Chapter 119: I Dare Not Have Such a Daughter

After lunch, Mo Yan returned to his room to rest, while Jin'er continued to prepare her medicine in the courtyard. After working for over an hour, she finally finished filling more than a dozen small, labeled vials.

Wiping the fine beads of sweat from her forehead, she turned to look at Shi Yuan, who was leaning against a plum tree nearby, lost in thought. A faint smile touched her lips as she picked up a small porcelain bottle and a box from the stone table and walked toward him.

Sensing her approach, Shi Yuan did not ignore her as he usually did, but instead turned his head slightly to look at her.

Jin'er smiled at him and handed over the items. "This one is for healing wounds, and this one is for applying after the scabs form to prevent scarring. I made them myself; the efficacy is absolutely top-tier. You couldn't buy these outside even if you had the money."

Perhaps fearing he might refuse, Jin'er couldn't help but boast a little. Although it was the truth, it certainly sounded like someone praising their own wares to others.

Shi Yuan's expression remained as stoic as stone, yet his ink-black eyes softened considerably. He looked at Jin'er’s sweet, smiling face and then at the two items she held out. After a moment of hesitation, he reached out and took the bottle of wound-healing medicine from her palm.

"Thank you."

It was rare for him to speak. Though it was only two short words, it made Jin'er’s smile even more radiant.

"Take this one too." Jin'er held her palm out closer to him, gesturing for him to take the scar-removal cream as well.

"I am not a woman; I don't need this." Shi Yuan tucked the wound medicine into his tunic, not even glancing at the scar cream.

"Ha!" Jin'er suddenly burst into a playful laugh. Seeing Shi Yuan looking at her with confusion, she squinted her eyes and said, "That's the first time I've heard you speak a complete sentence!"

Seeing her making such a fuss, Shi Yuan felt a bit uncomfortable. He wasn't mute, stuttering, or mentally impaired; he had just spoken a sentence—was there any need for such excitement?

Just as he was thinking this, he felt an unusual sensation on his hand. Looking down, he saw that Jin'er had grabbed his hand, pressed the scar cream into his palm, and closed his fingers around it.

His heart skipped a beat. Just as he wanted to savor the feeling, the soft, delicate touch was already gone.

"Accept it. It’s not just for women. If you leave a scar there, your beloved might feel heartache when she sees it later." With that, Jin'er winked at him and turned to leave.

"Wait." Shi Yuan suddenly called out to her.

"Hmm?" Jin'er stopped and turned around, looking at him with curiosity.

"Are you from the Myriad Poison Sect?"

Jin'er raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, but then remembered he had been with her when she poisoned the Left Prime Minister and knew she had used the 'Life-Eating Powder.' Anyone with knowledge of the martial arts world would surely know that the 'Life-Eating Powder' was the signature treasure of the Poison Saint. Thinking of this, it was only natural that he would guess her identity.

So, she nodded.

"The Sect Leader of the Myriad Poison Sect?" Shi Yuan stared into her beautiful eyes, asking tentatively.

Jin'er crossed her arms over her chest, tilted her head as if in thought, and then smiled at him. "Since you saved our lives that day, I won't hide it from you. That's right, I am the new Sect Leader of the Myriad Poison Sect."

Seeing her looking so smug, she hardly seemed like someone from the wicked and ruthless Myriad Poison Sect, let alone their leader. However, having seen her use poison on the Left Prime Minister and the Minister of War with such miraculous skill, he had no choice but to believe her.

Seeing his furrowed brow and the flicker of doubt in his eyes, Jin'er knew he was skeptical. "Believe it or not, it's up to you," she said with a shrug.

Shi Yuan suppressed his hesitation and looked at her again. "Then you must be very skilled at using and neutralizing poisons, right?" Although his tone remained cold and detached, to Jin'er, it sounded much softer than usual.

"Of course," Jin'er said with pride. One didn't just stumble into being the leader of the Myriad Poison Sect, and she had inherited the lifelong mastery of the Divine Doctor Xue Gu, who was particularly adept at neutralizing toxins. Thus, there were likely few poisons in this world she couldn't cure.

"If there is an opportunity, I wonder if I could ask you to save someone," Shi Yuan said, his expression turning serious.

