In the past, Jiang Zhaoxue had studied in the twenty-first century that hormonal balance was beneficial to physical health.

Jiang Zhaoxue fully experienced this point on this night.

She slept soundly and comfortably. When she woke, her mood was excellent, her complexion glowing and her spirits high. It wasn’t until she was stretching lazily that she suddenly realized what had happened last night, and she froze abruptly.

“Awake?”

A’Nan yawned as she emerged from the blankets, shaking her head. Jiang Zhaoxue stiffly turned to look, and saw A’Nan narrow her tiny mung bean eyes with ill intent. “How far did things progress last night? How did it feel?”

“You saw it all?!”

Jiang Zhaoxue was instantly on guard. A’Nan looked at her aggrievedly. “What did I see? As soon as he entered the room, you shut me away.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat relieved, realizing she still had some rationality left.

Seeing she didn’t answer, A’Nan was somewhat curious. “Why that expression? Was he no good?”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Jiang Zhaoxue glared at her, somewhat embarrassed, yet still maintaining appearances. “That’s the male lead. How could he not be good?”

“Oh…” A’Nan nodded, then turned back in shock. “You really did it?!”

“No!” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately refuted, explaining vaguely, “Just… almost.”

But even if it was just almost, this…

Going straight to this step right off the bat was still a bit beyond her expectations.

She sat on the bed thinking left and right, still unable to help but feel puzzled. “I couldn’t tell he was that kind of person…”

“People,” A’Nan was quite understanding, “the more you suppress something, the more you want it. If you don’t explode in suppression, you become twisted in suppression. He’s twenty-one now, just at that age. You shouldn’t feel too burdened!”

A’Nan raised her wing and patted her with considerable spirituality, saying seriously, “Quickly wake him up. Once he’s lucid, go find the Lingxu Fan and crush that fan so we can leave—that’s the important matter.”

“You’re saying…”

Upon hearing about “waking up” Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat guilty. She pondered, “After he becomes lucid, will he only realize this is an illusion but not remember who he is, or will he remember who he is?”

“What’s the difference?”

“Think about it—if he remembers my relationship with him, then right now…”

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at the bedsheets that, though tidied, still carried traces of Pei Zichen’s scent. She immediately felt a headache coming on. “How… how do I explain this to him?”

“What do you need to explain?” A’Nan asked strangely. “Even if he lost his memory, he’s still a twenty-one-year-old adult. Don’t be an elder for so long that you forget mortal ages. He’s already an adult. To still treat him like a child and consider how you should explain yourself—that’s a bit unreasonable, isn’t it?”

These words made Jiang Zhaoxue freeze. In an instant, she recalled many things from last night.

Indeed, he wasn’t a youth anymore.

“Just treat him as someone you just met.”

A’Nan said seriously, “Keep up the act of loving him. Once we leave in the future, none of you will remember anyway, and there won’t be any consequences.”

“You’re right.”

Listening to A’Nan’s persuasion, Jiang Zhaoxue pondered, “Can a person without memories still count as that person? This isn’t Pei Zichen. Since it’s not Pei Zichen…”

“This is your second spring!” A’Nan understood Jiang Zhaoxue’s meaning and encouraged her. “You and he are engaged, about to marry. What’s wrong with falling in love! You just want to love him—what’s wrong with that!”

“Nothing wrong!”

Jiang Zhaoxue understood and clapped her hands, finally completely at ease. She began preparing her plan. “So when he comes over later, I’ll say I don’t know how to put on my outer robe and have him dress me, then have him comb my hair and do my makeup. After the makeup is done, I’ll kiss him.”

“Oh my!” A’Nan got excited. “Won’t that make him die of happiness!”

“What do you think I should wear today?”

“That pink one with peach blossoms!” A’Nan immediately said. “And wear your purple jade bracelet.”

“That would best match silver hairpins…”

“Miss Jiang.”

Just as Jiang Zhaoxue and A’Nan were excitedly discussing, Qian Sisi’s voice suddenly came from outside. “Senior Brother asked me to see if you’re awake. Judging by your breathing sounds, you’ve been awake for quite a while, right?”

