In the Garo Kingdom, at the City Lord Mansion of Martial Tang City, all the high-level members including Yan Lie had gathered at the entrance. They knelt respectfully on the ground, fists cupped in salute.
High above in the sky, a White Lotus Edict hovered unsteadily, projecting the pure white and beautiful image of a holy mother. It recited the announcement that Yan Zhen—the Yan family’s unicorn prodigy—had been appointed as the contemporary Holy Son of the Jialan Holy Land.
Only after the projection vanished, the edict reverted to a scroll, and it fell into Yan Lie’s hands did the Yan family members snap out of their incredulous expressions.
Their Yan Zhen had actually become the Jialan Flame Holy Son?!
Just over half a year ago, he had returned boasting that he was number one on the Holy Land Academy’s General Star List. The entire City Lord Mansion had been bursting with pride, and everyone who went out on errands walked with their heads held high.
How much time had passed since then? And now… Holy Son?
Such a grand figure—they had never even dared to dream of it!
But the facts were undeniable.
Beyond the edict, a team of Holy Land emissaries stood right before their eyes.
Leading them were a man and a woman with unfathomably deep auras, dressed in the Holy Land’s deacon robes. In the face of the Yan family’s enthusiastic welcome, they revealed kind smiles.
The others wore Holy Land disciple robes, their auras varying in strength, but even the weakest among them was a Mystic General!
In total, there were over thirty people. Such a force could sweep through all the powers in the Garo Kingdom!
Yet, they politely addressed Yan Lie as “Grandpa Yan,” personally presented grand gifts from the Jialan Holy Land, and then explained that they would station themselves in the City Lord Mansion for half a year.
This move served both to deter any petty troublemakers and to boost the Yan family’s prestige!
“If the Yan family wishes, you may relocate the entire household to the central region. The Holy Land has already prepared estates and gardens in Pilgrimage City, ready to welcome you at any time.”
Pilgrimage City was the city at the foot of the Holy Land, home to the families or kin of Holy Land elders and deacons. The Yu family even had a branch there.
“As for travel concerns, worry not. We came on a warship—moving the entire City Lord Mansion wouldn’t be an issue.”
In short, even before the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived, Yan Zhen had given his family a massive shock!
Tears streamed down Yan Lie’s weathered face; he was so excited he could barely stand steady!
His good grandson had finally, finally—
However, the matter of relocating the entire family required discussion. For now, Yan Lie and the others escorted the Holy Land emissaries into the mansion and settled them in properly.
After the edict’s arrival, visitors poured into Martial Tang City one after another. First came old partners from the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce, then the arrogant City Lord from the neighboring city, followed by instructors dispatched from Silver Moon Mystic Academy. Even the noble families from the capital showed up.
Huangfu Xiong came too, bringing along his good-for-nothing son to congratulate his old brother. Grandpa inwardly rejoiced that this wastrel son hadn’t caused irreparable damage back then—otherwise, he would’ve crawled out of his coffin to strangle the brat.
Even Master Fengxiao, the palace’s chief advisor, arrived by order of the king alongside his disciple, the Garo Crown Prince, to offer congratulations to “Earl Lieguang.” They even elevated his title to “Duke Lieyang”!
Finally, Cloud Heaven Palace sent a Palace Lord bearing lavish gifts to celebrate!
The sprawling City Lord Mansion hosted nonstop banquets for a full ten days!
…
Cloud Heaven Palace, First Peak.
In the hot spring pool, Huangfu Wenqing knelt behind Yunxiu, diligently scrubbing her back with a towel gripped in both hands.
“I never expected Yan Zhen to become Holy Son so quickly. That Jialan Fairy must be a reincarnator too, which explains how smoothly everything went… In that case, we should advance our plans as well.”
“Master, before heading to Evergreen Continent, can we make a detour to the Holy Land? I miss him. You miss him too, don’t you?”
Yunxiu’s cheeks flushed faintly as she let out a soft hum.
“It’ll be a good chance to discuss with Master Chen Xi and Jialan Fairy how to deal with that Evil Consort!”
Huangfu Wenqing blinked.
“What about Yan Zhen?”
