Year after year passed, and Huang Rang couldn’t really perceive time.

Her life was too monotonous—day after day of practicing martial arts and cultivating seeds.

Until this day, while cultivating seeds at Qilu Terrace, a golden cicada fell from a leaf and dropped into her hand.

It was a very beautiful golden cicada. Under the sunlight, its entire body was translucent.

Ah, it’s Jiu’er.

The corners of Huang Rang’s mouth lifted slightly. She cupped this golden cicada in her hands, and it crawled back and forth in her palm, somewhat frightened and panicked.

Before the Nine-Bend Spirit Eyes at Si Tianjian, Di Yiqiu watched Huang Rang’s profile.

He didn’t know what was so interesting about a golden cicada. Yet Huang Rang bent down slightly and placed the cicada on the ground.

The cicada froze for a moment, wanting to crawl away, but halfway through, it turned back.

Huang Rang stood in place, not moving forward.

So it turned out that in worldly matters, what’s lost is lost.

Where was there such a thing as a broken mirror reuniting, or recovering what was lost?

Huang Rang began to feel time—gentle yet merciless, nourishing all things yet never lingering.

The Jianzheng still regularly went to Yuhu Xuanzong every six months to maintain the puppets.

He would bring new chest plates for the Qilu Terrace puppet, all inscribed with Xie Lingbi’s sword techniques.

But he never saw Huang Rang again.

As days passed, those young men who had once been interested in Huang Rang married one after another and grew into pillars of the immortal sects. Li Lu and others then advised him that he should probably let it go.

If Huang Rang was devoted to cultivating immortality, no matter how many more years he waited, it would probably be like drawing water with a bamboo basket.

The Jianzheng didn’t respond. No matter how people tried to persuade him, he had no intention of marriage.

Meanwhile, Si Tianjian gradually rose in prominence through the grinding of years, gradually occupying a position among the immortal sects.

Over these years, Huang Rang hadn’t completely stayed within Yuhu Xuanzong either.

She also went out to slay evil and eliminate demons, traveling to quite a few places.

But every time she went out, Xie Hongchen was there.

Over time, many rumors gradually arose.

Huang Rang practiced in Yeyun Hall every day, and there were no other disciples in Yeyun Hall—only Xie Hongchen.

Xie Hongchen rejected everyone who proposed to Huang Rang, no matter how well-matched the families were.

Every time Huang Rang went out to slay evil, Xie Hongchen accompanied her.

After decades like this, no matter how noble Xie Hongchen’s character was, it would inevitably invite speculation.

Sure enough, initially small story books about the two circulated in the black market—how filthy and obscene they were written need not be mentioned. Subsequently, even Qu Manying sent a letter asking if Huang Rang wanted to come stay at Ruyi Sword Sect for a while.

Qu Manying meant well.

Huang Rang was a fine woman—beautiful as a celestial being, superb with the sword. There was no need to wade into these muddy waters.

—If she truly ruined her reputation, would Xie Hongchen actually marry her?

Moreover, if there really was something between the two, the consequences would be unthinkable.

However, Qu Manying’s kind intentions were ultimately rejected.

Huang Rang didn’t reply to her letter—when a dream reached its conclusion, the dagger would inevitably be revealed when the map was unrolled.

When that time came, if there were close relatives, what should she do? Could He Xijin possibly become enemies with Yuhu Xuanzong for her sake?

The rumors grew more intense, finally alarming one person.

—Xie Lingbi.

When Xie Lingbi first heard this, he paid it no mind.

He knew very clearly what kind of person Xie Hongchen was. He absolutely didn’t believe Xie Hongchen would disregard his own and the sect’s reputation for the sake of a woman.

But as the master, a few words of warning were naturally unavoidable.

Yeyun Hall.

When Xie Lingbi entered, he didn’t allow disciples to announce him.

He entered Xie Hongchen’s study and saw Xie Hongchen leaning over his desk composing sword formations while Huang Rang ground ink for him beside him. The two spoke in low voices. Though there was nothing improper in their conduct, they were truly intimate without reservation.

“Master.” Seeing Xie Lingbi enter, Xie Hongchen rose and bowed.

Xie Lingbi glanced at Huang Rang: “You go out first.”

“Yes.” Huang Rang withdrew as instructed.

