198: Ruyan and Yueyao trigger system

The morning light completely dispersed the night, bringing a new day to the Pillar of Leaders.

However, the "vitality" inside Chen Jun Manor was... more surging than any other day.

Liu Ruyan, after receiving Chen Jun's tacit permission to "handle it as you see fit," displayed astonishing execution and... a peculiar ability to interpret instructions.

She did not choose any Quiet Room, but instead set her sights directly on the small utility room inside the manor gate, originally used for storing gardening tools!

"Here! The view is wide, directly facing the gate; any movement won't escape this lady's... ahem, this subordinate's eyes!"

Liu Ruyan stood with hands on her hips, nodding with satisfaction at the small room, which was less than ten square meters and still exuded a faint scent of soil and plant essence.

The next moment, she directly used her Stellar Level power, like a humanoid demolition machine and high-efficiency cleaner:

"Boom!" Beautiful flower pots and intact tools were precisely swept up and tossed into the resource recycling decomposer.

"Swish!" Clear water mixed with cleaning foam scoured every corner like a high-pressure water gun.

"Hum!" The Earth Law surged, covering the already flat and solid floor with a layer of mirror-smooth alloy flooring.

"Clang!" From her storage space, she dragged out a standard military folding bed, a tactical bedside table, and even hung a Federal military flag on the wall along with a portrait of herself in her general's dress uniform with a stern expression!

The whole process was smooth and fluid, taking no more than three seconds.

When Li Qingshan came to pay his respects to Ancestor Chen as usual in the morning and report on the "operational status" of the Virtual Purgatory, this was the scene he saw—

Beside the manor's grand gate, a small utility room stood wide open, filled with a strong military style. General Liu Ruyan was holding an energy cloth, meticulously wiping her door-sized greatsword, her eyes scanning outside sharply as if guarding the Federal treasury.

Li Qingshan: "???"

He stumbled, almost thinking he had Transmigration-ed to some frontline outpost.

"General... General Liu? What are you...?"

Liu Ruyan didn't even turn her head, her voice loud and carrying a sense of mission from finding a new goal in life: "Sword Venerable Li! From this day forward, I, Liu Ruyan, am the Chief Guard Officer of Chen Jun Manor! It is my duty; unauthorized personnel keep out!"

Li Qingshan's mouth twitched wildly. Looking at this general who once dominated the battlefield and struck fear into the hearts of enemies, now willingly hunkered down in a tool room as a security captain, he felt his Sword Heart becoming a bit unstable.

"Uh... General Liu's loyalty is commendable, but... Ancestor Chen prefers quiet, and you..."

"Don't worry!" Liu Ruyan patted her breastplate, making a clanging sound. "I understand! Absolutely quiet! See that 'Astral Fluorescent Butterfly' trying to fly in?"

She pointed her fingers like a sword, and a subtle Sword Qi shot out silently. The innocent, faintly glowing butterfly a hundred meters away was instantly frozen in mid-air, unable to even flap its wings.

"See, absolutely quiet!" Liu Ruyan raised her eyebrows triumphantly.

Li Qingshan: "..."

He silently swallowed the rest of his words, deciding that when he paid his respects to Ancestor Chen today, his voice must be lowered by another octave.

Unlike Liu Ruyan's "physical occupation," Chu Yueyao's method appeared much more "clever" and "silent as the spring rain."

She did not choose those conspicuous Quiet Rooms but set her sights on a rather elegant glass sunroom behind the main house, near the small garden, which was originally used for tea breaks.

She did it herself without making a big fuss, simply removing some unnecessary decorations and adding a minimalist meditation cushion, a small side table, and an antique incense burner that emitted a calming fragrance.

She did not hang any signs representing her status, but when she sat upright on the meditation cushion and began to process the mountain of Federal government affairs transmitted via her personal terminal—

That aura of steadiness and capability belonging to an Acting Leader naturally permeated the space, making this small sunroom seem to transform into the Federal government's second administrative center.

What was even more brilliant was that she also "incidentally" took over part of the manor's daily scheduling.

When Lin Wei prepared to go to the kitchen to make breakfast for Chen Jun, she found that the freshest "Star Rice" and "Galaxy Dew" had already been delivered by Chu Yueyao's personal guards, and they had been handled according to the optimal preservation plan.

