“Speaking of which, the words left behind by the master of this residence are quite interesting.”

“Such as?”

“In the writings he left behind, he actually claimed that the Great Pangu opened up the primordial chaos and created reincarnation, thus establishing the division of yin and yang in this realm, allowing the six paths to begin their cycle. But according to the understanding of us worldly people, the six paths of reincarnation were born together with the universe and existed from the very beginning. I wonder if this former master of the residence was spouting nonsense and making far-fetched claims, or if what we ordinary cultivators know is all erroneous…”

“Does Fellow Daoist Xie think of something from this?”

“Pigs and sheep sit on the heated bed, six relatives cook in the pot. This verse speaks extremely of the ‘absurdity’ of reincarnation. Relatives from past lives may now be the food in one’s belly in this life; friends of this life may not have been anything but foolish beasts in the past. If this heaven and earth originally had no reincarnation, thinking carefully about it, the existence of reincarnation now makes one feel somewhat subtle.”

“…”

Although there was naturally enmity between Jian Chou and Xie Buchen, when both knew that revenge could not be taken at this moment, they treated each other without the slightest trace of killing intent, and were even somewhat pleasant and cordial.

Because their knowledge was comparable, they could even converse quite well.

On this journey out of the residence walking along the street, they continued their conversation about what they had seen and heard in that old residence.

But when the conversation reached this point, Jian Chou finally stopped and looked at him.

Only she herself knew clearly in her heart that the reason she had entered the City of Wrongful Death today and stepped through the old residence’s door was because she originally wanted to see every word and sentence written by the master of that old residence, especially about the origin of heaven and earth, the Great Pangu, and the creation of reincarnation.

Although she remembered every word and sentence inside, she was still afraid she might have missed something.

Memory, after all, was not as reliable as having actual physical books.

Jian Chou knew she wouldn’t remember a single word wrong, but she still wanted to sit down, read the books, and think carefully again.

Unexpectedly, before she could even enter the door, she saw Xie Buchen. After a round of perfunctory dealings, mutually spinning lies that neither believed nor expected the other to believe, she lost the chance to flip through that pile of books again.

Once she truly showed any signs, it would inevitably arouse Xie Buchen’s suspicion.

Originally, arousing his suspicion really wouldn’t be a big deal, but the moment she pushed open that residence door and suddenly saw his shocked expression, Jian Chou could not forget it, and absolutely could not allow herself to make even the slightest possible mistake on such a crucial matter.

So although she appeared calm on the surface during this journey out, in her heart she was secretly somewhat displeased for not being able to achieve her purpose of coming to the old residence.

What Xie Buchen had just said happened to touch on this point.

Her gaze was calm and deep, as if beneath that clarity, several deep currents were flowing. In the end, she smiled: “Why do I feel that every word and sentence of Fellow Daoist Xie has hidden meanings?”

“Just some random thoughts.”

Talking with intelligent people was the most effortless, especially with someone like Jian Chou. Xie Buchen showed no tension from being questioned, and continued walking forward with steady steps as usual.

“After all, seeing Fellow Daoist going against the crowd alone the other day really made me curious.”

At that time, why hadn’t Jian Chou, who was from Yashan, stayed?

It would have been one thing not to join everyone else in taking action, but she even left.

There probably weren’t many people who noticed this detail at that moment, but Xie Buchen was definitely one of those few.

Jian Chou didn’t answer.

Xie Buchen didn’t know whether he harbored good intentions or malicious schemes, but only faintly reminded her: “Being unconventional is not tolerated by the world. When the wise act in this world, they should always think thrice before acting.”

At this, Jian Chou laughed, her eyes and brows curving with a somewhat kind and benevolent expression: “The path that must be walked cannot be escaped. Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist. But Jian Chou also has a word of loyal advice: what is not yours cannot be obtained by force. Even if sometimes one insists on forcibly seizing it, one must weigh one’s own abilities.”

“…”

Xie Buchen’s footsteps finally stopped.

The two’s gazes met at this moment.

In each other’s eyes flowed turbulent undercurrents that only the two of them could gauge.

Xie Buchen wasn’t sure whether Jian Chou’s words, especially the latter half, were meant to test him about something.

But whether they were or not, he shouldn’t reveal the slightest flaw.

After their eyes met for a moment, he withdrew his gaze and also smiled: “Act according to one’s abilities. Xie will naturally heed Fellow Daoist Jian Chou’s kind words and force things only when forcing is appropriate.”

Interesting!

Really interesting.

Jian Chou truly felt that in these few exchanges between her and Xie Buchen, countless hidden blades had already flown past, and occasionally from the gaps in their gentle words, she could even catch a whiff of cold killing intent.

But that was the extent of it.

Further probing would only expose more of oneself.

The two had nothing more to say, and after passing through two more streets, they coincidentally encountered the great cultivators including Fudao Shanren and Hengxu Zhenren who had just entered the City of Wrongful Death.

