Yuhu Xuanzong.

Huang Rang changed into an elegant and dignified dress, her long hair pinned high up, wearing no pearls or jade. She looked as if she hadn’t adorned herself, yet appeared fresh and refined.

She made her way all the way to Yingke Residence. Inside, the Zhang Shujiu family had indeed arrived long ago. Besides Xie Lingbi, Xie Hongchen was also present as company.

Her arrival added a bright gleam to everyone’s eyes.

Xie Hongchen watched her, always feeling he could see some helpless desolation in her expression.

Huang Rang came before everyone and bowed gracefully: “Arang greets Ancestor Lingbi and Master.” Finished, she turned and bowed to Zhang Shujiu: “Pavilion Master Zhang, Madam Zhang, Elder Brother Zhang.”

Zhang Shujiu nodded. He actually quite liked Huang Rang. This child truly left one unable to name a single flaw.

Beside him, Feng Zheng’er smiled so broadly her mouth couldn’t close: “I’ve always heard your aunt say you’re beautiful as water, and seeing you with my own eyes today, my eyes are truly dazzled. Good child, you call Manying ‘aunt.’ I’m Manying’s sister, so I’ll presume to claim seniority as an elder too.”

How could Huang Rang not understand the meaning of these words?

She quickly bowed again: “Greetings, Aunt Feng.”

“Hahaha, come, come, come to your aunt’s side.” Feng Zheng’er’s eyes narrowed into slits. She held Huang Rang’s hand, truly unable to look enough. Zhang Xinbai’s face reddened slightly as he said to Huang Rang: “Sister Arang.”

With this, everyone had met.

Seeing how harmoniously everyone got along, Xie Lingbi felt this was natural. Over these years, Huang Rang had continuously cultivated improved seeds for He, Zhang, and Wu. And these three great trees of the immortal sects—He, Zhang, and Wu—had also praised her name plenty.

If not for this, with just a mere Huang Rang, why would he need to be passive at every turn?

Though displeased in his heart, he still had to put on an elder’s appearance. He said: “Xinbai has always devoted himself to cultivation and rarely comes over. Today he comes as a guest. Arang, you should accompany him to walk around.”

This was to make the matter certain.

Xie Hongchen watched that ball of warm sun right before his eyes, yet he could say nothing.

He had never so clearly realized that a hundred years of warmth and companionship was only an illusion. The distance between himself and her was like a high mountain to the deep sea, like dust and mud to sunset clouds.

“Arang.” He called her softly. Huang Rang slowly turned her head, her face still wearing a smile, her eyes still clear. She smiled and asked: “Master… do you have any other instructions?”

Her voice was also soft, like the low sound of thin ice being crushed when winter was about to end.

Xie Hongchen discovered that he actually had nothing to say—even instructions felt unbearable.

He could only say: “Take Madam Zhang to see your improved seeds.”

Huang Rang bowed to him: “This disciple obeys.”

Feng Zheng’er was quite pleased. Holding Huang Rang’s hand, she said: “Come, come, I was just wanting to see them. You don’t know—this year many places suffered locust disasters. In previous years, there would definitely have been total crop failure. But the insect-repelling grass you cultivated is truly so useful…”

Huang Rang wore a smile on her face, listening to her speak while leaving Yingke Residence with her.

In Xie Hongchen’s peripheral vision, that golden sunlight grew farther and farther from him, finally disappearing from sight.

“This humble woman presumptuously requests to take Sect Master Xie as master to study the sword path. Henceforth I shall abandon worldly concerns and, like the Sect Master, eliminate all injustice in the world.” In his ears was her delicate, clear, and pleasant voice from when they first met.

In that instant, he wanted to chase after her. He wanted to refuse everyone and only keep her by his side.

But he couldn’t.

He was Xie Hongchen, and also Yuhu Xuanzong’s Sect Master. He couldn’t face everyone and speak of his filthy, dirty thoughts toward his female disciple. He had to cherish his reputation, even if beneath this reputation, there was already nothing but dust.

Huang Rang led Feng Zheng’er and Zhang Xinbai to Qilu Terrace to see her improved seeds, then toured Yuhu Xuanzong.

