His expression showed no fluctuation whatsoever.

As if standing before him was only Yashan’s Sect Master Zheng Yao, not the wife who had once promised to share white-haired old age with him and had nearly died by his hand.

Xie Buchen appeared to maintain basic courtesy, but the rest seemed quite indifferent.

But strangely, this attitude that would seem rude and arrogant on others appeared extremely natural on him.

As if he was born to be this way, as if it was heaven’s decree.

He had not only not died, but was living quite well.

Having survived that great tribulation bestowed by Jian Chou at Qingfeng Nunnery’s Hidden Realm, wasting sixty years in vain, he remained that favored son of heaven—Xie Buchen.

Forming his core in one attempt, from having no cultivation at all to first place on the Third Heaven Tablet, the legendary “Dao Child”…

Jian Chou gazed at him like this, yet her expression appeared even calmer than his.

Sometimes, hatred was also like wine.

When first brewed, it was bitter and harsh, with killing intent unbearable, one’s anger drawing swords for a fight to the death.

But once, twice, as time slowly passed, it instead settled, the wine’s flavor growing stronger yet more contained within, hidden and unexpressed.

Only when the tongue touched it would it burst forth violently…

The years hadn’t smoothed her sharp edges, but had taught her to endure and become more patient.

Even before Zheng Yao, who knew some of the inside story, Jian Chou disguised herself extremely well, revealing not the slightest trace.

As if there had never been any deep hatred between her and Xie Buchen, much less any vicious attacks.

Some matters were things everyone understood but would never bring to the surface.

The old incident at Yashan eleven cycles ago was thus, and now the life-and-death enmity between Jian Chou and Xie Buchen was also thus.

Zheng Yao was experienced—what couldn’t he see?

He also maintained an appearance of knowing nothing about the inside story, only smiling at Xie Buchen: “Your Kunwu has too many formalities—such courtesy isn’t necessary. But speaking of it, Junior Xie forming his core in one attempt and being listed on the Heaven Tablet can be considered Kunwu having successors. Congratulations indeed.”

“Sect Master Zheng flatters me.”

Xie Buchen had once been the third young master of the Marquis Xie’s mansion, naturally a person of seven-aperture exquisite heart, skilled in social maneuvering. Such polite exchanges were even more effortless for him, remaining indifferent as always.

“This junior is of mediocre talent and dares not compare with Senior Sister Jian Chou.”

Hearing this, a smile finally appeared at Jian Chou’s lips: “Fellow Daoist Xie is naturally gifted—why be so modest? Some time ago, passing by Kunwu, I returned a sword Fellow Daoist had lost in the past. Only this sword was borrowed by me in times of crisis. Now that Fellow Daoist is using it, there’s nothing amiss, is there?”

In times of crisis, borrowed for use.

Though he had anticipated this in his heart, hearing her say it directly, the stern feeling in Xie Buchen’s heart still slowly emerged.

The Human Emperor Sword, a masterless sword.

Those capable of wielding it were one in ten thousand.

His eyelids drooped slightly, then slowly lifted again.

Xie Buchen’s gaze finally fell upon her—her upright figure, compared to the gentle tranquility of old, now carried more indifference and coldness.

Yet this figure still gradually overlapped with the one in his memory.

But echoing in his ears were the words the demon Red Butterfly had said in Qingfeng Nunnery’s Hidden Realm when passing through the Red Dust Thousand Zhang Lamp…

“The world has more than just her path to walk… yet you still chose her…”

“You humans are truly complex.”

“How pitiful…”

“You’ve fallen in love with her again.”

…

Actually, where was this so-called “again”?

As long as she lived one day, he would love her one day.

The character “love” was too deep, too heavy—it couldn’t be severed, couldn’t be cut.

From the very beginning to this moment, what he could sever was only the person Jian Chou.

If this person ceased to exist, this love would naturally end.

Now, after the Qingfeng Nunnery battle, seeing her standing alive before him again, Xie Buchen couldn’t distinguish whether his heart held more sorrow or joy, more relief or regret…

Because of love’s desire, seeing her safe brought joy to his heart;

Because of killing desire, seeing her safe brought regret to his heart.