Jin'er raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Where is the person? I can go with you tomorrow." It was rare for this 'stone' to speak so much, and since he had risked his life to save Mo Yan, helping him would be a way to repay the favor.

"Later. The person is not in the Fire Kingdom." Once the words left his lips, Shi Yuan thought of Jin'er’s upcoming marriage to Mo Yan. How would she find the opportunity to leave then?

"Fine. I will definitely help you!" Just as he began to feel hopeless, Jin'er answered firmly.

Seeing her earnest expression, a glimmer of hope rose in Shi Yuan's heart.

Thinking about it, he felt she wasn't the type to enjoy living deep within the palace walls year after year. Combined with her background as a martial artist, she would likely want to leave the palace at some point.

And with Mo Yan doting on her so much, it might not be impossible for her to leave for a while. It was just that the journey would take more than a few days, and he didn't know if Mo Yan would agree.

Regardless, there was still a sliver of hope. Yet, the thought of her becoming someone else's wife soon filled him with a sense of loss.

"The person you want me to save—they are suffering from a chronic poison, aren't they?" Jin'er asked, noticing he didn't seem in a rush, which meant it wasn't a lethal toxin that killed upon contact.

Pushing those unnecessary thoughts aside, Shi Yuan nodded gently.

"How long has it been?" Jin'er continued.

Shi Yuan lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment. "I estimate nearly ten years."

Jin'er was astonished. "Nearly ten years? That long?" After a long silence, she murmured, "I'm afraid it can't be delayed any longer. Who knows when the poison might flare up and become fatal." But she hadn't even neutralized the poison in her own body yet, so she couldn't start treatment immediately.

Shi Yuan’s expression changed slightly at her words, but he said nothing, merely looking down in deep thought.

"Wait a month for me, and I will find you then." Without another word, Jin'er turned and headed back toward the stone table.

A month? Shi Yuan froze, watching her retreating figure, a faint sense of anticipation rising in his heart.

***

By the time Mo Yan woke up and left his room, Jin'er had already tidied up the medicine bottles and had the servants clean the mess in the courtyard.

She was currently sipping tea, thinking about how she needed to make some poisons to keep on her person for emergencies. But where could she find toxic herbs in the palace? Just as she was feeling troubled, a flash of inspiration hit her, and her eyes lit up.

Got it! Hehe.

"What are you thinking about? You look so happy," Mo Yan asked curiously as he walked over.

Seeing Mo Yan, Jin'er smiled. "Nothing. By the way, the favor you asked the Left Prime Minister and the others for—did they finish it?"

Mo Yan took her small hands and held them between his own to warm them. "It's done. You can neutralize their poison now."

"Great! Then how about I leave the palace in two days?"

Mo Yan pinched the back of her hand with a smile. "So that’s why you’re so happy—you were looking for an excuse to sneak out and play. Didn't you just return from the outside? Why do you want to leave again?"

Jin'er pouted, annoyed. "Even though I was outside, I was rushing the whole time. It was exhausting and uncomfortable, and later on, it was a bloodbath. May I ask, does that have anything to do with playing?" At the end, she couldn't help but glare at him.

"Alright, alright, you have a point. However, can you wait about ten days? The Emperor wants me to recover in peace, so I won't have to handle any affairs for a month. Once my wounds heal a bit more, I'll take you to play properly in the city."

"The antidote for the Left Prime Minister and the others is almost gone; I need to deliver it quickly. It's fine, once you're recovered, you can take me out again! Don't worry, I'll have Shi Yuan accompany me; nothing will happen."

Mo Yan couldn't find a reason to refuse her, so he nodded in agreement. Looking up at the sky, he stood up and pulled Jin'er up with him. "Let's go. It's about time; I'll take you to see the Emperor."

"Wait, let me change my clothes."

"No need, you look fine just like this."

"But..." Jin'er wanted to say she smelled like medicine, but before she could finish, her body felt light. "Ah!" she exclaimed, followed by a dizzying spin—Mo Yan had swept her up into his arms and twirled her around twice.

When he stopped with a laugh, Jin'er loosened her grip on his collar and scolded, "Put me down! Your wounds just started healing, do you want them to tear open again?!"

Seeing she was genuinely upset, Mo Yan obediently put her down.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, Jin'er swatted his hands away and marched off angrily.

