The Yuhu Xuanzong—its mountain gates towered high, its palatial halls stood majestic and imposing.

Huang Rang followed Xie Hongchen and arrived once more at the foot of the mountain. She raised her head, gazing up at this unshakeable sacred ground of the immortal sect. In that instant, she could still feel the震动 and joy that had filled her heart in the fifth year of the Chengyuan era outside the dream.

The person walking ahead of her was still Xie Hongchen. But over a hundred years had passed in the blink of an eye, and though they traveled together today, everything had completely changed beyond recognition.

Xie Hongchen led her all the way past the merchant residences and Daoist altars. Going further up, they reached the Guest Reception Residence and Hehe Garden. The current Yuhu Xuanzong did not have orchids covering the entire mountain. As Huang Rang walked along these familiar yet unfamiliar mountain paths, what lay before her eyes quietly overlapped with the scene from over a hundred years in the future.

At this time, Yuhu Xuanzong did not yet have orchids covering the entire mountain.

Ah, and there would never be any again in the future.

When things became too common, they lost their value—why bother dwelling on them?

“Since you’ve just entered the sect, you must first pay respects to the Old Ancestor. Follow me to Anlei Peak.” Xie Hongchen did not turn his head. For some unknown reason, another scene inexplicably appeared in his mind, as if he had once walked this small path with this person before.

The Old Ancestor, ah… The corners of Huang Rang’s mouth lifted slightly as she said, “To be able to meet that venerable elder, Arang will probably be so delighted tonight that she won’t be able to sleep.”

Xie Hongchen naturally could not discern the true meaning behind these words. He said, “The Old Ancestor is strict. In his presence, you must be respectful and observe proper etiquette. You cannot be presumptuous.”

“This disciple respectfully follows Master’s instruction.” Huang Rang was naturally completely compliant. She followed Xie Hongchen toward Anlei Peak, gradually setting aside past events, and even her mood became cheerful.

Anlei Peak.

Xie Lingbi had already received his disciples’ report that Xie Hongchen had returned to the sect.

Though he was Xie Hongchen’s master, in front of his disciple, he still paid great attention to maintaining the dignity of the sect master. Therefore, he stood waiting before Luofu Hall.

Huang Rang climbed up along the white jade steps all the way, and from afar she could see him at the top of the long stairway.

Ancestor Lingbi, it’s been so long. Huang Rang’s eyes flashed with a strange light, making her entire person radiant with vitality.

Xie Lingbi had originally been waiting for Xie Hongchen, but with one glance he immediately noticed Huang Rang behind Xie Hongchen. Today she still wore a light golden-colored dress. The dress was not luxurious, but it was very dignified—she presented a gentle and proper appearance.

Yet for some unknown reason, the moment Xie Lingbi saw this woman clearly, he only felt a cold sensation pierce his back.

His pupils constricted slightly, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding rose from the depths of his heart. His breathing momentarily halted.

Xie Hongchen saluted him and said, “Master, this is the disciple that your student newly accepted in Xiancha Town. Her surname is Huang, given name Rang.”

Without needing him to speak, Huang Rang immediately dropped to her knees and bowed to Xie Lingbi: “Disciple Huang Rang pays respects to Ancestor Lingbi.” After speaking, she knocked her head to the ground, her words and actions respectful to the point of devout.

Xie Lingbi took a deep breath, driving away the unfamiliar unease from his heart. He did not allow Huang Rang to rise, but only said to Xie Hongchen: “Follow me inside.”

Xie Hongchen looked back at Huang Rang once, knowing that his master had something to say. He could only enter the hall first.

Inside Luofu Hall, Xie Lingbi sat down before the low table.

Naturally, Xie Hongchen did not need his invitation either, and stepped forward to pour tea. Xie Lingbi said, “Just now when I observed this woman, her posture was delicate and beautiful—I’m afraid she cannot endure hardship. Moreover, regarding her qualifications, at most they are merely acceptable. Why did you need to specially bring her back from Xiancha Town to personally teach her?”

Xie Hongchen presented the tea cup to him, then also poured a cup for himself, saying, “Your disciple has investigated thoroughly. This woman has a pure and kindhearted nature, and is also diligent in cultivation. If properly guided, she will be excellent material.”

Xie Lingbi felt displeased in his heart and advised, “After all, there are also many male disciples within the sect. With her appearance, I fear she will bewitch and disturb people’s hearts. Yuhu Xuanzong is the foremost sect among immortal sects—we cannot have any unseemly incidents of rivalry or jealousy over romantic affairs.”

