Perhaps because it was the second day after their marriage, Pei Zichen was somewhat indulgent, not as gentle as last night, coaxing and enticing her all night long.

Each time it was “the last time,” followed by “tomorrow I’ll go to the secret realm to find the Lingxu Fan.”

She was very understanding about this kind of deception.

Young men, having abundant energy, was quite normal.

The result was that Jiang Zhaoxue suffered for it. When she woke up the next morning, Jiang Zhaoxue felt as if her entire body had fallen apart, lying on the bed feeling utterly exhausted.

Pei Zichen, however, did as he said—getting up on time. After washing and changing clothes, he returned to the bedside, lifted the bed curtain, pulled up the quilt for her to cover her marked shoulders, and said gently, “Your body isn’t well today, rest properly first. I’ll go check the secret realm. If there’s news of the Lingxu Fan, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“Wait!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue grabbed his sleeve. Pei Zichen looked back puzzled. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes to look at him and said seriously, “I’m going with you.”

“But…” Pei Zichen frowned slightly, somewhat hesitant. “You…”

“I’m fine, I’m good.”

Jiang Zhaoxue propped herself up, grabbed the clothes she had taken off last night from the side, and said seriously, “Just carry me on your back!”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen fell silent. After a moment, he turned his head while suppressing a smile, only saying, “I’ll find you a different set of clothes.”

Pei Zichen went to find clothes. Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but reach out to rub her waist.

Seeing this, A’Nan sighed lightly in her mind. “Really, why are you being so stubborn? Just let him go. Wouldn’t it be better if you rested properly?”

“Rest what rest.”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes to glance at the bed curtain, glared at the figure outside, and said in a low voice, “A’Nan, let me teach you something—for important matters, it’s better to wrongly eliminate than to wrongly release.”

Then she couldn’t help but curse under her breath, “Who knows if he’s doing it on purpose.”

“Oh.”

A’Nan understood. “You don’t trust him?”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t respond. Pei Zichen had already selected clothes and returned to dress her.

Before long, the two set out together. Since Jiang Zhaoxue’s body was uncomfortable and Wenjian Manor wasn’t far from Emei Xu, the two rode an immortal crane together. It was slower than Pei Zichen flying on his sword, taking a full day before they arrived at Emei Xu.

After the great battle, Emei Xu was in complete disarray—mountains collapsed, waters cut off, rubble everywhere.

The two stopped at a high point. Looking at the ruins under moonlight, Jiang Zhaoxue frowned and asked directly, “Where’s the secret realm?”

The secret realm had recognized Pei Zichen as its master. Only he could sense it.

After sensing for a moment, Pei Zichen had a direction and consoled her, “Wife, please wait a moment.”

With that, he released Jiang Zhaoxue, stepped forward, positioning himself in front of her, and made a cut across his palm. Blood scattered into the air, and the entire space began to tremble.

Pei Zichen’s expression was cold. His hands quickly formed seals. The surrounding airflow became chaotic. Jiang Zhaoxue stood behind him, feeling that the airflow was all being blocked by him in front.

A moment later, a blue immortal mark lit up on his forehead. He raised his hand and turned it. Spiritual energy gathered in front, then transformed into a black vortex.

Once the vortex appeared, the space stabilized. Pei Zichen turned his head toward Jiang Zhaoxue and extended his hand, gripping hers. “Wife, I’ll take you in.”

“He’s getting quite fluent at calling her that.”

A’Nan couldn’t help but comment. Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t respond.

She let him pull her and stepped into the vortex.

As soon as she stepped through the vortex, Jiang Zhaoxue felt cold wind assaulting her face. She looked up and saw trees all around.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked around and discovered that the surroundings were filled with towering ancient trees—an entire dense forest.

In this dense forest, spiritual energy was abundant. It was indeed a good place for cultivation.

But Jiang Zhaoxue had no interest in this. She only took out her Qiankun divination sticks and immediately activated a huge Spirit Seeking Array on the spot.

If the Lingxu Fan was here, its spiritual power fluctuation would definitely be enormous.

The Spirit Seeking Array spread throughout the entire secret realm. Pei Zichen watched as the light extended infinitely, and couldn’t help but grip his sword a bit tighter.

The area that a Spirit Seeking Array could detect was determined by the cultivator’s ability.

That Jiang Zhaoxue could so easily open such a large Spirit Seeking Array proved that her own abilities were extremely strong.

Too strong.

He couldn’t help but turn his eyes to look at her, secretly gauging the gap between them.

When would he be able to stand beside her?

And when would he be able to keep her by his side?

He silently watched Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue was completely unaware. She carefully searched every inch of land in the secret realm, slowly furrowing her brow.

“How is this possible…”

She murmured in a low voice, then immediately ordered, “Zichen, use your divine consciousness to sense once—is the Lingxu Fan here?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen snapped back to attention and responded, “Oh, alright.”

The secret realm’s current master was him. He could easily scan every corner of the secret realm with his divine consciousness.

He closed his eyes and searched around. Jiang Zhaoxue waited quietly. After a long while, she saw Pei Zichen open his eyes and frown as he looked at her.

Seeing Pei Zichen’s expression, Jiang Zhaoxue knew the result. Her heart couldn’t help but sink as she blurted out, “It’s not here?”

Pei Zichen nodded, his expression clearly somewhat heavy.

Jiang Zhaoxue fell silent. After thinking for a moment, she said unwillingly, “Let’s search again.”

