Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Chapter 105: Training and Punishment

The next morning, as Mi Xue’er entered the dining room, she was surprised to find Yan Meng’er had moved her chair to her usual spot, sitting beside Yan Ruyu.

“Meng’er, why…?”

“Cousin Yan Zhen doesn’t like being sandwiched between us! I’m not going to annoy him! You can have your spot back!”

Xiao Xinyan, observing the scene from the sidelines, couldn’t help but smirk.

Mi Xue’er felt a pang of guilt. It seemed everyone else was being considerate, while she was the only one acting unreasonable. And she *had* been planning to move back to her original seat!

She cared about Yan Zhen’s feelings! She wasn’t some spoiled brat!

Reluctantly, she picked up her chair and moved to Yan Ruyu’s other side.

“I’ll sit here too.”

And so, Yan Ruyu found herself sandwiched between her best friend and her cousin.

“…”

She glared at them both, then sighed dramatically.

Yan Meng’er pouted. “Senior Sister Xue’er, you’re copying me again!”

Mi Xue’er shrugged. “That’s called healthy competition, Meng’er.”

“There’s no such thing!”

“There is now.”

They resumed their bickering.

Yan Ruyu, her ears ringing, suddenly understood Yan Zhen’s plight. *How did he endure three days of this? I would have flattened them both by now!*

Yan Zhen soon appeared, his expression puzzled as he saw Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er flanking Yan Ruyu.

They immediately stopped arguing, greeting him enthusiastically.

“Good morning, Cousin~”

“Good morning, Little Brother Yan Zhen!”

“Uh, good morning, Meng’er… Good morning, Senior Sister Xue’er.”

He cautiously took his seat, eyeing them suspiciously. Their cheerful demeanor seemed… calculated.

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, realizing their previous behavior had backfired, felt a pang of regret. They had wanted to get closer to him, but their actions had only pushed him away.

“Cousin, I’m sorry! I won’t bother you like that again! Please forgive me! Here, have my soy milk!” Yan Meng’er offered him her glass, her eyes wide and sincere, her expression pleading. She resembled a heartbroken girlfriend begging for forgiveness.

He stared at her for a long moment, scrutinizing her for any signs of trickery. Finally, he accepted the glass.

“Fine, I forgive you. Here’s mine.” He took a sip of her soy milk, then pushed his own glass towards her.

“You’re the best, Cousin! I love you!” she exclaimed, her words bold and unrestrained.

Her declaration made Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan’s hearts skip a beat. They both cursed inwardly.

Yan Zhen, however, was used to her antics. He rolled his eyes.

Not to be outdone, Mi Xue’er also tried to act cute. “Little Brother Yan Zhen, have my tofu pudding! I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad at me anymore!”

He smiled faintly. “I’m not mad. I’m just not used to being treated like that… Let’s switch bowls. I’ve only had a sip.”

Her eyes lit up. “Okay!”

They swapped bowls.

Their interaction made the other two girls envious. Yan Ruyu glanced at her half-empty glass of soy milk, while Xiao Xinyan stared at her nearly full bowl of tofu pudding, their cheeks flushing.

The atmosphere finally relaxed.

Yan Zhen, too, felt a sense of relief.

They were both attractive girls, and their constant… *closeness* had been overwhelming.

If they had continued, he might have resorted to drastic measures, using his techniques to make them squirm and… well, to humiliate them so thoroughly that they would never dare to touch him again.

For the sake of the plot, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate any potential distractions.

“Where’s Instructor Yu Xuan?”

“She had to go to the academy early. She said to meet her at the training grounds.”

“Okay.”

After breakfast, they headed to the academy, parting ways at the gates.

One to the Advanced Class, two to the Intermediate Class, and one to the Beginner Class.

Yan Zhen arrived at the training grounds, where Instructor Yu Xuan was waiting for him.

The training grounds looked different. Numerous wooden posts had been arranged on the ground, forming a pattern that resembled a formation.

He remembered. She was planning to teach him movement techniques to address his weakness in speed.

His Beautiful Sect Master only knew advanced movement techniques, mostly related to flight. She considered ground-based movement techniques unnecessary, a waste of time, as he would soon outgrow them. Therefore, she hadn’t bothered to teach him.

However, mastering movement techniques was crucial to defeating Instructor Yu Xuan.

He needed to evade her water arrows and close the distance, engaging her in close combat, where he had the advantage.

Although he would soon learn how to fly, these basic movement techniques were still worth learning. One could never have too many skills.

“Yan Zhen, starting today, we’ll be sparring on these posts. Falling off means you lose.”

“Alright, Instructor.”

He nodded eagerly. The system promptly issued a mission, confirming this was a key plot point.

“I’m not finished.” She winked at him. “At the end of each day’s training, whoever falls off the most will receive a small punishment from the other.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t ‘huh’ me. This is to motivate you. You have no choice but to agree.” She chuckled. “If you don’t want to be punished, then do your best to stay on the posts.”

*Hmph, when it comes to staying on top of things, I’m a professional!*

His competitive spirit ignited. “Bring it on, Instructor! Don’t go back on your word if you lose!”

“Of course not.” Her confidence was unwavering.

They both leaped onto the posts, their training session commencing.

…

And that’s when he realized he was still a novice…

She moved like a cat, leaping from post to post with effortless grace, her landings silent and precise. She attacked relentlessly, while he stomped and stumbled, his legs burning, his stamina rapidly depleting.

By the end of the day, he wanted to chop off his feet. His leg muscles felt like they had melted, his knees screaming in protest.

*Who knew standing on wooden posts could be so agonizing?* There must be something special about this post formation. Otherwise, with his initial stage Body Tempering, he wouldn’t be struggling this much.

She had knocked him off eight times in the morning and he had fallen five times in the afternoon. She, on the other hand, had only fallen once, thanks to his sneaky “Qi Vortex Technique.”

Thirteen to one. A crushing defeat. He was going to be punished.

Chapter 104: Changing His Feelings

“Instructor, how are Meng’er and Senior Sister Xue’er doing?”

“I talked to them, but it didn’t seem to have much effect. They’re both very determined, and they’re not afraid to act on their feelings. Be prepared for a… different kind of onslaught tomorrow.”

Instructor Yu Xuan was also troubled. Setting aside her own feelings, as their instructor, she didn’t want her students fighting over a boy, neglecting their cultivation, and disrupting the harmony of their group.

The problem was, they weren’t just competing with each other. They were also dragging others into their mess.

In her previous life, she had known that Yan Ruyu harbored a secret crush on Yan Zhen, but her pride had prevented her from expressing her feelings.

Xiao Xinyan, too, had developed feelings for him after he rescued her. Of course, that was in the past. Now, her feelings were probably far more intense. Her refusal to leave Mi Xue’er’s house, claiming she wanted to live with her instructor, was a clear indication.

“This is a mess.”

Yan Zhen was also worried. This wasn’t in the script. He was supposed to reject every girl who pursued him.

But he wasn’t completely devoid of feelings for them. His cousin, though a bit mischievous, was adorable and affectionate. His senior sister was lively, energetic, and passionate. He genuinely liked them. Rejecting them and hurting their feelings was the last thing he wanted.

He glanced at Instructor Yu Xuan, wondering if she also desired a romantic relationship with him, a “girlfriend” title.

She probably did.

But she never mentioned it. Was she concerned about her reputation as an instructor? Or was she waiting for him to take the initiative?

She blushed, noticing his gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

He quickly averted his eyes, his expression flustered. “Because you’re beautiful, Instructor. It’s good for my eyes.”

As the weather grew hotter, her attire became increasingly revealing. She was currently wearing a pale blue, sleeveless dress, the thin straps barely covering her shoulders. She hadn’t even bothered with a shawl.

This dress was practically lingerie, similar to a towel, only covering her from her chest to her hips. Her arms and legs were bare, her skin dazzlingly white.

It was a rather immodest outfit for an instructor, but everyone in the house dressed like this. No one seemed to care, except for him.

Because it was too sexy.

The other girls were fine, but Instructor Yu Xuan’s mature beauty was incredibly alluring. Her skin was so smooth and delicate, it seemed as if it could burst with a single touch, like a ripe, juicy fruit waiting to be plucked.

And yet, she possessed such a refined and elegant aura. It was clear she came from a scholarly family. Whether she was wearing her oval-shaped glasses or not, she exuded an air of intelligence and sophistication.

“Flatterer~” she chided, but her lips curved into a sweet smile.

She wouldn’t have dressed like this before, but she was trying to be bolder, to showcase her charm, to capture his attention. She had packed away all her conservative, old-fashioned nightgowns.

It was working. He was captivated. Her efforts had paid off.

As she basked in his admiration, her gaze fell on his… arousal. Her heart skipped a beat. “Are you having naughty thoughts again, Yan Zhen?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper.

He blinked, realizing his body had betrayed him once more. He quickly turned away, his back to her.

“It’s just the aftereffects of the soup. A normal reaction. It’ll subside soon.”

His flustered demeanor made her feel a pang of resentment.

He made it seem like she was the one who couldn’t control herself, forcing him to… perform. He was the one with raging hormones! She was simply trying to help him, as his instructor, preventing him from making a mistake.

He didn’t appreciate her good intentions at all…

“I’m going back to my room. Remember to lock your door. Don’t let them sneak in on you.”

“Uh, they wouldn’t do that, would they?”

“Better safe than sorry. Meng’er and Xue’er are capable of anything. Especially Meng’er. She’s so comfortable with you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she crawled into your bed one day.”

“…”

As soon as she left, he bolted his door, then reinforced it with a sturdy stick. He checked the windows, ensuring his room was a secure fortress before finally relaxing and climbing into bed.

…

He managed to survive the night undisturbed. However, the next morning, things took a turn for the strange, starting with breakfast.

Mi Xue’er, who usually sat with Yan Ruyu, had moved her chair to sit beside him.

“Senior Sister Xue’er, there’s no room for Cousin Yan Zhen to sit!”

“Then move to Ruyu’s side, Meng’er! You’ve been hogging him long enough! You always cling to him during meals! It’s my turn now!”

“But I’m his cousin! What’s wrong with clinging to him? You’re the one who has no right to sit next to him!”

“It’s my house! I can sit wherever I want! Hmph!”

Glares intensify.

Yan Zhen sighed. “Can someone please let me in?”

They both jumped to their feet, their voices overlapping.

“Cousin, I’ll let you in!”

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’ll…”

They glared at each other again.

Yan Ruyu lowered her head, as if to say, “I’m not associated with these embarrassing creatures.” However, she couldn’t help but sneak glances at them. Xiao Xinyan, too, was watching the drama unfold, her gaze occasionally flickering towards Yan Zhen.

Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression was even more exasperated than his.

