“The Suguangji has opened—truly a heaven-sent opportunity. In just over half a month, Shi Cang has advanced to such an extent. This is truly a blessing for the True Immortal Realm.”

Cranes flew and clouds dispersed. In the main hall of Yunfu Mountain, the fragrance of tea lingered in the air.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat before her desk, looking at the list of assets tallied by the green-robed woman across from her, listening to the other’s sighs. “Ever since he rushed to the battlefield five days ago, the Jiuyou Realm has been retreating continuously. I heard the entire southern line has been recovered. Pei Zichen has now shifted to the northern line. They say in at most four more days, Pei Zichen will return.”

Hearing these words, Jiang Zhaoxue paused. She raised her eyes to look at the person across from her. Seeing no unusual expression on her face, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t quite determine whether the other’s constant praise of Pei Zichen in her presence was a test or sincere.

This person was Liu Mingxiu, Peak Master of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s Third Peak—one of the few people in Lingjian Immortal Pavilion who had never made things difficult for her.

When she had come to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion back then and paid her respects to the elders for the first time, aside from Gujun who had the best attitude, the next best was her.

This person was famously known in Lingjian Immortal Pavilion as an easy-going good person. She was kind to everyone. Unlike the other peak masters, she frequently went to the front peak to teach and had deeper relationships with ordinary disciples.

Just looking at her appearance—gentle and frail—no one could imagine why she would become the Third Peak Master.

Jiang Zhaoxue had also asked her father Jiang Pingsheng about this matter.

But as soon as Jiang Pingsheng heard Liu Mingxiu’s name, he told Jiang Zhaoxue to be respectful toward her. She had a good temper ordinarily, but when it came to killing, she didn’t bat an eye. When Lingjian Immortal Pavilion was first established, she had killed the most people.

So afterward, Jiang Zhaoxue had always been very respectful toward Liu Mingxiu, and Liu Mingxiu had always treated her well.

She didn’t know if it was because they got along harmoniously, but although Liu Mingxiu belonged to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Jiang Zhaoxue always felt she was quite different from many people in Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.

This time when she wanted to settle accounts and take Penglai’s possessions back to Penglai, this wasn’t a pleasant task, so Gujun had assigned it to Liu Mingxiu.

Jiang Zhaoxue had originally thought that getting money wouldn’t be easy and that Lingjian Immortal Pavilion might obstruct her a bit. She hadn’t expected that when Liu Mingxiu received the order, she had merely said lightly, “Ah, so you’re leaving.”

Then she told her not to worry, and within a few days had tallied all the accounts cleanly.

Now looking at these incredibly detailed accounts and hearing her praise Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoxue hesitated for a while before finally raising her eyes to look at Liu Mingxiu and asking in confusion, “Master-Aunt, why do you keep talking to me about Pei Shi Cang?”

“Oh,” hearing her ask so directly, Liu Mingxiu didn’t hide anything either. She put down her teacup and said, “I was just thinking that you spent quite a bit of time with him in the Time Mirror, so you should have some feelings. This time, Senior Brother instructed me, saying you would select ten disciples to return to Penglai with you afterward. I guessed…”

Liu Mingxiu smiled. “Shi Cang should be among them, right?”

“Naturally.”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t hide it either. Then she glanced at the list in her hands, somewhat puzzled. “However, Master-Aunt, there’s something I don’t understand.”

“Mm?” Liu Mingxiu asked in confusion. “What is it?”

“Master-Aunt doesn’t seem to mind me leaving?”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes. “You not only harbor no ill will toward Pei Zichen leaving with me, but you also gave this list very decisively.”

Jiang Zhaoxue waved the list in her hand, reminding her, “This list details records of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s use of Penglai’s possessions over the years. This couldn’t have been done in just a day, right?”

“That’s right.”

Liu Mingxiu lowered her head to drink tea, blowing on the teacup as she smiled lightly. “From the day you came to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, I knew this day would come.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned by these words, somewhat bewildered. “From when I came?”

Thinking about it, Jiang Zhaoxue understood. “You’re saying this because of Song Qingyin…”

“No.”

Liu Mingxiu raised her eyes and said directly, “I just felt that Ze Yuan and your temperaments were incompatible.”

Jiang Zhaoxue laughed. “I’ve indeed heard these words for many years, but if he and I didn’t have any misunderstandings, perhaps…”

“Your temperaments are incompatible, so you must have misunderstandings,” Liu Mingxiu interrupted her, holding her teacup as she said slowly, “If not this misunderstanding, then that misunderstanding. It’s only a matter of time.”

