Not knowing what to do with himself was truly not knowing what to do.

Actually, Pei Zichen had probably heard about many things.

Dual cultivation was one of the elective courses for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion disciples. The immortal path was long and arduous—the vast majority of disciples would study this subject in later stages.

But he was too young and hadn’t yet formally cultivated. He’d only learned fragments from some mischievous junior brothers who’d taken it early.

In the past, his emotions had been sparse and desires few. He’d never had this kind of awareness. Today, experiencing it for the first time, he was instantly flustered and didn’t know how to handle himself. He could only sink his lower abdomen slightly, trying not to let it show through his clothing, while contemplating the origin of this strange feeling.

His head was just dizzy and confused. Continuing to maintain the circulation of spiritual power was already difficult beyond measure. He had no energy to think more and could only try his utmost to restrain those excess emotions, letting spiritual power circle round and round between the two of them.

His current spiritual roots could only convert extremely little spiritual power each time, so it required much longer.

Jiang Zhaoxue saw him remain tense the entire time. Thinking she’d startled him with the sudden happy emotions, she couldn’t help but laugh and reassure him. “Do you feel somewhat strange right now?”

These words made Pei Zichen’s breathing pause. Jiang Zhaoxue then knew the answer and continued, “Don’t worry. I transmitted my emotions to you. You’ve been feeling gloomy lately, and Master’s wife is very worried. Now, taking this opportunity, I’m letting you empathize with me and experience what happiness feels like.”

Experience happiness…

Listening, Pei Zichen slowly understood. When spiritual power was drawn from Jiang Zhaoxue’s body, she had shared her emotions with him.

But emotions and memories both belonged to the soul. In other words, she wasn’t just sending spiritual power into his body—she was also attempting to touch his soul.

And the soul was an extremely sensitive existence within a person. What she felt she was giving was joy, but by the time it reached his body, it became…

Pei Zichen pressed his lips together without speaking. He wanted to ask her to stop but was afraid she’d notice something abnormal. He could only secretly suppress this feeling mixed with pleasure and pain, trying his best to maintain propriety while feeling completely at a loss.

After the chou hour passed, Jiang Zhaoxue’s fire poison began to activate within her body. But ice-element spiritual power had long since been stored in Jiang Zhaoxue’s body, so she didn’t feel much. However, as Pei Zichen began to exhaust himself, or perhaps because too much time had passed, he seemed somewhat unable to control himself. His breathing became completely chaotic, and sweat soaked through his clothing.

When it all ended and Jiang Zhaoxue opened her eyes, she saw the youth across from her with a flushed face, covered in sweat. When he opened his eyes, his usually clear gaze was covered with a thin layer of misty moisture. His eyes rested on her, seeming somewhat dazed.

Jiang Zhaoxue assumed he was exhausted and smiled. “How do you feel?”

Pei Zichen didn’t speak, seeming not yet to have reacted. Jiang Zhaoxue’s face showed tenderness as she said warmly, “I know that since falling from the cliff, you’ve been in poor spirits. But when people are alive, they must look forward. Endlessly wallowing in this has no meaning. If there’s any place Master’s wife can help, just speak up.”

Any place she could help?

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s breathing immediately grew heavier.

Actually, he didn’t know what he wanted to do or what he should do. He only instinctively couldn’t help but lean forward.

He wanted to touch her, get close to her, just like in Black Moon Forest when they encountered Shen Yuqing and hid behind a tree—that moment when she held him and fed on his blood.

That sensation, recalled in this instant, became exceptionally clear. His breathing was chaotic. He couldn’t help but lean forward, tremblingly reaching for her sleeve, unconsciously murmuring, “Master’s wife…”

Seeing his eyes full of longing, about to move yet not moving, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat bewildered for a moment.

After thinking briefly, she pondered that perhaps having just seen her comfort Ye Tianjiao, he wanted to imitate it in his heart.

Actually, it wasn’t hard to understand. He was after all young. For seven years at the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, he’d observed rules and precepts, learned everything except how to receive affection.

Human instinct was to crave dependence. Now that his heart was troubled, having such an improper action was normal.

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t particularly care. Such a simple request wasn’t difficult at all.

“Acting cute to ask for a hug, is it?” She spoke with a smile.

Pei Zichen was somewhat bewildered. Before he had time to react, Jiang Zhaoxue pulled him into her embrace!

Thin gauze carrying a woman’s fragrance rushed toward his face, brushing past his cheek, stirring up a pool of spring water reflecting the moon, wrapping his entire being in softness and warmth.

The instant she embraced him, he seemed to finally reach the endpoint he’d sought. Extreme pleasure burst forth under extreme suppression. He was so shocked his eyes flew wide open. He abruptly pushed Jiang Zhaoxue away and scrambled off the small couch in panic.