He finally managed to squeeze between them, but he felt trapped, their bodies pressing against him.

Breakfast was dumplings. He had barely picked up his chopsticks when a dumpling, dipped in vinegar, appeared before his mouth.

“Cousin, your favorite pork dumplings! Say ah~”

Before he could open his mouth, another dumpling appeared.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, these seafood dumplings are delicious too! Say ah~”

He blinked, opening his mouth hesitantly. Both dumplings were shoved inside, his cheeks bulging.

“Senior Sister Xue’er, stop copying me!”

“I’m not copying you! I’ve been wanting to feed Little Brother Yan Zhen for ages!”

He didn’t even touch his chopsticks during the entire meal. They kept feeding him, one after the other, their competition escalating.

He didn’t understand the point of this.

After breakfast, they sandwiched him between them again, practically herding him to the academy.

They attracted a lot of attention along the way. Everyone was gossiping about the two academy flowers fighting over the top-ranked student. The rumors became increasingly outrageous.

Some claimed Yan Zhen was two-timing them, and they were forcing him to choose.

Others claimed they were both pregnant with his child and were vying for his responsibility.

Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan were furious.

Some gossip-hungry students even dared to interview the three involved parties. Yan Meng’er, blushing, replied, “We haven’t reached that stage yet, but I’m working on it!” Mi Xue’er chimed in, “We’re planning to get engaged! We’ll think about children later!” Yan Zhen, however, simply glared at them, and they wisely retreated.

Thankfully, they parted ways at the academy gates.

He followed Instructor Yu Xuan to the training grounds for their combat practice session.

— Ahem, this time, it was actual training.

The Mystic Academy had a graduation assessment. The graduating students had to spar against their instructors. The purpose was to instill humility and remind them that there would always be someone stronger.

Of course, the instructors would suppress their cultivation to match their students’ level. However, their mastery of Mystic Power and understanding of Mystic Techniques were far superior.

The Dean and Vice Dean would personally oversee the assessments. The instructors couldn’t hold back. Those who did would be disqualified.

Students who defeated their instructors would receive generous rewards.

Likewise, the instructors also received rewards if they won.

It was a battle between master and disciple.

…

On the training grounds, Instructor Yu Xuan suppressed her cultivation to the One Star Mystic Scholar realm and sparred with Yan Zhen.

Even Xiao Mie, who had been suppressing his cultivation for so long, was no match for her. She effortlessly unleashed a variety of Water Mystic Techniques, her movements fluid and graceful, pushing him back relentlessly.

Her archery skills, in particular, were far more terrifying than Lan Ke’s Ice Silkworm Gloves. Even a grazing blow from her water arrows caused a searing pain. He couldn’t afford to get hit directly.

He realized she was even stronger than described in the script.

It made sense. In her previous life, she had reached the Mystic Ancestor realm. Her experience and knowledge far surpassed that of a mere Mystic Master.

However, he was also stronger than described in the script. If all went according to plan, he would be able to defeat her, a One Star Mystic Scholar, once he reached the Eighth Star Mystic One rank.

…

During lunch break, they stopped training and returned to her office to eat.

The four girls soon arrived.

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, each carrying a lunchbox, spread out the dishes before him, a feast for the eyes.

“Cousin, I made your favorite dishes! Try them!”

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I ordered a lot of meat dishes from the best restaurant in the city! You’ll love them!”

Once again, he didn’t touch his chopsticks during the entire meal. He didn’t even have a chance to scoop his own rice. They kept feeding him, one after the other.

He didn’t understand. Was this their idea of pursuing him? Treating him like an invalid and spoon-feeding him?

It felt more like a competition between them.

Is this really okay?

After lunch, they reluctantly said their goodbyes and returned to class. He resumed his combat training with Instructor Yu Xuan.

…

That afternoon, to avoid the two girls, she ended their training session early. They left the academy and headed to the market to buy groceries.

He was still young, shorter than her, and their appearance, walking side-by-side, resembled siblings rather than lovers.

She was quite well-known in Silver Moon City. Many people recognized her. Therefore, she couldn’t link arms with him like the other girls. She settled for holding his hand, hoping to appear more intimate, which only made them look even more like siblings.

She chuckled, introducing him as her younger brother to anyone who greeted them.

He remained silent, simply nodding along.

…

Back at the house, the four girls had also returned from the academy. Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, ignoring their other duties, clung to him, their ample bosoms pressing against his arms as they glared at each other.

Dinner was a repeat of the previous two nights. He was trapped between them, their hands clinging to his, as they spoon-fed him.

This continued for three days.

…

On the third night, Xiao Xinyan, having received a warning from Instructor Yu Xuan, waited outside Mi Xue’er’s room. She pushed her back inside as she emerged.

Mi Xue’er glared at her, hands on her hips. “Xiao Xinyan, what are you doing? Don’t stop me from seeing Little Brother Yan Zhen!”

“Haven’t you two caused enough trouble?” Xiao Xinyan retorted. “Can’t you see he doesn’t like being treated like this?”

“He… he never said he didn’t like it.”

“Because he’s being polite! When he finally snaps, you’ll regret it.”

Mi Xue’er bit her lip, unable to argue. She realized she had gone too far.

This wasn’t a genuine pursuit. It was just a petty competition with her friends. Yan Zhen was the innocent victim.

At the same time, Yan Ruyu intercepted Yan Meng’er as she was about to head to Yan Zhen’s room.

“Don’t go, you silly girl! He’ll just yell at you!”

Yan Meng’er pouted. “But what if Senior Sister Xue’er gets there first? I don’t want to lose Cousin Yan Zhen!”

“Lose him? If you two keep this up, he’ll run away! Haven’t you noticed how annoyed he looks during meals? He’s incredibly patient. If it were me, I would have snapped by now.”

“Ugh…”

Yan Ruyu sighed, massaging her temples. “This isn’t something you can rush, Meng’er. You should know that. Why do I have to explain this to you?”

Yan Meng’er eyed her cousin. “Senior Sister Xue’er is openly pursuing Cousin Yan Zhen! Aren’t you worried at all?!”

“What good is worrying?” Yan Ruyu lowered her voice. “He’s not easily swayed.”

“Cousin, how can you be so calm?! Senior Sister Xue’er is nothing! The real problem is… that woman is coming soon! And she’ll take Cousin Yan Zhen away! We’re running out of time!”

“That woman? Who?”

An image of a beautiful, fox-like woman flashed through her mind, making her head spin.

“That foxy Head Shopkeeper from the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce!” Yan Meng’er, no longer bothering to hide her feelings, decided to come clean. “When she comes to inspect the branch, she’ll take Cousin Yan Zhen with her. They’ll be gone for three months! He won’t be back until graduation! And by then, the National Preceptor will have stolen his heart! We won’t stand a chance!”

Yan Ruyu blinked, confused. “The National Preceptor? What does she have to do with this?”

“Is that the point?! The point is, we’re running out of time, Cousin!” Yan Meng’er was exasperated. “I can’t win him over on my own! We need to work together!”

Yan Ruyu’s resolve crumbled. “I… I can’t! I’ll die of embarrassment!”

“Better to die of embarrassment than regret!” Yan Meng’er rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to end up alone! I want to be with Cousin Yan Zhen! Don’t you?!”

“But…” She was speechless. After a long silence, she mumbled, “What should we do?”

“Hmph! I’ll use my breasts, and you use your butt! We’ll seduce him until he’s putty in our hands! Then we’ll devour him!”

Yan Ruyu stared at her, her expression flat. She grabbed her cousin’s cheeks and pulled.

“Stop talking nonsense! Be serious!”

Yan Meng’er swatted her hands away. “I am being serious! He only sees us as family right now! We need to use… physical intimacy to change his feelings!”

Besides, marriage between cousins was allowed in their kingdom. It wasn’t taboo.

Chapter 103: A Shocking Discovery

According to Mystic Academy regulations, students who reached the Ninth Star Mystic One rank and secured a position on the Nine Star Rank were exempt from attending classes. They could choose to study under their instructors or cultivate independently, their schedules more flexible.

Therefore, Yan Zhen spent the entire afternoon in Instructor Yu Xuan’s office, engaging in a… marking session.

She sat on his lap, her arms around his neck, leaving a trail of love bites on his cheeks, neck, collarbone, and even his chest.

One kiss, one mark. Then, she would gently lick the mark with her tongue, infused with Water Mystic Power, erasing it completely.

She seemed addicted to the process, unable to stop. She had transformed the “Sage Yan Zhen” into “Dragon Yan Zhen,” then played the role of the merciful Guanyin, subduing the dragon and pacifying the pearl.

Her beautiful face, flushed with passion, held a hint of resentment, as if to say, “Your instructor is angry. You need to appease me.”

This was Instructor Yu Xuan. Usually gentle and forgiving, but once her temper flared, she expressed her displeasure in her own unique way, far more difficult to appease than Yan Meng’er and the others.

However, once her anger subsided, she realized she had gone too far. Her cheeks burning with shame, she climbed off his lap and dabbed at the dampness on his skin with a handkerchief.

“I’m sorry, Yan Zhen. I… I lost control. Are you alright?”

Yan Zhen, who had experienced an afternoon of both pain and pleasure, slumped in his chair, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the imaginary starry sky above. He felt enlightened, on the verge of transcending his worldly desires and embracing a life of monasticism.

Free from all earthly lust.

After a while, he recovered, gazing at her with a hint of reproach. “You’re a lecher, Instructor.”

Her face burned even brighter. She bit her lip, her voice a soft whisper. “It’s all your fault.”

The atmosphere turned intimate once more.

Fortunately, the four girls returned from class, their arrival breaking the spell. Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, competing for his attention, each grabbed one of his arms and dragged him out of the office.

Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan, embarrassed by their behavior, wanted to distance themselves, but they also feared those two troublemakers might do something drastic. They reluctantly followed.

Instructor Yu Xuan, having regained her composure, her face serene once more, joined them.

The sight of the four academy flowers and the top-ranked student walking together was already eye-catching. Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er’s blatant jealousy only added to the spectacle.

Students stopped to stare as they made their way from the office to the academy gates, their gazes following them until they disappeared from view.

The gossip-loving students knew this was big news!

The others, consumed by envy, were practically in tears.

That damn Yan Zhen! Making two academy flowers fight over him! It’s so unfair!

*Handkerchief-chewing intensifies*.

There were also those who were busy shipping couples:

The childhood-friend cousins? The older-woman-younger-man dynamic of Senior Sister Xue’er and Yan Zhen? There were even those who shipped Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er.

Yan Zhen, sandwiched between his cousin and his senior sister, their arms clinging to his, felt their bodies pressed against him.

Yan Meng’er’s bosom was more ample, while Mi Xue’er’s was firmer.