These words made Jiang Zhaoxue fall silent, knowing that what Liu Mingxiu said wasn’t wrong either.

Liu Mingxiu turned her head to look out the window, sighing as she spoke. “You’re a good child, and so is Ze Yuan. But our Immortal Pavilion isn’t exactly a good thing. When you finally see clearly what sort of people this group is, you’ll want to leave. I thought, Senior Brother has made me work like a horse and ox for so many years—I should at least do something to repay him. So I’ve kept clear records of every single thing from Penglai. Now you can verify everything and go to the warehouse to move things. If in the future there are any conflicts between Penglai and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion…”

Liu Mingxiu blinked her eyes, reminding her, “Remember our good points. Our sect has tens of thousands of people—there are still many good people.”

“Master-Aunt Liu…” Jiang Zhaoxue listened and laughed. “What are you saying? If there really are any conflicts between Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and Penglai, I should be the one asking you to show mercy.”

“You’ve become an Eight Realm Fate Master, and Pei Shi Cang carries divine artifacts,” Liu Mingxiu sighed. “We can’t kill you two now—will there be a later? Be realistic.”

Liu Mingxiu propped up her forehead, sighing. “Tomorrow as soon as you leave, I’ll immediately go into seclusion. I’ll come out after you’ve beaten each other to death.”

“Master-Aunt Liu.”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Finally, she returned her gaze to the list and consoled her. “Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and Penglai have been on good terms for many years. Both sides won’t turn hostile over such small matters. Don’t worry. This list has no problems. I’ll have people go with you shortly to tally the assets.” Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes to look at Liu Mingxiu, saying softly, “My brother will return tonight. If there are no accidents, tomorrow I’ll go with Big Brother to find Old Ancestor and burn the marriage contract. Then I’ll take Yunfu Mountain and leave.”

“Ah.”

Hearing this, Liu Mingxiu turned her head to look around the surroundings, sighing. “That’s a big project.”

“However we came back then is however we’ll leave.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke with a smile. “When I got married back then, I was also the focus of the immortal dao, extremely glorious.”

“Wasn’t that so?” Liu Mingxiu gestured. “You brought such a huge floating mountain.”

The two chatted and laughed. Jiang Zhaoxue called Qingye. The group went to the warehouse to tally things for a day and moved the items back to Yunfu Mountain.

By evening, Jiang Zhaoxue received news that Jiang Zhaoyue had returned. Jiang Zhaoyue came over for a cup of tea and briefly explained tomorrow’s separation process before going back to rest.

Before leaving, Jiang Zhaoyue confirmed with her once more. “Once you leave, you can’t go back on your word. Otherwise, going back and forth—Penglai can’t afford to lose this face. Have you truly thought it through?”

“I have,” Jiang Zhaoxue said seriously. “I won’t regret it.”

“Actually… Shen Yuqing as a person,” Jiang Zhaoyue considered his words, “later I also felt…”

“Didn’t Pei Zichen travel with you?”

Jiang Zhaoxue interrupted him. Jiang Zhaoyue reacted, recalling Pei Zichen. He knew he had said too much and immediately responded, “He was transferred to the northern line. With him there, the Immortal Alliance doesn’t need to send reinforcements. I left a few Penglai disciples to watch over him and came back first to help you pack up. Later he won’t need to go to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and can return directly to Penglai, to avoid any unexpected troubles.”

“Mm.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded. The two briefly discussed the battlefield situation again. Knowing Jiang Zhaoyue was extremely tired, Jiang Zhaoxue let Jiang Zhaoyue leave.

After Jiang Zhaoyue left, Jiang Zhaoxue turned her head to look out the window. Thinking that tomorrow she could leave Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, she felt a jumble of emotions in her heart.

She had stayed at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion even longer than at Penglai. To just leave like this…

Mm, she was a little happy.

But still somewhat melancholic.

Once Jiang Zhaoxue became melancholic, she thought of Pei Zichen. She lay on the bed, wanting to send Pei Zichen a message. “My brother came back today. I heard you went to the northern line?”

“My brother plans to go find Old Ancestor Gujun tomorrow to burn the marriage contract, then everyone will leave Lingjian Immortal Pavilion together. Moving Yunfu Mountain is very troublesome—it needs to be moved early to avoid any mishaps.”

