Having successfully placed the talisman in Pei Xueyi’s body, Jiang Zhaoxue felt relieved.

She slept beautifully that night. When the next day came, Qian Sisi came to find her, saying urgently: “Miss Jiang, quickly get up and prepare to go up the mountain. Your father is waiting with the Jiang family members at the foot of Emei Ruins. Let’s hurry.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was startled, only then remembering that in this illusion she was someone with a family.

She didn’t know if the Jiang family would see through her identity. After tidying up and walking out, she followed Qian Sisi, asking curiously: “Did you notify my father about my memory loss?”

“We did.”

Qian Sisi led Jiang Zhaoxue downstairs, saying openly: “As soon as something happened to you, Senior Brother told the Jiang family head. He asked Senior Brother to take good care of you and bring you to meet up at Emei Ruins.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue roughly guessed Pei Zichen’s weight in her father’s heart.

Though she wasn’t surprised. With a fiancé like Pei Zichen, any parent would feel at ease.

She followed Qian Sisi down and saw from afar Pei Zichen with a group of Wenjian Manor disciples standing at the entrance talking with people.

As Jiang Zhaoxue and Qian Sisi walked down, Qian Sisi called out loudly: “Senior Brother, Fellow Daoist Jiang has arrived.”

Jiang Zhaoxue walked to Pei Zichen’s side. Everyone looked over. Someone probed: “Is this the fate diviner Fellow Daoist from the Jiang clan?”

Jiang Zhaoxue wasn’t sure how many fate diviners the Jiang family had. She tentatively glanced at Pei Zichen.

Understanding Jiang Zhaoxue’s meaning, Pei Zichen answered for her: “Indeed.”

“Oh.”

Upon hearing Pei Zichen answer, everyone laughed. They tentatively stole glances at Jiang Zhaoxue, smiling: “So this is the Fate Diviner Jiang who’s engaged to Brother Shen. Brother Pei,” everyone teased Pei Zichen, “quite the good fortune with women.”

“Brother Zhang.” Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s expression immediately cooled as he said seriously, “Mind your boundaries.”

With Pei Zichen’s cold face, everyone suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed. But they also knew matters concerning Jiang Xue couldn’t be joked about. They cleared their throats to ease the awkwardness: “Understood, understood. Look how protective you are, Shen Shicang. You value beauty over friends!”

“Do you think what you’re saying is appropriate?” Pei Zichen lightly glanced at the speaker, saying matter-of-factly, “If you weren’t a good friend, I’d have broken your leg already.”

At this statement, everyone laughed and began chatting about whether the speaker’s leg would be broken or not.

Listening to Pei Zichen smoothly resolve the situation, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but turn to look at him.

Sensing her gaze, Pei Zichen looked back puzzled: “Xue’er?”

“Nothing.”

Jiang Zhaoxue turned away, quite moved: “You’ve grown up.”

Back in Wuyue Forest, facing Gaowen and his group, he didn’t have this level of tact.

Pei Zichen obviously didn’t understand, but it didn’t matter.

After waiting a while, once all disciples had arrived and everyone had counted heads, they all took their swords together toward Emei Ruins.

The Shu disciples formed a vast force. Jiang Zhaoxue was pulled along by Pei Zichen in the middle.

Standing behind Pei Zichen, thinking about meeting the Jiang family head soon, Jiang Zhaoxue quickly asked: “Shicang, what’s my father’s name?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen fell silent.

After a long while, he said with some difficulty: “You… even forgot this?”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled somewhat awkwardly and probed: “Maybe… the more important someone is, the more I forget about them?”

This made Pei Zichen laugh, though he didn’t expose her nonsense. He began introducing them seriously.

“Uncle Jiang’s name is Jiang Pingsheng, quite strict. Aunt’s surname is Dong, given name Huaiyu, kind-natured, and loves you most. You also have an older brother named Jiang Zhaoyue, with an aloof temperament…”

As Pei Zichen spoke, Jiang Zhaoxue understood—this illusion had completely transplanted her real family relationships into it.

Since it was based on her reality, Jiang Zhaoxue no longer panicked and even began to feel somewhat expectant.

It didn’t take long before the group reached a plain within a hundred li of Emei Ruins.

Disciples were already gathered here in clouds. Above in the sky, Sword Pavilion’s First Seat Wang Xuanzhi’s divided spirit rode on clouds, sitting high up. His dharma form was majestic as a mountain, becoming a beacon for all sects.

Having passed the Integration stage, he had long cultivated a divided spirit and didn’t need to come in person. Along with elders from various sects, nearly twenty Nascent Soul stage cultivators gathered here.

To encounter so many experts simultaneously in the mortal realm was rare indeed. Though Yin Zhulong was terrifying, he had only just emerged and was at his weakest. Everyone didn’t take it too seriously.

As soon as Pei Zichen landed with Jiang Zhaoxue, he first led her to meet her family.

The two obediently came before the Jiang family. At a glance, Jiang Zhaoxue could tell that the people before her were versions of her father, mother, and brother with their looks reduced by more than half.

After all, her family members were all naturally beautiful—placing them in the mortal realm would be too conspicuous.

“Father, Mother, Brother!”

Jiang Zhaoxue quickly greeted them. Even though this was an illusion, she felt somewhat excited.

Pei Zichen also followed from behind her, saluting the three: “Uncle, Aunt, Elder Brother Zhaoyue.”

