The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 347: Trading Fish Maw for Cellophane Noodles

Chapter 347: Trading Fish Maw for Cellophane Noodles

In essence, whether one follows the Daoist or Buddhist path, reaching a certain level of cultivation allows them to form their own core. From body refining and Qi cultivation to establishing a foundation and forming the Golden Core, every stage was meticulously documented.

Most of these books were tattered and damaged, likely collected over many years by Chong Jiu’s master. After all, since the closure of the Celestial Gate a millennium ago, there had been no true cultivators in the mortal realm. Over the course of history, texts on cultivation methods had become exceedingly rare—so rare that not even the royal library of Mu Nation had more than a couple of such books.

Given that Chong Jiu’s master could craft such powerful talismans, it was clear that he had made significant progress in his own cultivation.

However, with the Celestial Gate closed and the limited spiritual energy in the mortal world, relying solely on merit to increase one’s power meant that his path must have been incredibly arduous.

Could it be that all of Chong Jiu’s actions were aimed at paving the way for his master’s cultivation?

Nanli thought back to Chong Jiu’s fierce loyalty to his master, and her suspicions grew stronger.

Closing the book, her gaze turned cold. "What’s the use of pursuing immortality in this way?"

Even if the Celestial Gate were to reopen, Chong Jiu’s master would find it nearly impossible to step through.

Although she hadn’t fully unraveled Chong Jiu’s schemes, she had learned how to refine and cultivate her body from these books.

After a brief two-hour nap, Nanli woke up and began to follow the exercises and meditation techniques described in the texts.

After a session, she indeed felt slight changes in her body. More importantly, she seemed to sense a connection with the spiritual orb!

A hint of excitement bubbled within her. If she continued to cultivate and reached a certain level, she might be able to repair the spiritual orb sooner. If she could then incorporate the orb into her dantian, she might be able to use spells effortlessly, just like that mysterious gentleman.

Rainbow, having stayed up late, woke up the next morning feeling groggy. She yawned repeatedly and specifically instructed Chunbao, "The princess went to bed very late. We must be quiet and not disturb her."

Chunbao blinked and said, "The princess got up early to practice martial arts and just returned to the mansion after washing up."

"What?!" Rainbow’s eyelids nearly drooped from surprise. "The princess is so energetic? She went to bed later than me!"

"Indeed. But we can’t compare ourselves to her." Chunbao continued with her tasks. "Earlier, when we couldn’t move the purple sandalwood table, the princess lifted it by herself without needing help from the servants."

Rainbow’s eyes shone with admiration. "The princess is simply perfect. If she were a man, I’d be willing to serve even as a concubine."

As she spoke, a blush spread across her cheeks.

Chunbao gave her a light nudge. "Don’t get any ideas. Even if the princess were a man, the prince would be deeply in love. Given his personality, you’d lose your head before you could become a concubine."

Rainbow pouted. "That’s true."

Luckily, the princess was a woman; otherwise, they wouldn’t be allowed to serve her closely.

Chunbao’s eyes darted around, and she warned, "But let me tell you, even if the princess is a woman, don’t entertain any such thoughts."

The prince had sharp eyes and a particular tendency toward jealousy. He wouldn’t tolerate anyone, not even a woman, harboring affection for the princess.

Rainbow coughed a few times and then said seriously, "Of course, I understand!"

Meanwhile, Nanli returned to the Prince Yu Mansion.

Chong Jiu was confined to the Bamboo Garden, a place with only one room, making it easy to monitor, with guards stationed all around.

All the talismans on Chong Jiu had been confiscated. Now, he was left with just the defensive talisman within him, trapped in this cage, unable to escape.

Although Nanli had helped suppress the evil energy within him, the talisman’s effect was gradually waning. His internal organs felt as though they were being gnawed by countless insects, causing him unbearable pain and making his face pale and body tremble.

Chong Jiu knew that once the talisman’s effect wore off completely and the pain intensified, he wouldn’t have long to live.

In his haze, he felt a warm hand on his forehead, then someone pulling open his shirt.

The chill of the air made him shiver.

Opening his eyes, he saw a graceful figure with curved eyebrows and a cold expression.

Chong Jiu, still dazed, realized what was happening. "What are you doing?!"

Why was she pulling at his clothes?

He tried to pull his shirt back up despite the pain and cursed, "You’re married! How can you be so shameless?"

"With just those two abs, you’re not worth looking at." Nanli rolled her eyes. "My husband has eight. Why would I go for street noodles when I have gourmet fish maw at home?"

"...!" Chong Jiu’s face turned red. This was the first time he had heard such a comparison, but he was indignant and muttered, "You’re wrong. I have four abs."

"Two or four, it makes no difference." Nanli didn’t spare him another glance. Instead, she took out a celestial brush and began drawing talismans on his body.

Chong Jiu watched intently, ready to destroy himself if he sensed anything suspicious.

As the first talisman was completed, it glowed faintly, and his pain vanished instantly. He recognized it as a talisman for purging and suppressing evil energy.

Nanli raised an eyebrow. "See? I’m not tricking you."

Chong Jiu, realizing she had read his thoughts, nodded awkwardly.

Nanli performed a hand gesture, embedding the talisman into his body so it wouldn’t wear off, allowing it to last a few days.

Chong Jiu hastily adjusted his clothes, still wary of her.

Next, she placed talismans at strategic points around the room, forming a formation that enhanced the purging effect.

When she finished, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and said, "This formation was painstakingly developed by me. It will cleanse the evil energy in you within a month, and then I’ll repair your internal organs."

"Considering I’m saving your life, perhaps you should do the right thing and tell me the truth?"

Chong Jiu inspected the formation closely and, finding no issues, softened his expression. "When my master returns, I will tell you everything. But you can rest assured for now; I won’t harm your sister-in-law."

Nanli expected this answer and shrugged, looking indifferent. "Alright, I’ll wait."

She left the Bamboo Garden.

Qingyang, waiting outside, saw her serious expression and asked, "Your Highness, is he still not talking?"

"No, he isn’t," Nanli shook her head.

If he wasn’t targeting her sister-in-law, he must have shifted his focus to someone else. But with so many pregnant women in the capital, investigating them all would be a monumental task.

Qingyang’s face darkened. "Then we should go harsher. I guarantee he’ll spill the truth within a day."

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