Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen joked all the way down the mountain. When they reached the mountain gate, they saw Jiang Zhaoyue’s attendant Li You leading people standing at the entrance.

Jiang Zhaoxue immediately became serious. Pei Zichen also instinctively took a step back to stand behind Jiang Zhaoxue. Li You’s gaze swept over the two of them before he smiled and stepped forward, respectfully saluting Jiang Zhaoxue. “My lady.”

With that, he turned his head to look at Pei Zichen, his eyes suppressing a smile of unclear meaning. “Daoist Pei, my humble surname is Li, single name You. I currently serve as a steward of Penglai Island Manor, attending to the Young Master.”

The smile in Li You’s eyes was quite obvious, as if he were a member of the bride’s family scrutinizing the new son-in-law.

For no reason at all, Pei Zichen felt his face heat up. He forced himself to remain composed as he exchanged greetings with Li You.

Jiang Zhaoxue noticed Pei Zichen’s embarrassment and interrupted Li You’s teasing of Pei Zichen, glancing around. “Where’s my brother?”

“The Young Master went to retrieve Daoist Pei’s soul lamp. He’ll arrive shortly.”

Li You explained. As he spoke, the spiritual power around them shifted. Everyone turned to look and saw golden light spinning nearby, condensing into a human form. Jiang Zhaoyue appeared carrying a glazed soul lamp and handed the soul lamp to Pei Zichen.

A soul lamp was made from a wisp of divine soul. Ordinarily it had no particular effect, but if used by someone with ill intent, it could become a deadly object.

Now that Jiang Zhaoyue had brought back the soul lamp, Jiang Zhaoxue finally breathed a complete sigh of relief.

Jiang Zhaoxue put on an ingratiating smile. “Brother…”

“Why hasn’t he left yet?”

Jiang Zhaoyue directly asked. Jiang Zhaoxue’s smile froze. Pei Zichen beside her immediately spoke up, saying respectfully, “Reporting to Young Master, this disciple’s master came over just now. This disciple was afraid Master would do something rash, so I remained.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue frowned. “Shen Yuqing came?”

Jiang Zhaoxue quickly nodded.

Jiang Zhaoyue laughed coldly. “He still dared to come? Since he came, why didn’t he come find me?”

“He wouldn’t dare.”

Jiang Zhaoxue quickly flattered him. “You’re Penglai’s Young Master, the world’s foremost talisman master. How would he dare seek you out?”

Jiang Zhaoyue knew she was saying pretty words and was too lazy to pay attention to her. He continued pressing. “How was the handover of Yunfu Mountain?”

“Last night I instructed Qingye…”

“Just now Lady Qingye already arranged everything with this disciple,” Pei Zichen continued, saying steadily. “When the lady descends the mountain, Yunfu Mountain will activate its formation and depart.”

Just as his words fell, a thunderous “rumbling” sound was heard. Everyone looked up to see Yunfu Mountain, which had always been stable within Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, like a giant flying vessel, separating from the Yunfu Mountain peaks and slowly moving into the distance.

Everyone looked up in astonishment, gazing at Yunfu Mountain’s departure. Jiang Zhaoxue watched silently.

The moment Yunfu Mountain departed, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s announcement resounded throughout the immortal world:

“Lingjian Immortal Pavilion respectfully informs all sects: Today, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s Pavilion Master Shen Yuqing and Penglai’s Lady Jiang Zhaoxue, due to diverging dao paths, from this day forward, their dao companion contract is dissolved, their marriage bond severed. A parting brings freedom to both, each to pursue their own dao. We inform all to bear witness—may the Great Dao flourish eternally, each seeking their own transcendence!”

This voice echoed repeatedly throughout the True Immortal Realm. Jiang Zhaoxue watched the gradually departing Yunfu Mountain above, saying nothing.

Pei Zichen glanced sideways at the person beside him looking up at the heights. The floating mountain’s shadow fell in her eyes. After thinking for a long time, under the cover of their wide sleeves, Pei Zichen quietly took Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand.

