Chapter 166: Chapter 3: Adding Points, Taking a Concubine, Third Time in the Bridal Chamber

At this moment, countless Demon Talismans still flashed into existence from the void, continuing to converge into the Demon Bead.

Faintly, it seemed a world was forming within the Demon Bead, resplendent with clouds and mists. It was divided into the clear and the turbid, containing mountains, rivers, and all living things—a truly spectacular sight.

In the end, this world evolved into a giant skeleton seated high upon a throne, its demonic intent lofty and vast as it looked down upon all living beings.

Fang Cheng slowly opened his eyes, just in time to see the Demon Bead flash once before disappearing.

It had actually returned to his Qi Sea on its own!

’The Li Hen Demon Light seems to have gained an additional layer of Profound Mysterious Power.’

Fang Cheng mused to himself. As for what kind of profound mysteries had been added, he would have to test it on someone to find out.

He let out a long breath, rose to his feet, and walked out of the Quiet Chamber, only to find the interior of the Cave Mansion completely transformed.

The furniture, implements, and decorations had all been replaced with exquisitely crafted objects, exuding an air of elegant luxury and ornate grace.

There were also folding screens, bookshelves, a guqin, fine writing supplies, and numerous other items, all exceptionally beautiful.

Overall, the Cave Mansion was arranged with elegance and comfort. Beautiful calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls, creating a sense of tranquility.

Ye Yan had also brought in many rare flowers and exotic herbs. Their faint, fresh fragrance was uplifting to the spirit.

Just then, Die’Er came out of the bathing chamber. Seeing that Fang Cheng had emerged from seclusion, she smiled. "Young Master, you’re out."

Fang Cheng noticed her dripping wet hair and knew the beautiful Maid had just finished bathing. "How long was I in seclusion this time?" he asked.

Die’Er faltered for a moment before replying, "Young Master, you were in the Quiet Chamber for three days."

Her beautiful eyes studied Fang Cheng with curiosity. ’How could the Young Master lose track of time?’ she wondered.

Fang Cheng frowned slightly. To his perception, only a few hours had passed. He never imagined that a single meditation session could have lasted three whole days.

He nodded and asked, "Where is Yan’Er?"

Die’Er smiled. "The Young Miss is in the bedroom. She’s preparing a new set of bedding for you!"

Fang Cheng strode to the bedroom. Inside, Treasure Beads embedded in the walls bathed the room in a soft, bright light.

The room was tidy and serene. In the center stood a luxurious Golden Silk Spirit Nan Pull-step Bed.

Around the bed were layers of openwork Flower Surrounding Fan Frames, with Purple Gold Phoenix Patterned Curtains hanging low. The air was filled with a warm and pleasant Sweet Osmanthus Fragrance.

Ye Yan was arranging the brand-new bedding. When she saw Fang Cheng enter, she smiled. "Husband, you’ve finally deigned to leave your seclusion. Why don’t you go try the new bathing pool I set up before you try the bedding?"

Fang Cheng nodded, quite pleased with the arrangements. "Then you can come keep me company," he said.

Ye Yan rose to her feet. "You go ahead. I’ll be along shortly."

Seeing this, Die’Er immediately turned and headed out to refill the bathing pool with water from the Spiritual Spring.

Fang Cheng took a look around the rest of the Cave Mansion. It was now spacious and vast. Ye Yan had set aside a special stone chamber for him to refine Gu-worms, located right next to the enclosure for the Immortal Cranes.

Several other rooms were left empty, seemingly reserved for some other purpose.

Fang Cheng arrived at the bathing chamber. The magnificent and exquisite white jade pool was still there, but now a Fire Array had been installed at the bottom to continuously heat the Spiritual Spring water inside.

The Spiritual Liquid in the pool rippled, and the extremely pure Spiritual Qi was so dense it was almost tangible as it swirled through the air.

All that remained on Die’Er’s graceful, curvaceous, and slender body was a raven-black halter top, a striking contrast against her snow-white skin.

"Young Master, there were many Spirit Flowers and spices among the congratulatory gifts. The Young Miss and I studied them and managed to piece together an ancient formula. We used it to prepare a Spiritual Liquid for the pool. Now, the Spiritual Spring water is about three to five times more effective at cleansing the body and soothing the soul than it was before."

Die’Er stood by the edge of the pool, her beautiful eyes fixed on Fang Cheng as she spoke in a low voice.

Fang Cheng smiled. "In that case, I’ll have to give it a proper test."

With that, he walked toward the pool.

Die’Er gently attended to him as he bathed in the Spiritual Spring, massaging him attentively. Her beautiful, alluring body was both voluptuous and firm, her snow-white skin glowing with a lustrous sheen.

Not long after, Ye Yan came in with a radiant smile, holding several art albums.

When she saw the raven-black halter top on Die’Er, she couldn’t help but tease, "Well now, Die’Er, when did you buy such a seductive little thing?"

Die’Er’s pretty face flushed. Shedding her usual lively innocence, she said shyly, "One of my sisters gave it to me. Is it really... inappropriate?"

Ye Yan glanced at Die’Er and chuckled. "You’re just afraid the Young Master will neglect you after he takes a concubine, aren’t you!"

