Chapter 121: Between You and Me, a Struggle of Trapped Beasts

That night, the evening breeze brought in a thick shroud of mist.

As the air grew warmer, Cheng Guang had Qingluan leave the window open, falling asleep in the embrace of Qin Yanqiu amidst the gray-blue haze. Though Qin Yanqiu was somewhat cold in temperament, she had a virtue: she was gentle when asleep, clinging to Cheng Guang’s side like a quiet kitten.

In the middle of the night, Cheng Guang slowly opened his eyes. With a slight shift of his consciousness, the visualization of the "True Lord of Pure Source and Manifested Holiness" emerged in his mind. The presence within the divine image stood like an unscalable peak, towering within the depths of his thoughts.

Cheng Guang’s consciousness transformed into a peerless, elegant young nobleman, standing before the deity. His appearance remained as it had been, yet his cultivation had grown during this period, bringing a newfound luster to his features and a greater solidity to his primordial spirit. Looking closely, one could see golden radiance flickering across the surface of his spirit, illuminating his features, his form, and even making the fine hairs on his skin clearly visible.

"My spiritual cultivation has reached the fifth-grade Destiny Realm. My primordial spirit can now commune with the power of heaven and earth. To break through to the sixth-grade Enlightenment Realm, I still need a catalyst."

With this thought, Cheng Guang continued his visualization. The vast, ethereal deity shimmered once more, its radiance transforming into streams of light that bathed him. Like a gentle, trickling brook, the energy seeped bit by bit into his primordial spirit, strengthening it. The remnants of the Nine-Turn Golden Pill he had consumed earlier were also slowly integrating into his physical body.

"I still have plenty of Nine-Turn Golden Pills. Resources are not an issue; the only thing I lack is time."

"A single Nine-Turn Golden Pill has benefited me for so long; I wonder how powerful the reward of the Heaven-Transforming Pill from the system will be this time."

Cheng Guang felt a surge of anticipation and hesitated no longer. He focused his mind entirely on his practice.

Within his mind, the vast, void-like deity seemed to suddenly open its eyes. From those unfathomable orbs flickered a brilliant crimson light. As that crimson glow flashed, Cheng Guang, who had been focused on the divine image, felt his soul tremble violently. In that instant, he felt as though he had caught a glimpse of the true face of the deity he had never been able to clearly perceive.

The image of the deity’s face, seen for that fleeting moment, was etched into his mind, but within the span of a few breaths, it began to blur. No matter how he tried to recall it, the features of the True Lord of Pure Source and Manifested Holiness remained elusive, as if shrouded in a massive, hazy mist—blurred and indistinct.

At that same moment, Cheng Guang did not notice that the instant the deity opened its eyes, his own primordial spirit began to emit a pure, flawless white light, far brighter than before. As the white light flashed, the original hue of his primordial spirit transformed into a radiant orange, like that of a blazing flame.

At the center of Cheng Guang’s brow, the light of his spirit surged, and his aura rose frantically.

Beside him, Qin Yanqiu, who had been fast asleep, sensed something. She shifted slightly, turning her head, her cold eyes fixing on Cheng Guang with a hint of confusion. Just by glancing at him, she froze.

*A breakthrough? The aura on the Young Marquis—is that spiritual energy? Can the Young Marquis practice the path of the spirit?*

A flurry of questions rushed into Qin Yanqiu’s mind. Her typically cold and serene eyes, which rarely showed emotion, rippled with disturbance. She pursed her red lips, saying nothing, and did not disturb him, afraid that even the slightest movement might interrupt his breakthrough.

When Cheng Guang’s aura gradually calmed, Qin Yanqiu moved slightly, her cold gaze fixed intently upon him. Under her watch, Cheng Guang slowly opened his eyes. The moment his lids parted, a crimson-orange light flashed within them.

Cheng Guang exhaled a breath of turbid air, a trace of joy appearing in his eyes. He had not expected to break through to the sixth-grade Enlightenment Realm of the spiritual path so easily. Counting from when he first began his training, it had not even been three months. To reach such a level in such a short time was to surpass many powerful figures of the imperial families across the world. Even the Great Zhou Emperor, at his age, likely did not possess such a cultivation level.

Cheng Guang composed himself and then noticed Qin Yanqiu watching him, her cold eyes blinking as if looking at a rare creature.