Her conversation was proper, her bearing dignified. Feng Zheng’er couldn’t put her down. The group conversed quite happily along the way.

Meanwhile, at Si Tianjian, the Jianzheng sat alone at his desk, as if deep in thought.

Jianfu Li Lu felt strange and reminded him: “This morning, Pavilion Master Zhang Shujiu brought his family to Yuhu Xuanzong. I heard Madam Zhang got along very harmoniously with Miss Arang.”

His words weren’t exaggerated—Madam Zhang toward Huang Rang was simply the more she looked, the more pleased she became.

Unexpectedly, the Jianzheng only acknowledged with a sound and had no other words.

Has he changed his nature?

Li Lu said: “I heard this time it was Xie Lingbi who actively invited Pavilion Master Zhang’s family over. This subordinate estimates this matter was actively suggested by Xie Lingbi. If the Jianzheng has any ideas, I’m afraid you must make plans early.”

He spoke tactfully, but the meaning was very clear.

Both Yuhu Xuanzong and Wenxin Pavilion were interested in this matter. It would probably be a perfect match, with marriage soon. Not much time remained for their Jianzheng.

Di Yiqiu didn’t speak, quietly contemplating.

Seeing his expression, Li Lu naturally also helped him think of ideas: “Actually now, the Jianzheng still has methods to consider.”

However, Di Yiqiu’s single sentence stumped him too: “There are many methods, but they would damage her reputation.”

“The Jianzheng’s consideration is indeed meticulous.” Li Lu sighed. Of course there were many methods, but Huang Rang was a young lady who already had some gossip with Xie Hongchen. If the Jianzheng did other things, wouldn’t it damage her good name?

But now he simply couldn’t see her at all. What else could he do?

Di Yiqiu held up the green moth transformed from that caterpillar with his fingertip, turning it over and over, thinking for a long time.

Finally, he brought his “beloved insect” all the way to Yuanrong Pagoda.

Over these years, quite a few imperial princes and princesses had already adapted to the serpent blood poison and successively left Yuanrong Pagoda. However, some still remained whose conditions fluctuated.

This time, because there were sixty twin snake fruit trees, over eighty imperial princes and princesses survived.

Qiu Shengbai still prepared medicine daily, so naturally was too lazy to leave this place.

Seeing Di Yiqiu, he couldn’t help but frown: “What’s happened?”

The Jianzheng first handed over the caterpillar: “Can Imperial Physician help it transform into human form?”

“Mm, it already has quite a foundation. Transformation isn’t difficult.” Qiu Shengbai glanced at the caterpillar, knowing this thing held grudges.

Di Yiqiu said: “Please help it transform, Imperial Physician. Also prepare several prescriptions of medicine for me.”

“Medicine?” Qiu Shengbai frowned. “What medicine?”

The Jianzheng smiled without speaking.

That afternoon, Xie Lingbi personally saw the Zhang Shujiu family down the mountain.

The group had obviously conversed happily. Feng Zheng’er even held Huang Rang’s hand, her face full of smiles, beaming with joy.

Clearly, good news was near.

However, everyone had just reached the mountain gate when they saw many people waiting outside.

“What’s happening?” Xie Lingbi frowned and demanded.

Though there were many people outside, it was very quiet. Various large and small boxes were piled on the ground. As soon as Xie Lingbi’s demand rang out, one person stepped forward from the crowd.

“Ancestor Lingbi!” The newcomer wore purple official robes, black official boots, a jade belt at his waist with a gold fish pouch hanging below. It was precisely Di Yiqiu. He bowed deeply to Ancestor Lingbi, eyes brimming with tears, exceptionally devout.

Xie Lingbi retreated a step, his heart quite alarmed—Di Yiqiu wasn’t any fuel-efficient lamp.

He said in a heavy voice: “So it’s the Jianzheng. The Jianzheng comes from afar and sets up such a display before my mountain gate. What is your intention?”

