“Senior Brother Xie, what happened? Who hurt you…”

Gu Qingmei was still in complete confusion, extremely anxious, but when she raised her head, she suddenly saw Xie Buchen’s gaze.

This gaze was not on herself.

Following this gaze, Gu Qingmei finally saw that ahead still stood Wu Duan and…

Jian Chou.

Xie Buchen looked at her, and she also looked at Xie Buchen.

In this instant, Gu Qingmei had an indescribable feeling, as if she were completely isolated in another world, with strong discomfort completely welling up in her heart.

The entire scene suddenly became quiet.

For Wu Duan, this was a good thing. Though he could see the undercurrents surging between Jian Chou and Xie Buchen, he didn’t know what the reason was.

“Junior Sister Gu need not worry. Junior Brother Xie should be fine.”

Hearing this, Gu Qingmei didn’t turn her gaze away from Jian Chou.

At that moment, she had an inexplicable feeling, staring at her fixedly: “She attacked Senior Brother Xie?”

Many ears around them immediately perked up, including the numerous Kunwu disciples in the distance who had stopped practicing sword techniques at some unknown time.

Wu Duan immediately frowned, his voice carrying some coldness. Looking at Xie Buchen once, he only said: “Senior Sister Jian Chou is the most talented person of Yashan’s new generation, while Junior Brother Xie is the most outstanding genius in our Kunwu for nearly a hundred years. Their qi resonated, and they casually exchanged two moves—there’s no talk of attacking.”

Qi resonance?

Joking—that instant was called qi resonance?

Many people clicked their tongues inwardly.

But after their gazes wandered between Jian Chou and Xie Buchen for a moment, they suddenly became uncertain: when masters met, there were indeed cases where qi clashed and they directly began fighting, and these weren’t few.

Wasn’t the Nineteen Provinces like this? A displeasing look could start a fight.

In this case, they couldn’t say Wu Duan was wrong.

Just that his elbow was bent somewhat.

Everyone remained silent.

Gu Qingmei’s delicate brows furrowed, some murderous intent condensing in her eyes: Senior Brother Wu Duan’s words meant… it was indeed Jian Chou who attacked?

With just one glance at Gu Qingmei’s face, Wu Duan knew what she was thinking.

This was the apple of old man Gu Pingsheng’s eye, always pampered by everyone at Kunwu. Ordinary disciples all doted on her, but for true disciples with transcendent status, giving her a few casual responses depended entirely on their mood.

At the moment, he only turned his face toward Xie Buchen: “Junior Brother Xie often practices in seclusion and has heard little news. This is the one I mentioned to you before—Senior Sister Jian Chou, the first disciple under Yashan’s Fudao Shanren.”

Mentioned before, during that battle at the heart of Nine-Head River.

But at that time, Wu Duan hadn’t mentioned Jian Chou’s name.

Xie Buchen’s eyelids moved slightly, and he suddenly recalled various rumors he had heard…

It was true that he focused on cultivation, paying no attention to outside affairs.

But first there was Wu Duan mentioning another talented female cultivator from Yashan during their river battle, then there was Qu Zhengfeng in the Azure Peak Nunnery’s hidden realm, who had probed indirectly before plotting against him, only asking if he had heard of Yashan’s senior sister, whether he would participate in the small assembly…

Throughout the journey back to the Nineteen Provinces, he had never understood why Qu Zhengfeng had suddenly attacked, until on the Thirteen Immortal Islands, he heard news of Qu Zhengfeng’s betrayal of Yashan.

But this still couldn’t explain why Qu Zhengfeng had asked if he would participate in the Left Three Thousand Small Assembly.

Until this moment, everything finally connected.

The figure reflected in his eyes was the final answer to all mysteries.

Wu Duan called her…

Senior Sister Jian Chou.

But this was precisely his former wife.

Standing in place, Xie Buchen didn’t move for a long time, nor did he speak.

Wu Duan imperceptibly frowned.

When someone who knew both parties introduced them to each other, normally after the introduction, they should exchange greetings, but…

The slight smile at the corner of Jian Chou’s lips suddenly deepened, while her face showed complete warmth and composure.

In others’ eyes, she merely seemed to squint, showing some interested expression, with a bit of watching-a-show flavor, teasingly saying with great interest: “It seems Jian Chou is not liked by this Kunwu genius Junior Brother Xie, who won’t even maintain surface courtesy.”

The atmosphere became somewhat stiff.

But Gu Qingmei let out a cold laugh: “What are you? Are you worthy of having my Senior Brother Xie call you Senior Sister!”

