Seeing these people, Pei Zichen gave them a faint glance and flew away on his sword.
The red-robed woman saw this and rose urgently. All the people instantly surrounded Pei Zichen. Pei Zichen raised his eyelids: “Blocking my path?”
“Master.”
The red-robed woman sized him up, probing: “Don’t you plan to go to the Jiuyou Realm?”
“I don’t know you, and I won’t go to the Jiuyou Realm. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Pei Zichen pinched a white paper figure between his fingers and spoke again: “Move aside.”
“Master, you cultivate Jiuyou Realm techniques. The True Immortal Realm won’t tolerate you!”
Hearing this, the red-robed woman frowned and tried to persuade: “Now that you possess a divine artifact, the Emperor once said that whoever obtains the five divine artifacts can become the Demon Lord of Jiuyou Realm. Right now, Jiuyou Realm is within your grasp…”
“I won’t go to Jiuyou Realm, and Li Xiuji has nothing to do with me.”
Pei Zichen spoke calmly, only saying: “But if you dare have designs on Penglai, the Zhanshen Sword will claim your heads.”
With that, Pei Zichen flung the white paper. Golden flames ignited on it, transforming into over a hundred Shadow Paper Immortals carrying flames and wielding blades that lunged at the crowd!
These flames originated from the Zhanshen Sword’s blazing yang fire—a fatal counter to evil beings like them. Seeing these Shadow Paper Immortals rush forward, everyone scattered in alarm.
The red-robed woman stood at the forefront, facing the most Shadow Paper Immortals. Her umbrella surface spun as the ribs shot forth, severing all the Shadow Paper Immortals in unison. When she turned back, she saw Pei Zichen had already become a streak of light, vanishing at the horizon.
The red-robed woman’s face showed shock, then she spoke furiously: “You will return!”
She gritted her teeth and called out: “Jiuyou Realm is your true home!”
Pei Zichen turned a deaf ear to her voice, rushing past urgently.
Meanwhile, Jiang Zhaoxue had already arrived at Cangming Sea earlier.
As the boundary between Zhongzhou and Jiuyou Realm, Cangming Sea had always been a strictly controlled area.
Even before coming, Jiang Zhaoxue had mentally prepared herself, knowing something must have happened here.
Though Jiang Zhaoyue had a sharp tongue, he was extremely measured in his actions. Under normal circumstances, since she had returned to send word, Jiang Zhaoyue would certainly bring people to meet her. But instead, he notified her to come to Cangming Sea, which meant he must have encountered something there that trapped him, or even needed her help.
Though A’Nan mocked her for avoiding Pei Zichen, calculating it out, even without Pei Zichen, she would have immediately rushed to Cangming Sea.
She traveled urgently. Just arriving near Cangming Sea, she saw the waves turn black. A’Nan was somewhat puzzled: “Eh? Why has Cangming Sea turned black?”
“It hasn’t turned black.”
Jiang Zhaoxue stared for a moment, her expression grave: “Those are Resentment Insects.”
Resentment Insects were demons native to Jiuyou Realm, about three feet long, resembling corpse insects. They fed on resentment and loved human flesh and blood most. Though they had no great abilities, they reproduced extremely rapidly—laying a hundred eggs at once, hatching every quarter hour. They couldn’t be killed off or exterminated.
Two hundred years ago when Jiuyou Realm invaded, they had brought large quantities of such demons. With such vast numbers, whether sword cultivators or spell cultivators, the losses were enormous.
The best method of extermination was fate masters.
Gamble with heaven once, eliminate a batch.
High efficiency, small losses.
Now Cangming Sea’s surroundings were full of Resentment Insects—swimming in the water, flying in the sky, in complete chaos.
Besides Resentment Insects, Shadow Paper Immortals and demon beasts crashed about wildly. Several high-level cultivators in the sky fought inseparably with the Immortal Alliance’s sword cultivators. Spell cultivators from both sides were far from the battlefield, their spell lights attacking and intercepting each other, continuously engaging and supporting.
Jiang Zhaoyue stood at the highest point. The moment she arrived, he sensed it and transmitted his voice: “Help.”
Without him saying so, Jiang Zhaoxue understood his meaning. She pursed her lips in displeasure but still pulled back to a distance and began drawing arrays.
But the moment she began drawing, she alerted the Jiuyou Realm cultivators.
A cultivator with twin antennae on his head was clearly extremely sensitive to spiritual power. He looked up, locked his gaze on Jiang Zhaoxue, and immediately shouted: “Fate master!!”
Hearing this shout, corpse insect cultivators rushed toward Jiang Zhaoxue like an overwhelming tide. Jiang Zhaoxue cursed inwardly and fled on her crane.
True Immortal Realm cultivators also immediately reacted. Lingjian Immortal Pavilion disciples were closest to Jiang Zhaoxue and charged forward at the forefront, rapidly forming a human wall with Jiang Zhaoxue protected in the center. The leading disciple came to Jiang Zhaoxue’s side and exclaimed with delight: “Master’s Wife?!”
Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes to look at the newcomer. After studying him for a moment, she finally recognized: “Zilu?”
This disciple, along with Pei Zichen, were Shen Yuqing’s right-hand men. In the past, Pei Zichen handled official duties while Zilu handled Shen Yuqing’s private affairs. Comparatively, Zilu had dealt with her more often.
Hearing Jiang Zhaoxue recognize him, Zilu was extremely pleased. After slaying a Jiuyou Realm cultivator who had gotten close with one sword strike, he protected Jiang Zhaoxue, saying seriously: “Master’s Wife, Master isn’t here right now. These Resentment Insects are too numerous. I and the other disciples will protect you. Please open your array first.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue said no more. She nodded slightly while drawing arrays, casually responding: “Guard well.”
There were too many Resentment Insects here. She needed to draw a large array.
Zilu also understood her meaning. Facing away from her, he desperately slayed the cultivators charging in, saying earnestly: “Master’s Wife, rest assured. In Master’s absence, this disciple will protect Master’s Wife for Master.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand trembled. She vaguely had a sense of déjà vu, yet felt something wasn’t quite right.
Seeing Jiang Zhaoxue’s spiritual power stall, Zilu turned back curiously: “Master’s Wife?”
“Oh.”
