Jiang Zhaoxue’s anger came and went quickly. After warning Pei Zichen, her temper was vented. She pulled up her blanket and went straight to sleep.

The next day, before she woke up, she heard people talking outside. Jiang Zhaoxue opened her eyes. After a while, she heard Pei Zichen standing at the door, saying respectfully, “Female Sovereign, someone attempted to assassinate a guest at Tianji Academy last night. According to regulations, this disciple must now inspect rooms. Female Sovereign need not worry.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue acknowledged.

She heard people outside searching for a while before coming to her door. Pei Zichen’s voice rang out again: “Senior brothers, my Female Sovereign is, after all, a woman and it’s inconvenient for her to see people. Could senior sisters search alone?”

After the people outside discussed briefly, Jiang Zhaoxue heard the door open. A few women entered, searched for a while, then left.

As the group was leaving, Jiang Zhaoxue vaguely heard someone ask in a lowered voice, “Is she pretty?”

“Pretty good-looking.”

“No wonder Junior Brother Jiang for four years…”

“Senior Brother.” Pei Zichen’s voice came as a reminder.

Everyone suddenly felt the atmosphere was wrong. With an awkward laugh, they quickly apologized to Pei Zichen and left.

After everyone departed, Pei Zichen knocked on the door and returned, closing the door and coming before Jiang Zhaoxue. He said in a lowered voice, “Master’s Wife, Junior Martial Sister was attacked and injured last night. Was it Qian Sisi…”

“What about Shen Yuqing?”

Jiang Zhaoxue asked with concern. She couldn’t care less about Mu Jinyue—she only cared whether Mu Jinyue’s injury had held back Shen Yuqing.

Hearing her ask about Shen Yuqing, Pei Zichen knew her plan. He said in a low voice, “Master has summoned famous physicians and is currently diagnosing Junior Martial Sister. For the moment, he probably won’t have time to go anywhere else.”

“That’s good then.”

Jiang Zhaoxue relaxed. Pei Zichen thought for a moment and only said, “Master’s Wife, these days I’ll find a way into the prince’s mansion. You just stay here and wait for me.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew Pei Zichen was taking a softer approach after the hard one failed.

Unable to drive Qian Sisi away, and unable to openly control and stop her from going to the Taotie Feast, he changed tactics.

In any case, Jiang Zhaoxue’s goal was the Lingxu Fan. If he could infiltrate the prince’s mansion himself and obtain the Lingxu Fan directly, Jiang Zhaoxue wouldn’t need to go to the Taotie Feast.

If he had that ability, Jiang Zhaoxue would of course be too lazy to busy herself. She nodded: “Alright then.”

Saying this, she suddenly remembered and asked curiously, “Have you arranged things for Li Xiuji?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen paused, then nodded: “I’ve almost found people willing to adopt him. These days I’ll understand the situation more carefully.”

“How did you find them?”

Jiang Zhaoxue thought about these past days and felt Pei Zichen was remarkably capable. Everyone at Tianji Academy was on good terms with him, and whatever he did, people helped. This was completely unlike how he was envied and hated at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.

Of course, this was also related to his current temperament. If he could have shown even one-fifth of his current tact back then, he might not have been resented by Gaowen at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.

But thinking again, that wasn’t quite right either. At Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, his temperament was actually a minor issue. The main thing was his common birth, extraordinary talent, receiving too much praise, with no one to protect him.

If only he had been from a great clan like Wen Xiao’an, his temperament would have been seen as the natural pride of Heaven’s Chosen Son.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s thoughts wandered intermittently. Pei Zichen directly explained, “Knowing the Female Sovereign would eventually return, I’ve cultivated many connections over these years. Moreover…” Pei Zichen hesitated, then still said, “The Ye Family’s Second Young Master is also in the capital now. With the Ye Family’s deep roots, asking for his help is quite convenient.”

“Second Fool Ye is here too?!”

Jiang Zhaoxue was surprised, then became somewhat happy: “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’d like to have a meal with him!”

“These days have been too busy, and we’ve been hiding from Master, so it’s not advisable to go out. Additionally, the Ye Family has burdensome protocols, so I haven’t arranged a meeting yet. If Master’s Wife wants to see him, I can send a visiting card first and arrange a time.”

“Oh.”

Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t expected seeing Ye Tianjiao would be so troublesome now. Since it wasn’t necessary to meet, she nodded: “Let’s see about timing. If it’s convenient, we’ll go.”

“Yes.”

Pei Zichen responded, then stood in place. After thinking for a long while, he finally said softly, “Master’s Wife.”

“Mm?”

“I’ll go find the Lingxu Fan. The Taotie Feast… please don’t risk yourself.”

Jiang Zhaoxue paused. After thinking for a moment, she sneered coldly and only said, “You already drove the person away. Even if I wanted to go, I have no way. You’re quite opinionated. Do my words matter?”

“I’m sorry.” Pei Zichen lowered his eyes, saying with particular firmness, “This disciple will definitely work hard to become stronger.”

You can’t get stronger without obtaining the divine weapon, you fool.

Jiang Zhaoxue cursed in her heart but showed nothing on her face, saying lightly, “Let’s consider this matter past then. But let me make it clear—if Qian Sisi finds me, then we’re fated—”

“Please don’t take risks, Master’s Wife.” Pei Zichen spoke calmly, “This disciple will not let Master’s Wife face half a point of danger again.”

“What if I insist—”

Jiang Zhaoxue wanted to speak. Beside her, Li Xiuji tugged at her. Jiang Zhaoxue paused, then heard Li Xiuji say quietly, “Big Sister, Brother is about to cry.”

“Stop talking nonsense.”

Pei Zichen glanced coolly at Li Xiuji, his tone cooling somewhat.

Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned and couldn’t help asking A’Nan, “Is he really about to cry?”

“Uh… hard to say.”

A’Nan spoke vaguely. Jiang Zhaoxue became somewhat flustered.

She wasn’t afraid of people being forceful, but if he really cried, it would be rather awkward.

Originally just to placate Pei Zichen, she coughed twice and turned away: “Fine, go do your work. If you have the ability to get the Lingxu Fan back, I won’t go.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s tone finally relaxed somewhat. He said respectfully, “Yes, Master’s Wife.”

After responding to Jiang Zhaoxue, Pei Zichen told her when he’d be out today, then left again.

Just as he stepped out, Pei Zichen turned back to reinforce the barrier around his courtyard, adding another layer specifically targeting Qian Sisi.

Sensing what Pei Zichen was doing, Jiang Zhaoxue sneered. Li Xiuji heard her sound and looked over curiously: “Big Sister, what are you laughing at?”

“Nothing.” Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, patting Li Xiuji. “Go pour me some tea.”

Hearing this, Li Xiuji quickly ran off to pour Jiang Zhaoxue tea.

Jiang Zhaoxue turned and instructed A’Nan, “Go to the Ye Residence to find Ye Tianjiao. If he still remembers me, have him give me a communication talisman and prepare some talismans. Don’t tell Pei Zichen about this, or I’ll have him killed.”

“You’re still planning to go to the Taotie Feast?”

A’Nan somewhat disapproved. Jiang Zhaoxue said coldly, “What else? You think Pei Zichen can really get the Lingxu Fan from the prince’s mansion?”

“Give him a chance…”

“Shen Yuqing won’t let him.”

Jiang Zhaoxue said calmly, “I injured Mu Jinyue. Once Shen Yuqing realizes it was me, he not only won’t stay to look after Mu Jinyue, but will contact Song Wuya more closely. Staying at Tianji Academy to care for Mu Jinyue now might just be a smokescreen. In reality, he might already be at the prince’s mansion, waiting for us like a hunter waits for prey. Going to the mansion would play right into his hands. But with his attention on the mansion, the Taotie Feast becomes an opportunity instead.”

“Then why are you having Pei Zichen go to the mansion…”

“He has the Yuan Luogong, so he can run fast. Plus, I’m still outside, so even if Shen Yuqing captures him, he won’t kill him—he’ll just keep him to wait for me. After being imprisoned for a long time…”

Jiang Zhaoxue thought about it: “Maybe he’ll accept the Yuan Luogong and escape on his own?”

“Stop dreaming,” A’Nan scoffed. “He’d rather die than cultivate Jiuyou Realm methods.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled: “If he’s useless, I can only rely on myself. Go on,” Jiang Zhaoxue patted its bottom, “don’t let anyone discover you.”

A’Nan snorted in dissatisfaction but still flapped its wings and flew out.