“Junior Sister Gu!”

As soon as these words came out, Wu Duan’s brow immediately furrowed into a “川” character, his eyes finally showing some coldness as he raised his voice, looking at her.

“…Hmph.”

Wu Duan was a true disciple—she absolutely shouldn’t come into conflict with him.

This anger had to be swallowed whether she wanted to or not.

Gu Qingmei felt completely stifled inside, looking at Jian Chou with eyes like knives flying toward her.

Jian Chou felt somewhat annoyed inside but still maintained a light smile on her face.

She tilted her head to glance at Xie Buchen, with an air of not caring much, then turned to Wu Duan: “Junior Brother Wu need not mind. I’m not one to be particular about small matters. Since Junior Brother Xie has returned, important matters should take priority. Why don’t we all go meet Real Person Hengxu together?”

“Senior Sister is absolutely right.”

Today was originally meant to summon everyone for a meeting.

Wu Duan then looked at Xie Buchen, and also at Lu Xiangleng standing behind Xie Buchen, smiling: “Junior Brother Xie, Junior Sister Lu, Master is waiting in One Crane Hall. Let’s go together.”

But turning around, he first gestured to Jian Chou.

Jian Chou nodded, acknowledging his courtesy, then walked forward, roughly shoulder to shoulder with Wu Duan, leading the way up Kunwu’s mountain path.

One was Kunwu’s third-ranked true disciple; the other was the first disciple under Fudao Shanren, Yashan’s senior martial aunt, and a guest.

So the two walking shoulder to shoulder presented no problem.

Among the remaining people, Gu Qingmei instinctively wanted to follow, but the next moment she angrily stopped in her tracks: though she was an elder’s daughter, at Kunwu she was just an ordinary disciple—it wouldn’t be her turn next no matter what.

Xie Buchen said nothing, only looking up at Jian Chou’s peaceful advancing figure, her slender back.

Though he was also a true disciple, he had to follow after Wu Duan.

Closing his eyes, Xie Buchen ultimately restrained all his emotions and silently followed.

Only then did Gu Qingmei hurriedly climb the steps.

Nie Xiaowan in her red clothes only felt the atmosphere had a strange subtlety, with chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind, finally not daring to guess wildly.

Seeing Jian Chou leave, she also became less restrained and directly followed.

Left in place was only Lu Xiangleng.

Her white robe with embroidered patterns added several degrees of cool aura to her.

Lu Xiangleng’s cheeks were pale white, her skin almost transparent under the daylight. Her beautiful brows slightly furrowed as her gaze fell on the advancing group, detecting something different.

Not long ago at the small assembly, she had become a target of public criticism, causing great upheaval within Bai Yue Valley. Ultimately, it was her master who suppressed all opposing opinions, sending her to Wangjiang Tower to handle some business, temporarily escaping Bai Yue Valley’s surging whirlpool.

Unexpectedly, on the outbound journey, she encountered the severely injured Xie Buchen by the Western Sea.

She recognized the Kunwu attire on him and sensed the unusual aura about him.

Though she didn’t know what enemy had plotted against this prodigy who had once suppressed Zhou Chengjiang, injuring him so severely, since she had encountered him, and with Bai Yue Valley being one of the upper five sects closely related to Kunwu and Yashan, there was no reason to leave him to die.

Lu Xiangleng, out of compassion, ultimately acted to heal most of his serious injuries.

Coincidentally, Kunwu’s Real Person Hengxu had decided to send people to investigate the Azure Peak Nunnery’s hidden realm affair, and she was included.

Lu Xiangleng understood why—her cultivation wasn’t weak, and though her battle strength wasn’t very high, she was Bai Yue Valley’s medicine woman, skilled in pill refinement. Having her along added another layer of protection for the Azure Peak Nunnery expedition.

Thus, she had reason to return to Kunwu with Xie Buchen.

But…

No matter what, she hadn’t expected that just upon landing on Kunwu’s main peak, in barely a blink, the scene from earlier would occur.

Between Fellow Daoist Jian Chou and this Xie Buchen, was there tremendous enmity, or was it as Wu Duan said—a battle of qi resonance between old rivals?

In her field of vision, Jian Chou and Wu Duan walked side by side in front, while Xie Buchen’s tall figure followed behind indifferently.

The most talented and brilliant among the contemporary disciples of Kunwu and Yashan, these two transcendent sects…

Watching from afar, she felt there was an invisible barrier between the two, as distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers.

In her mind suddenly floated her master’s vague obscurity when discussing Kunwu and Yashan…

Deeply secretive and taboo.

