The other side didn’t speak. Having been given the cold shoulder for too long, Jiang Zhaoxue became somewhat uneasy.

Just as she was about to say something, she heard the other party sigh faintly. “Two hundred years… you’ve finally grown a brain.”

Jiang Zhaoxue: “…”

Jiang Zhaoyue was several hundred years older than her. Having entered the Mahayana Stage early on, he was one of the rare talisman cultivators who could hold his own against Shen Yuqing.

Since childhood, he’d loved belittling her with his words. After she married into Zhongzhou, he barely spoke to her anymore.

Now hearing his familiar mockery, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but smile. Just as she was about to retort, she heard his tone become serious as he continued, “However, Father won’t agree.”

“Why?” Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, then frowned, worried her father feared affecting relations between the two sects. She hurriedly said, “I…”

“He’s been unwell recently, showing signs of spiritual power decline. This cannot be detected by others.”

Jiang Zhaoyue only said this one sentence, but Jiang Zhaoxue understood the situation wasn’t good.

Jiang Zhaoyue was habitually reserved. If he spoke up, it couldn’t be a simple case of “being unwell.” He must have already been severely affected.

Penglai was a ten-thousand-year-old great sect, occupying vast territory with abundant resources. But resources required strength to maintain. Though her brother was exceptionally talented, he was still young and couldn’t carry everything alone. Without her father, Jiang Wen, sitting in command, Penglai would become a piece of fat meat that everyone wanted a bite of.

Thinking of the plot in the book, there wasn’t much description of her, and even less about Penglai. But what could be confirmed was that in the book, Shen Yuqing later went too far, yet no one from Penglai ever came to fetch her.

At Penglai, she had been dearly loved since birth. When she married Shen Yuqing back then, though her parents were furious, they still gave her the most glorious dowry—an immortal mountain, fifty disciples, and a spiritual vein. Jiang Zhaoyue had even stopped actively speaking to her because of this, yet still sent her protective talismans every month without fail. As a Mahayana Stage talisman cultivator, each talisman consumed tremendous effort and was worth its weight in gold, yet he still maintained dealings with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion over the years, always leaving them three points of leeway for her sake.

Having suffered so much later, if Penglai had known, they couldn’t have remained silent.

At first, she thought it was because in the book, she was like before, enduring everything and not asking Penglai for help. But now she suddenly realized that Penglai could also decline.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt a moment of panic, curling her fingers as she feigned calmness. “I see. Then tell Father to take care of his health. I’ll handle things here myself.”

“But I’ll come.”

Jiang Zhaoyue heard Jiang Zhaoxue’s fear. His tone was extraordinarily calm, steady as when they were young. “I’m telling you this to inform you of the situation. You need to understand. I can prepare everything by tomorrow. When the time comes, find a way to get Shen Yuqing away, get the sect leader’s seal, open the sect’s teleportation array, and I can come over anytime. Then I’ll negotiate with Senior Gujun in Father’s name and bring you back first.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart settled.

Jiang Zhaoyue’s plan aligned with hers. She spoke steadily, “Don’t worry, I’ve arranged everything. It’s impossible for Shen Yuqing to confront you.”

Never mind that Shen Yuqing as a sword cultivator might now be above Jiang Zhaoyue—even if not, with the Soul-Binding Contract on him, Jiang Zhaoyue couldn’t truly attack him anyway.

Of course, with Ancestor Gujun presiding, no one would dare make a move.

Thinking of all these preparations, Jiang Zhaoxue felt guilty.

This marriage with Shen Yuqing had dragged her family down too much.

She pressed her lips together and said seriously, “Brother, don’t worry. I’m not just causing trouble for the family. I will become a Ninth Realm Fate Master.”

If she could obtain all of Pei Zichen’s fortune, she could not only break the Soul-Binding Contract but also advance to become a Ninth Realm Fate Master.

This was the strongest supreme being that hadn’t appeared in Zhongzhou for tens of thousands of years. Though it was unfair to Pei Zichen…

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare think deeply about it.

Listening, Jiang Zhaoyue was silent for a moment, then only said, “Wash up and sleep. I’m tired.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue saw the communication jade token dim. Looking at the sky that had just brightened, she couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

Wait, she finally expressed her feelings so sincerely, and sibling affection was this cold?!

Though Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat annoyed, thinking about it, she couldn’t help but want to laugh.

Jiang Zhaoyue was still the same as before—tough talk, soft heart.

Since he promised he could prepare by tomorrow, he would certainly be faster than tomorrow, not slower. What she needed to do now was quickly prepare evidence to overturn Pei Zichen’s case. Once ready, she would immediately activate the teleportation array, bring Penglai’s people over, act first and report later, go up the mountain to find Ancestor Gujun, use the fire poison as an excuse to demand Pei Zichen, then with Gujun’s help, properly take Pei Zichen’s case from Wen Xiao’an’s hands to judge herself, overturn the verdict that same day, and leave immediately.

Jiang Zhaoxue reviewed the entire plan from start to finish.

They were already searching for Gu Jinglan. Before, she hadn’t dared send too many people out, afraid of drawing attention. Now she needed speed, and with Shen Yuqing away, she had nothing to worry about, so she simply called Qingye over.

“Send everyone out to find Gu Jinglan. Leave a few accountants to settle all the financial dealings at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion over the years. Also,” Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, “go personally and find a chance to examine the bodies of those three disciples who died at Luo Xia Mountain.”

“Oh, My Lady,” hearing this, Qingye immediately said, “there are no bodies.”

“What?” Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t quite process this. “No bodies?”

She had watched those three people run out. They weren’t eaten by that black snake. How could there be no bodies?

Yet Qingye was certain. “Gaowen said on their way back, they encountered a fire spirit beast. The three disciples were eaten by the fire spirit beast, so there are no bodies.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively sensed something wrong. After thinking for a moment, rubbing her fingers, she said, “Find a way to get Gaowen’s testimony for me.”

“This…” Qingye was somewhat troubled. “It’s not easy to get now. Right after the Prince Consort left, Wen Xiao’an immediately redeployed the Punishment Hall’s barrier. Even voice transmissions can’t get through, let alone people.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue frowned. After testing, she found spiritual power indeed couldn’t get in.

But the jade token she gave Pei Zichen was activated by blood, connected to the divine soul. If Pei Zichen actively wanted to find her, no barrier could stop him.

If he didn’t want to find her…

Jiang Zhaoxue rolled her eyes. Then so be it.

He loved suffering—there was plenty of suffering to be had. She just needed to ensure he left alive. Clearing his name would already be a great kindness.

After all, as long as they found Gu Jinglan, everything would be over. It was only a matter of a few days anyway.

Jiang Zhaoxue paid no attention to Pei Zichen. She began carefully settling accounts while searching for Gu Jinglan.

Every day when idle, she would go feed Pangpang. Since Pei Zichen didn’t actively seek her out, she was too lazy to take the initiative either.

After all, lives were earned by oneself. If he didn’t speak up, it meant he still had a way forward.

Jiang Zhaoxue busied herself daily packing her belongings. On the third day after Shen Yuqing left, before dawn, Qingye suddenly rushed urgently into Jiang Zhaoxue’s room. “My Lady, we found him.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue drowsily opened her eyes, somewhat confused and yawning. “If you found him, you found him. Why so urgent?”

Speaking, she looked at the sky and frowned. “Will you die if you wait until daybreak to tell me?”

“Yes.” Qingye answered decisively. Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression became grave. She heard Qingye say seriously, “Gu Jinglan said something very important. He said the three disciples who died at Luo Xia Mountain were killed by Gaowen’s people.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue froze.

She looked up in shock, incredulous. “Are they insane?!”

But after saying this, she immediately understood. Pei Zichen and Gaowen clearly had old grievances. Those disciples were Pei Zichen’s junior martial brothers—Gaowen might have long been dissatisfied. And this time when the Jiuyou Realm barrier opened, even if they were bewitched by illusions, the Lan Yue Feng disciples still acted without heeding warnings, even fighting with Pei Zichen over it.

Violating sect prohibitions and causing such a mishap—even if they didn’t die, they would be expelled from the mountain.

When fleeing, the Luo Xia Feng disciples were somewhat injured blocking the demons. Lan Yue Feng originally had superior numbers. Without Pei Zichen present, for Gaowen to lead disciples to kill three unsuspecting fellow disciples from Luo Xia Feng would be effortless.

But they actually really killed them.

Jiang Zhaoxue was momentarily at a loss for words. She knew that Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, being such a large sect, having some disciples with improper intentions was perfectly normal, but she hadn’t expected them to be ruthless to this extent.

But if they killed those disciples, then it wasn’t just expulsion from the mountain—it would be certain death.

To save their lives, these people would do anything.

Gu Jinglan was the last to leave. Perhaps it was this time difference that allowed him to witness his senior martial brothers’ deaths and then escape.

He was the most powerful witness.

Did Wen Xiao’an know about this?

Thinking of the difficulty in searching for Gu Jinglan these past days, remembering how Pei Zichen was immediately placed in the water prison upon imprisonment, and the Punishment Hall’s extraordinarily strict security, Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart immediately became clear.

She knew.

With Gaowen alone, it would be impossible to force Gu Jinglan into hiding like this.

The Punishment Hall’s heightened security came after Shen Yuqing left.

Which meant Wen Xiao’an only took action after Shen Yuqing departed. She hadn’t sought out Shen Yuqing at all these days, probably wanting to handle this matter while Shen Yuqing was away.

Shen Yuqing’s absence was an opportunity for her, and also for Wen Xiao’an.

Wen Xiao’an was determined to protect Gaowen, so she would certainly handle Pei Zichen while Shen Yuqing was away.