However, he was currently in “Buddha mode,” his eyes vacant, his reactions muted.

They finally released him when they reached the house. He quickly retreated to his room, bolted the door, and escaped to the Crystal Stone Space.

He hadn’t visited his Beautiful Sect Master last night, but he had informed her beforehand.

He stepped onto the altar platform, the disorientation brief and familiar.

“Master.”

Chen Xi opened her eyes, a smile forming on her lips as she saw him. Then, she noticed his pale complexion.

“Zhen’er, what’s wrong?”

“Huh? Nothing’s wrong.”

She frowned. “You look pale, and your aura is unstable. Don’t tell me you actually… did something with that Xue’er girl?”

Oh, no. He had indulged in three or four rounds of “treatment” that afternoon and hadn’t fully recovered.

“No, Master! I just… I was just…”

He couldn’t bring himself to say it. Damn you, Instructor Yu Xuan! How am I supposed to explain this to my master?

“Just what?” She eyed him strangely. “It’s normal for a young man your age to… relieve himself. But you need to know your limits. Depleting your vital energy will affect your cultivation.”

“I’m sorry, Master. I’ll be careful.”

“Good. Come rest for a while. We won’t cultivate today.”

She clapped her hands, and the stone beneath them rose, forming a bed. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she conjured curtains, a mattress, a blanket, and pillows, her Spiritual Power shaping the air itself.

He climbed onto the bed, lying down obediently, his head resting on her lap.

“Are you tired, Zhen’er?”

“A little.”

“Let me massage you.”

“Thank you, Master~”

He drifted off to sleep, lulled by her gentle touch. He didn’t wake until nightfall.

…

His stomach growling, he went to the kitchen and ate the leftovers before heading to the bathroom for a bath.

When he returned to his room, he found Instructor Yu Xuan waiting for him. He nearly turned and fled.

“Instructor, I… I’m not up for it today.”

Her face flushed crimson. He makes it sound like I’m the one who can’t control herself! She would never!

“I’m just here to bring you some soup.”

She opened the lid of the container. The aroma of herbs and meat filled the air, making his mouth water. She had clearly put a lot of effort into the flavor.

“I was wrong this afternoon. It won’t happen again. Please don’t be angry.”

— You said that last time too.

He grimaced inwardly. She might appear pure and elegant, but when it came to… intimacy, she was surprisingly passionate, even more so than him.

If he had known his instructor would also be…

Well, he was feeling a bit drained. A nourishing soup wouldn’t hurt.

“I’m not angry, Instructor,” he said with a smile. “It was my fault. I shouldn’t have provoked them.”

Her smile returned. “Good. Now drink your soup. I adjusted the recipe. It shouldn’t be too bitter this time.”

“Really? You’ve gone through so much trouble.”

“Do you want me to feed you?”

“Ahem, I can manage.”

He drank the soup, the warmth spreading through his body, chasing away his fatigue. He even broke out in a light sweat.

It’s so effective… She’s not even a Mystic Refiner, but she’s so good at making these medicinal soups. She must have done a lot of research.

Did she learn all this because she knows she’s a… “juice extractor”?

— A shocking discovery.

Chapter 102: Instructor Yu Xuan, the Wicked Woman

As their instructor, she was aware of her students’ affections for Yan Zhen in her previous life. However, the current situation had exceeded her expectations.

Mi Xue’er’s confession had triggered Yan Meng’er’s competitive spirit, inadvertently exposing Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan’s hidden feelings. She felt her own position becoming precarious.

If they discovered she had seduced her own student, how could she face them?

Anxiety gnawed at her as she watched Yan Zhen, trapped between Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of jealousy and apprehension.

But as their instructor, she couldn’t ignore their conflict.

“Ahem, Meng’er, Xue’er, that’s enough. Yan Zhen is trying to eat. How can he use his chopsticks if you’re clinging to his arms? Sit down.”

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, realizing their mistake, blushed. We’ve already lost points for our first impression! This is not how it’s supposed to go!

They quickly released him.

“Sorry, Cousin! I didn’t mean to! I just got carried away~”

“Yan Zhen, I’m sorry. You can have my abalone.”

He didn’t respond, silently continuing his meal. He seemed to be angry.

Flustered, they returned to their seats, their faces burning.

Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan breathed a sigh of relief.

Those two troublemakers… dragging us into their mess… How annoying!

They glanced at Yan Zhen, who was calmly eating, seemingly unfazed by the girls’ shocking declarations.

This made them even more anxious. If they angered him, their competition would be pointless.

However, they were unaware of the turmoil within him.

What is going on? “Cousin Yan Zhen belongs to me and Cousin Ruyu”? “You’ve been giving him strange looks lately”? Don’t tell me Cousin Ruyu and Miss High-and-Mighty are also interested in him?

It was absurd! He and Yan Ruyu were constantly bickering, their relationship more akin to enemies than lovers. And he barely interacted with Xiao Xinyan, apart from that one treatment session and the time she lent him money. How could there be any talk of liking or disliking?

They must be making things up…

He was baffled.

This was supposed to be a “no-female-lead, wish-fullfilment” story! How had it turned into a harem story?

His acting was flawless! Where had he gone wrong?

Being sandwiched between Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, their arms clinging to his, was a classic harem protagonist scenario.

He was reminded of the time Huangfu Wenqing had come to “break off their engagement.” He had been similarly trapped, Yan Meng’er sucking on one finger while Huangfu Wenqing licked the other. It was straight out of an adult manga.

How was he supposed to salvage this chaotic plot?!

— No matter what! I can’t let my protagonist persona crumble! I have to stay strong!

Their thoughts and actions were irrelevant. He was simply an emotionless, power-hungry protagonist.

He pretended nothing had happened, focusing on his meal with an air of indifference. Chomp, chomp, chomp!

He finished eating, wiped his mouth, drank his tea, and burped.

Instructor Yu Xuan, watching him, couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

“Alright, everyone, back to class. We’ll discuss this at home tonight.”

The girls, obediently, rose from their seats and left the office.

Yan Zhen followed them, eager to escape, but a firm grip on his collar stopped him. He turned to see Instructor Yu Xuan smiling at him, her eyes narrowed.

“Yan Zhen, stay here. I need to talk to you.”

His scalp tingled. Before he could retract his foot, she pulled him back into the office, slamming the door shut.

Alone with him, she leaned against the desk, her arms crossed, her gaze fixed on him as he sat obediently in her chair. She resembled a police officer interrogating a suspect.

Gone was her usual gentleness. Her voice was cold and sharp. “Yan Zhen, tell me the truth. What did you do to Xue’er while you were pretending to be her boyfriend?”

He felt a wave of guilt. “I… I didn’t do anything! We just… slept in the same bed. That’s all.”

“Don’t lie to me!” She frowned, her voice laced with accusation. “If you didn’t do anything, why would she suddenly confess her love for you?”

In her previous life, Mi Xue’er hadn’t been so bold. Something must have triggered this sudden change.

“I don’t know! I’m just as confused as you are!”

He had promised Mi Xue’er he wouldn’t reveal her… accident.

Her eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to talk, are you? Then don’t blame me for forcing it out of you.”

He felt a sense of dread. “Instructor, what… what are you going to do?”

She retrieved a rope, swiftly tying him to the chair, immobilizing him. Then, she covered his eyes with a blindfold.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You must be feeling restless. Is that why you made a move on Xue’er?”

Plunged into darkness, he realized the horrifying punishment that awaited him. He pleaded for mercy. “Wait, Instructor! Don’t… don’t– Ah!”

…

By the time his body relaxed, his defiance had vanished. He confessed everything.

She untied him, listening patiently as she cleaned him up, her touch as gentle and caring as a newlywed wife tending to her husband.

…

His confession, however, had an unintended side effect.

She resumed her “treatment,” soothing him until he calmed down. Then, she stood up, pouring herself a cup of tea to soothe her own throat.

“That Xue’er’s mother… how could she drug her own daughter? That’s outrageous! What if something had actually happened…?” She sighed, settling onto his lap.

He felt the soft weight of her hips against his, but he didn’t dare move, leaning back to avoid any unnecessary contact.

“Instructor, what should I do? It seems Senior Sister Xue’er isn’t giving up. And now Meng’er’s involved too! This is giving me a headache!”

She leaned back against his chest, her hand gently caressing his face. “Aren’t you happy that such a beautiful girl likes you?”

The soft pressure of her breasts against his chest made him swallow hard. He kept his gaze fixed straight ahead. “I… I just want to focus on my cultivation right now. I don’t have time for romance.”

“Then why are you provoking them, you little rascal? A girl’s body is not something to be trifled with!” She scolded him playfully, then sighed. “There’s nothing we can do now but wait and see. We’ll deal with it as it comes. Hopefully, they won’t do anything too drastic.”

Gazing at his handsome profile, a possessive desire stirred within her. She leaned closer, her lips capturing his cheek, sucking gently as she pondered her next move.

— I’m such a wicked woman… stealing a man from my own students…

Chapter 101: Mi Xue’er’s Confession

The Mi family tried to persuade Yan Zhen to stay for lunch, but he politely declined, citing his busy schedule. Mi Xue’er’s mother prepared a lavish lunchbox for them.

They returned to the Mystic Academy in the steward’s carriage. Then, they headed to Instructor Yu Xuan’s private office to report back.

The other girls were also present, their gazes scrutinizing as Yan Zhen and Mi Xue’er entered, as if suspecting them of engaging in some illicit activities.

“We’re back!” Mi Xue’er announced cheerfully. “Have you all eaten? My mother packed us lunch. Join us if you haven’t eaten yet~”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled gently. “We’ve already eaten. You two enjoy your lunch. I could hear Yan Zhen’s stomach growling all the way from the hallway. Why didn’t you eat before coming here?”

Yan Zhen patted his chest, his expression serious. “Because I love studying.”

His deadpan delivery made the girls giggle.

Mi Xue’er opened the lunchbox, arranging the dishes on the table. “Little Brother Yan Zhen was just shy. My parents kept pestering him with questions, so he wanted to leave quickly.”

The laughter died down instantly.

Yan Zhen, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, accepted the chopsticks Mi Xue’er offered and began to devour his food.

Yan Meng’er asked tentatively, “Did Senior Sister Xue’er’s parents like Cousin Yan Zhen?”

Mi Xue’er nodded, beaming. “They loved him! They even want to visit Martial Tang City to meet the City Lord and arrange our engagement as soon as possible!”

What?! The girls’ expressions changed.

“Aren’t you just pretending to be a couple?” Xiao Xinyan blurted out. “How can you… how can you get engaged?!”

