bath, his head resting against the edge, his breathing slow and even.

He was… sleeping?

They tiptoed closer, their bare feet padding softly against the floor, confirming he was indeed asleep, a small bubble escaping his nose with each breath.

Yan Zhen was, of course, not actually sleeping. He was just pretending.

By feigning ignorance, he hoped to deter them from doing anything… inappropriate.

“Instructor Yu Xuan’s training must have been exhausting.”

“He looks so cute sleeping. I want to pop that little bubble~”

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“I was just kidding! And you! Keep your voice down! Such a short temper and such a loud voice!”

“You’re one to talk.”

“Whatever. What do we do now? We can’t wake him up.”

“Ahem, leave this to me. You go outside.”

“As if! If I leave, you’ll take advantage of him!”

“Then watch. I don’t care.”

To Xiao Xinyan’s shock, Mi Xue’er untied her towel, dropping it to the floor, and stepped into the bath, naked.

“Wait, Mi Xue’er! You… You’re not going to… Do you have no shame?!” Xiao Xinyan’s face flushed crimson, her voice a hushed whisper, her tone laced with urgency.

Mi Xue’er rolled her eyes. “What are you talking about? I just want him to sleep more comfortably.”

She reached out, her slender arm wrapping around his waist, pulling him gently towards her, using the water’s buoyancy to rest his head on her ample bosom.

“The bath’s edge is hard. He’ll sleep better like this.”

He nearly broke character upon hearing Xiao Xinyan’s accusation, but Mi Xue’er’s actions seemed innocent enough, easing his worries.

However, pretending to sleep while nestled against a girl’s breasts was a test of his willpower. He prayed they wouldn’t notice his… reaction.

“You’re hogging him! What am I supposed to do?”

“Go outside. Or just watch.”

“No way.”

Xiao Xinyan, biting her lip, also removed her towel, stepping into the bath. She gazed at Yan Zhen, sleeping peacefully in Mi Xue’er’s embrace, a smile softening her features. “We’ll… switch after a while.”

“No switching.” Mi Xue’er glared at her. “Go away! Don’t disturb our alone time!”

Xiao Xinyan frowned, about to argue, when her gaze fell on his… aroused state.

How can he… react while sleeping? She wondered, a thought flashing through her mind: Could he be awake?

“Hey, what are you staring at? Shameless!” Mi Xue’er quickly covered him with her hand. “Stop looking! Or I’ll curse you with a sty!”

Xiao Xinyan’s heart pounded. She ignored Mi Xue’er’s taunt, averting her gaze.

Yan Zhen wanted to disappear. But at this point, he had no choice but to continue his act.

Vol2Chapter 131: Older Sister Has the Upper Hand

“Cousin, what’s dual cultivation? Isn’t it just a normal treatment?”

“Why does treatment involve dual cultivation? There’s definitely something fishy going on!”

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er were the most vocal in their objections.

“Sister Ji Ya, are you pulling our legs?”

“I… I also think the Head Shopkeeper is joking…”

Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan tried to mediate.

“How could I joke about such a sensitive matter?” Ji Ya adopted a shy, demure demeanor. “But there’s truly no other way. I only agreed to this after much deliberation.”

Hearing her explanation, Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan turned to Yan Zhen, seeking confirmation.

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er also stared at him expectantly.

He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. “There is another method that doesn’t involve dual cultivation. I just haven’t figured it out yet. I… I’ll do my best to find a solution.”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s voice was soft, laced with a hint of skepticism. “And what if you can’t?”

He hesitated. “Then… dual cultivation is the only option. I can’t just abandon Sister Ji Ya.”

Five pairs of eyes glared at him. He squirmed under their scrutiny, shooting a resentful look at his “good sister” – no, his bad sister!

— She’s doing this on purpose! Why is she tormenting me?

Ji Ya giggled, like a fox who had successfully stolen a chicken, winking at him playfully.

“Don’t worry, sisters. It’s just a treatment. I won’t cling to Little Brother Yan Zhen afterwards and demand he take responsibility.”

The girls exchanged glances.

“Are you serious?”

She sighed dramatically, her voice filled with feigned sorrow. “I know I’m a pitiful woman. I’m already content that he’s willing to acknowledge me as his older sister. How could I possibly ask for more?”

Her melancholic tone evoked a pang of guilt within them. They had been too quick to judge, assuming the worst. She was just trying to survive, even at the cost of her virtue.

They could understand her predicament. Even if the partner was Yan Zhen, their feelings would be complex.

They preferred a normal courtship, leading to a loving marriage, rather than this forced union.

Besides, in their previous life, Ji Ya had indeed remained his “good sister,” even orchestrating his wedding. Clearly, she hadn’t demanded he take responsibility. She might have even rejected him, firmly maintaining their platonic bond. Otherwise, knowing his personality, he would have undoubtedly married her, just like his social-climbing wife.

It seemed they had misjudged her? Even Yan Zhen reconsidered his assumptions.

She might appear bold and unrestrained, but she was actually quite conservative.

He was reluctant to perform dual cultivation with her. Did she truly desire it?

She was merely making a necessary sacrifice to save her life.

Her precognitive dreams had influenced her behavior, leading her to be overly affectionate, even hinting at a romantic relationship.

