Three years later, Ji Yunman emerged from seclusion.
At this time, she had broken through to Spirit Saint realm—a first-tier Spirit Saint, a peerless expert.
She opened her door and saw A-Xin standing outside. Her heart began beating wildly. A-Xin's eyes, holding a faint smile, looked at her, making Ji Yunman's cheeks flush red. She hadn't forgotten what she'd said to A-Xin before entering seclusion three years ago.
"Yunman, now you've reached Spirit Saint realm. Three years ago you said when you broke through to Spirit Saint, you wanted to tell me something. What is it?"
Ji Yunman hadn't expected A-Xin's memory to be so good, still waiting at her room door. Her heart was a warm mess. She refused to believe the other hadn't noticed anything—she must know what she wanted to say, which was why she was waiting here for her to speak. Her eyes looked at A-Xin with some resentment, only to see A-Xin looking at her with complete seriousness, an expression that truly made her unable to refuse.
Forget it, forget it. The other had been waiting for her to grow. Confessing feelings and being together—she should be the one to take initiative first.
Ji Yunman took a deep breath, opening her mouth to express her feelings. Unexpectedly, A-Xin's brows furrowed as she pulled out a communication jade pendant, saying, "Lan'er is in trouble. We'll talk after we get back." With that, A-Xin was about to teleport away. Ji Yunman couldn't accept this. She'd prepared herself to confess—no matter what emergency, nothing was allowed to interrupt her confession. She quickly grabbed A-Xin's arm, gripping tightly. "Let's go together. I'll talk while we walk." No one was allowed to interrupt her confession to Yin Xin. Talk after returning? Who knew if she'd still have the courage after returning?
A-Xin didn't break free from Ji Yunman. She directly grasped her wrist, tore open space, and instantly appeared in another location. Seeing they'd suddenly appeared somewhere else, Ji Yunman quickly looked around. Not seeing Yin Lan's figure, she knew if she didn't confess now, once they met Yin Lan, there'd be even less opportunity.
She forcefully grabbed A-Xin and blurted out, "Yin Xin."
"Mm?"
"I have feelings for you."
"Mm?"
A-Xin was stunned momentarily. Turning back, she saw Ji Yunman's face completely flushed, a pair of beautiful eyes looking at her as if waiting for her response. Not knowing if it was because she thought A-Xin hadn't heard clearly, Ji Yunman simply embraced A-Xin's waist. "I have feelings for you, Yin Xin. Since we share mutual feelings and both hold each other in our hearts, you spent over twenty years waiting for me to grow. I spent over twenty years becoming stronger to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Though I'd still be flicked away by your sleeve, I've already cultivated to first-tier Spirit Saint—considered the Eastern Cloud Continent's most elite strength."
"It's just that I can't compare to you. You're so outstanding—it's normal I can't compare. At least I'm below one person but above ten thousand. You're from a hidden great sect, a peerless expert of unfathomable depth. Behind me is a powerful Ji family with strength countless people look up to. Yin Xin, you and I are well-matched. From now on, let's join hands to shatter the void, inseparable. How about it?"
Ji Yunman said everything she wanted to say in one breath while also not forgetting to scan around for Yin Lan's figure. "I've already told you my feelings. You can think about it while we search for Yin Lan."
By the time Ji Yunman said those words, A-Xin had already come to her senses. The love spreading from the depths of her heart had long surrounded her. Her eyes held a gentle, loving smile. She released Ji Yunman's wrist. Just as Ji Yunman's heart turned cold, she placed her hand on Ji Yunman's waist, saying softly, "Let's find our disciple first."
Ji Yunman was slightly stunned, then reacted. Our disciple? Her heart warmed. She couldn't help but laugh. What a fine "our disciple." She liked this "our."
She also wrapped her arms tightly around A-Xin's waist and quickly nodded. The two instantly appeared in another location.
Before them was Yin Lan, bound by tree branches and hanging in midair, swaying precariously. They exchanged glances. Yin Lan quickly noticed the two who'd suddenly appeared. Not noticing their extremely intimate behavior, she shouted frantically, "Master, quickly get me down! This willow tree spirit is about to strangle me to death!" With Yin Lan's movements, her body swayed violently, making her especially dizzy. She shouted loudly, "Master, don't just stand there—quickly put your cute, obedient little disciple down!" She glanced at another figure in the distance entangled by the willow tree spirit's branches, worry flashing in her eyes.
This was a willow tree spirit that had gained sentience. When they arrived, they completely hadn't anticipated how formidable it would be. Completely unprepared, they were attacked. The willow tree spirit's branches bound their bodies while simultaneously piercing into their skin—the toxin inside temporarily prevented them from using spiritual power. Fortunately, the willow tree spirit only rolled away Luo Dongqing and the others, leaving only her and Yin Lan hanging from the tree.
She'd tried many methods but couldn't break free from the willow tree spirit's restraints. Seeing Dan Shu had fallen unconscious and being unable to reach her or know her condition, very worried, she could only summon her master Yin Xin. With Master's formidable strength, she'd definitely arrive instantly. She hadn't guessed wrong—just after sending Master the message, she'd arrived.
