Chapter 77: A Moment of Clarity (Please Continue Reading)

As a proper transmigrator, born into a prominent family, Li Guanzhuan once harbored the aspiration, "Thirty years the river flows east, thirty years west—never look down upon the youth in hardship." Starting out as a so-called good-for-nothing was nothing new to him.

But after suffering a harsh beating and discovering that no mysterious system or golden finger had awakened within him, Li Guanzhuan finally understood... No matter how many cultivation novels he had read, a transmigrator without a cheat was just as hard-pressed to survive in this cruel and perilous world of cultivation.

Therefore, upon realizing the presence of a Silk Tree of Joy hidden within his body, Li Guanzhuan immediately became cautious and prudent in all things. Before doing anything, he would carefully consider the consequences and gains.

Because of this, after he crafted Foundation Establishment Pills with a thirty percent success rate, he immediately foresaw the storm such pills would cause in the cultivation world.

No cultivator could bypass the hurdle of foundation establishment, making the pill all the more vital. Moreover, in the cultivation world, the majority were of mediocre talent. Once a Foundation Pill with a thirty percent success rate came to light, it would not only spark a frenzy among rogue cultivators but also draw the attention of countless powers.

Understanding this, Li Guanzhuan began to keep his alchemy skills well concealed, showing them only before those he trusted somewhat. In public, he mostly presented himself as a talisman master.

After making a circuitous journey back home, Li Guanzhuan’s expression was tinged with gravity.

“There are more cultivators around than before...”

“It seems Ji Yue’s recent breakthrough to Foundation Establishment has drawn them all here.”

“After I succeed in Foundation Establishment, I must move. After all, I can now afford to rent almost any house in the inner city.”

Having made his plans in secret, Li Guanzhuan explained at dinner to his wives his intention to go to Shanggu City.

Learning that the upcoming auction might well be a trap set by the city lord of Shanggu, a trace of worry appeared on the faces of all three women.

Li Guanzhuan smiled and explained, “There’s sure to be some risk and trouble, but it shouldn’t be too grave. I have a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator backing me—the city lord of Shanggu won’t dare do much. He’s probably auctioning off the late-stage second-tier demon core to win me over, not to harm me.”

“No matter what, I must go with you to Shanggu City this time,” Qin Jiyue said, her exquisite and beautiful face set with resolve.

“Of course. Right now I must race against time to reach the peak of Qi Refining. You must stay by my side at all times,” Li Guanzhuan replied with a smile.

Wen Rongxin didn’t quite catch the implication, but the clever Song Zhiqiao understood instantly, her pretty cheeks flushing red.

She’d been married into the family for over a year now and well knew that Brother Li cultivated the secret dual cultivation arts—hence his shameless diligence day after day.

Having Sister Ji Yue follow him was simply a matter of course.

Qin Jiyue shot a playful glare at the man she loved and said, “Let’s take this time to prepare properly, just in case. After all, our peaceful life mustn’t be disturbed.”

Li Guanzhuan nodded slightly, then turned to Wen Rongxin, “My dear, I’ll have to trouble you and Zhiqiao to look after the house.”

“It’s no trouble at all.” Wen Rongxin’s almond-shaped eyes were filled with concern. “You and Sister Jiyue must be careful, put safety above all else... If you sense any danger, just run. Don’t argue or fight.”

Hearing these familiar words, Li Guanzhuan smiled, gently patted his wife’s hand, and replied tenderly, “I understand, my dear. Rest assured.”

“I’m already a Foundation Establishment cultivator—I can protect my husband. Sister, don’t worry,” Qin Jiyue consoled her.

“Still, be careful. You only have one life,” Wen Rongxin said seriously, taking Qin Jiyue’s jade hand.

“I promise, Sister. I’ll be doubly cautious, always by his side, never arrogant or reckless.”

Qin Jiyue, not wanting her elder sister to worry herself sick, made her promise at once.

She was no longer the Qin Jiyue of the past. Now, she had become adept in the art of prudence, just like Li Guanzhuan.

...

After dinner, Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao washed dishes together in the kitchen, chatting and laughing.

Li Guanzhuan and Qin Jiyue busied themselves in the main hall, wiping tables and the like.

Once finished, Qin Jiyue, out of habit, stretched her long legs over Li Guanzhuan’s lap, deftly peeling a spirit fruit with her power as she said, “What are you scheming now?”

Noticing Li Guanzhuan’s divine sense extending outward, Qin Jiyue eyed him suspiciously.

Li Guanzhuan grinned, pulled her slender waist into his embrace, settled her on his lap, and whispered in her ear, “Rongxin can’t handle it, but Zhiqiao probably can. Shall we try? Otherwise, I fear you’ll be overwhelmed by my... stamina.”

As a seasoned enchantress, Qin Jiyue blushed at his words and retorted, “You scoundrel, always thinking of ways to torment us.”

“How is it torment? This is proper dual cultivation—a quest for immortality together, a journey toward eternal life,” Li Guanzhuan reasoned, all the while savoring his spirit melon.

Qin Jiyue shot him a coy glare and muttered, “Then you ask Zhiqiao. I won’t broach the subject. Don’t even think of coaxing me into it.”

Though bold with Li Guanzhuan, she would never go to Song Zhiqiao and say, Sister can’t handle that demon of a husband alone—let’s join forces tonight and subdue him together... That was simply too embarrassing for Qin Jiyue to utter.

“Don’t you want to exchange tips with Zhiqiao?” Li Guanzhuan pressed on.

Feeling a certain pressure from below, Qin Jiyue’s delicate face blushed ever deeper, but she pretended not to hear, quietly leaning into his arms.

Seeing this, Li Guanzhuan realized this approach was futile and began to plot anew.

Perhaps he could have Rongxin fall asleep early, so she wouldn’t have to wait for him... Then, he could coax his darling sister-in-law into joining him to challenge the White-Haired Witch of the Foundation Establishment stage—that might work.

After all, Ji Yue was just too shy to bring it up, not unwilling to act...

Yes, that would do.

When Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao returned for spirit fruit after their chores, Wen Rongxin, as the main wife, knew Li Guanzhuan too well. Just a glance at his thoughtful look, and she immediately guessed what mischief he was plotting.

She gently poked him in the side and whispered, “Zhiqiao is about to break through to the fourth layer of Qi Refining...”

Hearing this, Li Guanzhuan understood at once.

It was Song Zhiqiao’s time for a breakthrough—he mustn’t distract her at this critical moment, lest anxiety or nerves disrupt her progress.

Unlike Wen Rongxin and Qin Jiyue, Song Zhiqiao did not possess the special trait.

“Yes, while Ji Yue and I are away in Shanggu City, you must take good care of her,” Li Guanzhuan said solemnly.

Qin Jiyue couldn’t help but giggle. Her husband’s little scheme was foiled again.

Li Guanzhuan, annoyed, gave her a firm swat on her shapely rear, growling, “Tonight, I’ll make you pay dearly!”

But rather than being intimidated, Qin Jiyue’s eyes sparkled with flirtatious mischief. “I’m more than ready, my husband—are you?”

Even Song Zhiqiao, born into a family of scholars, could not help but marvel at Sister Jiyue’s literary prowess.

“My dear, Zhiqiao, you two chat. This witch is far too brazen—I must enforce the house rules at once and give her a proper punishment!”

...