Volume 3, Chapter 151 – I Insist on Being Your Husband

“This… is a doppelgänger? How is that possible?”

One of the higher-ranking female protectors recognized it immediately.

“A doppelgänger? Impossible! How old is she? Just because they look alike doesn’t mean it’s a doppelgänger!”

“Right, for all we know, it could be her twin sister or something.”

Two elders instinctively voiced their doubts, but before their words even settled, an overwhelming pressure suddenly descended from above. Caught off guard, they immediately collapsed to their knees in disarray.

The other elders swayed unsteadily—those with lower cultivation knelt outright, while those with higher cultivation barely managed to stay on their feet.

In the entire hall, only Valley Master Wen and the two highest-ranking protectors remained unaffected.

“This… this is Divine Sense suppression! Such intense pressure—it must be at the Incarnation Realm!”

“It’s her! That girl who suddenly appeared is the source!”

“Then that really is her doppelgänger!”

“How is this possible? A fifteen- or sixteen-year-old Incarnation Realm expert? The Western Radiance Dynasty has never seen such a thing!”

“I’ve only heard of top immortal seedlings from the legendary sects of the Central Plains possessing such talent. Who’d have thought our small Western Radiance Dynasty would produce such a genius?”

Whether protectors or elders, every one of them wore expressions of shock and awe.

The moment Qi Huang unleashed her Divine Sense, Cheng Hongling sensed trouble. She was about to reprimand her, but the reactions of Shuiyu Valley’s elders took her completely by surprise.

Of course, Qi Huang’s actions were deliberate. The elders’ hesitation stemmed from the fact that while Cheng Hongling’s talent was impressive, mere marital ties weren’t enough to erase all their reservations. Thus, all she needed to do was make a grand entrance and display her power.

The elders slowly rose to their feet, their faces tinged with fear.

“Now do you see? My daughter-in-law has reached the Incarnation Realm at just fifteen—unmatched in the entire Western Radiance Dynasty, with the potential to ascend to immortality! With even a modicum of her future support, Shuiyu Valley will surely regain its former glory. Does anyone still object?”

Valley Master Wen, now brimming with confidence, rose from her throne and demanded loudly.

The elders exchanged glances. Not a single objection remained. Who would dare protest now? A fifteen-year-old Incarnation Realm genius—even if she wanted to take them as maidservants, it would be an honor!

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“Since that’s settled, the matter is decided!”

Valley Master Wen wasted no time in making the announcement.

Cheng Hongling stared at her doppelgänger, her cherry lips slightly parted. She couldn’t fathom how this reckless fool always managed to stumble into solving problems. Was it sheer luck, or was she actually clever?

“So impressive, Hongling-mei!”

Mu Ruoyi clasped her jade-like hands together, her delicate face flushed with excitement.

The praise made Cheng Hongling’s composure crack, forcing an awkward yet polite smile.

Qi Huang watched with deep satisfaction. At the very least, this proved she was a useful doppelgänger, didn’t it?

Soon after, Valley Master Wen imparted the Water Exquisite Art to Cheng Hongling.

Thus, the matter was perfectly resolved—Shuiyu Valley gained a peerless genius as a daughter-in-law, while Qi Huang and Cheng Hongling obtained the cultivation technique they desired, along with a “husband”. Truly, everyone got what they wanted.

Cheng Hongling, however, had grown impatient. She had no time to study the Water Exquisite Art and immediately demanded that her “husband” set off with her.

Mu Ruoyi, true to her word, agreed without hesitation.

“I’ve delivered the betrothal gift. Can we adjust the terms of address now?”

“We haven’t registered the marriage!”

“Since we’re married, surely I can at least hug you?”

“What marriage?! At most, it’s a wife-wife arrangement!”

Though obedient, Mu Ruoyi was unbearably clingy, and such exchanges never ceased.

Cheng Hongling, unable to endure it any longer, finally released her doppelgänger as a sacrificial shield.

Naturally, Qi Huang didn’t refuse this “reward” from her main body. She even accommodated Mu Ruoyi’s requests as much as possible—like a fish in water.

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Of course, she wasn’t some lecherous fiend. These “sacrifices” were purely for her father’s sake.

With a “husband” in tow, Qi Huang could no longer use her Divine Sense to hasten their journey. Thus, the trio traveled on foot, giving her more time with Mu Ruoyi. Their bond deepened steadily—though whether it was marital or sisterly affection remained unclear, as Mu Ruoyi, despite her clinginess, never crossed any lines.

