Chapter 673 667: "Witch" Ji Lingxuan

Shen Haoran took a mental inventory. His body had become a veritable Treasure Pavilion: the Chaos Celestial Ladder and two ancient Tokens resided in his Sea of Consciousness, while the Dragon Pearl and a drop of golden blood were in his Primordial Small World. Although Shen Haoran knew none of these things would harm him, he couldn't actually use any of them. Instead, they would suddenly pop out for a stroll whenever they pleased, showing off their extraordinary power before falling silent again. The sight left Shen Haoran itching with curiosity.

Shen Haoran felt frustrated for a while before fully immersing his mind in his recovery. 'Even though I can't use these things yet,' he thought, 'I'm certain that one day, I'll become their true master and make them willingly submit to me.'

Soon, Shen Haoran entered a state of Cultivation. Spiritual Power began circulating through his body, mending his lingering injuries. As he carefully examined himself, he discovered that all the areas most prone to lasting side effects had already been repaired by Ji Lingxuan. This saved him a great deal of trouble. 'It must have been tough on Ji Lingxuan, though,' he thought. 'She used up so much energy.'

After a long while, Shen Haoran finally finished treating his remaining internal injuries. His qi and blood now flowed much more smoothly. He let out a long breath of turbid air, feeling utterly refreshed and invigorated. However, just as he finished his Cultivation, he received an invitation from Elder Bai: to go drinking!

Hearing the young attendant's message, Shen Haoran gladly accepted. He didn't hold much of a grudge against Elder Bai, even though the man had nearly killed him. Shen Haoran understood that Elder Bai had acted out of a desperate love for Ji Lingxuan; in a way, he treated her like his own daughter. Moreover, Elder Bai held an important place in Ji Lingxuan's heart, so Shen Haoran wouldn't do anything to put her in an awkward position.

He arrived at a quiet, secluded courtyard to find Elder Hei and Elder Bai sitting at a stone table, already waiting for him.

"Uncle Hei, Uncle Bai," Shen Haoran said, greeting the two elders with a slight nod.

"Come, come, have a seat," Uncle Hei gestured, looking at Shen Haoran with amazement. "Your constitution is truly astonishing! To recover so quickly from such severe injuries!" In their estimation, his wounds should have kept him bedridden for at least half a month. Yet it had only been ten days, and judging by his complexion, he seemed to have recovered completely.

"It's all thanks to Ling Xuan's help," Shen Haoran said with a smile, scratching his head.

"Here, sit and drink," Uncle Hei said, pouring Shen Haoran a full cup of wine. "I asked you here today because there are a few things I'd like to discuss."

After Shen Haoran sat down, Elder Bai raised his wine cup. "Kid, a few days ago, I underestimated you," he said. "Allow me to apologize." With that, Elder Bai drained his cup in one go. The gesture was clear: he now acknowledged Shen Haoran.

Seeing Elder Bai drain his cup, Shen Haoran also raised his. "Uncle Bai, you're too kind. I was also in the wrong, so please accept my apology as well. You are more than worthy of being my elder!" Shen Haoran then downed his wine in a single gulp.

"Haha, good!" Elder Bai laughed heartily. "Magnanimous and bold! I admit, those so-called geniuses can't compare to you. You truly are the best match for Ling Xuan!"

"However, don't celebrate too soon." Elder Bai's expression suddenly turned grave. "The Ji Family is not as simple as you imagine. There are many within the family who are stronger than I am. If you want to be Ling Xuan's pillar of support, you must gain their approval. As you are now, you're still a long way off!"

Hearing this, Shen Haoran gently set down his wine cup, a smile still on his face. "I know," he said lightly. "I've known from the very beginning. But for anyone who tries to stand in my way, there are only two outcomes: submit, or die!"

At Shen Haoran's words, both Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai frowned. "Your hostility is too strong," they said. "You must understand, even if the Ji Family disapproves of you and Ling Xuan, it is still her home. You cannot kill members of the Ji Family!"

"I know that too," Shen Haoran said with a shrug. "That's why I'll make the Ji Family submit to me completely!" A domineering aura radiated from him, causing both Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai to give him a startled, sidelong glance.

"To be honest, you're the first person to ever stand before me and declare you'll make the Ji Family submit," Elder Bai said, his eyes filled with satisfaction as he gazed at Shen Haoran. "And yet, I find I have no reason to doubt you! Very well, then. I will wait for that day to arrive!"

"By the way, just a heads-up," Uncle Hei added. "Ling Xuan snuck us out this time, so we can't stay for long. The two of you should cherish the time you have together."

Shen Haoran nodded lightly, a trace of disappointment in his heart. 'We've only just reunited,' he thought. 'Do we have to part so soon?'

"Brother Haoran!"

Just as Shen Haoran was lost in his somber thoughts, an urgent cry came from behind him. A graceful figure flashed past, appearing at his side in an instant and pulling him behind her.

Ji Lingxuan was now glaring coldly at Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai, looking just like a lioness protecting her cub. Her protective stance made the two elders feel rather awkward.

"Hmph! What are you two old fossils trying to do to Brother Haoran now?" Ji Lingxuan demanded coldly.

Hearing Ji Lingxuan's accusation, Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai were speechless. Ji Lingxuan was usually so respectful, and now she was calling them "old fossils." 'It's true what they say,' they thought grimly, 'a grown daughter can't be kept at home.' Their relationship wasn't even official yet, and she was already taking an outsider's side.

"Ahem... Ling Xuan, you've misunderstood," Shen Haoran said softly, gently pulling her to his side. "I was just having a drink with them. Nothing else is going on."

"Is that so?" Ji Lingxuan huffed, her eyes narrowing as she shot Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai an interrogating glare.

"Yes, yes, that's right!" Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai nodded hastily. It was only then that they realized the Ji Lingxuan before them was completely different from the one they knew. The Princess they were familiar with was aloof and untouchable, like a celestial fairy who was above mortal concerns. But this Ji Lingxuan was behaving like a little Witch. The contrast was staggering.

"Alright, Ling Xuan, that's enough. No one's trying to fool you," Shen Haoran said, quickly changing the subject. "You're just in time. I'm heading to the Medicine Hall to collect my reward from the Pill Emperor competition. Want to come along?" He started pulling her toward the exit.

"Okay, okay!" Hearing Shen Haoran was taking her out, Ji Lingxuan's demeanor changed in an instant. She went from a fierce Witch to a happy little girl in a heartbeat, trailing closely behind him as they walked out of the Cyan Dragon Race's territory.

Watching the two of them leave, Uncle Hei and Uncle Bai were left completely bewildered. They had to fight the urge to run over and strangle Shen Haoran. Their Princess, their precious young lady... had been so thoroughly led astray by that boy...