Jiang Zhaoxue came to her senses, affecting composure as she praised: “You’re thoughtful.”
Then Jiang Zhaoxue reminded: “My life is in your hands. If you’re negligent, several of your heads wouldn’t be enough to behead.”
Fate masters’ lives were precious on the battlefield. Zilu naturally understood.
He said no more, only responding once before defending against all enemies.
Jiang Zhaoxue raised her hand to draw upon heaven and earth’s spiritual energy. The moment she moved, that twin-antennae cultivator immediately determined, widening his eyes: “An Eighth Realm Fate Master!”
At these words, everyone was shocked. Jiuyou Realm reacted extremely quickly. In an instant, all Resentment Insects and demon beasts charged toward Jiang Zhaoxue’s direction—densely packed, overwhelming.
Zilu shouted fiercely: “Form the array! Protect Master’s Wife!”
This “Master’s Wife” made Jiang Zhaoxue’s ears burn, but it wasn’t appropriate to quibble about such things at this moment. She only rapidly drew the array. The faster she moved, the fiercer the attacks at her side. She was practically the battlefield’s target. Zilu kept protecting by her side. Just as the great array was about to complete, Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyes lit up as she called out loudly: “Heavenly Dao is fickle, gamble fate upon heaven—”
As she spoke, someone suddenly roared: “Master’s Wife!!!”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s instinct warned her something was wrong. She turned to look and saw a black-robed cultivator suddenly break through space behind her, slashing down with a sword!
He was clearly a professional assassin, moving extremely fast. Zilu rushed forward madly, lunging toward Jiang Zhaoxue!
Just as Zilu was about to knock Jiang Zhaoxue down, an arrow suddenly attacked! Shrilly breaking through the air between Zilu and Jiang Zhaoxue, it fiercely pierced into the assassin’s chest!
Following that arrow, someone arrived like an arrow taking form. Grabbing Jiang Zhaoxue’s elbow, he violently pulled her backward. Simultaneously, the youth’s form moved forward. His other hand pressed on the neck bone as he drew the sword forth!
That sword carried scorching flames, surging divine fire. Following the youth’s motion, it was flung away. The youth raised his hand to protect Jiang Zhaoxue behind him while forming seals: “Return to source, ten thousand swordså½’ to their origin!”
In that instant, the flying swords in everyone’s hands seemed summoned by that sword, following it as they rushed toward Cangming Sea!
Firelight covered heaven and earth. In a moment, it burned away all heaven and earth’s resentment, then was instantly covered by ice and snow, shattering into crystals.
In this apocalyptic scene of intertwining firelight and ice, Jiang Zhaoxue watched as the other turned back. Her face was full of shock.
How did he get here?
He wasn’t sleeping well in the house—what was he rushing here so fast for?
This place was full of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion people. Having come here, could he still escape?!
Three consecutive questions. Jiang Zhaoxue’s shock gradually transformed into panic.
She instinctively looked toward Zilu at her side. Pei Zichen’s eyes darkened slightly. As another sword attacked from the side, he pulled Jiang Zhaoxue aside, grabbed her and leaped backward. Raising his sword in a spin, sword light “clanged” as it blocked flying weapons, hiding them both behind the sword light. Pei Zichen spoke calmly to her: “Since this disciple has already come, Master’s Wife need not trouble other fellow disciples.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at him. Seeing he was clearly displeased, she didn’t dare respond, only cursing quietly: “What are you doing here? Later Lingjian Immortal Pavilion will capture you!”
“Are you worried about me?”
Pei Zichen pulled Jiang Zhaoxue backward and raised his hand to condense a sword.
Jiang Zhaoxue knew his resentment ran deep. Too lazy to say more, she only said: “I’m opening the array.”
As her words fell, Pei Zichen transformed one sword into forty-seven swords surrounding Jiang Zhaoxue. He held the sword in one hand while forming seals with the other, glancing back: “Open it.”
Without another word, Jiang Zhaoxue flung the Qiankun Sign. Seeing this, Jiuyou Realm people immediately shouted urgently: “Run!”
However, Jiang Zhaoxue gave them no chance. She laughed lightly and called out: “Heavenly Dao is fickle, gamble fate upon heaven, supreme great fortune, execute evil from all directions—execute!”
The moment the words fell, tremendous thunder crashed down, rushing all along the sea.
Jiuyou Realm people fled or died. In an instant, the battle situation had a result.
Then Zilu was heard leading disciples urgently approaching, worried: “Master’s Wife!”
Before he finished speaking, Zilu stopped urgently. He and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion disciples stood not far away, looking at Pei Zichen who clearly also appeared as a youth, his expression much colder and more distant than in years past. For a moment they didn’t dare speak.
Pei Zichen sensed his gaze and turned to look.
Everyone was still as they had been when he left.
Time in the past and present weren’t the same. One year in the past equaled one day in the True Immortal Realm’s present. They had stayed in the past for seventeen years—for the True Immortal Realm, only seventeen days had passed.
But he already appeared mature, and his cultivation had already surpassed Divine Transformation. The disciples didn’t dare recognize him, didn’t dare speak.
They looked at Pei Zichen with both shock and joy, also somewhat at a loss.
Back then at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Pei Zichen was already the senior brother everyone admired. Though they might secretly envy him in their hearts, they would also feel grateful when receiving his care.
When he was wrongly accused, all the disciples saw it and hoped to give him justice. But then he disappeared without trace.
Now he had suddenly returned, still the same as before, helping everyone without grudge. But he had after all fled the sect as a criminal. These disciples couldn’t predict how Lingjian Immortal Pavilion planned to deal with him.
These people remained silent for less than a moment before seeing a middle-aged man in green robes holding a book descend from above. The other raised his eyes toward Jiang Zhaoxue, about to speak, when he swept a glance at Pei Zichen behind Jiang Zhaoxue. He immediately frowned tightly and shouted: “Pei Zichen, you actually dare return?!”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue recognized the newcomer.
This was Guan Xiushu, Peak Master of the Second Peak who had raised Shen Yuqing and Wen Xiao’an.
When they left, they had killed Wen Xiao’an. Guan Xiushu would certainly not let this rest. Jiang Zhaoxue sneered mockingly: “You wrongly accused him of colluding with Jiuyou Realm to destroy the barrier and caused the death of his relatives and friends. His return to demand payment from you is perfectly justified. How dare he not return?”
