《Today, The Villain Couple is Settling Scores Again》


 Chapter 1: 001

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    On a sultry summer night.


    At the head of Linxian Bridge, Jian Huan sat at the edge, earnestly gnawing on a tbread.


    The tbread was hard, and she gnawed at it with a grimacing expression, sweating profusely.


    Around her, many townspeople sat fanning themselves to cool off, their casual conversations carried by the wind.


    "If you ask me, running an inn is the most profitable business. Old Yang''s inn has been fully booked this month, rooms are impossible to get even for a fortune!"


    "Ah, I was thinking earlier today, maybe I should have my two kids move in with me in one room, and rent out the empty room - might as well earn whatever we can."


    "Well, you better hurry then. The recruitment ceremony will be over in ten days, and there won''t be as many people looking for rooms after that..."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan suddenly stopped chewing.


    She thought for a moment, carefully wrapped up her unfinished tbread, and preciously tucked it into her bag.


    After wiping her mouth, Jian Huan moved from one side of the bridge to the other, sat down next to the older woman, and carefully poked her with one finger.


    The woman turned her head with a puzzled expression.


    Jian Huan smiled, her eyes curving into crescents as she showed her neat white teeth: "Auntie, did you say you want to rent out a room?"


    The woman discreetly looked Jian Huan up and down.


    This young girl had clearly traveled a long way, covered in dust and dirt, presumably here for the recruitment ceremony.


    Moreover, she didn''t seem to have much money - her clothes were full of patches, mended over and over, looking quite shabby.


    The woman''s family wasn''t wealthy, their rooms were small and run-down, and her target tenants were precisely such poor people who couldn''t afford to stay at inns.


    So, what perfect timing! Just as she had the thought, a potential tenant appeared!


    The woman quickly responded with a warm smile: "Yes, yes, yes, but my two children are currently staying in that room, and it might not be possible for them to move out tonight..."


    Jian Huan very familiarly linked arms with the woman: "That''s alright, Auntie. To be honest, I only have eight copper coins."


    The woman''s smile froze: "..."


    During the Jade rity Sect''s recruitment ceremony, the city''s inn prices had skyrocketed, with rooms costing several taels of silver per night.


    Even though her room couldn''tpare to the inns, it should still be worth at least a hundred copper coins per night, right?


    Eight copper coins? That''s barely enough for a beggar!


    Just as the woman was about to refuse, Jian Huan added with a sweet smile: "How about eight copper coins to stay in your woodshed for one night?"


    The woman paused, herrge eyes rolling thoughtfully, and she swallowed her refusal: "That''s fine, that''s fine."


    The woodshed was empty anyway, and eight copper coins were still money.


    The woman immediately bid farewell to herpanions and happily led Jian Huan home.


    In the woodshed, Jian Huan helped the homeowner clear out a space.


    She pulled out a nket from her bulging bag, spread it on the cleared space, used her bag as a pillow, andy down to sleep.


    As night deepened and the heat dissipated, the drafty woodshed became quite cool.


    Jian Huan touched the marriage certificate and matching pendants carefully hidden in her bosom, and began to dream about thefortable life she would have after receiving the marriage annulment money tomorrow.


    Just thinking about it brought tears to her eyes.


    How difficult it had been.


    This miserable month, this month that felt like years, she had finally made it through!


    Even now, Jian Huan was still full of resentment about her situation.


    Why did others who transmigrated into books live lives free from worries about food and shelter, while she transmigrated into such devastating poverty?


    A month ago, Jian Huan, who had just bought a house in full, happily had a drink before bed, only to inexplicably wake up as the viinous female supporting character Jian Huan in the book "Junior Sister Jiang Qiaoqiao."


    "Junior Sister Jiang Qiaoqiao" was a melodramatic romance novel set in a cultivation world.


    The female lead Jiang Qiaoqiao had just joined the Jade rity Sect when she recognized Shen Jizhi, who had saved her in her childhood.


    Afterwards, Jiang Qiaoqiao stayed faithfully by Shen Jizhi''s side, and just as she was about to warm his cold heart, a fianc¨¦e appeared - none other than Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan''s grandfather had once saved Shen Jizhi''s family of three when they were young, and the two families got along so well that they arranged a marriage between their young children, writing up a marriage certificate and giving them matching pendants.


    However, after the Shen family left the Jian family, they lost contact.


    Jian Huan, as the cannon fodder supporting character, grew up to be increasingly wicked and vain. After her grandfather died and her family fell into decline, she joined the Demon n out of poverty.


    After three years of cultivation in the Demon n, due to her outstanding viinous qualities, she was assigned to be an undercover agent in the Jade rity Sect.


    As soon as she entered the Jade rity Sect, Jian Huan recognized Shen Jizhi as her fianc¨¦ through the matching pendant.


    Because of the life debt owed to Jian Huan''s grandfather, Shen Jizhi didn''t forcefully break off the engagement, but tried to peacefully dissolve it through money or other means.


    But the original Jian Huan refused to break off the engagement no matter what, stirring up trouble between Shen Jizhi and the female lead, making Jiang Qiaoqiao very sad, Shen Jizhi very disgusted, and readers very frustrated.


    In the end, the disappointed female lead fell into the arms of the gentle male lead.


    When Shen Jizhi finally came to his senses, it was toote. He turned to the dark side and became a demon, disturbing the peace of the cultivation world, ultimately dying in an encirclement by the righteous path.


    Regarding this, the transmigrated Jian Huan indicated that she was willing to peacefully dissolve the engagement, as long as Shen Jizhi could pay up.


    ording to the book, Shen Jizhi had offered the original Jian Huan one hundred thousand spirit stones.


    One hundred thousand spirit stones...


    Lying in the woodshed, Jian Huan silently repeated this in her mind, unable to suppress a gleeful chuckle.


    -


    The Jade rity Sect was situated at the peak of a mountain range.


    Jian Huan set out before dawn and only climbed to the gate by afternoon.


    Thanks to a month of traveling through mountains and rivers, Jian Huan''s stamina had improved significantly. Even after climbing for most of the day with arge bag, she didn''t feel very tired.


    Five long queues stretched before the gate, all filled with young people who hade from various ces to attend the recruitment ceremony.


    Jian Huan stood on tiptoe to observe for a moment and noticed that one queue was particrly long, mostly filled with girls.


    She looked away and picked someone nearby who seemed approachable to chat with: "Fellow cultivator, may I ask about the procedure for this recruitment ceremony?"


    The book had mentioned the recruitment ceremony but only in passing, without any details.


    In Jian Huan''s n, getting the marriage annulment money from Shen Jizhi and joining the nearby Jade rity Sect for cultivation were equally important matters.


    The original Jian Huan had cultivated with the Demon n, which naturally wasn''t an option for her.


    The Jade rity Sect was the number oneprehensive sect in the cultivation world, teaching various disciplines. Of course, sword cultivation was their gship program, but the others weren''t bad either.


    In simple terms, the Jade rity Sect was like the Tsinghua University of this cultivation world.


    If she could get in, Jian Huan naturally wanted to attend Tsinghua.


    The approachable young man, Gong Feihong, was very pleased when she initiated conversation with him.


    He believed his good looks had attracted Jian Huan, so he was very enthusiastic: "First you line up, and when it''s your turn, you put your hand on the spirit testing stone, look, it''s that one over there¡ª"


    Gong Feihong pointed towards the front: "If the spirit testing stone lights up, you register your name, pay the tuition and amodation fees, and then you can enter the sect. If it doesn''t light up..."


    Jian Huan''s eyelid twitched: "Wait, tuition and amodation fees?"


    Gong Feihong was puzzled: "Yeah, what else?"


    Jian Huan looked incredulous: "Isn''t it supposed to be free?"


    Gong Feihong was speechless: "Even private schools charge tuition fees."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    So in this world, you had to pay for tuition and amodation.


    But in other cultivation novels she''d read, the sects all seemed to offer free education and amodation?


    Damn, her luck was unbelievable - not only did she transmigrate into a book, but she ended up in a ce where everything cost money.


    Jian Huan clutched her chest and asked tremblingly: "So how much are the tuition and amodation fees?"


    Gong Feihong: "Tuition is three thousand spirit stones per year, and amodation varies - there are single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms..."


    Jian Huan felt dizzy.


    She currently didn''t have a single coin to her name, with all her possessions being just a worn nket and a few tattered clothes and shoes.


    But then Jian Huan had another thought - after settling the marriage annulment matterter, with one hundred thousand spirit stones in hand, how could she possiblyck these few thousand spirit stones?


    A smile returned to Jian Huan''s face.


    She had originally nned to register first and then find her fianc¨¦, but now, she needed to find her fianc¨¦ first to get the money before registering.


    Thinking this, Jian Huan cupped her hands towards Gong Feihong: "Thank you for your guidance, fellow cultivator. I am Jian Huan."


    Gong Feihong also cupped his hands: "I am Gong Feihong."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan paused slightly, her expression bing quite peculiar.


    This person was also a named character in the book, but like her, he had drawn the mindless viin card.


    Come to think of it, while her character at least died intact in the book, Gong Feihong died in pieces - much more tragic than her.


    Ah, both viins by fate, why must we torment each other so?


    Jian Huan reached out and patted Gong Feihong''s shoulder sympathetically: "Take care, fellow cultivator Gong. Until we meet again."


    Gong Feihong felt a tingling in his left shoulder and his face slightly reddened, thinking to himself that it hadn''t even been the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, yet this Miss Jian was already so fond of him, making him feel quite embarrassed.


    While he was happily lost in his imagination, he saw Jian Huan leave the queue and quickly called out to stop her: "Fellow Daoist Jian, where are you going? Aren''t you staying in line?"


    Jian Huan sighed softly: "To be honest, I can''t afford the tuition fee right now."


    Gong Feihong was stunned, feeling hesitant.


    He was wealthy, but that didn''t mean he liked being taken advantage of.


    Some people never repay their debts no matter how much you chase them, while others can''t wait to pay back what they owe.


    He wasn''t sure which type Jian Huan was.


    But she had singled him out among so many people, showing such good judgment, so her character couldn''t be bad.


    Thinking this way, Gong Feihong no longer hesitated: "I can lend it to you."


    Jian Huan was touched when she heard this, but still declined: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Gong, but I have other ways, so I won''t trouble you."


    She disliked being in debt, which was also why she had chosen to buy her house with full payment in modern times.


    Most people thought taking out a mortgage could help avoid intion and let them move into a new house several years earlier. But having to make monthly payments would make Jian Huan feel insecure.


    What if she lost her job? What if she couldn''t stand her current job anymore?


    She''d rather wait a few more years and save enough money before buying.


    But when she finally could afford it, before she even had the chance to move into her new house, she was transported into this book...


    Life was truly unpredictable.


    Jian Huan was crying rivers in her heart as she walked toward the front of the line under Gong Feihong''s watchful gaze.


    When she reached the front of the queue, a female cultivator in white stopped her, saying officially: "Those testing for spirit roots need to queue at the back. No cutting in line."


    Jian Huan blinked her eyes and replied sweetly: "But Sister Cultivator, I''m here to find someone."


    The white-robed female cultivator asked puzzled: "Find someone? Who?"


    Jian Huan took out a paired pendant from her bosom and showed it to the other party: "I''m looking for Shen Jizhi. I''m his fianc¨¦e. This is the Shen family''s hereditary paired pendant, and Shen Jizhi should have the other half. Sister Cultivator, do you know him?"


    The white-robed female cultivator was stunned, surprise immediately appearing on her face: "Senior Brother Shen?"


    Shen Jizhi was someone everyone knew in the Jade rity Sect, from top to bottom.


    The Jade rity Sect disciples responsible for testing spirit roots all had keen ears and eyes, and they all heard Jian Huan''s words.


    They looked at each other, then all turned to look in the same direction.


    Jian Huan followed their gaze and saw a figure slowly standing up at the front of the longest queue, which was filled mostly with girls.


    The thousand-year-old trees at the mountain gate had thick foliage, theiryers of leaves blocking the afternoon sun, but a beam of light slipped through the gaps, sprinkling onto the young man.


    He wore the white disciple robe of the Jade rity Sect, with an ordinary wooden hairpin in his hair, but his finely carved features made him appear as elegant as jade and orchids, even making the wooden hairpin seem precious.


    The young man''splexion showed an unhealthy pallor, and his deep eyes were a light brown color, like amber.


    He looked at Jian Huan, his face expressionless: "I am Shen Jizhi."

 Chapter 2: 002

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    Beneath the ginkgo tree in the corner, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood facing each other.


    People craned their necks to look over. Against the vibrant summer greenery surrounding them, their white robes stood out like sshes of red in a snow-coveredndscape, brilliantly eye-catching.


    The members of the Jade rity Sect sat in their chairs, stern-faced as they tested new disciples'' spiritual roots while quietly gossiping.


    "Did you hear that? Senior Brother Shen has a fianc¨¦e!"


    "I''m truly shocked. Wasn''t Senior Brother Shen brought to the Jade rity Sect by Peak Lord Gu when he was six and taken as his personal disciple? All of Senior Brother Shen''s family died in that evil demon attack, so how could a fianc¨¦e suddenly appear?"


    "It must be a marriage arranged by their parents when they were children."


    "What a pity. That girl is quite pretty, but Senior Brother Shen will definitely refuse."


    "..."


    Here, away from the crowd.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, reading the marriage contract word by word, his thick eyshes casting small shadows.


    Jian Huan looked up at him expectantly.


    After a moment, Shen Jizhi folded the marriage contract back along its creases and looked at Jian Huan. "Where is your grandfather?"


    When the two families arranged the engagement, he was only three years old and couldn''t remember much, including this marriage arrangement.


    But hearing Jian Huan mention it, the memory of the grandfather who gave him candy slowly emerged from the depths of his mind.


    Jian Huan kicked at small stones with her shoe. "Grandfather passed away three months ago."


    Shen Jizhi pressed his lips together, his gaze shifting from her to the long line of people waiting outside.


    Due to his absence, that queue hadn''t moved for a long time.


    He withdrew his gaze, suppressing his irritation, and spoke directly: "Miss Jian, regarding this marriage arrangement, I am devoted to pursuing the Dao, and I''m afraid I cannotply."


    Jian Huan held her breath slightly. "So?"


    Shen Jizhi: "What would you have me do to agree to cancel this engagement?"


    Not bad, straight to the point.


    Since he wasn''t beating around the bush, she would be direct as well.


    "One hundred thousand spirit stones." Jian Huan held up ten fingers. "As long as you provide one hundred thousand spirit stones, we can void this marriage. How about it?"


    "..."


    Shen Jizhi''s expression notably cooled, his brown eyes gleaming with a dark light as he stared unblinkingly at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan felt ufortable under his gaze.


    What''s wrong? Was the price not right?


    But this was the price he himself had proposed in the book, and she hadn''t increased it at all.


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes briefly: "Does Miss Jian have no other requests of me?"


    Jian Huan thought for a moment and shook her head: "No."


    Her biggest problem right now wascking money. With money, everything would fall into ce.


    Shen Jizhi confirmed: "This is Miss Jian''s only condition?"


    Jian Huan didn''t hesitate: "Yes."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes and said nothing more.


    Jian Huan didn''t disturb him either. One hundred thousand spirit stones wasn''t a small sum; he needed time to consider it.


    She looked around idly, even having the leisure to bend down and pick up a green ginkgo leaf.


    After a while, Shen Jizhi closed his eyes lightly, then opened them again, seeming to have made a decision. His tone was stiff: "Then the engagement stays."


    Jian Huan froze, the ginkgo leaf slipping from between her fingers, spinning in the air before trembling back to the ground.


    She could barely find her voice: "What... what did you just say??"


    Shen Jizhi looked at her: "The engagement stays. Miss Jian can tell me whenever she wants to hold the wedding."


    He bid farewell: "I have matters to attend to. I''m leaving."


    Jian Huan''s eye twitched, and she quickly blocked his path: "Hey, wait¡ª"


    She was extremely shocked and utterly incredulous.


    What was going on? In the book, hadn''t he insisted on breaking off the engagement even if it meant death?


    Where had things gone wrong?


    Jian Huan''s mind raced.


    Of course¡ªJiang Qiaoqiao hadn''t joined the Jade rity Sect yet; she would enter on the veryst day.


    So right now, Shen Jizhi hadn''t met the female protagonist, his desire to break off the engagement wasn''t as strong, and naturally, he wouldn''t be willing to pay one hundred thousand spirit stones.


    Jian Huan closed her eyes briefly and said in resignation: "Then how many spirit stones do you think is appropriate?"


    If one hundred thousand wasn''t possible, ny thousand would do, eighty thousand wasn''t bad, seventy thousand would be a win, sixty thousand was barely eptable, fifty thousand¡ª


    Fifty thousand was the bottom line, absolutely couldn''t go lower than fifty thousand!


    Shen Jizhi nced at her and took out a pouch from his robes.


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up at the sight, watching him intently.


    She knew about this!


    The Mustard Seed Pouch that every protagonist in cultivation novels carried, capable of holding countless items.


    Shen Jizhi''s spirit stones must all be stored inside, and thinking of this made her excited.


    But a momentter, Jian Huan fell into a long silence as she stared at the three lonely spirit stones in Shen Jizhi''s palm.


    He stated the situation with an expressionless face: "This is all I have."


    Jian Huan''s eyes widened in disbelief: "...You have such a big Mustard Seed Pouch and it only holds three spirit stones?"


    Shen Jizhi looked at her strangely: "This isn''t a Mustard Seed Pouch."


    "..."


    Realizing something, Jian Huan asked weakly: "So it''s just a regr pouch?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Mm."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    "Sister Apprentice Jiang Qiaoqiao" used a shback narrative technique, starting from three yearster.


    The novel began with Jiang Qiaoqiao''s gradual disappointment and disillusionment with Shen Jizhi, but never mentioned how poor Shen Jizhi was three years ago, which led to Jian Huan''s mistaken assumption.


    Shen Jizhi: "Three spirit stones..."


    Jian Huan knew what he wanted to say and cut him off directly: "Absolutely not."


    Shen Jizhi: "Oh."


    Jian Huan took a deep breath to calm herself.


    Who was she? She was Jian Huan, who had endured transmigrating just after finally struggling to buy her own house, suddenly finding herself back to square one. This was nothing inparison.


    Shen Jizhi was at least a potential investment. If he couldn''t produce one hundred thousand spirit stones now, he could in the future.


    It was like holding a lottery ticket with a dyed redemption date.


    Jian Huan held up three fingers to him: "I''ll give you three years. If you can gather one hundred thousand spirit stones within three years, we can cancel the engagement at any time."


    Shen Jizhi made a sound of agreement, saying indifferently: "Then I''m going back."


    He had no interest in marriage, but as for one hundred thousand spirit stones, who knew when he could gather that much.


    Whatever then, let it be as she says.


    Jian Huan stopped him again, asking tentatively: "You live on Thunder Sword Peak, right?"


    The book mentioned that Shen Jizhi was the personal disciple of Thunder Sword Peak''s master.


    She had just learned from Gong Feihong that inner disciples and personal disciples didn''t have to pay for lodging.


    Shen Jizhi looked at her quietly: "You seem to know quite a bit about me."


    Jian Huan casually made up an excuse: "I asked about you in Approaching Immortal City."


    Shen Jizhi: "Is that so."


    Jian Huan circled back: "So you live on Thunder Sword Peak, right?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Wrong, I don''t live on Thunder Sword Peak."


    Jian Huan was surprised: "Then where do you live?"


    Shen Jizhi clearly didn''t want to answer: "...What do you want?"


    Jian Huan: "Nothing much, just that I don''t have a ce to stay. Can I stay with you?"


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a long time. He nced at the pack she carried on her back, thought of the life-saving grace of the Jian family, and resignedly nodded, then remembered something and added: "One spirit stone for five days, deducted from the hundred thousand."


    Jian Huan''s mouth twitched: "...Fine."


    After reaching an agreement, they went their separate ways.


    Jian Huan returned to find Gong Feihong, smiling brightly: "Brother Feihong, is your offer to lend money still valid?"


    ...


    In the end, Jian Huan wrote an IOU to Gong Feihong and borrowed three thousand one hundred spirit stones.


    While putting away the IOU, Gong Feihong asked: "Are you sure you don''t want to borrow more?"


    Jian Huan shook her head: "No need."


    Gong Feihong sighed, seeming rather disappointed.


    The Gong family was wealthy, and they had countless peopleing to borrow money.


    Some people tried to borrow as much as possible, while others borrowed as little as they could.


    His parents had said that thetter type could be lent more, as nine out of ten would achieve great sess in the future. It was better to have them owe the Gong family favors for future rtions, ensuring the family''s continued prosperity.


    Gong Feihong asked curiously: "Where will you stay?"


    Jian Huan pointed to Shen Jizhi, who was expressionlessly having people ce their hands on the spirit stone testing device: "With him."


    Even the worst ten-person dormitory in the Jade rity Sect cost five hundred spirit stones a year, so of course Shen Jizhi''s rate of one spirit stone for five days was a better deal.


    Gong Feihong looked at Shen Jizhi, his expression somewhat embarrassed.


    He had just learned that Jian Huan already had a fianc¨¦, and it was his future senior brother at that.


    So it seemed he had misunderstood Jian Huan''s apparent affection for him.


    Feeling awkward, Gong Feihong didn''t say much more before hurriedly following the other senior brothers through the sect gates.


    Jian Huan stayed behind waiting for Shen Jizhi.


    As it turned out, she waited for quite a while.


    Shen Jizhi had the longest line of people in front of him. While others had finished, he still had half of his queue remaining.


    Earlier, when discussing marriage under the tree, she could clearly sense Shen Jizhi''s impatience, his constant desire to leave.


    Yet now, despite the crowd, Shen Jizhi showed remarkable patience.


    Everything became clear to Jian Huan when she watched Shen Jizhi collect his payment.


    The white-robed female cultivator was Bai Ying, the sect leader''s personal disciple, who was in charge of this recruitment event.


    Shen Jizhi said, "I tested three hundred people today."


    Bai Ying took out thirty spirit stones from her Mustard Seed Pouch: "Thank you for your hard work today, Senior Brother."


    Shen Jizhi replied: "No need for formalities."


    After putting away the spirit stones, he took Jian Huan, who had dozed off where she sat, back with him.


    Jian Huan followed behind Shen Jizhi, constantly looking back.


    She saw Senior Sister Bai Ying swiftly departing on her flying sword.


    She hurried a few steps to catch up with the long-limbed man who tookrge strides: "Do we have to walk back?"


    Shen Jizhi coolly countered: "What else?"


    Jian Huan: "That senior sister flew away. Can''t we fly too?"


    Shen Jizhi: "I can''t control a flying sword."


    Jian Huan: "Then why did she call you senior brother and show you such respect?"


    Shen Jizhi quickened his pace: "Because I joined the sect before her."


    Jian Huan curiously pursued while trying to keep up: "What cultivation level is senior sister at?"


    Shen Jizhi''s expression showed growing impatience: "Golden Core."


    Jian Huan: "What about you?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Qi Refinement."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    In the book, Shen Jizhi had the Five Elements Root, the most difficult type to cultivate.


    For those with Five Elements Root, the path from Qi Refinement to Golden Core was incredibly challenging. Over ny percent of Five Elements Root cultivators remained at Qi Refinement their entire lives.


    However, if a Five Elements Root cultivator managed to reach Golden Core, the path afterward became smooth sailing: famous for being bitter first but sweetter.


    At the beginning of the book, Shen Jizhi was already a Golden Core cultivator, often defeating enemies above his level, a rising star among the Jade rity Sect''s younger generation.


    Unexpectedly, three years ago, he was still at Qi Refinement, not even able to control a flying sword.


    The parts left nk in the novel now appeared to be plot holes.


    -


    It was alreadyte when they arrived at Shen Jizhi''s residence.


    Over the course of the day, Shen Jizhi''s image in Jian Huan''s mind hadpletely transformed.


    From the wealthy, powerful antagonist in the book to a poor cultivator still in his struggling phase.


    So when she saw the simple wooden cabin, Jian Huan felt nothing unusual.


    Shen Jizhi''s cabin was a single room with only one bed.


    But since Jian Huan had ''paid,'' the bed was hers, while Shen Jizhi slept on the floor.


    Though it waste and Jian Huan was exhausted from the day, she couldn''t fall asleep in bed.


    She was starving, her stomachpletely empty, feeling weightless. If she could take out her stomach and throw it out the window, it would float away in the wind.


    Jian Huan endured for a while but finally couldn''t bear it anymore.


    She changed from lying down to prone position, leaning over to push the person sleeping on the floor: "Hey, Shen Jizhi."


    In the darkness, Shen Jizhi''s voice came through, tinged with irritation: "Speak."


    Jian Huan: "Do you have anything to eat?"


    Shen Jizhi remained silent.


    Jian Huan persisted in pushing him: "I''m too hungry to sleep. Can you think of something? You''re familiar with this ce: are there any fruit trees nearby?"


    Even just picking some fruit to fill her stomach would be good.


    Shen Jizhi turned to his side, skillfully avoiding Jian Huan''s hand, and sat up: "This is Jade rity Sect territory."


    Jian Huan replied, confused: "I know?"


    "All spirit nts in Jade rity Sect territory have set prices. If you pick any, senior brothers and sisters will soone to collect payment."


    Jian Huan: "...!"


    How stingy could this Jade rity Sect be.


    ...


    For a moment, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    Both remained silent.


    Jian Huan sighed softly, preparing to endure her empty stomach for the night.


    Just as she was about to lie back down, the candle in the room suddenly lit up.


    In the dim candlelight, Shen Jizhi lowered his head, his expression unreadable.


    After hesitating for a while, he reluctantly took out a jade bottle from his robes.


    He removed the wooden stopper and, after some time, poured out a green Fasting Pill.


    This was the cheapest type of Fasting Pill, costing two spirit stones each.


    Shen Jizhi used his spiritual energy to form a sword and split the Fasting Pill in half.


    He tossed the other half to Jian Huan: "One spirit stone."


    Jian Huan was overjoyed and made an ''OK'' gesture: "No problem, thank you."


    Just as she was about to put the Fasting Pill in her mouth, she caught sight of Shen Jizhi splitting his remaining half into three pieces.


    He carefully put two pieces back in the jade bottle and ate one small piece himself.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan called out to him: "Shen Jizhi."


    Shen Jizhi responded with displeasure: "What now?"


    Jian Huan tossed the Fasting Pill back to him: "Please help me split this into three pieces too, thank you."


    She also wanted to save some for tomorrow.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."

 Chapter 3: 003

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    Jian Huan spent ten days familiarizing herself with the Jade rity Sect.


    The author of "Sister Jiang Qiaoqiao" is a modern person, and the setup of the Jade rity Sect resembles that of a modern university.


    Firstly, Jade rity Sect disciples have to pay tuition fees, amodation fees, and also spend money on meals in the dining hall.


    Secondly, the disciples'' education system is four years long, with first-year students being outer sect disciples, and second-, third-, and fourth-year students being inner sect disciples.


    As for the personal disciples, if you catch the eye of one of the peak masters, you can naturally skip the four-year system.


    But catching the eye of a peak master is not easy; most people have to follow the standard procedure.


    After a year of study and cultivation at the Jade rity Sect, first-year students will undergo an inner sect assessment. Those who pass will smoothly advance to second-year status and be inner sect disciples. Those who fail can either leave the Jade rity Sect to find another path or pay to repeat the year and continue as first-year students until they pass the assessment.


    Once they be inner sect disciples, they can waive tuition and amodation fees and learn deeper levels of techniques, which is why everyone is eager to be an inner sect disciple.


    In Jian Huan''s cohort, there are many senior brothers and sisters who were previously eliminated in the assessments and repeated their studies.


    The one-month recruitment conference ended yesterday, and today marks Jian Huan''s first official day of cultivation at the Jade rity Sect.


    She and Gong Feihong are both dual-spiritual roots and were assigned to the Dual Spirit Hall.


    At noon, in the East Dining Hall of the Jade rity Sect, Jian Huan was hungrily devouring her food.


    Braised spiritual pork, stewed spiritual goose leg, spiritual tomato with spiritual egg...


    Each dish was a feast for the eyes and nose, but Jian Huan barely had time to savor them before swallowing them down, warming her long-empty stomach.


    Gong Feihong, who was treating her, watched her with aplex expression and couldn''t help but advise, "Slow down, I ordered a lot."


    Jian Huan, hearing this, could only manage to give a ''ok'' gesture, indicating she had heard him.


    Gong Feihong mimicked the ''ok'' gesture and asked curiously, "What does this mean?"


    Jian Huan swallowed her food and replied, "It means ''okay.''"


    Gong Feihong eximed in surprise.


    After saying that, Jian Huan urately picked up a chicken leg with her chopsticks and started gnawing on it, her mouth glistening with grease,pletely disregarding her image.


    The man sitting next to Gong Feihong on the other side looked at her with disdain.


    He had narrow eyes and a small mustache above his upper lip, looking like he was twenty-six despite being only sixteen.


    Hu Zhi had met Gong Feihong three days ago in Approaching Immortal City and, upon learning that Gong Feihong was the son of the Gong family patriarch, had been ingratiating himself ever since.


    The Jiang, Gong, Xie, and Lin families are the most prominent cultivation ns on the Nine Provinces Continent. The Gong family had a patriarch a hundred years ago who is now the patriarch of the Beast Taming Sect and is currently in seclusion.


    The Gong family descendants'' cultivation talents are not remarkable, but with the patriarch''s presence, no one dares to underestimate the Gong family.


    Hu Zhi is not a disciple of the Dual Spirit Hall; he is in the Four Spirit Hall.


    With four spiritual roots, his talent is poor, and Hu Zhi has given up on the path of cultivation, focusing instead on currying favor with a noble to ensure a life of wealth andfort.


    Gong Feihong fits the bill.


    Hu Zhi spected on Gong Feihong''s thoughts and offered advice, "Feihong, I heard Jiang Qiaoqiao was admitted to the Single Spirit Hall?"


    Hearing this, Gong Feihong, who had been studying the ''ok'' gesture, immediately felt unhappy and responded perfunctorily with an "Mm-hmm."


    Jian Huan, who had already eaten her fill but didn''t know when she''d get her next meal, continued to stuff herself and looked up at Gong Feihong and Hu Zhi.


    In the book, the Gong and Jiang families, both being cultivation ns, had ancestral grudges. After Hu Zhi''s scheming, Gong Feihong carried out a series of actions to frame the female lead, ultimately ending up dead.


    It was after Gong Feihong''s death that Jian Huan, from the demonic race, arrived at the Jade rity Sect and took over, continuing to frame the female lead.


    ording to the plot, she and Gong Feihong should never have crossed paths.


    But due to her time-traveling and arriving at the Jade rity Sect three years earlier, they coincidentally formed a friendship.


    Just for Gong Feihong treating her to a big meal today, Jian Huan would do her best to prevent him from making mistakes.


    After thinking for a moment, she got up with her bowl and chopsticks, pretending to leave.


    "Feihong, I really worry for you," Hu Zhi poured Gong Feihong a cup of spiritual drink and lowered his voice to avoid being overheard, "The Jiang family patriarch failed in his tribtion a few years ago and perished. The Jiang family should have fallen into obscurity, but now there''s Jiang Qiaoqiao. She is a rare variant wind spiritual root, and her future is limitless. In my opinion, Feihong, for the Gong family, you should make ns early!"


    Gong Feihong''s heart skipped a beat: "Hu Zhi, exin in detail, what do you mean?"


    Hu Zhi whispered in Gong Feihong''s ear: "This is the weakest time for Jiang Qiaoqiao. If you don''t pull her down now, thenter¡ª"


    At this point, Hu Zhi stopped his words meaningfully and made a throat-slitting gesture.


    Gong Feihong hesitated: "This..."


    Seeing Gong Feihong''s interest piqued, Hu Zhi was about to continue his persuasion when suddenly, a voice came from behind.


    "Hu Zhi, you''re really being reckless!"


    Hu Zhi and Gong Feihong were startled and turned their heads to see Jian Huan standing behind them, holding her bowl and crouching, with a piece of spiritual vegetable leaf still in her mouth.


    It was unclear how long she had been eavesdropping.


    Hu Zhi was furious: "Feihong and I were talking, how could you eavesdrop?!"


    Jian Huan shrugged and gestured to Gong Feihong with her finger.


    Gong Feihong leaned closer to her.


    Jian Huan whispered, "Feihong, I think differently from Hu Zhi. Isn''t your family patriarch still in the Beast Taming Sect?"


    Gong Feihong nodded: "That''s right."


    Jian Huan continued: "Among the four great ns, only your Gong family has a patriarch, right?"


    Gong Feihong nodded again.


    His family patriarch was quite cautious, never daring to attempt ascension for decades. The patriarchs of the other three families were very bold, one after another attempting ascension and then failing, perishing in the process.


    Jian Huan said: "That''s it. Now your Gong family is number one. What are you anxious about? The other two families should be more anxious. Jiang Qiaoqiao''s talent is so high; the other two families are more afraid of the Jiang family surpassing them. You just focus on your own cultivation; you don''t need to worry about anything else. If you interfere, the Gong and Jiang families will both suffer, and the other two families will benefit. It''s not worth it!"


    Gong Feihong suddenly understood: "You''re right! I almost went astray!"


    His gaze swept over Hu Zhi.


    Hu Zhi, seeing this, knew the tide had turned and quickly changed his tune: "Jian Huan is right; I didn''t consider it thoroughly. I hope Feihong won''t me me."


    Gong Feihong wasn''t too bothered: "You were just thinking for my sake."


    He and Hu Zhi got along very well, finding manymon interests and endless topics to talk about after just three days of acquaintance.


    Hu Zhi looked at Jian Huan with hatred in his eyes: "Jian Huan, you''re so clever; I''ll have to consult you more in the future."


    Jian Huan waved her hand: "Hu Zhi, you''re too kind."


    Hu Zhi was so angry that his mustache twitched: "I''m not called Hu Zhi!"


    Jian Huan returned to her seat with her bowl, casually replying, "Mm-hmm, okay."


    Gong Feihong was very grateful: "Jian Huan, thank you for your wise words."


    "No need to thank me, but these leftovers¡ª" Jian Huan pointed to the remaining spiritual food on the table, "can you pack them for me?"


    Gong Feihong: "..."


    Outside the dining hall, Jian Huan waved goodbye to Gong Feihong and ran towards the Equipment Forging Hall with a bag of spiritual food.


    Through ten days of thorough investigation, Jian Huan had a better understanding of Shen Jizhi''s situation.


    His poverty was due to his extremely unreliable master, Gu Shan, the peak master of Thunder Sword Peak.


    Gu Shan loved wine and fighting, umting countless debts over a hundred years, with peopleing to the Jade rity Sect to collect money every now and then.


    Gu Shan himself always managed to slip away, leaving his personal disciple, who couldn''t fly and escape, to deal with the debt collectors.


    If it weren''t for Gu Shan''s rescue, Shen Jizhi would have died with his parents at the hands of a vicious demon. To repay the debt of gratitude, Shen Jizhi had to help pay off the debts.


    Shen Jizhi was currently in the Equipment Forging Hall, moving heavy objects and forging to earn spiritual stones.


    At the entrance of the Equipment Forging Hall, Jian Huan peeked in and waved at Shen Jizhi, who was carrying arge pile of spiritual iron: "Hey, Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi frowned and, after handing the spiritual iron to a fellow disciple, walked over to Jian Huan: "What''s the matter?"


    Jian Huan handed him the spiritual food.


    Shen Jizhi: "I don''t need it; you eat it yourself."


    Jian Huan: "I''ve already eaten; these are the leftovers."


    Shen Jizhi merely repeated: "I don''t need it."


    Jian Huan was so angry that her forehead twitched.


    Shen Jizhi was just like that, preferring to starve or exhaust himself rather than ept any goodwill from others.


    She thought he probably had PTSD from repaying debts, so he simply didn''t want to owe anyone any favors.


    It was said that back then, many people from the Jade rity Sect wanted to help Shen Jizhi, but he coldly refused them all, and since then, no one had offered a hand again.


    To be honest, if it weren''t for the fact that he had been giving her cleaning spells every morning and evening at her insistence over the past ten days, and had even split all the Elixir of Abstinence she bought into six portions for free, she wouldn''t have packed them up.


    Jian Huan tried to stay calm and asked him back, "If I had a spatial pouch, do you think I would give it to you?"


    Wouldn''t it be better for her to keep it for tonight and tomorrow?


    Spirit food rots faster than ordinary meals and needs to be stored in a spatial pouch or made into Elixir of Abstinence tost long.


    Shen Jizhi fell silent.


    That was true.


    Of course, Jian Huan wasn''t going to give it to him for free: "These spirit foods would cost twenty or thirty spirit stones at the dining hall, but since they''re leftovers, I''ll sell them to you for five spirit stones. You can put it on your tab."


    Shen Jizhi was quiet for a while but didn''t refuse this time.


    Jian Huan left after delivering the food. By the time she ran back to the cabin in the evening, Shen Jizhi was already home.


    She was sweating profusely and, seeing him, shouted, "Shen Jizhi, quickly, give me a cleaning spell!"


    Shen Jizhi was bending over by the bed, doing something unknown, and without looking up, he raised his right hand and a cleaning spell urately hit Jian Huan.


    Instantly, the sticky, sweaty feeling disappeared, and she felt refreshed. Jian Huan sighed in relief and plopped herself onto the bed with a thud.


    The bed bounced several times, and the supporting parts creaked.


    Shen Jizhi said tly, "You''ll have to pay thirty spirit stones if the bed breaks. No tab."


    Jian Huan: "¡­I know."


    She rolled over on the bed and leaned over curiously, "What are you doing?"


    Shen Jizhi''s long fingers were deftly tying knots, beautiful and nimble, but he didn''t answer.


    After finishing the knot, he stood up and said, "The ledger, take a look."


    Only then did Jian Huan see the full picture.


    A rope was tied to the bed frame, the other end hanging a notebook.


    It was issued by the Jade rity Sect, and every disciple got five, including her.


    Jian Huan opened it and saw a few lines of fiercely written words.


    One hundred thousand minus one (half a piece of Elixir of Abstinence) minus two (ten days'' lodging fee) plus five (spirit food) minus one (half of the ledger).


    Today''s bnce: one hundred thousand and one spirit stones.


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"

 Chapter 4: 004

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Medicine King Peak of the Jade rity Sect.


    Layer uponyer, the Ling fields spiral up from the foot of the mountain, stretching as far as the eye can see. A gentle breeze blows, causing the closely packed Ling grass to sway. The air is so saturated with Ling Qi that it seems almost ready to condense into water.


    At the foot of the mountain, first-year disciples sit cross-legged on the open ground.


    This is the big ss, specifically for teaching these new disciples how to draw Qi into their bodies. Disciples from the Dual Spirit Hall, Triple Spirit Hall, Four Spirit Hall, and Five Spirit Hall are all present.


    Single Spirit Hall is not needed. Single Spirit Root cultivators can naturally draw Qi into their bodies and enter the Qi refining period before the age of three.


    A refined man holding a bamboo stick slowly walks among a group of disciples, "Being able to pass the Spirit Stone test, your potential is already one in a hundred. Most people in the world don''t even have a Spirit Root. The spiritual energy of Medicine King Peak is the most abundant. As long as you calm your mind, you will surely feel something."


    Jian Huan feels that this is simr to the rxation technique at the end of a yoga ss.


    In her previous life, she had an annual membership at a yoga studio. She was so reluctant to waste the money she had spent that she would go to the yoga studio whenever she had time. She could recite the yoga teacher''s closing remarks by heart.


    Jian Huan pondered for a moment, reciting that passage in her heart, calming herself down, feeling the spiritual energy in the air, getting closer to it bit by bit, summoning it, inviting it to visit her Dantian...


    Yu Qing, the elder in charge of the first-year students, paused when he passed by Jian Huan, somewhat surprised.


    How long has it been, and this disciple has already seeded??


    There was no news of any particrly outstanding cultivators among this year''s multi-Spirit Root disciples.


    Yu Qing took a few more nces at Jian Huan, remembered her, harshly reprimanded a few disciples who were fidgeting, and floated over when he saw Jian Huan open her eyes.


    Yu Qing smiled and asked, "How is it, have you seeded?"


    Feeling the slight warmth in her Dantian, Jian Huan was also very happy, "Yes, Elder Yu."


    Yu Qing nodded approvingly, "What''s your name?"


    "Jian Huan."


    "Very good, Jian Huan." Yu Qing''s eyes narrowed into slits when he smiled, "Then you can tell everyone how you did it."


    Jian Huan: "......"


    Under the encouraging gaze of Elder Yu, Jian Huan stood before everyone.


    A hundred people looked at her in unison, their eyes, big and small, shining with the light of curiosity.


    Gong Feihong even waved at her, proudly showing off to his ssmates, "This is my friend - ow!"


    A bamboo stick whizzed through the air, hitting him squarely. Gong Feihong let out a cry of pain and dared not speak anymore.


    This elder looks so kind and gentlemanly, but his punishments are too painful!


    On the stage, Jian Huan cleared her throat and began to share her experience, "This is how it is, I have a mantra. Please sitfortably, close your eyes, and follow my mantra."


    Elder Yu was watching from the side, his bamboo stick floating up and down in the air, seeming very excited. Everyone else dared not have any other thoughts and obediently followed Jian Huan''s instructions.


    Jian Huan also closed his eyes, slowed down his speech, and softly said word by word, "Please everyone, observe your breath. With each breath, the fatigue and tension in your body can be reduced a bit more. Each exhale can relieve your tension, fatigue, and anxiety; each inhale can absorb more rich spiritual energy. As your breath deepens, your body bes more and more rxed, as light as a feather." *Note 1


    ".... At this moment, you are sitting in the middle of a vast medicinal field. The sky is clear today, the deep blue sky is without a single cloud, and #30340 geese are leisurely grooming their white feathers in the distance. The breeze blows, the spiritual grass sways, waves of spiritual energy rush towards you, surrounding you, entering through your mouth and nose, your skin, and gradually gathering in your dantian (energy center)." *Note 2


    As the tail of the sound falls, Medicine King Peak returns to tranquility.


    Jian Huan opened his eyes and looked curiously down.


    Quite a few ssmates have entered meditation, presumably sessfully guiding the energy into their bodies.


    Of course, there are also some, uh, who have fallen asleep...


    Their little heads are nodding, and what''s even more outrageous is that after a while, there are even snoring sounds!


    Elder Yu squinted his eyes and looked over, the bamboo stick in the air was as fast as a green lightning, hitting the sleeping disciples, waking everyone instantly, screaming in pain, crying and calling their mothers.


    In Jian Huan''s eyes, there was only sympathy.


    Today''s lunch was still hosted by Gong Feihong.


    Gong Feihong kept putting food into Jian Huan''s bowl, his joy was overflowing, "Your mantra really works, I meditated immediately and sessfully guided the energy into my body!"


    The Gong family has many resources and has been nurturing Gong Feihong from a young age. But unfortunately, Gong Feihong''s aptitude is too poor, he has been unable to enter the Qi Refining stage for many years.


    Seeing that his cousins and sisters at home have surpassed him, he couldn''t stand it any longer and came to the Jade rity Sect for cultivation.


    Unexpectedly, in just a few days, he made it!


    Hu Zhi had a different feeling in his heart.


    He was one of those who fell asleep, and his body was still hurting from being hit by Elder Yu''s bamboo stick.


    Hu Zhi added another grudge against Jian Huan, waiting for a chance in the future to return the favor.


    Seeing Gong Feihong still hanging around Jian Huan, Hu Zhi was unhappy and changed the subject, "Tomorrow we have to submit our aspiration letters to Elder Yu, Feihong, Jian Huan, have you thought about what you want to cultivate?"


    Gong Feihong hardly hesitated, "Of course, Beast Taming."


    The Gong family rose to power by taming beasts, and the ancestor of the Gong family is seated in the Beast Taming Sect.


    In the entire cultivation world, the strongest in Beast Taming is in the Beast Taming Sect, followed by the Jade rity Sect.


    But there are too many rtives and friends in the Beast Taming Sect, Gong Feihong didn''t want to go there. After all, as the least talented direct descendant of the family, he felt he was a disgrace.


    Having had his fill, Jian Huan leaned back in his chair casually, meeting Gong Feihong''s curious gaze, he answered, "Talisman Cultivation."


    Jian Huan''s biggest goal right now is to get out of poverty.


    The three most lucrative industries in the cultivation world are Talisman Cultivation, Artifact Cultivation, and Pill Cultivation.


    In her past life, Jian Huan was a graphic artist. Given the choice between three options, she would undoubtedly choose Fu Xiu.


    After some idle chatter, Jian Huan took the packaged spiritual food and hurried out of the dining hall.


    Around the corner of the road outside the Equipment Forging Hall, there was a camphor tree.


    Before even getting close, one could smell its faint fragrance, rich and intoxicating.


    The afternoon sunlight draped over this thousand-year-old tree, its lush greenery vividly disying the vitality of summer.


    Summers in past years had been unbearable without air conditioning.


    In the Jade rity Sect, although there was no air conditioning, the spiritual energy permeated every corner. Even under the sun, the temperature wasfortable.


    Jian Huan passed lightly under the camphor tree. Just around the corner, she saw two people standing under another tree.


    One tall, one short; a man and a woman.


    /


    "!!" Jian Huan immediately turned around, hiding on the other side of the tree, crouching and eavesdropping.


    A particrly pleasing female voice slowly came over, clearly tinged with nervousness and shyness: "Shen... Brother Shen, these are some spiritual foods, for... for you!"


    As the words fell, the girl extended her hands, holding the sandalwood box filled with spiritual food high in front of Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi stepped back three steps, his handsome face as cold as ice, his tone filled with impatience: "Stoping to find me, I''ve told you I don''t need it."


    The girl''s face turned pale instantly, but she still stubbornly held out the box: "Brother Shen, I... I have no other intentions, just heard from other senior brothers and sisters that you''re having a hard time, so I..."


    Shen Jizhi''s patiencepletely ran out: "Can''t you understand my words? Stop bothering me, don''t disturb me, I don''t have time to waste with you. Take back your sympathy and kindness, I don''t need it."


    Behind the tree, Jian Huan painfully covered her ears, unable to bear listening any longer.


    Shen Jizhi must have a screw loose in his head.


    He''s rejecting the main female character! In three years, when shees to her senses, he''ll regret it.


    Jian Huan was frustrated.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao was extremely embarrassed, but looking at the face she had never forgotten, she was still very persistent: "Brother Shen, I''m just afraid you''ll go hungry..."


    Shen Jizhi was too annoyed to be angry.


    These past few days, he''d always ''coincidentally'' run into this junior sister.


    He closed his eyes, walked a wide circle around Jiang Qiaoqiao, and ended up on the other side of the tree, staring eye to eye with Jian Huan.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao followed him, and when she saw Jian Huan, her extremely beautiful face showed surprise.


    Shen Jizhi extended his hand towards Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan looked at him, then at Jiang Qiaoqiao, quickly handed the food box in her hand to Shen Jizhi, made a ''six'' gesture with her hand, and without waiting for Shen Jizhi to speak, she turned and ran off.


    Well, this kind of dramatic scene was not really her style.


    In the future, if Gong Feihong invited her for a meal, she would advise him to order less and not deliver it to Shen Jizhi.


    She would stay out of the business between the main female character and Shen Jizhi.


    If she had known, she wouldn''t have eavesdropped. Human curiosity, indeed.


    Jian Huan ran while reflecting on herself.


    Shen Jizhi stood in ce, frowning as he watched Jian Huan run away.


    He didn''t quite understand why it used to cost five spirit stones, but today it costs six?


    Behind him, Jiang Qiaoqiao bit her lip, various spections swirling in her heart.


    What was the rtionship between Brother Shen and the female cultivator who just ran away?


    She wanted to know, but her lips felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, unable to open.


    If that was the case, what should she do? It''s better not to know...


    Jiang Qiaoqiao hurriedly spoke, "Brother Shen, since you have food, then I, I will leave..."


    Shen Jizhi stared at her intently, as if he could see through her heart, "Hmm, the one just now is my fianc¨¦e. You can leave, and don''te back in the future."


    Something in Jiang Qiaoqiao''s eyes extinguished in an instant.


    At night, Jian Huan knelt by the bed, flipping through the ount book.


    Seeing that Shen Jizhi''s new record included six spirit stones, she finallyy down with relief.


    Today''s spiritual food had an extra pig''s trotter, so it was more expensive.


    Shen Jizhi spent the day doing various chores to earn spirit stones, without time to cultivate.


    At this moment, he was sitting cross-legged on the futon, inhaling and exhaling.


    Jian Huan was about to sleep, but seeing this, she got up again to meditate and consolidate her cultivation.


    She had just started to cultivate today, and her Qi Refining stage was not yet stable.


    Half an hourter, while Jian Huan was still in meditation, Shen Jizhi opened his eyes.


    He instinctively looked towards the bed and was slightly taken aback, "You''ve started Qi Refining?"


    Jian Huan opened her eyes and nodded, "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi: "......"


    She had no cultivation base yesterday, and today she had entered the Qi Refining stage.


    It had only been a day.


    It took him seven years to start Qi Refining.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t want to talk, deciding to practice for another hour.


    The person who was about to rest started meditating again.


    Jian Huan was shocked, "It''s sote, aren''t you going to sleep?"


    They, the Qi Refining stage weaklings, needed to sleep and eat.


    Shen Jizhi: "You sleep."


    As soon as he finished speaking, he extinguished the candle in the room.


    Jian Huan: "......"


    Jian Huan couldn''t roll over, so shey back and nned to sleep.


    But she remembered something, "Shen Jizhi, can''t we build another room?"


    Shen Jizhi: "No."


    Jian Huan was puzzled, "Why?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Where will the woode from?"


    Jian Huan had an idea, "They sell wood in Approaching Immortal City, we can pick a day to go buy."


    She still had more than eighty spirit stones in her pocket, which could be exchanged in Approaching Immortal City. One spirit stone could be exchanged for ten taels of silver, enough to buy a lot of things.


    Jian Huan had just joined the Jade rity Sect not long ago, and there were many things she didn''t know. Her ideas seemed naive to Shen Jizhi.


    He exined to her in a t, mechanical tone, "The Jade rity Sect has a spirit gathering array, and the wood for the houses within the array must be spirit wood. The wood sold in Approaching Immortal City is for ordinary people''s use, and cannot be used within the sect."


    And the price of spirit wood, neither he nor she could afford.


    "......" Jian Huan silently covered her chest and suddenly got up.


    Aliali: 674546a8c4f3f33ac44c92acSleep? She needed to cultivate! She had to grow up quickly, earn money, and buy a house!


    Sensing her movement, Shen Jizhi: "......"


    The room fell into silence. After a while, Jian Huan suddenly asked, "Where did you get the timber for this wooden house?"


    Shen Jizhi paused for a moment before replying, "I took it apart from Thunder Sword Peak."


    Jian Huan knew that Shen Jizhi had rented out Thunder Sword Peak to the elder of Beast Taming Peak next door to raise spiritual beasts.


    "What about the excess timber?"


    Thunder Sword Peak must be quiterge, so there should be a lot of wood to dismantle.


    Shen Jizhi: "I sold it."


    Jian Huan: "......"


    As expected, she was not surprised at all.

 Chapter 5: 005

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    The second day at dusk, the sky was aze with the vibrant colors of the sunset, the brilliant light climbing along the soft clouds, gradually fading from a deep red to a pale pink.


    With her hair tied up in a high ponytail, Jian Huan dashed into the Elders'' Courtyard. Before she even reached the hall, her cheerful voice rang out: "Elder Yu, did you call for me?"


    At the ancient mahogany table, Yu Qing sat cross-legged.


    Seeing his disciple enter, he gestured to her: "Sit."


    As soon as Jian Huan sat down, Yu Qing pushed arge bundle towards her, saying: "There are a thousand spirit stones inside."


    "!!!"


    What the heck, why is he giving her money right away?


    Jian Huan was shocked: "Elder Yu, what do you mean by this?!"


    Nothing goodes without a catch.


    Seeing her reaction, Yu Qingughed and exined: "This isn''t from me. Your incantation from yesterday was quite helpful. I mentioned it to the Sect Leader this morning, and this thousand is a reward from him, which I''m passing on to you."


    Oh... a bonus!!


    Jian Huan breathed a sigh of relief, the heavy burden in her heart lifted, and her hands quickly reached for the bundle of spirit stones. The joy overflowed from the corners of her eyes and lips: "Thank you, Elder Yu, and thank you, Sect Leader! But this incantation wasn''t created by me; I heard it from a certain yoga master."


    Yu Qing raised an eyebrow: "Yoga master?" What is that?


    Jian Huan briefly exined: "A folk master from my hometown."


    Yu Qing nodded.


    Beside him was a thick stack of papers, the intention forms submitted by the disciples, the top one being Jian Huan''s.


    Yu Qing picked it up and asked: "You want to study the Dao of Talismans?"


    Jian Huan, hugging the bundle of spirit stones, was in a great mood: "Yes."


    Seeing this, Yu Qing reminded her: "If so, you should start preparing the necessary items now."


    Jian Huan was puzzled: "What?"


    Seeing she didn''t quite understand, Yu Qing exined in detail: "Talisman brushes, talisman paper, you''ll need them for the talisman sses."


    Jian Huan nodded, examining Yu Qing from head to toe with curiosity: "Elder Yu, do you also teach talisman arts?"


    Yu Qing gently stroked the green bamboo stick beside him, nodding: "I am a talisman cultivator, what''s the problem?"


    "A talisman cultivator?!" Jian Huan looked at the bamboo stick in his hand, "I thought you were a sword cultivator..."


    Yu Qing shook his head and showed her the bamboo stick.


    Jian Huan leaned in to take a closer look and saw golden talisman characters flickering on the emerald bamboo stick.


    Yu Qing slowly spoke: "The great paths of the world are not mutually exclusive; in the end, they all converge."


    "Alright, you may leave now. Call Gong Feihong over."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan stood up, bowed to Yu Qing with the spirit stones in her arms, and happily ran off.


    After calling Gong Feihong, Jian Huan headed to the Treasure Pavilion of the Jade rity Sect.


    A thousand spirit stones were quite substantial, not heavy but a bit space-consuming.


    Jian Huan was longing for a spatial pouch.


    It was just past dinner time, and the Treasure Pavilion was empty.


    A man was napping in the corner.


    As soon as Jian Huan''s footsteps sounded, the man''s ears twitched, and he instantly woke up, standing up and greeting Jian Huan with a warm smile: "Hello, fellow apprentice, what do you need?"


    In the Jade rity Sect, whether it''s the Treasure Pavilion or the dining hall, the staff are all senior apprentices from the inner sect.


    Jian Huan politely said: "Hello, senior apprentice, I''d like to see some spatial pouches."


    The shop assistant led her to the shelf where the spatial pouches were disyed, introducing: "Our Treasure Pavilion''s spatial pouches are all made by the apprentices of the Equipment Forging Hall. They are top-notch in every aspect, notparable to those outside. Fellow apprentice, how big do you want? A batch of spatial pouches that can hold a city of one hundred thousand people was just delivered this morning, take a look¡ª"


    "I don''t need that big," Jian Huan quickly interrupted, "I just need the smallest one."


    The shop assistant nced at her and took out a tiny pink pouch: "This is the smallest one."


    Jian Huan held it in her hand, ying with it lovingly: "Senior apprentice, how many spirit stones does this cost?"


    The shop assistant smiled, revealing sharp tiger teeth: "A thousand spirit stones."


    Jian Huan''s fingers paused, and she subtly put the pink spatial pouch down: "I see, I''ll take another look..."


    After that, Jian Huan carefully browsed the entire Treasure Pavilion, inquiring about the prices of items she wanted, such as the Xuantian Mirror simr to a mobile phone.


    The cheapest, earliest, and most affordable Xuantian Mirror cost one thousand eight hundred.


    Talisman brushes varied in quality; the best ones had no upper price limit, with the most expensive one in the cultivation world once reaching a price of a million spirit stones, while the cheapest one cost three hundred eighty.


    Talisman paper... also varied in quality, with expensive ones having no upper limit, and the cheapest one costing one spirit stone per sheet.


    Yes, talisman paper was sold by the sheet!


    Beforeing, Jian Huan thought talisman brushes and paper were just simple purchases, but after arriving, she realized that talisman arts were not as simple as she had read in those cultivation novels.


    When a talisman cultivator reaches a certain level, they can draw powerful talismans using ordinary ink and yellow paper. But for beginners, without such vast spiritual energy, they need to use talisman brushes with spiritual energy and talisman paper made from spiritual wood.


    Just like sword cultivators, powerful masters can defeat monsters with bamboo sticks. But ordinary cultivators, without good swords, can''t win.


    Jian Huan was in tears.


    The only constion was that the shop assistant''s service attitude was impable, apanying her with a smile throughout, patiently answering all questions.


    Finally, Jian Huan asked him: "Senior apprentice, if I draw talismans in the future, will your shop buy them? And at what price?"


    The shop assistant looked at her sympathetically: "No, we don''t buy them."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    The shop assistant reminded her: "The Treasure Pavilion only sells spiritual artifacts and talismans from the Equipment Forging Hall. You can find other ces to sell yours."


    Jian Huan: "Okay..."


    In the end, Jian Huan left empty-handed, having bought nothing.


    She remembered, she had connections in the factory, why did shee to the shop?


    The time was still early, and the sky outside hadn''t darkened yet.


    In the wooden house, Jian Huan sat cross-legged on the bed, holding the shabby bag she had brought with her.


    After the sect had issued the disciples'' robes, Jian Huan had put her old, worn-out clothes in the bag.


    Now, she took out these clothes.


    On the other side, a pile of spirit stones was stacked, emitting a faint glow in the dim room.


    Jian Huan stroked her chin, pondered for a moment, counted out two hundred spirit stones from the pile, and ced them aside.


    The rest, she wrapped in a bellyband, then wrapped the bellyband in her old clothes,yer uponyer, before putting them into the bag and cing the bag securely at the head of the bed.


    Jian Huan packed the two hundred spirit stones and took them to find Shen Jizhi.


    When she arrived at the Equipment Forging Hall, it waspletely dark outside.


    The hall was brightly lit, while the trees outside were shrouded in darkness.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood in this shadow.


    The cicadas were chirping loudly, making people''s ears hurt.


    Jian Huan rubbed her ears, looking through Shen Jizhi''s broad and lean right shoulder into the Equipment Forging Hall.


    Inside, senior apprentices were busy with their tasks, some meticulously carving patterns on semi-finished spiritual artifacts, others bending and twisting hard spiritual iron with their bare hands.


    Shen Jizhi, pulled out by her, waited for a while without hearing her speak, frowned and asked: "What do you need from me?"


    Jian Huan leaned close to Shen Jizhi and whispered: "I want to buy talisman brushes and paper, but the Treasure Pavilion is too expensive. Your factory¡ª" She paused, realizing her mistake, and quickly corrected, "Your hall, will it be cheaper?"


    She was very close, the girl''s breath hitting him.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on her face, his frown gradually easing in the breeze and cicada chirps.


    He felt a slight stir in his heart and asked: "How much can you afford?"


    The talisman brush in the Treasure Pavilion cost three hundred eighty, Jian Huan directly cut almost half: "One hundred eighty for the talisman brush, one spirit stone for two sheets of talisman paper?"


    She looked up at him.


    A crescent moon hung above his head, his features somewhat blurred in the night, his expression hard to discern.


    Jian Huan felt a bit guilty, not knowing if cutting the price in half was too much, and quickly added: "The worst talisman brush and paper will do, as long as they work."


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a moment, not agreeing: "Wait, let me ask."


    Jian Huan urged: "Mm-hmm, then hurry!"


    Shen Jizhi walked into the Equipment Forging Hall, his figure quickly disappearing.


    He went to the back courtyard, where some waste materials were piled up in a corner.


    These were leftover scraps from the Equipment Forging Hall, which would be collected in a spatial pouch and thrown into the fire furnace for disposal when they umted to a certain extent.


    The Treasure Pavilion of the Jade rity Sect had branches all over the ce, following a high-end route.


    Every piece of equipment must be crafted to perfection; these scraps would ruin the texture of the equipment, and no one would look at them twice.


    However, since three months ago, when a senior brother from the Equipment Forging Hall was promoted to elder, Shen Jizhi took over the vacancy. Since then, these scraps have been managed by Shen Jizhi.


    After taking charge, Shen Jizhi no longer discarded the waste materials into the fire furnace. Instead, he collected them until a certain amount was reached and then sold them in Approaching Immortal City for one spirit stone per jin.


    At this moment, Shen Jizhi was sifting through the waste materials, picking out a few small pieces of discarded wood about the length of a finger and some uneven lengths of wool.


    These were materials for making talisman brushes.


    Shen Jizhi had never learned to forge equipment, but through three months of observation, he knew how to make a talisman brush.


    Moreover, his fire spiritual root, which he had deliberately refined over these days, should make crafting a talisman brush not too difficult.


    A few days ago, Shen Jizhi was considering whether to explore the path of equipment forging to earn some spirit stones.


    After all, as a sword cultivator, even if he made money, most of it would eventually be spent in the Equipment Forging Hall.


    Unexpectedly, just a few days after having this thought, Jian Huan came knocking.


    Why not give it a try?


    Shen Jizhi collected the different pieces of wood and wool, then went to find his junior brother.


    Besides the wood for the brush and the wool for the bristles, the most crucial part of a talisman brush was the spiritual ink inside.


    Spiritual ink was essentially colored spiritual ore, and the reason talisman brushes were expensive wasrgely due to this.


    In front of his junior brother were various spiritual inks, each introduced to Shen Jizhi: "This piece of spiritual ink is the worst; itcks spiritual energy, and the talismans drawn with it will be much less effective. The one sold for three hundred and eighty spirit stones at Treasure Pavilion uses this."


    Shen Jizhi asked, "How much would I need to buy it for?"


    The raw materials of the Equipment Forging Hall were not usually sold to outsiders, but members of the hall could purchase three items each month.


    For the past two months, Shen Jizhi had used his quota to upgrade his sword, and this month, he hadn''t bought anything yet.


    His junior brother replied, "Thirty spirit stones."


    Shen Jizhi nodded, hesitated for a moment, and pointed to a piece with significantly better color: "What about this one?"


    His junior brother said, "This one is much better in all aspects; it costs one hundred spirit stones, while Treasure Pavilion sells it for one thousand eight hundred."


    Shen Jizhi stood there, weighing the options in his mind for a long time before saying, "Then give me the one for one hundred spirit stones."


    Jian Huan was sitting under a tree, cultivating. Whenever she had time, she would cultivate.


    Hearing footsteps, she opened her eyes and saw someone approaching. She immediately jumped up and ran over.


    As she moved, her white skirt brushed against the moonlight like frost, her figure rippling like waves.


    Jian Huan''s eyes were bright: "How is it?!"


    Shen Jizhi nodded: "It should be fine."


    Jian Huan clenched her right fist and swung it down, eximing, "Yay!"


    Shen Jizhi said, "However, talisman paper won''t be cheap, but the brush can be."


    Making talisman paper was troublesome, and he wouldn''t earn much from it. Considering the time spent, he might end up losing money.


    Jian Huan was slightly disappointed but didn''t say anything.


    Shen Jizhi asked, "Since you think it''s okay, shall we finalize it?"


    Jian Huan nodded firmly: "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi asked, "When do you need it?"


    Tomorrow afternoon there was a talisman ss, so Jian Huan said, "Can it be tomorrow noon?"


    "Sure," Shen Jizhi thought for a moment and reminded, "By the way, this can''t be put on credit."


    Jian Huan understood: "I know."


    After all, this was a deal where she was benefiting, saving two hundred spirit stones.


    Aliali: 674546a8c4f3f33ac44c92acShe was using Shen Jizhi''s influence at the factory, and she couldn''t push her luck by asking for credit; that would be too much.


    Jian Huan was delighted and asked him, "Are youing back with me?"


    Shen Jizhi shook his head: "I''ll be staying overnight at the Equipment Forging Hall tonight."


    Jian Huan nodded and waved goodbye to him.


    Shen Jizhi returned to the Equipment Forging Hall, borrowed a book on equipment forging, flipped to the pages on talisman brushes, and carefully read through them before starting to work.


    His sword, from start to finish, was something he had figured out on his own, and even the wooden hut was built by him.


    Shen Jizhi wasn''t new to making things, so he handled it quite smoothly.


    Under the bright light of the Equipment Forging Hall, Shen Jizhi held several pieces of wood, using a small knife to slowly shape them into the same form, then carefully fused them together with his fire spiritual energy.


    Under the fiery spiritual energy, the young man''s meticulous and focused face was like a painting.


    As the morning light began to rise, a simple yet elegant talisman brush appeared in his pale palm.

 Chapter 6: 006

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    A tipsy old man, Li Yucheng, stumbled in from the outside.


    Upon seeing the talisman pen in Shen Jizhi''s hand, he praised, "Not bad."


    Shen Jizhi stood up and greeted the old man, "Hello, Hall Master."


    Waving his hand dismissively, Li Yucheng slumped onto a couch, half propping his face up as he looked at Shen Jizhi with a sense of appreciation. "I told your dog of a master years ago that you have a talent for forging equipment. I wanted you to study with me, but he stubbornly insisted you learn the sword and carry on his mantle. He didn''t consider that you''re a Five Spiritual Root, how difficult it is for you to learn the sword. It would be simpler to learn to forge with me."


    A Five Spiritual Root learning the sword requires simultaneous tempering of each spiritual root. In forging, the focus is on the fire spiritual root.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Jizhi merely smiled.


    Li Yucheng stroked his own beard, rambling, "You''re currently only at the fifth level of Qi refining. The disciples of the Equipment Forging Hall need to be at least at the foundation-building stage. Focus on improving your cultivation and practice your craft. Once you reach the foundation-building stage, I''ll transfer you to the inner hall for forging."


    Currently, Shen Jizhi was just a porter for the Equipment Forging Hall. The inner hall was where the true master forgers resided.


    The monthly stipend for the two positions was vastly different, Shen Jizhi frowned, sincerely thanking, "Thank you, Hall Master."


    Li Yucheng nced at the talisman pen in his hand again, curiously asking, "Is it for your fianc¨¦e?"


    The news of Shen Jizhi''s fianc¨¦e seeking him out had practically spread throughout the entire sect.


    Last night, while drinking with Yu Qing, he mentioned that the girl seemed to be studying talisman crafting.


    Shen Jizhi hesitated before nodding.


    The pen was naturally for Jian Huan, but certainly not in the way the Hall Master thought.


    As expected, Li Yucheng understood, "I didn''t think you''d be so good at pursuing young girls, quite like me in my younger days. Anyway, that old guy Gu Shan hasn''t returned in three years, he''s probably dead somewhere. You might as well take me as your master." He opened his eyes, staring intently, "How about it?"


    Shen Jizhi: "You tter me, Hall Master."


    Li Yucheng and his master Gu Shan were archenemies. Both were equally troublesome, neither better than the other, often drinking, fighting, and causing trouble.


    The reason his master owed countless debts, and Li Yucheng could barely make ends meet, was entirely because his master was a sword cultivator.


    Li Yucheng shook his head, not taking it to heart, and closed his eyes with a tilt of his head.


    Shen Jizhi took the talisman pen and left quietly.


    At lunchtime, the dining hall was bustling with people.


    Shen Jizhi handed the talisman pen to Jian Huan, "Take a look."


    Jian Huan held it in her hand, examining it closely, her eyes filled with surprise.


    She had felt every pen in the Treasure Pavilion the night before, but the one in her hand now felt much better than the one for three hundred and eight in the store. Compared to the pens worth two to three thousand, it was in no way inferior.


    Jian Huan had already lowered her expectations, after all, it was a half-priced talisman pen, but the result was pleasantly surprising.


    Shen Jizhi watched her expression, and with that, he had his answer.


    Before she could speak, he said, "One hundred and eight, don''t forget."


    Jian Huan put away her brush pen, looked around, and gestured for Shen Jizhi toe closer.


    Shen Jizhi bent his head down.


    Jian Huan stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear, "I''ve put the spirit stone under the pillow. I don''t have a mustard bag, so it''s inconvenient for me to carry it around. Would you like to fetch it yourself, or should we wait until tonight...?"


    Shen Jizhi straightened up, almost without hesitation, "I''ll go get it."


    "Okay." Jian Huan nodded, making a fist salute, "By the way, the brush pen is also very good, thank you!"


    Shen Jizhi nodded, "You''re wee."


    The two parted ways at the entrance of the dining hall, with Shen Jizhi disappearing into the crowd.


    Jian Huan ran back inside, nimbly weaving through the tables to join Gong Feihong and continue her hearty meal.


    She was almost full just now, but her mood had improved and she felt she could eat a bit more.


    The seat opposite her was empty, and Jian Huan asked Gong Feihong, "Where''s Hu Lai?"


    "Hu Lai had something to take care of and left earlier," Gong Feihong leaned in, curiously asking, "What did Brother Shen want with you?"


    Jian Huan replied, "I have a talisman ss this afternoon, and he brought me a brush pen."


    Gong Feihong eximed, "Brother Shen is so kind to you!"


    Jian Huan nced at him, "You misunderstood. He didn''t give me the brush pen, I asked him to buy it for me."


    Gong Feihong looked incredulous, "Did he really take your money?"


    Jian Huan nodded, "Yes."


    After a moment''s thought, she hurriedly took the opportunity to wake Gong Feihong up while Hu Lai was away.


    These days, Hu Lai was almost always by Gong Feihong''s side.


    Jian Huan hinted, "As the saying goes, even a married couple should keep clear ounts, let alone between brothers."


    Gong Feihong was puzzled, "Isn''t the saying ''clear ounts make for good friends''?"


    Jian Huan looked at him with frustration, and decided to be straightforward, "What I''m talking about is you and Brother Hu Lai."


    Gong Feihong was even more confused, "What about Brother Hu?"


    Jian Huan: "I heard that you and Hu Zhi bought a lot of things in the Treasure Pavilion yesterday and spent tens of thousands of spirit stones?"


    Gong Feihong nodded.


    Jian Huan: "And most of them were things that Hu Lai needed?"


    Gong Feihong hesitated for a moment, then nodded.


    If Jian Huan hadn''t mentioned it, he wouldn''t have noticed.


    Yesterday, when he was shopping in the Treasure Pavilion, he and Hu Zhi were having such a good time that he paid without thinking too much.


    Jian Huan looked at him with affection, "Brother Feihong, you even made a note of the money you borrowed from me. Did you do the same with Hu Lai?"


    Poor Gong Feihong, he was too easy to fool.


    If she didn''t have a bit of a conscience, she could have tricked Gong Feihong out of everything.


    Jian Huan patted his shoulder, her words heavy with meaning, "I''ve said all there is to say. You should think about it yourself."


    Outside the door, Hu Zhi, standing behind Jiang Qiaoqiao, suddenly sneezed.


    A man standing next to Jiang Qiaoqiao turned his head to look at Hu Zhi. Hu Zhi didn''t show any abnormality, so the man turned his head back and ignored him.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao followed Shen Jizhi for a few steps, then stopped as if realizing something.


    She gave a bitter smile and whispered to the person next to her, "Brother Jing Chi, he doesn''t recognize me anymore."


    Jing Chi was a bodyguard specially arranged by Jiang''s father for Jiang Qiaoqiao. He had a single wood spirit root and had grown up with Jiang Qiaoqiao.


    In his eyes, the girl''s image was reflected, his gaze as gentle as honey. He spoke softly, "Miss Jiang, if that''s the case, why don''t you tell him?"


    Jiang Qiaoqiao shook her head, "He has a fianc¨¦e. What difference would it make if I told him?"


    Jing Chi sighed, "Miss Jiang, forget about him. He saved you once, and our family has already rewarded him and his master sufficiently. We owe him nothing. You don''t need to keep dwelling on it."


    Jiang Qiaoqiao''s delicate eyebrows shadowed by a hint of bitterness, "Brother Jing, you don''t understand."


    She fell in love at first sight, her soul haunted by dreams of him for years. It took great effort to convince her father to let her join the Jade rity Sect, only to face a catastrophe.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao closed her eyes and let out a bitterugh.


    Jing Chi paused, wanting to say something but ultimately remained silent.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao opened her eyes, whispering, "Brother Jing, apany me on a journey down the mountain. I don''t want to stay in the sect anymore."


    Jing Chi was somewhat surprised, a glimmer of joy appearing in his eyes, "Alright."


    The two left on flying swords.


    In the afternoon''s talisman ss, Yu Qing handed out aprehensive book on talismans to everyone.


    The thickness was about... the same as an Oxford dictionary.


    "Once you''ve mastered the talismans in this book, reaching the Golden Core stage will be within your grasp," Yu Qing held the book, teaching earnestly, "The art of talismans requires hard work. What you need to do now is to memorize the patterns on the first three pages, without a single mistake. Only when you remember them, can you draw as if guided by a divine hand, and the talisman will be sessful. I will be in the sect most of the time this year, feel free to ask me any questions."


    Jian Huan tranted his words in her mind.


    It was like her high school English teacher saying ¡ª once you''ve mastered these words and sentence structures, high scores on essays will be within reach. The most important thing is to memorize the words, so you can recall them as naturally as eating and drinking...


    Alright then.


    Jian Huan had memorized the dictionary back in her day too.


    Just as she was drawing parallels between her high school sses and these cultivation lessons, a girl sitting next to her raised her hand.


    Yu Qing gestured for her to speak, "Jiang Mian, go ahead."


    The girl named Jiang Mian asked curiously, "Elder Yu, what about after the Golden Core stage?"


    Yu Qing smiled slightly, "After the Golden Core stage, it depends on talent. Up to the Golden Core stage, mastering the existing talismans is enough. After that, you need to create your own talismans. However, most people will never be able to create their own talismans in their lifetime."


    "Ah¡ª" The disciples in the hall couldn''t help but feel a bit disheartened.


    Yu Qing added, "But how do you know you''re not one of the few, if you don''t reach the Golden Core stage? You should at least give it a try."


    Hearing this, the young disciples regained their fighting spirit.


    Jian Huan propped her face with one hand, looking at the young faces, and couldn''t help but reminisce about her student days.


    Back then, she and her ssmates were filled with anticipation and endless imagination about the future, just as their teachers described.


    But after graduation, she realized that life was not easy. Buying a house had taken a lot of her effort.


    The few truly were, just a few.


    Jian Huan shook her head and smiled, listening to Elder Yu''s words while taking out her own talisman brush and paper.


    A spirit stone and a piece of talisman paper, which wouldn''t wrinkle even after being kept in her pocket for half a day. It was said to be resistant to fire and water. So, a well-drawn talisman paper couldst for fifty years?


    The brother from the Treasure Pavilion mentioned this yesterday.


    Jian Huan touched the talisman paper, not daring to use the brush immediately.


    Soon, she was d for her caution.


    Surprised gasps echoed around her, as talisman papers were ruined due tock of proficiency.


    Most of those who came to practice at the Jade rity Sect were from wealthy families.


    They didn''t care, casually crumpling up the ruined papers and tossing them aside, taking out a new one.


    Jian Huan sat there, pondering for a moment, then put the talisman paper back in her pocket and took out one of the five notebooks distributed free by the Jade rity Sect.


    She opened the notebook, used another one as a ruler, and drew many small squares.


    Jian Huan put the talisman brush back in her pocket and took out a writing brush, starting to draw in the small squares.


    Jiang Mian, who had asked a question earlier, came over curiously, "Wow, what are you doing?"


    Jian Huan replied, "This way, I can save talisman paper. I''m poor. When I get proficient, I''ll use spirit paper to draw."


    Jiang Mian thought for a moment, then also took out a notebook.


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Jiang Mian said seriously, "My mother is a sword cultivator, and it''s hard for her to make money. She said her wrists ache from ying demons. I also want to save a bit, to lighten her burden." She tilted her head, "By the way, my name is Jiang Mian."


    Jian Huan: "I knew that already, I''m¡ª"


    Jiang Mian: "Jian Huan, right? Everyone knows you. You''re the one who closes your eyes and imagines yourself..."


    Jian Huan coughed, signaling that she could stop.


    Jiang Mian added, "And you''re also Shen Jizhi''s fianc¨¦e!"


    Jian Huan smiled awkwardly.


    She had been worrying about money recently, and she had unknowingly be a campus celebrity?


    Of course, thanks to the campus heartthrob.


    Jiang Mian winked at her and whispered, "Did you know, we all say behind your back that you''re pretty lucky."


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­¡­¡­"


    Yu Qing came over, and the two quickly returned to their own tasks, focusing on drawing talismans.


    Although Jian Huan used to draw a lot in her previous life, she mostly used software after graduation and rarely drew by hand, losing her previous touch.


    She could only slowly regain it.


    From then on, Jian Huan would often take out her brush to draw talismans, dreaming of straight lines, curves, all kinds of lines, wishing she could turn into a line herself.


    After ten days of hard work.


    That night, Jian Huan sat on her bed, a small table in front of her, her notebook and brush spread out on it.


    The candleholder was moved to the closest position to her.


    As usual, Jian Huan was practicing talismans.


    In the corner behind her, Shen Jizhi was meditating.


    The room was quiet, only the rustling sound of the brush on the paper could be heard.


    Drawing a talisman requires a smooth process, the line cannot be broken, nor can it suddenly be thick or thin, and spiritual energy must be continuously mobilized during the drawing process.


    Only then can the drawn talisman have an effect.


    Even though the paper was ordinary, Jian Huan was afraid that she would develop a bad habit of only knowing how to draw and not knowing how to mobilize spiritual energy, so she always did both simultaneously.


    This process consumed a great deal of spiritual power, and Jian Huan''s pale forehead was covered in fine sweat.


    But she was oblivious to it,pletely immersed in the world of talismans.


    With each stroke, Jian Huan could feel a faint glow appearing in her talisman, but because of the paper, it disappeared in a blink of an eye.


    She gripped the brush tightly, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes.


    Jian Huan quickly pushed these notebooks to one side, took out a piece of talisman paper from her bosom, and spread it out on the table.


    She took a deep breath, prepared herself, and was about to lift her brush when, with a pop, the candle went out, and the room was instantly shrouded in darkness.


    Jian Huan: "......"


    Damn it!


    Jian Huan clenched her fist, turned her body to the left, and asked her roommate very ''calmly'', "Shen Jizhi, what happened to the candle?"


    A faint me lit up from Shen Jizhi''s fingertip. He walked over to the candlestick under the light, took a look, and replied, "The candle has burned out."


    Jian Huan: "Do we have any other candles at home?"


    Shen Jizhi rummaged through the junk box again: "No."


    Jian Huan''s face twisted.


    This feeling was like going to the toilet without toilet paper, drinking c without ice, it was too ufortable.


    Shen Jizhi looked at the person sitting on the bed and said, "Candles are free, I''ll get some from the temple tomorrow."


    "Thank you." Jian Huan looked at the light in his hand, an idea came to her mind, "But I urgently need light now, can you hold it for a while, let me draw a talisman?"


    She hasn''t learned any other spells yet, unlike Shen Jizhi who can emit light.


    She had spent all her time focusing on talismans.


    After she mastered the art of talismans, she would draw a glowing talisman, one that could glow for a hundred years, a thousand years, ten thousand years!


    Jian Huan made a silent vow.


    But before Shen Jizhi could answer, the light on his fingertip gradually dimmed until it waspletely extinguished, and the room was once again plunged into darkness.


    In response to this phenomenon, Shen Jizhi calmly put his hand back and exined in a soft voice, "I don''t have much spiritual energy in my body."


    Jian Huan was silent for a moment, then asked him, "Did you only eat one-sixth of your meal again tonight?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Hmm."


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, decided to go all in, took out a bottle from her bosom, poured out a Fasting Pill, and handed it over, "I''ll give this to you to eat, can you help me hold up the light, how about it?"


    Shen Jizhi''s figure was shrouded in the night, his voice came, "I can, but I can only hold it for a quarter of an hour at most."


    Continuously emitting light was very draining on spiritual power.


    Jian Huan, who was preupied with the talisman, replied, "Okay."


    In the small wooden house, the light from Shen Jizhi''s fingertip was as bright as an incandescentmp.


    Jian Huan was very satisfied with the effect of her Fasting Pill, picked up her brush again, and focused her mind.


    In the past ten days, the most difficult talisman she had practiced was the Teleportation Talisman.


    If she could master the Teleportation Talisman, she would naturally master the others.


    In order to achieve the smallest loss, Jian Huan directly started with the Teleportation Talisman.


    Having practiced many times, coupled with her experience of drawing for over a decade in her previous life, Jian Huan was adept at it.


    In less than fifteen minutes, the Teleportation Talisman was ready.


    The thin paper talisman looked ordinary at Jian Huan''s fingertips, making her feel somewhat apprehensive, unsure of its effectiveness.


    Teleportation talismanse in two types: fixed-point and non-fixed-point.


    A fixed-point talisman, also known as a teleportation axis, requires a high level of skill to create, something that Jian Huan, with her current level of skill, was incapable of.


    The quality of a general teleportation talisman is judged by its teleportation distance.


    ording to Elder Yu, a novice like her could only create a talisman capable of teleporting within a radius of a hundred meters at most.


    She lifted her head, looking at the man glowing beside her.


    Shen Jizhi sensed her gaze, his eyshes fluttering, a clear question in his eyes: "?"


    Jian Huan: "Could you help me test this teleportation talisman?"


    He was the ultimate viin in the book. Despite his current low cultivation level, he could counter-kill high-ranking cultivators in a crisis. Oveing levels was his daily routine.


    If Shen Jizhi could use her teleportation talisman, it should be deemed sessful and she could sell it for money.


    Jian Huan''s money-making instinct was stirring. Seeing a hint of doubt on his face, she upped the ante: "One spiritual stone for a test, deducted from the ount!"


    A hundred thousand spiritual stones were on her ount, not in her hand, so it didn''t hurt as much to spend them.


    Shen Jizhi agreed straightforwardly: "Okay."


    Jian Huan handed the teleportation talisman to him.


    Holding the small talisman, Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment.


    Jian Huan was just starting out as a talisman cultivator. At most, he would be teleported to the door.


    This teleportation distance seemed a bit unworthy of a spiritual stone.


    Moreover, if he could only teleport to the door, she would probably be a bit disappointed.


    In order to make Jian Huan''s spiritual stone worth a bit more, Shen Jizhi used all of his spiritual power.


    Apart from the quality of the talisman itself, the amount of spiritual power a cultivator used could slightly increase the teleportation distance.


    With this, he could probably reach halfway up the mountain, a distance that would satisfy both parties.


    Thinking this, Shen Jizhi disappeared from the spot, his body driven by his internal spiritual power.


    That night, the wooden house, which had been flickering between darkness and light, plunged into darkness once again at the moment of Shen Jizhi''s disappearance.


    Jian Huan blinked, joy written all over her face.


    Her teleportation talisman was a sess!


    Jian Huan walked briskly to the door, opened it, and stepped out.


    The moon was high outside, and in a few days, it would be the fifteenth.


    The frosty moonlight poured down, casting a hazy glow on the surroundings.


    Jian Huan tiptoed around, trying to see where Shen Jizhi had teleported to.


    Within a hundred meters, she should be able to see him.


    But there was no one around.


    Could it be that her talisman was quite powerful and could teleport him five hundred meters away?!


    Jian Huan was somewhat excited, standing in ce and looking forward expectantly.


    She didn''t really want to go outte at night.


    Aliali: 674546a7c4f3f33ac44c928aThe new disciples of the Jade rity Sect were learning to control beasts, and the spiritual beasts would run away from time to time. Last time Jian Huan came backte, she was pecked by a big ck goose hiding in the corner, which hurt a lot.


    But after waiting for a while, there was still no sign of anyone returning in the distance.


    ...Could something have gone wrong?


    Jian Huan ran out.


    Shen Jizhi preferred solitude, his cabin nestled on a secluded hillside, far from the madding crowd.


    Jian Huan ran from the top of the hill to the bottom, even after covering a distance of five hundred meters, she couldn''t spot a single soul.


    She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Shen Jizhi!"


    The only response was her own echo, expanding outwards, apanied by the sporadic chirping of distant birds.


    Jian Huan stood at the foot of the hill, her shadow elongated by the moonlight.


    She tilted her head upwards, gazing at the star-studded night sky, feeling somewhat lost in the moment.

 Chapter 7: 007

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    With no other options, Jian Huan ultimately had to seek help from her teacher.


    Yu Qing had not yet retired for the night. He had just dealt with an internal dispute among his disciples, and upon returning, he ran into Jian Huan.


    He sighed faintly.


    Being a senior mentor for a year was more exhausting than his previous cultivation. No wonder those old fellows were unwilling to take up the role.


    Upon seeing Yu Qing, Jian Huan quickly stepped forward to greet him, "Elder Yu!"


    Yu Qing asked, "What brings you to me at thiste hour?"


    Jian Huan got straight to the point, "I just drew a teleportation talisman and had Brother Shen test it, but¡ª" she paused slightly, "but he hasn''t returned yet."


    Yu Qing was momentarily confused by Jian Huan''s implications, "Hasn''t returned?"


    Jian Huan appeared distressed, "Yes, it''s been an hour and he hasn''t returned. Elder Yu, didn''t you say that the teleportation talismans we draw at our current stage can only transport someone within a hundred meters? But I''ve searched everywhere and can''t find him. Could there be a problem with my talisman?"


    After listening to her, Yu Qing pondered for a moment, turned around, and took out a talisman pen and paper from a cab nearby, handing them to her, "What kind of teleportation talisman did you draw? Draw another one for me to see."


    Jian Huan did as instructed.


    Looking at the talisman, Yu Qing suddenlyughed, "Congrattions."


    Jian Huan was confused, "Huh?"


    Yu Qing picked up the teleportation talisman, quite satisfied, "This talisman of yours can teleport someone ten kilometers away. For your current level of cultivation, this is quite remarkable."


    From a single clue, Yu Qing could tell that Jian Huan had an extraordinary talent for sensing the lines of the talisman.


    Talismans areposed ofplex lines, and those without talent can easily get lost in them, like walking into a maze and being trapped inside, unable to find the exit.


    But clearly, Jian Huan did not have this problem.


    Yu Qing returned the teleportation talisman to Jian Huan, a smile of admiration in his eyes, "Keep practicing, you''ll certainly do well in the future."


    Taking the talisman, Jian Huan earnestly asked, "Then Elder Yu, what about Brother Shen?"


    Yu Qing reassured her, "Don''t worry, he''ll find his own way back. If he hurries, you''ll see him by daybreak. Go back and rest."


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    In the wooden hut, Jian Huan was lying on her side on the bed, sleeping soundly.


    Outside the window, the sky was transitioning from dark to light, the sunrise lingering on the horizon, half-hidden, dyeing the surrounding clouds with a radiant glow.


    In the beautiful sunrise scene, Shen Jizhi was slowly walking from the horizon, one step at a time.


    His usually neat hair bun was now disheveled, his white robe spotted and unsightly. Strands of hair hung over his forehead, framing his calm eyes, as cold as the moon the previous night.


    Shen Jizhi, sword in hand, pushed open the door of the wooden hut with a creak, slowly approached, stopped by the bed, and quietly stared at Jian Huan.


    In her sleep, Jian Huan suddenly felt a chill. She curled up, unconsciously opened her eyes.


    In the shadow of the backlight, Shen Jizhi stood there, emanating a cold aura.


    Jian Huan woke up instantly. She immediately sat up, joy evident in her eyes, "Shen Jizhi! You''re finally back! I''ve been waiting for you all night!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Wait?


    Wait while sleeping?


    Shen Jizhi remained silent for a long time, facing Jian Huan''s bright and sparkling eyes, and finally managed to utter two words, expressing his current mood: "Ha-ha."


    Jian Huan knew he must be feeling upset, so she very considerately took out a Fasting Pill from her bosom and handed it to him: "Here, take this Fasting Pill to ease yourself."


    Shen Jizhi lifted his eyelids, took the Fasting Pill from her palm, and put it in his mouth to swallow.


    Jian Huan breathed a sigh of relief as he epted it, but just as she was about to put the cork back on the jade bottle, she saw a hand reaching out again.


    She lowered her head, looking at that hand.


    The palm was wide, and the fingers were slender.


    It looked nice indeed.


    But¡ª


    Jian Huan lifted her head to look at him, implying something: "You usually only take a sixth."


    Shen Jizhi looked at her, repeating word by word: "I ran all the way back over the mountains, I can''t fly with a sword, I had to detour when I encountered a cliff... Do you know how far I ranst night?"


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    Got it, he means he wants more.


    Alright then.


    So, Jian Huan poured another one for him.


    But the hand didn''t move away, it was still in front of her, indicating that two Fasting Pills were not enough.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth and poured another one.


    Finally, the hand was withdrawn.


    Seeing him swallow three Fasting Pills in one go, Jian Huan curiously asked: "So, where were you teleported to?"


    After Shen Jizhi regained his spiritual power, he cast a cleaning spell on himself, and his dirty robe was finally clean again.


    He sat down on the cushion and lightly answered: "A deste mountain nearby."


    Strictly speaking, it was on a tree on a deste mountain.


    He appeared out of thin air in the sky. When he fell down, his robe got caught on a tree branch.


    Fearful that his robe would be torn beyond repair by the tree branch, to the point where even a spell couldn''t fix it, and he would have to buy a new one, he dared not make any big movements. He could only slowly and carefully get himself down...


    Forget it, he never wanted to recall anything fromst night again.


    Unlike Shen Jizhi, who was so introverted that he didn''t want to talk, Jian Huan was in high spirits today.


    Her talisman drawing was getting smoother, and with the endorsement of Elder Yu Qingst night, and Shen Jizhi''s personal trial, Jian Huan could already see her prosperous future.


    She had only bought ten talisman papers before. The teleportation talisman was used by Shen Jizhi, butter Elder Yu Qing gave her the one she drew at his ce.


    Jian Huan touched the five teleportation talismans on her left, and the five speed talismans on her right, smiling like a cat that stole the cream.


    Outside the talisman hall, someone shouted: "Junior Sister Jian!"


    Jian Huan turned around and found it was Gong Feihong.


    She quickly got up and went out, only to find Gong Feihong''s left face swollen. She asked in surprise: "What happened to you?!"


    Gong Feihong was in so much pain that he gasped: "Something happenedst night, and I had a falling out with Hu Zhi."


    Jian Huan was silent for a moment: "I heard there was an internal fight among the disciplesst night, was it you and Hu Zhi?"


    Gong Feihong hung his head in disappointment, "No, it''s not that. Didn''t I study beast taming? Then I met a new brother. Hu Zhi and my new brother had a few words of disagreement, and they started fighting, I went to mediate, and then..."


    Jian Huan understood, patting his shoulder as a form offort.


    She had been busy practicing her talisman skills these past ten days, even skipping lunch, so she hadn''t seen much of Gong Feihong.


    Gong Feihong sighed, "Brother Hu really hurt me. I only found outst night that all those heart-to-heart conversations, those lofty ambitions, were all just him catering to me. Junior Sister Jian, I should have listened to you earlier."


    Jian Huan was very friendly towards her debtor, "It''s okay, it''s not toote to see clearly now."


    Gong Feihong shook his head, "Never mind. I came to find you today to tell you that I will be leaving with a few senior brothers to gain some experience outside. Be careful here in the sect."


    Jian Huan nodded.


    Beast taming disciples, unlike her, as a talisman cultivator, needed to find beasts to level up. The spirit beasts raised in the sect were already tamed and weren''t of much help to beast taming disciples.


    After some thought, Jian Huan took out two teleportation talismans and two speed talismans from her bosom and handed them over, "I drew these, you take them, they mighte in handy."


    Gong Feihong epted them, "Thank you, Junior Sister Jian."


    He casually put the talismans in his bosom, not really caring about them, after all, he had bought many talismans himself.


    Without Gong Feihong, Jian Huan naturally didn''t want to go to the dining hall.


    During her lunch break, after swallowing half a Fasting Pill, she sat in the talisman hall contemting how to make money.


    From her observations, there weren''t many business opportunities in the sect.


    In the Jade rity Sect, high-end talismans were sold in the Treasure Pavilion, and mid to low-end talismans were provided by the senior brothers and sisters of talisman cultivation.


    The business opportunities should be in the city, Approaching Immortal City is the closest major city to the Jade rity Sect.


    With this in mind, Jian Huan moved her chair next to Jiang Mian and asked, "Mian Mian, I heard your family is in Approaching Immortal City?"


    Jiang Mian, who was nibbling on a brown sugar bread, looked up, "Mhm, Ah Huan, are you going to visit Approaching Immortal City? I know so many delicious ces, if you like sweet food¡ª"


    Jian Huan quickly interrupted, "No, I want to know if there is a ce in Approaching Immortal City that specializes in selling spiritual tools and talismans."


    Jiang Mian thought for a moment, quickly stuffed the remaining brown sugar bread into her mouth, swallowed it, and leaned in to whisper in Jian Huan''s ear, "There is, I think it''s called the Immortal Storage Tower. My mother usually takes her tasks there. ording to her, you can buy and sell anything there, but I''ve never been, my mother doesn''t let me go."


    Immortal Storage Tower?


    Jian Huan pondered.


    The next day happened to be the 15th, a day off for the entire sect.


    After the afternoon talisman ss, Jian Huan returned to her wooden hut, packed some things, changed her clothes, and headed straight for Approaching Immortal City.


    Although Jian Huan had speed talismans, spirit paper cost one spirit stone per sheet, and she was reluctant to use them.


    By the time Jian Huan had run and stopped all the way to the gate of Approaching Immortal City, it was alreadypletely dark.


    There were quite a few disciples in the Jade rity Sect, and at times, it was quite lively. However, this liveliness could notpare to the hustle and bustle of the city.


    The cries of the street vendors, theughter of the children, and the noise of the adults all mixed together and poured directly into Jian Huan''s ears.


    Suddenly, Jian Huan was not in such a hurry to find the Immortal Storage Tower.


    She found a money changer and exchanged a spirit stone for ten taels of silver, and spent it all on food.


    Although these snacks, whether fried or stir-fried, were not as beneficial to a cultivator''s body as spirit food and Fasting Pills, they greatly satisfied Jian Huan''s taste buds.


    At the crossroad, there was an olddy drawing candy figures, with many children waiting around.


    Jian Huan, munching on a meatball, was also waiting.


    The olddy was drawing for her, and she had requested a dragon.


    Aliali: 674546a8c4f3f33ac44c92acSuddenly, Jian Huan felt something, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked straight across the street.


    After entering the Qi refining stage, Jian Huan''s sight could see further than ordinary people.


    Unlike the lively atmosphere on this side, the other side was very quiet, with only a redntern hanging at the intersection.


    The dim red light emitted a strange color, contrasting sharply with this side, as if it was a different world.


    A man wearing a straw hat, carrying tworge hemp sacks, turned from the side and stepped into the alley under thentern, walking towards the darkness in the distance, getting further and further away until he disappeared.


    And that man carrying the hemp sacks, Jian Huan recognized him.


    It was Shen Jizhi, who had been running around the mountain all nightst night.


    He also came to the Approaching Immortal City?


    What was in the hemp sacks he was carrying?


    Jian Huan didn''t even have time to take her candy drawing, she immediately followed him sneakily.

 Chapter 8: 008

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    Lanterns hung at the intersection, resembling lighthouses on the sea at night.


    Jian Huan dived into the alley, her body feeling like it had passed through a ripple of water, the cool sensation particrly noticeable.


    She paused, not yet having time to ponder what this ripple was, when she found the scenery before her had changed.


    From the street, thenterns had been followed by a dark, narrow alley. But now, in front of her was a winding path through a forest.


    A full moon hung in the sky, enveloping this dark bamboo forest. The evening breeze passed by, blowing the moonlight, which had been split by the bamboo, into a shimmering pool.


    Beyond the bamboo forest stood a majestic high building, its dragon and phoenix-adorned eaves almost piercing the clouds.


    At the entrance of the path, there was a wooden que with a few lines of neat small characters inscribed¡ª


    [The Immortal Storage Tower wees all cultivators. To prevent tracking by ill-intentioned individuals, we have set up ten thousand paths. Each path can only amodate one person at a time and provides a ck robe for each cultivator to take and return upon leaving. Thank you.]


    Jian Huan read it carefully and raised her eyebrows.


    This was quite coincidental.


    Jian Huan had been eating and inquiring along the way, but she had never heard of any Immortal Storage Tower.


    So the Immortal Storage Tower was behind the rednterns. Thenterns must be a formation, splitting this piece of heaven and earth into two independent spaces: one for ordinary people to pass through, and one for cultivators to ess the Immortal Storage Tower.


    It was a pity that Shen Jizhi had lost track.


    But there was always tomorrow, and Jian Huan wasn''t too concerned. She stepped onto the path, took a ck robe, and put it on.


    The ck robe could block other cultivators'' prying eyes. Jian Huan tried speaking, and even her voice changed.


    The Immortal Storage Tower had no guards, not even a door.


    As soon as Jian Huan stepped in, the noise instantly surged, even more bustling than the outside market.


    "Don''t miss out! Just pulled from the ground, three-grade Dark me Grass, excellent for eating raw or for alchemy! Come and take a look!"


    "Last three Speed Talismans, big discounts, buy two get one free!!"


    "If you are lost, if you don''t know where your path lies,e and have the old monk divine for you! urate for calcting cultivation, rtionships, and wealth! No charge if not urate!"


    "..."


    Jian Huan observed her surroundings and listened attentively, passing by various stalls without making a sound.


    The Immortal Storage Tower was divided into two areas: one for buying and selling, and one for tasks.


    Most of the tasks in the task area were about teaming up to hunt monsters, and Jiang Mian''s swordswoman mother probably took such tasks to earn money.


    The buying and selling area had everything. Some stalls were ignored, but others were quite popr. Among them, one stall had the most people, with about eleven or twelve queuing, not knowing what was going on.


    Curious, Jian Huan walked over and stood on tiptoe to look for a while, but saw nothing.


    The brothers in line were all tall and strong, blocking the view very solidly.


    Next to her, a brother wearing ear rings frowned heavily, staring solemnly at the knife in his hand.


    Jian Huan leaned over to take a look, and saw a long crack on the knife, striking fear into the heart.


    "Wow, this knife is in a sorry state," she remarked.


    The brother turned his head, his expression still dazed: "Yes, we encountered a Flying Fox Hawk, and when I used the knife to cut it, the knife turned into this. It''s my fault, it had a small crack before, but I didn''t take it to heart."


    Jian Huan expressed her understanding andforted: "Please ept my condolences."


    The brother murmured: "If I had brought it here to repair earlier, it would have been better."


    Jian Huan guessed: "Brother, is this ce for repairing artifacts?"


    The brother nodded: "Yes, repairing artifacts outside is too expensive. This newly arrived artifact refiner is cheaper than outside, and it''s said that the repair quality is very good."


    So it was an artifact refiner.


    No wonder. She had noticed earlier that there were many attack-type cultivators like swordsmen and knife users in the Immortal Storage Tower, who gathered here to take tasks. During these tasks, artifacts inevitably got damaged, so good artifact refiners were in high demand.


    Looking at this bustling poprity, Jian Huan couldn''t help but feel envious.


    After a night, this artifact refiner could earn quite a bit, right?


    Jian Huan shook her head, just about to leave and find a suitable empty spot to set up a stall, when she saw the talisman seller next to her sell thest three Speed Talismans and pack up to leave.


    Without a word, Jian Huan rushed over and took the spot!


    First, this stall was originally for selling talismans, which was in line with her profession.


    Second, there was a very popr artifact refiner next door, so she could benefit from his traffic.


    Not bad, not bad,ing early is not as good asing at the right time!


    Jian Huan held eight talismans in her hand, stood at the stall, cleared her throat, and called out: "Talisman shop is open! Ten-kilometer Teleportation Talismans and Ten-kilometer Speed Talismans are only twenty spirit stones each! Limited quantities today, firste first served¡ª!"


    In the crowd, Shen Jizhi, who was inspecting the damaged knife in his hand, paused.


    Now that he heard the words ''Ten-kilometer Teleportation Talisman,'' he thought ofst night''s incident.


    Shen Jizhi slightly frowned and subconsciously looked in the direction of the voice.


    Naturally, he saw nothing.


    The owner of the knife was standing in that direction. Seeing Shen Jizhi look over, his heart tightened with anxiety: "Master, what''s wrong? Can''t my knife be repaired? Please, no matter what, repair my knife. It''s very important to me, I can''t live without it!"


    Shen Jizhi had to temporarily pull back his thoughts: "It can be repaired, but it will take time. Come back tomorrow afternoon to pick it up."


    The owner of the knife hesitated: "This¡ªyou''re taking my knife away?"


    There were many scammers in the Immortal Storage Tower. What if the knife was taken and the master didn''te back?!


    Such things had happened before!


    Shen Jizhi handed the knife back: "Yes, think it over yourself. If you want me to repair it, pay fifty spirit stones first, and after I give you the knife tomorrow, pay another hundred spirit stones."


    The owner of the knife hesitated, wanting to take it but not wanting to.


    This knife had cost two thousand spirit stones to buy, but subsequent modifications had also cost six hundred? Taking it elsewhere for repair would probably cost another six hundred...


    He currently had only two hundred spirit stones left in his pocket.


    Seeing this brother blocking the artifact refiner and not moving, the people behind him angrily urged: "Are you going to repair it or not? If not, move quickly, don''t you see so many people behind you?!"


    "That''s right, if you don''t trust the master, don''t ask him to repair it, move quickly, move quickly!"


    The knife owner was pushed out of the circle in a daze.


    As Jian Huan was talking to a customer who had been attracted by the noise, she subconsciously looked over.


    When the knife brother was pushed out, he just happened to tear open a gap in the tightly packed circle.


    Inside, the ck-robed man sat on a low chair, his face hidden by his hood, his eyebrows and eyes invisible.


    But beside him were tworge sacks, the mouths of the sacks open, revealing a messy assortment of various parts.


    Outside, the ck-robed woman stood at the table, promoting her talismans to several customers.


    The talismans were in her hand, the yellow color contrasting with her fair fingers, looking very familiar.


    The two almost simultaneously confirmed each other''s identities.


    The knife owner waspletely pushed out, and the gap was quickly filled by the crowd, breaking their gaze.


    ...


    "Master? Master??" The customer buying the talisman waved his hand in front of Jian Huan, signaling her toe back to her senses.


    Jian Huan suppressed the myriad thoughts in her heart: "What is it? Speak."


    "How can I be sure your talismans work? What if you''re a scammer?" There were many scammers in the Immortal Storage Tower, and everyone was cautious with new merchants, fearing they would scam money and run.


    Jian Huan: "I''ll be here tomorrow afternoon, you can buy it and try it, if it doesn''t work,e back to me."


    "Who knows if you''lle?"


    Jian Huan spread her hands: "Fellow cultivator, if this doesn''t work and that doesn''t work, I can''t do anything. The ten-kilometer Teleportation Talisman outside costs at least fifty spirit stones, I''m selling it for less than half the price, it''s already very fair."


    This was true.


    The price of twenty spirit stones was really tempting, which was why, even knowing there was a risk of being scammed, he still came over when he heard it.


    The Immortal Storage Tower had the risk of being scammed, but it was also a ce where you could find bargains.


    He held his broken sword, gritted his teeth, and said: "Then you make an oath!"


    An oath?


    Jian Huan didn''t hesitate, raised her hand: "If I scam you, I will stay at the Qi Refinement Stage for life."


    This was a toxic oath for cultivators.


    Unexpectedly, the other party wasn''t satisfied: "Change it."


    Jian Huan, who was always patient with money: "Change to what?"


    The other party: "If you scam me, you''ll be poor for life."


    The broken sword cultivator thought simply that these swindlers all loved money, and making them admit they were paupers was the real cure.


    "Holy crap."


    Jian Huan was shocked: "That''s a pretty harsh oath!"


    The other party raised their chin: "So, do you dare?"


    Jian Huan looked around at the surrounding crowd.


    She raised her hand solemnly and dered: "If my talismans are fake, I will be a pauper for life."


    Having said that, the broken sword cultivator lifted his ck robe, took out a Mustard Seed Pouch, and poured out a pile of spirit stones. He counted out twenty and handed them to Jian Huan: "One Teleportation Talisman."


    Jian Huan: "Why not buy a few more? Tonight''s the cheapest, tomorrow I''ll raise the price."


    The broken sword cultivator shook his head: "I still don''t quite trust you. I''ll buy one to try, and if it works, I''lle back for more."


    Jian Huan: "¡­Alright."


    The people around, seeing this, followed the broken sword cultivator and each cautiously bought just one.


    Fortunately, Jian Huan didn''t have many talismans, and the eight were quickly sold out.


    A few more people cameter, very annoyed at not being able to buy any.


    Jian Huan, hiding her smile under her hood, said: "No worries, I''ll be here again tomorrow afternoon. You''ll have toe early, or you''ll miss out again."


    After selling the talismans, Jian Huan counted her earnings. Tonight''s profit, plus what she brought with her, totaled over three hundred spirit stones.


    She nced at Shen Jizhi''s still crowded stall and didn''t leave. Instead, she wandered around and found a ce selling talisman paper. She bought three hundred sheets for just two hundred spirit stones, much cheaper than at the Treasure Pavilion.


    It was already the hour of Hai, and drawing three hundred talisman papers by tomorrow afternoon would be very tight.


    Jian Huan didn''t waste any more time and turned to leave.


    Shen Jizhi looked at the repaired artifacts he had collected and estimated the time, feeling it was about right.


    He stood up: "Thank you all for your patronage. Today''s quota is full. Pleasee again tomorrow afternoon."


    With that, he tied up two sacks, slung them over his shoulder, and left, following Jian Huan''s footsteps.


    As Jian Huan exited the Immortal Storage Tower and was about to enter the bamboo forest, she was stopped: "Wait."


    She turned around and, seeing Shen Jizhi, was slightly surprised.


    He still had a lot of people at his stall, so why had hee out?¡­


    Despite this, Jian Huan showed no sign of surprise on her face.


    She disyed just the right amount of curiosity: "Are you the master craftsman? What can I do for you?"


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a moment, about to reveal who he was, when Jian Huan spoke again: "Are you looking to buy talisman paper?"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    Jian Huan smiled: "It''s quite a coincidence, our stalls are right next to each other. I can give you a discount¡­"


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes and said softly: "Jian Huan, it''s me."


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"


    Jian Huan was shocked: "How did you know it was me?!"


    Damn, how did he recognize her?


    Shen Jizhi was concise: "Your hands weren''t covered."


    Jian Huan immediately raised her hands to look at them, not seeing anything special.


    The viin really was the viin, recognizing her just by her hands. Impressive.


    Shen Jizhi paused slightly and then said indifferently: "And you recognized me too."


    Jian Huan: "Didn''t you just say who you were?"


    Shen Jizhi calmly stated the fact: "I only said it was me."


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"


    Alright then.


    "Did you need something from me?" Since they had both recognized each other, Jian Huan didn''t bother with small talk. She was in a hurry to find an inn to draw talismans.


    Shen Jizhi took a step forward, stood beside her, and whispered softly: "Do you want to stay together tonight?"


    Jian Huan looked up, caught off guard: "Huh?"


    What the heck?


    Aliali: 67486ac8c4f3f33ac478693dShen Jizhi had overheard her saying she would be here again tomorrow afternoon: "You''re not returning to the sect tonight, right?"


    Jian Huan: "No¡­"


    Shen Jizhi nodded: "Neither am I."


    "I''ll be repairing artifacts all night. I booked a room at the Cuihua Inn beforeing, five hundred coins a night." Shen Jizhi lifted the pole on his shoulder, "You also need a ce to draw talismans, why not share? You pay two hundred fifty, I pay two hundred fifty, how about it?"


    "¡­¡­"


    Jian Huan looked up at him and refused: "Not how about it."


    Shen Jizhi seemed surprised she would refuse: "?"


    Jian Huan said seriously: "I can only ept two hundred forty-nine from me and two hundred fifty-one from you, how about it?"


    Shen Jizhi was a bit puzzled, not understanding why she was so insistent on one coin.


    But he didn''t ask and nodded decisively: "Alright."

 Chapter 9

    Approaching Immortal City is one of the seven major cities on the Nine Provinces Continent and is backed by the Jade rity Sect, so the prices for inns are always high.


    The room at Cuihua Inn, which costs five hundred coins per night, is the most cost-effective option Shen Jizhi found afterparing several ces.


    The location is secluded, and it''s alreadyte at night. The room at the far end of the second floor is still lit by candlelight.


    Jian Huan sits at the table, her brush on the talisman paper, making a rustling sound.


    Previously, it took her a quarter of an hour to draw a talisman, but now, after bing more proficient, she can draw two to three talismans in the same amount of time.


    For maximum efficiency, Jian Huan only draws Teleportation Talismans and Speed Talismans.


    Teleportation Talismans can save lives, and Speed Talismans can help with travel. They are essential talismans for any cultivator, widely used and in high demand, offering good profit margins.


    The intricate lines of the talismans are deeply etched in Jian Huan''s mind. The more she draws, the less she needs to think, her hand moving swiftly and confidently.


    Unlike her initial meticulousness, Jian Huan''s strokes have be increasingly hasty, almost flying off the paper, ready to break through the heavens.


    Shen Jizhi, who is sitting on the floor repairing his sword, seems to sense something and looks up at her.


    She is slightly bowing her head, her profile showing a serious and focused expression. Her delicate spine is straight, like a bamboo shoot striving to grow upwards.


    Shen Jizhi retracts his gaze.


    He rummages through the sack, picking out a piece of spirit iron that matches the broken sword''s material and attaches it to the sword. A dazzling array of five-colored spiritual energy slowly emanates from his palm, patiently and meticulously repairing the broken sword.


    A deep red candle by the window quietly burns, enveloping the two people in the room.


    The night grows even quieter.


    Outside the window, a dark cloud silently drifts past, covering the full moon and casting a shadow over the world below.


    The broken sword is restored, as if reborn.


    Just as Shen Jizhi is about to put the sword away, his brow suddenly furrows, and his newly repaired sword instantly flies out of his hand, heading straight towards a corner!


    A crisp sound echoes as the sword is kicked away by a man with a broken eyebrow who suddenly appears in mid-air.


    Jian Huan, who had been in a state of deep concentration, is startled, her brush stroke faltering, ruining a perfectly good talisman paper.


    This Teleportation Talisman was supposed to sell for twenty-five spirit stones tomorrow afternoon!


    Damn it!


    Jian Huan is furious. She quickly gathers her brush and talisman papers, deftly dodging to Shen Jizhi''s side, while ring at the culprit.


    The intruder is a middle-aged man with a broken eyebrow and thick lips. His voice sounds gurgly, and he grins, saying, "What a vignt child! Too bad you''re just two Qi Condensation wastes, what can your vignce do against me?"


    The man seems like a cat ying with its prey, not in a hurry to kill.


    He had been following Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi on the road, spotting two Qi Condensation cultivators carrying tworge sacks and a bag¡ªperfect targets for him.


    Both the man and the woman are quite good-looking, and he fancies both sexes. He ns to rob them first, then toy with them until they''re half-dead, and finally sell them to a brothel.


    Beforeing, he had ced a protective barrier around the room, so no one outside can hear themotion. These two could scream their lungs out and it wouldn''t matter.


    The thought alone is exhrating.


    The man with the broken eyebrow leisurely approaches the two, step by step.


    In his eyes, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi are like two shivering mice, huddling together under his threat.


    This is too amusing, heughs heartily.


    Jian Huan hides behind Shen Jizhi, secretly taking out a Teleportation Talisman while whispering, "Is this your enemy?"


    "No," Shen Jizhi replies, not taking the talisman, his gaze fixed on the man''s face, his eyes cold and calcting, like a hunter spotting his prey, "But I know him. His wanted poster hangs outside the Imperial Pacification Office. He''s the thief known as Shadowless Hand."


    The Imperial Pacification Office is a joint institution of the court and various sects, dedicated to capturing criminals with cultivation.


    Hearing this, Jian Huan''s eyes light up immediately. She takes a Teleportation Talisman for herself and hands one to Shen Jizhi: "How much is his bounty?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Three thousand spirit stones."


    "!" Jian Huan pauses, holding her breath, "What''s his cultivation level?"


    The two have been forced to the edge of the bed, with Jian Huan''s knees touching the bed frame.


    Shen Jizhi''s sword is already poised for action, and he quickly replies, "He''s ranked quite low on the bounty list, at Foundation Establishment sixthyer."


    Upon hearing this, Jian Huan doesn''t hesitate and takes back the Teleportation Talisman she was about to give to Shen Jizhi.


    If Shadowless Hand were at the Gold Core stage, Jian Huan would definitely use the Teleportation Talisman to escape.


    But since he''s at the Foundation Establishment stage, they can take a gamble. A gamble could turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!


    Jian Huan speaks quickly, proposing, "You go first and hold him off. I''ll draw a Thousand-Pound Talisman to help you. After we seed, we''ll split the reward evenly. How about it?"


    Shadowless Hand is already lunging forward. Shen Jizhi draws his sword and can only respond with one word: "Fine."


    Without another word, Jian Huan grabs her shabby bag from the bed and, clutching it, swiftly crawls under the bed.


    Shadowless Hand doesn''t pay attention to Jian Huan. She''s only at the firstyer of Qi Condensation and not an attack-type cultivator, so he doesn''t consider her a threat.


    As long as he subdues the man, the woman will be easy to handle.


    But Shen Jizhi is not easy to deal with.


    Unlike other cultivators who focus on height, he focuses on width, making his ascension difficult.


    Additionally, his cultivation level has always been low, so he''s extremely cautious when facing enemies, rarely engaging directly with Shadowless Hand and dodging around the room.


    "What a cunning mouse!" Shadowless Hand sneers, arge hammer appearing in his hand, which he swings fiercely at Shen Jizhi.


    A loud bang echoes as Shen Jizhi is mmed against the wall and slides down to the floor.


    Jian Huan, peeking from under the bed, sees Shen Jizhi quickly pour the contents of a bottle of Fasting Pills into his mouth and, using the momentum, rolls to Shadowless Hand''s feet, stabbing at his lower body with his sword.


    Instantly, a piercing scream pierces the air: "Ahhhhhhh!!!"


    Jian Huan quickly covers her ears, unable to help but think, What a vicious move.


    Shadowless Hand ispletely enraged, chasing Shen Jizhi around the room in a frenzy: "Ah¡ªyou have the guts! You little pretty boy with no balls! I''ll catch you, drain your blood, and turn you into a mummy!"


    After generously downing a whole bottle of Fasting Pills, Shen Jizhi remains silent, fleeing swiftly.


    The two are locked in a cat-and-mouse chase.


    Jian Huan isn''t idle either. She pulls out her Talisman Techniques Compendium from her bag and flips to the page on Thousand-Pound Talismans.


    Unlike Teleportation Talismans, Thousand-Pound Talismans are attack-type talismans.


    Attack-type talismans are much harder to draw than functional talismans. The Thousand-Pound Talisman is the simplest attack talisman, and Yu Qing, their teacher, had mentioned it in ss.


    Jian Huan lies under the bed, one hand spreading out the talisman paper, the other holding a jade bottle. She pries open the stopper with her thumb and, generously, downs a bottle of Fasting Pills.


    The entire bottle of Fasting Pills enters her dantian, infusing her body with a surge of spiritual energy.


    She picks up her brush and starts drawing without hesitation.


    Jian Huan has already drawn over thirty talismans tonight, and her hand is at its most fluid. Combined with her obsession and devotion to the three thousand spirit stones, she is drawing with divine inspiration.


    A quarter of an hourter, the Thousand-Pound Talisman isplete.


    Jian Huan carefully emerges from under the bed, watching the situation unfold.


    Using her high school physics knowledge, she roughly calctes the distance. As Shadowless Hand, chasing Shen Jizhi, approaches the bed, she leaps out, grabbing his leg with one hand and pping the Thousand-Pound Talisman on his waist with the other.


    The moment it''s attached, Shadowless Hand crashes to the ground with a thud.


    The Thousand-Pound Talisman weighs him down, making it difficult for him to move. He struggles furiously, roaring like a caged beast.


    He grits his teeth, a sh of ferocity in his eyes.


    He had no intention of using this self-destructive move, but these two have pushed him too far!


    Shadowless Hand''s fingers turn into ws, and with great difficulty, he raises his upper body, revealing his chest, about to reach for his own heart.


    Shen Jizhi rushes over and, controlling his strength, strikes Shadowless Hand''s head with his sword.


    He needs this man alive; if he dies, the reward will be halved.


    Shadowless Hand''s eyes roll back, and he faints.


    Jian Huan gets up from the floor, her gaze fixed on the Mustard Seed Pouch at Shadowless Hand''s waist. Without a word, she reaches for it.


    At the same time, another hand reaches out for the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    One Mustard Seed Pouch, two hands, neither willing to let go.


    Jian Huan looks up and meets Shen Jizhi''s gaze.

 Chapter 10

    The small room was inplete disarray, with tables and chairs toppled over and broken pieces of cups scattered everywhere.


    Jian Huan hadn''t escaped unscathed either.


    The cheap room, while appearing clean and tidy from the outside, was filled with dust and cobwebs under the bed. After crawling there for nearly half an hour, her light green clothes were covered in dust, like tender spring shoots coated in a thickyer of sand.


    Her high ponytail hade undone, with several strands of ck hair falling loose and clinging to her slender, fair neck.


    In the end, it was Shen Jizhi who let go first, though not in surrender.


    He said, "The usual rule - split it half and half."


    Jian Huan had no objections: "Fine."


    The Mustard Seed Pouch in her hand wasn''t much different from a regr purse. Made of indigo fabric, it was embroidered with a lifelike golden qilin that its owner clearly cherished.


    Jian Huan knelt beside the unconscious Shadowless Hand, trying forcefully to open the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    But after tugging at it for a while, well... the seal wouldn''t budge at all.


    Jian Huan pouted and tossed the Mustard Seed Pouch to Shen Jizhi in disgust.


    The Mustard Seed Pouch was bound to its owner, making it difficult for others to open.


    But Shen Jizhi was an equipment forger - there wasn''t a lock he couldn''t pick.


    Spiritual energy flowed from his fingertips as he gradually dissolved the spiritual threads binding the Shadowless Hand to the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Jian Huan switched from sitting to squatting, rubbed her hands together, and began searching the body with a mischievous grin.


    Her search was thorough, yielding one half-full bottle of wine, one hammer, one jade waist ornament, and one golden crown.


    Just then, Shen Jizhi had managed to open the Mustard Seed Pouch and emptied its contents.


    Several dozen spirit stones and over ten wine bottles emerged, though only two were full - the rest were empty.


    Jian Huan counted the spirit stones one by one, muttering, "How can a thief who made it onto the wanted list have so little on him?"


    Shen Jizhi replied coolly, "Fugitives usually don''t have much money."


    Jian Huan sighed, epting the reality: "True enough."


    Seemingly distrustful of Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi searched the Shadowless Hand again after she finished.


    Before searching, worried that the Shadowless Hand might wake up, Shen Jizhi dislocated both his arms, legs, and jaw.


    Hearing the crisp sound of bones and watching his fluid movements, Jian Huan asked suspiciously, "Do you do this often?"


    They say sword cultivators are usually upright and honorable, but looking at this one - despite his decent appearance, he fought dirty and didn''t hesitate to dislocate bones.


    Shen Jizhi: "Just asionally."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    He was being quite modest, wasn''t he?


    Jian Huan had searched thoroughly, and Shen Jizhi hadn''t found anything new. He stood on tiptoe, crouching down as his gaze slowly swept over the Shadowless Hand''s clothes.


    This fugitive''s clothes appeared to be of quite good quality.


    He lowered his eyes and began removing the clothes.


    Jian Huan, holding the thirty-one spirit stones she had counted, looked up at him with aplicated expression. Her gaze moved from his face to his hands, then back to his face, his waist, and his legs.


    She couldn''t help but sigh inwardly.


    Such beautiful hands, such a handsome face, such a lean and muscr waist - what a shame about the things he did for a living.


    Ah, if he wanted to, he could easily make a living with his looks. And his stamina was clearly good, his core strength presumably excellent too.


    But these were thoughts Jian Huan dared only keep to herself.


    ...


    With most of his bones dislocated, the Shadowless Handy there wearing nothing but...


    A pair of shorts and shoes.


    His boots were actually quite nice, but after some consideration, Shen Jizhi decided not to take them.


    Clothes could be cleaned with a few purification spells and remade into something new, but boots with foot odor¡ª


    Never mind.


    He did have standards, after all.


    Leaving the Shadowless Hand temporarily aside, they piled his belongings in the middle as Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi sat opposite each other to divide them.


    First were the thirty-one spirit stones.


    Jian Huan spoke first: "Sixteen for me, fifteen for you."


    Shen Jizhi wouldn''t argue over a single copper coin, but a spirit stone was worth fighting for: "Why?"


    Jian Huan crossed her arms and sneered: "You still owe me a hundred thousand spirit stones."


    "First of all, it''s ny-nine thousand nine hundred and ny-seven spirit stones," Shen Jizhi looked up, his light brown pupils reflecting Jian Huan''s figure, blood still at the corner of his mouth. "Secondly, that''s a separate matter. We can''t mix the two. I won''t short you what I owe, but we agreed to split this half and half."


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow and challenged: "How do we split it evenly? Break thest spirit stone in half?"


    Shen Jizhi: "We can exchange it at the money house for one tael, five hundred copper coins each."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan closed her eyes briefly, pushed fifteen spirit stones to him, kept fifteen for herself, and set one aside forter discussion.


    They each took one of the two full wine bottles, setting the half-full one aside.


    The hammer, jade waist ornament, and golden crown were all pushed over to him.


    Finally, there was the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    It was the most valuable item, and both Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan wanted it.


    They both knew the other wanted it and neither would easily give in, so the room fell into silence for a moment with neither speaking.


    Jian Huan nned to store her spirit stones, talismans, and other valuables in the Mustard Seed Pouch, and Shen Jizhi had simr intentions.


    In the Jade rity Sect''s wooden house, they could sleep together as man and woman without reservations.


    But sharing a Mustard Seed Pouch was absolutely out of the question.


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment: "I just checked, this Mustard Seed Pouch is about fifty square units. Perhaps I could try to split it into two twenty-five square unit pouches."


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up: "Then do it!"


    Shen Jizhi looked at her quietly: "But I don''t know how to do it right now."


    Jian Huan responded matter-of-factly: "Then learn!"


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    Learning doesn''t guarantee sess, does it?


    After a moment of silence, Shen Jizhi finally said: "I''ll try when we return to the sect."


    Jian Huan encouraged him: "You can definitely do it."


    Shen Jizhi lifted his lips perfunctorily and looked at the lone spirit stone: "This one spirit stone will be thebor cost."


    Jian Huan didn''t argue with him: "...Fine."


    Shen Jizhi took the spirit stone and put it in his robes, nodding to Jian Huan: "Thank you."


    Jian Huan scoffed: "You''re wee."


    As for the remaining items like the hammer, neither wanted them, so they decided to pawn them and split the money.


    Regarding the clothes¡ª


    Jian Huan looked at the mess around them: "You clean up this mess, and you can have the clothes."


    They would have to check out at dawn, and if thendy saw this state, she would definitely make them pay for damages.


    Better to let Shen Jizhi fix everything, repair the chair legs and such, to avoid payingpensation.


    Shen Jizhi had no objections: "Agreed."


    He kicked the Shadowless Hand under the bed and began cleaning up the mess.


    The table was already wobbling, and Jian Huany on the bed continuing to draw talismans.


    But drawing the Thousand-Jin talisman had nearly depleted her spiritual energy, and her Fasting Pills were...


    All gone. Exhausted and sleepy, she persisted in drawing fifty talismans before finallyying her head on the pillow and falling into deep sleep amid the sounds of Shen Jizhi''s repairs.


    Fixing tables and chairs was child''s y for Shen Jizhi, and he quickly restored the room to its original state.


    He was also very tired, but he still had several swords to repair, so he couldn''t sleep.


    He was different from Jian Huan.


    Though Jian Huan was poor now, she had no debts.


    He still had twenty debts to pay, plus the one to Jian Huan, making twenty-one in total.


    Thinking of this, Shen Jizhi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, forcing himself to squeeze out everyst bit of energy.


    The spiritual energy in his body was like a ttened tube of toothpaste - if you gritted your teeth and squeezed, there was still some left.


    His head was fuzzy, and a bone-deep pain swept through his entire body as the Shadowless Hand let out an agonized moan.


    His eyelids were heavy and wouldn''t open for a long while, but he could hear someone talking nearby - a clear female voice.


    "Oh, sir, please look, isn''t this the thief Shadowless Hand?"


    "...Indeed it is... how did you capture him?"


    "My senior brother and I were cultivating in our roomst night when he suddenly appeared to rob us. Fortunately, we reacted quickly and weren''t fooled!"


    "You were lucky then. This Shadowless Hand specifically targets Qi Condensation stage cultivators. Those who fall into his hands lose not just their money but often their virtue as well... but why isn''t he wearing clothes?"


    "Ahem," the girl paused, her tone bing evasive, "The fightst night was quite intense, and his clothes were identally torn off."


    "Oh, oh, I see..."


    "Sir, my senior brother and I are in a hurry, about the reward?"


    "Here, three thousand spirit stones, though you''ll need to provide your own Mustard Seed Pouch..."


    The girl eximed jubntly, her voice almost soaring: "We have one, we have one!"


    The sound of spirit stones pouring into the Mustard Seed Pouch was melodious and clear.


    After receiving the money, the girl bid farewell, "Thank you, sir. We''ll be on our way!"


    As the footsteps of two people gradually faded away, the half-conscious Shadowless Hand felt hatred rising in his palm, and his eyes suddenly snapped open.


    It was a summer afternoon, with scorching sunlight hanging high in the sky.


    The sky was pristinely blue without a trace of impurity, thick and fluffy white clouds were scattered about, and cicadas chirped incessantly.


    Due to the intense heat, there were few pedestrians on the street. A tall man in white robes with his hair tied up was effortlessly carrying tworge sacks, following beside a girl in green clothing.


    The girl, who was a head shorter than him, walked while keeping her head down, counting the spirit stones in her Mustard Seed Pouch: "...two thousand one hundred, two thousand one hundred and ten, two thousand one hundred and twenty..."


    The two walked slowly, the Mustard Seed Pouch swaying with their steps, revealing its indigo pattern...


    That was his Mustard Seed Pouch!!


    Shadowless Hand sat up straight, his hands reaching out involuntarily toward the two, but his arms remained limp at his sides.


    He widened his eyes and looked down, discovering that he couldn''t muster any strength in his limbs, and he was wearing nothing but white underwear!


    Shadowless Hand was so furious that his blood surged, and he could taste the distinct metallic vor in his throat.Aliali: 674932e7c4f3f33ac4838e86


    Since ancient times, he had always been the one robbing others! And even when he did rob people, he at least left them with some clothes!!


    These two people, these two people...


    With his dislocated jaw, Shadowless Hand could only mumble incoherently: "Ah-woo-wa-ah-gua¡ª"


    An official from the Imperial Pacification Office pped him: "Keep quiet, stop making noise!"


    Shadowless Hand was consumed by impotent rage, his face contorted: "Ahhhhhhh... Ahhhh!"


    Themotion was quite substantial, causing Jian Huan to look back, blowing a grateful kiss toward Shadowless Hand.


    She turned to whisper in Shen Jizhi''s ear: "This bounty was quite easy to earn, faster than my talisman painting."


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, rather speechless: "Wipe your mouth, you''re about to drool."


    Jian Huan pretended to wipe the corner of her mouth, looked up at the sky, and sincerely prayed to the sun: "I hope more like hime along, I''ll treat them well."


    Shen Jizhi: "."

 Chapter 11

    After receiving the reward from Shadowless Hand, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi pawned off their remaining belongings.


    Among the remaining items, only therge hammer was worth anything significant, selling for eight hundred spirit stones.


    Outside the pawnshop by the bridge, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood in the shade of a tree.


    The sun zed overhead, and there was no one around. Heat waves rose from the scorching ground, so hot that even a passing yellow dog was panting with its tongue out, hurrying along.


    With the spirit stones stored in the Mustard Seed Pouch, Jian Huan lowered her head to count them while Shen Jizhi stared without blinking.


    All told, this venture had earned them about 2,200 spirit stones each, plus a Mustard Seed Pouch.


    It could be said they''d made a killing.


    Jian Huan looked up and briefed Shen Jizhi on the general situation.


    Shen Jizhi had actually kept track of every amount in his head, and hearing that it matched his calctions, he nodded: "Mm."


    Jian Huan asked him: "Shall I keep it here for now and give you your share when we get back?"


    With so many spirit stones, keeping them in the Mustard Seed Pouch was more convenient.


    Currently, Jian Huan was managing the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Shen Jizhi nodded: "Fine."


    Jian Huan looked at him while gently tracing the patterns on the Mustard Seed Pouch, suddenly saying: "Actually, you don''t have to give me the hundred thousand spirit stones all at once. Why don''t you first repay me with these..."


    Shen Jizhi cut her off before she could finish: "Impossible."


    Jian Huan paused: "Why? Why can''t you repay me a portion first?"


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze fell on her as he calmly said: "Because you''re twenty-first in line."


    "What?" Jian Huan was confused.


    What was this about?


    "My master still has twenty outstanding debts, and those people found me before you did."


    Shen Jizhi exined casually as he picked up the sack and walked out of the shade into the sunlight, heading toward the other end of the bridge.


    Seeing him leave, Jian Huan quickly tucked the Mustard Seed Pouch into her clothes and hurried after him, asking curiously: "So how much do those twenty debts add up to?"


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a long while: "Just under two million."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She couldn''t help but worry.


    Would her turn evere in this lifetime?


    Yesterday, there had already been many people waiting at their stall.


    Arge crowd was waiting for Shen Jizhi - some had left their magical equipment with him for repairs, while others hade with broken items after hearing of his reputation.


    Jian Huan had only started setting up her stall yesterday, several days after Shen Jizhi, so her reputation hadn''t spread yet. Only one person was waiting for her.


    Cultivators came and went at the Immortal Storage Tower. After an hour passed and the people they were waiting for still hadn''t shown up,ints began to arise.


    "What''s going on? Don''t tell me I''ve run into another scammer! This is infuriating! I''ve already had three swords stolen from me at this Immortal Storage Tower! Can''t they do something about these fraudsters? I''m nevering back to this dump again!"


    "Maybe they were dyed by something on the way. I still feel that equipment master is trustworthy."


    "It shouldn''t be a scam. I''ve had him repair items three times already. The first two times he returned them, and the repairs were excellent! Really, even the masters outside who charge much more aren''t as skilled as him."


    "Well, we can only wait a bit longer..."


    Nearby, the Broken Sword Cultivator who had bought a Teleportation Talisman from Jian Huan yesterday listened anxiously to these conversations.


    However, he wasn''t worried about getting his broken sword back, but rather was anxious about not seeing the talisman master.


    Yesterday on the road, he had encountered the bandit Shadowless Hand, who, seeing that he was only at the Qi Condensation stage and unarmed, had tried to attack him.


    Usually, bandits who only wanted money weren''t too bad. But Shadowless Hand was notorious - he didn''t just rob, he also vited people''s... dignity, regardless of gender, using despicable methods.


    In his panic, the Broken Sword Cultivator had used the Teleportation Talisman he had bought.


    Usually, Teleportation Talismans sold outside would fall short of their imed distance - for instance, one iming to cover ten kilometers might only manage six or seven, and the more unscrupulous ones might only work for five hundred meters.


    There were even worse ones that would teleport you to an even more dangerous ce.


    The Broken Sword Cultivator had traveled far and wide over the years and met many people, including some sword cultivators who, because of these dishonest talisman masters, couldn''t escape during crucial moments and ultimately died in the mouths of demon beasts.


    But the Teleportation Talisman he bought yesterday was truly excellent!


    He was teleported directly to a forest ten kilometers away,nding in a tree.


    Although his bottom hurt from falling down, escaping from Shadowless Hand was truly fortunate!


    That''s why he had brought all his spirit stones early this morning and was waiting here miserably, hoping to buy all the talismans from that master.


    Talismans that were both cheap and effective weren''t something you could find every day.


    The Broken Sword Cultivator thought of this as he stood on tiptoes, looking expectantly.


    Suddenly, amotion arose, and the waiting crowd immediately surged toward the neers.


    The man who had just sworn never to return to the Immortal Storage Tower called out in a loud voice: "Master, you''re finally here! I knew you wouldn''t deceive us. How is it? Is my knife repaired?"


    Shen Jizhi nodded.


    The crowd made way for him, and he sat down in yesterday''s spot, opened the sack, and began distributing the repaired magical equipment while collecting payment.


    Just as the Broken Sword Cultivator was about to go collect his sword, he caught sight of Jian Huan behind the crowd.


    He hurriedly went to greet her: "Master!"


    Despite her ck robe, her height and indefinable personal aura made her recognizable to him, and she greeted him with some surprise: "It''s you? How was it? Did you use my Teleportation Talisman? How did it work?"


    The Broken Sword Cultivator replied: "It worked perfectly! It saved my lifest night! That bandit Shadowless Hand, you know of him, right?"


    Hearing this, Jian Huan maintained a calm expression and nodded, her hand unconsciously touching the location of the Mustard Seed Pouch through her ck robe.


    This one, she knew all too well.


    While listening to the Broken Sword Cultivator recount his miserable experience from the previous night, Jian Huan took out fifty talismans she had prepared from her clothes.


    She could have made more, but was dyed because of Shadowless Hand.


    As soon as she took out the talismans, the Broken Sword Cultivator immediately said: "I''ll take them all!"


    Jian Huan was stunned: "All of them?"


    She hadn''t even set up shop yet, and she was already sold out?


    The Broken Sword Cultivator nodded seriously and said: "Master, just name your price."


    Jian Huan thought for a moment. Yesterday she had sold twenty-one, and today she had nned to sell twenty-five.


    But given his generous offer to buy everything, Jian Huan gave him a discount, hoping it would bring good luck for future business: "Fifty talismans, same price as yesterday - one thousand spirit stones."


    Without hesitation, the Broken Sword Cultivator took out his Mustard Seed Pouch and poured out a pile of spirit stones.


    In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea since arriving, Jian Huan had alreadypleted a major transaction.


    She pretended to remain calm as she put the spirit stones into her own Mustard Seed Pouch.


    After making his purchase, the Broken Sword Cultivator didn''t leave. Instead, he took out a Xuantian Mirror and asked hesitantly: "Master, may I add you as a friend? So I can contact you through the Xuantian Mirror when I need talismans in the future."


    Jian Huan stared at the mirror in his hand, her eyes lighting up.


    After two months in this world, she had almost forgotten that for doing business... online was definitely faster than offline.


    She said: "Sure, but wait a moment. I''ll be right back."


    The Broken Sword Cultivator didn''t understand but nodded anyway.


    Jian Huan immediately turned and walked away quickly. She had seen a stall selling Xuantian Mirrors yesterday and, following her memory, found it. After haggling for a while, she bought the cheapest Xuantian Mirror for one thousand spirit stones.


    When paying, Jian Huan''s hands were trembling.


    "Master, will you be here tomorrow afternoon?" asked the knife owner who was lovingly holding his repaired knife. "I have a brother whose knife is also broken, and he wants to find someone to repair it. But he''s not in the city and won''t arrive until tomorrow."


    The Jade rity Sect only had one day off per month, so Shen Jizhi shook his head.


    The person asked again: "Then when will you next be here, Master?"


    Shen Jizhi had only started secretly setting up his equipment repair stall at the Immortal Storage Tower after making that talisman brush for Jian Huan.


    The Equipment Forging Hall regrly sent people to Approaching Immortal City to transport crafting materials, and Shen Jizhi would take advantage of these trips toe to the Immortal Storage Tower and take some private jobs.


    But the timing wasn''t fixed, so Shen Jizhi replied: "Hard to say."


    "Looks like we can only try our luck then," the person''s tone was clearly disappointed. "Master, if only you had a Xuantian Mirror, you could let us know when you''reing, and we could rush over."


    The surrounding cultivators all nodded in agreement: "Indeed."Aliali: 674932e7c4f3f33ac4838e86


    If these scattered cultivators weren''t so poor, they would have pooled their money to buy one for the master.


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi suddenly paused.


    Xuantian Mirrors were all expensive, starting at one thousand spirit stones.


    He had to repay the money by the fifteenth of next month, and he hadn''t gathered enough yet, so buying was impossible.


    However¡ª


    Shen Jizhi turned his head, ncing in Jian Huan''s direction.


    She was engrossed in an animated conversation with her customer, who seemed to be teaching her how to use the Xuantian Mirror.


    Shen Jizhi withdrew his gaze and beckoned to everyone with a curl of his finger.


    Everyone obediently drew closer.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes and said softly, "The person selling talismans next door lives with me. Adding her would be just the same."

 Chapter 12: 012

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    The Xuantian Mirror had two functions: one-on-onemunication and ess to the Xuantian Garden.


    In the Xuantian Garden, cultivators from all corners of the world gathered together, sharing various discussions and even posting or epting tasks, buying and selling items.


    The sword cultivator said to Jian Huan, "Master, you need to choose a Xuantian ID first so I can find you."


    The Xuantian Mirror was essentially a simple version of a phone, and Jian Huan quickly got the hang of it after a brief understanding.


    Hearing the sword cultivator''s words, she wrote a few characters on the mirror''s surface with flourishing strokes, then told the other party her ID: "Rich Talisman Seller."


    Soon, ripples appeared on Jian Huan''s mirror surface, showing that cultivator [Jian Tianxia] had be her friend.


    Jian Tianxia contentedly put away his Xuantian Mirror and cupped his hands towards Jian Huan: "Master Rich, I''ll go get my sword first. We''ll keep in touch for future talisman needs."


    Jian Huan, busy fiddling with her Xuantian Mirror, didn''t even look up as she replied, "Go ahead, go ahead."


    After Jian Tianxia bid farewell and disappeared into the crowd, three or four people almost simultaneously emerged from the same crowd.


    They approached Jian Huan with their newly repaired weapons, taking out their Xuantian Mirrors: "Master, could we add your Xuantian ID?"


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Her gaze swept over these people, then across the nearby crowd, and she nodded thoughtfully.


    She certainly wouldn''t refuse new connections.


    These were all potential customers.


    They traveled far and wide, ying monsters and beasts, with great demands for weapons and talismans.


    But she didn''t believe there wasn''t someone behind their simultaneous approach to add her.


    As for who that person was, it went without saying.


    When the moon rose above the willow tops, Shen Jizhi pushed open the door.


    With a creak, moonlight spilled in behind him.


    Inside, Jian Huan, who was drawing talismans, looked up and casually greeted him: "You''re back?"


    "Mm." Shen Jizhi ced tworge sacks he''d been carrying against the wall.


    Previously, he had kept these things in the Equipment Forging Hall.


    But now that there were many broken swords and damaged des he''d collected, it wasn''t convenient to do his private work openly in the Equipment Forging Hall, so it was better to do it at home.


    After all, she had already discovered it.


    After putting down the sacks, Shen Jizhi straightened up, his gaze falling on Jian Huan.


    Noticing his gaze, Jian Huan looked up with slight confusion: "Why are you looking at me?"


    Shen Jizhi withdrew his gaze, took out a meditation mat, and sat down.


    The hair bun on his head had be somewhat disheveled, so he simply removed the wooden hairpin, letting his long hair fall instantly, cascading over his shoulders.


    His loose hair softened his cold and frosty temperament, making his face appear even paler. That wless face, in the candlelight''s reflection, looked like fragile colored ss.


    He casually gathered his hair and looked at the items beside her: "You bought a Xuantian Mirror?"


    Here ites.


    She knew he would be the first to get restless!


    She''d make him pay dearly for this!


    That talisman brush, with all sorts of hints that it was made by other senior brothers from the Equipment Forging Hall, was clearly his handiwork!


    And secretly forging equipment at the Immortal Storage Tower, iming to be on night duty every few days recently and noting home: he was just secretly making extra money behind her back.


    Now that she had discovered it, he suddenly didn''t need to be on night duty tonight and even brought both sacks home.


    Such a dishonest man.


    Jian Huan turned her face aside, her long thick eyshes casting down... she picked up her brush again to draw talismans: "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi retied his hair: "That''s good, how much did you pay for it?"


    Jian Huan was drawing particrly smoothly, and replied without hesitation: "Two thousand spirit stones."


    Shen Jizhi''s eyshes flickered slightly, clearly not believing it: "Heh."


    Jian Huan red at him: "What are you ''heh-ing'' about?"


    Shen Jizhi pointed at the Xuantian Mirror from where he sat: "The cheapest one at the Treasure Pavilion is eighteen hundred, and you definitely couldn''t have bought one more expensive than that at the Immortal Storage Tower. Yours cost at most a thousand spirit stones."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan finished thest stroke, put aside the freshly made transportation talisman, and turned her back to him, making faces at the air: "What does it matter to you how much I paid? Why do you care if I bought it for one thousand or two thousand? What if I wanted to pay two thousand?"


    After a moment of silence, Shen Jizhi slowly revealed his intention: "I''ve asked my customers to add your Xuantian ID. If anyone contacts you about repairing magical tools and such, please let me know. Half the cost of the Xuantian Mirror can be added to the ount book."


    Jian Huan spread out a new talisman paper, and hearing this, she simply mimicked his earlier response: "Heh."


    Dream on!


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi sighed softly: "Then what do you suggest?"


    Jian Huan had already thought about this on her way back: "Record one thousand spirit stones in the ount, and you give me ten percent of every transaction through the Xuantian Mirror."


    Shen Jizhi sneered: "You only paid one thousand spirit stones for it."


    To record the full thousand in his ount and still want amission?


    Jian Huan shrugged, indifferently: "If you don''t want to record it in the ount, then you can give me five hundred spirit stones now."


    With that order number twenty-one, who knows when she''d get the money he owed her?


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Silence fell between them.


    After a while, Shen Jizhi made the first concession: "Recording one thousand is fine, but nomission."


    Jian Huan rolled her eyes: "I n to make this Xuantian ID big and strong, I need to promote myself extensively in the Xuantian Garden, and when your customers find me, I need to respond to them promptly. Doesn''t all this take effort? If your equipment forging wasn''t decent, and if we couldn''t expand our business scope and capture the market by working together, I wouldn''t even want to share a Xuantian ID with you!"


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi frowned, carefully considering.


    Some of the terms she used seemed to be her own creation, requiring some interpretation.


    But he understood the general meaning of her words, and soon, Shen Jizhi agreed.


    Seeing him nod, Jian Huan immediately added an entry to the ount book.


    The original hundred thousand spirit stones had been reduced to just over ny-nine thousand nine hundred, and now it was back up to a hundred thousand nine hundred plus.


    Jian Huan was secretly overjoyed.


    Days passed quietly between cultivation and drawing talismans.


    Ten dayster, Shen Jizhi sessfully split the storage pouch into two, greatly improving their living conditions.


    Previously, their small wooden house had been cramped with many things, but now everything that could be stored was kept in their respective storage pouches, making the space much brighter.


    That evening, Jian Huan was learning to draw invisibility talismans, but it wasn''t going very well.


    She threw down her brush, fell back, and shifted her body to prop her long legs against the wall.


    Her skirt immediately fell, revealing moon-white pants and slender, fair ankles.


    Jian Huan bunched up her skirt and pressed her waist against the wall corner.


    In modern times, Jian Huan had liked to use this position while using her phone.


    It was said to help slim down legs and waist, a habit she had maintained since college.


    She lifted her head, brushing aside her troublesome long hair, the ck glossy strands half-suspended in the air, floating slightly.


    ...


    Shen Jizhi quietly observed her movements, finally withdrawing his gaze without saying anything, and continued his handwork.


    After adjusting to afortable position, Jian Huan took out her Xuantian Mirror and began browsing the Xuantian Garden to change her mood.


    This time before bed was particrly lively in the Xuantian Garden, with all sorts of messages. Jian Huan would linger longer on anything that caught her interest.


    [Useless Cultivator: What should I do? I wasted another day, didn''t cultivate at all, justy in the fields all day, slept all day, now I''m really anxious.]


    [Most Handsome in Nine Realms: Are there any beautiful female cultivators? Message me, let''s cultivate together through dual cultivation.]


    [Heaven''s Chosen: Who''s that ahead? Are you Shen Jizhi? Are you the Buddhist Disciple? Are you Li Wen Xiu? How dare you im to be the most handsome?]


    [Little Fox: Hahaha the Buddhist Disciple would never call for dual cultivation, Senior Brother Li is in life-or-death seclusion and has no time for Xuantian Garden, and Senior Brother isn''t that type of person. Don''t know about Shen Jizhi though. Any Jade rity Sect disciples here to tell me what Shen Jizhi''s Xuantian ID is?]


    [Heaven''s Chosen: I want to know too, that sword practice scene a fellow daoist posted three years ago was truly breathtaking, but there''s so little information about Shen Jizhi.]


    [Jade rity Is My Home: Uh, Senior Brother Shen doesn''t have a Xuantian ID, and besides, Senior Brother Shen has a fianc¨¦e, so everyone should give up.]


    [Little Fox: What?]


    [Heaven''s Chosen: What??]


    [Useless Cultivator: What???]


    Jian Huan nced at the person who was hammering away at spirit iron, and wrote casually.


    [Rich Talisman Seller: What if they''re just pretending to be married?]


    [Jade rity Is My Home: Impossible, they live in the same house. A few days ago, my flying sword passed by identally, it was veryte, but there was still candlelight in their room, and some... sounds, if you know what I mean.]


    [Little Fox: What? What sound? Fellow Jade rity Sect disciple, please exin in detail!!]


    [Jade rity Is My Home: You know, that kind of... um, that sound, creaking and squeaking... I won''t say more, I''m going back to my room.]


    [Heaven''s Great Task: !!!]


    ...


    Instantly, countless onlookers emerged to flood the chat, expressing their shock.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    [Money Master with Talismans: Is it possible that the creaking sound is them sawing wood??]


    [Little Fox: Money Master, do you also like Shen Jizhi? I like him too, but let''s not fool ourselves - who saws wood in their roomte at night? My heart is broken, such a handsome man is already taken, wuwuwu...]


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Just as Jian Huan was feeling utterly speechless at how ridiculous the situation had be, that familiar sound came from the room again:


    "Creak¡ªCreak¡ª"


    Jian Huan nced over.


    Shen Jizhi was sitting in the corner, seriously sawing a piece of wood with a saw.


    Jian Huan put her feet down, nimbly crawled off the bed, and couldn''t help but shout: "Can you be a bit quieter?!"


    Immersed in his equipment forging world, Shen Jizhi''s hands paused at the shout.


    Aliali: 67497f30c4f3f33ac4879907He looked up, his eyes tinged with a hint of confusion: "?"


    Just then, Senior Tiger Fang, who was flying past overhead on his sword, suddenly halted.


    He poked his head out from his sword, looked down at the wooden house below, flew back to his own courtyard, and immediately took out his Xuantian Mirror.


    [Jade rity Is My Home: I''m home now, and I heard it again when passing by... um... Senior Brother and Junior Sister are very loving, everyone should stop having any ideas. Also, I''m at the Treasure Pavilion of the Jade rity Sect, if anyone needs any spiritual equipment, feel free to find me.]


    Upon seeing this post, Jian Huan: "..."


    She looked at the person who continued sawing wood and fanned herself with her hand, very annoyed: "Can''t you saw faster?"


    Shen Jizhi observed her expression, and finally gave a slow "Oh."


    He sped up his movements, and instantly, the creaking sounds came one after another.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She raised her hand to cover her face, not wanting to speak anymore.

 Chapter 13: 013

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    It took Jian Huan five days to sessfully draw the invisibility talisman.


    This time, she didn''t let Shen Jizhi test it; she tried it herself.


    The afternoon sun was bright, with cicadas chirping rhythmically.


    A ray of light pierced through the emerald leaves, falling on the window-side seat in the talisman hall.


    No one was sitting in the seat, but a Xuantian Mirror was floating in mid-air, its surface rippling with waves, producing characters one after another.


    [Money Money Talisman Shop: Friend Jian Tianxia, here are the instructions for the invisibility talisman.]


    [Money Money Brand Invisibility Talisman Instructions:


    1. Currently allows Qi Cultivation stage cultivators to be invisible for one incense stick''s duration. During invisibility, no spells can be used, or the effect will automatically fail;


    2. Regarding whether items on the body can be invisible simultaneously: If items are on the body before using the invisibility talisman, they can be hidden together. If added afterward, they cannot be hidden;


    3. The invisibility talisman only hides visual effects. If someone reaches out to touch, they can feel you. Use with caution, and avoid physical contact.]


    The other party replied quickly: [Good Master, how much for one invisibility talisman?]


    This invisibility talisman wasn''t particrly good, but it was the best Jian Huan could create at her current level.


    She thought for a moment: [They''re all thirty spirit stones each.]


    It seemed she needed to find a way to improve her cultivation level.


    The higher the cultivation level, the more expensive the talismans could be sold for.


    Currently, at thirty spirit stones per talisman, strictly speaking, it was all hard-earned money.


    She''d heard that Elder Yu Qing could sell a single talisman for thousands of spirit stones.


    On the Xuantian Mirror''s side, Jian Tianxia nodded at this price, which was close to what he had expected.


    Any more expensive, and there would be no point in buying invisibility talismans: might as well save up a bit more money to buy an invisibility robe, wouldn''t that be more cost-effective?


    Jian Tianxia turned his head and asked his resting teammates, "Do you want to buy invisibility talismans? Thirty spirit stones each."


    A teammate asked, "Is this from that Master Money you mentioned?"


    Jian Tianxia: "Yes, that''s right, it''s her."


    Teammate: "Her talismans work quite well. Get me five invisibility talismans, and five each of the teleportation and speed talismans."


    Other teammates chimed in with agreement.


    Jian Tianxia tallied up: [I need fifty teleportation talismans, fifty speed talismans, and fifty invisibility talismans.]


    Jian Huan instantly replied: [Alright, four thousand five hundred spirit stones.]


    Jian Tianxia: [Good, but we''re currently in the Demon Mist Forest and won''t be out for half a month, when we''ll rest at Azure Dragon City. Master, could you deliver them to Azure Dragon City then?]


    Azure Dragon City was quite far from the Jade rity Sect; even Golden Core stage cultivators would take three to five days flying on their swords, but the teleportation formation could arrive in an instant.


    There was a teleportation formation to Azure Dragon City in Approaching Immortal City, but it cost money.


    Jian Huan thought for a moment and asked: [How much does the teleportation formation from Approaching Immortal City to Azure Dragon City cost per trip?]


    Jian Tianxia: [About three hundred.]


    Jian Huan''s heart skipped a beat, feeling she couldn''t afford this shipping cost: [That''s a bit expensive. Could you cover the teleportation formation fee?]


    Jian Tianxia: [....]


    Jian Tianxia went to discuss with his teammates for a while before responding: [Master Money, we''re also short on money. How about we split the cost?]


    Holding the handle of the Xuantian Mirror, Jian Huan thought about those four thousand five hundred spirit stones, recalled what Shen Jizhi had said a few days ago, and with calcting light in her eyes, quickly made a decision: [Alright.]


    Just as Jian Huan put down the Xuantian Mirror and picked up her talisman brush, she heard someone asking outside the door.


    "Fellow Daoist, may I ask where Jian Huan is?" Gong Feihong stood on tiptoes, asking Jiang Mian who was about to enter the talisman hall.


    Jiang Mian, munching on a date cake, looked inside and replied indistinctly, "She was just here, not sure where she went."


    ...


    Gong Feihong seemed somewhat anxious: "Fellow Daoist, when she returns, please tell her that Gong Feihong came looking..."


    Before he could finish speaking, suddenly someone poked his arm, but he couldn''t see anyone.


    Gong Feihong jumped up like a startled cat, his hair standing on end: "Who? Who''s touching me?!"


    Jian Huan spoke up: "It''s me, Brother Feihong, what did you need me for?"


    Gong Feihong looked toward the direction of the voice but saw no one, tentatively asking: "Jian Huan??"


    Jiang Mian looked amazed and reached out to touch Jian Huan: "Your invisibility talisman worked!"


    After one incense stick''s time passed, Jian Huan''s figure appeared. Her eyebrows were filled with joy, and her tone was light: "Yes, it worked."


    She looked at Gong Feihong, asking curiously: "Why are you back? Did the training end so quickly?"


    Disciple training periods were never short; sometimes when encountering a secret realm, one could identally be trapped for a year or more.


    Gong Feihong had only been gone for about half a month?


    Gong Feihong thanked Jiang Mian, and while walking outside with Jian Huan,ined with a worried expression: "Don''t even mention it. As soon as we went down the mountain, we encountered an evil demon. One senior brother was seriously injured, and the others couldn''t handle it. If it weren''t for your teleportation and speed talismans, I might have died there."


    Jian Huan drew in a sharp breath: "That dangerous?"


    Gong Feihong nodded: "Our group brought senior brother back for treatment. The senior brothers and sisters n to gather more people and prepare thoroughly before going after that demon again."


    Jian Huan asked: "So you''re looking for me because you want more talismans?"


    "Yes! How many do you have left?" Gong Feihong said generously, "I''ll take them all, name your price."


    Jian Huan took out a stack of talismans from her robes.


    These were what she had been working overtime to draw over the past ten days, originally nning to save them up to sell at the Immortal Storage Tower.


    She handed them over: "There are one hundred and fifty talismans here. I''m currently selling them for thirty spirit stones each. But considering our friendship, I''ll give you a special price: just enough to clear my debt, how about that?"


    Gong Feihong naturally had no objections. He took the talismans and returned the IOU to Jian Huan.


    However, when returning the IOU, Gong Feihong seemed quite reluctant: "Actually, I still want to lend you money. Why don''t I just give you cash instead..."


    Jian Huan''s eyelid twitched, and she quickly snatched the IOU and tucked it into her robes: "What''s wrong with you, why are you always wanting people to owe you money?"


    Gong Feihong mumbled: "I just feel like you''ll achieve great things in the future."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan nodded heavily in agreement.


    Gong Feihong: "Now that we''re even, what if you be sessful and ignore me?"


    Jian Huan patted him, her expression unusually sincere: "Don''t worry, as long as you pay enough, I''ll definitely help!"


    Gong Feihong: "..."


    Jian Huan was drawing talismans in the talisman hall and lost track of time.


    Night had fallen, and it was already the hour of Zi. She packed up her things and ran toward the wooden cabin.


    The cabin was lit, warm candlelight slipping out through the half-open door, intertwining with the moonlight like glue.


    asional zither notes drifted out, though not forming a melody: presumably Shen Jizhi was repairing the instrument.


    Jian Huan suddenly stopped, her gaze falling on the half-open door. Her lively eyes rolled yfully as a mischievous idea came to mind.


    She took out an invisibility talisman from her robes, thinking about ying a prank on Shen Jizhi.


    But then she thought, this invisibility talisman could sell for thirty spirit stones...


    Never mind, he wasn''t worth it.


    Jian Huan put the invisibility talisman away and ran into the wooden cabin. Her first words were: "I cleared all my debts today, feeling light as a feather!"


    After speaking, she gave Shen Jizhi a meaningful sideways nce.


    With a ''ding'', Shen Jizhi identally touched a zither string, producing an unpleasant sound.


    He didn''t even raise his head, maintaining an aloof appearance as he parted his thin lips: "Oh, congrattions."


    Jian Huan inwardly spat in contempt, walked a few steps to sit on the bed, admired her ount book for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Shen Jizhi, didn''t you say a few days ago that you needed to go to Azure Dragon City to repay a debt on the fifteenth of next month?"


    That day when she asked if he wanted to go to the Immortal Storage Tower together on the fifteenth of next month, he had mentioned this.


    Shen Jizhi showed little interest, perfunctorily humming in agreement.


    Jian Huan was in quite a good mood: "I also need to go to Azure Dragon City. Want to share a teleportation formation?"


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "How do you n to share? The teleportation formation has one position per person, with inspections."


    Jian Huan pulled out a talisman from her robes, held it between her fingers, and smiled like a cat who had stolen cream: "I have this."


    Shen Jizhi looked at the yellow talisman paper, his heart slightly stirring: "An invisibility talisman?"


    Jian Huan nodded: "Yes, so do you want to share?"


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment.


    A round trip on the teleportation formation would cost six hundred spirit stones, making his heart ache just thinking about it.


    If they could share, they would each only need to pay three hundred.


    Aliali: 67497f35c4f3f33ac487995aShen Jizhi didn''t hesitate: "Alright, but let me be clear: I won''t pay for the invisibility talisman."


    Jian Huan: "...Understood."


    Considering that Jian Tianxia would pay for one teleportation trip and Shen Jizhi would pay for the other, she decided she would bear the cost of the two invisibility talismans herself.


    Jian Huan fell backward onto the bed and sighed, "There aren''t many people in this world as generous as I am."


    Shen Jizhi: "Heh heh."


    Jian Huan shot him a nce: "What, you don''t want to split the cost? Fine, we don''t have to. I have some money on me now, and it''s not like I can''t afford the teleportation array."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    "No," Shen Jizhi lifted his head and exined calmly, "That''s not what I meant."


    Jian Huan: "Then why are youughing?"


    Shen Jizhi replied with aposed face: "Oh, I''mughing at myself, still carrying so much debt."

 Chapter 14

    The teleportation array of Approaching Immortal City was located in the outskirts, within the Green Leaf Forest.


    Arriving here from Jade rity Sect, it was already the hour of Hai.


    Another month had passed, and the full moon was once again in the sky, but this month''s night was not as clear and bright asst month''s.


    A heavy rain had fallen in thete afternoon, and now the night sky was shrouded in thick clouds, obscuring the moon.


    The ground was still moist, remnants of the rain lingering.


    The essence of the midsummer season was hidden in the damp earth, carried by the wind, making the evening breeze feel hot and stuffy.


    Jian Huan stood at the edge of the Green Leaf Forest, pacing around a lush bamboo, asionally ncing towards the road.


