Inside the enchanting realm of the Love of Goddesses treasure, I found myself standing amidst lush green grass in the garden, eagerly awaiting Long Xiu's arrival.
'Ding.'
In no time, a notification reached me, and before my eyes appeared a captivating lady. Upon glancing at me, she extended her arms, expressing a desire for an embrace. I reciprocated, and we enveloped each other in a warm hug, savoring the reunion as if we had been apart for an extended period of time.
"It seems like my beautiful Wife missed me, but it hasn't been that long, has it?" I teased her with a playful tone.
"Husband, you're bad," she replied, her lips forming a pout.
"Wife, you know you look adorable when you pout like that." Gazing at her cute expression, I couldn't resist planting a three-second kiss on her lips, concluding with a smile.
Blushing at my affectionate gesture, she and I then strolled towards the Treasury, eager to discover what lay within. Upon entering the Treasury, Long Xiu was taken aback by the vast array of treasures and artifacts that adorned the space.
As we explored the first two levels of the Treasury, our quest to find an artifact to conceal Long Xiu's cultivation proved futile. Despite the initial disappointment, I reassured her with a smile.
"Wife, don't worry. Even though we didn't find the artifact in the first two levels, I have an idea," I said, noticing the sadness in Long Xiu's expression.
"Husband, what's your idea?" she inquired, curious about my plan.
"Wife, do you have any information about where we acquired that artifact in our Empire?" I asked her, seeking details on its origin.
"Husband, I think I know, but..." Long Xiu began but hesitated.
"But? Tell me where I found it," I urged her to provide the information.
"Husband, you obtained it from the Ledal Crafts Center, but acquiring it isn't straightforward. If we want to purchase it, we need something highly valuable too," Long Xiu explained the situation.
"You don't have to worry, Wife. You managed to keep it until night; I'll bring that artifact for you," I assured her with a reassuring smile.
"But, Husband, the price of that artifact is high for you now. I'll buy it myself," she insisted with a serious expression.
"Wife, didn't I tell you I would give it to you tonight? Leave it to me; after all, I'm the son of the emperor," I reassured her, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
She remained silent, and we continued our conversation, walking hand in hand inside the treasure. Eventually, we emerged from the treasure, and I proceeded towards the library as part of my routine.
While engrossed in a book, Long Xiu joined me and settled into a chair across the table.
"What brings you here, Mother Xiu?" I teased her with a playful smile.
"You… what do you call me?" She questioned, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"What? Is there something wrong with Mother Xiu?" I innocently asked, maintaining a teasing tone.
"I didn't want to talk to you. I'm going," she replied, slightly irritated, standing up and leaving the room.
'Wife, don't be upset. If you want me to openly call you Wife, you'll just have to be patient. I promise you that when that day arrives, I'll proudly declare you as my wife in front of everyone, and the whole world will know you as my first wife,' I assured her, holding her arm and making the promise in her mind.
'Husband, I understand the situation, but please don't refer to me in that relation,' she responded with a touch of sadness in her tone.
'I'm just teasing you. Tell me, what can I do to make my Wife happy?' I asked, genuinely seeking to bring joy to her.
'How about you give me a kiss?' she suggested with a happy tone.
'Here? What if someone is watching us from the shadows?' I asked with a playful tone.
'I want a kiss now,' Long Xiu insisted with a stubborn expression.
'Sigh… What a stubborn Wife. Okay, close your eyes.' I shook my head, instructing her to close her eyes.
In the blink of an eye, we found ourselves inside the treasure, standing in the garden. I pulled her into my embrace, cupping her face in my hands. Our lips met, and in the next few moments, our tongues intertwined in a passionate kiss.
We kissed each other fervently, pausing only after ten minutes. During those ten minutes, we shared multiple shorter kisses, allowing ourselves moments to catch our breath before diving back into the sweetness of the kiss repeatedly.
"It's enough to make you happy, or do I need to do something else?" I inquired, looking into her eyes as our lips parted.
"Husband, I'm happy. Now, let's go back; otherwise, they might grow suspicious if they don't find us," she suggested with a smile, and I nodded in agreement.
