I Slept With Xiao Wu...!

Chapter 206: The Sea God

The world never remains stagnant, nor does the continent stand still. Time flows quietly, and progress inevitably pushes forward.

In fact, during the five years Chen Xuan was absent, many events on the continent had accelerated. It was impossible for everything to remain aligned with the original timeline—such an illusion was shattered by the realities of this ever-evolving world.

"Oh, you've returned to the Clear Sky Clan?" Chen Xuan asked with mild interest, his long blade still in hand, showing no intention of sparing Tang San.

"Yes, I've rejoined the Clear Sky Clan. The clan is full of powerful experts. If you let me go now, we can act as though none of this ever happened!" Tang San exclaimed, his face lighting up with the hope of salvation.

Crack!

In the next moment, Chen Xuan stomped down forcefully, the sound of breaking bones echoing through the forest. Tang San's face contorted in agony as he screamed in anguish.

"Ah! Chen Xuan, how dare you humiliate me like this! You won't die a peaceful death!" Tang San howled, his voice filled with pain and rage. His other leg had been crippled, the knee completely shattered, leaving him unable to move.

Xiao Wu, dressed in an elegant pink outfit and wearing crystal heels, approached from the distance. She arrived just in time to witness the scene, her heart wavering with pity as she turned her head away, unwilling to watch any longer.

Chen Xuan raised his long blade, the gleaming tip aimed directly at Tang San's heart. "I don't respond to threats."

Even if he were to hesitate and spare Tang San's life, someone as cunning and vengeful as him would never let things go. Instead, he would retaliate in the shadows with unrelenting fury. It was better to end it now.

Swish!

Chen Xuan infused his blade with spirit power, lightning crackling along its edge. Without further hesitation, he thrust the blade toward Tang San's heart.

But events wouldn't proceed as smoothly as Chen Xuan intended. How could someone chosen by both the Sea God and the Asura God be killed so easily?

Just as the blade was about to pierce Tang San's heart, a sudden change occurred. A brilliant blue light burst forth from within Tang San, and a finely crafted box emerged—the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.

Clang!

Sparks flew as the shroud expanded, instantly intercepting the blade's tip and protecting Tang San at the very last moment.

Swish!

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud unleashed a radiant golden light, sweeping across the area.

Chen Xuan raised his blade to block, but with a sharp crack, the once-sturdy weapon shattered like fragile paper. The shockwave sent Chen Xuan flying back more than ten meters. Although the divine power was overwhelming, he quickly activated Susanoo to mitigate most of the damage, emerging unscathed.

"Chen Xuan, are you alright?" Xiao Wu asked anxiously, running over to hold his hand and check for injuries.

"I'm fine. Don't worry," Chen Xuan reassured her with a smile before turning his gaze back to Tang San.

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud glowed brilliantly, exuding divine power as golden light surged upward. A hazy figure began to materialize—vague and ethereal, yet its outline clearly depicted a man.

The man's expression was solemn, his eyes cold and devoid of emotion. He was clad in blue armor, surrounded by an aura of majesty and power that set him apart as extraordinary.

"Native, you've gone too far," the figure spoke, his voice icy as he looked down at Chen Xuan.

His gaze carried no trace of warmth, only frigid indifference. Pointing at Chen Xuan, he declared, "For oppressing my chosen successor, you must answer for your sins!"

Chen Xuan's expression darkened, but he remained silent, staring at the golden figure. He had a vague suspicion of the man's identity—Poseidon, the Sea God from the Divine Realm.

His mind drifted back to five years ago, on the day of the Spirit Master Tournament finals. He had been on the verge of killing Tang San when a power that clearly didn't belong to this world had intervened. It was now evident that this figure had been the one to save Tang San back then.

Chen Xuan sighed internally. As expected, killing Tang San wasn't going to be easy. The man was protected by divine safeguards, ensuring his survival in critical moments.

But so what? Even with such protection, that didn't mean Chen Xuan would back down.

"Even if I can't kill you today, don't think you'll walk away unscathed!" Chen Xuan said coldly, his voice filled with suppressed fury. It was infuriating—every time he was about to end Tang San, someone would intervene. Were it not for these interruptions, Tang San would have died twice over by now.

Chen Xuan formed hand seals, and with a burst of white smoke, a shadow clone identical to himself appeared. He transferred most of his chakra to the clone, preparing for battle.

"A mere native dares to be so arrogant. Today, I'll teach you the meaning of respecting the strong," Poseidon said disdainfully, his voice filled with divine authority as golden energy swirled around him, preparing a powerful attack.

Chen Xuan sneered, "Respect? You think you deserve it? Meddling in mortal affairs on a whim—so this is what passes for divinity?"

"Your stubbornness will cost you dearly. I'll teach you to fear the strong," Poseidon replied coldly, golden power flowing between his arms, vast and unparalleled.

Though he looked down on Chen Xuan, Poseidon remained cautious. After all, this was only a fragment of his divine soul, and his energy was limited.

Poseidon raised his hand, sending a beam of light into the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. It enveloped Tang San, preparing to absorb him and whisk him away to safety.

Chen Xuan wouldn't allow it. Activating all his power, he surrounded himself with lightning. At full burst, his speed reached supersonic levels, covering 500 to 600 meters per second.

Boom!

In an instant, both Chen Xuan and his shadow clone charged forward. The clone activated Susanoo, releasing a surge of golden chakra to restrain Poseidon's movements.

