The sun shone brightly in the clear sky. Its radiant beams lit up the land below.
A small, delicate figure snuck into Yao Ye's room, her bright, mischievous eyes darting about with curiosity and mischief.
Who else could it be but the little princess, Yao Yue, known for her playful antics?
Entering the inner chambers, she caught sight of a graceful, alluring figure through the curtain hanging above the bed. The woman's mature charm radiated from every inch of her being.
"Hehe…"
Xiao Yue rubbed her little hands together, a sly grin forming on her face before she pounced forward.
The sudden motion startled Yao Ye out of her slumber.
Exhausted from the previous night's activities, Yao Ye had been sound asleep with no precautions. After all, this was Zhou Yi's estate—a sanctuary of a Dou Venerate.
More so, Yao Ye was Zhou Yi's newlywed wife. Who would dare disrupt their peace? There was no need for vigilance.
Even if someone managed to sneak in undetected, all precautions would have been futile.
Yao Yue, Zhou Yi's cheeky little sister-in-law, had no obstacles barring her entry to the room. Zhou Yi, of course, had noticed her presence but chose not to intervene.
"Yue'er! You're asking for it!"
Recognizing the intruder, Yao Ye patted her full chest to calm herself, glaring fiercely at Yao Yue. She raised her hand to deliver a playful smack.
"Try my Dragon Claw Technique!"
Yao Yue countered without hesitation, launching her "attack."
The two tussled on the bed for a while before both collapsed in laughter, sprawled on the bedding.
"Sis, why does the room smell so strong? Is this a new incense?"
Yao Yue rested her chin in her hand, her nose twitching curiously as she sniffed the air.
She'd noticed the faint aroma upon entering, but it became much stronger as she approached Yao Ye.
It reminded her vaguely of the scent of osmanthus flowers, though something about it was distinctly different.
"Uh…"
Yao Ye's cheeks flushed crimson as she nodded nervously, avoiding her sister-in-law's gaze.
"It's a lie!"
Yao Yue's clever eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned closer, a knowing grin spreading across her face.
"Books always say this smell comes from couples after… you know…"
Smack!
Yao Ye's palm landed on Xiao Yue's backside.
"You dare read forbidden books? Watch how I'll punish you!" Yao Ye declared, her big-sisterly authority in full force. Her face burned with embarrassment as she scolded.
"Bleh! Sis, you're just mad because you're embarrassed!"
"Come here, you little rascal!"
Meanwhile, Zhou Yi was observing the two women with his spiritual sense, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.
"Interesting," he mused. Watching their playful antics was unexpectedly entertaining.
After a moment, he withdrew his focus and vanished with a single step, reappearing in the Tager Desert.
His target this time wasn't Queen Medusa.
It was the Green Lotus Core Flame.
A treasure like this, left unclaimed, would be a sin to ignore.
Knowing its approximate location, Zhou Yi spread his spiritual sense across the area. It didn't take long to locate the underground magma pool where the flame resided.
Surrounded by the Fallen Heart Flame, he dove into the magma unharmed.
Having already acquired both the Xuanhuang Flame and Fallen Heart Flame, Zhou Yi's sensitivity to other heavenly flames had significantly heightened.
Nestled amidst the azure glow, he found it: a delicate green lotus standing elegantly within the magma, radiating a soft, mystical light.
This was the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked 19th on the Heavenly Flames List. Born in the depths of the earth, it was forged through countless cycles of compression, refinement, and fusion within the earth's core.
A natural marvel, it evolved over millennia:
Ten years to form its spirit.
A hundred years to shape its body.
A thousand years to become a lotus.
At its peak, it takes the form of an exquisite green lotus with a cluster of flame at its center—aptly named the Green Lotus Core Flame.
This flame possessed unimaginable destructive power, capable of triggering volcanic eruptions in its vicinity, wielding nature's fury as its weapon.
As Zhou Yi approached, he observed the eight jade-like leaves of the green lotus, each carved to perfection as though by the hands of a celestial artisan.
The lotus exuded an alluring crystalline clarity, and within its core rested a lotus platform adorned with delicate perforations, faintly glowing with pure fire energy in the form of lotus seeds.
The scene was captivating, almost impossible to turn away from.
Yet Zhou Yi's attention was drawn to the heart of the lotus, where a small, flame-like serpent danced, pulsating with life and intelligence.
Stretching out his hand, Zhou Yi summoned the Green Lotus Core Flame to him. The flame, sensing his overwhelming power and the aura of the Candle Dragon Martial Soul, eagerly approached, curling around his finger like an obedient pet.
For others, taming such a flame would be a life-threatening ordeal. For Zhou Yi, it was as easy as drinking water.
If anyone were to witness this, they would die of envy.
Satisfied, Zhou Yi harvested the flame, along with the lotus seeds and pedestal, leaving no treasures behind.