This sudden turn was too great. Jiang Zhaoxue was also stunned. The two stared at each other—one bewildered, one terrified. Pei Zichen didn’t dare speak. He felt his body was damp and sticky all over, his entire person in complete chaos.

He suddenly felt grateful there were no lights, grateful it was dark night, grateful…

“This disciple is guilty.”

Pei Zichen closed his eyes briefly to compose himself, immediately turned and rose, kowtowed to the ground, saying urgently, “This disciple has been offensive. Please punish me, Master’s wife.”

“You…” Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t figure out the situation at all. “You didn’t really do anything…”

Pei Zichen knelt on the ground, his spine trembling. Jiang Zhaoxue steadied her emotions and coughed lightly. “I was the one who offended you. I thought you were too distressed and wanted someone to comfort you. I know that along this journey, you only have me left as a close friend, so I didn’t think too much about it. Don’t take it to heart either.”

“This disciple is guilty!”

Pei Zichen only repeated decisively.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt quite helpless. She felt as if the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion had engraved rules into these disciples’ minds. She sighed and explained to Pei Zichen, “Don’t be too nervous. Between close friends, in times of sorrow, a hug means nothing. It has nothing to do with men and women, nothing to do with carnal desire. This isn’t any kind of sin.”

Pei Zichen made no sound. Thinking of Pei Zichen’s temperament, Jiang Zhaoxue could only apologize. “All right, don’t blame yourself. If we must say there’s guilt, it should be me, the rule-breaker, who’s guilty. Go back now. But after you return, you should also think about how to make yourself happier. If there’s any place I can help, tell me. If today you could feel joy through my joy, in the future when you want to experience my state of mind, you can also come find me. I know you’re distressed right now, but don’t worry—Master’s wife is with you.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen spoke hoarsely, “This disciple bows in gratitude.”

Such an official response left Jiang Zhaoxue without much enthusiasm. She waved her hand. “Go, go rest.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen immediately kowtowed, then rose and left.

Walking to the door, Jiang Zhaoxue still couldn’t help but say, “Zichen.”

Pei Zichen stopped in his tracks, hearing Jiang Zhaoxue say, “In one’s life, what matters is experience—experiencing joy or sorrow. There will always be one type of experience that makes you feel you want to live for it, want to possess it repeatedly. That becomes a person’s life anchor. You must find that anchor to be able to live on.”

Pei Zichen stood still and unmoving.

Jiang Zhaoxue waved her hand wearily. “Go on.”

Pei Zichen bowed. “This disciple takes his leave.”

With that, he closed the door and departed.

After he left, Jiang Zhaoxue sighed and couldn’t help but say, “What exactly will make him happy?”

“It requires… sincerity, perhaps?” A’Nan sighed. “Master, all these unorthodox methods of yours are just temporary happiness, about the same as feeding him some pills. But a human heart can only be nourished with sincerity.”

“But I can’t possibly give him that.” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke righteously. “If I give it, what will I do?”

A’Nan was momentarily speechless. Jiang Zhaoxue pondered. “I can only deceive him more genuinely.”

Jiang Zhaoxue sighed. Not thinking more about it, she covered herself with the quilt, lay on the bed, and prepared to rest properly.

On the other side, after washing, Pei Zichen placed his changed clothes in the brazier. He watched flames rise up, tongues of fire licking at the garments, as if burning away thoughts both proper and improper.

“A hug means nothing. It has nothing to do with men and women, nothing to do with carnal desire. This isn’t any kind of sin.”

“There will always be one type of experience that makes you feel you want to live for it, want to possess it repeatedly. That becomes a person’s life anchor. You must find that anchor to be able to live on.”

But Master’s wife…

Self-loathing and despair surged up together. He watched the flames lick up to his fingertips. The pain seemed like whipping punishment. Having been punished, he could finally unbridledly recall that instant when she’d embraced him and he’d experienced that overwhelming pleasure.

This is carnal desire, Master’s wife.

This is sin.

Jiang Zhaoxue woke from her sleep feeling refreshed all over.

Upon waking, she discovered it was already noon. Hearing movement, maids filed in to dress and style Jiang Zhaoxue’s hair. For the first time in so long, Jiang Zhaoxue properly put on a complete outfit.

This couldn’t really be blamed on her. In these two hundred years, except for this one month, people serving her had never left her side.

From childhood to adulthood, dressing, hair styling, eating, even bathing—everything was handled by others. She didn’t even trim her own nails.

Clothing a thousand years later was much simpler to wear than now. She hadn’t even figured out which sash tied to which, let alone suddenly returning to a thousand years ago.

