Xia Qingyue's brows furrowed slightly. She wasn't alarmed—just puzzled.

That speed. That disappearance. It defied everything she knew about cultivation.

Impossible. Even someone at the peak of the Earth Profound Realm couldn't move like that… much less someone who was supposed to be crippled.

Her gaze sharpened. "You're not actually crippled."

I chuckled, tilting my head slightly. "Oh, wifey, didn't I already say? I can walk, can't I?"

Her confusion deepened, but she wasn't the type to let emotions rule her judgment. Instead, she asked the most logical question:

"What is your cultivation level?"

I smirked. "Higher than this world allows."

She blinked. Once. Twice. Then, as if dismissing my words, she straightened her posture, her expression returning to its usual calm.

"If you don't want to answer seriously, then forget I asked."

I chuckled. How adorable.

To her, my words must have sounded like nonsense—something a delusional fool would say. And why wouldn't they? She had no way of comprehending the truth.

But that was fine.

Reality would catch up to her soon enough.

She sighed, her earlier curiosity fading. "Since this marriage is only in name, let's not make things complicated. I have no intention of interfering with your life, and I expect the same from you."

I hummed in amusement. "Oh? But what if I want to make things complicated?"

Her brows twitched, but she ignored the provocation. "That's your choice."

Without another word, she turned toward the bed, her expression unreadable.

But just before she lay down, she cast me one final glance.

Not suspicious. Not hostile.

Just a flicker of something fleeting.

I smirked.

Xia Qingyue didn't press the matter further. Instead, she lay down, her breathing slow and even.

But I knew she wasn't asleep.

She was thinking.

I could practically hear the thoughts racing through her mind. My speed, my reactions, my very existence—it didn't add up. Yet, without a solid answer, she had no choice but to leave it alone.

For now.

I leaned back against the wall, closing my eyes.

The night was quiet. Peaceful.

And yet, my mind wasn't at ease.

This body… It was too weak. I was wearing a suppression ring, forcing my presence to remain ordinary. Otherwise, even a casual release of power would alarm the entire Floating Cloud City.

Then, in the dead of night—

A subtle fluctuation.

Faint. Almost imperceptible.

But I caught it instantly.

Someone's here.

Xia Qingyue tensed slightly. She must have sensed something too, but her reaction told me what I already suspected—whoever was outside was at least at the Spirit Profound Realm. Far beyond the common rabble of Floating Cloud City.

I didn't move.

Instead, I observed.

Would they attack? Or just spy?

Xia Qingyue's eyes opened a fraction, sharp and calculating. She was assessing the situation, waiting.

But me?

I smiled.

And in a whisper only the intruder would hear, I spoke.

"Enjoying the view?"

Instantly, the presence outside stiffened. Their heartbeat spiked.

Then—gone.

Vanished.

I chuckled to myself, shaking my head. "Amateur."

Xia Qingyue's gaze snapped to me. "…Who was that?"

I shrugged lazily. "Who knows? But I doubt they'll be back."

She narrowed her eyes, studying me. And in that moment, I saw it—the flicker of doubt, of realization.

She was beginning to understand.

I wasn't normal.

And this was only the beginning.