Gujun examined the golden contract before him for a long while.
Pei Zichen looked up, also somewhat surprised.
He hadn’t expected Jiang Zhaoxue and Shen Yuqing to have such a thing. When had they established it? Why would they establish it?
If they had established such a thing, had Jiang Zhaoxue and Shen Yuqing’s relationship already had problems before?
Did Jiang Zhaoxue stop liking him first? Or had Shen Yuqing done something to wrong Jiang Zhaoxue?
Pei Zichen’s mind turned over and over. Other matters were set aside for now. He secretly wanted to observe Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression, yet feared Shen Yuqing would see through something. He could only kneel in silent stillness, wishing to quickly conclude this matter and ask clearly.
He was rarely impetuous. Fortunately, the two people ahead each had their own concerns and didn’t notice him.
Gujun looked at the golden contract for a long while, then smiled mockingly. Holding a chess piece in his hand, he tapped the board, slowly saying: “Female Lord, since you already have this scroll of contract, you should also know Zeyuan’s feelings toward you. If he didn’t value you, how could he agree to such terms with you? His good intentions have become chips you use to harm him…”
As Gujun spoke, he raised his eyes toward Jiang Zhaoxue: “Doesn’t the Female Lord feel guilt?”
“Ancestor,” Jiang Zhaoxue listened and laughed. “The reason Pavilion Master Shen and I have this agreement is because we made a wager. He dared accept these terms because he was certain I couldn’t win—not because he valued me.”
“Female Lord Jiang,” hearing this, Gujun couldn’t help but laugh. “If Zeyuan knew you said this, how heartbroken he would be. How much has he done for you…”
“I know.”
Jiang Zhaoxue spoke calmly. Gujun paused. He raised his cold eyes to see Jiang Zhaoxue say with slight apology: “Regarding Daoist Song’s matter back then, Penglai was unaware. Had Penglai known, we would have spared no effort to repay Daoist Song’s life-saving grace.”
Hearing this, Gujun sneered coldly. He tossed the chess piece aside, took a cloth to wipe his hands, saying: “Since Female Lord Jiang already knows about past events, this old one will speak plainly. Qingyin died because of you. Xiao’an was killed by you. Now Zeyuan also suffered severe injury because of you, his dao heart unstable. All three of my disciples fell at the Female Lord’s hands. Yet today the Female Lord still dares come demand spirit veins from me? Jiang Zhaoxue,” Gujun raised his eyes to look at her, pressure aura instantly descending, “if not for your father’s face, do you think I would let you remain?!”
“Please calm your anger, Ancestor.” Jiang Zhaoxue withstood Gujun’s pressure aura under his rage, expression calm.
Eighth Realm Fate Masters were beloved by the Heavenly Dao. Unless the gap exceeded several major realms, pressure aura couldn’t threaten a fate master.
She stood before Gujun neither servile nor overbearing, face exceptionally calm, rationally analyzing: “This junior knows that losing disciples has made the Ancestor resent this junior. This is human nature. But this junior also knows that you have always been just and strict, with measured rewards and punishments, never acting with favoritism. This is why Lingjian Immortal Pavilion could become the Immortal Alliance’s leader and Zhongzhou’s first sect in just a few thousand years. So please, Ancestor, calm down slightly and consider the entanglements between these three disciples and this junior. Wen Xiao’an wrongly accused a sect disciple. As the wife of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, this junior naturally couldn’t sit by idly. This junior merely opened an array to protect Pei Zichen. Wen Xiao’an was killed by flying swords rebounded back to her. This matter’s cause lay with her, and the result concluded with her—this is heavenly principle. Shen Yuqing’s severe injury was from competing for the Zhanshen Sword. This matter also cannot be called this disciple’s fault. As for Song Qingyin, she was injured saving this junior, yes. But the reason for her death—what was it?”
