The River of Mother and Child had one fatal limitation:
Once removed from the river, its water had to be consumed within fifteen minutes.If not, its unique power would vanish—no force could preserve it, not even time-freezing techniques.
It was as if some law of karma dictated its effectiveness.Delay beyond the window, and the effect was gone.
No exceptions.
Even if one were to remove the entire river, the spiritual foundation could be damaged, rendering its mystical power void.That was the most critical risk.
"Husband, there's no need to worry," Zhu Linlin said gently."Once the Great Yi Holy Court's territory reaches the Barbaric Realm, Women Country will no longer need to exist as an independent nation.Until then, let me support you as best I can."
Her eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.
Now that she knew Yi Tianxing's true identity, her priorities had shifted.Rather than simply following him to Great Yi, she now sought to contribute to its rise.As his wife, her loyalty and planning had already aligned with his goals.
"Very well," Yi Tianxing nodded."I respect your decision."
"One day, the Barbaric Realm will be absorbed into Great Yi's territory.I will ensure that the domain gate connecting the two realms is opened as quickly as possible."
"When the path is complete, we can meet freely across realms."
"Your name has already been inscribed upon the Fengshen List.Your title: Virtuous Consort."
He looked deeply at Zhu Linlin.He fully understood the weight of her sacrifice—separation, hardship, and the burden of an entire realm.
"It is what I should do," Zhu Linlin replied, eyes brimming with affection.
Among imperial consorts, to be named Virtuous (贤) was the highest compliment—bestowed only upon those of true inner strength and moral grace.
"Then I won't take the people of Women Country with me just yet," Yi Tianxing continued."Once the domain gate is complete, I will dispatch a Innate Spirit treasure—the Void Train—to travel between the two realms."
"That way, citizens from both sides may come and go freely.All the women of Women Country will find proper homes and futures."
Based on what Zhu Linlin had revealed, if male essence was mixed into the River of Mother and Child before consumption,then the resulting child would inherit both bloodlines,with no difference from a naturally born offspring.
Yi Tianxing smiled.
"Lin'er, tonight is our wedding night. These matters can wait."
"Right now, the most important thing… is not to waste this precious time."
"A single night of spring is worth more than gold."
"Please… be gentle, husband…"
Zhu Linlin's shy blush could no longer be hidden.
A poem bears witness:
Under moonlit clouds, veils fall early,By lamplight, the bridal bed is late to cool.Tonight, a girl still; tomorrow, a wife indeed.Beneath emerald quilts, hearts entwine.When she greets the world anew, all cry, "Congratulations."
Another verse:
Clouded tresses, flowered face, and lotus-canopied bed,Spring nights are short and rise with the sun,From now on—the Emperor shall no longer rise early.
That night's passion needed no outsider to witness.
Only by mid-morning did Yi Tianxing finally step out of the palace chamber.
"Unexpected," he murmured."Another Life Orifice opened last night. And it's a top-tier one—the Curse Orifice."
Thanks to the vital yin essence of Zhu Linlin, Yi Tianxing's cultivation had advanced again.
The Curse Orifice was among the most powerful. Once integrated into the Heavenly Emperor Dragon Diagram,it birthed a Curse Dragon—a terrifying being.
With a single thought, he could curse the world.
And more importantly—resist most curses himself.
The following two weeks were like a blissful honeymoon.Yi Tianxing and Zhu Linlin were inseparable.Their affection made countless palace women sigh with envy.
But—time marched on. And soon, the day of departure arrived.
Zhen Deqiong sent word:
He had finished restocking his caravan.Women Country's specialty goods had been purchased in bulk.It was time to move to the next destination.
He also asked if Yi Tianxing would continue traveling with him.
Zhen Deqiong had his reasons.
A rumor had circulated that Yi Tianxing was a royal of Great Yi,which explained why he was so wealthy, and unconcerned with money.
After all, Eternal Coins were minted by Great Yi.
Would a royal lack currency? Certainly not.
Such a guest had to be retained if possible.
"Husband, your ambitions are greater than just love and comfort," Zhu Linlin said softly."You must go."
She made no attempt to stop him.She had already accepted their fate.
Even two weeks together had been a priceless memory.
"Once the domain gate is built, we will reunite."
"Also—don't neglect the cultivation technique I gave you," Yi Tianxing reminded her.
"In this world, strength is everything.No matter the circumstances, with strength, you can always make the right decision."
He had already given her a top-tier cultivation manual.If she trained diligently, she could become a true powerhouse.
At the banks of the River of Mother and Child,the cry of the Wandering Bird echoed through the air.
Its giant wings beat against the sky as it took flight once more.
Yi Tianxing stood before the gates of the city, silently watching Women Country fade into the distance.
"Parting after marriage is always painful," said Zhen Deqiong with a grin."Women Country may be a dreamland, but the outside world holds its own wonders."
"So many races. So many stories."
"Only by traveling can you truly broaden your horizons."
"Water tastes sweetest at home, and the moon shines brightest over familiar lands."
"But yes—travel is necessary," Yi Tianxing replied calmly.
"The more you see, the more you understand."
Just then…
A sound floated through the air—a sorrowful yet beautiful melody.
It was a song, carried by a gentle strum of the zither, like weeping and singing at once.
The music spoke of freedom, yearning, and respect for life and nature.
As the music played, a voice followed.
Wander, wander, wander afar.
Wander, wander, under the endless sky.
Beneath the Tree of Life, the elves sing in praise of nature and existence.In Verdantwood, treants seek their destined tree-wives with love songs.
In Spider Gorge, the Seven-Colored Spider Queen dreams within her magical web.Dwarves hammer with laughter, mugs in hand.Goblins craft marvels with nimble fingers.
In Mulberry Ridge, the silkworm girls spin mystical threads, weaving the robes of Celestial Silkworm Silk.
In Insect Mountain, the poisonous mists cradle eternal sleep.In Skull Mountain, sacred springs flow.
At sea, Siren song lures countless husbands into the deep, never to return.
On Mount Qingqiu, peach blossoms bloom, and fox women bewitch with love.Mermaids weep tears of pearls and weave gauzy robes thinner than moonlight.
The melody was enchanting.
The audience felt as if they could see the scenes described in the song:Elves, dwarves, sirens, fox spirits, and more.
Each verse painted a vivid picture.
"Who is singing?" Yi Tianxing asked, eyes narrowing."That didn't sound ordinary."
"Ah, that's a bard well-known in our Wandering Market," Zhen Deqiong said cheerfully."His name is Marco Polo."
"He's traveled far and wide. Every song he sings is based on something he personally experienced."
"He's currently compiling a Bardic Codex, chronicling his journeys in music and verse."
As a wandering merchant, Zhen Deqiong respected those like Marco Polo.
They shared the same spirit—the thirst to roam, to witness, to record.
"Let's go meet him," Yi Tianxing said with interest.
"A person like that is worth knowing."
"Absolutely," Zhen Deqiong agreed.
They walked together toward the city square.
There, they found a large crowd gathered, entranced by the bard's performance.
At the center stood a middle-aged man, holding a harp,his fingers dancing across the strings as he sang his tales…