Hearing the two greet them, Jiang Pingsheng snorted coldly and turned his head away. Jiang Zhaoyue folded his hands before him, his gaze patrolling between the two. Only Mother Dong Huaiyu’s eyes immediately reddened. She stepped forward with her whip and grasped Jiang Zhaoxue: “Xue’er, have you been well these days? I heard you lost your memory?”

“Ah…”

Being questioned by Dong Huaiyu, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat guilty but immediately said: “But I haven’t forgotten my love for Father, Mother, and Brother! Seeing you all makes me especially happy.”

“You…” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue frowned slightly. “You’re not trying new methods to swindle pocket money again, are you?”

“What nonsense!” Dong Huaiyu turned back to scold her son angrily. “Your sister has lost her memory and you’re still bullying her!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue sneered coldly and turned away without speaking, only secretly observing Jiang Zhaoxue with sidelong glances, seemingly quite worried.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt Jiang Zhaoyue and Jiang Pingsheng’s secret observations. Listening to Dong Huaiyu’s concerned inquiries, though quite happy, her heart also felt sour.

She knew that no matter how good or realistic, this was still an illusion.

After talking well with her mother for a while, she heard Wang Xuanzhi’s dharma voice inquire: “Have all Shu disciples arrived?”

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions became solemn. Pei Zichen glanced at Jiang Zhaoxue and said in a low voice: “I’ll head back first.”

Pei Zichen turned to leave. Jiang Zhaoxue followed Jiang Zhaoyue to stand behind Jiang Pingsheng and Dong Huaiyu, then heard Jiang Pingsheng say: “Ling City Jiang Clan has arrived.”

“Sword Pavilion has arrived.”

“Thunder Sect has arrived.”

“Wenjian Manor has arrived.”

…

One sect after another reported. Jiang Zhaoyue stood beside Jiang Zhaoxue, saying in a low voice: “Earlier, disciples from other sects all said you’ve been with him the whole way, asking me when you two are getting married.”

“Haha…” Jiang Zhaoxue laughed dryly.

Jiang Zhaoyue said in a low voice: “Though our family comes from demon cultivator origins, don’t be too unrestrained. Don’t come home pregnant before you’re even married…”

“I think,” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke. Jiang Zhaoyue’s expression instantly became serious. Then he heard Jiang Zhaoxue say, “Shen Shicang couldn’t possibly do that either.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue’s expression relaxed somewhat. He didn’t doubt it, only saying: “He knows his place. But it doesn’t matter.”

Jiang Zhaoyue glanced at her, only saying: “After today, return home. Seven days later is your wedding date.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was startled, not expecting it so soon.

Seeing her expression, Jiang Zhaoyue said leisurely: “When news of your memory loss came, both sides asked whether to postpone the wedding. He always dragged his feet before, but this time he said it wasn’t necessary. Father said,” Jiang Zhaoyue seemed to smile, “perhaps you wanted to run away.”

“Ahem.”

Jiang Zhaoxue felt awkward discussing this with Jiang Zhaoyue. It wouldn’t be clear anyway. Whether to wake Pei Zichen to find the Spirit Void Fan or follow Pei Zichen to find it, she had to continue following him. So she could only change the subject: “Since the wedding date is set, let’s leave it at that. Today, let’s first seal this Yin Zhulong.”

“No need to worry about this.”

Jiang Zhaoyue said calmly: “Dao Ancestor Wang has already set up the Celestial Stars Dragon-Locking Formation, ensuring nothing can go wrong.”

“Not necessarily.” Jiang Zhaoxue’s tone was light.

Jiang Zhaoyue looked over puzzled, but Jiang Zhaoxue just smiled without saying more.

Shortly after, once everyone was counted, they heard Wang Xuanzhi calmly instruct everyone from above: “The demon dragon will emerge soon. If it enters the world, Shu will not exist. We Shu disciples should take slaying this evil demon as our duty. Today, follow me to Emei Ruins to set up the dragon-locking formation and jointly eliminate this demon! Sect leaders, lead sword cultivator disciples to follow me in setting up the formation. Fate diviners stay back, spell cultivators behind them. Rise!”

After Wang Xuanzhi spoke, sword cultivators took their swords like shooting stars.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked up to see Pei Zichen among those rising with the crowd. He looked back from above, transmitting: “Don’t worry, protect yourself.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was startled, watching Pei Zichen smile at her.

Though this was an illusion, in that instant, she actually had the illusion of returning to being twenty years old.

Back then when Jiuyou Realm invaded and Shen Yuqing went to the front lines, he was like this too.

Only he never spoke when looking back. At that time she was just a Core Formation stage fate diviner and couldn’t do much.

She watched Pei Zichen depart, finally unable to help calling out: “Shicang!”

Among the meteor-like crowd of sword cultivators, Pei Zichen looked back. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand and sent a talisman, saying calmly: “Go.”

Pei Zichen was surprised to grasp the blank talisman in his hand. He vaguely sensed a trace of Jiang Zhaoxue’s aura on it. Though not knowing what it was, he could guess it was something good for him. His heart warmed as he looked up with a smile to thank her: “Thank you.”

Finishing, Pei Zichen followed at the end of the formation and caught up again.

After the wave of sword cultivators left, Jiang Zhaoyue bumped Jiang Zhaoxue.

Jiang Zhaoxue turned back to see a bundle of talismans.

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned. She saw Jiang Zhaoyue looking ahead, saying coldly: “A reward for you. Don’t die before me.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but laugh. Looking at the talismans, her emotions stirred. After receiving them, she said softly: “I understand.”

