Backyard on fire? Five beauties gather!

Gu Zheng’s gaze was like a sword; a subtle, chilling Sword Intent silently permeated her cold phoenix eyes, making the temperature in the small courtyard seem to drop by several degrees.

She did not speak, but that invisible sense of oppression clearly declared her sovereignty.

Mu Wanqing was intimidated by this Aura, and her already self-conscious heart sank further, causing her to subconsciously avoid eye contact. Lan Cai’er’s pretty face tightened slightly, and she discreetly circulated her Spiritual Power to counteract the discomfort.

Xue Linglong quietly retreated half a step, positioning herself closer to the Quiet Room door, her posture respectful, yet silently indicating her allegiance.

In this stagnant atmosphere, Su Meiniang, with her alluring eyes, seemingly casually took a step forward, neutralizing Gu Zheng’s Sword Intent perfectly and invisibly.

“Oh my, we’re all sisters, don’t just stand in the courtyard, come inside.”

She smilingly broke the deadlock, walking forward affectionately, taking Mu Wanqing’s hand in one and Lan Cai’er’s in the other. Her posture made it seem as if she were the true mistress of the place.

Mu Wanqing looked at the two female Nascent Soul Cultivators whose Auras were as deep as the sea—one cold like a sword, the other born with natural charm. Standing casually, they created their own domain, making both her and Lan Cai’er appear dim by comparison.

Her eyes dimmed, and an indescribable bitterness arose in her heart. The difference between her and Lin Yuan now, whether in status or Cultivation, was like a chasm.

It seemed she was no longer worthy of him.

Just as her spirits were low, a familiar figure descended from the sky, carrying a reassuring Aura, and landed in the small courtyard.

The moment Lin Yuan landed, he keenly sensed the invisible sparks flying as the gazes of the women clashed in the courtyard.

He cursed internally, knowing he was ‘in trouble,’ and quickly scanned the faces of the women, instantly formulating a plan. A brilliant smile bloomed on his face: “Why have you all come?”

Mu Wanqing was about to nod, but Lan Cai’er had already burst into delicate laughter. Barefoot, the silver bells on her ankles jingled softly as her beautiful eyes scrutinized Lin Yuan, her tone teasing.

“I didn’t realize that in such a short time, not only has your Cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, but your skill at attracting admirers has also grown significantly. With so many beauties surrounding you, it must be hard on Senior Sister Wanqing, who thinks of you day and night.”

Although she spoke teasingly, her heart was churning with shock. Ye Youmeng had intended to use her to implement a Honey Trap to bind Lin Yuan and make him join the Five Poisons Sect. But given the current situation, even if the Five Poisons Sect sent every female Disciple they had, they might not win.

“Nonsense, I am a respectable person,” Lin Yuan retorted seriously. He then walked over to Mu Wanqing, ignored the others, and very naturally took her hand, saying gently, “Let me introduce you. This is Lan Cai’er, the Saintess of the Five Poisons Sect, and Senior Ye’s Personal Disciple. And this is Mu Wanqing of Hundred Herbs Peak. As for her and me... we’ve known each other for nearly sixty years. She is my... childhood sweetheart.”

Hearing the words ‘childhood sweetheart,’ the softest part of Mu Wanqing’s heart was deeply moved. All her self-doubt and anxiety were instantly washed away by a warm current, and her eyes welled up slightly.

A faint ripple crossed Gu Zheng’s cold phoenix eyes, while Su Meiniang seemed oblivious to everything, still smiling charmingly: “We’re all family. Why are you standing outside? Come inside. Exquisite just brewed some new tea.”

The group entered the house, and Xue Linglong skillfully poured tea for everyone.

“This Formation has been completed, and the Spiritual Qi density in your small courtyard is truly astonishing…” Gu Zheng spoke first, breaking the delicate atmosphere. “Senior Sister Su and I came to discuss whether we could move in and live here? Cultivating in this place would definitely increase our speed dramatically.”

Lin Yuan shook his head, saying, “This Formation is only temporary; it treats the symptoms but not the root cause. Once my Formation was established, the Spiritual Qi within a hundred-mile radius centered on Black Stone City was almost entirely forcibly drained by me. When you finish Cultivating and absorbing this Spiritual Qi, this place will become depleted of Spiritual Qi, with no way to replenish itself…”

Hearing this, a hint of disappointment showed in the eyes of both Su Meiniang and Gu Zheng: “So that’s how it is…”

Lin Yuan laughed, saying, “The main issue is that the grade of the Spiritual Vein here is too poor, and the Spiritual Qi produced cannot keep up with the consumption. If this Grand Formation could be moved onto a truly large-scale Spiritual Vein, let alone just you few, even dozens more people could absorb Spiritual Qi until the end of time.”