However, after meeting Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu, she seemed to have changed her mind, abandoning her pursuit of a deeper connection.

He felt a pang of shame. He had been so focused on completing the system’s tasks, ensuring his actions aligned with the script, that he hadn’t considered her feelings.

Was this how a “good little brother” behaved? He was pathetic!

“Don’t say that, Sister Ji Ya. I’ll do my best to find a cure that doesn’t require dual cultivation. And if I can’t… if we have to… I’ll… I’ll take responsibility!”

The five girls, despite their jealousy, couldn’t say anything. It would be insensitive.

“I knew I could trust you…”

Ji Ya was touched.

“But there’s no need to force yourself, Little Brother Yan Zhen. You already have a partner. As your older sister, my blessings are enough.”

— I’ll bear all the pain and sacrifice alone.

Her eyes seemed to convey those words.

He sighed inwardly. Is this the path I’m supposed to take?

Not the precognitive dream path, nor the script’s path, but the path dictated by reality.

Without the medicinal bath recipe from his Beautiful Sect Master, dual cultivation was his only option.

But even after dual cultivation, she would remain his “good sister.” The outcome wouldn’t change.

…

Ji Ya didn’t stay long. After finalizing their travel plans for the next day, she departed with her twin bodyguards, leaving behind a room filled with complex emotions.

“…Yan Zhen, come with me to the training ground.”

Instructor Yu Xuan, snapping out of her daze, grabbed his shoulder, dragging him to the academy’s training ground, slamming the door shut behind them.

“You haven’t finished your movement training. Since you’re leaving tomorrow, let’s try to complete it today.”

He scratched his head. It should have been finished long ago. She had been secretly raising her cultivation, from One Star Mystic Scholar to Two Star, then to Three Star, ensuring he never won, subjecting him to daily “punishments.”

She was clearly using this tactic to claim her “punishment privileges,” leaving strawberry marks all over his body.

Speaking of which, he recalled a close call when Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu had nearly discovered a pink mark on his chest while helping him undress.

Thankfully, he had quickly explained it away as a bruise from Instructor Yu Xuan’s Mystic Power whip during their sparring session. There was even a trace of Water Mystic Power lingering on the mark, requiring him to slowly dissipate it with his own Mystic Power.

His convincing demonstration had dispelled their suspicions, but that night, he had been “drained” four times. They had promised to be more restrained…

“What are you thinking about? Come on!”

“Oh, right.”

He shook off those not-so-pleasant memories, jumping onto the training posts, beginning their sparring session.

…

Hours later, he sat on the ground, drenched in sweat, staring at his hands in disbelief.

He had won. He had successfully knocked her off the training posts.

Could it be that experiencing the power of the General Tier had enhanced his strength?

“Well, that concludes our training.” She bit her lip. “Y-you can… punish me however you like. I won’t back out.”

Her body, glistening with sweat from their intense session, was incredibly alluring. Her hair clung to her flushed cheeks, sweat trickling down her swan-like neck, pausing at her collarbone before disappearing into the deep valley between her breasts, her ample bosom heaving with each breath.

He could only think of one phrase to describe her: juicy and delicious.

And this juicy and delicious woman was offering herself to him for punishment…

He swallowed, then smiled, spreading his arms wide, deliberately letting his sweat-soaked body get closer to her.

“I punish you… to give me a hug.”

“That’s not a punishment!” She blinked, flustered. “It’s a… a reward.”

“If you don’t like it, then it’s a punishment.”

“…”

Weren’t those her words from before?

Her heart fluttered. She surrendered to her shyness, stepping into his embrace.

Chapter 130: A Clash of Tea Power

“It’s not that you can’t come, it’s just a bit sudden. If you had told me beforehand, I could have prepared.”

“Sorry for interrupting~”

Ji Ya hadn’t planned on visiting, but she was concerned by the intimacy between Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan. After inquiring with Nian Lun, she learned that he was currently living with Instructor Yu Xuan, along with four other female classmates, including his cousins.

In her previous life, he had lived alone, never getting too close to any woman. Why was he living with girls now, and had even captured Instructor Yu Xuan’s heart?

She felt the need to investigate.

Upon arriving, she noticed his position at the dining table, sandwiched between two girls.

They might be his cousins, but their seating arrangement, flanking him like slices of cheese in a sandwich, was undeniably suggestive.

And only the three of them were clustered together, while the other three sides of the table had only one person each, as if emphasizing their closer bond, setting them apart from the others.

From her observations, Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan were already quite intimate. They even exchanged a passionate kiss when saying goodbye. They were clearly a couple in love.

What could be more intimate than that?

As expected, she quickly sensed that Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu were no longer virgins.

— They beat me to it?! I thought I could enjoy the first taste this time! Tsk!

“Let’s not talk about that. Sister Ji Ya, have you eaten? Join us.”

Yan Zhen turned to Xiao Xinyan. “Senior Sister Xinyan, could you move next to Senior Sister Xue’er and make room for Sister Ji Ya?”

She didn’t want to sit beside Mi Xue’er, but she couldn’t refuse Yan Zhen’s request.

She glanced at Mi Xue’er, who seemed reluctant but didn’t object, and moved.

Ji Ya’s eyes narrowed. Could these two also have feelings for Little Brother Yan Zhen?

