A great catastrophe had befallen Yuhu Xuanzong!

First, Sect Leader Xie Hongchen suddenly lost all his cultivation and went into seclusion to heal from his injuries. Then Old Ancestor Xie Lingbi suffered a cultivation deviation and was bedridden. Only Xie Yuanshu’s cultivation suddenly surged, even far surpassing Xie Lingbi at his peak!

Naturally there was something fishy about all this—everyone understood. But Xie Shaochong, Nie Qinglan, and the others had no recourse.

Now that Xie Yuanshu’s martial power was so formidable, resisting him was tantamount to seeking death.

So Xie Shaochong sent Xie Hongchen, Xie Lingbi, and Huang Rang back to Anlei Peak together, dispatching physicians to treat their injuries and nurse them back to health.

With his cultivation now supremely powerful and no more concerns, Xie Yuanshu immediately announced he would succeed to the position of Sect Leader. Moreover, he broadly distributed invitations, extending invitations to all sects to come and offer congratulations. When the sect leaders received the invitations, they were both shocked and suspicious. With no other choice, they could only seek counsel with He Xijin and the others.

After all, everyone knew exactly what kind of creature Xie Yuanshu was.

Anlei Peak.

Xie Lingbi was supported into a sitting position in a chair. The eyes of all Yuhu Xuanzong disciples were filled with gloomy clouds and tragic mist.

Xie Shaochong knelt before him, recounting the events that had occurred in the sect over the past few days. The more Xie Lingbi listened, the wider his eyes bulged.

“Elder Brother Yuanshu… proposed to succeed to the position of Sect Leader the day after tomorrow. However, today he heard that the women of Huandie Sect excel at charm arts, so he sent people to Huandie Sect demanding they hand over twenty beauties, claiming it was… to explore supreme cultivation techniques together with him.” Xie Shaochong himself couldn’t continue speaking. “Old Ancestor, Yuhu Xuanzong is the foremost sect among the immortal sects. If things continue this way, what are we to do!”

Yet Xie Lingbi could only gasp for breath, his limbs trembling and lips quivering, completely helpless. Because the Soul-Coiling Bone-Setting Needles were inserted in his waist rather than his skull, his condition was slightly better than being a living corpse.

Of course, not by much—he looked even more wretched and miserable.

Xie Shaochong’s heart ached. He grasped his hand and said: “Hongchen’s internal injuries are severe, and he’s lost his cultivation. His eyes… I fear they’ll be very difficult to heal. And as for the Soul-Coiling Bone-Setting Needles you’ve been struck with, even Baicao Peak is at a loss. Old Ancestor, what should Qinglan and I do?”

Veins throbbed on Xie Lingbi’s forehead, his eyes bulging as if about to pop from their sockets. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t speak a single word.

In the inner chamber, Huang Rang was no better off.

That palm strike from Xie Lingbi at the time had been meant to take her life. She had forced herself to hold on until now, sustained by nothing more than a single breath.

Xie Yuanshu had come by twice, but seeing Huang Rang haggard with illness, how could he have any interest? He only instructed Huang Rang to rest well, then threw himself into the embraces of other beauties.

Of course, this didn’t matter.

Huang Rang didn’t care at all. She only watched Xie Lingbi each day with near-obsessive intensity. Watching him mad with hatred, unable to contain his rage.

The severe poison in Xie Hongchen’s body was now receiving careful treatment from Baicao Peak and had improved somewhat. But having completely lost his cultivation, even a trace of residual poison from such a violent toxin was enough to be fatal.

So he remained unconscious.

The once-thriving Yuhu Xuanzong had reached its desperate end in just a few short days.

Two days later, Yuhu Xuanzong held the succession ceremony for the new Sect Leader at Diancui Peak.

Xie Yuanshu was by nature fond of luxury. For such an occasion, though time was short, he didn’t allow the slightest carelessness. It absolutely had to be more grand than the ceremony when Xie Hongchen succeeded to the position of Sect Leader years ago.

So early in the morning, the sounds of bells and chimes resonated throughout the entire sect. The whole immortal sect was carpeted in red, its trees wrapped in gold foil.

Xie Yuanshu wore red and was draped in gold, dressed in magnificent robes, and began receiving everyone’s congratulations. Relying on his current high cultivation, he was even more arrogant. But the prominent figures among the immortal sects refused to come. Instead, it was those with poor reputations who normally couldn’t find a way to curry favor with Yuhu Xuanzong even if they tried. Naturally they were now willing to flatter and fawn.

So for a time, those coming to offer congratulations formed an endless stream.

