Hearing this, Taiheng’s smile didn’t change, still maintaining his usual gentle appearance, but Nanyi inexplicably felt the temperature drop several degrees and asked apprehensively: “Taiheng, what’s wrong with you?”
“Recruiting a husband?” Taiheng repeated, asking with a smile, “Hasn’t Nujun of Jishan always been at odds with the Heavenly Court?”
“Who knows?” Nanyi spread his hands, “Maybe the Heavenly Emperor scared her. Anyway, she suddenly said she’s willing to let bygones be bygones and publicly select a husband at the Heavenly Court.”
“Public selection?” Taiheng’s smile deepened, “So anyone can participate?”
“Isn’t that right? Everyone who wants to participate in the husband recruitment is waiting in the great hall right now,” Nanyi leaned against the gate, sighing, “But people like us don’t need to go. No matter what, Nujun of Jishan is of immortal birth with a father, family wealth, and power. No matter what, it wouldn’t be our turn—us poor folk who ascended from the mortal realm with nothing… Huh?”
Before Nanyi finished speaking, he saw Taiheng had already turned and was walking toward the great hall, waving at him: “I’m going to participate in the husband recruitment. Trouble you to guard alone for a bit, Brother Nan.”
Nanyi froze, taking a long time to react: “This kid has quite the ambition…”
The moment Taiheng turned around, his face went cold. Supporting his sword, he walked into the great hall.
He didn’t know what was wrong with him either. Inexplicably, he felt somewhat angry, a bit irritable, only thinking that if Shangsui didn’t choose him today, he would split this Heavenly Court with one sword strike and see who dared marry her.
Having stayed in the Heavenly Court for some time, he’d generally assessed the strength of the assembled immortals. There were strong ones, but they mostly remained in seclusion. Anyway, among those he’d seen, most were…
Ugly and crooked.
Too shabby even for sword practice.
Carrying the intention to split the Heavenly Court, he entered the hall, but upon seeing people, he switched to his usual gentle smile. Those participating in this husband recruitment all had fairly high status, with no connection to a gatekeeper like him. Basically, he recognized them but they didn’t know him. But seeing his simple clothing, with nothing but white robes and a long sword on his person, they guessed he must be some unknown minor immortal and didn’t pay him much attention, finding familiar people to stand with and chatting amongst themselves.
Taiheng stood alone in a corner, watching the hall crowded with people, everyone chattering, seemingly all hesitating whether or not to marry Shangsui.
“I heard Shangsui is beautiful, but has a bad temper…”
“The Heavenly Court was just established. If we stay here, we’ll be founding members in the future. If we go to Jishan, we’ll probably have no hope of advancement for life…”
“But Shangsui… is beautiful.”
Taiheng smiled as he looked over, noting down everyone who spoke. Not long after, he heard a qilin roar outside, and a clear voice came from the great hall: “What are you saying? Speak louder so I can hear?”
The great hall immediately fell silent. Everyone turned back to see a red-clothed female immortal at the entrance flip down from the qilin, hands clasped behind her back, walking in leisurely: “Why’d you stop talking? Afraid I’ll hit you? I heard everyone in the Heavenly Court is extraordinarily brave and martial, but it turns out you’re all just gossiping behind people’s backs?”
“Shangsui,” at these words, a voice finally came from above. Everyone turned to see that the previously empty high seat slowly gained a human form. A youth in golden robes and tall crown sat high above, smiling: “You’ve arrived?”
“Oh, Heavenly Emperor,” Shangsui smiled, “Your injuries healed?”
“Thanks to you,” Shanghao’s expression wasn’t great, but he maintained his smile, “Already completely recovered.”
“Fine, I won’t say much more,” Shangsui looked around at the people in the great hall. Her gaze paused on Taiheng in the corner, then moved away without a trace, “I thought about it afterward too. You wanting to establish a set of rules is also a good thing. The immortal realm can’t always be so chaotic. But Jishan suffered losses—this matter can’t just end, can it?”
“So what do you mean?”
“Three spiritual veins,” Shangsui raised her hand, holding up three fingers, “Move them back for me. I’ll select someone from the Heavenly Palace to marry—consider it my sincerity.”
The Heavenly Emperor didn’t speak. The Heavenly Court was quite poor now—three spiritual veins was asking for the moon.
But remembering how Shangsui had charged straight into the palace to beat people up days ago, he still nodded, fantasizing about sending someone from the Heavenly Court to be Shangsui’s husband and then using love to reform her.
