Xiao Jietian channeled his profound energy with precise control, the tip of his finger tracing elegant, vigorous strokes across the twin plaques. Golden dragon-and-phoenix motifs danced beneath his touch, forming ancient, majestic characters that seemed to hum with latent spatial power.
One plaque bore the designation for the Black-Corner Region; the other—for the Northern Territories of the Central Plains.
Precisely so. The first palace was none other than the original Teleportation Hall of Eternal Heaven City. The newly manifested counterpart was being prepared to forge a stable link with Tianbei City.
At present, only two anchor points remained available for activation. One had long been reserved for the Black-Corner Region; thus only a single slot now awaited connection.
When dormant and unlinked, the gate appeared as nothing more than an imposing stone archway, its surface densely etched with bizarre, twisting runes of unknown origin.
Xiao Jietian had studied them for many long hours. He suspected they were a form of spatial inscription, yet they clearly did not belong to the Dou Qi Continent. No amount of profound energy could serve as a medium to replicate or decipher them.
With a casual flick of his sleeve, he strode into the heart of the hall and approached the vast central platform at the rear.
From the depths of his system storage space, he summoned the massive stone gate.
"Boom!"
A thunderous impact reverberated through the palace as the gate settled perfectly into its reserved recess, causing the entire structure to tremble faintly before returning to serene stillness.
Xiao Jietian retrieved a transmission jade slip and sent a brief message to Hai Bodong, instructing him to dispatch the duty guards to stand watch over the new gate.
The Teleportation Halls were never left unattended. A rotation of trusted personnel—each bearing a soul imprint for swift identification—maintained constant vigil against any unforeseen mishap.
With all preparations complete here, Xiao Jietian's figure gradually blurred into motes of light.
In the next breath, he reappeared within the bounds of Tianbei City.
Activating the Void Piercing Step, he moved toward the Han estate. A mere handful of strides carried him past the outer gates so swiftly that the sentries stationed there felt only the faintest whisper of wind; they never even registered his passage.
This movement art, when cultivated to the pinnacle, truly embodied the ancient verse: "Slay a man within ten steps, leave not a trace across a thousand li."
It was the consummate skill for silent assassination and swift escape—by the time pursuers cried "Do not let him escape!", even the dust of his shadow would have long vanished.
Xiao Jietian's divine sense swept outward. He sensed that only Han Chi currently occupied the main reception hall; Han Yue and Han Xue were elsewhere.
With a single step he crossed space itself, materializing soundlessly before Han Chi.
The older man nearly leapt from his seat, tea splashing across his robes.
"My son-in-law… you appear and vanish like a ghost. Were my heart not steady, I fear you would have frightened me to death." Han Chi gave a helpless sigh, circulating his Dou Qi to dry the damp silk.
"Father-in-law, from what I observe, your vitality remains vigorous. You could easily take several more beautiful concubines without the slightest strain," Xiao Jietian teased with a faint, roguish smile.
Han Chi waved a hand dismissively. "No, no. I am content alone."
Since the passing of his wife, he had harbored no further thoughts of romance.
Yet inwardly he added a silent rider: What if another daughter appears in the future? Who knows whether you would sweep her away as well…
Ever since Xiao Jietian had rescued Han Xue, Han Chi had clearly perceived the girl's budding affection.
After all, the young man had saved her life. Moreover, his countenance was peerless—truly unmatched across the entire continent. One could scour every corner of the Dou Qi world and find no rival in appearance.
Beyond that flawless visage, he was astonishingly approachable despite wielding unimaginable wealth and power. His talent stood at the absolute apex—even the chosen heirs of the greatest ancient clans and sects paled beside him.
Even the legendary Miss Feng, personal disciple of Thunder Venerable himself, had never revealed a cultivation surpassing Dou Zong. Were she to break through to that realm, the Wind-Thunder Pavilion would surely trumpet the news across the Central Plains, using the occasion to overshadow the other three branches and draw countless fresh talents to their banner.
"My son-in-law, your timing is perfect. The site for the new teleportation gate has already been prepared. Shall we go inspect whether the location is suitable?"
Seeing Xiao Jietian nod, Han Chi rose and led the way.
Along the path, every guard, maidservant, and clan member they passed bowed deeply, greeting him with respectful cries of "Son-in-law!"
...
Outside Han Xue's private courtyard, one of her personal maids hurried toward the boudoir.
She knocked lightly upon the carved door and spoke with deferential clarity:
"First Young Miss, Second Young Miss—the son-in-law has arrived."
"What?!"
A high, startled cry burst from within.
Han Yue watched as Han Xue shot upright from the bed like a startled spring, black lines practically crawling across her own forehead.
"Why are you so excited?"
"He's here? Has he come to see us?" Han Xue asked breathlessly, already reaching for the carefully selected outfit she had laid out the night before—only to pause, suddenly convinced it no longer looked quite right.
This was the classic maiden's dilemma: painstakingly choosing garments by lamplight, only to wake at dawn, stare at the same clothes, and decide they were utterly inadequate. Then, gazing into a wardrobe bursting with silks and brocades, she would sigh that she had "nothing to wear."
"No, Miss," the maid outside answered quickly. "The son-in-law has already departed with the Family Head. I do not know where they went."
Han Xue exhaled in secret relief. "Little E, you may withdraw."
After the maid retreated, she turned back to the wardrobe and resumed her search with renewed determination.
Han Yue rose from the bed as well, stepped to her sister's side, and gently tapped her forehead.
"It is my man who has arrived—why are you so excited?"
Han Xue's hand froze mid-reach, clutching a length of pale azure silk. In that instant she realized she had completely forgotten Han Yue was standing right beside her.
Oh no… I'm finished.
Her mind began to whirl at unprecedented speed—truly the fastest it had ever operated in all her years.
"I—I only thought… since he has come, we as hosts should naturally go greet him, right? Otherwise people will say we lack manners. Don't you agree, Elder Sister~~?"
So saying, she leaned directly against Han Yue, rubbing her cheek affectionately in coquettish appeal.
Yet as she pressed close, a certain disparity became painfully apparent.
"Sister… how have you developed so much here?" Han Xue glanced down at herself, then reached out to weigh Han Yue's figure with both hands. In an instant she felt as though she had awakened from a beautiful dream—only to discover that the clown had been herself all along.
Han Yue's cheeks instantly flushed crimson at the bold touch.
"How can you speak such things aloud… You will understand in the future."
Han Xue eyed her suspiciously. "Did you secretly consume some miracle tonic these past few years? Otherwise—same mother, same blood—how could there be such a vast difference?"
At those words, Han Yue's mind involuntarily drifted to certain nightly exertions. Her face burned even hotter.
She hastily banished the indecent thoughts, inwardly cursing: It must be that scoundrel Xiao Jietian… he has thoroughly corrupted me with his filthy notions.
Meanwhile, far away on the path, Xiao Jietian—who had been strolling beside Han Chi—suddenly felt a sharp twinge in his nose.
Someone is thinking of me? Is it Queen Medusa? Or the eternally youthful Little Zi Yan? Or perhaps…
"My son-in-law, what is the matter?" Han Chi asked, noticing the sudden change in expression.
"Nothing of import. I merely recalled something trivial."
"Is it urgent?"
Xiao Jietian shook his head. Seeing this, Han Chi asked no further and continued leading the way.
...
Back in the boudoir, Han Xue observed her sister's flushed cheeks and asked with genuine concern:
"Sister, what is wrong? Do you have a fever?"