When Chen Xi and the others came to pay their respects to their father, they found that the path leading to the main house had been guided by an invisible energy field, ensuring they wouldn't disturb Chen Jun, who might still be resting.

When Yan Ji walked out of the side room, wanting to feel the morning Spiritual Qi, she found that the spot in the garden most conducive to absorbing the purple energy of the morning sun had already been "unintentionally" occupied by Chu Yueyao.

Furthermore, the other party gave her a gentle and impeccable smile: "Your Highness Yan Ji, good morning. The Spiritual Qi here seems more active; if you don't mind, we can cultivate together."

Yan Ji's eye twitched slightly, and she returned an equally impeccable smile: "Cabinet Master Chu is very thoughtful."

Two women of great importance in the Federation—one guarding the gate, the other controlling the hub—quickly took root in Chen Jun Manor in a way that seemed harmonious but was actually filled with undercurrents.

And the object of their "special attention"—Chen Jun—was currently sprawled on the bed in the master bedroom, listening to Lin Wei's "morning report," which was delivered with a hint of helplessness and amusement.

"Brother Jun, General Liu turned the tool room into a guard room, saying she wants to stand guard for you."

"Cabinet Master Yue Yao occupied the sunroom in the backyard and is still handling government affairs there, and by the way... she took over our household's food supply and path planning."

Chen Jun closed his eyes and rubbed his brow.

What could he say?

What else could he say?

"Hmm... let them be." He could only spit out this sentence in the end, turned over, and buried his face in the pillow, "As long as they don't disturb my sleep and don't fight, they can do whatever they want..."

These days of winning while lying down—how did it turn into the home becoming a re-employment base and a battlefield for shadow struggles for high-ranking Federal officials while he was just lying there?

The manor's daytime passed in a strange state of "harmony" and "efficiency."

Liu Ruyan diligently played the role of "Chief Guard Officer."

Any non-core members who tried to approach the manor, especially Yuehua, Xuanji, Su Yao, and others, would be glared back by her with those eyes full of Killing Intent, using the excuse: "Ancestor Chen is in deep cultivation; unauthorized personnel must not disturb him."

Even Mo Heng, who came to deliver documents, was stopped outside the gate and interrogated by her for a full five minutes, only being allowed to pass after confirming that the document content was not "trivial matters."

Mo Heng pushed up his glasses, looked at the "impartial" Liu Ruyan, and silently noted in his research journal:

"General Liu Ruyan's behavioral pattern has mutated; suspected early symptoms of 'Chen Jun Manor Guard Syndrome,' manifested by extremely increased territorial awareness and significantly increased aggression toward non-approved targets..."

Meanwhile, Chu Yueyao perfectly applied her talents as an Acting Leader to the task she deemed the "highest government affair": "Serving Ancestor Chen."

The manor's daily operational efficiency increased by another 30%, and resource allocation reached the optimum level of the latest technological advancements.

Even the growth status of the ornamental plants in the courtyard was optimized by her using data models, ensuring they could release the most refreshing fragrance and energy fluctuations.

She also "inadvertently" revealed a few tips on nutritional pairing during pregnancy to Lin Wei, the professionalism of which even surprised Lin Wei.

By the afternoon, such a scene even appeared:

Liu Ruyan carried her greatsword, "patrolling" the perimeter of the manor, her gaze like a hawk.

Chu Yueyao was in the sunroom, reviewing Federal fiscal budget reports while using her Divine Sense to regulate the energy flow inside the manor, ensuring absolute quiet in Chen Jun's afternoon nap area.

The two, one outside and one inside, one martial and one literary, actually formed a strange "service pattern" that did not interfere with each other but was subtly competitive.

When Li Qingshan came again, seeing this scene of clear division of labor and orderly conduct, he couldn't help but be inspired and recited on the spot:

"Outside the gate, the general patrols with a sharp weapon; inside the garden, the Cabinet Master manages the universe."

"Civil and martial arts combined to guard the Dao field, all because Ancestor Chen resides here!"

"Idle onlookers all retreat; only loyalty may enter the gate!"

"This scene is worthy of a painting; Li Qingshan has realized another sword technique!"

After reciting, he looked triumphantly at Liu Ruyan, who was wiping her greatsword, and Chu Yueyao, who was handling government affairs, seemingly waiting for praise.