“Acceptable.”
“Now that business is settled, let me talk about this husband matter. Anyone who wants to be my husband, step forward and speak.”
Hearing this, though Taiheng stood in the corner, he still stepped forward without hesitation along with the many immortal lords beside him.
Almost everyone in the great hall had come to participate in the selection. This step forward meant everyone stepped forward together. Taiheng was completely inconspicuous among them.
Shangsui swept her gaze across the crowd. Taiheng didn’t know if she saw him or not, then heard her state the first requirement: “I, Shangsui, am also a person of standing. To be my husband, first, cultivation can’t be too poor—must be able to fight.”
Everyone hesitated, then heard Shangsui say gravely: “Able to defeat me in combat.”
At these words, people immediately retreated, leaving only some rather confident war gods.
What a joke—if they could defeat her in combat, would the Heavenly Court accommodate her like this?
Now Taiheng became somewhat conspicuous. Everyone began examining this plainly dressed youth standing at the front, thinking this person truly feared no death for a beauty’s sake—he’d probably be beaten to death by Shangsui.
Shangsui’s gaze swept hastily over Taiheng, pretending not to recognize him as she turned and said: “The second condition—I don’t like those too martial. I prefer fairer ones.”
War gods were mostly burly. At these words, more than half immediately withdrew.
Finally, only three divine lords remained. Besides Taiheng, these three were all renowned figures. Shangsui looked at them with a smile, proposing the final condition: “Oh, and the most important point—Jishan only wants a husband who will marry in. I wonder if you divine lords mind returning to Jishan with me?”
Everyone’s faces stiffened. Who didn’t know Jishan was remote? The divine lords hesitated for a moment, finally withdrawing, leaving only Taiheng standing steadily in place.
Everyone’s gazes focused on this young immortal lord. Seeing his extraordinary appearance but simple clothing, they couldn’t help but grow curious.
“This immortal lord,” Shangsui asked as if she didn’t recognize Taiheng, looking him up and down, “Introduce yourself?”
“This minor immortal’s surname is Shen, given name Yuan, courtesy name Ziyan, dao name Taiheng. I’m a newly ascended deity, a Heavenly Court immortal official responsible for guarding the South Heavenly Gate.”
Taiheng was calm and composed, neither servile nor overbearing, but everyone’s hearts rose to their throats.
A South Heavenly Gate guard actually dared stand here—he’d probably be beaten to death by Shangsui.
“Guarding the South Heavenly Gate, you also dare say you can defeat me?” Shangsui’s face showed mockery.
Taiheng maintained his smile, only saying: “This minor immortal is willing to try.”
“Willing to marry in too?” Shangsui raised an eyebrow.
Taiheng smiled calmly: “Improving one’s livelihood isn’t shameful.”
Shangsui choked. After a moment, she declared viciously: “Fine, I’ll test whether you can really defeat me.”
Taiheng smiled without speaking. Shangsui turned toward the exit: “Tomorrow at the Trial Platform! Shanghao, prepare guest quarters. I want to rest—I’m exhausted.”
Everyone froze, not expecting Shangsui to wait until tomorrow for the match. After she left, everyone reacted. Some kind-hearted deities surrounded Taiheng to dissuade him: “This immortal lord, you’re still young and don’t know how terrifying Nujun of Jishan is. We’ll plead with the Heavenly Emperor for you—don’t go to tomorrow’s match.”
“Why not go?”
Taiheng looked puzzled. Everyone grew anxious: “You’ll die!”
At this, Taiheng smiled: “Better to die under peonies than live without romance. Before such a beauty, what does death matter?”
Hearing this, everyone looked shocked, watching as Taiheng smiled and cupped his hands: “Fellow immortals, this humble one will go prepare and rest. See you tomorrow.”
Having spoken, Taiheng walked out of the great hall, calmly returning to his room.
As soon as he entered, he saw Shangsui lying on the bed reading a storybook, just like before.
Hearing him enter, she wasn’t surprised, only complained: “Why is there no jerky today?”
Usually he would prepare some snacks in the room. She’d wanted to find something to eat but found nothing.
Taiheng smiled as he walked over, sitting at the bedside, watching Shangsui lying on the bed, her calves bent toward the bed curtain, her skirt hem falling in folds over her body, revealing her smooth legs, carelessly swaying, unconsciously tempting.
Taiheng’s gaze traveled from her shoulders all the way down, finally settling on her pale feet, his voice casual: “I thought Sister had forgotten me.”
