Old Master Jun was not overly anxious on the first day; after all, Jun Moxie's current strength was not weak, and he was full of confidence, even boasting that he could protect himself even if the Eight Great Supremes made a move, so what could possibly go wrong? Perhaps the fellow was hiding somewhere, diligently manufacturing great-grandchildren for him.

But by the second day, the Old Master and Third Master Jun could no longer sit still. What was going on? Two days and two nights without coming home—this had never happened before. Could he have lost track of time enjoying himself somewhere?

By the third day, they were completely restless. The claim of being able to protect himself from the Eight Great Supremes—that information had yet to be verified. What if—

The Old Master’s temper flared. With a single decree, the capital was placed under martial law once more, and troops began searching everywhere, barging through with reckless abandon. The Jun family’s secret forces were mobilized again, and simultaneously, Hai Chenfeng’s Golden Sun Gang became fully active. For a time, local ruffians and the army joined forces; hooligans allied with generals. Jun Wuyi, Third Master Jun, personally took command, sweeping through every suspicious location multiple times, almost as if sifting through dust.

Third Master Jun’s expression was exceptionally grim. This search was conducted with unusual ruthlessness. Anyone who dared to argue was summarily executed first! The Old Master openly spat out a harsh warning: “Damn it, even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up! Search meticulously! Anyone who dares not cooperate will be wiped out!”

If anyone dared speak out, their legs would be broken first, and if they whined after that, would they still want their heads?

The major brothels and pleasure houses were the worst affected, shut down for immediate rectification. The most tragic among them was Spirit Mist Lake, and within Spirit Mist Lake, the most miserable was the Rainbow Pavilion! This point was undeniable!

From the madam down to the pimps, everyone was imprisoned. Even Madam Yue’er, who frequented the Rainbow Pavilion the most, was placed under house arrest. It was said that Madam Yue’er was currently on a tour performing her zither skills. Various pleasure houses vied to hire her, but before she had completed even half her engagements, the army dispatched by Jun Wuyi seized her.

The reason?

To hell with it, what need is there for reason when capturing a courtesan?

Everyone knew that the Rainbow Pavilion had connections with the Second Prince. But this time, even the Second Prince reportedly sent his chief strategist, the venerable Mr. Fang Bowen, to plead for mercy, hoping the Jun family would show some face—even if it was just to release Madam Yue’er alone. But Third Master Jun, his face cold, replied with a single word: “Scram!”

It was rumored that the highly respected Elder Fang suffered an apoplectic fit on the spot.

Just as chaos reigned, the Third Young Master Jun appeared.

Dressed even worse than a beggar, Young Master Jun materialized in his small courtyard, immediately moving like a hungry ghost reincarnated, rushing about like a stray dog, or a fish escaping a net. With speed approaching light, he zipped into the Jun family’s main kitchen.

This startled Ke’er, the little loli who had been washing her face with tears for days, causing her to jump. Before she could even turn around in surprise, her young master had already vanished again.

Ke’er quickly notified Guan Qinghan, who immediately sent people to inform Jun Wuyi: Third Young Master Jun had returned, safe and sound.

The two women then followed the direction Jun Moxie had disappeared and were both startled when they reached the main kitchen.

Young Master Jun was clad in rags, disheveled, his complexion pale, with dark circles under his eyes startlingly similar to a certain animal. His two blackened hands resembled chicken claws. One of his quick boots had holes revealing his toes. Despite such a wretched appearance, his pace never faltered; his movements were as swift as lightning. His left hand snatched a steamed fish and shoved it directly into his mouth, pulling out a complete fish skeleton from the other side.

With his right hand, he wolfed down a huge chunk of beef, barely chewing. In front of him was a basin of soup; occasionally letting out a strange cry as he choked, he would then lower his head, plunging it into the large basin like a great whale sucking water. With a sudden whoosh, half the basin disappeared.

The ground was already littered with bones—fish bones, meat bones.

The few plump chefs in the kitchen looked as if they had been struck by lightning, staring blankly at their young master who seemed reborn as a starving ghost. Their chubby faces twitched uncontrollably. This appetite was too much!

