C14 This Is My Woman

Upon returning home, Ling Tianxie entered the Origin Devouring Ring with a mere thought. Inside the Ring Space, a complex of palaces and countless rooms of various sizes sprawled before him. Previously, Ling Tianxie's physical form couldn't access these spaces, rendering the grand halls and chambers effectively useless, except for the Treasure Storage Pavilion where he stored his items. Additionally, there were the Martial Pavilion, Pill Dao Pavilion, Weapon Dao Pavilion, and Array Dao Pavilion.

At that moment, Ling Tianxie was in the Pill Dao Pavilion, intent on refining pills. The pavilion, the size of a basketball court, was lined with wooden shelves, yet it lacked any tools for pill refining. In fact, the entire Ring Space was devoid of anything useful.

Undeterred, Ling Tianxie believed that a journey without challenges held no meaning. The previous master of the Origin Devouring Ring likely shared this sentiment; if everything was set up perfectly, one might as well be a puppet.

Sorting through the prearranged herbs, Ling Tianxie placed them before him and sat down cross-legged. With a soft command, "Hongmeng Purple Fire, refine all," the Hongmeng Purple Fire burst forth from his eyes, coalescing into a hovering Purple Lotus in the void before him.

He gently lifted several portions of herbs above the Purple Fire with his right hand and declared, "Void Pill Condensation Arts, begin." The Purple Fire instantly liquefied the herbs, which then solidified into a cluster. The fire's intensity shifted, and within moments, the liquid transformed into individual pills, releasing a delightful pill fragrance.

This was the art of using the cosmos as a crucible to forge pills, a Secret Arts described in the Dao Scripture known as the Void Pill Condensation Arts.

Five pills settled into two porcelain bottles. Ling Tianxie examined one, noting the pill pattern etched upon it and the pill coat that enveloped it, designed to preserve its potency for as long as possible. Pills were categorized into nine grades, with the ninth being the pinnacle.

With a sigh, Ling Tianxie felt a twinge of frustration. He had overlooked the absence of Spiritual Qi within the ring. Had he harnessed the Spiritual Qi from the world around him while using the Void Pill Condensation Arts, the efficacy of the pills could have been magnified exponentially.

The efficacy of pills crafted using these Secret Arts would see a tenfold increase.

Ling Tianxie's eyes sparkled with excitement. If Void Pill Condensation Arts worked for pills, could it apply to refining as well?

He needed to sell the pills now but wasn't sure where to find connoisseurs.

Deciding to act fast, Ling Tianxie dialed the bald man's number, figuring it was a favor to him.

He examined the Body Stabilizing Pill he had just created. It was a mere first-grade Low Level Pill, yet it was quite impressive by mundane standards.

Ling Tianxie had promised Wang Xue a date that afternoon. He left his home and headed towards hers.

Wang Xue was brimming with excitement for their afternoon date, hoping Ling Tianxie would call her soon. Then, she heard a knock at the door.

She cautiously inquired who it was and, recognizing it was Ling Tianxie, she opened the door.

Ling Tianxie had seen this cautious behavior before; his sister had acted similarly, given the tumultuous nature of the neighborhood.

Upon entering the room, Wang Xue clung to Ling Tianxie like a koala.

With a blissful smile, Wang Xue wrapped her arms around Ling Tianxie's neck. "Mr. Tianxie, I've missed you so much."

Ling Tianxie watched Wang Xue nuzzle her head against his chest adorably. "Mm, Xue, I've missed you too. So much that I could gobble you up."

He was amused at himself for uttering such cheesy lines so effortlessly.

Wang Xue tilted her head up, her pink lips grazing Ling Tianxie's cheek. "Mm, Mr. Tianxie, however you want to 'eat,' you can."

Ling Tianxie pressed his lips to hers, gently savoring the kiss, filled with the sweet fragrance of youth.

His hand instinctively reached for Wang Xue's cheek, employing the Red Soft Palm technique.

Wang Xue's eyes glistened with tears, her breath quickened, and she emitted a series of soft sounds from deep within her throat.

Eventually, they broke the kiss.

Wang Xue's gaze immediately went to the clock on the wall.