Xie Lingbi sat down at the desk, considered briefly in his heart, and said: “Huang Rang has studied under you for quite some time now. As the saying goes, master and disciple are like father and son. As her master, you must also consider her future.”

Xie Hongchen knew Xie Lingbi’s temperament. He only asked: “Her intention is to cultivate immortality and pursue the Dao. By that reckoning, a hundred years isn’t long either.”

Xie Lingbi ignored his objection: “A teacher for a day is a father for life. Now there are many good families in the immortal sects. As her master, you naturally must also choose a good family for her. After she’s married and has a place to belong, it won’t hinder her cultivation of immortality and pursuit of the Dao.”

The moment he saw that scene earlier, he’d already thought of a solution for Xie Hongchen.

Xie Hongchen had always had an excellent reputation and was quite esteemed. There was nothing shameful between the two, so as long as Huang Rang married out, whether it was Xie Hongchen or Yuhu Xuanzong, they could naturally be cleared completely.

Xie Lingbi felt he was already thinking very much of Xie Hongchen.

However, Xie Hongchen said: “This disciple does not agree.”

“What did you say?” Xie Lingbi’s pupils contracted slightly. Over all these years, this was the first time Xie Hongchen had defied him.

Yet Xie Hongchen didn’t yield either. His voice was clear, but his attitude not at all flexible: “Since Arang became my disciple, she has devoted herself to cultivation. Her life’s major affairs must be decided by herself. Though this disciple is her teacher, I absolutely won’t interfere.”

“Absolutely won’t interfere?” Xie Lingbi laughed in extreme anger. “Very good!”

“Huang Rang!” He raised his voice.

Huang Rang hadn’t gone far—she stood waiting outside the door. Hearing Xie Lingbi’s voice now, she immediately entered: “This disciple is here.”

Xie Lingbi watched Xie Hongchen, asking word by word: “You’re not young anymore. This ancestor intends to arrange a marriage for you. What do you think?”

Arrange a marriage?

In Huang Rang’s heart, that evil person’s lips curved up slightly, poison dripping from their fangs.

However, before others, she looked toward Xie Hongchen, her expression like a startled small animal, frozen for an instant.

Xie Hongchen frowned and immediately said: “It’s fine. If you’re unwilling, you can explain to the ancestor directly. Though you became my disciple, you… need not feel pressured.”

He said this in Xie Lingbi’s presence. Somehow, it actually felt somewhat familiar.

Xie Lingbi sneered coldly, his face covered with dark clouds. He looked at Huang Rang, his gaze already showing some intimidating pressure: “You tell me, are you willing or not?”

I’m willing.

Huang Rang sneered inwardly, but her expression was utterly pure and beautiful. She glanced at Xie Hongchen. Her eyes blinked once, and her long lashes crushed a teardrop. The tears shattered into pearls, gleaming as if luminous.

“This disciple… naturally follows the ancestor’s command.” She said softly.

“Arang!” Xie Hongchen frowned.

Xie Lingbi sneered: “Did you hear what she said?”

Huang Rang lowered her head, no longer looking at Xie Hongchen. Finally, she knelt on the ground, her voice low and soft, seemingly with quiet weeping: “The ancestor bestowing marriage is this disciple’s fortune. Please, Master… don’t argue with the ancestor. This disciple… is willing.”

“If you’re like this, at least you understand things.” Xie Lingbi had originally thought it was Huang Rang entangling Xie Hongchen. But at this point, he could see clearly. Between these two, Xie Hongchen was probably also mired deep.

He felt even more fortunate he’d noticed early. If someone with ill intent caught some evidence to make an issue of it, Yuhu Xuanzong would probably become a laughingstock among the immortal sects.

“Since that’s the case, this matter is settled.” Xie Lingbi stood up: “Hongchen has nothing to do these days. Come with me to choose a good family for your disciple.”

Xie Hongchen looked at Huang Rang. How could he see through the woman before him?

So what his eyes saw was only forced compromise due to worldly circumstances, the sect, countless helplessnesses.

He moved swift as the wind, walking before Huang Rang, looking down at her from above: “Arang, I’ll ask you once more. If you’re unwilling, you need not force yourself.” The compassion and pain in his voice was emotion Huang Rang had never seen before.

In the long years outside the dream, he was sometimes cold and detached, sometimes unable to resist her teasing, burning like fire. But he had never felt heartache for her.

