Chen Mo pulled out a bronze mirror and glanced at his reflection. "Tsk, tsk..." He smirked. Damn, I look handsome. The armor he wore reminded him somewhat of the Monkey King in The Return of the Great Sage—when the furious monkey clad himself in armor of stone and flames. The difference was that his own didn’t have the twin golden plumes on the headpiece, and the cloak trailing behind him was a deep black. With a thought, Chen Mo withdrew the Flame Prison Demon God Armor back into his body. He clenched his fists, and his Dou Qi surged. The Mittel Family’s estate had long grown quiet, save for a few rooms still lit by flickering candlelight. Chen Mo returned to the residence he shared with Ya Fei. The manor lay in silence, cloaked in shadows. Even the Amethyst Winged Lion King and its cub, usually restless on the nearby hill, were unusually quiet tonight. Because they were living together, Ya Fei—always shy about propriety—had dismissed her maids. The estate was empty, without another soul in sight. The lights in Ya Fei’s chamber had already been extinguished, but that didn’t stop Chen Mo from quietly slipping inside. He wasn’t the type to behave so "properly." He had endured ten long days already. Now, it was time to show Ya Fei just how "sorry" he was. The wide chamber was silent, draped in soft curtains. On the far side, a graceful silhouette lay on her side upon the soft couch, back turned to him. Chen Mo’s sharp hearing picked up the faint rhythm of her breathing. The room carried a faint, intoxicating fragrance. Chen Mo shed his outer robe, crouched to slip off his boots, and tiptoed forward. Gently lifting the curtain, he drew back the thin quilt covering Ya Fei. Winter was approaching, and the air had grown chilly. She hadn’t stirred at all, still sleeping soundly. But as soon as Chen Mo slipped into the bed, wrapping his arm beneath her and around her slender waist, his hand "measuring" a very delicate curve— Ya Fei awoke with a start, her voice trembling. She tried to sit up, but Chen Mo tightened his embrace, burying his face against her neck. His voice came with a faint breath: The rustle of movement followed. Ya Fei exhaled in relief, only to immediately glare when Chen Mo’s hands began to tug at her nightdress. "Didn’t I say you weren’t allowed to touch me for a month?" she scolded, cheeks burning. "Hasn’t a month already passed?" he asked innocently. "Do you think I can’t count the days? It’s only been ten." "Really? Then I must’ve miscounted." "Then hurry up and—get down." "How could I? I’m already here." Chen Mo chuckled. When it was over, Ya Fei lay weakly against him, her voice soft with a mixture of anger and exasperation. "Are you even human?" Chen Mo gently pulled her into his arms, letting her rest against his shoulder. Smiling, he whispered, "You’re still the one who knows how to please me best... A true enchantress." Ya Fei gave him a light smack on the chest, cheeks flushed. "You bastard. You torment me and then tease me about it?" Chen Mo kissed her forehead. "How could I ever mistreat my beloved consort?" She snorted and gave him a sidelong glare. "Why didn’t you just die at the Nalan estate? What are you doing coming back here to torment me?" Clearly, despite her sharp tongue, she had been worrying about him these past days. "I’ve neglected you long enough. Of course I had to come back and spoil you." "Tell me," Chen Mo asked, his expression growing serious, "how is the situation at the front lines? With Queen Medusa and the serpent tribe?" Ya Fei rested her head against his shoulder, her tone softer now. "The transfer is still ongoing. The Magical Beast Mountain Range has been fully ceded to the Serpent Tribe. But as for the Jia Ma Empire’s northwest and northeast provinces... the Empire is deliberately stalling, refusing to hand them over." Chen Mo frowned. "Deliberately stalling?" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Who’s in charge of the transfer?" "The former Sect Master of Yunlan Sect—Yun Shan." "Yun Shan?" Chen Mo’s brow furrowed deeper. He recalled Yun Yun telling him earlier that Yun Shan had summoned her back to discuss urgent matters. Could this be related? "Something wrong?" Ya Fei asked, noticing his silence. "I don’t know yet," Chen Mo admitted. "But I have this feeling... something big is coming." "The kind that could overturn the entire Jia Ma Empire." The moon hung high, silver light washing over the vast palace complex. Atop the grandest of all the halls, the Stargazing Tower of the royal palace, Princess Yao Ye stood in a golden robe, gazing toward the northwest skies. Her emerald eyes reflected threads of worry. Her flawless, cold beauty was shrouded with a shadow of foreboding—like a woman sensing an impending calamity. Check latest chapters at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚✦𝕟𝕖𝕥 "Elder sister, what troubles you?" A soft, delicate voice came from behind. A young girl walked forward, hugging Yao Ye’s waist and peering up at her. "Ah, Yue’er," Yao Ye smiled faintly, rubbing her younger sister’s head. "What brings you here?" Yao Yue, dressed in a violet gown, was a budding beauty. At thirteen, her features already carried the