Chen Xuan pushed his physical limits, doubling his speed. Just as Tang San was being absorbed into the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, Chen Xuan arrived, his fist crackling with lightning as it struck with immense force.

Pfft!

Tang San screamed in agony, his body pierced through by Chen Xuan's fist. Blood sprayed into the air, splattering everywhere.

Tang San instinctively twisted his body to avoid a fatal blow, but his torso was still torn apart. Blood gushed from the gaping wound in his chest, leaving a gruesome hole that revealed the remnants of his shattered organs.

"Aaah!"

Tang San wailed in pain, his body bloodied and broken. His chest had been punched through, his ribs and internal organs obliterated. The impact sent him and the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud flying, crashing through a swath of trees as birds and beasts scattered in fear.

Ultimately, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud absorbed him, pulling him into its internal space and whisking him away. It soared into the sky, vanishing into the distance.

Chen Xuan, unable to fly, could only watch as Tang San escaped. He sighed, "If you can survive this, then I'll admit defeat."

Using his space-time ninjutsu, Chen Xuan turned and returned to Xiao Wu's side. Taking her delicate hand in his, he activated his spatial ability, vanishing from the area in a flash.

Everything had happened in mere seconds. As a fragment of Poseidon's divine soul, the Sea God lacked the power to stop him.

"Native, you will pay for this!" Poseidon's face darkened, his eyes colder than ice.

He could sense Tang San's state—critically injured, with his lungs and ribs destroyed, his life force draining rapidly. If no extraordinary measures were taken, his successor would surely perish. Only divine intervention could save him now.

"Very well, native. You've succeeded in angering me!" Poseidon's gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon. After leaving these words, his figure began to blur, his divine light dimming until he finally faded away.

Chapter 207: Rogue Rabbit

Star Dou Forest Center

Five kilometers away from the battlefield, Chen Xuan used his space-time ability to bring Xiao Wu to a serene grassland.

He sat cross-legged on the ground, circulating his soul power throughout his body to recover from minor injuries. Xiao Wu, her expression full of concern, silently guarded him nearby.

Not long ago, Chen Xuan had pushed his physical limits by achieving twice the speed of sound with a single punch. This placed a considerable strain on his body, leaving him temporarily unaccustomed to the extreme exertion.

He had ended his retreat early, though he should have continued cultivating for another day or two. The subsequent intense battles, combined with breaking the sound barrier, had undoubtedly taken a toll on his body.

Still, Chen Xuan wasn't overly worried. The injuries weren't severe and could be healed within a month or two. He even considered taking the time to fuse with the body of an immortal or acquire those legendary eyes known as the Eyes of Immortality.

Yet, a sense of powerlessness lingered in his heart. His brief encounter with the Sea God had made him acutely aware of the vast chasm between soul power and divine power. Divine skills and divine power were a complete dimensional suppression against the soul masters of the continent.

The feeling imparted by the Sea God was clear: divine skills and soul skills were fundamentally different, akin to the divide between immortals and mortals. Even a Title Douluo fighting desperately would find it nearly impossible to injure a god, even one as low as a third-level deity.

"It seems I need to learn celestial techniques as soon as possible. Only celestial techniques may provide an effective means to defeat a deity," Chen Xuan said as he opened his eyes, ending his cultivation.

He silently made up his mind. Mastering celestial techniques would only benefit him, ensuring that even in the face of divine beings, he wouldn't be left powerless.

"Are you feeling better? How are you now?" Xiao Wu asked, her face filled with worry as she looked at Chen Xuan, terrified that he might leave her again.

Having finally reunited after five years of separation, she feared something might go wrong with Chen Xuan's body. She didn't want to witness him sacrificing himself to protect her again, nor did she want to endure a life of agony and loneliness.

Chen Xuan smiled and gently ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just need some rest."

"That's a relief. You really scared me earlier!" Xiao Wu sighed, sitting down on the grass beside him. Yet, she continued to tightly hold onto his hand, unwilling to let go.

"Alright, I'm really fine," Chen Xuan said with a wry smile, though he didn't pull his hand away.

After checking his body and finding no serious injuries, Xiao Wu's expression finally relaxed. However, she frowned slightly and said unhappily, "Do you know how worried I was? From now on, you must take care of yourself and never do something like that for me again. Do you hear me?"

Having experienced five years of separation, this man had returned from the dead. She was overjoyed and filled with happiness, but she truly didn't want to see him risking his life again. She would rather sacrifice herself if it meant keeping Chen Xuan safe.

Chen Xuan chuckled and teased, "Alright, alright, I'll listen to you. Wife's orders are absolute."

"Who's your wife? We're not even close to that yet!" Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed red as she glared at him, pretending to be angry.

Despite her words, a sweet warmth filled her heart. She didn't actually dislike it; in fact, she felt a bit delighted.

"Hmph! I haven't agreed to marry you yet. If you want to marry me, we'll see how you behave in the future. If you do well, I might consider it," Xiao Wu said with a proud huff, tilting her head in an exaggerated display of arrogance.

Chen Xuan wasn't annoyed. Instead, he looked at her with amusement and teased, "You're already a mother, yet you're still like this. Besides, we even have a child. Aren't we closer than husband and wife already?"

"That… that was just an accident. It doesn't count, so don't get any ideas!"

Xiao Wu's face turned crimson as she tried to explain. "And back then, you didn't consider my feelings at all. You men are all the same!"

"Not true. Back then, it was you…" Chen Xuan stopped mid-sentence, a mischievous smile spreading across his face as he looked at her.

