Looking at the proficiency of the Purple Sun Transformation Skill, Chen Mo was confident that in four or five days, he could step into the Upper Three Grades.

From what he learned from Liang Xue and Xia Zhining, after stepping into the Upper Three Grades, one's bodily functions would transform, enabling night vision and surpassing the speed of a thousand-mile horse. Most importantly, it would increase one's lifespan by half a jiazi.

It is said that upon reaching the First Grade, one can harness Innate Spiritual Qi and perform the Flying Technique. But since ancient times, those who reach the First Grade are few.

In the nearly four hundred years of the Great Song Dynasty, there have been no more than ten, except perhaps Old King Wei, who might still be alive, while the rest have long passed away.

Why is it said that Old King Wei might still be alive?

It's because the lifespan of a First-Grade Martial Artist is around 150 years, and Old King Wei is Emperor Jing of Song's uncle, now over 120 years old. Rumor has it that during the time of the previous emperor, Old King Wei, feeling his end approaching, ventured overseas to seek the technique of longevity and has not returned since, his fate unknown.

Currently, the strongest known in the Great Song Dynasty is merely a Second Grade.

And once you step into the Upper Three Grades, regardless of your achievements or background, as long as you register with the court, you will be granted a title, at least that of a Viscount, and be given an official position. Unless it's a capital crime, you'll be granted three pardons, and after that, each offense will require a fine.

Therefore, the treatment of Upper Third-Grade Martial Artists by the court is very high.

Reaching the Third Grade truly qualifies one to dominate.

Chen Mo contemplated quietly, following the plan set by Geng Songfu for him. After taking Linzhou, he would just wait for the world's situation to change. He could advance to attack Huai State or retreat to Jiangdong.

So what he had to do next was to develop Qing, Yu, and Lin Three States, increase the population, improve people's livelihoods, gather strength, and watch the world's upheavals unfold.

After over two years of war, he could finally enjoy himself.

"Hiss..."

At this moment, Chen Mo took a cold breath.

Liang Xue quickly looked up, her hair disheveled, face flushed, with a hint of panic in her eyes, and a few strands of hair in her mouth. She hurriedly said, "Master, are you... okay, I... I didn't mean to."

Liang Xue, taught by Chen Mo, changed her way of addressing him from Mo Lang, Master, to now, Lord.

She also referred to herself as I.

With Liang Xue's charming style, using such titles was enough to make one's blood boil.

"I know."

Chen Mo gently reassured her, then praised, "Xue'Er has improved."

After speaking, he pulled Liang Xue's hand into his embrace and said, "Xue'Er, after you're full, it's time for me to enjoy."

Liang Xue shyly murmured, her eyes no longer panicked, and her cheeks blushed red, radiant as brocade. She gently raised her hand, embraced Chen Mo's head, letting him become like a baby once more.

With a hum from Liang Xue's nose, naturally seductive, she seemed like a fox spirit transforming into a human, exuding allure. Her pearly teeth bit tightly onto her full and glossy lips, leaving white imprints.

Xia Zhining saw this scene, her face slightly stiff, her eyes mixed with embarrassment and anger. But with her personality, she still took over Liang Xue's previous task, her tongue eloquent as a reed.

Feeling something amiss, Xia Zhining hesitated no longer; she pushed Liang Xue away and then moved toward Chen Mo, her clear eyes moist and rippling like a beautiful snake.

Lately, Liang Xue had been taking away the affection meant for her from that scoundrel.

Liang Xue's jade face was flushed. After a moment of daze, her eyes sultry, her petite and exquisite earlobes adorned with earrings swayed slightly. Then she nestled her delicate body close, embracing Xia Zhining.

...

The weather in September was unbearably hot. Even at night, the air was sultry, and the willow and wutong trees planted in the yard rustled in the wind, mixed with the sounds of insects and frogs, disturbing quiet dreams.

The woman lying on the soft couch in the west wing of the courtyard turned over, gently opened her eyes, wiped the fine layer of sweat from her smooth forehead, and lifted the thin silk blanket off her body. Her budding pale skin heaved slightly, and her delicate oval face contained a hint of fear.

She had another nightmare.

Ever since Liang Song left, Ning Wan, lacking a sense of security, had nightmares almost every few nights.

Ning Wan got up, put on her embroidered shoes, calmed herself, and felt a thirst.

"Someone..." Ning Wan subconsciously called.

But unfortunately, no one outside responded.

Ning Wan was momentarily stunned, only then recalling that she was no longer the owner of this Longmen County. Although Chen Mo arranged a maid for her, Ning Wan refused.

After all, her current identity in this backyard was too awkward, freeloading without a future direction, and after being abandoned by Liang Song, even the familial ties with Liang Xue were lost, making it embarrassing to accept.

It felt like living in a stranger's house, with the surrounding environment feeling unsafe.

She went to a small table by the window, poured herself a cup of tea from the kettle, which was already boiled, not hot, and gulped it down.

