The bustling skyline of White Emperor City loomed as Lan An, Yan Yue Qi, and Nangong Yuan materialized midair. Lan An gently grasped the soft hands of the two women, preventing them from descending.
White Emperor City forbade flight within its bounds, except for the royal family or rare exceptions.
Yan Yue Qi glanced at Lan An, shaking her fiery hair. "I must return to the Yan Clan, Tiểu Nam. When you reach the Ice Heaven Continent, we'll meet again."
Lan An's face fell. From the Sea Continent to this desert, Yan Yue Qi had followed him long enough. As clan leader, her prolonged absence strained the Yan Clan's stability.
"Sister Kỳ, can't you stay until Hong Liên and the others emerge?" Nangong Yuan asked, reluctant to part so soon after bonding.
Yan Yue Qi shook her head, her slender arms wrapping around Lan An's waist.
He understood, one arm encircling her serpentine waist, the other lifting her smooth chin. He leaned toward her lush, fragrant lips.
Smack! Smack!
Their lips locked, tongues entwining in a fervent dance.
Nangong Yuan's face flushed, turning away. As a refined maiden, she was unaccustomed to such intimacy.
Lan An savored Yan Yue Qi's sweet tongue, indulging in the nectar of this haughty fairy.
Her eyes grew dreamy, longing to stay by his side, but duty bound her. She could only offer her tender tongue in gentle compensation.
After an eternity, their lips parted reluctantly, a glistening thread of saliva bridging their mouths.
Lan An gazed at his beloved, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
Yan Yue Qi returned a kiss to his cheek, then tore space, departing decisively.
"Don't use the Golden Crow Bloodline until the time is right!" Lan An called after her.
"I know!" Her faint, obedient reply echoed as she vanished.
Lan An sighed. This fierce woman always found ways to deepen his love.
"Is this White Emperor City?" Nangong Yuan asked, sensing his melancholy, diverting his attention.
Lan An recomposed himself, smiling at her. "Want to explore with me?"
Nangong Yuan nodded, her silky black hair swaying, radiant as a celestial maiden.
Lan An took her soft hand, marveling at its delicate strength—capable of unleashing countless golden needles to slay his foes.
Nangong Yuan trembled slightly, her fair cheeks blushing. This was their first true closeness.
She had sought him for refuge, and he'd welcomed her into his harem without hesitation. Though their time together was brief, an unspoken understanding bound them. Lan An trusted her unconditionally, and she vowed to repay that faith.
"I've neglected you," he said, stroking her hair gently. "As husband and wife, we'll nurture our bond slowly."
"Yes, I'm willing," Nangong Yuan replied, touched, linking her arm with his.
They shared a knowing smile, their mutual affection needing only time to ripen.
Lan An donned his Wen Lang mask, while Nangong Yuan veiled her face with silk.
Like a divine couple, they descended before the city gates.
The guards' eyes locked onto Nangong Yuan's ethereal aura, yearning to glimpse her face beneath the veil.
Lan An felt a surge of pride but coughed lightly. His woman wasn't for their free viewing.
Nangong Yuan giggled behind her veil, amused by his subtle jealousy.
"It's Young Master Wen Lang!" the guards exclaimed, recognizing him.
His fame from battling Yu Chen was citywide.
"I'm here with my wife to explore. Please open the gates," Lan An said courteously.
"No problem, Young Master!" The guards moved swiftly. As a guest of the Great Elder, Lan An commanded respect.
Though curious how he'd left the city, they dared not ask.
But others were less reserved.
As Lan An and Nangong Yuan entered, a general in gleaming armor approached, his sharp gaze fixed on them. "City rules require reporting entry and exit. When did Young Master Wen Lang leave, and why return now?"
Lan An recognized him as Yu Chen's escort during the princess's procession. Rules were rules, so he couldn't argue.
"My apologies," Lan An said, gesturing to Nangong Yuan. "I left urgently to meet my wife, using special means to save time."
He couldn't admit the Empress had flown him out.
"He speaks true," Nangong Yuan added gently. "I wished to see White Emperor City's splendor, so I arrived unannounced. Please forgive us."
The general glanced at Nangong Yuan, quickly averting his eyes, fearing her allure. He envied this unremarkable Wen Lang for such a wife.