Mi Xue’er, holding her lunchbox, puffed out her chest like a proud swan. “You don’t understand! This is called ‘fake it till you make it’! Right, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

Eight pairs of eyes focused on him, Instructor Yu Xuan’s gaze the sharpest.

“Cousin?”

“You’re not actually getting engaged, are you? What about the Huangfu family?”

Yan Zhen, oblivious to their tension, continued eating. “Of course it’s fake! I told them I’m not ready for marriage. I want to focus on my cultivation. You know, the usual excuses.”

The girls breathed a collective sigh of relief. Mi Xue’er, however, giggled. “I’m serious, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”

He swallowed his mouthful of braised pork, staring at her in confusion. “Serious about what?”

“Ahem, listen carefully.” She took a deep breath, pushing aside her shyness. In a clear, firm voice, she declared, “I, Mi Xue’er, have fallen in love with Little Brother Yan Zhen! Therefore, starting today, I will pursue you with all my heart! Do you understand?”

“Huh?”

He froze, his chopsticks hovering over his lunchbox, his gaze fixed on her in shock.

He thought he had misheard. He looked at the others, but they were all equally stunned.

He turned back to her, bewildered. “W-why? Is it because of last night…?”

“—No!”

She cut him off, her voice filled with sincerity. “I… I’ve liked you since the moment I saw you! I thought it was just a small crush, but as we spent more time together, my feelings grew stronger! Your expressions when you speak, your confident smile, the way you eat with such gusto, your dazzling performance on the dueling arena… it all made my heart flutter! So I’m serious! I want to be your girlfriend! I want to marry you! I will win you over, Little Brother Yan Zhen! Just you wait!”

Silence fell upon the office. They stared at her in astonishment.

They had all noticed her fondness for him, but they hadn’t realized her feelings were this strong. To cast aside her maidenly modesty and publicly declare her intentions…

Wait, was she deliberately doing this in front of them? Was this a challenge?

Apart from Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Xiao Xinyan, and Instructor Yu Xuan all felt a pang of anxiety. Had their own feelings been exposed?

Yan Zhen, caught in the center of this unexpected drama, was utterly bewildered.

What’s going on? Why is she suddenly confessing her love? Saying it was love at first sight? This isn’t in the script!

He would rather believe she was feeling desperate after last night’s… incident, convinced she was now unmarriageable, and seeking to hold him responsible.

But her words clearly indicated otherwise. She had been harboring “impure thoughts” about him from the very beginning.

“Xue’er, are you… are you joking?” Yan Ruyu was the first to recover, staring at her best friend in disbelief.

Mi Xue’er shook her head firmly. “I’m serious, Ruyu. I truly love Little Brother Yan Zhen. If you also like him, then let’s compete fairly!”

“I… I don’t…” She instinctively denied it, but then, she hesitated. She didn’t want to back down. “Why him?” she asked, her voice laced with a hint of resentment.

“Heehee, it’s all thanks to you, Ruyu! You kept telling me how terrible your cousin was, making me so curious! But when I finally met him, he was so handsome and shy! I was instantly smitten!”

“…”

Yan Ruyu wanted to kick herself. Beware of backstabbing best friends! The ancients were right!

A memory surfaced. A sleepover at the Sacred Land Academy, after they had both become instructors. Mi Xue’er had confessed that while helping her pursue Yan Zhen, she had secretly fallen for him herself. She had even almost slept with him during the “fake boyfriend” incident.

The memory, intertwined with the present, made her head spin.

— Was that… true? Then that means… Instructor Yu Xuan also…? No way…

She glanced at Instructor Yu Xuan, who was frowning, her gaze fixed on Yan Zhen, her expression tense.

— That reaction… it’s confirmed!

She felt a thrill of excitement. She had uncovered a shocking truth!

“Senior Sister Xue’er, I won’t let you have Cousin Yan Zhen!” Yan Meng’er declared, hugging his arm possessively. “Cousin Yan Zhen belongs to me and Cousin Ruyu! Any other woman will have to be a concubine! Hmph!”

Yan Ruyu panicked, quickly covering her cousin’s mouth.

However, everyone present, except for Yan Zhen himself, was aware of her secret crush on her cousin, so her outburst didn’t cause much of a stir.

Mi Xue’er simply scoffed.

— We were all losers in our previous life. I’m being generous by competing fairly with you instead of making a move before you even had a chance! Why should I be the concubine?

“You don’t get to decide that! It’s up to Yan Zhen!” She clung to his other arm. “If he wants me to be the main wife, then I’ll be the main wife. If he wants me to be a concubine, then I’ll be a concubine.”

“Heh, you’re already discussing who gets to be the main wife and who gets to be the concubine before you’ve even won him over? How shameless.”

Xiao Xinyan’s sharp jab earned her glares from both girls.

“Xiao Xinyan, don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you’ve been looking at Little Brother Yan Zhen lately! You like him too, don’t you?!”

“Hmph, sneaking glances at Cousin Yan Zhen every day! You think we’re blind?!”

Xiao Xinyan’s face flushed crimson. She stammered, unable to form a coherent response.

Instructor Yu Xuan, who had been about to intervene, swallowed her words. They haven’t discovered my… relationship with Yan Zhen, have they?

Chapter 100: A Heart-to-Heart Between Mother and Daughter

[Special Trump Card – Golden Finger: Upon activation, the Host’s finger will become the most dexterous “Golden Finger” in the world, granting divine assistance in skills such as playing musical instruments, painting, massage, and acupuncture.]

“What the…?! The name got me excited for a moment, but it’s just a life skill card?!”

He had endured such a long and challenging “fake boyfriend” scenario, barely keeping his composure through unexpected twists and turns, and all he got was a life skill card?

He couldn’t understand the system’s logic. Where’s my dragon? My magic? My Tamagotchi? Even a classic fusion card would be better than this!

— Hmph!

[Host, please do not be discouraged. Keep up the good work, and you will receive better rewards.]

— Empty promises. Anyone can say that.

[The Host will receive a substantial reward upon completing this stage of the plot.]

— You mean the Mystic Refining Gift Pack? Isn’t that only for Mystic Refiners? And what does it have to do with the current plot?

[Ding! Friendly System Reminder: The reward for this stage will include an additional Cultivation Gift Pack (Yellow Turban Warrior Edition).]

— Yellow Turban Warrior? So… for Body Tempering?

His eyes lit up.

Among the seven continents of the Mystic Heavenly Continent, the Yellow Turban Continent was renowned for its Body Tempering experts. Most cultivators there focused on physical strength. Upon reaching the initial stage, they possessed combat power comparable to Mystic Scholars, earning the title of “Warrior,” or “Yellow Turban Warrior” to those from other continents.

The previous Mystic Refining Gift Pack had granted him a hundred million crystal coins. This Body Tempering Gift Pack shouldn’t be any worse, right?

— Wait, I’m not exactly short on money now. What good is another hundred million?

[The Host’s words are misguided. One can never have too much money. The more, the better.]

— That’s true, but it’s still less exciting.

[The greatest reward for the Host is the successful completion of the plot.]

— Right.

After all, by following the script, he would eventually reach the pinnacle of this world.

He was already the strongest student at the Mystic Academy, admired by his peers and favored by his instructors. Could life get any better?

Pushing aside his complicated thoughts, he focused on his breakfast. Mi Xue’er, seated beside him, kept piling food onto his plate, showering him with attention.

Mi Shan and the other elders were pleased by their affectionate display. Only his wife remained stoic, occasionally glancing at them with a disapproving frown.

They had already requested leave for the morning, so they had plenty of free time.

After breakfast, the elders gathered around Yan Zhen, eager to learn about his achievements at the academy, or rather, to assess the worthiness of their potential son-in-law. Meanwhile, Mi Xue’er was summoned to her mother’s room.

Her mother scrutinized her, her gaze lingering on her legs. “I heard noises last night. And you washed your bedsheets this morning. Why didn’t you… succeed?”

Mi Xue’er blushed. “He… he used his hands.”

“He could control himself? He’s a true gentleman. But that also means he doesn’t like you.”

“Mother, I know, but… but…”

“But what?” her mother interrupted, her tone exasperated. “But you like him, right?”

“Y-yes.” She lowered her head.

Her mother sighed.

Mi Xue’er, eager to appease her, gently guided her to a chair. “Mother, thank you for helping me. You’re the best.”

Her mother wasn’t swayed. “Hmph, weren’t you complaining about me being annoying last night?”

She clung to her mother’s arm, whining. “I just didn’t realize your good intentions at the time! But Mother, how did you know I like Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t know my own daughter?” she replied calmly, a hint of pride in her voice. “You never brought any other boys home when I forced you to go on those blind dates. Why now? It’s obvious something’s going on. And the way you look at him… you practically want to glue yourself to him. But he just sees you as a friend. There’s no spark between you. Only your father and your uncles are blind enough to be fooled.”

“Heehee, Mother, you’re so wise! Nothing gets past you.” She flattered her, then asked cautiously, “So, what should I do now?”

“You still want to pursue him after all this?”

“Can’t I? I really like him.”

“Then why did you steal his sweet soup last night?” Her mother rolled her eyes. “The fastest way for a woman to win a man’s heart is to… well, you know… You can work on the emotional stuff later… Unless he truly dislikes you.”

“But forcing someone into a relationship won’t make them happy, Mother.”

“Thirst-quenching is the priority! Who cares about sweetness? If you want it sweet, add sugar yourself!”

“Is that… how it works?” She was skeptical.

“There are so many girls who like him at the academy! Even my best friend and her cousin have liked him since they were kids! And that Xiao family girl… she’s been giving him strange looks lately! What can I do to catch his attention, Mother? Please teach me!”

“That boy is handsome, talented, and has a good personality. It’s natural for him to be popular. If I were twenty years younger, your father wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Mother! You can’t have designs on your own future son-in-law! Father will be furious!”

Her mother’s expression remained impassive. “If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to make him realize your worth. Aren’t you living together? Then care for him, support him, be there for him. Make him realize that there’s a beautiful, kind, and caring Senior Sister who loves him and wants to be with him. If that doesn’t work, then be more proactive. Take the initiative at the right moment. And if even that doesn’t work… then it’s hopeless. Give up and move on.”

Mi Xue’er pondered her words. After a long silence, she spoke softly. “Mother, what if I’m willing to be his concubine? To serve him alongside my best friend? Would that increase my chances?”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Her mother glared at her, her voice sharp. “Do you think I raised you to be someone’s concubine?!” She rolled up her sleeves, reaching for her daughter’s ear.

Mi Xue’er quickly dodged. “But he’s so exceptional, Mother! He’s going to become someone important! There’s no shame in being his concubine!”

— The Emperor’s concubine… countless talented women would kill for that position.

Her mother scoffed. “Unless he reaches the Mystic King realm, I won’t allow it. And neither will your father.”

