As the Demon Cult Leader, Qi Yixuan naturally recognized the Eternal Youth Fruit in Ye Xuezhang's hand.
Although the fruit didn't enhance inner strength, it was incredibly valuable.
After all, not everyone knew the art of preserving youth. Men and women who cared about their appearance would often fight to the death for a single fruit.
"Husband, since it's a spiritual fruit, you should take it. I don't need it."
Qi Yixuan, skilled in the art of preserving her youth, didn't require the fruit herself.
Ye Xuezhang lied, "I've already had one. I saved this one especially for you."
"Here, let me watch you eat it."
Qi Yixuan smiled softly, accepting the fruit and taking a small bite.
"Mmm, it's delicious."
Seeing her genuine smile and unparalleled beauty, Ye Xuezhang felt a surge of emotion.
"Wife…"
"Hmm?"
"You're stunning."
Qi Yixuan's recently flushed cheeks grew even redder. She leaned into his embrace, her voice soft as she said, "Husband, it's the fifteenth today…"
Ye Xuezhang smacked his forehead. "Ah, I almost forgot! If you hadn't reminded me, I would've completely overlooked this important day."
"You've been keeping track of the days so diligently—thank you, my dear."
Qi Yixuan grew even shyer, playfully scolding him, "Husband!"
With the Ye family acquiring a new jade mine, there were many matters to attend to.
Naturally, most of the work fell to Ye Xiaoyu.
The day after Ye Xuezhang returned, Ye Xiaoyu took the contract to Jade Dragon Mountain.
Both the Ye family's and Wang family's mines were located there. However, compared to the entire Jade Dragon Mountain, their mines were just a drop in the ocean.
With servants handling most of the work, Ye Xuezhang had little to worry about.
At most, he would occasionally oversee the polished jade stones being transported to merchants in Nanhua State, a task that only required his attention once a year.
Most of his time back at the estate was spent in the study, cultivating. Occasionally, he would take breaks to accompany his wife.
The second pill Zhang Xiaoyu had given him was another supreme-grade elixir that refined inner strength.
Ye Xuezhang had already consumed it on his way back.
Although the increase in combat power wasn't as dramatic as with the first pill, it still rose by 50%. However, his inner strength still hadn't broken through to the next stage—Purest Inner Strength.
Ye Xuezhang wasn't in a hurry. Reaching that level wasn't easy, even for prodigies with ample resources.
With the system and the Ghost Valley Breathing Technique, which absorbed medicinal power quickly, he wasn't concerned.
After all, maintaining a calm and steady mindset was crucial on the path of martial arts.
One day, feeling relaxed, Ye Xuezhang invited his wife out for a stroll.
The two walked through the bustling streets, chatting and laughing, drawing envious glances from passersby.
"That Ye family Young Master is so lucky to have married such a gentle, beautiful wife."
"Luck? I think it's the other way around! Ye Young Master is handsome, wealthy, and talented. Before he married, every wealthy family's daughters were after him."
"True. Marrying him is a fortune she could never dream of."
"And that ungrateful Chen Xiaoxiao—what a fool! She left Ye Young Master for that second son of the Jin family?"
"She got what she deserved. A miserable end."
Wherever the couple went, their neighbors couldn't help but gossip. Many even took the opportunity to criticize Chen Xiaoxiao.
After a while, Ye Xuezhang bought some snacks for his wife and suggested heading home, concerned she might be tired.
Just then, Li Bantou, the local constable, arrived with several bailiffs, pushing carts covered in white cloth from the city gates.
Being a prominent local merchant, Ye Xuezhang frequently interacted with the constable.
In fact, Li Bantou had even brought a generous gift to Ye Xuezhang's wedding.
Upon seeing each other, it was only natural for them to exchange greetings.
"Constable Li, what's the matter? Why so rushed and anxious?"
"Ah, Young Master Ye, Madam Ye," Li Bantou replied, sighing deeply.
"The Blood Cloud Bandits from Mangdang Mountain have recently been spotted near Cangxi. They've already killed several villagers in the area. It's truly despicable!"
"Ah?" Qi Yixuan gasped, looking at the covered carts. "Are these… the villagers' bodies?"
"Yes, Madam Ye," Li Bantou confirmed.
"We discovered them this morning. They're being taken to the coroner for examination."
"Young Master Ye, Madam Ye, the outskirts are unsafe right now. Even in the city, it's best to stay cautious and avoid going out too much."
After a brief conversation, Li Bantou left, looking troubled.
After he left, Qi Yixuan turned to Ye Xuezhang, her face pale with worry.
"Husband, are these Blood Cloud Bandits very powerful? I'm a little scared…"
Hearing this, Ye Xuezhang's eyes grew cold.
Blood Cloud Bandits?
You've frightened my wife.
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