    What was going on?


    Why hadn''t Shen Jizhi arrived yet?


    They had left Jade rity Sect together, but he still had to deliver goods to Immortal Storage Tower.


    Jian Huan, being alone, could only draw a limited number of talismans, and these days she had only drawn those for Jian Tianxia, with no extra talismans to sell at Immortal Storage Tower, so she hade here first to wait for him.


    She had thought he wouldn''t be toote, but unexpectedly, she had waited for half an hour.


    After pacing for over a thousand circles, Jian Huan suddenly felt dizzy and quickly stopped, leaning her hand on the green bamboo.


    The bamboo, under her force, bent to the other side, and the leaves on top rustled, as if a gust of wind had blown by.


    Shen Jizhi, who had just run over from the dark official road, instinctively looked over, his feet lightly tapping the ground, his dark green skirt fluttering without wind, and he was already close to Jian Huan.


    "What''s wrong with you?" he asked.


    Hearing his voice, Jian Huan instinctively looked up.


    Behind him was a sky filled with gloomy clouds, and the faint moonlight softened the sharp contours of his face like a sword, giving him a rare touch of human warmth.


    "Nothing, I just got dizzy from turning my head too much," Jian Huan said, looking at him, "You seem to have made quite a bit tonight?"


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    He had indeed made quite a bit tonight, but how did she know that?


    Shen Jizhi denied: "It''s the same as usual."


    He turned around: "Let''s go, it''s gettingte."


    Jian Huan grabbed his hem: "You''re lying to a ghost, you must have made quite a bit tonight."


    At this, Shen Jizhi didn''t speak.


    He lowered his eyes, carefully pulling his hem out of Jian Huan''s hand and smoothing it out.


    Shen Jizhi was wearing a new outfit today, ck gradually turning to dark green, with gold thread outlining auspicious beast patterns all over the fabric, making him look like an unworldly noble.


    A month ago, this outfit belonged to Shadowless Hand.


    It was true that clothes make the man, and the man makes the clothes.


    When Shadowless Hand wore this, Jian Huan didn''t realize how valuable the fabric was.


    Jian Huan stretched out her hand, tiptoeing in front of him, her white fingertips moving, her big eyes blinking: "Shen Jizhi, did you forget something?"


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a moment, then took out a spatial pouch from his bosom, counting out eighty spirit stones and handing them to her.


    Jian Huan happily epted them, her right shoulder bumping Shen Jizhi''s left arm, praising: "Not bad! You made eight hundred spirit stones just through the Xuantian Mirror, and you must have done a lot of business on the spot, you must have earned over a thousand today, right?"


    A slight unusual feeling came from his left arm, and Shen Jizhi frowned, instinctively moving away from her: "Don''t guess randomly."


    Jian Huan: "Okay, I got it."


    She walked slowly, counting the spirit stones one by one.


    Shen Jizhi followed a few steps behind, deep in thought.


    Eight hundred spirit stones in a month from the Xuantian Mirror...


    If he bit the bullet and bought a Xuantian Mirror himself, he wouldn''t have to give her a cut, which would be pretty good.


    But thinking about her replies on the Xuantian Mirror, with phrases like ''muah, hey, love you,e back next time, warrior brother, pretty sister''¡ª


    Forget it.


    He couldn''t do it.


    This money was meant for her to earn.


    At this time, there were not as many people at the teleportation array as during the day, but there were still a few peopleing and going.


    As they passed by, these people nced at Shen Jizhi strangely.


    Such a handsome man, why was he muttering to himself?


    What a pity, he was so young and already mad.


    The mad Shen Jizhi stood in the corner, his eyebrows like distant mountains in a traditional ink painting, now rising high, sharp and imposing.


    He gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger: "You let go."


    Behind Shen Jizhi, the invisible Jian Huan had her arms around his swan-like neck, her legs tightly hooked around his waist.


    Her eyebrows were also tightly furrowed, but no one could see it, her voice low: "If I let go, I''ll fall! You won''t even support my legs!"


    Shen Jizhi, with his hands hanging by his sides: "..."


    He shouldn''t have agreed to share the teleportation array.


    Jian Huan whispered: "Can''t you be a bit more sincere? Are you the kind of man who cares about propriety?"


    He didn''t seem like it, he was clearly more concerned about money.


    Besides, she didn''t care, so why should he?


    Shen Jizhi''s forehead twitched, feeling annoyed: "I don''t like anyone getting close to me."


    Jian Huan rolled her eyes: "Do you think I want to? If it weren''t to save money, I wouldn''t want you to carry me."


    Shen Jizhi: "Anyway, I can''t walk like this."


    Jian Huan: "Then reach out and support my knee bend, otherwise, if you don''t let me hook my legs around your waist, I''ll fall."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    For a moment, the two were at a stalemate.


    At this moment, a middle-aged man hurried by, reaching the entrance of the teleportation array.


    Six guards from the city lord''s mansion stood guard at the entrance,


    The white jade pirs glowed in the night, and the que supported by the pirs had the words ''Approaching Immortal City'' written in a sword-like script, the work of the Jade rity Sect''s Sect Leader.


    This teleportation array was a coboration between Approaching Immortal City and Jade rity Sect, with the city lord in charge of operations and Jade rity Sect providing technical support.


    Jade rity Sect received arge sum of money from the teleportation array every year.


    "I want to go to Azure Dragon City," the middle-aged man stopped, taking out three hundred spirit stones from his chest and handing them to the money collector.


    The collector waved his hand, and the middle-aged man stepped into the entrance.


    Suddenly, the white jade pirs lit up, and a boy behind the middle-aged man appeared.


    The middle-aged man was still in a daze, staring at the lit pirs, looking confused.


    A guard walked over, grabbing the boy with one hand and the middle-aged man with the other, throwing them both outside, and said sternly: "Using an invisibility talisman incurs a three hundred fine, get lost!"


    The middle-aged man groaned, falling to the ground and rubbing his bruised butt.


    The boy beside him blushed, wanting to find a crack in the ground to hide in under everyone''s gaze.


    He stood up, quickly helping his father, and both knowing they were in the wrong, covered their faces and fled.


    However, as they were about to leave the Green Leaf Forest, a skinny man stopped them.


    Shen Jizhi and ''Jian Huan'' silently watched the whole process.


    The money collector at the table didn''t know where he had grabbed a handful of melon seeds, the sound of cracking seeds resounding here and there.


    His gaze slowly swept over the crowd, implying: "This is the gate that was reced a few days ago, with a formation drawn by Elder Yu Qing of Jade rity Sect, specifically for identifying those using invisibility talismans. In just a few days, over thirty people have been caught, tsk tsk..."


    Jian Huan silently let go of her hands and legs, sliding down from Shen Jizhi''s back.


    Alright.


    She just wondered why Elder Yu Qing had been so busy recently, she could only find him once out of three times when she went to Elder Hall to ask about talismans.


    So he was busy with this...


    Jian Huan poked Shen Jizhi, whispering: "What now?"


    Shen Jizhi had been observing the father and son who had been exposed, deep in thought.


    The father and son followed the man away, and soon, the man returned, squatting under a bamboo, his sunken eyes looking around.


    It seemed he was looking for a target.


    Shen Jizhi, unable to see Jian Huan, said casually upon hearing her: "You have money, you can take the teleportation array."


    With that, he walked away.


    What a vengeful man.


    Jian Huan was so angry she gnashed her teeth, following behind Shen Jizhi, making faces and kicking at him.


    There was no wind now, but Shen Jizhi could feel the small gusts behind him.


    He didn''t care, walking to that spot and standing next to the man.


    The man looked up, puzzled at this sudden appearance.


    Shen Jizhi stood straight, looking into the distance, and said indifferently: "Do you have another way to Azure Dragon City?"


    The man''s eyes showed some surprise, ncing at Shen Jizhi''s dark green hem: "Yes, but sir, you''re not taking the teleportation array?"


    Rich people usually took the teleportation array, this man looked very rich.


    Shen Jizhi: "No, I''m not."


    The man''s eyes gleamed with a shrewd light as he quickly stood up, "That''s quite a coincidence. There''s a carriage going to Azure Dragon City that uses spirit horses. It can get there by tomorrow morning at thetest."


    Shen Jizhi: "How much for a trip?"


    The man extended one finger, "One hundred spirit stones."


    Shen Jizhi decisively agreed, "Deal."


    The man grinned obsequiously, "Alright, sir. However, the carriage needs ten people to depart, and we''re currently one short."


    Shen Jizhi replied indifferently, "No problem, I have two here."


    The man scratched his head, "Ah?"


    Jian Huan, who had been crouching on the ground and smearing mud on Shen Jizhi''s back, quickly revealed herself upon hearing this.


    She poked her head out from Shen Jizhi''s left side and waved at the man, "Hi, and here''s me."


    Shen Jizhi took a step back, putting some distance between himself and Jian Huan.


    He nced at Jian Huan''s muddy hand, and with a wave of his spiritual energy, he was refreshed, the dirt falling away.


    The carriage man looked at Shen Jizhi, then at the suddenly appearing Jian Huan, and everything became clear to him.


    He chuckled, beckoning to the two, "Please follow me quickly, we''ve got enough people now, we can leave right away!"


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi followed him.


    She sized up the carriage man from behind, while unskillfully using a cleansing spell to clean her hands, and said, "Generally speaking, this kind of act is called taking an unlicensed carriage. Unlicensed carriages are very unreliable; they might demand more money halfway, or even sell us off."


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes and said only one thing, "He''s only at the sixth level of Qi Condensation."Aliali: 674b4dadc4f3f33ac4a0a0fe


    Even if he had aplices, they could still give it a try.


    At worst, there was Jian Huan''s teleportation talisman.


    Jian Huan understood his meaning and, thinking of the Shadowless Hand who was at the Foundation Establishment level, curiously asked, "Is he... not on the wanted list?"


    Shen Jizhi was someone who had memorized the long list of wanted posters by heart, and he shook his head, "No, he''s not."


    "Alright," Jian Huan was a bit disappointed, but her eyes suddenly lit up, "His horse is really nice."


    Shen Jizhi didn''t respond, his dark eyes also fixed on the spirit horse.


    The spirit horse was about to take off, and was currently eating spirit grass.


    For some reason, the horse suddenly felt a chill all over and uneasily lifted one of its legs, letting out a neigh.


    The carriage man ran over, soothingly stroking the horse''s head.


    He half-hugged the horse, turned back, and grinned at Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, showing two rows of teeth that were so white they almost glowed, urging, "Please board quickly, esteemed guests, we''re about to depart."

 Chapter 15

    As Jian Huan jumped off the carriage, the bright sunlight forced her to close her eyes instinctively.


    After a night of drowsy, bumpy travel inside the carriage, the sight of the lush greenery around her gave her a sense of disorientation, as if she had traveled through time.


    The carriage owner, Ma Congcong, led the spirit horse, lovingly patting its back while grinning at everyone: "We''ve arrived at Azure Dragon City. The city gate is right over there. If you ever need a ride again, you can find me. My Xuantian ID is Ma Congcong."


    The others bowed to Ma Congcong before dispersing, some going alone, some in pairs, blending into the crowd entering the city and gradually disappearing from sight.


    Jian Huan shielded her eyes with her hand, squinting towards the city gate under the direct sunlight.


    No matter if she looked from left to right or right to left, the characters ''Azure Dragon City'' were unmistakable.


    Absolutely genuine.


    Shen Jizhi stood behind her, equally silent.


    Neither of them had dared to sleep on the carriagest night, staying vignt in case Ma Congcong had any tricks up his sleeve, ready to react immediately.


    But¡ª


    Ma Congcong had shown no signs of any tricks throughout the journey.


    For a moment, both of them felt aplex mix of emotions.


    Unable to tell if they were disappointed or relieved.


    Ma Congcong looked curiously at these two passengers: "Uh, is there anything else you need?"


    Jian Huan snapped back to reality, took out her Xuantian Mirror, added Ma Congcong, and asked: "Brother Ma, will your carriage be flying back to Approaching Immortal City tonight?"


    Ma Congcong looked a bit embarrassed: "Not tonight. I''ll let the horse rest, and we''ll head back tomorrow."


    Jian Huan: "I see. Do you know of any other drivers?"


    She and Shen Jizhi still had to return tonight.


    Ma Congcong smiled: "You can check the teleportation array. There are actually many people like me around there, but they don''t openly do business. You should be able to find someone if you look around."


    Jian Huan sped her hands: "Thank you!"


    She nced at Shen Jizhi, who was still affectionately stroking the horse, and waved her hand, calling out: "Stop looking, let''s go."


    Jian Tianxia was waiting for Jian Huan at the city gate.


    They had been chatting on the Xuantian Mirror for nearly a month, and Jian Huan''s intuition told her that Jian Tianxia was a good person, so she didn''t bother to cover her face.


    Jian Tianxia also didn''t cover his face. He was a spirited young man, quite handsome, with a sword on his back and healthy, tanned skin.


    Jian Huan handed over a stack of talismans wrapped in white paper, and Jian Tianxia handed her a bundle.


    The bundle was heavy, instantly filling the void in her heart with satisfaction.


    Jian Tianxia seemed a bit embarrassed.


    He hadn''t expected the talisman master to be so young and beautiful.


    "Master Qian, my teammates are waiting for me at the teleportation array, I have to hurry back," he said. Normally, he would count the talismans in front of the seller, but with such a beautiful master, he didn''t think she would need to cheat.


    If she wanted to cheat, she wouldn''t be selling talismans; there were plenty of men willing to be deceived by her.


    Jian Huan opened the bundle and checked to make sure there were no stones mixed in, then weighed it, feeling it was about right.


    It wasn''t suitable to show off wealth in a crowded ce like this, so she didn''t count the stones one by one.


    "Yes, yes, you should hurry," Jian Huan was very friendly to her customers, her eyes smiling, "Be careful on your way, and you can always find me if you need anything in the future."


    Jian Tianxia hurriedly nodded, clutched the talismans, and ran off.


    Shen Jizhi watched Jian Tianxia leave, saw him take the wrong path and then return, running towards another street.


    He snorted inwardly at this, then shifted his gaze to Jian Huan''s face, filled with curiosity.


    Unexpectedly, Jian Huan suddenly turned her head.


    She was quite surprised: "Why are you still here?"


    She thought he had left long ago, but he had actually been standing quietly behind her?


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze slightly froze, then he calmly withdrew it, took a step, and left a sentence: "If I had known this, why didn''t you entrust this matter to me? I would only charge you three..."


    Jian Huan felt like everyone around her was giving her malicious looks.


    She carefully hugged the bundle, following Shen Jizhi, and retorted directly: "If I had known this, why didn''t you entrust your debt repayment to me? I wouldn''t even charge you any stones."


    In modern times, when she was a child, she didn''t even want her parents to handle her red envelopes.


    Who was he? He wanted to handle her four thousand and five stones?


    Dream on.


    Shen Jizhi felt a bit mocked because of the three stones: "¡­¡­"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her: "Why are you following me?"


    Jian Huan chuckled: "You watched my entire transaction process. It''s only fair that I watch your debt repayment process."


    In truth, she was curious and wanted to know how much he owed.


    This man was a tight-lipped person. If he didn''t want to talk about something, it would stay buried in his heart forever.


    Shen Jizhi refused: "No."


    Jian Huan spread her hands: "Rejection invalid. You could have left earlier, why did you stay?"


    Shen Jizhi fell silent.


    He also wondered to himself why he hadn''t left earlier.


    Jian Huan kindly exined a human weakness for him: "I understand, everyone has a curiosity to peek into others'' privacy. I can overlook it. But please also satisfy my curiosity."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    Unable to refute.


    She always had strange, twisted logic.


    In the main hall of the Chu family, Jian Huan sat next to Shen Jizhi.


    Chu family servants filed in, serving them tea, apanied by snacks to go with the tea, and fresh fruits to cleanse the pte.


    These were just ordinary foods formoners, but they brightened Jian Huan''s eyes.


    At Jade rity Sect, every day was about Fasting Pills, asionally having spiritual food to change the taste.


    But soft, sweet cakes, watermelons glistening with water, and plump purple grapes had been absent for a long time.


    Jian Huan picked up a lotus seed cake, took a light bite, and the fragrant lotus vor mixed with sugar''s sweetness spread on her tongue, sweetening her heart.


    The butler hurried in, bowed to the two, and said to Shen Jizhi: "Master Shen, Master Chu is out on business today. I''ve just sent someone to call him back, please wait a moment."


    Shen Jizhi owed money to their Master Chu, the butler knew. But no matter how much Shen Jizhi owed, he was a direct disciple of Jade rity Sect, and he had to be treated well when he came.


    Master Chu had said, one matter at a time.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t touch any of the cakes or fruits, not even the tea.


    He avoided the butler''s bow, as always, keeping a distance: "Thank you."


    The butler knew his personality and didn''t say more, just left after giving instructions, leaving the ce to Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan.


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes and sat down to circte his spiritual energy.


    Jian Huan held a teacup in one hand and a cake in the other, her eyes wandering around.


    The Chu family''s furniture looked a bit old, but theyout was well-thought-out, like a once-wealthy family that had fallen on hard times.


    She finished the cake, took a big gulp of tea, took out her Xuantian Mirror, and tapped on Gong Feihong''s Xuantian ID.


    [Qian Duo Duo has talismans: Brother Feihong, do you know the background of the Chu family in Azure Dragon City?]


    That day, Gong Feihong came to get talismans from her, and they exchanged Xuantian IDs, adding each otherter.


    It turned out that Gong Feihong was a Xuantian Mirror enthusiast. As long as it wasn''t an emergency, he could reply instantly to any message, always ready to respond.


    As the direct son of the Gong family, he knew a lot about the Nine Provinces Continent, a veritable walking encyclopedia.


    Jian Huan treated him like a Baidu.


    [Gong Feifei: The Chu family in Azure Dragon City? I have some impression. The previous head of the Chu family, it seems, was also a disciple of our Jade rity Sect.]


    [Qian Duo Duo has talismans: Really? What else?]


    [Gong Feifei: I don''t know the specifics, I''ll ask our senior brothers and sisters for you!]


    [Qian Duo Duo has talismans: Great, hurry up!]


    Jian Huan put down her Xuantian Mirror and focused on drinking tea and eating.


    After she refilled her teacup three times and finished a te of cakes, Gong Feihong returned.


    [Gong Feifei: ! Are you asking for Brother Shen?]


    [Qian Duo Duo has talismans: Well... what''s the matter?]


    [Gong Feifei: The head of the Chu family two hundred years ago was quite close to Brother Shen''s master. It''s said he borrowed a lot of money from Elder Gu. Unfortunately, he didn''t seed in ascending to the Nascent Soul stage and died during the thunder tribtion.]


    [Gong Feifei: The descendants of the Chu family don''t seem to have much talent for cultivation, but a dying camel is still bigger than a horse. They should be living well in the human world.]


    Jian Huan looked at the spacious, bright hall and the imposing gate outside, nodding.


    Indeed, they were doing well.


    Gong Feihong was still talking when an old man with white hair, hunched over, walked in from outside, followed by the butler.


    Jian Huan said goodbye to Gong Feihong while unobtrusively observing the old man.


    It seems that Master Chu had been informed by the steward, as he greeted Jian Huan first: "Greetings, Jian the Immortal."


    Jian Huan quickly stood up: "Good day, Master Chu."


    Master Chu is over seventy years old, making him a senior to Jian Huan in age.


    However, Shen Jizhi''s master is several hundred years old, and Master Chu''s great-great-great-grandfather was of the same generation as Shen Jizhi''s master.


    Shen Jizhi is only one generation younger than his master, so by that reckoning, Master Chu should address both of them as ancestors...


    Master Chu''s face is wrinkled with age, and he looks very tired, but his eyes remain sharp.


    He nced at the empty te in front of Jian Huan and gave the steward a look.


    The steward quickly gave instructions to the servants.


    Master Chu forced a smile: "Our hospitality iscking; please forgive us, Jian the Immortal."


    Jian Huan waved his hand: "Not at all, not at all. You''re too kind."


    After exchanging pleasantries, Master Chu approached Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi took out a Mustard Seed Pouch from his robe and pulled out arge sack.


    When the sack was ced on the ground, it made a faint clinking sound like small stones.Aliali: 674b4422c4f3f33ac4a005c8


    Shen Jizhi said: "Master Chu, this is the thirty thousand spirit stones my master owes your family. Please take a look."


    Jian Huan: "!"


    Wow, he actually managed to save thirty thousand!


    Master Chu didn''t even nce at the sack of spirit stones.


    He let out a long breath, as if deting, and his knees buckled as he was about to kneel.


    Shen Jizhi frowned and reacted quickly, catching him: "Master Chu, what is this...?"


    Master Chu''s face was filled with sorrow, and his aged hands, covered in age spots, gripped Shen Jizhi''s arm, trembling: "My only granddaughter has gone missing, it''s been ten days, and no matter how we search, we can''t find her. I''ve also asked many cultivators for help, but still, nothing. Shen the Immortal, I beg you to help me with this. Chu Chu is thest hope of our Chu family. These thirty thousand spirit stones can serve as a token of gratitude."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi was taken aback and instinctively looked at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan was holding a grape, but identally, it slipped from her hand and rolled on the ground, finally stopping at Shen Jizhi''s feet.


    She too was looking at him.

 Chapter 16

    Young Miss Chu lived in the west wing of the Chu household. The pale pink bed curtains were tied to the bedposts with tender green cords, revealing the child''s quilt.


    The quilt remained unmade, soft and piled on the bed, with a corner hanging over the edge, embroidered with a lifelike little tiger, its head and face full of naivety and cuteness.


    Young Miss Chu was five years old, born in the Year of the Tiger. When she was three, Master Chu took his granddaughter to test her spiritual roots and found she had dual spiritual roots.


    The Chu family was overjoyed. They had nned to keep the child for a few more years and then, when she turned ten, have her join the Jade rity Sect.


    This was also why Master Chu went to the Jade rity Sect two years ago to reim those thirty thousand spiritual stones.


    He was doing it for his granddaughter''s future.


    Unfortunately, the little girl who was heavily anticipated by the family disappeared from the house.


    Master Chu stood at the door, supported by the butler, unable to bring himself to enter.


    The older one gets, the softer the heart bes. In recent years, his daughter-inw, son, and daughter-inw passed away one after another, and Master Chu could still manage to preside over the family affairs.


    But now, with his only granddaughter missing, Master Chu couldn''t even bring himself to step into the room.


    Once inside, seeing Chu Chu''s clothes, the kites she yed with, the books she read, there was a lump in his chest that made it hard to breathe.


    Nanny took over, following Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi and detailing what happened that night: "On the night Young Miss disappeared, I personally covered her with the quilt, saw her fall asleep, and then I went to wash up. When I returned¡ª" Nanny paused, her eyes reddening, "Young Miss was gone."


    Jian Huan listened, nodding and muttering to herself.


    The experiences from these three months of transmigration were more abundant than her entire twenty-plus years of the previous life.


    She had slept in a haystack, set up a street stall, caught a robber, and now... investigated a case?


    Jian Huan moved around the room, inspecting it, and stood by the window looking down.


    The view from this youngdy''s room was excellent; from the window, one could see the lotus pond in the backyard.


    She asked Nanny, "Did you hear any unusual sounds that night?"


    Over the past ten days, Master Chu had reported the case and also hired several groups of cultivators. These people had questioned Nanny multiple times, all asking simr questions.


    Nanny''s answer remained the same: "No, I heard nothing."


    Shen Jizhi stood with his hands behind his back by the bed, asking Master Chu, who was outside the threshold, "Did the cultivators you hired use Tracking Butterflies?"


    Tracking Butterflies were a type of low-grade spiritual beast used to find people. If they sniffed an item belonging to the person they were tracking, the butterflies would fly along the path the person had taken.


    In theory, Tracking Butterflies should have been used the night she went missing for the best results.


    Master Chu replied, "Yes, they were used, but the Tracking Butterflies showed no reaction, just flying around the room."


    That meant no trace was left behind.


    The person who abducted Chu Chu must have been a cultivator with some skill, able to evade the Tracking Butterflies'' detection.


    Jian Huan inquired about Chu Chu''s whereabouts in the days before her disappearance. Nanny said that Chu Chu had been suffering from a mild heatstroke and had been resting at home, not going out.


    The servants in the Chu household had all been questioned in detail by Master Chu, and the previous investigators had also checked them, finding no suspicious points.


    Master Chu even spent arge sum to hire a Golden Core Stage cultivator, but the cultivator also expressed his inability to help, suggesting Master Chu seek a Nascent Soul Stage expert.


    However, such a high-ranking figure would nevere to investigate the whereabouts of a little girl from an ordinary wealthy family.


    Could a missing girl from a merchant family really bring the Minister of Justice to personally investigate the case?


    Of course not.


    Seeing that Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had no leads, Master Chu''s hope gradually faded.


    Even the Golden Core Stage cultivator had no solution; could these two young people really find her? It was just ast-ditch effort.


    Master Chu rubbed his temples, looking like a candle flickering in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment.


    "Shen Zhenren, Jian Zhenren, I am feeling quite tired. If you need anything, speak to the butler. I will retire to my room to rest," Master Chu said.


    The butler arranged two bedrooms, as per Jian Huan''s request, right below Chu Chu''s room.


    The window was open, and the garden breeze blew in, making the candlelight flicker.


    A faint scent of lotus seemed to be hidden in the wind.


    Having agreed to Master Chu, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi would not return to the Jade rity Sect for the time being.


    She took out the Xuantian Mirror and contacted Jiang Mian.


    [Money Bags with Talisman: Mianmian, help me, please.]


    [Cotton Candy: What''s up?]


    Jian Huan briefly exined the situation at the Chu household to Jiang Mian, omitting the thirty thousand spiritual stones.


    [Money Bags with Talisman: Please inform Elder Yu Qing that I will return to the sect after finding Chu Chu. Also, tell the Equipment Forging Hall''s head that Shen Jizhi is the same.]


    [Cotton Candy: Sure! How coincidental, I just saw Elder Yu Qing flying past, I''ll call him now!]


    [Money Bags with Talisman: By the way, ask Elder Yu Qing for his Xuantian Mirror ID so I can consult him about talismans while I''m out!]


    After waiting for a while.


    [Cotton Candy: Done, Elder Yu Qing said he understands and told you to be careful. Also, Elder Yu Qing didn''t give me his ID, just asked for yours.]


    [Money Bags with Talisman: Thanks, I''ll treat you to the cafeteria when I get back!]


    [Cotton Candy: Great, when youe back, bring me a few boxes of lotus cakes from Linxian City.]


    [Money Bags with Talisman: No problem.]


    Jian Huan put away the Xuantian Mirror, leaned out of the window, and looked at the adjacent window.


    There, a vague shadow stood, waiting for her response.


    Jian Huan told him, "I''ve informed them for you too."


    Shen Jizhi''s voice came through, "Thank you."


    Jian Huan asked, "Any thoughts on this case?"


    Shen Jizhi replied, "None yet."


    Jian Huan chuckled, "Then you can head back, I don''t mind earning the thirty thousand alone."


    Shen Jizhi looked up, "Do you have any?"


    Jian Huan shrugged, "Of course, this isn''t too hard for me."


    Shen Jizhi didn''t believe her, "Hmph."


    Jian Huan rolled her eyes, "Believe it or not."


    With a bang, she mmed the window shut and ignored him.


    Jian Huan took out the Talisman Compendium from her Mustard Seed Pouch and flipped through it, looking for any talismans that could be used to find someone.


    The Talisman Compendium was thick, and Jian Huan flipped through it quickly, finding none suitable.


    Until she reached the second-grade talismans at the back, she started to feel dizzy after just a few pages.


    Jian Huan closed the book with a p, closed her eyes, and rested, not daring to look further.


    There are seven grades of talismans, and with Jian Huan''s current cultivation level, she could only study first-grade talismans.


    It seemed she needed to raise her cultivation level. Once she got her hands on the fifteen thousand spiritual stones, she would buy some spiritual pills and soak in foundation-building liquid.


    All of these required money.


    Since there was no immediate solution, Jian Huan started drawing talismans again.


    She had given all her previous ones to Sword Sky, so she needed to replenish her stock for unforeseen needs.


    What if they could use them while searching for Chu Chu?


    ...


    She drew several of each: Invisibility Talisman, Teleportation Talisman, Haste Talisman, Thousand-Pound Talisman, and a newly learned Armor Talisman.


    With the final stroke, Jian Huan''s spiritual energy was depleted. She took out some Fasting Pills and ate a few, finding they were not very effective anymore.


    Fasting Pills were also first-grade spiritual pills, and it seemed they no longer satisfied her.


    ording to Elder Yu Qing, this was a sign that her dantian was gradually expanding, which was good for a cultivator.


    As long as she replenished her spiritual energy with higher-grade pills, there was a high chance of advancing her level.


    Should she buy some second-grade spiritual pills tomorrow to try?Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54


    Jian Huan hesitated.


    Look at Shen Jizhi next door, already at the fifth level of Qi Condensation, still eating the cheapest Fasting Pills, and not seeing any special efforts from him.


    No, he had been cultivating for so long and had such a slow progression, probably due tock of funds for spiritual pills?


    Jian Huan pondered for a moment, remembering something, and went over to open the window again.


    She leaned out, finding that the adjacent window had also been closed.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan: "Hey, Shen Jizhi!"


    No response.


    She shook her head, sighed, leaned her elbows on the windowsill, and pressed most of her weight on it, then asked the lotus pond with a deep tone, "Want to know what clues I have?"


    Almost instantly, the adjacent window silently opened: "What?"

 Chapter 17

    Jian Huan couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    Shen Jizhi looked at her, puzzled.


    Under the bright moonlight, Jian Huan wore a light green dress. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were slightly raised, and her bright eyes danced withughter, like the rippling surface of a moonlit lotus pond.


    Shen Jizhi frowned. "What are youughing at?"


    Jian Huan barely contained herughter. "I just remembered something."


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    "Using meat buns to lure dogs," Jian Huan said seriously. "Have you heard that saying before?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Pretending not to understand, Shen Jizhi changed the subject back: "What was that clue you mentioned earlier?"


    Jian Huan tapped lightly on the windowsill: "First, tell me how you advanced from the first level of Qi cultivation to the second level?"


    Oh, that.


    Shen Jizhi had nothing to hide: "Daily practice, and then just waited."


    Jian Huan: "Did you take any spirit pills?"


    Shen Jizhi merely nced at her briefly, his eyes giving her the answer.


    Jian Huan paused, then changed her question: "How long did you wait?"


    Shen Jizhi: "One year."


    Jian Huan sighed: "That seems a bit slow."


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    Shen Jizhi: "Now, your clue."


    Jian Huan straightened up: "The usual arrangement, split fifty-fifty?"


    Shen Jizhi agreed: "Fine."


    They each had their own strengths, and working alone might not be enough to find Chu Chu.


    Besides, with a life at stake, finding her one day sooner meant better chances of survival for the child.


    Meeting Shen Jizhi''s gaze, Jian Huan slowly spoke: "Actually, I don''t have much of a clue, but I want to try drawing a talisman for finding people."


    Shen Jizhi''s expression shifted: "You don''t trust the tracking butterfly?"


    "It''s not that." Jian Huan tilted her head, smiling softly. "I just trust myself more."


    Shen Jizhi nodded: "Fair enough."


    Using the tracking butterfly wasn''t their own ability after all.


    After a brief pause, Shen Jizhi said: "In an hour, I''m nning to go out."


    Jian Huan was surprised: "Sote? Where are you going?"


    Shen Jizhi replied: "In a city as big as Azure Dragon City, there must be more than one missing girl. I''m going to the magistrate''s office to check the records."


    If other children were missing, they might find clues from those cases that could lead them to whoever took Chu Chu.


    Jian Huan hesitated for a moment, then pulled out an invisibility talisman and a teleportation talisman from her robes and passed them through the window.


    Before Jian Huan could say anything, Shen Jizhi tly refused: "I won''t buy them."


    He was just going to the magistrate''s office, where there were only ordinary guards, no cultivators, so there wouldn''t be any danger.


    Jian Huan rolled her eyes: "...I''ll let you use them first and keep a tab! Just return them if you don''t use them!"


    Only then did Shen Jizhi take them: "Thank you."


    Jian Huan closed the window sullenly and sat down at the table, picking up the Xuantian Mirror to look.


    [Feather is Yu Qing has be your fellow Daoist.]


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up, and she immediately asked: [Elder Yu, good evening. This disciple has a question: are there any first-level talismans that can track people?]


    Yu Qing, who had already heard about this matter from Jiang Mian, replied: [No, tracking talismans are usually fourth-level techniques.]


    First-level talismans were rtively ''static,'' while fourth-level ones were more ''dynamic.''


    Since tracking targets move, tracking talismans naturally needed to move as well.


    Strictly speaking, tracking talismans were advanced versions of teleportation talismans, which made them quite challenging for talisman masters.


    Jian Huan felt slightly disappointed.


    [Feather is Yu Qing: However... you can use teleportation talismans creatively to find people.]


    [Money Plenty Has Talismans: What do you mean, Elder?]


    [Feather is Yu Qing: If you draw a teleportation talisman on something carrying a person''s essence, it should be able to lead you to that person. However, there are many limitations. For instance, with your skill level, it won''t work beyond ten miles. Also, the item should have been used by the person within thest three days; after that, the essence bes too weak to be useful.]


    Well.


    But Chu Chu had been missing for ten days already.


    Shen Jizhi was changing clothes.


    He had asked the housekeeper for some night-walking clothes, and just as he was halfway dressed, the window opened and Jian Huan climbed in from outside.


    Shen Jizhi''s expression twitched violently, spiritual energy flickering at his fingertips, almost pushing Jian Huan off the windowsill.


    But remembering the two talismans she had just lent him, he ultimately withdrew his spiritual energy.


    Shen Jizhi quickly fastened his upper garment.


    But Jian Huan had already seen that dazzling expanse of white skin and those perfectly sculpted muscles.


    Jian Huan hadn''t expected to encounter this scene, and her face flushed. She slipped andnded on the windowsill with one foot inside and one foot outside.


    She stared wide-eyed, momentarily speechless.


    Shen Jizhi''s expression darkened: "Next time, please knock."


    Jian Huan exined: "The window was closer..."


    Knowing she was in the wrong, her voice grew increasingly quiet: "Alright, I didn''t mean to... I''ll definitely knock next time..."


    Shen Jizhi finished putting on his night-walking clothes and stood tall facing her, his expression still carrying a hint of frost: "What is it?"


    Jian Huan looked at him.


    The night-walking clothes wrapped him uppletely, but damn it, her mind kept returning to what she''d identally seen earlier.


    She shook her head to clear it, pushed herself up, and jumped into his room: "I just wanted to tell you that when you''re looking through the case files, focus on children who''ve gone missing in thest three days."


    Shen Jizhi: "Understood."


    Jian Huan: "Also, could you lend me some clothes you''ve worn?"


    Shen Jizhi looked up with an indescribable expression: "?"


    Jian Huan coughed and repeated what Elder Yu had told her: "I want to test if Elder Yu''s method works, to see if I can find youter."


    Shen Jizhi wordlessly put his changed clothes into his Mustard Seed Pouch, refusing through action rather than words.


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Jian Huanughed in anger: "Well done, Shen Jizhi! Some teammate you are, not even willing to help. Fine, we''ll search separately, and whoever finds her first gets thirty thousand spirit stones!"


    She threw down the challenge and turned to walk toward the window.


    But remembering something, she turned back toward the door instead.


    Shen Jizhi stood directly between the window and the door.


    Neither of them moved aside. She walked straight into him, pushing him back a few steps, head held high as she marched out the door with an air of righteous indignation.


    Hmph, only dogs climb through windows from now on!


    ...


    Shen Jizhi remained silent for a moment, then after gathering his things and pulling up his ck mask, he left the room and disappeared into the night.


    Though he couldn''t fly on a sword, his movements were agile and light as a swallow.


    Just after leaving the Chu family gate and crossing one street, he suddenly stopped, hiding in the shadowy grove like a tree.Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, quietly looking at his feet.


    After a while, he turned back.


    Jian Huan''s window was open, candlelight burning steadily, casting its glow on the woman bent over drawing talismans, creating a peaceful nighttime scene.


    However, if one listened carefully, the slight sound of teeth grinding could be heard.


    ...


    Shen Jizhi gracefully climbed through the window.


    Hearing the movement, Jian Huan whirled around, but upon seeing who it was, wordlessly turned back.


    Shen Jizhi took out his outer garment from the Mustard Seed Pouch, ced it gently to the side, and said softly: "You''d better try after an hour."


    By then, he should be out of the magistrate''s office, making it convenient for her to test the teleportation talisman.


    After cing the clothes down, Shen Jizhi didn''t linger. He climbed back out the window, but before leaving, he made sure to close it for Jian Huan.

 Chapter 18

    At four o''clock in the morning, the streets in front of the Azure Dragon City government office were deserted.


    Suddenly, a baby woke up from a nightmare, its cries mingled with the barking of dogs, drifting over from a distance, carrying the deep silence of the night.


    The gatekeeper, a constable, was almost dozing off, but the faint noise jolted him awake.


    He quickly rubbed his eyes and strained them wide open, scanning the surroundings.


    Seeing nothing unusual, the constable returned his gaze to his boots and yawned.


    Shen Jizhi, dressed in ck, blended into the night, and with a light leap, he entered the government office.


    A bird perched on the tiles of the government office, and as Shen Jizhi passed by, it remained oblivious, still pecking at its ck feathers.


    With his cultivation at the fifth level of Qi Condensation, Shen Jizhi was at the bottom of the hierarchy in the world of cultivation, but within this government office, he coulde and go as he pleased.


    The cities of the Nine Provinces Continent are governed by two forces.


    One is from the imperial court, which continues to use the official system of past dynasties. The highest official in Azure Dragon City is the Azure Dragon City Prefect. Ordinary people''s affairs fall under his jurisdiction.


    The other is led by various sects, with the imperial court ying a supporting role. The city lord, as the head of the city, manages the Imperial Pacification Office, which deals with the city''s cultivators and supernatural beings.


    Chu Chu, the missing granddaughter of the Chu family, was a dual-linguistic cultivator. Chu Laoye reported the case to the Imperial Pacification Office.


    The Imperial Pacification Office is home to cultivators of the Golden Core and even Nascent Soul stages, and Shen Jizhi couldn''t infiltrate it.


    Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.


    Thus, Shen Jizhi''s target was the prefect''s government office.


    Not allmoners have the awareness to take their children to test their spiritual roots.


    Most ordinary people live and die without knowing the world they inhabit. From dawn to dusk, that is their entire understanding.


    If their children go missing, they will only turn to the government office.


    Now that the investigation through Chu Chu''s line has hit a dead end, Shen Jizhi must explore other possibilities, eliminating each one.


    The most likely scenario is that Chu Chu was abducted by human traffickers.


    Those traffickers, fearing the Chu family''s pursuit, might have destroyed all traces out of caution.


    But if they abducted a child from an ordinary family, would they be so meticulous?


    For various reasons, all with the aim of making money, Shen Jizhi has frequented the government office of Approaching Immortal City over the years.


    The government office of Azure Dragon City, though different in some aspects, is not too dissimr.


    He deftly slipped into the Record Office, casting a spell to prevent anyone from suddenly entering.


    A faint light glowed from his fingertips as Shen Jizhi began to search through the archives.


    Based on past experience, the government has uniform requirements for the ssification of archives, which are stored in chronological order.


    This task was familiar to Shen Jizhi, and he quickly found the archives rted to the missing persons cases in Azure Dragon City over the past three years.


    The archives were thick, and he flipped to thest page, quickly reviewing them from the back.


    Jian Huan, too, was not idle.


    After a brief rest, she swallowed a pill to stave off hunger and quietly ascended the stairs.


    Since Chu Chu''s disappearance, the west wing room had been unupied, and the wet nurse had moved to another courtyard.


    The moonlight, like frost, gently illuminated the wooden carvings on the corridor, lifelike beasts baring their teeth as if ready to pounce.


    As she ventured further in, the surroundings grew darker, and even the moon seemed powerless, lingering at the edge, allowing the depths to fester in darkness.


    Jian Huan was always bold, and now that she was a cultivator with various talismans at her disposal, she feared no ghost stories.


    ...


    She wanted to see if there was anything unusual in Chu Chu''s room at night.


    Jian Huan crouched by the window, poking a small hole to peek inside.


    The window was half-closed, and the pink gauze fluttered gently in the breeze, like a sprite dancing under the moonlight.


    She watched silently for a while, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, before pushing the door open and entering.


    As she took a few steps towards the bed, a cold glint of steel shed, and a fierce de wind came from behind.


    Jian Huan''s heart raced, but under immense danger, her mind was clearer than ever.


    The orange talisman between her fingers turned to ash, and a golden spiritual shield appeared behind her.


    When the de struck the golden armor shield, the tremendous force pushed the wielder back three steps.


    The armor shield shattered with one blow, and Jian Huan rolled to the window.


    Her teleportation talisman was ready, but she wouldn''t use it unless absolutely necessary.


    The suspected human trafficker was right in front of her, and Jian Huan wouldn''t leave until thest moment.


    She looked closely at the man and eximed in surprise, "Jian Tianxia?!"


    The man, about to strike a second time, was also taken aback by the name. He looked at Jian Huan, equally surprised, "Who are you to know my twin brother?"


    Upon hearing this, Jian Huan examined the man more closely.


    Though their eyes and eyebrows were simr, there were differences. This man''s skin was fairer than Jian Tianxia''s.


    Jian Huan''s teleportation talisman remained in her hand, but she felt less wary. She sensed that this was a misunderstanding.


    "I just met your brother this morning. Didn''t he leave on a teleportation array? Why are you still here?"


    His brother had indeed gone to meet someone...


    The man hesitantly lowered his de, "You''re not... the Money Master?"


    "Yes, I am the Money Master, the talisman seller," Jian Huan replied, "Why are you in Chu Chu''s room? Did you abduct Chu Chu?"


    The man quickly denied, "Of course not! We weremissioned by Chu Laoye."


    Jian Huan let out a long breath, "I was alsomissioned by Chu Laoye."


    It was a misunderstanding.


    Baili Dao sheathed his de, sincerely apologizing, "I am Baili Dao. If I have offended you, please forgive me."


    Jian Huan waved it off, not taking it to heart, "Where are the others?"


    Baili Dao seemed hesitant, "They''ve all left... I''m the only one still investigating."


    Jian Huan lit a candle, looking puzzled, "Why?"


    "To be honest, we''ve been searching for five days with no results. A higher-paying mission came up, so my teammates took that," Baili Dao said with a shy smile, "But since we received an advance of ten thousand spirit stones from Chu Laoye, it didn''t feel right to leave without finishing our task. As a de cultivator, I must remain true to my heart and continue the search."


    Jian Huan understood and asked curiously, "How much was the reward Chu Laoye offered you?"


    Baili Dao answered honestly, "Thirty thousand, with an advance of ten thousand."


    Jian Huan was even more curious, "So if you don''tplete the task, you don''t have to return the advance?"


    Baili Dao shook his head, exining the details of epting missions.


    Whether it''s killing demons for their cores or finding people, an advance payment is always made. If the task ispleted, the remaining payment is given. If not, the advance is not returned, considered the fee for the effort.


    Jian Huan held the candle, examining every corner of the room, asking as she searched, "But wouldn''t some people take the money and not do the work?"


    Baili Dao, having searched the room many times before, stood by and replied, "Such behavior could damage one''s dao heart, not worth the risk. Few cultivators would dare to do so. And employers also screen and select carefully."


    Jian Huan nodded, understanding.


    Baili Dao thought for a moment and suggested, "I''m alone, and you''re also alone. How about we work together?"


    Jian Huan crouched by the bed, peering under it, "I have two people."


    Baili Dao: "Where is the other one?"


    Jian Huan got up from the floor, "Oh, he went out of the mansion to search other ces."


    Baili Dao was puzzled, earnestly seeking advice, "Are there other ces to search outside the mansion?"


    Chu Chu disappeared from the Chu mansion, and they had been searching within it.


    Jian Huan didn''t borate, spreading her hands, "Baili Dao, you see, we''repetitors, so..."


    This man seemed too earnest and not very flexible, likely not much help.


    So Jian Huan naturally wouldn''t let Baili Dao join and share the reward.


    Baili Dao pondered for a long time, finally understanding Jian Huan''s meaning as she prepared to leave.


    He quickly said, "Please stay!"


    Jian Huan turned from the windowsill, "What is it?"


    Baili Dao: "You may not know, but if both our teams find Chu Chu, we can both im the reward. Chu Laoye won''t give it to just one side."


    Finding people is a special mission; the employer''s goal is to find the person, naturally wanting all parties to cooperate, working together instead ofpeting against each other.


    So long as both parties involved in the coboration can provide evidence of their ongoing cooperation, they are eligible to receive the reward.


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow lightly: "Oh?"


    She thought for a moment, then sized up Baili Dao and asked, "What is your cultivation level?"


    Baili Dao replied, "I am at the thirdyer of the Foundation Establishment stage."


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up: "So you can fly using your flying sword?"


    Baili Dao, not understanding the reason behind her question, nodded: "Yes, but it''s slower than using a teleportation array."


    Jian Huan suddenly jumped down from the windowsill, giving Baili Dao a friendly punch on the shoulder, her face beaming with joy: "No problem, Brother Baili, let''sbine our teams and find the person together!"


    Baili Dao was also delighted: "Thank you for taking me in, Miss."


    "It''s no big deal," Jian Huan waved it off, then narrowed her eyes slightly, her smile changing, "But let''s make it clear, your share of the reward will be split between us two. But my share, you don''t get a cut, okay?"


    Baili Dao quickly shook his head: "Of course, no problem!"


    "Good!" Jian Huan leaned closer to Baili Dao, "Remember, this is between heaven, earth, you, and me. Don''t let a third person know, especially my teammate, okay?"


    Although Baili Dao didn''t understand why Jian Huan wanted to keep it a secret from her teammate, it was an internal matter for her, and it wasn''t his business, so he naturally had no objections.


    "Let''s go, we''re going to find Shen Jizhi!"


    Jian Huan climbed back onto the windowsill and agilely jumped down, her slender waist twisting as she darted into her room.


    Hmm, it''s still faster to go straight up and down through the window.


    Baili Dao followed Jian Huan, watching her as she took a man''s outer robe and began to draw on it.


    He watched very intently, though he couldn''t understand anything.


    Jian Huan had practiced drawing teleportation talismans so many times that she had them memorized.


    She deftly held the talisman brush and traced patterns on Shen Jizhi''s outer robe, slightly altering the line movements as Yu Qing had instructed.Aliali: 6748be4f3f33ac47d814c


    The ink from the talisman brush glowed with a faint golden light on the dark blue robe.


    After finishing thest stroke, she put the talisman brush into her spatial pouch, holding the robe in one hand and Baili Dao''s hand with the other. She channeled her spiritual energy to activate the teleportation talisman on the robe.


    Soon, a powerful...


    Spiritual energy surge enveloped them, pulling them into the void. A burst of golden light filled their vision, and in an instant, Jian Huan and Baili Dao appeared above a small forest three streets away from the government office, falling straight down.


    Seeing the ground getting closer, Jian Huan quickly said, "Baili Dao, hurry up and use your flying sword!"


    Baili Dao hastily summoned his flying sword, which was a bit unsteady, and they barelynded.


    Jian Huan steadied herself by leaning on a tree trunk.


    Baili Dao wasn''t so lucky; he was severely disoriented by the teleportation talisman and fell face-first into the soft ground.


    Three steps away, Shen Jizhi stood with his sword, silently observing.


    After a moment, he walked over, carefully picking up the outer robe from the ground, nced at the person lying face down, and asked Jian Huan, "Who is this?"

 Chapter 19

    The summer dawn came early, as a crack slowly split open the pitch-ck canopy overhead, with a bluish-gray gradually spreading across the horizon.


    Rustling sounds emerged from the forest.


    Jian Huan''s specially made teleportation talisman was disorienting. The instant of spatial transfer felt like someone repeatedly pounding both his head and stomach, making Baili Dao nauseous.


    Landing in the soft soil mixed with fallen leaves, Baili Dao found himself unable to get up immediately.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood nearby, watching Baili Dao struggle.


    Shen Jizhi''s expression was cold, like the dim sky above, as he looked down at this uninvited guest.


    Jian Huan''s eyes showed sympathy.


    As the talisman user, her reaction wasn''t as intense as Baili Dao, who was merely a passenger.


    With no one offering help, Baili Dao had to rely on himself. He pushed himself up, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to concentrate, channeling his spiritual energy.


    "This is my good friend, Baili Dao," Jian Huan introduced while taking out and consuming a fasting pill from her pocket. "Brother Baili cares about the world''s affairs and can''t stand those viins who kidnap children. He wants to lend us his assistance."


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    Shen Jizhi looked at Baili Dao with slightly furrowed brows.


    If he remembered correctly, the man who bought the talisman yesterday morning looked about seventy percent simr to the man before him - probably brothers?


    Why did Jian Huan bring this person along? Was it because she was still angry fromst night?


    Shen Jizhi refused: "The two of us are enough."


    After taking the fasting pill, the exhausted Jian Huan felt much better. She blinked and carefully chose her words: "He won''t take any reward, he''s just helping me."


    Shen Jizhi fell silent.


    Jian Huan added: "He''s at the Foundation Establishment stage, more powerful than both of us. He should be able to help."


    Shen Jizhi responded nomittally: "Let''s hope so."


    Jian Huan nced at him, remembering their unpleasant exchange fromst night, and made her final decision: "I''m bringing him along anyway. If you don''t like it, we can go our separate ways."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi weighed his options for a moment.


    Jian Huan''s presence was crucial; this matter couldn''t seed without her.


    So he said: "As you wish, but you''re responsible for whoever you bring. I won''t be liable if anything happens."


    Jian Huan made an ''OK'' gesture: "Of course, no need for your concern."


    While the two reached an agreement about Baili Dao''s participation, he had already recovered.


    He rose smoothly, first nodding to Jian Huan in acknowledgment, then turned to look at Shen Jizhi.


    Baili Dao''s eyes suddenly lit up, matching the first ray of dawn on the horizon.


    He could hardly believe his eyes: "Are... are you the great equipment forging master from the Immortal Storage Tower?!"


    Shen Jizhi maintained his cold expression, with an ''mm'' sound barely escaping his nose - his attitude notably unfriendly.


    Even Jian Huan shook her head at this, but Baili Dao didn''t mind. He held up his sword: "Master, this is the sword you previously repaired for me. Do you remember?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at it.


    While he didn''t remember the person, the sword did look familiar.


    Considering the man had been a paying customer, Shen Jizhi''s expression softened slightly, and he offered a few more words: "I remember. How is it serving you?"


    Baili Dao nodded eagerly: "It works even better than before it was damaged! I''ve always wanted to thank you in person, Master, but never had the chance. Who would have thought we''d meet again under these circumstances!"


    Shen Jizhi said nothing more, merely lifting the corner of his mouth slightly. He checked the sky, then nced at Jian Huan, who was watching the exchange with amusement, before taking the lead: "Let''s go. We''re heading to the south of the city."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan immediately followed: "What did you find out?"


    His target was so specific; he must have discovered somethingst night.


    Baili Dao, left behind by the two, quickly caught up, ears perked to listen carefully.


    ...


    Flying wasn''t allowed within the city, so the group took a detour through the streets, walking along a cobblestone path by the river.


    In the early morning, before sunrise, the scenery was still shrouded in a moist, thin mist. Only the three of them were around, making everything distinctly quiet.


    Shen Jizhi''s voice, calm as water, broke the silence: "I went through the case files from the past two years. There were one hundred and eighty-one missing children cases, most disappeared while out. Only seven cases, including Chu Chu''s, involved children vanishing during sleep."


    Walking alongside him, Jian Huan furrowed her brows in thought. As soon as he finished speaking, she fired off her question: "Do these seven children have anything inmon?"


    Shen Jizhi answered quickly: "ording to the files, no."


    Jian Huan: "Is there any pattern in the timing?"


    Shen Jizhi: "No, but the magistrate''s office only has some records. The rest are with the Imperial Pacification Office."


    Jian Huan: "Then how do you know to go to the south of the city?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her: "Oh, you didn''t let me finish before asking questions."


    "..." Jian Huan gritted her teeth, "Are you suggesting I ask too many questions?"


    Shen Jizhi pushed aside a hanging green branch, looking down: "No, I wouldn''t dare."


    How could he dare when she kept threatening to go separate ways?


    Talisman masters weren''t to be trifled with.


    The path only allowed one person to pass at a time. Standing behind Shen Jizhi, Jian Huan quickly extended her leg upon hearing his words, aiming a kick at his calf.


    While he appeared to be a refined and elegant young gentleman, he was actually quite sarcastic and full of schemes.


    The talisman master might be skilled at drawing talismans, but she wasn''t so capable in other areas.


    Without even looking back, Shen Jizhi stepped aside, easily avoiding the kick.


    "Then tell us now," having missed her target, Jian Huan withdrew her leg resentfully and urged, "Quickly."


    Shen Jizhi turned his head to nce at her, and under her unfriendly gaze, he continued: "Before leaving, I looked through the magistrate''s assistant''s room and found a paper stating that Wang Shan from the south of the city came to the magistrate''s office yesterday afternoon, reporting that his son had gone missing the night before. The Wang family searched all morning but couldn''t find him."


    This was their breakthrough.


    Whether they could find Chu Chu depended heavily on the Wang family.


    Their child had just gone missing, so using a teleportation talisman might still allow them to track their whereabouts. If they missed this chance, it would likely be another unsolved case like the other seven.


    Understanding the key point, Jian Huan rushed ahead of Shen Jizhi.


    The group moved quickly, no longer speaking.


    As they were about to exit the cobblestone path, Baili Dao, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly spoke: "I understand now! Common people would only report to the magistrate''s office, which is why Brother Shen went therest night to look through the files for clues! As for the Wang family in the south of the city, since their son has only been missing for a day, using Miss Jian''s extremely powerful talismans, we can track the child''s location through his belongings!"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Both stopped and silently turned to look at Baili Dao.


    In their view, Baili Dao wore an expression of joy at having figured it out.


    The morning sun rose from the horizon, its golden light falling on his handsome bronze face, highlighting the wrinkles between his brows.


    Those were the marks left from his intense concentration earlier.


    Shen Jizhi looked away, exchanged a nce with Jian Huan, saying nothing yet somehow saying everything.


    He shook his head slightly, lowered it, and walked past the lush foliage almost blocking the exit of the cobblestone path.


    Jian Huan watched him leave, then turned back to Baili Dao with an encouraging expression and enthusiastic tone: "Yes! That''s exactly right! Spot on!"Aliali: 6748be4f3f33ac47d814c


    Baili Dao smiled sheepishly: "You and Brother Shen were talking so fast earlier, I could barely keep up. It took me a while to figure it out."


    Jian Huan''s gaze was...


    Looking lovingly at her other ten thousand spirit stones: "I''ve known him for a while, so we have good chemistry. We just met, but things will get better with time."


    Baili Dao epted Jian Huan''s exnation, and they both exited the riverside path.


    Shen Jizhi had already walked quite far ahead. Baili Dao looked at Shen Jizhi in the distance, then at Jian Huan beside him, and said: "You two have a really good rtionship."


    Jian Huan: "??"


    Jian Huan was shocked: "What makes you think we have a good rtionship?!"


    Can''t she change that perception?


    Baili Dao thought for a moment and replied seriously: "Just a feeling."


    Jian Huan: "..."

 Chapter 20

    Most residents in the southern part of the city weremon folk, and dawn seemed to arrive earlier here than in other parts of the city.


    At the entrance of the alley stood a steamed bun shop, where milky-white steam rose like billowing clouds, carrying the fragrant aroma of meat.


    The first wave of customers passed by at around the same time, stopping at the bun shop. Without needing to say much, the shopkeeper recognized these regrs and greeted them with a smile, "The same as yesterday?"


    The regr customer smiled back, "Yes, the same."


    The shopkeeper took a blue-white porcin bowl and deftly grabbed three plump buns, then poured a bowl of tofu pudding. cing it on the simple table with perfect bnce, not a drop of the tofu pudding spilled. "I heard the dock recently received quite a shipment!"


    The regr customer replied, "Indeed! So much! We''ve been moving cargo from dawn till dusk and still can''t finish. My back aches every day, and I can barely sleep at night!"


    "Get some medicine, Old Zhou has a family secret recipe..."


    Three people happened to turn the corner past the bun shop.


    Jian Huan unconsciously paused, her footsteps slowing.


    Shen Jizhi and Baili Dao, walking ahead, stopped and looked back when they noticed she hadn''t kept up.


    Shen Jizhi nced at Baili Dao beside him.


    Strangely, though nothing was said, Baili Dao felt the master was signaling him to speak up.


    The master had very expressive eyes.


    "Miss Jian?"


    Jian Huan snapped back to reality and hurried to catch up.


    Baili Dao asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Jian Huan smiled and shook her head, "Nothing." She paused, her expression nostalgic, "There used to be a bun shop next to my home too."


    Baili Dao nodded, "Is Miss Jian hungry?" He looked at the bun shop and seriously suggested, "Though we should avoid ordinary food, if Miss Jian really wants to eat, we can buy spirit buns in the north of the cityter."


    "..." Jian Huan sighed, "No need, the important matterse first."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, a faint smile ying at his lips.


    Jian Huan caught sight of it from the corner of her eye and asked, "What are you smiling about?"


    Shen Jizhi''s smile faded, "Nothing."


    Jian Huan frowned, looking at him suspiciously.


    She felt his smile was mocking, though she had no proof.


    The three continued walking deeper into the alley.


    Though Jian Huan had been chatting happily with Baili Dao just moments ago, she fell silent now, her whole being seemed distant and distracted.


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, then looked away, speaking softly, "You''re homesick?"


    Lost in thoughts of another time and space, Jian Huan suddenly came back to herself, her usually bright eyes hiding barely noticeable mncholy.


    She paused, then smiled again, drawing out her words, "Yes..."


    The bun shop at her home''s alley entrance had really good food; she and her brother both loved ordering xiaolongbao and soy milk there.


    Her brother preferred salty soy milk while she liked it sweet, and they would always argue about which version was more popr, making their parentsugh at their squabbles.


    That was her daily life before she turned fourteen. Later, as she and her brother grew older and busier with studies, they no longer debated such unsolvable questions over breakfast.


    When she crossed over, her parents were healthy, her brother''s career was taking off with great opportunities, and her sister-inw had finally secured a government position. Even without her, they would live well.


    Shen Jizhi remained quiet for a moment, lowered his eyes in thought, then slowlyforted her: "You''re a grown woman now."


    Jian Huan: "...?"


    She turned her head to look at his profile bathed in the morning light...


    She said earnestly, "Listen, thank you."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi nodded slightly, not at all modest: "You''re wee."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Baili Dao, who had been following closely behind them, frowned deeply.


    You''re homesick?


    You''re a grown woman now??


    Thank you???


    He understood each word individually, but together they made no sense to him.


    Was there any connection? How did they jump from homesickness to being a grown woman? And why was Miss Jian thanking Brother Shen?


    Wasn''t it obvious that Miss Jian was a grown woman? What else could she be??


    In stark contrast to the lively neighborhood atmosphere, the Wang household was deathly quiet.


    Common families believed in having many children for prosperity, with most households having several kids, but the Wang couple, though in their thirties, had only one child.


    They had always struggled to conceive.


    The Female Owner, wearing a headscarf and brown cloth clothing, brought her son''s personal belongings and handed them to Jian Huan. Her eyes were vacant as she spoke, "The day I gave birth to Niu Niu, the clouds were golden. My mother-inw said it was a good omen, that Niu Niu would have a great future..."


    The Male Owner sat silently on a low stool, smoking a rolled cigarette.


    The smoke from the poor-quality tobo was grayish-ck, making the man''s face appear even more somber, like crops silently growing in the fields.


    Jian Huan epted the clothes.


    Any words would seem hollow at this moment, so she didn''t say much. She borrowed a room from the couple, gave some brief instructions, and went in with Shen Jizhi and Baili Dao.


    After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the Female Owner had fed the chickens and ducks in the courtyard, and the Male Owner had fed the pigs in the back. When they returned, they saw a blinding sh of light from the bedroom.


    The couple exchanged nces, and the Female Owner quickly went to knock on the door: "Miss?"


    There was no response from inside.


    She carefully pushed open the door to find the room empty.


    The courtyard returned to silence, and the Male Owner spoke hoarsely, "They''re gone?"


    Female Owner: "Yes."


    On any other day, this scene would have shocked them both.


    But after losing their child, it seemed that even if the sky fell, they wouldn''t show much emotional response.


    The Female Owner lowered her head, still holding the broken bowl with grain, muttering, "Do you think they can find Niu Niu?"


    The Male Owner looked up at the sky and silently shook his head.


    He didn''t know either.


    The chickens and ducks in the courtyard fought over the grain, pping their wings, pecking at each other''s wings and bottoms to protect their food.


    Usually, the Female Owner wouldn''t give them so much grain, but after some thought, she poured out the remaining grain for them.


    She took the empty bowl inside: "Let''s eat, then I''ll go look around the streets again, see if anyone has seen Niu Niu."


    The man put down the empty bucket used for pig feed: "Mm, then I''ll search outside the city."


    Jian Huan''s teleportation array could only cover ten kilometers at a time, so the three of them stopped and rested repeatedly, from dawn to dusk. After eleven teleportations, theynded in a dense forest.


    The forest was disturbed by the three uninvited guests, rustling loudly, swaying dramatically in the night, looking like rolling ck waves from afar.


    A cart driver travelingte on the nearby official road felt a chill, not daring to look closer. He cracked his whip, and his horse neighed and quickened its pace.


    The clip-clop of hooves gradually faded away.


    The threey quietly on the leaf-covered ground.


    Shen Jizhi was the first to get up.


    His face was pale, his fair and delicate features looking like fragile fine jade under the silvery moonlight.


    He looked around and walked toward Jian Huan.


    Jian Huany among the bushes, staring at the starry sky, motionless, her small face deathly pale.


    Shen Jizhi bent down, frowning: "Are you alright?"


    The starry sky was mostly hidden by the towering tree canopy, and Shen Jizhi''s face blocked most of what remained.


    Jian Huan feltpletely weak, even her hair seemed tock energy. Her eyes were vacant as she felt her empty dantian, numbly saying, "Not really. I''m out of fuel,pletely out of fuel, can''t power up anymore."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi took out a bottle of Fasting Pills and tossed it to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan nced at it, then turned her head back, only opening her mouth: "Ah."


    Shen Jizhi: "...Can''t you take it yourself?"


    Jian Huan: "I''m tired."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    What could Shen Jizhi do? Jian Huan had been the one exerting herself all day.


    He nced at Baili Dao, who was half-dead from teleportation sickness, then resigned himself with a slight sigh. The Fasting Pill from the ground returned to his hand.


    He took out one pill and precisely tossed it into Jian Huan''s mouth.


    After eating it, Jian Huan said, "I want another."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He had no choice but to toss another one.


    Jian Huan smacked her lips and finally said, "Your Fasting Pills are tasteless. I prefer grape vor."


    Shen Jizhi sneered, "You''reining when you have food to eat."


    Jian Huan reasoned, "One should have standards when ites to food. Grape-vored ones only cost five spirit stones more per bottle."


    Shen Jizhi took back the Fasting Pill and said, "I prefer things without vor."


    Jian Huan, who was already eating grapes, replied, "You''re just saying that because you can''t have any - sour grapes!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    After swallowing two Fasting Pills, his strength recovered slightly, but he had been drained too much today and his body still felt weak and powerless.


    Jian Huan didn''t want to get up. She said, "Let''s rest here for the night."


    After staying up all night yesterday and working all day today, she was truly exhausted.


    Shen Jizhi was actually feeling a bit dizzy too, so he agreed without objection: "Alright."


    Jian Huan contentedly closed her eyes, folded her hands over her stomach, and quickly drifted off to sleep.Aliali: 674c156ac4f3f33ac4ab57b1


    Although she had nkets and quilts in her Mustard Seed Pouch, it didn''t matter - she could just lie down and sleep on the ground.


    Shen Jizhi walked around in a circle, found a tree that looked good, cleared out a space, took out a meditation cushion from his Mustard Seed Pouch and ced it down. He sat on it to meditate while keeping watch through the night.


    After quite a while, the neglected Baili Dao struggled to sit up from the ground.


    He looked at the sleeping Jian Huan, then at Shen Jizhi who was meditating with closed eyes, and took out a Spirit Recovery Pill from his Mustard Seed Pouch to consume.


    After taking it, he recovered most of his strength.


    He held the bottle of Spirit Recovery Pills, wanting to ask if Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan needed any.


    But Jian Huan was already asleep, and as for Shen Jizhi...


    Under the moonlight, he sat there, seemingpletely out of ce, emanating an aloofness that kept others thousands of miles away.


    Never mind, he didn''t dare.


    Baili Dao silently put the Spirit Recovery Pills back.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    In the early morning, Jian Huan was awakened by the chirping of birds.


    After bathing in the moonlight all night, she felt refreshed and rejuvenated.


    Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, her teleportation talisman had stopped working.


    Jian Huan tossed her personal belongings into her storage pouch.


    Shen Jizhi had just returned, so she asked, "How is it?"


    "There''s an official road not far from here, and there should be a town nearby."


    Sure enough, Baili Dao, who had been sent by Jian Huan to scout ahead, quickly returned on his flying sword, his dark face brightened by gleaming eyes: "Yujiang City is just three kilometers away!"


    ...


    Since Baili Dao could fly on his sword, they covered the three-kilometer distance quickly.


    Afternding, the three emerged from the forest and walked toward the crowd.


    It was still early, with two quarters of an hour remaining before the city gates would open.


    Outside the gates of Yujiang City, many people were already waiting expectantly.


    Unlike Azure Dragon City, this Yujiang City, located a hundred miles from Azure Dragon City, was notrge and had no reputation in the cultivation world. Neither Shen Jizhi nor Baili Dao had any impression of this unremarkable city.


    Jian Huan''s gaze fell upon the people.


    Though it looked crowded, most people belonged to two merchant caravans, each upying one side. There were only two or three ordinary civilians.


    While waiting for the gates to open, a guard from the left caravan, pretending to answer nature''s call, made a wide circle to the right side and approached someone who looked friendly, asking, "Where are you from? We''vee from ss City."


    The other person hesitated, sensing that the questioner was also a Qi Cultivation stage cultivator, and replied, "We''re from Liangzhou City."


    The guard became quite friendly: "Hey, it must have been quite a journey for you too? Both ces are quite far from here!"


    The friendly guard was reluctant to reveal too much about his master: "It is far, but when our master needs to travel, we guards naturally must fulfill our duty. Besides, we could take the teleportation formation to Azure Dragon City first, so it wasn''t too bad."


    The guard agreed verbally but remained skeptical internally.


    They weren''t ordinary guards after all - they were cultivators! Being guards was just a temporary arrangement; surely they wouldn''t be guards their whole lives?


    The guard adjusted his ck armor that gleamed in the dawn light: "Is your master also here for that couples'' banquet?"


    The friendly guard, unwilling to say more, just nodded and found an excuse to walk away.


    Seeing that the city gates were about to open, the guard hurried back to his own caravan.


    After quietly listening to this conversation, Jian Huan turned to Shen Jizhi and whispered: "Want to make a bet?"


    Shen Jizhi turned his head discreetly: "Bet on what?"


    Jian Huan pointed at the guard who had just scurried back: "He came over for one of two reasons - either his master sent him to gather information, or he was curious himself. Which do you think it is?"


    Behind them, Baili Dao''s ears perked up, and he unconsciously leaned closer.


    Shen Jizhi: "What are we betting?"


    Jian Huan held up one finger: "One spirit stone."


    Shen Jizhi answered almost without hesitation: "The second reason."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She withdrew her finger sullenly: "No fun."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi also withdrew his gaze and said nothing more.


    Baili Dao was still waiting for them to continue talking, but both Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi remained silent.


    After waiting for a while, confused, he finally couldn''t help but ask: "Miss Jian, Brother Shen, who won the bet?"


    Shen Jizhi ignored him.


    While mentally preupied with thoughts about the so-called ''couples'' banquet,'' Jian Huan casually exined to Baili Dao: "Nobody won, nobody lost."


    Baili Dao hurried to Jian Huan''s side, humbly asking: "Why is that?"


    Jian Huan: "Because I also chose the second reason."


    With both people making the same choice, there could be no winner or loser, so the bet was void.


    Baili Dao was even more shocked: "But why?"


    Jian Huan exined concisely: "If that guard was gathering information for his master, he wouldn''t have revealed so much about his own master."


    Baili Dao nodded solemnly.


    Still, he didn''t understand.


    He really missed his brother Baili Jian and his former teammates - at leastmunication with them had no barriers.


    In the cultivation world, a cultivator''s status was their passport, requiring no official documentation.


    A clear river ran through the small city, flowing into the Yujiang River.


    Thend shapes its people - Yujiang Citycked the grandeur of ind metropolises but possessed its own unique character, graceful and elegant.


    The city had many bridges, with green water nts spreading freely on the water''s surface, and several small boats slowly drifting through the bridge arches, carrying bundles of lotus roots.


    Young women in bright-colored dresses crossed the bridges with radiant smiles.


    Jian Huan withdrew her gaze and followed the entering caravans toward the main street, where the bustle increased as they went deeper into the city.


    The calls of vendors and theughter of passersby wrapped the small city in a nket of happiness and peace.


    The city seemed used to visitors; the locals barely gave curious nces to the entering caravans or the attractive trio of Jian Huan and herpanions, appearing quite ustomed to such sights.


    Baili Dao stayed close to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, asking, "Where should we go next?"


    The trail had gone cold since they entered the city, leaving Baili Dao clueless.


    As he asked, the three were passing a teahouse.


    Despite the early hour, there were quite a few people inside drinking tea, creating a lively atmosphere.


    Jian Huan stopped, thoughtful: "Shall we have some tea first?"


    One spirit stone could be exchanged for ten taels of silver, enough for plenty of tea, and Jian Huan, who now had thousands of spirit stones, didn''t mind the expense.


    Besides, teahouses were always the best ces to gather information.


    The others had no objections, so the three walked in.


    "Good morning! Please have a seat, honored guests!" The waiter greeted them warmly, sweeping his white cloth over the chairs. "What would you like to drink?"


    Before they could answer, his eyes swept over the three, and he skillfully introduced the house specialties: "Our teahouse is most famous for our Four Seasons Tea, it''s a specialty of Yujiang City that all visitors must try! The Four Seasons Tea paired with a te of crispy dried fish, a dish of lotus candy cakes, some melon seeds, peanuts, dried longan, and red dates, plus some fresh watermelon and grapes - you can''t go wrong with that!"


    Jian Huan loved this kind of talkative server, who immediately awakened her inner foodie.


    Her mouth was practically watering as she dered, "We''ll have everything you suggested!"


    The waiter had just responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!" when Shen Jizhi spoke up: "I''ll just have water."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Waiter: "..."


    Baili Dao: "..."


    Even Baili Dao could tell that Shen Jizhi was being a killjoy.


    The waiter recovered quickly, exining, "Ah, honored guest, this is a teahouse - we sell tea and snacks, not in water."


    Shen Jizhi''s expression remained unchanged as he gave the waiter a nd look: "Isn''t tea made with water?"


    Waiter: "..."


    Jian Huan rolled her eyes slightly and told the waiter: "Just bring what I ordered, and give him a bowl of water if he wants it - he can drink it or not, his choice."


    The waiter beamed at Jian Huan: "Very well! I''ll take the liberty of bringing this gentleman some water, free of charge - consider it good karma."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi looked up, his expression softening slightly: "Thank you."


    The words "free of charge" had particrly pleased him.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    ...


    "Isn''t the couples'' banquet starting this year? I''ve noticed many couples from outside the city recently." At a nearby table, some customers were chatting. They all looked young and carried books, appearing to be local schrs.


    "Yes, I believe it''s in three days."


    "On my way here, I met a couple asking for directions to the Jiang family residence. They said they needed to register first to secure their seats at the banquet."


    "I''m really curious about what''s so special about this couples'' banquet that attracts so many people every year?"


    "I heard it''s specifically for solving marital issues? Like intimacy problems *cough*, rtionship management issues, or couples seeking children. The Jiang family head and his wife are deeply in love, and they hope all couples can be as devoted as they are - that''s supposedly the original intention behind the couples'' banquet."


    "I see, that''s quite a charitable endeavor..."


    Baili Dao listened nervously, feeling something wasn''t quite right about this couples'' banquet.


    He instinctively nced at his twopanions.


    Jian Huan was eating grapes, squeezing the plump, round fruit to release its translucent, pale green flesh into her mouth. The natural sweetness of the fruit was nature''s gift, caressing her taste buds.


    She narrowed her eyes, visibly savoring the moment.


    Meanwhile, Shen Jizhi held his bowl of in water with both hands, his gaze lowered, lost in thought.


    In the end, almost all the pastries and fruits on the table ended up in Jian Huan''s stomach.


    She dusted off her hands and called the waiter to settle the bill, which came to just a hundred copper coins.


    Before leaving, Jian Huan asked, "How do I get to the Jiang residence?"


    The waiter, unsurprised by the question, enthusiastically gave them directions.


    The Jiang family was unexpectedly low-key, with their residence tucked away in a remote alley.


    The three of them turned left and right, asking passersby for directions along the way until they finally found it.


    The first thing that caught their eye was arge flower wall, with fully bloomed roses hanging heavily among the branches and leaves, climbing all the way up the brick wall.


    As noon approached, the brilliant sunlight poured down, making the flowers appear even pinker and the foliage more verdant, transforming the ce into what seemed like a paradise on earth.


    Aliali:


    Following the wall forward, they came to the back entrance of the Jiang residence.


    The back door was open, with a wooden table ced before it, behind which sat a middle-aged man who appeared to be a steward.


    Having been busy all morning, the steward finally had some free time. He was propping up his head, nodding off drowsily.


    Hearing footsteps, he suddenly awoke, his eyes falling on Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, immediately understanding their purpose.


    The steward sat up straight, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and without any small talk, asked directly, "What brings you two to this couples'' banquet?"


    Well, ording to what they''d heard at the teahouse, most couples attending this banquet had some sort of problem.


    Jian Huan nced at Shen Jizhi, nervously pinching her skirt hem, then turned back to whisper to the steward, "He... he''s not quite... capable..."


    Shen Jizhi suddenly raised his head, shooting her a sharp re: "?"


    Sensing the piercing gaze from behind her, Jian Huan quickly reached behind her back, holding up three fingers, reminding him not to forget the three thousand spirit stones promised by Master Chu.


    Shen Jizhi stared at those three fingers for a long while before silently withdrawing his gaze, saying nothing,pletely quiet.

 Chapter 22

    Three dayster, the couples'' banquet was held at the Jiang Manor.


    At dusk, brilliant sunset clouds hung on the horizon, while wisps of cooking smoke rose from household after household, painting a scene of peaceful contentment.


    Thene leading to the Jiang Manor was filled with carriages, each more borate and expensive than thest.


    A block away, under arge tree, there was another carriage.


    However, its horse was terribly thin, and the carriage itself was in deplorable condition.


    Three people were cramped inside the narrowpartment.


    Jian Huan lowered the carriage curtain and looked disapprovingly at Baili Dao: "Didn''t I tell you to rent a presentable carriage? And this is what you got us?"


    Baili Dao, shrinking his muscr frame with its eight-pack abs while holding his sword, showed a hint of grievance on his bronze face: "But... Brother Shen told me to rent the cheapest one..."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan shot a re his way, eximing in exasperation: "Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi, who was counting copper coins in his hand, shuddered at her voice.


    Not from fear, but because the carriage was so cramped that half his body was pressed against Jian Huan.


    He carefully put away the coins, being precise: "The registration alone cost a thousand spirit stones the other day."


    They needed to economize elsewhere.


    Jian Huan massaged her temples, grinding her teeth.


    Master Chu hadn''t taken the thirty thousand spirit stones, leaving them with Shen Jizhi.


    So naturally, any expenses rted to the Chu family matters woulde from Shen Jizhi''s funds.


    In other words, he was currently in charge of the money.


    And whoever controls the money makes the rules.


    Baili Dao looked left and right, unconsciously shrinking further, and asked cautiously: "So, should I still drive the carriage over there?"


    "No need," Jian Huan tried to remain calm, "We''ll get off and walk."


    Among a group of swans, an ugly duckling would surely catch the attention of the Jiang family.


    Jian Huan didn''t want to draw their attention before finding any clues.


    A better carriage would have been safer, though walking also carried some risk.


    Before jumping off the carriage, Jian Huan said: "Shen Jizhi, you value money more than life itself."


    Shen Jizhi remained silent.


    He understood the logic, but when it came time to spend money, his hands had a mind of their own.


    He lowered his gaze and quietly followed her off the carriage.


    Baili Dao watched as the two walked away, one after the other.


    He wouldn''t enter the Jiang Manor, having been assigned to stand by outside.


    ording to Jian Huan''s instructions, if she and Shen Jizhi didn''t send word within three days, he was to leave the city immediately and go to the Jade rity Sect to ask Elder Yu to collect their bodies and, incidentally, seek revenge.


    Although Jian Huan had informed Elder Yu of their whereabouts through the Xuantian Mirror, there had been no response.


    Moreover, Jian Huan had forced Baili Dao to swear that if she died, he would burn paper money for her during every festival, lots and lots of it.


    Fortunately, there were many people at the Jiang Manor today, with numerous carriages blocked outside. Many couples, not wanting to wait, simply got off their carriages and walked the rest of the way.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi blended in with the crowd, drawing no attention.


    Only upon entering did they realize the Jiang Manor was a hidden paradise.


    The banquet was set in the back garden, which Jian Huan roughly estimated to be the size of a football field.


    Fresh, vibrant roses, ake full of lotus flowers, and trees hung withnterns transformed the back garden into a heavenly realm.


    Thete summer breeze brought evening coolness.


    Couples walked together, gradually separating as they approached the theater stage.


    Women''s dining area was to the left of the stage, men''s to the right.


    Jian Huan, still somewhat angry, silently followed the women ahead.


    After a few steps, noticing the absence of familiar footsteps behind her, she paused and instinctively looked back.


    Shen Jizhi stood between the left and right sections, with men and women constantly passing behind him. Their silhouettes hurried past, blurring like tree shadows along the carriage path.


    Sensing Jian Huan''s gaze, Shen Jizhi also seemed surprised.


    He understood why Jian Huan was angry, but he hadn''t particrly cared.


    Yet just now, Shen Jizhi had felt an unusual sense of guilt.


    Walking among the other women, he realized how delicate her figure was, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.


    This emotion was so foreign that Shen Jizhi had never experienced it before.


    He unconsciously stopped, momentarily lost in thought.


    Until Jian Huan turned her head.


    Their eyes met unexpectedly, catching both off guard.


    Hearts skipped a beat simultaneously.


    Almost at once, they both turned away, walking in opposite directions, steps hurried, growing further apart.


    As if that nce had never happened, for the moment was so brief, like the faint scent of lotus flowers dispersing in the wind.


    Leaving no trace, no evidence of its existence.


    After several rounds of drinks, the initially shy guests began to open up.


    Sister Bing Lian, sitting to Jian Huan''s left, was from the Jiang family. Each table had such a friendly sister figure, and she asked softly: "Miss Qian, you''re so young, why have youe to this couples'' banquet?"


    All the dishes on the table were spiritual food, which exined why they had to test with spirit stones during registration.


    All the couples who made it here were cultivators, though none of high level.


    This was normal - those of high cultivation focused solely on the Dao and wouldn''t marry. They would attend cultivation conferences or secret realm trials rather than couples'' banquets.


    Those who came were couples with little talent and low cultivation levels.


    Though spiritual food was right before her, Jian Huan didn''t touch her chopsticks.


    Her sadness seemed genuine as she replied: "Sister Bing Lian, I''ll be honest with you. These are things I can''t usually tell those around me, as it''s quite embarrassing."


    Bing Lian assumed a listening posture.


    Jian Huan raised her hand, pretending to wipe her eyes with her wide sleeve, half-covering her face: "My marriage to my husband was arranged by our parents - I hadn''t even seen him before our wedding. But on our wedding night, I discovered that he... he..."


    Jian Huan gently bit her lip and lowered her head: "...I''m still a maiden..."


    Bing Lian gasped: "This..."


    But she didn''t seem too surprised, as it was obvious that Jian Huan was still at the first level of Qi Refinement.


    Jian Huan continued to perfect her character''s background: "We''ve tried everything, even consulted with masters from the Harmony Union Sect. But nothing helped..."


    Bing Lian sighed: "If even the Harmony Union Sect has no solution, it is indeed difficult."


    "Yes..." Jian Huan clutched her chest sorrowfully: "My husband is quite handsome, like a jade tree in the wind, and everyone envies me on the surface. But only I know what it''s like in private..."


    Sister Li quickly patted Jian Huan''s shoulder gently, consoling her: "Don''t worry, I''ll ask the Madamter. She might have a solution. There were other couples with your problem before, and eventually, Madam found someone to concoct medicine that cured them."


    "Really?" Jian Huan looked up, breaking into a smile through her tears, "That would be wonderful!"


    However, her smile vanished a momentter, and she seemed hesitant, "Sister Bing Lian, actually, besides this matter, I have another request foring here."


    Bing Lian spoke softly: "Please, feel free to tell me."


    Jian Huan covered her lower abdomen, appearing shy: "During these three days in Yujiang City, I heard that the Jiang family has a very effective recipe... for helping female cultivators conceive."


    Hearing this, Bing Lian smiled gently, as this was indeed the Jiang family''s foundation.Aliali: 675047168ee49abd4e8ae644


    Many people traveled thousands of miles and spent fortunes just for this.


    Jian Huan lowered her head, a glimmer appearing in her eyes: "It''s difficult for female cultivators to conceive, and even if they manage to be pregnant, the child might not have spiritual roots. My husband''s family is well-off and has connections with the Gong family. However, my husband has the poorest five-element spiritual root, which is why my inws arranged for him to marry me so early. To be honest, though my family is poor, my dual spiritual root caught my mother-inw''s attention."


    She seemed somewhat embarrassed: "My mother-inw really hopes I can give their Ji family a grandson with dual spiritual roots, to bring honor to the family. So..."


    Jian Huan''srge, moist eyes looked at Bing Lian, speaking volumes without words.


    All this was actually gossip she had heard earlier from Gong Feihong, including real names, just not the real people.


    Half-truths were most convincing.


    Bing Lian understood Jian Huan''s meaning: "I understand, I will ry this to our Madam exactly as you''ve said. You and your husband can stay in the manor tonight, and we''ll give you both an answer tomorrow morning."


    Jian Huan smiled gratefully.


    The actors on stage were still singing their traditional opera, and when she looked up, she inadvertently nced toward the men''s section.


    She wondered how Shen Jizhi was doing on his side, whether he was following the script she had given him, or if he was improvising.

 Chapter 23

    "Brother Ji? Brother Ji?"


    Shen Jizhi sat at the veryst table, his back against the crowded lotus pond.


    When the evening breeze blew, it swayed the nearest lotus nt, causing itsrge leaves to lean towards Shen Jizhi.


    The banquet featured a variety of rich and expensive dishes.


    After all, they had paid a thousand spirit stones to enter.


    Shen Jizhi held the white jade-like chopsticks and had been quietly eating since he sat down.


    Until someone called out to him.


    Shen Jizhi put down his chopsticks, nced indifferently at the person beside him, and then picked up the spirit wine, drinking it one mouthful at a time.


    The people attending the couples'' banquet had all sorts of personalities.


    Jiang''s servants had seen their fair share of difficult individuals.


    Qing Bai, responsible for this table, asked patiently again, "Brother Ji, is there something wrong between you and your wife?"


    The cup of spirit wine was empty, and Shen Jizhi poured himself a full cup.


    He lowered his eyes, recalling the words Jian Huan had instructed him to say.


    It was impossible to say them, not in this lifetime.


    "They keep pressuring me," Shen Jizhi slowly began, taking a sip of the spirit wine, and then continued, "I ask you."


    Qing Bai prepared to listen: "Please, Brother Ji, go ahead."


    Shen Jizhi''s cold eyes shed with a hint of sarcasm: "Does your Jiang family have a way for me to make her pregnant without touching her?"


    Qing Bai suspected his ears were ying tricks on him: "What?"


    What an absurd request!


    But Qing Bai quickly understood.


    This gentleman must be struggling with some issue and has been ridiculed by his wife. He''s drinking in frustration and venting his anger.


    Men''s pride, eh.


    The banquet ended.


    Some couples, after mediation from the Jiang family, revealed their hidden feelings, resolved their misunderstandings, and left hand in hand, satisfied.


    Others were led by the Jiang family to stay in the guest courtyard.


    The invited opera troupe was dismantling the stage, and Jiang''s servants were cleaning up the mess.


    Bing Lian led a group of green-clothed attendants through the winding corridor, heading towards the main courtyard.


    In thevishly decorated hall, a rich sweet fragrance burned silently.


    A red-d woman leaned half-reclined on a couch, exuding charm.


    Bing Lian and the others, including Qing Bai, silently prostrated themselves on the ground: "Greetings to Madam Jiang."


    Madam Jiang lifted her head, revealing a delicate face, her voicenguid: "How was it?"


    Bing Lian reported the key points of the couples'' banquet: "A total of thirty-nine couples came seeking children. I have instructed the servants to amodate the esteemed guests in the separate courtyard. Here is the list, please inspect it, Madam."


    Qi Wan rose from the couch, her hand stained with rouge red, and lightly flicked, causing the gilded name card to fly into her hand.


    These green-clothed attendants were trained by Qi Wan herself. Not only were they skilled in conversation, but they were also experts in gathering information.


    The name card detailed the information of the thirty-nine couples.


    Qi Wan scanned through them, and when she saw Qian Duoduo and Ji Qian, she had a strange intuition.


    She raised an eyebrow, tapping her finger on their names: "What did these two say during the banquet?"


    Bing Lian and Qing Bai stepped forward, recounting Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi''s words at the banquet word for word.


    Qi Wan frowned, finding no ws in the conversation. Both parties reacted as one would expect in such a situation. The information gathered two days ago from Ji''s residence also...


    seemed fine.


    But she just felt something was off.


    This sense of crisis had saved Qi Wan from death multiple times, leading to her current status.


    Qi Wan tossed the name card aside, stepping out from behind the pearl curtain. Her long skirt swept across the spotless floor, carrying a seductive sweet fragrance.


    "Let''s go," she lightly supported the swaying hairpin on her head, "It''s better to be cautious."


    The night was deep and heavy with dew.


    The Jiang residence was secluded, and the guest courtyard for amodating guests was near the back mountain.


    The lights in Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi''s room had been extinguished. Both were dressed in white nightclothes, lying on a double bed.


    Although they had been sharing a room, this was their first time sharing a bed.


    The guest room of the Jiang family was excellent, and the bed was naturally top-notch.


    Shen Jizhiy on the edge of the bed, his back facing inward.


    Inside, Jian Huanyfortably sprawled out.


    She turned her head, looking at the tightly covered quilt on him, and asked: "Aren''t you hot?"


    This weather, how could he stand the nket.


    Shen Jizhi: "Not hot."


    Alright.


    Jian Huan asked again: "Will you take the first half of the night, or the second half?"


    Shen Jizhi: "The first half."


    Jian Huan: "Okay, wake me up when it''s time. I''ll go to sleep first."


    Shen Jizhi: "Mm."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan turned over and soon fell asleep.


    If nothing happened tonight, tomorrow would undoubtedly be a tough battle. Ensuring a certain amount of sleep was crucial.


    Shen Jizhi maintained the same posture, unmoving, closing his eyes to rest.


    The room fell silent, with only the sound of Jian Huan''s shallow breathing.


    asionally, a breeze would blow through the window, tapping gently on the windowsill, rhythmically, making one think of the opera singer''s melodies from the banquet.


    Shen Jizhi had drunk quite a bit of spirit wine at the banquet. When Qing Bai got up to leave, he inadvertently nced in that direction.


    Among the fragrant shadows and bustling guests, thedies smiled charmingly, their eyes gleaming.


    Despite the crowd, he spotted the tender green figure at a nce.


    She propped her cheek with one hand, watching the stage, her brows shrouded in a faint mncholy.


    From their first meeting until now, Shen Jizhi had never seen this expression on her face.


    She was always radiant, like a tree with its tips soaked in the sunlight, full of vitality and liveliness.


    Shen Jizhi involuntarily leaned closer to her, reaching out, his fingertips brushing her eyebrows, wanting to smooth out the worry between her eyebrows.


    The moment his fingers touched her eyebrows, a tingling sensation spread through his heart.


    The girl in the dream let out an ufortable hum, her tone soft and tender, seemingly carrying a refreshing sweetness like grapes.


    The scene before him shifted, showing Jian Huan sitting in a teahouse eating grapes.


    Therge grapes, deep purple to the point of being almost ck, she ate one after another, her lips stained with glistening juice.


    Yet she seemed unaware.


    Shen Jizhi was mostly enveloped in the summer nket, feeling both stuffy and hot.


    He impatiently tore off the nket, something urging him to get closer to Jian Huan, to be the grape in her mouth.


    But¡ª


    Something felt off.


    Two voices shed in his mind, and suddenly, the scene shifted again.


    The girl was still propping her cheek with one hand while watching the opera, but her eyes inadvertently nced at the delicious food on the table.


    That''s right.


    Her frown, mostly due to the pain of being trapped in a character role and unable to recoup her losses, was so real.


    But...


    Return on investment?


    Why return the principal?


    A thousand spirit stones...


    Shen Jizhi abruptly snapped out of the bizarre illusion.


    Jian Huany beneath him, tightly furrowed his brows, his forehead covered with a thinyer of sweat, as if trapped in an inescapable nightmare.


    In the dimly lit room, her face was frighteningly pale.


    A faint sweet fragrance lingered around, intoxicating.


    Shen Jizhi acted decisively, summoning his snow sword from his mustard seed pouch, shing his palm.


    The pain sharpened his awareness, and he keenly sensed the impending danger.


    The wind was rising before the storm.


    Bright red blood dripped down, staining the pure white quilt.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, pushed Jian Huan''s shoulder.


    Jian Huan showed no reaction.


    Shen Jizhi no longer hesitated, grabbing her smooth face, squeezing tightly.


    Jian Huan cried out in pain, covering her face as she opened her eyes, her gaze still filled with fear and bewilderment: "?"


    Shen Jizhi had no time to exin, leaping to his feet, sending his "Snow Sword" towards the door, cutting through the darkness with a streak of silver.


    But with a dingdong sound, the snow sword suddenly halted in mid-air, trembling as if about to break.


    Shen Jizhi frowned, quickly recalling the sword, cing it back in his satchel.


    He turned, addressing the Jian Huan who had just gotten up: "I can''t win against them."


    Such overwhelming power disparity meant the opponent was undoubtedly above the Golden Core stage, likely a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    Jian Huan shook her head to clear it, realizing the dire situation.


    She just hid behind Shen Jizhi when, with a creak sound, the door opened.


    The room suddenly brightened, as if it were broad daylight despite the midnight.


    The red-d woman gently lifted her embroidered shoe, stepping over the threshold, her graceful figure entering the room.


    Bing Lian and the others stood silently at the door, a dense crowd, looking quite intimidating.


    This was bad.


    Jian Huan jumped onto Shen Jizhi''s back, whisperingints in his ear: "They''re stronger than us, and there are more of them. They''re really bullying us."


    Shen Jizhi didn''t respond. He held her knee bend. Her entire body leaned against his back, too close, making him ufortable.


    It was Qi Wan who replied: "Little sister, it''s not me who''s bullying you, but you who are bullying me."


    Her gaze was extremely ambiguous as it fell on Shen Jizhi, and with a delicate orchid-like finger, she lightly pointed at Jian Huan from a distance, chiding, "Little sister, you will surely have a lot of good fortune in the future, yet you still tricked us into thinking that this young gentleman is no good. That''s really too much for me."


    "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding," Jian Huan forced a smile. "Beautiful sister, it''s all a misunderstanding."


    Qi Wan sat down at the table and chuckled, "Little sister, your mouth is quite sweet. I like that. Since that''s the case, I''ll give you two choices."


    Jian Huan perked up her ears, "Sister, please tell me, I''m all ears."


    Qi Wan said, "One, you honestly confess where youe from, why you are here, and whose people you are. I''ll give you a quick death."


    She looked up, her smile even broader, "Two, I''ll have someone cut the flesh off your bodies piece by piece, making you suffer endlessly until you confess, and then I''ll chop you into minced meat and make it into buns. Which one will you choose?"


    Jian Huan subconsciously held her breath and asked cautiously, "Is there no choice to live?"


    Qi Wan looked surprised, "You still want to live?"Aliali: 675047168ee49abd4e8ae644


    "..."


    With Shen Jizhi''s cover, Jian Huan finally managed to pull out the teleportation talisman.


    Without hesitation, she concentrated her spiritual energy.


    In the next instant, the two of them disappeared from the spot, and just before they vanished, Jian Huan''s face was filled with a look of surprise.


    Shen Jizhi''s tense hand also rxed, and his...


    brown ssy eyes returned to normal.


    The room was deathly silent.


    Suddenly, Qi Wan burst into loudughter.


    Sheughed so hard that her golden hairpin fell off.


    Qi Wan turned her head, gently pinching the tears ofughter from the corners of her eyes, and said to the group of green-robed attendants, "Look, I didn''t even have to lift a finger, and they jumped right into the trap themselves. They really can''t stand a little scare. Now, there are two more puppets from the Jade rity Sect in the old mansion, which is quite nice to think about..."

 Chapter 24

    The teleportation talisman tore through space with terrifying force, sending both of them plummeting face-up through the air.


    Jian Huan was below, with Shen Jizhi above her.


    Her limbs were about to slip away from his body.


    Gritting her teeth and using all her strength, Jian Huan''s hands clutched desperately at Shen Jizhi''s neck while her legs wrapped tightly around him, like a drowning person refusing to let go of their lifeline.


    Her fingernails dug deeply into his swan-like neck, drawing several bloody scratches that bloomed red like winter plum blossoms.


    With his neck being squeezed so tightly, Shen Jizhi couldn''t help but cough, struggling to breathe.


    They were falling rapidly, the wind whistling past them as Shen Jizhi forced his eyes open with difficulty.


    Their surroundings transformed from endless darkness to bright sunlight - they must be nearing the ground.


    Fighting through the choking sensation, he reached out his long arms to support Jian Huan''s delicate back, then used his waist to twist their bodies, flipping their positions.


    As a Qi Cultivation practitioner, he was only slightly stronger than an ordinary person.


    With a loud crash, theynded in a flower bed.


    The impact made stars dance before their eyes, their heads buzzing.


    A momentter, Jian Huan, who was in slightly better condition thanks to having someone cushion her fall, climbed off Shen Jizhi feeling dizzy and weak. She instinctively scanned their surroundings.


    They appeared to be in a courtyard with over a dozen peach trees. Their impact had caused the delicate pink blossoms to fall from the branches, dancing in the air with otherworldly beauty.


    Jian Huan was stunned.


    It waste summer - not the spring season when peach blossoms typically bloom.


    Her teleportation talisman could only transport them ten kilometers - not far enough to change seasons.


    So where exactly were they?


    The person lying in the flower bed was still coughing.


    Jian Huan quickly snapped back to reality, pushing aside her doubts as she bent down to help him up.


    But although Shen Jizhi looked thin, he was very heavy, and Jian Huan couldn''t move him at all.


    She gave up and instead pulled up her skirt to crouch beside him, gently patting his back to help him catch his breath. "Are you alright?"


    Shen Jizhi gave a soft grunt of acknowledgment.


    He bent one knee for support and pushed himself up with his elbow to sit.


    Seeing this, Jian Huan withdrew her hand and hugged her knees while observing him.


    Though his face was smudged with dirt, it didn''t detract from his handsome features.


    They were both still in white nightclothes with low necklines, making the ring of red marks and blood spots on his neck particrly eye-catching.


    Jian Huan was startled and blurted out, "What happened to your neck?"


    Shen Jizhi gently rubbed his neck and nced at her coldly, "What do you mean? Don''t you remember what you did?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She pointed at her nose in disbelief, "So... I did that?"


    Then, with that gesture, she noticed her fingernails.


    There were traces of blood on them.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She lowered her head, showing genuine remorse: "I''m sorry, I wasn''t fully conscious while we were falling."


    Shen Jizhi let out a light scoff.


    His gaze fell on her beautiful profile.


    There was a shocking red mark on her face where he had pinched her earlier to wake her up.


    Shen Jizhi quietly averted his gaze, pretending not to notice.


    ...


    He hadn''t used much force at all - how had it turned so red?


    As his consciousness began to grow hazy, Shen Jizhi suddenly recalled those scenes again - scenes with Jian Huan in them.


    Something seemed to be stirring once more...


    "Shen Jizhi? Shen Jizhi?" After calling his name several times without response, seeing him standing there in a daze, Jian Huan quickly gave him a firm push and shouted in his ear, "SHEN! JI! ZHI!!!"


    Shen Jizhi suddenly snapped back to reality.


    The second time was just like the first - that familiar sweet fragrance lingered faintly at the tip of his nose.


    The sword wound on his palm was still there. He curled his fingers, forcefully reopening the wound that had already stopped bleeding.


    The pain brought rity.


    Shen Jizhi sat back down on the ground and quickly began casting.


    His face was pale as he channeled spiritual power through his fingertips, silently reciting incantations. Five-colored spiritual light flowed around him in a dazzling disy, gradually adhering to his body and blocking out that strange fragrance.


    Seeing this, Jian Huan remained quiet, sitting nearby to keep watch over him.


    A momentter, Shen Jizhi finally lowered his hands, appearing exhausted.


    Jian Huan sat cross-legged directly across from him and asked, "What happened to you just now?"


    Shen Jizhi looked up at her, studying her expression. Seeing that she appearedpletely normal, his eyes flickered slightly as he asked, "Didn''t you smell a sweet fragrance?"


    "Sweet fragrance?" Jian Huan sniffed the air, and after careful consideration, nodded slightly, "Yes, there is a faint one. It smells quite nice actually. Why?"


    Shen Jizhi spoke thoughtfully: "You didn''t feel anything?"


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow: "Feel what?"


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze: "This fragrance seems to make people fall into illusions."


    "Really?" Jian Huan eximed in surprise, shaking her head honestly, "But I didn''t experience any illusions."


    Shen Jizhi stated matter-of-factly: "But earlier I saw you having a nightmare."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan paused briefly, then nodded: "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi keenly noticed her unusual reaction and pressed further: "What did you dream about?"


    She had dreamed of scenes from the book.


    Those words had transformed into images shing through her mind.


    There were scenes of ''Jian Huan''s'' death, scenes of ''Shen Jizhi'' being surrounded and attacked, and scenes of the main characters living happily together - the entire plot of the book yed out like a slideshow.


    Jian Huan tilted her head, thought for a moment, then gave him a simple summary: "I dreamed that I died, and you died too."


    "??" Shen Jizhi was speechless for a moment, "What else?"


    Jian Huan looked at him strangely: "Once you''re dead, that''s it. What else could there be?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Then why were his illusions about... her?


    Shen Jizhi fell silent.


    Jian Huan looked at him with curiosity: "So what were your illusions about?"


    Instead of answering her question, Shen Jizhi lifted his gaze slightly and asked: "Why didn''t you experience any illusions?"


    Jian Huan paused.


    Perhaps it was because her soul wasn''t from this world? So she was automatically immune to spiritual attacks like the fragrance?


    Actually, she wasn''t quite sure herself.


    Jian Huan answered honestly: "I don''t know."


    Shen Jizhi smoothly replied: "I''ve forgotten mine as well."


    Jian Huan: "...I wasn''t lying to you!"


    Shen Jizhi clearly didn''t believe her: "Oh, what I said was true too."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    They stared at each other in silent standoff.


    Finally, they tacitly agreed to drop the subject.


    Jian Huan looked up at the sky.


    The sky here was a pure blue, withrge white clouds piled up within it, like a midsummer afternoon.


    But upon closer inspection, one would notice that the white clouds weren''t moving at all, maintaining the exact same shape.


    And then there were the unseasonable peach trees all around them.


    Jian Huan changed the subject: "Is this an illusion realm?"


    Shen Jizhi slowly shook his head: "It doesn''t seem like it."


    Jian Huan: "Oh?"


    Shen Jizhi exined to her: "Illusion realms are usually anchored to objects, like mirrors or scroll paintings. You''d need to enter through such objects, not via a teleportation talisman."


    Jian Huan understood: "Then this ce..."


    Shen Jizhi: "It''s more like a self-contained small world."


    Jian Huan''s eyes flickered: "I guess this ce holds the Jiang family''s secrets, perhaps the key to finding Chuchu and Niu Niu."


    Shen Jizhi nodded slightly.


    After a while, he added: "Not just that, there might be treasures here."


    Jian Huan had already stood up to leave, but upon hearing this, she whirled around with raised eyebrows and wide eyes: "What?"


    Treasures?!


    She hadn''t misheard, had she?


    "Yes." Shen Jizhi continued, "You see, secret realms are also self-contained small worlds. For a small world to function, it must be sustained by some heavenly materials or earthly treasures."


    Jian Huan: "!!"


    She suddenly became excited.


    She urged: "Then why are you still sitting there? Let''s get moving!"


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    In Yujiang City, dawn had broken.


    The guests in the guest house gradually awoke, none noticing what had transpired the previous night, nor did anyone care that two people were missing from the small building.


    A couple sat before Bing Lian. Both husband and wife were fifty-seven years old, looking younger thanmon folk of their age, though their hair had greyed considerably and wrinkles lined their eyes.


    "Li Family Lord, Mrs. Li," Bing Lian spoke with gentle warmth, giving people aforting feeling like a spring breeze, "Have you two decided? Do you truly want a child?"


    The Li Family Lord and Mrs. Li exchanged nces before nodding firmly.


    Bing Lian asked again, "Having a child isn''t something that happens in just a few days. If you both decide to go ahead, you''ll need to stay in Yujiang City for about half a year. The Jiang household will have medicine masters to help nurture your bodies. What do you think about this arrangement?"


    The Li Family Lord gently patted his wife''s hand, "Don''t worry, Miss Bing Lian. My wife and I had already considered this beforeing to Yujiang City. We''ve arranged everything at home, and half a year isn''t too long."


    "That''s good then," Bing Lian smiled. "There''s one more thing - have you thought about what spiritual root you''d like the child to have? The Jiang family''s medicine masters are extremely skilled in alchemy and can nurture specific spiritual roots through medicinal pills. However, different medicinese at different prices."


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Li suddenly raised her head, "Really?!"


    Bing Lian nodded gently, "Of course it''s true."


    Mrs. Li, thinking of her child who had died unexpectedly, had tears glistening in her eyes. She grabbed Bing Lian''s hand, her expression full of hope, and said chokingly, "I want a child with three spiritual roots - gold, fire, and earth."


    Bing Lian allowed Mrs. Li to hold her hand and spoke softly, "Alright, based on previous cases, it would cost about 500,000 spirit stones over the half-year period."


    Five hundred thousand spirit stones was a considerable sum.


    But the couples selected by the Jiang family all had ancestral savings, and their families could manage to scrape together this amount if they tried hard enough.


    Moreover, the Li family wasn''t poor; they could afford more than five hundred thousand.


    The Li Family Lord lowered his head in thought for a while, then suddenly looked up and asked, "Then... what about a single spiritual root?"


    If his Li family could have a child with a single spiritual root, wouldn''t they secure a ce in the cultivation world?!


    This thought made his heart race.


    Bing Lian, seeing the desire in the Li Family Lord''s eyes, smiled apologetically, "Regarding children with single spiritual roots, the Jiang family cannot help. I hope you understand."


    The Li Family Lord''s eyes gleamed, "What about dual spiritual roots?"


    Bing Lian replied, "The medicine for dual spiritual roots is rare, and the medicine masters have limited quantities. It usually goes to the highest bidder."


    The Li Family Lord turned his head with a questioning look, "Dear..."


    But he only managed two words before his voice caught in his throat.


    Because Mrs. Li was staring at him, staring so intensely that it made him ufortable.


    Mrs. Li seemed unable to believe what her husband had just said. With trembling lips and tears in her eyes, she said, "Husband, Mao''er had gold, fire, and earth spiritual roots. Have you forgotten about Mao''er? It''s been barely a year since he died..."


    The Li Family Lord remained silent.


    Mrs. Liughed bitterly, "I only want a child like Mao''er..."


    Bing Lian lowered her eyes, quietly waiting for the couple to make their decision.


    In the end, the Li family chose a child with three spiritual roots.


    Bing Lian collected a hundred thousand spirit stones as a deposit, made a note on paper, and left to visit the next location.


    On her way, she encountered Qing Bai returning.


    Bing Lian asked, "How did it go?"


    Qing Bai patted his clothes, making a bitter face, "I identally let him escape. He has something on him. But all the city gates are manned by our people, and with his Foundation Establishment realm cultivation, he can''t leave the city. We can search the city slowly. However, I need to report this to the madam..."


    Bing Lian nodded.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi used invisibility talismans to explore every essible area.


    This small world was only the size of a mansion, with the outer wall serving as its boundary, and those inside couldn''t leave.


    Maids and servants frequently passed through the mansion, their faces nk and eyes lifeless, doing what they were supposed to do, working what they were supposed to work on, saying what they were supposed to say.


    Methodically, like walking corpses.


    Although Jian Huan had many talismans stored in her storage ring, they had cost money, so she tried to use them sparingly.


    Now, instead of exploring outside, she and Shen Jizhi were hiding behind a rockery.


    On the other side of the rockery, a servant was watering flowers.


    He watered once in the morning and once in the afternoon, following the same order every time, even muttering the sameints about the steward: "Why am I always stuck doing this? I want to serve in the main courtyard too! Chen, who serves by the master''s side, entered the mansion three years after me, but now he''s be the master''s most trusted person and is even apanying the master on business outside! While I''m still here watering flowers!"


    And so on - Jian Huan could recite it all by heart.


    She withdrew her gaze, "Can these people ever wake up?"


    Shen Jizhi was drawing a map on the ground with a stone. Hearing her question, he replied, "Once the formation is broken, they''ll wake up."


    "Oh?" Just as Jian Huan felt a glimmer of hope, Shen Jizhi''s next words dashed it, "But those who have been trapped in the illusion for more than three months will likely be mentally impaired when they wake up."


    Jian Huan: "...Alright."


    Remembering something, she looked at him with bright eyes, "That means I saved your life then. If I hadn''t called out to you, you would have fallen into the illusion. Don''t you think you should show some gratitude for saving your life?"


    Shen Jizhi didn''t look up, finishing hisst stroke before tossing the stone aside, "A fifty-fifty split is impossible, don''t even think about it."


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, "Is your life worth so little?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Mm, it''s not worth much."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Shen Jizhi stood up, and Jian Huan moved closer. They both looked down at the simple map.


    Jian Huan pursed her lips, somewhat disapprovingly, "Your drawing isn''t as good as mine."


    Shen Jizhi''s forehead twitched, "Then why didn''t you draw it earlier?"


    Jian Huan flexed her fingers, "I didn''t draw because my drawings are valuable."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Ignoring her, Shen Jizhi got down to business: "This isn''t the Jiang residence."


    Initially, they both thought this ce was built to replicate the Jiang residence.


    But after today''s exploration, they discovered this wasn''t the case.


    Jian Huan crossed one arm over her chest while stroking her delicate chin with the other, her eyes gleaming, "That day when you and Baili Dao went to rent a carriage, I went to buy talismans, remember?"


    Shen Jizhi made a sound of acknowledgment, indicating he was listening.


    Jian Huan continued, "While buying the talismans, I asked the shop assistant about the history between Jiang Cheng and Qi Wan."


    Shen Jizhi wasn''t surprised; if she wanted to, she could be friendly with anyone: "And?"


    Jian Huan: "Their current Jiang residence was built sixteen years ago. Before that, they lived in the old street district. I went to look at the old street, but the mansion is gone, reced by several restaurants and teahouses."


    Shen Jizhi: "Then this ce might be their old residence."


    Jian Huan had the same thought. Her gaze slowly swept across the map, contemtive: "Where do you think the formation''s core might be?"


    This was a small world operated by a formation, eternally frozen on a day when peach blossoms were in full bloom.


    To find what they were looking for, they needed to locate the formation''s core and break it.


    Shen Jizhi thought for a moment, then asked Jian Huan, "If you were hiding a treasure in your home, where would you hide it?"


    Jian Huan tilted her head in thought, answering seriously, "I would keep it on me."


    Even in death, she would want to die with her precious treasure! How could she put it somewhere else? What if someone took it?


    Shen Jizhi''s mouth twitched slightly: "..."


    Jian Huan looked up curiously, "What about you?"


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes: "...Same here."


    Yes, keeping it on oneself was more reassuring.


    The rockery fell silent for a moment. They looked at each other and simultaneously mouthed the same word: "Qi Wan."


    They had learned from the flower-watering servant that on this day, Master Jiang Cheng wasn''t in the mansion.


    From other servants, they learned that Madam Qi Wan was.


    In the main courtyard, two sword-wielding guards stood like shadow puppets, performing the same scene day after day in the bright spring afternoon.


    "Did you check the Xuantian Mirror this morning?"


    "No, what''s up?"


    "Ha, ha, ha¡ª" The puppet''sughter was emotionless, making it eerie and creepy, "I saw that Elder Gufeng from the Jade rity Sect went to steal spirit ducks from the Beast Taming Sect to eat, and when he was caught, he ended up owing twenty thousand spirit stones."


    "Elder Gu has always been like this, hasn''t he? He must owe quite a lot by now. But he''s a Nascent Soul realm powerhouse, others can''t do anything about it. Actually, at his level, wouldn''t it be easy to earn spirit stones? I wonder why he keeps stealing and pilfering."


    "All powerful cultivators have their quirks. Elder Gu probably just enjoys it."


    "So will Elder Gu not pay back those spirit stones?"


    "No, ording to inside sources on the Xuantian Mirror, the Jade rity Sect Leader explicitly told him to pay it back. Elder Gu replied that he''d take a disciple in the future to help him repay it."


    "His future disciple is so pitiful. Wonder who that unfortunate person will be."


    Jian Huan, standing silently behind them with an invisibility talisman: "..."


    Afterward, she quietly left to listen to the next puppet''s lines.


    An hourter, they returned to their secret hideout¡ªthe rockery.


    When Shen Jizhi returned, Jian Huan was already there, practicing meditation.


    Her cultivation level had shown signs of advancement since her time at the Chu family, and recently these signs had be more evident.


    Hearing movement, she released her breath from the dantian and opened her eyes. Her first question was, "Did you repay the two thousand spirit stones that your master owed to the Beast Taming Sect?"


    Shen Jizhi paused: "How did you know?"


    Jian Huan briefly exined the situation.


    Shen Jizhi fell into contemtion: "This is a debt from sixteen years ago."


    Jian Huan calcted: her current body was born in the summer sixteen years ago, and in the formation, it was now spring of sixteen years ago. "So I wasn''t even born yet, you were one year old, and it would be five more years until you became unfortunate."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan looked up: "What about you? What did you discover on your end?"


    Shen Jizhi looked down at her quietly, remaining silent for a moment, his face showing traces of...


    Well, longing??


    ...


    In the bathhouse of the main courtyard, the door was open.


    Walking in, there was a wooden carved screen on the left, with lifelike depictions of mountains, waters, birds, and beasts.


    Behind the screen, several maids with double buns were busy.


    Two maids were adding water to the bathtub, one maid was carrying a tray with white jade bottles, and another maid took a bottle and opened it, pouring translucent green liquid into the tub, quickly tinting the water with a light green hue.


    Rich spiritual energy filled the bathhouse, and Jian Huan felt every pore in her body opening up.


    It felt sofortable, she desperately wanted to soak in it...


    An intense desire rose from her dantian.


    This tub of spirit liquid was like finding an oasis for a traveler dying of thirst in the desert, especially for a cultivator on the verge of advancement.


    Beside her, Shen Jizhi was also staring intently.


    His thirst hadsted longer than Jian Huan''s¡ªeleven years already.


    When they searched the mansion yesterday, they hade here too, but the maids hadn''t started preparations then.


    Just now, when Shen Jizhi followed the maid carrying the white jade bottle, he discovered this.


    The busy maids werepletely unaware of the hungry eyes behind them, their attention focused solely on the tub of spirit medicine.


    After all three white jade bottles were emptied into the tub, the water became even more emerald green.


    The maids began cleaning up the empty containers.


    The one who had poured the medicine gazed at the water and muttered to herself, "It''s ready, we can invite the madam now."


    She and the other three maids nodded to each other, stepped out of the bathhouse, and walked toward the bedroom.


    Outside the bedroom door, the maid curtsied and said tly, "Madam, your spirit bath is ready."


    The maid waited for a quarter hour, gave a lifeless smile to the air, and curtsied again: "Madam."


    Then she led the way back to the bathhouse.


    Seeing her return, the other maids quickly put down their tasks and half-bent their knees: "Greetings, Madam."


    After waiting a moment, they said again: "Yes, Madam."


    The maids adjusted the curtains, all withdrew from the bathhouse, closed the door properly, and quietly stood guard outside.


    But inside, there was no one¡ªQi Wan, who should have been there, wasn''t.


    All the maids'' curtsies and conversations had been directed at thin air.


    Jian Huan looked at the untouched spirit bath, suppressing the moring in her dantian, and thought.


    The real Qi Wan was certainly outside.


    But these servants weren''t real either¡ªthey were puppets thrown into the formation...


    The real Qi Wan should have had a puppet counterpart too.


    ''Qi Wan'' was the core of the formation, and all the mansion''s maids and servants existed only to serve her.


    That''s it¡ªthe question was, where was the formation''s ''Qi Wan''?


    Though they were tempted by the spirit bath and all the expensive items in the mansion,


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi didn''t dare act rashly to avoid unnecessary trouble.


    They both sat in meditation by the bathtub, absorbing some of the spirit medicine''s energy.


    On this day sixteen years ago, Qi Wan apparently took a spirit bath thatsted all afternoon.


    As the sun began to set, the maids outside suddenly responded with a "yes," and with a creak, opened the door and filed in.


    A maid pulled back the curtains, revealing the magnificent sunset on the horizon.


    The sky here was like a slideshow, changing every hour.


    The lead maid bowed, seeing off the non-existent person, and the other maids also bowed deeply.


    After a while, the maids inside straightened up. They used empty buckets to scoop out the water from the bathtub, each carrying two buckets as they walked out.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi tacitly followed.


    The three maids showed remarkable strength, each easily carrying tworge buckets of water, walking briskly out of the main courtyard, along the corridor, and into the garden.


    The dozen or so peach trees in the garden were in full bloom. The maids poured all the water from their buckets onto the roots of the peach trees.


    Beside them, Jian Huan''s eyes widened, and she unconsciously reached out her hand, her fingers tensing grotesquely before curling into a fist.


    Her features contorted in anguish as if she might cry.


    Though she couldn''t see the person beside her, Jian Huan knew he was there.


    She turned her head and whispered very softly: "We''re living worse than these peach trees!"


    Shen Jizhi''s expression remained calm, but his hands behind his back were clenched into fists.


    After a while, he let out a quiet sigh.


    The sigh echoed through the small courtyard, dispersing with the wind as peach blossoms fell, their delicate petals dancing in the air as if mocking something.


    ...


    The nights here were peaceful and tranquil.


    After a busy day, the servants were either eating, washing up, or resting in corners.


    In the bedroom of the main courtyard, themp was still lit¡ª''Qi Wan'' hadn''t gone to sleep yet.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood in the empty room, waiting quietly.


    Suddenly, the light before them went out.


    Before they could react, with a snap, it was daylight outside again.


    A maid gently knocked on the door, beginning a new day: "Madam, would you like a spirit bath this afternoon?"


    The person inside seemed to say something, and after a moment, the maid replied: "Yes, Madam, this servant will arrange it right away."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged nces.


    What happened on that night that made Qi Wan unable to move forward, constantly repeating that day, as if doing so would prevent what was toe?


    ording to this world''s time, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had been here for three days.


    On the first day, they conducted a general survey, getting an overall impression of the entire Jiang family mansion.


    On the second day, they focused on listening to the puppet people''s conversations, getting a grasp of the day''s events.


    Today was the third day, and they began a detailed search.


    The first ce they searched was Jiang Cheng and Qi Wan''s bedroom.


    With some time before the afternoon when the maids woulde looking, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi didn''t use concealment talismans.


    The bedroom was spacious, divided into outer and inner sections.


    The outer room had a desk and dressing table, while the inner room contained the bed.


    Shen Jizhi was examining the desk area, so Jian Huan lifted the door curtain and entered the inner room.


    The bed wasrge and square, with rouge-colored bed curtains neatly tied to the bedposts.


    But the bedding was somewhat messy, not yet made up, as if the upant had awakened but hadn''t gotten up, resting against the headboard with closed eyes.


    Jian Huan climbed onto the bed and immediately flipped over the covers, revealing a thick book.


    The book was half-read, its cover facing outward, casually lying on the bed.


    The cyan-colored cover was extremely familiar, and Jian Huan froze.


    She had this book too.


    Every Jade rity Sect talisman master had one¡ªit was their sect''s "Complete Guide to Talisman Arts."


    Jian Huan: "!"


    She hugged the talisman guide and emerged from the inner room with a shocked expression.


    Hearing movement, Shen Jizhi looked up, holding a sword manual in his hands.


    It was the Jade rity Sect''s sword manual¡ªhe had one too.


    Though he had sold his copy a few years ago to a junior brother who had lost his.


    Shen Jizhi''s expression wasn''t as animated as Jian Huan''s, but his slightly furrowed brow revealed some disbelief.


    Jian Huan said gravely: "I think Qi Wan might be a talisman master from the Jade rity Sect."


    Shen Jizhi: "...And Jiang Cheng is probably a sword cultivator from the Jade rity Sect."


    Jian Huan asked him: "You don''t have any impression of this Jiang Cheng and Qi Wan?" He had lived at the Jade rity Sect for eleven years.


    Shen Jizhi: "None."


    They both fell silent: "..."


    The direction this situation was taking became increasingly frightening.


    Qi Wan was clearly doing something nefarious that couldn''t see the light of day.


    Could these misdeeds be connected to someone powerful in the Jade rity Sect...


    Jian Huan lowered her head, carefully thinking about the story''s plot.


    Actually, the book wasn''t very long, only about 200,000-300,000 words, ending after telling the melodramatic love story between Jiang Qiaoqiao, Jing Chi, and Shen Jizhi.


    When Jian Huan was reading, she didn''t care much about it. She was just looking for drama, who cared what was happening in that world within the book, in the parts that weren''t written about.


    Jian Huan sighed.


    She quietly held the talisman manual and returned to the inner chamber to continue searching.


    Shen Jizhi put down the sword manual and also continued.


    After a while, Jian Huan emerged with a strange expression, carrying a box.


    Shen Jizhi looked up at her, his gaze questioning: "?"


    Jian Huan cleared her throat lightly and opened the box to show him.


    Shen Jizhi nced at it and fell silent again.


    Just because he hadn''t experienced it didn''t mean he didn''t understand.


    In those years, to earn spirit stones to pay off debts, he had ventured into some pleasure houses.


    He knew what these items were used for.


    Jian Huan made a profoundment: "Hmm, the couple seems quite loving."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi nced at her, then quickly averted his gaze,posing himself before saying quietly: "In the future, don''t show me such things."


    To this, Jian Huan exined: "I just wanted to share."


    Just like before in the modern world, when she saw gossip online, she would definitely find her girlfriends to discuss it enthusiastically.


    But now, with the Xuantian Mirror not working, she could only share with him.


    Outside, the sky changed again and again, from dawn to noon.


    Shen Jizhi finished searching thest ce, finding nothing else useful.


    Jian Huan had been inside for some time and hadn''te out.


    Shen Jizhi hurriedly lifted the door curtain and walked into the inner chamber.


    Inside, Jian Huan sat on the ground with theplete talisman manual in herp.


    She had been staring at the bed for a long time, lost in thought.


    Shen Jizhi let out a slight breath and asked, "What is it?"


    Jian Huan didn''t turn around. She lightly bit her fingernail, her eyes carrying a reminiscent light: "Elder Yu mentioned before that there''s a formation that can create another realm within the same space, without interference. He even gave us a simple demonstration..."


    When Elder Yu taught about talismans, he didn''t strictly follow the talisman books. When teaching about transportation talismans, he might suddenly talk about transportation formations and demonstrate the formation patterns for them.


    Talismans and formations were inherently connected, but formations were too difficult for beginning talisman cultivators like them. Other elders wouldn''t teach this at this stage - it would be like casting pearls before swine.


    But Elder Yu often taught it. He could go from transportation formations to spatial formations, then back to speed talismans, making his sses longer than other elders''.


    Jian Huan murmured: "I feel that the sensation from this bed is very simr to when Elder Yu cast the spatial formation that day..."


    She hadn''t noticed before, but just now when she identally tripped and fell, looking up from the ground, that moment suddenly reminded her.


    Shen Jizhi asked: "Can you break the formation?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She slowly turned around and quietly looked at him.


    Shen Jizhi: "Hmm?"


    Jian Huan uttered two words: "I can''t."


    Shen Jizhi showed slight disappointment and shook his head.


    Jian Huan sneered: "Can you?"


    Shen Jizhi stopped shaking his head and quietly lowered his gaze.


    However¡ª


    Jian Huan''s fingertip tapped lightly on the ground: "If I could reach Foundation Building stage, I could try..."


    Elder Yu had mentioned that the Jade rity Sect''s spatial formations had some minor issues in the past, but they had been improved in recent years.


    Yes, it was Elder Yu who had improved them.


    At the time, Jian Huan had wondered internally if Elder Yu''s roundabout way of teaching, going off on so many tangents, was just his way of telling them that although he was a new elder, he was actually very capable.


    In any case, the spatial formation Qi Wan used was likely the old version.


    Seven dayster.


    Jian Huan sat in the bathtub, the water reaching her fair neck.


    Spiritual energy gradually gathered into her body, the energy ball in her dandan growingrger andrger, almost bursting her entire dandan. The tearing pain spread throughout her body.


    Jian Huan focused her mind, her brows tightly furrowed.


    The spiritual medicine Qi Wan used for soaking was of unknown grade, but its effects were intense.


    On the first day of soaking, Jian Huan directly advanced from Qi Refinement first level to third level.


    In the following days, she continued advancing level by level.


    Now, she was just one step away from Foundation Building.


    Actually, when she reached Qi Refinement fourth level, that was the mostfortable state.


    After the fourth level, it became somewhat forced, like pulling up seedlings to help them grow.


    But¡ª


    She could still endure it!


    She had to reach Foundation Building. How could free spiritual medicine be painful? At least her heart wouldn''t hurt.


    The maid stood guard outside, while Shen Jizhi sat beside the bathtub.


    An elegant curtain blocked the spring scenery outside the window, making the bathroom dim and peaceful.


    But inside Jian Huan''s body, it was like being in the center of a level ten typhoon, with spiritual energy crashing about, her dandan on the verge of copse.


    She took a deep breath, continuously circting the Great Talisman Heart Method, moving through the cycles, keeping her mind clear.


    Shen Jizhi noticed something and looked up at her, his eyes dark and unclear.


    After an unknown amount of time, the typhoon suddenly dispersed, and the chaotic dandan returned to stillness.


    The broken walls gradually restored, like a rebirth.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his head and closed his eyes.


    Jian Huan opened her eyes.


    The bathroom was still the same bathroom, but somehow different.


    She could easily see every grain of sand on the wall, see the crystal-clear water beneath her.


    The dim light no longer blurred her vision.


    Foundation Building stage achieved.


    Jian Huan let out a long breath, not daring to soak any longer, and climbed out of the water.Aliali: 67480c4f3f33ac476d3de


    Shen Jizhi rose from his meditation position and said tly: "Congrattions."


    "Thank you." Jian Huan''s face was somewhat pale. Through the gap in the curtains, she looked at the sky outside.


    It was still bright, far from evening.


    Having just reached Foundation Building, her realm was still somewhat unstable.


    Jian Huan simply sat down on the ground and said: "I''ll meditate for a while, wake me up when it''s time."


    Shen Jizhi: "Alright."


    Jian Huan then peacefully entered meditation.


    Shen Jizhi walked to the bathtub and looked down at the water inside.


    The water still had a light green tinge; Jian Huan hadn''t used up all the spiritual medicine.


    Without much hesitation, he pointed his toes and gracefullynded in the water, causing a few slight ripples.

 Chapter 25

    Shen Jizhi slipped into the bathtub, causing the medicinal water to overflow slightly, gradually soaking his body until it stopped half an inch below his shoulders.


    Like rain after a long drought, the lingering medicinal essence in the water encountered this body that had been barely sustained by fasting pills, instantly sweeping through him.


    His limbs grew slightly warm, and Shen Jizhi closed his eyes, his usually sharp, sword-like features softening slightly.


    Just as he was about to circte his qi, that warmth flickered like a tiny lit match,sting only briefly before vanishingpletely.


    Shen Jizhi was startled and opened his eyes to look down.


    The water, which had been faintly green before, was now clearer than mountain spring water, without a trace of impurity.


    That brief touch of spiritual energy and warmth felt like nothing more than a dream.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He sat quietly in the water for a long while, then silently climbed out and sat behind Jian Huan, closing his eyes to meditate, his face cold and still.


    In Yujiang City, it was the hour of Yin, the transition between night and dawn.


    A half moon hung in the pitch-ck sky, coldly watching the mortal world below.


    There had been a heavy rain the night before, and the wet traces on the stone paths gleamed eerily in the moonlight.


    The City Lord''s Mansion had issued an order that thieves were active in the city recently, putting the entire city on alert. Despite this, even before dawn broke, some citizens were already out and about.


    They carried empty baskets one after another, taking shortcuts to their fields to pick fresh vegetables still covered in dew.


    Later, when day broke, they would take these vegetables to sell at the morning market.


    As they hurried along, these hardworking citizens encountered a dpidated cart.


    The horse pulling it was thin and therefore moved slowly. The roofless carriage behind it was filled with night soil buckets.


    Ah! It was the night soil cart!


    Everyone pinched their noses and hurried to keep their distance.


    Baili Dao, who wore a gray cloth on his head, looked up, revealing his dark face that was difficult to make out in the darkness.


    It had been five days since Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi entered the Jiang Mansion.


    And he had been collecting night soil for five days.


    Five nights ago, while Baili Dao was sleeping, the protective pendant given by his parents suddenly lit up with a blinding light, creating a solid protective shield around him.


    Baili Dao ran as fast as he could, darting through the streets and alleys of Yujiang City.


    The broken cart was too decrepit to park at an inn, especially since Miss Jian wouldn''t even let it take her to the Jiang family.


    So Baili Dao had hidden the cart deep in an alley.


    And since Jian Huan had been angry when she got off the cart that day, no one had told him to return it.


    So Baili Dao kept renting it without returning it.


    The pendant protected him for the time of one incense stick before failing, but thankfully he had Miss Jian''s talismans.


    The teleportation talisman had always been ineffective in Yujiang City, as Miss Jian had tested when they first entered the city.


    The invisibility talisman worked, but even after it was used up, the pursuing forces still searched everywhere relentlessly. Baili Dao didn''t dare to use his flying sword or any spiritual power.


    He jumped onto the cart and drove it frantically, not caring which way he went.


    But the horse truly couldn''t run fast.


    Baili Dao whipped it several times, but the horse became stubborn, stopped, and refused to move further.


    Baili Dao was desperate, his mind went nk, and he even forgot he could abandon the horse and flee.


    At that crucial moment, with a creak, a back door several meters away opened from the inside.


    An elderly person carrying a night soil bucket poked their head out and, seeing the cart in the distance, waved and called out, "Here, here, here! Over here!"


    Baili Dao, not knowing what the person wanted, confusedly went over.


    The elderly person''s eyesight wasn''t very good, and with it being dark, they didn''t look too carefully before handing the night soil bucket to Baili Dao, mumbling something and closing their back door.


    It was at this moment, amid the lightning and thunder, that Baili Dao suddenly had an idea!


    He found a ce, dismantled the cart''s roof, stored the wooden materials in his Mustard Seed Pouch, and put on a crimson undergarment from it.


    This was what their mother had sewn for Baili Dao and his brother Baili Jian when they went out to gain experience. Each brother had one, and wearing it could prevent other cultivators from detecting their cultivation level.


    However, their mother had embroidered several peonies on it, making both brothers reluctant to wear it.


    They only wore it when absolutely necessary.


    After changing clothes, Baili Dao earnestly began his journey as a night soil collector.


    He even encountered several patrol guards searching for him along his route, but none paid him any attention...


    Having avoided this pursuit, Baili Dao nned to leave the city and find the Jade rity Sect elder as Jian Huan had instructed.


    But the city gates were under strict guard, and everyone leaving had to pass through spirit-detecting stones, with anyone at the Foundation Establishment realm being detained for questioning.


    The crimson undergarment couldn''t avoid the spirit-detecting stones, so Baili Dao had to continue collecting night soil while looking for a chance to leave the city.


    In the past, Baili Dao wouldn''t have thought so much about it; if the city gate wasn''t an option, he would have just recklessly climbed over a secluded section of the city wall.


    But now, Baili Dao was thinking things through carefully.


    He realized this wouldn''t work - if someone could trap Miss Jian and Master Shen in the Jiang Mansion, how could they possibly let him easily climb over the city wall?


    Those two couldn''t even get out of the Jiang Mansion''s walls, so who was he to think he could seed?


    So Baili Dao held himself back, which proved to be wise.


    Because in one night, the guards caught several cultivators trying to climb the walls.


    Baili Dao felt he had be smarter.


    In the formation grounds, the spring moon was like a flower.


    Though the sky was artificial, it was extremely beautiful.


    All around was quiet, with asional sweet-scented breezes passing by. In the artificial mountain where no one woulde, Shen Jizhi was meditating while Jian Huan was drawing talismans.


    Having soaked too long in the spiritual bath, Jian Huan felt like a balloon, somewhat bloated and needing release.


    When she couldn''t afford spiritual pills before, her external energy exceeded her internal energy. Now, with free spiritual baths, her internal energy exceeded her external.


    So after stabilizing her dantian realm, she began drawing talismans non-stop.


    Fortunately, beforeing to the Jiang Mansion, she had spent most of her spirit stones to buy two thousand sheets of talisman paper.


    Elder Yu Qing''s method regarding the old version of the space formation was still rted to teleportation talismans...


    Indeed, at Elder Yu''s ce, teleportation talismans held crucial importance, serving as the most solid foundation of his talisman arts.


    Jian Huan recalled that day''s talisman ss.


    She had been dozing off, but when she saw Elder Yu float arge piece of white paper in the air and draw formation patterns on it, she instantly became alert.


    Compared to text andnguage, she definitely preferred images.


    Yu Qing demonstrated to his disciples, using an ordinary brush without spiritual power, drawing and exining: "When the brush falls on paper, it bes a talisman. When it falls between heaven and earth, it bes a formation. Of course, you''re not at the Golden Core stage yet, so you can''t draw formations, but it doesn''t hurt to learn more. Look, this is the old space formation pattern. Formation patterns are only useful when drawn between heaven and earth; they''re useless on paper. But if you wrap this old formation pattern within the teleportation talisman''s script like this, the teleportation talisman can transport you from here to the derived space. But the new formation pattern won''t work - I''ve improved it, and the new pattern can''t coexist with teleportation talisman script. Drawing them together will definitely cause bacsh for the talisman master. If you''re interested, just trybining the old formation pattern with the teleportation talisman, but never attempt the new pattern, be careful not to cause idents. Oh right, to drawbination talismans, you need to be at least at the Foundation Establishment realm..."


    Elder Yu Qing''s rambling words flowed from the river of memory, and Jian Huan drew without being hindered by the light, trying to recreate the old formationbination talisman that Elder Yu Qing had demonstrated.


    But it wasn''t going smoothly.


    It had looked simple when Elder Yu Qing drew it, but when she tried herself, the strokes never came out right on the talisman paper, wasting several sheets.


    Yet she could draw it quite well when using stones on the ground.


    Jian Huan sighed softly.


    She put away the talisman paper and brush, dusted off her hands and stood up from the ground, looking at the sky: "Is it almost dawn?"


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi looked up and nodded: "Yes."


    Jian Huan left the artificial mountain first, urging: "Then let''s hurry, yesterday there was only one petal left!"


    It wouldn''t be good if they werete.


    ...


    In the formation grounds, another new day dawned.


    With the morning sun on the horizon, everything in this small world returned to normal.


    Maids woke up to wash and dress, hurriedly lifting their skirts as they walked along the soft goose-feather paths. Along the paths, flower beds bloomed in brilliant colors, with delicate buds still carrying crystal-clear morning dew.


    As the girls passed by, their skirts brushed off dewdrops, leaving slight wet patches.


    But the maids couldn''t care about that now. They passed through the round arch of the main courtyard, arriving at Qi Wan''s door to inquire whether she wanted a spiritual bath today.


    After receiving confirmation, she hurriedly left for the Alchemy Pavilion.


    The alchemist at the Alchemy Pavilion was already awake, sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion in the courtyard.


    Just on the other side of the wall, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were racing against time to open wooden boxes and exchange spiritual herbs and flowers.


    Outside, a maid stopped precisely ten steps away from the alchemist, lowered her head, and said stiffly, "Reporting to Alchemist, the madam requires a spiritual bath today."


    The alchemist slowly opened his eyes and mechanically nodded, "I understand. You may go."


    "Yes, Alchemist." The maid curtsied and left.


    The alchemist stood up and pushed open the door to the alchemy room.


    The alchemy room was spacious, with a magnificent golden furnace in the center, surrounded by cabs made of spiritual wood. Each shelf was originally filled with wooden boxes.


    However, now the shelves had gaps here and there, as if mice had secretly nibbled away at corn.


    But it didn''t matter, as the boxes the alchemist needed were still there. Therefore, he showed no reaction.


    The boxes had intricate maze-like patterns, special formations designed to store various spiritual herbs.


    The alchemist opened a rectangr box.


    The most important ingredient for Madam Jiang''s spiritual bath liquid was this third-grade Jade Snow Lotus.


    The box contained two lotuses, each with twelve petals, and one petal was taken each time.


    The lotus on the right still had all its petals intact, but the one on the left waspletely bare, without a single petal.


    The alchemist had always taken petals from the right lotus, and he didn''t question why the left one was bare. He simply reached out and plucked a petal.


    The same went for other spiritual herbs and flowers.


    After gathering the necessary materials, the alchemist walked to the furnace and began preparing what Qi Wan needed.


    He didn''t see, and would never see, that a man and woman were standing right beside him, watching.


    The more Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi understood this ce, the bolder...


    They became.


    At first, they used invisibility talismans everywhere they went, being extremely cautious, fearing these puppet people would see them and cause trouble.


    But gradually, the two discovered that as long as they didn''t interfere with what these puppet people needed to do, everything was fine.


    Jian Huan summarized the rules of this world in her mind:


    First, don''t interfere with the daily routines of the Jiang Mansion. In other words, you could stand next to the puppet people and chat loudly, but you couldn''t stand in their way, block their path, or take things they needed to use, otherwise the consequences could be severe. Just how severe, neither Jian Huan nor Shen Jizhi dared to find out.


    Second, observe thew of conservation of energy. The puppet people and the old mansion formed an internal energy system. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi weren''t puppet people; they were external energy bodies. When she took a spiritual bath, energy transferred from the internal system to the external system, and during the daily reset, one petal would disappear from the Jade Snow Lotus in the alchemy room.


    And since this alchemist would only take from the right lotus, if she and Shen Jizhi hadn''t switched the positions of the two lotuses this morning, it would have vited the first rule.


    Crisis averted, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi left the alchemy room as if they owned the ce.


    She touched the Mustard Seed Pouch at her chest, thinking of the wooden boxes inside, and her smile became particrly bright.


    Outside the Alchemy Pavilion was a bamboo grove, but it wasn''t just bamboo there ¨C several puppet people stood as straight as the bamboo stalks.


    Jian Huan remarked, "If you fell victim to the sweet fragrance technique, you''d end up being bamboo here."


    The Jiang Mansion only had so many people, and when the positions were filled, those thrown inter could only pretend to be bamboo.


    Shen Jizhi gave her a cool sidelong nce: "No need to remind me that you woke me up. Out of one hundred and eighty-one boxes, I only took ny."


    Jian Huan: "Heh, then it''s settled ¨C in cases where we can''t split things evenly, the extra portion is mine."


    Since she needed to break the spatial formation, Shen Jizhi thought for a moment and didn''t object: "Only while we''re here. This doesn''t count once we leave."


    Jian Huan immediately agreed: "Deal!"


    She raised her right hand high, her slender white palm facing him, eyes sparkling withughter: "Here''s to sessful cooperation."


    Shen Jizhi held his sword with both hands, looking at her palm: "?"


    Jian Huan raised her left hand and tapped her own right hand, demonstrating: "It''s called a high-five celebration, get it?"


    She extended her right hand again.


    "Don''t get it," Shen Jizhi shook his head, ncing at her, "Keep pping by yourself."


    With that, he strode away.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    He really knew how to ruin the mood.


    He wasn''t actually clueless.


    Shen Jizhi, in fact, understood quite a lot.


    Like that box they found under the bed ¨C she knew what it was because her college roommate had once dragged her to an adult store to broaden her horizons.


    But he knew too, yet said not to show him such things in the future.


    Tch, what an act.


    Jian Huan lowered her head and muttered: "...Dog of a man."


    They walked one after another, maintaining a neither long nor short distance, but Shen Jizhi keenly turned his head: "What?"


    Jian Huan smiled brightly: "Nothing, I was justplimenting you!"


    "Really." Shen Jizhi let out a lightugh, returning apliment, "You''re so kind and generous."


    Jian Huan: "...Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi exined calmly: "I wasplimenting you too."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Damn!


    In the Jiang Mansion, Qi Wany on a couch.


    The nearby window was open, and suddenly a gust of wind rushed in, making the water-red curtains dance wildly.


    Qi Wan''s red dress draped over the ck and gold carpet, also fluttering in the wind.


    In the corner of the carpet, several...


    Empty wine bottlesy scattered, the remaining wine seeping silently into the carpet.


    After a night of drinking, Qi Wany with her eyes closed, appearing to be asleep.


    But suddenly, she opened her eyes, her gaze cutting through the room''s depressing alcoholic atmosphere, looking out through the open window.


    In the not-yet-bright dawn, everything was bathed in a bluish light, carrying the coolness and solitude of the pre-sunrise hours.


    She lowered her enchanting eyes and extended her hand with deep red nail polish.


    A cup of wine appeared through the air; she grabbed it, and the burning liquor entered her throat.


    They better not disappoint her...


    Qi Wan threw away the cup and fell back onto the couch.


    She buried her face in the crook of her arm, her shoulders suddenly shaking violently as silver bell-likeughter erupted, like a beast''s roar in the wilderness, mad and terrifying.


    "Hahahahahahaha..."


    Jian Huan''s talisman brush had run out of spiritual ink.


    Though they had ransacked everything they could from the Jiang Mansion, they couldn''t find any spiritual ink.


    Spiritual ink was like training wheels for children who couldn''t walk yet ¨C only talisman masters at the Qi Condensation stage would use it.


    After advancing to the Foundation Building stage, one shouldn''t need spiritual ink anymore, but should use their own dantian instead.


    However, Jian Huan''s realm was unstable, so having spiritual ink would have been ideal.


    But now without it, they had to make do.


    Formation patterns were already difficult to draw, andbining them with teleportation talisman scripts made it even more challenging.


    It was like asking a child who had just abandoned their walker and learned to walk to run instead.


    In the bathhouse, Jian Huany on the ground. Without spiritual ink, the talisman brush was just an ordinary brush.


    She dipped the brush in ink they''d scavenged from the study and carefully drew patterns on the talisman paper.


    It wasn''t going smoothly; another talisman paper was wasted.


    Though she could draw perfectly well on ordinary paper, it wouldn''t work on talisman paper. This hadn''t happened when she was learning teleportation talismans before.


    Jian Huan endured the heartache and took out a new sheet from her Mustard Seed Pouch, which was already crammed full of gold, silver, and jewels.


    Fortunately, she had managed to collect arge stack of talisman paper from the Jiang Mansion''s storehouse, so she could afford this waste.


    Jian Huan took a deep breath, calmed her mind, and repeated the process again and again.


    Thinking back to her graduation project, how many times had she started over under her demanding advisor''s guidance?


    Compared to that thesis, everything else was trivial.


    In the bathtub, Shen Jizhi opened his eyes.


    He silently looked down, then got out of the tub.


    Jian Huan raised her upper body, looking surprised: "It''s only been a quarter hour? Why are you out already?"


    That was way too fast.


    Shen Jizhi stood before her, using a spell to dry his clothes, lowering his head reluctantly: "...I finished bathing."


    Jian Huan got up to look ¨C the water was so clear she could see the wooden patterns at the bottom of the tub.


    "..." Jian Huan looked at him helplessly, "But your realm hasn''t changed at all... still at the fifth level of Qi Condensation..."


    She had hoped that while she was drawing talismans, he would reach the Foundation Building stage.


    After all, she had gone from the first level of Qi Condensation to the first level of Foundation Building, and since he was already at the fifth level of Qi Condensation, it should have only taken two or three days.


    That would have increased their chances of sess when they reached the formation''s eye.


    But now...


    Shen Jizhi tried to exin: "There was some progress."


    Jian Huan blew a breath, making the fine hair on her forehead flutter slightly. She felt somewhat discouraged and said, "You can still soak for ten days. Can you reach Foundation Establishment in ten days?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her without answering.


    But Jian Huan already understood.


    She put one hand on her hip while biting the nail of her other hand, and suggested, "Didn''t we get a lot of spirit herbs and flowers from the Alchemy Pavilion? You should just eat them directly, it should work the same way."


    Alchemists refined spiritual liquid for soaking to help cultivators better absorb the purest spiritual energy contained in spirit herbs and flowers.


    Jian Huan thought that given Shen Jizhi''s body, which had been thirsting for spiritual energy for eleven years, he could directly consume the spirit herbs and flowers to absorb all their spiritual energy, without needing to soak at all.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, with the word ''okay'' stuck in his throat.


    His mouth seemed to have its own thoughts.


    The wooden boxes hadn''t even had time to warm up in his Mustard Seed Pouch, and now they needed to be used already?


    Silence fell between them as they looked at each other without speaking.


    Jian Huan pressed her lips together, lowering her head in contemtion.


    He had previously given up his soaking rights to help her reach Foundation Establishment. Because only if she reached Foundation Establishment would the array-breaking talisman have a chance.


    And Shen Jizhi reaching Foundation Establishment would benefit her too. There were dangers in the array core, and he was a sword cultivator. Once they got out, he would be able to fly on his sword, which would save them money.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, not giving herself a chance to regret, and decided to help bear some of the cost: "How about you use five boxes, and I''ll subsidize one box?"


    This time Shen Jizhi answered quickly: "Alright."


    ording to Jian Huan''s estimate, he would use thirty boxes at most.


    But¡ª


    Ten dayster.


    Sitting cross-legged, Jian Huan counted the three stacked wooden boxes again and again, pushing them over with a pained expression.


    She had already given him eighteen boxes yesterday. Adding these ones, she had given him twenty-one boxes in total.


    Twenty-one boxes!!!


    He had actually used up all his own ny boxes, and even after soaking for ten days in spiritual baths, it still wasn''t enough.


    He had even used up all eighteen boxes she gave him yesterday, barely managing to reach Foundation Establishment.


    No wonder Five Elements Root cultivators had such a difficult start - with this kind of consumption, how could it not be difficult?


    No wonder Five Elements Root cultivators could fight above their level - they needed several times more precious materials than other cultivators to advance a single level!


    Jian Huan''s heart ached so much she felt like vomiting blood. Her hands gripped the wooden boxes on both sides, refusing to let go.


    Shen Jizhi held the bottom of the boxes, waited for a moment, but she wouldn''t release them. Seeing that she might even take them back, his eyelids twitched slightly, and his other hand quickly pressed down on the top of the boxes, pulling them toward himself.


    Jian Huan''s ten fingers remained firmly stuck to the box walls, reluctantly following along, causing her whole body to lean forward.


    The distance between them suddenly shortened in the dim room with its drawn curtains.


    A beam of light sneaked in through an uncovered corner of the curtains, casting a small dancing circle of light on the floor beside them.


    Jian Huan looked up, her gaze falling on his face.Aliali: 67480c4f3f33ac476d3de


    After ten days of soaking and consuming nearly a hundred boxes of spirit herbs, Shen Jizhi''splexion was excellent.


    His appearance, which had been extensively described in the book, became even more breathtaking in the dim room.


    Jian Huan couldn''t help but look a few more times before suddenly saying, "Did you do this on purpose?"


    Shen Jizhi looked puzzled: "?"


    Jian Huan stared at him intently: "Deliberately tricked me for my boxes, so you used up all your own boxes first."


    Shen Jizhi: "...You think I wanted to??"


    That''s true.


    Would he really be willing to do that?


    Jian Huan withdrew her gaze and pulled back a bit, trying to negotiate with him nicely: "Look, you''ve already reached Foundation Establishment, so these three boxes..."


    Shen Jizhi heard this and freed one hand to methodically peel her fingers off the wooden box one by one, unhurriedly interrupting her: "I believe you''re a person who keeps their word."

 Chapter 26

    Everything was ready.


    After days and nights of hard work, Jian Huan''s Formation Breaking Talisman waspleted three days ago. In these three days, just promoted to Foundation Establishment, she drew a bunch of talismans¡ªsome for defense, some for attack, and some for escape.


    After all, more talismans never weigh you down, right? It''s best if they can be used, but if not, they can always be sold!


    The two of them tidied up their equipment and prepared everything before stepping out of the bathhouse.


    It was already evening outside. They walked together, passing by a courtyard of puppet people without interfering with each other.


    Jian Huan wore a ''new'' dress, a fresh lotus pink, like the peach blossoms fluttering in the courtyard.


    This dress was taken from Qi Wan''s personal maidservant, the one who asked Qi Wan every morning if she wanted a spiritual bath.


    Naturally, a personal maidservant''s treatment is better than other servants'', and the fabric of her clothes is quite good.


    She and Jian Huan are about the same age, and the colors of her clothes are very youthful¡ªlotus pink, rouge red, and tender yellow, different from Qi Wan''s.


    That day at the Jiang residence, it was clear that Qi Wan was a mature and charming beauty, with a wardrobe full of vibrant colors like deep red and royal purple, not matching Jian Huan''s style.


    Of course, it''s not just about style. She knew the maidservant had to wear that dress every day, but she didn''t know which one Qi Wan would choose.


    Even though ''Qi Wan'' wasn''t there, if she took the wrong one and something unpredictable happened, it would be a loss.


    So Jian Huan had to reluctantly turn to other girls'' wardrobes.


    Not only that, but she also picked out a lot of jewelry. Now she could wear a golden hairpin and beautiful earrings.


    Jian Huan was very satisfied.


    So much so that on the eve of using the Formation Breaking Talisman to leave, she felt a faint sense of reluctance.


    She turned her head, and the silver thread pendant of the golden hairpin on her bun trembled: "To be honest, I quite like it here."


    Although in these nearly twenty days, she could only talk to Shen Jizhi, and Shen Jizhi was a man who seemed to be dying if he spoke more than a few words.


    But no matter what, these days were the mostfortable she had experienced since she crossed into the book.


    Shen Jizhi, feeling the surging spiritual power in his dantian, gently nodded: "It''s indeed quite good."


    Jian Huan reached up to touch the hairpin on her head, her eyebrows full of smiles: "Hey, how''s your Mustard Seed Pouch? Is it full?"


    The good stuff from the alchemy room and the warehouse was divided equally between them.


    But for the rest, they searched for their own treasures.


    This whole mansion''s treasures, as long as they didn''t affect the plot, could be taken freely. Hers was already full, full to the brim.


    Shen Jizhi, who also had new clothes to wear, modestly nodded: "Almost."


    After thinking for a moment, he added: "The most valuable are actually those boxes."


    The spirit herbs and flowers in the boxes were notparable to the gold and silver treasures in the warehouse.


    Gold and silver are valuable to ordinary people, but when converted to spirit stones, they are not very cost-effective.


    After all, ten taels of gold can only be exchanged for one spirit stone.


    For some reason, in thisrge old mansion, no matter how they searched, they couldn''t find a ce where spirit stones and spirit artifacts were kept.


    Jian Huan guessed: "Jiang Cheng and Qi Wan probably carry them in their Mustard Seed Pouches."


    Shen Jizhi sighed silently.


    The two of them walked past the ancient and elegant corridors and arrived at the main...


    courtyard.


    In the main courtyard stood a hundred-year-old ginkgo tree, with a redntern hanging from its trunk. But inside the redntern was not a candle me, but arge night pearl.


    At night, the night pearl emitted a soft light, illuminating the surroundings.


    But ten days ago, Shen Jizhi took the night pearl away.


    Whether the night pearl would light up or not, as long as the path was there, the puppet people could walk with their eyes closed. The night pearl, whether it was there or not, made no difference.


    The two of them walked past the ginkgo tree without looking, entering Jiang Cheng and Qi Wan''s bedroom.


    In front of the bed with the messy quilt, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce.


    Jian Huan held a talisman between her fingers, she pursed her lips slightly, and whispered: "Are you ready?"


    Shen Jizhi nodded, the in snow sword in his long fingers.


    "Okay," Jian Huan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, no longer joking, showing a serious expression, "Then let''s go?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Mm."


    Just as he was about to raise his guard to the highest level, Jian Huan suddenly said: "Hey, wait!"


    Shen Jizhi was startled by her, his heartbeat quickened: "What is it?"


    Jian Huan reached up, took off the golden hairpin and earrings from her head, and put them in her Mustard Seed Pouch, exining to him: "Nothing, I''m just afraid they might get lost."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    Ten days had passed since Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi disappeared, and Baili Dao felt he was bing more and more like a night soil worker.


    He had be very familiar with this area.


    So much so that he knew that the Wang family next door might be suffering from constipation recently, the Zhou family on another street had diarrhea, and the Yang family on another street had eaten corn today...


    In the quiet midnight, Baili Dao pulled a full cart of night soil and walked on the empty streets.


    Leaving the city still required passing the Spirit Testing Stone, and every night he encountered several patrols of guards.


    Howe ten days had passed and the Jiang residence hadn''t rxed their vignce?


    Baili Dao couldn''t help but feel anxious, thinking of what Jian Huan had told him.


    It was the night before the wedding banquet, in Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi''s inn room.


    "If Shen Jizhi and I haven''te out of the Jiang residence in three days, then we''re in trouble, you should leave as soon as possible and find Elder Yu Qing," Jian Huan said as she drew talismans, "If the Jiang residence reacts slowly, you can naturally slip away, but if they react quickly and block you in Yujiang City, don''t rush to leave."


    Baili Dao sat next to Jian Huan, seriously asking: "Why? If I leave early to get help, wouldn''t I be able to save you and Shen Jizhi?"


    Jian Huan hesitated, gave Baili Dao a subtle look, and said: "I''m not asking you to get help."


    She still felt that asking Baili Dao to get help was unrealistic.


    Baili Dao was confused: "Ah?"


    Jian Huan said seriously: "Your goal is not to get help for us. You should first save your own life, then leave, and then tell Elder Yu Qing about this incident, so that Elder Yu Qing can take revenge. Most importantly, you should burn paper money for me during festivals."


    She counted on her fingers: "New Year''s, Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, and even May Day..."


    Shen Jizhi, who was wiping his snow sword by the window, suddenly spoke: "May Day for what?"


    Jian Huan was interrupted and looked at him unhappily: "Labor Day."


    "?" Shen Jizhi, "You made that up?"


    Jian Huan nodded perfunctorily and continued: "And Children''s Day, Qixi Festival..."


    Shen Jizhi paused again: "Qixi Festival?"


    ...


    Repeatedly interrupted, Jian Huan nced over impatiently: "What, can''t I celebrate Qixi Festival in the underworld?"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡£"


    Jian Huan listed all the festivals throughout the year and then asked Baili Dao: "Do you understand? My meaning is, you should first save yourself, don''t rush to get help for me. So if the city gate is tightly guarded, you should be patient in Yujiang City, waiting for a year or half a year if necessary. Okay?"


    Baili Dao suddenly raised his head, his lips trembling slightly, his bronze face full of gratitude: "Okay, I understand, Jian Huan, you''re worried about me."


    Jian Huan paused for a moment, wanting to say that she was actually worried that he would rush to leave the city and end up caught, leaving her with no one to burn paper money for her after her death.


    But eventually, she could only say: "Yes, I''m worried about you... In short, don''t rush to leave the city, look for an opportunity, look for an opportunity!"


    Baili Dao nodded seriously.


    Jian Huan was also worried that the opportunity Baili Dao found would be a death trap, so she decided to cut it short: "In this way, if the city gate is tightly guarded, you should stay in Yujiang City for at least three months. After three months, you can think about leaving, okay?"


    At that time, Baili Dao agreed.


    But now, he thought about it and felt he couldn''t do that.


    If he really stayed in Yujiang City for three months, everything would be toote.


    He couldn''t let Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi be in danger.


    He had to find an opportunity to leave early.


    Baili Dao sold a cart of night soil to a farmer, pulled the empty cart back, and on the way, he ran into Zhao Shi.


    Zhao Shi was also a night soil collector, and the two had met seven days ago and got along well.


    The peasant who bought Baili Dao''s night soil was introduced by Zhao Shi.


    In the early morning when the sky was just beginning to lighten, far away there was a house with tworgenterns hanging in front. The candles inside thenterns had been burning for some time, now slightly dim.


    Two men pulled a night soil cart, walking side by side towards the direction of thenterns.


    "How was your night? How many buckets of night soil did you collect?" Zhao Shi asked, having finished his own work, he chatted with Baili Dao, "I did pretty well tonight, collected a total of twenty-three buckets."


    Baili Dao replied, "I collected a bit more than you, forty-one buckets."


    "You''re strong, running back and forth through several streets doesn''t tire you out," the slender Zhao Shi said, patting his own waist, "I''m not like that, my back and legs are sore."


    Baili Dao sincerely advised, "After you wake up in the afternoon, do some more running around, stretch your muscles, and you''ll feel much better."


    Zhao Shi waved his hand, "Forget it, I can''t do that. By the way, do you want to go to Azure Dragon City with me to try our luck?"


    Baili Dao''s heart skipped a beat.


    He had just been thinking about finding a chance to leave the city, could this be the opportunity?


    Zhao Shi had been thinking about this for a long time, but being unfamiliar with the ce, he didn''t dare to go alone.


    If he could bring along Baili Dao, Zhao Shi wouldn''t be afraid.


    Baili Dao was sturdy and big, no one would dare to bully him.


    "I heard that in Azure Dragon City, you only need to run through one street at night to collect over thirty buckets of night soil. If you run two streets, that''s over sixty buckets!" Zhao Shipared, "Look at Yujiang City, the city is big, but there aren''t that many people living here, just a few in one street."


    "There''s no hope," he said, "Why don''t we go to Azure Dragon City together? They pay more for collecting night soil than in Yujiang City."


    Baili Dao held his breath: "How do we go?"


    "Isn''t it simple?" Zhao Shi said matter-of-factly, "Tomorrow afternoon, we just throw our bundles over our shoulders, pull the night soil cart, and head straight out of the city gate towards Azure Dragon City."


    Baili Dao hesitated: "But the city gate is under strict surveincetely, everyone has to pass through the Spirit Testing Stone..."


    Zhao Shi shrugged: "What does that broken stone have to do with us? Those people are noble, they look down on people like us... If we identally get sshed with night soil, those people would want us to scram as soon as possible, let alone let us touch that stone..."


    In the darkness, Baili Dao''s big eyes, like copper bells, gradually lit up.


    Compared to leaving the city with Zhao Shi, he thought of a better method.


    He wanted Zhao Shi to take him out.


    Tick, tock, tick, tock.


    A sound of flowing water came from deep within, one beat after another, inexplicably making one''s heart flutter.


    After using a Talisman thatbined a teleportation charm with old runes, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi appeared here.


    Shen Jizhi''s sword control was steady, Jian Huan lightly jumped off the sword, while sticking an Invisibility Talisman on herself, she whispered very softly: "You''re quite good at controlling the sword."


    "Not bad," Shen Jizhi said indifferently, not taking it to heart, giving off an air of a hermit.


    He stuck an Invisibility Talisman on himself while thinking.


    During those meditation sessions, he didn''t have much to circte inside him, most of the time he was reciting various incantations.


    The Sword Control Incantation, he could recite it from front to back, from back to front, from the middle to the sides, from the sides to the middle.


    So really, there was nothing difficult about it.


    Jian Huan nced at him, feeling he was showing off.


    She shook her head, gathered her thoughts, and looked around.


    This ce should be an underground pce, they were currently in the middle tform between the front and back sections of stone steps.


    Surrounding them were tightly sealed stone walls, themp brackets on the walls flickered with blue mes.


    Below eachmp bracket stood a skeleton, dressed in dusty armor, some holding swords, some carrying knives, some bare-handed, guarding here.


    The sound of water came from far below the underground pce.


    Jian Huan: "Shall we go down?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Yes."


    After a pause, Jian Huan said: "You go first, I''ll cover the rear."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi started to walk down.


    In invisible state, there was no sound of footsteps.


    Even though they had already started to move downwards, he asked: "Why?"


    Jian Huan stretched out her hand to feel, vaguely touching a person''s back, before she felt reassured to move down: "Because I''m more fragile."


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    "Shen Jizhi," Jian Huan reminded him, "You have to protect me well, after all, I''m your creditor."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    He was invisible, she couldn''t see him, and he didn''t speak, Jian Huan couldn''t help but ask: "Did you hear me?"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­I heard."


