Chapter 40: A Surge in Power, Welcoming the White Envoy (Please Continue Reading)
Snow Moon House.
The moment Zhou Chen stepped inside, sharp-eyed Sister Hong spotted him.
With a charming smile, she swayed her full, alluring waist as she approached.
“Master, you’re here!”
Wrapping her arm around Zhou Chen’s, Sister Hong beamed warmly.
“It’s been so long, the girls have missed you terribly!”
“Is that so? It hasn’t even been that many days!” Zhou Chen smiled, pulling out a silver coin and slipping it into Sister Hong’s embrace.
“The girls miss Master so much that a single day apart feels like three long autumns!”
Sister Hong cast a playful glance at Zhou Chen, her eyes shimmering with allure.
Although the medicines Zhou Chen sold caused some hardship for the girls at Snow Moon House, they also made the establishment even more bustling, attracting more customers.
Even the most talented ordinary person has limits.
Zhou Chen’s medicines were merely common remedies—they could never transform an ordinary person into an extraordinary cultivator.
“Master, same as usual today?”
Sister Hong led Zhou Chen upstairs, now a regular patron.
He usually frequented Miaotong and Miaoyu.
“How about adding Sister Hong to the mix?”
Zhou Chen squeezed her waist firmly, a smile curling his lips.
Sister Hong, in her thirties, was far from old; once a famed courtesan, her figure and looks were naturally exquisite.
“You’re so bad!” Sister Hong winced, then shot Zhou Chen a sultry look. “These old bones of mine can’t take so much of your torment!”
Though she had never experienced it herself, from Miaotong and Miaoyu’s tales, she knew well enough—Zhou Chen was no ordinary man; his vigor was terrifying.
[Romantic Points +1]
Zhou Chen chuckled, savoring the moment, then suggested, “Besides Miaotong and Miaoyu, call two more!”
“How about Miaoyan and Miaozhi?”
“Perfect!”
“Miaotong, Miaoyu, Miaoyan, Miaozhi, come out and greet Master Zhou!”
Upstairs, Sister Hong called loudly.
Soon, the four women emerged from their rooms, clustering around Zhou Chen. After instructing them to look after him well, Sister Hong hurried away, legs crossed, retreating hastily.
She didn’t understand the magic in Zhou Chen’s hands; despite her experience, every time he touched her, she was left flustered and overwhelmed.
“Master, please come inside!”
Miaotong and Miaoyu flanked Zhou Chen, their soft, delicate arms stirring warmth in his heart as they entered the room together.
Miaoyan and Miaozhi brought fine wine, food, and fruit, serving with enthusiasm.
Zhou Chen let go of all restraint, indulging fully at Snow Moon House for the day until dusk, when he finally returned home.
[Romantic Points +999]
“Not bad!”
Zhou Chen was pleased. Though the women at Snow Moon House were ordinary, their numbers and variety yielded substantial rewards.
If he could keep this peaceful pace for a few months, wouldn’t his cultivation soar?
He could surely reach Foundation Establishment and the Divine Power Realm.
The Divine Power Realm was the second great level beyond Body Refinement—where qi and spirit merged, divine power condensed, allowing one to soar through the air, move mountains and cleave stones with ease.
Back home, Qin Hongyu was still practicing swordsmanship, drenched in sweat, her face pale from exertion—clear evidence of her diligence.
She was definitely overtraining.
Cultivation requires balance; excessive practice harms the body and backfires.
Zhou Chen stepped forward, setting aside Qin Hongyu’s sword. “You must balance rest and training. This way, you’ll injure yourself.”
“Brother Chen, how am I doing?”
Qin Hongyu’s eyes shone with expectation and anxiety.
“Very well!”
Zhou Chen reached out to steady the unsteady girl and applied his Thunder Light Ruyi Hand technique, massaging her muscles to relieve damage.
“Ugh!”
Her previously exhausted body felt as refreshing as biting into an icy treat on a scorching summer day.
Cool to the core, her spirit soared.
“There, tomorrow you won’t wake up sore.”
