Volume 4: Hidden Struggles, Chapter 73: The Illusions of Wealth and Honor

Chu Tianyu’s repeated and forceful assaults pushed Ouyang Ziyi to the peak of desire. Her snow-white body trembled with each violent impact, and her gasps gradually slowed down. Yet Chu Tianyu seemed to have endless strength, continuing his demands. As the mist in the car dissipated, Ouyang Ziyi gradually regained her senses. The pleasure she felt down there became unbearable, forcing her to frown and whisper, “Tianyu… Tianyu… stop… wake up…” Meanwhile, she consciously tried to avoid him.

Chu Tianyu, who was in the midst of his passion, suddenly lost his target. Feeling anxious, he was thankfully brought back to his senses by Ouyang Ziyi’s voice. He stopped moving, and she took the opportunity to break free from his embrace, sitting down beside him. Even with such a simple movement, her lower body hurt terribly, causing her to let out a soft “Ah~~~”.

This cry completely awakened Chu Tianyu, who saw everything inside the car: Ouyang Ziyi was almost completely naked, holding her abdomen with a flushed face, clearly embarrassed. He himself was also naked, with his member standing erect, red stains on the seat, and torn clothes scattered everywhere…

Recalling what had happened earlier, Chu Tianyu roughly understood what had taken place.

After such “honest exposure,” they really didn’t know what to say. Even Ouyang Ziyi, who was usually bold and straightforward, kept her head down, silent. The atmosphere in the car became extremely awkward.

After all, Chu Tianyu was a man, and it was up to him to break the silence. But this was the first time he had encountered such a situation, so he didn’t know where to start. He scratched his head awkwardly before stammering, “Um, Ziyi… this… you… well…”

Ouyang Ziyi was amused by Chu Tianyu’s appearance and laughed, teasingly saying, “You bad guy!”

Though there wasn’t much conversation, the awkwardness was finally broken. Hearing her teasing, Chu Tianyu smiled and relaxed. Ouyang Ziyi, as if suddenly remembering something, quickly asked, “By the way, Tianyu, are you okay? You don’t know how scared I was just now. I didn’t know what to do or even dare touch you. Those moments felt like years—almost driving me crazy!”

Thinking of this and recalling her earlier worries, Ouyang Ziyi felt a surge of grievance and tears. Ignoring whether she was clothed or not, she threw herself back into Chu Tianyu’s arms, as if only his warm chest could truly assure her that all the horrors had passed!

Chu Tianyu naturally remembered what had happened to him at that time and could easily imagine Ouyang Ziyi’s anxiety, helplessness, and concern. So he said little, merely holding her tightly and stroking her snow-white skin with his hands to express his affection and comfort.

Only when Ouyang Ziyi’s emotions gradually calmed down did Chu Tianyu explain in detail what had happened, especially the subsequent changes and the struggle between the two dragons within his body. He described everything in great detail.

When he reached the most thrilling parts, Ouyang Ziyi couldn’t help but exclaim in shock, clinging tightly to Chu Tianyu. It wasn’t until he described the final counterattack by the black dragon, like a cornered beast, and the changes that resulted, until Chu Tianyu himself was stunned into unconsciousness, that she stopped.

As for what happened after that, Chu Tianyu had no idea. Ouyang Ziyi then recounted what she had observed from the side—every change in Chu Tianyu’s body—very clearly, including the changes that occurred within her own body at that time.

Anyway, Ouyang Ziyi had long been infatuated with Chu Tianyu, so this incident was just a matter of time for her. After the initial awkwardness, she stopped acting coyly like a young girl and openly explained everything, providing clues for her beloved to piece things together.

After listening to Ouyang Ziyi’s account, Chu Tianyu pondered for a long time before looking up at her and saying, “You said there was mist coming from my body. I guess this is the result of the Purple Void True Dragon inside me refining the impurities from that dragon. I had heard legends about this dragon during my travels with my master. It belongs to the category of underground pythons, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon year after year. Only under certain favorable conditions can it transform into a dragon, taking an important step toward ascending to immortality. But since dragons are inherently yin and influenced by damp, gloomy environments, they are fierce and lustful. So that mist is likely the corrupt energy of these dragons. If ordinary people inhale it, how could they not go astray? Moreover, my master said that the lustful energy of dragons is like poisonous rainbows—wherever it passes, all essence is absorbed by it!”

“And me? Why do I feel fine, with a warm current flowing inside my body instead?” Ouyang Ziyi asked.

