Upon his return, Jiang Chen headed straight for the core of the sect.
He reached his modest dwelling without delay.
'Unseal!'
He gave a mental command to the defensive formation.
Instantly, the formation acquiesced, splitting to unveil the vista within.
His previously barren courtyard was now a relic of the past.
In its stead, a flourishing sanctuary bloomed.
Ning Xian's nurturing touch had transformed the courtyard into a lush tableau of verdancy, embellished with a profusion of brilliantly colored blossoms.
Their aromatic allure permeated the air, serving as a testament to the vibrant oasis of life that now prevailed where desolation once ruled.
The spectacle was not only pleasing but utterly captivating.
However, the true wonder lay in Ning Xian herself.
Deeply engaged in her cultivation, her power had escalated dramatically during Jiang Chen's ten-day departure.
Teetering on the edge of a breakthrough, she had achieved the Half-step Soul Refinement realm, merely a single stride from attaining the true Soul Refinement realm.
Undoubtedly, her progress fell short when compared to Jiang Chen's.
Yet, when contrasted with an average cultivator, her cultivation trajectory was a spectacle of exceptional haste.
This only served to emphasize her uniqueness; she was far from an ordinary woman.
Indeed, she bore the distinguishing sign of a Heroine.
'Indeed, my wife's persistence is unparalleled.'
A warm smile curved Jiang Chen's lips at the thought. 'Is it perhaps my exceptional cultivation speed that fuels her determination, inspiring her to match pace with me?'
His thoughts barely dissipated when an echo of his musings seemed to resonate in the ensuing silence.
A pair of vibrant eyes, alight with joy, abruptly snapped open within the meditation chamber.
It was Ning Xian, who promptly pushed open the substantial chamber doors to step into the sun-drenched courtyard.
Standing amidst a lush tableau of blooming flowers and verdant leaves, Ning Xian appeared as an embodiment of ethereal beauty.
Clad in a vibrant green robe that seemed to mirror the vital essence of the surrounding flora, she was a sight to behold.
Her jet-black tresses, flowing freely like a silken river, framed her glowing features and her sparkling eyes perfectly.
Indeed, she was a mesmerizing vision.
"Xian'er."
Jiang Chen softly voiced her name, a tender smile on his face as he extended his arms open.
"Jiang Chen!"
Ning Xian's reply was filled with pure, unadulterated joy.
Caught in the warmth of the moment, she sprinted towards him, shedding her usual restraint and leaping into his welcoming embrace.
Her initial exhilaration was unmistakable, outshining her typical modesty.
As the initial surge of joy gradually receded, hints of bashfulness came to the fore.
A soft blush spread across her cheeks, adding a touch of enchantment to her glowing visage.
She placed her petite hands on Jiang Chen's robust chest, attempting to extricate herself from his enveloping hold.
But alas, his grip was too firm for her to escape.
Like a wily tiger guarding its precious prey, Jiang Chen held his delicate rabbit securely within his grasp.
Would he permit her an easy retreat? Unlikely.
Before she could fully comprehend his intentions, Jiang Chen tilted his head, their lips merging in a fervent bond.
It was a tender kiss, a testament to their shared sentiments.
Taken aback, Ning Xian momentarily resisted the intimacy.
However, as her heartbeat began to align with Jiang Chen's steady rhythm, her initial hesitation began to fade.
Succumbing to the seduction of his touch, she allowed herself to be carried away by the intensity of their shared passion.
After what seemed like an eternity, Jiang Chen withdrew reluctantly.
A playful yet affectionate smile graced his face, his gaze softening as he studied her.
In contrast, Ning Xian appeared somewhat bewildered.
Her eyes wide in surprise, her cheeks aflame with a captivating flush.
Despite her bewilderment, a satisfied smile slowly spread across her features.
The reflection of her joy in Jiang Chen's eyes was as evident as the high-noon sun, filling their hearts with an enveloping warmth.
"It appears..."
"My absence has left you somewhat disconcerted, hasn't it?"
Jiang Chen's voice carried a gentle ribbing as he gazed at Ning Xian.
"Mm..."
Ning Xian nodded, her cheeks still rosy. There was no disputing it now.
Indeed, within the confines of the Starry Abyss Sect, Jiang Chen was her solitary pillar of support.
During his absence, her longing for his return had been a constant companion.
"Well, now I've returned!"
Jiang Chen affectionately ruffled Ning Xian's hair. "Furthermore, this journey has been quite fruitful. I've reached the Heavenly Origin realm."
