A’Nan marveled at Qingye’s remarkableness.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat motionless in place, staring blankly at the newly placed jade porcelain vase not far away.

It was a white jade porcelain vase with orchids carved on it, the patterns delicate and exquisitely beautiful.

She gazed at that vase, pondering Pei Zichen’s words in her mind.

“I cannot, before anything has happened, decide that the people I know are evil, choosing to believe heaven over believing in people.”

Believe in people?

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the white porcelain vase before her, somewhat bewildered.

If it was about believing in people, then no matter what, today’s Pei Zichen could never reach that future step.

Although the difficulty of taking Pei Zichen away was unknown, clearing Pei Zichen’s name actually wasn’t difficult. After all, so many disciples were present—finding any disciple and having them tell the truth would be simple.

Taking a step back, even if the disciples from Lan Yue Feng would bite down and protect Gaowen, Gu Jinglan was still alive.

As long as Gu Jinglan spoke, overturning the verdict would be effortless.

In the original plot, although it wasn’t the same situation, for a small disciple’s case, if Shen Yuqing believed Pei Zichen and investigated thoroughly, it wasn’t without solutions.

It was because Shen Yuqing was intent on putting his rival to death, wanting Mu Jinyue to give up on Pei Zichen, that he used this as an excuse and held firm.

But would the current Shen Yuqing do this?

If it were the Shen Yuqing she knew, he absolutely wouldn’t.

He wasn’t someone who would frame others for personal gain.

Although his philosophy differed from hers regarding the Book of Fate and he was somewhat rigid, Pei Zichen had one point right—he was indeed a person of integrity and fairness. Having governed Lingjian Immortal Pavilion for nearly a hundred years, he had never shown favoritism.

Should she trust him?

Jiang Zhaoxue pondered. Seeing her deep in thought, A’Nan found it strange. “Master, what are you daydreaming about?”

Jiang Zhaoxue was called back to her senses and looked up at her. “What is it?”

“You haven’t said yet.” A’Nan remembered the earlier question and quickly pursued, “Why didn’t you bring Pei Zichen back today? He didn’t want to? If he didn’t want to, you could have knocked him out and carried him away!”

“Could I knock him unconscious in the Punishment Hall’s water prison?” Jiang Zhaoxue was helpless. “You think too highly of me. If there’s a fight in that place, any fluctuation of spiritual power would be immediately discovered. And if I knock him out and drag him away against his will, I can’t control him for the rest of his life, can I?”

“You’re already thinking about the rest of his life?!” A’Nan was shocked.

Jiang Zhaoxue paused, feeling short of breath. She couldn’t help but ask, “Did you and Qingye have the same teacher?”

“Different teachers, same master.” A’Nan answered honestly, then quickly returned to the main topic. “You’re not planning to kill him anymore?”

“I can’t bring myself to do it.” Jiang Zhaoxue played with the divination tortoise on the table, speaking honestly. She couldn’t help but frown. “Why can’t he be just a little bit bad?”

If he were just a little bit worse, she could find a reason to convince herself.

But not only was he not bad, he had one righteous principle after another.

Making her chest itch—her conscience was starting to grow.

“So what do you plan to do?” A’Nan was curious. “Is he willing to leave with you?”

“He said if I can clear his name and get Shen Yuqing’s agreement, he’ll leave with me.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was helpless.

A’Nan understood. “Then the key is all with Shen Yuqing.”

Clearing his name—depends on whether Shen Yuqing would use this as an excuse to cause trouble like in the book.

Agreeing to let him go—even more so requires Shen Yuqing’s consent.

No matter what, it couldn’t bypass Shen Yuqing.

Jiang Zhaoxue pondered Pei Zichen’s words. She took out her communication jade token and, after hesitating for a long time, finally transmitted to him, “Shen Yuqing, come to Yunfu Mountain for dinner tomorrow evening.”

No response.

One moment of courage, a lifetime of introversion.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it—it seemed to have always been like this in the past. He never replied. Whether he came or not depended on his mood.

All she had to do was wait.

Endless waiting.