All spell cultivators rose in succession. Jiang Zhaoxue followed the spell cultivator formation, riding her crane mount to catch up with them.

Unless exhausting full strength, the crane’s flying speed could hardly catch up with these sword cultivators’ sword-riding. Fortunately, spell cultivators shouldn’t get too close to the battlefield anyway. After a while, she reached the rear ranks of these sword cultivators.

All spell cultivators arranged themselves according to their spell-casting methods. Fate diviners like Jiang Zhaoxue were in the second-to-last row, with talisman writers in the very last row.

There were three fate diviners present in total. Floating in midair, Jiang Zhaoxue saw the other two, both below Core Formation stage.

The three fate diviners exchanged glances. Jiang Zhaoxue said directly: “Start from the Fellow Daoist on the far left.”

Fate diviners needed time to set up formations. It was best if they staggered their formation times to ensure one fate diviner was always available.

The other two obviously understood and nodded in agreement.

The three began setting up formations. Jiang Zhaoxue looked up to see clearly the appearance of Emei Ruins.

Emei Ruins was an ancient battlefield, surrounded by mountains, in a basin. On the east and west sides of the basin stood two towering mountains—one was a bare stone mountain, the other dense forest. In front hung a mountain waterfall, like the Milky Way inverted, its momentum extraordinary.

The waterfall flowed down, passing through ground full of broken stones and uneven cracks, gathering in a central pit to become pitch-black lake water.

Around the lake, across a hundred li of wilderness, lay broken swords and remnants. The wind rolled up sand with a vague scent of blood.

All sword cultivators had already surrounded this basin according to Wang Xuanzhi’s requirements. Wang Xuanzhi occupied the heavenly origin position. Together with eight other elders, like star positions on a Go board, they formed the Celestial Stars Dragon-Locking Formation with all sword cultivators.

“Spell cultivators, reinforce the formation.”

Wang Xuanzhi spoke. All spell cultivators began doing their utmost, wave after wave of spell light falling. The three fate diviners were most critical. The three divined fortune one by one, adding blessings to the formation.

However, all three fortune divinations yielded inauspicious results. The other two fate diviners’ faces changed dramatically, but Jiang Zhaoxue remained composed.

First, this was an illusion anyway. She was here mainly to wait for the Spirit Void Fan to emerge.

Second…

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at Pei Xueyi standing beside Pei Zichen, clearly knowing that the variable in this battle would only take effect when the spell in Pei Xueyi’s body activated.

She silently set up the formation again. After all spell cultivators reinforced the formation, she immediately set up the formation once more.

Wang Xuanzhi’s formation reinforcement was complete. His dharma form’s sword seal swung toward the lake’s heart with a great shout: “Raise the formation!”

As his voice fell, sword light flew from every sword cultivator’s hand simultaneously. Swords formed a light net between them, rushing straight toward the lake surface. Wang Xuanzhi struck down with one sword, shouting fiercely: “Demon dragon, accept death!”

The sword intent with the light net crashed down. The instant it entered the water, a dragon’s roar was heard. A giant dragon with closed eyes burst from the black water, bit through the sword seal, then was covered by the light net. It turned its head toward Wang Xuanzhi and sneered: “Wang Xuanzhi, how dare you?”

Everyone’s faces changed drastically. The spell light in Wang Xuanzhi’s hand grew brighter as he said urgently: “Demon dragon, why don’t you surrender?”

“Surrender?” The black dragon moved through the light net, obviously not afraid at all, laughing: “What joke are you telling me?”

“Today I have set up the Celestial Stars Dragon-Locking Formation, an ancient formation designed specifically for you! If you’re willing to obediently sleep, you can be spared death.”

Wang Xuanzhi spoke coldly. The black dragon laughed lowly: “Spared death? Old man, before speaking, why don’t you look around?”

As he spoke, the vast majority of disciples felt burning pain on their foreheads. A black seal appeared on the disciples’ brows. Wang Xuanzhi’s face changed drastically. The black dragon moved freely through the light net, saying leisurely: “The Celestial Stars Dragon-Locking Formation—the important thing is these celestial stars. If your stars are all useless, this heaven—”

With that, the black dragon slowly opened his eyes. With a rumble, dark clouds suddenly appeared in the sky, covering the sun. Simultaneously, all disciples’ forehead seals blazed brightly. Everyone was forced to look up in terror as spiritual energy poured from the seals like streams toward the black dragon. Jiang Zhaoxue shouted urgently: “Act now!”

That instant, Pei Zichen and Qian Sisi simultaneously struck at Pei Xueyi from left and right. Ye Tianjiao instantly formed seals to activate the talisman: “Break!”

The talisman started from Pei Xueyi, instantly replicating to all disciples. The spiritual energy that had been transmitting to the black dragon instantly stopped. The black dragon immediately sensed this and charged fiercely toward the gap in the light net where Pei Xueyi had been, roaring as it broke free and rushed toward Ye Tianjiao!

However, Wang Xuanzhi and the others had already reacted. They immediately sealed the light net with one sword, saying urgently: “Demon dragon, don’t flee!”

This time the black dragon finally became somewhat anxious. Sword light blazed from Pei Xueyi’s hand. He struck out with a dragon’s roar, forcing back Pei Zichen and Qian Sisi, then rushed urgently toward the black dragon.

Seeing this, Wang Xuanzhi immediately ordered: “Stop him!”