The clothing here looked like it had less fabric than a thousand years later, but was actually extremely complex—layer upon layer, with inner sashes tied into braids. So Jiang Zhaoxue had always just casually tied two sashes, covered everything with an outer robe, cinched it with a belt, draped a cloak outside, and went fortune-telling. It looked ethereal and casual, and no one noticed.

Today, the Ye Residence hadn’t prepared the Daoist robes cultivators habitually wore. Instead, they’d prepared the lotus-leaf gauze skirts that women here liked to wear.

This type of skirt was very similar to palace dress—wide sleeves with a gathered waist, with sleeve hems and skirt hems all in lotus-leaf edges, using thin gauze in layers, graceful and ethereal, highlighting feminine charm even more.

The difficulty of wearing such clothing was extreme for Jiang Zhaoxue. Fortunately, there were maids to help. They also applied makeup and arranged her hair. After all the fuss, when she walked out the door, Pei Zichen had been waiting a long time.

Today he’d changed into black-purple layered fitted clothing, his ponytail bound high, sword in hand as he stood before the door. Hearing Jiang Zhaoxue emerge, he turned to look. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue walk out, his gaze focused slightly.

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and greeted first, “Good morning.”

This voice called Pei Zichen’s consciousness back. He quickly lowered his eyes to compose himself, saying respectfully, “Master’s wife.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s gaze swept over the clothing on Pei Zichen’s body. She couldn’t help but complain internally.

He was truly wearing darker and darker colors, more and more like the book version.

But recalling how he’d fled from the room in fright at chen hour this morning, Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare say anything negative now. She could only cough lightly and exchange pleasantries with Pei Zichen. “Did you sleep well this morning?”

“Thanks to Master’s wife’s concern,” Pei Zichen was respectful yet increasingly distant, “this disciple has rested well.”

“That’s good.”

With that, the two walked to the dining hall. Just as they stepped inside, Ye Tianjiao quickly stood up, saying warmly, “Fairy sister, you’re here?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue coughed lightly, somewhat embarrassed. “Yesterday when teaching him qi guidance, he was afraid of ghosts, so I comforted him a bit.”

Thus she was completely elevated in Ye Tianjiao’s eyes—not only beautiful but kind-hearted and strong.

Since everyone here was mortal, with spiritual power upon her, ordinary people seeing her appearance could easily be affected. Like Ye Tianjiao, this severe face-value enthusiast could have his soul knocked out by one look at her. So she kept wearing the disguising veil. Only when sitting in the dining hall to eat, after having everyone withdraw, did she remove it.

Chen Zhao and Pei Zichen were accustomed to it. Ye Tianjiao had learned his lesson and didn’t dare raise his head at all. After the group simply finished their meal, they began discussing tonight’s matter of extracting the resentful energy.

“The method to extract resentful energy is simple—I just need to draw a great array.”

Jiang Zhaoxue planned tonight’s situation, inquiring of Chen Zhao, “How many cultivators are currently available in the residence?”

“Just me and Wenzhen.” Chen Zhao frowned. Jiang Zhaoxue indicated understanding.

Cultivators in the Mortal Realm weren’t numerous. Having Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen here was already because the Ye Family was wealthy and powerful.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment and assigned everyone’s tasks. “Then tonight, Master Chen and Daoist Friend Ye will be responsible for protecting the Eldest Young Master. Zichen will protect me. Second Young Master Ye will stay by my side. I’ll use Second Young Master Ye’s spiritual power to draw the array and expel the resentful energy. Tomorrow at the juncture of day and night, right when yin and yang alternate, resentful energy is heaviest, but yang energy will be born. If we perform the ritual then and succeed, it will be greatly auspicious. If we fail… when the sun rises, resentful energy will be suppressed, and I can also use talismans to protect everyone.”

But that would be a huge loss.

Jiang Zhaoyue’s talismans—using one meant one less. She didn’t have many left.

Just thinking about it made Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart ache. She immediately decided that tonight, only success was permitted, not failure!

Everyone received their assignments and began preparations.

Expelling resentful energy was something Pei Zichen had often done with disciples in the past. He went first to prepare various items for warding off evil and suppressing spirits.

Jiang Zhaoxue walked to the study. Seeing the cinnabar and yellow paper prepared on the desk, she beckoned Ye Tianjiao. “Second Young Master Ye, come here.”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao walked to the desk in bewilderment, asking curiously, “What for?”

“Hold this.”

Jiang Zhaoxue gave him the cinnabar brush. Ye Tianjiao held it in his hand, turning the brush. “What’s this for?”

“Have you thought about what type of cultivator you want to be?” Jiang Zhaoxue inquired.