Before he could respond, a stern voice cut in. "Why should I trust you? White Emperor City is the heart of the White Sand Empire. Rules govern all. If intruders cause harm, who's responsible?"
Lan An turned to see Yu Chen, clad in black armor, glaring coldly.
Yu Chen aimed to trouble Lan An, unwittingly striking truth—Lan An's pursuit of the Strange Earth marked him as a threat.
"Oh, defeated foe!" Lan An exclaimed.
Yu Chen glanced around, realizing Lan An meant him. Fury surged; their battle was undecided. Was this man mad?
"Who's the defeated foe? Don't think surviving a few moves makes you great. I could crush you like an ant!" Yu Chen snarled.
"Did I say you? Why so sensitive?" Lan An grinned mischievously.
Nangong Yuan stifled a laugh. Her man was quite the tease.
"You…" Yu Chen fumed, maintaining a calm facade. "The Earth Battle Grand Assembly is in half a month. You'll regret this."
Lan An feigned distress, sighing. "I fear I might not attend, ruining your plans."
"Scared?" Yu Chen laughed, mocking him, but inwardly panicked. If Lan An skipped the assembly, how could he reclaim his honor?
"A coward, too timid to vie with the Yellow Sand Continent's elites. Pity for a beauty to marry such a man," Yu Chen sneered, glancing at Nangong Yuan.
"Who said I'm scared?" Lan An retorted, feigning confusion.
Yu Chen roared, "You just said you might not join the assembly! Don't dodge!"
"Is your comprehension lacking? I said unforeseen obstacles might prevent me," Lan An sighed dramatically.
"What obstacles?" Yu Chen sneered, thinking Lan An's fear had no valid excuse.
"Someone's making trouble, blocking my wife and me from entering. Isn't that an obstacle?" Lan An lamented.
Yu Chen's smirk froze.
"Uyển—Yuan, someone fears your husband's victory, scheming to bar me from the assembly, even blocking our entry," Lan An said to Nangong Yuan, sighing.
"Indeed, your excellence breeds envy," Nangong Yuan replied, suppressing a smile.
The crowd's expressions turned odd, realizing Yu Chen's intent. Was he truly sabotaging a rival out of fear?
Lan An's tone sharpened, pointing at Yu Chen. "The assembly's held here, yet you block my entry. You call me scared? I spit on that!"
Yu Chen's face reddened, humiliated. He'd only meant to humble Lan An, not foresee this verbal trap.
"I'm just following rules!" he spat.
"Rules? Fine, I'll leave. The assembly's nothing special," Lan An scoffed, his voice echoing citywide, pulling Nangong Yuan to depart.
The crowd's faces soured, as if swallowing flies.
"Wait!" a shout rang out.
Lan An's lips curled triumphantly.
"You and your wife may enter," Yu Chen grated, itching to crush Lan An at the assembly.
"Oh? I broke rules, yet I'm allowed in? Don't scare me, General," Lan An said, smirking infuriatingly.
Yu Chen's fists clenched, veins bulging, but he forced calm. "I forgot you're the Great Elder's guest. Bring as many as you like."
"Hmm, thanks, General. But forgetting the Great Elder's guest? Seems you don't respect him," Lan An said casually, leading Nangong Yuan inside.
Yu Chen nearly spat blood. If those words reached the Great Elder, a Hua Clan titan far above the Yu Clan, he'd face consequences.
"Giggle, I didn't know you had this side," Nangong Yuan laughed, clinging to his arm.
She'd seen Lan An's valor, protectiveness, and ruthlessness, but never his verbal sparring.
"Adapt to all changes, haha!" Lan An grinned, guiding his beauty through the city's splendor.
Such peaceful moments were rare.
Nangong Yuan accompanied him all day, Lan An sharing his recent exploits, earning her deeper admiration. His respect and sincerity warmed her heart.
He held a cotton candy stick, licking it childishly, occasionally feeding her.
Nangong Yuan glared playfully, lifting her veil to nibble, her fleeting beauty stunning onlookers.
She rivaled the Empress and princess in allure.
"I promised U Quynh and Ling Long I'd show them the surface world's splendor. Sadly, U Quynh's in seclusion, and Ling Long can't yet form human legs," Lan An mused.
Mermaids could transform their tails after bonding with another race, but he and Hai Ling Long hadn't yet united.
