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Chapter 22 : Strip!

In the blink of an eye, when Yan Zhen regained his senses, he found himself in the crystal space “Fire-Refining Starry Sky.” The massive celestial pillars towered endlessly into the sky. Gazing past the gaps between the pillars revealed numerous blazing stars, an incredibly brilliant sight.

At the center of the plaza formed by the pillars stood a five-colored altar, upon which Chen Xi maintained a crossed-legged, closed-eye meditation posture. Sensing Yan Zhen’s arrival, she opened her eyes in an instant.

“Zhen’er, come here quickly.”

As soon as the words left her lips, a small formation array unfolded beneath Yan Zhen’s feet at the distant plaza entrance, instantly transporting him before Chen Xi.

Yan Zhen had grown accustomed to such teleportation. After steadying himself, he respectfully greeted her:

“Greetings, Master.”

Chen Xi slightly nodded, taking the initiative to ask, “Did you prepare all the materials I asked you to?”

“I have prepared them all.”

As the Young Lord of the city, Yan Zhen at least had a holding ring. With a flash of light from his finger, the medicinal ingredients and that large bucket of water were neatly arrayed before him.

“Blooddrop Grass, Magnolia Blossoms, and Water Wave Pearls, they’re all here.”

“Then Zhen’er, wait a moment.”

As Chen Xi spoke, she stretched out her jade-like white hand, lifting it in the void. All the medicinal ingredients before her became enveloped in mystic forces, gently levitating.

Haaah.

The mystic forces enveloping the ingredients transformed into pure, five-colored flames, beginning to scorch the ingredients within under Chen Xi’s control.

As the flames ignited, Yan Zhen’s gaze also brightened.

These were not ordinary flames but the ultimate flames born from nature itself – the “Heavenly Earthly Extreme Flames.”

Each of the extreme flames was a sovereign king of fire, immensely powerful and noble, extremely difficult to tame.

Yet once tamed, they became a tremendous boon for mystic cultivators, especially alchemists.

The one in the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister’s hands was named the “Starlight Glazed Flame,” renowned as the most beautiful extreme flame. It also possessed healing powers, ranking among the top ten in the legendary “Extreme Flame Ranks.”

In the later part of the story, the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister even passed down this “Starlight Glazed Flame” that had accompanied her for many years to Yan Zhen, assisting him in making further breakthroughs.

She was truly an exceptional master, so he would never “ride her ancestor”!

After a pot of tea’s time, the three ingredients had been refined into a paste-like state, then swiftly mixed together, their medicinal properties fusing under the flames’ continued scorching.

As the medicinal paste rapidly spun, it gradually took on the shape of a pellet.

However, this time it was not for pellet refinement, but rather the creation of a medicinal liquid.

Before long, Chen Xi stopped, the five-colored flames gradually extinguishing to leave behind a sphere of blue-green medicinal liquid hovering in mid-air.

“Go.”

With a flick of her finger, Chen Xi sent the liquid into the large wooden tub, instantly dyeing the water a beautiful blue-green while causing it to furiously boil.

“With this ‘Meridian-Protecting Precious Liquid,’ the pain from opening your mystic gates will be reduced to the minimum, while also minimizing the drain on your physical energy,” Chen Xi smiled faintly. “Alright, Zhen’er, strip off your clothes and soak in it.”

“Yes!”

Yan Zhen swiftly stripped off his clothes, leaving only his boxer shorts. He approached the tub and stared at the boiling medicinal brew with some trepidation.

It was boiling, right? At standard atmospheric pressure, that’s 100 degrees Celsius. If he soaked directly in it, wouldn’t he be cooked alive?

He carefully extended his hand to test the water temperature and found it comfortably warm.

It seemed the boiling was just a special effect of the medicinal liquid, not actual boiling.

Just as Yan Zhen was about to step into the tub, Chen Xi stopped him.

“Wait, Zhen’er, you haven’t taken off all your clothes yet.”

“Ah?” Yan Zhen was taken aback. “Do I need to strip completely? Leaving my underwear on shouldn’t affect things much, right?”

“It may not affect much, but there is still an effect!” Chen Xi’s brow furrowed slightly as her expression turned solemn. “In the art of alchemy, precision down to the smallest detail is required. Such an ambiguous attitude is unacceptable! If you wish to learn my alchemical ways in the future, you should start by correcting your attitude now. Strip!”

“Y-Yes!”

As a reincarnated science student, Yan Zhen naturally understood such principles.

But wait, the script did say he had kept his boxer shorts on, with the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister even telling him earlier, “No need to strip completely.”

It seemed the previous plot deviations had caused corresponding changes in the later details.

Yan Zhen took a deep breath and quickly removed his last layer of defense, baring his butt cheeks as he jumped into the large bathtub.

Plop, splashing up blue-green water droplets, the semi-transparent medicinal brew made his body appear visible yet obscured beneath the surface.

Glancing at the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister, he saw her maintain that aloof, elegant beauty. Yan Zhen felt slightly relieved, the blush on his face quickly fading.

However, Chen Xi had already secretly saved her disciple’s “sensual photo” in her mind, her ample bosom palpitating rapidly beneath.

A mix of shyness and guilt, yet not a hint showed on her face.

This was the breath control technique of a semi-sage!

She slowly rose and, dragging the invisible chains bound around her waist, approached the large bathtub. As she circled around observing Yan Zhen, her gaze seemed to stick to his body, never leaving for even a moment.

Yan Zhen felt rather uncomfortable under her scrutiny, thinking the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister must be observing the paths of his meridians and the locations of his mystic gates, as the script had described.

Yet what Chen Xi thought was: The color of the medicinal liquid was a bit too concentrated.

After observing for a while, Chen Xi pondered briefly before instructing, “Zhen’er, raise your arm.”

Yan Zhen immediately raised his dripping right arm.

Chen Xi grasped Yan Zhen’s right arm, squeezing here and there, then had him raise his other arm to continue squeezing.

Yan Zhen was confused. “Master, what are you doing?”

Chen Xi answered calmly, “Confirming the locations of your mystic gates.”

But according to the script, the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister was supposed to perceive their locations at a glance, as she was a Sage-realm alchemist!

Was this another detail deviation? In reality, the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister was more cautious and meticulous, which could also be seen as a way of caring for her disciple!

“Raise your legs too.”

“Oh.”

Yan Zhen covered little Yan Zhen with one hand while propping both legs up on the tub’s edge, and Chen Xi proceeded to squeeze along his legs as well.

After squeezing to her satisfaction—no, after confirming the locations of his mystic gates, Chen Xi retracted her hands and said, “That should be enough. Next, I will help you open all your mystic gates. Although the medicinal liquid will alleviate your suffering, you will still need to endure a portion of the pain yourself. You must persevere.”

Yan Zhen had actually found the squeezing quite pleasurable and wanted the master to squeeze some more. Hearing her words, he responded after regaining his senses, “I understand, Master. Please begin; I can endure it!”

Chen Xi did not say more. Pressing her fingers together, she formed a slender, five-colored flame needle between them.

With a gentle flick, the five-colored flame needle pierced Yan Zhen’s back.

The scorching mystic force contained within the needle seeped into Yan Zhen’s body in a relatively mild manner, then gradually accelerated through his meridians until gushing.

Intense, stabbing pain abruptly erupted, causing the previously composed Yan Zhen to widen his eyes.

—Sh*t! This is too much!

[Ding! System friendly reminder: The host can choose whether to skip over tedious, painful plotlines that do not affect subsequent cultivation.]

—What?!

Yan Zhen focused his gaze to see a dialog box had popped up on the system interface:

“Skip the process of opening the mystic gates?”

—No need to ask, skip it!

Chapter 21 : Your purchases here are all free of charge

What’s going on now? Bullying him just because he’s a newcomer actor? Even a minor villain is not following the script, huh?!

Yan Zhen was fuming with rage. He went up and delivered a kick, knocking Ao Ge down, leaving several large footprints on his face before letting him off.

Ao Ge grunted and groaned, not daring to retaliate at all, obediently laying on the ground playing dead, just like his two lackey guards.

“Cousin, don’t be angry. This guy isn’t worth it,” the two women consoled him in turn, unaware that Yan Zhen’s anger was not what they thought.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the critical plot ‘A Little Test,’ successfully trampling the young master Ao Ge underfoot. You may claim the reward from the interface.]

“……”

This counts as completing it? Although he did indeed stomp on Ao Ge a few times.

But since the plot could be completed, there was nothing to be angry about anymore.

He suddenly felt a little sorry for Ao Ge. Should he wipe the footprints off his face? Ah, haha~

Yan Zhen silently claimed the plot completion reward, another special trump card named “Wisdom Strike.” When activated, it could cause the target’s intelligence to decrease when facing Yan Zhen, hence also known as the “Brilliant Card.”

It was quite powerful as it worked regardless of the target’s cultivation realm.

—Oh, system, didn’t you forget to give me the reward for the apprenticeship plot?

Yan Zhen suddenly remembered this.

[After the plot is completed, the host can claim the reward themselves. Since the host was enchanted by Chen Xi’s silver hair and G-cup breasts last night, he forgot to claim it.]

“/(//o/ω/o//)/”

Yan Zhen was a little embarrassed by the system’s bluntness and quickly closed the system interface, thinking he would claim it later.