Jiang Zhaoxue was startled and turned to look beside her. She saw Pei Zichen holding his sword as he looked upward, saying softly, “It’s over.”

With that, he turned to look at Jiang Zhaoxue, smiled, and said, “My lady, let’s go.”

“Ahem.”

Just as he finished speaking, Li You beside them coughed heavily.

Jiang Zhaoxue turned her gaze and saw Jiang Zhaoyue staring coldly at Pei Zichen and the hand they were quietly holding.

He said nothing, but it seemed he had said everything.

Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen were like young lovers caught eloping by their parents—forcing composure while quietly releasing their hands.

Jiang Zhaoyue turned around with a cold expression. Just as he was about to speak, a golden light shot up from the direction of the Hall of Heavenly Fate on Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s back mountain. Everyone turned in surprise. Li You exclaimed in astonishment, “What is this?”

No one answered. This golden light shooting skyward was clearly not spiritual power.

But if it wasn’t spiritual power, what was it?

No one was clear. Only Jiang Zhaoxue felt vaguely uneasy, feeling that this golden light’s power made her extremely uncomfortable.

After a moment, Jiang Zhaoyue immediately sensed his transmission jade token heating up. Jiang Zhaoyue took out the transmission jade token. Everyone looked and saw Jiang Zhaoyue furrow his brows, calmly informing everyone, “The Immortal Alliance’s decree commands all sect leaders to convene at Tianji Palace in the Northern Sea of Cangming Sea three days hence to discuss important matters.”

Tianji Palace was Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s outpost. To hold a meeting at Tianji Palace—this was clearly an invitation from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.

Li You immediately inquired, “Young Master, do you know what this concerns?”

Jiang Zhaoyue shook his head, only saying, “We’ll know when we go.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoyue turned to look at Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen. After thinking for a moment, he said to Pei Zichen, “You go to the northern line first. West of the northern line, there’s an island called Pingning. That’s a Penglai outpost. Yaoyao and I will wait for you there. As soon as the Jiuyou Realm withdraws its troops, return immediately and we’ll leave together.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen respectfully saluted. “Yes.”

Both sides took their leave. Jiang Zhaoyue summoned a spirit vessel and brought everyone aboard.

Before boarding, Jiang Zhaoxue secretly gave Pei Zichen the transmission talisman Jiang Zhaoyue had given her.

“If something happens, use this.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue turned and left.

After Jiang Zhaoxue boarded the spirit vessel, Pei Zichen held the talisman in his hand and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

The spiritual power on it was profound—clearly made from the heart’s blood of a top-tier cultivator. Such a gesture—aside from Jiang Zhaoyue, who else could provide it?

Yet Jiang Zhaoxue had turned around and given it to him. How could he dare use it?

If he used it, he feared he wouldn’t even be able to enter Penglai’s gates.

So he carefully placed the talisman in his Qiankun pouch, watched the spirit vessel depart into the distance, and only then hurried back to the northern line.

As Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen each rushed to their destinations, after Shen Yuqing left the Hall of Heavenly Fate, Gujun’s figure slowly condensed within the Hall of Heavenly Fate.

He raised his hand to salute the Book of Fate, saying respectfully, “Lord Shenjun.”

“Shen Yuqing and Jiang Zhaoxue have formed a Heavenly Fate Marriage. When Jiuyou Realm withdraws, force Jiang Zhaoxue to marry.”

This line of text appeared on the Book of Fate. Gujun showed a smile. “It seems Lord Shenjun has obtained Ze Yuan’s fortune. If we obtain Pei Zichen as well, our great undertaking can succeed.”

“Too early.”

Two words appeared on the illuminated Book of Fate, then lit up character by character as if someone were writing them: “Only when the wish is fulfilled do I obtain the fortune. If Jiang and Pei don’t die, my heart is uneasy.”

