Chapter Seventy-Seven: Tang Wan'er

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Starry Forest
Colorful insect-like soul beasts fluttered through the air, while plant-type soul beasts swayed gently in the breeze, emanating dazzling hues.
Melodious chirping sounds rose and fell, composing a symphony of life.
Li Yu wove a flower crown and approached Zi Ji. "Ji’er, this floral wreath suits you perfectly! Try wearing it."
With a smile and earnest eyes, Li Yu looked expectantly at the graceful woman before him.
Zi Ji took the woven crown from Li Yu’s hands and gently placed it in her hair.
She knew that if she said she didn’t like it, Li Yu would tirelessly search for various flower crowns for her to try on until she was satisfied.
Moved yet helpless, the longer Zi Ji spent time with him, the more she felt this human was unlike others—different from both humans and soul beasts.
He was peculiar, yet captivating.
Especially the aura he exuded—a feeling of nostalgia. Perhaps this was why her lord sought him!
Such a mysterious little fellow.
"Ji’er! What shall we eat today? Shall I cook for you?" Through persistent efforts, Li Yu had moved from calling her Miss Zi Ji to simply Ji’er, and their proximity grew ever closer.
"Fish," Zi Ji replied, still sparing with words.
"Alright! Wait for it! My Ji’er wants fish!" With that, Li Yu picked up his sword and headed toward the lake.
Zi Ji gazed at Li Yu’s back, her eyes growing dreamy.
...
Yue Xuan
Since Li Yu began collaborating with the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect,
the little witch Ning Rongrong often came to attend his lessons,
claiming to accompany her best friend.
"Today, we will learn bel canto singing technique. Firstly, bel canto requires powerful breath support, so the demands on breathing methods and skills are higher than those of folk or popular singing."
Listening to Teacher Li Yu’s articulate explanation,
the young fans below sparkled with admiration.
Tang Yuehua stood on the second-floor balcony, glancing down at Li Yu with a resigned shake of her head.
Xiao Wu wore a jealous expression, especially since Ning Rongrong came more frequently than Princess Xueke.
"Li Yu, are you really here?" A melodious female voice called out, and Li Yu looked toward the door.
"Yan’er?" Li Yu’s face lit up with surprise as he jumped down from the stage and ran to the door.
Outside, Li Yu embraced the woman tightly. "Why did you come so late? I missed you so much!"
Inside, everyone else stared wide-eyed.
Who was this person? What was her relationship with the teacher?
Li Yu ignored the others and held Dugu Yan close.
"Brother! Who is she?" Xiao Wu stepped forward to ask the pressing question.
Li Yu released Dugu Yan and introduced her to Xiao Wu. "This is my girlfriend, Dugu Yan. I knew her before I met you, Xiao Wu!"
Then he introduced Xiao Wu: "This is my sister, Xiao Wu, also someone I’m pursuing! I love her very much, just like I love you."
Li Yu spoke frankly, unafraid of jealousy. If they couldn’t handle this, how would his harem ever work? At worst, he’d shamelessly coax them all!
Dugu Yan didn’t expect this move from Li Yu; her emerald eyes glistened with tears.
She pushed Li Yu away and ran outside.
Li Yu had anticipated this and said to Xiao Wu, "I’ll be back soon!"
Then he chased after her.
"Yan’er! Wait! Where are you going?" Li Yu caught up to Dugu Yan and grabbed her smooth arm.
"None of your business! I’m going to find my grandfather!" Heartbroken, Dugu Yan ran on, not wanting to see Li Yu.
Passersby soon looked their way.
Li Yu held Dugu Yan’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go, then pointed a finger at his forehead: "Qian."
Amid the onlookers, the two vanished.
Li Yu’s teleportation brought them to a nearby lake.
"Yan’er! I admit I’m a flirt, but I’m sincere with each of you!" Li Yu hugged Dugu Yan tightly, enduring her fists and kicks.
