In the quiet courtyard within Jiyang City, Nie Kong withdrew his gaze from the high heavens, his mind still far from settled.

The previous day, while treating Nie Shenggong, Nie Kong had received a transmission from Mu Lengxing, learning that the "Dark Blood Spirit Worm" within the Wood Ancestor's heart had been successfully devoured by Tai Yan. The process seemed to begin with the Wood Ancestor projecting the "Dark Blood Spirit Worm" outward to attack Tai Yan, thereby provoking Tai Yan’s innate instinct to consume. The moment the "Dark Blood Spirit Worm" was completely absorbed, the Wood Ancestor used his formidable power to forcefully halt Tai Yan’s consumption.

The "Dark Blood Spirit Worm," condensed by the Great Evolution Spirit Venerable, was assimilated by Tai Yan's rich medicinal power. However, the abrupt cessation of the swallowing inevitably caused a shock to Tai Yan. Fortunately, the Wood Ancestor separated a considerable amount of "Shenluo Dew" for him, and Tai Yan recovered completely in a short time.

Mu Lengxing and Tai Yan had relayed this news to Nie Kong immediately upon exiting the Yin Ruins with their carefully selected personnel. It was only after the Wood Ancestor learned of Nie Kong's actions in the "Spirit Sealing Swamp" that the earth-shattering spectacle of that morning unfolded—all intended to intimidate the Spirit God Hall and the Serpent Spirit Clan.

Although Nie Kong had been mentally prepared, seeing the Wood Ancestor’s colossal form release the medicine still struck him with a shock that words utterly failed to capture. Nie Kong had never imagined that the Wood Ancestor, freed from the constraint of the "Dark Blood Spirit Worm," could instantly display such overwhelming might.

Perhaps even the Great Evolution Spirit Venerable at his peak could achieve no more than this.

While the Wood Ancestor remained tethered to the Yin Ruins, this level of deterrent was enough to keep the Spirit God Hall and the Serpent Spirit Clan from making any rash moves. By the time they managed to confirm the Wood Ancestor’s true condition, several years would likely have passed. Years later, even if the strong practitioners of the Spirit God Hall gathered, Nie Kong would have no need for reservations.

In his thoughts, Nie Kong glanced around. His mother, Mu Xueyi, Mu Qingyi, and Mu Jinzhu, though deeply excited, appeared relatively composed. Yet, beside him, Mu Xiaoling’s beautiful eyes were wide open, her small mouth agape—as if the sound of a startled "Wow!" was still echoing.

"Little Ling sister, time to wake up!"

Nie Kong found it amusing and couldn't help but give Mu Xiaoling’s shoulder a solid pat.

Yesterday, after receiving word from his master Nie Xingyun, Nie Kong and Mu Xueyi had left Mu Xiaoling behind, rushing straight to Jiyang City—one reason being to gain speed, the other being for her safety. Not long after the Nie family crisis was resolved, Mu Xiaoling had coincidentally arrived in the jubilant city.

"Ah!"

Mu Xiaoling shrieked and jumped up, her beautiful eyes darting everywhere. "It’s morning? It’s morning... Where is that giant tree? It scared me stiff... Nie Kong, was that the Wood Ancestor of the Yin Ruins? He was so big, so big, so big, so big... If he fell, wouldn’t everyone on the continent be crushed?"

Seeing her silly gesture of patting her chest, Mu Xueyi and the other two couldn't help but smile indulgently, while Nie Kong chuckled dryly. "It’s not that exaggerated. Little Ling sister, hurry and pack your things. We are setting off for Luocheng immediately, and this time, it’s just you and me."

Mu Xiaoling asked curiously, "What about Aunt Xue, Aunt Qing, and Granny Jinzhu?"

"They have to return to the Yin Ruins."

Nie Kong smiled.

Originally, his mother and the two others were accompanying him to the capital of the Great Accomplishment Empire. However, the successful removal of the threat in the Wood Ancestor's heart forced them to change their plans at the last minute. With the Wood Ancestor recovered, major changes were inevitable in the Yin Ruins, and with few strong practitioners remaining there, they had to go back.

"Oh."

