The spiritual boat drifting through the eastern clouds was small, carved from fragrant violet wood, and completely unassuming. It was not a heavily armored warship. It was the kind of luxurious pleasure boat wealthy young masters used for spring outings.
Inside the cozy cabin, Yan Shuo leaned back against a pile of soft silk pillows. His legs were casually crossed, one hand resting behind his head, while a glowing jade map floated in the air before him.
The map displayed the Central Continent. Dozens of glowing golden lines pulsed across the terrain, forming a vast, intricate web. These were the ancestral spiritual leylines, the very veins of the earth that Bai Chen was tapping into to power his continent-wide trap.
"If he wants to build a cage, he will need anchor points," Yan Shuo muttered, his dark eyes tracing the golden lines. "The Golden Dragon City is the center, but the energy must flow through the outer nodes. If I sever those nodes, his grand array will collapse before it ever has the chance to awaken."
He tapped a glowing dot along the southern edge of the Central Continent.
"Plum Blossom City," Yan Shuo read softly. "A massive trading hub built directly over the Dragon Tail leyline. Perfect."
"Husband!"
A bright, cheerful voice broke his concentration. The cabin door slid open, and Tantai Zhi entered carrying a steaming wooden tray.
She had completely shed her majestic Saintess persona. Today, she wore a simple yet elegant light pink dress that hugged her slender figure. Her dark hair was tied half-up, secured with the jade lotus hairpin he had given her. She looked like a gentle young wife from a wealthy mortal family.
No one would ever guess she could freeze a Grandmaster’s soul with a flick of her wrist.
"I made lotus seed soup," Tantai Zhi said, beaming as she set the tray on the low wooden table. She radiated pure happiness. "It took a few tries to control the spiritual fire so it wouldn’t burn the sugar, but I think I finally got it right."
Yan Shuo waved his hand, dismissing the jade map. He sat up and smiled at her.
"You did not have to cook, Zhi’er," he said, picking up the porcelain spoon. "We have enough supreme-grade fasting pills to feed an empire for a decade."
"Fasting pills are tasteless and boring," Tantai Zhi pouted as she sat close beside him. She rested her chin in her hands, watching him as if nothing else in the world existed. "Besides, we are on a romantic getaway. A good wife should make sure her husband eats well."
Yan Shuo took a spoonful of soup. It was warm and sweet, carrying a gentle stream of soothing Yin Qi that settled comfortably in his stomach. He exhaled softly, genuinely satisfied.
"It is delicious, Wife."
Tantai Zhi’s eyes curved into happy crescents, a faint blush blooming across her cheeks. "Eat as much as you like, Husband. I made plenty."
Yan Shuo continued eating, a quiet sense of amusement rising within him. He was an ancient Demon Lord who had slaughtered ten thousand cultivators and devoured a Heavenly Tribulation. He was currently on his way to dismantle the foundation of the Righteous Alliance.
And yet, at this moment, his greatest concern was finishing his soup so his wife would not feel disappointed.
Being taken care of like this was dangerously addictive.
"Where are we going first, Husband?" Tantai Zhi asked, gently wiping a drop of soup from the corner of his mouth with a silk handkerchief. "A scenic mountain? A quiet lake?"
"We are going to Plum Blossom City," Yan Shuo replied, setting the empty bowl aside. "It is a border city hosting its annual lantern festival. The streets will be filled with lights, food stalls, and performers."
Tantai Zhi’s breath caught.
A lantern festival. Just the two of them. Walking through glowing streets, surrounded by warmth and laughter, maybe even holding hands.
Her mind flooded instantly with romantic scenes she had read in cheap mortal novels. Her heart began to race.
"A lantern festival," she whispered, her golden eyes shining with intense excitement. "I will protect our date with my life. If anyone bumps into you, I will sever their hands. If anyone ruins the mood, I will bury them beneath the city."
"No burying people on our date, Zhi’er," Yan Shuo said with a laugh, flicking her forehead lightly. "We are traveling incognito. I am a wealthy young master, and you are my wife. No sword aura. No killing intent. Can you manage that?"
Tantai Zhi rubbed her forehead, completely melting under his touch. "Yes, Husband. I will behave."
Two hours later, the small spiritual boat landed in a quiet forest a few miles outside Plum Blossom City.
The sun had set, and the sky had deepened into a rich twilight purple. As Yan Shuo and Tantai Zhi walked along the dirt road toward the city gates, the sight before them unfolded like a painting.
The entire city stretched across a sloping valley, illuminated by tens of thousands of floating red and gold lanterns. The warm glow painted the ancient buildings in soft light.
It was a lively hub where mortal merchants and wandering cultivators mixed freely. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, sweet incense, and the constant chatter of street vendors.
Just before they reached the gates, Yan Shuo stopped.
He reached into his spatial ring and took out a delicate white silk veil. Turning to Tantai Zhi, he gently tied it around the lower half of her face, covering her nose and lips while leaving her golden eyes visible.
Tantai Zhi blinked. "Husband? Why the veil?"
"Because you are far too pretty for a place like this," Yan Shuo said, adjusting the knot behind her head. "This city is full of arrogant sect disciples. If they see your face, someone will try to flirt with you. Then you will turn him into blood mist. Then his elders will show up, and I will have to kill them. And suddenly, our quiet date becomes a massacre."
His tone was casual, but his hand tightened slightly around hers.
"So the veil stays on. I do not feel like sharing my wife’s face with strangers."
Tantai Zhi’s mind went completely blank.
He called me pretty. He said I am his. He does not want others to see me. He is jealous.
A fierce blush spread across her face beneath the veil. Her knees nearly gave out. She clutched his hand tightly, her heart soaring.
"I will not let anyone look at me, Husband," she said quickly, her voice soft behind the silk. "Only you can."
Yan Shuo chuckled, fully aware of the storm he had caused. He guided her forward, pulling her gently toward the glowing city gates.
"Good girl."