Pei Zichen’s emotions came through with his spiritual power. Along with the unconscious rubbing of his forehead and the friction of his arms sliding down her shoulders, a strange sensation suddenly arose. Jiang Zhaoxue was so startled she opened her eyes wide and pushed Pei Zichen away in a fluster.

With this push, Pei Zichen remained completely still, only raising his head in confusion, calling out bewilderedly: “Master’s Wife?”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s heart beat slightly faster. She felt something was wrong with herself—even this voice sounded seductive to her ears.

Smelling the wine scent on Pei Zichen, she silently cursed herself several times and hurriedly pushed at him: “Get up quickly. You’re a grown man, don’t act spoiled. Go back to sleep. There’s still serious business tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen paused, only belatedly realizing what he had done. But perhaps with the wine going to his head, he couldn’t think much. He could only prop himself up, saying with some headache: “This disciple has been presumptuous.”

Jiang Zhaoxue climbed up guiltily, grabbed the immortal crane’s reins, and coughed lightly: “Indeed presumptuous. But you are my Life Servant. With wine going to your head, if you’re happy and want to enter the consciousness sea to share your joy, it’s understandable.”

Pei Zichen listened in a daze. Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare linger and quickly rode the crane back to the Ye Residence quietly, sending Pei Zichen back to his room.

Pei Zichen was clearly drunk, walking somewhat unsteadily, but still retained some rationality, continuously refusing: “Master’s Wife, I can go back by myself.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Afraid he would collapse halfway, Jiang Zhaoxue supported him and sent him into the room, placed him on the bed, covered him with a quilt, and comforted him: “Don’t fall. Rest well.”

With that, she smoothly pulled the quilt over Li Xiuji and quickly escaped from the room: “I’m leaving now.”

She hurriedly closed the door and jogged back to her room.

After returning to her own quarters, she fanned herself, let out a heavy sigh of relief, and following A’Nan’s guidance, poured herself a cup of water. Only then did her emotions calm down a bit.

Seeing her anxious appearance, A’Nan was somewhat puzzled: “Why are you so nervous?”

Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing, only drank another mouthful of water. After completely calming down, she finally returned to bed, pulled the quilt over herself, and couldn’t help but recall that moment just now.

She wasn’t inexperienced.

Although it hadn’t been completely successful, compared to Pei Zichen, she still had some experience with men and women.

After all, she and Shen Yuqing had actually shared a fairly good period of time.

Back then they weren’t yet married, and the Jiuyou Realm hadn’t invaded either. It was the most carefree time for her and Shen Yuqing.

She had nothing to do every day, and her greatest hobby was blocking his path.

When he hunted demons, she staked out the location.

When he underwent training, she happened to encounter him.

At that time, she was still the most dazzling pearl of the True Immortal Realm. Being pestered so relentlessly by a heaven’s pride daughter, even if Shen Yuqing refused with his mouth, he should have still been moved in his heart.

So although he always told her to go back, each time he would still accept her clumsy lies.

When she fell, he would help her up. When she sprained her ankle, he would carry her on his back. So she always felt he should also like her, just that his face was thin and she needed to work a bit harder.

After pestering him like this for so long, everyone said they would be together, and he seemed to be accepting this matter too.

She remembered one day after killing a water demon, heavy rain poured from the sky. Both of them were drenched completely. She pulled him running into a mountain cave, and he led her to spend the night in the cave.

He used his clothes to separate the two of them. However, she still boldly poked her head over and saw him in the middle of changing clothes completely naked.

That was the first time she saw his bare body, saw water droplets sliding down his muscles. She felt as if the droplets were falling on her heart. That night her mind was restless, her mouth dry, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Shen Yuqing’s breathing was also shallow, clearly not asleep either.

In the end, she probably knew what she wanted to do, so across the curtain, she carefully asked: “Shen Zeyuan, can I… touch you?”

Hearing this, Shen Zeyuan’s breathing hitched.

Jiang Zhaoxue originally thought he would scold her again for her uncontrollable demonic nature, but he only remained silent.

After a long while, she actually felt him reach out his hand, pull over her hand, and touch himself through the curtain.

That touch was like catching fire. That night Shen Yuqing almost went all the way, only suddenly becoming clear-headed at the last moment.

He panted lowly, raised his hand to cover her eyes, and said hoarsely: “Wait for me…”

He lowered his head to kiss her: “A’Xue, wait for me to go back and report to my sect…”

“I’ll come marry you.”

It was he who said he would come marry her.

Jiang Zhaoxue finally recalled this somewhat hazily.