Ye Tianjiao froze, then hurriedly said, “No no no, I’m just here to make up numbers. Once my brother is better, I won’t be a cultivator.”

“Come come come, try talisman cultivation.” Jiang Zhaoxue rolled up her sleeves, slapped a talisman paper on the desk, raised her hand to grasp Ye Tianjiao’s hand. Ye Tianjiao was so frightened his hand trembled. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately gripped tighter, scolding in a low voice, “What are you moving around for? If I don’t hold you, how can I access your spiritual power?”

Ye Tianjiao reacted and responded vaguely, “Then… then you should say something first.”

“So much nonsense.” Jiang Zhaoxue said irritably. “Follow me and feel the circulation of spiritual power. I’ll teach you to draw talismans.”

With that, the first stroke fell. Ye Tianjiao felt the spiritual power throughout his body being mobilized by Jiang Zhaoxue, following through his fingertips onto the brush, drawing onto the talisman paper. His eyes instantly became somewhat difficult to keep open. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said again, “Send spiritual power to both eyes. Ordinary people can’t look directly when drawing talismans—you must have spiritual power enhancement.”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao quickly circulated spiritual power according to what he’d learned yesterday. When spiritual power reached his eyes, he finally saw the talisman paper clearly. By this time, patterns had already appeared on it. Jiang Zhaoxue explained, “This is a Thunder Curse, specifically for evil spirits and demons. In the future, when you see frightening ghosts, hit them one at a time. When they see you, they’ll naturally run away.”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao became somewhat nervous. His hand was held by Jiang Zhaoxue as they traced the patterns. Looking at the talisman script Jiang Zhaoxue drew, he stammered, “Are… are you a talisman cultivator?”

“I’m not.”

Jiang Zhaoxue answered calmly, turning to smile at him. “But I like talisman cultivation.”

She still wore her veil, but in that instant, Ye Tianjiao’s heartbeat still quickened a beat.

He couldn’t speak. Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at the desk and continued, “Immortal cultivation depends on talent. Each person has a suitable path. Some enter the Dao through the sword, some through talismans—all are good.”

“Then… what about you?” Ye Tianjiao couldn’t help but ask a bit more.

Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “I enter the Dao through heavenly fate.”

“Didn’t you say you like talisman cultivation?”

“That’s because it can help me preserve my life.” Jiang Zhaoxue sighed. “Moreover, I can’t cultivate it myself. A fate master’s spiritual power is destined to only gamble on luck. Even if I reach Mahayana, cross tribulation, or even ascend, I cannot use my spiritual power to cultivate the sword, nor can I write talismans. Even though I know how.”

“But didn’t you just write it out?”

Ye Tianjiao looked at the just-completed talisman on the desk, somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at him. In this moment, she once again appreciated Pei Zichen’s intelligence.

Though Pei Zichen and Ye Tianjiao were about the same age, she felt a difference as vast as two species between them.

But if Ye Tianjiao couldn’t figure it out and she didn’t explain, he’d never understand. She could only remind him, “Second Young Master, right now you’re drawing the talisman, not me.”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao finally understood. The hand was his, the spiritual power was his. Though she was holding his hand and mobilizing his spiritual power, it was indeed… him writing.

“How powerful is this talisman?”

Having reacted, Ye Tianjiao couldn’t help but ask, “Can it dispel that hanging ghost from last night?”

“Heaven-tier Thunder Curse—dealing with a mere hanging ghost is naturally a piece of cake.”

“Ha!” Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao was overjoyed. “This young master is truly a genius! Quick, fairy sister,” Ye Tianjiao said excitedly, “lead me to write a hundred!”

Jiang Zhaoxue: “…”

He didn’t know what concept a hundred represented. Writing a hundred talismans required expending tremendous mental energy. But since Ye Tianjiao had spoken, Jiang Zhaoxue would naturally satisfy him.

She indeed needed talismans—the more the better.

So she mercilessly pressured Ye Tianjiao, from morning to night, writing until Ye Tianjiao’s hands were shaking, finally producing sixty sheets.

Pei Zichen had also finished setting up the ritual site. Returning to the courtyard, he happened to see Jiang Zhaoxue teaching Ye Tianjiao to write talismans. His footsteps paused, uncertain for a moment whether he should proceed.

Hearing the sound, Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes and saw Pei Zichen standing outside the door. “Zichen’s back?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen finally reacted, composed his emotions, and bowed respectfully. “I greet Master’s wife.”

Today he was more distant and proper than usual. Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat strange, but thinking perhaps yesterday she’d offended him and Pei Zichen had been affected, she immediately felt somewhat guilty.