“Jiang Zhaoxue, this is Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s internal affair. I advise you to mind less.” Guan Xiushu raised his hand. The scroll in his hand transformed into a sword. “Today all friends of the Immortal Alliance are present. Since Pei Zichen dares come, I will certainly bring him back to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.”
“What if I don’t allow it?!”
Jiang Zhaoxue walked before Pei Zichen, blocking him behind her as she stared at Guan Xiushu: “You abused private punishment to frame him back then. When I killed Wen Xiao’an, you were Wen Xiao’an’s elder. How do I know you won’t use Pei Zichen to vent your anger?”
“Jiang Zhaoxue!” Guan Xiushu stared at Jiang Zhaoxue in warning. “You are Zeyuan’s wife, Penglai’s Female Lord. I’m giving you some face. Don’t force me to say things too unpleasantly.”
“Unpleasant?” Jiang Zhaoxue crossed her arms and sneered. “Go ahead and say it. Let me see just how unpleasant it can be.”
“You…”
“Martial Grand-Uncle.”
Pei Zichen spoke calmly, interrupting their conversation: “I’ll return with you.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue turned back in shock. Then she saw Pei Zichen step forward. Jiang Zhaoxue reacted and reached out to stop him.
But if Pei Zichen didn’t want her to touch him, how could she catch him?
He walked past her and came before Guan Xiushu. After bowing, he spoke respectfully. His voice wasn’t loud, yet everyone around could hear clearly: “Martial Grand-Uncle, Master’s Wife is a fate master who senses heaven and earth’s principles of fate. Back then, knowing this disciple was wrongly accused, fearing Master would suffer karmic punishment, and because as an elder she cherished this disciple’s talent, she acted to save me. All her actions were to uphold heavenly principle and justice, absolutely without any private favoritism.”
As Pei Zichen spoke, various Immortal Alliance families drew closer. Everyone was sizing up Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen. Hearing Pei Zichen’s words, the way they looked at Jiang Zhaoxue changed.
For the past two hundred years, Jiang Zhaoxue had appeared in everyone’s view because of Shen Yuqing.
Either being jealous and petty, or throwing tantrums and acting unreasonably.
But now she had suddenly returned as an Eighth Realm Fate Master, even confronting Lingjian Immortal Pavilion for a disciple’s justice. Between the lines, Pei Zichen portrayed her as someone who upheld her dao heart and didn’t yield to authority.
Jiang Zhaoxue felt this sensation of being secretly praised by everyone for the first time. She couldn’t help but cough lightly, feeling somewhat guilty.
Guan Xiushu stared at him intently. He watched Pei Zichen actively extend his hands respectfully: “As for this disciple’s innocence, I trust people’s hearts have their own judgment. Lingjian Immortal Pavilion is this disciple’s sect. This disciple naturally should return to give the sect an explanation and also seek from the sect a result.”
“Good.”
Hearing this, Guan Xiushu raised his hand and waved, saying coldly: “Bind him with the Immortal-Locking Rope! I want to know—someone as pure and innocent as you, why would Jiuyou Realm assist you, how did you obtain the Suguang Mirror, receive heaven’s sent opportunity, and in merely seventeen days break through from a Golden Core disciple directly to Divine Transformation.”
With that, Guan Xiushu had people come forward to bind Pei Zichen.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhaoxue wanted to stop them but was grabbed by the shoulder by Jiang Zhaoyue behind her.
Jiang Zhaoxue turned back angrily. Jiang Zhaoyue looked at her calmly: “You are not just yourself.”
Jiang Zhaoxue paused, only then realizing that at this moment, with hundreds of immortal sects present, she represented not only herself but also Penglai.
Jiang Zhaoyue wouldn’t abandon her. Whatever she did would implicate Penglai.
She and Pei Zichen—the matter between man and woman alone made her culpable. Even if they were to cause a scene, they absolutely couldn’t do so before so many people.
Jiang Zhaoxue said nothing, watching as Guan Xiushu bound Pei Zichen. Everyone bid each other farewell. Finally, Zilu came forward, somewhat nervously saying: “Master’s Wife, Penglai is currently resting at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Martial Grand-Uncle asked this disciple to inquire—will you return on Penglai’s spirit vessel or Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s?”
“I’ll go with you all.”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t hesitate. She turned to glance at Jiang Zhaoyue and patted his hand: “I’ll come find you later.”
Jiang Zhaoyue glanced at her, knowing she had other plans. He nodded and silently handed her a stack of talisman papers, turning away: “Mm.”
Jiang Zhaoxue tucked the papers into her sleeve and followed Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s group.
The news of her separation from Shen Yuqing hadn’t yet spread. She was still Shen Yuqing’s wife in name. Zilu didn’t dare neglect her. After preparing the best quarters for her, he wanted to find two female disciples to serve her, but Jiang Zhaoxue refused.
“I’m used to being alone outside.” Jiang Zhaoxue mysteriously reminded him: “If I don’t summon anyone, stay far from my room tonight to avoid accidental injury.”
This was a habit of many sword cultivators who practiced fierce swords.
Though Zilu didn’t understand why a fate master would have this habit, he knew too little about fate masters. Eighth Realm Fate Masters were rare in the True Immortal Realm. He didn’t dare object, only saying: “Yes.”
“Also,” seeing him about to leave, Jiang Zhaoxue called Zilu back. “How is your martial uncle dealing with Pei Zichen now?”
“Martial Grand-Uncle…” Hearing this, Zilu frowned, revealing some disapproval. “Because of Master Wen’s matter, he’s always harbored resentment. He originally planned to interrogate Senior Brother tonight, but was persuaded otherwise. He’s now confined Senior Brother to the water dungeon, forbidding anyone from approaching.”
“Oh.”
Jiang Zhaoxue nodded and said to Zilu: “Well, anyway, once we reach Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, the Ancestor will clear his name.”
“This disciple thinks the same.”
Thinking of returning to see Ancestor Gujun, Zilu’s face showed trust: “The Ancestor will surely give Senior Brother a result.”
“You’re quite good to Pei Zichen.” Jiang Zhaoxue praised.
