Qingye had been her freely accompanying sister since she could remember.
Though called a lady attendant, she had never truly thought of her that way.
She was the queen of the bee clan on Penglai Immortal Island—wealthy, surrounded by beautiful men.
Although because she followed her to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion before reaching adulthood, her selection of male consorts had been temporarily postponed, before coming of age she had been quite the playful queen in Penglai, breaking the hearts of many male bees.
Plus, she became sisters with her.
So the final promises from the previous life had all been fulfilled.
Thinking of this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt quite gratified. But then she thought—if Qingye was Qian Sisi, then where was Ye Tianjiao?
Qingye’s demon core was delivered to Penglai by someone. This person was undoubtedly Ye Tianjiao. Did Ye Tianjiao know she had become Qingye? Had he come to see her?
Jiang Zhaoxue pondered this, momentarily dazed.
Qingye looked at her curiously: “Female Sovereign?”
“Oh.”
Jiang Zhaoxue snapped back to attention and quickly said: “I was just thinking about some things. Have these days been going well?”
“Not well.”
Qingye immediately said: “So many damn things to do.”
With Jiuyou Realm’s invasion, the True Immortal Realm was in upheaval, and with her disappearance, naturally Qingye hadn’t been doing well.
As Qingye spoke, she looked Jiang Zhaoxue up and down, her eyes full of worry: “Female Sovereign has gotten thinner.”
“I’m alright…”
“No more talk. Female Sovereign, let’s go take a bath. Now that you’re finally back, you need to enjoy yourself properly!”
“There’s no need…”
“Come on! I’ll give you a shoulder massage.”
Jiang Zhaoxue: “…”
Well, she had to admit, she was tempted.
Her greatest hobby used to be bathing and shoulder massages. Qingye knew this very well.
She had people prepare wine and refreshments for Jiang Zhaoxue, then stood by the shore, washing Jiang Zhaoxue’s hair, scrubbing her back, and chatting.
Qingye was too lazy to discuss official business with Jiang Zhaoxue. She preferred to talk about Pei Zichen, digging into every detail of Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen’s affairs, exclaiming throughout.
“Not easy.”
“Remarkable.”
“Ah, Young Dao Lord Pei is so skilled! I love him!”
Chatting about all this nonsense with her, Jiang Zhaoxue finally relaxed completely. When the bath was nearly done and Jiang Zhaoxue had said about all there was to say, she mentioned how Pei Zichen had made his vow today. Feeling stifled, she said: “Earlier he was making all those vows of eternal love to me, then turned around and didn’t acknowledge it. What a dog of a man.”
“Oh, don’t think of it that way.” Qingye massaged her shoulders and analyzed: “As they say, a husband is not as good as a lover, and a lover is not as good as an affair. If things were truly open and proper, how much fun would you lose?”
“You…”
Jiang Zhaoxue was momentarily choked by her words, unable to speak.
Qingye blinked: “Isn’t that right? Plus, if you’re really angry, don’t hold it in—make him angry instead. He’s so generous, why don’t you marry in a proper husband…”
“Cough cough…”
Listening to this, Jiang Zhaoxue choked on her wine. She thought of Pei Zichen’s temperament.
He could be so petty about competing with Shen Yuqing, her legitimate husband. If she found someone to compete with him, he’d probably eliminate the person that very night, then come kneeling in repentance with something like “This disciple knows jealousy is an evil act, however…”
“No need to harm the innocent.” The moment Jiang Zhaoxue pictured that scene, she immediately waved her hand. “No need, no need.”
“Tsk, the Female Sovereign truly favors Young Dao Lord Pei exclusively. What great fortune he has!”
As Qingye bathed Jiang Zhaoxue, she suddenly remembered: “But Female Sovereign, will Young Dao Lord Pei come tonight?”
“He will…” Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare be too certain and said vaguely: “Probably.”
“Then I understand.”
Qingye nodded and said seriously: “I’ll prepare.”
“Huh?”
Jiang Zhaoxue was bewildered.
What would she prepare?
Jiang Zhaoxue understood this point after her bath when she saw the clothes Qingye gave her.
A garment made of mermaid silk, embroidered with peonies covering the vital areas, looking exquisitely crafted and extremely luxurious.
Jiang Zhaoxue looked at herself in the mirror, turned to look at Qingye who was rolling a sachet along her neck, and frowned: “What are you doing?”
“It’s a date. Female Sovereign, you need to respect your lover and create some atmosphere.”
Qingye leaned in to sniff, adjusted Jiang Zhaoxue’s hair, and examined her: “Young Dao Lord Pei leaves tomorrow. You need to give him something to miss, so he’ll think of you day and night, every moment.”
“Stop talking such nonsense.”
Jiang Zhaoxue feigned composure: “Change the clothes.”
“I’m going to sleep.”
Hearing this, Qingye immediately said: “If you want to change, change yourself. Tonight, everyone near your room will stand far away. No matter how loud it gets, they won’t hear anything. Don’t worry.”
“Qingye!”
“I’m leaving, I’m leaving!”
Seeing her embarrassment and anger, Qingye immediately transformed into a bee and flew out, saying: “Female Sovereign, have a good dream.”
As she spoke, Qingye flew away.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhaoxue cursed under her breath “troublesome creature,” then grabbed an outer robe from the side and put it on before returning to the table.
