Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

130 Supreme Elder Yu’s Questions

The Fire Refining Starry Sky was said to be a supreme treasure crafted by the Seven Ancient Sages, capable of capturing and utilizing Heavenly Extreme Flames.

—Master Chen Xi was able to refine two Extreme Flames precisely because of the Fire Refining Starry Sky’s assistance.

—No wonder this young man named Yan Zhen has refined three Extreme Flames at the Mystic Master realm. It must also be due to the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

—Wait, what were the names of the three Extreme Flames he refined?

Supreme Elder Yu recalled the information Clan Head Yu Lu had sent her regarding Yan Zhen. It specifically mentioned his possession of three Extreme Flames and his powerful Spiritual Power, indicating a potential talent for alchemy.

The underlying message was for Supreme Elder Yu to assess his aptitude. If she deemed him worthy, she would teach him the ways of alchemy, and the Yu family would gain a skilled alchemist son-in-law.

The three Extreme Flames were the “Gold and Silver Fire,” the “Great Crimson Skyfire,” and the “Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire.”

Supreme Elder Yu narrowed her eyes.

The Gold and Silver Fire was one of the Extreme Flames wielded by Master Chen Xi. The alchemy furnace she used was even forged using the Gold and Silver Fire as a base; it was her trademark!

However, the Gold and Silver Fire was ranked at the bottom of the Extreme Flame List. It occasionally appeared in deep mines due to the convergence of natural energies. There might be more than one source, so she hadn’t immediately connected it to Master Chen Xi.

But the Gold and Silver Fire and the Fire Refining Starry Sky appearing together on this young man named Yan Zhen… there was only one explanation: Master Chen Xi had met with misfortune, and this young man had inherited her legacy!

Supreme Elder Yu’s expression changed slightly, her brows furrowing, her usually calm heart filled with a sudden anxiety.

She quickly composed herself.

—No, Master Chen Xi is an extraordinary person. Even if she met with misfortune, she would have made arrangements.

Supreme Elder Yu looked back at the couple passionately entwined within the stone chamber.

Yan Zhen lifted Instructor Yu Xuan’s legs, pulled her up, and sat her on his lap, their bodies pressed close together, face to face. Instructor Yu Xuan wrapped her legs tightly around her lover’s waist, her eagerness evident as she reached for him, wanting another kiss.

Yan Zhen lifted Instructor Yu Xuan’s hips, about to continue, when the space before him rippled, and a beautiful figure emerged, bathed in a cool, water-colored light, her face veiled in white. Her feet landed silently on the water, and she looked down at him.

Yan Zhen blinked, wondering if he was hallucinating, then he heard her voice echo directly in his mind: “Don’t make a sound. I have a few questions for you.”

Yan Zhen froze, his already flushed face turning even redder, the tips of his ears burning.

—Holy crap, Supreme Elder Yu! Seriously? When… when did she get back?

“Su—”

He tried to speak but found himself unable to. Supreme Elder Yu continued, “Don’t speak. Continue what you were doing. Just answer my questions truthfully. Depending on your answers, I might consider overlooking your… transgression.”

Yan Zhen’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind reeling.

Engaging in such activities in an elder’s private cultivation grounds and being caught red-handed… how embarrassing.

But Supreme Elder Yu didn’t seem very angry. Why?

“Yan Zhen?”

Her lover’s sudden stillness confused Instructor Yu Xuan. She opened her eyes, saw his flushed, adorable face, and, her heart racing, assumed he wanted her to take the initiative. She moved her hips against him, completely unaware that Supreme Elder Yu was watching them.

Yan Zhen didn’t dare move or warn Instructor Yu Xuan, letting her continue.

Supreme Elder Yu, her gaze fixed on Yan Zhen, transmitted her voice through Spiritual Power: “Where did you get that crystal pendant around your neck?”

Hearing this, Yan Zhen instantly understood. She recognized the Fire Refining Starry Sky.

This scene was in the script, but it wasn’t supposed to happen now, but after he entered the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground.

By then, he would be the Yu family’s “prospective son-in-law” and, with their recommendation and his top scores in the entrance examination, he would join Rain God Peak, one of the seven peaks, becoming a disciple and cultivating under a kind elder.

Although he received considerable attention, he rarely saw Supreme Elder Yu.

Until that one time, while practicing body tempering alone, he got into a conflict. Although he won the fight, his opponent had connections with the Enforcement Team. They arrived and tried to arrest him, only to be beaten up by Yan Zhen.

The matter escalated, alerting Supreme Elder Yu, who happened to be coming out of seclusion.

Yan Zhen, shirtless from his body tempering practice, was then seen by Supreme Elder Yu with the crystal pendant around his neck—the Fire Refining Starry Sky that originally belonged to Beautiful Master.

Yan Zhen had initially intended to feign ignorance, but Beautiful Master had projected herself from the pendant and revealed herself to Supreme Elder Yu.

That was how he learned that Supreme Elder Yu was an old acquaintance of Beautiful Master.

“…”

Yan Zhen, suppressing the waves of pleasure washing over him, looked at Supreme Elder Yu, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.

The plot had advanced so much. Should he answer truthfully or try to deceive her?

In the script, he pretended to be clueless until Beautiful Master revealed herself.

But Beautiful Master wasn’t acting according to the script. She hadn’t projected herself even once, and it was Yan Zhen who entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky to receive her guidance.

What if Beautiful Master didn’t appear? Should he summon her? But he was currently… occupied with Instructor Yu Xuan, and Beautiful Master was easily jealous of her. It would be a difficult situation.

Seeing him remain silent, Supreme Elder Yu continued her questioning through Spiritual Power transmission: “They said you possess a spatial treasure. Is it that pendant?”

Yan Zhen held Instructor Yu Xuan’s waist, trying to slow down her movements, still hesitant about whether to confess.

Supreme Elder Yu’s gaze sharpened. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t tell me. I recognize it. That’s the Fire Refining Starry Sky, a secret treasure crafted by the Seven Ancient Sages, capable of containing and utilizing Heavenly Extreme Flames. It was originally unclaimed, first obtained by the legendary Alchemist Saint of the Eighth Continent, Master Chen Xi, and has been in her possession ever since. Young man, what is your relationship with Master Chen Xi?”

Yan Zhen, feeling awkward, hesitated, then replied weakly through Spiritual Power transmission, “Master Chen Xi is my master.”

He felt like revealing Beautiful Master’s name under these circumstances was somewhat disrespectful.

—Master Chen Xi’s disciple is such a lecher!

Something like that.

“Your master…”

Supreme Elder Yu thought, As expected. She wasn’t sure whether Yan Zhen was officially accepted as a disciple or had simply inherited her legacy, but that wasn’t important.

“Then do you know where Master Chen Xi is now?”

Yan Zhen asked cautiously, “Do you know my master, Supreme Elder?”

Supreme Elder Yu nodded slightly. “Master Chen Xi saved my life and guided my cultivation. I’ve always wanted to see her again and repay my debt to her. But she disappeared many years ago, and I haven’t been able to find her.”

Yan Zhen’s wariness lessened slightly, and after a moment’s hesitation, he replied through transmission, “Actually, Master is within the Fire Refining Starry Sky.”

“What? Inside the Fire Refining Starry Sky?”

Supreme Elder Yu’s usually indifferent face showed a flicker of shock, her gaze fixed on the crystal pendant, a hint of excitement in her eyes.

—Master Chen Xi is here?

129 Supreme Elder Yu’s Shock

Within the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground, beneath the Sacred Lord, were the Peak Lords who presided over the seven main peaks, collectively known as the “Seven Sons of Jiā Lán.” The only woman among the Seven Sons was Supreme Elder Yu.

Although raised in the Yu family, Supreme Elder Yu wasn’t a blood relative but an adopted daughter.

With her exceptional talent and a fortunate encounter with a powerful mentor, she eventually reached the Supreme Elder realm, defeated her rivals, became a Peak Lord, and was recognized as one of the Seven Sons of Jiā Lán, commanding great respect.

To outsiders, Supreme Elder Yu was cold and aloof, but she was kind and generous to those she cared about, always remembering kindness shown to her.

She spared no effort in supporting the Yu family, raising them from a first-rate power slightly stronger than Cloud Heaven Palace to their current position as a top-tier power controlling half of the Sacred Ground Academy.