"Ah!!"
"Heavenly... Heavenly Origin realm!"
Ning Xian's hands shot up to her mouth, her eyes wide in jubilant disbelief as she looked at Jiang Chen.
"Indeed."
"Heavenly Origin realm!"
"Our Starry Abyss Sect's founding master, Chu Xingming, was a practitioner of the Heavenly Origin realm."
"And presently, across five or six adjacent continents, including our Mysterious Truth Continent, there isn't a single practitioner of the Heavenly Origin realm."
Jiang Chen chuckled as he tenderly tucked a stray lock of Ning Xian's hair behind her ear, "So, for the moment, I am unmatched."
"So, in all these neighboring continents, no one can rival you."
Ning Xian bore a puzzled expression, "Then why do you suggest you're safe only temporarily?"
"The Mysterious Truth Continent is merely a portion of the Immortal Martial Continent."
"And the Immortal Martial Continent is just a small segment of this boundless universe."
"Beyond the Heavenly Origin realm, lies the Second Step of the Cultivation Path, encompassing realms such as the Inquiring Journey, Dao Comprehension, and Dao Palace. Further still, the Third Step of the Cultivation Path includes a realm known as the Void Tribulation realm..."
"The Heavenly Origin realm is simply the initial phase of the Cultivation Path and bears little significance."
As Jiang Chen conveyed these thoughts, he shook his head.
The sheer vastness of the universe was truly unfathomable.
How many exceptionally talented protagonists could be silently lying in wait?
As an antagonist, he could be thrust into the plot at any moment, transformed into a stepping stone for the protagonist. How could he afford to be complacent?
"So, that's the case!"
"Those formidable beings in the Heavenly Origin realm, capable of rending mountains and rivers, are merely at the First Step of the Cultivation Path!"
Ning Xian's eyes shimmered with waves of astonishment.
Yet, deep within those sparkling eyes, a profound concern was concealed.
She knew exactly who Jiang Chen was referring to - the dreaded Sons of the Heavenly Fate.
After that single time, mentioning them, she had since chosen her words carefully.
The memory of that bone-chilling, piercing gaze, as though she were under the scrutiny of a superior entity, still sent shivers down her spine.
Yet, that sensation was fleeting, almost illusory, as if a force of equal or superior strength shielded her.
Guided by this experience and influenced by Jiang Chen's attitude, she decided to bury this issue deep within her heart.
And so.
"Jiang Chen, you're certainly destined to soar even higher!"
She looked at Jiang Chen and affirmed with confidence, "To that Void Tribulation realm you mentioned, or even beyond!"
"May your words carry blessings."
Jiang Chen responded with a gentle smile, then unveiled a storage artifact, "Here's a gift I've brought for you. It will aid in your cultivation."
"Thank you, Jiang Chen!"
Joy resonated in Ning Xian's voice as she received the storage artifact from him.
Jiang Chen replied to her gratitude with a soft smile.
His tone then shifted to a more earnest note. "However, there's another matter we need to discuss."
With a gentle clasp, he guided Ning Xian towards the lone bench nestled under the solitary tree in the courtyard.
As they settled down, he gently prompted Ning Xian onto his lap, his arms cradling her in a close embrace.
Despite the unusual closeness, Ning Xian neither resisted nor questioned, behaving more like a docile and tender wife.
Engulfed in her delicate fragrance, a wave of tranquility washed over Jiang Chen.
He savored this peaceful feeling, before resuming his narrative with steady composure, "In the Cave Heaven secret realm, I encountered disciples from the Purple Bamboo Spirit Mountain."
Allowing a pause to let his statement sink in, Jiang Chen continued, "Every cultivator at the Mysterious Platform realm from their sect, including Sect Master Gao Zhang, have been eradicated by me. His body now resides within my storage artifact."
"Their evil deeds will soon be laid bare for all to see. Their flawless front will fall apart as easily as a sandcastle. Once their secrets are out, their end will be inevitable." Jiang Chen's eyes flashed with a cold light as he declared with utter certainty.
Ning Xian, trying to make sense of his words, found herself struck dumb.
Her envisioned plan of revenge had always been perceived as a prolonged quest.
Her joining the Starry Abyss Sect along with Jiang Chen had the secondary objective of achieving this aim.
Yet now, barely two weeks had elapsed, and the unthinkable had been accomplished.
Jiang Chen had exacted retribution!
The truth was so surreal that it verged on the eerie.