Her heart was somewhat disturbed by Qingye’s antics. The clothes on her body—she couldn’t decide whether to keep them on or take them off. After pondering for a moment, she simply gave up and decided to focus on something else to divert her attention.
She first took out her transmission jade tablet, wanting to talk to her parents, but thinking of her current state, she didn’t dare contact them. She could only stare at the transmission jade tablet, hesitating about whether to transmit a message to Pei Zichen.
He wouldn’t really not come, would he?
Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat anxious, but after thinking about it, she put away the transmission jade tablet.
If he came on his own, it would be one feeling.
If she called him over and then saw him, it would be an entirely different feeling.
Jiang Zhaoxue put away the transmission jade tablet, trying her best not to think about this matter. She took out the Tianli Calendar and began flipping through the previous records.
She remembered this period of history in the Mortal Realm. Back then it was written: “In the year 30,017 of the Tianli Calendar, the vengeful spirit Xin Luoyi appeared in the Mortal Realm, bringing calamity to millions, and was slain by immortals.”
She didn’t know if she had saved people, or how many people she had saved, but she felt that since she had gone back once, there should have been some change.
So she searched page by page, finally finding year 30,017 according to the date.
“In the year 30,017 of the Tianli Calendar, the vengeful spirit Xin Luoyi appeared in the Mortal Realm, bringing calamity to millions, and was slain by immortals.”
This brief sentence appeared before Jiang Zhaoxue.
The moment she saw those words, Jiang Zhaoxue froze entirely.
Cold wind swept through the curtains. She sat in place, staring blankly at this line of text, feeling a chill penetrating to her bones.
No changes whatsoever.
She had returned to a thousand years ago and fought with all her might, yet hadn’t changed a single word of history.
Then what if she hadn’t gone back?
If she hadn’t gone back, would everything still have happened? Would Li Xiuji still have become the Jiuyou Xuanming Emperor?
In the Battle of Cangming Sea back then, did Li Xiuji recognize her?
She recalled that during the Battle of Cangming Sea, the demon lord standing on high—at that time, the opponent’s pressure aura was too overwhelming, and she couldn’t see his features clearly at all. She only vaguely felt the other party was looking at him.
She had always thought this was her imagination, but thinking about it now, perhaps it wasn’t?
Perhaps Li Xiuji saw her among millions of people and withdrew his troops for her sake?
If that was truly the case—
Then it meant that even after a thousand years, when Li Xiuji saw her again, he still remembered her.
He still held, toward her, kind thoughts.
*** ***
As Jiang Zhaoxue contemplated the information from the Tianli Calendar, Pei Zichen had long since returned to his own room.
Having not returned for seventeen days, his room had only accumulated a thin layer of dust.
The room still contained many implements for raising dogs. Traces of Pangpang were everywhere throughout the small courtyard, but he discovered that he no longer had much memory of this pet that had accompanied him for so long.
He used a cleaning spell to sweep the room clean, then lay back on his bed. But after lying down, he found he couldn’t sleep.
He tossed and turned, his mind filled with the image of Jiang Zhaoxue’s departing back as she rode away on her crane.
He had many things he wanted to ask Jiang Zhaoxue.
Such as what exactly was going on between her and Shen Yuqing…
And also…
Pei Zichen thought with some uncertainty—today, Jiang Zhaoxue seemed to have been angry.
Thinking of how Jiang Zhaoxue had refused to go to the medical hall with him, Pei Zichen felt somewhat uneasy.
But if he went to find Jiang Zhaoxue, he was also somewhat worried. Lingjian Immortal Pavilion was heavily guarded. If he were discovered, Jiang Zhaoxue’s reputation would be ruined.
Moreover, this was Lingjian Immortal Pavilion after all…
Before leaving this place, he always felt that if he and Jiang Zhaoxue did anything, it would still be improper.
After much deliberation, Pei Zichen took out his transmission jade tablet, originally intending just to ask a question and be done with it.
But when he took out the transmission jade tablet, somehow, he just couldn’t bring himself to ask. His mind was full of Jiang Zhaoxue.
After struggling for a long time, he finally got up.
Before going, somehow, as if possessed by a ghost, he took a bath, applied fragrance, and changed into nice-looking clothes before going out.
Lingjian Immortal Pavilion had a curfew, and disciples couldn’t move about freely. Pei Zichen calculated Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s guard rotation habits and deliberately walked to the door of the disciple who would patrol near Yunfu Mountain tonight. After waiting for a long while, he saw the relief disciple come out. He deliberately approached.
The disciple saw him at a glance. After freezing for a moment, he quickly bowed: “Senior Brother.”
“Qi Shan?”
Pei Zichen feigned confusion and glanced outside: “You’re on patrol tonight?”
“Yes.”
Hearing that Pei Zichen remembered him, Qi Shan was somewhat excited.
Today when Pei Zichen returned, he went up to the back mountain once. Very quickly, news came clearing him of false accusations.
Moreover, the rumor was that he wielded a divine artifact and alone at the Cangming Sea repelled all the demons of Jiuyou Realm—the tale was told in supernatural terms.
If it were anyone else, they would probably still be questioned, but because it was Pei Zichen, everyone chose to believe without hesitation.