Despite this, Supreme Elder Yu didn’t hold any authority within the Yu family, nor did she interfere in their affairs, only offering occasional advice on important matters, like a detached advisor. She didn’t even live in the main residence’s luxurious courtyard but built a secluded cultivation cave in the forbidden area at the back of the mountain, rarely venturing out.

During the annual New Year and ancestral worship ceremonies, Supreme Elder Yu would stay in her back mountain cave for a few days. In her free time, she would also return there to rest, bask in the sun, soak in the Clear Waterfall or the White Jade Spring, and occasionally reminisce about the time she spent with that perfect Alchemist Saint.

“…”

Supreme Elder Yu, after meditating for seven days and nights, slowly opened her eyes, a thin wisp of white air escaping her lips.

Although Supreme Elders were at the peak of the Mystic Venerable realm, they were further divided into nine grades. Supreme Elder Yu was only a third-grade Supreme Elder, second to last among the Seven Sons of Jiā Lán.

Each advancement in the Supreme Elder realm required a massive amount of Mystic Qi. Simply absorbing Mystic Crystals and consuming pills was too slow. One had to comprehend deeper levels of spatial power and harness the vast energy within spatial rifts.

Supreme Elder Yu had been stuck at third-grade for an entire year, making her somewhat anxious.

This meant that without a fortuitous encounter or a breakthrough, her cultivation journey would end here.

This wasn’t a problem unique to her, but a common dilemma faced by all Mystic Venerables.

From Mystic Venerable onwards, every advancement required a breakthrough: cultivation techniques, Mystic Skills, physique, soul cultivation… countless factors. That’s why so many talented individuals were stuck at this realm, unable to progress further.

Whenever her cultivation stagnated, Supreme Elder Yu would recall the person who saved her life and guided her cultivation.

She was so beautiful and powerful.

Wielding two Extreme Flames, one gold and silver, the other multicolored, she was a master of all five branches of alchemy: pill refinement, tool forging, talisman creation, formation arrangement, and beast taming. And she was especially skilled in pill refinement, her abilities practically divine! She was known as the “Pill Fairy,” the “Peerless Alchemist Saint,” and the “Greatest Alchemist of All Time.”

It was thanks to a chance encounter and guidance from that great person that Supreme Elder Yu had achieved her current accomplishments.

If she could meet that person again, perhaps she could—

“Master Chen Xi,” Supreme Elder Yu murmured longingly, “are you still in Jiā Lán Continent, or have you returned to the Eighth Continent? Why haven’t I heard from you for so many years?”

Sigh.

Supreme Elder Yu sighed softly, losing her desire to meditate. She composed herself and decided to return to the Yu residence for a bath.

She had set a spatial coordinate in her back mountain cave. As long as she was in the central region of Jiā Lán Continent, she could teleport back anytime.

Supreme Elder Yu took a step forward, and the surrounding space rippled violently, engulfing her as she vanished.

She reappeared in the back mountain of the Yu family residence, standing atop the waterfall.

From this position, she could see the Clear Waterfall before her and the White Jade Spring behind her.

Both areas were empty, not even Xuan’er, who had been cultivating nearby recently, was present. Just as she preferred.

The question was, should she soak in the cold waterfall or the hot spring?

It was still cold outside, but for a Supreme Elder, the temperature didn’t matter.

What mattered was her mood.

However, as her gaze swept across the area, she noticed two figures hiding furtively in the bushes, peeking at the pool below the waterfall.

“Yu Qing? And Yu Lu’s sister-in-law? What are they…”

Supreme Elder Yu wasn’t interested in their strange behavior, but with them there, it wasn’t convenient for her to bathe. If they discovered her, they would definitely disturb her relaxation time.

“Forget it, I’ll bathe inside.”

Supreme Elder Yu vanished, reappearing on one of the artificial mountains in the White Jade Spring. She took out a plump, round pot from her storage ring, opened the lid, and the milky-white spring water flowed upwards into the pot.

After collecting enough water for a bath, she closed the lid, held the pot, and vanished again.

Inside the stone chamber, space rippled slightly as Supreme Elder Yu was about to emerge. However, through the thin spatial barrier, she saw a scene that shocked her to her core.

The usually empty chamber now contained a man and a woman, both of whom she recognized: her niece, Xuan’er, and her talented young love interest.

That wasn’t the shocking part. The shocking part was that they were naked and entangled.

Xuan’er lay on the floor at the center of the formation, her head resting on her usual meditation cushion, her black and blue hair spread out around her, her beautiful face flushed with passion, her lips slightly parted, soft moans escaping them.

Her arms were tightly wrapped around the young man’s back, as if wanting to merge with him, her legs spread wide around his waist, her delicate feet dangling behind him, kicking slightly.

The dragon mark on his… seemed to be thriving.

Supreme Elder Yu’s eyes widened. Even with her calm demeanor, witnessing such a scene shocked her. She wondered if she had entered the wrong room.

But this stone chamber was indeed her cultivation cave, and also Xuan’er’s private space!

—What’s going on? Why are they here?

No one in the Yu family should be able to enter without her permission.

Supreme Elder Yu frowned, a flicker of annoyance in her heart. She wasn’t prone to anger, but these two children, behaving so disrespectfully, engaging in such activities in her cultivation cave… it was outrageous!

Just as she was about to make her presence known, her gaze fell on something on Yan Zhen’s chest, making her pause.

It was a crystal-clear, spherical pendant, swaying slightly with his movements. It looked ordinary, yet a faint spatial energy emanated from it.

—A spatial treasure!

And that fiery aura, a fire attribute… wait!

Supreme Elder Yu’s frown deepened. Suddenly, a memory surfaced in her mind.

“Could that be… the Fire Refining Starry Sky?”

—It must be. That’s the Fire Refining Starry Sky Master Chen Xi always wore, a priceless treasure left behind by the Seven Ancient Sages!

Why did Master Chen Xi’s treasure end up in the hands of Xuan’er’s love interest?

128 Supreme Elder Yu’s Secluded Cultivation Grounds

Yan Zhen wasn’t angry, just surprised and unsettled.

Since arriving at the Sacred Ground Academy, he had encountered three reborn individuals:

Zi Xunyi, Long Ying, and now Instructor Yu Xuan.

And based on his speculation, his wife Cai Lian was also reborn.

Was the Sacred Ground Academy some sort of singularity or a fountain of rebirth? One after another, it was truly absurd.

Transmigration and rebirth were supposed to be the protagonist’s privileges.

With even the supporting female characters reborn, his status as the transmigrated protagonist felt somewhat diminished.

And no one was supposed to be reborn in the script—well, the script had been deviating for a while now. Dwelling on it was a waste of time.

[…]

Yan Zhen looked at Instructor Yu Xuan, her pitiful appearance evoking a wave of tenderness within him.

“I was just kidding, Instructor. From the Mystic Academy until now, I’ve always cherished your kindness. How could I be angry with you?”

“Yan Zhen!” Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes teared up as she embraced him. “I was so scared, afraid of repeating the mistakes of my past life, afraid of being unable to change the past, afraid of not being able to be with you.”

Yan Zhen quickly hugged her back, comforting her. “I’m sorry, Instructor. I didn’t make you feel secure enough.”

He had always passively accepted Instructor Yu Xuan’s affection, rarely reciprocating due to various concerns.

And when he finally acknowledged their relationship, they were forced to separate. Thinking about it, his efforts were far less than hers.

Although love wasn’t always equal, one side always giving more, Yan Zhen felt he should still try his best to make the people he loved, and those who loved him, happy.

“It’s not your fault. I was just… overthinking it.” Instructor Yu Xuan loosened her embrace slightly, her hand reaching up to caress his face, gazing into his eyes. “Because I’ve already missed my chance once. I don’t want to miss it again.”

“You won’t, Instructor.” Yan Zhen held her tightly, their bodies pressed together. “We’re already together. Even if we’re separated, it’s only temporary. I’ll cultivate diligently and marry you soon.”

He blushed as he spoke, her passionate display of affection making him respond in kind.

“Yan Zhen…” Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes were filled with emotion. “Hold me, kiss me, leave your mark on me, make me yours completely, okay?”