    The skeletons on both sides of the stone steps made people feel uneasy, Jian Huan said again: "Then¡­¡­"


    Shen Jizhi: "I guarantee you''ll die after me, okay?"


    Jian Huan finally smiled: "Okay!"


    After a moment of silence, Jian Huan whispered again: "But let''s try not to die, it''s a pity to lose the Mustard Seed Pouch that we worked so hard to fill."


    Shen Jizhi replied: "Then don''t talk."


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­Oh."


    For a long time, there was silence.


    These stone steps going downwards seemed to never end.


    Jian Huan walked with her head down, and as she walked, she would sometimes walk faster, as she didn''t know how far ahead Shen Jizhi was.


    But every time she walked faster, she would soon bump into a warm wall.


    Knowing it was him, she felt a bit more at ease and walked slower.


    In this isted underground pce, it seemed that even time was cut off from the outside world, making people lose their sense of time.


    Jian Huan counted seconds in her heart, but in the end, she got confused.


    She had no idea how long they had been in there, was it fifteen minutes? Half an hour?


    ...


    Anyway, it wasn''t an hour.


    Jian Huan''s Talisman technique had improved, the duration of the Invisibility Talisman she drew had increased to an hour.


    And now, she and he were still invisible, not having changed the Talisman.


    Just as she was thinking this, Jian Huan saw the figure in front of her suddenly appear.


    The silver-white snow sword hung at his waist, giving off a cold light.


    He wore new clothes ''borrowed'' from a male cultivator.


    The base was white, with azure patterns embroidered on the cor, cuffs, hem, and waist, and arge bamboo leaf pattern on the back, giving him a schrly air.


    Shen Jizhi took out an Invisibility Talisman from his bosom, finding only three left.


    He turned around: "Give me a few more."


    They had agreed that in this ce, Jian Huan would provide Invisibility Talismans for free, not charging.


    This was cooperation.


    Jian Huan took out a handful and handed them to him.


    Shen Jizhi took them, a bit surprised, nced at her: "?"


    Jian Huan raised her eyebrows, looking inquiring: "??"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her again.


    Jian Huan raised her eyebrows again.


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    He looked into the depths, his ears twitching slightly, softly reminded: "We should be nearing the bottom soon."


    Jian Huan nodded, touched her ears, indicating she had also heard.


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    He hesitated to speak: "You¡­¡­"


    Jian Huan put her index finger to her lips, then pinched her tightly closed mouth with her thumb and index finger, and waved her hand, expressing her attitude.


    No talking, because, don''t want to die.


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    He had just found her noisy. But now, he felt like he had lifted a stone only to drop it on his own foot.


    The further down they went, the more obvious the sound of dripping water became.


    Gradually, the sound of conversation came from far below, still a bit distant, vague and unclear about what was being said.


    The two walked more cautiously, and at the final turn, Jian Huan reached out, touched the person''s back, and wrote on it: "Wait, listen."


    Unable to, the Yuanying stage could transmit sound to the ear, they couldn''t speak, so they could onlymunicate like this.


    Because of her action, a slight tingling sensation spread across the back.


    This tingling seemed to prate into the bones and flesh, wandering through the limbs and body, an indescribable difort.


    Shen Jizhi''s body stiffened instantly.


    After a while, he understood what she was writing.


    Shen Jizhi also had the same idea as her, it was best to wait until the people below had left before going down, which was safer and more prudent.


    So the two stopped here, listening intently.


    It was a very gentle female voice, instructing the servants: "Be careful when lifting, don''t knock or bump into anything."


    Jian Huan frowned, she had heard this voice before.


    Sure enough, the next moment someone replied: "Yes, Miss Bing Lian."


    "Little Wu, put this here. Wang Fu, put yours there." Bing Lian instructed one by one, "Don''t put them in the wrong ce."


    The two men responded, and the sound of water rippling followed, as if something was being ced into the water.


    No more conversation below, everyone was doing their own thing, for a while only the sound of rippling water continued.


    Until another set of footsteps approached from a distance.


    ¡°Miss Bing Lian, you''re here!¡± The man''s voice called out, ¡°Madam Qi Wan has sent me to fetch you to her ce.¡±


    Shen Jizhi''s brows twitched slightly. The speaker was Qing Bai.


    Bing Lian: ¡°Alright, I''ll head over once I finish here. Do you know why Madam Qi Wan needs me?¡±


    Qing Bai shook his head, then added after a moment¡¯s thought, ¡°But it seems Madam Qi Wan is drunk again.¡±


    Bing Lian didn''t say anything more.


    Qing Bai approached closer, and his tone carried a hint of ttery: ¡°Oh, this year''s selection has already started?¡±


    Bing Lian: ¡°Yes, everyone has made their choices and paid, I informed Madam Qi Wanst night, and she said to proceed.¡±


    Qing Bai: ¡°This year seems not as good asst year, only six dual-spirit roots. Last year there were more, it seems.¡±


    ¡°Thirteen,¡± Bing Lian smiled, ¡°Dual-spirit roots are not thatmon, out of all the children in a city in a year, there are only a few.¡±


    Qing Bai: ¡°Indeed, and families with dual-spirit roots keep a tight watch, not easy to get one. Speaking of which, single-spirit roots are the rarest, I¡¯ve never seen a child with one here.¡±


    ¡°Single-spirit roots are always hard toe by, there have only been a few over the years,¡± Bing Lian didn''t want to dwell on the topic, changing it instead, ¡°By the way, have you found that de cultivator yet?¡±


    At this, Jian Huan perked up her ears, her heart in her throat.


    Qing Bai¡¯s tone turned bitter: ¡°No, I don¡¯t know where this person is hiding, no matter how hard we look, we can¡¯t find him. I¡¯ve been so worriedtely that I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    Bing Lian consoled: ¡°Keep looking carefully, as long as he¡¯s in the city, you¡¯ll find him.¡±


    ¡°I know, I lead the patrols personally every day,¡± Qing Bai said, ¡°Speaking of which, I¡¯ve always been worried that Madam Qi Wan would me me for this. But she didn¡¯t say anything, just told me to leave, and I didn¡¯t dare to ask more. I feel like¡­¡±


    He spoke very softly, only for the two of them to hear: ¡°Madam Qi Wan doesn¡¯t seem to care much about this matter¡­¡±


    ¡°Madam Qi Wan¡¯s mental state has been deteriorating over the years, she¡¯s been abusing the Love Potion, affecting others and herself,¡± Bing Lian hesitated, but finally said, ¡°This is not something we can discuss, our task is to assist Madam Qi Wan, let¡¯s not bring this up again.¡±


    Qing Bai: ¡°I understand.¡±


    The conversation shifted to normal, Bing Lian said, ¡°It¡¯s about time, let¡¯s go¡­ This way, I¡¯ll head to Madam Qi Wan¡¯s, it¡¯s closer.¡±


    With these words, Bing Lian led a group of people away, their footsteps getting closer and closer.


    Jian Huan, who had been scratching her head wondering what woulde after ¡®I feel like,¡¯ felt her heart skip a beat.


    She touched Shen Jizhi¡¯s back, writing a sharp, hasty word: ¡°Go!¡±


    The corridor here was not wide, if they met Bing Lian¡¯s group head-on, physical contact would be inevitable, and they would be discovered!


    They had to descend before Bing Lian arrived, to hide nearby.Aliali: 674df8b98ee49abd4e65fbd9


    Almost as soon as Jian Huan finished writing the word ¡®Go,¡¯ Shen Jizhi reached out lightning-fast, grabbing her slender wrist.


    His fingertips were cold, like ice that had been held for a long time.


    Jian Huan was taken aback, hesitated for a moment, and didn¡¯t pull away.


    She was afraid of identally touching something around them.


    Shen Jizhi applied force with his hand, pulling her behind him.


    He bent down, his other hand gripping her knee, lifting Jian Huan onto his back.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t linger, leaping down three stone steps at once, quickly reaching the bottom.


    His eyes scanned the surroundings, and he hid Jian Huan in a concealed spot.


    Jian Huan looked around theyout of the hall, her pupils unconsciously widening.


    She didn¡¯t want to look anymore, quickly closing her eyes and burying her face in Shen Jizhi¡¯s broad back, waiting quietly for Bing Lian¡¯s group to leave.

 Chapter 27

    Vision limited, hearing bes increasingly sharp, and the sounds around Jian Huan are like iron filings attracted by a ma, all pouring into her ears.


    The heartbeat of Shen Jizhi, right in front of her, is close at hand, thumping, thumping, thumping, each beat like a powerful drum in a band.


    Following this is a series of chaotic footsteps, approaching from a distance. As they walk, their skirts brush against the ground, producing faint noises.


    Jian Huan holds her breath and silently counts in her heart.


    The first person steps onto the stone steps... the second person steps onto the stone steps... thest person steps onto the stone steps.


    In the long and narrow corridor of the steps, the footsteps echo and rotate endlessly, never dissipating.


    Time seems to stand still in the isted underground pce.


    After an unknown amount of time, thest echo of the footsteps finally fades away.


    Shen Jizhi instantly lets go, as if he can''t bear to carry Jian Huan for another moment, and sets her down abruptly.


    Jian Huan, caught off guard, sways a few times before steadying herself,ining, "Couldn''t you have warned me before putting me down?"


    Shen Jizhi''s tone is t: "Did you tell me when you buried your face in my back?"


    He struggled so hard, countless times wanting to throw her off his back, does she know that?


    If it weren''t for the three million bounty, heh.


    Jian Huan can''t help but roll her eyes.


    She understands now; his meaning is that she''s deliberately taking advantage of him.


    Shen Jizhi, it seems, is well aware of his good looks and guards himself closely, thinking all girls are after his body!


    Jian Huanughs in exasperation: "Should I keep three steps away from you in the future, and even have to inform you in advance if Ie closer?"


    Shen Jizhi: "I would be grateful."


    Jian Huan grits her teeth: "If you could immediately return my one hundred thousand nine hundred and twenty-one spirit stones, I swear to stay far away from you, so far that you''ll never see me again in this lifetime."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    Jian Huan sneers: "Why aren''t you talking now?" Weren''t you quite talkative just now?


    The Invisibility Talisman loses its effect, and Shen Jizhi''s tall figure appears in the dim light of the underground pce.


    He softly denies: "No."


    Jian Huan gently touches her hairpin, her tone rising: "No what?"


    Shen Jizhi lowers his eyes, his eyshes quivering: "Not what you think."


    Jian Huan raises an eyebrow: "Oh?"


    Shen Jizhi nces at her, then looks away, exining: "If it weren''t for your talisman, we wouldn''t have reached here, and might have been trapped in the old mansion forever. For that, I am truly grateful."


    Is this what it feels like to be a creditor?


    Jian Huan smiles sweetly, ncing at him as she takes a step forward, her posture exuding an indescribable ease and lightness, her pale pink skirt slightly rippling outward.


    She hums softly: "It had better be."


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    With no one around, the two of them no longer use the Invisibility Talisman. Although they still have some, who knows how long they will be trapped here.


    If they run out, and there''s no time to draw new ones when they really need them, that would be disastrous.


    The two stop talking and remain vignt, walking one after the other deeper into the main hall.


    When they first descended, Jian Huan roughly scanned the area, and even then, she couldn''t help but feel a chill.


    Now, with some mental preparation and the banter with Shen Jizhi, the fear and disgust have been somewhat alleviated, but she still feels uneasy.


    In the center of this hall grows a towering tree.


    Above the hall is a thick, dark void, and the dense canopy of the tree extends into this darkness, without end.


    ...


    Jian Huan''s vision epasses countless tree branches reaching out from the tree''s trunk, extending throughout the hall. The branches intertwine, forming small clearings filled with thick, dark green liquid.


    These ''small ponds'' surround the tree trunk inyers, looking like terraced fields.


    However, what grows in these fields are not rice, but¡ªchildren.


    The oldest child is about eight years old, the youngest just a few months old.


    Dozens of children lie quietly in the ponds, their chubby arms crossed over their little bellies.


    The dark green liquid envelops them, their eyes closed, their long and denseshes casting shadows, their delicate faces serene and peaceful, not crying or making a sound, as if dreaming of something beautiful.


    These children, just ced here, still have limbs andplete features.


    But as they walk around the tree trunk to the other side, they find that the children inside can no longer be called human.


    Jian Huan instinctively lowers her eyes, recalling what she learned in ss before.


    A mother''s ten months of pregnancy: [Note 1]


    In the first month, the child is still an unshaped embryo;


    In the second month, the mouth, nose, ears, and little hands and feet gradually sprout, taking on a human form;


    In the third month, the embryo''s small tail disappears, the limbs begin to bend, and it is almost fully formed;


    In the fourth month...


    But here, the situation ispletely reversed.


    The children are immersed in this unknown liquid, gradually regressing to their original state, until¡ª


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stop and look into the nearest pond.


    There is no longer any fetus inside, only a small green light circle, within which four crystal-clear small leaves are gently unfolding.


    Jian Huan''s voice is strained: "This is... the spiritual root, right?"


    Shen Jizhi hums softly in agreement.


    The two remain silent for a while, then return to Chu Chu.


    Chu Laoye had shown Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi a portrait, which was so lifelike that it was easy to recognize.


    The little girl lies there, her chubby face plump, her expression as peaceful as if she were still in her mother''s womb.


    Jian Huan lifts her skirt and squats down to observe closely.


    The little girl is still breathing lightly.


    She breathes a sigh of relief; that means she''s still alive.


    The dozens of children nearby, just ced here, are also fine for now, with no significant changes in their bodies.


    But over time, they will also be just a light circle enveloping a spiritual root.


    The immediate priority is to rescue them from the ponds.


    However¡ª


    Jian Huan nces at the skeletal guards around, which are likely more than just decorations in this underground pce.


    The two dare not act rashly. They skirt around the strange tree and explore every corner of the hall.


    The hall is very wide, with the same unknown darkness surrounding and above them, as if it has no end.


    After about a stick of incense, Jian Huan stops and says, "Let''s go back and think of other ways."


    She feels they shouldn''t go any further; the deeper they go, the faster her heart beats.


    Shen Jizhi agrees: "Good."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi have been in the underground pce for over two hours, but in the real Yujiang City, only one hour has passed.


    The morning light falls on the simple courtyard, and Zhao Shi, who has been busy all night, still hasn''t slept.


    He quickly packs a bundle...


    #30340 luggage, puts on a pair of half-new cloth shoes that he only wears on important asions, locks the courtyard door, and pulls a cart towards the city gate.


    The cart is loaded with several empty night soil buckets, which he ns to take to Azure Dragon City.


    But the weight of the cart is noticeably heavier than just the empty buckets, though Zhao Shi doesn''t pay much attention.


    He is currently very excited.


    Last night, he casually mentioned it, and to his surprise, Brother Baili Dao agreed immediately, suggesting they pack up and leave right away instead of waiting until the afternoon.


    Such a spontaneous and carefree attitude is so chic!


    Zhao Shi can''t help but think of the heroic tales the storyteller often tells, which makes his blood boil.


    He hums a tune and walks briskly through the morning streets.


    After all, he lost his parents at a young age and has no attachments to this small city.


    The city gate has just opened, and a long line has formed, as each person leaving the city must pass through a spirit-testing stone, making the process quite slow.


    As soon as Zhao Shi joins the line, those around him instinctively move away and cover their noses.


    He doesn''t mind; he''s used to it after so many years.


    But why hasn''t Brother Baili Dao arrived yet?


    Zhao Shi waits and waits, and as he''s about to reach the front, Baili Dao still hasn''t shown up, making his heart sink.


    Could it be? Brother Baili Dao, who seemed so reliable, would go back on his word?


    While hesitating whether to go to Azure Dragon City alone without Baili Dao, an old farmer hurries over.


    In the eastern part of Yujiang City, there is arge piece ofnd, and the old farmer has several fields there.


    The old farmer often collects night soil from Zhao Shi and Baili Dao, and Baili Dao always gives a bit extra, so he quite likes this honestd. He even thought of marrying his eldest daughter to Baili Dao.


    Early this morning, before the sky had even lightened, Baili Dao hurriedly arrived at his field, delivering a barrel of night soil and asking him to pass on a message.


    The old farmer picked some vegetables, sent them to his wife who was rushing to secure a spot at the morning market, and then hurried over.


    "Stone!" the old farmer called out, "Big Knife says you should go first!"


    Zhao Shi: "Ah? Then he''s noting?"


    "He''sing, he''sing," the old farmer replied, feeling a bit reluctant, as if the prospective son-inw he had in hand had suddenly flown away. "He said his carriage suddenly broke down, and he''ll fix it and catch up. Just wait for him at the pavilion three kilometers outside the city, he''ll be here soon!"


    Zhao Shi breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing the ever-lengthening queue behind him, he didn''t want to go back and find Baili Dao to rejoin the line. So he said, "Alright!"


    The night soil cart rolled through the city gate, and Zhao Shi was taken to test the spiritual stone. A nearby guard pinched his nose, disdainfully opening a barrel of night soil.


    The barrel was empty but not cleaned. The guard, holding back the urge to vomit, closed the lid and stepped back.


    Hispanion, finding the situation amusing, teased, "What''s the matter? Why don''t you check each one?"


    The guard cursed, "You go check them if you want! Luckily, I didn''t have time to eat breakfast this morning, or I would have thrown up for sure! Ugh!"


    Thepanion burst intoughter: "Hahahaha..."


    Zhao Shi was soon released. He climbed onto the night soil cart, took the reins, and, with a spirited air, headed towards the long-awaited destination.


    The sky outside the city always felt higher and more expansive than inside, and even the roadside trees seemed different, towering into the clouds, growing wildly.


    Zhao Shi hummed a tune as he drove, and when he passed the pavilion, he stopped the cart.


    He jumped down, and before he could even finish a yawn, suddenly everything went ck, and he copsed to the ground.


    Zhao Shi didn''t notice that at the very back of the cart, a barrel''s lid had been opened slightly, revealing a pair of thick eyebrows and big eyes, filled with deep regret.


    It was none other than Baili Dao.


    This was the first time in his life that he had lied and the first time he had knocked out a good person, which made Baili Dao feel very guilty.


    Zhao Shi wanted to be a martial arts hero, but his innate talent was poor; he couldn''t even learn ordinary martial arts, let alone cultivate into an immortal.


    Topensate, Baili Dao fed him a Spirit Recovery Pill.


    This was enough to forge Zhao Shi''s talent, allowing him to learn some martial arts and be a wandering hero in the jianghu.


    At the Jade rity Sect.


    In Elder Hall, Yu Qing and the head of Equipment Forging Hall were ying chess.


    Yu Qing held a white chess piece but hesitated to ce it, feeling uneasy.


    Ever since Jian Huan told him that the Teleportation Talisman for finding people had seeded and they had left Azure Dragon City to search, there had been no further news.


    Li Yucheng nced at him several times, then suddenly moved his finger, and the ck chess piece instantly shot towards Yu Qing''s brow.


    Yu Qing reached out and caught the ck chess piece, a bit helplessly: "Uncle Li."


    Li Yucheng leaned backzily, took arge gulp of wine from a sk in his arms, and said, "What happened? Have the demons attacked our sect? Is the Nine States about to copse?"


    "No to both," Yu Qing replied with a smile, tossing the ck chess piece back to Li Yucheng, "One of my disciples from this year''s intake has lost contact on the Xuantian Mirror, and I''m a bit worried."


    Li Yucheng asked casually, "How long has it been?"


    Yu Qing: "About ten days?"


    Li Yucheng: "Is that really necessary?"


    Disciples going out to train could be gone for months or even decades.


    Just ten days? Was he hearing things from drinking too much, or had Yu Qing gone mad from drawing talismans?


    Yu Qing exined, "Uncle, you don''t know, Jian Huan almost daily reports her whereabouts to me on the Xuantian Mirror..."


    Li Yucheng had some impression: "Oh, you mean that girl, wasn''t she going with that unfortunate disciple of Master Gu''s?"


    Yu Qing sighed softly: "Yes, but she hasn''t reported to me for ten days."


    Li Yucheng propped his head with one hand and thought carefully: "I haven''t seen Shen Jizhi either, he hasn''t returned to Equipment Forging Hall. They must be in trouble."


    Yu Qing put down the white chess piece, looking at the board: "I don''t know whether I should go find them."


    "Find them? You should learn from Master Gu," Li Yucheng said bluntly, thinking of his old rival, "You''re still young, you don''t understand that every disciple has their own fate. If something really happens, even if you''re a great immortal, you can''t protect them. You need to learn to let go, Yu Qing. In the path of cultivation, there are nine deaths and one life, and opportunities are always sought in danger. Being too concerned about disciples may not be good for them; can you help them through the golden elixir stage andprehend their Dao heart? Don''t ruin their opportunities. We naturally have to protect them within the sect, but outside, they must learn to protect themselves."


    Yu Qing''s hand holding the white chess piece paused, and he sighed: "That''s why I''m hesitating."


    He had made it to where he was today by surviving life-and-death situations.


    Li Yuchengforted: "You''re just starting to lead disciples, and now you worry even about a scratch from a branch. It''s normal. After a few years, you''ll get used to it. And when they really die, you can find a way to avenge them! Alright, stop thinking, let''s y chess. Whoever loses treats the other to wine for a month!"


    Yu Qing suppressed his worries and was about to ce a chess piece when the Xuantian Mirror beside him suddenly rippled.


    He quickly looked over.


    It was a message from a cultivator named [Dao of the World].


    Jian Huan had mentioned this person, saying she and Shen Jizhi had gained apanion named Baili Dao, likely this person.


    [Dao of the World: Elder Yu Qing, your sect''s Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi have been trapped in Jiang Manor of Yujiang City for ten days! The situation is dire; pleasee quickly to save them!!]


    With a snap, the white chess piece fell.


    Yu Qing instantly vanished from sight.


    With no one to y chess, Li Yucheng took another swig of wine, shaking his head.


    To have such a caring elder, it was also that girl''s fate.


    She was lucky, indeed.


    In the underground pce.


    The most important elements in the main hall were three things: the skeleton guards, the children in the pool, and the round, bulging tree belly.


    In front of the pool, Jian Huan, with one hand on her waist and the other supporting her chin, bit her fingernail as she exchanged views with Shen Jizhi: "This formation has threeyers, the outermostyer is the old Jiang residence, the middleyer is this underground pce, and the innermostyer¡ª"


    "¡ªis just it," Jian Huan pointed at the tree belly surrounded by the pool, her eyes narrowing like stars, "The formation''s core must be inside."


    Shen Jizhi, with his hands behind his back, scanned the surrounding skeletons.


    The skeletons were densely packed, almost every three steps one, and the flickering blue mes on the nearbymp stands resembled their ghostly eyes.


    "These things are guarding the formation''s core," Shen Jizhi said, looking at Chu Chu in the water, "As soon as we move, they''ll wake up."


    Jian Huan nced at the skeletons, feeling a tingle of fear, and ducked her head, pretending not to see them.


    These children seemed smaller than before?


    For safety, they needed to get these children out as soon as possible, but as soon as they moved, those things would wake up.


    After a long silence, Shen Jizhi suddenly said, "We have to be fast enough to have any chance."


    Jian Huan understood his meaning, she hummed in agreement: "You''re definitely faster than me, you handle three-quarters, I''ll handle one-quarter."


    "That''s fine," Shen Jizhi said calmly, "But I need more space to clear."


    Jian Huan: "The usual deal, half and half, you clear the extra part and put it in my space, okay?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Okay. After that, you cut open the tree belly?"


    Jian Huan: "Yeah, you hold off those things, I''ll use the Thunder Talisman to split it!"


    They got to work, walking into the boundless darkness and pulling out the treasures they had looted from the old Jiang residence.


    There were thirty-six children just ced in the pool, eight embryos, and four spiritual root light rings, totaling forty-eight.


    Each of them needed to clear space to amodate eighteen children and four embryos.


    The light rings were small, so their space could be ignored.


    The children in the pool were in a living dead state, so they could just scoop them up and put them in the spatial pouch, but the embryos and light rings couldn''t be directly scooped up; they needed to be taken with the dark green liquid in containers.


    They had observed that the tree absorbed nutrients from the children through the dark green liquid and then channeled them to the tree belly.


    As a result, the children gradually shrank, regressing to embryonic and even spiritual root states.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi crouched in the pervasive ck mist, each contributing four silver bowls, gold basins, and ss cups to resolve the situation.


    Then they began to throw their treasures out.


    Both remained silent, as the act of discarding treasures had already exhausted all their energy.


    The children were gradually shrinking, and they were in a hurry, so they didn''t have time to think too much and started with therger items.


    Jian Huan lifted out arge round-bellied blue and white porcin vase...


    Shen Jizhi took out a piece of Shoushan stone with a warm luster and smooth texture...


    After a moment, Shen Jizhi handed over some items from his spatial pouch to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan painfully cleared out some more items and ced his share into his own spatial pouch.


    Almost done, Jian Huan counted her talismans.


    The Lightning Talisman was the most powerful attack talisman she had mastered. Before leaving the old mansion for the underground pce, she had drawn hundreds of them for self-protection.


    This should be sufficient, so the two prepared to leave and start their mission.


    But they heard someone entering.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were forced to stop, activating their Invisibility Talismans and moving to the boundary between light and darkness in the hall to observe.


    It was two servants, each holding two jade bottles, descending the stone steps.


    One was taller, the other shorter.


    The taller one led the way, while the shorter one followed, somewhat displeased: "Miss Bing Lian''s temper is getting worse, insisting wee now! I was in the middle of soaking in Foundation Liquid, and a bitter wouldn''t have mattered."


    The taller one replied: "Alright, do you have the guts to say that to Miss Bing Lian''s face? Telling me doesn''t count for anything."


    The shorter one pouted, passing by a pool, stopping to bend down and take a closer look, then chuckled: "This little girl is quite pretty, delicate and exquisite, heh..."


    The taller one knew what hispanion was like and sneered: "Why don''t you scoop her up and take her home to raise?"


    "I wouldn''t dare touch anyone here," the shorter one straightened up, ncing at the skeleton, "If I scooped her up, those things would tear me apart."


    The taller one shook his head and approached the pool where the children had already dissolved into spiritual roots.


    He unscrewed the wooden stopper of the jade bottle, aimed the mouth at the pool, and ignited the array patterns on the bottle''s body with spiritual energy. The luminous ring enveloping the spiritual roots, along with some dark green liquid, flowed into the jade bottle.


    Only then did the taller one seal the bottle and move on to the next.


    Beside him, the shorter one was doing the same.


    Behind them, Jian Huan reached out and touched Shen Jizhi''s arm, writing on it: "Attack?"


    These two were only at the Qi Condensation stage.


    Although those children had already turned into spiritual roots, she and Shen Jizhi were here, so they couldn''t let these two take the ''embryos'' away, right?


    It would be best to take them all out and see if they could find their original parents. Then, well, have the parents consume these ''embryos'' and give birth again?


    Shen Jizhi wrote back on her arm: ''I''m taller.''


    Jian Huan patted his shoulder, indicating it was settled.


    Over there, the shorter one was putting away his jade bottle and said: "I heard that these things need to be drunk by thedies, and then they must have intercourse for three days to ensure pregnancy. This array¡ª" He looked at the lush tree in front of him, "It''s quite terrifying, I wonder how thedy thought of it." It was beyondmon sense; the first time he saw it, he almost died of fright.


    Thinking of Qi Wan, the taller one shuddered: "Women are the most poisonous."


    The shorter oneughed: "Isn''t that right? Who in the manor doesn''t..."


    Jian Huan, still under the effect of the Invisibility Talisman, silently approached the shorter one from behind. He was a bit shorter than her.


    From her perspective, she could clearly see therge gold hairpin he used to tie his hair.


    Jian Huan raised her hand, her palm holding a Thousand-Pound Talisman, and without hesitation, she struck his nape with a palm.


    The spiritual energy activated, causing the Invisibility Talisman to instantly fail, revealing Jian Huan''s cold expression.


    But the shorter one could no longer turn around to see.


    The thousand-pound force crushed his nape, severing his head from his neck, and he fell heavily to the ground, instantly losing consciousness.


    Jian Huan used a cleansing...


    spell to wash away the bloodstains on her body, bent down to take the two jade bottles from his hand, and put them into her spatial pouch, then stepped over his body.


    This was the first time she had ever killed someone.


    But she didn''t have much inner turmoil; the shorter one deserved to die.


    She had seen the disgusting look he gave Chu Chu.


    Shen Jizhi had also finished dealing with the taller one.


    Seeing Jian Huan like this, he was slightly stunned.


    Noticing the gaze, Jian Huan looked back and raised her right hand, thumb pointing outward: "Start?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Yeah."


    Jian Huan went to Chu Chu''s side, while Shen Jizhi went to the child next to Chu Chu. The two exchanged a nce, using spiritual energy to cover their hands and simultaneously reached into the pool.


    Almost as soon as the children were lifted out of the pool, the ground began to shake.


    Crunching sounds came from all around, and skeleton guards began to awaken one by one.


    Jian Huan ignored everything happening behind her, picking up a child and throwing it into her spatial pouch, then running to the next pool and repeating the action.


    From the moment the skeletons awakened to approaching, a few tens of seconds were all the time they had to fish out the children.


    Shen Jizhi stood on his Snow Sword, his figure stopping and moving, lightning-fast.


    Jian Huan''s skills were different, and she couldn''t match his speed, so he fished out most, and she took care of the remaining quarter.


    The Speed Talisman could be fast, but it had a fatal w; once used, it couldn''t be stopped, only suitable for escaping, not here.


    Jian Huan raced against time, her feet moving at her personal limit. But by thest pool, just as she was lifting a golden tray with water and embryos, the swarm of skeleton guards had reached her back, shing at her with a sword.


    Jian Huan squinted, speeding up her hand to ce the golden tray securely into her spatial pouch, while driving her spiritual energy.


    The defensive talismans she had stered all over her body upon arrival lit up one by one, blocking the attacks.


    The sharp sword energy was neutralized, but the immense impact still jolted her internal organs, and a mouthful of blood surged up her throat, causing her to inevitably fall forward.


    At the critical moment, a hand reached out, grabbing her cor and, with a twist of the wrist, threw her into the tree''s belly.


    Thud! Jian Huan mmed into the tree''s belly, the blood she had been holding back uncontrobly spewing out.


    Damn! Couldn''t you throw me a bit more gently?


    Jian Huan wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, supporting herself on the branches below to stand up.


    She nced behind her.


    Shen Jizhi soared into the air, holding his Snow Sword, twisting his waist and swinging his hand, creating a circr sword aura that expanded outward from the tree''s belly. The front row of skeletons was all cut down, falling to the ground.


    But there were more, endless rows, countless and boundless.


    These skeletons were like locusts during a locust gue, swarming towards them.


    The ground trembled violently, sending chills through the heart.


    Jian Huan''s heart skipped a beat, she retracted her gaze, quickly pasting a circle of Lightning Talismans on the tree''s belly, trying to carve out a hole big enough for a person to crawl through.


    But dozens of Lightning Talismans only scorched a tiny bit of the surface, as if mocking her overconfidence.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    At this rate, even if she used all three hundred Lightning Talismans, it seemed she wouldn''t be able to break through.


    Jian Huan took a deep breath, ncing at the sky. Shen Jizhi had already taken several boxes of Spirit Recovery Pills, but he...


    was visibly getting lower and lower, the sword aura circle dimmer than before.


    There were simply too many skeleton guards, endless.


    Jian Huan focused, also taking some Spirit Recovery Pills, and began to concentrate on stacking Lightning Talismans on one spot. After a hundred or so, the tree''s belly finally cracked open a holerge enough for an eye to peek through.


    She looked inside and could see a spacious area with descending stone steps.


    This confirmed their guess was right! The tree''s belly was the key to breaking this array!


    Jian Huan began to paste Lightning Talismansyer byyer around that small hole.


    Since a hole had been cracked open, it was slightly easier to break through.


    As the hole grewrger, Shen Jizhi also got closer to Jian Huan, and the skeleton army he was holding back naturally got closer to them.


    Shen Jizhi spat out the umpteenth mouthful of blood, his voice weak as he asked the person behind him, "Are you done yet?"


    Jian Huan''s face was as pale as snow. "Almost, almost! Just hold on a bit longer!"


    Shen Jizhi: "I..."


    Jian Huan encouraged him, "Think about the treasures in your spatial pouch! Think about the reward you''re about to get! Go for it, Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    In an instant, his sword intent became sharp once more, forcing the skeleton army back by two steps. However, it was merely ast-ditch effort. Soon, Shen Jizhi was pushed back again.


    Jian Huan had used up all her Thunder Talismans. Seeing the not-sorge hole, she had no other choice but to crawl into it.


    She managed to get her head through, then her shoulders, and even her waist, but got stuck at the next step.


    With her head already inside the tree''s belly, Jian Huan looked at the path of life ahead and struggled to move forward, but to no avail. She called out, "Shen Jizhi, it''s enough,e and kick me!"


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and unleashed a powerful sword intent, forcing the skeletons back by a step or two. Seizing the moment, he quickly turned around, seeing Jian Huan''s iling legs outside the tree hole, his eyelids twitching fiercely.


    He didn''t use his feet to kick her but grabbed her thighs with both hands and shoved her forcefully inside.


    With a thud, Jian Huannded inside the dark tree''s belly.


    Her lower back was burning with pain, likely scraped and bleeding, but she didn''t care and immediately got up, calling out, "Quick,e in!"


    Shen Jizhi didn''t hesitate, sheathing his sword and crawling into the tree hole. His small face easily slipped in. His shoulders were a tight fit, but the hole Jian Huan had carved with the Thunder Talisman wasn''t a perfect circle but an oval, with a wider angle. Adjusting his shoulder''s horizontal line, he managed to squeeze in.


    Jian Huan quickly hugged his arm, pulling with all her strength to drag him into the hole, like a game of tug-of-war.


    Until he got stuck at the same spot as Jian Huan, his hips.


    The skeleton army had reached the hole''s entrance, countless swords and spears shing at Shen Jizhi''s legs. His protective spiritual energy instantly crumbled, and he felt the pain of sword intent scraping against his legs.


    Shen Jizhi gritted his teeth, pulling back slightly outside the hole, twisting his waist, and kicking off a few skeleton warriors.


    The collision of his foot with the hard armor gave him a counterforce. Using all his remaining spiritual energy, he squeezed forcefully into the tree hole.


    The skeleton warriors outside reached out, but it was toote.


    Shen Jizhi, squeezing in, knocked Jian Huan to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.


    The skeleton army...


    Seemed to be wary of the tree''s belly, not daring to reach inside.


    Suddenly losing their target, they stood outside, dumbfounded, not knowing what to do.


    Inside the tree hole, the two of themy on the ground, exhausted, their limbs numb, their bodies limp, not moving for a long time.


    Just now, in the extreme danger, they didn''t feel anything, but now that the tension was released, the burning pain from the scraped wounds red up.


    It was pitch ck all around, only the heavy gasps and panting of the two could be heard, echoing in this small space, filled with the relief of surviving a cmity.


    After an unknown amount of time, their strength slightly recovered. Jian Huan rolled over, lying on her back, exhaling a long breath.


    On the other side, Shen Jizhi also stirred, getting up.Aliali: 674df8b98ee49abd4e65fbd9


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth and stood up as well.


    Outside, the skeleton army gradually dispersed, and the eerie blue light of the underground pce seeped through the tree hole, dispelling the surrounding darkness.


    After getting up, Shen Jizhi stood still. Jian Huan felt strange and nced at him.


    Then, her gaze froze.


    His robe, embroidered with bamboo, waspletely torn at the hem, ragged as if gnawed by some animal, revealing his two long and sturdy legs.


    Jian Huan stared at them, dumbfounded.


    Shen Jizhi''s face was pale, with a few streaks of blood like silently blooming red plum blossoms at the corners of his lips.


    He wiped it gently and asked her calmly, "Is it nice to look at?"


    Jian Huan slowly looked up, nced at him, and whispered, "Um... not bad?"


    Seeing his beautiful ssy eyes gradually darken, a cold killing intent emanating from him, she quickly covered her eyes, turned around, and dared not provoke him further.

 Chapter 28: 028

    In the early morning, Bing Lian had just finished dealing with the new child''s affairs when she was hastily summoned to Qi Wan''s presence.


    Qi Wan instructed her to investigate a ledger entry from five years ago.


    Ledgers from five years ago were already difficult to find, and with the ountant having been reced three years ago, the task became even more challenging.


    In the ounting office, several literate servants from the household were hastily gathered to help in the search.


    A young maidservant rubbed her eyes, which were starting to blur from the strain, and muttered softly, "How long will this take? What if the mistress made a mistake and there isn''t such an entry? Wouldn''t we have wasted our time?"


    Someone else chimed in, "Exactly! The mistress''s temperament has be increasingly erratic this year, constantly making us run around for no reason!"


    "Oh, you know aboutst month''s incident, right? The mistress wanted to make a new dress, but it had to be pure ck, yet different from ordinary ck. But ck is just ck, what kind of ck did she expect? It almost made Maid He cry out of frustration."


    "Master isn''t easy either. With the mistress in charge at home, Master can only write poetry and paint. He only attends important asions with the mistress, pretending to be affectionate..."


    "Enough." Bing Lian, who had been sent to instruct someone about collecting spirit roots, entered and reprimanded, "Focus on your ledgers and stop gossiping."


    Everyone was startled and shrank their necks, responding with a murmur, after which they dared not utter another word and diligently continued their search through the ledgers.


    Bing Lian withdrew her gaze, took an ount book from the side, and sat in the corner, flipping through it while lost in thought.


    Sixteen years ago, Qi Wan collected aphrodisiac incense solely to set up a formation.


    The Jiang Family Old Mansion served as the outermostyer of the formation protecting the underground pce, with the aphrodisiac incense as the trigger. Anyone who entered would soon be immersed in illusions and turn into a puppet.


    But in recent years, Qi Wan had started using it on herself.


    As the master of the formation, the aphrodisiac incense was originally under her control and did not pose much harm to her, but it did affect her state.


    This woman was bing increasingly unreliable.


    Every time Bing Lian saw herughing maniacally, she feared Qi Wan would ruin everything.


    Yet, the formation was designed by Qi Wan, and no one else understood theplex patterns of the formation lines.


    She had to stay alive.


    But if¡ª


    Bing Lian subconsciously touched the spot over her heart, thinking of the instructions given by the Master, feeling slightly reassured.


    But before she could exhale that breath, Qing Bai suddenly rushed in: "Miss Bing Lian, something has gone wrong!"


    ...


    In thevishly decorated room, a mixture of sweet fragrance and alcohol filled the air, and heavy curtains blocked out the bright sunlight outside.


    A graceful womany on the carpet.


    Bing Lian kicked open the door, her usually kind face as dark as a pot, her eyes as ck as if ink had been smeared over them: "Qi Wan! What have you done!"


    Hearing the voice, Qi Wan slowly sat up from the ground, her hand propping her head, her seductive eyes hazy as they fell on Bing Lian''s face, seemingly puzzled: "What? What have I done?"


    Bing Lian was so angry her face contorted with rage: "Someone has intruded into the core of the formation!"


    "Oh, is that so?" Qi Wan chuckled lightly, not particrly concerned, "Then just have someone capture them."


    Bing Lian restrained her anger: "As soon as our people step into the underground pce, the skeleton guards swarm towards us..."


    Qi Wan tilted her head and thought for a moment, answering, "That''s natural. With someone trespassing into the core, the skeleton guards would certainly be on high alert."


    Bing Lian closed her eyes and tried to calm herself: "Qi Wan, are you betraying us?"


    At this, Qi Wan gave a disdainful smile, lying back on the carpet, her tone light: "You misunderstand, I was never one of you. I was... just cooperating with you."


    Bing Lian restrained the urge to strike.


    Qi Wan was extremely talented in the art of formations, and it was better not to lose her if possible.


    Bing Lian took a deep breath, softened her expression, and reasoned with her: "Qi Wan, you know what''s in the core. By letting someone in, what will happen to him?"


    Qi Wan''s smile suddenly faded slightly, and a strange emotion shed in her eyes.


    Jian Huan''s pink dress was also slightly torn, revealing the white inner garment underneath.


    She changed back into her original green dress but didn''t throw away the torn pink one.


    Unlike Shen Jizhi, whose clothes werepletely torn off, hers were just a few rips. They could be mended and still be a beautiful dress.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t discard his either. The lower part was torn off by the skeleton guards, but most of the fabric remained.


    It couldn''t be mended, but it could be cut and used as boot materialter.


    There was still space in the mustard seed bag to stuff a torn piece of clothing.


    After putting it away, Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan continued downward.


    The center of the tree was hollowed out, presumably artificially modified for the formation.


    Inside the tree, there was a passage leading downward.


    Tree roots intertwined and extended downward, densely entangled like steps.


    Earlier outside, Jian Huan had mistaken them for something else. Now, upon closer inspection, she realized they were roots.


    Jian Huan cautiously crouched at the edge of the hole, peering down while saying, "If we can sessfully get out of here, let''s have a feast at the Gathering Spirit Tower, shall we?"


    The Gathering Spirit Tower was one of the ten best gourmet restaurants on the Nine Provinces Continent, with prices starting at a thousand spirit stones per meal. Those who had dined there all praised it.


    Jian Huan had seen it on the Xuantian Mirror and had been longing for it for a long time.


    Splitting the cost would mean each paying five hundred, or even less with Baili Dao.


    With the several thousand reward she would receive upon leaving, Jian Huan felt it was worth indulging.


    A meal costing three hundred spirit stones didn''t bother Jian Huan as much as a three hundred spirit stone dress or other items.


    To this, Shen Jizhi simply replied with one word: "No."


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"


    The roots below made it impossible to fly.


    In those years, to make some money and upgrade, Shen Jizhi had practiced various light footwork techniques, which were quite practical.


    Now, with his foundation-building stage strength, these footwork techniques had be even more proficient and swift.


    He crouched at the edge of the hole, and Jian Huan climbed onto his back.


    Shen Jizhi jumped into the hole, swinging down along the roots with his arms.


    Like a very agile monkey, Jian Huan thought.


    Just as Jian Huan was being swung to the point of drowsiness, Shen Jizhinded lightly, setting her down.


    This ce was much smaller than the upper pce, with roots densely covering every corner.


    The roots converged towards the center, and Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce, then applied invisibility charms and moved towards the central area.


    Soon, they arrived.


    The roots resembled silk threads, wrapping a person in the center into a cocoon.


    The cocoon was filled with light green liquid, which the tree''s branches had absorbed from the pool and transported down through the roots.


    Ordinary nts absorb water and nutrients from the soil through their roots and transport them upward to the branches and leaves. But this strange tree was the opposite.


    And within...


    this light green liquid, resembling amniotic fluid, floated a handsome man.


    Opposite him, a ssical and petite beauty couch was ced.


    On it, a seductive womany nted, clearly Qi Wan.


    She was staring unblinkingly at the man in the cocoon.


    Jian Huan couldn''t help but be startled.


    In her guess, encountering ''Qi Wan'' here wasn''t surprising.


    With ''Qi Wan'' missing from the old mansion and the pce, she could only be here.


    But Jian Huan didn''t expect that this ''Qi Wan'' looked exactly like the real Qi Wan, making one wonder if she was a puppet or the real person.


    If the real Qi Wan was here, their chances of sess would be slim.


    Able to conceive such an extraordinary formation, Qi Wan was no easy opponent.


    This thought was further confirmed when Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi took a step forward.


    The invisibility charm suddenly failed, and their figures became visible!


    Instantly, ''Qi Wan''s eyes shifted towards the two.


    Jian Huan just happened to look up, meeting ''Qi Wan''s gaze head-on.


    Her eyes were unusually empty, the pupils seemingly just mechanical devices, exuding an eerie feeling.


    Jian Huan immediately recalled the talisman books she had read, her figure agilely retreating, and she quickly told Shen Jizhi in front, "This is a paper doll talisman. Being so simr to Qi Wan, it must contain her heart''s blood. Be careful!"


    Shen Jizhi didn''t have time to respond.


    ''Qi Wan'' had already approached, striking a palm towards Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi raised his Snow Sword to block, his body, along with Jian Huan behind him, forced back by five or six steps.


    The Snow Sword''s de trembled incessantly, emitting a precarious hum.


    Shen Jizhi''s eyelids twitched, and he quickly swapped to a sword he had ''picked up'' from the old mansion.


    The consequences of the Snow Sword''s breaking were more than his heart could bear.


    But just as he switched to another sword, ''Qi Wan'' suddenly stopped her attack.


    Her gaze, unwavering, fell upon the sword Shen Jizhi was holding.


    Jian Huan watched all this, and suddenly an idea shed through her mind.


    She quickly said, "Shen Jizhi! Try using this sword to perform the Jade rity Sect''s sword technique!"


    Shen Jizhi reacted swiftly, gripping the sword and charging towards ''Qi Wan'', using the sword technique that all Jade rity Sect disciples must learn.


    ''Qi Wan'' hesitated for a moment, dodging quickly but not retaliating.


    Seeing the potential, Jian Huan did not waste any time and ran towards the cocoon.


    This was the true core of the formation. If they could break open this cocoon, they could see the sky again and escape from this ghastly ce!


    ''Qi Wan'' also knew the importance of this cocoon. As soon as Jian Huan approached, she no longer yed the game of cat and mouse with Shen Jizhi, sending him flying with a palm strike. Her fiery red skirt fluttered, and she was about toe over.


    Jian Huan, keeping an eye on ''Qi Wan'' with her peripheral vision, felt her heart skip a beat and dared not move forward, quickly retreating in the opposite direction from the cocoon.


    With the threat gone, ''Qi Wan'' no longer paid attention to her, turning her gaze to Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi was deeply embedded in the mud, struggling to get out.


    His eyes were cold. Seeing ''Qi Wan'' approaching, he threw the sword far away.


    ''Qi Wan'' instantly flew out to catch the sword in mid-air.


    Taking advantage of this moment, Shen Jizhi quickly retreated, joining Jian Huan in leaving this realm and returning to the original point...


    They cautiously waited for a moment, but no one came.


    Jian Huan let out a sigh of relief, her body going limp as she fell back onto the ground.


    The skeleton army above was also terrifying, but it was the sheer number that made it so, not the individual strength.


    And this ''Qi Wan'', though only one, made Jian Huan feel the call of death in that instant.


    But fortunately, it seemed that only when approaching the cocoon, posing a threat to it, would ''Qi Wan'' act.


    The cocoon, or rather the person inside it, was Qi Wan''s Achilles'' heel.

 Chapter 29: 029

    Themotion in the underground pce above was impossible to go unnoticed from the outside.


    Although it was unclear why the Jiang family hadn''t found their way in yet, this wasn''t what Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi needed to worry about right now.


    Their current task was to break open that cocoon as quickly as possible.


    After lying down for about ten seconds, Jian Huan immediately got up. She took out a wooden box containing spirit flowers from her Mustard Seed Pouch and put one flower in her mouth.


    Shen Jizhi had finished his three boxes while fighting the skeleton, so Jian Huan gave him five more boxes.


    They continued charging forward, this time deciding to adopt a swift and decisive approach.


    Jian Huan held a Speed Talisman in her hand, clenching her fist to boost morale: "Of all martial techniques, speed is unbeatable! Shen Jizhi, let''s join forces and charge at the cocoon together - you with your sword, me with my talismans. Let''s finish it off in one go!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan counted down, and when she reached three, they both applied the Speed Talismans.


    The speed from the talismans felt like they had small rockets strapped to their backs, sending them charging toward the cocoon at lightning speed, and then¡ª


    They were pped back to their starting point with a single palm strike.


    Both of them were deeply embedded in the soft, damp soil, their exposed calves twitching spasmodically.


    "Pfft pfft pfft¡ª"


    Jian Huan sat on the ground, covered in dirt, spitting out mud while saying, "This won''t work, it''spletely useless."


    ''Qi Wan''s'' cultivation level was far above theirs, and with the advantage of being within her formation, defeating Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi was as easy as crushing ants.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his head, looking at the robe he had obtained from the Shadowless Hand. The hem now had several tears of varying lengths.


    He pressed his lips together and looked up along the tree roots into the distance.


    Suddenly, he asked: "Why hasn''t she killed us?"


    If ''Qi Wan'' wanted them dead, it would have been too easy.


    Yet they were still alive until now.


    Jian Huan wiped the mud from her lips, frowning slightly as her thick eyshes cast shadows downward: "I''ve always felt we''ve been incredibly lucky."


    Shen Jizhi turned his head to look at her.


    Jian Huan: "I originally thought it was because of my good karma that we hadn''t encountered any real danger, and instead leveled up and found treasures."


    After all, as someone who had transmigrated into a novel, it would be normal for her to have extraordinary luck.


    "But what if it''s not just luck?" Jian Huan tilted her head, their gazes meeting in mid-air as she spoke seriously, "What if someone has been helping us from behind the scenes?"


    As for who¡ª


    They both simultaneously looked toward the interior.


    In front of the ''boundary line'' that had nullified their invisibility talismans, Jian Huan patted her skirt and sat down.


    She recalled the information they had found in the Jiang family''s old residence, piecing together a simple scenario based on half-guesses and spection.


    Jian Huan cleared her throat and began with a self-introduction, smiling slightly: "Qi Wan, don''t you recognize me? I''m the guest you personally invited."


    ''Qi Wan,'' who had returned to her beautiful couch, showed no reaction and continued staring at the cocoon.


    "We have a special connection," Jian Huan persisted. "I''m also a talisman master from the Jade rity Sect."


    ''Qi Wan''s'' ears twitched slightly, and she turned her head to stare directly at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan felt delighted inside but maintained herposure. She pointed to Shen Jizhi, who stood holding his sword nearby, and introduced him: "My fianc¨¦, like your husband Jiang Cheng, is also a sword cultivator from the Jade rity Sect."


    Hearing this, ''Qi Wan'' continued to stare at Jian Huan, her eyes still lifeless.


    But the fact that she had turned her head was a good sign to Jian Huan.


    However, something was strange.


    Although Jiang Cheng was supposedly ''Qi Wan''s'' sensitive spot, when she mentioned Jiang Cheng''s name and his identity as a sword cultivator, ''Qi Wan'' seemed to pay no attention.


    ''Qi Wan'' had turned her head earlier when she mentioned that she, like her, was a talisman master.


    ''Qi Wan''s'' focus seemed to be on... herself?


    Jian Huan''s heart stirred slightly. After some thought, she continued: "The elder who taught me talisman arts was Yu Qing, do you know him? Elder Yu Qing is someone who really cares about everything, always handling matters personally, and is very good to us disciples. By the way, he''s quite talkative - among all the elders, his lectures are the longest..."


    As Jian Huan spoke more and more, a glimmer of light seemed to prate the lifeless eyes of the ''Qi Wan'' before her.


    In the Jiang mansion, Qi Wan felt a slight pain in her heart. Her vision blurred - she could see Bing Lian''s lips moving in front of her, but she could also see Jian Huan speaking.


    Yu Qing...


    So he had already be an elder...


    After more than a hundred years, it was only natural.


    A hundred years ago, Qi Wan and Jiang Cheng left the Jade rity Sect together, living as an ordinary couple in the mortal world under assumed names, leading a simple but happy life.


    They no longer paid attention to the Jade rity Sect or cared about the affairs of the cultivation world.


    Until sixteen years ago, when Jiang Cheng went out on business and encountered a demon python in a small town where he was resting. To protect the townspeople, he perished together with the demon.


    When the news reached her that night, her heart shattered.


    Jian Huan was delighted to see the changes in ''Qi Wan,'' or rather, the person before her was no longer ''Qi Wan,'' but truly Qi Wan.


    A paper person couldn''t show such rich expressions.


    Those eyes held the colors of memories and the appearance of pain.


    Jian Huan had originally nned to persuade Qi Wan with words like ''Jiang Cheng himself wouldn''t want you to stay in the cocoon for sixteen years...''


    But now, she changed her mind. That wouldn''t work.


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    Everything Qi Wan had done in these sixteen years revolved around Jiang Cheng. Using Jiang Cheng to persuade her would only make her sink deeper.


    What made her waver, what made her struggle in pain, what led her to gradually guide Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi here, was the ''Qi Wan'' within her that hadn''t been eliminated.


    Jian Huan smiled slightly: "It seems you do know Elder Yu Qing. Were you ssmates back then?"


    Qi Wan nodded slightly.


    Jian Huan continued: "In every talisman ss Elder Yu Qing teaches us, he emphasizes one thing. He says that as talisman masters, every talisman we learn, every formation we master, should be used to eliminate evil and serve righteousness. He says every elder tells this to each year''s new disciples, so Senior Sister Qi Wan, you must have heard it too."


    Jian Huan changed her tone: "But, Senior Sister Qi Wan, have you lived up to that?"


    "..." Qi Wan remained silent for a long time.


    Jian Huan pressed on with one question after another: "Senior Sister Qi Wan, do you remember when you were in your teens, carrying your bundle with high hopes as you walked through the gates of the Jade rity Sect and into the talisman hall? How did you feel then? What were you thinking when you drew your first talisman? Do you remember those days and nights spent repeatedly practicing talismans and studying formations? But what about now? Look at yourself, what are you doing now?"


    A tear rolled down from the corner of Qi Wan''s eye.


    With a swoosh, Shen Jizhi had silently made his way to the cocoon.


    The sword that Qi Wan had taken and thrown away was back in his hand, and Shen Jizhi used all his strength to deliver his strongest strike.


    But¡ª


    The cocoon didn''t budge at all.


    The sword''s edge had curled.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Fortunately, he hadn''t used his own Snow Sword.


    Jian Huan, who had been paying attention to Shen Jizhi''s every move, also fell silent.


    Shen Jizhi turned back, quietly ncing at her.


    Everything was understood without words.


    He was saying that this cocoon couldn''t be broken by either of them.


    Qi Wan showed no reaction to Shen Jizhi''s actions.


    She was lost in her youngest and most unrestrained period of life, unable to break free.


    Back then, she had dered she would be the most powerful talisman master in the Jade rity Sect, the most powerful talisman master in the Nine Provinces Continent, protecting the realm and eliminating evil...


    Jian Huan withdrew her gaze and put her hand behind her back, gesturing for Shen Jizhi toe back.


    She looked at Qi Wan before her and spoke softly: "Senior Sister Qi Wan, this cocoon was created by your own hands sixteen years ago, and no one but you can break it. The cocoon you''ve woven must be broken by you yourself - no one else can help."


    Outside... in the Jiang residence, Bing Lian''s voice was also soft, carrying a bewitching tone: "Qi Wan, you must trust us. In just three more years at most, we guarantee Jiang Cheng will wake up. What you''re doing now is destroying any chance of Jiang Cheng''s resurrection. Can you really bear that?"


    The faces of Jian Huan and Bing Lian kept alternating before Qi Wan''s eyes, along with Jiang Cheng''s face.


    Qi Wan closed her eyes, her face deathly pale.


    She couldn''t help but think back to her days at the Jade rity Sect.


    Qi Wan had a natural talent for formations, but her gifty in creating peculiar and unconventional arrays. She preferred to go against the grain rather than follow traditional paths.


    The Sect Leader had privately spoken with her several times about this, hoping she would create more ''orthodox'' formations.


    But how did she respond?


    Qi Wan''s lips curved into a bitter smile.


    In her memory, that bewitching young woman had dered firmly: "Sect Leader, formations have no inherent good or evil. As long as my heart is righteous, the formations I use are righteous. If one''s moralpass is corrupted, even the most orthodox formations can be evil."


    The Sect Leader simply smiled and asked her: "But can you guarantee that your heart will never change?"


    The young woman mmed the table and stood up: "Of course! I, Qi Wanyi''s moralpass will never waver!"


    The Sect Leader sighed softly: "Wanyi, but the rules of the Jade rity Sect cannot amodate your unorthodox formations. I admire your talent, but if you insist on this path, I cannot protect you anymore. You should leave the sect of your own ord."


    "My moralpass will never waver." She whispered these words, no longer carrying the conviction of that young woman from her memories.


    She had failed Jiang Cheng, who had unhesitatingly followed her when she left. She had failed her sect, and more importantly... she had failed herself.


    Qi Wan rose from her couch and walked step by step toward the cocoon.


    She gazed lovingly at the person inside, smiling. As she smiled, tears fell from her eyes.


    Qi Wan raised her hand high, trembling so violently that Jian Huan''s heart nearly stopped, fearing Qi Wan might suddenly change her mind.


    But in the end, Qi Wan closed her eyes and brought her palm down with fierce determination.


    The tree roots broke one after another, and pale green liquid seeped out.


    As Jiang Cheng fell, Qi Wan reached out to catch him, holding him tightly in her arms.


    Once the cocoon broke, the surroundings began to shake violently.


    Some force from underground was forcefully pulling this entire area upward.


    This sensation was quite familiar to Jian Huan.


    It felt simr to riding an elevator in modern times... just with stronger vibrations.


    She looked toward Qi Wan.


    The body that had been dead for sixteen years, once exposed, dissipated like scattered sparks in an instant.


    A green, jelly-like substance floated within Jiang Cheng''s body, taking the form of a tiny human figure that seemed about to dive into the tree.


    Qi Wan caught it, drew a few strokes on it, and tossed it to Jian Huan, saying softly: "This is my gift to you all."


    Jian Huan looked at whaty in her palm, and sensing the intense gaze beside her, instinctively clutched it tighter.


    With the cocoon broken, ''Qi Wan'' no longer had reason to exist. Before this underground pce could see daylight again, she burned away into a small pile of paper ash.

 Chapter 30

    A violent explosion echoed from the back mountain, scattering countless birds into flight.


    The Jiang mansion, being closest to the back mountain, shook continuously. The calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls fell, unable to withstand the tremors. Porcin pieces rolled across the floor, their shattering sounds unending.


    The citizens of Yujiang City felt it too, their faces filled with panic.


    "What''s happening? Is it an earthquake?"


    "I don''t know! Heavens, everything was fine just now. I hope nothing terrible happens!"


    "..."


    The terrorsted only briefly before the strange phenomenon disappeared, returning everything to tranquility.


    Many citizens who had run into the streets looked at each other in confusion, then gazed up at the sky.


    The sky above was a pristine blue, with wisps of thin white clouds floating at the edges like soft feathers.


    It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine. Yet the light couldn''t prate Qi Wan''s chamber.


    Thick ck curtains blocked every window in the room.


    Qi Wan slowly stood up from the carpet, head bowed.


    Part of her consciousness had been in the paper figure, and with its destruction, that consciousness should have returned to her body. But Qi Wan didn''t want it back.


    She destroyed that portion of her consciousness, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.


    Jiang Cheng was truly dead now.


    She felt much lighter, but arge void had formed in her heart.


    The fragments of memories were like knives, carving out her heart piece by piece. The pain was indescribable, like being slowly sliced to death.


    That person was just... gone.


    He had such a promising future at the Jade rity Sect, yet he unhesitatingly left with her, choosing to live in seclusion with her in this small city.


    When others refused to let her research forbidden arrays, he didn''t mind. Instead, he helped her test them.


    He said he believed she would always maintain her righteous heart.


    He was that kind of person - gentle, passionate, sincere.


    She had personally destroyed hisst chance at life.


    No, it wasn''t her, it wasn''t her.


    Qi Wan shook her head instinctively.


    "Qi Wan, how could you, how could you¡ª" Bing Lian knew what the disturbance meant. She backed away in disbelief, "How could you actually go through with it?"


    Qi Wan looked at her hands, softly denying: "No! Jiang Cheng told me himself. He said if one day someone entered the array''s core, it meant he didn''t want to wait anymore. He couldn''t wait through another three years, and told me to do it. He told me to do this..."


    "You''re just deceiving yourself! You''re the one who didn''t want to wait, you personally cut off Jiang Cheng''s chance at rebirth! The righteous path could never ept your evil arrays. The demon realm is where you belong, why are you still so stubborn!" Bing Lian was exasperated. She grieved for the array that had taken countless resources, and for the spirit stones, connections, and talents it had brought to the demon realm. "Weren''t you the one who let those people into the array''s core? How else could they have entered the underground pce and reached the core alive! Qi Wan, you let them in! You killed Jiang Cheng for your so-called righteous path! But your righteous path has no ce for you!"


    "Silence!" Qi Wan''s eyes shed as she struck Bing Lian with her palm.


    With a thud, Bing Lian hit the wall and slid to the ground, coughing up blood.


    Within the Jiang mansion, no one was Qi Wan''s match. The Demon Lord had sent many people, but Qi Wan only kept those of lower cultivation, sending all others back.


    Relying on her evil arrays that only she understood, Qi Wan had forced the Demon Lord to make concessions all these years.


    "Lady Bing Lian!" Qing Bai rushed in with others.


    He went to help Bing Lian while the other guards in blue surrounded Qi Wan, watching her nervously.


    Qi Wan stood there, seemingly lost in her crumbling world, alternating between crying andughing. She looked at those around her, muttering: "Everyone''s here... good." Qi Wan turned to Bing Lian, "Didn''t you say the demon realm is where I belong? Very well, then you can all apany Jiang Cheng with me, hahahahaha..."


    Bing Lian lowered her eyes.


    The Earth Fruit Tree couldn''t fall into others'' hands.


    Without further hesitation, she pulled Qing Bai in front of her to block Qi Wan''s line of sight, while her other hand tore open her own chest and pulled out her beating heart.


    However, her heart...


    It wasn''t red, but deep ck.


    ck demonic energy swirled around her fingertips, and a ck demon worm crawled out from her heart onto her palm.


    Bing Lian''s face was pale as she gently blew on the demon worm: "Go!"


    The worm flew up, too tiny to be noticed.


    It flew to Qi Wan, who was blind with rage, and burrowed into her skin, traveling through her blood vessels and meridians straight toward her consciousness sea.


    Bing Lian sat on the ground.


    She closed her eyes, her pale lips rapidly chanting incantations as ck mist gathered around her spellcasting fingers.


    Qi Wan suddenly froze in ce.


    Her alluring eyes, neither drunk nor sober, filledpletely with ck as she stared nkly at Bing Lian.


    Bing Lian said weakly: "Go, kill those in the array''s core, retrieve the Earth Fruit Tree, and give it to the Demon Lord."


    Qi Wan epted themand and left.


    Shortly after Qi Wan''s departure, Bing Lian copsed and her body dissolved into a pool of ck water.


    Yujiang City was just an obscure small city, one of countless simr cities across the Nine Provinces Continent. It wasn''t even marked on the continent''s maps.


    Yu Qing had never heard of this ce before.


    He was at the Yuan Ying stage and could fly, but only to ces he knew.


    With no choice, Yu Qing had to stop and fly intermittently, asking for directions along the way.


    Few people knew the way to Yujiang City, which dyed Yu Qing somewhat, but when he arrived, he was extremely surprised.


    Such a small ce actually had a city protection array!


    And this array seemed vaguely familiar to Yu Qing. Some of its details shared simrities with the Jade rity Sect''s mountain protection array.


    The city protection array was activated, preventing teleportation in or out. One could only enter or exit through the city gates.


    No wonder he hadn''t received any messages from Jian Huan these days - the array blocked the Xuantian Mirrorpletely.


    Yu Qing could break it and was very tempted to do so, as the array was quite ingenious.


    But concerned about his disciple Jian Huan, he suppressed his strong desire to break the array and instead teleported through the city gate without alerting anyone.


    As soon as he entered, Yu Qing immediately sensed something unusual.


    He detected a trace of demonic energy!


    Yu Qing focused and flew directly toward the source of the demonic energy.


    A woman in red shed past, about to step into void space to escape.


    A green bamboo section appeared in his hand, and using the bamboo as a brush, he inscribed several magical symbols in the space before the woman in red.


    The woman''s movement faltered, and she was forced to stay.


    She turned around, her ck eyes staring directly at Yu Qing who had blocked her path.


    "Qi Wanyi?" Yu Qing couldn''t help but exim, even more surprised than when he saw the city protection array.


    Qi Wan showed no reaction to this name she had used at the Jade rity Sect, nor did she react to Yu Qing.


    She, or rather it, only had the task left by Bing Lian.


    Kill anyone who blocks the way!


    Qi Wan moved in close, striking at Yu Qing with her palm.


    Yu Qing dodged and carefully observed this former sect sister from his memories.


    Her eyes had no light, only darkness.


    Every move she made carried killing intent, yet she neither dodged nor avoided his counterattacks, as if she felt no pain. Her entire being seemed vacant.


    She was already dead.


    Yu Qing felt a bitter taste in his heart. He exhaled, focused his mind, and no longer held back.


    After sending a message to Yu Qing, Baili Dao wrote a note for Zhao Shi and left a spirit pill.


    In the message, he told Zhao Shi to go to Azure Dragon City to find Master Chu, work as a servant first, then take the spirit pill and learn some martial arts.


    After leaving the note, Baili Dao returned to Yujiang City.


    He didn''t dare enter the city, instead hiding in the woods outside, anxiously waiting for Elder Yu Qing.


    But when Yu Qing silently entered through the city gate, Baili Dao didn''t notice.


    When Yu Qing fought with Qi Wan, splitting open a space to fight her to avoid harming the city''s citizens, Baili Dao didn''t notice.Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    Even after Yu Qing had finished fighting with Qi Wan, Baili Dao still hadn''t noticed.


    ...


    It wasn''t until dozens of cultivators from the Imperial Pacification Office rushed to the scene that Baili Dao finally noticed.


    The Imperial Pacification Office''s people quickly took control of the city gate, ced the city lord''s guards under house arrest, surrounded the Jiang mansion, and pursued the fleeing Jiang household servants.


    Baili Dao was overjoyed!


    He rushed through the city gate, heading straight for the Jiang mansion to find Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi.


    He found them, but the two were lying unconscious on a bed in one of the Jiang mansion''s guest rooms.


    Baili Dao was shocked and asked the woman in white robes nearby: "What happened to them?!"


    The female cultivator in white robes replied, "When Elder Yu arrived at the formation site, Junior Sister Jian and Senior Brother Shen had already fainted there. We still don''t know exactly what happened. However, they are not seriously injured - they''re just exhausted and fell into a deep sleep. They probably haven''t gotten much sleep these past ten days."


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 Chapter 31

    The back of her head throbbed with pain, and her eyelids felt as heavy as lead weights.


    Voices could be heard nearby.


    "Herbalist, how are they doing? It''s been a day and night, why haven''t they woken up yet?"


    "Don''t worry, Brother Baili. They only recently reached Foundation Building stage, but they''ve repeatedly consumed spirit herbs and forcefully used spiritual power. Their dantian is somewhat unstable now. I gave them some spirit medicine for calming and nourishing yesterday, which is why they''re sleeping so deeply."


    Baili Dao breathed a sigh of relief.


    "They should wake up soon though," the herbalist who came with the Imperial Pacification Office observed the young couple lying on the bed and instructed, "When they wake up, remember to tell them not to use any spiritual power for three days and rest well."


    "Understood!" Baili Dao readily agreed and escorted the herbalist out, "Thank you, Master!"


    As he turned back, just about to close the door, he saw Jian Huan, who was lying on the outer side of the bed, open her eyes.


    Her eyes still held obvious confusion.


    This was amon symptom after sleeping for too long.


    Most importantly¡ªdamn,


    Why did the back of her head hurt so much!


    Baili Dao was overjoyed and strode over, his eyes filled with concern: "Miss Jian, you''re awake? How do you feel? The herbalist just left, should I call him back to check on you?"


    Jian Huan frowned and instinctively shook her head.


    The memories before she fainted flooded back into her mind as she fully regained consciousness.


    She remembered holding that green jelly-like substance Qi Wan had given her, while being wary of Shen Jizhi, thinking this must be the precious treasure he had mentioned earlier that was stabilizing the formation''s eye!


    A force kept pushing the entire underground pce upward, the ground shaking unstably. Afraid she might lose her bnce and drop the jelly substance, she hurriedly stored it in her storage pouch.


    Though it had taken them a very long time to descend through the underground pce and caverns, they weren''t far from the surface above.


    Almost as soon as Jian Huan had secured the jelly substance, light from the real world flooded in.


    The sunlight outside was so bright, clouds in the sky were light and drifting, and birds scattered in panic, making rmed chirping sounds that were noisy yet real.


    It had been so long.


    Jian Huan''s face bore a slightly relieved smile as she quickly scanned her surroundings.


    They were in a mountainous area, surrounded by towering trees with lush foliage.


    As the entire underground world was pushed up, the trees that had originally grown here were tilted in all directions, as if they had weathered a fierce storm.


    Theyout of the Jiang family''s old residence was real, just ten paces away from Jian Huan.


    White tiles and ck walls stood quietly there.


    At this moment, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were standing under a tree.


    Though the underground pce had two levels - one was the main hall and one was the formation''s eye.


    But now, both had vanished.


    Above their heads was a canopy of vibrant green leaves.


    The tree before them, judging by its position, stood right behind Qi Wan and Jiang Cheng''s bedroom, with its roots extending into the Jiang residence. Its luxuriant branches stretched out over the mansion''s walls, providing shade over Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi.


    They both looked up, the tree''s image reflected in their eyes, their lips slightly parted in surprise.


    They simultaneously held their breath.


    The tree gleamed with a green fluorescence in the sunlight. The mountain breeze, carrying the warmth of summer, swept up the green fluorescence from the tree and entered their nostrils, gathering in their dantian, creating an indescribablyfortable sensation.


    This¡ª


    The Medicine King Peak of the Jade rity Sect grew an entire garden of spirit herbs, flowers, and trees, but none of them emanated spiritual energy like this tree before them.


    One look was enough to tell that this tree was no ordinary specimen - it must be extremely valuable!


    Just as this thought emerged, a sharp pain shot through the back of her head, and Jian Huan''s eyes closed as she lost consciousness.


    Jian Huan: "!!!"


    What was this? This was a case of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind! There was an oriole! There actually was an oriole!!!


    Damn!!!


    Jian Huan suddenly jumped up from the bed.


    Beside her, Shen Jizhi had already awakened when Baili Dao came to check on Jian Huan.


    He also remembered what had happened...


    They both jumped up almost simultaneously, then reached for their storage pouches in perfect unison.


    Thinking their storage pouches might have been taken too, their hearts nearly stopped, and they forgot to breathe.


    When their fingertips touched their storage pouches, Jian Huan''s heart came back to life, beating heavily.


    But she wasn''tpletely relieved yet. After checking inside her storage pouch, she found all the valuable items were still there, even that green jelly substance, and finally let out a long breath.


    Though she didn''t know why their attacker hadn''t killed her and Shen Jizhi, or taken their storage pouches.


    But it was good that the storage pouches were still there.


    Baili Dao looked at Shen Jizhi, then at Jian Huan, and without another word, ran towards the door, shouting: "Wait, Herbalist! Something seems wrong with them..."


    "Come back!" Jian Huan called out to him.


    Baili Dao''s hand was already on the door, but he turned back at her call: "Are... are you both alright?"


    "The storage pouches are still here, we''re fine," Jian Huan replied, looking around before asking Baili Dao, "What happened? How did we get here?"


    Baili Dao finally rxed: "Elder Yu Qing found you and brought you out from the formation ground."


    Upon hearing Elder Yu Qing''s name, Jian Huan quickly asked: "Did they catch the oriole¡ª I mean, did they catch the culprit who knocked me and Shen Jizhi unconscious?"


    Shen Jizhi, who had been carefully checking every item in his storage pouch, looked up at Baili Dao upon hearing this.


    Baili Dao shook his head: "No, when Elder Yu Qing arrived, you were already unconscious. We were hoping you could tell us what happened."


    Just as he finished speaking, two women and a man walked in from outside.


    The three people in the room looked up.


    The woman in white in the middle was a familiar face - Senior Sister Bai Ying, whom Jian Huan had met when she first arrived at the Jade rity Sect. The other two were strangers.


    Jian Huan made to get out of bed, calling out as she did so: "Senior Sister Bai Ying."


    With outsiders present, Shen Jizhi discreetly put away his storage pouch, stopping his inventory.


    Bai Ying steadied Jian Huan who was trying to get up: "No need to get up, you both should rest well."


    Then she greeted Shen Jizhi: "Senior Brother Shen."


    Shen Jizhi replied politely: "Junior Sister Bai."


    Bai Ying pointed to the woman on the left: "This is Senior Sister Hong Yu from the Imperial Pacification Office of Azure Dragon City," then pointed to the man on the right: "And this is Senior Brother Su Tian from South Dust Immortal Ind, who specially rushed here this morning."


    There were many puppet people on the mountain who had fallen unconscious due to the formation being broken.


    South Dust Immortal Ind was the premier medical cultivation sect in the Nine Provinces. Elder Yu Qing had contacted the ind''s master, who sent a group of people over today.


    As for the Imperial Pacification Office, being an organization jointly established by various cultivation sects and the imperial court, plus having many cases of missing children rted to the Yujiang City incident, they were naturally involved.


    After Bai Ying made the introductions, she got straight to the point: "Senior Brother Shen, Junior Sister Jian, we''d like to know what happened."


    Jian Huan hesitated slightly, exchanging a nce with Shen Jizhi.


    Would revealing Qi Wan and Jiang Cheng''s situation affect the Jade rity Sect?


    Bai Ying noticed their hesitation and took the initiative: "It''s alright, you can tell us everything, everyone here is trustworthy. Besides, everyone already knows that Qi Wan is our Jade rity Sect''s talisman master Qi Wanyi, and Jiang Cheng is our sword cultivator Jiang Chen."


    Such a major incident couldn''t be covered up.


    Moreover, their Jade rity Sect had always been upright and never intended to conceal anything.


    So there was nothing to hesitate about.


    Shen Jizhi tilted his head, looking at Jian Huan beside him, and said: "You tell them."


    Just thinking about having to say so much, he refused.


    Besides, that tree''s image kept lingering in his mind... it had been within reach...


    Shen Jizhi raised his hand to gently massage his brow.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Fine, she was the talkative one anyway.


    Jian Huan organized her thoughts and began describing everything from Chu Chu onwards, focusing on the key points.


    However, she omitted the part about Qi Wan giving them the green jelly substance.


    After she finished, Bai Ying exchanged nces with the other two.


    Bai Ying was most concerned about the children: "Those children, you brought them all out?"


    "Yes." Jian Huan nodded and proceeded to take out the children, the embryos contained in golden bowls, and the spiritual root halos from her storage pouch.


    Shen Jizhi followed Jian Huan''s lead.


    Looking at these items, the three visitors fell silent.


    Hong Yu couldn''t help but curse: "This is too vicious!"


    Since the perpetrator was ultimately connected to the Jade rity Sect, Bai Ying didn''t echo the sentiment.


    Su Tian crouched down and briefly examined a few children before saying, "They have parasitic death worms in their bodies."


    Hong Yu snorted coldly, "Cultivators who traffic humans love using parasitic death worms on people. This way, they can carry people in their storage pouches without being discovered."


    She asked Su Tian, "You can remove the death worms, right?"


    Su Tian nodded, "Yes, we can, but these¡ª" he pointed to the embryo-shaped and spirit root-shaped ones, "I''m not sure what to do with these."


    Even the people from South Dust Immortal Ind didn''t know, let alone others.


    After some thought, Su Tian pointed to the unharmed children: "For these children, we''ll concoct medicine in the next few days to neutralize the death worms'' poison. But for those others, I''ll need to take them back to South Dust Immortal Ind to consult with the elders."


    Hong Yu replied, "Fine. Once the children recover, our Imperial Pacification Office will send them home."


    Bai Ying and Su Tian had no objections to this.


    But Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi, and Baili Dao did.


    Jian Huan said, "We''ll personally escort Chu Chu and Niu Niu back."


    Knowing this matter was initiated by the Chu family, Hong Yu agreed, "Alright."


    Shen Jizhi pointed to the vessels containing the embryo-shaped forms: "Please return these items to us afterward."


    Jian Huan nodded firmly.


    Bai Ying and the others: "..."


    Su Tian, wanting to build good rtions with Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, said while storing the children in his storage pouch, "I''ll have my junior disciples transfer them to other containers soon, and return them to you as quickly as possible."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi nodded with satisfaction.


    This was the best oue.


    Bai Ying and Hong Yu still had matters to attend to. They needed to interrogate each of the captured servants from the Jiang mansion one by one, to extract more information about which families had bought children over the years and about the details of the demon n.


    Therefore, the three prepared to leave without further dy.


    Bai Ying said, "Both of you should rest well for a few days. If there are any questions, someone wille to ask, and you should answer freely. This is also the wish of the Sect Leader and Elder Yu Qing."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi nodded, watching the three leave.


    Just as they reached the doorway, Su Tian instinctively looked back at Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, seeming to have something he wanted to say but couldn''t.


    However, there were too many unrted people present, so after weighing his options briefly, he left with the others.


    In the room, Jian Huan stroked her chin and whispered to Shen Jizhi, "That Su Tian will definitelye back to find us."


    Shen Jizhi had noticed too: "When we were talking about that tree, he wanted to interrupt you several times."


    Jian Huan: "Yes, he''ll definitelye back. I feel like he also wants that tree."


    At this point, Jian Huan paused.


    Who wouldn''t want it? She wanted it too.


    She gritted her teeth and made a fierce deration: "If I find out who this ''sparrow'' is, I''ll definitely skin them alive!"


    By now, that person had probably fled far away, but it didn''t matter ¨C there would be time in the future.


    Jian Huan could only console herself with this thought.


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi nodded slightly, his eyes filled with frost.


    Sitting in a chair beside their beds, Baili Dao lowered his head in contemtion.


    He couldn''t understand most of their conversation.


    Why would Su Tiane back to find them? And who was this ''sparrow''?


    Ah, this familiar feeling.


    Baili Dao shook his head.


    <span ss="mb-4 para" style="">


    Shen Jizhi suddenly noticed Baili Dao. He stared at him quietly before abruptly asking, "... Did you cancel the carriage?"


    Baili Dao looked up, startled: "Huh?"


    Shen Jizhi repeated his question: "Did you cancel the carriage?"


    Baili Dao: "N-no."


    Jian Huan shot Shen Jizhi a disapproving look: "Why are you being so harsh with Baili Dao? If he hadn''t found every possible way to bring Elder Yu Qing here, we would have already met in the underworld. You should be nicer to someone who saved our lives."


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    He exined to Baili Dao: "I''m not being harsh, this is just how I talk."


    Baili Dao was overwhelmed by this unexpected honor.


    Master Shen actually exined something to him personally?


    This had never happened before!

 Chapter 32

    "But¡ª"


    In the simple yet elegant guest room, Baili Dao sat rigidly on a red sandalwood chair, his legs positioned at an acute angle, hands resting on his thighs.


    He lowered his head, his slightly thick lips mumbling a few words: "The carriage probably... can''t be returned..."


    "?" Jian Huan widened her eyes slightly, "Why?"


    Shen Jizhi''s eyshes twitched: "What happened to the carriage?"


    Baili Dao lowered his head further, staring at his boots: "I had to transport night soil, so I dismantled the carriage."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    The arrival of Senior Sister Bai Ying and her group interrupted the conversation between the three.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi hadn''t yet had the chance to ask Baili Dao how he found Elder Yu Qing.


    But when Baili Dao mentioned "night soil," they could basically guess what had happened.


    At that moment, neither of them feltfortable bringing up the carriage matter again.


    Jian Huan asked Baili Dao a few questions, and indeed confirmed that he had escaped the city-wide search by disguising himself as a night soil worker.


    "Hmm, that was quite clever of you..." Jian Huan said in a profound tone.


    Baili Dao, embarrassed by the praise, scratched his head: "My sess in leaving the city and contacting Elder Yu Qing was inseparable from this method."


    Jian Huan asked curiously: "How so?"


    Baili Dao grinned: "I climbed into an empty night soil bucket, and Zhao Shi brother helped me get out."


    Jian Huan choked: "This... was the bucket cleaned?"


    "No," Baili Dao shook his head: "Fortunately it wasn''t cleaned, the guards only looked at one bucket and didn''t check the others."


    Jian Huan kindly reminded him: "But you could have cleaned the one you climbed into."


    Baili Dao: "???"


    Baili Dao thought carefully: "I... I suppose so."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Earlier while unconscious, Shen Jizhi had been ced in bed.


    While Jian Huan and Baili Dao were discussing how the night soil bucket could have been cleaned with a purification technique before climbing in, he quietly made his way around the foot of the bed, put on his shoes, stood up, and walked over to Baili Dao, looking down at him saying: "Let''s go."


    Baili Dao stood up reflexively, asking in confusion: "Where to?"


    "To look at the carriage," Shen Jizhi turned to leave, "The carriage can be repaired."


    Baili Dao: "..."


    Oh right, Shen Jizhi was a master artificer - if he could repair swords and daggers, a carriage would be no problem.


    He hurriedly followed.


    Jian Huan sat on the bed, watching them leave while waving sweetly: "Thank you for your hard work!"


    After Shen Jizhi and Baili Dao left, Jian Huan also got up.


    She first took out the "Complete Guide to Talisman Arts," reviewed the talismans she already knew how to draw, and learned two new ones.


    Previously, Jian Huan would have continued drawing and selling talismans non-stop.


    She had been so poor before that her only goal was to make money.


    But now, her Mustard Seed Pouch was quite full, and those two bounties were secure.


    She wasn''t sure of the exact value of what was in the Mustard Seed Pouch and nned to find an appraisal shop to sell the items when they reached Azure Dragon City.


    With the major incident in Yujiang City and cultivators from various sects arriving in waves, the mixed crowd made it unsuitable to deal with the contents of the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Obviously, Shen Jizhi thought the same way, as he hadn''t mentioned anything about dividing the spirit jelly yet.


    They both feared eavesdroppers.


    In any case, by her calctions, she was guaranteed to have several thousand spirit stones - finally, she wouldn''t have to live on tbread and sleep in woodsheds!


    So, Jian Huan decided to start improving herself while earning money.


    She took out the "Complete Guide to Techniques" which she had barely looked at before, and began memorizing the techniques.


    In Qi Wan''s formation, she had to rely on Shen Jizhi to fly with her.


    That wasn''t good.


    She needed to be able to fly by herself.


    Now was the perfect time to memorize techniques since she couldn''t use spiritual power anyway.


    After finishing her studies, Jian Huan got up, stretched her muscles, and went out to find Elder Yu Qing.


    ...


    Yu Qing was the first to discover her and Shen Jizhi, and Jian Huan wanted to ask him in person what exactly had happened.


    But Elder Yu Qing was very busy.


    He was the one who killed Qi Wan, the first to arrive, and the most prestigious person present.


    Everyone naturally went to him with their problems.


    When elders from other sects arrived, they also went directly to Yu Qing to ask about what had happened.


    Yu Qing had be the person in charge of the Qi Wan incident.


    In the main hall of Jiang Manor, the person in charge, Yu Qing, stood by a carved pir while a group of people surrounded him, reporting and waiting for his decisions.


    "Elder Yu, we''ve searched the entire Jiang Manor and only found invitations recording this year''s Couples Banquet. We couldn''t find invitations from previous years."


    "I can answer that. I just came from the city lord''s dungeon, where a servant confessed that at the end of each year, they destroy everything rted to that year''s Couples Banquet."


    "..."


    "The demon race is indeed cunning!" An elder who had just arrived from another sect stood listening to these reports, then said disapprovingly, "Elder Yu, you shouldn''t have killed Qi Wan, you should have kept her alive! With her death, all leads are gone. Only Qi Wan knew the full story, but you went and killed her directly - what kind of solution is that? Qi Wan was once a disciple of your Jade rity Sect, could it be that your sect deliberately silenced her? This matter..."


    Yu Qing raised his head, his refined and elegant face showing traces of a helpless smile as he pointed to the side.


    To the side was a screen painted with flowers, birds, fish, and beasts, blocking the view of whaty behind.


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    But one could tell there were quite a few people behind it.


    Yu Qing said concisely: "Elder Liu, please go look inside first."


    Elder Liu wore a puzzled expression, snorted coldly, and went around the screen.


    As Elder Liu walked away, Jian Huan, who had been trying to tiptoe behind him, was exposed.


    Jian Huan hurriedly squeezed forward, trying to get closer to Yu Qing, calling out as she pushed through: "Elder Yu¡ª"


    Yu Qing nced at his disciple, and seeing she was unharmed, smiled slightly and interrupted her: "You should look too."


    Jian Huan: "...alright."


    The side room was dimly lit.


    A crystal ball the size of a tennis ball floated in mid-air, emitting a soft white luminescence.


    The light projected onto the wall in front of the crystal ball, silently reying a scene.


    Elder Yu Qing''s face couldn''t be seen in the scene, but asionally a floating cyan ribbon would appear.


    This crystal ball¡ª


    Wasn''t it just an erged version of the small ball Elder Yu Qing always wore at his waist!


    So this was the cultivation world''s version of a camera?


    Tsk, Elder Yu Qing was clearly an experienced worker.


    Just like Jian Huan, when she first started working, she didn''t know better and often cleared her chat history due to insufficient phone storage.


    After learning her lesson the hard way, she bit the bullet and bought a phone with thergest storage capacity, to backup all kinds of work messages.


    Otherwise, sometimes you really couldn''t exin things clearly even if you wanted to.


    Jian Huan looked up, her gaze inevitably drawn to the crystal ball, which was clearly valuable... She forced herself to look away and turned to watch the light screen on the wall.


    The image showed Qi Wan''s face, but one look told you something was wrong.


    Normal eyes have whites, and pupils are clear, reflecting what they see.


    But Qi Wan''s eyes werepletely ck, chilling to look at.


    In the scene, Qi Wan''s attacks were fierce, charging at Yu Qing without fear of death or pain.


    Yu Qing kept retreating, the crystal ball shaking with movement, making Qi Wan''s face blur and distort her features.


    This silent scene was like a scratched disc, where the people inside lost their facial features.


    For nearly the time it takes an incense stick to burn, this pattern repeated.


    The mindless Qi Wan only relied on her terrifying power at the seventhyer of the Yuan Ying realm, targeting Yu Qing with deadly attacks.


    Yu Qing had mentioned his cultivation level in ss - he had been stuck at the fifthyer of Yuan Ying realm for many years.


    Qi Wan''s killing moves...


    Yu Qing dared not face them directly.


    Throughout the entire time, he never engaged Qi Wan head-on. He rode that green bamboo, moving from her front to her back, from her left to her right.


    The scene was chaotic and jumpy, making people dizzy, with many unconsciously closing their eyes.


    But Jian Huan watched, entranced.


    Elder Yu Qing wasn''t just dodging!


    He was drawing a formation around Qi Wan - when the formation wasplete, Qi Wan would inevitably be defeated!


    So this was how talisman masters should fight against others?


    First, you need to be good at dodging and have quick footwork, so you have a chance to draw a killing formation to finish off your opponent!


    Jian Huan became even more determined to learn the sword-riding incantation.


    Her hands, hanging at her sides, unconsciously clenched into fists as her emotions surged.


    Elder Liu, standing in the middle, suddenly spoke: "It''s done."


    Sure enough, in the next instant, countless golden light strips appeared in the air within the image, each containing mysterious runes.


    These golden light strips bearing runes gradually tightened around Qi Wan in the center, binding and trapping her firmly.


    Qi Wan couldn''t move; she struggled desperately, her face contorted.


    Seemingly finally realizing there was no way to break free, the darkness receded from her eyes, but then began creeping upward, from her eyes to her eyebrows, gathering at her brow point, until a plump ck demon worm emerged!


    Looking through the crystal ball''s image, peering into that worm hole at her brow, inside was...pletely empty.


    Not even a drop of blood leaked out.


    Someone eximed in shock: "Is... is this what happens when the brain gets eaten?"


    Elder Liu nced over and exined: "Demons use their hearts to nurture these demon heart worms. When the worm enters a cultivator''s body, it can devour their brain and consciousness, turning them into demon puppets. This is why demons are so hard to eliminate - when one of their people dies, they gain another puppet to do their bidding."


    "Hiss¡ª" Many people drew in sharp breaths.


    Jian Huan recalled the plot from the book.


    In the demon realm, not every demon had the privilege to raise demon heart worms. One had to be absolutely loyal to the demon n and achieve merits.


    To demons, demon heart worms were heavenly treasures that could nourish them and bring great benefits.


    The reason why the original host agreed to be a spy in the Jade rity Sect was because it would earn her merit and qualify her to raise a demon heart worm.Aliali: 6754c11abd5e46c308a55742


    Unfortunately, the original host who had dreamed of raising a demon heart worm ended up having her brain eaten by one instead.


    Jian Huan shuddered slightly, touching her own brow point with a sense of horror.


    Speaking of which, if the original novel had written specific addresses for the demon n plot points, instead of just writing things like ''she was previously in the demon realm'', ''he went to the demon realm'', ''three dayster, at the demon realm location, Shen Jizhi recalled his time at the Jade rity Sect''... then Jian Huan could have found a way to reveal the location to Elder Yu Qing and directly raid the demon n''sir.


    As things stood now, she really couldn''t say anything - should she tell Elder Yu Qing that the demon n was located at ''the demon realm location''?


    Jian Huan sighed.


    Ny-nine percent of the original novel''s plot from the female antagonist''s perspective was about stirring up trouble between Shen Jizhi and Jiang Qiaoqiao, with barely any concrete information about the demon n written.


    Therefore, Jian Huan couldn''t reveal much - should she report that Shen Jizhi would be the demon n''s greatest overlord in the future?


    To be honest, based on their interactions so far, she really couldn''t believe that in the book, Shen Jizhi would turn to demons because of the female lead Jiang Qiaoqiao.


    It would be more believable if he did it for money.


    To prevent losing contact, please remember this site''s backup domain:

 Chapter 33

    From Qi Wan''s brow burst forth a Heart Demon Worm, which shot straight towards Yu Qing!


    He quickly turned to avoid it, the strong wind brought by his rapid speed rustling the green skirt around his waist, and the crystal ball at his waist swayed.


    The scene shifted, focusing on the Heart Demon Worm.


    The red-d woman gradually became a distant figure in the painting, her body falling backward, her flesh starting to melt into ck mist from her head.


    When Yu Qing returned after ying the Heart Demon Worm, only a puddle of ck water remained.


    Jian Huan sighed softly in her heart.


    It wasn''t that she felt pity; dying so cleanly and neatly was probably the greatest fortune in Qi Wan''s life.


    But the mess she left behind, the children born in the new home, the families that lost their children, were all unsolvable.


    Elder Liu sneered, "A sinner of a thousand years, not worth dying!"


    With that, he flicked his sleeve and left, and the surrounding disciples bowed in respect.


    However, the scene did not stop there. Yu Qing left the torn space and headed towards the battlefield.


    Outside the old mansion in the battlefield, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhiy on the ground, unconscious.


    A wall away in the mansion, there was arge pit, and the tree had mysteriously disappeared.


    Jian Huan: "!!!"


    No wonder Elder Yu Qing had her watch it first.


    ording to the scenes shown by the crystal ball, Elder Yu Qing waste and saw nothing, just picking up her and Shen Jizhi one by one.


    Jian Huan looked up, gritted her teeth, her expression solemn, and she refused to leave for a long time.


    She watched it over and over again, but found no trace of any hidden figure.


    Until someone gently poked her.


    Jian Huan turned her head.


    It was a girl in a light blue dress, with delicate features, a delicate figure, and innocent eyes.


    The girl pointed to the light screen of the crystal ball and asked in a soft voice, "Is that you up there?"


    Jian Huan nodded, "Yes."


    The girl smiled gently, looked around, and got very close to Jian Huan, bringing with her a faint fragrance, "I know that male cultivator, he''s Shen Jizhi from Jade rity Sect. So you are the one they talk about in Xuantian Garden, Shen Jizhi''s partner?"


    In the world of cultivation, a partner is a fellow cultivator who practices dual cultivation together.


    Jian Huan''s tone faltered, "¡­If I say no, would you believe me?"


    The girl didn''t say she believed or not, just gave Jian Huan a suggestive wink, her breath fragrant, "Sword cultivators are all strong, especially in explosive power in the waist and abdomen¡­"


    She nced up and down at Jian Huan, then said, "It''s okay, you''ll know after you try it."


    Jian Huan wanted to say something but stopped, looking at the girl with suspicion.


    The girl stood up shyly, gently touching the ck hair hanging over her corbone, as if she hadn''t said those words.


    Jian Huan couldn''t help but asked her, "How do you¡­ know that? Have you tried it?"


    The girl coughed softly, whispered in her ear, "Yeah, sword cultivators, de cultivators, qin cultivators, talisman cultivators, Buddhist cultivators, male disciples from Harmony Union Sect, basically all of them. Harmony Union Sect disciples have more variety, but their stamina isn''t that good, sword and de cultivators are both good, but I prefer Buddhist cultivators¡­"


    Jian Huan was amazed, "!!!"


    She extended a thumb, showing her admiration.


    The girl covered her mouth and giggled, "I''m Ran Mu''er from Harmony Union Sect, let''s add each other on Xuantian Garden. If you ever need anything, you can find me. I''ve been researching a dual cultivation secret technique recently, I can teach it to you. But after you try it, you have to give me feedback so I can see if there''s anything to improve¡­"


    "¡­" Jian Huan took out her Xuantian Mirror, and also advertised herself, "I can also draw talismans, if you need talismans or anything forged, you can also find me."


    Ran Mu''er: "Sure, sure."


    Ran Mu''er: "Ah, you don''t know the wonders of dual cultivation, I''m eager to teach you my new technique."


    Jian Huan''s mouth twitched slightly, "¡­There''s no need to be so hasty, I''m still young."


    Ran Mu''er looked down, "Ah? It''s obviously very good¡­"


    "¡­" Jian Huan''s face turned red, she kept a straight face, "I meant my age."


    ...


    Grass, who said that!


    Ran Mu''er: "¡­¡­"


    When they were unconscious before, they didn''t know why they were ced on the same bed.


    There were plenty of rooms in the Jiang Mansion, all of them empty.


    After Shen Jizhi fixed the carriage and returned, he moved to the next room.


    He held a needlework basket he had found somewhere.


    It had threads of all colors, even pink ones!


    Jian Huan didn''t hesitate, took out her pink dress with several holes from her spatial pouch, and followed him to his room.


    Shen Jizhi moved the teapot and cups on the table aside, ced the needlework basket on it, along with the half-torn water green Taoist robe.


    Besides that, he also took out a pair of white cloth boots from a wide-bottomed vase in his spatial pouch.


    These were things he had stuffed into the vase to clear space before, including this pair of slightly worn boots.


    In the Jade rity Sect, Shen Jizhi often ran up and down the mountains, wearing out shoes quickly.


    These cloth boots were only newly madest New Year, but after a few months, the outeryer had been scratched by bushes and rocks.


    After preparing everything, Shen Jizhi sat down at the table, and Jian Huan sat next to him.


    Jian Huan had no experience with needlework, she used to like ying with dolls as a child, but instead of dressing them up, she would draw directly on the dolls¡­


    For these three days, they couldn''t use spiritual power, and Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were very obedient to the doctor''s orders.


    After all, if they didn''t listen and something went wrong, they would have to spend more on medicine!


    The healer currently treating them was brought by the Imperial Pacification Office, so they didn''t need to pay, the Imperial Pacification Office would cover it.


    If anything went wrongter, they would have to find a healer themselves, which would be expensive. No matter where you are, medical expenses are always the most costly.


    They had to take this opportunity to heal their dantian well.


    Unable to use spiritual power, Shen Jizhi took out the tools from the needlework basket and began to separate the sole from the upper part of the boot.


    The sole was still good, no need to change it. He would carefully remove the damaged parts of the upper and then stitch the water green Taoist robe onto it.


    In this way, a pair of white cloth boots could be a pair of water green boots with bamboo patterns. Such boots were popr among noble sons and were not cheap.


    Jian Huan took a needle from the needlework basket and threaded it with pink thread.


    However, the pink thread was darker than the clothes'' light pink, and the clothes were not a uniform light pink but had a gradient effect and embroidery.


    But Jian Huan thought it didn''t matter, clothes were just to cover up the holes and be wearable.


    No one would get close to her and stare at her clothes.


    So she began to sew boldly.


    Shen Jizhi, who was holding the boots and carefully tearing off the fabric, couldn''t help but nce over, his hand pausing, hemented indifferently, "It''s better not to sew."


    Jian Huan red, "¡­I like it, mind your own business!"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    He shook his head lightly and continued with his work.


    Who would dare to mind her?


    Jian Huan sewed while asking, "Did you fix the carriage?"


    "Yes," Shen Jizhi was very particr about aesthetics, so he was very cautious before starting, thinking about how to make it look good, "But it was dyed for ten days, only got back eighty percent."


    Jian Huan: "That''s okay, what about Baili Dao?"


    Shen Jizhi: "He said he''s going to have dinner with a friend."


    "Uh, a friend he made while cleaning night soil?" Jian Huan asked.


    Shen Jizhi: "Yeah."


    "Baili Dao is still amazing, people like him, everyone likes to make friends with him," Jian Huan said, hinting at Shen Jizhi, "Unlike some people¡­"


    Shen Jizhi didn''t look up, "Oh."


    The two fell silent for a moment.


    At the time of the day, the sun on the horizon was about to set, casting golden light far¡­


    Far into this room by the window.


    Early August, only a dozen days away from the Mid-Autumn Festival, the weather was not as hot as before, bringing a hint of early autumn coolness.


    "Brother Shen, Sister Jian," someone suddenly called at the door.


    The two immersed in needlework looked up and saw it was Su Tian, the one who came with Sister Bai Ying and the others in the morning.


    Su Tian stepped into the room and closed the door, "I''vee to deliver some utensils."


    Jian Huan quickly stopped, stuck the needle into her clothes, and stood up with a smile, "Thank you, Brother Su!"


    Su Tian took out the utensils from his spatial pouch and ced them on the ground.


    Shen Jizhi held a shoe in one hand, while the other hand made a circr motion. With a flick of his wrist, the spell of remote object maniption activated, and his half of the utensils floated over to him one by one, neatly stowed away in his spatial pouch.


    Jian Huan crouched on the ground, just picking up a golden bowl when she reminded him, "You can''t use spiritual energy."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "Forgot."


    "It''s fine," he said, resuming his needlework, "I only used it once, no big deal."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Su Tian watched the oblivious couple and cleared his throat lightly.


    Jian Huan, attracted by the sound, put away her things while asking, "Is there anything else, Senior Brother Su?"


    With no one to entertain him, Su Tian had to walk to the table, finding an empty spot to sit down.


    Seeing the needle and thread on the table, he looked puzzled, "Why are you sewing shoes and clothes yourselves?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at him and calmly retorted, "Why not?"


    "Well, it''s not that..." Su Tian paused, realizing this must be Shen Jizhi, the direct disciple of Elder Gu, renowned for his strong presence. He turned to Jian Huan, "Junior Sister Jian, I have a few more questions for you two."


    Jian Huan was eager to know the origins of that tree, so she smiled, "Please ask, Senior Brother Su. I will tell you everything I know."


    Su Tian hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you know what kind of tree that was?"


    "No," Jian Huan shook her head honestly, then asked back, "Do you know, Senior Brother Su?"


    Su Tian hesitated: "I''m not entirely sure, but generally speaking, such intricate and sophisticated formations that can revert children to their spiritual root state, that tree must be extraordinary."


    "Yes, I mentioned this morning that when we left, we could see the tree glowing with a phosphorescent light, and the spiritual energy was very dense," Jian Huan sighed, "To be honest, we wanted to dig up that tree, but everything that happened was visible in Elder Yu Qing''s crystal ball. We were knocked out, and the tree disappeared without a trace."


    Su Tian was taken aback: "That''s not a crystal ball, it''s a retrospective orb."


    "Close enough, close enough," Jian Huan squinted slightly, "Senior Brother Su, since you''re not entirely sure, you must have some guesses. Could you tell us what you suspect the tree to be? To be honest, I''m really curious."


    Su Tian remained silent for a moment before uttering three words: "Earth Fruit Tree."


    After all, the tree is gone now, so telling them won''t hurt.


    Most importantly, by tomorrow, someone else will likely figure out what the tree was.


    South Dust Immortal Ind is the foremost medical cultivation sanctuary in the Nine Provinces, but other sects also have skilled medical cultivators who will eventuallye to the same conclusion.


    Shen Jizhi''s needle in his right hand suddenly veered and pierced his left index finger.


    A small droplet of bright red blood emerged, but Shen Jizhi seemed unaware, his head slightly lowered, motionless as if in a trance.


    Jian Huan sensed Shen Jizhi''s unusual state; he must have heard of the Earth Fruit Tree!


    But she hadn''t, and Jian Huan couldn''t help but press further, "What is an Earth Fruit Tree?"


    "As the name suggests, the fruits of the Earth Fruit Tree grow underground," Su Tian''s eyes filled with longing, "It''s said that eating the Earth Fruit raw can ensure you survive a thunder tribtion unscathed."


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up instantly: "!"


    "But the Earth Fruit Tree is very fast, and over the centuries, many high-level cultivators have sought it, only for the tree to escape. To be honest¡ª" Su Tian paused, "I think what knocked you out might not have been a person, but the Earth Fruit Tree..."


    ...


    Jian Huan: "???"


    Jian Huan was baffled: "Can trees really knock people out?"


    Su Tian nodded: "The Earth Fruit Tree has a tree spirit that likes to knock people out. You''re not the only ones who''ve been hit. I''ve heard of many cultivators who''ve experienced the same."


    Jian Huan: "!!!"


    A tree spirit?


    She instinctively held her breath. Could the green jelly-like substance in her spatial pouch be the tree spirit of the Earth Fruit Tree?


    If she nurtured it well and it bore more fruits, wouldn''t she have a lifetime of abundance, with plenty of spirit stones?


    But that didn''t make sense.


    If the Earth Fruit Tree had knocked them out, it must have escaped.


    Yet the jelly-like substance was still safely in her spatial pouch, not running away.


    Could the jelly not be the tree spirit of the Earth Fruit Tree? Then what was it?


    Jian Huan was bewildered in the setting sun.


    Su Tian shared some more information about the Earth Fruit Tree before regretfully taking his leave.


    After all, even if the tree hadn''t escaped, many powerful cultivators would surely vie for it, and it wouldn''t be his turn as a mere apothecary.


    After Su Tian left, Jian Huan quickly pushed aside the sewing basket on the table and wrote on the table with her fingertip.


    Regarding the jelly-like substance, it was better not to speak of it aloud, lest someone eavesdrop.


    She wrote: I feel this doesn''t make sense.


    Shen Jizhi followed up: Let''s check it out after we leave.


    Jian Huan: That''s the only way.


    Shen Jizhi was confident: In any case, it can''t be ordinary.


    That was true, and Jian Huan couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, then wiped the table a few times with his sleeve, resuming his shoe-making.


    Jian Huan watched his progress; his needlework was quick, his fingers moving rapidly, already sewing new fabric onto the boot.


    She looked away and continued sewing her clothes.


    But suddenly, Jian Huan paused with the needle in her hand.


    Just now, it didn''t seem like anything was wrong.


    But now, with Shen Jizhi''s work as aparison, she realized her sewing was indeed not very good.


    The stitches were too rough, the cement seemed off.


    And Shen Jizhi''s shoe, the stitches were almost invisible, as if the fabric was just attached.


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Why would a sword cultivator have such good needlework skills?


    The Jiang Mansion now hosted cultivators from various sects.


    The lord of Yujiang City had self-destructed during the incident, and the Imperial Pacification Office of Azure Dragon City took over all affairs in Yujiang City, including providing meals for the cultivators helping at the Jiang Mansion.


    Three meals a day, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi never missed any.


    The next morning, after breakfast, Shen Jizhi returned to his room alone, sitting at the table to start sewing the other boot.


    He hadn''t continued after nightfall the previous day, switching to practicing sword techniques instead.


    Without using spiritual energy, just pure swordsmanship.


    Shen Jizhi first admired the finished boot.


    Hmm, perfect stitches, perfect appearance, not bad.


    He carefully ced it on the table, picked up the other boot, and then reached for the remaining water-green robe.


    As soon as he lifted the robe, Shen Jizhi noticed something amiss.


    Beneath it was a carefully hidden pink dress.


    To avoid revealing the fabric, the dress was tightly bound into a small bundle.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    No wonder Jian Huan, who usually arrived at the dining hall with him, was a full incense stickte today.


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze fell on the pink dress.


    If she were willing to pay, she wouldn''t hide it like this.


    But since she hadn''t paid for the dress, she certainly wouldn''t want to spend money on sewing.


    This was her way of asking him to help sew it without paying.


    Shen Jizhi lightly pulled the corners of his mouth, reached out with his thumb and index finger, and threw the bundle onto a nearby cab.


    Dream on.


    Night fell.


    ...


    In the bedroom, Jian Huan, dressed in a moon-white nightgown,y on the bed, one hand propping her chin, the other pressing on a thick tome of incantations.


    Her head bobbed up and down, her eyelids somehow sticking together, but her lips continued to mumble incantations by habit.


    The candle in the room burned silently, and Jian Huan''s lips gradually stopped.


    With a thud, her head fell forward.


    Jian Huan suddenly woke up.


    She rubbed her aching temples, closed the incantation book.


    After a day of memorizing, her brain just couldn''t take it anymore.


    Jian Huan decided to spare it tonight.


    She jumped off the bed, thought for a moment, wrote two notes, and climbed out the window.


    The window of the next room was half-open, the candle already out.


    In the dark night, Jian Huan tiptoed closer, propped her hand on the windowsill, and peeked inside.


    Inside was quiet, the moonlight from behind her outlining the vague shapes of the room.


    Shen Jizhi seemed to be asleep, lying facing the wall.


    Jian Huan shifted her gaze to the table.


    The boot and water-green robe were gone, only leaving the sewing basket and her pink dress.


    Jian Huan pushed hard with her hand, lifted her foot, and climbed onto the windowsill.


    She took off her shoes, ced them on the windowsill, and lightly jumped down to the floor.


    Jian Huan quickly approached the table, the moonlight on the floor flickering like someone ying a moonlight melody.


    Shen Jizhiy motionless on the bed, his beautifully drawn eyebrows seemingly in a deep sleep.


    Jian Huan reached out to pick up her skirt, feeling a tinge of disappointment.


    The skirt was still tied up with a rope, looking as if it had never been touched.


    Well, she had guessed as much.


    Jian Huan bit her lip and pulled out two notes from her bosom, examining them before cing one of the notes in the neatly arranged sewing basket, where even the threads were sorted by color from red to violet.


    Then, she left with the skirt, feeling something was off.


    What was it?


    Jian Huan stood by the window, examining the skirt under the moonlight.


    After a moment, herrge, grape-like eyes sparkled with joy, brighter than the moon in the sky.


    Previously, the skirt had been tied in a way that exposed the tears, but now they were nowhere to be seen.


    Jian Huan nced at the person on the bed, quickly untied the rope, and shook the skirt.Aliali: 67568261bd5e46c308c7729a


    The elegant pale pink dress shimmered beautifully under the moonlight, the tearspletely gone, as if they had never existed.


    Jian Huan: "!!!"


    She quickly returned to the table, swapped the note that said ''Drink more cold water'' with the other one, and ced it down.


    A moment after Jian Huan left,


    Shen Jizhi opened his eyes, pushed back the quilt, and got out of bed.


    He stopped by the table, picked up the note from the sewing basket, and slowly unfolded it with slender fingers.


    Inside were a few bold, flowing characters¡ª


    A good person will live a life of wealth and fortune.


    Outside the room, the moon hung high, and the stars shone brightly.


    Inside, the man stood quietly, his tall figure and eyes as radiant as the night sky.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 34

    <h1>Chapter 34</h1>


    Three dayster, in the Jiang Mansion.


    In the courtyard originally used for the wedding banquet, most of the lotus flowers had quietly withered. The fresh green Ginkgo tree nearby also had many leaves secretly turning yellow.


    Early autumn has arrived.


    In the corridor behind, the apothecaries rushed by, ncing at the girl flying around in the courtyard. They were no longer surprised and simply averted their gaze.


    Jian Huan had been practicing swordsmanship here for days. Everyone had grown used to it.


    A few days ago, Jian Huan, who frequently fell from mid-air, seemed slightly unstable but at least she had stopped falling.


    Jian Huan still couldn¡¯t fly too high.


    She stepped on a bamboo pole pulled out from a broom, brushed past therge lotus leaves, flew from one side of the pond to the other, and then turned around to fly back.


    When she was exhausted from flying back and forth, Jian Huannded steadily, stepped on one end of the bamboo pole, and picked up the other end.


    Her lotus-pink skirt swayed, enhancing the girl''s fairplexion.


    Today''s swordsmanship practice waspleted, and the results were pretty good.


    Jian Huan''s eyes were smiling as she held the bamboo pole, running up the corridor.


    Following the corridor inside, led to the South Dust Immortal Ind and the ce where the Imperial Pacification Office cured and treated patients.


    The puppet-like people poisoned by love fragrance and the children infected with parasitic insects were being treated in there.


    Jian Huan would practice her swordsmanship here daily, and after finishing she would always visit the children, Chu Chu and Niu Niu.


    Chu Chu and Niu Niu had just awoken yesterday. Today, they could stand up, but their little faces were still very pale.


    Seeing Jian Huan, both greeted politely, "Sister Jian Huan!"


    Jian Huan, smiling,id her hand on the two little one''s heads, "How are you today, feeling better?"


    Niu Niu nodded his head wisely for his young age, "Much better."


    Chu Chu, who was sheltered from reality since birth, shook her head innocently, "No, sister, I''m still dizzy and want to throw up. Niu Niu feels the same, but he just won''t admit!"


    Upon hearing this, Niu Niu''s face turned red.


    "Alright then, your sister understands. I will go ask the apothecary."


    Chu Chu nodded firmly, then asked, "Sister, when can we go home? I miss my grandfather."


    Jian Huan gently touched Chu Chu''s nose and sincerely replied, "It should be soon. I also eagerly want to see your grandpa."


    ¡­


    "They can¡¯t leave yet. Although the parasitic insects have been expelled, the toxins are still in their bodies. The children are too young and we dare not use strong medicine. We can only wait and nourish them for another three to five days," said the apothecary of the Imperial Pacification Office, who took over from Su Tian, who had brought the more serious patients back to South Dust Immortal Ind.


    It was the same apothecary who had examined Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi just a few days ago.


    Upon hearing this, Jian Huan obediently nodded, said "Alright," then silently pulled a chair over, and moved it in front of the gray-haired apothecary.


    She sat down, lifted her right hand and gently rolled up her sleeve revealing her fair wrist, which she extended towards him and sincerely requested, "Mr. Apothecary, I just stopped my medication yesterday and I am starting to feel ufortable. Could you please examine me? Could it be that I did not take enough of the medicine that nourishes the dantian?"


    Hearing Jian Huan''s words, the alchemist was surprised. He stroked his white beard and reached out, not to take her pulse, but to send a trace of spiritual energy into Jian Huan''s body. "It''s strange, your whole body seems to be in good condition. Your Dan Tian (energy center in the body) is fine as well; there''s nothing wrong with you."


    Jian Huan quietly withdrew her hand, "I really don''t feel well. It started after I stopped taking the medicine yesterday. How about this? Could you please prescribe more restorative pills for me for a few more days?¡±


    Alchemist: "???"


    Suddenly, the alchemist seemed to understand. He fell silent, then asked, "Don''t you find the restorative pills horribly bitter?"


    For medicinal uses, the Imperial Pacification Office always used the cheapest spiritual grass, boiled like traditional medicine. Turning them into pills significantly increased the cost, and the annual allocations from the major sects and the court to the Imperial Pacification Office could not fund such extravagance.


    Therefore, the medicine that was boiled was extremely bitter. The cultivators at the Imperial Pacification Office would dodge or spill the medicine whenever possible, and the subsequentplications often drove the alchemist mad.


    As an alchemist, he most despised those who did not follow medical advice.


    So people like Jian Huan, who were not satisfied even after the medicine was gone, were a first for the alchemist in his century-long career.


    Jian Huan frowned upon hearing the alchemist: "Bitter."


    Damn, it was really bitter.


    In modern times, what Jian Huan dreaded most was Huoxiang Zhengqi water (Traditional Chinese Medicine drink), and this restorative pill was ten times more bitter than that.


    But it was free!


    Even bitterness tasted sweet when it was free!


    Jian Huan was very sensible, "But I know that bitter medicine is good for the health."


    These words hit the alchemist''s heart. He sighed and nced outside the courtyard.


    Outside the courtyard, his young disciple was chasing a chubby child with a bowl in hand, persuading him as he ran, "Chubby, if you drink it, you won''t feel dizzy. You can go home and see mommy..."


    The chubby child shook his head like a rattle drum: "I won¡¯t drink it. It¡¯s so bitter. I want my mommy. The medicine mommy gives me is so much better..."


    The alchemist withdrew his gaze and gently sighed, "I wish they all had your enlightenment."


    Jian Huan replied with a modest smile, her eyes sparkling with hope, "So, alchemist, what do you say? You can give me the medicine directly. I can brew it myself. You guys are busy, don''t bother."


    The alchemist didn¡¯t refuse. This time Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had done a great service.


    Besides, these were the cheapest medicines, and no one liked to drink them.


    He counted out nine packets from the basket beside him and handed them to Jian Huan, "Three days'' worth. You cannot drink more than this." Overconsumption wasn¡¯t good.


    Jian Huan was overjoyed. She quickly held the packets close, then she added, "And there is one more thing. There¡¯s also this guy who needs some."


    The Alchemist: "..."


    ...


    Humming a tune, Jian Huan left the corridor sprightly.


    At the end of the corridor, Shen Jizhi, who had just finished his sword practice and still had some sweat on his forehead, was standing in a corner.


    Hearing hering, he looked up and moved closer, furrowing his brows and asking, "How did it go?"


    The two had agreed that as a thank you for his mending her clothes, she would help him get some medicine too.


    Shen Jizhi prefers solitude, as he''s just not one for mingling with others.


    Jian Huan shed him an ¡®ok¡¯ sign: ¡°Done.¡±


    She handed him his portion from her mustard pouch, he epted it, his eyes expressing thanks as they softened: ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Their health was actually very good, they had no intention of taking the medicine right away. It coulde in handyter if they ever overuse their Dan Tian''s spiritual power again. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Jian Huan thought.


    Chu Chu and Niu Niu werepletely recovered four dayster.


    The group of kids, oblivious to how dangerous their ordeal had been, regained their lively nature once their strength returned. They would run around the courtyard every day, tugging and scratching at each other, breaking into tears from time to time.


    The apothecaries, overwhelmed by the ruckus, urged Red Jade and Jian Huan to send the kids home.


    Thefort of the present estate was quite satisfying, especially with the provided meals and drinks. However, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were more concerned about their rewards than the free provisions.


    When the apothecary dered the children were healed, the two nned to return with them to Azure Dragon City early the next morning.


    In the afternoon, as Jian Huan practiced as usual in the back garden, a disciple ran towards her: ¡°Junior Sister Jian Huan!¡±


    Jian Huan jumped down from the bamboo pole and recognized him as a senior brother from the Jade rity Sect who hade with Sister Bai Ying. He had been assisting Yu Qing all these days.


    She asked, ¡°Senior Brother, what can I do for you?¡±


    He replied, ¡°Elder Yu Qing is at the back mountain formation; he wants you to go find him right now.¡±


    As Jian Huannded from the wobbling bamboo pole, she saw Yu Qing standing outside the door of the formation.


    He looked up at the two characters ¡®Jiang Mansion¡¯ written on the que.


    Hearing some noise, he cast a nce, just in time to see Jian Huan put away her bamboo pole.


    Involuntarily, Yu Qing looked at his own bamboo joint, floating emerald-green like jade, then at Jian Huan''s brown pole: ¡°Where did you get that from?¡±


    Jian Huan gently wiped her pole: ¡°I pulled it off a broom.¡±


    Yu Qing: ¡°......¡±


    Yu Qing could only console her: ¡°Continue working hard. All the sweets are yet toe in our amulet cultivation journey."


    ¡°Yes!¡± Jian Huan nodded, ¡°Elder Yu Qing, did you need anything from me?¡±


    Yu Qing turned his gaze back: ¡°Heard from Bai Ying that you and Shen Jizhi will be leaving early tomorrow?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Yes.¡±


    After a little hesitation, she added: ¡°We will take the children back first, fearing their families would be worried. We might return afterward...¡±


    Yu Qing was puzzled: ¡°Why would you return?¡±


    Jian Huan was stunned: ¡°......¡±


    After all, they provided meals here for free.


    But of course, Jian Huan didn¡¯t say that out loud. She responded instead: ¡°I''m afraid there might be something that we can assist with.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Yu Qing interrupted, ¡°Things are pretty much done here. In a few more days, we will disperse.¡±


    ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????


    Jian Huan: ¡°What?¡±


    Yu Qing looked at her, chuckled: ¡°Why is it that looking at you now, I sense a bit of reluctance to disperse?¡±


    ¡°No, I just think it''s somewhat sudden.¡± Jian Huan replied solemnly, ¡°Has everything been sorted out?¡±


    How could they disperse if things weren¡¯t sorted out?


    "We have looked into everything we could. It''s likely we won''t find anything more." Yu Qing lifted his foot and walked towards the old Jiang family house, with Jian Huan following him. He recounted, "A hundred years ago, the Demon n wreaked havoc, and we, the leading sects, united to eradicate them. Since then, the Demon n almost disappeared without a trace, causing the sects to let down their guard. Little did we know that the Demon n has been hiding and plotting in the dark. If you and Shen Jizhi hadn''t discovered Yujiang City, we wouldn''t have known how serious the situation had be. That formation has provided the Demon n with so many gifted subordinates over the past sixteen years, it''s terrifying to think about it."


    The Demon n exploited Qi Wan''s array. It served both to provide human resources to the Demon n and to umterge amounts of spirit stones for theirfortable survival.


    Jian Huan did not interrupt, silently listening.


    "The Demon n is very careful, they''ve left us very few clues. The personnel they assigned to this ce all self-destructed causing serious injuries to two monks from the Imperial Pacification Office," Yu Qing sighed lightly.


    Jian Huan asked, "So, do we just let the Demon n do as they please?"


    "Certainly not," Yu Qing shook his head, "After the leading sects recuperate, we will unite and go to the Dark Abyss to investigate."


    In this world, yin and yangplement each other. The yang exists endlessly within the yin, and the yin resides inseparably within the yang.


    Therefore, where there are abundant mountains, forests, andkes filled with spiritual power, naturally there would also be Dark Abysses filled with demonic energy.


    The Dark Abysses are located throughout the nine provinces, like inds on the sea, varying in size, beyond count.


    Therge Dark Abysses were mostly sealed by the powerhouses of the cultivation world a hundred years ago, but there are too many medium and small ones, they can''t all be sealed.


    Jian Huan nodded. She stopped, thought for a moment, and tactfully reminded, "Elder Yu Qing, I always feel that if the Demon n can infiltrate Yujiang City, could they also nt spies in the leading sects?"


    Just like her in the book, it''s something to be wary of.


    "We''ve considered that," said Yu Qing, "When we return this time, I will start working on a new Demon Mirror. The Demon n has changed a bit over the years, the old one doesn''t work anymore."


    This revtion is how the Demon n has been able to flourish in the shadows for so long.


    "By the way," Yu Qing, who had been rambling on about various things, remembered the main point, "The reason I called you here was to tell you that it''s likely the trunk of the Earth Fruit tree that caused you and Shen Jizhi to faint. Of course, this is just the opinion of other sect elders. I can''t guarantee it."


    "Brother Su Tian has told me before."


    Jian Huan looked far away at the wall where the Earth Fruit tree had been, with a glint in her eyes.


    Something still seemed off about this.


    At the time, she and Shen Jizhi just stood under the tree, looking up at it.


    How would its branches have bent down to hit them from behind?


    Most importantly, that jelly y is still with her.


    However, Jian Huan didn''t mention this to Yu Qing.


    "That''s good," Yu Qing turned his head away, "I don''t have anything else for you, you are free to leave, we can meet back at the sect."


    "Okay!" Jian Huan put down her bamboo stick, stepped lightly on the tip, raised her hands, and wobbling slightly, she rose into the air, about to fly down the mountain.


    Yu Qing shook his head and chuckled. Suddenly remembering something, he said: "Jian Huan, wait, there''s one more thing."


    Jian Huan, perched on the bamboo stick, "......"


    Alright, she was used to it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Sometimes, when Elder Yu Qing ended the symbol ss, the fast-footed disciples had already reached the door before he called them back.


    All Jian Huan could do was to turnboriously and return.


    For a while, Yu Qing didn''t say anything, he just continued walking towards the old house with Jian Huan, reminiscing about the past as they walked.


    ......


    That year, like Jian Huan, Yu Qing and Qi Wan were first-year disciples.


    Qi Wan was called Qi Wanyi back then, her real name. The name Qi Wan came about when she left the Jade rity Sect with Jiang Cheng, concealing their real identities.


    Among that year''s symbol cultivators, Yu Qing and Qi Wan were viewed as the two most promising by the elders.


    But while Yu Qing followed the path of the Jade rity Sect step by step, Qi Wan obstinately tread on a path of her own, leaning towards the destructive path of sinister arrays.


    In fact, for the first few years, he and Qi Wan got along well, the pair''s talents for symbol magicplementing each other, making for fast and fruitful exchanges.


    In hindsight, Qi Wan and Jiang Cheng''s association benefitted from their association with Yu Qing.


    Yu Qing was sharing quarters with Jiang Cheng.


    Qi Wan would often run over to discuss symbol magecraft with Yu Qing, and that was how she got to know Jiang Cheng.


    But eventually, Yu Qing found his principles diverging from theirs.


    On a certain afternoon, Qi Wan approached him, ¡°I have a great idea, would you like to try it with me?¡±


    Yu Qing asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Qi Wan: ¡°I want to research a formation that can revert the adult body, back to a child''s form, then further back to an unborn state!¡±


    Yu Qing instinctively rejected it: ¡°This formation, it¡¯s inhuman.¡±


    Everything grows and evolves, abiding by thews of nature. What Qi Wan intended to do contravened thesews, and annihted human dignity.


    ¡°I want to know what it¡¯s like before a person is born, during those nine plus months in their mother''s womb.¡± Qi Wan said, ¡°Yu Qing, don¡¯t you find that intriguing?¡±


    Yu Qing shook his head: ¡°No, I¡¯m not curious.¡±


    Thinking it over, he advised, ¡°It¡¯s a dangerous notion, with long-ranging repercussions. How can you assure this won¡¯t be used for evil purposes? Wanyi, I implore you, don¡¯t proceed further with this, just stop.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have toment if you¡¯re not interested!¡± Qi Wan turned angrily and left.


    Outside the door, Jiang Cheng was waiting for her. The woman didn''t stop, she just passed by Jiang Cheng and ran off.


    Jiang Cheng turned around, gave Yu Qing an awkward smile, bowed a little and chased after her, calling out, ¡°Wanyi, Wanyi, wait for me¡­¡­¡±


    After that, Qi Wan came to see Yu Qing several times.


    Each time, Yu Qing told her, "I believe this formation contravenes human nature, and your idea should never havee about.¡±


    Refused time and time again, Qi Wan stopped asking, and even when she bumped into Yu Qing on the road, she would harrumph and move far away.


    When Yu Qing left the mountain for practice, he no longer saw Qi Wan.


    Upon his return, he heard from others that Qi Wan had been asked to leave the Jade rity Sect by the sect leader.


    ......


    Yu Qing stopped before Qi Wan and Jiang Cheng¡¯s bedroom, sighing softly.


    Qi Wan hadmitted too many heinous deeds, her death was not mourned. Countless children who lost their lives, the parents that grieved for the loss of their children, those who were manipted like puppets, the ever-growing demons; they were all the consequence of her actions, an insurmountable debt she could never settle, even across countless lifetimes. Fundamentally, she was wed.


    Yu Qing couldn''t help but feel some regret. Had he, as a good friend, been more patient and given more advice those years ago? If the sect had not abandoned people after failed persuasion, had guided them more gently, been on constant alert, and had they taken Qi Wan down as soon as anything seemed wrong, would this tragic event have been avoided?


    Ultimately, they, the Jade rity Sect, had also failed in their duties. Upon his return, he would need to discuss their shorings with the sect leader to improve and strengthen their methods.


    He decided to start with the young disciple in front of him.


    Yu Qing began with earnest instruction, "Jian Huan, learn from what happened to Qi Wan. Upholding the Tao isn¡¯t just lip service, saying ''my Tao will never change'' is not enough. If your Tao is truly righteous, you should be able to foresee the oues of your actions. You must be able to restrain your desires, do the right thing, and steer clear of actions that could lead to unforeseen harm in the future. That''s the first thing."


    "Secondly, the path of cultivation is long, and inevitably you will face the departure of those you love. Grief is natural, but it should not be a reason for you to harm others. As cultivators with talents far surpassing average people, we should use our abilities to protect them, and not use our strengths to harm them. Qi Wan''s actions have brought shame upon the Jade rity Sect, and indeed to all the cultivators. Jian Huan, do you understand all this?"


    Jian Huan was slightly stunned.


    She turned to look at Yu Qing, her expression serious as she replied word by word, "Elder Yu Qing, I understand your intentions. I will remember what you''ve said."


    The next morning, in a temporarily designated dining hall in the Jiang residence, Jian Huan and her group sat towards the rear, taking their breakfast.


    The breakfast served to each person was the exact same: one spirit chicken egg, a bowl of spirit porridge, three spirit meat buns, and pickles that weremon apaniments with porridge in the homes of ordinary people.


    The three adults finished quickly.


    The two young children, however, took their time and only managed to eat an egg and half a bowl of porridge.


    Niu Niu had eaten one more spirit meat bun.


    Jian Huan watched Chu Chu put down her spoon and asked, "Are you done eating?"


    Chu Chu shook her head, pushing the remnants of her meal to Jian Huan, "Sister, I''m full. You can take the leftovers."


    On the side, Niu Niu also adeptly pushed his remaining food towards Shen Jizhi. Though he remained silent, he was slightly fearful of this cold brother.


    These past few days, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi took the two children with them for all meals.


    As these young ones couldn''t eat much, they kept the leftovers in their mustard pouch.


    However, the overseer of the dining hall was very vignt; when Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi initially tried getting a second serving after finishing their meals, they were sternly stared down.


    "Alright, we should head back to Azure Dragon City now!" Having eaten their fill, Jian Huan asked the two children, "Do you want to ride Brother Bai Li''s knife or Brother Shen Jizhi''s sword?"


    Chu Chu blinked herrge eyes, "Can''t I ride with you, sister?"


    Jian Huan shook her head, refusing firmly, "No, I don''t know how to carry passengers yet."


    Shen Jizhi smirked in response to her answer, "Even if you could, your bamboo staff wouldn''t be able to support anyone."


    Jian Huan sincerely suggested to him, "I believe it''s probably for the best that you speak less."


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°...¡±


    Chu Chu sneaked a nce at Shen Jizhi and, pointing with her small hand, said, "Then I want to sit on Baili Dao''s knife."


    "Sure," Jian Huan looked towards Niu Niu.


    Niu Niu also chimed in, "I also want to sit on Baili Dao''s."


    Baili Dao lifted his head in surprise, feeling ttered.


    What? He assumed they wouldn''t choose him!


    That day, he and the master were fixing the carriage by the roadside. Now and then, young girls would pass by, but they were all vying for the attention of the master.


    The master was more popr than him.


    Among them, there was one that Baili Dao recognized, he had received the night fragrance from her home.


    Zhao Shiter told him that she was the owner of a small tavern.


    The tavern owner asked Shen Jizhi, her eyes sparkling as if she had seen a money tree, "Why are you fixing a carriage here? Does your family owe money?"


    Without even raising his head, Shen Jizhi grunted in acknowledgment.


    Even more energized, the tavern owner continued, "How much does the young master owe?" She could help pay it off, as long as this young master would sign a contract to sell his life to her!


    Shen Jizhi replied indifferently, "Not much, just a few tens of millions."


    Without uttering another word, the tavern owner turned and walked away.


    How to make someone lose hope in one sentence (bushi


    Note 1es from Baidu Encyclopedia.

 Chapter 35

    <h1>Chapter 35</h1>


    As the hour of youshi approached its end, the sun dipped below the horizon, disappearing from sight.


    The world was enveloped in the deep blue of twilight, casting a serene veil over Azure Dragon City.


    Azure Dragon City, one of the liveliest metropolises on the Nine Provinces Continent, kept its gates open around the clock.


    At the city gates, a line of people waited to enter.


    Inside the gates, Master Chu, apanied by his steward, guards, and Niu Niu''s parents, eagerly anticipated their arrival.


    Niu Niu''s mother whispered to her husband, "Niu Niu''s father, why hasn''t Niu Niu arrived yet?"


    A few days prior, officials had informed them that Niu Niu had been found and would be returned home soon.


    That afternoon, Master Chu''s household had confirmed that Niu Niu would be back that day!


    Impatient with waiting at home, they had arrived early at the city gates, finding Master Chu already there.


    Niu Niu''s father, his gaze fixed on the gate, silently shook his head in response to his wife''s question, his grip tightening on her rough hand.


    He wasn''t sure either.


    Master Chu offeredfort, "Don''t worry. Yujiang City is quite a distance from Azure Dragon City. It''s normal for them to be a bitte."


    He paused, his spotted hand tightening around his cane, and sighed, "We''ve waited this long; a little more time won''t matter."


    Niu Niu''s parents fell silent. Niu Niu''s mother leaned into her husband''s embrace, wiping away a tear. Her voice carried a sense of relief, "Yes, you''re right."


    The disappearance of their child had left them hollow, eating without appetite, their hearts aching. Nights were the worst, sleep elusive, driving them to the brink of despair.


    The thought of the deep well at home had crossed her mind more than once, but the thought of her husband, their chickens and pigs, and the approaching autumn harvest kept her grounded.


    Days dragged on like years.


    "Master! Young Mistress!" the steward, on tiptoe, suddenly eximed, "Look, it''s the Young Mistress!"


    Master Chu and Niu Niu''s parents'' hearts leapt. They turned to see Baili Dao leading Niu Niu and Chu Chu by the hand, emerging from the crowd entering the city.


    A day of journeying together had forged a deep bond between Baili Dao and the two children. They were now discussing the bird they had just seen flying overhead.


    Chu Chu tilted her head, "The bird''s belly was so round. Could it be carrying a baby?"


    Niu Niu wondered, "Or did it just eat a lot?"


    Baili Dao, the elder brother figure, concluded, "That''s a sparrow. Sparrows always have round bellies."


    The two children nodded in understanding, "Oh..."


    Behind them, Jian Huan gently touched the crack in her bamboo staff, feeling a pang of regret.


    The broomstick really wasn''t up to par. After just a day of use, it had started to split.


    She shook her head and disdainfully tossed it into her Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Though she wasn''t sure what use a cracked broomstick could serve, the pouch still had space, so she decided to store it for now.


    Hearing the conversation ahead, Jian Huan asked, "Why didn''t I see the sparrow?"


    Beside her, Shen Jizhi walked with focused precision.


    Today, he wore new clothes and shoes.


    The clothes were from an old Jiang family estate, a white and blue robe embroidered with gold threads depicting a vivid pi xiu.


    The shoes were a repurposed version of his old white boots, now a water-green shade with bamboo patterns.


    The ensemble was perfectly coordinated, fitting for the events toe.


    However, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the city gates were unusually crowded tonight.


    Shen Jizhi moved slowly and cautiously, his every step deliberate.


    "You fell," Shen Jizhi replied without looking up, his gaze fixed on his white and blue hem and the asional glimpse of a pink skirt.


    Jian Huan: "Alright then."


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????had indeed fallen several times that day, though she always managed to steady herself before hitting the ground.


    "Grandpa!" Chu Chu suddenly eximed with excitement, releasing Baili Dao''s hand and sprinting towards the group waiting at the street corner, "Grandpa!!"


    Niu Niu followed her gaze, his eyes widening as he burst into tears, running towards his parents, "Dad, Mom, wahhh, Mom..."


    Master Chu bent his aged back, embracing his granddaughter tightly.


    He closed his eyes, a tear rolling down his wrinkled cheek, his beard trembling as he repeated, "Good, good child, it''s good you''re back, good, good..."


    Meanwhile, Niu Niu''s family wept together, their emotions overflowing.


    Passersby at the city gates looked on with curiosity and confusion, unsure of the scene unfolding before them.


    Niu Niu''s mother firstposed herself, gently calming Niu Niu, then ncing at her husband, who was weeping uncontrobly, and the curious onlookers. She gave her husband a firm p, "Stop crying!"


    ...


    Jian Huan and the others didn''t approach the scene, instead stopping by the city wall.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan kicked a small stone underfoot, silently reciting a mantra to distract herself.


    Such scenes were too emotional for her to bear, afraid she might break down in public.


    Baili Dao, too, couldn''t hold back his emotions, turning to face the wall and wiping his eyes.


    Jian Huan nced at Baili Dao, then at Shen Jizhi, who stood beside her with an unreadable expression.


    His face was always inscrutable, and she couldn''t discern his thoughts.


    Recalling his eventual descent into madness in the book, Jian Huan hesitated, then spoke, "The day before we left, didn''t Elder Yu Qing call me?"


    Shen Jizhi hummed in acknowledgment, ncing at her with a questioning look, "?"


    He had seen her flying up that day while practicing his sword.


    Her bamboo staff had been too conspicuous to miss.


    Jian Huan continued, "Elder Yu Qing told me a long story. I found it quite meaningful. Do you want to hear it?"


    Shen Jizhi replied sinctly, "Speak."


    Jian Huan ryed Elder Yu Qing''s words, emphasizing the key points, "See, Elder Yu Qing said, never harm others for any reason. Money is also a reason. A gentleman loves wealth, but acquires it through proper means, understand?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Seeing his silence, Jian Huan asked again, "Don''t you understand?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, slowly replying, "Are you trying to keep the reward for yourself?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan was exasperated, eximing, "I''m worried you''ll go mad for money in the future! I''m advising you not to be like that!"


    She was indirectly using him of being too money-focused.


    Shen Jizhi chuckled, "Thank you for your concern."


    Jian Huan twitched her mouth, giving up, "Forget it, talking to a brick wall."


    Shen Jizhi scoffed lightly, "Overthinking."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Master Chu had prepared avish banquet at his home.


    After a satisfying meal, Chu Chu escorted Niu Niu''s family out, promising, "I''lle y with you tomorrow!"


    Both children possessed dual-spirit root talents. Once they were a bit older, they could be sent to the Jade rity Sect for cultivation.


    The Jade rity Sect typically didn''t ept such young children, preferring those who were a bit older and more aware. Other sects did take younger ones, but Master Chu still preferred the Jade rity Sect, wanting to keep the children with him for a few more years.


    The thought of sending such young children to a strange ce pained him.


    During the meal, he had discussed this with Niu Niu''s parents, suggesting they send the children together in a few years, so they''d have each other.


    While Master Chu pondered these matters in his study, his steward quietly entered, bowing, "Master, everything is prepared as you instructed."


    "Good," Master Chu stood, leading the servants and steward to the courtyard where Jian Huan and the others were staying.


    In the room, Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi, and Baili Dao sat at the table.


    Jian Huan was drawing talismans, while Shen Jizhi meditated in silence.


    Baili Dao looked between the two, puzzled.


    He had been lying in bed when Jian Huan called him over, instructing him to sit, saying Master Chu would arrive soon.


    But after three cups of tea, no one had shown up.


    Just as he was about to pour a fourth cup, a series of footsteps approached.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi straightened up almost simultaneously.


    Jian Huan quickly finished herst stroke, tossing her paper and brush into her Mustard Seed Pouch.


    She touched her chest, murmuring, "My heart is racing. This must be what they call a heart-pounding moment."


    Shen Jizhi remained silent, adjusting his breathing rhythm.


    Outside the door, Master Chu paused, asking, "May I enter, three?"


    Jian Huan, her gaze fixed on the chests carried by the guards, stood up with a bright smile, "Of course, of course, Master Chu, pleasee in!"


    Shen Jizhi and Baili Dao also rose to their feet.


    Master Chu entered, sweeping his robe aside.


    Jian Huan''s eyelids twitched, and she hastily said, "Master Chu, please don''t kneel to us again. It would shorten our lives!"


    Master Chu was taken aback but thenughed.


    The once lifeless old man had regained his former vitality tonight.


    He also recalled the incident when he had knelt to these two for help.


    Back then, he was truly desperate, grabbing at anyone as if they were a lifeline.


    "No more kneeling, no more kneeling," Master Chu said, bowing respectfully to the three of them. "Great kindness need not be thanked. I''ve already expressed my gratitude during the banquet. Now, I fear my words would only make our saviors feel that the old man is being verbose."


    The three quickly returned the bow. Jian Huan said, "Master Chu, you''re too kind. We don''t deserve to be called saviors."


    Master Chu smiled, gesturing to someone behind him, who then brought in a box and ced it down.


    Baili Dao looked strangely at one of the people, recognizing Zhao Shi!


    Zhao Shi quietly winked at him, pointing to the butler in front and mouthing, "Let''s talk privately."


    Baili Dao nodded.


    Master Chu turned to Baili Dao and bowed again. "Baili Dao, these are the two hundred thousand spirit stones I promised you. Please count them."


    Baili Dao sped his fists. "Thank you, Master Chu."


    Next to them, Jian Huan muttered softly to herself.


    She hadpletely forgotten that Baili Dao was also entitled to a reward. She hadn''t told Shen Jizhi!


    Just now, she had been too excited, her mind short-circuiting, and she had called Baili Dao over to collect his reward. Now she realized she shouldn''t have done that.


    She should have let Master Chu go to Baili Dao himself, and she would have divided the reward with himter in secret.


    What a misstep.


    Jian Huan stealthily nced at Shen Jizhi, who showed no particr expression, only lifting his eyelids to give her a casual nce: "?"


    She shook her head, indicating nothing was wrong, and quickly looked away.


    Master Chu walked up to the two of them, bowing separately to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi. "The three hundred thousand spirit stones I promised the two of you, I did not take back."


    "Yes," Shen Jizhi said, taking out a sack from his Mustard Seed Pouch. It was the same sack that had contained the three hundred thousand spirit stones he had returned to Master Chu earlier.


    Then, he followed up by taking out an ount book, a pen, and a box of red y, flipping to a certain page and walking up to Master Chu. "If there are no issues, you need to sign here."


    His fingertip pointed to a line that read: "On such and such a date, Gu Shan owes the Chu family ancestor three hundred thousand spirit stones."


    Master Chu took the pen and paper, writing at Shen Jizhi''s request: "On such and such a date, repaid by disciple Shen Jizhi on behalf of Gu Shan," and signed his name, pressing his red thumbprint on it.


    Shen Jizhi took it back, checking it word by word carefully, then stored it safely in his Mustard Seed Pouch, his eyebrows lifting slightly with a rare smile. "Thank you."


    Next to them, Jian Huan quietly moved over to Baili Dao and whispered to him, "You take those two hundred thousand spirit stones first!"


    Baili Dao was puzzled. "But one hundred thousand of those are yours."


    "You take them first!" Jian Huan cautiously observed Shen Jizhi. "I''ll ask you for themter."


    Baili Dao followed Jian Huan''s gaze to Shen Jizhi.


    He remembered that Jian Huan had previously asked him not to tell Shen Jizhi about the reward. Instantly, he understood her concern.


    Baili Dao''s face showed a guilty expression, stammering, "But... Shen Jizhi already knows..."


    "What?" Realizing her voice was a bit too loud, she quickly lowered it. "How could he know!"


    "Well, Shen Jizhi and I were buying a carriage before, and on the way, he casually asked me a couple of questions, and I just... somehow ended up telling him everything..." He didn''t know why he had said it; by the time he realized, it was already out.


    Jian Huan: "He was deliberately fishing for information!"


    Baili Dao: "But Shen Jizhi only asked me why I was investigating Chu Chu''s case. He didn''t fish for information or ask about the reward. It was just me talking too much..."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan: "Then, did he say anything at the time?"


    Baili Dao tried to recall and then shook his head. "No."


    Jian Huan pondered.


    Shen Jizhi hadn''t mentioned to her that he knew about this. What did he mean?


    She silently returned to her original position.


    Over there, Master Chu and Shen Jizhi had finished their business. Master Chu took three jade bottles from the butler. "These are three bottles of Spirit Recovery Pills, as a token of gratitude for your care of Chu Chu these past few days."


    His granddaughter, who had been missing for so long, hadn''t lost weight; her face was even rounder than before, and herplexion was rosy. She had also chattered nonstop with him.


    Master Chu had noticed all this and was deeply grateful, so he had prepared these extra gifts.


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up: "!"


    She stared longingly at the Spirit Recovery Pills in Master Chu''s hand, wanting to take them but feeling a bit awkward. After all, these weren''t part of the agreed reward but rather a gift. She politely declined, "Master Chu, you''re too kind. This is too much. We really can''t ept it..."


    Master Chu insisted on giving them to her. "It''s just a small token of my gratitude. Please ept it, so that I can sleep peacefully."


    After a few rounds of polite refusals, Master Chu was very insistent, and Jian Huan gave up, taking the bottles with a sigh. "You''re too kind. Look at you, you''re really too kind..."


    With everything given and said, Master Chu bowed and took his leave. "I won''t disturb your rest any further. I''ll take my leave now."


    Jian Huan, in high spirits, personally saw Master Chu to the courtyard gate.


    When she returned, Shen Jizhi and Baili Dao were still in her room.


    The three of them looked at the two hundred thousand spirit stones, each in silence.


    Baili Dao spoke first. "One hundred thousand spirit stones were agreed to be given to Jian Huan. The other one hundred thousand, Shen Jizhi, shall we split it equally?"


    Jian Huan looked at him in surprise. She had been thinking about dividing the five hundred thousand equally among the three of them.


    But she hadn''t expected Baili Dao to suggest this. She knew he was a good person, but she hadn''t expected him to be even better than she had thought!


    Shen Jizhi was also slightly surprised.


    He had already known about this before attending the couple''s banquet in Jiangfu.


    But Baili Dao''s two hundred thousand spirit stones were never his to begin with.


    Without Jian Huan, Baili Dao wouldn''t have joined. Throughout the journey, he hadn''t helped Baili Dao; on the contrary, Baili Dao had inadvertently saved his life.


    Baili Dao''s reward had never crossed his mind to share. He had only asked Baili Dao about it out of curiosity about how much more Jian Huan could earn.


    Shen Jizhi shook his head, refusing. "No need. This is yours. It has nothing to do with me."


    Baili Dao was a straightforward person. Hearing the master refuse, he didn''t press further, putting his one hundred thousand spirit stones into his Mustard Seed Pouch.


    For a moment, no one spoke, and the room fell into an eerie silence.


    Baili Dao looked at Jian Huan, then at Shen Jizhi. He wondered if the master hadn''t left yet, was there something else to discuss? So he decided to stay a bit longer.


    Jian Huan looked at Shen Jizhi, then at the undivided sack, then at the jelly y in her Mustard Seed Pouch, and finally at Baili Dao.


    Shen Jizhi also looked at Baili Dao.


    The two of them spoke almost simultaneously: "Why are you still here?"


    Baili Dao: "..."


    Baili Dao instantly understood, his face turning red, and he quickly left.


    As he closed the door for the two inside, he muttered to himself.


    They were clearly a couple, but one moment they were staying together, the next they were separated, leaving himpletely confused.

 Chapter 36

    <h1>Chapter 36</h1>


    After Baili Dao left, Shen Jizhi took out the pen and ink from his room, spreading them on the desk.


    He wrote while exining to Jian Huan, "Between you and me, the reward is a total of thirty thousand spirit stones. In that, we¡¯ve given a thousand to the Jiang Manor for the marriage banquet, exchanged two for twenty ounces, used for inns and carriages etcetera. We still have twelve ounces left. Each of us has fourteen thousand four hundred and ny-nine spirit stones, and six ounces of silver, is there any problem?"


    Jian Huan stood beside him, listening attentively, trying to recall, and also calcted it on her own. Finally, she shook her head: "No."


    "Okay." Shen Jizhi put down his pen and gave Jian Huan her deserved share.


    Jian Huan happily stuffed it into her Mustard Seed Pouch, the smile in the corner of her mouth couldn''t be hidden no matter how she tried.


    "Alright." Shen Jizhi was counting his spirit stones while sitting on the ground. He put his share back into his Mustard Seed Pouch and looked at Jian Huan, reminding her, "It''s your turn to divide now."


    The smile on Jian Huan¡¯s face paused: "... Oh."


    Originally, when cleaning up the battlefield, because she packed less than him, the space she cleared was also less, so she packed some of his stuff.


    At Yujian City, it was a mixed bag, and they didn''t dare to divide. What if the Imperial Pacification Office came knocking, asking them to return it?


    Thankfully, this did not happen. The Imperial Pacification Office took over the assets of Jiang Manor and the leftovers they found in the old mansion.


    One by one Jian Huan returned Shen Jizhi''s belongings to him. At the end, while holding a piece of pitch-ck iron in her hand, she asked while handing it over, "What are you going to do with this?"


    They had each gone treasure hunting earlier. Jian Huan had seen this piece of iron in the pile of broken swords in the old mansion''s armory.


    Jian Huan took one look at it and then focused on digging out the jade adorning the nearby porch pir. Afterward, she just left.


    Unexpectedly, he actually picked up this piece of junk iron?


    Shen Jizhi put therge chunk of iron into his Mustard Seed Pouch calmly, his eyes slightly drooping, and said lightly, ¡°It''s just for me to forge a sword, it''s not worth anything."


    "Oh? Really?" Jian Huan expressed her skepticism.


    She always felt something wasn''t right. ording to his character, would he really use the precious space in his Mustard Seed Pouch for a valueless piece of iron?


    "Yes. I couldn''t find better thingster, so I put in that piece of longevity stone."


    Yes, thatrge stone that had been discarded. It had now turned into dust along with the destructed formation.


    Jian Huan, who was squatting, sighed regretfully. She then decided to join Shen Jizhi and sat in front of him.


    She looked at him, and he looked at her too.


    Their eyes collided in mid-air, sparking a me.


    Jian Huan took a deep breath, took out the greenish jelly-like mud, and gently ced it in the middle of them.


    What could tumble into a faceless human shaped form was now a somewhat irregr round, like a poached egg.


    Both their eyes were sharply focused on it.


    It seemed to realize it has been brought out; with a plop sound, it stood straight up, and the soft jelly-like stuff reshaped itself into a matchstick man.


    The legs of the tiny figure moved very quickly; it ''flew'' in the air trying to go the other way.


    Looking at it, Jian Huan touched her chin with her fingertip, "Mmm, it seems like it wants to run?"


    "Mmm." Shen Jizhimented, "But it''s a bit slow."


    "Who did you just call slow!" The little figure, huffy now, stood still. With its little hand, it pointed at Shen Jizhi and ranted, "How dare you, human! Repeat what you just said if you dare!"


    Voiced by a child, it was impossible to tell if it was a boy or a girl.


    Shen Jizhi''s brow twitched ever so slightly, he responded with an ''Oh'' before repeating, "I said, you''re slow."


    Like a struck matchstick, the little figure morphed into a green me - distorting with rage. "Ah, if it weren''t for that awful woman''s strange incantations slowing me down, I''d be moving so fast you couldn''t see me! I''m not slow; I''m the fastest in the world!"


    With those harsh words, the me huffed and puffed before continuing its run, eventually reaching a closed window with difficulty.


    Right about then, Jian Huan had an intuition.


    She could see a floating white line; it appeared that she could pull it gently and bring back the jelly-like figure.


    Jian Huan was amazed and asked Shen Jizhi, "Do you see it?"


    "No." Shen Jizhi shook his head, reflecting, "Qi Wan drew a symbol on it before giving it to you."


    Jian Huan was the first to touch the jelly-like being after Qi Wan hadpleted the symbol.


    The jelly-like being was pulled back.


    It jumped onto Jian Huan''s face in fury, "You! Hurry and undo this!"


    Jian Huan defended herself, "I''m unaware of the nature of this symbol you bear. How am I supposed to undo it?"


    The jelly-like being calmed down for a moment and grumbled, "True, both of you seem rather powerless."


    Jian Huan, "¡­"


    Shen Jizhi, "¡­"


    Jian Huan narrowed her eyes while wearing a pretty warm smile, "You seem quite strong though. Are you the Ground-Fruit tree?"


    "No." The jelly-like being transformed back into a matchstick-man. It sat down, hands on hips, looking rather bossy, "I am a Ground-Fruit spirit. I am me, the Ground-Fruit is the Ground-Fruit, and the tree is the tree. They can''t be lumped together."


    Jian Huan twitched at the corner of her mouth, "Then do you know where your tree went?"


    The matchstick-man waved its little hands, "No, no, no, my tree doesn''t run. How can it run without me?"


    Jian Huan''s eyelids twitched as she shared a nce with Shen Jizhi.


    Sure enough, their gut feelings were correct. They were still firmly convinced that someone had conspired against them that day to steal the Ground-Fruit tree!


    Jian Huan asked swiftly, "Then do you know who took your tree?"


    The matchstick-man sounded surprised, "I got locked in a dark room by you, and you''re asking me?"


    Jian Huan, "¡­"


    She closed her eyes briefly and looked over at Shen Jizhi, "It''s even more annoying to talk with than you."


    Shen Jizhi, "?"


    He was still beside them, quietly listening, without uttering a word. What did this have to do with him?


    Jian Huan carried on her conversation with the jelly-like being, "Then do you have any sense of where your tree has been taken to?"


    The little figure shook its head, seeming baffled, "Why should I have any sentiment for the tree? There are countless trees in the world. If one is gone, I can always choose another one. Any tree I live in can bear Ground-Fruit. But without me, any tree would only be a regr tree after some time. You humans don¡¯t get it. There are trees everywhere, and there can be many Ground-Fruits, but there''s only one Ground-Fruit spirit, and that''s me!"


    Its small face lifted slightly, if it had facial features, it definitely wore a proud look.


    Jian Huan: "!"


    Wasn''t that implying that the thrush hiding behind the scenes had wasted all its effort and gained nothing?


    Jian Huan suddenly bursts inughter: "Good, well done!"


    Di Guo, mistaking he got praised, lifted his face even higher, resembling a green sunflower.


    Jian Huan casually exchanged nces with Shen Jizhi.


    These days, they had fully explored the Di Guo Tree by using the Xuantian Mirror and inquiring Brother Su Tian.


    The rumor stated that hundreds of years ago, a monk had graduated from a thunder tribtion in a deep mountain forest. At the junction of life and death, a tree moved over and used roots to give him a fruit.


    He ate it and finally carried off the tribtion, bing a Golden Core Stage cultivator.


    Such encounters would ur every few years, and hence, the legend that eating the fruit of the Di Guo Tree could help cultivators resist thunder tribtion and not die emerged.


    "Those who died couldn''t talk about it." In response to this rumor, Di Guo itselfmented, "Those random talkers have really troubled me. That lunatic Qi Wan thought so, assuming that cing me inside her man would bring him back to life. I have already told her that even if she uses the array I provided her to rush, transfering the extra life essence from her child to her man, it would only give her man a heartbeat. But his consciousness is already gone, not even a Great Luo Golden Immortal can save him... but she refused to believe! She thought I was lying to her! Pooh! I''m a fruit spirit, I never stoop to lie!¡±


    So, that''s how it is.


    Jian Huan thought about it, and confirmed: "But in any case, your fruits can assist cultivators during a thunder tribtion, right?¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The spirit of Di Guo fruit proudly nodded its head.


    Jian Huan''s heart pounded.


    Spirit instruments, spirit pills, spirit fruits that can aid in thunder tribtions are all worth a fortune. Such a Di Guo fruit, if auctioned, wouldn¡¯t it fetch a handsome amount?


    Jian Huan held his breath. With a gentle tone, he coaxed, "Look at you now, you can''t go anywhere. I really don¡¯t know how to untie the symbol on you. How about this, we take you back to the Sect first, pick a tree for you to grow and bear fruit. I will cultivate diligently, research the symbol on you and try to untie it. In return, the fruits you bear during this time would belong to us, how about it?¡±


    The fruit sighed: ¡°I suppose there¡¯s no other choice.¡±


    What else could it do? It just got to live with it.


    It not only flees fast, but also thinks open-mindedly.


    That seemed to be all, Jian Huan looked at Shen Jizhi, hinting with his eyes if there was anything else to add.


    Shen Jizhi stared at the fruit, suddenly asking: "What if you are split in half?¡±


    The fruit couldn''t believe that such a sentence would actuallye out from a human being''s mouth, and it incredulously retorted: ¡°What would happen if you were split in half?¡±


    You would die.


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    Outside the Qinglong City, the rolling mountains were no longer the extreme green of summer, with a few touches of early autumn yellow embellishing them.


    Baili Dao asked: "Are you guys really not going to use the teleportation array?¡±


    Shen Jizhi shook his head.


    Jian Huan, clutching the bamboo segments she had chopped from the Chu Family''s bamboo garden, could not help but feel fascination, "I am currently in the middle of swordsmanship practice. I cannot afford to use the teleportation array."


    Baili Dao nodded in understanding. Heughed, made a polite gesture with folded hands and said, "Many thanks to Miss Jian and Brother Shen for their help on this journey, I hope we may meet again someday!"


    "Meet again someday is hardly necessary, didn''t we already add each other on Xuantian ID? Don''t be a stranger, connect with us now and then." Jian Huan winked at him. "If you and your little brother ever stumble upon profitable deals and need teammates, do not hesitate to call us."


    Baili Dao nodded solemnly, "I will remember that. Please take care of yourself along the way."


    Jian Huan waved him off, not hesitating any further. She rode her new bamboo back with Shen Jizhi, making full speed back towards the Jade rity Sect, day and night.


    No sooner had they arrived when they were summoned to the leader''s presence.


    ...


    The main peak of the Jade rity Sect towered above the rest with majestic grandeur,manding the view of all beneath it.


    From afar, the imposing grand hall was visible through the mist, half concealed and half revealed, seemingly a dwelling ce for immortals.


    While Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi could use their swords to fly, their current level of skill could not take them up there.


    A spiritual crane pped its white wings, carrying them across the mountains and rivers.


    Jian Huan gently rubbed the soft, cloud-like feathers of the spiritual crane, a twinkle in her eyes.


    Her demeanor was like a country dweller visiting the city for the first time, full of awe as her gaze wandered from one fascinating sight to another.


    In a blink of an eye, they were there.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi dismounted from the crane. It then pped its wings, executed a graceful turn, let out a cry, and continued to roam over the vast peaks and valleys.


    Although it was Jian Huan''s first time at the main peak, Shen Jizhi seemed to be quite familiar.


    He led the way with Jian Huan taking every opportunity to turn around and look at the departing crane.


    Someday, when she had enough money, she would keep one for herself!


    As they drew closer to the grand hall with its golden, splendid pirs, the intricate details became ever more clear.


    Seeing thevish grand hall, Jian Huan wondered about the expenses it took to construct such a structure.


    Just when they were heading towards the grand hall''s entrance, Shen Jizhi suddenly changed course to a small path.


    Jian Huan paused, instinctively stopping to look at the grand hall''s entrance. She asked with a puzzled look on her face, "Aren''t we supposed to meet with the Sect Leader?"


    Shen Jizhi paused as well, turned around and exined, "The Sect Leader is in the inner hall."


    "I see," Jian Huan expressed a bit of disappointment. She lightly trotted to his side, then proposed in a hushed tone, "Perhaps we''re not considered as important guests?"


    She wanted to see the grand hall, to have a taste of what true luxury looked like!


    Shen Jizhi faltered before answering, "The grand hall is only open when we have visitors from other sects?"


    Jian Huan was all the more puzzled, but she understood everything when she arrived at the side hall.


    The outer view of the side hall was properly constructed, but the interior was quite simple in its decoration.


    Sect Leader Dao Xuan was dressed in a green Daoist robe, his hair held up by a wooden hairpin, sitting on a meditation cushion.


    Shen Jizhi bent at the waist, performing a courteous salute, "We pay our respects to the Sect Leader."


    Jian Huan nced up at Sect Leader Dao Xuan before looking down and following Shen Jizhi''s salute.


    The man appeared to be in his thirties, his features neither breathtaking nor unsightly, simply the face of an ordinary man, indistinguishable from the crowd.


    Dao Xuan opened his eyes, noticing the two disciples below. With a gentle smile, two meditation cushions instantly moved from a corner andnded in front of Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi.


    He said in a congenial tone, "You must be tired from your journey. Please sit."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She could sweep the rtivelyrge side hall with a nce. Inside, there wasn''t even a chair, just bamboo-made meditation cushions in abundance.


    Jian Huan silently sat on one of the cushions, suddenly gaining some understanding.


    "Yu Qing returned yesterday and filled me in on the matter of Qi Wan. I will not interrogate you further on this." Dao Xuan sighed subtly when mentioning Qi Wan, "We are thankful you uncovered this; otherwise, it would have led to endless trouble. You both did well, and the Jade rity Sect will provide the rewards you deserve."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi looked at him almost simultaneously.


    "The Grand Conference of Jiuzhou will soon take ce, and all the disciples representing Jade rity Sect have been selected. However, if you two are interested, you can apany them and widen your horizons," Dao Xuan said with a smile, "What do you think?"


    ording to sect rules, he was supposed to reward these two disciples with spirit stones. After some thought, Dao Xuan felt that two apanying positions at the Jiuzhou Grand Conference would be quite valuable as well.


    These positions were sought-after, and disciples would go to great lengths to obtain them.


    In this way, these two disciples would get the apanying positions they wanted, and the Jade rity Sect could save some money.


    Being the sect leader these days was getting increasingly challenging.


    When there was an abundance of spirit mines in the past, life was extremely prosperous. There was no need to worry about the budget, the food hall was open for meals, and tens of thousands of spirit stones were rewarded freely.


    The disciples were happy, and the sect leader was happy.


    But thingsplicated over time!


    All the major sects had spirit mines, but if they were to exploit more than half of them, they couldn''t regenerate.