Damn it! Even a pig, no—even a wild boar couldn't eat that much! And certainly not that fast! That speed was dizzying just to watch!

Guan Qinghan rushed over with Ke’er, feeling quite indignant: “Where did you run off to, you wastrel, without giving the family a heads-up? Disappeared for three whole days! Were you trying to worry everyone to death or what?” With the heart of an elder sister-in-law caring for a younger brother, she intended to lecture him. But upon arrival, she was utterly stunned, and then completely speechless.

The way he ate—Big Miss Guan’s eyes widened, covering her small mouth, her face showing an expression of seeing a ghost. This was the first time such an expression had appeared on the face of Guan Qinghan, the ice beauty who usually maintained an icy composure, unmoving even if Mount Tai collapsed before her.

Ke’er’s pretty little mouth hung open in astonishment, wide enough to fit two large duck eggs.

Finally, Jun Moxie sighed contentedly. He plunged his head down one last time, and with a sudden sound, the remaining half-basin of soup vanished, revealing the slick, white bottom of the basin.

He lifted a leg and kicked aside the various bones piled almost to his ankles. Jun Moxie let out a loud burp. Casually taking out a small flying knife, he meticulously picked his teeth. He then noticed everyone’s expression was extremely strange and, puzzled, asked, “Why are you all looking at me like that? Did flowers sprout on my face?”

Everyone was instantly silent.

The crowd remained silent for a long time, still silent. Faced with such thick skin, who could even manage a word?

“What have you been doing these past few days?” Guan Qinghan, as the elder sister-in-law, was the first to recover. She questioned him with forced severity.

“These past few days? Ah ha ha…” Jun Moxie immediately guessed what had happened, shaking his head breathlessly: “I was extremely busy! So busy I almost died! Unlike you people who eat when full, sleep when tired, and worry about nothing else but physiological necessities.”

What did he say? Guan Qinghan’s face frosted over, and she said fiercely, “What did you say?”

“What did I say? Heh heh, I meant that Sister-in-law and Ke’er are becoming more beautiful every time I see you! When I see you, I become tongue-tied. Especially you, Sister-in-law; besides being elegant, you look younger and younger. In the future, when I see you, it will be awkward to call you ‘Big Sister-in-law’; outsiders might think you are my actual sister!” Jun Moxie quickly tried to salvage the situation with a torrent of sweet talk and nonsense.

Guan Qinghan and Ke’er were momentarily stunned. They knew that at least eight out of every ten words from this lazy fellow were likely exaggerated, but hearing themselves praised for their beauty still gave them a secret delight. Caught between annoyance and amusement, they glared at him, unable to speak. After a long pause, Guan Qinghan maintained her perfectly sculpted face and said, “Wait until Third Uncle gets back; you’ll have hell to pay!” With that, she grabbed Ke’er’s hand and strode away.

Guan Qinghan was correct, and she hadn't exaggerated in the least.

As soon as Old Master Jun and Third Master Jun received the news, they rushed back and unleashed a veritable storm of furious wrath upon Young Master Jun. Young Master Jun’s hair was practically flattened, his face completely covered in spittle.

The intensity of the verbal onslaught was so dense that Young Master Jun didn't even have a slight opening to claim merit. After finally enduring the furious scolding, he brought out the elixirs—a set for each of them: one Xuanyang Pill, one Heart Demon Pill, and one Ten-Year Pill. He generously offered these to the two great figures who had just been cursing him to the high heavens, while simultaneously flattering them wildly.

Well, these things were indeed excellent, but they couldn't be consumed too frequently, at least not in rapid succession. The Xuanyang Pill was fine to take every ten days or so as a health supplement, but the Ten-Year Pill was a one-time deal; only the very first one was effective, and taking more was a complete waste.

Jun Zhantian and Jun Wuyi pinched the few pills between their fingers, their expressions not quite believing what they saw. The effects Jun Moxie claimed were too miraculous. They even looked at Jun Moxie with an expression that clearly stated, ‘Are you kidding us? This little pill can boost cultivation by ten years? That’s utter nonsense!’

