195: There are always shrewish women

The faint light of dawn had just dispersed the thin veil of the starry night, gilding the Pillar of Leaders with a layer of pale gold.

Inside Chen Jun Manor, however, dark currents were already surging, and the tranquility of the past was no more.

The news of Leader Yun Xi moving into Chen Jun Manor swept through all the core circles of the Federation qualified to know about it with precision in a very short time.

In the Mirror Moon Palace, the power of moonlight swirling around Venerable Yuehua suddenly stalled, as if gripped by an invisible hand.

The mirror floating in front of her, formed from "Ten Thousand Year Ice Soul," let out a "crack," and fissures spread from the center to the edges, reflecting her stunning face that had instantly lost all color.

"Moved... moved in?" She muttered to herself, her voice trembling in a way she hadn't even noticed.

That man whom she once regarded as the optimal solution for breaking through her strength, but later deliberately distanced herself from because he was "scrapped," even harboring a trace of secret contempt...

That tool who, in her perception, should have completed his "historical mission" after the birth of her daughter, Yue Xi...

Now, not only was he suspected to be an ancient existence who had self-sealed, possessing the power to reverse the galaxy!

But even more... he had allowed Yun Xi, the Leader of the Federation, to openly move into his manor under the guise of "secluded cultivation"?!

Who was Yun Xi?

She was the great leader she followed!

She would never act without a reason!

There was only one explanation for her doing this—

Chen Jun's value far exceeded what she, Venerable Yuehua, had previously imagined!

The benefits brought by that "special Physique" were probably not just as simple as birthing high-Aptitude offspring!

It was very likely... a Supreme Opportunity that led directly to the Dao!

Thinking back to her business-like, slightly impatient attitude at the Mirror Moon Palace...

And her actions after that, like discarding used experimental Materials, tossing out some so-called "treasures" for him to choose from, and then "inviting" him out of the Mirror Moon Palace...

"Pfft—"

A mouthful of pale gold heart blood, containing pure Origin of moonlight, violently sprayed from Venerable Yuehua's mouth, splashing onto the cold jade marrow floor and instantly freezing into a desolate, beautiful ice flower.

Regret!

Like hundreds of millions of ice needles, it instantly pierced her heart state that had remained unmoved for ninety thousand years!

What had she missed?!

She originally had a chance!

She was the first Stellar Level female!

She could have...

But she had destroyed it all with her own hands!

...

At the Federation Command Headquarters, Marshal Xuanji was standing in front of a massive Star Domain sandbox, her cold mask obscuring her expression.

But those eyes, filled with intense Killing Intent, were flickering violently at this moment.

"The Leader, moving into... the manor..."

Her brain was spinning frantically, but in the end, she reached a conclusion—

She, a Marshal of the Federation, who had once regarded Chen Jun as a "civilizational strategic resource" and exploited him crudely, had personally closed the door to higher-level power!

And her teacher, Yun Xi, had proven with her actions the immense benefits of maintaining a "good relationship" with Chen Jun!

She slammed her fist onto the alloy console, leaving a clear fist print, yet she felt not a hint of pain; an emotion called "remorse" was growing wildly.

...

At the Cutting-Edge Technology Laboratory, in the main control center, the high-precision energy probe in Su Yao's hand fell to the ground with a "clatter."

She was completely unaware. On the holographic screen in front of her, the data that had been processing was completely garbled, turning into a meaningless patch of static.

For the first time, her usually calm and wise face wore an expression akin to being "dumbfounded."

For Su Yao, Chen Jun had always been an extremely special "observation sample" full of research value.

His Physique, the mutations in his offspring that he brought about, all contained mysteries that could overturn existing life sciences.

She had even stepped in personally, becoming a part of the "observation"!

Yun Xi's behavior, in her view, was like an astronomer no longer satisfied with using a telescope to observe a galaxy, but moving directly into the star itself to live!

This completely went against the nature of a leader!

But... what if this "star" itself was the shortcut to the truth?

Su Yao suddenly clutched her head, squatted down, and let out a suppressed, near-breakdown moan: "That could have been the source code leading directly to the Origin of the Universe! It was ruined by me just like that!"

She regretted it; she regretted why she had only treated Chen Jun as a sample instead of... a "research subject" for deep cooperation?

In stark contrast to these three, who were filled with regret and suffering internally, two figures with entirely different styles were speeding toward Chen Jun Manor!

