"That won’t be necessary. I don’t need any music."

"Just listening to the sounds of nature is enough to relax my Heart Spirit."

Su Qing shook his head. He wasn’t drinking.

When you’re away from home, it’s always better to be a little cautious.

"When will Xu Ningying be back?" Su Qing asked.

"Xu Fairy will probably be staying at the Murong Family estate for a few nights."

Hua Nujiao answered truthfully, her eyes darting to Su Qing’s face from time to time.

He was just so handsome; not a single man in the County City could compare to him!

The very thought made Hua Nujiao’s heart itch with desire.

And it wasn’t just her heart that was itching...

"Why?" Su Qing asked, puzzled.

"Because something big is happening with the Murong Family these days. It’s been the talk of the County City."

"Oh?"

’Why hasn’t that ghost marriage started yet?’ Su Qing wondered.

’It’s been almost ten days.’

Su Qing still wasn’t aware that he had a grudge with the Murong Family.

But he had no intention of going to watch the spectacle. Even staying here to cultivate was better than going to see some ghost marriage.

’Besides, I have a great beauty right here with me, don’t I?’

Su Qing just wanted to hitch a ride, that’s all.

"Hua Nujiao, are you the manager here?" Su Qing asked.

He wasn’t actually curious; he just thought it wouldn’t be good to seem too aloof.

"Yes, I am the Shopkeeper of Shangshui Residence."

"I see."

Su Qing nodded.

"Since Xu Ningying might not be coming back, just take me to her place to stay for now. I don’t want to bother you."

Su Qing considered it. ’Right now, it’s better for me to cultivate the Five Qi God Demon Technique than practice the Cyan Flood Dragon Posture.’

He wanted to obtain the physique granted by reaching the Perfection Level first.

"There’s no need for that, Young Master Su. You can stay at Shangshui Residence for as long as you wish."

"I’ll make sure everything is free of charge for you."

"Hmm?"

Su Qing couldn’t help but turn to stare at her.

’This woman... she can’t be lusting after my body, can she?’

Su Qing was well aware of his current appearance; he was handsome, to say the least.

"With no strings attached?"

Hua Nujiao quickly shook her head and smiled. "Of course not. Surely, Young Master Su, you must know how great your reputation is in the County City?"

"The common folk might not know, but the Government Office and the major families of the County City know a great deal."

"And that includes me."

Su Qing still shook his head.

"The things that are free are often the most expensive."

Su Qing’s words stunned Hua Nujiao for a moment. It was true; sometimes, the things that are free are the most expensive.

"Hahaha, I’m just joking."

"Young Master Su, your martial prowess is the very reason it’s free."

"In this County City, which family wouldn’t leap at the chance to host you?"

"..."

Hearing this, Su Qing fell silent.

It was true. His strength had changed everything.

He was once unremarkable, but after obtaining Martial Arts, he had progressed by leaps and bounds. In just one month, he had undergone a complete transformation, as if he were reborn.

Hua Nujiao was right. Without strength, who would give a damn about you?

’As expected, the world is just as realistic as ever.’

"In that case, take me to a place to stay. I need to rest."

"Sorry to trouble you."

Su Qing was thinking about cultivating the Five Qi God Demon Technique.

Hua Nujiao laughed. "It’s no trouble at all. Since Young Master Su wishes to rest, I will certainly make the proper arrangements for you."

"Alright."

Su Qing nodded.

Then he stood up and followed Hua Nujiao.

Hua Nujiao swayed her hips as she walked ahead, occasionally glancing back out of the corner of her eye to gauge Su Qing’s reaction.

Su Qing did find the sight a bit intoxicating, but he suppressed the feeling.

His way of thinking was simple.

’I’m definitely not looking for a partner.’

’Especially now that I have the Synthesizer.’

’It would only lead to the Synthesizer being exposed.’

’It’s better to just go to a brothel, where everything is based on mutual consent.’

’Of course, I’d have to choose one of the untouched Courtesans.’

’I have my standards, you know.’

She led him to a suite of rooms.

The interior was lavishly decorated, and the fragrant scent of burning Agarwood filled the air.