Xie Yuanshu didn’t care who came. He greatly enjoyed everyone’s flattery, but he also noticed—not a single sect leader from the major sects had come.

Currently in the immortal sects, besides Yuhu Xuanzong and Si Tianjian, there were four other major faction powers that were extremely large.

First was He Xijin’s Ruyi Sword Sect.

Second was Zhang Shujiu’s Wenxin Pavilion.

Third was Wu Zichou’s Ancient Fist Gate.

The fourth was White Bone Cliff, whose valley master Miao Yunzhi primarily studied medical arts and rarely concerned himself with immortal sect affairs.

As for other sects, small sects like Mihua Sect and Bailu Mountain were countless.

Xie Yuanshu had always had a notorious reputation in the immortal sects. Now, even having ascended to the position of Sect Leader, those righteous people still didn’t buy it.

Looking at the empty seats, Xie Yuanshu immediately felt deeply displeased.

At this time, at Si Tianjian, Qinglong Si.

Led by He Xijin, Zhang Shujiu, and Wu Zichou, more than twenty people from the immortal sects were all gathered here. It was rather laughable—once they had looked down on this Si Tianjian that belonged to the imperial court, yet now they needed to convene here for discussions.

Di Yiqiu sat in the main seat. Standing beside him were Deputy Director Li Lu and Qinglong Si’s Junior Director Bai Qingyun.

The other sect masters and leaders sat in order. Worry was written across everyone’s faces. Old Sect Master Yue Mihua of Mihua Sect had completely white hair and beard. Leaning on his cane, he said: “Director, sect leaders, now that the scoundrel Xie Yuanshu dares to be so arrogant, he must truly have something to rely on. Old Ancestor Lingbi and Sect Leader Xie are in dire straits. The urgent priority is that we must rescue those two.”

He spoke earnestly, but everyone glanced at Di Yiqiu.

To be honest, with Yuhu Xuanzong in its current state, it had practically crippled its own martial arts. As Director of Si Tianjian, it would be good enough if he didn’t laugh out loud. Would he actually rescue people?!

—Even He Xijin and the others thought this way.

Unexpectedly, Di Yiqiu said: “Si Tianjian is also one of the immortal sects. Immortal sect affairs are our duty-bound responsibility.”

Huh… agreed so readily? This time, even Bai Qingyun glanced at him. Only Li Lu was completely unsurprised.

He Xijin said: “Please-please-please…”

Everyone was both disdainful and didn’t dare say anything. Zhang Shujiu finally said: “With invitations in hand, we can readily attend the banquet at Yuhu Xuanzong. Let’s see to what extent Xie Yuanshu’s power has grown.”

He Xijin nodded repeatedly. Everyone looked toward Di Yiqiu. Di Yiqiu said: “Very well.”

Bai Qingyun frowned slightly—he knew his Director’s nature… er, character, all too well. At a time like this, shouldn’t he let Yuhu Xuanzong descend into complete chaos, then have Si Tianjian fish in troubled waters?

Why did he agree so readily?!

Fortunately, though the Director’s intentions were unclear, the Deputy Director coordinated seamlessly. Li Lu supplemented: “It’s just that with Yuhu Xuanzong in its current state, the immortal sects will temporarily need someone else to take charge.”

At these words, the other sect leaders inevitably became somewhat wary—indeed, Si Tianjian still wanted to command the immortal sects.

Who would have known, Di Yiqiu said leisurely: “Such a weighty responsibility should naturally be entrusted to Sect Master He, He Xijin.”

“Uh…” This-this-this… The other sect leaders immediately panicked greatly. He Xijin’s cultivation was profound, his character pure and noble, and his seniority sufficient. But this problem with his speech… if they let him give a pre-battle motivational speech, wouldn’t it take him a year?

“No-no-no…” He Xijin hurriedly said.

Zhang Shujiu instead said: “Elder Brother isn’t suitable. Besides, Brother Yiqiu is going to marry my elder brother’s wife’s younger sister, so he’s one of us too. No need to distinguish between us and them. Let Brother Yiqiu take charge. However, going to Yuhu Xuanzong this time, I’m afraid we’ll have to use weapons. As for treasures and such, I’m afraid we’ll have to trouble Brother Yiqiu.”

Ah? Marry He Xijin’s wife’s younger sister? The various sect leaders immediately looked at Di Yiqiu with great admiration—indeed, anyone who could call the Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives brothers was a warrior!

