38: I am also willing to bear children for you

While Xiao Qingyuan was taking advantage of Qin Hongniang's momentary daze, a moment of intimacy ensued, which we will not dwell on for now.

Below the lotus pond, weeping willows hung low, gently touching the lake water.

A graceful figure in a green dress ascended the steps.

Zhen Qi had been living a remarkably comfortable life recently.

Leaving aside her childhood experiences of inconsistent meals, which meant she never enjoyed any special treatment, the Xiao Family's food alone was a pleasant surprise.

Adding to that was the one Spirit Stone Yang Yan paid out of her own pocket each month.

This allowed her Realm to Breakthrough rapidly.

It is difficult to return to frugality after experiencing luxury.

After enjoying Spirit Stones, it was hard for her to go back to her previous days of absorbing Spiritual Qi.

She thought to herself:

"Why don't I go talk to Young Master Seventeen and clear things up? I could also join the Xiao Clan Immortal Family as a Guest Elder."

"I can't just keep eating and drinking for free. If my cultivation is higher, I can naturally contribute some effort to the Xiao Clan Immortal Family."

"There must be other ways to repay this kindness."

As she thought this, she had already turned the corner.

To her surprise, what met her eyes was Xiao Qingyuan holding yet another unfamiliar Mortal woman in his arms?

The next second, what she heard shocked her even more:

"Hongniang, starting today, you are my fourth wife. You will receive twenty Spirit Stones a month, and if you conceive a child, your monthly allowance will increase to fifty."

"From today onwards, you must live for yourself."

"You, I am just a Mortal..."

Xiao Qingyuan held the beauty in his arms, his face full of smiles.

Qin Hongniang stammered, gently trying to push him away.

Feeling the almost imperceptible resistance against his chest, Xiao Qingyuan couldn't help but laugh heartily, tightening his grip.

It was done!

Even after obtaining the reincarnation seal, Xiao Qingyuan had never thought of marrying a hundred or so wives.

His standards for wives and concubines were also becoming increasingly high.

After a brief interaction, Qin Hongniang's appearance and personality both greatly pleased him.

Qin Hongniang was touched by his words but still shyly tried to pull away.

This man was truly domineering.

And Spirit Stones... Thinking of this, how could she, a mere martial artist, deserve to possess Spirit Stones?

Just as she was about to speak,

An unfamiliar voice suddenly came from behind: "You... you two..., who is she?"

Zhen Qi's expression was not good.

Fifty Spirit Stones?

Was this not a joke?

She was just a Mortal, after all.

Xiao Qingyuan was stunned by the voice.

The two immediately looked in the direction of the sound.

They saw Zhen Qi, who had crossed the stone bridge at some point, walking quickly towards the pavilion.

Xiao Qingyuan's face instantly darkened at the sight.

"Young Miss Zhen Qi, if I remember correctly, this is my courtyard, isn't it?"

Zhen Qi opened her mouth at his words, feeling even more wronged.

She suspected Xiao Qingyuan was deliberately letting her hear these things.

Her one Spirit Stone, compared to someone else's twenty Spirit Stones a month, was like a slap, harshly striking her face.

Her eyes instantly reddened.

Xiao Qingyuan was quite speechless.

Yet, he did not release his hold on Qin Hongniang's waist.

Seeing this, Zhen Qi suppressed the urge to turn and leave.

The temptation of Spirit Stones finally made her bow her head, forcing a slight smile as she said:

"Yes... I came specifically to thank Young Master Seventeen. I haven't yet thanked you for your care, which allowed my cultivation to Breakthrough. I have already reached Qi Training Stage 3.

"It won't be long until I can Breakthrough to the Qi Refining Stage - Mid Phase."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance at Qin Hongniang.

Xiao Qingyuan's large hand held her tightly, making her both shy and anxious.

Her cheeks were as beautiful as peach blossoms.

After a while, she finally couldn't resist burying her head in Xiao Qingyuan's neck.

"Oh?" Xiao Qingyuan turned and looked deeply at Zhen Qi, saying, "What does that have to do with me?"

Are we that familiar?

"Speaking of which, I should still call you Little Aunt!"

Xiao Qingyuan smiled casually, his tone tinged with mockery.

Cold and aloof?

Lonely?

Temperamental?

He, Xiao Qingyuan, was not one to indulge.

She was merely a Four Spiritual Root. He truly didn't care.

Bringing her into the family would only cause trouble!

Especially with the person in front of him, who, having gained an advantage, still tried to appear as if she had been wronged.

It filled him with an unbidden sense of annoyance.

Go wherever you please... Zhen Qi felt a bit anxious and regretful at his words.

The first time they met, she saw Xiao Qingyuan so attentive to a Mortal woman.

Yet, he was indifferent to her.

This made her feel that things were not as she had imagined, and naturally, she had no good impression of him.

Why should I condescend to marry and still have to endure someone's attitude?

However, she now realized.

In the Cultivation World, everything revolves around resources.

What if he's a biological uncle?

A large part of her current predicament was due to her relatives.

However, her thoughts had just changed again.

Xiao Qingyuan was too generous.

If she had known Xiao Qingyuan was so wealthy, why would she have hesitated at all?

Wouldn't it be good to marry as a co-equal wife?

Finally, she gritted her teeth and spoke: "Besides that, I... I also want to ask about our marriage. Have you... ever truly considered marrying me?"

Xiao Qingyuan's face remained expressionless at her words.

It was still the same point; this woman's mindset was problematic.

In his heart, even the submissive Jiang Sisters were superior to her.

Zhen Qi, however, seemed to be relying on her Spiritual Root and couldn't grasp her proper place.

This displeased him.

Therefore, he directly refused: "Miss Zhen Qi, I'll be blunt."

"After all, I marry to build a family, not to open a sect and train Disciples."

"Spiritual Root is not important!"

"I know you look down on Mortals somewhat. This is originally not a problem, and I'm not saying it's wrong, because often, the status of a Cultivator is indeed far above that of a Mortal."

"But for me, marrying and having children is not the same thing."

"My main wife, Guanyin Nu, is meticulous in her dealings, acts methodically, treats people with respect, and always prioritizes me."

"The Jiang Sisters, feeling their humble origins, are also extremely grateful to me, gentle and considerate."

"And Miss Qin is now also my person. As long as I treat her well, once she marries in, she will undoubtedly prioritize me..."

At this point, Qin Hongniang couldn't help but lightly tap Xiao Qingyuan.

But she did not refute him either.

Xiao Qingyuan chuckled, taking her silence as agreement.

He merely looked at Zhen Qi's suddenly very pale face.

Finally, he sighed: "I think between us, both sides should consider things carefully."

Zhen Qi listened, her body trembling slightly as she lowered her head.

"Heh!" She suddenly looked up and smiled, a bitter smile, saying, "So, this is the reason for the rumors outside that Young Master Seventeen particularly favors Mortal women?"

"I think I understand a bit now."

"But have you ever considered that the youth of Mortals is short-lived, and ultimately, it will be Cultivators who can accompany you all the way?"

"I..."

"I am also willing to bear children for you!"