“If you’re so skilled, can I train even harder?”
“Absolutely!”
Zhou Chen did not dampen Qin Hongyu’s enthusiasm. With him present, she could train vigorously during the day without worry.
“But now, we should start practicing another combined divine technique!”
He carried Qin Hongyu back to their room, prepared water for her to wash up, then rested.
The night passed quietly.
They shared a harmonious and joyful evening.
The next day.
After breakfast, Zhou Chen taught Qin Hongyu the second move, then left her to practice alone while he returned to visit Snow Moon House.
He could afford to spend a bit of silver now.
Money granted indulgence.
A week slipped by unnoticed.
During this time, the county magistrate Chen Fan rewarded Zhang Long, Zhou Chen, and others for eliminating the Wolong Mountain threat and rescuing Chen Feng—offering Zhou Chen five hundred taels of silver and a first-grade treasured blade.
Zhang Long also invited Zhou Chen to visit his home.
Zhou Chen’s Romantic Points surged dramatically over the week, as most of his soul’s time was spent in dual cultivation with Ji Fengxia inside the Romance Treasure Mirror.
During the day, he frequented Snow Moon House; at night, he returned to Qin Hongyu.
By now, Zhou Chen had become a well-known regular at Snow Moon House in Qinghe City.
“Twelve thousand Romantic Points!”
Seeing such an unprecedented tally, Zhou Chen’s heart raced with excitement.
“Yi Archery advanced to the fifth level!”
Using two taels and nine hundred points, Zhou Chen’s bones vibrated violently; his strength surged, shattering previous limits. His bone refining was complete, and he ascended to Body Refinement Level Five.
He punched the air, which exploded with a sharp crack.
His sinews were like coiling dragons, his bones as solid as adamantium; his physical power now surpassed one hundred thousand jin—like a primeval beast draped in human skin!
“Changchun Technique, add points!”
Spending four thousand Romantic Points, the Changchun Technique advanced to level four; his cultivation rose to Qi Refinement Level Four, and his dantian’s spiritual power surged dramatically.
He was now a mid-stage Qi Refiner!
“Power skyrocketed—time to celebrate at Snow Moon House. No, better yet, time to work!”
Zhou Chen told Qin Hongyu, slung his blade over his shoulder, and headed to the county office.
His week’s vacation was over.
He clocked in briefly, then left.
He had no need to linger all day at the office.
“Hm? Liu Ruyi?”
Just as Zhou Chen prepared to earn more Romantic Points at Snow Moon House, he unexpectedly spotted the beauty he had met before at the Shibao Jade Mansion.
“She’s still in Qinghe City? Isn’t she afraid Shi Lei will find her for revenge?”
Though Zhou Chen had killed Shi Lei, Liu Ruyi was the last person Shi Baoyu contacted before his disappearance, making her the prime suspect.
Besides, with Shi Lei’s ruthless ways, he’d rather kill ten thousand by mistake than let one escape.
“Could she have designs on me?”
Recalling how she had thrown herself into his arms the first time they met, Zhou Chen’s caution rose.
Though he liked Liu Ruyi’s scent, he would not be blinded.
“I must find out!”
Zhou Chen vanished into a secluded corner, swiftly changed his clothes and equipment, and donned a human-skin mask.
Switching to his alias, Han Feiyu, he silently followed her.
They arrived at a quiet courtyard.
Liu Ruyi suddenly halted, her voice cold and clear.
“Hero, since you’ve come, why not reveal yourself?”
“Discovered?” Zhou Chen arched an eyebrow, unsure if she was bluffing or truly aware.
Still, he had no intention to hide.
Having changed his disguise, he appeared before Liu Ruyi and bluntly asked,
“Miss Ruyi, such sharp intuition—why were you captured by Shi Baoyu?”
“You probably guessed—I let myself be captured on purpose to kill Shi Baoyu and avenge a sister!”
As she spoke, a sweet fragrance enveloped him. Liu Ruyi approached, gazing into his eyes.
“I know you have many doubts. What if I said I fell in love with you at first sight—would you believe me?”