"Them? Their divine songs aided my rapid progress," Nangong Yuan said gratefully. Mermaid melodies kept her mind clear, boosting her cultivation speed.
Lan An nodded, leading her to a dazzling jewelry store.
He wanted mementos for each wife.
Chapter 300: Yuan's Bliss
"Liren Pavilion, not bad!" Lan An remarked, eyeing the ornate sign.
Liren Pavilion was a grand, bustling haven, teeming with women. It outshone Duobao Pavilion for those seeking adornments.
"Greetings, Young Master, Young Lady," a demure maid greeted, her eyes admiring Nangong Yuan's regal Golden Mysterious Armor.
The maid, accustomed to countless patrons, found none matching Nangong Yuan's elegance.
Pleased by her courtesy, Lan An smiled. "It's our first time in White Emperor City. We seek keepsakes for my wife. What's noteworthy here?"
Nangong Yuan's heart fluttered at his repeated "wife," her lips curving sweetly.
"Liren Pavilion, with a thousand-year legacy, is a woman's paradise," the maid replied warmly. "We offer exquisite artifacts forged by master craftsmen, precious garments, beauty elixirs, and more—guaranteed to satisfy."
Lan An nodded, thinking to buy gifts for his wives nearing emergence. "Let's browse."
The maid gestured them inside, but a shrill voice interrupted. "Country bumpkins, ignorant of Liren Pavilion's fame. Can they afford anything?"
Nangong Yuan's brows rose, turning to see a couple approaching.
The woman, Yu Man, about twenty-five, dripped with lavish jewelry—bracelets, necklaces, hairpins—exuding wealth. She glared provocatively at Nangong Yuan.
Her companion, Lin Ding, around thirty, radiated Early Void Refinement aura, his haughty face tilted skyward. His eyes lingered on Nangong Yuan, burning with envy toward Lan An.
Why did this nobody have such a stunning wife?
"Greetings, Lady Yu Man, Young Master Lin Ding," the maid bowed, clearly wary of their status.
"Yu Man? Yu Clan?" Lan An's expression turned odd. First Yu Chen, now Yu Man—were the Yu Clan idle?
"What're you staring at? Think surviving a few moves against my brother-in-law makes you untouchable?" Lin Ding sneered.
"Brother-in-law?" Lan An and Nangong Yuan exchanged glances, understanding dawning.
"Indeed, Yu Chen's my brother. Shocked?" Yu Man crossed her arms, her flat chest puffed out, voice dripping with disdain.
She'd been in high spirits, shopping with her husband, until spotting Wen Lang, who'd irked her brother. Nangong Yuan's beauty and regal attire fueled her jealousy.
"Bring plenty of spirit stones to Liren Pavilion, or you'll embarrass yourselves," Yu Man taunted.
Lan An, uninterested in their nonsense, led Nangong Yuan inside.
"Young Master, Lin Ding's from the Lin Clan, an Eighth-Grade faction, and Lady Yu Man's the Yu Clan's prized daughter," the maid whispered via transmission, urging caution.
"Thanks," Lan An nodded, appreciating her kindness.
Ignoring them, Yu Man and Lin Ding smirked, trailing closely, intent on humbling Wen Lang.
Inside, the lavish hall buzzed with women. Spirit-infused jewelry, vibrant garments, elixirs, cosmetics, even perfumes filled the space.
Lan An marveled. Liren Pavilion's owner was a business genius.
"What would you like? Need price guidance?" the maid asked tactfully.
Lan An shook his head, smiling at Nangong Yuan. "My taste is crude. Pick what you like, no matter the cost."
Nangong Yuan, unsure of his wealth, decided to choose modestly. As a woman, she cherished gifts, regardless of value.
"Big words for Liren Pavilion," Lin Ding scoffed. Backed by the royal family, the pavilion's wares were exorbitant. Even Eighth-Grade clans shopped cautiously.
"Let him impress his wife," Yu Man cooed mockingly.
Lan An's face darkened. He craved private time with Nangong Yuan, and these pests were insufferable.
"Ignore them, I don't mind," Nangong Yuan soothed, though her eyes glinted with suppressed killing intent. She, too, wanted uninterrupted moments with him.
Fearing conflict, the maid asked, "What's the lady's attribute?"
"Metal," Lan An answered.