But Shen Yuqing regretted it after going back.

Probably he still disdained her demon cultivator origins, or perhaps he sobered up after getting out of bed. In any case, after he returned to the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, there was no news. She waited in Penglai for a long time, still happily telling Jiang Zhaoyue that he would definitely bring Patriarch Gujun to propose marriage.

But she waited day after day, and in the end only received his letter of apology.

Furious, she led people to attack the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, but then the Jiuyou Realm invaded and he went to the front lines.

The Jiuyou Realm and True Immortal Realm fought for almost a year. During that year they rushed between two places. She was a fate reader, always protected in the very back.

He was always at the very front line.

It wasn’t until the great battle at Cangming Sea, when she rushed madly to save him, that they finally met again. At that time she didn’t want to ask him why anymore.

She only wanted to save him, wanted him to live.

But after saving him, he wasn’t grateful. For so many years, he continuously blamed her for acting arbitrarily, blamed her for saving him, for forcing him into marriage.

In this blame, she became increasingly perverse. She didn’t understand what she had done wrong. Marrying her was what he said, the marriage was requested by the Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Yet after marriage he ignored her completely, and touching him even once was like she was forcing him.

But the more he resisted, the more she wanted him to submit.

For two hundred years, she used soft and hard tactics, open and covert means, alcohol and drugs, flattery and lies, exhausting all methods.

Until finally that year in Jiang Zhou, standing in the rain, she finally gave up completely.

Originally she had stopped thinking about it, but one month before Mu Jinyue’s admission, one night he suddenly came through the rain.

She slept until midnight, waking up dazed, and saw him sitting at the bedside.

His body carried the cold of the rainy night. Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue wake up, he turned his eyes to look.

Jiang Zhaoxue slept somewhat hazily. She propped herself up, slowly realizing who was sitting beside her, murmuring: “A’Yuan?”

Shen Yuqing slowly raised his eyes. He looked at her quietly in the night for a long time.

Then he slowly leaned toward her. She thought he wanted to lecture her again and frowned: “What madness do you want now…”

Before the word “madness” could leave her mouth, he kissed her.

Her eyes widened, feeling him kiss her like when they were young, restrained yet gentle.

She listened to the pitter-patter of rain, eyes wide open. For some reason, tears fell during his kiss.

After kissing her, he stopped again, only lightly pressing against her forehead, saying hoarsely: “A’Xue, this is the last time. Don’t make mistakes again.”

She couldn’t understand: “What did I do wrong?”

Shen Yuqing didn’t speak. He only leaned against her gently, seeming very tired.

He leaned against her for a while. She didn’t dare disturb him and remained silent.

When she thought he would rest in the room, he stood up again, returning to his usual cold appearance, instructing: “Senior Brother met with misfortune. I’m going down the mountain to handle his affairs and will bring back a disciple. In the future you must take good care of her, like a sister, like a mother. You must not bully her.”

She was somewhat bewildered, not knowing why he came in the middle of the night to notify her of this matter, especially since he had many disciples and she had never managed any of them.

It wasn’t until half a month later that he brought back Mu Jinyue.

Thinking of Mu Jinyue, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled mockingly.

All those sentimental sorrows and romantic stirrings in her heart instantly dissipated. She completely calmed down, cursed herself for being insane enough to even consider the grass by her own nest, then closed her eyes.

While Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen slept soundly, Shen Yuqing followed the Tianji Academy people in investigating the Taotie Tower.

“Everyone here is dead.”

Tianji Academy’s Director Fu Changsheng looked at the tragic scene in the Taotie Tower’s private rooms, frowning: “The corpses are completely shattered and corroded by yin energy. The methods are extremely cruel. It seems like many people acted simultaneously…”

“No.” Shen Yuqing spoke calmly, “Only one person.”

Fu Changsheng turned back in surprise. Shen Yuqing sensed the surrounding spiritual energy fluctuations and said calmly: “A thousand years from now, I’ve seen this kind of technique. It’s a spell commonly used by demon cultivators in our world. We call it—Yin Paper Immortal.”

Hearing this, Fu Changsheng understood: “No wonder this old one thought I’d never seen such techniques. So it doesn’t belong to this world. Then…”

Fu Changsheng asked uncertainly: “Could it be that those who returned from a thousand years hence aren’t only the three of you—Daoist Shen, your wife, and your beloved disciple?”

“Perhaps.”

Shen Yuqing’s tone was indifferent. After thinking, he said carefully: “My wife was present at this matter and surely knows more. I hope Director Fu can find the disciple who led the way today as soon as possible. The truth will surely come to light.”