"Y-You're lying! It was clearly you who…" Xiao Wu stammered, both ashamed and angry, but she pretended not to know what he was talking about.

She tried to remain composed, but her hands nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothes betrayed her true thoughts.

"They say pregnancy makes you forgetful, but I didn't think it would affect your memory too," Chen Xuan said, attempting to jog her memory. But before he could finish, Xiao Wu quickly covered his mouth with her hands.

Xiao Wu's eyes were flustered, her face as red as a ripe apple. She hurriedly blocked his mouth and scolded, "You're not allowed to say any more! Never bring this up again, or… or I'll never speak to you again!"

Chen Xuan wanted to roll his eyes but refrained. The mother of his child was indeed domineering and unreasonable.

"Chen Xuan, what kind of look was that just now?" Xiao Wu asked, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at him.

Chen Xuan's mouth twitched, speechless. If it were someone else, he would've retorted long ago. But this was the mother of his child, practically half a wife. If she wanted to act domineering, so be it.

"Judging by the time, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo's martial soul fusion skill should've ended by now," he said, changing the subject and extending his perception to cover a ten-mile radius.

Sure enough, he quickly sensed two massive auras rushing toward them at high speed—the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python.

Meanwhile, Xie Yue had regrouped with five Soul Emperors and Soul Saints alongside Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. They were also heading in their direction.

"They're like haunting ghosts," Chen Xuan muttered with a frown. The Spirit Hall team had lost its advantage. Without containing the two 100,000-year soul beasts, capturing Xiao Wu was nothing more than a fantasy.

Earlier, when Xie Yue and the others had attacked, Chen Xuan's shadow clone had already set up a spatial formation—a teleportation array. When they entered the field, they were transported ten miles away.

In his shadow clone state, his options were limited. Killing Xie Yue and the others wasn't easy, so teleporting them away was the simplest solution.

"Xiao Wu!"

From the horizon, the ground began to tremble as two giant beasts resembling small mountains rushed across the grassland.

"Da Ming! Er Ming!" Xiao Wu exclaimed joyfully, waving to the two 100,000-year soul beasts.

The ground shook more violently as the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape charged forward, knocking down countless trees and boulders before finally arriving.

"Xiao Wu, you're alright! That's such a relief!" Da Ming and Er Ming sighed in unison, the weight in their hearts finally lifted.

The Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape had thought that Xiao Wu wouldn't survive, but against all odds, she had escaped unscathed from the hands of so many Soul Emperors.

"Wait… are you… Chen Xuan?" Da Ming suddenly noticed the man beside Xiao Wu, holding her hand tightly in an intimate manner.

The Titan Giant Ape's eyes widened in shock. Wasn't this human supposed to be dead? How was he here, seemingly resurrected?

"Yes, it's me. Thank you for protecting Xiao Wu during this time," Chen Xuan said.

Before he could finish speaking, more than a dozen shadows suddenly descended from the sky, quickly spreading out to surround them.

Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and several Soul Saints and Soul Emperors had arrived.

"Do you really think I won't kill you?" the Azure Bull Python said coldly, its horns gleaming ominously as it glared at the intruders.

Having suffered once before, it wouldn't fall for the same dual-domain trap again.

The Titan Giant Ape pounded its chest and let out a thunderous roar, staring menacingly at the Spirit Hall members, ready to fight at any moment.

Chen Xuan released Xiao Wu's slender hand and stepped in front of her, activating his Mangekyo Sharingan. He began preparing his ocular power, ready to unleash his partially complete Susanoo if they dared to attack.

"Respected rulers of the forest, we mean no harm this time. We only wish to retrieve our companions," Chrysanthemum Douluo said, bowing slightly to show goodwill toward the two soul beasts.

Xie Yue followed with a bow. "This mission is a failure. We won't act against you again. May we ask where our companions are? Have you seen them?"

He was naturally referring to Yan, the Flame Lord, and the ten Soul Emperors.

Chen Xuan remained calm, acting as if he hadn't heard them.

"What about Tang Yin… the blue-haired man? Have you seen him?" Hu Liena, disregarding the danger, stepped forward and looked at Chen Xuan and Xiao Wu anxiously, desperate for news of Tang San.

Xie Yue snorted coldly, his eyes brimming with killing intent. He wished he could kill Tang San immediately. Not only had Tang San enchanted his sister, but he had also infiltrated their ranks and killed three Soul Emperors.

Chen Xuan smirked inwardly, a sinister idea suddenly forming in his mind. Perhaps he could frame Tang San.

Outwardly, he remained composed, sighing as he spoke with apparent emotion. "That person is Tang San, right? He's very powerful. He used a terrifying hidden weapon coated in deadly poison. Your companions were no match for him and have already fallen to his hands."

Chapter 208: Placeholder (Duplicate Chapter)Chapter 209: The Wuhun Hall's Wanted Poster

"What!"

Upon hearing Chen Xuan's words, the members of the Wuhun Hall were stunned. The idea that Yan and the ten Soul Emperors had died so easily sounded absurd, and they thought he was joking.

Xie Yue, in particular, turned pale. The news of Yan's death shook him to his core, leaving him cold and unwilling to accept the reality.

Yan had been his childhood friend, someone he had grown up with and his closest companion in the Wuhun Hall.

Even Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo couldn't remain calm. As Titled Douluo, their hands trembled, and grief appeared on their faces.

Yan and Xie Yue, along with the other children of the Golden Generation, were practically like their own grandchildren—if not by blood, then by bond.

Only Hu Liena remained composed, her expression calm and unshaken. At this moment, all she cared about was Tang San's whereabouts and why he would deceive her.