Cheng Guang smiled and asked, "What is it?"

Hearing his question, Qin Yanqiu raised an eyebrow. Her expression remained unchanged, and she withdrew her gaze, lying back down. "Nothing."

Cheng Guang smiled, knowing she had sensed something. However, even if she had, his ability to practice the spiritual path was not a major issue. To him, Qin Yanqiu was already someone he could trust; he had no fear that she would expose his secret. Even if she did, it mattered little. His status alone was enough to ward off most petty rivals, and the imperial families of the world would not dare to harbor ulterior motives just because the Heir of the Duke of Zhenguo could practice spiritual arts. Only the Great Zhou Emperor might overthink it.

Given his current cultivation and the many rare treasures he possessed, he had no fear of the Great Zhou Emperor’s machinations. In fact, he found himself almost hoping someone would try to cross him, so he could test his current strength.

Cheng Guang rubbed his chin, shaking his head with a chuckle. The night was already half over, and he did not return to sleep, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing until dawn broke. Only then did he tuck himself back into the covers, pulling Qin Yanqiu’s slightly cool body close. Her body, though cold, was not excessive; it merely felt refreshing. Even in the heat of summer, holding her was like embracing a natural air conditioner.

Cheng Guang drifted into a deep sleep while holding her.

When the sun was high, Qingluan knocked on the door and entered with hot water to serve him. Upon waking, Cheng Guang found that Qin Yanqiu had already left. After a quick wash, he stepped into the courtyard and stretched. Qingluan was busy packing his bedding and the essentials for his journey.

Cheng Guang was heading to the Taihao Sword Sect to claim his bride. The sect was not far from the capital; the journey would take three to five days by horse, or less than two by flying boat. Thus, Qingluan had little to pack.

After stretching, Cheng Guang’s gaze swept across the courtyard. He noticed Qin Yanqiu sitting in a nearby pavilion, inexplicably playing with the Princess of Nanming. One was like a cold white lotus on a high mountain, the other like a noble jasmine in a garden. Both were sights to behold.

He mused that the Princess of Nanming stayed so peaceably in his Wanyuan Garden mostly because of "Heizai." He glanced toward a black shadow near the side room. Heizai was bustling around Qingluan, who was cooking porridge, wagging its tail and panting with excitement. Since arriving at the Duke’s estate, the hound had grown quite plump. Its once lean, muscular frame had become round. It was clear the household had been feeding it well even in his absence.

"If this continues, you’ll have to change your name to 'Black Pig,'" Cheng Guang muttered.

Just then, he noticed something outside the courtyard gate. On the pebble-paved path, Cheng Zhihai and Wu Yuemei were approaching together.

"Guang'er."

They reached him, and after a brief pause, Wu Yuemei spoke: "Guang'er, your father and I have arranged a new match for you. The bride is the current Goddess of the Taihao Sword Sect, from a martial arts sect. Though they are reclusive and rarely participate in world affairs, their strength is profound. While they don't compare to our Duke’s estate, in a sense, they are no less significant than the daughters of the high officials in the imperial court."

"You will set off for the Taihao Sword Sect today to welcome her." Wu Yuemei’s brows arched slightly. "I know you just returned, but marriage matters should not be delayed. Getting the position of your primary wife settled early will make everything easier." She gently patted his forehead.

Cheng Guang was not surprised; he had heard the servants whispering about the visitors from the Taihao Sword Sect the day before. The sect, famous for its sword arts and offensive power, was one of the four great sword sects. Though their influence was slightly weaker than the four great dynasties, they were not a force to be ignored. If not for their reclusive nature, the imperial families might have long ago moved to either subjugate or destroy them. They held a weight that could tip the balance of power.

Cheng Guang had little interest in the marriage, but he nodded with a smile. "It’s fine, Mother. The journey will just be a bit boring; it’s no hardship."

Cheng Zhihai nodded. "Stay safe on the road. And don't slack off on your cultivation. If you feel bored, it’s only because you aren't practicing enough."

Before Cheng Guang could respond, Wu Yuemei pinched Cheng Zhihai’s waist. She smiled, "Don't listen to your father, Guang'er. Rest when you can. Why push yourself so hard? Cultivation progress isn't an overnight thing. Take it slow."

