Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple

Chapter 133: Yanran's Wedding Day with Master?

"Now that you're ready, let's begin. May luck be on your side."

The Tower Spirit of the second level slowly set aside the book in hand and, with a wave of its hand, triggered the illusion of the second level. The three individuals made no resistance and were immediately drawn into their respective illusions.

"Huh, back to the Holy Mountain?"

Li Yourong felt a momentary blur before her eyes and a faintly unclear memory flickered in her mind.

"No, why did I say 'back to the Holy Mountain'? I was already on the Holy Mountain…"

In an instant, Li Yourong completely forgot about her journey to the Divine Tower, as if she had returned to her usual life on the Holy Mountain.

"Yourong, these are the heaven-and-earth treasures that this old man has found for you. Today, you will be able to break through to the Unity Realm. From now on, no one will call you foolish. You have advanced even faster than the Holy Maiden in her cultivation, breaking through to the Unity Realm ahead of her!"

The Great Elder's figure appeared beside her, producing a storage bag and handing it to Yourong. Although she felt something was amiss, after a moment of sensing, she found herself genuinely at the Profound Sky Realm Nine Heavens, on the brink of breaking through to the Unity Realm. However, there was something peculiar about this cultivation technique.

"Yourong, come have your meal. Today, this old man has prepared an entire table of delicacies just for you, all for yourself!"

Just as Yourong was about to contemplate the incongruity, a shout rang out along with an aroma that wafted over, immediately capturing her attention. Turning her head, she saw the Second Elder standing beside a table filled with delectable dishes, beckoning her to eat.

"Wow…"

Her mind went blank in an instant, and drool uncontrollably flowed from the corner of her mouth. Approaching the table, Yourong heartily indulged in a feast, savoring every exquisite dish until her stomach was content. She patted her belly with satisfaction.

"Yourong, your elder sister has returned from the Northern Domain. Look at what your elder sister has brought you. This Immortal-rank cultivation technique is the greatest treasure your elder sister acquired in the Northern Domain. It's more suited for you to cultivate. Take it."

Before Yourong could even rise from the table, her elder sister, Li Shenruo, appeared behind her holding Immortal-rank medium-grade cultivation technique and signaling her to accept it.

"No need, elder sister. Master said that Immortal-rank cultivation techniques are as useless as trash. They're even too inferior for firewood or cooking… Huh? Who is 'Master'? Why would an Immortal-rank cultivation technique be trash…"

Midway through her sentence, Yourong suddenly froze, cradling her head as she pondered, but couldn't recall why she had uttered such words. Her memories were limited to her time on the Holy Mountain, yet instinctively, she referred to someone as 'Master'.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Hurry and take it. Listen and practice. With the heaven-and-earth treasures, this time you'll definitely break through to the Unity Realm! Our Holy Mountain will depend on you from now on!"

Li Shenruo looked at her sister with an odd expression but still handed the cultivation technique over. In the end, although Yourong was puzzled, she succumbed to the expectant gazes of the Holy Mountain's people, entered the seclusion chamber, and slowly began her cultivation.

…

Turning attention back to Leng Yanran's illusion.

"Is this… Master's room?"

Unlike Yourong, Leng Yanran hadn't forgotten about her Master. As the scene of the illusion appeared, it was none other than the Celestial Palace, her Master's resting chamber.

Following that, Leng Yanran felt a momentary dizziness in her head, and an additional fragment of memory seemed to emerge.

Though vague and indistinct, it seemed… today was her wedding day with Master!?

Leng Yanran surveyed the room's adornments, undoubtedly a sea of crimson decorations. Red silk balls dangled from the center of the room, and even at the entrance, a "Double Happiness" sign could be seen. Even she herself was clad in a grand scarlet bridal gown, a delicate red veil resting atop her head.

"No, something isn't quite right…"

Leng Yanran felt that something was amiss. Just as she was about to ponder it further, she heard the sound of the room's door being pushed open.

"Master…"

Lifting her gaze, she saw her Master, Chen Daoxuan, standing before her. Unlike the past, he too wore a resplendent scarlet bridal robe. His posture was upright, and combined with his eyes, profound as a galaxy, she found herself momentarily entranced.

Her mind seemed to lose its ability to think, and with a bashful demeanor, she lowered her head, too timid to meet her Master's gaze.

Through the narrow gap in her veil, she could see her Master slowly approaching. Leng Yanran felt as if her entire being was ablaze, a faint blush gracing her neck and ears.

"Master, Yanran feels that something isn't quite right…"

With a gentle bite of her lip, driven by her boundless trust in her Master, she voiced her doubts.

"Oh? Yes, indeed. Before entering the bridal chamber, it's customary to share a toast."

Master initially seemed puzzled, but soon chuckled softly. Lifting her veil gently, he fixed his gaze upon her with a myriad of deep emotions.

This was the first time Leng Yanran had experienced her Master's gaze in such a peculiar manner. Her heart was thrown into chaos, and she couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.

"What's the matter? Now that you mention it, the floor is cold. Allow me to hold you."

Master looked at her with confusion, then suddenly comprehended. He directly scooped her up in a princess carry. Blushing, Leng Yanran extended her delicate arms, hooking them around Master's neck, feeling the familiar scent and warmth that he exuded.

However, she couldn't help but notice that, for some reason, Master's scent seemed fainter today.

Approaching the table, Master didn't put her down. Instead, he seated her on his lap. Personally pouring two cups of fine wine, he handed one to her.

"After sharing the cup of wine, it's time to enter the bridal chamber…"

Leng Yanran's heart was aflutter. Although everything hinted at an oddity, she chose to believe that this was reality.

Lifting the cup, she shared the drink with Master. Once again, he lifted her up into his arms, returning to the bedside. Gently setting her down, he lowered his head, his gaze fixed upon her eyes.

"Yan'er, it's time to go to bed."

Master's soft words resonated, and with a snap of his fingers, the room plunged into darkness as the candles extinguished, leaving them in a moonlit haze, where indistinct silhouettes could be glimpsed.

"Thank you."

As Master gradually removed his clothing and slipped into the sheets, Leng Yanran suddenly voiced her gratitude.

"Why offer thanks at such a moment?"

Master's puzzlement was evident.

"This is what Yanran desires most deep down. Thank you, even though you're merely an illusion in my mind. However, from now on, Yanran cannot let you dictate her actions any longer. Yanran aspires to connect with the genuine Master, not remain within her own mental illusion."

Gazing at the figure before her, Leng Yanran understood that she was immersed in her own mental creation. Nothing here was real; it was all born of her imagination.

Bowing her head, Leng Yanran looked at the jade pendant Master had bestowed upon her. It faintly shimmered, emanating a slight warmth, a reminder that this place was a fabrication of her heart.