Chapter 496: Qi Yuan's Love Advice, Embarrassing the Mother-in-Law

Chapter 496: Qi Yuan's Love Advice, Embarrassing the Mother-in-Law

"Brother-in-law, teach me!" Shen Lingfeng exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I've been pursuing Miss Li, but she's been giving me the cold shoulder!"

Qi Yuan coughed and assumed an enigmatic expression, "Before formulating a plan, we must first clarify the strengths and weaknesses of the other party. Evaluate Miss Li and yourself."

"Miss Li is as beautiful as a flower, with captivating peach blossom eyes. She wears a sheer scarf draped over her shoulders, revealing just enough to capture everyone's attention."

"I... as a man, Miss Li finds me too thin and weak."

"I understand." Qi Yuan now grasped the dynamics of the situation.

He pondered for a moment, recalling his past with Jin Li.

"To break this stalemate, we need an online romance!"

"Online romance?" Shen Lingfeng blinked, feeling that this term was beyond his comprehension.

No wonder he's the brother-in-law; he understands such sophisticated words.

"In an online romance, your partner can't see you, and their perception of you is entirely based on their imagination."

"In this scenario, you just need to create an image of yourself as someone with high emotional intelligence, gentle, and humorous. Since they can't see you in person, the image of you in their mind will naturally be tall and impressive, not silent and awkward."

However, seeing your foolish and clueless expression, you probably don't even have a Nokia phone. In that case... write letters." Qi Yuan sincerely shared his experience.

Compared to offline interactions, online romance indeed has a lower barrier to entry.

After all, offline, one might face the embarrassment of being judged by appearance or skin tone, and the story might end before it even begins.

Online is different; it's easy to get carried away, and the other person's appearance and charm are entirely up to your imagination.

And when it's your own imagination, how could it possibly fall short? This is why even the embodiment of white moonlight herself couldn't defeat the allure of white moonlight.

Shen Lingfeng's eyes widened, "That makes sense. Throughout history, many talented scholars and beautiful ladies have found love through letter writing."

But then he furrowed his brows in thought, "However... I don't know how to create an image that Miss Yang would like."

"It's simple," Qi Yuan said earnestly. "Just use some high EQ quotes and humorous romantic lines; they will undoubtedly touch her heart."

Even the son of a certain billionaire in his past life enjoyed saying romantic lines, didn't he?

"Let me help you come up with some humorous romantic lines."

"Baby, I went for an IV drip today. What kind of drip did I get? I got your drip!"

"What does that mean?" Shen Lingfeng's mind struggled to keep up.

"True, you don't have IV drips here."

"Another one!"

"Do you know why I eat fish heads? Because I want to spend the rest of my life with you!"

"Your dimples are wine-less, yet I'm drunk like a dog!"

"I bought a bag of salt today. Guess what kind of salt it is? Love you, no words needed!"

"Do you have body odor? Because you're as alluring as a fox spirit!"

Qi Yuan shared the witty romantic lines that came to his mind.

As for the vulgar ones, like 'I farted loudly today, but I didn't want you to hear it,' those were best deleted.

Qi Yuan believed such lines were more suitable for long-term couples.

"Brilliant!"

"I never thought words could be used like that!"

"Brother-in-law, you're incredible! Why didn't I think of saying it that way?"

"Dimples and wine, who would've thought to connect them!"

Shen Lingfeng was thrilled, as if he had heard the most profound wisdom.

Chen Kangbao also gave a thumbs-up, "Young Master, you're amazing!"

Hearing this, Qi Yuan felt a sense of pride.

The protagonist on TV, reciting poetry after time-traveling, caught everyone's attention and left them in awe.

Qi Yuan now had a similar moment of glory.

"However, in online romance, writing letters is just the first step. The second step is... the internet!"

"This is the true essence of online romance!"

"Brother-in-law, please continue!" Shen Lingfeng listened intently, as if he were listening to the divine sound of the Path.

