Chapter 31: Chapter 31: More Rewards
The Treasure Hall Master had been forced to knock Vahn unconscious as a desperate measure. Otherwise, the young man would have been beaten to death under his wrath.
But such brutality could not be ignored. The Hall Master immediately filed a complaint to Vahn’s instructor in charge, Elder Orsted.
Soon, the news spread among the Upper Echelons. Yet, when it came to punishment, their hands were tied.
After all, Vahn was no ordinary disciple. He was the Saintess’ spouse.
Because of this, they could not impose severe punishment without offending Seraphina herself. Instead, they began to think of alternative ways to discipline him, ways that would not directly provoke her wrath.
When Vahn opened his eyes, he was greeted by the familiar cavern ceiling of Seraphina’s cultivation cave.
Something soft pressed against the back of his head, and an intoxicating, natural fragrance filled his nose. A unique pheromone that stirred his body and calmed his soul at once.
There was only one woman in the world with such a scent.
Seraphina.
Her sapphire-blue eyes gazed at him with quiet warmth, her slender fingers gently combing through his hair as his head rested on her soft lap.
"You are awake, Vahn?" she asked softly.
Vahn closed his eyes again, refusing to move. If he answered, she would make him sit up, and he would lose the heavenly pillow of her lap. He was not willing to give that up.
A faint smile tugged at Seraphina’s lips. Seeing through his little act, she poked his cheek.
"What should I do with you, Vahn? You are always getting into trouble. Every time I hear your name, there is some new mess attached to it," she said with gentle reproach, though her tone carried more care than blame.
Still, Vahn kept his eyes shut, feigning ignorance.
Seraphina sighed, caught between exasperation and affection. Her hand lingered in his hair, as though she could not bring herself to scold him too harshly.
"At least tell me what happened this time? Why did you beat that outer court disciple so badly?"
Vahn finally opened his eyes, gazing onto her beautiful face.
"He insulted you," Vahn said flatly. "That bastard dared to speak filth about you, Seraphina. How could I let him walk away with his teeth intact? I would rather be punished a hundred times than allow anyone to stain your name."
His voice was calm, yet the torrents of rage and protectiveness in it was unmistakable.
Seraphina’s hand paused in his hair. For a long moment, she just stared at him, her blue eyes shimmering with complicated emotions.
"Idiot..." she whispered at last, her lips curving into a faint, helpless smile. "Do you think I care about the words of some foolish boy? His mouth is filth, but my dignity is not so fragile that it depends on what others say."
Vahn turned his head slightly to look up at her. His expression softened, but his voice remained stubborn.
"Maybe you don’t care. But I do. You are my wife, Seraphina. If anyone dares to slander you, then my fists will be the only answer."
Her heart trembled. She had heard countless vows in her life, countless flattering words. But Vahn’s were different. They carried no pretense, no flowery decoration—just the raw, unshakable determination of a man who meant every word.
Seraphina’s chest rose and fell gently, and she exhaled a faint sigh. She caressed his cheek, her touch as soft as moonlight.
"You fool... You are reckless, far too reckless. Do you not realize? The moment you let your anger control you, you lose. You nearly killed that disciple today. If not for the Hall Master’s intervention, you would be in a prison cell instead of my lap."
Vahn frowned, but before he could speak, she pressed her finger lightly against his lips.
"I am not saying I am displeased," she admitted, her eyes lowering for a moment. "In truth... it touches me that you care so much. But, Vahn, if you truly wish to protect me, then grow stronger. So strong that no one dares to utter a word against me, against us. Strength will silence them all. Not mad rage."
Her tender and resolute words echoed in the quiet cave.
Hearing her words, Vahn’s heart beat faster. The slowly, he sat up from her lap, meeting her gaze head-on.
Clenching his fist, he spoke:
"Then I will, I will grow stronger than anyone in this sect. Strong enough that no one dares to even breathe your name with disrespect. That is my promise to you."
Seraphina looked at him, her sapphire eyes glowing faintly with a warmth she rarely revealed. For the first time, she leaned forward, her forehead lightly touching his.
"Then I will wait and see if you can keep that promise, Vahn."
[ Congratulations! Your physical connection with Seraphina Dawnlight increased by 20%. Emotional connection increased by 5%. ]
[ Rewards gained: 3x Bottles of Heaven-Grade Body Tempering Liquid, Light Affinity +50% ]
After seeing the notifications, Vahn felt as if he were soaring among the clouds. Not only had he experienced Seraphina’s warmth, but he had also received generous rewards. Three full bottles of Heaven-Grade Body Tempering Liquid appeared in his storage, more than enough to complete his Body Tempering.
Feeling satisfied, Vahn walked down the mountain toward his living quarters, eager to begin his Organ Tempering.
Seraphina, meanwhile, watched his retreating back with a faint sense of bewilderment.
Just moments ago, she had probed Vahn’s body and had been shocked to discover that he was already close to completing his Body Tempering. And not just any Body Tempering. His foundation was flawless.
Yes, she had always believed he was talented, but talent alone could never produce a flawless Body Tempering. It required vast heavenly resources, the kind even she struggled to acquire. The Patriarch and Supreme Elders had gone to great lengths to ensure her own Body Tempering had been flawless.
So how had Vahn achieved it in just three days?
She had no answer. Clearly, he carried a secret that she was not yet privy to.
Nevertheless, she felt happy. Initially, she had been prepared to search for heavenly resources to help Vahn complete his Body Tempering. Now she realized it was no longer necessary.
Her lips moved in a quiet whisper, her voice filled with a yearning she rarely showed.
"Vahn, I know you hold a great secret and you’re not ready to tell me yet. But I hope that one day we will be able to share everything openly, like true partners in life. After all, you are all I have left in the name of a family."
Her soft words lingered in the air of the cave, gentle and sincere.