After Jiang Zhaoxue finished writing, Pei Zichen didn’t reply.

She thought about it and continued writing. “I’m also leaving tomorrow. I have a courtyard in Qingshui City. I’ll wait for you there when the time comes.”

“I’m leaving Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”

She wrote stroke by stroke, thought about it, then added another sentence. “Finally leaving.”

Seeing the sentence “finally leaving,” Jiang Zhaoxue felt as if some dust had settled in her heart. She waited for Pei Zichen to reply.

After a long while, she finally saw Pei Zichen reply with one word. “Mm.”

“Mm??”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at this single character, somewhat shocked.

She said so much, and he only replied with this one word?!

But thinking that Pei Zichen might be on the battlefield and had tried his best to reply with one word to her, her anger immediately subsided.

Forget it, she should just go to sleep.

She slept through until bright daylight. Jiang Zhaoxue was refreshed and energized. She deliberately chose a festive crimson dress for herself. After dressing up a bit, she led Qingye and a group of attendants out the door.

When she pushed open the door, Jiang Zhaoxue felt sunlight falling down. She raised her hand to shield the light with her fan, raised her head to look at the floating clouds and white cranes above, and sighed. “This wretched life is finally coming to an end.”

“My lady.”

Just as her words fell, Jiang Zhaoxue heard a familiar voice. She looked up in astonishment and saw not far away stood a young man in white robes with wide sleeves embroidered with ink-colored cloud patterns.

His hair was bound with a silver crown, his hand resting on a long sword. Pine trees stood and cranes stopped not far away. His eyes carried a bit of warmth as he looked at Jiang Zhaoxue.

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned for a moment, calling out in surprise, “Pei Zichen?”

By the time she reacted, she had already stepped forward. Pei Zichen raised his hand in salute. Jiang Zhaoxue happily stopped before him, looking him up and down. “Why did you come?”

“Last night after recapturing Qingshui River, the Immortal Alliance temporarily made adjustments. I temporarily returned from the northern line.”

The True Immortal Realm’s territory was several times broader than the mortal realm. To return from the northern line, even for Pei Zichen with Yuan Luogong constantly breaking through space to shorten the journey, still required several hours, and the physical consumption was enormous.

Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but feel somewhat bewildered. “What did you come back for?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen smiled.

Like a person of pine and snow, he said gently, “Yesterday I received your message. No matter what, I must come accompany you on this journey.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, then saw Pei Zichen turn to the side respectfully. “My lady, let’s go.”

Hearing his words, Jiang Zhaoxue looked left and right, then coughed lightly and stepped forward.

Seeing this, Qingye immediately understood. As everyone tried to follow Jiang Zhaoxue, she raised her hand to stop all those behind, lowering her voice. “Stay far away! Have some sense! Further back!”

Pei Zichen heard Qingye’s words and glanced at Qingye, politely nodding his head in thanks.

Qingye was stunned. When Pei Zichen followed Jiang Zhaoxue forward, Qingye finally reacted, saying somewhat incredulously, “Did he just look at me and nod in thanks?!”

All the other attendants quickly nodded.

Qingye gasped, covering her chest as she hurriedly said, “He’ll do! He’ll do!”

With that, Qingye remembered and hurried to say, “Must stay even further back!”

So Jiang Zhaoxue led Pei Zichen, bringing along a group of people staying far behind, walking toward the main hall.

When they arrived at the main gate at the foot of the main hall mountain, Jiang Zhaoyue was already waiting there. Seeing Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoyue’s brows furrowed, and he was about to scold when he heard Pei Zichen say calmly, “Young Master, the northern line is resting with no battle happening. Today the situation is special. I’ve come to escort the lady down the mountain.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue understood Pei Zichen’s meaning.

Both he and Jiang Zhaoxue were law cultivators. Although they also brought some sword and blade cultivators like Qingye for protection, ultimately it wasn’t as proper as having Pei Zichen come.

Thinking that Pei Zichen was also doing this for Jiang Zhaoxue’s peace of mind, Jiang Zhaoyue suppressed all his words.

His expression became bland. “Fine, let’s go.”

Jiang Zhaoxue rarely saw Jiang Zhaoyue so agreeable. She secretly gave Pei Zichen beside her a thumbs up.

Pei Zichen glanced at her, suppressing his smile, and followed her into the great hall.

In the main hall, everyone was already standing in position. All seven peak masters were present. Gujun sat at the high seat, calmly watching the group walk into the hall.

