Upper Capital, Si Tianjian.

Di Yiqiu received three guests—He Xijin, Zhang Shujiu, and Wu Zichou.

These three were also renowned figures in the immortal sects. He Xijin cut a fine figure, but due to an old injury to his tongue, his speech was impaired, so he had always been taciturn. Zhang Shujiu loved alcohol as much as life itself, but because his wife deeply detested drinking, after getting married he styled himself “Zhang Shujiu Who Doesn’t Touch a Drop.”

Wu Zichou lived up to his name—short and ugly. He was born with the face of a villain; the four words “utterly vicious and evil” described his appearance to perfection. In his youth, while rescuing a young woman, he fought fiercely with a lustful bandit. The grandmaster Dai Tianshuo, acting chivalrously, took one look and decided he was the villain, beating him on the spot and breaking one of his legs. Thus he walked with a limp. But this misfortune also brought him fortune. Dai Tianshuo felt deep remorse over his impulsive action and simply took him as a disciple. Later, seeing his exceptional talent, he even married his beloved daughter to him.

“Wine! Wine!” Zhang Shujiu shouted the moment he entered.

Wu Zichou snorted coldly and limped inside, cursing: “How long have you been holding that in? Spineless worm! If you ask me, you should divorce that woman of yours and send her back to her parents’ home, never to set foot in the Zhang family again! See if she dares to meddle in everything then!”

“…” He Xijin curled his lips in disdain.

The moment these three entered, Li Lu had already brought in wine—seeing these three arrive, he knew they were craving alcohol again.

As soon as the wine was brought in, Wu Zichou immediately rushed forward and grabbed a jar.

—Says he doesn’t want it, but his body is quite honest. Li Lu silently observed these three. They were sworn brothers, mockingly called by the immortal sects the “Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives!” In recent years, they had been in close contact with Jianzheng, reportedly because their wives were all very enthusiastically trying to introduce women to Jianzheng.

Sure enough, the usually taciturn He Xijin said: “Have… have business.”

Zhang Shujiu next to him was preoccupied with drinking, so Wu Zichou continued: “He Xijin’s wife has an unmarried younger sister at home. Sister-in-law He hopes you’ll have time to meet her.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Shujiu boasted: “Sister-in-law He truly likes you. She says you’ve been so upright and proper all these years, of excellent character. If you marry Sister-in-law He’s younger sister, then we’ll truly be family from then on.”

He Xijin added: “Right.”

Wu Zichou had already draped his arm over Di Yiqiu’s shoulder, continuing: “By that time, we four brothers will burn incense again and swear brotherhood anew. You’re younger than all of us, so you’ll be the fourth brother!”

—Well, congratulations then. Madam He was famously a tigress of a wife. Her younger sister would be a jackal at the very least. The Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives would become the Four Heroes Who Fear Their Wives. Li Lu’s cheek muscles twitched as he thought silently.

Di Yiqiu sat behind his desk, pondering carefully for a long while, then said earnestly: “I thank Madam He for her regard. This seat’s inner chambers are indeed empty, lacking a worthy helpmate. However, at present, this seat has a matter and wishes to ask the three seniors for help. After this matter, this seat will go together with the three seniors to the He residence to express thanks to Madam.”

This clearly meant it was settled!

The Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives were very pleased. He Xijin was first to respond: “Speak!”

Wu Zichou also said: “We’re brothers now, why be polite? Just tell us!”

Zhang Shujiu only focused on drinking, but didn’t forget to nod.

Di Yiqiu took out a list from his desk and handed it to the three, saying: “This is the procurement list from various departments of Si Tianjian that Xie Yuanshu made not long ago.” While the three lowered their heads to examine it, he added, “In his personal name.”

After looking for a long time, the three murmured: “Something big is going to happen at Yuhu Xuanzong.”

Zhang Shujiu couldn’t help but exclaim: “What’s this bastard buying all this for? Is he planning to rebel?”

He Xijin said nothing, still staring at the list. Soon, he pointed at that treasure that absorbed cultivation and asked: “This?”

Di Yiqiu said: “Also specially procured by Xie Yuanshu.”

He Xijin slammed the wine jar on the desk: “Re-re-re…”

Zhang Shujiu finished for him: “The hell with him.”

Only then did He Xijin continue: “He-he-he wants…”

Zhang Shujiu continued to supplement: “Who does he want to deal with?”

Di Yiqiu gave a shocking answer: “Initial estimate is that he’s dealing with Xie Hongchen.”

The three were greatly alarmed. Wu Zichou asked: “This… Xie Lingbi’s intention?”

