Ever since the magical artifacts Su Chun painted gained sentience, her passion for painting had reached new heights.
At the same time, her desire to explore this novel world grew stronger.
It was the third day of performing Spirit Attachment on her artifacts.
In the courtyard, Su Chun put down her brush and gave a long stretch, her bones letting out a series of crisp pops.
“Phew, I’m so tired.”
After one month of high-intensity painting practice, Su Chun felt exhausted despite the meticulous care of her two beautiful wives.
The two women noticed her fatigue.
Luo Li immediately moved behind Su Chun, reaching out to massage her shoulders and neck.
“Husband, you have worked hard these past few days. The weather is lovely today, so why don’t we take a stroll around the family estate or go out to sea for a bit to relax?”
Luo Yu also approached, carrying a plate of crystal-clear fruit.
Su Chun’s eyes lit up at the suggestion.
She had been so preoccupied with painting and sharing intimate moments with the two women over the past month that she hadn’t truly seen the full extent of the Tantai Family’s estate.
She had only seen a tiny glimpse of the Dream Illusion Sea’s beauty.
“That sounds great! I’ve been wanting to look around for a while now.”
Su Chun immediately regained her energy.
“But are we allowed to walk around freely? Are there any specific rules?”
Luo Li gave a faint smile.
“Don’t worry, Husband. The relationship between the Nine Branches has always been harmonious. While there are varying degrees of closeness between the main branch and the side branches, there are no strict restrictions. Members of our Zi Mai are free to move within the family territory — not to mention that you are the legitimate daughter of the Zi Mai.”
“That’s good then.”
Su Chun breathed a sigh of relief before asking curiously, “By the way, I know our Tantai Family is divided into Nine Branches, but which ones are they exactly?”
“Has Husband forgotten that as well? They are the Chi, Cheng, Huang, Lv, Qing, Lan, Hei, Bai, and Zi branches. Our Zi Mai holds the highest and most respected status and is directly managed by the Family Head. The other eight branches surround us, assisting the main branch in handling various family affairs.”
Luo Yu blinked, feigning a confused expression.
In reality, both of them had long since grown accustomed to Su Chun appearing to have forgotten everything.
Su Chun had a sudden realization.
‘So the branch system of the Tantai Family is just based on nine colors.’
“Where do the other eight branches live? Do they each manage a group of islands like we do?”
“Yes. The Dream Illusion Sea is vast, with islands scattered like stars in the sky. The Zi Mai resides in the archipelago at the center of the Dream Illusion Sea, while the other eight branches live in the surrounding areas according to their cardinal directions. Each branch has its own specialty. For example, the Chi Mai excels in Artifact Refining, the Lan Mai is proficient in Formations, and the Lv Mai specializes in Alchemy…”
Luo Li and Luo Yu introduced the specialties of each branch.
Usually, the branches did not mingle much, only gathering at the main branch when major events occurred within the family.
Su Chun listened with great interest.
The Tantai Family was like a small kingdom with a complete system where everyone performed their duties.
“Where should we go first today? Or should we head straight out to sea?”
Luo Yu thought for a moment and suggested, “The sea is too vast; we probably couldn’t finish exploring it even in a few days. Why don’t we start by touring the Zi Mai islands? Once you’re familiar with the environment, we can go out to sea another day. What do you think?”
“Alright, let’s do that.”
Su Chun agreed enthusiastically.
***
After a quick preparation, the three of them left the courtyard.
Su Chun wore her usual light purple dress instead of the complex formal attire, a privilege specially granted by Tantai Xuan.
Luo Li wore a cool, moon-white dress, while Luo Yu wore a vibrant red one.
Standing together, the three of them looked like a beautiful landscape.
There was a small pier at the edge of every island.
Upon arriving at the pier, Luo Li waved her hand, and a magnificent, beautiful small boat appeared on the water.
“Let’s go.”
Luo Yu picked up Su Chun and hopped onto the boat with Luo Li.
Once they were steady, Luo Li formed a hand seal, and the boat began to glide forward on its own.
Since they were sightseeing, the speed was naturally not too fast.
Once they left the residential area and reached the zones where the Zi Mai disciples were active, Su Chun was immediately captivated by the scene before her.
In the sky, female cultivators riding magical treasures and mounts occasionally streaked past.
They were often in pairs — or a dignified Yang Vein woman accompanied by several graceful women in colorful clothes.
Exquisite corridors stretched across the sea, connecting various courtyards and pavilions of different styles.
The islands were covered in rare flowers and exotic plants, and many spirit beasts roamed the waters.
They weren’t afraid when they saw the trio; instead, they approached curiously.
For instance, a group of spirit beasts resembling dolphins surrounded their boat.
Luo Li and the others reached out to pet them, and the creatures didn’t try to hide at all.
“Husband, look over there. That is our Zi Mai’s martial arts arena.”
Luo Li pointed toward a large island in the distance that looked like a massive platform.
Su Chun followed her finger and saw many female cultivators practicing on the giant platform floating on the sea.
“Even a random person there is stronger than me. Sigh!”
Su Chun said with a face full of envy.
Looking at them and then thinking about how she hadn’t even stepped into the Spirit Sea Realm yet, she felt like a weakling with a combat power of 5 compared to her sisters.
