Jiang Zhaoxue had heard of the name Tianji Academy during these days. It seemed to be an institution within the imperial court that managed all cultivators in the Mortal Realm.

After telling fortunes for over ten days, her name should have already spread throughout Taizhou City, yet the Ye Family still hadn’t come. The other party must still have some discernment and had taken her for a common fraud.

She lacked an opportunity to prove her abilities. When that child came yesterday, any fortune-teller who could read such a solitary inauspicious fate and be recognized by the clan must not be an ordinary master. So she had told them to have the fortune-teller who read his fate come find her. She’d expected this master to be extraordinary, but she hadn’t anticipated…

That it would actually be someone from the Tianji Academy, who also had the surname Ye?

Jiang Zhaoxue looked him up and down. At most, he had Golden Core cultivation—some skill, but not someone who could set up a Nine Stars Vast Righteousness Array.

She paid him little mind. She raised her hand to press down Pei Zichen’s arm blocking her path and walked forward, looking him up and down. “What do you want with me?”

As these words emerged, the surrounding people gasped. The Daoist boy following Ye Wenzhen immediately became furious and was about to curse when Ye Wenzhen held him back. He said seriously, “I heard that young friend refuted the fate reading given to Lady Li’s child, so I’ve come to inquire about the reason. Miss, you have no spiritual power—”

Ye Wenzhen swept his gaze over Jiang Zhaoxue. Seeing that neither Jiang Zhaoxue nor Pei Zichen differed from mortals, he relaxed and said flatly, “It would be better not to swindle and deceive, lest you harm others. This child has a solitary inauspicious fate toward his six relations. Keeping him will be a great disaster for the Li family. Moreover, no matter what, he cannot live past seventeen years old. Why raise him only to leave heartbreak later?”

Listening to this, Jiang Zhaoxue sighed in annoyance and only shook her head. “Talking to you incompetent fools truly pains me.”

Hearing these words, coldness appeared in Ye Wenzhen’s eyes. His pressure aura instantly released and bore down. The moment his pressure appeared, the long sword in Pei Zichen’s hand shot out!

His sword came too fast. Before others could react, he had already closed in before Ye Wenzhen. Ye Wenzhen was so shocked he retreated half a step. The sword edge stopped at Ye Wenzhen’s throat. The young man’s eyes showed a fierce coldness as he said in a cold voice, “The Daoist is discourteous—how dare you act so?”

Ye Wenzhen slowly came to his senses and finally sensed something was wrong.

Although these two had no spiritual power, this young man’s swordsmanship was absolutely extraordinary.

He suppressed his shock and fear, pretending to remain calm.

Seeing Pei Zichen had given him a show of force, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and called out, “Zichen, don’t frighten Daoist Friend Ye.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen sheathed his sword and bowed to Ye Wenzhen. “Pardon the offense.”

After this sudden turn of events, everyone finally dared not slight them. Seeing the Daoist boy help Ye Wenzhen up, Jiang Zhaoxue said slowly, “Daoist Friend Ye, I know you cannot discern my depths, but since we’re reading fates, naturally one must have some ability. If Daoist Friend Ye disagrees with me, then why don’t we compete?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhen raised his eyes. He stared at Jiang Zhaoxue. “How shall we compete?”

“I looked carefully at this child’s fate.” Jiang Zhaoxue tactfully explained to Ye Wenzhen that while she had indeed been deceiving others, yesterday’s infant was a child whose fortune she had seriously examined. They shouldn’t assume she had no ability just because she usually swindled people.

Ye Wenzhen understood her meaning but didn’t expose her. He only said, “This old one also looked carefully.”

“So one of us two must have misjudged. You and I have different abilities—why not seriously examine someone to compete?”

“Reading people greatly damages one’s fortune.” Ye Wenzhen said coldly, “This old one read that child’s fate because I owed the Ye Family a karmic debt. But for ordinary people, this old one does not read.”

“Then let’s find an object.” Jiang Zhaoxue also didn’t want to casually read people’s fortunes, so she chose the method that least harmed fortune while still demonstrating ability. “Let’s randomly find someone and we’ll both help them locate a lost object. We’ll see who finds it more accurately. How about it?”

“If this old one competes with you, your loss doesn’t matter, but if you win, your reputation will soar. It’s quite a profitable deal.”

“Then what does Daoist Elder Ye want?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhen thought for a moment, glanced at Jiang Zhaoxue’s stall, and said flatly, “If this old one wins, you may no longer make a living this way in the future, and you must return all the silver you’ve earned recently.”

Good heavens, he really did take her for a fraud.

Although she had indeed been deceiving people recently, chatting with those young ladies—even if she hadn’t accomplished much, she’d at least worked hard, right?

