I've announced that I'm destined to have many children, and my father has bestowed upon me

The gray-robed old man's hands were withered yet strong, his five fingers gripping Zhao Chen'an's shoulder, trembling slightly.

His withered face and a pair of cloudy old eyes were fixed on Zhao Chen'an, as if trying to see through his soul.

"Your Highness... these words... are not a joke?"

Every word he uttered seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying endless anticipation and disbelief-filled fear.

The Tianjian Mountain disciples around them held their breath, craning their necks, their hearts pounding as if they were about to jump out of their chests.

A top-grade elixir! 70% certainty!

The impact of these words combined is enough to drive any cultivator mad.

Zhao Chen'an let him hold him, remaining completely still.

"Senior, do you think it's necessary for me to joke about something like this with your Heavenly Sword Mountain?"

Instead of answering directly, he asked a question in return.

This rhetorical question is more powerful than any affirmative answer.

Yes, he is the King of Wei of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the undisputed champion of this competition.

Why would he need to use something like this to toy with a crippled genius, and to toy with the entire Tianjian Mountain?

The old man in the gray robe unconsciously loosened his grip on his arm a little.

His eyes were brimming with excitement, his lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time.

"Very well...Very well! Your Highness's great kindness will be forever remembered by Heavenly Sword Mountain!"

Finally, he took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Zhao Chen'an in a solemn manner.

"Whether it succeeds or not, Your Highness's kindness will be forever etched in the memories of everyone at Tianjian Mountain!"

The disciples of Tianjian Mountain behind him also realized what was happening and bowed to Zhao Chen'an in unison.

Their previous indignation and hostility had vanished, replaced by boundless gratitude and awe.

They knew very well that, whatever Zhao Chen'an's purpose, this was Ye Shenglin's and Tianjian Mountain's only chance.

"One month later, in the Imperial City of the Great Zhou Dynasty, at the Prince of Wei's residence."

Zhao Chen'an didn't say much. After leaving those words, he turned and left under countless complex gazes.

He left decisively and without any hesitation.

The people of Tianjian Mountain were left standing there, unable to calm down for a long time.

……

When Zhao Chen'an returned to the rest area of ​​the Great Zhou Dynasty, Liu Ruoshuang and Li Qingluan were already waiting there.

They saw everything that had just happened, but none of them asked any questions.

"Let's go home."

A relaxed smile appeared on Zhao Chen'an's face, as if the confrontation with Tianjian Mountain just now was just a trivial matter.

The two women nodded slightly and followed behind him.

The three of them left the noisy arena amidst countless gazes of awe, envy, and jealousy.

The Prince of Wei's residence.

Before the vermilion gate, two beautiful figures were already eagerly waiting.

It was Wulanxue and Xiao Chuchu.

Each of them held two swaddled babies in their arms; the exquisitely beautiful infants were fast asleep.

Upon seeing Zhao Chen'an and his two companions appear at the street corner, Xiao Chuchu was the first to cheer, and she tried to run forward while holding her child.

"My husband! You're back!"

Wulanxue quickly pulled her back and gently reminded her:

"Be careful of the children."

Xiao Chuchu then stuck out her tongue and slowed down.

Zhao Chen'an stepped forward, his face beaming with the joy of returning home.

His gaze swept over his two wives and children, and the sense of satisfaction in his heart was almost overflowing.

"Are you getting impatient?"

He reached out and first pinched Zhao Ding's chubby little face in Xiao Chuchu's arms.

He then gently rubbed Zhao Lanyu's forehead with his finger.

Then she looked at Zhao Xiao and Zhao Zixing in Wulanxue's arms.

The two little ones seemed to sense their father's presence, and both smacked their lips in their sleep.

"No rush, we know our husband will return victorious."

Wulanxue's smile was as gentle as water.

Li Qingluan and Liu Ruoshuang also stepped forward. Looking at the two adorable children, their usually cold expressions softened.

"Let's go inside, it's windy outside."

The whole family entered the palace together.

Dinner was already prepared, with a sumptuous spread of dishes covering the entire table.

The children were handed over to the care of a wet nurse, and the family was finally able to sit down and have a proper meal.

The atmosphere at the dinner was warm and harmonious.

Xiao Chuchu, like a curious child, pestered Li Qingluan and Liu Ruoshuang with questions about all sorts of interesting things that happened during the Heavenly Pride Competition.

Although Li Qingluan was proud, she never put on airs with her own people and told them about some of her experiences in the competition.