Xie Lingbi’s face didn’t look good, but this was natural. Si Tianjian and Yuhu Xuanzong didn’t get along well to begin with. Moreover, over these years Si Tianjian’s momentum had been rising daily, with quite the intent to challenge the immortal sects.

Yet Di Yiqiu completely ignored his dark expression. His voice was clear and resonant, every word loud: “Please, Ancestor Lingbi, have pity on me!”

“Pity… pity…” Ancestor Lingbi retreated a step, alarmed in his heart: “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Di Yiqiu’s words were utterly sincere: “Ancestor, discern clearly—in my youth, I once had a childhood sweetheart. I was compatible with her in heart and mind, even bearing a son. Later she unfortunately fell ill and died! From then on, I fell ill with lovesickness and never married. Until I met Miss Huang Rang and discovered she closely resembles my childhood love—her appearance and voice are identical.”

He clasped his hands together: “From then on, I couldn’t sleep day or night, my soul and dreams unsettled. Please, Ancestor, have pity on me and agree to the marriage between myself and Miss Arang!”

Huang Rang: “…”

As his words fell, a child suddenly rushed out from the crowd.

The child was about eight or nine years old with a small topknot sticking up. Small eyes, fair and chubby. He wore a silver collar around his neck and longevity bracelets on his wrists. At this moment, he didn’t care about anyone else and charged straight to Huang Rang, fiercely hugging her leg.

“Mother! Don’t leave this child and Father…” He began wailing loudly.

Everyone was shocked on the spot.

“The Jianzheng speaks too presumptuously!” Xie Lingbi hadn’t yet reacted, but Xie Hongchen’s words were icy hard. He raised his hand, signaling disciples to step forward and pull the child away.

However, Di Yiqiu said: “Sect Master Xie, I am truly devoted to Miss Arang with all my heart. How is this presumptuous?”

The Zhang Shujiu family immediately frowned, though it wasn’t appropriate to say anything at this time.

Di Yiqiu immediately came before Huang Rang. Their four eyes met. Huang Rang saw his eyes were full of bloodshot veins. His chin also showed faint stubble. Not having seen him for many years, this person appeared before her eyes looking exceptionally haggard. She wanted to express concern but was constrained by all the watching eyes.

Di Yiqiu gazed fixedly at her. Though his expression was weary, his tone was solemn: “I, Di Yiqiu, am devoted to Miss Arang with all my heart. Today I point to heaven and swear by the sun to solidify an eternal vow.” He bowed solemnly: “I beseech Miss Arang to fulfill this.”

Perhaps his gaze was too sincere and fervent—Huang Rang felt an urge to cry.

This lifetime, she’d schemed with all her heart for Xie Lingbi and Xie Hongchen, but missed the best person.

But there could be no marriage. Di Yiqiu, if I agreed now, it would only bring you and your Si Tianjian additional criticism and trouble.

Why endure a hundred years of loneliness just to wade into these muddy waters?

“I’m grateful for the Jianzheng’s deep feelings, but…” She wanted to say more but hesitated, still wanting to refuse. At this moment, Di Yiqiu suddenly covered his mouth, coughing violently. Then, between his five fingers, a stream of blood actually overflowed.

“Di Yiqiu!” Huang Rang couldn’t care about anything else and stepped forward in two or three strides, wanting to examine him.

Xie Hongchen’s hands and eyes were quick—he blocked her with one motion: “Arang! The Jianzheng is unwell. Si Tianjian and the court will naturally care for him. You need not go over.”

He thought this was for Huang Rang’s sake. However, Huang Rang pushed him away.

That push was extremely forceful, and Xie Hongchen was caught unprepared. His form staggered and he froze completely.

Huang Rang rushed to Di Yiqiu’s side. She saw his cheeks flush with a sickly red, fresh blood between his five fingers—a shocking sight.

“Di Yiqiu!” In that instant, Huang Rang couldn’t distinguish the emotions in her heart. She couldn’t care about concealing her concern anymore and only kept asking: “What’s wrong with you? No, this shouldn’t be.”

Had Di Yiqiu outside the dream also suffered such injuries? Huang Rang couldn’t remember.

