Chapter 2689: Crazy Flag Planting

At these words, the entire hall was stunned.

The women had never imagined that the usually formidable and intimidating Demon Sect Master would propose the idea of sharing a husband.

On second thought, it made sense. After all, Zu An was no ordinary man, and which of them wasn't considered a top woman in the eyes of the world? Hadn't they all fallen irrevocably for him?

The only thing they hadn't expected was that she could set aside her conflict with Yan Xuehen. It seemed she had truly fallen in love with Zu An, and, worried he might encounter danger in the Land of Dreams, she was even willing to sacrifice her reputation to give him enough motivation.

Now it remained to be seen how Yan Xuehen would respond.

Seeing the women's gazes fixed on her, Yan Xuehen instantly felt as if she was sitting on pins and needles.

In truth, compared to Zu An's safety, what she had been agonizing over before was meaningless.

If she were alone with Zu An, perhaps in a moment of passion, she might have said something similar to the demoness.

But now, with so many people watching, how could she possibly utter those words?

Hesitating for a moment, her face suddenly turned pale.

Because she realized she had lost.

The demoness could openly and boldly declare her love for Zu An, but she could not do the same. In everyone's hearts, her love for Zu An would appear to be three-tenths weaker than the demoness'.

Even if Zu An could understand her, he would inevitably feel a slight resentment.

She was filled with regret, but as things stood, her pride would not allow her to retract or amend her words, so she just stood there, stunned.

All sorts of unspeakable emotions welled up in her heart, and her fingernails, hidden in her sleeves, almost dug into her palms.

At this moment, Zu An chuckled, walked over, and took Yun Jianyue's hand in one of his and Yan Xuehen's hand in the other. "Since Sister Yun said so, and Sister Yan has also tacitly agreed, it seems I have gained a blessing from this misfortune."

Yan Xuehen's heart warmed. Zu An was always so considerate, effortlessly dispelling all her recent embarrassment and vexation.

In fact, thinking about it now, hadn't everything Manman did been with his tacit consent and help?

He must have expended so much effort to help her resolve her inner conflict for her sake.

Thinking of all this, she ultimately did not pull her hand away from his.

Feeling the warmth of his palm, her previously turbulent heart gradually calmed down.

Yun Jianyue glanced at their clasped hands, a little surprised; she had originally thought the Ice Stone Woman would pull her hand away.

Having been mortal enemies for so many years, she naturally understood that the other woman had just been suffering for the sake of her pride.

She had originally won, but it was all because Zu An had been so considerate of her.

Thinking of this, a surge of irritation welled up in her heart.

A tremendous wave of anger washed over Yun Jianyue.

"Hmph," she scoffed, "wait until you've saved your wretched life and returned before saying such things."

The Little Demon Empress and the other women secretly chuckled. It wasn't so easy to enjoy the bliss of having multiple wives. Speaking of which, perhaps they had agreed to him too easily; look at her approach.

Yan Xuehen had also calmed down a bit by this point and said worriedly, "The road ahead is unknown. You should use this time to prepare more protective magical artifacts."

She regretted having been so caught up in that matter these past few days that she had forgotten to help him refine some protective magical artifacts.

After a moment's thought, she took off her Flying Snow Sword and handed it to him. "Zu An, your Azure Luan Sword Array seems to gain more power with more weapons. This Flying Snow Sword is a renowned blade passed down through generations of White Jade City; it should be able to help you."

The other women were surprised, knowing that the Flying Snow Sword was practically bound to Yan Xuehen; ever since she first entered the martial world, this sword had never left her side. And now she had actually given it to a man? Who could say she practiced Supreme Indifference now?

Yun Jianyue smiled. "Then I can't be more stingy than the Ice Stone Woman. My Crescent Wheel probably wouldn't be of much use to you, so take this Everlasting Trust Palace Lantern instead. It can briefly immobilize enemies when needed."

Seeing the other women also preparing to take out their treasured possessions, Zu An quickly stopped them. "I appreciate your intentions, but I've already made my preparations during this time. I'd feel more at ease if you kept these things yourselves."

"But..."

Yan Xuehen wanted to say more, but Zu An interrupted her. "Don't forget, you too have been gazed upon by a true god, and there's no telling when you might encounter danger. Without these weapons, your strength would be greatly reduced, and I would worry about your safety. I'm sure you don't want me to be anxious about you throughout my journey, do you?"

Seeing him speak this way, the women found it hard to insist further. "Then you must be careful!"

Everyone had countless things they wanted to say to him, but unfortunately, with others present, many words were difficult to utter.

Zu An smiled slightly, and the surrounding scenery suddenly changed.

The women realized that in this space, there was only themselves and their beloved, and no one else was visible.

Qiao Xueying's heart thumped rapidly. "Did Zu An choose to bid farewell to me first?" For a moment, she was extremely moved and immediately threw herself into his embrace, but to her surprise, she embraced empty air.

Zu An explained, "Currently, I am in a spiritual state. This way, I can bid farewell to each of you individually at the same time."

Qiao Xueying pouted, realizing she wasn't special after all.

However, thinking of their imminent parting, she no longer cared about this petty jealousy. She poured out her heart to him and bid him a reluctant farewell.

The same thing was happening in various corners of the world, as his various confidantes looked at their beloved, their eyes red, while the more emotional ones could no longer stop their tears from falling.

Zu An could only offer continuous comfort.

Pei Mianman's eyes were also red. "You heartless wretch," she said. "I've been helping you deal with those two women these past few days, and just when things were looking promising, you abandon me and leave."

"I also didn't expect the people from the Land of Dreams to come for me at this time," Zu An said, then prepared to tell her about what had just happened with Yan Xuehen and Yun Jianyue.

But just as he started, she interrupted him. "I don't want to talk about other women with you during this precious time."

Seeing her temperamental look, Zu An's heart softened, and his spiritual body lightly embraced her, enjoying the warmth before their parting.

In the imperial palace, Bi Linglong was somewhat worried. "Zu An, if you leave, I worry I won't be able to keep the world under control. If I lose your empire, how can I face you when you return?"

Zu An smiled slightly. "This is your empire. You've been a very good empress these past years."

"No," Bi Linglong said, "in my heart, the empire has always been yours; I'm just managing it for you." A hint of regret flickered in Bi Linglong's eyes. It was a pity she hadn't conceived his child. What if something were to happen to him...

"Bah, bah, bah," she mentally scolded herself. "Zu An will certainly turn misfortune into blessing!"

In the Dragon Palace of the Sea Clan, the sisters Shang Liuyu and Shang Hongyu surrounded him. "It's a pity our cultivation isn't high enough to fight alongside you."

"Remember not to be impatient with cultivation," Zu An said, thinking of the sisters' past lives and knowing they were destined for greatness. "Given your cultivation and opportunities, you will surely achieve a qualitative change soon."

Beneath the Bridge of Helplessness, in the Yellow Springs, Zu An looked worried. "Chuyan, you are the one I worry about the most. After all, once I leave, no one else will be able to come and talk to you."

When he was here before, besides himself, he could also bring Yan Xuehen, Pei Mianman, and others to visit her. But now that he was leaving, no one else would be able to come to this place reachable only by spirits.

A clear tear traced down Chu Chuyan's cheek, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry. "That's why you must return safely," she said. "Otherwise, I'll have to stay here alone for a thousand years. And without you, I fear I won't have the courage to persevere for so long."

Zu An felt a pang in his heart, and his eyes simultaneously filled with determination. "Chuyan, I will definitely return. Wait for me!"