A secret within the Earth Scripture fragment… Luo Yuheng’s heart stirred, and she tightened her grip on the fragment, wary that Xu Qi’an might suddenly snatch it away.

She had status and dignity to maintain—unlike Mu Nanzhi, who despite her age, would still act coy and throw tantrums at a young man.

Of course, this was Luo Yuheng’s subjective assessment, born from her rivalry.

“Master, I think Asura was joking. We won’t expel you from the Heaven and Earth Society…” Li Miaozhen almost laughed out loud upon seeing Master Jin Lian’s message.

[Seven: Is it about the whispers that appeared after the Earth Scripture merged?]

As an owner of an Earth Scripture fragment, Li Lingsu had also heard those terrifying whispers. He had been present when Asura later “threatened” Master Jin Lian, so he immediately understood that the secret Master Jin Lian mentioned was most likely about this incident.

The other fragment holders remained silent, focusing intently on their fragments.

At this moment, Lina, who hadn’t spoken for a while, suddenly sent a message:

[Master, I’m so sorry. I didn’t do anything. I couldn’t keep my promise to you.]

The simple-hearted southern beauty felt extremely guilty about this matter.

[Nine: It’s fine. The world is unpredictable and rarely follows our plans. You weren’t in the Central Plains at the time and couldn’t come. It’s not your fault.]

Just as this message was sent, he saw Lina transmit another:

[But Master, after you merge with the Black Lotus, won’t you fall into the demonic path again?]

Lina’s words struck like a warning bell in everyone’s hearts.

[Four: This… this… Lina makes a very good point. I completely forgot about this yesterday.]

[Seven: Ah, right! What if Master falls into the demonic path again after merging with the Black Lotus?]

[Six: It won’t come to that, surely it won’t.]

Master Hengyuan spoke up in defense of Master Jin Lian.

[Eight: He might have already fallen to the dark side. The one communicating with us might not be Jin Lian, but the Black Lotus.]

Due to his own experiences, Asura had become a devoted conspiracy theorist.

[Two: Now that Eight mentions it, I remember when Master Jin Lian was deceiving Joan to practice cultivation, he also pretended to be a kind person.]

Why did I ever recruit Lina into the Heaven and Earth Society… Master Jin Lian reflected deeply for three seconds and concluded that one shouldn’t put too much faith in good fortune.

While Lina might be blessed with good fortune, that had nothing to do with intelligence. Trusting entirely in good fortune was worse than having none at all.

[Nine: Rest assured, the Black Lotus’s will has been destroyed. Even if this poor monk were to fall into the demonic path in the future, it would be very, very far from now. There’s no such risk within the next hundred years.]

Under the quilt, Xu Qi’an’s right arm gently wrapped around Luo Yuheng’s waist, his hand softly caressing her smooth belly skin as he asked, “What does the Imperial Advisor think?”

Luo Yuheng ignored Xu Qi’an’s advances and replied coolly, “The birth of an evil consciousness isn’t something that happens overnight. Moreover, the Earth Sect cultivates merit, and it was the backlash of karma that catalyzed the Black Lotus’s appearance. This is the karmic result of Jin Lian’s hundreds of years of accumulating virtue and merit.”

As another Dao expert, Luo Yuheng’s words carried the weight of an authority figure in Xu Qi’an’s eyes.

So he focused more on enjoying the Imperial Advisor’s waist.

A woman’s slender waist was often the most overlooked treasure—people tended to only appreciate its appearance but rarely took the time to caress and savor it.

Of course, this only applied to women with good figures; those with belly fat were not included.

After the explanation, Master Jin Lian returned to the main topic:

[Indeed, the Earth Scripture holds a secret. To explain this, we must start from its creation. How much do you know about the Earth Scripture?]

The Earth Scripture’s creation? I think I heard Li Miaozhen mention it before, but I’ve forgotten the details… Xu Qi’an buried half his face in Luo Yuheng’s jade-like neck, kissing and tasting while occasionally glancing at the Scripture fragment.

Li Miaozhen and Li Lingsu knew something about the Earth Scripture but didn’t respond, not wanting to give Master Jin Lian a chance to digress.

