Bai Suzhen, I really need to punish you properly.

Wang Xuan chuckled to himself; his brother-in-law's tone was certainly perfunctory.

"Brother, what else did you bring for Zhong Li? It couldn't just be this wooden plaque, could it?"

Wang Xuan chuckled and teased, not waiting for Zhong Kui's reply, then sighed softly, her tone tinged with a hint of melancholy, "I didn't mean anything by it, it's just that she, she's so frugal with her own food and clothing, always worried that you're not doing well in the underworld, and she used all the spare change she saved to buy paper money to burn for you..."

"Brother Wang Xuan!" Zhong Li quickly interrupted softly, "That's what I should do."

Zhong Kui snorted irritably, "Stop making a fuss over nothing, kid. You should prepare your betrothal gifts first."

He was speechless. This kid showed no fear whatsoever in front of him, making it impossible for him, as the brother-in-law, to maintain any authority.

Wang Xuan smiled confidently: "Don't worry, big brother, the betrothal gifts will definitely be very generous, and Zhong Li will not be wronged."

Zhong Li blushed and didn't say anything.

Zhong Kui then asked, "How did you know about my affairs?"

The letter that Zhong Li first wrote to her brother was rewritten on the afternoon that Wang Xuan drove away the wealthy businessman Zhao Xuefeng and decided to leave with Zhong Li.

It mentions the background of how Wang Xuan drove away the wealthy merchant for her and brought her to Qiantang County.

Therefore, Zhong Kui was not surprised that his sister was in Qiantang County.

However, Zhong Kui was somewhat curious as to how Wang Xuan knew about him.

"I know a lot of people and a lot of things. Your deeds are so famous, so naturally I know you." Wang Xuan chuckled, then changed his tone and looked at Zhong Li gently, saying softly, "Speaking of which, this is also my fate with Sister Zhong Li. Perhaps it was because Heaven saw that Sister Zhong Li was all alone and helpless that I met her when I returned to my hometown."

Zhong Li gripped the peach wood plaque slightly, her eyes sparkling, and she smiled shyly.

"You are truly blessed, favored by heaven."

Zhong Kui didn't suspect much, after all, he was an official in the underworld, both big and small.

Even the Jade Emperor summoned him back then.

Most of the gods in Heaven and the Underworld had heard of him.

It's understandable that Wang Xuan, as a Taoist practitioner, would have heard of him.

Wang Xuan added with a smile, "Otherwise, I wouldn't have met Sister Zhong Li."

Zhong Kui's lips twitched.

This kid can't stop talking about his sister.

No matter what I say, he always manages to steer the conversation towards his younger sister, and then say some cheesy sweet nothings.

He didn't even know how to restrain himself in front of his brother-in-law.

But he couldn't lash out in front of his sister.

The three returned to the backyard of the county government office and happened to see Xiaoqing strolling around in the yard.

Wang Xuan immediately stepped forward and greeted, "Xiao Qing, this is Brother Zhong Li, Zhong Kui. Go and fetch your sister and Yan Zhi."

Since Zhong Kui has come, he should at least see for himself how his wives treat Zhong Li.

It's good to put my brother-in-law's mind at ease.

Zhong Kui's gaze fell on Xiao Qing, and his expression changed slightly.

How come there's another snake demon?

He couldn't help but worry whether entrusting his sister to Wang Xuan was the right decision.

I wonder how my sister would react if she knew that one of her sisters was a monster.

Xiaoqing raised her chin and said in a clear voice, "You always order me around."

Wang Xuan smiled and said, "This is good news; you'll be attending another wedding banquet."

Xiao Qing frowned: "Whose wedding banquet is this?"

"It's with Zhong Li."

Xiaoqing pouted and rolled her eyes dramatically.

"This is my sister-in-law. She always likes to joke around with me," Wang Xuan casually explained to Zhong Kui, then turned to Zhong Li, her tone softening, "Zhong Li, why don't you take your brother to the hall for a while? I'll be right there."

Zhong Li nodded and gently tugged at Zhong Kui's sleeve: "Brother, come with me first."

Zhong Kui followed his sister inside. As they rounded the corner, he lowered his voice and asked cryptically, "Little sister, how much do you know about Wang Xuan's wives?"

Zhong Li laughed and said, "Brother, are you trying to say that Xiao Qing is a demon?"

Zhong Kui was taken aback: "You knew?"

"I know almost everyone here, and they didn't try to hide anything from me. I was a little scared at first, but I didn't feel scared anymore because they were all very nice to me, and I could tell."

Zhong Kui nodded slightly, now feeling relieved.

……

Watching Zhong Kui and Zhong Li walk away, Wang Xuan turned around, slapped Xiao Qing's pert bottom, and pinched her cheek, saying in a deliberately fierce tone, "How dare you! You don't even listen to me, the head of the family."

Xiaoqing's eyes flickered, and she gave a soft snort, retorting with dissatisfaction, "If you yell at me again, don't expect me to help you next time."

Wang Xuan blushed, his imposing manner immediately weakening: "It's only been once or twice, why are you bringing this up?"