Di Yiqiu shook his head, saying: “Xie Lingbi has always valued Xie Hongchen highly, but is quite cold toward this son of his. Moreover, this Xie Yuanshu’s cultivation is truly beyond redemption. Xie Lingbi isn’t that confused.”

The four thought it over. He Xijin finally said: “Look-look-look…”

Wu Zichou, resigned to his fate, supplemented: “We’ll know if we just go take a look, won’t we?”

Di Yiqiu immediately stood up and cupped his hands: “This seat precisely wishes to ask the three seniors to remain for a few days and investigate the situation at Yuhu Xuanzong with me.”

He Xijin immediately said: “Still-still-still calling-calling…”

This time, Zhang Shujiu said: “What’s with still calling us seniors? From now on we can address each other as brothers!”

Di Yiqiu said solemnly: “Younger brother thanks the three elder brothers.”

The three were immediately filled with joy, agreeing to go together to Yuhu Xuanzong.

At this time, at Yuhu Xuanzong.

Xie Yuanshu had just awakened from the illusion. Huang Rang’s outer skirt still lay on the ground. Xie Yuanshu shook his head vigorously, saying: “Ah Rang, you’re truly too enchanting. I feel as if I’m floating in clouds and dreams.”

Huang Rang sighed and helped him put on his robe, saying: “I don’t know how many more days I have to stay with Young Master Shu.”

Xie Yuanshu patted the back of her hand, saying: “Don’t worry, I’ll go find my father right now.”

Huang Rang hurriedly said: “You mustn’t.”

Xie Yuanshu paused, clearly puzzled: “Why?”

Huang Rang was very accommodating of his intelligence, slowly explaining: “Young Master Shu, Anlei Peak is where Old Ancestor has long resided. He’s extremely familiar with that place. Though you now have Hongchen’s internal power, I’m afraid you still can’t match him. How can I feel at ease letting you take such risks?”

Xie Yuanshu indeed asked: “Does Ah Rang have another strategy?”

Huang Rang glanced at Xie Hongchen and said: “Old Ancestor and Hongchen are nominally master and disciple, but their bond is like father and son. Young Master Shu, why not have someone invite Old Ancestor here, saying Hongchen’s cultivation went awry and asking him to come quickly to rescue him? When he arrives, he’ll surely save Hongchen first. At that moment, you can seize the opportunity to strike.”

“Wonderful.” Xie Yuanshu praised.

“You!” Xie Hongchen heard this and his head swam. He pointed at Huang Rang but couldn’t even curse. Huang Rang continued: “To make it easier to succeed, Young Master Shu, why not set a trap on Xie Hongchen’s body? Once Old Ancestor tries to heal him, he’ll immediately fall into the trap. Then ambushing him will be absolutely foolproof.”

Xie Yuanshu suddenly understood. He lifted Xie Hongchen and knocked him unconscious with one palm. Then he took out a jade bottle, opened the stopper, and sprinkled the powder inside onto Xie Hongchen’s body.

The powder was fine and white, with no particular smell. As it fell, it immediately merged with Xie Hongchen’s white robes. Yet Xie Yuanshu warned: “This is poison powder refined from hui snake venom. This substance is extremely poisonous—you must not touch it.”

“Hui snake venom?” Huang Rang had heard of this snake and knew it was an extremely poisonous fierce beast. But in recent years, this strange beast had rarely appeared in the world. She hadn’t expected that someone could still obtain this substance.

Xie Yuanshu grunted in acknowledgment and said: “I’ll send someone to find my father.”

Huang Rang quickly said: “If Old Ancestor sees me here, he’ll surely become suspicious. I’ll hide outside first.” Without her, Xie Yuanshu still felt uneasy, so he said: “No matter. I have a treasure that conceals one’s form. You can hide in the hidden chamber.”

Finishing, he took out a cloak from his storage pouch and handed it to Huang Rang.

Huang Rang didn’t know much about immortal sect treasures and didn’t know the name of this treasure either. She could only accept it and drape it over herself. While tying the collar strap, she inadvertently saw the seal on it—Di Yiqiu.

This person again.

Seeing her examine it, Xie Yuanshu couldn’t help but sneer: “Over these years, Si Tianjian has produced quite a few supreme treasures. Most were purchased by me. Yet the old man thinks I’m just wasting my life. Today I’ll show him my capabilities!”

I really want to see you anger Xie Lingbi to death with your filial piety! Huang Rang smiled and retreated, saying: “I await Young Master Shu’s good news.”

Xie Yuanshu indeed went out and sent someone to invite Xie Lingbi.