Jiang Zhaoxue asked back. Gujun froze. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes to look at him, expression cooling somewhat: “Back then, had Lingjian Immortal Pavilion been willing to inform Penglai of Daoist Song’s matter, Penglai would certainly have spared no effort to treat her. Yet Lingjian Immortal Pavilion concealed the news, delaying Daoist Song’s condition, resulting in her powerlessness to recover and quiet passing. Daoist Song owed this junior a debt of gratitude—not Lingjian Immortal Pavilion owing this junior. Today this junior wants to ask, back then what were Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s intentions in treating my benefactor thus?”
With that, without waiting for Gujun’s answer, Jiang Zhaoxue smiled mockingly: “Was it perhaps fear that speaking out would ruin my marriage with Zeyuan, and the friendship between Penglai and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion would end?”
“Presumptuous!”
Hearing this, Gujun immediately roared in anger.
Though Jiang Zhaoxue hadn’t said it outright, everyone understood. This was mocking Gujun for deliberately concealing Song Qingyin’s injuries to covet her dowry and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s support, using Shen Yuqing’s marriage to bind Jiang Zhaoxue.
But this roar only showed weakness.
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue raised a smile, as if understanding nothing, feigning ignorance: “Why is the Ancestor so angry?”
Gujun said nothing. He realized he had fallen into Jiang Zhaoxue’s trap. He stared at Jiang Zhaoxue, suppressing his disordered breath from anger. After a long while, he finally asked through gritted teeth: “Female Lord Jiang, you go round and round—you simply must borrow on Zeyuan’s feelings for you to take Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s two spirit veins, a hundred famous swords, and those things you brought into Penglai years ago?”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue lowered her head with a smile: “Ancestor, though Zeyuan promised these terms to this junior, if I truly take them away, it will surely shake Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s foundation. Penglai and Lingjian Immortal Pavilion have been on good terms for many years. This junior isn’t so heartless. This matter isn’t without room for negotiation.”
“How do you plan to negotiate?” Gujun understood Jiang Zhaoxue was haggling, but his expression eased somewhat.
Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment, patiently saying: “When this junior came years ago with Penglai’s things, now Pavilion Master Shen and I part ways amicably. Leaving them at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, Pavilion Master Shen would find them vexing to see. Better to let this junior take them back. How I came, how I leave—this should be considered fair. As for those two spirit veins and hundred famous swords, they are crucial to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. This junior doesn’t necessarily have to take them, but if this junior doesn’t take them…”
Jiang Zhaoxue looked at Gujun: “There should at least be some benefit.”
“What exactly do you want?”
Hearing this, Gujun already roughly understood Jiang Zhaoxue’s meaning.
Jiang Zhaoxue looked at Gujun, gently speaking Pei Zichen’s name: “This junior wants to take Pei Zichen.”
Hearing this, Gujun showed an expression of “as expected.” His gaze fell on Pei Zichen as he smiled mockingly: “I wondered why the Female Lord suddenly became so heartless toward Zeyuan. Turns out you’ve transferred your affections…”
“This junior…”
“Martial Ancestor misunderstands.” Pei Zichen suddenly spoke, interrupting what Jiang Zhaoxue was about to acknowledge.
Both Gujun and Jiang Zhaoxue looked over in surprise to see Pei Zichen kneeling properly on the ground, saying earnestly: “Martial Ancestor, when the Female Lord protected this disciple and left years ago, it was because she believed this disciple was wronged. She feared Master would be tainted by karmic consequences—she came for Master. Now the reason the Female Lord demands this disciple is because in the time mirror, due to a critical situation, the Female Lord was forced to establish a Life Attendant Contract with this disciple. A life attendant follows their master for life. The Female Lord also had no other choice. Please ask Martial Ancestor for tolerance and clear judgment.”
With that, Pei Zichen lowered his head in a kowtow. Jiang Zhaoxue stared blankly. She didn’t know why, but her heart felt somewhat uncomfortable, yet difficult to express.