“Uh, here?”

“Yes, this is my secluded cultivation spot. No one will come here.”

—Instructor Yu Xuan is surprisingly bold. Doing it outdoors for the first time… isn’t that a bit much?

Yan Zhen whispered, “I’m worried that my aunts might follow us.”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled shyly. “You misunderstand, Yan Zhen. I meant… the stone chamber behind the waterfall.”

“Stone chamber?”

Hearing this, Yan Zhen remembered. The script did mention a stone chamber here, Supreme Elder Yu’s secluded cultivation area within the Yu family residence.

Supreme Elders were peak Mystic Venerables. Their cultivation would cause spatial fluctuations that ordinary formations couldn’t conceal. Therefore, they needed to be away from others or have a dedicated cultivation chamber.

However, Clan Head Mother-in-law had specifically told him not to go near Supreme Elder Yu’s secluded area. Wouldn’t it be wrong to disobey her?

Yan Zhen looked at Instructor Yu Xuan, but she seemed unconcerned, not bothering to explain. She took his hand again and smiled. “Let’s go. Use your Mystic Power to protect yourself from the water.”

Yan Zhen nodded and circulated his Fire Mystic Power, enveloping himself in flames, looking like a miniature fire man.

Instructor Yu Xuan also enveloped herself in Water Mystic Power and led him into the waterfall.

The cascading water parted before their Mystic Power, and they walked for about ten steps before stopping.

Looking closely, there was indeed an outline of a door on the cliff face.

Instructor Yu Xuan touched the door, channeled her Mystic Power into it, and distorted lines appeared on the stone surface as the door slowly rose.

“It’s open.”

“…”

Yan Zhen finally felt certain that Instructor Yu Xuan was reborn.

In the script, Supreme Elder Yu favored Instructor Yu Xuan and allowed her access to her secluded cultivation area, even personally guiding her cultivation.

She must have learned how to open the stone door then. Otherwise, how could she enter a Supreme Elder’s secluded area so easily?

Actually, this was just the back entrance. There was another door on the other side of the mountain, the main entrance, used by Yu family members when they needed to meet with Supreme Elder Yu. This back entrance was rarely used, and even Clan Head Mother-in-law probably didn’t know how to open it.

They entered the doorway, stepping into a passageway. Glowing stones embedded in the walls illuminated the path.

Passing through the passage, they entered a large, open chamber.

The stone chamber, the size of a basketball court, was empty, except for glowing stones embedded in the ceiling, a formation inscribed on the floor, and a meditation cushion at the formation’s center.

A faint fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air, refreshing and calming.

There were two smaller side chambers on either side of the main chamber. The left one contained bookshelves and some broken Mystic Tools, while the right one housed an alchemy furnace and rows of medicine cabinets.

—Supreme Elder Yu was also an alchemist, having received guidance from Beautiful Master. She had reached Tier 7, almost Tier 8, and created many useful pill formulas.

Seeing these things, Yan Zhen became nervous, feeling Supreme Elder Yu’s presence, as if she were right there, a powerful pressure weighing down on him.

“Instructor, where exactly is this—?”

Instructor Yu Xuan lowered her voice. “This is Supreme Elder Yu’s secluded cultivation area.”

“Huh? Supreme Elder Yu? Isn’t this inappropriate?” Yan Zhen feigned surprise. “If we leave any traces and she finds out, we’re finished! And Mother-in-law specifically told us not to enter Supreme Elder Yu’s secluded area.”

“But the entire island is under Mother and the others’ surveillance, except for this place.” Instructor Yu Xuan suddenly wrapped her arms around Yan Zhen’s neck, her gaze locking onto his handsome face, her desire growing. “Don’t worry. The Supreme Elder only returns to the Yu family two or three times a year, usually during the New Year and the ancestral worship ceremony. The New Year has already passed, and the ancestral worship ceremony is still over a month away. She won’t be back.”

“Instructor…”

Yan Zhen looked into her eyes, sensing her desire. She wanted to be his, to bear his mark, to become one with him. She needed him!

“Yan Zhen…”

Instructor Yu Xuan kissed him.

Their clothes fell away like autumn leaves.

Outside the waterfall, Younger Aunt Dean, who had followed the young couple, and Aunt Head Instructor, who had followed the Dean, were puzzled. Where did they go?

Worried about being discovered, they hadn’t dared to get too close. They had seen the two enter the water, but not the waterfall itself.

They would never have guessed that they could enter Supreme Elder Yu’s secluded cultivation area.

Meanwhile, at the Jiā Lán Sacred Ground, on Rain God Peak, one of the seven main peaks, Supreme Elder Yu, meditating on a cushion, slowly opened her clear eyes.

127 Instructor Yu Xuan’s Confession

“Instructor, where are we going?”

“Just for a stroll. This island might be small, but it has some nice scenery.”

“Rather than sightseeing, I’d prefer to spend more time with you, Instructor. After all, I’m returning to the academy tomorrow.”

“Yan Zhen…”

Instructor Yu Xuan stopped, gazing at her lover, who blushed slightly under her gaze, waiting for her response.

After a moment, a smile returned to her face, and she tightened her grip on his hand, as if wanting to hold him forever.

“Then how about visiting my cultivation spot? It’s not far from the White Jade Spring we went to yesterday.”

“Sure.”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s cultivation spot was a waterfall nestled among three mountains. Strangely, the cascading water seemed frozen in place, like a sheet of glass against the cliff face.

Below the waterfall, the water collected in a clear pool, its surface undisturbed by even a ripple.

If Yan Zhen remembered correctly, this was the Yu family’s second forbidden area, the Clear Waterfall, opposite the White Jade Spring (Turbid Spring), accessible through the peach blossom maze from the other side.

A faint chill permeated the air, the temperature below freezing.

“Yan Zhen, look, the water isn’t moving.”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression clearly said, “Ask me why.” Yan Zhen, however, responded matter-of-factly, “It’s a laminar flow phenomenon, right?”

“What’s a laminar flow?”

“Uh, simply put, when the flow rate is very low, the fluid flows in layers, without mixing. That’s laminar flow. However, a waterfall is accelerated by gravity, so it shouldn’t exhibit laminar flow… Well, I’m just guessing… Do you know why, Instructor?”

Instructor Yu Xuan suddenly remembered Yan Zhen saying something similar when he visited this place in her previous life.

“No, you’re right. It’s because the water contains abundant Mystic Qi, slowing down the waterfall’s descent and making it appear almost motionless. The same applies to the pool’s surface.”

“Oh~”

Yan Zhen nodded repeatedly, pretending to be impressed, though he had already read about this in the script.

Instructor Yu Xuan looked at him. “The water of the Clear Waterfall can reflect one’s true self and reveal one’s innermost thoughts. Cultivating here eliminates the risk of Qi deviation.”

Yan Zhen nodded again. “It’s indeed a good place for secluded cultivation.”

“Let’s go take a closer look.”

“Can it really reflect one’s true self?”

“Of course. Come on.”

They removed their shoes and socks, stepped onto the water’s surface with their bare feet, and slowly walked into the misty pool.

Each step created clear ripples on the mirror-like surface, slowly expanding before disappearing.

Yan Zhen looked down, but despite the water’s clarity, he couldn’t see his or Instructor Yu Xuan’s reflection.

—How strange. I hope I don’t suddenly sprout red hair. (A reference to a Chinese idiom about encountering something supernatural.)

Led by Instructor Yu Xuan, Yan Zhen arrived before the waterfall. Looking closely, there was a faint line where the water fell, barely visible.

The waterfall also didn’t reflect their images. He could see the patterns on the cliff face behind the falling water.

“Instructor, what do I do?”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled faintly. “Just submerge a part of your body in the water and focus your mind. I’ll demonstrate.”

She extended her hand into the waterfall and closed her eyes.

Gentle Water Mystic Power circulated around her graceful body, as if she were glowing, her black and blue hair swaying slightly.

Soon, the crystal-clear waterfall turned cloudy, like a drop of milk had been added.

The cloudiness gradually coalesced, forming a familiar figure.

Instructor Yu Xuan opened her eyes, looked at her “reflection” in the waterfall, then both “she” and her reflection looked at Yan Zhen.

“See? That’s the ‘true me’.”