Xie Hongchen said respectfully, “This matter, your disciple has also considered. In the future, I will certainly maintain strict discipline and absolutely will not allow any calamitous incidents to occur.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, Xie Lingbi naturally no longer objected. When all was said and done, she was only a female disciple—he would not dispute with his own disciple over such a trivial matter. He said, “Since you have it under control, that’s fine. Leave the person here. This old man wants to examine her carefully.”

Xie Hongchen again responded affirmatively. Xie Lingbi directly dismissed him: “You may go attend to your business.”

Since he had spoken thus, Xie Hongchen could only exit Luofu Hall. Huang Rang still knelt below the hall, not having moved at all. Xie Hongchen glanced at her once, knowing that Xie Lingbi must be testing her temperament, so he said nothing more and departed directly.

Huang Rang knelt at length before the hall entrance, without the slightest impatience.

—Ancestor Lingbi, for you, I will offer up all my patience.

And Xie Lingbi acted as if he had truly forgotten about her, continuously allowing her to kneel outside the hall.

Huang Rang had the foundation of martial cultivation supporting her body, so she did not fear prolonged kneeling. Her posture remained upright as she knelt very earnestly. She watched as the sky gradually darkened, and gradually lamps were lit all around—these were a type of luminous magical treasure called Zhaoshi. Their appearance was like golden branches entwining the moon, and they were ordinarily placed on the railings.

Once night fell, they would emit bright and gentle light.

Huang Rang truly understood Yuhu Xuanzong far too well.

Still, no one paid her any attention, but because of the light from these Zhaoshi, Huang Rang was not uncomfortable either.

When she thought about how Xie Lingbi was only a stone’s throw away, Huang Rang’s entire person radiated with brilliance—what did a mere prolonged kneeling amount to?

The surroundings gradually quieted down. Patrol disciples passed by several times, but no one spoke to her. It seemed that Xie Lingbi intended for her to kneel through the entire night. Huang Rang paid no mind—she even closed her eyes and began cultivating her mental techniques.

The next morning, the other sects received invitations sent by Yuhu Xuanzong, inviting them to attend the discipleship ceremony of Sect Master Xie Hongchen.

For a sect like Yuhu Xuanzong, the sect master taking on a direct disciple was naturally also a significant matter. As it stood, Xie Hongchen had two disciples in total—eldest disciple Nie Qinglan and second disciple Xie Li. Upon entering the sect, Huang Rang would rank third.

This kind of ceremony only required witnesses to observe and attest. Therefore, the sect masters of various sects were not compelled to attend. For sects located farther away, they would send nearby administrators to attend the ceremony.

When the invitation reached Si Tianjian, Li Lu received it in his hands and appeared thoughtful. He asked the messenger, “Your sect master is merely taking on a disciple?”

The messenger looked utterly baffled and said, “Precisely so. The sect dispatched us to deliver invitations and gave no other instructions.”

Li Lu made an acknowledging sound and dismissed the messenger. He held the invitation, thinking it over repeatedly, still feeling that he ought to make a trip. At this time, He Xijin and the other two were in the vicinity exterminating evil, and upon receiving this invitation, the several of them also planned to visit together—it would be good to enjoy a cup of wine as well.

Meanwhile, outside Luofu Hall, Huang Rang had knelt for a day and a night. Even with her martial cultivation, her knees felt sore and painful.

At this moment, a disciple walked out from within the hall and said, “The Old Ancestor instructs you to return to Diancui Peak. Henceforth, set aside your mundane heart, purify your distracting thoughts, and cultivate diligently. If you dare cause trouble, you will certainly not be lightly forgiven.”

This admonishment could be called severe. Huang Rang kowtowed and said, “This disciple receives the instruction.”

Though she said this, in her heart she found it extremely laughable. Purify distracting thoughts? Ancestor Lingbi, have you purified your distracting thoughts?

If not, might you need this disciple’s assistance?

“You may return now.” The message-delivering disciple said.

Huang Rang gave thanks for the Old Ancestor’s mercy before rising to her feet. That message-delivering disciple knew she was a disciple newly accepted by the sect master, so he extended his hand to help support her. Huang Rang smiled faintly and said, “Many thanks, Senior Brother.”

She was devastatingly beautiful, her voice clear and sweet, and her entire person without the slightest trace of arrogance. That senior brother then said quietly, “The Old Ancestor is issuing a warning to newcomers—don’t take it to heart. Go back and find your Senior Brother Nie Qinglan. He will naturally settle you in. My name is Sang Feng, and I’m responsible for guarding the hall at Anlei Peak. In the future, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can also ask me.”