"Oh, you're actually mad?" Mo Yan chased after her, tilting his head to look at her pouting lips, trying to tease her into a smile. But Jin'er was truly annoyed and didn't even look at him.

"My dear Jin'er, don't be angry, okay? I know you're worried that if my wounds don't heal, it will affect our wedding night, but I promise you..." *Ah!* Before Mo Yan could finish, she stepped hard on his foot. He let out a pained howl, hopping on one foot in place.

Watching his exaggerated performance, Jin'er didn't know whether to laugh or stay mad. "Serves you right for being in pain!" she threw back, striding away.

"Hey! Don't you feel sorry for me? Hey! You heartless woman, how can you treat your man like this~~!!" Mo Yan deliberately raised his voice on the last two words, ensuring the nearby servants heard him.

Jin'er’s footsteps faltered, and goosebumps rose on her skin. Ignoring the two palace maids nearby who were giggling behind their hands, she slowly turned around and glared at Mo Yan with a gaze that could kill.

Seeing his triumphant, beaming smile, Jin'er wanted nothing more than to rush over and give him a good thrashing!

"Be good, getting angry is bad for your health," Mo Yan said, limping over and playfully pinching her rosy cheeks.

Jin'er rolled her eyes, pulled his hand away, and dragged him forward. She was defeated by him; she couldn't imagine how such a rogue could be an Emperor.

On second thought, he was slightly better than Mo Fan. But they were two of a kind—both rogues and lecherous. Even if he only showed his lecherous side to her, he was still a lecher!

Jin'er let out a long sigh, silently mourning for the future of the Fire Kingdom...

Mo Yan had no idea she was comparing him to Mo Fan, and he continued to hold her hand, feeling pleased with his own "resourcefulness."

The two bickered along the way until they reached the Imperial Study.

Having not seen Jin'er for a long time, the Fire Emperor seemed very happy. After some pleasantries, Mo Yan told the Emperor about Jin'er having the 'Fire Spirit' and her concerns.

After hearing Mo Yan out, the Emperor was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahahaha... My girl, you underestimate me too much! Back in the day, although I was dashing and romantic..." As he spoke, he stroked his beard, recalling his younger self with an expression of pride.

Mo Yan and Jin'er exchanged glances, both trying to suppress their laughter.

"Hey! What kind of expression is that? Don't you believe me? If I weren't handsome and dashing, how could I have sired such a handsome and dashing son?" The Emperor seemed displeased.

"Yes, yes, yes..." Jin'er suppressed her laughter and nodded meekly. It was the first time she realized the old Emperor had a sense of humor. Furthermore, thinking about how Mo Yan always considered himself dashing, she felt the father and son were truly alike.

"Father has always been handsome and dashing, and you still are," Mo Yan said with a grin. "We wouldn't dare laugh at you; we're just happy."

Hearing this, the Emperor laughed again. "Even though I had many romantic histories, I never treated anyone poorly; I brought them all into the palace. The thing you mentioned is absolutely impossible."

Jin'er smiled and nodded, then turned to look at Mo Yan.

Receiving her signal, Mo Yan smiled and said, "Yes, I also think it's unlikely. But it's a simple method, and it will put everyone's mind at ease. It's better to be safe than sorry, right? What if you really did have a daughter out there?"

"Pah, pah, pah... I wouldn't dare have such a daughter." The Emperor gave Mo Yan a playful glare, then turned to Jin'er with a smile. "If you were truly my daughter, this brat Mo Yan would certainly disown me as his father, hahahaha..."

Jin'er felt a bit embarrassed and laughed along. She looked at Mo Yan and saw him gazing at her with deep affection, which made her even more bashful.

The Emperor then ordered a young eunuch to bring a clean bowl of water. He took a dagger, pricked his index finger, and let a drop of blood fall into the water. A maid stepped forward to bandage his finger.

Next, it was Jin'er's turn.

Mo Yan, who had thought Jin'er was overthinking things, couldn't help but feel nervous—even more so than Jin'er.

When the blood from Jin'er’s fingertip fell into the bowl, all three leaned in, watching intently. After a long moment, when they saw the two drops of blood did not merge, they all let out a collective sigh of relief.

The happiest of them all was Mo Yan.