The first was Qing Lin, who was like a frightened little deer, carrying timid anticipation.

This time she had returned from a remote Star Domain because she had heard that news which made her heart tremble—Teacher Yun Xi had moved into Chen Jun Manor!

Qing Lin's thoughts were simple, without so many twists and turns.

She had a bit of a crush on Chen Jun back then, otherwise she wouldn't have wanted to have a "twilight romance" when Chen Jun's lifespan was nearing its end...

It was just that she had been frightened by Chen Jun's "bizarre" lifespan issue and the tense protective atmosphere of his daughters, so she had made an excuse to slip away.

She claimed to be exploring unknown Star Domains, but in reality, she had been eating, drinking, and having fun all the way from the Federation to foreign civilizations, and then came back from her travels...

Now that she knew Chen Jun's "Origin was unimpeded" and even her teacher had gone, her simple heart immediately became active.

"Chen Jun... shouldn't blame me for running away back then, right?" She twisted the corner of her clothes, her small face slightly flushed, "I brought 'Rainbow Star lollipops' and 'Dancing Starlight Pudding' to apologize to him... he should like them... right?"

The second was Yan Ji, who was like a flaming meteor, carrying a clear goal and a noble aura.

The Dragonborn Empire's Crown Princess had changed into a more formal dark red palace gown today, which still outlined her breathtaking curves.

The hem of the skirt was embroidered with golden threads of soaring Dragon patterns, lifelike.

She rode a gorgeous flying carriage in the style of the Dragonborn Empire, with graceful demeanor, heading straight for the manor.

She had waited for this Opportunity for too, too long!

From initially bringing "origin crystals mines" as a gift, to later dispatching technical teams to assist in building the virtual universe, she had been quietly investing and showing favor.

Relying on her keen intuition, she had long ago vaguely glimpsed the extraordinary nature of Chen Jun's Physique!

It was just that before, Chen Jun's "Origin was deficient," and his daughters protected him tightly, so she couldn't find a suitable Opportunity.

Now, the winds and clouds were changing!

Leader Yun Xi's move-in was like blowing the horn for an all-out attack!

This meant that Chen Jun's state had stabilized, and that "high-level Innate Physique wholesale" ability that made the sea of stars go crazy could already be activated again!

She, Yan Ji, bearing the future of the Dragonborn Empire, possessing excellent Aptitude for an Acquired Sun Body, how could she miss such an Opportunity?!

Inside the manor, in the living room of the main house.

Chen Jun was still sprawled on his Supreme-version lounge chair, as if all the turmoil in the outside world had nothing to do with him.

Only the slightly twitching corner of his eye betrayed his inner unrest.

Lin Wei sat next to him, seemingly arranging flowers, but the rose in her hand had been unconsciously pinched by her until only the stem remained.

Her gaze, from time to time, like the most precise radar, swept toward the entrance of the manor and the direction of the Star Gazing Pavilion on the east side.

Yun Xi was on the terrace of the Star Gazing Pavilion, leaning against the railing and looking into the distance, her expression calm.

But the Galaxy Level Domain unconsciously radiating from her body, gradually merging with the new environment, was like a silent declaration, making the air of the entire manor seem to thicken a bit.

"Sigh..." Chen Jun sighed silently in his heart, "I just want to lie down and win quietly, and by the way, give my family a little more Guarantee, why is it so difficult..."

Just at this moment—

"Chen Jun Senior! Sister Lin Wei! I'm back!"

A crisp and slightly timid voice sounded, like a small pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Qing Lin's figure appeared at the doorway, and she was indeed holding a huge, shimmering, colorful... Rainbow Star lollipop?

And a... pudding in a transparent box that was automatically rotating and emitting starlight?

She carefully poked her head in, and when she saw Chen Jun and Lin Wei in the living room, as well as the cold figure on the terrace, she clearly shrank her neck, but still gathered her courage and walked in.

"Qing Lin?" Lin Wei was a bit surprised, putting down the "flower stem" in her hand, and squeezed a smile onto her face, "You've returned from your exploration?"

"Yes, yes!" Qing Lin nodded quickly, handing over the lollipop and pudding like she was presenting a treasure, "Senior, Sister, these are the specialties I brought for you! They are delicious!"

Chen Jun looked at the lollipop that was bigger than his head, and the pudding that seemed to possess life, his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

This girl, she has been out for over three hundred years, and she only brought back this stuff?