Because the two peaks weren’t far apart, in a short while, Xie Lingbi rushed over. Seeing him, Xie Yuanshu was still a bit afraid, all his earlier bravado thrown behind him. His voice trembled as he spoke: “Father… Father… quickly come look at Hongchen!”

Xie Lingbi strode swiftly forward and quickly walked to the bedside. At a glance, he could already see that Xie Hongchen’s eyes had been severely injured by someone!

He immediately surveyed his surroundings. Xie Yuanshu grew anxious: “Father, please save the Sect Leader quickly!”

Xie Lingbi’s thoughts weren’t that simple.

He immediately asked: “Why are you here? Who came to Yeyun Hall today?” Xie Yuanshu immediately lost his composure. Xie Lingbi stared at his useless son, growing even more suspicious, and demanded: “Speak! What are you panicking about?!”

Xie Yuanshu was thrown into chaos. Should he strike now?!

But even he knew very clearly that when Xie Hongchen’s cultivation was transferred to him, there had already been some loss. And using someone else’s power, he probably couldn’t directly fight his own father.

As he hesitated, suddenly Huang Rang burst out and knelt before Xie Lingbi!

Seeing her there too, Xie Lingbi immediately flew into a rage, angrily demanding: “Why are you here?”

Huang Rang appeared terrified, yet her gaze remained lowered, staring fixedly at the tip of Xie Lingbi’s shoe—finally I see you again, Old Ancestor. She greeted him in her heart, but her mouth spoke in panic: “Old Ancestor, forgive me! Today Hongchen heard some rumor from somewhere, saying that Elder Brother and I… were improper! He summoned Elder Brother and me here to confront us, but unexpectedly the two got into conflict.”

She cried and sobbed: “I saw him extremely angry and wanted to protect Elder Brother and leave first. But he said I was protecting Elder Brother. Elder Brother was also upset at being slandered and started fighting with him. I… I knew Elder Brother was no match for him and didn’t dare call for help, fearing family shame would be exposed. I could only step forward to stop him and tell him not to be impulsive. Who knew that in his rage, he coughed up blood. Elder Brother couldn’t stop his attack in time and injured his eyes…”

“Truly a disaster!” Xie Lingbi struck with one palm. Huang Rang only felt a great force in her chest. Before she could even feel pain, she had already flown to the wall.

She lay on the ground. Blood choked out from her nose, but she endured not coughing, appearing as if she’d lost all breath. Xie Yuanshu naturally couldn’t stop Xie Lingbi. Having heard this explanation, Xie Lingbi had no time to think further. He stepped forward to support Xie Hongchen and immediately checked his pulse. The extremely fine dust on Xie Hongchen’s body rose up, but he didn’t notice.

But as soon as he checked the pulse, he immediately knew something was wrong!

Xie Hongchen’s entire cultivation had been reduced to almost nothing! He suddenly raised his head, about to demand answers. Xie Yuanshu pushed out a palm with all his might! He knew success or failure hung on this one move, so he truly used every ounce of strength he had!

Xie Lingbi could originally have blocked this strike. No matter how powerful the hui snake venom was, for him, its effect wouldn’t be so rapid.

But he had underestimated Xie Yuanshu’s power! His doubts remained unresolved, so naturally he wouldn’t kill his own son with one palm. Therefore, the palm force he directed at Xie Yuanshu was only about thirty percent—based on his understanding of Xie Yuanshu, thirty percent power was enough to beat this unworthy offspring half to death.

But the current Xie Yuanshu not only had his own cultivation, but also possessed eighty percent of Xie Hongchen’s internal power! His full-force palm struck out. With a thunderous sound, the bed frame collapsed. Xie Lingbi’s internal organs shook, and immediately blood appeared at the corner of his mouth. He was preparing to gather his qi again when suddenly he saw fine, dense scales appearing on his hand—blue-green snake scales.

He froze for a moment. Xie Yuanshu struck again with another palm. Father and son’s palm winds collided. Xie Lingbi’s back slammed into the hall wall. His internal breath in chaos, he said: “You absorbed Hongchen’s power!”

“Hongchen… hahahaha.” Xie Yuanshu laughed with bitter rage. “I’m your biological son! Your only flesh and blood! But why can you only see Xie Hongchen in your eyes?!”

“Unworthy wretch!” Xie Lingbi was so angry his heart and lungs nearly exploded. “His foundation is solid, his cultivation profound. Your natural talent is already inferior to his. In diligence, you’re not even one ten-thousandth of him. How can you compare to him?! Moreover, he’s generous and kind-hearted, pure in nature. If he becomes Sect Leader, how would he mistreat you?! All these years, do you think no one mentions your disgraceful deeds?! Isn’t it because he’s been covering for you…”

“Enough! Shut up!” Xie Yuanshu raged. “Your eyes can only see Xie Hongchen’s thousand virtues!” His strikes became increasingly ruthless, actually intending to kill Xie Lingbi.