Yet, she trusted him implicitly.
"Retribution has been achieved!"
"Father, mother! Jiang Chen has avenged you on my behalf!"
"Gao Zhang has met his end, he is no more, and the others too, they've faced their doom!"
"..."
As she found comfort in Jiang Chen's embrace, Ning Xian whispered to herself.
Her head bowed, and her delicate shoulders shook subtly. Tears brimmed and streamed down her reddened cheeks.
In the tranquil silence, Jiang Chen held Ning Xian gently.
Her muted sobs echoed quietly within the confines of the courtyard.
"Let go of your grief."
His voice was a comforting murmur, serving as a peaceful beacon amidst her storm of emotions.
Time wore on, each passing moment slowly depleting the reservoir of her sadness.
As the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions gradually subsided, her weeping diminished, finally blending into the tranquility of the night.
Slowly, Ning Xian raised her head, her eyes shimmering with the remnants of her exhausted grief and unshed tears.
"Jiang Chen."
Her voice surfaced, gentle yet undeniably filled with emotional depth. "In this life and beyond, I will forever hold gratitude in my heart for you."
And while her eyes bore the reddened traces of her shed tears, a luminous smile bloomed across her face, a symbol of her steadfast resilience.
Ning Xian's charm, amplified by her vulnerability, tugged at Jiang Chen's heartstrings, entrapping him in a captivating enchantment he found impossible to resist.
"Xian'er…"
His voice barely a whisper, he found himself unintentionally leaning closer, entranced by her alluring aura.
Their lips met in a profound, shared kiss.
Driven by the anticipation of their first kiss, Ning Xian responded reflexively, equalling his fervor.
Without uttering a word, as if under a bewitching charm, they navigated their way to the bedroom upstairs, the atmosphere heavy with a heady mix of expectation and attachment.
Shrouded in the curtain of the night, the cosmos bore witness to the merging of two heavenly bodies.
Their gravitational forces pulled them together, intertwining their energies in a cosmic ballet that challenged the laws of the universe.
Their unison ignited a celestial clash, as stars stood in awe of their passionate devotion.
The spectacle was nothing less than captivating, illuminating the cosmos with the splendor of their love.
...
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+70) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
Upon his return, Jiang Chen headed straight for the core of the sect.
He reached his modest dwelling without delay.
'Unseal!'
He gave a mental command to the defensive formation.
Instantly, the formation acquiesced, splitting to unveil the vista within.
His previously barren courtyard was now a relic of the past.
In its stead, a flourishing sanctuary bloomed.
Ning Xian's nurturing touch had transformed the courtyard into a lush tableau of verdancy, embellished with a profusion of brilliantly colored blossoms.
Their aromatic allure permeated the air, serving as a testament to the vibrant oasis of life that now prevailed where desolation once ruled.
The spectacle was not only pleasing but utterly captivating.
However, the true wonder lay in Ning Xian herself.
Deeply engaged in her cultivation, her power had escalated dramatically during Jiang Chen's ten-day departure.
Teetering on the edge of a breakthrough, she had achieved the Half-step Soul Refinement realm, merely a single stride from attaining the true Soul Refinement realm.
Undoubtedly, her progress fell short when compared to Jiang Chen's.
Yet, when contrasted with an average cultivator, her cultivation trajectory was a spectacle of exceptional haste.
This only served to emphasize her uniqueness; she was far from an ordinary woman.
Indeed, she bore the distinguishing sign of a Heroine.
'Indeed, my wife's persistence is unparalleled.'
A warm smile curved Jiang Chen's lips at the thought. 'Is it perhaps my exceptional cultivation speed that fuels her determination, inspiring her to match pace with me?'
His thoughts barely dissipated when an echo of his musings seemed to resonate in the ensuing silence.
A pair of vibrant eyes, alight with joy, abruptly snapped open within the meditation chamber.
It was Ning Xian, who promptly pushed open the substantial chamber doors to step into the sun-drenched courtyard.
Standing amidst a lush tableau of blooming flowers and verdant leaves, Ning Xian appeared as an embodiment of ethereal beauty.
Clad in a vibrant green robe that seemed to mirror the vital essence of the surrounding flora, she was a sight to behold.
Her jet-black tresses, flowing freely like a silken river, framed her glowing features and her sparkling eyes perfectly.
Indeed, she was a mesmerizing vision.
"Xian'er."
Jiang Chen softly voiced her name, a tender smile on his face as he extended his arms open.
