HISS!

The moment the flames ignited the Primordial Spirit bead, a fiery serpent leaped within, seemingly struggling to break free.

"Not bad, not bad at all!"

"This Primordial Spirit can actually defend itself autonomously. Interesting!"

"This Primordial Spirit even possesses its own consciousness. It's truly a treasure. A pity its power is still far too weak."

Chen Zheng smiled faintly and flicked his finger, tossing the bead toward a nearby table. With a slap, the table burst apart, but the Primordial Spirit bead beneath it was enveloped by vital energy and soared into a Pill Furnace. A muffled sound emerged from the furnace, as if something was brewing within.

At that moment, the Lin Family estate erupted with noise.

"Hey! Look, it's Young Master Chen! He's back!"

"Haha, Young Master Chen's aura is even stronger than before. Did he have a breakthrough?"

"Yes, look at his rosy, vibrant complexion! He's definitely had a breakthrough!"

The news of Chen Zheng's return sent the entire estate into a commotion, exhilarating many of the Lin Family members. They were moved to tears of joy. As servants of the Lin Family, they had been implicated when Lin Dongcheng was forced to leave. Now, seeing a glimmer of hope, their excitement was palpable.

However, a different chorus of voices soon rang out.

"Chen Zheng, you dare to come back!"

"You have a death wish!"

"Kill this beast!"

A torrent of curses echoed through the courtyard. These servants loathed Chen Zheng intensely. Now that the object of their hatred had appeared, they saw their chance and couldn't help but berate him furiously.

"Silence! Get lost!" Chen Zheng commanded, his cold gaze sweeping across the hostile servants. His tone was imbued with an undeniable authority.

As soon as his words fell, the servants were scared silent, not daring to utter another sound.

"Alright, Young Master Chen, please get some rest. Dinner will be ready soon," the Lin Family steward quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over. He then turned to the staff. "Everyone is dismissed. There's no need to prepare dinner for now."

"Hmph!"

"Just you wait! Young Master Chen will definitely fight his way back into the Lin Family's main house!"

Hearing the steward's orders, the loyal servants left, still muttering with indignation.

Shortly after, silence descended upon the Lin Family estate once more.

This kid's strength isn't bad, but he's still a bit too green, Lin Dongcheng thought, a sinister smile curling his lips. This time, I'd like to see what other tricks you have up your sleeve.

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed all the servants around him.

"Young Master Chen, please follow me. The Young Madam is waiting for you upstairs," the Lin Family steward said with a bow, leading Chen Zheng toward the second floor.

"Heh, boy, I told you before, you're no match for me. It's not too late to regret it now," Lin Dongcheng snickered maliciously at Chen Zheng's retreating back.

「The second floor of the Lin Family Estate」

Chen Zheng and the steward entered a courtyard dominated by an elegant pavilion. On the top floor stood a woman of stately grace and captivating beauty. Dressed in a purple palace gown, wearing a phoenix crown, and draped in a sunset-hued shawl, she exuded an air of nobility and magnificence.

"I, Lin Wanting, pay my respects to my husband," she said, rising to give Chen Zheng a respectful bow. Her voice was as enchanting as a Profound Immortal descending to the mortal realm.

Lin Wanting. The Young Madam of the Lin Family.

Upon hearing her name, Chen Zheng instantly recalled a previous encounter. A suggestive image flashed through his mind, stirring a restless desire within him.

This Lin Wanting... she must be exquisite. And since she's Lin Dongcheng's woman... she must also be quite a catch!

As various thoughts about Lin Wanting crossed his mind, a wicked smile touched his lips. However, he didn't immediately suggest going to her room. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, "There's no rush. You are my wife, and I will officially marry you in due time."

A hint of surprise flickered in Lin Wanting's eyes. She nodded and said, "In that case, please proceed to the study. I have already instructed the servants to move the bookshelf there."

"Alright."

Chen Zheng chuckled and started toward the study. After a few steps, he stopped and glanced back at Lin Wanting. "However, I have a piece of advice for you. From now on, don't call me Young Master Chen. You will call me husband. You are to be my, Chen Zheng's, lawful wife."

"..."

Lin Wanting's lovely face instantly flushed crimson.

"Wife, why are you blushing? Are you feeling unwell? Is something wrong?" Chen Zheng asked, feigning innocence.

"..."

"Ahem! Are you shy, Wife? It's alright. We're husband and wife, after all. It's only natural, so there's no need to be shy! Ha ha!" Chen Zheng laughed heartily before turning back toward the study.

The study was filled with rare ancient texts. A gigantic bookshelf stood against one wall, piled high with collector's editions of martial technique manuals. These were all collected by Lin Dongcheng, who was a cultivator himself. The collection was vast enough to keep an ordinary person occupied with cultivation for a decade.

Chen Zheng scanned the bookshelf, then turned his smiling gaze to Lin Wanting. "Wife, where did you get all these martial arts? Why have I never seen them before?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself," Lin Wanting explained, shaking her head. "I once happened upon a mountain range with many hidden caves. While passing through, I discovered several books inside one of them, so I placed them in my storage ring before continuing my search elsewhere."

"I see." Chen Zheng nodded, not pressing further.

At that moment, a voice called out, "Young Master Chen!"

Chen Zheng looked up to see a maidservant hurrying over with a bowl of hot soup.

"I personally prepared this bird's nest soup. Please, have it while it's hot," the maid said as she approached. She glanced at Chen Zheng before placing the small bowl in front of him, her face a mask of eager cordiality.

"Hm, thank you," Chen Zheng acknowledged with a slight nod.

"Please enjoy, Young Master Chen. This servant will not disturb you any longer." The maid then retreated to the doorway. It was a well-known fact that even Lin Dongcheng's personal maids had been handpicked by him.

Chen Zheng watched the maid leave before calling out to the rest of the room, "All of you may leave!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Several respectful replies came from the shadows, and the other servants withdrew.

"Husband," Lin Wanting said, her voice gentle. She had risen and now glided gracefully toward Chen Zheng, her luminous, watery eyes fixed upon him.

"Hm." Chen Zheng nodded without speaking, extending his right hand to pinch her delicate chin.

Lin Wanting didn't flinch, allowing his fingers to hold her.

"Husband... what... what are you planning to do?" A strange light flickered in her eyes, and her heart began to pound in her chest as a peculiar sensation spread through her body.

Chen Zheng's gaze burned into hers. After a long moment, he released her chin, only to pull her down to sit on his lap.

"Husband... you..." Lin Wanting's eyes filled with panic, and her body trembled.

"Wan'er, you are so beautiful," Chen Zheng murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist. He took a deep breath, inhaling the faint fragrance that emanated from her, feeling the smoothness of her skin. An urge to crush her to him surged within him, but he managed to restrain it.

Then, Chen Zheng lowered his head and captured her red lips with his own.

"Mmm..."

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