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Within the Spirit Pearl Realm, Lan An's heart thrummed with purpose, his harem's laughter a symphony of unity. The Sacred Lotus Academy's trials loomed, a crucible to forge his legend. His billions of Prestige Points, earned through Dark Origin Continent's trials and Yan Yue Qi's aid, fueled a lavish spree in the Lucky Shop. The Dragon King Halberd and Reverse Dragon Bloodline summons had fortified his arsenal, but the Illusory Wood True Scripture now crowned his efforts, a technique to elevate his beloved wives. As the Conquer the Mother-in-Law quest wove its threads, Lan An's gifts to his harem cemented their bond, preparing them for the trials ahead.
"Ding, summon successful! Congratulations, host, for obtaining Beyond Spirit-Grade Technique: Illusory Wood True Scripture, stored in system space!"
The System's confirmation rang, and Lan An's lips curved in satisfaction. The summon's lengthy countdown minutes long heralded its extraordinary rank. A wood-element technique, it was ideal for Mu Zi Yin or Li Zhu Luan, though its singular inheritance posed a dilemma, as neither would yield to the other.
Resolved to equip his harem comprehensively, Lan An opened the Lucky Shop, determined to upgrade it and amass treasures for the Sacred Lotus Academy trials. "Ding, Lucky Shop opened successfully!"
Five items materialized, and Lan An's gaze locked on a technique. "No refresh needed, and already a gem!" he marveled.
Mid Spirit-Grade Technique – Heavenly Halberd Art, priced at 30,000 Prestige Points. "Worthy of a Spirit-Grade technique," he mused. Fresh from summoning the Dragon King Halberd, this halberd art was a fated match. Without hesitation, he purchased it.
Deferring its study, he eyed the remaining items—mediocre at best—and refreshed the shop. Five new items appeared, including a vial of Beast Nurturing Pills for Little Lion, but nothing else shone. He bought the pills and refreshed again.
After nearly ten refreshes, two weapons caught his eye: twin swords, one silver, one gold, exuding mystique. Their hilts gleamed with jade-like scales, their serpentine blades thin as cicada wings, both agile and lethal.
Gold-Silver Twin Serpent Swords – High Heaven-Grade Weapons, priced at 12,000 Prestige Points. "Bai Mu Mei's Star-Silver Twin Swords are only Mysterious-Grade, outclassed now," he noted. He bought them instantly.
Refreshing again, luck soured. Nearly twenty refreshes drained Prestige Points like water, his face darkening, until a treasure emerged: Wind Spirit Treasure Robe – Supreme Earth-Grade Garment, 5,000 Prestige Points. He purchased it for Die Qing, compensating for gifting her intended Wood锦兰 Robe to Mu Zi Yin.
A few more refreshes yielded three garments. Spending 15,000 Prestige Points, he acquired two identical Ice Silkworm Blue Robes and one Ice Moon Treasure Robe. For his wives, garments were paramount ordinary clothes tore in battle, risking exposure. Ji Ya's tattered state in Dark Origin Continent, masked only by blood, haunted him. High-grade garments ensured their dignity and safety.
"Refresh again!" he commanded.
After dozens of refreshes, a heart-pounding item appeared: High Spirit-Grade Technique – Blessed Wood True Art, Volume One. A supportive technique for wood-root cultivators, it aided allies from afar, perfect for Li Zhu Luan, who favored ranged support over weapons. Its first volume hinted at future volumes post-System upgrades, promising immense potential.
Spending heavily, Lan An bought it, then turned to Ji Ya. "Ya'er, you practice Twin Heart Sword Art, yes?"
Her face flushed at the intimate address before the harem, glaring. "My sister and I do, our highest-grade technique."
"Considering a change? Preferred weapon?" he asked, smiling.
Twin Heart Sword Art was potent, but Ji Bing's amnesia hindered their synergy, diminishing its power. Lan An suspected Ji Ya's disinterest in swords, noting her battle with the One-Horned Eagle King lacked sword-inflicted wounds.
"We're not fond of swords," Ji Ya admitted, stroking Ji Bing's hair. "Twin Heart Sword Art was our best option, so we trained it."
Ji Bing, having adopted the Ice Water Exquisite Scripture, outshone their old art. The harem, sensing Lan An's intent, crowded him, especially Li Zhu Luan and Mu Zi Yin, their gazes wistful for new techniques.
"Fear not! My master secretly bestowed countless techniques and treasures. Everyone gets a share!" Lan An boasted, puffing his chest.
Embracing Li Zhu Luan and Bai Mu Mei, he resumed shopping. The harem's eyes sparkled, speculating his master's Tribulation Stage prowess, awed by his backing.
"I prefer ranged attacks, not melee weapons," Ji Ya said, unreserved.
Lan An nodded, refreshing the shop furiously. After twenty-one refreshes, costing 21,000 Prestige Points, a jade pendant radiating icy, gentle aura appeared: High Spirit-Grade Technique – Ice Water Ripple Art, Volume One. He bought it instantly.
Refreshing again, another gem emerged: Three Thousand Thunder Motion – High Spirit-Grade Movement Art. He purchased it without pause.
Luck faltered, requiring nearly a hundred costly refreshes, until two garments appeared: Low Heaven-Grade Garment – Stellar Law Robe and Mid Heaven-Grade Garment – Blood Iron Battle Armor. He bought both.
"Still not enough to upgrade the shop?" he asked Jin Ni silently, his spending vast and uncounted.
"Almost there, young master!" Jin Ni assured.
Lan An nodded, turning to Liu Shi Qin gently. "Little aunt, what weapon suits you?"
She frowned, pondering, then smiled, shaking her head. "Ice Moon Night Wind Scripture isn't weapon-focused. I've no need."