    With the unrestrained use in the past, coupled with the huge expenditure to fight off the Demon n a hundred years ago, the spirit mines were on the brinks of exhaustion. All the major sect leaders were getting scared stiff and had to stop the mining in hopes of a slow recovery.


    The spiritual treasury of the sect was nearly depleted.


    Yet, the Imperial Pacification Office still expected an annual lump sum of spirit stones from all major sects to maintain the peace in Jiuzhou and ensure public tranquility.


    The imperial court doesn''t own any spirit mines. If the spirit stones are not provided by the major sects, who else?


    Therefore, as the head of the Jade rity Sect over the past hundred years, Dao Xuan had broken his back trying to earn spirit stones.


    He''d never worked this hard when practicing his own cultivation.


    Being a sect leader is really a tough job, but there''s no one to rece him.


    His junior brother Gu Shan was willing to take over, but could he dare to hand over?


    If he did, the Jade rity Sect would be ruined in no time, and Dao Xuan would forever be deemed a viin in the sect''s history.


    Hence, his idea of rewarding the apanying positions was truly beneficial for all.


    Below, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were whispering to each other.


    "So, what''s the benefit of attending the Jiuzhou Grand Conference?" she asked.


    Shen Jizhi corrected her: "The master refers to apanying positions."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Apanying positions meaning bing side observers along with the head elder."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "Besides, with the time spent attending the Jiuzhou Grand Conference, you could do more tasks and earn more."


    Jian Huan: "I understand."


    She continued, "I have my own wishes. Please let me have them."


    Shen Jizhi: "Fine, say it first." If what she wanted was something he didn¡¯t want, he would strive for what he wanted.


    Jian Huan gave an ''ok'' gesture.


    Above, Dao Xuan could hear clearly: "......"


    What''s with the entourage quota? Close contact with senior disciples of the sect, with elders, and with the proud sons of various major sects.


    Every year, there are many rich fathers and mothers of disciples who spend money for these entourage ces.


    Even the disciple of Gu Shan was alright, but how was it that thetest recruit, this little girl, had money and benefits on her mind?


    This ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????wouldn¡¯t do, Dao Xuan sighed.


    Jian Huan stood up from her mat, bowed deeply to the sect leader, and said, "Please excuse my boldness, my aptitude is dull, and it''s just a waste if I attend. Please give the quota to senior brothers or sisters who need it more. If the sect leader wants to reward me and Brother Shen, I do have a wish that I hope to be fulfilled. May I ask if it can be satisfied?"


    Dao Xuan, with the demeanor of a Taoist saint said, ¡°Just speak freely.¡±


    Jian Huan dered word by word: "I want a piece ofnd."


    She had made a good profit this round and had already made ns in her heart.


    The Jade rity Sect was pretty good and capable of nurturing people like Elder Yu Qing. The overall atmosphere wouldn''t be bad.


    Jian Huan nned to stay in Jade rity for a long time.


    Therefore, she had to solve her living situation.


    On her return this time, Jian Huan wanted to build a small wooden hut.


    The Jade rity Sect had plenty ofnd, and one could pretty much build wherever they wanted, as Shen Jizhi had.


    The disciples building their own wooden huts wouldn''t cost the sect anything, and they would even have to buy Lingmu and such from the sect which usually turned a blind eye.


    But thend ultimately belonged to the Jade rity Sect, and if told to tear down, it had to be torn down.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t want this to happen; she wanted her own,pletely owned, piece ofnd.


    Dao Xuan raised his eyebrows: "Land?"


    Jian Huan nodded and respectfully said, "Yes!"


    Dao Xuan considered internally and nced at Shen Jizhi.


    He knew that Shen Jizhi had built a wooden house on a small bank.


    In an instant, Dao Xuan''s divine consciousness reached that hillside. There was nothing on the hillside and was far away from all other peaks. It wasn''t a much-desired ce.


    There were slopes like these all over the Jade rity Sect. They weren¡¯t valuable.


    The worst-case scenario was that both of these disciples would eventually leave the Jade rity Sect.


    But then, he could just move the hillside to outside of the sect premise for them. It wasn''t a big deal.


    Dao Xuan smiled: "If you want thend where Shen Jizhi resides, alright."


    ......


    With the words of the sect leader, Jian Huan had Shen Jizhi lead her to the elder who was in charge of the matter so they could write thend deed.


    The elder had wanted to write both their names on one deed, but upon their strong insistence, he wrote two, clearly stating that the hill was divided into two sides: Jian Huan owned the east side, while Shen Jizhi owned the west one.


    Outside the elder¡¯s chamber, Jian Huan examined hernd deed carefully, smiling from ear to ear.


    She clenched her fist and called out "Yay!" Not satisfied, she turned around and raised her right hand high towards Shen Jizhi behind her, wanting to high five to celebrate.


    Before Jian Huan could even speak out...


    Arge hand rose, and the white and green sleeves slipped down, revealing the strong and fair wrist of a man.


    His long fingers, slender as bamboo joints, imprinted gently upon her petite palm, only to draw away shortly after.


    Shen Jizhi tucked away the deed, rounding her to proceed forward. He murmured softly, "Hmm, this asion indeed calls for a celebration."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 37

    <h1>Chapter 37</h1>


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned.


    She looked at her palm, then at the figure in front of her growing more distant, and finally at the sky. She muttered softly to herself, "Has the sun risen in the west today?"


    ...


    Nearly a month had passed since herst visit to the small hill. Jian Huan''s mindset hadpletely changed.


    Previously, as soon as she returned, she would rush straight to the wooden house, paying little attention to the surroundings. To her, this was merely a temporary ce to stay, and she didn''t feel the need to invest much time in forming an attachment to thend. It was like renting a ce in modern times¡ªshe might rent a house for half a year before discovering that the back gate of themunity led to a small forest with a walking path where she could stroll at night...


    However, from now on, the eastern half of thisnd would be entirely her private property.


    Jian Huan crossed her arms behind her back, her feet gliding slowly over the green bamboo strips as she inspected her territory.


    A breeze swept through the mountains, causing her pale pink skirt to flutter like the delicate wings of a butterfly.


    The small hill was roughly oval-shaped, and the gentle slope leading to it naturally divided thend into eastern and western halves.


    The surface of the hill was covered with a thinyer of grass, which had been a vibrant green when she left but now, touched by the autumn air, had taken on a golden hue.


    At the outermost edge of the hill stoodrge, dark gray rock walls. She had asionally seen Shen Jizhi practicing his sword there.


    Below the rock walls was a steep cliff, and across from it stretched a range of rolling mountains, their green peaks towering and unchanging, as if frozen in time.


    The scenery was breathtaking, and the view was unparalleled. If one were to build a luxurious manor here, it would be the epitome of a modern mountain-view vi.


    Jian Huan was overjoyed.


    She nced at the small wooden house.


    Shen Jizhi had already entered, and she had no idea what he was busy with.


    After pondering for a moment, Jian Huan suddenly remembered something. She moved her feet, sliding the green bamboo strips, and returned to the entrance of the hill.


    With a single gesture symbolizing division, she split thend in half. In her line of sight, a quarter of Shen Jizhi''s wooden house was clearly encroaching on her eastern territory!


    "Can you do something about this?"


    From the small window of the wooden house, Jian Huan poked her head in, speaking softly and gently to him, "I know you''ve been building this for years, but it''s still upying mynd. It''s not good to let this continue. Just think, if I were to build a house and it encroached on your western side, would you be happy?"


    Inside the house, Shen Jizhi was taking a straw mat out of his spatial pouch and cing it in the corner. Hearing Jian Huan''s words, he turned his head.


    Jian Huan stood by the window, blocking most of the sunlight, casting him in shadow. His eyes, in the dim light, seemed to carry a hint of gloom: "Once I have more resources in the future, I''ll build a new house, and this one will be dismantled."


    Jian Huan probed, "And during that time..." Surely, she couldn''t be expected to pay him spirit stones as she had before, right?


    Shen Jizhi nced at her lightly: "You can stay in that quarter of the east as you please?"


    Jian Huan''s lips curved up: "No problem!"


    The Earth Fruit Spirit, with its matchstick-like legs, floated slowly over. It was quite satisfied with the ce; there were no trees around, so as soon as it arrived, it would be the only one of its kind.


    The Earth Fruit Spirit squeezed between Jian Huan''s arms and stopped between the two, asking, "When will you give me the tree you promised?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan asked, "What kind of tree do you want?"


    Shen Jizhi also looked at it thoughtfully, considering. The cheapest seventh-grade spirit tree cost over two hundred each, which wasn''t too bad.


    The Earth Fruit Spirit didn''t hesitate: "It would be best if it were a first-grade spirit tree, though those are rare and you might not be able to find one. So, a second-grade one will do, I can make do with that."


    Jian Huan didn''t know the prices of spirit trees, but she understood the grading system.


    Unlike talismans and techniques, which are ranked from first to seventh grade in ascending order, spiritual herbs and artifacts are graded from seventh to first, with seventh being the lowest and first being the highest.


    A first-grade item, regardless of what it is, is priceless, and a second-grade one is also extremely valuable.


    So, this blob of mud was asking for first or second-grade trees right off the bat. Jian Huan internally scoffed, turned around, and walked away without a word.


    The Earth Fruit Spirit was stunned, looking at Shen Jizhi: "I haven''t finished speaking, why did she leave?"


    Shen Jizhi''s lips curved in a cold smile: "No need to say more, we understand."


    The Earth Fruit Spirit''s tone was doubtful: "Is that so? I was going to say that there are many different kinds of second-grade trees, and some I don''t like. The ones I like are..."


    "I said¡ª" Shen Jizhi lifted his gaze, his voice soft, "We understand, you don''t need to say more."


    The Earth Fruit Spirit felt a chill in the air and wrapped itself into a small green ball: "Alright then, if you understand, that''s good."


    Jian Huan found herself bing a well-known figure at the Jade rity Sect. Wherever she went, fellow disciples would greet her with smiles, saying, "We''ve heard about what happened in Yuxian City. You two were really amazing!"


    Jian Huan humbly responded to everyone''s praise, then quickly darted into the talisman hall, sitting next to Jiang Mian.


    Jiang Mian''s desk was filled with various sweets. Hearing the sound, she turned her head, her eyes scanning Jian Huan from top to bottom with a look of grievance: "Jian Huan, have you forgotten something?"


    The warm reception along the way had left Jian Huan a bit unsettled. She took out her books, talisman brushes, and other items from her spatial pouch, all the while feeling puzzled: "What?"


    "I knew you forgot!" Jiang Mian''s tone was full of usation, "For this whole month, I''ve been worried about you, asking Gong Feihong about your situation from time to time, and even going to Elder Yu Qing several times to say I couldn''t reach you!"


    Jian Huan was genuinely surprised by this and quickly said, "Thank you so much, thank you."


    "But you forgot about my lotus seed cakes," Jiang Mian wiped away an imaginary tear, acting dramatically, "Women, once they have a man, forget another woman''s lotus seed cakes..."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She remembered now, it seemed there was indeed such a promise.


    Jian Huan: "I''m so sorry, I really forgot. But today after the talisman ss, I''m going to Approaching Immortal City, I''ll definitely get them for you!"


    Jiang Mian put down her hand, curious: "What are you going to Approaching Immortal City for?"


    Jian Huan briefly exined: "I want to buy a spirit tree."


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????prices at the sect were too high, so she and Shen Jizhi wanted to see if they could find a cheaper option elsewhere, and also deal with some items in their spatial pouches.


    Sheter carefully probed the Earth Fruit Spirit. Whether a tree could bear earth fruits wasn''t about the tree itself, but the Earth Fruit Spirit. The spirit absorbed the essence of the sun, moon, and heaven, then fed it back to the tree, which would then bear earth fruits.


    So, as long as it was a spirit tree, that was enough.


    "A spirit tree?" Jiang Mian blinked, "We have one at home, but it''s half-dead. My mother and I can''t take care of it. Do you want to buy it? Fifty spirit stones for one."


    Jian Huan: "!!!"


    The wooden chair under Jian Huan instantly moved, sliding over to Jiang Mian''s side. She took Jiang Mian''s hands, her eyes shining with sincerity: "Little Cotton, from now on, your matters will always be number one in my heart."


    "Oh, there are no lotus seed cakes this season, remember to bring me a few boxes of water chestnut cakes," Jiang Mian quickly wrote down an address on the back of a discarded talisman paper, "Here, you can go to the backyard and dig it up yourself. My mother isn''t home, and there''s no one else there."


    Jian Huan snapped her fingers and took the paper: "No problem."


    Although gold bowls, silver basins, jadeite, and other valuables were expensive, even ifbined, they could only fetch a few thousand taels, which tranted to just a few hundred spirit stones.


    It was those dozens of boxes of spirit herbs that were truly valuable, fetching nearly nine thousand in total.


    Adding up all the various sources, including the talismans she had been drawing, Jian Huan now had over forty thousand spirit stones.


    She stood across the street from the Immortal Storage Tower, which was adorned with rednterns, pondering how to n this sum of money while waiting for Shen Jizhi.


    He had gone into the Immortal Storage Tower to return some repaired artifacts and pick up a few more orders.


    Jian Huan, holding the pastries she had bought for Jiang Mian, waited impatiently, sometimes squatting, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing, ncing left and right at the street corner.


    What was wrong with this guy? Every time he went into the Immortal Storage Tower, it was like a mouse entering a rice jar¡ªhe just didn''t want toe out.


    Just as Jian Huan was about to give up and leave, she suddenly heard a few conversations mixed in with the noisy crowd.


    "I can''t believe someone is selling a fourth-grade spirit iron today! And it''s quite arge piece!"


    "s, if only I had more money, I definitely wouldn''t miss it."


    "The Immortal Storage Tower has a lot of rich people. The starting bid was five thousand, and it was pushed up to twenty-two thousand."


    "Sss, they''re really rich, spending tens of thousands of spirit stones like it''s nothing."


    "Yeah..."


    Inside the Immortal Storage Tower, hidden in a corner, Shen Jizhi ced the twenty-two thousand spirit stones into the sack in his spatial pouch specifically used for repaying debts.


    With the few hundred spirit stones from the pawnshop and the ones earned from refining artifacts, there are now approximately 39,000 spirit stones in total.


    If they can gather a few thousand more, they can repay a debt of 45,000 spirit stones.


    Deep within the ck hood, the corners of the young man''s lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile.


    Remembering he had something to do, he lightly tapped his toes and quickly entered the bamboo forest, exiting the Immortal Storage Tower.


    Across the street corner, Jian Huan was leaning against the wall, holding a pile of items.


    Her pale pink skirt fluttered gently in the wind. These days, it seemed she had been wearing this same outfit.


    Shen Jizhi''s eyes flickered slightly as he walked toward her.


    Suddenly, Jian Huan turned her head, her expression a mix of amusement and mockery. "Tsk tsk, refining artifacts for yourself?"


    "..."


    Shen Jizhi''s steps immediately halted. Facing her bright, starlit eyes, for some reason, his heart skipped a beat. He averted his gaze, looking at the sky, the ground, anywhere but at her.


    Jian Huan tapped her foot on the ground intermittently, her arms crossed as she smiled. "Not bad, Shen Jizhi. I didn''t realize you had good taste."


    Shen Jizhi silently lowered his eyes.


    Jian Huan let out a soft scoff.


    She didn''t tease him further, realizing she had misjudged the situation.


    If there was a next time, as soon as she saw an iron block, she would be the first to collect it.


    "Let''s go," Jian Huan turned and walked away. "We''re going to Jiang Mian''s ce to dig up the trees."


    Shen Jizhi followed, his gaze questioning. "Jiang Mian?"


    "Yes, she sold us the trees. Fifty spirit stones each, twenty-five for each of us." Jian Huan lifted the pastry. "And this, I spent two taels of silver on it. One tael for each of us."


    Shen Jizhi nced at it. "But I don''t eat it."


    "Who said it''s for you?" Jian Huan gritted her teeth. "It''s for Jiang Mian. She also helped you get leave from the refining hall. Shouldn''t you pay for this pastry?"


    Shen Jizhi, assessing the situation, promptly took out the money.


    As they headed to Jiang Mian''s ce, they passed by the Imperial Pacification Office in Approaching Immortal City.


    A man suddenly chased after them. "Please, wait!"


    Jian Huan instinctively turned her head.


    Tonight was a full moon, and tworgenterns hung outside the Imperial Pacification Office, casting an ambiguous, romantic red glow on the nearby tree.


    The man reached them and sighed in relief. "Thank goodness, I''ve finally found you two."


    The two had used fake names when they left, and the Imperial Pacification Office had been unable to locate them all this time, fearing something might have happened to them.


    Jian Huan recognized the man as the cultivator who had given her the reward that day. She felt a bit puzzled and guessed, "Is there something wrong with the Invisible Hand?"


    "Yes," the man looked around and gestured for Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi to move to the shade of a nearby tree.


    The dense foliage blocked the moonlight.


    The man sighed. "It''s our fault for not paying attention. The Invisible Hand turned out to be a demon!"


    Jian Huan was stunned. "A demon?"


    "Yes. The Invisible Hand''s limbs were crippled, so we first interrogated him, but he refused to speak unless we healed his limbs." The man sighed again. "Looking back, we regret it. After healing his limbs, the Invisible Hand tore out his heart and used a demon heartworm to turn one of our brothers into a puppet. That brother escaped the Imperial Pacification Office and has been missing ever since."


    "This..." Jian Huan frowned and exchanged a nce with Shen Jizhi. "Are you afraid that the puppet mighte to seek revenge on us?"


    "Yes, the Invisible Hand is a narrow-minded person. He mes you two for this and probably won''t let it go." The man said. "If you don''t mind, it would be best to stay at the Imperial Pacification Office for a while. We can protect you..."


    Jian Huan smiled and sped her hands in a salute. "Thank you for your concern, but my senior brother and I are disciples of the Jade rity Sect. We need to return to the sect."


    Hearing the name Jade rity Sect, the man was momentarily surprised, then smiled. "In that case, we were overthinking. You should return to the sect as soon as possible and avoid leaving the Jade rity Sect. Once we find the puppet, we''ll notify you."


    Shen Jizhi nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."


    The man nced at the sky. "It''s already quitete. Do you need me to arrange for someone to escort you back to the Jade rity Sect?"


    Jian Huan hesitated slightly, as she still had some lingering fear of the demon heartworm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But they still had to dig up the trees.


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment. "What''s the puppet''s cultivation level?"


    The man replied, "Foundation Establishment fifthyer."


    Shen Jizhi: "In that case, there''s no need."


    He and Jian Huan were both at the Foundation Establishment firstyer, so facing a Foundation Establishment fifthyer puppet wouldn''t be a big problem.


    Hearing this, Jian Huan''s eyes flickered, and she immediately moved closer to the man.


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, his brows slightly furrowed.


    Jian Huan''s eyes were exceptionally bright in the dim light. She lowered her voice. "I want to ask, if my senior brother and I capture this puppet, will there be a reward?"


    "Uh," the man paused. "I''m not sure. Maybe I can ask for you now? Our chief is still here."


    Jian Huan quickly bowed. "Thank you, brother."


    The man soon returned. "Yes, the reward will be doubled, six thousand. Our chief said that demon heartworms are difficult to deal with, so please be careful."


    In the dead of night, the mountains were hidden under the dark veil of the night.


    Moonlight cast a silvery frost over the mountains, quickly disappearing into the depths.


    The wind howled through the valleys, its echoes resembling the cries of beasts as they reached the slopes.


    But the two who had safely returned home paid no heed to it.


    Shen Jizhi held a shovel and dug a hole in the ground.


    Jian Huan crouched in front of him, measuring the distance.


    Shen Jizhi put down the shovel, picked up the half-dead spirit tree by his feet, and nted it in the hole, asking, "Like this?"


    "Don''t keep moving it to the west," Jian Huan quickly gestured with her hands. "It''s too far over. Move it a bit to the east."


    Shen Jizhi moved the tree to the east until Jian Huan said it was okay.


    But he wasn''t entirely confident. "Are you sure it''s not too far east?"


    "No!" Jian Huan denied. "Don''t you trust me? Come see for yourself."


    Shen Jizhi raised an eyebrow, indicating she should take a look.


    Jian Huan pouted, stood up, and went over to steady the tree.


    He took a look and found it was about right.


    One half of the spirit tree was on the east side, the other on the west side, perfectly bnced.


    Shen Jizhi nted the tree and looked at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan took out a piece of paper from her bosom, stuck it on the tree, and with a sh of spiritual energy from her fingertip, a line faintly appeared.


    The other end of the line was tied to a tree on the slope below.


    That was a tree of the Jade rity Sect, where the Earth Fruit Spirit had stayed all day.


    Jian Huan didn''t want the sect''s tree to benefit, which was why she and Shen Jizhi had to nt the trees overnight.


    She tugged on the line, pulling the gtinous mud back.


    Jian Huan smiled warmly, gently addressing the Earth Fruit Spirit, which was sleeping like a fried egg. "Fruit, look quickly, the first-grade spirit tree you wanted has been nted for you."


    With a "chirp" sound, two green little ears popped out from the edge of the fried egg.


    What? A first-grade spirit tree?!


    The Earth Fruit Spirit instantly woke up, jumping around in the air but unable to find it, anxiously asking, "Where? Where is my first-grade spirit tree?"


    "Here," Jian Huan pointed to the tree about her height, "right here."


    The fried egg stretched out two round lines, focusing its gaze.


    The tree... was skinny, with sparse leaves falling off, and its spiritual energy was like that of a dying patient, barely holding on.


    Earth Fruit Spirit: "..."


    Earth Fruit Spirit: "???"


    The Earth Fruit Spirit was greatly shocked, doubting its existence. "You call this a first-grade spirit tree?"


    Shen Jizhi crossed his arms and stood by the tree, which was even shorter than him.


    He suddenly spoke. "Can''t you read?"


    Earth Fruit Spirit: "Of course I can read!"


    Shen Jizhi nodded, pointing to the paper with his finger. "Then take a good look. How do these four characters read?"


    The Earth Fruit Spirit looked at the white paper, where it read:


    Tree Name: First-Grade Spirit Tree.


    Owner: Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi.t</a>

 Chapter 38

    <h1>Chapter 38</h1>


    "You guys aren''t going to fool me!" The Earth Fruit Spirit exploded into a porcupine shape, its countless green spines quivering, its voice cracking with anger. "You say this is a First-ss Spiritual Tree, and it is a First-ss Spiritual Tree??"0


    Jian Huan sighed softly.0


    She reached out and poked it, feeling like she was poking into a soft pile of sand: "Hey, take a look behind you."0


    The Earth Fruit Spirit turned around and saw nothing but a run-down little wooden house.0


    "Shen Jizhi and I live there," Jian Huan said with a sad expression. "Do you think we, living in such a ce, could afford a Second-ss Spiritual Tree?"0


    Earth Fruit Spirit: "¡­¡­"0


    Jian Huan''s tone was gentle, her eyes bright as she looked at it: "We''re counting on selling your fruits to afford a better house. Yet, you''re expecting us to buy you a Second-ss Spiritual Tree?"0


    Earth Fruit Spirit: "¡­¡­"0


    "Be good," Jian Huan said, "and produce those fruits well."0


    The Earth Fruit Spirit didn''t want to speak. It nced at the shabby house again, then at its so-called First-ss Spiritual Tree. Suddenly, it didn''t seem so displeasing.0


    Actually, if you looked closely, it wasn''t bad at all. At least it looked like a tree.0


    The Earth Fruit Spirit selfforted itself and then listlessly hopped onto the First-ss Spiritual Tree. It climbed along the branches and burrowed into the roots, disappearing into the soil.0


    Jian Huan followed and crouched down, gathering the soil around the roots and patting it down. She tilted her head and looked up at Shen Jizhi: "Unfortunately, it only produces fruit once a year."0


    In ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????front of the sparse tree, a girl in a pale pink dress was squatting, hugging her legs.0


    The bright moonlight gently fell on her face, casting a silvery frost over her fine, dense eyshes, making them look like glowing wings.0


    "As long as it produces fruit," Shen Jizhi said, his gaze returning to the distant mountains hidden in the twilight. After a while, he added, "It''s almost dawn. Let''s rest."0


    As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and walked toward the wooden house in front.0


    The Jade rity Sect''s library was located not far from the Talisman Hall. The gilded signboard was adorned with lifelike wood carvings.0


    The library had three floors, each with its own unique space. The books were arranged by categories such as Sword Cultivation, Talisman Cultivation, and Artifact Forging.0


    The interior was somewhat aged, reflecting the long history of the ce.0


    The Jade rity Sect had been in existence for nearly ten thousand years. Countless disciples hade, read, and left.0


    People came and went. Only the books on the shelves remained the same.0


    Ancient books always had a unique scent, a mix of faint ink and a hint of wood, which unintentionally calmed the heart.0


    Jian Huan entered the library and climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor.0


    The north side of the second floor was dedicated to talisman arrays.0


    The talisman techniques Elder Yu Qing had taught them were just the basics.0


    Various talismanbinations and techniques needed to be learned from books.0


    After all, the master leads the way, but personal practice determines the oue.0


    "Jian Huan, over here!" Jiang Mian waved from a corner table.0


    Jian Huan pulled out a few books from the shelves and sat down across from Jiang Mian.0


    She opened a book and began to read intently.0


    It had been nearly a month since the Qi Wan incident.0


    Over the past month, Jian Huan had been busy with meditation, talisman sses, reading talisman books, drawing talismans, and learning various spells.0


    The repeat customers on the Xuantian Mirror had been increasing, and Jian Huan had shifted from taking orders to a different approach.0


    Every time she collected a hundred talismans, she would post a message.0


    [Money Bags Has Talismans: Today, one hundred invisibility talismans. Firste, first served. Priority for pick-up in Approaching Immortal City. Today, ten artifact-forging slots, limited to Approaching Immortal City.]0


    Usually, within a stick of incense''s time, they would all be sold out.0


    Her and Shen Jizhi''s wallets were steadily growing.0


    Jian Huan''s lips curved slightly as she nced out the window.0


    A few tall ginkgo trees, amidst her busy days, had already turned yellow without her noticing.0


    The afternoon sunlight bathed the ginkgo trees, turning them into a dazzling golden hue.0


    She gazed at them for a moment before continuing to read.0


    This was a book on various talisman cultivation tips.0


    It mentioned that only cultivators at the Golden Core stage could draw talismans in the world to form arrays.0


    However, under special circumstances, cultivators below the Golden Core stage could use their own blood to stain weapons, forcing the formation of an array.0


    Additionally, by drawing teleportation talismans on items imbued with a person''s aura and slightly modifying the talismans, one could locate that person.0


    Thetter tip was something Elder Yu Qing had taught her before.0


    Elder Yu Qing must have read this book when he was around her age.0


    Jian Huan read through the remaining talisman books, noting useful information in a nk notebook.0


    By the time she finished, the sky outside had already darkened.0


    Jiang Mian had left a note saying she had gone to eat.0


    Jian Huan stretched, took out a pigu dan (a type of spiritual pill) from her jiezi pouch, and slowly chewed it.0


    Then, she carefully moved the other books aside, leaving arge open space. From her jiezi pouch, she took out a scroll.0


    The scroll was a nk one she had bought from a small shop in Approaching Immortal City.0


    It was already half-drawn, depicting theyout of her mountain vi in the eastern slope.0


    Entering through the main gate, one would first see a screen wall, then turn left to reach the front courtyard filled with spiritual bamboo. After passing through a hanging flower gate and a corridor, one would enter the inner courtyard. The inner courtyard was filled with spiritual flowers and housed the main house. On either side of the main house were side rooms and east and west wing rooms.0


    Behind the main house was the back courtyard. She wanted to dig ake there, raise a pond of koi, add a few rockeries, and build a pavilion in the middle of theke.0


    In the wooden house, the candlelight quietly burned, casting a dim glow over the two inside.0


    Shen Jizhi was sitting on a straw mat, holding the scroll.0


    Jian Huan squatted beside him, full of anticipation: "Shen Jizhi, how much spirit stones would I need to prepare for all this?"0


    Shen Jizhi thought for a moment before answering: "It depends on whether you want top-tier, mid-tier, or low-tier materials. Different tiers have different prices."0


    Jian Huan, feeling her legs go numb from squatting, decided to sit down.0


    She propped her head with her hand: "I think I can definitely reach the Golden Core stage. At the Golden Core stage, one can live up to five hundred years. If I identally reach the Nascent Soul stage, I can live for several thousand years. If I reach the Deity Transformation stage, I can live for ten thousand years. So, since I''ll be living for so long, I should at least go for¡ªmid-tier, right?"0


    She had originally wanted to say top-tier but thought better of it. Mid-tier was more than enough.0


    Shen Jizhi informed her: "When you reach the Nascent Soul stage, you can be a sect elder. The Jade rity Sect will provide an estate for elders."0


    Jian Huan: "Can''t I have two houses?"0


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"0


    Jian Huan: "Do you remember my friend Gong Feihong? The one from a very wealthy family."0


    Shen Jizhi: "Yes."0


    Jian Huan: "He''s renting an elder''s estate, and I asked about it. The annual rent is thirty thousand spirit stones."0


    Her eyes sparkled with longing: "When the timees, I''ll rent out the elder''s estate and build my own ce to live here."0


    Shen Jizhi handed the scroll back to her: "Oh, then you''ll need at least a million spirit stones." He emphasized the word "at least."0


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"0


    She opened the scroll again and leaned over, pointing at the main house: "What about this? If I start with the main house, how much would that cost?"0


    Shen Jizhi nced at it: "At least fifty to sixty thousand."0


    Jian Huan silently looked at him, then suddenly leaned closer, her eyes blinking with anticipation: "Shen Jizhi, can I cut in line? Just pay me back first. If you don''t say anything and I don''t say anything, no one will know."0


    Shen Jizhi''s eyelids twitched.0


    He looked at her, reached out, and pushed her head back, creating distance between them. Then, he slowly said two words: "No way."0


    Jian Huan couldn''t understand, muttering: "Why? Look, we''ve been through life and death together. Aren''t we good friends? Why can''t you just pay me back first?"0


    Shen Jizhi tossed the scroll back into herp, his tone calm: "The creditor of the next debt is constantly urging. I''ve promised to repay him in three days. After that, I''ll be broke. What''s the point of you cutting in line? Should I write you a note saying ten thousand spirit stones is worth ten thousand spirit stones?"0


    Jian Huan''s lips twitched: "¡­¡­That won''t be necessary."0


    She wasn''t the Earth Fruit Spirit, after all.0


    Three dayster was the fifteenth of September, the Jade rity Sect''s unchanging day off.0


    Shen Jizhi had left the sect the previous night to repay his next debt (221).0


    Jian Huan finished drawing thest of the hundred talismans and stored them in her jiezi pouch. She pushed open the wooden door and stepped outside.0


    The autumn sun was warm, and the spiritual tree in front of the wooden house was bathed in the afternoon sunlight. The previous withered leaves had all fallen, leaving it bare.0


    But upon closer inspection, despite it not being spring, tiny buds were sprouting on the branches.0


    Fortunately, spiritual trees were not bound by the usual seasonal growth cycles. Otherwise, if someone saw this, it would be hard to exin.0


    Jian Huan measured the height with her hand. A month ago, the tree was about her height, but now, it was taller than her by the length of an index finger.0


    Hmm, it grew faster than her. Jian Huan was quite satisfied.0


    She crouched down and instructed the tree roots, "Fruit, I''m going down the mountain, okay? Don''te out; be careful not to be seen."0


    A voice full of frustration came from the ground: "Do you and Shen Jizhi ever finish? He told me not toe out before he leftst night, and you''re here early in the morning to say the same thing! Can you stop disturbing my sleep? If I don''t sleep, how am I supposed to bear fruit?"0


    Jian Huan muttered, "We''re just concerned about you, you know...?"0


    "No!" The Earth Fruit Spirit could already anticipate the response. "Nothing has grown yet. It''s only been a month. Come back in eleven months, not every few days."0


    Jian Huan: "Alright, I got it."0


    She nced at the sky. With a thought, the emerald green spirit bamboo from her mustard seed pouch appeared at her feet.0


    This was a seventh-grade spirit bamboo she had picked up from a stall at the Immortal Storage Tower while delivering talismans to a seller a while back. It cost a hundred each, more expensive than even first-grade spirit trees.0


    However, the first-grade spirit trees were a discounted deal from a familiar contact, and they were already half-dead to begin with.0


    Such bargains are hard toe by.0


    Jian Huan''s hem danced in the wind as the emerald green spirit bamboo lifted her into the air, heading towards Approaching Immortal City.0


    She handed over the hundred talismans to the customer on the Xuantian Mirror, collected the payment, and didn''t linger. She set off back to her sect.0


    This trip took an hour and a half. It was still early afternoon, with the sun not yet setting and the sky bright, the weather pleasant.0


    Jian Huan lightly stepped on the spirit bamboo, humming a tune as she glided through the woods, thinking about her ns ahead.0


    Selling talismans to make a living was manageable, but to achieve her dream of a luxurious mansion, save up a million spirit stones, and advance from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul to secure the sect-issued house, well, that was a different story.0


    She had been resting in the sect for a month. It was time to hit the road again and pull off something big.0


    Fortune favors the bold.0


    At that moment, a burly figure strangely burst out from the forest below, arge de carrying a murderous aura, directly shing towards Jian Huan!0


    Jian Huan''s eyes sharpened instantly.0


    She bent backward forcefully, like a branch on the verge of breaking under the fierce wind of a storm.0


    A few strands of ck hair were sliced off by the de''s edge, falling towards the dense forest below.0


    Her cheek was cut by the de''s aura, and blood quickly seeped out, sliding down her delicate chin, leaving a sticky, chilling sensation.0


    Jian Huan quickly rolled in the air, and with the four talismans pinched between her five fingers, she threw them simultaneously at the burly man.0


    But before the talismans could take effect, the man swung his de, directly slicing the glowing talismans into yellow scraps fluttering in the air.0


    Taking advantage of the man''s distraction with the talismans, Jian Huan increased the distance between them.0


    From that brief encounter, she could tell that the man''s eyes werepletely ck, a clear sign of being infested with worms in his mind.0


    This was likely the puppet who had escaped from the Imperial Pacification Office.0


    Previously, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had been concerned about this matter, even venturing out several timeste at night, trying to lure the puppet out.0


    But the puppet never appeared, and eventually, they and the Imperial Pacification Office all agreed that the puppet might have been summoned back by the Demon n.0


    She had gradually forgotten about it.0


    Unexpectedly, a monthter, in broad daylight, the puppet suddenly appeared, just when she was alone.0


    The puppets weren''t that clever, so adept at choosing the right moment.0


    Jian Huan quickly nced at the dense forest below, and her vignce instantly heightened.0


    She couldn''t go down there.0


    She feared there was someone behind the puppet.0


    Jian Huan took out a teleportation talisman, but before she could finish the incantation, a de shed towards her teleportation talisman.0


    Previously, when she used talismans, either Shen Jizhi was there to hold off the opponent, or she had the element of surprise. Now, with no one to hold them back, she couldn''t use the talismans in time. The moment they left her hand, they were either smashed to pieces or dodged before they could take effect.0


    She wanted to take out the Xuantian Mirror to call for help.0


    The de cultivator was at the fifthyer of foundation establishment, and both the de and sword cultivators were known for their high attack power.0


    Jian Huan was only at the first level of Foundation Establishment, a fragile target, and she didn''t think she had much of a chance.0


    But the puppet wouldn''t give her that time. He swung his de, one move after another.0


    The de was sharp, each move a ruthless attack, sacrificing his own safety for maximum damage.0


    Jian Huan fled in a sorry state, her face and body adding more wounds.0


    The pain from the cuts swept through her body, stimting her nerves.0n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She was already at a disadvantage, and now, thinking about using the Xuantian Mirror, she couldn''t focus on either task, putting her in even greater danger.0


    Jian Huan grit her teeth, her eyes suddenly bursting with determination, like two flickering mes.0


    Was she going to rely on the Xuantian Mirror to call for help every time she faced trouble for the rest of her life?0


    Jian Huan refused, and she wouldn''t allow it!0


    She took a deep breath, and the Xuantian Mirror that had been pulled out from her mustard seed pouch fell back into ce,pletely abandoned.0


    Jian Huan''s heart was pounding, fast and forceful.0


    But her mind was calm, calm enough to think clearly.0


    She dodged while analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.0


    The opponent''s cultivation was a few levels higher than hers.0


    But he was infested with the Demon Heart Worm, making him fearless of death or pain, with extremely high attack power. However, his simple-mindedness from the Demon Worm made him the puppet''s biggest weakness.0


    Jian Huan pursed her lips, kicked her foot, and the spirit bamboo was now in her hand.0


    She reached out, smeared the blood from her wounds on her face and neck onto one end of the bamboo.0


    The crimson blood, like red plum blossoms blooming among the bamboo, glistened with a cold, eerie light under the sun.0


    Jian Huan''s face was smeared with blood, leaving only a pair of sharp eyes. She held the bloodstained bamboo, lightlynding on a tree branch, her body swaying with the movement of the branch, narrowing her eyes to watch the approaching puppet.0


    On that day, Elder Yu Qing had trapped Qi Wan with a Prison Character Formation.0


    When the formation was established, those trapped inside would be gradually tightened by the spiritual ropes; the more they struggled, the tighter it became. They would either die or surrender.0


    Every stroke, how to draw it, Jian Huan still clearly remembered.0


    The power she could draw naturally couldn''tpare to Elder Yu Qing''s, but the puppet wasn''t Qi Wan.0


    The puppet charged forward, Jian Huan lightly tapped her foot, taking the hit on her left shoulder as a sacrifice, and with her right hand holding the bamboo, she passed by the puppet''s right side, drawing the first stroke.0


    Then she feinted, pretending to dodge to the left. The puppet turned, the de following to the left, but Jian Huan went upwards, quickly passing over the puppet''s head, drawing the second stroke.0


    She drew stroke by stroke, slow but determined, her body umting more wounds, the pain and blood instead igniting her unwillingness and fighting spirit.0


    Jian Huan''s movements became faster and faster, and in a blur, she felt like she had turned into a symbolic brush.0


    Unaware of pain, only knowing how to draw symbols.0


    She knew where she was going, even if it was a sea of des and fire, she had to leave her mark where it was supposed to be, to find a glimmer of hope.0


    Life wasn''t in the seemingly safe rear, but in the perilous front.0


    Fu Shi didn''t have to always hide behind; they could also charge forward!0


    A "puff" sound, Jian Huannded on the top of a towering tree, spitting out a mouthful of blood.0


    The evergreen crown, unmoved even by the autumn chill, was stained with red marks.0


    Jian Huan closed her eyes and opened them again. She looked at the puppet trapped in the light golden array, quickly swallowing several spirit recovery pills.0


    But this only slightly eased her spiritual power. The blood loss and the wounds all over her body made her head even more dizzy.0


    She bit her tongue, barely holding on, her fingertips clutching four lightning symbols, ready to strike.0


    The Magic Heart Worm was about to emerge.0


    Thunder Talisman was the best talisman to deal with the Demon Heart Bug.0


    She only had one chance, and if she missed, she would end up with the same fate as in the original story.0


    Jian Huan calmed her mind, patiently waiting.0


    Below the tree she stood on, a ck-clothed man''s eyes filled with hatred, a poisoned dart clutched between his fingertips.0


    He had been looking for an opportunity, but Jian Huan''s movements were too fast, and he couldn''t get a clear shot.0


    Now, this was his best chance.0


    Almost simultaneously, Jian Huan''s Thunder Symbols shot out one after another towards the Demon Heart Insect flying in the air, exploding upon contact.0


    The crackling sounds continued, the Demon Heart Worm blown to pieces.0


    Jian Huan''s blood-covered face, a faint smile hadn''t even fully formed, when a sharp snow sword suddenly swept through the mountain shrubs, making a "ding" sound as it knocked away the flying darts, embedding itself in the tree trunk below.0


    Jian Huan only had time to nce back. In the distance, a figure was rushing towards her.0


    It seemed to be Shen Jizhi.0


    She wasn''t entirely sure; her vision was blurry, and she couldn''t see clearly. Her body felt icy cold, and a chill was rising from her limbs, causing her to shiver uncontrobly.0


    Jian Huan was at her limit.0


    But she knew someone was below, so she sat on the dense, canopy-like branches of the tree, clinging tightly to the trunk, refusing to let herself fall.0


    Until, in a hazy blur, someone began to pry her hands away.0


    Jian Huan struggled to open her eyes and saw a faint, ghostly face.0


    She managed to recognize the person as Shen Jizhi.0


    So, Jian Huan let go of the tree and instead grabbed his cor, pulling herself closer and speaking with great difficulty into his ear: "The... I, I only need the cheapest pharmacist..."0


    Jian Huan: What keeps me from copsing? Money.0

 Chapter 39

    <h1>Chapter 39</h1>


    The girl in his arms was covered in blood, her features barely recognizable, making her look particrly horrifying.


    The metallic scent of blood filled the air around him. Shen Jizhi tightly pursed his lips and carefully took out a ck cloak from his spatial pouch, gently draping it over Jian Huan''s body.


    With a sweep of his wide sleeves, the snow-white sword embedded in the tree trunk withdrew and obediently returned to his side.


    The ck-d man had already used a teleportation talisman to escape the moment his flying darts were knocked away by the snow sword.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t pursue him. Instead, he collected the fallen darts from the pile of decaying leaves and stored them in his spatial pouch. Without further dy, he carried Jian Huan and swiftly made his way toward the nearest Approaching Immortal City.


    Jian Huan had instructed him to find the cheapest healer.


    Approaching Immortal City did have a healer with the lowest fees, someone Shen Jizhi was familiar with. However, if one were to consider the cheapest option, the Imperial Pacification Office would undoubtedly be the ce.


    The Imperial Pacification Office wouldn''t ignore Jian Huan''s injuries. They would certainly have their own healers treat her, and afterward, they wouldn''t have the heart to charge for the treatment.


    After all, this incident was a result of the Imperial Pacification Office''s oversight.


    But which healer from the Imperial Pacification Office would treat Jian Huan, and how skilled they were, Shen Jizhi had no way of knowing.


    After hesitating for a moment, he decided to take Jian Huan to a more reliable ce. He leaped lightly across the rooftops of the city,nding in a quiet backyard.


    In the backyard, an elderly woman with graying hair was bent over, drying herbs.


    Hearing themotion, she turned around and, upon seeing Shen Jizhi''s face, her expression immediately darkened. "Young man," she said, "Medicine Granny here has raised her prices recently."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He coughed lightly. "Medicine Granny, it''s not for me. It''s for my friend who''s been seriously injured. I''d appreciate it if you could take a look."


    "Friend?" Medicine Granny straightened up and wiped her hands on her apron. Her eyes, filled with curiosity, nced at the figure covered by the ck cloak.


    She led the way into the house, still unconvinced. "Your friend... wouldn''t happen to be as broke as you, would she?"


    Shen Jizhi shook his head. "She''s a bit better off than me."


    Medicine Granny: "..."


    That didn''t reassure her much. If she was only "a bit better off," how much better could she be?


    Shen Jizhi followed Medicine Granny into the house and gently ced Jian Huan on the bed, carefully lifting the ck cloak from her body.


    Medicine Granny sat down beside her and used her spiritual energy to examine Jian Huan''s condition.


    Shen Jizhi stood nearby, watching as Medicine Granny withdrew her hand. "How is she, Medicine Granny?" he asked.


    "She looks badly injured, but she''s avoided any fatal wounds. She''ll survive," Medicine Granny replied, using her spiritual energy to stop the bleeding. "How do you want to proceed with the treatment?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at the person lying on the bed. Since he was currently penniless and her medical fees would have toe from her own pocket, he decided to follow her wishes. "Under the premise of curing her and not leaving any scars, please use the cheapest possible medicine."


    A fine, prickling pain spread across her body, apanied by a slight itch.


    Jian Huan couldn''t help but let out a muffled groan.


    She slowly opened her eyes, and in her blurred vision, she saw tiny lines that seemed to quiver at the ends, like the legs of a mosquito.


    Jian Huan blinked a few times, wondering if there was something wrong with her eyes.


    Soon, she realized that these were the edges of the white bandages wrapped around her.


    She breathed a sigh of relief.


    At the moment, Jian Huan''s entire body was wrapped in white bandages, leaving only her eyes, nostrils, and mouth exposed.


    With great effort, she pushed herself up from the bed and looked around.


    The room was small and simply furnished, containing only a cab, a table, three wooden chairs, and little else.


    The sound of conversation drifted up from downstairs, muffled and distant, as ifing from another world.


    Getting up from the bed had already drained most of Jian Huan''s strength. She nced behind her, then used her bandaged hand to grab a pillow and toss it forcefully to the floor.


    A dull thud echoed through the room, and the conversation downstairs paused for a moment. Shortly after, the door creaked open, and Shen Jizhi appeared in the doorway.


    The dimly lit hallway offered little light, and his face was hidden in the shadows, making it hard to see his expression.


    Jian Huan tilted her head slightly, listening carefully. She hadn''t heard any footsteps, so his sudden appearance surprised her. "Why didn''t you make any noise?" she asked.


    Shen Jizhi paused, then collected himself and replied calmly, "I''m at the Foundation Establishment First Layer."


    That made sense.


    Jian Huan nodded, her tone light with amusement. "Thank you for saving my life. But how did you happen to be there?"


    "I was just passing by," Shen Jizhi said, recalling the events of the previous day. He couldn''t help but feel a lingering fear.


    If he had been dyed even for a moment and arrived just a step toote, then...


    "Thank goodness, thank goodness. It seems my life isn''t meant to end just yet," Jian Huan said, patting her chest lightly. She wanted to lie back down but realized she had thrown her pillow to the floor.


    She pointed to it with her bandaged hand. "Shen Jizhi, could you please pick up the pillow for me? Thank you."


    Shen Jizhi walked over, picked up the pillow, and ced it behind her.


    Jian Huan carefullyy back down and sighed contentedly.


    "Yesterday, at the base of the tree, a ck-d man threw poisoned darts at you," Shen Jizhi began, getting straight to the point. He took out a wooden box containing the poisoned darts from his spatial pouch and showed them to her. "Do you have any recollection of this?"


    Jian Huan examined them carefully, then shook her head. "No."


    She narrowed her eyes. "I had a strange feeling that someone was waiting for me down there. It seems I was right."


    "I''ll need to hand these darts over to the Imperial Pacification Officeter," Shen Jizhi said, putting the darts away. He then handed her a bag. "This is the reward from the Imperial Pacification Office¡ªsix thousand."


    Jian Huan suddenly sat up, but the movement pulled at her wounds, causing her to cry out in pain. "Ouch!"


    Shen Jizhi couldn''t help but roll his eyes. "What''s the rush? I''m not going to take it from you."


    Jian Huan, still in pain, hugged the six thousand tightly to her chest. She tilted her head and looked at him cautiously. "How much of this six thousand do you think you should get?"


    She wasn''t too keen on sharing, as she had taken down the puppet and the Demon Heart Worm on her own.


    But he had knocked away the ck-d man''s poisoned darts, saving her life, and had taken her to the healer. Not giving him anything would be a bit unreasonable.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He suddenly changed his mind. "Well, actually..."


    Jian Huan: "???"


    Shen Jizhi: "I still owe you one hundred thousand, minus nine hundred and twenty-one. Let''s just round it back to one hundred thousand."


    Jian Huan thought for a moment, then agreed decisively. "Alright!"


    Shen Jizhi raised his eyes and looked at Jian Huan''s face, but it waspletely wrapped in white bandages, leaving only her lively eyes exposed. They sparkled with a bright light, almost dazzling.


    Unable to read her expression, he asked, "How are you feeling now?"


    Jian Huan, who was happily hugging the reward, replied, "I''m fine."


    Shen Jizhi then said, "There are people from the Imperial Pacification Office downstairs who want to ask you some questions. Should I let theme up?"


    ...


    In the cramped room, Shen Jizhi and two officers from the Imperial Pacification Office sat at the table.


    Behind them, two more stood, making the already small space feel even more confined.


    Jian Huan briefly recounted the events of the previous day.


    The man who had stopped her and Shen Jizhi outside the Imperial Pacification Office frowned deeply. "Miss Jian, I believe that ck-d man was targeting you. Think carefully¡ªhave you offended anyone?"


    Jian Huan lowered her eyes subtly, pretending to ponder for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I''ve always been on good terms with everyone at the Jade rity Sect. If I had to say I''ve offended someone, it would be rted to the incident in Yujiang City."


    The man now knew who Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were. "That''s possible. I didn''t dare tell you too much before, but the Shadow Hand is indeed connected to the Yujiang City incident."


    Jian Huan was surprised by this revtion. "What do you mean?"


    "We''ve deduced that the Yujiang City incident involved different people handling different parts of the operation. Qi Wan was in charge of maintaining the array, Bing Lian coordinated the various locations, and the lower-ranking Blue Robes quietly abducted children with spiritual roots from different ces. Meanwhile, the group led by the Shadow Hand investigated children with spiritual roots and reported this information to the Blue Robes. That''s how we were kept in the dark for so many years. Beforeing to Approaching Immortal City, the Shadow Hand was causing trouble in Azure Dragon City. Shortly after he left, children in Azure Dragon City began disappearing one after another... That''s the general picture. It''s gettingte, and we should return to the Imperial Pacification Office to report this."


    The man stood up and bowed to Jian Huan. "Miss Jian, if you remember anything else, please notify us immediately."


    Jian Huan smiled. "Of course, thank you for your hard work."


    She nced at Shen Jizhi, signaling him to see the officers out.


    Shen Jizhi slowly got up and half-heartedly saw off the group from the Imperial Pacification Office at the door, watching them descend the stairs before returning and closing the door.


    He sat back down in his original spot, holding a ceramic water cup in his hands, not drinking, and asked, "Who was that ck-clothed man?"


    Jian Huan was leaning against the pillow, deep in thought. Upon hearing his question, she turned her head to nce at him. "I do have someone I suspect."


    "The ck-clothed man didn''te up with the puppet to besiege me. He didn''t not want to; he just couldn''t. He probably only has the cultivation level of a Qi Refining stage. He deliberately chose to strike when I was alone, indicating that he only has a grudge against me. Moreover, he probably doesn''t want to provoke you. Even if your master is a spendthrift, he''s still the peak master of the Jade rity Sect, a Nascent Soul stage expert. The ck-clothed man wouldn''t want to offend him. That leaves only one person¡ª"


    Jian Huan silently mouthed a name to him: "Hu Zhi."


    Medicine Granny was a frence cultivator who had traveled far and wide in her earlier years, practicing medicine. Now that she was tired, she had retired to live in Approaching Immortal City.


    Her cultivation level was not high, but with years of experience treating countless patients, she could usemon medicinal herbs mixed with small amounts of spiritual herbs to treat minor injuries. The only drawback was that the recovery time was longer.


    However, not many people knew about her. She mostly didn''t see patients but sold her medicines to the clinics in front.


    Shen Jizhi knew about Medicine Granny because, back then, he had taken a mission from the Immortal Storage Tower and had unfortunately been severely injured. By chance, he had met Medicine Granny.


    Later, he realized that because his cultivation level was low, the reward for the missions he took was insufficient, and in the end, it wasn''t even enough to cover the medical fees. Thus, he had no choice but to give up and turned to making a living through craftsmanship, eventually honing his skills into those of a craftsman.


    Jian Huan woke up the second day after the incident but couldn''t get out of bed until the fifth day.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She hobbled to the backyard with a cane, sat in a chair to bask in the sun, and held a bowl of medicine in her hands.


    The medicine was as ck as ink, with a strong, bitter smell, quite different from the medicine she had been drinking the past few days.


    Most importantly, this medicine seemed familiar.


    Jian Huan stared at the medicine for a long time.


    The floral curtain was lifted, and Medicine Granny came out carrying a basket of herbs.


    Jian Huan quickly asked, "Granny, what is this medicine? What is it for? Why is it different from the medicine I''ve been drinking before?"


    Medicine Granny paused and turned back to ask, "Are you and that boy siblings?"


    Jian Huan was puzzled. "Huh?"


    Medicine Granny dumped the herbs from the basket onto a drying tray on the ground, her face long. "You all love asking, always asking. I don''t understand, what are you asking for? Even if you ask, you won''t understand. Just drink it; do you think I''d poison you?"


    Jian Huan didn''t get annoyed. She knew the granny had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. She smiled and exined, "Medicine Granny, neither of us has much money. We try to save on medicine costs where we can."


    Medicine Granny nced at her sideways. "Didn''t he say you have money?"


    "!" Jian Huan widened her eyes and immediately shook her head. "He''s lying; don''t listen to him! I''m only a little better off than him."


    Medicine Granny chuckled and muttered to herself, "Indeed, siblings, same nature."


    Jian Huan: "Granny?"


    Medicine Granny put the empty basket aside, crouched by the drying tray, and spread out the herbs with her hands, replying as she worked, "It''s for nourishing the dantian. The previous medicine was for healing injuries; the two shouldn''t be mixed."


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up. She carefully ced the medicine bowl aside and took out some herbs from her mustard seed pouch. These were herbs she had gathered in advance during her time in Yuxian City.


    "Granny, take a look. Are these the ones?"


    Medicine Granny turned her head, sniffed, and nodded. "Yes."


    "Then, Granny, can I drink my own medicine for the next few days?" Jian Huan quickly asked.


    Medicine Granny stood up, picked up the empty basket, and left, her tone drawn out. "Can¡ªbut you two can brew it yourselves. Your ''brother'' is quite good at brewing medicine, hehe."


    "Look," Medicine Granny saw the figure hurrying in from the gate, "here hees."


    Shen Jizhi brushed past Medicine Granny, receiving a meaningful nce from her.


    He pushed open the floral curtain, his face showing a look of confusion, and asked Jian Huan, "What ''brother''?"


    ¡°Oh, Granny thought we were siblings because we''re both so frugal,¡± Jian Huan took out all the herbs from her mustard seed pouch, piling them on the ground, and gave him a light wink. ¡°Brother, I hear you''re very good at brewing medicine¡ª¡±


    Shen Jizhi''s eyebrows furrowed, and his body stiffened as he refused, "¡­Don''t call me that."


    "Why? Don''t you like being called that?" Jian Huan didn''t think there was anything wrong with it; it was just a form of address. She often called people that on the Xuantian Mirror.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes. "Yes, I don''t like it."


    "Alright then," Jian Huan pointed at the pile of herbs, hinting, "Then¡ª"


    Shen Jizhi sighed softly. "I know, I''ll brew it."


    Jian Huan gave him a satisfied look, picked up the medicine bowl from the side, and prepared herself mentally to drink the medicine.


    It was going to be very bitter.


    Shen Jizhi nced behind him, hearing the sound of Medicine Granny going upstairs.


    After Medicine Granny went upstairs, he walked over to Jian Huan, crouched down, and whispered, "It''s all arranged."


    Jian Huan nodded. "Good."


    Regarding Hu Zhi''s matter, Jian Huan didn''t mention it to the Imperial Pacification Office, fearing it might alert him.


    She thought that Hu Zhi must be feeling anxious right now, hiding outside the sect and keeping an eye on the situation. If he sensed any danger, he would likely flee immediately.


    The Nine Provinces were vast, and once Hu Zhi left, it might be difficult to find him again.


    But if there was no movement, Hu Zhi would most likely return to the Jade rity Sect.


    He wouldn''t easily give up his identity as a disciple of the Jade rity Sect.


    So Jian Huan only mentioned this to Elder Yu Qing. They agreed not to make a fuss and wait for Hu Zhi to return to the sect before capturing him.


    Shen Jizhi had been running back and forth these past few days to arrange this.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????medicine in Jian Huan''s hands sloshed around the bowl as she nodded, sshing out a couple of drops thatnded on her hand.


    Jian Huan felt a pang of regret and quickly steadied her hands.


    She picked up the bowl of medicine, took a deep breath, and started drinking it in big gulps.


    Most of the gauze on Jian Huan''s face had been removed, revealing her scarred eyebrows and eyes, making her look somewhat ferocious.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, his fingers lightly moving.


    Jian Huan put down the bowl, wiped her mouth with the gauze-wrapped hand, and was about to say something to Shen Jizhi when she saw a... piece of candy?


    Floating quietly in front of her, wrapped in paper, was a square piece of candy.


    She was surprised and looked at him. "For me?"


    "Yes," Shen Jizhi took her bowl, not wanting to say more, and stood up.


    Jian Huan''s ferocious expression softened. She sped her hands together toward him. "Thanks."


    Shen Jizhi turned and walked toward the door, said calmly, "You''re wee."


    Jian Huan took the candy, unwrapped the paper, and found that the candy was a bit damp, probably having been stored for a while.


    But she didn''t mind and directly bit into it, carefully savoring it. Suddenly, her face contorted.


    "Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi''s hand had just touched the curtain when he heard her and turned around. "What?"


    Jian Huan looked at him, hesitating. "How long have you had this candy?"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­¡­"


    In his eyes, a hint of something unusual appeared.


    He seemed to have forgotten something before giving her the candy...


    Jian Huan puffed out her cheeks. "Shen Jizhi?"


    Shen Jizhi pursed his lips, not directly answering, and exined softly, "I took a ss jar from the Jiang Family Old Mansion, and I didn''t throw away the candy inside."


    So, it was candy that had been stored for sixteen years.


    Jian Huan: "¡­¡­"


    Shen Jizhi looked down at his toes and said, "You should spit it out."


    Jian Huan savored it again. "Forget it, although the taste is a bit strange, it''s still a bit sweet."


    After all, she was now at the Foundation Establishment stage; it wouldn''t hurt her stomach.


    Remember Shen Jizhi''s "I don''t like it," and see if he likes it or notter, tsk tsk.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 40

    <h1>Chapter 40</h1>


    Jade rity Sect upied a vast area, not only within the main peaks of the mountain gate but also extending to the vast mountains outside the gate, which were also under the sect''s control.


    Disciples of Medicine King Peak often ventured into the mountains to gather medicinal herbs.


    A white-clothed man with a bamboo hat and a wicker basket on his back, holding a sickle, walked along a forest path covered in fallen leaves.


    Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves above, casting dappled light circles on the path ahead of him.


    Suddenly, the footsteps halted.


    The man looked up, his expression somewhat surprised as he gazed at the bushes to his left.


    There, two legs protruded awkwardly from the foliage.


    The man hesitated for a moment, standing still, then cautiously approached.


    He pressed a button on the handle of his sickle, and the handle instantly extended.


    Using the t side of the sickle, he flipped the person lying in the bushes over, his gaze immediately turning sharp.


    This person was already dead!


    Jian Huan had spent seven days recuperating with Medicine Granny, and her injuries were almost fully healed.


    Medicine Granny was indeed affordable; the seven days of medication cost her only 680 spirit stones in the end.


    Before leaving, Jian Huan, disregarding Medicine Granny''s resistance, gave her a big hug: "Granny, I''lle back to see you next time!"


    Medicine Granny spat out, "Don''t! You two should just live long and prosper. Don''te back to bother this olddy."


    Unfortunately, Medicine Granny only had medicines for healing and treating injuries, not the spiritual herbs needed for bathing to assist in ascending levels.


    Jian Huan knew that in the Nine Provinces Continent, strength was the ultimate truth. On the day she received the reward, she should have bought some spiritual herbs for bathing to strive for ascension.


    But, she couldn''t bear to spend the money and kept putting it off.


    It wasn''t until this time, when she faced the reality of her situation, that Jian Huan dared not dy any further. That same day, after returning from Medicine Granny to Jade rity Sect, she immediately went to the Danbao Pavilion on Medicine King Peak to buy several packets of bathing herbs.


    Such medicinal herbs were not easy to find in the irregr shops of Approaching Immortal City. What if something went wrong with the bath? She had to return to Jade rity Sect to buy them. The spiritual herbs at the Danbao Pavilion were wless except for being expensive.


    A set of bathing herbs for the Foundation Building Stage cost 500 spirit stones and could only be used once. Jian Huan still felt a pang of regret every time she thought about it.


    So, even though the water in the wooden barrel had be crystal clear, Jian Huan still refused to get out.


    She rested her hands on the edge of the barrel, reading a talisman book.


    As noon approached, sunlight streamed in through the open wooden window, illuminating her focused expression.


    Recently, the elder who taught talismans to the first-year students had been reced, as Elder Yu Qing was busy researching the Zhaomo Mirror and had no time.


    Jian Huan had already mastered the content taught in the elder''s sses, so she decided not to attend and instead stayed home to study the subsequent content while bathing.


    Jade rity Sect was always tolerant. If a disciple didn''t attend a ss, they could just mention it to their ssmates, and the elder would be informedter.


    After all, if these students failed the internal assessment a yearter, they would either leave Jade rity Sect on their own or pay another year''s tuition fee to retake the course.


    Shen Jizhi returned from the Forge Hall during the lunch hour and witnessed this scene.


    He slowly flew in on his sword, passing by the First-Grade Spiritual Tree, examining it up and down before nodding slightly. Then, he entered the house and nced at Jian Huan''s wooden barrel.


    Today, she wore a new dress, made of soft yellow fabric that, immersed in the clear water, resembled the wet feathers of a baby duck.


    Shen Jizhi withdrew his gaze, turned back, and rummaged through a bamboo basket in the corner, taking out a hoe. He casually asked, "Are you still bathing?"


    The water was already clear beyond rity.


    Jian Huan flipped a page of her book, her thoughts entirely absorbed in the content, and didn''t pay much attention to what Shen Jizhi said, merely casually hummed in acknowledgment.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t say more. He took the hoe and walked outside, heading to the west side of the Earth Fruit Tree to start turning the soil.


    It was only then that Jian Huan regained her senses. Curious, she stood up from the wooden barrel, leaned out the window, and looked outside.


    She ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????saw him finish turning the soil, take out a packet of seeds from his bosom, and then nt them one by one.


    Jian Huan''s eyebrows jumped, and without a word, she flew out of the wooden barrel.


    With a turn of her spiritual power, her clothes dried instantly.


    She stored the thoroughly cleaned water in her spatial pouch and ran out: "What are you doing?"


    Shen Jizhi didn''t even look up and said two words: "nting."


    "..." Did she not know he was nting? She had eyes, after all.


    Jian Huan was speechless for a moment before asking more specifically: "What kind of seeds are these?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Seventh-Grade Purple Jade Grass."


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up slightly.


    Her knowledge was mainly rted to talismans, and she wasn''t very familiar with herbs.


    However, this Purple Jade Grass, she did know. It was the spiritual herb Medicine Granny had used to treat her knife wounds.


    Most of Medicine Granny''s medicines weremon herbs from the mortal world, with only Purple Jade Grass being a spiritual herb, which was why they were so inexpensive.


    Jian Huan adjusted her skirt, crouched beside him, and watched as he carefully covered the seeds with soil: "How much did you buy them for?"


    "Ten spirit stones for a hundred seeds."


    Not all seeds would sprout; in fact, few would. He had bought inferior seeds.


    Growing spiritual herbs wasn''t easy, and Shen Jizhi didn''t know how to do it either. However, wasn''t there a First-Grade Spiritual Tree nearby? If the First-Grade Spiritual Tree could be revived and grow new sprouts, then the Purple Jade Grass nted nearby should also be able to grow slowly, right?


    Jian Huan immediately sensed that an opportunity had arrived, and took out five spirit stones from her spatial pouch: "Half and half, you nt fifty seeds here for me too."


    If these fifty seeds grew well, she would buy more and nt them.


    "Okay," Shen Jizhi didn''t refuse, taking the five spirit stones.


    Jian Huan watched him nt the seeds. After he finished, she used the bathwater to water them.


    Just as they finished, Jiang Mian came panting, stopping at the slope: "Jian Huan! Why didn''t you check the Xuantian Mirror!"


    Jian Huan stood up, surprised: "What happened?" She had been reading and had put the Xuantian Mirror in her spatial pouch.


    Jiang Mian panted heavily: "Elder Yu Qing told you to hurry to the forest outside the mountain gate. It seems they''ve found Hu Zhi?"


    ...


    The usually quiet dense forest was crowded with more than a dozen people.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhinded and walked over.


    Elder Yu Qing stood at the front, hearing themotion and ncing at the two before sighing: "He''s dead."


    Jian Huan pursed her lips, her gaze falling on Hu Zhi''s corpse.


    The person had probably died not long ago, as the body hadn''t yet started to smell, and the facial features were still clear.


    They arrivedte, and Elder Yu Qing waved his hand, signaling them toe closer and briefly exining the situation: "We''ve inspected Hu Zhi''s body. He wasn''t a demon."


    Jian Huan didn''t speak.


    In their previous spections, they had thought Hu Zhi must have be a demon to be able to control the puppet upied by the Demon Heart Worm.


    There were many ways in the cultivation world to destroy a corpse.


    But the mastermind had left the body here without any attempt to hide it, was this a provocation?


    But who could it be?


    Jian Huan thought about it but couldn''te up with anyone.


    The original owner''s background was simple: a kind-hearted grandfather and a spoiled, arrogant original owner. But due to her grandfather''s kindness, most people didn''t hold a grudge against her.


    After her grandfather''s death, the original owner squandered the family fortune, yet some people still extended a helping hand, giving her a bit of food.


    Jian Huan had relied on that food to endure the hardships of the road and eventually made her way to Approaching Immortal City, finding Shen Jizhi.


    Moreover, those people were all ordinary mortals and couldn''t have done something like this.


    As for her, after crossing into this world, the only ones she had offended were Hu Zhi, the Invisible Hand, and the Demon n. The first two were already dead, and thest one was currently being hunted down by various sects, hiding everywhere, probably too busy to bother with her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Were the protagonists, Jing Chi and Jiang Qiaoqiao, involved? But they were currently in a secret realm, battling with future elites from other sects, as she had seenst night on the Xuantian Mirror, with solid alibis.


    Or perhaps, was it the person who had knocked her and Shen Jizhi unconscious and taken the Earth Fruit Tree? Had they discovered something was wrong ande looking for them?


    Fortunately, Earth Fruit Trees naturally had the ability to hide. Without any spiritual aura, they could burrow into the ground and escape, turning into an ordinary green worm.


    In any case, Jian Huan couldn''t figure it out, no matter how hard she thought.


    Later, she stopped thinking about it. She would face whatever came her way, as overthinking was useless. She should focus on living her current life.


    For example, making money.


    She was someone who loved making money, loved saving money, and most of all, loved buyingnd and houses.


    Currently, Jian Huan had about 50,000 spirit stones on her. Building a main house was no problem, but it would leave her penniless.


    However, she also valued her life. Ultimately, she decided to put the main house on hold and, with a heavy heart, spent 4,000 spirit stones to buy a defensive garment worth 10,000 through Shen Jizhi''s connections at the Forge Factory, wearing it close to her body.


    In addition, she also purchased various other artifacts, elixirs, and miraculous medicines, keeping them on hand for emergencies.


    This eclectic collection cost her a total of ten thousand spirit stones.


    As a result, Jian Huan spent the next few days whenever she had free time, no longer sketching the floor ns for her mountain vi, but instead scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror to look for suitable small secret realms.


    She wanted to live in her own grand vi and no longer wanted to squeeze into someone else''s shabby little hut.


    She needed to earn the money to build her house as quickly as possible!


    Thanks to her persistence, one day during lunch, Jian Huan, with one hand holding her chopsticks and the other scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror, suddenly brightened up.


    [The Most Informed Person in the Nine Provinces: Fellow Daoists! Reliable news! The small secret realm in Lotus Square Town will open in ten days! Daoists at the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment stages can try their luck!]


    [There''s a Secret Realm, There''s Me: What, the Lotus Square Town Secret Realm? Never heard of it. How is it? Are there many treasures inside? If there are, I might consider it. If not, forget it.]


    [The Most Informed Person in the Nine Provinces: It''s one of the richer small secret realms! There are both demon beasts and spiritual herbs. If you''re lucky, you might even get a few good spiritual artifacts. However, it can''tpare to those inheritance secret realms! And it''s only suitable for Foundation Establishment and below. Golden Core stage Daoists can go to better secret realms; there''s no need to waste time in a small one.]


    [A Lone Cultivator Without a Sect: This suits me. Thanks, bro!]


    [Dislikes Crowds: It suits me too. Thanks. Just in time, the Nine Provinces Grand Assembly is about to start, and many people will be going to watch the spectacle. Fewer people in the secret realm, perfect timing!]


    [Bai Ying Will Win the Nine Provinces Grand Assembly: Hahaha, I won''t be going. I''m going to the Nine Provinces Grand Assembly to see Goddess Bai Ying. I''ll explore the secret realm after the assembly ends. May all those who go be able to fulfill their wishes.]


    A tter sounded as one of Jian Huan''s chopsticks fell to the ground.


    Gong Feihong and Jiang Mian looked over. Jiang Mian waved her hand in front of Jian Huan''s eyes: "Ah Huan, what''s wrong?"


    Jian Huan snapped back to reality, her eyes brimming with joy as she briefly exined the situation with the Lotus Square Town Secret Realm: "Mianmian, Gong Shao, do you want toe with me?"


    Jiang Mian immediately shook her head and raised her hand: "For the rest of my life, I''ll only stay in two ces: either the Jade rity Sect or Approaching Immortal City."


    Going out to gain experience? No way, never. I want to quietly stay in the sect and draw talismans.


    That''s why I chose to be a talisman master without hesitation. My mother always wanted me to learn swordsmanship.


    But a swordsman would definitely need to go out for training. No, no, no.


    Gong Feihong also shook his head: "I got a spot as an entourage for the Nine Provinces Grand Assembly. I''m going with the senior brothers, senior sisters, and elders."


    "Alright then," Jian Huan suddenly looked at Gong Feihong and leaned in, "How did you get that entourage spot?"


    The sect leader had originally used that spot as a reward for her and Shen Jizhi, but they eventually exchanged it fornd.


    After all, neither she nor Shen Jizhi wanted to participate. This spot couldn''t be transferred, otherwise, selling it would have been a good deal. But the sect wasn''t stupid; they had prohibited such transfers from the start.


    Gong Feihong: "My father yed a game of chess with the sect leader, and then my father lost, so he got it."


    Jian Huan narrowed her eyes slightly: "How much did your father lose?"


    "I don''t know. I didn''t ask," Gong Feihong shook his head, not too concerned, "My father has money. Who cares?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Gong Feihong thought for a moment and asked: "Are you looking for someone to team up with for the secret realm?"


    Jian Huan nodded: "Yes."


    Strength in numbers, right? Teaming up with fellow sect members would also be more reassuring.


    ¡°Then you can go with Senior Brother Yin and Senior Sister Wen,¡± Gong Feihong began to make introductions, ¡°They mentioned a few days ago that they wanted to experience training in a secret realm. Isn''t this perfect timing?¡±


    The third floor was the location of the inner hall of the Artifact Forging Hall.


    After returning from Yujiang City and reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Shen Jizhi had been promoted to the inner hall without much dy.


    Previously, when he was in the outer hall moving heavy objects, his monthly sry was only eight hundred. But in the inner hall, the sry wasn''t fixed; it was based on the number and quality of artifacts forged.


    Generally, skilled artifact forgers could earn tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, a month. For someone like Shen Jizhi, who had just entered the inner hall and wasn''t very skilled yet, he could still earn three to four thousand spirit stones a month.


    Shen Jizhi, being the money-driven person he was, arrived first every day and leftst. So by the time the month was almost over, he had calcted that he had already earned about six thousand. The entire month would likely bring in over nine thousand.


    Breaking ten thousand next month wasn''t a problem.


    However, beyond that, simply increasing the quantity wouldn''t earn him more money. Instead, he would need to advance to the Golden Core and then the Nascent Soul stages, focusing on quality. That was the way to go.


    "Dong, dong, dong." Suddenly, there was a knock on the window behind him.


    Shen Jizhi turned around and saw a blurry figure outside the window.


    Jian Huan was standing on a bamboo pole, calling out: "Shen Jizhi?"


    Shen Jizhi got up and walked over to open the window for her.


    A senior brother who had been sitting by the window in the morning had found the sunlight too ring, so he had closed the window.


    For cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, their vision was excellent, so no one really minded.


    During lunchtime, everyone else had left, and no one had remembered to open the window before leaving.


    The room had remained dark.


    As soon as the window opened, the midday autumn sun poured in, dispelling the gloom.


    The camphor trees in the corner of the Artifact Forging Hall were in full bloom, their leaves still a deep green, as if nothing had changed.


    But, something had changed, silently, without notice.


    Jian Huan handed in a lunchbox from outside the window.


    Shen Jizhi took it and immediately knew that she had had lunch with Gong Feihong today.


    Jian Huan began to climb in through the window, but her hand slipped, and her body swayed, nearly falling from the third floor.


    Shen Jizhi reacted quickly, grabbing her arm and pulling her in with some force, a bit helpless: "Do you have to go through the window every time?"


    Jian Huannded and patted her hands: "I just don''t feel like climbing the stairs."


    "..." Shen Jizhi shook his head slightly, looking at the lunchbox, and asked, "Six spirit stones?"


    Jian Huan shook her head and held up three fingers: "Today''s lunch is a bit cheaper for you."


    "Say it, what do you want from me?" Shen Jizhi understood her intentions; she wouldn''t just give someone a discount without reason.


    Jian Huan sat down in his seat, looking up at him with a smile like a cat that had just eaten a fish: "Shen Jizhi, do you want to join me in a big deal?"

 Chapter 41

    <h1>Chapter 41</h1>


    The Elder Council of the Jade rity Sect was built against a mountain, sprawling over millions of acres.0


    The residences, scattered far apart, were hidden among the greenery, appearing and disappearing like a mirage.0


    Jian Huan descended from a green bamboo strip, lightly lifted her skirt, and hopped up the stone steps before crossing the threshold.0


    The courtyard was adorned with blooming peach blossoms, their fragrance lingering in the air, exuding an out-of-season, luxurious scent.0


    Shen Jizhi watched quietly, following Jian Huan as they weaved through the peach blossom path.0


    At the end of the path was the main hall.0


    Inside, a few people were seated, engaged in casual conversation.0


    Jian Huan quickened her pace and, before even entering, called out with a bright, youthful voice, ¡°Apologies, everyone! We¡¯rete!¡±0


    The people in the hall turned their heads, stood up, and exchanged bows in greeting.0


    Gong Feihong introduced the two sides: ¡°These are Jian Huan and Senior Brother Shen, whom I mentioned earlier. You can chat among yourselves. The elders are summoning me, probably to discuss matters about the Nine Regions Conference. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±0


    With that, Gong Feihong bid farewell, leaving the five of them in the hall.0


    For a moment, no one spoke. Five pairs of eyes nced at one another, waiting for someone to break the silence.0


    Just as Jian Huan was about to say something, the young man dressed in ck standing to the left spoke first: ¡°Yang Ye, Beast Tamer, first-year disciple, dual spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment, firstyer.¡±0


    The man in white beside him, with a gentle voice, followed up: ¡°Yin Yusheng, Medicinal Cultivator, inner sect disciple, triple spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment, secondyer.¡±0


    Jian Huan then introduced herself, having recently advanced a smallyer after her second bath: ¡°Jian Huan, Talisman Cultivator, first-year disciple, dual spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment, secondyer.¡±0


    After her introduction, the three who had spoken first turned their gazes to the remaining two.0


    Shen Jizhi nced at Jian Huan and said calmly, ¡°Shen Jizhi, Sword Cultivator, personal disciple, five spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment, firstyer.¡±0


    Thest girl, with her head lowered, spoke in a soft, delicate voice: ¡°Wen Jiu, Sword Cultivator, inner sect disciple, dual spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment, sixthyer.¡±0


    Jian Huan nodded as she listened, found a seat, and sat down. Noticing Shen Jizhi still standing, she blinked at him.0


    Seeing this, Shen Jizhi slowly dragged a chair over and sat beside Jian Huan.0


    The others followed suit and took their seats.0


    Yang Ye, with his straightforward demeanor, got straight to the point: ¡°The Lotus Square Town small secret realm is a natural one. It opened three years ago, and ording to the cultivators who entered, it¡¯s mostly filled with sixth and seventh-grade demon beasts and spirit herbs. These things aren¡¯t of much value to high-level cultivators, but for us, they¡¯re just right.¡±0


    The other four nodded slightly, indicating they were listening.0


    Yang Ye sped his hands toward them and said, ¡°With Senior Brother Shen, Senior Brother Yin, and Senior Sister Wen here, it shouldn¡¯t be my ce to speak. But I also have matters to attend toter, and I¡¯ve explored quite a few secret realms since joining the sect, so I¡¯m rtively familiar with them. Therefore, I¡¯ll speak frankly. Generally, people enter secret realms in groups, but conflicts often arise when dividing the treasures afterward, sometimes even leading to bloodshed. Since we¡¯re all fellow disciples, to avoid such a situation, I suggest we agree beforehand that no matter who makes the move, the demon beasts and spirit herbs will be shared equally. If we¡¯re lucky and the secret realm has a hidden treasure left by a powerful figure, we¡¯ll split up and search for our own treasures. How does that sound?¡±0


    In the cultivation world, there are many powerful figures who, unable to create their own secret realms or unwilling to do so due to their entric temperaments, would secretly hide treasures in natural secret realms. However, such urrences are rare, happening in only two or three out of a hundred secret realms. But since there¡¯s a possibility, it¡¯s best to address it beforehand to avoid disputes if it does happen.0


    Jian Huan felt at ease and was the first to agree: ¡°No problem.¡±0


    The other three also had no objections.0


    Yang Ye said, ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. We won¡¯t waste time by leaving the sect together. Let¡¯s meet at Lotus Square Town at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM) five days from now.¡±0


    After setting the time, Yang Ye hurriedly left, and the girl named Wen Jiu slipped away without a word.0


    Jian Huan, however, wasn¡¯t in a rush to leave. She turned to the young man in white and asked, ¡°Senior Brother Yin, if I recall correctly, weren¡¯t you the one who discovered Hu Zhi¡¯s corpse that day?¡±0


    Yin Yusheng smiled and replied, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s quite a coincidence. When Junior Brother Gong mentioned the secret realm and said the two of you would be joining, I agreed immediately. I¡¯ll be counting on your support in the secret realm.¡±0


    Jian Huan said, ¡°Not at all, Senior Brother is too kind.¡±0


    After a few polite exchanges, the two left Gong Feihong¡¯s residence one after the other.0


    Outside the gate, Jian Huan said to Shen Jizhi, ¡°I¡¯ll drop by to inform Elder Yu Qing on my way. You can head back first.¡±0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Outside the pavilion, the green bamboo swayed gracefully.0


    Inside, Jian Huan looked astonished, unable to believe what she was hearing: ¡°Lend it to me?!!!¡±0


    Across from her, Elder Yu Qing smiled and nodded: ¡°Once you enter the secret realm, the Xuantian Mirror will be useless, and I won¡¯t know whether you¡¯re safe or in danger. Lending you the green bamboo strip will give you a better chance of sess. You can return it to me once you¡¯re back safely.¡±0


    Jian Huan stared at the green bamboo strip floating before her, unsure of what to do.0


    It wasn¡¯t hers, and taking it felt somewhat inappropriate.0


    But after weighing the pros and cons in her mind, she reached out and epted the bamboo strip from Elder Yu Qing. She stood up and bowed solemnly: ¡°Thank you, Elder Yu.¡±0


    ¡°No need to be so formal,¡± Elder Yu Qing shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re under my care now. Be careful on your journey, and go ahead.¡±0


    Elder Yu Qing¡¯s green bamboo strip was no ordinary item. With it, Jian Huan could draw talismans and form arrays, and she wouldn¡¯t need to smear her blood on the bamboo strip when facing opponents.0


    The bamboo strip was emerald green, cool to the touch, and upon closer inspection, one could see the spiritual iron powder embedded in its patterns, forming intricate runes.0


    ¡°Tsk,¡± Shen Jizhi remarked upon returning from the Equipment Forging Hall and learning about this from Jian Huan. He gave a half-smile, ¡°Elder Yu seems to treat you quite well.¡±0


    Jian Huan caressed the bamboo strip lovingly and nodded, ¡°Indeed. If Elder Yu hadn¡¯t mentioned in ss that he wouldn¡¯t take on disciples before being promoted to Peak Master, I would¡¯ve knelt down and begged to be his disciple back then.¡±0


    Shen Jizhi averted his gaze, not wanting to look at the green bamboo strip on the bed, and let out a fakeugh, ¡°Heh.¡±0


    The Xuantian Mirror beside them lit up. Jian Huan carefully stored the bamboo strip in her Mustard Seed Pouch and picked up the mirror. It was a message from Ma Congcong.0


    [Ma Congcong: Yes, yes, I happen to be flying to Lotus Square Town in three days.]0


    Lotus Square Town was quite far from the Jade rity Sect. If they traveled by sword, they definitely wouldn¡¯t make it in five days.0


    The teleportation array was too expensive, so Ma Congcong¡¯s ¡°ck car¡± was the best option, taking only two days.0


    [Ma Congcong: Two hundred spirit stones per person. Book soon, as many people are heading to the Lotus Square Town small secret realmtely.]0


    [Qian Duoduo Has Talismans: Alright, I¡¯ll book two seats.]0


    Following the usual process of the ck car, it would gather ten people before departing, and the exact time of departure was uncertain.0


    But with so many people heading to Lotus Square Town recently, Ma Congcong¡¯s ck car had already gathered ten passengers and was set to depart at the hour of Si (9-11 AM).0


    At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had already packed up and left their home.0


    They didn¡¯t bother locking their wooden hut, as there was nothing valuable inside. The nkets, quilts, tables, and meditation cushions had all been stored in their Mustard Seed Pouches and taken with them.0


    The only valuable items left behind were the first-grade spirit tree and the yet-to-sprout Purple Jade Grass.0


    To be honest, after several days had passed and the Purple Jade Grass still hadn¡¯t sprouted, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were feeling a bit disappointed.0


    In the first few days, they had checked daily to see if it had sprouted, but now they couldn¡¯t be bothered.0


    The thought of the five spirit stones they had invested possibly going to waste made them uneasy, so they decided it was better not to think about it.0


    As for the first-grade spirit tree, it was unlikely anyone would steal it, as it wasn¡¯t truly a first-grade spirit tree yet, and its leaves hadn¡¯t fully grown.0


    As for the Earth Fruit Spirit underground¡­0


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi crouched nearby.0


    She spoke softly, ¡°Little fruit, Shen Jizhi and I are going on a short trip. Stay hidden underground and don¡¯te out. If someonees, burrow deeper into the soil and turn into a little green worm, okay?¡±0


    The array Qi Wan had set up to summon the Earth Fruit Spirit only worked one way¡ªJian Huan could summon it, but the spirit couldn¡¯t notify her if it was in danger.0


    To ensure the Earth Fruit Spirit could continue producing fruit here, she didn¡¯t want to take it with them.0


    The Earth Fruit Spirit replied weakly, ¡°¡­Got it. Please just leave already.¡±0


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????just wanted some peace and quiet. Why was that so hard? For the past few days, they had been asking it why the Purple Jade Grass hadn¡¯t sprouted yet. How could it sprout so quickly? The first-grade spirit tree wasn¡¯t even fully grown yet¡ªwhat was the rush?0


    After bidding farewell to the Earth Fruit Spirit, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi arrived at the meeting point a quarter of an hour early.0


    Ma Congcong was feeding the spirit horse with spiritual grass when he saw the two of them approaching. He shed his signature grin and said, "You¡¯re here? Hurry inside, quite a few people have already arrived."0


    The two of them paid their fare and boarded the carriage. As soon as they stepped in, Jian Huan froze for a moment.0


    In the farthest corner of the carriage, a slender and delicate girl was holding a thick, ck greatsword upright. The sword nearly obscured half of her figure. Beside her, a handsome man in white robes cradled a medicine basket, inside of which was a sickle.0


    Upon seeing Jian Huan and the others, the girl with the ck sword silently lowered her gaze, trying to blend into the background of the corner.0


    Yin Yusheng awkwardly greeted them, "What a coincidence. I thought you¡¯d all be taking the teleportation array."0


    Jian Huan chuckled, "Yeah, what a coincidence."0


    She had also assumed they would be taking the teleportation array!0


    Jian Huan walked over and sat down beside the sword cultivator, Wen Jiu, greeting her warmly, "Senior Sister Wen."0


    Wen Jiu gave her a slight nod in acknowledgment.0


    Shen Jizhi took a seat next to Jian Huan.0


    The carriage was filled with other people, so no one engaged in conversation. Some were meditating, others were reciting incantations, and a few were lost in their own thoughts.0


    Time passed slowly, and soon it was time to depart.0


    Just before the appointed hour, a figure dressed in ck quickly boarded the carriage.0


    Yang Ye didn¡¯t pay much attention and simply took the first avable seat he saw.0


    The spirit horse neighed, its hooves pawing at the air as it slowly ascended into the sky.0


    Yang Ye looked up and immediately met the intense gazes of three pairs of eyes.0


    Yang Ye: "..."0


    Holy cow, they were all people he knew!0


    Jian Huan waved at him with a meaningful smile, "Hey, what a coincidence."0


    Yang Ye forced an awkward smile, "Yeah, what a coincidence."0


    Why had he suggested meeting directly in Lotus Square Town? Was it really because gathering at the sect would waste time?0


    No, it was because he couldn¡¯t afford the teleportation array and had nned to sneak onto the ten-person spirit horse carriage. If everyone else had taken the teleportation array, it would have been too embarrassing to admit he wasn¡¯t taking it.0


    But who would have thought...0


    The spirit horse soared into the clouds, speeding toward Lotus Square Town.0


    The carriage gradually stabilized, and the five of them sat in silence.0


    They had alle together because of Gong Feihong, but even though they knew of each other, they weren¡¯t close.0


    In their usual encounters, they had always thought the others were doing well and didn¡¯t seem like people who would be short on money. So how could this be...0


    After a while, Jian Huan spoke up softly, "How much do you all owe Gong Feihong?" When chatting with others, it was best to share your own situation first to encourage them to open up, so she added, "I owed three thousand spirit stones, but I¡¯ve recently paid it off."0


    Yin Yusheng fiddled with the sickle in his medicine basket and sighed, "I owe nine thousand spirit stones. Not only haven¡¯t I paid it off, but the debt keeps growing..."0


    Yang Ye sighed as well, "Same here. I owe seven thousand."0


    From the corner, Senior Sister Wen Jiu¡¯s soft voice uttered a few words, "I owe twenty thousand."0


    Jian Huan, Yin Yusheng, and Yang Ye were visibly shocked and turned to look at her.0


    Jian Huan eximed in surprise, "Senior Sister, how did you end up owing so much?"0


    Wen Jiu, unused to so many eyes on her, coughed lightly and pointed to therge ck sword in her arms.0


    Everyone understood immediately.0


    She was a sword cultivator, after all.0


    The four of them had now shared their debt situations and, with unspoken agreement, turned their gazes to Shen Jizhi.0


    The other three also knew Shen Jizhi. His master, Gu Shan, had be famous during the Great War between the righteous and demonic sects a century ago. Later, his reputation spread across the Nine Provinces due to his habit of drinking and umting debts. As Gu Shan¡¯s only direct disciple, and with his strikingly handsome face, Shen Jizhi was well-known throughout the Jade rity Sect.0


    Rumors had it that Shen Jizhi had inherited a mountain of debt from his master, Gu Shan.0


    But rumors were just rumors, and the others couldn¡¯t be sure of their uracy. After all, they weren¡¯t close to Shen Jizhi and didn¡¯t know the details.0


    Shen Jizhi sat upright, not participating in the conversation. Instead, he had his eyes slightly closed, quietly meditating.0


    Jian Huan had already reached the second level of Foundation Establishment, and he didn¡¯t want to fall behind. He had to seize every moment to cultivate.0


    Sensing their gazes, he didn¡¯t rush to speak. He firstpleted the small cycle of energy cirction he was in the middle of, exhaled slowly, and then opened his eyes to reply, "I don¡¯t owe Gong Feihong anything."0


    The other three, except for Jian Huan, showed a hint of envy.0


    "I owe his father," Shen Jizhi said with an impassive expression, "one hundred and seventy thousand."0


    Almost simultaneously, a series of gasps echoed through the carriage.0


    One hundred and seventy thousand!0


    Shen Jizhi shook his head slightly, closed his eyes again, and resumed his meditation,pletely tuning out the world around him.0

 Chapter 42

    <h1>Chapter 42</h1>


    After Jian Huan and her group arrived in Lotus Square Town, there were still five days left before the opening of the secret realm.0


    The usually quiet and deste town suddenly became lively as hundreds of cultivators poured in.0


    ¡°I assume the five of you are also heading to the secret realm?¡± A sharp-featured man suddenly darted out from the roadside, smiling as he blocked Jian Huan and herpanions. He held a stack of papers in his hand and whispered mysteriously, ¡°Would you like a map of the secret realm? One spirit stone per map, drawn by a cultivator who personally entered the realm three years ago!¡±0


    As Yang Ye had mentioned earlier, the Lotus Square Secret Realm had opened once three years ago, and a group of cultivators had entered back then.0


    Jian Huan and her teammates exchanged nces. Poverty often brings people closer, and some words don¡¯t need to be spoken aloud¡ªjust a look is enough to understand.0


    Jian Huan replied to the man, ¡°Let us discuss it first, alright?¡±0


    The map seller was baffled. ¡°??¡±0


    Wait, they need to discuss whether to buy a map? It wasn¡¯t expensive¡ªjust one spirit stone per map. A team of eight earlier hadn¡¯t hesitated at all and bought one each!0


    Under a golden ginkgo tree by the roadside, the five of them huddled together in a circle.0


    Jian Huan asked, ¡°Should we buy it?¡±0


    Yang Ye pondered, ¡°Some secret realms change every time they open, while others remain the same. This is the second time the Lotus Square Secret Realm is opening, so we don¡¯t know which type it is.¡±0


    If it were the type that constantly changes, buying the map would be a waste.0


    Shen Jizhi stood upright, deep in thought, then walked back to the map seller and asked, ¡°Does it cost money to take a look?¡±0


    ¡°?¡± The seller replied, ¡°...No, it doesn¡¯t.¡±0


    The map was quite detailed, and some cultivators did ask to take a look before buying.0


    Shen Jizhi said, ¡°Then let me see it.¡±0


    The seller unfolded the map and showed it to Shen Jizhi, exining, ¡°Take a look. My map is very detailed, and I guarantee it¡¯s genuine. If it¡¯s fake, may my cultivation path be unstable, and may I never advance in this lifetime!¡±0


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Shen Jizhi said, withdrawing his gaze. ¡°We won¡¯t buy it.¡±0


    The seller was stunned. ¡°???¡±0


    The map was indeed quite detailed, marking the locations of various demon beasts and spirit herbs.0


    Over the next five days, while waiting for the secret realm to open, the group prepared based on the map Shen Jizhi had meticulously redrawn.0


    Of course, it was mainly Jian Huan and Yin Yusheng who were busy¡ªone frantically drawing talismans, the other tirelessly refining pills.0


    Yang Ye was out gathering information, Wen Jiu was meditating and cultivating, and Shen Jizhi was nowhere to be seen, disappearing for days on end.0


    Late at night, in an abandoned temple outside the town, a figure approached from afar at an incredible speed.0


    The moonlight couldn¡¯t keep up with his pace, and the shadows on the ground vanished before they could fully form.0


    Just as the figure was about to slip into the broken temple, he suddenly paused. A snow-white sword appeared in his hand, but when his eyes caught sight of a familiar bamboo rod, he sheathed the sword mid-air and flipped to the side to avoid it.0


    Jian Huan, who had been hiding quietly by the entrance, chased after him. She held the bamboo rod and thrust it forward, its tip pressing against the wall.0


    The temple had been abandoned for many years, and the wall was crumbling. A shower of dust and debris fell as the bamboo rod struck it.0


    Shen Jizhi nced at the bamboo rod blocking his path, then casually leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. His gaze settled on Jian Huan¡¯s face. ¡°What is it?¡±0


    Jian Huan raised her wrist slightly, moving the bamboo rod to rest on Shen Jizhi¡¯s right shoulder. She tilted her chin up and asked, ¡°Tell me, were you secretly selling maps?¡±0


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°...¡±0


    Selling maps was too slow a way to earn money, and he wasn¡¯t very interested in it at the moment.0


    Shen Jizhi denied it. ¡°No.¡±0


    Jian Huan leaned closer, her eyes gleaming. ¡°Then what were you doing?¡±0


    It had to be something rted to making money.0


    The girl was too close, and a faint scent of ink drifted into his nose, subtle yet unmistakable.0


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, pushed the bamboo rod aside, and gently moved her back a bit. ¡°I took on a few jobs.¡±0


    ¡°Hmph,¡± Jian Huan retracted the bamboo rod. ¡°I knew it.¡±0


    So while she was working hard drawing talismans, he was out there repairing magical tools for others, making a fortune.0


    She shook her head and left with a sigh.0


    Shen Jizhi remained leaning against the wall, motionless.0


    Though she was gone, the faint scent of ink lingered in the air, surrounding him and stirring up an indescribable restlessness.0


    After a while, Shen Jizhi cast several Heart Purifying Techniques on himself.0


    Natural secret realms are gifts from heaven and earth, often filled with dense spiritual energy that nurtures countless demon beasts and spirit nts.0


    As time passes, the secret realm gradually merges with its surroundings, and at a certain point, an entrance to the realm appears.0


    The entrance usuallysts only a few hours before closing. As the saying goes, where there is an entrance, there must be an exit. Within three months of the entrance appearing, an exit will surely open.0


    In front of the secret realm¡¯s entrance, Yang Ye reminded everyone, ¡°Once the exit opens, we must leave immediately. If it closes, who knows when it will open again.¡±0


    Jian Huan nodded. After the cultivators ahead of them entered, they followed suit.0


    The entrance to the secret realm was like the rippling surface of ake stirred by a strong wind. The moment they stepped through, Jian Huan felt a slight dizziness. When she regained her senses, she found herself in a vast valley.0


    Scattered around were groups of cultivators, and as they looked around, someints could be heard: ¡°The map was a waste. This ce ispletely different from three years ago.¡±0


    ¡°Exactly. I even bought a bunch of talismans and pills, but it looks like they¡¯ll be useless this time...¡±0


    Hearing this, Wen Jiu turned to Jian Huan and whispered, ¡°Good thing we didn¡¯t buy the map. But what about the talismans and pills you and Junior Brother Yin prepared...¡±0


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Jian Huan replied, feeling a bit pleased. ¡°We can sell themter.¡±0


    After all, they weren¡¯t bought¡ªthey were made by her, and she wasn¡¯t short of buyers at the moment.0


    Wen Jiu nodded and didn¡¯t say anything more.0


    The cultivators on the scene didn¡¯t want to stay clustered together, so they each chose a direction and scattered.0


    As expected, the secret realm was teeming with demon beasts and spirit herbs.0


    Not long after entering the dense forest, Jian Huan and her group encountered a few seventh-grade demon beasts that hade to them on their own.0


    Demon beasts are naturally ferocious and are mortal enemies of humans. Human flesh is a delicacy to them.0


    Once a demon beast reaches the fifth grade, it forms a demon core. At the fourth grade, it can take human form, leave the secret realm, and blend into cities, hiding among humans and preying on them¡ªthese are known as great demons.0


    On the other hand, the beasts that form contracts with beast-taming disciples are not demon beasts but spirit beasts.0


    Spirit beasts are friendly toward humans, and humans cannot harm or kill them indiscriminately. Otherwise, during their tribtion, the karmic consequences could lead to their immediate demise.0


    The seventh-grade demon beasts Jian Huan¡¯s group encountered were only at the Qi Refining stage, and it didn¡¯t take long for them to be materials stored in their storage pouches.0


    This small secret realm wasn¡¯t very high in grade, so the five of them practically swept through it, cutting down anything in their path. Three dayster, the contents of their storage pouches were as follows: 167 seventh-grade demon beasts, 11 sixth-grade demon beasts, 118 seventh-grade spirit herbs, and seven sixth-grade spirit herbs.0


    If they hadn¡¯t rented a storage pouch specifically for these items beforeing, their small pouches would have been filled to the brim in no time.0


    Over the three days, the five of them had barely slept, their eyes bloodshot from the constant fighting.0


    That night, the moon hung high in the sky, partially obscured by dark clouds.0


    In the dense forest, there was arge tree with lush foliage. The five of them sat around its thick trunk, resting with their eyes closed.0


    The wind asionally rustled through the leaves, creating a soft, soothing sound.0


    Suddenly, almost simultaneously, all five of them opened their eyes.0


    There were hurried footsteps approaching, and if they listened closely, they could hear faint cries for help, masked by the rustling of the wind and leaves.0


    Without hesitation, the five of them silently moved toward the source of the sound.0


    As they got closer, the sounds of battle became more distinct, apanied by the howls of wolves.0


    ¡°Sixth-grade Three-Eyed Silver Wolves,¡± Yang Ye, as a beast-taming disciple, felt he knew more about demon beasts than the others and took the initiative to exin. ¡°They¡¯reparable to Foundation Establishment thirdyer cultivators. One or two aren¡¯t hard to deal with, but here...¡±0


    He looked at the pairs of glowing blue vertical pupils and the crimson third eyes on their foreheads in the darkness and gasped.0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There were about a dozen Three-Eyed Silver Wolves here, which exined why the three cultivators on the scene were covered in blood and likely wouldn¡¯tst much longer.0


    Jian Huan leaned closer to Shen Jizhi and asked, ¡°How much is one worth?¡±0


    This would determine whether they would rescue the people and run or stay and fight, as well as their motivation to face the wolves.0


    Shen Jizhi had already calcted the answer: ¡°Three-Eyed Silver Wolves are valuable all over. Their fur, teeth, and blood are all premium materials. One is worth between six thousand and six thousand five hundred spirit stones.¡±0


    He was not only well-versed in the people listed on the bounty notices but also had an encyclopedic knowledge of the grades and values of various demon beasts and spirit herbs.0


    At the Immortal Storage Tower, there were always cultivators who didn¡¯t recognize the true worth of their items. Some would mistake a sixth-grade spirit herb for a seventh-grade one and sell it at a lower price. Shen Jizhi encountered such situations a few times every year, making a small profit each time.0


    Upon hearing this, everyone collectively drew a sharp breath.0


    Not all sixth-grade demon beasts were valuable¡ªit depended on how much of their body could be utilized.0


    Their efforts over the past three daysbined couldn¡¯tpare to the rewards these dozen Three-Eyed Silver Wolves would bring. They didn¡¯t even need a full night; just defeating this pack of wolves would earn them tens of thousands.0


    Jian Huan gripped the green bamboo strip in her hand, her heart itching with anticipation. ¡°Shall we go for it?¡±0


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±0


    Ahead, a silver wolf leaped into the air, its ws shing toward a cultivator¡¯s chest.0


    The cultivator¡¯s eyes widened in terror. Covered in wounds, he had no strength left to flee and could only stare helplessly at his impending death.0


    With a metallic ng, Wen Jiu swung her massive ck sword, its de carrying an unstoppable force as it met the sharp wolf ws head-on.0


    Before the cultivator could react, Jian Huan appeared beside him. She swiftly ced a teleportation talisman on his back, infused it with spiritual energy, and sent the injured man away from the battlefield.0


    No sooner had she sent him off than two wolves lunged at her from front and back. Jian Huan twisted her waist, dodging with such speed that only a blur remained.0


    The two wolves, on the verge of colliding, managed to avoid each other at thest moment. But in doing so, they inadvertently found themselves in the path of Shen Jizhi¡¯s snow-white sword.0


    His swordy was simple yet precise, the de sharp and the angles ruthless. Every strike was calcted to take something from his opponent.0


    The sword pierced through the wolf¡¯s tail, and the sixth-grade silver wolf howled in pain, turning its head in a desperate attempt to tear Shen Jizhi apart.0


    Shen Jizhi nted his foot on the wolf¡¯s body, yanked out his sword, and retreated without hesitation.0


    The wolf chased after him for a few steps before copsing to the ground. Its body was nearly split in half by the single, devastating strike.0


    Nearby, a small pig leaped onto the back of another sixth-grade silver wolf. In an instant, the pig¡¯s body expanded like a balloon, pinning the wolf to the ground.0


    Yang Ye, the pig¡¯s owner, easily finished off the wolf with a single sword strike. The pig jumped down, its skin pricked by the wolf¡¯s sharp fur, letting out a pitiful squeal.0


    Yang Ye quickly scooped up the pig and retreated to the rear, where Yin Yusheng was tending to injuries.0


    After escaping, Jian Huan didn¡¯t bother with the two wolves behind her. Three days of fighting had been enough for the group to develop a seamless rapport.0


    Using teleportation talismans, she sent the injured cultivators away one by one, then began to pick off the sixth-grade silver wolves whenever an opportunity arose.0


    A ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????faint, fragrant aroma began to permeate the air. The group, having taken Yin Yusheng¡¯s pills earlier, remained unaffected, but the wolves¡¯ movements slowed slightly.0


    For the four of them, this was more than enough.0


    Jian Huan, standing on her green bamboo strip, darted around like a ghost, asionally slipping a faint-inducing talisman onto a wolf Shen Jizhi was fighting before appearing beside Wen Jiu in the next moment, throwing up a defensive talisman to block an attack from another wolf.0


    Just like in long-distance running, hunting demons had its own rhythm.0


    They had started with the right tempo, and as the battle progressed, they became more and more in sync, their morale soaring and their fighting spirit unyielding.0


    Before long, thest wolf fell, and the forest returned to silence.0


    Yin Yusheng emerged, holding his small incense burner, and asked, ¡°Is that it?¡±0


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the others replied, reluctantly sheathing their weapons and beginning to clean up the battlefield.0


    They collected the wolf carcasses, first taking them to Yin Yusheng to extract their blood, then bundling them up and storing them in their spatial pouches.0


    Each person handled a specific task, and the process flowed smoothly, like water.0


    When only a few carcasses remained, Shen Jizhi nced toward the empty space behind them and said to Jian Huan, ¡°You take care of thesest ones.¡±0


    Jian Huan frowned. ¡°Where are you going?¡±0


    Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to check if we missed anything.¡±0


    Jian Huan looked around but saw no remaining wolf carcasses. The numbers matched up.0


    What Shen Jizhi was after wasn¡¯t the carcasses.0


    Scattered on the ground were clumps of wolf fur. He picked them up one by one, rolled them into a ball, and stored them in his spatial pouch.0


    Yang Ye hesitated, his pig standing behind him, happily munching on a paste Yin Yusheng had provided.0


    Yang Ye finally spoke up. ¡°I doubt anyone outside would buy loose wolf fur like this.¡±0


    Besides, there wasn¡¯t much of it. What could it even be used for?0


    Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°It¡¯lle in handy eventually.¡±0


    Once the group had finished packing up, they left the area.0


    Not long after, two people sneaked into the clearing.0


    They crouched low, using a night pearl to carefully search the area.0


    Every secret realm had people like them¡ªlow-level cultivators who tailed stronger groups from a distance, waiting for them to leave before scavenging for leftovers.0


    Powerful teams were often picky, leaving behind broken bones and lower-grade spirit herbs they deemed unworthy of their time.0


    Jian Huan¡¯s group of five had caught their attention outside the secret realm. They all looked like young masters anddies from prominent families, likely entering the realm for training rather than for demon beasts or spirit herbs.0


    In short, following them was bound to yield some decent spoils.0


    But as they trailed behind, they found not a single de of grass or a scrap of bone.0


    And now, not even a strand of wolf fur remained!!0


    Shen Jizhi: My mouth isn¡¯t just tight¡ªit¡¯s sealed. No matter what I¡¯m eating, not a single grain of rice will escape

 Chapter 43

    <h1>Chapter 43</h1>


    The financial prowess of the Yangyuan Marquis Manor was no joke. Just by mentioning their name, three to five schrs came knocking on their door, but it seemed like they had all conspired to be equally stubborn.


    "I am a schr who just passed the provincial examinationst year. Many wealthy young masters have sought me out to be their tutor, but I have declined them all."


    "We are all schrs who passed the same examination, but I was the only one in my county to seed. Even the county magistrate personally came to invite me to be his advisor."


    "I teach at the best academy in the capital, and most of the students who pass the imperial examinationse from our academy. When ites to teaching children, you need a professional tutor."


    "Cut the nonsense! We all passed the same examination. You''ve only been a tutor for a little over a year. What does it have to do with you if students from your academy passed in previous years?"


    "How is it not my business? Many of the students who will pass next year will surely be my disciples!"


    "Bragging!"


    "Who''s bragging? How can you call a schr''s words bragging?"


    "..."


    Xu Wan sat above them, watching their endless bickering. She tapped the table and said, "Esteemed schrs, could we get to the point... Are you willing toe to our manor to teach our children?"


    "That depends on how much sincerity your manor shows. I''m quitefortable at Hanlin Academy."


    "Exactly. If we were to take up an official post, it would be quite prestigious."


    "If it weren''t for your steward''s earnest invitation, we wouldn''t havee at all. Private tutors rarely gain any fame, and when a student seeds, it''s their own glory."


    Two others remained on the fence, but like the first three, they were waiting to see what the manor had to offer.


    Cui Zhi frowned and whispered, "Madam, why are these people like this? I thought schrs were supposed to have integrity and disdain money."


    Xu Wan chuckled and replied, "People need food to survive, and they have emotions and desires. They have families to support too."


    As fellow workers, she understood their feelings. As long as the money was right, everything else could be negotiated.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She straightened up and said, "Gentlemen, our manor offers a monthly sry of one hundred taels for private tutors, with a three-year contract."


    "One hundred taels for three years? That''s a bit low..."


    "One hundred taels per month for three years! Are you deaf?"


    "What? One hundred taels a month??"


    "One hundred taels a month???"


    The schrs were stunned. They started counting on their fingers: one hundred taels a month, one thousand two hundred taels a year, three thousand six hundred taels in three years...


    Good heavens!


    If they could earn that much, they''d never have to worry about money again!


    One schr, still in disbelief, turned to hispanion and asked, "How... how much do you earn at Hanlin Academy? Do tutors really make this much now?"


    "Eight... eight taels... And other academies are worse, four or five taels is considered high..."


    The schrs were shocked!


    They all eximed in unison, "I''ll take the job!"


    "Let me do it! I have experience in passing the examination. I''ll ensure the young master passes before hees of age!"


    "Me! I have teaching experience at Hanlin Academy. With me, it''s impossible for the students not to pass!"


    "You only have one year of teaching experience..."


    "That''s still better than you, a schr with no job!"


    The five of them started arguing again, each vying for the position.


    Xu Wan sighed inwardly, thinking how useful money could be.


    One hundred taels was equivalent to about a hundred thousand dors in modern terms. If someone had offered her that much to be a tutor back when she was working, she would have fought tooth and nail for it too.


    "Our manor is only hiring two tutors. Please write a resume detailing your academic and examination experiences, and we will make a selection based on that," Xu Wan instructed. "Cui Zhi, please take them to the side hall to write."


    "Yes, Madam."


    "Oh, and one more thing," Xu Wan added with a smile, "Our Yangyuan Marquis Manor has good rtions with the Ministry of Rites. If anyone falsifies their resume, don''t say we didn''t warn you."


    The schrs exchanged nces, some looking guilty as they bent over to write, while others nodded approvingly at Xu Wan.


    This was for the best. Otherwise, with such a high sry, people might be tempted to fabricate their credentials.


    But once they left, Cui Zhi grew anxious. She whispered, "Madam, we don''t actually have connections in the Ministry of Rites..."


    Not only did theyck connections there, but the manor had been so detached from worldly affairs for so long that they hardly interacted with other families. Even if they wanted to ask someone for a favor, they wouldn''t know who to turn to.


    Xu Wan raised an eyebrow and asked, "If we were familiar with the Ministry of Rites, could they really help us verify all the schrs'' examination records?"


    Cui Zhi: "..." Couldn''t they?


    So Madam was bluffing???


    Xu Wan thought that perhaps they could, but setting aside whether this would count as leaking confidential information, the schrs came from various regions, and checking all the records would be a massive undertaking.


    She smiled and said, "A resume doesn''t just show a person''s experiences. It also reveals their writing style, logical thinking, and even their approach to studying. These things can''t be faked."


    "Can Madam really discern all that?" Cui Zhi asked.


    Xu Wan shook her head honestly. "I might not be able to see everything myself. I''ll need Baili Xi to help me review them."


    "Then I''ll have them write their resumes and wait for our notification. If we decide to hire them, we''ll send them a letter of appointment, and they cane to the manor to sign the contract."


    "That sounds good."


    Cui Zhi smiled. "I''ll make the arrangements."


    As Cui Zhi headed to the side hall, Xu Wan got up and went to the main study to inform Baili Xi.


    The two children were already there, sitting neatly in the study.


    Baili Xi seemed much more energetic while teaching, vividly recounting historical anecdotes, asionally stroking his beard, clearly in a good mood.


    Zong Wenxiu was listening attentively, taking notes from time to time.


    As for Zong Jincheng, that mischievous boy seemed lively, holding a brush and doodling on paper, appearing as if he wasn''t paying attention, but his eyes never strayed.


    He was multitasking but not missing the lesson.


    Xu Wan sighed. Such a clever child was both enviable and exasperating.


    In the room, Baili Xi said, "Alright, that''s all for today''s lesson. Please write down what you learned yesterday, and I''ll collect it afterward."


    With that, he yawned, propped his head on his hand, and closed his eyes for a quick nap.


    Xu Wan thought that Baili Xi had indeed been overworkedtely. Since the little troublemaker had started studying seriously, he always had endless questions. While the boy''s boundless energy was no issue, it had visibly aged Baili Xi. This was one of the reasons she wanted to hire two more private tutors.


    Just as she was pondering how to have the two new tutors assist Baili Xi in educating Zong Jincheng, she saw the little troublemaker, who was supposed to be quietly writing, tiptoeing toward the lectern with a brush in hand¡ª


    His eyes were fixed on Baili Xi''s graying beard.


    Xu Wan: "!!!"


    Good heavens, the brush was dripping with red ink!!!

 Chapter 44

    <h1>Chapter 44</h1>


    Xu Wan smiled and replied, "I am deeply grateful for the trust of my father-inw and mother-inw, and even more so for your generous guidance, Master."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Haha... You''re too kind, too kind," Baili Xi said, stroking his beard with delight. "Madam, do you have anything else to discuss today?"


    Xu Wan exined her n to hire private tutors. Baili Xi raised an eyebrow and asked, "You want them to continue tutoring Jincheng after my lessons, even on rest days?"


    Xu Wan nodded. "That boy has boundless energy, and studying after ss doesn''t tire him out. I initially had someone prepare trantions and phic notes for difficult characters, but it''s still not efficient enough. He needs someone to apany him at all times."


    Baili Xi pondered for a moment and found the idea reasonable. "That''s not a bad n. It will keep him motivated and help him solve problems promptly. I think it''s feasible. Bring me the resumes of those candidates, and I''ll review them for you now."


    Xu Wan was pleased. "Thank you for your trouble, Master."


    Cui Zhi had already arranged for the resumes to be brought over. Xu Wan handed them to Baili Xi and waited for his evaluation.


    Baili Xi quickly skimmed through them and noticed that all five were recent provincial graduates. He realized this was no coincidence. Candidates who had just finished the imperial exams would still have fresh knowledge and exam techniques, making them more effective than those from three years ago.


    Once again, Baili Xi was impressed by Xu Wan''s thoroughness and gave her an approving look.


    Xu Wan smiled and asked, "Master, what do you think?"


    Baili Xi replied, "The first resume is falsified. He is not the top graduate from Wenyang County. The actual top graduate from that county is the child of an old friend of mine."


    "The second candidate is too old, at sixty-seven. He probably wouldn''t be able to keep up with Jincheng''s demanding schedule."


    Xu Wan chuckled. "That''s true." The imperial exams were open to candidates of all ages, and this man had achieved his sess with gray hair.


    "The remaining three are all good, especially this one from Hanlin Academy. I think he''s worth considering more seriously," Baili Xi said. "The teaching methods at the academy are also excellent. Jincheng shouldn''t be too isted while studying at the manor. He should interact with others, discuss exams, and stay informed about current affairs."


    Xu Wan nodded and reviewed the other two resumes. They were indeed evenly matched. "They''re both quite good. It''s hard to decide."


    Baili Xi agreed but couldn''t offer a definitive rmendation, so he left the final decision to Xu Wan.


    After a moment of thought, Xu Wan decisively said, "Then I''ll hire all three." When you''re wealthy, you don''t have to choose.


    Baili Xi: "..."


    Sometimes he felt that everyone in the Yangyuan Marquis Manor was quite extravagant.


    Xu Wan instructed Cui Zhi to draft the employment contracts and notify the three tutors toe to the manor to sign the agreements and begin their duties on an appointed day.


    Meanwhile, in another courtyard, cries of pain echoed.


    "Ouch... it hurts... be gentle..."


    "My hand... it''s swollen like a red carrot... waaah..."


    Zong Jincheng sat on the edge of the bed, extending his hand for the manor physician to apply medicine. Shunzi held his arm to prevent him from moving and worsening the pain.


    The teary-eyed little troublemaker looked pitiful, his bright ck eyes even more striking, making it hard for anyone to bear seeing him in such a state. It was a mystery how Xu Wan could bring herself to discipline him so harshly.


    The physician reassured him, "Young Master Jincheng, the injury isn''t too severe. It''s just a bit swollen with some blood streaks. Apply the medicine for a few days, and it will heal. Avoid using your hands during this time, rest well, eat light meals, and don''t stay upte..."


    The physician listed a long series of precautions, turning the little troublemaker''s hand pain into a headache. He wailed, "My hand hurts, and now you''re telling me to watch my diet and rest? You''re even stricter than Xu Wan!"


    The physician: "..." These are just standard medical instructions!


    But with the little troublemaker in a foul mood, the physician didn''t dare argue. Zong Wenxiu signaled that he could leave, and the physician quickly grabbed his medical kit and fled.


    The little troublemaker''s hands were wrapped in white bandages, turning them from red carrots to white ones, resembling two big clubs.


    He flopped backward onto the bed, kicking his legs and shouting, "Xu Wan, Xu Wan, Xu Wan! I hate her!!... Ouch!" In his emotional outburst, he identally hit his hand on the bed frame.


    "Brother!" Zong Wenxiu hurried over to help him up and checked to make sure his hand wasn''t bleeding.


    Hearing this, Zong Jincheng became even more aggrieved and cried out, "Don''t call me brother! I thought of you as my real brother, but you sided with Xu Wan. Not only did you not shield me from the punishment, you didn''t even try to stop her!"


    Shunzi stood to the side, his lips twitching. The young master really had high expectations¡ªnot only wanting someone to stop the punishment but also to take the hit for him.


    Zong Wenxiu paused, lowered his head, and said, "I''m sorry. I can''t defy Madam. I... I... Next time, I''ll definitely shield you!"


    The little troublemaker snorted. "There won''t be a next time. Next time, I''ll be the one hitting Xu Wan''s hand!"


    Shunzi: "..." Even Buyan would be speechless at this.


    Hitting Madam''s hand? Who do you think you are?


    You''ll probably end up being hung up and beaten by Madam...


    Buyan entered the room. "Young Master, the medicine is ready."


    "What? I have to drink medicine too?" The little troublemaker wilted like a frostbitten eggnt.


    Zong Wenxiu understood and took the medicine bowl,forting him, "Using both external and internal treatments will help you recover faster. Shunzi, bring some candied fruit."


    "Yes, right away."


    The little troublemaker reluctantly opened his mouth, waiting for his brother to feed him.


    The medicine was spooned into his mouth, bitter but bearable with the candied fruit.


    Zong Wenxiu was very patient, testing the temperature before feeding him, wiping his mouth after each sip, and even picking thergest pieces of candied fruit for him.


    This wasn''t the first time the little troublemaker had been fed medicine, but it had been a long time since he''d experienced such care. It felt warm andforting, just like when his grandparents were in the manor, focusing all their attention on him.


    It had been months since hest saw his grandparents, and Zong Jincheng missed them dearly. His eyes began to redden at the thought.


    Zong Wenxiu quickly asked, "What''s wrong, Jincheng? Is the medicine too bitter? I''ll get you more candied fruit."


    "Brother," Zong Jincheng called out softly, his voice filled with pitiful longing.


    Zong Wenxiu paused. This was the second time his brother had called him "brother," and he felt a surge of familial affection, as if he had finally been epted.


    The little troublemaker frowned and murmured, "You owe me this time, so I forgive you. But don''t help Xu Wan bully me anymore. Xu Wan only asked you to repay her by apanying me in my studies, nothing else."


    Zong Wenxiu thought about it and realized that was true. His brother had also been part of the group that saved their mother, so he shouldn''t side with Madam against him.


    "Alright," he agreed. "From now on, I''ll always stand by you."


    Zong Jincheng''s eyes lit up, and his voice grew louder. "Really? You''re not lying to me?"


    Zong Wenxiu replied earnestly, "Really. I''ll do everything in my power to protect you."


    Shunzi, standing behind them: "..."


    Great, the little troublemaker has tricked another one. Carry him away.

 Chapter 45

    <h1>Chapter 45</h1>


    Yun Xiaoxiao took off her small backpack and rummaged through it.


    Finally, she pulled out a square, transparent stic box.


    This was what she usually used to store calcium tablets and vitamin pills.


    She held up the stic box with a serious expression.


    "This is a new serum developed by our base, adjusted with a special method, and it might help with your symptoms."


    As she spoke, she also took out a bottle of mineral water.


    This water, of course, was no ordinary water, but spiritual spring water from her space.


    The real thing that might work was the spiritual spring water, not the nutrient tablets.


    Because she had noticed that crystal cores washed with regr water and those washed with spiritual spring water produced slightly different evolution serums.


    The taste and effects were a bit different.


    Plus, spiritual spring water had the ability to cleanse and strengthen the body, removing impurities.


    So, she was just guessing that the spiritual spring water might alleviate the toxins in the bodies of those who had consumed too many crystal cores.


    Also, when Ling Jing was bitten by Tong Zhan, he didn''t turn into a zombie immediately.


    One possibility was that he had a special physique.


    The other possibility might have been due to the spiritual spring water he had consumed.


    Of course, these were just her guesses and hadn''t been substantiated.


    There was also a chance it might have no effect at all.


    The reason she brought out the nutrient tablets along with the water was to create a smokescreen.


    Actually, she could have imed to have water-based abilities and said the spiritual spring water was transformed by her abilities.


    But if it turned out the spiritual spring water really worked, wouldn''t that mean her ''water-based abilities'' were too special?


    She didn''t want to be a target like a ''Tantalizing Treasure.''


    The best way was to blur the focus.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Make everyone think it was just like the evolution serum, something that had been developed.


    Simple and hassle-free.


    "Do you have a cup and a spoon?"


    Yun Xiaoxiao looked at Peng Shaowei.


    Peng Shaowei signaled to his subordinates.


    Soon, a teacup and a steel spoon were brought over.


    Yun Xiaoxiao took them and crushed a tablet, cing it into the teacup.


    Then, she unscrewed the cap of the mineral water bottle and poured about half a bottle into the teacup.


    She stirred it with the steel spoon in a showy manner.


    Afterward, she lifted the teacup.


    "Who''s willing to try it?


    I have to make it clear, I can''t guarantee it will work."


    Hearing this, everyone''s expressions became strange.


    They began to murmur softly.


    "Isn''t she just using people as guinea pigs?"


    "Exactly, and something concocted by a little kid just feels like she''s making some kind of dark drink."


    "Uh... it''s scary, what if it doesn''t detoxify but makes things worse?"


    "Well... it''s hard to say..."


    "Why are you all doubting? She doesn''t seem like some clueless kid, am I the only one who believes her?"


    "Yeah, you''re right.


    And didn''t she say it was developed by their base?


    I think it''s probably not fake.


    Besides, do we have any other options right now?


    Better to try it than do nothing."


    "Who are you calling a dead horse?!"


    A member of Xiangrui Base heard the person behind him say that and immediately pulled a long face.


    The man was stunned and quickly apologized with a smile.


    "Brother, don''t be mad, I was just making a metaphor, not really calling you a dead horse."


    "Hmph!"


    Although the murmur was low, Yun Xiaoxiao still heard it.


    However, she didn''t care.


    Even if the spiritual spring water couldn''t detoxify, it wouldn''t harm anyone.


    If they wanted to believe, fine; if not, that was fine too.


    After all, it wasn''t her who would die.


    Just as she thought no one would volunteer, Tang Jun stepped forward, picked up the teacup, and drank it all in one go.


    Everyone knew about the bet between the Tang brothers and Yun Xiaoxiao''s groupst time.


    So they all thought that Xiangrui Base and Yun City would never interact again, viewing each other as enemies.


    This time, anyone could have stepped forward, but it definitely wouldn''t be someone from Xiangrui Base.


    But unexpectedly, Tang Jun was the first to step up.


    Everyone was baffled, truly baffled.


    After drinking it, Tang Yanchi immediately ran to his brother''s side.


    "Brother, why did you drink it? What if she poisoned it?"


    As he spoke, he deliberately nced at Yun Xiaoxiao.


    Yun Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes.


    What a drama queen!


    She coolly curled her lips, "Yeah, I poisoned it, your brother is about to die."


    "You really poisoned it!"


    Tang Yanchi was furious and was about to charge at Yun Xiaoxiao.


    But before he could move, Tang Jun grabbed his cor.


    "Wait."


    Tang Jun said in a deep voice.


    Tang Yanchi steadied himself and looked at his brother in confusion.


    He saw his brother frowning tightly.


    Tang Yanchi clenched his fists in worry, silently vowing.


    If his brother really died, he definitely wouldn''t let her off!


    At this moment, Tang Jun was carefully feeling the changes in his body.


    His previously restless heart now felt like a cool spring had suddenly been injected into it.


    The spring split into many tiny tributaries, spreading through his heart.


    It was cool and very soothing.


    His irritability gradually calmed down.


    His eyes lit up.


    "Can I have another cup?"


    He looked at Yun Xiaoxiao expectantly.


    As soon as he said this, everyone immediately realized.


    The stuff worked!


    Yun Xiaoxiao smiled lightly, ncing at the still dazed Tang Yanchi.


    "Of course, you can have another cup, but the trial drink is over. If you want more... that will cost you."


    Tang Jun was taken aback, "Cost?"


    "Otherwise, do you think I look like the kind of selfless person?"


    Tang Jun''s mouth twitched slightly.


    Indeed, not at all, more like a stingy merchant.


    "How much do you charge?" he asked.


    "The worth of one bottle of mineral water, that''s... 500 primary crystal cores, or 100 secondary crystal cores, or 20 tertiary crystal cores."


    Of course, if you have a Level 4 crystal nucleus, I''ll give you a discount¡ªjust one Level 4 crystal nucleus for a bottle.


    How about it, pretty cheap, right?"


    Yun Xiaoxiao''s lips curled slightly, revealing two small dimples.


    She looked innocent and harmless.


    Heh, dared to call her a stingy merchant.


    If she didn''t act a bit stingy and cunning, wouldn''t that be a waste?


    "Is that cheap? That''s clearly extortion!"


    Who knows how many bottles it would take to detoxify!


    Tang Yanchi''s face turned red with anger.


    "You can also not buy it, I''m not forcing you."


    Yun Xiaoxiao shrugged, looking indifferent.


    This made Tang Yanchi even angrier.


    The problem was, he didn''t know how to argue back.


    So angry!


    Angry to death!


    "Can you make it now?"


    While Tang Yanchi was fuming, Tang Jun walked up to Yun Xiaoxiao and asked seriously.


    "Brother!" Tang Yanchi frowned, "She''s asking for the sky, we shouldn''t..."


    "What''s asking for the sky? Do you think your life isn''t worth those crystals she mentioned?" Tang Jun red.


    "Don''t you think your life is worth even that much?!"

 Chapter 46

    Jian Huan stood up and nced around the cave.


    The ground was still stained with patches of blood, but the broken bones and wolf fur had mostly been cleared away, leaving only a small pile near Shen Jizhi.


    So Jian Huan grabbed a sack and went outside to check, finding that the cleanup was nearly finished.


    She decided to stay where she was and tie up the sack.


    The surroundings were quiet, and she could clearly hear Shen Jizhi¡¯s movements.


    She heard him stand up, heard his footsteps echoing in the cave, heard him pause, and then the sound of something colliding with the stone wall¡ªperhaps a wooden box.


    Curious, Jian Huan turned to look.


    At the spot where the Silver Trace Grass had grown, Shen Jizhi was carefully scooping soil into a wooden box.


    Jian Huan: ¡°!¡±


    She hadn¡¯t thought of that earlier.


    Back at home, they had a Grade One Spirit Tree and a hundred seeds. This soil, which had nurtured the Silver Trace Grass, might have some extraordinary effects if taken back.


    After tying the sack, Jian Huan smiled and praised Shen Jizhi: ¡°You¡¯re always so thoughtful.¡±


    Shen Jizhi continued to carefully collect the soil without looking up. ¡°It might not work,¡± he said.


    Jian Huan ced the sack into her Mustard Seed Pouch, pped her hands, and walked toward Shen Jizhi. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. Let¡¯s take it back first.¡±


    Suddenly, Jian Huan¡¯s steps halted abruptly, her body almost tipping forward from the momentum. She quickly steadied herself.


    Shen Jizhi straightened up and looked at her with slight confusion, but when he met her focused gaze, he was momentarily stunned.


    Her expression reminded him of the way she had looked at him in his dream.


    And now, she was indeed looking at him.


    For a moment, the dream and reality ovepped, and thoughts that shouldn¡¯t have surfaced began to creep into his mind.


    Shen Jizhi instinctively tensed his back.


    Jian Huan stood with her left foot forward, her right foot back, gazing deeply at Shen Jizhi.


    It was a sunny afternoon, and beams of light streamed through irregr holes in the cave ceiling, casting glowing columns around them.


    Shen Jizhi stood in one of these columns, his ck hair and features softly illuminated, dust particles floating around him.


    He looked like an immortal.


    Jian Huan took a step back, then another, slowly retreating.


    Shen Jizhi came back to his senses, lowered his eyes to avoid her gaze, and asked calmly, ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡±


    Jian Huan retreated to the cave entrance, her field of vision expanding as she moved. Shen Jizhi, who had been the focus of her gaze, now became part of the background.


    Her eyes shifted to his left, right, front, and back, settling on the columns of light.


    Those beams of light, the holes in the ceiling¡ªthey didn¡¯t seem like ordinary natural formations. There was something mysterious about them.


    Jian Huan tilted her head, staring at the cave ceiling, murmuring to herself, ¡°This feels familiar¡­¡±


    She must have seen this somewhere before.


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He turned and walked away without a word.


    Oh, so she hadn¡¯t been looking at him after all.


    ¡­


    Jian Huan sat at the cave entrance, staring at the columns of light, entranced, as if under a spell.


    The sun gradually set, and the brilliant evening sky rivaled the red maples outside. Inside the cave, the columns of light shifted slightly with the changing angle of the sun.


    Realizing something, Shen Jizhi and the others didn¡¯t disturb Jian Huan. They stayed nearby, organizing the spoils from their journey through the secret realm.


    Yang Ye nced at Jian Huan from time to time, his eyes burning with excitement, his breathing heavy. ¡°They say some powerful cultivators might hide treasures in natural secret realms, but I¡¯ve been to dozens of secret realms and never found one. This time¡­ this time, could our luck really be this good?!¡±


    The Wolf King¡¯s demon core and the Silver Trace Grass had already far exceeded his expectations.


    And now, a treasure trove? This trip might earn him enough to feed his spirit pigs for years!


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see what Jian Huan says. Let¡¯s be patient,¡± Yin Yusheng said as he worked on refining Fasting Pills. He paused and asked, ¡°Do you all insist on the pills being in pill form? Would a paste be eptable? It would save me some spiritual energy, and I could make more.¡±


    Yang Ye waved his hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything. Not picky.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Wen Jiu whispered, ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Yin Yusheng smiled. ¡°Good. Some people refuse to eat the paste, saying it¡¯s unrefined. Should I make Jian Huan¡¯s into a pill?¡±


    He directed the question at Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°She¡¯s fine with anything too.¡±


    Yin Yusheng nodded, satisfied. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Back outside the secret realm, when Yin Yusheng had bought the ingredients for the Fasting Pills, he¡¯d asked everyone about their vor preferences.


    The others had no particr requests, but Jian Huan had said she wanted roasted chicken vor.


    Yin Yusheng was actually capable of making Fasting Pills that tasted like roasted chicken.


    As evening fell, the aroma of roasted chicken wafted from the alchemy furnace. The spirit pig guarded the furnace, drooling so much that it formed a small puddle on the ground.


    Yin Yusheng lifted the lid of the furnace and began dividing the Fasting Paste.


    The spirit pig rubbed its head against Yin Yusheng, squealing sweetly.


    Yin Yusheng remained unmoved, dividing the paste into five equal portions and handing them out to Shen Jizhi and the others.


    The spirit pig had its own feed, provided by its owner, Yang Ye. While it could eat the Fasting Pills, it was better to keep that to a minimum.


    When Yang Ye received his portion, the spirit pig immediately tugged at his clothes, desperate for a share.


    Yang Ye broke off a tenth of his portion and tossed it to the pig, then quickly swallowed the remaining nine-tenths before the pig could react.


    The spirit pig bared its teeth at him and hurriedly went to beg from Wen Jiu and the others, but no one was willing to give it even a tiny bit.


    Spirit pig: ¡°Oink oink oink!¡±


    Outside the cave, Jian Huan¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the interior, but she slowly extended her right hand, palm up.


    Yin Yusheng handed thest portion to Shen Jizhi, signaling him to take it to Jian Huan.


    Using spiritual energy to send it over risked the spirit pig intercepting it mid-air.


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    What did this have to do with him? Why should he be the one to deliver it to Jian Huan? Couldn¡¯t Yin Yusheng do it himself?


    Shen Jizhi took the paste, stood up, walked over, and ced the roasted chicken Fasting Paste into Jian Huan¡¯s palm.


    Jian Huan withdrew her hand and gave him a thumbs-up with one hand.


    Of course, Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t know this was a gesture of approval.


    She always had these strange hand signals.


    Shen Jizhi walked away.


    The spirit pig, which had been following him closely, began rubbing against Jian Huan. While taking small bites of the Fasting Paste, Jian Huan mercilessly pushed the pig¡¯s head away.


    Spirit pig: ¡°Oink oink oink!¡±


    In the past, when it rubbed against other cultivators, they would pat its head and share some tasty treats.


    But this time, none of these people would pet its head or share their food!


    Why?!


    The pig couldn¡¯t understand. It went to vent its frustration on its owner.


    Late at night, the moon hung high in the sky.


    Jian Huan stood up and slowly approached the area where the four of them were resting, a strange smile on her face.


    The surroundings were silent, the evening breeze rustling the maple trees, leaves falling one after another without a sound.


    A shadow fell over Shen Jizhi. Sensing something, he opened his eyes, but before he could focus, a ghostly face appeared before him.


    Jian Huan, with her hair loose, grinned eerily, her eyes dark and her voice haunting as she stretched out her hands: ¡°You scoundrel, give me back my life¡­ give me back my life¡­¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shen Jizhi leaped back three steps, his heart pounding, his sword drawn.


    He thought Jian Huan had been possessed by some evil spirit¡ªuntil he saw her mischievous grin.


    Jian Huan pointed at him,ughing so hard she doubled over. ¡°You¡¯re scared of ghosts!¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He sheathed his sword, still shaken, his voice cold with anger. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one out of your mind,¡± Jian Huan retorted, tying up her hair. Seeing the others waking up one by one, looking confused, she didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Good, since you¡¯re all awake, let¡¯s get to work!¡±


    Everyone: ¡°???¡±


    In the dimly lit cave, Jian Huan held a torch, using a bamboo stick to point at the holes in the ceiling. Moonlight poured down like water. ¡°I read in the sect¡¯s library that this is a gate formation.¡±


    Yin Yusheng: ¡°A gate formation?¡±


    Yang Ye: ¡°Meaning there¡¯s a hidden treasure here?¡±


    Jian Huan nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Only by opening the gate formation will the hidden treasure trove be revealed, allowing us to enter and search for treasures.¡± She handed the torch to Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi, standing nearby with his arms crossed, nced at her and took it.


    Now free, Jian Huan walked around the cave with the bamboo stick, Shen Jizhi holding the torch to light her way.


    She marked the spots she had deduced as the ¡°life gates¡± of the formation, drawing shallow circles with the bamboo stick under the columns of light.


    "I can open it, but we need to dig the ground first. At the same time, we must be careful not to touch the nearby death gates while digging, so it''s best not to use spiritual energy to avoid identally triggering them. For the next few days, we¡¯ll have to work hard digging the ground," said Jian Huan.


    ¡­


    Trees surrounded them, and Shen Jizhi had brought along plenty of spare iron pieces.


    He worked through the night to craft five shovels, and everyone began digging day and night, working with great enthusiasm.


    There were other cultivators in the secret realm, and Jian Huan had considered asking them to join in the digging.


    But she didn¡¯t fully trust them. If they identally dug into the nearby death gates while working, this ce would be everyone¡¯s grave.


    Forget it. Even though only five people were digging, making the process slower, at least it was safer.


    Ten dayster.


    Outside the cave, piles of soil were stacked high. Inside, seventeen deep pits, resembling wells, were arranged in rows.


    Over the past few days, fearing that the spirit pigs might cause trouble, Yang Ye hadn¡¯t even dared to let them out.


    In thest pit, Shen Jizhi was still digging.


    Jian Huan squatted at the entrance of the pit and called out, "Shen Jizhi, are you done yet?"


    The pit was so deep that Shen Jizhi was no longer visible from the entrance.


    He was almost there. Shen Jizhi put down the shovel, crouched, and carefully brushed away the topyer of soil. Soon, a dark iron piece was revealed.


    It was engraved with intricate array patterns. Though it showed no reaction at the moment, it exuded an unusual aura.


    Shen Jizhi stood up, channeled a bit of spiritual energy to clean himself, and then flew up to the surface.


    Above, the others didn¡¯t look much better. Even though they could have used cleansing techniques, they couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    Jian Huan¡¯s face was smeared with ck and yellow patches, her entire body covered in dirt. The others were in a simr state.


    Only Shen Jizhi remained pristine.


    He lightly brushed off his sleeves and nodded. "It¡¯s done."


    Jian Huan gave an ¡®ok¡¯ gesture and was the first to leave the cave.


    The other four followed her, mounting their swords and stopping on nearby tree branches.


    Jian Huan stepped onto her green bamboo strip and flew to the top of the cave.


    Hovering slightly in the air, the green bamboo strip in her hand shimmered with a crystal-clear glow. She closed her eyes, infused spiritual energy into the bamboo strip, and, following the instructions from the book, slid it toward the seventeen pits one by one.


    Once she finished, Jian Huan didn¡¯t waste a moment and quickly flew back to join Shen Jizhi and the others.


    The five of them stood to the side, silently watching the strange phenomenon unfold.


    Jian Huan used the green bamboo strip as a brush, and the spiritual energy she infused formed beams of light that pushed through the air, descending into the pits one after another andnding on the dark iron pieces at the bottom.


    The spiritual energy gradually illuminated the array patterns on the iron pieces. Just as the patterns were fully lit, a massive surge of spiritual energy erupted from the ground, apanied by a blinding sh of light!


    The world seemed to lose its color. The five of them turned away, instinctively closing their eyes.


    At that moment, the earth in the secret realm shook violently, and mountains and rivers trembled. The tree they were standing on swayed fiercely. Jian Huan, who had nearly exhausted all her spiritual energy, was on the verge of copse. Her green bamboo strip tilted, and she almost fell.


    Shen Jizhi reached out and grabbed her, pulling her onto his snow-white sword.


    Jian Huan let out a sigh of relief, secured the bamboo strip, and nced down. She lightly wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "Thank you."


    "¡­" Shen Jizhi almost lost control of his sword. "Let go."


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    Considering his dislike of physical contact, she had been careful to use a gentleman¡¯s hand¡­


    Forget it, this man must have sensitive skin all over.


    Jian Huan shook her head and instead grabbed onto his sleeve.


    His sword was so narrow¡ªhow was she supposed to stand without holding onto something?


    Shen Jizhi frowned slightly but ultimately said nothing more.


    The shakingsted only for a moment, and soon the earth calmed.


    But above their heads, where the seventeen beams of light converged, the sky, as blue as a gemstone, now held a majestic and grand treasure hall silently standing atop the clouds.


    The ground had somehow drawn closer to the sky.


    The once unreachable heavens now seemed within arm¡¯s reach as the treasure hall revealed itself.


    Jian Huan narrowed her eyes and could clearly make out the four characters on the hall¡ª


    Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall.

 Chapter 47

    Beams of light and shadow soared from various parts of the secret realm, swiftly heading toward Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall.


    Cultivators at the Qi Refinement Stage, who had yet to master sword flight andcked flying treasures, could only stand below, gazing longingly.


    Two cultivators who had been following Jian Huan and her group of five, hoping to benefit from the secret realm, stomped their feet in frustration.


    "If I had known, I would have borrowed or bought a flying treasure beforeing in!"


    "This is such a huge loss! Who could have guessed that this small secret realm would house a grand treasure hall of a powerful expert?"


    "In all my years, I¡¯ve never encountered a treasure hall. It¡¯s said that treasure halls are filled with riches¡­"


    "I regret not cultivating harder and failing to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage. I¡¯ve missed so many opportunities at critical moments!"


    "..."


    The cultivators on the ground were filled with envy, jealousy, regret, and helpless rage as they stared at the treasure hall.


    In their imaginations, those who had entered the hall must already be rolling in wealth.


    But¡ª


    Inside Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall, the cultivators who had rushed in with excitement and bloodshot eyes were now all silent.


    They had spent an hour searching every corner of the hall, but found nothing of value¡­


    Jian Huan emerged from a nearby pavilion, holding a bamboo stick, her usually smiling eyes now cold as ice.


    Cultivators who encountered her stepped aside, not daring to provoke her.


    Some had seen that it was this female cultivator who had opened the doors to Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall.


    Someone capable of opening a treasure hall was not to be trifled with.


    Jian Huan felt a knot of frustration in her chest, neither rising nor falling.


    Earlier, when Shen Jizhi had flown her up here, she had eagerly taken two Spirit Recovery Pills in preparation for the uing treasure hunt.


    Back in Azure Dragon City, Elder Chu had given her, Shen Jizhi, and Baili Dao a bottle each.


    She had always been frugal with them, only taking half or one pill at critical moments.


    This time, she had splurged on two pills, only to feel like it might all be for nothing.


    She walked into the hall and looked up at the central portrait.


    It depicted a man wearing a headscarf, with a beard, holding a sword.


    In their haste to search for treasures, no one had stopped to examine the self-portrait of the hall¡¯s owner.


    Below the portrait, a few bold characters were written: ¡¾Fang Quan, the Strongest Swordsman in the Nine Provinces¡¿


    Jian Huan had often seen titles like ¡¾The Strongest X Cultivator in the Nine Provinces¡¿ on the Xuantian Mirror, so she was no longer surprised by such ims.


    Just then, Shen Jizhi came down from the second floor, his expression also looking grim, likely having found nothing.


    Jian Huan felt slightly better and called out to him, "Shen Jizhi."


    Shen Jizhi paused, "?"


    Jian Huan waved him over, "Come here."


    Shen Jizhi hesitated for a moment before slowly walking over.


    Jian Huan crossed her arms and tilted her chin up, "Fang Quan, ever heard of him?"


    Shen Jizhi shook his head, "No."


    Jian Huan clicked her tongue, "So the title of ''Strongest Swordsman'' is probably just hype."


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, "Not necessarily. A cultivator who could build a treasure hall in a secret realm wouldn¡¯t be weak."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan sniffled, feeling down, "But his treasure hall seems to have no treasures, just books¡ª"


    Every corner was filled with books, all kinds of books.


    ssics, Buddhist scriptures, local customs of the Nine Provinces, folk tales, medical texts¡­


    The girl¡¯s voice trailed off, soft and tinged with a hint of tears.


    Shen Jizhi instinctively looked at her, then pointed to the side of the portrait, "He wrote here, ''Books are priceless, read more books.''"


    Jian Huan stared at the two lines of text, speechless.


    It wasn¡¯t wrong, from Fang Quan¡¯s perspective. He believed books were invaluable treasures, so filling his treasure hall with priceless items was beyond reproach.


    But as everyone knew, buying books could be expensive, yet selling them often meant they were weighed by the pound.


    The books in Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall were allmon, and no one was willing to use their limited Mustard Seed Pouch space to carry books that would fetch little at market.


    An hourter, a group of cultivators left Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall. Another hour passed, and more left.


    Staying here any longer would be less productive than going back down to hunt some demonic beasts.


    Before long, only a handful of people remained in the hall.


    Jian Huan and her group of five were still there. They had worked hard for ten days to open Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall, and with such a significant investment, they were unwilling to leave empty-handed.


    The sun set, and the moon rose above the willow branches.


    Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall stood among the clouds, and through thettice windows, the stars and moon of the night were clearly visible.


    Jian Huan, tired from reading, reached out to grab a star that seemed within reach, but as her hand moved closer, the star disappeared, and she caught nothing.


    She withdrew her hand, and the star reappeared.


    "It¡¯s fake," Jian Huan chuckled, shaking her head. She tossed the book she had skimmed onto the pile of finished ones and picked up the next.


    She still believed that Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall couldn¡¯t just be filled with books.


    The two lines Fang Quan had written beside his portrait, ''Books are priceless'' and ''Read more books,'' might have a deeper meaning.


    Was he hinting at something? Was there something hidden within the books?


    The new book Jian Huan picked up had a dark blue cover, titled "The Joys of the Mortal World."


    "The Joys of the Mortal World?" she murmured, puzzled. "A novel?"


    Jian Huan opened the first page¡ªit was nk.


    She scratched her head, confused, and flipped to the next page. Her expression instantly turned slightly odd.


    So this was the kind of ''joy'' it referred to?


    The book was well-preserved in the treasure hall, with vivid illustrations, handsome men and beautiful women, rich in color and variety.


    For the past half-month in the secret realm, Jian Huan had been exhausted every day, her nerves constantly on edge.


    Now, she decided to take her time and read through "The Joys of the Mortal World."


    It was just a way to rx, nothing excessive.


    Shen Jizhi came down from the second floor and immediately spotted Jian Huan sitting among the piles of books, leaning against the window wall.


    The starry sky twinkled behind her as she held a book, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes as if they had just been fished out of water.


    Shen Jizhi frowned slightly.


    The others upstairs had each found something, so Shen Jizhi hade down to check on Jian Huan.


    Judging by her expression, had she also found a clue?


    But her gaze seemed different from when she usually spotted treasures. It was more like the look in his dreams¡­


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, pushing the thought away.


    He stepped closer, maneuvering through the scattered piles of books, and stopped in front of her, looking down at the book in her hands.


    With just one nce, the calm on Shen Jizhi¡¯s face cracked.


    His brown pupils rippled with a hint of hesitation, "What are you reading?"


    With a loud thud, Jian Huan reflexively closed the book.


    But realizing it was Shen Jizhi, she rxed.


    If it had been Wen Jiu, Yin Yusheng, or Yang Ye, she would have been mortified.


    But Shen Jizhi was fine¡ªhe was like a brother. Back when they found that box of adult tools in Qi Wan¡¯s room, she had even shared it with him.


    Jian Huan reopened the book and replied matter-of-factly, "An erotic book."


    Shen Jizhi, "¡­I know what it is."


    Jian Huan, "Then why did you ask?"


    Shen Jizhi, "¡­"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s voice faltered as he looked down, "Cultivators shouldn¡¯t be reading this."


    Jian Huan looked up at him, puzzled, "Cultivators can¡¯t read this? Fang Quan read and collected it. Besides, I¡¯m not a Buddhist cultivator¡ª"


    She paused, then added, "Some Buddhist cultivators are even more open than you."


    Ran Mu''er had told her that some Buddhist cultivators had quiteplicated rtionships with their partners.


    Shen Jizhi was momentarily at a loss for words, watching as Jian Huan flipped another page before finally saying, "I¡¯ve never¡­ engaged in such things."


    Jian Huan nodded absently, not looking up, "I know. Once you¡¯ve paid off your debts and have some money, you could find a partner for dual cultivation."


    Shen Jizhi, "?"


    Shen Jizhi clenched his fist slightly, lowering it behind his back, "Have you thought about this?"


    If she hadn¡¯t thought about it herself, why would she suggest such a¡­ thing to him?


    Jian Huan nodded, "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi, "??"


    Thinking of her future ns, Jian Huan put the book down and gazed ahead, her eyes filled with longing.


    She rested her chin on her hands, "Once I¡¯ve built my house, be a Jade rity Sect elder, and have a million spare spirit stones, I can start enjoying life."


    Shen Jizhi, "Finding a partner is part of your enjoyment?"


    Jian Huan waved her hand, "It¡¯s just one possibility, not a must. I¡¯m just saying, if I meet someone good-looking and suitable, I wouldn¡¯t refuse."


    She wasn¡¯t against marriage, but she wasn¡¯t against desire either.


    After all, food and lust are human nature.


    A strange emotion lodged itself in Shen Jizhi''s chest, and he chuckled dryly, "You think that just because someone is good-looking and suitable, why would they choose you?"


    Jian Huan straightened her back confidently, "Because I have money."


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t entirely convinced, "And you¡¯d be willing to spend it?"


    Jian Huan looked at him, her expression one of exasperation, as if she were dealing with a hopeless case, "By then, I¡¯ll have plenty of money. Why wouldn¡¯t I be willing to spend it?"


    Shen Jizhi fell silent, standing still for a moment before abruptly turning and walking away.


    Jian Huan was baffled. What was his deal? He showed up out of nowhere, and now he¡¯s leaving just as suddenly.


    She called out, "Hey, Shen Jizhi, did youe here for something?"


    Shen Jizhi paused mid-step.


    He had indeede to see her for a reason, but the conversation had taken an unexpected turn.


    His tone was calm and detached, "I just wanted to let you know that while you¡¯ve been reading those books, Yang Ye and the others have already made progress."


    Jian Huan was stunned, "What?!"


    With a loud thud, she tossed theic book aside and rushed upstairs without another word.


    Shen Jizhi remained where he was, watching her hurried departure. His eyshes fluttered slightly, veiling the unreadable glint in his eyes.


    He truly hadn¡¯t expected her to think that way.


    Once she had money, she¡¯d go looking for a partner, huh?


    Not bad.

 Chapter 48

    Earlier at Gong Feihong''s ce, everyone had agreed to search for their own treasures in the treasure hall and not to divide them equally anymore.


    So, after entering Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall, the five of them split up.


    Two quarters of an hour earlier, on the second floor of Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall.


    Yin Yusheng emerged from a room, gently rubbing his temples, looking somewhat weary.


    After searching for a long time, he hadn''t found anything useful.


    Nearby, Yang Ye''s frustrated voice came from a room: "Why do you keep dragging me into this room?"


    His spirit pig was stubbornly tugging at his clothes, anxiously grunting and pulling him towards the corner.


    Yang Ye was helpless.


    Ever since the spirit pig woke up, it had been circling this room.


    He had initially thought there might be something hidden here, but after searching thoroughly, he found nothing.


    Yin Yusheng walked in and asked, "Junior Brother Yang, what''s going on?"


    Yang Ye briefly exined the situation.


    Yin Yusheng pondered for a moment and said, "Your spirit beast must have sensed something."


    "But I really didn''t find anything," Yang Ye said with a dark expression, using his leg to push the pig away. "Senior Brother, do you have any ideas?"


    Yin Yusheng replied gently, "Let me take a look."


    He carefully inspected the area but also found nothing.


    "Let''s take a break," Yin Yusheng sighed, sitting down on the floor and taking out his alchemy furnace and materials to make fasting paste.


    The spirit pig, seeing this, immediately rushed over and stood guard in front of the furnace.


    Yang Ye sat down beside him, leaning back on his hands. "Senior Brother Yin, do you think we might have wasted those ten days of digging?"


    Yin Yusheng smiled. "Not necessarily. We probably just haven''t found the right method. Once the fasting paste is ready, we''ll call the others and discuss what to do next."


    Yang Ye nodded. "True."


    Yin Yusheng added, "Even if we don''t find anything in the treasure hall, we still have the Silver Trace Grass and the demon core, which far exceed our expectations."


    Yang Ye sat up straight. "Senior Brother, your Dao heart is steadier than mine."


    Yin Yusheng shook his head with a smile. "I''m just older and have experienced more."


    As they chatted, Wen Jiu, who was passing by, paused and looked at the alchemy furnace before silently entering the room.


    Yin Yusheng greeted her, "Junior Sister Wen."


    Yang Ye also greeted, "Senior Sister."


    Wen Jiu nodded slightly and found a spot to sit.


    She nced around at the piles of books, and her eyes lit up when she saw a poetry collection.


    It was amon poetry collection on the Nine Provinces Continent.


    Wen Jiu''s father was a teacher at a private school, and he had personally taught her this collection when she was young.


    Since joining the Jade rity Sect, Wen Jiu rarely returned home, and she seldom saw her parents.


    With a hint of nostalgia, she picked up the poetry collection and began flipping through it while quietly listening to Yin Yusheng and Yang Ye talk about the Jade rity Sect.


    She turned the pages slowly, one by one.


    The aroma of the fasting paste gradually wafted from the alchemy furnace. After turning over thirty pages, Wen Jiu''s hand suddenly paused.


    On the page she was looking at, in the corner, there was a tiny line of text written in needlepoint script: [In room West Three on the second floor, lightly tap the bookshelf in the following ces to obtain a sword manual.]


    Wen Jiu suddenly stood up.


    Yin Yusheng and Yang Ye, who were in the middle of their conversation, stopped and looked at her in surprise.


    Yin Yusheng asked, "Junior Sister Wen, what''s wrong?"


    Wen Jiu showed them the page. The three of them exchanged nces.


    Yin Yusheng grabbed the alchemy furnace, and the three of them quickly left the room and headed towards West Three.


    The spirit pig, unwilling to give up, followed them on its short legs.


    The tiny text in the poetry book was clear. Wen Jiu followed the instructions and lightly tapped the bookshelf in West Three with her spiritual energy.


    In the next moment, a hiddenpartment popped out from the corner of the wall.


    Wen Jiu went over and took out what was inside. Her face lit up with joy, and she eximed, "It''s the ''Lotus Heart Sword Manual (Volume Five)''!"


    Seeing this, Yin Yusheng and Yang Ye were both happy for her.


    Although Wen Jiu hadn''t spoken much these days, they knew she had always looked up to Elder Lotus Heart.


    She had also been practicing the Lotus Heart Sword.


    Yin Yusheng congratted her with a smile, "It''s truly fortunate to have found the original manuscript of the Lotus Heart Sword Manual."


    Wen Jiu''s smile faded slightly. She hesitated for a moment and then whispered, "I... I probably won''t keep it..."


    Yang Ye raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"


    Wen Jiu hesitated again and then said softly, "I... need money."


    The ''Lotus Heart Sword Manual'' consists of seven volumes, written by Elder Lotus Heart of the Jade rity Sect a thousand years ago. However, due to some mishaps, the original manuscripts were lost. Although Elder Lotus Heart''s disciplester reconstructed the manual from memory, the Jade rity Sect has been collecting the original manuscripts.


    In other words, the original manuscript Wen Jiu found could be sold to the Jade rity Sect''s library for about ten thousand spirit stones!


    Everyone: "..."


    Yin Yusheng looked at the spirit pig by his feet and said, "Let''s go back and search the books in that room again. Maybe we''ll find more hidden clues."


    The three of them immediately got to work.


    Sure enough, after that, Yang Ye and Yin Yusheng flipped through five or six books and found some items.


    What they found wasn''t as valuable as Wen Jiu''s discovery, but it was still good.


    Yin Yusheng put the spirit herb he found in the hiddenpartment into his Mustard Seed Pouch and called out to Shen Jizhi, who was passing by. He briefly exined the situation: "Brother Shen, go and tell Junior Sister Jian. The three of us found these items in this room. If you can''t find anything elsewhere,e and search here too."


    The night in the treasure hall grew quieter.


    The spirit pig curled up beside Yang Ye, its belly exposed as it slept soundly, snoring softly.


    Today, it was content.


    Everyone had fed it half of their fasting paste, and it felt that its pig life wasplete.


    Near the spirit pig, the five of them¡ªJian Huan, Yin Yusheng, Yang Ye, Wen Jiu, and Shen Jizhi¡ªwere focused, their hands moving quickly as they flipped through the pages of the books.


    Several reluctant cultivators came up from below, eyeing the room with greedy intentions as they passed by.


    For wealth, men would die; for food, birds would perish. Although the five of them were strong and had killed the three brothers with the highest cultivation level on this journey, if the remaining cultivators joined forces, it wasn''t impossible for them to seed.


    However, when Jian Huan took out the ''Jade rity Sect''s token'' and hung the exquisite and valuable token on the door, those thoughts instantly vanished.


    Five disciples of the Jade rity Sect...


    If all five of them perished in this secret realm, the others would likely be hunted down by the Jade rity Sect sooner orter.


    Forget it, they all left to search other rooms, but the books in those rooms didn''t seem to have any clues.


    Yang Ye watched as a cultivator carefully examined the token on the door, quickly bowed to them, and then left. He couldn''t help but whisper, "Do you think if we hung a real token, they would assume we were impersonating Jade rity Sect disciples?"


    Yin Yusheng nodded. "Yes, I''ve tried it before."


    He had once shown a real token, but no one believed him at the time.


    The two senior brothers chatted for a while, slowing down their pace of flipping through the books, even considering taking a break.


    They had been reading so much that they were a bit tired.


    But the other three were flipping through the books faster and more intently, not even joining their conversation.


    Shen Jizhi and Wen Jiu were one thing, but even Jian Huan, who usually liked to chat, hadn''t said a word all night.


    Yin Yusheng and Yang Ye exchanged helpless nces and continued flipping through the books.


    Time passed slowly, and suddenly, Jian Huan''s eyes focused.


    She immediately sat up straight, bringing the book closer to her eyes. Sure enough, there was a line of tiny, cute text: [In room West Nine on the second floor, a piece of fourth-grade spirit iron. Open the hiddenpartment to find the next book.]


    The next book?


    Jian Huan quickly flipped the book over, nced at the title, and started searching through the pile of books for the next one.


    Yin Yusheng asked curiously, "Junior Sister Jian, what are you looking for?"


    Jian Huan replied quickly, "''The Art of Pottery Making, Part Two.'' Have you seen this book?"


    Yin Yusheng: "No."


    Yang Ye looked at the book in his hand: "I don''t have it either."


    Wen Jiu shook her head.


    Shen Jizhi slowly looked up, holding up a book he had just flipped through a few pages of: "This one?"


    Jian Huan''s hand paused. She looked up, her eyesnding on the cover, and they instantly sparkled with excitement. She reached out to grab it: "Yes, that''s it!"


    Shen Jizhi reacted quickly, raising the book high to avoid her grasp.


    He raised an eyebrow slightly. Though he didn''t speak, his eyes conveyed the message clearly.


    Want it for free? No way.


    Jian Huan closed her eyes and sat up straight. "Same as before, half for each, okay?"


    Shen Jizhi quickly flipped through the book in his hand and soon found a line of tiny text, which exined how to tap the bookshelf, but it didn''t specify which room''s bookshelf.


    If it were any other time, splitting something fifty-fifty wouldn¡¯t have been an issue.


    But tonight, Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t want to share equally.


    He didn¡¯t know why he felt this way, but he just didn¡¯t want to.


    Shen Jizhi shook his head. ¡°No.¡±


    Jian Huan was taken aback by his refusal, her expression faltering slightly. ¡°No?¡±


    Shen Jizhi closed the book in his hand, his gaze settling on Jian Huan¡¯s face as he calmly proposed, ¡°Let¡¯s exchange books. Whoever grabs it first gets it.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°?¡±


    Did he think he could outmatch her and take all the spirit iron for himself?


    Without hesitation, Jian Huan got up, brushing off the faint dust from flipping through the book. She tilted her chin up confidently. ¡°Fine, bring it on!¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to share with him either!


    The two exchanged books. Jian Huan received the second volume but didn¡¯t rush to open it. Instead, she summoned her green bamboo staff and shot out of the room, heading straight for West Chamber Nine.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t even bother looking. He simply chased after her.


    The two left in such a hurry that the gust of wind they created even startled the spirit pig awake from its slumber.


    Yang Ye quickly reached out to soothe the little pig, puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t they supposed to be family? Why are they fighting like this? Doesn¡¯t it all end up in the same pocket anyway?¡±


    Yin Yusheng chimed in, ¡°But don¡¯t you think they¡¯ve been acting strange since they arrived? It feels like they¡¯re having a spat.¡±


    Wen Jiu nodded in agreement. She felt the same way.


    Yang Ye shrugged. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    Jian Huan sensed something was off the moment she saw Shen Jizhi chasing after her.


    Without hesitation, she ducked into a random room, standing in front of a bookshelf and flipping through a book.


    Shen Jizhi entered and lightly tapped the bookshelf with his sword. But after one tap, he noticed Jian Huan remained unfazed.


    This wasn¡¯t the right room.


    He sheathed his sword, flipping through the pages of a book until he found the information he needed.


    Meanwhile, Jian Huan was memorizing aplex sequence of taps. Seeing Shen Jizhi¡¯s progress, her eyelids twitched, and she immediately lunged forward to block his path.


    But Shen Jizhi was annoyingly nimble, slipping past her like a fish through water without even touching her.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, secured the book in her arms, and gave chase.


    In West Chamber Nine, Shen Jizhi had already reached the bookshelf and was about to make the first tap.


    Jian Huan raised her hand, and the green bamboo staffshed out mercilessly toward his back.


    The staff, borrowed from Elder Yu Qing, was no ordinary weapon, and Shen Jizhi swiftly dodged.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t go for the bookshelf. Before she could tap it, she needed to incapacitate Shen Jizhi.


    She pursed her lips, her eyes glinting as she prepared a paralysis talisman hidden in her sleeve.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze fell on her concealed hand.