But she quickly reacted and went along with Pei Zichen’s words: “That’s right, Ancestor. You also know how important a life attendant is to a fate master. This concerns this junior’s very life. Please, Ancestor, show mercy.”
“If it’s only a Life Attendant Contract, this old one does have some methods.” Gujun stared mockingly at Jiang Zhaoxue. “It just depends on whether the Female Lord is willing.”
These words made Pei Zichen’s heart jump. He was about to speak when he heard Jiang Zhaoxue say: “I’m unwilling.”
Pei Zichen froze. Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyes, calmly meeting Gujun’s gaze: “Pei Zichen is very good. I have no intention of changing life attendants. Ancestor, you know I’ve never cared much about face. It was so with Shen Zeyuan back then, and it’s the same today. Pei Zichen gives Lingjian Immortal Pavilion face, but if the Ancestor doesn’t want it, this junior doesn’t particularly care.”
These words left Pei Zichen frozen in place. But Gujun no longer had any trace of amusement, directly saying: “Indeed, you’ve always been unrestrained.”
“Who told me to be a demon cultivator?” Jiang Zhaoxue smiled. “Lingjian Immortal Pavilion has cursed this openly and covertly for two hundred years. Do you think I still care?”
Hearing this, Gujun clenched his fist. Knowing he couldn’t gain advantage in verbal sparring with Jiang Zhaoxue, and it hadn’t yet reached the point of completely falling out.
Taking a deep breath and turning his head, Gujun forced himself to endure, continuing to persuade: “But you and Zeyuan can’t be separated. What’s the point of making such a fuss now?”
“I know.” Jiang Zhaoxue knew Gujun was reminding her of the Unity Heart Contract. Even if she and Shen Yuqing separated, even if she went to the ends of the earth, as long as the Unity Heart Contract existed, she would forever be Shen Yuqing’s blood bag.
“But this result,” Jiang Zhaoxue raised her eyelids, “I will bear myself.”
“Then leave the divine artifacts.” Gujun could endure no more, finally getting to the point. He said coldly: “You can take Pei Zichen. Return the divine artifacts to me!”
“Ancestor.” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue laughed. “Divine artifacts recognize their master. Unless Pei Zichen dies, the artifacts’ master will forever be Pei Zichen. I want to take a living person, not a corpse.”
“Then we have nothing to discuss.” Gujun immediately said. “I cannot allow divine artifacts to become Penglai’s possessions.”
“Ancestor,” Jiang Zhaoxue drew out her voice, walked forward, and sat opposite Gujun at the chess table. As if acting spoiled with an elder, she said: “Matters that can’t be negotiated only have two types. Either both sides have equivalent strength but are prepared to perish together. Or one party in the negotiation has absolute strength. Lingjian Immortal Pavilion can’t keep me and Pei Zichen. As long as we escape to Penglai, Ancestor…”
Jiang Zhaoxue picked up a chess piece, curiously inquiring: “Do you think Lingjian Immortal Pavilion—that you can absolutely suppress Penglai which possesses divine artifacts, or do you want to fight to the death with Penglai?”
“You’re threatening me?”
“This junior is petitioning you.” Jiang Zhaoxue placed a white piece on the board, blocking a section of black pieces. Her eyes full of sincerity: “Petitioning you to give me and Pei Zichen a way to live.”
“You think with your father protecting you, I can’t kill you both?” Gujun was provoked by Jiang Zhaoxue’s passive-aggressive attitude until his blood surged. He said directly: “Don’t think this old one can’t see—he cultivates Jiuyou Realm techniques. If the hundred immortal sects learn of this, Penglai will become the target of all in the True Immortal Realm. I want to see whether your father will protect you!”
“Oh my?” Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue’s face showed shock. “He actually cultivates Jiuyou Realm techniques? Then Penglai certainly can’t keep him. He can only be sent to Jiuyou Realm.”
