Chapter Thirty-Three: Sisters Reunited, Visitors from a Foreign Land

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“Little Sister, you have now reached the Ninth-Rank Venerable Realm, entering the Venerable Realm ahead of me. Allow me to offer my congratulations as well. Come inside, and we can speak at length.”

Jiang Cheng said nothing. Like a considerate host, he quietly sent a voice transmission to the servants, instructing them to prepare the finest tea and delicate pastries, which were soon arranged upon the table.

Ling’er had barely arrived at the Jiang Residence when she was warmly received by two elders of the Jiang Family. The attendants surrounding them were equally courteous, treating her as an honored guest. Their conduct was utterly unlike the rumors surrounding Jiang Cheng. He was not the vicious, cruel, and perverse man described in those stories. Even the scandals claiming that he coveted the Saintess and had fathered an illegitimate child collapsed beneath the evidence before her eyes.

The scene before her completely overturned Ling’er’s former prejudices. Jiang Cheng was not only refined and graceful, but the deep exchange of affection between him and Su Ruoxi was clearly genuine. They were plainly a loving husband and wife, connected by an unspoken understanding.

“My wife, an old friend has traveled a great distance to congratulate us on our wedding. Naturally, we should receive her together. Judging by the Saintess’s expression, however, it seems she wishes to reminisce with you in private. I shall take my leave first and avoid disturbing your reunion after so long apart.”

Jiang Cheng’s thoughtfulness and sense of propriety made Ling’er see him in an entirely new light. If she had previously harbored doubts about Su Ruoxi’s circumstances, not a trace of them remained now. She knew Su Ruoxi well. Her sister would never allow herself to be deceived.

Ling’er naturally understood how satisfied Su Ruoxi was with this marriage.

“Sister, did you truly choose this of your own free will?”

Once Jiang Cheng had left, Ling’er stepped forward and urgently asked for confirmation once more.

Su Ruoxi nodded firmly and decisively.

“Of course I did. My husband treats me like a priceless treasure. Without him, I might never have touched the threshold of that realm in this lifetime. Now, at last, there is a slight loosening.”

The moment Ling’er took Su Ruoxi’s hand, she examined her carefully. She could sense that Su Ruoxi’s cultivation had indeed advanced, while her constitution was far stronger than before—steady, balanced, and entirely free of hidden stagnation.

“It seems Jiang Cheng truly is no ordinary man.”

Ling’er pondered in silence. Su Ruoxi was so proud—how could her choice possibly be mistaken? Very few people knew Su Ruoxi’s secret, but Ling’er understood a little of it. Someone born with the potential to become an Empress could never be ordinary if granted the right opportunity.

Yet a person like that had actually married him over a small favor. He was surely no common mortal. When Ling’er had first met Jiang Cheng, he had appeared to be nothing more than a frail-looking Seventh-Rank Grotto-Heaven cultivator. How much ability could he possibly possess?

But if Su Ruoxi’s unusual behavior concealed some deeper purpose, then there was clearly more to Jiang Cheng than met the eye. Ling’er decided to remain and see what would come of it.

With a smile, Su Ruoxi invited Ling’er to sit and offered her some spirit tea. After one sip, Ling’er could not help exclaiming, “Ninth-Rank Silverstream Immortal Tea? This… this is an extraordinary spirit tea that has been lost for countless years. It is of immense help in comprehending a Dao Intent!”

Before Ling’er’s astonishment had faded, Su Ruoxi’s gaze led her toward the plate of spirit fruits. At first glance, they seemed unremarkable. But when Ling’er picked one up and inhaled its fragrance, she instantly felt refreshed and uplifted. It was as though her soul had touched some invisible limit, and even her lifespan seemed to have increased.

“What is this?” Ling’er asked curiously.

“Try it.” Su Ruoxi smiled and made an elegant inviting gesture.

“Crunch!”

Ling’er took a small bite. The fruit was crisp, sweet, and pleasantly tart. Only after chewing several times did she perceive the mystery within it. She stared in amazement.

“The spiritual energy is so pure. It feels as though a single bite could add a hundred years to my lifespan. Could this be the legendary Longevity Fruit?”

Su Ruoxi curved her lips into a faint smile. “Exactly. This is a thousand-year Longevity Fruit. When my husband heard that you were my closest friend, he brought it out especially to share with you, even though he is reluctant to enjoy it himself. How do you find it?”

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Upon hearing this, Saintess Ling’er felt flustered. She hurriedly rose to her feet.

“Sister, I was terribly rude. Your husband… I just…”

She had intended to confess her earlier suspicions, but faced with such an extravagant gift, guilt overcame her. She hastily changed her words, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Seeing that Ling’er had accepted the offering with delight, Su Ruoxi slowly explained the whole matter. Ling’er listened as if entranced, her eyes filled with astonishment.

“Your husband is truly that formidable? Sister, you are not simply teasing me, are you?”

“Of course not. Although your brother-in-law’s cultivation is still shallow, he and I are a match made by Heaven, and he naturally dotes on me. Otherwise, with treasures such as these miraculous pills, spirit fruits, and delicacies, why would I need to compete for them? I am clearly much more at ease here.”

Jiang Cheng knew nothing of the private conversation between the two close friends. However, Ling’er’s attitude toward Jiang Cheng, this so-called Emperor, had undergone a subtle change. After Su Ruoxi’s patient explanation, Ling’er had finally witnessed the eloquent and sharp-tongued side hidden beneath her sister’s proud exterior.

The difference was like heaven and earth.

Suddenly, the system’s notification rang out, signaling that danger was approaching.