We returned to the real world, took our seats, and I resumed my studies. Throughout, she observed me with a content smile.
'Husband, I have questions in my mind. How much has your cultivation increased after we did Dual Cultivation last night?' she asked in my mind as I closed the book I was reading.
'Wife, with the help of your Virgin Yin Qi, not only has my cultivation increased by six stages, but I also have a stable foundation for these stages,' I replied mentally.
Stabilizing the foundation is crucial when increasing cultivation by multiple stages simultaneously, requiring a solid base for each advanced stage. This process also consumes a certain amount of Qi.
'Then how did my cultivation increase by three stages? Didn't you say I wouldn't get as many benefits?' Long Xiu questioned, seeking clarification on the swift progress of her cultivation.
'There are two reasons. First, the Pure Yang Pill, and the second reason is that I was a virgin before we engaged in Dual Cultivation, and my Virgin Yang Qi contributes more to your advancement,' I explained.
"Oh, that's why I'm increasing my cultivation so rapidly," she nodded in understanding.
After our conversation, we left the library, and Long Xiu returned to her room.
I proceeded to the throne hall for the Light and Earth Elements classes as scheduled after my morning studies in the library. My mother, Zheng Yu, informed me about these classes, which she conducted after my study sessions. Additionally, stepmother Lie Ning would be handling Lightning Element-related classes upon my return from alchemy practice.
As I entered, my mother welcomed me with a smile, guiding me to the training hall where she conducted the classes. The spacious hall was divided into two areas: on the left, rugged stone walls and rocks for Earth Element training, and the right, clean space with white and golden floors and walls for Light Element training. Both areas were equipped with weapons and training tools specific to each Element.
"So, Xu Fang, which one do you want to start training first?" my mother inquired, offering me the choice between Light and Earth Elements.
"Mother, you decide. But I have a request," I stated with a serious tone.
"What is it?" she asked, intrigued.
"Mother, you mentioned training me in Light and Earth Elements, and I'm ready for that. However, I request that you don't go easy on me during our sessions. If it feels like you're not training me as a teacher but rather as a mother trying to shield her son from harm, then starting from the next day, I'll take charge of my training," I conveyed my desire for a more rigorous training regimen.
"Sigh, alright, we'll start with the Light Element first." After a moment of contemplation, she agreed to my request for more rigorous training as a teacher.
"Thank you, Teacher. I'm eager to learn and become stronger under your guidance," I expressed my gratitude with a slight smile. She shook her head in response to being called "teacher," unaware of my extensive knowledge of the subject.
During the training session, I flawlessly executed each move as if I were a beginner, allowing my mother to believe that she was teaching me the fundamentals. I diligently continued my training under her watchful gaze, absorbing the information she provided.
Throughout the day, I surpassed her expectations in learning and practicing the Light Element. Later, as we transitioned to Earth Element training, I focused on strengthening my body using rocks. The training continued until the designated lunchtime arrived.
As planned, everything went smoothly, and I returned to my room for a refreshing bath, preparing for the upcoming lunch.
After lunch, I headed to the Ledal Alchemist Association, accompanied by my stepmother, Shen Yin. As we approached the enormous gate, adorned with towering marble columns and intricate murals, it felt like entering a new realm dedicated to the art of Alchemy.
My unexpected presence drew the attention of alchemists, instructors, and students within the association. Each person sported an Alchemy badge on the right side of their chest, distinguished by various colors and stars.
Welcoming me with a mix of respect and curiosity, they were unaware of my true purpose—to hone my Alchemy skills. As we approached the main chamber, which belonged to my stepmother, Shen Yin, the head of the Alchemist Association, she spoke with a smile while glancing at me.
"Xu Fang, welcome to the Ledal Alchemist Association. I'm proud of your decision to embark on your alchemical journey."
Little did they know that I was already a Tier 2 alchemist, well-versed in transmutation and elixir creation. I nodded in acknowledgment to Shen Yin, my eyes reflecting gratitude and determination. Concealing my true abilities with each step, I prepared to immerse myself in learning and growth within the association.
"Thank you, Mother Yin, but before we start our practice, I have a request for you," I expressed my gratitude with a smile, adopting a serious tone as I addressed her.