The other members were unaware of the Scripture’s origins and also didn’t want to allow him to ramble.

Seeing no response, Master Jin Lian had no choice but to continue the topic himself:

[Legend has it that in the ancient Human Emperor era, there was a cultivation system called “Incense Divine Path.” The core of this system involved using martial strength to occupy a river or famous mountain, and then building one’s temple in the occupied territory.

[After establishing this foundation, they would gather followers to burn incense and make offerings, including livestock and sometimes young boys and girls, depending on whether the temple’s master was human or demon. The latter mostly relied on threatening the common people.

[Once the follower base reached a certain size, they would gradually condense a magical treasure called the “Divine Seal,” which came in two types: “Mountain God Seal” and “Water God Seal.” Those who possessed these seals were invincible within their domains.

[Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?]

It’s similar to the术士 (Shushi) system, isn’t this just a weaker version… Xu Qi’an wanted to reply, but his “phone” was monopolized by his girlfriend, the Imperial Advisor, so he couldn’t send a message.

Also, he remembered that when discussing the Earth Scripture fragments before, Li Miaozhen had mentioned that the Earth Sect’s Scripture seemed to have been obtained by the Dao Sovereign from a group of legendary mountain and water gods—yes, it must have been Li Miaozhen who said that.

[One: The Shushi system?!]

Huai Qing’s mind was always the sharpest, immediately providing the answer.

[Four: The approach is similar to the Shushi, but not as extreme. The Supervisor can manipulate the fortunes of the entire Central Plains.]

After analyzing briefly, Chu Yuanzhen transmitted.

The sect’s ancient texts weren’t so detailed… Li Miaozhen and Li Lingsu remembered the records about the Earth Sect’s Scripture, which only mentioned it came from ancient mountain and water gods, but the texts weren’t as detailed as this.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that both Li Lingsu and Li Miaozhen were incredibly knowledgeable, having memorized all the ancient texts of the Heaven Sect.

This wasn’t because these young prodigies were particularly studious, but rather a mandatory requirement for being the Heaven Sect’s Holy Son and Daughter.

If you couldn’t even remember a few hundred books, how could you be the Holy Son or Daughter? What’s that? You don’t want to be one? Fine, then we’ll purge you from the sect today.

This was roughly the Heaven Sect’s educational approach.

And when the masters purged disciples, they wouldn’t even blink an eye—after all, they practiced supreme detachment.

[Nine: Correct, very similar to the Tier One Destiny Master of the Shushi system.]

[Five: Then why did this system disappear?]

[Nine: The disappearance of the Incense Divine Path was partly due to the evolution of times. Successive Human Emperors viewed these divine figures and demons as targets for suppression and elimination, which greatly limited the transmission and development of the Incense Divine Path.

[Additionally, before establishing the Earth Sect, the Dao Sovereign wiped out all these divine path practitioners.]

The Dao Sovereign eliminated the Incense Divine Path… Although the Heaven and Earth Society members had their suspicions, seeing Master Jin Lian confirm it still filled them with awe.

This most mysterious supreme expert had done one shocking deed after another behind the scenes.

[Eight: Are the Earth Scripture fragments related to these Divine Seals?]

Asura proposed his theory.

[Nine: Correct. The Dao Sovereign’s elimination of the Incense Divine Path was to seize the Divine Seals from the mountain and water gods. Later, he forged all the collected seals into one magical treasure, called the “Earth Scripture.”]

So that’s the origin of the Earth Scripture! No wonder it can capture dragon veins and control earth veins… The Society members suddenly understood.

[One: What does this have to do with the spirit within the artifact?]

[Nine: To forge the Earth Scripture, the Dao Sovereign used himself as one of the materials.]

!!!

Like a thunderbolt, this news struck the Society members, making their hair stand on end and goosebumps cover their bodies.

Indeed, the shorter the content, the bigger the revelation. Xu Qi’an swallowed and muttered, “Could the spirit within the Earth Scripture fragment be…”

He felt Luo Yuheng’s body tense in his arms, apparently also shocked by this news.