Seeing this line, Gujun showed a cold expression, saying respectfully, “Lord Shenjun, rest assured. I’ve already made arrangements. When Jiuyou Realm withdraws, that will be the day Pei Zichen perishes. No one can obstruct Lord Shenjun’s great undertaking.”

After separating from Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoxue followed Jiang Zhaoyue aboard the spirit vessel. Flying from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion to Pingning Island took one day. After nightfall, they arrived at Pingning Island.

Penglai governed the seas. Most of the islands east of the Central Continent were managed by Penglai. Pingning Island was the island closest to the northern line. Jiang Zhaoyue made this arrangement to be able to support Pei Zichen at any time.

After arriving at Pingning Island at night, Jiang Zhaoxue and Jiang Zhaoyue each retired to rest. When they rose the next day, the siblings ate together. Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t shared a table with Jiang Zhaoyue like this in many years and was quite happy. She glanced at the food on the table and discovered it was still what she had loved eating back then. She couldn’t help saying, “Brother, you still remember what I like to eat?”

“Just those few dishes,” Jiang Zhaoyue’s tone was bland. “My brain isn’t a fish’s. How could I not remember?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Jiang Zhaoxue sat beside Jiang Zhaoyue, smiling. “Big Brother has a good memory. It’s just a casual remembrance. Speaking of which, have your tastes changed at all?”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the table full of food she liked, asking curiously, “Do you still only love drinking the northwest wind?”

She knew Jiang Zhaoyue didn’t like eating.

Jiang Zhaoyue glanced at her coolly, ladled her a bowl of tomato and egg soup, and didn’t respond.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it and asked curiously, “What about Father and Mother? Have their tastes changed? If not, on the way back I’ll bring them some things they like.”

“There’s something,” Jiang Zhaoyue suddenly spoke. As he spoke, a barrier silently opened. Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in surprise and heard Jiang Zhaoyue lower his head to take a sip of tea, saying blandly, “I haven’t told you yet.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart sank with a “thud.” She knew what Jiang Zhaoyue said must not be a small matter, so she became serious as well. “What is it?”

“There are too many loose lips at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, and I couldn’t gauge Gujun’s abilities, so I didn’t say.”

Jiang Zhaoyue explained his reason for speaking late, raising his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. This matter seemed to be something he had accepted long ago as he said softly, “Father isn’t doing well.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s fingers gripping her chopsticks tightened. She forced herself to calm down and immediately asked, “What’s the situation?”

“Starting a thousand years ago, Father’s fortune has been continuously depleting, as if being devoured by some karmic force. At first, he was in his prime, so it wasn’t a problem. But starting when the True Immortal Realm’s fortune began depleting and True Immortal Realm cultivators were no longer protected by Heaven’s Way, after Father was injured in seclusion, he’s gotten worse day by day. Penglai has many enemies, and Gujun of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion watches us like a tiger. So we’ve never dared speak of it publicly.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke urgently. Jiang Zhaoyue raised his eyes to look at her.

With this question, both fell silent.

Given her feelings for Shen Yuqing back then, how could they dare tell her such things?

Her heart felt as if gnawed by ants. She couldn’t help but feel extraordinarily regretful, yet also grateful that no great mistake had been made. She immediately said, “Then I won’t wait for Pei Zichen. I’ll go back right now.”

“No.” Jiang Zhaoyue held her back, instructing, “You must wait for him.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, then heard Jiang Zhaoyue say, “Father is a Tribulation Crossing cultivator. He peeked at Heaven’s Way and said his current fortune depletion is due to karmic devouring. The only way to save him is for you to become a Ninth Realm Fate Master.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue understood. She listened as Jiang Zhaoyue explained, “A Ninth Realm Fate Master can manipulate and correct karma. You gambling with Heaven is the only chance to save Father. So this time, we must ensure Pei Zichen returns safely. This is more important than anything.”

“In that case…”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat confused. “Why still have Pei Zichen go to the northern line? Wouldn’t it be better to forcibly take him away?”