The two combined formed a demonic obstruction.

For a moment, myriad emotions flashed through the depths of his mind, yet in an instant returned to nothingness, unable to affect his composure and rationality by half.

When Xie Buchen spoke, there was no flaw whatsoever.

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Jian Chou, for returning the sword. The Human Emperor Sword has no problems.”

“That’s good then.”

Jian Chou’s eyebrow arched slightly. Seeing Xie Buchen’s watertight appearance, she ultimately grew tired of such false courtesy and directly ended the pleasantries.

The Zhutian Great Hall was holding council. Zheng Yao didn’t delay and, as usual, beckoned Jian Chou to enter with him.

Xie Buchen wasn’t like Gu Qingmei’s lack of perception—seeing this, he didn’t say an extra word.

Just like this, Jian Chou followed Zheng Yao and entered the hall together with Xie Buchen.

This was Kunwu’s highest and largest hall.

After entering, below was flat ground, ahead were high steps rising level by level, and above was a huge circular platform.

At this moment, sect masters or elders from various factions who had come for the Small Gathering sat high above.

Real Person Hengxu and Fudao Shanren sat in the center, their backs to the Celestial Stars formation—truly the “two great magnates.” Among them, the first seat to Fudao Shanren’s lower left was still empty. After Zheng Yao arrived and greeted everyone, he took that seat.

At some distance below the steps, several disciples under Kunwu’s Real Person Hengxu gathered, all standing by the right pillar.

As soon as Jian Chou entered, she heard a rather light voice from there: “Fellow Daoist Jian Chou, over here.”

This voice was also familiar.

Jian Chou looked over and saw five people standing there. Wu Duan, Real Person Hengxu’s third true disciple, stood beside his junior brother Wang Que.

Still wearing snow-white robes, his handsome features carried some smile, seeming somewhat happy to see her, waving at her.

Jian Chou thus went with the flow, walking over with a light laugh: “Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Wu Duan. And also…”

She looked beside Wu Duan and smiled again.

“Fellow Daoist Wang Que.”

Wang Que was right beside Wu Duan—how could he not see Jian Chou?

Originally, he had been thinking that he and Jian Chou could be considered acquainted through fighting at Mingri Xinghai. Seeing someone enter, he had wanted to greet her first.

Who would have thought Wu Duan would beat him to it.

How strange.

Wu Duan had mentioned to him that he knew Jian Chou and had some acquaintance with her, but his tone then hadn’t sounded this enthusiastic.

What kind of perceptive person was Wang Que?

Just from this small detail, he understood seven or eight parts, his heart clear as a mirror. He wasn’t very happy with Wu Duan’s secretive manner, but ultimately valuing fellowship, he held back from teasing.

Hearing Jian Chou speak to him, what he remembered was that battle that had cost him first place on the Fourth Heaven Tablet.

So, with considerable helplessness, he also smiled: “Fellow Daoist Jian Chou has also come.”

Then his gaze shifted, also seeing the somewhat lagging Xie Buchen, and nodded: “Junior Brother Xie.”

Xie Buchen had entered together with Jian Chou.

But he and Wu Duan had never gotten along well—more precisely, Wu Duan looked down on him. So regarding Wu Duan not speaking to him, this had long been within his expectations and couldn’t stir the slightest ripple in his heart.

He only nodded to Wang Que as well, then stopped, standing by the pillar with the others to watch, saying nothing.

The major event of the Fourth Heaven Tablet’s first place changing hands—who among those present didn’t know?

Not to mention Wang Que, the involved party, had already returned to Kunwu. Regarding the details of that day’s battle, though he hadn’t revealed them, his evaluation of Jian Chou was extremely high.

Seeing Jian Chou arrive, the other three also cast curious glances.

Besides Wu Duan and Wang Que who were familiar with Jian Chou, Real Person Hengxu’s senior disciple Zhao Zhuo and second disciple Yue He were both present, along with a rather thin youth at the edge, also observing Jian Chou.