This search took half a month.

Jiang Zhaoxue conducted a carpet search of every place in the entire secret realm. It wasn’t until Hanzhouzi sent message after message urging Pei Zichen that the two finally had to return.

On the crane ride back, Jiang Zhaoxue’s thoughts were somewhat heavy as she seriously contemplated the current situation.

When treasures appear, there must be anomalies. Currently, the biggest anomaly was Yin Zhulong, so she had guessed that the Lingxu Fan was in Yin Zhulong’s secret realm.

But now the Lingxu Fan wasn’t there—why? Had she guessed wrong?

But if the Lingxu Fan wasn’t here, then where was it?

Jiang Zhaoxue carefully thought through everything, starting to calculate from the very beginning.

Right now, the time in the illusory realm was six years before they entered the illusion in the capital.

Using the capital’s time as the starting point, four years ago, Song Wuya came to Shu.

After that, Song Wuya obtained the Lingxu Fan in Furong City.

When did he obtain the Lingxu Fan? Was the Lingxu Fan brought to the world in Furong City after he came to Shu, or had it already appeared before he came and was then taken to Furong City?

Did Yin Zhulong’s appearance have any connection to the Lingxu Fan?

Jiang Zhaoxue pondered in silence. Seeing her troubled thoughts, Pei Zichen thought for a moment and said, “Still thinking about the Lingxu Fan?”

“Mm.” Jiang Zhaoxue unconsciously rotated the jade stick in her hand, thinking aloud. “I’m thinking about where exactly it could be.”

“Is it very important?”

Pei Zichen looked up and asked, as if completely ignorant of everything.

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at him and said seriously, “Very important. It’s the key to leaving the secret realm. If we can’t find it, all of us will have to stay in the secret realm.”

Pei Zichen silently looked at her. This sentence seemed to go completely unheard, as if he was still waiting for her explanation.

Jiang Zhaoxue knew that the Lingxu Fan wouldn’t allow Pei Zichen to understand these things. She didn’t care much about it, only organizing her thoughts. “The longer we stay, the more real everything becomes, and the harder it is to leave. But my family is still waiting for me. I can’t stay here.”

Listening, Pei Zichen’s eyes trembled slightly, as if he had been waiting for a long time. He asked with confusion, “Yaoyao, why aren’t you saying anything?”

“I did say it, but you can’t hear it.”

Jiang Zhaoxue sighed. This time Pei Zichen finally reacted, only asking, “Can’t hear what?”

“Do you have any clues?” Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it. Not wanting to waste words, she could only pick things Pei Zichen could understand to say. “If the Lingxu Fan isn’t in this secret realm, where do you think it might be?”

“This…” Pei Zichen hesitated for a moment, uncertain.

Jiang Zhaoxue intuited that he knew something and immediately pressed, “Are you hiding something from me?”

“Indeed.” Pei Zichen’s expression became solemn. “I… do have a conjecture. I don’t know if I should say it.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately smiled. “What’s this? We’re husband and wife—is there anything we can’t say?”

This made Pei Zichen pause. After a moment, he smiled and nodded. “You’re right. You’re my wife and also a disciple of Wenjian Manor. There’s nothing I can’t say.”

“Speak quickly!” Jiang Zhaoxue became excited.

Pei Zichen said solemnly, “The Lingxu Fan is an ancient divine artifact. Its appearance will definitely cause anomalies. If it’s not in Yin Zhulong’s secret realm, although I don’t know where it will be, I know that before long, it will perhaps appear…”

“You’re stating the obvious…”

“Years ago, Master sensed that several years later, Shu would face a great calamity.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue paused. In her mind, she instantly recalled what Ye Tianjiao had said before.

When the Lingxu Fan appeared, all immortal paths in Shu would be severed.

She had previously thought it was caused by Yin Zhulong. Now thinking about it, that wasn’t right. The ancestors of Sword Pavilion didn’t even come to Emei Xu in their true forms, only their Dharma forms came. How could a newly appeared Yin Zhulong destroy all of Shu’s immortal paths?

As Jiang Zhaoxue contemplated, Pei Zichen continued, “Master has been traveling abroad these years precisely to find a way to respond to the great calamity. Yin Zhulong’s appearance this time was no accident—Master received a prophecy. Whoever inherits Yin Zhulong might be able to find a thread of hope for Shu. So Master secretly accelerated Yin Zhulong’s appearance in advance, just to give his disciples a chance to inherit it.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was shocked and couldn’t help but ask, “Do others know about this?”

“They don’t.” Pei Zichen shook his head, only saying, “You must not tell anyone either.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, understanding that this kind of matter absolutely could not be known by others.

Especially now that the one who inherited Yin Zhulong was from Wenjian Manor. If people knew that Yin Zhulong’s appearance was accelerated by Hanzhouzi, even if it was to find a thread of hope for Shu, others wouldn’t understand.

If this were reality, Jiang Zhaoxue would probably have some words for Hanzhouzi as well. But this was an illusory realm, and she was too lazy to discuss right and wrong. She pressed on, “Then did your master say approximately when the great calamity in Shu would be?”

“No.”

Pei Zichen shook his head, only saying, “Master only sensed fragments here and there. He can’t sense it too specifically. I only know that now that I’ve obtained the inheritance, everyone is placing their hopes on me. In some time, I should enter the secret realm for closed-door cultivation to seek a breakthrough.”