Zilu was somewhat embarrassed, chuckling lightly: “Senior Brother was also good to us before.”
With that, Zilu bowed to Jiang Zhaoxue: “If there’s nothing else, this disciple will take his leave.”
Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, watching Zilu withdraw.
After he left, Jiang Zhaoxue sat on the bed to meditate. She waited until nightfall, when the spirit vessel had traveled halfway. Calculating Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s usual meditation times, she opened an array to set up an invisibility formation for herself and immediately went out.
Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s guards were all ordinary disciples who couldn’t see through her spell. She walked unobstructed all the way to the water dungeon. Entering the prison, she raised her hand and knocked out the two guard disciples, then walked openly to the water dungeon holding Pei Zichen.
The water dungeon on the spirit vessel was a huge water pool filled with formation arrays. Pei Zichen stood alone in the center of the array, limbs bound by chains, eyes closed in sleep, expression calm—as if this place weren’t a water dungeon but a high bed with soft pillows, showing not the slightest distress.
Jiang Zhaoxue was irritated seeing this. She picked up a small stone from beside and threw it at him: “Still sleeping!”
Hearing this, Pei Zichen slowly opened his eyes to see Jiang Zhaoxue crouching at the pool’s edge, expression anxious: “If you keep sleeping, we’ll reach Lingjian Immortal Pavilion!”
Pei Zichen said nothing, only gazing at the woman before him, softly asking in return: “What of it when we arrive?”
“Aren’t you afraid of death?” Jiang Zhaoxue widened her eyes, reminding: “You can fool ordinary people, but do you think you can fool Gujun? When you’re discovered, the Immortal Alliance won’t spare you.”
“Since the Female Lord doesn’t want me, why bother managing me anymore?” Pei Zichen’s tone was bland. He closed his eyes again, saying softly: “This disciple chose this path himself. The Female Lord need not worry.”
Hearing this, thinking of the day’s events, Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat at fault. She said quietly: “You’re a living person. What’s this talk of wanting or not wanting?”
Pei Zichen seemed unwilling to hear her say such things, pretending not to hear.
Jiang Zhaoxue knew she couldn’t coax him out without yielding. She could only quietly cajole: “Besides, I didn’t say I don’t want you. Didn’t I tell you to wait for my return? I was just going out to handle matters. Look at you—you didn’t listen to me, and now you’re caught, right? Don’t be stubborn with me. Come out quickly. If we run now, there’s still time.”
“This disciple isn’t a child. You need not coax me with lies.” Pei Zichen said calmly. “My own choice, my own responsibility. I know you’re kindhearted, but you needn’t force yourself for kindness. If you have no intention, I won’t compel you.”
“You haven’t compelled me!” Jiang Zhaoxue grew more anxious. “I really had matters to…”
“Last night was an expedient measure.”
The moment Pei Zichen spoke, Jiang Zhaoxue felt something familiar. She heard him calmly state: “You are my elder, with a responsibility to care for me. Last night was a matter of life and death. You were merely eager to save someone, but held no romantic feelings. This disciple understands.”
“It’s not exactly that…”
“Moreover, you and I have a great age difference, our statuses are separated.” As Pei Zichen said this, Jiang Zhaoxue froze. She suddenly realized what he was saying. She looked at him awkwardly as he slowly opened his eyes, staring into hers, each word seeming like a reminder: “Jiuyou techniques make it difficult to remain long in the True Immortal Realm. In the future, to seek the great Dao, I must travel far to Jiuyou, while you will remain long in Penglai… Since you thought this way, if you still accepted me, wouldn’t that be forcing yourself? What else could it be?”
She remembered now. All of it.
Knowing he had gone through her trash, Jiang Zhaoxue’s smile became strained.
“That… that was just me writing for fun?”
“But isn’t this the truth?” Pei Zichen calmly asked back. Jiang Zhaoxue froze.
Pei Zichen stared at her reaction. Taking her silence as confirmation, his eyelashes trembled slightly. He suppressed his nervousness and pain, yet still forced himself to ask: “So last night you were lying to me?”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare speak, carefully considering a neutral term.
Lying—she couldn’t say lying. But to say it was entirely genuine and wholehearted, she wouldn’t have run away so eagerly today.
But how to phrase it properly, to not anger him and successfully bring this stubborn one out, became a difficult problem.
Jiang Zhaoxue thought seriously. Seeing her silence, Pei Zichen took this as knowing the answer. He gritted his teeth and continued: “I understand. The Female Lord wanted to save me. I threatened with my life. At that moment, you would have agreed to anything I said, but it was all lies to me. It’s also my fault.” Underwater, Pei Zichen curled his fingers. His heart sourly unfurled, even his teeth tinged with sourness. He said with difficulty: “Always wanting something more than others, always forcing a result. But what’s forced can only be lies. So now tell me the truth—”
Each word Pei Zichen spoke was exceptionally difficult. Clearly terrified but still asking: “If I hadn’t threatened you with my life, you actually never thought about being with me, did you?”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue blinked, not daring to answer.
How could she dare speak such truth?
Pei Zichen seemed to have anticipated this. He stared at her fixedly, numbly pursuing: “Why?”
Then, without waiting for Jiang Zhaoxue to speak, he said: “Because of Master?”
Not expecting Pei Zichen to mention Shen Yuqing at this moment, Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, quite shocked.
This hesitation made Pei Zichen’s blood surge. Violence, killing intent, and pain almost simultaneously exploded in his heart. He suddenly felt he deserved to die.
He should die.
If he didn’t die, he would kill Shen Yuqing, capture Jiang Zhaoxue, lock the person before him in a room, confine her to a world with only him, and after binding her forever tightly to himself, listen to her uncontrollably call his name again and again.
—Only in that moment would she love him.
This thought couldn’t be controlled at all. Love, hate, passion, and desire intertwined and rose, becoming his most obvious desire, hidden in the water where no one knew.
The iron shackles on his hands already had cracks. He stared calmly at Jiang Zhaoxue, like staring at prey, just waiting for any reaction from her. He would pounce, bite her throat, and drag her back.
