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Qi Yuan walked into the hall and found Xin Ruyin and her servant deep in conversation.
Now's a good time to speak my mind and settle things quickly, he thought.
After some consideration, Xin Ruyin spoke up. "Xiaomei and I are willing to follow you to Yue Country, but we're used to a relaxed lifestyle. We won't be joining any sect."
"Yes, Miss's decision is mine as well," Xiaomei agreed with a firm nod.
Qi Yuan stepped closer, gently taking Xin Ruyin's hand in his own. His voice softened. "That's fine. I'll prepare some self-defense methods for you. If you ever face a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you won't have to worry about your safety."
With his reserve of Heavenly Thunder Seeds, Qi Yuan could easily spare a dozen or more for Xin Ruyin. Combined with her formation skills, she'd have no trouble navigating the Huangfeng Valley market safely.
Xin Ruyin's face flushed slightly at his touch. Her gaze lingered on Qi Yuan's face for a moment before she glanced away, shy yet pleased.
"Senior, please," she murmured. "Xiaomei is still watching..."
Xiaomei, noticing the growing intimacy between the two, blushed and excused herself, tactfully retreating.
With the hall now empty except for the two of them, Qi Yuan didn't hesitate. He wrapped his arms around Xin Ruyin, holding her close and breathing in the faint scent of tea that clung to her.
They had only just established their relationship. Ignoring Xin Ruyin's feelings now would risk her overthinking everything.
I can't have her believing I'd abandon her so easily, Qi Yuan thought.
As for Yan Ruyan, I'll find time to say a few kind words to comfort her.
"Ruyin," Qi Yuan whispered close to her ear, "you're beautiful."
Compliments, no matter the occasion, always sound sweeter than criticism.
Xin Ruyin knew her looks weren't extraordinary, but hearing Qi Yuan's words still filled her heart with warmth. Her smile softened, her earlier shyness replaced with quiet contentment.
Perhaps love had clouded her usual logic...
Though Xin Ruyin wasn't strikingly beautiful, her elegance, shaped by years of tea research and her composed nature, made her uniquely charming.
Qi Yuan couldn't help but admire her, drawn to the mix of intellect and warmth she carried.
Xin Ruyin, sensing his gaze, smiled faintly and produced a set of array instruments from her storage bag. Holding them delicately in her hand, she said, "Senior, I know you often face danger. This inverted five elements formation can help protect you. It's about one-tenth the strength of the complete formation. Even a Jindan cultivator would struggle to break through it quickly without special means."
Qi Yuan's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he'd hoped for — that Xin Ruyin would give him the formation out of genuine care rather than as part of a calculated exchange.
The Inverted Five Elements Formation, though smaller in scale, rivaled the protective formations of the six major sects in Yue Country. Its only drawback was its limited range and lack of offensive capability.
"Madam, giving me such a precious formation... how can I possibly thank you?" Qi Yuan smiled as he slipped the formation into his storage bag. He reached out, gently caressing Xin Ruyin's face.
"Who's your wife?" she huffed, her tone playful.
Yet the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Qi Yuan knew what she meant. Without another word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that left her momentarily breathless.
Xin Ruyin's eyes widened in surprise before closing slowly. Her arms found their way around his neck, and her feelings for him only deepened.
A moment later, the sound of a collar button hitting the floor broke the silence.
The next day...
In Huangfeng Valley Market, Qi Yuan and his group moved discreetly through the streets. Xin Ruyin had chosen a quiet corner of the market for her residence, and Qi Yuan immediately paid several years' rent so she could live there with peace of mind.
To avoid trouble, he used his identity as a disciple of Hongfu to leave a generous offering of spirit stones with the market manager. A little goodwill always made things smoother — better than relying on status alone.
Yan Ruyan, whose situation was more complicated, remained with Xin Ruyin for protection. Qi Yuan left behind a variety of resources — elixirs, spirit stones, talismans, Heavenly Thunder Seeds, and magical instruments — ensuring they had everything they needed.
With the spoils from the Chen family treasury, these expenses were trivial for Qi Yuan — barely a drop in the bucket.
Once everything was settled, Qi Yuan parted ways with them and navigated through several alleys until he reached Han Yunzhi's residence. He took out a sound transmission talisman and activated it.
Moments later, Han Yunzhi emerged, joy lighting up her face as she hurried toward him.
"Brother Qi, you're finally here."
Qi Yuan gently patted her back. "I'm here to take you to Huangfeng Valley. Pack your things; we'll talk on the way."
Though Han Yunzhi had hoped for more time with him to share her feelings, she knew better than to delay.
Half an incense stick later, Qi Yuan led Han Yunzhi out of the market, relieved they hadn't run into Yan Ruyan or the others. Explaining things would have taken far too much time.
The two walked together, sharing quiet conversation along the way.
At Huangfeng Valley's meeting hall, Sect Leader Zhong Lingdao greeted them warmly. Upon hearing Qi Yuan's request, he smiled and said, "Of course, Junior Brother Qi. This is no problem at all. Since this young lady was never a core member of Lingshou Mountain, her admission should be simple. I can have it arranged within two days."
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Qi Yuan replied with a respectful bow.
Zhong Lingdao waved his hand. "No need for such formality. Just be sure to greet Senior Uncle Hongfu on my behalf when you see him."
"I'll be sure to pass on your regards," Qi Yuan promised with a smile.
After leaving Han Yunzhi in her new residence, Qi Yuan decided to visit Chen Qiaoqian. It had been some time since they'd seen each other.
Flying directly to her cave, he bypassed the protective ward with ease — a privilege granted by their close relationship.
Finding her reviewing account books in the side room, Qi Yuan smiled.
"Qiaoqian, I'm back."
Chen Qiaoqian's face brightened at his voice. She hurried over, cleaning the dust from his clothes, removing his coat, and fetching water to wash his face and hands.
Once they were seated, Qi Yuan teased, "Helping the family manage things now?"
Chen Qiaoqian sighed. "My brother's been acting strange lately. Ever since he built his foundation, he's left me to handle things while he's off... having fun."
Qi Yuan suspected her brother was off fighting demons to claim rewards. Dangerous as it was, those risks often came with great opportunity.
"Since you're handling the family's business, I have some treasures you can help sell," Qi Yuan said, placing several heavy storage bags on the table.
Chen Qiaoqian opened one and gasped. "Where did you get all this?"
Qi Yuan recounted his encounter with the Chen family of Yuanwu Kingdom.
Listening closely, Chen Qiaoqian's face shifted between concern and admiration. Her husband's strength had eliminated a dangerous enemy — proof she had chosen well.
Seeing her blush deepen, Qi Yuan leaned closer and murmured, "It's getting late... let's rest."
Chen Qiaoqian glanced at the bright afternoon sun outside the window, only to find herself swept up in his arms with a surprised cry.
"Senior Sister Xuan'er isn't here, husband..."
Qi Yuan chuckled. "I know my limits."
Several days later, a message from Sect Leader Zhong Lingdao pulled Qi Yuan from his peaceful days.
Xuan Le from the Moon-Shattering Sect had arrived with an Alliance transfer order — and specifically requested Qi Yuan...
(End of chapter)