"Writing a letter to one woman is called a one-sided love; writing to two women is a double love; writing letters to all the young and beautiful women in the city is called online romance!"

"Do you want to pursue a one-sided love with Miss Li, or do you want to engage in online romance with all the beauties in the city?" Qi Yuan asked temptingly.

Shen Lingfeng's face twisted with conflict, his inner turmoil evident as he struggled with the decision.

"Don't worry, take your time, and think it through."

"Brother-in-law... can I write fewer letters? Writing to the entire city will break my hand!"

At the thought of writing tens of thousands of letters in a day, Shen Lingfeng's hand already ached.

"It's fine, write as you please. Did you remember the quotes I mentioned earlier? Make sure to incorporate them."

"Alright! I'll start writing letters right away!" Shen Lingfeng was full of determination and quickly left to write.

"Sigh, doing good deeds every day without expecting anything in return, I'm truly too kind. When his sister sees how her brother has changed, she'll surely be touched." Qi Yuan sighed.

Today, he had done another good deed.

"Young Master, I have a question." Chen Kangbao, the strategist of the Heavenly Deity, always ready to offer advice, spoke up, "Your romantic lines are indeed exquisite and moving, but everyone is different. What if... some people don't like one of those romantic lines?"

"Online dating, there's bound to be some who slip through the net. If she doesn't like it, she can just leave the web." Qi Yuan spoke casually, "With so many letters sent out, there's bound to be someone who takes the bait, right?"

Casting a wide net and reeling in the catch is always the way to go.

What if there's someone out there with similar refined tastes who especially loves this kind of romantic talk?

"Let's keep it simple. Why do scammers use so many tricks and techniques, even though they're full of flaws and loopholes, yet there are still so many people who fall for them?"

"Because they never intended to deceive those who would see through their tricks!"

"Finding the right target audience is the most important!"

Chen Kangbao was completely bewildered, feeling like Qi Yuan was unfathomably profound.

...

The hall was brightly lit.

Shen Wanshan sat upright in the main seat, his expression grave.

He wore an exquisite silk robe with intricate patterns, and at his waist hung a soft sword, his Earth-ranked Armament.

Shen Wanshan was the head of the Shen family, and one of the few Earth-ranked Armament Masters in the family.

Earth-ranked Armament Masters were the overlords of their regions, dominating with their might. With their prowess, they could face three thousand elite soldiers without retreat.

"I just returned from Ye Shan Lake, and the situation there is not looking good.

Luo Tong Shui Jun has already formed a formidable presence, merging with the waters as one.

The Heavenly Sect has contacted numerous Earth-ranked Armament Masters, even the top twenty on the Earthly Ranking, including Wei Kun of the Sad Wind Hands, to deal with Luo Tong Shui Jun, but to no avail!"

In Ye Shan Lake, there was a powerful Wield Spirit named Luo Tong Shui Jun.

Earth-ranked Wield Spirits were mysterious and unfathomable, and their combat strength was comparable to Earth-ranked Armament Masters. However, their destructive power was far greater, and they possessed various unique abilities.

Luo Tong Shui Jun, for instance, had merged with Ye Shan Lake.

Ye Shan Lake was the largest lake in Jiang Province, spanning over a hundred li in all directions, even larger than most county towns.

After the fusion, Luo Tong Shui Jun could stir up waves and floods, not only leaving hundreds of thousands of fishermen without a livelihood but also capable of causing floods that could inundate Jinan Prefecture.

The Heavenly Sect, being the top sect in Jiang Province, had contacted many Earth-ranked Armament Masters to pressure Luo Tong Shui Jun.

But they suffered a crushing defeat.

"Even the Earthly Ranking Masters couldn't do anything to Luo Tong Shui Jun?" An elder spoke up, a Profound-ranked Armament Master and a highly respected figure in the Shen family.

Ning Kingdom had the Earthly Ranking, which recorded the Earth-ranked Armament Masters of the kingdom.