“Rest assured.” Fu Changsheng raised his hand, “What Daoist Shen entrusts, this old one will certainly do my utmost. There’s one more matter…”

Fu Changsheng hesitated: “Daoist Shen, can you confirm with me once more—you saw true dragon energy on the Third Prince?”

Hearing this, Shen Yuqing raised his eyes to look at Fu Changsheng. Fu Changsheng stared at him, clearly determined to get an answer.

Shen Yuqing thought for a long time and spoke honestly: “I’m not skilled in this path, but when we first met, I indeed saw true dragon energy on the Third Prince.”

“What about the Crown Prince?”

Fu Changsheng pressed. Hearing this, Shen Yuqing frowned: “It seems… he has it too.”

True dragon energy in the mortal realm was a sign of the Son of Heaven. It generally wouldn’t appear simultaneously among princes.

With this answer, even Shen Yuqing himself wasn’t too certain, only saying: “We should still find my wife first. If she’s present, she will surely be able to answer for Director Fu.”

Hearing this, Fu Changsheng hurriedly said: “Rest assured, we’ll investigate tonight.”

With these words, Shen Yuqing felt relieved. Thinking, he said: “My disciple’s injuries haven’t healed yet. I’ll take my leave first.”

Hearing this, Fu Changsheng exchanged pleasantries and saw Shen Yuqing off.

After Shen Yuqing walked out of the Taotie Tower, a disciple beside him probed: “Director, about tonight’s testimony?”

“Then…” Fu Changsheng thought about it and smiled, “Submit it according to what the Crown Prince said. This Shen Yuqing… bringing this female disciple to find his wife is really quite interesting.”

Shen Yuqing didn’t hear Fu Changsheng’s words. As he walked out of the Taotie Tower, passing through the corridor Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen had walked, his mind kept replaying Jiang Zhaoxue’s final smile.

That provocative yet gorgeous smile—he had seen it countless times when she was young.

Every time they went out to fight and eliminate demons, when she narrowly escaped, she couldn’t help but provoke the opponent.

In his youth he held her like this while fleeing, watching her cause trouble. Each time he thought she caused too much trouble, but he couldn’t abandon her. He could only try to defeat the opponent or escape each time she caused trouble.

Just like the current Pei Zichen.

He knew Pei Zichen was only saving her.

After all, he was a disciple who stayed by his side for seven years. He knew Pei Zichen’s temperament. It must be Jiang Zhaoxue’s uncontrollable demonic nature. But…

How dare he?

Sharp pain suddenly arose in his heart. Thinking of Jiang Zhaoxue’s hands clinging to Pei Zichen’s back, poking her head out from Pei Zichen’s embrace to smile at him provocatively, killing intent and pain surged together.

That was his Master’s Wife.

How dare he touch her like he did in his youth?

Anger and hidden unease couldn’t be controlled, causing his sword to ring sharply.

When he returned to his lodgings, Mu Jinyue was waiting at the door. Seeing him holding his whisk, returning alone, Mu Jinyue was somewhat surprised and hurried to follow and ask: “Master, where are Master’s Wife and Senior Brother? Didn’t you see them?”

“I saw them.”

Shen Yuqing suppressed his emotions and strode quickly inward. Mu Jinyue jogged to follow him into the room. Seeing him sit down, she observed his expression and said uneasily: “Then… then where are they?”

“Sit down for pulse reading.”

Shen Yuqing didn’t answer her, putting down his whisk, his face showing neither joy nor anger.

Mu Jinyue felt uneasy but didn’t dare say more. She only sat across from Shen Yuqing and extended her hand.

Ever since she was poisoned by Spirit Extinction four years ago, her body had deteriorated day by day, her lifespan thinning. Even just mortal realm assassinations were severe injuries to her. Every day Shen Yuqing needed to check her condition and replenish her spiritual power.

Shen Yuqing first took her pulse. After a moment, he transmitted some spiritual power to her and said plainly: “You can continue taking the prescription from the Imperial Physicians. Your body isn’t well. In the future you needn’t wait for me. Rest earlier. Go back.”

“Master,” Mu Jinyue probed, “Did Senior Brother run off with Master’s Wife again?”

With these words, Shen Yuqing’s movements paused slightly. Seeing this, Mu Jinyue knew the result. Her face showed worry. After thinking, she analyzed: “Master, Senior Brother has repeatedly escaped from Master’s hands. He must have obtained some treasure. If Master forcibly tries to capture them, it probably won’t be easy.”