The conflict between Yan Zhen and Ao Ge drew attention from those around them. To avoid trouble, the three hurried into the Jinyu Merchant Guild.

Even as a branch, the grandeur of the Jinyu Merchant Guild surpassed the surrounding buildings, not only in outward appearance but also in interior decor.

The shop was spacious but crowded, feeling very lively.

The three headed straight to the women’s clothing section and saw the new dresses mentioned earlier.

There were two styles: one called “Peach Blossom Mirroring Spring,” leaning towards an open type with a slightly higher exposure level; the other called “Bamboo Forest Graceful Shadow,” tightly wrapped in a corset style that could best accentuate the body’s curves.

Yan Meng’er immediately took a liking to the peach-colored one, while Huang Fu Wenqing chose the blue-green one.

When they asked about the price, it was a staggering ten thousand crystal coins.

Because the dresses were embroidered with golden thread runes, not only could they keep one warm in winter and cool in summer, but they could also withstand a certain level of mystic force attacks, already ranking among the best of the first-grade mystic artifacts.

“This is a bit expensive,” said Yan Meng’er, as she did not have that much money.

Huang Fu Wenqing did have the funds, but she didn’t carry that much on her. Back in the royal capital, she usually had servants help with any purchases she wanted to make.

“Buy it if you like it. I’ll treat you both,” Yan Zhen smiled, shaking the money pouch he had just taken out from the system. “I have enough money.”

“Really? Thank you, Cousin! Meng’er loves you the most~” Excited, Yan Meng’er even brazenly planted a kiss on Yan Zhen’s cheek in front of everyone, making his face flush.

“This Yan Meng’er…” Seeing Yan Meng’er’s shameless behavior, Huang Fu Wenqing, who had intended to act more reserved in public, could only steel herself and follow suit, giving Yan Zhen a small peck on the other cheek while softly thanking him.

As a result, Yan Zhen was immediately subjected to the envious gazes of the other men present, forcing him to hurry and pay before leaving with the two women.

However, when they reached the cashier, an unexpected incident occurred.

“—Are you Young Lord Yan Zhen? Your purchases here are all free of charge; no need to pay.”

The beautiful cashier auntie smiled as she said this.

Yan Zhen scratched his head, utterly baffled.

“Why is that?”

The cashier auntie stated that she did not know either; she was merely following orders from above.

Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing both had a guess in their hearts, yet they felt it was unlikely.

As for Yan Zhen, he thought of the later plot in the story.

At that time, Yan Zhen and the head of the Jinyu Merchant Guild had already developed a deep sibling-like bond. Any of his purchases within the guild were entirely free, except for the signature treasures of each branch store; he could take whatever he wanted.

But that was the middle-to-late plot! Right now, he didn’t even know that beautiful big sister yet, so how could he have such privileges?

To test the authenticity of this privilege, Yan Zhen went to the medicinal ingredients area and purchased the herbs the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister had asked him to prepare.

Sure enough, when he checked out, another cashier aunt said, “Your purchases here are all free of charge.”

Good things were good, but Yan Zhen could not fathom why this was happening.

With lingering doubts, Yan Zhen, Yan Meng’er, and Huang Fu Wenqing left the Jinyu Merchant Guild. After having a meal at a nearby restaurant, they returned to the Lord’s Mansion.

Along the way, Yan Meng’er tightly hugged the package containing the dress, as if holding a treasure.

It was just a nice dress, not that important. After all, her mentality was no longer that of an innocent young girl. But this could be considered a gift from Yan Zhen, a gift she had not received in over ten years.

In her previous life, she had never imagined she could receive such a meaningful gift from Yan Zhen.

Huang Fu Wenqing felt the same way.

The only gift she had ever received from Yan Zhen in her previous life was an opportunity to cultivate the wind mystic force, or more accurately, something he had allowed her out of respect for their master.

A dress, the kind of thing only given to close ones, was something she dared not even imagine.

“Well then, Yan Zhen, I’ll return to my room first. See you later.”

“Cousin, I’ll come find you again later.”

The two women happily bade farewell, and Yan Zhen returned to his own courtyard. After drawing a large bucket of water into his room and closing the door, he prepared to enter the crystal space again to meet the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister!

Wait, he still hadn’t claimed the system reward for the apprenticeship plot. He quickly claimed it, lest he forget again.

Yan Zhen summoned the system interface, went to the previous critical plot, and clicked to claim the reward.

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining ‘Special Trump Card: Riding the Master’s Ancestor’ x1]

“What the heck?!” Yan Zhen stared at the description and read it aloud: “A card that only the protagonist can use. When activated, it allows the user to push down and defile the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister or other beautiful elders.”

This…

“What use is this?”

[The host is truly foolish. Of course, it’s for riding the master’s ancestor.]

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

As a righteous protagonist, how could he possibly commit such an unethical act?

But surely the system couldn’t give him a useless reward, could it?

Ah, yes! Yan Zhen remembered again: In the later part of the story, the beautiful senior-apprenticed sister’s friend, that beautiful senior-apprenticed aunt, had been unable to break through her cultivation for many years. So she set her sights on Yan Zhen’s precious body, wanting to dual-cultivate with him. After being rejected, she tried to force herself upon him. Fortunately, Chen Xi arrived in time, preserving his innocence.

This special trump card was perhaps meant to be used in such situations, to prevent his primal yang from being taken by certain lustful senior female cultivators, ensuring this erotic fantasy world remained “heroineless.”

After understanding this, Yan Zhen withdrew the card and calmed his emotions before activating the “Star-Shifting Fire Seal” in his palm.

Whoosh, Yan Zhen vanished from his spot, leaving behind only a limpid lapis lazuli-like crystal sphere quietly hovering in mid-air.

20 Why Provoke Them?

[Ding! Critical Plot Triggered] [Current Plot – Chapter 8: A Small Test of Ability] [Role Requirements: Put the Villainous Playboy Beneath Your Feet] [Completion: 0%]

Here we go.

“Heh.” Ao Ge let out a cold laugh. “Young Master Yan Zhen, you can’t possibly still think you’re that former genius, do you?”

“It’s more than enough for me to deal with a pig like you.”

Yan Zhen’s expression remained unchanged. Without revealing his trump cards (First Grade) or Special Trump Card – Domineering Aura, just the ‘Mystic Body Art’ he had recently learned would suffice against 6th or 7th level Mystic Disciples.

Ao Ge fell within that realm of power. Plus, his cultivation was basically built up through external means and had been depleted by his indulgences. Defeating him would be truly simple.

However, according to the script, the plot involves Yan Zhen borrowing a sliver of the beautiful senior martial sister’s power from within the crystal dimension to publicly humble Ao Ge.

After dealing with Ao Ge, it was as if he had suffered an intelligence debuff, foolishly becoming enraged and ordering his two lackey guards to teach Yan Zhen, the young master, a lesson.

They were then thoroughly beaten by patrolling soldiers and thrown into prison, awaiting Ao Ge’s father to bail them out.

—Ao Ge was destined to be thoroughly crushed, even Jesus couldn’t save him now.

Yan Zhen’s words gradually caused Ao Ge’s expression to darken:

“Heh heh, Young Master Yan Zhen sure loves joking around. You, at the third level of Mystic Disciple, think you can handle me? Since that’s the case, this young master will have to properly seek guidance from Young Master Yan Zhen. I just hope the young master dares to accept the challenge.”

A 6th level against a 3rd level – the advantage was his. What was there to fear?

Just as Yan Zhen was about to respond, Yan Meng’er cut in first:

“Ao Ge, you’re going too far!”

Yan Meng’er stepped forward, shielding Yan Zhen behind her as anger filled her lovely face.

“Before, you’d turn tail and run at the mere sight of Cousin Yan Zhen. Now that Cousin is dealing with physical issues, you want to take advantage and humiliate him. Did you ask for my permission? If you want to fight, then fight me! If I can’t defeat you within three moves, I’ll admit defeat!”

She was an 8th level Mystic Disciple and also possessed the insight and experience of being a half-step Mystic Lord in her previous life. If she truly fought Ao Ge, a single move would suffice.

“Count me in too.” Huang Fu Wenqing also stepped in front of Yan Zhen, glancing at Ao Ge’s two lackey guards – both 6-star Mystic Ones, one level above her – but showing no fear. “You can come at me together.”

Upon hearing this, Ao Ge’s two guards, concerned for their young master’s safety, immediately stepped forward in a threatening manner.

Ao Ge smiled faintly, speaking in an unhurried tone:

“So you’ll just keep hiding behind women, Young Master Yan Zhen?”

Er, well, in the original script he had encountered Ao Ge alone while out buying medicinal ingredients, without Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing accompanying him.

Yan Zhen felt rather conflicted.

Naturally, he was glad to have people getting angry and standing up for him, regardless of gender.

However, this meant he could no longer follow the scripted plot.

“Being able to hide behind women is a skill in itself. But you, Pig Ao Ge, don’t require me to use that skill yet…Meng’er, Wenqing, step aside. Let me handle this.”

“Cousin, no!”

“Yan Zhen, don’t be provoked by him.”

The two ladies urgently tried to dissuade him.

They knew that after this, Yan Zhen would rapidly rise in power, surpassing everyone. But that time was not now.