The instant his voice fell, Pei Zichen and Qian Sisi pursued closely. Countless spell lights shuttled to Pei Xueyi’s side. However, Pei Xueyi moved extremely fast. In just a moment, he charged into the light net, leaped onto the black dragon’s head, and thrust his sword into the dragon’s head!

“What is he doing?!” Ye Tianjiao exclaimed in surprise, not understanding. “He killed Yin Zhulong?”

“No,” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately explained. “He’s linking with the main body.”

As she spoke, vine-like light ropes climbed from the dragon’s head, wrapping around Pei Xueyi’s feet. These light ropes seemed to give him power. Black patterns on his forehead lit up. The Sword Pavilion master saw this and said urgently: “Xueyi?!”

“He’s been controlled by Yin Zhulong’s soul body. He’s not your disciple—he is Yin Zhulong.”

Wang Xuanzhi saw through it at a glance, looking back at Pei Zichen and Qian Sisi, who had obviously detected this earlier.

He knew these disciples had detected it early, but he had no time to ask why. He only said warily: “Demon dragon, all connections between you and the young dragons have been severed. What other demonic arts do you have?”

“When you gave me the plum blossom cakes, I guessed you were going to do this.”

Hearing Wang Xuanzhi’s words, Pei Xueyi didn’t acknowledge him. He only looked up at the distant Jiang Zhaoxue, his gaze penetrating layers of crowds with coldness: “But I still held a shred of hope, thinking that if you truly only gave me this cake, I could spare you from death. But alas.”

He sighed softly. Red spell light appeared on his sword. He held it reversed before his eyes and fiercely shattered the spell in his body!

Ye Tianjiao spat out a mouthful of blood. Jiang Zhaoyue beside him caught him.

Pei Xueyi sneered contemptuously: “Just a talisman written by a Core Formation stage disciple. You really thought…”

Before finishing, Pei Xueyi’s voice stopped.

It didn’t work.

He couldn’t believe it—even after shattering Ye Tianjiao’s talisman, he still couldn’t control those disciples!

Vaguely, a more powerful force was entangled with his power, diffused in every disciple’s body.

That power was obviously more complex, stronger, and more…

Close to demonic.

Who? Who was it?

Pei Xueyi’s heart filled with shock and uncertainty. His gaze swept to Pei Zichen beside him, seeing the other calmly watching him.

Pei Xueyi stared at Pei Zichen. After a long while, he slowly reacted: “It’s you?”

But Pei Zichen acted as if he understood nothing, saying calmly: “Demon dragon, why don’t you submit to execution?”

Yet in that instant, Pei Xueyi suddenly felt the young dragons he had planted being simultaneously slaughtered!

Provocation.

This was naked provocation.

Pei Xueyi stared at Pei Zichen, understanding his intent, and couldn’t help but laugh: “You did this deliberately?”

“Plum blossom cakes you shouldn’t eat,” Pei Zichen raised his eyes, “don’t take them.”

Hearing this, Pei Xueyi slowly understood. He observed Pei Zichen, tilting his head left and right: “Good, very good. Let me see,” he slashed his sword across his palm, blood spilling out as he roared, “what kind of thing you are!”

In an instant, the giant dragon roared. Sound waves exploded in waves.

Pei Zichen’s expression changed slightly. Protecting Qian Sisi and the others, he retreated swiftly. Then he saw fierce winds howling. Pei Xueyi drew down thunder and lightning. With a tremendous boom, he fiercely split open the light net and slashed one sword toward Pei Zichen!

This strike shocked everyone. Wang Xuanzhi pursued closely, bringing all elders to trap Pei Xueyi, shouting: “He’s transformed early! Retreat, all disciples retreat!”

All disciples scattered rapidly. Pei Zichen leaped back to Jiang Zhaoxue’s side. Jiang Zhaoxue stared intently at Pei Xueyi, watching him raise his hand. Below, a black mass rose rumbling.

The instant the black mass rose, Jiang Zhaoxue clearly felt Su Guangji burning hot. Her gaze became stern. She heard disciples beside her exclaim: “Its lair!”

This Yin Zhulong’s nest was its own secret realm. In the secret realm, its power would increase once more. The black mass rapidly expanded, instantly swallowing all the elders surrounding it. They could no longer see what was happening inside.

“Sister?” Ye Tianjiao looked back at Jiang Zhaoxue, somewhat at a loss. “Why isn’t he dead yet? What is this thing?”

“If Yin Zhulong’s soul body and true body unite, fully awakening, its power is enormous.” Jiang Zhaoxue felt Su Guangji’s heat, saying calmly, “Right now his true body’s awakening will take some time. If he’s still soul body and true body separated, our previous plan has no problem. But now—”

“He chose to abandon his true body and completely link his soul body with Pei Xueyi.” Pei Zichen finished the sentence.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression darkened as she continued: “Now, though he won’t have the power of full awakening, he’s far beyond what he was without a body. Wang Xuanzhi alone can only severely injure him, unable to completely seal him. And…”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t continue.

Cultivation wasn’t easy. The higher the cultivation, the more one cherished life. If Wang Xuanzhi was willing to fight to the death, perhaps there was still a possibility of slaying Yin Zhulong. But Wang Xuanzhi hadn’t even brought his main body here, only his divided spirit, obviously planning to flee depending on the situation.

Originally she could too. After all, this was just an illusion. Only those who entered were real. If people in the illusion died, they died. But if they died, they would truly die here. It wasn’t worth dying for an illusion.

But the problem was, the Spirit Void Fan was in this Yin Zhulong’s secret realm.