Earth-ranked Armament Masters were overlords, and the top thirty on the Earthly Ranking were also known as Masters! Each one of them was an Earth-ranked Armament Master who had reached the pinnacle of their power.

"If Ye Shan Lake floods Jinan Prefecture, the Heavenly Sect's prestige will surely diminish, and they will be at a disadvantage in the next Thunder Heaven War!"

"How many innocent citizens will be harmed?"

"Unfortunately, the Dragon Phoenix has been damaged, and we still can't find an Artisan to repair it."

"The Dragon Phoenix is a near-Heavenly Artifact, and even top-tier Earth-ranked Artisans would find it difficult to repair. It might require a Heaven-ranked Artisan!"

Ning Kingdom didn't even have a Heaven-ranked Armament Master, let alone a Heaven-ranked Artisan!

"It's impossible!"

The Shen family was a prestigious clan, closely affiliated with the Heavenly Sect, and naturally, they didn't want any problems to arise for the sect.

This family council gathered most of the Shen family's Earth-ranked Armament Masters, Artisans, and Artisan Apprentices, all of them worried about Luo Tong Shui Jun.

"The Heavenly Sect has ordered that an Artisan Assembly will be held near Ye Shan Lake to discuss the repair of the Dragon Phoenix.

All Artisans and Artisan Apprentices in the family with some talent and unique ideas will accompany me to Ye Shan Lake." Shen Wanshan said.

"This... What if we Artisans gather at Ye Shan Lake, and Luo Tong Shui Jun stirs up waves and floods, drowning us? What then?" Chen Xianwei expressed his concern.

He was a guest advisor of the Shen family and a Profound-ranked Artisan.

In Ninghe County, even the county magistrate would treat him with respect.

The number of Artisans was far fewer than Armament Masters.

The Shen family, being one of the top clans in Jinan Prefecture, had seven Earth-ranked Armament Masters but only one Earth-ranked Artisan.

"Rest assured, the Heavenly Sect will ensure our safety. Fireblazing Artisan will also be there, and with him around, what's there to fear?" Shen Wanshan said.

Mentioning Fireblazing Artisan, Chen Xianwei's face showed reverence.

In the novel, there is no mistake in the version of the first book!

Fireblazing Artisan was among the top ten Artisans in Ning Kingdom in terms of artifact refinement.

With such a prominent figure attending, the Heavenly Sect must have made thorough preparations, ensuring their safety.

"I wonder if there will be an Artisan at this Artisan Assembly who can repair the Dragon Phoenix!" someone exclaimed.

"What if they can't repair it, and one day, Luo Tong Shui Jun stirs up terrifying waves and floods? What then?"

The group was filled with worry, concerned about the future.

"There's no need to be overly anxious, everyone. Even if Jinan Prefecture is flooded, the water won't reach our Fongshan Prefecture." Shen Fu reassured them at the right moment.

"Water?"

Just then, a voice filled with doubt and surprise echoed through the hall.

"Mother-in-law, is that bathwater for you?"

"I'll bring it right up!"

The door was pushed open with a bang, and a remarkably handsome young man appeared, holding a large basin filled with steaming hot water.

(End)

As he entered the grand hall, all eyes were immediately drawn to him, a spectacle of astonishment, bewilderment, and confusion.

Was this the son-in-law, Qi Yuan?

What was he doing, carrying a basin of water?

Wait, was he about to pour bathwater for his mother-in-law?

Their gazes involuntarily shifted to Shen Fu, her face a picture of strangeness.

Shen Fu's face flushed, resembling a radiant flower, "Qi Yuan, what... are... you... doing?"

She spoke each word with an air of agitation.

She now desperately wanted to hide in a hole.

"I'm just bringing you bathwater," Qi Yuan blinked innocently.

Noticing everyone's scrutiny, he slowly explained, "As a son-in-law, I'm bound to be looked down upon, bullied, and even servants would refuse to look me in the eye."