A’Nan was Jiang Zhaoxue’s life beast, with a realm far higher than Pei Zichen’s. It silently passed through his barrier and began searching the capital for the Ye Residence.

While A’Nan was searching for the Ye Residence, on the other side, at Tianji Academy’s guest quarters, Shen Yuqing was seeing Song Wuya out of the room, saying politely, “Thank you for bringing medicine this time, Your Highness. This disciple’s skills are inadequate—I’ve made Your Highness laugh.”

“It’s nothing.” Song Wuya glanced at the room and said with a smile, “Miss Mu is a beauty. Presenting medicine to a beauty is this prince’s fortune. However, regarding Miss Mu’s attack and Master Shen moving into the mansion…”

“As planned.” Shen Yuqing spoke calmly. “This matter must be my wife’s doing. I’ll publicly announce I’m staying at Tianji Academy to continue caring for my disciple, but I can move into the prince’s mansion today to ensure the mansion’s safety.”

Hearing this, Song Wuya breathed a sigh of relief and said hurriedly, “Thank you, Immortal Master. My elder brother is truly pressing too hard.”

“You want to overthrow his position—naturally he won’t let you go.” Shen Yuqing raised his eyes to look at Song Wuya before him. He stared at the fortune on the other party and thought for a moment before adding, “However, Your Highness, your fortune is truly strange. I’m not skilled in the way of fate calculation. I still hope Your Highness will help find my wife as soon as possible. My wife is a Life Master, skilled in fate and destiny. With my wife here, she may be able to examine Your Highness’s fortune.”

“No matter,” Song Wuya waved his hand generously, then his expression became serious. “Right now, the urgent matter is to destroy the Taotie Feast, report the Crown Prince’s actions to His Majesty, and rescue the common people from danger. Immortal Master Shen,” Song Wuya spoke, looking up at Shen Yuqing, “You are a great power of this age. Won’t you truly participate in suppressing the Taotie Feast?”

“Human disputes have nothing to do with me. Once I find my wife, I shall depart.” Shen Yuqing spoke, raising his hand in salute. “I must trouble Your Highness to keep watch.”

“Rest assured,” seeing Shen Yuqing unmoved, Song Wuya didn’t insist. Thinking of Jiang Zhaoxue’s portrait, he couldn’t help but smile. “With such a beautiful lady as your wife, this one will certainly notice her.”

Just as his words fell, he felt Shen Yuqing’s gaze turn cold.

He quickly gave an awkward laugh and said hurriedly, “This one will certainly do his utmost to find Madam Shen. Immortal Master Shen, rest assured. This one will take his leave first.”

With that, Song Wuya bid farewell to Shen Yuqing. Shen Yuqing watched Song Wuya’s retreating back, thought for a moment, then turned and instructed, “Pack the luggage.”

The capital was much larger than Taizhou City. A’Nan flew all afternoon before finding Ye Tianjiao. By evening, when Pei Zichen was about to return and Jiang Zhaoxue finally couldn’t help but urge it, A’Nan finally brought back the talismans Ye Tianjiao had given, rushing back in a hurry.

As soon as it entered the room, it threw a package of talismans onto the table, urging, “Quick, I just saw Pei Zichen outside. Hurry and deal with this stolen goods.”

“What’s there to fear?”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue sneered: “So what if he sees? Can he actually control me?”

Though she said this, the speed with which she stuffed the talismans into her dimensional pouch was lightning-fast. A’Nan rolled her eyes, then heard the sound of Pei Zichen opening the door.

“Female Sovereign, I’ve returned.”

Pei Zichen first came in to pay his respects.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat in her chair holding the talismans, smiling and nodding: “You’re back?”

With that, she immediately sent him away: “Go make dinner. I’m hungry.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s gaze swept extremely quickly over A’Nan, his eyes slightly narrowing. After hesitating briefly, he didn’t say much, only saying, “Yes.”

That evening, Jiang Zhaoxue had Pei Zichen take Li Xiuji to sleep next door early. She opened the Mountain River Bell herself, counting talismans on one side while contacting Qian Sisi on the other.

