As Shi Yan brought Xia Shenchuan and Xia Xinyan to the manor where the trio from the Three Gods Sect were temporarily residing, Xia Shenchuan, after merely walking through the grounds, inwardly cursed the sect for showing favoritism; this place was superior to his own quarters by an immeasurable degree in every aspect.

When Xia Shenchuan finally met Yi Tianmo, Zha Meng, and Kabba, a single glance shocked him, prompting a wave of silent surprise.

Though the three made no effort to outwardly release their formidable Divine Realm aura, as the head of a family, Xia Shenchuan could easily discern their true levels of cultivation. Naturally, he understood that these three had likely achieved the Divine Realm.

Three Divine Realm powerhouses!

Xia Shenchuan was filled with doubt, unsure of Shi Yan’s connection to them.

In front of outsiders, Yi Tianmo generally avoided calling Shi Yan "Master" to avoid causing a sensation. However, if one paid close attention to their ordinary demeanor, certain things could still be discerned.

Xia Shenchuan, being an old fox, observed them covertly, his astonishment growing. From the deference shown by Yi Tianmo and his companions, he grasped that they held Shi Yan in exceedingly high regard.

At that moment, his sense of balance was restored; he finally understood the reason for the differential treatment by the Three Gods Sect.

Three Divine Realm experts—even the Three Gods Sect likely did not possess such formidable might. Three Divine Realm powerhouses had accompanied Shi Yan, and they implicitly treated him as their spokesperson; the implications of this were self-evident.

Xia Shenchuan silently resolved that, regardless of the future, he absolutely must secure Shi Yan’s goodwill and never become his adversary.

To achieve so much at such a young age—only five years in the Endless Sea—without relying on the Yang family’s strength after they fled, and to have won over Yi Tianmo and the other two through whatever means necessary, the sheer power Shi Yan displayed had deeply impressed Xia Shenchuan.

Shi Yan arranged things casually, stating that the manor spanned a vast area with countless rooms, suggesting Xia Shenchuan find lodging for himself.

Xia Shenchuan responded with a genial agreement and departed without a word to his granddaughter.

Once Xia Shenchuan left, Shi Yan was about to inquire of the trio how many visitors had called while he was away, when he noticed that Cao Zhilan was returning from outside, resplendent and alluring.

Draped in a cyan dress, her graceful figure swayed with a delicate movement, the crystal ornaments on her skirt emitting a clear, pleasing sound. Her delicate features were graced with a faint smile that instantly stirred desire. This woman seemed to have forgotten the prior incident in the hot spring, entering with natural ease.

Her eyes darted around, landing on Xia Xinyan, causing the smile on her lips to brighten even more joyfully.

Xia Xinyan’s eyebrows arched, and she let out a soft hum, meeting the gaze without a hint of fear.

Their beauty was equally matched, their temperaments evenly poised; both women possessed the charm to haunt a man’s dreams. In the brightly lit hall adorned with luminous pearls, the captivating allure of these two seemed to eclipse the brilliance of every pearl present. Their breathtaking, elegant beauty earned even Shi Yan's silent admiration.

Within their beautiful eyes, sparks of light seemed to ignite, crossing and colliding in the void, spitting out sparks known as danger.

“What are you still doing here?” Shi Yan was momentarily stunned. He sat down on his own accord and gestured for the three to withdraw temporarily, stating they would discuss important matters later.

The trio was perceptive; they shot a peculiar glance at the two women glaring at each other like rival hens, smiled inwardly, nodded, and departed.

“I live here, after all,” Cao Zhilan raised her delicate brows, gracefully tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled sweetly, “We arrived together, settled in here together, why shouldn’t I come?”

Shi Yan was momentarily speechless, gently shaking his head.

“And another thing,” Cao Zhilan paused, casually finding a seat and ignoring Xia Xinyan’s hostile stare. With an air of infinite charm, she glanced at him, “Didn’t you say I was your female slave? Since I belong to you, naturally I must follow my master. Besides, you placed restrictions on me; I wouldn't dare wander off recklessly, would I?”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Xia Xinyan’s eyes, and she immediately shot Shi Yan a look, as if demanding an explanation.

“That—that’s not what you think,” Shi Yan spread his hands in slight embarrassment. “I am innocent. I never touched this woman. I kept her initially because I planned to use her for something, but ultimately, I did nothing.”

Xia Xinyan felt a surge of resentment, yet her expression no longer conveyed blame.

She took elegant, measured steps and sat down in the seat to Shi Yan’s left. She then proactively reached out, gripping Shi Yan’s hand across the wooden table, and looked calmly at Cao Zhilan, softly commanding, “Since you acknowledge the status of a female slave, you should show the awareness of one. Go pour me a cup of tea.”

Shi Yan coughed, his expression odd. He thought to himself that this girl was certainly no pushover.

“Pour tea?” Cao Zhilan’s expression shifted slightly, the smile on her lips gradually receding. She pouted her red lips and sneered, “In all my life, I, Cao Zhilan, have never poured tea for another person, let alone for another woman? Forget that the Xia family’s prestige in the Endless Sea is currently negligible; even at the Xia family’s peak, did you have the standing to demand such a thing from me?”

“Didn’t you proclaim yourself a female slave?” Xia Xinyan narrowed her eyes, tightening her grip on Shi Yan’s hand, which sent a slight tremor through him.

