C5 I will Protect You!

Leng Wuyan's normally frosty expression melted under Ye Yun's intense gaze. She averted her gaze, a blush creeping onto her cheeks without her realizing it.

Ye Yun grinned and greeted her, "Honey, I've arrived."

Leng Wuyan's heart missed a beat. Biting down on her silver teeth, she teleported before Ye Yun, her sword poised at his throat.

"Keep up this frivolity and impudence, and I will end you!" she threatened.

Her presence was overwhelming, the air around them seeming to plummet in temperature.

Despite Leng Wuyan's ferocity, Ye Yun was unfazed.

He was confident that Leng Wuyan wouldn't actually kill him.

"Understood, honey," he replied.

"You truly believe I wouldn't dare?" she challenged, sword ready to strike.

Ye Yun quickly pleaded, "Wait, I was wrong. It was just a joke. Please, don't be mad!"

He might not have sensed any real intent to kill from Leng Wuyan, but the thought of being slain on a whim was a grim prospect indeed.

Yet, Ye Yun wasn't disheartened; the challenge invigorated him.

He was determined to win over Leng Wuyan.

Finally, she sheathed her sword and turned away, her voice icy, "This had better not happen again."

"I called you here to discuss the arrangements for our wedding tomorrow."

Leng Wuyan rattled off a list of details. Though she felt no affection for Ye Yun, tomorrow marked her first and likely only wedding.

She yearned for the ceremony to be flawless, for the blessings of many, despite the daunting odds.

Ye Yun simply smiled and nodded along, finding Leng Wuyan's earnestness endearing.

But as for the specifics, he hadn't absorbed a single word.

Noticing Ye Yun's distracted look, Leng Wuyan's lips twitched with annoyance as she asked sharply, "Were you listening?"

Snapping to attention, Ye Yun assured her, "Of course."

"Then repeat what I just said."

"Sect Master, actually, I have something important to report to you."

Leng Wuyan's focus shifted, "What's the matter?"

"I've significantly improved my strength and mastered a new sword technique. I'd like to request a weapon that suits me."

Upon hearing Ye Yun's claim, she began to scrutinize his true power.

Leng Wuyan was utterly astounded.

She had assumed Ye Yun's abilities had only marginally improved, perhaps reaching the second or third layer of Body Tempering.

Even if he had advanced a bit further, she thought he'd merely be at the fifth layer, given his Devil Body—a fact she could come to terms with.

But Ye Yun had reached the Origin Opening Stage!

Leng Wuyan found herself speechless with shock.

She vividly recalled that just that afternoon, Ye Yun's cultivation was at the mere first layer of Body Tempering!

How had he shattered through two major realms in mere hours?

It was inconceivable!

Upon closer examination, Leng Wuyan discovered that Ye Yun's foundational strength was incredibly stable, showing no signs of instability from rapid advancement.

She was shaken to the core once more.

Never had she witnessed such a rapid cultivation pace.

Leng Wuyan considered herself highly gifted, yet her cultivation speed paled in comparison to Ye Yun's terrifying pace!

His progress couldn't simply be attributed to possessing a Devil Body.

Was it possible he had been slowly accumulating power, and now his potential was erupting?

It was preposterous!

The system's voice echoed in Ye Yun's mind.

"Host, congratulations on thoroughly astonishing Leng Wuyan. You've earned a reward: a Bone Reconstructing Pill."

Ye Yun watched Leng Wuyan's astonished face and smiled.

The thrill of surprising his wife was quite satisfying.

"Honey," Ye Yun called out.

Caught in her shock, Leng Wuyan momentarily lost track of the situation and instinctively replied.

"How about that? Impressive, right?"

Leng Wuyan cleared her throat, her voice returning to its usual cool detachment, "Mediocre at best. You've made some progress. At least you're not entirely useless now."

"Remember, cultivation is not a race. It requires a steady, measured approach. Avoid shortcuts to boost your power; they'll only backfire in the end."

Leng Wuyan's concern was that Ye Yun's rapid increase in strength might be due to practicing some forbidden techniques.

Ye Yun nodded, "Understood. So, if I encounter any issues with my cultivation later on, may I seek your guidance?"

Leng Wuyan didn't turn him down. "Certainly, you may. Aside from everything else, you're a disciple of the Heaven Smiting Sect, and I'll instruct you."

In that moment, Leng Wuyan found herself entertaining the idea of turning Ye Yun into a formidable warrior to stand with her in safeguarding the Heaven Smiting Sect. She quickly dismissed the notion, however.

Ye Yun chuckled, "That's great. So, about my sword? Aren't you going to gift me one? Consider it a dowry!"

Leng Wuyan's face turned a lovely shade of pink. She chided Ye Yun, telling him not to overstep, yet her voice betrayed no real scolding.

Realizing her emotions were a bit out of sorts, Leng Wuyan hastily shifted the conversation and handed Ye Yun the sword she had just held to his neck. "This sword is now yours. Dedicate yourself to its mastery, and you will unlock its true potential."

Ye Yun accepted the sword. It was slender and unassuming, yet surprisingly hefty, and he could detect a subtle hum from its blade—a sign of its quality.

Ye Yun beamed with gratitude. "Thank you, my wife!"

Leng Wuyan's ire was on the verge of flaring up once more.

Gazing into her eyes, Ye Yun continued, "Even though I'm not sure why you're set on marrying me, rest assured, whatever comes our way, I'll be there to protect you."

Leng Wuyan's breath caught, her heart racing uncontrollably—a fluttering she couldn't contain.

Her heart was touched.

Swinging the sword a couple of times, Ye Yun resolved to return home and diligently practice the Heaven Smiting Sword Technique. He knew that only through true dedication could he tap into the sword's formidable might.

"Honey, I'm off for now. I'll see you tomorrow."

Watching Ye Yun's lean figure retreat, Leng Wuyan's heart continued to pound fiercely. She touched her chest, her cheeks flushed with a warmth that not even danger had previously summoned.

After a moment, a smile crept across Leng Wuyan's lips, and she whispered to herself, "You're so frail, and yet you wish to protect me?"

Then, a sudden premonition caused her brow to furrow.

"Is Lan Zheng courting death?"

In an instant, she vanished, reappearing atop the Asura Palace.

Outside the grand hall, Lan Zheng intercepted Ye Yun's path. In the darkness of the night, his face twisted into a sinister sneer.

Leng Wuyan held back from intervening; she was curious to gauge Ye Yun's true capabilities.

Ye Yun's cultivation was commendable, but real combat was the ultimate test of his prowess!

Should Ye Yun face peril, she would step in to assist without hesitation.

"Ye Yun, once I've killed you, the Sect Master will have no chance to marry you!"

Unfazed, Ye Yun retorted, "I can't fathom your animosity towards me, but rest assured, you're not capable of taking my life."

Ye Yun saw an opportunity in Lan Zheng's challenge to hone his swordsmanship.

Lan Zheng let out a scornful laugh, "Hostile towards you? Hardly. I reserve hostility for those who pose a threat, not for weaklings like you."

"Do I need a justification to kill you?"

"You've barely achieved Body Tempering Layer One. Eliminating you would be effortless."

"Without the Sect Master's shield, I wonder how long you'll withstand my onslaught?"