However, under Jun Moxie’s protection, after swallowing the pills and circulating their energy, they stood up looking nearly insane. Feeling the pure cultivation power—more than ten years’ worth—genuinely increase within them, the two looked at Jun Moxie with eyes that were almost glowing green. Such eyes reminded Jun Moxie of wolf packs deep in the dark mountains.

“If you have this good stuff, how much more do you have? Hand it all over to this old man! Quickly, don’t make me work for it, you hear me, you little brat!”

This was Old Master Jun roaring. The Old Master was so excited he completely lost his composure, not only speaking without restraint but also grabbing his grandson’s lapels and lifting him into the air, shaking him vigorously; like a dried, salted fish hanging from the eaves during a gale.

The Old Master was greedy and wanted it all. He declaredly, “You see, your grandfather spoke first, so he must be taken care of first. I don’t need too much. Just casually give me a hundred or so bottles, kid, and whatever is left, just give it all to your grandfather.” Look at Third Master Jun—how generous he was, only asking for a hundred or so bottles!

Did these two think these things dropped from the sky or were picked up from the ground? These were genuine, immortal-grade spiritual formulas!

Jun Moxie groaned and promptly fainted. Too shocking.

Even picking up dirt and gravel from the ground requires bending over and using effort, let alone these elixirs! They aren't cabbages that you can have as many as you want!

How could the two allow Jun Moxie to fake unconsciousness? Looking at him, it seemed that with this spiritual medicine present, even the Jun family’s sole heir would have to step aside for his grandfather and uncle. The Old Master shamelessly grabbed both sides of Young Master Jun’s cheeks and pulled; the Third Young Master instantly transformed into a pig’s head. As for Third Master Jun, his methods were gentler and more targeted; he simply pinched his nephew’s philtrum, leaving no other lingering effects, just a purplish mark there.

Faking faint in front of us? You really miscalculated this little brat’s intentions; you made the wrong move!

Young Master Jun screamed and “woke up,” on the verge of tears: “I swear I have none left! If I did, you could beat me to death, you two magnates, please let me go!”

“Lying to ghosts! We just saw you take out several bottles a moment ago! If this good stuff stays with you, won’t it all be wasted and spoiled? Hand it over quickly, or you’ll be asking for trouble!” The Old Master was direct, grabbing his grandson’s ankle and shaking him violently, like a mischievous child shaking a mature jujube tree—the only difference being… one was upright and the other upside down?

Young Master Jun, unable to endure the abuse, finally confessed under duress: “Let go! Stop! I’m about to faint! I’ll give them to you, alright?”

The Old Master finally set him down. The two watched Moxie with hawk-like gazes, not blinking.

The first thing Young Master Jun did upon getting up was slap himself across the face: Serves you right for showing off! See the trouble you caused? I knew this stuff was the most tempting thing. When faced with spiritual elixirs, even grandfather, uncle, and grandson have no room for sentimentality!

Then he thought about it again. This was wrong. He had produced this stuff specifically to achieve great merit for the Jun family. How come he was now receiving the miserable treatment reserved for a traitor? All sorts of torture were unleashed; they were just short of the tiger bench and water torture…

He reluctantly took out one bottle of Xuanyang Pill, one bottle of Heart Demon Pill, one bottle of Hundred Solutions Pill, and one bottle of Ten-Year Pill, placing them on the table. He spread his hands: “That’s all there is!”

“I don’t believe you! Bring more!” The two roared simultaneously.

“I truly have none left,” Young Master Jun said with utter sincerity. “Grandpa, this is enough for one hundred people! My master only gave me this much.” In my heart, what do you need these things for? They’re just to boost the strength of your trusted subordinates, but some of those people aren’t entirely reliable. I’ll keep the rest for myself.

“What? You have a hundred servings in those bottles?” The two were truly incredulous. Such precious medicine—even one or half a pill was rare enough. Third Master Jun’s earlier demand for a hundred-plus bottles was merely a joke.

For such spiritual medicine, three or five pills in a bottle was usually the limit. For Young Master Jun to say these inconspicuous bottles held enough for a hundred people made them dumbfounded.

