“Ah! Brother Zhou, you’re so bad! Let me down!”

Chen Ziqing squealed, a coquettish protest escaping her lips. She made a symbolic struggle, her small fists lightly hammering his chest, but then buried her face deeper into his neck, nuzzling him like a contented cat. A triumphant, sly smile curled the corner of her mouth.

The gauze curtains drifted in the faint breeze, casting shifting shadows over two intertwined figures.

The unique effects of certain “novel elixirs” were destined to create a spectacle not meant for outsider eyes.

[Ding! Beauty Chen Ziqing Affection +10] [Chen Ziqing Affection: 90 (Admiration)] [Point Type: Alchemy] [Points Provided: 9]

[Ding! Host Alchemy +45]

On the bed, overwhelmed by the tidal wave of pleasure and exhaustion, Chen Ziqing had finally fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The little green tea’s cheeks still bore a lingering flush, and the corners of her mouth were upturned in satisfaction. Her silk robe was in disarray, revealing creamy skin marked here and there by the evidence of their passion.

Zhou Kai gently brushed his index finger across the tip of her nose, unable to suppress a smile.

This night of “testing” had caused Chen Ziqing’s affection to skyrocket by 10 points, pushing her straight into Admiration.

Was it the longing from months of separation? Or perhaps… the presence of Lin Zhiwei had sparked a sense of crisis in her little calculating heart?

Zhou Kai chuckled softly, shaking his head. A woman’s heart was indeed as deep as the ocean.

He didn’t hesitate. He poured all 45 of the new Alchemy points directly into his own stats.

It wasn’t selfishness. Chen Ziqing’s cultivation was still too shallow; without reaching the mid-stage of Qi Condensation, she couldn’t break through to become a Second-Grade Alchemist anyway. Better to strengthen himself first.

[Zhou Kai] [Cultivation Arts: Alchemy (Second Grade 275/300)]

The next morning.

After washing up, Zhou Kai went to find Lin Zhiwei to discuss the array upgrades.

Arriving at the guest courtyard, he saw Chen Ziyi and Lin Zhiwei walking out of a room together, chatting and laughing. It was clear they had shared a bed last night—a good sign. Ziyi was doing an excellent job of integrating the newcomer.

He walked up to them. “Miss Lin, I need to trouble you with something.”

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, please speak freely.” Lin Zhiwei nodded gently, but when her eyes met his, a distinct blush colored her cheeks. She quickly looked away.

Zhou Kai pointed to the open space in the backyard.

“I would like to ask Miss Lin to set up a Spirit Gathering Array and a barrier that isolates the inside from the outside—specifically to prevent Divine Sense spying.”

He lowered his voice slightly. “As you know, I am about to break through to Bone Forging. Although the commotion might not be heaven-shaking, it is a private matter. I prefer not to be watched.”

Lin Zhiwei nodded seriously. She was about to agree when Chen Ziyi, standing beside her, giggled.

Ziyi tugged at Lin Zhiwei’s sleeve, then pulled a brand-new booklet from her Storage Bag. She handed it to Zhou Kai with a teasing wink.

“Husband, this is the spell diagram for a Soundproof Barrier. Last night, Sister Zhiwei and I studied it… extensively. We thought you might find it very useful.”

With that, she dragged Lin Zhiwei—whose face had turned as red as a tomato—away, leaving Zhou Kai holding the booklet.

He stood there for a moment, stunned, before realization dawned on him.

Last night’s “battle” with Ziqing must have been louder than he thought. If Ziyi went so far as to ask Lin Zhiwei for a Soundproof Barrier…

Zhou Kai smirked. Well, at least I know Lin Zhiwei heard everything.

Securing those exchange points was just around the corner.

Having settled the array matters, Zhou Kai completely suppressed his Vitality. To the outside world, he was once again the unremarkable Fourth-Layer Qi Condensation cultivator.

He navigated the winding alleys of the market until he reached the small courtyard rented by Wang Qiaoqiao.

He knocked. Moments later, the door opened.

Several months had brought changes to the girl. The iconic twin buns were gone, replaced by an ingot-shaped style with loose strands framing her face. She looked more mature, having lost a bit of her former bubbly innocence.

Seeing Zhou Kai, Wang Qiaoqiao froze. Then, her eyes lit up, and her tone became urgent.

“Fellow Daoist Zhou! You’ve finally returned! Did you manage everything regarding entering Calamity Abyss Valley?”

No “hello,” no “how are you.” Straight to business.

Zhou Kai cupped his hands, his expression polite but distant.

“Miss Qiaoqiao, after several months, you have become even more mature and charming. Your cultivation has progressed well.”