Hearing this, the person and bird looked at each other in surprise. Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat shocked.

It wasn’t Pei Zichen coming over?

At a time like this…

He actually wasn’t coming?!

In the past, outside the illusion, he would come every day even when nothing had happened. Now… this…

Jiang Zhaoxue felt as if cold water had been poured over her. Anger suddenly surged up, but it wasn’t appropriate to flare up over such a matter. She could only say, “Where’s your Senior Brother?”

“Waiting with everyone at the entrance.”

Qian Sisi leaned against the door, speaking well of Pei Zichen. “Everyone got up early. Senior Brother said to wait a bit longer, let everyone rest more. I said we disciples of Wenjian Manor all rise early—who is he waiting for? But looking now, the only ones not awake are Miss Jiang and Ye Tianjiao. Miss Jiang, who do you think Senior Brother is waiting for?”

“Waiting for Ye Tianjiao.”

While Qian Sisi was speaking, Jiang Zhaoxue sullenly and quickly washed up and changed clothes. Just as she was about to pack her luggage, she saw that Pei Zichen had already packed everything she needed and placed it to the side before leaving this morning. She put everything into her cosmos bag, turned around, walked to the door, pulled it open, and said with a straight face, “Let’s go.”

Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s unhappiness, Qian Sisi was somewhat puzzled. “Miss Jiang, why are you so angry? Who provoked you?”

“Bad weather. Clearing to cloudy.” Jiang Zhaoxue said coldly.

Qian Sisi looked up at the blue sky, white clouds, and bright sun. “Isn’t the weather quite nice?”

Jiang Zhaoxue walked with Qian Sisi to the front courtyard with a straight face, her eyes first sweeping to the listless Ye Tianjiao in the crowd.

It wasn’t strange—because disciples of Wenjian Manor almost all wore white clothing. Only Ye Tianjiao wore a golden brocade robe, standing alone among the cranes like a chick, extremely conspicuous.

When the two made eye contact in the crowd, Ye Tianjiao immediately hurriedly averted his gaze and rushed toward Qian Sisi, smiling stiffly. “Sisi!!”

This reaction from Ye Tianjiao was too abnormal, making Jiang Zhaoxue somewhat surprised.

Her gaze followed Ye Tianjiao. She had barely moved half an inch when she heard a gentle voice beside her. “Miss Jiang.”

Hearing the sound, Jiang Zhaoxue turned her head and saw Pei Zichen standing to the side with his hand on his sword. His gaze simultaneously withdrew from Jiang Zhaoxue’s face. He said softly, “We should be going. Disciples from the Sword Pavilion happen to be nearby. We’ve arranged to meet at Ziye Forest tomorrow night at midnight. We need to hurry along the road.”

“Should have said so earlier and departed sooner.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Xin immediately spoke up. “Senior Brother insisted on waiting. Everyone didn’t sleep late yesterday. Miss Jiang, are you very tired?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen and Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively glanced at each other, then quickly looked away.

Seeing him dodge, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but laugh coldly and say loudly, “Tired. Dead tired.”

“Huh?” Sun Xin was puzzled. “What did you do yesterday?”

“Miss Jiang caught a bit of a chill yesterday,” Pei Zichen finally spoke up, interrupting Sun Xin. “Old Four, stop talking nonsense. Let’s hurry along.”

“Oh, a chill.” Sun Xin nodded. His eyes swept over Pei Zichen’s bright red ears. He asked strangely, “Senior Brother, why are your ears so red?”

Everyone was attracted by these words and looked toward Pei Zichen. Only then did they discover that Pei Zichen’s ears beneath his bound hair were red enough to drip blood.

Everyone was somewhat shocked. Zhuang Wen couldn’t help but say, “A person’s ears can actually get this red?”

“Enough!”

Pei Zichen felt somewhat humiliated and shouted sternly, “Depart immediately. Sisi,” he mentioned Jiang Zhaoxue, his tone softening, “you take Miss Jiang. Old Four takes Young Master Ye. Let’s go.”