“Not your female slave, Xia Xinyan,” Cao Zhilan replied without even looking at her, instead picking up a string of crystal grapes and meticulously beginning to peel them.

“Very well,” Xia Xinyan smiled thinly, as if she already had a plan. She suddenly looked at Shi Yan with tenderness, gently shaking her hand. “Shi Yan, ask your female slave to pour me a cup of tea? Can you?”

Her eyes shone brightly; she subtly ground her teeth, appearing both pleading and threatening.

“That’s simple,” Shi Yan laughed loudly, finding the scene quite amusing. He pointed his free hand to his left cheek, giving Xia Xinyan an ambiguous look, “If you do that again, just like a moment ago, I’ll agree, ha.”

“Bastard.”

Muttering curses internally, Xia Xinyan’s face instantly flushed scarlet. She clamped down hard on Shi Yan’s hand, wishing she could crush it instantly.

Cao Zhilan let out a soft chuckle, seemingly entertained, and looked at her with a smile, issuing a challenge, “I’m watching.”

Xia Xinyan’s blush deepened. She glared fiercely at Shi Yan, her eyes making her threat perfectly clear.

Shi Yan was delighted, finding her incredibly captivating in that moment. He egged her on, “Give me a kiss. As the mistress of the house, you should be more forward.”

“I don’t think she dares.”

Cao Zhilan smiled charmingly, suddenly standing up. Her graceful silhouette flashed, and she was standing right next to Shi Yan in an instant.

Then, under Xia Xinyan’s disbelieving gaze, she boldly kissed Shi Yan, leaving a lingering, intoxicating faint red mark precisely where Xia Xinyan had just kissed.

Shi Yan stood there, dumbfounded.

Xia Xinyan’s expression changed instantly.

“I certainly have the awareness of a female slave,” Cao Zhilan said after the kiss, floating away lightly like a breeze. Her soft voice drifted back, “Master, I’m going to bathe now. If you need anything, do remember to look for me. You might not know, but in certain areas of expertise, I am even better than the disciples of the Yin-Yang Cave Heaven.”

Amidst delightful, triumphant giggles, her captivating figure quietly vanished, gone in the blink of an eye.

Once outside, the outwardly bold and composed Cao Zhilan’s face suddenly flushed crimson. She cupped her cheeks, her eyes glistening, and stopped behind a rock garden. Her heart was in utter turmoil, and she mumbled to herself with a blush, “My first time, and I gave it away like this… A miscalculation…”

Shi Yan remained frozen, his expression exceedingly strange.

He had absolutely not anticipated that this woman would be so audacious, daring to profess her affection openly in front of Xia Xinyan—so bold as to be shameless.

Xia Xinyan’s pretty face was extremely grim, her beautiful eyes overflowing with a flame called fury, glaring hatefully at him.

“That—isn’t this woman known for being promiscuous?” Shi Yan asked with an awkward, wry smile. “Why is she so shameless? I’ve been in the Endless Sea for so long, and I’ve truly never seen a woman more shameless than her.”

“As far as I know, there have never been any negative rumors about her in the Endless Sea, nor have I heard of her having any questionable relationships with any man,” Xia Xinyan retorted fiercely, clearly consumed by an internal storm of anger. “If she hadn't been secretly plotting things beforehand, would she be this bold? Has something already happened between you two?”

“No,” Shi Yan shook his head.

“Hmph.” Xia Xinyan, bristling with annoyance, suddenly stood up, glared fiercely at him, and swept away gracefully as well.

Shi Yan rubbed his nose, making no move to follow, and instead sent a soul transmission.

Before long, three beams of strange light flashed and disappeared, and the trio of Yi Tianmo suddenly reappeared before him.

“Both those girls are quite something,” Zha Meng chuckled, “That Cao Zhilan girl seemed quite flustered after leaving. It looks like her action was impulsive; it must have been her first time doing something like that. Master, you are quite blessed with beautiful women.”

Shi Yan smiled wryly, “You three weren't secretly watching, were you?”

Yi Tianmo and Kabba exchanged odd glances and offered no denial.

“No, no, no,” Zha Meng vehemently shook his head. “With our cultivation levels, we couldn’t help but overhear. It was impossible not to hear, as you were so close and your voices weren't exactly quiet.”

Yi Tianmo and Kabba nodded then, confirming Zha Meng’s account as their explanation.

Shi Yan wasn’t angry. He stated naturally, “Beautiful women are naturally hostile toward rivals of the same caliber; these two are no exception.”

“It’s been quite bustling here today; emissaries from various factions have come, stating they wished to see you or converse with us. However, we refused them all,” Yi Tianmo’s expression turned solemn as he transitioned to serious matters. “One person possessed exceptional soul attainments; they actually managed to sneak in covertly, engaged in a brief confrontation with me, and then retreated completely unscathed. His cultivation is truly extraordinary.”

“Oh?” Shi Yan’s eyes turned cold. “Did you manage to remember his soul signature?”

“We couldn’t sense it,” Yi Tianmo shook his head. “We don’t know what secret technique he used, as he concealed even his core soul. Even if I saw him in person, it would be hard to identify him. This person seems to harbor ill intentions, Master. It would be best to be cautious; I fear he might move against you.”

Shi Yan’s expression shifted slightly.

...