The gap between the third and sixth levels was still quite significant. They didn’t believe Yan Zhen could win, and even if he could, it wouldn’t be an easy victory.

How could they just stand idly by and watch Yan Zhen get hurt?

Seeing the concerned looks on the ladies’ faces only made Ao Ge more jealous of Yan Zhen. Such beauties should be enjoying his company instead. How did a mere third-level waste deserve this kind of attention?

“Ladies, it’s best you don’t intervene in a duel between men. Otherwise, if you’re accidentally hurt, it would tarnish this young master’s reputation of cherishing beauties.”

“Shut up, you dare lay a finger on Cousin Yan Zhen?”

“Hmph.”

“Having declined a friendly drink, I can only be more unrestrained then. You two, restrain them. This young master wishes to spar one-on-one with Young Master Yan Zhen.”

The two lackey guards received the order and moved to surround Huang Fu Wenqing and Yan Meng’er, one on each side.

However, before they could act, Huang Fu Wenqing had already drawn her sword from her artifact ring, unhesitatingly thrusting it forward.

—She was angered. These irrelevant fools were wasting time from her date with Yan Zhen, an unforgivable crime!

Her sword split into two streaks of sword shadows imbued with piercing wind-attribute mystic power, striking the shoulders of the two guards with merciless precision.

The ‘Splitting Light Fragmentary Sword’ technique. At minimum it created two sword shadows, qualifying as a mystic technique. At maximum, it could unleash three thousand raining sword streaks, becoming a… supreme mystic technique!

Shrit!

Two spurts of blood erupted as the lackeys cried out in pain, stumbling backwards uncontrollably with one arm now rendered useless. They gazed at the breathtakingly beautiful girl in terror.

Too fast – all they saw were two black flashes before being struck. Yet she was only a five-star Mystic One!

This could only mean one thing: the mystic arts and techniques she cultivated were far beyond their levels!

Huang Fu Wenqing flicked her sword, splattering the blood from its tip onto the ground.

“!?”

Ao Ge’s eyes bulged. His two six-star Mystic One guards, painstakingly acquired from his father, had just been instantly defeated by this unknown young lady upon first encounter?

At that moment, Yan Meng’er also attacked, unleashing a palm strike aimed squarely at Ao Ge.

The ‘Great Blazing Palm’ mystic technique – an enhanced version of the ‘Blazing Palm’ nearing the level of an earth-mystic technique.

Scorching force rushed towards Ao Ge’s face. Panicking, he could only hastily activate the first-grade defensive mystic artifact ‘Heart’s Mirror’ on his chest.

The palm strike slammed into Ao Ge’s chest, its blazing power effortlessly shattered the ‘Heart’s Mirror’ radiance. The residual force penetrated through, jolting Ao Ge’s chest and leaving him gasping for air as his rotund body was blasted away, kicking up a cloud of dust.

“Aiyo!”

The two guards wailed, as Ao Ge had crashed right into them.

After defeating Ao Ge with a single palm, Yan Meng’er retracted her hand and coldly snorted in disdain.

Cushioned by his guards, Ao Ge avoided serious injury. He quickly regained his breath and clambered back up.

The ‘Heart’s Mirror’ had shattered, leaving his chest badly bruised and making him wince with each pained breath.

Looking up, Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing stared down at him with icy expressions.

A powerful sense of dread welled up within Ao Ge’s heart.

“You… you… what do you want? My father is the head of the Ao Family, a nine-star Mystic Master! If you dare kill me, he won’t let you off!”

The two ladies narrowed their eyes, immediately causing Ao Ge to cower.

“Spare me, noble ladies! This young master was wrong! Don’t kill me, please don’t kill me!”

Ignoring him, they turned towards Yan Zhen behind them.

“Cousin Yan Zhen, how would you like to deal with him?”

“Why not just finish him off? A profligate wretch like this can’t be reformed. We need to make an example to ensure they learn their lesson.”

Yan Zhen blinked, feeling rather dazed.

Wasn’t this supposed to be his protagonist’s debut scene of arrogantly crushing the villain? Yet before he could act, Ao Ge was already kneeling and begging for mercy!

Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing had taken action, arrogantly putting Ao Ge in his place, while Yan Zhen himself did nothing!

That dumb Ao Ge, why provoke them?

He had already agreed to fight one-on-one, but that Pig Ao Ge still attacked Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing. Was he brain-damaged?

Now look at the mess – Ao Ge had been beaten senseless and Yan Zhen lost his scripted debut scene.

Yan Zhen: *%#@!

19 The First Official Villain

The trio naturally drew a lot of attention.

Yan Zhen, as the young master of the Lord’s Manor, was once the most outstanding genius of Wudang City three years ago. Yet in those three years, his cultivation had made no progress at all, degenerating into a mere waste. This sensational story had long spread throughout the entire city, and many citizens recognized him.

As for Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing…

The former used to frequently stroll the streets with Yan Zhen, so her face was well-known. Although the latter wasn’t from Wudang City, the arrival of the Huang Fu family yesterday had already attracted widespread attention, allowing those aware to immediately guess her identity.

Moreover, not to mention anything else, the appearance and bearing of either beauty would cause passersby to turn their heads at least eighty percent of the time. Together, it was a hundred percent head-turning rate.

Wherever the trio went, they became the center of attention. Gradually, they also began to feel rather uncomfortable, with various discussions reaching their ears.

“The young master’s cultivation still seems to be at the third level of Mystic Disciple, without any change at all. It’s been three years already.”

“Who could have imagined that the former genius would fall from grace overnight, still unable to get back up after three whole years?”

“Not just three years, it may remain this way forever. It’s such a pity that our lord went missing because of his son. Now the old lord has to shoulder the burden again. Alas~”

“I heard that the precious daughter of the Huang Fu family was betrothed to our young master from a young age. You think their visit this time is to call off the engagement?”

“That’s unlikely. The marriages between great clans are no simple matter – they probably can’t just directly call it off.”

“No, no, no. That Lady Huang Fu is said to have exceptional talents. Not only was she granted the title of Princess by the King himself, but she was also accepted as the National Master’s personal disciple. Our young master is completely outclassed by her now!”

Heh, those familiar NPC chatter lines felt rather nostalgic to hear… Yan Zhen’s expression remained unchanged, but he couldn’t help feeling a tinge of emotion.

Not because he was a masochist, but ever since he started playing the protagonist’s role, the supporting characters Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing hadn’t been following the script, with only the beautiful senior martial sister being mostly true to it.

Now, hearing these NPC lines that matched the script perfectly, down to the punctuation marks, he felt a slight sense of gratification.

Could this mean the storyline was still progressing on track?

[Indeed, the host’s efforts have not been in vain. Please keep it up.]

Mmhm~

While Yan Zhen’s mood was good, Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing didn’t feel the same.

The two ladies already felt guilty towards Yan Zhen. Hearing these people discuss Yan Zhen’s situation made them recall their own foolishness from their previous lives, causing them to feel even more remorseful.

“Cousin, we’ve finished eating. Let’s go somewhere else.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“How about the Jade Gem Trade Company? I heard they recently released a brand new line of dresses, it sounds intriguing~”

“Wenqing, what do you think?”

“Let’s go then. I’m also curious about these new dresses. It’s been so long since I last visited the Jade Gem branch in the capital that I didn’t even know about this.”

With a consensus reached, the trio left the snack street and headed towards the Jade Gem Trade Company in the eastern district.

The Jade Gem Trade Company was the largest commerce association in the Karo Kingdom, with branches not only across the nation but also in other countries. In addition to cultivation supplies, they would occasionally release all sorts of novel and eccentric items. From officials and nobles to commoners, everyone loved shopping there.

According to the script, the head manager of the Jade Gem Trade Company was a great beauty, who would soon cross paths with Yan Zhen.

After a series of events, the two would become sworn siblings of the opposite sex.

This head manager provided Yan Zhen with considerable support during his early growth and was his closest confidante, even rivaling the beautiful senior martial sister for the position of the main heroine!

[Ding! System Reminder: This is a harem world without a true heroine. Host, please do not—]

—I know, I was just commenting. And you perverted system, stop peeking into my thoughts, or I’ll report you!

[hontou ni sumimasen] (1)

—You…!

Nevermind, I won’t bother arguing with a bunch of code.

More importantly, I’m about to have a confrontation with a villain next.

Although just a measly “goblin”-level baddie, it’s still the first official villain, so I need to take it seriously.

As soon as the trio arrived in front of the Jade Gem Trade Company building, Yan Zhen spotted a well-dressed and rather portly youth emerging, followed by a few crony guards.

The other party also noticed Yan Zhen, as well as Yan Meng’er and Huang Fu Wenqing by his side. His eyes immediately lit up as he beckoned his underlings to trot over with a smug smile.

“Lady Meng’er, we meet again. It seems we’re truly fated~”

Seeing the leering expression on the newcomer’s face, Yan Meng’er’s brows furrowed slightly as her hands tightened their grip around Yan Zhen’s arm.

This person was the young master of the “Ao Family”, one of Wudang City’s three great clans, named “Ao Ge”. A notorious profligate playboy in Wudang City, skilled in all manners of debauchery. Ever since laying eyes on Yan Meng’er, he had persistently pestered her, refusing to give up even after being directly rejected.