“How is that possible?”
Shangsui flipped over, turning to look at Taiheng, her face full of pride: “I came specially to take you away.”
“Take me away?”
Taiheng moved his gaze back to Shangsui’s face, his expression half-smiling: “By recruiting a husband?”
“Yes,” Shangsui sat up cross-legged, eyes bright, “You’re from the Heavenly Court. It wouldn’t be good for me to just take you directly, right? So I thought of a way to claim you. The Heavenly Emperor has wanted to pacify me for a long time. I thought, always fighting like this isn’t a solution either. So I’ll go along with his wishes, marry you, and then you can follow me back to Jishan.”
“And then?”
“Then…” Shangsui choked, then thought of a legitimate reason, quite imposing: “You can cook for me every day!”
As for what she really wanted to bring him back to do, she couldn’t quite say it out loud.
But that didn’t matter—bringing him back was the important thing.
Taiheng smiled without speaking. Shangsui suddenly remembered, thinking he was worried about tomorrow’s match.
“Don’t worry about tomorrow. I’ll hold back. Just pretend to fight with me.”
“Why must we fight?” Taiheng was curious.
Shangsui looked at him with disgust: “So many people like me. Without some excuse, how can I keep them away? If you defeat me in combat and show them your skills, they won’t dare trouble you in the future.”
“Is that so?” Taiheng spoke slowly, “If you directly said you like me, would they still make things difficult for me?”
“Then they’d make things even more difficult for you!”
Shangsui looked at him like he was an idiot: “If you’re strong enough, though they’ll be angry, thinking it’s a Heavenly Court marriage alliance and their skills are inferior, they won’t feel so bad. But if I say I like you, that’s utterly crushing—they’ll definitely seek revenge on you.”
“I see,” Taiheng nodded, then looked at Shangsui, his face full of gentleness, “Sister is truly thoughtful.”
“Of course,” Shangsui was quite proud, “I am Nujun of Jishan after all. I must have this much wisdom. From now on, I’ll protect you—guarantee you can walk sideways through the immortal realm.”
“Sister truly thinks of me in every way,” Taiheng’s face was full of gratitude and worship, then he leaned over, face close to Shangsui’s, quite resentful, “But in the future, Sister mustn’t leave me randomly. I thought Sister didn’t want me anymore.”
“I won’t… won’t not want you…” Shangsui felt his breath, seeing his face so close it seemed he could kiss her at any moment. She swallowed, blushing, unable to speak clearly.
Taiheng gripped her hand, continuing: “I’m just a minor immortal guarding the South Heavenly Gate. Being favored by you, many will surely seek revenge on me. I can’t defeat them. Away from you, I’m afraid they’ll beat me to death.”
“They dare?!” Shangsui flew into a rage, then gripped Taiheng’s hand in return, swearing solemnly: “Don’t be afraid. From now on, wherever I go, I’ll bring you. I absolutely won’t let you fall into danger!”
Hearing this, Taiheng smiled, his voice gentle with a hint of sweetness: “Thank you, Sister. Sister is so good.”
Shangsui explained to Taiheng why she’d left in such a hurry. Taiheng very sensibly said he understood everything, but her leaving without saying goodbye had caused him great trauma—he felt anxious and uneasy.
Shangsui deeply reflected on her behavior. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she actively kissed him, finally sealing Taiheng’s constantly complaining mouth.
The two kissed back and forth until midnight. Thinking of tomorrow’s match and considering the impact, Shangsui finally decided to leave.
After she jumped out the window, her heart still pounding, she wiped her slightly swollen lips from kissing, sighing involuntarily—these young minor deities were truly clingy and fierce. Sister-brother romance wasn’t easy to manage.
After she jumped out, Taiheng propped his head on the bed, savoring the earlier feeling, laughing with interest before falling back onto the bed.
Crushing people’s hearts.
He loved crushing hearts most.
By the next day, the two arrived at the Trial Platform as agreed. Everyone came to watch. Many Heavenly Court deities brought life-saving pills for Taiheng, telling him it didn’t matter if he couldn’t win a wife—preserving his life was most important.
Taiheng expressed great gratitude for his colleagues’ care. After accepting everything, he stepped onto the Trial Platform, looking ready to fight Shangsui to the death.
Shangsui spoke coldly: “Make your move!”
According to their original plan, Taiheng only needed to pretend to fight. Shangsui would randomly find an opening and fly out herself, counting as his victory.