"Mission accomplished," Zhou Yi muttered, returning to his residence to reunite with his beloved wife, Yao Ye.
The honeymoon phase of their marriage was something he cherished deeply.
Back home, Zhou Yi stayed in with Yao Ye for seven days straight, unwilling to step out even for a moment.
Outside the room, Yao Yue fumed, clenching her fists.
"Does he plan to stay in there forever?!"
Her little teeth ground together as she huffed, glaring at the closed doors.
"Could it really be that much fun?"
Yao Yue tilted her small head as her thoughts wandered. Bored, she retrieved a treasured comic book from her storage ring and sneaked it under the covers to read alone.
In her mind, the image of Zhou Yi surfaced—his figure intertwined with the private gossip she'd shared with Yao Ye about Zhou Yi's immense power.
She found herself almost drooling.
While Zhou Yi was indulging in beauty and revelry, news of him was spreading rapidly across the Jia Ma Empire and beyond.
Wu Tan City.
At the Xiao Clan…
"Huh? Xiao Yu?"
Xiao Yan's gaze landed on a tall beauty. Frowning, he asked, "Wasn't she studying at Jia Nan Academy? Why is she back?"
Xiao Yu, clad in the uniform of Jia Nan Academy with a longsword at her waist, had an elegant and strikingly tall figure. Her most eye-catching feature was her pair of shapely, slender legs—legs even more alluring than the enchanting Ya Fei's.
Xiao Yan smirked, rubbing his aching temples. He muttered under his breath, "That troublesome woman… Damn it. All I did was accidentally walk into the hot spring behind the mountain where she was bathing, and unintentionally touched her thigh. She chased me for half a year because of that."
From a distance, Xiao Yu seemed to sense something. She turned her head, her gaze landing on Xiao Yan. A momentary surprise flickered in her eyes before it was replaced by disdain and contempt.
Peeping at someone bathing and even touching their thigh… Animal.
If she hadn't considered his age back then, she would've chopped off his paws.
Hesitating briefly, Xiao Yu strode toward Xiao Yan, her mesmerizing legs drawing attention with every step.
Seeing her approach, Xiao Yan's expression darkened, irritation flashing in his brows.
"Oh, Xiao Yan, I heard your talent has returned. What delightful news," Xiao Yu sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she drew closer.
"None of your damn business," Xiao Yan snapped, his usual calm demeanor utterly discarded. His words were crude and biting.
"Your tongue is still as sharp as ever. Three years of misery didn't dull your edge, did it?" Xiao Yu looked down on Xiao Yan, her tone mocking.
Xiao Yan tilted his head, scrutinizing the woman he hadn't seen for a year. His gaze lingered on her shapely legs before he nonchalantly said, "Your legs are still as long as ever. I wonder, since back then, has anyone else touched them?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yu's sneer froze. Her face turned ashen, fury blazing in her eyes.
"You're courting death!"
Her fist slammed into Xiao Yan's nose with a force that left no room for resistance. Although his talent had returned, without Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan had only managed to reach the fourth stage of Dou Disciple after months of effort. Against Xiao Yu, who was already a Dou Practitioner, he was powerless.
Bang!
A massive impact crushed Xiao Yan's nose. Blood spattered as she followed up with two more punches, leaving his eyes black and swollen, his vision spinning. He collapsed, battered and bruised, looking like a defeated panda.
"This is me holding back. If it were someone else, your filthy mouth and wandering hands would've cost you more than just a beating. Consider this a warning," Xiao Yu huffed before striding off, her long legs gracefully carrying her away.
"Damn it!"
Xiao Yan growled, wiping the blood from his mouth and nose. "You'll see, you wretch! Thirty years on the east bank, thirty years on the west. Just a Dou Practitioner? When I've broken through, you'll be the one kneeling to beg for mercy!"
Of course, Xiao Yu couldn't hear his vengeful mutterings.
At this moment, Xiao Yu returned home and was greeted by her grandfather, the Grand Elder of the Xiao Clan.
"Grandfather, why did you summon me back so urgently? What's going on?" Xiao Yu asked directly, looking at the elder.
"Yu'er, have you heard of Master Zhou Yi?"
The Grand Elder studied Xiao Yu discreetly, a satisfied glint in his eyes.
Especially those long legs of hers—an asset even superior to Ya Fei's and Yao Ye's, giving her a distinct edge.
"Master Zhou Yi?"
"Of course I've heard of him. By now, no one in the Jia Ma Empire could possibly be unaware of him. Even at Jia Nan Academy, his name is well-known!"
"After all, he's a Dou Ancestor -level, seventh-tier alchemist who has refined the legendary Boundary-Breaking Pill, capable of allowing a Dou Emperor at their peak to break through to Dou Ancestor!"