After quenching her thirst, Ning Wan lost her sleepiness and left the room, seeing the empty courtyard, she involuntarily raised her arms to hug herself, feeling a surge of loneliness.

Recalling Liang Song's departing figure, Ning Wan felt a wave of grievance welling up in her heart.

She headed for the corridor, thinking of visiting another courtyard, hoping to meet someone to ease the unease in her heart. The sides of the corridor were dimly lit, with only sparse moonlight shining through, intermittently illuminating Ning Wan, her long hair and green dress glowing like ice and snow, making her seem bathed in a dreamlike radiance.

She arrived at the largest courtyard in the backyard of the county government office, where she and Liang Song used to live.

This courtyard was also empty.

The lantern hanging under the eaves cast its light on Ning Wan, leaving a shadow in the courtyard.

Ning Wan stepped in and suddenly heard a sound that resembled crying.

Xue'Er?

Thinking it over, Ning Wan decided to go and have a chat with Liang Xue. Her steps were light and small, making it seem as though she made no sound. But just as she was about to reach the door, she heard a soft moan enter her ear.

Being experienced, she knew very well what this sound meant.

But what surprised her was that there seemed to be two different female voices.

Curious, Ning Wan unknowingly came under the window to eavesdrop, even bending down. The sound coming out felt like it scorched her face, causing her heart to race wildly.

Is it her?

In Ning Wan's mind, the face of Xia Zhining appeared.

Unexpectedly, the seemingly cold woman was indulging in mischief with Xue'Er and that man...

Ning Wan and Liang Song were both traditional and serious people. Hence, even with experience, Ning Wan had never served alongside another woman with a man...

In the traditional virtues for women, such as the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, daytime declarations... and this kind of situation, are considered obscene and against decorum.

However, for some reason, the slight, musical sound of the zither made her delicate body quiver slightly, filling her entire being with a tingling sensation.

"I can't listen any longer..." Ning Wan felt a wave of shyness in her heart. Just as she was about to quietly leave, she heard voices from inside the room.

Curiosity arose within her, prompting her to stay and listen to what they were saying.

At this moment, Chen Mo was looking at Xia Zhining's jade-like back, her smooth hair braided into two ropes by him. Because the braiding wasn't particularly neat, a few strands of hair were slicked together with sweat into little rolls. His gaze lowered, revealing circular red marks on the grindstone.

Xia Zhining's exquisite face blushed a rosy hue. Glancing back with her slender neck, she let out a light snort, speaking in a somewhat teasing tone, "You scoundrel, I just casually mentioned Liang Xue's auntie earlier, and you seem even more... Were you thinking about her just now?"

From his changes earlier and her understanding of his temperament, Xia Zhining was certain that this scoundrel had improper thoughts.

This scoundrel, truly eating from the bowl while coveting the pot.

"Ms. Zhining, don't talk nonsense..."

Liang Xue, who had already retreated to the side, buried her head in the embroidered quilt. Hearing this, she couldn't help but lift her head, feeling both shy and shocked.

"Pa..."

A crisp sound echoed in the room, leaving another red mark on the grindstone. Chen Mo tightened the reins, urging the horse onward, "Talking nonsense will get you slapped."

Xia Zhining's face turned red with anger, and she immediately spoke her mind, "I don't believe you haven't thought about it. Every time you see Ning Wan, your eyes can't help but wander to her. If you didn't think about it, you could arrange for her to live outside the county government office. Why let her stay in the backyard? Clearly, you have ulterior motives."

Chen Mo furrowed his brows, saying, "Don't slander someone's innocence. Ning Wan is Xue'Er's auntie; these words shouldn't be spoken lightly."

Xia Zhining let out a soft snort, her tone mocking, "If she weren't an auntie, would it be fine then? You truly have hidden intentions. Besides, being an auntie doesn't mean...

Moreover, Liang Song has already abandoned her, almost giving her to you."

This much, Xia Zhining could also see.

"Pa..."

Another loud slap echoed in the room. This slap wasn't from Chen Mo but from Liang Xue. She angrily said, "You're talking nonsense. What you said is too much."

"How dare you hit me?" Xia Zhining was still turning her head and, upon seeing this, widened her eyes slightly.

This scoundrel hit me because he's my man.

What are you?

According to who came first, you're the junior; I'm the senior.

As a junior, you dare to hit a senior.

Xia Zhining immediately pounced on Liang Xue, and the two women began to scuffle.

Chen Mo didn't intervene; both were Eighth Grade, neither held an advantage over the other.

But Chen Mo still said to be mindful of limits and not to really start a fight.

Clearly, both women were mindful, as they tangled with each other.

Chen Mo, however, put on his clothes and barefootedly walked outside. He had heard footsteps outside earlier. He thought it might be a servant seeking him for some matter, but he never heard a knock on the door or anything. He wanted to see what was going on.

ps: Thank you all for your rewards and monthly passes!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.