---
The courtyard didn't seem particularly impressive from the outside, but upon stepping inside, it felt as though one's body had become much smaller.
Wang Heng, with his refined features and confident smile, gestured around. "Second Brother, what do you think of my courtyard? It used to be the cave residence of a Yuanying-stage cultivator, and all the facilities are well maintained."
Qi Yuan glanced around, nodding in approval. "I didn't expect Big Brother to afford such a fine courtyard. The layout and style are truly top-notch."
Following Wang Heng, he walked deeper into the courtyard along an ancient corridor. Along the way, they passed several female disciples from the Miaoyin Sect. Each one was strikingly beautiful, making it seem as if they had entered a land where beauty reigned supreme.
Wang Heng spoke in a low, conspiratorial tone. "If any of them catch your eye, just let me know. I'll make the arrangements. For them, it would be a blessing earned over several lifetimes to be with you."
The female cultivators of the Miaoyin Sect were often used to form alliances with powerful cultivators, strengthening the sect indirectly. Wang Heng himself was eager to offer Qi Yuan a few female disciples, seeing it as a way to deepen their bond. After all, sworn brotherhood alone wasn't always enough to secure loyalty.
Qi Yuan chuckled. "That won't be necessary. I already have several Daoist companions and have no intention of seeking more for now."
His tone was firm, leaving no room for persuasion. He wasn't the kind of man to be tempted by mere physical pleasures. If he truly wished to surround himself with women, a simple word would have noble daughters and talented cultivators lining up at his doorstep overnight.
Jindan-stage cultivators held significant status in the Chaos Star Sea, and many spent their entire lives unable to reach such a realm.
Wang Heng, unfazed by Qi Yuan's firm rejection, merely smiled. This was a test of character. If Qi Yuan had readily accepted the offer, it would have revealed a lack of restraint, forcing Wang Heng to reconsider their alliance. A reckless man drawn to lust could bring chaos to the Miaoyin Sect.
"I must admit, I thought my Second Brother was a playboy," Wang Heng joked, laughing heartily.
Qi Yuan responded with a light chuckle, allowing the conversation to remain easygoing.
Their quick pace soon brought them to an elegant hall. Inside, maids attended to their duties while a woman in a flowing purple dress sat at the main seat, her delicate brows furrowed as she patiently taught a young girl.
Qi Yuan's eyes flickered with recognition. Zhou Yuan. Wang Ning.
He quickly masked his surprise, returning to his usual composed state.
Upon seeing his wife and daughter, Wang Heng's expression softened. "Madam, Ning'er, I'm back."
The Miaoyin Sect seemed to favor purple, as all its disciples wore various shades of the color. Zhou Yuan, the former sect leader and now the wife of the current leader, was no exception. Her luxurious purple palace dress covered her figure modestly, revealing only a pair of slender, fair arms.
Though not one of the top-tier sects in Chaos Star Sea, Miaoyin Sect was strong enough to maintain its dignity. The practice of offering high-level cultivators to form alliances was not something they resorted to—at least, not as long as Wang Heng and Zhou Yuan were alive.
In the original novel, after their deaths, their daughter, Zi Ling, had drifted from one powerful figure to another, her life far from easy.
Zhou Yuan stood gracefully, her figure tall and elegant. She studied Qi Yuan with curiosity before turning to her husband. "Husband, aren't you going to introduce this Taoist friend of yours?"
Wang Heng laughed. "Madam, this is Qi Yuan. We became sworn siblings not long ago. From now on, you are his sister-in-law."
Zhou Yuan's charming face showed a brief moment of surprise before she quickly composed herself. A sworn sibling relationship? Wasn't this supposed to be a simple alliance?
Wang Heng nudged Qi Yuan playfully. "Go on, Second Brother, call her sister-in-law."
Qi Yuan sighed inwardly but complied, clasping his fists. "Greetings, Sister-in-law."
Zhou Yuan, having experienced her fair share of life's trials, smiled warmly. "Sister-in-law is too generous. From now on, I'll just call you Little Brother Qi."
Her gaze subtly assessed him. His aura was steady, his energy perfectly restrained, revealing no obvious signs of his true power.
No wonder my husband is so eager to form ties with him. If our sect can secure an alliance with Qi Yuan, it will greatly benefit our future.
Qi Yuan returned her nod with a polite smile.
Wang Heng then gestured toward the young girl standing beside him. "Second Brother, this is my daughter, Wang Ning."
The girl was delicate and well-proportioned, her features hinting at a beauty that would grow even more striking with age. Her quiet nature and large, curious eyes made her incredibly endearing.
Unlike the eloquent and charming young woman she would become in the future, the current Zi Ling was still reserved and shy.
Qi Yuan reached into his storage bag, retrieving a few rare trinkets. Handing them over, he spoke gently. "I left in a hurry and didn't prepare proper gifts. These little items are for you."
Zhou Yuan, observing his demeanor closely, noted that his gaze remained respectful. Apart from a moment of mild surprise, there was no hint of inappropriate thoughts. Her expression relaxed.
Many men had looked at Zi Ling with greed, even at her young age. But Qi Yuan was different.
Beside him, Wang Heng's sharp eyes observed everything. Satisfied with Qi Yuan's composure, he smiled and urged, "Ning'er, thank your uncle."
Before the girl could speak, Qi Yuan stopped her. "I'm not that old. Just call me Brother."
Wang Heng laughed heartily. "Ning'er, from now on, call Qi Yuan Brother, understood?"
The little girl's voice was crisp and sweet. "Ning'er understands!"
Zhou Yuan gave a subtle glance to a maid, signaling her to take Zi Ling away to rest.
Once the child was gone, Wang Heng gestured for them to sit.
As they settled, he leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Second Brother, I heard you killed a demonic cultivator named Night Crow at Master Mulong's place. His half-brother recently came out of seclusion. He's looking for you."
Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's his cultivation level?"
"Late Jindan stage. His name is Ye Mo."
Wang Heng carefully watched Qi Yuan's expression, expecting some reaction. Late-stage Jindan cultivators were no trivial opponents.
But Qi Yuan remained unfazed, his face calm as he sipped his tea.
Wang Heng hesitated. Was Qi Yuan truly unafraid? Or was he simply that confident?
Qi Yuan set down his cup. "Brother, I plan to refine my own magic weapon, but I still need Five Elements Heavenly Star Stone and Five Elements Magic Jade. Could you help me keep an eye out for them? Money is not an issue."
Wang Heng nodded immediately. "Consider it done. I'll issue the order."
Zhou Yuan, who had been listening quietly, gave Qi Yuan another assessing glance. His mind is truly steady, unaffected by my presence.
Most Jindan cultivators couldn't help but reveal some infatuation when speaking to her, even her own husband.
Is he simply uninterested in women?
Wang Heng sighed inwardly at his wife's growing charm, then turned his attention back to Qi Yuan. "No problem, Second Brother. I'll inform you the moment I hear anything."
Qi Yuan smiled. "Much appreciated, Brother."
The three continued their conversation for another hour before Qi Yuan finally took his leave.
Once alone, Wang Heng turned to his wife. "Madam, what do you think of my Second Brother?"
Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment. "He has a strong character and remarkable self-control. If nothing unexpected happens, he will be a known name in the Chaos Star Sea before long."
______