The next day the weather cleared, with wispy clouds floating in the spring sky.

The streets remained unnaturally quiet, with puddles reflecting the clouds, floating leaves, and an atmosphere of desolation.

When immortals battle, lesser beings suffer. With Ji Chen’s threatening arrival, how could ordinary people dare to go out?

Not only the Ji family, but the entire city was nervously waiting for the Awakening of Insects.

Afterward, regardless of who won or lost, life would somehow go on.

Song Qian Ji and Ji Chen returned to the Phoenix Immortal Tower.

Surprisingly, the building had been completely renovated and reopened to guests.

Inside were new customers chatting and laughing, as if last night’s deadly trap had never happened.

Song Qian Ji sat by the window, lowering his gaze to the empty street: “You deliberately spread news, wanting uninvolved people to stay away?”

Ji Chen laughed: “Brother Song thinks too much. I’m known for being crazy, others simply fear me!”

Song Qian Ji noticed that Ji Chen’s attitude toward him had indeed improved, calling him “Brother Song” and smiling with genuine warmth, just like in Qian Qu.

But Ji Chen didn’t truly believe him—what was the purpose of this act?

“Bring us some peanuts, melon seeds, preserved fruits, and candied fruits. Also a pot of fine white chrysanthemum tea and a plate of freshly steamed five-colored phoenix cakes,” Ji Chen ordered the waiter, then said to Song Qian Ji, “Brother Song is visiting for the first time and should try White Phoenix County’s specialty tea and snacks.”

“I’ve heard that prices in White Phoenix County are exorbitant. Are you treating me?” Song Qian Ji asked.

“Someone else is paying, no need for me to,” Ji Chen laughed.

Since they had ordered, other customers also began asking for tea and snacks. No one was drinking alcohol, turning the wine house into a teahouse.

At every eight-immortal table, people raised teacups, cracked melon seeds, and ate peanuts, creating a refined, peaceful atmosphere.

Song Qian Ji looked around: “No killing intent.”

“Today’s visitors are only responsible for watching me,” Ji Chen said. “If I didn’t come, the Ji family would have to search the entire city for me. Might as well come for a few cups of tea.”

As they spoke, the tea and snacks were served.

White Phoenix County typically used celadon teacups with wide rims. The tea was pale in color with a fine layer of white foam floating on top.

“Here you are, sir,” the waiter smiled warmly.

Ji Chen took a small sip and sighed with satisfaction: “Brother Song probably didn’t know that White Phoenix County’s white chrysanthemum tea doesn’t contain chrysanthemums—the foam resembles chrysanthemum petals in full bloom.”

Song Qian Ji lowered his head to see the chrysanthemum-like foam shifting and transforming, eventually forming a clear pattern floating in the celadon cup.

It resembled a voluptuous peach blossom cutting through the blue sky.

Song Qian Ji felt a slight stirring in his heart.

He was very close to Ji Chen, who, as a great formation master, was sensitive to spiritual energy fluctuations in space. Cultivators’ methods of transmitting messages would inevitably cause such fluctuations.

But this mortal tea master’s skill required no spiritual energy manipulation.

Even with Ji Chen sitting across from him, due to differences in angle and lighting, he couldn’t see the pattern in Song Qian Ji’s cup.

Such meticulous thought, such an ingenious method.

With his sudden appearance disrupting the situation, the Ji family would certainly receive the news.

If they did nothing and sent no one to contact him, that would be strange indeed.

Just as Song Qian Ji raised his cup, the fine foam completely dispersed, leaving no trace.

“Where can one see peach blossoms in White Phoenix County during spring?” Song Qian Ji asked.

“There’s only one place in all of White Phoenix County with peach blossoms,” Ji Chen said leisurely. “Peach Blossom Hollow, ten miles south of the city.”

Song Qian Ji suddenly said: “I need to buy something.”

“If you want to buy something, why tell me?” Ji Chen was puzzled. “Are you buying it for me?”

