A life of idleness in the world of demons

Chapter 83, Section 82: The Fourth Grade Life Establishment Realm at the Beginning of Cultivation (8.3K words - Long chapter, please subscribe)
"Reverse Devouring Heavenly Child?"

Ning Xuan was taken aback. "Mother, are you sure you're not mistaken? I...I am Ning Xuan."

However, Ruan Qingzhu did not reply and her figure disappeared in an instant.

On the cabin seat, a beautiful woman with the mature figure and face of Lu Xuezhi appeared and disappeared in an instant, as if she had never been there.

The bamboo boat drifted and swayed between the water and the sky.

Ning Xuan suppressed his astonishment and regained his composure. He lay quietly for a while, then suddenly tried to connect with the Flying Immortal through the whisper chain.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the whispering chain had broken.

He then tried to listen within the whispering chain of the Zixia Temple.

But it's broken now.

He was not discouraged and continued to try to contact Fairy Yao.

To his surprise
This time there was a response.

The sorrowful voice of Fairy Yaozhen came from beside my ear.

"General Ning, His Majesty and the temple say that you and General Lu have been seriously injured and will soon return to Wangyue Mansion to recuperate. They say your injuries are too severe and you may not be able to come out to kill demons again."

At this point, Fairy Yao Zhen almost choked up. She sniffled and said, "His Majesty has changed your and General Lu's fiefdoms back to one prefecture. At the same time, he has revoked your status as a divine general. He also transferred me away, saying that you should focus on recovering from your injuries and no longer need a celestial master as a partner."

You must take good care of yourself and get well soon. Okay, I have to go now, I'm still helping with defense. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have cried, I shouldn't have upset you. Get well soon.

The whispering chain came to an abrupt end.

Ning Xuan got up, walked to the bow deck, sat down cross-legged, thought for a moment, and shouted to the sky, "Mother, my Ning family's scholar is about to go to the capital to take the imperial examination. Will he be able to pass?"

no respond.

Ning Xuan muttered to himself, "Looks like my thousand cultivation points are going to be wasted too."
After thinking it over, he decided to go back to the manor to check the situation first.

Inside the General's Mansion, Lu Xuezhi was throwing a tantrum like a lioness. Her scarlet cloak fluttered with anger, and her starry eyes stared coldly at a middle-aged Taoist nun opposite her. Her lips parted slightly as she said sharply, "What do you mean that General Ning and I are seriously injured and need to return to Wangyue Mansion to recover? Look at me, I don't look seriously injured at all."

The middle-aged Taoist nun was naturally Chao Yinzi.

Chao Yinzi glanced at the shattered teacup on the ground, and she even felt like laughing.

"The general is seriously injured."

"I don't!"

"General, you really do."

"I really don't."

“Zixia Temple and His Majesty are definitely right. So, General Lu, you don’t need to argue with me. You and General Ning are really seriously injured and really need to return to Wangyue Prefecture soon. From now on, you will never have the chance to hold the position of Divine General again.”

Lu Xuezhi waved her hand, sweeping all the trinkets off the coffee table. Then she stood up and said coldly, "You will come with me now to kill a demon, and then tell the temple and His Majesty what I really am."

Chao Yinzi said, "Does General Lu intend to doubt Zixia Temple and His Majesty?"

Lu Xuezhi said, "I wouldn't dare! But this time, there really is a misunderstanding."

Chao Yinzi said, "I'm here to deliver an imperial edict. The official edict will be sent to Wangyue Prefecture later. General Lu will recognize it at a glance. From now on, I will no longer be able to cooperate with General Lu. Take care."

After saying that, she heard footsteps behind her.

She turned her head slightly and saw Ning Xuan.

"General Ning, please give General Lu some advice." Chao Yinzi bowed.

Ning Xuan laughed and said, "I'm looking for the Celestial Master everywhere. He taught me a lot about fishing on Pearl Lake last time, and I'm looking forward to asking him for advice again."

Chao Yinzi also laughed.

Seeing the two of them like this, Lu Xuezhi became even angrier.

There were only three people in the room, so why was she the only one who was unhappy?

Chao Yinzi said, "There's plenty of time in the future."

Ning Xuan asked curiously, "Can't we do it today?"

