Lin Ze quickly reached the sleeping quarters and saw that the main doors were slightly ajar. Through the narrow opening, he peeked inside.
By the bed, a woman dressed in a white, form-fitting gown was crouched with her back to him, organizing something on the floor. Since the items were on the ground, she had to bend very low, practically arching her back. Her curvy figure made the dress stretch tightly, outlining her shapely form.
From Lin Ze’s point of view, all he could see was a round and full silhouette like flawless jade, the lines smooth and taut with tension. The fabric was indeed of excellent quality. Even though nothing was exposed, the tightly-fitted material revealed a subtle line, showing off the mature woman’s curves in full detail.
Round. Big…
That thought flashed through Lin Ze’s mind instinctively. Realizing how inappropriate it was, he quickly lowered his head and pretended he hadn’t seen anything, walking in.
Upon hearing the footsteps, Shangguan Yi straightened her back and turned to look at Lin Ze. Her eyes were gentle, filled with the fondness and appreciation of an elder as she said, “Lin Ze, come here. These are all treasures I’ve collected. If you see anything you like, take it.”
“Aunt, there’s no need to be so polite.”
“No, that won’t do. You gave me a god-grade pill. As your elder, I must show my appreciation,” Shangguan Yi said with a mock-serious face, grabbing Lin Ze’s hand and pulling him in front of her. She pointed to the floor and said, “Take a look. Pills, talismans, cultivation techniques, magical treasures, weapons—there’s everything here.”
Following her slender jade-like finger, Lin Ze looked down and his eyes widened in shock.
Oh my goodness!
So rich?!
This was absolutely the definition of a rich woman!
As the Holy Son of Azure Spirit Holy Land, Lin Ze naturally had high standards. These casually placed items on the floor were treasures that would be fought over like crazy by countless cultivators if placed outside. Each one was worth a fortune!
“Aunt, you always looked so low-key, but I didn’t expect you to be this wealthy!” Lin Ze exclaimed in amazement.
Shangguan Yi smiled proudly, “Of course. I’m a 2nd-grade grand alchemist after all. I’m quite well-known in the Nine Provinces Continent. Many elders and disciples from major sects beg me to refine pills for them.”
“Alchemists are truly in demand,” Lin Ze couldn’t help but sigh.
He recalled that 3rd-grade alchemist in Azure Spirit Holy Land who did nothing all year, yet his father had to give him 10 million spirit stones annually!
Thinking about it made his heart ache… After all, all the spirit stones being spent now would one day be part of his inheritance.
Shangguan Yi picked up a bronze mirror from the floor and explained, “Choose this one. This treasure is the best among them. It comes from the Heavenly Emperor Palace in Central Divine Continent and is called the Tongtian Treasure Mirror. It’s a heaven-grade magical artifact.”
“When facing an enemy, you just need to inject a bit of spiritual power into the mirror, and it will emit a beam of spiritual light that freezes the opponent for three breaths.”
Central Divine Continent was the core region of the Nine Provinces Continent, and the Heavenly Emperor Palace was one of its renowned sects. Famous for refining magical artifacts, their works were spread across the continent.
Magical artifacts were divided into four grades: Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven.
Heaven-grade treasures were the best—extremely powerful. If used properly, they could multiply the wielder’s combat power several times over.
Lin Ze remembered that on his tenth birthday, his father had gifted him a priceless heaven-grade treasure: a flexible soft armor. It could adjust its size according to the wearer’s body and withstand powerful attacks.
Unfortunately, he had given it away while trying to impress a girl.
Lin Ze shook his head and said, “Aunt, I don’t really need any of these. Who would even dare mess with me?”
“That’s true. Not with that You Yiran girl around…” Shangguan Yi was still talking when Lin Ze suddenly noticed a black magical artifact placed to the side.
Huh?
That looks familiar!
This artifact wasn’t of high grade—didn’t even qualify as Yellow-grade. Lin Ze picked it up and injected a bit of internal force.
Buzz buzz buzz…
The round tip vibrated rapidly, even leaving behind an afterimage.
???
Noticing Lin Ze’s interest, Shangguan Yi chuckled and explained, “This little thing doesn’t have much use. But it’s great for relaxing muscles during leisure time. It feels pretty good.”
As she spoke, she picked up the item and pressed it lightly against Lin Ze’s back.
Instantly, a tingling sensation shot up to his head.
Lin Ze’s body trembled, and he couldn’t help but react, “Aunt, this thing… ohh ohh!”
Shangguan Yi smiled warmly, “Feels good, doesn’t it? I use it every night to relax before going to sleep.”
Lin Ze’s expression turned strange. He glanced at Shangguan Yi, wanting to say something but hesitating.
“Aunt, I want this one.”
“This thing isn’t worth much.”
“It’s fine. It’s the thought that counts,” Lin Ze said casually with a wave of his hand.
Shangguan Yi was instantly moved.
Such a good child!
He gave her a god-grade pill, and now he deliberately picked the cheapest item. This child… truly knows how to care for people!
“Lin Ze, I’ll teach you alchemy from now on,” Shangguan Yi said. “Even though you managed to refine a god-grade pill, I can tell you’re still unfamiliar with some basic alchemy knowledge and pill formulas. I’ll teach you the fundamentals from now on.”
“Like herb recognition, fire control, pill fusion…”
Such a great offer—of course Lin Ze wouldn’t refuse.
Shangguan Yi was a 2nd-grade grand alchemist. Countless people outside begged to become her disciples but couldn’t get the chance.
Moreover, her staying here meant You Yiran wouldn’t dare go too far with him. At least on the surface, their loving-couple act could continue.
…
After bidding Shangguan Yi goodbye, Lin Ze returned to You Yiran’s quarters.
By now, the entire place was decorated with red lanterns and bright red cloth. Large red “double happiness” characters were pasted on the windows and walls, radiating festivity.
Even the bed had been changed to a full set of red sheets and blankets.
You Yiran lay quietly on the bed, hands folded over her abdomen, breathing calmly, completely ignoring Lin Ze.
She was acting like he was invisible.
Still mad, huh?
Lin Ze let out a bitter chuckle, then climbed into bed and lay beside her with practiced ease.
“Wife, are you asleep?”
“…”
“Really asleep?”
“…”
His eyes shifted, and he pulled out that black cylindrical magical artifact from his robe.
You Yiran wasn’t really asleep. She just didn’t want to deal with Lin Ze.
Ungrateful bastard!
This very afternoon, she had made up her mind—once tomorrow’s wedding ceremony was over, she would immediately announce her closed-door cultivation and avoid this man as much as possible.
Just then, while she was still sulking silently, she suddenly felt something press against her arm.
The odd sensation made her shiver, and she turned her head sharply, yelling in anger, “What are you doing?!”
“Nothing, it’s a massage stick. I’m helping my wife relax.”
With a smirk, Lin Ze held the buzzing black stick and pressed it against You Yiran’s arm again, “Feels good, right? I’m telling you, this thing’s fun. I’ve been playing with it all the way here!”
Hearing that, You Yiran was both annoyed and amused. Lin Ze really was like a little kid.
To be so excited over such a useless thing!
Still… it did feel kind of good.
The vibrating sensation traveled from the stick to her body, making her muscles tremble and easing the fatigue in her body.
However, You Yiran still didn’t give Lin Ze a kind expression. With a cold snort, she activated a white barrier on her body, blocking Lin Ze from getting any closer.
Lin Ze reluctantly pulled back the massage stick, cleared his throat, and said seriously, “Wife, I can cure your face.”