But Pei Zichen was an inner sect disciple. Killing an inner sect disciple wasn’t a casual matter. It required public interrogation at the Judgment Platform, then public execution. Otherwise, once a disciple’s life token was extinguished, elders would definitely demand accountability.

These past days, Wen Xiao’an sealed off the Punishment Hall to interrogate Pei Zichen.

And now that Gu Jinglan was in her hands, once Wen Xiao’an found out, she couldn’t possibly sit by idly. She would definitely do something.

Jiang Zhaoxue closed her eyes. After calming herself, she knew she couldn’t delay.

Every moment she delayed, Pei Zichen’s situation became more unpredictable.

She immediately took out her communication jade token and spoke calmly. “Brother, pack up. I’m going to open the teleportation array for you right now.”

“Could you check the time?” Jiang Zhaoyue’s somewhat pained voice came through. “At this hour, when we arrive, who will receive us?”

“Come first. Something’s happened.”

After Jiang Zhaoxue finished speaking, she first sent a message to Ancestor Gujun about visiting today, then got up to dress, arranged for people to pack, called Qingye, and headed with her people toward the sect’s grand formation.

Allied sects would build teleportation arrays specifically for transfer between the two sects. These arrays consumed enormous resources and required the sect leader seals of both sects to activate.

Jiang Zhaoxue led people imposingly to the teleportation array. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue, disciples showed panic on their faces, thinking she was there to cause trouble again. They hurriedly said, “Madam, without the sect leader’s seal, you cannot…”

Before finishing, Jiang Zhaoxue had already displayed the sect leader’s seal before them, smiling. “Recently, Penglai needs to sign with Lingjian Immortal Pavilion on medicinal herb prices for the next fifty years. My brother is specially coming today to visit the ancestor. Yuqing isn’t here and instructed me to welcome him. Open the array.”

Seeing the sect leader’s seal, the disciples were all stunned, then came to their senses. Raising their hands to receive the sect leader’s seal, they hurried to say, “Yes, we’ll open the array immediately!”

Speaking, the disciple glanced at the other disciples. Everyone understood.

This matter didn’t follow proper procedure. No one dared say much. Over the years, Jiang Zhaoxue had caused plenty of trouble at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. When things escalated to the heavens, in the end, she was still the Pavilion Master’s wife. Though everyone looked down on her, when it came to direct confrontation, aside from people like Wen Xiao’an, ordinary disciples truly didn’t dare provoke her.

So the only thing they could do was first delay time and call Wen Xiao’an.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched the disciples take the sect leader’s seal and place it on the central altar of the array formation. Then four disciples stood to the side casting spells. She immediately transmitted to Jiang Zhaoyue, “Brother, I’m preparing to open the array here.”

“I know.”

Jiang Zhaoyue responded.

However, after these disciples took their positions, their spellcasting was sluggish. Jiang Zhaoxue saw at a glance they were stalling for time. She simply pulled Qingye’s blade from beside her and walked behind one disciple.

While everyone was confused, they heard Jiang Zhaoxue say leisurely, “Have you heard about how I recently poisoned the Pavilion Master’s beloved disciple and harmed her spiritual root?”

Hearing this, the disciples’ eyes flickered, somewhat shocked that Jiang Zhaoxue would suddenly bring this up.

However, a moment later, the disciple before Jiang Zhaoxue felt a chill at his neck, then heard Jiang Zhaoxue inquire, “Do you think if I killed you all, I’d only be confined for a few days?”

“Madam!”

This alarmed the disciples operating the array. Jiang Zhaoxue unhurriedly pressed the blade down, estimating the usual time to open the array, and began counting down. “Ten.”

Hearing the number, several disciples immediately became nervous.

They recalled the scene of all Lingjian Immortal Pavilion searching for the Lingxiao Hua for Mu Jinyue.

Mu Jinyue was Shen Yuqing’s beloved disciple, so favored. Even when Jiang Zhaoxue poisoned and harmed her spiritual root, she received no punishment whatsoever. What did the lives of these small disciples count for?

After brief consideration, everyone didn’t dare be negligent and quickly began forming seals.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched the ground formation light up. The rumbling sound shook Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. She couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.

A villain’s reputation was still more useful!

When Jiang Zhaoxue charged toward the sect’s grand formation with her people, dawn was breaking. Gaowen, following his sister Gao Shu, rushed urgently toward Wen Xiao’an’s courtyard.

Wen Xiao’an was Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s Vice Pavilion Master and head of the Punishment Hall. With Shen Yuqing gone, she was the highest authority for all internal affairs of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.

Gao Shu rushed to the door and frantically knocked. “Xiao’an! Xiao’an, wake up! Something’s happened!”

Wen Xiao’an frowned and opened her eyes. Rising from her meditation cushion, she impatiently opened the door. Looking coldly at her mother, she then glanced at her panicked uncle behind her. “What is it?”

“Gu Jinglan has been found!” Before Gao Shu could speak, Gaowen couldn’t help but interject excitedly. “A group of cultivators at least at the Golden Core Stage, seemingly demon cultivators, suddenly rushed out when we were about to catch him and intercepted him!”

“Demon cultivators?”

Wen Xiao’an couldn’t believe it. Demon cultivators were rare in Zhongzhou. The most numerous were those from Yunfu Mountain, those from Penglai Island…

“Vice Pavilion Master!”

Before she finished, another servant rushed over urgently. “Vice Pavilion Master, disciples from the sect teleportation array just reported that Penglai’s Lady demanded to open the array using the sect leader’s seal. Do you know what this is about?”

“Sect leader’s seal?”

Wen Xiao’an raised her voice, then immediately realized, “Impossible. Senior martial brother couldn’t possibly give her the sect leader’s seal!”

Speaking, Wen Xiao’an immediately tried to contact Shen Yuqing, but then discovered Shen Yuqing had gone to the Carefree Secret Realm.

The Carefree Secret Realm had no communication with the outside world at all. She couldn’t reach Shen Yuqing.

As Vice Pavilion Master of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion for nearly a hundred years, Wen Xiao’an had followed Shen Yuqing in governing Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and had seen her share of storms.

She calmed herself for a moment and connected the dots. Though she didn’t understand Jiang Zhaoxue’s motive, she clearly sensed that Pei Zichen was connected to Jiang Zhaoxue.

Gu Jinglan captured, Jiang Zhaoxue opening the array…

“Did you encounter a white tiger in Wuyue Forest?”

Wen Xiao’an suddenly realized something and turned to look at Gaowen.

Gaowen was stunned, then said, “Yes. How did you know?”

Wen Xiao’an closed her eyes, suddenly finding herself ridiculous. Such obvious clues—how had she overlooked them at the time?

How had she only remembered that demon cultivators only showed their true forms before intimates, yet never considered that Jiang Zhaoxue might have intimates?

“Jiang Zhaoxue knows who opened the Jiuyou Secret Realm.”

Wen Xiao’an stated with certainty. Gaowen froze, then said hastily, “How is that possible…”

“Her true form is a white tiger, a blue-eyed white tiger!”

Wen Xiao’an couldn’t help but curse angrily. “What kind of mess have you created, dragging me into this!”

“Xiao’an, Xiao’an, don’t be angry.” Seeing her daughter’s fury, Gao Shu hurried to say, “Just help your uncle this once, just once. Think about how good your uncle has been to you. He’s your uncle.”

Wen Xiao’an stood without speaking. Seeing this, Gao Shu couldn’t help but become angry. “How big a deal is this?! You’re the Vice Pavilion Master of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Your uncle is a child of the Wen clan. You can’t even handle a little bastard from the mortal realm—you’ve lost all the Wen clan’s face!”

“Enough!”

Wen Xiao’an was annoyed by Gao Shu’s nagging. Thinking of Shen Yuqing’s identity—a rootless disciple from the mortal realm whom Shen Yuqing wouldn’t even glance at—even with some talent, it wasn’t much.

The cultivation world had plenty of geniuses. They weren’t lacking this one. Plus…

Wen Xiao’an pondered the relationship between Shen Yuqing, Mu Jinyue, and Pei Zichen. Though Shen Yuqing never showed it, his care for Mu Jinyue was clear to her as his junior martial sister.

A beautiful female disciple… if Shen Yuqing harbored certain thoughts, with Mu Jinyue’s affection for Pei Zichen, killing Pei Zichen would also eliminate a rival for Shen Yuqing.

After thinking for a while, Wen Xiao’an looked at Gaowen. “Are the disciples’ testimonies prepared?”

Hearing this, Gaowen was stunned, then immediately said, “All discussed. Even for their own lives, they won’t speak carelessly.”

“Mother, send Wen clan members to intercept people at the mountain base. Don’t let Gu Jinglan come up the mountain. And bring Pei Zichen out…”

Wen Xiao’an hesitated, then said, “Before Gu Jinglan appears, force Pei Zichen to confess, convict him and kill him. When Gu Jinglan returns, he’ll be an accomplice.”

“What if we don’t stop Gu Jinglan?”

Gaowen blurted out. Wen Xiao’an turned to look at him, speaking calmly. “How much you want to live determines how much he deserves to die. With Jiang Zhaoxue involved in this matter, we’re both in too deep to back out now.”

After Wen Xiao’an arranged everything and sent people to watch the sect formation, on Jiang Zhaoxue’s side, as she waited for the array to activate, before long, she saw over a dozen figures slowly appear in the formation.

Leading them was a young man wearing moon-colored robes with a jade pendant suspended at his forehead. His entire bearing was cold as snow on high mountains. A pair of green eyes was especially striking in the crowd.

Seeing the arrival, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but feel delighted. She rushed forward. “Brother!”

“Mm.”

Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue, Jiang Zhaoyue’s eyes moved slightly. He raised his hand and first handed over a token, speaking flatly. “Talismans.”

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, then quickly received the token, suppressing her secret joy. “I knew Brother cares for me most.”

Jiang Zhaoyue didn’t speak. He only stared at her, observing for a long time. He wanted to ask something, but when Jiang Zhaoxue looked up, he pressed his lips together and only said, “Forget it. It’s good you’re coming home.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s movements froze. She understood Jiang Zhaoyue’s meaning.

Having stayed in Zhongzhou for two hundred years, never mentioning leaving before, now suddenly saying she wanted to go—in Jiang Zhaoyue’s eyes, she must have suffered tremendous grievances.

Jiang Zhaoxue momentarily didn’t know how to explain and comforted him. “Actually it’s not a big deal. I’ll explain the details to you later. Let’s first go to the back mountain to find Senior Gujun.”

Speaking, Jiang Zhaoxue greeted the Penglai people, then briefly explained the situation to Jiang Zhaoyue and led him toward the back mountain.

Halfway there, Qingye suddenly stopped as if listening to some message, then changed her expression. Walking to Jiang Zhaoxue’s side, she said seriously, “My Lady, Wen Xiao’an has brought Pei Zichen to the Judgment Platform. What do we do now?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoyue looked at Jiang Zhaoxue, knowing it must be an extremely important matter.

Hearing this news, Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat surprised.

Then she immediately reacted. Gu Jinglan must have been pursued by someone. They took Gu Jinglan away, and Wen Xiao’an panicked. If she was slower, Wen Xiao’an would certainly seize the opportunity to kill Pei Zichen.

Though she doubted whether Wen Xiao’an could kill this protagonist whom the Tianji Lingyu would deliver to her doorstep in roundabout ways, she didn’t dare gamble. She immediately turned to Jiang Zhaoyue. “Brother, I won’t go to the back mountain for now. Have someone bring you the account ledgers along the way. Please negotiate with Senior Gujun on my behalf. I have three demands: First, money—get as much as possible. Second, dissolve the contract with Shen Yuqing and return to Penglai. Third,” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke especially seriously, “I want to take Pei Zichen away. Of these three conditions, the later ones are more important.”

Listening, Jiang Zhaoyue frowned slightly. “Who is Pei Zichen?”

“Shen Yuqing’s chief disciple. He has a heaven-grade ice spiritual root. I have fire poison flare-ups once a month. His assistance would be best. Use this reason to ask Senior Gujun for him.”

Jiang Zhaoxue briefly explained Pei Zichen’s identity. Jiang Zhaoyue looked up at her, his gaze meaningful, only saying, “Penglai isn’t without heaven-grade ice spiritual roots.”

“Just pretend we don’t have any.” Jiang Zhaoxue told him decisively, then quickly added, “Right now, Shen Yuqing’s junior martial sister wants to falsely accuse and kill him at the Judgment Platform. You’d better first obtain Ancestor Gujun’s order to release him and bring it down the mountain to me.”

“Have you shifted your affections?”

After listening for a while, Jiang Zhaoyue looked at Jiang Zhaoxue, his gaze shifting from initial worry and heartache. He placed his hands before him, his questions becoming somewhat impolite. “You should know, if you’ve taken a fancy to Shen Yuqing’s disciple, in Zhongzhou, you’ll be utterly disgraced and won’t be able to hold your head up for tens of thousands of years.”

“What nonsense are you spouting!” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat angry. “Is now the time to discuss this?!”

“Yes.” Jiang Zhaoyue answered decisively, speaking seriously. “With so many negotiation demands, I need to assess how much he’s worth.”

A brother-in-law and other people had different prices. Naturally, the negotiation approach would be different.

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew what her brother was thinking. She took a deep breath, held it in for a long time, and finally only said, “I haven’t shifted my affections, but remember,” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke especially seriously, “he’s very valuable!”

That was her Tianji Lingyu, her hope of becoming a Ninth Realm Fate Master!

Jiang Zhaoyue clearly didn’t believe her. Jiang Zhaoxue was too lazy to say more. She waved her hand. “Find someone to lead the way. I’m leaving first.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Jiang Zhaoyue pursed his lips and said to those behind him, “It’s over. Another one.”

When Jiang Zhaoxue’s love-brain flared up back then, all of Penglai couldn’t stop her. He thought she had reformed, but it turned out she just switched to someone else.

But thinking about it, Jiang Zhaoyue still nodded in approval. “But this one can marry in. Better than Shen Yuqing. We’ll make do.”

Jiang Zhaoxue had no idea of her brother’s assessment. Leading Qingye and A’Nan, she rushed anxiously to the Judgment Platform.

When she arrived at the Judgment Platform, there weren’t many people yet. Pei Zichen had already been brought to the platform. Wen Xiao’an sat in the high seat.

Pei Zichen had obviously been changed into clean prison clothes, but blood still seeped through. His entire aura was ethereal, clearly having suffered severe torture.

He knelt weakly on the ground. The sun was still behind the mountain, cold morning mist surrounding him. His whole body trembled slightly.

Wen Xiao’an had interrogated him for three days. His meridians were severed, his entire body covered in wounds. His consciousness, locked in darkness too long, had become somewhat blurred.

There weren’t many people around, but they came and went. He knelt on the ground, vaguely hearing junior martial brothers from Lan Yue Feng nearby explaining to Wen Xiao’an on high about the situation in Wuyue Forest that day.

Wen Xiao’an listened casually, then turned to look at the kneeling Pei Zichen. “Pei Zichen, do you admit your guilt?”

“Where is Master?”

Pei Zichen raised his eyes, hoarse yet asking this question.

This was what he’d asked most often these days. Wen Xiao’an secretly cursed his persistence and spoke coldly. “The Pavilion Master has business outside. Senior martial brother entrusted this matter entirely to me. If you have nothing to say, then sign.”

Wen Xiao’an raised her hand, and a sheet of paper fell before him.

Pei Zichen lowered his eyes to look at the paper, coughing lightly. Seeing this, Gaowen hurried to say, “If you can’t sign, a handprint will do!”

Speaking, Gaowen stepped forward to pull at Pei Zichen. Pei Zichen coughed and struggled. Gaowen gripped his arm tightly, about to press it on the paper, lowering his voice. “Sign and I’ll guarantee you won’t die. Don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!”

Pei Zichen looked at him coldly, unable to struggle free, only saying, “I want to see Master.”

“Even if the Pavilion Master comes, it’s useless!” Gaowen cursed under his breath, pressing his hand toward the paper. “Don’t you know your own status? Sign quickly!”

“Let go!” Pei Zichen resisted with all his strength. The two struggled back and forth.

Seeing this, Gaowen simply turned to call others. “What are you looking at? Help!”

Speaking, people around surged forward, pressing Pei Zichen’s hand toward the paper to make his mark. But just as they moved, a mocking voice rang out from above. “Well now, is this how the Punishment Hall conducts trials?”

As soon as Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, everyone froze.

Pei Zichen looked up in confusion and saw Jiang Zhaoxue in brocade white robes embroidered with gold thread and magnificent attire, riding in a crane palanquin, sitting high above, looking down at Gaowen and himself below, smiling as she examined them.

After a moment of recognition, Pei Zichen realized who had come.

It was his master’s wife.

She was as he remembered—liking to wear clothes similar to Shen Yuqing’s, striving to draw close to Shen Yuqing.

Seeing her, Pei Zichen felt somewhat puzzled. This master’s wife habitually stayed secluded. When she went out, she invariably caused trouble. What trouble could there be here for her?

But just as he thought this, he saw Jiang Zhaoxue step down from the crane palanquin and walk toward Wen Xiao’an on high, smiling. “Wen Xiao’an, if the Punishment Hall relies on forced confessions to distinguish right from wrong, you might as well let me take that seat. I definitely wouldn’t do things this way.”

She came for Wen Xiao’an.

Pei Zichen understood in an instant.

A few days ago, Jiang Zhaoxue had smashed the Punishment Hall, clearly having had a falling out with Wen Xiao’an. She habitually disliked the women around his master. This time, there must have been some conflict with Wen Xiao’an, which was why she tore off all pretenses and made a scene here.

He didn’t understand these elders’ affairs and could only roughly guess, but thinking it had nothing to do with Shen Yuqing, he stopped paying attention, simply kneeling on the ground listening to the two argue.

Regardless of why Jiang Zhaoxue came, with her present, Wen Xiao’an wouldn’t dare act rashly.

His heart relaxed considerably. For the first time since formally entering the sect, he felt grateful toward this master’s wife.

He knelt on the ground with lowered eyes without speaking. Jiang Zhaoxue deliberately walked past him. Seeing he didn’t move, she couldn’t help but curse inwardly, then stopped herself, turned to look at him, and, mimicking her past manner, spoke haughtily. “Shen Yuqing’s disciple?”

“Yes.” Pei Zichen spoke hoarsely, his tone full of respect. “This disciple, Pei Zichen, greets Master’s Wife.”

His name—he had given it to Jiang Zhaoxue more than once.

Yet all these years, every time Jiang Zhaoxue saw him, she would ask him.

Hearing his voice so weak and hollow, completely different from his spirited appearance in Wuyue Forest, his entire body covered in wounds with his meridians already severed, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but feel anger rising in her heart.

However, with Wen Xiao’an nearby, she couldn’t show it on her face. She could only suppress her fury and smile. “How is it that Zeyuan’s disciple is kneeling here and has been beaten into such a state? Wen Xiao’an,” Jiang Zhaoxue looked up, “don’t take advantage of Zeyuan’s absence to bully his people.”