    Though he couldn¡¯t see her movements, after spending so much time together, he knew exactly what she was nning.


    Without hesitation, Shen Jizhi closed the distance between them.


    He knew all too well the weakness of a talisman user.


    If he stayed close enough, they wouldn¡¯t have the time or space to use their talismans.


    Every talisman Jian Huan threw out, Shen Jizhi sliced apart.


    For a moment, fragments of yellow talisman paper fluttered in the air, falling before their eyes and slightly obscuring their vision.


    Seeing the talismans she had spent money on destroyed one after another, Jian Huan¡¯s eyes burned with anger. She gritted her teeth. ¡°Shen! Ji! Zhi!¡±


    Even her battle with the Shadowless Hand¡¯s puppet hadn¡¯t been this frustrating.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s footwork was faster than hers. She tried to create distance between them, but it was impossible.


    Without distance, she couldn¡¯t use her green bamboo staff to form an array around Shen Jizhi.


    Every tricky angle she tried to throw a talisman from was countered by Shen Jizhi.


    He could predict every move she made. He knew her too well.


    When they teamed up against others, this deep understanding allowed them to coordinate seamlessly.


    But in a fight between them, this familiarity worked against Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan looked into Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes and suddenly said, ¡°You think you¡¯re the only one who knows me?¡±


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t respond. His fingers formed a seal, and a locking spell was about to take effect.


    This spell would bind the target¡¯s limbs with spiritual ropes, rendering them immobile. The duration depended on both Shen Jizhi¡¯s and Jian Huan¡¯s cultivation levels.


    Since Jian Huan¡¯s cultivation was slightly higher than his, the spell wouldn¡¯tst long.


    But it would be enough for him to retrieve the spirit iron.


    Jian Huan had been trying to create distance, but now, seeing his hand seal, she gritted her teeth and did the opposite¡ªshe closed the gap.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes widened as he realized her n and tried to dodge.


    But it was toote.


    Jian Huan threw herself into his arms.


    Her soft body pressed against his, her hair brushing against his neck.


    The strands of hair swayed with the wind, sending ripples through him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s body stiffened instantly.


    Jian Huan clung to him tightly, a sly smile spreading across her face.


    With a flick of her wrist, a yellow talisman appeared, and she gently stuck it to his back.


    Feeling the man in her arms gopletely rigid, Jian Huan leaned in and whispered in his ear, her tone triumphant, ¡°You lose, Shen Jizhi.¡±


    With that, she let go of Shen Jizhi and kicked him away.


    With a loud thud, Shen Jizhinded in a pile of scattered books.


    Dust flew up around him, and the fragments of talisman paper that had settled on the books fluttered into the air once more.


    His limbs were immobile, but his brown eyes could still move.


    He stared at the figure standing by the bookshelf.


    Jian Huan leisurely flipped through the book, following the instructions to tap the shelf and retrieve a piece of spirit iron from the hiddenpartment.


    It wasn¡¯t veryrge, about the size of a palm, and it felt smooth and cool to the touch.


    She walked over, her peach-pink skirt swaying gently, and stopped in front of Shen Jizhi, who was lying on the ground. She leaned down, looking at him with a smile.


    ¡°Shen Jizhi, oh Shen Jizhi,¡± Jian Huan sighed, tossing the spirit iron in her hand. ¡°If only you¡¯d agreed to split it fifty-fifty from the start.¡±


    Shen Jizhi simply watched her in silence.


    Paralyzed by the talisman, he couldn¡¯t speak.


    Jian Huan straightened up, stored the spirit iron in her Mustard Seed Pouch, then bent down to flip Shen Jizhi over and remove the talisman from his back.


    His stiff body rxed.


    Shen Jizhi let out a low groan, pushed himself up from the pile of books, and stood.


    Jian Huan had already turned to leave, her steps light and joyful, her skirt swaying with every skip, like a fluttering butterfly.


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and called out, ¡°Jian Huan.¡±


    Jian Huan stopped and turned to look at him, her brows raised in delight, her voice almost floating. ¡°What?¡±


    For some reason, snatching the spirit iron from him felt even more satisfying than acquiring it any other way.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s expression was calm. ¡°You¡¯ll need a long time to build your house, be an elder, and save up millions of spirit stones.¡±


    Jian Huan tilted her head slightly. ¡°I know, but every journey starts with a single step.¡±


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°True.¡±


    Jian Huan gloated, trying tofort him. ¡°It¡¯s just a piece of spirit iron. Don¡¯t take it too hard. Wins and losses are part of life. Maybe you should go back and read more books, huh?¡±


    With that, she gracefully stepped over the threshold and disappeared from view.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t leave.


    The room was inplete disarray, books scattered all over the floor in chaotic piles.


    Shen Jizhi bent down, picking up each book one by one, smoothing out the pages meticulously, and cing them neatly back on the shelves.


    He was tidying up the books, but he was doing more than that.

 Chapter 49

    He seemed a bit off tonight.


    No, this unease had started earlier.


    The real yet illusory starry sky was just outside the window, within arm¡¯s reach.


    Moonlight boldly streamed through the intricately carved window, casting a soft glow on the floor.


    Shen Jizhi crouched on the ground, his left foot forward and his right leg slightly bent.


    He reached out, picking up the books one by one, stacking them into a small pile on his knee.


    His expression was calm, his focus unwavering, seemingly no different from usual.


    But no one knew that countless memories were shing through his mind like the shadows of trees whipping past during a sword flight.


    His face was slightly pale.


    After a while, as if unable to bear the weight, Shen Jizhi leaned forward slightly.


    The small stack of books on his knee toppled over like a row of dominoes, copsingpletely.


    Shen Jizhi propped himself up with one hand on the ground, the other covering his forehead and eyes.


    The moonlight gently enveloped him, and he remained in this position, almost like a stone statue.


    A long timeter, the statue let out a soft sigh, the sound mingling with the moonlight, carried by the wind, drifting out the window, reaching every corner of the secret realm, knocking loose every leaf about to fall, and burying itself in every grain of dust on the ground.


    ¡­¡­


    Jian Huan, who had just found another clue, hurried past but suddenly stopped and turned back, looking suspicious. "No way, Shen Jizhi, are you really that upset by me?"


    Losing half a piece of spirit iron worth tens of thousands was indeed painful, but it shouldn¡¯t lead to such despair, right?


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t that kind of person.


    After all, he was the man who could calmly admit to owing two million.


    Hearing her voice, Shen Jizhi lowered his hand, hiding his thoughts, and denied, "No."


    Jian Huan: "Then what are you doing here?" Normally, shouldn¡¯t he be back searching for books?


    Shen Jizhi nced up at her, sidestepping the question. "Thinking about some things."


    Jian Huan, curious, asked, "What things?"


    Shen Jizhi silently looked at her, saying nothing.


    But his meaning was clear: what he was thinking about was none of her business.


    Though Jian Huan couldn¡¯t imagine what could be so important to think about at such a critical moment in their treasure hunt, it truly wasn¡¯t her concern, especially since she was in a hurry.


    Jian Huan: "Alright then."


    With those two words, she quickly left.


    After Jian Huan left, Shen Jizhi let out a soft exhale.


    He shook his head, about to get up and leave, but suddenly paused.


    Due to his earlier movements, several books were scattered around him.


    One of them had suffered a particrly unfortunate fate¡ªits pages had flipped open during the fall, and the right half was pressed under another book, leaving a noticeable crease.


    Near the crease, the character for ¡®flower¡¯ was circled meticulously.


    Shen Jizhi frowned and quickly picked up the book.


    Unlike other books with hidden clues, this page only had the circled ¡®flower¡¯ character, with nothing else marked.


    Shen Jizhi flipped through the book from front to back but found no other useful information.


    He picked up a few other books from the floor and skimmed through them, but still found nothing.


    "Flower?" Shen Jizhi stood up with the book in hand, his gaze sweeping the room, then suddenly focused.


    On the nearby wall was arge painting of a spring forest scene.


    In the spring, under the shade of green trees, vibrant flower buds dotted thendscape, and a man practiced swordy in the woods.


    Such paintings weremon throughout Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall, appearing in every room, seemingly nothing special.


    But this room had a book with a circled ¡®flower¡¯ character.


    Fang Quan, the master of the treasure hall, loved hiding clues in books. The room where the spirit pig refused to leave must have something hidden, though the five of them hadn¡¯t yet discovered what attracted the pig.


    They hade to this room because they found a clue about spirit iron in the spirit pig¡¯s room.


    Spirit iron was the most important material for forging swords.


    Sword.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Flower.


    Shen Jizhi had a vague suspicion.


    After a moment of contemtion, his snow sword unsheathed and soared into the air. He swung the sword, striking the flower buds on the wall painting in various sequences¡ªleft to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top¡ªbut nothing happened.


    Finally, he tried the sequence used to open the spirit ironpartment.


    As Shen Jizhi struck thest flower bud, the spring forest painting on the wall lit up with a golden glow.


    In the next moment, the book in Shen Jizhi¡¯s hand fell to the ground, and he vanished from the room.


    The clue Jian Huan had found this time wasn¡¯t particrly valuable¡ªa seventh-grade spirit herb.


    But she still carefully ced it in her Mustard Seed Pouch and hurried back on her bamboo stick. As she passed the room where they had found the spirit iron, she instinctively nced inside.


    But there was no one there.


    Shen Jizhi must have gone back.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t think much of it and returned to where Yin Yusheng and the others were, but Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t there either.


    She found it strange and asked, "Where¡¯s Shen Jizhi?"


    The other three shook their heads.


    Yang Ye, who was feeling dizzy from reading, lowered his book to reveal a tired face. "Brother Shen went out with you earlier to look for the spirit iron, didn¡¯t he?"


    Yin Yusheng added, "And he hasn¡¯te back since. Did you two have a fight?"


    "No," Jian Huan shook her head.


    The argument over the spirit iron didn¡¯t count as a fight or a quarrel in Jian Huan¡¯s eyes¡ªit was just normalpetition.


    Jian Huan scratched her head, her brow furrowed. She lifted her skirt and sat back down among the piles of books, picking up another one to flip through as she muttered, "He¡¯s been acting weird tonight, and now he¡¯s disappeared¡­"


    Wen Jiu put down his book, a look of concern on his face, and asked softly, "You couldn¡¯t find him?"


    "Not exactly. I saw him earlier when I went, but he was gone when I came back," Jian Huan shook her head, refocusing. "Never mind, let¡¯s not worry about him."


    The other three exchanged nces but said nothing more.


    Time passed as the pages turned, and Jian Huan found another clue.


    She immediately stood up, found the item, and then wandered around a bit.


    Jian Huan still didn¡¯t see Shen Jizhi.


    On her way, she happened to run into another cultivator and stopped them to ask, "Have you seen that male sword cultivator who¡¯s with us? The tallest and most handsome one."


    The cultivator shook their head, looking confused. "No, I haven¡¯t."


    Jian Huan frowned, feeling that something was wrong.


    First, it was strange that Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯t returned to continue searching for books after the spirit iron dispute.


    Now, she had searched the entire Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall and still couldn¡¯t find him, which was even more unusual.


    Based on her understanding of him, Shen Jizhi would never leave the treasure hall at such a time!


    Could he have encountered some danger?


    Jian Huan quickly returned to the room where she hadst seen Shen Jizhi.


    Half of the bookshelf had been organized by him, but the other half of the books were still scattered on the floor.


    Jian Huan held her bamboo stick and wandered around the room, her eyes scanning the area.


    Suddenly, she turned sharply.


    Behind her was therge spring forest painting. Jian Huan had seen over a dozen such paintings in the treasure hall, and the figure practicing swordy under the tree was none other than Fang Quan, who boasted of being the strongest sword cultivator in the Nine Provinces.


    But in this room¡¯s painting, next to Fang Quan, there was another figure.


    This figure was a head taller than Fang Quan, with his hair tied up with a wooden hairpin, wearing the ck-to-dark-blue gradient robe he had obtained from Shadowless Hand.


    Shen Jizhi was quite vain. Though he didn¡¯t buy his own clothes, he changed them frequently. Earlier, when they were digging, he wasn¡¯t wearing this outfit, nor was he when they entered Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall. Later, when Jian Huan saw him on the first floor of the hall, he was wearing this robe.


    She had no idea when he had found the time to change in the midst of everything.


    The painting only had a few strokes for the facial features, so it was impossible to recognize him by his face.


    But this robe¡ªJian Huan knew it all too well.


    Jian Huan: "!"


    Oh my god, Shen Jizhi turned into a mural!


    In the room where only half the bookshelf had been organized, the four of them stood before the mural, deep in thought.


    The rooms in Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall had no doors, and asionally, passing cultivators would curiously peek in, only to be chased away by the spirit pig guarding the entrance.


    Jian Huan stood with one hand on her waist and the other on her chin, absentmindedly biting her fingernails.


    After discovering that Shen Jizhi had turned into a mural, Jian Huan had found the book that had fallen to the ground and seen the circled ¡®flower¡¯ character. She had also tried poking the flowers on the mural with her bamboo stick in various sequences, including the one used to obtain the spirit iron, but the mural remained unchanged.


    Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯te out, and she hadn¡¯t been able to enter.


    Jian Huan turned her head, ncing at Wen Jiu on her left, who wore a look of surprise, then at Yang Ye on her right, who also seemed puzzled, and finally at Yin Yusheng, who appeared deep in thought.


    Jian Huan let go, and with a thought, a bamboo stick materialized in her hand.


    She held the stick, poking it lightly at the mural of Shen Jizhi, and asked Yin Yusheng with uncertainty, "Senior Brother Yin, is he... alive or dead?"


    Yin Yusheng, the eldest of the five at twenty-six, wore a white robe. Hearing her question, he calmly exined, "Don¡¯t worry, Junior Sister Jian. Brother Shen is fine, and we should congratte him in advance. I¡¯ve heard the elders mention this before¡ªsome powerful figures leave their legacies in this manner. Brother Shen is likely inside the mural, learning swordsmanship from Fang Quan."


    "I see," Jian Huan breathed a slight sigh of relief.


    Shen Jizhi couldn¡¯t die now. If he did, what would happen to her 100,000 spirit stones?


    Wen Jiu¡¯s eyes filled with envy as she murmured softly, "How wonderful."


    Yang Ye also sighed, "Such an opportunity isn¡¯t something you can measure with spirit stones."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan moved her bamboo stick to Shen Jizhi¡¯s face, which was just a few steps away, and poked his cheek fiercely. She snorted lightly, "He¡¯s certainly lucky."


    Now she understood why he had stayed behind even after she had taken all the spirit iron.


    He hadn¡¯t been thinking about anything¡ªhe¡¯d clearly discovered the secret of this ce!


    Yin Yusheng said, "Let¡¯s go. He¡¯s safe inside the mural and wille out once he¡¯s finished learning."


    The four of them left, continuing to search through the books.


    In the following days, whenever Jian Huan came across the lowest-grade seventh-tier treasures, she would make her way to the room where Shen Jizhi was and tap his head with her bamboo stick, saying, "Study hard, Shen Jizhi. Pay off your debt soon, Shen Jizhi."

 Chapter 50

    The night passed, and the sky began to lighten with the pale hues of dawn. A cold blue morning light spilled through the window, falling on the pages of the book resting on Jian Huan''sp.


    Jian Huan leaned against the windowsill, yawning sleepily as she gradually slowed her pace of flipping through the pages.


    Cultivators could endure sleepless nights better than ordinary people and wouldn¡¯t drop dead from exhaustion. But staying up too long still made them tired and drowsy.


    Nearby, Yang Ye and Wen Jiu were curled up against the wall. Unable to stay awake any longer, they had been asleep for half an hour.


    Yin Yusheng, his handsome face slightly pale, nced at the sky. Following the instructions Yang Ye and Wen Jiu had given before they fell asleep, he got up and gently woke them.


    Wen Jiu rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep, and murmured, ¡°Is it morning already¡­?¡±


    It felt like she had just closed her eyes.


    Hearing this, Yin Yusheng smiled. ¡°You went to sleep quitete. If you¡¯re still tired, you can rest a little longer.¡±


    Wen Jiu shook her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. She got up, holding herrge ck sword. ¡°I¡¯ll go practice my sword techniques first.¡±


    Once her body was warmed up and the drowsiness was gone, she would return to continue reading.


    Yang Ye was also woken up. He ced his hands behind his back, his face expressionless as he stared at the ceiling.


    It had been half a month since they entered this secret realm, and he hadn¡¯t had a good night''s sleep.


    Meanwhile, the pig beside him was sound asleep, a small puddle of drool on the ground.


    He had worked tirelessly to buy high-quality spirit pig feed for this creature, and here it was, sleeping without a care in the world.


    Yang Ye snorted inwardly, reaching out to rub the pig from head to tail.


    The pig woke up with a series of grunts, its little hooves pping Yang Ye¡¯s hand as it bared its teeth in a threatening manner.


    Yang Ye pulled his hand back with a dark expression.


    ¡°Oink, oink, oink.¡± The spirit pig got up, shook itself, and trotted over to the mural in the room. It rubbed itself against the wall from left to right and back again, leaving a trail of drool.


    Jian Huan¡¯s gaze followed the pig.


    The mural in the room depicted a spring scene in a forest. The four of them were certain there was something hidden within it.


    But they hadn¡¯t found any clues to open the wall. Using spiritual energy to attack it was useless. Even the delicate vases in the hall were firmly fixed to their stands, unmovable no matter how hard they were struck.


    The only things that could be moved in the entire hall were the books.


    After all, the hall¡¯s owner had said¡ª¡®Books are priceless. Read more.¡¯


    Jian Huan reached the end of the book in her hands but found nothing of use.


    She closed it with a snap, tossed it onto the pile of books she had already read, and walked over to the mural.


    Crossing her arms, she tilted her head back and gazed at it thoughtfully. Then she turned and asked, ¡°Why is it that only the books in this room contain clues?¡±


    Yin Yusheng and Yang Ye approached, stopping beside Jian Huan.


    Wen Jiu, who had returned after warming up with a few sword moves in the hall, also gathered around.


    Yin Yusheng continued Jian Huan¡¯s train of thought. ¡°Could that itself be a hint?¡±


    Yang Ye stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming. ¡°I have a feeling there¡¯s something extraordinary behind this wall.¡±


    Wen Jiu thought for a moment but didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, she stepped forward and swung her ck sword.


    Having found the *Lotus Heart Sword Manual* in the hall, she had practiced a few moves from it earlier that morning. Now, she was using the *Lotus Heart Sword* technique.


    Most inner disciples of the Jade rity Sect had learned the *Lotus Heart Sword* to some extent. Wen Jiu had known it since her early years and greatly admired the Lotus Heart Elder from a thousand years ago, though she rarely used it.


    The *Lotus Heart Sword* was subtle yet sharp, a stark contrast to Wen Jiu¡¯s usual sword style, which was more along the lines of ¡®a single sword chilling fourteen provinces.¡¯


    Even though Wen Jiu had learned the *Lotus Heart Sword*, she could only execute the moves without truly understanding its essence. Her true masteryy in the Frostpeak¡¯s Frostpeak Sword.


    At this moment, she was simply swinging the sword on a whim. She had struck the wall before, but nothing had happened.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, as soon as Wen Jiu¡¯s sword struck the wall, the mural flickered with a faint light.


    Startled, they all moved closer and noticed that the flower buds in the painting had be more vibrant, and even the spring in the image seemed brighter.


    Yin Yusheng looked at Wen Jiu. ¡°What sword technique did you just use? I¡¯ve never seen you use it before.¡±


    Wen Jiu was also stunned. Under the gaze of the other three, she replied, ¡°The *Lotus Heart Sword*.¡±


    ¡°The *Lotus Heart Sword*¡­¡± Yin Yusheng repeated, his expression thoughtful.


    Jian Huan narrowed her eyes, remembering something. ¡°Do you remember which town this secret realm is near?¡±


    The four of them looked at each other and said in unison, ¡°Lotus Square Town!¡±


    ¡°The ¡®Lotus¡¯ from Lotus Heart, and the ¡®Square¡¯ from Fang Quan,¡± Jian Huan said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°Could it be that the Lotus Heart Elder and Fang Quan were a couple a thousand years ago?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Wen Jiu shook her head, frowning slightly as she recalled. ¡°The Lotus Heart Elder was devoted to the sword and never had a partner. I¡¯ve also never heard of Fang Quan.¡±


    The Lotus Heart Elder was well-known across the Nine Provinces Continent. A thousand years ago, during the great demon uprising, she was one of the main forces in the battle and ultimately fell in that war.


    After that, the Nine Provinces enjoyed nearly a thousand years of peace until the demons returned a century ago.


    In the world, yin and yang coexist. As long as people exist, some hearts will inevitably turn to evil, and demons will never bepletely eradicated. But the righteous path has nevercked heroes.


    The Lotus Heart Elder was one such hero. Her portrait hung in the Jade rity Sect¡¯s library, and Jian Huan had seen it.


    The current master of Lotus Heart Peak was the grand-disciple of the Lotus Heart Elder, and her legacy had continued uninterrupted in the Jade rity Sect and the Nine Provinces.


    But Fang Quan was a nobody. If they hadn¡¯t entered Fang Quan¡¯s Treasure Hall, they wouldn¡¯t have known that a thousand years ago, there was a schr who loved books.


    ¡°Yang Ye, do you know the origin of Lotus Square Town?¡± Jian Huan asked.


    When they were still outside, they had divided tasks among themselves, and Yang Ye had been responsible for gathering information.


    Yang Ye thought carefully. ¡°I did hear a storyteller mention it in a teahouse. He said that although Lotus Square Town is small, it has a long history, dating back a thousand years. Back then, it was called Fang Family Vige, but for some reason, it waster renamed Lotus Square Town.¡±


    ¡°Probably changed by Fang Quan,¡± Jian Huan spected. ¡°Fang Quan likely admired the Lotus Heart Elder.¡±


    When it came to the Lotus Heart Elder, Wen Jiu had more to say. ¡°Many people admired the Lotus Heart Elder.¡±


    Fang Quan was just one of them.


    ¡°In that case, why don¡¯t you try the *Lotus Heart Sword* again, Wen Jiu, and see if it has any other effects,¡± Yin Yusheng suggested.


    Hearing this, Jian Huan and the others stepped back, and Wen Jiu moved forward once more.


    But after Wen Jiu finished practicing a set of *Lotus Heart Sword* techniques in front of the mural, nothing extraordinary happened except for the flowers bing more colorful.


    Wen Jiu was panting. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and stepped back, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s not working anymore.¡±


    ¡°Strange, but how did Shen Jizhi manage to get in?¡± Jian Huan wondered. After a moment of thought, she stepped forward, unwilling to give up. ¡°Let me try.¡±


    Jian Huan summoned her green bamboo stick, levitated slightly, and began testing the mural¡¯s password.


    From left to right? No.


    From right to left? No.


    Top left to bottom right? No.


    Spirit iron password? No.


    ¡­


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shended, breathing slightly heavily, and shook her head at the others. ¡°Still nothing.¡±


    Yin Yusheng said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s keep reading the books. There should be something in them.¡±


    Wen Jiu and Yang Ye nodded, and the four of them returned to the pile of books.


    Jian Huan picked up a book but didn¡¯t open it.


    She felt like she was missing something.


    She remained still, lowering her head and closing her eyes as she began to retrace their steps from the day they entered the secret realm.


    First, they rescued three people from the wolves, then teamed up to deceive the three brothers, went to the Wolf King¡¯s Den, and then dug a tunnel¡­


    Digging the tunnel.


    That was it.


    Why did they dig the tunnel? Because she had seen those hiddenpartments with intricate mechanisms.


    She had read about that kind of formation in a treasure-hunting book in the library. That book was so old that it would fall apart if not handled carefully. Perhaps Fang Quan had also read it and used the treasure-hiding formation from it.


    Once the formation was activated, they entered Fang Quan¡¯s Treasure Hall.


    In the hall, only the books in this room contained clues.


    Why were there clues only in this room?


    Because this room likely hid the second door. Hopefully, Fang Quan¡¯s Treasure Hall used the same key for all its doors.


    Jian Huan opened her eyes, her gaze as bright as stars. She stood up decisively. ¡°I¡¯ll try one more time!¡±


    She returned to the mural, holding her green bamboo stick. Her pink skirt fluttered in front of the spring scene painting, glowing in the rising sun.


    Yin Yusheng and the others exchanged nces and followed her.


    After tapping thest flower, Jian Huannded.


    The massive wall in front of them, like a heavy stone giant, awakened from its slumber at Jian Huan¡¯s call, slowly twisted its waist, revealing a passageway leading forward.


    While the four were still marveling, the spirit pig had already transformed into a small whirlwind and dashed into the narrow path.


    Yang Ye¡¯s eyelids twitched fiercely, and he immediately gave chase: ¡°Don¡¯t you dare run off! Yang Piggy! Wait for me!¡±


    The passage wasn¡¯t long, just a dozen or so steps, and at its end was a simple residential courtyard.


    The courtyard gate had already been knocked open by Yang Piggy. The first thing that caught their eyes was a garden. To the right was a small rockery pond, and to the left were several rows of densely packed spirit grass, with a stone table and four stone stools nearby.


    By the time the four hurried over, Yang Piggy had already rooted up the ground, a few stalks of spirit grass dangling from its mouth.


    Yang Ye grabbed the pig with one hand and pinched its snout with the other, trying to pull out the half-eaten grass, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot: ¡°Can you just eat anything here?¡±


    The spirit pig snorted angrily: ¡°Oink oink oink!¡±


    Yin Yusheng hurried over to take a look and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. No wonder your pig always circles this room. These spirit grasses are the main ingredients for making spirit beast feed.¡±


    Hearing this, Yang Ye breathed a sigh of relief.


    There was still plenty of spirit grass in the ground, and Yang Ye wasted no time. After worrying about the pig¡¯s reckless eating, he began to consider how to divide the treasures here.


    He directly discussed with Jian Huan and the others: ¡°I¡¯ll take these spirit grasses.¡± He pointed to the bedroom behind them, ¡°I won¡¯t go in there, how about that?¡±


    Jian Huan and the other two had no objections.


    In fact, they had to thank Yang Ye¡¯s spirit pig. If it hadn¡¯t been for the pig¡¯s gluttony, sniffing out the scent of pig grass through the incredibly sturdy wall, they wouldn¡¯t have discovered the secret of this room so quickly.


    After deciding on the division, Jian Huan and the other two began searching the main courtyard.


    The main courtyard had exactly three rooms, one for each of them. They would search one room and then switch, and what they found would depend entirely on their own skills and luck.


    Unfortunately, the rooms didn¡¯t contain many valuable items.


    It seemed that Fang Quan had simply hidden his living quarters behind this wall.


    Fang Quan¡¯s life wasn¡¯t much different from that of an ordinary person. His desk and bed were all ordinary items, and as he himself had said, the most valuable things in the room were the various books scattered everywhere.


    Jian Huan lifted the nket to take a look but found nothing, so she folded it back neatly.


    The group had an unspoken understanding, unwilling to disturb the arrangements of the ce.


    Finding nothing on the bed, Jian Huan moved to the dressing table.


    On the dressing table were various styles of futou hats. In the current Nine Provinces Continent, men mostly tied their hair, and wearing futou hats was a fashion from a thousand years ago.


    She sat down at the dressing table and rummaged around.


    On one side stood several books. Jian Huan casually picked them up and flipped through them.


    When she reached the third book, she found an orange talisman paper tucked inside.


    The front of the talisman paper didn¡¯t have any symbols but instead bore a few small characters:


    ¡¾To my dear friend Lotus Heart, from me¡¿


    Thest stroke of the character ¡°me¡± lingered for a long time, leaving a trace of umted ink.


    On some long-ago night, the master of the house sat at the dressing table, gazing out at the small garden, seemingly hesitating for a long time before ultimately not writing further.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He sighed softly and tucked the talisman paper into one of his favorite books.


    No one knows what he wanted to write at that time, and perhaps no one ever will.


    The mostly nk talisman papery there, faintly revealing the symbols on the other side.


    Jian Huan blinked lightly and turned the talisman paper over.


    The pattern of the symbols was familiar to her¡ªit was a teleportation talisman, but a few strokes were different from the ones she knew.


    Jian Huan frowned, about to examine it more closely, when the orange talisman paper in her fingers triggered something and activated on its own.


    A tremendous force pulled her in, and Jian Huan, caught off guard, vanished from the dressing table.


    The world within the mural was always a spring day with falling peach blossoms.


    Shen Jizhi had been here for a month, but how much time had passed in the real world? He couldn¡¯t be sure.


    Day after day, he followed Fang Quan in learning swordsmanship. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t thought about leaving, especially since Jian Huan and the others were still outside. But he couldn¡¯t find a way to leave.


    The spring scenery was splendid, and the ce where master and disciple practiced their swords daily was breathtakingly beautiful.


    Surrounded by towering green mountains, behind them stretched a ten-mile expanse of peach blossoms, and in fronty a sereneke.


    The pink peach trees reflected in the clearke, and as the spring breeze blew, it stirred ripples across the surface.


    The peach blossoms in the forest fell like rain, one wave after another, under the swordy of the master and disciple.


    Suddenly, Fang Quan, with his beard, sheathed his sword andnded on the ground.


    Shen Jizhi followed suit, though he was puzzled as to why Fang Quan had suddenly stopped. But he didn¡¯t ask, knowing Fang Quan would exin himself.


    Fang Quan turned to look at the disciple he had taken in a month ago.


    Shen Jizhi calmly returned his gaze: ¡°?¡±


    Fang Quan stroked his beard, his tone tinged with regret: ¡°¡­Master has been quite lonely here all by himself. When you came and became my disciple, I was quite happy, thinking things would get livelier. But why does it feel even quieter now than when I was alone?¡±


    Shen Jizhi reminded him: ¡°You didn¡¯t say you wanted a talkative disciple when you took me in.¡±


    Fang Quan shook his head and stroked his beard: ¡°Fine, fine, fine. You¡¯ve said it all, what else can I say?¡±


    Fang Quan picked up the futou hat he had taken off and stood by theke, using the water¡¯s surface to adjust it as he instructed, ¡°It seems someone has arrived outside the forest. Go and take a look, disciple.¡±


    Shen Jizhi was momentarily stunned.


    In the month he had been here, no one hade.


    Was it a figment of Fang Quan¡¯s memories, or was it Jian Huan and the others?


    Shen Jizhi bowed to Fang Quan and, without another word, disappeared into the depths of the peach forest.


    At the entrance of the peach forest, Jian Huan spat out the petals and dirt from her mouth and pushed herself up from the ground.


    She held her sore arm and looked around, her head tilted upward.


    The peach blossoms were in full bloom everywhere, their fragrance filling the air.


    Had she¡­ entered the mural as well?


    Jian Huan thought uncertainly.


    She took out her bamboo staff, her expression cautious, and slowly walked deeper into the peach forest.


    The vibrant peach blossoms carpeted the ground, soft underfoot.


    Ahead, the peach trees grew densely, their intertwined branches blocking the path forward.


    Jian Huan reached out, brushing the branches aside, and bent slightly to step through. But as she looked up, she paused.


    From among the peach trees, a ck-d, ponytailed youth walked out, a snow-white sword in his hand.


    The youth¡¯s features were naturally wless, as if the peach blossoms in the forest hade to life.


    When his amber-brown eyes met Jian Huan¡¯s, a subtle ripple passed through them. The corner of his lips lifted slightly, but he quickly smoothed it back into his usual expressionless demeanor.


    His stunning looks and cool demeanor created a strange yet harmonious bnce.


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned, unsure for a moment. She instinctively tightened her grip on the bamboo staff and tentatively asked, ¡°Shen Jizhi?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Has it been a long time outside?¡±


    Ten years? A hundred years? Why else would she sound so doubtful?


    Hearing his question, Jian Huan rxed slightly.


    If he knew about the outside world and was asking how much time had passed, it must be him.


    ¡°No, just a day,¡± she replied. ¡°How long have you been here?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°A month.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t waste any more time. As he led the way, he told her about his discoveries over the past month: ¡°Fang Quan¡¯s cultivation is incredibly high. He¡¯s not just a swordsman but also a talisman master. This ce is a fragment of his memories, containing his legacy.¡±


    Great cultivators often possessed such abilities, extracting a part of their memories that contained their legacy and cing it somewhere, hoping to meet a fated descendant.


    ¡°I had a feeling,¡± Jian Huan followed Shen Jizhi, her steps light. ¡°Fang Quan¡¯s use of formations is exceptional.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Mm.¡±


    After a moment, he added two more words: ¡°Indeed.¡±


    The two of them hurried through the peach forest in silence for a while.


    Jian Huan thought ofst night¡¯s events and chuckled: ¡°Shen Jizhi, I didn¡¯t expect you to have such thoughts.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s steps faltered, slowing down. Jian Huan walked a few steps ahead before turning back to wait for him, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Shen Jizhi collected himself, quickly catching up to Jian Huan. His fingers curled slightly into fists inside his sleeves, but his expression remained calm. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Still pretending,¡± Jian Huan pouted. ¡°I knew itst night when you stayed in that room. You must have discovered something, but you lied and said you were just thinking.¡±


    Shen Jizhi unclenched his fist: ¡°No, I only found out after you left.¡±


    Jian Huan was skeptical. "Then why did you stay for so long?"


    Shen Jizhi furrowed his brows. "I told you, I was thinking about some things."


    Jian Huan still didn¡¯t believe him and fired off a pointed question. "What could possibly be more important than earning spirit stones? Couldn¡¯t you think about itter?"


    Shen Jizhi paused, then admitted, "Well, you¡¯re not wrong."


    He quickly came up with a usible excuse. "I was thinking about something rted to making money."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up, and she leaned in closer, curiosity piqued. "Care to borate?"


    Shen Jizhi turned his head to look at her and stopped walking altogether.


    Jian Huan stopped as well.


    A gentle breeze swept through, and the peach blossoms from the surrounding trees fluttered down, scattering like snow andnding on their shoulders.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze and asked, "Do you really want to know?"


    Jian Huan adopted a listening posture. "Of course I do! Spit it out."


    How could she not be curious about something rted to making money?


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes flickered,nding on a peach blossom caught in her hair. He pursed his lips slightly. "But I can¡¯t tell you right now."


    Jian Huan felt a surge of frustration, her breath catching in her chest. "If you didn¡¯t want to tell me, why did you even mention it?"


    Shen Jizhi replied matter-of-factly, "Because you asked me."


    Jian Huan was momentarily speechless.


    "Once I¡¯ve paid off my debts," Shen Jizhi said, tilting his head to gaze at the clear blue sky and the white clouds drifting by, "I¡¯ll tell you."


    With that, he stepped deeper into the peach forest, leaving Jian Huan to follow.

 Chapter 51

    The surface of theke reflected the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, and pink peach blossoms, along with the figure of Fang Quan.


    A gentle breeze swept by, causing theke to ripple slightly. When it calmed again, two additional figures¡ªone in ck and the other in pink¡ªappeared in the reflection.


    Jian Huan studied Fang Quan with curiosity, while Fang Quan did the same.


    Fang Quan was more handsome than the self-portrait he had hung on the first floor of the treasure hall¡ªa bearded, striking man.


    Jian Huan bowed and got straight to the point: "Junior Jian Huan, I¡¯ve heard that Master Fang Quan is in seclusion here and havee specifically to seek your guidance!"


    On her way here, Shen Jizhi had told her that when he asked to be Fang Quan¡¯s disciple, Fang Quan had him demonstrate a sword technique. Only after being impressed did he ept Shen Jizhi as his student.


    Although she had secured the entry ticket to this inherited memory, whether she could actually inherit it still depended on Fang Quan¡¯s will.


    If Fang Quan refused, he could simply eject her.


    Jian Huan thought that since she didn¡¯t know how to wield a sword, she could instead demonstrate her talisman-drawing skills. If that didn¡¯t work, she could show him the bamboo staff techniques she had learned from Elder Yu Qing.


    But things took an entirely unexpected turn.


    Fang Quan nced at his eldest disciple, who stood quietly nearby, and then turned his gaze to the young girl. "Jian Huan, right? Do you talk a lot?"


    Jian Huan was taken aback but instinctively nodded. "I¡­ suppose I do?"


    Fang Quan stroked his beard and smiled. "Good, good. In that case, from today onward, you¡¯ll be my youngest disciple."


    Jian Huan: "?" Wasn¡¯t this a bit too hasty?


    Fang Quan examined his new disciple carefully.


    He had grown tired of finishing a sentence only to receive a mere "mm" in response. This new disciple, with her bright eyes and white teeth, seemed lively and cheerful.


    After all, teaching one disciple or two made little difference.


    And with one specializing in swordsmanship and the other in talismans, it was a perfect match.


    Fang Quan grew more satisfied the longer he looked at her. "It¡¯s fate, really. You and I share the same dual spiritual roots of metal and wood¡­"


    Fang Quan suddenly paused, his eyes narrowing. Before Jian Huan or Shen Jizhi could react, he was already standing in front of Jian Huan.


    Caught off guard, Jian Huan instinctively stepped back.


    Shen Jizhi took half a step forward, shielding her slightly, and frowned. "Master?"


    "Your wood spiritual root¡­ it¡¯s quite unique," Fang Quan murmured, genuinely surprised. His eyes remained fixed on Jian Huan,pletely ignoring his eldest disciple in front of him. Without warning, he struck out with a palm.


    Shen Jizhi intercepted the strike, but the force of the blow sent him skidding backward, his feet creating ripples on theke¡¯s surface. The once calm reflection was now violently disturbed, churning the tranquil waters.


    Jian Huan nced at Shen Jizhi but didn¡¯t pay him much attention. Instead, she leaned closer to Fang Quan, curiosity piqued. "Master, what do you mean by that¡­?"


    Her wood spiritual root was unique? She had met Elder Yu Qing and even paid her respects to the sect leader, but neither had mentioned anything special about her spiritual roots.


    Having found a disciple who met all his expectations, Fang Quan¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy. "Still calling me ''Master''?"


    Without missing a beat, Jian Huan changed her address and immediately knelt. "Disciple pays respects to¡ª"


    Fang Quan raised his hand, releasing a surge of golden and green spiritual energy to stop her. "No need for formalities. We¡¯re master and disciple now; let¡¯s skip the rituals."


    "Alright," Jian Huan stood up straight. "Master, what¡¯s so special about my wood spiritual root?"


    Shen Jizhi returned, his robes damp from theke. With a wave of his five-colored spiritual energy, his clothes dried instantly, and he quietly resumed his ce beside Jian Huan.


    "Have you ever tried growing spiritual herbs?" Fang Quan asked.


    Jian Huan shook her head.


    "Why not?" Fang Quan was surprised. "You know you have a wood spiritual root. Didn¡¯t you ever think to try cultivating some herbs?"


    Jian Huan had indeed never considered it.


    Back in the modern world, she had even managed to kill a cactus. Since transmigrating into this world, she had never entertained the idea of growing anything, immediately choosing to be a talisman practitioner instead.


    After all, drawing was her profession, something she was both familiar with and passionate about.


    Jian Huan shook her head again.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That¡¯s actually a good thing," Fang Quan said. "If you had tried, you¡¯d have discovered that your wood spiritual energy can¡¯t make spiritual herbs sprout."


    Jian Huan: "¡­" Was it because she had brought her "nt-killing" ability from the modern world?


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi nced at her meaningfully.


    Noticing his look, Jian Huan¡¯s lips twitched. "¡­The purple jade grass not sprouting has nothing to do with me. I didn¡¯t use spiritual energy to speed it up!"


    Her daily routine of drawing talismans, studying formations, and learning techniques was already exhausting enough. She had no energy left to delve into the art of growing spiritual herbs.


    Shen Jizhi averted his gaze. "I didn¡¯t say it was your fault."


    Jian Huan snorted. "Then why were you looking at me like that?" That nce of his clearly implied it.


    "I was just looking at you," Shen Jizhi replied nonchntly. "No hidden meaning. Don¡¯t overthink it."


    Jian Huanughed in exasperation. "Then dare you swear on it?"


    Shen Jizhi raised an eyebrow. "Swear what?"


    Jian Huan pointed to the sky. "If you just lied, may you never be able to repay your debts in this lifetime."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­"


    He fell silent.


    Fang Quan stroked his beard, thoroughly entertained by the banter between his two disciples. Finally, he turned to Shen Jizhi. "Eldest disciple, that¡¯s not right. As a cultivator, how can you lie?"


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­"


    Jian Huan smirked, feeling an instant bond with her new master. "Master, why is my wood spiritual root like this?"


    Fang Quan led his two disciples out of the peach grove as he exined. "Yours is a mutated wood spiritual root."


    "Oh?" Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up. "Mutated spiritual roots are usually powerful. Does that mean I¡¯m exceptionally strong?"


    "Not quite," Fang Quan shook his head. "Your mutated wood spiritual root would be considered a waste by others. It¡¯s essentially useless."


    Jian Huan¡¯s face fell. "Oh."


    "But you¡¯ve met me," Fang Quan stroked his beard, adopting the demeanor of a sage. "I have some expertise in both swordsmanship and talismans. While your wood spiritual root is useless for healing, it¡¯s perfect for talismans. Your mutated wood spiritual root may not help you grow herbs, but it allows you to sense the mountains and trees, borrowing their power to inscribe talismans with your sword."


    At this, Fang Quan stopped and looked at the two of them. "The path I¡¯ve cultivated all my life is the way of the talisman sword. One of you knows talismans but not swords, the other knows swords but not talismans. Perfect, perfect. From now on, Shen Jizhi, you¡¯ll teach Jian Huan swordsmanship, and Jian Huan, you¡¯ll teach Shen Jizhi talismans."


    Fang Quan¡¯s residence was exactly as Jian Huan had seen it behind the wall.


    The small courtyard was opposite the peach grove, hidden within a vast bamboo forest.


    At night, the soft chirping of birds, the rustling of the wind, and the swaying of leaves blended into the mountain¡¯s dreamlike whispers.


    In the book-filled room, Jian Huan had alreadyin down to sleep when she suddenly remembered something. She sprang out of bed, opened the window, and slipped out, quickly passing Fang Quan¡¯s room to reach Shen Jizhi¡¯s. She lightly tapped on the paper window and whispered, "Shen Jizhi, are you asleep?"


    Shen Jizhi, who had been meditating on the bed, opened his eyes. "What is it?"


    Jian Huan pushed the window open and jumped inside. "I just remembered¡ªI don¡¯t have a sword."


    Shen Jizhi: "Then ask Master?"


    Jian Huan blinked. She had originally nned to ask Shen Jizhi to make one for her, as his Mustard Seed Pouch contained plenty of crafting materials.


    Having just be a disciple today, it hadn¡¯t urred to her that she now had a master to rely on. Asking Shen Jizhi would cost her money, but asking her master wouldn¡¯t!


    Jian Huan immediately nodded. "Right, I¡¯ll go ask him."


    Shen Jizhi nced outside. The night was deep, and it was alreadyte.


    Suddenly, he said, "I¡¯ll go with you."


    Shen Jizhi got up and stepped down from the bed.


    Jian Huan looked at him, puzzled. "?"


    "I¡¯ll ask Master what he¡¯d like for breakfast tomorrow," Shen Jizhi said casually. "I forgot to ask earlier."


    Since his arrival, Shen Jizhi had been responsible for cooking. Fang Quan had cultivated many spiritual vegetables in this secluded paradise.


    Jian Huan nodded and waited for Shen Jizhi. The two of them walked out together.


    Jian Huan leaned closer to him. "Hey, Shen Jizhi, do you think the spiritual food we eat in this illusion has any effect?"


    Technically, everything in the illusion was fake.


    But since she and Shen Jizhi had entered with their physical bodies, would eating fake spiritual food have any real effect?


    The answer would determine whether she simply ate to fill her stomach or gorged herself in the days toe.


    Shen Jizhi creaked open the door, and the moonlight outside instantly enveloped the two of them. He said, "Not necessarily."


    The moonlight shimmered in the courtyard. Jian Huan tilted her head and asked, "What do you mean?"


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment before replying, "Some of the legacies left by our predecessors include spiritual objects within the illusionary realms. If they ced real spiritual objects, then one can benefit from them. However, some legacies do not include them, and the spiritual objects are merely illusions, which would be of no use."


    Since the illusionary realm can provide a realistic experience, whether it is beneficial or not can only be determined after leaving it.


    Jian Huan frowned in thought. "Then, did our master ce real or fake ones? Should we ask himter?"


    Shen Jizhi shook his head. "The master we know now is not the same as the one who constructed this legacy illusionary realm in the future. How would he know if it''s real or fake? To him, everything is real at this moment."


    Jian Huan touched her stomach and murmured softly, "Then I¡¯d better eat more, just in case it¡¯s real."


    Shen Jizhi nodded lightly in agreement.


    During the month when Jian Huan hadn¡¯t arrived, he had eaten to his fill at every meal.


    Fang Quan always thought he was a reincarnated starving ghost.


    The two of them stopped in front of Fang Quan¡¯s door.


    The shadows of the trees dappled the ground, and their own shadows intertwined.


    Jian Huan reached out and knocked on the door. "Master, Master, are you asleep?"


    Fang Quan, leaning on his bed and engrossed in a novel, replied, "I¡¯m asleep."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce. She shook her head, her expression clearly saying, ''Master thinks we¡¯re stupid.'' "If you¡¯re asleep, how can you still talk? Please don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s the sleeping version of you speaking."


    "..." Fang Quan felt a headacheing on. Talkative disciples were troublesome. At least when his eldest disciple was around, he never had anyone bothering him at night. It was quiet and peaceful. "What is it?"


    "I¡¯ve agreed with my senior brother to practice swordy with him early tomorrow morning," Jian Huan replied. "But I don¡¯t have a sword."


    Fang Quan flipped a few pages of his book. "I only have one sword, the Flower-Picking Sword."


    Jian Huan blinked. "Then you¡ª"


    Fang Quan interrupted, "My sword will only be lent to one person."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    "Don¡¯t you have a bamboo stick? Can¡¯t that be used as a sword?" Fang Quan asked. The little disciple¡¯s bamboo stick looked quite decent.


    Jian Huan replied, "That¡¯s not my bamboo, and it¡¯s not sharp enough. It¡¯s suitable for drawing formations but not for fighting. I really want a sword."


    Fang Quan¡¯s mind was still on the novel. "Your master is useless; all I have are books. But isn¡¯t your senior brother skilled in crafting tools? Ask him to make one for you."


    Jian Huan nced at Shen Jizhi, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She spoke softly, sounding quite pitiful. "But senior brother charges me for crafting tools."


    Fang Quan looked up. "That¡¯s not right. Shen Jizhi, are you charging your junior sister?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Fang Quan¡¯s tone was stern. "Eldest disciple?"


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes for a moment, looking at Jian Huan, who was grinning from ear to ear. He gave in. "I won¡¯t charge her."


    Fang Quan nodded. "That¡¯s more like it. Fellow disciples should help and support each other. Alright, I¡¯m going to sleep now. Don¡¯t disturb me again."


    Shen Jizhi was about to leave when Jian Huan quickly tugged at his sleeve, whispering a reminder, "Didn¡¯t you have something else to say?"


    "Oh, right." Shen Jizhi turned back and looked at the closed door. He asked calmly, "Master, what¡¯s for breakfast tomorrow?"


    The novel had just reached an exciting part, and Fang Quan, now thoroughly annoyed, snapped, "Whatever! Both of you, get out!"


    When he had taken Shen Jizhi as his disciple a month ago, he had already said it didn¡¯t matter. Why was he suddenly asking now? What was the point of asking? Couldn¡¯t they let him read in peace at night?


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    The two of them immediately left.

 Chapter 52

    Jian Huan gave the spirit iron she obtained from the treasure hall to Shen Jizhi to forge a sword.


    Even if she didn¡¯t want the swordter, she could sell it, and the price would be higher than selling the spirit iron alone.


    Although she hadined to Fang Quan, Shen Jizhi, under the pressure from his master, said he wouldn¡¯t charge her. But Jian Huan didn¡¯t actually n to take advantage of Shen Jizhi for free.


    If she really used this sword that Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t charge for, then when the three-year deadline arrived and Shen Jizhi still hadn¡¯t repaid the hundred thousand debt, she wouldn¡¯t be able to demand repayment with a clear conscience.


    Leaning against the door of his room, Jian Huan swayed a bamboo stick in her hand and asked, ¡°How much will you charge?¡±


    Shen Jizhi stood at the table, taking out the materials needed for forging the sword one by one from his Mustard Seed Pouch. Hearing her question, he paused slightly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it¡¯s free?¡±


    ¡°Just kidding,¡± Jian Huan yawned, her eyes bright like stars as she waited for him to name a price.


    ¡°The most expensive part of forging a sword is the spirit iron, and you¡¯ve already provided that. I¡¯ll charge you five hundred spirit stones for the rest,¡± Shen Jizhi estimated.


    ¡°Deal,¡± Jian Huan made an ¡®ok¡¯ gesture, then thought seriously, ¡°So the debt between us is now ny-nine thousand five hundred spirit stones?¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°I¡¯ll finish the sword as soon as possible.¡±


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t take it too seriously. After exchanging a few more words, she went back to her room to rest.


    She didn¡¯t expect his ¡°as soon as possible¡± to be this fast.


    The next morning, in the small kitchen at the back of the courtyard, Jian Huan, drawn by the aroma of food, hadn¡¯t even reached the door when a sword suddenly flew out of the kitchen.


    Startled, Jian Huan¡¯s drowsiness vanished in an instant. She narrowed her eyes, swiftly dodged the sword, and was about to curse.


    It was early morning, and she hadn¡¯t even had breakfast yet. Was sword practice already starting? And with a sneak attack? Couldn¡¯t she eat first?


    Before she could speak, Shen Jizhi¡¯s face appeared at the kitchen window.


    He pointed leisurely at the sword flying toward the wall, ¡°Your new sword. Don¡¯t you want it?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°...!¡±


    Damn!


    Without hesitation, Jian Huan quickly leaped into the air to chase after her new sword.


    Shen Jizhi stood in ce, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    Jian Huan was fast and soon returned with the new sword.


    Shen Jizhi wiped the smile off his face and went back to the kitchen to te the breakfast.


    The meal was simple: white porridge made from spirit rice, paired with a few stir-fried spirit vegetables.


    Even so, the snow-white porridge with just the right consistency and the vibrant stir-fry looked incredibly appetizing.


    Not to mention the tantalizing aroma that had lured Jian Huan out of her sleep.


    Jian Huan had been slightly annoyed, ready to confront him, but seeing the breakfast, all her anger dissipated.


    She leaned on the windowsill, sniffing the air,pletely won over, ¡°It smells amazing. I didn¡¯t know you could cook.¡±


    Shen Jizhi moved methodically in the kitchen, the spat and utensils in his hands almost resembling works of art, ¡°When you¡¯re in debt, you learn to do everything.¡±


    ¡°True, children from poor families grow up fast,¡± Jian Huan leaned against the kitchen window, waiting for the meal while carefully examining her new sword.


    The de gleamed sharply in the morning light, like dew on a leaf.


    The sword was perfectly crafted, and the hilt fit her hand just right.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s craftsmanship was indeed impable. The talisman brush he had sold her before was also excellent.


    ¡°Hey, did you stay up all night?¡± Jian Huan put the sword away, ¡°I thought it would take you a few days to finish it.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Shen Jizhi changed the subject, handing her two tes of stir-fry, ¡°Take these out.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up as she took the dishes and walked briskly to the front yard.


    At the stone table, Fang Quan was already seated, waiting for his meal.


    He held chopsticks in one hand, tapping them against an empty bowl, and a novel in the other, looking quite content.


    Hearing footsteps, Fang Quan turned to see Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi approaching one after the other.


    Fang Quan stroked his beard, sighing with satisfaction, ¡°Having disciples is truly wonderful.¡±


    Shen Jizhi had prepared six dishes and arge pot of porridge.


    If the stone table weren¡¯t so small, he could have made even more.


    Outside the bamboo forest, there was a field where Fang Quan grew spirit vegetables.


    Whether those vegetables were real or not, fake ones did no harm, and real ones were highly beneficial.


    So why not make more? It wasn¡¯t his money anyway.


    Fang Quan frowned, thinking his senior disciple was being too generous, ¡°It¡¯s just breakfast. Can we really finish all this?¡±


    No one answered him.


    Jian Huan grabbed an empty bowl, filled it with porridge, and gulped down arge mouthful. Her chopsticks danced swiftly across the six dishes, stuffing her cheeks full.


    After Jian Huan served herself, Shen Jizhi quickly filled his own bowl and began eating just as fast, swallowing the food almost as soon as it entered his mouth, like a puppet programmed only to eat.


    Fang Quan, still engrossed in his novel, generously waited for his two disciples to serve themselves before scooping a small half-bowl of porridge.


    He picked up his chopsticks, shifting his gaze from the novel to the table, only to see the once-full dishes visibly diminishing.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Two pairs of chopsticks seemed to be in apetition, flying across the table, leaving afterimages.


    Fang Quan: ¡°...¡±


    Jian Huan, busy as she was, nced at Fang Quan and urged, ¡°Master, hurry and eat! Don¡¯t be shy!¡±


    Fang Quan: ¡°...¡±


    Had he raised two starving ghosts as disciples?


    Was it toote to regret and abandon them now??


    After breakfast, it was still early. The sun was shyly showing only half its face on the horizon.


    The stone path through the bamboo forest was slightly damp from the morning mist.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood on either side, their spirit swords gleaming coldly in the morning light.


    Shen Jizhi said simply, ¡°Begin.¡±


    Jian Huan narrowed her eyes, tightened her grip on the scabbard, and bent her knees slightly. Suddenly, she sprang forward like a nimble cat, shing her sword toward Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi held his sword with one hand, the other behind his back, standing perfectly still.


    He closed his eyes slightly, seized the moment, and swung his sword. Jian Huan¡¯s right arm went numb, her sword slipping from her hand and ttering onto the stone path.


    Jian Huan gasped, clutching her right hand, and picked up the sword. She asked sheepishly, ¡°How was that?¡±


    Shen Jizhi had said he needed to see how she used the sword before deciding how to teach her.


    Shen Jizhi hesitated, then sighed, ¡°Let¡¯s start from the beginning.¡±


    From then on, for a month, Jian Huan followed Shen Jizhi through grueling physical training.


    Horse stance, running up the mountain with rocks on her back, push-ups...


    Yes, push-ups!


    In the peach blossom forest, Jian Huan¡¯s hands trembled as she held herself up, sweat dripping down her face and disappearing into the fallen petals.


    Her whole body swayed precariously, her breathingbored.


    She had held a horse stance for an hour, rested for fifteen minutes, run up the mountain for another hour, rested again, and now she was doing push-ups.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t allow her to use spiritual energy. Even an ironman triathlon wasn¡¯t this exhausting.


    Jian Huan gave up, her arms giving out, and she flopped face-first into the peach blossoms, deciding to just lie there.


    Nearby, Shen Jizhi had already effortlesslypleted a thousand push-ups. He stood up, pped his hands, and crouched beside her, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Jian Huan closed her eyes, barely breathing, ¡°Why do we have to do this for sword training...¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Your arm strength is weak. You can¡¯t hold the sword properly.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Fine, I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll rest.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Alright.¡±


    He stood up, took out his drawing tools from the Mustard Seed Pouch, and began working on the tasks Jian Huan had assigned him.


    Shen Jizhi was skilled in many things¡ªcrafting, cooking, and more¡ªbut he hadn¡¯t learned much about drawing. His diagrams for crafting were simple, usually only understandable to himself.


    Drawing talismans required precise control of lines, so Jian Huan taught him to sketch, assigning him ten drawings a day.


    Time passed quietly in this secluded paradise, and before they knew it, three months had gone by.


    Jian Huan¡¯s horse stance became steadier, her mountain runs faster, and her push-ups smoother. Shen Jizhi could no longer easily knock the sword from her hand.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s sketches had also improved significantly.


    Thinking that only three days had passed in the outside world, Jian Huan felt a sense of satisfaction, as if she had gained something valuable.


    That morning, after breakfast, Fang Quan took his two disciples to the peach blossom forest, ¡°Alright, starting today, I¡¯ll teach you the art of the talisman sword.¡±


    ¡°Ordinary talismans are too cumbersome. When facing a strong opponent in battle, there¡¯s simply no time to use them. This set of talisman swords is something I¡¯ve pondered over for many years, simplifying eighty-one talismans to form sword techniques. It borrows the power of heaven and earth to annihte demonic bodies.¡±


    Fang Quan stood beneath the peach tree, extending his hand as a peach blossom fell into his palm.


    He gazed at the flower, though it was unclear who he was seeing through it. His smile carried a hint of yful nonchnce, tinged with a subtle sense of mncholy.


    ¡°I call it the Flower-Plucking Sword.¡±


    Fang Quan withdrew his hand, and the peach blossom in his palm began to fall. He leaped into the air: ¡°Disciples, watch closely. This is the first move.¡±


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi looked up, their eyes fixed intently.


    The wind whipped Fang Quan¡¯s robes into a frenzy as he swung his sword. In an instant, the heavens and earth trembled, the mountains and rivers echoed, and his strike soared into the clouds.


    A momentter, Fang Quan returned to his original position, lightly stroking his beard as he nced back: ¡°Well?¡±


    Jian Huan replied sincerely, ¡°It¡¯s impressive, Master, but you swung the sword too quickly. I couldn¡¯t see it clearly. Could you do it again in slow motion?¡±


    Fang Quan: ¡°¡­¡±


    After dinner, the sky had yet to darkenpletely.


    The gate was open, and Jian Huan practiced her sword in the open space in front of the door.


    The girl wore a light blue robe, her long hair tied into a high ponytail. Her movements were agile, and there was a sharpness in her eyes that hadn¡¯t been there a few months ago, like a sword about to be unsheathed.


    In the courtyard, Shen Jizhi propped up an easel on the stone steps, holding a brush as he painted.


    The crimson sunset hung on the horizon, and the light gradually dimmed.


    The surroundings were quiet, with no other households nearby. The only sound was Jian Huan¡¯s sword practice.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t look up. His expression was calm, and his brush strokes were steady. Without much thought, the girl¡¯s features and posture sprang to life on the paper, vivid and lifelike.


    The sky finally darkened, and the night poured in, the shadows of the trees swaying around them.


    Jian Huan sheathed her sword and hopped into the courtyard, looking around curiously: ¡°Where¡¯s Master?¡±


    Shen Jizhi snapped out of his focus and began quietly packing up his painting: ¡°He disappeared after dinner. I¡¯m not sure where he went.¡±


    Jian Huan nodded, sitting down at the stone table. Noticing Shen Jizhi¡¯s actions, she reached out casually: ¡°Let me see.¡±


    Shen Jizhi paused.


    When he didn¡¯t respond, Jian Huan frowned, wiggling her fingers: ¡°Come on, let me see it.¡±


    Nowadays, Shen Jizhi¡¯s paintings were quite good. She no longer criticized every piece and sent them back for him to redo.


    But asional checks were still fair game.


    Shen Jizhi quickly crumpled the painting into a ball: ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s not very good.¡±


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow: ¡°If it¡¯s not good, I should see it even more. Hand it over. Don¡¯t make me ask a third time.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes flickered, and Jian Huan immediately recognized the telltale sign that he was about to stash the painting in his Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Without hesitation, Jian Huan swung her sword, interrupting his next move, and reached out to grab the painting.


    Shen Jizhi dodged swiftly, avoiding the strike, and in the same motion, he stored both the painting and the easel in his Mustard Seed Pouch. He let out a slight sigh of relief.


    Jian Huan tightened her grip on her sword, ring at him threateningly: ¡°Alright, Shen Jizhi. Usually, when you tell me to do horse stance, I do it. When you tell me to run up the mountain, I run. Push-ups? I do them. When you tell me to swing my sword, I swing it without a word. But when I ask you to show me your painting, you refuse to listen?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°.¡±


    Shen Jizhi remained utterly silent.


    Right now, there was no way he could let her see the painting. It would be digging his own grave.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth: ¡°Hand over your Mustard Seed Pouch.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°No.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Hand it over.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°No.¡±


    Jian Huan closed her eyes, then raised her sword again.


    Shen Jizhi stood still, neither dodging nor resisting.


    The sharp sword wind swept over him, but he didn¡¯t even blink.


    Jian Huan clenched her teeth, forcing her sword to veer to the side at thest moment, only cutting off a strand of his hair.


    Damn you, Shen Jizhi. Taking advantage of being her debtor, he dared not dodge her sword, huh?


    Jian Huan lowered her gaze, a glint of cunning shing in her eyes. She pretended to walk a few steps to the side, then suddenly turned and kicked at the back of his knee.


    Shen Jizhi stepped back to avoid it, but Jian Huan pressed forward, her sword pointing directly at him, pinning him against the wall.


    The sharp de rested against Shen Jizhi¡¯s neck.


    Shen Jizhi looked down at the sword, then at Jian Huan, who was now inches away. He kept his eyes down, neither resisting nor speaking.


    Jian Huan smirked, her free hand reaching toward the Mustard Seed Pouch in his chest.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyelids twitched violently, and he quickly grabbed her wrist, his voice low and hoarse: ¡°Jian Huan.¡±


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned. His fingertips were scorching, the heat making her instinctively pull her wrist back and shake it off.


    Shen Jizhi took the opportunity to let go, fearing she might do something reckless. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    Jian Huan snorted lightly: ¡°Then hurry up. Wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to just hand it over earlier?¡±


    As she waited for Shen Jizhi to retrieve the painting, she rubbed her wrist, trying to dispel the lingering warmth.


    Outside the door, Fang Quan looked up at the sky, then down at the ground.


    Had he just overheard something significant? The conversation between his two disciples sounded so¡­ human.


    Shen Jizhi nced up and caught a glimpse of a corner of a robe outside the door. Suddenly, he called out: ¡°Master.¡±


    Jian Huan quickly turned: ¡°Master? You¡¯re back. Where did you go just now?¡±


    Fang Quan walked in, holding a letter, a proud smile on his face: ¡°I received a letter. Some old friends of mine will be visiting next month. You¡¯ll get to meet them then.¡±


    Shen Jizhi took out an older painting from his Mustard Seed Pouch, crumpled it into a ball, and walked over to hand it to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan nced at it briefly. It really wasn¡¯t very good.


    She shook her head with a sigh, tossed it back to Shen Jizhi, and didn¡¯t bother saying more. She followed Fang Quan: ¡°Master, who are these friends of yours?¡±


    Fang Quan smiled mysteriously: ¡°When you meet them next month, you¡¯ll find out.¡±

 Chapter 53

    In the front courtyard, next to a stone table, there was a vegetable patch enclosed by pebbles.


    Under the moonlight, the not-yet-fully-matured spirit vegetables swayed in the breeze, casting shimmering reflections of the moonlight on the ground.


    Fang Quan crouched beside them, shook his head, and sighed, "What a pity."


    He turned to his two confused disciples and instructed, "Go ahead and harvest these spirit vegetables now."


    Shen Jizhi frowned slightly, his eyes showing disapproval.


    Jian Huan was also surprised. "Master, they¡¯re not fully grown yet!"


    Harvesting spirit vegetables before they matured was like wasting a ruined talisman¡ªit felt wasteful.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Quan pulled out a packet of spirit seeds. "Originally, they were supposed toe next month, but they had to move it up a month due to some issues. I had expected these vegetables to mature next month, but now that¡¯s not possible." He handed the seeds to Shen Jizhi. "Harvest these and nt these instead."


    These spirit seeds would mature in just a month, and by the time they arrived next month, the spirit grass would be ready. Fang Quan thought it over.


    Shen Jizhi asked, "What are these?"


    "Spirit grass that spirit beasts love to eat," Fang Quan replied with a smile, stroking his beard. "Alright, get to nting."


    Jian Huan looked at the thriving spirit vegetables, reluctant to harvest them. "Master, does the spirit grass have to be nted in the courtyard? Can¡¯t we nt it outside?"


    Fang Quan shook his head with a chuckle. "No, this plot was prepared specifically for my friend¡¯s spirit beast."


    With that, Fang Quan hummed a nameless tune, hands sped behind his back, and returned to his room, radiating joy.


    Jian Huan crouched by the vegetable patch, watching the figure inside the room who was moving books around, seemingly tidying up. She thought for a moment, then instinctively tugged at Shen Jizhi¡¯s sleeve and asked, "Can other people appear in Master¡¯s inheritance realm?"


    Shen Jizhi pulled up a spirit vegetable by its roots, nced at the hand on his sleeve, and replied softly, "They¡¯re likely people from Master¡¯s memories."


    "I see," Jian Huan nodded, releasing his sleeve. She also pulled up a spirit vegetable and tossed it onto the pile at Shen Jizhi¡¯s feet. Looking at the packet of spirit seeds, she smiled. "Now I understand why Yang Ye¡¯s spirit pig refused to leave that room."


    Behind the mural in that room was Fang Quan¡¯s true dwelling, where fully matured spirit grass grew. For a spirit pig with a keen sense of smell and a love for food, it was an irresistible temptation.


    She wondered what would happen to Yang Ye¡¯s pig after it ate the spirit grass.


    They¡¯d have to wait until she and Shen Jizhi left the realm and reunited with the others to find out.


    But they had only just started learning talisman swordsmanship a few days ago, and it would take several more months to fully master it.


    However, by their calctions, they had entered the realm fifteen days after the secret realm opened, and the exit would appear in another fifteen days. That meant they could stay in the realm for fifteen months.


    With so much time on their hands, Jian Huan wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    As the saying goes, "An inch of time is an inch of gold." She felt like she was getting a great deal by gaining so much extra time here.


    The spirit seeds Fang Quan had given them grew rapidly, changing almost daily. A monthter, the patch was densely packed with mature nts.


    On a spring night, the breeze carried a slight chill, and the shadows of the trees in the courtyard danced under the moonlight. A faint aroma of wine lingered in the air.


    Laughter and conversation drifted from Fang Quan¡¯s room, creating a lively atmosphere.


    Earlier that day, Fang Quan had demonstrated the thirty-first move of talisman swordsmanship to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, instructing them to practice on their own before leaving.


    This was nothing out of the ordinary, so Jian Huan didn¡¯t notice anything unusual.


    It wasn¡¯t until she returned after dark that she realized guests had arrived.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up. She shushed Shen Jizhi and tiptoed forward.


    Shen Jizhi shook his head lightly but didn¡¯t stop her. He picked up a vegetable basket and headed to the fields outside the courtyard to gather ingredients for the next day¡¯s meals.


    Jian Huan turned back and whispered, "Aren¡¯t you going to listen? Aren¡¯t you curious about Master¡¯s past?"


    Shen Jizhi shook his head. "You can just tell me the important partster."


    Seeing the basket in his hand, Jian Huan nodded. "Alright."


    Fang Quan¡¯s paper window had a small hole that had never been patched. Jian Huan crouched down and peeked through it.


    Inside the room were three men, one woman, and a marten.


    Fang Quan sat with his back to Jian Huan. Across from him was a man holding the marten, to his left was a bald Buddhist monk, and to his right was a woman dressed in white.


    The white robes were all too familiar to Jian Huan¡ªthey were the unchanged disciple robes of the Jade rity Sect, identical in style but vastly different in quality.


    A thousand years ago, the robes were made of moon-white fabric as soft as gauze, elegant and refined. A thousand yearster, they were made of in white cloth.


    Several small dishes on the table were half-empty, and a few wine bottlesy scattered to the side. The four had been drinking for quite some time.


    Fang Quan opened a new bottle of wine and first offered it to the woman on his right. "Lotus Heart?"


    Lotus Heart smiled softly. "Go ahead, Fang Brother. I can still drink."


    Fang Quan nodded, gently holding his sleeve as he poured a small bowl of wine for Lotus Heart, then filled the bowls of the other two.


    He set the wine bottle down, took a sip, and continued the conversation. "Hua Dihai?"


    If Lotus Heart weren¡¯t the renowned swordmaster, Jian Huan would have mistaken her for a noblewoman. Her brow was furrowed with a faint worry. "Yes, it was only recently discovered that he¡¯s the one who united the demon race."


    The bald man across from her, who had a somewhat fierce appearance, sneered. "The demons call him the Demon God. My master¡¯s mysterious death was his doing!"


    At this, the man¡¯s teeth were practically grinding with anger.


    Fang Quan reached out and patted his friend¡¯s shoulder. "Wu Yin, my condolences. I¡¯ve been living in seclusion here and didn¡¯t know about your master¡¯s passing."


    Wu Yin¡¯s eyes were slightly red. He shook his head. "Forget it. We agreed not to bring sad topics here. Let¡¯s talk about something happier. We¡¯ll leave the outside world outside Fang Brother¡¯s home."


    The mention of Hua Dihai seemed to have been a passing topic, and soon the group moved on to other matters.


    Fang Quan chuckled. "I recently read a storybook¡ªit was truly fascinating! You all should read it."


    Lotus Heart asked curiously, "What storybook?"


    Fang Quan replied, "It¡¯s about a poor schr who meets a noblewoman on his way to the imperial exams. As they travel together, he discovers she¡¯s actually a demon in disguise¡­"


    Wu Yinughed mockingly. "Fang Brother, you¡¯re almost three hundred years old, and you¡¯re still reading this?"


    Fang Quan nced at the wine cup in front of Wu Yin and tapped it lightly with his chopsticks, retorting with a smile, "You¡¯re a Buddhist monk, and yet you drink wine and eat meat?"


    Wu Yin downed the wine in one gulp. "Here, I¡¯m not a Buddhist monk. I¡¯m just Wu Yin. What¡¯s wrong with a little drink?"


    Lotus Heart shook her head gently, her soft smile momentarily overshadowing the worry in her eyes.


    She took a sip of wine and waited for the two to finish their banter before speaking. "My Lotus Heart Sword Manual is almostplete. I¡¯d like you all to take a look at it when it¡¯s done."


    At this, Fang Quan suddenly pointed toward Jian Huan, who was still peeking through the window.


    Jian Huan, who had been trying to figure out who the other two men were, was startled by the gesture.


    Fang Quan said, "Speaking of which, I have some good news to share. I¡¯ve found disciples to inherit my legacy¡­"


    Now that her master had introduced her to the group, Jian Huan felt it would be impolite to keep eavesdropping.


    She was about to stand up and enter the room to greet everyone when she noticed something strange. After Fang Quan¡¯s announcement, Wu Yin and Lotus Heart showed no reaction¡ªthey hadn¡¯t heard his words at all and continued discussing the Lotus Heart Sword Manual.


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow, quickly realizing the truth.


    These people were merely figments of her master¡¯s memories.


    But at that moment, the man across from Fang Quan, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly looked up and met Jian Huan¡¯s gaze. He gave her a slight nod.


    Jian Huan froze, a chill running down her spine.


    Outside the bamboo grove, a stream flowed, and beyond ity Fang Quan¡¯s vast fields.


    The area was rich in spiritual energy, and spirit grass and vegetables thrived.


    Shen Jizhi bent over, harvesting the vegetables with precision, selecting only the most valuable ones without hesitation.


    Suddenly, he frowned, straightened up, and looked into the distance.


    The night was beautiful, the sound of the stream hitting the rocks echoing softly. Jian Huan came flying on her sword, the bamboo leaves around her swaying violently from her speed.


    She stopped abruptly, nearly tumbling forward.


    Shen Jizhi reacted quickly, steadying her before immediately letting go and stepping back. "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I noticed something strange," Jian Huan said, gesturing for him to follow without further exnation. "Come and see for yourself."


    As the two of them flew back on their swords, Jian Huan briefly recounted what she had just seen and heard. Still puzzled, she furrowed her brows and said, "The other two didn¡¯t react to my presence, which means they were just illusions from Master¡¯s memories. But why did that one person seem to sense me and even nod in acknowledgment?"


    Shen Jizhi was equally perplexed.


    He had felt confident enough to go pick vegetables because he was certain that neither he nor Jian Huan would be in any danger within this inheritance illusion.


    But now, things had taken apletely unexpected turn.


    The vegetable patch wasn¡¯t far from the courtyard, and within a few words, they arrived.


    They didn¡¯t enter but stood at the gate, cautiously observing the man in the yard.


    The man was draped in an extravagant cloak, his head bowed as he gazed at the patch of spiritual herbs, lost in thought.


    These herbs had been specially cultivated by Fang Quan for his spirit beast.


    A thousand years ago, every year when he and his two closest friends visited, they would see this lush patch of greenery.


    The man¡¯s white jade hairpin gleamed softly under the moonlight, a clear sign of its extraordinary quality.


    Jian Huan had noticed this earlier while peeking. She leaned closer to Shen Jizhi and whispered, "This guy looks really wealthy. Do you recognize him?"


    Shen Jizhi quietly observed the man, then turned his head slightly and replied softly by her ear, "Yes, I know him."


    Jian Huan felt a slight tickle in her ear and instinctively tilted her head away, her eyebrows raised. "Who is he?"


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t answer directly but instead described him: "The grandfather of one of my creditors."


    Jian Huan looked confused. "Huh? Which creditor?"


    He had so many creditors¡ªhow was she supposed to know which one?


    "..." Shen Jizhi paused, then said, "The ancestor of the Gong family."


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "Gong Feihong¡¯s ancestor? The grandmaster from the Beast Taming Sect?"


    Shen Jizhi nodded. "Yes, that¡¯s him."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Gong Qi, the ancestor of the Gong family, seemed to snap out of his reverie. He turned around, his gaze sweeping over them.


    The strikingly handsome young man and woman at the gate stood close together, their clear eyes reflecting the innocence of youth, like two kittens huddling for warmth.


    Gong Qi sighed softly. "It¡¯s been a thousand years. Finally, someone hase to this ce."


    Shen Jizhi straightened up and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Senior Gong."


    Jian Huan followed suit. "Hello, Senior Gong."


    Gong Qi looked at Shen Jizhi and thought for a moment. "I believe I¡¯ve seen you before."


    Having lived through such a long span of time and met countless people, he couldn¡¯t immediately recall where he had encountered this familiar young man.


    Shen Jizhi rified his identity. "This junior is Shen Jizhi, a disciple of Master Gu Shan."


    "Ah, it¡¯s you. I remember now." Gong Qi nodded. "You already have a master outside. Does Elder Fang know about this?"


    Shen Jizhi replied, "I informed Master before entering the illusion to pay my respects. He didn¡¯t mind."


    Elder Fang wasn¡¯t the type to care about such things, so Gong Qi chuckled lightly. Then he suddenly asked, "Has your master paid back the debt he owes to my grandson?"


    After a pause, Gong Qi added, "I¡¯m referring to your master outside."


    "..." Shen Jizhi hesitated, then said, "Not yet, but it¡¯s almost done."


    Gong Qi nodded. "No rush. Take your time."


    He then turned to Jian Huan, his expression much kinder. "I don¡¯t believe I¡¯ve met you. Who are you?"


    Jian Huan smiled. "Reporting to Senior Gong, this junior is Jian Huan." After a moment of thought, she added, "Gong Feihong is my ssmate. He once borrowed 3,000 spirit stones from me in an emergency, but I¡¯ve already paid it back!"


    Gong Qi¡¯s eyes showed approval. "Good, you¡¯re a fine young one."

 Chapter 54

    While Jian Huan and the others were talking, the three inside the room saw Gong Qi go out to feed the spirit beasts and immediatelyined to Fang Quan.


    Wu Yin said, "Brother Fang, you have no idea, Gong Qi fights demons and monsters with such reckless abandon, it¡¯s only a matter of time before something terrible happens!"


    Lotus Heart sighed, "Wu Yin and I have told him time and time again. He says he understands, but when trouble arises, he¡¯s always the first to charge in, even faster than his spirit beasts."


    Fang Quan frowned disapprovingly and stood up. "That won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll go and talk to him."


    Lotus Heart and Wu Yin watched Fang Quan leave, exchanged a knowing smile, and clinked their cups.


    Wu Yin remarked, "Gong Qi only listens to Brother Fang. He¡¯s the only one who can rein him in¡­"


    The door creaked open, and Fang Quan nced at the marten elegantly nibbling on spirit herbs in the vegetable patch before walking out of the courtyard.


    The three at the gate greeted him respectfully.


    With his disciples present, Fang Quan naturally didn¡¯t want to embarrass his friend. Instead, he smiled at Gong Qi and said, "So, what do you think of my two disciples? Not bad, right?"


    Gong Qi¡¯s lips curved into a smile, and his gaze lingered on Fang Quan with a hint of nostalgia. "Of course, they¡¯re excellent. Brother Fang¡¯s disciples could never be anything less."


    Fang Quan nodded, stroking his beard, and turned to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi. "It¡¯s gettingte. You two should head back to your rooms and rest."


    It was a clear dismissal.


    "Yes, Master," Jian Huan bowed, then saluted Gong Qi before returning to her room with Shen Jizhi.


    The two brothers stood outside the courtyard, gazing at the towering mountains bathed in moonlight.


    Fang Quan asked the youngest of the four, "How have things beentely?"


    Gong Qi replied earnestly, "Brother Fang, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve been doing very well."


    And he truly had. Over the past thousand years, he had met the woman he loved, married, had children, and even great-grandchildren.


    In his cultivation journey, he had shed the recklessness of a thousand years ago, taking each step carefully, valuing his life, and living steadily. He could still live for tens of thousands of years.


    But his three closest friends remained forever in the past, a thousand years ago.


    When he missed them, a wisp of his divine consciousness woulde here to visit, reuniting with his three siblings from a millennium ago, drinking until they were thoroughly drunk.


    Soon, afterpleting the inheritance, this trace of Brother Fang¡¯s divine consciousness would dissipate.


    And that was for the best. He couldn¡¯t selfishly keep Brother Fang¡¯s consciousness here, waiting for him to reminisce.


    Returning to the earth, falling leaves returning to their roots¡ªthis was the natural order of the world.


    "That¡¯s good," Fang Quan patted his shoulder. "I know you¡¯re eager to improve your cultivation, but haste makes waste. Gong Qi, in the path of cultivation, impatience is the greatest taboo. You must take it steady, understand? Lotus Heart and Wu Yin are both worried about you."


    Gong Qi listened carefully, word for word. This speech was almost identical to what Brother Fang had said to him that night so long ago.


    He had taken it to heart back then, and during the battle against Hua Dihai, he had been cautious. But what about the other three?


    Those three who were always so good at deceiving others.


    Who was it that truly feared death? Who was it that threw caution to the wind?


    Gong Qi couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak. He simply nodded.


    Fang Quan smiled and said, "Alright, let¡¯s go back and continue drinking!"


    Gong Qi smiled too, his cloak swaying in the wind as he walked. "Sure!"


    The four of them always had endless things to talk about.


    Now that they were older, they had be elders in their sect, taken on disciples, and outside, they wore the stern demeanor of mentors, setting examples for others.


    Only here, they were just themselves¡ªnot anyone¡¯s master, not anyone¡¯s senior siblings.


    Outside, the night deepened, and at its darkest, dawn approached.


    Inside the slightly cramped room, empty wine bottlesy scattered about.


    Fang Quan leaned in to look at Wu Yin, who was slumped over the table, and gave him a gentle push. Wu Yin fell backward, muttering as he turned over,pletely defenseless.


    Lotus Heart, propping her face with her hand,ughed at the sight and pointed at Gong Qi. "A-Qi¡¯s drunk too."


    Fang Quan looked at Lotus Heart, then averted his gaze and asked, "You¡¯ll be leaving at dawn, won¡¯t you?"


    "Yes," Lotus Heart nodded softly. "The demons have been causing troubletely, and there¡¯s a lot to handle in the various sects."


    She smiled. "But once this is settled, Wu Yin, A-Qi, and I have talked abouting here to stay for a few months."


    "Good, good, good," Fang Quan sped his hands, grinning from ear to ear. "Then I¡¯ll be waiting for you here."


    Lotus Heart asked, "How¡¯s your progress with the talisman sword, Brother Fang?"


    "Not bad. After three years, it¡¯s almostplete. I was thinking that once I¡¯ve mastered the talisman sword, I¡¯de out to find you all and take a look at the Nine Provinces as they are now," Fang Quan replied, instinctively straightening his slightly askew hat. Suddenly, he asked, "Want to spar a bit?"


    Lotus Heart stood up, gesturing toward the courtyard with a smile, slightly tipsy. "Of course, Brother Fang, after you."


    A man and a woman, under the hazy blue light of dawn, chatted as they walked toward the courtyard.


    Their figures grew smaller and smaller, disappearing into the bamboo forest.


    Inside the room, Gong Qi opened his eyes.


    He got up, walked over to Wu Yin, and ced him on the bed.


    Gong Qi picked up an unopened bottle of wine, walked outside, and sat on the stone steps, gazing into the distance.


    There, he could see the shes of sword light¡ªFang Quan and Lotus Heart were sparring.


    He watched with a sense of nostalgia, asionally taking a sip of the wine from his memories. Brother Fang¡¯s peach blossom wine, something that no longer existed in the world.


    At sunrise, Shen Jizhi opened his door, picked up the vegetable basket from the front yard, nced at the distant sword lights, then at Gong Qi, who seemed neither drunk nor sober on the stone steps, and went to the kitchen as if no one else was there.


    Master probably wouldn¡¯t be eating breakfast today, but he and Jian Huan still needed to eat.


    As the aroma of cooking filled the small courtyard, Jian Huan¡¯s door opened too.


    She stood in the doorway, stretching, and spotted Gong Qi. With a smile, she greeted him, "Good morning, Senior."


    Gong Qi, infected by Jian Huan¡¯s youthful energy, smiled back. "Good morning."


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t linger long, quickly slipping into the kitchen. Soon, she returned with four dishes, cing them on the stone table.


    Behind her, Shen Jizhi carried a pot of porridge and some bowls and chopsticks.


    The two quickly set the table, and as Jian Huan arranged the dishes, she asked, "Senior, would you like to join us for breakfast?"


    Gong Qi shook his head. "No, you two go ahead."


    Jian Huandled some porridge, then quickly added a heap of vegetables to it. She whispered to Shen Jizhi, "I¡¯m going to talk to Senior for a bit."


    Shen Jizhi nced up. "I don¡¯t think he wants to talk to you."


    Jian Huan immediately held up a finger. "Want to bet? One spirit stone?"


    Shen Jizhi looked at her confident smile, then at Gong Qi, who was sipping his wine in silence, and quickly made up his mind. "No bet."


    Jian Huan gave him a sidelong nce. "Tsk, just one spirit stone, and you¡¯re too scared to bet?"


    Unfortunately, provocation never worked on Shen Jizhi.


    He shrugged. "Yeah, I¡¯m scared."


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    Jian Huan carried a bowl of vegetable porridge and sat down beside Gong Qi. She wanted to ask something, but once seated, the words wouldn¡¯te.


    Though she wasn¡¯t deeply familiar with the history of the Nine Provinces, she had heard Elder Yu Qing of the Jade rity Sect speak of the battle against the Demon God Hua Dihai a thousand years ago.


    Hua Dihai and his minions were incredibly formidable, and the Nine Provinces had nearly been destroyed. Countless prodigies and powerful cultivators had perished in that conflict.


    Including Lotus Heart. Including Wu Yin. Including Fang Quan.


    Having spent over four months with Fang Quan here, even though she had known from the start that Fang Quan was no longer in this world, the thought still brought her sadness. She tried not to dwell on it.


    As a mere disciple, she felt this way. Gong Qi, the sole survivor of the four, must feel it even more deeply.


    Jian Huan sighed softly and took a sip of porridge.


    Gong Qi chuckled, looking at the two young people in the courtyard, and mused, "Your age is such a wonderful time¡­"


    He took a sip of wine, his voice tinged with drunkenness as he slowly began to recount the past.


    In the Nine Provinces today, these stories were something he could only share with these two disciples of Brother Fang.


    "When the four of us met, we were around your age, just teenagers. Brother Fang was the oldest, a few years older than us, and I was the youngest."


    "My parents were just ordinary farmers. After I joined the Beast Taming Sect, I often ventured into secret realms for training because I didn¡¯t have much spirit stone. That¡¯s where we met. Elder Brother Fang Quan was a wandering cultivator living in seclusion. When he finished reading his books, he would go out for months of training and bring back a pile of new books. Lotus Heart, as you know, is from your Jade rity Sect, and Wu Yines from the Buddhist sect. That particr secret realm was extremely dangerous, but it became the chance for the four of us to meet."


    "For the next two hundred years, we would meet once every year. Sometimes here, sometimes at the Jade rity Sect, sometimes at Wu Yin¡¯s ce, or sometimes at a secret realm." At this point, Gong Qi paused. Two hundred years of shared time could be summed up in just a few words. He chuckled softly and continued, "What you¡¯ve seen in this inheritance secret realm is thest three years of our time together. During those three years, Elder Brother Fang Quan was here,prehending the path of talisman and sword, and we would visit him once a year."


    "And this time, it was thest gathering of the four of us." Gong Qi paused again, his eyes glistening with tears, his voice as soft as a feather. "None of us expected it at the time. We didn¡¯t expect it to be thest time. We didn¡¯t expect Hua Dihai to be stronger than we thought, nor did we expect the demons to have greater ambitions. A yearter, when we were supposed to meet, none of us came. Instead, we each sent Elder Brother Fang Quan a pile of books. But in the end, Elder Brother Fang Quan came looking for us."


    Gong Qi raised his hand to cover his eyes.


    The morning sun had fully risen, and the spring light was radiant.


    Inside the house, Wu Yin was still deep in sleep.


    In the peach blossom grove across the bamboo forest, Fang Quan and Lotus Heart stopped their sword practice and sat down under a peach tree. A morning breeze blew past, and a peach blossom fell onto Lotus Heart¡¯s hair.


    Fang Quan¡¯s hand holding the sword twitched slightly, but he only reminded her, "There¡¯s a flower in your hair."


    Lotus Heart reached up, took the flower, and began to y with it in her palm.


    The two continued to exchange insights on sword techniques.


    Another breeze blew through, from the peach grove to the bamboo forest, from the bamboo forest into the courtyard, lifting the strands of hair on Shen Jizhi¡¯s forehead, fluttering Jian Huan¡¯s skirt, and billowing Gong Qi¡¯s cloak.


    After a long pause, Gong Qi finally spoke, "After a fierce battle, we were trapped by Hua Dihai. We agreed to live and die together, to perish with Hua Dihai. But somehow, the three of them reached a consensus without me knowing, and they kicked me out when I wasn¡¯t paying attention."


    As he said this, unlike the unbearable pain he felt when he first recalled this event, Gong Qi¡¯s face now wore a gentle, nostalgic smile.


    "Before Lotus Heart and Wu Yin went to face the demons, they had already informed their disciples about their affairs, so I didn¡¯t need to worry about them. Only Elder Brother Fang Quan was alone, with no sect or family. So, I took on more responsibilities. First, I followed the wishes of Elder Brother Fang Quan and Lotus Heart, and changed Fang Family Vige to Lotus Square Town. Elder Brother Fang Quan also left me a wisp of his inheritance consciousness. His talisman and sword techniques had just begun to take shape, and he hadn¡¯t had time to find a sessor, which was indeed a pity. So, I built this Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall ording to what Elder Brother Fang Quan had mentioned during our casual conversations. For this, I even spent a hundred years learning talismans."


    Remembering something, Gong Qiughed and said to Jian Huan, "Your master didn¡¯t really have any treasures. What he had the most were books and that spiritual herb field."


    Gong Qi shook his head, took another sip of wine, and pointed at Jian Huan¡¯s sword, "Like this spirit iron, I added it for Elder Brother Fang Quan. Otherwise, the Treasure Hall would have been filled with low-grade spiritual herbs, which would have been quite shabby."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    So that¡¯s how it was. Jian Huan thanked him, "Thank you, Uncle!"


    "What a smooth talker," Gong Qi remarked. Last night she called him "Master," this morning "Senior," and now she¡¯s calling him "Uncle."


    Shen Jizhi looked at the spiritual dishes on the table and suddenly asked, "Senior, since the spiritual herbs in the Treasure Halle from here, are these all illusions?"


    Gong Qi nced at them and thought for a moment, "Half and half, I suppose."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan quickly scooped up several more mouthfuls of porridge.


    The sun rose higher, and there was movement inside the house¡ªWu Yin had woken up.


    Gong Qi stood up and, for thest time, gazed deeply at the courtyard. He instructed Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, "This is your master¡¯s inheritance illusion, and my consciousness cannot appear here freely. I¡¯ll be leaving soon. Take care of yourselves. When this inheritance illusion disappears, the exit of the secret realm will appear. You¡¯ll have about a year here. Use it well toprehend and don¡¯t disappoint your master¡¯s expectations. After you leave, there¡¯s no need to mention anything about this ce. Elder Brother Fang Quan wouldn¡¯t want that."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi nodded in agreement.


    Gong Qi walked back into the house, returning to where he was supposed to be lying drunk.


    Wu Yin woke him up, and the two of them went to the peach grove to find Fang Quan and Lotus Heart.


    The secret realm where Fang Quan lived in seclusion was enchanted with a special formation, so it was always spring, the season the four of them loved the most.


    The peach blossoms remained unchanged for a thousand years.


    Fang Quan bid farewell to the three of them, holding his sword, his eyes smiling, "Well then, everyone, see you next year."


    Lotus Heart smiled and also held her sword, "See you next year."


    Wu Yin chanted, "Amitabha, see you next year."


    Gong Qi held his marten and whispered, "See you next year."


    But next year would nevere.


    A yearter, which was only twelve days in this realm, three spirit cranes arrived one after another, each carrying a letter and a pile of books.


    The books piled up across the courtyard, filling the air with the unique scent of paper.


    Fang Quan stood amidst the piles of books, reading the three letters.


    Jian Huan set the dishes on the table, poured three cups of wine, and called out, "Master,e and eat. Tonight¡¯s dishes are all your favorites."


    Fang Quan nodded, somewhat absentmindedly, and sat down, "The three of them are busy. Something big must be happening outside."


    Jian Huan handed her master the chopsticks, "Even if something¡¯s happening, you still need to eat."


    "True," Fang Quan took the chopsticks, looked at the table full of dishes and wine, and smiled at his two disciples, who were unusually waiting for him to start, "What is this, a farewell feast?"


    Jian Huan smiled and nodded, "Yes. If it weren¡¯t for your guidance, Shen Jizhi and I wouldn¡¯t have been able to master the talisman and sword techniques so quickly."


    She picked up her wine cup, stood up, and toasted Fang Quan with a serious expression, "Master, thank you."


    After saying this, she downed the wine in one gulp.


    Shen Jizhi watched her quietly and followed with a toast to Fang Quan.


    "Alright, alright," Fang Quan smiled and drank his wine. "What I taught you were just the sword techniques. The intent behind the Flower-Plucking Sword, I cannot teach you. You¡¯ll have toprehend it yourselves. The same sword technique can lead topletely different intents for different people. Your futures are still long."


    After a pause, Fang Quan said, "Since we¡¯vee to this, let¡¯s bid farewell now."


    Jian Huan lowered her head, her hands resting on the stone table, idly picking at it.


    The words Gong Qi had said that day, both she and Shen Jizhi had heard. They knew that it was now time to part.


    Jian Huan had mentally prepared herself, but when the moment finally came, she couldn¡¯t help but feel reluctant.


    Some partings, once done, are truly final.


    Fang Quan was still thinking about the three letters, "Something must have happened outside. I need to go and see. I¡¯ll probably set off tomorrow. You two can stay here or go out to train, whichever you prefer."


    The two agreed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Quan gave a few more instructions, ate until he was half-full, and then carried the books back to his room.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi continued eating.


    By the end, Jian Huan started drinking, one cup after another, as if it were water. Almost an entire jug of wine went into her stomach.


    Shen Jizhi held a simple white porcin cup, not drinking, his gaze fixed on Jian Huan.


    Her face was flushed from the wine, her eyes bright and intense. She held the wine jug upside down, trying to pour more into her cup, but nothing came out.


    Jian Huan frowned, scratching her head, seemingly confused as to why the jug was empty.


    She ced the jug aside, propped her elbows on the edge of the stone table, and used her index fingers to pull down the skin under her eyes, exposing most of her whites, making a face like a ghost.


    Shen Jizhi paused for a moment and asked, "What are you doing?"


    Jian Huan nced at him, tilted her head, and after some thought, blurted out, "I don¡¯t want to be a crybaby."


    Shen Jizhi understood. He nodded, took a small sip of his wine, and said nothing more.


    The surroundings werepletely silent.


    Shen Jizhi drank his wine very slowly, while Jian Huan maintained her posture the entire time.


    Her eyes were watery, the mist in them on the verge of turning into tears, but she stubbornly forced them back.


    Her hands tugged fiercely at the skin under her eyes, revealing the red veins in the whites of her eyes. Her lips were bitten, as she wrestled with herself.


    The hem of her sleeve slipped down with her movement, revealing a slender, pale wrist.


    The wrist trembled slightly from the effort.


    Shen Jizhi gazed straight ahead, his hand gripping the wine cup so tightly that veins bulged.


    He had been holding back for a long time.


    Suddenly, there was a soft clink as the cup was ced on the table.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, firmly grasping Jian Huan¡¯s wrist and pulling it down. His voice, usually calm, carried a deep, night-like weight: ¡°Enough, Jian Huan.¡±


    The strength in his grip was both forceful and restrained.


    Jian Huan was pulled around to face him.


    She looked at Shen Jizhi, her vision gradually blurring as tears welled up uncontrobly. Her voice quivered.


    Choking back a sob, she said, ¡°Shen Jizhi, I really hate goodbyes.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Shen Jizhi replied softly.


    Jian Huan withdrew her hand, hastily wiping away the tears that threatened to spill over.


    Shen Jizhi paused for a moment, then retrieved a handkerchief from his pouch and gently wiped her face.


    Jian Huan looked at the handkerchief, its familiar aqua-green fabric, her voice still shaky from crying: ¡°Isn¡¯t this the cloth you use to clean your sword?¡±


    Shen Jizhi exined, ¡°I made two. This is the unused one.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Jian Huan took the handkerchief from his hand, wiping her face while sniffling. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I wouldn¡¯t have minded the sword-cleaning one either.¡±


    Shen Jizhi couldn¡¯t help butugh.

 Chapter 55

    The night in the deep mountains was serene.


    After preparing his luggage, Fang Quan walked over to the three piles of books, picking and choosing which ones to bring along for the journey.


    The books Wu Yin had sent via the spirit crane were all rted to Buddhist studies, with some disciples'' reflections tucked inside.


    Fang Quan couldn''t help but smile at this.


    Wu Yin was quite broad-minded; he likely had his disciples hand over these books without even ncing at them before tossing them all to him.


    It was a pity for those disciples who had hoped to catch Wu Yin''s attention.


    Unlike Wu Yin, Gong Qi was far more thoughtful. He knew exactly what Fang Quan enjoyed reading and had sent a mix of novels and misceneous books, including titles like *Affairs of the Mortal World*, which required opening to discover their contents.


    Gong Qi''s reckless fighting style wasn''t due to impulsiveness but rather his upbringing in a poor family. He had learned early on that to gain something, one had to fight for it.


    Fang Quan couldn''t help but recall the time, hundreds of years ago, when he first met Gong Qi. Back then, Gong Qi would hoard food and clothes, reluctant to use them.


    Thinking of this, Fang Quan finally understood why he felt a certain fondness for his two disciples.


    Chuckling to himself, he turned to thest pile of books.


    Lotus Heart. Lotus Heart. Ah, Lotus Heart.


    Lotus Heart was also thoughtful, sending a mix of rtively serious novels, books on local customs, and newly published sword manuals, music scores, and poetry from across the Nine Regions.


    Fang Quan reached out, gently brushing his hand over the books, and noticed a music score among them.


    During theirst meeting, after practicing swordsmanship, they had sat beneath a peach tree, and she had mentioned how much she loved this particr piece. Fang Quan had asked her to bring it for him to see next time, and she had agreed.


    He pulled out the music score, holding it in his hands. As he opened it, he found a letter tucked between the pages.


    Fang Quan was momentarily stunned. He picked up the letter and examined it.


    The paper was thin, with a lotus flower drawn in the lower right corner. There were no words written on it, but at the top, there was a smudge of ink.


    The ink was stark ck, standing out against the pristine white paper.


    It seemed as though the writer had been about to write something when something urgent came up. A drop of ink had fallen, and the writer had hastily put down the brush, carelessly tucking the letter into the music score without any particr meaning.


    Yet, Fang Quan suddenly stood up, stumbling as he hurried to the dressing table and pulled out a book.


    It was a book he hadn''t opened in over a decade but had always kept there.


    Inside was a talisman with a few small characters written on it:


    *"To my dear friend, Lotus Heart, from me."*


    Above it was a simr smudge of ink.


    Fang Quan instantly understood.


    His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn''t help but grin foolishly.


    It was an indescribable feeling, as if the peach blossom forest outside had suddenly bloomed in his heart, one flower after another, spreading endlessly.


    After a moment, Fang Quan ced the talisman back.


    There was no need for it. If he saw her, he would tell her his feelings himself.


    Without further dy, Fang Quan pushed open the door and left.


    He had originally nned to have breakfast with his two disciples before departing, but now, he had no appetite for food.


    As for his disciples, they could manage on their own.


    The sky was just beginning to lighten. In her room, Jian Huany on the bed with her eyes open, the nket still covering her.


    It was like the nights before leaving for school in her past life¡ªshe couldn''t sleep, reluctant to let go of the moment.


    Hearing the sound of her master''s door opening, Jian Huan suddenly sat up, opened the wooden window, and called out, "Master!"


    In the front yard, the man wearing a schr''s hat turned around, his brows filled with joy. "What is it?"


    "Master, are you leaving already? Won''t you have breakfast with us?" Jian Huan leaned out of the window to ask.


    The window in Shen Jizhi''s room also opened.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He didn''t say anything, his gaze shifting from Jian Huan to Fang Quan, quietly observing.


    During their time in the secret realm, Fang Quan had been very amodating, almost always granting his disciples'' requests. But this time, he shook his head firmly. "No, I have urgent matters to attend to. You two take care of yourselves. I''m off."


    Jian Huan blinked but didn''t try to stop him.


    What was there to stop? Her master was heading where he wanted to go, to see the person he wanted to see.


    She leaned halfway out of the window, waving vigorously and shouting, "Master, take care on your journey!"


    In the distance, Fang Quan gradually faded away, seemingly hearing Jian Huan''s voice. He raised his hand in a wave before disappearing into the mountains.


    ¡­¡­


    Outside the courtyard, the wind suddenly stopped, and the ripples on theke froze as if covered in ice.


    A peach blossom fell from a branch, dancing gracefully in the air before abruptly halting.


    The world seemed to pause in that instant.


    Jian Huan felt dizzy, and with a *thud*, she was ejected from the scene.


    Before she could react, she heard the pitiful squeal of a pig.


    She sat up, her hands on the ground, and looked around.


    This was the room behind the mural that had concealed Fang Quan''s courtyard. Now, the painting on the wall had vanished, leaving only a nk white surface.


    It had been about half a month since shest saw Yang Ye''s pig, and it had be even more pink and glossy, its skin smooth as if it had received a hydration treatment. It was now eyeing her warily.


    Jian Huan had nearlynded on it when she fell.


    Surprised, Jian Huan turned to Yang Ye. "Your pig has leveled up?"


    Yang Ye and the others had been resting and were caught off guard by Jian Huan''s sudden appearance.


    Hearing her question, Yang Ye nodded instinctively. "Yes, after eating that herb, it slept for a long time and just woke up yesterday..."


    "You''re out?!" Yang Ye suddenly realized.


    Yin Yusheng examined Jian Huan closely. "Foundation Establishment, seventhyer. It seems you''ve had quite the experience in there."


    Wen Jiu came over and helped Jian Huan up, whispering, "Congrattions, junior sister."


    Jian Huan stood up with Wen Jiu''s assistance and, upon hearing Yin Yusheng''s words, felt the surge of power within her body.


    This meant that her year and more in the secret realm hadn''t been wasted!


    "You must have met Brother Shen in there, right? He..." Yin Yusheng turned toward the door, but before he could finish, Shen Jizhi walked in.


    Yin Yusheng observed him for a moment and eximed, "Brother Shen, why are you only at the fifthyer of Foundation Establishment?"


    He remembered that Shen Jizhi had entered a day earlier than Jian Huan.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi looked at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan grinned at him, holding up seven fingers. "I''m at the seventhyer."


    "..." Shen Jizhi''s gaze shifted to the books in the room, and he changed the subject. "Have you all finished going through them?"


    "Of course," Yang Ye replied, picking up his startled pig and stroking it. Dark circles hung under his eyes. "We finishedst night."


    After Jian Huan entered the mural, the three of them and the pig had been ejected from the courtyard, and the mural had closed again.


    Seeing that Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had both gained something from their experiences, the three of them had been determined not to fall behind. They had spent days and nights flipping through books and searching for treasures, finally finishing their search of the entire treasure hall the night before.


    They hadn''t even bothered to use spiritual energy to hide their dark circles.


    "Seniors! Seniors! Seniors!" A frantic voice suddenly called from downstairs. "Seniors, where are you?"


    Jian Huan frowned slightly, instinctively walking over to Shen Jizhi and patting him. "That voice sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her. "It''s the people from Wind de Gate."


    "Oh, right," Jian Huan said, suddenly remembering the three people they had saved from the wolves.


    "Seniors, the exit is open! Hurry and leave!" The three from Wind de Gate continued shouting from downstairs.


    Yang Ye called back, "Thank you for the reminder! We''ll be right there!"


    The voices downstairs paused. "Then we''ll take our leave first. Seniors, please hurry!"


    Yang Ye: "Understood!"


    "It''s about time for it to open," Yin Yusheng said as he packed up his alchemy furnace. He turned to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi. "We were worried you two might miss the exit."


    Jian Huan smiled. "Luckily, the senior in the painting seemed to have calcted the timing to ensure we wouldn''t miss it."


    "I see," Yin Yusheng said without further inquiry, and the group headed downstairs together.


    As they passed through the main hall, Shen Jizhi casually took down the self-portrait of Fang Quan hanging in the center.


    As he stored the painting away, he remembered something and asked Yang Ye, "I recall that the exit usually stays open for about a quarter of an hour?"


    Yang Ye nodded. "Yes."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan''s eyes lit up. "A quarter of an hour?"


    Wen Jiu asked softly, "What about it?"


    Jian Huan clenched her fist, her eyes sparkling. "I think that''s enough time for me to hunt down a few demon beasts."


    Yang Ye, who had initially been in a hurry to leave, suddenly paused and locked eyes with the spirit pig in his arms: "Indeed."


    Yin Yusheng gently smoothed his robe: "I¡¯ve been tired from flipping through books these past few days. It¡¯s time to stretch my limbs."


    The group exchanged nces, shared a knowing smile, and quickly made up their minds.


    Without a second thought, they charged down the hall and plunged into the midst of the demon beasts that were chasing low-level cultivators, preventing them from easily leaving the secret realm. They began to unleash a flurry of attacks.


    Among them, two low-level cultivators were struggling in a fierce battle with an iron mantis.


    Jian Huan leaped down, her sword shing through the air.


    The iron mantis copsed with a loud thud, and the two cultivators breathed a sigh of relief before turning around: "Thank you¡ª"


    Their voices caught in their throats when they saw Jian Huan¡¯s face.


    It was someone they knew.


    Jian Huan smiled at them: "I remember you."


    That day, when they were collecting bones outside the wolf cave, Shen Jizhi had exined to her that these two were freeloaders in the secret realm, trailing behind powerful cultivator groups to pick up things others deemed worthless.


    The two cultivatorsughed awkwardly.


    Jian Huan, while escorting them to safety, raised an eyebrow: "So, isn¡¯t it beneficial to follow us?"


    The two: "..."


    Since they were currently relying on Jian Huan for protection, they couldn¡¯t speak the truth. The taller one ttered: "Yes, thanks to all of you, we¡¯ve gained a lot from this trip."


    The shorter one chimed in: "Yes, yes..."


    Once they reached a safe area, the two bowed in gratitude and hurriedly left.


    Before departing, the shorter one muttered: "Next time, we¡¯ll have to choose our group more carefully."


    The taller one took the lesson to heart: "Yes, we¡¯ll pick those who don¡¯t look too wealthy next time."


    This time, they had chosen a group that appeared well-off, only to waste a month in the secret realm without gaining anything.


    One by one, the cultivators departed, and soon, only Jian Huan and herpanions remained in the secret realm.


    Yang Ye, while controlling his spirit pig, kept a close eye on the exit.


    After a moment, the glow of the exit began to shrink, and Yang Ye shouted: "Alright, let¡¯s go!!"


    The group swiftly made their way out. Jian Huan soared on her sword, already reaching the exit when she noticed Shen Jizhi still fighting.


    Her eyelids twitched, and she stomped her foot at the exit, shouting: "Shen Jizhi, are you trying to get yourself killed?"


    At the moment Jian Huan spoke, the demon beast Shen Jizhi had been targeting copsed. He picked up the beast¡¯s corpse and replied: "Almost done."


    However, his storage pouch was already filled with several demon beast carcasses, and for a moment, he couldn¡¯t fit the silver rhinoceros inside.


    Shen Jizhi simply grabbed the rhinoceros by its tail, hoisted it up, and flew out of the secret realm on his sword, following behind Jian Huan.

 Chapter 56

    Before entering the secret realm, it was still autumn outside. Upon emerging, the chill in the air was unmistakable.


    At the entrance of the Jade rity Sect, the ginkgo tree bore only a few withered leaves on its branches.


    This journey had been quite fruitful.


    Each person received 86,000 spirit stones, andbined with the treasures they had found in Fang Quan''s Treasure Hall, their total haul nearly reached 100,000.


    In terms of the spirit stones acquired at the end, Wen Jiu had the most with 160,000, followed by Yang Ye and Yin Yusheng.


    The most valuable item Jian Huan had obtained in the Treasure Hall was spirit iron, though it had already been forged into a spirit sword, which she chose not to sell. Thus, she ranked fourth with 100,000.


    Fifth was Shen Jizhi, who had just over 98,000.


    However, the experiences Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had in the inheritance illusion couldn''t be measured in spirit stones.


    In any case, the five of them and the pig were all quite satisfied. After agreeing to meet again if the opportunity arose, they went their separate ways.


    On the way back to the small hill, Jian Huan flew on her sword alongside Shen Jizhi. She asked with a mix of excitement and nervousness, "Do you think our Purple Jade Grass has sprouted?"


    Shen Jizhi was also pondering this question and replied somewhat uncertainly, "It should have, right?"


    Jian Huan sighed, "I hope the fruit has been doing its part."


    Shen Jizhi nodded in agreement.


    Winter, the season when all things wither.


    Yet, on the small hill, there was a burst of springtime vitality.


    The previously half-dead first-grade spirit tree had now sprouted new leaves. The tender green color flourished under the warm winter sun.


    On the eastern and western sides of the first-grade spirit tree, small purple grasses had emerged, delicate and adorable, swaying in the breeze.


    They had sprouted!


    Overjoyed, Jian Huan crouched down in front of the first-grade spirit tree and called out happily, "Fruit, we''re back!"


    At the base of the first-grade spirit tree, a small green figure loungingfortably with its legs crossed visibly trembled.


    This was undoubtedly bad news, very bad news.


    How long had it been since it had enjoyed some peace, and now these two were back?


    The Earth Fruit Spirit shook its head, covering its tiny ears with its matchstick-like hands, deciding to pretend it hadn''t heard anything.


    After waiting for a moment without any response, Jian Huan extended her right hand, channeling her spiritual energy.


    A rune appeared in her palm.


    She gently tugged on the spiritual thread that appeared, pulling out a blob of jelly-like substance from the ground.


    The jelly-like bloby limp and lifeless on the ground, showing no signs of movement.


    Jian Huan poked it and said to Shen Jizhi, "It seems like it doesn''t want to talk to us."


    Shen Jizhi nced down, then slowly took out a box of soil from his storage pouch and opened the lid.


    Almost instantly, the jelly-like blob stood up and instinctively asked, "What kind of soil is that?"


    It smelled quite fragrant.


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze fell on the wooden que of the first-grade spirit tree as he lightly tapped the box and replied leisurely, "First-grade spirit soil."


    The Earth Fruit Spirit: "..."


    On the third day back at the Jade rity Sect, Shen Jizhi used the spirit stones he had barely warmed up to pay off two small debts totaling tens of thousands. After settling them, he still had nearly 20,000 spirit stones left.


    The next debt was 100,000, and 20,000 spirit stones weren''t enough to cover it. He would need to save up more.


    After paying off the debts, Shen Jizhi didn''t return to the Jade rity Sect immediately.


    It had been raining for the past two days. In the streets of Approaching Immortal City, the townsfolk wore thick cotton clothes and carried oil-paper umbres, hurrying along.


    Flying on swords was prohibited within the city.


    Shen Jizhi, dressed in ck with his hair tied up with a wooden hairpin, walked through the cold winter rain.


    He didn''t carry an umbre because he didn''t have one.


    The rain soaked the strands of hair on his forehead, and crystal-clear droplets continuously slid down his exquisite features, enhancing his aloof and distant demeanor.


    "Sir, wait!" A woman suddenly ran out from a nearby house, her skirt immediately getting wet as rain sshed around.


    She held an oil-paper umbre and shyly offered it to him, "You don''t have an umbre? It''s such heavy rain, and it''s winter¡ªyou might catch a cold. Here, take this umbre..."


    Shen Jizhi didn''t stop, walking past her, "No need, thank you."


    The further he went into the alley, the fewer people he encountered. Shen Jizhi stopped in front of a humble courtyard.


    The door was ajar, and Shen Jizhi pushed it open.


    The heavy wooden door creaked, and the Medicine Granny inside immediately asked warily, "Who is it?"


    "Medicine Granny, it''s me," Shen Jizhi walked through the front yard to the eaves, using his spiritual energy to dry himself off.


    He lifted the door curtain, bent down, and entered the somewhat low doorway.


    Inside, medicine was being brewed. The cold wind from outside blew in through the lifted curtain, causing the charcoal fire to burn brighter.


    The medicine had been brewing for a while, and bubbles gurgled within, filling the air with a slightly bitter aroma.


    The Medicine Granny was organizing herbs in front of the medicine cab. She nced over with her old eyes, "What do you want now?"


    Shen Jizhi ignored the Medicine Granny''s disdainful attitude.


    From the time he was ten and broke his arm in a fight over business, meeting the Medicine Granny, she had always looked down on him.


    But so what? The Medicine Granny charged cheaply, and that was enough.


    Shen Jizhi pulled up a wooden chair and sat down, pondering for a moment before saying, "I think I might have been affected by some illusion-inducing incense. Could you take a look, Granny?"


    He was clear about his feelings for Jian Huan.


    But that dream still felt strange and unsettling.


    The Medicine Granny frowned, "Can you exin in detail?"


    Shen Jizhi briefly recounted the events of the past few days in the Lotus Secret Realm, omitting the specific details of the dream.


    After listening, the Medicine Granny asked, "Old woman, I just want to ask you, it''s been so long. Even if you were affected by the incense back then, how am I supposed to tell now?"


    Shen Jizhi looked up, "Granny, you misunderstand. I just want to know if there are any remnants in my body."


    After a pause, he added, "Just a check, no treatment. One spirit stone should be enough, right?"


    "Yes¡ª" the Medicine Granny drew out the word, putting down the herbs in her hands and wiping them on her apron. She walked over to Shen Jizhi and ced her hand on his forehead.


    After a while, she withdrew her hand and gave a wry smile, "Young man, your one spirit stone is going to waste."


    That meant there were no remnants.


    Shen Jizhi nodded, stood up, took out a spirit stone from his pocket, handed it to the Medicine Granny, and left.


    The Medicine Granny watched the ck-d youth disappear into the rain, then turned back to organizing her herbs, "Come out, he''s gone."


    As soon as she spoke, a figure silently descended from the second floor.


    The Medicine Granny didn''t look up, "You actually used Soul-Soothing Incense on him."


    "I was afraid the Calming Incense wouldn''t work," the man replied, "Soul-Soothing Incense is more reliable."


    "Besides," the man chuckled, "Soul-Soothing Incense only brings out what''s truly in one''s heart. I just helped him discover it earlier, isn''t that good?"


    Under the camphor tree at the Equipment Forging Hall, Jian Huan stood with an umbre, waiting for Shen Jizhi.


    The afternoon rain grew heavier,rge drops pounding on the oil-paper umbre, creating a continuous patter.


    asionally, disciples of the Jade rity Sect passed by¡ªsome with umbres like Jian Huan, some shielding themselves with spiritual energy, and others simply letting themselves get wet.


    Jian Huan had been waiting for a while.


    By her calctions, he should have returned by now. She wondered where he had gone after paying off his debts.


    Jian Huan squatted down, resting the umbre on her shoulder, staring at the rippling puddles on the ground as she silently recited incantations.


    Suddenly, a pair of rain-soaked boots appeared before her, and a cool male voice came from above, "What are you doing here?"


    Delight spread across her features. Jian Huan grasped the umbre handle, looked up, and raindrops fell on her eyebrows,shes, nose, and lips.


    She instinctively closed her eyes, straightened the umbre, stood up, wiped her face, and said cheerfully, "You''re finally back! I''ve been waiting for you for so long!"


    Through the rain, Shen Jizhi looked at her and sighed almost imperceptibly, "Why didn''t you wait inside the Equipment Forging Hall?"


    Jian Huan moved closer, raising the umbre to shield him as they walked forward,ining, "I was inside at first, but your colleagues kept teasing me about us, so I came out."


    Their true rtionship was that of creditor and debtor, but on the surface, they were engaged.


    Shen Jizhi was cold-faced, so those people didn''t dare tease him, but seeing the approachable Jian Huan, they couldn''t resist their curiosity.


    Shen Jizhi nodded, taking the umbre from her, "Where did you get this umbre?"


    "Jiang Mian lent it to me."


    "I see," Shen Jizhi looked at her, "So, what do you need from me this time?"


    "Hey, why do you say it like that?" Jian Huan lightly pped his right arm with the back of her hand, "Do I onlye to you when I need something?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Alright then, you can leave now," Shen Jizhi handed the umbre back to her.


    "Wait, wait," Jian Huan stopped him, "Alright, I do have something to talk to you about."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He knew it.


    This person never sought him out without a reason.


    Jian Huan leaned closer to Shen Jizhi and pulled out the blueprint for the mountain retreat: "During lunch, I took some time to ask around, and something doesn¡¯t add up."


    Shen Jizhi looked puzzled: "What do you mean?"


    "You told me earlier that building the main courtyard would only cost fifty to sixty thousand spirit stones," Jian Huan gritted her teeth, "But at lunch, my senior brother told me it would cost eighty to ny thousand! The materials like spirit wood and y alone would cost forty to fifty thousand, and hiring people to build would cost another forty to fifty thousand."


    Jian Huan currently had over a hundred thousand spirit stones on hand and had already nned to build three main rooms first.


    But upon asking, the budget far exceeded her expectations. Although she could afford eighty to ny thousand, who would willingly spend that much if it could be done for fifty to sixty thousand?


    This matter was urgent, so Jian Huan didn¡¯t want to wait until evening to find Shen Jizhi, which was why she was standing here to intercept him.


    After listening to her, Shen Jizhi nodded and corrected, "I said it would cost at least fifty to sixty thousand, not just that much."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan muttered under her breath, "Same old trick as those merchants."


    They lure you in with a ¡®starting from 99¡¯ tagline, only for you to realize that the word ¡®starting¡¯ is the key.


    Shen Jizhi raised an eyebrow: "What?"


    "Nothing," Jian Huan held the blueprint, not unfolding it, and looked up at him under the umbre, asking seriously, "So, how can I achieve that minimum cost?"


    "When I told you," Shen Jizhi reached out, gently wiping away the lingering rainwater on his forehead, then paused.


    Jian Huan¡¯s gaze instinctively followed his hand: "What?"


    Shen Jizhi smiled faintly, a rare urrence: "I didn¡¯t include thebor cost for hiring builders."


    Jiang Mian¡¯s oil-paper umbre was a soft pink, casting a faint rosy glow on his face, entuating the dampness of his features with a touch of allure.


    Shen Jizhi rarely smiled.


    Because it was so rare, when he did, Jian Huan found herself momentarily dazed.


    He really was, quite, handsome.


    But since they spent so much time together, Jian Huan had grown used to it and often didn¡¯t notice.


    Feeling a little guilty, Jian Huan coughed lightly and shifted her gaze to the blueprint in her hands.


    Shen Jizhi looked at Jian Huan¡¯s slightly damp hair, deep in thought.


    After a moment of silence, he continued, "Because I can build it myself, I excluded that cost when calcting."


    "...Alright," Jian Huan¡¯s heart stirred slightly, and she looked up again, a hint of temptation in her expression, "Then, would you like to earn this money from me?"


    Shen Jizhi unconsciously rubbed the wet ground with the sole of his boot: "Go on."


    Jian Huan had already thought it through: "Deduct forty thousand from the total, and you¡¯ll build it for me."


    She trusted Shen Jizhi¡¯s skills. If he were to build it, she wouldn¡¯t need to worry much or act as a supervisor.


    Plus, the deduction woulde from the budget, so it wouldn¡¯t hurt as much.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t respond immediately, his gaze following Jian Huan¡¯s slender shoulders to the world outside the umbre.


    The rain seemed to have lightened, falling softly and continuously.


    He was deep in thought.


    Jian Huan swayed slightly in ce, waiting for a while. When he still hadn¡¯t replied, she urged, "Hey, Shen Jizhi, give me an answer. Yes or no?"


    Shen Jizhi snapped out of his thoughts and looked down: "Open the blueprint and let me see."


    "Oh," Jian Huanplied and unfolded the scroll a bit.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, his index finger circling the edge of Jian Huan¡¯s blueprint, where hisnd began.


    There, two side rooms were drawn.


    He said, "Build the three rooms here first, two on your side and one on mine."


    Jian Huan: "Huh?"


    "The materials for fifty to sixty thousand aren¡¯t the best. The main room is where you¡¯ll live for hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of years. Don¡¯t you want to use better materials?" Shen Jizhi said calmly, "Why not build the side rooms first? We¡¯ll build them together. We¡¯ll each pay for our own materials, but I¡¯ll only charge you twenty thousand for thebor. That way, we¡¯ll both save on half a wall¡¯s worth of materials. A win-win, don¡¯t you think?"


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t respond immediately, frowning at her blueprint.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t say anything more.


    He had said enough.


    Sure enough, after a moment, Jian Huan looked up, stood on her tiptoes, and patted his shoulder with a bright smile: "Smart thinking, Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi smiled faintly: "You tter me."


    With the matter settled, he handed the umbre back to her: "We¡¯ll discuss the detailster. I need to head back now."


    Jian Huan took the umbre, still praising him: "Your idea is really clever. When¡ª"


    She tilted her head, tucking the umbre between her neck and right shoulder, freeing her right hand to draw a line on the edge of the blueprint: "Not only will we save on half a wall now, but when we have more moneyter and build the outer wall, we¡¯ll save on this section too."


    Shen Jizhi paused for a moment, ncing down.


    Jian Huan was pointing to the outer wall that divided the east and west sides.


    Once this wall was built, her courtyard would be distinctly hers, separate from his.


    Shen Jizhi chuckled: "Yes, that¡¯s what I thought too."


    Before leaving, he reached out and gently pressed the umbre down, the canopy lightly touching the back of her head.


    Jian Huan was caught off guard, fumbling to put away the blueprint and holding the umbre handle as she looked up, about to scold him.


    But he was already walking away in the drizzling rain.

 Chapter 57

    At the hour of You (around 5-7 PM), Jian Huan and Jiang Mian left the library together and headed to the dining hall for their meal.


    The rain outside had stopped at some point, leaving small puddles on the ground. As they walked, the water sshed slightly, dampening the hems of their robes.


    Jiang Mian was animatedly sharing some sect gossip with Jian Huan when she suddenly paused mid-sentence and pointed ahead, ¡°Hey, Jian Huan, it¡¯s Elder Yu Qing!¡±


    Hearing this, Jian Huan quickly looked in the direction Jiang Mian was pointing.


    Elder Yu Qing¡¯s bamboo cane was still in her possession. She had wanted to return it when she came back to the sect, but Elder Yu Qing hadn¡¯t been there at the time.


    Her eyes lit up, and she pulled Jiang Mian along as they hurried over.


    Elder Yu Qing was with a few other elders.


    The two of them quickly bowed in greeting, ¡°Greetings to all the elders.¡±


    The other elders looked puzzled, but Elder Yu Qing exined, ¡°They are my disciples. You all may go ahead.¡±


    The other elders nodded and left.


    Elder Yu Qing smiled warmly at Jian Huan, ¡°You¡¯re back? Foundation Establishment, seventh level¡ªnot bad. It seems you gained quite a bit in the secret realm.¡±


    Jian Huan took out the bamboo cane and presented it with both hands, ¡°Thank you, Elder Yu Qing, for lending me the cane. Without it, I wouldn¡¯t have had such an experience.¡±


    Elder Yu Qing waved his hand, and the cane returned to his grasp.


    He didn¡¯t press Jian Huan for details about what had happened in the secret realm. As long as she had returned safely, that was enough. ¡°I still have important matters to discuss with the other elders, so I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    Hearing this, Jian Huan and Jiang Mian bid their farewells.


    As they turned to head toward the dining hall, Jiang Mian whispered, ¡°Do you think Elder Yu Qing will say ¡®Wait¡¯?¡±


    Jian Huan nced at Elder Yu Qing, who was already walking away, ¡°He probably won¡¯t this time, right?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Jiang Mian said. ¡°Do you know what everyone calls Elder Yu Qing behind his back?¡±


    Jian Huan was curious, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The ¡®Wait Elder¡¯,¡± Jiang Mian said, and just as the words left her mouth, Elder Yu Qing turned back and called out to the two disciples who had already walked a few steps, ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Jiang Mian stopped in her tracks.


    Jian Huan¡¯s lips twitched.


    The two exchanged a look and turned back.


    Elder Yu Qing had almost caught up with the other elders, but he had thought about it¡ªJian Huan had been going on missions outside the sect quite often since she joined.


    ¡°From now on, focus on cultivating within the sect and avoid going outside,¡± Elder Yu Qing instructed. ¡°The entrance exam is in three months, and you can¡¯t afford to be careless, understand?¡±


    Jian Huan replied, ¡°Understood.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t nned to leave the sect again anyway.


    Outer disciples of the Jade rity Sect had to pay an annual tuition fee of three thousand spirit stones. In the ninth month of cultivation, there was an entrance exam. Those who passed would be inner disciples and no longer had to pay the fee. Those who failed could continue cultivating as outer disciples for another three months, during which they had to decide whether to pay the fee again and repeat the year, join another sect, or give up on cultivation altogether.


    ¡°And you,¡± Elder Yu Qing turned to Jiang Mian, ¡°you must also prepare well for the entrance exam. Your mother, as a sword cultivator, doesn¡¯t earn spirit stones easily.¡±


    Jiang Mian quickly replied, ¡°Yes, Elder.¡±


    This time, after giving his instructions, Elder Yu Qing truly left.


    The two disciples stood there, watching him go.


    Jiang Mian sighed, ¡°Elder Yu Qing is really such a good person¡­¡±


    Jian Huan agreed, ¡°Absolutely. When I was about to enter the secret realm and he lent me the bamboo cane, I almost cried.¡±


    ¡°Right, right! I once secretly ate pastries during Elder Yu Qing¡¯s talisman ss, and he saw but didn¡¯t scold me. Not only that,¡± Jiang Mian added, ter, when I ran into him on the road, he stopped me and gave me a pack of pastries, saying someone had gifted them to him, but he didn¡¯t like them!¡±


    ¡°So¡ª¡± Jiang Mian paused, turning to Jian Huan, ¡°you must remember, we first-year talisman cultivators have an unbreakable feud with first-year sword cultivators!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Jian Huan, who wasn¡¯t often in the sect, wasn¡¯t familiar with the internal conflicts and gossip. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not aware, but Elder Wei, who teaches the sword cultivators, has a grudge against our Elder Yu Qing,¡± Jiang Mian said, clearly annoyed. ¡°Elder Wei has mocked talisman cultivators in his sword sses, saying we¡¯re the most useless among all cultivators. He even said Elder Yu Qing talks too much and is always sucking up to the sect leader!¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Elder Wei sounds bitter.¡±


    If he truly looked down on them, he wouldn¡¯t even mention them. The fact that he kept bringing it up showed he was holding a grudge.


    ¡°He¡¯s just jealous!¡± Jiang Mian said. ¡°Elder Wei has a daopanion from the Harmony Union Sect. But that elder from the Harmony Union Sect doesn¡¯t actually like Elder Wei¡ªshe likes our Elder Yu Qing. But Elder Yu Qing doesn¡¯t take a daopanion, so she ended up with Elder Wei. That¡¯s why Elder Wei is so hostile toward Elder Yu Qing. And under his influence, those first-year sword cultivators all look down on us talisman cultivators!¡±


    Jian Huan let out a long ¡°Oh,¡± still immersed in the gossip.


    ¡°The second round of the entrance exam is apetition, where all first-year disciples draw lots to face each other¡ªexcept for those with single spiritual roots. In previous years, when sword cultivators drew talisman cultivators, they would go through the motions for a few moves to avoid causing any bad blood. But this year, the sword cultivators have been boasting that they¡¯ll beat us talisman cultivators to a pulp,¡± Jiang Mian pouted. ¡°Everyone¡¯s been worried about this. In a fight, we¡¯re no match for sword cultivators. Every year, the top spot in the entrancepetition goes to a sword cultivator, and the hundred thousand spirit vouchers always end up in their hands. Ah, just thinking about it makes me so angry. I¡¯m going to eat moreter!¡±


    Jian Huan suddenly stopped in her tracks.


    Jiang Mian stopped too, looking at her in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Jian Huan turned to Jiang Mian and asked seriously, ¡°What did you just say? Say it again.¡±


    Jiang Mian was puzzled, ¡°I¡¯m going to eat moreter?¡±


    Jian Huan shook her head, ¡°No, the sentence before that.¡±


    Jiang Mian tried to recall, ¡°Every year, the top spot goes to a sword cultivator?¡±


    Jian Huan held her breath, ¡°And then?¡±


    Jiang Mian thought harder, ¡°The hundred thousand spirit vouchers always end up in their¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it!¡± Jian Huan snapped her fingers, a smile spreading across her lips. She then asked, ¡°What are the hundred thousand spirit vouchers for?¡±


    Jiang Mian exined, ¡°They¡¯re vouchers you can use within the sect to buy things from the Treasure Pavilion. You can get anything worth up to a hundred thousand spirit stones without spending a single stone.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Does that include spirit wood?¡±


    Jiang Mian nodded, ¡°Yes, it does.¡±


    Golden Core Stage cultivators had excellent night vision.


    But the longing for light was a human instinct.


    In a small, secluded cabin, a candle burned quietly, its dim light casting shadows on Shen Jizhi¡¯s tired face.


    It was already the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), and he had just returned from the Equipment Forging Hall,pletely exhausted, his voice low, ¡°You¡¯ll build it three monthster?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Jian Huan sat cross-legged on the bed, holding a talisman brush. ¡°We¡¯ll see after I finish the entrance exam.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze fell on the brush in her hand.


    Jian Huan used her talisman brush so frequently that the bristles were half worn out. From her asionalints, it seemed the spirit ink was also running low.


    ¡°You think you can get those hundred thousand spirit vouchers?¡± He looked away, understanding her n.


    Shen Jizhi had been brought to the Jade rity Sect by Gu Shan and directly taken as a personal disciple.


    He hadn¡¯t had to go through the process of being an outer disciple, so he had never taken the entrance exam, but he knew that the top scorer received a hundred thousand spirit vouchers.


    It was one of the few opportunities to take advantage of the sect¡¯s resources.


    Jian Huan reached out, pressing the frayed bristles of the brush together, ¡°I¡¯ll try. How will I know if I don¡¯t try?¡±


    After hearing about it from Jiang Mian earlier that day, she had gone to gather more information.


    Single spiritual root disciples didn¡¯tpete with those of multiple spiritual roots, but there was a dual spiritual root sword cultivator from a well-known cultivation family in the Nine Regions. He had been rigorously trained since childhood and was already at the Golden Core Stage.


    He was a formidable opponent.


    However, during thepetition, there were elders overseeing the matches to ensure no one died. If someone was seriously injured, the Jade rity Sect¡¯s healers would treat them for free.


    It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Jian Huan was determined to give it a shot.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s delicate brows furrowed as he cautioned her, ¡°It¡¯s going to be dangerous.¡±


    Jian Huan simply asked, ¡°If it were you, wouldn¡¯t you try?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    He sighed softly, then said, ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be leaving for a while.¡±


    Jian Huan was puzzled, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°I went to the Immortal Storage Tower earlier today and saw a task that suits me.¡±


    He epted the task on the spot, but after weighing the pros and cons in the afternoon, he agreed to Jian Huan''s request to build a house. He had originally nned to decline the next day, but now, there was no need.


    Jian Huan was taken aback: "What about your work at the Equipment Forging Hall?"


    Shen Jizhi: "I¡¯ll take the materials with me and work on them whenever I have time. It¡¯s the same as bringing them back after finishing."


    Jian Huan pursed her lips, feeling inexplicably reluctant to let him go: "But this is even more dangerous than my task."


    At most, she might suffer serious injuries during thepetition, but taking on tasks like his, though lucrative, could be life-threatening at any moment.


    Shen Jizhi raised his eyes, looking at Jian Huan. The flickering candlelight reflected in his pupils as he said softly, "I want to give it a try."


    In her modern life, Jian Huan wasn¡¯t among the most talented in her ss.


    She was simply diligent enough. Countless nights were spent repeating the same scene, drawing one sketch after another until she was satisfied with her work.


    It was these countless days and nights that made her the most outstanding first-year talisman cultivator in this unfamiliar world.


    With only three months left until the entrance exam, everyone was starting to panic, and people often came to Jian Huan to ask about talismans.


    Jian Huan had a good temper and never grew impatient when her ssmates sought her help.


    The next afternoon, after the rain cleared, the sunlight was just right.


    Jian Huan sat by the window, surrounded by a few people.


    The entrance exam had two stages. For talisman cultivators like them, the first stage was drawing talismans.


    The sect would provide talisman brushes and paper, and the elders would dictate twenty talismans on the spot. Those who could draw more than half would pass the first stage.


    The second stage was apetition. Winning wasn¡¯t necessary to pass. Elders would be on the sidelines scoring, and even if a disciple lost, as long as theirbined score from both stages ced them in the upper half, they could still enter the inner sect.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I wonder which twenty talismans the elders will pick," Jiang Mian said, flipping through the thick tome of talisman techniques, her face filled with worry.


    The others who were consulting Jian Huan chimed in, "Yeah, there are so many talismans. Memorizing all of them is too hard."


    One of them looked pained: "The worst part is, you might remember them now, but a few dayster, you¡¯ll forget and have to memorize them all over again!"


    "Hey, Jian Huan, how¡¯s your memory?" someone asked curiously.


    Jian Huan twirled her talisman brush skillfully and replied, "I¡¯m doing alright. I¡¯ve pretty much got them all down."


    She spent every spare moment drawing talismans when she was outside.


    Plus, she had spent over a year in the Lotus Square Secret Realm, so she could draw most of them.


    "That¡¯s great," Jiang Mian said, looking enviously at Jian Huan¡¯s head. "But speaking of which, what talismans do you think the elders will pick?"


    Hearing this, Jian Huan looked up: "I¡¯m not sure about the others, but trust me, there will definitely be a Teleportation Talisman."


    Everyone knew of Elder Yu Qing¡¯s fondness for Teleportation Talismans, and they burst intoughter.


    Jian Huan joined in, her lively eyes curving upward, exuding a rxed and joyful aura.


    She nced out the window unintentionally.


    Outside, the sunlight was so intense it seemed to erase all traces of the previous days¡¯ rain.


    The evergreen nts stretched their leaves under the sun, swaying gently in the breeze, the scattered sunlight dancing on their surfaces.


    Under a tree, a young man in ck stood silently, as if he had been there for a while.


    It was Shen Jizhi.


    The smile on Jian Huan¡¯s face slowly faded. She blinked lightly and tilted her head unconsciously.


    Noticing her gaze, Shen Jizhi moved slightly, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile. He mouthed the words: "I¡¯m leaving."


    Then he turned and walked away, his fluttering robes brushing past the leaves as he disappeared around the corner.


    If it weren¡¯t for the others noticing Jian Huan¡¯s dazed expression and asking, "Isn¡¯t that Senior Brother Shen?"


    Jian Huan might have doubted whether the figure standing there was really Shen Jizhi or just a figment of her imagination.


    "Senior Brother Shen came to see you," Jiang Mian said to Jian Huan, who was still sitting in her seat. "Aren¡¯t you going out?"


    Jian Huan snapped out of her thoughts, her longshes casting a small shadow as she lowered her gaze: "No, he probably came to say goodbye."


    "Goodbye?" someone else interjected. "Where¡¯s Senior Brother going?"


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t want to reveal too much about Shen Jizhi¡¯s whereabouts: "He has some business to attend to."


    "If he came to say goodbye¡ª" Jiang Mian picked up a piece of red date cake, "aren¡¯t you going to chase after him to see him off?"


    "..." Jian Huan looked up at the circle of curious faces and scolded with augh, "Alright, stop crowding around me. I need to draw talismans. You should all go back and memorize yours, or else you¡¯ll have to pay the three thousand tuition fee again next year."


    Everyone: "..."


    Their curiosity instantly vanished, and they all returned to their seats.


    Time slipped away silently between the flipping of pages and the talisman brush running out of ink.


    Three monthster, a group of talisman cultivators walked out of the talisman hall, some excited, others dejected.


    Jian Huan mingled with the crowd, trying to control her expression when she saw her unhappy ssmates, but a hint of joy still shone in her eyes.


    Compared to her, Jiang Mian didn¡¯t hold back at all, skipping over with a beaming face: "Ah Huan! I passed! I drew fifteen talismans! I¡¯m so happy¡ª"


    Jian Huan tugged at Jiang Mian¡¯s sleeve, reminding her, "Keep it down, keep it down."


    "Oh, right, right," Jiang Mian said, noticing the resentful nces and quickly covering her uncontroble smile. She lowered her voice and finished, "I¡¯m definitely eating extra tonight!"


    "By the way, Ah Huan, what about you? I heard someone in your group drew all twenty talismans. Was it you?" Jiang Mian asked.


    Jian Huan shook her head: "Not me, it was Li Datou."


    Li Datou, whose full name was Li Datou, was someone Jian Huan had only met once half a year ago.


    He was even more reclusive than Jiang Mian. While Jiang Mian at least stayed within the Jade rity Sect, Li Datou never attended talisman sses, staying in his residence the entire time.


    "Wow, that Li Datou is impressive," Jiang Mian said, puzzled. "So how many did you draw?"


    Jian Huan held up one finger, then did it again: "Eleven."


    "What?!" Jiang Mian couldn¡¯t believe it. "You¡­ you only drew eleven?"


    In her mind, Jian Huan was someone who could draw the entire talisman book from memory.


    Jian Huan nced around, then pulled out nine nk talisman papers from her sleeve, her lips curving into a sly smile: "Here, the nine I didn¡¯t finish are right here."


    During modern exams, teachers collected draft papers to prevent leaks.


    The Jade rity Sect, however, collectedpleted talismans.


    So Jian Huan naturally stopped at eleven, just enough to pass the first stage.


    Jiang Mian: "..."


    Jiang Mian hesitated, wanting to say that drawing more talismans would earn higher scores, and even if the second stage¡¯spetition didn¡¯t go well, she might still make it into the inner sect.


    Talisman cultivators were usually at a disadvantage inpetitions.


    A talisman cultivator¡¯s strength was equivalent to a swordsman five levels lower.


    But then she thought, Jian Huan was at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment! As long as she didn¡¯t face a swordsman above the second level of Foundation Establishment, she had a good chance of winning.


    And among first-year swordsmen, there weren¡¯t many above the second level of Foundation Establishment, so Jian Huan might not even draw one.


    No big deal.


    Jiang Mian felt reassured.


    On a mild spring day, the heavy floral curtain blocked the view inside the room.


    Shen Jizhi leaned weakly on the bed, his face pale, his chest half-exposed, revealing terrifying scars.


    Medicine Granny sat beside him, changing his bandages.


    The wounds were almost healed. Seven days ago, Shen Jizhi had appeared at Medicine Granny¡¯s ce covered in blood, nearly scaring her to death.


    At the time, the injury had pierced through his entire chest, leaving a hole that could be seen from one side to the other.


    Now, the hole was almost closed.


    Shen Jizhi had chosen the cheapest spiritual medicine, and the powder must have been excruciating when it touched the wound.


    But he only frowned slightly, his gaze still fixed on the talisman brush in his hand.


    The brush¡¯s bristles were made from wolf hair he had found in the secret realm, and the spiritual ink was bought from the Equipment Forging Hall three months ago when he left the Jade rity Sect.


    The talisman brush was exquisitely crafted, with lifelike carvings of his favorite mythical creature, the Pi Xiu, on its body.


    Jian Huan liked it too.


    But¡ªit was a bit too exquisite.


    The recipient might read too much into it.


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment, then used his five-colored spiritual energy to coat the brush with ayer of silver-gray powder.


    The brush instantly looked ordinary, even somewhat cheap.


    Shen Jizhi examined it and nodded in satisfaction.


    He asked Medicine Granny, "Can I leave today?"


    "Yes, get out of here already. Don¡¯t keep cluttering up my ce," Medicine Granny said, standing up. She nced at the brush in his hand and asked, "Why did you ruin such a fine talisman brush?"


    ¡°Because this is meant for¡ª¡± Shen Jizhi paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.


    ¡°For the one I don¡¯t like.¡±

 Chapter 58

    Meanwhile, at the Jade rity Sect.


    In the open area in front of the main hall, 120 first-year disciples who had passed the initial assessment were lining up to draw lots.


    The entrancepetition would officially begin early the next morning. Each disciple would face off against the person they drew and then against the person who drew them.


    The sect elders would score their performance in these two matches,bine the results with their initial assessment scores, and select the top half to enter the inner sect.


    Disciples who won both matches could continuepeting. Thest person standing on the arena would be rewarded with a 100,000 spirit token, usable within the Jade rity Sect.


    Essentially, all the disciples hoped to perform well in thepetition to catch the attention of the peak masters observing from the sidelines and be their personal disciples.


    Jian Huan, however, was different. She simply wanted the 100,000 spirit token.


    Bing a personal disciple? She had no interest in that.


    She already had a master.


    The line for the drawing of lots slowly moved forward.


    In front of Jian Huan, Jiang Mian was almost at the front. She sped her hands together, making a final prayer: ¡°Heaven, please don¡¯t let me draw a sword cultivator, don¡¯t let me draw a sword cultivator, don¡¯t let me draw a sword cultivator¡­¡±


    Jian Huan overheard and leaned over, poking Jiang Mian: ¡°Cotton, have you ever heard this saying?¡±


    Jiang Mian turned her head: ¡°What?¡±


    Jian Huan said with a straight face: ¡°The more you don¡¯t want something, the more it happens.¡±


    Jiang Mian: ¡°...Go away!¡±


    Amid the banter, the two reached the front of the line.


    Jiang Mian opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and picked a wooden stick from the lot-drawing box.


    She quickly stepped aside, peeked at the stick, and immediately jumped for joy: ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s not a sword cultivator! Heaven has been kind to me!¡±


    Jian Huan pretended to cover her face, shielding them from the curious nces around, and casually picked a stick from the box before making way for the next person.


    Jiang Mian leaned over: ¡°What did you get?¡±


    Jian Huan raised the stick and read: ¡°Sword cultivator, Liu Qi.¡± She thought for a moment, then shook her head, ¡°Never heard of him, who¡¯s that?¡±


    Jiang Mian¡¯s smile froze: ¡°Ah Huan¡­¡±


    Jian Huan, noticing Jiang Mian¡¯s expression, asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is he strong?¡±


    Jiang Mian bit her lip, pulling Jian Huan to the back of the line, looking flustered and panicked: ¡°Yes, he¡¯s quite famous among the outer sect disciples. He¡¯s the one I told you about before, the one with the bull face.¡±


    Jian Huan suddenly understood: ¡°Oh, so Bull Face¡¯s real name is Liu Qi.¡±


    The Bull Face Jiang Mian mentioned was the sword cultivator who had previously caused trouble at the talisman hall and beat up several of their fellow disciples.


    At that time, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were in the Lotus Square Secret Realm, and Elder Yu Qing had been sent to the Dark Abyss to investigate the movements of the Demon n.


    Elder Wei, who was away, had only given Bull Face a three-day confinement as a p on the wrist, and the matter was dropped.


    Jiang Mian worriedly said: ¡°Bull Face won¡¯t let you off easily. He¡¯s also¡­ at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment.¡±


    A sword cultivator at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment could defeat a talisman cultivator at the first level of Golden Core, let alone another talisman cultivator at the same level.


    This was why countless cultivators across the Nine Provinces were drawn to sword cultivation.


    Jian Huan felt relieved upon hearing this: ¡°Seventh level of Foundation Establishment? Not a big deal.¡±


    Jiang Mian: ¡°...¡±


    Though it was a gentle and warm spring day, the atmosphere at the Jade rity Sect was as heated as summer due to the uing entrancepetition.


    On the second floor of the library, Jian Huan and Jiang Mian were making their final preparations.


    Suddenly, something flew in through the window. Jian Huan¡¯s eyes sharpened, and she reached out to catch it.


    Jiang Mian, sitting across from her, looked up in rm: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What is it?¡±


    Jian Huan turned her wrist, opened her palm, and revealed a pale pink peach blossom.


    She was momentarily stunned, then quickly leaned out the window to look outside.


    The afternoon sun was bright, and with winter gone and spring arrived, the ginkgo tree in front of the library had sprouted tender green leaves, swaying gently in the spring breeze.


    Opposite the ginkgo tree were rows of peach trees. The peach blossoms were in full bloom, and the wind had scattered petals all over the ground.


    Standing under the peach tree was Shen Jizhi, whom she hadn¡¯t seen in three months.


    The young man in ck was as dazzling as ever, as if nothing had changed.


    Jian Huan: ¡°!¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s face lit up with surprise. Without hesitation, she pushed the half-open window wide, stretched out her arms, and the spring breeze lifted the hem of her white disciple robe.


    She fluttered down like a white butterfly,nding lightly in front of Shen Jizhi. She bumped his shoulder with hers, her smile bright and her voice clear: ¡°I thought you¡¯d died out there!¡±


    He had been gone for three months without a word, and since he didn¡¯t have a Xuantian Mirror, Jian Huan had been worried that he might have died without anyone to collect his body.


    But then she remembered that he still had important antagonist plotlines in the original story, so he probably wouldn¡¯t die so easily. He would safely survive for another two years, so she had stopped worrying.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s half-formed smile froze: ¡°...¡±


    This was why he shouldn¡¯t have made that talisman brush.


    The little deer that had been prancing in his heart on the way here was now dead.


    Shen Jizhi chuckled dryly: ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    Jian Huan crossed her arms and slowly circled Shen Jizhi, the hem of her white skirt brushing against the peach petals on the ground.


    She suddenly paused, realizing something was off, and stretched out her hand topare their heights: ¡°Why are you taller?¡±


    He was already quite tall, but after this trip, he had grown even taller??


    Three months ago, she remembered reaching up to his neck, but now she only came up to his shoulder.


    Shen Jizhi stood still, ncing down at her, and said calmly: ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not that I¡¯ve grown taller, but that you¡¯ve shrunk.¡±


    ¡°...¡± Jian Huan fell silent for a moment, then sincerely advised, ¡°You should stop talking. You just got back today, and I don¡¯t want to say anything harsh.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°.¡±


    Jian Huan idly tossed the peach blossom in her hand, swaying slightly with a hint of excitement: ¡°By the way, did youe to see me for something?¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyelids lifted slightly, and with a flick of his finger, a few packages of pastries wrapped in brown paper appeared in his hand.


    Jian Huan recognized the packaging¡ªit was from the shop Jiang Mian liked.


    Back in Yuxian City, she had bought pastries from this shop for Jiang Mian.


    But actually, she liked them too.


    Besides the pastries, there was also a cloth bag, though it was unclear what was inside.


    Shen Jizhi held the bags out to Jian Huan, raising an eyebrow slightly.


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned, pointing at herself: ¡°For me?¡±


    Shen Jizhi nodded.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t take them right away, asking first: ¡°Do I have to pay?¡±


    ¡°...¡± Shen Jizhi looked at her in disbelief, shaking his head, ¡°No, do you think I¡¯m like you?¡±


    Jian Huan eyed him suspiciously: ¡°Then why are you giving me this?¡±


    He wasn¡¯t usually this kind.


    Free things were always the most suspicious¡ªhe must have an ulterior motive.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes narrowed with caution.


    Shen Jizhi looked up at the clear blue sky, closed his eyes for a moment topose himself, then looked back down.


    He reached out, grabbed Jian Huan¡¯s wrist, and shoved the bags into her hands, sounding slightly impatient: ¡°I don¡¯t feel like exining. Someone gave these to me, and I don¡¯t like eating this kind of stuff.¡±


    After saying this, he turned to leave: ¡°I still need to report back to the Equipment Forging Hall. You can throw them away if you don¡¯t want them.¡±


    Jian Huan fumbled to catch the bags. She looked inside the slightly open cloth bag and saw fruit¡ªapples, peaches, and her favorite, grapes!


    One of the perks of the cultivation world was that off-season fruits were always avable.


    ¡°Hey, hey, wait, wait!¡± Jian Huan called after him, leaning in with a gossipy look, ¡°Who gave these to you? A teammate from your mission? Was it a guy or a girl?¡±


    Shen Jizhi stopped by a peach tree on the side of the path: ¡°What¡¯s it to you? Just eat them.¡±


    He didn¡¯t have any teammates¡ªhe had taken the mission alone.


    No one had given him these things.


    But there was no need to tell her that.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± Shen Jizhi added, ¡°Don¡¯t throw away the cloth bag. Remember to return it to me.¡±


    He could use it againter.


    Jian Huan¡¯s lips twitched: ¡°...Got it.¡±


    Holding the pile of food, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little sentimental, ¡°Back when I traveled all the way to find you, and I was hungry in the middle of the night, you even charged me for a Fasting Pill. Who would¡¯ve thought that now you¡¯re so generous?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°...¡±


    Behind them, the thousand-year-old peach tree was in full bloom.


    They stood beneath it, the spring breeze asionally tangling the hems of their ck and white robes.


    After a moment of thought, Shen Jizhi asked: ¡°Yourpetition is tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡± Jian Huan nodded, opened the cloth bag, cast a cleaning spell inside, and then plucked a few grapes, offering them to Shen Jizhi. ¡°Want to try?¡±


    ¡°No, I said I don¡¯t eat them.¡± Shen Jizhi shook his head. ¡°Who did you draw?¡±


    ¡°Alright, but you really should try them.¡± Jian Huan withdrew her hand, rummaged in her robe, and handed him the wooden slip. ¡°Liu Qi.¡±


    Shen Jizhi took it, nced at it, and returned it to her. ¡°Do you stand a chance?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Jian Huan replied, her words slightly muffled as she chewed on a grape. ¡°I can¡¯t let our master down.¡±


    After finishing the grapes, she used her spiritual energy to dissolve the skins and seeds into the air, pped her hands, and said, ¡°You came backte, so I wasn¡¯t going to tell you. But since I¡¯ve shared the grapes, I¡¯ll bring you in on it.¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked puzzled. ¡°On what?¡±


    Jian Huan gestured for him toe closer.


    Shen Jizhi gave her a nce and leaned down.


    She tiptoed slightly, tilting her head to whisper into his ear.


    Her voice was soft, and it sounded different from usual¡ªgentle and sweet. The faint scent of grapes mixed with the peach blossoms in the air lingered around him.


    He lowered his darkshes, his gaze shifting slightly to rest on her face.


    Under the spring sunlight, Jian Huan¡¯s fairplexion resembled the plump, juicy peaches he had picked from Granny Yao¡¯s shop.


    Her cheeks were slightly pink, with a faintyer of white fuzz that glowed softly in the sunlight. It looked as though a gentle pinch would make her skin burst with moisture.


    After exining the ns for the next day, Jian Huan took a small step back. ¡°Got it? Since you¡¯re here, I won¡¯t go tonight. You can take my ce.¡±


    Shen Jizhi nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Jian Huan waved goodbye. ¡°Then I¡¯ll head back to the library to continue drawing talismans¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Shen Jizhi stopped her, pulling out a talisman brush and handing it over. His tone was calm. ¡°Since you¡¯ve brought me in, I¡¯ll give you something else.¡±


    ¡°?¡± Jian Huan looked at the brush in her hand. It was a dull gray, but the bristles were of good quality, though they seemed familiar. ¡°Uh, made from wolf hair?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s not perfect. It¡¯s a reject. The Equipment Forging Hall wouldn¡¯t take it, but it¡¯s still usable.¡± Shen Jizhi exined. ¡°If there¡¯s profit to be made in the future, remember toe to me.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan: ¡°!¡±


    Her talisman brush had been wearing outtely, and she had been nning to buy a new one.


    This was what they called: when you¡¯re sleepy, someone brings you a pillow.


    She happily epted the brush, looking Shen Jizhi up and down as sheplimented him. ¡°Not bad, Shen Jizhi. After being away for three months, you¡¯ve learned to give me little gifts and get on my good side. Shen Jizhi, you¡¯ve mastered social etiquette. You¡¯ve grown up!¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi reached out, gently cing his hand on top of her head, and said softly, ¡°Jian Huan, I hope you realize it¡¯s not me who hasn¡¯t grown up. It¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and grow up.¡±

 Chapter 59

    At the hour of Mao, the morning sun hung on the horizon, painting the surrounding clouds with a golden glow.


    In the Treasure Pavilion of the Jade rity Sect, a man in white robes walked through the door, his face adorned with a smile that revealed his sharp canine teeth. "Good morning, junior brother," he greeted.


    A moment passed, but there was no response from within the pavilion.


    Curious, the senior brother with the canine teeth approached and saw his junior brother sitting on a chair behind the shelves, engrossed in the Xuantian Mirror.


    "Junior brother?" The senior brother tapped the shelf with his knuckles and called out again.


    The junior brother finally snapped out of his reverie and hastily stood up. "Good morning, senior brother!"


    "Morning," the senior brother replied, his curiosity piqued. "What are you looking at? You seem so absorbed."


    "Today is the day of the first-year inner disciplepetition, isn''t it?" the junior brother replied as he put away the Xuantian Mirror and began tidying up. "I heard there''s a betting pool at the martial arena."


    He paused, his eyes gleaming with a hint of greed, and extended his hand, showing a ''five''. "A five hundred thousand bet!"


    "Five hundred thousand?!" The senior brother was astonished. "That much? Who''s involved?"


    Every year, during the first-year disciplepetition, there are always a few betting pools. Of course, these are unofficial, organized privately by the disciples themselves.


    When two equally matched popr disciples face off, some enthusiasts would wager a sum of spirit stones on the one they favor, while others who disagree would bet on the other disciple.


    However, the stakes are usually not that high, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand.


    A bet of five hundred thousand was unheard of.


    "Liu Qi and Jian Huan," the junior brother quickly answered. "I heard that this year''s first-year sword cultivators and talisman cultivators have been at odds. Liu Qi has even beaten a few talisman disciples before. Jian Huan is the most skilled talisman cultivator among the first-years, and she drew Liu Qi in the first round. Maybe she couldn''t stand it and impulsively bet five hundred thousand on herself."


    "Jian Huan?" The senior brother was surprised.


    He remembered this junior sister vividly. She had once visited the Treasure Pavilion and looked around but didn''t buy anything.


    He had also often flown past her and Shen Jizhi''s residence, frequently hearing strange creaking noises from their room, which made him blush.


    "That doesn''t seem right," the senior brother thought carefully. "I don''t think this junior sister has many spirit stones. Where would she get five hundred thousand to bet on herself?"


    The junior brother replied, "It''s not just her. Yang Ye is also involved. It''s said that Yang Ye and Jian Huan are on good terms and have even gone to a secret realm together. Yang Ye and Jian Huan also have the support of Gong Feihong, the wealthy young master of the Gong family. I suspect that most of the five hundred thousand came from him. For the Gong family, five hundred thousand is like five spirit stones to us."


    The senior brother nodded subconsciously, still finding the whole thing hard to believe.


    Five hundred thousand, five hundred thousand!


    "I was nning to go to the martial arena and ce a bet myself," the junior brother said, looking eager. "Senior brother, do you want to ce a bet? I can take it for you."


    "It feels like a trap," the senior brother said, having met Jian Huan before. He didn''t think she was the type to let others take advantage of her. "This five hundred thousand seems like bait. Junior brother, be careful."


    The higher the stakes, the more people are drawn to ce bets.


    For example, in the match between Jian Huan and Liu Qi, Jian Huan has already bet five hundred thousand. People wouldn''t bet on her because there''s no profit in it; they''d bet on Liu Qi instead.


    If, in the end, a total of ten thousand spirit stones are bet on Liu Qi, and Liu Qi wins, each spirit stone would yield a profit of fifty spirit stones.


    Not to mention, both are at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, and as a sword cultivator, Liu Qi naturally has a higher chance of winning than Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan''s five hundred thousand seems like a generous gift, giving away money for free.


    That''s precisely why it feels suspicious.


    "Even so," the junior brother said, "what if? I won''t bet much, just ten spirit stones. Senior brother, are you really not going to bet?"


    The senior brother shook his head.


    The junior brother didn''t say more and turned to leave.


    Just as he stepped out the door, he heard his senior brother call out, "Wait, ah, forget it. I''ll bet one spirit stone."


    The junior brother: "..."


    Until thepetition ends, no one knows the oue.


    If Jian Huan wins, it''s just a loss of one spirit stone. But if Jian Huan loses, it''s a free gain of fifty spirit stones!


    Many people shared the same thought as the senior brother.


    Although they also sensed something fishy, the allure of the five hundred thousand was too great, and they were willing to risk a few spirit stones for the possibility.


    Under a peach blossom tree at the martial arena.


    Jian Huan stood there, stretching her arms and intertwining her fingers to loosen up.


    There were twenty arenas in total, and the matches couldn''t all be held at once; they were divided into five rounds.


    Although Jian Huan and Liu Qi were in the first round, a crowd had already gathered around her.


    Beside her, Yang Ye sat on the ground with a spirit pig in his arms. On the ground in front of him, he had drawn arge oval with charcoal, with ''Liu Qi'' written on the left and ''Jian Huan'' on the right.


    On the side of ''Jian Huan,'' there was a Mustard Seed Pouch containing five hundred thousand spirit stones.


    Additionally, a ''cross'' was drawn under her name, indicating that no further bets were epted.


    Only the ''Liu Qi'' side was open for betting.


    Since they initiated this betting pool, the rules were set by them.


    If others were dissatisfied, they could start their own pool.


    Last night, Yang Ye, Shen Jizhi, and Wen Jiu had a meeting. Yin Yusheng wasn''t in the sect, so he wasn''t included.


    The three of them, along with Jian Huan, pooled together two hundred thousand spirit stones, and the remaining three hundred thousand was borrowed from Gong Feihong.


    Wen Jiu didn''t like crowded ces, so he didn''te and stayed in his room, spreading the word through the Xuantian Mirror.


    As for Shen Jizhi, well, he had just arrived when Elder Wei called him over, saying they were short-handed and asking if he could help for a hundred spirit stones a day.


    Shen Jizhi agreed without hesitation.


    At that moment, he was carrying a set of tables and chairs from one end of the martial arena to the other.


    Everyone else used spiritual energy to move things, but he used physical strength to save on spiritual energy and craft more spiritual tools.


    Jian Huan''s gaze followed his figure through the crowd.


    Last night, when Shen Jizhi returned, he told her not to expect too much.


    At the time, she didn''t quite understand what he meant.


    Now, she finally got it.


    Jian Huan shifted her gaze to the ''betting table.''


    A sword-carrying disciple reached into his pocket and pulled out a spirit stone, cing it solemnly on the ''Liu Qi'' side.


    Jian Huan sighed.


    She had been standing there for nearly half an hour. Although many people hade, most only bet a few spirit stones!


    The most anyone bet was a few dozen!


    She estimated that their five hundred thousand would only attract a little over a thousand spirit stones.


    Jian Huan had initially thought they could make at least ten thousand.


    Jiang Mian approached, genuinely worried for Jian Huan. But since the five hundred thousand bet had already been ced, worrying was futile, so she decided to let it go.


    "This person is also a first-year sword cultivator. I''ve seen him on the road before; he was walking with Liu Qi at the time, and they seemed to be on good terms."


    "Really?" Jian Huan asked, scrutinizing the sword-carrying disciple. "I can''t tell that he and Liu Qi are on good terms."


    Jian Huan''s gaze was too obvious, and the sword-carrying disciple instinctively looked her way.


    Jian Huan wasn''t shy and smiled openly, getting straight to the point. "Are you Liu Qi''s friend?"


    The other replied, "For now, I guess."


    If Liu Qi lost the uing match and caused his spirit stone to go to waste, he would have to reconsider their friendship.


    Jian Huan: "So you only bet one spirit stone on him? People who don''t even know him are betting dozens."


    "One spirit stone is enough for a friend," the other replied. He looked around, stepped closer, and whispered to Jian Huan, "Actually, if you give me one spirit stone, I can be your friend too..."


    Jian Huan''s mouth twitched. "No need, I have enough friends."


    "What a pity," the other said with a hint of regret before walking away.


    Jian Huan fell silent.


    So, sword cultivators'' friendships are this cheap?


    "Move aside!" A hoarse, impatient voice rang out momentster, and the crowd parted to make way for a bull-faced man who squeezed through.


    Jiang Mian leaned in again to remind Jian Huan, "That''s Liu Qi."