“We can’t let Lingjian Immortal Pavilion discover anything unusual.” Jiang Zhaoyue explained, “The Book of Fate peers into all living beings, but Father is a Tribulation Crossing cultivator. The Book of Fate cannot spy on him, which is why we can conceal this news for now. Now that you’re taking Pei Zichen away due to emotional matters, it couldn’t be better. But if I intervene too forcefully and am too eager to take Pei Zichen away—with Pei Zichen carrying divine artifacts—we can’t ensure Lingjian Immortal Pavilion won’t become suspicious. After all, Father hasn’t emerged from seclusion in many years.”

“I understand.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, thinking, “In any case, it’s only a few days. Smoothly taking Pei Zichen away is most important. It’s just…”

Jiang Zhaoxue hesitated. Jiang Zhaoyue was somewhat puzzled. “Just what?”

“Just… I also have something,” Jiang Zhaoxue looked up at Jiang Zhaoyue with difficulty, saying carefully, “I need to tell you.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue immediately frowned. Jiang Zhaoxue pressed her lips together but still said, “Pei Zichen has cultivated Jiuyou Realm techniques.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue’s pupils contracted sharply, instantly showing anger. Jiang Zhaoxue smiled with difficulty, forcing herself to maintain composure. “Shen Yuqing discovered in the Time Mirror that he cultivated Jiuyou Realm techniques. This can’t be hidden, so as soon as he returned, he told Gujun. Gujun provided cover for him, agreeing that as long as he drives away Jiuyou Realm, he’ll let Pei Zichen leave with me. In the future, Pei Zichen will work for both our sides…”

“His words can be trusted?!” Jiang Zhaoyue cursed angrily. “Nonsense!”

“But what could be done?” Jiang Zhaoxue was helpless. “If I had directly brought him back to Penglai, wouldn’t that have caused trouble?”

Jiang Zhaoyue couldn’t answer for a moment. What Jiang Zhaoxue said wasn’t wrong either.

If she had directly brought him back to Penglai, and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion came to their door under the pretense of harboring a Jiuyou Realm demonic cultivator, the matter of Jiang Pingsheng’s physical damage would likely be impossible to conceal.

And Jiang Zhaoxue had no way to directly open the Spirit-Locking Formation outside of Penglai. Once the Spirit-Locking Formation was opened, all of Pei Zichen’s spiritual power would instantly be absorbed by the divine artifacts. He would immediately become a mortal. Given the extent of his physical injuries these past days, without spiritual power to sustain him, becoming a mortal—he would probably die on the spot.

They had to wait until his injuries were completely healed, his body had no hidden dangers whatsoever, prepare sufficient spiritual medicines and physicians, and after extracting spiritual power, if any accident occurred, immediately treat him—only then could they ensure Pei Zichen’s safety.

Convincing Gujun first had been the best choice for both of them at the time.

Jiang Zhaoyue organized his thoughts, forced himself to calm down, took a deep breath, and said, “Fine, I understand. But Yaoyao, I must inform you of one thing.”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at Jiang Zhaoyue, hearing him say seriously, “I’ll try my best to protect you both, but for me, Penglai is my responsibility. When necessary…”

“I understand.” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said. “Brother, don’t worry. For me, Penglai is most important. If things go smoothly and we return to Penglai together, once his body is fine, I’ll open the Spirit-Locking Formation to take the Tianji Lingyu, then apologize to him afterward. If things don’t go smoothly, I’ll leave with him alone, look for an opportunity, and after obtaining the Tianji Lingyu, I’ll secretly return to save Father, then settle accounts with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”

By then, having saved her father, with Penglai having another Ninth Realm Fate Master and might making right, she’d see who dared come to their door.

Jiang Zhaoyue nodded, saying softly, “Good.”

The siblings reached this agreement.

After talking for a while, Jiang Zhaoyue went to handle official business transmitted from Penglai.

Jiang Zhaoxue returned to her room to meditate. At night, she received a transmission from Pei Zichen. “Yaoyao, are you asleep?”