"Sigh, my condolences to all of you. Let me take you to the scene," Chen Xuan sighed, feigning a look of sorrow.

After all, his relationship with Tang San was already irreconcilable, so he had no guilt about piling more enemies onto him.

Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged glances. The Titan Giant Ape scratched its head in confusion. What exactly was going on?

Initially, some had doubted the truth of Chen Xuan's words. But now that he offered to lead them to the scene, it no longer seemed like he was lying. They began to believe that Yan and the ten Soul Emperors had indeed perished.

"Follow me." Chen Xuan gestured for the Wuhun Hall members to come along as he led them to the spot where Yan had died, just a few kilometers away.

Deliberately trailing behind the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape, Chen Xuan used the massive soul beasts as cover, creating a shadow clone that activated his spatial abilities and vanished in a flash.

His shadow clone arrived ahead of the group to clean up the battlefield, erasing traces of his presence and strategically placing the three Yama Invitations and Dragon Beard Needles from his spatial storage.

"You're so bad, always pretending you're not the villain," Xiao Wu whispered softly, lightly punching him in the arm. She thought he was being underhanded—it was clearly his doing, yet he managed to appear sorrowful.

Before long, Chen Xuan led the Wuhun Hall members into the forest, arriving at the site of Yan's death.

When Xie Yue reached the area, a wave of dread washed over him. The scene before him was horrifying.

The forest reeked of blood, with crimson stains and bone fragments scattered everywhere. Eleven flattened human skins lay on the ground, their organs and bones dissolved into a grotesque mess.

Some of the Soul Emperors with weaker stomachs immediately began retching. The stench of blood mixed with decay made them feel even more nauseous.

Hu Liena's expression shifted slightly, but she remained relatively composed. Having spent years in the Slaughter City, she had seen far worse.

Xie Yue, however, turned ghostly pale, his stomach churning violently. He barely managed to hold back his urge to vomit.

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's faces darkened. To treat members of the Wuhun Hall with such disrespect was a blatant provocation, a slap in their faces.

Chrysanthemum Douluo began to inspect the battlefield and quickly found several Dragon Beard Needles and Embroidered Needles in the grass. Each one was coated in a toxic substance.

Ghost Douluo also made a discovery. Among the pile of human skins, he found three pitch-black arrows emanating a dark mist and dripping with venomous liquid.

His expression turned grim. The poison on these weapons was extraordinarily lethal. Even someone as powerful as a Titled Douluo would perish upon contact, their flesh and bones dissolving entirely.

"Don't touch the corpses! The blood is toxic!" Ghost Douluo warned the group. Even he dared not touch the remains directly, instead using his soul power to carefully retrieve the three small arrows.

The group shuddered as they realized the gravity of the situation. Tang San's methods were terrifying enough to make even Titled Douluo exercise caution.

After thoroughly examining the corpses, Chrysanthemum Douluo let out a heavy sigh. Even the human skins were tainted with venom, and the flesh and bones had completely dissolved, leaving only toxic remains. All they could take back were some clothing and weapons to serve as mementos for burial.

In reality, the eleven victims hadn't been poisoned initially. Chen Xuan's shadow clone had arrived early, using the three Yama Invitations and Dragon Beard Needles to pierce the corpses and dissolve the shattered remains into toxic sludge.

Xie Yue clenched his teeth, his eyes burning with fury as he growled, "Tang San, the Wuhun Hall will never rest until you're dead!"

Hu Liena opened her mouth as if to say something but quickly closed it when she saw the group's furious expressions.

She firmly believed that Tang San wasn't capable of such atrocities, suspecting there had to be a misunderstanding. But memories of their time in the Slaughter City, where Tang San had used countless hidden weapons, began to waver her conviction. All evidence now pointed squarely at him.

Even though Hu Liena wanted to believe Tang San, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Xie Yue, and the others were almost certain that the toxic hidden weapons bore his signature.

If Tang San hadn't killed Yan and the ten loyal members of the Wuhun Hall, who else could have? Certainly not Chen Xuan, who was only at the Soul Ancestor level. It was implausible.

Xie Yue had seen Chen Xuan's abilities in the tournament, where his spatial techniques were renowned. But Chen Xuan clearly disdained using hidden weapons and didn't have the skill to create such lethal ones.

Only a genius like Tang San, with twin martial souls and countless unique techniques, could possibly have taken down eleven Soul Emperors in one go.

In the end, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Xie Yue, and the others departed, taking with them Yan's clothing and the armor of the ten fallen Soul Emperors to serve as burial items.

Before leaving, Hu Liena approached Chen Xuan and Xiao Wu, asking, "Did you see Tang Yin? I mean, do you know where he went?"

"Not sure. He should have left the Star Dou Forest," Chen Xuan replied without hesitation.

"Thanks," Hu Liena muttered absentmindedly before following the group out of the forest.

Thus, the Wuhun Hall's mission to capture Xiao Wu ended in failure. They had lost ten Soul Emperors, and Yan, a member of the Golden Generation, was dead—his body in such a state that it couldn't even be recovered.

That same day, the Wuhun Hall issued a high-level wanted poster for Tang San. A reward of immense value, including the favor of two Titled Douluo, was offered for his capture, dead or alive.

After the Wuhun Hall members left, Xiao Wu brought Chen Xuan back to her home in the maple forest, where a small wooden house awaited them. It was a place she had lived in for a long time.

By the time they returned, the sun had set, and the evening glow painted the horizon red like a beautiful oil painting.