[Nine: Correct, the Earth Scripture’s spirit is the Dao Sovereign’s primordial spirit. On the day the Scripture was forged, something terrifying happened. The Earth Sect’s ancient texts record: The Scripture turned demonic, devoured living beings and all things, nearly wiping out all disciples of our sect. It was then split into nine pieces, sealing away the demonic spirit!]

No one spoke for a long time.

Luo Yuheng and Xu Qi’an were immersed in this shocking news, unable to calm down for quite a while.

After a moment of silence, Luo Yuheng said, “Give me your hand.”

Xu Qi’an was startled, then understood. He removed his hand from his aunt’s belly, bringing it out from under the quilt.

Luo Yuheng grabbed Xu Qi’an’s finger and quickly wrote:

[Three: What was the Dao Sovereign’s purpose in forging the Earth Scripture? When he split into three and established the “Heaven, Earth, and Human” sects, he should have already reached the peak of cultivation and ascended to supreme rank. What could have been worth such effort to attempt?]

Xu Ningyan is still so clear-headed… The Society members had countless questions but didn’t know where to begin.

Seeing Xu Ningyan point out the core issue, everyone felt relieved, mentally praising him while waiting for Jin Lian’s response.

Imperial Advisor, you’re still not clever enough. I’ve already guessed the Dao Sovereign’s purpose… Xu Qi’an sighed softly. The Imperial Advisor was truly at her intellectual peak when being mischievous.

[Nine: No one in the Earth Sect knows the Dao Sovereign’s purpose. I didn’t know either until I learned about the Gatekeeper’s secret from Ningyan. Then I understood that only the Gatekeeper could attract supreme experts so strongly. Of course, what the Gatekeeper represents, we still don’t know.]

His words convinced the Society members.

[Four: There’s another question—why did the Dao Sovereign turn demonic after becoming the artifact’s spirit?] Chu Yuanzhen asked, puzzled.

[Two: On this point, I think I understand. The Dao Sovereign’s avatar cultivated the power of merit. After forging the Scripture, for some reason, he might have been punished by heaven and become as perverse and evil as Master Jin Lian.]

Such clear logic!

No need to mention the Black Lotus every time, give me some face, you youngsters don’t understand respecting elders… Master Jin Lian transmitted:

[This has also been the speculation of successive Earth Sect leaders. Now the only remaining question is: what’s the connection between forging the Earth Scripture and the Gatekeeper? This question involves the Gatekeeper, so it’s destined to remain unanswered.]

The Dao Sovereign eliminated the Incense Divine Path and forged the Earth Scripture. The way the Incense Divine Path cultivated fortune was almost identical to the Shushi… Xu Qi’an felt as if his mind had been struck with a heavy blow.

He was dumbfounded!

In an instant, he understood many things. Past puzzling clues are all connected at this moment.

[Two: Xu Ningyan, do you have any ideas?]

Li Miaozhen had a mysterious confidence in Xu Qi’an, immediately thinking of the legendary detective of Da Feng – Imperial Investigator Xu – when faced with complex puzzles.

Luo Yuheng noticed the text appearing in the mirror and turned her head to glance at Xu Qi’an behind her.

Xu Qi’an, coming back to his senses, gazed into her bright eyes and smiled, “State Preceptor, if I can solve this puzzle, shall we continue our cultivation practice?”

He pressed closer to her. Luo Yuheng frowned slightly and moved away, seemingly upset and ignoring him.

Xu Qi’an had barely felt that soft, yielding sensation before it was gone, leaving him disappointed.

[Seven: Foolish junior sister, what are you thinking? Xu Qi’an isn’t a Destiny Master, he’s just a detective. He only just learned that the spirit of the Earth Book fragment was the Dao Sovereign. What clues could he possibly have?]

Li Lingsu jumped in to criticize. He particularly disliked Xu Qi’an now, after being embarrassed in Sword Prefecture and having his disciple lose face before important figures the previous night.

[Four: Miaozhen is indeed making things difficult for Ning Yan.]

[Eight: This matter is like the Buddha’s secret – there can’t be any progress in the short term. It might surface later, as the Poison God said, the era is coming to an end.]

Asura had learned about the conversation between the Poison God and the White Emperor from the young talents of the Celestial Sect, along with the joke about the “loving family of the Asura King.”