“Oh, is that so? Let me take a look.” With that, Chu Tianyu checked Ouyang Ziyi’s pulse. After withdrawing his vital energy, he sighed in relief and said, “It’s just some remnants of true dragon energy left in your body. There’s no serious issue!”
“Oh, really? Then… does that mean I also have some martial skills, just like described in novels?” Ouyang Ziyi asked happily.
“Not quite yet. I guess when we… were affected by the corrupt energy of the dragon. But fortunately, it has already been refined in your body, so those harmful elements have been removed. What remains are only the most basic desires, which can affect us but won’t cause harm. The vital energy in your body is just a remnant of that, and it can be considered the purest energy in the world. But you don’t have any martial skills yet. This vital energy will likely dissipate on its own in a few days!”
Hearing this, Ouyang Ziyi said helplessly, “Then can’t you use your skills to help me take control of it?”
Chu Tianyu smiled bitterly. “I wish I could! I tried just now, but the vital energy in your body repels mine completely. If I force it, your meridians might get damaged right away!”
“Oh…” Ouyang Ziyi was a bit disappointed.
“But don’t be too disappointed. After all, this dragon energy will still be active for a few more days before disappearing, which is very beneficial for you. First, you’ll be able to practice internal cultivation techniques without worrying about lacking a foundation from a young age. Second, it might help with beauty, which is probably what girls care most about. It can not only remove pigments from your skin but also make it more elastic and fair…” Chu Tianyu comforted her.
“Really! That’s great!” Ouyang Ziyi was overjoyed. She didn’t care much about the first point, but the second was like hearing good news to her. In her excitement, she gave Chu Tianyu two sweet kisses on the face.
After lingering for a while, Ouyang Ziyi asked with rosy cheeks, “Since you’ve absorbed another dragon energy, aren’t you stronger? It seems like you’re about to become a ‘god’ if this continues, hehe!”
Facing Ouyang Ziyi’s teasing, Chu Tianyu smiled bitterly. “It’s not as simple as you think. Although my Purple Void Vital Energy has improved again, reaching the sixth level, and my body feels stronger after being influenced by the black dragon energy, my original dragon core seems to have sealed itself and stopped functioning beside my dantian!”
“Will that have any impact?” Ouyang Ziyi asked anxiously.

“Influence? The most important thing is that it no longer ‘affects’ me. Before, with it circulating within my vital energy, it was like a nuclear power source, keeping my vital energy from ever running out. Moreover, as external forces increased, so did its strength—limitless and endless! Now, I can only rely on my own vital energy!” said Chu Tianyu.

Ouyang Ziyi thought for a moment and said, “That doesn’t prove anything. As you said, it’s just temporarily inactive—it hasn’t disappeared. And the real danger is when it moves randomly out of your control, like when it suddenly started absorbing some Black Dragon energy earlier; that was extremely perilous!”

Chu Tianyu smiled and said, “Yes, you’re right. Good and bad go hand in hand. It’s hard to tell whether it’s a blessing or a curse right now. Why worry needlessly? Besides, having you by my side is enough for this life…”

As he spoke, Chu Tianyu felt something within him stir again—something that had been tense before now showing signs of activity. Ouyang Ziyi also sensed it, her face turning red as she snapped, “You’re so inappropriate! Could this also be a side effect of the Black Dragon’s transformation? It seems like you’ll never be satisfied! How long can you really hold on?”

Chu Tianyu looked embarrassed and said, “I’m not quite sure either. After all, this is my first time, so I have no experience.”

“How about we do it again?” Chu Tianyu asked with ulterior motives in his last sentence.

After resting, Ouyang Ziyi had recovered greatly. Hearing this, her face turned even redder again. She bit her lip and let out a soft “Mm~,” melting into Chu Tianyu’s embrace like a ball of heat.

In an instant, urgent breathing and enticing moans filled the car once more…

…

At noon, Ouyang Ziyi drove listlessly. Initially, Chu Tianyu wanted to go back to school by himself, but Ouyang Ziyi insisted on driving him there, saying she had something to discuss with him.

“Ziyi, practice the Qingfeng Technique I taught you these past few days. Although it’s the most basic skill for cultivating and regulating one’s energy, it’s still good to build a foundation. Without it, if you start practicing from adulthood, your meridians will already be fixed, and it’s easy to get injured. Hehe, you’re much better than Bai Lei. He’s also practicing this ‘Sanqing Hupai Shengong’ right now. But with the help of your dragon energy, I think you’ll be able to practice real internal skills in about a year!” explained Chu Tianyu.

“Bai Lei! Is he the young master of the Bai family you mentioned? The most mysterious expert in online games? The one who exchanged conditions with you? Hehe, from what you’ve told me, he must be interesting. I should get to know him properly if I get the chance!” said Ouyang Ziyi.

