After sending Chu Caiwei away, Xu Qi’an, disregarding the Supervisor’s presence, took the National Preceptor’s delicate hand and said passionately:

“National Preceptor, you must be tired from escorting us back to the capital. Please return to Spirit Treasure Temple and wait for me.”

He knew this personality was “Love” and tried to placate the National Preceptor with affection.

Luo Yuheng replied softly: “Then don’t forget to make things clear with those women. I, the Human Path Sect Leader, won’t tolerate any unfaithfulness.”

Did it work? Xu Qi’an nodded vigorously: “My heart belongs only to you, National Preceptor.”

After all, by tomorrow, you won’t be you anymore.

Luo Yuheng mounted her golden light and vanished in the direction of the Imperial City…

Watching the National Preceptor leave, Xu Qi’an felt relieved—the great shark had left, and his little fish were safe.

After bidding farewell to the Supervisor, he climbed the wooden stairs. Under Chu Caiwei’s guidance, he met the long-missed Lin’an and Huaiqing in a tea room on the eighth floor.

The little white dress and little red dress he often saw in his dreams.

The moment the little red dress saw him, her alluring peach blossom eyes immediately welled up with tears, her oval face etched with longing and resentment.

The little white dress maintained her usual noble and aloof demeanor, giving a slight nod as a greeting.

However, when she first saw Xu Qi’an, her eyes softened.

Besides Huaiqing and Lin’an, the spacious tea room also held Chu Yuanzhen, Heng Yuan, Li Miaozhen, and Zhong Li.

“Greetings, Your Highnesses. Sister Zhong, seeing you safe and sound puts my mind at ease.”

Xu Qi’an smiled as he greeted them.

“You dog servant!”

Lin’an habitually called out her “term of endearment,” supporting herself on the table as she stood and walked to him.

Her peach blossom eyes gazed at him, full of unspoken words.

“Your cultivation has recovered quite a bit,” Zhong Li said softly.

“Lord Xu has been traveling for many days—how much Dragon Qi have you collected?” Huaiqing asked.

They’re all being rather restrained with everyone present… Xu Qi’an sat down at the table and began recounting his experiences while traveling.

Biaobiao propped her chin on her hands, smiling as she watched him.

Huaiqing held her teacup, occasionally taking a sip, listening carefully.

Zhong Li sat most properly, making no extra movements throughout.

Chu Caiwei also sat down beside him, eating crystal pork knuckles while listening.

Xu Qi’an knew the personalities of all the ladies present intimately—he told interesting travel stories to Lin’an, talked about food to Chu Caiwei, and explained the Dragon Qi collection process to Huaiqing.

From Yong Province to Lei Province, from Lei Province back to Yong Province, and finally returning to the capital.

He finished the telling in the time it took an incense stick to burn.

Naturally, he omitted certain things, such as his moments with Mu Nanzhi.

“How interesting! We should travel the jianghu sometime too,” Biaobiao said coquettishly.

“Once I’ve handled the matters at hand and recovered my cultivation, I’ll take you touring through the Central Plains,” Xu Qi’an said gently.

Hopefully, this isn’t just an empty promise made on the frontier… he added mentally.

“The Buddhist sect’s participation in collecting Dragon Qi reveals their ambition to meddle in the Central Plains. We must guard against collusion between the Western Regions and Cloud Province rebels,” Huaiqing’s instincts were as sharp as ever.

“Where is that ancient tomb the Chai family guards in Xiang Province? Do you have a map?” Zhong Li was more interested in the ancient tomb.

Ah, I’ve developed PTSD from ancient tombs and underground palaces… Xu Qi’an shook his head: “Half the map is with the Poison Tribe. If we want to explore the tomb in the future, we can ask Li Na to help borrow the map.”

After answering their questions, Xu Qi’an asked: “Why have Your Highnesses come to the Bureau of Astronomy at this hour?”

If it were just Biaobiao, Xu Qi’an could understand.

But Huaiqing wouldn’t break curfew and leave the palace just to see him—it didn’t fit the eldest princess’s character.

