That's right—there were actually two White Whispers. Although they were from different years, the age gap wasn't too big. This particular immortal herb was a versatile treasure, practically a cure-all. It suited any girl who wanted to be more beautiful… or any boy who enjoyed becoming more feminine.
Li Chang'an wasn't worried about Bibi Dong and Hu Liena talking about this in the future. By the time that ever became an issue, he figured he'd already have everything firmly under control… probably?
If either of them dared complain by then, he'd show them who was boss—he wouldn't hesitate to leave them hanging mid-act, tossing them into confusion, so they'd know exactly who was the real daddy.
Hu Liena, naturally, was delighted by such a generous gift. She gently welcomed Li Chang'an into her room, made him a plate of egg fried rice, and even spoon-fed him several bites herself.
After they finished eating, the two chatted for a while. Just when Li Chang'an had flirted with Hu Liena to the point that she was all smiling, Xie Yue suddenly returned.
Li Chang'an could only curse Xie Yue silently, wishing him a lifetime of split streams when he peed. Still, he put on a smiling face and made small talk with his future brother-in-law, giving him a quick update on his soul power. Then, with Xie Yue glaring at him in obvious jealousy, he took his leave.
After visiting Hu Liena, Li Chang'an headed over to Spirit Hall Academy. He had a female student call Mu Xi down and brought her to a quiet lakeside spot on the academy grounds.
This particular lakeside area was the most secluded on campus, rarely visited by anyone. It was also where Li Chang'an had stolen Mu Xi's first kiss—so it held special meaning for both of them.
Well, to be fair, Li Chang'an had quite a few places with "special meaning"...
"You… you're back?" the shy girl asked, eyes lowered, staring nervously at her toes.
Even after all the time they'd known each other, Mu Xi's shy nature hadn't changed. She didn't dare meet Li Chang'an's burning gaze. Every time she did, he'd end up kissing her breathless.
"Mhm. I'm back. But I'll be leaving again soon."
As he spoke, Li Chang'an pulled Mu Xi into his arms, gently stroking her back and resting his face on her shoulder, savoring the moment.
He had to admit, although Mu Xi was tall and looked delicate, hugging her felt surprisingly good. Her figure was practically flawless—soft where it should be, slim where it counted. If she dressed in ways that showed it off more, the academy would've definitely had one more school beauty.
"I… I see. But… can't you come back often?" Mu Xi slowly wrapped her arms around him from behind, her small hands hugging him tighter and tighter.
"Of course I will. I'll always come back to see you, silly girl." Li Chang'an stroked her ponytail, his voice soft and affectionate.
"Oh, right—this is for you. See if you can use it." He let her go, then pulled out an immortal herb from his Nullspace.
The herb looked quite ordinary—white petals, palm-sized, shaped like a peony. It had no leaves, and its stem was connected to a black stone that looked heavy from the way Li Chang'an carried it.
"Mu Xi, this is called Lovesick Heartbreak Red. It's one of the finest immortal herbs. Whether for cultivation or self-defense, its effects are incredible."
"But this flower isn't ordinary. It chooses its master. To pick it, your thoughts must be focused entirely on the one you love. Only with absolute sincerity—and by spitting a mouthful of fresh blood onto its petals—can you pluck it. If your heart is divided or your love isn't genuine, no amount of blood will make it yours."
"Once the flower is picked, it'll follow its master forever and never wither. If consumed, it can boost your spirit power by at least ten levels. But I suggest keeping it with you instead. It could save your life in a critical moment."
Giving Mu Xi the Lovesick Heartbreak Red was a deliberate choice. Bibi Dong, after all, was already extremely powerful, and their relationship hadn't yet been formalized—so giving it to her would be premature.
As for Hu Liena and Qian Renxue, they were both surrounded by protectors and had no shortage of cultivation resources. They didn't need this flower.
Xiao Wu? Li Chang'an would be visiting her soon. And years ago, he had obtained a special item from a mission that could completely mask someone's presence—even a Titled Douluo wouldn't be able to detect it. So he wasn't too worried about her either.
But Mu Xi was different. She didn't come from a noble background, and as a support-type spirit master, she was far more vulnerable. Besides, if purity of heart was the requirement, this silly girl was almost guaranteed to be able to bond with the flower.
After hearing Li Chang'an's explanation, Mu Xi's cheeks turned bright red. But she still carefully accepted the Lovesick Heartbreak Red without hesitation. In her eyes, it was proof of her love for Li Chang'an. And him giving it to her… meant a lot.
She circulated her soul power and gently opened her lips, spitting out a mouthful of blood that landed squarely on the petals.
As the blood touched the flower, the Lovesick Heartbreak Red trembled. The black stone beneath it fell away, and the white blossom—now seemingly imbued with life—floated gently onto Mu Xi's shoulder.
"All right, keep it safe. It's yours now," Li Chang'an said, touched by the girl's innocence. Deep down, he cursed himself for being such a scumbag—but also resolved from this moment on to be a devoted but not exclusive kind of man.
"Mhm, okay… okay!" Mu Xi trembled slightly as she touched the flower. Then, mustering a rare burst of courage, she looked up at him with her peach blossom eyes and, standing on tiptoe, gave him a light kiss.
"Oh-ho! You kiss me once, and now I'll have to pay you back a hundredfold!" Li Chang'an huffed theatrically, pulled her into his arms, scanned the surroundings with his spiritual sense to confirm they were alone—and kissed her deeply. As he did, his hands began to mischievously explore her body through her clothes,...
…
That night, Li Chang'an finally returned home. As he pushed open the door to the family-run inn, he saw his parents sitting in the main hall, along with several key managers from the Li Clan Chamber of Commerce.
This meeting had been called at his own request. Given his position and contributions to the business, he now had the authority to convene such gatherings.
"Well, well! My precious baby boy is back! Come on, sit next to Mama," his mother beamed, patting the seat beside her.
"Mom, I'm already grown up. Can you please stop calling me that?" Li Chang'an complained, but still obediently sat down beside her.
"Hmph. No matter how capable you are, you're still my son," his mother replied, rolling her eyes.
Honestly, there were only a handful of people in the world who dared talk to Li Chang'an like that.
"Alright, Chang'an, you asked for this meeting. What's it about?" his father interjected, cutting to the point.
"Ahem. There are two matters I'd like to discuss with everyone today," Li Chang'an said, his tone turning serious. "First, our Li Clan Chamber of Commerce will be entering a full-scale partnership with the Hong Clan Chamber of Commerce. Second, we'll be undergoing a structural reform."
"In addition, I want our chamber to complete its expansion into Suotuo City as soon as possible. Hotels, restaurants, bakeries—even a spirit master auction house—I want them all flying the Li Clan banner!"
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T/N:
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