Aside from being protected by others, she felt she had no value.
“Husband, you don’t need to underestimate yourself. You have the Divine Pen of Creation. Once the issue of your Bloodline Conflict is resolved, your future achievements will surely surpass most people,” Luo Li comforted her softly, sensing Su Chun’s thoughts.
“That’s right, Husband. Once you harmonize your bloodlines and begin Cultivation, your talent as a Yin-Yang Dual Vein Ancestral Awakening will surely allow you to progress rapidly,” Luo Yu added, cheering her on.
Su Chun nodded. She certainly still held onto that hope.
The three of them traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping to look at anything interesting.
Luo Li and Luo Yu patiently answered all of her questions.
Su Chun discovered that although most of the female cultivators in the Tantai Family were of noble status, they were generally cheerful and easygoing.
When they saw Su Chun, they would bow respectfully and greet her with curiosity and kindness in their eyes.
There was none of the scheming or infighting she had imagined within a great family.
This allowed Su Chun’s originally nervous heart to relax completely.
They visited several more places, seeing the family’s alchemy workshop, artifact refinery, spirit beast park, and more.
At every stop, Su Chun saw many new and wondrous things.
The Tantai Family developed every aspect in a balanced way, and their strength and foundation were profound.
On the way, she also encountered several of her sisters — daughters born to Tantai Xuan’s other wives.
Most of them were quite friendly toward Su Chun, the legitimate younger sister.
However, because they all looked somewhat similar, Su Chun still couldn’t quite remember who was who.
Nevertheless, the pleasant atmosphere made her feel very comfortable.
As for those who were jealous of Su Chun, they could only keep it to themselves.
In the Tantai Family, the difference in status between legitimate and branch-born children was very difficult to change.
***
Before they knew it, evening had arrived.
The golden afterglow of the sunset spilled over the sea, creating beautiful, shimmering ripples.
“Ah! It’s so beautiful.”
The three of them reached a sea cliff, overlooking the endless Dream Illusion Sea in the distance.
Although she had seen the sea before, she had always viewed it from a distance within the courtyard.
Only now did she truly feel the vastness of the Dream Illusion Sea.
Islands were scattered like stars across the distant waters, with countless pavilions and buildings.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a fairyland on the sea.
The sea breeze on the cliff was strong, carrying a faint salty scent and the fragrance of plants, making one feel refreshed.
“Husband, look there. Those islands are the territories of the other eight branches.”
Luo Li pointed to clusters of islands in different directions.
Su Chun followed her gaze.
Sure enough, the skies above the distant island groups were faintly shrouded in halos of different colors, corresponding to the branch colors, clearly demarcated.
“The Dream Illusion Sea is truly huge. Are there many powerful sea monsters in there? I’ve only seen spirit beasts on the way; I haven’t seen any monster beasts.”
Su Chun asked curiously.
Mentioning this made Luo Yu laugh.
“There are many sea monsters in the Dream Illusion Sea, and they are very powerful. But don’t worry, Husband. Most of them follow the orders of our Tantai Family. Their ancestors were originally raised by the elders of the Tantai Family.”
“Raising sea monsters?”
Su Chun’s eyes widened.
“Our Tantai Family possesses a special secret technique that allows us to sign contracts with powerful creatures in the sea, making them serve the family.”
“Can we go down and take a look?”
Su Chun was eager to try.
“Of course. Just a moment, Husband.”
Luo Yu flew down from the cliff and landed on the surface of the sea.
She performed a hand seal while chanting something under her breath, finally tapping the water lightly.
*Splash!*
The sound of water echoed as a sudden spray of waves erupted not far away.
A sea beast, resembling a dolphin but larger and with a pair of wings on its back, flew out of the sea before landing steadily in front of Luo Yu.
This sea beast looked much larger than the spirit beasts near the family residence, and its aura was more fierce.
However, its eyes were very gentle.
“Husband, this is a Flying Dolphin Beast. It’s a very common mount in the sea. It’s fast and can carry people through the air,” Luo Li introduced.
“Come on up, Husband! We’ll take you for a ride on the sea.”
Luo Yu was the first to jump onto the Flying Dolphin Beast’s broad back, then she called out to Su Chun and Luo Li.
Luo Li immediately picked up Su Chun and flew down, landing steadily on the beast’s back.
The Flying Dolphin Beast’s back was very wide and flat.
Its skin carried a hint of coolness but was not slippery.
Once the three of them were steady, Luo Yu gently patted the creature’s head.
“Little guy, take us around the area for a bit. I’ll give you something tasty later.”
The Flying Dolphin Beast immediately let out a cheerful cry and spread its wings, carrying the three of them slowly into the air.
It flew toward the deep sea, skimming just above the water surface.
The sea breeze blew against them, carrying a salty, damp scent.
Su Chun looked down and saw that the water was crystal clear.
She could see the colorful coral and all sorts of strangely shaped fish on the seabed.
Occasionally, giant sea turtles would leisurely swim beneath them.
Seeing the Flying Dolphin Beast, they would even offer a friendly greeting.
Su Chun couldn’t help but open her arms and cheer loudly.
She had never been this happy in her life.
At the same time, she secretly vowed in her heart that she would definitely become stronger and protect all of this.