The next day.
Early in the morning.
The sun peeked over the horizon, glowing red like a shy maiden veiled in mist, finally revealing her radiant smile.
With warm and gentle arms, she roused the earth from its slumber, spreading golden sunlight across the land.
The sky was bathed in a brilliant crimson hue, with a thousand rays of morning glow dressing the awakening world in resplendent red garments.
A new day, a new awakening—the rising sun seemed particularly enchanting. The morning air carried a hint of moisture, crisp and refreshing.
"Instructor Rou Lin, good morning!"
As Rou Lin opened her eyes, she saw Zhou Yi's handsome, chiseled face. However, a pair of mischievous hands had already seized her.
Rou Lin immediately flushed with embarrassment.
"Good morning, husband."
She buried her head in Zhou Yi's chest, listening to his heartbeat, a soft smile of happiness gracing her lips.
The warmth and solidity of Zhou Yi's embrace filled her with a deep sense of peace and security.
Zhou Yi did not tease her further. On this serene morning, he simply held her gently in his arms.
But within half an hour, Rou Lin sensed a change in Zhou Yi.
Sure enough.
Zhou Yi was at it again.
Rou Lin sighed helplessly.
Yet, she did not want to dampen Zhou Yi's enthusiasm.
She closed her eyes and let him have his way.
Her bashful expression only served to fuel Zhou Yi's motivation, making him even more energetic.
The bridal night routine—Zhou Yi had made adjustments.
No longer was everything crammed into a single day.
That was far too rushed.
One per day was much better.
Today was Instructor Rou Lin's turn.
[Reward: Water Spirit Pearl]
"This suits Ruo Lin perfectly."
Zhou Yi decided to gift the Water Spirit Pearl to Ruo Lin.
Ruo Lin cultivated water-attribute Dou Qi.
With the Water Spirit Pearl, it would be like adding wings to a tiger—a perfect synergy.
A gift taken from the heavens, now returned to the heavens.
"It's already past noon!"
Feeling the warmth of the sun filtering through the windows, Ruo Lin's entire body felt cozy, her heart even more so.
"Instructor Ruo Lin, I have a gift for you!"
Zhou Yi's words immediately put Ruo Lin on alert. Her watery eyes gazed at him pleadingly.
Another round?
She truly had no strength left.
"Look—do you like it?"
Zhou Yi took out the Water Spirit Pearl and placed it before Ruo Lin. The pearl, about the size of a ping-pong ball, shimmered in a brilliant blue, with swirling water currents flowing inside—a breathtaking sight.
As soon as it appeared, the very essence of water in the air trembled in resonance.
"This… is a supreme water-attribute treasure?"
Ruo Lin did not recognize the Water Spirit Pearl, but she could sense its immense value and the powerful water-attribute energy within it.
"Mm, do you like it?" Zhou Yi asked with a smile.
"I love it. Thank you, husband."
Ruo Lin did not hesitate. She kissed Zhou Yi lightly on the cheek as a token of gratitude.
Zhou Yi placed the Water Spirit Pearl in her hands.
He had to admit, Instructor Ruo Lin had quite the figure.
Even if she stood up, the Water Spirit Pearl would not fall to the ground.
After applying his specially crafted Nine-Floral Jade Dew Balm to Ruo Lin, Zhou Yi summoned the maids to assist with her bath and prepare a meal.
He accompanied Ruo Lin through breakfast before finally leaving the room, allowing her to rest.
Fortunately, she did not have to work overtime tonight.
Tonight, it was Han Yue's turn.
With her long silver hair, tall figure, and cold yet striking beauty, Han Yue was the quintessential ice queen.
But Zhou Yi had mastered the art of breaking through barriers.
Even an ice queen could be melted.
Following her were Han Xue, Ye Xinlan, Hu Jia, Liu Fei, Xue Ni, Tang Huo'er, and Lü Man.
The rewards varied greatly.
Among them were Ice Spirit Pearls, Fire Spirit Pearls, alchemy techniques, and more.