Hearing “Jiuyou Realm,” Gujun’s expression changed dramatically. Jiang Zhaoxue blinked, inquiring of Gujun: “I just don’t know—if the True Immortal Realm mobilizes fully, can it defeat Jiuyou Realm and reclaim the divine artifacts?”
“Jiang Zhaoxue!”
Hearing this, Gujun reacted, becoming angry from embarrassment: “For the sake of a disciple, you would actually collude with Jiuyou Realm!”
“Ancestor, watch your words!” Jiang Zhaoxue immediately said. “How would this junior have such audacity? This is merely reminding the Ancestor that Pei Zichen holds divine artifacts. Jiuyou Realm will certainly covet them. Now the True Immortal Realm is in desperate need of people, and divine artifacts are essential to the True Immortal Realm. The Ancestor should probably set aside distinctions between righteous and demonic paths, and use talent without restriction. Pei Zichen is after all a disciple raised at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Even though Lingjian Immortal Pavilion wronged him, he has never harbored ill will toward Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Even now wanting to leave with me, it’s only to answer the Life Attendant Contract. Whether the Ancestor plans to recruit such a junior as assistance or force him into an enemy—it all depends on the Ancestor’s intentions.”
Gujun said no more. He stared coldly at Jiang Zhaoxue, contemplating in his heart.
Neither party was foolish. Gujun understood Jiang Zhaoxue’s meaning clearly.
Pei Zichen was Jiang Zhaoxue’s life attendant. Jiang Zhaoxue had already stepped into the Eighth Realm as a Fate Master. Together, no one under heaven could stop them from leaving Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.
As long as they left and returned to Penglai, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion would have no way to kill them. The divine artifact being a treasure of Penglai was already a foregone conclusion. If he forcibly insisted on using Pei Zichen’s cultivation of Jiuyou Realm’s demonic arts as justification to lead the Immortal Alliance in besieging Penglai, then Pei Zichen would simply go to Jiuyou Realm. When that time came, let alone Penglai’s uncertain stance, even if Penglai and Zhong Zhou joined forces, they might not be able to prevail. Jiuyou Realm was the True Immortal Realm’s greatest concern. Now that the True Immortal Realm’s fortune was depleted, they must rely on the divine artifact to reverse their luck. At this critical juncture, no matter what, he could not let Pei Zichen go to Jiuyou Realm. Since Pei Zichen cultivated Jiuyou Realm’s techniques, he would receive better advancement in Jiuyou Realm. Now Jiang Zhaoxue was his last tether keeping Pei Zichen in the True Immortal Realm. If it was for the sake of the True Immortal Realm, having Pei Zichen go to Penglai was the only solution. But protecting Pei Zichen and letting him go to Penglai—with both Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen there, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s position as the foremost sect, established through the battle at the Cangming Sea, would inevitably transfer to another. How could he accept this?
Gujun remained silent, his killing intent spreading. Jiang Zhaoxue examined the chess game beside her, as if cornering Gujun into this desperate situation had nothing to do with her. Both sides remained in a stalemate. After a long while, Pei Zichen’s gentle voice rang out: “Actually, Master Ancestor need not worry.”
Hearing this, Gujun turned his gaze over. Jiang Zhaoxue also looked in that direction, and saw Pei Zichen kneeling on the ground, looking at Gujun with eyes as gentle and resolute as when he was young: “Master Ancestor, this disciple knows that Master Ancestor is making long-term plans for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, but please rest assured. After all, this disciple learned his craft at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Even if I follow the Female Sovereign to Penglai, I will forever be a disciple of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. This disciple is wholeheartedly committed to remaining in the True Immortal Realm at any cost. If Master Ancestor is willing to protect this disciple, I will forever remember this great kindness and virtue. As long as the divine artifact remains on this disciple for one day, it shall belong jointly to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and Penglai for that day. As long as Lingjian Immortal Pavilion does not become enemies with Penglai, this disciple will forever be Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s disciple awaiting summons.”
