The Universe Qi Unification Return to Truth Mysterious Canon was a masterpiece of profundity. It left the Mutual Cultivation Art Zhou Kai had previously relied upon completely in the dust.

Fish Baibai’s Primordial Yin was still intact, backed by a solid foundation at the third layer of Bone Forging. Their first union was a tempestuous collision, surging with the power of crashing waves.

A stream of incredibly pure Vitality spiraled through their bodies, a galloping dragon of Yin and Yang. Every cycle brought indescribable ecstasy and tangible improvement.

Zhou Kai didn’t even need to look at his system panel. He could feel his Vitality skyrocketing at an unprecedented speed. It was as if his limbs and bones were soaking in the purest spiritual liquid of heaven and earth; every inch of muscle and sinew cheered in jubilation.

Beneath him, Fish Baibai’s delicate frame trembled, her aura climbing steadily. Zhou Kai could sense the bottleneck of her third layer loosening. She was on the verge of breaking through to the fourth layer of Bone Forging in a single breath!

[Ding! Fish Baibai Affection +20!]

The system notification chimed right on time. Zhou Kai was used to this. After piercing that final layer of paper—and with the boost of such a miraculous technique—a spike in Affection was only natural.

Fish Baibai clung to him tightly, shifting between a docile kitten and a clingy octopus.

“Miss said this method fits your constitution perfectly,” she murmured, breathless. “Cultivating together… it’s far beyond what ordinary cultivators can imagine.”

Zhou Kai scoffed internally.

Creation Spirit Yang Body? Please. This is clearly a divine skill bestowed by the System.

Still, the title ‘Creation Spirit Yang Body’ is a convenient cover. It explains my rapid progress perfectly. In the future, I can use this ‘constitution’ as an excuse to pursue other beauties. It’ll save me a lot of explaining.

Fish Baibai nuzzled her small head against his chest.

“Miss also ordered me to send Chen Ziyi and the other three to your cave dwelling on Taiji Peak.”

She paused, her voice turning shy. “Miss said… she performed a secret technique on them to better aid your cultivation. They’re already waiting for you.”

“Oh?” Zhou Kai raised a brow, pleasantly surprised. Li Youci was truly… thorough.

“I’m not going anywhere for the next few days,” Zhou Kai said, flipping over and pinning Fish Baibai beneath him. “I’m staying right here with you, Senior Sister.”

Startled by the sudden movement, Fish Baibai blushed but tried to look fierce, raising a tiny fist. “Hmph! I was just thinking… if you dared to run off halfway, or leave after just one day, I’d pummel you!”

Zhou Kai chuckled darkly, planting a heavy kiss on her lips.

“This Junior Brother has fully recharged. Let’s go again!”

The next morning, dawn broke with a pale light.

Zhou Kai felt the wave of Divine Sense outside the cave quietly recede. Li Youci had finished her cultivation.

He tidied his robes and headed straight for her dwelling.

“Many thanks for the generous gift of the Universe Qi Unification Return to Truth Mysterious Canon, Great Miss,” Zhou Kai bowed deeply, his tone sincere. “This kindness, Zhou Kai will engrave in his heart.”

Li Youci opened her eyes. Her gaze was calm, like a still lake.

“This method is of great use to you. Cultivate diligently. Do not waste this opportunity.”

Zhou Kai straightened up. “Reporting to Great Miss: apart from the four women including Chen Ziyi, this subordinate has two other concubines residing outside. I wonder… could they also be brought to Taiji Peak to aid in my cultivation?”

Li Youci’s seated figure stiffened imperceptibly.

She had previously taken matters into her own hands with Chen Ziyi and the other three, refining them with a Spirit Binding Rite to transform them into perfect vessels for his cultivation. She had done it behind his back—for his own good, of course—but she still felt a twinge of guilt for not informing him.

But now, hearing there were two more who had slipped through the net? A flash of regret and annoyance crossed her heart.

If I had known, I would have prepared those two as well!