He was exceptional, after all. Living under the same roof, their close proximity would naturally highlight his strengths, making it easy to fall for him.

She sat down, her smile charming. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’m Ji Ya, the Head Shopkeeper of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce. And Little Brother Yan Zhen’s newly sworn older sister. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the future, so please take care of me~”

Yan Meng’er responded cheerfully. “Hello, Sister Ji Ya! I’m Yan Meng’er, Cousin Yan Zhen’s younger sister, and one of his future concubines~”

Yan Zhen felt a metaphorical exclamation mark, signaling danger, appear above his head.

— The power of tea!

Ji Ya, however, maintained her composure, her expression a mixture of surprise and confusion. “What do you mean by ‘one of his future concubines’?”

Yan Meng’er didn’t back down. “Exactly what it sounds like! Besides me, our cousin Ruyu is also one of his future concubines, right, Cousin?”

Yan Ruyu, lacking her cousin’s boldness, blushed at being exposed so publicly.

“I’m Yan Ruyu. It’s nice to meet you, Sister Ji Ya… But… when did you become sworn siblings with Yan Zhen? I don’t recall him mentioning it.”

Ji Ya glanced at Yan Zhen, her gaze seductive. “It wasn’t that long ago. A few days, perhaps. Little Brother Yan Zhen and I hit it off immediately, so we became sworn siblings.”

Clearly, you wanted him to treat your illness, the girls thought.

“And the other two beauties are…?”

“Xiao Xinyan, from the Xiao family. Greetings, Head Shopkeeper.” Xiao Xinyan was rather reserved.

The Head Shopkeeper of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce was a powerful figure, someone even her family had to curry favor with. But she didn’t like the way Ji Ya looked at Yan Zhen, as if she wanted to devour him.

If not for Ji Ya’s status and cultivation, she would have already labeled her a “vixen.”

Mi Xue’er also disliked Ji Ya, but her dislike was overshadowed by apprehension.

In her previous life, he hadn’t been close to many women. Besides his benevolent Beautiful Sect Master, there was only Ji Ya, his “good sister.”

Although Ji Ya hadn’t managed to win his heart, she had achieved something they hadn’t. She was clearly a formidable rival.

“I’m Mi Xue’er. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sister Ji Ya. This is my house. Feel free to visit anytime. I’d be delighted to have you~”

— I can’t show hostility. It would put Little Brother Yan Zhen in a difficult position.

“Thank you for the kind offer, Little Sister Xue’er, but I’ll be returning to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters in a couple of days. I won’t be able to visit often for now… By the way, has Little Brother Yan Zhen told you? He’ll be coming with me.”

Yan Zhen finished his soup, patting his stomach. “I told them yesterday. I’ve already packed.”

Ji Ya blinked. “Then let’s leave tomorrow.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

The women in the house were reluctant, but this was his decision. They had no right to interfere.

Yan Meng’er tried acting cute. “Cousin, isn’t tomorrow a bit too soon? How about in two days?”

He patted her head. “It doesn’t matter if it’s tomorrow or two days from now. The sooner we go, the sooner we return.”

“That’s true, but… Give us some time to prepare mentally! We won’t see you for a long time! What if I get lovesick?”

“You’re getting lovesick a bit too quickly… Besides, I just gave you a Messaging Talisman. Contact me if you need anything. Or even if you don’t.”

Yan Ruyu couldn’t help but ask, “When will you be back?”

He calculated. “The treatment will take about a month. Including travel time, it should be a month and a half to two months.”

Instructor Yu Xuan shook her head inwardly. In my previous life, he was gone for three months, returning as a Mystic Scholar just in time for the graduation ceremony. Could he return even earlier this time?

“Why don’t we come too? We can treat it as a trip!” Mi Xue’er’s suggestion was shocking. “What do you say, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

“Uh…”

“Are you crazy? What about your studies?” Instructor Yu Xuan rolled her eyes. “Besides, he’s not going for fun. He’s treating the Head Shopkeeper’s illness. Why would you tag along?”

Who cares about studies? We’ve already done this once… Mi Xue’er countered, “Don’t you want to go, Instructor?”

Instructor Yu Xuan faltered, sensing a hidden meaning in her words. She felt a twinge of guilt.

“Ahem, w-well, if there’s an opportunity, I’d certainly like to visit the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters. But not now.”

“I apologize, sisters. I’m forced to borrow Little Brother Yan Zhen for a while.” Ji Ya interjected smoothly. “After he’s cured me, I’ll find an opportunity to invite you all to headquarters for a visit~”

“Speaking of which, I have a question.” Xiao Xinyan suddenly spoke up. “The Head Shopkeeper’s illness must be quite serious, right? Junior Brother Yan Zhen is just a beginner in alchemy. How can he possibly cure you?”

Yan Zhen’s heart sank.

As expected, Ji Ya replied, her cheeks flushed. “My illness… it’s both simple and complex. Finding a suitable partner for dual cultivation is half the battle. Little Brother Yan Zhen happens to meet all the requirements. It might be a bit… improper, but I’ve decided to… entrust myself to him.”

Silence descended upon the room. Four pairs of eyes, excluding Instructor Yu Xuan’s, widened in disbelief, staring at Yan Zhen.