As Pei Zichen spoke, he raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. “You and I are husband and wife, sharing fortune. If you’re willing… we can cultivate together in closed-door dual cultivation.”

This statement left Jiang Zhaoxue stunned.

Cultivating together in seclusion meant that she wouldn’t spend the following time searching for the Lingxu Fan.

Pei Zichen looked at her nervously. Seeing that she didn’t immediately agree, he added, “Of course, you… can also do what you want to do and wait for me to come out of seclusion. Don’t worry,” Pei Zichen gripped her hand, his expression serious. “As long as I’m alive, I absolutely won’t let anything happen to you.”

He spoke too solemnly, as if he truly would use his life to protect her.

Even knowing this was an illusory realm, Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare look directly into his eyes. She turned her head away. “I understand. I’ll think about it carefully.”

Pei Zichen didn’t speak. He only looked at her silently, doing his utmost to restrain himself from wanting to grip her hand tighter, saying softly, “Mm, you think about it.”

By the time the two returned to Wenjian Manor, night had already fallen.

Pei Zichen needed to report to Hanzhouzi about the trip, so he had Jiang Zhaoxue return to the room first.

Jiang Zhaoxue saw Pei Zichen off. After thinking for a moment, she turned and went to find Ye Tianjiao.

Now, perhaps because Jiang Zhaoxue was married, Ye Tianjiao had much more freedom than before.

Qian Sisi had arranged a separate room for him. When Jiang Zhaoxue found him, Ye Tianjiao was reading by lamplight, seriously studying a book.

Jiang Zhaoxue flipped directly through the window and shouted, “Hey!” This startled Ye Tianjiao into a shiver. Hugging the “Love Words Treasury” in his hands, he turned around. Seeing it was Jiang Zhaoxue, he froze completely.

The two locked eyes. Jiang Zhaoxue’s gaze fell on the “Love Words Treasury,” and she couldn’t help but blurt out, “You have a girlfriend?”

“Don’t don’t don’t don’t talk nonsense!”

Ye Tianjiao hurriedly shoved the “Love Words Treasury” aside. Then, composing himself somewhat, he straightened up. “What do you want?”

Then Ye Tianjiao reacted and hurriedly asked, “Did you find the Lingxu Fan?”

“Would I be here if I found it?”

Jiang Zhaoxue asked directly in return. Ye Tianjiao paused, then nodded. “True.”

As Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, she prepared to close the window.

In an instant, Ye Tianjiao remembered his previous experience of being beaten and hurriedly said, “Don’t close the window!”

Then he hesitated, turning to look outside. “A friend’s wife should not be coveted—let’s go outside to talk!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue froze. She followed Ye Tianjiao out, then reacted to what Ye Tianjiao was saying and immediately corrected him, “What friend’s wife? Everyone’s acting. Pei Zichen has amnesia. Is your brain sick?”

“Sister, calm down.” Ye Tianjiao hurriedly handed Jiang Zhaoxue tea. “Tell me, what’s the situation?”

Jiang Zhaoxue roughly explained the situation to Ye Tianjiao, then summarized, “So basically, the Lingxu Fan will appear during Shu’s great calamity. We have to wait until then. When exactly did Song Wuya get the Lingxu Fan? How did he get it?”

“He… should have gotten it two years ago.”

Ye Tianjiao listened carefully and pondered. “I heard that when he was dispatched to the southwestern garrison, he lost battle after battle in the first two years. In the second year during the New Year, the court even received news of his death. Not long after that, news came back that he had been found, and immediately after, we heard that the southwest had been slaughtered by barbarians—three cities in succession. Especially Furong City, which was Shu’s largest city with nearly two hundred thousand inhabitants living there. In one night, they were all slaughtered.”

“Wait.”

Jiang Zhaoxue listened with some confusion. “What did you say? Two hundred thousand inhabitants, slaughtered in one night?”

As this was said, Ye Tianjiao also felt something was wrong. Throughout history, massacring cities always required time. How could a city of two hundred thousand people be killed in one night?

“Maybe it was several days?”

Ye Tianjiao wasn’t too certain, only saying, “These were all rumors in the capital. I only heard bits and pieces back then. Anyway, after Furong City was massacred, he suddenly seemed divinely blessed, starting to win battle after battle without any more defeats. He said he obtained the Lingxu Fan from Furong City, so I think it was at that point.”

“So right now, until Furong City is massacred…”

“Still four years.”

Ye Tianjiao spoke up. The two fell silent.

Jiang Zhaoxue remained quiet. Ye Tianjiao couldn’t help but say, “Well, since we’re in an illusory realm anyway and we don’t have any other options, why don’t we just stay put and wait? After four years, when the Lingxu Fan appears, we can leave.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes.

She looked at Ye Tianjiao’s somewhat nervous demeanor and said directly, “You want to stay?”

“How is that possible?!”

Upon hearing this, Ye Tianjiao jumped up. “My brother is still waiting for me outside. How could I possibly stay in the illusory realm?”

“You’re very happy staying here.”

Jiang Zhaoxue pointed out Ye Tianjiao’s thoughts. Ye Tianjiao paused.

Jiang Zhaoxue said seriously, “Everything here is good. Qian Sisi is close to you. You have friends. You’re free. You haven’t contacted your family yet. Once you do, you’ll know—your brother will definitely be waiting for you. Even your deceased relatives might still be alive. Everything you want will be here.”

Just like her—the Jiang Pingsheng, Dong Huaiyu, and Jiang Zhaoyue here were almost identical to reality.

