Zhang Yuanqing held onto Xiao Green Tea’s shoulders with one hand, gently揉ing her neat hairstyle with the other, causing it to become slightly messy. He rarely initiated close physical interactions with Xie Lingxi, partly out of consideration for Guan Ya, his steady and proper girlfriend, and partly because this young lady was so delicate and bookish, fond of domestic intrigues, and thus didn’t get many opportunities. Yet Zhang Yuanqing actually didn’t mind her at all—he even quite liked her. The vibrant, beautiful, and devoted young lady who remained steadfastly loyal to him—how could anyone not appreciate that? Though a bit reserved, she lacked a royal airs, possessed high emotional intelligence, and consistently provided emotional value. Being with her was always a source of joy and happiness, always cherished and treated with care. Without meeting him, this young lady would likely have attracted countless young and handsome suitors. But, as Xiao Green Tea put it, having seen her brother—a man of extraordinary talent and grace—she simply couldn’t be impressed by those mere butterflies and bees anymore. Xie Lingxi leaned against her unparalleled brother, her thoughts drifting back to the Xie family. Since her father had announced that the ancestral line would match her off to Yuan Shi, she had been eagerly anticipating the crab banquet. No one could refuse a "marriage proposal" from a half-divine—whether for strategic benefits or sheer strength. Accepting such a proposal meant being recognized as a junior member of the family, with a deeper and more enduring bond than that between Yuan Shi and the five leading figures of the Five Elements Alliance. Yuan Shi, a rising figure from humble origins, needed a powerful backing, and Xie Lingxi was willing to serve as a devoted wife and supporter, dedicating herself fully to help him grow. In her view, she held a clear advantage over Guan Ya. While Guan Ya was a top-line descendant of the Fu family, she did not hold a central position within Fu's power structure. As the only daughter of Xie Su, though she had not yet assumed full authority due to her age, she was one of the leading candidates for the future family headship. ——In the musical family, women hold an exceptionally high status; over the past century, the Xie family has produced three female heads and only If Yuan Shi's brother marries her, he will secure more than half of the Xie family's resources. Of course, Yuan Shi's brother is naturally proud and rebellious, and may not accept the match arranged by his ancestors. But Shie Lingxi hopes to observe his attitude toward her through this matter. If Yuan Shi's brother harbors feelings for her, that would be a blessing indeed—even if he declines this ancestral match now, when she eventually ascends to the rank of Saint, she will surely win him over. As for her elder sister Guan Ya's stance, the young green tea doesn't particularly care, since Guan Ya cannot prevent Yuan Shi's brother from having other women. Once a spiritual traveler reaches a certain level, their rate of advancement and the difficulty of progression increase steadily. At that point, their development shifts from mere advancement to reproduction—producing more spiritual travelers, forming a powerful lineage bound by blood ties, which becomes a spiritual family dynasty. Reproducing a lineage and consolidating power is the inherent nature of the orderly professions. Organization brings order. In contrast, the chaotic and evil professions lean toward destruction and freedom. The existence of the three major evil organizations primarily stems from their need to counterbalance the orderly forces. Of course, lineage-building is not exclusive to male dominance or divine status—female leaders have also achieved this. For instance, the patriarch of the Zhu family in Yuecheng was a woman. This female half-divine is said to have had three thousand spouses over her lifetime, and throughout her century-long reign, she gave birth to over forty children. These forty descendants have since flourished, establishing a family of several thousand members over the centuries. Such reproductive vitality is especially common among rising strongholds from the grassroots—like Yuanshǐ’s brother, who hails from humble origins and aspires to reach the rank of half-divine. In contrast, half-divines originating from established power houses, already secure in their familial networks, have less need for such concerns and instead emphasize selective breeding and high-quality offspring. Even the commander of the White Tiger military forces does not require a male partner. In short, Yuanshǐ brother will surely have two, three, and even four concubines in the future, and Guan Ya sister, hailing from a noble lineage of the spiritual realm, undoubtedly understands this principle. Therefore, Xie Lingxi believes that as long as she continues to stay by Yuanshǐ brother's side and his rank keeps rising, she will eventually achieve her