— Dual cultivation?!

v2Chapter 129: System: Host, You Did Amazing!

With the City Lord defeated and his cultivation crippled, the City Guard Captain didn’t dare linger. He quickly ordered his men to carry their master away, retreating in disgrace.

The Vice Headmaster announced a day off, dismissing everyone.

Worried about Yan Zhen’s condition, Instructor Yu Xuan took him to her office for a checkup. Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan all followed.

“I told you I’m fine! Stop touching me!”

Inside the office, Yan Zhen swatted away their hands, his face flushed.

“Cousin, why didn’t you tell us about something so serious?” Yan Meng’er scolded him playfully. “You scared us to death!”

They had been terrified.

In her previous life, he had stayed safely within the barrier, held back by her and Yan Ruyu. This time, however, he had somehow run out, nearly giving her a heart attack.

Yan Ruyu, in a moment of impulsiveness, had also wanted to rush out and help. Thankfully, she had stopped her in time.

After confirming he was unharmed, Yan Ruyu glared at him, her eyes like needles, piercing him with their intensity.

Stare~

Mi Xue’er wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, her soft breasts pressing against the back of his head, her voice laced with displeasure. “Have you forgotten about us just because you have a super-rich older sister now?!”

“Uh, how did you know?” He was surprised.

Xiao Xinyan, standing beside them, spoke softly. “What is done in secret shall be made manifest.”

“Heehee,” he chuckled nervously. “She’s just clinging to me because she wants me to treat her illness. It’s nothing serious.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Instructor Yu Xuan cleared her throat pointedly. He scratched his head, feeling like a child caught in a lie.

“Anyway, everything turned out fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Instructor Yu Xuan asked, “Yan Zhen, what was that armor? It instantly boosted your strength beyond the Mystic General realm.”

The four girls stared at him intently.

Whether they had regained their memories or not, they were all baffled.

He had prepared an explanation. “It’s a life-saving treasure my master gave me. It allows me to temporarily match my opponent’s cultivation level.”

His master? The beautiful Mystic Saint? Instructor Yu Xuan nodded, understanding dawning.

Even in her previous life, she had only reached the early stages of the Mystic Sovereign realm. She had limited knowledge of a Mystic Saint’s abilities. Such a treasure was certainly possible.

However, using it in this situation seemed wasteful. She could have easily handled the City Lord herself.

But recalling his words earlier, her heart warmed.

He had used his life-saving treasure because he didn’t want to see her get hurt. Silly boy~

The other four girls were impressed, though confused.

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er were particularly puzzled. In their previous life, he hadn’t used this treasure. He had relied on Instructor Yu Xuan to overcome this crisis. Why was it different this time?

Yan Zhen, however, was worried about his performance.

He had deviated from the script to protect Instructor Yu Xuan. He braced himself for the system’s scolding.

He needed a good excuse.

Just then, the system interface popped up, startling him.

[Ding! System’s Enthusiastic Praise: Host, you did amazing!]

— What?!

His prepared apology vanished as he stared at the screen in disbelief. The system continued.

[This non-key plot point was supposed to be a humiliating moment for the protagonist. However, Host proactively changed it, turning it into a badass power-up, capturing the essence of a satisfying story! What a brilliant move! Host, you truly are a little movie star! System rewards you with a heart emoji. Mua~]

— Oh… Well… Ahem, you’re too kind! I’ve read countless satisfying stories, you know? I instantly recognized that this humiliating scene wouldn’t go over well with the readers if I followed the script. So I made a bold decision, using my precious trump card to show off in front of everyone! And… uh… I even spared the City Lord’s life, mostly adhering to the script and ensuring it doesn’t affect future developments. Hahaha~

As he praised himself, the system interface filled with heart emojis and blushing faces, clearly pleased with his performance.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

The system had always emphasized that he had freedom to improvise in non-key plot points, as long as he didn’t deviate from the protagonist’s persona or disrupt the overall plot.

This had been a happy accident.

He would have to be more careful in the future.

…

“You crippled the City Lord. They won’t cause any trouble for a while. But you should still be wary of the Lan family’s retaliation.”

The City Lord’s Mansion, the Lan family, had more than one expert.

Besides the City Lord, they had two One Star Mystic Generals and several Eight and Nine Star Mystic Masters.

Only the Xiao and Yu families could rival them.

“You’re going to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters to treat Ji Ya anyway. You should leave soon, to avoid trouble. We’ll contact you with a Messaging Talisman when the Sacred Ground Academy’s airship arrives.”

Though reluctant, this was the best course of action.

The Lan family held significant power in Silver Moon City. If they targeted him, unless he remained within the academy’s walls, they would find an opportunity to strike.

His trump card, the power rivaling a Mystic King, could only be used once. There was no need to risk a confrontation with the Lan family.

Yan Zhen, however, frowned. “If I leave, you’ll be in danger.”

He had planned to visit the City Lord’s Mansion, make a grand display of power, and intimidate them.

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled. “Don’t worry about us. With you gone, they won’t dare act recklessly. Otherwise, the Mystic Academy will have a legitimate reason to intervene.”