Qian Sisi briefly explained the situation: “They were stunned by your face and told me to hurry and capture you. You’re connected to Tianji Academy, so we can’t let it look like we’re conspiring. It needs to seem reasonable. The Taotie Feast was suddenly moved up to the day after tomorrow. Find an opportunity the day after tomorrow for me to kidnap you. That evening I’ll get the invitation to the Taotie Feast, and we’ll set out together.”

“Good,” Jiang Zhaoxue agreed, pondering for a moment. Thinking of shop names she’d heard on the street recently, she instructed, “Day after tomorrow afternoon, Yuelao Temple. I’ll go there.”

“Got it.”

After Jiang Zhaoxue finished planning with Qian Sisi, she immediately contacted Ye Tianjiao.

The Mortal Realm didn’t have communication jade tokens like the True Immortal Realm. They communicated using communication talismans. When Jiang Zhaoxue received Ye Tianjiao’s talisman, she knew these four years hadn’t been wasted for him.

After briefly catching up with Ye Tianjiao and learning about his situation over the four years, she asked him to prepare talismans for her.

Ye Tianjiao agreed in one breath, then said dissatisfied, “You came back and Pei Zichen didn’t even tell me. He’s still as petty as before!”

“Isn’t it difficult to see you…”

“Bullshit!” Ye Tianjiao cursed. “I…”

Just as the words left his mouth, Ye Tianjiao seemed to remember something and forcibly stopped himself.

Jiang Zhaoxue was confused: “Hm?”

“Never mind.” Ye Tianjiao changed the subject irritably. “I’ll write the talismans for you tomorrow.”

“Don’t tell Pei Zichen.”

“Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t say anything!” Ye Tianjiao swore earnestly, then began pleading, “Come visit me when you have time, Fairy Sister. After you left, I missed you so much.”

“Sure,” Jiang Zhaoxue agreed readily. “Once I finish this business, I’ll come visit.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue arranged everything and happily went to sleep.

Pei Zichen, however, couldn’t sleep at all.

He sensed Jiang Zhaoxue had opened the Mountain River Bell and lay quietly on his bed, looking at the wooden boards.

Seeing this, the Yuan Luogong laughed: “Anxious? You’re too useless—your Master’s Wife doesn’t want you anymore.”

“Nonsense.”

Pei Zichen spoke coldly. But the Yuan Luogong wouldn’t stop, only saying, “You’re just a minor disciple. You can’t even enter the prince’s mansion, much less obtain the Lingxu Fan. She’s going through all this trouble because you’re too weak. Accept my power.”

Yuanluo transformed into a black mist swirling around him, tempting him: “There’s no right or wrong in the world’s cultivation methods. As long as your Dao heart is firm, human desires are merely tools to temper you. Why are you so rigid?”

“I still need to return to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”

Pei Zichen spoke calmly. Yuanluo was so frightened he materialized into human form, rushed before Pei Zichen, and shouted, “Are you insane?! Have you forgotten how they treated you? You still want to go back?”

“Where Master’s Wife is, this disciple returns.”

Pei Zichen closed his eyes and said lightly, “Sleep.”

The two were busy all night. Ye Tianjiao had learned quickly over these years. The next day he sent over a large package of talismans.

After everything was arranged, on the third day—the day of the Taotie Feast—Jiang Zhaoxue had already made plans with Pei Zichen the night before to go out.

Although Pei Zichen was worried, since Jiang Zhaoxue wanted to go, he could only rent a carriage, send Li Xiuji ahead to the Ye Residence for Ye Tianjiao to look after, then lead Jiang Zhaoxue out.

This was the first time in all this time that just the two of them had gone out together. Sitting in the carriage, Jiang Zhaoxue was quite happy.

Pei Zichen observed her and probed, “Master’s Wife…”

“Call me Female Sovereign.” Jiang Zhaoxue corrected him. “Out and about, don’t keep calling me Master’s Wife.”

“Yes.” Pei Zichen responded, hesitating before saying, “Why did you want to go out today?”

“Guess?”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke with a smile. Pei Zichen paused but didn’t speak.

He thought for a moment and only said, “Then… where does the Female Sovereign plan to go?”

“Yuelao Temple.”

Jiang Zhaoxue lifted the carriage curtain, saying somewhat excitedly, “Have you been there?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen was stunned, seeming somewhat at a loss. He said vaguely, “This disciple… has only been there when catching demons.”

“I figured.”