Ye Tianjiao was somewhat confused. Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “The longer you stay, the deeper your feelings for them become. Ye Tianjiao, are you certain you can still leave?”

“But it’s fake.”

Ye Tianjiao blurted out.

Jiang Zhaoxue paused. Ye Tianjiao said frankly, “If I never get out, my family will be sad. Why wouldn’t I be able to leave? Rather, it’s Qian Sisi.”

As Ye Tianjiao spoke, his eyes showed concern. “This is her dream. Shu’s great calamity has already happened. After she gets out, she really will have nothing. If we could leave immediately right now, that would be one thing. But now there’s no way. Why should I force it? Let her be happy for as many more days as she can. I already have a lot anyway, and besides, I really want to know what actually happened in Shu back then. I…” Ye Tianjiao’s expression showed some seriousness, his fingers unconsciously curling slightly. “After cultivating for a few more years, can I help her?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue understood Ye Tianjiao’s thinking.

Ye Tianjiao thought for a moment, then turned to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. “Actually, it’s not just Sisi. Pei Zichen is the same.”

At these words, Jiang Zhaoxue looked up to see Ye Tianjiao pondering. “He… he’ll have nothing when he gets out either. Why not let him live a few good days? It’s only four years anyway. You and I—we both have many attachments outside. People like us won’t be swallowed by the illusory realm.” Ye Tianjiao looked at Jiang Zhaoxue seriously. “Let’s spend these four years well together, giving me and Pei Zichen time to grow up. Can’t we do that?”

Getting the words, Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t make a sound.

Ye Tianjiao probed tentatively, “Sister?”

“Let’s divine it.”

Hearing his inquiry, Jiang Zhaoxue came back to her senses. She took out her Qiankun divination sticks, raised her hand and turned them. The divination cylinder rotated. Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “If there’s no way out, we’ll do as you said. But if there’s even a chance, we must get out as quickly as possible.”

“Sister, you’re really cruel.”

Ye Tianjiao couldn’t help but complain.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the divination cylinder, remaining silent.

As the divination cylinder spun rapidly, Pei Zichen stood in Hanzhouzi’s room, listening to Hanzhouzi say, “The Lingxu Fan is hidden in Yin Zhulong’s secret realm, but its appearance requires extremely strong power to awaken it. Although we don’t know where this power will come from, the day the Lingxu Fan appears will be the day of Shu’s great calamity. It’s precisely for this reason that we went to great lengths to seize the Lingxu Fan. Now that you’ve inherited the secret realm, you must guard it well and absolutely cannot let the Lingxu Fan easily appear.”

“Disciple understands.”

Pei Zichen spoke calmly.

Hanzhouzi thought for a moment, then looked up. “Can you sense its presence this time?”

“Very faint.” Pei Zichen said calmly, “Disciple has already followed the method Master taught to conceal all of the Lingxu Fan’s aura, ensuring it won’t appear.”

“That’s good.”

Hanzhouzi nodded. After relaxing for a while, he looked at Pei Zichen standing properly to the side and smiled. “Alright, you’re newly married. Let’s not talk about these things. Spend these days well with your Xiaoxue. In a while, you’ll enter the secret realm for closed-door cultivation. If she’s willing, you husband and wife can cultivate together. Dual cultivation is much faster than one person alone.”

“Disciple knows,” Pei Zichen said respectfully, “but it also depends on her wishes.”

“You’ve just gotten married—would she bear to be apart from you?” Hanzhouzi joked.

“She…” Pei Zichen didn’t know how to explain for a moment, only saying, “She’s different.”

“How is she different? You’ve been sleeping until noon these past two days.”

As soon as Hanzhouzi said this, Pei Zichen’s expression faded somewhat. Seeing his expression, Hanzhouzi didn’t dare say more. Then, remembering something, he took a bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Zichen. “Almost forgot—this is the medicine you asked for.”

Seeing the bottle, Pei Zichen immediately realized what it was. His face turned slightly red as he hurriedly raised his hand to receive it. “Thank you, Master.”

“Last time what you took was to be taken daily. This time I’ve improved it—one pill can last three months. In a couple of days I’m going traveling again. Use these first. If it’s not enough, write to me. When you’ve thought it through and want a child, just stop taking the medicine.”

“Mm.” Pei Zichen lowered his eyes and responded, seeming somewhat reserved.

Hanzhouzi smiled. Looking at the time, he began to shoo him away. “Alright, she’s definitely waiting for you. Go back.”

Getting the words, Pei Zichen bowed. After leaving, he stood at the door to compose himself before returning to the room.

When he returned to the room, Jiang Zhaoxue wasn’t there. He scanned the room’s furnishings and knew Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t come back at all.

He casually sat down, looking at the red thread on his ring finger in the darkness, calculating time in his mind.

Yin Zhulong’s secret realm contained the Lingxu Fan. Obtaining the Yin Zhulong secret realm and becoming the master of the Lingxu Fan—this was Shu’s plan all along.

So today he had wanted to go alone. That’s why he’d tormented her so last night. But Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t trust him at all and followed closely.

Fortunately, now really wasn’t the time for the Lingxu Fan to appear. Even if she came, she couldn’t find it, buying him time.

But how much time did he have left?

Six years.

Pei Zichen understood immediately.

Six years later, Song Wuya returned to the capital already possessing the Lingxu Fan, which meant the Lingxu Fan would appear within these six years.

