Huang Rang had become a hot potato.

Several powerful figures from the immortal sects had spent vast sums to track down her whereabouts, going so far as to infiltrate Yuhu Xuanzong and overcome countless dangers to steal her away.

They had originally thought she would surely know something about that old schemer Xie Lingbi’s conspiracy. But unexpectedly, she had ended up like this.

Two golden needles were inserted into her head—this was Yuhu Xuanzong’s most severe punishment device, the Soul-Binding Bone-Fixing Needles.

Anyone who had suffered this punishment, no matter how profound their cultivation, could only become a living corpse. From then on, unable to speak or move, their form like a lifeless object.

The three seniors from the immortal sects found the situation extremely troublesome upon seeing this.

This was because of Huang Rang’s identity—she was the wife of Yuhu Xuanzong’s sect master, Xie Hongchen.

To infiltrate Yuhu Xuanzong and steal away the sect master’s wife—if this blame fell on them, they absolutely couldn’t afford to lose face like this.

After all, they were all prominent figures in the immortal sects. If some vile rumor about “being overcome by lust” spread, it would be no laughing matter. Moreover, all three men had fierce wives like tigers at home. If they brought such a beautiful woman back, how could they possibly survive?!

The three powerful figures began passing the responsibility to one another. Who would hide Huang Rang became a new problem.

After several rounds of discussion, everyone decided to place her with Sect Leader Zhang, Zhang Shujiu. The reasoning was that his sect had many physicians who could provide nearby treatment.

How could Sect Leader Zhang dare? Fortunately, he remained calm in the crisis and suddenly recalled an old matter, saying: “Speaking of which, before this Madam Xie was married, the Jianzheng of Si Tianjian was quite enamored with her. He even brought substantial betrothal gifts to request her hand in marriage!”

Hmm?

The gazes of the three powerful figures immediately shifted toward the sheltered spot beneath the mountain rocks, where stood the Jianzheng of the imperial court’s Si Tianjian—Di Yiqiu.

To conceal his identity, he wore black fitted clothing, a mask on his face, leaning against the rocks with his arms crossed.

“Madam Xie has been married for over a hundred years, yet the Jianzheng still hasn’t taken a wife. Clearly his feelings run deep!” Another powerful figure, Wu Zichou, was desperate to extricate himself. Forget about bringing this Madam Xie back with him.

He didn’t even dare get close, fearing he might be tainted with her scent and have his wife at home sniff out the truth.

Sect Leader He Xijin had suffered an injury to his tongue, so when he spoke too much he would stutter, and thus he now shouted loudly: “Right!”

Zhang Shujiu practically jumped up to finalize it: “Then it’s settled. Madam Xie will temporarily be entrusted to the Jianzheng’s care. Lord Jianzheng need not worry—we will certainly seek out physicians throughout the realm to help Madam Xie recover soon.”

The other two nodded repeatedly. Wu Zichou said: “Second Brother speaks correctly! That old schemer Xie Lingbi won’t live much longer!”

He Xijin quickly followed: “Pre…cisely!”

The three spoke while walking away into the distance, as if Di Yiqiu had already agreed with enthusiasm.

Only after the three had left did Di Yiqiu finally make a move.

He walked slowly to stand before Huang Rang, removed his mask, and silently examined her. Huang Rang was also looking at him. Beneath this protruding mountain rock, all of Huang Rang’s myriad feelings transformed into a single crude curse.

—This Di Yiqiu had indeed been enamored with her a hundred years ago.

At the time, to maintain her reputation as gentle and proper, Huang Rang had always treated him with warm courtesy. So Di Yiqiu had chosen to come propose marriage. But at that time, Huang Rang had already latched onto Xie Hongchen, that lofty branch, and was determined to marry into the immortal sects—how could she allow him to ruin her reputation like that?

So Huang Rang… had ruthlessly rejected him!

Ahem, she had been too young back then. How could she have known that a hundred years later, at her advanced age, she would actually fall into his hands?

Huang Rang regretted her past actions deeply.

Di Yiqiu lifted Huang Rang horizontally in his arms. As Huang Rang’s vision shifted, she saw the bloodstain on his shoulder.

Ah, he was injured.

This was hardly surprising. Yuhu Xuanzong was known as the premier sect among the immortal sects, and both the ancestor Xie Lingbi and sect master Xie Hongchen were extremely difficult characters to deal with.

For these four to snatch someone from the tiger’s mouth, one could imagine how difficult and dangerous it had been.

Ah, Xie Hongchen… Thinking of this name, even Huang Rang’s thoughts fell into silence.

The mountain cold was biting. Di Yiqiu carried Huang Rang down the mountain.

Huang Rang could only see the fabric on his chest, hearing his heartbeat in her ears. Perhaps because he was injured, his heartbeat was also rapid, beat after beat, heavy as a war drum.

He followed the mountain path downward, and soon reached level ground.

Di Yiqiu formed a hand seal with his right hand. Without any apparent movement, a carriage suddenly appeared on the ground, with a driver already seated on it.

