The following week passed in a haze of passion and quiet power.
Li Qing stayed in Qinghe Town longer than anyone expected. Every night she welcomed me into her private courtyard, and every night we burned together. Sometimes fierce and wild — her riding me until her voice grew hoarse from screaming my name, nails carving bloody trails down my back. Sometimes slow and deep, her body pressed flush against mine as I took my time exploring every inch of her, drawing out moans that sounded almost like worship.
During the days, she walked openly at my side through the Ye Clan compound. The elders and disciples bowed low whenever we passed. No one dared whisper the word "trash" anymore. My parents toiled in the mines, backs bent, eyes hollow. I spared them a single glance each morning — a reminder, nothing more.
Li Qing never pitied them.
"They made their choice," she said one afternoon while we lay naked beneath silk sheets, her head resting on my chest. "Now they live with it. Just as I have chosen you."
She traced the faint scars on my body from years of beatings. "You rose from nothing, Tianhen. That strength… it makes me burn for you even when we're not touching."
I pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. For the first time in my life, I felt something close to peace. With her, the ruthless edge inside me softened just enough to let warmth through. She was my flame — fierce, loyal, royal. And I was already fiercely committed. No other woman would ever replace her place as my first wife.
We trained together in the mornings. She was no weak princess; her own cultivation sat at Foundation Establishment early stage, and her imperial sword arts were elegant yet deadly. I copied her techniques instantly with the God Rock, then fused them with my growing Space and Time strands, creating new moves that left her breathless and laughing in delight.
"You cheat," she teased after I disarmed her in three moves. "But I love it. One day I want to see you use that power to shake the entire continent."
On the seventh night, as we lay tangled and spent, she traced lazy circles on my abdomen.
"My father sent a message today. He wants me back in Hanlong City — the imperial capital. There are rumors of a major auction in three days. Treasures from across the dynasty… even items from other minor realms. You should come with me, Tianhen. As my husband."
I raised an eyebrow. "Husband?"
She smiled, unashamed. "I already consider myself yours. The ceremony can wait until you stand at the top. But yes — my husband. The Emperor will want to meet the man who tamed his daughter so quickly."
I thought of Grandfather, somewhere beyond this world. Of the God Rock's endless potential. Of the 3000 Grand Daos waiting to be mastered.
"Very well," I said, kissing her deeply. "We leave at dawn."
---
The journey to Hanlong City took two days on swift spirit horses provided by the royal guard. Li Qing rode beside me the entire way, our hands brushing often, stolen kisses when the guards weren't looking. At night we shared a single tent, bodies entwined under the stars, her soft cries mingling with the wind.
When the towering walls of the imperial capital finally appeared on the horizon — massive gates carved with golden dragons, pagodas piercing the clouds — I felt the first real stirrings of the wider world.
Hanlong City was alive with energy. Cultivators from every corner of the Great Han Dynasty filled the streets. Spirit jade coins changed hands in noisy markets. The air smelled of grilled spirit beast skewers, rare herbs, and power.
We entered the royal palace without issue. Li Qing's status cleared every checkpoint. Servants bowed deeply as she led me through opulent halls of marble and gold toward her private wing.
That evening, as we rested in her lavish chambers, a royal attendant knocked urgently.
"Princess, Young Master Ye. News from the Imperial Auction House. The grand auction begins tomorrow at noon. Word has spread of several extraordinary items: a Spatial Storage Ring capable of holding an entire mountain, a bottle of Immortal Ascension Pills rumored to help break through to Nascent Soul, and… a mysterious black fragment said to contain traces of ancient Time Dao."
Li Qing's eyes lit up. She turned to me with a knowing smile.
"Time Dao… that sounds like something the God Rock would devour, doesn't it?"
I felt the stone pulse warmly against my chest, as if eager.
I stood, pulling her into my arms for one last deep kiss before the night's passion began anew.
"Tomorrow," I murmured against her lips, "we attend the auction. And whatever catches my eye… I will take it."
She laughed softly, fingers threading through my long hair. "Ruthless as always. I can't wait to watch you dominate the capital the same way you dominated the Ye Clan."
As our bodies came together once more — slow and intense this time, her legs wrapped around me, whispers of devotion spilling from her lips — I felt the next chapter of my rise beginning.
Qinghe Town was behind me.
The Great Han Dynasty's capital lay at my feet.
And soon, with the God Rock in hand and my first wife at my side, the entire continent would learn the name Ye Tianhen.
The auction tomorrow would be only the start.