Liu Ruyan shot him a fierce look that said, "You've disturbed Ancestor Chen's rest."

Chu Yueyao didn't even look up, her gentle voice drifting over: "Sword Venerable Li, next time you write a poem, could you send the draft to me for review first? To avoid any improper wording that might disturb Ancestor Chen."

Li Qingshan: "..."

He felt like he had tried to butter someone up but ended up getting kicked by a horse, and he retreated sheepishly.

Inside the master bedroom, Chen Jun "watched" all this through his Divine Sense and sighed helplessly.

"involution, just pure involution..."

Night fell once again, and the manor finally returned to a surface-level tranquility.

Chen Jun leaned against the headboard, wondering if he should add a few more layers of soundproofing barriers around the bedroom.

However, the moment this thought crossed his mind, he sensed two familiar auras, one to his left and one to his right, silently creeping toward the master bedroom.

It was none other than Liu Ruyan and Chu Yueyao!

Liu Ruyan was like a cheetah in the dark of night, her movements agile and her aura suppressed to the extreme. Relying on her status as "Chief Guard Officer," she knew the blind spots of the manor's surveillance like the back of her hand and easily avoided all possible detection.

Chu Yueyao, on the other hand, was like an orchid under the moonlight, her steps light as if she had merged with the surrounding environment. Using her control over the manor's energy flows from earlier in the day, she skillfully guided her own aura to achieve perfect concealment.

The two arrived outside the master bedroom door almost simultaneously.

The moment they reached out to push the door open, they discovered each other!

In the darkness, their gazes collided in the air. There were no sparks, only a tacit awkwardness and... an even firmer sense of competition!

"Acting Leader Chu, unable to sleep in the dead of night, coming to handle government affairs?" Liu Ruyan lowered her voice, her tone carrying a hint of provocation.

"General Liu, are you also unable to rest, or are you on night patrol?" Chu Yueyao's voice remained gentle, but the edge in her words was no less sharp.

The two exchanged a glance, and in each other's eyes, they both saw the words "Never Back Down."

The standoff lasted only an instant.

The next moment, with great tacit understanding, they both reached out and gently pushed open the master bedroom door.

"Creeeeak—"

The door opened a crack, and two figures slipped in like fish, simultaneously closing the door gently behind them.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, as if they had rehearsed.

Inside the bedroom, Chen Jun looked at the two uninvited guests who had appeared before his bed like ghosts, momentarily unsure of what expression to make.

Liu Ruyan had changed out of her military uniform and was wearing a... hmm, red martial outfit?

The material was very revealing...

It outlined her agile figure perfectly, though the style was completely out of place in this cozy bedroom.

Chu Yueyao, on the other hand, was in a pale purple silk nightgown, elegant in style and possessing an intellectual beauty that complemented her aura as Acting Leader.

"Ancestor Chen..." "Ancestor Chen..."

They spoke simultaneously, then stopped at the same time, glaring at each other.

Liu Ruyan, being impatient, took a step forward, knelt on one knee, then cupped her fists and lowered her voice:

"Ancestor Chen! This subordinate has been diligent in her duties during the day and has cleared all potential threats inside and outside the manor! I have come specifically... to report on my work, and to request... request guidance!"

Chen Jun: "..."

Guidance?

With that posture, are you here to request guidance or to ravish me?

Chu Yueyao gracefully performed an ancient Federation salute, her voice soft:

"Ancestor Chen, the manor's affairs have run smoothly throughout the day, and the energy flows are stable. Everything is fully prepared for your daily life tomorrow. I still have some doubts regarding my cultivation and hope that Ancestor Chen will not hesitate to provide some pointers."

Chen Jun looked at the two before him—one like a martial artist raiding a stronghold at night, the other like a talented scholar seeking advice from a master in the dead of night. Their styles were vastly different, yet their goal was surprisingly identical.

He sighed, knowing that he wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.

"Get up." He said calmly to Liu Ruyan, then looked at Chu Yueyao, "Whatever doubts you have, we can discuss them tomorrow."

This was his way of showing them the door.

However, it was as if their feet had taken root; they didn't move an inch.

Liu Ruyan looked up, her eyes burning with a reckless, daring intensity: "Ancestor Chen! This subordinate doesn't want to wait until tomorrow! I... I want to 'improve' tonight!"