To obtain the Spirit Void Fan, she had to kill Yin Zhulong and obtain this secret realm.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it and roughly had a plan: “Now I only have one method left.”

“What?” Ye Tianjiao immediately spoke.

Jiang Zhaoxue stared into the distance, saying calmly: “Though the Celestial Stars Dragon-Locking Formation is broken, the terrain here is unique. Two high mountains, one yin, one yang. If we can lure it to where yin and yang converge and hold it for a moment, then I can try to form another formation—the Taiji Two Elements Calamity-Resolving Formation. After trapping it, we can kill it.”

“Then Senior Brother and I will go!” Qian Sisi immediately spoke.

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao quickly said: “Don’t add to the chaos. Look, even those Nascent Soul stages are being knocked away! You’d just be going to your death!”

Just as he finished speaking, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator was knocked flying out.

Qian Sisi was momentarily speechless. After thinking for a moment, Jiang Zhaoxue looked up at Pei Zichen and said seriously: “You take the other disciples.”

Pei Zichen paused. He saw Jiang Zhaoxue raise her hand and stroke his forehead. An image appeared in midair that Pei Zichen could see.

“I’m placing a strand of my soul on you. I can see what you see and observe the situation.”

After quickly explaining, Jiang Zhaoxue handed him a stack of talismans and calmly pointed to the spot between the two mountain peaks above, instructing: “The point between these two peaks is the formation eye. Pei Xueyi is watching you now. If you go, he’ll definitely pursue relentlessly. Lure him there, then use these talismans and your sword formation. I only need a moment.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s mind was momentarily chaotic. He feigned composure as he received the talismans. Qian Sisi and Ye Tianjiao finally reacted. Ye Tianjiao said urgently: “Sister, he can’t go! Right now whoever goes is going to their death. He…”

Ye Tianjiao couldn’t say it directly, but Jiang Zhaoxue understood his meaning. People in the illusion could die, but if Pei Zichen went and died, he would truly die here.

Jiang Zhaoxue paid no attention to Ye Tianjiao. She only looked calmly at Pei Zichen without a shred of hesitation: “Go. Take more people.”

“I’ll follow…”

“Sisi doesn’t need to go.”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at Qian Sisi: “You protect me.”

Qian Sisi froze. Pei Zichen turned to instruct Qian Sisi: “Protect her.”

Then, without bringing anyone, he tapped his toes and leaped toward the black mass ahead.

Seeing this, nearby Wenjian Manor disciples called out in panic: “Senior Brother!”

“Senior Brother, come back!”

“Hey!” Seeing him go in alone, Ye Tianjiao said urgently, “Why is he going alone!”

“You all don’t care about his life or death,” Qian Sisi stood to the side, not wanting to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. She turned away: “But Senior Brother cares about our lives.”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao froze, knowing Qian Sisi was reproaching them. He looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue. Seeing her expression unmoved, calmly drawing formations, he stepped forward and said quietly: “Sister, you could have sent someone else…”

“The thing is in the secret realm,” Jiang Zhaoxue lowered her voice. “We need someone to obtain the inheritance of Yin Zhulong’s secret realm. Will you go or shall I?”

This question silenced Ye Tianjiao. The two of them were fragile. If going meant death for Pei Zichen, for them it meant delivering ashes.

Ye Tianjiao couldn’t speak for a moment, only saying vaguely: “Then… can’t it be next time? This time is too dangerous. If he dies…”

“Contending with fate for life—when is it not dangerous?”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t look up. She only cut across her palm with a small knife, saying calmly: “If you’re afraid of death, don’t cultivate. Cultivators who don’t seize opportunities are just waiting for death.”

“How can you not worry about him?!”

Listening to this, Ye Tianjiao finally became somewhat angry: “What if he really dies inside?”

“Don’t worry.” Jiang Zhaoxue’s tone was light. “He won’t die.”

A Heavenly Dao’s child, with Yuan Luogong’s power dormant in his body.

How could Yin Zhulong possibly kill him?

Jiang Zhaoxue was confident. She quietly drew formations, watching the situation inside the secret realm from the vision Pei Zichen gave her.

As soon as Pei Zichen entered, he heard sounds of fighting. He rushed urgently inward, just in time to see Pei Xueyi slash and shatter Wang Xuanzhi’s dharma form with one sword. As Wang Xuanzhi’s dharma form crumbled, Pei Xueyi was also blasted away by Wang Xuanzhi’s sword momentum!

Without hesitation, Pei Zichen swung his sword down. Pei Xueyi instantly flipped to block. A pair of golden vertical pupils looked up. Seeing Pei Zichen, he couldn’t help but laugh: “You actually dare to come in?”

“To eliminate evil and slay demons—why wouldn’t I dare?”

Pei Zichen’s tone was calm, matter-of-fact.

Pei Xueyi swept his sword horizontally. Sensing the fierce sword momentum, Pei Zichen leaped away urgently. Then he saw Pei Xueyi stand up, wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, and laugh loudly: “You dare speak of eliminating evil and slaying demons with me? Let me see what kind of thing you are!”

With that, Pei Xueyi slashed with one sword, saying coldly: “I’ve wanted to kill you for a long time. I thought I wouldn’t get the chance, but you delivered yourself to my door. Did you want to come, or was this Jiang Xue’s idea?”