Seeing Ye Tianjiao truly had no strength left, she finally released him. The moment she let go, Ye Tianjiao collapsed into the chair, eyes vacant, staring blankly at the ceiling, murmuring, “Finally it’s over…”

“Sit up properly and meditate to rest.” Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at him and said calmly, “Someone will call you just before dawn. Have your spiritual power ready for me then—I’ll still need it.”

“Ahh—” Ye Tianjiao screamed, couldn’t help but say, “Change to someone else, sister. I really can’t anymore.”

“Weak!”

Jiang Zhaoxue kicked him once, paid him no more attention, and strode out.

Pei Zichen followed behind her, calmly saying, “Master’s wife, the peach wood branches, bagua mirrors, and evil-suppressing banners are all prepared.”

“Good.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, then glanced at Pei Zichen. After thinking, she took out several talismans from her sleeve and handed them to him. “These are protective talismans my brother gave me. He’s a Mahayana cultivator. Keep them on you. In critical situations, preserving your life is most important.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen didn’t immediately accept the talismans. Instead, he raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue, inquiring, “What about Master’s wife?”

“I still have more.”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and shook her hand, revealing the storage ring on it. “Several hundred of them.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen felt reassured. He respectfully accepted Jiang Zhaoxue’s talismans and said seriously, “This disciple receives your command.”

“Then rest first. See you at mao hour.”

“Yes.”

Pei Zichen turned to leave. Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly remembered something and called out, “Zichen.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen turned back. He saw Jiang Zhaoxue say seriously, “Don’t try to be brave. You must remember—your life is more important to me than everything here.”

These words stunned Pei Zichen. He looked at the woman before him whose expression was rarely so serious. For a moment, he couldn’t speak.

The night wind blew. He watched as her red gauze dress swayed gently in the night breeze, like a blooming red spider lily, standing silent in the night, carrying a fatal attraction.

More important than everything here.

Then what about beyond here?

In that instant, this thought suddenly flashed through his mind, then was immediately suppressed by him.

He realized with alarm that he’d lost composure. Pretending to be calm, he forced himself to lower his eyes and responded respectfully, “Yes.”

Having received his answer, Jiang Zhaoxue felt at ease.

She didn’t know when it had started, but as long as Pei Zichen agreed to something, she felt reassured.

Even Shen Yuqing, a Mahayana cultivator, didn’t give her this sense of security.

Since they had to act at mao hour, everyone meditated and prepared through the night. As mao hour approached, they all gathered in the courtyard.

Ye Wenzhi was carried to the courtyard. Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen had already set up a formation for Ye Wenzhi. Jiang Zhaoxue knew that when expelling resentful energy, the backlash was most fierce. At that time, their first target would be Ye Wenzhi, whom they’d entangled for years. Ye Wenzhi would be in the greatest danger then, so she’d assigned Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen together to guard him.

Jiang Zhaoxue first called Pei Zichen over to keep him by her side, then said to Chen Zhao, “Master Chen, please trouble you to bring half a bowl of Ye Wenzhi’s blood.”

Hearing this, though Chen Zhao felt taking half a bowl of blood from Ye Wenzhi, a sick man, was somewhat excessive, considering the extraordinary circumstances, he still went to take half a bowl of blood. While taking the blood, he heard Ye Wenzhi coughing violently, as if he’d cough out his lungs.

Ye Tianjiao’s face was full of anxiety, but over these two days, Jiang Zhaoxue had trained him into complete submission. He didn’t dare say much.

When Chen Zhao brought the blood over and placed it on Jiang Zhaoxue’s table, Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at Pei Zichen. “Zichen, give me half a bowl of yours.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen stepped forward, raised his hand to cut his own, and calmly released half a bowl of blood.

The blood of the two people merged together. Jiang Zhaoxue looked up to check the time. It had reached the darkest moment before dawn—day and night alternating, yin and yang reversing.

“Second Young Master Ye.”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand toward Ye Tianjiao. Pei Zichen looked up to see Ye Tianjiao quickly jog over and place his hand in Jiang Zhaoxue’s.

“Give me your spiritual power.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke calmly. Over these two days, Ye Tianjiao had become proficient at mobilizing spiritual power. He hurriedly channeled spiritual power into Jiang Zhaoxue’s body. Sure enough, it was as Jiang Zhaoxue had anticipated—though she couldn’t use her own spiritual power, using others’ was no problem.

Spiritual power flooded through her. Her fingers dipped in Pei Zichen’s and Ye Wenzhi’s blood—this was the blood of fate’s favored child and a good person of seven lifetimes, stained with their fortune. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand to draw the array. The instant she began drawing, the resentful energy originally entangling Ye Wenzhi’s room exterior seemed to sense something and immediately began surging.