Her furrowed brows were slowly forced to relax, but Lu Xiangleng’s eyes held indescribable hidden worry: the Central Domain relied on Kunwu and Yashan as its backbone—hopefully no discord would arise.

Or…

Even if there were discord, may it never expand into an irreparable chasm.

“Fellow Daoist Xiangleng.”

A call mixed with laughter came from far away.

Lu Xiangleng looked up and saw Jian Chou among the advancing group had somehow stopped and turned back to look at her still standing in place, with a face full of tranquil smiles, watching her.

She had fallen behind.

Lu Xiangleng also smiled slightly, quickly catching up. When passing Xie Buchen, she nodded slightly in greeting, then came to half a step behind Jian Chou, alongside Nie Xiaowan.

“To be able to explore the Azure Peak Nunnery’s hidden realm together with Fellow Daoist Jian Chou is extremely fortunate for Xiangleng.”

Her voice carried light sighs, but sounded quite satisfied.

Jian Chou also smiled: “For us, having Medicine Woman Fairy Lu join is the great fortune.”

With her around, any injuries or illnesses would be no problem.

Along the way, they chatted casually about various things, with Wu Duan occasionally interjecting a word or two, while the others remained quietly silent.

At the top of Kunwu’s main peak, it was still One Crane Hall.

Master Jade Heart, who had just finished discussing some minor matters with Real Person Hengxu, wore white robes with a layer of deep gray gauze outside. Her brows and eyes already showed some weathered experience, her eyes completely clear, and she was walking out from within the hall.

She was the sect master of Wuwang Studio, precisely Nie Xiaowan’s master.

Everyone seeing her paid their respects: “Greetings to Master Jade Heart.”

Nie Xiaowan also said: “Pays respects to Master.”

Master Jade Heart only nodded lightly in return, beckoning Nie Xiaowan to her side.

Seeing Jian Chou standing right at the front, her austere face finally showed some smile: “This must be little friend Jian Chou from Yashan? On the Thirteen Immortal Islands, you took care of Xiaowan.”

After returning to Yashan with Fudao Shanren, Master Jade Heart had already conveyed her thanks. Jian Chou hadn’t expected her to mention it again in person, being so courteous.

After all, she was an elder. Jian Chou dared not claim credit, cupping her hands: “Junior Sister Xiaowan also took great care of me on the Thirteen Immortal Islands. Master Jade Heart speaks too highly.”

If not for Nie Xiaowan and Zhang Sui deciding to bring along someone completely without cultivation like her, where she would be today was hard to say.

Worldly affairs—repay virtue with virtue, repay kindness with kindness.

In her words, neither humble nor arrogant; in her bearing, calm and steady.

Yashan had indeed produced a remarkable person.

Seeing this, Master Jade Heart’s eyes showed undisguised admiration. Glancing at everyone and knowing they were going to see Real Person Hengxu, she didn’t linger, only saying: “Xiaowan often mentions you. If you have time passing by in the future, please visit Wuwang Studio.”

“Certainly.”

Jian Chou bowed slightly.

Master Jade Heart then led Nie Xiaowan toward the mountain path, but didn’t leave Kunwu, only going toward the guest quarters.

Wu Duan watched Master Jade Heart’s back, seeing Jian Chou’s still calm expression, couldn’t help commenting: “Master Jade Heart has controlled Wuwang Studio for many years, always a person of few words. She’s also the only one among ordinary sect masters and elders who has broken through to the Out-of-Body stage. She rarely praises anyone…”

Finishing, he looked at Jian Chou.

This was unexpected for Jian Chou.

Hearing Wu Duan’s words, Jian Chou looked up, meeting Wu Duan’s smiling gaze. In that instant, somehow, she couldn’t help but smile too.

“Tsk tsk tsk.”

A somewhat discordant voice suddenly rang out from behind.

“This flirtatious glance exchange—Senior Sister Jian Chou has Wu Senior Brother and forgets us all behind her mind. Truly ‘new people replace old people,’ making this young master quite melancholy.”

Hearing this, everyone knew that throughout Kunwu’s main peak, besides Young Master Ruhua, no second person would dare tease her like this.

Jian Chou turned back and saw Young Master Ruhua, Xia Houshe, and Zuoliu slowly walking up together from below.

Zuoliu looked absent-minded.

Xia Houshe was expressionless, making no sound.

Only Young Master Ruhua, all the way up, was graceful and elegant, walking as if each step bloomed with lotus flowers, carrying a seductive charm.