Hearing him mention Jiang Xue, Pei Zichen’s expression became stern. Through the forest, he thrust one sword toward Pei Xueyi. Pei Xueyi directly slashed through the trees. His sword momentum passed urgently by Pei Zichen’s abdomen. Pei Zichen hastily retreated. Pei Xueyi took the opportunity to pursue closely, striking Pei Zichen and sending him flying!

His spiritual power was vast, his sword momentum fierce. Just the sword energy alone made Pei Zichen’s internal organs ache.

Sensing the vast difference in strength, Pei Zichen didn’t dare receive attacks head-on. He turned and fled.

Pei Xueyi pursued closely behind. Sword light bombarded wildly. Pei Xueyi remained composed throughout: “Why are you running? Didn’t you come to kill me? You’re Jiang Xue’s bait, aren’t you? You came here—do you think you can still live?”

Pei Zichen pressed his lips without speaking, running frantically.

Sword light passed by him again and again. In no time, his entire body was covered in sword wounds.

Outside, everyone watching this scene couldn’t help but grow tense.

Zhuang Wen bit his lip and immediately said: “I’m going to save Senior Brother!”

Hearing this, Sun Xin quickly followed: “Me too!”

In an instant, many disciples rushed forward one after another, charging into the secret realm.

Seeing this, Ye Tianjiao probed: “Maybe…”

“Sit down. Don’t go to your death.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke. Watching Pei Zichen once again barely dodge sword energy, she said with a cold face: “You’re different from him.”

“We’re all flesh and blood…”

Ye Tianjiao spoke. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression, he didn’t dare speak further. He could only watch on the screen as Zhuang Wen, Sun Xin, and others charged in, yet could only block one strike for Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen ran frantically forward. Pei Xueyi pursued relentlessly. When they reached the formation eye, Pei Zichen threw all the talismans flying toward Pei Xueyi!

The talismans stuck to Pei Xueyi’s body. The sword formation reversed and emerged. At the same time, Jiang Zhaoxue’s formation was complete. She pulled the divination sticks and rapidly activated the formation: “The Heavenly Dao is inconstant, gambling fortune with Heaven, supreme great fortune, Two Elements Formation complete!”

Finished speaking, the divination sticks shook rapidly, yet the divination text remained unmoving!

Everyone was shocked. Jiang Zhaoxue was also startled, then immediately informed Pei Zichen: “Hold him off!”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen knew things were bad. But Pei Xueyi laughed, then surveyed his surroundings and reacted: “So this is what you came for—the Taiji Two Elements Calamity-Resolving Formation.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s heart became stern.

Pei Xueyi looked down at the ground beneath Pei Zichen’s feet. Black shadows approached silently. Pei Xueyi smiled: “But at this position, not only am I in the formation—you are too.”

At these words, Pei Zichen instantly felt a tremendous force pour into his body. He raised his eyes coldly to see a Taiji formation appear beneath both his and Pei Xueyi’s feet. He was in the black, Pei Xueyi in the white.

“This is called the Life and Death Two Elements Formation. In this formation, if I die you die. If I live, you can also die.”

As Pei Xueyi spoke, he looked up, as if seeing through mountains and rivers to the opposite Jiang Zhaoxue, saying provocatively: “Fellow Daoist Jiang, for my sake, are you willing to part with your little husband?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes instantly turned cold.

The divination sticks spun uncertainly. People couldn’t discern Jiang Zhaoxue’s thoughts, but Pei Xueyi was fearless, saying slowly: “These talismans can’t trap me. Fellow Daoist Jiang, I know you’ve already activated the formation. You must gamble once. I’m about to kill him now. If you kill me, he will surely die. Better to use this gamble to bet on his life. How about it?”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t speak. Her fingertips drew rapidly.

Pei Xueyi looked up at the panting Pei Zichen before him, saying calmly: “Do you think she’ll save you?”

Pei Zichen didn’t make a sound. Pei Xueyi smiled, thought for a moment and said: “Since she let you come in, she probably doesn’t care about your life or death. Oh, maybe not. Perhaps she cares, but only to this extent.”

“Shicang.”

Jiang Zhaoxue secretly transmitted her voice, saying calmly: “Hold the talisman I gave you. Don’t be afraid.”

Pei Zichen breathed lightly.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s strengthened formation took shape. She activated it again: “The Heavenly Dao is inconstant, gambling fortune with Heaven, supreme great fortune, Two Elements Formation complete, expel evil from the body—go!”

As she moved, spiritual power exploded. Pei Xueyi swung his sword without hesitation!

Pei Zichen gripped tightly the talisman paper Jiang Zhaoxue gave him. His sword formation didn’t loosen.

Pei Xueyi was blocked by the sword formation. Just as he shattered Pei Zichen’s sword formation, one mountain beside them crumbled into chains, one waterfall became ribbons, like two giant dragons roaring as they charged at Pei Xueyi!

Pei Xueyi’s sword light slashed fiercely down at Pei Zichen. Instead of retreating, Pei Zichen advanced, running toward the sword light.

He simply couldn’t withstand this sword light. This move was tantamount to suicide. Yet just as he approached the sword light, Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly appeared before him, holding a talisman. With one palm she shattered Pei Xueyi’s sword light and struck heavily on Pei Xueyi’s body.

The dragon soul flew out from the strike. The mountain and river chains seized the opportunity to bind the dragon’s body. Pei Zichen followed immediately with one sword, beheading the dragon. The dragon’s roar exploded forth. Jiang Zhaoxue caught the kneeling, collapsing Pei Xueyi in one grasp. She watched the dragon’s body crash from the sky, bound by mountain and river chains, breathing lowly.