Cheng Zhihai winced, forcing a laugh. "Right, right, your mother is right. Let nature take its course." He glanced at Cheng Guang, sensing the aura flickering within him. He paused, stunned. *Wait, Guang'er, your cultivation...*

He stopped himself, keeping his shock internal. *Is this the sixth-grade Enlightenment Realm at twenty? Is he already comparable to a genius like Qin Yanqiu?* Though the spiritual path was faster than the martial path, it was still an impressive feat. Cheng Zhihai felt a surge of pride; the Duke’s estate had a worthy successor.

Wu Yuemei, annoyed that her husband had stopped mid-sentence, decided to wait until Cheng Guang left to interrogate him. She helped pack the final items, and the group headed to the estate gate. Because this was a wedding procession, they had prepared a festive display—red flowers on the horses and carriages laden with luxurious gifts.

If not for the need for discretion, Cheng Guang suspected his mother would have hired a band to play all the way to the sect.

He decided to summon the flying boat. It was a rare, precious vessel, and his father had lent him his own. Cheng Guang boarded, waved goodbye to his parents, and departed. Because it was a short trip, he left Qin Yanqiu behind and took only Qingluan.

The Taihao Sword Sect lay to the southeast. As the boat disappeared from his parents' sight, Cheng Zhihai frowned, sensing a strange aura rise from the direction of the Imperial Palace, following in the boat's wake. It vanished in an instant, leaving him unsure if it was a hallucination.

"What is it?" Wu Yuemei asked.

"Nothing," he replied, though his mind raced. *If that was the Emperor following Guang'er, why? Is there a hidden motive?*

Unable to shake his unease, he kissed his wife’s hand. "I’ll follow him just to be sure. I won't be long."

As Cheng Zhihai took to the air, inside the Imperial Palace, the Great Zhou Emperor stood in his chamber. "Zhao Jin, follow him now. Create a distraction to draw Zhihai's attention. I know him too well; he won't ignore an aura rising from the palace. Once he's occupied, make your move. Be clean, and even he won't be able to trace it back to you."

He waved a hand, and Zhao Jin bowed, departing to follow the boat. The Emperor sighed, staring at the smoke from his incense burner, his expression unreadable.

High in the sky, Cheng Guang stood on the deck, admiring the sunrise. A guard approached. "Young Marquis, something is approaching."

A figure, barely the size of a sesame seed, was closing in fast. It was the new Minister of Rites, Jiang Fan. He landed on the deck and bowed. "Young Marquis, I am here on His Majesty's orders to deliver a gift."

Cheng Guang was puzzled. *A gift? Does he already know about the marriage?*

Jiang Fan smiled awkwardly. "His Majesty has his own considerations. This is a gift for your future wife."

As Cheng Guang reached for the box, a thunderous sound echoed in the sky. Cheng Zhihai arrived, his aura surging. He spotted Jiang Fan and looked stunned. "You?"

"Minister Jiang, what brings you here?" Cheng Zhihai demanded.

Jiang Fan explained the Emperor's "gift." Cheng Zhihai was suspicious but found no immediate fault. He allowed Jiang Fan to leave, then inspected the gift—a black water pearl, a treasure of immense value. Even he was shocked; the Emperor had refused to give this to Wu Yuemei years ago, yet now he was gifting it to Cheng Guang’s bride?

"Keep it safe, Guang'er," Cheng Zhihai said, though his heart remained heavy. He left shortly after, feeling a strange unease.

As Cheng Guang approached the Taihao Sword Sect, the world suddenly fell silent. A giant green porcelain bowl descended from the sky, shielding the boat from the world. Cheng Guang looked up, his brow furrowing.

*So, my Emperor uncle has finally made his move.*

From the void stepped Zhao Jin, his hands behind his back. "Young Marquis, shall we chat?"

"Was this my Emperor uncle's idea?" Cheng Guang asked calmly.

Zhao Jin nodded. "In the eyes of the one above, our lives are nothing. Today, one of us must die. If you don't resist, I will make it quick."

Cheng Guang laughed, pulling out a flask of wine. "You think you can kill me? And even if you do, the blame falls on you, doesn't it? Tell me, since we're going to die, care for a drink?"

Zhao Jin looked at him, stunned. "You are truly a calm one, Young Marquis."