The maid led them to a fortified glass case, pointing inside. "Here's the Golden Thread Bracelet, Mid Earth-Grade, perfect for the lady."
Lan An eyed the delicate, gold-gleaming bracelet, studded with a gem absorbing metal spiritual energy.
"The Golden Thread Bracelet enhances metal attribute absorption by twofold. It costs 300 Supreme Spirit Stones," the maid explained.
"Only Mid Earth-Grade?" Lan An muttered, unimpressed. Earth-Grade items didn't suit his woman.
The maid blinked, stunned. He disdained Mid Earth-Grade?
"Haha, all talk," Yu Man cackled, drawing eyes. The crowd, recognizing Wen Lang from his clash with Yu Chen, grew eager for drama.
"It's fine, husband. I like it," Nangong Yuan said, smiling. She'd cherish any gift from him.
"Alright, we'll take it, but I want to see Liren Pavilion's finer wares," Lan An said, tossing 300 Supreme Spirit Stones onto the counter.
His decisiveness sparked awe. Earth-Grade items were Seventh-Grade faction fare, yet he bought without blinking.
"Hmph, saving face. Let's see how long you last," Lin Ding sneered. Even he, from an Eighth-Grade clan, hesitated to splurge so freely.
The maid completed the transaction. Lan An gently lifted Nangong Yuan's sleeve, revealing snow-white skin that drew envious gasps. He slipped the bracelet on, saying, "It's blessed to adorn you."
Nangong Yuan's heart melted, her beauty captivating.
The maid led them to another counter. "Per your request, here's the Golden Heart Pendant, Mid Heaven-Grade, crafted from Golden Heart Stone, symbolizing eternal love. It doubles spirit absorption like the bracelet and forms a shield blocking attacks up to Body Unity, rechargeable monthly."
"Excellent. Price?" Lan An asked promptly.
Nangong Yuan, at Peak Spirit Transformation, would be safer with it.
"Can you afford it?" Yu Man muttered. Mid Heaven-Grade was rare even in Eighth-Grade clans.
Lin Ding smirked, waiting for Lan An's facade to crack.
But their faces froze as the maid named the price, and Lan An tossed out a hefty pile of spirit stones, sealing the deal.
5800 Supreme Spirit Stones—Mid Heaven-Grade far outvalued Earth-Grade. Lan An didn't flinch.
At Spirit Flame City's auction, only one Heaven-Grade item appeared. Lan An's rising status granted access to greater treasures.
The maid, unable to handle Heaven-Grade transactions, summoned the manager.
Before jealous onlookers, Lan An tenderly placed the Golden Heart Pendant on Nangong Yuan. The golden pendant gleamed against her fair skin, accentuating her curves, outshining the pavilion's splendor.
Nangong Yuan gazed at him, pride swelling amid the envy. This is my husband.
"I'll guide you next," the manager, a charming woman in her thirties, said, recognizing Lan An's wealth. Only three Heaven-Grade items existed in Liren Pavilion, with no Spirit-Grade.
"Thank you," the maid, Xiao Lian, said, retreating.
"Wait," Lan An called.
"Yes, Young Master?" Xiao Lian asked, puzzled.
Lan An handed her a pouch of spirit stones. "A reward for your excellent service."
Xiao Lian peeked inside, gasping. "Three… three hundred Supreme Spirit Stones?"
"You earned it," Lan An smiled. To him, Supreme Spirit Stones were mere numbers.
He'd noticed Xiao Lian's longing for the Golden Thread Bracelet and appreciated her warning about Yu Man and Lin Ding.
Her naivety in announcing the gift risked attention, but Lan An didn't mind.
The pavilion's women went wild, eyes blazing at Lan An, wishing to seduce him. A maid earning 300 Supreme Spirit Stones in moments? Unthinkable.
Xiao Lian stood frozen until the manager tapped her head, laughing. "Thank the Young Master!"
"Thank you, Young Master, Young Lady," Xiao Lian said, tears welling. With these stones, she could cultivate, join an academy, and change her fate.
Lan An's small act had altered a life.
"Lady Yu, Young Master Lin, not shopping?" a familiar noblewoman called as the couple slunk away.
"Damn you, remember my face!" Yu Man and Lin Ding, faces ashen, glared at the noblewoman, fleeing Liren Pavilion.
"Where're they going?" someone asked.
"Probably to find a hole to hide in!"