Chao Yinzi looked at him strangely and said, "You don't know anything either?"

Ning Xuan pondered for a moment and immediately understood: Chao Yinzi was just a little guy who came to deliver a message.

Why make things difficult for the little one?

He bowed, stopped pressing the matter, and instead offered his blessings: "If it can't be, then it can't be. May the Celestial Master have a bright future."

Chao Yinzi smiled faintly and replied, "The General is also."

After saying that, golden light surged and Chao Yinzi disappeared from the spot.

"I'm furious!!"

Lu Xuezhi's gaze fell on the large teapot on another coffee table.

Ning Xuan took a large teapot, poured her a cup of water, and asked, "Then, why don't I accompany you to the capital, capture the emperor, and ask him why he issued this imperial edict?"

Lu Xuezhi huffed angrily.

Ning Xuan skillfully threw out the light barrier bell to isolate the auditory and visual signals.

Lu Xuezhi said, "Do I need to say anything? It must have been the work of those evil Taoist priests from Zixia Temple!"

The two moved and spoke with perfect fluidity.

Almost as soon as Ning Xuan threw out the Light Barrier Bell, Lu Xuezhi opened her mouth the next instant.

Ning Xuan poured himself a cup of tea and said, "Then, why don't we go together to Zixia Temple, find those evil Taoists, and ask them why they dared to manipulate imperial power? Let's punish them and restore order to the world! Then we can wipe out all the demons in this world and sever the ties between the world of incense and rites. What do you say?"

Lu Xuezhi gave a coquettish snort and said reproachfully, "I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Ning Xuan raised his teacup, took a small sip, and said, "This tea is quite good. The people in the manor put a lot of thought into preparing it. Try it."

Lu Xuezhi initially ignored him, but when Ning Xuan finished his second cup of tea, she leaned closer again, her eyes bright, and asked, "Perhaps if we add Mother and Teacher Lan Yu, it's really possible?"

Ning Xuan almost spat out the mouthful of tea he had just drunk.

He pretended to think for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully and said, "That makes sense."

Lu Xuezhi crossed her arms, leaned back, and asked, "Really?"

Ning Xuan said, "Really."

Lu Xuezhi said, "Then..."

Ning Xuan said, "Then you should go find our mother first."

Lu Xuezhi was dumbfounded. Ruan Qingzhu was elusive, and she had only seen her once before in the desert over the years.

Moreover, she had a vague feeling that Ruan Qingzhu would not approve of her plan.

She was a little discouraged and asked, "Then, husband, what do you suggest we do? I'll listen to you."

A glint flashed in Ning Xuan's eyes as he said, "A wise man keeps his talents hidden, waits for the right time to act, bides his time, preserves his usefulness, and waits for the opportunity to serve His Majesty, rather than wasting his life in this unclear situation."

Lu Xuezhi admired the gleam in her husband's eyes, which made her feel that he had always been a brave, resourceful, and loyal general. After all, when he received the Emperor's blood-written edict, he cried so bitterly and uttered some impassioned words: "As a subject, one should worry about the emperor and work hard; if the emperor is humiliated, the subject should die. Even if we are willing to die, we will not allow this heretic to humiliate the emperor to this extent!"

Compared to her husband, her strategic thinking was slightly lacking.

Ning Xuan laughed and said, "Alright, let's go back to Wangyue Mansion. My mother has been saying she wants to see you, so this is a good opportunity."

Lu Xuezhi was still somewhat unwilling, but thinking of her husband's performance in the desert, she reluctantly nodded and said, "Alright."

That night.

After daily practice.
Ning Xuan held Lu Xuezhi as they lay in bed.

Very warm.

Before long, he felt that Lu Xuezhi had fallen asleep. The dual cultivation method and the consumption of qi and blood were quite strenuous.

In the past, he would have been exhausted, but now he is a double third-rank official.

After observing for a day, he was basically certain that what Ruan Qingzhu said before she left was true.

He was truly freed from all the trouble.

It emerged from a turbulent vortex.

This made him recall the beautiful woman's image and the words she spoke before she left.

If at the beginning he thought there was a 70% chance that Ruan Qingzhu was a terrifying Yin ghost and a 30% chance that she was a complex Taoist master, now he was no longer sure.

There is a major contradiction in Ruan Qingzhu.