Luo Yuheng gazed at the Earth Book fragment, her delicate brows furrowed in displeasure.

“I have deduced something, though it’s rather unsettling,” Xu Qi’an sighed.

Luo Yuheng grabbed his hand, pressing it against the Earth Book fragment, and said flatly, “Speak.”

After careful consideration, Xu Qi’an wrote using his finger: [I do have some preliminary deductions.]

The Heaven and Earth Society members perked up. Even Golden Lotus Daoist hadn’t expected such an answer and wrote: [Let’s hear it.]

[Three: No, no, the Holy Son is right. I don’t know much about this situation. I’m not a Destiny Master, just a detective. If my deductions are wrong, I might mislead you.]

[Two: He never speaks sense. Don’t mind him.]

[One: The Holy Son’s words were not inappropriate. It matches his understanding,] Princess Huaiqing remarked sarcastically.

Li Lingsu looked dejected.

Xu Qi’an wrote: [I’ll share three points, and you can contemplate the rest.

First: The Dao Sovereign’s refinement of the divine seal is related to the Gatekeeper. I’m certain of this, and the reason lies in my second point.

Second: The characteristics of the Incense Fire Divine Path are similar to those of the Practitioners, and the current Supervisor is suspected to be the Gatekeeper.

Third: Doesn’t this reveal something about the secret behind the First Supervisor’s rise to power?]

A Supreme cultivator pursuing matters related to the Gatekeeper, the Supervisor being the Gatekeeper, the relationship between the Incense Fire Divine Path and Practitioners being like past and present lives – this explained why the Dao Sovereign wanted to destroy the Incense Fire Divine Path and refine the Earth Book… Though just speculation, Li Lingsu believed the truth was likely as Xu Ning Yan had deduced. Another great secret revealed… Li Lingsu clicked his tongue in admiration, feeling that riding on Xu Qi’an’s coattails to learn secrets was incredibly satisfying.

Supreme cultivators pursuing the Gatekeeper’s purpose, the connection between Incense Fire Divine Path and Practitioners, and the First Supervisor’s unnaturally rapid rise – impressive how everything connected. This was the charm of detective work, the reason why she was obsessed with solving cases… Li Miaozhen felt electricity course through her body, bringing a shiver of excitement. She experienced an intense mental high on the spot.

Flying Swallow Heroine had often sought Xu Qi’an’s guidance in detective work.

Could it be that the First Supervisor received the inheritance of the Incense Fire Divine Path, gained enlightenment through comparison, and thus created the Practitioner system? This seemed to be the only explanation. My doubts are finally resolved… Chu Yuanzhen marveled.

He had questioned before how the First Supervisor differed from other system founders. All Supreme cultivators who created systems didn’t start from nothing – they first cultivated to a certain realm, then created their systems through top-down deduction.

This could be seen in how the various systems had overlapping domains and techniques.

Only the First Supervisor was different. Though Practitioners evolved from Shamans, the First Supervisor built the Practitioner system starting from low ranks.

This was absurd because low-ranked cultivators simply didn’t have the ability to create systems, no matter how talented they were. Insight came from experience, not talent.

Just as a brilliant but inexperienced youth might still fall prey to manipulation, while an average but experienced person might have superior judgment.

But what if the First Supervisor had an inheritance? If he received the Incense Fire Divine Path’s inheritance and then, with his amazing talent, used it as a foundation to explore and forge a new path?

This was entirely possible.

Moreover, it happened to be during a time when Central Plains was in chaos, with various powers vying for supremacy – perfect soil for the Incense Fire Divine Path to flourish.

So that’s how it was. Interesting. Since emerging from seclusion, I’ve learned more secrets from within the Heaven and Earth Society than in my past thousand years… Asura suddenly found this rewarding.

Spending just half a month with these young humans had given him access to so many high-level secrets.

What are they talking about? It seems impressive but I don’t quite understand… Lina scratched her head, feeling troubled, but afraid of being mocked by the Heaven and Earth Society members, she held back her questions.

After all, she had been pretending to be as clever as Xu Qi’an and the others, and had maintained the facade well so far – no one had noticed.