Jiang Zhaoxue held the transmission jade token, lay down on the bed, and hearing the sound of rain in his voice, turned to glance at the calm sky outside, responding, “No. Is it raining where you are?”

“Mm.” Pei Zichen seemed somewhat weary, his voice buried in the pattering rain, saying softly, “Just now it started raining outside. I was thinking—is it raining on Pingning Island? Are you and I in the same wind and rain?”

Jiang Zhaoxue hesitated for a moment. She thought about it and still lied. “Yes.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Pei Zichen seemed somewhat happy. He spoke of today’s battle. After he returned from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Jiuyou Realm launched a night raid. Fortunately, they were all just resentment insects. Aside from being laborious, there was no great danger. From last night until today, he had cleared more than half the demons and monsters on the northern line before stopping to rest.

“I’ll be back very soon.” Pei Zichen’s tone carried some happiness. “When we get to Penglai, I want to live in the place closest to you.”

“Sure.” Jiang Zhaoxue joked. “Come to my bed.”

“Yaoyao…”

Pei Zichen was quite helpless. Jiang Zhaoxue teased him, saying, “My bed is very big—it can fit several people. Oh, I also have a spirit pet garden. Many demon cultivators from Penglai are raised there as cubs. Do you still like dogs? If you do, I’ll catch a bunch for you to raise.”

“That’s not really necessary…”

Pei Zichen hesitated. Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat distressed. “You… are you still thinking about Pangpang?”

“No.”

Hearing her mention that spirit pet from years ago, Pei Zichen sighed softly. “Though I regret what happened with Pangpang, it’s been many years after all… I’ve let it go.”

“Then why don’t you raise dogs anymore?”

“I’m afraid the lady would be too fond of these pets,” Pei Zichen spoke honestly. “I would become jealous.”

Jiang Zhaoxue: “…”

Jealous even of dogs—this was truly dog-like behavior!

Jiang Zhaoxue chatted intermittently with Pei Zichen until she fell asleep.

For the next two days, whenever Pei Zichen had time, he would transmit messages to her. When not transmitting, he was on the battlefield.

With nothing to do, Jiang Zhaoxue grabbed Jiang Zhaoyue to write talismans while she replenished supplies, ready to flee at any moment.

On the morning of the third day, Jiang Zhaoyue departed early to attend the meeting at Tianji Palace.

By afternoon, Jiang Zhaoxue received news from Pei Zichen. “My lady, Jiuyou Realm has completely withdrawn behind Cangming Sea. After cleaning the battlefield and repairing the barrier tonight, I’ll return.”

“Great.” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately responded. “I’ll come meet you!”

“That’s not necessary…”

“I’ll go to Jiangning Town right now.” Jiang Zhaoxue thought of the land city closest to him and made her decision. “By the time I arrive, you should be about ready to depart. We can leave together, and this way I can see you at the first moment.”

Pei Zichen paused, seemingly unable to resist this enormous temptation, finally saying, “Alright.”

With that, he smiled. “Then I’ll return at the first moment.”

After making their agreement, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately departed with Qingye and other attendants. That evening, they arrived at Jiangning Town.

When Jiang Zhaoxue reached Jiangning Town and had Qingye rent a wealthy merchant’s residence for them to stay in, at Tianji Palace, all members of the Immortal Alliance had arrived.

The Immortal Alliance was mainly composed of five major sects: Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Tianjian Sect, Xingyun Gate, Baiyin Pavilion, Tiandi Dao Gate, and Penglai Island, governing the hundred sects of Central Continent. This time, the core members of the five major sects gathered, while the other hundred sects all sent representatives, converging at Tianji Palace.

After Jiang Zhaoyue arrived and greeted the various immortals, he sat in the position beside Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, nodding to Guan Xiushu who stood there.

Guan Xiushu stood behind an empty seat, clearly waiting for someone.

After everyone was seated, Zhou Bugang of Tiandi Dao Gate spoke first, asking in confusion, “Brother Guan, I wonder why Lingjian Immortal Pavilion has gathered all the immortals—what is this about?”