But unexpectedly, when Taiheng drew his sword, that swordplay was as clumsy as a child’s. Shangsui watched that eye-searing swordwork, her heart jumping, calculating that losing to such swordplay would be too obvious a concession.
She knew Taiheng was weak, but hadn’t expected him this weak! Shangsui felt frustrated, and when passing by him, gritted her teeth asking: “Can’t you be a bit better?!”
Taiheng’s face showed dejection. Shangsui’s expression stiffened, only feeling she’d spoken too harshly.
Who didn’t want to become stronger? Taiheng was this weak—he didn’t want to be either.
Forget it.
Shangsui gritted her teeth. She’d originally planned to always protect him anyway. So what if people knew she was holding back?
Too lazy to continue acting, she directly removed her protective array, letting Taiheng point his sword at her throat, and said lazily: “Alright, I concede.”
The crowd froze. Taiheng also seemed shocked, stammering: “Nujun… Nujun didn’t you say I must defeat you…”
“You’re good-looking,” Shangsui pushed aside his sword, “This lord has taken a fancy to you. Pack your things and follow me back to Jishan.”
Hearing this, the crowd erupted in commotion.
The gazes looking at Taiheng instantly turned vicious.
Taiheng received everyone’s stares with great satisfaction. Sheathing his sword, he seemed casual: “If I’d known Nujun liked me this much, I needn’t have fought. Holding the sword made my hand so tired.”
As soon as the words fell, a furious shout came from the crowd: “Immortal Lord Taiheng, I challenge you to…”
“Challenge what?” Shangsui looked over coldly, “From now on he’s my person. If you want to challenge someone, challenge me. See if this lord doesn’t strike you dead with one palm!”
When Shangsui spoke, everyone fell silent.
Shangsui turned to look at Taiheng: “Aren’t you leaving?”
Taiheng smiled faintly, following Shangsui.
Walking behind Shangsui, Taiheng’s face was calm, but his tone quite apprehensive: “Sister, did I do poorly and cause you trouble?”
“It’s fine,” Shangsui didn’t take it to heart, “I didn’t estimate your strength properly. Just cultivate diligently in the future.”
“I will definitely work hard,” Taiheng said with a smile, “I’ll need Sister’s guidance.”
“From now on, you must follow me closely to avoid being bullied by those people.”
Seeing Taiheng seemingly oblivious to everything, Shangsui instructed him: “You just ascended and don’t know how chaotic the immortal realm is.”
“Alright,” Taiheng nodded, “I’ll definitely follow Sister closely, never leaving her side.”
Hearing this, Shangsui’s heart soared.
Thinking to herself, being young was good—so obedient.
After this incident, Shangsui felt uneasy leaving Taiheng in the Heavenly Palace. That very day she negotiated with the Heavenly Emperor, packing Taiheng back to Jishan.
Upon returning to Jishan, Taiheng discovered Jishan had already prepared a wedding. Shangsui consoled Taiheng: “I told my father about the marriage. He was very excited and prepared everything early!”
Taiheng froze, seeing Jishan decked out in lanterns and decorations, finding it quite interesting.
The two performed the wedding ceremony and entertained guests. Now Immortal Lord Yuande’s health was already poor. Having suffered some injuries in his early years that had become chronic ailments, he could only appear in the great hall briefly. After the ceremony concluded, just as Taiheng was preparing to return to his room to wait for Shangsui, he saw Steward Turtle come find him, saying: “Immortal Lord, Immortal Lord, the Mountain Lord is looking for you. Please come.”
Taiheng was quite puzzled. Why hadn’t he looked for him before, but suddenly now?
But he didn’t mind. Following Steward Turtle, he went to see Yuande.
Yuande chatted alone with Taiheng for a while, quite satisfied with this son-in-law. But he had some difficulty speaking. After a few more sentences, seeing his fatigue, Taiheng actively ended the topic: “Since Father is tired, Ziyan will withdraw first. Another day…”
“Ziyan,” before he finished, Yuande interrupted him. He extended his hand, gripping Taiheng’s sleeve, his eyes carrying some pleading, “Suisui is straightforward, doesn’t know how to beat around the bush. Whoever she likes, whoever she doesn’t like—it’s all simple. As her father, I hope she can live simply for a lifetime, be with someone she likes, so I’ve never interfered with her thoughts.”
“What does Senior mean?” Taiheng weighed Yuande’s words. Yuande smiled bitterly: “If the Immortal Lord has no heart for her, I hope you’ll show mercy.”