Master Hengyuan was surprised, but after the surprise passed, he didn’t make much of it, only sighing contentedly: “As expected of Lord Xu!”

Luo Yuheng’s eyes widened slightly as she stared at the Earth Book fragment, lost in thought.

With her wisdom, she could easily interpret the truth behind the information Xu Qi’an had provided.

A mind-blowing truth.

If she hadn’t happened to be entangled with this lecher in cultivation practice today, even with her status, she might not have learned such secrets from the Earth Book’s conversation.

Though most members of the Heaven and Earth Society had mediocre cultivation ranks, they dealt with astonishingly high-level matters.

As her thoughts wandered, she felt a burning hand slide between her thighs.

Luo Yuheng erupted in anger: “Get out!”

Her ancestral divine sword whooshed through the bed curtains, accurately piercing three inches below Xu Qi’an’s abdomen. With a ripping sound, the cotton blanket tore, followed by a clang.

Clang, clang, clang… Luo Yuheng was truly angry this time, her divine sword striking repeatedly.

Come on, let’s fence… Xu Qi’an felt indignant inside, believing his hardness surely exceeded that of even a divine weapon.

But he knew his intimate gesture had made Luo Yuheng feel toyed with.

He quickly apologized and begged for mercy with sweet words.

This fish would bite that bait.

“State Preceptor, we haven’t finished our discussion. Could you settle accounts with me later?”

Luo Yuheng snorted coldly, letting her divine sword float down to rest beside her pillow, and continued reading the Heaven and Earth Society’s messages.

[Seven: Hey, hey, hey, Golden Lotus Daoist, you knew all along about the connection between the Practitioner system and the ancient, vanished Incense Fire Divine Path? How dare you! We bare our hearts to you, yet you keep secrets, not treating us as your own. I, Li Lingsu, hereby propose expelling Golden Lotus Daoist from the Heaven and Earth Society.]

[Two: Seconded.]

[Four: Seconded.]

The socially awkward trio were taking revenge.

Golden Lotus Daoist remained completely unruffled, writing: [First, your ranks were too low – knowing these things would have been meaningless. Second, when the Supervisor wasn’t sealed, who would dare leak secrets about the Practitioner system? That old fellow always maintained a benevolent appearance, but was actually the most ruthless.]

Since the Supervisor was gone, he didn’t need to be too cautious with his words.

Daoist, you’ve been careless – the Supervisor is only sealed, not truly dead… Xu Qi’an’s mind stirred, but he felt no need to remind Golden Lotus Daoist.

[One: What are your plans now?] Princess Huaiqing wrote.

[Two: I plan to take my soldiers to fight in Yong Prefecture.]

The others shared Li Miaozhen’s thoughts – after training troops for many days, it was time for battle.

[One: Though we had a great victory in Xuan Prefecture, this is only temporary. Once the White Emperor returns, Da Feng will face another great crisis. Do you have any countermeasures?]

The Earth Book group fell silent.

The gap in raw power was difficult to bridge with strategy alone.

Xu Qi’an had no solution either, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

[One: No matter. Since the White Emperor hasn’t returned, we still have time. If anyone develops any strategies during this period, bring them up in the Earth Book, and we’ll discuss them together.]

This internal meeting of the Heaven and Earth Society came to a temporary close.

After putting away the Earth Book fragment, Luo Yuheng sensed something “wasn’t right.” She drew back slightly, about to get up and dress, when she suddenly heard Xu Qi’an sigh:

“Actually, there was one more thing I didn’t mention earlier.”

Luo Yuheng tilted her head slightly, remaining lying down.

“I now finally understand why the Buddha and the Shaman God fought over the Central Plains. I also understand why they could achieve longevity despite condensing fortune.”

Luo Yuheng’s heart stirred: “You mean they also used methods from the Incense Fire Divine Path?”

Xu Qi’an nodded: “Only this method would allow them to condense fortune while avoiding lifespan restrictions. I’ve only now realized that among all systems, people, and things related to fortune, the Confucian school is the most unique.”

“The Confucian way of condensing fortune must be completely different from the Incense Fire Divine Path. This is why Confucians have short lives yet are terrifyingly powerful.”