He couldn’t determine exactly which year, but he could be certain—at most, it would be six years.

Once Song Wuya appeared, it meant this illusory realm was about to end.

Unless he kept her here forever.

Pei Zichen looked at the red thread on his hand, gently caressing it.

He knew clearly that this red thread was given by the illusory realm.

Once they left, this red thread would disappear, and Jiang Zhaoxue wouldn’t play along with this husband-and-wife charade.

They had too many inequalities.

Inequality in time, inequality in life.

He had waited for her for four years, searched for her for four years, but for Jiang Zhaoxue, their time together hadn’t even reached half a year.

His world had only her, but she had family, friends, and even…

A husband.

Thinking of this, Pei Zichen’s chest ached sharply.

But he became even more acutely aware that for Jiang Zhaoxue, given how briefly they’d been together, given that he was just an ordinary disciple, if not for being trapped in the illusory realm, how could she possibly spare him a second glance?

The marriage was to wake him up to find the Lingxu Fan.

Last night was to coax him into inheriting the secret realm to find the Lingxu Fan.

Now that he needed to cultivate in seclusion in the secret realm, she probably wouldn’t go with him. Giving herself to him, she must feel quite unwilling.

He needed to find a reason.

Pei Zichen thought carefully. Footsteps came from outside.

Pei Zichen’s heart tightened. His mind raced. He didn’t have much time. He had to stay with Jiang Zhaoxue at all times.

He lowered his eyes in thought. Jiang Zhaoxue entered quite relaxed from outside.

She was spinning a jade stick in her hand. Having just drawn lots with Ye Tianjiao, she had an idea. Playing with this stick, she walked into the room and saw Pei Zichen sitting inside.

She was startled, then reacted and couldn’t help but say, “When did you get back? Why didn’t you make a sound?”

“Oh.”

Pei Zichen came to his senses and hurriedly said, “I just got back. Haven’t had time to light the lamp yet.”

As he spoke, Pei Zichen stood up to light the candle lamp, his back to Jiang Zhaoxue. “Did my wife go to see Brother Ye?”

“You can even guess that?” Jiang Zhaoxue laughed. “Your mind has more holes than a beehive.”

“My wife doesn’t have many close friends. To go see someone right after returning, it must be someone important.”

Pei Zichen’s tone was bland. Jiang Zhaoxue laughed. “You’re getting better and better at burying people. I was just discussing something with him.”

“What matter?”

Pei Zichen poured tea for Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue spun the jade stick and leaned close to Pei Zichen. “Since you’re so good at guessing, guess again?”

Pei Zichen’s movements paused slightly. He felt somewhat uneasy. “It should be discussing where to find the Lingxu Fan when I’m in seclusion?”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled without speaking.

Pei Zichen gripped the teapot, feigning composure as he brought out his prepared explanation. “But today Master said that I need to advance quickly now, so…”

“So I’ll accompany you in seclusion.”

At these words, Pei Zichen froze.

A moment later, he reacted to what Jiang Zhaoxue was saying. He turned around in disbelief, staring blankly at the smiling person before him. “What, you didn’t expect me to go into seclusion with you?”

“I…”

Pei Zichen gripped the tea handle, somewhat nervously saying, “I thought you wouldn’t be willing.”

“Unwilling for what?” Jiang Zhaoxue was curious.

Pei Zichen didn’t know how to begin.

He only reminded her in a low voice, “Entering the secret realm, there will only be the two of us. We won’t just train in the forest, we’ll also cultivate internal energy through dual cultivation.”

This made Jiang Zhaoxue pause. She actually felt somewhat embarrassed too, only clearing her throat lightly and turning her head away. “Why say it out loud? I’m not stupid. Anyway, it’s been like this these past two days.” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke vaguely. “If you can advance quickly, I think that’s quite good.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen didn’t make a sound.

His eyes seemed to suppress raging waves, only quietly staring at her.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat constrained under this gaze and feigned composure. “What are you looking at?”

“Yaoyao,” Pei Zichen spoke hoarsely, “tell me, if I work hard, will you like me?”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart beat faster at this question. She joked, “Like what?”

“Anything is fine.”

Pei Zichen put down the teacup in his hand and stepped forward.

His presence enveloped her. A few strands of hair in the night wind brushed imperceptibly against Jiang Zhaoxue’s face.

Though invisible, it tickled deliciously.

Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat unwilling to retreat. She looked up at him. She saw him raise his hand to grip hers, slowly placing it on his chest. She couldn’t tell if he was making her touch his heart or his body, only hearing him say seriously, “As long as you like me, anything is fine.”

No matter what she liked, as long as she liked him, was attached to him, even just a little bit, he would have the courage to move forward.

He couldn’t let her stay in the illusory realm forever.

Then he could only hope for this time before the Lingxu Fan appeared—at most six years.

If she could like him… even if she only cared about him a little.

He would be willing to walk together with her.

He watched her nervously. Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t speak for a moment. After a long while, she finally reacted in a fluster, feeling the sensation beneath her hand, and turned away. “So young, yet quite skilled.”

She restrained herself and hastily withdrew her hand, feigning composure as she turned. “Just drew a very auspicious lot. Don’t think too highly of yourself.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue walked to the bathing room, placed the jade stick to the side, changed clothes, then raised a finger to display the jade stick.

At the very top, it clearly read: Supreme Fortune.