Beside them, that fair and chubby child had tears in his eyes. He said: “Mother! Father has fallen ill with lovesickness for you over these years. His health has fluctuated all along. Some days ago while in seclusion practicing, he suddenly heard Mother was getting married. He… he immediately coughed blood! Waaah…”

He pulled at Huang Rang’s dress hem, wailing loudly: “Mother, Father is so ill. You can’t leave us again!”

Zhang Shujiu and the others could only watch this melodrama coldly.

Truly so touching, so touching.

Xie Lingbi’s face was iron blue. He shouted: “Since the Jianzheng is gravely ill, don’t delay any longer at Yuhu Xuanzong. Return to Si Tianjian early for medical treatment and rest!”

Finished, he signaled left and right. Naturally disciples stepped forward to support Di Yiqiu.

The chubby boy was also picked up. He still wouldn’t comply, his feet kicking and flailing: “Mother, I want Mother!”

Watching the two being helped away from the mountain gate, Huang Rang’s gaze was distant.

Xie Lingbi saw off the Zhang Shujiu family, then turned back to see her and asked in a heavy voice: “Are you still not leaving?”

His words were full of reproach.

Huang Rang had no choice but to return to Diancui Peak.

Xie Lingbi snorted coldly: “In my view, her concern for Di Yiqiu far exceeds her concern for you!”

These words were naturally said to Xie Hongchen. Xie Hongchen didn’t respond.

Just now, Huang Rang’s push was indeed unintentional.

However, because it was unintentional, it was genuine.

She cared about Di Yiqiu—why?

Xie Hongchen searched the past, feeling the two had barely met. Though Di Yiqiu came to Yuhu Xuanzong every six months over these years, Huang Rang had never actively met him. What relationship could these two have?

He couldn’t figure it out. He and Huang Rang had been together for a hundred years, almost becoming parts of each other’s lives.

Over these years, Huang Rang was in Yeyun Hall almost every day. So much so that as soon as he stepped out his door, he could see her.

Could a few mere meetings compare to a hundred years? Xie Hongchen didn’t believe it.

Yet Huang Rang, upon seeing Di Yiqiu’s injuries and illness, had pushed him aside.

On Yuhu Xuanzong’s side, disciples were full of suspicion.

But because Di Yiqiu kept saying that Huang Rang looked extremely like his childhood sweetheart, this matter actually didn’t affect Huang Rang much. Mostly there was mockery toward this Jianzheng.

Some also pitied his devotion. Of course, for the Jianzheng, these matters were trivial. His skin was thick enough to make drums. A few idle gossip words—just consider them dog barks.

Meanwhile, at Wenxin Pavilion.

The Zhang Shujiu family returned home, their expressions quite grave.

Feng Zheng’er said: “This Si Tianjian’s intelligence is truly well-informed. We’d just arrived at Yuhu Xuanzong when Di Yiqiu rushed over to make a scene.”

Her words carried considerable anger.

Zhang Shujiu instead consoled: “Madam need not be angry. Di Yiqiu isn’t someone who makes trouble unreasonably. For him to pull this stunt, there must be a reason.”

“What reason? He just covets Arang’s beauty!” Feng Zheng’er angrily pounded the table with her small hand. The table shook considerably.

Zhang Shujiu said: “In my view, this may not be so. Did Madam notice that when Arang saw his haggard appearance, she was actually quite worried? It seems these two are probably acquainted.”

Saying this, Feng Zheng’er also calmed down. She said: “When he coughed blood, Arang disregarded Sect Master Xie’s obstruction and insisted on going forward to examine him. Does this mean Arang actually has feelings for him?”

Zhang Shujiu’s thinking had always been meticulous. He immediately said: “Back then, how many people proposed to Arang, yet Yuhu Xuanzong remained unmoved. People gossiped, saying Arang and Sect Master Xie were too intimate. Of course, we naturally don’t believe it. Looking at it now, could it be that Arang has feelings for Di Yiqiu, but Xie Lingbi won’t allow it?”