Di Yiqiu didn’t decline, agreeing readily: “Very well.” Finishing, he turned and instructed: “Order Deputy Director Bao to lead everyone to Zhuque Si, select some handy treasures, and prepare some pills to meet any unexpected needs.”

Hearing this, the various sect leaders and masters couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

With someone willing to bear the costs, everyone only needed to contribute effort, and this became much easier to handle. They weren’t afraid of besieging evil villains—over all these years, the righteous path had plenty of experience with that. Not having to pay from their own pockets while getting the chance to practice their skills and earn a reputation for upholding justice was simply couldn’t be better.

Meanwhile, at the side, Bai Qingyun’s expression was somewhat strange. Such expenditure should yield returns. For Si Tianjian, mobilizing on this scale to deal with Xie Yuanshu was actually far inferior to waiting until he had done all manner of evil deeds before striking. At that time, with Yuhu Xuanzong’s reputation utterly ruined, wouldn’t Si Tianjian commanding the immortal sects be perfectly natural?

The Director is very abnormal today… Bai Qingyun escorted the group all the way out of Qinglong Si, still pondering between his brows. Li Lu suddenly asked: “Can’t figure it out?”

“Please enlighten me, Deputy Director!” Bai Qingyun respectfully made a bow.

Li Lu put both hands behind his back with an air of profound mystery: “The true intention lies elsewhere.”

Bai Qingyun stared at him. Li Lu chuckled: “Figure it out yourself.”

With those words, Li Lu leisurely departed. Bai Qingyun stared at his retreating back, thinking for a long time. Working in Qinglong Si, he dealt entirely with official court matters. No matter what, he always wanted to fathom his superior’s intentions completely.

He paced back and forth at the entrance, thinking for ages but still couldn’t grasp the key.

How could he possibly sleep tonight?

Bai Qingyun grew anxious.

Early the next morning, Si Tianjian’s treasure ship Bixiao descended at Yuhu Xuanzong.

As the various sect leaders and masters descended from the treasure ship, they all felt somewhat uneasy—in recent years, Si Tianjian’s power had grown far too rapidly. This treasure ship alone was no less impressive than Yuhu Xuanzong’s.

Di Yiqiu led the way. When Yuhu Xuanzong disciples saw him, they inevitably felt mixed emotions.

In the past, Yuhu Xuanzong held a lofty position. Even this Director of Si Tianjian hadn’t entered their regard. But now, circumstances had changed dramatically.

A thousand-year-old sect, destroyed in just a few days.

Di Yiqiu and the others were led up the mountain by reception disciples and soon arrived at Hehe Garden.

Quite a few people were already seated here. Di Yiqiu swept a glance around and knew they were a rabble from the immortal sects. As expected, He Xijin and the others sat at separate tables, forming a clear distinction from these people.

Xie Yuanshu came forward, exchanging insincere pleasantries with everyone with a fake smile. Though everyone knew of his absurdity, they were after all prominent figures and didn’t tear off the facade in public. So everyone vaguely returned the courtesy and left it at that.

But Xie Yuanshu clearly didn’t mean only that.

He first cupped his fists toward Di Yiqiu: “Director is busy with official duties, yet still found time to come and congratulate me. Younger Brother is deeply moved. Why not have the Director read the Heaven Congratulation Memorial? What do you say?”

This was difficult for Di Yiqiu to respond to. The Heaven Congratulation Memorial was a memorial submitted for heaven to hear, written for heaven and earth to listen to. Generally it listed the various achievements of the succeeding Sect Leader, to be burned after reading. If he agreed, who knew how he’d be mocked in the future. If he didn’t agree, they’d have to turn hostile and fight immediately. And the matter he most wanted to know remained unknown.

But fortunately, Director Sir was most skilled at killing conversations. He immediately said: “To be frank with Yuanshu, among everyone present today, Sect Master He, He Xijin, has the highest seniority. It would be best for him to read it.”

…

He Xijin stood before Yeyun Hall and began reading the Heaven Congratulation Memorial.

It was indeed full of Xie Yuanshu’s boastful words. This should have been an extremely infuriating matter—for anyone seated here to read it would be the shame of a lifetime. Only He Xijin, stammering and stumbling, read it in a way that no one could even muster anger. Everyone ate and drank in sullen silence, forcefully holding back laughter.

Xie Yuanshu’s face turned iron blue—He Xijin was usually taciturn, so he hadn’t known this man’s speech impediment was so severe. At first everyone could keep straight faces, but later they wanted to die.

That night, the sounds of toasting and feasting at Diancui Peak gradually ceased.