“Don’t! We haven’t told him about us yet. If he sees that I have such a beautiful wife, it’ll surely shock him. I’m afraid he won’t be able to handle it and might go crazy—then I’d really be at fault!” Chu Tianyu joked.
Ouyang Ziyi giggled and said, “Wow, who describes their classmates like that?”
“Don’t doubt it; you’ll know once you meet him! With his mouth and his weird theories, there’s nothing you can’t think of that he can’t say!” Chu Tianyu replied honestly.
As they were chatting, Ouyang Ziyi suddenly handed Chu Tianyu a small box and casually said, “Here, take this phone to Li Rou. It’s brand new. Sister Xin gave it to me last time, and I haven’t used it yet!”
Chu Tianyu was surprised and took the phone awkwardly, asking, “W-what are you doing…?”
Ouyang Ziyi gave him a stern look before reluctantly saying, “What else can I do? You said that poor girl is so pitiful, yet you keep hesitating over this and that. If I don’t help you out, I don’t see how you’ll manage!”
Hearing this, Chu Tianyu was overjoyed and said, “Really? I’ve really been struggling with this for her. If I tell her directly, I’m afraid she won’t accept it. Her pride might get in the way, and then I might hurt her feelings without helping at all! But if I don’t tell her, her real difficulties remain, and she urgently needs money. Ugh, it’s really tough!”
Ouyang Ziyi teased him irritably, “What’s so tough? I think you just want to have both—a wife and a concubine!”
Chu Tianyu felt wronged and immediately denied it, “No, definitely not! And I made it clear yesterday—whatever you decide, I’ll accept it. I have no right to ask for anything more!”
Ouyang Ziyi suddenly became serious and said, “Fine, then I want you to tell them clearly right away! Stop having any improper thoughts! Cut off all contact! Never speak to each other again!”
Those few words left Chu Tianyu speechless.
Seeing his distressed expression, Ouyang Ziyi giggled and said scornfully, “Acting! I told you to stop acting! You act like you’re so righteous, but everyone knows your true intentions!”
Chu Tianyu, feeling guilty, didn’t argue. But strangely, what was between them had nothing to do with outsiders.
“After you go back, give her the phone and tell her that you saw an ad for someone hiring a home art teacher with good pay. I’ll get in touch with her later…” Ouyang Ziyi stopped teasing and spoke calmly.

Upon hearing this, Chu Tianyu felt there was a chance, and he couldn’t help but look at Ouyang Ziyi with longing…
Ouyang Ziyi, without even lifting her eyes, said, “It seems like all the advantages in the world go to you. If it weren’t for last night… you know… being so strong, I would really have to consider it!”
Chu Tianyu chuckled twice but said nothing. At this point, the best choice was to stay silent.
Ouyang Ziyi glanced at Chu Tianyu’s pleased expression and continued, “But don’t get too happy just yet. I have no objections because I grew up in Europe and have French blood in my veins. So while I don’t mind you having more lovers, I can’t guarantee whether your little sister Li Rou will be okay with it. And as for your fiancée Qin Nianran, it seems like you’re still unrequited—whether she even pays attention to you is a question. Yet here you are, getting delusional!”
Chu Tianyu ignored Ouyang Ziyi’s sarcasm and mockery, overjoyed in his heart. It wasn’t because he could have multiple wives and enjoy the pleasures of marriage, as Ouyang Ziyi suggested, but because he hadn’t expected to resolve his long-standing “love problem” so quickly. It seemed fate had played its role—the appearance of that black demon dragon was truly timely! As for the rest, whether they would accept it or not, as Ouyang Ziyi said, that was their concern. Chu Tianyu could face it calmly on his end!
To be honest, Chu Tianyu wasn’t a saint, nor a god. He was just a person with extraordinary energy. As long as one is human, they have human nature and can’t completely escape the shackles of worldly desires—such as possession, love, selfishness, and so on. These shackles are both a source of human helplessness and, from a certain perspective, also the source of human happiness…
…
When Chu Tianyu arrived at the dormitory, facing the three of them—Bai Lei and the others—with their intense, curious gazes, he said, a bit lacking confidence, “Hehe, you guys are all here! Have you eaten?”
Bai Lei was the first to step forward. He circled Chu Tianyu once, sniffed him a few times, then said exaggeratingly, “Haha, they say horses don’t get fat without night grass. Our third brother stayed out all night for the second time, and yet he gained a lot of weight in just one night. Plus, he has this strange, intriguing scent on him. What do you think…”
Without needing to ask, Da Ge and Bao Cai said in unison, “Confess honestly, and you’ll get a lighter sentence. Resist, and we’ll make you bleed and work in the restaurant!”