Yan Zhen’s eyes widened in surprise.

The Instructor Yu Xuan in the waterfall looked more mature and voluptuous than the one beside him, as if aged by time, exuding a mature charm like fine wine, incredibly alluring.

And she looked almost exactly like Mother-in-law Clan Head!

If not for the gentle expression in her eyes, he would have mistaken the beautiful figure in the waterfall for the Clan Head.

“Instructor’s inner self is… so mature?”

—Wait, that’s not right.

In the script, after winning the husband selection ceremony, Yan Zhen was also brought here by Instructor Yu Xuan as a reward.

She demonstrated how to “reflect one’s true self,” but the reflection that appeared acted like a lovesick fool, exclaiming, “So handsome! So cute!” almost causing her to die of embarrassment.

However, the reflection was supposed to be identical to the person, not a decade older, like this.

—What’s going on?

Instructor Yu Xuan shook her head slightly. “This has nothing to do with maturity. This is… who I truly am.”

She took a deep breath and said seriously, “Actually, I’m reborn. I returned to the present from fifteen years in the future, with all my memories.”

Yan Zhen was stunned, his mind reeling.

—What?! Reborn? Instructor Yu Xuan is also reborn?

“W-what’s going on, Instructor? You’re not joking, are you?”

“I’m serious. I’m sorry for keeping it from you for so long. I just didn’t know how to tell you… I was worried you would… dislike me because of our age difference.”

“How could I dislike you, Instructor? Besides, you’re still just as captivating fifteen years later.”

“Really?”

“Of course… No, wait, that’s not the point! This is…” Yan Zhen was flustered, his words jumbled. “How… how could you be reborn? Why were you reborn? This is so strange.”

“I also thought it was absurd at first, like some kind of illusion created by my inner demons. But then I gradually confirmed that I was truly reborn.” Instructor Yu Xuan smiled gently. “Actually, in my past life, you and I weren’t together. We were fated to meet, but not to be together. In the end, I could only watch you marry another woman, silently hiding my feelings… Perhaps that’s why fate took pity on me and gave me a second chance, giving me the courage to pursue you… Now, my wish has finally come true, so I’m telling you everything—Yan Zhen, are you angry?”

“Not angry, just… surprised. It’s a bit much to take in.” Yan Zhen scratched his head, troubled. “So, you’ve had… ulterior motives towards me from the very beginning?”

Instructor Yu Xuan blushed. “Not ulterior motives, but… I liked you.”

“Just liked me? Not… attracted to me?”

“A… a little bit.”

Her voice was barely a whisper. Yan Zhen snorted playfully.

“No wonder you were so good to me from the beginning, even… So it was all premeditated.”

Instructor Yu Xuan panicked. “I truly like you, Yan Zhen. I wanted to be with you so much that I used a few… little tricks to make you fall for me—I was wrong. Please don’t be angry.”

126 Beautiful Master’s Hangover Cure

Q: What’s it like to wake up and find your mother-in-law and great-aunt discussing your “manhood”?

A: Whimper, whimper, whimper

“…”

Yan Zhen had a headache, in more ways than one.

He should have slept soundly through the night after drinking so much, but with three Extreme Flames in his body, the Emperor Flame Technique automatically circulated, neutralizing most of the alcohol within half an hour. Coupled with the Clan Head Mother-in-law and Grand Elder Great Aunt’s… examination of his dragon mark, he woke up—

He probably shouldn’t have.

What were they doing anyway? Inspecting his “equipment”? There was no need to be so hands-on, geez.

Yan Zhen sighed, lay still for a while, then sat up abruptly, got out of bed, and drank the sobering-up soup on the table.

The soup cleared his head and quenched his thirst.

“Phew.”

He stretched, then activated the Star Shifting Fire Seal and entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky to continue forging his sword with Beautiful Master.

That was his original intention, but seeing Beautiful Master, he just wanted to cuddle in her embrace.

Beautiful Master, seemingly having anticipated her precious disciple’s thoughts, beckoned him over. Yan Zhen lay down, resting his head on her smooth, jade-like legs.

“Zhen’er, didn’t you say you were going to the Yu family residence today? Why are you here visiting Master?”

She gently stroked his hair, her gaze filled with affection.

Yan Zhen took Beautiful Master’s hand, rubbed his face against it, and said affectionately, “I woke up in the middle of the night and missed Master.”

Chen Xi’s heart warmed, her eyes softening.

“Shouldn’t you spend more time with Instructor Yu Xuan? You won’t see each other for a while after you return.”

Yan Zhen, his eyes half-closed, said, “Instructor is in her room. It’s not appropriate for me to go over there now.”

“What’s inappropriate about it? It would be a nice surprise.”

“Doesn’t Master want to spend time with me?”

Yan Zhen’s feigned grievance made Chen Xi chuckle. “Master just wants you to understand, Zhen’er, that you should cherish everyone who loves you.”

“Master is the one who loves me most, and I love Master most too.”

Yan Zhen released Beautiful Master’s hand, wrapped his arms around her waist, buried his face in her soft abdomen, and inhaled her delicate fragrance, a mix of her natural scent and the faint aroma of medicinal herbs, calming his mind and body.

“Master smells so good~”

Her precious disciple’s affection filled Chen Xi with a deep sense of maternal satisfaction. Her eyes softened with love, her hand gently caressing his face, a tingling sensation in her breasts.

She felt a strange fullness, even without any stimulation, which embarrassed her, a faint blush coloring her beautiful face.

Trying to hide her nervousness, she asked tentatively, “Zhen’er, are you hungry?”

Yan Zhen shook his head, rubbing his face against her abdomen. “Not hungry. I had dinner before coming here.”

“Then… are you thirsty?”

“Not thirsty either. I drank the sobering-up soup before coming in. My mouth feels refreshed.”

Chen Xi was at a loss. She couldn’t exactly say, “Master wants to feed you.” How embarrassing would that be?

But as the fullness in her chest intensified, she felt an overwhelming urge to nurture, especially with Yan Zhen nestled against her, acting spoiled and cute. It was too much for her to resist.

—Usually so mischievous and clever, yet he doesn’t understand my feelings at a time like this. Such a silly disciple… Wait, sobering-up soup?

Chen Xi bit her lip and asked softly, “Zhen’er, were you drunk?”

Yan Zhen mumbled, “Mm-hmm, I kept toasting the Yu family elders at the banquet, so I got drunk… My head still feels a bit fuzzy. Could you rub it for me, Master?”

“The Yu family uses high-quality spirit wine to entertain guests. Even a Mystic King would get drunk, let alone you, Zhen’er. Just rubbing your head won’t help with alcohol poisoning.”

“Then what should I do?”

“…”

Silence fell. After a while, not hearing a response, Yan Zhen opened his eyes curiously and saw, to his surprise, that Beautiful Master had opened her robe to her elbows, gazing at him with such affection that his own heart began to race.

Snow-white skin, cherry-blossom pink nipples, shimmering like jewels… Such breathtaking beauty.

“Master,” Yan Zhen blinked, his pupils reflecting her rosy hue. “What are you…?”

Chen Xi smiled faintly, lifted his head, and placed it on her arm, then leaned down, offering her breast.

“Open your mouth, Zhen’er.”

Yan Zhen understood and obediently accepted Beautiful Master’s “hangover cure.”

After drinking the “hangover cure,” Yan Zhen enjoyed a moment of intimacy with Beautiful Master, then, under her supervision, he got up and resumed forging his sword.

When he emerged from the Fire Refining Starry Sky, it was already dawn. Yan Zhen stretched, then went to the bathroom to wash up.

Just as he finished, a knock came at the door. He opened it and saw Instructor Yu Xuan standing there.

Behind her were two maids, including the enthusiastic Hong Xing.

“I figured you’d be awake early,” Instructor Yu Xuan said, smiling gently. “I made breakfast. Come eat at my place.”

“Okay.”

He followed her to her room, dismissed the maids, and they had breakfast together.

Steaming hot mutton soup and baked flatbreads, she must have started preparing them before dawn.

Instructor was the perfect example of a virtuous wife and good mother, completely fulfilling Yan Zhen’s fantasy of an ideal partner: capable, domestic, and passionate in bed, yet not overly wanton…

In short, perfect!

