"Madam, you wouldn't want anything to happen to A'Zi, would you?"
Ruan Xingzhu's delicate body trembled. Her bright, star-like eyes shimmered as she looked at Zhou Yi with a pleading gaze and urgently said:
"As long as you let A'Zi go, I'll agree to anything you want!"
"You said it, Madam. I'll remember that!"
Zhou Yi chuckled as he gazed into Ruan Xingzhu's brilliant eyes.
"Shameless!"
Mu Wanqing couldn't help but curse under her breath.
"What did you say? Speak louder!"
Zhou Yi turned to Mu Wanqing. Under the clear moonlight, amidst blossoming trees laden with snow, her delicate face was extraordinarily stunning.
A pointed chin, pale and smooth complexion, skin as flawless as jade, lips delicate and thin, and teeth fine like shattered pearls—she was truly a peerless beauty.
She lived up to her name: 'Pure as flowing water, gentle as a willow in the breeze.'
"Nothing! I didn't say anything!"
Qin Hongmian, despite her fiery nature, understood the importance of knowing when to yield. She quickly pulled Mu Wanqing aside and offered a conciliatory smile to Zhou Yi.
When one is at another's mercy, bowing one's head is the only option.
"A'Zi, are you alright?"
Ruan Xingzhu's face lit up with joy as she saw A'Zi appear before her, pulled over by Zhou Yi's will. Her heart finally settled, and she spoke with deep concern.
"What could possibly happen to me? That was exhilarating!"
Realizing she was no longer in danger, the naturally fearless A'Zi grinned mischievously, wrapping herself around Zhou Yi's arm as she fawned over him.
"Big brother, you're amazing! Are you an immortal?"
Having grown up in the Xingxiu Sect, A'Zi's martial skills were unremarkable, but her ability to read the room and flatter was second to none.
Not just her—the disciples of Xingxiu Sect were all experts in bootlicking.
A'Zi, being quick-witted, immediately recognized that Zhou Yi was the true master here.
As long as she pleased Zhou Yi, wouldn't a life of luxury be within reach?
And if Zhou Yi were to teach her some martial techniques—especially those that granted flight and teleportation—wouldn't she become invincible?
"To ordinary people, I might as well be a deity."
Zhou Yi chuckled and retrieved four Youth Retaining Pills. "Since this is our first meeting, consider these pills as my greeting gift."
"Big brother, what kind of pills are these?"
A'Zi immediately snatched one from Zhou Yi's hand, fearing he might change his mind, and swallowed it before even asking about its effects.
"You'll know once you try. But for you, the effects won't be as noticeable."
Zhou Yi picked up another pill and turned to Ruan Xingzhu with a smirk.
"Come on, open your mouth."
Though embarrassed, Ruan Xingzhu, fearing for A'Zi's safety under Zhou Yi's power, reluctantly parted her lips.
Zhou Yi placed the pill into her mouth.
As the medicine dissolved, a comforting warmth spread through Ruan Xingzhu's body, particularly on her face.
A'Zi, Qin Hongmian, and Mu Wanqing all stared at her in curiosity, their gazes gradually shifting from curiosity to astonishment, then to sheer disbelief and excitement.
Because right before their eyes, Ruan Xingzhu's appearance had visibly grown younger.
Though she hadn't been old to begin with—being in her early thirties but appearing in her late twenties—she now looked even more youthful.
If someone were to claim she and A'Zi were sisters, no one would doubt it.
"What is it? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Ruan Xingzhu touched her face, suddenly anxious. Had she been disfigured?
"Mother, you've gotten younger!"
A'Zi exclaimed in shock.
"What? I've become younger?"
Ruan Xingzhu was stunned. Unfortunately, she didn't have a mirror.
Zhou Yi, ever thoughtful, conjured a mirror of light before her.
Gazing into it, she saw a reflection of herself in her early twenties, her star-like eyes momentarily dazed, lost in a dream-like trance.
"This pill is called the Youth Retaining Pill. Not only does it grant eternal youth, but it can even reverse aging."
Zhou Yi offered the remaining two pills to Qin Hongmian and Mu Wanqing with a smile.
"Do you want them?"
Qin Hongmian and Mu Wanqing hesitated, struggling internally. Accepting gifts meant incurring debts, and it was clear Zhou Yi had ulterior motives.
A treasure as valuable as this—he was obviously eyeing their bodies.
"No!"
Mu Wanqing turned her head away stubbornly, refusing to look at Zhou Yi.
"And you?"
Zhou Yi shifted his gaze to Qin Hongmian.
Being in her late thirties, though well-maintained, she was not immune to the effects of time.
The temptation of the Youth Retaining Pill was overwhelming.
Moreover, she understood they had no real choice in the matter.
Gritting her teeth, Qin Hongmian accepted the pill.
"Come on, let's go for a flight!"
Zhou Yi took Ruan Xingzhu, A'Zi, Qin Hongmian, and Mu Wanqing soaring into the sky, giving them a breathtaking view of the vast Dou Qi Continent.
