Chapter Eighteen: Is That All?

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But how could Fang Che have let her be exposed? Even if she were truly exposed, he would find a way to cover for her.

Just as Ye Meng was lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard Fang Che’s impatient voice outside.

“Once you’re done washing, come out quickly and clean the courtyard and study. Mother and I are heading to the clan; you handle it yourself—don’t think about getting help. Qiu Xue and Dong Mei have errands outside, so hurry up!”

Fang Che snorted, then called out, “Mother, let’s go.”

Fang Qianyi’s voice followed, “Alright... Che’er, Ye Meng’s health has only just begun to recover; don’t be too harsh...”

Their voices gradually faded away.

Ye Meng’s heart immediately steadied.

They had all left—a godsend opportunity. She needed to break through quickly!

She hurriedly swallowed a Qi-concealing pill to slightly mask the breakthrough aura. Though the effect was limited, it was better than nothing.

Unexpectedly, until she completed her breakthrough, took another bath, and finished cleaning the courtyard and study, dusk had already fallen, yet Fang Che’s family had still not returned.

It wasn’t until candles were lit that Qiu Xue and Dong Mei came back in a carriage, directing others to carry large boxes into the house one by one.

Only then did Fang Che and Fang Qianyi return, looking exhausted. Soon after, two tables of food were delivered.

It seemed they had been busy all afternoon and evening, unable to eat.

...

The family’s clan arrangements had been completed. After acquiring some of the Su family’s original spheres of influence and business districts, the entire clan’s development was now on a solid foundation.

Fang Zhenghang convened a meeting to arrange the next steps for the family’s plans.

“First, our military strength must improve! Currently, the highest cultivation level in the clan is only Grandmaster level; this is unacceptable. With our current strength, there’s no hope of breaking into Level Eight. Even among Level Nine, there’s still risk of demotion.”

“Besides protecting the people, caring for livelihoods, and facilitating society, the most important task for a noble family is to defend the main hall, contribute points worthy of a Level Nine family, and pass qualification. That is the priority.”

“After all, these other aspects are handled by various government levels and merchants across the land. As long as goods flow and people’s lives are secure, the existence of noble families is less critical.”

“The contribution points required by noble families come from three things: capturing fugitives and those who harm society and the people; submitting beast crystal cores to eliminate wilderness threats; and eradicating cultists and demon-tainted individuals.”

“Only these three earn contribution points.”

“And all three require formidable martial strength. So, improving our cultivation is paramount.”

The entire clan leadership wore grim expressions.

Everyone felt the weight in their hearts.

Last year, the Level Nine clan earned 200 contribution points, and the family earned 215—barely maintaining status.

Half a year had passed this year, but only 98 points had been gained.

Completing the annual task seemed far off.

“Currently, we have two Grandmasters...” Fang Zhenghang sighed.

At that moment, Fang Qianyi timidly raised her hand.

“I...”

“Why you?” he asked.

“I estimate I can break through to Innate Grandmaster this month,” Fang Qianyi said.

She didn’t understand why, but since half a month ago, after returning home and having a meal with her son, her cultivation had surged dramatically—almost frighteningly so.

Her aptitude had also increased greatly.

Her absorption of spiritual energy was several times faster than before.

Though she suspected it might be because of the fruit her son gave her, she said nothing.

Nor did she ask.

This was too sensitive.

If exposed, the coveting and yearning within the clan would be uncontrollable, as such things could never be abundant.

“You’re about to break through?”

Fang Zhenghang was overjoyed, and others present showed astonishment and delight.

This was truly wonderful news.

One more Grandmaster meant greater confidence in fulfilling the hall’s defense duties.

“Yes, probably before next month, I already feel it these days,” Fang Qianyi smiled.

“That’s great, excellent!” Fang Zhenghang was ecstatic.

Fang Che sat behind his mother calmly: “Regarding beast crystal cores, I have some left—property from Su Yue’s family. Several hundred, though quality varies, but all count for the task. The family can use them; just pay me. However, I want the task quota under my mother’s name.”

“That’s even better! Putting it under your mother’s name is no problem, since we oversee all tasks under our family name.”

Fang Zhenghang was even happier.

After delivering crystal cores for the hall’s defense and receiving contribution points, each core was purchased at 70% of market value.

It was lucrative.

The Fang family took the tasks and points, Fang Che took the money and placed it into the “Su family property”—each took what they needed.

Su family no longer needed to fulfill any tasks anyway.

“With two or three hundred cores, that’s nearly forty contribution points. Our annual task will become much easier.”

Everyone smiled broadly.

“But we must not relax. The more contribution points, the better!”

Fang Zhenghang warned gravely.

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Everyone readily agreed, though their faces showed some relief.

After all, finishing the task early was completely different from scrambling at the last minute—different feelings, different risks. If it wasn’t done by the final month, the entire family would have to fight desperately, with inevitable casualties.

The meeting lasted a long time.

Fang Che stayed throughout.

Fang Qianyi found it strange; her son never participated before. Why was he so patient this time?

He even stayed until the meeting adjourned.

“What’s wrong with you? Are you alright in the head?” Fang Qianyi worriedly touched his forehead—no fever.

Fang Che helplessly removed his mother’s hand.

It had been almost a month since his rebirth.

Since that night when he saw his mother Fang Qianyi, Fang Che always felt something strange.

Being with her—chatting or working—felt like being with old brothers from the past, a rough-and-tumble, chivalrous world feeling.

Very straightforward, frank, and simple.

She had none of the delicate airs typical of ordinary daughters, not even refined—just careless and easygoing.

Being with her was very comfortable.

“My old man must be blessed by ancestral spirits to find such a good wife.”

Fang Che envied silently.

With Fang Qianyi, it rarely felt like a mother caring for her son. Instead, it was Fang Che who tolerated and cared for her.