This time, Chu Tianyu gave in without arguing. He simply raised a white flag and said, “Enough. You choose the restaurant yourselves later. Can’t I just surrender?”
Dage and Bao Cai didn’t expect Chu Tianyu to agree so easily and didn’t know what to say next.
Bai Lei wasn’t fooled by this tactic. Since he had something to discuss with Chu Tianyu anyway, he didn’t linger and pulled Chu Tianyu away, saying, “Let’s drop it for now. We’ll decide when to eat later. By the way, Third Brother, I need to talk to you. Come on, let’s go to the terrace and chat!”
“Can’t we skip it?” Chu Tianyu asked with a pained expression.
“Hmm…” Bai Lei crossed his arms and twisted his body, putting on a sulky look as he spoke in a whining tone.
Chu Tianyu shuddered. Unable to resist the urge to vomit, he ran to the terrace and took a few deep breaths.
As soon as they reached the terrace, Bai Lei grabbed Chu Tianyu tightly and said, “You know what, Third Brother? What kind of martial arts did you teach me? That so-called ‘Sanqing Body Protection Art’? Not only has it done nothing, I can’t even withstand ordinary punches and kicks. That kick I got from those guys last time still hasn’t healed! And those so-called ‘Divine Fists’ you taught me? I showed them off in front of Dage and the others today. They said they were just the military boxing we practiced during training! You… you really deceived me!”
By the end, Bai Lei was gritting his teeth in anger.
Chu Tianyu smiled slightly and said calmly, “To be honest with you, what you learned isn’t the ‘Sanqing Body Protection Art’ at all. It’s just the ordinary ‘Qingfeng Art’. The punches and kicks are also regular military boxing! Let me explain. Since you’re already an adult with fully formed meridians, and considering you lacked proper physical training before, your condition is really poor. I taught you the Qingfeng Art first because I hoped to gradually strengthen your foundation through proper conditioning. After that, with continued practice, you should be able to improve your physical fitness within a certain period. If you force yourself to practice those imaginary ‘divine arts’, not only might you go mad, but it will also damage your meridians and severely weaken your vital energy!”
“So does that mean I have no hope of learning martial arts in my life?” Bai Lei asked despondently after hearing this.
“Not necessarily. If you persevere from now on, in a year you’ll be considered strong among ordinary people. In three years, you should have a solid foundation, and in ten years, you’ll definitely achieve some results!” Chu Tianyu reassured him.

Bai Lei felt there was still hope. Given his personality, he relaxed and nodded eagerly, saying, “Of course! There’s nothing I, Bai Lei, can’t persevere through. But Third Brother, once I’ve built a foundation, you really have to teach me real martial arts!”
“Mm, no problem!” Chu Tianyu replied firmly.
“Third Brother, I’ve had a question lingering in my mind. I’ll take this chance to ask you today…” Bai Lei suddenly said.
“Oh, go ahead and ask!”
“Hmm…” Bai Lei pondered for a moment before saying, “Those so-called peerless martial arts are usually kept as secrets by various factions. How could you agree to exchange them just because I came to you on my own and offered virtual equipment from the internet? Besides, I often bully you, take advantage of you, mock you, and act as a stalker, preventing you from dating your sister…”
“Enough, enough! Stop it!” Chu Tianyu quickly gestured to stop him. If Bai Lei kept talking, things would get out of control.
Chu Tianyu then spoke seriously, “Let’s keep it vague for now. Don’t you think it’s already a kind of fate that the four of us—you, Da Ge, Bao Cai, and me—can be together? In this vast world, it’s a great fortune to be able to hang out with a few like-minded friends! And there’s no ulterior motive between us; it’s the purest kind of friendship among classmates! As for you, Bai Lei, from the first time I met you, I was impressed by your carefree personality. I felt that following you around would never be boring. Hehe, it seems my decision back then was truly wise! To be honest, I always feel we have a lot in common, and I’ve had a strong sense that we’ll work together forever in this life! Seriously, since you brought this up, I’ll boldly ask—what’s your life goal? Is it to become the king of the internet?”
Bai Lei was taken aback by the question. He lowered his head and thought for a while before saying, “The internet is actually a way for me to fulfill my real-life dreams. In reality, there are many things I can’t do—even I can’t save a little girl…” As he spoke, Bai Lei suddenly seemed to remember something and choked up.
Chu Tianyu didn’t stop but pressed further, “Then as the only eldest son of the Bai family, with billions in wealth, what’s your dream?”
Bai Lei smiled bitterly and said, “That wealth wasn’t created by me. If I have to mention a dream, it’s to use the money I earn online to buy a piece of land in Wangfujing, Beijing, to grow garlic, and buy a plot in Xujiahui, Shanghai, to grow scallions. Then I’d buy the Shenzhen Land King Building, blow it up, fill it with soil, and grow soybeans…”

“Wealth and glory are but fleeting illusions; picking chrysanthemums brings joy too…” With those words, Bai Lei looked up at the sky and murmured slowly.
Chu Tianyu had indeed been defeated by him. Just as he was about to say something, several screams came from below: “Oh no, someone’s jumping off a building! Someone’s jumping off a building!”