novelraw Chapter 152 This Son-in-Law Isn’t Short on Cash
Chapter 152 This Son-in-Law Isn’t Short on Cash
Five days later, Cloud Raiment City broke the horizon.
First impressions were everything, and Cloud Raiment City screamed "Opulence." It was a city built not for defense or spirituality, but for commerce. Massive stone walls were emblazoned with the "Cloud" insignia, inlaid with gold that glittered blindingly under the sun. Unlike other cultivator strongholds, this wasn't just a dwelling; it was a colossal logistical machine—a factory-fortress dedicated to the flow of wealth.
The flying vessel touched down at the designated sky harbor. As the ramp lowered, Zhang Xian stepped out to find Yun Qi waiting on the tarmac.
"Brother Zhang!" Yun Qi strode forward, a genuine smile breaking across his face, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of shock.
He scanned Zhang Xian up and down, sensing the profound, stable aura radiating from the young man. The "False Core" instability was gone, replaced by the deep, resonant power of the mid-Golden Core stage.
He’s caught up to me already?
Yun Qi felt a pang of disbelief. Only a few years ago, Zhang Xian had been a humble Foundation Establishment junior with nothing but a fat wallet. Now, he was a powerhouse capable of trading blows with Nascent Souls, a key player in the Southern Region’s survival, and—most jarringly—his future uncle-in-law.
Life truly came at you fast.
"Commander Yun," Zhang Xian greeted warmly.
After a few pleasantries, Yun Qi ushered him into an exclusive, luxurious carriage emblazoned with the Pavilion’s crest. They rolled through the bustling streets toward the city center, the heart of the Cloud Raiment empire.
The carriage halted before the imposing vermilion gates of the main estate. Zhang Xian stepped out, but the grandeur of the architecture instantly faded into the background.
Standing at the entrance was a single figure.
Yun Wanqing.
She wore a simple, elegant gown of moon-white silk, her dark hair loosely pinned with a single white jade hairpin. A few stray strands framed her neck, emphasizing the porcelain perfection of her skin. She stood quietly, hands clasped, a soft smile gracing her lips. Her gaze was tranquil, welcoming—like a wife waiting for her husband to return from war.
"You're here," she said softly.
Their eyes met, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
Inspector Zhiyin, displaying impeccable social awareness, turned to Yun Qi. "Commander Yun, I need to verify the procurement manifests for the strategic materials. Shall we?"
Yun Qi blinked, then grinned. "Ah, of course. Right this way."
In the quiet intimacy of her private study, Yun Wanqing poured a cup of spiritual tea for Zhang Xian. The steam curled between them, carrying the scent of jasmine and rare herbs.
"Where is Zhen'er?" Zhang Xian asked, taking the cup.
"Still sleeping," Yun Wanqing replied, her smile deepening into something radiant. "The Creation Immortal Pill you provided worked miracles. My father examined her soul; it is mending perfectly. The fusion process will take another three months, but she is safe."
The shadow that had haunted her eyes for years—the constant, crushing fear of losing her daughter—was gone. In its place was a lightness, a glowing vitality that made her even more breathtaking.
Zhang Xian set the cup down. "That’s good. But I didn't just come to visit. I’m worried about Elder Yun He. The Demons have a way of tracking high-value targets, specifically those attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Long Zhi was ambushed in the capital..."
Yun Wanqing covered her mouth, a light laugh escaping her lips. "Zhang Xian, the rumors say you are a romantic rogue who knows exactly how to charm women. yet the moment you see me, you talk of war and assassination?"
Her voice dropped to a playful, teasing whisper. "Can't you just lie and say you came specifically to see me?"
Zhang Xian choked slightly. He stared at her face, mere inches from his own.
Damn. I’m a veteran driver, but this woman is dangerous. Lin Yinyin is cute, but this... this is a lethal weapon.
He cleared his throat, steadying his resolve. "I’m a practical man. I came because I was worried. The Southern Capital is currently the safest place in the region; all our heavy hitters are there. I want to move you, Zhen'er, and your father to the capital immediately. Business can wait."