He’d watched coldly as she grieved, as she worried, as she counted the frost and dew at Qilu Terrace day after day.

Huang Rang didn’t raise her head. The familiar voice rang in her ears—the person carved ten thousand times in her heart was right before her eyes.

Time crossed and overlapped, then slowly separated, finally going in opposite directions.

She took a deep breath, raised her head, smiled faintly, and said: “Master need not feel pressured. This disciple is willing.”

At that moment, the faint gleam in Xie Hongchen’s eyes actually overflowed with a layer of moisture.

Huang Rang watched his face. Those features were still refined and handsome—the countenance she’d caressed ten thousand times in memory. With tears and smiles, she said: “Master’s years of teaching grace, this disciple remembers in her heart. However, Master and this disciple are ultimately different.”

Clearly just acting, yet reaching this point, it was somewhat heart-piercing.

Of course we’re different.

From beginning to end, I was in the dust and mud while you were among the clouds.

When mud flooded over my head and I struggled between life and death, you asked me why my wings were dirty.

When four eyes met, the radiance in Xie Hongchen’s eyes shattered.

Huang Rang rose and slowly retreated. Finally, she lightly lifted her garment hem and left Yeyun Hall. Like a ball of golden warm sun, gradually departing, gradually distant.

Seeing the state of the two, Xie Lingbi’s mind was set—he wouldn’t yield even half a point.

He immediately said: “Now in the immortal sects, there are plenty of young men worthy of her. Come with me to choose together.” He said this also not wanting to truly create any rift with Xie Hongchen.

Xie Hongchen had been raised by him since childhood. The two were nominally master and disciple, but their relationship surpassed father and son.

Xie Lingbi’s son Xie Yuanshu was dissolute and unrestrained, without much ability. Xie Lingbi had long stopped having hopes for him. Therefore, very early on he’d devoted all his heart and mind to Xie Hongchen.

And Xie Hongchen lived up to expectations. The relationship between the two had always been a fine tale in the immortal sects.

Now, seeing he was about to be tainted with filth for a woman, Xie Lingbi would absolutely not stand by and watch. But equally, he didn’t want to truly deeply wound Xie Hongchen over this.

After Huang Rang left, he spread out a sheet of paper and wrote down the names of various people in the immortal sects who could form marriage alliances with Huang Rang.

“That girl’s appearance is passable, her cultivation acceptable too.” He said in a heavy voice. “You choose a suitable one from among them for her. As for the rest, no need to worry further.”

Xie Hongchen looked at these names in silence.

Xie Lingbi waited a long time, finally raising his hand to rest it on his shoulder.

The master and disciple said nothing, yet seemed to have said everything.

After a long while, Xie Hongchen’s fingertip fell on the paper, pointing at a name.

He chose Zhang Shujiu’s son, Zhang Xinbai.

Zhang Xinbai was Zhang Shujiu’s only son—not only handsome in appearance but also intelligent by nature. More importantly, he had good family upbringing.

This point could be seen from his father Zhang Shujiu.

He’d been in seclusion practicing all these years. Though his mother Feng Zheng’er was a tigress famous far and wide, years ago she’d already declared that men of the Zhang family would only marry one woman in their lives.

Such a family had upright family traditions and a considerate husband—she wouldn’t suffer.

Xie Lingbi said no more. He rose and left Yeyun Hall, naturally arranging for someone to handle this matter.

After all, he was also a man. He could actually empathize with Xie Hongchen.

Huang Rang’s appearance need not be mentioned, and even her temperament was entirely to Xie Hongchen’s liking. Having such a woman nearby for long, how could one not develop some vain thoughts?

Of course, while he empathized with Xie Hongchen, he very much disapproved of Huang Rang.

If not for considering Xie Hongchen, such a woman—just directly use a Soul-Fixing Bone-Setting Needle and throw her in the back mountain secret chamber.

Where would all this trouble come from?

But ultimately he couldn’t do this.

The current Huang Rang, because she’d cultivated seeds for He Xijin and others for many years, actually had quite high prestige among the common people.

He Xijin and the others also paid her close attention. Moreover, Xie Hongchen obviously had deep feelings for her too.

Such a person—it was difficult to make her disappear into thin air.

Not long after, at Wenxin Pavilion.

Zhang Shujiu, Feng Zheng’er, and Zhang Xinbai—a family of three—were eating a meal. Though the Zhang family was a cultivation family and had long since achieved grain avoidance, Feng Zheng’er still established a household rule that every three days all family members must gather together at the table to eat.