Huaiqing’s voice was melodious, like ice crystals chiming together, as she explained: “Dragon Qi is concerned about the rise and fall of the dynasty, so naturally I’m concerned. Moreover, the court has some matters requiring Lord Xu’s help. I worried you might come and go quickly, perhaps leaving the capital tomorrow or even tonight. That’s why I came specifically.”

“What matters?” Xu Qi’an seized on the key point.

Biaobiao rushed to answer: “Ning Yan… disasters are severe everywhere, and the imperial treasury is empty. Imperial Brother wants to reverse the situation by having court officials donate money and then having them encourage the local gentry to contribute as much silver as possible to aid the disaster victims.”

She was used to calling him “dog servant,” so suddenly calling him “Ning Yan” made her slightly shy.

“But Imperial Brother has only recently ascended the throne and hasn’t consolidated his power—he can’t overcome those old foxes.” She pursed her lips, grabbed Xu Qi’an’s hand, and pleaded softly: “Can you help Imperial Brother?”

Candlelight reflected in her peach blossom eyes, bright and glistening with anxiety and supplication.

“Yes!”

When he spoke this word, the anxiety and supplication in her eyes transformed into even brighter joy, sweetness, and relief.

This strategy must have been Second Brother’s idea, but didn’t Emperor Yongxing already agree? It seems the disasters are far more serious than I imagined… Xu Qi’an said gravely: “Relying on donations alone is like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water.”

Of course, he would still help Emperor Yongxing accomplish this because it was a strategy that could save many poor commoners’ lives.

“At least it can address the immediate crisis,” Huaiqing said.

“What do I need to do?” Xu Qi’an asked thoughtfully.

Huaiqing had already prepared for this question: “You only need to appear as a deterrent. With your fearsome reputation, that’s enough. Leave the rest to Xu Cijiu.”

After chatting a while longer, Xu Qi’an glanced at the water clock, feeling it was about time.

He needed to go to Spirit Treasure Temple to dual cultivate with the National Preceptor. The thought was quite exciting—having such beauty as the National Preceptor as a wife would prevent the seven-year itch… He made a bitter joke in his heart.

“Your Highnesses, everyone, I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

“What matters could you have?!”

Biaobiao pouted: “I’m not returning to the palace tonight, I’m staying at the Bureau of Astronomy. You’ve finally returned—won’t you stay and talk with me longer?”

As she said this, Xu Qi’an saw Huaiqing’s brow furrow, Li Miaozhen’s face showed displeasure, and Zhong Li’s head tilted slightly toward him.

You better leave quickly… Xu Qi’an didn’t linger, hurrying out. But as soon as he opened the door, he froze in place like a statue weathered by time.

Standing at the door was an enchanting Daoist beauty in religious robes, her eyes full of affection, her lips curved in a smile.

Luo Yuheng!

Didn’t you already leave?!

The little soul inside Xu Qi’an was howling, but being a mature harem master, he maintained his smile without showing any trace of panic: “National Preceptor, why have you come?”

Luo Yuheng stepped over the threshold into the room, looked around at everyone present, and smiled: “Since everyone is here, why don’t we clarify things now? This way, if any young lady displeases me in the future, others can’t say I was punished without warning. Right, dear Xu?”

The room instantly fell silent.

But in everyone’s minds, it was as if thunder had struck from a clear sky, lightning crashing in their ears.

Even Chu Caiwei was stunned, letting her crystal pork knuckle fall to the floor unheeded.

When contemporary women addressed their beloved, they typically added “lang” after the surname.

This single “Xu lang” was equivalent to announcing their relationship.

Huaiqing’s face suddenly darkened, cold as frost.

Zhong Li lowered her head—a posture she only adopted when her mood was low and unhappy.

“You, you two…” Li Miaozhen’s eyes widened, finding it hard to believe. She stared at them rigidly for a long while, shocked, angry, and upset.

Biaobiao was stunned for a long moment before looking at the National Preceptor and forcing a smile: “National Preceptor is joking, right?”

Luo Yuheng said coolly: “When have I ever been one for jokes? Dear Xu is my Dao partner—we’ve already practiced dual cultivation.”

After speaking, she turned to gaze at Xu Qi’an’s profile, full of tender feelings: “Dear Xu, say something.”

Say what? I’m so damn annoyed… Xu Qi’an’s heart was a raging storm, but he maintained a stiff smile on the surface.