“Then there’s no problem.”

A Mystic King? She would reach that level herself in a few years, thanks to Yan Zhen’s assistance and the abundance of pills he provided.

Her mother eyed her strangely. “You have too much faith in him. Look at all the talented youths in our kingdom. How many of them have become Mystic Kings?”

“I’ve made up my mind. Even if I have to be a concubine, I’m going to marry him!” She stuck her tongue out at her mother and ran out of the room.

Her mother’s face darkened. After a long silence, she sighed.

Chapter 99: Wetting the Bed

Mi Xue’er knew that even with her knowledge from her previous life, winning Yan Zhen’s heart wasn’t guaranteed.

She was too ordinary.

Well, that wasn’t quite right. It was more like the women surrounding him were all exceptionally extraordinary.

Yan Meng’er was adorable, with her youthful beauty and ample bosom. She was also incredibly affectionate and skilled at acting spoiled. The ideal girlfriend.

Yan Ruyu, though serious and responsible, possessed a fiery figure. Her full, round buttocks were captivating, and her tsundere personality only added to her allure. Rumor had it that Yan Zhen had even… played with her backside. If not for her pride, she might have already won him over.

Instructor Yu Xuan, with her gentle, virtuous demeanor and unwavering kindness, surpassed most other women, not to mention her stunning beauty, graceful figure, and powerful background as a member of the Sacred Land Academy.

And then there was her. She had no outstanding qualities. If not for her naturally fair, radiant, and smooth skin, she wouldn’t even be as attractive as Xiao Xinyan.

But such a minor trait wouldn’t be enough to capture Yan Zhen’s attention. She couldn’t shamelessly offer herself to him.

If she couldn’t win him over at the Mystic Academy, she had no chance at the Sacred Land Academy.

So she hadn’t held out much hope. She simply wanted to pursue him wholeheartedly, creating beautiful memories to make up for the regrets of her previous life.

Like right now.

She would use this opportunity, drinking the drugged sweet soup and initiating intimacy with him, without expecting anything in return.

It was her mother who had drugged the soup. It was she who would be shamelessly throwing herself at him. He would simply be helping her relieve her… discomfort. He wouldn’t feel guilty.

A win-win situation.

As the drug’s effects spread through her body, she made her move. She kissed him.

First his cheek, then his lips.

She offered him her first kiss, a treasure she had kept for two lifetimes, surrendering to her desire.

She had finally done it.

The fire within her, already blazing, intensified the moment their lips met, burning through her, her skin flushed, beads of sweat forming despite the cool air from the Snow Wind Pearl.

“Senior Sister Xue’er, calm down!”

Yan Zhen cupped her face, trying to pull away, but she clung to him, kissing him again.

It was her first time, so her kiss was clumsy, but she knew that a kiss between lovers wasn’t just about lips meeting. It involved a deeper, more intimate connection.

Fueled by the drug’s effects, she boldly explored.

“Mmm…”

His eyes widened, his own desire stirring. He almost responded to her advances.

He steadied himself, no longer resisting. He allowed her to kiss him, his hand reaching into his storage ring for his Calming Pills.

— No, they’re not there! The bottle is empty!

He froze. Where are my Calming Pills? Did I use them all? No way! This is too cruel!

Sensing his lack of resistance, she felt a surge of joy. He must have feelings for her after all!

Emboldened, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his, savoring his warmth and the frantic beating of his heart.

He was overwhelmed, returning her kisses passively as he searched his storage ring for a Detoxification Pill.

— Thank goodness! I have one left! It seems I’ll have to resort to that method again.

He retrieved the pill, then abruptly shifted his weight, pushing her onto her back, pinning her beneath him.

She moaned, not resisting, but clinging to him even tighter.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, please… take me…” she whispered, her voice husky with desire.

Her seductive tone, her tempting words… he felt his control slipping.

— I want to, Senior Sister! But I can’t!

Ignoring the script for a moment, there was a more practical issue. If he slept with her tonight, they would definitely notice something was different tomorrow. Instructor Yu Xuan would skin him alive, and Yan Ruyu wouldn’t let him off easy either.

The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

Besides, she was only acting this way because of the aphrodisiac. Once the drug wore off, even if she knew it was her mother who had drugged her, their friendship would be irrevocably damaged.

“Calm down, Senior Sister Xue’er. I’ll treat you. You’ll feel better soon.”

She shook her head weakly, her brow furrowed. “I don’t want treatment… I want you… I want you to… please…”

“You won’t be saying that when you’re sober.”

He could tell she had feelings for him. She often touched him playfully, but they weren’t at the stage where they could… do this.

“Take this pill first.”

He held out the pill, urging her to open her mouth, but she shook her head, refusing to cooperate.

“No… I don’t want pills… I’m so hot… I need you…” She tried to kiss him again, but he dodged.

He sighed inwardly. It seemed she was the type who refused to take medicine when sick, even more difficult to handle than Yan Meng’er.

He hesitated for a moment, then cupped her face, quickly popping the pill into his own mouth before capturing her lips in a kiss.

He had been kissing her for a while now. A few more wouldn’t make a difference.

The moment their lips met, he pushed the pill into her mouth with his tongue.

His initiative delighted her, and she swallowed the Detoxification Pill without realizing it.

He continued kissing her, keeping her distracted as he channeled his Mystic Power into her abdomen, helping her absorb the pill’s effects.

At the same time, his other hand moved to her lower back, stimulating a pressure point.

The warmth of his Fire Mystic Power elicited a soft moan from her.

She felt happy, blissful. He was finally responding to her advances!

She clung to him, her passion intensifying.

Then, he stopped channeling his Mystic Power, his finger pressing on a pressure point near her navel.

The simultaneous stimulation of both pressure points brought a sudden wave of clarity to her muddled mind. Her movements ceased, her body stiffening.

— This… this feeling…

She discreetly tried to close her legs, but he skillfully prevented her.

The familiar sensation intensified, becoming unbearable.

— What’s happening? Why am I…? No, I can’t… If this continues, I’ll…

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, stop! Let go of me!”

He closed his eyes, his voice emotionless. “I’ll let go after the drug’s effects are purged.”

“No! I don’t want this! I’ll die of shame! Let go of me! Please!”

Her eyes widened as he silenced her with his lips, just as she had done to him earlier.

The urge to relieve herself became overwhelming, the dam about to burst!

She couldn’t bear to imagine what was about to happen. She pounded on his back with her fists, but her limbs were weak, her blows barely registering.

Sensing the moment was right, he pressed down on the pressure point.

“Ugh!”

The bedsheets and his clothes were soaked, a faint, musky scent filling the air.

He released her, sitting back to observe her. She was crying, tears streaming down her face, her nose twitching, as if he had just violated her.

Well, it wasn’t that far off.

Meeting his gaze, she quickly covered her face with her hands, her desire completely extinguished, replaced by a burning shame. She wanted to die, to disappear, to never see him again.

She hadn’t wet the bed since she was a child. And now, reborn as a nineteen-year-old, she had done it again, in front of the man she loved…

He felt incredibly awkward, wanting to escape to the Crystal Stone Space.

However, unlike Xiao Xinyan, Mi Xue’er was a dear friend. He couldn’t just abandon her after the treatment.

He tried to comfort her. “Senior Sister Xue’er, it was an emergency. There’s no shame in seeking treatment. Don’t worry about it. I… I won’t tell anyone.”

“—You better not!”

His words only fueled her shame. “You idiot! You’re the worst! If you hate me so much, just let me die! Why humiliate me like this?! I’m never talking to you again!”

“Senior Sister Xue’er…”

“I don’t want to hear it! Go away!”

“Ahem, I was just going to suggest… maybe you should clean up and change the sheets? Otherwise, it’ll be difficult to sleep.”

She fell silent, too embarrassed to speak.

He spoke gently. “Do you want me to carry you?”

She didn’t answer, only clenching her legs together.

He smiled faintly, scooping her into his arms and carrying her behind the screen, placing her in the empty tub.

There was still a bucket of unused clean water beside the tub.

He grabbed a towel, hanging it on the rack. “Here, Senior Sister Xue’er. Clean yourself up. I’ll change the sheets.”

She remained silent, her face still hidden in her hands.

Knowing she was too embarrassed to face him, he returned to the bed, stripping it and tossing the soiled linens aside. He opened the wardrobe, retrieved a clean bamboo mat, and spread it on the bed. Then, he replaced the blanket and pillows.

Glancing down, he noticed some dampness on his pants. He changed into a fresh set of sleeping clothes.

By the time he was done, she had emerged from behind the screen, clad only in a short, sleeveless dress, her legs bare, a hint of darkness visible beneath the thin fabric.

He quickly averted his gaze, noticing she had stopped crying. However, her lower lip was jutting out in a pout, her expression utterly dejected. She glared at him, then let out a dramatic sniff.

— It seems she’s not angry anymore.

She climbed onto the bed, wrapping herself in the blanket and turning her back to him.

He scratched his head, joining her in bed, keeping a safe distance.

Silence fell once more.

…

He was drifting off to sleep when he felt her presence beside him. He turned to see her, her hand clutching his arm, her voice small and apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“It’s alright. It wasn’t your fault, Senior Sister Xue’er. I understand.”

“I’ll… I’ll talk to my mother.”

“We’re also at fault for lying to them. Let’s call it even. They’re our elders, after all. It’s not good to hold grudges.”

“Okay, I’ll listen to you. I won’t say anything to her.”

She was as docile as a puppy, making him want to pat her head.

“I think our charade is about to be exposed. What are you going to do, Senior Sister Xue’er?”

She hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. “Can’t we… make this real?”

He yawned, his voice drowsy. “Don’t give up on yourself.”

“I’m not giving up on myself!” she protested. “There’s no one more suitable than you.”

“I’m sure there is.” He mumbled. “Just wait a little longer.”

“There’s no point in waiting.”

“Hmm?”

“Because… because I love–”

She stopped abruptly. He had fallen asleep, his breathing even and steady.

She bit her lip, whispering her true feelings. “—Because I’ve always loved you, you idiot.”

The darkness swallowed her confession, the silence unbroken.

She snuggled closer to him, drifting off to sleep.

…

The next morning, he woke up on time. The first thing he saw was Mi Xue’er’s face. She was sitting beside him, gazing down at him with a mischievous smile.

She was still wearing her short dress, her bare legs and shoulders exposed, her hair cascading down her chest, her posture alluring.

“Good morning, Little Brother Yan Zhen~ Did you sleep well in my bed?” Her tone was playful, as if last night’s events had never happened.

He forced a smile. “It was… fine. It smelled nice. Different from my own bed.”

Her cheeks flushed. Nice smell? She had wet the bed! What nice smell?