“Why are you staring at me? Eat,” she said.

“Because Instructor is beautiful. Even more beautiful up close.”

“Flatterer. After breakfast, we’ll go pay our respects to Mother, then I’ll show you around the island.”

“As you wish, Instructor.”

After breakfast, Yan Zhen followed Instructor Yu Xuan to Clan Head Mother-in-law’s courtyard and found not only the Clan Head but also Great Aunt Elder, Younger Aunt Dean, and Aunt Head Instructor.

The four beautiful elders were having breakfast, a table full of delicate dishes, both sweet and savory, like a small gathering among sisters.

Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan greeted them respectfully.

Clan Head Mother-in-law nodded in response, Grand Elder Great Aunt smiled, while Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor looked nervous, taking a moment to respond with a curt “mm-hmm.”

Clan Head Mother-in-law, her expression as impassive as ever, asked, “Have you eaten? If not, sit down and join us.”

Instructor Yu Xuan replied, “We’ve eaten. I’d like to take Yan Zhen for a walk around the island, Mother. May we have your permission?”

Yan Zhen noticed that in private, Instructor Yu Xuan addressed the Clan Head as “Mother,” but in more formal settings, or when speaking to others about her, she used the more formal “Mother.” Quite particular.

Clan Head Mother-in-law nodded. “Go ahead. Be back before nightfall. And don’t go anywhere dangerous, or where the Supreme Elder is in seclusion.”

“I understand, Mother. Then we’ll take our leave—let’s go, Yan Zhen.”

“Excuse us.”

Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan left the courtyard.

Watching them leave, Dean Yu Qing frowned slightly, then put down her chopsticks, claiming she was full.

“I’m going back to my room, Elder Sister, Second Sister.”

She quickly left.

Shui Bailan, seeing this, also stopped eating and followed.

Clan Head Yu Lu sighed softly, feeling a headache coming on.

Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled and placed a pastry on her younger sister’s plate.

125

Inside the room, Shui Bailan felt the warmth emanating from her hand grow increasingly intense. She glanced over and saw the tattoo-like dragon mark seeming to come alive, its strange allure captivating her mind.

Shui Bailan swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry.

She had already erased one of the Water Mystic Power lines; only one remained. But she had lost all interest in continuing, her attention completely fixated on the mesmerizing dragon mark, her body unconsciously leaning closer.

Hot breath washed over her, Shui Bailan’s own breathing becoming heavier, her eyes, behind her glasses, taking on a heart-like shape.

Just then, Grand Elder Yu Yan’s voice drifted in on the evening breeze: “Little Yan Zhen, are you asleep?”

Shui Bailan snapped back to reality, her eyes widening. She quickly released Yan Zhen, stood up, and stepped away from the bed, her breath catching in her throat.

Her full breasts heaved, and a blush colored her usually cool face.

She quickly composed herself, pulled the velvet blanket over Yan Zhen, and, pretending nothing had happened, walked to the door. Seeing Clan Head Yu Lu and Grand Elder Yu Yan, both dressed in elegant gowns, approaching leisurely, she curtsied respectfully. “Sister-in-law, Elder Sister.”

Grand Elder Yu Yan asked “curiously,” “Xiao Bailan, what are you doing here?”

Shui Bailan adjusted her glasses habitually and replied calmly, “I brought Yan Zhen some sobering-up soup.”

Clan Head Yu Lu glanced at the tray and bowl on the table. She had instructed the servants to prepare and deliver the soup. Her sister-in-law’s excuse wasn’t very convincing.

“Is Son-in-law Yan Zhen asleep?”

“He was already sound asleep when I arrived, so I was just about to leave the soup and go when I saw you and Sister-in-law coming.”

Clan Head Yu Lu’s expression remained unchanged, thinking, If you weren’t feeling guilty, why bother explaining in such detail?

Shui Bailan adjusted her glasses again. “Then, Sister-in-law, Elder Sister, I’ll return to my room.”

Clan Head Yu Lu didn’t expose her sister-in-law, simply replying, “Go ahead.” Shui Bailan quickly left.

Clan Head Yu Lu’s gaze shifted to Yan Zhen on the bed, the lump under the blanket making her expression slightly unnatural.

Grand Elder Yu Yan, however, showed no such reservation, saying with surprise, “That boy, so… energetic even in his sleep. Perhaps he can… light a few more lamps(children) for the Yu family.”

Clan Head Yu Lu looked at Yan Zhen’s face, then turned to her sister. “Do you want children, Elder Sister?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan’s expression remained unchanged, still smiling. “Not right now. And I can’t have any, at least not until I reach the peak of Mystic Ancestor. A forced pregnancy might result in a miscarriage.”

Clan Head Yu Lu fell silent. Her older sister’s Qi deviation and subsequent infertility were because of her.

“Alright, Xiao Lu, since Little Yan Zhen is asleep, let’s go back.”

“Let’s help Son-in-law Yan Zhen get dressed first, so he won’t be suspicious when he wakes up.”

“You’re right. I’ll dress his top, and Xiao Lu, you can dress his bottom.”

“…”

The two elegant and mature women walked to the bed and pulled back the blanket covering Yan Zhen.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Lu?”

“Sister, why is there a… dragon mark on his…?”

“It seems rather sinister. It must be the power of the Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Fire. It seems Bailan was also… captivated by it earlier.”

“Will it… have any adverse effects?”

Meaning, would the dragon’s power affect the Yu family bloodline, as the bloodline was essential for cultivating the Timely Rain Heavenly Scripture.

Grand Elder Yu Yan shook her head, her hair swaying slightly. “It shouldn’t. It’s just a manifestation of a sliver of dragon power, enhancing his… abilities. It’s a good thing.”

Clan Head Yu Lu nodded slightly. “Elder Sister is right.”

“Let’s go.”

Just as they had arrived gracefully, the two beautiful women left. After they were gone, Yan Zhen slowly opened his eyes, blinked a few times, and his consciousness gradually returned.

—That… wasn’t a dream, was it?

“Hmmm…”

124 Mother-in-Law’s Hesitation

Younger Aunt Dean was a Mystic Ancestor, while Shui Bailan was only a Mystic King, two major realms lower. Even for her, dispelling the Water Mystic Power lines on Yan Zhen’s chest would take some time.

However, she knew that the Yu family had used the highest quality resources to entertain Yan Zhen. The banquet wine was top-grade spirit wine, potent enough to intoxicate even a Mystic King, let alone a Mystic Master like Yan Zhen.

That’s why her friend’s antics on his chest hadn’t woken him…

And she had time to carefully erase the Water Mystic Power lines, preventing Yan Zhen from suspecting anything and causing unnecessary trouble.

—Sigh, she’s so troublesome.

Shui Bailan pulled her right sleeve with her left hand, her right hand glowing with a faint, icy light, her fingers extended like a sword, gently touching Yan Zhen’s chest.

Her soft fingertips traced the light blue lines, soon reaching the sensitive spot over his heart.

Feeling the hardened nub beneath her fingers, Shui Bailan blushed. Since this area had received… special attention from Yu Qing, the residual Water Mystic Power was stronger, requiring her to rub it gently, her fingertip circling the spot.

Yan Zhen, still asleep, let out a soft moan and frowned slightly, clearly reacting to the stimulation.

Shui Bailan blushed even more, feeling like she was doing something wrong, even though she was just cleaning up their mess.

—Taking advantage of my nephew-in-law while he’s asleep… isn’t this just like Yu Qing?!

—No, it’s different. I’m doing this to maintain family harmony, not for personal gratification… And I only admire Yan Zhen, unlike Yu Qing, who likes him without realizing it, even secretly doing such things to him.

“Instructor… uncomfortable…”

Yan Zhen suddenly mumbled in his sleep.

Shui Bailan was startled, thinking he had woken up, but seeing his eyes still closed, she relaxed slightly.

“Uncomfortable? Where?”

She looked at his chest, worried that she had hurt him, but found no injuries.

Her gaze trailed down his body, stopping at his… noticeable arousal, and she felt a twinge of embarrassment.

—If he’s uncomfortable there, she couldn’t help him. It was inappropriate, and she didn’t know how.

Then she heard him mumble again, “Instructor… help me…”

These words made Shui Bailan’s imagination run wild, recalling the shocking scene she had witnessed earlier at the White Jade Spring. That was the first time she had seen such… unrestrained behavior.