“To spend your money,” Song Qian Ji answered honestly. “I don’t have any.”

…

After nightfall, Song Qian Ji didn’t return with Ji Chen to the abandoned garden of the Ji family.

He came alone to Peach Blossom Hollow, bringing three recording jades.

Recording jades were expensive, yet widely available, sold in major shops across the four continents.

Having depleted his funds collecting sword-forging materials, he had to borrow money from Ji Chen to buy these.

He then modified them simply, polishing them into small jade-like shapes, and inlaid them into his sword hilt and belt.

Hoping they would serve their purpose tonight, Song Qian Ji entered a stone pavilion and sat down.

On the stone table were already prepared the same specialty tea and snacks from earlier—White Phoenix County’s white chrysanthemum tea and phoenix cakes.

Song Qian Ji called out loudly: “Song has arrived, please come out and meet.”

Another voice responded as if prepared:

“Fellow Daoist Song, this is our first meeting. I am Ji Guang, the current head of the Ji family.”

A figure emerged through the peach blossoms. Dressed in white brocade robes with a jade crown, he waved a folding fan and politely greeted Song Qian Ji.

His appearance bore some resemblance to Ji Chen, but his demeanor was dignified, like a refined young gentleman. Only upon closer inspection could one detect the arrogance and unease in his eyes.

Song Qian Ji thought for a moment and said: “It’s you.”

He had seen this person before at Hua Wei Sect.

Back then, the man had been rendered speechless by him and hid trembling behind his father. Yet in their previous life, he had become the family head.

Ji Guang sat upright, brushing fallen blossoms from his robe: “Peach Blossom Hollow is secluded, with no one around. I’ve come personally to show my sincerity!”

Song Qian Ji responded cordially: “Much obliged, Family Head Ji.”

“Since you were willing to come, we have something to discuss. Let’s be straightforward—why has Fellow Daoist Song come to White Phoenix County?”

Song Qian Ji said: “I originally came to White Phoenix Mountain seeking a type of forging fire to craft a life-bound magical artifact. On the way…”

He stopped speaking, seeming somewhat troubled.

Ji Guang smiled: “Has Fellow Daoist been commissioned to protect Ji Chen?”

Ji Chen shouldn’t have any friends or relatives still alive who could afford to hire Song Qian Ji.

“No,” Song Qian Ji shook his head.

“Then could it be…” Ji Guang exclaimed in surprise.

“To gain his trust, then kill him!”

“Kill the person after winning their heart!” Ji Guang drew in a sharp breath: “Who hates him so much?”

“He offended too many people while competing for the formation master’s legacy, as you know,” Song Qian Ji seemed troubled.

Ji Guang frowned, his eyes showing suspicion.

Song Qian Ji suddenly made a move, tossing his long sword onto the stone table, the hilt toward the other, the tip toward himself.

He said: “I never part with my sword, but tonight I’ll set it aside. Let’s have an open and honest discussion.”

“I’m willing to help Fellow Daoist resolve this trouble,” Ji Guang said with newfound confidence, immediately cupping his hands in salute, suppressing a barely perceptible delight. Still not daring to fully trust, he probed: “How far has Fellow Daoist progressed? Do you need my assistance?”

If the other said the matter was almost complete and asked him to help at a certain time and place, it would surely be a trap to lure him into Ji Chen’s formation.

“Killing is easy, gaining trust is difficult, especially when I have no prior connection with this Ji Chen! What progress could there be?” Song Qian Ji said angrily.

Ji Guang nodded secretly. He had checked thoroughly and no one had heard of any past relationship between Song Qian Ji and Ji Chen or Ji Xing.

Things seemed to make sense now.

Song Qian Ji hinted: “If I could know some things about his past, it might help me. If this business succeeds, one billion spirit stones, split seventy-thirty between us.”

Ji Guang laughed inwardly—no matter how powerful Song Qian Ji’s Solitary Light Sword Technique was, as an independent cultivator, his horizons were limited.

