131: Chapter 131 The Pleasures of the Return Journey: Three on the Flying Boat... Or Four?

Deep within the void, nine Imperial Vessels cruised like black dragons swimming through the starry river, moving steadily and swiftly.

Although spatial turbulence raged outside, the interior of the Imperial Vessels was as stable as being on flat ground; not even a ripple stirred in the teacups.

Inside the main vessel, within an extravagantly luxurious and spacious hall.

"Here, Jiuyou, drink this bowl of 'pregnancy-nourishing porridge stewed from ten-thousand-year Kylin blood'. It replenishes your fire energy."

"Aoxue, stop gnawing on that Sacred Weapon! That's for you to play with, not to eat! Come, try this 'Star Fruit'."

"Waner, you just sit still. This 'Soul-Nourishing Incense' is specially lit for you; it's good for the Sword Embryo."

At this moment, Ji Wushuang had completely shed her usual dignified aura as the matriarch of the Imperial Clan. Instead, she resembled a busybody, bustling around her three daughters-in-law non-stop.

She would feel one's belly, then check another's pulse, all the while chattering incessantly, imparting the "Xu Family's Child-Rearing Sutra."

"Let me tell you, during pregnancy, you absolutely must keep your mood pleasant. If that brat Chener dares to make any of you angry, just hit him! If you can't beat him, call for me!"

Sitting ignored in a corner like thin air, Xu Chen helplessly held his teacup, feeling he had been completely relegated to "outsider" status in this family.

"Mother, I haven't upset them either..."

"Quiet! Did anyone ask you to speak?"

Ji Wushuang retorted without even turning her head, then immediately switched her face back to the three women with a smile as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Our Xu Family doesn't have many rules, just one: the women are in charge. Especially women who are pregnant with the family's future heroes—they are the heavens of this household."

Although Long Aoxue and Feng Jiuyou were overlords of the demon race, decisive in life-and-death matters, they had never encountered such a situation. Bombarded by their mother-in-law's "sugar-coated shells," they became uncharacteristically docile, nodding repeatedly.

Nangong Waner, however, covered her mouth with a light laugh. Her gaze shifted, landing on her husband sulking in the corner, her eyes brimming with mischievous amusement.

"Alright, you all chat. I'm going out for some fresh air."

Unable to bear the atmosphere of "exclusion" any longer, Xu Chen put down his teacup, got up, and slipped out onto the deck.

On the deck, Xu Changsheng stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the rapidly receding starry river, lost in thought.

"Dad, what's on your mind? So profound."

Xu Chen walked over and leaned casually against the railing.

"I'm thinking about how many more years it will take to fill our family's top-tier treasure vault."

Xu Changsheng sighed, his face etched with pain.

"This time, your mother really went all out for your marriage proposals. Those few Imperial Weapons are one thing, but those ten-thousand-year divine herbs are non-renewable resources!"

"Out with the old, in with the new," Xu Chen chuckled, pulling a jug of "Dragon Saliva Brew" he had snagged from the Dragon Palace from his system space and pouring a cup for his old man.

"Besides, I didn't come back empty-handed. I 'relocated' half of the Dragon and Phoenix clans' treasure vaults for you. We'll add them to the family coffers later."

"At least you have some conscience."

Xu Changsheng took the wine cup, took a sip, and his expression softened slightly. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he slapped his thigh hard.

"Oh no! I was so busy worrying about the money, I almost forgot something important!"

"What is it?" Xu Chen's heart skipped a beat.

"That girl Bai Ningbing is probably due to give birth in a day or two."

Xu Changsheng's tone grew urgent.

"Before we left, the Elder Physician examined her and said the baby she's carrying has an extreme cold attribute, so the delivery might come early. We've been gone for over half a month. Calculating the time, we might just make it back in time."

"What?!"

Xu Chen nearly dropped his wine cup.

The Ice Mountain Palace Mistress is also about to give birth?

This isn't just a double blessing—it's blessings lining up one after another!

"Then what are we waiting for? Dad, tell your people to speed up! Stuff all the spirit stones into the formation arrays and burn them! Full speed ahead!"

Xu Chen panicked. If he missed his wife giving birth, that iceberg Bai Ningbing would probably freeze him into an ice sculpture later!

"We're already at full speed. Don't worry, we won't miss it."

Watching his son's frantic impatience, Xu Changsheng smiled with a trace of Relieved.

...

Night fell.

The Imperial Vessel passed through a brilliant nebula, surrounded by profound silence.

Inside the spacious sleeping cabin, thick rugs made from top-grade spirit beast fur covered the floor. A large white jade bed, large enough for ten, emitted a gentle spiritual energy.