Hearing this, the eyes of all five women lit up. If they could truly Cultivate in such a treasure land, Xue Linglong felt that Foundation Establishment Perfection would be within reach, and Mu Wanqing was confident that the time needed for Core Formation Perfection would be drastically shortened.

“Speaking of Spiritual Veins rich in Spiritual Qi, the Blood River Spirit Mine is probably the best around here. That is a Super Spiritual Vein capable of spontaneously generating Spirit Stones. Alas... it’s a pity that the Six Sects are currently locked in a stalemate, making it impossible for us to safely set up a Formation there!” Su Meiniang lamented.

Lin Yuan smiled noncommittally after hearing this. He turned to look at Lan Cai’er, who had been quietly observing, and suddenly asked, “Cai’er, your Master sent you here this time to spy on my Yin Corpse Sect, didn’t she?”

Lan Cai’er’s pretty face flushed slightly. She hadn’t expected Lin Yuan to be so direct in front of so many people, so she could only nod openly.

“In that case, when you go back, you can tell your Master some earth-shattering good news,” Lin Yuan said slowly. “The two people sitting across from you just advanced to Nascent Soul two days ago. If nothing unexpected happens, the Yin Corpse Sect will gain another Nascent Soul Elder tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, not only Lan Cai’er, but also Mu Wanqing and Xue Linglong were so shocked they covered their mouths.

Lin Yuan confessed for two reasons: firstly, the news couldn’t be concealed anyway; secondly, he intended to use the Five Poisons Sect as a mouthpiece to stir up trouble across the entire Eastern Region. Even if the Yin Corpse Sect gained seven or eight Nascent Souls immediately, they would still lack the power to challenge the entire Eastern Region, but if they brought the Five Poisons Sect into the fold, things would be different.

“You... you want me to tell all of this to my Master?” Lan Cai’er’s voice trembled slightly.

“Of course.” Lin Yuan smiled like a fox. “You can also relay a message to your Master for me. Tell her that my ‘Nascent Soul Mass Production Plan’ has just launched, and I am preparing to attract external investment. Ask the Five Poisons Sect if they are interested in securing one or two spots as Original Shareholders? This is a rare opportunity, first come, first served, and we won’t wait around.”

Su Meiniang stood up, giving Lin Yuan an alluring glare, and took Gu Zheng’s hand: “Alright, since your serious business is finished, we won’t interrupt your reunion with old friends and the sharing of heartfelt feelings.”

Before leaving, she gave Mu Wanqing and Lan Cai’er a meaningful look—a look that held both the scrutiny of a mistress and the knowing amusement of someone experienced.

After Su Meiniang and Gu Zheng left, the sensible Xue Linglong quietly withdrew from the room.

The atmosphere inside the room instantly became intimate.

Lin Yuan looked at the stunning beauties before him—one as pure as water, the other as enchanting as fire—grinning and rubbing his hands. “Long time no see. I see both of your Cultivations have improved. Coincidentally, This husband has been diligently studying recently and has gained some insights into Formations. How about the three of us have a thorough discussion tonight?”

...The next morning, the sky was bright.

Lan Cai’er dared not delay for a moment. She controlled her Escape Light and returned to the Temporary Headquarters of the Five Poisons Sect at the fastest speed possible.

Inside the Quiet Room, only Lin Yuan and Mu Wanqing remained.

The morning light filtered through the window lattice, spilling onto Mu Wanqing’s face—pure and moving, yet now carrying a hint of charm, making her beauty breathtaking.

She carefully adjusted Lin Yuan’s robes, her movements gentle, her eyes filled with unwavering tenderness and contentment.

“From now on, you will live here.” Lin Yuan held her soft, boneless hand, pulled her into his embrace, and gently rubbed his chin against her hair.

That simple sentence, however, was like a warm current, instantly surging through Mu Wanqing’s entire body, completely melting away the last vestiges of anxiety and apprehension in her heart.

“Mhm.” Mu Wanqing buried her face in his broad chest, nodding heavily, her voice thick with emotion.

After Mu Wanqing tidied herself up and went to the Side Room to Cultivate, the tenderness on Lin Yuan’s face instantly vanished, replaced by the shrewdness of a merchant.