"Jiang Chen!"
Ning Xian's reply was filled with pure, unadulterated joy.
Caught in the warmth of the moment, she sprinted towards him, shedding her usual restraint and leaping into his welcoming embrace.
Her initial exhilaration was unmistakable, outshining her typical modesty.
As the initial surge of joy gradually receded, hints of bashfulness came to the fore.
A soft blush spread across her cheeks, adding a touch of enchantment to her glowing visage.
She placed her petite hands on Jiang Chen's robust chest, attempting to extricate herself from his enveloping hold.
But alas, his grip was too firm for her to escape.
Like a wily tiger guarding its precious prey, Jiang Chen held his delicate rabbit securely within his grasp.
Would he permit her an easy retreat? Unlikely.
Before she could fully comprehend his intentions, Jiang Chen tilted his head, their lips merging in a fervent bond.
It was a tender kiss, a testament to their shared sentiments.
Taken aback, Ning Xian momentarily resisted the intimacy.
However, as her heartbeat began to align with Jiang Chen's steady rhythm, her initial hesitation began to fade.
Succumbing to the seduction of his touch, she allowed herself to be carried away by the intensity of their shared passion.
After what seemed like an eternity, Jiang Chen withdrew reluctantly.
A playful yet affectionate smile graced his face, his gaze softening as he studied her.
In contrast, Ning Xian appeared somewhat bewildered.
Her eyes wide in surprise, her cheeks aflame with a captivating flush.
Despite her bewilderment, a satisfied smile slowly spread across her features.
The reflection of her joy in Jiang Chen's eyes was as evident as the high-noon sun, filling their hearts with an enveloping warmth.
"It appears..."
"My absence has left you somewhat disconcerted, hasn't it?"
Jiang Chen's voice carried a gentle ribbing as he gazed at Ning Xian.
"Mm..."
Ning Xian nodded, her cheeks still rosy. There was no disputing it now.
Indeed, within the confines of the Starry Abyss Sect, Jiang Chen was her solitary pillar of support.
During his absence, her longing for his return had been a constant companion.
"Well, now I've returned!"
Jiang Chen affectionately ruffled Ning Xian's hair. "Furthermore, this journey has been quite fruitful. I've reached the Heavenly Origin realm."
"Ah!!"
"Heavenly... Heavenly Origin realm!"
Ning Xian's hands shot up to her mouth, her eyes wide in jubilant disbelief as she looked at Jiang Chen.
"Indeed."
"Heavenly Origin realm!"
"Our Starry Abyss Sect's founding master, Chu Xingming, was a practitioner of the Heavenly Origin realm."
"And presently, across five or six adjacent continents, including our Mysterious Truth Continent, there isn't a single practitioner of the Heavenly Origin realm."
Jiang Chen chuckled as he tenderly tucked a stray lock of Ning Xian's hair behind her ear, "So, for the moment, I am unmatched."
"So, in all these neighboring continents, no one can rival you."
Ning Xian bore a puzzled expression, "Then why do you suggest you're safe only temporarily?"
"The Mysterious Truth Continent is merely a portion of the Immortal Martial Continent."
"And the Immortal Martial Continent is just a small segment of this boundless universe."
"Beyond the Heavenly Origin realm, lies the Second Step of the Cultivation Path, encompassing realms such as the Inquiring Journey, Dao Comprehension, and Dao Palace. Further still, the Third Step of the Cultivation Path includes a realm known as the Void Tribulation realm..."
"The Heavenly Origin realm is simply the initial phase of the Cultivation Path and bears little significance."
As Jiang Chen conveyed these thoughts, he shook his head.
The sheer vastness of the universe was truly unfathomable.
How many exceptionally talented protagonists could be silently lying in wait?
As an antagonist, he could be thrust into the plot at any moment, transformed into a stepping stone for the protagonist. How could he afford to be complacent?
"So, that's the case!"
"Those formidable beings in the Heavenly Origin realm, capable of rending mountains and rivers, are merely at the First Step of the Cultivation Path!"
Ning Xian's eyes shimmered with waves of astonishment.
Yet, deep within those sparkling eyes, a profound concern was concealed.
She knew exactly who Jiang Chen was referring to - the dreaded Sons of the Heavenly Fate.
After that single time, mentioning them, she had since chosen her words carefully.
The memory of that bone-chilling, piercing gaze, as though she were under the scrutiny of a superior entity, still sent shivers down her spine.