Luo Yuheng nodded almost imperceptibly, agreeing with his analysis.

“Nevermind, these matters are still too far beyond me,” Xu Qi’an suddenly turned playful again, chuckling, “State Preceptor, Da Feng depends on you. Let’s continue calming the karmic fires.”

Luo Yuheng’s eyebrows shot up: “Did you forget what we discussed just yesterday?”

Xu Qi’an wouldn’t be deterred: “But I also said earlier, if I could answer their questions, you’d dual cultivate with me again.”

Luo Yuheng snorted coldly: “Did I agree?”

“You didn’t refuse either,” Xu Qi’an argued righteously. He complained: “Wasn’t that implicit agreement?

“Besides, we haven’t left the bed yet, so it doesn’t count as a second time. I promise, just this once – after we get up, I won’t pester you.”

As he spoke, he tried to turn Luo Yuheng’s shoulders, wanting her to lie flat.

Little Aunt quickly turned to her side, not letting him succeed, turning her back to him.

Then realizing this position was more dangerous, she hurriedly turned back, widening her beautiful eyes to glare at him angrily.

Xu Qi’an inhaled the fragrance of her hair, his arms tightly embracing her smooth, delicate waist: “Just once, really just this once.”

Luo Yuheng slowly exhaled, seeming somewhat helpless. She turned her head to the side and said coldly: “Just this once.”

Xu Qi’an pressed down on her, his arms bracing on either side of her waist.

The residence still had servants, though not many, but they needed to attend to the master’s daily needs.

In his youth, Yang Gong had been a romantic scholar surrounded by beauties. He had arranged for all beautiful young maids to serve Imperial Investigator Xu.

They were meant to warm Imperial Investigator Xu’s bed.

Learning they were assigned to serve Imperial Investigator Xu, the beautiful maids were extremely excited. If Imperial Investigator Xu took a liking to them and brought them into his household, it would be like a common hen becoming a phoenix – their fortunes would soar.

However, on the very day Imperial Investigator Xu moved in, he brought back a heavenly beauty who was clearly no ordinary mortal.

Indeed, the sun had already risen high, and though it was nearly time for lunch, she still kept Imperial Investigator Xu firmly pinned to the bed.

What a bewitching spirit – though she looked like a celestial immortal, she showed none of the typical fox spirit’s seductive nature.

The maids pretended to work in the courtyard, listening to the bed frame’s protesting creaks. They marveled at the endurance – from dawn until nearly lunch, yet not a single sound escaped.

…

That same morning.

At the Xu residence in the capital, Aunt was being dressed in the formal attire of a First-Rank Noble Lady by Lü’e and several young maids.

Since Princess Huaiqing had ascended the throne, she had been bestowed the title of First-Rank Noble Lady. Since Xu Qi’an had no parents and was raised by his uncle and aunt, this honor naturally fell to Aunt.

What did it mean to be a First-Rank Noble Lady?

Only women whose husbands or sons held first-rank official positions could be granted this title.

First-rank officials were at the level of the Three Ducal Ministers. The current First-Rank Noble Ladies were all white-haired, either elderly or already deceased. Moreover, they were all wives, not mothers.

Those who could climb to first rank all had one foot in the coffin. If they themselves were halfway to the grave, their parents had naturally long since entered the cycle of reincarnation.

Aunt was likely the only person in the current dynasty to achieve the status of First-Rank Noble Lady as a “mother,” and the youngest at that.

In the cultivation world, peers would draw in a sharp breath and exclaim:

“This woman is terrifyingly impressive!”

But Aunt hadn’t actually done anything – she just tended to her flowers and fed her fish at home, yet somehow became unrivaled under heaven.

Even Second Uncle Xu, when he first heard that Aunt had been granted the title of First-Rank Noble Lady, couldn’t help but marvel inwardly:

“The simple-minded have simple fortune!”

Of course, what he said aloud was:

“Madam truly has great fortune.”

The formal attire of a First-Rank Noble Lady was extremely luxurious, with strict requirements for everything from the number of hair ornaments to the silk belts and patterns.

For instance, the gold-plated kingfisher feather phoenix crown Aunt now wore on her head was so elaborate and heavy that she had to adjust her neck every few steps.