“That’s not appropriate, is it?”

Hearing this, Qian Sisi quickly said, “I’m not steady on my sword. What if I make Miss Jiang sick from the bumps…”

Before she finished speaking, Pei Zichen’s cold eyes swept over. Seeing the warning, Qian Sisi immediately said, “Yes, yes, yes. I’ll be very steady.”

With that, Qian Sisi turned and extended her hand to Jiang Zhaoxue. “Miss Jiang, please.”

The two groups separated and rose together on their swords.

Jiang Zhaoxue stood behind Qian Sisi, looking up at Pei Zichen leading the way. After staring for a long time, she laughed mockingly.

So proactive at night, now pretending to be a proper gentleman again.

Just looking at him like this made her irritated. She simply turned her gaze away, too lazy to look at him.

Feeling Jiang Zhaoxue’s gaze move away, Pei Zichen finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After returning at dawn, he hadn’t slept, tossing and turning and washing himself with cold water twice before belatedly realizing what exactly he had done.

Although he didn’t regret it, he still vaguely felt he had gone too far.

Actually, he had originally just wanted to see her back.

Once at her door, he couldn’t help but want to confirm with her once more, to be closer by one measure.

He had thought to kiss her once and leave, but that taste was too wonderful—he couldn’t help but kiss her a while longer.

When her tongue touched his… his mind forgot everything.

Later, even though he used the excuse of not wanting her to feel uncomfortable and wanting her to be happier, he still clearly knew that there were many things he wanted to see, many things he wanted to do.

His entire morning was filled with thoughts of Jiang Zhaoxue. For the first time in his life being so base, he now didn’t dare even touch her, afraid he would have thoughts he shouldn’t have.

He also felt guilty like a thief, always afraid others would see their relationship and damage Jiang Zhaoxue’s reputation.

The group honestly traveled all day. Throughout the journey, Pei Zichen took extra care of Jiang Zhaoxue, but this care was extraordinarily proper and polite. For example, he would secretly observe her expression and stop if she felt uncomfortable.

When eating on the road, he prepared extra sweet fruit for her and tore the most fragrant roasted rabbit into strips on leaves for her.

When flying, he would specifically shield Qian Sisi, blocking the wind for her and Jiang Zhaoxue…

The care was thoughtful—he just didn’t say an extra word.

By the time evening came and he arranged for everyone to sleep around Jiang Zhaoxue and Qian Sisi, Jiang Zhaoxue was done.

This arrangement was just to prevent her from looking for him!

After arranging everyone, he lay down on a tree in the outermost circle to stand watch.

Jiang Zhaoxue sat by the fire, looking at Pei Zichen indignantly.

After everyone had fallen asleep, she was somewhat unwilling to accept it. She simply tiptoed up and headed straight for the tree where Pei Zichen was.

All the disciples of Wenjian Manor seemed to be sleeping soundly, but after Jiang Zhaoxue ran away, they all opened their eyes while holding their swords and pricked up their ears.

Jiang Zhaoxue ran out of the disciples’ encirclement and came to the tree where Pei Zichen was.

This was a thousand-year-old tree with massive branches. Pei Zichen sat leaning against the tree holding his sword, with only his robe corner hanging down.

Jiang Zhaoxue used a talisman to leap up lightly. The moment Pei Zichen saw her and prepared to speak, she pounced on him, directly sitting on Pei Zichen’s legs. With both hands braced against his chest, like a fierce tiger pouncing on prey, she pressed down on Pei Zichen completely and said in a lowered voice, “Don’t move!”

Pei Zichen’s entire body froze. His face instantly flushed red. He said urgently, “Miss Jiang… you… get down first!”

“Why didn’t you come get me this morning?” Jiang Zhaoxue asked directly.