“Could he be having a similar dream? Triggered by Yu Qing’s actions?”

After all, her friend’s behavior was quite outrageous. Any young man with blood in his veins would react, and it would likely affect his dreams.

Come to think of it, she wasn’t entirely blameless either. She was currently caressing his chest with her fingers.

The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she became, her hand movements becoming erratic.

Shui Bailan composed herself and resumed dispelling the Water Mystic Power lines on Yan Zhen’s chest.

She had erased half a line; one and a half remained.

Yan Zhen let out a dissatisfied groan. “Instructor… bite…”

This was the first time Shui Bailan had heard a boy speak so coquettishly, and she felt a strange stirring within her.

In her experience, boys were either mischievous, prideful, or simply immature… Judging from his usual behavior, Yan Zhen seemed to belong to the third category.

However, this sixteen-year-old, a six-star Mystic Master wielding three Extreme Flames, a prodigy with limitless potential, also had such a childish and endearing side.

—So this is how Yan Zhen and Xuan’er usually interact? It makes sense. After all, Xuan’er is much older than him. It’s normal for him to act spoiled with her.

For some reason, Shui Bailan’s heart began to race. Although she knew Yan Zhen wasn’t acting spoiled with her, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Almost unconsciously, her gaze shifted to his… arousal.

Yan Zhen’s belt had been undone by Dean Yu Qing earlier and hadn’t been refastened.

After a moment’s hesitation, Shui Bailan reached out with her delicate hand and gently grasped it.

—So warm… is it because of the dragon mark?

Shui Bailan bit her lip, telling herself she was just being a caring aunt, helping a distressed junior, nothing more.

So, while erasing the Water Mystic Power lines on his chest, she also began to… soothe his restless “dragon.”

—Why is there a dragon mark there anyway?

Shui Bailan’s mind wandered.

She didn’t realize that her actions were being observed.

At the doorway, Clan Head Yu Lu and Grand Elder Yu Yan stared in astonishment at their sister-in-law’s bold actions, completely unexpected.

After the banquet, Grand Elder Yu Yan wanted to check on the drunken Yan Zhen, and Clan Head Yu Lu also wanted to make sure her daughter had returned to her room, so they came to the courtyard together.

However, the lights were on in the room, and it wasn’t Yu Xuan by Yan Zhen’s bedside, but Shui Bailan!

And not only that, but Yan Zhen’s belt was undone, his shirt open, his chest exposed, and Shui Bailan was caressing his chest while… attending to his… needs.

They thought they were mistaken, seeing their daughter as their sister-in-law, but after blinking and looking closely, they confirmed it was indeed Shui Bailan.

This…

Her younger sister having feelings for her future son-in-law was one thing, but why was her sister-in-law also acting like this? And even more boldly, directly taking action!

The two women quietly retreated to the courtyard.

“Elder Sister, did anything happen between Yu Qing and Bailan and Yan Zhen when he was in the Outer Academy?”

Grand Elder Yu Yan, equally puzzled, shook her head. “Probably not. Little Yan Zhen was only in the Outer Academy for less than half a month.”

“Then why are they—”

“I don’t know~ Although I also quite like Little Yan Zhen, it’s not to that extent.”

“Elder Sister…”

Clan Head Yu Lu looked at her older sister, her resolve wavering.

Grand Elder Yu Yan chuckled. “Is there a problem? Little Yan Zhen is so cute. Who wouldn’t like him?”

Clan Head Yu Lu understood what her older sister meant by “like,” but seeing her younger sister and sister-in-law’s behavior, she couldn’t remain calm.

She was quite satisfied with this son-in-law, but if his presence caused conflict between her daughter, sister, and sister-in-law, she would rather not have him.

After all, these three were her closest family.

The matriarchal Yu family always prioritized women.

“Don’t overthink it, Xiao Lu. This isn’t a bad thing.” Grand Elder Yu Yan smiled. “Since Xiao Bailan likes Little Yan Zhen, we can just betroth her to him. And from Little Yan Zhen’s perspective, he would probably prefer someone he’s familiar with, compared to other Yu family girls he doesn’t know.”

“Then what about Yu Qing?”

“As for Xiao Qing, it’s up to her… If she insists on having Little Yan Zhen, then let her discuss it with Xuan’er.”

It wasn’t unheard of in the Yu family for women to… borrow a brother-in-law or son-in-law due to a lack of suitable husbands.

The ethical views of a matriarchal clan were indeed different from the outside world.

123 Younger Aunt Dean is Drawing

Hidden in the bushes in the courtyard was Head Instructor Shui Bailan.

Dressed in an icy-white formal dress, white silk gloves on her hands, and silver-rimmed oval glasses perched on her nose, she exuded an air of intellectual elegance.

Seeing her best friend leave the banquet early, Shui Bailan suspected that Yu Qing might be planning to do something to Yan Zhen. So, she discreetly followed, lurking outside with her for a while.

After her niece left, her friend entered the room.

Shui Bailan initially thought Yu Qing was going to get revenge on Yan Zhen. But peeking inside, she saw her kissing Yan Zhen’s chest.

His shirt was open, and her friend’s lips were directly on his skin. Such an intimate act could only be described as a night raid.

Watching her friend, her face flushed, her pink tongue tracing patterns on her nephew-in-law’s chest, Shui Bailan felt a headache coming on.

She had long suspected that her friend had feelings for Yan Zhen. Whenever she saw him, she acted like a little girl, easily angered by his teasing, completely unlike the Outer Academy Dean and Mystic Ancestor she usually was. It was clear she had developed feelings for him, though she seemed unaware of it herself.

—Because she liked him, she was overly sensitive to his words and easily provoked.

But she had been so angry just that evening, threatening violence. Why was she now making a night raid on him while he was drunk?

Could something have happened between them earlier at the White Jade Spring?

Shui Bailan pondered, stroking her chin.

I have to stop her. How can I explain this to Xuan’er?

Even if they were to share a husband, it should be done properly, according to tradition.

Sneaking around like this, what was the point?

Shui Bailan peeked into the room again, her heart pounding, a sense of impropriety washing over her.

“…”

Inside, Younger Aunt Dean was still… working on Yan Zhen’s chest. More precisely, she was trying to draw a turtle with her tongue. She didn’t realize how suggestive her actions appeared, nor did she expect Shui Bailan to be watching.

Drawing with your tongue wasn’t easy, even just a simple turtle.

Whenever a line went astray, Dean Yu Qing would lick it, sucking the Water Mystic Power back in. She seemed determined to make the drawing perfect.

However, her licking and sucking resembled a lover’s affectionate kisses, leaving faint marks on his fair chest.

Looking at the marks she had left, Dean Yu Qing blinked, a strange, warm sensation spreading through her, turning her skin pink and causing a light sheen of sweat to appear.

She lifted her head, trying to clear her mind, then continued drawing the turtle.

It was a slow process, but a turtle only required a few lines. After some adjustments, she finally finished, a vivid and rather cute little turtle.

Dean Yu Qing looked at her masterpiece, blinked, and then muttered to herself, “It’s not ugly enough. It won’t have the desired psychological impact on that little brat. I’ll draw a bigger, uglier one to teach him a lesson!”

She leaned down again and licked the little turtle, her pink tongue erasing the lines like a wet eraser, leaving a shiny trail of saliva.

She didn’t notice that Yan Zhen, in his sleep, had relaxed his grip. She could have easily freed her hands; there was no need to use her tongue.

After erasing the cute little turtle, Dean Yu Qing started drawing again, this time a larger one.

Her soft, pink tongue, tracing a light blue, wobbly line across the sensitive spot over Yan Zhen’s heart with Water Mystic Power, made him twitch in his sleep.

Dean Yu Qing paused, hearing his soft moan, her heart racing.

For some reason, she suddenly felt that this, more than drawing a turtle on him, gave her a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

So, she continued, her tongue tracing another curved line on the other side of his chest, making him frown slightly in his sleep.

—Such a simple young man, completely defenseless against a mature and beautiful woman like her, hmph~

Dean Yu Qing didn’t realize that she had climbed onto the bed and was now straddling Yan Zhen, her freed hands resting on either side of his head, her beautiful face flushed, her eyes reflecting his image, her pupils almost heart-shaped.