He leaned back, adopting a cavalier pose. "After all, this son-in-law isn't short on cash."
Yun Wanqing laughed, the sound bright and clear. The phrase "son-in-law" warmed her chest. "I’ve discussed it with Father. Once his preparations are complete, we will leave with you."
"Good." Zhang Xian exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing.
He reached into his storage ring and produced two of the "Zhang Grand Gift Packages" he had prepared, along with a pair of exquisite jade pendants carved in the shape of winged birds.
"These are [United Heart Winged Pendants]," he explained. "They allow us to sense each other's location and safety."
Yun Wanqing’s eyes lit up. She took the jade, her fingers tracing the delicate carvings with reverence. She tied it to her waist sash, adjusting it until it hung perfectly.
"You are too good to me," she murmured, looking up at him with eyes full of undisguised affection.
Zhang Xian felt a tug in his chest—a resonance from the matching pendant tucked in his robes. "To be honest, I’m the one robbing the bank here. Marrying the number one beauty of the Southern Region? Compared to you, these trinkets are just rocks."
Yun Wanqing smiled, fiddling with the tassels of the pendant. Then, keeping her voice casual, she asked, "By the way... you fought the Demon. What exactly are they?"
Zhang Xian’s expression didn't flicker. He launched into his prepared briefing: the Seven Emotions, the corrupting black-and-white energy, the danger of obsession. He explained everything with perfect accuracy—except for the identity of the vessel.
"Emotions transforming into demons..." Yun Wanqing sighed, her brow furrowing. "A terrifying concept. The Southern Region is in for a dark time."
"Let them come," Zhang Xian grinned. "I’ll just use my 'Spirit Treasure Detonation Technique.' I’ll blow them to smithereens with money. We’ll see whose pockets are deeper."
Yun Wanqing giggled at his nouveau riche act. "Look at you, getting carried away. Aren't you afraid they’ll target you for being so flashy?"
"They already tried and failed," Zhang Xian puffed out his chest. "Now the word is out: Zhang Xian is invincible under the Nascent Soul stage, and more importantly, he’s loaded. If anyone else had my stats, their ego would be visible from orbit. I’m practically humble."
Yun Wanqing shook her head, amused by his antics. She stood up gracefully. "Father has prepared a welcome banquet. You go ahead; I need to freshen up. I’ll join you shortly."
Zhang Xian nodded, leaving the study with a spring in his step.
As the heavy wooden door clicked shut, the smile vanished from Yun Wanqing’s face.
The warmth in the room evaporated. She walked to the window, staring out at the bustling city, and pulled a communication jade from her sleeve. She injected a pulse of qi.
The jade glowed, and the raspy voice of Elder Sun, the Pavilion’s chief investigator, echoed in the silence.
"Pavilion Master. I have conducted a forensic analysis of the battlefield where Zhang Xian fought the entity. The area was scrubbed clean, but using the Retrospective Light technique and the Pavilion’s sensory treasures, I recovered faint residual signatures."
Yun Wanqing stood frozen, her grip on the jade whitening her knuckles.
"The Demon utilized a strange black-and-white origin power," Elder Sun continued. "However, the underlying spiritual energy signature was Water-aligned and exceptionally pure. Furthermore... the residual sword intent etched into the stone bears a seventy percent structural resemblance to the Yunmiao Sword Scripture."
The silence in the room was deafening.
Yun Wanqing closed her eyes. The pieces of the puzzle clicked together with a sickening finality.
"I understand," she whispered. "You have worked hard, Elder Sun. Return to base."
The light in the jade died.
She stood alone in the dim light, her hand clutching the [United Heart Winged Pendant] at her waist. Her thumb traced the mandarin duck pattern—a symbol of eternal fidelity. Her eyes were dark, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within.
Finally, she took a shuddering breath. Her hand moved from the jade to her chest, pressing the pendant against her heart as if trying to physically hold herself together.