Originally, Pei Zichen was already the outstanding talent of the younger generation, a model disciple.
Now after not seeing him for seventeen days, he had become so formidable—even more so, he had become the hero in the hearts of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s disciples.
A junior disciple like Qi Shan never expected Pei Zichen to remember him. Yet Pei Zichen could call out his name so warmly—how could he not be excited?
He wanted to talk more with Pei Zichen. After briefly responding, he said excitedly: “It just happens to be this disciple’s patrol tonight. Senior Brother, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, summer nights are stifling. I wanted to walk outside, but the disciple courtyard is too small.”
Pei Zichen said warmly: “If only I were on patrol tonight, I could walk farther.”
“I can switch with you.”
Hearing this, Qi Shan immediately wanted to help Pei Zichen solve his problem: “When you patrol, I’ll go instead.”
Switching shifts was a regular operation among disciples and not uncommon. Qi Shan was already tired, so being able to do a favor now was ideal.
Hearing this, Pei Zichen immediately showed a smile and raised his hand in salute: “Then I thank you, Junior Brother.”
With that, Pei Zichen exchanged pleasantries with Qi Shan. After Qi Shan told him the patrol area was Yunfu Mountain and handed him the patrol token, the two bid farewell and parted.
Holding the patrol token, Pei Zichen reached the vicinity of Yunfu Mountain without obstruction. He took out a paper figure and with a stroke of his finger, left a false body riding a crane to patrol here before quickly entering Yunfu Mountain.
He was Jiang Zhaoxue’s fate attendant. All of Jiang Zhaoxue’s barriers were unguarded against him.
He silently crept to the back door of Jiang Zhaoxue’s room. Seeing the window open, he didn’t dare disturb her directly. Instead, he hid beside the window, knocked three times on it, and softly called: “Female Sovereign.”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t respond. Pei Zichen glanced sideways and saw Jiang Zhaoxue sitting before her desk, seemingly very focused on looking at something.
She was so absorbed that after thinking for a moment, Pei Zichen silently leaped through the window.
As he climbed through, fearing someone might see his shadow, he simultaneously extinguished the lamplight.
The candle flame suddenly went out. Jiang Zhaoxue instantly became alert. She instinctively grabbed a talisman and spun around to throw it, but before she could turn her head, someone seized her wrist holding the talisman. At the same time, a hand gently covered her mouth while a knee pressed against her waist from behind, pulling her into an embrace. A soft voice reminded: “Female Sovereign, it’s me.”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s movement paused as she looked up toward the person behind her.
Pei Zichen’s face fell into her gaze, and Jiang Zhaoxue’s entire being also crashed into Pei Zichen’s eyes.
Her face was very small. When covered by his hand, most of it was concealed. The way she looked up at him was truly adorable and pitiful.
Pei Zichen instinctively looked down and discovered something unusual.
Although it was summer, Jiang Zhaoxue wore two layers of clothing. The inner layer showed from the neckline and seemed to be…
Mermaid silk?
Pei Zichen wasn’t quite certain, but somehow, the moment he realized it was mermaid silk, his heart began jumping erratically. He vaguely felt that tonight Jiang Zhaoxue’s fragrance was even stronger than usual.
Pei Zichen’s thoughts stirred slightly. Unhurriedly, he lowered his lashes, returned his gaze to Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes, and said softly: “I was afraid people outside would see a shadow, so I extinguished the light.”
Hearing the explanation, Jiang Zhaoxue was momentarily speechless.
She raised her hand to push away his hand, straightened her body, and said with dissatisfaction: “Playing tricks.”
With that, she was too lazy to argue with him. She turned back to the Tianli Calendar, patted the space beside her, and said casually: “Sit.”
Hearing this, Pei Zichen paused. Seeing that her attention was completely off him, he followed her line of sight.
The characters on the Tianli Calendar were densely packed. Pei Zichen scanned it once and understood in his heart.
He acted as if nothing was wrong as he walked forward, kneeling beside and slightly behind Jiang Zhaoxue. He asked softly: “Is the Female Sovereign still thinking about matters from the Time-Reflecting Mirror?”
“I’m thinking about Li Xiuji.”
Jiang Zhaoxue spoke honestly, recalling: “I always thought when we went back to the past, we changed something. But just now when I looked at the characters in the Tianli Calendar, I discovered I didn’t change anything at all. Those two million people must have still died…”
“But if the Female Sovereign hadn’t helped, more than just two million would have died.” Pei Zichen spoke truthfully, reminding Jiang Zhaoxue: “At that time, the souls Xin Luoyi absorbed weren’t just the two million people who drank the holy water, but everyone.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately understood.
When she opened the protective barrier, mortals whose souls had been consumed were everywhere. How could that be the scene of only two million people?
“Song Wulan perhaps deceived Ye Wenzhi from the very beginning.” Pei Zichen analyzed: “He said two million people only to stabilize Ye Wenzhi. If Ye Wenzhi had known his plan was to destroy the world, he would never have agreed. Perhaps they would have fought to the death long ago.”
What Song Wulan wanted wasn’t merely two million people at all, but everyone.
If not for Jiang Zhaoxue and their intervention, the entire Mortal Realm might have perished at that time.