"Let go!" Dugu Yan shouted angrily.
"No! Not unless you forgive me! Otherwise, I won’t let go for life!" Li Yu pleaded shamelessly.
"Fine! If you won’t let go, let’s see how long you can endure!" Behind Dugu Yan, a creaking sound emerged, like eight spider legs appearing on her back, stabbing toward Li Yu’s back.
Li Yu’s body instantly turned a bluish-purple.
But he gritted his teeth and refused to release her.
"Let go!" Dugu Yan said coldly.
"No," Li Yu whispered with his last ounce of strength.
Seeing Li Yu trembling, Dugu Yan’s tears flowed uncontrollably.
"You—you stubborn fool!" she sighed, stopping her attack and slowly absorbing the toxin from Li Yu’s body.
As Li Yu’s color changed again, Dugu Yan struggled, but he still wouldn’t let go, his eyes half-closed, body limp and draped over her, his hands gripping her tightly, even unconscious he wouldn’t loosen his hold.
"Yu," Dugu Yan murmured softly, looking at his haggard face, "I’m not leaving. You can let go now."
With that, she embraced Li Yu; one lying down, the other sitting, nestled beside the small lake.
"Brother?" Xiao Wu approached.
"Shh! Quiet, he’s asleep," Dugu Yan whispered.
"Oh!" Xiao Wu sat beside her.
"I often hear my brother talk about you," Xiao Wu said, gazing at the lake.
"What does he say?" Dugu Yan asked, watching Li Yu sleep peacefully on her lap.
"He says you’re the first woman he met in this world, and the one he feels most sorry for. He’ll spend his life making it up to you and loving you. I was so moved! Can you tell me how you met?" Xiao Wu looked at the mature and beautiful Dugu Yan, curious.
"We met by chance," Dugu Yan began, slowly recounting their memories.
Though simple, it was heartwarming.
When she described their first passionate spark, Xiao Wu glanced at her sleeping brother. "No wonder he feels sorry for you! So rash! You should punish him!" She nodded approvingly.
"How did you meet?" Dugu Yan asked the younger sister.
"Me? Also by chance," Xiao Wu shared her own story.
Dugu Yan gently stroked Li Yu’s cheek. "That’s how he is—gentle to everyone, irresistible."
"Yes! We should form an alliance to keep him in check," Xiao Wu proposed.
"You attack, I defend?" Dugu Yan smiled.
"I can’t attack. Yan’er, you attack!" Xiao Wu shook her head.
"What are you two talking about?" Li Yu slowly opened his eyes, taking in the majestic mountains and the lingering fragrance below, deeply enchanted.
"Brother! You’re awake!" Xiao Wu’s rosy eyes sparkled with joy.

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"Yan’er, I’m sorry!" Li Yu apologized sincerely.
"It’s nothing to apologize for. I came willingly," Dugu Yan replied softly.
"I’ll treat you well for life! I swear!" Li Yu raised his hand dramatically.
"Can you get up after swearing?" Dugu Yan said irritably.
"This place is so comfy! I want to lie here forever!" Li Yu joked.
"You—move! My leg’s numb!" Dugu Yan blushed, scolding him.
"Let me massage it then." Li Yu stood, reaching out playfully to her shapely thigh.
"Hehe! Brother, you’re so funny!" Xiao Wu laughed, collapsing onto the grass, clutching her belly.
Li Yu: "..."
Was it really that funny?
"Let me massage our Xiao Wu then," Li Yu said, reaching for her.
Xiao Wu jumped up and ran away.
Li Yu somersaulted and chased after her.
Dugu Yan watched Xiao Wu happily, as if understanding something.
Li Yu suddenly grabbed Dugu Yan’s curves from behind. "Yan’er, you’ve grown so much!" He pinched her playfully.
"You lecher!" Dugu Yan stood and chased after him.
...
Spirit Soul City, I have arrived.
Li Yu smiled toward the distant Spirit Soul Hall.