“Indeed,” seeing her silence, Pei Zichen took it as her confirmation. He laughed lightly, letting the cracks in the shackles spread bit by bit, saying gently: “If you truly had no feelings for him whatsoever, the Unity Contract would have long been dissolved. Since there are feelings, knowing Master’s deep devotion to you, how could you not be moved? It’s this disciple’s fault…”
“My Unity Contract with him was dissolved long ago!”
Seeing him speak increasingly absurdly, though lacking method, once Jiang Zhaoxue reacted, she still urgently interrupted Pei Zichen, patiently explaining: “When I fell from the cliff, I already dissolved the Unity Contract. It was just that he refused and forcibly used spiritual power to continue the contract’s operation. Plus the Suguang Mirror’s time was chaotic—only seventeen days in the True Immortal Realm, but according to my time, he and I had long since had nothing to do with each other. And now,” Jiang Zhaoxue raised her finger with only one marriage string, looking at him as if proving something, “he and I are completely unrelated.”
This stunned Pei Zichen. All the spells he’d been secretly casting stopped. He looked up in disbelief, staring dumbly at Jiang Zhaoxue’s finger that he hadn’t dared look at these past days.
On it was only his marriage string.
Seeing this string, Pei Zichen belatedly realized what Jiang Zhaoxue was saying.
She was responding to him, comforting him. Her comfort was even so considerate—knowing he had always felt guilty toward Shen Yuqing, feeling he had destroyed their relationship, so she specifically told him.
Their relationship ended long ago. It had nothing to do with him. He needn’t feel guilty.
After ending, it wouldn’t begin again either.
This sudden response left Pei Zichen at a loss, unable to move.
Those violent emotions from just now seemed suddenly washed away by flowing water, transforming into clear streams gently flowing through his heart.
Seeing him silent, Jiang Zhaoxue assumed he still wasn’t satisfied and continued: “Moreover, I wouldn’t unhesitatingly use dual cultivation to save Ye Tianjiao, Li Xiuji, or anyone else. You were already different.”
Pei Zichen looked up in disbelief. Jiang Zhaoxue steeled herself to explain: “I… I didn’t exactly lie to you. It’s just that things happened so urgently, there were indeed some things I hadn’t thought through. What I wrote on paper was all nonsense. I don’t care about it that much.”
“So you’re responding to me?”
Pei Zichen blurted out. Jiang Zhaoxue stiffened, clearly at a loss again.
Pei Zichen studied her. She always seemed to be like this.
No matter how he pressed, she wouldn’t respond, wouldn’t fight back.
Trying every method—muddle through if possible, escape if she could.
He disliked her evasive attitude. The more she wanted to leave, the more desperately he grasped. Yet in this moment, looking at the marriage string on Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand, he suddenly became clear—
Actually, Jiang Zhaoxue had always been accommodating him.
She never wanted to move forward. He was the one who pressed step by step. But each time he pressed her, she ultimately chose tolerance, chose to find every way to accommodate the position he forcibly dragged them both to.
She seemed to hide countless unfinished concerns, yet he had never asked about what lay behind them.
He fell silent. Jiang Zhaoxue also felt somewhat awkward. She didn’t know how to respond to Pei Zichen either. She could only hold back and back, vaguely saying: “Give me some time to digest this. I’m just not used to it yet.”
Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s heart suddenly felt a trace of guilt and pain.
He thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and waded forward through the water.
Hearing the water sound, Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in confusion to see Pei Zichen walk before her. Standing in the water, he reached out his hand to her: “Give me your hand.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t think much of it. She simply extended her hand, letting him grasp it.
His hand carried moisture. When he held hers, cold spread upward, yet there was an inexplicable sense of peace that dispersed.
The other clearly also felt this sense of security brought by the touch, saying nothing.
She silently raised her eyes, studying the youth before her dampened by moisture.
She herself didn’t know when it started, but this person had become such a reassuring existence. Clearly he was the one who had gripped her throat, yet she held no wariness toward him whatsoever.
This made her somewhat uneasy. Pei Zichen clearly sensed it. He tightened his grip on her hand and said softly: “Actually, even if you don’t accept me, it doesn’t matter.”
Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned. She heard Pei Zichen continue explaining: “Yaoyao, people are all very selfish. I compel you because I have no other way. If I don’t press you, I’ll never wait for you to see me. I might just be like Zilu, like all the other disciples, passing through your life like that.”
“No.”
Thinking of how Zilu said today he would protect her for Shen Yuqing, Jiang Zhaoxue suddenly felt somewhat guilty, only saying: “How could you be the same as Zilu?”
Pei Zichen noticed this emotional change and glanced at her but made no sound, only continuing: “But me compelling you doesn’t mean you must satisfy me. You only need to tell me the truth.”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s body stiffened. She felt Pei Zichen’s hand slowly thread into her hair behind her.
He pressed her to approach him, looking up at her, staring into her eyes, speaking slowly and deliberately, extraordinarily serious: “If you lied to me, then you lied to me. If you love me, then you love me. If you care about me, then you care about me. If you don’t know what to do, then you don’t know what to do. You only need to tell me, and I’ll resolve the rest. Understand?”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s eyelashes trembled slightly. Pei Zichen knew her movement, drawing her closer to himself, enticingly saying: “Come, tell me—”
He was so close, as if about to kiss her, asking hoarsely: “What are you avoiding?”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare speak. They were too close. She felt their breaths entangle together. This entanglement carried Pei Zichen’s scent, intensely invading her boundaries, making her unable to restrain wanting to flee, yet within the thought of fleeing arose an eagerness to move forward.
Pei Zichen studied the changes in her gaze, remaining silently still. He seemed to have complete patience, like a hunter with ease and skill, clearly knowing when to release and tighten the rope.
Jiang Zhaoxue and he remained frozen in stalemate. Pei Zichen felt her will slowly dissipate in the silence until finally, Pei Zichen pressed her to lower her head and kiss his cold lips. He lightly pecked her lips, saying hoarsely: “Yaoyao, tell me, hm?”
His kisses were close and dense, like an invisible hand gradually pushing open the walls of her heart.
She crumbled in those gentle, dense kisses. Her heart’s walls collapsed thunderously. She finally closed her eyes wanting to escape, trembling as she said: “I never thought about being with you.”