Seeing him silent, the women knew it was true.

Biaobiao’s eyes instantly reddened.

Li Miaozhen’s face turned pale, her hand trembling as she gripped her sword hilt, actually feeling the urge to chop Xu Qi’an into minced meat.

How, how is this possible? Xu Qi’an is the National Preceptor’s dual cultivation partner. The mighty Human Path Sect Leader is Xu Qi’an’s Dao partner.

Chu Yuanzhen was greatly shocked, instinctively doubting the truth of the matter even though he had witnessed the National Preceptor’s intimate behavior toward Xu Qi’an.

Yes, he has fate’s blessing, and the National Preceptor needs fate to dual cultivate… Chu Yuanzhen gave Xu Qi’an an incredibly complex look.

Although he had no inappropriate thoughts about Luo Yuheng, as a swordsman, he couldn’t help but admire the Human Path Sect Leader.

Therefore, he found it difficult to accept.

Moreover, he was a registered disciple of the Human Path Sect, making Luo Yuheng his senior in the sect. Xu Qi’an was his close friend and companion.

Now, his senior had become his close friend’s dual cultivation partner.

The generational hierarchy was completely confused.

Seeing Xu Qi’an maintaining his golden silence, Luo Yuheng gave him a light glance, then swept her gaze across Lin’an, Huaiqing, Zhong Li, Chu Caiwei, and Li Miaozhen, saying coolly:

“I know that among you, some like dear Xu, some harbor good feelings for him, and some secretly cherish him in their hearts. But after tonight, I hope you’ll abandon any inappropriate thoughts.”

Though Luo Yuheng didn’t name names, all the beauties present felt guilty, sensing she was speaking directly to them.

Huaiqing raised an eyebrow and said icily: “When did you become his dual cultivation partner, National Preceptor? Why wasn’t I aware of this?”

Li Miaozhen immediately followed up: “National Preceptor, as the Human Path Sect Leader, you’re my elder. Setting aside that I have no interest in that Xu fellow, is this how an elder should speak to juniors? Telling us not to seduce your man?”

Zhong Li said softly: “You’re just using his fate to calm your karmic fire. Your current destiny is wrong—you don’t truly love him.”

Fifth Sister’s words struck at the heart of the matter.

It’s turning into a catfight… and Lin’an hasn’t even reacted yet—she’s an expert at stirring up conflicts… Xu Qi’an’s heart sank as he transmitted to Chu Yuanzhen: “Brother Chu, I need a favor.”

Chu Yuanzhen transmitted back coldly: “I can’t handle this!”

Xu Qi’an hurriedly transmitted: “Please go to the Xu residence and fetch my sister.”

? A question mark floated through Chu Yuanzhen’s mind.

He wondered why, in this situation, Xu Qi’an would want to summon Xu Lingyue.

He transmitted back to confirm: “Xu Lingyue?”

“Go quickly, please! Remember to tell her what’s happening here.”

“…”

Chu Yuanzhen left the room gloomily, and no one stopped him. After nightfall, there were fewer Qi Practitioners active outside. He walked quickly through the corridor, about to choose a window to depart by sword when he heard footsteps. Turning his head, he saw Miao Youfang, Li Lingsu, and Yang Qianhuan walking backward up the stairs.

“Brother Chu, I heard the princesses of Great Fan are here. I’ve long admired their reputation and wish to pay my respects,” Li Lingsu smiled. “Are they in this building?”

Chu Yuanzhen said expressionlessly: “At the end of the corridor, second room. But I advise you not to go.”

Li Lingsu asked: “Why not?”

The blue-robed swordsman sighed: “It turns out the National Preceptor is Xu Qi’an’s dual cultivation partner. The atmosphere inside is extremely tense.”

“!!!”

Li Lingsu and Yang Qianhuan instantly beamed with joy.

“Karma, Brother Yang!”

“Indeed, Brother Li.”

Their spirits lifted as if witnessing sweet revenge, and their grievances were finally redressed.

Li Lingsu cupped his hands and hurriedly passed Chu Yuanzhen, striding quickly toward the room.