"Don’t worry," Fang Cheng said reassuringly. "I’m not going to take any concubines."

Her thoughts exposed, Die’Er lowered her voice. "Young Master, you’ve become famous overnight. Your status is completely different from before. It would be normal to take several concubines. Die’Er is content just to stay by your side and the Young Miss’s. I would never dare ask for any more of your favor."

Ye Yan sighed softly and stepped into the pool as well. "Husband," she said to Fang Cheng, "it’s easy enough to refuse the others, but there’s one concubine being offered that we really need to consider. My mother doesn’t want you to turn this one down..."

Fang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Which family?"

Ye Yan said, "The Dong Family."

Seeing his confusion, she explained, "Years ago, my mother wanted to arrange a marriage alliance with the Dong Family, but Ye Huang interfered, which is what led to the Sword Fighting Conference. Now the Dong Family has sent a concubine, which is another form of marriage alliance. My mother wants to use this chance to bind that branch of the Dong Family to our side and lay the groundwork for the future."

The power struggle between Madam Ye and the other Ye Family Elder, Ye Huang, was already out in the open.

Years ago, Madam Ye had wanted a marriage alliance with the Dong Family, but unfortunately, Ye Yan was extremely dissatisfied with the candidate they’d selected.

Seeing this, Ye Huang, from the Clan Elders Council, had thrown his full support behind Ye Yan. He organized the Sword Fighting Conference on Cangwu Mountain, intending to foil Madam Ye’s plans.

The final result, one could say, deviated quite a bit from Ye Huang’s expectations.

As Fang Cheng rose to prominence and his talent became undeniable, Ye Huang grew to deeply regret his decision!

He had torpedoed the marriage alliance only to hand Madam Ye a "Dragon-riding Immortal Son-in-law" on a silver platter.

How could he not be furious?!

Now, seeing that Madam Ye’s power was solidifying, that branch of the Dong Family had taken the initiative to bring up the marriage alliance again.

This time, however, the main character had changed.

Madam Ye, for her part, had readily agreed.

She had originally thought that, given Fang Cheng’s amorous nature, it would be a simple matter. But who would have expected him to transform into a "model doting husband" and refuse to take a concubine?

So, Madam Ye sent a message to persuade her daughter, tasking Ye Yan with changing Fang Cheng’s mind.

It was precisely upon hearing this that Die’Er had felt a flicker of threat.

It was a pity; if she were ten-or-so years older, that raven-black halter top would surely have been far more seductive on her.

As she spoke, Ye Yan handed the art albums to Fang Cheng. "The Dong Family initially selected four daughters of the direct line, all praised for their talent and beauty. Die’Er and I took a preliminary look. We’d rate one as ’Superior,’ one as ’Above Average,’ and two as ’Average.’"

Fang Cheng took the albums and began to flip through them.

Each album contained a painting of a picturesque young Female Cultivator. The artist’s skill was superb; the fluid, graceful lines of the clothing captured the cultivator’s figure and charm with lifelike realism.

Among the four Female Cultivators, one turned out to be an acquaintance of Fang Cheng’s.

She was also the one Ye Yan and Die’Er had given the "Superior" rating.

—Dong Qing.

In the painting, Dong Qing was depicted with an elegant coiffure and palace attire. Her oval face was exquisite and beautiful, her demeanor dignified, graceful, quiet, and reserved. She resembled a carved Jade Beauty.

Fang Cheng’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.

Ye Yan asked with a smile, "So, you’ve taken a liking to this Dong Qing too, Husband?"

Fang Cheng mulled it over for a moment. "Since I can’t refuse, I might as well choose someone I know."

Hearing this, Ye Yan nodded. "They say this Dong Qing has a quiet and peaceful personality and is devoted to her Cultivation. We won’t need to worry about her being difficult to get along with when she arrives at Canglan Cave. Die’Er, you’ll need to help her get settled."

Die’Er softly assented.

...

「Two days later.」

Dong Qing arrived at Canglan Cave.

She was still an Outer Disciple of the Yinluo Sect, and her Cultivation had reached the Eighth Level of Sensing. While her cultivation speed wasn’t considered slow among the Outer Disciples, she was still leagues behind Fang Cheng.

On that day, Canglan Cave was festooned with lanterns and banners, and tall red candles burned brightly, creating a festive atmosphere.

If this were taking place in Netherworld Valley, they would have undoubtedly held a Dual Cultivation ceremony, inviting friends and family to celebrate.

But here on Demon Lion Peak, Fang Cheng didn’t want to be too conspicuous. He simply took heaven and earth as his witness and accepted the Female Cultivator of the Dong Family as his concubine.

The only ones in attendance to witness the ceremony were his wife and concubines.

After the simple ceremony, the two entered the bridal chamber.

Since his transmigration, this was already Fang Cheng’s third time in a bridal chamber. He was well-versed in all the details and procedures, familiar with them to the point of mastery.

Although Dong Qing was a new lover, she was also an old acquaintance. In such a situation, she was overcome with bashfulness and timidity, allowing Fang Cheng to take the lead completely.

Soon, the two found their rhythm, moving together like fish in water, and both found immense pleasure.

...