“What you say does make some sense.” Feng Zheng’er frowned: “Arang studied under Sect Master Xie and gained many skills. How could Xie Lingbi be willing to make wedding clothes for Si Tianjian? Forming a marriage alliance with us—at least it’s within the same immortal sect, which feels more agreeable.”

Zhang Xinbai listened to his parents talk back and forth and couldn’t help asking: “Then we… will we still propose to Sister Arang?”

Feng Zheng’er thought for a while: “This matter ultimately still depends on Arang’s intentions. Let’s just wait and see.”

Zhang Shujiu naturally followed his wife’s commands. He replied: “Madam is wise.”

Thus, Wenxin Pavilion temporarily held their forces and didn’t come to propose marriage.

Xie Lingbi’s heart burned with anger, yet he had no solution. Everyone was respectable—as the woman’s elder, he couldn’t actively bring up this matter. However, marrying Huang Rang into Si Tianjian was absolutely impossible.

He could only order Xie Hongchen to choose another good husband for Huang Rang.

Speaking of good husbands, there were quite many in the immortal sects.

Xie Hongchen looked at that page of names, only feeling each character was like a sharp blade.

Si Tianjian, Zhuque Si.

The Jianzheng sat at his desk. On the desk sat his fair and chubby good eldest son.

His face full of grievance, he said sourly: “Ha, this son has been at Foundation Establishment for so many years, yet Father gave no help at all. Now seeing Mother is about to marry, Father finally remembers he has a son like me.”

“Shut up!” Di Yiqiu also found it strange. This fellow clearly wasn’t born by him, yet his tone and manner were extremely like his own.

The caterpillar touched his topknot. How could he shut up? He said: “Didn’t even give me a name. Hmph, after all, not biological.”

“…” The Jianzheng was thoroughly annoyed by him and casually said: “Huang Yang.”

Who knew, he immediately said: “Ha, this son thanks Father for such a perfunctory bestowed name.”

The Jianzheng began to feel that sarcastic people were very annoying.

But fortunately, though his good eldest son Huang Yang was annoying, at least his elbow didn’t bend outward.

He said: “Father still needs to see Mother once.”

“Mm.” The Jianzheng acknowledged.

But his good eldest son quickly glanced at him askance and said: “Only Yuhu Xuanzong’s gates are heavily guarded. With Father’s meager abilities, how can you enter? Alas.”

The Jianzheng suddenly understood a saying—why the rod produces filial sons.

That afternoon, Si Tianjian’s scouts reported back news—Yuhu Xuanzong sent people to Wu Zichou’s house, seemingly intending to form a marriage alliance with the Wu family.

Ancient Fist Sect Master Wu Zichou had two sons at his knee.

But his appearance was ugly. Though he’d married a beautiful wife, improving the bloodline somewhat, his two sons still had ordinary looks.

This was quite despised in the immortal sects.

But fortunately, Madam Wu taught her sons well. Though the Wu family’s two sons had average appearances, their conduct was upright and their cultivation ranked among the immortal sects’ outstanding youths.

Ancient Fist Sect.

Wu Zichou was cooking while Madam Wu held a round fan, keeping him company.

A disciple entered. Not finding him in the main hall, he made his way directly to the kitchen, familiar with the route.

The disciple presented a letter. Dai Wushuang received it, opened it to look, and felt both happy and confused.

“What is it?” Wu Zichou asked.

Dai Wushuang said: “It’s a letter from Yuhu Xuanzong. Ancestor Lingbi invites our whole family to visit Yuhu Xuanzong as guests.”

“Xie Lingbi?” Wu Zichou chopped filling while frowning. “A few days ago, I heard he invited the whole Zhang Shujiu family. Why does he think of us today?”

Dai Wushuang said: “Eighty or ninety percent it’s for Arang’s marriage.”

“Huang Rang?” Wu Zichou rolled his eyes, his fierceness fully displayed. “Then shouldn’t we quickly have those two stinking brats prepare?!”

Dai Wushuang chided: “The letter only invites Wentao!”

Wu Wentao was their eldest son. Wu Zichou also had a second son named Wu Lue.

At this time, he said: “Bring both. Let Huang Rang choose. Their ages are about the same anyway.”