“You and your chatter.” Yunxiu chided her affectionately. “First, sort out all the palace affairs, then retrieve that Extreme Flame lotus from the peak summit. He should find it useful.”
Huangfu Wenqing obediently murmured in agreement, then hesitated before adding:
“By the way, Master, are we traveling together with that vixen from the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce and the shrew from Shadow Moon Kingdom?”
“No need. Once they get the news, they’ll likely move faster than us.”
…
In the royal capital of Sunward Kingdom, at the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce Headquarters, the setting sun shone into the office, casting an even more alluring and bewitching glow on the figure clad in a striking red qipao.
Ji Ya gazed at the message in her hand and revealed a captivating smile.
“Aunt Mu, plans have changed. We set off for Myriad Merchants Ancient City tomorrow.”
Mu Xin’er emerged from the shadows lurking in the darkness, a touch of emotion in her voice.
“Little Uncle truly isn’t some pond-bound frog.”
Jin Tong and Yu Nu, standing on either side of Ji Ya, tilted their heads in puzzlement.
…
Deep within the Shadow Moon Kingdom’s royal palace, Yi Xian’er—busy handling affairs—heard the name of the new Holy Son. Beneath her black veil, her beautiful face lit up with joy.
She immediately set down her brush and commanded:
“From this day forward, this king enters secluded cultivation for two years, leaving only an avatar to oversee matters. All affairs shall be managed by the respective departments!”
With that, she turned without a hint of reluctance and returned to her bedchamber. She shed her royal robe and gazed at the white-haired beauty in the mirror, her lips curving into a smile.
“—I’m coming to find you, idiot.”
…
On the fifth day of settling into Holy Son Peak, after handling various miscellaneous tasks, Yan Zhen brought out his Flying Skiff. Accompanied by Aunt Shui Bailan, he headed to Holy Land Academy to pick up the four women and, along the way, administer Big Aunt Yu Yan’s second treatment.
He had brought Aunt Shui Bailan because he sensed she missed her best friend and could visit Holy Land Academy together.
Cai Lian was the quiet type, Long Ying a bit dim-witted; neither shared much common ground with Aunt Shui Bailan. Mentor Yu Xuan was close to her, but as a junior, some topics were awkward. Crucially, the three women were all reincarnators, while Aunt Shui Bailan was not. Yan Zhen worried she might feel lonely during cultivation downtime.
Though he comforted her at night in their intimate embraces, that alone wasn’t enough.
For men or women alike, beyond love, one needed family and friends to make life truly fulfilling.
The Flying Skiff descended before the Dean’s Little Building. Big Aunt Yu Yan and Little Aunt Yu Qing, along with the Inner Academy elders, had been waiting after receiving his transmission. Seeing Yan Zhen step out and land, they all bowed in unison.
““We pay our respects to Your Highness Holy Son!””
After the salutes, Big Aunt Yu Yan raised her head with a beaming smile.
“Your Highness Holy Son graces us with your presence; the Inner Academy is honored beyond measure.”
Little Aunt Yu Qing huffed.
Your Highness, the Holy Son, is quite the sight—strolling around with such a charming beauty by your side!
Aunt Shui Bailan, full of joy at the prospect of hugging her best friend, instead heard this dead lass spout vinegar-laced barbs. Her fist clenched instantly, so she deliberately hooked her arm through Yan Zhen’s, striking a “Saint Son’s Consort” pose.
Little Aunt Yu Qing’s glare soured even more.
Yan Zhen was somewhat speechless and waved them off.
“I’ve come on a personal errand this time; no need for such fanfare. Everyone, disperse.”
The Inner Academy elders promptly assented.
Yan Zhen led Aunt Shui Bailan inside, gesturing for Big Aunt Yu Yan and Little Aunt Yu Qing to head upstairs.
The moment the office door closed, Yan Zhen yanked Little Aunt Yu Qing into his arms and unceremoniously smacked her on the rear.
“Eek!” Little Aunt Yu Qing yelped and jumped, clutching her stinging backside as she glared at Yan Zhen in embarrassed fury. “Are you tired of living?!”
Yan Zhen mimicked her arrogantly with a huff.