“So actually, when we went back, we just happened to make history occur.” Jiang Zhaoxue affirmed: “So when Li Xiuji saw me back then, he recognized me, yet he said nothing. And now he’s sealed, and I owe him a divination. He has no demands of me?”
Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t believe it: “I keep feeling he’s waiting for me to do something.”
Listening, Pei Zichen lowered his head and toyed with the jade pendant at his waist that Jiang Zhaoxue had given him, remaining silent.
Jiang Zhaoxue thought by herself for a long time but couldn’t figure anything out, feeling somewhat irritated.
She was about to say something when she suddenly realized Pei Zichen had been waiting beside her for quite a while. Her instincts told her something was off. She looked up at Pei Zichen and only then remembered: “How did you get here?”
Pei Zichen’s grip on the jade pendant paused. He looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue, his expression gentle as he countered: “Has my coming disturbed the Female Sovereign’s contemplation of the Xuanming Emperor’s matters?”
These words were too sour. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her brows.
Thinking of his words during the day, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but smile: “How could that be? I’m just puzzled. Didn’t Young Dao Lord Pei swear an oath not to reveal his feelings toward me? Coming here in the dead of night—aren’t you afraid of exposing your identity and being struck by heavenly lightning to die a terrible death?”
These words made Pei Zichen’s movements stiffen slightly. Knowing he was in the wrong, he didn’t dare say much and could only explain softly: “I… I was afraid your reputation would be damaged.”
“You think I care about reputation?”
“You don’t care,” Pei Zichen looked up, speaking seriously, “but I must consider it for you.”
His gaze was too sincere. For a moment, Jiang Zhaoxue’s scolding words were blocked.
It wasn’t really a big deal anyway. She knew Pei Zichen’s temperament. No matter how much he changed, he was still a disciple raised by Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.
He could never achieve the carefree and unrestrained nature of Penglai’s demon cultivators.
He cared about public opinion, cared about rules, cared about reputation.
He just had no choice. If he had any choice at all, he would never walk the path he walked now.
Jiang Zhaoxue understood this clearly, but she was still somewhat displeased. She turned her head away and complained in a low voice: “There was no need to make an oath though. Cultivators’ vows are all supervised by the Heavenly Dao. Why dig a pit for yourself?”
“I know you’re concerned about me.”
Listening to this, Pei Zichen smiled instead. He proactively reached out to pull her over and consoled her: “But I truly think this way. Whether the vow is spoken aloud or hidden in my heart makes no difference. If it can shut their mouths, then naturally that’s better.”
Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing.
Pei Zichen studied her and probed in a small voice: “Not angry anymore, hmm?”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t respond immediately. She knew the words had been said, and dwelling on them was meaningless. After thinking for a moment, she adjusted her mindset, looked up at him, and joked: “If that’s how you think, then what are you doing here in the dead of night?”
As she spoke, Jiang Zhaoxue leaned forward, sniffed at his side, confirming her earlier feeling, and declared: “So fragrant.”
These words made Pei Zichen’s face heat up. When he came, he had indeed deliberately used fragrance. He knew Jiang Zhaoxue would notice, but he hadn’t expected her to say it aloud.
He feigned composure, looking at the pattern on his clothing, and responded softly: “I’m leaving tomorrow. We didn’t get to talk today, so I came specifically to say farewell.”
“Oh.”
Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue understood his thoughts and continued joking: “For a farewell, you could just send a message through the transmission jade tablet. Why come in person?”
Having his little thoughts exposed, Pei Zichen felt restless under her questioning. Jiang Zhaoxue watched the young man’s face in the night turn red all the way to his ears. She felt like laughing, but afraid he’d be embarrassed, she stopped there and changed the topic, becoming more serious: “But your timing is good. On the spirit boat, I forgot to ask you—what’s the situation with the God-Slaying Sword?”
She looked curiously at his neck bone: “How does it come out from the neck bone?”
“It seems to use a person as its sheath.” Hearing her discuss serious matters, Pei Zichen breathed a sigh of relief and patiently explained: “Now it’s fused with my spine, residing within the spine bones normally.”
“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, understanding. Curiously, she asked: “What about the Su Guangji? Is it in your hands?”
“Yes.”
Pei Zichen responded and extended his hand. A mirror appeared in her palm.
Only then did Jiang Zhaoxue discover that this mirror had two yin-yang sides, with spiritual power flowing through both sides. It was different from the previous Su Guangji which could only reflect on one side.
Jiang Zhaoxue frowned: “This is…”
“It’s the Time Mirror.” Pei Zichen patiently answered: “When Mu Jinyue died, for some reason, the Xunshi Mirror came into my hands. After the Su Guangji also returned, the two mirrors merged into one and became like this.”
The Su Guangji and Xunshi Mirror were originally one mirror, forming the Time Mirror. When used together, they could travel back through time.
However, the conditions for activation were harsh, and no one knew the specific method of activation.
Why they were able to go back remained a mystery to this day.
“Why did she give it to you?” Jiang Zhaoxue found it strange. Pei Zichen stiffened.
He seemed to want to answer but didn’t know how to begin.
Seeing him not respond, Jiang Zhaoxue assumed he didn’t know either. After pondering for a while, she figured it out herself.
This was probably the charm of a male protagonist.
Thinking this, she couldn’t help glancing at Pei Zichen, feeling somewhat sour inside.