The most powerful faction in Silver Moon City wasn’t the City Lord’s Mansion, but the Mystic Academy and the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce. The Mystic Academy, in particular, had numerous experts. If a war broke out, the City Lord’s Mansion wouldn’t stand a chance.

However, their worries were unfounded. That afternoon, Ji Ya sent Aunt Mu to pay a visit to the City Lord’s Mansion, casually destroying their main gate as a warning.

The next day, the Lan family sent representatives to apologize.

They had offended not only the Mystic Academy, but also the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, who had even dispatched a Mystic King. This was a burden they couldn’t bear.

They apologized profusely, even imprisoning the crippled City Lord as a sign of their sincerity.

…

After the Lan family’s departure, an unexpected guest arrived at the house.

Yan Zhen, enjoying his lunch, stared at the visitor, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Sister Ji Ya, w-what are you doing here?”

She, accompanied by her twin bodyguards, smiled sweetly. “Why? Can’t I visit?”

He quickly glanced at the other five women, noticing their displeasure, their gazes filled with suspicion and hostility.

If Yan Meng’er was occasionally a bit “tea-like,” then Ji Ya was a full-fledged vixen, her alluring aura attracting men while repelling women.

The previously harmonious atmosphere turned awkward.

Chapter 128: No Mercy

Facing Yan Zhen clad in fiery armor, a flicker of fear crossed the City Lord’s heart, as if opposing him was a foolish endeavor.

But he quickly brushed aside the feeling. Yan Zhen was just an Eight Star Mystic Adept. Even with some temporary method to boost his aura to a Three Star Mystic General level, he couldn’t possibly be a match.

Instead, the City Lord was intrigued by this power-enhancing method. If he could obtain it, he wouldn’t have to be wary of the Mystic Academy anymore.

“Arrogant brat! You dare act so presumptuously before me with your mere demonic tricks?”

He brought his palms together, surging Ice Mystic Power condensing into a crescent moon, emitting a chilling glow.

“Prepare to die!”

He flung the crescent moon forward. It expanded into a massive blade, slicing through the air towards Yan Zhen, carrying a bone-chilling cold.

Instructor Yu Xuan’s heart leaped into her throat. Even she would struggle to withstand this attack, let alone Yan Zhen, an Eight Star Mystic Adept. But the current Yan Zhen seemed to be far more than just a Mystic Adept…

As the moon blade approached, Yan Zhen casually raised his hand, swatting it away. The blue blade shattered into countless fragments, dissipating into nothingness.

The City Lord’s eyes bulged.

He had dispersed their Lan family’s renowned General Tier Mystic Skill, the Silver Frost Great Moon, with a single slap? How was that possible?! Was that brat a Mystic King?

“…He’s so strong…” Instructor Yu Xuan whispered, her heart pounding.

The City Guard and the Mystic Academy’s students and instructors were stunned, unable to comprehend how Yan Zhen had achieved this. Was it the armor he was wearing?

Yan Zhen, however, was acutely aware of his current strength. He was at the Three Star General Tier, but he wasn’t a Mystic General. He was a… Heavenly General!

Fueling his armor wasn’t Mystic Power, but a far more potent force: Heavenly Power!

Heavenly Power was a force that only Mystic Kings and above could access, fully controlled only by Mystic Venerables and above!

“If that’s all you’ve got, you might as well join your son and grandson down below.”

His voice, emanating from beneath the armor, was emotionless, almost mechanical.

He moved with blinding speed, appearing before the City Lord in an instant, his fist, engulfed in gold and silver flames, aimed at the City Lord’s chest.

The City Lord, his heart pounding with fear, crossed his arms, his Ice Mystic Power forming a massive shield of ice.

His efforts were futile.

The fiery fist shattered the shield, connecting with his chest.

The sound of cracking bones echoed as the City Lord, blood spraying from his mouth, was sent flying backwards.

— How can he be so strong?!

Before he could land, Yan Zhen appeared behind him, his leg whipping out, striking his shoulder, sending him hurtling towards the academy gates like a kicked ball.

Bang!

The City Lord crashed into the academy’s barrier, the impact reverberating like a thunderclap. The force of the collision sent ripples through the barrier, the rebound flinging him backwards.

He felt like his body was breaking apart. As he lay on his back, his gaze met the armored figure descending from the sky.

He sensed his impending doom. He tried to speak, but Yan Zhen’s hand, wreathed in flames, clamped down on his face, pushing him downwards.

“Blazing Meteor Fall.”

They plummeted like a fiery meteor, crashing into the plaza before the academy gates, creating a crater over ten meters wide.

Instructor Yu Xuan rushed to the crater’s edge, peering down. Yan Zhen stood amidst the debris, the City Lord lying at his feet, battered and defeated.

“Impossible… This is impossible… How can a mere Mystic Adept–” The City Lord couldn’t accept reality.

He had ruled Silver Moon City for many years. Even the Mystic Academy’s Headmaster had never truly defeated him. And now he had been defeated by a mere student.

The very student who had killed his son!

Yan Zhen placed his foot on the City Lord’s dantian.

“If you weren’t the City Lord, you would be dead already. I show no mercy to those who try to kill me.”

The City Lord realized what he was about to do, struggling in terror.

“No! You can’t do this! I’m the City Lord!!!”

Crack.