“My Lady misjudges me,” Wen Xiao’an keenly observed her and Pei Zichen, speaking coldly. “He was bewitched by a demon cultivator’s illusion and opened the Jiuyou Realm barrier, causing many sect disciples casualties. Senior martial brother entrusted this case to me personally. How can this be called bullying?”

“Then what are you judging now?”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked around. “The ancestor established the Judgment Platform and required that inner sect disciples must be publicly tried at the Judgment Platform before execution. There are virtually no disciples here right now, and I just saw you forcing him to make his mark. Is this your interrogation?”

“My Lady has always been indifferent to worldly affairs. When did you start caring about disciples’ matters? Could there be some connection?”

“Zeyuan’s disciple is my disciple. Naturally, we have deep connections.” Jiang Zhaoxue sensed hidden meaning in her words and didn’t want to discuss further, pulling back the conversation. “Junior martial sister, you still haven’t told me—what were you just doing? Since this is a public trial at the Judgment Platform, why is no one else here?”

“The case is too simple.”

“It still must follow the rules.”

As soon as Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, Wen Xiao’an laughed. “Rules? You would talk to me about rules?”

“Why not?” Jiang Zhaoxue walked toward the high platform. She knew that without Gujun Daoren’s order, she couldn’t legitimately take Pei Zichen from Wen Xiao’an’s hands.

Moreover, Gu Jinglan would arrive soon. She didn’t plan to take Pei Zichen away like this anyway.

She pulled a chair onto the high platform and sat down leisurely, raising her hand to support her chin. “As long as it’s a rule that makes Vice Pavilion Master Wen unhappy, I’m quite happy to follow it. Since we’re opening the Judgment Platform, let’s follow the rules and summon the sect’s disciples.”

Speaking, Jiang Zhaoxue flicked her finger toward the side. A clear bell sound rang out—the sound of the Judgment Platform summoning disciples. Gaowen’s face showed alarm as he looked anxiously at Wen Xiao’an. Wen Xiao’an suppressed her emotions and looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue, seeing her sitting on high, smiling. “Let’s distinguish right from wrong.”

Hearing this, Wen Xiao’an slowly smiled. “Very well.”

Speaking, she walked to the high seat and gave a look to a nearby disciple. “Go bring all the evidence!”

Getting the message, the disciple immediately understood Wen Xiao’an’s meaning and withdrew at once.

Seeing this, Jiang Zhaoxue also glanced at Qingye, who immediately headed down the mountain.

While two groups headed down the mountain to intercept Gu Jinglan, and Jiang Zhaoxue and Wen Xiao’an waited on high for the onlooking disciples to gather, the Carefree Secret Realm was exceptionally peaceful.

Shen Yuqing led Mu Jinyue through the Carefree Secret Realm. Mu Jinyue’s injuries had stabilized after entering the secret realm. Now they only needed to find the Black Jade Butterfly to completely resolve Mu Jinyue’s wounds.

However, the Black Jade Butterfly was difficult to find. After three days, Shen Yuqing still hadn’t found any trace.

This made him inexplicably anxious. For the first time in his life, he felt this sense of unease, always feeling that something would be lost.

A cultivator’s intuition was closely related to fortune and misfortune. He couldn’t ignore it, but Mu Jinyue’s injuries were important. He couldn’t be distracted and could only hope to find the Black Jade Butterfly quickly.

Mu Jinyue noticed his distraction and felt uneasy. She probed, “What is Master worried about?”

“Nothing.”

Shen Yuqing’s tone was bland, clearly unwilling to say more.

Mu Jinyue hesitated and said slowly, “Master, there are no others here. If you have worries, why not tell this disciple?”

These words made Shen Yuqing look up at her.

Mu Jinyue’s tone was too gentle, too much like an old friend, always making him feel as if returning to the past, to when that person was still alive.

His tone involuntarily softened. He spoke gently, “It’s not a big matter. Just when leaving… I promised your master’s wife I’d return for dinner. This time I’m afraid she’ll be unhappy again.”

Speaking of Jiang Zhaoxue, Shen Yuqing’s tone carried helplessness yet was especially talkative, with apology. “She’s always so petty. In the past, she would take it out on you because of this, causing you trouble.”

“Making a fuss is because she cares,” Mu Jinyue listened, thinking of her conspiracy with Jiang Zhaoxue. Her heartbeat quickened somewhat. Forcing a smile, she said, “And Master’s Wife hasn’t really done anything to me. Master needn’t apologize for this.”

“She poisoned you.”

As soon as Shen Yuqing mentioned this matter, anger rose in his heart. Yet having no solution, he could only speak for Jiang Zhaoxue, completely unaware of the identity of the person before him. Guiltily he said, “I’ve always been the one dragging you down. This time nearly endangering your life, damaging your meridians…”

Before finishing, Shen Yuqing suddenly realized something and stopped.

Mu Jinyue noticed Shen Yuqing stop speaking and looked up in confusion, only to see Shen Yuqing staring blankly at her.

Mu Jinyue was momentarily puzzled, but Shen Yuqing suddenly understood what was wrong.

He studied Mu Jinyue, looking through her flesh and bone to see her meridians.

When they came, her spiritual energy was in chaos. Now her spiritual power had calmed, but logically her meridians should have been damaged. Yet her meridians were perfectly fine now. Why?

Shen Yuqing’s gaze was piercing, shocked and uncertain.

Mu Jinyue didn’t understand but felt guilty in her heart. Being examined by Shen Yuqing made her nervous. She stuttered, “Ma… Master?”

“You’re lying?”

Something rapidly coalesced in his mind. Shen Yuqing stared at Mu Jinyue and murmured.

Mu Jinyue didn’t dare look at him, her tone carrying panic. “What is Master saying?”

“You’re lying!”

Shen Yuqing immediately confirmed. He understood Mu Jinyue extremely well and saw through her panic at a glance. Unable to restrain himself, he stepped forward and grasped Mu Jinyue’s pulse.

Spiritual power instantly poured into her meridians, carefully traveling through every inch. The pain made Mu Jinyue break out in cold sweat. She urgently said, “Master! Master, let go!”

However, the more Shen Yuqing examined, the more certain he became. These meridians were intact, with no possibility of spiritual power eruption at all. Instead, there were traces of Origin Restoration Pills…

“You’re fine?” Shen Yuqing couldn’t believe it. “Why would you lie?”

“I didn’t…”

“Speak!” Shen Yuqing roared, pouring in spiritual power. Mu Jinyue cried out in pain, tears appearing in her eyes.

With that glance upward, Shen Yuqing’s movements froze.

He remembered something. Unwillingly closing his eyes, he restrained his emotions and said through gritted teeth, “Jinyue, I’ve never doubted you, but for you to deceive me like this… I’m deeply disappointed in you.”

Speaking, Shen Yuqing released her, threw down a protective formation at her feet, and turned away disappointed. “I’ll have Zilu come get you later. Return on your own.”

Hearing this, Mu Jinyue’s eyes widened in fear. She watched Shen Yuqing step away. Panic spread through her. Finally, she couldn’t help but call out, “It was Master’s Wife!”

Shen Yuqing’s steps halted. He slowly turned back to see Mu Jinyue kneeling on the ground, saying frantically, “It was Master’s Wife who told me to do it. Master, I had no malicious intent. I didn’t mean to deceive you. It was Master’s Wife who made me do it!”

“Why?” Hearing this term of address, Shen Yuqing frowned, unable to understand. “Why would she have you deceive me?”

“We wanted to save Senior Martial Brother.”

At these words, Shen Yuqing froze.

Mu Jinyue tried hard to compose herself while wiping her tears. Having already confessed, she had nothing to hide. She spoke rapidly, “Master’s Wife discussed with me. She invited you to dinner and stole your sect leader’s seal. She said she would open the sect’s grand formation to call people from Penglai over to support Senior Martial Brother and restore his innocence. She only asked that I leave Lingjian Immortal Pavilion with Senior Martial Brother.”

“She…” Shen Yuqing began, his voice somewhat dry. “Deceived me for the sect leader’s seal to save Pei Zichen?”

The night breeze fanned by the round fan seemed still beside him. The woman’s rarely gentle and beautiful figure was still before his eyes, saying “my eyes only see you,” yet it was all for Pei Zichen?

When did she meet him?

When did they have contact?

When did it start—when could she deceive him for another person?!

Rage mixed with pain surged together. Thinking of their identities, he felt humiliated to the point where breathing was difficult.

Seeing this, Mu Jinyue knelt properly in panic and hurried to say, “Master, we had no harmful intent. Senior Martial Brother is truly wronged! I know you favor Master Uncle Wen. I had no choice. Though I deceived you into coming, this disciple had no ill will…”

“Shut up!”

Shen Yuqing shouted loudly, unable to hear another word.

His mind was full of only these two people.

The fragrance on Pei Zichen, the spiritual power that suppressed her poison for her, testing for information about Pei Zichen at the dinner table, answering his questions about Pei Zichen without hesitation, wearing the purple clothes he disliked while standing at the door to see him off…

He knew. Actually, he had long since noticed.

He could no longer deceive himself.

That night in Wuyue Forest, she had met Pei Zichen.

That night, carrying fire poison and Spirit Dispersing Powder, she traveled a thousand miles to Wuyue Forest to save Pei Zichen. And Pei Zichen suppressed the fire poison for her, so she no longer needed him.

Heaven-grade ice spiritual root—far more suitable than him.

How laughable that he still used excuses like other people’s spiritual power being mixed, wanting her to only look at him. Presumptuous, thinking to wait until next month, the future, to never treat her unfairly again.

Without love, speaking only of suitability—who was more suitable than Pei Zichen?

But if she harbored affection like in the past, how could she choose someone else?