His left eye was dark red, his right eye deep blue—rare heterochromatic pupils.

Jian Chou had heard that Real Person Hengxu’s fifth disciple Situ Xing was exactly like this.

Wu Duan then introduced her to each of them, and indeed they all matched.

Because she was familiar with Wu Duan and Wang Que, after a few words, she naturally stood closer, gathering together and speaking in low voices intermittently.

Looking at it this way, it seemed she had very close relationships with them.

Compared to the silent Xie Buchen beside them, uninformed observers might even think she was the Kunwu disciple.

The atmosphere in the great hall below the steps was actually quite subtle.

Jian Chou noticed but only sneered inwardly, not taking it seriously at all.

While speaking intermittently with Wu Duan and Wang Que about recent general trends, she pricked up her ears, listening intently to the discussions among those above in the great hall.

When Zheng Yao arrived, things had actually already been discussed for some time.

But because he already understood the situation, there were no obstacles when listening. When his turn came, he thoroughly explained all the intelligence gathered from the Snow Region over these sixty years.

“So it seems the information our seven sects have gathered is mostly similar.”

After listening, Real Person Hengxu’s brow slowly furrowed, becoming more serious.

“The Esoteric Sect’s New Esoteric and Old Esoteric factions fought, so New Esoteric performed rituals to summon Sacred Son Jiye from the Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation. Who would have expected that Jiye, summoned by New Esoteric, would side with Old Esoteric in the struggle, even conducting a bloodbath. Not until only three of Old Esoteric’s eight great dharma kings remained did the conflict temporarily cease…”

This was the situation before the people sent by Yashan and Kunwu met with trouble.

It could be said that during the struggle between New Esoteric and Old Esoteric factions, the entire Snow Region was very chaotic, with endless disputes large and small in various temples.

Only after Sacred Son Jiye appeared did the situation reverse.

The Old Esoteric faction’s cultivation core was closer to the original Buddhism’s inheritance in the Central Region, and their conduct was more similar to the Chan Sect.

Old Esoteric gaining the upper hand was undoubtedly good news for everyone.

But now, the successive troubles befalling those sent by Yashan and Kunwu had become an ominous sign.

“After the Yin-Yang Realm battle, Buddhism wasn’t eliminated from reincarnation.”

“Especially now among the Chan and Esoteric sects, the Esoteric Sect has close ties with the Extreme Region; within the Esoteric Sect, New Esoteric harbors the most filth. If we reason normally, Old Esoteric acts mildly—even encountering Central Region cultivators, they wouldn’t resort to killing.”

“So the perpetrators are either other demons or the Snow Region’s New Esoteric faction.”

Having cultivated for many years and having contact with Buddhism in the past, Real Person Hengxu knew the details of Buddhism’s ancient split like the back of his hand, and was very familiar with both Esoteric factions’ ways.

So this reasoning had long been in his mind.

Only today, before everyone, did he clearly state it.

Those seated on both sides were all sect masters or elders from the Central Region’s “Upper Five” sects. Hearing his judgment now, they all couldn’t help but gasp.

Dragon Gate Elder Pang Dian had always been one to speak his mind.

Following Real Person Hengxu’s reasoning and thinking further, he couldn’t help but gasp and shiver violently.

He blurted out: “But according to our previous investigations, New Esoteric suffered heavy losses in the internal strife and has withdrawn to recuperate, not daring to start conflicts rashly. How do they dare now to openly attack Yashan and Kunwu disciples so viciously?”

“This is precisely where the problem lies…”

What he could think of, how could Real Person Hengxu not consider?

Moreover, as the Central Region’s righteous path leader, what he could think of was deeper, broader, and further.

Such as the great demon aura that suddenly appeared at the Western Sea sixty years ago, the fierce malevolent qi that shot skyward at Mingri Xinghai sixty years later, and those abnormal movements related to the Extreme Region…

The current Shijiu Zhou truly had undercurrents surging.

Any small spark accidentally dropped could ignite a prairie fire. And these abnormalities he had learned of intentionally or unintentionally were these sparks.

No one knew whether the great fire in the Snow Region was related to them; even less could they know which spark had ignited this fire.