The person most alike Li Yu in this world was Bibi Dong—
Both orphans from childhood,
Both adopted,
Both hurt by those who adopted them.
Li Yu understood Bibi Dong’s suffering.
He wanted to protect this enchanting queen.
If she sought the world, he would fight for her.
If she aspired to godhood, he would help her achieve it.
Anyone who dared harm her would face his wrath.
Any debts she owed, he would repay.
He wanted to give her the best the world could offer.
Leaving the Han Kingdom’s borders, they entered the vast and resource-rich Chu territory.
Chu was historically elegant and refined, a tradition that lasted two millennia.
Chu was the only state forged by its own hand, not granted by the Zhou royal house.
Thus, Chu and the other six states looked down on each other; the six considered Chu barbaric, and Chu despised the others in return, birthing works like "Chu Ci" and "Li Sao."
Entering Chu, Li Yu felt the humid air, nostalgic and refreshing.
Beside him, Ji Wu Ye’s favored concubine poured tea for Li Yu.
Li Yu nodded with thanks, "No need for such formality! I’m not that strict."
"But I only know how to pour tea," the woman said softly.
Li Yu took her delicate hand: "No problem. I’ll take care of you for the rest of our lives."
A simple sentence, yet the woman’s tears fell.
"Wan’er, now that you’re mine, I will be responsible for you," Li Yu said tenderly.
"Tang Wan’er is now the young master’s woman," Wan’er felt Li Yu’s warmth, an unfamiliar tenderness she had never experienced before.
Li Yu looked at E Huang opposite, sorrowful. "Sister-in-law, still upset? After the next stop, we’ll rest for a while before moving on."
"Yu Di, no need! I’m fine," E Huang replied softly.
"Don’t say you’re fine! Mental wounds are harder to heal than physical ones. I must consider your health! Besides, we need supplies and rest. That’s decided."
Tang Wan’er glanced at Li Yu, then at E Huang, a flicker of something in her eyes. She often saw the young master sneak glances at the so-called sister-in-law, especially her exaggerated curves.
Xianyang Palace
Ying Zheng stood before a map.
"Zhang Han has been dispatched for over half a year. I wonder where he is now."
Li Yu glanced at the map. "Maybe three or five years from now, or perhaps he’ll return tomorrow. The journey is long and uncertain. When Zhang Han returns, Your Majesty must write his biography."
"Yes, I agree. Anyone who serves Great Qin will have their deeds recorded," Ying Zheng nodded.
Then he turned to Li Yu: "I want to build a palace modeled on King Han’s. What do you think?"
Li Yu paused, recalling how Ying Zheng replicated the palaces of the six other states in Xianyang after unification, wasting manpower and resources, meaningless.
He pondered, then brightened and bowed slightly. "I suggest Your Majesty relocate the capital."
"Move the capital? Why?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty will rule the world; your vision must be far-reaching. Xianyang is defensible but not offensive, easily blocked at Hangu Pass, and unfavorable for communication and intelligence gathering."
Li Yu pointed to a location on the map—Luoyi.
Once the Eastern Zhou capital, now Qin’s Sanchuan Commandery.
He tapped Luoyi’s position.
"This place is near Xianyang; moving the capital here won’t exhaust the people. Most importantly, it borders the Guanzhong Basin to the west and the North China Plain to the east, controlling two major granaries. From Luoyang, one can reach Wei and Yan to the north, Qin and Long to the west, Qi and the sea to the east, and Jianghuai and Chu to the south, all at roughly equal distances. It’s truly the 'Center of the World.' Establishing Luoyi as the capital allows centralized control over the realm."
As Li Yu spoke eloquently, Ying Zheng’s eyes brightened.
Li Yu continued, "I have a plan to build a city of epochal significance. It may take time, but it will benefit generations to come."
"Oh? How long?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Ten years, Your Majesty can relocate the capital. But to fully realize the scale I envision will take several generations."