“It’s true. This is medicine my master labored greatly to refine. Otherwise, why would I have sent people to collect so many medicinal herbs before? However, Master suffered a major setback this time and won't recover for three to five months. Furthermore, the main ingredient for refining this medicine is depleted. For a considerable time, similar medicine cannot be made. This is all there is; use it carefully!” Young Master Jun naturally had to exaggerate the facts slightly. If the two knew this medicine could be mass-produced, they would force him into a ‘Pill Refining Life’ every day!

Only then did the two find it more reasonable. Only a master like Moxie’s mentor could refine such ‘divine medicine.’ And it being impossible to refine more afterwards was also logical; if such divine medicine could be mass-produced, wouldn't that be too frivolous?

The two reached out, brushing Jun Moxie aside, and both grabbed toward the pills.

“Mine!”

“Mine!”

Bang, bang, bang! Clearly, the two had started fighting over the possession of the pills.

Jun Moxie slipped away from the main hall, ignoring the shameless and unscrupulous pair. In any case, they wouldn’t hurt themselves fighting, no matter how much they brawled. He had his own business to attend to.

Young Master Jun casually sauntered toward Guan Qinghan’s small courtyard. Guan Qinghan was sitting quietly beneath the flowering trees in the courtyard, gazing peacefully at the blossoms, her expression serene, perhaps thinking of something. She clearly heard Jun Moxie’s footsteps but made no move to turn around.

“Is there something?” Her voice was faint.

“Nothing much, just a few pills. They’re quite good; try them and see if you like the taste.” Jun Moxie forced a dry laugh.

“Oh?” Guan Qinghan slowly turned around, her face cool as she glanced at him. “What medicine?”

“Just a few... ah, very good fruit I managed to acquire.” Jun Moxie almost blurted out: ‘Aphrodisiac.’ After thinking, he ultimately dared not say it.

“What’s there to be afraid of? Are you afraid I’ll poison myself?” Guan Qinghan smiled, which was contrary to Jun Moxie’s expectations, immediately stunning him. The ice-cold beauty suddenly breaking into a smile was astonishing, shocking, and unexpected!

“You, Young Master Jun Moxie, while still somewhat disreputable, are not the sort to rely on despicable means after what I’ve learned recently. Besides, I am always your elder sister-in-law.” Guan Qinghan reached out and accepted the three pills Jun Moxie held: the Shaoyin Pill, the Heart Demon Pill, and the Ten-Year Pill—precisely the allotment for a woman. She gave Jun Moxie a faint glance, without the slightest hesitation, and threw her head back, swallowing them down.

Jun Moxie’s eyes widened. Just as he was about to say, ‘Wait until you cultivate before eating them,’ Guan Qinghan had already swallowed them before he could open his mouth. He gasped in surprise.

Seeing Guan Qinghan swallow his pills without question, Young Master Jun suddenly felt a surge of regret in his heart: If I knew Big Sister-in-law trusted me this much, why didn't I refine an aphrodisiac? What a miscalculation. Pah! This must be the influence of the former Moxie! How could I be such a person?

Guan Qinghan had just swallowed the medicine and was about to ask what it was and what its effects were, when she suddenly felt a gentle warmth surge up from her Dantian. Soon, her entire body felt pleasantly warm. Then, her entire profound energy began to circulate automatically, surging wave after wave like a great river crashing against her meridians. The warm current in her Dantian continuously released fresh heat, filling her meridians and transforming into exceptionally pure profound energy.

The few pills Jun Moxie gave her possessed the miraculous effect of increasing cultivation!

Guan Qinghan discovered this with immense shock and felt a touch of regret for her rashness! This was a critical juncture; she was already at the peak of Silver Profound, on the verge of breaking through to Gold Profound. After consuming this pill, judging by the massive medicinal power she felt, breaking through to Gold Profound was imminent!

But this crucial moment found her outside, without any protection, with only her young brother-in-law nearby.

Why didn't this boy explain things clearly? Could one be so casual with this type of substance? She thought it was something ordinary, like candy.

But Guan Qinghan had no time to think further. The vast and supremely pure surging medicinal power instantly flooded her limbs and bones, resolutely moving toward the barrier of Gold Profound. The impact caused a wave of discomfort throughout her body, and her consciousness instantly became somewhat blurry.