"It's good you know," the elder said, his tone approving. "The reason I called you back is so I can introduce you to Master Zhou Yi."
He continued, "In a few days, Master Zhou Yi will be marrying Sect Master Yun Yun. You'll accompany me to witness the event!"
"Such an occasion isn't something one gets to see every day!"
"I've heard that Lady Ya Fei is already close to advancing to Dou King. Master Zhou Yi is truly extraordinary!"
The elder's tone carried an intentional undertone of admiration.
Hearing this, Xiao Yu fell silent.
She wasn't naive.
How could she not catch her grandfather's drift?
Clearly, he was hoping she could forge a connection with Zhou Yi.
But she couldn't deny the facts.
Ya Fei, once a talentless woman in her twenties, stuck as a mere Dou Practitioner, had skyrocketed to Dou Spirit strength within just a few months of meeting Zhou Yi.
Rumor had it she was on the cusp of reaching Dou King.
Xiao Yu understood her own limitations.
In her lifetime, breaking through to Dou King would already be a significant achievement.
When it came to Ya Fei, Xiao Yu couldn't help but feel envious.
It was undeniable.
In less than half a year, Zhou Yi had married both Ya Fei and Yao Ye and was now about to wed Sect Master Yun Yun.
Clearly, he was a philanderer.
But with his strength and prowess as a powerful alchemist, marrying multiple women wasn't unusual.
She couldn't help but feel curious.
When the time came, she wanted to see for herself—what kind of person was Zhou Yi, really? Was he anything like the rumors?
They said he was young and handsome.
But Xiao Yu figured that must be exaggeration—flattering words passed around as gossip.
In the end, Xiao Yu agreed.
The Grand Elder was delighted.
Even though things were far from settled, this was at least a promising start.
Misty Cloud Sect.
Yun Yun stood atop the mountain peak, gazing into the distance. Clad in white, her long, ink-black hair cascaded like a waterfall to her slender waist. Her serene and breathtaking beauty exuded an air of nobility and calm. She was like a pristine spring hidden in a secluded mountain, inspiring awe and longing in equal measure.
As the wedding day approached, Yun Yun grew increasingly anxious.
Night after night, her dreams were dominated by Zhou Yi.
Sometimes they were in the verdant Magical Beast Forest, embracing nature in its raw beauty. Sometimes they wandered the endless sands of the Tager Desert, or sailed the vast blue seas. Other times, they were simply in a home—the living room, the kitchen…
Dreams and reality blurred, leaving Yun Yun with a whirlwind of emotions.
Finally, the day arrived.
Yun Yun, dressed in a brilliant red wedding gown, appeared poised and radiant. Her tall, curvaceous figure radiated an elegant charm. Beside her stood the youthful and dazzling Nalan Yanran, their beauty complementing each other perfectly.
Roar!
A deafening roar signaled Zhou Yi's arrival atop the majestic Amethyst Winged Lion King. He reached out and grasped Yun Yun's delicate hand. Her body tensed at his touch, the vivid memories of her dreams clashing with the unfamiliarity of reality. After a moment, she relaxed, stepping gracefully onto the lion's back with Zhou Yi.
Nalan Yanran followed closely, ascending as if an invisible staircase carried her into the skies.
Back at Zhou Yi's residence, the atmosphere was electrifying.
"So that's Zhou Yi?"
Xiao Yu stared, stunned. Her slender legs pressed together as she stood rooted in place, overwhelmed by the man's handsomeness and charisma. Beside him, Yun Yun's regal beauty complemented his presence, forming a pair that seemed divinely matched.
Her heart sank in defeat. Compared to Yun Yun, she felt insignificant.
"Lady Yun..."
Gu He gazed at Yun Yun, who appeared especially radiant and enchanting today. His heart trembled, an indescribable sensation welling up within him.
It was a feeling of sorrow.
A feeling of helplessness.
He had personally overseen nearly every detail of this wedding.
After all, Zhou Yi had no one reliable at his disposal.
Ya Fei was pregnant.
Yao Ye was so exhausted every day that her legs could barely close—she certainly had no time to handle such matters either.
Gu He, on the other hand, was not only highly capable but also a sixth-tier alchemist with decades of experience navigating the complexities of Jia Ma Empire.
If he didn't handle the thankless, arduous work, who else would?
What could they do? Summon Yao Chen's spirit to work?
"Old Gu... sigh..."
Lion King Yan Shi and Wind Walker Feng Li patted Gu He on the shoulder.
They were well-acquainted with Gu He and knew of his longstanding admiration for Yun Yun.
But alas, the king dreams of his goddess, while the goddess remains indifferent.
And now, the woman he cherished was about to marry someone else.
To make matters worse, Gu He had been the one to organize the entire wedding.
The emotions involved in such a situation were something few could truly understand.
Yu Xiaogang: "I understand! No one understands better than me!"
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