These words were beautifully spoken, and Gujun’s aura gradually stabilized. Jiang Zhaoxue silently cursed him for putting on an act, unable to resist asking A’Nan: “When did he learn to lie so smoothly?”
“Perhaps he’s sincere?” A’Nan replied.
Jiang Zhaoxue paused, suddenly realizing that it was entirely possible. He had always felt guilty toward Shen Yuqing. Perhaps he felt the same way toward Lingjian Immortal Pavilion.
“Foolish thing.”
Jiang Zhaoxue cursed inwardly, her fingers toying with chess pieces as she leaned against the chess table beside her. Gujun’s expression eased at Pei Zichen’s words.
In truth, he didn’t have much choice. The divine artifact was originally seized by Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen anyway. Its departure or stay could only be decided by the two of them. Now that Jiang Zhaoxue had been bewitched by Pei Zichen and was determined to return to Penglai, the divine artifact’så½’ to Penglai was a foregone conclusion. But going to Penglai was still better than going to Jiuyou Realm.
Although Lingjian Immortal Pavilion had lost Song Qingyin because of Jiang Zhaoxue, they still had Shen Yuqing after all. Song Qingyin back then was merely a Core Formation Stage disciple. Every sect suffered losses in training disciples, and he had been prepared for that. Trading Song Qingyin for two hundred years of Penglai’s full support was a reasonable deal.
As for Pei Zichen’s meaning, it was very clear. He remembered old sentiments. Most importantly, regarding the matter of him cultivating Jiuyou Realm techniques, Pei Zichen did not wish others to know. If he concealed this for Pei Zichen, he would have leverage over him. In the future, besides Penglai, Pei Zichen would have to obey Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s commands. This way, the divine artifact wouldn’t entirely belong to Penglai. There were still some benefits to be had.
After considering everything, Gujun made his decision.
Watching Gujun’s expression, Jiang Zhaoxue knew the timing was right and said slowly: “Old Ancestor, have you decided?”
“I didn’t expect that after so many years, Zichen would remain the same as ever.” Gujun spoke slowly, his eyes carrying reminiscence. This made Jiang Zhaoxue want to laugh, though she didn’t dare show it too obviously. She simply curved her lips, listening to Gujun reminisce about the past. “When he was at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, he was the disciple of the younger generation I had the highest hopes for. Since he remembers Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, the Pavilion will naturally not treat him unfairly. If it were anyone else cultivating Jiuyou Realm techniques, I would not be at ease and would certainly execute them. But if it’s Zichen, this old one still has some confidence.”
“Indeed.” Jiang Zhaoxue nodded. “The disciples raised by Lingjian Immortal Pavilion all have first-rate character.”
“Since you’ve made your decision, this old one cannot keep you,” Gujun continued along with Jiang Zhaoxue’s words, contemplating as he spoke. “Then let’s do as the Female Sovereign said. You and Ze Yuan shall have a proper ending. The things Penglai brought, Female Sovereign may pack them up during these days and take them away along with the immortal mountain when the time comes. Some spiritual medicines and treasures that have already been used cannot be repaid by Lingjian Immortal Pavilion, so let the Female Sovereign select ten disciples to serve as attendants and send them to Penglai as well.”
Listening to this, Jiang Zhaoxue understood Gujun’s intention. If she took Pei Zichen alone, the target would be too obvious and Shen Yuqing would lose too much face. But if she took a group of people, Pei Zichen wouldn’t be so conspicuous.
Jiang Zhaoxue nodded and respectfully said: “Old Ancestor speaks wisely. Then…”
“But I have one condition.”
Gujun’s expression became serious. Jiang Zhaoxue and Pei Zichen immediately grew solemn. Gujun furrowed his brow tightly, staring at Pei Zichen and saying: “If you’re going to leave, you must do something for Lingjian Immortal Pavilion. Now that Jiuyou Realm is causing trouble, if you can repel the demonic cultivators of Jiuyou Realm and make them retreat back to Jiuyou Realm, then we can talk. But if the demonic cultivators don’t retreat,” Gujun sneered coldly, “we might as well transfer the divine artifact and let Ze Yuan try instead.”