They had all come to visit the Immortal Wuzhong.

For such a great cultivator hiding in the City of Wrongful Death, outside the sphere of influence of the Eight Directions Yama Halls, and very likely the true Buyu Shangren of the past, the Nineteen Continents side would never pretend complete ignorance.

Now that they had broken through the city, they naturally should come for a visit.

Besides the two pillars Hengxu Zhenren and Fudao Shanren, other great cultivators from various sects were also present. Even Qu Zhengfeng was walking among them, and Fu Chaosheng, whom Jian Chou had met before at the garrison, stood beside Fudao Shanren.

When they saw Jian Chou and Xie Buchen, everyone was stunned for a moment.

Throughout the Nineteen Continents it was rumored that the relationship between these two was quite incompatible. Being great cultivators, they all knew the rumors weren’t groundless. Seeing the two apparently coming together, they all felt somewhat suspicious.

Fu Chaosheng showed no reaction.

Qu Zhengfeng, however, immediately raised an eyebrow, seemingly finding this scene quite interesting.

But no one spoke up to ask.

Seeing them, Hengxu Zhenren also took an extra glance, but with so many people present and needing to visit the Immortal Wuzhong, he directly said: “You two have come at just the right time. Nephew Jian Chou from Yashan has visited this Immortal Wuzhong before, so come along with everyone.”

“Yes.”

Though Jian Chou naturally disliked this old man Kunwu, she didn’t object to his current suggestion. After responding, she consciously stood behind Fudao Shanren, shoulder to shoulder with Fu Chaosheng.

Fu Chaosheng glanced at her.

Jian Chou looked back at him, smiled, but said nothing.

Regarding the Immortal Wuzhong, Jian Chou had already spoken with the great cultivators. When they had first entered the Extreme Domain not long ago, she had already had Big Head Ghost and Little Head Ghost deliver her gratitude and invitation to that old alley, but had been waiting without receiving a reply.

The Immortal Wuzhong still lived here, but no one knew his stance.

The group proceeded, with Fudao Shanren and Hengxu Zhenren saying not a word, and the others looking serious. They soon arrived at the entrance of that dilapidated old alley.

The dust on the ground remained completely still.

Three sets of footprints were still imprinted on top.

Two sets were small and hurried, coming and going. Jian Chou immediately guessed these were left by Big Head Ghost and Little Head Ghost when they first came. One set was steady and even, going but not returning. She raised her eyebrows slightly, feeling somewhat surprised.

After Big Head Ghost and Little Head Ghost, someone else had actually visited the Immortal Wuzhong?

And moreover…

Looking at the condition of these footprints, after visiting the Immortal Wuzhong, this person had not yet left, or had been unable to leave.

Several great cultivators also saw this, but none paid it any mind.

Led by Hengxu Zhenren, they stepped over the fallen walls and rotten wood scattered across the ground, finally reaching the two dilapidated doors at the end of the alley.

The doors were ajar, and the sound of chess pieces falling could be heard from within.

Hengxu Zhenren, holding his whisk, led everyone in bowing toward the door: “Hengxu, accompanied by cultivators from the northern, central, and southern domains of the Nineteen Continents, comes to visit the Senior. We hope the Senior will spare some time to meet with us.”

There was no response from within.

Fudao Shanren was the only one who had stood without bowing earlier. Now he coldly snorted, struck his nine-section bamboo staff against the ground, and cursed without any courtesy: “Old immortal who can’t even ascend, fallen to this state and still dares to put on airs!”

Everyone, including Jian Chou, felt their eyelids twitch upon hearing this.

Who didn’t know that this Immortal Wuzhong was probably the Buyu Shangren of the past?

That was a formidable existence who had once dominated Xinghai, killed countless people, and even comprehended the “Nine Curves River Map,” successfully ascending, or at least coming within a hair’s breadth of successful ascension!

Even if his “immortality” wasn’t quite immortal, his cultivation level was at least higher than all of theirs!

And Fudao Shanren had actually started cursing directly!

This…

This courage was a bit too great, wasn’t it?

For a moment, everyone worried that the person inside would erupt in anger. Unexpectedly, after a moment of silence inside, a calm voice soon came: “Please enter.”

Please… please enter?

Everyone was dumbfounded.

Hengxu Zhenren’s gaze also moved slightly, glancing at Fudao Shanren beside him.

The only one who wasn’t surprised was probably Fudao Shanren himself.

He snorted, calmly holding his nine-section bamboo staff, went up and pushed open the two broken doors, and walked in: “When that old witch gave you the River Map back then, this mountain man thought you were an unparalleled genius. Who would have thought you were merely so-so.”

The Immortal Wuzhong, or rather Buyu Shangren, sat quietly in the room.

The broken room was filled with various stone carvings, with debris scattered across the floor and many dulled carving knives.