Pei Zichen felt his body’s reaction and said hurriedly, “Miss Jiang, stop fooling around…”

“Oh, ‘Miss Jiang,'” Jiang Zhaoxue said sarcastically, leaning down and lowering her voice. “What were you calling me last night?”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s entire body froze. Only then did Jiang Zhaoxue discover that his earlobes were truly very red.

Her gaze was drawn to his earlobes. She couldn’t help but reach out to touch them. Pei Zichen’s body trembled slightly. He grabbed her hand and said urgently, “Xue’er!”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at him with suppressed laughter. Pei Zichen quickly set up a barrier and said softly, “The junior martial brothers and sisters are all here… Last night…”

Clearly there was a barrier, yet he still seemed afraid someone would hear. His voice grew smaller and smaller. “Last night I was too presumptuous…”

Jiang Zhaoxue looked at him coldly, listening to him say, “I… I should wait until after marriage.”

Hearing this, an inexplicable sense of familiarity surged up. Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly remembered something. Looking at the person before her, she suddenly lost interest and even felt somewhat disgusted.

“Talk about marriage,” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled mockingly. “It’s just that you don’t like me enough to reach that step. If you’re unwilling, forget it. Anyway, you know I like you. This is my own willingness.”

Jiang Zhaoxue said what she should say according to plan, then turned and jumped down. “I’m leaving.”

“Xue’er…”

Pei Zichen reacted and urgently tried to stop her, but Jiang Zhaoxue had already slid down neatly and walked alone toward the fire.

Pei Zichen hesitantly watched her solitary back walking toward the flames. His heart ached and felt sour.

A pain carved into his soul surged up, carrying fear and anger. He couldn’t distinguish what this was. He only vaguely felt…

She wasn’t talking about him.

In that moment just now, in her eyes looking at him, she saw someone else.

This illusion made him hurt, angry, and regretful. He thought he shouldn’t have pushed her away talking about presumption and marriage.

But the words were already said, the person had already gone back. To chase after her now would make too much noise. He couldn’t truly disregard her reputation.

Jiang Zhaoxue walked back to bed angrily, her chest feeling stuffy.

A’Nan sighed. “Forget it. It’s just a task. You only need to make him wake up, perform unconditionally loving him. Why take it so seriously?”

“If it’s unconditional, then it’s not love.” Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at her. “Unconditionally giving feelings must have a purpose. Real feelings mean you have a temper. If he didn’t think of me first, I get hurt because of it—that’s what you call love.”

“Then what do you plan to do?” A’Nan didn’t understand.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, laughed coldly, lay down, and pulled the blanket over herself. “Sleep. We’ll see!”

Pei Zichen meditated sleeplessly all night, enduring until dawn.

When Jiang Zhaoxue woke and finished washing up the next day, she saw Pei Zichen actively approach, bringing her freshly steamed osmanthus cakes. Taking advantage of everyone being far away, he lowered his voice. “Xue’er, I went specially to buy these yesterday.”

“Daoist Shen is very thoughtful.”

Jiang Zhaoxue nodded politely, stabbing Pei Zichen’s heart painfully.

He didn’t know what to say. He could only sit beside her, waiting for Jiang Zhaoxue to finish eating.

When it was time to depart, Jiang Zhaoxue directly stood up and walked past Pei Zichen, going to Qian Sisi’s side. She grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”

This day, Pei Zichen was much more proactive, but Jiang Zhaoxue became courteous and distant.

This attitude made Pei Zichen restless, yet at a loss.

He didn’t understand what he had done wrong or what he should do. He only thought about waiting until evening to find an opportunity to seek her out alone.

Jiang Zhaoxue felt Pei Zichen continuously trying to show goodwill, and her anger gradually subsided. By evening when everyone arrived at Ziye Forest and Pei Zichen led the disciples to set up camp, Jiang Zhaoxue sat on a rock propping up her chin, watching Pei Zichen work, enjoying the view. She slowly calmed down considerably.

Feeling the aura around her soften, Pei Zichen poured water and handed it to Jiang Zhaoxue. He nervously lowered his eyes, staring at the ground, and said in a low voice, “Xue’er, are you still angry?”

