At the discipleship banquet, immortal sect members from all quarters smiled as they discussed this person called Huang Rang. At this very moment, she was no longer the daughter of Huang Shu, the earth demon from Xiancha Town. Rather, she was the disciple of Xie Hongchen, sect master of Yuhu Xuanzong.

Though the person was the same person, her status and position could not be spoken of in the same breath.

Thus her past accomplishments shone even more brightly at this moment.

After Huang Rang offered tea to Xie Hongchen, only then did she rise to her feet. Only then did Xie Shaochong distribute to her the disciple registry of Yuhu Xuanzong, and further said, “Your magical treasures will be forged and refined for you by your master after he has examined your cultivation level.”

Huang Rang responded affirmatively. Xie Shaochong was Xie Hongchen’s junior martial brother. Previously, Huang Rang had been his elder sister-in-law, and Xie Shaochong had been respectful and deferential toward her. But now, it was her turn to address him as martial uncle.

Xie Shaochong had quite a favorable impression of this martial nephew, saying, “You are a steady child. In the future, you must follow the sect master and cultivate diligently.”

Huang Rang performed a slight courtesy toward him and said, “This disciple thanks martial uncle for his teachings.”

Xie Shaochong said with satisfaction, “Come pay respects to the Old Ancestor.”

Only then did Huang Rang look toward Xie Lingbi, who sat in the seat of honor. There was not the slightest trace of a smile on Xie Lingbi’s face. He remembered that he had not seen Huang Rang before this. Yet every time he saw this woman, he always felt uncomfortable in his heart.

Huang Rang stepped forward to pay her respects, then poured a cup of tea to offer him. This time, the smile on her face was even more sincere.

—Ancestor Lingbi, drink this cup of tea. In the future, I will certainly properly send you on your way.

Xie Lingbi accepted Huang Rang’s tea, only touching his lips to the rim of the cup, which could also be considered having drunk it.

His face dark, he said, “Since you have entered the immortal sect, you must completely discard all your previous mundane world habits. If you think that because your appearance is beautiful you can be arrogant and domineering, even your master cannot protect you.”

This rebuke could be called severe, yet the smile on Huang Rang’s face did not diminish by even half. She knelt on the ground, touching her forehead to the floor in a deep bow: “This disciple respectfully remembers the Old Ancestor’s admonishment.”

In full view of everyone present, Xie Lingbi could not make things difficult for a junior disciple who had just entered the sect. Moreover, she was Xie Hongchen’s disciple. He could only say, “Rise.”

Speaking of which, this was also strange—this woman’s appearance was proper and beautiful, yet he could not understand why he felt displeased upon seeing her.

After Huang Rang paid her respects to Xie Lingbi, she was formally counted as having entered the sect.

Xie Hongchen stood up and said, “Today, troubling all you immortal friends to take time to come here—Xie feels uneasy in his heart. This cup of wine is specially offered to all of you in respect.”

Since he spoke thus, the others naturally rose one after another. Everyone drank a cup of wine, and the atmosphere became lively. Huang Rang’s seat was beside Second Senior Brother Xie Li. After she took her seat, everyone scrutinized her one after another.

Then there were those who harbored different intentions, offering a cup of wine before Xie Hongchen.

“Congratulations to Sect Master Xie on joyfully gaining a beloved disciple.” That person was all smiles—it was precisely Chai Tianrong, sect master of Mihua Sect.

Xie Hongchen had always been easygoing. Seeing him offer wine, he hastily also stood up and said, “For this inferior disciple of Xie’s to trouble Sect Master Chai to make a trip—it truly has been arduous.”

Sect Master Chai laughed heartily. Actually, since Xie Hongchen’s accepted disciple was neither his first disciple and the invitation had been sent out hastily, he truly need not have rushed here across thousands of mountains and rivers. Sending an administrator would also have shown his regard.

But since he had come, there was naturally a reason.

Sect Master Chai glanced again at Huang Rang and said, “Not at all, not at all. This word ‘arduous’ from the sect master—this humble one truly does not dare accept it. Just now, seeing the beloved disciple the sect master has newly accepted, she is truly proper, gentle, and refined. The sect master’s discerning eye for recognizing pearls is truly admirable.”

