After successfully breaking through, Chen Yuan didn't linger any longer at Tangshan Buddha. He swiftly returned to Yan King Mansion in Shuzhou City to consolidate his cultivation.

The matters in Ping'an County had long been resolved. Since he had recently annexed Qingzhou, his royal chariot needed to make a trip there to reassure the local forces and people's sentiments.

The real focus, for now, remains on Shuzhou.

After all, relatively speaking, Shuzhou serves as the central hub of his current sphere of influence, allowing him to better control the vastly expanded Yan Army.

As for Wang Ping...

Since that one time they drank together, Wang Ping hasn't visited Yan King Mansion in Ping'an County to see him, and the same goes for Zhao Nanshan, as if they have forgotten him.

Later, it was still a thread of his spirit that proactively sought them out, hoping they could join the ranks of Yan King Mansion in the future, ensuring a lifetime of peace.

Mentioning Zhao Nanshan's retirement...

But they declined Chen Yuan's invitation on the grounds of not wanting to burden him, saying one was too old and useless, and the other was weak in strength.

Staying in Ping'an County to guard his home was already good enough, without aspiring for excessive wealth and glory.

In the end, Chen Yuan had to relent, returning to Shuzhou City with his massive royal chariot, but both Wang Ping and Zhao Nanshan weighed more heavily in his heart.

Many can recognize themselves, but still being clear about one's position in the face of immense temptation and not being swayed by wealth and honor is truly precious.

He didn't grant them high-ranking official posts, nor did he promise them greater riches. They remained as they were before his arrival and still the same upon his departure.

In today's still unstable world, finding a sense of security in Ping'an County is indeed valuable.

...

The conflicts in the world persist, and the Yan Army's offensive advances steadily. After Chen Yuan's breakthrough, they had already seized most of Yang Province and were in the process of integrating it.

Yun State fell under his control, and if Chen Yuan wanted to expand further, he must capture Central State. Only then could he continue his northward expansion, attempting to reclaim the lands of Bing, Liang, and You, the Three States.

However, these matters don't require this prince to charge at the front. Consequently, upon returning to Shuzhou City, he cast aside all other mundane affairs and concentrated solely on retreating to stabilize his cultivation.

This left Chi Lian Demon Venerable somewhat disappointed, suspecting whether her own charm was not strong enough to make Chen Yuan eager for her.

Or perhaps, she always misunderstood....

In truth, for the Hall Master to send him to Yan King Mansion might have been merely a one-sided wish.

Chen Yuan was unaware of Chi Lian Demon Venerable's thoughts. Even if he knew, he wouldn't care much. For him now, beauty was not important.

Or perhaps, it had never been that important. His utmost focus remained on consolidating his own cultivation.

Having just comprehended the rules, how could he idly flirt with women?

Even if he wanted to relax, it should be after stabilizing his cultivation.

For seven consecutive days, Chen Yuan did not leave his retreat. Under Moluo's guidance, he finally stabilized his cultivation, transforming it into his own strength.

"Phew...."

In the secret chamber, Chen Yuan slowly opened his eyes. The whole chamber instantly lit up as if it were daylight, and the Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy around was more amiable to him.

Constantly merging with him....

"It's time to leave!"

Chen Yuan gently twisted his neck, producing crisp cracking sounds, feeling thoroughly comfortable. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

He stood up and left the secret chamber.

In the backyard, he met with Lady, Shangguan Hong, Zhang Wanshu and others. They exchanged pleasantries and spoke of intimate matters. Yu Qingyan opened her mouth but still didn't say anything.

Chen Yuan glanced at her, keenly sensing some of her emotions and asked softly:

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing...."

Yu Qingyan shook her head, walked to the edge of the fish pond without saying a word.

Shen Yanshu and Shangguan Hong winked at Chen Yuan, suggesting he go and comfort her. Then, the ladies seemed to have tacitly agreed, quickly leaving while sending away the nearby maids.

Among the women in the Prince Mansion, aside from Chi Lian Demon Venerable and Yu Qingyan, most are considered Daoist friends of Chen Yuan. Chi Lian Demon Venerable, being a newcomer with undefined relationships, was naturally not accepted by them.

But Yu Qingyan was different. She had seniority, having met Chen Yuan early on, and also had that connection with Shen Yanshu and Chen Huaiyi. She was long considered one of the sisters by them.

Yu Qingyan seemed aware, and did not resist. Since the last time she reached Tangshan Prefecture, she remained with them without any intention to leave.

Everyone knew what she meant. It was merely that Chen Yuan was too busy, and Yu Qingyan was cold by nature, leading to their slight estrangement, while the other sisters were quite anxious.

Gazing at the graceful figure by the Spirit Pool, Chen Yuan knew what she was thinking. It was undoubtedly related to Goddess Palace. Since the suppression of the Palace Master, the status of Goddess Palace had been low.

Moreover, many had been planted with prohibitions, akin to enslavement, including many of Yu Qingyan's elders.

Yu Qingyan didn't turn around, merely sensed the figure behind her had gone still, thinking he had left her again. Feeling somewhat lost, she sighed lightly, just about to turn and leave. Suddenly, a pair of large hands embraced her from behind, causing her body to stiffen instantly, as if struck by an immobilization spell.