Chapter 2024

The old man gestured for them to sit. "Did you come back after completing your studies, or are you here for a vacation?"

"Vacation and training," Zhu Yanyi explained briefly. "I finished a mission recently, so I wanted to visit home. It’s also a good chance to train, so I have about four months free."

"That’s good," the old man said thoughtfully. "Since you’re here, I suggest you register your marriage first. Even though your wedding is planned for when Yanyi is twenty-five, registering early will put our parents’ minds at ease."

In their family, engagement and marriage were practically the same, differing only by the lack of a marriage certificate. However, since they lived in this world, they had to follow its rules. The certificate was necessary.

Zhu Yanyi thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll tell my parents. If they don’t object, we’ll pick a day to register. That way, the family can start arranging the wedding sooner."

"Exactly. We’re already preparing, but wedding planning involves many details. Once you register, we can openly explain why we’re making such a fuss," the old lady said with a smile.

They were tired of explaining themselves to every visitor. Although the old couple didn’t mind gossip, they wanted to see Yan Aohan and Zhu Yanyi register officially.

For cultivators, life was long. The validity of a secular marriage certificate in the future was uncertain. Even if valid, it only applied in the mortal realm. Their future wedding ceremony aimed to gain recognition from the Heavenly Dao. Thus, the certificate was optional for Zhu Yanyi. She valued the ritual of becoming Dao partners more. Yan Aohan felt the same.

However, their mortal parents thought differently. To reassure them, getting the certificate was essential. It had to be done properly.

After dinner that night, Zhu Yanyi called Zhu Shunyao. She immediately asked Xie Xinlian to consult an almanac for an auspicious date. She agreed easily, knowing her daughter was different from ordinary people. She spent more time with Yan Aohan than with her parents. They had already lived together; the certificate was just a formality.

Over the next few days, Zhu Yanyi visited the elders, met with Ma Tianliang and Wu Han, and socialized. A week passed quickly.

One day, while drying herbs, her phone rang. It was Zhu Yanli.

"Sister, what’s wrong?" Zhu Yanyi asked.

"Ani, your brother-in-law is injured. He’s at home. It’s a weapon wound," Zhu Yanli said urgently.

Zhu Yanyi knew that if others learned Taishu Yuanxiang had a weapon wound, there would be investigations, despite her and Yan Aohan’s presence. That’s why she avoided hospitals.

"Wait, I’m coming right away." Zhu Yanyi called Yan Aohan, and they drove over immediately.

Taishu Yuanxiang’s injury resulted from dealing with the Dong family and clearing out their forces in Shanghai.

She had confirmed that the Dong heiress had placed an Ice Silk Gu on Little Monkey to sabotage her marriage with Zhu Yanli. Enraged, she confronted the Dong family.

Knowing the Dong family’s roots were in Shanghai, Taishu Yuanxiang realized he couldn’t just target their Beijing branch. He personally led the attack on their Shanghai operations.

After destroying the Shanghai Dong family, he turned to Beijing. However, the Beijing branch, alerted by the Shanghai incident, was on guard. They avoided direct confrontation and instead sent assassins to ambush Zhu Yanli and Little Monkey. Taishu Yuanxiang was injured protecting his wife and son.

Fortunately, the wound was on her arm. Since weapon wounds couldn’t be treated publicly, Zhu Yanli had called Zhu Yanyi.

Zhu Yanyi arrived quickly. After examining the injury, she sighed in relief. "Good thing it’s just the arm."

Since it wasn’t a vital area, treatment was fast. Using her special medicine, Taishu Yuanxiang suffered little pain.

After bandaging him, Zhu Yanyi asked, "How did you get hurt, Brother-in-law?"

Zhu Yanli explained. "Who would have thought that Dong Tiger was so despicable? He hired people to attack me and Little Monkey. Your brother-in-law was injured protecting us."

Zhu Yanyi’s eyes flashed with displeasure. "Has my absence made people forget me?"

Years ago, she had dared to challenge an entire nation. This incident should have warned Beijing: they could target her, but not her family. She had introduced her relatives to everyone. Yet, someone still dared to attack Zhu Yanli and Little Monkey. Had her six-month absence made them forget her reputation?

Zhu Yanli replied, "Probably not. The Beijing Dong family only moved here half a year ago. They likely haven’t heard of your fame, Ani."

"I guess I haven’t been high-profile enough," Zhu Yanyi remarked.

Taishu Yuanxiang laughed, wincing slightly. "Not high-profile enough? Who in Beijing dares to offend you? But this Dong family does need to be dealt with properly."

Zhu Yanyi tilted her head, looking at her. "Am I hearing that you want me to handle the Beijing Dong family?"

"I could handle it myself, but I need to protect your sister and Little Monkey," Taishu Yuanxiang said. she wanted to fight, but Zhu Yanli worried about her injury. she considered her feelings. she was no longer a reckless fighter; she had a family to protect. she didn’t mind being seen as cowardly if it meant keeping her family safe.

Besides, entrusting the matter to Zhu Yanyi was safer. Her abilities were undeniable. Even if she didn’t act, a single call from Yan Aohan would suffice.