Chapter 330: Then I Shall Hold Him Accountable

Tao’er gazed out through the window, her face flushed with a shyness that looked quite ordinary for any girl.

After the matchmaker and her entourage had left, Tao’er hurried out. She chased after Mr. Chen, eager to take a look at the wedding invitation.

When she saw the names written on it, she began to giggle foolishly for no reason, as if lost in a daze.

Such feelings, perhaps, only she could understand.

Seeing her so lovesick, Chen Changsheng couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, alright, stop staring,” he said. “If you’re like this already, who knows what silly things you might do on the actual wedding day?”

“Mr. Chen, I…”

Tao’er stammered, her cheeks burning red. Overcome with shyness, she ducked back into her room.

Observing her like that, Chen Changsheng found himself lost in thought for a moment.

For the first time, it struck him that Tao’er had truly grown into a young woman.

And he, in contrast, felt somewhat like an old father.

Chen Changsheng shook his head with a soft chuckle.

This feeling… was rather strange and wonderful.

…

Night fell. Tao’er tucked the wedding invitation close to her chest like a treasured secret.

Moyuan squabbled with Hu Junhan, urging him to leave right away.

“I refuse!”

Hu Junhan only spoke like this to Moyuan—stubborn and childish. The mighty Fox Sovereign, known to the outside world, was never seen in such a state.

Moyuan, however, was truly shameless no matter where he was or who he was with.

It was a classic case of enemies meeting by chance, forced to share the same space.

Hu Junhan intended to stay until Miss Tao’er’s wedding, feast and all. These days, the Flowing Cloud Temple was likely to see little peace.

As dusk arrived…

A guest came to Flowing Cloud Temple.

Moyuan, sitting by the entrance, spotted the visitor and stood up.

“Dragon Princess?” Moyuan said aloud.

Ying En offered a small bow. “Young maiden greets the Ink Dragon.”

Moyuan nodded. “Have you come to see Mr. Chen?”

Ying En nodded. “Uncle Chen asked me to come at twilight today.”

Hearing this, Moyuan let her pass inside.

Ying En thanked him and entered the Flowing Cloud Temple.

She recalled her father speaking of this place, always generous with his praise. But now, seeing it with her own eyes, she found nothing particularly special.

It seemed… just an ordinary, Mortal World Taoist Temple.

Turning her head, however, Ying En noticed the person sitting at the stone table beneath the tree.

She froze momentarily, then spoke, “Young maiden greets the Fox Sovereign.”

Hu Junhan naturally recognized her and acknowledged her with a nod.

“Why is the Fox Sovereign here?”

“Me?”

Hu Junhan considered for a moment before replying, “Guarding the gate.”

Ying En blinked. It seemed the old rumor wasn’t false after all. The Flowing Cloud Temple truly had a True Dragon and Fox Sovereign guarding its door. She had dismissed it as a joke once; never imagined it was genuine.

Hu Junhan waved a hand. “Dragon Princess, head on. Mr. Chen is reading in the courtyard pavilion at the back.”

“Thank you, Fox Sovereign.”

Ying En took a breath and walked towards the courtyard.

Her heartbeat quickened. With each step forward, a strange pressure seemed to build. Before coming, her father had strictly instructed her to come alone—no attendants, not even her two elder brothers. Not the slightest carelessness was allowed.

Her view opened up, and Ying En saw Mr. Chen, sitting idly in the pavilion, reading a book.

Chen Changsheng looked up. Seeing her, he set his book down.

“You came?”

Ying En stepped forward to bow formally. She was about to speak when Chen Changsheng gently helped her up.

“No need for such formalities.”

Chen Changsheng invited her to sit.

Ying En hesitated internally, unsure how to begin.

Chen Changsheng asked, “The Dragon Lord didn’t come?”

Ying En replied, “The River and Sea Grand Banquet has not yet concluded. Father is tied up drinking with several Demon Kings and cannot get away.”

“A pity…”

Chen Changsheng murmured softly.