"See! I told you it was impossible." Mo Yan squeezed Jin'er’s hand, feeling an indescribable joy.

The Emperor smiled and sat down on his throne, his brow slowly furrowing. He had been shocked and amused, so he hadn't thought about it, but now that it was confirmed, another problem occurred to him.

"Jin'er, you said you didn't know you had the Fire Spirit before?" The Emperor's smile vanished, replaced by a look of worry.

"Yes." Jin'er noticed his change in demeanor and felt puzzled.

"Mo Yan said your Fire Spirit is quite strong; you shouldn't have only discovered it recently."

"Reporting to the Emperor, I did discover it only a few days ago. To be honest, I was sealed as a child, which is why I never knew I possessed spiritual power."

"A seal??" The Emperor's expression changed drastically. He had vaguely suspected this, but hearing it confirmed was still a shock.

"Father, have you heard of this?" Seeing the Emperor's reaction, Mo Yan raised an eyebrow, puzzled. He had never heard of the spiritual power sealing technique Jin'er mentioned.

"Do you know who did it?" The Emperor ignored Mo Yan and continued asking Jin'er.

Jin'er shook her head, frowning. "I don't know."

The Emperor didn't question her use of "I" instead of royal formalities. Instead, he furrowed his brows and took a deep breath, looking uneasy. "Five hundred years have passed. I never thought these things would make a comeback..."

Jin'er and Mo Yan exchanged confused glances.

"Father, what do you mean?"

After a long sigh, the Emperor began to explain.

"Legend has it that when the Five Gods returned to the Divine Realm, they chose a mortal as the Imperial Preceptor, granting them spells and abilities to assist the five kings in governing their nations, ensuring the people lived in peace and prosperity.

"However, as time passed, some Imperial Preceptors began studying magic on their own. They made progress and eventually created an entirely new system based on the original spells.

"Because those new spells were not useful for governance but focused on slaughter, and some could even suppress the monarchs—like the spiritual power sealing technique you mentioned—that system became known as 'Dark Magic.'

"Five hundred years ago, an Imperial Preceptor in our Fire Kingdom was exceptionally talented. He pushed Dark Magic to a high level and, driven by ambition, attempted to harm the monarch and seize the throne.

"Fortunately, the plot was exposed, and the kings of the five nations joined forces to execute him. Because of this, our Fire Kingdom has had no Imperial Preceptor since, and the other four nations burned all books related to Dark Magic, forbidding their practice under penalty of death.

"Since then, Dark Magic has vanished from the world. But I never expected it to..." The Emperor sighed with worry.

"So that's why we are the only one of the five nations without an Imperial Preceptor," Mo Yan nodded in realization. "Facts prove we are just as prosperous without one. The other four nations should have followed our lead; perhaps then this wouldn't be happening today."

Mo Yan turned to see Jin'er glaring at him with dissatisfaction. He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?"

He didn't know that Jin'er was the daughter of the Wood Kingdom's Imperial Preceptor. If they had wiped them all out, she wouldn't exist.

Jin'er didn't want to reveal her true identity and didn't argue with him, instead falling into deep thought.

Her master had said the book of sealing techniques the Heavenly Palace Master obtained was found in the Underground Palace, proving someone had hidden it—and perhaps more than one copy. So, it was only natural that after several hundred years, it would resurface due to some coincidental opportunity.

Just then, the Emperor spoke up. "By the way, you were sealed—how did you break it?" Although he knew the history, he didn't know the specifics, and he was curious.

This question stumped Jin'er.

How did she break the seal? Honestly, she didn't know. She had thought about it afterward, and the only possibility was her intimate encounter with Mo Yan.

Firstly, she discovered the Fire Spirit the morning after; there had been no other special events. Secondly, she recalled that during her intimacy with him, she had felt a strange sensation for a brief moment, but she hadn't given it much thought at the time. To be precise, she had been too occupied to think about it...

Thinking about it now, that 'Ultimate Sealing Technique' was quite perverse to require such a method to break. Still, she had thought the odds were slim, so it was a relief it had been broken so smoothly. Even if she didn't understand the principle, the result was what mattered, right?

As Jin'er was lost in thought, the Emperor, waiting for her answer, looked at Mo Yan in confusion. Mo Yan gently nudged Jin'er and called her name twice.

