Chen Muhui’s face was ashen, cold sweat beading at his temples.

When the sisters, Chen Ziyi and Chen Ziqing, found him and announced they would be building a courtyard for Zhou Kai within the Spirit Beast Garden, his first instinct was to capture the two traitors immediately.

The former Patriarch, Chen Rulong, and the family genius, Chen Xingze, had vanished alongside Zhou Kai, Danyangzi, Wang Qiaoqiao, and the sisters. The wreckage left in Danyangzi’s compound pointed to a violent struggle. All signs led to a single, terrifying conclusion.

But when the Chen sisters flashed their Calamity Abyss Valley disciple tokens and casually mentioned that Zhou Kai was already at the Foundation Establishment third layer, all of Chen Muhui’s thoughts curdled into pure dread.

He had no choice but to comply. He scrambled to arrange manpower to build the courtyard at breakneck speed while trembling as he reported the matter to the new Patriarch, Chen Heming.

The two of them had been waiting at the courtyard gate for what felt like an eternity. Their knees had turned to water, yet neither dared to take a single step inside.

It wasn’t until Fish Baibai and Shen Hanyi returned that they forced themselves to step forward, scalp tingling with numbness.

They didn’t recognize Fish Baibai, but the terrifying Vitality radiating from her small frame—the pressure of the fourth layer of Bone Forging—made them afraid to even breathe too loudly.

When they learned this petite, doll-like Senior was surnamed “Fish” and was Zhou Kai’s Dao Companion, Chen Heming felt his heart trying to claw its way out of his throat.

The Young Miss of a Golden Core family was Zhou Kai’s woman!

And then there was Shen Hanyi. Her portrait had once been plastered all over the Crouching Tiger Mountain market.

Now, seeing the real person, that icy sword intent was sharper than any blade, and her cultivation base was an unfathomable Spirit Shaping fifth layer!

She, too, was Zhou Kai’s Dao Companion!

Chen Heming watched the Jade Arm Mantises patrolling the courtyard and the swarms of Quenching Spirit Bees dancing in the air. He thought of the missing Chen family members, Zhou Kai’s meteoric rise, and the monsters surrounding him.

There was no room for luck or denial in his heart anymore.

The answer was glaringly obvious.

Endless regret washed over Chen Heming. If he had only chosen to befriend Zhou Kai back then—if he had shown even a sliver of goodwill—the fate of the Chen family might have been entirely different.

Unfortunately, this world had no medicine for regret.

The sound of footsteps approached from within the courtyard. To the two men, every footfall sounded like a war drum beating against their chests.

Thud!

Chen Heming reacted first. His legs gave out completely, and he dropped to his knees. His forehead slammed heavily against the bluestone slab, his voice trembling with suppressed terror.

“Chen family Patriarch, Heming… pays respects to Senior!”

Seeing this, Chen Muhui didn’t dare delay. He collapsed to the ground beside his Patriarch, his voice thick with panic.

“Chen family Affairs Hall Steward, Muhui… pays respects to Senior!”

Zhou Kai’s gaze swept over the two prostrate figures.

He didn’t harbor any deep-seated hatred for the Chen family itself. Their relationship had been strictly transactional—employer and employee.

He had no plans to trouble them further.

If Chen Xingze hadn’t repeatedly provoked him, and if he hadn’t coincidentally met Shen Hanyi, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.

As for whether the Chen family would seek revenge? Zhou Kai chuckled inwardly.

He was no longer the minor Qi Condensation cultivator who had to live by their mood.

He had his own foundation now. He had power.

The Chen family had fallen so low that if they harbored any unrealistic thoughts of vengeance, he wouldn’t mind showing them exactly what happens when a mantis tries to stop a chariot.

Zhou Kai ignored Chen Heming completely. He walked over to Chen Muhui, reached out, and personally helped him up.

“Brother Muhui, there’s no need for this between us,” Zhou Kai sighed. “Back at the Chen family, I relied on your care.”

He patted Chen Muhui’s shoulder and pressed three porcelain bottles into his hands.

“These Pills should be enough to help you reach Qi Condensation Grand Perfection.”

Chen Muhui’s body jolted. He looked up in disbelief, clutching the cold porcelain bottles as his hands shook uncontrollably.

“Thank you, Senior… thank you, Brother Zhou!”

Only then did Zhou Kai glance at Chen Heming, who was still kneeling with his head to the ground.

“Get up. Come inside and talk.”

Although the courtyard wasn’t fully finished, the stone tables and stools were already in place.

Zhou Kai took a seat on a stone stool. Chuntao and Xiahe, settling into their roles, served fragrant tea.

Fish Baibai wandered around the courtyard curiously, touching this, tapping that.

She stopped in front of a newly erected wooden pillar, stood on her tiptoes to sniff it, and then gently poked it with her index finger.

CRUNCH!

With a crisp sound, her finger punched straight through the solid wood, leaving a clean hole.

She turned back, wrinkling her small nose at Zhou Kai with a look of disdain.

“Junior Brother, this wood doesn’t smell nice at all, and it’s not hard enough. It feels brittle. If I sneeze, the whole house might fall down.”

Hearing this, Chen Heming’s legs, which had just regained some strength, began to wobble again. He stood awkwardly to the side, afraid to even exhale.

Shen Hanyi stood quietly by Zhou Kai’s side. Her gaze was cold, her presence silent, all her sharpness sheathed but palpable.