Previously, Yan Zhen’s presence had deterred him. But after Yan Zhen’s cultivation fell, Ao Ge grew bolder, always bringing his men to block Yan Meng’er’s path whenever encountering her on the streets.

Though still respectful of Yan Meng’er’s status as the Lord’s Manor’s princess, he dared not overstep his bounds. Nevertheless, his behavior remained quite vexing.

“Young Master Ao Ge, you and I are not that close. Please show some restraint.”

Undeterred, Ao Ge continued smiling smugly.

“Lady Meng’er, you say that, but we’ve met so many times now. One meeting is still fresh, two meetings and we’re already familiar. If Lady Meng’er would grace me by dining and listening to some tunes together, we’d become even closer.”

A look of disgust flashed across Yan Meng’er’s face.

“I won’t go. Hurry up and get out of the way, don’t block the road.”

“If Lady Meng’er is worried about going alone, you could bring your sister along. Right, Miss Pretty I’ve never seen before?”

Ao Ge turned towards Huang Fu Wenqing, his eyes revealing a hint of admiration.

Unlike Yan Meng’er, Huang Fu Wenqing exuded an entirely different kind of charm.

Huang Fu Wenqing ignored him. Regardless of status or cultivation, this guy wasn’t even worthy of taking off her shoes.

Moreover, she utterly despised so-called profligate young masters. If she really went all out, she wouldn’t show the slightest mercy – those in the capital would flee at the mere sight of her.

Yet Ao Ge refused to give up, continuing:

“This pretty miss surely isn’t from Wudang City, is she? I’ve never seen such a beautiful face before, otherwise I could never forget it.”

Ugh, such a cringeworthy pickup line… Yan Zhen seized the moment to interject:

“Hey, Pig Ao Ge, didn’t you hear me tell you to get out of the way?”

Ao Ge acted as if he had just noticed Yan Zhen standing between the two ladies, glancing at the intimate way their arms were linked with his before his face contorted with jealousy.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Young Master Yan Zhen? Long time no see, you’re still at the third level of Mystic Disciple, huh?”

Hearing that line, Yan Zhen almost instinctively shot back with “Yeah, whatever” before starting to moonwalk. Composing himself, he responded according to the script:

“Pig Ao Ge, are you itching for a beating again?”

 

 

---

[hontou ni sumimasen] (1) I’m terribly / so sorry  (Japanese Phrase)

18 Mystic Body Art, Learning It Instantly

The scene blurred for a moment, and Yan Zhen felt himself falling back onto the bed. Looking down, the crystal pendant still hung around his neck, dangling near his chest.

As if the fiery starry sky, the grand pillared plaza, and the beautiful senior martial sister were just a vivid dream.

But he knew it wasn’t a dream – it was the beginning of his rise to power!

“The beautiful senior martial sister truly lives up to her name, so gorgeous~”

In fact, the beautiful senior martial sister could be considered the original heroine.

Not only did she have the most scenes, but she was also the closest to Yan Zhen, even presiding over his grand wedding as his elder later on.

Truly, their master-disciple bond ran deep.

Even if their relationship solely consisted of the reverence and affection between master and disciple, it didn’t disqualify her from claiming the heroine’s position!

[Ding! System Reminder: This is a harem world without a true heroine. Host, please do not attempt to designate one.]

“I know, I was just musing. Don’t you think the beautiful senior martial sister is amazing?”

[Negative assessment.]

“Hmph.”

[System’s assessment: The host is simply blinded by her voluptuous assets.]

“How dare you sully her pure reputation so groundlessly!” Yan Zhen immediately flushed red with indignation. “Am I that shallow of a person? I’m not! I look upon the beautiful senior martial sister with admiration, respect – practically reverence!”

[Heh heh.]

This blasted system, turning the tables and learning to mock him.

Yan Zhen decided to ignore the worthless pile of code’s opinion and stretched lazily. 

“Morning already? I need to take Huang Fu Wenqing out shopping later. Might as well pick up some medicinal materials on the way – Blood Drop Grass, Magnolia Blossoms, and Water-Patterned Pearl, those three right? Wonder if I have enough savings.”

[Ding! System Reminder: The host still has an unopened newcomer’s gift box.]

“Ah right, the newcomer gift box has a million reserve funds!”

A million, enough to instantly make him a minor tycoon.  

*Cough* The system…not bad at all.

Yan Zhen happily retrieved the newcomer gift box from his system bag and opened it.

A flash of radiance, and four items sprang out.

One million universal spirit crystals, a first-grade mystic pellet of his choice, a first-grade mystic artifact of his choice, and a ‘Mystic Body Art’ manual.

The spirit crystals were ready to use as needed.  

As for the mystic pellet, he currently had no use for it. Their potent medicinal power was too strong for a Mystic Disciple like him to refine, so ingesting one would do more harm than good.

The mystic artifact was the same – without a Mystic One’s mystic power to support it, using a first-grade artifact would be extremely taxing.

However, this ‘Mystic Body Art’ manual’s description mentioned it was a foundational skill to enhance one’s offense, defense and speed by channeling mystic power.  

At the Mystic Disciple realm, applications of mystic power were extremely simplistic with no special techniques. Combat was purely trading blows head-on.

Whereas the ‘Mystic Body Art’ seemed capable of adding some flair. He could try cultivating it.

Yan Zhen opened it, and three options appeared before him: [Learn], [Manifest], and [Reclaim].

Learn? Was this a true “learn it instantly” skill book?!

Yan Zhen’s eyes lit up as he immediately tapped [Learn].

The ‘Mystic Body Art’ manual instantly transformed into specks of radiant light that drifted upwards and rained down upon him from above his head.

Yan Zhen’s mind was quickly flooded with the key essentials of the ‘Mystic Body Art’. In a mere moment, he had fully grasped this special skill, even achieving a “proficient” level of mastery.

This…is formidable!

Yan Zhen clenched his fist and threw a punch forward.

*Swish*

A faint sonic boom sounded in the room – the sheer force of the punch’s shockwave could extinguish a candle flame.

His striking speed had increased somewhat. If his movement speed improved as well, then facing off against someone six or seven levels above would be no issue.

After all, fights between Mystic Disciples were simply trading brute force – if he could move faster, he could attack by surprise before being struck back. Then victory would be his.

Having learned the ‘Mystic Body Art’, Yan Zhen happily bathed, dressed in simple yet stylish casual wear that accentuated his handsomeness, and tidied his hairstyle before heading out.  

As soon as he exited the small courtyard, he was met by Yan Meng’er’s smiling visage approaching.

The young lady wore a peach-pink dress today, her slender waist tightly cinched by a red silk ribbon that made her ample chest curves appear even fuller and rounder.  

Her long, faintly pinkish hair had been meticulously brushed until smooth and lustrous, adorned with a peach blossom hair ornament. Her lovely face bore subtle makeup, with crystal eardrop earrings – evidently having put in great effort with her appearance.

As she neared him, a sweet fragrance wafted over along with her equally sweet voice:

“Cousin, good morning~ Are we going out to play in the city today?”

No, you’re not included. Grandfather only told me to take Huang Fu Wenqing out for a stroll…

Yan Zhen had intended to say that, but seeing the anticipation in Yan Meng’er’s eyes and the effort she had put into her attire, he could only nod:

“Let’s go get Wenqing first.”

“Mm!” 

Yan Meng’er immediately beamed with delight, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she clung to his arm in an affectionate manner.  

Feeling the girl’s softness pressed against his arm, Yan Zhen couldn’t help his face heating up as he hurriedly suppressed the stirrings in his heart before heading to the guest courtyard.

Just as they arrived at Huang Fu Wenqing’s room, she emerged.

Huang Fu Wenqing had also put effort into her appearance, having changed from a plain green dress into an elegantly styled jade green one, her hairstyle now a princess braid adorned with a green leaf ornament instead of her usual simple ponytail.  

The hem of her skirt fell just past her knees, revealing her slender, porcelain legs clad in white stockings, with high heels on her feet.  

Simply standing there, the phrase “jade-like, gracefully upright” immediately came to mind.

“Yan Zhen, you’re here.”

Upon seeing her fiance, before Huang Fu Wenqing could feel pleased, she noticed Yan Meng’er also present and shamelessly clinging to Yan Zhen’s arm, immediately dampening her mood.

—She had gotten careless, allowing that vile Yan Meng’er to take the initiative again! She, Huang Fu Wenqing, was Yan Zhen’s fiance. That mere cousin should stand aside! Had she known, she wouldn’t have waited reservedly for Yan Zhen to fetch her, instead going to him directly!

“Are you ready? If there’s nothing else, shall we depart?”  

Hearing Yan Zhen’s words, Huang Fu Wenqing recomposed herself and shyly took his other arm despite her bashfulness.

Truth be told, she disliked being so clingy in public, but to counteract Yan Meng’er she had no choice but to be so bold.

“Let’s go then.”

“……”

With one on each arm, such an arrangement was quite overwhelming for Yan Zhen, a 20-year-old titanium-grade perpetual bachelor. Yet he dared not offend either lady, so he could only proceed this way for now.

Under the bewildered gazes of the servants, the trio exited the Lord’s Manor and ventured into the streets.

“Cousin, where should we stroll to?”

“Let’s grab a bite first, we haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“Good idea, does Wutang City have any specialty snacks?”

