Chapter 108: The Jealous Woman

“Your Excellency, it truly has been a long time!” The Emperor of the Flame and Yellow Empire greeted Zhou Tian warmly, smiling broadly as he embraced him, showing none of the previous tension between them. “Have you managed to master the secret technique you mentioned during this past month?”

“Almost,” Zhou Tian replied. “However, if I were to stay any longer, it would not only be inconvenient for you, but I also have many matters awaiting attention in my own domain. Perhaps, if the chance arises, Your Majesty could grant me another stay in the palace.” Noticing the increasingly displeased expressions of the guards behind the Emperor, Zhou Tian hastened to add, “Of course, I would ensure the compensation is no less generous than this time.”

“No trouble at all,” the Emperor assured him. The first time for anything is always the hardest; unfamiliar tasks often seem insurmountable until one takes the initial step. Once that hurdle is crossed, repetition breeds familiarity and ease.

Yet, as the Emperor agreed to Zhou Tian’s request, he failed to notice the subtle smile curling at the corner of Zhou Tian’s lips. Nor could he foresee that during Zhou Tian’s month-long stay at the palace, not only had he unwittingly been cuckolded, but his empress had been pulled, whether passively or unintentionally, into Zhou Tian’s camp of adversaries.

Unaware of these developments, the Emperor of the Flame and Yellow Empire bore no ill will toward Zhou Tian. In fact, after receiving the Eternal Spring Pill from him upon their departure from the palace, he felt a considerable warmth toward Zhou Tian.

However, Zhou Tian himself showed little interest in the Emperor’s reaction. After leaving the palace with Afra, he immediately stepped onto the teleportation array and returned to his stronghold—the capital city.

A month’s time is neither long nor short. With substantial financial backing, construction in the capital had progressed swiftly. When Zhou Tian and his companions left, the capital had already taken shape, though still in its infancy. Now, after a month of large-scale development, both Zhou Tian and Afra were taken aback by the drastic changes as they emerged from the teleportation circle.

Wide streets stretched before them, new buildings towering along the avenues, and mercenaries bustling about. Compared to the imperial capital, the city still lagged behind, but relative to its former self, the capital had transformed immensely.

Fortunately, all changes were for the better, and the more Zhou Tian observed, the happier he became.

At Afra’s insistence, Zhou Tian accompanied her on a proper stroll through the city before they returned to his church—a building that doubled as his lordly residence, since Zhou Tian held the titles of both bishop and lord.

During his absence, the church had undergone extensive renovations, expanding several times over in size. After a brief moment of admiration, Zhou Tian led Afra toward its grand entrance.

Unexpectedly, as he prepared to enter, two guards suddenly blocked his path.

“Stop!” they commanded, brandishing weapons. Glancing at Zhou Tian and Afra, one demanded, “Pass tokens?”

“Pass tokens to enter the church?” Zhou Tian asked with mild irritation, given they were his own people, though their behavior displeased him.

Their response was laughter, sharp and mocking.

“Young man, do you think this is just any place? The church in our capital houses many important figures. Even the lord himself resides here after returning. This place isn’t open to just anyone. Without a pass token, leave immediately, or I’ll have you thrown into the dungeons!” The guard shot a disdainful glance at Zhou Tian.

Zhou Tian was taken aback. He had not expected such treatment upon his return. After a brief pause, a surge of anger rose within him.

Frankly, such strict security was rare but necessary, especially in a place where the lord resided. Even in peaceful times on Earth, many would attempt assassination. Allowing unrestricted access would be a grave risk.

Still, knowing this did not ease the irritation Zhou Tian felt. Especially since his residence was a church, not a fortress. While he pondered this, the two guards—unaware of his hesitation—moved to take action.

“Standing here refusing to leave, young man? Seems you have ill intentions. Then you’ll come with us to the dungeons!” one snarled, reaching to seize him.

“Impudent!” Zhou Tian’s furious shout startled the guards and drew the attention of many inside the church who had not previously noticed the commotion.

A month was neither fleeting nor extensive, and although the capital had changed greatly, some original inhabitants remained. The expansion had naturally brought in many new personnel, including these two guards, who had joined fairly recently and did not recognize Zhou Tian, who had been absent for some time.

Yet, Zhou Tian’s identity was well known to many others present. Those who had seen him before instantly recognized him as the city’s ruler when their gaze fell upon him.

Despite the excitement of some, the two guards, ignorant of his status, made a grave mistake.

“You’re courting death!” they snarled, brandishing their weapons to teach Zhou Tian a lesson.

“Stop!” came a chorus of voices from behind.

The guards, however, paid little heed. It was not that they wished to ignore the calls, but having launched their attacks with full force, it was difficult to restrain themselves immediately.

Though they tried to pull back upon realizing the crowd’s reaction, their unprepared strikes still landed on Zhou Tian.

“Disaster!” flashed through many minds at once. None expected Zhou Tian’s return, nor his being attacked. The guards, seeing the situation spiral, feared the consequences.