Since she was able to easily and in such a short time sever all ties with him at Zixia Temple, she is most likely a high-ranking member of the Zixia Holy Sect, because only internal adjustments could be made so quickly and easily.

As a place like the Zixia Holy Sect, which is a gathering place of Taiyin ghosts, it is unlikely that it would tolerate outsiders. Even a Celestial Master with a complex background could not possibly infiltrate among these Taiyin ghosts with infinite lifespans.

Therefore, Ruan Qingzhu should just be a garment. Thinking about it, with the First Master's guidance and subsequent dedicated training, Ruan Qingzhu is enough to make her a dazzling garment. Such a garment would definitely be watched by the higher-ups of the Zixia Holy Sect, so it's not surprising that she was worn.

But since Ruan Qingzhu is a Yin Ghost, there's no reason for her to be so good to Lu Xuezhi. She's just a daughter of a woman, a mere formality would suffice. But looking at Lu Xuezhi's journey so far, and then at his mother-in-law's behavior just now, no matter how he nitpicked, he couldn't find a single fault. She was too doting; protecting her all along was one thing, but wanting her to be happy was another.

Another possibility is that Ruan Qingzhu herself became a ghost, but the timing doesn't match up, because that military governor only took office about twenty years ago, and after he took office, he passed on the power of the Celestial Master to Ruan Qingzhu.

Even if Ruan Qingzhu, by sheer coincidence, transforms into a Yin Ghost the day after becoming a Celestial Master, she would only have twenty years to grow.

She wasn't even from the last era.

The Taiyin Ghost has an unlimited lifespan, and its innate evil treasure will never perish, but its drawback is that it doesn't grow very fast.

It's impossible for Ruan Qingzhu to grow into a high-ranking member of the Zixia Holy Sect in twenty years; at most, she'll just be a senior sister of Tianyouzi.

confusing
The woman who resembled his wife was shrouded in mystery in his mind.

Why did Ruan Qingzhu do this?
Is she really just trying to protect Lu Xuezhi and bring her happiness?

Ning Xuan temporarily put aside his thoughts.

Winter is over.

He's seventeen.

At this time last year, he was still thinking about whether there were any new courtesans in Chenxiang Pavilion, wanting to seize the time to have some more fun. Once his father arranged a marriage for him, he would be under someone else's control, and after bearing children for the Ning family, he would have to act like a respectable Master Ning.

Perhaps, that's the life he wanted.

Several days later.
The horse-drawn carriage rolled over the already damp, frozen ground of deep winter.

Ning Xuan was the one driving the chariot.

The person riding in the car was Lu Xuezhi.

Without responsibility and without the need to be busy, time seems to slow down.

Being able to see the sunrise and sunset while running, and watching them while driving, is also quite nice.

However, the two did not head south to Wangyue Prefecture, but rather east to the Suizhou Circuit Military Governor's Office.

Lu Xuezhi took a step back and became angrier the more she thought about it. She was still unwilling to accept it. Why should she, a legendary general and the daughter of a military governor, have to follow a path arranged by others? She was going to find her father.

Just then, the road in front of the carriage suddenly undulated as if an earth dragon were turning over, and the road became a painting, which was grabbed by the giant's hand and shaken up and down.
The painting depicts not only roads, but also mountains and water.

The mountains, rivers, and roads all suddenly trembled and undulated.

In an instant, the earth's crust collapsed, the mountain base shattered, the sound was like a sea of ​​thunder, and dust rolled to the sky, as if it were the end of the world.

When Ning Xuan stopped the chariot, he did not dodge, because the destruction stopped exactly where he had stopped, not a fraction more or less.

Even half a step forward would lead to a desolate wasteland, yet the place where the carriage stopped remained completely intact, unscathed.

The two different worlds created a breathtaking scene.

Ning Xuan looked at this power.

This precise control doesn't seem like the power of a martial artist, nor the power of an evil spirit; rather, it seems like something a powerful celestial master could achieve after breaking through certain barriers.

Lu Xuezhi peeked through the curtains. She wasn't frightened, but instead said angrily, "Are they preventing us from going back?!"

Ning Xuan said, "Yes."

Lu Xuezhi said, "But I really want to go back."