Heavenly Power surged into his dantian, shattering it, destroying the surrounding meridians.

The City Lord screamed in agony, his cultivation crippled. He would be reduced from a powerful Mystic General, the ruler of Silver Moon City, to a helpless, middle-aged man.

His power, his status, his wealth, his women… everything would be stripped away.

This was far more unbearable than losing his son, than losing his own life!

His screams subsided as he lost consciousness, his body going limp.

The crisis averted, the power of his trump card dissipated. The fiery armor transformed back into flames, returning to his dantian, revealing his true appearance. His aura returned to the level of an Eight Star Mystic Adept.

“Yan Zhen!”

Instructor Yu Xuan jumped into the crater, rushing to his side, her arms wrapping around him as she examined him anxiously.

“Are you alright?”

He forced a weak smile. “I’m fine, Instructor. Don’t worry. Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine.”

She studied him for a moment, then pulled him into a tight embrace, her soft, fragrant body pressing against his, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and anger.

“You little rascal! Why didn’t you listen to me? Challenging a Mystic General at the Mystic Adept realm! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Couldn’t you have let me handle it?”

“I could have, but…” He hesitated, then hugged her back, feeling the soft curves of her waist against him, his heart calm and steady. “I didn’t want you to get hurt because of me, Instructor. You’ve already done so much for me.”

His embrace sent her heart racing. She didn’t know whether to be happy or angry.

“You fool… Don’t ever do that again.”

He nodded obediently.

“I’ll listen to you, Instructor.”

They stood there, holding each other, a moment of quiet intimacy.

Thankfully, due to the extraordinary circumstances, everyone was still reeling from the shock of his victory over the City Lord. No one found their embrace inappropriate.

…

Perched atop a large tree near the academy gates, Aunt Mu, who had hurried from the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, watched the scene below, her expression filled with disbelief.

She had witnessed him wielding the Extreme Flame Sword, slaying three Mystic Scholars the previous night. That was understandable. Extreme Flames possessed such power. But this… How was this possible?

No matter how powerful an Extreme Flame was, it couldn’t bridge the gap between a Mystic Adept and a Mystic General. The difference in strength was simply too vast.

Yet, he had done it.

It was unbelievable.

“The Young Mistress truly has a keen eye for talent. This boy is… extraordinary. However, he seems to be a bit… flirtatious. So young, yet he’s already entangled with his own instructor. I wonder if the Young Mistress can handle him.”

She shook her head inwardly, but these weren’t her concerns. Her duty was to protect Ji Ya.

With no need for her intervention, she vanished, returning to her post.

Chapter 127: Heavenly General Yan Zhen

The Audio-Visual Recorder, a combination of a Shadow Imprinting Mirror and a Sound Retaining Conch, could record both images and sound. Yan Zhen had prepared for this, secretly recording the entire encounter.

“…Lan Ke, leave now, and I’ll pretend this never happened. We can still be classmates.”

Yan Zhen stood atop the wall, looking down at the three figures in the alley.

Despite the darkness, the figure in the middle was clearly identifiable as Lan Ke.

“Heh heh, Yan Zhen, don’t think those Flowing Spring Boots and your slightly faster speed can save you from our combined attack. Tonight, I will kill you and avenge my humiliation! Attack!”

As soon as Lan Ke finished speaking, he attacked. The recording ended abruptly.

The students and instructors present whispered amongst themselves.

Lan Ke had a positive reputation at the Mystic Academy. He was talented, well-connected, and handsome, admired by many female students.

His only blemish was his previous conflict with Yan Zhen over Yan Ruyu, where he had been seen as a bully, only to be defeated. But that was understandable. Who hadn’t acted impulsively for a girl they liked?

They hadn’t expected his hatred for Yan Zhen to reach such a level, leading him to ambush and attempt to kill him.

His death at Yan Zhen’s hands was well-deserved.

Whoosh!

A blast of icy energy shot towards the Audio-Visual Recorder. Instructor Yu Xuan, anticipating this, snorted, swiftly storing the device in her storage ring.

“What do you think you’re doing, City Lord? Trying to destroy evidence in front of everyone?”

The City Lord’s voice was cold. “That’s nothing but fabricated evidence created by Yan Zhen to escape punishment! Don’t be fooled, Instructor Yu Xuan! Hand him over to me!”

“So you’re choosing to be unreasonable?”

“My son is dead! What reason is there to be had?!”

The City Lord roared, his grief and rage a mixture of genuine emotion and calculated performance.

The students and instructors paled, their perception of the City Lord shifting. They feared for their own safety.

The Headmaster was away, visiting the Royal Capital. He wouldn’t be back for several days. If the City Lord lost control, who could stop him?

As they pondered this, the City Lord bellowed, “City Guard, listen up! Enter the Mystic Academy and apprehend Yan Zhen! Kill anyone who resists!”

“Yes, sir!”

The City Guard Captain raised his arm, ordering his soldiers to advance.

However, at that moment, a brilliant light emanated from the top of the academy’s tallest tower, a massive barrier dome slowly enveloping the entire academy.

The soldiers, colliding with the barrier, were repelled, their formation collapsing into chaos.