As he walked, he said softly: “Those two princesses must be quite ordinary-looking to be so thoroughly overshadowed by the National Preceptor. I want to see how that Xu fellow handles this. Brother Yang, you don’t know, but back in Yong Province, the National Preceptor faced a similar situation. Though at that time, her rival was the consort… Ah, the consort truly possessed supreme beauty.”

Speaking as he walked, he soon reached the room. Adjusting his clothes, he knocked on the door.

The door opened automatically, and several cold gazes turned toward the uninvited guest who dared to interrupt at such a moment.

It was then that Li Lingsu saw the women in the room.

First were Xu Qi’an and Luo Yuheng, standing shoulder to shoulder nearest the door.

At the round table opposite them, from left to right, sat his junior sister Li Miaozhen and the loose-haired prophet Zhong Li.

Beside Zhong Li was a woman wearing an elegant plum-red dress and a small phoenix crown.

She had a round, fair oval face and alluring peach blossom eyes that seemed to hold tender feelings when she looked at others.

Her dress was luxurious and brilliant, adorned not only with the golden phoenix crown but various precious ornaments.

She was adorned like a flowering branch.

The Holy Son usually disliked such overdressed women, believing they lacked confidence in their beauty and relied on clothing and jewelry to compensate.

He felt it only emphasized their vulgarity.

However, this red-dressed woman’s beauty and bearing perfectly commanded her elaborate ornaments.

It even seemed that only such adornments could properly display her beauty.

Beside this resplendently noblewoman sat another in a plain-colored dress, her hair simply arranged.

Unlike the former, her dress and appearance were elegantly simple, yet this simple attire, combined with her cool and noble bearing, seemed to emphasize her inherent grace.

Her eyes were like autumn waters in a cold pool, her lips touched with rouge.

“Waters of autumn for spirit, jade for bone…” Li Lingsu murmured internally.

Beside this elegant beauty sat another young beauty in a yellow dress, with large round eyes that, combined with her oval face, radiated a vibrant, bright disposition.

After several seconds, Li Lingsu turned his rusty neck toward Yang Qianhuan on his left and transmitted tremblingly: “Are… are they all Xu Qi’an’s sweethearts?”

This didn’t include his junior sister Li Miaozhen.

Yang Qianhuan said disdainfully: “Just ordinary women.”

I believed you… Li Lingsu staggered backward several steps, looking deeply shocked.

At this moment, Luo Yuheng said coldly: “Do you have business here?”

Li Lingsu opened and closed his mouth, speaking with difficulty: “No… nothing…”

He suddenly lost all interest in watching the drama unfold, as seeing so many beauties jealously competing for Xu Qi’an would only make him feel worse and more resentful.

“If you have no business, then get lost!” Li Miaozhen shouted angrily.

Bang!

The door closed.

Don’t, don’t go… Xu Qi’an’s right hand weakly grasped at empty air several times.

Li Lingsu supported himself against the wall as he slowly walked down the corridor, sighing: “I’ve lost, lost completely… Brother Yang, I now fully understand your despair.”

Miao Youfang grinned: “Damn, they’re beautiful, more beautiful than any courtesan I’ve ever seen. And they give off a completely different feeling.”

Li Lingsu had no energy to explain what constituted bearing, what defined charm, and what made a jade beauty raised in silk and brocade.

As the three reached the stairs, they heard a shrill whistle from outside the window facing the staircase.

A sword light flashed through the window, steadily stopping before them.

It was Chu Yuanzhen, who returned.

Behind him was a young woman in a cyan jacket and matching fluffy dress, her hair loose, face bare of makeup, eyes bright and moist, her features showing a rare three-dimensionality among Central Plainswomen.

What an ethereally elegant lotus…

The Holy Son’s dim eyes instantly brightened, regaining some spirit.

But to his disappointment, the lotus merely glanced at him and moved away from his incomparably handsome face without any lingering attention.

She followed Chu Yuanzhen with small steps toward the room deep in the corridor.

“…”

Li Lingsu’s face showed complete despair. He took a deep breath and said solemnly: “Brother Yang, let’s ally.”

“An alliance?”

“To oppose Xu Qi’an!”

Yang Qianhuan was silent for several seconds, then reached back with his hand as Li Lingsu extended his.

Their hands clasped together:

“Good brother!”