After observing for a moment, as Jiang Zhaoxue’s array began to show patterns, these resentful energies sensed the threat. They roared loudly, then transformed into black fog masses, madly rushing toward Jiang Zhaoxue’s direction!

Watching such heavy resentful energy, Ye Wenzhen and Chen Zhao were greatly shocked. Usually, this resentful energy seemed dormant and gentle. They’d long been unable to judge just how massive this resentful energy was. Now that the resentful energy had fully extended, they realized how concentrated it was!

Both felt uneasy. Ye Tianjiao was even more frightened, closing his eyes and screaming, “Fairy sister!”

Afraid he’d run away, Jiang Zhaoxue grabbed him. Watching the black mass crash down, she shouted loudly, “Zichen!”

The instant her voice fell, a blue formation suddenly lit up beneath Jiang Zhaoxue’s feet. Ice and snow light swords instantly surrounded her. Jiang Zhaoxue turned back in surprise to see Pei Zichen forming hand seals. Blood slid down from his arm. He stood at her side, turned to look at her, and said steadily and calmly, “Zichen is here.”

Jiang Zhaoxue froze, then immediately came to her senses, suppressing that ripple in her heart, and turned to quickly draw the array.

“Why are you flustered?” A’Nan sensed her state of mind, somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “A bit unaccustomed.”

This was the first time in all these years that when opening an array, someone stood by her side to protect her.

Though it was a child.

But these things didn’t matter. Jiang Zhaoxue quickly adjusted her mindset and rapidly drew the array.

As the array became more complete, the resentful energy grew more violent. They attacked Jiang Zhaoxue like madmen. Pei Zichen protected Jiang Zhaoxue’s side as ice swords shattered one after another. His face grew increasingly pale, yet he never once asked for help. Holding his sword at Jiang Zhaoxue’s side, he cut down all the resentful energy that managed to break through, sword by sword.

Seeing him about to be unable to hold on, Jiang Zhaoxue herself completed the last stroke. She pulled out the qiankun divination cylinder from her hand and quickly formed seals. “The Way of Heaven is constant, fortune gambled to Heaven, supreme great fortune, evil dispelled in all directions—Execution!”

The instant her voice fell, jade divination sticks flew out. The jade stick inscribed with “Supreme Fortune” tumbled through the night. Everyone looked at that jade stick somewhat bewildered, then saw Jiang Zhaoxue sweep her hand. “Go!”

The instant her voice fell, thunder roared down, crashing toward the resentful energy.

The resentful energy screamed and scattered in all directions. Chen Zhao watched the resentful energy fleeing throughout the sky, watched the Ye Residence see daylight again, slowly reacted, and showed joy. “It worked!”

With that, he looked excitedly toward Jiang Zhaoxue, hurried forward to bow. “Thank you, Immortal Master! Thank you, Immortal Master, for saving my young mas…”

“No.”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand to stop Chen Zhao. Chen Zhao froze, somewhat bewildered.

Pei Zichen also frowned, raising his head with Jiang Zhaoxue to look at the sky.

Though the resentful energy had scattered and fled, thunder clouds were gathering in the sky.

This wasn’t the thunder she’d summoned to dispel evil. This was more like…

Before Jiang Zhaoxue could react, Ye Wenzhi beside them suddenly vomited a mouthful of blood. In that instant, thunder roared down, charging straight toward Ye Wenzhi!

Ye Wenzhen and Chen Zhao lunged toward Ye Wenzhi. At the same time, a red umbrella flew spinning out from the resentful energy. With a “boom,” it blocked above Ye Wenzhi, pierced through by the thunder.

The instant the red umbrella appeared, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately felt the bracelet holding the Su Guangji seem to sense something, jumping wildly.

Ignoring the bracelet’s burning heat, Jiang Zhaoxue watched thunder crash down on the red umbrella. She immediately understood—this resentful energy wasn’t harming Ye Wenzhi. On the contrary, it was protecting him!

She immediately raised her hand to withdraw, collecting the qiankun divination into her pouch. The thunder she’d summoned stopped. She watched as the resentful energy flew toward the thunder, fighting with the lightning falling on Ye Wenzhi. The black mist twisted with the thunder, tearing and biting for a moment, before finally swallowing the thunder into its belly.

This turn of events came too quickly. When it ended, the resentful energy had become thin, and the thunder clouds in the sky had completely disappeared. Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen stood stunned in place. Chen Zhao couldn’t comprehend it, murmuring, “How is this possible… Why would the Eldest Young Master have heavenly punishment…”

Ye Wenzhen was also filled with doubt and couldn’t help but say, “Could it be… because we wanted to forcibly keep him, but his fate is ending this year? We cannot forcibly keep him…”

Fate ending?