In the corner sat a stone chessboard.

Black and white stones were scattered irregularly upon it—apparently two people were playing chess.

Fudao Shanren walked in and discovered that there wasn’t just the aged, barely recognizable Buyu Shangren in the room, but also a young ghost cultivator sitting across from him.

Wearing deep purple robes nearly black, with a silver crown binding his hair, eyebrows like ink paintings, temples sharp as blade-cuts—a reasonably handsome young man.

But his expression was indifferent, with a trace of coldness.

He held a chess piece in his hand, placing it on the board, making the falling piece sound they had heard earlier outside.

Fudao Shanren didn’t recognize him, but Jian Chou, still standing outside the door, immediately recognized him as Zhang Tang upon seeing him!

At this moment, she was truly somewhat surprised.

How could he be here?

With so many people coming from outside, and both Hengxu Zhenren and Fudao Shanren speaking one after another, Zhang Tang couldn’t possibly be unaware of the visitors.

After placing his piece, he looked up at his opponent.

The old man in gray robes, with wrinkles carved like knife marks hanging from his forehead and eye corners, showed no anger at Fudao Shanren’s completely discourteous words. He merely opened his somewhat clouded eyes and looked at Fudao who had already entered the room.

The footsteps of time were truly too hasty.

Even though cultivators had methods to maintain their appearance and possessed extremely long lifespans, when truly placed in the long river of time, they were merely insignificant, powerless drops of water.

Everyone was different from their original selves.

Inside the dilapidated room, it was extremely quiet for a moment.

The suspected Buyu Shangren, the “Immortal Wuzhong,” looked at this group of “uninvited guests” without speaking, while the “uninvited guests” inside and outside the room suddenly dared not break this silence.

This situation seemed inappropriate to have outsiders present.

Zhang Tang looked around, then put down his chess piece and rose to leave.

The great cultivators were naturally curious about his identity, but seeing him playing chess with Buyu Shangren, none stopped him or asked a single question.

Jian Chou glanced into the room, hesitated for a moment, then silently followed him out.

Zhang Tang walked toward the alley entrance.

When he reached the alley mouth, his footsteps stopped.

He turned sideways, lifted his eyelids, and saw Jian Chou who had followed him out.

Jian Chou’s furrowed brows hadn’t relaxed, extremely puzzled: “Didn’t Lord Zhang say earlier that he was returning to the Eight Directions City? How did he appear again in the City of Wrongful Death?”

“You directly used the token this official gave you to close the watchtower, break through Ghost Gate Pass, and conquer the City of Wrongful Death. The name of Ghost Jian Chou, the Plague God, spreads even more loudly than in the past. Should this official have stayed in the Eight Directions City waiting to be investigated thoroughly and have his skin peeled off alive by the Yama Lords?”

His voice carried its usual harshness.

Zhang Tang kept both hands tucked in his sleeves, looking at her indifferently.

“…”

Jian Chou was immediately speechless.

It did seem quite reasonable and logical, impossible to refute.

But…

“Then after you killed the Chu River King, how did you dare act as if nothing had happened, not fearing discovery by the Yama Lords above, and directly return to the Eight Directions City?”

A cold smile appeared on Zhang Tang’s cold face: “The Chu River King was killed on Lord Qin Guang’s orders. This official was merely following orders. What could happen?”

“Lord Qin Guang gave the order?!”

Zhang Tang spoke matter-of-factly, but hearing it in Jian Chou’s ears was like a thunderbolt!

She looked at Zhang Tang with an incredulous gaze, many thoughts suddenly arising in her heart, but all jumbled together, unable to be sorted out clearly for the moment.

“Lord Zhang, these words—”

“I know nothing else.”

Zhang Tang didn’t wait for Jian Chou to finish her words, directly throwing out such a statement of refusal to cooperate, blocking her mouth, and turned to leave.

Jian Chou couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

She hadn’t even finished speaking!

“Then may I ask what you plan to do next—”

Zhang Tang gave no face whatsoever, not turning back, again interrupting: “Civil official, doesn’t meddle in fighting and killing. This official has gotten off your pirate ship. From now on, unless it concerns promotion, don’t disturb me with anything!”

This was too realistic!

Even in the cultivation world, he was still so obsessed with officialdom!

At this moment, a wave of helplessness surged up. Jian Chou was unwilling to give up: “Then can I ask what’s the origin of those titles ‘Ghost Jian Chou’ and ‘Plague God’?”

“…”

The advancing footsteps suddenly stopped.

Zhang Tang, who originally had no intention of dealing with her, actually turned around, his cold and stern face still as inhumane as ever.

At this moment, Jian Chou actually felt her spine grow cold.

Zhang Tang said coldly: “This official advises you to shut your mouth immediately—”

“Why?”

She instinctively asked.

Zhang Tang looked at her indifferently and said calmly: “Because during the great competition of that year, this official also bet on you to win.”