Da Ming and Er Ming also returned. Their lair was close to Xiao Wu's home, allowing them to protect her easily.

"Chen Xuan, thank you for protecting Xiao Wu," the Azure Bull Python said sincerely.

The Titan Giant Ape pounded its chest and let out a loud roar, expressing its gratitude in its own way.

"Xiao Wu is my wife. Protecting her is my duty. I should be thanking you for taking care of her in my absence," Chen Xuan replied with a smile.

Xiao Wu's cheeks turned red as she glared at him. "Who's your wife? I haven't agreed to marry you yet!"

Frowning in mock anger, she lightly punched him, pretending to be upset.

Feeling awkward, the Azure Bull Python slithered away into the lake, disappearing beneath the surface.

The Titan Giant Ape glanced at Chen Xuan a few more times before letting out a low growl and leaping into the distant forest until it vanished from sight.

With the two ten-thousand-year soul beasts gone, the area suddenly felt much emptier, leaving just the two of them.

"Ahem…" Chen Xuan cleared his throat, glancing at the small wooden house. "Xiao Wu, it's getting late. We should rest."

Chapter 210: Unfulfilled Desires

Night fell, the starlight dim, and the sky pitch black. The Star Dou Forest at night was fraught with danger, as soul beasts roamed freely.

Only the central area remained relatively calm, home to the two forest rulers—ten-thousand-year soul beasts no one dared to disturb.

"Ahem… Xiao Wu, it's getting late. Shouldn't we rest now?" Chen Xuan glanced at the wooden cabin, his intentions obvious.

Xiao Wu rolled her eyes at him in mock anger and said, "What are you thinking? You're sleeping outside tonight. Don't even think about coming in."

Chen Xuan was indignant. After all, he had practically acted as her husband, yet she wanted him to sleep under a tree. That was too heartless.

"Sigh, women truly have the most ruthless hearts. It's so cold outside. If I freeze to death, you'll end up a widow," he said, feigning sadness as he began walking toward a tree in the distance.

Seeing him actually leaving, Xiao Wu panicked and quickly grabbed the hem of his clothing to stop him.

"What now? You won't let me stay, but you won't let me leave either?" Chen Xuan stopped and looked down at the slender, pale hand holding onto him.

"Don't go…" Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed as she mustered all her courage to say those words.

Chen Xuan raised an eyebrow. "So you're letting me stay?"

"Mm…" Xiao Wu's face turned bright red, all the way to her ears. She lowered her head, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

Then, as if realizing something, she quickly added, "But just for sleeping! Don't you dare try anything, or I'll never speak to you again!"

"Of course!"

With a sly grin, Chen Xuan scooped Xiao Wu up in a princess carry and walked straight into the cabin.

Agreeing now was one thing, but once they were on the bed, who knew what might happen? A hot-blooded young man lying next to a long-legged beauty—just sleeping and doing nothing would be the real anomaly.

"You jerk! Put me down right now, or I'll be really mad!" Xiao Wu, rarely carried like this, blushed furiously and lightly pounded on Chen Xuan's chest.

Though she loved this man deeply, their relationship had never involved much physical intimacy. His sudden boldness left her flustered and unsure of how to react.

Yet, lying in his arms and hearing his steady heartbeat gave her a sense of security and a warmth she couldn't describe.

Chen Xuan carried her into the wooden cabin, which was small but clean and cozy. A large bed, a wardrobe, and some simple furniture filled the space. Flowers adorned various corners, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

He gently placed Xiao Wu on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to admire the room.

"Huh, this is strange," Chen Xuan said as he glanced around, his tone curious.

Though he wasn't looking at her, Xiao Wu still felt self-conscious. "What's so strange? Don't look at me like that!" she retorted playfully.

"I just find it odd how clean and tidy your room is. Isn't a girl's room supposed to have…"

He paused, then decided to continue, "Isn't it supposed to have socks, underwear, and other personal items scattered around?"

"Say one more word!" Xiao Wu glared at him, annoyed, and threw a pillow at his face.

Chen Xuan caught the pink pillow easily, and a faint fragrance wafted to his nose. He instinctively took a light sniff, finding the scent unique and pleasant.

"What's this smell? It's amazing! What perfume are you using?" he asked curiously. He had never encountered such a fragrance before.

Seeing the contented expression on his face, Xiao Wu's embarrassment reached its peak. Her face turned as red as an apple, her heart pounding furiously. She had never felt so mortified in her life.

"You pervert! Give it back to me!" Xiao Wu, utterly flustered, snatched the pillow back and stomped on his foot with her long, white stocking-clad leg.

"Ow!" Chen Xuan sucked in a sharp breath as pain shot through his foot. He hadn't dodged in time, and now his foot burned with pain. The mother of his child clearly didn't hold back.

Xiao Wu, still hugging the pillow, bared her little tiger teeth at him. "You shameless rogue! You're not allowed to pull stunts like this again, understand?"

During the day, he acted so proper and respectable, but at night, his true nature came out. She was both angry and exasperated—Chen Xuan was still the same scoundrel she had known for years, completely unchanged.

Noticing her reaction, Chen Xuan finally realized that the pillow with the rabbit embroidery carried her natural scent.

"Oh no…" Understanding the situation, he started to panic. He had just sniffed it right in front of her and even complimented the scent. She must be furious with him now.

Chen Xuan truly hadn't expected this. He genuinely thought it was a unique floral fragrance and found it comforting. If he had known it was her scent, he would never have acted so boldly.