Possessing the robust physiques of divine beasts, Long Aoxue and Feng Jiuyou were still full of energy. Now, however, they were already fast asleep on the inner side of the bed, hugging the Imperial Weapons Ji Wushuang had given them. Their sleeping postures were wildly unrestrained; one dragon leg was even draped over Feng Jiuyou's belly.

Nangong Waner, however, was still awake.

Leaning against the headboard, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, she gently stroked her rounded belly. A fine layer of fragrant sweat beaded on her forehead, as if she was feeling unwell.

"What's wrong? Is the little one acting up again?"

A warm, mellow voice sounded by her ear.

Xu Chen, fresh from a bath and carrying a clean scent, gently lifted the bed curtain and sat down beside Waner.

"Husband."

Seeing him, the tightness in Waner's brow eased slightly, but she still seemed weak.

"This child... the Sword Intent is too intense. Even with the Loess Jade Pendant mother gave me to suppress it, every night the Sword Embryo autonomously breathes and releases its sharp aura, making my meridians ache."

Carrying a Sword Immortal might sound impressive, but only the mother truly knows the hardship. It's practically like carrying a peerless divine weapon in your belly.

"You've suffered."

Xu Chen's eyes were full of heartache. He extended his hand, his palm surging with warm Hongmeng Purple Qi, gently covering Waner's belly.

"Don't be afraid. Your husband will help you tame this naughty little one."

As the Hongmeng Creation Art circulated, an aura, supremely lofty yet all-encompassing, slowly seeped into Waner's body.

The previously restless, wildly darting sword energy within her belly instantly became docile upon encountering the Hongmeng Purple Qi, like hundreds of rivers returning to the sea, obediently curling into a ball.

"Mmm..."

The agonizing, bone-scraping pain vanished instantly, replaced by a warm, soothing comfort. Nangong Waner couldn't help but let out an enticing, soft moan. Her tense body completely relaxed, and she leaned into Xu Chen's embrace.

"Feeling better?"

Xu Chen lowered his head, placing a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead. His hands didn't stop, continuing to slowly channel spiritual energy while massaging her waist, which was slightly swollen from pregnancy.

"Much better..."

Waner closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling faintly, a captivating blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Husband's spiritual energy... is always so domineering, yet so gentle."

"Of course. Specializes in taming all kinds of defiance," Xu Chen said with a mischievous grin.

His hand slowly trailed upward from her waist, fingertips carrying a subtle electric current. Wherever they passed, Waner's skin flushed a delicate pink.

"Since it doesn't hurt anymore, shouldn't we... practice something else?"

"Don't..."

Waner shyly pressed down on Xu Chen's wandering hand, her gaze silky as she glanced at the sleeping Long Aoxue and Feng Jiuyou beside them.

"They're still here... If they wake up..."

"If they wake up, they can join in."

Xu Chen leaned close to her ear, nibbling on her crystalline earlobe, and whispered teasingly:

"We're all family now anyway. This day was bound to come eventually. Ever heard of 'Three Heroes Fight Lü Bu'? Ours would be 'Four Players Battle the Landlord'."

"Oh, you... so improper."

Waner shot him a reproachful glare, but her body honestly pressed closer.

Although they couldn't truly engage in a major battle, this level of intimacy and comfort was the best medicine for her during pregnancy.

Under Xu Chen's meticulous "attentions," Waner felt as if she were floating on clouds. The weariness in her body and mind was swept away, replaced by an indescribable sense of fullness and satisfaction.

After a long while.

Xu Chen stopped his movements, gently cradling Waner, who had melted into a puddle of spring water, in his arms.

At that moment, Long Aoxue, who had somehow turned over in her sleep, mumbled something dreamily: "Husband... so hard... my gold..."

Then, a leg directly plopped onto Xu Chen's stomach.

On the other side, Feng Jiuyou also instinctively moved closer to the heat source, wrapping herself around Xu Chen's arm like an octopus.

Gazing at the bed full of stunning beauties and feeling the three little lives surrounding him, Xu Chen felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment and happiness welling up in his heart.

"Sleep now."

Xu Chen gave Waner a light peck on the lips, then tucked in the blankets for the other two with less-than-graceful sleeping postures.

"Tomorrow morning, we'll be home."

"Mm."

Waner found a comfortable position in his arms, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she drifted into a deep sleep.

...

The next morning.

As the first strand of purple qi pierced the sky, the Imperial Vessel finally broke through layers of clouds and mist, descending over the skies of the ancient Di Prefecture.

"We're here!"

Standing on the deck, looking down at the Xu Family Ancestral Land stretching for billions of miles and the familiar floating divine islands, Xu Chen took a deep breath and spread his arms wide.

"Finally home!"