Ying En said, “Does Uncle Chen have a message? Ying En can pass it on.”

“We’ll get to that later.”

Chen Changsheng retrieved a piece of paper from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

Seeing it, Ying En visibly started.

“Uncle Chen, this is…?”

“What we spoke of earlier: the Path of Divine Incense.”

Chen Changsheng explained, “Took some effort, but I managed to write it down.”

Ying En’s mind reeled. A tremor ran through her heart. She whispered softly, “Dragon Ascension through incense… is it truly possible?”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “However, this path has its flaws.”

“From beginning to end, the incense path relies on the Power of Worship from the common folk. Walking this path binds you to the hearts of the people, just like a true deity. While there are times of abundant incense, this also ties you to the shifting fortunes of the Mortal World. The path operates on mutual support. When you reach its peak, you’ll encounter a barrier ahead.”

While achieving Dragon Ascension through incense worship was feasible, it came at a cost. Compared to Cultivating for a thousand years and achieving Dragon Ascension via Flood, the Dragon Ascension powered by incense had a lower ceiling. It was akin to a Cultivator losing the chance to become a True Immortal.

A wave of regret washed over Ying En. She stood up abruptly. “Uncle Chen, Ying En cannot accept this! Not because it isn’t good enough, but… this gift is far too precious!”

She felt utterly unworthy.

Such Creation, such Providence was right before her. Yet, the thought of accepting it filled her with trepidation.

Seeing her reaction, Chen Changsheng spoke gently, “Your father swallowed his pride to ask for this. Dragon Princess, there’s no need to worry. It’s not such a grand gift. You are worthy to receive it.”

Ying En bit her lip. “Uncle Chen, such a profound method bestowed upon someone like me… it feels like misusing a great talent. Another, more suitable person should be found. Ying En… isn’t quite ready yet.”

Chen Changsheng countered, “If you refuse it, your father will pester me for ages. Besides… I did go to quite a bit of effort.”

“I…”

Ying En found herself torn—take it or not? Accepting felt wrong; refusing seemed equally difficult.

Seeing her waver, Chen Changsheng asked directly, “Though this path won’t let you reach your father’s level, Dragon Ascension itself—that, I guarantee. I ask you plainly: If offered, would you walk this Path of Divine Incense? Willing, or not?”

“Naturally, I am willing! It’s just…”

“Willing is enough.”

Before Ying En could finish her objection, Chen Changsheng lifted his hand. The written page transformed into a streak of Golden Light and imprinted itself directly into Ying En’s Sea of Consciousness.

Ying En’s spirit quaked. The “Treatise on the Divine Path of Incense” now resided within her memory.

With just a glance, her mind resonated profoundly.

The Power of Worship surrounding her body instantly unfurled, becoming a radiant veil of Golden Light that enveloped her completely.

Moments later, the countless strands of incense power returned to Ying En’s body in perfect, orderly fashion. A glint of Dragon’s Might appeared in her eyes, and a soft, luminous halo shimmered around her form.

Ying En snapped back to reality and immediately dropped to her knees in a kowtow.

“Benefactor Uncle, granting me such a method! Ying En shall never forget this grace!”

Chen Changsheng warned, “This method must never be passed on to others. Should it spread… chaos will surely erupt. Remember this firmly. Even… keep it from your father.”

Ying En’s expression immediately turned solemn. The consequences of this method leaking would be unimaginable. She understood the gravity and swore secrecy.

Chen Changsheng gave a slight nod. Then he added, “One more item, Dragon Princess. Please take it back to the Dragon Lord for me.”

Saying this, Chen Changsheng once more took something from his sleeve: a crimson wedding invitation.

Ying En received it respectfully with both hands. After glancing at it, she looked back at Mr. Chen.

“On the second day of the next month, Tao’er will marry here at the temple. Please ask the Dragon Lord to come for a drink.”

“And also, Dragon Princess, please relay a message for me.”

“If the gift he brings then is too stingy… I shall hold him accountable.”