His kisses fell on her brow, her cheeks, sliding down her face to her smooth neck. Jiang Zhaoxue’s breathing became chaotic. This scattered her will. Like spilling beans, she spoke hoarsely: “Before the Lingxu Illusion Realm, you were just a junior in my heart. After entering it, my infatuation was merely for appearance.”
Hearing “appearance,” Pei Zichen’s eyes imperceptibly held a smile. He directly pulled her into the water with one hand around her waist, like two different colored water currents converging. He lifted her chin, kissing gently, softly inquiring: “And then?”
“I originally thought that after we came out, we’d part ways.”
Having entered the water, Jiang Zhaoxue felt her brain had also filled with water. She let him kiss her while cursing: “Using your brain, you’d know—even if I sought marriage again, I couldn’t possibly seek it with Shen Yuqing’s disciple! But you forced me! At that time, I couldn’t separate from you, couldn’t run, couldn’t accept. But did I like you?”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s entire body leaned on his hands, tilting back her neck, letting him kiss as she angrily asked in return: “Did I like you that much? Enough to risk Penglai being insulted, bearing the future of being entangled with Shen Yuqing, getting involved with an inexperienced brat who doesn’t know what he’ll do in the future? If I could have left then, I would have run long ago! It’s just that I couldn’t run. I was forced to muddle through with you. But do you think I’m made of clay, without half a temper?”
Speaking of that time, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help grinding her teeth: “You, and Shen Yuqing—I wanted to kill you both one by one!”
“But you felt sorry for me,” Pei Zichen listened, knowing she was joking. He embraced her from behind, couldn’t help but laugh. “You weren’t even willing to disturb my mental state, so you told me to come find you for an answer after I reached the Ninth Realm. But this time I forced you again.”
As Pei Zichen spoke, he tilted his head, leaning on her shoulder to look at her: “So are you angry?”
Jiang Zhaoxue closed her eyes without speaking. Pei Zichen sighed and sincerely apologized: “I’m sorry…”
“It’s not anger.”
Jiang Zhaoxue interrupted him.
Pei Zichen froze. He felt the person in his arms tense her muscles, as if extremely nervous, saying seriously: “Pei Zichen, actually there’s something I’ve been lying to you about.”
Pei Zichen said nothing. His keen intuition sensed the crux.
He quietly held her, using spiritual power to gently flow through Jiang Zhaoxue’s body, ensuring that even standing in water, she wouldn’t feel cold.
This warmth seemed to give Jiang Zhaoxue strength. She stated calmly: “But I can’t trust you, so I can’t tell you. But if I’m deceiving you, how can I accept you?”
“But, Female Lord,” Pei Zichen spoke behind her, “if you want to be with me but say you’re unwilling, that’s also deception.”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s movements froze. Pei Zichen said calmly: “Since you’ve already deceived me about other things, you shouldn’t deceive me about liking me.”
Jiang Zhaoxue listened, heart racing. Pei Zichen’s chest felt the heartbeat from her spine. He couldn’t help but smile: “And besides the matter of liking me, I don’t care about other deceptions.”
“But…” Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t believe it, “what if I end up killing you?”
Pei Zichen said nothing. He seemed to think it through seriously once, then finally shook his head, affirming: “I won’t regret it.”
With that, as if envisioning the future, he said with some anticipation: “If I must choose a way to die, I want to die by your hands.”
Jiang Zhaoxue was shocked, her heart wildly chaotic.
She only felt each of his words was like pouring oil on fire, stirring up a raging sea of flames.
He held her hand, placing it over his heart, letting her feel his heartbeat, as if facing her inner self.
He seemed to see through her, see through the wounds and traces left by years, see through the wounds hidden beneath flesh and blood. Seriously yet calmly: “Female Lord, I cannot change the past, nor control others. But remember one thing—between you and me, you will always win.”
Thump thump.
Thump thump.
Thump thump, thump thump.
Jiang Zhaoxue had never felt her own heartbeat so clearly and strongly. Yet the words of the person behind her formed a stark contrast—so calm as if thought through countless times, like an ingrained habit in his bones, calmly saying: “Everything I have is yours. You only need to love me truthfully, want what you want, seek what you seek. Beyond that, I will resolve everything else.”
“If you fear status separation, then in the future, only we two will know the relationship between us.”
“If you worry about my cultivation method, I’ll find a way to remain long in the True Immortal Realm.”
“If you worry about age difference, that I’m just youthfully impulsive, then I’ll wait—a thousand years, ten thousand years, until you trust me.”
“As for why I fell in love—”
As Pei Zichen spoke, he fell silent behind her. After a long while, he spoke again with some embarrassment: “The first time I saw you, I learned what it meant to be moved.”
Jiang Zhaoxue froze. Pei Zichen lowered his eyes, his voice sounding by her ear: “At that time I didn’t understand. I only thought—the candy you gave tasted so sweet, you were the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. At Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, I never dared look at you directly, because every time, my heart would tremble. Only I never dared think, never could think.”
Jiang Zhaoxue listened, looking at him in shock, couldn’t help saying: “Shen Yuqing would beat you to death…”
Pei Zichen froze, not expecting Jiang Zhaoxue to bring this up at such a time.
Seeing Pei Zichen’s expression, Jiang Zhaoxue reacted, quickly turning to face him, returning to a proper posture, raising her hand: “Continue.”
Pei Zichen said no more. For a moment he seemed unsure what else to say. After a long while, he reached out to hold Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand, softly saying: “In any case, remember what I said. Don’t look at the future. Whatever you want now is what matters. If you want me…”
As he spoke, he raised his eyes to look at the woman opposite.
Jiang Zhaoxue heard his question, blinked, as if waiting for him to ask.
Pei Zichen stared for a long while, slowly smiled, only saying: “Alright.”
With that, he released Jiang Zhaoxue, raised his hand and sent her to shore with a gesture.
When Jiang Zhaoxue landed, her clothes were completely dry. She turned back in surprise to hear Pei Zichen urge: “Go back and sleep.”
Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned. Hearing “go back and sleep,” she finally remembered her original purpose for all this circling. She hurriedly said: “No, you need to come with me! What am I leaving alone for?!”