Ning Xuan said, "After passing this mountain, there will be a city ahead, and there will be a lot of people."

He knew perfectly well that the current governor of Suizhou was likely facing numerous problems. If Lu Xuezhi went there, she would inevitably be drawn into the vortex, which would contradict the original intention of that mysterious mother-in-law. Therefore, the road closures were a warning, directing them to where they needed to go, to a remote city on the outskirts of the vortex—Wangyue Prefecture.

Lu Xuezhi was so angry that her face turned red.

"Do they dare to destroy a city?"

Ning Xuan said, "I dare."

Lu Xuezhi said, "I don't believe it! I insist on going home! There must be some conspiracy involved! I...I..."

She snorted a few times and said, "Forget it, let's go home, back to Wangyue Mansion!"

Ning Xuan laughed.

That stupid woman, she's just stubborn.

He whipped his whip and turned back.

It's a good thing to escape this whirlpool of undercurrents. He also needs time to reflect on what he's gained and strive to break through to the fourth rank in both categories.

Even if that mysterious mother-in-law had ulterior motives, those motives were most likely not his, but Lu Xuezhi's. For him, everything suddenly became stable.

His mood was a little complicated.

Because Miss Lu is the kind of stupid girl who is completely clueless and slow to react.

Does she even know what scheming is?

Perhaps, by cooperating with his mother-in-law to help her complete her plan, he could finally have a powerful backer, but this plan was set in motion with Lu Xuezhi.

It might be good, it might be bad, it might be the true love between mother and daughter, or it might be...
who knows?
However, to be fair, Miss Lu really brought him many benefits and opportunities; he made a profit.

Ning Xuan had never traveled such a smooth journey before.

On this land overrun by demons and fraught with unpredictable events, he traveled such a long and smooth road until he reached the territory of Wangyue Prefecture, when he heard a familiar voice coming from the whisper chain.

"Ning Xuan, I have something to attend to and need to leave for five years. During these five years, please take good care of Xue Zhi and make her happy."

After Xuezhi was born, I was often away from home, and Governor Lu was also busy and rarely saw anyone. She was left alone in that big house.

She tries so hard to perform just to gain recognition. She is very lonely and longs for a family. Give her a child; no one knows a daughter better than her mother. She will be happy.

As for your thousand merit points, an acquaintance will come to find you later and will give you the purchase list.

Tell him what you want to buy, a total of one thousand skill points, and he will buy it and give it to you.

Ning Xuan squinted, listening to the words coming from the whispering chain.
It was both unexpected and surprising.

But their identities have been confirmed.

Those who can use whispered chains are Yin ghosts.

He followed up with a question: "Why are you so concerned about your daughter's clothes?"

The answer came from the other side.

"Who says that wearing clothes means you can't have a daughter? Who am I? What does that have to do with my clothes?"

This answer surprised Ning Xuan for a moment. Then, he tentatively asked, "So, you want to develop your family?"

"No, because I love her."

A voice, unusually gentle, came from the whispered chain without hesitation.

In the next instant, all movement vanished.

Ruan Qingzhu left. Ning Xuan got the answer, but also more questions.

He couldn't find a new answer for the time being.

The carriage entered Wangyue Mansion, where the streets were quite lively. When they passed Chenxiang Pavilion, Lu Xuezhi opened the carriage window, glanced at the prostitutes standing on the upper floors, and said, "Young Master Ning, shall we go in and have some fun?"

Ning Xuan waved his hand and said, "Thank you, no problem."

Lu Xuezhi asked, "So what are you good at?"

Ning Xuan said, "I will cherish my wife."

Lu Xuezhi bit her lip, rested her chin on her hand, and said, "Husband, the more I think about it, the angrier I get. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, really, the angrier I get."

Ning Xuan quickly interrupted the spellcasting, saying, "We're already at Wangyue Mansion, let's go home first and let your mother see you."

Lu Xuezhi's heart was beating faster than usual. She suddenly asked nervously, "Wouldn't it be bad if we went home empty-handed? Would your mother dislike me?"

Ning Xuan said, "I'll definitely like it."

My father's letters had already made his attitude towards this daughter-in-law clear.

Lu Xuezhi looked at her scarlet cloak again. This battle robe made her exude a fiery aura. She immediately complained, "Ning Xuan, it's all your fault. You should have reminded me to change into some girl's clothes."

