The idea of the True Demon Cult's Saintess marrying him, Chen Jiuyang, as a concubine was incredibly arrogant.
Even Granny Gui's gaze towards Chen Jiuyang changed.
Qiu Yihan also blinked in surprise, then giggled and linked her arm with the old woman's. "Grandmother, he's bullying me."
The old woman, leaning on her cane, shot a sharp glint from her eyes and said calmly, "Young man, our True Demon Cult respects strength above all else. If you possess sufficient power, what's wrong with our Saintess marrying you as a concubine."
"However—"
With a rumble, a terrifying aura erupted from the old woman, pressing down on Chen Jiuyang. "What right and capital do you have to speak such words before me? If it weren't for Yihan's sake, I would have annihilated you on the spot just now."
Facing the old woman's terrifying aura, Chen Jiuyang's bones creaked, causing him discomfort, but he remained undaunted. He met the old woman's gaze and retorted, "My Xuan realm cultivation dares to challenge the peak of the Di realm. Am I afraid of your mere verbal threats? Save your strength."
"A man's life, if he cannot live freely and only knows to follow rules, what meaning does it have? Such mediocre individuals are not worth mentioning."
The old woman stared deeply at Chen Jiuyang, then retracted her aura. "Your way of doing things aligns with our Saint Cult's taste. If you acted submissively before others, I would look down on you. This hurdle, consider it passed."
"I hope your strength matches your words. If you fancy Yihan, then prove it by defeating the prodigies of other sects in the Dao Companion Selection Tournament."
"I have seen too many talented but incompetent failures."
With that, the old woman turned and left with Qiu Yihan, and Granny Gui followed.
The limping old man walked to Chen Jiuyang's side. "Young Master Chen, you are welcome to visit our Saint Cult. Everything has been arranged. Please follow me."
The limping old man led Chen Jiuyang to an exquisite small courtyard. It was simple and unadorned, as if inhabited by ancient people, exuding an aura of deep history.
Chen Jiuyang couldn't help but nod slowly. "This place is truly quite good."
The limping old man chuckled. "Our Saint Cult has occupied this land for over a thousand years, so naturally, it is excellent."
Chen Jiuyang asked, "When does the Dao Companion Selection begin?"
The limping old man replied, "In about fourteen days."
Chen Jiuyang frowned. "You called me to Suhang so much longer before it starts?"
Chen Jiuyang was quite displeased. If he had stayed at the Chen family for another half a month, his cultivation would surely have broken through to the Di realm.
The limping old man explained, "Young Master Chen, the Saintess brought you back to the Saint Cult, and she naturally has her reasons. How could the Saintess harm you? Young Master Chen can also explore Suhang when you have free time. Inviting Young Master Chen as a guest will not restrict your personal freedom."
"That's fine then." If Chen Jiuyang resided here, constantly monitored by the True Demon Cult, how could he cultivate properly?
If his secrets were exposed, the consequences would be dire.
The limping old man added, "The Saintess's return to the Saint Cult is not just for the Dao Companion Selection, but also to undergo our Saint Cult's baptism. Only after the Saintess's baptism concludes will the Dao Companion Selection Tournament begin."
"At that time, all the branches of our Saint Cult and the demonic prodigies from all over the Dragon Kingdom will come. If the Saintess didn't bring Young Master Chen back to the Saint Cult early to show your face, you might not even have the qualification to be a candidate for the Saintess's Dao Companion."
"Every candidate for the Saintess's Dao Companion is carefully selected by our Saint Cult and then participates in the Dao Companion Selection together."
Chen Jiuyang was curious. "Why is that?"
The limping old man said, "Our Saint Cult has ancient traditions and a long history. Internally, it is divided into nine lineages, with one Saintess, who is rotated among the nine lineages. Currently, the Saintess is a descendant of the Han family of Suhang. Descendants of the Han family of Suhang who become Saintesses have historically all possessed the Heavenly Charm Physique. Each of the nine lineages has different special physiques. Our Saint Cult selects a Saintess every sixty years, making each Saintess highly sought after. Becoming our Saint Cult's Dao Companion brings indescribable benefits."
Chen Jiuyang couldn't help but nod. This was quite good. Dual cultivation with someone possessing the Heavenly Charm Physique could greatly enhance one's cultivation. Any man would want to possess the Heavenly Charm Physique.
"From today onwards, the Saintess's name will change from Qiu Yihan to Han Yiqiu."
"Of course, this is for the public. The Heavenly Charm Physique undergoes mortal world tempering from birth. Only their Dao Companion will know their true name."
Chen Jiuyang didn't ask further. For the True Demon Cult to have lasted so many years, it must have many internal rules.
"Young Master Chen can move freely in Suhang during the day, but you must return here to stay at night, for the convenience of the Saintess or our Saint Cult members to meet."
"I understand," Chen Jiuyang replied.
After saying this, the limping old man withdrew.
Then, Chen Jiuyang summoned the Eighth Elder of the Chen family and came to the courtyard, loudly calling out, "May I ask Elder Eight to come out and meet me."
In a moment, the Eighth Elder appeared before Chen Jiuyang. "Young Master, what is the matter?"
Chen Jiuyang asked, "Does my Shushan Chen family have any business establishments in Suhang?"
"Naturally, we do," the Eighth Elder replied. "Our Shushan Chen family has branches and industries all over the country. This is the Dragon Kingdom's support for the major aristocratic families of Shushan."
Chen Jiuyang said, "Since we do, please trouble Elder Eight to take me to see the Suhang Chen family."
A sharp glint flashed in the Eighth Elder's eyes, and he nodded slightly. "I understand. I will notify the Suhang branch of the Chen family immediately. Tomorrow, Young Master can visit the Suhang branch of the Chen family."
Living under someone else's roof, Chen Jiuyang could not expose his secrets. However, he needed to improve his cultivation, preferably not under the watchful eyes of the True Demon Cult.
The vast primeval forest was filled with natural vitality. Living here, Chen Jiuyang's state of mind became much calmer. Chen Jiuyang was housed and treated well here.
When night fell, after Chen Jiuyang had washed up and lay on his bed, a jingle sounded outside his door. Immediately, his room door was pushed open, and a fragrant breeze wafted in as a fiery, warm, delicate body slipped into Chen Jiuyang's covers.
Chen Jiuyang's eyes snapped open, and he sat up. "Who are you?"
"Young Master Chen, I am a maid sent by the Saint Cult to warm your bed," the woman said, wearing revealing clothing that hinted at her voluptuous figure. Her body exuded an intoxicating fragrance. "The Saint Cult has ordered me to serve Young Master Chen comfortably."
Every word she spoke was sweet and pleasant, making it almost impossible for a man to resist, as if it carried a charm.
Chen Jiuyang said calmly, "Thank you for the True Demon Cult's kindness, but I do not need you to warm my bed. Please leave."
"Young Master Chen, do you look down on me?" The woman's face immediately showed a look of pitifulness, appearing fragile and delicate. Every movement she made stirred a man's desire. "I can do anything, and I will surely make Young Master Chen comfortable. Please don't send me away, otherwise, the Saint Cult will not treat me well."
Chen Jiuyang slapped her across the face, knocking her off the bed, and uttered a single word in a deep voice: "Scram!"