However, this requirement really had no deterrent effect on her. She smiled and said, “All right. But if I win, you must go tell Niannian’s clan members, acknowledge my fortune reading, and let his family treat him well. How about that?”

“Acceptable.”

Ye Wenzhen nodded, then politely inquired, “Which divination method would Miss like to use?”

“To save time,” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, “how about the Nine Heavens Mystical Numbers?”

“Good.”

Ye Wenzhen responded, then turned to look at the crowd and said loudly, “Today, this lady and I wish to select someone for whom we will locate a lost object within their home. Is anyone willing to provide their residence for us to compete? This old one is willing to offer blessings once to the master.”

“I’m willing too!” Jiang Zhaoxue quickly followed, not wanting to fall behind.

The Daoist boy behind Ye Wenzhen rolled his eyes and said in a low voice, “You’re willing—but they might not be willing to accept yours.”

Jiang Zhaoxue paid no mind.

The crowd immediately began discussing among themselves.

People were reluctant to lend out their houses, but getting Ye Wenzhen’s blessings was worth a fortune.

In no time, a small boy in the crowd was the first to jump up, raising his hand and shouting loudly, “Me! Me! I have something to find!”

Hearing this, both Ye Wenzhen and Jiang Zhaoxue looked over.

The boy appeared to be twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in wealthy attire. A young lady in pink stood beside him. Seeing him speak, she began pinching him. “What nonsense are you talking!”

The boy immediately looked aggrieved. His father stood nearby. Seeing Ye Wenzhen and Jiang Zhaoxue look over, he bowed nervously.

Ye Wenzhen asked courteously, “Would this gentleman be willing to lend his residence?”

“For Immortal Master Ye to visit brings radiance to my humble abode.”

The middle-aged man quickly bowed.

Ye Wenzhen nodded, then looked at the small boy. “May I ask what Young Master seeks?”

“My slingshot!”

The boy spoke and immediately broke free from his sister, saying urgently, “This was my fifth birthday present. Last year it suddenly went missing at home. Can you help me find it?”

“Yes.”

Ye Wenzhen nodded, then turned to look at Jiang Zhaoxue. “Then this old one will begin?”

“Please.”

Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand. Ye Wenzhen beckoned the boy forward. The boy stood between Jiang Zhaoxue and Ye Wenzhen. Ye Wenzhen said, “Young Master, please casually tell us three numbers within twelve.”

“Within twelve?” The boy thought, then hesitated. “Seven, one, five?”

“Good.”

Ye Wenzhen nodded and raised his hand. “Please lead the way. I will go to Young Master’s home and retrieve the item.”

With that, the large group followed this family to their residence in grand procession.

This boy’s family circumstances were good. The house was a standard courtyard residence. Jiang Zhaoxue, bringing Pei Zichen along, followed Ye Wenzhen inside with the master. The male master said somewhat awkwardly, “I wonder where the Immortal Master plans to begin searching?”

“This young lady’s chamber.” Ye Wenzhen turned to look at the family’s daughter. “May I borrow a look inside the room?”

Upon hearing this, the sister’s expression instantly changed. Seeing this, the male master hurriedly said, “Immortal Master Ye, my daughter is after all an unmarried young woman. Her chamber is truly not suitable for others to enter. Why doesn’t the Immortal Master tell us how to search, and we’ll send a maid inside? How about that?”

“What does Miss Jiang think?” Ye Wenzhen inquired of Jiang Zhaoxue. “According to Miss’s calculations, could it be in the young lady’s chamber?”

“Hard to say.”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and only said, “I need to calculate again.”

“Then this time, this old one will send someone in first. If this old one finds it first, then this old one wins.”

“Fine.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded generously. Ye Wenzhen immediately said to the male master, “This object should be in the southeast area of the eldest daughter’s room, in a place related to wind, with something related to water nearby, concealing that object.”

Hearing this, the boy immediately became anxious. “I know! Sister has a big flower vase by her window! There’s water in the vase! It must be inside.”

Hearing this, his sister coldly glanced at him and only said, “Idiot.”

Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled without speaking. The servants hurriedly headed to the back courtyard.

Jiang Zhaoxue and Ye Wenzhen waited in place. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s waiting demeanor, Ye Wenzhen said slowly, “Miss seems very confident?”

“Fairly.” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, saying casually, “We’ll know the result soon.”

“I’m afraid Miss doesn’t understand, does she?” Ye Wenzhen swept his gaze over her and only said, “The Nine Heavens Mystical Numbers are not something ordinary people can comprehend. This old one just happens to understand a bit.”

“Here it comes!” A’Nan couldn’t help but speak up. “He’s showing off again. He can’t possibly think you brought this up to intimidate him, right?”