Taiheng’s movements paused. He knew Yuande had seen through his true cultivation level.
Looking at the pleading in the old man’s eyes, he contemplated for a moment, only saying: “Senior can rest assured. I will think carefully about this.”
Yuande breathed a sigh of relief, nodding as he released him.
Taiheng turned and walked out, just in time to see Shangsui waiting at the door. Shangsui rushed over excitedly: “What happened? Why did he suddenly call you over? What did the old man say? Did he make things difficult for you? Does he regret letting me marry you? Does he look down on you? Did he…”
“Suisui.” Taiheng interrupted her.
Shangsui froze. A moment later, she reacted, scolding: “Call me Sister!”
Taiheng smiled, only saying: “Shall we go out for a walk?”
“Oh,” hearing this, Shangsui understood, completely unaware this was their wedding night, only saying, “You want to go out and play? Sure, I’ll take you to Jishan’s market right now!”
Having spoken, Shangsui summoned her mount, flipping onto it herself and having Taiheng sit behind her.
“Hold on tight.”
Shangsui called out happily. Taiheng wrapped his arms around Shangsui’s waist, following her as they rode the qilin leaping into the sky.
Riding the wind and moon—he’d done this for thousands of years, but today with someone accompanying him, it was a completely different state of mind.
He turned to look at the woman’s beautiful face. After gazing intently for a moment, Shangsui sensed his stare and turned her head: “You…”
Her lips brushed his cheek, that heart-stirring sensation rippling through Taiheng’s heart.
He’d always felt himself cold-hearted and detached, finding all things meaningless. But this moment he realized—the days spent with Shangsui were all extremely interesting.
The moment he understood this, without waiting for Shangsui to finish speaking, he directly pressed against her and kissed her.
Shangsui, ambushed like this, jerked her hands, losing grip on the reins.
The qilin moved too fast. With a jolt, the two tumbled off the qilin, falling straight down.
Shangsui stared blankly at Taiheng. In the weightlessness, embraced by Taiheng, she saw only the bright moon hanging overhead. Feeling Taiheng’s conquering assault, her eyelashes trembled slightly before she closed her eyes, letting him do as he pleased.
The two fell all the way to the clouds. Taiheng pressed above her, kissing her, seeking her hand, intertwining their fingers.
He pulled open her clothing, calling her name, together experiencing life’s unprecedented sensations.
He gripped her hand tightly, sweat pouring down like rain, gazing at her lost expression, smiling gently.
“Suisui,” he murmured, “For you, I’ll stay.”
Shangsui couldn’t understand what he was saying, only whimpering and crying out.
From then on, Jishan gained a managing son-in-law. This immortal lord’s cultivation wasn’t high, but he had an exquisitely intelligent heart. In dealing with people and managing internal affairs, everything was orderly. Under his management, Jishan took on a thriving appearance.
At this time, the Heavenly Court finally obtained basic recognition from the immortal families and began formal operations. As the Heavenly Court grew, resource distribution and hierarchical distinctions all needed regulations.
Jishan wasn’t a major sect—few people, remote location. Thus the Heavenly Court’s various clans looked down on them somewhat. Only because of Shangsui and Yuande’s former prestige did they not dare do much.
As Yuande’s lifespan neared its end, everyone grew restless, again eyeing Jishan’s three spiritual veins.
Of these three spiritual veins, one had been reclaimed by the Heavenly Court from the Phoenix Clan. Hearing Yuande was failing, the Phoenix Clan began repeatedly petitioning the Heavenly Emperor for the spiritual vein.
The Heavenly Emperor suppressed this matter. Jishan was completely unaware. Shangsui only cared about her father’s illness, watching Yuande grow thinner day by day, her heart aching without other solutions.
Yuande advised her: “Suisui, fate has its time. I’ve lived very long already. Don’t be sad.”
Shangsui never believed in fate, but she had no other options.
Taiheng watched the father and daughter. Seeing Shangsui’s reddened eyes, he felt some heartache, only saying: “Suisui, I have a way.”
“What way do you have?”
Shangsui sniffled: “I have no way—what can you do?”
“I’m going out for a trip,” Taiheng covered her with clothing, “It may take a month. Wait for me to return and take good care of Father.”
“Don’t do anything foolish.”
Shangsui paid no mind to Taiheng’s words, only saying: “I’ll think of something.”
Taiheng smiled without speaking. That very night, he left Jishan.