“Do you think I’d believe that?”
“Not to hide anything, I am truly drawn to you!”
Liu Ruyi stepped closer, tiptoed, lifted her delicate, pale chin, lips parted slightly, breath like orchids.
“Rest assured, Hero, I mean no harm.”
Her fair hands slid slowly from Zhou Chen’s shoulders down across his chest, her enchanting eyes tugging at his heartstrings.
“What exactly do you want?”
Zhou Chen pushed Liu Ruyi away, refusing to buy her nonsense.
She claimed to be attracted to him while wearing a mask—how could she know what he looked like?
Ridiculous!
“You were so warm before; have you grown tired of me now?”
Liu Ruyi’s eyes darkened with sorrow, then she smiled seductively.
“I can change my appearance too!”
Her long sleeves fluttered, waist swaying like a willow, full of charm as she twirled before Zhou Chen. The sleeves brushed his face, releasing a heady, intoxicating scent.
“Do you prefer the exotic courtesan from the Western wine house?”
“Or the graceful young lady from a noble family?”
As she spoke, her coquettish demeanor vanished; hands folded over her abdomen, she transformed into the epitome of refined elegance—an honorable young lady, serene and poised.
“Do you like the unattainable, aloof beauty, or the fiery rose with thorns?”
Liu Ruyi shifted her charm again, closing in to meet Zhou Chen’s gaze.
“Which do you prefer, Hero?”
Smack!
Zhou Chen’s hand shot out, seizing her slender white neck.
“Speak. What do you want?”
“If you don’t let go, how can I explain?”
“Don’t play games!”
Zhou Chen released her. With his strength, he wasn’t afraid of her tricks.
“Why so harsh, Hero? I just want a child!”
Liu Ruyi looked aggrieved, her voice plaintive.
“Don’t worry, I won’t cling to you. The child will bear my name; I’ll raise it alone. It has nothing to do with you!”
“As soon as I’m sure I’m pregnant, I’ll leave Qinghe City. We’ll part ways on the broad road!”
Zhou Chen was stunned by such an unusual request.
Yet, he didn’t fully believe her.
“Why choose me?”
“Simple. You saw my body, your martial arts are good, you’re young, and you saved me like a hero. Better you than anyone else!”
“Aren’t you afraid I’m an ugly beast beneath the mask?”
Zhou Chen knew that wearing the mask, anyone perceptive could tell he was young. So Liu Ruyi’s knowledge of his youth was no surprise.
“A man’s skill is what matters, not looks. Judging by your build, you can’t be that ugly!”
Liu Ruyi pouted confidently.
“I trust my instincts!”
“Since you’re so honest, I’ll help you.”
Zhou Chen grabbed her hand, about to tie her up.
“Don’t worry, I won’t lift your mask!”
Liu Ruyi quickly assured.
She wasn’t into bondage or being restrained.
Zhou Chen looked deeply at her, then lifted her into his arms, striding into the room.
Of course, he had no intention of giving Liu Ruyi a child.
True or false, Zhou Chen had made up his mind: two words—free ride.
He had to admit, this woman was truly something.
He liked her intensely.
Time passed lazily.
The sun dipped low, the crimson dusk bleeding across the sky.
Zhou Chen gently massaged Liu Ruyi’s waist and abdomen with his Thunder Light Ruyi Hand, thoughtfully relieving her worries, then departed without a backward glance.
Liu Ruyi paid no mind to his leaving. After a long moment, she glanced down at her slightly swollen belly, satisfied.
“This should be safe now.”
...
Meanwhile.
At Qinghe City’s dock, a large ship slowly moored, arriving from Qing River.
Shi Lei, head of the Salt Guild’s Qinghe Branch, led all the branch disciples in respectful waiting.
Soon.
An elderly man with snow-white beard and hair but skin as rosy and smooth as a baby stepped from the ship’s cabin, attended by two beautiful maids.
“Branch Chief Shi Lei of Qinghe Branch, along with disciples, respectfully welcome the arrival of the Honored White Elder!”
...