A-Xin then waved at the willow branches. The branches broke and Yin Lan fell down. Seeing her master actually had no intention of catching her, she quickly shouted, "Master, catch me! It's so high!"
Ji Yunman was amused. She and Yin Lan originally didn't get along well. However, since the other was now her disciple, she should appropriately show some care. With a casual wave, she used spiritual power to control Yin Lan's form, making her land steadily on the ground. Yin Lan showed Ji Yunman a grateful smile. Actually, Ji Yunman was quite good—just a bit arrogant. Master hadn't even reacted to catch her, but Ji Yunman was even faster than Master.
This person was alright.
"Thank you, Miss Ji."
"No need to thank me." Ji Yunman's lips curved up. She secretly glanced at A-Xin, pressing her lips together. When could she get Yin Lan to call her Master's Wife? A-Xin met her gaze and asked quietly, "What's wrong?"
At such close distance with such an intimate gesture, the blush that had finally faded from Ji Yunman's face rose again. Having spent over twenty years with A-Xin, she understood her temperament very well. To tell her something, she had to express it directly. Beating around the bush would only tire herself out.
Therefore, she said softly, "When will we make our relationship public? When can Yin Lan call me Master's Wife? I'm thinking about this." After speaking, she felt somewhat awkward. This was someone she liked who also liked her—thinking about it, there was nothing awkward. Right now she especially wanted to hear Yin Lan call her Master's Wife. The other always said in front of her that she was stealing Yin Xin away, stealing away the master who only doted on Yin Lan. Ji Yunman smiled inwardly, hugging A-Xin's waist even tighter. This person was entirely hers now. She didn't know what reaction Yin Lan would have upon learning this.
A-Xin understood and said, "Right now is fine."
"Lan'er."
The unconscious Dan Shu had already been rescued. Yin Lan was keeping watch beside her, checking that Dan Shu had only fainted. She breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing A-Xin call her, she quickly turned back and asked, "Master, what is it?" With Master here, Dan Shu had no life-threatening danger. She wasn't worried about anything. As for Luo Dongqing and the others, she didn't care at all. Best if they died—saved Dan Shu from always following behind Luo Dongqing with reddened eyes from time to time. Thinking of these years, she had a headache and was mentally exhausted.
A-Xin held Ji Yunman's hand and said seriously to her disciple Yin Lan, "This is Ji Yunman."
"Master, I know she's Ji Yunman. Although I haven't returned to the small island in a long time, I won't forget. It's only been a few years. Master, are you getting old with a poor memory, planning to reintroduce Ji Yunman to me? Don't worry, I've always remembered this arrogant woman."
Ji Yunman's eyes held some laughter. Arrogant woman? She glanced at A-Xin full of joy, raising her chin. She was just waiting for Yin Lan to call this arrogant woman Master's Wife.
"I'm not old, and my memory is quite good," A-Xin said. "I want to reintroduce Lan'er to Ji Yunman's identity."
"Could it be Ji Yunman is now the Ji family head and the Ji family is planning to enter the world?" Yin Lan instinctively interjected.
A-Xin shook her head and continued, "It's another identity." She raised her hand holding Ji Yunman's. Seeing this, Yin Lan vaguely felt something was wrong. She had a very ominous premonition—she had a feeling Master's next words would give her a huge shock. Sure enough, A-Xin continued, "From now on, she's your Master's Wife."
From now on, your Master's Wife??
Your Master's Wife?
Ji Yunman was her Master's Wife???
Yin Lan instinctively shook her head. Impossible, how could it be? She stared at Ji Yunman with her beautiful large eyes, asking with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "Master is joking, right?" How could this woman possibly be her Master's Wife? Master must be teasing her, blaming her for rarely returning to visit her old lady. Mm, it must be like that. This woman Ji Yunman could never possibly be her Master's Wife. This little vixen who stole Master's affection—how could she possibly be her Master's Wife?
"No, A-Xin and I are already together." Ji Yunman smiled. "Lan'er, from now on I'm your Master's Wife." She took out a greeting gift and handed it to Yin Lan. "This is a small token from your Master's Wife. Please accept it."
Yin Lan stiffened, looking at the smile in A-Xin's eyes. Especially the way her master looked at Ji Yunman—how could she not see that Master truly liked Ji Yunman? So Ji Yunman was her Master's Wife now, right?
She woodenly accepted the greeting gift Ji Yunman gave her, her heart full of complexity.
This little vixen Ji Yunman had truly seduced her master away. Wah—Master belonged to someone else now.
Yin Lan's nature was carefree and straightforward. Before long she accepted this reality. Only initially awkwardly calling Ji Yunman "Master's Wife" once—this was for her master's sake. Afterward, she still called her Ji Yunman. Ji Yunman didn't mind. Calling her once to let people know her relationship with Yin Xin was enough. The one she cared about was only Yin Xin. As for Yin Lan, it was love me, love my dog.
"This willow tree spirit doesn't know how many years it's cultivated. Earlier we completely didn't notice anything unusual before being bound by it." Yin Lan propped her chin, telling A-Xin about the situation. "Those few people with Luo Dongqing were rolled away by the willow tree spirit. Don't know if they were eaten."