Reception disciples escorted the various guests to their rooms to rest. Xie Yuanshu embraced several newly acquired beauties for a bout of romantic pleasure. And the other disciples, their morale greatly damaged, were quite dispirited.

The entire Yuhu Xuanzong’s defenses weren’t tight.

Anlei Peak was especially quiet.

Three side halls here housed Xie Lingbi, Xie Hongchen, and Huang Rang respectively. Because the other disciples had all gone to busy themselves with the Sect Leader succession ceremony, only a few disciples from Baicao Peak were attending here.

The Baicao Peak disciples had no combat ability. Di Yiqiu, bringing Bao Wu, very easily knocked them out.

He stepped into the hall. The first thing he smelled was a heavy medicinal odor. He frowned. According to the information Li Lu had sent back, he found a side hall. He pushed open the door—Huang Rang indeed lay on the bed.

Huang Rang had heard the sounds earlier and knew it was this person. She felt quite happy in her heart.

“I never thought we’d meet again,” she said softly.

Di Yiqiu frowned. The woman on the bed wasn’t the one from his memory. In his memory, Huang Rang was dignified outwardly but soft and charming at her core. She was the kind of woman whose radiance couldn’t be concealed by anything.

Huang Rang noticed his gaze and said: “Ugly now, aren’t I?”

Di Yiqiu lowered his gaze, saying indifferently: “How did you end up in this state?”

His words were immediately concerned, as if the two had known each other for a long time. But in reality, their connection should have been quite superficial. Huang Rang struggled but couldn’t move. Di Yiqiu stepped forward two paces and helped her sit up.

But with just this small movement, she began vomiting blood again.

Di Yiqiu wasn’t skilled in medicine, but he also knew her life force was draining away.

He asked: “Is no one treating you?”

Huang Rang smiled and shook her head, saying: “It can’t be cured. Barely hanging on by a breath. If I hadn’t seen you and felt momentarily happy, I probably couldn’t even speak anymore.”

Di Yiqiu’s face remained cold, but he never raised his head. After a long while, he said: “I always thought you were doing very well. You should be doing well, shouldn’t you?”

A lifetime of scheming, obtaining everything desired. Shouldn’t that be very well?

“Don’t mention it.” Huang Rang waved her hand and said: “Can you take me back to Qilutai?”

Di Yiqiu frowned and asked: “What?”

Huang Rang sighed: “After all, I’m still… not used to being this wretched. If I could go back, at least I could change my clothes.”

Di Yiqiu said nothing more. He simply bent down and lifted her in his arms.

Tonight at Yuhu Xuanzong, the bright moon hung in the sky.

Everything around was very quiet. The mountain-guarding disciples weren’t even patrolling. Di Yiqiu carried her, circling around those lights and specifically taking small paths. It seemed that over these years, he had become very familiar with Yuhu Xuanzong’s roads.

Huang Rang was cradled in his arms. In her gaze she could see the night sky’s silk-blue and stars passing through.

Di Yiqiu’s pace was swift, but his footsteps were light.

In his embrace, Huang Rang only felt very stable. During those few days at Si Tianjian, Di Yiqiu had often held her like this, so she was even quite accustomed to it. Only, what a pity—in the illusory dream, everything was false.

Upon reaching Qilutai, Di Yiqiu asked: “Where are the clothes?”

Huang Rang pointed to the room behind. Di Yiqiu pushed open the door.

This struck Huang Rang as strange—he seemed to have no wariness at all. And at first glance, Di Yiqiu was also quite speechless. Huang Rang truly had a lot of clothes. This room consisted of three rooms connected into one, entirely filled with her hanging skirts and robes.

Di Yiqiu was naturally shocked. He only had six sets of official robes total—three for spring and summer, three for autumn and winter. Simple and straightforward, they fit in one trunk with half still empty, nothing extra.

With no other choice, he could only take these garments out, comparing them one by one in front of himself for Huang Rang to select.

Some were especially revealing. He looked at them for ages still unable to figure out which was up or down, inside or out, completely bewildered.

—Just which parts could these things cover?

Huang Rang laughed softly. After quite a while, she chose an orange-red skirt and robe. The color of the skirt was like autumn maple leaves—the stunning beauty of withering.

Di Yiqiu brought the dress over and asked: “Can you still change?”

Even if it killed her, she had to change! Huang Rang made an affirmative sound, forcing herself to sit up, and indeed began removing her clothes. Di Yiqiu silently turned his back. He still stood perfectly straight. Huang Rang saw his shadow cast on the wall by candlelight—his figure like a jade tree.