But Xie Lingbi had been talking all this time naturally to delay for time. A snow-white jade ruyi in his hand burst with radiant light. In moments, a defensive formation had been completed.

The formation’s clear light formed a shield. Standing within it, his hair disheveled and robes bloodstained, he was clearly seriously injured. He shouted angrily: “Rebellious son, you’re truly courting death!” Though he said this, Xie Lingbi still harbored some father-son affection for this son.

He struck with all his might. In terms of foundation, Xie Yuanshu’s was originally loose and weak. With a sneak attack, he could succeed. But now that his true measure had been exposed, how could he still be his match?

With a deafening crash, Yeyun Hall trembled violently. Xie Yuanshu fell back and sat on the ground. Xie Lingbi also spat out a mouthful of blood. Father and son could be said to both be gravely injured.

And such a great commotion couldn’t be concealed by something like a sound-dampening barrier. Outside the hall, Xie Shaochong, Nie Qinglan, and others had already heard the disturbance and rushed over at top speed!

“Old Ancestor? Sect Leader?” Xie Shaochong called out tentatively.

Xie Lingbi didn’t want to air family dirty laundry. Xie Yuanshu clearly had lost the ability to fight again. He said: “Withdraw!”

Though Xie Shaochong and the others were concerned, they didn’t dare disobey his order.

Xie Lingbi withdrew the formation and slowly walked before Xie Yuanshu. He crouched down and grabbed Xie Yuanshu’s hair in one fist, pulling upward to force him to raise his head. Xie Yuanshu’s body hadn’t yet adapted to such powerful true essence.

Having now gathered his qi with full force and suffered severe injury, he was truly badly hurt.

Xie Lingbi’s gaze was like fire, as if wanting to burn a hole through him: “Who instigated you to do such a foolish thing?”

He understood his son very well. Given his temperament, the possibility of him scheming against Xie Hongchen was small. But from beginning to end, he never suspected Huang Rang—Huang Rang wasn’t skilled in combat, her cultivation inferior even to an outer sect disciple. He viewed her as an ant. How could he suspect her?

Xie Yuanshu also didn’t believe Huang Rang had instigated him. Gasping for breath, he said: “You’ve always been partial to Xie Hongchen. How would you know my feelings?”

“Your feelings?!” Xie Lingbi exploded in rage. “You’re incompetent and lustful, indulging in pleasure. Should the entire immortal sect pin its hopes on you instead?!”

Xie Yuanshu grew even more furious, roaring: “So you pin your hopes on Xie Hongchen! A bastard you picked up at the foot of the mountain! You don’t care about blood relations at all. You only care about who’s useful to you!”

“If I didn’t care about kinship, you’d already be a…”

Xie Lingbi’s words stopped here as he suddenly froze—Huang Rang lay behind him, appearing dead.

But in her hand, two fine needles were inserted into Xie Lingbi’s lower back. Xie Lingbi felt his body go numb. He tried to strike back and kill Huang Rang. But all his speed froze in an instant. His body suddenly became unresponsive.

He tried several times to exert force, but his body seemed disconnected from himself, showing no reaction whatsoever.

Xie Lingbi’s pupils gradually dilated. He suddenly understood what those were—Soul-Coiling Bone-Setting Needles!

Because the needles were in his lower back, his body could still tremble slightly. But it was useless. Eyes bloodshot and saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth, just as he tried to move, he toppled headfirst to the ground.

Huang Rang tried to sit up, but failed several times. She began vomiting blood profusely, but watching Xie Lingbi lying on the ground, his limbs twitching lightly, she felt incomparably satisfied.

Xie Yuanshu crawled to Xie Lingbi’s side, still shaken. After a while, he asked: “Is he really…”

Huang Rang opened her mouth. Before words could emerge, blood had already choked her. She vomited blood forcefully, fragments of her internal organs mixed within. She could only point toward the corner—there still lay an umbrella. It was precisely the treasure personally forged by Di Yiqiu, used to absorb others’ cultivation.

Xie Yuanshu suddenly understood her meaning and immediately walked toward the umbrella.

“Hahahaha, Old Ancestor.” Huang Rang grasped Xie Lingbi’s robe corner, laughing continuously like a revenant risen from the dead. As she laughed, her blood fell like beads, dripping onto Xie Lingbi’s body drop by drop.