“Very possible.”

But in reality, she brought this up…

Simply because it was easy.

She suppressed the urge to curl her lip and tried hard to maintain a cool demeanor as she waited in place.

After waiting a while, the servant came running back from the room, somewhat anxiously saying, “Mas… Master…”

“What is it?”

The male master turned to look at the servant, asking in confusion, “Where’s the object?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhen knew something was wrong. He frowned. “You didn’t find it?”

The servant said vaguely, “It’s not in the vase…”

“What about other places?” Ye Wenzhen quickly said, “Related to wind, with water at its side—for example, a wind chime…”

“We searched everywhere.” The servant’s voice grew quieter and quieter, clearly knowing this matter had embarrassed Ye Wenzhen. Perhaps trying their best to find it, they had already turned the room upside down, but still nothing. They could only say in a small voice, “There’s nothing…”

“Impossible.” Ye Wenzhen frowned and recalculated. “The prenatal trigram is seven, one, five. The postnatal trigram is one, seven, eleven. One water conquers seven fire, one water generates five wood. In the postnatal trigram, seven water is conquered by one fire, and seven fire conquers eleven metal. This proves it can be found, just with some difficulty. Not finding it the first time is normal. Search again…”

“Why not try my result?”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke to interrupt Ye Wenzhen’s words. Everyone looked over. Jiang Zhaoxue smiled. “Stop making trouble in that young lady’s room. Did you ask for her consent?”

Hearing this, the sister turned her head away.

The brother beside her immediately said, “The thing must have been lost in her place, which is why the Immortal Master calculated it would be there. She took my thing and still feels wronged?!”

“I didn’t take your thing!”

The sister loudly denied it.

Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing more, only smiled as she looked at the sister and said warmly, “Miss, give me three numbers?”

Hearing this, the sister froze. The male master hurriedly urged, “Hurry up. Someone’s asking you a question. What are you dawdling for?”

The sister pressed her lips together and reluctantly spoke. “One, four, nine.”

Getting these numbers, Jiang Zhaoxue calculated with her fingers, then looked at the male master to confirm. “You only have these two children, correct?”

Hearing this, the male master frowned. “That’s right. What of it?”

“Then go to this boy’s room.” Jiang Zhaoxue pointed at the brother. “Look for bookshelves or cabinets—these types of objects that can serve as mountain-like supports—in places where there are candlesticks or other fire-related items.”

Hearing this, the servants didn’t move, looking instead at the male master.

The male master secretly glanced at Ye Wenzhen, unable to make a decision for a moment.

If the object wasn’t found, that would be one thing, but if it really was found, today would be quite embarrassing for Ye Wenzhen.

Ye Wenzhen was a Daoist from the Tianji Academy and also came from the Ye Family—no one in Taizhou City dared offend him. From this moment of hesitation by the male master, Jiang Zhaoxue understood. She smiled and said, “Daoist Elder Ye, if you don’t speak up, they won’t dare go.”

“This old one can accept defeat.”

Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s demeanor, Ye Wenzhen knew she was confident. He turned to the male master and said, “Go search. If you find it, this old one will have met an expert, and my heart will be greatly comforted.”

Hearing this, the male master finally breathed a sigh of relief and had the servants search.

The brother stood in place, shouting angrily, “How could it be in my room? I’ve been searching for years! The last time I saw it was when it went missing at her place, and she still won’t admit it!”

“I didn’t!” The sister spoke angrily.

The brother shouted in dissatisfaction, “It was you! You stole my slingshot! You’re just jealous that Father and Mother gave me a slingshot and not you!”

“You’re talking nonsense!” The sister’s face was deathly pale. “I’m not jealous of you…”

The two quarreled. The servant came running out, saying happily, “Found it, found it! It’s in Young Master’s room!”

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. The brother looked bewildered. “My room? Where?”

“Under that bookshelf candlestick, there’s a box propping it up.” The servant smiled. “We always thought that box was empty.”

“How could it be there…”

The brother was puzzled. The sister’s face had turned somewhat pale. Ye Wenzhen frowned and thought for a moment but couldn’t understand. He looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue and asked in confusion, “Could Daoist Friend explain?”

“Wrong!” A’Nan spoke arrogantly. “He should call you Senior!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s face showed a smile. She crossed her arms and said, “Does Daoist Friend Ye concede defeat now?”

Ye Wenzhen paused, looking at the slingshot the servant had retrieved. Though unwilling, he still said respectfully, “I concede defeat. But I do not understand where I lost.”