“You needn’t concern yourself with this matter.” Shen Yuqing turned his head away and urged: “It’s late. Go sleep.”

“Master!”

Seeing Shen Yuqing’s stubbornness, Mu Jinyue pressed her lips and advised: “If you don’t explain your intentions, they’ll just keep running. You don’t have much time left.”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying.” Shen Yuqing directly stood up and walked toward the inner room. “Get out.”

“Master!” Having already spoken, Mu Jinyue couldn’t care about her own life or death. She simply boldly stood up and continued in one breath: “Right now Master’s Wife protects Senior Brother only because she’s a fate reader who doesn’t believe in the Book of Fate. She thinks Senior Brother was wronged, so to correct Master’s error, she’s just compensating Senior Brother. They run whenever they see Master only because they fear Master will kill Senior Brother again. Plus Master’s Wife needs to collect the Su Guangji to return. She needs you. As long as you explain your intentions clearly and bow your head to Master’s Wife, she won’t leave again.”

“What if I insist on killing Pei Zichen?” Hearing this, Shen Yuqing stubbornly turned around, staring at his disciple before him, as if to prove something: “Will she hide from me for a lifetime for him?”

Mu Jinyue froze. She pondered Shen Yuqing’s words.

Realizing Shen Yuqing cared that Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t chosen him, she said hesitantly: “Master, I know… in the past Master’s Wife always valued Master very highly. But…”

Mu Jinyue paused, still boldly saying: “People can change…”

“Silence!” Hearing this, Shen Yuqing’s pupils contracted sharply as he shouted in alarm, as if afraid she would speak it aloud.

Mu Jinyue was startled. Seeing Mu Jinyue’s panicked expression, he realized his loss of composure.

He struggled to suppress his slightly trembling hand in his sleeve, turning his head away, not daring to look at Mu Jinyue, only saying: “You don’t understand the matter between your Master’s Wife and me. She’s just throwing a tantrum at me. My marriage with her concerns the dignity of both sects and involves many complications. It cannot allow her to casually break the contract and divorce…”

“Master,” Mu Jinyue reacted and immediately interrupted him, looking at him with pity amid her calmness, “I didn’t say Master’s Wife would break the contract.”

Hearing this, Shen Yuqing’s entire body stiffened.

Seeing this, Mu Jinyue knew she couldn’t continue.

After thinking for a moment, she raised her hand in salute: “The night is deep and the dew heavy. Master, take care of your precious body. This disciple will withdraw first.”

With that, Mu Jinyue turned and walked out.

Shen Yuqing stood alone in place. Wind blew gently from the door, stirring the loose strands of hair at his temples that had fallen during the fight, as if someone was lightly touching his cheek with their hand, giggling: “Shen Yuqing, Shen Zeyuan, look at me.”

This voice overlapped with today’s bright smile, and he suddenly felt somewhat powerless.

His fingertips curled slightly, his mind full of today’s Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen.

Two hundred years, and he was no longer Shen Zeyuan, yet she was still the same as back then, as if she hadn’t changed in the slightest.

With that kind of nature, whoever stayed by her side, over time…

She was a demon.

The impulses difficult to control in his youth, the scenes of fleeing in embarrassment before her time and again over two hundred years surfaced in his mind. He couldn’t distinguish whether this was anger or fear, only clearly knowing—

She was a demon.

Demonic nature untamable, naturally bewitching people’s hearts.

And Pei Zichen… was already twenty-one years old.

This was exactly the age when he met Jiang Zhaoxue, and the age when Jiang Zhaoxue took a liking to him at first sight.

Realizing this, he clearly knew he couldn’t leave Jiang Zhaoxue by Pei Zichen’s side any longer.

No matter what had or hadn’t happened in the past, he couldn’t leave her there for even a moment longer.

“Seeking Time Mirror,” Shen Yuqing suddenly spoke. Mu Jinyue turned back in surprise and saw Shen Yuqing standing in place, expressionless as he inquired, “Can you sense Pei Zichen’s location?”

Hearing this, Mu Jinyue froze slightly. Realizing Shen Yuqing was asking her, she reacted and hurriedly said: “His treasure should have something that resonates with the Seeking Time Mirror. Every time Senior Brother escapes from Master’s hands, I can sense it.”

“I understand.”

Shen Yuqing lowered his eyes and said softly: “Go back.”

Mu Jinyue couldn’t figure out Shen Yuqing’s meaning and bowed to take her leave. Just as she reached the door, Shen Yuqing finally spoke: “Next time he comes looking for Song Wuya, I’ll bring you along.”