“What is the matter?” Zhou Kai lifted his teacup, blowing gently on the floating tea leaves.

Chen Heming took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He pulled a worn, aged animal skin map from his Storage Bag and presented it respectfully with both hands.

“Senior, this is a map hand-drawn by my family’s ancestor. The ancestor once said that he obtained a great Fated Chance at the location marked here, which allowed him to smoothly establish his Foundation.”

A map?

Zhou Kai’s eyes flickered. Buying peace with treasure?

He took the map and swept it with his Divine Sense. The marked location was south of Crouching Tiger Mountain, dangerously close to the chaotic buffer zone where the Righteous and Demonic paths were currently clashing.

“Oh? What kind of Fated Chance?” Zhou Kai asked, his tone flat.

Chen Heming bowed deeply. “This Junior only knows it can enhance physical constitution. I heard that after the ancestor returned from there, he broke through to Foundation Establishment in one go. He returned several times afterward, gaining something each trip.”

“If it’s such a great Fated Chance, why haven’t your descendants gone?” Zhou Kai asked, cutting to the chase.

Chen Heming bowed lower, his posture screaming humility.

“Replying to Senior: after the ancestor passed, the family sent people to explore and indeed achieved some success. However…”

He hesitated, sweat dripping from his nose.

“About a hundred and fifty years ago, that area became the territory of a powerful demon beast. Now, it is the core zone of the war between the Righteous and Demonic sects. We… our strength is too low. We simply dare not approach.”

Zhou Kai nodded and swept the map into his Storage Bag. “I’ll accept this map.”

A look of immense relief washed over Chen Heming’s face.

Zhou Kai turned his gaze to Shen Hanyi, his voice softening. “Hanyi, regarding the matter back then, don’t hold onto it anymore.”

Shen Hanyi understood instantly. He was referring to Chen Ping and Chen An, the two Chen family cultivators who had hunted her alongside Zhou Kai, only to be silenced.

She nodded slightly. “Those two are already dead. The debt is settled. Husband need not worry.”

Hearing this, Chen Heming hurriedly bowed again. “Thank you, Senior, for your magnanimity! Thank you, Fairy Shen, for your generosity! This Junior has prepared a meager banquet at home. Would Senior and his esteemed wives do us the honor…”

“No need.”

Zhou Kai raised his teacup and took a sip.

The gesture to see off the guests was unmistakable.

Chen Heming and Chen Muhui scrambled to leave, bowing as they retreated.

Once the courtyard was quiet again, Zhou Kai set down his cup and looked at Shen Hanyi.

“During my Secluded Cultivation, where did you go?”

Shen Hanyi’s answer was concise. “The front lines. Killing enemies.”

She paused, then added, “Dharma Protector Youci was here. Husband was safe.”

The Demonic Sect had annihilated her entire sect, the Lone Goose Palace. It was a blood feud she could never let go of.

Zhou Kai pondered for a moment. “That Yun family cultivator from Heavenly Demon Ridge who was chasing you… is he on the Crouching Tiger Mountain front?”

“His name is Yun Kang. He is here.”

Zhou Kai reached out and took her cool, jade-like hand.

“Good. I’ve noted it. Hanyi, wait a little longer. It won’t be long before I personally wring his head off and bring it to you.”

“I can kill him myself,” Shen Hanyi said, her tone firm, her eyes flashing with a solitary pride.

But when she saw the unyielding resolve in Zhou Kai’s eyes, that sharpness quietly receded.

She fell silent for a moment, then nodded gently, squeezing Zhou Kai’s hand tightly in return.

“…Alright. Husband will kill him for me.”

“Come. Let’s go see the Li siblings.”

The cultivation dojo that once belonged to Chen Rulong now had a new master.

In the courtyard, Li Qiwen and Li Youci stood side by side.

Zhou Kai and Li Youci exchanged a brief glance.

The play had to be performed to the end.

Unexpectedly, Li Qiwen spoke first. “Zhou Kai, you’ve come at the right time. Just now, Youci told me she is going into long-term Secluded Cultivation to comprehend the Delusional Dao Cicada Scripture. During this time, you will work directly under my command.”

Zhou Kai inwardly applauded. Li Youci’s excuse was watertight.

It perfectly solved the problem of “Xia Min” and Li Youci being unable to appear in the same place at the same time, while also giving him a legitimate reason to switch allegiance from the Young Miss to the Young Master.

He immediately cupped his fists. “I will follow Young Master’s arrangements.”

Li Qiwen nodded with satisfaction. “What brings you here?”

Zhou Kai’s expression turned solemn. “My Dao Companion, Shen Hanyi, and I have a life-and-death feud with Yun Kang, the grandson of the Heavenly Demon Ridge Headmaster. We have come specifically to request permission from the Young Lady and Senior Brother Li to join the battle. We hope for a chance to personally end that beast!”

Li Qiwen snorted coldly.

“Yun Kang? That gutless turtle from Heavenly Demon Ridge? If you want to kill him, go to the front lines anytime. The Sect does not forbid free hunting. However, he is always surrounded by guards. Wait until the next large-scale offensive pushes the battle lines forward. Your chance will come then.”

Suddenly, Li Youci, who had been silent the entire time, spoke up.

“I will enter Secluded Cultivation tonight. The two of you—especially you, Zhou Kai—tomorrow night at the banquet on the Exploring Spring Flower Boat…”

Her eyes bored into his, conveying a hidden meaning.

“Give me a fearsome reputation!”