But thinking the person was already dead, there was no point dwelling on it.
So her thoughts returned to the divine artifacts as she seriously calculated.
“Tianji Lingyu, Yuan Luogong, Lingxu Fan, God-Slaying Sword, Time Mirror…” Jiang Zhaoxue counted the divine artifacts Pei Zichen had obtained along the way, thinking aloud: “All five divine artifacts are now in your hands. Can you now reverse the True Immortal Realm’s fortune?”
“I cannot.”
Pei Zichen spoke decisively. Jiang Zhaoxue looked over in confusion and saw Pei Zichen look up at her: “The God-Slaying Sword’s artifact spirit hasn’t appeared.”
These words stunned Jiang Zhaoxue. She silently sensed and confirmed that the God-Slaying Sword’s artifact spirit was indeed absent.
Unable to sense the artifact spirit meant the artifact spirit hadn’t acknowledged him as master. Pei Zichen hadn’t truly obtained the God-Slaying Sword in the real sense.
He had only gained the right to use it but hadn’t received true recognition.
“Then…”
Jiang Zhaoxue pondered and looked up at Pei Zichen: “Without the God-Slaying Sword’s recognition, you still dared return to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion?”
“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Pei Zichen was puzzled.
Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment and suddenly grew curious: “What exactly is your strength level?”
Pei Zichen didn’t know how to respond for a moment. Jiang Zhaoxue leaned forward, staring at him: “Can you beat Shen Yuqing?”
Pei Zichen paused and slowly raised his eyes.
Jiang Zhaoxue asked curiously: “Hmm?”
Pei Zichen thought about it. His eyes suppressed some laughter as he said warmly: “If merely competing with Master, I can still give it a try.”
So it was settled then.
Jiang Zhaoxue knew in her heart that he always understated things. Looking at the smile he couldn’t completely suppress yet desperately tried to hide, Jiang Zhaoxue felt like laughing.
Watching his expression, Jiang Zhaoxue knew the serious matters were about done, so she developed other thoughts.
Her gaze fell from Pei Zichen’s face to his collar, noticing he wore new clothing.
Water-blue brocade with wide sleeves—more luxurious and splendid than his usual white or black robes, making him appear even more handsome.
Changed into nice clothes, applied fragrance…
“This is a rendezvous!”
A’Nan blurted out.
Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue twirled her fan and said nothing.
Actually, without A’Nan’s reminder, she knew Pei Zichen’s intention.
He was young and vigorous. Just the day before yesterday he had tasted sweetness for the first time, and last night on the spirit boat he had endured all night. Now coming to find her in the middle of the night—if he had no other thoughts, that would be strange.
It was just that Pei Zichen came from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion after all, wearing that gentleman’s façade. If she didn’t strip away his façade, he could probably endure until the very end.
No matter how assertive Pei Zichen had been before, it was all forced out of him. Now that their relationship was confirmed, he had probably reverted to his nature and didn’t dare offend her.
Considering the age gap between them and their different temperaments, and thinking of Jiang Zhaoyue’s instruction to “be good to him,” Jiang Zhaoxue felt she should take the initiative.
She should let this young Dao Lord know what demon cultivator methods were all about.
Thinking of Pei Zichen’s manner in bed, then looking at his dignified and proper sitting posture before her, Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart began to itch as she developed some mischievous thoughts.
She glanced at A’Nan beside her and reminded in a low voice: “You should go to sleep.”
“Huh?”
Before A’Nan could react, Jiang Zhaoxue directly dragged him into her consciousness sea and closed it off.
After dealing with A’Nan, she turned her gaze back to Pei Zichen. Pei Zichen also noticed her action and asked puzzledly: “Why did the Female Sovereign put away Lord A’Nan?”
“He was tired.”
Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, pondering how to begin as she said casually: “Where were we just now? You have confidence you can beat Shen Yuqing?”
“Mm.”
Pei Zichen was puzzled why Jiang Zhaoxue was asking again. But Jiang Zhaoxue seized the opportunity, leaning closer with a smile: “So our Young Dao Lord Pei has become this strong.”
She leaned too close, her fragrant presence overwhelming. Pei Zichen couldn’t help feeling somewhat nervous.
He vaguely felt her tone of speech had changed somehow, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly how.
Jiang Zhaoxue stared at him, seeing him at a loss, his face turning red bit by bit under her gaze all the way to his ears.
She raised a smile. Rather than directly discussing romantic matters, she instead shifted her gaze to his spine bone, seeming curious as she asked: “You’re so formidable—is it because of the God-Slaying Sword? Speaking of which, I haven’t seen the God-Slaying Sword yet.”
These words made Pei Zichen breathe a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to answer, he felt Jiang Zhaoxue’s cool fingers rest on his neck. Pei Zichen’s body instantly stiffened. Jiang Zhaoxue stared into his eyes, her fingertip slowly caressing his spine bone as she innocently inquired: “Is it kept here?”
Pei Zichen held his breath, not daring to answer. Jiang Zhaoxue stood up and approached, her hand entering from his wide sleeve to his back, sliding up from his waist inch by inch. Each time she passed a bone joint, she would lightly press and caress, continuing to pursue the question: “Or here? Here?”
“Female Sovereign…” Pei Zichen’s muscles trembled under her touch. Forcing himself to stay calm, he said hoarsely: “Don’t… don’t touch anymore…”
“Hmm?”
