# Chapter 45: The Gift Offering, Xiao Qing's Temptation - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

# Chapter 45: The Gift Offering, Xiao Qing's Temptation "After the mountain calls, it's time for the gift offering." "Items like the Netherworld Pendant, Flattering Cauldron Elixir, the remnants of Meng Po’s Soup, and chunks of spirits..." "The treasures offered to the old tree opened your eyes to wonders you had never even heard of." "When it was Dou Qianli's turn, he immediately rushed forward, presenting the exquisite spirit essence stew you had prepared." "The moment the lid was lifted, the fragrance spread throughout the grand hall, leaving everyone intoxicated." "Even Xiao Qing gave you a glance of surprise, unable to believe you could create such a delicious dish." "Old Tree drank the entire stew in one gulp, his deeply wrinkled face blossoming like a chrysanthemum." “Dou Qianli, you've put effort into this; I like it a lot.” “I also understand your purpose here; this Dragon Suppression Nail is yours!” “Take it!” "A long nail appeared in front of Old Tree, flying into Dou Qianli's hand." "The nail, about three feet three inches long, was jet-black with a dark sheen. Its tip was a sharp triangular shape." "On its surface, there was a vivid carving of a divine dragon, its body coiling from the base to the tip." "Dou Qianli was overjoyed." “Thank you, Old Tree!” "After Dou Qianli expressed his gratitude, Old Tree turned his gaze to you, a greedy look in his eyes." “Now that you've received the Dragon Suppression Nail, why not give me this cook to serve as my chef?” "Dou Qianli's face changed dramatically; he hadn't expected Old Tree to focus on you." "You were anxious too, fearing that if you were forced to stay at this Yin-Yang market, you would never return or see Guo Lin again." "You looked worriedly at Dou Qianli." "Dou Qianli slowly handed the Dragon Suppression Nail back to Old Tree." “Old Tree, this person is my friend; I cannot do such a thing to a friend.” “You’d better take this Dragon Suppression Nail back.” "With that, Dou Qianli pouted and spat out a jade cicada." “Old Tree, this is the jade cicada that Lady Nian, Emperor Yongzheng's favored concubine, held in her mouth during her burial. Consider this my apology.” "When Dou Qianli finished speaking, the once lively hall fell silent, as if deathly still. Everyone held their breath, worried that Dou Qianli might provoke Old Tree and implicate them." "Old Tree glanced at you and then at Dou Qianli, suddenly bursting into laughter." “If that’s the case, a gentleman does not covet another’s treasure.” “The Dragon Suppression Nail is yours, and you can keep the jade cicada.” “But your friend here, he should come by to cook for me from time to time. I must admit, the stew was truly delicious.” “Young man, take this.” "Old Tree tossed you a jade token, its surface adorned with intricate designs, depicting a tree crown piercing the clouds." "You noticed the envious gazes from those around you, including some demons who looked greedily at the jade token in your hand." "Dou Qianli stepped forward, pulled you close, and tucked the jade token into your pocket." “This is a Gen Di Token, much more convenient than an invitation. With it, you can freely enter and exit the Yin-Yang market.” "You woke as if from a dream, then bowed to Old Tree." “Thank you, Old Tree.” “No problem, just come and see this old man from time to time.” "Hearing Old Tree's words, you felt a chill down your spine, as you had no desire to stay connected with him." "But being on Old Tree's turf, you had no choice but to nod in agreement." “Certainly, Old Tree. I will research more dishes for you to enjoy.” "Old Tree was pleased with your promise and beckoned everyone to resume the banquet." "The atmosphere quickly turned light and joyful, allowing you to breathe easier." "During this time, Dou Qianli explained the purpose and origins of the Gen Di Token to you." "Back when the Yin-Yang market was called the Gen Di Ghost Market, Old Tree expanded it and renamed it. These tokens were issued as limited magical artifacts." "Unlike invitations, having this token allowed one to freely enter the market regardless of spiritual power." "You marveled at the prestige of the jade token's history." "No wonder those demons eyed it with such greed." "As the banquet concluded, Dou Qianli and Xiao Qing took you outside the Yin-Yang market." "Using the method Dou Qianli taught you, you teleported directly in front of your tavern with the Gen Di Token." "Dou Qianli and Xiao Qing followed closely behind." "You soon bid farewell to both, intending to explain your whereabouts to Guo Lin." "Just as you were about to leave, Xiao Qing twisted her waist and leaned against you, her bright eyes enticingly looking into yours." “Leaving already?” "Your mind, focused solely on returning to Guo Lin, ignored such temptation." “Miss Xiao Qing, Mr. Dou, please excuse me.” "You took a few steps back, maintaining a respectful distance from Xiao Qing." "Dou Qianli glanced at Xiao Qing." “Xiao Qing, don't tease the boy anymore. I need you to help me guide my inner tribulation energy into the nearby ley lines with the Dragon Suppression Nail.” “Only then can I regain my shape.” "Xiao Qing stopped teasing and, alongside Dou Qianli, disappeared in front of the tavern." "Glancing back, you saw the lights on the third floor still shining; Guo Lin was clearly waiting for you." "Upon entering your room, there she was, rushing into your embrace." “Brother Su, where have you been?” “It took you so long to return.” "You recounted everything to Guo Lin, her expression of surprise turning to one of relief." “It's good that you’re back.” “So you still have to visit Old Tree often to cook?” "You nodded, a touch of helplessness in your demeanor." “Yes, unfortunately.” “There’s no other choice.” "Under the warm lights, you lifted the lovely Guo Lin, laying her gently on the bed." "Guo Lin stiffened slightly, holding onto Su Mo's head tightly..." ... "After a blissful time, you lay holding Guo Lin as she slept. A distant thunderclap, like an earthquake, startled you awake." "Guo Lin, frightened in her sleep, curled up like a sleek kitten in your arms. You stroked her hair, soothing her back to sleep." "You suspected the disturbance was Dou Qianli and Xiao Qing’s doing." "If the Dragon Suppression Nail could draw out Dou Qianli’s tribulation energy, that thunder must have been its manifestation." "The next day, you reopened for business." "Without any more beggar troubles, your tavern thrived, and having the charming Guo Lin by your side drew envious glances." "In the afternoon, with fewer customers, Xiao Qing arrived with a middle-aged man." "The man’s complexion was sallow, his cheeks hollow, but a lively glint shone in his small eyes." "Recognizing him immediately, you inquired." “Mr. Dou?” "Seeing your recognition, Dou Qianli laughed heartily, turning to Xiao Qing." “I told you Su Mo could recognize me.” “Remember, you owe me a Five Thunder Talisman.” "Xiao Qing, albeit begrudgingly, had no choice but to comply." “This kid's eyes are sharp!” "You chuckled, then addressed Dou Qianli." “Mr. Dou, thank you for your help last night.” "Grateful for his support, especially having sacrificed the Dragon Suppression Nail for your sake, you prepared a lavish meal for Dou Qianli and Xiao Qing, complete with fine wine." "Once they were both thoroughly drunk, you arranged rooms for them and returned to your duties." "Seeing Guo Lin hastily dash upstairs like a startled rabbit made your heart race." “What happened, my dear?” "A hint of hesitation flickered across Guo Lin's face." "It seemed she was contemplating whether to tell you this." "You began to press." “Lin’er, what’s going on?” "Finally, Guo Lin spoke." “I just saw my father’s vice general being escorted into the city by officials…” "Upon hearing her words, a rush of sadness surged within you." "What was inevitable has come to pass." "You hadn't expected it to happen so soon..." (End of Chapter)