But on second thought, wasn't it normal for a man and a woman alone in a room to have such moments? Especially considering they already had a child together.

"Uh… I won't do it again, I promise!" Chen Xuan quickly apologized. In a girl's bedroom, it was better to be cautious.

Xiao Wu, still annoyed but not genuinely angry, softened at his apology and pulled him onto the bed to rest.

"I told you, it's just for sleeping. Don't try anything," she warned him. Though they had a daughter, she still wasn't ready for anything more and harbored some hesitation from past experiences.

Chen Xuan didn't want to push her boundaries. He guessed that past events had left some emotional scars.

On the bed, Xiao Wu wrapped herself tightly in the blanket like a cocoon, leaving only her head and bright eyes exposed.

Chen Xuan couldn't help but laugh. She had fortified herself so well that even if he wanted to make a move, there was no opportunity.

"You've taken the whole blanket. I don't have anything to cover myself with," he said helplessly.

"Huh? Oh, sorry! I forgot you were here!" Xiao Wu quickly sat up, splitting the blanket in half and carefully covering him. She didn't want him to catch a cold because of her.

The two of them lay under the same blanket, their bodies so close they could feel each other's warmth.

Xiao Wu's heart raced as she turned her back to him. If she faced him, she feared she wouldn't be able to fall asleep.

A beautiful girl lay next to him, and Chen Xuan, a young man full of energy, couldn't deny that he was tempted. His body grew increasingly restless, and he regretted agreeing to her conditions.

He felt conflicted. To act would make him a scoundrel, but to do nothing felt even worse.

Eventually, he decided to act. Turning over, he pressed his chest lightly against Xiao Wu's back and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.

"What are you doing…" Xiao Wu trembled slightly at his bold move. Grabbing his hand, she said nervously, "You promised you wouldn't…"

"Not even this?" Chen Xuan asked, puzzled. All he wanted was a simple hug.

Xiao Wu misunderstood his intentions, thinking he wanted more. Her heart raced even faster as she bit her lip and said in a small voice, "Chen Xuan, I'm scared. Can you give me a little more time?"

Chen Xuan froze. What? She was scared of a hug? Something wasn't adding up. He quickly realized that she had misunderstood him, assuming he had other intentions.

"Then… can I at least have a kiss?" he asked tentatively.

"You…" Xiao Wu blushed deeply but turned around and quickly kissed his cheek like a dragonfly skimming the surface of water.

Her face grew even redder as she pulled the blanket over her face, leaving only her eyes exposed. Her heart pounded furiously.

The kiss happened so quickly that Chen Xuan barely felt it. After a moment of stunned silence, he muttered, "That's it? I didn't even feel anything."

"You're impossible!" Xiao Wu glared at him angrily. She had mustered so much courage, yet he had the nerve to complain.

Still irritated, she lightly kicked him, but eventually, feeling sorry for him, leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "There. Now go to sleep. We have an early day tomorrow."

Chen Xuan licked his lips, still feeling unsatisfied. But there was always tomorrow. For now, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace.

Xiao Wu's face burned as her heart raced once more. She instinctively pushed against his chest, but his grip was firm. Left with no choice, she reluctantly allowed herself to be held.

Chapter 211: The Long-Lost Peaceful Life

That night, the two of them shared a room, sleeping on the same bed, yet nothing happened between them. They simply embraced each other and slept until dawn.

After five years apart, their reunion wasn't filled with flowery words or grand promises. They simply held each other in silence, as if words weren't necessary at all.

As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, Chen Xuan was the first to wake.

Looking at the beauty sleeping beside him, he felt a pang of regret—he really had done nothing all night, just slept like a gentleman.

"Am I a beast for thinking about it, or not even a beast for doing nothing?" he muttered, a philosophical quandary that had no right answer.

He stayed still, his entire arm numb from being used as Xiao Wu's pillow. He wanted to move but worried about waking her, so he decided to let her sleep a little longer.

The warm sunlight fell on Xiao Wu's fair face. Her eyelids fluttered lightly as she began to wake.

When she realized she had been using his arm as a pillow, her cheeks turned pink. She quickly let go and fumbled to tidy her clothes, clearly flustered.

"Don't worry, you didn't drool too much in your sleep," Chen Xuan teased with a grin.

"Stop making things up! You're the one who drooled! I'm a fairy, and fairies don't drool!" Xiao Wu retorted, her face flushed, trying to act composed while internally panicking.

Chen Xuan paused, glancing at his arm, which was indeed damp. He wiped it off and frowned. "What is this, then?"

"It's sweat! It was too hot last night!" Xiao Wu's face turned even redder as she glared at him, her eyes carrying a subtle warning.

Chen Xuan froze for a moment, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Hadn't this happened five years ago? Back then, what excuse did she use? Dew?

"Lazybones, stop lying around! The sun's already up; get up!" Xiao Wu got out of bed, not bothering to brush her hair as she hurried outside to prepare breakfast.

Chen Xuan sighed. He had clearly woken up first, but her topic shift was too abrupt.

He got out of bed and followed her outside. Bathed in the warm sunlight, he decided to help her without calling out her excuses—giving the mother of his child a little dignity.

By the lake, a fire was already burning. A porcelain pot steamed atop it. Xiao Wu, dressed in her signature pink outfit, busied herself chopping vegetables and making porridge. Though her hair was slightly messy, her movements were practiced and skilled, showing she had done this countless times before.

Chen Xuan moved closer to take a look and immediately felt his face turn green—carrot porridge. The entire pot was filled with carrots.