“So, Little Brother Yan Zhen, you’re… ready for action this morning?” She pointed at his… arousal. “It seems I’m not completely unattractive after all.”

He quickly sat up, mortified. “That’s just a normal morning reaction,” he mumbled, his face burning.

“Hmm~” She had scored a point, and she was enjoying it. “Let me help you get dressed.”

“Ahem, I appreciate the offer, Senior Sister, but I can manage.”

“Don’t be shy! I’ve never dressed anyone before. Let me try!”

“Uh…”

— Don’t treat your adorable junior like a dress-up doll!

“Come on, Little Brother Yan Zhen! You’ve helped me so much! I have to do something for you in return!”

— Why do I feel like you’re just trying to take advantage of me?

“Alright, thank you, Senior Sister Xue’er.”

“First, take off your pants!”

“…On second thought, I think I’ll dress myself.”

“No! Let me do it! Take them off!”

“No!”

They began to bicker playfully.

Chapter 98: She’s Lost It!

“No! Get out! Leave us alone!”

Mi Xue’er had reached her limit. No matter how much she wanted to be close to Yan Zhen, she couldn’t bring herself to act like a lovey-dovey couple in front of her mother.

Her mother was clearly still suspicious, pushing them to engage in embarrassing acts, hoping to expose their charade.

She wouldn’t give in so easily!

“What’s gotten into you?” her mother scolded. “I’m just trying to make sure he treats you well! What’s wrong with that?”

“But I want to be alone with Yan Zhen! How can we be intimate with you hovering over us?!”

Her mother replied calmly, “How else am I supposed to know if you’re being truly intimate or just pretending?”

“Of course it’s real!” Mi Xue’er was exasperated. “We were planning to… to be intimate after our bath! It’s all your fault for interrupting us!”

“Oh?”

Her mother’s gaze shifted to Yan Zhen, who coughed awkwardly, feigning embarrassment.

She studied her daughter for a moment, shaking her head inwardly.

“Fine. I’ll check on you later.”

She departed, leaving the two young people in awkward silence.

Yan Zhen wiped his brow, relieved. She’s finally gone! She’s even more overbearing than in the script! There was no mention of bathing each other! I almost couldn’t handle it! Thank goodness for my professional acting skills!

Mi Xue’er, seeing his troubled expression, felt a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I’ve put you through a lot. My mother still thinks we’re faking it, so she’s forcing us to act like a couple.”

He rubbed his cheek. “It’s fine. I’m not losing anything. But this can’t go on forever.”

“Then let’s just go to bed early,” she said with a chuckle. “We’ll sleep through the night and worry about everything else tomorrow.”

“Are we sleeping together? I can sleep on the floor.”

“My mother will definitely check on us. We should sleep together. The bed is big enough. We won’t be cramped. Besides, we’ve already seen each other naked. What’s the big deal about sleeping together? It’s just for one night. It’ll stop her from nagging us.”

“Uh, alright.”

This minor deviation from the script shouldn’t be a problem.

In his opinion, sleeping in the same bed with a girl wasn’t a big deal. As long as they kept their distance and didn’t touch, everything would be fine.

He hung the washcloth back on the rack, carefully avoiding her naked body. “Then I’ll go out first, Senior Sister Xue’er.”

“Mmm,” she hummed shyly.

His throat dry, he poured himself another cup of tea. He then discreetly checked his mission progress.

“70%… I still need to deal with her mother one more time before we go to sleep.”

He knew what was coming. Her mother would bring them sweet soup, and his portion would be drugged with a powerful aphrodisiac.

However, as a Mystic Refiner, an expert in herbs and medicines, he wouldn’t fall for such a simple trick.

He would detect the drug, neutralize its effects, and everything would be fine.

The tricky part was that her mother would be eavesdropping outside the door, listening for any… activity. He would have to shake the bed and have Mi Xue’er moan convincingly to fool her.

This was the most challenging part of the entire “fake boyfriend” scenario.

He dismissed the system interface, composing himself. He was determined to nail this scene.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen! What are you thinking about?!”

Mi Xue’er’s voice startled him. She had deliberately raised her voice, trying to scare him.

He had already sensed her approach. He turned to her calmly. “Nothing. Just admiring your room’s dec–”

He stopped abruptly. Her face was inches from his, their lips almost touching.

He quickly turned away.

She cursed inwardly. She had misjudged the distance. Her attempt at seduction had failed.

She moved in front of him, extending her arms. “Little Brother Yan Zhen, look! I bought a new nightgown! Isn’t it pretty?”

He glanced at her, nodding. “It’s pretty.”

She was wearing a pale yellow, semi-transparent silk nightgown. The sleeves reached her elbows, revealing her slender wrists. The hem grazed her hips, accentuating her long, shapely legs. A sash, tied in a cute bow, cinched her waist, the overlapping lapels offering a glimpse of her matching undergarments, the fabric stretched taut by her modest curves.

Her damp hair cascaded down her back, one side tucked behind her ear, highlighting her elegant features.

It was a daring outfit, but she endured her embarrassment, eager to impress him. His compliment filled her with joy.

“Then let’s… um… go to bed.”

The words felt strange on her tongue. To think she would be inviting a boy to her bed…

He felt a strange sensation as well. This was the first time a girl his age had invited him to bed. Although there were no suggestive implications, it still stirred something within him.

“Shouldn’t we wait for your mother?”

“We can wait in bed.”

Her bed was indeed large, easily accommodating three or four people. Besides the pillows and blankets, there was also a large bolster, perfect for creating a barrier between them.

They sat on the bed, facing each other, their smiles shy and awkward.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, what are you thinking?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your thoughts! Right now!” She leaned closer, her voice teasing. “You’re in my room, sitting on my bed… Aren’t you having any naughty thoughts?”

He couldn’t match her boldness. “Ahem, well, I’ve been having some thoughts… but just a little.”

“Good.” She huffed. “If you said you weren’t thinking anything, I wouldn’t forgive you.”

He chuckled, scratching his head.

“You don’t need to doubt your charm, Senior Sister Xue’er. You’re one of the academy flowers. Half the boys in the academy are smitten with you.”

“Oh? What about you, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”

“Of course I find you attractive, but I’m more focused on my cultivation. For me, cultivation comes first.”

“Why are you pushing yourself so hard? You’re already incredibly strong.”

Her concern touched him. He smiled faintly. “Because I want to become even stronger. I won’t stop until I can control my own destiny.” He paused. “What about you, Senior Sister Xue’er? What are your goals?”

“I initially wanted to enter the Sacred Land Academy and become someone like Instructor Yu Xuan, someone people could rely on. But now… I just want to be with the person I love. As long as I’m with him, I’m willing to do anything.”

He nodded thoughtfully, only to be pinched on the side.

“Aren’t you going to ask who I love?”

“I was just respecting your privacy.” He sighed. “So, who is it, Senior Sister Xue’er?”

“Hmph, you’re not sincere at all! I’m not telling you! Silly Little Brother Yan Zhen!”

“…”

A knock on the door startled them. They both turned to look at each other.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, we said we were going to be intimate after our bath. Quick, mess up your clothes and hair a little.”

“Okay.”

They frantically tugged at their nightclothes, loosening sashes and creating wrinkles. They ruffled their hair.

“Tilt your head up.”

“Okay– Hey!”

Before he could react, she pulled him closer, her lips crashing against his neck, sucking hard as if trying to draw blood.

Chu!

She pulled away, leaving a distinct mark on his skin.

She licked her lips, her cheeks flushed. “That’s more convincing.”

“…”

In the script, she was supposed to dab some lipstick on his neck and then subtly smudge it, creating the illusion of a passionate encounter.

He hadn’t expected her to actually kiss him.

Perhaps because their relationship had progressed beyond the script, she felt comfortable taking such liberties.

She was going all out to defy her mother.

He admired her determination.

“Alright, Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’ll go open the door.”

She quickly composed herself, adopting a sulky expression, and hurried over to open the door. She glared at her mother. “Mother! What are you doing here again?”

“Didn’t I tell you I would check on you? Move aside.”

Carrying two bowls of sweet soup, she brushed past her daughter and entered the room, placing the tray on the table.

“It’s hot out. I made you some red bean sweet soup. It’s chilled. Drink it while it’s still cold. It’ll cool you down. This one’s for you, Xue’er, and this one’s for my future son-in-law.”

She placed one bowl before Mi Xue’er, then held out the other to Yan Zhen, her expression carefully neutral.

— You sly fox! You’re so good at drugging people! If I weren’t a Mystic Refiner, I would have fallen for it!

He accepted the bowl, murmuring his thanks.

“Drink up.”

She glanced at the mark on his neck, then fixed her gaze on his face, as if to say, “You better drink it right now, or you’re disrespecting me.”

He grimaced, about to take a sip when Mi Xue’er spoke up.

“Wait, Yan Zhen! I want your bowl.”

Her words stunned both him and her mother. They stared at her in disbelief.

She channeled her Mystic Power, effortlessly snatching the bowl from his hand. “This one’s thicker. I like my red bean soup well-cooked.”

Her mother’s composure finally cracked. A flicker of panic crossed her face. “You silly girl! That’s for Yan Zhen! Put it down and drink your own! Have some manners!”

“No! I want this one!” She pouted, acting spoiled. “You’re being biased, Mother! You only care about your future son-in-law now! You’ve forgotten about your own daughter! That’s not right!”

“You…! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”

She tried to regain control, using her “motherly authority,” but Mi Xue’er remained defiant.

“Um, Senior Sister Xue’er, maybe you should just switch back. Don’t make your mother angry.”

Yan Zhen was panicking. He hadn’t anticipated this!

— That bowl is drugged! Your mother drugged it herself! You don’t have an Extreme Flame to neutralize the effects! You’re going to get into trouble!

“I’m not afraid of her~”

She tilted her head back and downed the entire bowl in one go.

She set the bowl down, burping softly and covering her mouth with her hand. “Still tastes the same. Thanks, Mother! You should drink yours too, Yan Zhen.”

“…”

He silently drank his soup. He tasted it carefully. It wasn’t drugged. It was normal.

The drug must have been in the bowl Mi Xue’er had consumed. This is bad! What do I do now?

You silly girl… Her mother stared at her daughter for a moment, then scoffed. “I’m done with you two. Do whatever you want.”

She collected the empty bowls and left the room.

Mi Xue’er quickly shut the door, sighing dramatically.

Having lived through this in her previous life, she knew her mother had spiked that bowl with a powerful aphrodisiac. It was a test to see if they were a real couple.

If Yan Zhen became aroused and she helped him… then they were a real couple. If she didn’t… then they were faking it.

She knew exactly what her mother was up to, so she had drunk it herself.