Truthfully, Qi Huang was also puzzled. Did Mu Ruoyi genuinely love women, or did she have some other motive for agreeing to marry one?

After eight days, the group finally arrived at the site of Cheng Hongling’s father’s disappearance.

Mu Ruoyi set aside her playful demeanor and got straight to work.

Qi Huang and Cheng Hongling followed closely as she briefed her on the details.

Nodding occasionally, Mu Ruoyi’s beautiful eyes scanned the dense woods flanking the road.

“No need to look. We’ve already searched within a ten-mile radius.”

Cheng Hongling’s patience was wearing thin.

“Wife, don’t fret. I’m not looking for your father—I’m searching for useful plants.”

Mu Ruoyi smiled gently, her delicate features softening.

“Aren’t plants everywhere?”

Cheng Hongling was baffled.

“Indeed, they are. But alas, your husband’s cultivation isn’t high enough! If my Wooden Exquisite Art is of a low grade, it’ll only work on older plants—the longer they’ve lived, the more spiritual energy they possess. Not just any flower or grass will do.”

Mu Ruoyi explained patiently, embodying the very picture of a tolerant “husband”.

“Understood! But please stop referring to yourself as ‘husband’. It’s really strange hearing that from someone with such… prominent assets!”

Cheng Hongling corrected her sternly.

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“Then what should I call myself?”

Mu Ruoyi tilted her head in thought.

“If you must, I don’t mind ‘elder sister’.”

Cheng Hongling tried to draw a line—at least in terms of address. If word got out, how could she ever show her face again?

“That won’t do. Your name is carved, my betrothal gift delivered—our relationship is settled. If you renege, shall I leave?”

Mu Ruoyi’s smile carried a hint of threat.

“…Then how about ‘wifey’?”

Cheng Hongling gritted her teeth, conceding a step.

“You’re in no position to bargain now, wifey!”

Mu Ruoyi, determined to play the dominant role, refused to yield.

“Enough, Elder Sister! We need her cooperation! Just accept being the wife!”

Qi Huang hurriedly transmitted her thoughts, terrified the two would start fighting over who got to be the “top”.

‘Honestly, you’re both women—destined to be “bottoms” anyway. What’s there to argue about?’

Qi Huang couldn’t help but grumble internally.

“Easy for you to say! You’d happily be her lapdog if she asked, wouldn’t you?”

Cheng Hongling shot back viciously.

“Even if I did, it’d be for Father’s sake!”

Qi Huang retorted solemnly—though only she knew how much of that was genuine.

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Taking a deep breath, Cheng Hongling swallowed her pride—for her father.

Mu Ruoyi, satisfied, resumed her search for the oldest tree in the forest. Soon, she found her target.

Leaving the main road, she ventured deep into the woods until she reached an ancient pine so massive it would take five or six people to encircle its trunk.

Qi Huang looked up. The pine’s gnarled bark bore countless scars, its twisted form resembling a coiling dragon soaring toward the heavens—a testament to its long, weathered existence.

“This one? It’s certainly old, but it’s so far from where Father disappeared…”

Qi Huang voiced her concern.

“No matter, wifey! I’ve checked—it’s tall enough. The treetop overlooks the area we need.”

After reassuring her, Mu Ruoyi composed herself and instructed, “Alright, I’m activating the Wooden Exquisite Art now. Guard me.”

Qi Huang and Cheng Hongling exchanged a glance before positioning themselves protectively on either side.

Mu Ruoyi took a deep breath, then pressed her fair, jade-like hand against the ancient bark. Her crimson nails contrasted starkly against the dark wood, lending her an almost bewitching allure.

Unconcerned with dirt, she channeled her Wooden Exquisite Art, sending thick streams of verdant wood-attribute Qi surging from her palm into the tree.

Qi Huang kept her Divine Sense alert while observing curiously.

As time passed, fine beads of sweat formed on Mu Ruoyi’s forehead, yet her delicate features remained resolute.

Qi Huang’s heart ached. She longed to wipe the sweat away but feared disrupting the process, so she restrained herself.

Finally, under Qi Huang’s Divine Sense, a faint, shadowy soul began to materialize within the ancient pine.

‘Heavens! That’s the tree’s soul! What am I witnessing?!’

Qi Huang sucked in a sharp breath.