Ning Xuan said, "Wangyue Mansion has clothing shops, embroidery shops, and dyeing shops, all of which sell clothes. Let me take you for a stroll."

He pulled the reins slightly, intending to turn to the other side.

Lu Xuezhi's voice came from inside the carriage again.

"Forget it, let's not go. Let's just go home. It would look weird if I changed into my daughter's clothes, which would be inappropriate."

Ning Xuan straightened his horse again and left Wangyue Prefecture for Xinghe County.

The car arrived at the official road
He looked into the distance.

The journey is near, and laughter and glimpses of the past occasionally flash along the way.

Then there's the absurd image of him partying with his old cronies.

This road is a common route for horses.

In the bright spring of March, I invited more than ten dancers and singers to travel with me through the mountains and rivers, and watch horse racing together. Dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, we were full of vigor and high spirits, with nothing but "Come on, let's have fun, we have plenty of time anyway."

Of course, Xiaojie wouldn't be complete without her.

She was sweet and gentle, with a refined and elegant demeanor, exuding a tea-like aura. She was also multi-talented, able to sing and dance, play chess, paint, and play the pipa, adding even more beauty to the bright spring sunshine.

Who doesn’t want to live like this?
But now?

He still doesn't know what's happening at home, or what the future holds for the Ning family.

The journey is difficult, and so is the Ning family's pursuit of the imperial examinations. Have they made it to the capital? Have they made it to the spring examinations? If they haven't, if they haven't passed, who will inherit their father's legacy?

With these thoughts weighing heavily on his mind, the carriage entered Xinghe County.

The county was bustling with activity.

It was incredibly lively.

Ning Xuan alighted from his carriage in front of the Ning residence, and as soon as he lifted the curtain, an uproar erupted.

Some excitedly shouted, "General Ning is back!" while others, elderly people who had watched him grow up, couldn't help but call him "Young Master Ning is back!" The place was buzzing with excitement, and the news spread like wildfire, making the already bustling Ning Mansion and Xinghe County even more lively.

Ning Xuan stepped off the carriage and glanced around the Ning residence. The residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, paper-cut window decorations, and large red double happiness characters pasted everywhere. Rows of red lanterns had different patterns, and there were also festive lanterns that were two or three zhang tall under the eaves.

"get off."

Ning Xuan called out to the back.

Lu Xuezhi came out.

She walked out gracefully with her long legs.

A scarlet cloak, white shoes, neat bangs reaching her eyebrows, a high collar framing her snow-white neck, her chin resting on her hand, exuding extreme elegance, coupled with her cold eyes, gave her an extremely strong aura, cold and noble, so much so that ordinary people wouldn't even dare to look at her.

"Nervous?" Ning Xuan asked.

Lu Xuezhi remained indifferent, but responded with a faint "Mm".

Ning Xuan said in a low voice, "Your attire is really deceptive. I was fooled when I first met you, otherwise the desert oasis scene wouldn't have happened."

Lu Xuezhi glared at him disdainfully, didn't reply, and instead asked, "Was this made for us?"

Ning Xuan said, "Time was of the essence, and I didn't have time to tell them I was coming back."

Lu Xuezhi said, "That's strange."

Ning Xuan was also puzzled.

Just then, an elderly man with white hair hurriedly walked out of the Ning residence, supported by a thin man.

The thin, elegant man, though disfigured, hurried in from outside, dressed in a groom's red robe.

The groom's gaze immediately met Ning Xuan's.

"Second brother!?"

The groom shouted it out.

After shouting those two words, his Adam's apple bobbed, his eyes instantly turned red, and then he laughed, tears streaming down his tattered, torn cheeks.

Ning Xuan quickly stepped forward and gave the groom a bear hug.

"Big brother!"

"Second brother!"

"Big brother!"

"Hahaha!!"

The two no longer needed to hide their names; they called out their names openly so that everyone could hear and know.

Who is Ning Xuan?
Just from this scene, with just a glance, he already had a rough idea of ​​the answer in his mind, and he guessed why his older brother would take off his mask and hold a wedding.

because of him.

