The sun blazed fiercely outside, but within a dark, shadowed chamber, Long Tian sat quietly on a large throne. In his hand was a cup of strong liquor, which he sipped slowly, savoring each drop.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged man stepped inside. Bowing respectfully, he said,
"Greetings, Young Master. Did you summon this humble servant?"
Long Tian placed his drink down gently and began tapping his middle finger rhythmically— on the curved armrest of his throne where his hand naturally rested.
He stared at the man in silence, his gaze lingering for several long moments. He still hadn't said a word.
Noticing Long Tian's silence and calm demeanor, the man grew anxious. Clearly, something serious was going on.
Still, he didn't dare speak without permission.
Whether it was fear of Long Tian himself or the power that stood behind him—it didn't matter. His fear was evident.
Long Tian suddenly stopped tapping.
He rose from his seat and walked slowly toward the man, asking in a low, cold voice,
"Protector… the date for the Tournament of Ascension—has it been announced?"
The protector, already tense, immediately straightened his posture upon hearing the chilly tone.
"Yes, Young Master. No one expected the tournament to be held so soon this year, but... it's been confirmed."
"Hmm," Long Tian said, now standing beside him. He placed a hand on the man's shoulder.
"I'm going to execute our plan in the Lower Realm. You do remember your role in it... right?"
Sweat began to drip from the protector's forehead. He swallowed hard, then replied nervously,
"Yes, Elder. The task will be done."
Without waiting for further dismissal, he turned and quickly left the room.
Long Tian returned to his seat, picked up his drink again, and resumed drinking slowly.
After finishing, a strange energy began to emit from his body. His skin shimmered slightly, and tiny scales started forming on his arms.
Staring at the door, he muttered,
"Bai Ling… don't be late for the tournament. You are the key to our plan's success.
I can't wait any longer for your arrival."
---
Meanwhile, far away…
Li Chen closed his system panel and walked to the door. As he opened it, he found Yu Qingci standing outside, visibly anxious.
He invited her in gently. "Wife, what's wrong? Why do you look so tense? Has something happened?"
Yu Qingci stepped inside and took out a communication token from her storage ring. Placing it on the table, she said,
"Husband… the Tournament of Ascension… it's going to begin in a few days."
Li Chen's eyes widened in shock.
"What? When?! And why so soon?!"
Yu Qingci knew this would be his reaction. She moved closer, gently guided him to sit, and began softly stroking his hands.
To reassure him that his reaction was valid, she continued in a calm voice,
"No one knows the exact reason why they moved the date forward… it's taken everyone by surprise."
Li Chen clenched his fists tightly. "So… when does it begin?"
"Twenty-one days from now."
"Twenty-one days…" he repeated.
"How long will it take us to reach the tournament grounds?"
"Roughly seven days."
"So we have… only fourteen days to prepare."
He fell silent.
Slowly, his body leaned toward Qingci, and he rested his head on her shoulder—like a weary king who, after finding no solace among his ministers, finally turned to his queen with the burdens of a kingdom pressing on his chest.
Yu Qingci smiled gently and ran her fingers through his hair.
"Husband, you don't have to worry about the tournament, I'll also participate with you."
But Li Chen's head kept lowering, eventually resting softly in her lap. He stared at the ceiling, clearly deep in thought.
His perfect plan was now disrupted.
Would my wife have to participate in the tournament too?
"No," he thought. I won't let her fight.
Even if it's selfish… even if I'd gain system rewards through her victories… she's no longer just my wife.
She's the mother of my child.
As a husband, maybe I could ask for her help. But as a father, I can't put the mother of my child in danger.
Even if the baby is only newly conceived… to me, that child is everything. My hope, my strength, the future of our entire family.
Just then, two soft mounds blocked his view.
Yu Qingci's full breasts gently pressed against his gaze, and her beautiful face looked down at him.
"Husband…"
Li Chen snapped out of his thoughts.
He suddenly nuzzled against her belly.
"Huh?" Qingci gasped.
He had just looked so serious—and now this…?
"Ha..haha!"
Yu Qingci burst out laughing. Her soft laughter echoed through the house.
"That tickles… hahaha! Husband—hahahaha…"
Tears formed in the corners of her eyes from laughing so hard.
Li Chen kissed her belly softly. "Well, in a way, I'm glad the tournament came early."
"At least I won't have to wait long."
"And besides… I've grown stronger too."
Yu Qingci wiped her eyes and looked at him mischievously.
"Oh really? Then how about I test your strength?"
Li Chen immediately caught her hidden meaning—it wasn't a duel she was proposing… it was a test in bed.
He smirked and gave her breast a playful slap, rising from her lap.
His hand still cupped her breast, and he gave it a firm squeeze.
Yu Qingci let out a soft moan of pain and surprise.
"um....Ahhhhh..."
As her lips parted, Li Chen caught them in a deep kiss.
Their lips embraced, their tongues entwined—a lewd but passionate expression of love between husband and wife.
After a while, both were panting, breathless from the kiss.
Li Chen lifted her into his lap and placed her on his thigh.
"Qingci," he said, "I'll come to you tonight. Let's stop here for now."
"There's something important we need to deal with first… a family meeting."
"But don't be disappointed."
"We have the whole night ahead of us."
He cupped her face and kissed her again—this time even deeper, pouring all his emotions into it.
But like all good things that slip away too quickly, their quiet moment of romance faded just as gently as it had begun.