Yet, Zhou Tian was no ordinary man. Though not the strongest, he was more than a match for these guards, especially clad in his immortal armor. Facing their assault head-on, he neither dodged nor blocked, but absorbed their blows.

A crisp “ding” echoed as the attacks rebounded, sending the guards sprawling to the ground, their weapons slipping from their grasp, and blood trickling from torn palms.

“How dare you!” some seized this moment to act. Those who recognized Zhou Tian moved swiftly to restrain the incapacitated guards, bowing apologetically as they addressed their lord.

“Forgive us, Lord (Bishop), for causing you distress.”

“Rise,” Zhou Tian waved casually, as if nothing had occurred. Casting a glance at the guards, he ordered, “Though rash, they did not attempt to kill me. A light punishment will suffice.”

His gaze darkened as he surveyed the church’s interior. “Vivian and the others—are they here?”

“Yes, all of them,” came the reply.

“Good.” Without further ado, Zhou Tian took Afra’s hand and entered, following directions toward Vivian’s quarters.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a loud bang. The people inside turned their attention to the entrance, only relaxing when they saw Zhou Tian.

After such a long absence, one might have expected a warm welcome. Instead, Vivian and the others greeted Zhou Tian’s return with cold indifference, treating him like a stranger and busily attending to their duties.

This reaction caught Zhou Tian completely off guard. Initially angered by the earlier incident, he now found himself speechless, unable even to summon his ire.

Afra, however, was more attuned to Vivian and the others. Observing their demeanor, she wore an expression of ‘just as expected.’ Smiling faintly, she gently pulled the embarrassed Zhou Tian into the room and closed the door behind them.

The room’s occupants cast lingering, suggestive glances toward the pair.

“What are you looking at?” Afra, who had maintained composure until then, finally lost her nerve under their scrutinizing eyes. With a guilty roar, she only invited more brazen stares.

“We’re not looking at anything,” she quickly protested, attempting to mask her closeness with Zhou Tian.

“We never said you two were involved!” came a teasing reply.

“When you say that, perhaps you should unclasp your hands first,” another added.

Like startled rabbits, Afra hastily released Zhou Tian’s hand and instinctively distanced herself. Unbeknownst to her, the more she tried to deny their relationship, the more convinced others became of it.

Seeing Afra faltering under their gaze, Zhou Tian stepped forward.

“Enough. If you have time to worry about this, you’d better focus on your work.” Recalling the state of the church, he scowled. “What have you done to this place? It’s no longer a church if you won’t even let others enter.”

His question was met with silence. The others ignored him, keeping their eyes fixed on Afra, who remained silent.

Seeing Zhou Tian at a loss, Afra could no longer stand it. Dropping her earlier timidity, she glared at the room and explained, “Why the anger? We were wrong to be away so long, but there was a reason. Brother Tian had to train a secret technique in the imperial capital, which delayed our return. We didn’t inform you beforehand, but there was no need for such fury.”

At that moment, two sharp snapping sounds echoed through the room.

Heads turned to see Vivian and Anna simultaneously crushing their pens in frustration. The strange glances then shifted toward them, especially Vivian.

Everyone knew there was something between Anna and Afra. Though not public knowledge, the core members of Zhou Tian’s group were well aware. Afra’s relationship with Zhou Tian was no secret, so Anna’s outburst was understandable—after all, Zhou Tian had stolen her ‘woman.’

What puzzled everyone most was why Vivian had lost her composure.

As if sensing their thoughts, Vivian struggled to hide her feelings but soon gave in to the pressure, covering her face and fleeing the room.

After Vivian left, Anna shot a hateful glance at Zhou Tian, one last lingering look at Afra, then also departed.

One after another, people left. Those who remained were distracted, focusing entirely on Zhou Tian and Afra. Knowing it was not the right moment for explanations, Zhou Tian signaled Afra to speak with Anna while he ignored the strange looks from Mike and others and followed Vivian’s direction.

Whether intentionally or not, Vivian had not gone far—she remained within the church premises. Zhou Tian soon found her in a familiar courtyard.

“You’re here!” he greeted as he pushed open the gate and approached.

Vivian rolled her eyes, annoyed. “This is my courtyard. Where else should I be?”

Zhou Tian smiled awkwardly, surveying the surroundings. “No wonder it looks familiar. Aside from some expansion, it’s still much like before.”

“What do you mean ‘like before’? I never moved; only the grounds expanded a bit, and now you can’t recognize it.” Vivian gave him a pointed look, then complained with some resentment, “While we’ve been working ourselves to the bone here in the capital, you’ve been living carefree outside! I had Afra accompany you to protect you, and in just one month, she’s already taken that protection to bed with you.” Her tone brimmed with bitterness toward Afra.

With Vivian’s feelings laid bare, Zhou Tian could not help but understand. It was impossible to miss the affection she harbored for him, and naturally, Zhou Tian felt no displeasure at that.

Still, he explained, “What happened between Afra and me was an accident. We never intended for it to come to this.” He then recounted the events in the capital, omitting certain details but sharing the bulk of the story with Vivian.

(Deepest thanks to Master Wei Ting for the kind support. I bow in gratitude!)