But this time she didn’t have that much patience. She needed a definite answer, so she adjusted her tone and said seriously, “Shen Yuqing, didn’t you ask me to investigate the demon cultivator from Penglai Island who appeared in Wuyue Forest? I have a lead. Come back.”

Still no sound.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s anger rose. She simply tossed aside the communication jade token and began pondering whether there was a way to bypass Shen Yuqing.

Bypassing Shen Yuqing was naturally possible.

After all, at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, aside from Shen Yuqing, the one who could truly control Pei Zichen’s comings and goings was someone even more important—the one on the back mountain, Shen Yuqing’s master and the founding ancestor of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Ancestor Gujun.

Ancestor Gujun had long ceased managing affairs, but as long as Shen Yuqing wasn’t there, she could legitimately seek out Gujun.

And Ancestor Gujun was her father’s good friend who valued the sect’s interests above all. It was he who had come to propose the marriage, welcoming her into Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. As long as the benefits were right, Ancestor Gujun wouldn’t refuse to release someone.

Without Shen Yuqing, under Ancestor Gujun’s orders, she could easily clear Pei Zichen’s name and then use “needing an ice spiritual root to alleviate fire poison” as a reason to take Pei Zichen away.

Actually, negotiating with Gujun was much more convenient than with Shen Yuqing. The only problem was—

“How do I get Shen Yuqing away?”

“Trick him!”

Hearing this, A’Nan didn’t hesitate. “Have Mu Jinyue trick him! One trick and it’s guaranteed—wasn’t he completely deceived by Mu Jinyue in the book?”

These words made Jiang Zhaoxue pause, instinctively feeling somewhat resistant.

Seeing her expression wasn’t good, A’Nan asked carefully, “What, you can’t bear to?”

“It’s not that…” Jiang Zhaoxue hesitated, somewhat distrustful. “I just feel… can Mu Jinyue really trick him?”

“Won’t we know if we try?”

A’Nan spoke. Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, found it reasonable, and immediately got up to head toward Luo Xia Mountain.

Lingjian Immortal Pavilion was divided into three parts: the main mountain, the continuous back mountains, and over a hundred small floating mountains suspended above the main mountain.

The floating mountains were connected by viewing corridors. Jiang Zhaoxue walked slowly along the viewing corridor to Luo Xia Mountain.

Shen Yuqing wasn’t at Luo Xia Mountain. She usually made trouble every time she came to Luo Xia Mountain. Last time, she even made Mu Jinyue kneel for a long time, and when she returned, her spiritual root was gone.

So this time when Jiang Zhaoxue came, everyone was greatly alarmed and quickly sent someone to summon people.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched the fleeing person and said directly, “Tell Mu Jinyue that I have no ill intentions this time. I’ve come to help her save the person she wants to save.”

No one believed these words, and Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t care. After standing at the entrance of Luo Xia Feng waiting for a while, she saw a servant step forward nervously. “My… My Lady, Fairy Mu invites you to the main seat.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue gave the speaker a once-over.

This was a mortal.

There were no mortals at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion unless they were servants.

After all, having cultivation disciples constantly doing menial tasks and serving people was somewhat wasteful.

But the Pavilion emphasized pure cultivation, so there weren’t many people who could have dedicated servants at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. From this person’s tone, she was specifically serving Mu Jinyue, showing how much Shen Yuqing valued Mu Jinyue.

Not only did he tolerate Mu Jinyue staying at Luo Xia Feng, he even tolerated mortals staying at Luo Xia Feng for her sake.

“See that? Even mortals can live here, but you can’t.”

A’Nan quickly reminded her.

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke impatiently, “Shut up.”

But A’Nan refused. He feared Jiang Zhaoxue still had lingering feelings for Shen Yuqing, so all the way there, wherever they walked, he provided commentary to Jiang Zhaoxue.

“See that tree? It’s almost summer and it’s still blooming with plum blossoms. These require spiritual power to nurture. Know why? The book wrote that Mu Jinyue likes plum blossoms—they match her noble character!”