When she first married into the Zhang family, she’d also been ambitious and high-spirited, declaring she would bear eight or ten little cubs.

Later, after giving birth to Zhang Xinbai, she was shocked to discover how painful childbirth was.

So her ambition died and her aspirations turned to ash.

Lady Zhang would never give birth again. So not having a house full of children and grandchildren had always been a pain in her heart.

By now, this family rule was only executed by the three of them—quite desolate.

Zhang Xinbai served vegetables to his father, saying as usual: “Mother’s culinary skills have improved quite a bit again.”

—Stinking brat, utterly inhuman! Zhang Shujiu simply directly dumped a plate of vegetables into his bowl: “My son speaks truly. Your mother doesn’t cook easily—eat more!”

Is this my real father?! Zhang Xinbai was alarmed—today Mother must have killed who knows how many salt sellers again. Also, last time this dish was still raw when it came to the table. Why is it burnt when fried this time…

Father and son desperately served vegetables to each other.

Feng Zheng’er smiled: “If it’s not enough, I’ll make two more dishes.”

“Enough!” Father and son spoke almost in unison. “How could we let Madam (Mother) work so hard again…”

Just then, a disciple outside said: “Pavilion Master, Madam. Yuhu Xuanzong sent someone with a letter.”

“Yuhu Xuanzong?” Thank heaven and earth! Pavilion Master Zhang dumped another plate of unidentifiable dish into his son’s bowl. Then he received the letter, opened it to look, and his expression became somewhat strange.

“What is it?” Feng Zheng’er asked.

Zhang Shujiu said: “It’s from Ancestor Lingbi. He’s inviting us to bring Xinbai to Yuhu Xuanzong as guests.”

Hearing this, Feng Zheng’er was also quite surprised: “Inviting you would be one thing. But it’s neither New Year nor festival, and there’s no major event. Why call me and Xinbai?”

Zhang Shujiu handed the letter to her: “What Madam says is precisely the key point.” He glanced at Zhang Xinbai, pondered briefly: “He specifically mentioned Xinbai. Could it be… he intends to arrange a marriage?”

Feng Zheng’er’s brow furrowed slightly: “Some days ago, I heard Sister Manying mention something.”

Zhang Shujiu and his wife were of one heart. He immediately said: “Huang Rang?”

Feng Zheng’er nodded: “Who else in Yuhu Xuanzong could make Ancestor Lingbi personally come forward to arrange a marriage? And considering Xinbai, it definitely isn’t an ordinary disciple.”

“Mm.” Zhang Shujiu still felt it strange: “Speaking of Arang, some days ago I heard some very unpleasant rumors.”

Feng Zheng’er set down her chopsticks, saying seriously: “Can you listen to market ruffians’ talk? Arang’s fate is bitter—both her parents are gone. To force her to acknowledge her ancestry and return to the clan, the Xi family made things difficult for the Huang family plenty. She’s a woman struggling to hold on alone—already not easy. Now such lowly talk spreads. In my view, it’s the Xi family playing tricks!”

“Yes, yes, yes. Madam speaks truly.” Zhang Shujiu quickly said.

Feng Zheng’er said: “Since Ancestor Lingbi sent the letter, we’ll go have a look. If Arang isn’t willing in this matter, we’ll invite her to Wenxin Pavilion to study.”

Zhang Xinbai frowned: “Why doesn’t Mother consider—what if Miss Arang is willing?”

Who would have expected that saying this, Feng Zheng’er’s eyes would even sparkle: “Then you should go look at the Zhang family ancestral graves to see if they’re smoking green…”

She drooled with envy.

The Zhang family father and son: “…”

This family didn’t delay. The very day they received the letter, they immediately headed to Yuhu Xuanzong.

At that time, Huang Rang was at Qilu Terrace, sparring with the puppet.

Inside the puppet was a chest plate Di Yiqiu had just changed. The techniques were different from before.

Taking advantage of a rest interval, Huang Rang lightly caressed the puppet’s face.

Counting it up, she hadn’t seen Di Yiqiu for many years now.

But the puppet frequently had its chest plates changed, showing that for Yuhu Xuanzong’s puppet maintenance, he still came personally every six months. Even after all these years, it hadn’t stopped.