"Young Master Su, please, come in."

Su Qing nodded.

"I’d like to rest for a bit."

"Young Master Su, I shall take my leave. If you desire my service, I am available as well."

The corners of Hua Nujiao’s mouth and eyes curved into alluring arcs.

It was a smile like that of a Fox Spirit.

Utterly bewitching.

Su Qing nodded.

After Hua Nujiao closed the door,

Su Qing sat cross-legged on the bed, assuming the posture of Five Hearts Facing the Top.

The First Level Five Qi God Demon Skill began to circulate within his body.

It forcibly absorbed all the surrounding Spiritual Qi.

This brought Su Qing great progress in his Cultivation.

However, the Spiritual Qi in Kexiang County didn’t seem to be very abundant.

After Su Qing had cultivated for One Circulation,

his Realm hadn’t changed at all.

Only the Skill Level on his panel had increased.

"Great Replenishing Pill."

Su Qing took a pill from a pouch inside his robes and swallowed it.

’I’m getting more proficient with the First Level Five Qi God Demon Skill.’

’I can feel my meridians growing tougher under the nourishment of the Spiritual Qi.’

’This means that with diligent Cultivation, the time it takes to complete One Circulation will decrease.’

’My meridians can now handle a greater strain.’

’It’s a virtuous cycle.’

Feeling these subtle changes, Su Qing smiled in satisfaction.

’Immortal Cultivation is just that powerful.’

’Even just absorbing Spiritual Qi strengthens the body.’

’The Gathering Spirit Stage is for expanding and consolidating the Dantian. I must cultivate it to its absolute limit.’

Su Qing didn’t have any natural Talent for Cultivation to begin with.

If he didn’t expand his advantages in cultivation, then what was the point of working so hard to synthesize the Five Qi God Demon Technique?

’Time to continue cultivating.’

After taking the Great Replenishing Pill, Su Qing resumed his Cultivation.

「One day later.」

There was a knock on Su Qing’s door.

"Young Master Su? Young Master Su, are you in there?"

Hua Nujiao’s voice came from outside, her tone tinged with worry.

"I’m here. What is it?"

Su Qing got up, opened the door, and spoke to Hua Nujiao.

When Hua Nujiao saw Su Qing, she was taken aback for a moment. "Young Master Su, I’ve brought some food. Would you like to have a meal?"

’Food?’

Su Qing glanced at the rather attractive maids standing behind Hua Nujiao.

"Let’s go to the private room from before. I could use a break anyway."

Su Qing said after a moment of thought.

Upon hearing this, Hua Nujiao smiled and nodded. "Please follow me, Mr. Su."

Su Qing came to the familiar room and sat down.

He gazed at the frozen river scenery outside the window, lost in thought for a moment.

’During winter, if I were at home, I’d probably have to wake up early too.’ 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

’Now that I’m in this ancient world, I haven’t slept in once.’

Su Qing watched as Hua Nujiao and the maids finished setting out all the dishes, keeping the food and rice warm.

"Young Master Su, let me serve you," Hua Nujiao said as she was about to pick up the chopsticks.

Su Qing shook his head and picked up his own chopsticks.

"No need."

"I’m used to doing it myself."

Su Qing looked at the meal of nearly ten different dishes, all for him to eat alone.

He felt a little overwhelmed.

After all, he wasn’t used to eating so many dishes by himself.

Hundred-Year-Old Heaven and Earth Red: An aged wine brewed at Shangshui Residence. It has a rich aroma and a smooth, lingering, and delicate taste...

Exquisite Yellow Wine Soy-Braised Chicken: A braised chicken with the fragrance of yellow wine soy sauce, meticulously prepared by the chef.

Simmered Savory Soup: A soup carefully simmered with lamb, fish, shrimp, Baotian mushrooms... Incomparably delicious.

...

Su Qing’s eyes scanned the table full of dishes for a long time, and he determined that none of them were poisoned.

Satisfied, he began to eat and drink.

Beside him, Hua Nujiao and the maids began to perform their talents.

One played the zither, another the flute...

Even Hua Nujiao stood to the side, watching Su Qing with a look of reverence.

...