“See that water tank? That’s made of ice jade—a feng shui tank used to gather qi and improve fortune. Extremely valuable, worth far more than all those bottles and jars in your room!”

“See that…”

“Master’s Wife.”

Before A’Nan finished speaking, the person and bird turned past the corridor and saw a young woman standing at the door with servants.

She had obviously just risen. Wearing a plain white and yellow gauze dress, no makeup, hair half pinned up, without a single accessory, she appeared as if her injuries hadn’t healed, quite weak, presenting a pitiful appearance like a willow in the wind, too fragile to withstand even a gentle breeze.

Jiang Zhaoxue swept her up and down and knew she had specially come to greet her. Since this was for cooperation, she didn’t plan to make things difficult. She nodded and showed concern. “Since your body is weak, don’t bother with these empty formalities. Let’s go inside and talk.”

Hearing this, both Mu Jinyue and the servants were somewhat surprised.

But she quickly returned to her normal expression, stepped forward to lead the way for Jiang Zhaoxue, and said respectfully, “Master’s Wife visits late at night. This disciple dares not be negligent.”

“You may leave first.”

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at the nervous servant following them and reassured her, “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to your lady immortal.”

The servant stopped in her tracks, nervously looking at Mu Jinyue. Mu Jinyue nodded and said, “Zhang Niang, go rest. Master’s Wife won’t do anything.”

Hearing her calm tone, Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat surprised.

In her memory, Mu Jinyue always seemed to have this delicate appearance. Her spiritual root wasn’t good, and at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, she often fell ill. Every time she encountered Mu Jinyue, there would be conflict. Mu Jinyue would always pretend to be calm, holding back tears, and soon after, Shen Yuqing would arrive and argue with Jiang Zhaoxue over her.

Over time, perhaps out of displeasure, she always felt Mu Jinyue was affected and pretentious.

Coming over today, she discovered that Mu Jinyue wasn’t quite the image in her impression. At least when Jiang Zhaoxue’s emotions were stable, she was also poised and composed.

The two entered the room together. Mu Jinyue invited Jiang Zhaoxue to sit down. Jiang Zhaoxue observed her.

Although Mu Jinyue was nervous, she still maintained proper etiquette while serving tea to Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue took the tea but didn’t drink it, making small talk. “Is your body better?”

Mu Jinyue’s movements stiffened. She quickly said, “Thank you for Master’s Wife’s concern. This disciple is fine.”

“How is your spiritual root?” Jiang Zhaoxue observed her.

Mu Jinyue became even more nervous and hurried to say, “This disciple’s spiritual root is already fine.”

“That’s good.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, feeling she was overly afraid, and reassured her, “Don’t be afraid. The Spirit Dispersing Powder wasn’t from me. I have no interest in your shabby spiritual root.”

Mu Jinyue paused. Jiang Zhaoxue looked at her, pondering the later plot.

In the story, Mu Jinyue only became the number one female immortal after taking her spiritual root.

Now that Mu Jinyue hadn’t obtained her spiritual root, with just her own spiritual root, could she still become the number one female immortal?

Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat doubtful, but this had nothing to do with her.

After hearing Jiang Zhaoxue’s words, Mu Jinyue carefully raised her head. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s temperament was open and frank, completely different from the past, Mu Jinyue studied her for a moment, slowly relaxed, and said solemnly, “This disciple was overthinking.”

“You actually admit it?”

Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but smile, not expecting Mu Jinyue to speak so directly.

Seeing she wasn’t angry, Mu Jinyue smiled. “This disciple observes that Master’s Wife today seems different from the past?”

“Mm, I’ve thought through some things.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded casually, thinking about what she wanted to discuss with Mu Jinyue, organizing her words.

Mu Jinyue observed her and probed, “Then I wonder if these matters are related to this disciple?”

“Somewhat related.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke frankly, raising her eyes to look at Mu Jinyue, asking directly, “I heard you like Pei Zichen?”