“Huang Rang thanks Senior Brother Sang Feng.” Huang Rang smiled and gracefully bowed once more.

This prolonged kneeling naturally could not injure her legs. But she still walked extremely slowly, giving the impression of enduring pain while walking, forcing herself to remain strong.

Sang Feng watched her depart, nodding his head, evidently quite favorably impressed.

Huang Rang made her way out of Anlei Peak all the way, where Nie Qinglan had already been waiting for quite some time.

Seeing her, Nie Qinglan hurried forward and said, “Are you Junior Sister Huang Rang?”

Huang Rang performed a courtesy toward him, asking despite knowing the answer, “That’s correct. May I ask if you are Senior Brother Nie Qinglan?”

Nie Qinglan found this rather strange and asked, “How did you know?”

Ai, of course I know. After all, outside the dream you called me Master’s Wife for a hundred years. To truly speak of it—a teacher for a day is a father for life, and being a master’s wife for a day should also mean being a master’s wife for life. My seniority has dropped quite dramatically.

The smile on Huang Rang’s face did not diminish as she said, “Just now, Senior Brother Sang Feng mentioned it.”

For her to become acquainted with people at Yuhu Xuanzong was far too easy. In the fifth year of the Chengyuan era outside the dream, though Xie Hongchen had married her and brought her through the gates, he had never introduced her to anyone in the sect. Huang Rang had carried small gifts and visited each person’s door one by one, finally managing to become familiar with everyone in the entire sect.

She was extremely amiable toward these sect members and disciples, frequently making pastries and small treats, and often setting up porridge stations at the mountain’s foot, leading disciples from Baicao Peak to provide free medical consultations. Over a hundred years, she had finally accumulated a reputation for being proper and virtuous.

Now that she was a generation junior, even fewer people would take issue with her.

Sure enough, Nie Qinglan said, “Junior Sister is clever. Today Master is accepting a disciple, and the sect has specially invited administrators from various sects to come witness it. Junior Sister, quickly follow me there.”

Huang Rang glanced at her own dress and asked, “I knelt all night, and my clothes have dust on them. I’m afraid this will be somewhat discourteous.”

Nie Qinglan saw that she harbored not the slightest dissatisfaction about the punishment of kneeling, and this involuntarily created a favorable impression in his heart. He said, “Now that Junior Sister is in the immortal sect, it’s not like mundane ritual propriety.” He took out a magical treasure resembling a small rolling brush and said, “This is a dust-removing implement. If Junior Sister minds, you can use it.”

Huang Rang joyfully accepted the magical treasure. Even such a small trinket had been beyond her reach in the Huang family.

There was a barrier between the mundane world and the immortal sects—how could one use magical treasures to remove dirt and dust? During these five years within the dream, she had devoted herself wholeheartedly to cultivating martial arts, which required enormous expenditures, to the point that she didn’t even have the assets she’d had outside the dream. She had truly been living in extreme poverty.

Nie Qinglan saw the joyful expression on her face and felt that this junior sister was also a person of simple temperament. He couldn’t help but say, “Junior Sister has just entered the sect. Consider this a greeting gift from your senior brother.”

Indeed, being a junior was still better.

Huang Rang recalled that in the fifth year of the Chengyuan era outside the dream, when she first met Nie Qinglan, she had not only made pastries for him but had also given him a jade pendant. Ai, being a master’s wife was difficult.

She joyfully put away this dust-removing magical treasure and said, “Then many thanks to Senior Brother!”

Nie Qinglan smiled faintly and led her all the way toward Hehe Garden. Before they had even entered, they encountered someone whom Huang Rang also recognized—Xie Hongchen’s second disciple, Xie Li.

Sure enough, Xie Li came forward, first scrutinizing Huang Rang with a glance, then laughed and said, “Everyone has been saying that Junior Sister has the beauty of flowers and the appearance of the moon. I didn’t believe it at first, but seeing you now, I realize that Master’s eye is truly exceptional.”

He spoke casually, but Nie Qinglan was much more composed and immediately said, “A Li! You cannot speak so inappropriately!”

Xie Li bowed toward Huang Rang: “Junior Sister, please forgive me. Second Senior Brother apologizes to you.”

Huang Rang had never known that Second Brother Xie was actually so mischievous. Previously, he had been very reserved in front of Huang Rang, pretending to be quite well-behaved. Huang Rang felt relieved in her heart and deliberately lifted her chin, saying sternly while changing her voice, “Xie Li, as an elder brother, how can you speak with such frivolous language, offending a fellow disciple? As punishment, carry twenty vats of water to reflect on yourself!”