With that, Ye Wenzhen thought carefully. “The Nine Heavens Mystical Numbers use the Five Elements corresponding to the twelve earthly branches as a foundation. Among the three numbers, the middle number represents the object, and the two outer numbers represent the object’s external environment. The numbers he gave were seven, one, five—this is the prenatal trigram. The postnatal trigram is obtained by adding or subtracting six from the prenatal trigram, resulting in one, seven, eleven. Corresponding to the Five Elements of the twelve earthly branches, among these numbers, only five is generated by one water, making it most likely.”

“In the Nine Heavens Mystical Numbers, five is located in the Xun Palace Chen position, the position of the eldest daughter in the nine palaces, located in the southeast. Xun represents wind direction. And in the postnatal trigram, seven as the object is conquered by one water, so you guessed there should be water-related things nearby concealing it.” Jiang Zhaoxue confirmed.

Ye Wenzhen nodded. “Correct. Where did I err?”

“The error is that you need to look clearly. The prenatal trigram is seven, one, five. The postnatal trigram is one, seven, eleven. This is Zi-Wu opposition.”

As these words emerged, Ye Wenzhen instantly realized. One-seven, seven-one—Zi-Wu opposition.

“When there’s opposition, there must be movement, especially Zi-Wu opposition. This means this object was actually moved by someone. The position you calculated is not its final location. Trigram images ultimately relate to energy fields. The numbers this young master gave you can only calculate positions related to him—that is, after passing through his hands, this slingshot finally landed in the eldest daughter’s position.”

As Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, she looked toward the sister beside them.

The sister’s face was deathly pale. Jiang Zhaoxue continued, “So following the trigram’s guidance, I asked the young lady to give me three numbers. The young lady gave one, four, nine—this is the prenatal trigram. Adding or subtracting six from the twelve numbers gives the postnatal trigram of seven, ten, three. In the prenatal trigram, one water generates four wood, four wood conquers nine earth—external generates internal, internal conquers external. In the postnatal trigram, seven fire conquers ten metal, three earth generates ten metal—external conquers internal, external generates internal. These two trigram images both have one conquest and one generation. The conquering one need not be considered, so what remains is the generating numbers—three that generates ten metal, and one water that generates four wood.”

As Jiang Zhaoxue explained, Ye Wenzhen had a sudden realization. “And the slingshot is metal in nature, so three from the postnatal trigram is more closely related. Three in the trigram image is the Gen Palace Yin position, the position of the youngest son. Gen in feng shui represents mountain, so you guessed it should be on a bookshelf or cabinet. And in the postnatal trigram, ten metal is conquered by seven fire, so you guessed there should be something fire-related concealing it.”

“Correct.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded. “The eight trigrams oscillate together, yin and yang share roots—how can prenatal and postnatal trigrams be viewed separately?”

Hearing this, Ye Wenzhen thought for a moment. After thoroughly digesting and comprehending every word Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, he suddenly felt something surging within his body.

Unusual spiritual power coursed through his body. He looked up at Jiang Zhaoxue in surprise and suddenly discovered that the two people before him seemed to have a layer of floating light around them.

He had achieved enlightenment!

Ye Wenzhen suddenly realized this.

Every cultivator must experience enlightenment and begin to understand the rules of this world before truly stepping onto the path of immortal cultivation.

It turned out that Jiang Zhaoxue had no spiritual energy fluctuations not because she lacked spiritual energy, but because her realm was too high.

The person before him was not an ordinary mortal at all. With casual guidance, she could greatly increase his fortune. This was an Immortal!

“Immortal Master…” Ye Wenzhen understood. He hurriedly knelt on the ground and respectfully bowed, calling out loudly, “This disciple has eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. I greet the Immortal Master!”

When Ye Wenzhen knelt, though the people beside him couldn’t figure out what had happened, they all quickly knelt as well. Jiang Zhaoxue stood in the center, as if long accustomed to such scenes of everyone kneeling in worship. She only said, “All right, as long as you acknowledge it, get up. I need to go eat.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue prepared to leave. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to look at the sister. After thinking for a moment, she turned to the male master and said, “Hey, your daughter has the fate of a noble person. Don’t slight her too much.”

Hearing this, the male master looked up in surprise. The sister was also somewhat bewildered. A moment later, this family reacted with great joy and hurriedly kowtowed, saying, “Thank you for the fortune reading, Immortal Master! Thank you, Immortal Master!”

The sister stared blankly at Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing more, turned, and led Pei Zichen out, saying happily, “Let’s go.”

As soon as she moved, the surrounding people reacted. The brother immediately began screaming, “It was her! I said she stole my slingshot! She still won’t adm—Ah!”

Before he finished speaking, the sudden sound of a slap rang out. The brother began crying loudly, “Father, why are you hitting me?”

“You’re not allowed to speak ill of your sister anymore!” The man’s angry voice rang out. “Your sister is a noble person. Treat her well from now on, understand?!”