"My heavens! Those monsters are huge!"
"Those are magical beasts."
"Big brother, slow down! You're too fast!"
"Look! Those people have wings growing from their backs!"
"That's Dou Qi Manifested Wings!"
"But they fly so slowly compared to big brother. He just whooshed past them in an instant!"
"This is nothing. If I weren't holding back for your sake, I could go even faster."
Zhou Yi wasn't exaggerating—he had only revealed a fraction of his true speed.
Going too fast would have made it impossible for them to appreciate the scenery below.
After a brief tour, Zhou Yi returned to Mirror Lake Cottage with them.
Once back, he scooped up Ruan Xingzhu and carried her into a room.
In the past, Duan Zhengchun had indulged himself with Ruan Xingzhu in this very place, even composing a poem:
Blushing in shyness, unsteady in drunken grace,
Delicate hands concealed beneath perfumed silk.
Leaning close to candlelight, whispering sweet nothings,
The fragrance of wine, weaving through gentle glances.
Reading the poem, Zhou Yi found himself in even higher spirits.
That scoundrel Duan Zhengchun.
A man who reveled in women yet shirked responsibility, abandoning his own daughter to fend for herself in the cruel world.
Zhou Yi could not stand such tragedies.
After all, he was a good man.
Too kind, even.
So naturally, he had to take care of both mother and daughter.
As night fell, Qin Hongmian sat by the lake with Mu Wanqing. Listening to the muffled sounds from the bamboo house, she spat bitterly:
"Shameless!"
Mu Wanqing's flawless, jade-like face flushed red. Though inexperienced, she couldn't help but let her imagination run wild, curiosity bubbling within her.
Meanwhile, the ever-restless A'Zi had already crept up to the door, eavesdropping with great interest.
The next day, A'Zi and Mu Wanqing were eager to explore the outside world and turned to Qin Hongmian to ask if she wanted to join them.
Qin Hongmian was worried about Mu Wanqing and was about to agree.
However, at that moment, a voice echoed in her mind—Zhou Yi's voice.
"Madam, you wouldn't want Wanqing to find out about us, would you?"
Qin Hongmian's expression shifted, her eyes flickering with hesitation. After a moment of gritted determination, she refused Mu Wanqing's request and let them go out on their own.
"Wanqing, take your time and enjoy yourselves outside. Just make sure you're back before nightfall," Qin Hongmian instructed.
"Got it, Mother!"
With that, Mu Wanqing and A'Zi paddled away on a bamboo raft.
Zhou Yi's figure soon appeared in Mirror Lake Cottage.
Neither Qin Hongmian nor Ruan Xingzhu was surprised by his arrival.
Qin Hongmian spoke directly, "I can agree to anything, but you are not to touch Wanqing!"
This world was no longer the one they once knew.
To survive, they had no choice but to rely on Zhou Yi.
And so—
Qin Hongmian had already mentally prepared herself.
"That depends on how well you behave, Madam," Zhou Yi said with a smirk.
"You—!"
Qin Hongmian's face darkened with rage. It was obvious he was just toying with her—such words might fool an innocent girl, but not her.
Before she could react further, Zhou Yi reached out and swept her into his arms in a princess carry.
"Let me go! Unless you promise me—mmph—"
"Sigh…"
Ruan Xingzhu let out a soft sigh, gazing at the sky with a distant look in her eyes. She wasn't sure whether being taken by Zhou Yi was a stroke of fortune or misfortune.
Though Zhou Yi enjoyed teasing her in various ways, he had never truly mistreated her. On the contrary, he had given her youth-preserving pills and helped her advance her cultivation. Compared to Duan Zhengchun, Zhou Yi was far more responsible.
At the very least, if she bore his child, he wouldn't abandon them to wander the martial world. He would provide them with a home, a stable life, and a future free from servitude or dependency.
Thinking of this, a faint smile unknowingly curved Ruan Xingzhu's lips.
The image of Duan Zhengchun in her heart slowly faded, replaced by Zhou Yi's presence.
In every way, Zhou Yi outshone Duan Zhengchun by leagues.
Being with Zhou Yi—
For the first time, she felt a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.
And so, naturally—
Ruan Xingzhu stepped into the room to take Qin Hongmian's place.
Time passed.
The sun dipped below the horizon.
The setting sun cast a crimson glow, like spilled blood.
After a full day of excitement outside, A'Zi and Mu Wanqing returned.
By then, Zhou Yi had already tidied his robes, satisfied, and departed with an air of leisure.
"Mother, I'm back!"
Mu Wanqing entered the room, only to see Qin Hongmian lying on the bed, her eyes misty, her face flushed. She was instantly alarmed.
"Mother, what's wrong?"
She reached out with her fair, jade-like hand and touched Qin Hongmian's forehead, only to find it burning hot.
"Mother, you have a fever!"
"It's really bad—I'll go get medicine for you!"