Liu Ruoshuang didn't talk much, but whenever Xiao Chuchu asked a crucial question, she would always add a few words at just the right time, which made everyone laugh from time to time.

Wu Lanxue quietly served food to Zhao Chen'an, her brows full of the gentle grace of a wife.

Zhao Chen'an enjoyed this rare moment of peace.

Whether it was a thrilling battle or a treacherous scheme, nothing seemed to matter when they returned to this home.

This place is his haven, and the source of all his struggles.

By the time the meal was finished, it was already late at night.

Zhao Chen'an chatted with the girls for a while before getting up to take his leave.

"I'm going to the palace to see my father."

……

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

The candlelight was bright.

Zhao Daoting was reviewing memorials when he heard the eunuch announce that Zhao Chen'an was requesting an audience. He immediately put down his vermilion pen.

"Let him in."

Soon, Zhao Chen'an appeared at the door.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty."

No need for formalities.

Zhao Daoting looked his son up and down, his shrewd face filled with undisguised satisfaction and admiration.

"Excellent, truly excellent! Number one on the Prodigy Ranking!"

He stood up laughing, walked over and patted Zhao Chen'an on the shoulder.

"You've truly brought honor to our Great Zhou Dynasty in this Prodigy Competition!"

"Speak, what reward do you desire? As long as I can afford it, I will not be stingy!"

Zhao Chen'an grinned.

"Your Majesty's reward is not something I would dare to accept casually."

The father and son exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.

Zhao Daoting sat back on the dragon throne and gestured for Zhao Chen'an to sit down and speak as well.

He suppressed his smile, and his expression became more serious.

"Although you were in the limelight this time, you were also completely exposed to the eyes of all the major powers."

"Especially your cauldron, it has probably attracted the covetous eyes of many."

"Your subject understands."

Zhao Chen'an nodded.

He naturally understood the principle that "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."

But since he dared to use the Nine Provinces Universe Cauldron in public, he had already made preparations to deal with everything.

Seeing his son's calm demeanor, Zhao Daoting felt even more satisfied.

One must remain humble and composed, unperturbed by praise or criticism; only with this mindset can one achieve great things.

"By the way," Zhao Daoting changed the subject:

"You'll be sending Fairy Mo back to the Hunyuan Sect in three months. Is there anything else we need to prepare during this time?"

Zhao Chen'an muttered a sentence to himself.

The time frame wasn't long, but it wasn't short either.

Going to the Hunyuan Sect was a crucial step in his plan.

Although the Great Zhou Dynasty held some influence in the region.

But in the grand scheme of the Central Heavenly Realm, it is but a drop in the ocean.

He needs a larger platform to access a higher level of spiritual practice.

The Hunyuan Sect, a behemoth on par with the Celestial Empire, was undoubtedly the best choice.

Of course, he wouldn't actually stay in the Hunyuan Sect.

His roots will always be in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

I'm just going to take a look around, and then I'll come back, since my wife, children, and elderly parents are all here.

Thinking of this, Zhao Chen'an stood up and bowed to Zhao Daoting.

"Your subject doesn't have anything urgently needed at the moment."

Just as Zhao Daoting was about to say something, Zhao Chen'an changed the subject.

"But... if Father doesn't mind, could you allow me to retreat to the royal treasury for a month in seclusion?"

The imperial study fell silent instantly.

Zhao Daoting was stunned.

He stared blankly at his son for a long time before he came to his senses.

"You brat... you don't need anything, yet you're already asking to seize my entire treasury?!"

Zhao Chen'an chuckled, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Father, you flatter me."

"Your subject obtained the sacred Nine Provinces Cauldron and also luckily obtained a wisp of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fire in the Heavenly Pride Competition."

"With such excellent conditions, wouldn't it be a waste not to use them to practice?"

"Rest assured, Father, I will not take any of the divine weapons, martial arts manuals, or secret techniques from the treasury."

"Your subject only needs some materials for alchemy and weapon crafting. I'll come out when I've used them up."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Daoting's expression softened.

It turns out they just needed the materials.

But... alchemy? Weapon crafting?

He looked at Zhao Chen'an with suspicion.

"When did you learn these two skills, kid?"

"I know a little, I know a little."

Zhao Chen'an gave a vague answer.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Daoting finally waved his hand.

"Fine!"

"My treasury is your treasury! Don't think it's just a month; you can stay inside as long as you want! Take whatever you need!"

"Thank you, Father Emperor!"

Zhao Chen'an was overjoyed.

"Go ahead," Zhao Daoting waved his hand.

Zhao Chen'an bowed deeply and turned to leave.