Public alchemy, luring out the snake.

Shen Wen set down his teacup and, looking at Jia Xingtian, whose face was glowing with radiance due to the Break-Sect Pill, put forward one final request.

"Since we are to cooperate, we might as well put everyone's minds at ease. Please notify all the influential forces in Jia Ma Holy City, and tell them that I, Shen Wen, intend to open my furnace and perform Alchemy in public right here within the Imperial City."

Upon hearing this, Jia Xingtian was taken aback for a moment, but then his smile grew even wider. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Good! That Master Shen has such refined interest and confidence is the good fortune of our Jia Ma Holy City! I will certainly pass the message along and let everyone come to admire the Great Master's demeanor!"

He was indeed pleased in his heart. That Shen Wen dared to perform Alchemy in public proved that his skills were superb and that he was full of confidence. This would be of great benefit in stabilizing the emotions of various factions and demonstrating the "close relationship" between the Imperial Family and this powerhouse.

With matters settled, the massive flying boat slowly descended onto the plaza designated for the Imperial Palace. The hatch opened, and led by Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Qing Lin, and Xiao Yi Xian walked off the flying boat in succession.

Princess Yao Ye, who had been waiting there for some time, immediately stepped forward to greet them. Since childhood, she had been hailed as the Pearl of the Empire and had always been quite confident in her appearance. However, seeing the women by Shen Wen's side, a flash of undisguised astonishment couldn't help but flicker in her eyes.

There was no need to even mention Cai Lin. Cao Ying's enchanting allure, Dan Chen's pure and refined elegance, Qing Lin's pitiable charm, and Xiao Yi Xian's gentle, rustic spirit... they were all different types of beauties, each with her own merits, and none of them were inferior to her in appearance; their temperaments were even more unique.

She sighed inwardly, thinking that Mr. Shen truly had gathered the most stunning beauties in the world around him.

Shen Wen didn't notice Yao Ye's momentary distraction and asked directly, "Princess Yao Ye, within your Imperial Capital, do you have any extra, spacious residences?"

Yao Ye composed herself. Although she was a bit puzzled, she still responded warmly, "Mr. Shen is an honored guest, why look for other lodgings? Within the Imperial Palace, there are many halls, the environment is quiet and secluded, and there are absolutely no unauthorized persons to disturb you. Wouldn't that be more convenient?"

Shen Wen shook his head, his tone calm, "Living in the Imperial Palace is quite inconvenient. I intend to formally take Xiao Yi Xian as a concubine, and I can't exactly hold the ceremony inside the Imperial Palace."

"Ah?" Xiao Yi Xian, who had been standing quietly to the side, was caught off guard and let out a soft exclamation. She subconsciously raised her eyes to look at Shen Wen, her face full of astonishment.

She had originally thought that Shen Wen's mention of "taking a concubine" was more about establishing a status and keeping her by his side. She had never imagined that he would specifically hold a formal ceremony for a woman like her, who came from a remote town.

An indescribable warmth mixed with shyness instantly surged into her heart, causing her fair cheeks to flush, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.

Just then, a streak of ice-blue light descended, and the figure of Hai Bodong appeared. He first bowed respectfully to Shen Wen, then smiled and interjected, "Lord Shen, why trouble the Imperial Family with such a trivial matter? My Mittel Family doesn't have much else, but we have plenty of properties! This subordinate has already had people tidy up the largest and most elegant residence in the city, ready for your use at any time as the new home for you and Young Miss Xiao Yi Xian to hold your ceremony. I guarantee that Young Miss Xiao Yi Xian will not be slighted."

He spoke beautifully; he had both expressed his loyalty and done a favor for the Mittel Family.

Seeing this, Yao Ye was not to be outdone and quickly said, "My Imperial Family can also prepare one for Mr. Shen..."

Shen Wen smiled and waved his hand, interrupting their competing displays of goodwill, and his gaze fell on Yao Ye, "Let's use the residence prepared by Hai Bodong. However, there is indeed one matter that I must trouble the Princess with."

He paused and continued, "I would like to ask the Princess to distribute invitations on my behalf to all the factions in this Imperial Capital, including the Cloud Mist Sect, and invite them to attend my concubine's celebration feast. How about it?"

Once these words were spoken, even Hai Bodong raised an eyebrow slightly, inwardly praising Lord Shen for his grand gesture. To invite the entire city's power brokers and even the Cloud Mist Sect for a concubine's ceremony? This level of pomp was something that even many legitimate wives of great families might not have.