Guan Qinghan’s cultivation was too low, only at Silver Profound Peak. She was even somewhat inferior to Young Master Jun Moxie. For the Tianxuan cultivators like Old Master Jun and Jun Wuyi, this Ten-Year Pill could naturally be consumed without any reservation; they could calmly withstand the impact and incorporate it to advance their cultivation, without feeling much change at all.

Because their foundation was profoundly deep!

But Guan Qinghan could not compare. She was separated from those two by a full dozen levels! Her existing cultivation was only about ten years’ worth, and suddenly gaining ten years of power was almost equal to the total she had cultivated since starting her training, and it was far, far more pure! Moreover, she had not endured the brutal training that Moxie had. How could she endure this? This was only manageable because she had already taken the Heart Demon Pill; otherwise, she would have gone completely berserk by now!

Just as Guan Qinghan felt her body was about to explode and her consciousness was fading, despair welled up in her heart. Was her life about to end inexplicably like this?

Her young brother-in-law, Jun Moxie, had finally improved, and he had brought her several heavenly spiritual elixirs that defy creation, clearly showing he had thoroughly reformed and cared for her. Yet, unexpectedly, because her own tolerance was vastly insufficient, she was being violently supplemented to death by such heavenly spiritual medicine?

Guan Qinghan couldn’t help but feel a genuine sense of irony, and a faint reluctance lingered in her heart. If this had happened a few months prior, death might have brought her a sense of release. But now, where did this reluctance come from?

A trace of melancholic smile touched Guan Qinghan’s lips. She thought silently: Goodbye, and closed her eyes. But the moment she closed them, she snapped them open in shock, her eyes filled with terror!

Guan Qinghan suddenly remembered that, given her status, the words she should be saying at the moment of death were: ‘I’m here,’ not ‘Goodbye.’ Who was she saying goodbye to? Who could she not let go of in her heart?

Guan Qinghan didn't have time to think further.

At that very moment, a warm palm gently yet firmly rested on her back, and a cool power penetrated her body. Guan Qinghan’s already hazy consciousness instantly cleared, like falling into a cold pool during a hot summer day when one is delirious with heat. A bone-chilling pleasure followed by a surge of pure energy flowed slowly from that warm palm, pouring into her meridians, guiding the violent currents caused by the elixir, making them travel through her meridians in an orderly manner…

The previous current had been extremely violent; she had completely lost control. But as this warm power appeared, it instantly became docile and obedient. It seemed the power directed it wherever it wished to go.

A deafening sound exploded within Guan Qinghan’s mind. She could distinctly feel an inexplicable meridian suddenly rupture open, and her spiritual sense instantly ascended to a new plane, an entirely new realm!

With the aid of the hand pressed against her back, Guan Qinghan finally broke through the Golden Profound realm in one decisive move!

The one who acted swiftly to offer assistance was, naturally, the Young Master Jun Moxie.

Although Guan Qinghan was in a state of panic, utterly lacking in experience; Jun Moxie understood that while the pill he refined possessed potent effects, its attributes were not excessively tyrannical, and with the auxiliary Heart Demon Pill, it certainly wouldn't prove fatal! Even if Guan Qinghan were to lose consciousness, she would recover after a few days, her cultivation advancing just as it should. However, this presented a magnificent opportunity to gain an advantage, and Young Master Jun was no gentleman by nature; passing it up would be a true pity—isn't helping others the very essence of joy?

His palm rested lightly against Guan Qinghan’s back. Even through two layers of clothing, it was late autumn. Guan Qinghan, possessing cultivation at the peak of the Silver Profound realm, naturally had considerable resistance to cold and heat and wouldn't be heavily bundled; this allowed the Young Master Jun’s hand, upon making contact, to immediately register a sensation of delicate smoothness, as if caressing a piece of flawless jade. It was utterly blissful, exquisitely intoxicating, truly a…

(This month has been overwhelming with various commitments, forcing me to barely manage the minimum update schedule. I feel deeply ashamed and wouldn't dare ask for monthly votes at the end of the month. I promise to make amends next month. I hope my brothers and sisters can understand; thank you. I am tentatively requesting your reserved monthly votes for August, yearning for your support! Bowing deeply in gratitude!)