Jiang Zhaoxue pressed forward, sticking close before him, her lips hovering less than half an inch from his as she murmured softly: “Why?”
Pei Zichen’s breathing grew chaotic. Jiang Zhaoxue pressed her inquiry: “This beautiful sword bone—why can’t I touch it?”
Pei Zichen didn’t dare answer, his lashes trembling violently.
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t intend to push too hard. She tested by moving forward, gently resting her head on Pei Zichen’s shoulder and neck, inquiring in a coquettish manner: “Coming here specially tonight—was it just to say farewell and be done? Nothing else you wanted to ask?”
“I also wanted to ask,” Pei Zichen endured Jiang Zhaoxue’s elusive touches, forcing himself to speak calmly, “to ask about the Female Sovereign’s plans afterward.”
“I don’t have any plans.” Jiang Zhaoxue embraced him, naturally pressing close and sitting on his lap, lowering her head to kiss his neck bone as she patiently answered: “I’ll just wait at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion for you to return, and we’ll leave together. So you need to return quickly.” Jiang Zhaoxue cupped his face, gazing into his eyes. “Understand?”
“I understand.” Listening, Pei Zichen gripped his sleeves tightly and responded hoarsely: “I’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Anything else?” Watching Pei Zichen’s arousal, Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes also deepened. Somewhat impatient with his prudishness, she pressed against his ear, deliberately reminding: “Dressed so nicely, so fragrant, taking great pains to come here in the middle of the night—what else did you want to do, hmm?”
Pei Zichen couldn’t speak. His entire body was tense, not daring to respond.
Seeing his non-response, Jiang Zhaoxue took his earlobe in her mouth and urged hoarsely: “Young Dao Lord Pei?”
“Nothing…” Being called out, Pei Zichen’s consciousness returned somewhat. Forcing himself, he closed his eyes and answered: “Nothing more.”
These words stunned Jiang Zhaoxue, somewhat unexpectedly.
At Pei Zichen’s age, having just confirmed their relationship with her, dressing up and coming here in the middle of the night…
Just to discuss matters with her?
Her momentary shock gave Pei Zichen a chance to breathe.
He struggled to look up at the person sitting on his lap. In the midst of an internal battle, he reminded her with difficulty: “Yaoyao, this is Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”
“So?”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t understand. She tilted her head to look at him. Pei Zichen closed his eyes and shook his head: “It’s improper.”
“Improper?”
Jiang Zhaoxue realized what Pei Zichen was struggling with. Her gaze slid down to below his body. Looking at Pei Zichen’s words contradicting his true feelings, she sighed softly: “Ah, I truly didn’t expect Young Dao Lord Pei to be such an upright gentleman who can resist temptation.”
“Female…”
“But what’s this?”
Jiang Zhaoxue reached out her hand, shocking Pei Zichen’s expression to change instantly.
He grabbed Jiang Zhaoxue’s wrist, his voice trembling: “Yaoyao…”
“Hmm?”
Jiang Zhaoxue tilted her head. Pei Zichen could no longer speak.
Jiang Zhaoxue studied him, her expression somewhere between a smile and not, reminding him: “Young Dao Lord Pei, if you haven’t finished speaking, we can continue. Is there anything else you want to ask?”
Pei Zichen couldn’t respond.
No matter how many times in the illusion realm, this body had actually touched Jiang Zhaoxue very little. Any touch from Jiang Zhaoxue was an enormous stimulus for him.
Moreover, Jiang Zhaoxue was extremely familiar with him. With her being so proactive, even through the fabric, he felt like he was about to be overwhelmed by those uncontrollable emotions.
He breathed lightly. Jiang Zhaoxue lowered her eyes to look at him. Seeing his usually pale face flushed with color, fine sweat beading on his forehead, breathing completely uncontrolled, his entire being completely in her grasp—Jiang Zhaoxue felt a strange satisfaction rise in her heart.
She pressed her lips together and called out hoarsely: “Shi Cang?”
Pei Zichen closed his eyes and said nothing. But Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t want to let him escape. She pressed close and continued to press: “Any other questions you want to ask?”
Questions he wanted to ask?
How was she asking if he had questions? She was clearly taming him.
As long as he spoke up and used any question to continue this absurdity, it would be admitting defeat to her.
Pei Zichen understood her meaning but couldn’t resist.
His mind occupied by everything she guided, unable to restrain himself, he spoke: “Yes…”
As long as they didn’t go all the way, it would be fine.
In that instant, his mind consoled itself—as long as they didn’t go all the way, it wouldn’t be too excessive.
Jiang Zhaoxue saw his concession. Her hand slipped into his clothing as she inquired curiously: “What is it?”
“Today,” Pei Zichen closed his eyes, completely giving up, simply asking, “why did you have that contract with Master?”
“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue said casually: “That was a bet he made with me when he chased after me at the Life and Death Manor. He said if he chose me over Mu Jinyue three times, he would lose all of this to me.”
“So…” Pei Zichen gasped: “So Female Sovereign, you stopped liking Master long ago, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Jiang Zhaoxue responded offhandedly: “I told you early on, it has nothing to do with you.”
“Is it because,” Pei Zichen’s nails dug into the floor, struggling to remain composed, “because Master bullied the Female Sovereign?”
