"This is my abode? Its size is… quite unexpected."
After being shown around the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, Xiao Hua now stood before a secluded mountain forest deep within the Mansion's realm—known as the Chaos Realm. The area exuded a rich, tranquil spiritual aura, its essence nourishing for one's training.
The forest stretched endlessly, its lush greenery climbing the slopes and crowning the peaks. Shafts of light filtered gently from above, casting a soft glow upon the foliage. Waterfalls cascaded down from the cliffs, their streams weaving together into rivers that converged upon a vast lake nearly four hundred feet wide at the heart of the forest.
At the very center of that lake lay a serene island, a hundred feet across. A towering bamboo grove, its stalks reaching nearly a hundred meters high, cloaked the island in emerald shade. At the grove's center stood a simple yet graceful residence—its quiet elegance blending perfectly with the bamboo, as though it had always belonged there.
Though simple in design, the residence carried an air of refined serenity, a place where one could retreat from the clamor of the world and live in peace with loved ones, undisturbed by the tides of conflict.
"As the leader of a force as powerful as ours, it's only natural that your abode must be extraordinary," Li Mei said with a light smile.
"Besides," Mei Ling added, rolling her eyes, "it's not just for you. Our other little sisters will be living here in the future as well."
"I know." A warm smile curved on Xiao Hua's lips as he turned toward the graceful, purple-clothed lady, his gaze brimming with deep affection.
Sensing his eyes upon her, the Little Fairy Doctor lifted her head and smiled—a smile so soft it seemed to summon a gentle breeze, subtly brightening the world around her.
Xiao Hua chuckled and stepped closer, sliding an arm around her slender waist. In a voice rich with tenderness, he said, "I truly cannot wait for the day when all my wives are living here with me."
"I feel the same," she replied gently. "When that time comes, this bamboo grove will be the dearest place to me… second only to our little valley."
Her arms encircled him in return as she leaned into his broad chest, their warmth blending quietly in the serene air.
"Alright, save this for later…" Xin Yu's exasperated voice rang out, abruptly cutting short the intimate moment.
Xiao Hua chuckled softly at the sight of his sworn sister's helpless expression before releasing the Little Fairy Doctor from his embrace. "Half a year from now, I'll be going into seclusion. Is there anything important, like an event, I need to take care of before then?"
"An event, is it? Not really." Li Mei rubbed her chin, thinking for a moment before giving a faint shake of her head.
"But we do need you for something important," Xin Yu said. With a flick of her wrist, a stack of papers appeared in her hands—over a hundred sheets thick.
With a bright, innocent smile, she continued, "We require you to handle this paperwork and restock the Chaos Treasure Hall with another batch of treasures. They can then be exchanged to strengthen our disciples and improve their foundations."
Seeing the mountain of documents, coupled with Xin Yu's words, Xiao Hua didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Of all the tasks awaiting him, the first one turned out to be the most mundane and exhausting—paperwork.
And that wasn't all. He also had to replenish the Chaos Treasure Hall—a grand repository where disciples could exchange their earned currency for medicinal pills, rare natural treasures beneficial to cultivation, or artifacts that could enhance their combat strength and survival.
The currency, known as Chaos Merit Value, was the standard within the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Disciples could also trade for items using equivalent valuables, though this was rare. Elders, on the other hand, often preferred the latter method—since Chaos Merit Value was exclusive to disciples.
Indeed, many elders had their eyes on the Hall's wares. With so many treasures capable of stirring even the hearts of seasoned cultivators, it was only natural. Lacking Chaos Merit Value themselves, they relied on trading their own treasures to acquire what they desired.
"Fine… Though it's rather disappointing that my first task here is paperwork," Xiao Hua muttered, taking the thick stack of documents. He could only accept the task bitterly, knowing it was important despite its dullness.
"Unfortunately for you, the competition between our disciples has already ended and won't be held again anytime soon," Li Mei said lightly. "After all, we have only a little over a hundred disciples. It's not easy to arrange such events repeatedly."
The Little Fairy Doctor covered her mouth, laughing elegantly as she watched Xiao Hua's expression sink into despair. She could easily guess his thoughts, and her teasing smile made no attempt to hide it.
Xiao Hua's eyes twitched at her amusement before he smiled helplessly. She had seen straight through him, and she was right—he had been hoping to witness the Moonlit Chaos Mansion's disciples competing with each other, but it seemed that hope was already dashed.
"Since you'll be restocking the Chaos Treasure Hall," a voice suddenly rang out as spatial fluctuations rippled through the air, "why not refine Tier 7 Pills for the disciples, and Tier 8 Pills for elders who have contributed merit to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion?"
Two young men appeared in a strange manner, both smiling faintly.
"It could serve as motivation for both disciples and elders," Ming Cheng continued.
"That works as well," Xiao Hua nodded, accepting the additional workload without complaint. After all, his brothers and sisters had been managing the Mansion's affairs for quite some time—it was only right to let them rest and focus on their cultivation.
"Since you'll be entering seclusion half a year from now, we should also focus on raising our strength," Ming Cheng said, his gaze shifting toward Li Mei and Xin Yu. A glint of understanding flickered in their eyes.