Hearing this, Mu Jinyue’s eyes showed slight shock. Her pale face flushed with a hint of pink under the lamplight, but she still pretended to remain calm. “This disciple… this disciple doesn’t know where Master’s Wife heard this. This disciple…”

“Between Shen Yuqing and Pei Zichen, who do you like more?”

Jiang Zhaoxue asked directly. Mu Jinyue’s expression showed great alarm. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Jiang Zhaoxue say, “I’m not here to interrogate you. I’m here to ask you—Pei Zichen,” Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes, “do you want to save him or not?”

Mu Jinyue was stunned, then said hesitantly, “Master’s Wife… is willing to help me save Pei Zichen?”

“Willing.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was generous about it.

Mu Jinyue couldn’t believe it. “Why?”

“Because,” Jiang Zhaoxue tapped her fingers lightly on the table, speaking casually, “I want you to get lost.”

Mu Jinyue frowned. Jiang Zhaoxue’s lies came easily. “You should know about Gaowen and Wen Xiao’an’s relationship, and you should have seen Shen Yuqing’s attitude in this matter.”

Listening, Mu Jinyue thought of Shen Yuqing’s obviously uncontrollable fury in Wuyue Forest. Although she didn’t know why, she was clear that her master must be extremely angry with her senior martial brother.

“Let me be frank with you. This time, Pei Zichen won’t survive. If you want to save him, I can help you, but I have one condition.”

“Master’s Wife, please speak directly.”

Mu Jinyue slowly calmed down. She watched Jiang Zhaoxue smile, her eyes filled with undisguised malice. “After it’s done, you take him and get out of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”

Hearing this, Mu Jinyue was dumbstruck.

Jiang Zhaoxue studied her seriously. “Choose whether to stay by your master’s side or save your senior martial brother’s life.”

Mu Jinyue couldn’t speak. She stared at Jiang Zhaoxue’s oppressive eyes.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes were normally black, but when she didn’t conceal her威压, they would transform into ice-blue tiger pupils.

Facing Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes, Mu Jinyue felt she could barely breathe.

The two remained at an impasse for a moment. Mu Jinyue used all her strength before managing to grit out, “Master’s Wife saves Senior Martial Brother just to make me leave?”

“What else?” Jiang Zhaoxue laughed. “Do you two little brats deserve my effort?”

“Is Master’s Wife jealous of Master’s kindness toward me?” Mu Jinyue spoke unwillingly. Jiang Zhaoxue detected the provocation, and her expression changed instantly.

“Answer me!” The pressure instantly descended. Mu Jinyue couldn’t support herself and fell forward, forcibly supporting herself with her hands. She heard Jiang Zhaoxue ask with an intimidating voice, “Master, or senior martial brother?”

“Senior… Senior Martial Brother!”

Mu Jinyue finally spoke.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s aura condensed, slowly withdrawing her pressure. She saw Mu Jinyue raise her eyes soaked with sweat, gasping yet resolute. “If Master’s Wife can guarantee Senior Martial Brother’s safe departure, I will leave together with Senior Martial Brother!”

Hearing her words, Jiang Zhaoxue studied her and smiled. “You actually chose him. Since you want to save him so much, I trust you’ll cooperate with me?”

“How does Master’s Wife want me to cooperate?” Mu Jinyue gasped, thinking as she asked back.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment and extended her hand. “Give me your communication jade token.”

Hearing this, Mu Jinyue was somewhat puzzled. “What does Master’s Wife want to do?”

“If we’re going to cooperate, I need to see your value. If you’re not that important…” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, “even if Master’s Wife wants to save him, I’ll be powerless. Give me the communication jade token.”

These words carried a threat. Although Mu Jinyue was unwilling, she still took out the jade token from her sleeve and handed it over.

Jiang Zhaoxue took the jade token, silently recited Shen Yuqing’s name, and quickly wrote a sentence: “Master’s Wife is hosting a banquet tomorrow evening. Can Master come to Yunfu Mountain for dinner?”

Text transmitted through jade tokens all appeared in the same regular script. Shen Yuqing wouldn’t be able to tell who sent the message.

After sending the message, Jiang Zhaoxue placed the communication jade token on the table, waiting for his response.