“Lingyue, are you ready?”

Wearing her magnificent attire, Aunt pushed open Miss Xu Lingyue’s door, accompanied by her maids.

Aunt was already an exceptionally beautiful woman, and wearing the luxurious formal attire added an air of nobility to her beauty.

Seeing her eldest daughter still in casual clothes, sitting at a table reading, Aunt immediately became irritated:

“Did you not listen to what your mother said? Why haven’t you changed? We’re about to enter the palace.”

Xu Lingyue replied coolly:

“Wearing such attire, Mother should no longer refer to herself as ‘old mother’ – such crude language is unbefitting of your status.”

Aunt was stunned by her daughter’s retort, momentarily unsure how to respond. She could only say:

“Lü’e, quickly help Young Miss change. We’re about to enter the palace to meet the Empress and discuss your brother’s marriage to Princess Lin’an.”

Xu Qi’an and Lin’an were already engaged – a match arranged by their parents through proper matchmakers.

The wedding date was set for half a month after the Spring Sacrifice, which was also half a month away.

In other words, Xu Qi’an and Princess Lin’an’s wedding would be in one month.

As the “mother,” Aunt was now going to the palace to discuss wedding details and etiquette with the Empress.

This was a necessary formality between the elders.

Xu Lingyue put down her book and said expressionlessly:

“I have a headache today and won’t be going. Didn’t I tell Mother this at breakfast?”

Aunt was stunned again and said puzzledly:

“I must have forgotten.”

Xu Lingyue said:

“It’s fine, I don’t blame Mother.”

…Aunt was rendered speechless, wondering what was wrong with her daughter today. Her usually docile eldest daughter was suddenly so sharp-tongued.

She had even left her mother at a loss for words, which was extremely rare.

Xu Lingyue seemed to be in a bad mood and spoke coldly:

“Isn’t Sister Simu accompanying Mother anyway?”

She examined her mother, made an “oh” sound, and said:

“Mother is nervous and stage-frightened. You want to bring your daughter along for support. But your daughter is just a weak and helpless woman who has never experienced such occasions. I’m not going, and that’s final.”

“Me, stage-frightened? Nonsense!”

Aunt put her hands on her hips, feeling her daughter was belittling her, though she was indeed intimidated.

Xu Lingyue, considering their mother-daughter bond, despite her terrible mood, still offered advice:

“Mother doesn’t need to say anything. Just keep smiling, and when there are questions you can’t answer, just glance at Sister Simu. She’ll help you handle things.”

Just glance at Simu… Aunt took note of this advice, though she retorted:

“Young girl, stop giving questionable suggestions. Fine, fine, if you won’t go then don’t. I’ll… your mother will go alone.”

She immediately led her maids to the inner hall, calling for the carriage to be prepared while waiting for Wang Simu.

Soon after, Wang Simu, wearing bright clothing and maintaining a dignified bearing, arrived at the Xu residence. Entering the inner hall, she said obediently:

“Aunt, it’s time. Let’s enter the palace.”

Aunt straightened her back, lifted her snow-white chin slightly, and said with restraint:

“Mm!”

Such pressure… Wang Simu glanced at her future mother-in-law, who emanated authority even without anger, her beautiful face stern. She took a deep breath.

…

In Xuan Prefecture.

Xu Qi’an and the State Preceptor’s dual cultivation was interrupted early – Sun Xuanji brought Guardian Yuan to visit, discussing the construction of transportation arrays.

Senior Brother Sun, you’ve gone too far… Xu Qi’an cursed internally. He had wanted to have the maid tell Senior Brother Sun to wait a few hours.

But Luo Yuheng gave him no chance, kicking away this insatiable scoundrel with one foot, quickly putting on her undergarments and outer robes.

She used a minor spell to conceal the scent on her body.

Xu Qi’an and Luo Yuheng received Sun Xuanji and Guardian Yuan in the inner hall, where maids served hot tea.

“We need to build transportation arrays at Cloud Deer Academy, the Astronomical Bureau, Lingbao Temple, and the Imperial Palace.”