Mu Wanqing was about to rush out to find medicine when Qin Hongmian hastily grabbed her hand.
"No need!"
Qin Hongmian quickly reassured her, "I'm fine. I already took medicine. I just need some rest, and I'll recover soon."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"Don't worry, Wanqing."
At that moment, Ruan Xingzhu walked in from outside. Her face was equally flushed, and there was an unnatural stiffness in her gait. Looking at Mu Wanqing, she comforted her:
"Lord Zhou has already checked on your mother. He personally examined her pulse and helped her regulate her qi and blood flow. Not only is she fine, but her cultivation has even improved significantly."
Qin Hongmian shot Ruan Xingzhu a glare, utterly mortified. But still, she cooperated and released a surge of her cultivation aura.
Seeing this, Mu Wanqing was overjoyed.
"Lord Zhou is truly a great man!"
Qin Hongmian: "..."
Ah-choo!
"Who's thinking about me?"
Back in his chambers with Xun'er, Zhou Yi sneezed as he continued assisting her in awakening her bloodline as a Dou Emperor heir.
He mused to himself, "Could it be that Qin Hongmian and Ruan Xingzhu's fevers haven't subsided yet?"
That shouldn't be possible.
They had already received treatment—no fever should persist after that.
Days passed.
Zhou Yi eventually added A'Zi to his collection as well, leaving only Mu Wanqing.
Finding the right opportunity—
Zhou Yi claimed Mu Wanqing as well.
Given his current status and power, it was as effortless as plucking a flower.
As for romance?
That was irrelevant to Zhou Yi.
After all, how many emperors in ancient times truly courted women first?
Time flew by, and soon—
More than two months had passed.
It was time for Zhou Yi's wedding once again.
This time—
He was marrying the daughters of renowned figures from the Tianxuan Continent:
Ying Xiaoxiao and Ying Huanhuan, daughters of Dao Sect's Grandmaster Ying Xuanzi.
Tang Xinlian, the Flame Fairy of the Chaos Sea's Flame God Hall.
Xin Qing, a princess of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.
Huo Miao, a descendant of the Nine-Lives Celestial Cat Clan.
The Tianxuan Continent was approaching a crisis—the imminent unsealing of the Demon Emperor. Tensions ran high, yet Zhou Yi's marriage festivities seemed to lighten the atmosphere.
Countless powerhouses of the Tianxuan Continent arrived to offer their congratulations.
"Lord Zhou has arrived!"
Amidst the excited murmurs, Zhou Yi stepped into the Zhou Manor, flanked by his newlywed brides.
"Sister!"
Before the ceremonies could proceed further, a fiery streak of light shot across the sky, landing directly in front of Zhou Yi.
It was the Flame Master, one of the Eight Ancient Masters.
Recently, with the Demon Emperor's return drawing near, the Ice Master—one of the other Eight Masters—had begun awakening through reincarnation.
Ying Huanhuan had started manifesting the Ice Master's power.
Sensing this, the Flame Master had rushed over, his gaze burning with excitement as he locked eyes on Ying Huanhuan.
"Sister! You've finally returned!"
Ying Huanhuan stared at him coldly.
Her long, jet-black hair transformed at an astonishing speed, turning into an icy shade of blue under the stunned gazes of the onlookers.
A bone-chilling aura emanated from her.
"So cold!"
Even the strongest cultivators present shuddered.
They were beyond ordinary mortals, unaffected by heat or cold—but at this moment, the frost seeped into their very bones.
"Who are you?"
Ying Huanhuan lifted her head, her icy-blue hair cascading like a waterfall.
Her once-bright eyes were now completely infused with frost-blue radiance.
At the center of her forehead, a circular mark shimmered—an intricate symbol that pulsed like an eternal cycle.
"The Reincarnation Seal!"
The crowd gasped in shock as they gazed at the ethereal girl before them.
She stood amidst falling snowflakes, resembling a goddess of ice.
"Huanhuan!"
Beside her, Ying Xiaoxiao was equally stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing.
"My sister… is actually a reincarnation of the Ice Master, one of the Eight Ancient Masters?"
Most people were unaware of this truth, but the continent's greatest figures—such as Ying Xuanzi and Huang Yuqing—immediately recognized the mark.
Only supreme beings who had transcended the Reincarnation Tribulation could manifest such a seal.
Each one was a legendary powerhouse of the heavens.
Zhou Yi, however, remained unfazed.
"It doesn't matter if she's Ying Huanhuan or the Ice Master—she is my wife."
He turned his gaze to the Flame Master.
"She has yet to fully awaken and doesn't remember you."
"Wait until the day she does—then you may reunite."
"Now, step aside. The wedding is beginning."
Flame Master, upon hearing this, felt his blood boil at the thought of the goddess he had admired for countless years becoming another man's wife. A surge of heat rushed to his head, and he suddenly roared:
"No! Junior Sister will never marry you!"
"Insolence!"
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