Everyone knows that the capital is difficult to navigate now. If they want to arrange for the candidates to enter the capital as before, the responsibility of escorting them will inevitably fall on Ning Xuan, since he is now the pillar of his family.

At that time, he would need to plunge headlong into the undercurrents of the capital, roll around in that meat grinder-like vortex, and endure several hardships before he could bring out a Ning family scholar with no connections.

So, after discussing it at home, the family decided not to go.

Then the ugly slave removed his mask, took off his Taoist robe, and dispersed his power to inherit his father's business.

This kind of thing wouldn't have been possible in the past, but it will certainly be approved under the current circumstances.

Ugly slaves got married and had children, but Ning Xuan's family did not pressure him. They did not give him the risk of going to the capital, nor did they put pressure on him to have children, allowing him to make his own choices and not be burdened by his family.

For him, this family is willing to change everything and make every sacrifice.

Ning Xuan's eyes also reddened.

He looked at the old man beside him.

The refined and scholarly Mr. Taiyi of my memory has become an old man.

The old man was also looking at him excitedly, then pointed behind him and said, "Your eldest brother, Ning Gang, Gang as in Tian Gang! Today is his wedding banquet, and he will become the new prefect! You don't need to worry about him, hahaha!"

He gripped Ning Xuan's hand tightly and said, "Double second rank, is that right?"

He received the news that his son's general information had been changed, but he still couldn't believe it, because "double second-rank" was really unbelievable.

Ning Xuan nodded.

The old man laughed heartily, his smile spreading across his face.

Ning Xuan waved behind him, and Lu Xuezhi walked to his side, looked at the old man, and called out, "Father."

Then he looked at the ugly slave next to him and called out, "Big Brother."

The old man stared at her intently, and said with great excitement, "General Lu? I... I've heard nothing but your legendary deeds all along my journey. Even the storytellers in the teahouses have started telling your stories."

The more he looked, the more satisfied and happy he became. He grabbed Ning Xuan tightly and said, "I've been calculating. General Lu is two years older than you. Look at her demeanor. You have to listen to her. Don't make decisions on your own."

Ning Xuan nodded emphatically with a complicated expression, and then said, "Xue Zhi is very capable. This trip to the oasis in the desert has truly broadened my son's horizons."

Lu Xuezhi's beautiful eyes widened in surprise.

The old man, unaware of the two's "little secret," looked at Ning Xuan seriously and said, "It's good that you know. While you were still indulging in pleasure, General Lu was already a legendary figure renowned throughout Suizhou. Learn from him."

After saying that, he raised his hands to the sky and said with a hearty smile, "How kind Heaven has been to me! It must be because my ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke that my Ning family was able to marry such an outstanding girl as General Lu."

Ning Xuan didn't say anything more.

As long as Dad is happy.

“Father, today is my eldest brother’s wedding. Let’s go inside,” Ning Xuan suggested.

Ning Taiyi nodded.

The bride was the eldest daughter of a music store owner; her surname was Yun and her given name was Yi.

Music shops sell musical instruments.

Because of the sudden popularity of Chenxianglou, which needed to update its musical instruments, Yunyi ordered a lot of instruments from this music store. He then asked a few people to go with him to deliver the instruments, but they happened to encounter demons on the way.

As fate would have it, "Ugly Slave," also known as Ning Gang, happened to be there to eliminate the demon and thus saved Yun Yi.

Later, when Ning Gang was passing through a bustling market, he happened to pass by a music and dance hall, where Yun Yi stopped him. After a few encounters, the girl fell deeply in love with him, but Ning Gang, burdened by his mission as a Celestial Master, was unwilling to settle down.

So he took off his mask, revealing his ugly face, but the girl wasn't scared away.

Ning Gang had no choice but to stop seeing her.

But as winter deepened, things took a turn for the better. After some discussion, the Ning family decided to let Ning Gang inherit the family business to avoid causing trouble and pressure for Ning Xuan.

And so, the two naturally got together.

The wedding was in full swing.

But with the arrival of Lu Xuezhi, it seems that she has become the main character.

Because she was too conspicuous, had too much presence, and was of too high status.

Ning Xuan's mother was overjoyed to see such a daughter-in-law.

When Yun Yi learned of her identity, he felt both awe and fear.

A legendary general, the daughter of a military governor—either of these titles would be awe-inspiring and unattainable.