"We will also enter seclusion and attempt to break through to the Dou Sheng class within a month," Li Mei nodded.
From their slightly stiff expressions, Mei Ling quickly caught on. "It seems Sister Li Mei and Brother Ming Cheng aren't too confident about breaking through to Dou Sheng in that short a time?" she asked in concern.
"Breaking through to Dou Sheng is no easy task," Li Mei replied with a bitter smile. "If we possessed a Bodhisattva Heart like you, Wei Jie, or Xin Yu, it might be less difficult. But as it stands, it's normal for this step to be extremely challenging."
Her words made Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie flinch slightly before shaking their heads with a helpless smile. They had forgotten that Li Mei and Ming Cheng did not possess the Bodhisattva Heart and would inevitably face far greater obstacles in such a short time frame.
The only reason they themselves felt so calm about reaching Dou Sheng was because of the Bodhisattva Hearts Xiao Hua had given them—treasures they had yet to refine. Once they did, their chances of breaking through without setback would be extremely high. That chance would only increase further with the aid of a Bodhisattva Pill.
Only now did they truly understand the reason behind Ming Cheng and Li Mei's bitter smiles.
"Oh? Here you go, then." Xiao Hua took out two jade boxes and handed them to Ming Cheng and Li Mei.
As they accepted them, he continued flipping through his stack of papers with a resigned expression that made him look utterly weary. "Those jade boxes contain Bodhisattva Hearts. Have fun breaking through to Dou Sheng."
The corners of Ming Cheng and Li Mei's eyes twitched violently, while Xin Yu and the others gaped in shock, staring at Xiao Hua as if trying to process his words.
It took quite some time before they regained their composure. They had long known that Xiao Hua possessed some mysterious means that allowed him to acquire endless high-grade treasures, but even so, they were still stunned by the ease with which he produced such priceless items.
'It does make one wonder… could whatever lies within our little brother also be of use to the Great Thousand World when we reach the Dou Di realm…?'
Li Mei and the others exchanged glances, offering bitter smiles. Though curiosity stirred in their hearts about the mystery within Xiao Hua, they did not dwell on it. They understood his nature well enough to know he would never use it for ill.
"Anyway," Xin Yu spoke up, steering the conversation away, "now that Sister Li Mei and Brother Ming Cheng have obtained them, there's a high chance the two of you will break through to Dou Sheng without any problems."
"Though it may take longer than a month, I believe it won't exceed half a year," Li Mei said with a faint smile.
Ming Cheng nodded in agreement. He could not deny that he lacked confidence in breaking through to Dou Sheng within a single month. He understood that Xin Yu's earlier remark were meant only to reassure the disciples and elders, giving them peace of mind.
After all, despite their recent victory, one could not underestimate the strength of a mysterious and long-standing faction like the Hall of Souls. If word spread that Ming Cheng and the others could reach Dou Sheng within that time frame, it would naturally ease the hearts of their allies.
Moreover, in order to solidify the alliance between the Pill Tower and Burning Flame Valley, they needed sufficient strength to support it. No matter what, they had to reach the Dou Sheng realm.
"Since we've received the Bodhisattva Hearts from our little brother, we should enter seclusion immediately—so that he can begin his own retreat with peace of mind," Ming Cheng said with a faint smile.
Xiao Hua returned the smile and nodded. Then, his expression sharpened, his voice lowering with quiet resolve. "Once I succeed in the final trial, I will return to the North-West Region and settle the matter there."
At his words, silence fell over the group. They understood well—Xiao Hua was thinking of Ya Fei and Cai Lin. Naturally, he also cared for the Xiao Clan, but with Ya Fei and Cai Lin guarding them, it would be impossible for the Misty Cloud Sect—or rather, Yun Shan—to make a move against them.
That was, of course, assuming the Hall of Souls did not intervene. But since they were currently occupied with their own affairs, assisting Yun Shan would be difficult—at least for the time being.
Moreover, news had arrived that Hun Mie Sheng, the chief of Hall of Souls, had entered seclusion. This was, in a sense, good news—it meant the faction would find it far harder to act freely for a while.
"When that time comes, make sure to bring our two sisters-in-law to the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. I'm quite eager to meet my adorable little niece," Wei Jie said with a laugh, already picturing himself as the greatest uncle in the world. It was clear he intended to steer the conversation toward something lighthearted rather than dwell on this topic.
"Hmph. What do you mean your little niece? She's our cute little nephew," Mei Ling shot back, rolling her eyes with mock disbelief. Even so, a faint smile tugged at her lips—she clearly shared the same anticipation.
"She? Has my child been born without my knowledge?" Xiao Hua's eyes widened as he looked between them. If the child truly had been born, he would immediately return to the Jia Ma Empire to bring Cai Lin, Ya Fei, and his newborn here without hesitation.
"Not yet—but I've already decided it will be a girl," Wei Jie replied with a light chuckle.
"That's right. It's better to have a little niece first than a little nephew," Mei Ling added, nodding in firm agreement.
Xiao Hua could only gape at their words, utterly baffled that they had decided this on their own—over his child, no less.
