With the Dao Array's protection, the mountain remained peaceful and untroubled by enemy attacks.

Shen Wang smiled; this was his true home, while the Dragon Ship felt like a cage.

"Husband, you're back!"

Having sensed someone enter through the array, Zheng Yunshu flew out. Seeing it was Shen Wang, she lit up with excitement.

After more than a month apart, she and her sisters had missed him dearly.

"Yes, I'm back. Are you all well?"

Shen Wang's eyes were gentle, choosing not to mention his captivity.

"The sisters and the children are all well," Zheng Yunshu smiled. "Come feel my belly — you can already sense the little one's heartbeat."

Under the night sky, Shen Wang looked at Zheng Yunshu, walked over to hold her hand, and listened with his hand on her belly for a while. He smiled, "The little one is full of life force."

He calmly returned with Zheng Yunshu as Jia'Er, Paper Kite, and Lan Kui came to welcome them.

Among the ladies, Lan Kui had the largest belly; seemingly, the human and demon bloodlines were too special, and the child had yet to be born.

Shen Wang checked again, finding that the little one still had some time, likely not to be born even if Jia'Er's second child arrived.

"Dad, did you bring anything tasty?"

Lixia walked over eagerly, always thinking of the outside food after tasting it once.

"You child, your father comes home so late; where would he get you food from?"

Jia'Er scolded her son with a glance.

"Not today, next time I'll bring some for you all."

Shen Wang went over, hugged Lixia and Jingzhe, and asked, "Where's Xue'Er?"

"Cultivating, that girl is very diligent. Xiaxia, you should learn from your elder sister."

Jia'Er glared at her son, who did not have the same drive for cultivation as his sister.

"Let's not disturb her; let's go inside for a chat."

Shen Wang waved his hand and, once at home, chatted while nourishing the meridians of his pregnant wives.

At dawn, Shen Wang spoke of cultivating outside and left at first light.

Using Ghost Shadow Step to travel, he met up with Chen Xian on the way to gather items, and returned to Jade Silkworm Valley by morning.

Others saw nothing unusual, and Shen Wang felt it was manageable, allowing him to covertly return for short periods without issue.

Maintaining a low profile, he continued with his affairs, finding his life much fuller by returning at night.

Time flew by, and soon it was time for Molan and the Sixth Prince to form a Dao partnership.

The entire Dragon Ship was festively decorated as Shen Wang appeared like a ghost at the lively entrance of Jade Silkworm Valley.

"With self-cultivation and system rewards, reaching Minor Success in ten days is adequate for now,"

Shen Wang thought to himself, looking up with a jubilant expression.

Having just developed the last two antidotes the day before, Shen Wang exhaled, feeling the task preliminarily complete. No one should bother him now, allowing continued peaceful cultivation.

Arriving at the Dragon Ship, many palace maids and eunuchs gathered near the main hall; musicians played, their celebratory music echoing throughout.

"It's the first time I've seen someone running a matchmaking family through their home; if I had such a big ship, I'd go around collecting wives."

Shen Wang glanced around, unconcerned with the Sixth Prince's dominance, longing instead for such a grand ship.

After a few looks, he calmly returned to his quarters.

The ship will come, as long as his strength is sufficient, everything is attainable.

With antidotes developed, he needn't venture out today, resting in the courtyard without drawing attention.

The wedding's central characters weren't him, and no one came to disturb his peace. Shen Wang merely activated the array's monitor function to stay informed of the courtyard's situation.

Regarding the wedding details, he dared not pry too much, projecting only a passage to see who partook.

As the auspicious hour approached, he saw a figure approaching, followed by a eunuch, stopping at his doorstep.

Shen Wang was surprised: "Why has she come here?"

Soon, the eunuch's sharp voice rang out: "Vice Steward Shen, Lady Shu has come to visit."

Xing'Er, on duty, opened the door, and Shen Wang soon appeared: "What brings Lady Ling Shu to me?"

Yun Lingshu gazed at Shen Wang, her eyes carrying a trace of complexity, "May I come in and sit?"

"With Lady Ling Shu's request, how could I refuse?"

Shen Wang signaled Xing'Er to prepare tea, giving way for her to enter.

"You wait outside,"

Yun Lingshu instructed.

"Lady Ling Shu, we cannot stray from your side," the palace maid said softly.

"Wait at the door for me!"

Yun Ling's gaze was cold.

The palace maid glanced around the small courtyard, "We'll wait inside, attending to Lady Shu's needs."

The eunuch and palace maid followed suit, not standing outside as told, seemingly watching Yun Lingshu to prevent any actions.

Yun Lingshu said no more, following Shen Wang to the meeting room in the center.

Xing'Er placed the tea on the table and withdrew.

Shen Wang drank the tea expressionlessly: "Lady Ling Shu, a noble like you, what business do you have with a servant like me?"

"Noble?"

Yun Lingshu mocked: "I'm not even as good as you. You can at least move freely, while I'm watched constantly, unable even to leave this ship."

"Oh, they're afraid you'll commit suicide?" Shen Wang mused.

"I did think of ending it, but I couldn't die."

Yun Lingshu sighed, "Can it be soundproof? I'd like a bit of free space."

Shen Wang raised a finger, isolating the sound.

The palace maid and eunuch outside glanced over, seeing Yun Lingshu, and didn't react excessively.

They were there only to ensure her life; they dared not do much else, as she was still, in name, the prince's woman.

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