“Nonsense! I don’t believe it! I won’t believe it! Ah! Stop hitting me, Father, stop!”

Inside, chaos erupted, but Jiang Zhaoxue paid no attention. She was even somewhat happy.

Pei Zichen followed behind Jiang Zhaoxue. He looked at the vibrant, radiant person before him and felt as if a light followed her like a shadow, falling upon her.

Her brilliance scattered over the masses. He was but one believer among all living beings.

After walking a few steps to a place with no one around, Pei Zichen couldn’t help but say, “Master’s wife.”

“Mm?”

“Does this small town have so many noble people?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled at him. Pei Zichen then knew the answer. He didn’t quite understand. “Why deceive them?”

“This slingshot was secretly hidden by the sister. Why did she hide it?” Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at Pei Zichen, saying seriously, “Because she didn’t have one, so she was jealous. But even though jealous, she didn’t throw away her brother’s slingshot. She only hid it. Perhaps it was just a momentary impulse, only wanting to teach her brother a lesson. But after she hid it, she discovered the slingshot was missing—a sin she couldn’t bear. So she didn’t dare speak up and could only keep waiting for this slingshot to be discovered by her brother so she could extricate herself from this matter.”

“But today Master’s wife revealed this matter.”

“So she will definitely be punished.” Jiang Zhaoxue confirmed, then said, “I owe her, so naturally I must compensate her. Anyway, it’s just casually telling a lie. Moreover, once I spoke, perhaps she really will have a very good life as I said.”

“But her parents don’t love her.”

Pei Zichen frowned. “What she seeks is unconditional, absolute, complete love from her parents, not affection given for the purpose of seeking benefits.”

“So what?” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s tone instantly became lighter, her aura becoming especially distant and indifferent. “She’s better off now.”

“But…”

Pei Zichen wanted to say more but suddenly felt something was wrong.

He immediately became alert, raising his eyes to look at the nearby alley. He saw a soft palanquin standing in the alley. The palanquin was quite luxurious, surrounded by guards, with another sedan chair following behind. Clearly, they were waiting for someone.

As Jiang Zhaoxue observed the palanquin, a middle-aged man’s voice came from inside. “Jiang Zhaoxue, Immortal Master Jiang?”

This voice was precisely that of the middle-aged man who had spoken with the young man on the mountain that day. Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen exchanged glances, knowing the other party had taken the bait.

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and said, “That’s correct.”

“I am Chen Zhao, a retainer of the Ye Residence. My family’s Second Young Master has heard of the Immortal Master’s esteemed reputation and wishes to invite the Immortal Master to the residence for a discussion.”

“Wonderful.”

Jiang Zhaoxue agreed without hesitation, stunning everyone.

Jiang Zhaoxue naturally walked toward the palanquin, pushed aside the nearby sedan bearer, and sat directly inside, saying happily, “Shall we go?”

Her excessive initiative caught the Ye Residence people off guard. Chen Zhao froze for a moment, until someone beside him said, “Elder Chen, this… should we still bring her into the residence?”

Hearing this, Chen Zhao came to his senses.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s reputation had recently been heard throughout the Ye Residence. Originally, they thought she was just a con artist, until today when Ye Wenzhen sought her out.

When Ye Wenzhen sought her out, he immediately had people prepare to receive her.

The Eldest Young Master could no longer hold on…

Chen Zhao closed his eyes, suppressed his emotions, and said calmly, “Go.”

Upon Chen Zhao’s order, the sedan bearers immediately moved, carrying Jiang Zhaoxue into the Ye Residence.

Arriving before the Ye Residence gates, the soft palanquin was lowered. After Pei Zichen helped Jiang Zhaoxue rise, Chen Zhao stepped forward and handed invitation cards to both Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen, instructing, “After you two enter the Ye Residence, you must keep the invitation cards with you at all times. If you two have never cultivated before, that’s fine, but if you have cultivated…”

“The Nine Stars Vast Righteousness Array, right?” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke. Chen Zhao froze. Jiang Zhaoxue smiled, tucked the invitation card into her bosom, and directly stepped into the Ye Residence, saying openly, “I know. I won’t court death. But I’m just curious.”

Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at Chen Zhao, who stood stunned at the entrance. “Who set up this great array?”

Hearing this, Chen Zhao immediately reacted, hurried to catch up, and said respectfully while suppressing his inner excitement, “It was the Ye Family’s ancestor.”

“The Ye Family also had capable people.”

“Yes.” Chen Zhao immediately said, “The Ye clan once had cultivators who later ascended to the upper realm.”

A cultivator who ascended at that.