“Tsk.” A’Nan looked and couldn’t help but say, “It’s not supreme supreme? You said there’s no weight to it, but I see when someone’s weight increases by one, it becomes supreme supreme. That’s what made someone decide to go into seclusion, right?”

“What’s wrong with going into seclusion?” Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the text on the stick and said calmly, “He really does need time to digest the power he obtained. The timing is too rushed. From when he accepted the Jiuyou Realm cultivation method until now, it hasn’t even been a month. He needs time.”

As Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, she added, “Anyway, it’s already done. Through dual cultivation, I can share his fortune, he can improve his cultivation. Everyone’s happy. A few more times doesn’t matter.”

“Fine, fine, fine, as long as you think it through.” A’Nan said indifferently, “You can even have his child here if you want.”

“Demon cultivators’ childbearing is decided by the mother’s body.” Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “How could I keep his? In the future, I’ll ultimately disappoint him. If he wants to dream, I’ll accompany him in this dream. But that’s all it will be. After we leave—”

Jiang Zhaoxue fell silent for a moment, looking at the divination text on the jade stick: “The Shu road is perilous, climbing mountains is difficult. After four years meeting again, the world has changed. If you ask where this journey ends? When Lingxu succeeds, each goes their separate way.” She said calmly, “We’ll have nothing to do with each other.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue put away the divination stick and didn’t think about it anymore.

Having decided on seclusion, Pei Zichen began preparing. Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t need to worry about anything. After some time passed, she followed Pei Zichen to Emei Xu.

Yin Zhulong’s secret realm couldn’t be moved, only Pei Zichen could decide whether to open it.

Pei Zichen prepared everything they needed and brought Jiang Zhaoxue to bid farewell to their elders.

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t want to have too much emotional connection with people in the secret realm. Even with her own family, she was exceptionally cold.

After bidding farewell, Pei Zichen brought her into the secret realm together, and only then asked, “Yaoyao seemed unhappy seeing father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law today?”

“Not really.”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and only said, “It’s just that in this world, for me, only you are real.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen raised his eyes.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes smiled as she looked at him, saying seriously, “Don’t disappoint my expectations, Pei Zichen.”

“I won’t.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen said seriously, “What my wife wants, I will accomplish it all.”

“Alright, enough talk.”

Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at the secret realm, arrays rotating in her hands. “No one’s taught you how to train in a secret realm before, right?”

Getting the words, Pei Zichen paused, trying to refute using language fitting “Shen Chen’s” identity. Jiang Zhaoxue was too lazy to hear him say more, only saying, “Come, I’ll walk you through it. This secret realm is yours, you have absolute control. First, you need to determine the distribution of spiritual beasts and medicinal plants, their levels…”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke seriously, like an elder leading a junior.

Pei Zichen listened quietly. After a moment, he nodded. “Yaoyao knows so much.”

The secret realm left by Yin Zhulong wasn’t complicated for Jiang Zhaoxue, but fortunately there were enough demon beasts in the secret realm.

Jiang Zhaoxue knew Pei Zichen might have forgotten many things, but still remembered the Jiuyou Realm cultivation methods, even remembered not to use them in front of her. She understood clearly that what Pei Zichen currently needed most was enough practice to internalize the power of Yuan Luogong.

So during the day, she would find a place to wait for Pei Zichen, letting him go out alone to find those demon beasts to grind experience, while she herself meditated and cultivated.

At night when Pei Zichen returned, they would exchange spiritual power through dual cultivation.

Pei Zichen had an enormous contrast between public and private. As long as he wasn’t doing “that,” he was a proper gentleman. Even in the unpopulated mountain wilderness of the secret realm, he was extremely proper.

But once they got onto the bed, Jiang Zhaoxue felt that his becoming a demon lord in the book was appropriate.

There was something wrong in his bones.

This person was more desire-driven than demon cultivators. Each time he was like a snake coiling around her, endless.

Fortunately, he took great care of her each time, soothing her with spiritual power. Plus, Jiang Zhaoxue’s own spiritual power was abundant, so each time it ended, she only felt drowsy, without any discomfort.

In less than a year, Pei Zichen broke through to Nascent Soul.

Although Jiang Zhaoxue’s spiritual power also accumulated, she was after all three major realms above him. At the Integration Stage, spiritual power accumulation wasn’t that important anymore. For their fate masters, accumulating fortune was more important.

Moreover, under the suppression of the Su Guangji now, whatever she gained didn’t matter much anyway.

However, seeing Pei Zichen grow rapidly, her mood was quite good.

On the day he formed his Nascent Soul, she specially cooked a meal with him to celebrate at home.

Pei Zichen had built a small house in the secret realm for the two of them to live in, complete with courtyard and kitchen. Jiang Zhaoxue brewed much wine with him, burying it under trees.

That day, Jiang Zhaoxue cooked for the first time herself—more accurately, Pei Zichen cooked while she supervised and managed.

In any case, she stood in the kitchen and completed a meal together with Pei Zichen.

Then the two happily drank some wine. At night when they lay on the bed, Pei Zichen tried touching her with his Nascent Soul.

In her daze, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you like this so much?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen looked up and smiled. “If the heart is not satisfied, desire is not satisfied.”

Jiang Zhaoxue had drunk wine. Her head was somewhat dizzy. She didn’t understand and only said, “What does that mean?”

“What I mean is—” Pei Zichen looked at her seriously, his hand gently sliding over her shoulder.

As soon as he touched her, she trembled. Pei Zichen looked at her reaction with satisfaction. In her daze, she heard Pei Zichen say, “I want you to remember me, get used to me. No matter when, as long as we touch each other, we can immediately remember everything we’ve given each other.”

