Chapter 181: Undercurrents Surge

"That's right, I have a wife, my wife is the most beautiful woman in this world, I love her very much."

Although Lin Yang was drunk, every word he spoke was exceptionally clear, his tone filled with deep affection and longing for Luo Wuqing.

His mind kept conjuring Luo Wuqing's every smile and frown, the wonderful times they had spent together surging forth like a tide.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuehuo's eyes instantly misted over, her eye sockets slightly reddening.

Tears swelled in her eyes, as if Lin Yang's words had shattered her heart.

Her lips trembled slightly, her voice choked with sobs as she said, "You already have a wife…"

Seeing that, anyone would feel pity.

However, in just an instant, the sorrow in Jiang Yuehuo's eyes was replaced by a fierce glow.

Her eyes flashed with a different light, the corners of her mouth slightly lifted as she hooked a confident smile and said, "So what if I have a wife?"

"'I just love such a deeply affectionate man.'"

Having said that, she lunged at him without hesitation, moving as agilely as a leopard, and steadily straddled Lin Yang.

Immediately after.

She pushed with both hands, and in one motion pressed Lin Yang down onto the soft bed of the heavenly-character large private room.

Lin Yang felt the world spin, and before he could react, Jiang Yuehuo was already looking down at him from above.

Her eyes were full of determined light.

Her hands braced on either side of Lin Yang's body, her black hair cascading like a waterfall, strands lightly brushing his cheeks, bringing a tingling sensation.

"'From today on, you are mine.'"

Jiang Yuehuo's voice carried a hint of indisputable dominance, mixed with a touch of allure.

She leaned in slightly, her face gradually approaching Lin Yang, her warm breath lightly brushing his ear, making his body involuntarily tremble.

Lin Yang shook his head hard, trying to clear his mind a bit.

He instinctively placed his hands on Jiang Yuehuo's shoulders, wanting to push her away, but his body was limp, unable to muster much strength.

"'You… don't do this.'"

Lin Yang's voice sounded drunk, weak and feeble.

Jiang Yuehuo remained unmoved, she gently grasped Lin Yang's wrist, slowly pressing his hands to the bedside, and spoke softly.

"'Brother, just submit to me. I'll let you know I'm no worse than anyone.'"

Saying that, she leaned in again, her soft lips pressing against Lin Yang's lips…

——————————

At the same time, in the depths of that mysterious forest, Jiang Tai Mu reclined comfortably on a rocking chair, fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, a steaming cup of Heavenly Dao tea placed on the stone table before him, the tea fragrance wafting.

The surrounding scenery was like a utopia, with mountains and water, flourishing flora, the calm lake surface occasionally rippling, a few purple-scaled large fish flickering beneath the water, clearly not ordinary creatures.

This secret realm was carefully remodeled by Jiang Tai Mu according to Lin Yang's Heavenly Dao Peak, every detail exuding a familiar charm.

Jiang Tai Mu leisurely took a sip of tea, his gaze casually sweeping over the lake.

Suddenly, he flickered and appeared like a ghost not far away, seizing a saber-toothed fierce tiger with both hands; this beast, usually mighty and intimidating, offered no resistance in his grasp.

Jiang Tai Mu hurled the saber-toothed fierce tiger toward the lake with a mighty heave; a loud 'plunk' rang out, water splashing everywhere, a large fish leapt up like an arrow from a bow, its huge mouth opening wide and instantly swallowing the tiger whole. Jiang Tai Mu smiled with satisfaction, as if admiring a perfect performance.

Yet this large fish seemed unsatisfied; after swallowing its prey, it did not sink to the bottom but lingered on the water's surface.

Immediately after.

Another large fish leapt from the water, as if demanding food from Jiang Tai Mu.

"'You're not full, are you? Looks like you're starving.'"

Jiang Tai Mu muttered to himself, his face showing a hint of indulgence.

Immediately, he closed his eyes, circulated his spiritual power, and a mental transmission silently reached Li Yi Lan and Ye Xiao Nie.

"'Li Stou, Ye Stou, when will you be able to take down this Forbidden Land?'"

Li Yi Lan's voice came back quickly, weary and helpless as she said, "Elder Jiang, I've encountered a God Transformation realm Iron-haired Wild Boar here, and my progress has been affected."

With her late Nascent Soul strength, facing an Iron-haired Wild Boar of the God Transformation realm two stages above her, the pressure is indeed immense.

At that moment, Ye Xiao Nie's urgent voice came through: "Senior Sister, you've already calculated it, but I just ran into a Sea of Spirits realm Earth-splitting Bear that almost killed me; luckily I ran fast."

Li Yi Lan sighed and agreed, "Yes, this Forbidden Land is truly terrifying; the beasts here possess strength beyond imagination."

Jiang Tai Mu heard this, his tone turning grave as he asked, "What's wrong, are you thinking of retreating?"

"'I can tell you, eliminating the ferocious beasts of the Forbidden Forest is your master's order; no matter what, you must complete the mission.'"

Hearing this, Li Yi Lan and Ye Xiao Nie dared not delay, quickly responding, "Rest assured, Elder Jiang, we will surely strive to complete the mission."

"'Fine, that's enough.'"

Jiang Tai Mu nodded in satisfaction.

Then he resumed his leisurely demeanor and said, "Right, send over the God Transformation realm Iron-haired Wild Boar and the Sea of Spirits realm Earth-splitting Bear quickly; I still need to feed the fish."

While speaking, he took another sip of Heavenly Dao tea, his face showing a look of contentment.

After all, the task Lin Yang entrusted to him was to bring these two disciples and, before the Qingzhou Grand Competition, clear all the locations marked on the map.

Doing so would earn him a generous reward—unrestricted enjoyment of Heavenly Dao tea leaves.

He naturally took it very seriously.

——————————

At the same time, within the mist-laden, spiritually charged Heavenly Dao Peak.

Zhou Tianming stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a plain white robe.

He raised his head to gaze upon the vast starry expanse.

The stars twinkled like countless mysterious eyes; he became immersed, falling into deep contemplation for a moment.

In his mind arose the image of his master Lin Yang, his guide on the path of cultivation, the person he revered most; recalling his master's earnest teachings, his heart filled with longing and respect.

Besides that.

He was also pondering his future path of cultivation.

This road, bristling with thorns and unknowns, is even more arduous than in his previous life; each step requires careful choice.

He knew well that the path of cultivation is like sailing against the current: if you do not advance, you retreat; a slight carelessness could plunge him into an abyss from which there is no return.

At the same time, deep within his heart he was desperately seeking an opportunity—a chance to rewalk his former path and break through his cultivation bottleneck.

However, just as he was immersed in his thoughts.

A gaunt old figure, like a phantom of the dark night, silently approached the Heavenly Dao Peak......