"In the Shen Mansion, I must endure humiliation and carry heavy burdens. I cook soup for my wife and pour bathwater for my mother-in-law!"

"Now that the water is here, Mother-in-law, would you like to bathe and change?"

Qi Yuan eagerly awaited his mother-in-law's response.

But she looked both flushed and icy.

"Enough, Qi Yuan, get out!" Shen Wanshan couldn't hold back, suppressing his anger.

"Not bathing now?" Qi Yuan asked.

"No!" Shen Fu replied coldly.

"When it's time to bathe, call me, and I'll pour your bathwater right away." Qi Yuan came quickly and left just as swiftly.

The hall's doors closed again, and silence filled the room.

Shen Wanshan stared at his wife and slowly asked, "Is... he really insane?"

"Sigh," Shen Fu sighed, "From his words, it's clear that since becoming a son-in-law in our Shen family, he's endured much disdain and hardship... Even if he's gone mad, he still remembers to pour..."

She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

"If Big Brother Qi saw his son like this, sigh..." Shen Wanshan's face clouded with melancholy, then turned harsh, "Order an investigation. Find out which servants have disrespected him since he arrived, and punish or dismiss them as necessary!"

"Yes, Master Shen," a senior member of the family spoke up.

"But, it's better than before... when he was always causing trouble. Poor Lingxuan," Shen Fu's voice carried a hint of sadness.

The previous Qi Yuan had a terrible character and lacked courage and ability.

Not only that, he showed no ambition, and even when she wanted to help, he was beyond saving.

Now, his character seemed to have improved, the old flaws gone, but he had lost his mind.

It was hard to tell if this was a good or bad thing.

"I heard some major events occurred in Ninghe County?" Shen Wanshan inquired.

"The Thorn Blood has appeared. Eighty-seven Demonic Spirits emerged in Hongyun Village, and as a result... they were all slain by a powerful wielder of a crude spear!"

"It's actually the Thorn Blood!"

The mention of Thorn Blood filled everyone with dread.

This group was a sinister cult, mysterious and formidable, operating not only in Ning Kingdom but across various territories.

Shen Fu shared the intelligence she had gathered with Shen Wanshan.

"Claiming to be a deity?"

"The Demonic Spirits' divine soul attacks were ineffective against him?"

"The Demonic Spirits cultivated by Thorn Blood excel in divine soul attacks. Even if they were of the Yellow Rank, eighty-seven of them would require considerable effort to deal with.

Where did this genius come from?"

Shen Wanshan mentioned it casually, no longer concerned.

Just another prodigy.

Normally, he would have been keen to have the Shen family investigate the man's identity and consider an alliance.

But now, with the crisis at Ye Mountain Lake, he had no interest in such trivial matters.

For him, finding a skilled Artisan was far more crucial.

If Big Brother Qi were still alive, with his talent, he might have found a way to repair Dragon Phoenix by now.

Thinking of this, he sighed, "Chen Xianwei, in the coming days, teach Qi Yuan the basics of Artisanry and see if he has any talent for it."

He didn't want Qi Yuan to remain in this state of madness and confusion.

Nor did he wish to see the Qi family's legacy broken.

"This... should I go?" Chen Xianwei was bewildered.

Teach a madman how to craft Artifacts?

How was he supposed to teach that?

He felt utterly helpless.

This was like asking him to teach a mute to sing.

...

"Indeed, I'll bring in the bathwater and play the part of the son-in-law Qi Yuan. My performance has improved."

"Seems like this son-in-law Qi Yuan has long wanted to wash his mother-in-law's feet!"

"Besides pouring bathwater for his mother-in-law, what else does this son-in-law Qi Yuan wish to do?"

Qi Yuan couldn't help but ponder.

"Get stepped on by Shen Lingxuan? Lick her toes?"

"Toes aside, other places are also acceptable."

"Playing the role of a son-in-law is too difficult. Better to be a kitchen knife, just focus on cutting vegetables."

"Level up, level up, slay Demonic Spirits!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end