On the other side, Shen Yuqing glanced at the communication jade token thrown aside. With just one look, he felt somewhat impatient.

In all of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, only one person wouldn’t use honorifics when addressing him.

He had originally planned to return anyway, just too lazy to respond to her to avoid endless pestering.

He knew her temperament. If he responded even once, this night wouldn’t be peaceful.

He didn’t expect that now she would actually go bother others. He felt dissatisfied yet helpless. Not wanting to let her know he had originally planned to go, and fearing she would continue causing trouble.

He could only pretend not to know it was her and replied, “Alright.”

He figured that having received a response, she should settle down.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhaoxue, A’Nan, and Mu Jinyue waited in silence for a moment. When they saw that “Alright” word appear, A’Nan instantly shrieked, “Ahhhhhh this scumbag!! Trick him!! Mu Jinyue can definitely trick him!! Empty out Lingjian Immortal Pavilion!! Trick him until he’s bankrupt, you bastard!”

Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing. She quietly gazed at the “Alright” on the jade token. In that instant, she felt something that had been floating in her heart, difficult to confirm, drop heavily, settling like dust.

Mu Jinyue keenly sensed Jiang Zhaoxue’s change. She looked up puzzled, carefully. “Master’s Wife?”

Jiang Zhaoxue gave a low laugh, seemingly self-mocking.

After a moment, she collected herself, looked up at Mu Jinyue, and said gently, “Alright, you’ve passed the test. Let me explain the plan. Tomorrow evening I’ll host a banquet and invite Shen Yuqing. You don’t need to come. I’ll take the sect leader’s token from him to activate the teleportation array and call my family over to back me up and save Pei Zichen. So by the morning after tomorrow, you must take this medicine and promptly send someone to find him for help. Don’t give him time to think.”

Speaking, Jiang Zhaoxue placed a bottle on the table.

Mu Jinyue frowned warily. “What is this?”

“This is the Mixed Origin Pill.”

Jiang Zhaoxue explained calmly, “You just took Spirit Dispersing Powder, so you’ll show signs of chaotic true qi. Spirit Dispersing Powder often has this aftereffect. It will only improve in the Carefree Secret Realm, and only after finding and consuming the Black Jade Butterfly in the secret realm will you be completely cured. At that time, Shen Yuqing will definitely take you to the Carefree Secret Realm. This secret realm cannot use spells after entering from the entrance, so try to lead him far away. The farther from the entrance, the more time you give me.”

“After I lead Master away, how does Master’s Wife plan to save him?”

“I want to give Pei Zichen his innocence.” Jiang Zhaoxue said seriously, “Since you’re leaving because of my selfish reasons, naturally I won’t treat you unfairly. The Wuyue Forest incident wasn’t his doing. He was framed.”

Mu Jinyue was stunned, then became happy. “I knew it…”

“But the prerequisite is that you must get Shen Yuqing away. His relationship with Wen Xiao’an is too deep. He will definitely favor Wen Xiao’an.” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke half-truthfully. “After you get Shen Yuqing away, I’ll find evidence and bring Penglai elders to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. After saving him, I’ll send him away. When you return, I’ll send you to reunite with him. How about it?”

Mu Jinyue didn’t speak. She struggled. Jiang Zhaoxue quietly watched her. After seeing her hesitate for a long time, she finally grabbed the medicine bottle, raised her eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue, and said seriously, “I trust Master’s Wife. Please, Master’s Wife, you must save Senior Martial Brother.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, quite amiably. “Don’t worry, I definitely will. It’s getting late. I’ll leave first.”

Mu Jinyue sat without speaking.

Jiang Zhaoxue got up to leave. When she reached the door, Mu Jinyue suddenly called out, “Master’s Wife.”

Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at her. She saw Mu Jinyue raise her eyes to look at Jiang Zhaoxue and say seriously, “Forcing feelings like this won’t win you affection.”

Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing. Mu Jinyue raised her hand and bowed in a grand gesture, respectfully saying, “This disciple respectfully sees off Master’s Wife.”