How could it compare to his backing with family resources?

“That’s not difficult, Fellow Daoists need not worry. Do you know why I set tonight’s meeting place in Peach Blossom Hollow?”

The dense peach groves surrounded them, and the sound of falling flowers at night was exceptionally clear, like a fine rain.

“Why?” Song Qian Ji played along.

“Because Ji Chen would never come here. Ji Xing died in Peach Blossom Hollow, and he would never set foot in this place in his lifetime!” Ji Guang’s tone was almost proud.

He wasn’t facing a righteous gentleman but a notorious independent cultivator rumored to employ any means necessary.

The other’s hands were stained with more blood, no cleaner than his own.

“Go on,” Song Qian Ji seemed quite interested, proactively pouring tea for the other.

The cold gleam in his eyes reflected in the tea.

Ji Guang drank with his head tilted back, quite pleased with himself.

The more Song Qian Ji heard the calmer his expression became, showing neither joy nor anger.

The moon reached its zenith, and all that needed to be said had been spoken.

Ji Guang escorted Song Qian Ji out of the pavilion: “Looking forward to our next meeting.”

Song Qian Ji gave Ji Guang a deep look: “Until next time.”

He took back his sword.

…

“Brother Song has returned?” Ji Chen leaned on his soft couch, eyes closed, pretending to doze.

Song Qian Ji, who was climbing over the wall, paused and acknowledged with a sound.

“Who did Brother Song go to see?” Ji Chen asked. “You smell of peach blossoms.”

Song Qian Ji said helplessly: “You’ve already guessed, why ask?”

He hadn’t told the other in advance about meeting Ji Guang and didn’t know what Ji Chen might think now.

Would he consider him a spy sent by enemies, or someone who had been bought off?

But to reveal the truth, he needed to act and guide indirectly, not use force, which might make it seem like a forced confession.

Song Qian Ji simply climbed back over the wall: “I have something to do. I’ll be going now.”

Tomorrow morning would make things clear—why explain too much now?

Ji Chen watched Song Qian Ji’s silhouette disappear and sighed with slight disappointment: “Why didn’t he jump down? The formation was all set up.”

…

With only two days left until the Night of the Awakening of Insects, a major event occurred in White Phoenix County.

The impact of this event shocked the entire cultivation world.

On this day, the weather was pleasant, with light clouds and gentle breezes, the sunlight clear.

The streets were still empty, and various cultivators sat in the Phoenix Immortal Tower waiting for tea, the atmosphere seemingly harmonious.

Suddenly, Ji Guang’s voice echoed through the street:

“Ji Chen wasn’t useless—my father tricked him into studying talismans, ensuring he couldn’t succeed in eight years.”

“Ji Xing was young and ignorant at the time. With just a few threats to her brother’s future and life, she obediently drank the poison herself. No medical cultivator could detect it…”

“I can’t be blamed for this. In the cultivation world, the weak are prey to the strong. It’s their fault for being too stupid. Since the family came into my hands, hasn’t it developed well over the years?”

People rushed to the windows, and in the sky outside appeared a spectral image of Ji Guang.

Ji Guang waved his fan, his expression venomous and gloomy, completely devoid of his usual dignified facade as family head.

“Look! Someone is using recording jades!”

“Could it be fake?”

“How could a fake be so clear? You can practically see his pores!”

The crowd was first shocked, then in an uproar.

Some ran to the street, discovering another recording of jade hanging at the city gate.

Yet another was prominently displayed in front of the Ji family mansion.

The recording jades were quickly located and smashed by the Ji family.

But the news had already spread, with spectating cultivators using new recording jades to copy the content.

“We cultivators from established families, who doesn’t have parents, siblings, or relatives? How could a family produce such a degenerate?”

“Appearing like one happy family on the surface, yet plotting murder for wealth in secret! What a vicious heart!”

“Not avenging such a wrong would be unworthy of being human. Ji Chen’s revenge is justified!”