Wasn't it said that rabbits don't actually like carrots? Why was this completely overturned here?

"Chen Xuan, the porridge is ready! Come eat while it's hot," Xiao Wu said cheerfully, bringing over a bowl of steaming carrot porridge.

Chen Xuan glanced at the bowl, which was packed with carrot chunks, leaving almost no sign of actual rice. Could this even be eaten?

Moreover, the porridge was steaming hot. Wasn't it supposed to cool down a bit before eating? Drinking it like this would surely burn his tongue. Could this be her way of getting back at him for teasing her earlier?

At that moment, Xiao Wu's forehead was dotted with sweat, her expectant gaze fixed on him. Chen Xuan felt cornered. He wanted to refuse but couldn't find the words to do so.

"Sigh, such is my fate," he muttered before steeling himself. Scooping up a spoonful, he took a bite of the porridge.

To his surprise, it was delicious. The sweetness of the carrots blended with a faint herbal aroma that wasn't bitter but light and refreshing.

Seeing Chen Xuan drink the porridge she had made, Xiao Wu's heart swelled with joy. She couldn't help but smile brightly.

"It's really good," Chen Xuan said, giving her a thumbs up and deliberately exaggerating his expression.

Hearing his praise, Xiao Wu's smile grew wider. "Of course! I took care of our daughter all by myself while you were gone, so I've gotten really good at cooking!"

She paused, as if recalling something, and added, "Well… Zhuqing helped me too. She treated Qiu'er like her own daughter and helped me raise her."

"Qiu'er… so that's my daughter's name," Chen Xuan murmured, smiling. "What a beautiful name. Naming really is best left to my dear wife."

"Stop spouting nonsense! Who's your wife? Quit talking nonsense!" Xiao Wu pretended to be angry and flicked his forehead lightly, feigning displeasure.

In truth, she had already accepted him. Hearing his words made her heart feel sweet, like tasting honey. She just didn't want to show it openly.

She feared that if she made herself too easy to win over, their relationship might lose its spark and head in the wrong direction.

Chen Xuan froze for a moment before muttering, "Did I just get teased?"

He realized Xiao Wu still had the same playful personality she'd always had. Even after becoming a mother, she hadn't changed much. The pressure of the past had suppressed her liveliness, but now that things were peaceful, her original self was returning.

"By the way, does Qiu'er's name have any special meaning? Did you plan it in advance?" Chen Xuan asked, finding the name quite pleasant.

Xiao Wu shook her head, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes. "No, it's because she was born in autumn, and she's a girl. So, I named her Qiu'er."

Chen Xuan caught the hint of sorrow in her expression but chose not to press. Instead, he joked, "If it were a boy, would his name have been Qiu Nan?"

"What nonsense!" Xiao Wu laughed despite herself, playfully punching his shoulder.

Then her expression turned somber, and she said softly, "If it had been a boy, I would've named him Chen Ping'an, to symbolize peace and safety. Chen Xuan, I don't ask for you to be extraordinary. I just want you to stay safe, healthy, and with me and our child."

"Chen Ping'an?" Chen Xuan's eye twitched, and he quickly covered her mouth to stop her from saying more. "That name isn't auspicious! Let's not say it aloud."

He diverted the topic. "If we have a boy in the future, let's name him Chen Fan. Either an ordinary life or an extraordinary one."

"No way! That sounds terrible!" Xiao Wu swatted his hand away and pouted. "You're awful at naming. I still think Chen Ping'an sounds better."

Chen Xuan felt a chill at her insistence on the name and quickly changed the subject. "By the way, where's our daughter? She's not in the Star Dou Forest?"

He had tried sensing her presence earlier but hadn't detected her within several dozen kilometers.

"Qiu'er? I left her in Zhuqing's care. She should be in the Star Luo Empire now," Xiao Wu replied.

She had believed Chen Xuan was gone for good and had planned to avenge him and make the Wuhun Hall pay, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

"Don't ever do something so foolish again," Chen Xuan sighed, gently stroking Xiao Wu's silky hair.

From what the Azure Bull Python had told him, Chen Xuan had pieced together Xiao Wu's intentions. Though he didn't press her, it was clear she had been prepared to give up everything.

Xiao Wu's gaze wavered as she nervously clutched the hem of her clothes, avoiding his eyes. Her thoughts had been laid bare, and she didn't know how to respond.

"Still, thank you," Chen Xuan said softly. Though he didn't want her to act recklessly, her willingness to go to such lengths for him warmed his heart. It proved everything he'd done was worth it.

Chapter 212: Xiao Wu's Departure

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, a week had gone by.

During this time, Chen Xuan and Xiao Wu stayed in the Star Dou Forest's central area, a peaceful and quiet place where no one disturbed them. They lived a simple, tranquil life, momentarily detached from the chaos of the world.

In this week of seclusion, they shared a life of simplicity, living together as if in a bubble of peace. Chen Xuan stayed in Xiao Wu's room, sharing the same bed, but despite the time spent together, they didn't cross any boundaries. They truly only rested.

Chen Xuan had tried to take things further, but Xiao Wu remained resolute. Not only was intimacy off the table, even kisses were few and far between.

For Chen Xuan, it was a difficult week. Sharing a space with a beautiful woman every day while being unable to act on his desires was torture. The frustration built up to a point where he felt it might start affecting his health.

Unable to bear it any longer, he decided to retreat into focused cultivation.

Chen Xuan found an ideal spot for seclusion—a cave located halfway up a mountain, perfect for intensive training.