Pei Xueyi moved slightly. Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at him. She saw the youth slowly open his eyes, hesitantly turn to look. The instant he saw Jiang Zhaoxue, the youth froze.

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled: “Yo, awake?”

With that, she raised her hand and pushed him onto the ground, stood up and walked toward Pei Zichen: “Go back to sleep for a while.”

Pei Xueyi fell to the ground, bewildered as he felt Jiang Zhaoxue’s skirt hem slide across his body.

Jiang Zhaoxue walked to the dragon body’s side. It breathed lowly, looking at her in disbelief: “You… simultaneously… gambled twice…”

She gambled twice.

She expelled him from Pei Xueyi’s body. His Life and Death Two Elements Formation bound Pei Zichen and Pei Xueyi. If it came out of Pei Xueyi’s body, killing it wouldn’t affect Pei Zichen.

Simultaneously, she also gambled on setting up the Taiji Two Elements Calamity-Resolving Formation. After trapping it, Pei Zichen immediately killed it.

“How is it possible…”

Yin Zhulong looked at Jiang Zhaoxue, breathing: “You… a Core Formation fate diviner…”

“A Four Realms Core Formation fate diviner is impossible,” Jiang Zhaoxue crouched down, looking down at it with a smile, transmitting: “But who told you I only have Four Realms?”

Hearing this, Yin Zhulong froze. A moment later, he slowly smiled: “I see.”

“Your secret realm—choose one person.”

Jiang Zhaoxue pressed her finger against its flesh body’s throat: “Me, or Shen Chen?”

“I want to give it to you.” Yin Zhulong smiled. “But the cultivation method you practice cannot inherit my secret realm.”

Ha, another one.

Jiang Zhaoxue sneered coldly and directly stood up, turning: “Shicang, extract its golden core.”

“Jiang Zhaoxue!”

Yin Zhulong suddenly spoke. Jiang Zhaoxue paused. She looked back coldly to see Yin Zhulong lying on the ground, slowly smiling: “Until we meet again, welcome to kill me—for the third time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes instantly widened. Pei Zichen decisively slashed down with one sword, violently extracted its golden core, and crushed it instantly!

The instant he crushed it, the power connected to the secret realm poured into his palm. The surroundings rumbled and moved. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately turned back to help Pei Xueyi.

Pei Zichen moved first, scooping up Pei Xueyi in one grasp, pulling her as they flew out on their swords.

As soon as Pei Zichen emerged, after setting Jiang Zhaoxue down, he said urgently: “I’m going to receive my junior brothers and sisters.”

“You…”

Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively grabbed him, wanting to tell him not to risk himself for an illusion. However, Pei Zichen only raised his pale face, saying weakly: “It’s fine.”

Jiang Zhaoxue paused. Pei Zichen had already flown away on his sword.

She watched as Pei Zichen brought people out from the secret realm one by one, momentarily unable to speak.

At this time, the secret realm was being reconstructed—extremely dangerous. Others weren’t as easily able to enter as him, the newly acknowledged master. They could only watch as he fished people out one by one.

After fishing out the last disciple, Pei Zichen’s strength was finally exhausted. Just after setting the person down, he collapsed headfirst.

Jiang Zhaoxue had been watching him. Seeing him crash toward the ground, she caught him in one grasp, only to discover he had already fainted.

His body was covered in wounds large and small. Jiang Zhaoxue pressed her lips together, transmitted spiritual energy to him, and turned around: “Hurry back!”

Everyone came up to help Jiang Zhaoxue carry him back.

Though Pei Zichen looked severely injured, most were external wounds. Since Wenjian Manor wasn’t far, everyone simply took a spirit boat together back to Wenjian Manor.

Bandaging those who needed bandaging, treating those who needed treatment. When night came and Jiang Zhaoxue saw Pei Zichen still unconscious, she pondered for a moment, lowered her head to his forehead, and tentatively extended her divine consciousness into his sea of consciousness.

Upon entering the sea of consciousness, she discovered the wall imprisoning Yuan Luogong had thinned considerably, almost becoming transparent.

Her heart filled with great joy. She quickly entered, excitedly saying: “Why has this wall become so thin?”

“You’re about to succeed.”

Yuan Luo was trapped in the cage, saying leisurely: “Today it suddenly thinned a lot.”

“Today?” Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat surprised. “Why?”

“How would I know?” Yuan Luo rolled his eyes. “I’m locked up now. What can I know?”

“Anyway, keep working hard. It’s coming soon!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was greatly encouraged.

After emerging from Pei Zichen’s sea of consciousness, she calculated in her heart. Though she didn’t know why it suddenly thinned today, her approach should be correct. Pei Zichen truly wanted her affection.

Now Pei Zichen had obtained the inheritance of the secret realm that very likely contained the Spirit Void Fan. His wish was almost fulfilled. Finding the Spirit Void Fan and leaving was just around the corner!

Quite pleased in her heart, Jiang Zhaoxue began earnestly caring for Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen remained unconscious for four consecutive days before finally waking.

These four days, Jiang Zhaoxue guarded him, changing his bandages and feeding him medicine daily. On the evening of the fourth day, when Jiang Zhaoxue pushed open the door, she saw he had awakened, sitting by the bed. Hearing her voice, he looked up.

The two made eye contact. Jiang Zhaoxue reacted, feeling somewhat happy: “Yo, awake?”

Pei Zichen quietly watched Jiang Zhaoxue without speaking.