"Ahem, Qing Lin, you are very thoughtful." Chen Jun said indifferently.

Qing Lin stole a glance at Chen Jun; seeing his complexion was ruddy and his breath steady, as if his "Origin" was truly "unimpeded," she felt a bit more at ease.

But upon seeing Yun Xi on the balcony, she became nervous again and asked in a low voice: "Senior, is Teacher Yun Xi... really living here?"

"Yes, Leader Yun Xi is cultivating here." Chen Jun said concisely.

Qing Lin let out an "Oh," her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes, wanting to speak but holding back; her face was flushed, and it was clear that the phrase "I want to improve too" was stuck in her throat, unable to be spoken.

Just as the atmosphere became subtle—

"Dragonborn Empire, Yan Ji, has come to visit Ancestor Chen and Lady Lin Wei."

A graceful, luxurious voice carrying an undeniable aura drifted over.

Yan Ji, dressed in a dark red dragon-patterned court gown, walked calmly into the living room, first performing an impeccable Dragonborn etiquette for Chen Jun and Lin Wei.

Then, she met the gaze of Yun Xi, who was looking over from the balcony, with a calm expression, nodding slightly in greeting: "Leader Yun Xi, congratulations on your Breakthrough to the Galaxy Level. The Dao is within reach."

Her arrival instantly shattered the "kindergarten" atmosphere in the living room brought about by Qing Lin.

Lin Wei immediately entered "hostess" mode, rising to welcome her: "Your Highness Yan Ji is too polite, please, take a seat."

Chen Jun sat up a little straighter to show basic respect for his former "big financier" and "potential descendant of a Hometown fellow."

Yan Ji sat down elegantly; her gaze swept over Qing Lin, who was holding the lollipop and looking somewhat out of place, a trace of imperceptible amusement flashing in her eyes, and she then looked at Chen Jun, getting straight to the point, yet choosing her words with extreme care:

"Ancestor Chen, I recently heard that Leader Yun Xi has been cultivating here and has made great progress in her cultivation, which I deeply admire. I recall that ancient records of my Dragonborn Empire mention that certain unique places in the Universe possess a distinct aura that truly aids in comprehending the Dao and breaking through Bottlenecks."

She changed the subject, her tone carrying just the right amount of emotion and probing:

"I presume this manor of Ancestor Chen is one such treasure land of spiritual beauty? I wonder if I might have the honor of frequently bothering you to absorb some of the Spiritual Qi here? Perhaps it might provide some inspiration for my cultivation, which is currently stuck at the Peak of the Star Arm Level?"

These words were impeccable!

She had flattered Chen Jun and the manor, pointed out her own predicament, expressed her request to "borrow some Spiritual Qi," and didn't mention the "special Physique" matter at all, giving both sides plenty of face.

Qing Lin's eyes lit up as she listened from the side!

That's right! She could use that excuse too!

Why hadn't she thought of that!

She quickly nodded like a chick pecking at rice: "Right, right, right! Senior, I also want to borrow some Spiritual Qi! I've been stuck at the Stellar Level for a long time too!"

After she finished speaking, she realized she had interrupted, so she quickly covered her mouth, her face turning even redder.

The smile on Lin Wei's face stiffened slightly.

Two more?!

And they put it so grandiosely!

Chen Jun sighed inwardly. Good grief, one says she wants to comprehend the "Mortal World," another says she wants to borrow "Spiritual Qi"... could your excuses be any more perfunctory?

He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on...

Suddenly!

An icy aura, like a polar wind, suddenly descended outside the manor!

Immediately following that, a crisp, cold female voice, like the clashing of ten-thousand-year black ice, resonated in everyone's ears, carrying a complex emotion suppressed to the extreme:

"Mirror Moon Palace, Venerable Yuehua, requests to see Ancestor Chen!"

Before the words faded, the figure of Venerable Yuehua had already appeared at the entrance of the living room.

She was still dressed in a moon-white court gown, her appearance peerless, her temperament as cold and aloof as a Fairy from the Moon Palace.

But if one looked closely, one could discover the unhideable exhaustion and a trace of... panic deep in her eyes?

Her gaze first swept over Chen Jun in an extremely complex manner, carrying regret, unwillingness, and a faint glimmer of expectation.