“Of course, let’s head to the snack street, the vendors should be open by now.”

Arriving at the snack street, the three browsed and sampled various foods, occasionally feeding each other as they merrily ate and strolled.

“Cousin, have some cherries to cut the grease~”

“Meng’er, you should try these grilled wheat gluten strips – aren’t they fragrant and spicy?”

“Yan Zhen, I want to have a taste of your big sausage, just a little bite~”

“I’ve had that skewer, so I’ll give you the untouched one.”

“N-No need, I can’t eat that much, I just want a taste.”

“Alright then, open wide.”

17 The Beautiful Senior Martial Sister Caressing His Head

How could he react? Of course, he gladly accepted it.

Not only was she extraordinarily powerful, but also breathtakingly beautiful. Who wouldn’t love such a senior martial sister?

However, Yan Zhen appeared hesitant.

Why the hesitation? Because that’s how the script was written.

As a dedicated actor, he naturally had to fully express the nuances.

After contemplating for quite a while, Yan Zhen finally made up his mind, kneeling down and loudly declaring:

“This disciple greets the Senior Martial Sister!”

Bowing, prostrating, kowtowing – he performed almost all the proper rites of accepting a master, except for the “tea ceremony” as there was no tea available, which was an unavoidable circumstance.

“Very good.” Chen Xi nodded in satisfaction, her chilly expression softening somewhat. “Little one, what is your name?”

Yan Zhen had already immersed himself in his role and respectfully answered:

“In response to the Senior Martial Sister, this disciple’s name is Yan Zhen – ‘Yan’ as in the brilliant flames, ‘Zhen’ as in true and real.”

Upon hearing his name, Chen Xi’s eyes glazed over momentarily, recalling her past life, and her expression grew even warmer.

“Yan Zhen? Then I shall call you ‘Zhen’er’. Is that alright?”

“Er, of course it’s alright.”

Although simply calling him Yan Zhen would be more consistent with the script, his grandfather had also called him Zhen’er, so it felt natural.

“Zhen’er, I have never taken in a disciple before. You are the first and will also be the last, holding extraordinary significance. On our first meeting, I have no precious gift to present you. So allow me to instead unravel all the mystical meridian gates throughout your body. I shall make up for the gift later.”

“Unravel all the mystical meridian gates?” Yan Zhen was immensely surprised. “The Senior Martial Sister can even accomplish such a feat?”

Meridian gates referred to the checkpoints along the energy channels. Only meridians with open gates could circulate mystic power, also known as mystic meridians.

The more mystic meridians one had, the faster the mystic power could flow.

Ordinary people only had the eight extraordinary meridians open, while the gates of the twelve primary meridians were usually sealed, only opened by a few rare talents.

However, highly skilled alchemists could forcibly unravel the gates of the twelve primary meridians using external forces, allowing ordinary people to become talents!

Wow, the beautiful senior martial sister is so powerful—even though he had already known this from reading the script.

However, the senior martial sister’s abilities didn’t stop there. Not only could she unravel the gates of the twelve primary meridians, but she could even unravel the gates of the secondary meridians, allowing all the mystic meridians in the body to reach thirty-six, supplemented by seventy-two subsidiary channels. Subsequently, at the Mystic Master realm, he could open one hundred and eight apertures, forming the formidable “Hundred Apertures Gathering Spirit” state.

“It’s just some minor tricks, nothing difficult,” Chen Xi calmly said. “If you wish to learn, I can teach you later.”

“Great, thank you Senior Martial Sister!”

Seeing Yan Zhen’s excitement, Chen Xi found it hard to maintain her expressionless demeanor, coughing lightly before continuing:

“Unraveling the meridian gates will cause intense pain. It’s best to have medicinal aid to alleviate the suffering. Zhen’er, go prepare three stalks of ‘Blood Drop Grass’, two ‘Magnolia Blossoms’, one water-patterned pearl, and a large bucket of water. Once you’ve prepared them, I’ll unravel your meridian gates. These are just common pain-relieving materials that should be easy to obtain.”

“Oh~”

“Oh, right. Zhen’er, come over here for a moment.”

Chen Xi raised her hand beckoning him, causing her wide sleeve to slide down, revealing a dazzlingly fair wrist.

Go over? Yan Zhen blinked, suddenly recalling a similar scene from the script.

She must be about to impart him with the mark allowing free entry into this space.

In the script, however, Chen Xi only let him in during the middle part and imparted the mark then. This was happening sooner.

“Come a bit closer so I can reach you.”

Invisible chains bound Chen Xi in place, restricting her movements, so Yan Zhen had to approach her.

Thus, Yan Zhen took a few more steps forward and knelt before Chen Xi.

Seeing the beautiful senior martial sister’s face up close, Yan Zhen couldn’t help feeling nervous – not acting, but his genuine reaction.

For she was simply too beautiful. Whether it was her silver hair, voluptuous figure, the faintly elegant fragrance wafting from her, or that fresh, transcendent, extraordinary beauty – it all greatly appealed to Yan Zhen.

Yet, in this world without a female lead, he only held reverence for his senior martial sister, harboring no improper thoughts.

Ridiculous ideas like romancing one’s master could lead to a wretched death!

Chen Xi also stared unblinkingly at Yan Zhen, showing no awkwardness even when their eyes met. Instead, she felt an overwhelming urge to caress his head.

In her previous life, she had always wanted to do so, but refrained to maintain her aloof senior martial sister persona.

Though there was one time she did stroke his head, to comfort him after he got injured yet still insisted on fighting, leaving him quite dejected after her scolding.

Little did she expect that single caress would leave her addicted to the feeling.

—No, that would be too abrupt and scare him!

Her rational mind warned, but Chen Xi ultimately couldn’t resist, her jade hand trembling slightly as she placed it on his head, gently stroking his hair.

Her disciple’s soft tresses brushed against her palm, shattering the icy facade on her face in an instant, replaced by a tender warmth that caused the corners of her mouth to unconsciously curve upward into a slight smile.

Seeing him with hunched shoulders, bowed head, obedient yet bashful – such an adorable sight made Chen Xi’s heart want to melt.

“Zhen’er.”

“Present!”

“Stretch out your hand.”

“Yes!”

Yan Zhen seriously complied, like an elementary student eagerly answering the teacher’s question, nervous yet striving to prove himself.

Without removing her caressing hand, Chen Xi extended her other hand and covered Yan Zhen’s palm with her own.

The senior martial sister’s hand is so soft~

As he thought this, Yan Zhen felt a scorching sensation on his palm, as if placing his hand above a burning candle’s flame – searing heat accompanied by a stinging pain.

She must be imparting the “Star Shifting Fire Seal” to him.

After a moment, Chen Xi withdrew her jade hand, and Yan Zhen immediately saw a blazing sun-like mark had appeared on his palm.

“Senior Martial Sister, what is this?”

“The Star Shifting Fire Seal. With this, you can freely enter and exit this place—just channel your mystic power into your hand when using it.”

“That’s so convenient, thank you Senior Martial Sister.”

Chen Xi withdrew her other hand without a sound, striving not to show her reluctance as she coolly said:

“Go on, return once you’ve prepared the materials.”

“Understood, Senior Martial Sister. I’ll prepare them right away.”

With that, Yan Zhen channeled his mystic power into his hand, causing the mark to heat up. In an instant, he vanished from sight.

Chen Xi instinctively reached out to grab him but grasped at emptiness, letting out a soft sigh.

“Why am I in such a hurry? I’m being foolish.”

After all, she had been reborn, so she would have plenty of opportunities to make up for her previous life’s regrets.

This time, she didn’t just want to be his senior martial sister, but to become the most important person in his life.

She no longer wished to serve the tea at his grand wedding, nor receive his and his bride’s bows. Instead, she longed to share the marital cup with him and exchange marriage bows as husband and wife.

Raising the hand that had stroked Yan Zhen’s head, Chen Xi nuzzled her face against it, her expression one of infatuation.

“Zhen’er, your master loves you~”

Chapter 16: Beautiful Master Sect Leader – Chen Xi

In the vast and expansive plaza, the woman’s voice entered Yan Zhen’s ears from all directions, causing his spirit to stir.

This line was far too familiar. Even though he was too far to clearly see the figure in the center of the plaza, Yan Zhen dared to affirm that it was absolutely his beautiful master sect leader.

Thinking of this, Yan Zhen carefully walked forward as the script described, surveying the grid squares beneath his feet.

According to the script, this enormous plaza was actually a holy-realm spirit formation that controlled this space.

Meanwhile, the beautiful master sect leader was on the verge of death when she fused into the crystal space, becoming a spatial spirit in a half-dead, half-alive Schrodinger state. Thus, she could only remain on the sacrificial altar at the formation’s center, unable to leave.

The crystal space was also completely cut off from the outside world, unable to communicate and such.

Only Yan Zhen’s mystic power could seep into the crystal space.

Therefore, by absorbing the wondrous mystic power Yan Zhen cultivated over three years, the beautiful master sect leader finally broke free of her bindings and appeared in the outside world through a projection.

Although he didn’t know why the beautiful master sect leader hadn’t manifested her projection, Yan Zhen instead ran into this crystal space called the “Star-Refining Flame Space.”

The plaza was truly too vast, its area comparable to the Martial Tang City. Just walking it on foot would take who knows how long.