aspirations. "Uncle Yuanshi, this is my fourth aunt-in-law," Xie Lingxi introduced brightly. Fourth aunt-in-law? Ah, probably one of Father's first cousins... Slightly uncertain, Zhang Yuanqing, who had rarely interacted with relatives on his father's side, thought so. "Good morning, Aunt," he extended his hand. Upon hearing Zhang Yuanqing's title, Xie Lingxi's face immediately lit up with a gentle smile, secretly delighted. "Xie Qin!" the lady in a qipao extended her well-groomed hand, shaking it while gazing at her intently, her smile deepening, "I've long admired your reputation—indeed, you are truly a distinguished figure." She then withdrew her hand, making a graceful "please" gesture, and smiled, "The reception has already begun, and everyone is eager to meet you." She used the formal "you," which was the appropriate honor and respect befitting a high-ranking Ling-jing cultivator. Zhang Yuanqing nodded slightly, took with her Xie Lingxi, and followed Xie Qin over the stone balustrade into the classical garden. Green willows, ponds dotted with lotus leaves, pathways paved with smooth stones and river pebbles, the pavilion with soaring eaves at the center of the lake, and buildings featuring open, latticed windows and doors—all composed the graceful Jiangnan garden landscape. The clan members kept glancing toward the door, as if waiting for something. Upon seeing Xie Qin leading two people in, a joyful exclamation rose from the younger group at the young people's table: "Master Yuan Shi has arrived!" Instantly, a wave of eyes turned their way. The elders' gaze was one of scrutiny, the younger ones' a mix of admiration, goodwill, and even rivalry, while the women of childbearing age, upon seeing Master Yuan Shi, expressed clear longing. Notably, after reaching the Saint stage, musicians develop an innate yearning for love and childbearing—when encountering a strong opposite gender, they naturally feel the instinct to nurture offspring. Thus, regardless of gender, the musical profession possesses the potential to become a "king of love" or "sea king." However, this innate drive is not an insurmountable cost; most traditional musicians remain reserved, unlike in the realm of love-oriented professions, where the majority are older female practitioners. Anni belongs to the rare few in the love-oriented professions, much like the "Heaven's Fire" master in the fire arts. Xie Lingxi felt the admiring glances from her aunts, uncles, and sisters-in-law, and quickly clutched her Yuanshi brother's arm, speaking in a soft, urgent tone: "Brother, let's go to that table." Zhang Yuancheng followed her gaze and was immediately drawn to a beautiful woman dressed in a moonlight qipao. She had a full, graceful figure, with a classic, ancient-style coiffure of a high, upward-pointing bun, a vivid, alluring oval face, her eyebrows and eyelashes carefully outlined, her dark eyeliner accentuating bright, lively eyes. She combined the elegance of a mature woman with the freshness and innocence of a young girl. Zhang Yuancheng studied her closely and noticed a striking resemblance between her and Xie Lingxi. Was this the "green tea mother" Xie Lingxi had mentioned? With such a look, presence, and poise—how could she not surpass her daughter-in-law? It made perfect sense that the young green tea woman harbored such resentment. She must have never won over her mother before. Zhang Yuancheng mused to herself. Then she turned her attention to the other middle Seven Sovereigns, truly, the Xie family's roots run deep. I remember there was a Sovereign at the peak level within the Xie family—why hasn't he come? Zhang Yuanqing turned his gaze, taking Shie Lingxi's hand and, under the guidance of Xie Qin, proceeding toward the main table. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Prime Immortal." The Sovereigns of the Xie family nodded respectfully, offering warm smiles. Zhang Yuanqing bowed in return, seating the young green tea beside him. Xie Qin did not introduce the seven Sovereigns by their spiritual realm IDs—directly calling out their names would have been considered impolite, and she had asked him to do the same. Before attending the crab banquet, Shie Lingxi had already shared the basic profiles of the family's Sovereigns with him, which is why Zhang Yuanqing knew there was a Sovereign at the peak level within the Xie family. The server presented Zhang Yuanqing with six large crabs, a pot of Xie family's homemade yellow wine, and the necessary tools for crab preparation. Shie Lingxi diligently helped her brother with the crab preparations. While the daughter was busy unpeeling crabs, Ms. Xie raised a cup of yellow wine, her voice soft, warm, and pleasant. "Yuanqi, I really want to thank you for your care of Lingxi. This girl has a bad temper, is rather difficult, not very capable, and not particularly bright—yet you still have to scold her when necessary. Here, I'd like to raise my glass to you." Zhang Yuanqing quickly lifted his cup and