Yan Zhen studied her face, his voice laced with concern. “Senior Sister Xue’er, are you… alright?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine… Let’s go to bed. Oh, we should rinse our mouths after drinking sweet soup. Otherwise, our breath will smell.”

After channeling some Mystic Power into the Snow Wind Pearl on the table, they removed their sandals and climbed into bed.

She lay down, hugging the bolster, and rolled to the far side of the bed. “I’ll sleep on the inside. You sleep on the outside, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”

He had no objections.

“Okay. Do you want to use the bolster as a divider?”

“No need. I trust you, Little Brother Yan Zhen. You wouldn’t do anything… inappropriate while I’m asleep, right?”

“Of course not.”

“Good~”

“…”

“Senior Sister Xue’er, are you really okay? Your face is so red… Maybe I should sleep on the floor after all.”

“I’m fine! I’m just… warm. You’ve done so much for me, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I can’t let you sleep on the floor.”

— I’m afraid you’re not just “warm.” You’re probably burning up!

He was uneasy. Although the details of the script often didn’t match reality, the key plot points usually remained consistent.

“Alright, let’s go to sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow.”

She turned off the main light, leaving only a dim nightlight.

He lay down, discreetly glancing at her.

She wasn’t sleeping. Her face hidden behind the bolster, her eyes were bright and alert, like a child waiting for a bedtime story.

Their eyes met.

Her gaze, initially filled with innocent anticipation, gradually shifted, becoming heated and intense.

He sensed the change in her, his voice laced with concern. “Senior Sister Xue’er, if you’re not feeling well, just tell me. I have plenty of pills.”

She shook her head silently, her eyes fixed on him, as if she couldn’t get enough.

Her gaze made him uncomfortable, his skin tingling as if she were licking him. He quickly turned away, staring at the unfamiliar bedframe, trying to calm his mind.

— Slurp.

He felt a wet sensation on his cheek.

— Slurp, slurp.

More than once!

She’s lost it!

He whirled around, about to speak, but her lips, hot and moist, silenced him.

“!!!”

Chapter 97: You Can’t Escape Your Mother

Even her way of addressing him had subtly shifted, from the playful “Little Brother Yan Zhen” to the more formal “Yan Zhen.”

After a while, he realized her mother had left. “Senior Sister Xue’er, you can stop now. Your mother’s gone.”

She gracefully tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushed. “I might as well finish what I started. This is my first time bathing someone. It’s quite… interesting. Besides, you’ve helped me so much, Little Brother Yan Zhen. It’s only fair that I repay you~”

He preferred it when she called him “Little Brother Yan Zhen.” It felt more familiar, more comfortable.

“Thank you.”

She continued bathing him with care, but ultimately, she couldn’t bring herself to wash his entire body. After finishing his upper body, she discreetly retreated.

He quickly finished bathing and emerged from behind the screen.

She had intended to take her turn in the bath, but her eagerness was too obvious. She summoned the servants to refill the tub.

Just as she was settling into the warm water, her mother reappeared, her expression darkening as she saw Yan Zhen sipping tea at the table while her daughter’s silhouette was visible behind the screen.

“Yan Zhen, my future son-in-law, are you going to accept Xue’er’s devoted service without offering anything in return?”

He froze, bewildered by her words. “Of course not, Aunt. I’m grateful for her kindness, and I’ll repay her in the future.”

“‘In the future’? Only irresponsible men use that phrase. Why not repay her now? Go bathe her.”

“But…”

He was speechless.

Her logic seemed sound, but something felt off. She was a master of sophistry!

As a seasoned keyboard warrior, he had never encountered such a formidable opponent!

Under normal circumstances, he would have engaged her in a heated debate, but he was currently in the middle of a crucial plot point. He couldn’t break character. He had to yield.

“Aunt, I just didn’t want to make Xue’er uncomfortable. That’s why I didn’t offer… We might be dating, but I don’t want to overstep my boundaries and offend her.”

She replied calmly, “So she doesn’t like you touching her? You really are a fake couple, aren’t you?”

“—Of course not!” Mi Xue’er’s voice came from behind the screen. “We just think it’s better to take things slow.”

“What do you mean ‘take things slow’? You’re nineteen, he’s seventeen. You’re both adults! As long as you haven’t produced a child, nothing is considered ‘too fast.’”

“But… I’m shy.”

“Shy about what? You’ll get used to it eventually.” Her mother’s logic was impenetrable. “You should be good to each other. That’s how a couple should be. Constantly giving or receiving isn’t healthy for a relationship. Love is about action.”

Holy shit!

Her words struck him like a bolt of lightning. Even Mi Xue’er, with her knowledge from her previous life, was speechless.

As the saying went: Ginger gets spicier with age. You can’t escape your mother!

“Yan Zhen, my future son-in-law, I just want you to treat Xue’er well. Not just with words, but with actions. Start with the small things.”

She turned her head, gesturing for him to approach.

His scalp tingled. Under her intense gaze, he slowly shuffled back behind the screen.

“Senior Sister Xue’er… ahem, I’m here to bathe you. If you’re not comfortable with this, just tell me. I don’t want to upset you.”

Mi Xue’er, her entire body submerged in the water, mumbled a weak agreement, her face as red as the setting sun.

“Y-you can… come closer, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I’m fine~”

Seriously? He wanted to facepalm. Didn’t you hear what I said? I was giving you an out! A chance to escape your mother’s meddling!

— She’s usually so clever. Why is she being so clueless now?

He stood beside the tub, gazing down at her. Her skin, flushed pink from the warm water, was incredibly alluring.

Her hair was piled atop her head, revealing her slender neck, her delicate earlobes, and the enticing curve of her collarbone and shoulders. Her breasts, though not as ample as some, were pert and shapely, like water droplets. Her long, slender legs were pressed tightly together, her knees drawn up, concealing her most private parts.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, do I… do I look pretty?” She covered her chest with her arms, her eyes gazing up at him shyly, her expression a mixture of innocence and seduction.

He choked, nearly spitting out his tea.

— Don’t ask questions like that! I can’t handle it!

“Ahem, yes, you’re… you’re beautiful.”

She beamed.

He quickly composed himself. “Well, I’ll… scrub your back. It’s only fair.”

“Okay.”

She turned, offering him her back.

With her permission granted, he rolled up his sleeves, wet the washcloth, and began gently scrubbing her back.

Her smooth, firm skin flushed a delicate pink under his touch, like a ripe peach, tempting him to take a bite.

Mi Xue’er had never imagined she would experience the pleasure of being bathed by him. Her heart overflowed with happiness.

“—Yan Zhen, my future son-in-law, that’s not how you do it.”

Her mother’s voice startled them. She had returned.

“Mother! What are you doing here?! This is so embarrassing!” Mi Xue’er quickly covered her chest, unwilling to expose herself to her own mother.

“As if I haven’t seen it all before!” her mother retorted, then turned to Yan Zhen. “Xue’er’s skin is very delicate. You need to be gentle when you scrub her back. Otherwise, you’ll hurt her… Give me the washcloth. I’ll show you how it’s done.”

She held out her hand, and he obediently handed her the washcloth. She dipped it in the water and began gently scrubbing her daughter’s back.

“Mother, stop it!” Mi Xue’er whined, burying her face in her arms, mortified. She squirmed, trying to escape her mother’s touch, but a swift slap on her backside silenced her.

“Don’t move.” Her mother’s voice was firm. She began instructing Yan Zhen. “Don’t just focus on her back. You need to clean her neck, her armpits, under her breasts… Those areas are often neglected. A woman’s body is different from a man’s. It requires more attention… Do you understand, Yan Zhen?”

I understand nothing! He wanted to scream, but he forced himself to endure, maintaining his persona. “I… I think so.”

“Good. Now you try.”

She returned the washcloth, her gaze fixed on him, as if to say, “I’m watching you.”

He couldn’t fathom her motives. She was his elder, after all. He couldn’t resort to violence. He had no choice but to follow her lead.

He resumed scrubbing Mi Xue’er’s back. However, her mother’s voice, sharp with disapproval, interrupted him.

“You’re done with her back. Move on to other areas. Xue’er, turn around and let your beloved take care of you.”

Chapter 96: Proving They’re Not Faking It

“Hmph, Father, maybe you should do your research before you speak. Xiao Mie was defeated by my Little Brother Yan Zhen at the same time he achieved his breakthrough! Yan Zhen took his place as the top-ranked student! He’s the undisputed strongest student in the academy! Prince Ming Kong can’t even compare!” Mi Xue’er crossed her arms, her pride evident.

The elders exchanged skeptical glances.

The Mystic Academy had a Nine Star Rank. To be considered the strongest, one had to be at least a Ninth Star Mystic One.

A Seventh Star Mystic One wasn’t even eligible to be on the Nine Star Rank!

“You’re saying this Yan Zhen boy, a mere Seventh Star Mystic One, defeated Xiao Mie, a One Star Mystic Scholar?” Mi Shan scoffed. “I might be a One Star Mystic Master, but I’m not easily fooled.”

Mi Xue’er rolled her eyes. “Go ask the academy if you don’t believe me! You’re so out of touch!”

Her second uncle spoke up. “Xue’er, I did hear that Xiao Mie lost a duel against a junior and lost his top ranking. But I heard he intentionally yielded after his breakthrough, as a gesture of goodwill…”

“He didn’t yield! They fought fiercely! They both gave it their all! It’s disrespectful to say he just handed over the victory!” Mi Xue’er fumed. “The Xiao family must have spread that rumor to save face! How annoying!”

Mi Shan turned to Yan Zhen, his gaze sharpening. “Is what Xue’er saying true, young man?”

Yan Zhen, who had been passively basking in her praise, replied modestly, “I am currently the top-ranked student. As for whether I’m stronger than Prince Ming Kong… well, we’d have to fight to find out. However, I heard he could only tie with Xiao Mie when Xiao Mie was still a Ninth Star Mystic One. If he hasn’t improved much since then… I’m confident I can defeat him within twenty… no, ten rounds.”

The elders stared at him.

This kid… he might appear meek, but his words are bold.

A Seventh Star Mystic One defeating a One Star Mystic Scholar within ten rounds? That was an absurd claim.

But if it were true… then Yan Zhen was far superior to Prince Ming Kong.

Firstly, he was the Young City Lord of Martial Tang City, a descendant of a noble lineage. Secondly, he possessed exceptional talent. Once he entered the Sacred Land Academy, he would soar like a dragon, his future achievements boundless. He could become a Mystic General, or even… a Mystic King!

A Mystic King! Only the royal families and the most powerful nobles in the Royal Capital had Mystic Kings among their ranks.