Although Chu Yueyao didn't speak, her clear, firm eyes clearly expressed the same intention.

Chen Jun rubbed his temples.

He realized then that the two of them were determined to "get on the ride" today; he wouldn't be able to send them away without giving them an answer.

He looked at Liu Ruyan's "I won't get up until you agree" stance...

And then at Chu Yueyao's "I'll stand here until dawn if you don't provide guidance" persistence...

The slight annoyance he felt at being disturbed dissipated a little.

After all, he had seen their "efforts" and "involution" with his own eyes.

Fine...

He slowly sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over their faces. His tone carried a hint of helplessness, yet it also contained a trace of imperceptible indulgence:

"Since you both insist..."

Before he could finish, a look of wild joy erupted in Liu Ruyan's eyes, and she almost leaped up.

Chu Yueyao's beautiful eyes also lit up, her breathing slightly rapid.

"Then let's increase efficiency."

Chen Jun said this calmly, leaving both of them stunned.

Increase efficiency?

Together?!

Liu Ruyan and Chu Yueyao were both bewildered, looking at each other with eyes full of disbelief and a hint of embarrassment.

They were here to compete, not to... cooperate!

However, Chen Jun did not give them a chance to object.

He spread his arms and instantly pulled both the kneeling Liu Ruyan and the standing Chu Yueyao into his embrace.

(...To avoid censorship, two million words of indescribable details must be omitted here...)

The [system interface] quietly appeared.

[Current Mandatory Execution]: Activate [Absolute Guarantee] on Moon Body spouse Liu Ruyan.

1. Consume 10 years of lifespan to upgrade offspring Aptitude to Sun Body (Tier 4) [Confirm/Cancel]

2. Consume 100 years of lifespan to upgrade offspring Aptitude to Radiant Body (Tier 5) [Confirm/Cancel]

3. Consume 1000 years of lifespan to upgrade offspring Aptitude to Venerable Body (Tier 6) [Confirm/Cancel]

...

[Current Mandatory Execution]: Activate [Absolute Guarantee] on Moon Body spouse Chu Yueyao.

...

Chen Jun's gaze swept over them. Both of their current Physiques were Acquired Moon Body, with an upper limit of Innate Venerable Body. He then took a glance at his System lifespan.

[Remaining Lifespan]: 204 years...+15...+15... (99.9 billion... years)

He didn't hesitate at all...

[Confirm Selection: 2. Consume 100 years of lifespan to upgrade offspring Aptitude to Radiant Body (Tier 5)] x2

[Command Received] x2

[Rules in Effect!... Guiding... Genetic sequence optimization complete!] x2

[Operation Complete! Offspring expected to be born in 16 years.] x2

[Offspring Aptitude fixed: Radiant Body (Tier 5)] x2

The System triggered, and Liu Ruyan and Chu Yueyao were overcome with excitement!

Success!

They had finally... gotten their wish!

A month later, the embryo formed, and the Innate Nurturing Feedback arrived!

Liu Ruyan was so excited that she hugged one of Chen Jun's arms tightly, burying her face in it, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Chu Yueyao's beautiful eyes shone, and with the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, she was also ecstatic inside.

She leaned gently against Chen Jun's other side, feeling that warm pulse of life.

Chen Jun looked at the two women of different styles, one on his left and one on his right, feeling quite gratified.

Just as he was preparing to fall asleep while holding the two beauties—

Outside the manor, an aura—cold, aloof, yet carrying an indescribable sense of determination and urgency—suddenly descended like a cold star piercing through the night sky!

A female voice, cold yet suppressing a myriad of emotions, clearly entered the master bedroom, and also reached the ears of everyone in the manor who was paying attention:

"Leng Qingqiu... requests an audience with Chen Jun!"

The voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry the chill and weight of ten-thousand-year-old black ice, instantly dispersing all the romance and tenderness in the bedroom!

Liu Ruyan and Chu Yueyao both stiffened, looking up in astonishment.

Even Qing Lin, in her sleep, mumbled and shrank her neck.

Chen Jun slowly opened his eyes and looked toward the endless starry sky outside the window...

Aunt Leng...?

This Aunt Leng, who had spared no effort or reward to shower him with massive resources back when he was "lowly," helping him improve his Physique so he would "not lose to others," yet had always remained "unobtained by others"—she had come too...?