“Not anymore.” Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at his face and joked, “Young Daoist Chen is so good-looking. Just looking at your face, I’m not angry anymore.”

Seeing her joke, Pei Zichen finally relaxed and slowly said, “I was afraid others would gossip about you, but if this makes you unhappy, I can change.”

“No need to change.” Jiang Zhaoxue drank water patiently. “You’re considering my feelings, afraid others will say we’re improper. I know. If you want to wait until marriage, then wait until marriage. As long as you’re happy.”

Pei Zichen couldn’t speak. He looked into Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes, always feeling something was wrong, but couldn’t say what.

He tried to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he felt the surrounding spiritual power fluctuate.

In an instant, hissing sounds came from the distance. Qian Sisi, Zhuang Wen, and others immediately stood up. Ye Tianjiao said nervously, “What’s that sound?”

Pei Zichen gripped his sword hilt and protected Jiang Zhaoxue behind him. Listening to the approaching hissing sounds, after judging for a moment, he immediately said, “Snake demons!”

As soon as the words fell, tens of thousands of snakes leaped out from the grass, falling like dense rain onto the barrier.

At the same time, a giant python burst from the ground, heavily crashing onto the barrier surface!

Cracks appeared in the barrier. Pei Zichen calmly said, “Sisi, Second Brother, protect Miss Jiang well. I’ll go slay its main body.”

“Yes!”

Qian Sisi and Zhuang Wen immediately rushed over. Pei Zichen looked back at Jiang Zhaoxue once. Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said, “Go.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen only said, “My sword seal is on you. Call me if anything happens.”

With that, Pei Zichen leaped out of the barrier, drew his sword, and charged toward the giant python.

This giant python hadn’t reached Nascent Soul stage. With Pei Zichen’s current strength, killing it wasn’t too difficult.

Jiang Zhaoxue observed Pei Zichen in this small world. His movements were extremely nimble. One person shuttled around the giant python. The python’s body was extremely hard, so Pei Zichen left sword formations at different places with his sword.

This demon snake was an immortal snake. If the main body didn’t die, its descendants would be endless. All severed branches would only split from one to two, two to four—the more you killed, the more there were.

The only method was to kill the main body. However, the main body’s scales were extraordinarily hard. Ordinary sword cultivators absolutely couldn’t wound it. The only method was to detonate simultaneously at several of the weakest points.

Jiang Zhaoxue saw through Pei Zichen’s tactics and smiled slightly. “Quite clever.”

She saw through Pei Zichen’s tactics, and the python obviously also saw through them. It immediately summoned all the small snakes to attack Pei Zichen. Seeing this, the other disciples hurriedly rushed out to help him.

Jiang Zhaoxue watched them fighting in chaos when she suddenly felt something strange nearby.

Jiang Zhaoxue remained calm and secretly drew a formation. “The Heavenly Way is ever-changing, gamble fortune with heaven, supreme great fortune, four directions vanquish evil—”

Just before the divination lot emerged, Pei Zichen’s seven detonation sword formations were about to complete. At the same time, a nearby giant python suddenly burst from the ground, charging straight at Jiang Zhaoxue!

The barrier was broken by the giant python. Tens of thousands of small snakes broke through the barrier and entangled Qian Sisi and Zhuang Wen, while the giant python charged straight toward Jiang Zhaoxue with its mouth wide open!

Jiang Zhaoxue smiled at the giant python. The moment before it reached her, she coldly spoke, “Break!”

Jade divination lots flew out. Red sword light suddenly filled the sky. Then a figure in red robes charged swiftly from behind the giant python, scooping Jiang Zhaoxue by the waist and fiercely pulling her away from the snake’s mouth!

Thunder roared down, striking all the demon snakes in the entire mountain forest. Within several li, all demon snakes were instantly submerged in thunder. Jiang Zhaoxue looked back in surprise and saw a handsome, clear young face enter her vision.

Those features clearly had no similarity to Pei Zichen’s, yet Jiang Zhaoxue vaguely saw in those brows a spirited bearing similar to when she first met Pei Zichen.