Realizing this, pain spread through his limbs and bones. Yet he didn’t dare stop thinking. He knew clearly he must think it through. He couldn’t run away anymore.

She deceived him for this disciple.

That night’s wine wasn’t an apology, wasn’t reconciliation, wasn’t for the future—it was…

Farewell.

He suddenly remembered the day he left Lingjian Immortal Pavilion—she stood at the door in purple clothes.

She never wore purple before him because she knew he didn’t like it.

Why deceive for the sect leader’s seal? To open the sect’s grand formation? What matter required opening the sect’s grand formation to call Penglai people over?

Penglai people had only come once in these two hundred years—at the wedding.

They sent her here.

And now coming again…

They were coming to take her away.

Realizing this, Shen Yuqing could no longer restrain himself. He turned and sprinted madly toward the Carefree Secret Realm’s exit.

“Master!” Seeing Shen Yuqing turn away, Mu Jinyue called out in panic. “Don’t abandon me, Master!”

However, Shen Yuqing couldn’t hear.

He only thought: faster, even faster.

She was just being willful for the moment, like many times in the past. Just to anger him, just wanting his attention, just wanting him to care about her.

This time was just a bit excessive, a bit ostentatious—nothing serious.

He was her husband. He should be tolerant of her, guide her, accept her.

She wanted him to yield—he could yield.

As long as he rushed back and explained clearly to her, she wouldn’t make such a big joke.

She was his wife.

She was ignorant. She didn’t understand propriety. She was willful and reckless. He had to teach her.

After dao companions formed their contract, she was his wife for life. Regardless of love, hate, or separation, they couldn’t part.

It wasn’t because of love, wasn’t because of affection.

He was only doing it for his reputation, for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s rules.

In that moment, he frantically deceived himself. He exerted all his strength, abandoned all dignity, running wildly like in his youth to keep someone—only to keep a person, not because he loved a person.

When Shen Yuqing rushed back from the Carefree Secret Realm, Jiang Zhaoxue sat on the high platform eating honeydew melon.

After she rang the Judgment Platform’s great bell, disciples rushed over before long. Seeing Pei Zichen and Jiang Zhaoxue, everyone was quite surprised, discussing among themselves below the platform.

News of the Jiuyou Realm barrier being opened had long spread throughout the sect. Most knew about it, but they hadn’t expected Jiang Zhaoxue to be here. Privately, people whispered to each other, suppressing their voices, “That’s the Pavilion Master’s wife?”

“Is she here to stand up for Senior Martial Brother Pei? After all, he’s the Pavilion Master’s disciple…”

“Senior Martial Brother Pei wouldn’t do such a thing, would he?”

“But the disciples who returned said… it wasn’t intentional either. Hard to say, isn’t it?”

Jiang Zhaoxue heard the discussion below, glanced back, and pretended not to hear. Waving her fan and eating honeydew melon, she looked from afar at Pei Zichen kneeling obediently, secretly cursing this troublesome person.

If he hadn’t insisted on fighting for right and wrong, she could have just taken him away.

Reputation—what was there to care about?

Just like how everyone said she poisoned Mu Jinyue, yet she was too lazy to care?

She grumbled inwardly, watching as disciples arrived at the Judgment Platform.

Wen Xiao’an didn’t appear, sending her disciple Zhuming to preside. Jiang Zhaoxue listened casually and lost interest.

Their testimonies were already coordinated. The content was nothing more than replacing what Gaowen did with Pei Zichen. Before Gu Jinglan arrived, there wasn’t much to change.

Pei Zichen had obviously heard these testimonies more than once. He knelt silently on the ground listening. When he heard “causing seven deaths and three injuries,” Pei Zichen finally reacted. “Seven deaths?”

He looked up at the speaking disciple, somewhat bewildered. “Who died?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue sensed something wrong.

He clearly remembered—he saw only four disciples die on the spot. Who were the other three? Why would they die?

“Three disciples from Luo Xia Feng—Song Feng, Zhao Qian, Liu Wen.”

Hearing Pei Zichen’s inquiry, Zhuming’s tone carried not a hint of emotion. He spoke coldly, “On the road, they encountered a fire spirit beast and were eaten clean.”

“But they died because of you,” Gaowen immediately interjected from the side, calling out loudly. “We all said the wall showed illusions. The Pavilion had already instructed us not to touch anything on the walls. You refused to listen and even had them fight with me. In the end, they died by a fire spirit beast’s mouth during their escape. They got what they deserved.”

“You’re lying!” Hearing this, Pei Zichen seized on the key point and furiously lunged forward. “Where did they encounter a fire spirit beast? Where near Wuyue Forest would there be fire spirit beasts?! Tell me how they died!”

“Restrain him!”

Presiding Zhuming shouted. People around immediately rushed forward and pressed Pei Zichen down.

Both sides erupted in commotion. Disciples below the platform were in uproar.

Wen Xiao’an sat to the side, playing with her teacup lid, saying leisurely, “I heard My Lady opened the sect’s teleportation array today and summoned Penglai’s Young Lord. I wonder what this is about?”

“After all these years, you still haven’t learned to call me sister-in-law?”

Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t want to answer her question and deflected.

Wen Xiao’an’s expression showed impatience. She only said, “My Lady knows in her heart how you forced Senior Martial Brother. I cannot bear this sister-in-law title. What will My Lady do about it?”

“If you don’t acknowledge it, then don’t,” Jiang Zhaoxue said casually. “It doesn’t affect me being the Pavilion Master’s wife anyway.”

Hearing this, Wen Xiao’an sneered coldly. “That’s not certain. If certain people have illicit relations with disciples and corrupt morals, how could they be worthy of being wife?”

Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing, lowering her head to drink tea. Wen Xiao’an didn’t hide it either and said directly, “I heard from Gaowen that a blue-eyed white tiger appeared in the forest that day. This matter was too minor—I even forgot to report it to Senior Martial Brother.”

“Blue-eyed white tiger? Those are quite common in Penglai.” Jiang Zhaoxue seemed to ponder. “Yuqing told me there was a Penglai demon cultivator present that day. Could it be a blue-eyed white tiger?”

“Perhaps?” Wen Xiao’an laughed lightly. “But I remember My Lady’s true form is also a blue-eyed white tiger?”

“You remember wrong,” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue showed a displeased expression and lied with her eyes wide open. “I have gold eyes. Blue eyes are common in Penglai. I’m not such ordinary goods.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s tone was too natural. Wen Xiao’an was stunned, momentarily uncertain of her own knowledge.

Though gold eyes… did sound more advanced than blue?

After all, she had never seen Jiang Zhaoxue’s true form. It was all hearsay. She was even less familiar with Penglai.

She pondered for a moment, thought it over, and decided to test.

If it was as she thought, she would have Jiang Zhaoxue’s weakness. She could directly report to the ancestor and Shen Yuqing that the two had an affair. Even for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s reputation, they would probably find a reason to deal with them.

At that time, Pei Zichen would certainly die, no need to discuss any crimes.

Wen Xiao’an made her decision and turned to look at both sides still arguing below the platform. She called softly, “Zhuming.”

Hearing Wen Xiao’an speak, Zhuming immediately entered behind the curtain and said respectfully, “Master.”

“Beat him.”

Wen Xiao’an said directly, “This person is cunning and requires severe punishment. No need to be too merciful. Beat him until he talks.”

These words, neither too soft nor too loud, were just enough for Jiang Zhaoxue to hear.

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at her and knew Wen Xiao’an was coming for her. She said nothing, turning the round fan in her hand, listening as Zhuming hesitated, somewhat troubled. “Master, but with so many disciples watching…”

“As long as it’s not a wrongful case,” Wen Xiao’an reminded him, “what does it matter if they watch? The Punishment Hall has its own methods. Interrogating evildoers is also a form of deterrence. If they have doubts, they can come to the Punishment Hall and ask me.”

Hearing this, Zhuming understood Wen Xiao’an’s meaning—if problems arose later, she would handle them.

Zhuming no longer hesitated. He responded and went out, then shouted sternly, “Pei Zichen, with both witness and physical evidence present, will you still not confess?! What connection do you have with the Penglai demon cultivator? Are there other accomplices?”

“I want to see Master,” Pei Zichen said through gritted teeth. “I’m not guilty. I want to see Master!”

“Still being stubborn.” Zhuming suddenly raised his voice. “Beat him! Beat him hard! Beat him until he tells the truth!”

Hearing this, the disciples instantly erupted.

Someone couldn’t help but raise their voice. “Senior Martial Brother Zhu, how is this different from extracting a confession through torture?”

“What do you mean, Junior Martial Brother?”

Zhuming looked over coldly. “The fellow disciples present have already explained everything clearly. Both witness and physical evidence are present. There’s no doubt he opened the Jiuyou Realm barrier. What we need to determine now is only whether it was intentional or unintentional, whether he acted alone or has other accomplices. Now you speak up for him—do you think my law enforcement is unjust, or do you have a stake in this?”

As soon as these words came out, the questioner’s voice immediately quieted.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched Wen Xiao’an’s disciple coldly and couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “Your disciple is quite sharp-tongued.”

“Just speaking some truths. Can’t My Lady bear to hear them?” Wen Xiao’an probed. “This is the first time I’ve seen My Lady care so much about a disciple.”

“Hm?” Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in confusion. “This is called caring?”

“Did I misunderstand?” Wen Xiao’an smiled. “That’s right. My Lady’s eyes have always only held Senior Martial Brother. You wouldn’t care about someone completely unrelated.”

Jiang Zhaoxue knew Wen Xiao’an was testing her and smiled. “Not entirely. Sometimes I do enjoy watching the excitement.”

Though she said this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew she couldn’t say much more.