Xie Hongchen naturally knew that these flattering words had a continuation. He said, “Sect Master Chai overpraises me.”

The smile on Chai Tianrong’s face became even more sincere as he said, “To speak frankly, this time this humble one specially rushed to Yuhu Xuanzong, there is another matter I wish to discuss with Sect Master Xie.”

As expected. Xie Hongchen was not surprised at all. He understood the temperaments of these sect masters far too well. For instance, this Sect Master Chai before him was someone who would never visit without cause. He said, “Sect Master Chai, please speak.”

Chai Tianrong’s face wreathed in smiles as he said, “Speaking of it, it’s also fate. This humble one’s eldest son has already established a stable foundation, yet he still has not been betrothed. This child of mine—Sect Master Xie has met him. Though I dare not compare him to the sect master’s outstanding disciple, his character is also upright. Just now, seeing this Miss Huang Rang among the sect master’s disciples, I truly felt great fondness for her.”

By the time his words reached this point, Xie Hongchen could barely maintain the smile on his face. At the banquet, another person also knitted his brows—it was precisely Li Lu, deputy supervisor of Si Tianjian.

Given Xie Hongchen’s status, no matter how angry he was, he could not lose composure on such an occasion.

He slowed his breathing, exerting great effort to suppress the displeasure in his heart, and said, “Sect Master Chai—a tiger father has no dog son. Your esteemed son is naturally also one in ten thousand. However, Arang has only just entered under my tutelage. Her studies are incomplete, so it would not be good to immediately have her entertain other thoughts. I ask that Sect Master Chai be understanding.”

Sect Master Chai was naturally understanding. He knew this matter could not be rushed, and said, “Sect Master Xie speaks correctly. This humble one was too hasty. However, my unworthy son has admired Sect Master Xie since childhood and speaks of you daily. I wonder if this humble one has the good fortune to send him to Yuhu Xuanzong to study?”

Xie Hongchen could not refuse him publicly, so he could only respond, “Our sect has always welcomed those with aspirations to come study. Sect Master Chai need only register with the outer gate.”

Chai Tianrong was overjoyed beyond expectation and expressed his thanks repeatedly.

Xie Hongchen’s gaze swept over and looked toward Huang Rang at another table. Huang Rang held chopsticks in her hand, and Xie Li beside her was quietly introducing the guests in attendance to her. Actually, she recognized most of the people present—after all, she had been the sect master’s wife of Yuhu Xuanzong for a hundred years.

Such large and small banquets, in endless succession—she always had to make an appearance.

Seeing that she only concerned herself with talking to Xie Li, Xie Hongchen’s heart immediately felt a wave of irritation.

With difficulty, the wine banquet ended.

The guests gradually dispersed. Huang Rang remained, waiting for one person.

In the corner, Huang Jun slowly rose to her feet. The two sisters looked at each other with a smile, yet they did not have much to say. The past was unbearable—it was as if every single sentence they spoke would be a wound. Therefore, they never reminisced about those years. Huang Jun said with a smile, “A few days ago I received your letter and hurried over. Fortunately, I did not delay your matter.”

And Huang Rang’s response consisted of only three words: “I’m sorry.”

Knowing that you don’t want to return to that place, knowing that you don’t want to bring up past events. Knowing that your heart will bleed again.

I’m sorry.

Huang Jun lowered her eyes and said, “Don’t say that. I know that for you to do this, you must have sufficient reason. All these years, you’ve always been more decisive than your elder sister.”

There was no resentment in her heart, and Huang Rang also did not explain excessively. Actually, outside the dream, she had not seen Huang Jun for many years. Huang Jun’s husband’s family was one she had personally selected—a family with upright household traditions and good character.

The husband’s family was not enormously wealthy, but they excelled in having honest and sincere character. And more importantly, they were far from Xiancha Town, yet their livelihood required plant breeding. After Huang Jun married into the family, she helped manage the fields and was also loving and harmonious with her husband.

Previously, the other brothers and sisters had looked down on Huang Jun’s husband’s family, still disdaining their family background. But later, seeing that Huang Jun’s life was good, they became jealous instead.