"Several generations? That long?" Ying Zheng was shocked.
Li Yu nodded. "Have you forgotten how quickly the Sui fell? Moving too fast backfired and made way for others. The fall of Han is a prime example. Never underestimate the power of common people."
Li Yu’s words sent Ying Zheng into deep thought. Li Yu silently observed the world map.
For the young Qin king, Li Yu could still offer advice. But for the middle-aged, unified Ying Zheng, his mindset was different; Li Yu would not speak so freely—letting fate take its course.
Li Yu’s gaze fell on the Peacock Dynasty; Ashoka must be elderly now.
Then toward the East Sea, likely the reign of Emperor Xiaoyuan in Japan.
Looking toward the Middle East, the Roman Empire was probably troubled by Hannibal.
Ying Zheng snapped out of his thoughts and said to Li Yu, "Let’s follow your plan; start with a five-year blueprint."
Li Yu bowed. "Agreed."
Thus, ancient Luoyang stood poised once more at history’s center stage.
Today, Li Yu’s mansion was lively, welcoming new family members.
"Yu! I’m so scared!" Consort Xin Yun, veiled in sheer silk, said.
"You are my wife; no wife fails to come home! Everyone knew you were coming and has prepared for your arrival," Li Yu gently held her hand.
"Master! This house is so grand! Will we live here from now on?" The little snow girl was excited, gazing at the luxurious mansion.

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"Of course, Xue’er, you can live here as long as you want," Li Yu smiled.
"Young master, you’re here!" At the door, Xiao Tao greeted Li Yu eagerly.
"This is my wife! Xiao Tao, get people to move our things," Li Yu said casually.
"Got it!" Xiao Tao bounced happily into the courtyard.
Knowing that devoted sisters were arriving, the wives waited in the mansion beforehand.
Also present was Master Nian Duan, holding Duanmu Rong’s hand, chatting.
As a graceful woman entered, all eyes turned.
Slender and alluring figure, majestic curves, swan-like neck, fair skin, full rounded hips, long jade-like legs—only the veil over her face disrupted her overall aura.
Though the ladies knew beforehand through Li Yu, they still found her striking.
As they appraised Consort Xin Yun, she in turn studied the mansion’s wives: delicate and elegant, slender and plump, cute as Red Lotus, noble as Yan Fei, regal as Bai Yan, maternal as Jing Ni, pure as Duanmu Rong, seductive as Tide Moon, flawless as Flame Spirit Princess, fox-like as Hu Shuangxue, dignified as Nong Yu, alongside gentle Hu Ningyue, confidante Zi Nu, and graceful Liu Feixu.
A gathering of earthly beauties under one roof stunned the snow girl beside Xin Yun.
Once supremely confident in her looks, Xue’er felt a bit overwhelmed.
How did this master bring together so many beauties without conflicts?
Li Yu held Xin Yun’s hand and introduced everyone.
"These are my confidantes, each with their own past, just like you," he said gently to Xin Yun.
"This is Master Nian Duan, head of the medical sect," Li Yu emphasized.
"Master, could you examine my wife’s injuries?" Li Yu bowed to Nian Duan.
Nian Duan stood and said to Xin Yun, "Come with me inside."
Li Yu supported Xin Yun’s waist. "Go, don’t worry."
Xin Yun nodded and entered the inner chamber.
The women looked at the young snow girl, who was still a beauty in the making. Their gazes toward Li Yu turned complicated.
Li Yu scratched his head and introduced the snow girl to Duanmu Rong. "This is Duanmu Rong, my wife. You can call her Sister Rong."
The snow girl slightly bowed, "Hello, Sister Rong," obediently.
At that moment, the lively Red Lotus ran over. "I’m Red Lotus! A year older than Rong’er. You can call me sister too!"
Red Lotus’s figure had developed, her ample chest and bold personality impressive.
Li Yu’s eyes nearly popped out.