Jin'er snapped back to reality and smiled awkwardly. "That, I... I don't know, it just broke on its own." Thinking of her theory, her face flushed with a faint blush.

Mo Yan seemed to guess what she was thinking and smiled to himself, coming to her rescue. "Father, Jin'er really doesn't know. She just woke up one morning and had the Fire Spirit."

"Oh?" The Emperor looked at them both. Though they seemed a bit strange, he couldn't press the matter further and decided to let it go.

"Alright, you haven't fully recovered; go back and get some rest. I have things to attend to as well."

"Yes, then I shall take my leave. Please take care of your health, Father."

The Emperor nodded and smiled. "Knowing that I'll be free in a month makes me feel quite relaxed. Hehe."

Mo Yan smiled, bowed with Jin'er, and they retreated.

Hardly a few steps out of the study, he pulled Jin'er behind some bamboo and embraced her, as if he had been holding back for quite a while.

***

The next day, Mo Yan was ordered by Jin'er to stay in bed. He was initially reluctant, but when she offered to feed him porridge, he happily agreed.

Seeing his silly grin, Jin'er couldn't help but shake her head. He really was a big kid...

Leaning against the pillows, Mo Yan gazed affectionately at Jin'er as she scooped a spoonful of porridge, carefully blew on it to cool it, and fed it to him. He took it, his eyes never leaving hers. He felt the scene was so warm and happy; the injury was completely worth it.

Life was truly unpredictable. Recalling those two years when he lived like a walking corpse, he never could have imagined such happiness today.

Jin'er, thank you.

After the porridge was finished, Jin'er put down the bowl. Seeing him staring at her with a smudge of porridge on his lips, she reached out and wiped it away with her thumb. Just as she was about to pull her hand back, Mo Yan caught it and sucked on her thumb, licking away the remnant of porridge.

Jin'er trembled, her cheeks turning bright red. She tried to pull her hand back, but his grip was as firm as steel. Afraid of pulling on his wounds, she relaxed and scolded, "Aren't you disgusted? Let go!"

Mo Yan sucked a few more times before letting go, smiling. "Not at all."

Jin'er glared at him. The dampness on her finger made her heart race, and she instinctively wanted to wipe it on her clothes, but he stopped her.

"What? You’re disgusted? You didn't eat little when you kissed me that night." Mo Yan teased suggestively.

"You!" Jin'er’s face burned. Annoyed by his teasing, she pouted and tried to get up, but he pulled her into his arms.

"I love seeing you blush." With a smile, Mo Yan tilted his head and kissed her cherry lips.

The warm, soft sensation washed away her anger. His kiss was gentle, filled with tenderness that made her melt.

Vaguely, she smelled the light fragrance of the porridge on his breath and couldn't help but suck gently, greedily savoring the sweetness.

Mo Yan closed his eyes, his lips curving into a smile, enjoying the feeling of her reciprocating.

After a long while, Jin'er knew they couldn't keep kissing like this, so she opened her eyes and pulled away. She licked her lips, her face shy and as beautiful as a peach blossom.

Feeling her pull away, Mo Yan felt a sense of loss, but he knew he had to stop and focus on healing.

"Stay here and rest well. I'll come see you at lunch," Jin'er said as she helped him lie down.

"You’re not staying with me?" Mo Yan asked, looking at her with puppy-dog eyes.

Jin'er couldn't stand his pitiful look and laughed, cupping his handsome face and pinching his cheeks. "Be good. Just take a nap, and it will be noon. I'm going to learn how to ride a horse."

"Learn to ride? Who are you asking to teach you?"

"Shi Yuan," Jin'er replied calmly.

Mo Yan was unhappy. "When my wounds heal more, I'll teach you, okay?"

"No. I want to learn now," Jin'er insisted stubbornly.

"Then I'll go with you." Mo Yan tried to get up, but Jin'er pressed him back down.

"With my martial arts, are you afraid I'll fall? Stay in bed and heal. If you tear your wounds open again, I won't forgive you."

Seeing her fierce expression, Mo Yan had no choice but to nod, watching her leave with a mournful look.

"Oh, right," just as she was about to close the door, Jin'er poked her head back in and said coquettishly, "I want to ride Pearl, is that okay?"