Jiang Zhaoyue led the group forward, first saluting Gujun. Jiang Zhaoxue led Pei Zichen following behind. After the salute, Gujun’s gaze fell on Pei Zichen, his expression becoming somewhat cooler. “Shi Cang isn’t at the northern line but has actually returned?”

“I called him back.”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her voice in response, smiling as she said, “Old Ancestor, didn’t you say when I leave, I can take ten disciples with me? The northern line is temporarily at rest now. I had him come back to pack up his things. When the battle ends, he can go directly to Penglai, so he doesn’t have to go through the trouble.”

“Lady Jiang is truly heartless,” Guan Xiushu sneered coldly upon hearing this. “Ze Yuan has treated you reasonably well. Yet now you leave just like that, without leaving him any face at all.”

“Reasonably well?”

Jiang Zhaoyue spoke coldly. Guan Xiushu immediately wanted to retort, but Liu Mingxiu beside him quickly laughed and smoothed things over. “It’s already been agreed upon—why argue? These are the private matters of two children. They understand in their own hearts.”

“Enough.” Gujun interrupted everyone, looking at Jiang Zhaoyue. “Young Master Jiang, did you bring the marriage contract?”

The marriage contract was written when the two sects arranged the marriage. Because Jiang Zhaoxue and Shen Yuqing’s identities were special and involved the friendship between two sects, the marriage contracts were kept with the elders.

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue’s expression relaxed slightly as he nodded. “This junior has had someone deliver it from Penglai. It’s in my hands now.”

“Alright then.”

Gujun sighed and stood up, walking down from the high seat. He led Jiang Zhaoyue to the central treasure tripod incense burner and sighed. “Ze Yuan’s marriage contract is also with me. Now Ze Yuan is still ill. As an elder, this old one will replace him and burn the marriage contracts together with Young Master, concluding this marriage.”

Hearing these words, Guan Xiushu showed an unbearable expression and couldn’t help but say, “Senior Brother, why not still call Ze Yuan…”

“Xiushu.”

Gujun’s voice became heavy. Guan Xiushu froze, knowing Gujun had made up his mind. After struggling for a moment, he still suppressed his words, clenched his fists, and watched Jiang Zhaoyue walk to the other side of the incense burner.

Gujun saw Jiang Zhaoyue take out the marriage contract from his sleeve. He looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue somewhat regretfully. “Lady Jiang, marriage is not child’s play. You and my disciple have been husband and wife for two hundred years. To part like this—have you truly thought it through?”

Hearing these words, Pei Zichen, standing behind Jiang Zhaoxue, raised his eyes, somewhat nervously clenching his fists.

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t speak. She looked at the marriage contracts in Gujun’s and Jiang Zhaoyue’s hands, recalling when she herself had stood in this great hall years ago, wearing her phoenix crown and red bridal veil, full of joy as she signed the marriage contract.

Recalling that moment, her heart carried some bitterness, with a sense of grievance spreading densely.

After the grievance came a few traces of relief, longing, and calm.

She raised her eyes to meet Gujun’s gaze, saying calmly, “I’ve thought it through.”

“Very well.”

Gujun helplessly raised his hand and turned it. A formation array fell beneath the treasure tripod incense burner. As the formation array began to operate, Gujun looked at Jiang Zhaoxue and said seriously, “This seat will ask the lady three times on behalf of heaven. If you burn the marriage contract, from this point on you will have no connection with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Everything about the lady will have nothing to do with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Will the lady regret this?”

“No regrets.” Jiang Zhaoxue answered without hesitation.

“If you burn this marriage contract, from this point on the lady and my disciple Shen Yuqing’s marital bond will be severed, each to marry separately. Will the lady regret this?”

“No regrets.”

“If you burn this marriage contract, from this point on the lady and my disciple Shen Yuqing will be strangers in life and death, all past ties severed, no longer related. Will the lady regret this?”

“No regrets.”

Jiang Zhaoxue answered “no regrets” three times in succession. The formation array beneath Gujun’s feet lit up.

He watched the formation array light up and sighed softly. “The lady’s mind is decided. Heaven’s way is clear. This marriage contract no longer has meaning. Young Master Jiang.”

Gujun raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoyue. “You and I will burn these contracts together. The marriage between my disciple Shen Yuqing and your younger sister will be considered concluded.”

With that, Gujun tossed the marriage contract. Jiang Zhaoyue threw his in at the same time.