He even felt like he was “looking after a not-so-mature younger sister” or “taking care of a daughter.”

That was very odd.

Seeing Fang Che’s lack of response, Fang Qianyi walked on while muttering, “You took Ye Meng into the family. I’ve seen her; that girl’s good-looking—big breasts and hips, fertile. You’re planning to take her as a concubine, right?”

Fang Che twitched his mouth: “...Uh...”

Fang Qianyi solemnly warned, “But if you want to succeed in martial arts, you must not lose your virginity before reaching Innate Grandmaster. Remember that.”

Fang Che was speechless—a face full of black lines.

Do you even need to say that? He already knew.

Fang Qianyi snorted, “For example, me—I was tricked by your father and had you before reaching Innate Grandmaster. As a result... sigh, I was a genius once upon a time.”

Her voice carried a hint of wistful regret from experience.

Fang Che rolled his eyes.

“Mother, could you please not add that hidden satisfaction when you teach? Those who know you see it as a sigh; those who don’t might think you’re bragging, encouraging me to find a wife early.”

“Is that so? Is that so?” Fang Qianyi hastily adjusted her attitude.

Fang Che sighed in exhaustion and changed the subject: “Mother, I have a question. Why do I take your surname Fang? What’s my father’s surname?”

Fang Qianyi looked at him in surprise: “Why would you think that?”

Fang Che laughed and cried, “Aren’t children supposed to take their father’s surname?”

“Yes,” Fang Qianyi said. “What’s the problem?”

Fang Che froze, stammering, “Could it be... could it be...”

Fang Qianyi said matter-of-factly, “Your father’s surname is Fang. Didn’t I tell you?”

Fang Che: “...”

Suddenly confused.

A bitter lump stuck in his throat, feeling awful.

Fang Qianyi frowned, reflecting, “Didn’t tell you? Hmm... emmmm, seems I really forgot... hahaha...”

She laughed at herself, finding her mistake quite amusing.

Fang Che looked up at the sky in speechless frustration—a face full of black lines.

After a long moment, he said, “Mother... thank you. It’s not easy to raise me this far. Truly.”

“Of course, I fed you with my care from the start...” Fang Qianyi began reminiscing about the hardships of raising a son.

Fang Che stared at the ceiling the whole time.

I want to say something, but you don’t understand at all...

“...So where is my father now?”

“I’ve told you eight hundred times—your father can’t return yet, but he’s a good man. A great hero!”

Fang Qianyi’s voice brimmed with pride.

Perhaps the original Fang Qianyi would have said this with disdain.

But now, Fang Che truly believed it.

...

That night.

After dinner.

Before sleep, Ye Meng brought in water and began fulfilling her duties as a maid.

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Fang Che sat comfortably on the bed as Ye Meng began washing his feet.

He seemed unsurprised by her recovery.

Ye Meng served carefully and obediently.

Apart from the sound of water, silence reigned.

Finally, Fang Che broke the silence.

“Ye Meng, have you gotten used to your new name and new home?”

He knew some things required him to take the initiative. Because a spy like Ye Meng would never ask questions proactively. They only silently observed.

“I’m quite used to it, thank you, Young Master,” Ye Meng replied obediently, her voice gentle but filled with unease, like a weak woman just rescued into a new environment without any sense of security or belonging.

Fang Che nodded; he didn’t care about her disguise.

On the contrary, he hoped her disguise was stronger—ideally so seamless even he couldn’t detect it.

“Do you know why I gave you those two immortal fruits?”

Fang Che asked.

“Immortal fruits?” Ye Meng feigned confusion perfectly.

“They are Heavenly Vein Red Fruits, very helpful in improving a person’s aptitude.”

Fang Che laid everything out clearly.

He knew Ye Meng would never agree with him, so he had to “spell it all out.”

“Ah... such immortal fruits... this servant... this servant... is unworthy...” Ye Meng knelt in fear and repeatedly kowtowed.

A flash of approval gleamed in Fang Che’s eyes.

This girl’s acting was truly excellent—worthy of an undercover operative.

“I rescued you on impulse, to be honest,” Fang Che said the lie he didn’t even believe. “But after saving you, I realized it wouldn’t do just to have you as a mere maid. That would be a waste.”

“...” Ye Meng was silent.

“If you were a concubine, I haven’t reached Innate Grandmaster yet, so you seducing me and breaking my virginity would ruin my future,” Fang Che explained.

“...!” Ye Meng lowered her head, secretly rolling her eyes.

“So after thinking it over, there’s no use for you as is.”

Fang Che said righteously.

Ye Meng: “I...”

“So I have to give you some benefits, so you can practice martial arts. Maybe you’ll be useful in the future.”

Fang Che naturally continued, “Starting tomorrow, you’ll train with me. If you can’t meet my standards, I’ll discard you anytime.”

“Understood?”

“Yes, servant understands.”

“Good, work hard. I don’t need deadweight.”

Fang Che finished wiping his feet and lay back on the bed. “Why aren’t you leaving? Want to share the bed? Let me tell you, don’t dream about that.”

“!!!”

Ye Meng clenched her fists, turned around angrily, and left. “Servant takes her leave!”

“Dream on,” Fang Che added.

Her footsteps grew heavier as she left.

...

Fang Che was already asleep; the bedroom was silent.

Outside, Ye Meng tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She felt everything was going surprisingly smoothly this time.

Everything had gone according to the ideal plan in her mind.

She had prepared for how difficult and dangerous it would be before coming.

But now... it didn’t seem so.

Every detail, including the man’s insistence on her serving him intimately, and how to use illusions or substitutes, was arranged perfectly.

Yet this was all?

That night, Ye Meng sent her first undercover report from her post beside Fang Che.

[As always, please vote at midnight.]