The Mi family wasn’t lacking in wealth. What they needed were connections and powerful allies. A son-in-law who was both a City Lord and a Mystic King? That would secure their future!

The reason the Xiao family held the top position in Silver Moon City, their influence even surpassing the City Lord’s Mansion, was because they had three Mystic Generals among their ranks.

But first, they needed to confirm his claims… Suppressing his excitement, Mi Shan said calmly, “Seeing is believing. Since you’re so confident, show us your true strength.”

— Here we go.

Yan Zhen maintained his modest demeanor. “What would you like me to do, Patriarch?”

Mi Shan smiled cryptically. “It’s simple. Spar with our One Star Mystic Scholar guard. If you win, we’ll acknowledge you as Xue’er’s boyfriend. What do you say? Do you dare?”

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “Of course I dare. I’m just worried I might injure your guard, Patriarch, and you’ll demand compensation.”

This kid… he’s so arrogant! And yet, he has this innocent, charming air about him… Is that how he seduced my precious daughter?

The other elders also found him arrogant. Of course, if he had the skills to back up his words, then it was all good. If not… then he was just being obnoxious.

…

They moved to the courtyard.

Mi Shan summoned one of his guards. “Guard Gou, spar with Young Master Yan. If you win, your salary for this month will be doubled. If you lose, it’ll be halved.”

Guard Gou frowned, assessing Yan Zhen. Sensing his Seventh Star Mystic One cultivation, he relaxed.

“Don’t worry, Master. I’ll try not to hurt him.”

Mi Xue’er cheered him on. “Go for it, Little Brother Yan Zhen! Don’t hold back!”

Yan Zhen gave her an “OK” sign and faced his opponent.

Guard Gou bowed respectfully. “Fists and feet have no eyes, Young Master Yan. Please forgive me if I accidentally injure you.”

Yan Zhen simply beckoned him forward. “Come on.”

They both channeled their Mystic Power.

As a One Star Mystic Scholar, Guard Gou’s Mystic Power formed a protective barrier around his body, a powerful defense that most Seventh Star Mystic Ones wouldn’t be able to penetrate.

However, a fiery aura, similar to a Mystic Scholar’s barrier, also enveloped Yan Zhen. The power he exuded was comparable to Guard Gou’s, as if he were concealing his true cultivation. However, upon closer inspection, they confirmed he was indeed only a Seventh Star Mystic One.

Guard Gou, along with the observing Mi family elders, frowned, trying to understand what trickery Yan Zhen was employing.

“Forgive me!”

Guard Gou attacked, his fist, empowered by Mystic Power, aimed at Yan Zhen’s chest. Despite his honest appearance, his attack was fierce and unrelenting.

Yan Zhen shrunk his Spiritual Perception to a one-meter radius. The moment his opponent entered his range, his body reacted instinctively.

He sidestepped, his left hand gently deflecting the incoming fist while his right fist struck the guard’s elbow, followed by a swift blow to his ribs. He then drove his elbow upwards, striking the guard’s solar plexus.

It was a classic “Tai Chi Shock” technique.

The spectators watched in astonishment as Guard Gou, after charging forward, was suddenly sent flying backward, crashing to the ground. He coughed, spitting out dirt.

Although he could still fight, the outcome was clear.

Mi Shan and the others stared in disbelief.

One move? Not even a full round, and a Seventh Star Mystic One had sent a One Star Mystic Scholar flying?

If they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn’t have believed it.

Guard Gou was equally bewildered. How had Yan Zhen caught his full-powered punch with his bare hand? It was absurd! Was he wearing some kind of special Mystic Tool?

“Alright, Guard Gou, you can stand down.”

“But Master, I can still–”

“Your salary is doubled this month. Go.”

“Ah? Thank you, Master! I’ll take my leave.”

Guard Gou happily retreated, his curiosity about Yan Zhen’s technique overshadowed by his financial reward.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen, you were amazing!”

Mi Xue’er rushed over to him, beaming, and looped her arm through his. They approached the Mi family elders.

Yan Zhen maintained his modest demeanor. “Is this satisfactory, Patriarch Mi?”

Mi Shan stroked his beard, laughing heartily. “What ‘Patriarch Mi’? You’re Xue’er’s boyfriend! Call me Uncle Mi! Or even Father-in-law, if you’re comfortable! Hahaha!”

The other elders joined in his laughter, showering Yan Zhen with compliments. “Such a promising young man!” “He’s surpassed his grandfather!” “No wonder Instructor Yu Xuan made an exception and accepted him as her disciple!” It was as if they had never doubted him in the first place.

Yan Zhen’s lips twitched. Real estate tycoons… they sure know how to change their tune quickly. And without a hint of embarrassment.

They might be materialistic and opportunistic, but they seemed to respect their daughter’s wishes. They weren’t forcing her into anything.

But calling them “good parents” would be a stretch. They were clearly willing to “sell their daughter” to the highest bidder.

Fortunately, dealing with her father was relatively easy. The real challenge was her mother, who had remained silent throughout the entire ordeal.

Although she hadn’t spoken, her gaze, sharp and piercing, had been fixed on him the entire time, as if trying to see through him.

“What do you think, dear?” Mi Shan turned to his wife, seeking her opinion.

She nodded slightly. “He’s certainly a fine young man, a true talent. It would be wonderful if he were to become our son-in-law. But I’m afraid this is all a charade.”

Her words hit the mark. If Yan Zhen didn’t have the script, and Mi Xue’er hadn’t been reborn, they would be panicking right now.

“What do you mean ‘charade’?” Mi Shan asked, confused.

She rolled her eyes at her husband. “Don’t you know your own daughter? She’s probably afraid you’ll arrange another marriage for her, so she found a classmate to pretend to be her boyfriend and fool us.”

Mi Xue’er’s third uncle shook his head. “Surely not, Sister-in-law? Xue’er might be mischievous, but she wouldn’t joke about something as important as marriage.”

“Naive! Look at them! Do they look like a couple?”

Mi Shan and the others scrutinized Yan Zhen and Mi Xue’er. They hadn’t noticed anything amiss before, but now that she mentioned it… something did seem off. But they couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“Xue’er, tell me honestly, are you lying to us?”

Having experienced this in her previous life, Mi Xue’er remained calm. “I’m not lying! Don’t listen to Mother! Yan Zhen and I are a real couple! We’re even living together! If you don’t believe me…”

She suddenly turned and kissed Yan Zhen forcefully on the cheek, leaving a faint lipstick mark.

He blushed. It had been one thing to be kissed in the privacy of the carriage, but to be kissed in front of her family… it was mortifying.

Mi Xue’er’s cheeks were also flushed. “Do you believe us now?”

Mi Shan was about to nod when his wife scoffed. “That’s it? A kiss on the cheek makes you a couple?”

Isn’t that enough? Mi Shan and his brothers stared at her in surprise, but no one dared to speak.

Yan Zhen lowered his head, bracing himself for another round of their bickering. I want to leave!

However, instead of arguing, Mi Xue’er simply pouted. “Isn’t a cheek kiss enough? You want me to kiss him on the lips in front of everyone to prove it?”

Her mother replied calmly, “No one’s asking you to do that. If you’re not ashamed, I still have some dignity.”

“Then what do you want, Mother?”

“It’s simple. Sleep in the same bed tonight, and I’ll believe you’re a real couple.”

Mother, you’re the best! Mi Xue’er thought to herself, though her words sounded petulant. “Fine! We’ll sleep together! That’s what I was planning to do anyway… We’re in love! We don’t want to be apart for even a moment!”

Her mother remained unmoved. “Good.”

Mi Shan, alarmed by their conversation, was about to intervene when his wife silenced him with a glare.

Apart from major decisions, his wife held the reins of power in their household.

His brothers, too intimidated to challenge her, remained silent, though inwardly, they questioned her methods.

Yan Zhen, however, was calm. This scene was in the script. He would simply sleep on the floor after the lights were out. There was no mention of any intimate encounters. He didn’t need to worry about losing control and shattering his persona.

He was, however, puzzled by Mi Xue’er’s lack of resistance. She and her mother were usually so skilled at arguing, their verbal sparring often spanning hundreds of words, longer than his fight against Lan Ke.

It felt strange without their usual bickering.

“Alright, let’s eat. The food is getting cold. I’ll have the kitchen prepare some fresh dishes.”

His wife led the way back to the dining room, the others trailing behind her.

…

During dinner, she kept piling food onto Yan Zhen’s plate: oysters, sea cucumbers, abalone, chicken gizzards, lamb kidneys, chives… Her intentions were clear.

Fortunately, he could suppress his… reactions with his Mystic Power.

After dinner, she personally escorted him to Mi Xue’er’s room, summoning servants to fill the bathtub with hot water. Then, she instructed her daughter to bathe her future husband.

“I don’t expect you to be a paragon of wifely virtues, but you should at least learn how to bathe your own husband.” Her gaze was sharp. “Unless… you’re not a real couple and you’re afraid to do this?”

“We’re not faking it!” Mi Xue’er retorted. “Fine, I’ll do it! I’ve been wanting to anyway! It’s just that Yan Zhen is shy!”

“Then I’ll watch closely.”

She settled into a chair, poured herself a cup of tea, and sipped it leisurely.

— Madam, this is a bit much, even for you.

Even with the script, Yan Zhen couldn’t understand her motives. He recited his lines. “Aunt, Xue’er and I aren’t married yet. There’s no need for her to do this. She can learn after we’re married.”

She remained unmoved.

Mi Xue’er grabbed his hand and pulled him behind the screen.

“Come on, Yan Zhen. I’ll bathe you.”

He didn’t know how to respond. In the script, she was supposed to kick her mother out and then pretend to bathe him while secretly turning away.

— Wait! Don’t take off my clothes!

He tried to convey his message with his eyes, but they seemed to be on different wavelengths.

Moments later, he was stripped down to his elephant-patterned boxers, his “dragon” already stirring.

She blushed, then closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before reaching for his boxers.

Slap!

A sharp pain on her cheek startled her. She opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his, his “dragon eye” glaring at her. Her face paled, her legs trembling.

Strangely, she couldn’t tear her gaze away. She stared at it, mesmerized.

Finally, she snapped out of her trance, quickly standing up and wiping her cheek, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Yan Zhen, why don’t you… go soak in the bath first?”

He felt mortified, quickly jumping into the tub and sinking beneath the water. After a long silence, he mumbled, “I’m sorry, Senior Sister Xue’er.”

“It’s not your fault. I wasn’t paying attention… I’ll… I’ll wash you now.”

She composed herself, picked up a washcloth, and moved behind him, her movements awkward as she began to scrub his back.

She had never bathed anyone before. He was her first.

Gradually, she lost herself in the task, imagining herself as a newlywed wife tending to her husband.