The originally pitch-black incense burner suddenly erupted with flames, swallowing the marriage contracts within.

The moment the marriage contracts were consumed, Shen Yuqing in the Hall of Heavenly Fate suddenly awoke.

His heart raced rapidly. He gasped urgently, looking at the pitch-black ceiling of the Hall of Heavenly Fate’s great hall, feeling something flowing away from his body.

Jiang Zhaoxue…

For no reason at all, he thought of her. When he thought of her, though he wasn’t clear about what had happened, he knew with certainty that it must be related to Jiang Zhaoxue.

He had to see her.

He rose in a daze, only then realizing something was wrong.

The spiritual power throughout his body had been completely sealed by someone. His entire person felt somewhat confused.

Since returning to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, he seemed to have rarely been lucid. How long had he slept?

He couldn’t figure it out.

This immediately made him sense something abnormal. Even though he absolutely trusted that Lingjian Immortal Pavilion wouldn’t do anything to him, reason also told him this was absolutely not right.

Especially when he clearly sensed that something related to Jiang Zhaoxue was changing, this abnormality was even more alarming.

He shook his somewhat heavy head to clear himself up a bit, then immediately grabbed his sword from the side, got out of bed, and rushed out after opening the door.

But as soon as he opened the door, the disciple standing at the entrance showed an astonished expression and quickly tried to stop Shen Yuqing, saying urgently, “Pavilion Master, why are you awake? Old Ancestor said to let you rest well.”

“I’ve rested enough.”

Shen Yuqing stared at the somewhat panicked look in the two people’s eyes, saying coldly, “Move aside.”

“Pavilion Master.” The two disciples showed difficulty on their faces, trying to use Gujun to pressure him. “Old Ancestor ordered you to…”

“Move aside!”

Shen Yuqing drew his sword. The two disciples were frightened and knelt down, but still didn’t retreat. They only kowtowed, saying, “Pavilion Master, Old Ancestor said if you insist on leaving, disciples can only take action.”

“You…”

Before he finished speaking, a cold wind swept past from behind Shen Yuqing. The disciple who was speaking had his eyes glaze over and collapsed.

Shen Yuqing turned back in shock and saw the Book of Fate suspended in the center of the Hall of Heavenly Fate, emanating light.

Then the Book of Fate wrote one word: Go.

Shen Yuqing looked at that word “go.” Before he could react, he saw the Book of Fate continue writing: “Marriage contract destroyed. Jiang Zhaoxue will descend the mountain.”

This line was in black text, representing the Book of Fate’s daily communication.

Seeing this line, Shen Yuqing’s eyes suddenly widened. Without any hesitation, he rushed down rapidly.

He had no spiritual power, and his body still retained traces of sedatives, making him feel as heavy as if dragging through a pool of mud.

But he still risked his life, just like in the space-time mirror, racing toward Jiang Zhaoxue who was like a deity in the sky.

Jiang Zhaoxue.

His wife, Jiang Zhaoxue.

He ran down from the back mountain like a madman.

At this moment, Jiang Zhaoxue watched as the marriage contract was devoured by the flames.

When the marriage contract was completely burned, Gujun raised his eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoyue, saying coolly, “Once you two descend the mountain, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion will announce this matter to the immortal dao.”

“Thank you, Old Ancestor.” Jiang Zhaoyue responded politely, then said courteously, “Father asked this junior to inform Senior that although their marriage did not come to fruition, the friendship between Penglai and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion remains unchanged. He hopes Senior will be at ease.”

“Naturally.” Hearing this, Gujun smiled. He turned his head to glance at Pei Zichen and Jiang Zhaoxue, thought about it, and said softly, “Ze Yuan is still sleeping now. If you want to leave, then go.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Zhaoyue acknowledged and led everyone out.

When they reached the entrance, Jiang Zhaoyue glanced at Pei Zichen and said blandly, “I’ll go pack up first. The matter is concluded. Send her back to Yunfu Mountain, then leave when you should.”

Pei Zichen knew Jiang Zhaoyue was blaming him for leaving the front line without permission. He didn’t dare say much, responding, “Yes.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue secretly glanced at Jiang Zhaoyue, wanting to say something but not daring to.

Jiang Zhaoyue seemed to know her thoughts and said coldly, “Lingjian Immortal Pavilion has shown propriety. Don’t go too far either. Return to Yunfu Mountain and have people leave.”

Jiang Zhaoxue knew these words made sense. She touched her nose and responded, “Oh.”