Shangsui had lived in the immortal realm her whole life, and being so young, the methods she knew were far fewer than his.
He’d walked through three thousand worlds. Calculated by immortal realm years, he was over three thousand years old, having spent over seventy thousand years in the mortal realm. The methods he knew far exceeded Shangsui’s.
He knew there was a spiritual herb in the lower realm that could extend Yuande’s life, but immortals descending to the lower realm wasn’t easy. He needed to think of a way.
This trip lasted a month. He found a way to break through the barrier, found the spiritual herb he needed, and hurried back.
He returned on a rainy night. Upon reaching Jishan, he saw Steward Turtle come tumbling out, saying excitedly: “Master, you’ve finally returned! Quick, go persuade her—Nujun is crying in her room!”
“She cried?” Taiheng was shocked. He knew Shangsui’s temperament. If she cried, something major must have happened.
“What happened?”
Taiheng spoke gravely. Steward Turtle led him inside, urgently explaining recent events: “The Mountain Lord is failing. Young Lord had no choice but to use her own spiritual power to extend the Mountain Lord’s life. Somehow the Phoenix Clan learned of this and went to the Heavenly Court, saying they wanted to duel with Nujun, claiming our spiritual vein belongs to their Phoenix Clan and wanting to seize it back. The Heavenly Emperor decreed that whoever wins gets the spiritual vein. Young Lord could only take the field injured. They also used underhanded tactics…”
“No need to continue.”
Without Steward Turtle finishing, Taiheng already knew the outcome.
The Phoenix Clan weren’t incompetent either. Shangsui was already young. Having used spiritual power to extend Yuande’s life, she’d probably already depleted herself considerably. In this condition, dueling Phoenix Clan masters…
This was bullying.
And the Heavenly Emperor, not daring to offend the Phoenix Clan, sought peace at any cost, actually agreeing to this duel.
“You may withdraw.”
Taiheng spoke coldly, having Steward Turtle leave.
Steward Turtle withdrew. Taiheng pushed open the door to see Shangsui sitting by the window.
She gazed at the night rain, her complexion somewhat pale, seeming to have grown up in an instant, her gaze much calmer.
“Suisui.”
Taiheng softened his voice, calling her name.
Shangsui looked at the rain, her voice calm: “You’re back? Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Taiheng set down the spiritual herb in his hand, only asking, “How is Father?”
“He’s stabilized now.”
Shangsui’s voice was hoarse. Taiheng walked behind her, following her line of sight outward, saying nothing.
“I always thought I was very strong.”
Shangsui spoke slowly: “Father always told me that being too rigid leads to breaking, told me to restrain my edge. I didn’t believe him. I’d never lost. I thought I’d never lose in this lifetime.”
“No one always wins.”
“I lost.”
Shangsui’s voice was very calm: “Father was right. To support Jishan, I can’t rely only on my own recklessness.”
Taiheng didn’t speak. Shangsui smiled, turning to look at Taiheng: “Where did you go? Leaving without a word—I was so worried…”
Before finishing, she saw the spiritual herb on the table. Sensing that herb’s extraordinary spiritual power, she asked in surprise: “What’s this?”
“An herb I saw in the cultivation realm. I thought it might help Father.”
“You went to the lower realm?!” Shangsui exclaimed in shock, then incredulous: “How did you get down there?”
“Split open the barrier and went down.”
Taiheng spoke lightly. Shangsui couldn’t believe it, only asking: “Who helped you split it?”
Taiheng smiled without answering, taking her hand and gripping her pulse, his voice gentle: “Suisui, as long as one is strong enough, what harm is there in being reckless?”
Shangsui stared blankly at Taiheng. After confirming Shangsui was unharmed, Taiheng said calmly: “You’re just not strong enough yet.”
Saying this, he lifted Shangsui horizontally, placed her on the bed, and spoke gently: “You sleep. I’ll go administer the medicine to Father.”
He didn’t give Shangsui a chance to refuse. Rising and taking the spiritual herb, he walked out.
Shangsui lay on the bed, somewhat dazed. She felt tired. Thinking Taiheng had returned, she closed her eyes and finally felt sleepy.
But after sleeping only briefly, she heard Steward Turtle excitedly knocking: “Young Lord, this is bad—Immortal Lord Taiheng has left again!”
Hearing this, Shangsui bolted upright, exclaiming: “Where did he go?”
“The Heavenly Court…”
Steward Turtle didn’t know if he was excited or worried, calling loudly: “He said he’s going to the Heavenly Court to seek justice for you!”