Jiang Zhaoxue looked toward the sky, frowning deeply.

Had she calculated wrong?

How could that be? How could she possibly miscalculate even a good person of seven lifetimes?

Moreover, what was with this resentful energy? And why was there heavenly punishment targeting Ye Wenzhi?

She couldn’t figure it out. Beside her, Pei Zichen saw her frowning without speaking and said softly, “Master’s wife, your qiankun bracelet is moving.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue reacted and quickly opened her qiankun bracelet, taking out the constantly jumping object. The instant she took it out, Pei Zichen’s gaze became serious.

It was the Su Guangji.

The Su Guangji was now lit up again, constantly flashing points of light. Jiang Zhaoxue frowned, only feeling spiritual power churning within the Su Guangji. Clearly something was contacting it.

Currently, what could contact the Su Guangji was only other Su Guangji fragments, or… Shen Yuqing holding the Xunshi Mirror.

They couldn’t meet up with Shen Yuqing right now. She couldn’t protect Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen knew nothing of this. He only saw the Su Guangji light up and immediately said, “Master’s wife, can we return now?”

“No.”

Jiang Zhaoxue refused decisively. Pei Zichen froze. He frowned slightly, then saw Jiang Zhaoxue, as if afraid he’d touch the Su Guangji, put it back in the qiankun bracelet and walk toward Ye Wenzhi.

Pei Zichen’s gaze followed Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue came before Ye Wenzhi.

Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen were transmitting spiritual power to Ye Wenzhi. After this series of events, Ye Wenzhi’s complexion had miraculously improved.

Jiang Zhaoxue examined him. After a while, everyone suddenly heard Ye Wenzhi begin coughing urgently. Then they saw Ye Wenzhi actually slowly open his eyes.

He’d been unconscious for nearly half a year. When he opened his eyes, the Ye Family members were stunned. A moment later, Ye Tianjiao became excited, rushed before Ye Wenzhi, and said happily, “Brother! Brother, you’re awake?!”

Ye Wenzhi was still somewhat dazed. Looking at Ye Tianjiao, after a long while, he slowly recognized him and spoke hoarsely, “Tianjiao?”

With that, he turned to sweep his gaze over Chen Zhao and Ye Wenzhen, greeting them with effort. “Master Chen, Ninth Uncle, and also…”

He fixed his gaze on Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen behind her, somewhat puzzled. Then he heard Ye Tianjiao introduce, “Oh brother, this is the Immortal Master we just invited. Her name is Jiang Zhaoxue. Her husband died, and that one is the disciple her husband left behind, called Pei Zichen.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhi slowly reacted, supporting himself to bow. “Greetings to the Immortal Master, greetings to the young Daoist…”

“Eldest Young Master need not be overly courteous.” Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand to stop Ye Wenzhi, looked up at the resentful energy coiled in the sky again, pressed her lips together, and said, “Young Master Ye’s health is poor. Let’s continue our discussion inside.”

Chen Zhao agreed with this. He quickly had people come carry Ye Wenzhi inside.

After Ye Wenzhi entered, Pei Zichen, following behind Jiang Zhaoxue, asked somewhat puzzled, “Master’s wife, should we still intervene?”

“Of course.” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said. “You haven’t gotten your Jade Lingzhi yet.”

“But the Su Guangji…”

“Since it’s lit up, it proves the matter is definitely here. Currently, the only anomaly is Ye Wenzhi, so if we resolve Ye Wenzhi’s situation, we’re resolving the Su Guangji.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke off the cuff, bluffing Pei Zichen.

Thinking about it, Pei Zichen felt this reasoning made sense. He didn’t pursue the question further and nodded. “Master’s wife is right.”

“You want to return badly?”

Seeing him pacified, Jiang Zhaoxue pulled her sleeve over to cover her qiankun bracelet.

Pei Zichen’s expression was calm. “This place is too unstable. This disciple is incompetent—sending Master’s wife back sooner would put my mind at ease.”

“But in your current state, if we return…” Jiang Zhaoxue hesitated. “I can’t protect you either.”

These words made Pei Zichen pause. He felt something growing in his heart, yet didn’t dare look at it, much less think deeply about it.

He suppressed everything and only said, “This disciple appreciates Master’s wife’s kind intentions, but this disciple… has my own plans.”

“He’s not planning to send you back then end himself, is he?”

A’Nan couldn’t help but ask. Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t answer either.

She only pressed the qiankun bracelet tighter, determined absolutely not to let him touch the Su Guangji, then led Pei Zichen through the door.

Upon entering, Ye Wenzhi had already been settled by everyone. He sat on the bed, his face showing some weakness.