While Zhou Yi's cultivation had not advanced significantly, Ruo Lin, Han Yue, Han Xue, Ye Xinlan, Hu Jia, Liu Fei, Xue Ni, Tang Huo'er, and Lu Man had all undergone a complete transformation over the past half month, their cultivation soaring.
Ye Xinlan, in particular, had advanced to a sixth-tier alchemist overnight, stunning the entire region.
"Master Zhou is truly formidable!"
"Indeed! It's one thing to help his wives improve their cultivation—with pills and heavenly treasures, that's expected. But alchemy? That requires years of experience!"
"For Xinlan to rise to a sixth-tier alchemist in less than half a month—it's unbelievable! This proves that Master Zhou's alchemy skills are beyond comprehension. Otherwise, there's no way he could have helped Xinlan achieve such rapid growth!"
"Being married to Master Zhou is a true blessing!"
Countless people were envious.
Countless women harbored deep admiration, longing to become Zhou Yi's bride.
"So this is the power of wealth?"
Ying Huanhuan observed the many young women gazing at the Zhou residence with fervent desire, sighing inwardly.
Alchemy in the Tianxuan Continent was akin to inscription techniques—she knew how difficult it was to master.
Yet, marrying Zhou Yi meant not only skyrocketing cultivation but also a dramatic improvement in alchemy skills.
Who could resist such temptation?
However, thinking about how Zhou Yi had spent every night with a different bride lately, Ying Huanhuan couldn't help but scoff:
"Scumbag!"
"I think you're just bitter because you can't have him."
Ling Qingzhu, standing nearby, sneered in response.
Zhou Yi was her man.
She could call him a scumbag.
But no one else could.
"As if you're the only one who treasures him." Ying Huanhuan refused to back down, retorting stubbornly.
"I do treasure him. My cultivation has been rising so fast lately—I wonder if I'll even be able to control my power?"
Ling Qingzhu sighed softly, releasing her aura.
"You've transcended another Nirvana Tribulation?"
Ying Huanhuan exclaimed in shock.
Ying Xiaoxiao also frowned, deeply shaken.
She was still in the Qi Creation Realm.
Beyond that was the Manifestation Realm.
After that, the path continued—Half-Step Nirvana, Quasi-Nirvana, and finally Nirvana.
Nirvana was a true transformation.
It extended one's lifespan and granted immense power, allowing a cultivator to manipulate the world's energy at will.
A single strike could annihilate a city, tear space apart, and reduce mountains to rubble.
"Just a stroke of luck."
Ling Qingzhu said calmly.
Ying Huanhuan and Ying Xiaoxiao fell silent.
They had once been on the same level as Ling Qingzhu, or at least close enough to hope for surpassing her.
But now…
The gap was overwhelming.
And all because Ling Qingzhu had latched onto Zhou Yi.
Rising in cultivation as easily as drinking water.
In truth, the rapid improvements of Ling Qingzhu and the others were not just due to Zhou Yi's resources and dual cultivation.
The system's assistance provided them with unparalleled benefits.
Feeling defeated, Ying Huanhuan and Ying Xiaoxiao left to report the news to Ying Xuanzi.
Their departure went unnoticed.
Zhou Yi was aware but paid them no mind.
They weren't going anywhere.
He was busy.
After all, he had his previous wives to care for, and now nine new ones to tend to.
On this day—
One of the three grandmasters of the Pill Tower, Xuan Yi, came to visit Zhou Yi to discuss alchemy.
Zhou Yi skillfully led Xuan Yi to the alchemy chamber.
This wasn't their first discussion.
With the system's rewards, Zhou Yi's alchemy skills had already reached the Imperial level.
Xuan Yi gazed at Zhou Yi with admiration in her eyes.
The best way to earn a woman's reverence is to surpass her in her strongest domain, leaving her utterly convinced of your superiority.
As one of the three great elders of the Alchemy Tower and a peak eighth-grade alchemist, Xuan Yi was revered as a near-mythical existence in the Dou Qi Continent.
Yet, before Zhou Yi, her mastery of eighth-grade alchemy seemed utterly inadequate.