noble aura of the imperial bloodline, her eyes bright with mischief despite her ladylike demeanor. "Teacher said I’ve already reached the level of a Second-Tier Alchemist," Yao Yue said proudly. "Tomorrow, I can attempt the certification at the Alchemist Association." Yao Ye smiled warmly. "Then tomorrow, you’ll certainly astonish everyone. A Second-Tier Alchemist at thirteen... even Chen Mo might not compare to that." Though the Jia Ma royal family could shower her with resources, talent was talent—and Yao Yue’s progress was remarkable. Yao Yue’s eyes sparkled with pride. "Sister, I’ll definitely succeed." "Of course you will," Yao Ye reassured her. But Yao Yue was sharp. She tilted her head, studying her sister. "But... you’re hiding something, aren’t you?" Yao Ye’s smile faded. She withdrew her hand and said softly, "War. It’s coming again." "Again? But didn’t we just sign peace with the Serpent Tribe?" "That was Yunlan Sect’s doing. A ploy. No matter who wins this war—the Serpents or Yunlan Sect—the Jia Ma Empire will no longer belong to the Yao royal family." "Sister..." Yao Yue’s eyes welled with tears. "Don’t cry," Yao Ye said firmly. "We are royalty. We must never weep so easily." Yao Yue quickly wiped her eyes. Yao Ye crouched slightly so their gazes could meet, her emerald eyes softening. "Yue’er," she said gently, "how about I find you a brother-in-law?" "Huh? What do you mean, Sister?" "This war will consume us no matter what. Our royal family no longer has a Dou Huang to protect us. If we want to survive, we must seek external support. But what can we still offer in return?" Yao Yue blinked. "What does that have to do with finding me a brother-in-law?" Yao Ye smiled faintly. "Because what we have left to offer... is ourselves." "What do you think of Chen Mo?" "Chen Mo?" Yao Yue was stunned. "Everyone talks about him... but I’ve never even met him." "I have. He’s even greater than the rumors say. Would you like him as a brother-in-law?" "Wha—?" Yao Yue’s mind went blank. It took her ten full minutes to process what Yao Ye meant. In short: the royal family stood on the edge of destruction. Their only chance to survive was to seek Chen Mo’s protection. And Yao Ye was prepared to offer herself in exchange. "Sister... are you serious?" Yao Yue whispered, eyes wide. Yao Ye smiled bitterly. "Sometimes, Yue’er, beauty itself can be a curse." Chen Mo dressed in a pristine white robe, with Ya Fei fussing over his collar. She eyed him sourly. "Off to the Nalan Estate again?" Chen Mo shook his head with a grin. "No. Time to drop by the Alchemist Association and take the test for a Fourth-Tier Alchemist. Got to show off a little, don’t I?" Everyone else hides their strength. You, on the other hand, flaunt it every chance you get. She rolled her eyes at him. Leaving the Mittel estate, Chen Mo soon spotted the towering silhouette of the Alchemist Association. In the entire Jia Ma Holy City, only the royal palace rivaled it in grandeur. But as Chen Mo drew closer, he was nearly speechless. The Association’s entrance was swarming with people. Chen Mo clasped his hands behind his back, walking with calm poise despite the crowd pressing around him. But just as he was about to enter— A commotion erupted behind him. The crowd surged, eyes turning as one toward the source. Chen Mo was jostled forward until he stood at the very front, frowning as he looked back. A lavish carriage had arrived, drawn by two flawless white stallions. Its golden curtains were embroidered with a beast wreathed in azure flames— Surrounding it stood dozens of armored soldiers, their aura sharp and murderous—clearly seasoned veterans. The curtain lifted. A jade-white hand emerged, grasping the frame with elegance. Then, a tall, regal figure descended. And following behind her, another figure in violet—Princess Yao Yue. Two breathtaking beauties, one cold and commanding, the other fresh and graceful. "Princess Yao Ye and the little princess Yao Yue!" "I heard the younger princess studies under Vice President Chemir of the Association." "Rumor says her talent is so high even the President himself praised her. She’s already a First-Tier Alchemist despite her age!" Excited chatter filled the crowd. As the sisters moved toward the Association’s entrance, Yao Ye’s emerald eyes caught sight of a familiar figure. Her lips curved slightly, and she stepped forward. "Brother Chen Mo," she greeted warmly, extending her jade-like hand. "It has been some time. What a coincidence to meet you here." The name Chen Mo rippled through the onlookers like thunder. "He’s Chen Mo? The nineteen-year-old prodigy alchemist?" "They say he cured Nalan Jie’s branded poison. Even Pill King Gu He was helpless against it!" "Tch. With a Heavenly Flame, anyone could do it..." Yao Yue’s bright eyes studied Chen Mo curiously. "So you’re Chen Mo?" Chen Mo merely nodded faintly, shook Yao Ye’s hand, offered a polite greeting, and walked straight into the Association. Yao Ye’s brows knitted slightly. His coldness pricked at her heart, but she bit her lip and followed. "Wait for me, Sister!" Yao Yue called, hurrying after them. 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