“This is… the academy’s grand formation?” The City Lord’s eyes narrowed. He noticed the formation disk in Instructor Yu Xuan’s hand, his face darkening. “You’re even using this? You’re truly determined to protect that boy, Instructor Yu Xuan!”

“The evidence is clear. Those who kill will be killed. Lan Ke’s death was his own fault.”

She put away the formation disk, her hand summoning the Silver Falcon Bow. She stepped out of the barrier’s protection.

“I’m his instructor. I’m simply seeking justice for him. There’s no ‘protection’ involved.”

“Fine! Fine! Since you’re so insistent, Instructor Yu Xuan, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

With those words, his Three Star Mystic General cultivation erupted, his Ice Mystic Power transforming into a frigid wave, the autumn breeze turning into a biting icy wind, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.

At the Mystic General realm, Mystic Power possessed a spiritual nature, capable of influencing the weather, temporarily altering the environment.

Instructor Yu Xuan knew she couldn’t defeat the City Lord with her Six Star Mystic Master cultivation. She activated a secret technique, temporarily boosting her strength to the Mystic General realm.

Though only a One Star Mystic General, she possessed the knowledge and experience of a Mystic Sovereign from her past life. Stopping the City Lord wouldn’t be a problem, and she wouldn’t be injured like she had been before.

“If you want to harm Yan Zhen, you’ll have to go through me first!”

The tension escalated, a battle imminent, when a familiar voice rang out.

“—City Lord, I’m here.”

She turned to see Yan Zhen stepping out of the barrier, standing beside her.

“Yan Zhen, what are you doing? I told you to stay in the Headmaster’s chambers!”

He smiled at her reassuringly.

“I don’t want you to get hurt for me, Instructor.”

In the script, he had hidden within the barrier, held back by his cousins, forced to watch as Instructor Yu Xuan fought with all her might to protect him, until they were both severely injured.

He didn’t want that to happen again. He had a trump card now. He could face this alone.

“—Yan Zhen!!!” The City Lord glared at him, his eyes filled with rage. “You killed my son! Prepare to die!”

He charged, his attack infused with bone-chilling frost, aiming for Yan Zhen’s head.

Instructor Yu Xuan intercepted the attack, her Water Mystic Power forming a shield.

The shield instantly froze, then shattered.

She retreated, about to attack again, but Yan Zhen pulled her behind him.

She stared at him, confused, but he ignored her, addressing the City Lord.

“Old man, you immediately assumed it was me. You clearly knew Lan Ke was going to ambush me, didn’t you? Why didn’t you stop him? Because you thought he could kill me with two Four Star Mystic Scholars, right? But you were wrong. Lan Ke’s death… You’re partly responsible.”

He muttered, “Belt Mode,” his hand reaching out to grab the system, which had transformed into a card holder. He attached it to his waist, the belt securing it firmly.

“You failed to teach him how to be a decent human being. You failed to stop him from harming others. So he died. You killed him with my hands.”

He selected a card from the holder, casually tossing it into the device.

He met the City Lord’s gaze, his voice cold and emotionless. “Transform.”

Boom!

Gold and silver flames erupted from the belt, engulfing him.

At the same time, a powerful melody echoed from the system-transformed driver.

[Emperor Flame! Extreme Flame! Fiery Explosion!]

[Now, the Mystic Path transforms into the Heavenly Path! Heavenly General Yan Zhen, arise!]

The flames dissipated, revealing him clad in magnificent gold and silver flame-shaped armor, his face hidden.

Instructor Yu Xuan gasped, while the City Lord stared in shock. Everyone present was stunned.

An overwhelming aura emanated from him, commanding awe and respect.

In that moment, he understood.

His trump card’s power wasn’t just the power of the Extreme Flame. It was the power of destiny.

He would be as strong as his opponent.

His opponent was a Three Star Mystic General. Therefore, he was now… a Three Star Heavenly General!

“If you want to avenge your son, come at me. I’ll send you to join him.” His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

Chapter 126: The City Lord’s Fury

Yan Zhen dreamt again.

Not the dream about Meng’er, but his usual dream.

He was climbing a snow-capped mountain, reaching the summit to admire the cherry blossoms falling amidst the snow, drinking from the sacred spring hidden within the cherry blossom tree.

The sacred spring soothed his anxieties, replenishing his energy, drawing him out of his slumber.

As always, he woke up in his bed, his head resting on an ordinary pillow, not his Beautiful Sect Master’s lap.

He sat up, stretching and yawning, noticing a strange taste in his mouth.

It was… fragrant.

A milky sweetness with a hint of herbal aroma.

He recalled his Beautiful Sect Master’s… attentions last night, understanding dawning. He remembered his “older sister” teasing him about his preferences, calling him “a child who never wants to grow up.” His face flushed crimson.

Why did she…? Did I act too cute last night? This is so embarrassing!

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, then summoned the system interface, claiming his reward for killing Lan Ke.

[Special Trump Card – I Can Counter-Kill: Can only be activated when Host is at a disadvantage. Upon activation, allows Host to perceive opponent’s weaknesses and seize opportunities for a counter-kill.]

“Subtly useful.”

He stored the card, then noticed there was another reward.

[Special Trump Card – I Can Counter-Kill (Illusion): Upon activation, creates an illusion of “I Can Counter-Kill” for a target at a disadvantage.]

