In the morning light, Ye Qingxian stood clad in a simple white gown, her form enveloped in a faint golden aura. It accentuated her peerless beauty, making her seem even more stunning and otherworldly than usual.

Even a man of Shen Xing’s stature couldn’t help but pause, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He had never seen such an exceptional woman.

“This woman…” Shen Xing murmured, his voice so low only the Great Elder beside him could hear, “is quite the surprise.”

The Great Elder stroked his beard and sighed. “This woman possesses an extraordinary destiny. She was originally meant for you, but alas… that incident.”

No one had anticipated that her cultivation would recover. Now that she was Shen Xian’s wife, these prominent figures couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

A glint appeared in Shen Xing’s eyes as he recalled his second brother’s public declaration that the two had yet to consummate their marriage. A ripple of thought stirred within him.

He maintained a calm facade. “Third Brother has suffered enough,” he said smoothly. “It is a blessing that he has such a woman to aid him, though it will undoubtedly place more pressure upon him.”

“That depends on his own fate,” the Great Elder remarked before turning to leave. “At least our Shen Family has gained another prodigy.”

The other senior members of the Shen Family were equally astonished by the Ye Family daughter’s transformation. But after confirming that her cultivation had indeed returned, they refrained from further comment and vanished into the clouds.

Only Nangong Wan and Shen Xing remained suspended in the air.

Nangong Wan descended into the courtyard, while Shen Xing cast one last, lingering glance at Ye Qingxian before sweeping his sleeves and departing.

“Mother,” Shen Xian said respectfully, bowing as he saw her land.

Nangong Wan approached slowly, the hem of her skirt brushing against the ground and releasing the subtle fragrance of orchids.

Her gaze lingered on Ye Qingxian for a moment, a dignified smile gracing her lips.

“Qingxian, you have recovered well,” she said, her voice soft but laced with an undeniable authority. “It seems the spiritual array Xian’er gave you was effective. Have you fully absorbed the inheritance from the cavern?”

Naturally, the matter of the spiritual array could not be hidden from the family’s matriarch. Her words were a deliberate prelude to her true purpose.

Ye Qingxian gave a slight nod, her expression as serene and aloof as ever. “Thank you for your concern, Madam.”

Assimilating the inheritance was no quick task, but she was nearly finished. She knew this inheritance was the result of intricate schemes. To continue feigning weakness would only invite trouble. Thus, she had decided to no longer conceal her strength.

A flicker of light passed through Nangong Wan’s eyes. Her fingertips lightly traced the cloud patterns embroidered on her sleeve, a composed, graceful smile on her lips. “Now that you have regained your cultivation, Qingxian, why not accompany Xian’er to the Ancestral Rites in ten days?” She paused, her tone gentle but firm. “The ancestral land bestows blessings that are of great benefit to one’s cultivation. You need precisely such an opportunity to solidify your foundation.”

This was the very reason she had remained. Upon learning of Ye Qingxian’s recovery, she had immediately conceived this plan to ensure her son’s safety.

Ye Qingxian lowered her long lashes, concealing the thoughts in her eyes. She knew nothing of the Shen Family’s ancestral land and could not agree so rashly.

Sensing her hesitation, Nangong Wan smiled. “The Ancestral Rites is a grand ceremony our Shen Family holds once every century. Its purpose is to gain the recognition of the great ancestral array…”

She went on to explain the ceremony’s origins, emphasizing that receiving the blessing of the family’s founding ancestor would allow one’s cultivation to soar.

As she listened, Ye Qingxian began to waver. She desperately needed an opportunity to rapidly increase her strength, especially with the inheritance not yet fully assimilated.

When she raised her gaze, her eyes were still cold and clear. “I deeply appreciate your kindness, Mother. However, the ancestral land is sacred to the Shen Family. Though I am a daughter-in-law, my name is still Ye…”

“You silly child,” Nangong Wan chuckled, the jade bracelet on her wrist glowing softly. “Now that you have married into our family, you are one of us. Besides…”

She raised her hand, and a crimson-gold token floated before Ye Qingxian. “With this, the two of you will be protected within the ancestral land. Consider it a small token of my affection.”

The token required a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation to activate, which was why she had not given it to Shen Xian. But if Ye Qingxian went with him, it could be put to use.

In the courtyard, ancient trees stirred though there was no wind, as if sensing an invisible pressure.

Shen Xian’s eyes flickered as he watched. He had been wondering if he should give her a similar item himself, hoping for an even greater return.

Just then, Ye Qingxian gently raised her hand, and the token landed softly in her palm. She could feel the profound spiritual energy within it—and a faint, almost imperceptible probe. Nangong Wan was assessing her strength.

“Thank you for your kindness, Mother,” Ye Qingxian said calmly. Her fingertips brushed the token’s surface, instantly creating a ripple of golden light.

The token then dissolved into a streak of radiant light that flowed from her hand into her body.

Her acceptance was clear.

A flash of admiration appeared in Nangong Wan’s eyes before she resumed her dignified demeanor. “Good child.” She turned, her skirt unfurling like a dark lotus. Just before she departed, she added meaningfully, “The ancestral land holds great opportunities, but also hidden dangers. You two must look out for each other.”

After his mother left, Shen Xian approached Ye Qingxian. “So, you’re really going?”

His own reason for attending the Ancestral Rites was to stop Shen Li from gaining the array’s recognition. With her help, things might not be so bad after all.

Ye Qingxian stroked the space where the token had entered her palm, feeling its ancient aura. “If I receive the blessing, it will help me completely refine the inheritance.” She paused. “Besides…”

“Besides what?”

Ye Qingxian suddenly looked at him, a complex emotion in her eyes. “Your mother is right. Some opportunities, once missed, never come again.”

Hearing this, a mischievous spark lit up Shen Xian’s eyes. He clasped his hands behind his back, feigning a profound air. “Since we’re both going to the ancestral land anyway, why don’t we make a little wager?”

He’d been trying to give her gifts for days to trigger a system return, but she had politely declined most of them, accepting only a few basic cultivation resources. He needed a pretext—a good reason to give her something valuable. And so, he decided on a wager.

Ye Qingxian raised an eyebrow. “What shall we wager?”

“Let’s wager on which of us is more likely to gain the founding ancestor’s recognition,” Shen Xian said with a slight smile, his eyes full of playful curiosity. “If I win, you grant me one request. If I lose, I’ll graciously accept defeat and gift you a treasure.”

Hearing this, Ye Qingxian shook her head. “I will not wager.”

The bet seemed childish to her, and she had no interest in it. With that, she turned to leave, intending to resume her cultivation.

“Don’t be so hasty,” Shen Xian called after her. “The ceremony itself is pretty dull. This is just to make it a little more fun.”

But Ye Qingxian’s voice was calm as it drifted back. “I am not interested.”

And then, she vanished. Now that she had revealed her cultivation, there was no need to hide.

Shen Xian remained where he stood, a smile playing on his lips.

Some wagers couldn’t be refused. After all, he was just looking for an excuse. Win or lose, he would use this as his chance to give her the gift he’d prepared, anticipating an even greater return.