“These past two days, Brother Fudao and I have repeatedly tried using the Imperial Heaven Mirror with all our might, yet cannot penetrate the barrier rising outside the Snow Region. Even divination calculations, like spiritual consciousness, cannot glimpse within.”

Real Person Hengxu spoke, then let out a long sigh, turning to glance at Fudao.

Fudao Shanren sat beside him, his face showing no expression, only nodding to confirm Hengxu’s words were true.

Everyone was immediately alarmed.

Who didn’t know Real Person Hengxu was one of the few “bounded realm” great powers in current Shijiu Zhou?

And Fudao Shanren, who possessed the Imperial Heaven Mirror, had the power to battle Return to Void great powers when his realm was only Soul Separation. Not to mention after emerging from seclusion, leaping across two realms, he himself was now a Return to Void great power.

Such two people working together couldn’t penetrate the barrier and glimpse the Snow Region’s current state?

That Esoteric Sect barrier…

What kind of terrifying existence had laid it down?

Some mysterious formation? Or had the legendary Sacred Son Jiye acted? Or had some other existence intervened?

Doubts piled upon doubts.

The more everyone thought, the more alarmed they became. Those who knew each other exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.

Real Person Hengxu then said: “The Esoteric Sect matter involves the Extreme Region—truly pulling one hair moves the whole body. Now is a troubled time, yet we cannot ignore it. So after Brother Fudao and I discussed, we decided to gather the Central Region’s Left Three Thousand’s strength and send people personally to investigate as much as possible.”

“But Yashan and Kunwu disciples have already suffered losses there. Though our Upper Five sects’ disciples are also elite, we honestly cannot compare with them. How can we investigate?”

This time the objection came from Fengmo Sword Sect’s Sect Master Luo Xingyuan, a burly man with a full beard.

His question was what everyone wanted to ask.

So all gazes immediately fell on Real Person Hengxu again.

“I’ve naturally considered this matter.” Real Person Hengxu was already prepared, only saying, “Though Buddhism has long been split, the Chan and Esoteric sects ultimately share the same origin. Moreover, these six hundred years they’ve been secretly competing, with doctrinal disputes on Human Island where Chan Sect ultimately gained the upper hand. If the Central Region has no solution, Chan Sect might not lack one.”

“Brilliant!”

Hearing this, Pang Dian already understood Hengxu’s meaning and immediately slapped his thigh, shouting.

“Real Person means we can take a roundabout approach—send people to inquire of Chan Sect!”

“Exactly so.”

Real Person Hengxu nodded, but his next words took a turn.

“Only asking Chan Sect for advice isn’t enough. Some things—hearing is false, seeing is believing. Where spiritual consciousness cannot enter, people can come and go freely. So the Central Region will pursue both approaches—we still must send people personally.”

Now Pang Dian’s eyes immediately widened.

Others also frowned, clearly thinking again of Yashan and Kunwu’s losses this time.

It wasn’t that they were unwilling to send people, but the precedent was right before them.

No family’s disciples grew from grass—how could they not feel heartache?

Knowingly sending them to die made no sense.

Only Bai Yue Valley’s Sect Master, Grand Master Shuang Ran, who had sat quietly without speaking, had delicate thoughts. Her clear, transparent eyes lifted, examining Hengxu, then slowly spoke: “Since Real Person and Shanren have this decision, you must be confident and already have a solution, right?”

So Fudao Shanren suddenly turned to look at her, and for some reason, couldn’t help clicking his tongue.

Real Person Hengxu didn’t need to turn around to know his reaction and understood the reason.

Years ago when Fudao participated in the Small Gathering, arrogant about his exceptional talent, he looked down on everyone.

But unexpectedly, in the second-to-last match, he encountered Grand Master Ran Shuang, then also a new Bai Yue Valley disciple.

Clearly a delicate, bright beauty who didn’t seem to have much cultivation, yet Fudao actually suffered a major loss under her hand, nearly failing midway.

Because Ran Shuang was very deep-minded and good at figuring people out.