Jiang Zhaoyue seemed impatient with her manner, glared at her, and left.

Pei Zichen followed behind Jiang Zhaoxue, saying respectfully, “My lady, let’s go.”

Jiang Zhaoxue knew she should leave quickly now to avoid any unexpected troubles. She didn’t say much more and led Pei Zichen toward Yunfu Mountain.

Since Jiang Zhaoyue had given the order, she couldn’t very well keep him longer. Pei Zichen also seemed to be prepared to leave as soon as he sent her to Yunfu Mountain. Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but sigh. She could only use this little bit of time to ask properly. “Did you see Ye Tianjiao?”

“No.” Pei Zichen shook his head, speaking honestly. “I didn’t even see talismans written in his hand.”

“Are there any captured demonic cultivators?” Jiang Zhaoxue asked curiously. “Did you interrogate them for any information?”

“Also no.” Pei Zichen continued. “The demonic cultivators from Jiuyou Realm either died or fled. There were no survivors.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue wasn’t surprised. After a few words, they arrived at Yunfu Mountain. Pei Zichen escorted her to the entrance. Seeing they had reached the end point and that Pei Zichen couldn’t stay longer, though his heart was full of longing, he still saluted. “The lady can now activate the formation array to have Yunfu Mountain separate from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s immortal peaks and depart. This disciple cannot stay long and will take his leave first.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew Pei Zichen was pressed for time.

Moreover, on this last day, Pei Zichen probably didn’t want to give anyone reason to gossip and hadn’t followed her into the house.

After all, protecting her openly in front of everyone could be said to be fulfilling his duty as her command attendant. Following her into the house would be unclear no matter what.

Understanding Pei Zichen’s meaning, but still feeling somewhat regretful in her heart, she turned her fan and said softly, “Fine then. Coming all this way just to talk—you’re quite capable. Go on. I won’t keep you or anything.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen raised his eyes to look at the person before him.

Having not seen her for several days, the person before him was clearly much more refined than when in the Time Mirror.

Golden hairpins and swaying ornaments, jeweled necklaces—radiant and dazzling.

He gazed quietly at the person so close at hand, only feeling his fingertips itching.

He had rushed back in such a hurry, aside from worrying about her safety and wanting to accompany her at this critical moment, most importantly…

He missed her.

Originally, before coming, he had only wanted to see her. However, now seeing her standing before him full of life and color, he felt a few traces of impulse, wondering if he could step forward and embrace her?

But as soon as this thought arose, he was shocked by himself.

What was his status? With everyone watching, how could he do such a thing?

He wasn’t Shen Yuqing.

This thought made him feel somewhat sour, but he didn’t show it on his face. After raising his hand in salute, he said softly, “Then this disciple will leave first. May I meet with the lady…” Pei Zichen’s voice softened a bit, carrying a few traces of tenderness. “See you again in Penglai.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue turned the folding fan in her hand.

She watched as the young man before her reluctantly saluted and turned to walk out.

After walking only a few steps, Jiang Zhaoxue sighed and couldn’t help calling out, “Pei Zichen.”

Pei Zichen turned back in confusion. Before he could react, he saw Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly pounce toward him!

Seeing her outstretched arms, Pei Zichen’s eyes instantly widened. Surprise, joy, and panic all rushed out at once. The moment she embraced him, his heart pounded non-stop.

His arms instinctively circled around her waist to protect this person who came so recklessly. Even his speech became somewhat stuttered. “My lady, you… you…”

“You wanted to hug me just now, didn’t you?” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke by his ear with a smile. “I could tell.”

As these words came out, Pei Zichen felt his heart slowly settle. He embraced this person within the barrier, feeling as if this trip finally had meaning.

Jiang Zhaoxue leaned against him, closing her eyes. “I really missed you.”

“Mm.” Pei Zichen’s ears turned red. “I also really missed you…”

Before he finished speaking, a blade whistled toward them. Pei Zichen protected Jiang Zhaoxue by moving her forward. He raised his hand to draw his sword from his waist in an urgent block. With a “clang,” it collided with a sword that had no spiritual power.

He could have instantly swept this sword aside, but upon seeing who had come, he froze in place.

Shen Yuqing stared at him fixedly, a pair of eyes filled with bloodlust and killing intent, asking through gritted teeth, “What are you doing?”

Before Pei Zichen could react, he heard Shen Yuqing raise his voice. “What are you doing to your master’s wife?!”