“This is absolute nonsense!”
Hearing this, Shangsui immediately summoned her divine beast and charged straight toward the Heavenly Court.
But her speed was far inferior to Taiheng’s sword-riding speed.
Taiheng rode his sword straight to the South Heavenly Gate, his hand resting on the sword. He hadn’t drawn his sword in a long time.
Since arriving at the Heavenly Court and meeting Shangsui, he’d found something more interesting than the sword. But this didn’t mean he’d forgotten how to draw it.
He’d never felt this angry. The moment he saw Shangsui’s pale face gazing at the night rain, he suddenly realized the true meaning of his sword cultivation.
He stopped his sword before the South Heavenly Gate. Nanyi was on guard duty. Having now risen to a minor official, seeing Taiheng arrive, he grew happy and came forward wanting to throw an arm around his shoulders: “Taiheng? What brings you here today? You…”
Before finishing, Taiheng blocked his hand, saying peacefully: “Nanyi, I advise you to have the brothers step aside.”
“Ah?”
Nanyi didn’t understand. Then he saw Taiheng step forward, his voice spreading throughout the Heavenly Court, cold as ice: “Shanghao, come see me.”
Nanyi froze, his face changing drastically, growing agitated: “Taiheng, you don’t want to live? The Heavenly Emperor’s name…”
“Shanghao!” Taiheng called again, “Come see me!”
The Heavenly Emperor naturally wouldn’t come see him. Only heavenly soldiers rapidly assembled before the South Heavenly Gate. Nanyi didn’t dare say more. He looked at Taiheng, then at the heavenly soldiers, understanding the situation and withdrawing.
Taiheng watched the heavenly soldiers surge forward, sneering contemptuously.
Finally saying once more: “Shanghao, come out!”
As the words fell, one sword strike seemed to carry the force of opening heaven and splitting earth, cleaving straight forward!
That sword energy was fierce. Everyone didn’t dare resist, running quickly to escape disaster. Those slower were directly blasted aside by the sword energy. The sword energy charged all the way through the Heavenly Palace, straight to the Heavenly Emperor’s residence. Light blazed brilliantly, then the Heavenly Emperor’s voice rang out: “I don’t know which immortal lord has arrived. Forgive my poor welcome.”
Taiheng didn’t speak. He floated into the sky, seeing a ball of light opposite him. Shanghao’s form gradually appeared.
He was surrounded by heavenly soldiers in the center, a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers arrayed in the heights. Below came a “crack” splitting sound, then everyone saw the Heavenly Palace split in two from the middle, collapsing outward on both sides.
When Shangsui arrived, what she saw was this spectacle of the Heavenly Palace split in half and collapsed. She lay on the qilin, staring dumbly at Taiheng standing above with his sword, so shocked she couldn’t speak.
Sensing that powerful sword energy, she suddenly felt there was perhaps no need for her to come. Swallowing, wanting to return home, she heard Taiheng call: “Suisui, come here.”
Since Taiheng called, she had to give him face. Quickly riding the qilin over, she stood rather fiercely beside Taiheng, raising her chin in a proud posture.
“You’re still injured. Just sit on the qilin and listen to us talk.”
Taiheng’s voice was gentle. Shangsui quickly nodded.
After Taiheng finished speaking with Shangsui, he turned to look at the Heavenly Emperor who’d waited a long time: “I am Taiheng, husband of Nujun of Jishan. The Heavenly Emperor has probably forgotten.”
Truthfully, he had indeed forgotten. But mentioning Nujun of Jishan’s husband, he immediately remembered.
The legendary son-in-law who’d conquered Nujun of Jishan through beauty, exchanging peace between the Heavenly Realm and Jishan—he remembered.
The Heavenly Emperor looked at Taiheng, falling into contemplation, beginning to doubt what exactly Jishan had been feeding Taiheng. How had he become this strong after not seeing him for some years?
What happened to the useless son-in-law who relied on beauty to conquer the Nujun?
But the Heavenly Emperor was the Heavenly Emperor after all. Though curious, he quickly adjusted his mindset, coughing lightly: “I don’t know what brings True Lord to the Heavenly Court?”
“I heard that days ago, the Phoenix Clan wanted Jishan’s spiritual vein, found the Heavenly Emperor to preside, forcing my Suisui to come out and fight. Was there such a matter?”