“For this matter, let my senior brother inform everyone.”

With that, Guan Xiushu raised his hand to form a seal. Along with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s connection, everyone saw Gujun’s figure appear in the empty seat before Guan Xiushu.

Though only a phantom had come, everyone stood to salute.

Gujun smiled slightly. After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, he gravely stated his purpose. “Everyone, the reason I’ve summoned you here today is to inform you of an important matter. You should all know about my sect’s disciple Pei Zichen returning with the five divine artifacts nine days ago, correct?”

Hearing it concerned Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoyue’s expression turned cold.

Xu Zichen of Tianjian Sect beside him nodded, recalling, “I know. Nine days ago at that battle in Cangming Sea, I happened to be present supervising. I happened to see him fight. This young man has extremely high talent and an unlimited future. Brother Gujun, why do you bring him up?”

“Brother Xu doesn’t know the whole story.” Gujun sighed, seeming extremely troubled as he explained. “This disciple of our sect has had an unclear relationship with Jiuyou Realm in the past. But because this old one cherishes talent, even knowing he had this past, I never investigated deeply. However, three days ago, the Immortal Alliance battlefield captured a Jiuyou Realm demonic cultivator. He identified Pei Zichen as secretly practicing Jiuyou Realm techniques and colluding with Jiuyou Realm to cause chaos. This matter is of great importance. That’s why I’ve summoned everyone—to discuss together how we should more appropriately handle this disciple of our sect.”

With these words, everyone was shocked.

Xu Zichen frowned, not quite believing. “Practicing Jiuyou Realm techniques? But nine days ago when I observed him fight, he was clearly using immortal techniques. Immortal and demonic paths are mutually exclusive. If he’s already cultivated True Immortal Realm techniques, how could he cultivate Jiuyou Realm methods?”

“Indeed,” Zhou Bugang was also confused. “Could he possibly dual cultivate both immortal and demonic paths?”

“Precisely.”

Gujun nodded. Zhou Bugang was stunned, blurting out, “What talent!”

“Ahem.”

Baiyin Pavilion’s usually composed Pavilion Master Feng Minghuan coughed lightly, reminding Zhou Bugang. Zhou Bugang immediately realized his mistake, showing an embarrassed expression as he explained, “What I meant was, ordinary people can’t do this.”

“This young man has extremely high talent,” Gujun seemed extremely troubled. “But his heart is not right. If we let him continue unchecked, this old one doesn’t know what the consequences will be. That’s why I’ve summoned everyone to discuss.”

“Discuss…” Xu Zichen frowned deeply. “Now that the True Immortal Realm’s fortune is depleting and we still need divine artifacts to reverse it, he carries five divine artifacts. Aside from recruiting him, what else can we do?”

“But the five divine artifacts haven’t recognized a master.”

With these words, everyone froze. Jiang Zhaoyue raised his eyes to look at Gujun, his fingers curling slightly.

If divine artifacts recognized a master, killing the master would send the artifacts into dormancy—they couldn’t possibly recognize another person in a short time.

But now the artifacts haven’t recognized a master…

“How does Senior Gujun know this?” Jiang Zhaoyue finally couldn’t restrain himself, asking in confusion.

Gujun smiled, inquiring of everyone, “The True Immortal Realm’s fortune hasn’t changed—haven’t you all noticed?”

Everyone remained silent, all beginning to carefully sense the True Immortal Realm’s spiritual power.

Aside from Fate Masters, others didn’t have precise perception of fortune. Most relied on the generation of spiritual energy to judge a realm’s fortune.

After sensing for a long time, everyone looked at each other, knowing Gujun’s words weren’t false.

Elder Shui Chenyuan of Xingyun Gate spoke, his voice cold. “If the divine artifacts haven’t recognized a master and fortune hasn’t reversed, what should the True Immortal Realm do?”

“This is the second matter I want to discuss.”