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked like a mature woman taking advantage of a handsome, drunken young man.

Just as Dean Yu Qing was about to continue teasing Yan Zhen, she heard footsteps approaching, a familiar aura drawing closer.

Ice Mystic Power, Mystic King realm… it could only be Shui Bailan.

“Bailan? Why is she here?”

Dean Yu Qing’s heart sank. She looked at the half-dressed Yan Zhen, then at herself, and instantly sobered up, her face burning red.

As if her butt was on fire, she jumped off the bed, frantically buttoned Yan Zhen’s shirt, covered him with the blanket, then sat at the table and poured herself a cup of tea.

A moment later, Shui Bailan entered, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup.

“Eh? Yu Qing? What are you doing here?”

Dean Yu Qing calmly took a sip of tea and said, “Waiting for that brat to wake up, so I can settle the score with him.”

Seeing her friend’s serious expression, Shui Bailan almost laughed.

Dean Yu Qing, feeling guilty, quickly changed the subject. “What’s in the bowl?”

“Sobering-up soup,” Shui Bailan said. “He’ll have a headache after drinking so much. This will help.”

She had intercepted it from a servant outside the courtyard. Otherwise, it would have been the servant who came in.

“Such a thoughtful aunt,” Dean Yu Qing said sarcastically, then added resentfully, “I don’t understand why you and Elder Sister like that boy so much. Now even Second Sister… hmph!”

Shui Bailan thought, You’re the one who likes him the most, aren’t you? Yu Yan and I just appreciate him as a junior. You, on the other hand, went straight for the…

Shui Bailan didn’t know what to say. After all, this was the Yu family’s way. Romantic relationships were forbidden for direct descendants and discouraged for collateral branches. They had no concept of love; Xuan’er was an exception.

“Are you going to stay here and watch over Yan Zhen all night?”

“Who’s watching over him… Forget it, I’m leaving. You can watch over him if you want.”

Dean Yu Qing ignored Shui Bailan’s protests and left.

Watching her friend’s retreating figure, Shui Bailan shook her head, thinking that the three Yu sisters all had strange personalities.

Yu Yan was always smiling, making it difficult to discern her true thoughts.

Her sister-in-law always had an impassive expression, appearing cold and aloof, yet she deeply cared about her family, always prioritizing the clan’s interests above all else, sometimes seeming heartless.

And this friend of hers always wore her heart on her sleeve, making it easy to read her emotions.

Shui Bailan sighed inwardly, walked to the bed, pulled back the blanket covering Yan Zhen, and after a moment’s hesitation, opened his shirt. Two faint lines, drawn with Water Mystic Power, like a pair of curly brackets, remained on his chest.

She extended her hand, circulated her Mystic Power, and gently erased them.

122 She Actually Made a Night Raid on Yan Zhen?

At the banquet, most of the Yu family members were present, from the elders to the children, all gathered to meet the Yu family’s prospective “son-in-law.”

Looking at the hundreds of tables, Yan Zhen felt immense pressure, not because he was nervous, but because he felt guilty.

He had no intention of marrying into their family.

Led by a servant, Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan sat at the second most important table, just below the Clan Head and the elders.

Soon, Great Aunt Elder, Mother-in-law Clan Head, Younger Aunt Dean, and Aunt Head Instructor, all dressed in formal attire, arrived and took their seats.

Before the banquet began, Clan Head Yu Lu went straight to the point, introducing Yan Zhen:

From Martial Tang City in the Gallo Kingdom (ordinary background).

Sixteen years old, a six-star Mystic Master, possessing rare Extreme Flames, capable of fighting above his realm, having defeated a four-star Mystic General in the Inner Academy and forcefully ascended the Rising Star List (immense potential).

Also acquainted with the Celestial God Clan Goddess and the Dragon God Clan Princess, maintaining close relationships with them (extensive connections).

Originally Xuan’er’s student at the Mystic Academy, they had come to know, understand, and love each other. He was willing to give up everything for Xuan’er, marry into the Yu family, and become one of them (no ambition).

Even Yan Zhen felt a bit embarrassed listening to this introduction, and Younger Aunt Dean and Aunt Head Instructor, knowing the truth, glanced at him.

Then, Clan Head Yu Lu mentioned her intention to cultivate Yan Zhen as the second heir and select one or two young women from the clan to be his concubines, to ensure the continuation of his line.

Cousin Yu Die, among the crowd, quickly lowered her head, like a student avoiding a teacher’s question. Then, she heard her mother mutter, “This young man is quite handsome. If only I were twenty years younger…”

Cousin Yu Die rolled her eyes, then heard her mother continue, “Xiao Die, why don’t you reconsider? This is a good…”

“Stop.” Cousin Yu Die immediately raised her hand. “I don’t mind being a concubine, but I absolutely refuse to be a mistress. So don’t try to persuade me.”

—And it might not even be just a mistress. That boy seems to have a whole harem, and he’s even involved with that Celestial God Clan girl.

Of course, that wasn’t the main issue. The main issue was that Yan Zhen and Xuan’er were deeply in love. She was an outsider and couldn’t possibly fit in. How awkward.

Although she found Yan Zhen quite agreeable, it wasn’t necessary.

After the announcements, the banquet officially began.

Clan Head Yu Lu, along with her daughter and future son-in-law, toasted the elders and senior members of the family, introducing Yan Zhen to each of them. With every toast, he and Instructor Yu Xuan received a red envelope filled with gifts.

Then, they toasted the younger generation, making their acquaintance.

After a round of toasts, Yan Zhen, who had a low tolerance for alcohol, was flushed and slightly unsteady on his feet.

The Yu family’s banquet wine was, naturally, spirit wine, potent and difficult to resist even with cultivation.

Although he could circulate his Mystic Power to expel the alcohol, doing so during a banquet was considered rude, so he had to endure.

Instructor Yu Xuan supported him and said softly, “Mother, Yan Zhen is a bit drunk. I’ll take him back to his room to rest.”

Clan Head Yu Lu glanced at her drunken future son-in-law, practically leaning on her daughter, and nodded slightly. “He must sleep in his own room tonight.”

Instructor Yu Xuan blushed, replied, “I understand, Mother,” and then helped Yan Zhen back to his room, laid him on the bed, dismissed the servants, and stayed with him.

Yan Zhen lay on the bed, his eyes slightly open, his vision blurry as he focused on Instructor Yu Xuan. He reached out to touch her face.

“Instructor…”

Instructor Yu Xuan took his hand, pressed it against her soft cheek, and said gently, “Are you thirsty? I’ll get you some water.”

Yan Zhen shook his head and closed his eyes again.

Instructor Yu Xuan gazed at him tenderly. “Since you’re tired, then sleep. I’ll be here with you.”

She gently kissed him on the lips.

Yan Zhen, enjoying the kiss, mumbled in agreement and soon fell asleep, his breathing even.

Instructor Yu Xuan sat by the bed, watching her beloved sleep, her heart filled with happiness.

Although she wanted to stay and cuddle with him, her mother’s warning echoed in her mind.

After a long while, Instructor Yu Xuan quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Not long after she left, a figure who had been lurking outside stealthily entered the room. Seeing Yan Zhen sleeping soundly on the bed, his lips slightly parted, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.

It was Dean Yu Qing. Dressed in a deep blue formal dress, she looked even more alluring than in her usual Dean’s robe, though her sinister expression somewhat spoiled the effect.

At the banquet, seeing Yan Zhen practically passed out drunk, Dean Yu Qing’s desire for revenge had been rekindled.

So, after Instructor Yu Xuan took Yan Zhen back to his room, she also excused herself and secretly followed.

She lurked outside, waiting until her niece finally left, then entered the room.

—Now that Yan Zhen was out cold, she could do whatever she wanted, Keh keh keh!

“Daring to embarrass me like that, you brat… What goes around comes around. Now it’s my turn!”

Dean Yu Qing thought for a moment, then undid Yan Zhen’s belt and opened his shirt, revealing his broad chest.

“Not bad pecs.”

She took out a brush from her storage ring, licked the tip with her pink tongue, and channeled Water Mystic Power into the brush’s tip.