If she wanted to take Pei Zichen away, she absolutely couldn’t make it too ugly.

If she obviously had contact with Pei Zichen first, then dissolved the contract with Shen Yuqing, then demanded to take Pei Zichen away, it would certainly be called an ambiguous relationship. At that time, never mind Shen Yuqing—perhaps even Lingjian Immortal Pavilion would feel humiliated and refuse to release him.

After all, once Gu Jinglan came, everything would naturally be resolved. She didn’t need to say much.

It was just suffering a bit—no harm done.

She rubbed the edge of her porcelain cup, watching Pei Zichen being pressed to the ground by the crowd.

The board heavily struck Pei Zichen’s body, making dull sounds of impact against flesh and blood.

Pei Zichen grunted. Zhuming coldly inquired, “Who are your accomplices?!”

“There are no accomplices,” Pei Zichen gasped. “Gaowen opened the Jiuyou Realm barrier.”

“Nonsense!” Gaowen became anxious.

Zhuming clapped his hands. “Beat him! Continue beating until he tells the truth!”

The sun rose. Board after board struck Pei Zichen’s body. Blood seeped from him and dried on the ground.

Wen Xiao’an kept observing Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression. Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t show the slightest emotion, yet felt something silently growing inside her heart.

Seeking death.

She thought—Wen Xiao’an was truly seeking death.

She rubbed the edge of her teacup, secretly transmitting to inquire of Qingye, “How much longer until Gu Jinglan arrives?”

Qingye’s side was full of fighting sounds. After cursing, she finally responded, “They sent people down to intercept, but he’s already reached the mountain gate. Soon!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat relieved. Wen Xiao’an also seemed to have received news. She frowned slightly, knowing there was no more time to delay.

Even if she couldn’t catch Jiang Zhaoxue, she had to deal with Pei Zichen first.

Thinking this, she put down her teacup, straightened up, and finally spoke, “Stop.”

Hearing this, everyone looked up.

Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at her and saw her step down, coming before Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen lay on the ground, breathing lightly. Wen Xiao’an looked down, somewhat regretful. “Pei Zichen, even at this point, you still won’t reveal your accomplices?”

Blood stained Pei Zichen’s entire face. He murmured unconsciously, “I want to see Master…”

Seeing this, Wen Xiao’an laughed lightly. “In Wuyue Forest, you had no helpers?”

“Master Uncle,” Pei Zichen closed his eyes. “If you want to condemn someone, you can always trump up a charge. Since you’ve already made up your mind, why bother asking me?”

“Just answer me,” Wen Xiao’an stared at him, solemnly pressing, “In Wuyue Forest, were you alone?”

Pei Zichen’s eyelashes trembled lightly. He gave no answer.

“If you don’t admit it, that’s fine. Master Uncle won’t wrong you.”

Speaking, Wen Xiao’an raised her hand and clapped.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat puzzled, not understanding what Wen Xiao’an was doing. Then she heard a familiar dog’s bark.

Jiang Zhaoxue instantly realized something. Following the sound, she turned her head and saw disciples dragging up a struggling black and white old dog.

Seeing this old dog, Jiang Zhaoxue gripped her teacup tightly.

She stared intently at the old dog she had fed, that had circled around her, watching as Pei Zichen’s face showed panic, shouting with all his might, “Master Uncle, what do you intend to do?!”

“If you won’t tell the truth, I can only prove it.”

Wen Xiao’an seemed to have anticipated his reaction. She raised her hand and placed a blade against Pangpang’s stomach, saying gently, “I’ve already asked all the disciples. No one has fed this dog. If you have no accomplice, this mortal dog must have been starving these past days and wouldn’t have anything in its stomach.”

“Let it go!”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen became agitated. “It has nothing to do with this matter!”

“How could it not? It’s evidence. May I ask all the disciples—has anyone helped him feed this dog?”

The people present didn’t dare speak, looking at each other.

Wen Xiao’an smiled. “You see, today all of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s disciples are here. No one has helped you. I heard this dog is as close to you as family. Did you entrust anyone to feed it?”

Pei Zichen was momentarily speechless. Wen Xiao’an knew his answer and continued pressing, “Who has been helping you?”

“Even if someone helped me…”

“Then that’s your accomplice!” Wen Xiao’an suddenly raised her voice. “If you’re willing to confess or admit guilt, there’s no need to examine this dog. Do you confess or not?”

“Let it go!”

“Do you confess or not?!”

The blade pressed into the dog’s body. The dog struggled violently. Pei Zichen’s breath caught, then he frantically struggled. “Let me go! Let it go!”

“Are you guilty?” Wen Xiao’an was obviously skilled at interrogation. Watching the person gradually break down, she pressed the blade tip inch by inch into the dog’s body. With each inch, she demanded, “Do you confess or not?!”

“Let it go! I beg you, let it go!”

“You’re guilty.”

“I’m not!”

“You are! You and your junior martial brother opened the barrier together! You killed them and now want to kill this mortal dog. How vicious you are!”

“I…” Pei Zichen looked at Pangpang not far away, trembling all over, unable to speak.

“Speak! Where are your accomplices? Are you guilty or not?!” Wen Xiao’an shouted sternly.

“I…” Pei Zichen trembled all over. He looked at the struggling Pangpang, at its terrified appearance. He opened his mouth but couldn’t make a sound.

They were all dead anyway. His junior martial brothers were all dead. Whether he lived, whether he was guilty or not—what did it matter?

Just as the words “guilty” were about to escape his lips, Pangpang suddenly cried out and turned to bite Wen Xiao’an!

Wen Xiao’an instinctively thrust the blade forward, instantly piercing into the dog’s body.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s pupils contracted sharply. On the high platform, she gripped the armrest tightly.

She knew Wen Xiao’an was forcing her hand. If she showed the slightest abnormality, Wen Xiao’an might find an excuse to link her with Pei Zichen and investigate further.

She couldn’t give Wen Xiao’an this excuse.

She forced herself to remain calm.

Blood splattered. Pei Zichen’s eyes widened as he saw Pangpang violently break free from Wen Xiao’an. He struggled fiercely and lunged forward, embracing the dog in his arms.

But how could a mortal dog withstand a cultivator’s blade?

Pangpang’s stomach was completely sliced open, blood and organs spilling out. Pei Zichen trembled all over, gasping, eyes full of tears as he held the warm body.

Wen Xiao’an wiped the blood from her blade, speaking with some regret. “Oh my, there’s still meat in its stomach. Didn’t you say you had no accomplices?”

Pei Zichen held Pangpang without making a sound.

Looking at it, he felt as if it were still young.

On that rainy day when he thought he would die, gently nuzzling him.

After he woke, taking it through hardships and wandering, carrying it up the Heavenly Stairs full of illusory despair. Back then, holding it when it was so thin only bones remained, he thought—it would eat its fill for the rest of its life, grow plump and healthy.

“Not hungry anymore.” Pei Zichen spoke hoarsely, stroking Pangpang’s head, slowly tightening his arms. “Pangpang, not hungry anymore. It’s okay… it’s okay… The sage… the sage said…”

As soon as he opened his mouth, tears fell. He tried desperately to control himself. “He who is filial and respectful to his elders rarely commits offenses against his superiors… Not committing offenses against superiors… yet causing disorder… has never been seen. The superior man concerns himself with the fundamentals. When fundamentals are established… fundamentals are established… and the Way grows. Filial piety… respect for elders… the foundation of virtue…”

He repeatedly recited, desperately suppressing something.

Yet in the darkness, a voice commanded coldly and lightly, “Suguang Mirror.”

Tremendous power filled Pei Zichen’s body, but no one knew. Only he alone repeatedly recited the sage’s words, suppressing that terrifying power, hearing the voice command, “Heaven’s Mandate Pavilion, Suguang Mirror.”

The Suguang Mirror could retrace time, allowing everyone to see the scenes the caster had witnessed in the past, to know what had happened to them.

This could prove his innocence.

But did his innocence matter?

Did anyone care about his principles of righteousness?

What was he persisting in?

Did it mean anything?

He felt like laughing.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat on high, silently watching the young man forced into a corner below. Her breathing became somewhat chaotic.

A’Nan gritted his teeth. “If you can’t endure it, don’t! Master, make your move!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue decisively raised her hand and cut open her palm, drawing an array with blood.

Seeing this, A’Nan was stunned and couldn’t help but say, “Wait, you’re really making a move? Now isn’t appropriate!”

Jiang Zhaoxue ignored it.

She knew it was irrational. She knew her brother was negotiating with Ancestor Gujun. She shouldn’t take any drastic action.

Dissolving the contract already damaged relations between the two sects. It was just a dog—unnecessary.

Yet she couldn’t control herself.

She watched Wen Xiao’an standing on high, smiling as she spoke. “Pei Zichen, a person whose very existence is a lie—even with a mouth full of sage’s words, you’re still a criminal. Stop playing dead.” Wen Xiao’an drew her sword and pressed it against Pei Zichen’s shoulder, speaking coldly. “You colluded with demon cultivators and opened the Jiuyou Realm barrier. Do you confess your guilt?”

“I don’t…” Pei Zichen spoke numbly. “I want to see Master…”

His master.

The lofty mountain he looked up to, the only justice in his heart.

These words infuriated Wen Xiao’an.

She sneered and, disregarding those around her, spoke loudly. “Someone, with evidence now conclusive…”

“Senior Martial Brother is innocent!”

Before she finished, a roar came from afar.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in delight and heard Qingye say, “He ran up by himself!”

Speaking, they saw a blood-covered youth running from the distance.

Compared to their first meeting in Wuyue Forest, his expression held much more sorrow and determination. He was no longer that ignorant, cursing youth.