Gujun said this with a few traces of a smile. “Yesterday, my disciple Shen Yuqing and Penglai’s Lady Jiang Zhaoxue’s names suddenly appeared on the Marriage Stone. The two of them are at the top of the Marriage Stone, carved in gold characters—a Heaven-ordained marriage.”

“Heaven-ordained marriage?” Zhou Bugang immediately said. “Blessed by Heaven’s Way—if they can become dao companions, it can bring fortune to an entire realm—that Heaven-ordained marriage?”

“Correct.”

Gujun said gravely, “Some time ago, Penglai’s Lady separated from Yuqing due to a dispute. As a result, the Marriage Stone gave this Heaven-ordained marriage indication. Now, as long as Lady Jiang has a change of heart and forms a contract with my disciple again, it can reverse the True Immortal Realm’s fortune and give us breathing room.”

“So,” Shui Chenyuan thought about it, understanding Gujun’s meaning. “Right now, Pei Zichen holds divine artifacts uselessly and also practices Jiuyou Realm techniques, colluding with Jiuyou Realm?”

“Correct.” Gujun nodded, seeming to think for everyone’s benefit. “He is still young now, unable to distinguish right from wrong. If we don’t eliminate him while he holds divine artifacts, I fear we’re nurturing a tiger to invite calamity. I’ve invited everyone here because tonight when Jiuyou Realm withdraws, Pei Zichen will be weakened from continuous warfare. I’d trouble everyone to bear witness as this old man cleans house to prove Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s innocence!”

“Senior Gujun,” hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue suppressed his emotions to remind him, “If Pei Zichen is colluding with Jiuyou Realm, how could he be exhausted and weakened from fighting against Jiuyou Realm?”

This question was sharp. Everyone looked at Gujun.

Gujun wasn’t afraid either, explaining, “The Jiuyou Realm disciple we captured said he planned to use battlefield achievements against Jiuyou Realm to gain everyone’s trust in Central Continent. So these past days, Jiuyou Realm only sent out resentment insects that needed clearing anyway and unimportant disciples. The core disciples withdrew long ago, all to stage this performance for Pei Zichen.”

“Words alone are no proof,” Jiang Zhaoyue continued. “Why doesn’t Senior Gujun trust his own sect’s disciple but instead believes a captured Jiuyou Realm demonic cultivator?”

“Because not only did that disciple say this,” Gujun immediately responded, “Yuqing recently awoke and also said he saw Pei Zichen using Jiuyou Realm techniques. Oh, he said the magical artifact Pei Zichen uses to conceal his techniques is precisely Penglai’s Nine Revolutions Immortal Life Bell.”

Jiang Zhaoyue’s expression changed slightly, understanding that Gujun was coming after Penglai.

Gujun smiled, staring at Jiang Zhaoyue. “Lady Jiang has a very close private relationship with this disciple of ours. I fear she’s been deceived by this disciple. Why doesn’t Young Master Jiang come with me shortly, seize this Nine Revolutions Immortal Life Bell, and then see whether Pei Zichen is a demonic cultivator or not?”

“Such a thing happened?”

Jiang Zhaoyue said with a cold face, secretly clenching his fists, but also understanding that now he must have a firmer attitude than anyone else.

Pei Zichen had indeed practiced Jiuyou Realm demonic techniques. Since Gujun dared to say this, he must have confidence in verifying it.

And the Nine Revolutions Immortal Life Bell was in Pei Zichen’s hands. If Penglai showed any bias whatsoever, it would become evidence of accusation after Pei Zichen’s matter was exposed.

Jiang Zhaoyue’s mind raced. He immediately said, “If this youngster truly deceived A Xue, I will personally execute the traitor myself. Please don’t blame Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”

“Of course.”

Gujun immediately nodded, saying to everyone, “Why don’t we depart now and verify on the spot? If Pei Zichen truly practices Jiuyou Realm techniques, we’ll join forces to kill him. If Pei Zichen is innocent, then with his illustrious battle achievements this time, we must not treat him unfairly. How about it?”

“Acceptable.”

