Yi Qingwu, though initially upset about Ye Chen turning Holy Maiden Peak into a branch of Ascension Peak, didn't expel the female disciples or elders. She kept the weekly sermon tradition, sometimes leading it herself. Today was such a day. Post-sermon, heading to her cave mansion, she suddenly trembled, legs nearly buckling, almost falling from the sky.

Disciples stared, puzzled. Their Holy Maiden, a Mahayana powerhouse, shouldn't falter. Regaining balance, her face lit with joy. She flew to Heavenly Intention Holy Land's gate. Only one person could trigger her marks so intensely.

The vibration meant Ye Chen was near. She knew he'd gone to Central Continent, expecting him to stay years on the Immortal Path. Though confident, she paled next to him. His enemies were many; joining him there might make her a liability. So, she stayed, cultivating, awaiting his return. Yet he was back so soon.

At the gate, she saw his familiar chariot. And him. Beside him sat a female cultivator in golden armor, vertical pupil, purple hair.

Yi Qingwu guessed her identity but felt no threat. Her confidence was unmatched. Her beauty rivaled any. Drifting onto the chariot, she faced Ye Chen coolly. "What are you here for? The holy lands' alliance doesn't mean I approve. I'll never forget our blood feud. And turn off that vibration!"

Ye Chen grinned at her familiar attitude. After her "fountain of gratitude," talk of feuds was hollow. He reached to pull her onto his lap. She resisted briefly, then sat haughtily.

Chin raised, she said, "The alliance is the elders' will, inevitable. With many here, I let you act to spare their face. But in my cave, try that, and I'll show you my strength!"

He chuckled, nodding. "Sure, sure." He flew into Heavenly Intention Holy Land. His past fame there drew countless disciples and elders to greet him. Holy Maiden Peak's elders and disciples, eyes glistening, looked like neglected consorts, gazes fiery.

Ye Chen, generous, gifted each visitor a bottle of Dao Charm Pills. He had too many from Luo Bingling—enough to treat as snacks. His actions stunned the holy land, their gazes burning hotter. Even Elder Ling, who once blamed Feng Baiyu for misunderstanding Ye Chen, emerged from seclusion, inviting him to visit.

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Throughout, Yi Qingwu sat regally on his lap, exuding mistress-of-the-house vibes.

…

After tedious greetings, the chariot landed before Yi Qingwu's cave mansion.

Ye Chen turned to Luo Bingling. "Fairy Luo, I need to discuss matters with my fiancée. Can you step aside?"

Yi Qingwu raised a brow, signaling an elder to escort Luo Bingling to Guest Peak. But Luo Bingling didn't budge, sitting firm. "No, strange places scare me. I'm only at ease by Fellow Daoist Ye's side…"

Seeing them sit so closely, she was already irked. Yi Qingwu's feigned aloofness, eyes practically melting, grated her. Her beauty outshone Su Yuxuan's.

Knowing Ye Chen's nature, Luo Bingling dreaded how long they'd linger in the cave. She wouldn't wait. She'd follow, cramping their style. A quick end meant faster seclusion at Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Plus, it'd keep Ye Chen from getting too carried away and forgetting her again. She'd learned her lesson, though she felt she had him tamed. She had to stay vigilant. And she wanted payback. Ye Chen's earlier drooling look shifted to ignoring her for Yi Qingwu. She'd disrupt him, deny his fun.

…

Ye Chen frowned.

Yi Qingwu, a fellow female cultivator, read Luo Bingling's jealousy instantly. Many envied her. That barefoot girl was the same. No envy, no talent. If Luo Bingling wanted to watch and suffer, let her. Without a recording stone, it didn't faze Yi Qingwu.

Ye Chen, seeing the fiancée's indifference, had no objections. He stowed the chariot and, arm around Yi Qingwu, entered the cave. Luo Bingling followed without hesitation, sticking close.

…

Inside, Ye Chen embraced Yi Qingwu. After so long, and only minor dalliances en route, her aloof charm was irresistible. With three days until the gift cooldown, he focused on "business." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Yi Qingwu, neck high, glared coldly. "Ye Chen, how dare you… think charming my holy land's elders lets you act recklessly?"

He smirked, too familiar with her act, and produced a recording stone. "This holds your last branding scene. You called Heavenly Intention Holy Son's name outside the array. You don't want your grandma seeing this, right?"

Her phoenix eyes blazed, glaring. But eventually, she yielded. Cursing his shamelessness, she lowered her head, letting her silken hair cascade. After the opening act, the cave transformed.

…

Luo Bingling, watching them bask in moonlight, unfazed, felt calm, confused, and stunned… Her presence didn't disrupt them—it enhanced the mood. Regret hit. She shouldn't have come…