Yet, that sensation was fleeting, almost illusory, as if a force of equal or superior strength shielded her.
Guided by this experience and influenced by Jiang Chen's attitude, she decided to bury this issue deep within her heart.
And so.
"Jiang Chen, you're certainly destined to soar even higher!"
She looked at Jiang Chen and affirmed with confidence, "To that Void Tribulation realm you mentioned, or even beyond!"
"May your words carry blessings."
Jiang Chen responded with a gentle smile, then unveiled a storage artifact, "Here's a gift I've brought for you. It will aid in your cultivation."
"Thank you, Jiang Chen!"
Joy resonated in Ning Xian's voice as she received the storage artifact from him.
Jiang Chen replied to her gratitude with a soft smile.
His tone then shifted to a more earnest note. "However, there's another matter we need to discuss."
With a gentle clasp, he guided Ning Xian towards the lone bench nestled under the solitary tree in the courtyard.
As they settled down, he gently prompted Ning Xian onto his lap, his arms cradling her in a close embrace.
Despite the unusual closeness, Ning Xian neither resisted nor questioned, behaving more like a docile and tender wife.
Engulfed in her delicate fragrance, a wave of tranquility washed over Jiang Chen.
He savored this peaceful feeling, before resuming his narrative with steady composure, "In the Cave Heaven secret realm, I encountered disciples from the Purple Bamboo Spirit Mountain."
Allowing a pause to let his statement sink in, Jiang Chen continued, "Every cultivator at the Mysterious Platform realm from their sect, including Sect Master Gao Zhang, have been eradicated by me. His body now resides within my storage artifact."
"Their evil deeds will soon be laid bare for all to see. Their flawless front will fall apart as easily as a sandcastle. Once their secrets are out, their end will be inevitable." Jiang Chen's eyes flashed with a cold light as he declared with utter certainty.
Ning Xian, trying to make sense of his words, found herself struck dumb.
Her envisioned plan of revenge had always been perceived as a prolonged quest.
Her joining the Starry Abyss Sect along with Jiang Chen had the secondary objective of achieving this aim.
Yet now, barely two weeks had elapsed, and the unthinkable had been accomplished.
Jiang Chen had exacted retribution!
The truth was so surreal that it verged on the eerie.
Yet, she trusted him implicitly.
"Retribution has been achieved!"
"Father, mother! Jiang Chen has avenged you on my behalf!"
"Gao Zhang has met his end, he is no more, and the others too, they've faced their doom!"
"..."
As she found comfort in Jiang Chen's embrace, Ning Xian whispered to herself.
Her head bowed, and her delicate shoulders shook subtly. Tears brimmed and streamed down her reddened cheeks.
In the tranquil silence, Jiang Chen held Ning Xian gently.
Her muted sobs echoed quietly within the confines of the courtyard.
"Let go of your grief."
His voice was a comforting murmur, serving as a peaceful beacon amidst her storm of emotions.
Time wore on, each passing moment slowly depleting the reservoir of her sadness.
As the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions gradually subsided, her weeping diminished, finally blending into the tranquility of the night.
Slowly, Ning Xian raised her head, her eyes shimmering with the remnants of her exhausted grief and unshed tears.
"Jiang Chen."
Her voice surfaced, gentle yet undeniably filled with emotional depth. "In this life and beyond, I will forever hold gratitude in my heart for you."
And while her eyes bore the reddened traces of her shed tears, a luminous smile bloomed across her face, a symbol of her steadfast resilience.
Ning Xian's charm, amplified by her vulnerability, tugged at Jiang Chen's heartstrings, entrapping him in a captivating enchantment he found impossible to resist.
"Xian'er…"
His voice barely a whisper, he found himself unintentionally leaning closer, entranced by her alluring aura.
Their lips met in a profound, shared kiss.
Driven by the anticipation of their first kiss, Ning Xian responded reflexively, equalling his fervor.
Without uttering a word, as if under a bewitching charm, they navigated their way to the bedroom upstairs, the atmosphere heavy with a heady mix of expectation and attachment.
Shrouded in the curtain of the night, the cosmos bore witness to the merging of two heavenly bodies.
Their gravitational forces pulled them together, intertwining their energies in a cosmic ballet that challenged the laws of the universe.
Their unison ignited a celestial clash, as stars stood in awe of their passionate devotion.
The spectacle was nothing less than captivating, illuminating the cosmos with the splendor of their love.
...
A note from AlphaWIA:
Get early access to (+70) more chapters by joining my Patreon.