Shui Chenyuan immediately nodded, saying gravely, “If he truly practices Jiuyou Realm techniques, he will certainly become a great calamity in the future and absolutely cannot be left alive.”

Everyone decided. Guan Xiushu invited everyone to rise and file out one by one, heading toward the battlefield.

Li You followed behind Jiang Zhaoyue, asking in a low voice, “Young Master, should we notify Pei Zichen?”

Jiang Zhaoyue’s eyes flickered. He clenched his fists. After struggling for a long time, he said softly, “No.”

Li You raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoyue. Jiang Zhaoyue stepped forward to follow everyone, saying calmly, “Since the Heaven-ordained marriage exists, Father can be saved. If Pei Zichen flees now, Penglai won’t be able to explain clearly.”

Everyone present was elite of the True Immortal Realm. He couldn’t possibly send a message out without leaving traces. Once Pei Zichen fled, everyone would know who informed him.

He couldn’t drag Penglai down for Pei Zichen’s sake.

Jiang Zhaoyue made up his mind and followed everyone out.

Inside Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Gujun watched with satisfaction as everyone headed to the battlefield, then turned to look at Shen Yuqing standing behind him.

His injuries had healed. He had changed into the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion Pavilion Master’s formal attire—golden crown bound high, gold-threaded white robes, holding a horsetail whisk, long sword on his back.

Gujun looked him up and down, waving his hand. “If you want to kill, go kill. If you go now, you can still make it.”

“If I kill him, A Xue will hate me.”

Shen Yuqing spoke calmly, raising his eyes to look at Gujun. “Master, is what that Jiuyou Realm demonic cultivator said true?”

“What,” Gujun sneered coldly, “do you think I found a demonic cultivator to frame him?”

Shen Yuqing didn’t speak.

In the past, he never doubted Gujun.

This was his master, the person who raised him with his own hands—both teacher and father, someone he should believe had his best interests at heart even unto death.

But from the moment he learned Gujun had confined him in the Hall of Heavenly Fate and deceived him to let Jiang Zhaoxue leave, something had planted itself in his heart.

He immediately realized he shouldn’t think this way and quickly lowered his eyes to apologize. “This disciple wouldn’t dare.”

“You,” Gujun saw through his insincerity, stirring the candle flame as he shook his head. “For a woman, you’ve ultimately become distant from your master. That Pei Zichen practices Jiuyou Realm techniques—you saw it with your own eyes. Why would I go to such trouble to frame him? This is indeed someone sent by Jiuyou Realm. But whether what he said is true or false, I don’t know. However, just based on the fact that he practices Jiuyou Realm techniques—”

Gujun raised his eyes to look at Shen Yuqing. “Shouldn’t Pei Zichen die?”

“He should.” Shen Yuqing answered. “But it shouldn’t be me who kills him.”

“Are you afraid Jiang Zhaoxue will hate you?”

Gujun laughed mockingly. Shen Yuqing’s eyelashes trembled.

Gujun turned to drink tea, saying casually, “Don’t worry. Actually, even if Pei Zichen doesn’t die by your hand, he’ll die by Jiang Zhaoxue’s.”

Shen Yuqing looked up in confusion. “Master?”

“Jiang Zhaoxue is still too young. The price for everything is equivalent. Using the Spirit-Locking Formation to obtain ordinary magical artifacts requires cultivation. But using the Spirit-Locking Formation for divine artifacts…”

Gujun lowered his head to drink tea, his tone bland. “What it requires is a life.”

Hearing this, Shen Yuqing paused. Gujun lowered his head to brew tea, saying casually, “If you don’t want to kill people, go bring Jiang Zhaoxue back. She’s in Jiangning Town. Remember,” Gujun raised his eyes to look at Pei Zichen, his face carrying a smile, “a tiger with its claws removed can sleep by your side. Don’t fatten it up for her.”

Shen Yuqing understood Gujun’s meaning. He pressed his lips together, raising his hand in salute. “This disciple understands.”