In the City Lord's Mansion of Glory City, there were endless courtyards, grand and magnificent.
Pavilions and towers dotted the landscape, complemented by flowing streams and picturesque scenery.
However, the place was heavily guarded; even a single guard was a Silver Warrior, and one could occasionally see some Gold Warriors patrolling.
It was said that some auxiliary courtyards even housed Black Gold Warriors and Demon Spirit Masters.
This was the most crucial area of the entire Glory City!
Nie Li and Nie Yu had been assigned to one of the auxiliary courtyards.
As long as a Black Gold-level expert did not attack the City Lord's Mansion, it was very safe here, highlighting how much attention was given to the genius Nie Li.
"Brother Nie Li, why are we staying inside the City Lord's Mansion?" Nie Yu asked timidly, feeling nervous ever since they entered.
"Because it’s safe here!" Nie Li smiled and patted Nie Yu's shoulder.
"You don't need to be afraid. With me around, you can rest easy. Also, the City Lord’s daughter is your sister-in-law. You’ll call her sister-in-law when you meet her, alright?"
"Sister-in-law? Oh."
Nie Yu looked up at Nie Li in surprise.
When did her brother find a sister-in-law? And it's the City Lord's daughter?
Nie Yu was full of questions, but Nie Li didn’t elaborate.
Little did the City Lord know that his efforts to protect the genius would turn into inviting a wolf into the house; Nie Li had been plotting from the very start.
Ah, I’m now in the City Lord's Mansion.
If I train and get bored, I can tease Ye Ziyun; life is indeed leisurely.
If only there were no Divine Sacred Family and Dark Guild, and no demon beasts attacking, that would make it even better.
To ensure a comfortable future, he had to deal with the Divine Sacred Family, which was right under his nose.
If it weren't for their betrayal in his past life, Glory City wouldn’t have fallen so easily.
The most severe threats often come from within.
Nie Li was still only a Silver Two-Star, but in terms of strength, defeating an average Gold One-Star or Two-Star shouldn't be too hard.
However, this was still far from enough; he needed to hurry and train.
"What can quickly enhance my strength?" Nie Li suddenly slapped his forehead.
"How did I forget about the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm? The only thing in Saint Orchid Academy I should care about is the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm."
"First, I need to prepare and find an opportunity to go there!" Nie Li thought to himself.
He sat cross-legged to begin his training, and Nie Yu quietly followed suit, diligently focusing on her cultivation without disturbing her brother.
Days passed...
Things were decent for Nie Li and Nie Yu.
Other than the core area they couldn’t visit, they faced no restrictions.
Their meals were personally delivered, and outsiders could come and go at will.
It was said that in a few days, the City Lord and Ye Mo would personally meet Nie Li, so the maids and guards around them treated the Nie siblings with utmost courtesy.
Nie Li’s cultivation steadily progressed, and on the fifth day, he finally reached another breakthrough, raising his soul force to the Silver Three-Star level.
Once he reached Silver Three-Star, Nie Li didn’t rush to increase his level further; at the beginning of cultivation, it was better to not rise too quickly and let himself have time to solidify his foundations.
After all, there was no need to be too hasty.
He blinked, realizing that it had been several days since he came to the City Lord's Mansion, and Ye Ziyun hadn't come to find him.
As evening approached, the sunset cast golden rays over the City Lord’s Mansion, making the buildings appear even more grand.
"Perhaps she’s too shy, making it hard for her to come see me. Looks like I’ll have to take the initiative!" Nie Li chuckled, glancing at Nie Yu beside him.
"Little Yu, I’m going to find your sister-in-law. You stay here and cultivate well."
"Oh."
Nie Yu looked at Nie Li with wide, confused eyes.
What was her brother planning to do to find sister-in-law? Though she was puzzled, she didn’t question him and obediently stayed in the courtyard to practice.
After stepping out of the auxiliary courtyard, Nie Li summoned his Shadow Demon Spirit and vanished.
The few Gold Warriors guarding the courtyard sensed an unusual aura and cautiously looked around, but found nothing amiss, thinking it was just their imagination.
"The training of the Shadow Demon Spirit’s vanishing technique still isn't good enough; the concealment skill isn't strong enough. If I run into a Gold-level opponent, I can probably fool them, but against a Black Gold or even a legendary expert, I would definitely be discovered."
Nie Li thought to himself as he stealthily made his way to where Ye Ziyun lived.
Though Nie Li had never been here before, he had heard Ye Ziyun talk about the City Lord’s Mansion and knew where she stayed.
Stealing a glance at the City Lord’s daughter was a bit thrilling for Nie Li; he couldn’t help but smile slightly.
In a place filled with experts, Nie Li moved as if he were in an unguarded territory.
The Gold Warriors posed no threat to him.
Ahead, a small courtyard came into view.
It was a charming little courtyard filled with various flowers and plants, sending delightful fragrances into the air.
From a distance, he could see a two-story elegant building within the courtyard; this was where Ye Ziyun lived.
After vanishing, Nie Li easily passed through the gate of the small courtyard.
Once the invisibility wore off, he strode in boldly.
In the corner of the courtyard, Ye Ziyun was seated in meditation, her soul force swirling around her, behind her appeared a faint white silhouette.
The white figure wore a flowing white robe and had an exquisite face, adorned with a white ice crown, giving off an indescribable nobility.
This demon spirit was the Snowstorm Queen, one of the most human-like demon beasts, and legends say she was transformed from a goddess of ancient times.
The Snowstorm Queen was very rare and could unleash powerful wind and snow techniques, making it a perfect companion for Ye Ziyun, who practiced the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art.
Nie Li's gaze fell on Ye Ziyun, and his nose turned warm; he almost bled from his nose.
It seemed she had just bathed, her hair still damp, adding to her adorable charm.
She was only wearing a thin light gauze, and one could vaguely see her delicate form.
This scene reminded Nie Li of his past life, to that night under the moonlight where Ye Ziyun shone like a goddess, and they embraced each other, listening to the sound of their breaths.
Nie Li took a deep breath.
Although Ye Ziyun hadn’t fully matured yet, she had grown into a graceful figure, her skin now delicate after practicing the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art, making her even more enchanting.
Just then, while practicing, Ye Ziyun sensed something and suddenly opened her eyes.
She exclaimed sharply, "Who is it?" When she saw it was Nie Li, she relaxed and curiously asked, "Why are you here? How did you come to this place?"
If it had been anyone else suddenly appearing in the auxiliary courtyard, she would definitely doubt their intention.
Even with familiar faces, she wouldn’t let down her guard completely.
Yet, for some reason, when she saw Nie Li, her instinct was to relax.
"I came to see. This courtyard is quite unique, but living alone must be a bit boring. How about I move in and stay with you?" Nie Li glanced around, seemingly quite satisfied with the place.
Ye Ziyun stared blankly at Nie Li, feeling a mix of embarrassment and anger.
How could this person be so brazen? Who said I was bored living alone? Even if I were, I would never allow you to move in with me!
(End of Chapter)