’Gongsun Rou’s standards for accepting disciples were incredibly high. For Shen Junmo to become her student, his Martial Arts Talent had to be extraordinary, at least reaching the Celestial Pride Level of Linji City. The Shen Family would undoubtedly focus heavily on cultivating such an individual; they couldn’t possibly be a nobody.’

’Among the younger generation of the Shen Family, the only ones with exceptionally high Martial Arts Talent were the two known as the Peerless Beauties of Linji City: Shen Qingshuang and Shen Qingyao. It was rumored that Shen Qingyao’s Martial Arts Talent was even greater than Shen Qingshuang’s.’

’If Shen Junmo was a woman, then she was very likely the legendary Shen Qingyao—the one the Shen Family had deliberately hidden, the undisputed number one martial artist of their younger generation.’

At this thought, Chen Cheng asked, "Xiaowan, is your Senior Brother Junmo using an alias?"

"I don’t know, either. Master never said," Mu Xiaowan said after a moment’s thought. She then lifted her lovely face and said solemnly, "Oh, right! Brother Cheng, you absolutely cannot tell anyone that Senior Brother Junmo is a woman. She asked me to keep it a secret. If she finds out I told you, she’ll be mad at me. It’s best if you just pretend you don’t know anything."

"Alright." Chen Cheng nodded. He gazed at Mu Xiaowan’s stunning face. Her skin was as fair and flawless as jade, and her luscious, crimson lips parted slightly to reveal pearly white teeth and a sweet breath. His heart stirred, and he leaned down to give her a gentle peck on her lips.

"Mmph..." Mu Xiaowan’s face instantly turned bright red with shyness. She lightly punched Chen Cheng’s chest with a small fist. "Brother Cheng, you..."

Chen Cheng laughed heartily, capturing her delicate, fair hands in his own. He asked softly, "What about me?"

With love shining in her eyes, Mu Xiaowan giggled sweetly. "You... you’ve changed."

"How have I changed?" Chen Cheng smiled.

"You just have! But... I can’t quite put my finger on it!" Mu Xiaowan murmured, burying her head deep in Chen Cheng’s firm, muscular chest.

’Over the past few months, they had been apart more than they were together. She could feel that Brother Cheng seemed to have changed a lot, but as for how, she couldn’t quite recall at the moment. All she knew was that being by his side felt very reassuring and warm.’

Gently holding Mu Xiaowan, Chen Cheng inhaled her faint, intoxicating fragrance. He grew a little dazed, his thoughts drifting far away.

’Ever since I crossed over into this world, what I’ve wanted has actually been very simple: to live a quiet life with Mu Xiaowan, with no worries about food or shelter. I want to have a few kids, live freely and without a care, in boundless happiness.’

’But in these chaotic times, that’s no easy feat. Our current situation seems stable on the surface, but it’s fraught with hidden crises. The slightest misstep could be fatal.’

’My feud with the Zhou Family is a grudge that will never fade. I’m sure that if Zhou Xu ever gets the chance, he’ll try to kill me without a second thought.’

’Then there’s the Wang Family. Wang Xiongying is personally investigating the massacre of his clan and has interrogated me before. Knowing the way these disciples from the great clans of the Inner City operate, they would rather kill an innocent person than let a single suspect go.’

’My being so cautious, just lying low in Lishui District, has only bought me temporary safety. The only way to protect my life and everything I hold dear is to cultivate the Martial Dao diligently and become a powerful expert.’

Sweet, tender moments are always fleeting. Before long, the carriage arrived at Celestial Water Pier in Lishui District.

Celestial Water Pier was the most prosperous and bustling area in Lishui District. The wide bluestone streets were clean and tidy, flanked by magnificent and imposing buildings. The area was by no means inferior to the center of the South City District; in fact, it nearly rivaled the streets of the Inner City District.

The sky was a vast, cloudless blue, and the air was fresh. The main street bustled with people coming and going.

Shen Junmo stood at the edge of Celestial Water Pier, gazing at the sparkling Jishui Lake. A smile couldn’t help but touch her stunningly beautiful face.

’Ever since she began Cultivating Martial Dao, she had been hidden away in a deep estate by the Shen Family elders. Her days were filled with nothing but arduous training. It was rare to have such a peaceful, leisurely moment to appreciate the beauty of the lake, with its shimmering green waves and glistening surface.’

"Cousin, wasn’t I right? The scenery at Jishui Lake this time of year is breathtaking, like a paradise on earth!"

Beside her, Shen Qingpeng, with a large cotton bundle slung over his shoulder, was boasting as if taking credit for the scenery.

"It’s just Jishui Lake. Nothing more."

Shen Junmo spun around abruptly and spoke faintly. Seeing Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan disembark from the carriage hand in hand, she couldn’t help but shake her head and mutter under her breath, ’Sigh... Master Gongsun was right. Matters of love and romance are a distraction. Chen Cheng will likely hinder a martial arts prodigy like Mu Xiaowan in her Cultivation!’

"Cousin, what are you muttering about?" Shen Qingpeng asked, confused.

"Sigh..." Shen Junmo rolled her eyes at him and let out a soft sigh.

’Shen Qingpeng’s Martial Arts Talent wasn’t extraordinary, but it wasn’t terrible either. As one of the Direct Descendants of the Shen Family, he had access to ample Martial Arts Resources. If he could only focus on his Cultivation, he could still achieve something in the future.’

’But the buffoon only cared about eating, drinking, and having fun. He was truly a hopeless case.’

"I’ll go find us a boatman." Sensing her mood and fearing a lecture, Shen Qingpeng quickly turned and headed toward the pier.

Now that he had an idea of Shen Junmo’s true identity, Chen Cheng observed her covertly and indeed noticed a few things.

’This Shen Junmo is exceedingly beautiful and bears a faint resemblance to Shen Qingshuang. The difference is that Shen Qingshuang always has an ice-cold, unapproachable demeanor that makes her seem incredibly arrogant.’

’Although Shen Junmo also possesses the proud air of a disciple from a great clan, her outward appearance is much gentler. Her eyes are clear and lively, brimming with spirit, making her seem quite intelligent.’

’She travels disguised as a man, and her speech and mannerisms perfectly mimic those of a young master from a great clan. Her disguise is nearly flawless. No wonder I hadn’t realized.’

’Seeing the way Shen Junmo and Shen Qingpeng acted, I’m even more certain of my suspicions. In the struggle among the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, the Shen Family’s position is likely not good. This means I’ll have to be even more cautious about siding with them.’