"Sigh, only three minutes and fifty seconds have passed."

Ling Tianxie couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"What's going on in that head of yours?"

Wang Xue gazed at Ling Tianxie with eyes brimming with affection.

"I'm thinking of you."

Just as Ling Tianxie was about to savor the moment, his phone rang. It must be the bald guy.

Ling Tianxie had nearly forgotten the matter at hand. Wang Xue, unbothered, began to tidy up right in front of him, igniting a passionate look in Ling Tianxie's eyes.

Descending the stairs, he was greeted by the bald man and Black Snake, both sporting bandages on their arms and standing at attention.

The bald man mused to himself,

"Master Ling truly lives a charmed life! He's always surrounded by beautiful women."

He mistakenly assumed Wang Xue and Ling Yueer from East City Second Senior High School were Ling Tianxie's mistresses, with Qin Keqing being the main consort.

Observing their respectful demeanor, Ling Tianxie inwardly acknowledged that true power was indeed the ultimate foundation.

"Baldy, I've called you here to discuss a business opportunity."

Baldy was ecstatic, knowing that any business proposed by this young master was bound to be lucrative. He eagerly inquired, "Master Ling, what kind of major deal is it?"

Ling Tianxie produced a Body Stabilizing Pill and handed it to Baldy.

Baldy examined the pill pattern on the Body Stabilizing Pill with initial confusion, but upon closer inspection, his surprise was palpable.

"Master Ling, is this the legendary Body Stabilizing Pill? I was fortunate enough to witness one being auctioned off once. A bottle of three fetched over ten million, but my modest influence lacks the means and the courage to compete for such treasures."

Ling Tianxie hadn't anticipated the circulation of pills in the secular world, realizing he had underestimated its complexities.

He offered,

"Oh? Are you interested? I can sell you a bottle for ten million."

Upon hearing this, Baldy was thrilled. Rumor had it that consuming a bottle of Body Stabilizing Pill could elevate an Acquired Martial Artist by an entire minor realm. Without a strong backing, he couldn't purchase such pills, even if he had the funds.

He exclaimed with great joy,

"I'll take it, Master Ling, I'll transfer the money to you immediately."

Ling Tianxie provided his bank details, and within two minutes, he received a confirmation text for the transaction.

"This pill of mine can elevate you to the Acquired Peak."

Ling Tianxie's voice trailed off into the distance as he walked away.

The bald man quickly ingested a Body Stabilizing Pill, his bones crackling as he ascended from the Acquired Middle Period to the Acquired Peak.

"Master Ling is truly miraculous. Black Snake, we've hit the jackpot this time!"

Black Snake could only nod, still in shock.

The bald man was overjoyed. With this pill, both he and Black Snake had the opportunity to advance to the level of Innate Martial Artist.

Resolved, he summoned Black Snake and his underling to hurry to Qin's Group to seek forgiveness.

...

Meanwhile, Ling Tianxie was strolling down the street, holding Wang Xue's hand.

Noticing her bewildered look, he said:

"Xue, snap out of it."

"Mr. Tianxie, were those two guys fools? Why did they give you ten million?"

Wang Xue had indeed seen the ten million transfer on Ling Tianxie's phone.

Ling Tianxie believed that Wang Xue, as his partner, should be privy to certain aspects of his life. He shared some details about his situation and his plans to teach his sisters and her how to cultivate.

Wang Xue trusted Ling Tianxie's words completely and looked forward to the day she could become a martial arts expert.

As they approached a crossroad, Ling Tianxie was about to hail a taxi when Wang Xue grabbed his hand, her voice tense:

"Mr. Tianxie, my mother set up a blind date for me this afternoon. I've already turned it down, but she's arranged to meet with them. Would you come with me?"

Wang Xue's eyes were filled with nervous anticipation.

Ling Tianxie gently squeezed her cheek and replied softly,

"I'm your boyfriend; it's my place to be there for you."

Wang Xue's face lit up with happiness, and she skipped along, once again the cheerful and lively young girl she was.

Inside the cafe.

At a table by the window, three people were seated. Wang Xue's mother, Wang Yufen, was engaged in conversation with a mother and her son sitting across from her.