"You're all nice and attentive when you ask me for help, but now that you don't need it, you're all nasty. Ha."

Xiaoqing glanced at him sideways, her eyes full of resentment.

"I'm warning you, don't talk nonsense." Wang Xuan straightened his expression, glanced around subconsciously, gently pushed Xiao Qing's waist, and coughed lightly. "One thing at a time. Who told you to disobey me? Go and call your sister and the others over."

"I brought Zhong Li back to help her find her brother." Xiao Qing remained unmoved, mimicking the voice in an affected and deliberate way, then pursed her lips, "Who said that in the first place?"

"You've found your older brother and your sweetheart, this is double happiness!" Wang Xuan gave her a head pat and rubbed her head with a mischievous smile. "You go first, I'll reward you properly later, I promise I'll make you so happy you'll fly to the sky."

"boast!"

"Back in the day, Mu..."

Wang Xuan was about to recount his glorious victory against the Peony Fairy, but then he remembered his promise not to tell anyone, and swallowed the words back down.

"Fine, believe me if you want." Wang Xuan made a move to leave. "I'm afraid you'll fall in love with me and pester me for it every day. I'll go find your sister myself."

Xiaoqing quickly followed, "Didn't you say you were going to take me out for the Dragon Boat Festival? When are we leaving?"

"The Dragon Boat Festival hasn't arrived yet."

Xiaoqing felt a little wronged: "It's not like I'm upset all day long, not just on Dragon Boat Festival."

"Why don't you soak in my cave for a while?"

"Anyway, you'd better hurry up."

"I know, I know."

Xiaoqing glared at him disapprovingly: "You sound like you're just giving me a perfunctory answer."

"Where is the perfunctory attitude? Isn't this a double affirmation?"

"A double bluff!"

"Alright, if you go, I won't go. Just hurry up."

Wang Xuan gently stroked the back of Xiao Qing's head and turned to walk towards the hall.

Xiaoqing stomped her foot in dissatisfaction, muttered something while watching his back, and then turned and walked towards her sister's room.

"Sister, he asked me to call you over." Xiaoqing pouted as soon as she entered the door. "I knew he had ulterior motives for bringing Zhong Li back."

Bai Suzhen frowned slightly, and asked in confusion, "Xiaoqing, what are you talking about?"

Xiaoqing explained, "He's going to have a wedding with Zhong Li, and Zhong Li's brother is coming too."

Bai Suzhen appeared nonchalant, chuckling lightly, "Is that so?"

"Sister, aren't you feeling unwell?"

She's clearly in pain, so how could her sister not be?

Bai Suzhen smiled helplessly, reached out and tapped her forehead, and sighed softly, "I'm really jealous, so jealous it's unbearable. Let's go."

Xiaoqing added, "He also told me to invite Rouge along."

Bai Suzhen, Xiaoqing, and Yanzhi returned to the hall together.

Wang Xuan was having a lively conversation with Zhong Kui when he saw this and immediately got up to greet him.

"My lady, Rouge, this is Zhong Li's brother, Zhong Kui." Wang Xuan then turned to Zhong Kui and introduced him, "Brother, these are my wives."

Zhong Kui nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Although Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing are both snake demons, he is not a reckless man who kills demons indiscriminately.

Moreover, Bai Suzhen's cultivation level is no weaker than his, and it's a mystery how Wang Xuan managed to marry her.

Zhong Kui's power is entirely due to the forced blessing of his divine authority; his own foundation is still weak.

However, as one gains more experience and a deeper understanding of the laws of the divine office, one's cultivation level will steadily increase.

Bai Suzhen smiled and took Zhong Li's wrist, her voice gentle: "Sister Zhong Li, from now on we're family."

Zhong Li simply lowered her head shyly and whispered, "Sister Bai."

Rouge stepped forward with a smile and took Zhong Li's other hand: "Now we're real sisters."

With a wave of his hand, Zhong Kui conjured up more than a dozen large boxes out of thin air in the room.

The box lid was opened, and the glittering jewels illuminated the entire courtyard.

The complete set of phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, brocade dresses for all four seasons, gold hairpins and rings, jade bracelets, pearl earrings, embroidered shoes and socks, fine silks and satins, needlework and rouge, bronze mirror and dressing table, and wooden makeup boxes—every item was of the highest quality.

Zhong Kui said calmly, "These are my dowry for my younger sister."

Zhong Li opened her small mouth in surprise, looking incredibly cute.

Wang Xuan was equally stunned.

Brother-in-law, you're really generous!

It seems my brother-in-law has been doing quite well in the underworld these past few years.

"Brother, are the treatment in your underworld this good?"

Zhong Kui said calmly, "What, you want to come over?"

"No need for that." Wang Xuan waved his hand slightly and said, "Wife, you should take Zhong Li back to the room to prepare. Also, you should take care of the betrothal gifts as well, because I need to show them to my elder brother later."

The four women left together.

Immediately afterwards, Rouge told the other sisters the news, and the sisters in the backyard all got busy.

After all, aside from Wang Xuan's favor, this was one of the few lively and joyous occasions.

