Fate thought carefully for some time before answering. "There is one exceedingly rare pill that is suitable for her."

  "You don't know anything about it either?" Su Kang raised a brow skeptically.

  "I don't know its name or specific function," Fate admitted, "but it is certainly related to body constitution and lifespan."

  Su Kang thought hopefully to himself. If it can enhance her constitution, then it should also be suitable for me, right? he asked, thinking of matching Li Fang's speed. If he could boost his own talent, he might match Li Fang's cultivation speed.

  "No, it isn't suitable for you," Fate responded immediately. "Before showing any treasures, I always use destiny to gauge precise compatibility. That way, I can determine which items are more beneficial for you in different situations."

  Then forget it, he decided. Su Kang eventually chose to trade the precious pill for Bai Yunxi. It cost him two thousand destiny points.

  They were close to their new home on the outskirts of the village when they encountered a group of smiling people who greeted them warmly. These were the same people who had thoughtfully decorated their house for the wedding.

  Inside the bridal chamber, the very air was thick with anticipation. Crimson silk hung gracefully, and sweet, fragrant blossoms perfumed the room intensely. A low, polished table stood at the center of the room, draped in soft silk and adorned with trays of exotic fruits and delicate pastries. Bai Yunxi stood quietly near it, the gentle flicker of candlelight casting soft shadows that danced along the walls. She nervously smoothed the delicate fabric of her wedding robe, feeling a distinct flutter of anxiety and excitement.

  Su Kang stepped inside. The door clicked shut decisively behind him. Bai Yunxi's breath hitched sharply.

  He walked over without a word and gently took her hands, his intense eyes never leaving hers. Her fingers trembled slightly within his grasp. "Xi'er, my wife… you're far more beautiful than I imagined."

  "Husband… thank you." Her voice was barely more than a quiet whisper.

  From his sleeve, he drew a small, ornate wooden box and carefully placed it in her palms. "This is my wedding gift. It'll help you greatly."

  She opened it. A faint, clean herbal scent curled into the air. Inside sat a single green pill, glowing subtly with inner light. Her expression faltered immediately. "Is this… a pregnancy pill?" Her tone carried quiet, deep unease.

  Su Kang frowned. "No. It's a truly rare spiritual pill. It'll extend your lifespan… and strengthen your constitution significantly."

  Her gaze lingered on the pill, then flicked uncertainly to his face. She tried desperately to read the truth in his expression—but his eyes only held sincere concern. Without another word, she swiftly brought it to her lips and swallowed.

  His eyes widened in alarm. "Wait—" But it was utterly too late.

  The pill dissolved instantly on her tongue. Warmth bloomed powerfully inside her, surging fast—too fast. It raced through her meridians like fire chasing wind, almost overwhelming her. "Xi'er!" He stepped forward, sharp worry etched across his face. "Sit! Circulate your qi—now!" he commanded gently.

  She dropped into a lotus position with practiced ease, focusing inward. A soft green glow spread rapidly across her skin, bathing her in ethereal light. Her body shimmered faintly, as if the moon itself watched over her reverently. Then, her features began to shift rapidly—fine lines emerging clearly, soft youth giving way to the quiet maturity of her past. For a poignant moment, she looked exactly like the woman Su Kang had first seen five years ago. He remained still, hands curled tightly into fists.

  Still hours slipped by. Slowly, the aged grace faded gently. Her skin smoothed, her figure softened. The years retreated until she looked like a pure maiden once more. Su Kang watched in deep silence, awed. By midnight, the glow faded finally, retreating into her core. She opened her eyes—brighter, sharper, brimming with newfound vitality.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  He knelt beside her quickly. "How do you feel?"

  She took a moment to scan her body and mind thoroughly. "I'm good. My soul power feels remarkably more pure."

  His brows furrowed. "You shouldn't have taken it without asking more. What if it had specific requirements or hidden dangers?"

  A visible flicker of guilt appeared in her eyes. "I… I thought it was something else entirely," she admitted softly.

  "Why did you think that?" he asked softly.

  She hesitated, then began to explain haltingly. "Li Xiao once gave me a pill. He said it would be beneficial… I was pregnant three days after our wedding. I think Li Fang's talent came directly from that pill. I didn't know at the time, but later I learned… it's common practice." She looked away sadly. "So I thought you… maybe you wanted the same outcome."

