Chen Qingyuan was stunned for a moment before hastily responding, “Miss, please don’t joke.”

“I’m serious.” Su Xiaowan bit her red lips lightly, her cheeks flushed with shyness. “I know I’m not worthy of you, Young Master Chen, but I still want to try. In this world, no man can compare to your unparalleled grace. Even if there’s only a sliver of a chance, I don’t want to miss it.”

“Ahem…” Chen Qingyuan coughed softly a few times to cover his embarrassment. “Well… I currently have no intention of seeking a Dao Companion. Miss Su, please return.”

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaowan’s eyes gradually dimmed.

In fact, Su Xiaowan had already anticipated this outcome before she came. There were countless women in the world, and she was neither the most outstanding nor the most beautiful. How could she win Chen Qingyuan’s favor?

However, Su Xiaowan was bold in love and hate. Unlike most women who hid in the shadows, afraid to act, she mustered the courage to express her feelings.

Even if she failed, she wouldn’t have any regrets in life.

“Forgive my rudeness, Young Master Chen. Please don’t blame me.”

Su Xiaowan maintained her manners, expressed her apology, and turned to leave.

“No harm done.”

Chen Qingyuan, of course, wouldn’t blame her. He cupped his hands in return and watched her departure.

Behind him, the Buddha’s child and Zhangsun Fengye stared intently at Chen Qingyuan, their eyes filled with a strange, teasing look, enjoying the spectacle.

“Brother Chen, you…”

Zhangsun Fengye was just about to make a joke.

“Shut up.” Chen Qingyuan glared at him, cutting him off.

“Hahaha.” Zhangsun Fengye stopped talking and burst into laughter.

The surrounding cultivators, who had been watching the scene, were still savoring the moment.

The young talents all envied Chen Qingyuan, wishing that one day they could be in his position.

The noblewomen admired Su Xiaowan’s bravery and secretly encouraged themselves.

As for those who mocked or ridiculed, there were none.

Su Xiaowan of Pear Blossom Palace was, after all, a true disciple and a famous fairy in the Southern Region. Countless young talents pursued her. Unfortunately, her standards were exceedingly high, and she looked down on those who were far inferior to her.

Regarding Su Xiaowan’s actions, Wang Shutong, the saintess, did not blame her. She merely advised Su Xiaowan to cultivate diligently, as only by becoming strong could one earn respect from others.

“What’s this? Does everyone have nothing to do?”

Wang Shutong noticed that many women from Pear Blossom Palace were still looking at Chen Qingyuan. She turned her head and glanced around, speaking softly.

The women immediately averted their gaze, each returning to their cultivation or teaming up to seek fortune elsewhere, not wanting to waste time.

“Senior Sister is so cold. I’ve never seen her smile since I joined.”

“Dao Friend Chen is one of the top talents of our time, yet Senior Sister remains indifferent. If even Dao Friend Chen can’t catch her eye, who in the world can?”

“Do you think… Senior Sister might have a problem in that area?”

“What area?”

“Not liking men.”

“Shh! Be careful with your words. If Senior Sister hears this, the consequences will be dire.”

The women were driven to the nearby ancient star, searching for the Fortune Green Lotus or various resources. Along the way, they discussed Chen Qingyuan and then shifted to Wang Shutong, and the topic gradually took a different turn.

As they talked, dozens of women glanced back at the ancient star of Yanchang. Even from afar, they could feel the cold aura emanating from Wang Shutong, causing them to shiver and immediately fall silent, quickening their pace.

Little did they know, Wang Shutong, far away on the ancient star of Yanchang, heard their conversations clearly. A few blushes appeared on her face under the plain veil, her eyes sharp, and she thought to herself, “These little brats, each bolder than the last.”

Heaven and earth could testify that Wang Shutong had no intention of eavesdropping on her junior sisters’ conversations; it was an accident.

Ever since that bastard had stolen the Sky Iron years ago, injuring many disciples of Pear Blossom Palace, Wang Shutong had left a prohibition on each leading junior sister.

This way, Wang Shutong could immediately know their situation and provide timely support.

Despite her usually cold demeanor, there was still a trace of warmth in her heart.

For the safety of her junior sisters, Wang Shutong had put in a lot of effort.

“Hmph!” Wang Shutong never expected to hear such comments. She snorted softly to herself, “Just wait, I’ll deal with you all later.”

Meanwhile, Chen Qingyuan continued managing his arena, preparing to make a fortune.

Defeating Fu Dongliu had cemented Chen Qingyuan’s position as a top talent of his generation.

With Chen Qingyuan overseeing things, those factions that had conflicts but didn’t want to escalate matters paid him a management fee, allowing them to fight without fear of third-party interference.

His reputation made it much easier to earn money.

For the next decade or so, Chen Qingyuan stayed on the ancient star of Yanchang, accumulating more and more Spirit Stones.

In addition, many beautifully dressed women frequently came to express their feelings, making the onlookers’ eyes widen with envy.

Zhangsun Fengye roughly counted, noting that there were at least twenty women of exceptional beauty and high talent. They were either saintesses of a sect or true disciples of considerable status.

To be honest, at first, Zhangsun Fengye was just a spectator, but his mindset gradually changed. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t envious. After all, none of the women who came to express their feelings were unattractive; they were all stunning and exceptional.

Chen Qingyuan, however, rejected each one, stating that he had no intention of seeking a Dao Companion at the moment, and solemnly said, “Fairies, please don’t waste your time.”

For over a decade, life was relatively peaceful—earning Spirit Stones and meditating.

After accumulating enough, Chen Qingyuan broke through his bottleneck in one go, reaching the peak of the Elemental Infant realm.

With his cultivation level increased, his strength naturally rose significantly.

Outsiders noticed Chen Qingyuan’s breakthrough and were shocked, thinking to themselves, “Chen Qingyuan has grown even stronger. Who among his peers can be his match now?”

Having reached the peak of the Elemental Infant realm and acquired many Spirit Stones, he should have been very happy.

However, Chen Qingyuan was still somewhat troubled, often sighing lightly.

“No one dares to bet the Fortune Green Lotus with me. It’s so frustrating.”

Chen Qingyuan had originally hoped that evildoers from various realms would bring the Fortune Green Lotus to him. But after that battle, everyone knew of Chen Qingyuan’s terrifying strength, and no one was willing to hand over their hard-earned resources.

Though he had many Spirit Stones, Chen Qingyuan was no longer satisfied.

He decided to take the initiative. It was time to seek more Fortune Green Lotus.

This was the real treasure. Once refined into the body, it would invisibly enhance one’s fortune and benefit the sect’s development.

Thus, Chen Qingyuan announced his departure from the ancient star of Yanchang, no longer intervening in the battles of others, hoping that Dao Friends from all sides would gain something.

Whoosh—

Chen Qingyuan and his companions stepped into the air, leaving only afterimages behind.