At the end, when Wang Xiaoqiang stopped...

Sai Ya was panting with exhaustion, sweat glistening all over her. Her limbs were limp, lacking even the strength to speak.

Wang Xiaoqiang also felt some fatigue, a psychological weariness that any other man would feel in such circumstances. He lay limp on the ground and exhaled deeply, "Alright, the poison has been completely extracted. Rest for a while, and you'll be fine."

The two rested on the ground for a while; Sai Ya regained some strength and spoke, "That snake is not poisonous."

"What?!" Wang Xiaoqiang turned his face to stare at Sai Ya, utterly astonished.

Sai Ya explained, "That snake was with the Blood Lotus for a long time, and was stained by the Blood Qi emitted by the lotus, gradually turning red, and carrying some Blood Qi within it. After a bite, a bit of Blood Qi adheres to the blood, making it look somewhat dark, but it's actually harmless."

"..." Sai Ya's explanation made Wang Xiaoqiang feel quite embarrassed, leaving him speechless. After a long pause, he said irritably, "Seems I went through a futile exercise."

"It's alright, thank you," Sai Ya comfortingly ruffled Wang Xiaoqiang's hair.

Remembering the recent intimate encounter, Wang Xiaoqiang felt somewhat moved. Two alone, after such an intimate contact, thinking further could lead to trouble.

Not daring to dwell on it, he abruptly stood up, saying, "Let's continue searching for Blood Lotus."

...

With Sai Ya's help, after a week of searching and collecting, Wang Xiaoqiang gathered thirteen Blood Lotuses. Including the seven obtained from the Demon Cultivators, a total of twenty, all stored in the Sumeru Ring.

Though the Tree Palace was grand and luxurious, it was amid freezing snow, with a rather harsh environment. Not only did the soldiers dislike staying in such a desolate place, even Wang Xiaoqiang was unwilling to linger.

Therefore, Wang Xiaoqiang decided to withdraw the troops and return to the court.

Today.

The army set out in grand array towards the Yellow Dragon Empire.

Wang Xiaoqiang released 10,000 Five Elements Spirit Springs to form a Spirit Spring Flying Boat, then invited Guan Qingsi, Jiang Yingxue, and Sai Ya aboard. The four of them flew together.

Guan Qingsi, typically open-hearted, was not petty at the moment, having no resentment towards the other two women.

Jiang Yingxue was rather surprised and delighted; she expected Wang Xiaoqiang to blame her for the previous attempt to kill Sai Ya. However, Wang Xiaoqiang bore no resentment towards her and invited her aboard, treating all equally.

This unexpected gesture moved her greatly.

With the army ahead and the Spirit Spring Flying Boat behind, the company majestically departed the Snow Territory, watching as the vast snowy plains gradually vanished below. Wang Xiaoqiang couldn't help but glance back, a figure of a woman appearing in his mind.

This woman was none other than Leng Qingqiu.

Wang Xiaoqiang hoped Leng Qingqiu would abandon the Path of Ruthlessness, release her lover's Remnant Soul from the Sword Body, let go of everything, and embrace him.

Yet, she hadn't come all this time, leaving Wang Xiaoqiang a bit disappointed. Evidently, Leng Qingqiu hadn't resolved her inner entanglements.

Considering her solitary life amid ice and snow, lonely and isolated, Wang Xiaoqiang couldn't help but feel sorrowful.

He sighed softly and turned back; Guan Qingsi was watching him, and seeing his demeanor, she asked curiously, "Why sigh? Are you reluctant to leave, feeling emotional towards Snow Territory?"

"Snow Territory is where I achieved fame; it's only natural for me to feel nostalgic," Wang Xiaoqiang replied evasively.

"Indeed, this time you routed the Demon Army, forcing the Great Demon King back to the Demon Realm. A monumental achievement for sure; His Majesty will surely greatly reward you, perhaps even betroth you as the Imperial Son-in-Law, haha..." Guan Qingsi joked, unaware of the truth in her jest.

Indeed, Wang Xiaoqiang was destined for the position of Imperial Son-in-Law.

Wang Xiaoqiang chuckled bitterly, "What a joke, you give me too much credit; I'm just a commoner, not fit for such an honor."

Guan Qingsi asked, "If His Majesty indeed intends to marry his daughter to you, would you accept or refuse?"

The other two women also looked at Wang Xiaoqiang, eager for his reaction.

Wang Xiaoqiang replied, "If I have feelings for the Empire's Princess, I would accept. If not, I would refuse."

"Do you have feelings for the Empire's Princess? Hurry, tell us!" Guan Qingsi pinched Wang Xiaoqiang's waist playfully.

Wang Xiaoqiang raised his hands and cried out, "Murder! Alas, murder by one's own wife!"

The two other women laughed.

...

Today.

Wang Xiaoqiang's troops majestically arrived at Dragon City's outskirts. Before entering, they heard the citizens' enthusiastic cheers,

The news of Wang Xiaoqiang's defeat of the Demon Army, driving the Great Demon King out of the Snow Territory, had long spread throughout the Empire. More significantly, the army suffered minimal casualties, making this expedition a decisive victory, returning in triumph. Tales of Wang Xiaoqiang's heroism were circulating everywhere in Dragon City.

Everyone praised Wang Xiaoqiang.

His Majesty dispatched an Immortal Palanquin to greet them at Dragon City's gate, showing his regard for Wang Xiaoqiang.

This Immortal Palanquin was larger and more luxurious than when he was a Lord Marquis—a privilege granted to higher officials like Princes and Prime Ministers.

Wang Xiaoqiang was invited into the Immortal Palanquin.

Surrounded by several government officers, he entered Dragon City with great pomp.

A large crowd gathered inside Dragon City to witness the spectacle, standing orderly along the streets, waving colorful banners and placards, extending their hands, cheering and praising...

Young women gazed at the Immortal Palanquin with burning eyes, and even normally composed women displayed a smitten look, filled with infatuation.

This stirred jealousy in Guan Qingsi, Jiang Yingxue, and Sai Ya trailing behind.

At that moment, they realized Wang Xiaoqiang didn't belong solely to any one of them. In other words, they were each one among his women, but not the only one.

The Immortal Palanquin advanced slowly amid the people's cheerful welcome, heading toward the Imperial Palace. Near Yihong Courtyard, another minor episode unfolded.

A group of headliner women from Yihong Courtyard, in a lovestruck daze, audaciously appeared dressed only in sheer translucent garments, disrupting the Immortal Palanquin's path, chattering and displaying coquettish mannerisms, causing the citizens to be astounded.

Though Wang Xiaoqiang was indulgent, he had no affection for brothel women, but seeing them block the path, he didn't order the government officers to drive them away either.

Without Wang Xiaoqiang's directive, the officers, disliking the spectacle, drove them away with disdain, but the brothel women lay on the ground.

Understanding their intent, Wang Xiaoqiang instructed the officers to throw money at them. Sure enough, after receiving the money, they gathered it, kneeled, thanked him, and left courteously.

This minor episode made the citizens despise the brothel women even more but increased their respect for Wang Xiaoqiang.

Wang Xiaoqiang's indifferent yet benevolent attitude towards the brothel women greatly impressed the people. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please vote for it at qidian.com to recommend it, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)

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