Fudao’s always straightforward nature, after her calculations, was seventy or eighty percent understood, making the subsequent fight naturally awkward everywhere.

So after that match, he said Ran Shuang had at least a thousand schemes.

Ran Shuang had also been young and spirited then—losing a match was one thing, but being criticized like this made her immediately angry with cold laughter, creating lasting enmity.

Now over a thousand years had passed, but this grudge hadn’t collapsed.

Now that Ran Shuang, already a sect leader, made this guess, it undoubtedly reminded Fudao of past events, hence the tongue-clicking.

But Hengxu pretended not to hear.

He smiled slightly at Grand Master Ran Shuang and nodded: “Indeed, we have plans and arrangements.”

Everyone immediately became curious.

Real Person Hengxu didn’t keep them in suspense. His gaze turned toward the steps below and landed on Xie Buchen, his lips carrying a slight smile as he called: “Buchen—”

“Disciple is here.”

Suddenly called by name, Xie Buchen was truly somewhat unprepared. But he was always best at hiding his thoughts—when stepping forward to respond, his face showed no surprise.

Jian Chou, standing by the pillar, immediately raised an eyebrow.

Clearly, talking to this point then suddenly calling Xie Buchen out was beyond her expectations. Even Wu Duan and others seemed to have no prior knowledge, all showing some surprise and doubt.

The several sect masters and elders seated above were even more puzzled.

They could all see that though Xie Buchen was highly talented, in terms of cultivation, he was merely at Golden Core peak perfection.

“Real Person surely doesn’t intend to send Junior Xie there?”

“Correct.” Real Person Hengxu immediately admitted it, even saying, “The Snow Region’s current situation is special—there must be anomalies. I only fear that if cultivation is too high and too many go, they’ll be discovered before getting close, bringing disaster. Buchen’s nature and talent are both exceptional, his cultivation also suitable—he can go investigate.”

“How can this be?!”

The first to object wasn’t another Kunwu elder nearby, nor the disciples of Real Person Hengxu standing below, but Dragon Gate Elder Pang Dian.

He immediately stood up, his withered body tense, his long eyebrows furrowed, his face full of disapproval, even carrying some condemnation.

“The Snow Region’s situation is currently unclear. Even Real Person and Shanren cannot investigate the internal conditions—clearly showing how dangerous it is! Though this young man is only a Kunwu disciple and Real Person’s personal student, he’s still a Central Region cultivator! Real Person’s decision is so frivolous—isn’t this disregarding human life?!”

These words were rather harsh.

For a moment, the entire Zhutian Great Hall fell silent—no one dared speak.

Only Fudao Shanren sat crooked in his seat, suddenly chuckling.

Those eyes hidden in his messy grizzled hair gazed at Hengxu as if discovering something amusing.

Obvious gloating.

Real Person Hengxu stared at Pang Dian.

Normally, when others met his gaze, they would already not dare look directly and would timidly retreat.

But at this moment, Pang Dian only reddened his face, eyes wide, staring back at him.

So Real Person Hengxu laughed: “Disregarding human life? I naturally know the safety of my Kunwu disciples. Though spiritual consciousness cannot penetrate the Snow Region, I never said I cannot protect the safety of disciples going to investigate. Kunwu has Kunwu’s methods—why should Elder Pang worry?”

After these few words, Pang Dian was already furious.

Yet Hengxu’s words indeed made sense. A famous sect like Kunwu, with Real Person Hengxu being a bounded realm great power, had countless hidden methods—how could he know them all?

But no matter how he thought about it, he felt frustrated and that something was wrong.

But he couldn’t refute, so he could only listen.

Real Person Hengxu’s words weren’t finished.

“Moreover—”

His voice paused, standing at the height of this Zhutian Great Hall, his dark green Daoist robes blown by wind. The originally kind expression on his face slowly withdrew, revealing an almost heavenly principle-like indifference and superiority.

His gaze only fell on Xie Buchen below.

“He is my Kunwu’s child of destiny, chosen by heaven—turning misfortune to fortune, meeting difficulty and finding prosperity. How could anything happen to him?”