Chapter 998: Chapter 998

"Alright, let’s set off," Siheng said, pleased with the gifts he had prepared.

However, Nanli immediately got up from the soft couch, walked over to the bed, and lay back down to continue sleeping.

"What time is it? Let’s go tomorrow morning," she murmured.

Siheng was stunned for a moment before turning to look outside.

It was pitch black outside.

He felt a bit embarrassed. Traveling so late at night wasn’t ideal, nor would it be good to disturb their in-laws at this hour.

He said, "A’Li, don’t be upset. I was just trying to prepare gifts for both the Emperor Brother and your family, so I got delayed."

"I understand," Nanli responded, turning over to sleep again.

She then remembered that Shi Miaomiao might still be waiting anxiously. She used a Telestone to send her a message.

Shi Miaomiao had been waiting for a long time and was nearly going crazy. However, knowing that she needed something from Nanli, she couldn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled and said, "Alright, get some rest. We can set off tomorrow morning."

Relieved, Nanli continued to rest.

Siheng wasn’t particularly tired, but it was rare that he could sleep beside his wife, so he decided to stay with her.

Outside, the wind howled as winter arrived.

For cultivators, the cold was hardly a concern, as their spiritual energy shielded them. Still, Siheng gently draped a silk quilt over Nanli—light yet warm. When his hand brushed hers, warm and free of chill, he finally relaxed and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

The night passed without dreams.

When Siheng opened his eyes, the sky was already bright.

Nanli had slept soundly and was full of energy, her complexion rosy.

Her cultivation level allowed her to clean up and dress with a wave of her hand, using a technique to refresh herself instantly.

Since they were heading back to the Human World, Nanli chose to wear the clothes she had worn during her time in the Mu Nation.

However, as she was putting them on, she noticed that her stomach had grown quite a bit, and even though the clothes were loose, the cut was a bit tight and uncomfortable.

She had just finished dressing when Siheng returned.

He was still wearing his dark robe with silver-trimmed cuffs and collar. Although the outfit was understated, it exuded elegance and nobility.

"You went out this early?" she asked. "Don’t tell me you went to drink some soup."

"I finished repairing the Spirit Boat, and I also made sure the Pearl Divine Chicken we caught in the valley was settled," Siheng replied.

At the mention of Pearl Divine Chicken, Nanli’s eyes instantly lit up, and her voice rose with excitement. "What? You actually have Pearl Divine Chicken?"

Siheng smiled as he saw her so happy. "Yes, I’ve already instructed Qing Feng to take good care of it. Nothing must go wrong."

Nanli was in high spirits as the day began.

After they packed up, they prepared to set off. Of course, they were going to take Shi Miaomiao with them.

However, when they contacted Shi Miaomiao, she seemed strangely unmotivated and didn’t seem eager to leave.

Nanli asked, "What’s wrong? Did you have a change of heart overnight?"

"Exactly!" Shi Miaomiao replied through the Telestone, her tone full of excitement. "Instead of relying on men, it’s better to rely on myself! Nanli, last night, I practiced my cultivation here, and I’ve gained so much! Now I’ve changed my mind. I want to stay at Jialan Celestial Mountain for a while, and I’ll definitely break through to a new level!"

Nanli rolled her eyes. "You might not be relying on my Fourth Brother, but you’re still relying on my husband. Don’t forget, this is his celestial mansion."

Shi Miaomiao didn’t mind at all. "That’s different! We’ve got deep sisterly bonds, and we’re all family now! Family shouldn’t be so calculating."

Now she understood why the ancient texts had so many stories about disciples desperately trying to get into the celestial mansions to become attendants. It wasn’t just about serving someone; it was about finding a great place to cultivate!

If Siheng was recruiting celestial attendants, she’d be the first to sign up!

Nanli chuckled helplessly. "That won’t do. You’re the Shi family’s head; staying here at Jialan Celestial Mountain all the time would raise questions."

Shi Miaomiao wasn’t bothered by it. She knew she couldn’t stay away from the Shi family forever, but she had gained a lot from cultivating here last night. It had already been a great opportunity.

"Fine," she said, not insisting. "I’ll visit you occasionally, bring you some pills and supplements for the baby, if that’s okay."

Nanli, not one to turn down a friendly request, didn’t refuse. "That’s fine."

Despite her words, Shi Miaomiao was still determined to accompany Nanli to the Human World’s Mu Nation. She had spent too much time in the "Upper Realm" with the Shi family. Now, she wanted to see new places, learn from others, and not stagnate. Only by doing so could the Shi family continue to thrive.

When they reached Jady Pearl Peak, Shi Miaomiao knew Nanli’s swordsmanship was exceptional. She asked, "Can you fly slower? My swordsmanship is average, and I can’t keep up with you if you go too fast."

Nanli smiled. "We’re not using swords."

"Not flying on swords? Will we use Transfer Talismans?" Shi Miaomiao asked, curious.

Nanli simply shook her head without replying. Instead, she drew a Talisman containing a set of clothes from the Human World and handed it to Shi Miaomiao.

"The Human World and the Immortal World haven’t had contact for a thousand years. You should change into something appropriate, or it’ll attract attention."

Then, Nanli gave her another Talisman and made a hand seal to summon something.

Siheng, who had been watching, wasn’t surprised. He understood what was happening.

But Shi Miaomiao, who was still confused, gasped in shock when she saw a massive, eerie black copper door appear out of nowhere. She froze, her eyes wide in disbelief.

The door creaked open, and figures emerged, their faces ghostly and full of sharp teeth. An icy, sinister aura surrounded them, sending a chill down Shi Miaomiao’s spine.

She had never seen such a scene before. Her body trembled, and she nearly fainted.

Nanli quickly supported her. "What’s wrong with you? Can’t handle a little scare?"

The pregnant woman was exhausted, too!

Before Shi Miaomiao could recover, a swarm of ghost envoys rushed out, calling out loudly, their voices chilling: "Ancestor, you’ve finally summoned the Nether Sect!"

Surrounded by the ghost envoys, Shi Miaomiao’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

Nanli was even more helpless.

"Ancestor, please let us take care of her!" the ghost envoys eagerly offered.

Nanli waved them off. "No need. She’s a cultivator, but she’s still not fit to deal with you all."

She had to use two more Talisman Seals, directing her Talisman servants to escort Shi Miaomiao carefully.

The three of them entered the Nether Sect.

Once inside, Nanli announced she was heading to the Chu family.

However, the ghost envoys didn’t move.

"Ancestor, please wait. We’ve just informed Hell Lord that you’re here."

"Hell Lord has been missing you. He’s been unable to eat or sleep, and he can’t even do his duties properly," they continued, trying to persuade Nanli.

Siheng, hearing this, felt a flicker of annoyance. However, as a father, he figured it wasn’t worth arguing with ghosts.

Just then, Qiu Hai arrived!

And he wasn’t alone—he brought Granny Meng with him.

"Ancestor!" Both of them called out in unison as they hurried toward Nanli.

Even Nanli, usually calm, felt a wave of unease and instinctively took a step back.

Qiu Hai, intending to rush forward in tears, was stopped when he saw Nanli’s significantly larger belly and the dark look on Siheng’s face.

That look... it was as though Siheng was ready to kill him.