He had a significant amount of untapped life force within him, remnants of energy that had yet to be refined. Day by day, it was dissipating, and he couldn't afford to waste it any longer.

"Maybe I should attempt awakening the Rinnegan," Chen Xuan mused, a bold idea forming in his mind.

Unlocking the Rinnegan required extreme conditions: Yin Chakra, Yang Chakra, Hashirama's cells, and the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. He wasn't lacking much. Having fused with Hashirama's cells, he naturally obtained Yang Chakra, which, combined with his existing Yin Chakra, made it plausible.

If the Sage of Six Paths could awaken the Rinnegan from the Three Tomoe Sharingan, transitioning from the Mangekyo Sharingan to the Rinnegan shouldn't be impossible for him.

"I might as well give it a try. I've got time," Chen Xuan decided. His first priority was refining the remaining life force within him. Once that was done, his body could potentially evolve into an immortal physique, making further cultivation a breeze.

After explaining his plans to Xiao Wu, Chen Xuan turned and entered the cave to begin his long-awaited training.

As soon as he began refining the dense life force within him, the world behind his heart trembled. The strange plant rooted in his heart resonated, seizing control of his body and starting to absorb the life force.

This plant was a unique treasure he had obtained from a system reward years ago. Initially, it only enhanced his martial spirit and cleansed impurities from his body. Over time, however, it grew with him, becoming an integral part of his being.

It had absorbed the dual cultivation fruit he and Xiao Wu shared, the energy of soul rings, and even the toxins gifted by Qian Renxue. Now, it had evolved to the level of an immortal-grade plant.

Chen Xuan had anticipated this development and wasn't surprised. The plant functioned like a converter, returning a small portion of the absorbed energy to him in a purer and more potent form.

However, something puzzled him—its absorption rate was unusually slow this time. He began to suspect it might be nearing saturation or its final stage of evolution.

Time flew by, and another seven days passed.

In the cave, Chen Xuan remained seated, still refining the life force. The process was taking longer than expected, extending well beyond his original estimate.

By the seventh day, he had finally refined the remaining life force, though more than half of it had been absorbed by the strange plant.

Unexpectedly, the plant had also drained every trace of the Hashirama cells in his body, leaving nothing behind.

Five more days passed. Chen Xuan's body began to emit sweat, expelling impurities from his flesh and making him feel lighter.

The plant started returning energy to him, integrating it into his blood and organs. He noticed his heart glowing faintly, sending a warm flow through his limbs and bones at a slow but steady pace.

To his surprise, his mastery over Wood Release improved significantly, rising from 30% to a steadily increasing level.

"This thing can really refine energy," Chen Xuan marveled, though he had expected it. He hadn't anticipated that it could even refine something as extraordinary as Hashirama cells.

To fully master Wood Release, an immortal body was essential. Simply fusing Hashirama cells could only achieve a 50% mastery at best. But with an immortal body, 100% mastery of Wood Release—and chakra comparable to the Ten Tails—would be within reach.

The fusion process, however, would take much longer than he had initially thought. It could take anywhere from a few months to half a year. After realizing this, he decided to update Xiao Wu on his plans.

Returning to the cozy wooden cabin, Chen Xuan said, "I might need a long time to complete my training. Do you have any plans?"

Xiao Wu, who had been longing for her daughter, replied, "It's been over half a month. Qiu'er must be feeling lonely with Zhuqing. I want to visit her."

Before returning to the Star Dou Forest, Xiao Wu had entrusted Qiu'er to Zhu Zhuqing's care. It had been a month since then.

"Alright, I want to meet our daughter too. Let's set off tomorrow. I can postpone my training," Chen Xuan offered, eager to finally see his daughter and learn what she looked like.

But Xiao Wu shook her head. "You don't need to worry about me. Focus on your training."

"Training is nothing compared to you and our daughter," Chen Xuan insisted, concerned about her traveling alone and the potential dangers.

Xiao Wu reassured him, "I'm strong enough now. With Da Ming and Er Ming guarding this area, no one will disturb you. It's the perfect place for you to train."

After some thought, Chen Xuan had to agree. The Star Dou Forest's central area was indeed the safest place for long-term seclusion.

"Alright then," he relented. "But take these two kunai with you. If you're in danger, break one, and I'll sense it immediately."

He handed her two silver kunai and made her promise to keep them close.

Xiao Wu smiled and nodded. "Got it. I'm not a child. If you don't come find me in a month, I'll bring Qiu'er back to see you."

As she poked his forehead playfully, Chen Xuan caught her hand. "You're teasing me again. Don't think I won't retaliate!"

"You're hurting me!" Xiao Wu pouted, frowning slightly.

Chen Xuan let go, chuckling. "Next time you tease me, I'll make sure to give Qiu'er a little brother."

"I don't want a son! If you want one, you can give birth yourself!" Xiao Wu retorted, sticking her tongue out at him.

With her belongings packed into a soul tool, Xiao Wu was ready to leave.

Chen Xuan walked her partway, stopping after several miles. "Be careful out there. Don't make me worry."

Blushing slightly, Xiao Wu replied, "I'll be fine. You behave yourself while I'm gone, okay? I'll bring Qiu'er back to see you soon."

Chen Xuan watched her disappear into the forest's depths before turning back toward the cave.

"I should get back to training," he murmured, taking out a green beast pouch from his robe. Inside were dozens of immortal herbs—spoils he had taken from Tang San five years ago, later entrusted to Xiao Wu for safekeeping.

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