With that, he lowered his head to kiss her. “Only through habit will you not forget. Only when it’s carved into your bones will you not be abandoned.”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t quite understand. She only vaguely heard Pei Zichen ask, “Yaoyao, do you like me even a little bit?”

Jiang Zhaoxue answered vaguely. He always asked such questions. She was used to it and said casually, “I like you.”

“Yaoyao, will we be together forever?”

“Yes.” Jiang Zhaoxue only wanted to sleep and said casually, “Together every day, satisfied?”

For the next four years, she cultivated daily, brewed wine. The two rarely went out or contacted the outside world. Only every New Year, she would leave the secret realm with Pei Zichen to find Ye Tianjiao and Qian Sisi alone, the four eating New Year’s dinner together.

The first year they went out, Pei Zichen made the New Year’s dinner alone.

The second year they went, Pei Zichen began teaching Ye Tianjiao to cook.

The third year they went, Qian Sisi began joining them, nearly blowing up the kitchen with Ye Tianjiao.

By the eve of the fourth year’s New Year, Hanzhouzi announced his retirement, passing the position of sect master to Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen could only come out of seclusion early to begin the succession ceremony.

For the succession ceremony, Wenjian Manor bustled for half a month, inviting almost all of Shu’s immortal path.

Jiang Zhaoxue began receiving guests five days early. This was her duty as the sect master’s wife. But the matter was complicated, and Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t like it, so Pei Zichen would just have her show her face each day, then let her go rest.

Each time after just making a round, Jiang Zhaoxue suggested not going at all and letting Qian Sisi handle everything.

Getting the words, Pei Zichen chuckled softly, holding her in his arms to look over the succession ceremony procedures, saying slowly, “If you go, you establish your status. Only then will others respect you in the future. If you don’t go, they won’t think it’s because I cherish you. They’ll only think I don’t value you, and troubles may arise later.”

“I don’t care.” Jiang Zhaoxue lazily leaned against him. “Let them arise.”

Back at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, she hardly managed anything. It was always Wen Xiao’an following behind Shen Yuqing, doing everything.

“I don’t understand etiquette anyway. I can’t do it well.”

She recalled what Shen Yuqing had said to her: “Making Wenjian Manor a laughingstock.”

“You don’t need to do it well.”

As soon as Pei Zichen heard, he knew why Jiang Zhaoxue said this. He instantly recalled those days at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion when the disciples all looked down on her because she never managed anything.

At best, Shen Yuqing feared she would be tired.

But more people would only think Shen Yuqing looked down on her.

Thinking of this, Pei Zichen’s expression grew colder. He lowered his head to kiss her, only saying, “You only need to let them know you are Wenjian Manor’s sect master’s wife. Whether Wenjian Manor is a laughingstock is decided by my sword, not by your actions.”

Having said this much, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t say more.

Anyway, each day she only made a round. Everything else was handled by Pei Zichen.

On the day of the succession ceremony, immortals gathered. Jiang Zhaoxue sat in her seat, watching Pei Zichen wearing white robes with silver patterns and intricate floral designs, a jade crown on his head, a long sword at his waist, walking solemnly toward the divine altar.

She looked up at him from afar. When he received the sect master’s seal from Hanzhouzi and turned around, the first person he looked at was Jiang Zhaoxue.

Receiving his gaze, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately smiled and raised her hands to applaud him.

Pei Zichen looked at her smile. His eyes moved slightly. Across the crowd and auspicious birds, for a moment he couldn’t distinguish truth from falsehood.

He only felt all of this seemed to be his life.

His parents were still alive.

His master was kind.

His fellow disciples got along well.

A young prodigy.

Most importantly, Jiang Zhaoxue was by his side. Her eyes were full of him, watching him step by step walk to a high place.

He looked at her smile, momentarily dazed, feeling that everything in the past seemed like a nightmare.

It should be a nightmare.

He looked at Jiang Zhaoxue from afar, smiled modestly yet restrainedly, and gently nodded toward her.

“Tsk.”

Seeing this, Jiang Zhaoxue thought of his private appearance and couldn’t help but say, “Look at that dignified appearance.”

“Isn’t that what you like?”

A’Nan spoke.

Jiang Zhaoxue pursed her lips and didn’t refute.

After the ceremony ended, Jiang Zhaoxue stood up, about to leave, when she heard a greeting: “Lady Jiang!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue looked sideways and discovered it was an exceptionally handsome young man.

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned for a moment, then reacted with some surprise. “Pei Xueyi?”

Seeing that Jiang Zhaoxue still remembered him, Pei Xueyi was obviously quite happy.

A smile appeared on his face. He hurriedly stepped forward. “Lady Jiang, this humble one has important matters to discuss. Would Lady please grant me an audience?”

At these words, everyone around looked over.

Jiang Zhaoxue knew that agreeing now would be bad for Pei Zichen’s reputation.

Although she didn’t care about these things, thinking this was Pei Zichen’s succession ceremony, she didn’t want to cause him trouble. She smiled and said, “Then please wait at Flowing Water Pavilion, Fellow Daoist Pei. I’ll bring my husband along.”

Hearing this, Pei Xueyi paused, then immediately understood this should be Jiang Zhaoxue protecting their reputation. He hurriedly said, “Then this humble one will await Lady Jiang and Sect Master Shen at Flowing Water Pavilion.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded and had someone lead Pei Xueyi to Flowing Water Pavilion, then turned to leave.