Then it quickly swept past Lin Wei, stiffened visibly upon meeting Yun Xi's calm, waveless gaze, and finally landed on the gracefully smiling Yan Ji and the lollipop-holding Qing Lin.

Venerable Yuehua: "???"

What... what kind of combination is this?!

The only opponents she had anticipated were Yun Xi and Lin Wei; how were this Dragonborn Crown Princess and that naive Qing Lin here too?!

The atmosphere became instantly subtle!

Chen Jun looked at this "uninvited guest" at the door, especially sensing the aura on her that was completely different from before—carrying obvious emotional fluctuations—and understood in his heart.

So... she couldn't sit still anymore?

Before he could speak, Yun Xi on the balcony spoke indifferently: "Venerable Yuehua, you are not guarding the Mirror Moon Palace; why have you come here?"

Venerable Yuehua took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and bowed slightly to Yun Xi: "Leader." Then she turned to Chen Jun, her cold voice trying hard to soften, but appearing exceptionally stiff:

"Ancestor... Ancestor Chen. Regarding the matter of the Mirror Moon Palace in the past, it was... my lack of consideration, and I was negligent. I have come today specifically to... apologize."

As she spoke, a flash of light appeared in her hand, revealing a jade box overflowing with cold air, "This is the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Moon Soul Essence,' which has miraculous effects on nourishing the Divine Soul. It is a small token of my apology; I ask that Ancestor Chen... please accept it."

Watching her, who was clearly regretting it so much that her intestines were turning green, yet still trying to maintain her cold, aloof persona while awkwardly apologizing and offering gifts.

Chen Jun just waved his hand, his tone remaining flat: "Venerable Yuehua, you are too serious. The past is in the past; there is no need to dwell on it. This item is precious; Venerable should keep it for your own use."

A direct refusal!

He didn't even accept the gift!

Venerable Yuehua's face instantly turned a few shades paler, and her hand holding the jade box trembled slightly.

Just at this moment!

"Federal Command, Xuanji, has military matters to report to the Leader!"

Xuanji, dressed in a crisp Marshal's uniform, walked into the living room with a standard stride.

She didn't even look at the others in the living room; her gaze locked directly onto Chen Jun, and she performed a standard military salute.

"According to reconnaissance, a small-scale abnormal energy fluctuation has been discovered in the northwest direction of the Shining World Celestial Vault, suspected to be the breeding of a resentment aggregate. To prevent trouble before it happens, I have come to request instructions from Ancestor Chen: is it necessary to increase the 'Virtual Purgatory' disciplinary intensity to completely purify the source of the resentment?"

Chen Jun: "..."

Well!

Another one!

Even the excuse is found in such a... stylish way!

Military report?

Purifying resentment?

Your roundabout way of speaking is even more convoluted than Yan Ji's!

Before Chen Jun could reply, another figure came rushing in, almost tumbling and crawling!

"Wait! Wait for me! Ancestor Chen! Leader! I have a major research discovery!"

It was Su Yao!

Her hair was messy, her glasses were crooked, and her lab coat was stained with unknown reagent marks; she was waving a data pad in her hand, her face a mix of fanaticism and anxiety.

"Teacher! I re-analyzed the life fluctuation data model! I discovered that being in a specific high-dimensional energy harmony field for a long time has a Breakthrough effect on breaking the Stellar Level genetic lock... Uh?!"

Only after rushing in did she realize the living room was already full of people, and the atmosphere was so subtle that she hiccuped, the rest of her words stuck in her throat.

For a moment, the living room was packed!

Everyone's gaze, whether direct or indirect, eventually converged on Chen Jun, who was still sprawled on the lounge chair, appearing calm and detached.

Chen Jun looked at this scene of "a hundred flowers blooming" and "a gathering of beauties," and could only feel his temples throbbing.

He took a deep breath, and slowly, solemnly, picked up the cup of "Nine-Turn Star Tea" that Lin Wei had just refilled for him, its temperature just right.

He took a sip to calm his nerves.

Then, in a tone that seemed to have experienced all the vicissitudes of life and seen through the world, he spoke slowly; his voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears:

"Everyone..."

"My humble abode is afraid it cannot accommodate so many great Buddhas..."

"You are not here to cultivate, borrow Spiritual Qi, report military affairs, or do research..."

"You are clearly here to..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the women with their varied expressions, and finally landed on the cup of tea misting with starlight, sighing faintly:

"All of you want me to work overtime..."