“Yes,” Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the person whose eyes were misting with moisture, leaned down, sensing his rhythm and speeding up her movements, complaining softly, “He bullied me, bullied me terribly. Would Young Dao Lord Pei bully me like this?”
“No.” Pei Zichen felt he couldn’t think about anything. His vision was somewhat hazy, completely unable to focus.
Jiang Zhaoxue stared at him, curving her lips: “That’s good.” She praised softly: “Young Dao Lord is a good person. Young Dao Lord is obedient. Then Young Dao Lord, do you want to go to the bed?”
At these words, Pei Zichen stiffened.
That precarious bit of consciousness returned. Pei Zichen looked at Jiang Zhaoxue with difficulty: “Yaoyao…”
Jiang Zhaoxue smiled at him without speaking, pressing her question: “Still want to go back?”
Pei Zichen couldn’t bring himself to speak. Jiang Zhaoxue understood his meaning.
He planned to find release at her hands and then leave.
But where were such good deals?
She looked at Pei Zichen with a smile, watching as this person completely lost control under her hand. Until the final moment, Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly raised her hand and pressed down, blocking everything. Pei Zichen’s expression changed drastically as he looked up in shock.
Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, saying warmly: “It’s already late, Zichen.” She nodded rather lovingly and stood up under Pei Zichen’s stunned gaze, looking down at him from above, saying gently: “Go back.”
Pei Zichen was intensely uncomfortable. For a moment he was caught in a dilemma. As Jiang Zhaoxue withdrew to leave, he grabbed hold of her skirt hem, requesting softly: “Yaoyao…”
“Hmm?”
Jiang Zhaoxue turned her head to look at him and saw Pei Zichen struggling to speak: “You can’t… can’t leave things half-done like this.”
“Then what should we do?”
Jiang Zhaoxue looked down at the person on the floor in all his sensual glory, secretly resenting his prudishness, though her words were merciless: “Young Dao Lord Pei wants dignity, so just endure a bit more. Besides, Young Dao Lord Pei needs to understand one thing.”
Jiang Zhaoxue crouched down halfway. Pei Zichen raised his eyes, his gaze falling on her revealing mermaid silk neckline, panting as he listened to her tilt her head and remind: “This is Penglai’s Yunfu Mountain. Just because it’s temporarily staying at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion doesn’t mean it belongs to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”
With that, her hand lightly patted his face, warning: “Don’t give them undue credit.”
Her hand was very soft. Patting his face, it carried an intoxicating fragrance.
Pei Zichen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. His gaze lingered on her fingers, then fell to the mermaid silk showing from her collar.
What was inside there?
Beneath the mermaid silk… what else was she wearing?
His gaze followed her as she stood up, watching her turn and walk toward the bed.
Her waist too slender to grasp, swaying gently like a willow in the night. Pei Zichen watched her back, feeling the abrupt pain below, sighed and closed his eyes, knowing tonight he couldn’t escape this tribulation.
As for Jiang Zhaoxue, the moment she turned around, her face grew cold, her heart full of grievance, both hating and cursing.
Dog of a man.
Dog of a man!
Everyone at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion was a dog of a man!!
Shen Yuqing was like this back then, and now here was another Pei Zichen.
Her self-esteem wounded, the angrier she got the more she thought about it. She strode toward the bed hidden by curtains, planning to have a good sleep and forget about this.
From now on, for the rest of her life, if she took the initiative again, she was a dog!!
Fuming inwardly, she pulled back the curtain. Just as she lifted it, several streams of black qi shot out from the bed and violently pulled her onto the bed!
The black qi bound her limbs, covered her eyes, sealed her mouth. Almost the instant it restrained her, she felt a chill below and immediately moaned softly.
“I knew it…”
Pei Zichen confirmed the path was clear, his somewhat helpless voice sounding.
In no time, the bed curtain creaked. Pei Zichen apologized breathlessly: “Yaoyao, don’t do this next time… My cultivation technique is unstable, what if I hurt you… hmm?”
As if she’d believe his nonsense…
Jiang Zhaoxue cursed in her heart. What cultivation technique—it was all excuses, finding himself a basket of reasons just to do this despicable thing.
It was just that Pei Zichen had probably anticipated her reaction long ago and didn’t give her a chance to curse.
He just closed his eyes, easing on her body the state he’d nearly been driven mad to by Jiang Zhaoxue. After a long time, he finally became somewhat composed and controlled. He opened his eyes and looked down at her.
The outer robe was already disheveled, mermaid silk scattered over her body. Pei Zichen watched silently, somewhat curious: “What are you wearing tonight?”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue realized what Qingye had dressed her in.
Her movement stiffened. She instinctively wanted to stop Pei Zichen, but he had already raised his finger and snapped her waist sash.
The sash fell away, the outer robe loosening.
Pei Zichen’s breathing instantly stopped. Jiang Zhaoxue closed her eyes in embarrassment.
She wanted to explain but couldn’t explain anything. After a moment of silence, Pei Zichen said somewhat helplessly: “You really are…”
With that, Jiang Zhaoxue felt him lower his head to kiss the hibiscus blooming on the garment. He sighed, his hoarse voice carrying some laughter: “Asking for trouble.”
Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t speak.
