In a certain cave on the mountain outside the county town, Diewu was sitting in meditation. After a small cycle, she finally exhaled and opened her eyes, a faint smile on her lips. She had finally mastered the first level of the Soul Devouring Technique, her internal injuries had healed, and even the healing speed of her external injuries had accelerated. At this rate, within seven or eight months at most, she would be able to reach the fifth level, which is the final level. By then, her inner strength would reach a level of sixty years, and even the Young Master would not be her opponent, let alone Yang Ruxin.

Moreover, the greatest ability of the Soul Devouring Technique is to absorb a person’s soul. By then, the opponent would be without a soul and would only become a walking corpse.

"Alright, I’ll let you live for a few more months." Diewu laughed triumphantly, but suddenly a dull pain arose in her chest. She hurriedly calmed her mind, adjusted her inner strength, and suppressed the sensation.

There was no other choice; the Soul Devouring Technique was a secret technique of the Flame Sect and could only be practiced by the Sect Hierarch. She was fortunate enough to have been by the Flame’s side for many years and had once entered a secret cave. Unfortunately, though her memory was quite good, she still couldn’t remember everything. As a result, some places might not have been practiced correctly, causing a backlash on her body. However, luckily her inner strength was strong enough to suppress the backlash, so it was fine.

Yang Ruxin was unaware of Diewu’s crazed desire to kill her. Of course, even if she knew, she could only say "lunatic." She was currently busy organizing Erni’s birthday banquet.

The eighteenth of the first lunar month was Erni’s birthday, and this year’s birthday coincided with her coming-of-age ceremony.

They invited several close families to witness. Yuan Mengzhu personally acted as the main guest, while the village head’s wife, Lin Xiaoling, acted as the ceremonial officiant.

Yang Ruxin personally made a very large cake.

Yuan Mengzhu used the hairpin given by Gu Yao to tie up Erni’s hair. From then on, Erni could bid farewell to her girlhood.

Although, in Yang Ruxin’s view, fifteen is still too young, all women in this era are like this, and she cannot change it. Moreover, Gu Yao has refrained from touching Erni despite being married for a year, which is commendable. Now they have finally reached Erni’s coming-of-age. If she still obstructs, it would be too inhumane, so she can only offer her blessings.

After the lively banquet ended, the couple returned to their room amidst the crowd’s instructions and laughter to make up for the wedding night that was delayed by a year.

By late January, Yang Ruxin’s pregnancy had passed three months. According to the elders, the fetus was stable, which meant it could be announced publicly.

The news caused a stir among the villagers, who came to congratulate. Of course, everyone was very considerate and didn’t disturb Yang Ruxin, but just congratulated Dong Wenxiu and Feng Zilan.

"Madam, Guan Qingshu is here." Chun Hua came in to report, "Aunt Wen asked if you wanted to see him."

Most of the villagers coming to congratulate were women, making Guan Qingshu’s personal visit somewhat odd. However, Dong Wenxiu would not presumptuously turn him away.

Yang Ruxin was also curious. After a moment of silence, she nodded: "Let’s go meet him."

Gu Qingheng was not home, so Gu Yao accompanied Guan Qingshu in the living room for a chat.

If it had been in the past, Gu Yao absolutely would not have welcomed Guan Qingshu, but now he could talk and laugh with Guan Qingshu, controlling his emotions well, showing he had matured considerably.

Yang Ruxin felt very relieved, and walked in with a smile.