Mo Yan smiled. "Of course, you can ride whichever one you want."

"Great, heehee." Jin'er laughed, closed the door, and headed to her room in a great mood.

Changing into the riding clothes and boots that Little Butterfly had prepared, Jin'er stood before the mirror and twirled around, satisfied with how spirited she looked.

Tilting her head, she removed her hairpin and used a purple-gold ribbon to tie her waist-length black hair into a high, crisp, and lively ponytail. Satisfied, she left her room and found Shi Yuan in the courtyard, asking him to take her riding.

Shi Yuan had seen her when she skipped out of the room, and he found her new look striking. Seeing her laughing and asking him to teach her to ride, she looked as beautiful as the warm autumn sun.

He said nothing, pulled himself away from the tree, and started walking. Listening to the light footsteps behind him, a softness melted into Shi Yuan’s eyes.

At the stable, Jin'er couldn't wait and asked someone to bring out the snow-white horse, Pearl. She walked up, gently stroked its face, and smiled. "I don't know how to ride, so don't bully me, okay?"

Pearl seemed to understand, shaking its head and snorting softly.

Jin'er giggled and rubbed her cheek against it, looking very affectionate.

Shi Yuan and the young eunuch were both stunned, only snapping back to reality when Jin'er had already led the horse several steps away.

Out of the stable, Jin'er was eager to try. Shi Yuan explained the basics in concise language and then took the reins, gesturing for her to mount.

Jin'er nervously touched Pearl and tried to mount as he instructed. Being a martial artist, she was as light as a swallow, so mounting was simple.

Next, Shi Yuan led the horse at a slow walk around the field, followed by a stable boy with another horse.

Jin'er sat straight on the horse, her body gently swaying with its steps, her ponytail swishing behind her. With her neutral attire, she looked quite dashing and spirited.

After walking for a while, Jin'er gradually adapted, so she asked Shi Yuan for the next step.

She took the reins from Shi Yuan and, as he had taught her, squeezed the horse's belly. As soon as she did, Pearl sprinted forward.

"Ah!!!!" Jin'er wasn't prepared, and her body jerked backward, causing her to scream in fear.

Shi Yuan’s brow furrowed, and without a second thought, he leaped into the air and landed on the horse's back behind Jin'er, wrapping his arm around her slender waist.

The panicked Jin'er felt a broad chest behind her, and her racing heart instantly calmed. However, the sensation of his touch on her waist made her feel inexplicably nervous again.

Shi Yuan, who had acted on instinct, also froze, his heart racing uncontrollably.

He had never imagined being this close to her. He could almost smell her faint fragrance and feel her soft body. The feeling of her leaning on him was devastatingly wonderful.

After a long while, the slight struggle of the person in his arms woke Shi Yuan. He reluctantly pulled his hand back, steadied her, and then let go to let her adapt while guiding her posture and how to control the horse.

Jin'er’s nervousness and awkwardness gradually faded, and she focused on learning. After running for a long distance, she finally found her rhythm.

Just as she was feeling happy, Shi Yuan reached over and grabbed the reins to stop Pearl. He dismounted and gestured for her to try again.

Jin'er nodded, squeezed the horse’s belly, and gave a shout. Pearl galloped off. This time, Jin'er didn't fall backward in a panic; she leaned forward slightly, gripped the saddle tightly, and rose and fell with the horse's stride, her beautiful eyes shining with excitement and confidence.

Seeing her learn so quickly, a faint, unconscious smile appeared on Shi Yuan’s lips. Seeing the stable boy chasing after them, Shi Yuan mounted the other horse and galloped off to catch up.

Pearl seemed to know Jin'er was learning, so it didn't run very fast. In a moment, Shi Yuan caught up.

"Haha! See? I learned it!" Jin'er saw him catch up and turned to shout with a smile. The wind blew across her beautiful face, and her bangs fluttered, making her excited cheeks appear even more radiant and dazzling.

Shi Yuan just looked at her, saying nothing. But Jin'er could clearly see a flash of light and a hint of a gentle smile deep within his calm eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat, and just as she wanted to look closer, he seemed to notice, suddenly turning his head to avoid her gaze and flicking the whip to gallop away. [End of today's update]