“I’m going to find the Ancestor.” Pei Zichen understood Jiang Zhaoxue’s meaning and carefully explained: “Since I’ve cultivated Jiuyou Realm techniques, if I want to remain in the True Immortal Realm, I can’t possibly hide forever. Moreover, before Master fell unconscious, he should have sensed I used Jiuyou Realm techniques. I can’t escape.”
Pei Zichen’s words reminded Jiang Zhaoxue. Pei Zichen had indeed finally used Jiuyou Realm techniques to shatter space, separating Shen Yuqing from them. With Shen Yuqing’s keen perception, he couldn’t have failed to sense it.
“Rather than sitting and waiting for death, better to take initiative. Now the True Immortal Realm’s fortune is depleted and needs the five divine artifacts. The five divine artifacts are in my hands, and Jiuyou Realm has intentions of recruiting me. The Ancestor isn’t inflexible.”
Jiang Zhaoxue listened and understood Pei Zichen’s meaning.
With five divine artifacts in hand, if Jiuyou Realm wanted to recruit him, he could go at any time. But once he went, the True Immortal Realm would face crisis.
Such a figure—rather than forcing him into an enemy, better to pacify and bring him under their wing.
“What if he wants to kill you?”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression darkened. Pei Zichen smiled calmly: “Then it depends whether his speed of killing me is faster, or Jiuyou Realm’s speed of taking me away is faster.”
Jiang Zhaoxue calculated through Pei Zichen’s words, confirming his plan was feasible.
Moreover, exposing that he cultivated Jiuyou Realm techniques before Shen Yuqing did was better than Shen Yuqing exposing it.
“Alright then.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded, thinking: “Then go to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. If there’s an accident, I’ll help you leave.”
Pei Zichen listened without speaking. Jiang Zhaoxue looked at him strangely: “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“Actually, there’s another method.”
As if thinking of something, Pei Zichen raised his eyes toward Jiang Zhaoxue, smiling as he inquired: “What about killing Master?”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s pupils contracted sharply. Instinctively: “No!”
Pei Zichen seemed to have anticipated this, lightly nodding: “This disciple was inconsiderate. You gave Master your last talisman to preserve his life. How would you actively kill him?”
This was too passive-aggressive. Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare respond, only coughing lightly: “It’s not what you think. He and I still have some matters unresolved.”
“Go back to sleep first.” Pei Zichen didn’t say more, tone bland: “You didn’t sleep well last night either.”
These words made Jiang Zhaoxue’s face burn somewhat. She vaguely nodded, wanting to leave.
But after walking a few steps, she turned back to see Pei Zichen standing in the water and said: “Then I’ll go find Guan Xiushu. How can he just throw you in the water dungeon…”
“No need,” Pei Zichen stopped Jiang Zhaoxue. “Suffering a bit now—tomorrow when seeing the Ancestor, the effect will be better.”
“But your body just recovered…”
“It’s fine.” Pei Zichen shook his head, urging: “You go sleep.”
Jiang Zhaoxue stood in place, looking at the somewhat pale-faced person in the water. After thinking, she still shook her head: “No, you need to come back with me. I need to confirm the Zhanshen Sword’s condition.”
This reason was too sufficient. Pei Zichen was somewhat helpless, only saying: “Very well.”
With that, he raised his hand. Jiang Zhaoxue watched him take out a white paper. With a wave of his hand, an identical Pei Zichen appeared in the pool.
Then he easily unlocked the shackles, fastened them on the paper Pei Zichen, and with a light leap from the water, landed beside Jiang Zhaoxue.
Jiang Zhaoxue was shocked, couldn’t help saying: “Since you could leave, why stay here?”
“First, I wanted to suffer some injury—convenient for everyone’s sympathy when returning to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Second, if I didn’t stay here,” Pei Zichen looked at Jiang Zhaoxue, “how would the Female Lord be so anxious to find me?”
Jiang Zhaoxue was shocked by his shameless, frank attitude, as if meeting this person for the first time. Then she saw him smile gently: “With Junior Brother Zilu caring for the Female Lord, the Female Lord must have completely forgotten me.”
“Why don’t you go back in the water.”
Jiang Zhaoxue recalled Lingxu’s previous evaluation, saying seriously: “I heard you’re quite resilient. How about soaking some more to wash your liver and spleen white?”
This made Pei Zichen laugh. He didn’t respond, only pulled Jiang Zhaoxue’s hand, quietly inquiring: “Which room?”
“Tianzi Youlan Residence.”
“Mm,” Pei Zichen nodded. “South-facing room, with an extra vanity. Junior Brother Zilu is truly thoughtful.”
Jiang Zhaoxue looked over in shock. Pei Zichen raised his hand in a slash, tearing through space and leading Jiang Zhaoxue into the room.
Pei Zichen stood in the room, looking around. Seeing the bed had already been opened, he smiled gently: “Junior Brother Zilu is truly…”
“Enough!”
Jiang Zhaoxue covered his mouth with her hand, saying seriously: “He’s not as good as you, really. If you say more, I’ll get angry.”
Pei Zichen raised his eyes to look at her, remaining impassive.
Jiang Zhaoxue tentatively released him. Pei Zichen indeed said no more.
Jiang Zhaoxue looked at his thoroughly drenched body, hesitating: “Hurry and wash up. I… I’ll sleep first.”
Pei Zichen’s gaze fell on her as he followed her to the bed.
Jiang Zhaoxue climbed onto the bed and lowered the curtains. Lying in bed, she felt somewhat uneasy.
She struggled with whether to confine A’Nan to her consciousness sea. Having just happened last night, given a young person’s temperament, bringing him back to her room, Pei Zichen might not be able to restrain himself.
But this was after all Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s spirit vessel. Was it too excessive to do such things?
Yet having just reached an understanding with Pei Zichen, if she refused him now, wouldn’t that lack sincerity?
Most importantly…
Jiang Zhaoxue recalled just now when Pei Zichen leaned close, their breaths entangling. She couldn’t help gripping the brocade quilt tightly. Her throat moved. She felt her mouth producing too much saliva.
She forced herself to quickly close her eyes. She wasn’t some young person, restless and agitated.
Pei Zichen would come soon. She needed to show an elder’s composure.
Her heart was in turmoil. Shortly after, she heard Pei Zichen finish washing.
She nervously waited. After a while, hearing no movement, Jiang Zhaoxue couldn’t help but softly call: “Pei Zichen?”