The Mortal Realm, True Immortal Realm, and Jiuyou Realm were essentially one realm, but the True Immortal Realm had abundant spiritual energy and many cultivators, while the Mortal Realm was after all a place for mortals to survive—spiritual energy was thin, so even if one cultivated, it was very difficult to reach the pinnacle. As for the Jiuyou Realm, it had no spiritual energy at all and its cultivation mode was completely different from the other two realms.

For a cultivator to ascend from the Mortal Realm was quite extraordinary.

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, also knowing Chen Zhao said this to tell her of the Ye Family’s significance. She also showed respect, bowing and saying, “Never having met the senior is truly regrettable.”

Seeing her bow, Chen Zhao understood this person’s temperament somewhat. Though she appeared casual and uninhibited, she had propriety in important matters.

His heart relaxed somewhat. He led Jiang Zhaoxue toward the main hall.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhaoxue looked around all the way. Upon entering the array, she discovered that the Ye Family was covered in a blood-red aura—clearly an appearance of extreme killing karma.

Pei Zichen had no golden core. Though he couldn’t see the surroundings, his cultivator’s intuition still made him sense an abnormal presence. He lowered his voice. “Master’s wife, something’s wrong.”

“I know.”

Jiang Zhaoxue responded in a low voice.

Leading Pei Zichen into the main hall, before even entering the courtyard, they heard a young man’s angry cursing from inside. “Making me come again to see these con artists. One after another just wants money, can’t even save anyone. How can a fortune-teller do any…”

“Second Young Master!”

Seeing Ye Tianjiao about to curse something unpleasant, Chen Zhao quickly entered and said loudly, “They’re here.”

Hearing the sound, Ye Tianjiao restrained himself slightly, snorted coldly, and sat down in a chair.

Jiang Zhaoxue pretended not to have heard anything and was led by Chen Zhao with Pei Zichen inside.

Today, Ye Tianjiao was still dressed in golden splendor, looking exactly like a golden peacock strutting through the marketplace.

Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but look at him a few more times. Pei Zichen sensed her abnormality. His gaze traveled between the two of them in a circle, then he silently lowered his eyes.

He followed behind Jiang Zhaoxue and raised his hand in salute. Jiang Zhaoxue stood majestically unmoved.

Ye Tianjiao swept a glance at the two and cursed in a low voice, “So young—what can they accomplish!”

“Ahem.”

Chen Zhao coughed lightly, looked at Jiang Zhaoxue with some concern, and reminded somewhat awkwardly, “These two are both Immortal Masters. Second Young Master, would you tell them the situation?”

“Fine.” Ye Tianjiao was somewhat impatient and said simply, “My brother is ill. If you can treat him, treat him. If not, get lost. State whatever requirements you have.”

This attitude was too poor. Pei Zichen frowned slightly, but Jiang Zhaoxue continued examining the surroundings.

The blood-red aura of the Ye Residence was deeper in some places and lighter in others. The deepest concentration was to the east. Here was the main hall, where human energy was vigorous, so it had dissipated considerably.

Jiang Zhaoxue paid no attention. Chen Zhao was somewhat nervous. Having discerned Jiang Zhaoxue’s abilities, he hurriedly tried to persuade, “Second Young Master, this Immortal Master defeated Daoist Elder Ye today and could even discern our family’s array…”

“Haven’t we had Daoists before? In the end, couldn’t they still not cure him?”

Ye Tianjiao was clearly somewhat agitated and said directly, “If we’re looking for ordinary cultivators, where can’t we find them? Ye Wenzhen merely entered the Tianji Academy. Even the Director of the Tianji Academy said…”

Ye Tianjiao’s voice stopped. Sensing the abnormality, Jiang Zhaoxue looked over. She saw that Ye Tianjiao seemed unable to continue speaking. He forcibly held back his words, his eyes slightly reddening, and turned his head away. “Never mind. Give them some money and tell them to leave.”

With that, Ye Tianjiao stood and strode away. Chen Zhao quickly chased after him, hurriedly saying, “Second Young Master, give them a chance, let them see the Eldest Young Master…”

“Ye Wenzhi lives in the east wing, doesn’t he?”

Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly spoke. Ye Tianjiao became instantly alert and turned back with cold eyes. “What do you want to do?”

Jiang Zhaoxue examined his nervous appearance, considered his earlier martial skills, observed the flow of his spiritual meridians, and asked curiously, “You cultivate? No, that’s not it. You have good talent. Someone wanted to lead you into cultivation, but you didn’t study?”

“You investigated me?!” Ye Tianjiao shouted angrily. Pei Zichen immediately shifted a step toward Jiang Zhaoxue’s side.

Ye Tianjiao focused all his attention on Jiang Zhaoxue and didn’t notice Pei Zichen. Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, then said, “Did the Tianji Academy advise you to bury your brother?”