Li Youci raised her phoenix eyes, letting out a cold, imperious snort.

“You certainly know how to push your luck. I just had Fish Baibai deliver four, and now you want two more?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Fine. Your constitution is special. More vessels to assist your cultivation might speed up your progress. I will allow it this once. Let there be no next time.”

Zhou Kai rejoiced internally but kept his face impassive, feigning a look of guilt.

“Great Miss’s kindness is as heavy as a mountain. This subordinate has achieved no merit, yet repeatedly receives such favor. My heart is uneasy. I wish to share your burdens.”

He pulled out a small booklet and presented it with both hands.

“This is the Cicada Raiment Art. It is a profound concealment technique. It might be of some use to Great Miss.”

He paused for effect, then continued. “Additionally, the Fu Family of Golden Copper Dock harbors wolfish ambition. They ruthlessly annihilated the Lin Family, a clan of formation masters.”

“The Fu Family did this solely for the Lin Family’s inheritance, the Cicada Chant Art. If the Raiment and the Chant are combined, the power is unimaginable.”

“My Dao Companion is the sole survivor of the Lin Family. She holds the key to opening their ancestral formation.”

Zhou Kai had never forgotten his grudge against Fu Weilun. Borrowing Li Youci’s hand to crush them was the safest play.

Li Youci took the booklet, flipping through it. A flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.

The Cicada Raiment Art… this is extraordinary.

According to the text, mastering this technique allowed one to hide within the void itself. That alone made it a top-tier art for assassination or survival. Moreover, she sensed that the “Cicada Raiment” wasn’t just about concealment—its deeper mysteries likely far exceeded what was written here.

She looked up at Zhou Kai, a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips.

“You really know how to scheme. Borrowing my power to avenge your lover’s family, while conveniently obtaining the Cicada Chant Art for yourself. Killing two birds with one stone.”

Zhou Kai’s expression didn’t waver. “It is my honor to serve Great Miss. A mere Fu Family shouldn’t trouble you, but this subordinate is weak and lowly…”

Li Youci’s tone suddenly shifted. The teasing vanished, replaced by a solemn gravity.

“In the past, a mere Golden Core family wouldn’t require the Sect’s attention. My Li Family could wipe them out with a single word. But now…”

She looked past him, her gaze piercing through the cave entrance, staring at something far away.

“The Eastern Domain is changing. The war between the Righteous and Demon paths is imminent. This current calm? It’s just the silence before the storm.”

Zhou Kai’s heart skipped a beat. A Great War?

“Then…” He asked urgently, “What about Lone Goose Palace? They border the demonic territories. What is their situation?”

Li Youci slowly retracted her gaze, enunciating every word.

“Lone Goose Palace has been destroyed.”

Zhou Kai’s head buzzed.

Destroyed?!

That was a Sword Cultivation Holy Land of the Eastern Domain. Gone? Just like that?

“Hanyi…”

The name slipped out. He frantically checked his system panel.

[Shen Hanyi: Status – Alive/Normal]

Her status was unchanged. The tension in his chest loosened slightly.

Li Youci caught his slip. “You have ties to Lone Goose Palace?”

“I have… a very close friend who cultivates there.”

“Lone Goose Palace left no survivors,” Li Youci said indifferently. “Presumably, they are dead.”

Zhou Kai knew she was wrong, but he played along. “Dare I ask, Great Miss… who did it? The Yin Ruins Sect?”

“The Five Great Demon Sects joined forces.”

Li Youci’s voice remained cold. “Since the person is dead, do not let it distract you. Focus on your cultivation.”

“If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. The Sect Master is currently traveling, rallying the Eastern Domain sects for an alliance. The Patriarchs are negotiating with the Demon Path.”

“But these are just final preparations. We have some time. When the war truly erupts and chaos reigns, that is when we will move. We will go to the Lin Family ancestral grounds, retrieve the Cicada Chant Art, and deal with the Fu Family in passing.”