“A Netherworld Otherworlder has been detected nearby. System analysis indicates that he is a fugitive king from a powerful clan.”

“If the host can subdue this foreign ghost clan member, the Ancient Remnant Trial Grounds will be unlocked. The host will also gain the favor of the Netherworld Clan and increase his prestige within the Netherworld.”

“Warning: Once this mission is triggered, it cannot be refused. Upon completion, the host will be deemed to have automatically declared war against the Heavenly Realm. Host, consider carefully.”

Jiang Cheng felt helpless and grumbled inwardly, “What exactly am I supposed to consider? It already says I cannot refuse. How am I supposed to consider it carefully?”

The system gave no response to his complaint. Instead, it suddenly displayed a new notification and unlocked another function, leaving Jiang Cheng faintly uneasy. Yet there seemed to be nothing unusual around him.

Suddenly, a sigh came from somewhere nearby.

“Oh, dear!”

“Who is there?” Jiang Cheng sensed a strange disturbance coming from the direction of the bed. This was his private bedchamber, protected outside by the Profound Yellow Grand Formation and guarded within by numerous experts. For someone to infiltrate it without making the slightest sound was enough to startle him.

“For a mere Seventh-Rank Grotto-Heaven junior to sense my presence… You have some ability after all.”

The voice emerged abruptly from the darkness, carrying a deep, ancient weariness.

“The Netherworld Clan?” Based on the system’s introduction, Jiang Cheng made a guess and tentatively asked.

“Oh? You are fairly knowledgeable, boy. I am of the Netherworld Clan, one of the Ancient Remnant Races. The fact that you know of us means you are clearly not as simple as you appear.”

The stranger’s words confirmed his identity. He was so mysterious that he had silently broken through layer after layer of defense and reached Jiang Cheng’s bedchamber. If such an ability were used by an assassin, it would be exceedingly difficult to guard against.

“Why are you sneaking around like this?”

“A guest is always welcome. Since I have already come, why not share a drink? As it happens, I have a jar of immortal wine here. Today, I refuse no one. Shall we taste it together?”

At the mention of wine, the Netherworld Clan member immediately became interested. He had used his innate ability to infiltrate the Jiang Residence while evading pursuit, but had unexpectedly been drawn here by the fragrance of the immortal wine.

“I never expected you to be such a courteous young man. To tell you the truth, I came because I smelled the wine. A brother so generous suits this old man’s taste perfectly. Just now… just now, I was discourteous.”

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Jiang Cheng understood his intentions at once.

“So he is simply a drunkard. That makes things much easier.”

“No harm done. If you like it, drink as much as you wish.”

“Good lad. In that case, this old man will not stand on ceremony. I have been holding myself back for so many years—I am practically dying of thirst.”

The Netherworld Clan member wasted no time. He emerged from the shadows, seized the wine jar, and began drinking deeply, paying no attention whatsoever to Jiang Cheng’s presence.

The corners of Jiang Cheng’s mouth lifted slightly. He took out jar after jar of immortal wine from his treasury. At last, when he was holding a jar of supreme-grade immortal wine and was about to hand it to the Netherworld man, he suddenly stepped aside.

“Ah… wait a moment.”

The Netherworld man frowned deeply, displeased.

“What is it? Did you not say we would drink together? What does this mean? It is only a few jars of wine. One day, I, Netherworld, will repay you with a hundred jars.”

Jiang Cheng sighed.

“Alas, it is not that. The wine is a minor matter. It is just that my Jiang Family is besieged on all sides, and a great calamity may soon descend upon us. I will not be able to take this wine with me anyway, so what harm is there in giving it to you?”

Hearing this, Netherworld frowned.

“Then why did you stop me just now instead of letting me drink my fill?”

“Brother Netherworld, you have misunderstood. As I said, there is enough wine for you to drink your fill. But you must agree to do me a small favor.”

Netherworld thought to himself, “Let us hear what trick this boy is trying to play.”

Then he replied, “What is it you wish to say? Speak frankly.”

“It is nothing complicated. Our enemies are formidable, and I myself do not fear death. But I have parents, a wife, and daughters. Against such powerful foes, I may be unable to protect them. Should anything happen to me, I hope you will look after them for the sake of these few jars of wine and help them escape to safety.”

These words earned Jiang Cheng a measure of respect from Netherworld. The latter then received an entire table filled with immortal wine—more than he could possibly finish, enough to take away with him—yet he merely sat to the side in gloomy silence.

Naturally, this expression was one Jiang Cheng had deliberately assumed. Who could drink freely while sitting across from someone with such a bitter, sorrowful face? Thus, Netherworld finally responded.

“Alas, I am only one step away from entering the Tribulation-Destruction Realm, while the fellow outside is half a step ahead of me. I have been struck by lightning for more than a hundred years. If the Imperial Pill had not appeared in the world, why would I have taken such a risk? If I can obtain it, dealing with that insignificant Tribulation-Destruction cultivator will be no trouble at all. I will take care of him for you.”

Jiang Cheng’s eyes suddenly brightened.

“If I can truly establish ties with the Netherworld Clan, it would not be a bad thing. That shadow talent alone is likely impossible to guard against. He could be an excellent choice.”

However, Jiang Cheng naturally did not produce the Imperial Pill. Whether this man could be trusted remained unknown. Without testing him first, Jiang Cheng would never casually reveal such a precious treasure. If his judgment proved wrong, the other party might kill him and seize it on the spot.

To guard against any possibility, Jiang Cheng accompanied him in putting on an elaborate act.

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