Hearing this, Ye Tianjiao furiously stepped forward. Chen Zhao urgently held him back. “Second Young Master! Calm down! This is real ability! If she couldn’t investigate this, the Eldest Young Master can be saved! He can be saved!”

These words pacified Ye Tianjiao. Ye Tianjiao glared menacingly at Jiang Zhaoxue. Jiang Zhaoxue examined him, understanding in her heart, and decisively inquired, “Your brother killed someone?”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

Ye Tianjiao roared, “My brother could never kill anyone! If you keep spouting nonsense, I’ll kill you…”

“Take me to see him.”

Jiang Zhaoxue always felt something was wrong. She directly strode forward, saying calmly, “Explain the situation clearly. If you can’t explain it clearly,” Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at Ye Tianjiao, “I’ll assume your brother killed them.”

“Nonsense!”

Ye Tianjiao immediately stepped forward, following Jiang Zhaoxue menacingly.

Afraid he might harm someone, Pei Zichen quickly caught up, staying by Jiang Zhaoxue’s side while remaining vigilant toward him.

Ye Tianjiao sensed Pei Zichen’s hostility and glanced at him. Pei Zichen calmly raised his eyes. Ye Tianjiao couldn’t be bothered with him and only followed Jiang Zhaoxue closely, saying indignantly, “I’m telling you, my brother didn’t kill anyone. Those death cases in the city were handled by me. They have nothing to do with my brother—not a penny’s worth of connection. Turn left!”

Though Ye Tianjiao was speaking, he still gave Jiang Zhaoxue directions. Jiang Zhaoxue tucked her hands into her sleeves and nodded. “Oh, the Tianji Academy said your brother killed them, so they want to bury him?”

“It’s not burial!” Ye Tianjiao spoke irritably and angrily. “Three years ago, in Taizhou City at night, women who went out would die unjustly. At the same time, my brother was bedridden with illness. The Tianji Academy sent people to investigate this matter and discovered my brother had extremely heavy resentful energy on him. Therefore, they deduced my brother was the killer.”

Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue turned through the corridor, nodded, and leaned close to Ye Tianjiao, showing a listening attitude. “And then?”

This was her usual habit. When she seriously worked on something, she would move closer to the other person to hear them speak, as a response.

Pei Zichen watched silently. He didn’t know what was wrong with him, but he just felt his heart suddenly became emptier.

This world seemed to have grown larger.

That feeling of emptiness and loneliness surged, nearly strangling him. He silently followed Jiang Zhaoxue. Seeing the atmosphere between the two gradually become harmonious, he slowed his pace and withdrew somewhat.

Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t noticed his emotions and listened as Ye Tianjiao continued, “But at that time, my brother was unconscious every day. He was rarely awake. The Tianji Academy sent people to watch him. That very night, a woman who went out still died. Therefore, although they didn’t know where the resentful energy on my brother came from, the Tianji Academy didn’t dare say it was my brother anymore. But they said this was my brother’s karma, so they refused to handle this matter. But my brother would never kill anyone.”

“Family members have the right to conceal each other’s crimes.”

“My brother didn’t…”

“But I don’t care.”

Jiang Zhaoxue walked to the entrance of the heavily guarded residence that surged with blood-red aura and stopped to examine it.

This was absolutely not resentful energy that could be condensed by just one or two people.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the residence, then turned to look at the stunned Ye Tianjiao, saying calmly, “I’m someone without much sense of right and wrong. Even if your brother killed someone, I can still save him. But I have one requirement.”

“What?” Hearing she could save him, Ye Tianjiao couldn’t be bothered to argue right and wrong with her.

Jiang Zhaoxue looked him up and down. Ye Tianjiao became nervous. “What are you looking at? You can’t have taken a fancy to me, can you? I’m telling you, even if you cure my brother, I absolutely won’t…”

“Do you still have the Jade Lingzhi?”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke. Ye Tianjiao froze. In a flash of lightning, he suddenly remembered encountering that expert on the mountain before.

Though he hadn’t seen the face clearly at the time, he could confirm it was a man and a woman.

His expression instantly became vigilant. He glanced at the veiled Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen, then said, “You’re the people from the mountain that day?”

“Where I’m from doesn’t matter.” Seeing his expression, Jiang Zhaoxue knew the Jade Lingzhi was still there. She smiled and said, “What’s important is, if I can cure your brother, give me the Jade Lingzhi. How about it?”

“Fine.”

Hearing it was about the Jade Lingzhi, Ye Tianjiao calmed down. He instantly understood. “So these past days you’ve been playing tricks just to enter the Ye Residence, right?”

“How can you put it that way?” Jiang Zhaoxue blinked. “I was benefiting the common people.”