  Su Kang's jaw tightened protectively. He reached forward and gently cupped her face, brushing her cheek tenderly. "Xi'er, if you're not ready for a child, I'll never force it." His voice was low and steady—but filled with absolute conviction. "I understand. Among many families, it's common to try for a gifted child on the first night. They believe the first union between virgin couples leads to stronger bloodlines, better qualifications."

  He paused, his tone softening considerably. "You neither want children yet, nor are you a virgin. So why would you possibly think the pill was for that?"

  She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his searching eyes. She felt deeply guilty for doubting him—ashamed that her mind had gone there. And beneath that shame was fear: fear that she truly didn't deserve him. She had thought… maybe she could only offer him children in return for his devotion. That maybe—just maybe—one child would be enough to secure her place.

  "Xi'er," he said gently, "you're still at the Qi Refining realm. Pregnancy now would delay your cultivation significantly. You might fail to break through before forty." Her breath caught sharply in her throat at his words. "My realm is higher. If you got pregnant, the term might last much longer than ten months." He looked at her, eyes calm but undeniably serious. "And since your realm is lower, the child's qualifications might be average. Did you think about all that?"

  Her heart sank heavily. She hadn't thought about any of it at all.

  Su Kang sighed softly as he saw her expression darken. "You don't owe me anything. You don't have to return a favor. I did all this for my own benefit, initially." He leaned closer. "But now… you're my wife. Your opinion and your desires truly matter. Don't do things just to make me happy. In the end, that would only hurt me deeply."

  She nodded slowly, deeply touched by his words. A gentle warmth unfurled in her chest, gentle and grounding. "I understand, husband. I'm timid, weak, hesitant… and often a coward. But I'll try hard to change myself."

  Su Kang kissed her forehead gently, his lips lingering for a moment before leaving.

  They talked comfortably after that—about small things, and important things. Her fingers brushed curiously against the silver earrings on his ears. "You weren't wearing these five years ago, right?"

  "No," he smiled faintly. "I was still in the sect then. After I returned to the Su family, I had my coming-of-age ceremony. That's when they gave them to me. It's an important tradition."

  She traced the earrings again carefully, eyes thoughtful. "Your customs… they're indeed different. I’ve never seen men wear something like this before. You're calm, gentle… but sometimes, you feel like something powerful caged."

  He didn't seem surprised. "It's likely the blood in me. My family came originally from the Southern Barren Lands. The culture there is… very different from Jiang and the surrounding states."

  Her eyes widened in surprise. "The Southern Barren Lands? That's... people often call it a barbaric place."

  "We know." His tone grew firmer, quiet pride lacing each word. "The elite families still whisper such things behind our backs. But our founding ancestor once said—never forget your roots, even when you gain power." He looked at her with a quiet, searching gaze. "Do you find it unpleasant, knowing this?"

  She shook her head slowly, certainly, her fingers lingering on the earrings. "No, Husband," she said softly. Then she leaned in, her warm breath brushing against his ear as she whispered, "They're a part of you. And I… quite like them. Especially when you recite poetry. It gives you a unique charm."

  Su Kang blinked, slightly stunned by her directness.

  "How do you know poetry?" she asked, settling in front of him with genuinely curious eyes.

  "My mother absolutely hated the idea of anyone calling her child a barbarian," he said with a quiet chuckle. "So, she made sure we studied the arts, the history, the cultural traditions of Jiang and the surrounding states thoroughly. Literature, calligraphy, poetry—she drilled them relentlessly into us."

  "I'm glad my mother-in-law did that," she murmured with a small, sincere laugh. She gazed at him—young and radiant, yet remarkably steady. He had done so much for her without expecting anything in return—protected her son, found her mother, even recovered her father's remains. Because of him, she had found her family again, miraculously. Now, he sat before her not just as a silent protector… but truly as her husband. The one who would walk beside her, fully support her, and help her fulfill the dreams she had long buried.

  Her voice trembled slightly with emotion. "Husband… do you love me?"

  He looked directly into her eyes and answered without hesitation, firmly, "My wife, I love you."

  She closed her eyes briefly, peacefully, savoring the words as if trying to etch them into her very soul. "I want to hear it again… and again," she whispered, longing for the sound.

  So he said it again and again, patiently, his voice a steady balm upon her heart.

  Until finally, she opened her eyes, cheeks tinged with a shy blush, and leaned close—so close he could feel the heat of her breath. "I'm ready," she whispered, voice barely audible yet resolute.

  "Love me tonight."