He paused, letting the compliment hang before shifting tone. “Fortunately, I did not fail. Everything has been arranged.”

Joy exploded across Wang Qiaoqiao’s face. She stepped back, gesturing eagerly. “That’s wonderful! Fellow Daoist Zhou, please come inside! We must discuss the details!”

“Thank you,” Zhou Kai said, staying rooted to the spot. “But I cannot stay. I returned in haste and have several urgent matters requiring immediate attention. I am truly stretched thin.”

He cut off her protest before she could speak.

“I came specifically to inform you of two things. First, regarding the ‘Wandering Second-Grade Alchemist,’ I have plans. You needn’t worry about it anymore; I will handle it.”

“Second, regarding our promise… rest assured. Once I have dealt with my affairs, I will discuss everything with you in detail.”

With a polite nod, he turned and walked away.

The smile froze on Wang Qiaoqiao’s face. Her outstretched hand hovered in the air, grasping at nothing.

He just left?

No tea? No discussion?

“Talk next time… when is next time?” she muttered, confusion turning to indignation.

His tone was gentle, his words courteous… but it felt wrong. It was airtight. Impersonal. Like a superior brushing off a subordinate.

Wang Qiaoqiao stamped her foot, grit her teeth.

“What an attitude! So hypocritical!” Bitterness churned in her gut. “And he still wants me—Wang Qiaoqiao—to be his Dao Companion? Hmph! In your dreams!”

But beneath the anger, a cold seed of unease took root.

Zhou Kai… seems different.

Zhou Kai was unconcerned with Wang Qiaoqiao’s internal turmoil.

His impression of her had faded. She was driven too purely by profit. Originally, he needed her connections. Now? He stood on the threshold of Bone Forging. He would soon sit as an equal with the Patriarchs of the Wang Clan.

He had even considered giving the Inner Sect Disciple token to Lin Zhiwei instead. At least she wasn’t constantly calculating the ROI of their relationship.

However, a promise was a promise. Wang Qiaoqiao had helped him when he was nothing. He would repay the favor, but on his terms.

For now, he needed to establish his new identity.

Zhou Kai slipped into a deserted alleyway. He donned a loose brocade robe and activated the [Cicada Shell] technique.

His muscles shifted, his face aged, and his hair turned a dignified silver. In an instant, the young cultivator vanished, replaced by a white-haired elder exuding an unfathomable aura.

He released the suppression on his Vitality, letting the terrifying pressure of a Ninth-Layer Meridian Opening body cultivator radiate outward.

He walked to the rental office.

“Esteemed Senior~ Are you looking to rent a cave dwelling or a courtyard?”

A middle-aged Steward, bored out of his mind, suddenly snapped to attention. Sensing the powerful aura, he rushed forward, bowing low with an obsequious smile.

“This old man wants to rent a quiet, spacious courtyard. I plan to reside here long-term,” Zhou Kai said, his voice aged and resonant.

“May I ask Senior’s surname? What size do you need? We have several excellent properties!” The Steward bowed repeatedly like a chicken pecking rice.

Zhou Kai stroked his beard. “This old man is Dan Yangzi.”

“Dan Yangzi?”

The Steward froze. Then his eyes widened, seemingly about to pop out of his skull.

“Could it be… Could Senior be the Wandering Second-Grade Alchemist, Master Dan Yangzi?!”

Zhou Kai suppressed a smirk. Wang Qiaoqiao works fast. Even the housing agents know the name.

He nodded slightly. “Indeed. That is this old man.”

“Ah! I heard Master went traveling! It is an honor to meet you!” The Steward’s smile threatened to split his face.

“Master came at the perfect time! We have a newly vacated large courtyard. Three-section layout, dedicated alchemy room, herb garden—absolutely suitable for an esteemed alchemist like yourself!”

He hesitated, rubbing his hands together. “However… currently, the market is crowded. Rent prices have risen by fifty percent…”

Zhou Kai waved a dismissive hand. “A few Spirit Stones are no problem. Since I plan to stay long-term, don’t bother with monthly rent. I’ll take it for a year.”

The Steward nearly fainted from joy. A one-year commission!

The paperwork was completed in record time.

Zhou Kai took the courtyard token and casually tossed a bag of twenty extra Spirit Stones to the Steward.

“Take these for tea,” Zhou Kai said. “Additionally, spread a message for me. Say that Dan Yangzi henceforth resides here permanently and will soon begin furnace alchemy. Those seeking elixirs may visit in the mornings to request an audience.”

The Steward caught the heavy bag, his heart blooming with greed and delight. He bowed until his nose touched his knees.

“Senior, rest assured! This junior will handle it! By tomorrow, the entire market will know that Master Dan Yangzi has opened his doors!”