His gaze swept around, pausing slightly when seeing Lu Xiangleng, though not particularly surprised.

But when this gaze fell on Xie Buchen in azure robes beside them, it suddenly paused, his eyebrow raising slightly before slowly moving away.

At this time, he had reached Jian Chou’s side.

Several people were all acquainted, and even Xia Houshe automatically stood near Jian Chou.

For a moment, centered on Jian Chou, including Lu Xiangleng, they vaguely formed a small circle, the atmosphere strangely harmonious amid the oddness.

Wu Duan smiled: “Everyone’s here, let’s go in to see Master.”

Finishing, everyone nodded and re-entered the hall.

Only Xie Buchen’s steps suddenly lagged behind somewhat.

Standing outside this familiar One Crane Hall, he felt completely strange inside.

She only had to stand among people, and everyone seemed to revolve around her like stars around the moon.

When sharp, she was an unsheathed sword; when calm, she was the moon in a deep pool; when gentle, she was a lotus face; when smiling, she was jade generating light…

She carried gentle lightness, seemingly still with past flavors, but some places were richer, others more sparse.

Her brilliant radiance couldn’t be suppressed, already like newly sharpened edges, impossible to look away from.

Familiar, yet strange.

Xie Buchen’s left hand tucked in his sleeve, held behind his back, lowered his eyelids. No one could glimpse half his emotions, slowly entering the hall.

Fudao Shanren wasn’t there—who knew what corner he had gone to slack off in again.

Real Person Hengxu sat alone in the great hall, the hall filled with light, illuminating his entire person, making the hall feel quite spacious and empty.

First seeing everyone enter, then seeing Xie Buchen enter.

Real Person Hengxu had originally cast a casual glance over, but seeing Xie Buchen’s current condition, especially the bloodstains on his robes, he imperceptibly frowned.

He didn’t show much, his face somewhat amiable. After everyone paid their respects, he said: “Buchen returns after two years of hardship. When he left, he was still Foundation Establishment; returning, he’s already Golden Core. Now that Qu Zhengfeng has betrayed Yashan and become a demon, how was Buchen’s hidden realm journey?”

Xie Buchen’s face was indifferent. Under others’ side glances, he stepped forward with a slight bow, replying: “Disciple went to the hidden realm with Qu Zhengfeng, in the cave behind Azure Peak Nunnery’s rear mountain…”

…

Word by word, unhurried, neither humble nor arrogant.

The entire Azure Peak Nunnery hidden realm journey was slowly narrated by him.

The occasional observations and speculations within the hidden realm, whether confident or not, all clearly explained their reasoning.

His words, though only plainly describing this journey’s experiences and events, revealed vague talent between the lines.

He must have elegant writings in his heart, making pearls of wisdom seem ordinary.

Combined with clear organization and calm analysis, everyone listening couldn’t help but be attracted by this straightforward narration, effortlessly hearing it completely and gaining a general understanding of the Azure Peak Nunnery hidden realm affair.

“…So the formation when leaving the hidden realm was set by Qu Zhengfeng to delay time, allowing his affairs in the Nineteen Provinces to proceed smoothly.”

At this point, everything was clear.

Qu Zhengfeng’s actions left everyone’s hearts trembling with shock.

The calculations within the hidden realm, the step-by-step probing of Xie Buchen’s strength, the final turning of face and striking out, even setting traps outside the hidden realm…

Layer upon layer, even a cunning rabbit’s three burrows were no more than this.

But…

Some people noticed something else.

Though Qu Zhengfeng’s scheming was certainly astonishing, this Kunwu true disciple Xie Buchen, who built his foundation in ten days, had dissected Qu Zhengfeng so clearly and comprehensively before everyone, momentarily appearing as transparent as a lake…

Such insight was truly rare in the world.

Even Jian Chou, who had considerable contact with Qu Zhengfeng, hadn’t thought as deeply as Xie Buchen.

She even had the feeling that “Qu Zhengfeng’s true nature was as described by Xie Buchen.”

After all, back then among the hundred schools of thought, with elegant poetry and prose filling his heart, his eight-part essays could make people applaud. His layouts, his calculations, his eloquence—standing among hundreds of scholars, he never lost half a point, truly a dragon among men.

Without great strategy in one’s heart, one absolutely couldn’t have today’s observations and words.

Jian Chou thought of various past events, a trace of mockery with a sneer hanging at her lips.

Everyone remained silent.

Only Young Master Ruhua squinted slightly, looking at Xie Buchen standing in front, showing some thoughtful expression.