Mu Xiaoling didn't inquire why they changed their minds, merely nodding softly. But when her gaze landed on Nie Kong, her pupils couldn't help but dart around, and she smirked playfully, "Nie Kong, now that we’re in Jiyang City—you should finally tell me what favor you need from me, right? If you keep being so mysterious, I might just go stay at the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion for a few days. It’s been ages since I visited Jiyang City; I actually miss it a little."

"It’s actually very simple. I just want you to find a way to introduce me to that Old Ancestor of the Mu family in Luocheng. For you, Little Ling sister, this should just be a small effort."

"So that's it, an introduction..."

"..."

"An introduction? An introduction to hell! Get out, get out!"

Long Shan, managing the Red Chamber's branch in Luocheng, waved his hand impatiently, shoving the white-robed gentleman—who considered himself handsome, dashing, and charmingly worldly—towards the entrance.

"A mere Spirit Communication Master dares to ask to see our Red Chamber's new proprietor? Pfft! How far away is Sky Wolf Mountain? You can roll as far as you like!" Once the young master was out the door, Long Shan waved his sleeves as if shooing away a fly, his triangular eyes filled with disdain and contempt.

"Insolence?"

The white-robed man’s face flushed crimson upon hearing this. "You mere attendant of the Red Chamber dare to speak to me so arrogantly! Do you know who I am?"

"Insolence? I'm audacious enough to say five!" Long Shan mocked. "Aren't you the cousin of the third uncle of the brother-in-law of Wang Qimazi’s little sister from the East City? Didn't your father come to our Red Chamber just the other day to collect night soil... Oh, third grandson, don't get so worked up. Our Red Chamber restaurant accumulated more night soil last night. Why don't you just take it for your father so he doesn't have to make the trip again!"

"You, you..."

The white-robed man’s face turned blood red, his features contorted in fury, his fingers trembling as he pointed at Long Shan. Finally, he rolled up his sleeves and threw a punch. However, the moment his fist touched Long Shan's clothes, a scorching crimson light suddenly burst forth from within, directly flinging the white-robed man over ten meters away, where he landed with a thud like a dead dog. It took him a good while to struggle back to his feet.

"You vile servant, just you wait!" Staring at Long Shan in astonishment, and noticing people beginning to gather around, the man felt his face burn with shame. He spat out a vicious threat before sheepishly turning and leaving.

"Scram. Stop dreaming of eating swan meat. Our proprietress is a celestial being; you can’t possibly harbor such desires. Never mind you, the second young master of the Qin family; even the Fourth Prince of the Royal Family was made to look foolish here the day before yesterday and didn't dare to utter a sound."

Long Shan hummed a triumphant little tune as he walked back inside.

This place was built adjacent to the Red Chamber Restaurant and had always served as the proprietor's residence. A few days ago, the old proprietor departed, and two new proprietresses took charge. Long Shan had been instantly mesmerized by them with just a glance. What delighted him even more was that one of the beautiful proprietresses had selected him to guard the entrance here.

To him, this was a tremendous stroke of luck, so he diligently served as the gatekeeper, blocking all the royal nobles, rich young masters, and talented youths who were drawn by the fragrance outside the main door. Relying on the protective talisman the proprietress had given him, he had been exceedingly imposing these past few days.

Within a few minutes, a clear voice rang out: "Brother, are the new proprietresses of your Red Chamber staying here?"

"That’s right!"

Long Shan raised an eyelid. He saw a young man in black attire entering; his features were quite refined, but nowhere near as handsome as the previous fellow. Another toad dreaming of eating swan meat!

Long Shan’s spirits instantly soared. Dealing with these charming toads had become his greatest amusement lately.

"What, you want me to introduce you?" Long Shan sauntered over with a mocking look.

"No need for an introduction; I'll go up myself to see them," the black-clothed man replied with a smile.

He wants to go up himself? What incredible audacity! Long Shan was furious. His face, devoid of any flesh, hardened, his triangular eyes bulged, and he was about to unleash a torrent of curses when a sweet, enchanting voice, capable of softening one's bones, suddenly drifted down from the staircase: "Husband, are you finally coming to visit your concubine?"