Xie Li was greatly shocked—this was completely Xie Hongchen’s tone, and when Huang Rang spoke, even her demeanor was not off by the slightest degree.

Nie Qinglan couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Junior Sister, don’t be mischievous. Quickly enter inside.”

At Hehe Garden, when Huang Rang entered, the hall was already filled with guests. The first person she saw was not someone else, but her elder sister Huang Jun.

Ah… Huang Rang stared fixedly for a long while before she could confirm it was not an illusion. It had been the same back then. When Huang Rang married into Yuhu Xuanzong, Huang Jun had brought her husband from ten thousand li away to share a cup of celebratory wine.

And at that time, Huang Rang had not exchanged a single sentence with her.

The past was unbearable—each mention tore open wounds that were festering and rotting. Why speak of them further?

Therefore, at that time, after Huang Jun drank the celebratory wine, she departed. For the next hundred years, the two sisters never saw each other again. Yet today, right now, Huang Rang had unexpectedly seen her again.

All those distant and near words of warmth and coolness, all that joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—all returned to wordlessness. Huang Jun smiled as she gazed at her, and a hundred years of time had just passed by in such haste.

May you be well since we parted, Elder Sister.

While Huang Rang was in a daze, the gathering suddenly grew quiet.

Xie Lingbi and Xie Hongchen successively entered and took the seats of honor. Huang Rang could only step forward and stand in attendance beside Xie Hongchen. Xie Hongchen rose and clasped his fists, saying, “A small matter within the sect has troubled all you immortal friends to come—I truly feel uneasy in my heart.”

The assembled guests rose, and naturally there was a round of polite exchanges. After everyone was seated again, Xie Hongchen nodded toward his junior martial brother Xie Shaochong.

Only then did Xie Shaochong speak: “Esteemed immortals, today our sect master has joyfully discovered an unpolished gem, cherished this talent in his heart, and has the intention of accepting her within his gates. Under the seat of our sect master Xie Hongchen, there are two disciples. His first disciple, Nie Qinglan, is one hundred twenty years old this year and won first place at last year’s Zanhua Banquet…”

He recounted in detail Xie Hongchen’s accomplishments over the years in transmitting the Dao and teaching disciples, in order to demonstrate his exemplary conduct as an excellent teacher.

Xie Hongchen swept a glance at Huang Rang beside him. Huang Rang’s hands hung at her sides as she stood quietly in attendance beside him. In a trance, Xie Hongchen felt as if such days had already passed for many years.

Until Xie Shaochong finished introducing Xie Hongchen and began to recite Huang Rang’s achievements: “Miss Huang Rang of the Huang clan from Xiancha Town excelled at plant breeding from a young age. In the early years of Chengyuan, the grain she cultivated saved disaster victims from dire straits…”

His voice was unhurried and measured, and everyone listening nodded repeatedly.

Huang Rang’s reputation—most of those seated had actually heard of it before. But after all, she was of lowly birth, and her father Huang Shu was a greedy and shameless person. How could people of the immortal sects be willing to associate with her?

But today, right now, things were vastly different.

She had entered Xie Hongchen’s tutelage, and from this point forward, she would be a direct disciple of the sect master of Yuhu Xuanzong. Such a personage, who was also born so beautiful and dignified—her future prospects were limitless.

Huang Rang calmly accepted everyone’s scrutiny without the slightest panic—truly, after those days at Si Tianjian being observed in turns by everyone, her face had become quite thick-skinned indeed.

It was not until Xie Shaochong finished introducing her and instructed her to offer tea to Xie Hongchen that Huang Rang accepted the tea cup presented by a disciple. She came before Xie Hongchen, dropped to her knees, and raised the tea cup high above her head: “Master, please drink tea.”

Xie Hongchen paused for a very long time. He could find no reason whatsoever to explain the strangeness in his heart at that moment.

How could this be?

He slowly extended his hand, accepting the tea cup from Huang Rang’s hands and lightly sipping from it. He should have spoken some words of encouragement, but his heart was in disarray like tangled hemp, so he could only hastily say, “After entering the sect, you must respect your teachers and elders, be friendly with your fellow disciples, and cultivate diligently.”

Huang Rang said gently, “This disciple respectfully remembers Master’s teachings.”

Her voice, every word gentle and sweet, left Xie Hongchen’s thoughts scattered and confused. Xie Shaochong at his side, seeing that he had no intention of presenting a gift, could only say, “The ceremony is complete. Disciple, rise.”

Only then did Xie Hongchen realize that he had forgotten to present her with an entry gift.

He had actually forgotten this matter.