Xu Qi’an already had corresponding arrangements in mind and said:

“Give me the transportation jade tokens for the Astronomical Bureau and Imperial Palace. Give the Academy Principal the tokens for Cloud Deer Academy, and give the State Preceptor the tokens for Lingbao Temple.”

Transportation to the Imperial Palace… Luo Yuheng gave him a cold sidelong glance.

“As for Yong Prefecture, first we need a transportation array in my residence so I can quickly return here from the capital. Additionally, we need arrays in all major cities along Yong Prefecture’s defensive line, ensuring the State Preceptor and Academy Principal can provide support anywhere at any time.”

Sun Xuanji nodded and looked at Guardian Yuan.

Guardian Yuan unfolded a map and said:

“Yang Gong has already marked the locations for building the transportation arrays on the map.”

This was much more detailed than what Xu Qi’an had described.

Not bad, with these transportation arrays, our side’s mobility will make the Yun Prefecture army despair. If only the transportation technique could transport armies… Xu Qi’an nodded in satisfaction.

Guardian Yuan was focused on reading Sun Xuanji’s thoughts and didn’t notice him.

Transportation jade tokens were single-use items that needed continuous refinement. Though not expensive, they weren’t cheap either – it wasn’t feasible to equip hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of soldiers simultaneously.

Too costly!

Though Practitioners could also transport people, with Sun Xuanji’s third-rank status, taking several dozen people at once was his limit. He couldn’t handle transporting thousands or tens of thousands.

“I also want a transportation jade token for the Imperial Palace,” Luo Yuheng said flatly.

Sun Xuanji immediately looked at Xu Qi’an, who promptly said:

“The State Preceptor’s request must be granted.”

Sun Xuanji nodded, having no objection.

…

The pretty maids carried the sheets and blankets out of the east room, crossed the courtyard, and came to a secluded courtyard to wash them.

They shook out the sheets and hung them on bamboo poles, discovering the sheets were soaking wet, with irregular water stains covering half the fabric.

“Hah!”

The beautiful maid who had shaken out the sheets sneered:

“And here we thought she was such a cold and noble immortal. Just look at these sheets.”

“You really can’t judge a book by its cover. What normal woman would have such extraordinary talent? No wonder she kept Imperial Investigator Xu in bed.”

The maids gathered around the sheets, clicking their tongues in amazement as they observed and made ribald comments.

In the inner hall.

Luo Yuheng’s fair face suddenly flushed crimson as she glared fiercely at Xu Qi’an, looking as if she wanted to fight him to the death.

The ice-cold State Preceptor’s composure instantly shattered.

With their level of cultivation, no movement in the residence could escape their senses.

Every time we dual cultivate, you soak half the sheets. Aren’t you used to it yet? Just putting on airs… Xu Qi’an grumbled internally, while showing an ashamed expression on his face. He was about to transmit an apology and some sweet words.

Beside them, Guardian Yuan’s eyes lit up, his azure pupils examining Xu Qi’an as he said solemnly:

“Xu Yinluo’s heart tells me: ‘Every time we dual cultivate, you soak half the sheets. Aren’t you used to it yet? Just putting on airs…'”

???

Xu Qi’an’s neck stiffened as his gaze slowly shifted from Luo Yuheng’s face to Guardian Yuan.

Several seconds later.

“BOOM!”

The roof of the inner hall suddenly flew off, broken wood and tiles scattering in all directions.

A dark golden figure soared into the air, fleeing toward the sky.

A woman in flowing robes pursued closely behind, saying grimly:

“Sword, come!”

From the east room, a sword light shot skyward, falling into Luo Yuheng’s hand as she disappeared with it into the azure sky.

In the inner hall, Guardian Yuan’s uncontrollable mind-reading ended. He looked around at the scattered tiles and broken wood, realizing he had caused a major disaster.

His face turned deathly pale as he looked at Sun Xuanji, stammering:

“Senior Brother Sun, I-I didn’t mean to, I couldn’t control myself…”

Sun Xuanji shook his head, patting his shoulder with a gentle expression.

Guardian Yuan read his thoughts:

“It’s alright.”

Guardian Yuan had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the second half:

“You have no choice in this life. In your next life, be a good monkey.”