One of Huang Rang’s younger sisters had even tried to run to this family’s door to gossip when Huang Jun gave birth to her first child. But Huang Rang, who always presented herself with a dignified and gentle manner, personally sewed that younger sister’s mouth shut stitch by stitch. After that, no one dared speak carelessly anymore.

Ah, this was the second charge Xie Hongchen had blamed her for back then—harming her siblings merely because of verbal disputes.

Indeed, someone like him who was as clear as wind and moon, dwelling in the immortal sect, far removed from sordidness—how could he know how fragile mundane world peace was? Verbal disputes were enough to kill people. How many people had their entire lives destroyed because of this?

Past events—bringing them up again served no purpose.

Huang Rang asked, “How are the nephews and nieces at home?”

“All are well.” When Huang Jun mentioned this, a smile involuntarily appeared at the corners of her lips. She said, “The year before last, I had another daughter. The family was overjoyed. I keep looking at her and thinking she’s growing to look more and more like you. I’ve always wanted to bring her to show you, but…”

She did not continue speaking, but Huang Rang understood very well—who would want to bring their child back to such a place?

These clean and innocent little people—if they were tainted by even the slightest bit of filth, it would cause heartbreaking pain, wouldn’t it?

She said with affected jealousy, “What? She dares to possess this kind of beauty of mine?”

Huang Jun couldn’t help but laugh and said, “If she has three-tenths of Arang’s beauty, she’ll already be capable of toppling cities.”

Only then did Huang Rang nod with satisfaction and say, “That’s more like it.”

She mentioned it lightly in passing, and Huang Jun said, “Does Arang plan to follow Sect Master Xie and cultivate with peace of mind?”

Huang Rang walked shoulder to shoulder with her. Outside the dream, she had never discussed this matter with Huang Jun. She knew Huang Jun was unwilling to be tainted by any matter related to Xiancha Town again, so she had never gone to disturb her. To the extent that later, Huang Jun had only brought her husband to Yuhu Xuanzong to drink a cup of celebratory wine.

Between the two of them, there had been almost no conversation.

At this moment, Huang Rang could not even distinguish the time. It was as if it were a hundred years ago outside the dream, when she had schemed and maneuvered by any means necessary for this advantageous match.

And Huang Jun stood before her eyes.

How merciless time was. In the blink of an eye, a hundred years had passed without seeing each other.

She said, “Both yes and no. In any case, in the future, Elder Sister probably need not go to Xiancha Town anymore.”

“Yes. No need to go anymore.” Huang Jun murmured.

Huang Rang escorted her all the way to the foot of the mountain and said, “I won’t see you off further. Elder Sister, take care.”

I won’t see you off—may the nightmare scatter, and may the human world be clear and bright. Take care.

Huang Rang turned to leave. Behind her, Huang Jun said, “Arang.”

Huang Rang stopped in her tracks. Huang Jun said, “Forget those things. Don’t live forever in the quagmire.”

Ah. Huang Rang turned and headed up the mountain. The two sisters gradually separated, going in opposite directions.

—I will forever sink deeply into the quagmire, venting my hatred over and over again, dispelling my resentment and fear. This, I’m afraid, is the only meaning… that supports my entire dream.

Huang Rang did not look back. She did not want to see Huang Jun’s departing figure. Attachment and reluctance were such extravagant and superfluous things.

She hurriedly stepped through the mountain gate and indeed saw another person right at the mountain gate.

Li Lu!

Li Lu had been intentionally looking for Huang Rang, but his being here was not his original intention—He Xijin was currently speaking with him. And what was even more terrifying was that Wu Zichou and Zhang Shujiu were speaking with Xie Shaochong.

He Xijin had evidently heard about the matter of Si Tianjian hunting and killing the viper demon and was inquiring about the situation. But he spoke one word per year, and even someone of Li Lu’s gentle temperament found his head growing as large as a bushel.

Fortunately, Huang Rang walked up. She performed a graceful bow and said, “This one has seen Sect Master He and Deputy Supervisor Li.”

Upon seeing Huang Rang, He Xijin immediately displayed the kindliness of an elder. He said, “A-A-A-Arang, M-M-M-Miss, y-y-young people are t-t-to be f-f-feared! Y-y-you in th-th-the f-f-future…”

No, no, no—you are the most fearsome. Huang Rang’s smile seemed to have become a mask.