“Master Ancestor, rest assured,” Pei Zichen replied seriously and immediately said, “Since this disciple has obtained the divine artifact, it will certainly be put to use.”
“Then after you rest today, you’ll set out tomorrow.”
As Gujun spoke, he raised his hand and a beam of magic light fell upon Pei Zichen. Jiang Zhaoxue instinctively stood up, and Gujun immediately said: “This is to conceal his cultivation technique.”
Jiang Zhaoxue’s movement paused slightly. Gujun explained patiently: “Your Nine Revolutions Immortal Life Bell can only fool Grand Ascension Stage cultivators like Ze Yuan. If he encounters someone at the Tribulation Transcendence Stage, his technique will be laid bare for all to see. Now with my magic protecting him, no one in the True Immortal Realm can detect it. However, this spell weakens once every six months, so he’ll need to return to Lingjian Immortal Pavilion to find me.”
Listening to this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew this was Gujun’s method of controlling Pei Zichen. She felt relieved and smiled: “Even if he misses you, old one, he’ll return.”
“Female Sovereign Jiang is speaking sweet words to humor this old man again.”
Gujun gave a mocking laugh, then said calmly: “During these days, Zichen will go resolve the Jiuyou Realm matter. Female Sovereign shall remain at Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and organize the things you wish to take. Once the demonic cultivators retreat to Jiuyou Realm, Female Sovereign will have the Penglai elders come, and we’ll destroy the marriage contract together and announce it to the immortal dao.”
“I have no problem with that…” Listening, Jiang Zhaoxue thought of Shen Yuqing’s previous condition and said hesitantly: “But I’m afraid Pavilion Master Shen won’t agree…”
“He’s still recuperating in the Hall of Heavenly Mandate, unconscious,” Gujun informed Jiang Zhaoxue. “Since you two have already dissolved the marriage contract, his presence isn’t required when destroying the marriage document. After you descend the mountain, Ze Yuan will wake.”
Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue was stunned, realizing that Gujun probably intended to keep Shen Yuqing drugged until she left. But since Gujun was willing, she had nothing to say. She nodded and said softly: “Thank you, Old Ancestor.”
“However, there’s one more thing you must promise me.”
As Gujun spoke, he picked up a cup of tea from beside him. Jiang Zhaoxue was somewhat surprised, not expecting Gujun to still have demands.
She asked curiously: “What else does Old Ancestor want?”
“I don’t care whether the matter between you two is real or false, but on the surface, you are Ze Yuan’s former wife, and Pei Zichen is Ze Yuan’s registered disciple with his name carved on Lingjian Immortal Pavilion’s sword monument. If you two truly become dao companions, Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and Penglai will become the laughingstock of the True Immortal Realm. Therefore—Pei Zichen.”
Gujun turned to look at Pei Zichen and said seriously: “Unless you can erase your name from the sword monument and sever the karmic bond between you and Ze Yuan as master and disciple, as long as you remain Ze Yuan’s disciple for even one day, Jiang Zhaoxue remains your elder for that day. Your relationship with her must never cross the line even by half a step. If you display even half a fraction of your feelings, may heaven strike you with lightning and may you die a terrible death.”
“Gujun, you…”
Jiang Zhaoxue was furious upon hearing this, but before she could speak, she heard Pei Zichen say: “This disciple understands.”
Jiang Zhaoxue froze and turned her head, only to see Pei Zichen respectfully kowtowing, kneeling on the ground, and solemnly stating: “This disciple will absolutely not disgrace the names of Lingjian Immortal Pavilion and Penglai, nor will I tarnish the Female Sovereign’s pure reputation. If this disciple dares to display even half a fraction of his feelings before others, this disciple is willing to be struck by heavenly lightning and die a terrible death.”