He held three long swords in his arms, running toward Pei Zichen, shouting loudly. “We’re innocent! It was Gaowen and the Lan Yue Feng disciples…”

Seeing Gu Jinglan, everyone’s expressions changed drastically. All disciples looked over in shock, murmuring softly, “Senior Martial Brother Gu?”

Gaowen’s eyes filled with terror. Then he realized—it was over. Gu Jinglan had come!

No. He couldn’t let Gu Jinglan speak.

Wen Xiao’an wouldn’t spare him. Even in death, he couldn’t let Gu Jinglan talk!

In a flash, in an instant—just as Gu Jinglan crossed past him, Gaowen didn’t hesitate. He drew his sword!

Seeing the sword light, Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand and urgently threw a talisman. The talisman struck Gaowen heavily, blasting him away. However, Gaowen’s sword had already entered the youth’s chest. As the talisman struck him, it only pulled the sword out, knocking them both apart.

Blood once again sprayed onto Pei Zichen’s face. Gu Jinglan flew forward. Pei Zichen roared, “Jinglan!”

In that instant, he could no longer restrain himself.

Spiritual power exploded. Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart leaped violently. The Soul-Binding Contract pulsed frantically, warning that someone was searching for her. Yet she could no longer care.

She watched Pei Zichen seize a sword and rush forward, carrying Gu Jinglan on his back and leaping away. The scene erupted in chaos.

Jiang Zhaoxue hurried to chase after them. In that very instant, space was torn open. Someone grabbed her neck from behind and yanked her back violently!

The formation instantly extinguished. Mahayana Stage pressure descended overwhelmingly. Jiang Zhaoxue’s entire body froze as she heard Shen Yuqing’s voice behind her. “Where are you going?”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s movements halted. She turned with talismans in hand. However, he obviously knew her techniques well. The moment she turned, he grasped her wrist and pulled her forward. The world spun. When she came to her senses, Shen Yuqing had already pinned her to the table by her neck, his sword stabbing down with a “clang” beside her, illuminating her face.

He didn’t use force, restraining his strength, trembling as he gripped her throat, speaking hoarsely. “You deceived me. Where do you think you’re going?”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the person before her who obviously knew everything, breathing lightly, speaking seriously. “Let me go.”

“If I let you go, where will you go?”

“None of your damn business!”

Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but kick toward Shen Yuqing’s crotch. The instant Shen Yuqing retreated, talismans flew out. A dagger simultaneously slashed toward Shen Yuqing’s throat. The moment he grasped her wrist, it pressed against his neck.

She glared at him intently, speaking seriously. “My brother has already arrived and is currently negotiating with Senior Gujun about dissolving the contract. When my brother comes down the mountain, I’ll leave with him. Stop pestering me!”

“Then what are you doing now?” Shen Yuqing stared at her, wanting to see through her, to understand her. “If you want to dissolve the contract with me, why aren’t you at the back mountain negotiating? Why are you meddling at the Judgment Platform?!”

“What does it have to do with you?!”

“When did you meet Pei Zichen?” Shen Yuqing desperately controlled himself, forcing himself to confirm. “Wuyue Forest—was that you?”

“Yes!” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke bluntly, staring at him. “Satisfied?”

Shen Yuqing couldn’t speak. When she admitted it directly, he actually felt a hint of retreat.

He looked at the person before him. Yet Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart wasn’t with him.

She glanced at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion outside, already in utter chaos. She forced herself to calm down. She couldn’t continue going mad with Shen Yuqing. She tried desperately to remain composed. “I won’t argue with you now. Since you know Wuyue Forest was me, you should understand I’m the person most clear about the facts. Pei Zichen is not guilty. They reversed everything. The one bewitched by the illusion was Gaowen…”

Jiang Zhaoxue worked hard to explain everything. Shen Yuqing just listened quietly.

Each of her words was like a blade cutting into his heart. He had never imagined that in his life, he would hear Jiang Zhaoxue explaining to him for someone else’s sake.

He watched her gaze constantly drift outside, watched her desperately prove Pei Zichen’s innocence. Until the final moment, he finally asked, “Why?”

Jiang Zhaoxue froze. She saw Shen Yuqing desperately controlling himself. “Is it because you think I’m too good to Jinyue? Or that I favor Xiao’an? Or that I don’t pay enough attention to you? That I discipline you?”

“What are you saying?”

Jiang Zhaoxue momentarily didn’t understand. She saw Shen Yuqing gripping his sword hilt tightly, speaking hoarsely. “You want me to care about you, don’t you?”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the person before her in disbelief. She heard him acknowledge as if condescending, “Fine. You’ve succeeded. I care now. You want to save him, right? Then stay here and watch—”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the overly unfamiliar Shen Yuqing before her, momentarily not daring to speak.

Shen Yuqing raised his hand. Beside them appeared Pei Zichen carrying Gu Jinglan on his back, fighting with others. Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively looked over. Shen Yuqing smiled.

Jiang Zhaoxue quickly withdrew her gaze. Just as she was about to speak, she saw his expression turn severe. He turned and headed outside, shouting sternly, “I’ll kill him right now!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes widened. She hurried to chase after him. Shen Yuqing raised his hand and sent several beams of light striking Jiang Zhaoxue’s acupuncture points, sealing her meridians. Then sword light fell all around, instantly forming a barrier, trapping Jiang Zhaoxue inside.

Jiang Zhaoxue was greatly alarmed. Sensing her spiritual power was restricted, she rushed to the barrier’s edge, pounding against it. “Shen Yuqing, don’t go crazy! Our matters have nothing to do with him! Shen Yuqing! Shen Zeyuan!”

The familiar form of address came—what he was called before age twenty, before he had a courtesy name, when he first met her.

He stopped in his tracks. Hope kindled in Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart. She looked at his back, probing. “Shen Zeyuan, I know you’re not someone who would disregard others for personal reasons. Pei Zichen is a man of virtue. You know this.”

Thinking of Pei Zichen’s repeated “I await Master.”

“Master is a good person.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart trembled. “He admires you, follows you. He has no family left. You’re his master, his faith. He can inherit your legacy. Don’t destroy him, and don’t…”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s tone paused.

In an instant, she recalled when they were young, sitting side by side on the steps looking at the sky. She asked him, “A’Yuan, why do you study the sword?”

Hearing her words, Shen Yuqing frowned slightly, seriously correcting her. “My Lady, there are distinctions between men and women. Please mind your words.”

“Just chatting,” Jiang Zhaoxue ate candy. “Tell me.”

“The Heavenly Dao.” Shen Yuqing looked at the sky, speaking with longing. But a moment later, he reconsidered. “Or perhaps… justice.”

“Don’t destroy Shen Zeyuan.”

She spoke. Shen Yuqing’s back trembled.

He didn’t turn around. His aura instantly softened, as if wavering.

However, after a long while, he still said, “Wait for me to return.”

We’ll start anew.

Speaking, he stepped outside. Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes widened. She shouted loudly, “Shen Zeyuan! Shen Yuqing!”

But this time he didn’t stop. He went all the way out. Halfway there, Jiang Zhaoxue heard something collapse with a thunderous crash.

“Heaven’s Mandate Pavilion!”

Someone cried out in shock. “Demon cultivators! Demon cultivators have come! Suguang Mirror! Pei Zichen colluded with demon cultivators and stole the Suguang Mirror!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue froze.

Demon cultivators?

Where did demon cultivators come from?

She had repaired the Jiuyou Realm barrier. How could there be demon cultivators?!

And even if demon cultivators came, that was one thing, but Pei Zichen—

Why would Pei Zichen steal the Suguang Mirror? Was he insane?!

“To prove his innocence,” A’Nan said, seeing Jiang Zhaoxue was furious to the point of confusion. Helplessly, it explained, “The Suguang Mirror lets everyone see the past. This is his simplest way to prove himself.”

“But this way he’s following the plot again!”

Jiang Zhaoxue collapsed, pacing back and forth in the room.

She couldn’t help but kick the projection screen, cursing loudly. “Useless projection! Not even any sound! Give more information!”

However, Shen Yuqing obviously deliberately didn’t want her to hear the content. He only wanted her to watch how Pei Zichen died.

Her heart filled with both hatred and helplessness. Her spiritual power was sealed. Even if she drew formations, she couldn’t activate them. The only way…

“Pei Zichen, acknowledge me as master!!”

Jiang Zhaoxue thrust her hands into her hair, begging. “Quickly acknowledge me!”

After acknowledging her as master, their divine souls would connect. Pei Zichen’s spiritual power could be used by her.

With just a bit of external spiritual power, she could break through Shen Yuqing’s spell sealing her meridians.

“As long as he acknowledges me, I’ll forgive him! I’ll save him today!”

Jiang Zhaoxue promised. Then she took a writing brush from Shen Yuqing’s desk, comforting herself. “He’ll definitely acknowledge me. I need to prepare early. He’ll definitely acknowledge me!”

Speaking, Jiang Zhaoxue dipped the brush in her own blood and began drawing an array on the ground.

She drew rapidly. A’Nan watched from the side, unable to help asking, “Master?”

“Shut up!!”

“Are you very afraid Pei Zichen will die?”

Jiang Zhaoxue paused, then said somewhat frantically, “Obviously! He’s carrying the Tianji Lingyu. How can I not fear his death?”

“But if he dies, the person who would kill you is gone. You can slowly find a solution,” A’Nan wondered. “Why are you so anxious?”

“But he shouldn’t die!”

Jiang Zhaoxue finally spoke unwillingly. “Wen Xiao’an hasn’t died—why should he? Today I’m determined to protect him!”

Speaking, she lowered her head to draw the array, while raising her head to watch the situation in the projection beside her.

