Chapter 19: Qin Jiyue (Revised)

Li Guanxuan gazed at Miss Qin for a while, then steered the conversation away from “dual cultivation for immortality” and asked, “From what I know, the Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree vanished twenty-seven years ago. What makes you so certain it’s still on Joyous Mountain?”

Miss Qin explained, “It only takes root and grows in one place. As for why it disappeared… Either the rumor from Joyous Mountain is false, or perhaps it grew weary of those two old men and hid itself away.”

Yes, it’s hiding inside me now… Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, but then he asked, “Are you the only one who’s read the ancient texts about the Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree?”

She nodded. “Once I finished reading that ancient book, it vanished into thin air. So, in this world, it’s likely only you and I know of this… Still, we should beware of those seeking news about the Spirit Tree. Caution is the key to long life.”

The ancient text vanished—so even the immortals of old didn’t wish the secret of the Spirit Tree to be too widely known… Li Guanxuan surmised that perhaps only he and this Miss Qin were privy to the secret. And with the Spirit Tree now hidden in the dark space within his body, no matter how powerful, none could find it, so there was no need to worry about exposure.

Moreover, if he didn’t let Miss Qin stay here, she likely wouldn’t let the matter rest. After all, she’d already entrusted him with her greatest secret.

Li Guanxuan smiled and asked, “Qin Wuji isn’t your real name, is it? We ought to be honest with each other now.”

Upon hearing this, Miss Qin finally let out a breath of relief. For Li Guanxuan to say this meant he was willing to let her stay.

“Qin Jiyue.”

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly. “Regarding the Spirit Tree, we must proceed slowly and cautiously. We can’t afford to be rash. Remember, the patriarch of Joyous Mountain is a great cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment; he could crush us both with a single slap.”

“I understand. Besides, we don’t even know the Spirit Tree’s true whereabouts now, unless I can go see the place where it once took root.”

Qin Jiyue’s words hinted at something. “But Joyous Mountain is a dual cultivation sect. It’s not easy for me to get in…”

Li Guanxuan caught her meaning and said plainly, “My talent and aptitude aren’t up to their standard.”

Qin Jiyue was momentarily speechless. She’d overlooked that.

She said seriously, “Let’s be clear: unless I obtain the Spirit Tree, and unless we develop feelings for each other, you cannot dual cultivate with me.”

“Don’t worry. I have a wife; I wouldn’t get entangled with you at a time like this,” Li Guanxuan replied. “From now on, since you’ll be living here, it’s best if you ask for my permission before doing anything. If you bring trouble here, I’ll have no choice but to ask you to leave.”

“That’s only right,” Qin Jiyue nodded, seeing no reason to object.

Both she and Li Guanxuan were only at the Qi Refinement stage. Against a sect like Joyous Mountain, protected by a Foundation Establishment patriarch, they were simply no match. The matter of the Spirit Tree would require patience and careful planning.

…

When Wen Rongxin returned and saw the two chatting and laughing, with her husband no longer asking Qin Jiyue to leave, the worry she’d been carrying finally faded.

Learning that Qin Jiyue would be staying, Wen Rongxin was even more delighted. As long as the relationship was cultivated properly, she wouldn’t have to exhaust herself so much in the future! At last, there was someone to share some of the burdens.

However…

In the quiet of night, Li Guanxuan silently practiced the Dragon and Phoenix Reversal Technique within his body, beginning a new round of exertion. The scene was rather explosive. Some were delighted, burning with passion; others lamented bitterly, yet their voices remained high and clear.

By midday, Wen Rongxin was utterly spent, her body limp and weak. She gazed at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window with a heavy sigh, her face clouded with worry.

Her husband, now armed with a dual cultivation secret art, seemed even more fearsome than before… If, in the future, even the delicate Jiyue couldn’t withstand his advances, what was she to do?

With these troubled thoughts, Wen Rongxin drifted into sleep.

…

When Li Guanxuan finally emerged at noon, and the gentle, kind-hearted Wen Rongxin showed no sign of coming out, Qin Jiyue began to worry about her own future living arrangements.

This Li Guanxuan was nothing like the honest, upright man he appeared to be!

Li Guanxuan, noticing the look on Qin Jiyue’s face, confirmed a suspicion in his heart: this talented young woman was truly untouched by worldly matters—a maiden in every sense, just eighteen as rumored.

Moreover, beyond her valiant aura, there was a unique charm and playful beauty to her—innocently alluring.

“What are you looking at?” Qin Jiyue, uncomfortable under his gaze, snapped, “When I get that spirit object, you’ll be my little dual cultivation consort!”

Hearing this, Li Guanxuan couldn’t help but laugh. Qin Jiyue really did have the air of a heroine—unashamed when it came to such matters, and even ready to take the initiative.

“Very well, we’ll see just how tough your words are in the days to come.”

With a chuckle, Li Guanxuan went off to the kitchen to prepare the meal. With his wife unable to get out of bed, household chores naturally fell to him.

As the aroma of the food filled the air, Qin Jiyue felt a pang of hunger. Though she was at the middle stage of Qi Refinement, she still needed spirit-infused food for energy from time to time. Besides, these delicious dishes were far better than fasting pills.

“Go call Rongxin for the meal. I’ll bring the bowls and chopsticks,” Li Guanxuan said.

“All right!” Qin Jiyue quickly agreed. In this household, Wen Rongxin was still the principal wife. It was clear Li Guanxuan cherished and doted on her. If she ever offended the lady of the house, she’d certainly suffer for it.

Inside the bedroom, Wen Rongxin slowly woke to find Qin Jiyue had come to call her, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

“Forgive me for making a spectacle of myself,” Wen Rongxin said softly, her cheeks flushing.

“Not at all! It’s all Li Guanxuan’s fault for not showing any mercy!” Qin Jiyue replied indignantly, seeing Wen Rongxin’s exhaustion.

During her time observing Li Guanxuan, she’d come to know Wen Rongxin’s gentle and straightforward nature—a kind woman, simple-hearted and easy to get along with.

Wen Rongxin quickly changed the subject, taking Qin Jiyue’s hand and leading her to the main hall. “From now on, think of this as your own home. My husband may have a sharp tongue, but he’s soft-hearted. Don’t argue with him, and you’ll be fine.”

“All right, I’ll listen to you in everything,” Qin Jiyue replied with a bright smile.

Li Guanxuan watched them closely. Realizing Qin Jiyue was genuinely sincere toward Wen Rongxin, he finally felt reassured.

During the meal, Wen Rongxin kept serving Qin Jiyue dishes, asking after her well-being and all but ignoring Li Guanxuan. Qin Jiyue responded readily, occasionally sharing tales of the cultivation world’s oddities. The two women’s faces were graced with unending smiles.

Seeing such harmony, Li Guanxuan was somewhat surprised, but soon put his mind at ease. Since Qin Jiyue would eventually dual cultivate with him, building a good relationship with Wen Rongxin now might well spare them any future domestic strife.

…

PS: If any of you dear readers have some recommendation tickets, do consider feeding a few my way~