    Jian Huan nodded slightly and sped her hands in greeting, smiling lightly. "Good morning, Brother Liu. Are you here to ce a bet on yourself?"


    Liu Qi''s sinister gaze fell upon Jian Huan, his thick lips curling into a smirk. "Well, with 500,000 spirit stones practically handed to me, how could I possibly refuse?"


    He had just woken up when someone informed him that Jian Huan had set up a betting ring early in the morning at the martial arena and wagered 500,000 on herself.


    He couldn¡¯t help butugh and immediately went to borrow spirit stones from Elder Wei.


    "10,000 spirit stones," Liu Qi mmed a Mustard Seed Pouch onto the table, cracking his knuckles as he red at Jian Huan with a cruel glint in his eyes. "Who gave you the guts to bet 500,000 spirit stones?"


    He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Didn¡¯t those sectmates of yours, the ones I beat to a pulpst time, warn you?"


    Jian Huan took a step back, her smile unwavering, especially when she heard the words "10,000." Her grin widened. "Thank you, Brother Liu, for your 10,000 spirit stones. You¡¯ve just secured my stake."


    Otherwise, if she only ended up earning a few thousand, splitting it among the four of them would have felt unfair to Yang Ye, Wen Jiu, and even Shen Jizhi, who had gifted her that talisman brush.


    Before Liu Qi could retort, Shen Jizhi walked over, his tone calm but firm. "The first round of thepetition is about to begin. Both of you, step onto the tform."


    Jian Huan and Liu Qi were assigned to the ninth arena.


    They temporarily ced their Mustard Seed Pouches on the elder¡¯s table and had the talismans and swords they would use for thepetition inspected before stepping onto the tform.


    For the outer sect disciple initiation trials, the use of external items beyond one¡¯s cultivation level was strictly prohibited.


    On the arena, Jian Huan and Liu Qi stood at opposite ends.


    Liu Qi sneered at the sword strapped to Jian Huan¡¯s back. "A talisman master carrying a sword? What a joke."


    Jian Huan shrugged. "If you can have a mouth, why can¡¯t I have a sword?"


    Truthfully, she didn¡¯t n to use the sword in this match. The talisman-sword technique Fang Quan had taught her was reserved as a trump card for the final battle.


    To deal with Liu Qi, the talismans she had recently mastered would suffice.


    But with 500,000 spirit stones on the line, she decided to bring the sword just in case.


    Liu Qi gritted his teeth, swinging his sword at Jian Huan with a fierce sh.


    Jian Huan¡¯s bangs fluttered as the deadly sword light reached her in an instant.


    She raised her hand, a Golden Shield Talisman materializing in front of her, blocking the strike head-on.


    As the shield shattered, Liu Qi¡¯s second sh followed immediately.


    Jian Huan leaned back, executing a graceful backbend to dodge the attack.


    At the same time, her fingertips lightly brushed the arena¡¯s surface, as if just to steady herself.


    But in the distance, Elder Wei suddenly stood up. "She knows how to use Hidden Talismans!"


    Hidden Talismans were different from Invisibility Talismans. While Invisibility Talismans concealed the user, they had many limitations.


    Hidden Talismans, on the other hand, concealed the talismans themselves.


    This was no small feat.


    Liu Qi, oblivious to Jian Huan¡¯s subtle movements, red at her with murderous intent. Seizing the opportunity, he aimed a powerful kick infused with sharp spiritual energy straight at her abdomen.


    Jian Huan dropped to the ground, shielding her stomach with her hands, and rolled away, her protective spiritual energy ring as she narrowly avoided the attack. It seemed like a close call.


    Liu Qi snorted, pressing his assault. Jian Huan continued to dodge, looking increasingly disheveled.


    At one point, Liu Qi feinted, catching her off guard. Though she managed to deploy another Golden Shield Talisman at thest moment, the residual force sent her tumbling to the edge of the arena.


    Liu Qi seized the moment, leaping into the air and descending with an unstoppable sword strike aimed directly at Jian Huan!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just then, Jian Huan, her face pale, suddenly looked up and blinked at him, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze.


    A sense of dread surged in Liu Qi¡¯s heart. He instinctively tried to retreat, but it was toote.


    The Hidden Talismans on the arena erupted in a golden light, transforming into a vast golden ocean. A towering wave surged forth, engulfing Liu Qipletely.


    "Ahhh¡ª!" Liu Qi¡¯s agonized screams echoed as if thousands of needles were piercing his body, leaving him in unbearable torment.


    After a brief struggle, he could endure no more. "I surrender! Elder, I surrender!"


    "Boo¡ª" The crowd erupted in jeers.


    Only then did Elder Wei leisurely rise from his seat, waving his hand. The talismans on the arena dissipated, and the golden ocean vanished.


    With a loud thud, Liu Qi fell from the air, bloodied and battered.


    Someone in the audience muttered softly, "As expected, if you don¡¯t gamble with spirit stones, they won¡¯t leave you."

 Chapter 60

    A stick of incense earlier, in a side hall of the Jade rity Sect''s main peak.


    Sect Leader Dao Xuan stood before a wooden incense table, on which rested a dusty, ancient incense burner. In his right hand, he held an incense spoon, while his left hand received an incense box respectfully handed to him by a disciple behind him. Carefully, he scooped half a spoonful of incense and added it to the burner.


    The faintly red charcoal burned quietly, and the elegant scent of sandalwood wafted through the air.


    He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, then asked, "Today is the entrancepetition, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Yes, Master," the disciple replied, taking the incense box from Dao Xuan and walking alongside him into the hall. "This morning, when I passed by the martial arena, it was quite lively."


    "Oh?" Dao Xuan tilted his head. "Did something happen?"


    "A first-year disciple started a betting pool with a 500,000 spirit stone wager, attracting quite a crowd," the disciple exined, knowing that the sect leader had an interest in matters involving money, he added with a smile, "If not for Master''s usual teachings, I would¡¯ve been tempted to ce a bet myself."


    Dao Xuan flicked his robe and sat on a cushion. "A 500,000 spirit stone wager? The other side must be confident. They wouldn¡¯t let you win so easily."


    He shook his head, then asked with a smile, "Who ced the 500,000 bet?"


    "Disciple Jian Huan and Disciple Liu Qi. I heard there¡¯s been some tension between the talisman and sword cultivators this year¡­"


    "Is that so?" Dao Xuan raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and then instructed, "Go and investigate what¡¯s really going on. If it¡¯s just a harmless little dispute, there¡¯s no need for a 500,000 bet."


    ¡­


    A stick of incenseter, at the martial arena.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liu Qi had lost, and the crowd gradually dispersed, their faces filled with disappointment.


    "How could he lose? Liu Qi is at least a seventh-level Foundation Establishment sword cultivator. He¡¯s really disgracing the sword cultivators!"


    "Don¡¯t lump Liu Qi with all sword cultivators. We don¡¯t associate with him."


    "Ugh, another loss! My luck has been terribletely. I lost at the gambling house in Approaching Immortal City a few days ago too."


    "Good thing I held back and didn¡¯t bet. It was obvious something was off. Who would casually throw out 500,000 unless they were absolutely sure? Only fools like you would fall for it!"


    "We all know that, but there¡¯s always a chance¡­"


    "Every gambler who¡¯s lost everything started with that same thought."


    "Alright, alright, I get it. I won¡¯t do it again. Luckily, I was cautious and only bet one spirit stone. Guess I¡¯ll skip meals today."


    "¡­"


    Not far away, several first-year elders sat observing.


    Elder Wei¡¯s face was dark as he nced at the gentle Yu Qing beside him. With a cold snort, he turned to leave.


    Liu Qi had borrowed 10,000 spirit stones from him!


    But he knew what kind of disciple Liu Qi was. Those 10,000 spirit stones were likely gone for good!


    Before he could leave, a personal disciple of the sect leader approached him, bowed, and said, "Elder Wei, the sect leader invites you for tea."


    As an elder, his duty was to teach and guide, yet he had stirred up conflict between the first-year sword and talisman cultivators, disrupting the unity of the Jade rity Sect. This was likely going to cost Elder Wei dearly.


    On the stage, Liu Qiy in a pool of blood, his body covered in cuts from Jian Huan¡¯s talisman array.


    He curled up, biting his thick lips, silent, but his eyes burned with resentment as he red at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan approached him, standing above him with her arms crossed, tapping her foot leisurely. "What¡¯s the matter? Not satisfied?"


    "You used underhanded tricks," Liu Qi clenched his fists, enduring the pain. "You used underhanded tricks!"


    He finally realized why Jian Huan had been dodging¡ªshe had been cing talismans.


    If he hadn¡¯t identally fallen into her trap, he wouldn¡¯t have lost!


    "Talisman cultivators are all deceitful cowards!" Liu Qi spat. "If you have the guts, fight me fair and square!"


    Jian Huan chuckled. "Want to fight me again? Are you even worthy?"


    "You¡ª!"


    "Me what? You can¡¯t beat me in a fight, and you can¡¯t out-talk me. You¡¯re just useless all around," Jian Huan shook her head, cutting him off. "Well, considering the 10,000 spirit stones you lost, I¡¯ll stop here. Take care of yourself."


    At the mention of "10,000 spirit stones," Liu Qi¡¯s vision darkened, and he couldn¡¯t hold back a mouthful of blood before passing out.


    Below the stage, a disciple from Medicine King Peak hurried over. She first nced at Jian Huan, confirming she was unharmed, then checked Liu Qi¡¯s condition.


    Though Liu Qi¡¯s injuries looked severe, they were mostly superficial and would heal in a few days.


    She fed him a Spirit Recovery Pill and turned to Shen Jizhi below the stage. "Senior Brother Shen, could you please take him to the infirmary?"


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t refuse, lightly stepping onto the stage.


    He looked at Liu Qi on the ground, his brow slightly furrowed.


    Due to Jian Huan¡¯s earlier evasive tactics, her match with Liu Qi had endedter than most of the other matches.


    Shen Jizhi had been helping out today and had already carried three or four injured disciples to the infirmary, each time using his hands to lift them and flying them over on his sword.


    But this one was covered in blood, and it looked messy. He hesitated for a moment, pursing his lips, and nced at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan wasn¡¯t looking at him, fully engaged in conversation with the Medicine King Peak senior sister. "Senior sister, are you sure I¡¯m okay? Liu Qi kicked me in the chest earlier, and it still hurts a bit."


    The girl clutched her chest, batting her big eyes and speaking softly, "Senior sister, I have another match this afternoon. Could you please check me thoroughly? Do you have any good pills? What did you give Liu Qi just now? Can I have one too?"


    "It¡¯s a Spirit Recovery Pill," the senior sister couldn¡¯t resist such a charming junior sister and handed her one, then carefully examined Jian Huan¡¯s condition, even more thoroughly than she had with Liu Qi. Finally, she said, "Don¡¯t worry, junior sister. You¡¯re fine. It¡¯s probably just temporary pain and will go away soon. If it doesn¡¯t,e find me. I¡¯ll be at the martial arena all day."


    "Thank you, senior sister. You¡¯re the best!" Jian Huan pocketed the Spirit Recovery Pill, taking full advantage of the sect¡¯s resources. She walked a few steps with the senior sister, seeing her off.


    Shen Jizhi let out a soft scoff.


    Hmph, she¡¯s quite good at acting cute.


    Hearing the sound, Jian Huan turned to him, her sweet smile gone, her eyebrow raised. "What are youughing at?"


    "Nothing," Shen Jizhi averted his gaze, looking at Liu Qi on the ground, his tone indifferent. "Couldn¡¯t you have left fewer wounds?"


    Jian Huan followed his gaze to Liu Qi. "Well, it was a 500,000 spirit stone bet. I had to be thorough."


    This hidden talisman array, the Golden Sea Talisman, was rtively the most painful but wouldn¡¯t cause serious injuries.


    After all, Liu Qi would be healed by the sect regardless, so the most painful minor injury was the most fitting. She didn¡¯t want Liu Qi taking advantage of the sect¡¯s resources.


    "But there¡¯s no clean ce for me to hold him," Shen Jizhi said.


    "That¡¯s not eptable," Jian Huan patted Shen Jizhi¡¯s back, scolding him. "You can¡¯t just ck off when you¡¯re earning 100 spirit stones a day. Hurry up and carry him away. What¡¯s with the dy?"


    "¡­" Shen Jizhi extended his hand, a ripple of spiritual energy lifting Liu Qi off the ground, his expression cold. "It¡¯s not cking. I was just observing someone spouting nonsense earlier. Maybe I¡¯ll learn to trick a Spirit Recovery Pill out of someone someday."


    Jian Huan looked at his icy face and shook her head with augh. "Don¡¯t bother. You¡¯ll never learn."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­"


    Shen Jizhi flew away with Liu Qi on his sword.


    The snowy sword rose higher and higher, almost touching the clouds.


    Suddenly, the spiritual energy supporting Liu Qi vanished, and he plummeted downward.


    The sudden free fall jolted Liu Qi awake from his semi-conscious state.


    He had just opened his eyes when he saw arge rock right in front of him. Before he could react, he crashed into it.


    Stars exploded in his vision, blood gushed from his forehead, and Liu Qi passed outpletely, some of his bones now misaligned.


    Amidst the drifting clouds, Shen Jizhi calmly watched the entire scene before slowly descending on his sword, stopping in front of Liu Qi.


    He extended his hand, examining his jade-like fingers, and said indifferently, "My apologies. My hand slipped."


    Jian Huan had another match in the afternoon, this time against a Qi Refinement Stage opponent.


    She gave her opponent plenty of opportunities to show their skills, and after a few exchanges, the opponent conceded, ending the match.


    With that, the entrance examination came to a close. In three days, the sect would announce the list of new disciples.


    When the list was announced, disciples who had won both matches in thepetition could voluntarily continue to participate in the contest, vying for the reward of one hundred thousand spirit coupons.


    As evening approached, the sunset hung at the corner of the sky.


    Unlike the intense and passionate evening glow of summer, the spring sunset was neither too strong nor too faint, exuding a soft and graceful charm.


    In a secluded peach grove behind the Jade rity Sect, five people gathered together, while a lively and beautiful deer roamed nearby. This was Gong Feihong''s spirit beast.


    The spirit pig asionally trotted over to the deer, grunting and snorting, and at other times ran to Yang Ye, grunting and snorting.


    But Yang Ye was too busy to pay attention to it. He simply grabbed the pig by the scruff of its neck and tossed it away.


    The five of them were dividing the money.


    Their initial five hundred thousand spirit stones had ultimately yielded around thirteen thousand spirit stones in winnings.


    Jian Huan counted out two thousand two hundred spirit stones and handed them to Wen Jiu with a sweet smile, "Senior Sister, this is yours!"


    Wen Jiu had contributed some spirit stones and had also been persuading people around the Xuantian Mirror, acting as the publicity manager for this betting pool.


    Wen Jiu smiled and epted them, saying softly, "Thank you, Junior Sister."


    Jian Huan then counted out another two thousand two hundred spirit stones and handed them to Gong Feihong, "Brother Feihong, this is yours."


    Gong Feihong had contributed the majority of the spirit stones. Without him, there wouldn''t have been the enticing bait of five hundred thousand spirit stones, making him the biggest investor in this betting pool!


    Jian Huan counted out another two thousand two hundred spirit stones, bypassing Shen Jizhi, who was sitting beside her, and handed them to Yang Ye, who was sitting across from her.


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze lingered on the spirit stones, following them from Jian Huan''s side to Yang Ye''s side, almost as if his eyes were tracing a line.


    He had already repeated this action three times, and Jian Huan still hadn''t given him his share.


    Everyone else had received theirs before him.


    Yang Ye epted the spirit stones with a smile, "What a pity Senior Brother Yin isn''t here."


    Shen Jizhi withdrew his gaze and silently looked at Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan nced at him and, with deliberate slowness, counted out another two thousand two hundred spirit stones and handed them to him.


    Shen Jizhi had also contributed some spirit stones and, leveraging his position as an on-site staff member, had discreetly arranged for Jian Huan and Liu Qi to be at the ninth betting table closest to the arena, which was no small feat.


    "Alright," Jian Huan gathered the remaining four thousand two hundred spirit stones in front of her and asked, "These are all mine. Does anyone have any objections?"


    She, the initiator of the betting pool and the one who had won the race, deserved an extra two thousand spirit stones, and no one had any objections.


    For a moment, everyone in the peach grove was quietly caressing their spirit stones.


    Only Gong Feihong seemed indifferent, casually tossing a spirit stone up and down as he asked, "Hey, shall we go to the Gathering Spirit Pavilion? My treat tonight."


    The Gathering Spirit Pavilion in Approaching Immortal City was located by the river, upying arge area.


    From a distance, the pavilion looked majestic, with its flying eaves and vermilion tiles.


    There weren''t many customers inside, but each one was dressed exquisitely. As the five of them walked through, they saw many elders and senior brothers and sisters from various sects.


    Gong Feihong knew them all and exchanged nods and smiles with them.


    The melodious sound of string and wind instruments filled the air, and graceful waitresses carried trays of spiritual dishes into the private rooms, cing them on the tables, "All the dishes are served. Please enjoy your meal."


    Jian Huan was already eager to start.


    She grabbed her chopsticks, stood up, and quickly picked up a rabbit''s head, "Everyone, I''m starting!"


    The others didn''tg behind, and for a while, the chopsticks on the table moved so fast they left afterimages, asionally shing with each other, as if engaging in a small duel.


    Of course, it was mainly Jian Huan and Yang Ye who were dueling.


    When Wen Jiu encountered such a situation, she would let others take the first bite.


    Shen Jizhi barely touched his chopsticks.


    Jian Huan knew his habits. In the Lotus Square Secret Realm, where the spiritual dishes were unimed, he would eat.


    But since Gong Feihong was treating, and Shen Jizhi didn''t want to get too close to him, he refrained from eating.


    Jiang Mian had also arrived and was chatting with Gong Feihong about the uing Nine Provinces Conference. The two of them were chattering away, seemingly more interested in gossip than in the meal.


    "Someone actually climbed onto your bed in the middle of the night?!" Jiang Mian picked up a piece of candied lotus root, her face filled with shock as she took a bite.


    "Yes," Gong Feihong''s expression turned slightly bitter, "I was so scared at the time. Luckily, my deer was alert and managed to subdue him. It was a rogue cultivator, a senior brother. He didn''t have many spirit stones, and when he heard I was the young master of the Gong family, he decided to take a chance. After all, our family is quite wealthy."


    "It was actually a senior brother!" Jiang Mian was even more shocked, her mouth wide enough to fit an egg, "What happened after that?"


    "I lent him some spirit stones and let him go," Gong Feihong replied seriously, "This senior brother told me about his past the whole night, and I thought he was quite impressive. He should be able to repay the spirit stones to our family in the future, so I thought it would be good to form a positive connection."


    Jian Huan listened while eating, and when she heard this, she asked with a mouthful of food, "Was that senior brother good-looking?"


    Beside her, Shen Jizhi was holding a cup of water.


    Hearing this, he looked up at Jian Huan, took a sip, and said nothing.


    "He was alright? I didn''t pay much attention to that aspect. I''m not interested in men..." Gong Feihong blushed.


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    The mealsted for an hour and a half, andter Jian Huan even started drinking with Gong Feihong and Yang Ye.


    Gong Feihong was a bit drunk, but Yang Ye was still fine.


    He was responsible for taking Gong Feihong back to the sect, while Wen Jiu took Jiang Mian, who couldn''t yet fly on a sword.


    Jian Huan had drunk the most and was so drunk she could barely stand, staggering along the riverside path,ughing to herself.


    Jiang Mian quickly called out, "Hey, Ah Huan, where are you going?!"


    "It''s fine," Shen Jizhi, wearing the white disciple robe of the Jade rity Sect, said to the others, "You all go ahead. I''ll take care of Jian Huan."


    The four of them nodded and left together.


    The night breeze was cool, brushing against the willow trees by the riverbank that had just sprouted green buds, and ripples formed on the river surface, reflecting the rednterns.


    The faint sound of string and wind instruments came from the opposite shore, and the songstress''s melody was mournful and intive, softening hearts and making them feel tender.


    Jian Huan hummed a tune, swaying and staggering along the riverside path, dancing to the music.


    Her white skirt fluttered in the wind, drifting into someone''s eyes, someone''s heart.


    Shen Jizhi followed quietly, his hands sped behind his back, walking behind her all the way.


    Although Jian Huan was heavily drunk, she still remembered to return to the Jade rity Sect and knew which direction it was in.


    She even remembered that flying on a sword was forbidden within Approaching Immortal City, so she took a detour, circling around to the outskirts of the city before mounting her sword and flying unsteadily back to the sect.


    Several times, she almost plunged headfirst into the dark forest below, but Shen Jizhi pulled her back each time. Finally, he simply confiscated her sword and pulled her onto his own.


    Jian Huan swayed slightly and asked warily, "Who are you?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He didn''t really want to answer, so he remained silent.


    Jian Huan poked him with a finger, "I''m asking you, who are you? If you don''t tell me, I''m going to jump off."


    Her mother had told her when she was young not to get into a car with strangers.


    He sighed, "...Shen Jizhi."


    Jian Huan tilted her head and asked again, "Who is Shen Jizhi?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan was puzzled, "What''s wrong with you? Do I have to poke you to get you to speak?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi nced back at her.


    Under the moonlight, the girl''s cheeks were flushed, her soft lips were red, and her eyes sparkled like stars.


    He asked nonchntly, "Then who are you?"


    The dense forest ahead was quite tall, so the sword ascended higher. Jian Huan instinctively grabbed Shen Jizhi''s belt with both hands, tilted her head, and thought for a while before seriously replying, "I''m Qian Duoduo."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He roughly understood how her mind worked when she was drunk.


    Jian Huan urged, "Your turn, who are you?"


    Shen Jizhi: "Who owes you one hundred thousand spirit stones?"


    Jian Huan''s eyes lit up with an unusual brilliance, "It''s Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi nodded, "That''s me."


    "Oh, you should have said so earlier!" Jian Huan was reassured, grabbing both sides of his belt and swaying her body from side to side.


    Shen Jizhi''s belt was being tugged back and forth, almosting loose.


    After a moment, he reached out, grasped her slender wrists, and gently pulled her hands away.


    Jian Huan bit her lip and protested, "I wasn''t touching you, I was touching your clothes. Is that not allowed? If I don''t have something to hold onto, I''ll fall off."


    As she said this, she looked down and eximed, "Wow, it''s really high up here."


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, his eyshes casting shadows over his eyes as he slowly pulled the person behind him closer.


    Jian Huan followed his movement, pressing her body against his broad back.


    He intertwined her hands around his waist and asked calmly, "How about this? Will you still fall off?"


    Jian Huan instinctively held him tighter, her long, fluttering eyshes brushing against his back now and then. She spoke with a hint of hesitation, "But, I remember Shen Jizhi¡ªhe¡¯s quite possessive and doesn¡¯t like to be touched. Are you sure this is alright?"


    Shen Jizhi gazed at the mountains shrouded in the moonlight and gave a faint hum. The smile on his lips was as subtle as his tone. "Tonight, I suppose I can allow Miss Qian to touch me¡ªjust this once."

 Chapter 61

    Early morning, the chirping of birds drifted in through the open window.


    On the second floor of the Equipment Forging Hall, Shen Jizhi sat there, half of his focus on the hidden weapon he was crafting, and the other half on the events of the previous night.


    He was now regretting his actions fromst night.


    At the crack of dawn, before the sun had even risen, he hade to the Equipment Forging Hall, fearing that Jian Huan, who had been drunk, would wake up and question him about what had happened.


    He was afraid she might notice something.


    Now was not the right time; she couldn¡¯t know yet.


    Even when drunk, her thoughts revolved around money.


    So, at least, until he repaid his debts, certain things and words had to wait.


    In this world, what you fear most oftenes to pass.


    A colleague came up from the first floor and said to him, ¡°Senior Brother Shen, Junior Sister Jian is waiting for you downstairs. She asked me to let you know.¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked up, paused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He pondered for a while, his hands still moving as he meticulously finished carving the halfpleted pattern on the hidden weapon before finally getting up and heading downstairs.


    Jian Huan was idly squatting under the shade of a tree outside the Equipment Forging Hall.


    Her right elbow rested on her knee, partially covering her mouth as she yawned.


    The spirit wine from the Gathering Spirit Pavilion, which was said to be able to intoxicate even a Nascent Soul cultivator, truly lived up to its reputation. It had knocked her outpletely, and her head still felt heavy.


    But she vaguely remembered some things and, fearing she might have said something inappropriate while drunk, she had hurried to the Equipment Forging Hall.


    Shen Jizhi, dressed in white, walked out and stopped three steps away from her, looking down at her. ¡°What do you need?¡±


    Jian Huan patted her knees and stood up nimbly. ¡°Why did it take you so long toe down?¡±


    Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°I was in the middle of carving a spirit tool. I had to finish it. Otherwise, going back to itter would disrupt the flow.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Jian Huan said, ncing around before leaning closer to him and whispering, ¡°I vaguely remember that you were the one who brought me backst night?¡±


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi¡¯s heart settled. He nced at her and nodded. ¡°No need to thank me.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    She ced a hand on her chest, took a deep breath, and tried to remain calm as she looked at him. ¡°I¡¯m not here to thank you.¡±


    Shen Jizhi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then what?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°I don¡¯t remember exactly what we talked about, but I think it had something to do with you owing me 100,000 spirit stones?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­So, the only thing you remember is about money?¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    His tone sounded calm, but Jian Huan couldn¡¯t help but feel a hint of sarcasm in it.


    ¡°It¡¯s a miracle I even remember that much,¡± she said, rubbing her temples. She then lifted her chin and stated her purpose. ¡°I came to tell you that whatever I said while drunk shouldn¡¯t be taken seriously. If I said anything about not needing you to repay me, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s mouth twitched, and he couldn¡¯t help but let out a softugh. ¡°I¡¯m suddenly starting to regret something.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Regret what?¡±


    Shen Jizhi leaned slightly closer, his gaze fixed on her face as he said, word by word, ¡°Last night, I should have just thrown you off the Snow Sword and been done with it.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°?¡±


    Although the list of those who passed the entrance exam had not yet been announced, everyone already had a good idea of how they had performed.


    Those who failed were dejected, and the atmosphere in the talisman hall that morning was heavy, with the scent of peach blossoms wafting in through the windows.


    Jian Huan sat at her desk, lost in thought as she drew talismans.


    For her, the real challenge was just beginning.


    She still had to fight for that 100,000 spirit certificate.


    Jiang Mian quietly slipped in through the back door and called out in a low voice, ¡°Ah Huan!¡±


    Jian Huan looked up and saw Jiang Mian¡¯s beaming face. Curious, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? You look so happy this early in the morning.¡±


    Jiang Mian was visibly excited. ¡°Elder Wei has been expelled from the Jade rity Sect!¡±


    Jian Huan was surprised. ¡°That fast?¡±


    She had deliberately gathered 500,000 spirit stones and asked Senior Sister Wen Jiu to heavily promote the betting on the Xuantian Mirror, emphasizing that it was because of the feud between the first-year talisman and sword cultivators. Besides making a little money, her goal was to draw the attention of certain people within the sect.


    Elder Yu Qing was kind, not just to the talisman disciples but to all the first-year students. When they had first joined the sect and hadn¡¯t yet chosen their specialties, Elder Yu Qing had been their instructor. Elder Yu Qing didn¡¯t want to push things too far, so he hadn¡¯t pursued the matter of Liu Qi¡¯s assault any further.


    ¡°Apparently, the matter reached the sect leader,¡± Jiang Mian said, taking out paper and pen from her Mustard Seed Pouch. ¡°I heard thatst night, before leaving the mountain, Elder Wei even went to the medical hall to demand Liu Qi return the 10,000 spirit stones!¡±


    Hearing this, Jian Huan instinctively straightened up and touched the spot where her Mustard Seed Pouch was hidden. A small smile crept onto her face as she asked, ¡°And then?¡±


    Jiang Mian: ¡°Liu Qi was still unconscious, so Elder Wei had no choice but to leave.¡±


    Jian Huan was puzzled. ¡°Liu Qi is still unconscious?¡± Her Golden Sea Talisman was certainly painful, but it shouldn¡¯t have been that severe.


    ¡°Yeah, I heard he hasn¡¯t woken up yet today. His injuries seem pretty serious,¡± Jiang Mian said, giving a thumbs-up. ¡°Ah Huan, well done!¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Whether it was rted to this incident or not, four dayster, Jian Huan was matched against a sound cultivator in thepetition.


    Her opponent was three levels below her, and after a brief exchange of moves, Jian Huan slid across the arena, her fingers instinctively brushing the ground.


    Her opponent quickly stepped back and, without hesitation, jumped off the arena. ¡°I concede!¡±


    Everyone knew that four days ago, Jian Huan had done something simr, sliding around the arena and secretly setting up a Golden Talisman Array, which left Liu Qi¡¯s mind still in a fog.


    He didn¡¯t want to end up like Liu Qi. The 100,000 spirit certificate wasn¡¯t for him to win; he knew his limits.


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan looked up at the sky.


    She had really just casually brushed the ground, and who would use the same move twice?


    But it was good that it ended early. Jian Huan didn¡¯t dare waste any time and quickly jumped off the arena, heading toward the crowd gathering nearby.


    The match currently underway was between Gong Feihong and Niu Zizhao.


    Although Gong Feihong was the eldest son of the Gong family head, his strength was the weakest among his generation, which was why he hade all the way to the Jade rity Sect instead of joining the Beast Taming Sect¡ªhe was afraid of being mocked by his cousins.


    But he was still quite wealthy. After sessfully guiding his qi, he had taken various elixirs and was now a seventh-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.


    With the addition of a powerful elk spirit beast, Gong Feihong¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t too shabby.


    Even so, he couldn¡¯tst ten moves against Niu Zizhao.


    Niu Zizhao was the only first-year disciple, aside from those with single spiritual roots, to have reached the Golden Core Stage.


    He was also Jian Huan¡¯s strongestpetitor for the 100,000 spirit certificate.


    Against Liu Qi, she had dared to bet 500,000 on herself.


    Against Niu Zizhao, she didn¡¯t dare.


    Jian Huan knew that her chances of winning weren¡¯t great.


    The gap between the Golden Core Stage and the Foundation Establishment Stage was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    The sound cultivator who had conceded earlier turned to Jian Huan and said, ¡°Brother Niu is as formidable as ever. Although this might sound harsh, if you end up facing him, you might want to follow my example. Live to fight another day.¡±


    Even though there were elders overseeing the matches, sometimes if you didn¡¯t call for a stop yourself, the elders couldn¡¯t urately judge whether you had a backup n or if you could withstand the next move. In such cases, they would choose to wait and see.


    If you truly couldn¡¯t withstand the move, you might not survive long enough for the elder to intervene.


    Such incidents happened in the Jade rity Sect every few years.


    Jian Huan just smiled. ¡°Thank you for your concern.¡±


    This sound cultivator wasn¡¯t the first to say this to her, nor would he be thest.


    As the matches went on, peach blossoms fell with the wind.


    Eventually, fewer and fewer people remained, until only Jian Huan and Niu Zizhao were left.


    At nine in the morning the next day, the final battle would begin, deciding who would take home the 100,000 spirit certificate.


    Jiang Mian, Gong Feihong, Yang Ye, and Elder Yu Qing all subtly reminded her not to fight to the death. If things got too tough, she should just concede.


    Only Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t say a single word to her.


    In the evening, the sky suddenly turned gloomy, with dark clouds gathering on the horizon as if rain was imminent.


    In a side hall of the main peak, Shen Jizhi bowed. ¡°Disciple greets the sect leader.¡±


    Dao Xuan was ying chess against himself and looked up with curiosity. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    This personal disciple of Gu Shan had been in the Jade rity Sect for over a decade, but Dao Xuan felt that he was still somewhat detached from the sect.


    Or perhaps, he was detached from the world itself, never truly integrating into it.


    For so many years, Shen Jizhi had never voluntarily stepped into Dao Xuan''s hall.


    Most of the time, it was Dao Xuan who summoned him, or when he was younger, Gu Shan would send him over.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t beat around the bush; he got straight to the point: ¡°May I ask, Sect Leader, will you be present at the final match tomorrow?¡±


    Dao Xuan ced a ck piece on the chessboard and shook his head. ¡°I have to visit the Buddhist sect early tomorrow morning. I won¡¯t be there.¡±


    For inner sect disciple matches, Dao Xuan didn¡¯t always attend, let alone a match for first-year disciples.


    Naturally, such matters were handled by the sect¡¯s peak masters and elders.


    Shen Jizhi bowed slightly. ¡°This disciple dares to ask for the Sect Leader¡¯s presence.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dao Xuan looked up, gently stroking the white jade-like piece between his fingers. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°This disciple doesn¡¯t want any idents to happen during tomorrow¡¯s match.¡± Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, took out a Mustard Seed Pouch from his robe, stepped forward, and ced it in front of the chessboard, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly. ¡°I hope the Sect Leader can grant this request.¡±


    Dao Xuan nced at the pouch. With a slight sensing, he knew it contained ten thousand spirit stones. He smiled. ¡°As I recall, your master¡¯s debts are quite substantial, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°This disciple will naturally repay my master¡¯s debts as soon as possible.¡±


    Dao Xuan stared at him for a long moment before nodding. ¡°Then I¡¯ll dy my departure to the Buddhist sect until tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sect Leader.¡± Without lingering further, Shen Jizhi left the main peak.


    The night was deep.


    In a small wooden hut, Jian Huany on the bed.


    Outside, a gentle spring rain fell, droplets sshing on the eaves and the window, their rhythmic patter singing a nocturnal melody to the world.


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t asleep. He sat on a cushion in the corner, meditating and cultivating.


    The night¡¯s darkness draped over him like a veil, obscuring his features, leaving only a faint silhouette visible.


    Jian Huan had always loved rainy nights, even back in the modern world.


    Whether it was reading or watching something by the sound of the rain, or simply lying there in thought, it always feltforting.


    Jian Huan rolled over, half-leaning on the edge of the bed.


    Her left leg dangled in the air, swaying lightly now and then.


    In the corner, Shen Jizhi opened his eyes and asked, ¡°Are you worried about tomorrow¡¯s match?¡±


    Jian Huan propped her chin on her hands, looking up toward the window. ¡°No, I won¡¯t fight to the death. If I can do it, I¡¯ll do it; if not, then not. There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    Because of the rain, the window was closed.


    The hut was small, and if the window were open, the wind would surely blow the rain inside.


    Though they wouldn¡¯t catch a cold, Jian Huan had closed the window before lying down.


    They were cultivators, but they still maintained the habits of ordinary people.


    For example, sometimes when she returned from the Equipment Forging Hall, she didn¡¯t feel like flying on her sword and would walk back instead.


    The feeling of her feet on the ground gave her a unique sense of stability.


    And now, she wanted to look outside.


    But she was toozy to open the window, and she didn¡¯t want to use her spiritual energy to do it.


    So she just stared at the paper covering the window.


    Shen Jizhi asked, ¡°Then why aren¡¯t you asleep?¡±


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she tilted her head to look at him and asked curiously, ¡°Shen Jizhi, I¡¯m about topete tomorrow. Why haven¡¯t you said anything to me about it?¡±


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi stood up and slowly walked toward the window.


    Jian Huan¡¯s gaze followed his figure.


    With a creak, the window opened, and the wind mixed with light rain poured in, bringing the outside scenery into view.


    The mountains stretched endlessly, standing silently in the rainy night.


    Outside, a first-grade spirit tree swayed in the wind, its branches rustling. On one of the branches, an Earth Fruit Spirity with its stick-like legs crossed, enjoying the rain.


    Shen Jizhi leaned against the window frame, the wind tousling the hair on his forehead. He said, ¡°Do whatever you want to do.¡±


    His tone was cold, like the wind blowing in from outside.


    But Jian Huan¡¯s heart instantly felt at ease. She pulled the nket over herself and rolled toward the inner side of the bed. ¡°I like that. If I win the hundred thousand spirit vouchers, I might consider giving you¡­¡±


    She paused, weighing her words, ¡°half a spirit wood.¡±


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    He straightened up, closed the window, and lit a candle.


    The candlelight dispelled the darkness in the room. Jian Huan sat up, clutching her nket, confused. ¡°Why did you suddenly light a candle?¡±


    Shen Jizhi picked up the ledger, holding the candleholder as he walked to the bed. He knelt down, took the ledger, and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll just make a note of what you said.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°???¡±


    Jian Huan widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°I said if I win tomorrow, I¡¯ll give you half a spirit wood. That¡¯s not a debt!¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Shen Jizhi said, cing the candleholder aside and writing a small line on thest page of the ledger. As he wrote, he added, ¡°But I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll go back on your wordter.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±

 Chapter 62

    The next day, at the martial arts arena.


    The dozens of high tforms that had been set up earlier slowly sank into the ground under the spell of the elders, merging into a singlerge tform to allow Jian Huan and Niu Zizhao to unleash their full potential.


    There was still a quarter of an hour before the match, and the arena was already packed with spectators.


    Most of the first-year disciples hade to watch, along with some senior disciples from the inner sect who enjoyed a good show.


    The spring rain from the night before had stopped before dawn, but the sky remained overcast, casting a somber atmosphere over the arena.


    However, this heaviness did not affect Jian Huan.


    On the west side of the tform, Jian Huan stood under a peach tree, chest out, stomach in, feet shoulder-width apart, humming a tune as she warmed up: "Three circles to the left, three circles to the right, twist your neck, wiggle your hips. Early to bed, early to rise, let¡¯s do some exercise¡­" (Note 1)


    Beside her were Jiang Mian, Gong Feihong, Yang Ye, and a few fellow disciples from the Talisman Hall.


    Jiang Mian and the others were already used to Jian Huan¡¯s warm-up song, but the other disciples were curious.


    One of them asked, "Jian Huan, what song is that you¡¯re singing?"


    Jian Huan turned to them and answered seriously, "This song is actually a mantra. If you chant it in a melodic way, it can ease the fear and anxiety in your heart, helping you maintain a calm state of mind. It¡¯s useful in any situation."


    Because Jian Huan¡¯s expression was so earnest, the disciple actually believed her for a moment and was about to ask her to sing it again so he could memorize the lyrics when a faint chuckle came from behind.


    The disciple turned to see a tall figure leaning against the dense foliage.


    "What are youughing at?" Jian Huan took a few steps back, her back against the tree trunk, ncing sideways with a light snort. "Are you here to cheer me on or to mock me? If it¡¯s thetter, you might as well go back to your Equipment Forging Hall."


    Shen Jizhi was holding a half-finished green bamboo flute, using his spiritual energy to carve runes into its surface.


    Hearing her, he replied, "I¡¯m just here to see if my half-finished spirit wood has any hope."


    "Then stop making those sarcastic noises," Jian Huan shot back.


    Once the runes wereplete, Shen Jizhi gently wiped the flute and held it in mid-air, slowly rotating it as he inspected it. "The one whoughs means no harm; it¡¯s the listener who takes it to heart."


    Jian Huan scoffed, "I wonder who¡¯sughing but won¡¯t admit it."


    The two exchanged a few more jabs when suddenly, amotion broke out in the crowd.


    Jian Huan stepped out from under the tree and saw that the Sect Leader had arrived.


    "The Sect Leader is here to watch a first-year match?" someone in the crowd eximed in surprise. "Even during the Nine Provinces Conference¡¯s sect selection, when his own personal disciple waspeting, he didn¡¯t show up!"


    "That¡¯s right. I vaguely remember that the Sect Leader rarely attends these kinds of events."


    "Strange. Niu Zizhao is talented, but he¡¯s not among the very top of the Jade rity Sect. Why would the Sect Leadere?"


    "Could it be because of Peak Master Yue? Peak Master Yue is the Sect Leader¡¯s junior brother¡­"


    Not only were the disciples surprised.


    At the side, Peak Master Yue and Elder Yu Qing, along with other elders, stood up to greet him. "Greetings, Sect Leader."


    Dao Xuan raised his hand slightly, signaling for them to be at ease.


    Peak Master Yue, who had been sitting in the main seat, moved aside, and Dao Xuan took his ce.


    Peak Master Yue asked, puzzled, "Sect Leader, I thought you had already left for Lingkong Temple."


    He had gone to see the Sect Leader the night before to ask for some spirit stones but was stopped at the door. His disciple had told him that the Sect Leader was leaving for Lingkong Temple early the next morning and wanted to rest early.


    "I¡¯ll goter. I happened to have some time, so I came to take a look," Dao Xuan replied, taking a sip of the spirit tea offered by a disciple. He sighed inwardly, "Junior Brother Yue, why are you here?"


    If he had known, he wouldn¡¯t havee.


    Peak Master Yue pointed to Niu Zizhao below. "This disciple practices the Yue Mountain Sword from my peak. I¡¯m here to see how he¡¯s progressed this year. If he¡¯s good enough, I¡¯ll take him as my personal disciple."


    Dao Xuan nodded.


    Peak Master Yue then changed the subject. "By the way, Sect Leader,st month I mentioned to you whether the sect could allocate some resources for Yue Mountain Peak¡­"


    Dao Xuan¡¯s hand holding the teacup paused slightly. He took another sip and said leisurely, "We¡¯ll discuss thatter¡­"


    This was precisely why Dao Xuan rarely made public appearances.


    Whenever he showed up, someone woulde asking for spirit stones. Really, Yue Mountain Peak had mountains and peaks, and the pce wasn¡¯t bad either. Sure, it was a bit old, but it was perfectly livable¡ªbetter than his own side hall, in fact.


    Ah, this junior brother of his was excellent in every way, except for his constant requests for the sect to fund repairs for Yue Mountain Peak. He had no idea how to consider his senior brother¡¯s difficulties.


    Dao Xuan knew full well that Peak Master Yue had earned quite a bit of spirit stones outside the sect under the guise of being a Jade rity Sect peak master.


    Why didn¡¯t he use his own spirit stones for the repairs?


    Wanting the sect to foot the bill? He¡¯d have to wait another ten thousand years.


    Peak Master Yue wasn¡¯t ready to give up. "Senior Brother, a month ago you said we¡¯d discuss itter¡­"


    "The wind is a bit strong this morning," Dao Xuan stroked his long beard, closing his eyes as if to feel the morning breeze,pletely ignoring Peak Master Yue¡¯s words. After a moment, he opened his eyes and looked back, asking, "Why hasn¡¯t the match started yet?"


    Let¡¯s get it over with so I can leave.


    Peak Master Yue: "¡­"


    The other elders who had been eavesdropping: "¡­"


    Well, if even Peak Master Yue couldn¡¯t get any spirit stones, there was no point in them asking.


    The match was about to begin.


    Before Jian Huan stepped onto the tform, Shen Jizhi walked out from behind the tree and said to her, "The Sect Leader is here. You don¡¯t need to worry too much."


    She turned back, smiled at him, pounded her chest twice with her fist, then pointed at him, lifting her chin with a confident air. "Don¡¯t worry, your spirit wood is in good hands."


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyebrow twitched slightly. "Good."


    Jian Huan lightly tapped her toes, her hands fluttering like butterfly wings as she gracefullynded in the center of the tform.


    Niu Zizhao was already standing there.


    He was a man who exuded steadiness, about the same height as Jian Huan, standing as still as a mountain.


    The two exchanged a polite bow.


    Then, at the elder¡¯smand, the match officially began.


    Niu Zizhao didn¡¯t give Jian Huan any time to react. He raised his sword and swung it down.


    It was a simple move, but it gave Jian Huan an overwhelming sense of danger.


    She dodged quickly, and the swordnded where she had been standing. The tform, reinforced by the sect¡¯s powerful elders and said to withstand a full-force strike from a Nascent Soul cultivator, trembled slightly.


    As she dodged, Jian Huan activated a defensive talisman with her fingertips, but even so, the sword¡¯s gust of wind instantly shattered her talisman. A strand of hair at her forehead was caught in the wind, a section of ck hair floating in the air before being swept into the residual force of the sword strike, turning into a wisp of smoke.


    "Brother Niu¡¯s sword technique is bing more and more refined."


    "Indeed. But why did he use his sword technique right from the first move? In previous matches, Brother Niu would hold back for at least ten moves before drawing his sword. Jian Huan is a woman; shouldn¡¯t he show some courtesy?"


    "Haven¡¯t you heard? On the battlefield, there¡¯s no distinction between father and son, let alone between man and woman. Who would willingly give up a hundred thousand spirit coins?"


    "It¡¯s not just that," someone nced at Peak Master Yue, who was nodding with satisfaction from the seats. "I heard Peak Master Yue is considering taking Brother Niu as his disciple. Naturally, Brother Niu wants to put on a good show for him."


    "Then Jian Huan is in trouble. She probably won¡¯tst more than a few moves before losing."


    "Who says otherwise? Jian Huan, a talisman cultivator, making it to the final round is just luck!"


    The spectators belowmented as they watched, but Jian Huan didn¡¯t hear a word of it.


    She was indeed struggling.


    A Foundation Establishment talisman cultivator facing a Golden Core sword cultivator felt like being stripped bare.


    As she dodged, the hidden talismans she had ced around the arena and the talismans she threw at Niu Zizhao from tricky angles were all swept aside.


    "Ha, useless, isn¡¯t it?" someone gloated. "I¡¯ve watched Jian Huan¡¯s matches a few times before. The only reason she won was because of these petty tricks. They might work against cultivators of her level, but against Brother Niu, it¡¯s like an ant trying to stop a chariot!"


    Jiang Mian overheard thesements and clenched her fists, wanting to argue, but seeing Jian Huan on the tform, she held her tongue and continued to watch with a worried expression.


    Back and forth, Jian Huan and Niu Zizhao were nearing the tenth exchange.


    Jian Huan wasn¡¯t in a hurry to use her talisman sword. She dodged while silently counting the moves in her mind.


    In all of Niu Zizhao''s previous matches, Jian Huan had attended almost every one. He never used a lethal move within the first ten strikes¡ªless about holding back and more about observing his opponent. He would study their fatal weaknesses and then deliver a thunderous blow in the eleventh strike, ending the match.


    ording to Jian Huan''s original n, she intended to set up her talisman array within the first nine moves. By the tenth move, she would surge forward with the power of her talisman sword,bined with the array on the field, catching Niu Zizhao off guard and knocking him out of the arena.


    But Niu Zizhao seemed to sense her intentions from the very beginning. He drew his sword immediately, destroying her setup.


    It was only when she truly faced him that Jian Huan realized why, from the day she first entered the sect, Yu Qing had said that the difference between the Foundation Establishment stage and the Golden Core stage was like the difference between clouds and mud.


    Jian Huan had underestimated the situation.


    In the Lotus Square Secret Realm, she and Wen Jiu had teamed up to defeat a Golden Core cultivator, so she had thought that while Golden Core cultivators were powerful, they weren''t unreachable.


    Now, looking back, the reason they had been able to defeat the eldest of the three brothers so easily was entirely thanks to the wolf king that had severely injured him beforehand.


    The tenth move ended.


    Below the stage, Shen Jizhi, hidden in his sleeve, clenched his fist.


    A breeze swept through the area, and in that moment, Niu Zizhao suddenly vanished from Jian Huan''s sight.


    She tightened her grip on her sword, her lips pressed into a thin line. Just as the audience''s hearts skipped a beat, Jian Huan raised her sword, her wrist twisting as the de moved like a talisman brush, dancing through the air like a dragon!


    A ripple of golden spiritual energy spread out, perfectly blocking the spot where Niu Zizhao reappeared!


    A deafening crash echoed as the ground shook violently.


    Niu Zizhao''s mountain-like sword was blocked, and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. Sensing danger, he didn¡¯t linger in the fight, immediately darting to the side to evade.


    Sure enough, hidden within the golden spiritual energy was a tiny strand of green energy. It seemed harmless at first nce, but it suddenly shot straight toward Niu Zizhao.


    Niu Zizhao dodged just in time, and the green energy mmed into the arena floor with a muffled thud, like a sudden thunderp!


    The arena was protected by a barrier, but even so, the spectators outside couldn¡¯t help but sway slightly from the impact.


    The crowd, which had been murmuring and pointing, fell silent, their faces filled with disbelief!


    They had thought the oue of this match was already decided, that Jian Huan would surely be eliminated. But who could have guessed that she would actually use her sword?


    Jian Huan had brought her sword to every match, but she had never used it. Everyone assumed she carried it solely to mock sword cultivators!


    Among the elders seated at the sidelines, expressions of shock were evident, with some even standing up.


    Dao Xuan, who had been sipping tea, furrowed his brow slightly.


    That sword technique felt so familiar, reminiscent of the senior who had been close with Lotus Heart back in the day...


    Having failed with her first strike, Jian Huan sent another sword strike toward Niu Zizhao.


    Niu Zizhao reacted swiftly, parrying her attack andunching himself toward her.


    The two shed rapidly on the stage, their sword moves leaving afterimages. Various colors of spiritual energy collided within the barrier like fireworks on New Year¡¯s Eve, the roaring sounds unceasing.


    First-year disciples in the audience rubbed their eyes, unable to distinguish which figure was whose within the barrier, or whose sword moves were so fierce.


    In terms of strength, Niu Zizhao was undoubtedly superior, and he was the one actively pursuing Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan, aware of her weaker position, focused mostly on defense, asionally seizing opportunities to toss out a few talismans or feint an attack.


    After a prolonged stalemate, Niu Zizhao looked at Jian Huan before him and, as they passed by each other, suddenly said, "Miss Jian, my apologies. I didn¡¯t want to use this."


    He wanted to end the match quickly. The sect leader and the peak masters were watching, and he didn¡¯t want to drag it out. The longer Jian Huan, a Foundation Establishment talisman cultivator, managed to hold him off, the worse it would reflect on him. What would the sect leader and peak masters think of him?


    The elders undoubtedly had different expectations for Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators.


    Before Jian Huan could react, the world before her eyes suddenly changed.


    The arena vanished, and the surrounding people disappeared, reced by mountains.


    Endless ranges of mountains stretched as far as the eye could see.


    And she was standing right in the middle of them.


    "Brother Niu has actually developed a **Danxiang**!" The crowd outside was utterly shocked.


    Niu Zizhao had only recently entered the Golden Core stage, yet he had already developed a **Danxiang**!


    Golden Core cultivators all form a Golden Core in their dantian.


    But not every Golden Core cultivator¡¯s core contains a **Danxiang**. Those who can develop a **Danxiang** are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.


    Jian Huan hadn¡¯t expected to encounter one of these rare individuals.


    In this small **Danxiang**, the earth shook violently, and the surrounding mountains were uprooted, crashing down toward her.


    Jian Huan cursed, "Damn it!"


    She looked around, realizing there was no way to escape.


    Above her was the descending mountain, below was solid ground, and all around were mountains.


    The towering mountains, every falling rock, every tree, even every leaf, became a sword as they approached.


    A dense, unavoidable rain of swords.


    This was the Sword Mountain **Danxiang**.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, using her sword as a shield. She raised one hand above her head while biting her fingertip with the other, using her blood to draw a talisman on the de.


    Golden and green spiritual energy enveloped her, forming a protective sphere.


    One after another, the mountains toppled down, piling onto her energy sphere, growing heavier and heavier.


    All she could see were endless cliffs and rocks, blocking out the sky, as if they intended to bury her alive.


    Gradually, Jian Huan¡¯s body was forced downward. Her straight back bent, her knees buckled, and her limbs groaned under the unbearable weight. Blood trickled from her lips and nose.


    On the elders¡¯ tform, Yu Qing suddenly stood up and said to the elder in charge of the arena, "Senior Brother, shouldn¡¯t you intervene now?"


    The elder hesitated.


    While others couldn¡¯t see it, the elders could clearly see the scene within Niu Zizhao¡¯s **Danxiang**.


    Jian Huan was struggling, but she hadn¡¯t surrendered or given up.


    The elder instinctively nced at the sect leader.


    The sect leader looked at Shen Jizhi before turning his gaze back to Jian Huan within the **Danxiang**. After a moment of consideration, he said, "It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s wait a bit longer. I¡¯ll step in at the critical moment."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Hearing this, the elder breathed a sigh of relief.


    At the same time, with a thud, Jian Huan¡¯s left knee hit the ground.


    She still held on, gritting her teeth, her body wracked with pain as her bones shifted, but she continued to endure.


    She thought to herself.


    The arena elder hadn¡¯t intervened.


    The sect leader was present, and he hadn¡¯t intervened either.


    Since they hadn¡¯t stepped in, since they were still watching the match, it meant that even in this dire situation, she wasn¡¯t in apletely hopeless position.


    There was still a chance for her to turn the tables.


    But where was that chance?


    Hope.


    Hope?


    In her dazed state, Jian Huan suddenly remembered something that had happened in the inheritance secret realm.


    That day, an ordinary day, the three of them¡ªmaster and disciples¡ªhad returned from practicing talisman swords.


    Shen Jizhi had gone to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and Jian Huan had wanted to help, but she was suddenly called by Fang Quan: "Jian Huan,e with me. I have something to say to you."


    Jian Huan followed Fang Quan out of the courtyard and into the bamboo forest.


    Slender bamboo leaves drifted down in the breeze, and the sound of their footsteps echoed through the forest.


    Fang Quan turned to her and asked with a smile, "How do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned, feeling as if she¡¯d been called in for a heart-to-heart with her teacher. After a moment of thought, she replied earnestly, "I¡¯ve memorized all the talisman sword techniques, but when I actually use them, I always feel like something¡¯s missing."


    Fang Quan stroked his beard and nodded. "After some thought, I¡¯ve decided to be straightforward with you. Your sword skills are not as good as your senior brother¡¯s."


    After a pause, he added, "Of course, your senior brother¡¯s talisman skills are also not as good as yours."


    Jian Huan couldn¡¯t help butugh. She bowed to Fang Quan. "Master, please speak freely. Your disciple won¡¯t take it to heart."


    There were so many people in the world stronger than her. If Shen Jizhi¡¯s sword skills were better than hers, she would only be happy for him, not jealous or disheartened.


    She wished for her friends to have bright futures.


    And that didn¡¯t conflict with her own bright future.


    "Your swordcks sword intent," Fang Quan said carefully. "In fact, your talismans alsock a bit of talisman intent. Your talismans are indeed well-drawn, but they¡¯re missing something uniquely yours. Take your senior brother Shen Jizhi, for example. His sword intent¡ª"


    Fang Quan thought for a moment, then described it, "is extremely frugal. Every move he makes is purposeful, making it ruthless and deadly. But Jian Huan, I don¡¯t see that in you."


    "Sword intent or talisman intent¡ªit¡¯s different for everyone. As your master, I can¡¯t help you much with this. You¡¯ll have toprehend it on your own." Fang Quan reached out and gently patted her shoulder. "But I believe you¡¯ll surely find your own path."

 Chapter 63

    But what is the Dao?


    Runes have patterns, sword techniques have movements¡ªthese can be practiced and learned.


    But the Dao is something elusive, almost mystical. It seems it¡¯s not something you can grasp through mere effort.


    After her conversation with Fang Quan, Jian Huan went to the kitchen to find Shen Jizhi: ¡°How did youprehend your sword intent?¡±


    The young man was filleting a fish, the de slicing cleanly through its belly. Hearing her question, he nced up: ¡°I have sword intent?¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s lips twitched: ¡°¡­Master said you do.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s slender fingers dug into the fish¡¯s belly, pulling out the innards: ¡°Oh? What kind of sword intent?¡±


    ¡°Master said your sword intent is ¡®frugal,¡¯¡± Jian Huan rified, emphasizing, ¡°Not my ¡®Jian,¡¯ but the ¡®frugal¡¯ as in saving.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    In the illusion, the evening sun burned fiercely.


    Jian Huan tilted her head: ¡°When did you first use this ¡®frugal¡¯ fighting style?¡±


    Shen Jizhi carefully cut the fish into nearly identical slices, pondering for a moment before replying: ¡°There was a time when I was running errands for Drunken Red Pavilion¡ª¡±


    Jian Huan gasped: ¡°Isn¡¯t Drunken Red Pavilion a brothel¡­?¡±


    And the most famous one in Approaching Immortal City, at that!


    Her interruption earned her a cold nce from Shen Jizhi: ¡°Don¡¯t want to hear it?¡±


    Jian Huan quickly shook her head: ¡°No, no, please continue.¡±


    Shen Jizhi scoffed lightly and went on: ¡°That month, I¡¯d just gotten my pay, but I was cornered in an alley by a group of people demanding I hand over the money. There were quite a few of them, and I hadn¡¯t eaten yet, so I was low on energy. I had to use my sword techniques sparingly. After that, I fought that way¡ªit saved on Fasting Pills.¡±


    Jian Huan was silent for a moment before asking: ¡°How old were you then? Didn¡¯t your previous master take care of you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d just joined the sect,¡± Shen Jizhi replied indifferently, as if talking about someone else¡¯s life. ¡°My previous master was severely injured and in seclusion. He couldn¡¯t even take care of himself.¡±


    ¡­


    Memories shed through her mind.


    In the Danxiang realm, mountains copsed one after another.


    Blood dripped from Jian Huan¡¯s lips, staining her white disciple robes red.


    She grew shorter, her back hunched like an old woman.


    Jian Huan knelt on one knee, refusing to let the other leg touch the ground.


    After that conversation, Jian Huan had tried to emte Shen Jizhi¡¯s frugal sword intent.


    She thought they were simr¡ªpractical and thrifty, or, less charitably, stingy.


    But her imitation only earned her a scolding from Fang Quan.


    And she truly couldn¡¯t replicate Shen Jizhi¡¯s sword intent.


    His ¡®frugality¡¯ was built on a disregard for his own life and the lives of others.


    He fought like a cold, calcting machine¡ªruthless and indifferent to life.


    But what about her?


    Her master had said that everyone¡¯s Dao lies within their own heart. It¡¯s just a matter of whether you can discover it, and when.


    So, what was her Dao?


    Jian Huan searched her heart.


    She knew she couldn¡¯t hold on much longer.


    She was at her limit.


    The smartest thing to do would be to shout, ¡°I surrender!¡±


    Niu Zizhao was at the Golden Core Stage, while she was still at the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    Losing to him was expected¡ªit wasn¡¯t shameful. She had already held out this long, which was impressive.


    If she surrendered, the match would end, and she wouldn¡¯t have to endure this crushing pressure anymore.


    Losing 100,000 spirit coins would sting, but it was better than losing her life.


    She already had over 100,000 spirit stones to her name, and she could earn more. So why couldn¡¯t she bring herself to say, ¡°I surrender¡±?


    It was like back in the modern world.


    Late at night in the office, she¡¯d sit at her desk, revising her designs over and over.


    Her work was already good enough¡ªher colleagues said so, and her boss would be satisfied.


    But Jian Huan wasn¡¯t satisfied. She felt she could do better.


    She wasn¡¯t content to remain an ordinary employee her whole life. If she only ever did ¡°good enough,¡± she¡¯d stay an employee forever.


    But she wanted to climb the ranks¡ªbe a team leader, a manager. She wanted to earn more in the same amount of time, to reach greater heights and see a broader world.


    She could say, ¡°I surrender,¡± and tell herself there would be more opportunitiester, that she didn¡¯t need to push herself to the brink now.


    But would those future opportunities be any less painful? Any less dangerous? Any less life-threatening?


    If she yed it safe every time, avoiding risks and giving up at the first sign of hardship, she¡¯d never truly seize those opportunities.


    One mountain would always be higher than thest. If she couldn¡¯t climb this one, what made her think she could conquer the next?


    Under the weight of countless mountains, Jian Huan didn¡¯t want to surrender.


    She had a vague feeling that if she gave up now, the pain and danger would end, but she might also lose the chance to reach a higher realm.


    The mountains continued to copse, their rocky walls piling up higher than her legs, her waist, her shoulders, her head.


    She clung to her nearly depleted spiritual shield, crouched in the darkness beneath the mountains, with no light in sight.


    Outside the arena, Dao Xuan¡¯s hand twitched within his sleeve, ready to intervene the moment Jian Huan¡¯s shield failed.


    Inside the arena, Jian Huan¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as she closed her eyes.


    She felt it.


    She felt her Dao.


    Like a seed buried in the earth, she wanted to break through the soil, to sprout, to grow taller, to bloom into a future filled with vibrant colors.


    It was a Dao of upward growth, of boundless vitality.


    The traces ofst night¡¯s spring rain still lingered.


    On the peach tree beside the arena, a few raindrops clung to the soft pink petals, yet the flowers continued to bloom with all their might.


    The ground was dotted with faint green sprouts¡ªyoung weeds that had grown just a little taller after the rain.


    In the sky, the dark clouds began to part, revealing a sliver of golden light.


    But for some reason, the clouds gathered once more.


    A faint pressure filled the arena, unsettling the younger disciples.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Golden Core Stage cultivators and above, however, sensed something.


    ¡°This¡­ is the sign of a Golden Core tribtion,¡± someone murmured in the crowd, and all eyes turned to the stage.


    Niu Zizhao was already at the Golden Core Stage.


    This faint hint of a Golden Core tribtion could only belong to Jian Huan.


    ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s actually touched the Golden Core Stage¡­¡± The disciple who had mocked Jian Huan for relying on petty tricks paled, his lips trembling as he fell silent.


    A thunderous boom echoed!


    Within Niu Zizhao¡¯s Danxiang realm, Jian Huan opened her eyes, a faint green light flickering in her gaze.


    She felt the vitality of all things, and Niu Zizhao¡¯s mountains became an illusion in her eyes.


    Because these mountains, and all life upon them, were fake.


    The Danxiang no longer deceived her. She saw Niu Zizhao.


    Niu Zizhao stood to the southeast, controlling his Danxiang, crushing Jian Huan¡¯s spiritual shield, which she had reinforced with her blood.


    The shield cracked in ces, and sharp rocks infused with sword intent pierced through. Some were blocked by the defensive talismans on her body, while others cut into her flesh.


    Jian Huan coughed up blood but remained in her kneeling position.


    She continued to resist the weight of the mountains, but her other hand hung loosely at her side.


    With a finger as her sword, she traced a small sword technique.


    This strike carried no killing intent.


    It was like the grass by the roadside or the flowers on the branches, swaying gently in the breeze. But when it reached Niu Zizhao, it suddenly erupted into a whirlwind of sword energy.


    The sword wind, swift as lightning, swept Niu Zizhao off his feet and hurled him out of the arena without giving him a chance to react.


    With a loud thud, Niu Zizhao¡¯s bodynded outside the arena.


    His boots scraped across the rain-dampened ground, leaving two trails.


    Niu Zizhao quickly steadied himself and instinctively tried to re-enter the arena, but a elder stopped him, reminding him: ¡°You¡¯ve left the arena.¡±


    Niu Zizhao froze, then looked back at the stage.


    The girl¡¯s white robes were now stained with blood.


    Her lips were pale, and she knelt on one knee, her sword propping her up. She looked on the verge of copse.


    Niu Zizhao nced down at himself.


    His clothes were still neat, and he was barely injured. He still had strength left, but he had been pushed out of the arena.


    And she was still standing on the stage.


    After a moment, Niu Zizhao shook his head with a bitter smile.


    No matter what, he had lost. He had been outmatched.


    From the moment he eagerly sought to impress the sect leader and peak masters by hastily revealing his Danxiang, he had forgotten the essence of the Yue Mountain Sword.


    The mountains stand eternal, and the Yue Mountain Sword draws its power from them, embodying a path of steadfastness. He should not have rushed.


    The elder soared on his sword, hovering mid-air, and solemnly dered to the crowd, "The victor of this battle is Jian Huan, a first-year talisman cultivator!"


    The crowd erupted in astonishment!


    Jiang Mian leaped up in the midst of the throng, her face flushed with excitement, "She won! Jian Huan won! Our first-year talisman cultivator, Jian Huan, won!!"


    "This... this can''t be... Brother Niu actually... actually lost..." Someone muttered in disbelief.


    "Truly unexpected. You have to admit, Jian Huan is really something!"


    "But¡ª" someone pointed to the sky where the dark clouds had dispersed, "why did the thunder tribtion disappear?"


    "That''s normal. Jian Huan''s cultivation level is still unstable, fluctuating between the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stages. She''s dropped back to Foundation Establishment for now," exined an inner sect senior sister. "Only those prodigies with single spiritual roots can immediately undergo the Golden Core tribtion upon sensing the Golden Core stage. Jian Huan has dual spiritual roots; it''s not so easy for her. She''ll likely need to go into seclusion to continue her cultivation and truly face the thunder tribtion before steadily advancing to the Golden Core stage."


    The mor from the crowd buzzed in Jian Huan''s ears like the chirping of thousands of sparrows.


    She felt terrible, her head throbbing, her vision blurring.


    For a moment, the noise seemed to fade, as if separated from her by an entire world. She could barely hear anything clearly, not even the elder''s words.


    Jian Huan bit her tongue hard, using the pain to stay alert.


    She wanted to confirm if she had truly won.


    The proper thing to do would have been to look at the elder.


    But she didn''t.


    Instead, her eyes instinctively searched the sea of ck-d figures for one person.


    The young man in white with a wooden hairpin stood out strikingly in the crowd.


    It didn''t take long for Jian Huan to find him.


    The boy had features like an ink painting, with an exceptional bone structure that made him particrly radiant among the masses.


    He was also quite tall, and rather inconsiderately stood in the front row, blocking the view of those behind him, causing many to crane their necks and stand on tiptoes.


    Their eyes met, and Jian Huan''s pale lips moved slightly. She wanted to ask him, "Shen Jizhi, did I win?"


    But it seemed she didn''t have the strength to speak.


    Yet, at that moment, Shen Jizhi seemed to understand her unspoken question. Across the expanse of the arena, he mouthed clearly and deliberately, "You. Won."


    Jian Huan understood. A faint smile touched her lips, and she allowed herself to copse into unconsciousness, just as a senior sister from Medicine King Peak rushed forward to catch her.

 Chapter 64

    Niu Zizhao stood outside the arena, watching as the senior sister from Medicine King Peak fed Jian Huan a spirit pill. He saw her hand Jian Huan over to Shen Jizhi, who had swiftly arrived, and the group hurried off to the Medicine King Peak infirmary.


    Several acquaintances came over to console him, but Niu Zizhao only offered a perfunctory smile in return. He was visibly disheartened.


    Suddenly, the surrounding chatter ceased, and everyone bowed respectfully, greeting, "Greetings, Peak Master Yue!"


    Niu Zizhao quickly looked up.


    Peak Master Yue stood a few steps away, gesturing for him to approach. "Niu Zizhao,e here."


    Niu Zizhao mounted his sword and hurriedly followed.


    Peak Master Yue stood with his hands behind his back, ncing at the young man. "I came here today specifically for you."


    Niu Zizhao''s face flushed with shame, and he lowered his head, murmuring, "I''m sorry, Peak Master. I¡¯ve disappointed you."


    "You¡¯ve been learning my Yue Mountain Sword and have even developed a nascent Golden Core. You shouldn¡¯t have lost this match." Peak Master Yue shook his head, brushing his sleeves as he spoke earnestly. "Don¡¯t rush. The victory will be yours in the end. Go back and reflect on today¡¯s match. If Jian Huan can gain insight from it, but you learn nothing, then you¡¯ll have lost even more thoroughly."


    Niu Zizhao kept his head down, his voice strained and filled with self-reproach. "Yes, Peak Master."


    Peak Master Yue gave him a disapproving look. "Still calling me ''Peak Master''?"


    Niu Zizhao instinctively looked up. "Peak Master, what do you mean¡­?"


    Peak Master Yue chuckled. "If I weren¡¯t nning to take you as my personal disciple, why would I have said all this to you?"


    Niu Zizhao was stunned. "But I thought, since I lost, you wouldn¡¯t¡­"


    Peak Master Yueughed heartily. "Kid, the path of cultivation is long! What does a single loss matter?"


    Niu Zizhao, though stillcking in maturity, was after all just a teenager. But his sword technique was remarkably pure¡ªa rare quality.


    Niu Zizhao¡¯s expression grew serious, and a glimmer of joy appeared in his eyes. "Yes, Master!"


    After this event, Jian Huan officially became an inner sect disciple and received a reward of 100,000 spirit coins.


    She also had the opportunity to be a personal disciple. During her recovery at Medicine King Peak, senior disciples from various peaks often visited, rying invitations from their respective peak masters, asking if she was interested in joining their peaks.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t hesitate much and politely declined each one.


    On the Nine Provinces Continent, disciples were generally divided into outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples, and personal disciples.


    Outer sect disciples were usually mentored by less experienced elders, like Elder Yu Qing, who had only recently been promoted to elder.


    Inner sect disciples received instruction from all the sect¡¯s elders, and asionally, a peak master might feel inclined to teach them some techniques.


    Personal disciples were taken under the wing of a peak master, receiving their true teachings.


    Everyone dreamed of bing a personal disciple, but Jian Huan didn¡¯t.


    For one, she already had Fang Quan as her master.


    Secondly, bing a disciple on the Nine Provinces Continent was a solemn matter, akin to acknowledging someone as a father. From then on, one¡¯s life would be dedicated to serving the master and the sect.


    What if she ended up like Shen Jizhi, with a master like Peak Lord Gu? Wouldn¡¯t that ruin her life?


    "Shen Jizhi, don¡¯t you think so?"


    In the small room at the end of the third floor of the Medicine King Peak infirmary, Jian Huan leaned against the pillow, her left leg dangling off the bed, swinging idly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shen Jizhi sat nearby.


    His Mustard Seed Pouch was filled with various crafting materials, and no matter where he was, he could always pull out what he needed and work on his artifacts without a care for his surroundings.


    At the moment, he was holding a mask, carefully polishing it, the sound of the work filling the room.


    A breeze blew in through the open window, lifting the hem of Jian Huan¡¯s skirt and revealing her bare, jade-like feet.


    Her feet swayed lightly in the air.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze flickered toward them, and his hands paused for a moment, his fingers unconsciously twitching.


    A rather inappropriate thought crossed his mind.


    He felt as though he couldpletely envelop her foot with just one hand.


    Shen Jizhi stared for a while before averting his eyes, lowering his head to conceal the dark glint in his gaze.


    His Adam¡¯s apple, hidden beneath the high cor of his robe, bobbed slightly. After a moment ofposure, he replied in a calm voice, "Not necessarily."


    Jian Huan had asked her question a while ago but hadn¡¯t received a response from Shen Jizhi. She was used to this; conversations with him often went like this.


    By now, her attention had already drifted from the earlier topic. She was rummaging through her Mustard Seed Pouch for the bag of fruit Shen Jizhi had given her earlier. Hearing his reply, she casually asked, "What¡¯s not necessarily?"


    Shen Jizhi continued polishing the mask, answering, "It¡¯s not necessarily a life ruined."


    Jian Huan had been saving the fruit Shen Jizhi had given her, and now only a few apples remained.


    "But you¡¯re constantly helping your master pay off his debts. Doesn¡¯t that count as being ruined?" She took out one apple, thought for a moment, and then took out another, offering it to Shen Jizhi. "Do you want one?"


    "No," Shen Jizhi declined, his gaze lingering on her face. He exined, his tone calm but carrying a depth Jian Huan didn¡¯t quite grasp at the moment, "I won¡¯t have to keep paying forever. Once the current two million is settled, that¡¯s it."


    Jian Huan put the rejected apple back into her pouch, keeping one in her hand and tossing it lightly. She analyzed the situation seriously, "But what if, after you¡¯ve paid off those two million, your master returns from his travels and racks up another two million in debt? What will you do then? You know, where Ie from, there¡¯s a saying: whether you¡¯re marrying or being married, don¡¯t choose someone with unreliable elders, or you¡¯ll be dragged down for life."


    She was indeed worried about this.


    Shen Jizhi remainedposed. He stood up and walked to the window, holding the ck mask up to examine its shape. He revealed something he had never shared with anyone before, "Before I agreed to help my master pay off his debts, I already had him write a letter of release."


    Jian Huan sat up straight, leaning toward the window, looking up at his back with curiosity. "A letter of release?"


    "Yes, stating that he no longer wishes to be my master, allowing me to leave his tutge," Shen Jizhi exined as he turned around.


    The afternoon sunlight streamed in from behind him, enveloping him in a soft glow. The golden light highlighted the edges of his figure, his ck hair shimmering softly. However, his features were somewhat obscured by the backlight.


    A few rays of sunlight slipped past him, falling on Jian Huan¡¯s face as she sat on the bed.


    She squinted, feeling the light was a bit too bright.


    Her mind, however, was still processing Shen Jizhi¡¯s words.


    Jian Huan pondered, realizing that the letter of release he mentioned was simr to a divorce agreement.


    If his master continued to drink and umte debts, Shen Jizhi could use the letter to leave the master-disciple rtionship.


    As she was thinking, the bright light on her face disappeared, reced by a shadow falling over her.


    Shen Jizhi suddenly leaned down, closing the distance between them.


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned.


    In her previous life, after starting her job, Jian Huan had drawn many character illustrations. She had drawn countless male characters¡ªmodern, ancient, and fantasy.


    She considered herself quite skilled, but none of her drawings couldpare to the face before her now.


    Jian Huan unconsciously held her breath, her blinking bing more frequent.


    "So, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. My future wife," Shen Jizhi paused, tilting his head slightly. His tone was like early spring¡ªcool, yet with a hint of warmth, "won¡¯t be burdened for life. I¡¯ll ensure she lives in prosperity, with no worries about food or clothing."


    During her time at Medicine King Peak, Jian Huan had regained some of her vitality.


    Her lips were a soft pink.


    But now, they were pressed together.


    She looked at him, unable to hold back a scoff, her toneced with sarcasm, "You still owe me 100,000 spirit coins for breaking off the engagement, and you¡¯re already thinking about your future wife?"


    "Is it wrong to think about it?" Shen Jizhi gazed at the slightly irritated girl before him, a faint smile ying on his lips. He straightened up slightly, fiddling with the mask in his hands.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, feeling inexplicably annoyed.


    Hmph, men.


    At the very least, he should settle the matter of their engagement before thinking about the future, shouldn¡¯t he?


    And¡ª


    She shot him a nce, "Didn¡¯t you say you were devoted to the Dao and had no intention of marrying?"


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Didn¡¯t you encourage me to? Back at Fang Quan¡¯s hall."


    Jian Huan thought back and finally remembered.


    Alright, she had indeed suggested that he could consider finding a Daopanion in the future.


    Shen Jizhi stood up and returned to his seat. "Instead of worrying about me, why don¡¯t you focus on yourself? Have you prepared for your seclusion?"


    "I¡¯m not worried about you," Jian Huan denied immediately, pulling the nket on the bed into a messy heap. "And I called you here precisely for this matter! You¡¯re the one who keeps derailing the conversation!"


    Shen Jizhi: "??"


    Shen Jizhi looked up, reminding her, ¡°As soon as I came in, you started telling me how many Peak Masters wanted to take you as their personal disciple, how Niu Zizhao came to visit you, bringing you a Spirit Recovery Pill, and even made ns to spar with you again once you reached the Golden Core Stage¡­ Hmph, am I interrupting?¡±


    Niu Zizhao, who had been defeated by her¡ªhow could he have the nerve to show up?


    He didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°I said all that just to motivate you. To show you what it¡¯s like when a good Peak Master wants to take you as their disciple, and what benefits they might offer. And what it feels like to have one foot already in the Golden Core Stage, so you¡¯ll push yourself to reach it too,¡± Jian Huan exined matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Oh, noted. Thanks,¡± Shen Jizhi replied with a forced smile. ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    When it came to the main topic, Jian Huan sat cross-legged on the bed, dropping the banter.


    She pulled out the 100,000 spirit note, holding it between her fingers.


    The 100,000 spirit note was just an ordinary piece of paper with the words ¡°100,000: For use within the Jade rity Sect only¡± written on it, stamped with the Sect Leader¡¯s seal.


    ¡°Elder Yu came to see me this morning. He¡¯s arranged a secluded cultivation chamber for me and told me to start my closed-door cultivation first thing tomorrow,¡± Jian Huan said. During the previouspetition, she had indeed gained some insight into her Dao, but it was still shallow and needed further refinement. She handed the 100,000 spirit note to him, speaking earnestly, ¡°I don¡¯t know how long this cultivation will take. So, as we agreed earlier, I¡¯m leaving the matter of building the house to you.¡±


    After all, she knew nothing about construction, and Shen Jizhi was someone she could trust¡ªhe kept meticulous records of every transaction and wouldn¡¯t embezzle her 100,000 spirit note.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t want toe out of her cultivation and still be stuck in that cramped little wooden hut.


    Sensing the seriousness in her tone, Shen Jizhi took the thin piece of paper without hesitation. ¡°Alright,¡± he said.

 Chapter 65

    The perilous and eerie depths of the ancient forest were drenched in a torrential downpour, with lightning streaking across the sky and thunder rumbling ominously.


    In a murky pool, a young man floated lifelessly.


    Hey on his back, his delicate features softened by the relentless rain that pounded his face, washing away the crimson blood that had seeped from his lips.


    The blood, mingling with the rain, dripped from his finely chiseled chin into the filthy pool below.


    The water of the pool was as dark as ink, exuding a pungent, rotting stench that even the heavy rain could not dispel.


    On the nearby shore, a massive ck serpenty gutted, half of its body submerged in the pool and the other half sprawled on the bank. It seemed as though it had been trying to escape but had sumbed to its fatal injuries midway.


    The rain grew heavier, and the fierce wind swayed the towering trees surrounding the area. Countless leaves were torn from their branches, only to be mercilessly pounded into the ground or the pool, where they floated on the surface, spinning slightly, much like Shen Jizhi himself.


    The wooden hairpin Shen Jizhi had used to tie his hair had snapped during his battle with the ck Rock Serpent. Now, his long, ink-ck hair spread across the water¡¯s surface like aquatic weeds.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s condition was dire.


    His body, d in ck robes, had been corroded by the serpent¡¯s venom, leaving much of his flesh ravaged. His breathing grew shallower and weaker.


    His consciousness began to waver.


    For a moment, he felt as though he was looking down at himself, seeing his own body floating in the pool and the surroundings around him.


    He had only the faintest trace of strength left within him.


    Though his eyes remained closed, his fingers twitched slightly beneath the water¡¯s surface.


    A wisp of multicolored spiritual energy, like a flickering candle in the wind, trembled as it made its way to the serpent¡¯s corpse. It slipped into the open cavity and drew out a demon core, gently encased in the serpent¡¯s flesh.


    The core was slowly brought to Shen Jizhi, who consumed it.


    The moment it entered his mouth, it dissolved, unleashing an immense surge of spiritual energy that rushed toward his dantian!


    The wind around him grew even fiercer.


    Suddenly, a bolt of lightning as thick as a fist shot down from the ink-ck clouds, striking Shen Jizhi in the pool.


    The muddy water exploded like fireworks, and the force of the lightning shattered every meridian in Shen Jizhi¡¯s body. Yet, under the influence of the demon core and the cultivation technique within him, his meridians began to reform, only to be shattered again by the lightning¡­ This cycle of destruction and renewal repeated endlessly, bringing unbearable pain.


    ¡­


    At dawn, the wind ceased, and the rain stopped. A ray of morning light pierced through the branches, illuminating the raindrops on the leaves, making them sparkle like the dazzling golden core within Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi sat in the muddy pool, examining his golden core.


    There was something unusual about it.


    In one corner of the core, a small multicolored stone was embedded, emanating the aura of his master, Gu Shan.


    Shen Jizhi had always had an impable memory, recalling even the smallest details from his childhood. Yet, he had no recollection of his master ever mentioning this multicolored stone.


    What was going on?


    Shen Jizhi focused his mind, probing the stone with his thoughts.


    The stone remained inert.


    After some consideration, Shen Jizhi decided to set the matter aside for now. He would ask his master about it once he returned.


    The sound of water sshing echoed as Shen Jizhi rose from the pool and made his way to the shore.


    Frowning, he cast numerous cleansing spells on himself, finally feeling somewhat relieved.


    The golden core tribtion from the previous night had wreaked havoc on the surroundings.


    The massive serpent¡¯s corpse had been charred by the lightning, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.


    Shen Jizhi crouched down, sifting through the ckened remains of the serpent, but found nothing of value.


    He closed his eyes, rubbing his temples, his expression grim.


    It had been a year and a half since Jian Huan went into seclusion. A month ago, she had survived her golden core tribtion, but she had yet to emerge.


    Shen Jizhi had asked the sect leader about it, and the leader had exined that it was likely Jian Huan was refining her core manifestation.


    Afterward, Shen Jizhi had taken on a mission from the Immortal Storage Tower to hunt the ck Rock Serpent in this forest, with a bounty of 150,000 spirit stones.


    The ck Rock Serpent was an incredibly formidable opponent, and Shen Jizhi had spent a month here, narrowly escaping death the previous night after a fierce battle.


    Now, the most valuable part of the serpent, its demon core, had been consumed by him, and its body had been destroyed by his tribtion. This trip had yielded nothing but his sessful advancement to the golden core stage.


    However, he had spent a considerable amount on travel expenses and had lost some small spiritual tools during the hunt, totaling over 2,000 spirit stones.


    Shen Jizhi was unwilling to return empty-handed.


    This forest was home to other, even more powerful beasts.


    Now that he had reached the golden core stage, he could take the risk.


    A monthter, as thenterns lit up the night, Shen Jizhi emerged from the Immortal Storage Tower.


    The Approaching Immortal City was bustling with activity, the streets adorned with colorful decorations, and the faces of the people, young and old, were filled with joy.


    Shen Jizhi, d in ck and wearing a ck mask, moved silently through the crowd.


    The warm glow of the variousnterns reflected off his mask, giving it a cold, eerie sheen.


    The air around him was distant, carrying an unspoken sense of danger.


    Passersby who caught sight of him instinctively held their children closer and stepped aside.


    Shen Jizhi paid them no mind.


    Before he had worn the mask, his striking appearance had often drawn people to strike up conversations with him. But now, with the mask on, it had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him.


    It had also been a long time since he had spoken to anyone.


    After Jian Huan went into seclusion, Shen Jizhi¡¯s world had returned to silence, save for the asional necessary exchange.


    Just like the years before he met Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi walked alone through the bustling streets, the myriad lights of the city none of which belonged to him.


    He had never thought much of it before.


    But now, having experienced a time when someone had constantly called out to him, ¡°Shen Jizhi, Shen Jizhi, Shen Jizhi¡­¡±


    He sometimes found himself missing that voice.


    Shen Jizhi turned into a familiar alley, moving slowly through the darkness.


    If any cultivators were present, they would have noticed something amiss.


    His steps were slightly unsteady, and though he tried to mask the scent of blood with his spiritual energy, it was still faintly detectable.


    ¡°Boy, do you really think this is your home?¡± Medicine Granny, a thin, elderly woman, was having her dinner when she noticed Shen Jizhi stumbling in through the door, copsing to the floor. Her appetite vanished instantly.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s mask fell off, revealing a pale but strikingly handsome face. He clutched his abdomen, his slender fingers quickly stained with blood. ¡°Thank you, Medicine Granny,¡± he whispered.


    Medicine Granny could see at a nce that Shen Jizhi was seriously injured. She set down her chopsticks and fetched her medicine box, asking, ¡°Do you know what day it is today?¡±


    Shen Jizhi shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Mid-Autumn Festival!¡± Medicine Granny sighed, shaking her head as she examined Shen Jizhi¡¯s injuries. She was momentarily surprised. ¡°Huh, you¡¯ve reached the golden core stage¡­¡±


    But her surprise turned to exasperation as she saw the extent of his wounds. ¡°You¡¯re being reckless!¡±


    A long, deep gash ran across Shen Jizhi¡¯s abdomen, the sharp ws of the beast having torn through his flesh, revealing his internal organs.


    If the wound had been slightly to the side, it would have damaged the golden core in his dantian, and even Medicine Granny would have been powerless to help.


    As she used her spiritual energy to heal Shen Jizhi, she asked with a raised brow, ¡°When will this cycle of severe injuries end? Give me a straight answer.¡±


    Shen Jizhiy on the bed, replying, ¡°Soon.¡±


    Medicine Granny was skeptical. ¡°Really?¡±


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t borate. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re helping your master repay his debts,¡± Medicine Granny said as she finished stitching his wound and went to fetch medicinal herbs. ¡°But I¡¯ve never seen you in such a hurry before. There¡¯s no need to rush, is there?¡±


    Medicine Granny had known Shen Jizhi for years. The boy had always lived frugally, but he had never taken on more than he could handle, repaying his debts methodically and at his own pace.


    But in the past year or two, he had suddenly be frantic, frequently dragging himself to her with severe injuries.


    Medicine Granny, having lived a long life and seen much, had a heart as hard as stone. But even she couldn¡¯t help feeling a pang of pity after witnessing Shen Jizhi¡¯s struggles over the past couple of years.


    Shen Jizhi turned his head, gazing out the window.


    Boom, boom, boom.


    In the dark night sky, dazzling fireworks exploded, painting the horizon with a dreamlike brilliance.


    The moon was full tonight.


    Its light, tinged with the vibrant hues of the fireworks, filtered through the small window, gently illuminating Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes.


    The young man lowered his gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and replied slowly, "No, I''m in a hurry."


    Autumn passed, winter came, spring flowers withered, and then summer arrived.


    In the heat of summer, the cicadas'' incessant chirping filled the air.


    Jian Huan let herself lie in the embrace of Mother Earth, the wind brushing past her as she swayed gently like a de of grass.


    During her seclusion, Jian Huan allowed her consciousness to immerse itself in the rhythm of the seasons, feeling the transitions of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.


    Finally, she understood the pulse of the world, and she formed her own flourishing golden core.


    In the dim and silent cave, Jian Huan suddenly opened her eyes, a glimmer of joy shing in her lively gaze.


    Sess!


    Jian Huan twisted her neck, moved her hands, and stretched her legs, loosening her stiffened muscles.


    The dust that had umted on her body and the gray impurities expelled from her pores fell like snowkes, the swirling particles making her cough a few times.


    With a thought, she cast a cleansing spell over herself.


    After tidying up her appearance, Jian Huan rose from the meditation cushion and walked over to the small opening in the cave to take a look.


    These items had been delivered by people from outside. Jian Huan had been in deep meditation for a long time and hadn¡¯t dealt with them, so they had piled up into a small heap.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There were letters from Jiang Mian, written monthly, filled with jaw-dropping gossip from the Jade rity Sect and even the entire Nine Provinces Continent.


    There were various spirit pills generously thrown in by Gong Feihong. Among the people Jian Huan knew, only Gong Feihong had the wealth to afford such expensive gifts.


    There were small presents from Wen Jiu, Yang Ye, and others.


    There was even a letter from Niu Zizhao, asking when she would finally emerge from seclusion.


    And, of course, there was something from Shen Jizhi.


    He had sent in an ount book and a wooden box.


    The box had a piece of paper attached, with Shen Jizhi''s name scrawled boldly across it, as if he wanted to make sure Jian Huan knew it was from him.


    Jian Huan clicked her tongue, squatted down, and opened the box to find a Ground Fruit inside.


    Ground Fruits were helpful for oveing tribtions during the Golden Core stage, but Jian Huan didn¡¯t use it.


    They were worth a hundred thousand spirit coins each on the market¡ªonly a fool would use one.


    Jian Huan carefully stored the Ground Fruit away, then turned to the ount book.


    It detailed the various spirit wood materials and furniture he had purchased for building a house, totaling around ny-six thousand spirit coins for three rooms, which was close to Jian Huan¡¯s estimate.


    In the ount book, he wrote that his own room¡¯s furniture was kept simple, costing a total of twenty-three thousand spirit coins. She needed to pay him twenty thousand for the construction. After all the calctions, including previous debts, he owed her a total of one hundred and two thousand five hundred spirit coins.


    Jian Huan nodded as she read, but when she reached thest page, her eyes suddenly paused. Written there were the words:


    [Number twenty-one, it¡¯s your turn.]

 Chapter 66

    When Jian Huan returned to the small hillside, she almost couldn¡¯t recognize it.


    A cobblestone path stretched from the foot of the hill, winding its way up to three elegantly crafted houses. Wooden fences lined both sides of the path, enclosing a wild yet vibrant garden filled with flowers and nts. It was a bit messy, but it exuded a sense of untamed vitality.


    Before her seclusion, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had tested the soil on the hillside and found it unsuitable for growing spirit nts. Only the area near the first-grade spirit tree, which benefited from the Earth Fruit Spirit¡¯s influence, showed some promise. However, since the Earth Fruit Spirit needed to bear fruit, it would be counterproductive to use it for cultivating spirit nts. To continue growing spirit nts, they would have to modify the soil, which would require a significant investment, so they abandoned the idea.


    The thriving flowers and nts now growing were the kindmonly found in ordinary households. Jian Huan crouched by the fence, carefully examining them, and recognized a few rose bushes and even some watermelon leaves.


    As a child, she had nted watermelon seeds in front of her home, and vines had eventually grown. That¡¯s how she knew what they looked like. Shen Jizhi must have picked up seeds or even dug up a few nts while descending the hill, casually tossing them here and letting them grow freely. The soil, unsuitable for spirit nts, was a fertile haven for these ordinary nts, allowing them to flourish.


    Admittedly, it looked quite beautiful.


    Satisfied, Jian Huan stood up, sped her hands behind her back, and ascended the stone steps toward the three houses, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Shen Jizhi¡¯s taste and craftsmanship were, as always, reliable.


    However¡ª


    She nced at the stone steps beneath her feet, puzzled.


    Why had he built these steps? If they were to construct a wall along the central line dividing the east and west sidester, what would happen to these steps? Wouldn¡¯t they have to be demolished?


    Had he gotten carried away with building, prioritizing the current aesthetic and coherence while forgetting about the future wall?


    Unfortunately, Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t here, so Jian Huan couldn¡¯t question him.


    Besides, the steps were already built. What could she say? She¡¯d just have to wait until they had the money and energy to make adjustmentster.


    Well, he¡¯d have to pay for the demolition of the steps.


    Her design blueprint hadn¡¯t included these steps.


    With a soft thud, Jian Huan spread her arms and fell backward, instantly enveloped by the firm yet soft embrace of the bed.


    The feeling waspletely different from the rickety little bed in the previous wooden hut!


    That old bed would creak and groan with every turn, as if it might copse at any moment.


    And the bedboard was rock hard.


    She loved her new bed! It was worth all the times she had emphasized to Shen Jizhi before her seclusion that if they ran short on spirit coins, they could skimp on other furniture, but the bed was non-negotiable!


    ¡°Human, you¡¯ve emerged from seclusion?¡± A green stick figure poked its head through the window, surprised.


    The first-grade spirit tree stood behind the house, now lush and full, with a few leafy branches hanging by the window, casting a cool shade.


    Jian Huan quickly sat up, hugging the smooth silk quilt. ¡°Fruit! I was just about to look for you. How long was I in seclusion?¡±


    The stick figure looked confused. ¡°Why are you asking me? I don¡¯t keep track of human years and months. You humans¡­¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Not wanting to listen to the Earth Fruit Spirit¡¯s lecture about how human time was fleetingpared to the lifespan of natural treasures, Jian Huan interrupted with a nk expression, ¡°How many fruits have you borne since I went into seclusion?¡±


    This time, the stick figure knew the answer. Its tiny green arms split into two thinner strands, raising them high with pride. ¡°Two!¡±


    Hmm, the Earth Fruit Spirit bore one fruit per year, so it had been two years.


    Jian Huan had one fruit, which Shen Jizhi had delivered to her cave.


    She guessed he had sold his.


    Otherwise, how could he have paid off so much debt in just two years?


    Although, as the twenty-first in line, she was finally approaching the day when Shen Jizhi would repay his debt, filling her with excitement and anticipation.


    Still, thinking about how he had managed to earn so much alone during her two-year seclusion made her a little envious.


    She needed to step up her game too.


    Mentioning the Earth Fruit, the stick figure nced at Jian Huan, then at the wall.


    There, Shen Jizhi had hidden¡­


    Never mind, it couldn¡¯t say.


    Shen Jizhi had forced it to swear never to tell Jian Huan. The consequence of breaking that oath was being split in two.


    What a shameless human!


    After the Earth Fruit Spirit left, Jian Huan lounged contentedly on her new bed for a while before getting up as the sun began to set.


    Before her seclusion, she had lent the Xuantian Mirror to Shen Jizhi.


    After all, Shen Jizhi had also contributed to the purchase of the mirror.


    Now, without the Xuantian Mirror, she was unclear about what had happened during the past two years. She needed to ask Jiang Mian and the others for updates.


    Additionally, she had to inform Elder Yuqing and learn more about the responsibilities of an inner disciple.


    Jian Huan vaguely remembered that to advance from an inner disciple to a sect elder, besides reaching the Nascent Soul stage in cultivation, there were also task requirements.


    Opportunities to benefit from the Jade rity Sect were limited. One was the 100,000 spirit coins awarded to the top performer in the entrancepetition, and the other was the grand residence gifted by the sect when one became an elder.


    Now that her living conditions had improved, Jian Huan still had over 100,000 spirit coins in savings.


    Earning money was still important, but she also needed to focus on her career.


    Being a Jade rity Sect elder was equivalent to holding a tenured position at a prestigious university like Tsinghua. Not only would she receive a free residence, but she¡¯d also get a monthly stipend.


    Jian Huan was determined to secure this ¡°iron rice bowl.¡±


    After bing an elder, she could aim for a peak lord position, which would be even better.


    During her stay at the Medicine King Peak infirmary, Jian Huan had learned that the Jade rity Sect¡¯s peak lords were all quite wealthy. However, perhaps because they had been poor as disciples in their youth, they were all a bit stingy.


    Each peak would always seek funds from the sect rather than spending their own.


    For example, Niu Zizhao¡¯s Yue Mountain Peak was said to have a peak lord whose storage pouch was filled with countless spirit stones. Yet, he preferred to live in an old hall rather than spend his own money on repairs, and he would visit the sect leader monthly for tea and conversation.


    As Jian Huan contemted her future ns, she stepped out of her room. Her gaze fell on Shen Jizhi¡¯s room, and she paused.


    As the owner of 100,000 spirit coins, it wasn¡¯t too much for her to inspect his furniture to see if he had cut corners, right?


    ¡°Hmm, not too much,¡± Jian Huan muttered to herself, turning toward his room.


    With a soft creak, the door opened.


    Jian Huan looked around the room and was slightly taken aback.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s room was unusually sparse, with only a desk and a chair by the window.


    On the floor, neatly stacked piles of books reached from the ground to the ceiling: sword manuals, alchemy guides, herb encyclopedias, talisman books¡­


    He hadn¡¯t even bothered with a bookshelf.


    Opposite the books hung a painting¡ªa self-portrait of Fang Quan taken from the treasure hall.


    And his bed was still the same rickety little bed from the wooden hut where Jian Huan had slept.


    On the desk were a few books and the Xuantian Mirror.


    The Xuantian Mirror!


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up, and she instantly appeared at the desk, picking it up. Sure enough, it was the one she had lent him!


    Under the mirror was a note.


    Jian Huan looked down and read:


    [I sensed you¡¯d be emerging from seclusion soon, so I¡¯m returning the Xuantian Mirror. I have some personal matters to investigate. Don¡¯t look for me; I¡¯ll repay the spirit coins once I¡¯ve earned them.]


    The setting sun cast a warm glow through the window, bathing the room and the young woman in golden light.


    Her brows, like crescent moons, furrowed slightly as Jian Huan pondered.


    What personal matters did he need to investigate? Could it be rted to his descent into demonhood as described in the original story?


    And what did he mean by ¡°don¡¯t look for me¡±? Was he implying that she would seek him out?


    Wait, no.


    Jian Huan thought for a moment.


    He didn¡¯t want her to track him down and pressure him to repay his debt.


    Heh, that was all the more reason to go find him.


    After finally reaching her turn, shouldn¡¯t she keep an eye on him, whip in hand, urging him day and night to repay his debt?


    This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!


    Before leaving, Jian Huan flipped through the books on his desk and found an interesting location.


    ¡°Ningzhang City?¡±


    Early the next morning, at the Xuanwu Hall, the elder in charge of assigning Xuanwu missions repeated the address Jian Huan had mentioned. With a flick of his finger, spiritual energy activated the Xuantian Orb, which began to spin rapidly, casting a dazzling array of lights.


    The elder grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and chatted with Jian Huan while waiting for the orb to produce results. ¡°Ningzhang City is a small, obscure town. Not many in our sect even know of its existence. I doubt there are any Xuanwu missions there. The only mission from there was taken by Shen Jizhi.¡±


    The elder squinted at Jian Huan, teasing, "You''re going to see him, aren¡¯t you?"


    Jian Huan rubbed her temples and nodded half-heartedly.


    To celebrate her sessful retreat, she had spent the previous night drinking spirit wine in Approaching Immortal City with Jiang Mian and Gong Feihong. She was still feeling a bit dizzy.


    Yang Ye, Wen Jiu, and Yin Yusheng were absent. The three of them had excelled in the recent Nine Provinces Conference sect selection and had set off on their journey seven days ago.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao and Jing Chi had also gone.


    The original story officially began at this moment.


    In the book, Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan had also participated together. Whether Yin Yusheng and the others were part of it was unknown, as they were likely nameless extras in the book.


    But now, due to the chain of events triggered by Jian Huan transmigrating into the book three years ago, neither she nor Shen Jizhi were involved.


    However, Shen Jizhi had gone to Ningzhang City, saying he had some private matters to investigate.


    Ningzhang City was the only named city in the book¡¯s opening, mentioned in Jiang Qiaoqiao¡¯s fleeting memories of the three years she, Shen Jizhi, and Jing Chi had spent together.


    If Jian Huan hadn¡¯t intervened and altered the course of events, Shen Jizhi would have gone to Ningzhang City with the book¡¯s protagonists much earlier.


    Even though Jian Huan had changed things, monthster, Shen Jizhi still ended up there.


    Unfortunately, the book only mentioned the city¡¯s name without detailing what happened. Jian Huan suspected that Ningzhang City might hold clues as to why Shen Jizhi wouldter turn to demonic cultivation.


    In the Nine Provinces, demons were not inherently evil, but cultivating demonic arts would inevitably lead to violence and bloodlust over time.


    The righteous and demonic paths had always been irreconcble.


    Shen Jizhi was, after all, her neighbor and her friend. She didn¡¯t want him to go astray or be her enemy in the future.


    The Xuanwu Hall was where the Jade rity Sect posted Xuanwu missions. Inner disciples and elders could take on these missions, earning spirit stones and umting stars.


    The number of stars determined when one could be promoted to elder or peak master.


    A Nascent Soul disciple needed a thousand stars to be an elder, while a Deity Transformation elder needed fifty thousand stars to be a peak master.


    There were also exceptions, such as making a breakthrough contribution in a righteous-demonic war.


    The Xuantian Sphere gradually stopped spinning, and the elder in charge nced at it. "Huh, just a few days have passed, and two new Xuanwu missions have appeared here! One is five stars, the other ten stars. Which one will you take?"


    Jian Huan leaned over to take a look.


    One star symbolized a thousand spirit stones.


    Two missions, totaling fifteen stars, meant she could earn fifteen thousand spirit stones!


    Jian Huan blinked herrge eyes and smiled sweetly, "Elder, can I take both?"


    Since she was going anyway, why not take them all?


    After collecting the teleportation tickets to Ningzhang City, Jian Huan gathered some supplies and headed to Approaching Immortal City to use the teleportation array.


    By afternoon, Jian Huan arrived in Ningzhang City.


    The unnamed small town mentioned by the elder was still bustling and lively.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t know where Shen Jizhi was in the city, so she decided toplete the Xuanwu missions while gathering information about him.


    Of the two missions, the ten-star one was moreplicated. However,pleting the five-star mission would also help gather some information for the ten-star one, so Jian Huan decided to tackle the five-star mission first.


    At the Xie family¡¯s residence in Ningzhang, Jian Huan stated her purpose.


    She had just sat down in the hall and taken a sip of tea when a cheerful young man hurried in from the doorway. Before he even stopped, he sped his hands in greeting, "Miss Jian, my apologies for not weing you properly!"


    Jian Huan stood up and returned the gesture with a smile, "And you are?"


    On her way from the sect, Jian Huan had asked Gong Feihong and others or chatted with people to learn a bit about the Xie family.


    The Xie family was a prominent merchant family in Ningzhang, generations of whom had made their living through water transport. The Xie family currently had no cultivators, but their ancestors had once produced a Golden Core patriarch. However, centuries had passed, and that patriarch had long since passed away, though he had left the Xie family with some connections to major cultivation sects.


    "I am Xie Yuanying, the seventh in my family," the handsome young man introduced himself with a bright smile, revealing a row of white teeth. "The Xuanwu mission was posted by my father. He mentioned that when he was young, my grandfather also posted a Xuanwu mission, but no one epted it for half a year. I never expected it to be epted so quickly this time!"


    The Xuanwu missions were managed through the Xuantian Sphere.


    In Jian Huan¡¯s understanding, if the Xuantian Mirror was like a phone, then the Xuanwu Sphere was like aputer.


    All major sects had Xuanwu Halls that shared Xuanwu missions. Once a mission was epted, it was no longer avable to others.


    The Nine Provinces were vast, with countless cities, but Xuanwu missions were still as numerous as hairs on a cow, and some were inevitably overlooked.


    "To be honest, if Miss Jian had arrived a littleter, we would have already left," Xie Yuanying said as he looked at the lively and beautiful girl in the hall. "We truly didn¡¯t expect someone from the Jade rity Sect toe. My eldest brother had someone post a mission at the Immortal Storage Tower, and my second and third brothers also hired some wandering cultivators and Taoists."


    At this, Xie Yuanying sighed helplessly, "In just a few days, we¡¯ve found several people. I¡¯ve already arranged with them to set off soon. Time is tight, so I won¡¯t introduce you to the family. Instead, I¡¯ll take you directly to the dock. Is that alright with you, Miss Jian?"


    Jian Huan had no objections and stood up to follow Xie Yuanying. As she left, she casually picked up an orange.


    She tossed the orange up and down as if making small talk, "If there¡¯s a demon causing trouble on the river, shouldn¡¯t the city government handle it? Why did the Xie family post a Xuanwu mission?"


    At this, Xie Yuanying¡¯s enthusiastic smile faltered, and his expression turned bitter, "They should handle it. But the officials from the city¡¯s enforcement bureau have gone to the river several times and found no trace of the demon¡­ Yet every few days, one of our merchant ships falls victim. Our family has lost countless goods over the past two years. We had no choice but to seek help on our own to resolve this quickly."


    The phrase "found no trace" was quite telling. Did they genuinely search and find nothing, or did they not search thoroughly?


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, "I see¡­"


    Ningzhang City was located along the Zhang River.


    At the dock, the river was shrouded in mist, with countless cargo ships and pleasure boats bustling like ants crossing a river.


    Jian Huan asked Xie Yuanying to keep her identity as a Jade rity disciple a secret, and he agreed. On the Xie family¡¯s merchant ship, he introduced her to the other three people.


    The three were drinking on the deck.


    There was a middle-aged Taoist in green robes with a half-white beard, a purple-d female warrior with a whip, and a slightly plump, narrow-eyed swordsman.


    They exchanged greetings, each respectfully addressing the others as "Master."


    In the Nine Provinces, "Master" was like "teacher" in the modern world¡ªit could be used for anyone and was always appropriate.


    "There¡¯s also Master Jian," Xie Yuanying looked around, "He¡¯s not here. He¡¯s probably resting in his room. I¡¯ll have someone call him¡­"


    Someone shared her surname?


    Jian Huan stopped him with a smile, "No need. We¡¯ll have plenty of chances to meet on the ship over the next few days."


    Behind Xie Yuanying stood a servant who seemed to have urgent matters requiring his attention. He had been waiting anxiously for a while.


    Jian Huan waved her hand, "Brother Xie, don¡¯t worry about us. Go attend to your business."


    Xie Yuanying sped his hands apologetically and left.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t need the other three to entertain her. She sat down in an empty seat and chatted with them as if they were old friends.


    The Taoist imed to be from Maoshan and a Foundation Establishment cultivator. But Jian Huan could tell at a nce that he had no cultivation at all¡ªhe was just an ordinary person.


    The purple-d female warrior was more honest. She wrapped a small section of her whip around her fair wrist, tilted her chin up, and said, "I¡¯m not a cultivator, but in the martial world, my whip, Ye Ziyi, is not to be trifled with!"


    After a few rounds of drinks, the strong liquor took its toll, and both the Taoist and the female warrior were drunk.


    "Do they not realize how dangerous this trip is?" The slightly plump, narrow-eyed man had been observing Jian Huan since she arrived. He couldn¡¯t discern her cultivation level, but he could sense that she was stronger than him. "The Xie family doesn¡¯t seem to care who they hire. They¡¯re really scraping the bottom of the barrel!"


    Jian Huan picked up a peanut with her chopsticks and chewed it thoughtfully, her words slightly muffled, "The Xie family has no cultivators. They wouldn¡¯t understand these intricacies."


    For most ordinary people, whether they are cultivators or martial arts masters, they can all scale walls and leap over roofs, so there isn¡¯t much difference between them.


    "I was initially worried. But with the youngdy and the frugal-faced Daoist on board, I feel at ease," Xu Yang said, his small eyes squinting as he instinctively reached out with his chopsticks, only to find nothing on the te.


    He looked down and realized that all the small dishes of snacks on the table had beenpletely emptied.


    Xu Yang: "..."


    Jian Huan put down her chopsticks, tilted her head, and asked, "That so-called frugal-faced guy, is he strong too?"


    Xu Yang nodded, instinctively ncing around before leaning slightly closer to Jian Huan and lowering his voice, as if afraid someone might overhear, "Do you know about the Immortal Storage Tower?"


    "I do, what about it?" Jian Huan blinked, her curiosity piqued.


    "Then you must also know that the Immortal Storage Tower has a mission leaderboard. In recent years, a ruthless figure has emerged, climbing to the top of the leaderboard in just two years. That person is the frugal-faced one!" Xu Yang¡¯s eyes filled with admiration. "He always wears a ck mask and goes by the single character ¡®Frugal,¡¯ so people call him Frugal Face."


    As Xu Yang¡¯s voice rose and fell with his storytelling, a young man in ck suddenly appeared, walking slowly from below the deck.


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned, her gaze shifting from behind Xu Yang to the figure approaching.


    The Xie family¡¯s merchant ship, having been in use for many years, was no longer new. The carved railings and painted pirs had weathered over time, showing signs of wear. On one side of the wooden stairs leading from the deck to the cabin, there was a mural of a seafaring scene. The colors of the mural had faded, but in front of it, the young man ascending the stairs stood tall and slender, like a bamboo shoot.


    He wore a ck mask that covered his face, making it impossible to see his features, but Jian Huan felt an intense sense of familiarity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She blinked, the name ¡®Shen Jizhi¡¯ almost slipping from her lips, but the young man¡¯s gaze merely brushed over her indifferently before moving on, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of ake.


    Without pausing, the dragonfly-like figure walked toward Xie Yuanying, who was busy in the distance.


    Jian Huan: "?"


    The corners of Jian Huan¡¯s lips, which had been slightly raised, gradually fell.


    Xu Yang was still chattering away beside her. Jian Huan raised her index finger to her lips, shushing him, and asked, "Which character is it?"


    Xu Yang paused, then answered, "The character for ¡®frugal.¡¯"

 Chapter 67

    Seeing Shen Jizhi approach, Xie Yuanying raised his hand to stop his subordinates from continuing their report and quickly bowed. "Master Jian, is there something important?"


    This Master Jian had been brought in by Xie Yuanying¡¯s elder brother, who had posted a task at the Immortal Storage Tower. His status was extraordinary. No one knew why someone at the top of the rankings would take on such a small task for the Xie family. They had only offered eight thousand spirit stones.


    It was said that this person only epted tasks worth fifty thousand or more.


    Before setting out, Xie Yuanying¡¯s elder brother had specifically instructed him to treat this man with the utmost respect.


    "She¡­" Shen Jizhi slightly turned, his gaze lingering on Jian Huan at the other end of the deck. The corner of his jaw, visible beneath the mask, tilted upward as he spoke, his tone drawn out, as if across the river of time. "...just arrived?"


    "Yes," Xie Yuanying replied with a smile. The people of the Jade rity Sect were also not to be trifled with by the Xie family. Remembering Jian Huan¡¯s instructions, he answered, "Miss Jian is a wandering cultivator."


    "I see." The corner of Shen Jizhi¡¯s lips, hidden beneath the mask, curled slightly.


    Xie Yuanying, having traveled far and wide with the Xie family¡¯s merchant ships, was quite perceptive.


    Although Master Jian hadn¡¯t said much, Xie Yuanying had a faint feeling that the man was quite interested in Miss Jian Huan.


    After all, Master Jian had never inquired about the Taoist priestess or the purple-d heroine.


    As the host, Xie Yuanying decided to take Shen Jizhi over and formally introduce him to Jian Huan and the others. He politely said, "Master Jian, you haven¡¯t met Miss Jian yet, have you? She was just asking about you earlier. Would you like to join them for some food and drink, get to know each other? I¡¯ll take you over¡­"


    Shen Jizhi stood with his back to Jian Huan and the others. But he could feel a piercing gaze fixed on his back, as if it could bore through him.


    He shook his head. "No need, just asking casually."


    The Xie family¡¯s merchant ship was crowded, with many eyes watching.


    Due to his habit ofpeting for tasks, this identity of his had made quite a few enemies among desperate individuals over the past two years.


    Xie Yuanying was the tallest among the Xie family¡¯s descendants, but Shen Jizhi was still half a head taller.


    Shen Jizhi slightly bent forward. "You¡¯re busy."


    With those two words, he leisurely walked away.


    Xie Yuanying: "??"


    Wait, so what was the meaning of this?


    Even Xie Yuanying, who prided himself on being able to read people, was puzzled.


    Did this mane up to the deck just to "casually ask" and enjoy the river view?


    The ship had already sailed far from the dock.


    In the evening, the setting sun seemed to have fallen into the surging river, soaking the water in a golden, shimmering light.


    Jian Huan leaned against the painted wall by the staircase connecting the cabin and the deck, her sword in her arms. One leg was straight, the other slightly bent, as she idly drew circles on the deck with the tip of her shoe.


    The hem of her emerald-green skirt fluttered like the wings of a dancing butterfly with her movements.


    A young man in ck slowly approached, ncing at her briefly before silently walking around to the other side of the staircase, carefully avoiding her as he descended.


    "Master Jian, right?" Jian Huan immediately stood straight, her figure shifting to block his path. "I heard you¡¯re quite impressive, a big shot at the Immortal Storage Tower."


    Shen Jizhi stopped, his light brown eyes resting on her as he slowly replied, "Not bad."


    His voice was slightly different from two years ago, carrying a certain indescribable quality.


    But it was unmistakably Shen Jizhi¡¯s voice.


    ying dumb, are we?


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth inwardly but smiled on the surface, hinting, "So impressive, yet you wear a mask, not daring to show your true face. I suppose you¡¯ve made quite a few enemies, like owing a lot of debts, right?"


    "Not bad," Shen Jizhi replied, his ck robes rustling in the river breeze. "Though thest creditor is indeed quite persistent."


    Jian Huan: "!"


    As if oblivious to Jian Huan¡¯s expression, Shen Jizhi added after a moment of thought, "She¡¯s been chasing me quite relentlessly."


    "Paying debts is a matter of principle," Jian Huan said, tapping the thin, sharp de of her sword with her finger. "With the wind so strong by the river, aren¡¯t you afraid of divine retribution for saying such things?"


    Shen Jizhi nced out at the river.


    The sun was about to set, and the wind on the deck was growing stronger.


    He nodded slightly. "You¡¯re right, the wind is quite strong. I should return to my room."


    Shen Jizhi looked at her. "Would you mind stepping aside?"


    Jian Huan smiled at him, her gaze sweeping from his head to his feet before she finally moved, leaning against the wall.


    Shen Jizhi stepped forward, descending the stairs. Just as he was about to pass her, a silver sword suddenly appeared, its razor-sharp edge¡ªthe very de Shen Jizhi had spent nights honing in the Fangquan inheritance¡ªpressed against his neck.


    Behind them, Xu Yang watched in fear, trembling.


    What was going on? He had been thrilled to have two big shots on board, thinking it would increase their chances of capturing the demon.


    But now, these two were turning on each other?!


    Unlike Xu Yang, who was too scared to speak, Shen Jizhi remained calm.


    He reached out, his long, bamboo-like fingers gently pinching the de, lifting it slightly as he bent forward, slipping under the sword.


    "Your sword is quite good," he said.


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    Damn it, wasn¡¯t this sword made by him?


    The waters where the demon was said to appear wouldn¡¯t be reached for another two days.


    With little entertainment on the ship, Jian Huan returned to her room to meditate after dinner.


    Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯t shown up for dinner.


    Well, of course, he was wearing that mask, which only revealed his eyes, not his mouth.


    Without a mouth, how could he eat?


    Thinking this, Jian Huan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    Before she knew it, her meditation hadsted over two hours.


    The ship was steady, and Jian Huan got up from the bed to open the window.


    The night was deep, a lone moon hung in the distant sky, the river surged, and everything was quiet.


    During the day, there had been too many people, so Jian Huan hadn¡¯t exposed Shen Jizhi¡¯s identity. He had taken the task at the Immortal Storage Tower under the alias "Master Jian," and she certainly wouldn¡¯t interfere with his money-making endeavors.


    After all, he was currently earning money to pay off her debt!


    Jian Huan¡¯s lips curled into a smile, her joy evident.


    Her soft figure, like a tender green leaf, gently floated out of the open window.


    The night wind was strong, causing her long ck hair to dance wildly, and her emerald-green skirt billowed to one side, entuating her graceful figure.


    Jian Huan nimbly arrived at Shen Jizhi¡¯s window.


    His window was half-closed, and Jian Huan peeked through the crack.


    The candle inside themp emitted a warm, dim light.


    The wind sneaking in through the carved wooden window made the pink bed curtains sway, and the figure on the bed was faintly visible, not entirely clear.


    A stealth talisman shed at her fingertips, and Jian Huan disappeared from view.


    Suddenly, the wind grew stronger, a fierce gust blowing in and fully opening the half-closed window with a creak.


    Inside the room, the curtains swayed more violently, and the cups on the table trembled slightly, but the person on the bed seemed to be in deep meditation, unmoving.


    Using a stealth talisman meant she couldn¡¯t use spiritual energy.


    But even without spiritual energy, Jian Huan was a skilled martial artist with excellent lightness skills.


    She slipped in with the wind and quickly reached the bed.


    Shen Jizhi sat cross-legged in the center of the bed, meditating.


    He had removed his ck outer robe, leaving only a moon-white sleeping garment, but the ck mask remained firmly in ce.


    Without hesitation, Jian Huan¡¯s hand shot out like lightning, aiming for the ck mask on his face!


    But just as her fingertips were about to touch the mask, a slender, well-defined hand grasped her wrist.


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, the veins on her wrist bulging as she tried with all her might to push forward, but the young man¡¯s hand was as steady as a rock.


    Shen Jizhi opened his eyes, his other hand casting a spell thatnded on her, revealing her figure.


    "It¡¯ste," he said, her wrist cold from the wind, feeling like a piece of jade in his grasp. "It¡¯s not appropriate for you toe to my room like this."


    Jian Huan pulled her hand away, crossing her arms and leaning against the bed, her chin raised. "Take off the mask before you talk to me."


    Shen Jizhi: "The mask doesn¡¯t stop me from speaking."


    Jian Huan red at the dark mask, her anger rising. "But I can¡¯t see your face."


    "Why do you need to see my face when I speak?" Shen Jizhi tilted his head slightly.


    "Do you not know yourself?" Jian Huan looked at him in disbelief. "You rarely speak the truth. I need to see your face to know how much of what you¡¯re saying is real."


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    Jian Huan was done with his evasiveness. "Take it off."


    Shen Jizhi: "No."


    Jian Huan: "Take it off or not?"


    Shen Jizhi: "No."


    Jian Huan was furious: "Shen Jizhi!"


    Behind the mask, Shen Jizhi''s expression remained calm: "...If you have the guts,e and take it off yourself."


    Jian Huan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and after three seconds, she opened them again. Like a bolt of lightning, she charged toward the man on the bed.


    Damn you, Shen Jizhi!


    She was going to tear off his mask and then destroy his mouth!


    Why did such a good-looking person have to have such a mouth?


    Shen Jizhi swiftly dodged, reminding her: "Don¡¯t use spiritual energy. Everything in this room belongs to the Xie family."


    The two of them exchanged blows at lightning speed, moving from the bed to the floor. At one point, Jian Huan threw a punch, and Shen Jizhi dodged, causing her fist to graze a vase behind him.


    The vase toppled over, and Shen Jizhi¡¯s brow twitched. He extended his foot, lightly tapped the vase, kicked it up slightly, and caught it, safely returning it to its original position.


    When he turned back, Jian Huan¡¯s sword was already resting against his neck.


    Shen Jizhi froze.


    Jian Huan stared at him, took a step forward, and with a slight curl of her lips, said, "You know how sharp this de is, don¡¯t you?"


    Shen Jizhi took a step back, ncing at her calmly. "Yes, but you wouldn¡¯t dare."


    Jian Huan continued to advance, her tone threatening. "I wouldn¡¯t dare?"


    "The person who¡¯s most afraid of me dying right now," Shen Jizhi continued to retreat until his back hit the wall, "is definitely you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan: "...True."


    She muttered under her breath, "If you die, what happens to my debt? I finally got my turn."


    Shen Jizhi: "." He knew it.


    But Jian Huan didn¡¯t lower her sword. The tip of the de pressed against his neck, slowly moving upward. With a slight flick, she deftly lifted his mask.


    Shen Jizhi leaned casually against the wall, one foot slightly bent, offering no resistance.


    The ck mask fell, and Jian Huan caught it with her hand, her gaze instinctively turning toward him.


    They stood opposite the carved wooden window.


    Silver moonlight poured through the window, enveloping them both.


    During their earlier scuffle, Shen Jizhi¡¯s wooden hairpin had loosened, and a strand of dark hair fell across his forehead, partially obscuring his distant, mountain-like eyes.


    Three years ago, when they first met, Jian Huan had known he was handsome the moment he stood up among the disciples.


    Three years had passed, and the boy had shed some of his youthful innocence, reced by a subtle, alluring charm. A strange bnce of boyishness and seduction coexisted on his exquisitely cold face.


    The moonlight was silver, the candlelight fiery, and the crimson silk curtains danced incessantly.


    Jian Huan¡¯s wrist lowered, the tip of her sword unconsciously touching the ground. For a moment, she felt dazed.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t miss a single change in the girl¡¯s expression.


    Suddenly, he leaned down, tilting his head slightly, his lips stopping just short of her left ear.


    His presence enveloped her, cold as snow among pines, yet carrying an icy, invasive intensity.


    He raised his hand, lightly tapping the mask in Jian Huan¡¯s hand. The mask made a dull sound.


    "Now you know," Shen Jizhi¡¯s cool voice carried a faint hint of amusement, barely discernible, as he whispered in her ear, "why I didn¡¯t take off the mask, don¡¯t you?"

 Chapter 68

    With a ng, the river wind surged through the open window like a fierce wave, causing the window frame to hum.


    Jian Huan suddenly snapped back to reality.


    As if she had seen a vividly colored poisonous mushroom, she instinctively took a step back.


    Shen Jizhi was still leaning forward, his gaze level with hers.


    That face, as mesmerizing as a moonlit demon, was still right in front of her.


    Jian Huan knew that Shen Jizhi was quite narcissistic.


    But his words still sounded too self-absorbed.


    What did he mean by ¡®Now she knows why he didn¡¯t take it off?¡¯ as if he thought she found him irresistibly handsome.


    Jian Huan gently bit her inner lip, her dark eyes fixed on Shen Jizhi, and suddenly called out, ¡°Shen Jizhi.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s thickshes fluttered slightly, his ss-like eyes reflecting the river¡¯s waters tonight.


    The river surged, wave after wave, but it was hidden in the night, barely visible.


    His voice was soft, as if afraid to disturb something: ¡°Hmm?¡±


    This call of ¡®Shen Jizhi¡¯ hadn¡¯t been heard in a long time.


    ¡°Have you ever heard this saying?¡± Jian Huan spoke each word with deliberate seriousness, ¡°People who are overly obsessed with their looks usually have no fortune in life.¡±


    ¡°You.¡± She raised her hand, gently pressing the cold edge of her mask against the young man¡¯s chest, smiling, ¡°Be careful with your wealth, Shen Jizhi.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°By the way.¡± Jian Huan retracted her mask, tapping it lightly like she was testing a watermelon, ¡°I vaguely remember that the Treasure Pavilion sells spirit seals that can be lightly applied to the forehead to help you change your face. They¡¯re much more effective than this mask. Why don¡¯t you use those?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s beating heartpletely quieted down.


    ¡°Those are expensive,¡± he said calmly.


    Jian Huan clicked her tongue a few times, tossed the mask in her hand, and without caring where itnded, turned and walked toward the table nearby.


    Shen Jizhi caught it, didn¡¯t put it on, and instead stored it in his storage pouch. He then asked her, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not toe find me?¡±


    Jian Huan sat down, cing her sword on the table, ¡°But I was anxious.¡±


    Shen Jizhi sat across from her, picked up the teapot, poured a cup of water, and handed it to her, casually delivering some bad news: ¡°Anxious or not, it¡¯s useless. I only have three thousand spirit stones on me right now.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s hand holding the cup trembled, the water inside sloshing, a few drops sshing onto her fingers. She couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°Three¡­ three thousand?!¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t expect you toe out of seclusion so quickly. I¡¯ve only been in Ningzhang for five days, and I justpleted a five-star Xuanwu mission yesterday. Oh, actually, it¡¯s eight thousand. The other five thousand will only be avable when I return to the sect.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan lost her appetite for drinking water, set the cup down, and started counting on her fingers: ¡°You repaid two million in two years, which means you can repay about a hundred thousand each month. So, in a month, you can repay me, right?¡±


    A month wasn¡¯t too long to wait!


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s tone was slow: ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan cracked her knuckles, calmly reminding him: ¡°You can¡¯t just try your best. You have to give it your all, understand?¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked up, not answering.


    Jian Huan smiled without warmth, repeating, ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s tone carried a threat: ¡°Shen Jizhi?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Understood.¡±


    He lowered his gaze, looking at the water in his cup, and suddenly asked softly, ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    Jian Huan was confused, looking up in puzzlement, ¡°What?¡±


    Shen Jizhi shook his head, took a sip of water, ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Outside the window, the river wind howled, like weeping andmenting.


    Inside, the girl asked question after question, and the boy¡¯s voice was cool, but he patiently answered each one.


    A five-colored stone with the aura of his master on his Golden Core?


    Early the next morning, the river was shrouded in white mist. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, pressing heavily down, and in the distance, the sky seemed to merge with the surging river.


    The river wind was fierce, causing Jian Huan¡¯s ck hair to flutter wildly.


    She stood at the bow of the ship, her elbows resting on the railing, still thinking about what Shen Jizhi had told her the night before.


    It was because of this five-colored stone that Shen Jizhi hade to Ningzhang City. He had asked the sect leader, who said that Gu Shan¡¯s aura was here.


    For a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator like Gu Shan, ordinary secret realms and demon hunts were no longer useful. What they needed was more¡ªmore insights into life, into various forms of affection, friendship, love, and the Dao. So, most of them would seal away their past memories, change their appearance, and live incognito among ordinary people.


    Therefore, finding them was difficult, and Shen Jizhi could only take on missions to earn money while keeping an eye out for opportunities.


    Jian Huan had read the original novel, but it was a short story of less than three hundred thousand words.


    Due to its limited length, Shen Jizhi¡¯s involvement in the plot wasn¡¯t extensive, let alone his master.


    Gu Shan wasn¡¯t even named in the original novel.


    Where he was hiding in Ningzhang City, what this five-colored stone was¡ªnone of it was mentioned.


    ording to the logic presented in the book, Shen Jizhi was cold to Jiang Qiaoqiao for three years, and after three years, Jiang Qiaoqiao suddenly realized her feelings and ran off with the male lead, Jing Chi. Shen Jizhi then realized he liked Jiang Qiaoqiao, but it was toote. Heartbroken, he turned to the dark path.


    But this logic, after getting to know Shen Jizhi, feltpletely off to Jian Huan.


    She felt there was more to the story.


    ¡°Miss Jian.¡± The person who approached was a servant from Xie Yuanying¡¯s side. Since there were now two ¡®Jian Jian¡¯ cultivators, they had changed the way they addressed her to avoid confusion, ¡°Breakfast is ready. Please follow me to the dining hall.¡±


    The dining hall was on the other side of the deck.


    As the servant led Jian Huan there, they happened to meet Shen Jizhi, who wasing up from the lower deck.


    The servant quickly greeted him, ¡°Good morning, Master Jian.¡±


    While greeting him, the servant was puzzled. Before boarding the ship, this masked man had told his master that he didn¡¯t need to be called for meals, as he didn¡¯t eat ordinary food.


    So why was he here for breakfast now?


    Shen Jizhi nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Jian Huan, ¡°Good morning.¡±


    Jian Huan nced at him, thinking he was responding to the servant, so she didn¡¯t acknowledge him.


    The two pretended not to know each other and took their seats at the table.


    Seeing everyone had arrived, Xie Yuanying said warmly, ¡°The conditions on the ship are limited, and the food is simple. Please forgive any shorings.¡±


    After some polite exchanges, they finished breakfast, and the Xie family servants cleared the dishes, serving each person exquisite tea and pastries.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up as she picked arge grape from the fruit tter, eating it with delight.


    During the meal, Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯t eaten anything.


    For a Golden Core Stage cultivator, eating ordinary food was just for the taste, as it wouldter require spiritual energy to cleanse the impurities from the body.


    But now, sitting in a corner, Shen Jizhi silently watched the girl swaying slightly in front of him. He reached out, quietly taking all the grapes, then the apples¡­


    Soon, the fruit and pastry tes in front of Shen Jizhi were empty.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Sitting next to him was the Taoist priest.


    The priest was looking at him, his gaze strange.


    Shen Jizhi, masked as he was, didn¡¯t care. He met the priest¡¯s gaze, leaned back in his chair, and was about to close his eyes to rest when he heard a slight noise.


    He opened his eyes to find the priest pushing his own fruit and pastry tes toward him, with a look that said, ¡®I understand, we¡¯ve all been there.¡¯


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡­


    At the front, Xie Yuanying frowned as he sipped his strong tea, his gaze falling on the endless riverbanks. Suddenly, he spoke, ¡°Tomorrow night, the ship will reach the waters where the demon has been causing trouble. At that time, we¡¯ll need to rely on all of you.¡±


    ¡°Master Xie, forgive my bluntness,¡± Jian Huan, sitting to Xie Yuanying¡¯s right, pped her hands and looked up at him, ¡°I feel like you¡¯ve been withholding information about the demon, being vague about the details. Now that we¡¯re all on the same ship, why don¡¯t you tell us everything you know?¡±


    Jian Huan had arrived in a hurry. She only knew she was here to help the Xie family capture a demon. On the way, Xie Yuanying hadn¡¯t said much, hastily bringing her aboard.


    Once on the ship, he had been busy with various matters and hadn¡¯t had time to meet.


    Jian Huan had initially thought she was the only one with limited information. But after talking with Shen Jizhist night, she realized he didn¡¯t know much either. He, too, had been hastily notified to board the ship.


    Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Xie Yuanying.


    Xie Yuanying smiled bitterly, cing his teacup on the table.


    He stood up, pacing back and forth a few times, then called over a servant and whispered instructions to keep the nearby servants and boatmen at a distance. After taking a deep breath, he sat back down.


    This series of actions left Jian Huan and the others exchanging puzzled nces.


    ¡°This trip was indeed rushed,¡± Xie Yuanying seemed to have made up his mind, ¡°but it¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t want to tell you all. It¡¯s just that in Ningzhang City, there were certain things I couldn¡¯t say. Since you are all outsiders, you wouldn¡¯t know, but that person¡­¡± Xie Yuanying didn¡¯t even dare to utter the person¡¯s name, his gaze subtly meeting Jian Huan and the others. They silently nodded in understanding, and he continued, ¡°That person¡¯s eyes and ears are everywhere in the city.¡±


    ¡°The Xie family has been struggling in recent years, barely holding on thanks to our ancestors¡¯ wealth. More than half of the ten merchant ships our family sends out with important cargo disappear without a trace when crossing the river!¡± Xie Yuanying sped his hands together, elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward, gritting his teeth. ¡°My father fell ill from the stress, and my older brothers are constantly running around, apologizing to people. The reason I hurriedly brought you all on board is because seeking your help to capture the demon was done secretly, without that person¡¯s knowledge. The night beforest, my father received a secret message saying that this matter might soon be exposed. In desperation, I had no choice but to hastily arrange for you all to board the ship and leave. If we had waited any longer, I¡¯m afraid this ship wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave Ningzhang City¡­¡±


    ¡°The entire ship disappears?¡± Shen Jizhi spoke up, ¡°Exin further.¡±


    ¡°Not all ships passing through that stretch of water meet with disaster,¡± Xie Yuanying replied, trying to calm himself. ¡°Some boatmen have seen our Xie family¡¯s merchant ships enter the waters alongside theirs, but by the next morning, the boatmen return safely to Ningzhang City, while our ships are nowhere to be found. The people and cargo on board simply vanish. Afterward, we sent skilled divers to investigate the riverbed, but those men¡­ none of them returned. After that, we didn¡¯t dare send anyone else down.¡±

 Chapter 69

    After Xie Yuanying finished exining the general details of the matter, Xu Yang and Ye Ziyi, sitting in the front, began asking questions, one after the other.


    "Master Xie, when did your Xie Family Merchant Ship first encounter trouble?"


    "Master Xie, I recall you mentioned that the Imperial Pacification Office under the city lord¡¯s mansion came several times, but each time they found nothing unusual?"


    "..."


    These were all minor details. Shen Jizhi leaned back in his chair, listening half-heartedly, his gaze mostly fixed on the turbulent river outside the window. asionally, his eyes would drift to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan was diligently eating the fruits and pastries, asionally chiming in with a few words.


    "Young man," the green-robed Daoist with a half-white beard pulled his chair closer. He pointed to the fruit tter he had just brought over to Shen Jizhi and asked in a low voice, "Aren¡¯t you going to take these with you?"


    The Daoist was in his thirties, and as he leaned in, the smell of alcohol followed him like a shadow. Shen Jizhi instinctively frowned. "No need."


    "Don¡¯t be polite with me," the Daoist said, hisical little mustache twitching as he spoke. "From the sound of your voice, you¡¯re only in your teens? I¡¯m decades older than you¡ªI could practically be your father. Just think of me as your uncle, and consider these fruits a gift from your uncle, alright?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s tone was icy. "Unfortunately, both my father and my uncle are dead."


    "..." The Daoist paused. "Young man, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I just thought you seemed quite capable and wanted to befriend you. Tomorrow night, we could hunt demons together, watch each other¡¯s backs."


    At this, the Daoist gestured toward the three people in front. "Look at them¡ªthey¡¯ve already formed a tight-knit group. They were chatting andughing during breakfast earlier. It¡¯s just you and me who¡¯ve been left out. I¡¯m quite skilled myself, a genuine Daoist from Maoshan. If there really are demons, we could team up..."


    Shen Jizhi suddenly interrupted. "How much will you give me?"


    The Daoist was taken aback. "What?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze fell on the Daoist, his tone slightly softer than when he mentioned his uncle¡¯s death. "If a demon appears, I can ensure your survival. In return, how many spirit stones are you nning to give me afterward?"


    The Daoist: "..."


    The Daoist had no cultivation¡ªhe was a fraud.


    After hearing Xie Yuanying¡¯s ount earlier, he was afraid there might really be a powerful demon. Noticing how Xie Yuanying and the others treated Shen Jizhi with respect, he guessed Shen Jizhi was quite capable and wanted to form an alliance to coast through the demon hunt.


    He never expected this young man to see right through him and immediately demand payment!


    The Daoist, feeling frustrated, pulled out a sk of liquor from his robe, took a swig, and gritted his teeth. "Five hundred spirit stones!"


    Five hundred?


    Shen Jizhi reached out, smoothing the slightly wrinkled sleeve of his robe. His thin lips parted as he casually threw out a number. "Five thousand, or forget it."


    The Daoist: "..." The reward he received from the Xie family for this job was only five thousand!


    The deal fell through, and the Daoist left, taking his fruit tter with him. As he walked away, he cursed Shen Jizhi in his heart: Five thousand? Why doesn¡¯t he just rob me?


    In the afternoon, the dark clouds hanging over the horizon finally gave way, and a light rain began to fall.


    On the ship, the Xie family workers hurried back and forth, their faces filled with worry.


    Jian Huan, holding an oil-paper umbre, walked around the deck, tapping her sword here and there.


    Recalling what Xie Yuanying had said that morning, she decided to set up a talisman array on the merchant ship before they entered the dangerous waters the next day.


    If demons appeared tomorrow, the group would be busy hunting them and might not be able to protect the ordinary people on the ship. The talisman array would offer them some protection.


    Behind Jian Huan, the Daoist held an umbre, hunched over, waiting for her answer.


    Large raindrops sshed onto the deck, soaking the hem of Jian Huan¡¯s lotus-pink skirt.


    After a moment, she turned to the green-robed Daoist, her eyes curving into crescents. "Of course, that¡¯s fine. We¡¯re both here to work for the Xie family, so we should look out for each other."


    Hearing this, the Daoist quickly bowed to Jian Huan, beaming with joy. "What a kind youngdy! Truly kind!"


    Jian Huan returned the gesture with a slight blush. "Oh, not at all. Daoist Liu is older than us and surely knows more. I¡¯ll likely need to seek your adviceter."


    Jian Huan¡¯s words warmed Daoist Liu¡¯s heart, and he chuckled happily.


    As the two walked forward, Jian Huan casually asked, "By the way, this morning I noticed you seemed to be getting along well with that frugal-faced man? You know," she paused, her tone tinged with dislike, "I¡¯m not particrly fond of him."


    Hearing this, Daoist Liu couldn¡¯t help but grit his teeth. "Exactly! I can¡¯t stand him either! I approached him this morning because he seemed lonely, and I thought we could be friends. But do you know what he said to me?"


    "Oh?" Jian Huan feigned curiosity. "What did he say?"


    "He demanded five thousand spirit stones from me!" Daoist Liu clenched his fist. "Who charges spirit stones just to be friends? In all my years, I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing!"


    Jian Huan nodded in agreement while pondering in her heart.


    The Xie family was indeed desperate, even hiring a fake Daoist for five thousand. She only had five thousand herself.


    Suddenly, Jian Huan stopped and looked at Daoist Liu, her dark eyes shining like stars. "Daoist Liu, we really seem to click. How about this¡ªI won¡¯t charge you five thousand. I¡¯ll give you a discount: four thousand nine hundred and ny-nine. How does that sound?"


    Daoist Liu: "??!"


    Not long after Jian Huan returned from the deck, the rain outside grew heavier.


    The day before, the sky had been clear, and the river was calm and clean. Now, the water was murky and turbulent, the waves crashing against the ship and causing it to sway violently. Inside the rooms, cups and vases fell to the floor, shattering with a constant tter.


    Though sunset was still hours away, the sky was so dark it seemed as if night was about to fall.


    In Jian Huan¡¯s room, a candle flickered softly. She sat on the bed, a small table propped in front of her, diligently drawing talismans.


    Suddenly, her ears twitched.


    There were footsteps outside the door.


    "Miss Jian, Miss Jian," a man¡¯s voice called from outside. Xie Yuanying¡¯s personal servant knocked on the door and shouted, "My master sent me to inform you that the wind and rain are fierce, and the ship is unstable. Please stay in your room and rest for now. Once we pass this storm, the weather should calm down!"


    Jian Huan raised her voice. "Got it, thank you!"


    Hearing her response, the servant gave a few more instructions before staggering off to notify the others.


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t in his room, so the servant decided to inform Xu Yang first. However, halfway there, the ship, which had been rocking violently, suddenly stabilized.


    Had the rain stopped?


    The servant was puzzled. He looked down at his feet and hurried to the end of the corridor, standing on tiptoe to peer out of a small window.


    Outside, the wind howled, lightning shed, and the rain continued to pour.


    So why had the ship suddenly stopped swaying?


    Outside Jian Huan¡¯s door, Shen Jizhi nced at the servant in the distance and flicked his finger, sending a faint pulse of spiritual energy.


    With a soft click, the bolt on the door unlocked.


    He pushed the door open and slipped inside.


    Inside, Jian Huan didn¡¯t look up. "Did you finish cing them?"


    Shen Jizhi hummed in affirmation, casually casting a drying spell on himself. "Should I ce more?"


    "Wait a bit," Jian Huan said, a stack of seven or eight talismans already piled beside her. "Once I finish these, you can ce them all at once."


    Shen Jizhi: "Alright."


    He sat down at the table, taking out the necessary tools and materials from his storage pouch, his gaze lingering on Jian Huan.


    The girl¡¯s high ponytail swayed slightly as she focused, her back slender and straight.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his eyes, thinking for a moment before suddenly asking, "Are you hungry?"


    Jian Huan: "?"


    "No, I¡¯m not," she replied, confused. "Why do you ask?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s mind had already reached for the fruit tter in his storage pouch, but upon hearing her response, he withdrew his hand. Instead, he picked up a piece of spiritual iron and examined it, his tone indifferent. "No reason."


    Jian Huan finished drawing a talisman, set her brush down, and looked at him with suspicion. "What do you mean by that?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her calmly, saying nothing.


    Jian Huan¡¯s scrutinizing gaze lingered on his impassive face.


    He never asked questions without an underlying meaning, and Shen Jizhi¡¯s underlying meanings were always sarcastic or mocking. Jian Huan immediately understood what he was implying.


    "I remember now," she pointed at him, her eyes zing. "You were watching me during lunch, weren¡¯t you?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s hand, holding the spiritual iron, paused, and his heart skipped a beat.


    "Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice," Jian Huan gritted her teeth. "You were criticizing me for eating too much."


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Shen Jizhi¡¯s lips twitched slightly, a hint of helplessness in his expression. ¡°No.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s dark eyes stared at him quietly, waiting to see what excuse he woulde up with.


    Shen Jizhi pursed his lips, trying to exin calmly, ¡°I just came down, and someone handed me a te of fruit. I don¡¯t eat it anyway.¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve said so earlier.¡± Jian Huan swiftly swept the talisman papers off the small table. The talismans to stabilize the ship¡¯s hull were already in ce, and they wouldn¡¯t reach the waters where demons roamed until tomorrow night. The other demon-repelling talismans weren¡¯t urgent at the moment. ¡°If you¡¯d just said that from the start, it would¡¯ve been fine. Why did you have to ask me if I was hungry in such a sarcastic tone?¡±


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. ¡°I wasn¡¯t being sarcastic.¡±


    Although he had asionally been sarcastic in the past, this time, he genuinely wasn¡¯t.


    Jian Huan shrugged, tapping her talisman brush lightly. ¡°Alright, alright, no need to exin. Just bring me the fruit te!¡±


    Shen Jizhi took a deep breath to calm himself. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t hungry?¡±


    If she had just said she was hungry when he asked, things would¡¯ve been simpler.


    Jian Huan hummed thoughtfully. ¡°My stomach isn¡¯t hungry.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    Jian Huan continued, ¡°But when my ears heard your words, my mouth suddenly got hungry.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Finally, Shen Jizhi took out the fruit te from his spatial pouch and ced it in front of her using spiritual energy. ¡°Remember, when you eat someone¡¯s food, you owe them a favor. Try to think better of me in the future.¡±


    Jian Huan picked up a grape, munching on it as she replied somewhat dismissively, ¡°Got it, got it.¡±


    Shen Jizhi sat down, about to pick up a small knife to carve some patterns.


    Jian Huan nced at the knife in his hand, then at the apples. She grabbed one and tossed it directly at him.


    Shen Jizhi raised his hand and caught it effortlessly: ¡°?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Since you¡¯re already at it, why not go all the way and peel this apple for me?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi stood up, fetched an ordinary knife, cleaned it thoroughly with a cleansing spell, and began peeling the bright red apple. The thin peel separated from the white flesh in one smooth motion.


    As he peeled, he asked, ¡°Why should I peel it for you?¡±


    Jian Huan had been drawing talismans for over an hour and was feeling a bit tired.


    She bit into a grape, leaning back on the bed as she turned her head to look at him. ¡°You know that when people borrow money, they have to pay interest, right? I haven¡¯t even charged you any interest.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s fingers were nimble. As he peeled the apple, the skin clung delicately to the flesh. ¡°I¡¯ve already ced the fruit te in front of you. Now you want me to peel the apple too. Should I just feed it to you,¡± he paused, then added calmly, ¡°while I¡¯m at it?¡±


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be so bad either,¡± Jian Huan replied casually. Why had she traveled all the way to Ningzhang City to find him if not to fully exercise her rights as a creditor and exploit him in these final days? ¡°Anyway, you either pay the interest or treat your creditor well. The choice is yours.¡±


    Once the apple was peeled, Shen Jizhi set the knife down.


    He stood up and walked slowly toward the bed.


    Jian Huany on the edge of the bed, her high ponytail hanging down, her dark hair swaying gently in the air.


    Her legs were propped up on the edge of the table, her pale pink skirt cascading down, revealing a delicate ankle.


    She seemed used to it.


    The two of them had lived together in a small wooden cabin three years ago, and she had never been concerned about propriety between men and women.


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t even sure if she saw him as a man¡­ in that way.


    Jian Huan: ¡°By the way, I have an idea about how to find your master. Doesn¡¯t he love drinking?¡±


    Shen Jizhi stopped in his tracks, crouching in front of her as he nodded.


    Jian Huan, lost in her thoughts, continued to strategize for him. ¡°Based on the things your master has done, it¡¯s clear he¡¯s a skilled con artist who loves alcohol. His reputation probably isn¡¯t great¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi listened quietly, his slender fingers pulling gently at one end of the apple peel. The peel came off in one long, unbroken strip.


    ¡°After we finish the Xie Family¡¯s business and return to the city, we can go to the wine shops and ask around, one by one,¡± Jian Huan nced at him out of the corner of her eye, reaching out to take the apple from his hand as she asked, ¡°What do you think? Not a bad idea, right? If I help you find your master, how will you thank¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡± An apple pressed against her lips, and Jian Huan instinctively opened her mouth. The sweet taste of apple instantly filled her mouth.


    Shen Jizhi leaned in, his gaze fixed on the girl¡¯s face, so close to his.


    Her dark, lively eyes, longshes, fair nose, and the corner of her lips, stained with purple grape juice from the apple pressing against them.


    He asked her softly, ¡°Would peeling apples for you forever count as my thanks?¡±


    The person in front of him had juste in from the rain. Her drying spell seemed half-hearted, as her hair was still slightly damp, and a few droplets of rain clung to her forehead.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan avoided his gaze, biting into the apple.


    Her teeth sank in softly, taking only a small bite.


    Shen Jizhi pulled the apple back slightly, ncing at the tiny bite mark before his eyes darkened.


    Jian Huan¡¯s hand was still suspended in mid-air.


    Shen Jizhi gently grasped her wrist, his long, bony fingers wrapping around her slender hand as he ced the apple, now with a small bite taken out of it, into her palm.


    His hand was cold, carrying the scent of the rain outside, causing Jian Huan to shiver slightly.


    Shen Jizhi tilted his head slightly, his lips close to Jian Huan¡¯s slightly red ear as he spoke word by word, ¡°Also, I choose¡­ not to repay you.¡±

 Chapter 70

    Outside the ship, a fierce wave surged, its muddy waters climbing high onto the carved wooden window, threatening to flood the room.


    In an instant, the ship''s protective talisman array activated, an invisible shield blocking the massive wave and keeping the vessel steady.


    Inside the ship, a girl in a lotus-pink dressy on the bed, while a boy in ck crouched by the bedside.


    The sweet scent of apples filled the air as Jian Huan stared intently at him, not blinking.


    Shen Jizhi pursed his lips slightly, retreating a bit, knowing when to stop and preparing to leave.


    A bolt of lightning shed, and Jian Huan suddenly reached out, grabbing the boy by his cor.


    Shen Jizhi stumbled, falling onto the bedside under Jian Huan''s pull.


    Jian Huan leaned forward, her face inches from his, and said word by word, "There''s no option of ''not returning it,'' got it?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her silently, then lowered his gaze, his slightly damp eyshes casting a small shadow.


    The boy, no longer exuding that faint air of dominance, obediently replied, "Yes, I understand."


    "Good that you understand." Jian Huan scoffed, releasing his cor and sitting up. She bit into an apple while continuing to draw talismans, ignoring him.


    Shen Jizhi remained crouched by the bed.


    Outside, the sky was gloomy, and Jian Huan, who preferred brightness, moved themp to the small table.


    The candlelight enveloped her, casting her shadow backward, where it fell onto Shen Jizhi.


    He hid in her shadow, head bowed, silent, lost in thought.


    The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, the only sounds being the scratching of the talisman brush on paper and the girl''s focused crunching of the apple.


    After a while, Shen Jizhi got up and left.


    The moment the door closed, Jian Huan, her cheeks stuffed with apple, stopped chewing.


    She continued to draw the talisman, but her strokes were mere muscle memory, her thoughts elsewhere.


    Something felt off.


    He seemed... not quite right.


    After finishing the talisman, Jian Huan braved the rain toplete the talisman array herself, not bothering to call Shen Jizhi.


    Returning, shey on the bed, lost in thought, and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    Late at night, the storm outside grew fiercer, with lightning bolts of varying sizes streaking across the sky, illuminating the room with each sh.


    With a creak, the door was gently pushed open.


    The boy in ck entered.


    He bent down, methodically sliding the bolt into ce, then slowly approached the bed.


    The guest rooms of the Xie family''s merchant ship were adorned with water-red silk curtains.


    The curtains fluttered gently, and with each sh of lightning, Shen Jizhi''s face appeared and disappeared in the flickering light.


    He reached the bedside, leaning over, his hands on either side of the sleeping Jian Huan, gazing down at her.


    After a moment of observation, he shifted his weight to one side, raising his right hand to gently caress her fair cheek.


    His hand moved downward, reaching the lotus-pink cor of her dress, and with a tug¡ª


    Rip.


    The fabric tore, revealing her delicate, pale neck.


    In the darkness, Shen Jizhi tilted his head slightly, his eyes as ck as the night.


    Without warning, he pressed his right hand firmly against Jian Huan''s chin, lowered his head, and bit into her neck.


    His teeth pierced her skin, and as blood welled up, he drank deeply.


    "Damn it!!!"


    Jian Huan''s eyes snapped open, her face filled with terror.


    She bolted upright, frantically feeling her neck, only to find it intact, her clothes unharmed, and let out a sigh of relief.


    Damn, damn, damn, damn.


    She had dreamed that Shen Jizhi wanted to drink her blood!


    Jian Huan sat on the bed, rubbing her arms through her clothes, her heart still racing.


    She bit her lip, staring at the fluttering curtains, suddenly feeling uneasy.


    No... it couldn''t be, right?


    This nightmare suggested a possibility that something was wrong with Shen Jizhi.


    Could he be in the early stages of demonic possession...?


    ording to the original story, this was indeed the stage when he fell into demonic possession.


    The difference was, in the original story, Shen Jizhi was at the Nine Provinces Assembly with Jiang Qiaoqiao and Jing Chi.


    Now, he was in Ningzhang City, with her.


    The location was different, but the oue might be the same.


    Jian Huan frowned, rubbing her forehead, then pulled out the Xuantian Mirror.


    [Qian Duoduo has Talismans: Elder Yu, are you awake? I wanted to ask, what are the usual signs of someone falling into demonic possession?]


    Jian Huan waited for a moment, about to ask someone else when Yu Qing replied.


    [Feathers Are Green: It''s hard to distinguish someone who''s fallen into demonic possession from a normal person based on appearance alone. If they have a demon heart worm, their eyes will turn ck when the worm is active. Other than that, you''d need a demon-detecting mirror to be sure.]


    [Feathers Are Green: Why, have you encountered demons outside?]


    In her dream, Shen Jizhi''s eyes had turned ck!


    Jian Huan hesitated for a moment, then replied evasively.


    [Qian Duoduo has Talismans: No, I was just discussing demons with some friends, and we were curious about how to recognize them if we encountered one.]


    [Feathers Are Green: I see. The best thing would be to carry a demon-detecting mirror with you. If you don''t have one, you''ll just have to be extra vignt.]


    [Qian Duoduo has Talismans: Elder, what should we be vignt about?]


    [Feathers Are Green: Well, for example, demons be agitated, even violent, when they smell human blood. Their demonic arts are fueled by blood, drawing demonic energy into their bodies. They''re easily tempted by the scent of blood. However, this only applies to newly possessed demons. As they grow stronger, they learn to control their urges.]


    Jian Huan raised her hand, examining the veins on her wrist, deep in thought.


    Losing all desire to sleep, Jian Huan got up and continued drawing talismans.


    She hadn''t drawn many when the ship, previously steady, suddenly lurched, causing her to lose grip on the talisman brush, ruining the paper.


    The ship swayed violently with the waves, tilting at extreme angles, making it feel as if it would capsize at any moment.


    With the talisman array in ce, this shouldn''t happen.


    So, the talisman array had been destroyed?


    The talisman array had been destroyed?!


    Jian Huan quickly packed away her talisman desk, sword in hand, and without hesitation kicked open the door to her room.


    Shen Jizhi happened to be standing outside her door, having sensed something was wrong ande to call her.


    He was worried Jian Huan might be asleep. When she slept, she was usually oblivious to her surroundings, undisturbed even by thunder.


    But unexpectedly, with a loud bang, the door mmed into him.


    With a crash, the door was knocked clean off its hinges, falling to the ground with a heavy thud, leaving a human-shaped hole in its frame.


    Dust and wood splinters rained down on Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan looked at the disheveled figure and asked, "What are you doing here?"


    The disheveled figure replied expressionlessly, "Calling you. Your talisman array is broken."


    "Yeah, I noticed." Jian Huan nced at him, then asked, "Did you hurt your face?"


    Shen Jizhi cast a cleaning spell, restoring his appearance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He calmly asked, "Take a look. Is it damaged?"


    Jian Huan''s eyes swept over his face and body, thinking to herself that sword cultivators really had tough bodies¡ªsuch a hard hit and he was fine.


    She gave him a thumbs-up, praising, "Nope, your face is rock solid. Impressive."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi seemed to think of something, avoiding her gaze and coughing lightly.


    Not wanting to linger, he put on a mask and turned to leave. "Let''s go, we need to check the deck."


    Business came first.


    Without further dy, the two hurried to the deck as quickly as possible.


    Themotion had awakened everyone on the ship, and the sound of frantic footsteps echoed as people panicked.


    "What''s going on? Why is the ship suddenly rocking like this..."


    "Didn''t they say the experts had already..."


    "Monsters, monsters! Ahhh, there are monsters!"


    "No, how can there be monsters? We weren''t supposed to reach that area until tomorrow night... Ah!!"


    "Help, help!..."


    The closer they got to the deck, the clearer the voices became.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce and rushed onto the deck.


    The raging river had already flooded the deck, turning it into a shallow stream.


    Where Jian Huan had ced her talismans, there were signs of the talismans being torn off, the papers now missing.


    With the talisman array destroyed, monsters began emerging from the ink-ck river, leaping onto the deck and attacking the people there.


    These monsters were ghost fish, with human-like faces but gills, long and powerful tails, and sharp, jagged teeth.


    They swung their tails with force, knocking a burly crew member to the ground, then swam over, opening their fish mouths to bite into the man''s body. The scent of blood drove the monsters into a frenzy.


    The merchant ship was massive, with two distinct areas at the front and rear.


    Jian Huan quickly said, "I¡¯ll go forward, you go back."


    Shen Jizhi had no objections, and the two of them went their separate ways.


    Jian Huan swung her sword, cleaving through a ghostly fish that lunged at her. With one hand, she grabbed the tail of another fish that had bitten a crew member, her spiritual energy surging as she yanked the fish up and mmed it onto the deck. The fish¡¯s flesh split open, its head lolled to the side, and it died.


    The crew member clutched his wound, his face pale, and looked at Jian Huan with gratitude.


    Jian Huan nced at him briefly. She had arrived just in time; the injury wasn¡¯t too severe, and he wouldn¡¯t die anytime soon.


    She left him be and asked, "Where¡¯s your master?"


    The crew member shook his head, struggling to reply, "I... I don¡¯t know."


    Jian Huan nodded, hoisting the crew member up with one hand and cing him to the side. She quickly drew a protective array.


    The array would temporarily shield them from these ghostly fish, which wereparable in strength to Qi Refinement cultivators.


    She called out to the panicked crowd, "Everyone, stay inside this circle! Don¡¯te out!"


    Hearing her words, the people on the ship changed direction and desperately ran toward the circle.


    Jian Huan left the area and continued forward, rescuing people from the jaws of the ghostly fish while scanning her surroundings.


    It was strange.


    With all thismotion, Xie Yuanying, Xu Yang, Jiang Qiaoqiao, and the other cultivators hadn¡¯te up yet.


    Just as she was thinking this, a green-robed Taoist priest, trembling and hiding beneath a discarded nk in the corner, heard Jian Huan¡¯s words and quickly crawled out.


    The priest hadn¡¯t slept tonight. He had gone to the lower deck to drink and gamble with the Xie family¡¯s servants.


    They had been gambling until the ship started rocking.


    He and a few other drunkards had climbed up to see what was happening, only to be met with the sight of these ghostly fish demons!


    The green-robed priest crawled and crawled, but suddenly, a ghostly fish appeared in front of him.


    Its ck, vertical pupils stared coldly at him as it opened its mouth, revealing sharp teeth, and lunged toward him.


    The priest dodged quickly, but the fish bit off a piece of his green robe.


    As the fish swallowed the fabric and prepared to attack again, the priest panicked. Spotting a girl in a pale pink dress, he shouted, "Miss, five thousand minus one, I agree! I agree! Save me! Save me!"


    The rain continued to pour,rge droplets sshing onto Jian Huan¡¯s face, soaking her hair and clothes.


    Her pink skirt fluttered in the wind and rain, and amidst the chaos of shouts, Jian Huan distinctly caught the words "five thousand minus one."


    She turned toward the voice, her silver sword unsheathing in a sh, and with one strike, she pinned the ghostly fish to the deck.


    The green-robed priest sighed in relief.


    He hurried toward the protective array, squeezing in with the others who had already gathered there.


    The storm raged on, the cold making everyone shiver.


    The priest pulled out a sk from his robe, his lips trembling as he took a sip.


    He looked at the scene before him. Though he was scared, he wasn¡¯t as terrified as those around him.


    And he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was somehow familiar.


    Jian Huan continued to kill the ghostly fish.


    These fish, with strengthparable to Qi Refinement cultivators, were no match for a Golden Core cultivator like her.


    But the ghostly fish came in swarms, endlessly emerging from the river, making it impossible to kill them all.


    The river¡¯s currents were fierce, and the ship was on the verge of capsizing. If it flipped, Jian Huan would be fine, but the ordinary people on board wouldn¡¯t survive.


    The top priority was to restore the protective array, stabilize the ship, and block the endless onught of fish demons.


    Jian Huan pulled out a few talismans from her pouch. Thankfully, she had backups.


    Not many of the talismans had been torn off. As she fought the demons, she checked and found only four spots where the talismans had been removed.


    She took out the talismans, her fingertips glowing with spiritual energy, and began recing them one by one.


    As she was about to ce thest talisman, a sword came shing down at her!


    Jian Huan nced at the attacker but didn¡¯t move, continuing to ce the talisman.


    Just as the sword was about to pierce her body, she vanished from the spot.


    When she reappeared, her silver sword was already at the man¡¯s neck.


    Jian Huan looked at him coldly. "So, it was you who destroyed my array."

 Chapter 71

    Thest talisman was finally repaired, and the array resumed its operation, stabilizing the ship once more.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xu Yang, caught off guard and immobilized, stiffened as his swollen eyes darted to the sword pressed against his neck. He gritted his teeth. "I never expected that Miss Jian, despite her youth, has already reached the Golden Core stage."


    Xu Yang had always known that Jian Huan''s cultivation was higher than his, but he hadn''t anticipated her being at the Golden Core level. She was only in her teens, yet she had already ascended to Golden Core!


    As a Foundation Establishment fourth-level sword cultivator, he had assumed Jian Huan was at most at the sixth or seventh level of Foundation Establishment. He thought he could at least buy some time for his elder brother by confronting her, but now¡­


    Jian Huan replied coldly, "I also didn¡¯t expect that Brother Xu, who seems so amiable, would be involved in such treacherous acts."


    Above, lightning streaked across the sky like a fleeting shadow, and the rain continued to pour, droplets clinging to the edges of Jian Huan¡¯sshes. As she blinked, the droplets fell, sliding down her cheeks.


    Horrifying ghost fish emerged incessantly from the turbulent river, only to be blocked by the talisman array.


    But they were relentless, their bodies crashing against the array with loud thuds.


    Inside the ship, more than twenty ghost fish remained, having evaded destruction. Sensing the blood of their kin on Jian Huan, they avoided her, instead attacking the temporary protective barrier she had erected.


    Inside the barrier, the defenseless shipworkers huddled together, their faces pale with terror as they pressed back against the wall, watching the ghost fish just inches away.


    The protective barrier¡¯s spiritual shield was on the verge of copse, seemingly unable to hold much longer.


    Seeing this, Jian Huan had no intention of interrogating Xu Yang further. She pressed the de downward, aiming to sever one of his arms.


    "Miss Jian, be careful!" Almost simultaneously, a surge of Golden Core first-level sword energy shot up from below the deck, targeting Jian Huan¡¯s wrist.


    There was another traitor!


    Jian Huan¡¯s lips tightened as she channeled her spiritual energy, grabbing Xu Yang, who was trying to escape, and pulling him aside to dodge the attack.