He nodded, refreshing again. A new item caught his eye: Blood Iron Battle Boots – Mid Heaven-Grade Garment. Paired with the Blood Iron Battle Armor and replacing his shattered Earth Battle Boots, he bought it.
Finally, he acquired two new Heaven-Grade martial skills for himself and one for Ji Bing. The System chimed: "Ding, shopping accumulation sufficient. Upgrade Lucky Shop?"
"Confirm upgrade!" Lan An nodded, eager for Level 2's treasures.
"Ding, initiating upgrade. Countdown: 9 days."
Lan An blinked, surprised by the duration, coinciding with the trial's start. "I'll check the shop upon entering the Academy," he mused.
Closing the System, he met his harem's curious gazes, grinning as he summoned a pile of treasures onto the ground.
Gasp! The women inhaled sharply, their eyes twinkling like stars, awed by his wealth.
"Listen to your husband's assignments!" Lan An chuckled, mischievous.
"Illusory Wood True Scripture for Zi Yin." He pointed to his cheek.
"Hmph!" Mu Zi Yin huffed charmingly, kissing his cheek, joyfully accepting the jade pendant.
"Receive its inheritance but don't cultivate yet. Recruitment's near no time for seclusion," he advised.
Mu Zi Yin nodded obediently, dripping blood onto the pendant, absorbing the Illusory Wood True Scripture's knowledge. She closed her eyes, processing the influx, heeding his caution against immediate cultivation.
The harem grew eager, eyes bright with anticipation. Lan An smirked at Li Zhu Luan, pointing to his face.
Chup! Bolder, she hugged his neck, her lips claiming his, her fragrant tongue entwining fiercely.
"Shameless!" the harem scolded, especially Liu Shi Qin and Ji Ya, blushing furiously.
"Darling husband, my gift?" Li Zhu Luan purred, parting lips, her hand extended.
Lan An chuckled, placing the Blessed Wood True Art pendant in her palm.
"Love you!" she chirped, joining Mu Zi Yin to absorb its knowledge.
"My turn?" Bai Mu Mei asked, unprompted, her lips meeting his with a chup.
Ji Ya, Ji Bing, and Liu Shi Qin gaped. Bai Mu Mei's saintly aura, her silver hair evoking purity, belied her boldness. Unseen was her fervor with Lan An in private.
"Here, treasure!" Lan An presented three items: Gold-Silver Twin Serpent Swords, Stellar Law Robe, and her outdated Star Journey Love Fate replaced. The robe, black as night with gem-studded stars, radiated regal splendor.
"I want to mate!" Bai Mu Mei, overwhelmed, transmitted tenderly.
"Be good, refine them first. I'll indulge you later," he soothed, patting her soft hips.
"Yes!" She beamed, retreating to refine her treasures.
"I want too!" Little Lion mimicked, the fiery Western beauty leaping onto Lan An's lap, her full lips locking with his.
He savored her kiss, caressing her healing wounds, cherishing her sweet, fiery tongue. Her wild nature spurned gentleness, biting and sucking fiercely, their teeth clashing.
Ji Bing giggled, covering her mouth, while Ji Ya and Liu Shi Qin shut their eyes, hearts racing.
Lan An parted her swollen lips, handing her a pendant crackling with lightning: Three Thousand Thunder Motion – High Spirit-Grade Movement Art, nearly rivaling his Phantom Charm Wander Step. As his beast companion, Little Lion faced no trial time constraints.
She hopped off, cultivating immediately.
"These are ours?" Ji Bing eyed the twin Ice Silkworm Blue Robes, enchanted. Pale blue with darker trim, crafted from millennial Ice Silkworm silk, they aided ice and water spiritual energy absorption.
"Correct, plus these!" Lan An nodded, placing the Ice Water Ripple Art pendant in Ji Ya's hand.
"What's this?" Ji Ya asked, curious.
"A High Spirit-Grade technique for you," he grinned.
Gasp! Ji Ya's hand covered her lips, eyes wide, heart pounding.
Chup! Lan An seized the moment, kissing her jade cheek, savoring its silken texture.
"Scoundrel!" Ji Ya stomped, fleeing with her robe and pendant.
Her shyness amused him. He handed Ji Bing another pendant, a Mid Heaven-Grade Ice Skill suited to her.
To his and Liu Shi Qin's surprise, Ji Bing confidently absorbed the skill's knowledge, her Ice Water Exquisite Heart glowing. Rising gracefully, she distanced herself, her voice clear: "Ice Snow Absolute Domain!"
A phenomenon unfolded. Spiritual energy within the Spirit Pearl Realm surged, forming countless sharp ice shards in the sky, poised to rain down. Below, snow blanketed the ground, hindering foes. At her will, the shards would descend, burying enemies in a frozen wasteland.
Lan An watched, awed. Ice Snow Absolute Domain, the skill he'd given, was mastered instantly. Ji Bing, radiant with confidence, landed beside him, linking arms. "Thanks to my Ice Water Exquisite Heart, I can instantly master ice or water skills up to Supreme Heaven-Grade," she whispered.
"Brilliant!" Lan An praised.
Liu Shi Qin's eyes shone with approval—such a wife bolstered Lan An like wings on a tiger.
"I'll check on sister!" Ji Bing said, giggling at leaving Lan An with Liu Shi Qin, her glance teasing.
"She's too much!" Liu Shi Qin blushed, sensing Ji Bing's knowing look.
"Why shy? They're not fools—they've long seen our bond," Lan An said, grasping her delicate hand, smiling warmly.
Liu Shi Qin bit her lip, summoning courage, and leaned into his chest, her whisper soft…