Not to mention Yan Zhen himself—even the girls he had brought back were all at the Mystic General stage or higher, with three Mystic Venerables among them. In the central region, where powerhouses gathered in droves, that lineup would make them the head of a clan. It was truly astonishing.
Even Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu had now reached the Mystic General stage, surpassing many of the elders in the Yan manor. No one could boss them around anymore.
The children had all grown up…
The elders of the Yan manor felt both gratified and emotional, but none of that dampened the fiery gossip from the neighboring aunts and cousins.
Though Cai Lian and Yi Xian’er disliked crowds and sat there aloof with the full aura of empresses and queens—making others hesitant to approach—Yan Yan was lively and adorable. The aunts and cousins adored her, each stuffing red envelopes filled with lucky money into the little princess’s hands.
Yan Yan accepted them all without reservation.
Some even tried to give red envelopes to Long Ying, but the loli dragon girl pushed them away with her tiny hands.
“I’m not a little kid, you know! I’ll be Yan Zhen Zhen’s bride one day too.”
She said it with utmost pride.
The aunts and cousins present were all stunned. Even someone this young???
Ji Ya, who got along best with them, quickly stepped in to explain on Yan Zhen’s behalf, sparing him a social disaster.
The aunts and cousins breathed a sigh of relief. They recalled Yan Zhen mentioning she was from the Dragon God Clan—something special was only natural.
Jiu Youyue chuckled inwardly, already plotting to tease Little Zhen Zhen with it later.
Mentor Yu Xuan and Aunt Shui Bailan felt a bit reserved, as their relationships were even more delicate. They didn’t dare reveal too much.
Aunt Shui Bailan hadn’t wanted to come at first, but after Yan Zhen’s repeated coaxing, she had mustered the courage to join.
Fortunately, they didn’t stay long at the Yan manor. After paying respects with incense on the first day of the new year, they left.
“Won’t you stay a few days, Zhen’er?”
Yan Lie sounded reluctant. Yan Zhen stepped forward and hugged his grandfather.
“I’ll come back when I have time, Grandpa. Don’t worry… There might be big events coming up soon. Tell everyone in the manor to keep a low profile. If anything happens, send me a messaging talisman, and I’ll rush back right away… As for Father, let him rest in peace for now. Once I reach that realm, I’ll find a way to revive him.”
Yan Lie sighed.
“Your father’s fate was sealed. You don’t need to obsess over it, Zhen’er. Taking care of yourself and Little Yan’er is what’s most important.”
The grandfather and grandson bid each other a reluctant farewell. Yan Lie watched as Yan Zhen activated his mount, leading the women into the sky and away. Yan Yan poked her head out, waving at him and calling, “See you later, Great-Grandpa~” Her childish, bright voice lifted the old man’s spirits considerably.
After returning to Holy Son Peak, Yan Zhen and the others entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky together to pay respects to Chen Xi.
Chen Xi gave each of her disciples’ wives a bottle of Beauty Retaining Pills as a New Year’s gift.
Then Yan Zhen seized the chance to openly reveal the deeper nature of his relationship with his beautiful master.
He had expected the women to be shocked, but to his surprise, they were all remarkably calm, wearing expressions that said, “We knew it all along.” It left Yan Zhen feeling awkward, as if his image in their eyes had plummeted.
Yan Meng’er raised her hand with a question.
“So, should we keep calling her Master Chen Xi, or switch to Sister Chen Xi from now on?”
Yan Zhen coughed twice, feigning composure.
“I’ll still call her Master.”
The women instantly understood, shooting him knowing looks.
—No wonder he always calls her Mentor Yu Xuan, Mentor Yu Xuan…
Chen Xi gazed warmly at her disciples’ wives.
“Just carry on as before. This Seat is content being with Zhen’er. I ask for nothing more.”
All the women turned to Big Wife Sister Cai Lian.
Cai Lian stepped forward, taking Chen Xi’s hand and sighing.