Hearing this, the Heavenly Emperor understood, only saying: “True Lord Taiheng, this matter was raised by the Phoenix Clan. I merely passed along the message…”
“Then good, trouble you to pass along another message,” Taiheng chuckled lightly, “Fighting—this kind of thing shouldn’t be done by our Nujun of Jishan. I’m her husband. It’s proper for me to step forward. Since winning means winning the spiritual vein, I wonder how many spiritual veins the Phoenix Clan has? Want to wager them all?”
“This…”
“Tomorrow at noon, have the Phoenix Clan prepare,” Taiheng didn’t give the Heavenly Emperor a chance to refuse, “Jishan’s Taiheng wishes to come fight. If I win, I’ll take their Phoenix Clan’s spiritual veins. If I lose, they can come take Jishan’s spiritual veins themselves.”
Having spoken, Taiheng turned to look at Shangsui sitting to one side acting as a mascot, saying gently: “Suisui, may we wager?”
Hearing Taiheng’s voice, Shangsui snapped to attention, applauding: “Yes! Of course!”
She smiled, turning back: “Shanghao, trouble you to pass along the message?”
Saying it was passing a message, but actually asking Shanghao to issue a decree like he’d been the referee for Phoenix Clan and Jishan before, continuing as this referee to confirm the legality of this duel.
Shanghao, whose Heavenly Palace had been split by one sword, didn’t want to offend the Phoenix Clan, but even less wanted to offend Taiheng.
That night he issued the decree. The entire Phoenix Clan rushed overnight to Jishan to apologize.
Dueling a sword cultivator who could split the Heavenly Palace with one strike—wasn’t that seeking death?
But Jishan’s mountain gate remained tightly closed, refusing to open. At this time, Shangsui sat on the bed, looking at Taiheng kneeling on the ground balancing a water basin on his head, her face cold: “Exactly how old are you?”
“Two hundred…”
“Two hundred?” Seeing he still wouldn’t tell the truth, Shangsui grew angry: “Since you take me for a fool and won’t tell the truth, Jishan cannot support a great Buddha like you. You should leave.”
“It’s…” Having reached this point, Taiheng didn’t dare continue hiding, only able to say, “It’s two hundred in celestial years…”
Hearing this, just as Shangsui was about to continue mocking, she suddenly realized something was wrong. Two hundred in celestial years—but one day in heaven equals one year on earth. Then the time he spent in the cultivation realm…
“You’re over seventy thousand years old?!”
Shangsui quickly calculated, her face full of shock.
“Madam, please listen to my explanation…”
Taiheng urgently explained. Shangsui flew into a rage: “You’re over seventy thousand but deceived me saying you were just over a hundred, calling me sister—do you have no shame? Taiheng, you’re so old, you’re older than even my father, aren’t you?”
“No,” Taiheng quickly shook his head, “In the celestial realm I can only count as two hundred years old. You’re already six hundred—me calling you sister is proper. Father has lived nearly a hundred thousand years. I’m definitely not older than him…”
“Hold that water basin steady for me!”
Seeing his agitation causing the water to slosh, Shangsui immediately barked. Taiheng quickly stopped moving, holding the basin steady, calming his mind, not daring to speak more.
The two were quiet for a while. Shangsui calmed down, only saying: “Why deceive me?”
“Because…” Taiheng held it in for a long time. Thinking of Shangsui’s temperament, he finally squeezed out a sentence: “Wanted Nujun’s favor.”
Hearing this, Shangsui couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Having laughed, she felt it beneath her dignity. Coughing lightly, she only said: “You deceived me at first meeting, now you deceive me again. I cannot let you off lightly.”
“Then… what will Nujun do?”
Taiheng knew Shangsui was putting on airs, following her lead in asking. Shangsui coughed lightly, full of hope for the future: “Build Jishan together with me. Never submit to the Heavenly Court. Stand as equals with the Heavenly Court, becoming one of the immortal realm’s overlords. How about it?”
Hearing this, Taiheng smiled.
“As Nujun wishes.”
The next day, after kneeling holding a water basin all night, Taiheng went down the mountain carrying his sword to seize spiritual veins.
After forcing the Phoenix Clan to relocate in one day, Jishan’s prestige shook the realm. From then on, when people mentioned Taiheng, the first thing they thought of was no longer “Jishan’s son-in-law,” but—
That immortal realm’s strongest son-in-law who split the Heavenly Palace with one sword, bloodily battled an entire clan alone, experienced three thousand worlds cultivating the dao for over seventy thousand years—True Lord Taiheng.