They began to decorate and embellish Zhong Li's room.

They all possessed magical powers, making moving, lifting, cutting, and arranging things effortless. In no time, the new house was completely transformed.

Wang Xuan then set up a chessboard and played a game with Zhong Kui.

Zhong Kui's mind was clearly not on the chessboard; he was distracted when making his moves.

Wang Xuan put down the chess piece and suggested, "Things should be almost ready over there. How about we go take a look at Zhong Li's new house?"

"Alright."

Wang Xuan led Zhong Kui into the courtyard.

At this moment, a group of girls were chatting and laughing in the room, fiddling with the decorations.

Zhong Kui originally wanted to go in to visit his sister, but seeing this situation, he naturally couldn't go in easily anymore, since everyone inside was Wang Xuan's female relatives.

He sensed the presence of other fairies inside the house, and was immediately speechless.

Zhong Kui asked in a low voice, "Just how many demons live in this courtyard, kid?"

"One, two, three... Dragons shouldn't be considered demons, right?"

Zhong Kui stared at him speechlessly.

My brother-in-law really has no taboos.

Wang Xuan patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, big brother, my backyard is all about creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere."

Wang Xuan really wanted to add, "Not only would they not bully Zhong Li, but Zhong Li would also not bully newcomers."

However, on this joyous day, Wang Xuan still didn't dare to cause any trouble.

Zhong Kui soon noticed Nie Xiaoqian.

She was stunningly beautiful, with a slender figure like a willow swaying in the breeze, exuding a subtle feminine charm.

Despite being a ghost with weak cultivation, it could walk freely in the sunlight without showing any abnormality.

Could this be the person Yuanjun mentioned to him?

Zhong Kui looked at Nie Xiaoqian: "Who is that?"

"She's also my wife, what's wrong?"

Zhong Kui looked at Wang Xuan, his expression serious: "Does she possess a magical artifact?"

Why do you ask that?

"Before I came here, a Yuanjun (a deity) told me that I would encounter a female ghost who possessed a rare treasure on this journey, and asked me to bring her back to the underworld."

Wang Xuan immediately frowned and asked warily, "Why?"

Zhong Kui explained, "Don't worry, Yuanjun means to bring it back to the Underworld to be bestowed with titles. The magic weapon in her possession is of great use to the Underworld."

"What if she doesn't want to?"

Zhong Kui laughed, patted him on the shoulder, and comforted him, "You're my brother-in-law, after all. If you don't want to, can I force her to leave? Besides, it's not even certain if she's the one who will stay."

Wang Xuan didn't respond and fell into deep thought.

No, it can sense this too?

Is this even playable?

Wang Xuan felt that Nie Xiaoqian possessed the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl, and he was most likely to believe it was her.

late at night.

Wang Xuan and Xiaoqian spent a tender moment together.

However, Wang Xuan did not tell Xiaoqian what happened during the day.

He didn't know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Young master, what's wrong with you today?"

Nie Xiaoqian had pure eyes, her hair cascading over her rounded shoulders, and she tilted her head slightly, her breath sweet as orchids.

Wang Xuan gently brushed the hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear, saying softly, "It's nothing, I just feel like I've neglected you lately."

"Slurp~"

……

The next day.

Wang Xuan composed herself.

Today is his and Zhong Li's wedding day.

At the banquet that night.

Wang Xuan and Zhong Kui exchanged toasts. Wang Xuan's brows were relaxed, showing great joy, while Zhong Kui appeared somewhat melancholy.

Wang Xuan patted his chest, his voice half-awake and half-drunk: "Big brother, I'm not bragging, but if you encounter anything you can't handle when you descend to the mortal realm to exorcise demons, just come to me."

"..." Zhong Kui thought to himself, "Just a few drinks and he's already like this."

He put down his wine glass, speechless. "Alright, go to your bridal chamber now."

If Wang Xuan drinks any more, his sister will blame him.

Wang Xuan staggered as he pushed the door open and entered, but as soon as the door closed, his steps immediately became steady and normal.

Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly.

"Li'er".

"Brother Wang Xuan."

"Why are you still calling me that?"

Zhong Li's cheeks were burning hot, her face flushed, and she whispered, "I...I'm used to it."

Wang Xuan gently lifted the veil, revealing Zhong Li dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. Her features were exquisite, her skin as smooth as jade, and she possessed a delicate and refined beauty.

As he untied the ribbon, he slowly moved closer to Zhong Li's ear, savoring her beautiful earlobe.

……

Zhong Li let out a soft cry, feeling a strange sensation throughout her body, as if she were about to ascend into the air.

The close-fitting bellyband was tied crookedly around her neck.

Wang Xuan praised without reservation: "Li'er, you are so beautiful."

Zhong Li's brows furrowed slightly, her small mouth slightly open, and the peach wood plaque swayed gently in front of her.

"Brother Wang Xuan... I want to take this down first."

Zhong Li blushed so deeply that blood almost dripped from his face.

"This is a good thing; you need to keep it with you at all times."

"All right."