Yao Ye couldn't help but look at Xiao Yi Xian again, surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes. To be taken as a concubine by a Dou Zong so solemnly was already rare. Now, to make it known to the entire city—what kind of regard and blessing was this!

She quickly suppressed the waves in her heart, revealed a smile, and agreed, "Rest assured, Mr. Shen, this matter is on me. I will personally ensure that invitations are delivered to the hands of every invitee."

She could almost imagine the scene where those faction leaders, upon learning that this Mr. Shen was not only a Dou Zong but also an Alchemist capable of refining the Break-Sect Pill, would scramble to come and offer their congratulations. This concubine celebration feast would likely be livelier than any grand event in the Empire.

Everyone followed Hai Bodong to the large residence he had meticulously prepared. The courtyard was indeed spacious and elegant, with pavilions and towers fully equipped; it was clear that a great deal of effort had been put into it.

After Hai Bodong took his leave and the maids were also dismissed, Cai Lin walked gracefully to the side of Shen Wen, who was admiring the scenery of the courtyard.

She spoke softly, "Husband, I have some doubts. The matter of taking a concubine is a private Family affair; conducting it in a low-key manner would have been fine. And that public Alchemy... why make such a big fuss and invite almost all the factions in this Jia Ma Empire? This does not seem to be your usual style."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen turned around, naturally reached out to wrap his arm around Cai Lin's waist, and brought her to his side. "Well asked. Doing this is, naturally, to lure the snake out of the hole."

"Lure the snake out of the hole?" Cai Lin raised an eyebrow slightly, snuggling against his side, waiting quietly for the rest.

"Yes." Shen Wen nodded, "Do you remember what we found in the nest of the Myriad Scorpion Gate?"

Cai Lin thought for a moment, and a light flashed in her purple eyes, "Those traces of contact with the Hall of Souls?"

"Exactly." Shen Wen sneered, "Among those communication methods, some of the pointers are hidden right here within the Jia Ma Empire. It's too much trouble for us to search aimlessly. It's better to let them deliver themselves to our door."

He paused, "The concubine feast, inviting guests widely, is to build up our momentum, letting everyone know that we are here, so their attention will naturally be focused on us. And the public Alchemy..."

A cold glint flashed in Shen Wen's eyes, "This is the key. A Seventh-Rank Alchemist capable of attracting Pill Lightning has a fatal attraction for those scum from the Hall of Souls who delight in devouring Souls. Aren't they obsessed with powerful Souls? I will place a ready-made bait right in front of them, and I don't believe they will be able to resist!"

"I might as well take this opportunity to round up all the Hall of Souls small fry within the Jia Ma Empire, and even those who might be attracted here! It will also save us the trouble of them still playing tricks in the shadows after we leave."

At this moment, Xiao Yi Xian, who had been following quietly behind and listening to their conversation, couldn't help but let out a soft "Ah."

She lifted her pure and beautiful face, her eyes filled with a bit of panic and unease, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, and she whispered, "So, so that's how it is... Then... then is the matter of taking a concubine also for... for this plan? Actually... actually, you don't need to go to such great lengths for me."

The more she spoke, the softer her voice became, her cheeks slightly flushed, feeling that such a trivial matter of hers shouldn't occupy such an important plan.

Shen Wen released Cai Lin and walked in front of Xiao Yi Xian. Seeing her looking so apprehensive and feeling so humble, he couldn't help but laugh softly. He reached out and gently rubbed her hair, his movements very tender.

"Don't let your imagination run wild." His tone was gentle, carrying a reassuring power, "Luring the snake out of the hole is one thing, but taking you as a concubine is my own decision, Shen Wen. Since I have decided, I naturally want it to be grand and give you the ceremony and status you deserve."

"Whether it was Ying'er marrying me as my wife back then, or Cai Lin joining my Shen Family as a concubine, neither was ever slighted. Since you have entered my door, you are the same as them; you are all my people. How could I make a distinction based on where you came from? Everything that should be yours, not a single thing will be missing."

Xiao Yi Xian listened dazedly, feeling the warmth coming from the top of her head, and looking at the sincerity in Shen Wen's eyes that had no pretense. The anxiety and awkwardness in her heart were gradually washed away by a surging warm current, and her nose felt a little sore.