Best if they were eaten—then Dan Shu wouldn't have to follow that guy running around everywhere.
Dan Shu had been conscious the whole time. That she and Yin Lan weren't captured by the willow tree spirit was purely because she'd done something. As for those other people, she didn't need to worry about them. Feeling the timing was about right, she slowly opened her eyes.
"Where's Brother Dongqing?" Dan Shu asked with reddened eyes.
Yin Lan had a headache but still answered, "The willow tree spirit dragged them away. By now they're probably swallowed into its belly and already digested." Seeing Dan Shu about to cry, she quickly said, "Perhaps they're still alive. My master came—Master is super powerful." Yin Lan looked at A-Xin expectantly. Seeing A-Xin's indifferent appearance, she rolled her eyes and turned her gaze to Ji Yunman, completely changing from her earlier attitude and sweetly calling out, "My Master's Wife is also very powerful. Master's Wife, can you take us inside to see how they are?"
For this woman Dan Shu's sake, she didn't even want face anymore—all her principles had fallen away. Yin Lan ground her teeth. Seeing Dan Shu show a smile, she sighed. Fine, fine—as long as she was happy.
Ji Yunman would naturally agree. "A-Xin, let's go in and take a look."
A-Xin would of course agree, truly without any hesitation at all. Unlike when Yin Lan asked—that expressionless appearance. Yin Lan was mentally exhausted. Master's soul had been completely seduced away by that little vixen Ji Yunman.
A-Xin directly brought several people to Luo Dongqing and the others' location. This was a beautifully decorated space. The materials decorating this space were entirely willow tree branches. This place wasn't anywhere else but inside the willow tree spirit's huge root system. The willow tree outside was the willow tree spirit's main body. After the willow tree spirit gained sentience, it would have an essence that could transform into human form. Ordinary people absolutely wouldn't dare enter the willow tree spirit's lair. A-Xin wasn't afraid.
They'd just arrived when they heard an extremely coquettish voice tinged with some displeasure. "Didn't you say coupling with him could improve cultivation? Why have I done it with him several times yet haven't improved at all?"
A-Xin and the others all looked over. They could only see in that gauze-veiled area, vaguely making out a beauty with an alluring figure. The beauty's slender legs rested on the ground, her body wrapped in a layer of light green gauze. On the wooden bed lay a male with sunken eyes and pale face, sleeping.
Beside the woman stood two more pale-faced women—one was Xu Xiangjun, the other was Luo Yuxin.
Intimidated by the green-robed woman's formidable strength, Luo Yuxin quickly answered, "My cultivation has always been inferior to Little Brother Dongqing's. Xiangjun's strength is the same. Perhaps because Senior's strength is too powerful, that's why coupling had no effect."
The green-robed woman furrowed her brows. "Is that so?" She glanced at the sleeping Luo Dongqing. "Then what use do I have keeping him?"
Luo Yuxin didn't want Luo Dongqing to die—she still needed to rely on Luo Dongqing to improve her strength. Xu Xiangjun was the same. The two exchanged glances. Luo Yuxin quickly said, "He cultivates extremely rapidly. Surpassing Senior would be very easy—probably won't take many years. Moreover, the technique he cultivates is special and absolutely won't pose any threat to Senior."
"I see..." The green-robed woman smiled with satisfaction. "Then I'll keep him for now." Her bewitching eyes showed interest. "Then you two must properly supervise his cultivation and constantly spur him on. Don't let him slack off."
"Yes, Senior."
Hearing this, Dan Shu's lips curved into a smile. She instinctively glanced at A-Xin. This one was truly powerful. Liu Sisi's cultivation was already very strong, yet because this one didn't want Liu Sisi to discover them, Liu Sisi couldn't detect them.
Liu Sisi—a willow tree spirit who'd cultivated for a thousand years.
Originally also one of Luo Dongqing's harem members, her nature actually wasn't bad—she wouldn't harm people without cause. This time Liu Sisi rolled Luo Dongqing and the others in here because Luo Dongqing was after Liu Sisi's Wood Spirit Heart. The Wood Spirit Heart was Liu Sisi's everything. Whoever devoured the Wood Spirit Heart could control Liu Sisi.
In her previous life, because Luo Dongqing swallowed Liu Sisi's Wood Spirit Heart, Liu Sisi had no choice but to follow Luo Dongqing. Only by being with Luo Dongqing could she preserve her life and display formidable strength.
She'd insisted on following Luo Dongqing everywhere on adventures precisely to prevent Luo Dongqing from successfully harming these women. As long as she used some small tricks, Luo Dongqing couldn't possibly succeed. Though Liu Sisi didn't actively harm people, if anyone dared covet her Wood Spirit Heart, she absolutely wouldn't show mercy.
If not for Luo Dongqing still having some use, she'd have long since snapped his neck and killed him to use as fertilizer.
Dan Shu was actually also quite surprised that Luo Dongqing would cultivate such a bizarre technique.
But it was also good. He deserved it!