Whatever Wang Yufen had said seemed to delight the middle-aged woman opposite her, who was beaming with joy.

This woman was Zhang Mei. She had heard through the grapevine that Wang Yufen's daughter was quite the beauty and, despite coming from a modest background, she was a catch. Eager to secure a match, she brought her son, Yang Chenggang, to meet her with the hope of striking a deal.

Zhang Mei was curious to learn more.

"Tell me, Yufen, how old is your daughter? What's her personality like?"

Wang Yufen beamed with pride as she spoke of her daughter.

"My Xue is eighteen this year, both beautiful and dutiful."

Yang Chenggang, who had been listening quietly, perked up at Wang Yufen's description. At thirty-two, he had only heard about her beauty, but he hadn't expected her to be so young and fresh!

"Oh, that's wonderful! My Chenggang is well-established, with a successful career, a car, and a house. Marrying him means your daughter will want for nothing."

Zhang Mei's smile was ear to ear.

Just then, Wang Yufen caught sight of Wang Xue entering the room, hand in hand with Ling Tianxie, which soured her expression.

"Xue, over here, come quick," she called out, beckoning Wang Xue over.

Zhang Mei's eyes lit up at the sight of Wang Xue; she was indeed as lovely and well-figured as rumored.

Yang Chenggang nearly drooled at the sight, his sleazy Mediterranean haircut only adding to his lecherous demeanor.

As they approached, both mother and son's expressions turned sour.

"Yufen, what's this about? Why is your daughter holding hands with a young man?" Zhang Mei asked, her displeasure evident.

"He's probably just a classmate, at most a male friend. I assure you, my Xue has never had a boyfriend," Wang Yufen replied, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

"Now, young lady, why on earth would you bring a classmate to a blind date? Come, sit down," she chided.

Wang Yufen rose, separated Wang Xue and Ling Tianxie's hands, and firmly seated her daughter before shooting Ling Tianxie a stern glare.

"Mom, Mr. Tianxie is my boyf—"

Wang Xue was cut off mid-sentence by Wang Yufen.

"Oh, I know he's your classmate."

After speaking, Wang Yufen turned to Ling Tianxie, who was standing nearby.

"Young man, thank you for bringing Xue here. You're free to go if there's nothing else."

Wang Yufen addressed Ling Tianxie with undisguised bluntness.

Unperturbed, Ling Tianxie offered Wang Xue a comforting glance and took a seat at an adjacent table.

Zhang Mei and her son took in the scene.

Zhang Mei had her reservations, but after all, who among the youth didn't experience a few romances? This young lad, still wet behind the ears, was no match for her own exceptional son.

Upon laying eyes on Wang Xue, Yang Chenggang was determined to win over this lovely young lady. The allure of an eighteen-year-old was undeniable.

"Mom, let me repeat myself: I have a boyfriend now. Please stop setting up blind dates for me."

Wang Xue, her eyes reddening, looked pleadingly at Ling Tianxie.

"What are you saying, my girl? Ha, Sister Mei, Xiao Gang, my Xue simply opposes blind dating. She's just speaking out of frustration," Wang Yufen hastily explained to Zhang Mei and her son.

"No worries. Even if she has a boyfriend, these days, good-looking young men are all about having fun. Xue, don't let appearances fool you," Zhang Mei commented dismissively, casting a glance at Ling Tianxie.

"Xue, let's make one thing clear. If you choose to be with me, I'll give you twenty thousand yuan a month for spending money. If you can bear me a son within two years, I'll add a hundred thousand yuan and a car worth no less than that. All you'd need to do is take good care of the child. How does that sound?" Yang Chenggang offered, smugly glancing at Ling Tianxie as if bestowing a favor.

Wang Xue was on the verge of tears from frustration. Ling Tianxie approached her, his gaze filled with empathy.

In the next instant, Ling Tianxie bent down and pressed his lips to Wang Xue's, the two of them lost in a passionate kiss.

The entire coffee shop watched, dumbfounded.

After a lingering moment, their lips finally parted.

"This woman is mine!"

Ling Tianxie gazed at Zhang Mei and her child, his voice carrying a note of cool detachment.