"Here, don't you like to eat? Go ahead!"

On the chariot, Luo Bingling didn't sit beside Ye Chen. She stood boldly before him. Having decided, she felt no embarrassment, meeting his wide-eyed stare. The chariot sped, but she stood firm, long legs level with his seated gaze.

Ye Chen, nearly dumbfounded, stared back, then twitched his lips. She'd learned from the fiancée! Copying Su Yuxuan before, now Yi Qingwu. Aiming to master all styles? After a long look, he waved it off. "Appreciated, but I'm not hungry."

Her eyes widened, stunned he'd refuse. She'd offered so much.

Smiling, Ye Chen pulled her to sit. "I've fully comprehended the Minor Space Technique. I'll share all insights. Plus, part of the Kun Peng Treasure Technique, also space-related, to aid your Cave Heaven forging." He wouldn't take her bait but offered her a treat. Her efforts, though wild, deserved positive feedback.

Her eyes flickered with interest. She sought the Dao Cauldron to grow stronger. With his "Dao Cauldron boost," his insights could save her time, forging a stronger Cave Heaven.

The Kun Peng Treasure Technique, top-tier, would speed her up. Next time he forgot her, she'd catch him without a protector's help. A huge gain. She let him transmit insights via her navel. But she frowned, still unhappy.

Why only Yi Qingwu's "offerings" and not hers? Was she lesser? Nonsense—she was pure, far surpassing Yi Qingwu! Once resistant, rejection flipped her mindset. She was fine with it—why wasn't he?

…

Ye Chen saw her sulk despite the insights, guessing her thoughts, lips twitching. His enthusiasm with the fiancée was due to her growth potential. Unwilling to bind her as a Dao companion, he couldn't keep wronging her. She was already playful—holding back too long might darken her. So he indulged her. But he preferred her efforts over his.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Luo Bingling, standing brazenly, tossing a "Come, eat…" He'd be mad to accept. Compared to the fiancée's flawless allure, Luo Bingling's purple hair was too lush. He feared it'd tickle his nose…

Ye Chen, aware of Luo Bingling's displeasure, remained unfazed. The return trip was smooth, reaching Heavenly Evolution Holy Land in a week.

At Holy Son Peak, Luo Bingling exhaled, ready to seclude for her breakthrough. Mahayana had nine heavens, but only third, sixth, and ninth triggered tribulations. They could seclude together, bonding.

Reflecting, she realized closer ties might sway Ye Chen. She offered, "Fellow Daoist Ye, let's seclude together!"

He shook his head. "I have matters to attend…"

Her brow furrowed, ready to question what trumped breakthrough, when female cultivators approached.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, all well?"

"Senior Brother, I missed you!"

"Holy Son, my patterns improved, forming a black tail, but the heart shape's off. Can you guide me deeply?"

Luo Bingling's face darkened, realizing his "matters." With breakthrough near and fearing another splash, she relented. Muttering about his absurdity, she followed an elder to a guest cave.

…

Ye Chen visited Yunding Heavenly Palace, chatting with the recently returned Holy Master. Then, he visited the female cultivators' caves. Senior An was first, most trusted. An Yuyi tagged along, benefiting by association.

He shared his Dragon-Subduing Yellow Spring Diagram, a vast scroll with a painted world. It could trap enemies, drowning them in Yellow Spring Water. In the normal state, the water refined impurities. Even in Jianmu's era, a bottle for a prodigy was enviable. Now, they had a river.

Hearing its effects, An Yuyi jumped in candidly. An Miaoli hesitated briefly—bathing together seemed improper. But it aided cultivation, and Yuyi, weaker, needed her protection. No guilt, then. She entered gracefully.

A week later, the trio finished refining. An Miaoli and An Yuyi, greatly benefited, secluded themselves. Ye Chen visited Elder Lin, welcomed warmly, admiring her wings and tail. Her heart-shaped tail, with intricate patterns, resembled a succubus from his past life's comics…

Finally done with tasks, Ye Chen's body, soul, and domain, refined by endless Yellow Spring Water, peaked. He entered the Holy Son Mansion, secluding to break through to Second Heaven Mahayana.