Jiang Zhaoxue walked before him, swept her gaze over him, and said calmly, “Having been unconscious for so long, how does the Eldest Young Master feel?”

“Not knowing dawn from dusk, not knowing the days.” Ye Wenzhi smiled and only said, “I’ve made everyone worry.”

“Does the Eldest Young Master know why you contracted this strange illness?”

“I don’t know.” Ye Wenzhi shook his head, his face showing some fatigue. “Many Immortal Masters have asked me. I’ve told them what I told the Immortal Master, but truly, I don’t know.”

“While the Eldest Young Master was unconscious, resentful energy occupied the courtyard.”

“I know of this matter.”

“But does the Eldest Young Master know—this resentful energy didn’t come to harm you, but rather came to protect you.”

These words stunned Ye Wenzhi. Jiang Zhaoxue looked up at the ceiling, then looked at Ye Wenzhi, frowning. “The Eldest Young Master has done something that incurs heavenly punishment. Could you tell me the truth—what exactly did you do?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhi looked completely bewildered.

Jiang Zhaoxue said seriously, “You need not worry I’ll do something to you because of what you’ve done. In your current condition, continuing like this means certain death. If you want to live, I must know what you’ve done to find a way to break this. Heavenly punishment—unless it’s great evil or wickedness, it’s impossible to incur Heaven’s wrath. Tell the truth—what exactly have you done?”

Ye Wenzhi didn’t speak. He seemed to be desperately trying to recall.

Seeing this, Chen Zhao gritted his teeth and knelt, saying urgently, “Eldest Young Master, don’t hide it anymore. Tell the truth. Whatever evil deed you’ve committed, Chen Zhao is willing to repay it all on your behalf!”

“Master Chen,” hearing this, Ye Wenzhi’s face showed difficulty. “But… but I don’t know what I’ve done.”

Everyone froze. Ye Wenzhi said seriously, “If I’d done evil, I definitely wouldn’t conceal it. But you say I’ve incurred heavenly punishment—I truly don’t know why. Even if my life isn’t that of a great virtuous person, I’ve still read the books of sages and followed the gentleman’s way. How could I have committed something that incurs heavenly punishment?”

“Brother, stop lying…”

“He’s not lying.”

Pei Zichen interrupted everyone. Ye Wenzhi looked up to see Pei Zichen say seriously, “I believe the Eldest Young Master. He’s not lying.”

With these words, no one dared make a sound. Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at Pei Zichen, knowing he was thinking of himself.

She silently patted his arm. Pei Zichen stiffened. Jiang Zhaoxue pondered. “Heavenly punishment is indeed for those who commit evil. However, there are two situations.”

“Which two?” Ye Tianjiao immediately inquired.

Jiang Zhaoxue crossed her arms, her fingers lightly tapping her arm as she said seriously, “One is that he himself committed evil, so he receives heavenly punishment. The other… is that he’s taking the blame for someone else.”

“Taking the blame for someone?” Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao instantly flew into a rage. “Who?! How is it done? Who did it?!”

“Taking the blame for others—a commonly used method is fortune transfer,” Ye Wenzhen pondered as he spoke.

Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said, “But the Eldest Young Master has the fate of a good person for seven lifetimes. This isn’t a fate others can casually transfer to. The Eldest Young Master himself must be willing and agree verbally for it to be possible.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhi froze. Jiang Zhaoxue observed his expression and probed, “Having said this much, does the Eldest Young Master have an idea in mind?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhi was somewhat dazed.

Jiang Zhaoxue continued, “Eldest Young Master, tell me the truth so I can help you. You must know, to extend your life, Master Chen has fallen from nearly breaking through to Nascent Soul to his current state. How important is cultivation to a cultivator? You’re dragging down not only yourself but everyone who cares about you.”

These words made Ye Wenzhi stiffen. Chen Zhao said somewhat embarrassedly, “Immortal Master Jiang…”

“Eldest Young Master?”

“I… did promise someone.” Ye Wenzhi hesitated, finally speaking. He raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. “I promised her I would protect her with my life.”

“Who is she?”

“Her name is Zhuang Yan.”

“Zhuang Yan?” Jiang Zhaoxue tilted her head, somewhat puzzled. “Who’s that?”

“She’s a young girl who died fifteen years ago,” Chen Zhao interjected. Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look, seeing Chen Zhao’s expression grave. “Immortal Master Jiang also knows her.”

“I know her?” This was beyond Jiang Zhaoxue’s expectations.

Chen Zhao nodded, thinking. “She’s the daughter of that Madam Dan you played a trick on with Yin-Yang Powder on your first day setting up the stall.”