“Master Chen Xi, there’s no need for that. In this life or the last, you’ve helped us so much. You’re the Master Chen Xi we all respect. I’m sure Zi Ji feels the same.”
“She Ji…” Chen Xi was touched. “I’m sorry. I’ve wronged you.”
Cai Lian shook her head.
“Getting a second chance to make up for past regrets has already made me content. It’s just—”
“Just what?”
“Just that Master Chen Xi, you need to keep a closer eye on him. No more letting him charm other girls, or even the Radiant Heavenly Emperor Palace won’t have room for them all.”
As she spoke, Cai Lian shot a sidelong glance at a certain heartless fellow.
Yan Zhen’s expression stiffened slightly. He smiled apologetically while scratching his cheek.
Chen Xi couldn’t help but smile.
“Very well. This Seat—I promise to watch Zhen’er closely from now on. If he dares charm any more girls, I’ll punish him severely.”
Only then did Cai Lian smile, giving Yan Zhen a light huff as if to say, “We’ll see if this queen can’t handle you.”
Feeling in the wrong, Yan Zhen could only scratch his head and concede.
After a simple tea and snacks at the altar, the group went on to pay respects to Jialan Fairy.
Unlike secular kingdoms, sects and holy lands didn’t make a big fuss over the New Year. They simply posted peachwood charms, hung lanterns for festivity, shared a meal, drank some wine, and called it done.
For high-level cultivators with long lifespans, a single year held little significance. A period of secluded cultivation or enlightenment passed the time easily.
Jialan Fairy hadn’t prepared mentally either. Seeing Yan Zhen arrive with the women to pay respects, she felt a pleasant surprise.
“You’ve got a good heart, Yan’er. You’re all good children. Come, sit down.”
Lotus Root People brought tea and snacks one after another, even dancing on the table for entertainment. Yan Yan’s eyes lit up—if her mother consort hadn’t held her back, she would have tried to catch one to play with.
Jialan Fairy gave each of her disciples’ wives a Pure Lotus Seed. Consuming it would cleanse the marrow, ward off all illnesses, keep the mind clear, and prevent qi deviation.
Pure Lotus Seeds were exceedingly precious. In the past, even peak masters and elders struggled to obtain one. Now, every woman received one, a clear sign of Jialan Fairy’s favoritism toward Yan Zhen.
Though it wasn’t very polite, the women couldn’t help thinking of Master Chen Xi. Could it be that Jialan Master was also involved with Yan Zhen?
For a moment, they all felt a strange mix of emotions.
After visiting Jialan Fairy, Yan Zhen went on to the seven peaks to pay respects to the various peak masters, though he didn’t bring the women this time—after all, they weren’t formally married yet.
All seven peak masters received him personally. Snow Supreme was especially warm, subtly asking if there might be a chance for her to meet Lady Chen Xi.
Yan Zhen politely declined, saying it wasn’t convenient for now and that they could discuss it after his master broke free.
Snow Supreme felt a pang of regret, unaware that her old rival, Yu Shizun, was already chatting with Chen Xi inside the Fire Refining Starry Sky.
Visiting the seven peak masters was mostly a formality. Once done, Yan Zhen announced he was going to see Evil Consort Master. Aside from Jiu Youyue, no one wanted to tag along.
Part of it was fear of that wicked woman, and part was reluctance to acknowledge her as an elder.
Yan Zhen had no choice. Knowing they needed time to accept Evil Consort Master, he didn’t push. He wrapped an arm around Jiu Youyue’s slender waist, activated the Yin Mo Death Seal to summon the Death City Core, and teleported straight inside.
The God Race didn’t celebrate New Year, but Evil Consort was delighted that her Yan’er had thought of her. After brushing off her wicked daughter Jiu Youyue, she pulled his hand and led him into Consort God Palace.
Jiu Youyue was speechless but had expected as much from Evil Consort. She decided to seek out her other two sisters instead.
Their relationships weren’t the best, but after so long apart, she did miss them.