When Ji Chen woke up and went out, he found that people were no longer afraid of him.

People were caught in emotions of sympathy, shame, and even righteous indignation.

Someone shouted to him: “Young Immortal Ji, we support you!”

Ji Chen was shocked, muttering to himself: “Has the world gone mad, or have I finally gone completely insane?”

It wasn’t until he met Song Qian Ji at the foot of the Phoenix Immortal Tower that he understood.

Song Qian Ji stood in the pale morning light of spring, smiling:

“Ji Guang, his father, and their lackeys are truly despicable, but some in the Ji family were unaware. The innocent shouldn’t be punished—you don’t need to kill them all.”

Ji Chen was stunned for a moment: “So it was you who did this. Who asked you to interfere?” He snorted coldly, pulling a long face. “I won’t thank you.”

“No thanks needed then,” Song Qian Ji turned to leave.

Ji Chen tugged at Song Qian Ji’s sleeve again: “Come with me.”

“Where to?”

Ji Chen didn’t answer, only saying: “I’ll take you somewhere.”

Like a spring outing, the two leisurely walked to the outskirts of White Phoenix City.

The place Ji Chen took Song Qian Ji to wasn’t far, with beautiful mountains and waters, quite peaceful.

Song Qian Ji climbed up to look into the distance, seeing a patch of crimson mist on the opposite slope.

It turned out that this hilltop directly faced Peach Blossom Hollow.

At this time, the peach blossoms were in full bloom, and the spring scenery was gorgeous.

Not being on that mountain allowed one to better appreciate its beauty.

Ji Chen disabled the formation and the illusion. Song Qian Ji felt a void beneath his feet, and suddenly an old locust tree and a small mound appeared before him.

Ji Chen squatted down, patting the small mound: “I want to speak with my sister first. I’ll call you later.”

“Of course,” Song Qian Ji walked far away, quietly admiring the peach blossoms on the opposite shore.

The spring breeze carried Ji Chen’s voice, light as if from another world:

“Little Star, do you remember Song Qian Ji from Hua Wei City back then? He’s quite capable now, even coming out to save me.”

Song Qian Ji felt somewhat embarrassed—he hadn’t meant to eavesdrop.

But Ji Chen spoke clearly, and his five senses were deliberately trained to be more acute than those of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, especially his hearing.

He listened quietly for a moment as Ji Chen praised him and was about to walk farther away when suddenly the other changed his tone:

“But revenge that should be taken must be taken by my own hands. Once everything is done, I’ll find a way to set up a formation to burn him, so he can go down and keep you company.”

Song Qian Ji turned his head, his smile gradually stiffening.

Wait, burn whom?

If I remember correctly, I just helped you!

Ji Chen lightly patted the small mound, like patting a little girl’s forehead.

In the wind and smoke, burning paper money resembled broken butterflies dancing in flames.

“If you’re not satisfied with him, it doesn’t matter. Just send me a dream, and next year I’ll burn a new one for you.”

“But the cultivation world hasn’t been prosperous in recent years, with no decent figures emerging. The young are too young, the old too old, Midnight Manjusri died too early. This Undying in a Hundred Battles Song Qian Ji is already quite rare.”

“Those bears in the Phoenix Immortal Tower all have their titles—Spring Rain Sword, Flowing Cloud Chain, Ghost Head Knife—but none are worth a single slash from Song Qian Ji. Having such a fierce person go down to accompany you, surely no ghost would dare bully you!”

Song Qian Ji’s face turned ashen.

Thanks a lot for your praise! Thanks to your whole family!

Ji Chen continued: “You see, the world has become so boring since you left, so don’t be too sad, you haven’t missed much…”

But Song Qian Ji could no longer hear him. He grabbed his sword hilt and charged straight for the grave.

If he didn’t beat Ji Chen until his face bloomed like peach blossoms today, he wouldn’t know why the flowers he planted were so red.