Jiang Zhaoxue walked before him, brought him medicine, sat on the bedside, and looked up: “Should I feed you or will you drink it yourself?”

“I’ll drink it myself.”

Pei Zichen reacted and quickly took the medicine from Jiang Zhaoxue’s hands.

Jiang Zhaoxue was only being polite. Watching Pei Zichen hold and drink the medicine, she said leisurely: “You sure can sleep. Injured so severely—will you blame me?”

“The other junior brothers and sisters…”

“All fine.” Jiang Zhaoxue knew what he wanted to ask and immediately said, “Don’t worry. You’re the most severely injured.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen was obviously relieved.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched quietly, then turned away, only saying: “Speaking of which… that day… why didn’t you dodge?”

That last moment, if she hadn’t arrived in time to shatter Yin Zhulong’s sword momentum for him, he would have died without doubt.

Yet he didn’t hesitate even slightly, rushing toward the sword.

“Did you know I would come?”

She turned to look at him, smiling.

Pei Zichen gazed at her and smiled warmly: “I didn’t know.”

“Then you…”

“But I wanted to gamble.”

This statement startled Jiang Zhaoxue. Pei Zichen smiled: “Everyone says you don’t have me in your heart, don’t care about my life or death. Xue’er,” he smiled, though the smile in his eyes dimmed somewhat, “I get hurt too.”

When she unhesitatingly sent him to his death.

Even knowing she was right, since she was the one who spoke, there would still be some unwillingness.

“But fortunately,” Pei Zichen said, his eyes brightening again, affirming, “I won the gamble.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart jumped. She turned away, saying lightly: “Don’t be narcissistic. I would have saved anyone.”

Pei Zichen smiled without speaking. But Jiang Zhaoxue understood why the wall in his sea of consciousness had thinned that day.

He confirmed he was cared for.

If this was the case, then his wish—perhaps it would be fulfilled upon marriage.

But thinking about marrying Pei Zichen, she didn’t know what final step they’d have to reach. Thinking there was a possibility they’d remember after leaving, her scalp tingled. She cleared her throat: “Well, you slept for four days. Our wedding is in three days. I’ll tell Father to postpone…”

“No need.”

Pei Zichen spoke decisively.

Seeing his decisiveness, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but feel somewhat nervous, probing: “This… why don’t we wait a bit longer? Right now the demon dragon’s secret realm is still waiting for you to fully acknowledge it as master. Why don’t you acknowledge the secret realm as master first, then get married?”

Once he acknowledged the secret realm as master, they might find the Spirit Void Fan. Once they found it, they’d leave. What marriage?

Jiang Zhaoxue calculated in her mind. Pei Zichen observed her, only saying: “Without marriage, my heart is uneasy. I have no mind to inherit the secret realm.”

This statement left Jiang Zhaoxue silent. Sensing Pei Zichen’s determination, she gritted her teeth: “Fine, we’ll marry! However…”

Jiang Zhaoxue frowned, suspiciously examining Pei Zichen: “Are you… physically capable?”

Pei Zichen’s movements froze. Jiang Zhaoxue realized he might have misunderstood and quickly explained: “I mean, on the wedding day the ceremonies are complicated. I’m afraid you can’t hold up for a whole day…”

Listening, Pei Zichen couldn’t quite suppress his smile, yet said nothing, only smiling as he watched Jiang Zhaoxue.

Being laughed at by him, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t continue. After a moment, she conceded defeat, nodding: “Fine. If you’re capable, you’re capable. Finish the medicine and drink some water.”

Jiang Zhaoxue handed him water. After watching him drink, she stood up: “I’m leaving to discuss the wedding date with them.”

“You don’t need to discuss it.”

Pei Zichen spoke. Jiang Zhaoxue looked back in surprise.

She saw Pei Zichen gazing at her, saying warmly: “I’ll handle the preparations. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue nodded: “Alright then.”

Let him manage if he loves managing.

Pei Zichen recovered well. Upon waking, he was full of energy. The next day he went to inform his master and Jiang Zhaoxue’s father about the wedding date.

Everyone told him to wait. He only said: “Shicang has already waited too many years.”

People couldn’t speak against it. They could only follow Pei Zichen’s request and let the wedding proceed as scheduled.

Pei Zichen bustled about. Jiang Zhaoxue and Ye Tianjiao were anxious and uneasy every day.

The siblings got together daily, constantly calculating whether they’d remember after leaving.

They endured until the night before the wedding.

Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t sleep all night.

Meanwhile, after Pei Zichen discussed tomorrow’s wedding ceremony with the disciples, before each person left, they all slipped him a book.

Especially his master, who before leaving, placed a thick stack of books in his hands, saying seriously: “A’Chen, in the past Master didn’t teach you well. Now that you’re getting married, these are all Master’s treasured collection. You must study them carefully. On the wedding night, remember not to be reckless. It must be good for you, good for me, good for everyone. Cultivate properly, understand?”

Pei Zichen was somewhat bewildered, but hearing his master speak so seriously, he still said respectfully: “Yes, this disciple will carefully follow Master’s instruction.”

“You don’t need to be so serious about this.”

His master cleared his throat, somewhat embarrassed: “Close the door and study well.”

Pei Zichen raised his hand in salute. After seeing everyone off, Pei Zichen looked at that thick stack of books. He moved them all to the desk, preparing to open them for study.

Then he opened the first page and was so shocked he dropped the book on the floor.

After calming down for quite a while, he hesitated for a moment, then picked up the book again.

Then he studied by lamplight all through the night.