She planned to draw a small turtle on his chest using her Water Mystic Power as ink. With her cultivation level, even if Yan Zhen possessed Extreme Flames, it would take him at least three to five days to dispel it.

Imagining his shocked expression upon waking up and seeing a turtle on his chest, Dean Yu Qing felt a surge of satisfaction.

—Oldies but goodies… Pfft pfft!, who’s old? This Dean is only in her early thirties!

Just as she started drawing, a hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

Dean Yu Qing was startled. She looked closely and saw that Yan Zhen had woken up at some point, his eyes slightly open, murmuring drowsily, “Instructor, stop it… that tickles~”

Dean Yu Qing blinked, realizing that this little rascal had mistaken her for Xuan’er. That was close.

She gently struggled, trying to free her hand, but his grip was firm. Not wanting to wake him, she didn’t dare to use too much force.

So, she switched the brush to her left hand and continued drawing.

“Instructor~”

Yan Zhen, dissatisfied, grabbed her left hand as well.

Now, both of Dean Yu Qing’s hands were restrained.

“Let… let go!”

Yan Zhen didn’t respond, his breathing even again.

Dean Yu Qing bit her lip, looked around the empty room, and a strange thought suddenly occurred to her, her heart pounding. Then, she stuck out her tongue and continued drawing on Yan Zhen’s chest with it.

—I just want revenge. I’ll use any means necessary!

Unbeknownst to her, a figure with blue and white hair was hidden in the bushes outside, observing the forbidden scene through her glasses.

—Yu Qing is making a night raid on Yan Zhen?

121 Attending the Banquet

By the pool, Head Instructor Shui Bailan laid her dazed friend on the ground and explained the situation to her sister-in-law and the others.

“Drowned?”

Clan Head Yu Lu’s beautiful, impassive face showed a rare flicker of surprise. It was too absurd, even more ridiculous than a fish drowning.

A Mystic Ancestor cultivating Water Mystic Power could stay underwater for a year without any problems, unless they were attacked and lost consciousness.

In other words, her sixteen-year-old son-in-law (a six-star Mystic Master) had defeated her incompetent younger sister (a two-star Mystic Ancestor) in just fifteen minutes.

—How preposterous!

Grand Elder Yu Yan also found it hard to believe. She squatted down and, with a slight exertion of her Mystic Power, expelled the excess water from her younger sister’s body.

For a Water Mystic Cultivator, this was as easy as breathing.

Dean Yu Qing coughed twice, her consciousness slowly returning, her eyes regaining focus.

“Xiao Qing, are you alright?”

Hearing her older sister’s voice, Dean Yu Qing blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Then, suddenly remembering her humiliating experience, she sat up abruptly, looking around for Yan Zhen, her voice filled with rage. “Where’s that little bastard?! I’ll skin him alive today!”

“What happened, Xiao Qing?” Grand Elder Yu Yan asked. “How did you drown?”

“I—” Dean Yu Qing paused. “That brat used dirty tricks! Otherwise, how could I possibly…”

“Possibly what?”

Three pairs of beautiful eyes stared at her curiously.

Dean Yu Qing suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Although the water on her body had evaporated, the lingering sensation of climax remained. If they knew that a mere touch from her niece’s fiancé had made her lose control… how could she face the Yu family again?

“N-nothing. I just… fell for his tricks.”

Her best friend, older sister, and second sister all gave her looks of disdain, as if saying, “You, a Mystic Ancestor, lost to a Mystic Master junior? How embarrassing.”

Dean Yu Qing’s face flushed crimson, but she couldn’t refute them, swallowing her anger.

After all, she had truly been… “defeated.”

“Is Younger Aunt alright now?”

The culprit appeared, dressed and smiling casually, his handsome appearance making the onlookers nod in approval. Only Dean Yu Qing glared at him furiously, like a provoked cat.

“It seems she’s fine now,” Yan Zhen smiled. “Then I’m relieved.”

Dean Yu Qing clenched her fists, wanting to attack but hesitant. First, she was wary of Yan Zhen’s “lewd technique,” and second, she was afraid he would expose what had just happened.

I’m so angry! Clan Head Yu Lu looked at him, then at her younger sister, her worry deepening.

“Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s go back.”

She turned and left.

Yan Zhen asked, surprised, “Aren’t you going to punish me?”

“What? You want us to punish you?” Shui Bailan said, exasperated. “We were just scaring you earlier, for being so bold as to trespass into the White Jade Spring.”

“I-I was wrong.”

“Good that you know. We’ll let it go this time. But don’t do this again. Otherwise, Sister-in-law will be truly angry.”

“Yes, Aunt. You’re absolutely right.”

Seeing his obedient demeanor, Shui Bailan couldn’t help but smile.

Grand Elder Yu Yan said, smiling, “…Let’s go, Little Yan Zhen. There’s a banquet tonight to introduce you to the Yu family.”

“Okay, Great Aunt.”

Yan Zhen cheerfully followed the Grand Elder.

Shui Bailan turned to her friend and offered her hand. “Let’s go too, Yu Qing. Don’t sulk. Why argue with a child?”

Dean Yu Qing snorted and took her friend’s hand, letting her pull her up.

They were the last to leave.

Back at the Yu family’s main residence, Clan Head Yu Lu summoned a servant to escort Yan Zhen to a guest room. The four women also returned to their own rooms.

The Yu family being all women, even the guest rooms were filled with a pleasant fragrance.

Lying on the large, soft bed, Yan Zhen took out his communication talisman and contacted Instructor Yu Xuan, telling her what had just happened, of course, omitting the part about Younger Aunt Dean’s… climax, only saying that she chased him around and he “defeated” her.

Hearing that the four elders had gone back to intercept Yan Zhen, Instructor Yu Xuan immediately understood that they must have been exposed. The elders, considering her reputation, had pretended not to know, while she had told so many lies…

Instructor Yu Xuan blushed, feeling incredibly embarrassed. How could she face them?

Yan Zhen put away the talisman and was about to meditate when a maid knocked on the door, saying she was there to help him bathe and change.

Because there was a banquet tonight.

Yan Zhen opened the door and saw three maids. The two on either side held a tray of flower petals and a set of clothes, respectively. The one in the middle bowed respectfully.

Yan Zhen returned the bow, let them in, and said, “I’ve already bathed. I just need to change clothes.”

He didn’t want to be bathed by strangers; it would be too awkward.

The lead maid, dressed in red, said softly, “That won’t do, Young Master. The Clan Head instructed us to attend to your bath and attire. We can’t skip any steps. Otherwise, we’ll be punished.”

Ah, this…

“Alright, then I’ll have to trouble you three.”

“Young Master is too kind. You can call me Hong Xing.”

So, Yan Zhen could only undress, soak in the tub, and let the three pairs of delicate hands scrub and massage him.

Fortunately, they were professional maids and didn’t undress themselves to join him in the bath. They simply attended to his needs.

Having been… serviced by Instructor Yu Xuan not long ago, Yan Zhen managed to maintain his composure, not showing any… embarrassing reactions.

However, the three maids, having never served a man before, occasionally glanced at his… dormant dragon mark, making Yan Zhen feel uncomfortable, as if his purity had been tainted.

After the bath, the three maids helped him dress in the new clothes, which accentuated his youthful handsomeness.

Yan Zhen looked at himself in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction.

The fit was perfect, the fabric high-quality, and it felt comfortable.

“Mother-in-law even prepared new clothes for me in advance. How thoughtful.”

“It shows how much the Clan Head values you, Young Master,” Hong Xing smiled. “Alright, Master, it’s almost time. Please follow me to the banquet hall.”

Yan Zhen nodded and followed Hong Xing out of the guest room, where he found Instructor Yu Xuan and her maids waiting for him.

Instructor Yu Xuan wore a beautiful water-blue dress, long jeweled earrings dangling from her ears. Her beautiful face was lightly made up, and a delicate fragrance emanated from her skin. She looked absolutely stunning, captivating Yan Zhen’s gaze.

“Do I look beautiful, Yan Zhen?”

“Beautiful.”

“How beautiful?”

Gulp.

Yan Zhen deliberately swallowed hard.

Instructor Yu Xuan and her two maids giggled.

She walked over to Yan Zhen, took his arm, and they headed towards the banquet hall together.