Huang Rang felt that Di Yiqiu seemed to have already prepared to take her in.

Otherwise, with his level of cultivation, he probably wouldn’t need such a carriage to travel. But unfortunately, she had no way to ask.

Di Yiqiu carried her onto the carriage, placed her properly on the brocade cushions, lowered the curtain, and the carriage began to move forward.

Inside the carriage it was dim and quiet. Huang Rang felt awkward. After all, she and this man truly had nothing to say to each other.

Fortunately, she now looked like a puppet, and didn’t really need to say anything.

Di Yiqiu lifted the curtain by the window and poured himself a cup of wine.

He sipped the wine in his cup while watching out the window the entire way, not even glancing in Huang Rang’s direction.

Huang Rang sat across from him, but could only look at him. A hundred years had passed in the blink of an eye, and she had even forgotten what Di Yiqiu’s face had looked like back then. Seeing him again now, she only felt he was a stranger.

—This man, he wouldn’t be planning to take revenge on me, would he?

She felt uneasy.

The journey was long and distant, the carriage traveling without stop.

Huang Rang felt the light inside the carriage gradually dim, knowing that night had fallen. However, the driver didn’t speak, and the two horses also traveled quietly. In her ears she heard only the clip-clop of hooves and the turning of wheels—it seemed no one had any intention of resting.

Di Yiqiu’s wine flask seemed to contain inexhaustible wine. The carriage was filled with the fragrance of wine.

Huang Rang knew this was a magical treasure. Magic like Endless Wine was not rare among the immortal sects.

But she also vaguely remembered that the Di Yiqiu of a hundred years ago did not drink alcohol.

Ten years of imprisonment had worn away most of her memories, leaving barely anything behind. Her recollection of this man was even more blurred, reduced to just a shadow.

For instance, she remembered ruthlessly rejecting Di Yiqiu’s marriage proposal back then. But exactly how “ruthless” it had been, she had forgotten.

She actually didn’t want Di Yiqiu to keep drinking like this. After all, alcohol was something that easily disturbed one’s temperament.

But after just thinking this, she saw things more clearly—right now in this carriage, it was a lone man and widow. If he wanted to lose control, what did it have to do with wine?

Forget it… forget it.

When the inside of the carriage became pitch black, Di Yiqiu lit a candle.

Cold wind rushed in, yet the candle flame didn’t waver at all. It seemed this Si Tianjian had many magical treasures.

Huang Rang felt a bit cold. Having suffered the Soul-Binding Bone-Fixing Needles punishment, although she couldn’t speak or move, she could still feel cold and pain.

And just then, Di Yiqiu suddenly sat up straight and grasped her hand. Huang Rang’s heart immediately tensed—here it comes, it’s finally coming. But given her current state, did she really need to preserve her chastity for Xie Hongchen?

It doesn’t matter.

She convinced herself to stay calm, while Di Yiqiu squeezed her hand, then turned to retrieve a cloak from the storage compartment and wrapped her up tightly.

Uh… ahem.

Huang Rang was wrapped in the thick cloak, and the cold finally slowly dissipated.

Di Yiqiu formed a quick hand seal, and the carriage clearly accelerated. The sound of wind roared in her ears, as if they were riding the clouds. Di Yiqiu lowered the curtain. By late night, they finally arrived at a certain place.

Both horses simultaneously snorted loudly. This was the first time Huang Rang had heard them make any sound other than hoofbeats.

Di Yiqiu got out of the carriage first, then lifted Huang Rang out.

As her vision rose and fell, Huang Rang saw the plaque on this estate—Xuanwu Si.

Having been the sect master’s wife for a hundred years, she did have some impression of this Xuanwu Si. A hundred years ago, the immortal sects had become powerful with growing numbers of believers.

Countless commoners refused to obey the court’s governance, instead paying taxes to the immortal sects.

The current emperor, Shi Wenyu, in his fury, wanted to bring the immortal sects under control.

But the immortal sects were strong while the court was weak. These immortal sects simply didn’t take the court seriously at all.

Having no other choice, Shi Wenyu had to establish Si Tianjian to counter the immortal sects.

With the court’s strength, Si Tianjian should have been a laughingstock. Those who truly wanted to cultivate and seek the Dao, how could they be willing to sell themselves to the imperial house and become the court’s lackeys?

Yet Di Yiqiu’s cultivation had progressed at divine speed. He divided Si Tianjian into four divisions: Qinglong, Baihu, Zhuque, and Xuanwu.

Qinglong Si handled official documents and financial accounts, usually dealing with officials.

Baihu Si housed the prison. Its disciples mostly traveled about, subduing demons and eliminating evil, upholding justice, and also solving various difficult matters for the common people.

Zhuque Si refined pills and forged instruments, and was responsible for renting land to plant spirit grass, cultivate improved varieties, and so on. Xuanwu Si was where Si Tianjian disciples entered to study, with the sound of reading filling the air throughout the day.