    At the same time, dozens of talismans flew from her sleeve, obliterating the remaining ghost fish in the ship.


    With that done, Jian Huan¡¯s de dug deeper into Xu Yang¡¯s neck, drawing blood. She spoke coldly, "Stay still! If you try to run, my sword will take your head. Feel free to test me!"


    "The same goes for you, Miss Jian!" From below the deck, a man emerged, holding a sword to Xie Yuanying¡¯s neck. His face was filled with malice. "How you treat my brother is how I¡¯ll treat the young master."


    Jian Huan¡¯s gaze fell on the man¡ªa servant who had been by Xie Yuanying¡¯s side.


    He was also at the Golden Core first level, just like her. He had concealed his strength, just as she had pretended to be at the high Foundation Establishment level while he had posed as an ordinary man.


    Xie Yuanying¡¯s face was pale, blood staining his lips. His expression was a mix of shock, disbelief, and despair. He struggled to speak, "Miss Jian, don¡¯t worry about me! Do what you must¡ª"


    With a sickening sound, Xie Yuanying coughed up more blood as the servant, Fei Xu, used his spiritual energy to shatter his tongue, silencing him.


    At the same time, Xu Yang, still in Jian Huan¡¯s grasp, also spat out blood.


    His small eyes widened in panic as he tried to speak, but only muffled sounds came out. His tongue, too, had been shattered.


    Fei Xu roared in anger, "Miss Jian, it seems you didn¡¯t hear me clearly!"


    Jian Huan smiled warmly, though her eyes were devoid of any warmth. She replied innocently, "Didn¡¯t you just say that whatever you do to Young Master Xie, I¡¯ll do to your brother?"


    "However," Jian Huan added, gently pressing the de against Xu Yang¡¯s neck, "I must admit, I¡¯m not particrly concerned about Young Master Xie¡¯s life. After all, he and I are strangers¡ªyou¡¯ve spent far more time with him than I have. But Xu Yang is your brother, so¡ª"


    Fei Xu remained calm, not falling for her provocation. "Miss Jian is from the Jade rity Sect. We outsiders know a thing or two about how Jade rity Sect disciples operate. If you truly don¡¯t care about Young Master Xie or the others¡ª"


    He nced disdainfully at the tremblingmoners, "¡ªthen go ahead and harm my brother. I¡¯ll ensure Young Master Xie and everyone on this ship die alongside him."


    Jian Huan lowered her gaze and fell silent.


    Both sides held leverage over the other, and the standoff continued.


    But the situation was unfavorable for Jian Huan.


    She could sense that Fei Xu and Xu Yang were stalling for time.


    They seemed to be waiting for something from the depths of the river¡­


    The rain poured down, sshing into puddles on the deck, creating ripples that spread outward.


    The ripples reflected Jian Huan¡¯s blurred figure and the hem of a ck robe that was drawing closer.


    The masked man had arrived.


    Fei Xu instinctively tightened his grip on Xie Yuanying.


    If it were just Jian Huan, a Golden Core first-level cultivator, he wouldn¡¯t have needed to resort to threats or summon the ghost fish.


    But now there was also the masked man.


    Before this, no one had expected that a simple five-star Xuanwu mission from the Xie family would attract a Golden Core cultivator.


    Weren¡¯t the Golden Core cultivators of the Jade rity Sect supposed to take missions of twenty stars or higher?


    And yet, this masked man from the Immortal Storage Tower had also taken on the Xie family¡¯s minor mission!


    In the city lord¡¯s n, Fei Xu and his brother, one at Golden Core and the other at Foundation Establishment, were supposed to ensure sess.


    Who could have predicted they¡¯d run into a nest of Golden Core cultivators?


    What rotten luck the Xie family had!


    The masked man, Shen Jizhi, carried an old, threadbare sack as he walked, picking up the corpses of the ghost fish.


    Jian Huan suddenly spoke up, "The ones over here were killed by me."


    Shen Jizhi straightened, nced at her, and held his hand up, letting the rain wash away the bloodstains.


    Then he continued collecting the corpses, saying indifferently, "In my book, whoever picks them up owns them."


    Jian Huan red at his five fingers and understood his meaning.


    She gritted her teeth, her eyebrows furrowing in anger. "You shameless scoundrel!"


    The masked man continued collecting the fish, moving closer to her.


    Jian Huan stepped back warily, her eyes darting between Fei Xu and the masked man, her expression alert. "Stop! Who are you working for?"


    Fei Xu observed Jian Huan¡¯s reaction and nced at the masked man.


    Uncertain of the masked man¡¯s intentions, he remained cautious.


    The masked man examined a ghost fish with half its head missing before tossing it into the sack. He asked, "How much can Miss Jian offer?"


    Jian Huan took another step back, confused. "What do you mean?"


    "I¡¯m not aligned with anyone, but I can be aligned with anyone," the masked man replied, pausing briefly to nce at Fei Xu. "It all depends on who offers more spirit stones."


    At this, Jian Huan and Fei Xu exchanged nces.


    Jian Huan turned to the masked man, her eyes filled with resentment. She smiled bitterly, her voiceced with anger. "Sir Shen, need I remind you that you¡¯ve taken on Young Master Xie¡¯s mission? If you¡¯re not aligned with Fei Xu and Xu Yang, you should be helping me!"


    The masked man shook his head, seemingly disappointed. He ignored her and turned to Fei Xu. "How much can you offer?"


    Fei Xu hesitated.


    Instinctively, he wasn¡¯t eager to coborate with the masked man.


    But Jian Huan grew anxious. She said, "I can give you 2,500 spirit stones!"


    The masked man repeated, "2,500?"


    "Yes, 2,500," Jian Huan replied, her lips pressed together. "This mission only pays 5,000, so I¡¯m giving you half."


    "That¡¯s not enough," the masked man scoffed, clearly dissatisfied. Ignoring Jian Huan¡¯s final offer of 5,000, he approached Fei Xu. "Name your price. I can help you subdue Miss Jian. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have toe after you."


    Fei Xu retreated, pulling Xie Yuanying with him, and pressed the sword closer to his neck. "Sir Shen, stay back. des are sharp, after all."


    Jian Huan, noticing Fei Xu¡¯s movement, also pressed her de deeper into Xu Yang¡¯s neck, eliciting a cry of pain from him.


    Fei Xu paused, not daring to move further, and shouted angrily, "Are you both willing to let Young Master Xie die?"


    Shen Jizhi remained indifferent to Xie Yuanying¡¯s injuries, his tone calm. "I¡¯m a rogue cultivator with no particr sense of righteousness. I¡¯m not overly concerned with Young Master Xie¡¯s safety. Once the demons are dealt with, the Immortal Storage Tower will pay me. How the Xie family handles it is their business."


    Jian Huan added, "You were the one who attacked Young Master Xie first. I¡¯ve already said that whatever you do to him, I¡¯ll do to your brother."


    Fei Xu, watching the masked man slowly approach, said to Jian Huan, "Make him stop."


    Jian Huan was furious, stomping her feet and shouting, "Are you out of your mind? He''s not on my side! Can''t you see he''s not listening to me at all?"


    As she yelled, the sword in her hand moved, causing Fei Xu and Xu Yang to grow increasingly anxious.


    The masked man approached steadily. Fei Xu, observing Jian Huan''s genuine distress, decided to act without hesitation. "Fifty thousand spirit stones," he dered. "I''ll give you fifty thousand!"


    He fixed his gaze on Jian Huan, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Help me subdue her first."


    "Fine," the masked man halted, extending his hand. "But you''ll have to pay me part of it upfront."


    Fei Xu had always been wary of the masked man, but his demand for payment upfront actually put him at ease. This man was truly driven by money, which was reassuring. However, he frowned and said, "I don''t have that much on me."


    The masked man replied, "I said part of it. Give me what you have. How do I know you won''t renege on our deal after I help you subdue Miss Jian?"


    Fei Xu felt even more reassured. He freed one hand and tossed a small pouch to the masked man. "Here''s ten thousand to start."


    The masked man weighed the pouch in his hand and gave Fei Xu a nod of acknowledgment.


    After stashing the pouch, he drew his snow-white sword. Its silvery de glinted coldly in the dark night, mirroring the shes of lightning above.


    The sword swung down toward Jian Huan.


    The pressure that had been on Fei Xu now shifted to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan had Xu Yang in a chokehold, her footwork swift, her eyes zing with anger. Her face flushed as she shouted, "Fei Xu, if you team up with the masked man, don''t think I won''t kill your brother first!"


    Fei Xu sneered, watching from the sidelines. "Feel free to try, Miss Jian. I promise you, if you kill my brother, not a single one of the hundred people on this ship will survive. But if you surrender, I¡¯ll feed them memory-loss pills and let them go. I swear this on my cultivation. The choice is yours: kill one viin or a hundred innocents."


    His eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light.


    In the Nine Provinces, cultivators could not make oaths lightly, or they would risk inner demons.


    Unfortunately, Fei Xu''s golden core had been damaged during his tribtion, and he would never reach the Nascent Soul stage. So swearing on his cultivation meant little to him.


    Shen Jizhi had already closed in, his every move dripping with killing intent.


    Jian Huan had no breath left to speak. She dragged Xu Yang with her, dodging Shen Jizhi''s sword in a desperate struggle.


    The sailors inside the protective barrier watched anxiously.


    "What should we do? Wasn''t that masked man on our side? How could he betray us like this?"


    "That Fei Xu, he was even the young master''s servant! People die for wealth, birds for food. Such is the world, s."


    "I hope that girl can hold on. I don¡¯t want to lose my memories. I want to go home and see my parents..."


    Only the Daoist in green robes seemed unfazed. He clutched his wine gourd, scratching his messy, bird''s nest-like hair, puzzled.


    For some reason, amidst all the shing swords, he felt a strange undercurrent of affection.


    Ah, never mind. While no one was looking, he quietly reached out and dragged a ghost fish corpse into the barrier.


    That masked man had been collecting them; they must be worth something. He could sell itter and buy more wine. He chuckled to himself.


    In a matter of moments, Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan had exchanged over a dozen blows, with Jian Huan clearly losing ground.


    Suddenly, in a swift maneuver, Shen Jizhi positioned himself between Jian Huan and Fei Xu.


    The girl''s dark eyes met the boy''s light brown ones through the curtain of rain.


    Under Shen Jizhi''s cover, Jian Huan slowly raised her hand, and an invisible sword intent, like a leaf falling in the rain, blended seamlessly into the downpour and the river breeze.


    Everything happened in a sh. Xu Yang saw it all, but his tongue had been removed, leaving him only able to grunt helplessly.


    The fight continued. Fei Xu kept an eye on Jian Huan and the masked man while constantly ncing toward the river.


    In an instant, a gust of wind swept by, and with a dull thud, Fei Xu''s right arm was struck. His sword slipped from his grasp, ttering onto the deck and sending water droplets flying.


    Jian Huan''s sword was aimed at Shen Jizhi, but he didn''t dodge. Instead, he turned his back to her, moving like lightning toward Fei Xu.


    The sword intent carried a murderous aura, slicing through the rain in midair.


    The water droplets, propelled upward, reached their peak. The crystal-clear raindrops, illuminated by the sword light, sparkled brilliantly.


    Fei Xu was caught off guard. Xie Yuanying reacted quickly, throwing himself to the side with all his might.


    Fei Xu tried to grab Xie Yuanying, but Shen Jizhi''s sword was already upon him. Fei Xu had no choice but to face Shen Jizhi, his voice filled with hatred. "You two were in cahoots all along!"


    "Indeed. Couldn''t you tell?" Shen Jizhi''s voice was calm.


    The remark enraged Fei Xu, making his sword strikes even more ferocious.


    The water droplets at their peak paused briefly before plummeting downward uncontrobly.


    Seeing Xie Yuanying safe, Jian Huan''s silver sword curved in midair, mercilessly severing Xu Yang''s head.


    The head thudded onto the deck, and the small pool of water on the deck was instantly stained with crimson.


    Jian Huan looked up, her gaze fixed on the midair battle between Shen Jizhi and Fei Xu. She waited patiently.


    Seven movester, Jian Huan''s wet shoes tapped lightly on the bloodied water. She leapt gracefully into the air, intercepting Fei Xu as he tried to evade. Her sword plunged deep into his chest.


    Fei Xu grunted in pain, retreating in another direction, only to run into Shen Jizhi, who was waiting for him.


    Shen Jizhi''s sword pierced Fei Xu''s other chest with perfect symmetry.


    Two cultivators at the first level of the Golden Core stage, cornering one whose core was damaged.


    The oue was inevitable. Soon, Fei Xu joined his brother Xu Yang in death.

 Chapter 72

    Fei Xu''s corpse tore through the curtain of rain and crashed onto the deck.


    The water in the puddles on the ground grew darker with blood.


    Xie Yuanying and the crew had no time to catch their breath.


    Boom! Boom!


    Several thick, dragon-like bolts of blue-purple lightning apanied by thunderous roars split the heavens!


    The shes of light pierced the dark, overcast sky, illuminating the pale, terrified faces below.


    They looked toward the river.


    The ghost fish that had been attacking the defensive array had stopped. One by one, the fish, with their eerily human-like faces, floated silently on the turbulent surface of the river, bowing their heads in submission. They covered the river, so densely packed that from a distance, it looked like a river of floating corpses.


    Jian Huan knew something was wrong. She had sensed it earlier¡ªFei Xu and Xu Yang were waiting for something beneath the river.


    She nced at Xie Yuanying and the others, then decisively said to Shen Jizhi, "You hold them off for now. I¡¯ll teleport the ship away ande back to help you."


    "Alright."


    Shen Jizhi nodded, his figure flickering in and out of the rain as he headed toward the center of the river where the ghost fish were bowing.


    Hidden in the mist, his snow-white sword ready, he waited patiently, focused.


    Jian Huan quicklynded on the deck.


    Xie Yuanying stumbled toward her. Unable to speak without his tongue, he gestured anxiously.


    Jian Huan pulled out a pre-prepared teleportation talisman and began affixing it to the array she had set up earlier. She exined to Xie Yuanying, "I remember your ship was headed to Cangyuan City. But Cangyuan is too far; my teleportation array can¡¯t reach that distance. However, I¡¯ll get you out of this dangerous area. Once you¡¯re out, head toward Cangyuan. Don¡¯t return to Ningzhang for a while. Wait for my instructions, understood?"


    Xie Yuanying nodded hurriedly, "Mhm, mhm, mhm."


    "Also," Jian Huan¡¯s gaze swept toward Liu Hu, her eyes sharp, "the five thousand spirit stones you promised Liu Hu? Give him just one. As for the ghost fish corpses we confiscated, hold onto them for us. We¡¯lle collect themter. And keep an eye on Liu Hu¡ªdon¡¯t let him leave!"


    How dare he steal her ghost fish while she was fighting? That man had some nerve!


    The wind and rain whipped around them. Xie Yuanying shivered from the cold, wiping the rain from his face. He carefully memorized Jian Huan¡¯s instructions and nodded.


    As Jian Huan worked on the teleportation array, she kept an eye on themotion in the river.


    The rain poured down, and in the area where the fish were bowing, whirlpools began to form.


    The whirlpools spun faster and faster, growingrger and more violent. A faint but oppressive aura emanated from beneath the whirlpools, making Jian Huan¡¯s heart tighten.


    The rivers,kes, and seas of the Nine Provinces were countless, and the Zhang River was just a small one. Yet, beneath it, there was a monster with powerparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator?


    With thest teleportation talisman in ce, Jian Huan leaped into the air, hovering above the ship.


    She formed a series of hand seals, and eighteen streams of golden-green spiritual energy rose from the ship, converging at her fingertips.


    She closed her eyes, using the vitality of her Golden Core to sense the green mountains on both sides of the river hundreds of miles away, setting the teleportation point.


    "Go," Jian Huan whispered, opening her eyes. A surge of Golden Core-level spiritual energy erupted from her dantian.


    The ship rocked violently, and the people on board were thrown off bnce.


    A rift in space opened, and the ship was about to leave this ce.


    But in that instant, a tremendous suction force erupted from the rapidly spinning whirlpool, swallowing the ship and everyone on it in one gulp.


    It happened so fast that no one could react.


    Beneath the whirlpool, the massive Ghost Fish King closed its wide mouth and let out a soft burp.


    It flicked its tail and dove to the bottom of the river, leaving the area to find its master.


    The ghost fish followed, disappearing into the depths.


    The wind passed without a trace, and the area returned to calm.


    "Ah!"


    "Ah¡ª"


    "Ahhhhhhhhh!"


    Screams erupted as the ship plummeted into the darkness, the people on board unable to control their cries.


    The teleportation array, which had consumed a great deal of spiritual energy, was erased, and Jian Huan suffered some internal injuries.


    She fell backward, her consciousness blurring.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Only when an arm wrapped around her waist, slowing her descent, did she snap back to reality.


    It was Shen Jizhi.


    "Open your mouth," the young man¡¯s cool voice instructed as a pill was pressed against her pale lips.


    The familiar presence and voice made the dazed Jian Huanply without hesitation. She opened her mouth.


    Shen Jizhi ced three Spirit Recovery Pills inside.


    Jian Huan swallowed them one by one, and her spiritual energy began to recover.


    Shen Jizhi held Jian Huan in his arms and nced down at the ship below. "That whirlpool was its mouth. I wanted to warn you, but it was toote."


    "Even if you had warned me, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. That monster is strong," Jian Huan frowned, breaking free from Shen Jizhi¡¯s embrace and standing steadily on his sword. She looked around, her eyes taking in the ck, fleshy walls. "Are we inside the monster¡¯s body?"


    "Yes," Shen Jizhi nced down again and handed Jian Huan her sword. "Can you fly on your own now?"


    "Probably," Jian Huan took the sword, feeling the spiritual energy in her dantian beginning to recover. She shot him a sidelong nce. "What, as your creditor, I can¡¯t stand on your sword for a bit?"


    "It¡¯s not that. You can stand on it if you want," Shen Jizhi said calmly, pointing downward. "But the ship has been falling for a while now¡­"


    "Then hurry up and catch it! Why are you standing here talking to me?" Jian Huan¡¯s head cleared as if she¡¯d been punched. She jumped off Shen Jizhi¡¯s sword onto her own silver de and urged, "Go, go! My ghost fish corpses are still on that ship!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi: "I¡¯m going."


    With that, Shen Jizhi¡¯s snow-white sword shed, and he shot downward like a meteor, chasing after the ship.


    The screams grew louder as Shen Jizhi spotted the ship.


    It was tilting to the right, and the people on board clung to anything they could to keep from falling off.


    He appeared beneath the ship, supporting it with one hand. A five-colored spiritual shield formed, stabilizing the vessel.


    The ship¡¯s descent slowed, and the people on board breathed a sigh of relief.


    Not long after Shen Jizhi steadied the ship, Jian Huan arrived in a hurry.


    She stepped onto the tilted deck and forcefully pushed it back into ce.


    The ship righted itself, and the people on board released their grips, lying on the deck like fish out of water, gasping for air.


    The dark, fleshy walls soon came to an end.


    At the bottom was a slippery, dirty wall of flesh, its folds resembling rolling sand dunes.


    There was no exit in this fleshy chamber. The ck cavity they had fallen through was now blocked by another wall of flesh.


    The internal structure of this monster was different from that of ordinary animals. In any case, Jian Huan and the others were trapped here.


    The fleshy chamber was mostly empty, as if it had been cleaned beforehand. But in some corners, there were fragments of the ship¡¯s wood and scattered jewels and cargo.


    Jian Huan first scouted the "terrain," picking up a piece of shattered Hetian jade along the way. Then she directed Shen Jizhi to ce the ship on a rtively t area.


    With nowhere else to go, everyone could only rest here.


    Xie Yuanying couldn¡¯t speak.


    Jian Huan wasn¡¯t a healer.


    Shen Jizhi, having been injured often, had learned some basic external wound treatment from Medicine Granny. But he was powerless to help with a missing tongue. They would have to wait until they got out to introduce Xie Yuanying to a proper healer.


    However, Xie Yuanying could write.


    He took paper and pen, found a literate servant, and began organizing the ship¡¯s affairs.


    For example, checking if all the crew members were still present and if anyone was injured.


    Or assessing whether the cargo had been damaged and to what extent, and so on.


    While Xie Yuanying was busy, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi divided the ten thousand spirit stones from Fei Xu¡¯s body and went to collect items scattered in the fleshy chamber.


    They gathered the fallen ghost fish corpses and the scattered gemstones that had been left behind earlier. As for Xie Yuanying¡¯s lost cargo, they left it alone¡ªit wasn¡¯t theirs to take, so Xie Yuanying¡¯s people could collect it themselves.


    Earlier, Shen Jizhi had picked up a few ghost fish that Jian Huan had killed on the ship.


    But since he had given her three Spirit Recovery Pills, which were roughly equivalent in value, Jian Huan didn¡¯t ask for the corpses.


    "Aren¡¯t you going to treat the wound on your back first?" Shen Jizhi looked at Jian Huan, his brow slightly furrowed.


    "No," Jian Huan replied. During the fight, Fei Xu had stabbed her in the back, but the injury wasn¡¯t severe, and the bleeding had already stopped. To her, such a wound was like a small cut on a finger¡ªhardly worth using a bandage for. "It¡¯ll heal on its own in a few days. Why bother treating it? You¡¯ve asked me this three times now. What¡¯s going on with you? How have you be so naggy after two years apart?"


    "..." Shen Jizhi, "I¡¯m not nagging."


    Jian Huan: "What is that?"


    Shen Jizhi chuckled lightly: "My eyesight isn¡¯t great."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    "Alright, enough with the banter. Let¡¯s get down to business." Jian Huan tossed the ghost fish that had fallen onto the fleshy mound into a cloth bag and shared her thoughts with Shen Jizhi. "It seems this fish demon is nning to transport our entire ship somewhere to sell us off. The goods will be resold, and as for the people, they¡¯ll either be fed amnesia pills and sold as ves or worse. That¡¯s why the demon hasn¡¯t killed us¡ªwe still have value to it."


    "Mm." Shen Jizhi calmed himself and dug out a golden leaf from the crevices of the fleshy mound. "This demon must be someone¡¯s contracted beast."


    Unlike humans, demons don¡¯t have such a strong desire for wealth. They prefer to eat humans, but this fish demon hasn¡¯t devoured them, only trapped them here. It must be acting under someone¡¯s orders.


    "Do you have any ideas?" Jian Huan looked at Shen Jizhi. "The fish is still swimming. When it slows down, we¡¯ll likely be close to our destination. We need to figure out a n."


    Shen Jizhi carefully put away the golden leaf, nced around, and leaned in close to Jian Huan, whispering a few words into her ear.


    Jian Huan suppressed the tingling itch on her ear and, after listening, eximed in a hushed voice, "Why do you carry living-dead insects with you?!"


    "Some fierce beast materials are hard to preserve. If they die, their value drops significantly over time," Shen Jizhi exined calmly. "So I don¡¯t kill them outright. Instead, I feed them living-dead insects and store them in my Mustard Seed Pouch."


    Jian Huan was silent for a moment, then looked at hisposed face and said seriously, "Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit cruel?"


    Shen Jizhi tilted his head, his gaze resting on Jian Huan¡¯s face. "I think being poor is crueler."


    Jian Huan: "...Fair enough."


    While Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were picking up items on the fleshy mound, Taoist Liu Hu was also busy collecting.


    Liu Hu had emptied his bag and was gleefully gathering whatever he could find.


    The others on the ship were too afraid of the fleshy mound toe down, but Liu Hu wasn¡¯t scared. He thought the mound was quite safe.


    After all, those two youngsters were down there picking things up too!


    Once he had gathered enough, Liu Hu returned to the ship with his bag stuffed full.


    He walked down the dimly lit corridor, humming a tune and sipping wine, his beard swaying with each step as he enjoyed himself.


    Just as he was five steps away from his room, he suddenly stopped.


    The candles in the corridor were relit, casting an eerie glow that illuminated two figures leaning against his door.


    The girl was idly drawing circles on the ground with her foot. Hearing the noise, she looked up, her eyes ncing at the bulging bag before giving Liu Hu a bright smile. "Well, well, Taoist Liu, you¡¯ve had quite the haul, haven¡¯t you?"


    Liu Hu chuckled awkwardly. "Not bad, not bad. But it¡¯s nothingpared to what you two have gathered. You¡¯ve got more, you¡¯ve got more..."


    As he spoke, he subtly began to back away, ready to make a run for it.


    The candlelight flickered, and the masked youth in ck shed forward, his snow-white sword unsheathed and blocking Liu Hu¡¯s path.


    Liu Hu gulped and turned around.


    Behind him, Jian Huan was walking closer, her silver sword swaying in her hand. She smiled lightly and asked, "Taoist Liu, do you think it¡¯s right to take the ghost fish corpses that your saviors risked their lives to kill?"


    "Of course not! Absolutely not!" Liu Hu quickly shrunk back, reacting swiftly. He set down his bag and pulled out three smaller ghost fish corpses, handing them to Jian Huan. "Little girl, you must have misunderstood. I wasn¡¯t collecting these for myself. I was gathering them for you! I was just about to bring them to you!"


    Jian Huan took the fish. "Is that so? Well, thank you, Taoist Liu."


    "Not at all, no need for thanks. We¡¯re all on the same side, no need for formalities." Liu Hu quickly packed up his bag and held it close. "After such a fierce battle, you must be exhausted. Go rest. I¡¯m tired too¡ªgetting old, my back and legs ache." He rubbed his back and skillfully tried to slip past Jian Huan and into his room.


    But Jian Huan grabbed his bag and yanked him back.


    Liu Hu¡¯s smile was more like a grimace. "Little girl, is there something else?"


    Jian Huan¡¯s tone was meaningful. "Taoist Liu, do you not n to leave? Are you nning to stay here and let nature take its course? Or do you have a way out on your own, without our help?"


    Liu Hu: "..."


    A momentter, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi left, satisfied.


    Liu Hu hugged his now-empty bag, sighed deeply, and took a swig of wine in frustration.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi divided the spoils equally and returned to their respective rooms.


    Although Shen Jizhi still owed her money, he preferred to pay her back all at once rather than in small installments. It was easier for him to keep track that way. Otherwise, every small payment would require both parties to sign and seal a receipt, which was too much hassle.


    Jian Huan had no objections.


    First, she currently had over a hundred thousand spirit stones and wasn¡¯t short on money.


    Second,pared to receiving a few thousand spirit stones at a time, she much preferred a lump sum of a hundred thousand. It was more satisfying!


    Jian Huan was tired, but she didn¡¯t go straight to bed. Instead, she forced herself to draw some talismans.


    Neither she nor Shen Jizhi knew when the fish demon would stop, so she needed to prepare some talismans just in case.


    It was always better to be overprepared than underprepared.


    After drawing a few of each type, Jian Huan rubbed her neck and flopped onto the bed, wriggling around as usual to find afortable position.


    But she identally brushed against the wound on her back, causing her face to contort in pain.


    Jian Huan sat up, tugged at her clothes, and twisted her head to look.


    The lightly scabbed sword wound had been reopened, and fresh blood was seeping out.


    Forget it, she¡¯d just sleep on her stomach tonight.


    By tomorrow, the wound should be mostly healed.


    But then, something urred to her.


    Blood?


    Before the ship had run into trouble, she had been asking Elder Yu Qing about demonic possession.


    This was the perfect opportunity to test Shen Jizhi.


    Based on their teamwork in battle, Jian Huan thought he was still normal. But what if he had been possessed by a demon? If she caught it early, maybe she could still save him!


    Without hesitation, Jian Huan immediately went to Shen Jizhi¡¯s room.


    Shen Jizhi was in the middle of forging equipment.


    Even when he wasn¡¯t at the Equipment Forging Hall, he set a daily quota for himself.


    Although he had already paid off his debts, including hers, he still wanted to save more money.


    After hearing Jian Huan¡¯s request, Shen Jizhi set down his tools and asked, "Didn¡¯t you say I talk too much?"


    Jian Huan leaned against the table and tly denied it. "Who said that? You¡¯re such a man of few words¡ªwho would call you talkative?"


    Shen Jizhi smirked. "I don¡¯t know. Someone who doesn¡¯t understand anything said it."


    Jian Huan¡¯s words caught in her throat. She pursed her lips, silently cursing him, but on the surface, she pretended not to hear. "So, are you going to help me or not?"


    Shen Jizhi nodded and took out the medicinal powder he needed for treating wounds from his Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Jian Huan curiously picked up the powder and, after a moment of thought, asked seriously, "Are you going to charge me for the medicine?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s hand, which was holding the bandages, paused. He looked up, his gaze meeting her lively eyes. After a moment of consideration, he said slowly, "This bottle of powder was bought from Medicine Granny for a hundred spirit stones. It can be used about twenty times. I¡¯ll charge you five spirit stones?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan¡¯s sword wound wasn¡¯t actually serious. Given time, it would heal on its own without affecting her ability to move around.


    She had onlye to test whether Shen Jizhi had a thirst for blood or any signs of demonic possession.


    And now he wanted to charge her five spirit stones!


    Jian Huan turned to leave. "Forget it. I¡¯ll let it heal on its own."


    Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t surprised. He reached out and urately grabbed her wrist, saying calmly, "Since you don¡¯t charge me interest, I¡¯ll waive the fee for the medicine."


    "That¡¯s more like it!" Jian Huan immediately brightened up and walked over to the bed, taking off her shoes and climbing onto it. "A creditor as kind as me is one in a million. How could you have the nerve to charge me for medicine just now?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan wasn¡¯t the least bit shy. She pulled the nket over herself and fumbled around under the covers.


    Back in the little cabin, during the first few times, she would wait until Shen Jizhi was out before changing her clothes. Butter, she found it too much of a hassle and just did it under the covers.


    After all, Shen Jizhi always closed his eyes on his own. He was more concerned about identally seeing her change than she was.


    As if seeing her would mean he had to take responsibility or something.


    It really wasn¡¯t a big deal. She was still wearing a bellyband, which was like a modern tank top. It wasn¡¯t like she was naked.


    She really missed the days in the modern world when she and her friends would wear tank tops and go bargain hunting during summer sales.


    Jian Huan took off her clothes, leaving only her bellyband and white pants on.


    She held her clothes in front of her, tugging the nket down to her ribs, exposing her back.


    Shen Jizhi stood by the table, his gaze instinctively drifting toward the bed.


    The girl¡¯s back was pale and slender, her shoulder des like the wings of a butterfly, faintly visible through the swaying, watery-pink bed curtains.


    After a moment, when Shen Jizhi still hadn¡¯t moved, Jian Huan propped herself up slightly, tilting her head in confusion. ¡°Shen Jizhi, hurry up. Let¡¯s get this done so we can rest. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    She did sound tired, her voice trailing off with a hint of drowsiness, soft and almost like she was coaxing him.


    Shen Jizhi remained where he was.


    He lowered his eyes, pursed his lips, and meticulously cleaned his fingers, using a cleansing spell over and over.


    The candlelight flickered in the room, casting shadows over him, and Jian Huan couldn¡¯t quite make out his expression.

 Chapter 73

    Shen Jizhi approached with a candlemp and ced it on the bedsidemp holder.


    The Xie family was a well-known merchant household in Ningzhang City, and the cabin was adorned with antique charm, its various ornaments quite exquisite.


    The candlemp¡¯s base was made of carved hardwood, topped with a slightly oval-shapedmpshade. The candlelight filtered through the red paper shade, casting a hint of ambiguous red onto Jian Huan¡¯s back.


    A sword wound stretched from her right shoulder de to her left rib, the edges slightly swollen and marked with clotted blood. Jian Huan, however, paid little attention to it, and fresh, glistening blood beads had seeped out, as vibrant as blooming flowers.


    Jian Huan clutched her dress in front of her, freeing one hand to gather her long hair to the right side as shey sideways on the pillow. She asked, ¡°By the way, how¡¯s the progress with Xu Yang and Fei Xu¡¯s Xuantian Mirrors?¡±


    Both brothers possessed Xuantian Mirrors, but these mirrors were bound to their owners and couldn¡¯t be used by others.


    But that wasn¡¯t a problem¡ªShen Jizhi was, after all, an artifact craftsman.


    ¡°It¡¯s done. I¡¯ve checked, and the messages are empty. We¡¯ll have to wait for the other side to make contact.¡±


    Although Jian Huan had gathered her hair, a few strands still clung to her back, some sticking to the sword wound, slightly stained with blood.


    Shen Jizhi sat on the edge of the bed and carefully moved the stray strands aside.


    The gentle movement of the hair felt like tiny ants crawling on her back.


    He was careful not to touch her back with his hands, but his wide sleeves asionally brushed against it.


    Lightly, faintly, yet it inexplicably sent a shiver through Jian Huan.


    Almost instantly, like a cat with its fur bristling, Jian Huan arched her back, her voice trembling slightly, ¡°...Oh.¡±


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, looking at his hand.


    His knuckles were distinct, the veins on the back of his hand prominent.


    For two years, every day, he had thought of her, the person who often appeared in his dreams, now lying on his bed.


    The stark contrast of white and red, her slender shoulder des¡ªhe only needed to reach out, press her down, hold her tightly, and do what he had done in his dreams.


    But now, he couldn¡¯t.


    With her, he couldn¡¯t rush.


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes, his lips pressed tightly together. With a restrained motion, he pressed his index and middle fingers against her back, pushing her back down. His calm tone hid a suppressed intensity, ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me to hurry? Why are you moving around?¡±


    The warmth of the young man¡¯s fingertips spread outward, creating an unfamiliar sensation.


    Jian Huan tensed her back, instinctively clutching her dress tighter. She blinked repeatedly, her dark, bright eyes fixed on the golden embroidery on the pillow.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke.


    The surroundings were silent, with no sound to be heard within the cabin.


    The candle me burned quietly, and an indescribable atmosphere filled the room.


    Time seemed to stretch in that moment, making every sensation more detailed and vivid.


    Jian Huan could feel Shen Jizhi¡¯s spiritual energy flowing into her wound. The energy was like a de heated over a me, carrying a slight warmth as it dissolved the lingering sword qi from the wound.


    The wound felt slightly scorched, bringing a mix of pain and numbness.


    This process wasn¡¯t unfamiliar¡ªMedicine Granny had treated her wounds the same way before.


    But back then, Jian Huan hadn¡¯t felt much.


    Now, however, everything felt off.


    Jian Huan remained unusually silent, her eyes subtly misty like the drizzle of Jiangnan, tinged with shyness.


    As the sword qi dissipated, Shen Jizhi opened a medicine bottle.


    The medicinal powder sprinkled onto the wound, bringing a cooling sensation.


    The coolness snapped Jian Huan back to reality, reminding her of her original purpose.


    She gently shook her head, clearing her muddled thoughts.


    Propping herself up slightly with her left elbow, she turned to look at Shen Jizhi, checking for any signs of abnormality, whether his eyes had turned pitch ck like a demon¡¯s.


    Her sudden movement caught Shen Jizhi off guard.


    His hand holding the medicine bottle paused, and he identally sprinkled too much powder.


    A thinyer of sweat formed on Shen Jizhi¡¯s forehead, dampening his stray hair.


    He took a deep breath, pretending nothing was amiss, and spoke as calmly as possible, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Jian Huan stared into his eyes.


    The young man¡¯s light brown pupils seemed unusually deep at that moment, as if hiding turbulent waves.


    From her angle, they appeared somewhat dark.


    ck.


    Jian Huan¡¯s heart trembled.


    No, it couldn¡¯t be, could it?


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Jian Huan said, sitting up to get closer, wanting to examine his eyes more carefully. She hoped the darkness was just a trick of the light. ¡°I just think your technique feels a bit off¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi capped the medicine bottle, his voice dry, ¡°What¡¯s off? You don¡¯t know anything about it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It just feels different from when Medicine Granny treated me. Are you sure you learned it properly from her?¡± Jian Huan wanted to look into his eyes, but he kept his gaze lowered. She pressed, ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question. Look at me when you answer. What if you make my wound worse, huh¡­¡±


    The word ¡°then¡± lingered in her mouth, unspoken, as her voice trailed off.


    It was because the young man in ck suddenly leaned closer.


    His gaze fell on the girl¡¯s face as he said, ¡°If it gets worse, isn¡¯t that just fine? I won¡¯t have to repay my debt.¡±


    Jian Huan leaned back, scolding, ¡°In your dreams.¡±


    But inwardly, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t ck¡ªthey were still light brown. It must have been the angle earlier.


    But while ck eyes definitely meant demonic possession, demons¡¯ eyes weren¡¯t always ck.


    Jian Huan thought for a moment and called out, ¡°Shen Jizhi.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Shen Jizhi fiddled with the white bandage in his hand. Her injury was minor, so bandaging wasn¡¯t strictly necessary. Mainly, he didn¡¯t dare to wrap it for her. He silently recited the Heart Purifying Technique, trying to calm himself.


    Jian Huan blinked, her voice soft as she probed, ¡°Do you smell blood?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°...¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked at Jian Huan, who was sitting beside him, clutching her dress and revealing only her fair hands and back. His gaze fell on her head, ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s just your back that¡¯s injured?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°...¡±


    Jian Huan closed her eyes, deciding not to argue with him since he hadn¡¯t charged her for the medicine tonight. ¡°How are you feeling right now?¡±


    Two consecutive odd questions made Shen Jizhi realize something was amiss.


    His eyes scrutinized her expression carefully, but he remainedposed, ¡°I sprinkled too much medicine powder. I lost eight spirit stones tonight.¡±


    ¡°So, I¡¯m regretting it right now,¡± he said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jian Huan looked up at the bed canopy above, muttering to herself, ¡°So I earned eight spirit stones tonight? Not bad, it wasn¡¯t a wasted trip.¡± She suddenly changed the subject, ¡°Is there anything you feel like drinking?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    ¡°Do you want some wine?¡± Jian Huan asked again, ¡°Or maybe some fruit juice? My hometown has strawberry juice¡ªit¡¯s red, thick, and really delicious.¡±


    Her voice lowered deliberately, carrying a hint of temptation, ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    The smell of blood.


    Feelings.


    Do you want something red?


    Shen Jizhi was silent for a while, then said incredulously, ¡°Are you suspecting I¡¯ve turned into a demon?¡±


    Jian Huan blinked, looking around, ¡°No, why would you think that?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m done here,¡± Jian Huan muttered to herself, ncing back to see that the medicine powder had mostly absorbed. She freed one hand to pull up the nket, preparing to get dressed and leave.


    Shen Jizhi moved quickly, grabbing the nket to stop her, ¡°Exin yourself clearly.¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Jian Huan tugged at the nket, but the other end was in his grip, and she couldn¡¯t pull it free. Her other hand held her dress, covering her undergarment.


    The undergarment was her own design, a blend of ancient and modern styles, long enough to cover her navel. It hid everything necessary, leaving only her back exposed, so it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    Before tonight, she wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to dress in front of him.


    But now, Jian Huan didn¡¯t dare.


    She felt she had acted somewhat inappropriately tonight.


    After all, Shen Jizhi was of the opposite sex.


    When her college roommate helped apply medicine, she hadn¡¯t felt anything. But just now, with Shen Jizhi...


    In any case, Shen Jizhi was male, and she needed to be more careful in the future.


    The two of them tugged at the nket, neither willing to let go.


    Jian Huan stubbornly refused to speak, and the situation reached a standstill.


    ¡°One spirit stone,¡± Shen Jizhi suddenly said.


    Jian Huan, who was still tugging at the nket, paused, holding her breath, ¡°What?¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s voice was cold, ¡°I¡¯ll give you one spirit stone if you exin everything clearly.¡±


    Jian Huan gently pressed her tongue against her teeth, a glint of cunning in her eyes as she bargained, ¡°Make it ten spirit stones.¡±


    Shen Jizhi chuckled dryly, ¡°In your dreams.¡±


    He looked at Jian Huan, ¡°Then we¡¯ll just sit here like this tonight.¡±


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan: "Fine, one spirit stone it is."


    She reached out her hand: "Give it to me first."


    Shen Jizhi took a spirit stone from his Mustard Seed Pouch and handed it to her.


    Jian Huan epted it, cleared her throat, and said, "Here¡¯s the thing, I think the you from two yearster is really strange..."


    Shen Jizhi interrupted: "Strange how?"


    Jian Huan replied impatiently, "If I knew what was strange about you, would I still suspect you of turning into a demon? That¡¯s a question you should ask yourself."


    Shen Jizhi: "...Go on."


    Jian Huan continued, "Then I had a dream where you turned into a demon and wanted to drink my blood. Dreams are often omens, so it¡¯s natural for me to suspect you¡¯ve fallen into demonhood."


    She shrugged: "That¡¯s the situation."


    Shen Jizhi lowered his head, pondered for a moment, then looked up and asked calmly, "I need to know the details of your dream."


    Jian Huan nced at him sideways, extended her hand, and wiggled her fingers, making her meaning clear.


    Shen Jizhi rubbed his forehead, took out another spirit stone, and ced it in her palm.


    Jian Huan withdrew her hand and recounted how Shen Jizhi had sneaked into her room in the middle of the night, transformed into a blood-sucking demon, and ended with ament: "You were really inhuman in that dream."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    His gaze unconsciously drifted to the red ribbon tied around Jian Huan¡¯s neck and waist.


    In his dream, he had torn many such ribbons.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. He let go of the nket, turned to his side, facing away from her, and lowered his head without denying it.


    Jian Huan pulled the nket back over herself and got dressed underneath it.


    Shen Jizhi sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the rustling of clothes behind him. The heat he had just managed to suppress surged back with a vengeance.


    As she dressed, Jian Huan recalled the plot from the book and warned him, "Shen Jizhi, my dreams are usually urate. Just because you¡¯re not a demon now doesn¡¯t mean you won¡¯t be one in the future. Be careful. If anything happens, you cane to me. As long as you pay me enough spirit stones, I¡¯ll definitely have your back!"


    The girl¡¯s voice came muffled from under the nket.


    It was like the oppressive atmosphere before a summer storm, with dragonflies flying low and restlessly, dark clouds gathering in the sky, the air heavy and sinking, sinking, making it hard to breathe.


    Shen Jizhi sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting his clothes to cover a certain area.


    He didn¡¯t respond to her, feeling as though he might explode.

 Chapter 74

    Shen Jizhi had once again turned into a little mute and deaf.


    His three specialties: not speaking, not answering, and pretending not to hear.


    Jian Huan hurriedly put on her clothes, threw off the nket, and shouted at him, "Hey! Shen Jizhi¡ª"


    As the echo faded, she pursed her lips, swallowing the words "Why are you ignoring me?"


    The young man was no longer by the bedside, and the room was empty, leaving her alone.


    There was no wind inside the Fish King, yet the gauze curtains by the window fluttered wildly. Outside, the tall, bamboo-like figure of the ck-d youth shed into the neighboring empty room and soon disappeared.


    On the bed, Jian Huan sat amidst the piled-up nkets.


    Her hair was disheveled, her eyes glistening with moisture, and her cheeks flushed¡ªperhaps from the warmth of the bedding, the glow of the candlelight, or perhaps, for some other reason.


    She patted her rosy cheeks, hopped off the bed, and shuffled back to her room in her slippers.


    Moments after she left, Shen Jizhi returned.


    He stared at the messy bedding, took a deep, deep breath. The faint scent of her lingered in the air.


    He couldn¡¯t sleep all night.


    The sword wound on his back was healing silently, but it felt itchy, as if seeds were buried beneath, ready to sprout.


    Moreover, the warmth and difort seemed to linger where his fingertips had touched.


    Inside the Fish King¡¯s belly, there was no day or night, only perpetual darkness.


    But roughly estimating, they had been here for about two hours. Outside, it was probably dawn.


    Someone knocked on the door. "It¡¯s me."


    Jian Huan, unable to sleep, had gotten up to draw talismans. Hearing the knock, she cleared her throat softly and said, "Come in."


    Shen Jizhi entered as instructed, cutting straight to the point. "Fei Xu¡¯s Xuantian Mirror has some activity."


    "Really?" Jian Huan finished thest stroke of her talisman, quickly set down the brush, and took the Xuantian Mirror to look.


    [Fish Collector: How¡¯s it going? Have all the fish on the ship been caught?]


    Jian Huan looked up at him, and Shen Jizhi nced down. Their eyes met briefly, both with a knowing look.


    Earlier, when they had encountered the Fish King¡¯s belly, they had analyzed the situation.


    The Fish King had merely swallowed them to transport them to a destination. The Fish King could easily kill them, but the mastermind behind this clearly saw the people on the ship as assets and didn¡¯t want to harm them. That¡¯s why the Fish King couldn¡¯t control its strength, which was why Fei Xu and Xu Yang had been sent to infiltrate the ship.


    On one hand, they wanted to see who the Xie family had recruited to catch the demon, so they could be prepared. On the other hand, they wanted to bind the people and render them immobile before reaching their base.


    Indeed, she and Shen Jizhi had guessed correctly.


    "Fish Collector? Tsk, they¡¯re quite creative with their Xuantian Mirror names, making it sound like a spy movie," Jian Huan muttered softly, pondering how to reply.


    Shen Jizhi walked over, confused. "Spy movie?"


    Jian Huan wrote on the smooth surface of the mirror, casually making up an exnation. "Oh, there¡¯s a y called *Spy Movie*. Should I reply?" She held the Xuantian Mirror up for him to see.


    Shen Jizhi leaned over, nced at it, and said, "Go ahead."


    Jian Huan sent the message.


    [Fisherman: There was a bit of an ident, but they¡¯ve all been caught.]


    [Fish Collector: What kind of ident?]


    [Fisherman: The fisherman who was with me is gone.]


    [Fish Collector: Understood. My condolences. You won¡¯t be shortchanged. Get ready. The fishing boat will dock in one hour, and we¡¯lle to collect the fish.]


    [Fisherman: Alright.]


    The conversation ended there. Jian Huan put down the Xuantian Mirror, tilted her head, and looked up.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s face was right in front of her.


    Jian Huan thought it made sense that she had nightmares of him sucking her blood.


    Hisplexion was as pale as a vampire¡¯s. His features were sharp, and his brown eyes gazed at her quietly.


    She could see herself reflected in them.


    Jian Huan¡¯s dark pupils scanned his face, nced down, then looked up again.


    She noticed, unintentionally, that his ck outfit was different from the one he worest night.


    Though both were ck, the embroidery patterns were slightly different.


    In the pitch-ck belly of the Fish King, how did he even have the mood to change clothes?


    Jian Huan was speechless for a moment. She reached out, pressed against his firm shoulder, and pushed him away. "Why are you standing so close to me?"


    "I was looking at the Xuantian Mirror," Shen Jizhi stumbled slightly but steadied himself. "What did you think I was doing?"


    "I don¡¯t care what you were doing," Jian Huan stood up, and the two of them left the room one after the other to find Xie Yuanying. "But be mindful. Don¡¯t you know about the boundaries between men and women?"


    Shen Jizhi abruptly stopped in his tracks.


    He stared at the pink-d girl in front of him, momentarily unsure if he had heard correctly.


    The corners of his lips twitched upward, but by the time Jian Huan turned back with a puzzled look, his expression was back to its usual impassive state.


    Shen Jizhi followed her silently. "How rare. You actually know about the boundaries between men and women."


    Jian Huan detected the sarcasm in his tone and frowned. "What do you mean by that?"


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t borate. "Nothing."


    After a pause, he suddenly added, "That¡¯s good."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Xie Yuanying¡¯s room was at the other end of the ship¡¯s corridor.


    Inside the room, the three of them sat at the table, discussing the matter at hand.


    Jian Huan briefly exined the situation to Xie Yuanying and said, "Brother Xie, we can¡¯t take the goods on your ship, only the people. But if we¡¯re lucky, your family¡¯s goods can still be recoveredter."


    Her and Shen Jizhi¡¯s Mustard Seed Pouches weren¡¯trge enough. After squeezing in all 103 people from the ship, there was barely any space left.


    Xie Yuanying dipped his finger in water and wrote on the table: Yuanying understands the gravity of the situation. You two can rest assured.


    Jian Huan nodded. "That¡¯s good."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of bustling footsteps came from outside. Arge group of people was gathering.


    Xie Yuanying¡¯s new servant opened the door, slipped in, and bowed to the three inside. "Everyone on the ship is here, lined up outside."


    Jian Huan nodded. "Bring the first one in."


    The servant then left.


    She turned to Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi took out a ck y jar and removed the lid.


    Jian Huan, curious, leaned over and peeked inside.


    The jar was filled with hundreds of wriggling, thin ck worms, their bodies intertwined, making a rustling sound.


    Jian Huan gagged and quickly looked away. "These worms look disgusting."


    Shen Jizhi gazed at his worms with affection. "But they cost ten spirit stones each."


    Jian Huan was surprised. "That expensive? Why did you buy so many?"


    Shen Jizhi replied sinctly, "Bulk purchase is cheaper. Buying individually costs thirty each."


    Jian Huan: "¡­" Anyone would think he was running a wholesale business.


    This would use up 103 worms, but thankfully, Xie Yuanying would cover the cost at thirty spirit stones each.


    Outside the room, the 103 people stood in a long line, ncing at each other and whispering.


    "Are we really going to let those worms crawl into us¡­?"


    "If the worms crawl in, can we really wake up after we get out?"


    "But there¡¯s no other way. We¡¯re all in the Fish King¡¯s belly! If we don¡¯t listen to the two immortals inside, we¡¯re as good as dead!"


    "That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s leave it to fate. The young master is with us, so it should be fine."


    "¡­"


    One by one, the people outside entered the room.


    Each time someone came in, Shen Jizhi would send a worm flying toward them. Before they could react, the worm would attach to their face, quickly burrow in, and the person would copse, unconscious.


    Jian Huan would then pick them up and neatly stack them into the Mustard Seed Pouch.


    Everything went smoothly until thest person stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.


    It was the fake Taoist priest, Liu Hu.


    Shen Jizhi flung a worm at Liu Hu¡¯s face, but¡ªthe worm didn¡¯t burrow in.


    The ck worm visibly shuddered, quickly bounced off, and frantically fled in another direction.


    Jian Huan, who was about to retrieve the body, widened her eyes. "!!"


    "What the hell?" she eximed. "What¡¯s going on?"


    Liu Hu himself was also confused. He let out a drunken burp and asked, "Huh? Why did the worm fly away?"


    Shen Jizhi frowned. While swiftly recalling the worm back into the ck y jar, his gaze fell on Liu Hu. His snow-white sword unsheathed, and in a sh, he positioned himself between Jian Huan and Liu Hu, pointing the sword at thetter. His voice was icy. "Who exactly are you?"


    Jian Huan stood behind Shen Jizhi, looking from him to the fake Taoist priest. She poked his back, about to ask, but Shen Jizhi quickly exined in a low voice.


    The worms only worked on people at the Foundation Establishment level or below. For cultivators at the Golden Core stage or higher, this would happen.


    This Taoist is at least at the Golden Core stage of cultivation!


    Liu Hu stared at the sword pressed against his neck and instinctively stepped back, trembling with fear, his beard quivering: "I told you, I¡¯m a Maoshan Taoist! Young man, youngdy, I¡¯ve already given you everything I found on the meat mound, and you promised to lead me out! What¡¯s going on now? You can¡¯t break your word like this¡ªit¡¯s inviting divine retribution!"


    Jian Huan held her waist with one hand, lightly biting her right thumb as she observed the Taoist¡¯s expression.


    Suddenly, a silver sword appeared in her hand, and she shed toward Liu Hu.


    Liu Hu¡¯s words broke off as fear overwhelmed him. His legs gave way, and he copsed to the ground, covering his head, squeezing his eyes shut, and cowering in the corner, utterly defenseless.


    He screamed, "Don¡¯t kill me, don¡¯t kill me! I was wrong, I was wrong! I¡¯m not a Maoshan Taoist! I¡¯m not!!"


    Hearing this, Jian Huan¡¯s sword veered slightly, the de¡¯s wind slicing off a few strands of Liu Hu¡¯s hair: "You won¡¯t confess until you¡¯re faced with death. Speak up, quickly!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Liu Hu shrank back, pursed his lips, and instinctively reached for the wine sk in his robe.


    Jian Huan struck the back of his hand fiercely with her sword, gritting her teeth: "You still want to drink at a time like this? Hurry up and talk, we¡¯re running out of time!"


    She could clearly sense that the Fish King¡¯s speed was slowing, like a ship preparing to dock.


    The living-dead insects were harmful to the human body, so she and Shen Jizhi had timed their use carefully to avoid plunging everyone into a living-dead state too early.


    Liu Hu wailed a few times, huddling pitifully: "I... I¡¯m actually from Ningzhang City. I was drinking at a tavern when I met a fake Taoist who imed to be from Maoshan. Pah! I¡¯ve fooled plenty of people in my time¡ªdid he really think he could deceive me? Later, I got him drunk, and he said he was here to help the Xie family exorcise a demon for five thousand spirit stones. One spirit stone is worth ten taels of silver! That¡¯s fifty thousand taels!!! So I..."


    He paused.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s face was icy: "Continue!"


    These two kids were so fierce. Liu Hu pouted: "So I knocked him out, took his Taoist robe and stuff, and sent him off on a ship heading far away. After that, you know the rest."


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s snow sword twitched slightly.


    He looked at the man with the half-white beard before him, and a sudden suspicion arose in his heart.


    Jian Huan also walked over, tugging at his sleeve and pulling him down.


    Shen Jizhi bent down, following her lead.


    Jian Huan leaned close to his ear, her voice tinged with excitement as she whispered: "Shen Jizhi! Remember what I told you before? Scamming, drinking, and being from Ningzhang City! This fake Taoist fits all three, and the living-dead insects won¡¯t go near him! Could he be... your deceitful master?"


    Sealing his cultivation and memories, living an ordinary life in Ningzhang City, experiencing the world¡¯s myriad ways.


    Every detail matched!


    At a small local ferry dock in Ningzhang City, the riverside was shrouded in morning mist.


    The reeds by the water swayed in the breeze as an early-rising boatman, d in a straw raincoat, rowed his boat into the vast mist, its silhouette flickering in and out of sight.


    The rising sun hung on the horizon, casting shimmering ripples across the river¡¯s surface. Beneath the calm waters, deep in the riverbed, arge fish with a human-like face swam slowly by.


    From the riverbed, it entered an underground waterway. At a certain point, the fish stopped, its seemingly bulky tail moving with surprising agility as it swept the area.


    A sh of spiritual light appeared, and a water gate materialized at the riverbed.


    The fish swam in, and the water gate vanished.


    Aheady a ck abyss, above which was a vast open space littered with abandoned ships in the corners. These were unmistakably the vessels that had met with misfortune on the river in recent months, carrying precious cargo.


    Nearby were stone steps illuminated by torches.


    At that moment, over a dozen ck-d guards ran down the steps.


    The fish aimed its mouth at the open space, its jaws opening and closing as its tail pped the dark abyss, sending water sshing noisily.


    Water sprayed everywhere, and with a loud thud, dust filled the underground chamber as the fish spat out the Xie family¡¯s merchant ship.


    The ck-d guards respectfully knelt and bowed to the fish. After paying their respects, the leader stood up and poured the remains of a demonic beast from a Mustard Seed Pouch into the abyss.


    The fish¡¯s body vanished into the depths of the abyss, the water¡¯s surface churning as it fed.


    The ck-d guards approached the Xie family¡¯s merchant ship.


    The shipy tilted on the open space, eerily silent. Normally, Fei Xu should havee out to greet them by now.


    The leader raised a hand to halt the group and called out, "Fei Xu?"


    No one answered from the ship, only a deathly stillness.

 Chapter 75

    Jian Huan and the other two used invisibility talismans.


    After reaching the Golden Core stage, the invisibility talismans she drew had also advanced,sting up to three hours, with their aura bing even more concealed, blending into the world like a clump of grass, a flower, or a fallen leaf.


    Shen Jizhi carried Liu Hu on his back, with Jian Huan walking ahead of him.


    The two of them quietly and swiftly jumped off the Xie family merchant ship, carefully bypassing the ck pool and the ck-d attendants, and quickly ascended the stone steps.


    Although they strongly suspected that Liu Hu was Shen Jizhi¡¯s master, Gu Shan, Liu Hu currently had no memories and no cultivation.


    Gu Shan was a Nascent Soul stage powerhouse, and neither Jian Huan nor Shen Jizhi could awaken him.


    The priority now was to deal with the immediate situation, safely escape, and take Liu Hu to the Jade rity Sect, where the sect leader could intervene.


    Meanwhile, near the tilted Xie family merchant ship, the leader of the ck-d guards, Yu Jiang, stood not far away.


    His sharp, eagle-like eyes scanned the deck where his subordinates cautiously moved, wary of ambushes, as he surveyed the surroundings with his hands behind his back.


    Suddenly, Yu Jiang¡¯s gaze froze.


    On either side of the stone steps made of gray rock stood stone pirs, with faint torches burning atop them.


    The ck pool was eerily quiet, and there was no wind in the area.


    Yet, the torch near the stone gate flickered slightly, as if¡­ someone had passed by.


    ¡°Invisibility talisman!¡± Yu Jiang spat out the words, immediately leaping into the air. His sword, like a rainbow, shed upward along the stone steps with an unstoppable, murderous intent.


    Jian Huan had already stepped through the stone gate when she sensed the danger behind her. Her instincts screamed, and she dodged to the side, shing down the two guards stationed at the gate.


    Two heads immediately fell to the ground, blood spurting out, their faces still wearing a look of confusion.


    They hadn¡¯t even had time to react.


    Jian Huan leaned against the damp stone wall, her lively eyes scanning the runes on the gate, and she quickly understood.


    It just so happened that these were things taught to talisman practitioners in the Jade rity Sect.


    With a talisman ready in her hand, she anxiously looked at the stone gate and whispered, ¡°Shen Jizhi?¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± Shen Jizhi replied, carrying Liu Hu on his back, a step behind Jian Huan.


    Yu Jiang¡¯s sword intent was directed straight at him, but Yu Jiang¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t particrly high¡ªonly at the third level of the Golden Core stage.


    After reaching the Golden Core stage, Shen Jizhi¡¯s swordsmanship was nearly unmatched among Golden Core cultivators. This was the reward for his five-element spirit root¡¯s bitter beginnings¡ªover a decade of relentless training since the age of six had finally borne sweet fruit.


    Shen Jizhi first threw Liu Hu out of the stone gate, then drew his snow-white sword to block Yu Jiang¡¯s attack. Without countering, he focused on escaping through the stone gate as quickly as possible.


    Liu Hu was thrown to the ground, letting out a pained groan.


    Unlike Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, he hadn¡¯t used spiritual energy, so he remained invisible.


    Jian Huan couldn¡¯t see him but could hear his voice and the dust kicked up around him.


    Seeing Shen Jizhi emerge, Jian Huan sighed in relief and activated the talisman in her hand, cing it on the stone gate.


    The talisman acted like a match, instantly igniting the runic array on the gate. With a loud bang, the stone gate mmed shut.


    Just as thest crack disappeared, Jian Huan saw it¡ª


    Spiritual energy surged inside the gate, and the surface of the ck pool churned violently. The Ghost Fish King, which had been feeding, emerged from the water.


    Groups of ck-d guards jumped off the Xie family merchant ship, joining Yu Jiang as they chased toward the stone gate.


    But it was toote¡ªthe gate was already closed.


    Jian Huan pped her hands, brushing off the dirt, and frowned as she looked at the stone gate.


    It felt familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before, but she couldn¡¯t quite ce it.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s ears twitched, catching the sound of fabric brushing against the ground. He reached out to grab Liu Hu.


    But to his surprise, Liu Hu suddenly rolled to the side, deftly avoiding Shen Jizhi¡¯s grasp, and scrambled to his feet. Without a word, he bolted: ¡°Hahaha, thank you two youngsters for getting me out! But this is far enough. From here on, let¡¯s each take care of ourselves!¡±


    These two had tried to kill him on the ship¡ªhe¡¯d be crazy to stay with them! Who knew if they¡¯d throw him under the bus if things went south!


    Jian Huan snapped out of her thoughts and exchanged a nce with Shen Jizhi. They chased in the direction of Liu Hu¡¯s voice.


    Two Golden Core stage cultivators chasing after Liu Hu¡ªyet they quickly lost him.


    Liu Hu was as slippery as an eel.


    Jian Huan cursed, ¡°He still owes me the spirit stones for the invisibility talisman, and he just ran off like that?!¡±


    Shen Jizhi said expressionlessly, ¡°He¡¯s probably my master.¡±


    Jian Huan blew out a breath, making the strands of hair on her forehead flutter. ¡°So, what now? Do we look for your master or find a way out?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s find a way out,¡± Shen Jizhi said indifferently. ¡°We don¡¯t need to worry about my master.¡±


    If Liu Hu really was his master, he¡¯d be fine. Shen Jizhi could figure out how to find him after they escaped.


    If he wasn¡¯t, then whatever happened to him was his own fault.


    Jian Huan nodded, and the two of them stopped talking, moving forward cautiously.


    It was a long, winding passage that sloped upward, like a mountain road, twisting and turning.


    The sides of the passage were rock walls, and every ten steps, there was a tightly shut stone gate.


    There was no other path.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t rashly enter the stone gates, only continued upward.


    Half an incense stick¡¯s timeter, a loud noise erupted from below the passage, right where the Ghost Fish King had been.


    The sound echoed through the passage, setting off a chain reaction. Many stone gates opened, and groups of ck-d guards rushed out with swords, heading toward the source of the noise. The sound of their footsteps was chaotic and unending.


    ¡°Manager Yu, what¡¯s happening?!¡± a ck-d guard who had hurried over asked, first cupping his fists in salute to Yu Jiang. He was about to say more when he caught sight of the ¡®person¡¯ near Yu Jiang. His words faltered, and he quickly lowered his eyes, kneeling deeply to the ground and saying no more.


    Ghost Fish, a type of demonic beast that lived in rivers and seas, couldn¡¯t leave the water in their true form.


    But they could possess human bodies. The ck-d guard next to Yu Jiang now had a vertical pupil in one eye, fish scales on his cheeks, and an enormous belly that had burst through his uniform, revealing a pale fish belly.


    In its presence, Yu Jiang was extremely respectful: ¡°The city lord is in seclusion, at a critical moment and unable to intervene. Those two are both at the Golden Core stage, and our men are no match for them. We¡¯ll have to trouble you, Your Highness.¡±


    Ningzhang City was a small ce, and the city lord¡¯s mansion didn¡¯t have many Golden Core stage cultivators. Yu Jiang was one, and the deceased Fei Xu was another.


    There were three more Golden Core cultivators¡ªtwo guarding the city lord and one stationed at the mansion, not in the dark hall.


    In the short term, none of them could be dispatched. Even if they were, they might not stand a chance.


    It was fastest to call upon the Ghost Fish King.


    Though Yu Jiang wasn¡¯t eager to disturb it.


    The Ghost Fish King was the city lord¡¯s contracted beast, and like the city lord, it was at the Nascent Soul stage.


    But the Ghost Fish King was hard to control. Every time it was summoned, dozens of men in the dark hall would be lost. Even Yu Jiang¡¯s former master, the previous manager, had ended up in its belly.


    The only one who could restrain the Ghost Fish King was the city lord, who was in seclusion. Even if he weren¡¯t, the city lord wouldn¡¯t care if a few of his subordinates were eaten by his beloved pet.


    The Ghost Fish King¡¯s voice was eerie, unlike a human¡¯s, carrying a chilling undertone: ¡°If I find them, can I eat them?¡±


    Yu Jiang hesitated slightly: ¡°Your Highness, could you leave one alive? We¡¯ll need to interrogate them¡­¡±


    The Ghost Fish King nced at him, its expression grotesque.


    Yu Jiang¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly added, ¡°Just one alive will do. The rest can be Your Highness¡¯s snacks.¡±


    The Ghost Fish King chuckled darkly, then vanished, leaving behind a puddle of ck water where it had stood.


    With the Ghost Fish King gone, the surrounding ck-d guards all breathed a sigh of relief.


    Yu Jiang also exhaled and ordered, ¡°Spread the word¡ªintruders have entered the dark hall. Seal the hall gates, activate the hall¡¯s formation, and ce the entire hall on high alert! Have the guards patrol every corner¡ªdon¡¯t let even a fly slip through!¡±


    Invisibility talismans? Once the hall¡¯s formation was activated, the talismans would fail, and the Ghost Fish King was on the move. He¡¯d like to see how these intruders would hide now!


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯t found an exit.


    This dark hall was like an airtight chamber.


    With the invisibility talismans rendered useless, the passage was now filled with patrolling ck-d guards. Jian Huan used a talisman to open one of the stone gates, and she and Shen Jizhi slipped inside.


    The room beyond the gate was an empty hall. Before they could explore it, they sensed something was wrong.


    Jian Huan frowned, her gaze fixed on the stone gate, instinctively tightening her grip on her sword: ¡°This oppressive aura feels familiar.¡±


    Shen Jizhi said calmly, ¡°It¡¯s the Ghost Fish King.¡±


    The two exchanged a nce.


    Jian Huan decided to sit on the ground, her palms pressed against the floor. She closed her eyes, unwilling to give up. "I''ll try my teleportation array again," she said.


    This ce must be underground, and there must be vegetation above.


    As long as she could sense the life force of the nts, Jian Huan could teleport there and escape the danger.


    Shen Jizhi nodded, standing guard beside her.


    He used a cleansing spell to remove the bloodstains from his snow-white sword.


    Behind his mask, his face was slightly pale. Under the pressure of the Nascent Soul stage, the golden core within him began to stir.


    Especially the five-colored stone, which was gently pulsating within the golden core, as if urging him to open it.


    It seemed that if he could break the seal ced by his master, he would gain limitless power...


    "I can feel it!" Jian Huan looked up, her eyes reflecting the dazzling starlight. "I can sense the presence of nts. The teleportation array might work!"


    Her excited tone snapped Shen Jizhi out of his thoughts, and he suppressed the disturbance in his golden core. "Then give it a try," he said.


    "Alright." Jian Huan nced at the stone door. Just moments ago, she had also sensed the foul stench of fish¡ªthe Ghost Fish King was approaching. They didn¡¯t have much time left.


    Jian Huan stood up, her fingers moving into position. With one hand, she began drawing the runes, while the other reached out to Shen Jizhi. "Hurry!"


    Shen Jizhi looked at the hand extended toward him. Without hesitation, he reached out and ced his hand in hers, their fingers intertwining.


    As the final rune waspleted, the teleportation array activated. Jian Huan pulled Shen Jizhi into it.


    A whirlwind of colorful lights swirled in the chaotic space. Not long after, with a loud *bang* and a sh of golden light, the two of them tumbled downward,nding in a patch of red and yellow spider lilies.


    The ck mask on Shen Jizhi¡¯s face fell off during the violent turbulence of the teleportation,nding some distance away with a soft tter.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Before Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi could react, they heard a startled cry, "Who are you?!"


    "Tao Hong, what¡¯s going on?" A gentle voice sounded nearby, apanied by footsteps. A woman in a sapphire-blue dress, holding a jade fan, walked along the cobblestone path.


    The maid in peach-colored robes, Tao Hong, warily eyed the unfamiliar man and woman in the flower bed, shielding the approaching woman behind her. "Madam, be careful! I was watering the flowers when these two suddenly fell from above! Liu Lu, Liu Lu¡ª" Tao Hong called out loudly, "Liu Lu, go call for help! There are intruders here..."


    The woman frowned slightly and gently pushed her maid aside. She took a few steps toward the flower bed, leaning forward slightly to get a better look at the neers.


    There, in the midst of the flowers,y a young man in ck, with a girl in pale pink robes sprawled on top of him.


    The girl¡¯s back was turned, so the woman couldn¡¯t see her face.


    But the young man¡¯s face was clearly visible.


    The woman stared at his face, her pupils dting in shock. Her jade fan slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. She could hardly believe her eyes. "Shen... Shen Jizhi?"


    But... wasn¡¯t Shen Jizhi supposed to be dead?

 Chapter 76

    "Brother Shen?"


    Jian Huan climbed off Shen Jizhi and crouched beside him, her left hand tugging at the corner of his sleeve while her right hand hid behind the fabric, the movements of a talisman sword technique swirling at her fingertips.


    The two were close, both on high alert.


    Jian Huan looked up at the woman in the sapphire-blue dress, her face gentle and warm. Sensing that the woman was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Jian Huan whispered to Shen Jizhi, "Do you know this sister?"


    Shen Jizhi furrowed his brows, his thin lips pressed together, offering no response.


    He felt a faint sense of familiarity with this person, as if he had seen her before, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t recall. A memory seemed to linger in his mind, shrouded in a misty veil, preventing him from grasping it.


    Shen Jizhi had a photographic memory, even recalling events from his childhood with rity. This situation was unusual.


    As Jian Huan moved away, the boy¡¯s face became clearer, and Mei Yi was momentarily stunned, snapping back to reality.


    The boy¡¯s features resembled Brother Shen, but his amber ss-like eyes were a reflection of Sister Heng.


    He wasn¡¯t Brother Shen. That little child from back then had grown up so much.


    Tao Hong, hearing her mistress¡¯s mention of "Brother Shen," was equally surprised.


    Over there, a maid in a jade-green dress with twin buns ran out of the courtyard, anxiously asking, "Tao Hong, what¡¯s wrong? Are there thieves?!"


    She nced into the distance and indeed saw two strangers in the garden. Lifting her skirt, she was about to run off to call for help.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi almost simultaneously prepared to strike at the maid.


    Hearing themotion, Mei Yi quickly called out, "Liu Lu,e back! Don¡¯t call anyone!"


    Jian Huan paused her talisman sword, ncing at the nobledy and then at Shen Jizhi. "You really do know her? Who is she?"


    "I don¡¯t know her," Shen Jizhi shook his head, pondering slightly, "but she feels familiar."


    "But she knows you," Jian Huan excitedly shook his arm, her big eyes sparkling as she whispered mischievously, "And I¡¯m certain there¡¯s a hint of affection in her gaze when she looks at you. She might be able to help us avoid trouble. Maybe you should try to charm her?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Without waiting for Shen Jizhi¡¯s response, Jian Huan let go of his hand.


    She sensed that the woman had already decided to help them. She stood up, brushing off the pollen from her dress, and sweetly said, "Sisters..."


    Mei Yi, having calmed down, sniffed the air and caught a faint fishy scent. She quickly interjected, "This is not a safe ce. You carry the scent of the Ghost Fish King, and it can track you through it."


    Mei Yi picked up a jade fan that had fallen on the ground and waved it at Tao Hong.


    Tao Hong hurried over, and Mei Yi instructed, "Go prepare the bathing items, use the other shore flower dew I made a few days ago. And this ce¡ª" She pointed with her white orchid-painted fan, "Sprinkle some flower dew to mask the scent."


    Tao Hong nced at Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, nodded, and ran off, halfway grabbing Liu Lu, who wasing over, and the two went to prepare the items.


    Mei Yi smiled at Jian Huan, gently lifting her skirt and pointing the jade fan forward, saying softly, "Follow me."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce and quickly followed, looking around as they walked.


    They were still in the underground pce, not yet outside.


    The "sky" above looked like the real thing, but upon closer inspection, it was a glowing jade stone. The light resembled sunlight butcked its warmth and vitality, feeling cold and rigid.


    The surroundings were high, damp rock walls covered in moss. But the garden was filled with various flowers: red and yellow other shore flowers, clusters of roses, and a pond of water lilies.


    Ahead, green bamboo swayed, and the pavilions and terraces typical of Jiangnan were partially hidden, exuding an elegant and artistic vibe.


    This ce seemed like a secluded paradise built within the underground pce, a haven for the owner¡¯s beloved pets.


    Jian Huan was deep in thought, her ck-and-white eyes reflecting the woman leading the way.


    The woman had a graceful figure, asionally ncing back at them, her profile soft and gentle, exuding aforting and pitiable charm.


    Expecting Shen Jizhi to speak was futile. Jian Huan blinked her big eyes, putting on an innocent and naive expression, and tentatively asked, "Sister, do you also know Brother Shen?"


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi¡¯s amber eyes flicked toward her.


    Mei Yi lightly held the jade fan, covering her chin slightly. Her misty eyes shed with memories, and after a moment of hesitation, she turned to Jian Huan, "I saw him once when he was a child."


    She paused, her gaze falling on the boy. Through Shen Jizhi¡¯s face, she seemed to see the years from over a decade ago, her tone tinged with nostalgia, "I remember, your name is Jizhi? I knew your parents."


    Shen Jizhi suddenly looked up, "What?"


    "I was a close friend of your parents," Mei Yi said, but just as Tao Hong returned to report that the bath was ready, she stopped and urged, "Go quickly, they¡¯ll be searching here soon."


    ording to the maid, this was the Plum Courtyard in the Hidden Pce.


    The woman was the mistress of the Plum Courtyard, Mei Yi. She was a concubine hidden here by the city lord.


    The bathhouse in the Plum Courtyard was a separate building, hidden among the bamboo grove.


    The green gauze curtains by the carved window were drawn, asionally fluttering to reveal the lush bamboo outside.


    The bathhouse was divided by two screens, leaving a narrow path in between. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi each soaked in a bathtub filled with fragrant flower nectar, one on each side of the screen.


    The side with Shen Jizhi was unusually quiet. He submerged his chin in the water, his eyes fixed on the luxurious phoenix pattern on the screen, listening to the conversation on the other side.


    When Jian Huan spoke to someone with a request, her voice would soften, sweet and sticky.


    "The city lord?" Jian Huan repeated in surprise, her big eyes blinking, "Sister Tao Hong, are you sure this Hidden Pce is really the city lord¡¯s doing?"


    Though she had suspected it beforehand, some things needed evidence to support them.


    Jian Huan hade to Ningzhang City to take on two Xuanwu missions. The other ten-star Xuanwu mission was to investigate whether the city lord of Ningzhang City was involved in anything suspicious.


    Tao Hong held a gildeddle, scooping water and pouring it over Jian Huan¡¯s fair and smooth back, nodding as she did so, "Yes, the master of the Hidden Pce is the city lord."


    Jian Huan was puzzled, "Then you just told me so easily?"


    Shouldn¡¯t she have tried to hide it a bit? The information was given too readily, wasn¡¯t it?


    Tao Hong was taken aback, then smiled, but the smile quickly faded, reced by bitterness, "Everyone in the Hidden Pce knows about the city lord¡¯s affairs, there¡¯s no need to hide it. Miss Jian, the Hidden Pce is a ce where you can enter but never leave. No one can escape from here, and even in death, we must die here. Knowing this changes nothing. Even Madam is the same..."


    "The city lord treats our Madam well. The entire Hidden Pce, only Madam¡¯s Plum Courtyard has flowers and nts, lit by sky stones to mimic daylight. No other ce has this," Tao Hong put down thedle, her voice muffled, "But Madam can¡¯t leave either."


    Jian Huan was deep in thought, her hands gently stirring the water in the bathtub, creating ripples, "Then, what family is your Madam from? How did she end up in this Hidden Pce?"


    Beforeing, Jian Huan had inquired about the city lord¡¯s residence in Ningzhang City. The city lord¡¯s harem did have concubines.


    Tao Hong shook her head, not hiding anything, as her Madam had instructed her to be truthful, "I don¡¯t know. Before I was assigned to serve Madam, she was already here." She paused, then added, "The Hidden Pce is built underground, connected to the river. It¡¯s perpetually damp, with no sunlight, and there¡¯s that... fishy smell. Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t survive here for more than a few years before falling ill..."


    Before she came, Madam¡¯s personal maid had died of illness.


    Tao Hong wasn¡¯t sure how many more years she could survive here. But no matter what, she would serve Madam well. If it weren¡¯t for Madam choosing her, her fate would have been worse. The maids who came to the Hidden Pce either served in the Plum Courtyard or... served the guards.


    Jian Huan felt a heaviness in her heart. She gritted her teeth, temporarily pushing the weight aside, and continued to ask.


    ording to Tao Hong, she had been sold by her parents to traffickers, who then sold her to the Hidden Pce. Some people were already in the Hidden Pce, with no memory of their lives before entering.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes flickered, deep in thought.


    The missing ships and people, people being fed memory-loss pills to serve in the Hidden Pce, to hijack more ships and people? Or was there a deeper conspiracy at y?


    With a creak, Liu Lu pushed the door open, apanied by a man and a woman. Pale light spilled in, interrupting Jian Huan''s thoughts.


    Through the screen, she caught a glimpse of figures whose silhouettes resembled hers and Shen Jizhi''s.


    The man paused behind the screen. Of course, he couldn¡¯t approach Jian Huan¡¯s side, and Shen Jizhi¡¯s area was strictly off-limits to anyone¡ªno maids, no boys.


    Liu Lu walked around the screen and gave Jian Huan a slight bow. "Miss Jian, this is Ying Ti. She¡¯s the one in the courtyard who resembles you the most. Madam has instructed that we disguise you as Ying Ti so you can move freely within the hall. For the time being, Ying Ti will remain hidden in the room."


    Jian Huan nced at the maid in soft yellow standing behind Liu Lu, her mind racing.


    This Mei Yi was no simple figure. In such a short time, she had arranged everything seamlessly, and she even knew Shen Jizhi¡¯s parents.


    So, who exactly was Mei Yi? Why had the city lord confined her here?


    Liu Lu held a tray of cosmetics, and Tao Hong nced at the incense burner nearby. The incense had burned out. Hurriedly, she said, "Miss Jian¡ª" She raised her voice, "Young Master Shen, it¡¯s time. Liu Lu is skilled in the art of disguise and can help both of you with your appearance."


    Jian Huan rose from the bathtub as instructed, took the soft yellow dress identical to Ying Ti¡¯s from Tao Hong, and changed into it. Then she sat down at the dressing table.


    She had barely settled when someone rushed in, their voice urgent. "Sister Tao Hong, trouble! Manager Yu is heading this way with his men. There¡¯s no time¡ªMadam wants you to take those two and hide in the backyard!"


    Twenty paces from Mei Manor, the Ghost Fish King came to a halt.


    Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth, and his jaws clicked as if he were chewing something.


    Yu Jiang stood beside the Ghost Fish King, his head lowered, not daring to utter a word.


    The Ghost Fish King pointed a fin-like hand toward Mei Manor, his voice chilling. "The two you¡¯re looking for¡ªthey stopped there."


    The area was protected by a barrier set up by the city lord specifically to prevent the Ghost Fish King from entering Mei Manor in his absence.


    In the entire Dark Hall, only Mei Manor had such a barrier.


    Yu Jiang waved his hand, and a group of ck-d guards moved in an orderly formation toward Mei Manor, their presence imposing.


    Tao Hong and Liu Lu heard themotion and ran out, blocking the entrance.


    Tao Hong ced her hands on her hips and shouted angrily, "Manager Yu, what do you think you¡¯re doing? This is Mei Manor! How dare you barge in!"


    Yu Jiang raised his hand, revealing a Dark Hall token. His sharp eyes fell on Tao Hong¡¯s face, treating her as if she were nothing more than a dying insect. He coldly spat out three words, "Search the ce!"


    The ck-d guards streamed in from behind him, entering Mei Manor.


    Tao Hong and Liu Lu tried to stop them, but Yu Jiang raised his hand, using spiritual energy to bind the two maids and toss them aside.


    He strode in.


    ...


    The backyard was where the servants lived.


    Ying Ti led Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi back to her room, opened the wardrobe, and shoved the two inside.


    The wardrobe was cramped and dim, with clothes hanging down. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were very close to each other.


    With a thud, the door was closed, and the maid¡¯s footsteps gradually faded away until they could no longer be heard.


    Jian Huan looked around and said to him, "Hiding here isn¡¯t very safe. Let me try a spatial array."


    Shen Jizhi replied, "Alright."


    ...


    Yu Jiang ordered the ck-d guards to search the courtyard. He pulled someone aside and asked, "Where¡¯s Madam Mei?"


    The person replied, "Madam is bathing."


    Yu Jiang frowned. "Bathing?"


    He looked up at the celestial stone in the sky, which bore special runes mimicking the cycle of day and night outside.


    The people of Mei Manor followed the celestial stone, living by the rhythm of sunrise and sunset.


    It was daytime now. Why would Madam Mei be bathing?


    Something was definitely amiss!


    Without hesitation, Yu Jiang personally led a small team straight to the bathhouse.


    He had always disapproved of the city lord¡¯s favoritism toward Mei Yi. In his eyes, Mei Yi¡¯s heart was never truly with the Dark Hall or the city lord.


    Given the chance, Mei Yi would undoubtedly do something to harm the Dark Hall or the city lord!


    The bathhouse was surrounded by lush bamboo groves, its curtains fluttering gently. The sound of flowing water could be heard from inside.


    Yu Jiang stopped on the stone path in front of the door and spoke in a formal tone, "Madam, before the city lord went into seclusion, he entrusted all matters of the Dark Hall to me. Intruders have entered the Dark Hall and may have infiltrated Mei Manor. I request your permission to allow my men to search the premises!"


    Mei Yi raised a hand, her skin as white as jade, droplets of water gliding down.


    It had been ten years. Finally, someone had breached the Dark Hall¡ªand coincidentally, it was the child of an old acquaintance.


    She gazed at the water droplets, a soft, serene smile spreading across her face. Her voice was gentle and melodious as she said, "The bathhouse is quite small, Manager Yu. Do you truly suspect I¡¯m harboring intruders?"


    Yu Jiang replied, "I wouldn¡¯t dare. I¡¯m only concerned that the intruders might be hiding in the shadows, posing a threat to your safety. My sole concern is your well-being."


    Mei Yi lowered her hand. "In that case, feel free to search."


    With Mei Yi¡¯s permission, Yu Jiang nodded to the matron beside him.


    The matron entered the bathhouse and conducted a thorough search, even walking up to Mei Yi¡¯s bathtub and peering inside.


    Mei Yi chuckled softly and shook her head with a sigh.


    After the search, the matron respectfully exited and shook her head at Yu Jiang.


    ...


    Inside the wardrobe, the space remained small, but the hanging clothes had disappeared, reced by a brightness as clear as daylight.


    Shen Jizhi held a hand mirror adorned with a few agates, its handle carved with intricate patterns and a white tassel tied at the bottom.


    Jian Huan sat cross-legged in front of the mirror, recalling Ying Ti¡¯s appearance as she applied her makeup.


    She had a background in painting, and in her modern life, she had uploaded makeup tutorials to various tforms to earn extra ie. She was skilled at creating looks.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes were perfectly shaped¡ªneither too round norcking in liveliness.


    She used a brush to elongate her eyeliner, making her eyes appear slightly narrower.


    Shen Jizhi watched her quietly, then suddenly said, "You look better without makeup." He paused, his cool tone masking a hint of awkwardness.


    Jian Huan¡¯s brush paused for a moment. She nced at him, a yful smile tugging at her lips. "Of course! I¡¯m naturally beautiful. Shen Jizhi, you¡¯re full of ws, but at least you¡¯re honest. Not bad, not bad."


    Shen Jizhi raised an eyebrow. "Full of ws?"


    Jian Huan nodded, her voice brimming with amusement. "Yep. You ignore questions you don¡¯t want to answer, often ignore people, and when you do talk, your words are sharp. Oh, and your financial luck isn¡¯t great either¡­"


    Shen Jizhi interrupted, slightly incredulous. "Bad financial luck counts as a w?"


    Jian Huan shot him a sidelong nce. "Of course. Bad financial luck is the biggest w of all."


    Shen Jizhi: "¡­"


    He let out a dryugh, about to retort, but then remembered herment about his "sharp tongue" and swallowed his words, conceding, "Alright, you¡¯re right."


    Jian Huan: "¡­"


    She pointed the other end of the brush at him. "See? You¡¯re still so good at getting under people¡¯s skin!"


    Shen Jizhi: "??"


    What had he said wrong? Was agreeing with her not enough?


    ...


    Yu Jiang left the bathhouse and stood at the entrance of Mei Manor, listening to the reports from the ck-d guards. Each one said they had found no suspicious individuals.


    His face darkened like a storm cloud. "Search again. Leave no corner unchecked¡ªlook under the beds and inside the wardrobes!"


    The ck-d guards obeyed. Three of them entered the servants¡¯ quarters, searching room by room until they reached Ying Ti¡¯s room.


    One of them kicked the door open, and the three entered.


    One searched the bed, another the table, and the third the wardrobe.


    The wardrobe was yanked open, and the guard thrust his sword into the pile of clothes, finding nothing unusual.


    The other two guards also found nothing, and the three left together, leaving behind a mess and the half-open wardrobe.


    Inside the wardrobe, in a space invisible to others, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi sat facing each other,pletely ignoring theings and goings of the ck-d guards.


    The space was one Jian Huan had created based on Qi Wan¡¯s array from her time in Yuxian City.


    However, since she was only at the Golden Core stage, the space she could create was this small. But as long as the Ghost Fish King couldn¡¯t enter Mei Manor, no one would discover it.


    Jian Huan had finished her makeup and was admiring herself in the hand mirror, turning her head left and right, clearly pleased.


    Shen Jizhi waited for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Aren¡¯t you going to do my makeup?"


    Jian Huan was surprised. "Why should I? When we go out, you can have Liu Lu do it for you."


    Shen Jizhi remained silent for a moment before coldly refusing, ¡°No, I don¡¯t like being touched.¡±


    Jian Huan responded matter-of-factly, ¡°But I¡¯m a person too.¡±


    Shen Jizhi simply said, ¡°Oh. To me, you don¡¯t count as a person.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡­?¡±


    Jian Huan put down the mirror, about to retort, when five spirit stones were suddenly ced in front of her.


    She silently nced at him, epted the spirit stones, and swallowed her words.


    Money made everything easier.


    Jian Huan had seen the musician before, and thanks to her sharp memory at the Golden Core stage, the musician¡¯s appearance remained vivid in her mind.


    She took a box of eyebrow pigment from the dressing table, nning to darken his fairplexion first.


    Without proper makeup tools at hand, she decided to use her fingers.


    Before her fingertip touched the pigment, Shen Jizhi warned, ¡°Use a cleansing spell to wash your hands first.¡±


    Jian Huan replied, ¡°I already washed them.¡±


    Shen Jizhi insisted, ¡°You touched the lid of the pigment box.¡±


    Jian Huan gritted her teeth, ¡°Are your demands a bit excessive?¡±


    Shen Jizhi remained calm, ¡°I paid for it.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fine, the one who pays is the boss.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t argue further. She followed his instructions, used the cleansing spell to wash her hands again, and held them out to him, ¡°Is this okay now? Are they clean enough, Young Master Shen?¡±


    Shen Jizhi silently nodded in approval.


    Jian Huan dipped her finger into the pigment and raised her hand, starting with his forehead.


    The moment she touched him, it felt like brushing against a crescent moon¡ªcool and smooth.


    The young man obediently lowered his head, entrusting his face to her hands.


    His amber-colored eyes, like polished ss, remained fixed on her face, as if filled with the brilliance of stars, shining brightly.


    When Jian Huan met his gaze, she hadn¡¯t even processed it before her eyes betrayed her, fluttering downward in panic andnding on the young man¡¯s new clothes.


    The man who resembled Shen Jizhi in stature was a musician, tasked with entertaining the city lord and Mei Yi with his music.


    The musician wore white robes.


    From afar, they seemed as soft as clouds, but at this close distance, Jian Huan could see the intricate cloud patterns embroidered on the cor.


    The room was quiet. Jian Huan focused on her task, averting her gaze from his face and continuing to apply the pigment.


    But Shen Jizhi was still watching her.


    She didn¡¯t like his gaze¡ªit made her feel inexplicably¡­ shy.


    Jian Huan pursed her lips, ¡°Can¡¯t you close your eyes?¡±


    Shen Jizhi shook his head lightly, ¡°No.¡±


    Jian Huan argued, ¡°But if you don¡¯t close your eyes, how can I do this properly?¡±


    Shen Jizhi pointed out the obvious, ¡°You didn¡¯t close your eyes when you did it for yourself.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s different. Just close your eyes!¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked at her, and after a brief standoff, he quietly closed his eyes, his longshes casting delicate shadows.


    Jian Huan let out a sigh of relief and continued applying the makeup.


    Her fingertip, coated with pigment, brushed over his brows and nose.


    With his eyes closed, Shen Jizhi¡¯s other senses became heightened.


    The girl¡¯s warm fingertips lingered on his face, sending ripples of sensation through him.


    They were so close that he could catch the faint sweetness of floral fragrance mixed with a hint of lingering moisture.


    They had both just finished bathing.


    The young man¡¯s breathing grew slightly heavier, hisshes trembling faintly.


    Suddenly, he shifted his posture, bending one leg and adjusting his robe. As if ufortable with the new position, he casually tugged at his cor.


    Jian Huan froze, her thickshes fluttering like a butterfly perched on a flower.


    He¡­ had messed up his robe, leaving the cor slightly open and revealing a slender, porcin-like neck.


    When he spoke, his well-defined Adam¡¯s apple moved with his words.


    The air carried the cool, refreshing scent of a young man, mingled with the same floral fragrance that lingered on her, now more intense.


    The sound of her heartbeat pounded in her ears, loud and clear. Jian Huan lowered her gaze, staring at her pale yellow robes, her breathing slightly uneven, ¡°¡­¡­Stop moving. It¡¯s almost done.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s voice was low, his usually cool tone inexplicably alluring, ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t move.¡±

 Chapter 77

    The musician had faint brown patches on both cheeks. Jian Huan picked up an eyebrow pencil and began to trace and blend the colors on Shen Jizhi''s face.


    He leaned slightly forward, amodating her movements, his eyes gently closed, his expression calm.


    It was like a quiet stream hidden in a valley, illuminated by the bright moon in the deep of night.


    Yet, his breathing was hot, and the hand supporting him on the ground showed the tense lines of masculine strength.


    Time stretched unbearably long, each second dragging on.


    She was right in front of him, and Shen Jizhi struggled to restrain himself, holding back with great effort.


    After a moment, he exhaled softly, slowly opening his eyes and letting his gaze fall on Jian Huan.


    Suddenly, Shen Jizhi''s brows moved slightly.


    He quietly observed Jian Huan''s small earlobe, which was now a vivid, deep red.


    He then turned his attention to her expression. Her eyes were fixed on his cheek, seemingly focused on her drawing, but upon closer inspection, her gaze was stiff, locked onto that one spot, avoiding everything else.


    It seemed she was desperately trying to avoid something.


    Shen Jizhi nced thoughtfully at his slightly open cor.


    So, it was working after all.


    He raised his eyes and suddenly called out, "Jian Huan."


    Caught off guard, Jian Huan jumped slightly at the sound of her name.


    Flustered, she tried to sound stern, "What is it? Why are you startling me like that? You almost made me mess up the line!"


    Shen Jizhi tilted his chin slightly, pointing out, "Your ears are red."


    Jian Huan, still holding the brush, quickly covered her left ear with her free hand, denying it without hesitation, "They''re not red! You''re seeing things. Your eyes must be bad..."


    Her words trailed off as she watched Shen Jizhi raise his hand, his slender index finger brushing aside a strand of hair by her right ear, his middle finger slightly bent, the back of it lightly touching her earlobe.


    His hand was cool, the back of his finger slightly rough, like a drop of water sshing into oil.


    Jian Huan''s heartbeat quickened, her right ear burning instantly.


    Like a dragonfly skimming the water, Shen Jizhi touched her earlobe briefly before withdrawing, saying softly, "My eyesight is quite good right now. I didn''t mistake it."


    Jian Huan pressed her lips together, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she remained silent.


    Shen Jizhi added slowly, "Your face is red too."


    "..." Jian Huan put down the brush, her embarrassment turning to anger, "Didn''t I tell you to keep your eyes closed? Who said you could open them?!"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, then obediently closed his eyes again, saying matter-of-factly, "Oh, sorry. My eyes opened on their own."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    Jian Huan felt a lump of frustration rise in her throat.


    She pressed her lips together, a mix of anger and annoyance, gripping the brush tighter and poking his cheek with more force, leaving a faint red mark.


    Shen Jizhi didn''t react much to her petty retaliation, letting her have her way.


    After a moment of silence, Shen Jizhi opened his eyes again.


    This time, Jian Huan was sharp. As soon as his eyes opened, her gaze snapped to him, her voice low and using, "Did your eyes open on their own again? If they''re so unreliable, maybe we should just gouge them out?"


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes once more.


    But after a while, he opened them again and asked, "Why are you blushing?"


    ...Jian Huan was thoroughly enraged.


    She threw the brush aside, stood up, now taller than the leaning Shen Jizhi, and pushed him against the wall, "Shen Jizhi!"


    Shen Jizhi fell back easily, leaning against the wall, his head tilted up, his hands raised defensively between them, "What are you doing? I paid for this, five spirit stones..."


    "I don''t care if you paid or not, but I really don''t like your eyes right now!"


    Jian Huan interrupted him, roughly undoing the hair tie from his bun and using it to blindfold him.


    Throughout the process, Shen Jizhi half-heartedly resisted, but in the end, he reached up to remove the blindfold.


    "If you want me to keep painting, don''t take it off," Jian Huan sat back down, fanning herself with her hand, feeling an inexplicable heat, "If you take it off, I won''t paint anymore, and I won''t refund your five spirit stones. Go find Tao Hong or Liu Lu instead!"


    Shen Jizhi''s hand paused slightly, "Is this how you treat your customers?"


    Jian Huan snorted, "Don''t forget, I''m also your creditor."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    The sky in Mei Yi''s courtyard had darkened, dotted with faint glows like stars in the Milky Way, yet not quite the same.


    After being called out by Ying Ti, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi didn''t wander around.


    She stayed in the room, observing Ying Ti''s bodynguage and listening to how she spoke, so she could impersonate Ying Ti and move around the dark pce to find a way out.


    Shen Jizhi did the same, going to the musician''s quarters.


    The servant quarters in the courtyard were shared by two people, but Ying Ti''s room only had her, leaving an extra bed.


    The candlelight flickered in the room as Jian Huan sat at the table, drawing talismans.


    Ying Ti took off her outer robe, hung it up, and sat at the simple dressing table to remove her hair ornaments, "I take care of the flowers and nts in the courtyard. The madam loves flowers, so every three days, I go to the dark pce to get seeds from Dark Matron. If there are fresh fruits or pastries, I bring those back too."


    Jian Huan finished drawing a talisman and looked up, "Dark Matron?"


    "Yes, Dark Matron," Ying Ti repeated softly, instinctively ncing out the window before lowering her voice, "In the dark pce, only Manager Yu and Dark Matron are in charge, but Dark Matron still answers to Manager Yu. The pce''s storeroom, all supplies, including food ingredients, are managed by Dark Matron."


    Jian Huan perked up, "So Dark Matron can leave the dark pce?"


    If seeds and fruits were brought into the dark pce, someone had to purchase them, right? If Dark Matron could leave, maybe they could follow her and find the exit?


    Ying Ti shook her head, "No. In the dark pce, only the city lord and the prince cane and go. Even Manager Yu can''t leave. All the supplies are brought in by the prince."


    The prince was the ghost fish king.


    Jian Huan: "I see..."


    So it was still a tough situation.


    Ying Ti let her hair down, letting it cascade over her shoulders.


    She stood up from the dressing table and walked over to Jian Huan, watching her for a moment before suddenly calling out, "Miss Jian Huan."


    Jian Huan looked at her, "Hmm? What is it?"


    Ying Ti''s eyes were filled with hope, shining brightly, "The madam alwaysforts us, saying that if one day someone from the outside manages to break in, they might be able to take us out. Miss Jian Huan, can you find the exit and take us with you?"


    Jian Huan''s hand holding the brush paused. She reached out and ced a hand on Ying Ti''s shoulder, smiling with her eyes crinkling and her white teeth showing, promising softly, "I''ll do my best."


    Her house was still outside. She had only spent one night in it after finishing the construction before rushing to Ningzhang City. She hadn''t even had enough time to sleep in her bed. How could she stay trapped here forever?


    The two chatted a bit more about random things until Ying Ti grew tired, yawning as she climbed into bed and quickly fell into a steady sleep.


    Jian Huan continued drawing talismans.


    She drew at least ten every day. Whether they were used in emergencies or sold, they were valuable. Now that she was at the Golden Core stage, each talisman was worth five hundred spirit stones. Ten talismans meant five thousand spirit stones.


    She put the finished talismans away and, after a moment of thought, took out a brush and paper to start calcting her finances.


    Normally, after drawing talismans, she should meditate and cultivate. But tonight, she couldn''t calm her mind, so doing calctions helped her focus.


    Adding everything up, Jian Huan currently had one hundred sixty-seven thousand eight hundred thirty-seven spirit stones, and fruit worth at least one hundred thousand spirit stones, a piece ofnd, two houses, some ghost fish remains, and fifteen thousand spirit stones about to be exchanged from her sect.


    She also had Shen Jizhi''s outstanding debt of one hundred two thousand five hundred spirit stones.


    Shen Jizhi.


    Jian Huan bit her lip absentmindedly, her brush shifting to calcte his finances as well.


    He currently had three thousand spirit stones, five thousand spirit stones yet to be exchanged from the sect, and if the ghost fish king died and the Xie family mission waspleted, he could exchange seven thousand two hundred spirit stones at the Immortal Storage Tower (listed at eight thousand, but the tower took eight hundred). There was also the five thousand spirit stones he swindled from Fei Xu.


    The ghost fish remains could be sold for a little over one thousand spirit stones, so after leaving this ce, he would have...


    Twenty-one thousand two hundred spirit stones!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    That meant he could soon repay his debt to her! The mission in Ningzhang City didn''t pay well; they had onlye to find his master.


    After returning, she would take him on a big mission, clearing the debt in one go! How wonderful!


    But what after he repaid the debt?


    ording to Jian Huan''s previous thoughts, once the debt was settled, the marriage contract would be nullified, and they would go their separate ways, bing neighbors who might not see each other more than a few times a year.


    But now¡ª


    Her brush circled thest ''0'' over and over, the ink so heavy it nearly tore the paper.


    Jian Huan suddenly put the brush down, staring at the dark blot, her thoughts in disarray.


    The scene that had lingered in her mind all night reappeared vividly before her eyes.


    A young man in white leaned against the corner of a wall, one leg slightly bent, the other stretched out straight. His cor was half-open, his posture rxed and casual.


    A white hair ribbon tied around his eyes, fastened into a bow by Jian Huan, its ends fluttering slightly in the air.


    He tilted his head back, quiet and expressionless, letting Jian Huan apply makeup to his face.


    Even though his eyes were already covered, Jian Huan¡¯s hands trembled several times throughout the process.


    Jian Huan rubbed her arm, nced out the window, looked at the sleeping Ying Ti, then down at her own savings, and finally at the fortune Shen Jizhi was about to acquire.


    Suddenly, she remembered what Shen Jizhi had said before their seclusion: once he paid off his debts, he would marry a wife and ensure she lived a life of luxury.


    Jian Huan puffed out her cheeks, feeling inexplicably annoyed.


    During their poorest days, they had shared fasting pills, split rent, and shared rides. Now, she hade all the way to Ningzhang City to prevent Shen Jizhi from falling into demonic ways and suffering the same fate as in the original story, hoping to pull him back at a critical moment.


    But now, he would soon be rich, no longer at risk of bing a demon, and someone else would reap the benefits.


    Just thinking about it...


    Jian Huan blinked, tilting her head as she pondered, finallynding on the perfect word to describe it.


    It just felt... unfair.


    In another courtyard, Shen Jizhi watched a musician y the qin.


    He could y as well, but each musician had their own unique style and interpretation.


    Though the people in the hidden pce might not notice the difference, Shen Jizhi wanted to match the musician¡¯s technique as closely as possible to avoid any mishaps.


    Halfway through the performance, someone entered the courtyard. Shen Jizhi turned to look.


    The door creaked open, and the maid Tao Hong stepped aside, bowing slightly to reveal Mei Yi, draped in a white cloak.


    Mei Yi stepped inside, removing the hood of her cloak.


    She nced at the musician seated at the qin, who stood up, bowed to the two of them, and then left the room.


    Tao Hong closed the door and stood guard outside.


    Shen Jizhi walked to the window, leaning against the sill.


    The candlelight inside cast his tall shadow onto the closed curtains behind him. He lowered his head, pulling out a small piece of wood to carve a talisman brush, showing no intention of speaking.


    The room fell into silence, an awkward tension hanging in the air.


    Mei Yi, who had expected him to speak first: "..."


    She had mentioned knowing his parents, and by all ounts, she should be considered an elder. Shouldn¡¯t he at least greet her with a bow?


    During the day, she had noticed that while Shen Jizhi wasn¡¯t particrly outgoing, he had seemed quite gentle. Why was he so cold now?


    It was like the surface of a frozenke in winter, so thick that no crack could be made.


    Mei Yi observed him for a moment, then sat down at the table, pouring herself a cup of tea to warm her hands. Her expression softened. "Who is Jian Huan to you? Is she your daopanion?"


    Shen Jizhi continued carving his brush, not looking up. "Get to the point."


    Mei Yi sighed, a hint of helplessness in her smile. "Your temperament is quite different from your parents''. Your father, he..."


    Shen Jizhi cut her off, his tone impatient. "Madam Mei, did youe here in the middle of the night to reminisce about the past?"


    Mei Yi stiffened, lowering her head to take a sip of tea. Her voice was soft, like a Jiangnan melody. "When your parents passed, I hadn¡¯t yet joined the hidden pce. You were still very young then. I thought you might be curious about your parents'' story."


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s voice was devoid of emotion. "They¡¯re gone. There¡¯s no point in dwelling on it."


    "True, once someone is gone, there¡¯s nothing left." Mei Yi sighed, her tone tinged with mncholy. "Let¡¯s not talk about such sad things. Jizhi, how has your health been these years?" She paused, as if searching for the right words. "Have you noticed anything unusual? I see you¡¯ve reached the Golden Core stage. Is your Golden Core... normal?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s hand, holding the carving knife, stilled. He raised his gaze, his eyes settling on Mei Yi. "What do you mean, Madam Mei?"


    Every question she asked was met with resistance. Mei Yi took another sip of tea, realizing that unless sheid everything out, this young man wouldn¡¯t open up.


    Such heavy defenses.


    After a moment of deliberation, Mei Yi spoke. "My master was a renowned healer in the Zhang River region."


    At this, Mei Yi¡¯s smile turned bittersweet. She stood up, pacing slowly around the room as she continued, her words fragmented by memory. "When you were four years old, your parents brought you to my master, saying there was something unusual about your body. My master examined you and found that you carried the power of the Immortal Origin Stone."


    Shen Jizhi frowned. "The Immortal Origin Stone?"


    "Yes. For tens of thousands of years, no cultivator on the Nine Provinces Continent has achieved ascension. That¡¯s why few know about the Immortal Origin Stone. My master only learned of it after studying many ancient texts."


    Mei Yi stopped a few steps away from Shen Jizhi, her fingers lightly tracing the carvings on the windowsill. Her voice grew distant as she recalled the past.


    "The Immortal Origin Stone contains the cultivation legacy of ascension-stage experts. It¡¯s an incredibly domineering force. At the time, you weren¡¯t even a cultivator yet. Your body couldn¡¯t withstand it. If left unchecked, the stone would have drained your life force until you perished. My master had no solution. He used pills to stabilize you while your parents sought help from the elders of the Jade rity Sect. If word of the Immortal Origin Stone spread across the Nine Provinces, it would have caused a frenzy, and your life would have been in danger. My master happened to know Elder Gu of the Jade rity Sect and trusted him, so he advised your parents to take you to him."


    "Elder Gu was elusive, hard to track down. It wasn¡¯t until you were six that they finally found him." Mei Yi¡¯s eyes glistened with tears. "But by then, your parents had already perished in the jaws of a demon. You were taken in by your master and brought to the Jade rity Sect. Not long after, my master met with misfortune, and I... I came here. After that, I lost touch with what happened to you."


    Shen Jizhi listened quietly, not interrupting.


    "Jizhi," Mei Yi turned to him, "my master wrote down a method to suppress the Immortal Origin Stone. I¡¯ve seen it. It requires a Deity Transformation or Mahayana-stage expert to ce a seal within you and erase your memories of the stone. Only then would it lie dormant within you. But once you reach the Golden Core stage, the stone will manifest within your core, and you¡¯ll be aware of it again. Even then, you must not break the seal. The power of the Immortal Origin Stone is too much for a Golden Core cultivator to bear. You¡¯ll need to wait until you reach the Nascent Soul stage at the very least."


    Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, deep in thought.


    He truly had no memory of any of this, yet everything she said seemed to align with his situation.


    Still, something felt off.


    Before Shen Jizhi could respond, Mei Yi suddenly swept her cloak aside and dropped to her knees before him.


    "Jizhi," Mei Yi¡¯s voice trembled, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I came here tonight to beg you, to implore you." Her face was filled with sorrow. "Please, release the Immortal Origin Stone. Only then can we stand a chance against the City Lord and the Ghost Fish King! Only then can we escape this ce! Tao Hong, Liu Lu, Ying Ti, and so many others in the hidden pce¡ªthey¡¯re all just teenagers. They long to see the world above, to feel the sun and the wind. We don¡¯t want to spend our lives trapped in this underground prison, never seeing the light of day. I beg you, please..."

 Chapter 78

    To facilitate his practice, the musician lived in seclusion, his residence far removed from the main courtyard.


    Late at night, bamboo shadows swayed all around. Inside the room, the flickering candlelight illuminated two figures¡ªone standing, the other kneeling.


    Tao Hong, who guarded the door, knelt down beside Mei Yi, her knees hitting the stone b in front of the door with a crisp sound, like an egg being smashed to the ground, its shell shattering and its contents spilling out.


    The young maid lowered her head, wiping the corners of her eyes as she softly sobbed.


    The night in the Dark Hall seemed no different from the outside world. Yet, there were no chirping insects in the woods, no evening breeze carrying the scent of grass and trees. Instead, a foul, damp odor lingered in the air, spreading an endless sense of heaviness and oppression, as if there were no end in sight.


    In the Dark Hall, there was an eight-year-old girl, born to the servants and maids of the hall. She had grown up here and had never seen the outside world. To her, the world was just like this, and she was perfectly content with everything in the Dark Hall, carefree and happy every day.


    Tao Hong sometimes envied her.


    Before being sold to the Dark Hall, Tao Hong had seen real sunlight, real starlight, and the bustling streets during the Lantern Festival. Because of this, every day in the Dark Hall felt unbearably long.


    The sobs outside the room mixed with Mei Yi''s wailing inside, reaching Shen Jizhi''s ears.


    He shifted his steps, moving aside to avoid Mei Yi''s kneeling posture, his tone betraying little emotion: "And then, I die?"


    "Of course not!" Mei Yi replied firmly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She pushed herself up from the ground, wiped the tears from her face, and reiterated to Shen Jizhi, "I won¡¯t let anything happen to you! I know the form your master used to suppress the Immortal Origin Stone. In the next few days, I¡¯ll gather the ingredients and refine the pill. Once you break through the Immortal Origin Stone, take the pill, and it will suppress its effects for a while. After that, we¡¯ll leave the Dark Hall and find your master so he can reset the seal for you."


    Shen Jizhi gazed at the half-finished talisman brush in his hand, lost in thought.


    He didn¡¯t fully believe Mei Yi¡¯s words. But whether she was telling the truth or not, one thing was certain: Mei Yi wanted to leave the Dark Hall.


    Shen Jizhi naturally wanted to leave as well, though the method he chose to escape would not be up to her to decide.


    However, there was one thing she mentioned that piqued his interest.


    Shen Jizhi: "The form?"


    Mei Yi, who had been waiting for Shen Jizhi¡¯s response, was momentarily taken aback: "Yes."


    Shen Jizhi put away the talisman brush, fetched paper and a brush, and ced them on the table, speaking in a businesslike manner: "In that case, could you write it down for me to see?"


    "Of course," Mei Yi agreed, ncing at Shen Jizhi without revealing anything in his expression or demeanor.


    After a moment of hesitation, Mei Yi picked up the brush and began to write, speaking softly as she did: "Jizhi, I know Aunt Mei¡¯s actions are selfish and unfair to you. Breaking through the seal will cause you immense pain, but I... I have no other choice. This is the best n I cane up with. My body is damaged, and I¡¯m destined to remain a Foundation Establishment cultivator for life. On my own, I can¡¯t escape... I¡¯ve tried, and every time I¡¯ve failed..."


    Her smile was bitter, tears streaming down her face and dampening the paper. "Jizhi, you don¡¯t know this, but the City Lord¡ª" Mei Yi gritted her teeth, her voice filled with resentment, "He¡¯s in seclusion in the Dark Hall! If he sessfully breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage and emerges, it will be even harder for us to escape. Time is running out. This might be our only chance..."


    Shen Jizhi listened half-heartedly, his eyes fixed on the white paper.


    Flying Illusion Ginseng, Dragon Grass, Silkthread Flower...


    Each ingredient was a rare herb worth two to three thousand spirit stones. Combined, they amounted to¡ª


    nearly thirty thousand spirit stones.


    Shen Jizhi blinked, hisshes veiling the flicker in his eyes.


    "Give me the pill," he interrupted Mei Yi¡¯s pleading without hesitation, "and I¡¯ll take you out of here."


    Mei Yi¡¯s brush paused, and she looked up in shock and confusion: "?"


    Seeing his cold, expressionless face, she had thought she would need to persuade him further.


    If that didn¡¯t work, Mei Yi considered turning to Jian Huan.


    Perhaps Shen Jizhi would listen to Jian Huan.


    But how had his attitude changed so suddenly?


    Which of her words had struck a chord with him?


    Jian Huan followed Tao Hong and Liu Lu, walking through the dimly lit corridor of the Dark Hall, her mind upied with what Shen Jizhi had told her that morning.


    The Immortal Origin Stone? A cultivation legacy left by a Transcendence-stage expert?


    It all sounded so suspicious. If it were truly left by a Transcendence-stage powerhouse tens of thousands of years ago, it should be a treasure. Such a treasure should have been the golden opportunity for the male lead, Jing Chi, or the female lead, Jiang Qiaoqiao. How had it ended up with the antagonist, Shen Jizhi?


    "Ying Ti, we¡¯re here. You go and get the flower seeds, while Liu Lu and I fetch Madam¡¯s meal," Tao Hong stopped in front of a stone door and turned to Jian Huan, her tone hinting at something. "Wait for us afterward, and we¡¯ll head back to Mei¡¯s courtyard together."


    Jian Huan snapped out of her thoughts and, mimicking Ying Ti, kept her head down and softly replied, "Alright."


    Tao Hong pressed her hand against the stone door, and a ripple of light spread across its surface. Soon, the door opened automatically, and the three of them stepped inside.


    Beyond the stone door was a hidden world, with various shops scattered throughout.


    Maids, servants, and ck-d guards moved between the shops, either fetching items for their masters or purchasing what they needed.


    The Dark Hall had only one woman¡ªMei Yi¡ªbut there were also various stewards, each with their own allowances.


    Meals were provided by a dedicated shop, and Tao Hong and Liu Lu headed there as usual.


    The flower seeds Jian Huan needed were special. nts and flowers could only grow in Mei¡¯s courtyard because of the Celestial Stone there, which provided a semnce of sunlight.


    Everywhere else was lit only by candlelight, making it impossible to grow flowers or nts.


    Thus, the flower seeds were a special provision for Mei¡¯s courtyard, and special provisions required approval from Nanny An.


    Nanny An¡¯s hall was brightly lit.


    An elderly woman with sagging eye bags reclined on a daybed, attended by two young maids.


    One massaged her shoulders, while the other rubbed her legs.


    Jian Huan approached her, bowing deeply and keeping her gaze fixed on the ground, her demeanor cautious and timid. In a barely audible voice, she said, "This maid greets Nanny An. I¡¯vee to fetch the rose seeds Madam requested."


    Nanny An nced at her dismissively, then gestured to the maid rubbing her legs: "Take her to get them."


    The maid smiled and replied, "Yes," before leading Jian Huan away.


    Nanny An watched Jian Huan¡¯s retreating figure and spat on the ground: "I truly envy the maids in Mei¡¯s courtyard. We¡¯re content with a bowl of hot soup, but they get to grow flowers, admire them, and even listen to music!"


    The maid massaging Nanny An¡¯s shoulders ttered her: "Isn¡¯t that the truth? It¡¯s all because she knows how to please people."


    "Indeed, envy won¡¯t get us anywhere," Nanny An half-closed her eyes. "But she wasn¡¯t always so skilled at it. In the first couple of years, she had quite the temper and suffered a lot. But she learned her lesson. Look at how well she¡¯s living now¡ªbetter than the City Lord¡¯s wife outside!"


    The maid chimed in: "Well, I¡¯ll be obedient too. I¡¯ll listen to you, Nanny."


    Nanny An chuckled: "You¡¯ve always been sweet-tongued! You¡¯re the most obedient, and that¡¯s why I rely on you the most. When the City Lord achieves his breakthrough, I¡¯ll take you out of here, and we¡¯ll live in luxury!"


    The maid beamed: "Then I¡¯ll thank you in advance, Nanny. I¡¯ll serve you for the rest of my life!"


    Jian Huan followed the other maid obediently, her brow slightly furrowed.


    A breakthrough in cultivation? What connection did the City Lord of Ningzhang City have with this Dark Hall and his own cultivation?


    As for Mei Yi, from what Nanny An said, it seemed she had been forcibly taken and imprisoned here by the City Lord, like a caged bird.


    Mei Yi wanted to escape, which exined why she had helped Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi hide their identities and wanted Shen Jizhi to break the seal to rescue her. It aligned with her desires.


    But Mei Yi¡¯s words to Shen Jizhi left Jian Huan feeling uneasy.


    The truth seemed shrouded in a veil, withyers of deception making it hard to discern what was real.


    As evening approached, the musician stopped ying his qin and said to Shen Jizhi, who was crafting talismans, "Young Master, it¡¯s time for you to go and buy some things. This is when I usually go."


    Every half-month, arge shipment of goods arrived in the Dark Hall, and today happened to be one of those days.


    During the day, the masters had first pick, and though there were no restrictions on the servants, the musician preferred to wait until most had finished before going.


    The musician handed Shen Jizhi his purse and said, "I usually buy some pastries, preserved fruits, and melons."


    Shen Jizhi opened the pouch and nced inside. There were about a dozen taels of silver, themon currency in the Dark Hall, just like the money used by ordinary people outside.


    He nodded. "Alright."


    After a moment of thought, he added, "I''ll buy half, and you buy the other half. Is that eptable?"


    The musician naturally agreed. "Of course, I''m not picky. Just choose whatever you like, young master."


    Shen Jizhi hummed in acknowledgment and asked, "How much do fruits like grapes cost here?"


    The musician thought for a moment, trying to recall. "About two taels for a bunch, I think?"


    He wasn¡¯t entirely sure. When it came to shopping, he rarely remembered prices. Once he bought something, it was done.


    Shen Jizhi''s lips twitched slightly. "That''s a bit expensive." Much pricier than outside.


    The musician smiled sheepishly. "Things in the Dark Hall are generally more expensive, especially fresh fruits. They¡¯re quite rare here."


    Shen Jizhi fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Do you know how to bargain?"


    The musician looked a little confused. He wasn¡¯t sure why Shen Jizhi was asking this, but he answered honestly, "No, I never bargain when I shop."


    What a shame. That meant he couldn¡¯t bargain either.


    Shen Jizhi sighed quietly and nced at the musician. "Do you have a lot of money?"


    The musician shook his head. "Not really. I only have thirteen taels on me right now..." He then added, "By the way, young master, you can spend around ten taels. That¡¯s usually how much I spend each time."


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze lingered on the musician¡¯s face, his expression carrying a depth the musician couldn¡¯t quite decipher.


    Only thirteen taels on hand, yet he spends ten taels at once?


    With a hint of disapproval, Shen Jizhi took out five taels of silver from his own pouch and handed it back to the musician.


    The musician quickly protested, "No need to give it back. Consider it my treat for you..."


    "No need," Shen Jizhi interrupted. He opened the door and walked out.


    If the musician paid, would it count as a gift from him or from the musician?

 Chapter 79

    In the dimly lit corridor, the flickering torches resembled ghostly mes.


    Shen Jizhi emerged from the stone gate, carrying a bag, and headed in the direction of the Plum Courtyard.


    Every few steps along the corridor, ck-d guards stood watch, with patrols of guards asionally passing by.


    While shopping earlier, Shen Jizhi had overheard some gossip.


    Due to their intrusion, the Dark Pce had recently tightened security everywhere.


    Shen Jizhi had initially nned to take this opportunity to explore, but now, it was best not to act rashly.


    It would be wiser to wait a few days until the patrols rxed a bit before making a move.


    Mimicking the posture of a musician, he hunched slightly, walking close to the damp, moss-covered walls.


    At the corner, Shen Jizhi encountered a patrol for the fifth time.


    The patrol consisted of ten guards, d in ck armor, marching in unison toward him.


    The lead guard spotted him and greeted with augh, "Hey, Musician Wen, out shopping?"


    The musician was known to be a bit slow to react.


    Hearing the guard call out to him, Shen Jizhi paused for a moment before hurriedly lowering his head and replying, "Yes, I bought some fruits and candied preserves..."


    "Musicians are refined schrs, truly different from us rough folk," the guard said, passing Shen Jizhi with a mockingugh. "We rough folk prefer wine and meat! Fruits and candied preserves? That''s what little maids like to eat!"


    The guards behind him burst intoughter.


    Shen Jizhi looked meek, shrinking into the corner like a turtle retreating into its shell, offering no rebuttal.


    The guards didn¡¯t suspect a thing, and the two groups continued in opposite directions, about to pass each other.


    Suddenly, Shen Jizhi felt something¡ªhis Five-Colored Stone, located near his golden core, gave a faint tremble. A familiar aura, identical to the seal on the stone, emanated faintly from thest guard in the ck-d patrol.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    That person seemed to sense something amiss as well. At the corner, he nced back at Shen Jizhi, then quickly averted his gaze.


    The two groupspletely passed each other, with the ck-d guards heading down the corridor and Shen Jizhi continuing upward.


    Hidden beneath his thickshes, Shen Jizhi''s eyes gleamed, and his lips moved silently.


    Liu Hu.


    Or rather, his master, Gu Shan.


    Now, he might have a way out.


    ...


    Shen Jizhi returnedte to the Plum Courtyard, and the sky had already darkened.


    He went to find Tao Hong.


    Before leavingst night, Mei Yi had mentioned that if he needed anything, he could simply ask Tao Hong.


    "Wine?" Tao Hong quickly agreed. "Of course, we have some. Please follow me, Young Master. I''ll take you to the storeroom in the courtyard."


    Shen Jizhi nodded slightly. "Thank you."


    Tao Hong carried antern, leading Shen Jizhi through the winding corridors. "Madam is also fond of wine. The storeroom has many fine wines, gifts from the city lord to her. Feel free to take whatever you like."


    Shen Jizhi asked, "Do you have any Daughter Red?"


    Tao Hong nodded eagerly. "Yes! There should be two jars of Daughter Red left in the storeroom. Will that be enough? If not, I can mention it to Matron An tomorrow, saying that Madam needs..."


    "No need, that¡¯s enough," Shen Jizhi interrupted. "Also, among the pills Madam promised me, there¡¯s a type called Flying Illusion Ginseng. I¡¯d like to take a small portion of it now."


    Tao Hong looked puzzled. "A small portion?"


    "Yes," Shen Jizhi thought for a moment. "The rest can be used to make pills. Just give me a small piece of the ginseng root."


    The pills Mei Yi had promised him, worth over thirty thousand, were essentially his reward for helping her escape.


    This arrangement suited him perfectly. He could store the pills for now, as they wouldn¡¯t spoil, and he wasn¡¯t in urgent need of cash.


    If he ever ran short on money, he could sell the pillster.


    Pills that could suppress the effects of the Immortal Origin Stone were undoubtedly valuable and easy to sell.


    During the day, Jian Huan had been moving about under the guise of Ying Ti, while the real Ying Ti had to stay cooped up in her room.


    Normally, after nightfall in the Plum Courtyard, Ying Ti would chat with the embroiderydies and help them with their needlework.


    Jian Huan had no interest in such activities and let Ying Ti go. The little maid happily left the room.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t stay indoors either. Taking advantage of the night, she sneaked over to Shen Jizhi¡¯s ce, only to find him acting suspiciously deep in the bamboo grove.


    Jian Huan ran over, her pale yellow dress brushing against the bamboo leaves, creating a rustling sound. "What are you doing sneaking around here?"


    Without turning his head, Shen Jizhi replied, "Brewing wine."


    "Brewing wine?" Jian Huan was puzzled. She crouched beside him and peered over.


    In front of him was arge hole dug in the ground, with two open jars of Daughter Red ced beside it.


    The aroma of wine filled the air, lingering around them.


    Jian Huan instinctively sniffed, thinking the Daughter Red smelled quite good. "Why are you suddenly brewing wine? I remember you don¡¯t drink much."


    Shen Jizhi divided the Flying Illusion Ginseng root into two pieces, one long and one short, and calmly uttered four words: "To lure my master."


    He exined to Jian Huan about encountering Gu Shan: "I suspect my master¡¯s seal has loosened."


    Previously, with the seal intact, he couldn¡¯t sense Gu Shan¡¯s aura. But now he could, indicating that the seal suppressing Gu Shan¡¯s spiritual power had partially weakened.


    However, it wasn¡¯tpletely broken. Otherwise, knowing his master¡¯s temperament, Gu Shan would have already ransacked the Dark Pce, killed the Ghost Fish King, taken its demon core, and sold it for wine money.


    Gu Shan¡¯s love for wine was well-known throughout the Jade rity Sect. Jian Huan hugged her knees, quickly understanding Shen Jizhi¡¯s n, though she still had some doubts. "Once you leave this bamboo grove, the wine aroma might not carry far. How do you n to lure your master?"


    In response, Shen Jizhi ced the Flying Illusion Ginseng roots into the two jars of Daughter Red.


    The moment the ginseng entered the wine, it was like dropping a fizzy tablet into water. The previously calm wine began to churn violently, with countless bubbles rising to the surface. The aroma of wine in the air grew even more intense.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up. "It smells amazing! What kind of wine is this?"


    "Flying Illusion Daughter Red. It¡¯ll smell even better after three days of brewing," Shen Jizhi said nonchntly, a hint of mockery in his tone. "My master¡¯s nose is made for wine. Just wait and see¡ªhe¡¯ll catch the scent. And once he does, he¡¯lle."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce. Though neither spoke, they both knew what to do.


    "Not bad, not bad," Jian Huan chuckled like a viin, then remembered her purpose and added, "Once your master regains his memories, ask him about the Immortal Origin Stone. Until then, don¡¯t try to break the seal. I¡¯ve been thinking, and I finally realized what¡¯s off."


    Shen Jizhi ced both hands on the jar lids, sealing them with five-colored spiritual energy to prevent the bubbles from escaping. "What is it?"


    "It¡¯s a ssic maniption tactic," Jian Huan said, picking up a bamboo leaf from the ground and twirling it between her fingers. "Think about it. If she had outright told you breaking the seal was fine, you would¡¯ve been suspicious. But Mei Yi didn¡¯t do that. First, she told you the Immortal Origin Stone couldn¡¯t be broken, but then she begged you to break it to escape. That kind of contradiction makes people believe her. After warning you of the danger, she offers a solution to suppress it. Tsk, it¡¯s all very calcted."


    As Shen Jizhi listened, he sealed the jars, ced them into the hole, and covered them with soil.


    Thinking, pondering?


    The corners of his lips curled slightly, like a night-blooming flower. "I see."


    The two stood up and walked out of the bamboo grove.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t speak, and neither did Shen Jizhi.


    The surroundings were eerily quiet, with not even the sound of insects, only the soft crunch of their shoes stepping on bamboo leaves.


    Jian Huan kept her head down, her dark eyes fixed on her pale yellow dress, her lips pressed together.


    This was getting awkward.


    Ever since she started feeling like she was "losing out" when it came to him, the atmosphere had be strange.


    The Plum Courtyard¡¯s nights were cool, yet there was an inexplicable warmth in the air.


    The young man and woman, each lost in their own thoughts, walked in silence.


    Perhaps because the bamboo grove was dense and the path narrow, or perhaps for other reasons, they walked very close to each other.


    So close that at one point, their hands brushed lightly against each other as they moved.


    Jian Huan¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stepped away.


    She hurriedly bid farewell, her voice tinged with hidden fluster. "I¡¯m leaving..."


    "Wait," Shen Jizhi grabbed her wrist, his gaze meeting hers. "I have something for you."


    With a creak, Shen Jizhi pushed open his door. Meanwhile, Jian Huan had already opened the window.


    She ced her hands on the windowsill, leaped lightly over it, and sat on the ledge, her legs dangling in the air.


    Inside the room, a candle burned, and the musician was already asleep, his breathing steady.


    Jian Huan whispered, "What do you want to give me?"


    She had been asking along the way, but Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t reveal anything, only saying she¡¯d know when she got it.


    This made Jian Huan lose all her girlish thoughts, and she just wanted to stuff Shen Jizhi into a sack and beat him up.


    She hated people who kept secrets!


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°Can¡¯t you be a little patient?¡±


    He asked her to wait outside the door, but Jian Huan was never one to wait patiently. The moment he left, she immediately went around to the window. Really...


    But, who made her like him?


    Jian Huan clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.


    Shen Jizhi ignored Jian Huan and walked over to the mirror first, using a cleansing spell to remove the makeup he had applied to imitate the musician.


    The musician¡¯s face wasn¡¯t particrly attractive.


    Jian Huan opened her eyes, crossed her arms, and stared at Shen Jizhi¡¯s every move, utterly puzzled: ¡°You removed it? What about tomorrow? Are you not going out?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, today I ran into a guard who knows the musician,¡± Shen Jizhi said, stepping away from the dressing table. ¡°The musician doesn¡¯t go out much, so it¡¯s not appropriate for me to go out too often. I¡¯ll be staying in the bamboo garden for the next three days.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Oh.¡±


    Shen Jizhi walked slowly to the rosewood carved cab in the room, opened the door, and took out a cloth bag from inside.


    When Jian Huan saw the bag, she was slightly stunned.


    The bag looked familiar, as if it was the same one he had used two years ago to give her fruits, which sheter returned to him.


    Shen Jizhi ced the bag in her arms, and the weight of it brought Jian Huan back to reality.


    She instinctively held onto it, lowered her head, and opened the bag to peek inside.


    Inside was a bunch of plump, dark purple grapes, two bright yellow bananas, a peach, and a package of pastries.


    Shen Jizhi leaned one hand on the windowsill, his hand just a fist¡¯s distance away from Jian Huan, who was sitting on it.


    Close, but not so close as to be impolite.


    On the bed, the musician turned over, muttering something iprehensible in his sleep.


    Shen Jizhi nced through the white bed curtains and lowered his voice to exin to her: ¡°Fruits are a bit expensive in the Dark Pce. I bought these using the musician¡¯s identity, so I could only get this much.¡±


    Jian Huan lowered her head, then looked up at him, disapproving: ¡°But did the musician know you were giving these to me? If he didn¡¯t, isn¡¯t that kind of inappropriate?¡±


    She assumed that the musician must have paid for the fruits.


    After all, Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t eat these things, so it was unlikely he had bought them for the musician. Such a thing would never happen with Shen Jizhi, not even if the sun rose from the west.


    After buying them, out of hospitality, the musician would probably say something like, ¡°Feel free to take some if you want, don¡¯t be shy,¡± and Shen Jizhi had just taken them and given them to her. It didn¡¯t seem right.


    Jian Huan sat on the windowsill, while he stood, their eyes level.


    Shen Jizhi looked at her: ¡°Why would the musician need to know?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°Because he paid for it...¡±


    ¡°No, Jian Huan,¡± Shen Jizhi¡¯s face was pale, but his eyes were deep, like a clear pool under the night sky, calm yet dangerous. ¡°This bag, I paid for it.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened, her pink lips parting slightly as she looked at him in surprise.


    He had paid for the fruits and then... gave them to her?


    She vaguely began to realize something.


    Jian Huan suddenly tightened her grip on the bag in her arms. She felt flustered, unsure of what to do.


    Even though Shen Jizhi hadn¡¯t moved an inch, she somehow felt as if he was closing in on her.


    Instinctively, she leaned back, losing her bnce and nearly toppling off the windowsill.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, steadying her by the waist and helping her sit back up.


    The distance between them suddenly narrowed. Jian Huan was pulled back by his strength, her forehead resting against his right shoulder, her nose filled with the faint scent of wine mixed with bamboo¡ªa distinctly masculine aroma.


    The wine was too strong. His hands, seemingly not fully cleansed by the spell, still carried the rich, mellow fragrance of the daughter¡¯s wine infused with flying illusion ginseng. The scent seeped through the soft, cool silk, burning hot.


    It burned Jian Huan¡¯s cheeks red, her back stiffening, her heart pounding like a drum.


    Her eyshes fluttered rapidly. Shen Jizhi couldn¡¯t see her face clearly, but he could see the long, delicateshes flickering like butterfly wings.


    Shen Jizhi slowly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The sound of his rapid breathing echoed in Jian Huan¡¯s ears, one after another, reminiscent of the audio recordings she had listened to in her modern life.


    Outside the window, everything was silent.


    On the windowsill, the young man¡¯s hand rested on the girl¡¯s waist, restrained, while his other hand pressed against the sill, his fingertips turning white from the force.


    The girl lowered her head, her forehead lightly resting against the young man¡¯s right shoulder, her arms clutching the slightly worn white cloth bag.


    The celestial stone glowed with a silvery light in the night, resembling the moon, yet not quite the moon.


    The two seemed to be embracing, yet not quite.


    The candle me flickered.


    The air around them felt as if it were filled with water, the carved window frame swirling with invisible currents, countless transparent bubbles rising fiercely to the surface, creating ripples that spread outward.

 Chapter 80

    As if drowning in water, Jian Huan unconsciously held her breath.


    Her heart was in turmoil, and within those few moments, her mind raced with countless thoughts.


    But all those blushing, heart-pounding imaginings came to a halt when she remembered one crucial matter.


    He still hadn¡¯t repaid his debt.


    Jian Huan¡¯s chaotic mind instantly regained its rationality. The shimmering light in her eyes faded, and the fluttering deer in her heart was swiftly crushed by the loud ttering of an abacus in her mind.


    The debt of a hundred thousand spirit stones between her and him was based on his desire to break off their engagement.


    If he no longer wanted to break it off, then this debt she had been fixated on for three years would no longer hold.


    Thinking even further, if she didn¡¯t want to marry him, wouldn¡¯t she end up owing him a hundred thousand spirit stones instead?


    Even if, just maybe, she felt a tiny bit of something for him¡­ she¡¯d have to wait until he repaid the debt first.


    Money was everything, and she wasn¡¯t about to spend any on a man right now.


    With this in mind, Jian Huan straightened up instantly and, without hesitation, pushed Shen Jizhi away. Her eyes darted around, and she blurted out, ¡°So, do I owe you money now?¡±


    The surrounding bubbles instantly dissipated into shadows.


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan thought for a moment, then pulled out a small pouch embroidered with mandarin ducks from her Mustard Seed Pouch. She held it up tentatively and asked, ¡°How much did you spend?¡±


    If it was a lot, could she just refuse? But Jian Huan kept this thought to herself, not daring to voice it aloud.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s temple twitched, and he took a deep breath, saying nothing.


    Jian Huan nced up at him, her clear ck-and-white eyes studying his expression. She pointed slightly and whispered, ¡°You don¡¯t look too good¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked down at her deeply, and Jian Huan shrank back, sensing something unfriendly in his gaze.


    He pressed his lips together, then suddenly raised his hand and lightly pressed against Jian Huan¡¯s slender shoulder. With a slight push, he sent her tumbling out of the window.


    ¡°Hey, Shen Jizhi!¡± Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Caught off guard, she flipped mid-air andnded unsteadily on the ground.


    The musician on the bed was awakened by themotion. He blinked sleepily toward the window, and upon seeing that it was Miss Jian, he promptly flopped back down and pulled the nket over his head, understanding the situation perfectly.


    Young lovers meeting in the middle of the night¡ªbest not to look, best not to listen.


    Shen Jizhi stood by the carved window, ignoring the musician. His light brown eyes reflected Jian Huan¡¯s flustered face as he said calmly, ¡°I won¡¯t charge you. Consider it an apology for pushing you. Are we good now?¡±


    Without waiting for Jian Huan¡¯s reply, Shen Jizhi decisively closed the window.


    Jian Huan hugged the bag of fruit, watching his silhouette retreat from the window. The deliberate expression on her face faded.


    She stood there for a moment, head lowered, then turned and ran off into the night with the bag of fruit.


    Inside the room, Shen Jizhi paused and let out a soft sigh.


    The Flying Illusion Daughter Red that Shen Jizhi was using to bait his master would take three days to brew. Over the next three days, he busied himself in the bamboo grove¡ªcrafting artifacts, meditating, and practicing his sword skills. He didn¡¯t seek out Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan didn¡¯te looking for him either.


    It wasn¡¯t until Mei Yi sent Tao Hong to summon Shen Jizhi that he went to fetch Jian Huan.


    As if nothing had happened three days prior, she handed him the white cloth bag and asked, ¡°Hey, Shen Jizhi, why does Mei Yi always avoid me and only talk to you in private?¡±


    Shen Jizhi smoothly took the bag back. Just as he was about to speak, Jian Huan continued on her own, ¡°Is it because she thinks I¡¯m too clever and might see through her intentions, causing trouble between you two?¡±


    Shen Jizhi gave her a sidelong nce, shook his head lightly, and decided it wasn¡¯t worth borating.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The two followed Tao Hong into Mei Yi¡¯s residence.


    The front courtyard was filled with plum trees, lush and green despite the absence of blossoms.


    Hidden behind the plum grove was a quaint and elegant reception hall. Mei Yi sat in the host¡¯s seat, waiting. Hearing themotion, a gentle smile appeared on her face, and she quickly stood up to look over. When she saw Jian Huan, she was momentarily caught off guard and instinctively turned to Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    She had only asked Tao Hong to bring Shen Jizhi.


    ¡°She already knows everything,¡± Shen Jizhi said as he took a seat. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to have to exin it to herter.¡±


    The table was set with tea and pastries, each item exquisitely prepared.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight, and without waiting for an invitation, she naturally reached for a piece of almond pastry. She winked at Mei Yi, who was looking her way, and said, ¡°Sister Mei, don¡¯t mind me. Just pretend I¡¯m not here.¡±


    Mei Yi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Mei Yi lowered her gaze, picked up her teacup, and took a small sip, her thoughts swirling.


    She gently set down the vibrant ceramic cup and handed Shen Jizhi a small sandalwood box she had been hiding in her sleeve. ¡°This is the elixir I promised you.¡±


    Shen Jizhi epted it and opened it to inspect its contents.


    Jian Huan leaned over to take a look.


    The elixir was smooth and white, emitting a faint glow¡ªclearly something of great value.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened with desire. She wanted one too, but this was part of Shen Jizhi and Mei Yi¡¯s private dealings.


    Just like how she and Baili Dao had their own secret coboration back then, the money from that hadn¡¯t been shared with Shen Jizhi, so she couldn¡¯t very well ask for a share of this now.


    With a soft thud, Shen Jizhi closed the box and gave her a meaningful look before storing it in his Mustard Seed Pouch.


    ¡°And this¡ª¡± Mei Yi unrolled a scroll in front of them, revealing a map. ¡°This is theyout of the Dark Hall.¡±


    At this, both Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi focused intently on the map.


    Jian Huan furrowed her delicate brows and asked Mei Yi, ¡°You said the city lord is in seclusion in the Dark Hall, but why isn¡¯t his seclusion location marked on the map? Not even his residence is shown.¡±


    Mei Yi smiled bitterly. ¡°Because I don¡¯t know where it is.¡±


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow: ¡°?¡±


    ¡°I only know he¡¯s in seclusion in the Dark Hall. I overheard that by chance, but as for the exact location, I couldn¡¯t find out.¡± Mei Yi lowered her gaze, staring at the brown tea in her cup. ¡°He¡¯s very cautious and still doesn¡¯t fully trust me.¡±


    ¡°However,¡± Mei Yi looked up, her gaze fixed on Jian Huan, ¡°you can directly confront the fish. If the fish is in danger, the city lord will appear, and you can strike then¡­¡±


    As she spoke, a sh of ferocity crossed her eyes, tinged with a hint of madness.


    But as if realizing something, she quickly suppressed it and returned to her gentle demeanor. ¡°That should suffice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve given you the elixir and the map,¡± Mei Yi said softly. ¡°When do you two n to act?¡±


    Though her words were slow, Jian Huan detected the urgency hidden within.


    Currently, the two wereying low at Mei Yi¡¯s residence, relying on her to cover their tracks. Naturally, they had to amodate her wishes.


    After a moment of thought, Jian Huan said, ¡°Seven days from now.¡±


    Mei Yi¡¯s brows furrowed instinctively. ¡°The city lord has been in seclusion for some time. I¡¯m afraid he might emerge any day now¡­¡±


    Jian Huan observed her expression and countered, ¡°Then what does Sister Mei suggest?¡±


    Mei Yi smiled uneasily. ¡°Could you act in three days? That would be more secure.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s dark eyes flicked to the left, exchanging a nce with Shen Jizhi, and she silently agreed for now.


    Late at night, deep in the bamboo forest.


    Shen Jizhi ced the musician, who had been rendered unconscious by a sleep talisman, under a bamboo tree and ced an empty wine cup in his hand.


    Ahead, Jian Huan walked over carrying two jars of freshly dug-up wine. She ced one jar three steps away from the musician and opened the lid.


    Strangely, when they had buried the wine three days ago, its aroma had been intoxicating. Now, however, the scent had faded, like the faint fragrance of osmanthus in autumn¡ªsubtle yet irresistibly alluring.


    After setting up the scene, the two retreated to a secluded corner, waiting for Gu Shan to take the bait.


    Shen Jizhi pulled out a small wine pouch from his robe and held it out to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan handed him the remaining jar of wine, a hint of worry in her voice. ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t work?¡±


    ¡°It will,¡± Shen Jizhi said with absolute certainty. He used his spiritual energy to transfer the wine from the jar into the pouch, stopping after a moment and handing the pouch to Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan took it without thinking, grabbed a nearby water bottle, and began pouring water into the pouch.


    Once it was full, she sealed the pouch and tied it to her waist, silently grumbling to herself.


    This guy is so confident. What if he¡¯s wrong?


    Shen Jizhi took out two wine cups, cleaned them meticulously with a cleansing spell, and poured a cup of wine. He handed it to Jian Huan and asked nonchntly, ¡°Want some?¡±


    The engraved wine cup was smooth and round, and the hand holding it was slender with neatly trimmed nails that fit perfectly against the fingertips.


    Jian Huan nced at the cup, then at his hand, and instinctively sniffed the air, swallowing a mouthful of saliva.


    But.


    Jian Huan shot him a wary look.


    When Shen Jizhi offered something for free, there was always a catch.


    She had already eaten his fruit and was now about to drink his wine. If this continued¡­


    This was how people fell into the abyss, step by step.


    Shen Jizhi may appear refined and noble on the surface, but deep down, he¡¯s full of cunning schemes. If he wanted to manipte someone, he could strip them down to theirst thread.


    Jian Huan couldn¡¯t let him take the lead. She had to find a way to seize control of the situation.


    Jian Huan leaned back slightly and refused, ¡°I won¡¯t drink.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s brows twitched slightly. ¡°Really not drinking?¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Jian Huan replied, keeping her gaze fixed on her nose, resisting temptation. ¡°I¡¯ve quit drinking.¡±


    Shen Jizhi clearly didn¡¯t believe her. ¡°Quit drinking?¡±


    Jian Huan crossed her arms, her refusal even more resolute. ¡°Yes, drinking harms the body.¡±


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t press further. He took the wine back and brought the cup to his lips, savoring it quietly.


    The young man¡¯s hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, his white robes soft and flowing. His delicate profile seemed to glow faintly in the night, and the faint, lingering aroma of wine in the air was subtle yet incredibly alluring.


    Jian Huan stole a nce, then quickly looked down, ying with her fingernails.


    After a while, she thought seriously for a moment and suddenly asked, ¡°How much does a jar of Flying Illusion Daughter¡¯s Red cost outside?¡±


    Shen Jizhi replied indifferently, ¡°About six hundred spirit stones.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s hands paused, and she straightened up a little.


    He nced at her and added, ¡°A cup is probably around ten spirit stones?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°!¡±


    Without hesitation, she reached out her hand toward him. ¡°Then I¡¯ll have a cup with you. It¡¯s kind of sad watching you drink alone.¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s tone was faintly teasing. ¡°No, no, drinking harms the body.¡±


    Jian Huan waved it off. ¡°It¡¯s fine. A little drink is good for the soul.¡±


    Shen Jizhi looked down at her for a moment, then poured her a fresh cup.


    Jian Huan held the cup, taking small sips. The taste was so rich and smooth! And for some reason, it seemed to get more fragrant the more she drank. Soon, the small cup was empty.


    Her dark eyes darted around as she handed the empty cup back.


    Shen Jizhi took it, his eyshes fluttering slightly. ¡°Want more?¡±


    Jian Huan pretended to hesitate. ¡°Well¡­ maybe just one more cup.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, with me, you only get one cup at a time.¡± He sealed the wine jar and put it back into his Mustard Seed Pouch. His amber eyes glimmered as they fixed on her, and he said softly, ¡°If you want more,e back next time.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    This man was truly cunning, ying the same game as merchants who give out free daily login rewards.


    She let out a soft scoff.


    Too bad for him, she was the type to take the freebie and uninstall the app without a second thought.


    Bring it on.


    Jian Huan leaned back against the tree, crossing her legs, and gave Shen Jizhi a meaningful smile.


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    Liu Hu couldn¡¯t sleep at all.


    After escaping from Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi that day, he had been hiding in the shadows for a long time. He spotted a ck-d guard who was about his size and had a thick beard¡ªa perfect disguise.


    Liu Hu managed to kill the man and took on his identity, blending into the dark pce, living afortable life.


    But tonight, he caught a whiff of an incredibly enticing wine aroma. It was so alluring that it made his heart itch, and he felt like he couldn¡¯t rest until he had a taste, as if thousands of ants were crawling all over him.


    After a moment of hesitation, Liu Hu quietly got up, careful not to alert anyone, and followed the scent to a bamboo grove.


    He hid among the bamboo, peeking through the leaves to survey the scene ahead.


    A man in white robesy drunk on the ground, and beside him was a jar of wine.


    The aroma in the air was irresistible. Liu Hu¡¯s eyes locked onto the wine jar, unable to look away. He didn¡¯t care if it was a trap. Crouching low, he darted toward the jar.


    The moment Liu Hu rushed forward, a small ck stone-like object was hurled at him from the side with pinpoint uracy.


    Liu Hu reacted quickly, his body moving on instinct. His foot slipped on the rocky soil, kicking up a cloud of dust and causing a shower of bamboo leaves to fall from the branches.


    But the stone wasn¡¯t an ordinary stone. When it reached a certain point in the air, a flexible yet sturdy spiritual iron wire burst open like a firework!


    Liu Hu had no time to dodge. Arge descended, trapping him tightly inside.


    With their prey caught, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi emerged from the shadows, walking toward the struggling Liu Hu. Their steps seemed slow, but they covered the distance in an instant, arriving in front of Liu Hu in the blink of an eye.


    The more Liu Hu struggled, the tighter the became. He stopped moving, his eyes peering out from behind his thick beard, ring at the two.


    Through the, Jian Huan smiled sweetly at him and waved. ¡°Hi, old friend. It¡¯s been a few days. I¡¯ve missed you. How have you been?¡±


    Liu Hu: ¡°¡­¡±


    Heaven help him, it was these two brats again!


    Falling into their hands, did he even stand a chance of survival?


    Liu Hu opened his mouth to shout, hoping to attract attention and escape in the chaos.


    But before he could make a sound, Jian Huan quickly stuffed a wine pouch into his mouth.


    Almost instinctively, Liu Hu took a sip.


    Such good wine! The vor was captivating, with a hint of something familiar.


    But¡ª


    Liu Hu took another sip, smacking his lips.


    It was a bit watered down.


    ¡°Old friend, let¡¯s make a deal,¡± Jian Huan said, pping her hands and squatting in front of Liu Hu. She pointed first to Shen Jizhi, then to herself. ¡°If you follow us and do as we say, not only will we get you out of here, but we¡¯ll also give you a pouch of this wine every day. How about it?¡±

 Chapter 81

    Three dayster, night.


    Mei Yi, dressed in an apricot-colored long dress, leaned against the corridor, gazing up at the flickering celestial stone, motionless.


    The stone''s glow waxed and waned, casting soft light on her delicate face, alternating between illumination and shadow.


    From one end of the winding corridor, Tao Hong hurried over, stopping three paces away from Mei Yi. She curtsied slightly and called softly, "Madam, Master Shen and Miss Jian have already set off."


    Mei Yi snapped out of her reverie, murmuring, "They''ve left, huh..."


    She straightened up and extended her hand to Tao Hong, who helped Mei Yi back to her room.


    On the way, Tao Hong stole a nce at her mistress. Usually, Mei Yi treated her servants with great kindness, and Tao Hong was never afraid of her, often chatting andughing freely in Mei Yi''s presence. But for some reason, Tao Hong felt a strange unease this time.


    Summoning her courage, she asked, "Madam, you said Master Shen and the others would help us escape from this dark pce. Liu Lu and the others have been so happytely, but you don¡¯t seem as joyful. Why is that?"


    Mei Yi was momentarily stunned, then smiled. She raised her hand to gently touch the begonia flower in her hair. "It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just a little worried."


    The two chatted for a while longer before reaching the room, where Mei Yi dismissed the maids and servants.


    The moment the door closed, Mei Yi, standing by the window, seemed to lose her strength. Her slender frame trembled uncontrobly, her teeth chattering.


    She resembled a fragile willow tree, bent and broken by a fierce gale.


    Mei Yi¡¯s body gradually sank, and she knelt on the floor.


    Clutching the cor of her apricot dress embroidered with magnolias, her lips parted slightly as tears the size of beans fell silently.


    The room was utterly quiet. The candle had been extinguished by Tao Hong before she left, leaving only the faint scent of burnt wick lingering in the air.


    After a while, Mei Yi tilted her head slightly, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. Her face was as calm and serene as a corpse, exuding a chilling and icy coldness that sent shivers down the spine.


    Jian Huan and herpanions did not follow Mei Yi¡¯s suggestion to seek out the Ghost Fish King first.


    Neither she nor Shen Jizhi trusted Mei Yi, and it seemed Mei Yi herself was only partially informed.


    This dark pce was mostly built beneath the river, using special methods to keep the water at bay.


    The Ghost Fish King¡¯sir was at the very bottom. If Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had followed Mei Yi¡¯s advice and shed with the Ghost Fish King, damaging the water-sealing array, the river would have flooded the pce in an instant.


    While cultivators might survive, the maids and servants in Mei Yi¡¯s courtyard would have had no chance of escaping alive.


    Among the arrays Jian Huan had studied, one was the art of formations.


    Though she hadn¡¯t attended many sses at the Jade rity Sect, she had read all the books on talismans and arrays at least three times and frequently revisited them to reinforce her knowledge.


    For a dark pce built underwater, the exit was almost always located at the top.


    Liu Hu had disguised himself as a ck-d guard a few days prior and patrolled the pce, gaining a clear understanding of the patrol patterns.


    The trio avoided the guards and followed the winding upward passage, reaching the highest point in the shortest time possible.


    At the summit was an open space, in front of which stood a massive, lifelike stone dragon sculpture. The majestic dragon coiled its body, exhaling a breath of fire.


    The previous patrol had just left, and there was a fifteen-minute gap before the next one arrived. Time was short, so Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi began searching the area frantically.


    Array formations were not Shen Jizhi¡¯s forte, so he didn¡¯t touch anything randomly. With his hands sped behind his back, he paced calmly, his serene ss-like eyes scanning the area until theynded on the only valuable thing in sight¡ªthe dragon¡¯s eyes.


    The dragon¡¯s eyes were embedded with two round, emerald-green orbs that emitted a faint glow.


    With one nce, Shen Jizhi recognized them as high-quality agate stones.


    Liu Hu followed Shen Jizhi closely.


    Of course, this wasn¡¯t by Liu Hu¡¯s choice.


    A ck shackle was mped around Liu Hu¡¯s right wrist, its counterpart locked onto Shen Jizhi¡¯s left hand.


    Liu Hu held a small wine sk in his left hand, taking a precious sip before grumbling softly, "Disciple, I told you I wouldn¡¯t run away. I¡¯ll stick with you. Do you really have to shackle me like this?"


    Liu Hu still hadn¡¯t regained his memories of ¡®Gu Shan,¡¯ as the seal on his consciousness remained intact.


    Jian Huan had told him about the Jade rity Sect, hoping it might jog his memory, but it hadn¡¯t worked.


    Liu Hu continued toin, "Aren¡¯t I your master? I¡¯m telling you, this is a betrayal of your master!"


    Shen Jizhi let the words go in one ear and out the other, his expression unreadable as he ignored theints entirely.


    Nearby, Jian Huan held a silver sword, her hand lightly pressing against the bas-relief, testing various spots.


    Suddenly, her hand paused, her gaze fixed on a point in the air as a look of astonishment crossed her face.


    "Shen Jizhi, I¡¯ve got it!"


    Jian Huan leaped to Shen Jizhi¡¯s side.


    Her eyes sparkled as she said, "Remember when I told you the array here felt vaguely familiar?"


    Shen Jizhi replied casually, "Hmm, what about it?"


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes gleamed as she uttered two words: "Qi Wan."


    "Qi Wan?" Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the dragon¡¯s eyes as he tilted his head slightly. "Are you saying the array here was created by Qi Wan?"


    "Exactly. It¡¯s an array within an array, simr to the one in Qi Wan¡¯s bedroom back then. But Qi Wan gave us a backdoorst time. This one¡¯s harder to crack." Jian Huan was eager to exin, but when she noticed Shen Jizhi¡¯s distracted expression, she snapped, "Hey, Shen Jizhi! I¡¯m talking to you!"


    "Oh, my apologies." Shen Jizhi looked away, pointing at the dragon¡¯s eyes. "Are these rted to the array here?"


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned. While rummaging through her storage pouch for the talismans she needed, she followed his gaze and her dark eyes widened in surprise. She had been so focused on the array that she hadn¡¯t noticed the eyes!


    After a moment of thought, she shook her head. "No, they seem to be just decorations."


    Shen Jizhi: "Got it. One for each of us?"


    Jian Huan: "Deal!"


    Liu Hu: "I want one too!"


    As soon as he spoke, the other two turned to him, their eyes fixed on him unblinkingly.


    Jian Huan smiled sweetly, her voice gentle. "You¡¯ll have to ask your disciple if he¡¯s willing to share. I certainly won¡¯t."


    Liu Hu looked at Shen Jizhi, but before he could say anything, Shen Jizhi nced down at him with a look of disdain, his eyes clearly conveying the word ¡®no.¡¯


    Liu Hu was incredulous. "...But aren¡¯t I your master? Is this how you treat your master?"


    Shen Jizhi: "When you remember, then you can say that."


    "..." Liu Hu turned to Jian Huan for help.


    Jian Huan shrugged, indicating there was nothing she could do.


    She took out the talismans she needed, using her spiritual energy to activate them.


    One by one, the yellow talismans floated in the air, arranged ording to the positions of the stars, forming a small, glowing constetion.


    The talismans emitted golden light, illuminating the area faintly, resembling a miniature night sky.


    The light grew brighter and brighter until, with a sh of blinding white light, the trio disappeared from the spot.


    Also gone were the dragon¡¯s eyes, which Shen Jizhi had pried out.


    Back in Yuxian City, Jian Huan remembered that when she and Shen Jizhi had entered the array within Qi Wan¡¯s bedroom, no one had noticed.


    But here in the dark pce of Ningzhang City, the moment they breached the array, a man soaking in a blood pool snapped his eyes open.


    The man was stout, with one eyerger than the other, his pupils pure ck.


    "Yu Jiang!" he growled through clenched teeth, his eyes burning with murderous intent. "Yu! Jiang!"


    He had entrusted the dark pce to Yu Jiang, and yet someone had managed to break in? And they had even entered the inner chamber, disturbing his seclusion!


    What a useless fool! He couldn¡¯t even guard a dark pce properly!


    But seclusion was his priority. The city lord of Ningzhang took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and summoned his contracted beast through their bond, ordering the Ghost Fish King to deal with the intruders.


    He couldn¡¯t act himself, or months of seclusion would be wasted.


    The two Golden Core cultivators guarding the city lord¡¯s seclusion didn¡¯t need to be told. As soon as they sensed Jian Huan and herpanions¡¯ presence, they drew their swords and charged out.


    The trio had barelynded and caught their breath when they were met with a flurry of deadly sword strikes.


    Jian Huan twisted her waist, flipping backward in midair to dodge, her silver sword blocking a strike from the left with a sharp ng, sparks flying as the des collided.


    Facing her was a Golden Core sword cultivator, his voice icy. "Those who trespass into the inner chamber will be shown no mercy."


    Jian Huan secretly formed a sword seal with her left hand, smiling sweetly. "Oh, we didn¡¯t mean to barge in. We just want to leave. How about you let us go, and we¡¯ll stay out of your way, okay?"


    As soon as the talisman sword was unleashed, the opponent reacted swiftly, sensing the danger and dodging in a sh. The talisman sword struck the nearby rock wall, causing the ground to tremble incessantly. Rocks tumbled down, and dust filled the air.


    Jian Huan pressed her advantage, swiftly exchanging several blows with her adversary. The air was filled with the glint of des and the sh of swords.


    She alternated between her bright sword and talisman sword, forcing her opponent to retreat repeatedly, gradually losing ground.


    Both were at the Golden Core stage, but he was no match for Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan quickly dispatched her opponent and nced towards Shen Jizhi''s direction.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shen Jizhi had one hand gripping Liu Hu while wielding his sword with the other, engaging another Golden Core cultivator inbat.


    Liu Hu was terrified, clinging to Shen Jizhi''s arm, his eyes shut tight as he screamed, filling the surroundings with his cries of "Ahhh!"


    To an outsider, it might have sounded like they were ughtering a pig.


    Because of Liu Hu, Shen Jizhi was unable to fully unleash his skills, only managing to maintain a stalemate.


    Jian Huan was somewhat exasperated. From a distance, she coordinated with Shen Jizhi,unching a few talisman sword strikes to dispatch the other Golden Core cultivator.


    But this was only the beginning.


    What Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi feared most were the Nascent Soul stage Ghost Fish King and the city lord.


    A faint, familiar fishy scent wafted through the air. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce and moved closer until her shoulder lightly brushed against his solid arm.


    Without hesitation, she leapt onto Shen Jizhi''s back as lightly as a cat.


    He raised his right hand, naturally supporting her leg, allowing her to hook it tightly around his waist.


    Jian Huan sneakily nced at him.


    Men, ah, men. She still remembered how he had stubbornly refused to let her hook her leg around him before.


    Jian Huan let out a soft hum, her tone suggestive. "People, ah, how can they change so much?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Liu Hu gave them a strange look, thinking to himself, what are these two youngsters doing, being so affectionate at a time like this?


    He stood on the other side of Shen Jizhi, shook his head, patted his frightened heart, and rubbed his throat, which had gone hoarse from screaming. He pulled out a wine pouch he had hidden in his robe and, thinking he might not survive, downed it in one go.


    This is terrifying, absolutely terrifying. This trip is fraught with danger. These two lovebirds clearly have no good intentions, dragging me here to die!


    What nonsense about a master, it was all lies to deceive me!


    Gulp, gulp.


    The light brown liquor poured down his throat.


    Drip, drip.


    Drops of thick, ckish liquid fell to the ground, spreading out. The stench of fish grew stronger, almost nauseating.


    Jian Huan pursed her lips tightly, the corners of her mouth, usually upturned, now straightened. She looked up.


    A massive fish mouth was aimed directly at the three of them, saliva dripping from its sharp teeth.


    Its vertical pupils glowed eerily as it opened its mouth wider. A powerful suction force emanated from the fish''s mouth, sweeping up the three of them and pulling them towards its gaping maw.


    Liu Hu screamed in terror, "Ahhh¡ª!"


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were prepared.


    Between her outer robe and inner garment, Jian Huan had attached a hundred modified thousand-pound talismans.


    At this moment, all the thousand-pound talismans were activated, and Jian Huan instantly became extremely heavy.


    The modified thousand-pound talismans integrated with the user, ensuring they wouldn''t harm her bones or muscles.


    She pressed down on Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi, a sword cultivator with over a decade of training, had a body strong enough to withstand her weight. His back remained straight, not bending in the slightest.


    The force of the thousand-pound talismans and the suction of the Ghost Fish King counteracted each other, causing the three of them to drop slightly.


    Liu Hu stopped screaming and opened his eyes. "Huh?"


    The Ghost Fish King was furious. It threw its head back, let out a piercing cry, and unleashed an even stronger suction force. The three of them were pulled upwards again, but at a slower pace.


    Liu Hu immediately shut his eyes. "Ahhh¡ª!"


    Shen Jizhi''s eyes flickered as he calmly calcted the distance.


    Just as the three of them were about to be swallowed by the Ghost Fish King, he grabbed the chain of the shackles and swung Liu Hu like a hammer, smashing him directly into the Ghost Fish King''s head.


    With a loud crash, it was like an egg hitting a rock.


    Liu Hu wailed, "Ahhh! Save me! You''re trying to kill me!!! If I die and be a vengeful spirit, I swear I''ll... Huh? My body is this tough?"


    Liu Hu, who had been used as a hammer, touched his head and body, which werepletely unharmed. He then looked at the Ghost Fish King, which had lost a dozen teeth and had a dent in its head, bleeding profusely. He was stunned.


    Jian Huan was also shocked. "Your master is this useful?"


    Shen Jizhi gave a faint nod, pulling his master back. He casually cast a cleansing spell on Liu Hu, washing away the fish juice that had sttered on him. "The body of a Nascent Soul stage sword cultivator is essentially a top-grade spiritual artifact."