said, "That's quite kind of you, Ms. Xie. Lingxi is actually so well-behaved, intelligent, and thoughtful—she's helped me so much." Ms. Xie smiled warmly and said, "That's wonderful! Lingxi just turned eighteen last month—what a perfect match you've made for her!" Zhang Yuanqi looked at the refined, oval face, and for a moment, didn't know what to say. Seeing her innocent, sincere eyes, how could he possibly refuse? He felt completely outmatched. At that moment, a well-dressed middle-aged man arrived with a young woman, holding a wine glass, and just interrupted Ms. Xie's flow. The middle-aged man introduced himself as Xie Cai, eager to introduce his daughter, Xie Lingdie, to Yuan Shi Tianzun, with a half-serious, half-fake smile: "Your ladyship truly has a keen eye. If Yuan Shi Tianzun, such a distinguished young man, becomes the son-in-law of the Xie family, it will surely be a wonderful match. Yuan Shi Tianzun, my daughter has always looked up to you. I was so delighted when I learned you were attending the crab banquet that I couldn't sleep all night." As she spoke, the young woman named Xie Lingdie raised her wine cup, bashful and gently said, "Yuan Shi Tianzun, I'd like to toast you." Just as Zhang Yuanqing was about to raise his cup, Xie Mother softly interjected, "Yuan Shi, you must drink several more cups with Lingdie—she's always deeply inspired by strong individuals. Her current boyfriend is a senior steward in the Crab Division, and her admiration for you is genuine." Already has a boyfriend... Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself. Lingdie's smile faltered slightly, and as Zhang Yuanqing finished his drink, she quietly retreated, her expression res Next, several young, marriageable girls came to pay their respects with wine, but all were gently defeated by Mrs. Xie’s subtle tactics. Though Mrs. Xie always praised the girls highly, there were always certain points that made one feel pity—or slight resentment. Now I finally understand where Xie Lingxi learned her tea art. Unconsciously, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the Xie family’s daughters—what a remarkable insight! Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself: "With a few more years, this young tea girl will surely inherit her mother’s legacy, and the household will surely become lively." Still, it doesn’t matter—handling the tea girl’s delicate nature is best done by inviting someone truly eccentric. Halfway through the Xie family banquet, Xie Qin hurried in, with a clear purpose, and walked directly to the main table, whispering into Zhang Yuanqing’s ear: "Mr. Yuanshi, the ancestral elder has invited you to dine on crabs." At last—Zhang Yuanqing perked up, rose with confidence under the watchful eyes of the Xie family, and, with a look of anticipation from Xie Lingxi, followed Xie Qin to leave the table. Leaving the pavilion, the two walked through one garden after another, the surroundings growing more secluded and gradually distancing themselves from human presence. After about fifteen minutes, Xie Qin stopped before the courtyard of an ancient building, gazing at the closed gate and said, "Our ancestor, Yuan Shi Tian Zun, has arrived." A deep, resonant voice came from within the courtyard: "Let him enter." Xie Qin then turned to Zhang Yuanqing, speaking softly, "Just go in directly." Turning, she walked away. Zhang Yuanqing gently pushed open the weathered gate between the two hills. The moonlight flowed like silk, casting dappled shadows across the courtyard, with three red lanterns hanging above. On the only stone table in the courtyard sat a child of about six or seven years old, his hair neatly pinned with a jade hairpin, dressed in a loose robe, his small hands holding crab legs, crunching them one after another. His face was glistening with oil. The child was entirely absorbed in his meal, showing no awareness of Zhang Yuanqing's arrival—purely innocent and naive. Zhang Yuanqing shifted his gaze to the brightly lit ancient building, where the clear light spilled through the latticed doors. He called out to the ancient pavilion, "Master Xie, I've arrived, haven't I?" There was no response from within. Zhang Yuanqing called three times, still receiving no answer. He then turned his gaze to the bewildered young attendant, still unable to believe it, hesitating, "Master Xie, are you inside?" The boy only lifted his eyes and spoke, his voice surprisingly old, "Right before you." Indeed, it was this child? Zhang Yuanqing was stunned, "My young servant has been so foolish as not to recognize the great master. Master Xie's rejuvenation is truly unparalleled—my admiration is profound, yet words fall short to express my reverence." He immediately bowed low, "Only thus can I truly convey my deep respect." Watching the sudden prostration of Yuan Shi Tian Zun, the boy was momentarily taken aback, then his face brightened with a smile, "You're quite interesting, sit down—let's have some crabs together."