Jiang Zhaoxue said casually, “I only went when I was young too.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen didn’t dare probe further. He only changed the subject: “Then why did Master’s Wife suddenly want to go today?”

“I want to see what differences there are between Yuelao Temple from over a thousand years ago and later,” Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes were full of anticipation. “Actually, I haven’t really worshiped many gods. This is the only god I’ve ever worshiped.”

“Then…” Pei Zichen didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t good to speak ill of Shen Yuqing, but he felt stifled in his chest. He couldn’t understand why Shen Yuqing had failed her so badly, and he couldn’t understand why she would continue despite being failed. He only felt heartache and bitterness mingling together. In the end, he only said, “I’ll accompany Master’s Wife to see it again.”

“Mm.”

As Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, she recalled happily, “I remember you can make wishes at Yuelao Temple. Later, Zichen, remember to make a wish.”

“I… I don’t have any wishes to make before Yuelao.”

“Yuelao is a god—it’s not just about marriage. If you don’t have someone you fancy, you can wish for other things.” Jiang Zhaoxue counted on her fingers. “Promotion and wealth, prosperous cultivation… Oh,” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled at him, “and for you to change your fate soon.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen looked at the smiling person before him. Jiang Zhaoxue asked, “Do you really have nothing you want?”

Pei Zichen’s fingertips trembled slightly. Jiang Zhaoxue was confused: “That’s impossible, right? If you didn’t, how did you get through these four years? I remember four years ago,” Jiang Zhaoxue pouted, “you were ready to die.”

“I have some.”

Pei Zichen spoke. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately smiled: “There we go then.”

The two chatted intermittently and arrived before Yuelao Temple.

Pei Zichen helped Jiang Zhaoxue down. Jiang Zhaoxue held his hand, looking through his eyes at the people coming and going around them.

“Why do they all look the same?”

Jiang Zhaoxue complained. Pei Zichen was pulled forward by her.

He didn’t know why, but while this wasn’t the first time Jiang Zhaoxue had held his hand these days, coming to such a place together somehow made him inexplicably nervous.

He vaguely felt this wasn’t a place he should walk through hand in hand with Jiang Zhaoxue, but since Jiang Zhaoxue wanted to come, he didn’t dare refuse, nor did he want to.

The two walked into the temple together. Most people around them took extra glances at them.

Jiang Zhaoxue wore a veil, and although Pei Zichen was already disguised, his bone structure was still there, somewhat eye-catching.

With each extra glance from these people, Pei Zichen grew more nervous. Yet within the nervousness was a secret joy that made him unconsciously hold Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand tighter.

Jiang Zhaoxue was unaware of his inner turmoil. All along the way, she was curious about fortune-telling, drawing lots, and buying sugar figurines. When they reached the main hall and she saw a Taoist selling red cloth, she quickly bought two red cloth strips and handed them to Pei Zichen: “Here, take these.”

“These are…”

Pei Zichen’s heart jumped.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression didn’t change as she lied: “These are wish ribbons.”

Pei Zichen was stunned. Jiang Zhaoxue quickly said, “Later you take this red cloth, bow to Yuelao, write your wish with your own blood, burn it for Yuelao—that’s making a wish.”

“That’s not right,” A’Nan listened to this. “This sounds more and more like dark magic. Is it really this absurd?”

“Shut up.” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately scolded A’Nan. “Is it easy for me to trick some blood out of him?”

A’Nan finally understood: “No wonder you arranged to meet at Yuelao Temple—you want to use his blood to block the Shared Heart Contract!”

“Obviously. Otherwise, I’d be caught by Shen Yuqing the moment I run out.”

“Master’s foresight is admirable!” A’Nan quickly said, “Truly worthy of being my master!”

After A’Nan’s flattery, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled brilliantly.

Pei Zichen stared blankly at the red cloth before him, hearing Jiang Zhaoxue say, “Take it and make your wish.”

“Yes.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen took the red cloth. Jiang Zhaoxue pulled him to kneel before the prayer cushions, urging, “Hurry and worship the god.”

Pei Zichen obeyed. Taking the red cloth, he turned to look at the people beside him. Jiang Zhaoxue had already taken her red cloth and knelt on the cushion, actively making wishes.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s wish was very long and numerous. She wished for a long time.