Huang Rang had once longed for Xie Hongchen. She waited at Qilu Terrace, morning and evening waiting for him to come. Later in Luofu Hall’s secret chamber, her heart bled, daily she hoped, looking until her eyes wore thin.

Later she’d also waited for Di Yiqiu. She lay on his bed, unable to speak or move, time moving forward step by step—besides him, there was no other expectation.

Later still, she was sent to White Bone Cliff. Her heart was ash-gray—she didn’t want to wait for anyone anymore. Yet Di Yiqiu also frequently came.

Now she stood at Qilu Terrace again. She looked at the puppet Di Yiqiu had given her, and that puppet also looked at her with hollow eyes.

Di Yiqiu, if there’s another dream, I want to go to your side.

Studying arts is too bitter. Revenge is too bitter.

She suddenly thought this.

At this time, at Si Tianjian.

Di Yiqiu sat before the Nine-Bend Spirit Eyes, watching her stare blankly at the puppet.

Until… Huang Rang took out several pages of sword technique sketches.

Uh… The Jianzheng extended his hand, only then realizing he couldn’t touch them at all.

…Better not bring paper up anymore, right? The Jianzheng covered his eyes with his hand.

Huang Rang hadn’t comprehended a few sword techniques well. So she’d drawn sketches and decided to spar with the puppet again.

At this time, the puppet that had been standing motionless seemed to suddenly sense something. It creaked and slightly raised its head.

“?” Huang Rang was baffled. She placed the letter paper by Bailu Pond, preparing to spar with the puppet again. The puppet’s neck turned and it actually went around her.

Huang Rang watched with wide eyes as the puppet walked to Bailu Pond’s edge, then! It bent down and picked up the sketches Huang Rang had placed by the pond. Then it opened its mouth, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth.

Huang Rang only saw those few pages of sketches stuffed into its mouth. In just a few movements, they were crushed into powder.

Huang Rang stood frozen on the spot, thinking for a full quarter hour before understanding—why over all these years, she’d never received even one love letter again.

In this world, a dog is a dog. When young it’s a puppy, when grown it’s a big dog, and even when old, it would still be an old dog.

Really, don’t expect it to become something else.

…If there’s a next time entering a dream, better not approach him. This damned thing doesn’t seem like a good person either.

At Si Tianjian, before the Nine-Bend Spirit Eyes, the Jianzheng raised his head to look at the sky.

Fortunately at this time, a disciple came up to report: “Senior Sister Huang, the ancestor requests you go to Yingke Residence. He says Sect Master Zhang Shujiu brought his family members. Please wash and groom yourself before going.”

“Ah, alright.” Huang Rang of course knew what this was about.

Perhaps last time when Xie Lingbi said he would arrange a marriage for her, there was finally progress. Huang Rang slapped the puppet with a sound, then left Qilu Terrace.

On the other side of the Nine-Bend Spirit Eyes, the Jianzheng’s brow was tightly locked—Zhang Shujiu brought his family members to Yuhu Xuanzong.

Xie Lingbi specifically sent someone to invite Huang Rang, and even instructed her to wash and groom.

Wasn’t this strange?

The Jianzheng ultimately had unparalleled wisdom. With just slight analysis, he arrived at the essence.

Over these years, Huang Rang and Xie Hongchen had actually had some gossip spread. Though nothing concrete had been established, it was still unpleasant to hear.

Where there’s smoke, how can there be no fire?

Therefore, those immortal sect heroes who’d previously been obsessed with Huang Rang also slowly dismissed their thoughts.

However, Zhang Shujiu’s son Zhang Xinbai was truly an excellent choice.

First, He, Zhang, and Wu had always begged Huang Rang to cultivate improved seeds. They held Huang Rang in high esteem. Moreover, Xie Hongchen had always been upright, and Zhang Shujiu wasn’t someone who listened to one-sided stories.

Just a bit of rumor—the Zhang family would absolutely not take it seriously. They were most likely to agree to this marriage.

Second, Wenxin Pavilion was also a great tree among the immortal sects. Xie Hongchen’s disciple forming a marriage alliance with the Zhang family would not only dispel rumors but also bring honor to both families. It would absolutely not disgrace Yuhu Xuanzong’s reputation.

Xie Lingbi truly had fine calculations.

The Jianzheng sneered coldly.

But—arranging her marriage, did anyone ask this seat?