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The days passed quickly.
Qi Yuan stayed in the Huangfeng Valley market for six or seven days. During this time, Xiaomei gained tremendous energy and entered seclusion with her foundation-building pill. The next time they met, she would likely be a successful foundation-building cultivator.
The only two women who could still move freely were Yan Ruyan and Xin Ruyin.
Xin Ruyin had plans to open a formation shop in the market town. When Qi Yuan heard about it, he fully supported her. Knowing her independent nature, Xin Ruyin would never rely entirely on others. She preferred to forge her own path, seeking resources and proving her worth.
Qi Yuan and Yan Ruyan helped her select a store and prepare for its opening. However, after securing the location, Xin Ruyin no longer seemed rushed. Instead, she spent her days with Qi Yuan, personally teaching him formation techniques.
In those leisurely days, Qi Yuan not only learned about battle formations but also exchanged magical techniques with Yan Ruyan, enjoying a comfortable and peaceful time.
After leaving the market town, Qi Yuan returned to Huangfeng Valley. He realized he hadn't seen Chen Qiaoqian and Han Yunzhi for a while and suspected they must have missed him terribly.
As he flew over the valley, loud cheers echoed from the martial arts arena. Curious, Qi Yuan stopped a passing disciple.
"Brother, what's happening in the martial arts arena?"
The disciple noticed Qi Yuan's strong foundation-building aura and answered respectfully, "Senior Brother, that's Senior Sister Han fighting with someone. Even though she joined Huangfeng Valley later, her strength is impressive. She's won several matches in a row."
Qi Yuan was surprised. Since when had Yunzhi become so competitive?
He released the disciple and flew directly to the arena.
"Come on, Senior Sister Han! Defeat Senior Brother Li!"
"Senior Sister Han is amazing! Her purple-eyed black tiger crushed several foundation-building disciples."
"That's not just the tiger — her top-tier magical weapon played a big role too."
"Look! She won again!"
On the high platform, Han Yunzhi stood proudly. Dressed in practical yet heroic attire, her sleek black hair was tied in a ponytail. Beside her stood a sturdy black tiger with cold, glowing purple eyes. A green-glowing flying knife hovered around her, exuding a sharp aura.
Nearby, a disheveled young man lay on the ground, injured but not seriously harmed.
Han Yunzhi glanced down at him and spoke firmly.
"That's enough for today. If any of you still have doubts, feel free to challenge me another day."
Qi Yuan recalled Lu Tianmeng's treatment in the sect. Disciples who joined later often faced resentment. Fortunately, he had given Han Yunzhi several top-tier magical weapons for protection. With her spirit beast by her side, even mid-stage foundation-building cultivators would struggle to defeat her.
It seemed Han Yunzhi had established herself well. If she had kept giving in like Lu Tianmeng, she would have faced even more trouble.
Han Yunzhi dismissed her spirit beast and noticed Qi Yuan in the crowd. Her face lit up with joy as she flew over to him.
"Brother Qi!" she cried, wrapping her arms tightly around his arm. "I missed you so much. I thought you didn't want me anymore."
Now older, Han Yunzhi's once-slim figure had matured with graceful curves.
Qi Yuan stroked her hair gently.
"What are you thinking? I came back just to see you. I never expected my quiet Yunzhi to have such a fierce side."
Han Yunzhi pouted.
"That's because Brother Qi abandoned me and left me to be bullied. If you had stayed with me, I wouldn't have had to prove myself like this."
She released his arm and crossed her arms in mock frustration.
Qi Yuan coughed.
"That's my fault. How about I spend three days with you as an apology?"
"Three days aren't enough! I want five!"
"Five days? That's too long for you. I'm worried you'll get exhausted," Qi Yuan teased.
"No way! It has to be five days, or I won't forgive you!"
Seeing her determination, Qi Yuan sighed and smiled. He gently touched her face.
"Alright, five days it is. Go back to your cave, and I'll visit you later."
"You better not get too cozy with Senior Sister Chen and forget about me," Han Yunzhi warned with a pout.
"Don't worry," Qi Yuan promised. "I'll be there."
Han Yunzhi stared at him for a moment, then her figure disappeared in a flash.
Peach blossoms swayed in the breeze, their petals drifting down. Some landed in the muddy soil, others on the surface of a water tank. One stray petal danced through a window and landed quietly on a desk.
Chen Qiaoqian, seated at the desk, noticed the petal. She paused, gently picking it up. Staring at the delicate bloom in her palm, she sighed softly. Thoughts of her lover filled her mind once again.
She blew the petal outside, then returned her attention to the account books on her desk.
"Such a sentimental woman... I pity her," a voice murmured.
"Who's there?" Chen Qiaoqian turned quickly.
She saw Qi Yuan standing in the room. Relief and warmth spread across her face as she approached him, her voice soft and affectionate.
"When did you get back? You should have told me. I would've cleaned up the room to welcome you."
Qi Yuan glanced at her desk, noting the pile of account books.
"You've been working hard," he said. "I ran into your brother at the front line. He's doing well — still carrying that wine gourd and charming the female cultivators."
Chen Qiaoqian smiled, leaning her head against Qi Yuan's chest and listening to his steady heartbeat.
"Just holding you like this is enough," she whispered.
Qi Yuan held her waist firmly, savoring the moment.
"Shall I prepare a bath for you?"
Chen Qiaoqian lifted her head, her eyes shining.
Qi Yuan paused.
"No... I have an appointment later."
"You're going to see Han Yunzhi, aren't you?" Chen Qiaoqian's tone turned sharp. She placed a hand on her husband's waist and gave him a firm pinch.
Qi Yuan winced.
"Yunzhi hasn't seen me much this year. I owe her some time," he admitted.
"How long?"
"Five days."
"Five days?" Chen Qiaoqian frowned. "That poor girl is still innocent. Are you sure she can handle that?"
Qi Yuan chuckled and scooped Chen Qiaoqian into his arms.
"Then how about you share some of the burden first?" he teased.
"You scoundrel!" Chen Qiaoqian gasped, playfully hitting his chest. Despite her protests, she couldn't help but laugh.
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