However, with each step Yan Zhen took, the grid square beneath would light up, automatically propelling him forward a distance. It was as if space was contracting, giving him a wondrous feeling.

This was the assistance the beautiful master sect leader controlling the formation gave Yan Zhen.

Shortly after, Yan Zhen arrived before the sacrificial altar’s steps and ascended them.

Only after stepping onto the final step did Yan Zhen finally see the beautiful master sect leader’s appearance clearly.

As the script described, she was beautifully entrancing.

She wore a dress as black as ink, her snowy white hair simply tied up. Her beautiful face was chillingly frosty, those sharp eyes as deep as the starry void.

The black dress had a waist-cinching design that perfectly outlined her curvaceous figure. Especially her chest size, exaggeratedly large to the point of seeming like the dress could burst open at any moment.

However, since she sat cross-legged, the wide skirt completely covered everything below her hips, unable to glimpse the full view.

Yan Zhen stared unblinkingly at the woman who would become his master sect leader, his heart racing rapidly.

Half was acting, half was real.

After all, she was too beautiful!

“—Seen enough?”

The cold and aloof voice tinged with a hint of severity promptly brought Yan Zhen back to his senses. He immediately put on a guarded expression: “Who…who are you? And where is this place?”

The beautiful master sect leader didn’t beat around the bush, directly answering:

“This is an independent space opened by a Mystic Saint expert, also known as the ‘Star-Refining Flame Space’ – the very crystal pendant hanging from your neck.”

“What? A space opened by a Mystic Saint expert?”

Yan Zhen feigned the shock befitting his small fry status, as Mystic Saints were the peak existences of the Mystical Heavenly Continent, anything related to “Saint” was unimaginable.

“The pendant I’m wearing is actually such a powerful thing?”

Pausing, he then asked: “Then who are you, Sister—”

“Sister?” The beautiful master sect leader glanced sidelong at Yan Zhen. “You don’t need to know my identity. For convenience, you can address me as ‘Chen’ – ‘Chen’ from the mortal dust, ‘Xi’ from the morning light.”

“Chen Xi, that’s a nice name…can I call you Sister Chen Xi?”

“As you wish,” Chen Xi said indifferently. “Allow me to ask you this – do you wish to become stronger?”

Yan Zhen was taken aback, then felt a tinge of dejection: “Who doesn’t want to get stronger? It’s just that I don’t know what happened to my body. I was fine before, but then suddenly—”

He clenched his fists, his young face full of unwillingness.

“You can rest assured about this. I won’t be absorbing your mystic power anymore.”

“What do you mean? Wait, don’t tell me the reason I randomly fell into decline was because you…you absorbed my mystic power? You’re the culprit?!”

Yan Zhen’s shock turned to panic, then outrage as he loudly questioned.

Of course, it was an act.

Under Yan Zhen’s perfect acting, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Chen Xi’s perfect face, but she still pretended to be composed: “I was left with no choice but to take your mystic power, you little rascal.”

“You think ‘no choice’ is an excuse?!” Yan Zhen glared with widened eyes, raging furiously like he wanted to devour Chen Xi: “Three years, do you know how I spent those three years? Huh? How much ridicule and mockery I endured, to the point that even—”

Even his childhood sweetheart left me, and my fiancée broke off our engagement…Yan Zhen was about to continue according to the script, but suddenly remembered that Yan Meng’er had a change of heart and became his slave, and Huangfu Wenqing never broke the engagement and also became his slave. The chain reaction from the plot deviation was finally causing problems.

Forget it, if he couldn’t say it, he wouldn’t.

Yan Zhen treated this pause as him being too enraged to speak, his chest heaving violently as he shouted loudly:

“—You vile woman, how will you repay what you owe me?!”

His voice was booming!

“You…you calm down first.” Chen Xi composed herself. “Of course I won’t just take from you for nothing, which is why I summoned you here.”

“Hmph, who would believe a woman who stole three years of my mystic power!”

This brat is really stubborn…Chen Xi muttered softly to herself, the corners of her mouth curving into a barely perceptible smile, while her seemingly indifferent gaze hid a hint of doting affection.

She quickly reined in her emotions, returning to her expressionless demeanor, just like her previous life.

Except in her previous life, hearing the words “vile woman” would’ve angered her to the point of wanting to beat him senseless until his buttocks bloomed. Now, however, she found it humorous instead.

In any case, she would first re-establish their master-disciple relationship.

“Believe it or not, I speak the truth – I can help make you stronger.”

“Who wants your help? Without you, that vile woman stealing my mystic power, I can become strong on my own.”

“Naive.” Chen Xi said coldly. “Even though your talents are truly outstanding, this Mystical Heavenly Continent has never lacked peerless geniuses. To surpass others, external factors beyond just talent are indispensable – mystic cultivation arts, mystic techniques, mystic pills, mystic artifacts…especially mystic arts and techniques. Excellent mystic arts and a superb mystic technique can increase your strength tremendously, jumping one or two levels in battle prowess. As for mystic pills and artifacts, heh, little one, do you know what a Master Alchemist is?”

“Master Alchemist?” Yan Zhen was taken aback, then scoffed: “Who doesn’t know about the noble Alchemists? Not only do they cultivate the mystic dao, but also the Alchemist dao, using Alchemy to refine pills, artifacts, and spirits. Their skills are astounding, coveted by all major powers. Are you a alchemist?”

“What do you think? As long as I have sufficient materials, any mystic pill or artifact you desire, I can refine for you.”

Yan Zhen’s eyes lit up, half-believing and half-doubting: “Really?”

“Why would I deceive you?” Chen Xi acted convincingly. “As long as you are willing to take me as your master, you can choose any higher-grade mystic arts or techniques. Mystic pills and artifacts will also be provided. I can even teach you the Mystic dao. How about it?”

Chapter 15: The Mysterious Crystal Awakens, Beautiful Master Appears

Marrying into Cloud Heaven Palace?

This is supposed to be the abandoned husband path, not the son-in-law path! The script doesn’t have this kind of plot!

Yan Zhen muttered to himself while asking:

“Grandfather, did you agree to it?”

Yan Lie smiled bitterly: “When the National Preceptor speaks, how can we refuse? Even old man Huangfu agreed.”

Normally, if Yan Zhen were to marry into a family, it would be the Huangfu family and he’d become their son-in-law. But the National Preceptor explicitly said for him to marry into Cloud Heaven Palace, which means he won’t have much relation to the Huangfu family anymore.

This went against Huangfu Xiong’s original intention.

However, Cloud Heaven Palace intended to cultivate Huangfu Wenqing as their successor, which was an extremely fortunate matter for the Huangfu family. So he made the difficult choice.

“Zhen’er, grandfather knows you may find it hard to accept marrying into their family for now. But whether it’s for your own good or the family’s, there’s no downside to marrying into Cloud Heaven Palace. Moreover, you’ll still be marrying that Wenqing girl, that won’t change.”

Yan Zhen didn’t really care about marrying in or out, since he came from the modern era and wasn’t as conservative in his thinking.

In his view, being able to unite with someone he liked was the greatest blessing in life, whether it meant welcoming the spouse or marrying into their family could be decided based on circumstances.

However, in the script, the National Preceptor who was also the Cloud Heaven Palace’s Lord had never actively interfered with the marriage between Huangfu Wenqing and Yan Zhen. She had even advised against Huangfu Wenqing’s attempt to cancel the marriage. So why was she acting this way now…?

It seemed the script given by the defective system was inaccurate after all?

First it was Yan Meng’Er, now it’s Huangfu Wenqing’s turn.

[Host, please do not doubt the script, it is absolutely genuine and reliable.]

Sensing Yan Zhen’s doubts, the system immediately manifested to justify itself.

Yan Zhen let out a cold snort.

“I don’t believe you, unless you show me the original novel.”

[The script is identical to the original novel.]

“Then explain why Yan Meng’Er suddenly had a change of heart?”

[Ah well…]

“And also explain why Huangfu Wenqing’s character derailed and she actively kissed me?”

[Well, it’s just…since the system summoned the host, there were some subtle plot fluctuations, but the overall direction remains unchanged.]

“You say that, but when the performance doesn’t match the script, it’s hard for me as a novice actor.”

[Your acting skills have already reached a masterful level. You’ve practically brought the protagonist to life, don’t be so modest.]

“No no, I was just improvising a little bit. It can’t be considered top-notch acting.”

[No, although you just started, you already have the skills of a veteran actor – a true young acting prodigy!]

“Haha, you’re so funny, system~”

The topic was successfully diverted.

“—Zhen’er?”

Yan Lie’s call brought Yan Zhen’s attention back to reality. He got a bit carried away by the system’s flattery and almost forgot he was still in his grandfather’s study discussing with him.

“Grandfather, don’t worry, I do feel some resistance inside, but I also understand the interests involved. I’ll marry into their family then, since Cloud Heaven Palace is a renowned protective sect, even the royal family has to give them due respect. Being favored by them is my blessing.”

“It’s good that you can think this way,” Yan Lie smiled with relief. “Those who achieve great things don’t cling to trivialities. Whether marrying in or out, as long as you become powerful yourself, you’ll be able to stand tall and live with dignity.”

Yan Zhen slightly bowed his head respectfully, “Your grandson will remember your teachings.”