She couldn’t see before her, couldn’t make a sound, could only let Pei Zichen do as he pleased.
Only after it ended did Pei Zichen release the restrictions. The moment Jiang Zhaoxue opened her eyes to see Pei Zichen, she had completely no strength left, but still used all her might to kick him, cursing hoarsely: “You bastard.”
Hearing her curse, Pei Zichen’s eyes showed apology, but he showed no remorse, only saying: “Sleep. I’ll clean you up.”
Jiang Zhaoxue was too lazy to deal with him. Angrily, she turned over with her back to him.
Pei Zichen used warm water to wash her entire body, then dried her with spiritual power. By the time he finished everything, Jiang Zhaoxue was also drowsily sleepy.
Just as she was about to close her eyes, she felt Pei Zichen slip under the covers and embrace her from behind.
Jiang Zhaoxue froze, couldn’t help turning her head to look at him, asking strangely: “Why aren’t you leaving yet?”
“I’ll keep you company while you sleep for a bit.” Pei Zichen kissed her forehead, explaining: “I switched patrol shifts with another disciple and left a puppet to patrol. Don’t worry.”
Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue understood how Pei Zichen had come over.
She relaxed, leaning against Pei Zichen’s arm, saying casually: “Do they still recognize you as their senior brother?”
“They do.” Pei Zichen smiled, closed his eyes, and said softly: “Perhaps they even feel indignant on my behalf.”
This was the first time Jiang Zhaoxue heard Pei Zichen talk about the people at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. She couldn’t help being somewhat curious: “What do you think of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion?”
“It’s the place where I grew up.” Hearing this, Pei Zichen immediately knew what she wanted to ask and said casually: “There are good people and bad people. But ultimately, they’re all my old acquaintances.”
“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue understood that Pei Zichen still had some feelings for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Leaning against him, she pressed: “Then when you return to Penglai with me in a few days, will you feel regret?”
“No.”
Pei Zichen answered without hesitation, saying calmly: “From the moment we leave Lingjian Immortal Pavilion together, my life is yours. Following you, I won’t regret going anywhere.”
With that, Pei Zichen seemed to remember something and slowly opened his eyes: “What about you?”
“Hmm?” Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in confusion and saw Pei Zichen looking at her, asking seriously in return: “Will you feel regret?”
“Regret about what?” Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t understand.
“Two hundred years,” Pei Zichen reminded. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately reacted, hearing him press: “Will you regret it?”
These words made Jiang Zhaoxue pause. After thinking for a moment, she said softly: “Actually, there’s nothing much to regret.”
“You could have cultivated a perfect match.” Pei Zichen reminded her: “If you could have known about the Tianyan Vine earlier.”
If Shen Yuqing had told her earlier, even if she hadn’t ended up with Shen Yuqing, she probably would have kept liking him.
Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it and said slowly: “I’ve never felt that liking someone must have a result.”
These words somewhat surprised Pei Zichen. Jiang Zhaoxue lay flat, looking at the bed canopy, patiently saying: “I feel that liking someone is a process. If this process can make oneself better, then there’s no regret. Actually, Fate Master cultivation is very difficult.”
As Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, she raised her hand to look at her faint palm lines: “Every Fate Master goes against heaven, so every hurdle is very difficult for us. Actually, during that Nascent Soul Stage heavenly tribulation, I should have died.”
Listening, Pei Zichen looked at Jiang Zhaoxue’s palm lines, hearing her say: “During that heavenly tribulation, the Nine Heavens Thunder Tribulation struck for forty-seven days. I felt it wasn’t a tribulation passage at all, but heaven insisting on killing me. I was in so much pain, and so afraid. I knew I would die. But right then, maybe my brain had problems.”
Jiang Zhaoxue smiled: “When I thought I couldn’t endure anymore, I felt like someone came. He just held me from behind. As soon as he held me, I didn’t feel pain anymore. I just felt thunder continuously striking down, and he covered my ears, telling me not to be afraid. I knew this was a hallucination from the pain, but I always remembered this feeling. I thought this was the Shen Yuqing I fantasized about. So I once felt this affection was very worthwhile because it made me better. It’s just the following two hundred years…”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t continue. She couldn’t distinguish how exactly those two hundred years had gone.
Pei Zichen watched her confusion and affirmed: “It was worth it.”
Jiang Zhaoxue turned her eyes in puzzlement and saw Pei Zichen smile: “Every past has its meaning. It forms the complete you. It was worth it.”
“Such empty words…” Jiang Zhaoxue said helplessly: “Are just a kind of comfort.”
“I can hardly say you didn’t live well.” Pei Zichen looked at her warmly: “I can only comfort your past and pray for your future. Pray that when you look back in the future, you won’t regret meeting me. Pray that your future is like the sun hanging high, like stars shining brilliantly, flourishing without decline, flowers blooming without withering.”
“What about you?” Jiang Zhaoxue asked puzzledly: “What are your expectations for yourself?”
“Me?”
Pei Zichen looked at Jiang Zhaoxue, gazing at her continuously.
Jiang Zhaoxue waited under his gaze. After a long time, she saw Pei Zichen smile. He leaned toward her, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I only wish,” he lowered his eyes, his voice soft, “for the bright moon to shine on me at night.”
“Every night like this, only on me alone.”