The Little Fairy Doctor laughed softly, her melodious voice carrying a graceful charm as she took in Xiao Hua's expression—equal parts disbelief and exasperation. It was clear she found his helplessness amusing.
With a teasing smile, she asked, "Be honest, Xiao Hua—would you rather have a little Cai Lin, or a little Xiao Hua?"
"Naturally, I'd prefer a little Cai Lin," Xiao Hua answered without hesitation, his voice brimming with pride.
"You're clearly biased toward girls," the Little Fairy Doctor said, shaking her head with a faint, helpless smile.
"I don't care. Cai Lin must give me a Little Cai Lin," Xiao Hua said with a shrug before turning to her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "And you'll have to give me a little Xian'er."
The Little Fairy Doctor was startled by his unexpected words. A deep crimson flush rose to her delicate cheeks, coloring her cute earlobes and even trailing down her smooth, white neck. She bit her lower lip, trying to suppress her shyness.
Turning her head away, she avoided Xiao Hua's gaze and gave a soft, almost reluctant nod.
Seeing her behave like this, Xiao Hua chuckled, a surge of satisfaction welling in his heart—he had succeeded in getting his revenge for her earlier teasing.
"Anyway, if there's nothing else, we should get going and settle our tasks. It's best we inform the disciples and elders, so we can enter seclusion knowing they're aware Xiao Hua will be handling the administrative matters," Xin Yu said, clapping her hands to bring them back to the topic.
With her suggestion, everyone dispersed to gather the elders and relay the discussion.
Naturally, none of the elders voiced any objections. If Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu broke through to the Dou Sheng realm, the strength of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion would rise sharply, giving them peace of mind against the Hall of Souls.
What excited them most, however, was that Xiao Hua would personally refine pills or high-level Dou Techniques and Qi Methods at their choosing for elders who had rendered great merit.
For the ordinary elders, this was already an incredible reward. But for the alchemists among them, the news was even more exhilarating—they would not only receive Xiao Hua's guidance in improving their pill refinement skills, but also have the chance to watch a Tier 9 Treasure Alchemist at work.
To be personally instructed by such a rare existence was something they had never even dared to dream of. Yet, simply by joining the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, the benefits far outweighed the loss of freedom or the risks of aligning themselves with the Mansion's fate.
How could the elders and alchemists not be thrilled by such news?
Once everything had settled, Ming Cheng, Li Mei, and Xin Yu immediately entered seclusion, vowing not to emerge until they had stepped into the Dou Sheng realm.
During this period, nine-colored Pill Lightning frequently illuminated the skies above the Chaos Realm, a clear sign that Xiao Hua was refining multiple high-grade medicinal pills for the elders who had submitted their requests.
Meanwhile, the Chaos Treasure Hall had been replenished with rare natural treasures, artifacts, and freshly refined pills, drawing countless disciples and even elders. The hall, already bustling on ordinary days, became even more lively and overcrowded.
The Technique Hall, too, saw a surge of visitors after being restocked with a wealth of Dou Techniques and Qi Methods, ranging from the Huang-Class to the lofty Tian-Class.
Despite being buried in administrative tasks and monitoring the progress of disciples and elders in seclusion, Xiao Hua never neglected the Little Fairy Doctor. He ensured she would not feel lonely—though at times he intentionally left her by herself, curious to see her reaction.
Yet, such attempts always ended in failure, for he would inevitably seek solace and warmth in her gentle presence, unable to resist.
As for Mei Ling's punishment—after Xiao Hua informed the elders, she dragged him away without hesitation, unleashing a fierce beating for his carelessness in fathering a child at the mere age of seventeen. The fact that the child had yet to be born, or that Cai Lin possessed the Medusa Bloodline, did little to lessen his punishment.
One formidable technique after another erupted from Mei Ling's hands, her strikes echoing through the entire Chaos Realm. Disciples and elders alike gathered to watch the spectacle, their eyes gleaming with both amusement and intrigue.
While they did not know the exact reason for Xiao Hua's punishment, they were certain he must have earned it—after all, it was rare for Mei Ling to personally deliver discipline, even to her own disciple, Qing Xiu.
Yet as they watched, their hearts could not help but tremble in shock. For the first time, they witnessed the true strength of their Mansion Master—and it was utterly astounding. Every strike Mei Ling unleashed carried terrifying might, yet each time, their Mansion Master withstood the blow with barely a scratch.
Mei Ling showed no mercy, raining down technique after technique in relentless succession until Xiao Hua's once-composed appearance became disheveled and messy. Only when she deemed his state sufficiently pitiful did she finally stop.
Even so, the display had seared itself into the minds of the disciples and elders. Excitement surged within them—Mansion Master's power was far more monstrous than they had ever imagined.
They had heard tales of his strength before, but seeing it firsthand left a far deeper mark.
In the days that followed, peace once again settled over the Mansion. Yet beneath the calm, everyone felt it—a distant storm drawing ever closer. Some chose to savor the quiet while it lasted, while others threw themselves into training, determined to be ready for the inevitable invasion that loomed in the future.
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