These demon cultivators were obviously here to help Pei Zichen. Pei Zichen somehow had strength—Jiang Zhaoxue guessed it was the Tianji Lingyu.

In any case, right now he showed no signs of injury whatsoever. Carrying Gu Jinglan on his back, he rushed all the way to Heaven’s Mandate Pavilion and, with the demon cultivators’ help, seized the Suguang Mirror.

“Done for. The charge of colluding with the enemy is set.”

Jiang Zhaoxue took a deep breath and made her conclusion.

But there was no other way. She could only continue drawing the array, then watch him carry Gu Jinglan on his back all the way to the cliff edge of Luo Xia Feng. There stood the Qingming Bell. Ringing the Qingming Bell signified a major event—the Pavilion Master of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion must appear.

Under the demon cultivators’ escort, he rushed to the Qingming Bell. The moment he struck the bell heavily, Shen Yuqing’s sword light descended from the heavens.

Shen Yuqing’s sword executed the demon cultivators on the spot. Other disciples followed, chasing to behind Shen Yuqing before stopping.

For a moment, everyone fell silent. Mountain winds howled. On the entire cliff, only Pei Zichen remained standing at the edge carrying Gu Jinglan on his back. On the other side, Shen Yuqing led countless disciples and appeared before Pei Zichen.

“So imposing,” Jiang Zhaoxue commented.

“So handsome,” A’Nan sighed.

Then A’Nan turned to look at her. “To snatch someone from Shen Yuqing’s hands—are you confident?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt the whole world had become bitter.

But thinking about it, the essence of her spell-casting was to simulate the result of her as an ordinary cultivator fighting Shen Yuqing, then adding the degree of heavenly assistance on that foundation, finally forming an actual result.

Now saving Pei Zichen should be when Heaven tried its hardest. She could no longer change his luck.

The only thing she could change was to slightly increase her probability of killing Shen Yuqing.

She thought for a moment and glanced at Shen Yuqing’s sword hanging in the room.

If she could use his sword techniques, perhaps she could increase her winning percentage a bit.

Without hesitation, Jiang Zhaoxue took his sword and placed it in the center of her formation.

Completely copying someone else’s techniques—she’d done this a few times before. One of those times was when she first saved Pei Zichen.

Jiang Zhaoxue secretly cursed about karma and began supplementing the formation.

Meanwhile, Pei Zichen stood at the cliff. Seeing Shen Yuqing appear, all the surging emotions and spiritual power in his body suddenly calmed.

Only then did he realize Gu Jinglan on his back had already stopped breathing.

But it didn’t matter anymore.

Having come this far, he already felt utterly exhausted. What he needed to do was just take the final step—

He looked at Shen Yuqing in the distance, holding the stolen Suguang Mirror, and walked toward him.

As soon as he moved, an arrow flew, piercing through his body. He felt blood surge to his chest, a mouthful of sweetness.

The disciples present showed reluctance. However, remembering the demon cultivators who suddenly appeared, looking at Shen Yuqing standing ahead, everyone’s hearts immediately settled, even giving rise to some anger.

The more flawless white jade, the harder to tolerate blemishes.

If an ordinary person made mistakes, everyone would merely consider them “evil.”

But when someone always praised for their character and virtue was revealed for their “true face,” it inspired disgust.

Yet with Shen Yuqing present, no one dared speak. They only watched as Pei Zichen, after being struck by the arrow, paused for a moment, then continued forward.

“Protect the Pavilion Master!” Someone shouted. “Don’t let this traitor who colluded with demon cultivators approach!”

As soon as the words fell, arrows flew again.

Pei Zichen no longer had strength to dodge. He could only use his body to receive the arrows, numbly, persistently, walking forward.

Life and death no longer mattered. He only remembered—they were innocent.

He, Gu Jinglan, Song Feng, Zhao Qian, Liu Wen…

And Pangpang.

They were innocent.

They had once desperately protected this world. They were worthy of heaven and earth, worthy of the sect.

This was everyone’s innocence. He was everyone’s senior martial brother. He had to reclaim it.

He persisted in walking forward.

With each step, sword light flew.

Sword after sword—by the time he reached Shen Yuqing, everyone hastily retreated. Only Shen Yuqing stood calmly in place.

Pei Zichen trembled, kneeling respectfully as he had countless times before.

Covered in blood, he raised the Suguang Mirror in his hands, speaking hoarsely. “Master, please… view the Suguang Mirror.”

Hearing this, Shen Yuqing looked down at the mirror covered in fresh blood.

“This disciple’s memories, his past, are all in the mirror.” Pei Zichen spoke with difficulty, gasping. “Please, Master, view it and prove that we four are innocent.”

Hearing this, Shen Yuqing extended his hand.

The Suguang Mirror flew into his hand. Pei Zichen looked up hopefully, only to hear Shen Yuqing say coldly, “No need.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s eyes widened. He heard Shen Yuqing say, “I know you’re all innocent. After you die, I’ll seek justice for them.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen couldn’t believe it. “After I die?”

If he knew they were innocent, why must he still die?

Shen Yuqing heard his question and responded calmly, “You deserve to die.”

Pei Zichen stared at him blankly, repeating in confusion. “I deserve to die?”

“In the Book of Fate, you are Heaven’s Forsaken, meant to die at age nine.” Shen Yuqing looked at him with pity. “By forcing yourself to live, you committed a great sin. Your parents, brothers, fellow disciples, spirit pets—all died because of you. I cannot keep you.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s gaze shook. He trembled lightly.

In an instant, images of his parents and brothers sitting at a table with him, laughing and talking warmly, junior martial brothers hooking arms with him in jest, Pangpang circling around him begging for dried meat—all surrounded his mind.

It was him…

Terror instantly drowned him.

He killed them.

He destroyed everything. He was that Heaven’s Forsaken. He was that person destined to be forsaken at birth.

But what had he done wrong?

If the Heavenly Dao was just, what had he done wrong?

His breathing became chaotic. His entire being neared collapse. He opened his mouth to argue but had no words.

Shen Yuqing watched him silently, his tone sorrowful. He raised his hand. “You’ve been under my tutelage for seven years. The sect grants you one final sword.”

Speaking, he raised his hand. Pei Zichen’s entire body levitated.

Trembling, he raised his eyes to look at the entire cliff, filled with his former fellow disciples.

They stood densely packed behind Shen Yuqing. Their swords were summoned by Shen Yuqing, arrayed behind him.

Tens of thousands of sword hilts pointed at him, negating everything about him.

In that moment, after age ten, he lost everything once again.

At age ten, the Bone-Burning Curse incinerated his home.

At age seventeen, these ten thousand blades destroyed his path of return.

He looked at the tens of thousands of fellow disciples’ blades, lost and bewildered.

Where should he go? Where could he go?

He shouldn’t have lived. Why did he live?

“Take this jade token,” the woman’s voice rang out. “When you reach a dead end in the future and are willing to give your life to me, drip blood on the jade token and call for me in your heart. At that time, I’ll tell you my name.”

Her name.

That person who saved him, that person who saved his life.

In his life, those who saved him were few. Those who loved him were separated by death and life.

Only that person remained.

Life, after all, had to be abandoned. If it could help her, that would be best.

Miss…

Pei Zichen smiled. Blood seeped through the jade token from his hand. Jiang Zhaoxue finally heard his voice. “Miss, tell me… your name.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt spiritual power surge in. She quickly cast spells, speaking calmly. “Follow my words. Summon—”

“Summon…” Pei Zichen was lifted by Shen Yuqing to the cliff’s height. It was nearly dusk. Even the wind seemed to carry warm light.

“Penglai True Martial Primordial Lord—”

“Penglai… True Martial Primordial Lord…”

Pei Zichen looked at the sky, murmuring unconsciously.

“Protection!”

“Protection.”

The moment the sound fell, tens of thousands of swords flew toward Pei Zichen like meteors. Brilliant light scattered across the sky. Pei Zichen watched silently at this grand feast of life. In the instant before accepting his execution, brilliant light erupted. Countless light swords descended from the heavens—just like when he was nine years old, charging without hesitation toward those light swords stabbing at him!

Swords collided and scattered like fireworks. One directly pierced through Wen Xiao’an’s chest.

The instant Wen Xiao’an collapsed in shock, Pei Zichen was violently blown away by spiritual power shock, falling off the cliff.

Jiang Zhaoxue simultaneously appeared at the mountain cliff, striding forward from behind Shen Yuqing, snatching the Suguang Mirror from his hands.

Shen Yuqing turned back in shock. As the woman brushed past him, his eyes widened instantly. He watched as she, just like at age twenty when she jumped into the Cangming Sea, without the slightest hesitation, holding the Suguang Mirror, leaped down!

In that very instant, the dao companion contract and Soul-Binding Contract’s connection simultaneously vanished. His heart felt as if a piece had been hollowed out, aching emptily and open, making him roar involuntarily—

“Jiang Zhaoxue!!”

Jiang Zhaoxue heard Shen Yuqing’s hoarse, desperate call. She didn’t turn back. Spiritual power poured into the Suguang Mirror. In an instant, the sky filled with images from that night in Wuyue Forest. All the youths’ past efforts, protection, and struggles appeared in the sky one by one, proving their innocence.

But none of that mattered anymore.

Pei Zichen stared blankly at the woman chasing after him through that expanse of brilliant light.

White robes with gold embroidered threads, like a white-feathered phoenix spreading its wings.

Penglai True Martial Primordial Lord, Jiang Zhaoxue.

That day, with his life, he summoned the one and only deity who would defy heaven to change his fate.

His…

He raised his blood-covered hand, murmuring in disbelief. “Master’s Wife…”