She walked directly toward the inner courtyard, bypassing the crowds toward Flowing Water Pavilion.

She understood clearly in her heart—Pei Xueyi didn’t look for Pei Zichen but for her, precisely because he didn’t want Pei Zichen to know about this matter.

And now it was already the fourth year, just about New Year.

Song Wuya’s death was announced in this year’s New Year. After that, three cities in the southwest were massacred in succession. After Furong City was slaughtered in one night, Song Wuya obtained the Lingxu Fan in Furong City. From then on, he won every battle, returning triumphantly to the capital two years later.

Now was the time when Song Wuya’s death notice was approaching. Pei Xueyi, who hadn’t appeared in a long time, suddenly appeared—he must be carrying a mission.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart was excited. She hurried toward Flowing Water Pavilion. When she reached the door, she pushed it open, happily saying, “Pei Xueyi…”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw Pei Zichen sitting in the room.

He had already changed into regular clothes, wearing a lake-blue wide-sleeved robe, a green jade lotus crown atop his head, sitting upright at the desk, his expression calm and composed.

Pei Xueyi sat across from him, his face somewhat awkward. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue enter, he hurriedly said as if seeing a savior, “Lady Jiang!”

“Oh,” Jiang Zhaoxue reacted and hurried into the room, walking while smiling. “Shicang, why did you come?”

“Wasn’t it you who said you’d come with me?”

Pei Zichen raised his eyes. His eyes always carried a smile, his temperament gentle. He looked to have no aggression whatsoever.

But somehow, he always made people feel difficult to approach.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat beside Pei Zichen, smiling. “That was just polite talk. You actually came?”

“It’s fine,” Pei Zichen nodded. “I’ll just sit. You two talk. Don’t mind me.”

Jiang Zhaoxue indeed planned to do just that and didn’t pay much attention. She only looked up at Pei Xueyi across from her and began pleasantries. “Counting it up, Fellow Daoist Pei and I are also old friends. Not having seen you for many years, Fellow Daoist Pei has become even more handsome.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen lowered his eyes to drink tea, not making a sound.

Getting the words, Pei Xueyi smiled and relaxed. “Indeed. Back at Emei Xu, Lady Jiang’s life-saving grace—this humble one has never personally thanked you. It’s truly shameful. I should have come myself, but your wedding was too rushed back then. After marriage, I didn’t dare disturb you too much. I hope Lady Jiang will forgive me.”

“No matter.”

Jiang Zhaoxue hurriedly waved her hand. Pei Xueyi continued, “Back at Emei Xu, if not for Lady Jiang, how would this humble one have my life…”

The two exchanged words, speaking of the past events of slaying Yin Zhulong. Although Pei Xueyi’s body had been occupied by Yin Zhulong at the time, his soul wasn’t completely unconscious. There were many old matters to discuss.

Pei Zichen sat to the side listening the whole time, as if completely unrelated to this topic.

He only casually picked up a fallen strand of Jiang Zhaoxue’s hair and, while the two were talking, gently tied it onto a paper figure in his sleeve.

Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Xueyi were speaking enthusiastically when suddenly her voice paused.

Pei Xueyi looked up puzzled to see Jiang Zhaoxue silently not speaking. Pei Zichen also looked over, meeting her gaze.

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t speak. Her gaze fell on Pei Zichen’s hand covered by his sleeve.

A corner of the little paper figure showed from the wide sleeve. One could see that Pei Zichen’s fingers hidden in the sleeve under the table were moving methodically. Others couldn’t see clearly, but Jiang Zhaoxue could clearly know the weight and pace of each of his fingers.

Over these years, he had learned quite a few spells from her under the pretext of curiosity. She knew clearly in her heart that everything he did was essentially laying the groundwork for him to reasonably use the Jiuyou Realm cultivation methods, but she didn’t say it outwardly.

This kind of spell that took any related item from a person and created sympathetic connection between the paper figure and the original body—she had taught it, but never thought it would be used in this way.

Pei Zichen actually wasn’t being excessive. He only gently caressed her spine, his movements tender and gentle, not unpleasant.

But that hand seemed to glide beneath clothing. The strange sensation was too obvious. Over these years, she had become too familiar with him. The slightest provocation would produce a reaction. She didn’t dare speak rashly. Both of them watched her, quietly waiting.

Jiang Zhaoxue paused for a moment, confirming no one would notice anything about her, before glaring at him.

Pei Zichen’s expression remained peaceful as before, as if he had no idea what was happening.

Jiang Zhaoxue took a deep breath, knowing he was deliberately causing trouble. Afraid he would create an even bigger scene, she turned to Pei Xueyi. “I just suddenly thought of something. Fellow Daoist Pei, there isn’t much time today. Why don’t you speak directly—what brings you here today?”

“Oh,” getting the words, Pei Xueyi’s expression became serious. “This humble one has come today to ask you two for help. I’ve requested this from Sect Master Shen several times before, but Sect Master Shen never replied. So I came personally this time, originally wanting to take a roundabout approach, but I didn’t expect…”

Pei Xueyi glanced at Pei Zichen and smiled bitterly. “Since Sect Master Shen is here, let’s speak plainly then. This humble one wishes to ask Sect Master Shen for special permission to send the Third Prince, Song Wuya, into Yin Zhulong’s secret realm to heal his injuries.”