Even A’Nan grew impatient and couldn’t help saying, “This is Yuelao. Your many useless wishes won’t work.”

“I came all this way,” Jiang Zhaoxue said with closed eyes. “What’s wrong with troubling him a bit?”

As she made wishes, Pei Zichen just kept silently watching her.

The red ribbon in his hand became exceptionally hot.

He didn’t know who had fooled Jiang Zhaoxue into thinking this was a wish ribbon, but when he had come to catch demons before, that demon had told him these were marriage ribbons.

Writing two people’s names together would let them stay together forever.

He couldn’t correct Jiang Zhaoxue, nor did he dare truly kneel before gods and buddhas to wish for anything related to marriage.

But watching Jiang Zhaoxue’s devout appearance, in that instant, he still wanted to.

He couldn’t have marriage, but… wanting to always stay by her side shouldn’t be wrong.

In the past, he had stayed at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion the same way, guarding beside her and Shen Yuqing. He could be Shen Yuqing’s disciple for a lifetime, as long as she was there.

With this thought, he finally found where his wish belonged. When Jiang Zhaoxue began kowtowing, he also gripped the marriage ribbon and followed her in devoutly kowtowing before the gods and buddhas.

After finishing the kowtows, Jiang Zhaoxue urged him, “Quick, write your wish. Use blood to write it—the possibility of it coming true will be greater!”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen thought for a moment. Jiang Zhaoxue heard the sound of his sword being unsheathed.

Then the scent of blood spread. Jiang Zhaoxue heard the rustling sound of writing.

To make the act complete, Jiang Zhaoxue extended her hand: “Give me the sword. I’ll write too.”

“I’ll write for the Female Sovereign.” Pei Zichen spoke, reminding her, “It hurts.”

“Well, thank you so much then.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was delighted and immediately said, “My first wish—Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, give me my money back!”

Pei Zichen paused, not expecting this. He felt an inexplicable urge to laugh but still wrote it down as she said.

To trick more blood, Jiang Zhaoxue began making things up.

After making up many wishes, Pei Zichen finally couldn’t help saying, “Female Sovereign, there’s no more space.”

“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat regretful but figured it was enough. She nodded: “Alright, let’s go burn them.”

“Then I’ll go…”

“I’ll go!” Jiang Zhaoxue snatched both marriage ribbons and said happily, “Let’s go together!”

Hearing her words, Pei Zichen pulled her along again, leading her to the burning cauldron and guiding her to throw the ribbons in.

Jiang Zhaoxue tossed the marriage ribbons into the cauldron, then pulled Pei Zichen along: “Let’s go. I heard there’s a master inside who’s very accurate at fortune-telling. I’ll go meet him.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue put one hand behind her back. Her fingers moved slightly, and the marriage ribbons from the cauldron appeared in her dimensional bracelet.

Pei Zichen was completely unaware. He only let Jiang Zhaoxue pull him into the back courtyard of Yuelao Temple. On the path, a woman hurried past, her winnowing basket “whooshing” and tearing Jiang Zhaoxue’s clothes.

The woman apologized in a panic, saying hurriedly, “Miss, why don’t I take you to change clothes…”

“No need.”

Pei Zichen immediately blocked the woman with his sword, saying coldly, “My Female Sovereign doesn’t need…”

“Are these the monks’ clothes here?”

Jiang Zhaoxue curiously poked her head out. The woman was stunned, then replied, “Yes.”

“Then I must try them.”

Jiang Zhaoxue emerged from behind Pei Zichen. Seeing this, Pei Zichen was somewhat anxious and grabbed Jiang Zhaoxue: “Female Sovereign!”

“It’s fine.”

Jiang Zhaoxue patted his hand, consoling him, “Just stand outside the door. If anything happens, I’ll call you.”

“But…”

“You still have the Life Servant Contract.” Jiang Zhaoxue reminded him. “What’s there to fear? You can sense me at any time.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen paused. He sensed the person standing before him. After hesitating for a long time, he finally said slowly, “Then… I’ll wait for the Female Sovereign.”

“Good, be obedient.”

With that, Jiang Zhaoxue let go of him and followed the woman into the room.

She sensed a sword technique following her like a shadow. A’Nan reminded her, “He placed a sword technique on you.”

“Like a child.”

Jiang Zhaoxue chuckled softly and followed the woman inside.