Feeling Li Yu’s burning gaze, Red Lotus blushed. "Oh! Prince Consort, you sure have energy!"
Li Yu smiled and walked over to Jing Ni, gently caressing her rounded belly. "Madam, you have one month left until delivery. During this time, daily one-hour walks help ensure a smooth birth."
Since Jing Ni hadn’t been on the run or in hiding, she thrived in Li Yu’s mansion, her front and rear ample and enticing, much to Li Yu’s delight.
Fearing to disturb the fetus, Li Yu only whispered softly, overwhelming Jing Ni with affection—a feeling impossible to resist.
Soon, Nian Duan emerged.
Pulling Li Yu aside, she said, "The wound is deep, reaching the inner bone. It’s a miracle she’s alive! Luckily you treated it promptly. But restoring her original appearance is impossible."
Li Yu had prepared for this and shook his head with disappointment. "Healing would be best. If not, it’s no matter. I love her for who she is, not her face."
From behind, Xin Yun’s voice came: "Yu! I want to leave."
Li Yu quickly turned and supported her. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Maybe I can heal you."
"Don’t lie to me! I know my own injuries," Xin Yun’s face was bitter and pale.
Li Yu held her close, feeling her gentle warmth.
The moon rose, casting shimmering light, cold and melting.
Li Yu led Xin Yun to the courtyard.
"Madam, this courtyard will be your residence. Are you pleased?" Before her arrival, Li Yu had renovated it to her liking.
Various flowers, pavilions, bridges—reminiscent of the Snow Pavilion.
"Yu!" Xin Yun looked at the courtyard, deeply moved.
"Let’s go inside!" Li Yu said, holding her waist as they entered.
Silk curtains, red candles, golden cups.
In front of the bed, folded mandarin duck ribbons, and a newly opened peacock screen.
Xin Yun’s eyes trembled in surprise as she glanced at Li Yu.
Li Yu held her soft hand and pointed to a scroll on the table.
The scroll was solemn and luxurious, clearly made from fine materials.
Curious, Xin Yun unrolled it. "May 27, year seven of Zheng—Brother Li Yu and Consort Xin Yun of Snow Pavilion share mutual affection." Xin Yun was startled and looked toward Li Yu.
"This is the marriage certificate granted by Your Majesty! From now on, you are my wife," Li Yu gently stroked her cheek.
Xin Yun turned her face away, unwilling to show her appearance.
Li Yu smiled and raised his cup, offering it to Xin Yun. "On our wedding night, we drink this wine and become one family. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together."
He handed her the cup.
"Yu! I..." Xin Yun hesitated.
Li Yu chuckled, "May I hear you call me husband?"
Xin Yun bowed her head deeply. Li Yu held her hand, embraced her, and drank the wine in one gulp.
"Madam, please." Li Yu looked at his beloved expectantly.
"H-Husband! I’m so happy! Even if I die, I have no regrets!" She drank the sweet wine.
"Husband! This wine?"
Li Yu scratched his head, "To be honest, I’m not good at drinking. Getting drunk on our wedding night wouldn’t be good."
He set down the cup and gently hugged Xin Yun, savoring her softness and smoothness. "The night is short; let’s get to the main event."
"Husband, could you please put out the candles?" Xin Yun pleaded.
"Of course." Li Yu lightly waved toward the flames.
The room darkened instantly.
Li Yu lifted Xin Yun into his arms, excitedly heading toward the festively decorated bridal bed.
"Husband! Your licking makes me uncomfortable!"
"It’ll feel better soon!"
Xianyang City
Once again, a purple mist enveloped the city.
The Moon Goddess looked out the window.
She whispered to Li Yu, who held her from behind, "Who else have you caused trouble for?"
"I just married a new wife! I’ll bring her to meet you when I have time," Li Yu whispered into her ear.
As he spoke, a beam of white light shot from Li Yu’s mansion, piercing the clouds.