That was the unique pride of a great sect’s chief disciple, Heaven’s Favored Child, yet it was suppressed under modesty by sect discipline.

Jiang Zhaoxue stared blankly at the person before her. The moment the young man landed steadily while holding her, he looked back and was also startled.

In the thunder’s light, the young man’s eyes reflected Jiang Zhaoxue’s face. He looked at Jiang Zhaoxue with amazement. Before he could react, he felt sword light strike directly from one side!

The young man hurriedly released Jiang Zhaoxue. Someone caught her by the waist. Pei Zichen had appeared behind her at some point, one hand supporting her, the other hand pointing his sword at the other person, saying coldly, “Pei Xueyi, you’ve been presumptuous.”

Pei Xueyi?

Jiang Zhaoxue stared at Pei Xueyi, somewhat surprised.

Reminded by Pei Zichen, the other person finally reacted and quickly bowed to Jiang Zhaoxue. “Forgive me, Miss. The situation was urgent just now…”

“It was urgent when you first moved, but why didn’t you release her afterward?”

Pei Zichen directly interrupted him, saying coldly, “Is this how the Sword Pavilion taught you propriety?”

Hearing this, Pei Xueyi’s expression gradually cooled. He looked at Pei Zichen coldly, dissatisfied. “It’s indeed wrong of me to presume upon the young lady, but I don’t know what status Daoist Shen has to question me about this?”

“She is my soon-to-be-married wife.” Pei Zichen spoke directly. “What status do you think I have?”

Hearing this, Pei Xueyi froze. He instinctively glanced at Jiang Zhaoxue, then quickly reacted. A trace of regret flashed in his eyes. He quickly sheathed his sword and bowed. “So it’s Fellow Daoist Jiang. I was presumptuous. Please forgive me.”

The engagement between Jiang Xue and Shen Chen was known throughout Shu. If Shen Chen said she was his fiancée, she could be none other than Jiang Xue.

Hearing the apology, Pei Zichen said nothing. He knew pursuing this matter further had no justification.

But he had seen clearly the amazement and regret in Pei Xueyi’s eyes just now.

During his silence, Jiang Zhaoxue saw the atmosphere stiffen and quickly said, “It’s nothing, nothing. Just a small matter. Don’t let it harm everyone’s harmony.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Miss Jiang.”

Pei Xueyi clasped his hands before him and bowed. “It’s Xueyi’s fortune to witness a Fate Master take action today.”

“You’re too kind!” Upon hearing someone praise her professional level, Jiang Zhaoxue was especially pleased.

After Pei Xueyi greeted them, he looked at Pei Zichen again. “The Sword Pavilion disciples have all arrived. Where does Brother Shen plan to rest?”

“Let’s just find a nearby cave.”

Pei Zichen spoke while suppressing his emotions. Pei Xueyi nodded. “Alright, let’s go then.”

With that, Pei Xueyi led the disciples forward.

Jiang Zhaoxue’s gaze remained fixed on Pei Xueyi. At first glance, he resembled the young Pei Zichen. Looking carefully, he didn’t. After examining him for a long while…

She suddenly realized she couldn’t see his fortune.

How strange.

Jiang Zhaoxue kept staring at Pei Xueyi’s back. Pei Zichen quietly watched her the entire time.

After a long while, Jiang Zhaoxue finally came to her senses and turned to look at Pei Zichen, asking curiously, “Is he the Pei Xueyi from the Sword Pavilion?”

The speculation instantly settled. Pei Zichen’s fingertips beneath his sleeves trembled slightly.

She remembered him.

Her expression when she saw Pei Xueyi just now didn’t look like a first meeting. And now, she used “is he.” She knew of Pei Xueyi’s existence. She remembered him.

He looked at Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes full of interest. His heart felt as if something were gnawing at it, yet he still had to maintain composure. Unable to help bringing some sullenness, he said, “Yes, the Sword Pavilion Master’s chief disciple. At the Shushan Inquiry into the Dao that year, I was first, he was second.”