“…No wonder they gave me two.”

He composed himself, washed up, changed into his academy uniform, and left his room.

He had killed Lan Ke last night. Today, he would face the City Lord’s wrath.

He hadn’t used his trump card (Tier 1) yet, so he wasn’t too worried. He was more concerned about Instructor Yu Xuan.

In the script, with the Headmaster away, she had used a secret technique to forcibly raise her cultivation, clashing with the enraged City Lord to protect him, sustaining serious injuries in the process. He had felt incredibly guilty.

Arriving at the dining hall, he saw the four girls waiting for him, their eyes filled with anticipation, clearly expecting gifts.

“Where’s Instructor Yu Xuan?”

“She went to the academy.”

“So early?”

“Cousin~” Yan Meng’er fidgeted, her eyes sparkling.

He cleared his throat, then presented his prepared gifts.

Four Messaging Stones.

Unlike Communication Stones, which allowed for real-time conversations, Messaging Stones could only transmit short messages with a slight delay.

They were common at the Sacred Ground Academy, but rare and valuable in the Gallo Kingdom, not available for purchase. He had “acquired” them at the auction last night.

There were seven in total. After inputting their Mystic Qi and recording their unique energy signatures, they could communicate with each other.

One for each of the four girls, one for Instructor Yu Xuan, one for himself, and one for his “older sister.”

Excluding his older sister, it was essentially a “cohabitation group chat.”

“Now we can chat anytime, anywhere.”

The girls’ eyes lit up, especially Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er.

The Messaging Stone had been the first Mystic Tool they had redeemed with their academic credits at the Sacred Ground Academy. They had created a small group chat, useful for staying in touch during missions and for casual conversations.

And now, with him leaving for a while, they could still chat with him occasionally.

They happily accepted the stones.

He then retrieved four Crystal Cards, repaying his debts.

He could finally stop pretending to be poor!

He had saved the Head Shopkeeper of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, after all. It was only natural for him to be wealthy now, right?

…

After breakfast, they headed to the Mystic Academy, splitting into three groups.

Yan Meng’er went to the intermediate class, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan went to the advanced class, while he went to Instructor Yu Xuan’s office.

However, the office was empty. A note on her desk instructed him to go to the Headmaster’s chambers.

He hurried to the Headmaster’s chambers, where, as expected, the Headmaster was absent. Instructor Yu Xuan was rummaging through a cabinet, while the Vice Headmaster stood beside her, drenched in nervous sweat.

“What are you looking for, Instructor?”

She retrieved an octagonal disk, resembling a compass.

“What’s that?”

“The formation disk for the academy’s grand formation,” she replied calmly. “With this, I can activate the formation and block the City Guard.”

He froze, then understood. She must have figured out what he had done last night and was preparing for the consequences.

“You know, Instructor?”

“Lan Ke attacked first, didn’t he?”

“Yes, he ambushed me with his men, but I killed them. I even recorded the encounter with the Audio-Visual Recorder.”

“Give it to me.”

“Huh? Oh.”

The Vice Headmaster’s sweat intensified. What did they just say? Block the City Guard? Killed Lan Ke? What’s going on?

At that moment, a terrifying aura descended upon the Mystic Academy, stopping above the main gate. A thunderous voice boomed, filled with rage.

“Yan Zhen of Martial Tang City! Come out and face me! Pay for my son’s life with your own!”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression changed. “Stay here. Don’t go anywhere. Vice Headmaster, keep an eye on him.”

She rushed out, formation disk in hand. He tried to follow, but the Vice Headmaster stopped him.

“Student Yan Zhen, Instructor Yu Xuan instructed you to stay here. Please don’t make things difficult for me.”

“I’m not staying!”

He shoved the Vice Headmaster aside, chasing after Instructor Yu Xuan.

Vice Headmaster: Where’s my authority?

The City Lord, consumed by rage, had arrived, not alone, but accompanied by the City Guard, their ranks surrounding the academy gates.

The entire academy, students and instructors alike, was alerted.

Most couldn’t recognize the voice, but the overwhelming aura and the message it conveyed filled them with shock and confusion.

“What’s going on?” 

Someone recognized the voice. It was the City Lord!

And the City Lord only had one son… Lan Ke!

— Holy shit! Yan Zhen killed Lan Ke?

The news spread like wildfire, leaving everyone stunned.

…

By the time Instructor Yu Xuan reached the main gate, numerous students and instructors had gathered. She pushed through the crowd, confronting the City Lord.

“City Lord, isn’t this a bit excessive? Bringing your troops to besiege the Mystic Academy?”

His voice was cold. “Instructor Yu Xuan, Yan Zhen murdered my son, Lan Ke! He has committed a heinous crime! Hand him over, and I’ll withdraw my troops. Are you planning to protect your student?”

Her expression remained neutral. “City Lord, I’m aware of the entire situation. Lan Ke’s death was his own fault. He was jealous of Yan Zhen’s achievements, envious of his treasures. He ambushed him with his men. That’s why Yan Zhen killed him.”

The City Lord refused to accept this. “My son is dead! How can we believe Yan Zhen’s words?”

She held up the Audio-Visual Recorder. “There’s evidence. It’s all recorded here.”