“What kind of talk is that!” Dai Wushuang patted him with her round fan, seeming to scold yet also act coquettish: “I heard from Manying that Arang is beautiful and elegant, her grace overthrowing the world. By rights, Sister Zheng’er’s Xinbai would be more suitable. Even their family was refused. I’m afraid our Wentao won’t be useful either…”

She was still speaking when suddenly someone outside said: “Sect Master, Madam! Si Tianjian’s Jianzheng submitted a calling card requesting an audience.”

“Si Tianjian?” Wu Zichou and Dai Wushuang spoke almost in unison.

Main hall.

The Jianzheng was indeed waiting. Wu Zichou walked in carrying a whole body’s worth of chive smell.

“Jianzheng?” Before he got close, he was startled. Di Yiqiu looked haggard, his eyes full of bloodshot veins, his face flushed—he looked thoroughly sickly. Wu Zichou immediately asked: “What’s happened?”

Di Yiqiu’s voice was hoarse: “Ancestor Lingbi intends to arrange a marriage for Huang Rang. Has Sect Master Wu heard?”

How could I not have heard! Sect Master Wu said: “Just heard moments ago. But what does this have to do with the Jianzheng?”

The Jianzheng immediately said: “Sect Master doesn’t know—in my youth I happened to have a childhood sweetheart and bore a son with her. Later my sweetheart fell ill and died. I suffered unbearably. Later, by chance I saw Miss Arang and found her appearance and temperament exactly the same as my old love. My heart stirred momentarily—I’ve thought of her for a hundred years. Now learning that Xie Lingbi actually wants to betroth her to others, how can this seat not grieve…”

His voice was desolate. Wu Zichou was quite astonished and at the same time at a loss: “But… if the Jianzheng has such intentions, you should go to Yuhu Xuanzong and speak with the Xie family. I’m afraid Wu can’t help with this matter…”

However, how could the Jianzheng care about that?

He said: “I heard Xie Lingbi intends to choose Sect Master Wu’s son for Arang. Grief welled up in my heart. Momentarily distracted, I arrived at Ancient Fist Sect.”

Your distraction lasted quite long. Ancient Fist Sect and your Si Tianjian are probably hundreds of miles apart… Wu Zichou complained inwardly but could only say: “The Jianzheng is truly a devoted person.”

—Of course. Di Yiqiu said: “If Xie Lingbi insists on forming a marriage alliance with the Wu family and Arang is willing, naturally I can’t say anything. I only request that Sect Master Wu, mindful of my devoted heart, accept these meager gifts.”

Finished, he waved his hand. People began hauling boxes large and small into the main hall.

“Jianzheng, this is…” Wu Zichou casually opened a box. Good heavens, inside were gold pearls and jade stones—all quite valuable items.

The Jianzheng’s eyes brimmed with tears: “I hope that after the matter is accomplished, Sect Master Wu will treat Arang well. After children are born in the future, this seat will send child support monthly to express my intentions…”

“…” Wu Zichou’s eyes bulged in fury—what kind of nonsense talk is this! My Wu family’s daughter-in-law—you not only send generous gifts, but will also send monthly child support in the future. If this matter falls into the eyes of those with ill intent, won’t rumors fill the sky?!

Wu Zichou said angrily: “The Jianzheng speaks such words without fearing criticism and mockery from the immortal sects and court!”

“I don’t care!” The Jianzheng grabbed his hand, his face full of deep feeling. “I only wish for Arang’s peace and happiness. For this, I can lose all face and have my reputation utterly ruined!”

You can be shameless! What did my Ancient Fist Sect do wrong?!

But Di Yiqiu could do such shameless things.

Wu Zichou even felt unlucky for Huang Rang. He pulled his hand away forcefully: “Jianzheng, stop joking and leave quickly!”

Finished, he left the main hall without looking back.

—If this damned thing truly kept his word, who would dare welcome Huang Rang through their doors?

The result was predictable. Only Wu Zichou himself went to Yuhu Xuanzong.

He didn’t bring family members, only paying a visit.

This way, his attitude was clear.

—Obviously, this matter had fallen through again.