Real Person Hengxu nodded, pondering for a moment: “Qu Zhengfeng entered demonhood and stole Yashan’s sword. Yashan comrades have already sent people to kill him—no worry about him causing trouble. Due to his interference, the hidden realm journey wasn’t completed. Fortunately, these young friends are all outstanding from this session’s small assembly. You can lead them on another trip later.”

“Yes.”

Xie Buchen nodded slightly.

“As for the departure date…”

Originally, they planned to leave immediately upon Xie Buchen’s return.

But now…

Real Person Hengxu’s gaze swept past Xie Buchen, continuing: “The departure date will be set for tomorrow morning. Meet at the mountain front. Buchen, you stay behind.”

This meant master and disciple would have private conversation.

Jian Chou’s eyes flashed, her gaze passing over Real Person Hengxu’s unchanged expression, only bowing with everyone and withdrawing.

Thus, only master and disciple remained in the hall.

Slowly rising from his seat, Real Person Hengxu carefully looked at Xie Buchen standing in the hall.

On the surface, there was indeed no trace of emotional fluctuation.

This was his chosen, heaven’s chosen person with excellent temperament…

“Even with a sudden attack, you shouldn’t have been unable to avoid it and gotten injured.”

“Disciple’s battle disc is now two zhang and five chi.”

Xie Buchen didn’t explain much, only saying this sentence.

Then Real Person Hengxu slowly shook his head, thinking of that Qu Zhengfeng who betrayed Yashan. After a long while, he finally said: “Ultimately a disaster.”

But no one knew what exactly this “disaster” referred to.

Xie Buchen stayed in the hall for a long time.

Gu Qingmei, who had been waiting foolishly outside, didn’t wait for him to come out but was dragged away by Gu Pingsheng, whose face was iron-blue after hearing the news.

When Xie Buchen finally emerged, the morning sun had already sunk below the western mountains.

In the twilight, the frost-dyed layered forest became even more brilliant.

He turned from the mountain path and followed the small forest path, stepping on fallen leaves covering the ground, making small sounds, rising and falling.

His azure robe was covered by heavy twilight, showing several degrees of indescribable gloom.

Rounding several corridors and reaching the edge of steep mountain rocks, following the stone path narrow enough for only two people, soon ahead the flowing small stone stream gathered into a waterfall cascading from above.

The moon had slowly emerged, illuminating the falling waterfall like scattered white pearls and jade.

Not far away on the relatively flat side, a simple wooden house was built.

Under the moonlight, it emanated some peaceful intent.

Xie Buchen, covered by the starry sky, slowly walked to the wooden house. Two simple wooden doors were tightly locked, with a thin layer of dust on the brass lock—apparently untouched.

He calmly raised his hand, took the key to the brass lock from the door, held it in his left hand, then grasped the brass lock, about to insert the key into the lock.

But…

After several attempts, his hand shook severely, unable to get the key in several times.

At that moment, he finally realized something and stopped. His right hand still clutched the small brass lock, while his left hand slowly opened.

The matching key had a not-very-bright golden glow.

Like gold floating on a lake surface, its reflected light also flickered slightly.

His hand was not as steady as he thought.

The cascading waterfall splashed, showing some clamorous flavor even in the quiet night.

His fingers were slender, appearing somewhat jade-like and lustrous under the moon.

Xie Buchen looked down at this palm of his, this…

A few hours ago, the palm that had nearly condensed River Flow Sword Intent, that almost-striking blow…

It was trembling slightly.

Beyond his control.

One by one, his fingers tightened again, gripping, as if afraid they might escape his control.

He thought of the person he had encountered during the day—her brows, eyes, demeanor, bearing…

Closing his eyes, Xie Buchen seemed to want to drive certain things floating in his mind away.

Opening his eyes again, they showed profound calm.

This time, he grasped the key again. His hand seemed to stop shaking, and the key quickly touched the lock core with a soft “click”—the lock opened.

“Clang.”

When he let go, the small lock hit the wooden door, making a sudden sound in the night.

“Creak…”

The door hinge’s turning sound was somewhat long.

He stood before the door, slowly pushing it open with both hands.

The wooden house wasn’t lit, all dark with only vague shadows.

He could dimly see several lamps placed on cases under windows, several desks with paper and brushes, book shelves holding volumes of ink-fragrant books, a chess board placed under the southeastern window, the clean board without a single piece.

On the side wall hung several scrolls of casual calligraphy and painting, a black-sheathed common sword hidden in the darkness, also unclear.

Dust floated in the air.

Everything was as it had been when he left, except for newly accumulated dust—everything remained the same.