“Swindling so much silver—such benefit to the common people.”

Ye Tianjiao said through gritted teeth, then remembered, “Also, you were the one who told Wang Ruoshui to send a cat, weren’t you?!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue paused, then recalled her first proper customer. Forcing a smile, she said, “Huh? What are you talking about?”

“I’ll let those messy matters slide since you have some ability.” Seeing her reaction, Ye Tianjiao knew she was denying responsibility. He didn’t want to say more and decisively said, “But if anything happens to my brother—even the slightest thing—I want your life.”

“Oh my,” Jiang Zhaoxue looked at Ye Tianjiao’s attempt at fierceness and raised her hand to her chest. “I’m so scared.”

Ye Tianjiao saw Jiang Zhaoxue’s mockery and instantly became furious. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say to suppress Jiang Zhaoxue’s arrogance. After stammering “you” and “I” for a long time, he finally found his angle of attack and cursed loudly, “Take that veil off your face! Are you too ashamed to show yourself?”

“Yes.” Jiang Zhaoxue lifted her skirt and walked forward, saying openly, “I’m ugly and can’t show my face. But that’s not important. Right now, the most important thing is to quickly see your brother…”

Before she finished speaking, a gale attacked from behind. The instant Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively turned back, Ye Tianjiao had already lunged before her and yanked off her veil. At the same time, Pei Zichen stepped forward, pulled Jiang Zhaoxue to shield her behind him, and explosively kicked Ye Tianjiao flying into the courtyard, shouting in fury, “Insolent!”

As he spoke, Jiang Zhaoxue had already been completely hidden by him. The veil was seized back and stuffed into her hands. Though he was now only half a head taller than Jiang Zhaoxue and still had a youth’s frame, unable to completely conceal Jiang Zhaoxue, it was still enough for Jiang Zhaoxue to put the veil back on her face.

Even so, in the moment the veil was removed, Ye Tianjiao had clearly seen Jiang Zhaoxue’s features.

Ye Tianjiao was completely stunned. He wanted to say something, but blood was stuck in his mouth.

The attendants beside him all rushed forward to help Ye Tianjiao up, while guards surrounded Pei Zichen and Jiang Zhaoxue tightly. Chen Zhao hurried forward trying to mediate but didn’t know whom he should apologize to.

The courtyard descended into chaos. Pei Zichen’s hand rested on his sword hilt as he said calmly, “Master’s wife, don’t be afraid.”

Jiang Zhaoxue wasn’t actually afraid. She only curiously poked her head out from behind him and saw Ye Tianjiao with his hand covering his chest, being helped up. Then, at the instant he saw Jiang Zhaoxue peeking out, he vomited a mouthful of blood, completely unable to control himself, his voice trembling, “Fairy maiden…”

As these words emerged, Pei Zichen’s pupils contracted sharply. He raised his hand to strike again, but Jiang Zhaoxue, afraid of a fatality, quickly held him back, saying urgently, “Don’t get agitated, he didn’t really do anything…”

With that, a scream came from the crowd. Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen looked up to see that in the distance, Ye Tianjiao actually couldn’t support himself. His eyes rolled back and he collapsed in the crowd.

Around them, people called for physicians and carried him. Chen Zhao couldn’t attend to them either. He only instructed the surrounding people to withdraw and take them to the guest rooms, then hurried to get medical treatment for Ye Tianjiao.

Jiang Zhaoxue stared blankly at this sudden turn of events, never quite able to react.

How did things escalate to fighting in just these few moments… oh no, how did Pei Zichen end up beating someone?

Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat bewildered and couldn’t help but turn to Pei Zichen. “Why did you suddenly attack?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s movements stiffened. He seemed to feel he’d done wrong and said uneasily, “He offended Master’s wife.”

With that, Pei Zichen realized this was a mortal—even if offensive, it wasn’t to this degree. He hurriedly composed his emotions, knelt on one knee, and bowed. “This disciple has erred. Please punish me, Master’s wife.”

“Oh, there’s nothing really to punish.” Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t particularly care. She only kept staring in the direction Ye Tianjiao had left, saying with some worry, “He’s so fragile—did we kill him?”

Pei Zichen said nothing. He silently knelt on the ground without a word.

His ears rang with tinnitus, buzzing and circling, as if he were the only person in the world standing in place.

He waited passively, not knowing what he was waiting for. He himself seemed to be a stone statue, his soul imprisoned within the stone, unable to move.

Until Jiang Zhaoxue turned her gaze back. The moment her eyes returned to him, he felt the curse lift, hearing her ask in surprise, “Why are you kneeling? Get up. Let’s go check quickly.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue stepped forward, saying vaguely, “We’d better not have killed someone right after entering.”