The moment the door closed, Jiang Zhaoxue felt someone grab her. Qian Sisi threw out a teleportation talisman and said without hesitation, “Go!”

With that, the two leaped away. Pei Zichen sensed the spiritual power tremor and instantly widened his eyes. He turned back, drew his sword, and broke through the door. Among the flying ash, he only saw an empty room.

He looked at the room in horror. In an instant, the world spun. The terror of four years ago when he watched Jiang Zhaoxue be swallowed by darkness came rushing back overwhelmingly. He frantically tried to sense Jiang Zhaoxue.

“Female Sovereign… Female Sovereign… Female Sovereign!”

He looked around in panic, calling out. Yet like four years ago, this person vanished from the entire world in an instant.

What Life Servant Contract, what sword technique, what soul connection—

He couldn’t sense anything.

Heaven and earth suddenly became exceptionally quiet and vast, with only him standing alone.

Having passed through four springs and autumns.

“Master’s Wife!”

He trembled as he rushed out the door, frantically searching along the road for every possible person.

Where should he go? Where should he go to find this person?

Where would she go?

The instant Pei Zichen asked the question, he immediately had an answer.

He abruptly stopped, closing his eyes to steady himself.

The Taotie Feast.

He gripped his sword tightly, knowing clearly.

Jiang Zhaoxue had gone to the Taotie Feast.

“It’s over,” the Yuan Luogong laughed. “Finding her at that place won’t be easy. How will you find her?”

Pei Zichen closed his eyes without speaking. In an instant, his mind searched through all the information networks of every corner of the capital’s underworld. Then he coldly raised his eyes.

“Ask people, ask ghosts, ask demons.”

With that, he turned and hurried away, already having a target in mind.

In the past, he couldn’t be bothered with these mortal realm affairs, but today, even if he had to overturn the entire capital, he would find the location of the Taotie Feast.

On the other side, Jiang Zhaoxue sat in the carriage Qian Sisi had prepared early, listening to Qian Sisi munch on an apple and say, “How about it, this carriage is luxurious, right?”

“Where did you get it?” Jiang Zhaoxue closed her eyes, sensing this spacious carriage.

Qian Sisi laughed: “Thanks to your face! They took one look at your picture and immediately gave me this carriage, saying as long as the goods match the image, from now on they guarantee I’ll eat well and drink well!”

“Do you still remember what you’re going to do?”

Jiang Zhaoxue reminded her.

Qian Sisi came to her senses and said hurriedly, “I remember, I’m a professional assassin. I’ll kill Song Wuya, and you grab the Lingxu Fan.”

“Good that you remember.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke, methodically tying the marriage ribbon she had retrieved from the fire onto her hand.

The Life Servant Contract was entirely under her control, so she could hide her whereabouts from Pei Zichen at any time.

And Pei Zichen’s blood, carrying the spiritual power of the Tianji Lingyu, could suppress the Shared Heart Contract for eight hours and prevent Shen Yuqing from discovering her.

Eight hours was enough for her to get the Lingxu Fan back.

“Speaking of which, why wouldn’t that little follower of yours come?” Qian Sisi couldn’t help saying. “His skills are quite good.”

“If he came, we’d only be able to fight our way in.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke. Qian Sisi thought about it and nodded: “Right, too upright. Tianji Academy tried to plant undercover agents in the Taotie Feast before, but they were spotted and thrown out immediately. Being undercover requires skill,” Qian Sisi spoke, raising her hand to point at herself, “like me!”

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled and didn’t respond to her. Qian Sisi watched as she kept winding the two red ribbons, asking curiously, “What’s that thing? Marriage ribbons? You even went to make wishes?”

With that, she yanked over the marriage ribbon Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t yet tied on and looked down: “Let me see what you wrote. Jiang Zhaoxue?”

At these words, Jiang Zhaoxue’s movements stopped.

A’Nan looked up somewhat surprised. Qian Sisi thought seriously: “Why does this name sound so familiar?”

“Give it back.”

Jiang Zhaoxue spoke coldly. Qian Sisi suddenly reacted and slapped her thigh: “Oh, I get it!”

With that, she looked at Jiang Zhaoxue admiringly: “So that little follower of yours has his eye on Shen Yuqing’s wife? You guys are playing it too wild!”