Li Lu was able to catch his breath. He quickly walked to the side and invited Zhang Shujiu over. Zhang Shujiu, seeing that He Xijin was speaking here, immediately walked over rapidly. Hearing He Xijin’s words, Zhang Shujiu said, “If you have leisure in the future, you can come visit Ruyi Sword Sect, Wenxin Pavilion, and Ancient Fist Gate. Nowadays, it’s popular among the various immortal sects to exchange study visits, mutually sending disciples to exchange cultivation insights.”

He Xijin let out a long breath and said, “Correct!”

In any case, I will never go study at Ruyi Sword Sect in the future even if beaten to death. Huang Rang’s mind was made up. However, He Xijin continued, “Pl-pl-pl-plant br-breeding…”

Zhang Shujiu said, “The matter of plant breeding concerns the common people of the world. Though you have entered the immortal sect, immortals do not separate from the Dao. I hope you will forever maintain a compassionate heart and not neglect your skills.”

He Xijin nodded repeatedly. Huang Rang was surprised—this sect master of the second-ranked immortal sect had stopped her and with such effort wanted to speak. Yet in the end, he said these words.

“What both senior predecessors have said, Arang will certainly remember every word.” Huang Rang answered respectfully, but the thoughts turning in her heart were not entirely the same. All along her journey, she had seen far too much of the evil in human hearts.

From childhood to adulthood, there had been very few good people around her. Even now, Shi Wenyu ruled under heaven and Xie Lingbi commanded the immortal sects, yet were these two not both cloaked in righteousness while harboring vicious thoughts in their hearts?

As for these three people—He Xijin, Zhang Shujiu, and Wu Zichou—she wondered what their true faces would look like once this layer of public-spirited righteousness was torn away.

Huang Rang sneered coldly in her heart, yet her face remained respectful and obedient. She escorted the people to the mountain gate, but in reality still wanted to exchange a few words with Li Lu.

Li Lu was naturally also anxious. Si Tianjian was established by the imperial court and did not get along with the immortal sects. The reason no one made things difficult for him was only because Si Tianjian’s current strength was simply not worthy of anyone’s attention.

Fortunately, Xie Hongchen and Wu Zichou also came down the mountain. He Xijin and Zhang Shujiu naturally also had to go over and greet him. Once the two of them left, Huang Rang quickly asked, “How is the supervisor?”

Li Lu suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. Good—she still knows to care about our supervisor.

He also abandoned all shame and said, “He… is acceptable. It’s just that his longing for the young miss is intense. Even in his illness, he speaks of you daily. If the young miss could bring some object to console our supervisor’s feelings of longing, that would be even better.”

“An object?” Huang Rang was very troubled. She searched her entire body and could only find one thing.

“Deputy Supervisor, extend your hand.” Huang Rang said. Li Lu hastily extended his hand, and then something colorful was placed in his palm. Immediately after, Li Lu only felt his palm grow hot, and then it was both painful and itchy.

Li Lu and that colorful thing met eye to eye, and all his body hair stood on end: “…The object the young miss wants to bring to our supervisor is this… stinging caterpillar?”

Huang Rang was also apologetic: “This is all I have right now. Tell the supervisor to take care of it for one year on my behalf. When we meet next year, I’ll properly prepare a gift and exchange it back.”

“This object…” Li Lu thought for a long time and finally found a slightly more respectable word: “Is truly unique.”

After saying this, he immediately asked again, “Does Miss Arang have any words to convey to the supervisor? Li Lu can pass them on.”

At the mountain gate, Xie Hongchen naturally saw Huang Rang speaking with Li Lu. He saw off He Xijin and the others, then immediately stepped forward and said, “Deputy Supervisor Li, safe travels. We will not see you off farther.”

Such blatant intent to send off a guest—Li Lu naturally could hear it.

He bowed slightly toward Xie Hongchen and turned to leave.

Only then did Xie Hongchen turn back. After walking a few steps, he sensed that the person behind him had not followed.

—She ultimately would still follow him. When this thought arose, Xie Hongchen was shocked by it.

Could it be that he harbored different intentions toward her?

But… she was a disciple he had newly accepted into his tutelage!