After a hundred years like this, Si Tianjian had actually earned a place among the immortal sects. Although its reputation still couldn’t compare to orthodox immortal sects like Yuhu Xuanzong, it also had quite a few common people’s support.

Di Yiqiu’s five fingers closed, and the carriage in front of the gate along with the driver suddenly burned like paper, instantly turning to wisps of smoke.

He carried Huang Rang inside. The two guards at the gate recognized him and immediately saluted. But seeing what looked like something dark in his arms, they couldn’t help but take a few more looks.

When they saw a length of long hair hanging down from the black cloak, their eyes immediately bulged like black chickens.

Di Yiqiu paid no attention, carrying Huang Rang into the estate.

In Huang Rang’s field of vision, she could only see the darkened sky. Occasionally flower branches would sweep across her line of sight in slanted shadows, but due to the blur of light and shadow, she really couldn’t see clearly.

With a creak in her ears, Di Yiqiu pushed open a door and carried her inside.

The room had no lamps lit and was pitch black. Yet he carried Huang Rang to the bed without any obstacle.

As he released his hold, Huang Rang lost her support. She felt as if her entire being was sinking into darkness.

Surging around her were all fierce ghostly shadows.

Her head began to ache terribly. She felt she couldn’t breathe.

But she couldn’t move, couldn’t even cry out.

Fortunately at this moment, candlelight slowly brightened, licking a large hole in the darkness.

Huang Rang breathed a sigh of relief. The struggling ghostly shadows around her gradually retreated, and the severe pain in her head slowly subsided.

After ten years without seeing daylight, she had begun to fear the dark.

Di Yiqiu paid her no more attention, going into the inner room by himself. Soon he came back out, having already changed out of the black fitted clothing and wearing only snow-white undergarments. He walked to the bedside, looking at Huang Rang with his brows furrowed tightly.

Only now when Huang Rang examined him closely did she discover he was actually quite handsome. Sword-like brows extending to his temples, a high nose bridge, but his gaze was too sharp and his lips too thin.

This kind of person looked unapproachable, easily making others feel intimidated.

Huang Rang lay flat on the bed, able only to let him examine her as he pleased.

After looking for a long time, Di Yiqiu suddenly picked her up and brought her to the inner room. Only then did Huang Rang discover that the inner room contained a bathtub. So it was a bathing place.

—A bathing place!

So why did he bring her here? Huang Rang was secretly alarmed.

Di Yiqiu quickly answered her question. He placed Huang Rang in the bathtub, hesitated slightly, but still reached out to undo her clothing ties.

Very well.

Huang Rang didn’t even blink.

Actually, this wasn’t anything frightening, because truly frightening things were happening to her. Compared to her current situation as a living corpse, being intimately violated by a man—what did that matter?

Di Yiqiu was a man. Facing a woman who had publicly rejected him a hundred years ago, doing anything wouldn’t be strange.

And Huang Rang had no other choice.

So Di Yiqiu removed her garments, her skin revealed inch by inch. Her field of vision was limited—she couldn’t see Di Yiqiu’s expression and could only silently endure. And so, Di Yiqiu began to bathe her.

This bathtub should also be a magical treasure. Di Yiqiu merely formed a hand seal and hot water immediately surged up from below, submerging her shoulders. The temperature was just right.

Ah, if only he would scatter in some flower petals and mix in fragrant oils—that would be wonderful.

She used to frequently prepare a pool of scented water like this, then drape herself in gauze, dip her toes in to test the water, and seduce Xie Hongchen.

Xie Hongchen, haha, Xie Hongchen.

Huang Rang didn’t want to think of this name again, but it still surfaced from time to time.

During these ten years, she had called out this name countless times in her heart. Each time calling for rescue, each time disappointed.

Di Yiqiu’s bathtub had no flower petals, nor fragrant oils.

But that water was very warm. For this tiny bit of warmth, Huang Rang felt she could give up everything.

Di Yiqiu’s hand brushed across her fragrant shoulders. The pads of his fingers were actually quite rough, scraping painfully against her skin.

Huang Rang’s gaze dropped to the water.

After a moment, she saw the water slowly… turn black.

Yes, the originally clear basin of bathwater had become black and turbid with filth.

No, it wasn’t that the water was dirty!

Huang Rang’s mind buzzed, her entire being in chaos—she had been imprisoned in a secret chamber deep in the mountain belly of Yuhu Xuanzong for a full ten years. She hadn’t bathed in ten years.

I, this…

The first basin of water was quickly dumped out.

The second basin of water also began to turn black. Di Yiqiu scrubbed layer after layer of grime from her body…

Huang Rang didn’t want to watch anymore, truly.

From a lowly earth spirit of humble origins, she had climbed all the way to the position of the wife of the premier sect’s master among the immortal sects, basking in glory for a hundred years.

A hundred years later, she had fallen into the hands of the admirer she had ruthlessly rejected, having her bath scrubbed until five basins of water turned black.

During these ten years, Huang Rang’s every thought had been filled with hatred. Only at this moment did she wish she could die of shame and anger.