“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, completely ignoring the phrase “I was first, he was second.” She only pondered as she walked forward, murmuring softly. A fan appeared in her hand, which she waved lightly. “How very interesting.”

Pei Zichen stood without moving. After a long while, he forced himself to suppress all emotions and walked to Jiang Zhaoxue’s side, following her as they found a cave with Pei Xueyi and the others.

Pei Zichen instinctively wanted to say something, do something, to soothe the rolling, boiling, hot blood that even carried faint killing intent.

But with so many people present, he couldn’t speak out.

When night came and the two groups of people separated to sleep with men and women apart, he lost his opportunity even more. He could only sit among the crowd, gazing from afar at Jiang Zhaoxue continuously staring at Pei Xueyi.

It couldn’t really be blamed on Jiang Zhaoxue for staring. Rather, she discovered that the more she stared at Pei Xueyi, the more interesting he became.

One person, yet she couldn’t see his fortune, and there was always vaguely some inauspicious energy.

Why?

“Find an opportunity to get closer tomorrow?” A’Nan inquired.

Fortune was something that became clearer the more contact you had.

Jiang Zhaoxue observed Pei Xueyi. In the darkness, Pei Zichen had another sleepless night.

He only thought about finding an opportunity the next day to take her on his sword and have a good talk with her.

But what should he say?

He didn’t know either. He was just like a male lion whose territory had been invaded, completely restless and anxious.

When everyone rose early the next morning, Jiang Zhaoxue naturally approached Pei Xueyi standing at the entrance, greeting him. “Daoist Pei, good morning.”

Hearing this, Pei Xueyi turned back in surprise. Seeing it was Jiang Zhaoxue, he couldn’t restrain the smile in his eyes. “Good morning, Fellow Daoist Jiang.”

“Where are we going today?”

Jiang Zhaoxue chatted casually. Pei Xueyi was quite patient. “We’re going to Emei Ruins together. Seven more days of travel.”

“Oh.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded. Her gaze fell on Pei Xueyi’s sword. “Daoist Pei has fire spiritual roots?”

“That’s correct.”

“A sword cultivator with fire roots is indeed rare.” Jiang Zhaoxue praised. Pei Xueyi’s face showed a smile.

“Indeed so, but my sword is not inferior.”

The two chatted back and forth. The disciples of Wenjian Manor sat on the other side packing things.

Seeing they had packed almost everything, Qian Sisi yawned and stretched as she stood up. “Senior Brother, I’ll go get Sister-in-law…”

“No need.” Pei Zichen pressed her down with one hand, staring at Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Xueyi conversing happily. He stood with his hand on his sword. “Today I’ll take Xue’er.”

“Huh?”

Qian Sisi froze. She saw Pei Zichen could no longer restrain himself at all. He stood and hurriedly walked over.

He had already been watching Jiang Zhaoxue all morning, but Jiang Zhaoxue never came to find him. Instead, she went to find Pei Xueyi.

He didn’t understand.

He was her fiancé. Why, in front of everyone’s eyes, could she take the initiative to find Pei Xueyi but not him?

He understood even less why she didn’t know him, yet he had to find a reason to speak with her.

Why must he observe propriety? Why must he always wait for her to come?

He gripped the sword hilt tightly, having countless words he wanted to tell Jiang Zhaoxue.

However, just as he reached the entrance, he heard Jiang Zhaoxue say, “If Daoist Pei doesn’t mind, how about carrying me for a leg of the journey today?” Jiang Zhaoxue’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “I’ve truly never seen a fire-element sword.”

Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s footsteps halted. Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Xueyi heard the sound and turned to look. They saw Pei Zichen standing not far away, hand gripping his sword hilt, seemingly restraining himself with all his might, looking coldly at Pei Xueyi.

Seeing Pei Zichen, Jiang Zhaoxue was quite surprised. “Shi Cang?”

Then she instinctively looked toward Qian Sisi, asking strangely, “What are you here for?”