After an intense exchange of insights—
Xuan Yi rose gracefully, her mature and alluring figure bowing slightly as she respectfully saluted Zhou Yi.
"Many thanks for Master Zhou's guidance. A single conversation with you is worth ten years of study. I feel that I am on the verge of breaking through to the ninth grade of alchemy!"
"Elder Xuan Yi, you are too kind. This is merely a testament to your own exceptional talent and deep foundations."
Zhou Yi smiled warmly, his demeanor as refreshing as a spring breeze.
"In front of Master Zhou, who would dare claim to be naturally gifted?"
Xuan Yi chuckled at herself, her elegant and refined features exuding an aura of nobility. As a peak Dou Venerate expert and an eighth-grade alchemist, she naturally carried an air of extraordinary grace.
"Elder Xuan Yi, I happen to have a unique Rejuvenation Pill. Not only does it preserve youth, but it also possesses the miraculous effect of reversing age itself."
"As they say, a treasured blade is meant for a hero. This pill and Elder Xuan Yi are a perfect match—I offer it to you as a gift."
Zhou Yi extended the pill toward Xuan Yi.
"This…"
Xuan Yi hesitated. This Rejuvenation Pill was clearly different from ordinary ones and was undoubtedly of immense value.
"Why not test its effects for yourself, Elder Xuan Yi?"
Zhou Yi took her soft, jade-like hand and gently placed the pill in her palm.
"Many thanks, Master Zhou."
Xuan Yi's heart skipped a beat, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. This time, she found it difficult to refuse.
With her slender fingers, she picked up the pill, parting her vibrant red lips slightly before swallowing it.
As a wave of warmth spread through her body, it felt as if she were soaking in a soothing hot spring.
As a Dou Zun expert, Xuan Yi instantly sensed the transformation.
At that moment, Zhou Yi had already thoughtfully conjured a mirror before her.
Feeling a tinge of nervousness, Xuan Yi looked into the mirror—only to be utterly stunned.
"This…"
She could hardly believe her own eyes. Though her cultivation allowed her to maintain a youthful appearance, and she had used Rejuvenation Pills before, she had still looked to be in her thirties.
But now—
She appeared as though she had returned to her twenties.
"Xuan Yi… you are breathtaking."
Zhou Yi gazed directly into her eyes, his voice filled with sincere admiration.
"Zhou…"
Xuan Yi's heartbeat quickened. Meeting Zhou Yi's intense gaze, an unfamiliar panic welled up inside her.
Before she could react, Zhou Yi's arm wrapped around her supple waist, pulling her into his embrace. The intoxicating fragrance of her body filled his senses.
"Master Zhou, this is not appropriate…"
Xuan Yi gasped in shock, finally snapping back to her senses. Her delicate hands pressed against Zhou Yi's chest, her heart pounding wildly.
Yet, Zhou Yi could feel the weakness in her resistance. As an experienced hunter, how could he not understand?
Without hesitation, he pressed his lips firmly against hers.
Xuan Yi's eyes widened in disbelief.
Though she had lived for many years, in her youth, she had once admired Yao Chen and had even confessed her feelings—only to be rejected.
From that moment on—
She had never even held a man's hand, let alone shared a kiss.
Completely defenseless against Zhou Yi's bold advance, her mind went blank.
The already warm alchemy chamber grew even more scorching.
Sweat trickled down like rain.
Outside—
"I heard that Young Master Zhou is discussing alchemy with Xuan Yi. Coincidentally, I have some questions of my own to ask."
Yao Chen, having learned that Zhou Yi and Xuan Yi were in the alchemy chamber, hurried over with enthusiasm.
Though he often accompanied Zhou Yi, opportunities to seek his guidance were rare.
Zhou Yi was always busy—
Much like an emperor managing the affairs of a vast domain, he worked tirelessly, often through the night.
Arriving at the chamber doors, Yao Chen lifted his hand to knock.
But then—
He suddenly froze.
His entire body stiffened as his expression turned blank.
"Xuan Yi and Young Master Zhou…"
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