After leaving Yan Lie’s study, Yan Zhen went to the back mountain and dedicated himself to fully performing the senseless rage of a jilted husband-to-be. Only then did he return to his room, lying tiredly on the bed and letting out a long sigh.

Regardless, the marriage was now cancelled and the senseless rage performed. Next, the mysterious crystal bead on his neck should awaken.

He didn’t want to be a weakling anymore. He wanted to cultivate and become strong under the guidance of the beautiful master, taking control of his own destiny!

According to the script, after Yan Zhen raged senselessly and fell asleep from exhaustion, he would converse with a mysterious woman in his dream. Upon waking up, he’d discover the abnormal state of the crystal bead, with the woman’s voice coming directly from within, guiding him to drip his blood onto it.

As the crystal bead awakened, the mysterious woman would appear before Yan Zhen. Seeing his special condition and understanding his plight, coupled with a sense of gratitude, she would accept him as her disciple!

So what he needed to do now was bathe and sleep!

Yan Zhen instructed the servants to draw a hot bath, thoroughly enjoying the bathing luxuries of a wealthy household.

After bathing, Yan Zhen changed into his sleeping robe, dried his hair, and returned to the bed, rolling up his beloved small quilt. Suppressing his excited feelings, he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Who knows how long had passed in the dim night, when a brilliant light suddenly blossomed, illuminating Yan Zhen’s handsome face.

It was the crystal pendant hanging from his neck, its entire body radiating a translucent luster like glazed pottery, shining brightly like the most brilliant star in the night sky.

Waves of invisible, distorting spatial forces radiated from it as the center, silently pulling the sleeping Yan Zhen into the crystal.

Only the mysterious crystal was left floating in midair in the room.

Ding! Key plot begins

Current Plot – Chapter 6: The Mysterious Woman in the Crystal

Performance Requirements: ①Rebuke the mysterious woman for stealing your mystical powers. ②Take the mysterious woman as your master.

Completion: 0%

Yan Zhen was awoken by the system’s prompt. When he opened his eyes, the semi-transparent pale blue system interface was almost in his face, startling him to sit upright. Then he realized his surroundings had drastically changed – he was no longer in his room.

“Where is this?”

It was a vast, spacious plaza. Towering pillars rose at the horizon in all directions, reminiscent of the five fingers Buddha used to subdue Sun Wukong, yet there were more than five.

Through the gaps between the titanic pillars, raging celestial bodies burned intensely – some small, some frighteningly massive. Despite the distance, they exuded an oppressive, scorching presence.

Yan Zhen found this place vaguely familiar, yet couldn’t quite place it, until he saw the beautiful figure seated in meditation on the altar at the plaza’s center.

A flash of enlightenment hit him – he was inside the mysterious crystal bead’s inner space, named the “Stellar Crucible”!

And the beautiful woman seated on the altar was undoubtedly his future beautiful master!

The problem was, at the beginning Yan Zhen couldn’t enter the Stellar Crucible space within the crystal. It was the beautiful master who came out to meet him.

It wasn’t until the middle of their teacher-student relationship that the beautiful master allowed him to enter.

Yet here he was inside already?

Did the plot deviate again?

Looks like the system’s flawed script can’t be relied upon after all, always dropping the ball at critical moments.

Damn it, since he’s already inside, he’ll just have to go with the flow.

Best to take her as his master quickly.

Just as Yan Zhen hesitated on how to address her, a crisp feminine voice as clear as a mountain spring resonated:

“Little one, since you’re already here, you should come over quickly.”

14 Called Off, but Not Completely

Yan Zhen suspected the system might be malfunctioning.

He had gotten a bit carried away, turning the protagonist who was supposed to be unmoved by beauty into a deviant young master embracing girls and toying with their innocence. Not only did he fail to get the wedding called off, but things developed in a strange direction, completely botching the performance. Yet the system suddenly claimed he had succeeded in getting the wedding called off?

The key figure Huangfu Wenqing hadn’t even uttered half the word “call off”. How could it be called off?

The system interface showing 50% plot completion indicated he had indeed succeeded in getting the wedding called off, with the remaining 50% being to propose a “two-year battle agreement” to Huangfu Wenqing.

The two-year battle agreement, an arrangement for the two to fight again after two years – one to redeem their humiliation, the other for marital freedom – could be considered the climax of the early-to-mid story, the crux of the matter.

But Yan Zhen still didn’t understand why the wedding was considered called off. How could he propose the two-year agreement?

Surely it couldn’t be considered a successful call-off just because Huangfu Wenqing had become his slave?

Would she even agree to a two-year agreement now?

Yan Zhen felt dizzy, like he needed to sort this out carefully.

Coming back to his senses, Yan Meng’Er and Huangfu Wenqing had already released his fingers from their mouths, only extending their tongues to lick away the saliva, sending tingles through Yan Zhen. He hastily withdrew his hands.

The two breathtakingly beautiful maidens looked at Yan Zhen with dazed expressions, like children whose toys had been snatched away, seeming to ask “No more intimate games?”

Truth be told, Yan Zhen did want to continue, but if they went further, they might end up going all the way.

That would be no good.

Though they claimed to be his slaves now, he didn’t dare actually touch either of them unless he could ensure it wouldn’t impact the subsequent plot – and this didn’t fit his protagonist persona anyway.

“Uh, it’s almost mealtime, let’s head to the main hall.”

“Meng’Er obeys Cousin’s words~”

Although Yan Meng’Er still wanted to continue their intimacy, she remained very obedient to Yan Zhen’s words.

Previously she always liked acting spoiled with Yan Zhen, demanding this and that. But after putting on the slave collar, she realized being ordered by Yan Zhen brought her even more joy – like opening a new door.

Yan Zhen turned to Huangfu Wenqing:

“Wenqing, you too?”

“…You’re the master, your words are law.”

Huangfu Wenqing had regained her composure after the earlier impulse.

She didn’t regret becoming Yan Zhen’s slave, but had planned to do so after their feelings warmed and they formally united. Now, due to Yan Meng’Er’s provocation, their relationship had taken this turn prematurely. Even for someone as worldly as Huangfu Wenqing across two lifetimes, she felt some awkwardness and couldn’t bring herself to look Yan Zhen in the eye for now.

Yan Zhen also felt awkward since his body was in quite an aroused state – to put it bluntly, he had pitched a tent.

He hoped the two ladies wouldn’t notice his condition in their relative innocence.

Little did he know, the two girls had noticed when they were on his lap and by his feet. Seeing his gradual rising, they secretly giggled inwardly.

–It seems I’m not without appeal to Yan Zhen (Cousin) either~

The three left the room and separate courtyard, returning to the main hall.

……

In the main hall, Yan Lie and Huangfu Xiong were still chatting merrily, but Yan Zhen felt the atmosphere was somewhat different from when they had left.

Seeing Yan Zhen return with Huangfu Wenqing, Yan Lie and Huangfu Xiong both paused, the two elders keenly noticing that Huangfu Wenqing was now standing noticeably closer to Yan Zhen.

–Ah, what a good lad, not bad at all.

–As expected of my grandson Yan Zhen!

The two elders exchanged a look of tacit understanding, both assuming Yan Zhen had worked hard to win Huangfu Wenqing’s heart and silently praising him.

As for Yan Meng’Er, they paid her no mind – Yan Lie knew she liked clinging to Yan Zhen, while Huangfu Xiong just saw her as Yan Zhen’s sister.

“You’re back!” Yan Lie stroked his beard with a chuckle. “Perfect timing, it’s mealtime soon. Let’s have a welcoming feast for Brother Huangfu and Miss Wenqing.”

“Hahaha, good! I’ve been wanting to taste your Yan family’s special ‘Flaming Brew’ again. Looks like I’ll get that wish today.”

“Of course, of course, be it drinks or dishes, you’ll have your fill!”

“Splendid then!”

At the table, Huangfu Xiong and Yan Lie sat together, while Huangfu Wenqing’s seat was arranged next to Yan Zhen, with Yan Meng’Er still clinging to her cousin as usual.

“Cousin~ have some oysters, aah–“

“Uh, thanks, I can feed myself.”

“Say aah~”

Yan Meng’Er picked up a grilled oyster with her chopsticks and brought it to Yan Zhen’s mouth. With no choice, Yan Zhen opened his mouth and ate it.

Huangfu Wenqing, who had been holding back out of deference to the elders present, felt her competitive spirit reignited seeing Yan Meng’Er’s brazenness.

“Yan Zhen, this black chicken soup with wolfberries is very nourishing…want to give it a try?”

“Sure, sure, I can get it myse–ahyumm.”

Before he could finish, Huangfu Wenqing had already scooped up some soup and fed it into Yan Zhen’s mouth.

Sandwiched between the two girls, Yan Zhen felt a bit guilty, especially after the act he had put on for them earlier.

Fortunately, the elders were focused on chatting, business flattery, and toasting each other, paying them little mind.

After the meal, Yan Lie instructed servants to lead the Huangfu family members to the cleaned guest rooms for rest. He then called Yan Zhen to his study, saying he had something to discuss.

Yan Zhen told Yan Meng’Er to go ahead first before coming alone to Yan Lie’s study and asking curiously:

“Grandfather, what did you need to see me about?”

Yan Lie sat behind the desk, his expression somewhat grave.

“Naturally, it’s about your marriage agreement with Miss Wenqing.”