“Here.”
“You…”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t lift the bed curtain, hesitating: “Aren’t you coming in?”
Pei Zichen paused. After hesitating a moment, he asked hoarsely: “Do you want me to come in?”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare speak for a moment. Pei Zichen thought for a bit, then said softly: “Yaoyao, whatever you want is what matters. Just tell me.”
Jiang Zhaoxue listened, hesitating a long while before honestly saying: “That… I want to kiss you.”
At these words, the breathing outside the curtain vanished.
Jiang Zhaoxue was puzzled: “Pei Zichen?”
The person outside said nothing.
Jiang Zhaoxue, completely unaware, called out again somewhat worriedly: “Pei Zichen?”
“You want to kiss me. What else?”
Pei Zichen’s voice sounded, tone hoarse, falling on Jiang Zhaoxue’s ears with a tingling sensation.
Her lower abdomen tightened. But thinking of Pei Zichen’s words, she still spoke frankly: “I also want you.”
Pei Zichen didn’t respond. Jiang Zhaoxue felt somewhat regretful and turned over: “But this is after all Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s spirit vessel. I can’t be too reckless. So I was thinking just being able to kiss would be good.” As she spoke, Jiang Zhaoxue extended a hand outside the curtain, beckoning: “Come kiss me.”
“Alright.”
Pei Zichen responded. Jiang Zhaoxue heard footsteps approaching, then he lifted the curtain.
Moonlight fell from behind him. He wore white single-layer robes, exposing a large expanse of chest. The marks on his neck had been deliberately removed, leaving only places not normally visible covered in traces of Jiang Zhaoxue’s wild abandon from last night.
Pei Zichen gazed quietly at Jiang Zhaoxue. His eyes seemed clear and cold, yet inexplicably felt deep and dark.
Like a pair of tangible hands falling upon Jiang Zhaoxue’s body.
But this couldn’t be blamed on him.
He had been thinking of her to begin with. Now having just opened this door, it was precisely when addiction and obsession formed. Being invited into her room by her, he had long lost control of his imagination. From the moment he entered the room, he was already beyond himself.
Yet he also felt he and Jiang Zhaoxue had only just begun. He had pressed too hard step by step before. Plus the current timing wasn’t right. He couldn’t be too aggressive.
Then she opened her mouth saying she wanted to kiss him, wanted him. Even if he were a saint, he’d have some temper.
Much less was he one.
He desperately suppressed his desire, sitting at the bed’s edge. Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t know why, but the moment he looked at her, she felt her body go somewhat soft. Seeing him prepare matter-of-factly to bend down and kiss her, Jiang Zhaoxue immediately stopped him: “Wait!”
Pei Zichen looked at her questioningly. Jiang Zhaoxue seemed to think of something, propping herself up to sit, saying happily: “I haven’t actively kissed you yet, have I? Let me!”
Hearing this, Pei Zichen’s pupils contracted slightly. He nervously curled his fingers but still responded: “Mm.”
He no longer dared speak, afraid Jiang Zhaoxue would hear something unusual. Jiang Zhaoxue looked at the beauty sitting at the bedside, rubbing her hands together. She boldly lunged over, wrapped her arms around Pei Zichen’s neck, and kissed him.
Feeling those soft lips press down, Pei Zichen’s eyelashes trembled. He closed his eyes, desperately reciting calming mantras, letting her do as she pleased.
But Jiang Zhaoxue was truly too much.
Her technique was already skilled. Completely throwing herself into it now, she pressed, sucked, rolled and held, humming softly while embracing Pei Zichen. His muscles completely tensed. His hands rested on Jiang Zhaoxue’s shoulders. Several times he nearly unconsciously wanted to press her down, only realizing when he came to his senses.
Forcing himself to endure there, both joyful and tormented.
This was an ultimate kiss that sent him soaring to the clouds, also excruciating torture of the mortal world.
When Jiang Zhaoxue had kissed enough, her entire body went soft against him. Panting lightly, she acted spoiled: “Pei Zichen, you’re really so good to kiss.”
Pei Zichen closed his eyes. He didn’t even dare hold her. After recovering for a long while, he softly urged: “Sleep.”
“Pei Zichen.”
Jiang Zhaoxue leaned on his shoulder, calming herself down. Somewhat puzzled: “Why didn’t you ask completely just now?”
“What?”
“I know,” Jiang Zhaoxue closed her eyes. “You wanted to ask if I like you. Why didn’t you ask?”
“Because you’re full of lies.” With more words, Jiang Zhaoxue heard Pei Zichen’s voice was impossibly hoarse. She heard him say: “I only trust my eyes.”
This made Jiang Zhaoxue laugh: “Can your eyes definitely see accurately?”
Pei Zichen laughed lowly, not answering.
Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, struggling: “Do you want me to help you?”
Pei Zichen was silent for a moment, finally saying: “Yaoyao, don’t do things you’re hesitant about. You don’t need to accommodate me.”
Jiang Zhaoxue froze. She heard Pei Zichen say: “You don’t owe me anything. You don’t need to constantly satisfy me. I willingly let you deceive me.”
Jiang Zhaoxue didn’t dare speak. Pei Zichen patted her back, saying quietly: “Sleep.”
With that, Pei Zichen helped her lie down. Before leaving, he lowered the bed curtain for her.
Jiang Zhaoxue lay in bed. She looked at the bed’s canopy, belatedly realizing she had always felt guilty.
Because of guilt, she always wanted to treat him better, and better still.
But this person—give him one portion, he returns ten. She seemed to always owe him no matter what.
Jiang Zhaoxue turned her head toward the person’s shadow on the bed curtain. The shadow like a lofty mountain, walking like a solitary pine.
She watched and watched, gradually growing drowsy.
When she dozily fell asleep, Pei Zichen sensed her breathing and finally breathed a sigh of relief. He stood up and returned to the washroom.
In the washroom for a long while, always thinking of her, unable to settle down no matter what, always wanting to go to her side.
Thinking left and right, his gaze finally fell on the clothes Jiang Zhaoxue had changed out of. Looking at that light purple undergarment, Pei Zichen stared for a long while before painfully closing his eyes.
Nearly thirty years old, and truly not the slightest bit of progress.