Helpless, Ning Xuan took Lu Xuezhi to the back room to change her clothes, and then they came out again to eat the banquet.

The night is getting late.

The guests gradually dispersed.

Ning Gang left for his wedding night, while Ning Xuan, along with Lu Xuezhi, Master Ning, and the First Madam, talked and chatted, explaining why they had returned this time.

Master Ning asked in astonishment, "You're seriously injured?"

Lu Xuezhi wanted to explain.

Ning Xuan nodded, adding casually, "Internal injury, but nothing serious."

He's too deeply involved now. He can't talk to his parents about it too much, because if he does, he'll get carried away and all the unsavory details will inevitably come to light. This will only cause the old couple worry and keep them from sleeping or eating properly.

Master Ning murmured, "Nothing's wrong? Something must be wrong, it must be very serious. Otherwise, His Majesty should have thought highly of you, so why would he send you back to your hometown and strip you of your qualifications as a divine general?"

The First Madam beside him laughed and said, "Isn't that perfect? ​​Xuan'er is back, and with such a wonderful wife. Old man, what more could you want?!"

Master Ning nodded and said, "That's right, that's right. It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

That night.

Ning Xuan slept soundly in his courtyard, where he had lived for sixteen years, embracing his fair-skinned wife.

He had never felt so at ease.

The next morning, the two got up and practiced martial arts as usual.

In the distance, wisps of fragrant smoke drifted by—the scent of incense.

Ning Xuan frowned instinctively and hurriedly followed the incense, only to find himself at a Buddhist hall. The courtyard was paved with pebbles, and banners fluttered on both sides, some of which were embroidered with some characters.

He glanced at it; it was a Buddhist scripture.

Inside the Buddhist hall, his mother and his newly-joined sister-in-law were actually worshipping Buddha, chanting prayers as they prayed for his and Lu Xuezhi's injuries to heal quickly.

"mother."

"sister in law."

Ning Xuan bowed.

His family's daily routine made him feel at ease.

But the matter of the incense offerings worried him.

Yun Yi lowered his head, looked at his toes, and shyly whispered, "Uncle."

The First Madam scolded, "Xuan'er, how could you leave Xuezhi all alone? She is the daughter of the military governor and a legendary general. You must not neglect her!"

Ning Xuan remained silent.

He brought Lu Xuezhi home.

When his parents spoke to him, they would mention Lu Xuezhi in two out of three sentences.

The First Madam urged, "Go find her quickly. What if she runs away if you treat her badly?"

"Okay, okay, I'll go right away." Ning Xuan said perfunctorily, then added, "I don't remember having this Buddhist shrine at home before."

The First Madam smiled and said, "Xiaoyun also believes in Buddhism, and it just so happens that your mother now has a companion. That's why we built a Buddhist shrine at home so she can pray day and night. Don't worry, your eldest brother has checked, and there's nothing wrong with the Buddha statues here."

Just then, Ugly Slave walked over from not far away.

When Chou Nu saw Ning Xuan, his first words were: "Hey, second brother, why aren't you with General Lu?"

Ning Xuan said helplessly, "I'll go right away, I'll go immediately."

He originally wanted to talk to his older brother about the Yin Ghost, but when the words were on the tip of his tongue, he gave up the idea.

The things he was involved in far exceeded what the Ning family could bear. Even as the elder brother who had become the prefect, the less he knew, the better.

The weight of cause and effect is too heavy; knowing it leads to easy destruction.

Ning Xuan left.

He returned to his own courtyard.

Lu Xuezhi patted her chest and said, "I just went out for a walk, and when your family saw me, they all looked like they wanted to kneel down. Some of the elders even asked me why I wasn't with them, and then they were all very angry."

Ning Xuan couldn't help but burst into laughter.

His heart relaxed along with the laughter.

He's finally back.

This is normal life.

Now, he is going to try to break through to the fourth rank of martial artist.

Ah Sui's cultivation insights, the spider inheritance of the Five Poisons Sect, and the dual cultivation method of the Joyful Union Sect are enough to allow him to gradually improve and then break through the fourth rank through cultivation, so as to reach the fourth rank of the Life-Establishing Realm, which the ancient sects called the "beginning of cultivation".

(End of this chapter)