“What about our agreement?”

“Aiya~~~ Everything was going so well until this sudden turn of events…” Yan Lie sighed deeply, looking at his grandson with genuine concern. “Zhen’er, before I say what I’m about to, you need to mentally prepare yourself first.”

Yan Lie’s somber attitude immediately made Yan Zhen think of the marriage agreement – could it be that Old Master Huangfu wanted to call it off?

Not Huangfu Wenqing calling it off herself, but Huangfu Xiong secretly proposing it to let both families save face!

This must be it!

“Go ahead, Grandfather, I’ll be fine.”

“The situation is like this – your current marriage agreement with Miss Wenqing will likely have to be called off.”

Just as he guessed! Yan Zhen’s heart raced with excitement, but his expression showed only puzzlement:

“Why is that?”

“As you know, Miss Wenqing was accepted as the National Preceptor’s personal disciple. But it seems there’s more – the National Preceptor, as the Supreme Leader of Cloud Heaven Palace, also intends to groom Miss Wenqing as the Palace’s heir to eventually take over her position.”

“And then?”

“After hearing about your marriage agreement with Miss Wenqing, she approached Old Master Huang fu and said that as the heir of Cloud Heaven Palace, Wenqing cannot marry out. Even if taking a spouse, the husband must marry into the Palace. So she wants Old Master Huangfu to help Miss Wenqing call off this current agreement, and have you, Zhen’er, marry into Cloud Heaven Palace instead.”

WTF???

Yan Zhen felt like he had been stunned stupid countless times already.

13 Another Slave Girl Joins

Looking at his breathtaking fiancée so close by, Yan Zhen was at a loss for what to do.

Yan Meng’Er voluntarily put on a collar to become his slave, so he could be a little unrestrained with her. He had gradually become accustomed to it through these past few days together.

But Huangfu Wenqing was different. She was the young miss of the prestigious Huangfu family and held the title of Princess. Plus, they weren’t that familiar yet. How could he really take advantage of her?

If Huangfu Xiong found out…well, that old master did seem to encourage them getting intimate.

In any case, he had to get out of this predicament first.

One Yan Meng’Er was already almost more than he could handle. Adding Huangfu Wenqing might truly turn him into a beast!

“Yan Zhen.”

Huangfu Wenqing’s cheeks were flushed, her moist eyes urging him on. Putting on such a pose resembling solicitation was extremely embarrassing for her, a pure maiden in this life and her previous one.

“Um, why don’t we just forget about it? We should properly cultivate our feelings first before engaging in such intimate little games.”

However, hearing this, Huangfu Wenqing immediately felt aggrieved:

“So you’re saying your relationship with Yan Meng’Er is better? But not with me? Is that what you mean?”

Ah this…

“Of course.” Yan Meng’Er pulled Yan Zhen’s finger from her mouth and interjected: “Meng’Er and Cousin Yan Zhen have over a decade of feelings. How can you, a mere official fiancée who has only met him a few times, compare? Moreover, Meng’Er is now Cousin Yan Zhen’s devoted slave, this intimate little game is reserved for a master and servant. You have no part in this – right, Cousin?”

Although Yan Meng’Er’s words were a bit suggestive, Yan Zhen could only nod along, hoping Huangfu Wenqing would give up so this mess of a call-off-the-wedding plot wouldn’t get even more derailed.

If it got any worse, he might just quit the act entirely!

Facing Yan Meng’Er’s taunts, Huangfu Wenqing grit her teeth, suppressing the urge to strike out as she said, half defiantly, half seriously:

“So what if she’s a slave? Then I’ll become Yan Zhen’s slave too, since I’ll be serving him after marrying him anyway!”

Nani?(1) Yan Zhen was stunned, never expecting Huangfu Wenqing to go that far.

Wasn’t she supposed to be the proud genius young miss? Was her character being completely shattered? Or was there an issue with the script?

“You? Heh.” Yan Meng’Er scoffed derisively, pointing to the exquisite petite pink collar around her neck proudly. “See this? This is proof of Meng’Er’s connection to Cousin Yan Zhen. Meng’Er can obey any of Cousin Yan Zhen’s orders unconditionally. You? Heheh.”

Wow, so scornful, dear cousin~ Yan Zhen silently gave her a thumbs up. Surely Huangfu Wenqing would back down now?

Huangfu Wenqing simply glanced at the collar and laughed coldly:

“It’s just a third-grade Mystic artifact, flimsy trash that shatters at a touch. What’s there to be proud of?”

From her previous life’s perspective, a third-grade Mystic artifact was indeed garbage.

“Do you have one?” Yan Ment’Er remained unfazed. “Those who can’t get the grapes say they’re sour~”

“Hmph, watch this.”

As Huangfu Wenqing spoke, the storage ring on her finger flickered and a small vial filled with a pinkish glowing liquid appeared in her palm.

“What’s that?”

Seeing this object, Yan Meng’Er felt a sense of recognition.

Huangfu Wenqing raised her chin slightly and opened the vial’s stopper with one hand.

“Yan Zhen, let me have a drop of your blood.”

Without waiting, she pried Yan Zhen’s arm away from embracing Yan Ment’Er. Her spiritual energy sliced across his fingertip like a blade, drawing a drop of blood that dripped into the vial.

The pinkish glowing liquid inside began to simmer, emitting pink smoke with a sweet fragrance.

Huangfu Wenqing took a deep breath and then downed the entire vial of liquid in one gulp.

“Nngh…”

As soon as she finished drinking it, Huangfu Wenqing showed signs of change. She hugged herself lightly trembling, tightly squeezing her legs together as if suppressing something with great effort.

Soon, Yan Zhen and Yan Meng’Er could clearly see a pinkish glow shining through her dress around her lower abdomen area.

Finally, Yan Ment’Er recalled in utter shock:

“Could that be ‘Demonic Blood of Lust’? You actually have such a thing!”

Yan Zhen didn’t know what this “Demonic Blood of Lust” was, but just hearing it contained the word “demonic” meant it couldn’t be good. Just what was Huangfu Wenqing trying to do?

He got his answer the very next moment.

Huangfu Wenqing’s face flushed red as she slightly lifted the hem of her dress, exposing her smooth, flat lower abdomen.

On her originally flawless belly was now a pinkish heart-shaped emblem.

Oh shit!

Yan Zhen’s jaw dropped. As an LSP(2), he was all too familiar with what this meant.

Huangfu Wenqing licked her lips. Her pupil seemed to take on a vague heart shape, the coquettishness in her eyes almost overflowing.

“Like this, I’m also your slave now, Yan Zhen.”

Her voice was meek and soft.

Huangfu Wenqing had never shown such a bashful, adorable side before.

Hearing her say that, Yan Zhen had a vague sense that he could control her. Following that feeling, he entertained a strange thought.

“Mmnh~”

Huangfu Wenqing let out a coy moan. The pinkish demonic emblem on her abdomen glowed faintly as she seemed to lose strength, collapsing to sit on the floor before falling forward onto Yan Zhen’s lap. She panted lightly, then looked up at him with grievance in her eyes.

“……”

Yan Zhen froze. Had he taken it too far?

Not just Yan Zhen, even Yan Meng’Er was stunned.

Using the Demonic Blood of Lust as a medium to forge a blood pact between two parties, causing one to completely become the other’s slave.

This was a rare treasure used by those depraved mystic cultivators to control their spirit furnaces. Not only could it make the furnaces obey, but it allowed domination over their senses – far more potent than Yan Meng’Er’s modified third-grade collar!

Oh my lemon. (3)

Yan Meng’Er blinked, her tone softening:

“Where…where did you get such a precious thing? Get me one too.”

Finally scoring a point after being suppressed from the start, Huangfu Wenqing was in a great mood, giving an arrogant hum.

This was something she had long prepared.

Huangfu Wenqing cherished this chance at rebirth immensely. Not only did she want to change the tragic ending she and her master had met in her previous life, but she also sought to atone to Yan Zhen for the harm they had caused him.

This “Emblem of Lust” was part of that atonement.

She had originally planned to give Yan Zhen this little surprise after officially establishing their relationship. But using it preemptively worked just as well – at least now this uncouth brat couldn’t keep talking down to her!

“Yan Zhen.”

“Y-Yes!”

“Now I qualify, don’t I?”

“….”

Yan Zhen’s mouth twitched as he felt like slapping himself. But Huangfu Wenqing didn’t give him a chance, grabbing his hand and taking the still bleeding finger into her mouth, softly licking the small wound.

Not wanting to be outdone, Yan Meng’Er bit down on Yan Zhen’s other hand.

With one girl sitting on his lap and the other leaning against his legs, both of Yan Zhen’s hands enveloped in the fragrance of maidens.

Yet Yan Zhen felt no joy at all.

It was ruined, he had taken it too far, everything was derailed!

Look at this development, it was nothing like those free-for-all harem novels. This was straight out of an adult erotic world!

He had botched the performance!

[Ding! System Friendly Reminder: The host has successfully gotten the wedding called off. Please keep up the good work and bravely propose a two-year battle contract to your ex-fiancée.]

Suddenly, the system’s voice rang out in his mind, causing him to slowly form a questioning look on his face.

 

 

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Nani(1) : “What” (Japanese Word)

LSP (2) :Pervert Protagonist