 Chapter 82

    Shen Jizhi¡¯s hammer strike forced the Ghost Fish King to stagger back several steps, half of its body retreating into the eerie ck mist above.


    Its head was smashed into a bloody pulp, the foul-smelling ck ooze clumping together, sealing its wide mouth shut except for a small opening on the right side.


    The suction force weakened instantly. Jian Huan, weighed down by a hundred heavy talismans, felt as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on Shen Jizhi and dragging Liu Hu along as they plummeted toward the ground.


    Below, Yu Jiang was rushing over with arge group of ck-d guards. From above, they looked like a surging tide, menacing and unstoppable.


    Jian Huan, lying on Shen Jizhi¡¯s shoulder, nced at the Ghost Fish King above, now a trapped beast on the verge of madness, and then at the ck tide of guards waiting below. She quickly tapped Shen Jizhi and whispered urgently into his ear, ¡°Shen Jizhi, hurry! Help me remove the talismans!¡±


    Just as a person cannot lift themselves, Jian Huan could move her limbs but couldn¡¯t peel off the heavy talismans on her back.


    If the heavy talismans weren¡¯t removed, they would render the three of them immobile.


    Shen Jizhi could have thrown her down, but if he did, she would be defenseless prey, with no chance of survival.


    Hearing her plea, Shen Jizhi¡¯s grip on his sword faltered slightly.


    He pursed his lips and gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. With a swift motion, he tossed the snow-white sword from his right hand to his left. Using the strength of his core, he channeled his five-colored spiritual energy, dragging the impossibly heavy trio to the side. His left hand drove the snow sword deep into the damp rock wall.


    With a loud ng, their descent slowed slightly.


    The sword scraped along the rock wall, sending sparks flying in all directions.


    Liu Hu, oblivious to the conversation between the two younger ones, was still basking in the excitement of his newfound strength. ¡°Heh, I didn¡¯t know I was this powerful!¡± he eximed, shaking his shackles. ¡°But disciple, why wasn¡¯t my body this tough before?¡±


    Back in Ningzhang City, he had often been chased by debt collectors and beaten ck and blue. His fists hadn¡¯t been much use then.


    Shen Jizhi tilted his head slightly, his longshes casting shadows over his eyes. With his right hand, he loosened his belt and replied, ¡°Your seal loosened.¡±


    Hearing this, Jian Huan¡¯s thickshes fluttered. She nced at Liu Hu to her left, then down at the hand near her waist. She instinctively leaned to the right, feeling a little awkward facing Liu Hu.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Though they weren¡¯t doing anything improper¡ªjust removing talismans¡ªthere was still an ufortable tension in the air.


    ¡°Loosened?¡± Liu Hu suddenly understood. ¡°It must have been when I ran off on my own and ambushed those ck-d guards, right? That night, I thought I was done for, but it turned out they were the ones who died¡­¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s belt hung loosely, her pale yellow outer robe slightly parted from her white undergarment. Shen Jizhi¡¯s slender, jade-like fingers slipped in like a gentle breeze, causing the outer robe to flutter lightly.


    The fabric of the white undergarment was soft and smooth, with a cool yetforting touch.


    Jian Huan gripped Shen Jizhi¡¯s shoulders tightly, as if holding onto bicycle handles.


    It felt as though countless insects were crawling all over her body. Her hands instinctively tightened, and for a moment, the crawling sensation stopped.


    But only for a moment. Soon, the insects resumed their rapid journey toward their destination.


    The inner chamber was illuminated by night pearls embedded in the rock carvings, casting a soft white light on Shen Jizhi¡¯s exquisite profile. He looked cold and aloof, as if untouchable.


    His voice betrayed no emotion. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s dark eyes shimmered with a watery sheen, her tone forcibly calm. ¡°Nothing¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi said nothing more.


    The hundred heavy talismans were stacked in sets of ten, stuck to her undergarment.


    He gripped the edge of a talisman and pulled hard. A stack of talismans fell away, and the weight on his shoulder lessened slightly.


    He repeated the motion, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of ake, creating ripples across the fabric.


    Jian Huan¡¯s back waspletely numb, and her legs lost strength, causing her to slip downward.


    Shen Jizhi pressed firmly on her waist. ¡°Do you want to fall?¡±


    Jian Huan was practically pressed against his broad back.


    The physique of a sword cultivator was indeed solid.


    Her cheeks flushed, and she focused intently on her breathing. She hooked her legs tightly around him to keep from slipping and urged, ¡°Hurry up and tear them off! There are only a few left. Why are you so slow¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush me,¡± Shen Jizhi said, pausing briefly. ¡°I¡¯m already going as fast as I can.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Nearby, Liu Hu overheard their exchange and gave them a strange look. When he saw the outline of a man¡¯s hand beneath Jian Huan¡¯s robe, his eyes widened in shock. Pointing at the two, hisical mustache twitched as he eximed, ¡°What kind of indecent behavior is this, especially at a time like this?¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Liu Hu¡¯s face turned red. ¡°You two are outrageous!¡±


    Jian Huan covered her face, unwilling to face the situation.


    Shen Jizhi shot him a cold re. ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Liu Hu shrank back: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi truly worked as fast as he could. He quickly peeled off thest stack of talismans and withdrew his hand from her clothing.


    Almost simultaneously, Shen Jizhi forcefully pulled the Snow Sword from the rock wall and charged toward the Ghost Fish King above. With a long-suppressed frustration, he swung Liu Hu, smashing the Ghost Fish King into disarray.


    Jian Huan loosened her grip and slid off Shen Jizhi''s back. With a light tap on the rock wall, she executed a 360-degree spin, quickly tightening her belt mid-air before diving toward Yu Jiang, who was hidden among the crowd below.


    Like an eagle spotting its prey.


    The ck-d guards were not highly skilled, with a mix of Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators. The only one to be wary of was Yu Jiang, who was also at the Golden Core stage.


    Eliminating Yu Jiang would allow them to focus entirely on battling the Ghost Fish King without worrying about a sneak attack from behind.


    The moment Yu Jiang saw Jian Huan charging toward him, his heart skipped a beat.


    A sense of crisis surged within him. He grabbed two ck-d guards and used them as shields.


    The guards he grabbed turned pale, their mouths agape, but too terrified to make a sound.


    Sure enough, with a soft *thud*, the talisman sword pierced through the guard¡¯s body, followed by a deafening explosion as the guard¡¯s body burst into pieces, blood sttering everywhere.


    The ck-d guards near Yu Jiang, witnessing this, retreated in fear, exchanging uncertain nces.


    Yu Jiang flung aside the remains of the guard and, catching sight of the scene from the corner of his eye, roared in anger, ¡°You useless fools! Get moving! Do you all want to die?!¡±


    The guards, trembling, reluctantly raised their swords and hesitantly closed in on Jian Huan as she swooped down.


    Jian Huan kicked out, her spiritual energy rippling through the air and forcing many back.


    Her silver sword unsheathed, she aimed directly at Yu Jiang. With a *ng*, their swords collided, the sh of spiritual energy sending shockwaves that injured or even killed the nearby guards.


    The guards retreated again, forming a small circle around her, watching her warily.


    Jian Huan hovered mid-air, her legs above her, the soft yellow hem of her dress fluttering like butterfly wings.


    Below, Yu Jiang stood with one foot forward, his teeth clenched as he resisted, his ck boots sinking deep into the ground, his sword-wielding hands trembling uncontrobly.


    Jian Huan smiled sweetly, her eyes still holding a glimmer of autumn water. ¡°Manager Yu, I meant to greet you when we disembarked, but we were in a hurry. I hope you¡¯ll forgive the oversight.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Yu Jiang seethed, then dered, ¡°You hid in Mei Manor, didn¡¯t you? That woman, Mei Yi, helped cover your tracks!¡±


    ¡°Manager Yu, you can swing your sword carelessly, but you mustn¡¯t speak carelessly,¡± Jian Huan said with a light raise of her brow, channeling her Golden Core power into her sword. Yu Jiang grunted as his feet were forced deeper into the ground, creating a knee-high crater. ¡°Hiding our tracks? Nonsense. We simply stayed with Granny An for a few days.¡±


    Yu Jiang tried to speak again, but suddenly, a mouthful of bloody froth spilled from his lips.


    Jian Huan withdrew her sword, and with a *thud*, Yu Jiang¡¯s legs gave way, and he copsed to the ground.


    Yu Jiang looked down and saw a small hole in his chest. A subtle sword intent had pierced his heart without him even noticing.


    Jian Huan had intended to go assist Shen Jizhi, but her gaze caught on the dark, ckened heart peeking through the wound. Surprise flickered across her face.


    A Demon Heart Worm!


    Yu Jiang was a demonic cultivator!


    Having fought Demon Heart Worm puppets before, she reacted swiftly. A lightning talisman flew from her sleeve, wrapping around the small ck worm that had emerged.


    The Demon Heart Worm was reduced to ck dust by the lightning talisman, leaving behind only a puddle of ck liquid where Yu Jiang had fallen.


    Jian Huan nced at it, no longer interested in dealing with the guards. Without dy, she raised her sword and took off.


    Above, Shen Jizhi wielded the Snow Sword in one hand and Liu Hu in the other, battling the Ghost Fish King.


    The Ghost Fish King, aside from its massive mouth, had a highly lethal tail, its edges as sharp as des, leaving nothing alive in its wake.


    Shen Jizhi nimbly dodged the tail, focusing on smashing Liu Hu into the Ghost Fish King¡¯s head.


    Liu Hu, perhaps realizing his protests were futile, had resigned himself to his fate. Hey limp, arms crossed, eyes closed, unmoved by the chaos around him.


    After all, he felt no pain.


    The Ghost Fish King¡¯s head was battered to a pulp, but as a Nascent Soul-level demonic beast, it was still alive. Enraged and in agony, its tailshed out even more ferociously.


    A buzzing sound, like a swarm of bees, emanated from the Ghost Fish King¡¯s air dder, the waves of Nascent Soul-level spiritual energy forcing Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan to tread carefully.


    Jian Huan hid behind a stone pir, peeking out and waving at Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi gave a slight nod. His eyes gleamed as he swung Liu Hu once more, smashing it into the Ghost Fish King¡¯s head. The beast roared in fury and lunged at Shen Jizhi.


    Jian Huan held her breath, waiting for the right moment. As Shen Jizhi flew past the pir, she seized the opportunity and leaped onto the fish¡¯s back.


    The Ghost Fish King sensed her and thrashed wildly, but before it could shake her off, Shen Jizhi flew back on his sword, drawing the beast¡¯s attention once more.


    Jian Huan straddled the fish¡¯s back, cut her fingertip, and used her blood to draw a talisman on her sword.


    As the talisman took shape, the silver sword crackled with lightning. Jian Huan gripped the hilt with both hands and drove the sword deep into the fish¡¯s neck!


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡± The Ghost Fish King let out a piercing scream that echoed throughout the inner hall.


    Its head twisted backward, flipping its body over with a violent jerk, thrashing wildly.


    Jian Huan was suspended in mid-air, her hands gripping the sword hilt with all her might as she dragged it down along the fish¡¯s spine. With each pull, the Ghost Fish King¡¯s body shuddered violently, its cries growing more agonized, as if it were weeping and calling for help.


    The beast¡¯s plea for aid reached the city lord in the blood pool, who clenched his fists and immediately stepped out of the pool.


    Blood sttered as his figure blurred, and in the next moment, he appeared in the empty hall.


    The city lord extended his hand, a glowing sphere forming in his palm. The sphere grewrger andrger, radiating the killing intent of a Nascent Soul cultivator, and shot straight toward Jian Huan, who was perched on the fish¡¯s neck.


    Jian Huan was still desperately trying to carve into the fish when a sudden chill ran down her spine, a premonition of death engulfing her.


    She didn¡¯t even have time to let go of the sword before the glowing sphere was within three steps of her.


    At the critical moment, a figure was hurled from the side, shielding Jian Huan and intercepting the sphere.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened as she watched the sphere¡¯s energy vanish into the person¡¯s body,pletely absorbed.


    A faint *crack* echoed, as though something had shattered.


    The figure¡¯s Taoist robes fluttered in the windless air, his dry, tangled hair whipping around him. A glowing mark slowly appeared on his forehead, ring brightly before disappearing back into his body.


    Liu Hu¡¯s eyes were wide open, countless memories surging within him, his gaze shimmering with light.


    The lord of Ningzhang City¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°This¡­ this is¡­ the power of a Deity Transformation cultivator¡­¡±


    Without finishing his sentence, he decisively flicked his sleeve, summoning a ck whirlwind that swept through the area.


    The wind was ferocious, tearing Jian Huan off the fish¡¯s back. Dust and debris filled the air, forcing her to cover her face and close her eyes.


    Then, a surge of five-colored spiritual energy spread out, forcefully halting the whirlwind.


    The wind rose and fell in mere moments.


    When Jian Huan¡¯s feet touched the ground and she opened her eyes, the lord of Ningzhang City had vanished.


    Along with him, the lives of countless ck-d guards were extinguished.


    These once-vigorous guards turned into withered corpses in an instant, their bodies shrouded in dark energy.


    The wind had stopped too quickly, and the lord of Ningzhang City had no time to take his contracted beast with him as he fled in haste.


    Realizing it had been abandoned by its master, the Ghost Fish King thrashed about, trying to follow, but its injuries were severe, and it was blind, staggering and crashing into everything in its path.


    At the same time, dozens of Heart-Devouring Worms emerged from the withered corpses and began closing in on the three of them!


    Gu Shan raised his hand, his finger lightly flicking, and several sword auras shot through the air. With a series of *thuds*, the Heart-Devouring Worms were annihted.


    As he dismantled the dark hall¡¯s formation, he turned his head and red fiercely at Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi.


    His face was the same as before, hisical mustache unchanged, but the recovered memories made Gu Shan no different from Liu Hu.


    Jian Huan coughed and, without hesitation, pointed at Shen Jizhi, shamelessly throwing her teammate under the bus. ¡°Sect Master, it was your disciple¡¯s idea to use you as a hammer! I even tried to stop him, saying it wasn¡¯t right, but he insisted it was fine¡­¡± She paused, her eyes darting around before adding, ¡°And he¡¯s the one who told me to water down the wine!¡±


    Gu Shan spat, ¡°...I knew something was off with that wine!¡±


    ¡°...¡± Shen Jizhi¡¯s lips twitched, and he muttered softly, ¡°How utterly heartless.¡±


    He turned to Gu Shan and called out in a t tone, ¡°Master.¡±


    With the formation broken, Gu Shan pointed at Shen Jizhi¡¯s nose and scolded, ¡°You disgraceful disciple! Utterly disgraceful!¡±


    He shook his head, his figure flickering before disappearing as he chased after the lord of Ningzhang City.


    The ce fell into dead silence.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged nces, their eyes meeting in mid-air before slowly shifting to the Ghost Fish King, which was trying to escape.


    Without a word, the two of them pounced like starving wolves catching the scent of prey, charging madly toward the fish.


    Heh heh, the fish tail¡ªit¡¯s worth a fortune.

 Chapter 83

    In the Plum Courtyard, almost all the maids and servants had rushed out, standing in the back garden, supporting each other and looking around nervously.


    The ground beneath their feet continued to tremble, and most of the trees and flower bushes in the garden were uprooted, leaving the ce inplete disarray.


    Thunderous roars echoed from above the celestial stone, reverberating through the area, filling everyone with unease.


    "What''s happening?!" a young maid shrieked in fear. "Did Manager Yu and the others catch the intruders in the hall?"


    "It must be. With such amotion, the intruders must be incredibly powerful," whispered an embroiderer in the courtyard, her hairpin still stuck in her hair. She held a half-finished new garment in her arms and murmured, "If they seed, maybe we can finally leave this ce..."


    "Sister, are you mad?!" Another maid quickly covered the embroiderer''s mouth, her face filled with terror. "Don¡¯t say such things! What if someone overhears? If they fail, Manager Yu will never let you off!"


    The embroiderer immediately realized her mistake and said with a hint of fear, "Thank you for reminding me, sister. I just..."


    She shook her head, stopping herself, and nced at Ying Ti, who stood pale and uneasy on the other side. Sheforted her, "Don¡¯t be afraid, sister. Everything will be fine."


    Ying Ti snapped out of her daze and forced a smile. "Yes!"


    Only a few servants in the Plum Courtyard knew about the rtionship between Sister Ahuan and Master Shen. Ying Ti was close to the embroiderer and usually shared everything with her, but she had kept this matter entirely to herself.


    The young girl tilted her head, gazing at the dark celestial stone, her hands clutching the hem of her skirt tightly. She was both worried and hopeful.


    Could Sister Ahuan really lead them out of here?


    "Madam," Tao Hong rushed out of the room with a cloak, carefully avoiding the fallen beams and debris. She raised her hand to drape the cloak over Mei Yi and helped her outside. "Madam, let¡¯s go to the open area!"


    Mei Yi came to her senses, tying the cloak securely around herself as she followed the maid. She called out softly, "Tao Hong."


    Tao Hong, panting heavily from running, asked, "Madam, what is it?"


    "Do you hear it?" Mei Yi listened intently, her lips curving into a bittersweet smile. "They¡¯re fighting. Do you hear it, Tao Hong? They¡¯re fighting..."


    Tao Hong pulled Mei Yi along the gravel path, ncing back at her with concern. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "Madam..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, a ck whirlwind suddenly swept through, lifting both mistress and maid into the air. Their frail bodies spun like fallen leaves in the storm.


    The sandstorm was fierce, and everything turned dark. Tao Hong couldn¡¯t see a thing, but she could feel someone pulling at Mei Yi!


    Tao Hong clung tightly to Mei Yi¡¯s hand, screaming in terror, "Madam! Madam!"


    The familiar stench of blood mixed with the smell of fish filled Mei Yi¡¯s nostrils. She immediately realized who was behind this and shuddered in disgust. "City Lord..."


    Ning Hui, the City Lord of Ningzhang City, sneered. His eyes were shrouded in ck mist as he nced at Tao Hong. The mist instantly crawled onto the maid¡¯s face.


    The ck mist seemed like countless mouths, gnawing at the girl¡¯s cheeks and greedily sucking her blood.


    Tao Hong couldn¡¯t even scream. Her once round, slightly chubby cheeks visibly sank, like a deted balloon.


    Yet, despite the agony, Tao Hong still held onto Mei Yi¡¯s hand.


    Tears streamed down Mei Yi¡¯s face as she tried to plead, but Ning Hui had no intention of listening. He sealed her mouth with the ck mist.


    He prepared to leave, dragging Mei Yi and the maid, who would soon be a desated corpse.


    Suddenly, a giant hand woven from five-colored spiritual energy materialized in the air, hovering above Ning Hui!


    The hand formed a w, aiming straight for Ning Hui with an overwhelming, irresistible force!


    Ning Hui¡¯s face turned pale with fear.


    This was no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator¡ªthis was a high-level Nascent Soul expert, with an aura that even hinted at the power of a Mahayana cultivator!


    He had thought he could take one person between the Ghost Fish King and Mei Yi.


    There was more than one Ghost Fish King in the Nine Provinces Continent; he could always capture another in the seas. But Mei Yi was unique.


    It had been an easy choice for Ning Hui, and he hadn¡¯t hesitated.


    Just as now, he didn¡¯t hesitate either. Ning Hui raised his hand and flung both Mei Yi and Tao Hong toward the descending palm of Gu Shan!


    "You vile creature! You¡¯re not even fit to be my appetizer!" Gu Shan cursed angrily, quickly retracting his sword-like palm to save the two instead.


    Ning Hui seized the opportunity, pulling out a teleportation scroll and vanishing in an instant.


    Gu Shan didn¡¯t pursue him immediately. Frowning, he looked at the two young women and waved his hand, dispelling the demonic energy from their bodies before gently cing them back on the ground.


    Tao Hong¡¯s face was a horrifying sight. Her once fair skin was now riddled with holes, revealing the bones beneath.


    Mei Yi rushed over, her eyes red and her voice hoarse. "Tao Hong..."


    A dozen steps away, Liu Lu clung to a pir, clutching a bundle tightly. Hearing her mistress¡¯s voice, she opened her eyes and gasped in horror at Tao Hong¡¯s condition.


    Liu Lu scrambled over, tears streaming down her face as she cried, "Madam, Tao Hong, are you alright? Tao Hong, your face..."


    Tao Hong¡¯s body twitched slightly, her voice distorted with pain as she whispered weakly, "I... I¡¯m fine..."


    "Liu Lu," Mei Yi grabbed her, "quick! Give me the medical kit from the bundle!"


    "Yes, yes, Madam!" Liu Lu hastily set down the bundle and rummaged through it to retrieve the medical kit.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Mei Yi first fed Tao Hong a spiritual pill, then applied medicinal powder and bandages to her wounds.


    Gu Shan stood nearby, stroking his beard as he scrutinized Mei Yi. Suddenly, he asked, "Are you Mei Jing¡¯s disciple?"


    Mei Yi¡¯s hand trembled, spilling most of the powder. She instinctively looked up, her gazending on Gu Shan¡¯s face.


    Mei Yi didn¡¯t recognize the man and hesitated, "You are..."


    Gu Shan snapped his fingers, changing his face to one he had used before.


    He had many enemies and debtors, so in his youth, he had sneaked into the Harmony Union Sect to learn the art of face-changing. He often switched appearances.


    Mei Yi¡¯s eyes widened. "Elder... Elder Gu..."


    Gu Shan changed his face back and nodded. "So it really is you."


    Mei Yi averted her gaze, lowering her head in fear. Her hands trembled uncontrobly, making it impossible to continue treating Tao Hong.


    Fortunately, Liu Lu had learned a lot from her over the years. Mei Yi handed the powder to her. "Liu Lu, you do it."


    Liu Lu hesitated, taking the bottle and ncing between Mei Yi and Gu Shan.


    Gu Shan stared at Mei Yi, his gaze deep and probing. "Girl, do you know what you¡¯re doing?"


    Mei Yi clenched her stiff hands, kneeling on the gravel, her lips pressed tightly together.


    Gu Shan asked, "Have you told anyone about this?"


    Mei Yi shook her head slightly.


    Gu Shan said nothing more. He pointed at Mei Yi¡¯s forehead, quickly searching through her memories.


    After a moment, he withdrew his hand and let out a long sigh.


    The soul-searching technique was extremely taxing, and Mei Yi fainted immediately.


    Liu Lu caught her in her arms, crying out, "Madam!"


    She red at Gu Shan, her lips trembling as she stammered, "W-what did you do to her..."


    Gu Shan couldn¡¯t stay long. He quickly instructed, "Take your mistress to my wayward disciple, the cold-faced young man. You know who I mean, right?"


    Liu Lu looked uncertain.


    Gu Shan threatened, "If you don¡¯t hand her over to him, your mistress will die. Tell them to take her to Antai District, Block Five, House Neen in Ningzhang City and wait for me there. I¡¯ll wake her up."


    With that, Gu Shan pulled out his wine sk and set off to chase Ning Hui.


    Thousands of miles away, the Dingyang Mountain range stretched endlessly, its peaks half-hidden in the clouds.


    Ning Hui put away the teleportation scroll and swiftly moved across the mountain peaks.


    As he ran, he sent a message talisman to a specific person.


    Soon, a deep male voice responded, "What is it?"


    "Your Excellency!" Ning Hui reported quickly, "A Nascent Soul swordsman has broken into the secret hall. I¡¯ve escaped and am currently at Dingyang Mountain!"


    There was a brief silence before the voice asked, "Who is it?"


    "I don¡¯t recognize him, but he¡¯s connected to the Xie Family," Ning Hui exined. "Everyone in the inner hall has been dealt with, but I didn¡¯t have time to handle those in the outer hall. However, they don¡¯t know about the inner hall¡¯s affairs. Your Excellency, what should I do now?"


    "A Nascent Soul cultivator..." the man mused. "Run if you can. If you can¡¯t, Ning Hui, you know the consequences."


    With that, the other party destroyed the talisman.


    Ning Hui pressed his hand against his chest, exhaling deeply as if to expel the heaviness in his heart.


    His mind raced, searching for a way to escape. He swiftly changed direction, heading toward a more popted area, his movements so fast that each step seemed to traverse an entire mountain.


    The sun was setting, and the sky was painted with a dazzling array of twilight hues.


    High above, a swirling arch of multicolored light formed in the air, and Gu Shan emerged, swaying an empty wine pouch.


    ¡°What a miscalction!¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°When I left the inner hall earlier, I should have snatched that rebellious disciple¡¯s storage pouch and taken those two jars of wine! Now I¡¯m left with nothing to drink.¡±


    Gu Shan sighed, his gaze following Ning Hui as he darted between the mountains. Absentmindedly, he tapped the wine pouch against his thigh, deep in thought.


    This city lord is a demon. Should I capture him or let him go?


    He must have a Demonic Heart Worm inside him. Those worms devour a demon¡¯s consciousness, so even if I capture him, I won¡¯t get any answers.


    Whenever a demon appears on the Nine Provinces Continent, it usually means there¡¯s already a hidden group lurking in the shadows.


    Gu Shan secured the wine pouch and made up his mind. He pressed a finger to his brow, drawing out a strand of spiritual energy, and in an instant, he appeared behind Ning Hui.


    With a single palm strike, Gu Shan sent Ning Hui reeling. Blood spurted from Ning Hui¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Such speed!¡± Ning Hui gritted his teeth, refusing to look back. Instead, he used the force of the blow to propel himself forward.


    He knew better than anyone that engaging in a direct fight with Gu Shan would mean certain defeat.


    Ning Hui leaped down the mountain, his fingers curling into ws as he aimed for the small vige below. A thick cloud of ck mist descended upon it.


    It was dinner time, and the vige was alive with the scent of cooking smoke. A few children chased each other around a pear tree in front of a house, their innocentughter mingling with the distant barks of dogs.


    ¡°How despicable! Utterly despicable!¡± Gu Shan cursed, his body shing like lightning as he dove downward.


    Ning Hui sneered, a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. Seizing the moment while Gu Shan was busy saving the vigers, he activated a teleportation talisman and vanished into the crowd of Dingyang City, disappearing without a trace.

 Chapter 84

    On the outskirts of Ningzhang City, there was a vast expanse of reed marshes. The autumn wind swept through, scattering light and delicate reed flowers across the ground.


    A few egrets stood nearby, their yellow toes half-submerged in the water, gently pecking at their white feathers.


    Suddenly, as if sensing something, the egrets pped their wings and took flight, leaving behind echoing cries.


    The once calm water surface abruptly turned turbulent, ripples spreading out in circles, crashing against the surrounding rock walls with a sshing sound.


    The reeds swayed violently, copsing in patches, sinking into the water and bing waterlogged, heavy and unable to rise again.


    A ck tower slowly emerged from beneath the reed marshes, standing tall and emanating an eerie chill.


    At dusk, the setting sun cast a warm, radiant glow over thend, draping the ck tower in a golden cloak, softening its cold demeanor.


    From the top of the ck tower, people began to emerge, tiptoeing to the windows and peering out in disbelief. "This... this... are we... are we really out?"


    "Sister! Look! The sun! We''re out! We''re out!" Ying Ti tugged at Xiu Niang''s hand, her eyes wide with excitement. "Sister Huan and the others seeded!"


    Xiu Niang gazed at the sunset half-hidden in the clouds. Her eyes, unustomed to daylight after so long, streamed with tears, but she refused to close them, choking back sobs. "I thought... I thought we would die in that dark hall. I never imagined..."


    Xiu Niang couldn''t finish her sentence, covering her face as she wept.


    For a moment, cheers and cries filled the ck tower.


    Only the top floor remained silent.


    The mangled corpse of the Ghost Fish Kingy sprawled on the ground, its once beautiful, sharp tail nowhere to be found.


    Nearby, Jian Huan pushed aside the fallen rubble, picking up a fish tooth from beneath. She blew off the dirt and carefully stored it in her pouch, then turned her head and asked brightly, "Shen Jizhi, are you done yet?"


    "Almost," Shen Jizhi replied, crouching in front of the Ghost Fish King''s shattered head. He used his sword to pry open its mouth, carefully extracting the remaining teeth, his profile focused and serious.


    Seeing this, Jian Huan didn''t press him further.


    Earlier, they had been too busy fighting for their lives to take in their surroundings.


    Jian Huan began digging out the night pearls embedded in the rock walls, following the corridor forward.


    The further she went, the deeper her frown became. The corridor was lined with piles of skeletons, some still wearing the clothes of boatmen.


    The Ghost Fish King didn''t just plunder the ships for their cargo and treasures¡ªit took the people too.


    Jian Huan had assumed these people were sold into very, but now it seemed their fate was far worse.


    At the end of the corridor was a grand hall door.


    The door was open, and Jian Huan paused, holding her breath as she looked inside.


    A massive pool dominated the space, its surface eerily calm. Under the pale light of the night pearls, the dark red water resembled countless cold, ghostly eyes.


    "This is a bit troublesome," a cool voice suddenly spoke behind Jian Huan, startling her so badly her heart nearly stopped.


    Shen Jizhi surveyed the scene in the hall, sniffing his hand in mild disgust.


    Despite using cleansing spells multiple times, he still felt the lingering slimy residue of the Ghost Fish King.


    Jian Huan took a deep breath, pressing a hand to her racing heart.


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, his gaze falling on the pool of blood and the shriveled corpses piled in the corner. He stepped forward, blocking the doorway and shielding Jian Huan''s view. "You''re scared of this...?"


    "Scared of you!" Jian Huan snapped. "Can''t you walk with a little noise?!"


    "..." Shen Jizhi blinked rapidly, taking half a step back.


    After a moment of silence, he looked at her. "I didn''t walk here."


    Jian Huan sensed he was about to say something annoying. "Huh?"


    Shen Jizhi said tly, "I flew here on my sword. How could there be footsteps?"


    Jian Huan: "..."


    "Antai District, fifth row, neenth courtyard?" Shen Jizhi looked at Yue Shi, who was carrying Mei Yi on his back, his brow slightly furrowed.


    "Yes," Liu Lu replied, handing Tao Hong over to Ying Ti for care. She looked at Shen Jizhi with pleading eyes. "Master Shen, may Ie with you? If Madam wakes, I can help take care of her."


    Shen Jizhi thought for a moment and didn''t refuse. "Fine."


    Meanwhile, Jian Huan was speaking with the Imperial Pacification Office cultivators who had arrived from Ningzhang City.


    "Finally, you''re here!" With so many people needing assistance, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi couldn''t possibly handle it all. It would take too much manpower, resources, and money. It was best to leave it to the Imperial Pacification Office.


    Every year, the major sects of the Nine Provinces Continent allocated a significant portion of their funds to the Imperial Pacification Office. As the leading sect, the Jade rity Sect contributed even more.


    They couldn''t just take the money and do nothing.


    The leader of the group, also a Jade rity Sect disciple, bowed to Jian Huan. "As soon as Elder Yu contacted me, I mobilized immediately. Gathering the team took some time, so apologies for the dy, Junior Sister."


    "No, no, Senior Brother Ma, you''re too kind. We haven''t been waiting long," Jian Huan waved her hand, quickly pulling him aside to expedite the handover. She pointed to the hundred or so people lying on the ground. "These are members of the Xie family. They were in danger on the river earlier, so we fed them hibernation bugs and stored them in our pouches. Now we''re handing them over to you for treatment. Oh, and one more thing!"


    Jian Huan lightly kicked Xie Yuanying''s foot. "His tongue was cut out. Please have your healers treat him. Don''t worry about the cost¡ªhe can afford it. Use the best medicines."


    Senior Brother Ma nodded, about to take a closer look, but Jian Huan hurriedly pulled him aside again, pointing to the ck tower and the people sitting, standing, or lying around. "We''ve rescued everyone inside. They''re mostly fine, but you''ll need to help them find their families and provide some... psychological counseling."


    "Psychological counseling?" Senior Brother Ma looked puzzled.


    Jian Huan exined, "Justfort them and make sure they don''t develop inner demons from this experience."


    "Ah, I see," Senior Brother Ma nodded in understanding.


    "Alright!" Jian Huan pped her hands, smiling brightly. "That''s about it. We''ll leave this to you. We have some personal matters to attend to, so we''ll take our leave. But we''ll be staying in Ningzhang City for the next few days. If you need anything, just contact me on the Xuantian Mirror. I''ll answer any questions you have!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Senior Brother Ma blinked, and Jian Huan was gone.


    Jian Huan flew over to Shen Jizhi, grabbed Liu Lu, and urged, "Quick, let''s go."


    Shen Jizhi helped Yue Shi, who was carrying Mei Yi, onto his sword, and they swiftly departed with Jian Huan.


    Though it wasn''t a big deal, they had taken all the valuable items from the ck tower, leaving nothing for the Imperial Pacification Office. It felt a bit unfair.


    Flying was prohibited within the city, so the group avoided the main streets, slipping into Antai District and heading toward the fifth row.


    Antai District was near the city gates, not part of the main urban area. Its residents were a mix of all walks of life.


    The sun hadpletely set, and twilight enveloped the area. Many households had already lit theirmps, the warm candlelight flickering and casting the silhouettes of families eating dinner against their windows.


    The group passed quickly beneath the windows, heading straight for their destination.


    The fifth row sounded close, but it was actually at the very end. The further in they went, the more dpidated the houses became, with piles of garbage littering the corners of the alleys.


    A tatteredntern hung at the corner, covered in dust and no longer lit. It swayed precariously in the evening breeze.


    By the light of the moon, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi led the way, turning into the fifth row.


    Suddenly, Shen Jizhi''s gaze sharpened, and he paused slightly.


    Jian Huan also raised an eyebrow, ncing at Shen Jizhi out of the corner of her eye.


    Ahead, in front of a small, rundown courtyard, sat five burly men with bare chests and arms.


    They held broad-ded machetes on theirps, arms crossed, their faces fierce and intimidating.


    The courtyard wall was scrawled with the words "Repay Your Debt" in ck charcoal, a stark and unsettling sight.


    Liu Lu''s eyes widened, and she moved closer to Jian Huan, clearly frightened.


    Jian Huan whispered reassuringly, "Don''t worry, don''t worry." She pointed to Shen Jizhi beside her. "He''s the one who should be scared."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    The burly men had already noticed them, turning their heads in unison to scrutinize the group. Their thick brows and intense eyes scanned the neers, exchanging nces but making no immediate move.


    These people looked well-dressed and noble, and it was unclear what they were doing in this remote ce.


    They had already turned the corner, so it was awkward to turn back now.


    Shen Jizhi pondered for a moment, his hands sped behind his back, and walked past the five men with light steps, his gaze fixed straight ahead. He exuded an air of calm detachment, as if passing through a field of flowers without touching a single petal.


    Jian Huan struggled to keep a straight face, afraid she might burst intoughter. She tugged at Liu Lu, following closely behind Shen Jizhi.


    For the sake of that bag of fruit he had given her, she decided not to expose his true identity.


    The five burly men exchanged nces. One of them, with a hoarse voice, asked, "What are these people up to?"


    "No idea. They look a bit odd."


    "Did you see? There''s a woman who seems to have fainted. Are they human traffickers?"


    "Doesn''t seem like it. That girl leading the way has a pretty face. She could make money in other ways; why resort to trafficking?"


    "True. Then why are they heading that way? Are they nning to jump into the river?"


    "Whatever. It''s none of our business. Damn it, when is Old Man Liuing back? Did he die out there or something?"


    "Such bad luck. Liu Qiang and his gang have been looking for him everywhere. How much debt does that old man have? Can he even stay alive long enough to pay it back?"


    "..."


    The path ahead was a dead end.


    Shen Jizhi stood silently, gazing at the moonlit surface of the river, its shimmering waves stretching endlessly into the distance. He calmly closed his eyes.


    Jian Huan mped a hand over her mouth, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. She poked him lightly. "Hey, Shen Jizhi, have you ever heard a saying?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shen Jizhi replied tly, "No."


    "..." Jian Huan was momentarily speechless. "I haven''t even said it yet!"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her. "The debts of the father fall on the son, as it should be?"


    Jian Huan nodded with a grin. "Exactly."


    Shen Jizhi snorted coldly. "He''s dreaming."


    A momentter, the group turned back. Under the suspicious gazes of the five burly men, they hurried away. When the men weren''t looking, they slipped around to the side and climbed over the wall.


    Since there were people outside, they moved inplete silence, not even lighting amp.

 Chapter 85

    ¡°You didn¡¯t catch Ning Hui?¡±


    In the side hall of the Jade rity Sect¡¯s main peak, the sect leader, Dao Xuan, who had been leaning on a couch reading a book, suddenly sat upright. His ordinary face showed clear surprise.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His junior brother had once been a cultivator who had nearly reached the Great Ascension Stage. Ning Hui, on the other hand, was merely a demonparable to the Nascent Soul Stage. There was no way he could have escaped from Gu Shan.


    In front of him, a multicolored illusory butterfly hovered in mid-air, its spirit energy-formed wings fluttering intermittently, conveying Gu Shan¡¯s casual voice: ¡°Nope, I lost him. This Ning Hui is utterly shameless. Every time I was about to catch him, he¡¯d threaten me with the lives of innocent civilians¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The more Dao Xuan listened, the more unreliable it sounded. With a shift in his thoughts, he understood and interrupted, ¡°You nted a divine sense on Ning Hui?¡±


    The autumn night was quiet. After dinner, a few families had moved their bamboo chairs under the big tree at the entrance of the alley to chat.


    Gu Shan¡¯s figure blended perfectly with the shadows of the wall, gliding past the crowd, stepping from one street to another, his lips moving: ¡°Heh, it¡¯s been years, but Senior Brother Sect Leader still knows me so well.¡±


    Dao Xuan couldn¡¯t be bothered to engage with his junior brother. He ced the book on the nearby tea table and asked, ¡°So, did you find anything?¡±


    ¡°The demons have a nest in Dingyang City too,¡± Gu Shan said, unusually serious. ¡°I saw it, but I didn¡¯t act rashly. Senior Brother, do we have anyone in Dingyang City? Have them keep an eye on it. If the demons don¡¯t make any moves, we¡¯ll leave them be for now. I¡¯ll continue following Ning Hui and see if I can find their mainir. Then we can take them all down in one go.¡±


    ¡°We do have people there,¡± Dao Xuan stood up and walked toward the incense burner in the hall. After a moment of contemtion, he cautioned, ¡°Junior Brother, the demons are cunning. Be careful they don¡¯t use Ning Hui as bait to lure you into a trap.¡±


    ¡°Heh, I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± Gu Shan replied. At the next corner, he suddenly stopped, crouched against the wall, and peeked out cautiously, lowering his voice, ¡°By the way, Senior Brother, there¡¯s one more thing¡­¡±


    Thinking it was rted to the demons, Dao Xuan¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Gu Shan, his back against the wall, scratched an itch, causing his robe to ride up slightly and revealing a pair of half-worn shoes: ¡°There are five people blocking my door, demanding I repay my debt. I think I owe around two hundred taels? Not much, just twenty spirit stones. Senior Brother, could you front me some¡­¡±


    Dao Xuan¡¯s hand, which was adding incense, paused slightly: ¡°Don¡¯t you have a disciple?¡±


    ¡°That brat of mine has made something of himself. He hasn¡¯t been around for years and already has a wife,¡± Gu Shan said, his hands tucked into his sleeves, looking pitiful. ¡°I¡¯m hundreds of years old. I can¡¯t burden two young kids, can I?¡±


    Dao Xuan continued adding incense as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything, muttering to himself, ¡°I just remembered, there¡¯s something I haven¡¯t done yet.¡±


    He looked up at the multicolored butterfly and said, ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯ll arrange for someone to handle the Dingyang City matter. That¡¯s it for now. I have work to do¡­¡±


    Before Gu Shan could respond, Dao Xuan stroked his long beard, flicked his sleeve, and extinguished the multicolored butterfly.


    Long ago, when Dao Xuan wasn¡¯t yet the sect leader, Gu Shan had tricked the previous sect leader into advancing him a hundred years¡¯ worth of sry, which he still hadn¡¯t paid back.


    Thinking he could get an advance now? Did Gu Shan think the sect leader was dead?


    Gu Shan¡¯s small courtyard was dpidated. Upon entering, one first saw a narrow main room with a square table that had a broken leg, propped up by a brick to keep it steady.


    Though simple, it was surprisingly tidy and didn¡¯t smell bad.


    To the right of the main room was a storage room, currently locked. Inside, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi sat facing each other.


    In front of them was a pile of night pearls, agate eyes, and other jewels.


    These were items they had scavenged from the entire dark hall, some of which belonged to the demon minions like Dark Granny.


    They had tied them up and handed them over to the Plum Courtyard for custody, while also ransacking their homes.


    Dozens of night pearls illuminated the small storage room as if it were daytime. The room was filled with empty wine jars, and the air carried a faint scent of alcohol.


    Shen Jizhi slowly pulled out fish teeth from his storage pouch, his gaze fixed on the pile of items in front of him as he quickly calcted in his mind.


    The most valuable item from this trip to the dark hall was naturally the fish tail, which was worth about the same as a Ground Fruit¡ªaround a hundred thousand.


    The fish teeth weren¡¯t as valuable, totaling around twenty thousand.


    The jewels looked plentiful, but they were only a small portion. They could be pawned for a few thousand taels, which would convert to about three hundred spirit stones.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the Ghost Fish King had made a pact with the demons, turning its demon core into a demonic core, which they had destroyed on the spot, the haul would have been even greater.


    In any case, the total value now was around a hundred and twenty thousand.


    That meant sixty thousand each. Adding the twenty-one thousand he was about to get, he¡¯d have eighty-one thousand.


    It¡¯s¡­ a bit tight.


    Shen Jizhi ced thest tooth down, pursed his lips, and nced at Jian Huan, his eyes filled with contemtion.


    Dividing the spoils wasn¡¯t something they were doing for the first time. Following the principle of splitting things equally, they quickly divided the items.


    Jian Huan reached for the fish tail: ¡°Aplete fish tail sells for a higher price. I¡¯ll keep it for now, and we¡¯ll split the proceeds after it¡¯s sold. No objections, right?¡±


    Just as Shen Jizhi was about to shake his head, a slightly lewd voice suddenly rang out: ¡°Disciples, dividing the loot, are we?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi turned their heads sharply, only to see a small, mustached old Taoist appearing out of thin air in mid-air.


    Gu Shan tugged at his robe, lowered his head, and patted his own head like he was testing a watermelon: ¡°It¡¯s worth at least one tooth, right?¡±


    ¡­


    The wooden door creaked open as Jian Huan and the other two stepped out, heading toward the bedroom on the left.


    Gu Shan tossed the fish tooth in his hand, leisurely and content.


    With this, not only could he clear the debt under the alias ¡°Liu Hu,¡± but he could also afford wine for a while.


    Behind him, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi followed side by side.


    She nced at Gu Shan ahead, her expression odd: ¡°Hey, just one tooth was enough to satisfy your master?¡±


    She had thought they¡¯d have to split it three ways. After all, this trip to the dark hall wasrgely thanks to Shen Jizhi¡¯s master.


    If she were Gu Shan, she definitely wouldn¡¯t have been satisfied with just one tooth.


    Shen Jizhi replied, ¡°I heard that in the past, when my master went to hunt demons in secret realms, he only hunted demons.¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Only hunted?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Shen Jizhi nodded. ¡°He didn¡¯t loot the corpses. He left everything for his teammates.¡±


    Jian Huan couldn¡¯t understand: ¡°Why?¡±


    Shen Jizhi paused for a moment before answering, ¡°Though I never asked, and he never said, I suspect¡­¡± He hesitated slightly, ¡°His sword body was forged through being beaten up like that.¡±


    Not repaying debts really does make one prone to getting beaten.


    Jian Huan muttered softly, ¡°I feel bad for those creditors.¡±


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi turned his head, his gaze calm as he looked at her, his tone t: ¡°What about me?¡±


    At least for now, his master¡¯s debts were all cleared.


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    On the wooden bed in the bedroom, Mei Yi opened her eyes.


    Her head throbbed as if pierced by needles. She propped herself up halfway, only to meet three pairs of eyes staring back at her.


    Mei Yi was startled. When she caught sight of Shen Jizhi¡¯s face, which bore a striking resemnce to someone from her past, her slender body trembled slightly. She quickly averted her gaze, but when her eyes fell on Liu Lu and the musician in the corner, she gasped: ¡°Liu Lu¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just unconscious,¡± Gu Shan waved his hand, and a stool from the main room appeared behind him. He sat down, crossing his legs, his hole-ridden shoes swaying back and forth. ¡°You told my disciples that it was¡­¡±


    Gu Shan chuckled: ¡°A Celestial Origin Stone?¡±


    Mei Yi lowered her head, silent, her hands instinctively gripping the red floral-patterned quilt.


    Gu Shan shook his head, looking at the woman before him, her thoughts heavy. He couldn¡¯t help but recall the shy, transparent girl from years ago.


    How unpredictable life could be.


    His voice carried a hint of regret, and his gaze at Mei Yi wasplex: ¡°You should exin it to them yourself.¡±


    Beside them, Jian Huan was already burning with curiosity.


    She quickly walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, asking, ¡°Sister Mei, so the thing inside Shen Jizhi isn¡¯t a Celestial Origin Stone? What is it?¡±


    Mei Yi took a deep breath. She closed her eyes, then opened them, looking up at Shen Jizhi.


    Shen Jizhi leaned against the window, seemingly detached from the conversation about his own body, his expression cool and indifferent.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Demon Origin Stone,¡± Mei Yi said softly. Her gaze drifted from Shen Jizhi¡¯s face upward, through the simple window, and settled on the crescent moon above, murmuring again, ¡°Not a Celestial Origin Stone, but a Demon Origin Stone.¡±


    The moonlight was bright and clear, and Mei Yi gazed at it, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Most of what I said to Shen Jizhi earlier was true. I only reced the word ''demon'' with ''immortal.'' The Demon Origin Stone within you carries the cultivation legacy of Hua Dihai, the Demon God from a thousand years ago, as well as a trace of his lingering will. It was his way of leaving a path for himself. If you break through the Demon Origin Stone, you¡ª"


    Mei Yi''s gaze suddenly shifted to Shen Jizhi, turning icy cold. "¡ªwill fall into demonhood!"


    Jian Huan nced sideways at Shen Jizhi, who remained silent, his expression unreadable. A dark fire burned in her heart as she bit her tongue lightly, asking Mei Yi word by word, "Why would you do this?"


    "Why would I do this?" Mei Yiughed, tears streaming down her face as she did. "Because I wanted to escape!"


    She clutched at her cor, her face twisted in anguish. "Because I wanted to escape! I didn¡¯t want to stay in the Dark Hall anymore, didn¡¯t want to feign affection for a man I loathe, didn¡¯t want to look at that false sky! I didn¡¯t want to spend my entire life trapped in the Dark Hall, never seeing the light of day!"


    "I¡¯ve been waiting for you for so long, so very long..." Mei Yi wept bitterly, her voice breaking. "Ten years ago, I happened to cross paths with Ning Hui, and he took a liking to me. He locked me in the Dark Hall, and my master died trying to save me. I tried¡ª" Mei Yi clenched her fists, the veins on her delicate hands bulging. "I couldn¡¯t kill Ning Hui, and I couldn¡¯t escape the Dark Hall. The maids around me advised me to bide my time, saying that as long as I lived, there would eventually be a chance to get out. So I waited and waited, afraid that Ning Hui would grow tired of me and kill me like he did with other women. I secretly applied an addictive floral ointment to my body. And so I waited, for ten years, but no one ever came..."


    Her voice gradually softened, as gentle as the night.


    "Why?!" Mei Yi suddenly screamed, her eyes filled with hatred as she turned to Gu Shan, a faint trace of ck energy flickering in her gaze. "Elder Gu, you were my master¡¯s close friend. When my master died, why didn¡¯t you investigate?!"


    Gu Shan, who had been sitting with his legs crossed, fell silent.


    At his age, even close friends were seen only once every few years, and they rarely kept in touch unless something happened.


    A few years ago, on a whim, he had gone to Ningzhang City to drink with Mei Yi¡¯s master, only to find out upon arrival that his old friend had already passed away.


    Mei Yi¡¯s master was highly skilled in medicine but had limited cultivation. People said he had been killed by a demonic beast while gathering spiritual herbs.


    In his seven hundred years of life, Gu Shan had seen too many acquaintances die at the hands of demonic beasts. When he heard the news, he didn¡¯t doubt it, only felt a deep sense of loss.


    And so, he sealed his own cultivation and stayed in Ningzhang City.

 Chapter 86

    Jian Huan sat beside Mei Yi, close enough to clearly see the expression on Mei Yi''s face and the faint ck veins in her eyes.


    It was like the red veins that appear after staying up all night, but in Mei Yi''s eyes, they were ck.


    Jian Huan was startled and immediately stood up, cautiously taking a few steps back. "Have you fallen into demonic corruption?"


    Like a finger touching a hot pot, Mei Yi''s icy, hostile expression vanished instantly, reced by confusion. "Demonic corruption? No, I haven''t."


    Mei Yi curled her knees up and retreated to the corner of the bed, shaking her head repeatedly. "I haven''t, I haven''t..."


    Mei Yi''s condition was clearly abnormal. Jian Huan exchanged a nce with the other two and said, "Ning Hui is a demon, so you..."


    "I! Have! Not!" Mei Yi suddenly raised her head, clenched her fists, and pounded the edge of the bed. "Ning Hui is a demon, that''s true, but he loves pure and wless women. He would never let his woman fall into demonic corruption. I''ve always been careful, so how could I have be a demon? How could I have be a demon!"


    Her face twisted into a grotesque mix of tears andughter, as if two faces were ovepping¡ªone soft and bewildered, the other cold and sinister. It was chilling to behold.


    Gu Shan frowned, flicked his Daoist robe, and Mei Yi''s expression froze. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.


    "I examined her consciousness earlier and found no memories of her turning into a demon," Gu Shan sighed. "Although she carries demonic energy, it''s normal since she''s been in the Dark Pce. But now it seems that the girl has developed a demonic obsession..."


    Demonic energy is like spiritual energy.


    If a person without a spiritual root is in a ce rich with spiritual energy, they cannot absorb it and won''t be affected by it.


    Demons don''t have the concept of a spiritual root, but they do have the idea of a ''demonic heart.'' Only with a demonic heart can one harness demonic energy and cultivate demonic arts.


    However, as long as one''s Daoist heart is strong enough, even if they are surrounded by demonic energy in the Demon Abyss or in close contact with demons, they won''t turn into a demon.


    "But his situation is an exception," Gu Shan nced at Shen Jizhi. "A thousand years ago, the Demon God Hua Dihai''s demonic arts were profound. The legacy he left behind is not to be underestimated. If you break the seal, you will undoubtedly fall into demonic corruption."


    "Mm," Shen Jizhi shifted his weight from his left leg to his right, looking at Gu Shan with a calm expression. "As long as you stop making me repay my debts, I probably won''t break the seal."


    Gu Shan: "..."


    Gu Shan''s pointing hand trembled. "You rebellious disciple, truly rebellious!"


    Jian Huan''s eyes darted around, looking at Shen Jizhi, then at Gu Shan, before bringing the conversation back to Mei Yi. "What should we do about her?"


    Gu Shan scratched his head. "I don''t know how deep her demonic obsession is. I vaguely remember that the old folks at South Dust Immortal Ind were developing a spiritual medicine to dispel demonic obsessions. I wonder how far they''ve gotten. Let''s call a medical cultivator tomorrow to take a look."


    The next day, the autumn sunlight streamed through the window, shining on the Demon-Reflecting Mirror in Jian Huan''s hand and reflecting onto Shen Jizhi''s face, leaving a bright spot.


    In the mirror, the young man''s slightly furrowed brows were visible. His expression was cold as he nced at the girl and shook his head. "Have you had enough fun?"


    The two stood shoulder to shoulder by the window.


    By the bed, a medical cultivator from South Dust Immortal Ind was diagnosing Mei Yi.


    Coincidentally, the medical cultivator was a familiar face¡ªSenior Brother Su Tian, who had once approached Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi in Yuxian City to inquire about the Earth Fruit Tree.


    At the door, Yu Qing and Gu Shan stood side by side, discussing matters rted to demons.


    Jian Huan poked the reflection in the mirror, beaming with joy as she nudged Shen Jizhi with her shoulder. "Congrattions, Shen Jizhi! You''re still pure and untainted by demonic corruption!"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Jian Huan lovingly wiped the mirror with her sleeve, carefully storing it in her storage pouch. She then turned to Yu Qing at the door and sighed. "Elder Yu Qing is so kind. Just because I asked him on the Xuantian Mirror how to distinguish demons, he specially brought me this Demon-Reflecting Mirror today!"


    Shen Jizhi scoffed. "A mere mirror makes you this happy?"


    Jian Huan shot him a sidelong nce. "You''re just sour grapes. If you''re so capable, why don''t you ask your master to give you one?"


    "..." Shen Jizhi pursed his lips and smiled faintly. "No need."


    Jian Huan shrugged, not wanting to argue further. She sped her hands under her chin, her eyes sparkling. "Elder Yu Qing is truly wonderful¡ªgentle, generous, and his cultivation is beyond question..."


    Shen Jizhi''s expression remained nk as he stood up and left.


    Jian Huan, who had been leaning slightly against him, suddenly lost her support and tipped to the side.


    Jian Huan: "!!"


    At that moment, Su Tian stood up, first bowing to the door. "Peak Master Gu, Elder Yu¡ª" Then he turned to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, smiling. "Senior Brother Shen, Junior Sister Jian."


    Gu Shan and Yu Qing stopped their conversation and walked in. "How is she?"


    Su Tian replied respectfully, "Miss Mei indeed has a demonic obsession, but it hasn''t reached an irreversible stage. Coincidentally, the elders on our ind are developing a spiritual medicine that needs testing. May I boldly ask Peak Master Gu to entrust Miss Mei to me and allow me to take her to the ind for treatment? I cannot guarantee a cure, but South Dust Immortal Ind will spare no effort."


    Gu Shan stroked his beard and nodded. "Agreed."


    There was no better alternative.


    He nced at Shen Jizhi, pondering for a moment. "However, I still have some matters to discuss with her. Let''s do this¡ªI''ll send her to youter."


    Su Tian bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Peak Master."


    Yu Qing also bowed. "Peak Master, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave now."


    Gu Shan waved his hand. "Go ahead, go ahead."


    Yu Qing and Su Tian left together. Jian Huan hopped forward, catching up to them with a smile. "Elder Yu, Senior Brother Su, let me see you off!"


    Yu Qing smiled gently. "Perfect, I have something to ask you as well."


    The teacher and student, along with Su Tian, walked out together.


    Behind them, Shen Jizhi couldn''t help but let out a disdainful snort.


    Ever since Yu Qing had given her the Demon-Reflecting Mirror half an hour ago, she had been acting like this.


    Jian Huan stepped over the threshold, turned back, and red at him warningly, sticking out her tongue. "Hmph."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    "Elder Yu, so was the formation created by Qi Wan?" Jian Huan asked, turning her attention back.


    After leaving the Dark Pce, Jian Huan had immediately contacted Yu Qing, who hade specifically to investigate. He nodded. "Yes."


    The three stopped at the courtyard gate.


    Gu Shan had sold the fish tooth to repay his debt, and the debt collectors had left, but the words "Repay the Debt" were still clearly visible on the wall.


    Yu Qing asked in detail about the events in the Dark Pce, and Jian Huan answered truthfully.


    The girl''s soft voice, carried by the midday breeze, reached Shen Jizhi''s ears.


    The young man in ck robes leaned against the window of the bedroom, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the red maple tree in the courtyard, half of its leaves scorched.


    asionally, he would nce toward the gate, where the girl in an orange top and pink skirt stood.


    After a while, Shen Jizhi lightly furrowed his brows.


    Elder Yu Qing was being excessively verbose. Was it really necessary to ask so many questions? Knowing the beginning and the end should suffice¡ªcouldn''t he deduce the rest himself?


    In the storage room across the way, Gu Shan took a swig from his wine pouch, tilting his head back as he drank, and walked toward Shen Jizhi. "Come,e, my disciple, I have one more thing..."


    "Jian Huan," Shen Jizhi suddenly called out.


    At the gate, Jian Huan turned. "Huh? What is it?"


    Shen Jizhi''s expression was impassive. "My master is calling you."


    With that, he straightened up and left the window.


    Gu Shan was momentarily stunned, wiping the wine from his mouth. "No, I was calling you..."


    Shen Jizhi nced at him expressionlessly, his tone t. "Were you?"


    Gu Shan shrank back, not daring to say more.


    This disciple had always had amanding presence and a strong will. Sometimes, Gu Shan felt like he was the disciple, and Shen Jizhi was the master...


    Gu Shan walked past the window, looked outside, and suddenly understood something. He chuckled mischievously and began to sing, "Little cabbage, pickled and sour, perfect for a drink..."


    Shen Jizhi: "."


    Jian Huan stood on tiptoe at the door, watching Yu Qing and Su Tian leave. She lifted her skirt slightly and ran back. "Senior, were you calling me?"


    Gu Shan nced at Shen Jizhi, who was now lowering his gaze, acting as if he had nothing to do with the situation.


    As he had done the previous night, Gu Shan set up a barrier to block all eavesdropping.


    He tied the wine pouch to his waist and walked to the bedside, looking at the unconscious Mei Yi. "Despite all her faults, Mei Yi never revealed the matter of the Demon Origin Stone to anyone, keeping the heavy oath she made before her master."


    "But the world is unpredictable, and we can''t afford to take any more risks. Before sending her to the South Dust Immortal Ind, I will erase all her memories rted to the Demon Origin Stone from her consciousness." Erasing memories could cause some damage to a cultivator''s spiritual sense, and it was something to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. However, Gu Shan had made up his mind to proceed.


    Jian Huan raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and then understood.


    If the righteous sects were to learn about the Demon Origin Stone, they would likely lean toward eliminating Shen Jizhi, even if the seal remained intact, just to prevent any potential threat.


    The Demon Origin Stone was attached to Shen Jizhi. If Shen Jizhi were to die, all the legacies of Hua Dihai would vanish along with him.


    Sacrificing one person to eliminate a perpetual threat¡ªsuch a decision would not be difficult to make.


    If the demonic factions were to find out, they would undoubtedly do everything in their power to help Shen Jizhi break the seal, inherit the path of the Demon God, and bolster their forces.


    "Most of those who knew about this matter back then have already turned to dust," Gu Shan said, pausing for a moment. His usually mischievous eyes now carried a hint of weariness. He chuckled, "After that, only I and you," he nced at Shen Jizhi, then at Jian Huan, "and my disciple''s wife, knew about it."


    Gu Shan hadn''t even told Dao Xuan about Shen Jizhi''s situation.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The sect leader was the person Gu Shan trusted the most in this world, but he knew what choice his senior brother would make if he learned the truth.


    Between one person and the multitude, the sect leader would undoubtedly choose thetter without hesitation.


    But Gu Shan had always been willful.


    If, in the future, Shen Jizhi were to break the seal and fall into demonic ways for any reason, even if it meant mutual destruction, Gu Shan would personally kill his own disciple.


    The three of them fell silent, and the room became so quiet that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.


    Gu Shan sat cross-legged by the bedside, his eyes closed as his spiritual energy entered Mei Yi''s forehead.


    The woman, who had been lying peacefully, suddenly furrowed her brows, showing signs of difort.


    Gu Shan wasn''t having an easy time either. Altering someone else''s spiritual sense was something only high-level Nascent Soul or Mahayana-stage cultivators could attempt, and even then, it was risky. A slight misstep could result in bacsh. That''s why, unless absolutely necessary, no one would attempt such a thing.


    After waiting for a while, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi found a spot to sit and meditate.


    About half an hourter, Gu Shan opened his eyes. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and took several gulps from his wine pouch. "That was exhausting, utterly exhausting."


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi looked up.


    Since learning about the Demon Origin Stonest night, he had been thinking a lot, and a certain thought had been lingering in his mind.


    "What was the price?"


    His voice, cold and clear like cial water, pulled Jian Huan out of her meditative state. She blinked, looked at Shen Jizhi, and then followed his gaze to Gu Shan.


    Gu Shan paused, his hand holding the wine pouch. "What price?"


    Shen Jizhi''s gaze was calm. "The price of sealing the Demon Origin Stone."


    The old man waved his hand dismissively, nimbly getting up from the ground and patting his buttocks as if preparing to leave. "What price could there be? Who do you think your master is? I just sealed it casually, no big deal..."


    "I remember when I was six, you brought me to the Jade rity Sect and then went into seclusion for a long time," Shen Jizhi interrupted his master. "Later, I heard from the sect leader that you were supposed to have reached the Mahayana stage long ago, but you failed your tribtion."


    "So, the price was your Mahayana tribtion?" Shen Jizhi asked slowly.


    Gu Shan: "..."


    He took a sip of wine and plopped back down on the ground, resigned. "Yes."


    Since his disciple had already figured it out, Gu Shan saw no point in hiding it. He knew he couldn''t keep it from him anyway.


    This disciple of his was as sharp as a tack.


    "The Demon Origin Stone contains a trace of Hua Dihai''s residual consciousness," Gu Shan exined. "That''s the most dangerous part. If it were just his legacy, even if you were to fall into demonic ways, it would still be somewhat ''you,'' like Mei Yi''s situation¡ªless of a threat. But if the residual consciousness isn''t eradicated, Hua Dihai could... revive within you. If that happens, the Nine Provinces would face another catastrophe, just like a thousand years ago."


    He paused before continuing, "Mei Yi''s master and I thought it over, and the only thing in the Nine Provinces capable ofpletely destroying Hua Dihai''s residual consciousness was the tribtion of ascending from the Nascent Soul to the Mahayana stage. Coincidentally, I was just about to step into the Mahayana stage at the time..."


    Gu Shan shook his head, exhaling a breath tinged with the scent of wine. Perhaps it was fate, guiding him to make this choice. "I originally wanted to remove the power of the Demon Origin Stone as well, but it has been in your body for too long, merging with your meridians. All I could do was seal it."


    He took another swig of wine, shrugging with his usual carefree demeanor. "That''s how it is."


    Shen Jizhi listened quietly, saying nothing.


    Failing a tribtion meant there was almost no chance of advancing to the next stage in this lifetime.


    His gaze fell to the ground, his eyelids lowering to conceal his emotions.


    Jian Huan, however, looked at Gu Shan with wide eyes, her dark pupils filled with astonishment.


    The image of the seemingly disheveled old man suddenly rose in her mind, towering like a majestic mountain. She raised her thumb and emphatically jabbed it into the air three times, patting her chest as she dered generously, "Senior, to show my respect, once I be a Jade rity Sect elder, I''ll treat you to drinks!"


    Gu Shan was stunned. "How long do I have to wait for that?"


    Times had changed. Since his senior brother became the sect leader, bing an elder wasn''t as easy as it used to be.


    That man wouldn''t even let him take a single spirit stone!


    How terrifying, utterly terrifying.


    "No rush, no rush," Jian Huan said, darting over to pat the old man on the shoulder with an air of mystery. "It''ll happen soon."


    Gu Shan shook his head, ncing at Shen Jizhi. After a moment of thought, he said, "I didn''t do it for you."


    He turned to Jian Huan. "Nor for the sake of the world."


    Gu Shan stood up, walked to the window, and stretched his arms high above his head. "I did it for myself."


    For the sake of a world where someone could brew the wine he loved, someone could lend him money to buy drinks, and someone could help him pay off his two million debts.


    The sunlight outside was warm, and a gentle breeze blew in.


    Gu Shan tilted his head and suddenly chuckled. "But if you two feel like you owe me something, maybe you could take care of my debts in the future..."


    Behind him, Jian Huan crouched in front of Shen Jizhi, trying to peek at his expression.


    Was he crying?


    Shen Jizhi shifted slightly, lifting his deep, inscrutable eyes. He reached out to push her head away, but before he could, her head snapped up on its own, leaving his hand hanging in the air.


    His fingers twitched, and he calmly retracted his hand, slowly getting up from the ground.


    Jian Huan''s expression changed. "Senior, what do you mean by ''you two''?"


    Shen Jizhi''s debts had nothing to do with her, Jian Huan!


    Gu Shan winked at her. "Aren''t you two a team?"


    "Of course not!" Jian Huan dered firmly. "He''s him, and I''m me. At most, I''ll treat you to a few more drinks when I have the money. Alright, Senior, you should rest now. Farewell!"


    With that, Jian Huan opened the door and left in a hurry, her retreating figure looking as if she were fleeing from a demon.


    Gu Shan scratched his messy bird''s nest of hair and looked at Shen Jizhi. "Are you two abandoning each other in the face of disaster?"


    Shen Jizhi''s lips twitched. "...You call this a disaster?"


    Gu Shan muttered, "Then maybe you could help me with..."


    "Absolutely not," Shen Jizhi cut him off without hesitation. "These are two separate matters. One thing at a time."


    Gu Shan sighed. "Ah, poor Gu Shan, such a hard life. Heaven, is this how you treat me..."


    "By the way, Senior," Jian Huan suddenly ran back, standing outside the window and beckoning to Gu Shan.


    Gu Shan cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Disciple''s wife, have you changed your mind?"


    "I''m not crazy," Jian Huan said with a smile, though it didn''t reach her eyes. "I just came back to remind you that I have a name. It''s Jian Huan, not ''disciple''s wife.'' Got it?"


    Gu Shan shook his head earnestly, standing up straight and rubbing his back with a mischievous grin. "But in that dark hall, the two of you were like this and that..."


    Jian Huan closed her eyes, then opened them again, roaring, "That was to remove the Thousand Jin Talisman!!"


    Gu Shan: "..."


    He didn''t dare say another word, shrinking his neck slightly.


    Jian Huan took a deep breath, smoothed the strands of hair on her forehead, and put on a sweet smile. Softly, she said, "Senior, remember, I have a name."


    Gu Shan nodded obediently. "Alright, Huan girl."


    Satisfied, Jian Huan patted her robes, gave Shen Jizhi a sidelong nce, and with a light hum, flew away on her sword.


    Gu Shan finally dared to stand straight, shaking his head as he muttered, "So it wasn''t yet..."


    He nced at Shen Jizhi, his expression tinged with slight disdain. "Disciple, are you perhaps... incapable?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    He ignored Gu Shan, his gaze following Jian Huan''s retreating figure until she disappeared into the courtyard.


    The autumn air grew crisper, and most of the maple leaves in the courtyard had already fallen. Time waits for no one.


    Indeed, he could dy no longer.


    After a moment of thought, Shen Jizhi reached into his robe and pulled out a small pouch embroidered with a pixiu.


    Inside the pouch were some scattered pieces of silver.


    He first took out a hundred copper coins and handed them to Gu Shan.


    Gu Shan instinctively epted them, bbergasted, and pointed at himself. "For me?"


    "Mm," Shen Jizhi replied indifferently. After a brief pause, he added another tael of silver and handed it over.


    In the past, his master might have been worth only a hundred coins, but from now on, he could reluctantly add a tael.


    Gu Shan stared at the silver, almost too hesitant to take it.


    "This tael and hundred coins are yours to spend as you wish," Shen Jizhi said, tightening the pouch and carefully tucking it back into his robe. His expression was calm and unreadable, like the still surface of ake, as he made his decision.


    "All I ask is that you not be home tonight," he added softly.

 Chapter 87

    In the same alley as the Gu Shan family lived a simple and honest household.


    The husband and son had gone out on a boat and were not expected to return for about five days, leaving only the elderly woman at home.


    Since the Gu Shan household only had two rooms¡ªone upied by Mei Yi and the other filled with wine jars¡ªthere was no space for Jian Huan to stay. So, she decided to stay with this family. The elderly woman charged a very modest fee: thirty coins for room and board.


    As the sun set in the west, the evening light was so gentle it seemed to spill golden water.


    The elderly woman was preparing dinner in the kitchen, the sizzling sound of oil mixing with the aroma of vegetables wafting from the back.


    Jian Huan sat by the window, resting her chin on her hand, deep in thought as she tried to piece together Shen Jizhi''s family background, her brows slightly furrowed.


    Jian Huan had the memories of the original owner of her body. Before Grandfather Jian passed away, he had told the original owner about the arranged marriage between her and Shen Jizhi.


    Afterward, the original owner had also inquired about the Shen family.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The Shen family was ordinary, with Shen Jizhi''s parents being unremarkable wandering cultivators of modest talent.


    When Shen Jizhi was three years old, his parents took him to visit his maternal grandmother. On the way, they encountered a minor evil spirit. After a fierce struggle, they were severely injured and were rescued by Grandfather Jian, who happened to be passing by.


    Grandfather Jian brought the family of three back to the Jian household for treatment. During their conversation, it turned out that Grandfather Jian and Shen Jizhi''s maternal grandfather were old acquaintances.


    Thus, with the blessing of both families, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were betrothed as children.


    Afterward, Shen''s father and mother continued their journey with Shen Jizhi, but not long after, they disappeared without a trace.


    Grandfather Jian tried to find out what had happened but to no avail, and the matter was eventually forgotten.


    However, Grandfather Jian was a man of his word, and even on his deathbed, he still remembered this betrothal.


    From what Mei Yi and Gu Shan had told her, Jian Huan now had a rough idea of what had happened back then.


    The ce where Shen''s parents encountered the minor evil spirit was near the ruins of the ancient battle of Hua Dihai, which had taken ce a thousand years ago.


    While his parents were fighting the evil spirit, young Shen Jizhi hid nearby. He identally fell and cut his arm, and his blood stained a demonic stone.


    ording to Gu Shan, although Shen Jizhi''s spiritual roots were weak, his bone structure was exceptional, as evident from his striking appearance. He was someone favored by the heavens.


    Such a fine bone structure made him the perfect vessel for the demonic stone.


    The stone, awakened by his blood, silently merged into Shen Jizhi''s body andy dormant.


    Not long after leaving the Jian household, the Shen family noticed something unusual about Shen Jizhi.


    Fearing that someone might discover the truth and endanger Shen Jizhi''s life, his parents went into hiding, seeking out trusted healers.


    Finally, when Shen Jizhi was four years old, they found Mei Yi''s master, who then introduced them to Gu Shan.


    At the cost of enduring a heavenly tribtion, Gu Shanpletely erased the remnants of Hua Dihai''s consciousness from the demonic stone and sealed its power within Shen Jizhi''s body. To prevent the young Shen Jizhi from being tempted by the stone, Gu Shan also erased all his memories of the "demonic stone."


    That was the gist of the story.


    In the original novel, Shen Jizhi eventually broke the seal and fell into demonic ways, but did it happen in the hidden temple?


    In the book, the heroine Jiang Qiaoqiao, the male lead Jing Chi, and the antagonist Shen Jizhi had arrived in Ningzhang City a year earlier. The reason wasn''t explicitly stated, but it was likely rted to the Jiang Demon Ghost Fish King.


    The three of them had always traveled wherever there were rumors of evil spirits.


    It was unclear whether Gu Shan had still disguised himself as an old Taoist priest and boarded the ship in the original story, but regardless, he had been in Ningzhang City for the past few years.


    If Shen Jizhi attempted to break the seal, Gu Shan would sense it and awaken to stop him.


    After all, the hidden temple was built beneath the reed marshes outside Ningzhang City, so there was plenty of time to intervene.


    Moreover, judging by Shen Jizhi''s personality, he wasn''t the type to trust Mei Yi enough to break the seal on the demonic stone.


    So, there were still unresolved mysteries in the original story.


    As the sky darkenedpletely, the sounds of cooking in the kitchen ceased.


    Jian Huan sniffed the air, catching the aroma of the food, and decided to stop thinking about it.


    Dinner was more important.


    For thirty coins a day, including room and board, one couldn''t expectvish meals¡ªjust some vegetables, tofu, and a bit of minced meat.


    But tonight, the elderly woman seemed to have cooked for a long time, and Jian Huan could smell meat!


    Jian Huan put away her talisman brush and ran to the kitchen, smiling. "Auntie, let me help you carry the dishes."


    "No, no," the elderly woman replied, herugh lines deepening as she wiped her hands on her apron. "You just sit and wait. The kitchen is full of smoke, and I don''t want your clothes to get dirty!"


    But Jian Huan''s attention was no longer on the elderly woman. Her eyes were fixed on the dishes nearby.


    A fish, pan-fried to a golden crisp, drizzled with a thick sauce of scallions, ginger, and garlic;


    plump soy-braised river snails;


    tender soy sauce beef;


    and braised chicken feet, among other dishes...


    "It''s fine, Auntie, I''ll help. But why did you cook so much tonight?" Jian Huan''s mouth watered as she reached for the edge of a dish, about to pick it up.


    The elderly woman''s voice suddenly sharpened, and she looked flustered as she stopped Jian Huan. "Oh no, you can''t touch that!"


    Jian Huan paused and looked up. "Huh?"


    "That''s not for our dinner," the elderly woman exined, stepping aside to reveal a te of greens, a te of celery with minced meat, and a te of sweet potato leaves. "This is our dinner."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She blinked, then pointed at thevish dishes. "Then who are these for?"


    The elderly woman walked over, gently nudging Jian Huan aside, and opened a cab below. She took out two simple wooden food containers and carefully ced the dishes inside.


    "This afternoon, while I was strolling at the end of the alley, that young man from Gu Shan''s family came to me and paid me to prepare these dishes. He said he wanted to have a good meal tonight."


    At this, the elderly woman smiled sheepishly. "That young man is so handsome. In my fifty years of life, I''ve never seen anyone so good-looking."


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Wasn''t that Shen Jizhi?


    She had only arrived at the elderly woman''s cest night, and Shen Jizhi hadn''te to see her, so the elderly woman didn''t know they were together.


    After a pause, the elderly woman added in a hushed tone, "But although he''s handsome, he''s too frugal. He caught the fish himself and gathered the river snails... I didn''t make much profit from this meal!"


    Then she sighed, "But then again, with a rtive like Gu Shan, he has to be frugal. Poor child..."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    She looked at the elderly woman, wanting to say that if Gu Shan''s house had a kitchen, Shen Jizhi probably wouldn''t have let her earn this money at all.


    Jian Huan nced at the delicious meat dishes, then at the simple greens and sweet potato leaves. Her eyes sparkled, and she smiled sweetly. "Auntie, why don''t I deliver the food for you?"


    The night was clear, with a bright moon and scattered stars.


    Behind the wall of Gu Shan''s small courtyard stood a hundred-year-old ginkgo tree, adorned with a redntern.


    Beside the tree was a table with two cushions on either side.


    A girl in a pink dress sat cross-legged, unceremoniously using a silver needle to pick at the river snails as she asked, "Where''s your master?"


    In Jian Huan''s opinion, Shen Jizhi had prepared this feast as a gesture of gratitude to Gu Shan.


    The ck-d, ponytailed young man sat across from her.


    A breeze blew by, and the ginkgo leaves behind Jian Huan rustled, threatening to fall into the dishes. With a flick of his finger, Shen Jizhi used a bit of spiritual energy to redirect the leaves, whichnded at their feet.


    Shen Jizhi held a white porcin cup, sipping lightly from the fine wine. His longshes fluttered as he replied calmly, "He went to see Mei Yi off."


    Jian Huan nced at the moon in the sky, her eyebrows raised. "He''s still not back?"


    "Something might have dyed him," Shen Jizhi replied.


    Jian Huan continued picking at the snails, a sly smile on her lips. "Well, if I finish his share, he can''t me me."


    Shen Jizhi looked up, his gaze resting on her for a moment before he nodded slightly.


    The night was quiet, and the two chatted intermittently, mostly Jian Huan speaking while Shen Jizhi responded with a few words or gestures.


    After finishing her meal, Jian Huan set down the silver needle, cast a cleaning spell, and took a sip of wine. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Shen Jizhi.


    Clearly, he had been distracted all evening, quietly drinking by himself, his expression more distant than usual.


    Jian Huan set down her wine cup and gently bit her lower lip before releasing it. She asked, "Shen Jizhi, are you thinking about your parents and your master?"


    Shen Jizhi paused slightly in the act of drinking. "I was earlier," he admitted.


    He ced the wine cup down, cradling it in his palms, and lowered his gaze. "But now I''m thinking of something else."


    Jian Huan''s eyes held a mix of understanding and sympathy as she continued to console him. "Don''t be sad."


    Shen Jizhi: "? I''m not sad."


    Jian Huan thought he was just being stubborn, shaking her head in exasperation. "Look at you now, like a pitiful little thing who thinks no one loves you."


    She extended her hand, counting off on her fingers as she muttered, "But so many people love you. Your father, your mother, your master..."


    Shen Jizhi''s fingertips absently traced the cool, smooth surface of the cup. Suddenly, he interrupted her, "What about you?"


    Jian Huan''s counting hand froze. She looked up, caught off guard. "...Huh?"


    Shen Jizhi raised his hand, cing the cup on the table. His amber eyes, clear as ss, locked onto Jian Huan''s. Softly, he asked, "Will you count yourself among them?"


    A gust of wind from the river blew past, making Jian Huan''s eyes sting as if sand had gotten into them. Her blinking quickened.


    His words were suggestive.


    His gaze was too bold.


    Realizing something, Jian Huan didn''t hesitate any longer. She sprang to her feet, patting her stomach and changing the subject. "Ah, I''m so full..."


    Shen Jizhi stood as well, his boots crunching on the dry leaves scattered beneath the ginkgo tree.


    The river breeze rustled thenterns, causing them to sway gently. Ginkgo leaves fluttered down from the branches, dancing around the two of them.


    Jian Huan nervously stepped back, ncing at the sky, then at the ground. "It''s gettingte, I should go..."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    Shen Jizhi reached out and grabbed her wrist.


    His fingers were cool like porcin, sending a shiver through Jian Huan.


    She struggled to pull her hand free, wanting to slip away, her voice trembling slightly. "Shen Jizhi, I mean it. You''re drunk. You''re not thinking clearly right now, do you understand? Go back and get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow..."


    Shen Jizhi''s eyes remained fixed on her.


    The girl in his grasp was as slippery as a fish.


    Before, she truly hadn''t understood.


    But now, she was pretending not to.


    Suddenly, he raised his left hand, wrapping it around Jian Huan''s waist. Without giving her a chance to resist, he pressed her against the rough bark of the ginkgo tree.


    Jian Huan''s incessant chatter came to an abrupt halt.


    She looked up at the person who, at some point, had grown much taller than her. Her breathing quickened as she twisted her waist, trying to escape the heat of his palm. Her hands instinctively gripped the tree trunk behind her.


    Jian Huan''s longshes fluttered incessantly. She nced at his right hand, resting firmly on the tree trunk beside her, then at his left hand on the other side, and finally at the owner of those hands.


    Shen Jizhi rarely drank in front of Jian Huan.


    Only now did she realize that alcohol made his cheeks flush slightly, a faint red tinge appearing at the corners of his eyes. His lips looked as if they had been lightly brushed with rouge.


    A redntern hung just above Shen Jizhi''s head, its warm glow casting a soft light on his face, making the blush from the wine appear even more vivid.


    "Jian Huan," he said, bending down until his face was close to hers. His usually cool voice now carried a faint hint of intoxication, slightly slurred. "You once said that if you met someone suitable and attractive, you wouldn''t refuse them. So, tell me, do you think I''d make a suitable partner for you?"

 Chapter 88

    The denseshes of the youth resembled two tiny fans, shielding the ambiguous, alluring red glow of thentern above. His brown pupils, hidden in the shadows, were like ake shrouded in a vast white mist at dawn¡ªenticing one to unconsciously lose themselves.


    Jian Huan tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on his eyes, her mind momentarily adrift. She hadn¡¯t drunk much, yet she felt as though she were intoxicated, her thoughts muddled, unable to recall anything except the face so close to hers.


    That face, though cool andposed in expression, had eyebrows, the corners of his eyes, and the thin lips that parted slightly when he spoke¡ªall inexplicably captivating.


    For a brief moment, Jian Huan felt as though her body was no longer under her control. She almost nodded in response.


    Remembering the unsettled debt between them, she quickly bit the tip of her tongue. The sharp pain brought her back to her senses, and she swiftly averted her gaze, ducking under his long arm to escape.


    She didn¡¯t know how to respond to him.


    If she agreed, what if he didn¡¯t repay the debt?


    If she refused, what if he gave up entirely and refused to cancel the engagement, leaving the debt unresolved?


    That¡¯s why she had been afraid he would speak his mind earlier.


    Besides, just because he asked, did she have to answer?


    Jian Huan lowered her head, muttering a fewints in her heart. She lifted the hem of her pink skirt, which was dragging slightly on the ground, and prepared to leave with a light step.


    This time, Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t stop her.


    He stood straight under the ginkgo tree, watching the girl¡¯s hurried figure with a calm gaze. Slowly, he said, ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, I¡¯ll take it as your agreement.¡±


    Jian Huan: ¡°??¡±


    Her steps faltered, and she turned back to retort, ¡°In your dreams!¡±


    The cool autumn breeze stirred the dark strands of hair on Shen Jizhi¡¯s forehead. He smiled faintly, exhaling softly. ¡°So, Jian Huan, what¡¯s your answer?¡±


    His voice was low, carried by the wind, lingering in the air like his unsettled heart.


    Jian Huan¡¯s hands hung by her sides, her fingers unconsciously tracing the embroidery on her skirt. She lowered her head, using her embroidered shoes to lightly crush the fallen leaves on the ground, her dark pupils darting restlessly.


    The two stood in silence, separated by a pile of golden ginkgo leaves. Behind them was a crumbling earthen wall, from which dust fell in small showers as the wind blew. Ahead was the shimmering surface of the river under the moonlight, its wavespping rhythmically against the rocks on the shore, creating a soft, soothing sound.


    After a while, Jian Huan¡¯s eyes lit up.


    She had it!


    She knew how to respond in a way that would both ensure he repaid the debt and leave her with room to maneuver in the future.


    Jian Huan blinked, gathering her thoughts. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her skirt and walked back toward Shen Jizhi step by step.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyshes flickered slightly.


    Jian Huan stopped in front of him, smiling as she crooked her finger at him.


    Shen Jizhi nced at her, weighing his options for a moment before leaning down slightly.


    Jian Huan took another step closer.


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s breath hitched.


    She rose slightly on her toes, tilting her head to whisper softly near his ear, just as he had done to her earlier. ¡°Whether it¡¯s suitable or not, you¡¯ll have to tell me before I can know.¡±


    A shiver ran down his spine, as though a spark of electricity had coursed through him. Shen Jizhi instinctively stiffened.


    Looking down, he could see the fine down on Jian Huan¡¯s face, illuminated by the moonlight andntern light, as soft as a wisp of cloud.


    His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed, his voice rough. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    The autumn night was cool, but Jian Huan suddenly felt a wave of heat. She kept her expression serious, mimicking the mannerisms of the ¡°bad women¡± she¡¯d seen in modern dramas. ¡°Next, you¡¯ll have to tell me why you¡¯re suitable and in what ways.¡±


    Pausing, she added in her most coquettish tone, ¡°And when you¡¯ve repaid your debt, I¡¯ll let you know if it¡¯s a yes or no.¡±


    Without waiting for his reply, Jian Huan turned and ran.


    She hurried back to the old woman¡¯s house, closing the door with a creak and leaning against it as though exhausted.


    In the dark, unlit room, Jian Huan let out a long breath, fanning her flushed cheeks with both hands.


    If she had known tonight would be such a trap, she would have just kept the food and not delivered it to him.


    Beauty is a curse, she thought. Beauty is a curse.


    At dawn, the streets were already bustling with activity.


    Smoke curled from the chimneys of every household as wives prepared breakfast and husbands checked their farming tools. It was harvest season, and the rice fields were ripe, keeping everyone busy.


    Aical old man with a thin mustache, swaying drunkenly, entered his small courtyard with a wine sk in hand.


    He leaned against the window, peering into the bedroom where his disciple sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, deep in cultivation.


    On the bed nearby, the bright red quilt was neatly folded.


    There was no lingering trace of intimacy in the room¡ªhis disciple was still a virgin.


    Gu Shan made a curious sound. ¡°You two didn¡¯t get togetherst night?¡±


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi opened his eyes, giving his master a look of mild disgust. ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    Gu Shan: ¡°What am I thinking? You told me not toe home, to leave the ce to the two of you. Wasn¡¯t that so you could dual cultivate?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Shen Jizhi¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°No.¡±


    Gu Shan was puzzled. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for dual cultivation, why did you send me away?¡±


    This unfilial disciple had even spent one tael and one hundred coins to get him out of the house!


    Shen Jizhi closed his eyes again, answering indifferently, ¡°I just wanted to tell her something.¡±


    ¡°Tell her what?¡± Gu Shan stroked his mustache, eyeing Shen Jizhi. ¡°Your feelings?¡±


    Shen Jizhi gave a nomittal hum.


    ¡°¡­¡± Gu Shan pped his thigh, moving closer to Shen Jizhi. ¡°Disciple, that was reckless!¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°?¡±


    Gu Shan sighed. ¡°You can¡¯t win a girl¡¯s heart like that. Haven¡¯t you heard? You don¡¯t confess your feelings outright. First, you hold her hand. If she lets you, then you¡¯re in!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not winning her heart,¡± Shen Jizhi said tly. ¡°That¡¯s taking advantage.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Gu Shan pointed at him with his wine sk. ¡°Would your master lie to you? I¡¯ve eaten more salt than you¡¯ve eaten rice. When ites to matters between men and women, I know far more than you. Listen to me, and you won¡¯t go wrong!¡±


    Shen Jizhi opened his eyes again and chuckled. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°I heard that you and Hall Master Li once fancied the same woman, but in the end, neither of you seeded. She married the elder of South Dust Immortal Ind,¡± Shen Jizhi said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°So, you¡¯re going to teach me?¡±


    Gu Shan: ¡°¡­¡±


    This unfilial disciple really had no respect for his master, bringing up something that happened hundreds of years ago.


    Muttering to himself, he took a swig of wine and changed the subject. ¡°Forget it, forget it. The younger generation has their own blessings. I can¡¯t meddle in your affairs.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m off now,¡± Gu Shan said, stretching. ¡°You two figure it out yourselves.¡±


    Shen Jizhi paused. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Gu Shan replied with two words: ¡°Ninghui.¡±


    Shen Jizhi nodded in understanding. He rose from the meditation cushion and walked to the window.


    In the courtyard, the maple leaves burned like fire. Gu Shan, swaying slightly, walked further and further away.


    ¡°Master,¡± Shen Jizhi suddenly called out.


    Gu Shan stopped and turned back. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Shen Jizhi hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Take care on your journey.¡±


    After a pause, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve reached the Golden Core stage. If you need anything, you can call on me.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Gu Shan smiled,zily waving his wine sk before disappearing into the morning light.


    Three dayster, Jian Huany sprawled on her bed, scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror.


    The matters in Ningzhang City had reached a temporary conclusion. She had reported everything she needed to.


    That morning, Elder Yu Qing had also announced that there was no further need for her and Shen Jizhi to be involved in the affairs here. They were free to leave Ningzhang if they had personal matters to attend to.


    The truth behind the events in Ningzhang City remained unclear, and it would take time to uncover everything.


    The demons acted with caution and precision. The city lord¡¯s mansion in Ninghui had yielded no clues, and the inner circle of the dark hall, who knew the most, had all been silenced by Ninghui.


    For now, the situation depended on Gu Shan¡¯s progress.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    In any case, the demonic affair involved many parties, and the major sects had their own ns.


    She and Shen Jizhi weren¡¯t strong enough to be of much help yet. It was better to take on some missions to gain experience, earn spirit stones, and improve their cultivation. After leaving the dark hall, both of them had advanced from the early Golden Core stage to the mid-stage.


    There were two ways to take on missions: through the Jade rity Sect or through channels like the Xuantian Mirror and the Immortal Storage Tower.


    Each method had its pros and cons, but Jian Huan wasn¡¯t picky. As long as the spirit stones were sufficient, she was willing to take on any task.


    Every day, after finishing her lunch, Jian Huan would spend a small portion of her time scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror.


    Lunch had been particrly filling these past few days, and the quality of her meals had been excellent, almost matching the standard of the feast Shen Jizhi had hosted during that infamous "Banquet of Schemes."


    This made Jian Huan feel that the words she had spoken to Shen Jizhi that night were nothing short of a stroke of genius.


    These past three days had been incrediblyfortable for her.


    Leaning back against her pillow, Jian Huan hummed a little tune, her lips curling into a smile.


    Suddenly, her hand, which had been scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror, froze.


    [The Most Well-Informed Person in the Nine Provinces: Fellow cultivators! Something huge has happened!!! The Bodhi Pagoda has been stolen!!!]


    [Snacking on Melon Seeds: What? The Bodhi Pagoda has been stolen? That can''t be possible.]


    [One Leaf Reveals Autumn: It doesn¡¯t sound real. The Nine Provinces Treasure Hall, where the Bodhi Pagoda is stored, has eight guardian elders. How could it be stolen?]


    [The Most Well-Informed Person in the Nine Provinces: That¡¯s why I said something huge has happened. The Nine Provinces City is in chaos right now, and powerful cultivators are pouring in like ants. But that¡¯s not the main point. The main point is that the major sects of the Nine Provinces are furious and have jointly issued a Xuanwu Order: whoever retrieves the Bodhi Pagoda will be rewarded with one million spirit stones!!!]


    Jian Huan sprang up from her bed like a carp leaping out of water. She moved so quickly that she nearly tumbled off the bed, but just as her head was about to hit the ground, her feet nimbly swung around, executing a perfect 180-degree mid-air spin, and shended firmly on her feet.


    Standing in front of her bed, she held the Xuantian Mirror with both hands, holding her breath as she continued reading.


    [It¡¯s Cold and I¡¯m Hungry: The Well-Informed Fellow is telling the truth. I¡¯m in Nine Provinces City, and the Bodhi Pagoda really has been stolen. The individual battles of the Nine Provinces Grand Tournament just ended yesterday, and four of the eight guardian elders were sent to oversee the arena. Everyone was focused on the individual battles, so someone took the opportunity to enter the Nine Provinces Treasure Hall and steal the Bodhi Pagoda. The top nine contestants of the individual battles were supposed to enter the Bodhi Pagoda for enlightenment this afternoon, but when they went to retrieve it, they discovered it was gone.]


    [Snacking on Melon Seeds: Hungry Fellow, may I ask who made it into the top nine this year?]


    [It¡¯s Cold and I¡¯m Hungry: First ce is Jiang Qiaoqiao from the Jade rity Sect! The Jade rity Sect is still as strong as ever this year, with many of their disciples in the top nine. There¡¯s a girl who wields a big ck sword, and a male cultivator with a pig¡ªthat pig is quite impressive¡­]


    [Where There Are Spirit Stones, There¡¯s Me: One million!!! Oh heavens, Nine Provinces City, wait for me, I¡¯ming! And to whoever stole the Bodhi Pagoda, if you¡¯re scrolling through the Xuantian Mirror right now and see this, find me! We can split it. I¡¯ll take 30%, you take 70%!]


    [Training is Exhausting, I Don¡¯t Want to Do It: One million? That¡¯s a lot of spirit stones. I¡¯m even tempted.]


    Jian Huan skimmed through the rest of thements, which were mostly filled with shock at the size of the bounty, with asional discussions about the top nine contestants.


    One million spirit stones?


    Jian Huan¡¯s heart raced uncontrobly.


    She thoughtfully put down the Xuantian Mirror.


    She actually knew quite a bit about the Bodhi Pagoda.


    The book had exined it in detail.


    The Bodhi Pagoda was a treasure of the Nine Provinces, crafted from a Bodhi tree. Cultivators who meditated within the pagoda had a significantly higher chance of achieving enlightenment.


    When not in use, the pagoda was small, about the size from one¡¯s elbow to the tip of their fingers, and was stored in the Nine Provinces Treasure Hall in Nine Provinces City.


    When needed, three or more Nascent Soul stage cultivators would channel their spiritual energy to activate the pagoda, causing it to expand to the height of a nine-story building.


    In the book, the Bodhi Pagoda had also been stolen once.


    However, that night, the female lead, Jiang Qiaoqiao, had encountered the thief.


    The thief turned out to be one of the guardian elders. Fearing that Jiang Qiaoqiao would expose him, he tried to kill her.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao fought desperately for her life, and at the critical moment, the male lead, Jing Chi, arrived in time to save her.


    Meanwhile, Shen Jizhi had been entangled with the original Jian Huan.


    This was the turning point in the female lead¡¯s romantic arc in the book. From then on, Jiang Qiaoqiao gradually grew disappointed with Shen Jizhi and grew closer to Jing Chi.


    In the book, the Bodhi Pagoda was not taken away, as Jiang Qiaoqiao and Jing Chi managed to recover it that very night.


    But now, it was clear that the Bodhi Pagoda had been stolen, and its whereabouts were unknown.


    Moreover, Jing Chi was not among the top nine contestants of the Nine Provinces Grand Tournament.


    Logically, Jing Chi should have easily made it into the top nine.


    ¡°One million?¡±


    In a small courtyard where red maple leaves burned like fire, Shen Jizhi, dressed in ck, suddenly sheathed his sword and turned to look at Jian Huan, who was sitting on the wall. His brows lifted slightly in surprise.


    The Bodhi Pagoda had been stolen?


    Without the power of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, the pagoda couldn¡¯t be opened, rendering the theft pointless.


    Unless the person behind this was a Nascent Soul stage or higher cultivator, but such individuals were well-known figures in the Nine Provinces. If they wanted to use the pagoda, they could simply ask the sect leaders for permission.


    Could it be¡­ the demonic faction?


    But the Bodhi Pagoda and demonic cultivation were fundamentally ipatible. What use would the demonic faction have for it?


    Shen Jizhi fell into deep thought.


    Jian Huan swung her legs lightly, her gaze looking down at him from her perch.


    Shen Jizhi had a dedicated set of training clothes¡ªthe same ck outfit he had worn during their mission at Chu Manor to retrieve the missing Chu Chu. The outfit was in, made of simple fabric with no embroidery or patterns, and Shen Jizhi had repurposed it for sword training.


    Now, with his hair tied up in a high ponytail, beads of sweat rolled down his refined profile, glistening in the afternoon sunlight before disappearing into the slightly loosened cor of his training robes.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Jian Huan silently averted her gaze and jumped down from the wall. ¡°Should we head to Nine Provinces City first?¡±


    Originally, they had nned to return to the Jade rity Sect early the next morning.


    During their time in Ningzhang City, both of them hadpleted Xuanwu Orders for their sect and needed to exchange them for spirit stones.


    They also had items in their storage pouches that needed to be ¡°disposed of.¡±


    Ningzhang City wasn¡¯t particrly prosperous, so they wouldn¡¯t get a good price for their goods there.


    But one million spirit stones¡­ that was worth changing their ns.


    Shen Jizhi cast a cleansing spell on himself, restoring his appearance to its usual pristine state. He nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± Jian Huan said. ¡°I¡¯ll go pack my things. You do the same, and then we¡¯ll set off.¡±


    Shen Jizhi had no objections and stood still, watching her leave.


    Jian Huan took a few steps, then paused and turned back, tilting her chin up. ¡°Hey, Shen Jizhi.¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°What is it?¡±


    Jian Huan grinned mischievously. ¡°It¡¯s been three days, and you still haven¡¯t made a move?¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s brow twitched slightly. Though he didn¡¯t speak, Jian Huan could read the meaning in his eyes.


    ¡°Those meals don¡¯t count,¡± Jian Huan said with a huff, her tone slightly haughty. ¡°Based on your current performance, you¡¯re not making much progress.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Shen Jizhi looked at her thoughtfully, the sunlight illuminating her vibrant and radiant figure. Suddenly, the corner of his lips curled into a faint smile, and he began walking toward her.


    ¡°You¡¯re no good, Shen Jizhi,¡± Jian Huan teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. After delivering her final jab, she turned on her heel, ready to make a quick escape.


    But just then, a spirit stone flew toward her from behind, about to fall to the ground in front of her.


    She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to pick it up, but before she could decide, her hand had already moved on its own, snatching the stone out of the air.


    The moment she caught the spirit stone, another hand¡ªShen Jizhi¡¯s¡ªclosed around hers.


    The young man had just finished an hour of sword training, and his entire body radiated heat like boiling water. The warmth emanating from him was intense, almost scorching.


    Jian Huan flinched at the sudden heat and tried to pull her hand away, her face stiff. ¡°If you keep this up, you¡¯ll have even less of a chance¡­¡±


    But the words caught in her throat as Shen Jizhi¡¯s next action left her utterly stunned.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her mind goingpletely nk.


    He¡­ he¡­ he actually took her hand and ced it on his chest, just below his sternum¡­


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s figure was lean and elegant, and while his robes usually concealed the contours of his body, Jian Huan had caught a glimpse of them once before, years ago.


    Since then, she had never seen him like that again.


    Even when they shared a room, Shen Jizhi was always careful to keep himself covered, never allowing even a hint of skin to show.


    But now, she could feel it.


    The firm, well-defined muscles beneath his robes reminded her of the perfectly marbled ribs she had seen at the butcher¡¯s shop¡ªneither too fatty nor too lean, but just right.


    Shen Jizhi lowered his head, his chin lightly resting on the top of her head. In a voice so soft that only the two of them could hear, he asked slowly, ¡°How about this? Does it meet your standards?¡±


    Jian Huan¡¯s heart skipped several beats. The heat from Shen Jizhi¡¯s body seemed to flow into her, staining the tips of her ears a deep red.


    Shen Jizhi didn¡¯t let her touch him for long. After a brief moment, he released her wrist and took a step back.


    Jian Huan¡¯s hand remained suspended in the air, still in the position where she had been touching his abs. It took her about three heartbeats to realize what had happened, and she quickly pulled her hand back, hiding it behind her.


    Her movements were a bit rushed, causing the gold and jade hairpin adorned with silver tassels in her bun to sway slightly, tilting to one side.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, calmly and unhurriedly, to straighten the hairpin for her. Before turning to leave, he casually remarked, ¡°Would you like to see?¡±


    He happened to be about to change his clothes.

 Chapter 89

    The old yellow bamboo mat by the small window was lowered, and the fiery red maples in the courtyard were reduced to faint silhouettes, their vibrant colors cut off from view.


    Beside the window, Jian Huan leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, her glistening dark eyes reflecting the figure of the young man by the bed.


    Shen Jizhi stood sideways to Jian Huan, his slender, bamboo-like fingers meticulously and patiently loosening his belt.


    The ck robe hung loosely as he gently gripped the cor and let it slide off his shoulders, revealing a thinyer of white undergarments and trousers beneath.


    The old bamboo mat had several holes of varying sizes, and the autumn afternoon sunlight streamed boldly through them.


    A few rays fell on the ground, while a couplended on Shen Jizhi, leaving oval-shaped patches of light on his body.


    Suddenly, the light patches trembled violently, as if stirred by a gust of wind.


    Shen Jizhi turned slightly, his half-open white undergarments exposing the smooth, mountain-like contours of his muscles, which now caught Jian Huan¡¯s gaze.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As he turned, the light that had been resting on his hair shifted to illuminate the ridges of his muscles.


    The light stretched into a beam, with countless specks of dust swirling within it, like tiny fireflies.


    The fireflies seemed to dance, as if gently kissing the mountains, tender and lingering.


    The autumn afternoon was always quiet.


    So quiet that Jian Huan could hear the beating of her own heart, steady and rhythmic.


    Shen Jizhi asked leisurely, ¡°Well?¡±


    Jian Huan instinctively straightened up, tucking a strand of ck hair behind her ear to hide her ears, which felt like they were burning.


    She forced herself to sound calm, though her voice came out a bit dry. ¡°Not bad, but nothing special.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He raised an eyebrow.


    A gust of wind swept by, and in the next moment, Shen Jizhi appeared right in front of Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan¡¯s breath hitched for a moment. She kept her eyes down, resisting the urge to step back, and straightened her posture, speaking with feigned confidence. ¡°From the way you were acting earlier, I thought you had some amazing physique, but now that I see it¡ª¡±


    She nced down, her eyes glistening even more, though she quickly suppressed it.


    Her gaze darted back to his face. ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. You should keep working on it.¡±


    Jian Huan reached out, pinching the cor of his half-open undergarments with her delicate fingers and closing it with a look of disdain. ¡°Ugh, cover this up. It¡¯s so ugly, it¡¯s hurting my eyes.¡±


    Shen Jizhi chuckled softly. ¡°Today, I¡¯ve truly learned what it means to lie through one¡¯s teeth.¡±


    Just as Jian Huan was about to retort, Shen Jizhi reached out, half-embracing her waist, and firmly pushed her out of the room.


    Jian Huan steadied herself and turned around quickly, her eyes wide. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s high ponytail had loosened, with a few strands falling loose. He leaned against the doorframe, one hand holding the wooden door ring, his voice soft and moist, as if it carried a hint of water. ¡°Whates next isn¡¯t for your eyes.¡±


    With that, the door mmed shut.


    Jian Huan stared at the closed wooden door, blinking once, then twice.


    When the meaning of his words finally sank in, her cheeks flushed as red as the maples outside the courtyard.


    W-What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Who wants to see that anyway? She might get an eye infection from looking at something like that!


    Jian Huan had said she was going to pack her things, but in truth, she didn¡¯t have much to pack. It only took her the time it took to drink a cup of tea to finish.


    Having stayed here for four days, the old woman of the house was reluctant to see her go and brought over a basket of bright yellow oranges. ¡°Here, take these for the road. My husband grows these orange trees in the countryside. They¡¯re homegrown and very sweet.¡±


    Jian Huan, who had been sitting at the table, quickly stood up and walked over to hug the old woman, smiling warmly. ¡°Thank you, Auntie. You¡¯re so kind. Your cooking is amazing!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you liked it,¡± the old woman said, patting Jian Huan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I need to go check on the fields, so I won¡¯t see you off. Just close the courtyard gate when you leave.¡±


    Jian Huan nodded, taking the basket of oranges. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Standing by the window, Jian Huan watched as the old woman left, carrying a shovel and a bag of wood ash. After a moment of thought, she took out a small pill from her storage pouch.


    Sinceing out of seclusion and having plenty of spirit stones, Jian Huan hadn¡¯t been too hard on herself.


    She had bought various medicinal baths and spirit herbs to aid her cultivation. It was an investment, after all. Once she reached the Nascent Soul stage, she would surely earn more spirit stones than she did at the Golden Core stage.


    Jian Huan formed a hand seal, and a sh of golden-green spiritual energy carried the tiny pill to the well in the courtyard, where it dissolved into the water.


    It might not have the power to extend life, but it would certainly protect the old woman and her family from illness and keep them in good health.


    After finishing this, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and picking up a brush to write while waiting for Shen Jizhi to call her.


    Even though some time had passed since she left his room, the image of him half-dressed, his abs partially exposed, kept shing in her mind.


    As she wrote, Jian Huan couldn¡¯t help but grumble inwardly.


    When she first met Shen Jizhi, she had thought he was a hypocrite. Despite his cold and noble appearance, she had always suspected he had a dirty mind.


    And now, he had revealed his true colors.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t surprising. A poor boy who had grown up in the streets and even worked as an errand boy in a brothel¡ªhow could he not know such things?


    She had to stay strong.


    Everything had to wait until he repaid his debt. If she gave in too soon, given Shen Jizhi¡¯s dirty mind, he might just weasel out of paying her back.


    No, no.


    Finishing thest stroke, Jian Huan cleaned the brush with a cleansing spell and stored it in her pouch.


    The half-open gate creaked as it was pushed wider. Jian Huan¡¯s bedroom had a view of the front courtyard, and hearing the sound, she looked up, her gaze freezing for a moment in surprise.


    It was mid-afternoon, and the autumn sun hung low in the sky.


    The person entering was dressed in a light pink robe, with a few brighter peach blossoms embroidered on the cor.


    His usually tied-up ck hair was now half-down, flowing gently in the breeze behind him.


    Jian Huan recognized the outfit¡ªit was something they had confiscated from an ountant in the Dark Hall.


    Shen Jizhi usually wore ck, asionally white or green.


    This was the first time Jian Huan had seen him in pink.


    The cold elegance mixed with the vibrant allure of peach blossoms made him look like a peach blossom demon, effortlessly captivating.


    The peach blossom demon stopped by Jian Huan¡¯s window, leaning down slightly and tapping the window frame with his knuckles. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jian Huan uncrossed her legs and hopped out of the window, closing it behind her. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the pink robe, and she couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Why don¡¯t you just wear ck?¡±


    Shen Jizhi asked casually, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You in pink¡­¡± Jian Huan nced at him and snorted, ¡°looks terrible.¡±


    Shen Jizhi chuckled lightly, his gaze falling on her own pink dress. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Whoever looks worse should feel embarrassed.¡±


    He had learned this phrase from Jian Huan a couple of days ago when they had encountered two people wearing the same style of dress on their way to the Ningzhang City Lord¡¯s Mansion. Jian Huan had muttered it under her breath.


    Jian Huan: ¡°¡­¡±


    Jian Huan shot him a re, gritting her teeth. ¡°What do you mean by that? Who are you saying looks bad?¡±


    ¡°Me,¡± Shen Jizhi said, lowering his gaze and stepping forward to push the gate open wider, letting Jian Huan pass first. He repeated calmly, ¡°I¡¯m saying I look bad.¡±


    ¡°Good that you know it,¡± Jian Huan said, finally looking away. She waited at the door for him to close it, then opened her palm to admire what she had written.


    Shen Jizhi walked over and asked casually, ¡°What did you write on your hand?¡±


    Jian Huan smiled at him and raised her palm to his eye level.


    In her palm, the characters ¡°100,000¡± were written boldly and confidently, the stroke of the ¡°10,000¡± character almost piercing through the ground.


    Jian Huan waved her palm, tilting her chin up with a roguish grin. ¡°Pay up, Shen Jizhi. 100,000 spirit stones, Shen Jizhi. I know you¡¯ve got about 80,000 on you now. Don¡¯t even think about cheating me, got it?¡±


    Shen Jizhi: ¡°¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi stared for a moment, then suddenly reached out and lightly pinched her fingertips. His muchrger palm brushed against hers, and a sh of five-colored spiritual energy passed between them.


    His hand, calloused from years of wielding a sword, left a faint shiver in its wake.


    Before Jian Huan could react, Shen Jizhi released her hand and walked ahead.


    Jian Huan stood still, flipping her palm over to see that the bold characters ¡°100,000¡± hadpletely vanished.


    Furious, Jian Huan drew her silver sword and swung it at him. ¡°Ah¡ªShen Jizhi, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    Shen Jizhi neither turned his head nor avoided her, the pink hem of his robe fluttering in the wind, much like the slight curve of his lips at that moment.


    The two of them bickered and teased each other all the way, traveling from Ningzhang City to Zhangzhou City, then taking the fastest teleportation array, arriving at Jiuzhou City, the most bustling and lively city on the Nine Provinces Continent, by nightfall.


    On the Nine Provinces Continent, some cities were predominantly inhabited by ordinary folks, while others had a mix ofmoners and cultivators.


    In Jiuzhou City, however, cultivators made up the majority.


    A moon partially obscured by clouds hung in the sky. Though it waste, the streets of the city were still crowded.


    Teahouses and taverns were especially lively.


    As Jian Huan passed by, she eavesdropped on a few conversations, most of which revolved around the theft of the Bodhi Pagoda.


    "To me, the thief might be one of the four gatekeepers who were on duty that night!"


    "I think so too. Where are those four elders now?"


    "They''re being interrogated at the Imperial Pacification Office..."


    "I don¡¯t think it¡¯s them. If it were confirmed that the elders did it, the major sects would have found some clues by now. Would they really need to mobilize everyone and offer a reward of a million spirit stones?"


    "That¡¯s true. By the way, did you visit the Jiuzhou Treasure Hall today? Did you notice anything unusual?"


    "To my shame, I didn¡¯t find anything..."


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce.


    The thief hadn¡¯t been caught, and no one knew how they had infiltrated the Treasure Hall to steal the Bodhi Pagoda. After the incident, all the other treasures in the hall had been moved, leaving the Jiuzhou Treasure Hall empty, open for investigation.


    With their eyes on the million-spirit-stone reward, the two wasted no time and hurried to the Treasure Hall.


    An old steward with low cultivation was left to watch over the hall. Hunched over and carrying antern, he led Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi inside. "You¡¯re here to take a look sote?"


    "Are we disturbing your rest?" Jian Huan smiled sweetly, her voice soft and gentle, as she was well aware of the trouble they were causing. "My brother and I are just too anxious. We just arrived in Jiuzhou City and wanted to see for ourselves. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep tonight."


    At this, she paused, tilting her head to look at the pink-robed young man beside her, herughter tinkling like silver bells. "Right, brother?"


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s steps faltered for a moment, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing slightly.


    He knew Jian Huan was intentionally calling him that. During their journey to Jiuzhou, the two had been bickering nonstop, dredging up old grievances.


    Somehow, it had reminded Jian Huan of how he once imed he disliked this form of address.


    He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.


    Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t that he disliked it.


    The old steward shook his head, his voice raspy as if phlegm clung to his throat. "Not at all. At my age, I don¡¯t sleep much anyway." He chuckled, the deep wrinkles on his face creasing further. "When I was young, I cultivated with dreams of immortality, but I had no talent. After all my efforts, I only reached the lowest level of Qi Refining. An old man at the Qi Refining stage isn¡¯t much different from an ordinary person. When you¡¯re old, you¡¯re just old, useless..."


    The others who usually worked with him had all gone to the new hall, leaving him alone to guard this empty one.


    The old steward seemed disheartened, mutteringints under his breath.


    Jian Huanforted him, "That¡¯s not true, Grandpa. You¡¯re still strong and capable!"


    Shen Jizhi nced over, his gaze shifting from the frail steward to Jian Huan, who was tantly lying through her teeth, and shook his head slightly.


    Jian Huan continued chatting with the old steward. "Grandpa, did you notice anything unusual on the night the Bodhi Pagoda was stolen?"


    The old steward liked lively and spirited youngsters like Jian Huan, so he answered her patiently with a smile. "No, it wasn¡¯t much different from usual. Not just me, but the four elders said the same. I was guarding the main gate, and the four elders were guarding the Treasure Hall, but none of them noticed anything. They all believed they were doing their duty properly..."


    The old steward lowered his voice, his sunken eyes scanning the dark, shadowy halls around them.


    The intricate flying eaves and brackets that looked magnificent during the day now resembled eerie, nameless monsters lurking in the darkness, sending a chill down one¡¯s spine.


    The old steward shrank back, a bit frightened himself. "Those four elders¡ªthree at the Nascent Soul stage and one at the Deity Transformation stage¡ªsuch powerful figures, yet none of them noticed anyone entering or leaving the Treasure Hall. They didn¡¯t even realize the Bodhi Pagoda was gone. Isn¡¯t that strange?"


    Shen Jizhi, who had been listening quietly, frowned slightly. "Elder, I heard the four elders are temporarily detained at the Imperial Pacification Office. Has anyone searched their memories?"


    "They couldn¡¯t," the old steward replied, handing thentern to Jian Huan and pulling out a formation key from his waist. He tossed it toward the hall¡¯s entrance, and as the key touched the formation, the ancient doors slowly creaked open. "The elders all imed they had nothing to do with it and reacted fiercely, refusing to let anyone search their memories. But then again, even the most upright person might have secrets in their memories. If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t agree either."


    At this, Shen Jizhi pursed his lips, his face slightly flushed, and fell silent.


    Jian Huan handed thentern back to the old steward, who took it and led them to the white jade tform where the Bodhi Pagoda had once been ced.


    Shen Jizhi reached out, gently running his fingers over the surface of the jade tform as the old steward continued rambling.


    "The elders refused, so the Imperial Pacification Office didn¡¯t dare act rashly. These elders were sent by the major sects, so they couldn¡¯t be easily dealt with." The old steward paused, muttering, "Elder Gao, for instance, is the younger brother of the Tian Yan Sect¡¯s leader. Quite the influential figure."


    Hearing this, Jian Huan¡¯s steps halted, her eyes slowly lighting up in the darkness.

 Chapter 90

    The eight gate-keeping elders each had their own mansions in Jiuzhou City.


    Late at night, with the moon hidden behind clouds, if one stood outside the backyard wall and looked up from a certain angle, a faint fluorescent glow could be seen enveloping the entire Elder''s mansion.


    This was a protective formation to prevent outsiders from intruding. Anyone who tried to enter without using the main gate would be attacked by the formation and immediately detected by those inside.


    Moreover, the formation was specifically designed to counter Invisibility Talismans.


    In earlier years, Invisibility Talismans were highly useful, whether for escaping, scaring people, or eavesdropping.


    However, ever since Elder Yuqing developed a formation to counter Invisibility Talismans three years ago, their usefulness had significantly diminished.


    But this formation couldn''t stop Jian Huan.


    Jian Huan had applied a modified Concealment Talisman to herself and Shen Jizhi, blending her sword energy, which could merge with all things, into the talisman.


    The two young figures, d in pink, drifted like peach blossoms blown from a branch by a spring breeze, silently and effortlessly scaling the high courtyard wall andnding lightly on the ground.


    With a soft sound, the window of the study opened, and the two blossoms floated inside before the window closed again.


    The moonlight was blocked by the closed window, leaving the room in darkness.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a nce in the dim light before quietly and quickly beginning to search different areas.


    The darkness didn''t hinder their vision. Elder Gao''s study was filled with various misceneous books, and Jian Huan had been searching for a while without finding anything particrly noteworthy.


    By the rosewood desk, Shen Jizhi crouched, gently feeling the underside of the table.


    It seemed he had been there for quite some time.


    Jian Huan floated over, leaning forward with her hands on her thighs, her voice barely above a whisper: "What is it?"


    Shen Jizhi shifted slightly to the side, motioning for Jian Huan to take a look.


    Jian Huan crouched down and ran her hand over the area Shen Jizhi had just touched. Her fingers traced deep, uneven scratches, as if someone had wed at the wood with great force, leaving behind a sense of unspoken rage and anxiety.


    Jian Huan withdrew her hand, resting it on her knee as she smoothed the soft fabric of her skirt. She turned to Shen Jizhi and said, "Elder Gao must be suffering from a heart demon."


    At Elder Gao''s level of cultivation, the focus was more on the Dao heart.


    A person with a stable Dao heart wouldn''t randomly damage their desk like this. It was likely that his Dao heart had beenpromised, leading to emotional instability.


    Of course, Jian Huan''s certainty stemmed from another important reason.


    The book didn''t mention the name of the elder who stole the Bodhi Pagoda, only referring to him as a "gate-keeping elder."


    However, it did mention that the elder was the younger brother of a certain sect''s leader.


    "Hmm," Shen Jizhi responded softly, his gaze lingering on her before he suddenly asked, "Did you already know Elder Gao had a problem?"


    Jian Huan paused her hand on her skirt, meeting his gaze calmly. "''Already''?"


    Shen Jizhi''s eyes held a hint of scrutiny. "Back in the treasure hall, after the old steward mentioned Elder Gao, you seemed distracted. After we left, you immediately suggested visiting the Elder''s mansion tonight."


    Jian Huan blinked, casually averting her gaze and shrugging. "I was distracted because I was thinking. Since the Bodhi Pagoda was stolen, the first people to investigate would naturally be the four elders on duty that day. Out of the four, the old steward specifically mentioned Elder Gao, so it makes sense toe here, doesn''t it?"


    "Is that so?" Shen Jizhi withdrew his gaze, pursing his lips before looking at her again. Softly, he added, "But I feel like you''re hiding something from me."


    How perceptive.


    First, as a transmigrator, there were rules to follow. Revealing the plot of the book to anyone was forbidden by thews of heaven.


    Second, Jian Huan would rather take the secret of her origin to the grave than tell anyone.


    In this world, she trusted only herself. Even Shen Jizhi, whom she had spent the most time with and knew the best, wasn''t someone she would confide inpletely.


    Jian Huan gave a sly smile, patting his shoulder as if soothing a child, her voice soft and sweet. "Shen Jizhi, you can rest assured."


    Shen Jizhi wasn''t so sure.


    Sure enough, the next moment, the girl leaned in and grinned. "Of course I''m hiding something from you. Do you really need to ask? You''re so clueless."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    After discovering the scratches under the desk, Jian Huan went on to check other furniture in the room for simr marks.


    The bookshelves, the daybed for resting, and the wooden cab holding writing tools all bore hidden scars in their less noticeable corners.


    Before leaving the Jiuzhou treasure hall, she had specifically asked the old steward about Elder Gao''s usual temperament.


    The old steward had said, "Most people think Elder Gao is a good person. He''s always willing to help and often has a smile on his face. But..."


    The old man caught himself. Even though Elder Gao was currently being interrogated at the Imperial Pacification Office, there was a chance he might be released. It wouldn''t do to speak carelessly. He changed his tone, "I also think Elder Gao is a good person."


    Jian Huan: "But you just said he was imposing."


    The old steward chuckled, "He has an imposing aura, that''s all. Alright, you''ve seen enough. You should go now. I need to rest..."


    Remembering this, Jian Huan straightened up and walked over to Shen Jizhi, about to share her findings, when a faint rustling sound came from outside the window.


    At first, it sounded like the wind brushing against the bushes, but upon closer listening¡ªsomeone was approaching!


    Without hesitation, Shen Jizhi grabbed Jian Huan''s hand.


    The study window was gently opened from the outside, and the moonlight spilled in, casting a silvery glow on the ancient screen in the corner.


    A sh of pink skirt disappeared behind the screen.


    The moonlight illuminated the screen, making the vividly painted ink orchids on it shimmer softly, as if blooming quietly in the night.


    ...


    The window closed again.


    Not long after, a husky voice spoke: "Senior Sister Wen, you take that side, I''ll take this side."


    The female cultivator carrying arge ck sword didn''t respond, only nodding.


    The man and woman who had just entered began searching the study, following the same path Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had taken earlier.


    Hearing the familiar yet unfamiliar voices outside, Jian Huan crouched low and peeked out with one eye to observe the study.


    Yang Ye flipped through a book and muttered, "I didn''t expect to be flipping through books again after more than two years. Back in the Lotus Square Secret Realm, I got so sick of it. Now, seeing these books brings back memories of those days."


    Wen Jiu couldn''t help butugh, her voice soft and faint. "If we recover the Bodhi Pagoda, we''ll get a million spirit stones. Just bear with it, Junior Brother."


    "Speaking of which, I wonder how Senior Brother Shen and Jian Huan are doing. Hearing about the million-spirit-stone reward, they mighte too?" Yang Ye added, "But since Jiang Qiaoqiao is with us now, I feel bad inviting them."


    The feelings Jiang Qiaoqiao harbored for Shen Jizhi were somewhat known among the members of the Jade rity Sect.


    After the incident that urred before the Jiuzhou Conference began, even more people were aware of it.


    Wen Jiu sighed softly at the thought. "Let''s focus on searching. I wonder if Senior Brother Yin and Jiang Qiaoqiao have found anything..."


    The group had participated in the Jiuzhou Conference with Jiang Qiaoqiao. After the Bodhi Pagoda was stolen, they had teamed up to search for it.


    Yang Ye nodded. "Let''s hurry up. We shouldn''t keep Senior Brother Yin waiting..."


    Behind the screen, Jian Huan''s dark eyes widened with excitement.


    It was Wen Jiu and Yang Ye!


    Her oldpanions from the days of shared debts and wolf hunting in the Lotus Square Secret Realm.


    ording to their n, she and Shen Jizhi were going to meet them the next morning.


    Who would have thought they''d run into them here!


    Jian Huan pulled her head back, turning to Shen Jizhi with excitement, but as she did, her slightly parted lips identally brushed against his chin.


    The screen painted with ink orchids was haphazardly stacked next to the daybed, leaving little room to hide.


    While Jian Huan had been crouching and peeking out, Shen Jizhi had leaned in slightly to observe as well.


    Jian Huan''s sudden turn caught them both off guard.


    The boy''s chin had a clean, sharp line, adding to his overall cool demeanor.


    But while it looked as cold as snow, it felt as soft as cotton candy.


    Realizing what had happened, Jian Huan quickly took a small step back.


    She nced at the faint glistening mark on Shen Jizhi''s chin.


    Uh, was that her saliva...?


    For a moment, Jian Huan wished she could vanish into thin air. She apologized softly, her voice trembling with embarrassment, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to."


    Shen Jizhi was visibly stunned as well.


    Hearing the faint quiver in Jian Huan''s voice, his eyelids flickered, and his gaze settled on her face.


    She didn¡¯t dare to look at him, her eyes fixed on the dark wall behind him, her expression a mix of obvious shyness and flustered awkwardness.


    It was a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.


    That night, when he had confessed his feelings to her, she had even whispered bold words into his ear andter dared to follow him to watch him change his clothes.


    But now that something had actually happened, why was she acting like this?


    Like a paper tiger, all bluster and no bite.


    Shen Jizhi had held back for a long time in front of Jian Huan.


    He had always been able to restrain himself, but this was the first time he had failed to do so.


    Shen Jizhi bent down, tilting his head slightly. His light brown eyes lingered on her faintly pink lips before he closed them gently, leaning in to ce a restrained kiss on the bridge of her nose.


    The tip of his well-defined nose brushed against Jian Huan''s left cheek, leaving a slight indentation in her soft, fair skin.


    As his masculine aura enveloped her, Jian Huan forgot to breathe.


    Her thick eyshes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly ying among flowers.


    Shen Jizhi pulled back slightly, opening his eyes slowly. After a moment of thought, he whispered softly, "I did that on purpose."


    With those words, he reached out and ruffled her hair before stepping around her and walking out from behind the screen.


    Outside, Wen Jiu and Yang Ye, who had been rummaging through some items, immediately raised their heads in rm.


    With a sharp ng, Wen Jiu drew his ck sword.


    With a loud thud, Yang Ye released his little pig from its pouch.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The piglet, Yang Xiaozhu, had been sleeping soundly in its master''s pet pouch and, upon being released, instantly went on high alert. Its fur bristled, and it shook itself vigorously, ready to charge at the intruder.


    But after sniffing the air a couple of times, its fur smoothed down, and its little legs pattered excitedly as it tried to nuzzle against Shen Jizhi''s ankle, letting out delighted squeals.


    Shen Jizhi sidestepped before the pig could reach him and looked at Yang Ye and Wen Jiu. "It''s me, Shen Jizhi," he said.


    The two of them finally recognized him, their faces filled with surprise. "Senior Brother Shen? What are you doing here?!"

 Chapter 91

    When Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi followed Wen Jiu and Yang Ye to the inn where they were staying, it was already nearing the end of the hour of Zi. Although the sect leader was known for his frugality, for an asion like the Jiuzhou Conference, he had arranged for the participating disciples to stay at the best inn in Jiuzhou City.


    In Yin Yusheng''s room, the two groups finally met. Yin Yusheng''s group wasrger, consisting mostly of Jade Purity Sect disciples who hade to attend the Jiuzhou Conference. Aside from Wen Jiu and Yang Ye, the female lead Jiang Qiaoqiao was also present, along with a few senior disciples who were less familiar.


    After exchanging polite greetings, they quickly got down to business under Yin Yusheng''s guidance. Jiang Qiaoqiao stood beside a senior sister, her head slightly lowered, asionally stealing nces at Shen Jizhi and Jian Huan, her delicate face pale.


    She had never expected to suddenly see him¡ªand his betrothed¡ªhere tonight.


    They were both wearing pink robes... Such a cold and aloof young man, dressed in pink. He actually wore pink.


    A bitter smile tugged at Jiang Qiaoqiao''s lips, her heart aching with every beat.


    The senior sister beside her gently tugged at Jiang Qiaoqiao''s sleeve, whispering something in her ear with concern. Jiang Qiaoqiao shook her head, forcing a weak smile and muttering something like, "It''s fine."


    Jian Huan thoughtfully averted her gaze, her eyes sweeping across the room.


    She had been puzzled earlier when she noticed that Jing Chi, the male lead, was not among the top nine disciples at this Jiuzhou Conference.


    Now, this feeling grew stronger. Jing Chi wasn''t even here, not by Jiang Qiaoqiao''s side.


    "Hey, senior sister," Jian Huan called outter in Wen Jiu''s room.


    Lying on the bed next to her senior sister, Jian Huan propped herself up on one elbow, her inky ck hair cascading like silver silk. "I heard earlier that Jing Chi was supposed toe with you all to the Jiuzhou Conference. Why isn''t he here now?"


    Wen Jiu, lying on the outer side of the bed, turned her head and replied softly, "Jing Chi gave up his spot."


    "What?" Jian Huan sat up, her brows furrowed in confusion and thought. "Why?"


    Jing Chi was the bodyguard Jiang Qiaoqiao''s father had assigned to her, supposed to stay by her side at all times to protect her.


    Wen Jiu hesitated for a moment.


    This was ultimately someone else''s private matter, and though she knew the whole story, it wasn''t her ce to gossip.


    But the person asking was her beloved junior sister.


    And besides, this matter did involve Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, so it wasn''t right to keep it from them.


    Wen Jiu sat up as well, lowering her head as she spoke. "Jing Chi has feelings for Qiaoqiao. On the night we arrived in Jiuzhou City, we had a bit to drink, and Jing Chi... he kissed Qiaoqiao while drunk." Wen Jiu stumbled over her words, rushing through the exnation. "The next day, Qiaoqiao talked to him and told him that she... that she has someone else in her heart. She said she only saw Jing Chi as a brother and asked him not to protect her anymore. After that, Jing Chi withdrew from the Jiuzhou Conference and disappeared. No one has seen him since."


    Jian Huan leaned against the wall, absentmindedly biting her fingernail.


    The original plot hadpletely derailed.


    In the original story, by this point, Jiang Qiaoqiao had given up on Shen Jizhi, and her rtionship with Jing Chi had progressed rapidly.


    But now, Jiang Qiaoqiao still harbored feelings for Shen Jizhi and had rejected Jing Chi.


    Jian Huan wondered if this change had indirectly affected the incident with the Bodhi Pagoda, which shouldn''t have been lost in the first ce.


    Moreover, with the plot already altered, would Elder Gao still be the one to steal the Bodhi Pagoda, as in the original story?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The once certain reward of one million spirit stones now seemed far less guaranteed.


    Jian Huan sighed deeply.


    Hearing her sigh, Wen Jiu fiddled with the embroidered mandarin ducks on the quilt, offering a stiff constion. "Junior sister, you don''t need to worry too much."


    Jian Huan blinked, puzzled. "Worry about what?"


    Wen Jiu whispered, "Senior Brother Shen likes you."


    Jian Huan: "..."


    The memory of what had happened behind the screen shed through her mind, and Jian Huan''s cheeks warmed.


    Sheughed awkwardly and flopped back onto the bed. "Senior sister, it''ste. Let''s rest. We have a lot to do in theing days."


    Jian Huan pulled up the nket and unconsciously sniffed it, catching a faint feminine fragrance.


    She grinned. "Senior sister, you smell really nice."


    Wen Jiu panicked and waved her hands. "No, no, it''s not me. It''s... it''s her scent."


    Jian Huan: "Her?"


    Wen Jiuy back down. "I was sharing the room with Mu''er before¡ªRan Mu''er from the Harmony Union Sect." She paused, slightly embarrassed. "She offered me fifty spirit stones a day to stay here for a few days, to hide from some... partners she knows."


    Jian Huan: "!"


    Ran Mu''er from the Harmony Union Sect!


    She remembered this sister well. She even had her Xuantian ID. Over the years, Ran Mu''er had persistently sent her messages every three months, asking when she and Shen Jizhi would try out the dual cultivation technique she had created...


    Jian Huan felt a bit scared and wasn''t keen on running into Ran Mu''er. "Senior sister, where is she now?"


    "She''s gone," Wen Jiu replied. "Her Harmony Bell broke, so she went to find someone to fix it."


    The first rays of dawn spilled over the horizon, and the streets were still quiet, with few people about.


    The autumn air was chilly, and when people spoke, their breath formed little clouds of white mist, like steam rising from freshly steamed buns.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi stood at the corner outside the inn.


    The girl''s voice was filled with obvious surprise, her eyes wide. "You''re noting with us?"


    The previous night, Yin Yusheng and Jiang Qiaoqiao had also made a discovery: the person stationed at Elder Gao''s residence wasn''t the real Madam Gao but her personal maid in disguise.


    Fifteen minutes earlier, a senior brother skilled in tracking had hurried back with news. He had spotted a merchant caravan about thirty miles outside Jiuzhou City, and it was highly likely that Madam Gao was hiding among them.


    Now, they were preparing to head out of the city to intercept Madam Gao.


    But Shen Jizhi had pulled Jian Huan aside and told her he wouldn''t be joining them.


    Shen Jizhi''s pale pink robes fluttered in the autumn breeze as he nodded slightly, his eyes showing a trace of weariness. "You have enough people."


    He had stayed in Yang Ye''s room the previous night, intending to meditate on a cushion.


    But that pig kept bothering him, which was annoying.


    Still, since the inn was free¡ªsuch a ce would cost hundreds of spirit stones per night¡ªhe had endured it.


    After a pause, Shen Jizhi''s gaze settled on Jian Huan''s face. "Besides, something feels off to me. Why are you all so sure it''s Elder Gao?"


    It was as if they had discussed it beforehand. Both Yin Yusheng''s group and Jian Huan seemed to naturally suspect Elder Gao among the four gatekeepers.


    But if Elder Gao really was involved, why hadn''t the Imperial Pacification Office and the powerful cultivators who had arrived in Jiuzhou City noticed anything?


    Jian Huan lowered her head, her embroidered shoes tapping lightly against the ground as she thought for a moment. "Alright then."


    The two parted ways.


    Half an hourter, Jian Huan leaned against a red maple tree, gazing up at the mountains ahead, their foliage aze with autumn colors. For a moment, she felt as if she hade here for a leisurely outing.


    This was her first time experiencing what it felt like to be carried by a strong team.


    They had effortlessly intercepted the merchant caravan and identified Madam Gao, who was disguised as a man among them.


    Though Madam Gao herself was at the Golden Core stage, and the caravan had several skilled guards, Jian Huan barely had to lift a finger before they sessfully subdued the group.


    Yin Yusheng''s use of medicinal powders and insects had be even more seamless,plementing the sword techniques of Wen Jiu, Jiang Qiaoqiao, and the other senior disciples, as well as Yang Ye''s pig. It was an overwhelming disy of strength.


    Under the red maple tree, a carriage stood parked. The curtain was drawn back, and a person with a cloth headband and dressed in ordinary male attire removed a face-altering spirit mask, revealing a strikingly elegant face.


    But now, this face, full of charm, was tinged with hidden fear as she spoke with a mix of defiance and unease. "Have I broken anyws by using a spirit mask? Is it against the Nine Provinces Continent Law for my maid to impersonate me? No, right? I haven''t killed anyone or done anything immoral. Why are you holding me here?"


    Yin Yusheng stood nearby, his voice calm and gentle. "Madam, please calm down. We only have a few questions for you."


    As the eldest among them and a respected medical cultivator, Yin Yusheng naturally took the lead. Jiang Qiaoqiao and the others deferred to him.


    Jian Huan, who had joined the group midway, leaned against the tree, listening carefully without interrupting.


    ¡°You have something to ask me?¡± Madam Gao let out a coldugh, her back straight as a rod, her chin tilted high. ¡°I don¡¯t know if the world has changed, or if I¡¯ve just grown old. But in this day and age, is this how you ask for favors?!¡±


    Yin Yusheng remained unbothered, his demeanor calm andposed. ¡°Circumstances force our hand. We truly have no other choice, and we beg for your understanding. Madam Gao, forgive my boldness, but may I ask where the Bodhi Pagoda is?¡±


    ¡°The Bodhi Pagoda?¡± Madam Gaoughed bitterly, her trembling hand pointing at Yin Yusheng, Wen Jiu, and the others. ¡°You think my Gao family took the Bodhi Pagoda? Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! What use would my family have for it? If my husband and I needed it, we¡¯d simply ask my elder brother. Why would we steal it?¡±


    A senior disciple who had been searching the merchant caravan walked over and shook his head at Yin Yusheng, indicating that they had not found the Bodhi Pagoda.


    Yin Yusheng frowned slightly and bowed respectfully to Madam Gao. ¡°Then may I ask, Madam Gao, why did you choose to leave Jiuzhou City in such a covert manner at this critical time?¡±


    She hadn¡¯t even dared to use the public teleportation array, instead disguising herself as an ordinary citizen.


    Madam Gao, who had been kneeling on the carpet inside the carriage, scoffed and leanedzily against the seat. ¡°It¡¯s just my nature. Sometimes I want to live like an ordinary person. Is that so wrong?¡± She suddenly raised her voice. ¡°Even the Nine Provinces Continent Law doesn¡¯t restrict me. Who are you, a bunch of wet-behind-the-ears youngsters, to tell me what to do?¡±


    Jian Huan leaned against a red maple tree, its leaves falling gently in the breeze andnding softly in her hair.


    Her gaze passed over Wen Jiu¡¯srge ck sword and settled on Madam Gao.


    For some reason, she had noticed several times that Madam Gao seemed to be avoiding her gaze.


    And there was something vaguely familiar about her.


    Where had she seen her before? Jian Huan¡¯s dark pupils darted around as she tried to recall.


    Since transmigrating into this world, she hadn¡¯t traveled to many ces, so she mentally retraced her steps.


    Fortunately, having recently advanced to the Golden Core stage, her mind was clear, and her memories were like a book stored in her mind. While recalling them was usually hazy, if she focused, the pages would unfold, and the memories woulde back vividly.


    Approaching Immortal City? No.


    Azure Dragon City? Not there either.


    Yujiang City¡­ Yujiang City!


    Back then, while investigating Chu Chu¡¯s disappearance, she, Shen Jizhi, and Baili Dao had traveled to Yujiang City.


    While waiting to enter the city, they had encountered two caravans.


    A minor incident had urred at the time¡ªa guard from the left caravan had approached the right caravan to ask for information from a kind-looking guard.


    Jian Huan had even made a bet with Shen Jizhi over a spirit stone, but neither of them had won or lost.


    The tight-lipped, kind-looking guard had imed to be from Liangzhou City.


    But was he really from Liangzhou City?


    When the city gates opened, a gust of wind lifted the carriage curtain.


    The master of the carriage happened to nce out, and Jian Huan had locked eyes with him.


    It was a man, but his demeanor carried an inexplicable feminine grace.


    At the time, she had only noted it in passing, preupied with Chu Chu¡¯s disappearance, and hurried into the city without giving it much thought.


    Now, the memory came back with startling rity.


    Though the face was different, Madam Gao¡¯s posture, figure, and the slightly out-of-ce air she had when dressed as a man were exactly the same as back then.


    ¡°Madam Gao.¡± Just as Yin Yusheng and Madam Gao reached a stalemate, Jian Huan slipped through the group of senior disciples like a fish and stood beside Yin Yusheng, shing a bright smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Madam. Look at that¡ªalmost three years have passed in the blink of an eye.¡±


    Jian Huan tapped her head, feigning annoyance. ¡°Look at my memory¡ªit took me a while to remember you¡­¡±


    Madam Gao¡¯s eyes flickered, and almost simultaneously with Jian Huan¡¯s words, a poisoned spirit dart shot toward her.


    Jian Huan¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly, and she was about to deflect it with her talisman sword when Jiang Qiaoqiao, the most talented and highest-level cultivator present, struck the dart away with her sword.


    ¡°Junior Sister Jian!¡± Yin Yusheng also panicked, shielding Jian Huan behind him. With a flick of his hand, the Gu worm he had nted on Madam Gao activated, causing her to vomit a mouthful of blood.


    Jian Huan was momentarily stunned. She nced at Jiang Qiaoqiao and gave her a wink. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Jiang Qiaoqiao smiled back, sheathed her sword, and stood aside.


    A senior disciple patted her shoulder, but Jiang Qiaoqiao shook her head, indicating she was fine.


    Jian Huan calmed Wen Jiu, who had rushed over, and stepped out from behind Yin Yusheng. With a light step, shended on the driver¡¯s seat of the carriage.


    She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, and faced Madam Gao. ¡°Madam, your way of greeting is rather brutal.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jian Huan¡¯s eyes curved into a smile, but her gaze was icy. ¡°Are you afraid I¡¯ll reveal that I saw you in Yujiang City back then?¡±


    At these words, Madam Gao¡¯s lips trembled, and all color drained from her face.


    Wen Jiu, Yin Yusheng, and the others turned to Jian Huan, their expressions filled with confusion.


    Jian Huan recounted the events of that day, then nced at the visibly shaken Madam Gao. ¡°After that, I never saw them again, but I suspect they must have paid spirit stones to obtain¡­ spiritual roots.¡±


    However, due to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi¡¯s interference, the events in Yujiang City were quickly exposed.


    That year, none of the couples at the banquet received the spiritual roots they had hoped for to conceive children. Many were detained by the Imperial Pacification Office, but some managed to escape in the chaos.


    The disguised Elder Gao and Madam Gao must have been among those who fled.


    Jian Huan smiled modestly. ¡°Madam Gao, am I correct?¡±


    Madam Gao wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and stared intently at Jian Huan¡¯s face, saying nothing.


    Back then, at the city gates and during the banquet, she had seen this girl and the young man with her. Their striking looks made them hard to forget.


    The two youngsters had caused quite a stir, and she and her husband had considered silencing them.


    But upon investigation, they discovered that Shen Jizhi was a disciple of Gu Mountain. Fearing they might make matters worse, they decided not to act.


    For over two years, things had been peaceful. But now, with the Bodhi Pagoda incident, her husband had been detained by the Imperial Pacification Office and couldn¡¯t easily escape.


    She was terrified¡ªterrified that if they searched her husband¡¯s consciousness, the events in Yujiang City woulde to light, and she too would be imprisoned.


    Madam Gao closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly.


    She covered her face and let out a self-deprecatingugh. ¡°I have nothing to say. But I swear, the Bodhi Pagoda has nothing to do with my family!¡±


    On the busiest street in Jiuzhou City, by the riverside, stood the most famous tea house in the Nine Provinces Continent.


    The tea house catered exclusively to cultivators and was off-limits to ordinary citizens. Even the servers were at the Qi Refining stage.


    In smaller cities, a Qi Refining cultivator might be considered a notable figure, but in Jiuzhou City, where cultivators were everywhere, they were amon sight.


    One of the servers had just seen off a customer when his gaze fell on a young man in pink standing to the side.


    The young man was looking up intently at the small wooden ques hanging on the wall.


    The ques listed the types of spirit tea sold in the tea house, along with their prices.


    Many customers in the tea house stole nces at him, but he seemed oblivious, his attention fully absorbed.


    The server cleared his throat, thinking, ¡°This could be a big order!¡±


    The more the customers he served ordered, the higher his monthly sry would be.


    The server walked over lightly and greeted him with a smile. ¡°Young master, why not take a seat? You can choose at your leisure once you¡¯re seated.¡±


    Handsome young men from wealthy families were often indecisive and picky.


    Hearing this, Shen Jizhi turned his head, nced at a dazed young man sitting by the window, then looked back at the server and asked, ¡°Can I just have a cup of water?¡±


    The server: ¡°??¡±


    The server was momentarily stunned. He scratched his head and shook it. ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, young master. Our spirit tea is renowned across the Nine Provinces! Take a look¡ª¡± He pointed to the highest que. ¡°This Qinghong Longzhu tea¡­¡±


    Shen Jizhi¡¯s gaze fell on the words ¡°18,000 per pot¡± at the back, but he didn¡¯t even blink before interrupting, ¡°Just a pot of bitter tea will do.¡±


    The server¡¯s eyes immediately dropped to the lowest que. He twitched his lips and asked uncertainly, ¡°¡­Young master, are you sure you want bitter tea?¡±


    Bitter tea was sold by the cup for one spirit stone.


    It was sold by the cup because no one could finish a whole cup¡ªmost people took one sip and spat it out.


    Bitter tea was a staple in spirit tea houses, symbolizing the bitterness of the cultivation path. Its taste was exceptionally harsh.


    Customers rarely ordered it; it was more of a symbolic offering.


    Shen Jizhi hummed in acknowledgment, disregarding the puzzled look on the waiter''s face. With his hands sped behind his back, he found an empty seat and sat down.


    The dazed young man remained by the window, one hand propping up his head, dark circles under his eyes, staring nkly as if his soul had left his body.


    Shen Jizhi had spent the entire morning investigating the other three elders. Coincidentally, outside the residence of one of the elders, he had spotted this young man and followed him here.


    The sound of a teacup being gently ced on the table echoed softly. The waiter lingered, curious to see Shen Jizhi''s reaction.


    Shen Jizhi nced at the waiter, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip. His brows immediately furrowed.


    The waiter''s eyes gleamed with anticipation, thinking the young master was about to spit it out.


    Spit it out! Go on, spit it out! That way, he could take the opportunity to rmend some sweet teas and pastries...


    But in the next moment, Shen Jizhi''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed the tea.


    He lowered his gaze, staring at the ink-ck liquid, and took another sip.


    The waiter, unwilling to give up, said, "Young master, would you like to order something else..."


    Shen Jizhi interrupted him calmly, "No need."


    The waiter pressed on, "Our pastries are also quite excellent..."


    Shen Jizhi looked up, deep in thought. "Do you have a Xuantian Mirror?"


    The waiter was taken aback. "Huh?"


    He instinctively nodded. "Yes..."


    Shen Jizhi, unustomed to such interactions, gave a faint smile and asked softly, "May I borrow it?"


    He needed to call Jian Huan over. There was something off about this young man.

 Chapter 92

    After the long-hidden secret was exposed, Madam Gao had already adopted the attitude of a dead pig not fearing scalding water.


    She half-curled up in the elegantly decorated carriage, her gaze sweeping past the lifted curtain, silently observing the deep autumn scenery outside.


    Ordinary cultivator couples might have been deceived by the ims from the Jiang family in Yujiang City years ago, believing that consuming certain spiritual medicines could help them conceive a child with a specific spiritual root.


    But Madam Gao and Elder Gao were no ordinary figures. Elder Gao, being the younger brother of the Sect Leader of Feng Yan Sect, surely knew that no such spiritual medicine existed in the Nine Provinces.


    The dirty truth hidden behind Qi Wan was something both of them were well aware of.


    Yet, they couldn''t ept it!


    Born from the same parents, why was Elder Gao''s older brother, Sect Leader Gao, blessed with a single spiritual root of exceptional talent, while Elder Gao himself was stuck with a lesser dual spiritual root?


    From childhood, Elder Gao''s cultivation had always been a step behind his brother''s, and as the years passed, the gap only widened, bing an insurmountable chasm.


    Madam Gao understood better than anyone how hard her husband had worked, how desperately he had strived.


    But it was all in vain, utterly futile!


    Some things were decided the moment one was born, and no amount of effort could change that.


    Madam Gao watched the withered yellow leaves swept away by the autumn wind, a self-mocking smile tugging at her lips.


    Ten years ago, Elder Gao had volunteered to guard the Nine Provinces'' Treasure Hall, leaving Tian Yan Sect.


    Day after day, year after year, while his brother, the Sect Leader, flourished, Elder Gao, confined to this ce, grew increasingly violent and despondent, his heart demon taking root, like a diseased tree. The worms of jealousy and unfulfilled ambition gnawed at him day and night, distorting him beyond recognition.


    Seeing this, Madam Gao had proposed having a child.


    A child with a single spiritual root, to fulfill the unfulfilled dreams of their marriage.


    But in the end, the n was thwarted by the Harmony Union Sect. The Jiang residence was raided, and nothing came of it. Instead, they were reduced to this pitiful state.


    Her husband''s heart demon could no longer be concealed, and he would likely be sent to South Dust Immortal Ind to be imprisoned as a test subject for medicinal experiments.


    As for her? For hiding the truth and aiding in his misdeeds, she might spend a year or two in the dungeons of the Imperial Pacification Office, enduring the ridicule of her former peers.


    Back when she married the Sect Leader''s younger brother, it had been such a glorious affair. She had clearly seen the envy in their eyes.


    What expressions would they wear now, scattered across the Nine Provinces, when they learned of her downfall? Mockery? Schadenfreude?


    What would they say about her? How would they look at her?


    Madam Gao clenched her teeth, her nails digging deep into her palms, drawing beads of crimson blood.


    ...


    "Can we trust her words?" Yang Ye, holding a pig that had been running wild, walked over to the circle formed by Jian Huan, Wen Jiu, and Yin Yusheng. From a distance, he nced at Madam Gao, who was lost in her own world, and asked, "Does the Gao family really have nothing to do with the Bodhi Pagoda incident?"


    Yin Yusheng paced back and forth under the maple tree, the hem of his white disciple robe brushing against the fallen leaves, making a soft rustling sound. He stopped and looked at Jian Huan. "What do you think, Junior Sister?"


    "Ah?" Caught off guard by the sudden question, Jian Huan, who had just pulled out her Xuantian Mirror, looked up and thought carefully. "It''s hard to say."


    In the original book, it was indeed the Gao family who had done it.


    But now, she couldn''t be so sure.


    In the book, the events of Yujiang City had never happened.


    Since they hadn''t urred, it was likely that Elder Gao and Madam Gao had seeded over two years ago. Perhaps it was around that time that they had made contact with the demonic faction, leading them to steal the Bodhi Pagoda, which was of no use to them.


    But now, the plot had beenpletely disrupted.


    Shen Jizhi hadn''t followed Jiang Qiaoqiao and Jing Chi on their expedition three years ago. Instead, he had joined her, charging recklessly into Yujiang City for the bounty.


    Could it be that because of this, Elder Gao and Madam Gao had never made contact with the demonic faction, and now it was another group who had stolen the Bodhi Pagoda?


    "Senior Brother Yin, but I still think the Gao family is the most likely suspect," a junior brother whom Jian Huan wasn''t very familiar with interjected. "The Gao family knew about the Yujiang City incident back then. It''s possible they''ve been in contact with the demonic faction all these years, acting as spies nted in our Nine Provinces continent! Madam Gao might very well be a diversion, and the Bodhi Pagoda could already have been taken out of Nine Provinces City by someone else!"


    Yin Yusheng frowned, gazing at the mountains ahead, and after a moment of contemtion, said, "You make a good point, Junior Brother."


    "In that case, let''s continue investigating the Gao family," Yin Yusheng decided. "But we can''t neglect the other elders either. I''ll arrange for some people to look into them."


    No one objected.


    Wen Jiu asked softly, "Then, what about Madam Gao?"


    Madam Gao was implicated in the Qi Wan incident, and ording to thew, she should be sent to the Imperial Pacification Office.


    But if the Gao family really had taken the Bodhi Pagoda, sending Madam Gao to the Imperial Pacification Office would be tantamount to handing over the information about the pagoda as well.


    If the Imperial Pacification Office recovered the Bodhi Pagoda before they did, the one million spirit stone bounty would be lost.


    That one million spirit stone reward came from the Imperial Pacification Office''s treasury, directly affecting their sries. They wouldn''t be willing to let it slip away.


    Everyone looked at Yin Yusheng.


    Yin Yusheng smiled wryly, rubbing his temples, and finally said, "Let''s send her to the Imperial Pacification Office. We mustn''t lose sight of the bigger picture. If we dy the demon suppression mission, it will be our fault."


    The matter was thus settled. Jian Huan, looking down at her Xuantian Mirror, thoughtfully replied with an "Okay," and said to herpanions, "Senior Brothers and Sisters, please take care of delivering her to the Imperial Pacification Office. I won''t be joining you."


    The sun grew stronger, its midday rays casting a shimmering reflection on the river''s surface.


    The re was dazzling. A young man, who had been sitting by the window in a daze for some time, closed his dark-circled eyes and came back to his senses.


    He rubbed his eyes, looked up at the sun, and after a moment, patted his stomach, realizing it was probably time for lunch.


    The young man stood up and left the teahouse with unsteady steps.


    The waiter hurried over, bowing and smiling broadly. "Young Master Fu, take care on your way!"


    Fu Li paused, nced at the waiter, and pulled out a pouch of spirit stones from his pocket, handing it over before drifting away like a ghost.


    The waiter''s grin nearly split his face.


    Young Master Fu was as generous as ever! He walked over, bent down, and began clearing the table.


    Look at this! The fine tea and pastries were barely touched!


    The waiter nced around, then quickly stuffed the pastries into his robe.


    If only everyone were like Young Master Fu, and not like that pink-robed young man earlier who had spent a single spirit stone and even used his Xuantian Mirror.


    Fu Li.


    The only son of Elder Fu, he had a difficult birth. It was said that when he was born, he was almost purple, but fortunately, he was saved by high-quality spiritual medicines.


    Sadly, while the medicines restored his health, they couldn''t make him any smarter.


    Fu Li had always been slow to react, appearing somewhat dull to outsiders.


    But luckily, his parents were wealthy and doted on him, with more spirit stones than they could ever spend.


    Over the years, Fu Li had consistently topped the list of favorite customers for merchants across Nine Provinces City.


    Across the street corner, Jian Huan, listening to Shen Jizhi, peeked out and watched the young master being escorted out of the teahouse by several guards. She frowned, "If that''s the case, isn''t his behavior normal? What''s the issue that made you call me here?"


    Shen Jizhi nced at her and uttered a few words, "The Puppetry Charm."


    "The Puppetry Charm?" Having lived in this world for years, Jian Huan was no longer the clueless novice who needed Shen Jizhi to exin everything. She immediately understood and eximed, "Isn''t that the specialty of the Harmony Union Sect disciples..."


    The two exchanged a look, and Shen Jizhi nodded slightly. Jian Huan didn''t continue.


    The Puppetry Charm, a technique that ensnares the target with charm, turning them into a puppet that acts ording to the caster''s will, was indeed the Harmony Union Sect''s signature skill.


    Shen Jizhi watched the young man walking down the street and said, "While you were in seclusion, I took on some missions outside and saw others who had fallen victim to the Puppetry Charm. The technique leaves aftereffects¡ªfor about half a month, the victim remains dazed, reacts slowly, and has dark circles under their eyes."


    Jian Huan tapped the stone wall lightly with her fingers. "Are you saying Fu Li has been affected by the Puppetry Charm?"


    To her surprise, Shen Jizhi shook his head. "I''m not sure."


    Jian Huan: "??"


    Shen Jizhi looked at her. "I only suspect it."


    He suspected that someone was using Fu Li''s inherent condition to conceal something.


    The most straightforward solution would be to capture Fu Li and interrogate him harshly about what had happened to him recently.


    But Fu Li was not someone to be trifled with. If there was indeed something hidden behind him, acting rashly would only alert those behind the scenes.


    Shen Jizhi was only skilled at capturing and interrogating people, but when it came to coaxing information out of someone without resorting to force, he was utterly helpless.


    Jian Huan, however, excelled at it.


    ...


    Unlike the somewhat flustered household of Elder Gao, Elder Fu''s residence remained as calm andposed as ever.


    This air of confidence was particrly evident in the demeanor of Elder Fu¡¯s guards.


    Elder Fu, the most powerful elder among the gatekeepers, was a Nascent Soul cultivator. His beloved wife was the daughter of a wealthy merchant from Jiuzhou City. After their marriage, the couple settled in Jiuzhou City, leading a peaceful and happy life.


    Despite being a Nascent Soul cultivator, Elder Fu spent his days cheerfully guarding a treasure hall, living a contented life. He didn¡¯t mind having a somewhat slow-witted son.


    Due to the incident involving the missing Bodhi Pagoda, Elder Fu was currently detained in the Imperial Pacification Office, but Madam Fu wasn¡¯t worried.


    He would be released sooner orter. Seeing each other every day, a little separation was good for some peace and quiet!


    With Madam Fu¡¯s calm attitude, the servants felt at ease.


    The Fu family guards strode proudly, protecting their young master like a mother hen shielding her chicks, as they walked through the bustling streets.


    Suddenly, from a narrow alley ahead, a young maid with double buns emerged, supporting a man.


    "Oh, I¡¯m so sorry!" Before the guards could react, the maid apologized first, her bright smile instantly winning their favor. "My master is blind, and I was too focused on guiding him to notice you all..."


    The guard frowned, his thick brows furrowing as he nced at the man.


    The man wore a green Daoist robe, his figure slender and elegant. His eyes were covered with a ck silk band, and he sported a long, half-white beard, giving him the appearance of a refined middle-aged Daoist priest.


    The Fu family had always been kind-hearted, so the guard didn¡¯t make a fuss. He nodded and continued escorting the somewhat slow Fu Li toward the restaurant ahead.


    The maid and the man stepped aside, and the man bent down, pretending to whisper something in the maid¡¯s ear.


    The maid nodded, slightly lifting her emerald-green skirt as she hurried after the Fu family group. "Wait, please wait!"


    Jian Huan stretched out her arm, blocking their path. Her gaze fell on Fu Li as she smiled and said, "Young master, although my master cannot see, he can perceive things that ordinary people cannot. He just told me that you seem to be troubled by something. If you don¡¯t mind, would you allow my master to divine a fortune for you and help resolve your worries? Don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t charge you. Today, we happened to meet you all, and my master wishes to form a good connection..."


    "Enough, enough!" The guard, holding his sword, looked like he had seen it all before. Over the years, he had encountered all sorts of scammers while apanying the young master. "You say you won¡¯t charge now, but you¡¯ll find a way to take moneyter. Go away! If you don¡¯t leave, don¡¯t me us for getting rough!"


    "We¡¯re really not scammers!" Jian Huan stomped her foot in frustration. "Just look at your young master. He¡¯s clearly troubled, and his soul might even have been ensnared by some evil spirit..."


    The guard snorted, unconvinced, and urged Fu Li to move forward.


    But Fu Li stopped in his tracks, his hesitant gaze lingering on Jian Huan. After a moment of thought, he stammered, "Th-then, please, ask your master to help me."


    The guards exchanged nces but ultimately said nothing.


    The young master had money to spare. If he wanted to spend it to ward off misfortune, so be it.


    .?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????..


    On the third floor, in a spacious private room, the window was half-closed.


    The noise from downstairs drifted in, but instead of breaking the tranquility, it only made the room feel more serene.


    The guards stood watch outside the door.


    Inside, a table wasden with exquisite dishes, their aroma filling the air, but no one had touched them yet.


    Jian Huan held a brightly zed wine cup in both hands, speaking softly to Fu Li. "Young master, could you please share your birth date and time? My master needs it to divine your fortune."


    Fu Li wasn¡¯t particrly clever, but he could still think, albeit slowly and not always thoroughly.


    After hearing Jian Huan¡¯s request, he pondered for a while before shaking his head. "N-no, I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯ve already had my fortune told... more than ten times..."


    Jian Huan blinked, quickly adapting. "Then what does the young master suggest?"


    Fu Li looked at Shen Jizhi, who sat there with the air of a transcendent sage. Slowly, he said, "I... I want the master to divine... a fortune for me."


    Jian Huan nced at Shen Jizhi and replied on his behalf, "What would you like the master to divine for you?"


    Fu Li lowered his head, touching his forehead as if embarrassed. "I... I want to know if I¡¯ll ever see... someone again."


    Jian Huan kept her expression neutral, but beneath the table, her hand tugged slightly at Shen Jizhi¡¯s sleeve in excitement. Her voice, however, remained steady, and her smile was perfectlyposed. "What a coincidence! Young master, you should know that my master¡¯s divination is particrly effective when ites to finding people or things!"


    Seeing the young man¡¯s eyes light up, Jian Huan added, "However, you¡¯ll need to provide some details. Who are you looking for? Is it a man or a woman? How old are they? Where did youst see them?"


    Fu Li¡¯s expression dimmed again. He hesitated, shaking his head repeatedly, unable to articte his thoughts.


    A good scammer knows how to read their client. Jian Huan asked sympathetically, "Is it difficult for you to share this information?"


    Fu Li nodded vigorously.


    He had promised the person in question that he wouldn¡¯t reveal anything. Though he wasn¡¯t clever, he always kept his promises.


    Jian Huan understood.


    She pursed her lips, her eyes darting around until theynded on the ck silk band tied around Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes. Suddenly, an idea struck her.


    What a perfect coincidence.


    The reason Shen Jizhi was pretending to be blind was that without the band, no matter how he disguised himself, he couldn¡¯t pass for a middle-aged Daoist priest.


    His pair of crystal-like eyes were simply too striking.


    Now, it was as if the perfect solution had fallen into theirps.


    Jian Huan smiled and asked, "Young master, can you draw?"


    Fu Li was taken aback but nodded honestly.


    As a child of a wealthy family, he had been tutored in the arts since childhood. Fu Li had learned painting from his mother.


    Though his skills weren¡¯t exceptional, he could indeed draw.


    "Then that¡¯s perfect!" Jian Huan pped her hands together with a crisp sound. She walked over to the side of the room, where ink, brush, paper, and an inkstone were already prepared, and set them in front of Fu Li. "You can draw the person you¡¯re looking for."


    Fu Li blinked.


    He wasn¡¯t clever, he knew that.


    But wasn¡¯t drawing the person the same as describing them? He understood that much.


    Jian Huan smiled and pointed at Shen Jizhi. "My master can¡¯t see. After you finish drawing, he can feel the portrait with his hands and divine your fortune. I¡¯ll wait outside, alright?"


    ...


    The ck silk band tied around Shen Jizhi¡¯s eyes looked thick, but beneath it, only a thinyer covered his eyelids.


    He lowered his gaze, peering through the faintyer of silk, and clearly saw the person Fu Li had drawn.


    A woman.


    He didn¡¯t recognize her.


    Shen Jizhi looked away, closing his eyes and pretending to feel the portrait with his hands.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fu Li held his breath and whispered, "Master..."


    Shen Jizhi spoke softly, "Hush."


    Fu Li immediately covered his mouth, not daring to make another sound.


    Shen Jizhi rested his elbow on the table, his long fingers slightly curled as he lightly pressed his thumb against his other fingers. After a moment, he put his hand down, folded the drawing, and returned it to Fu Li, coldly uttering two words: "No, you won¡¯t."


    Fu Li¡¯s slightly dull eyes instantly dimmed.


    He stared at Shen Jizhi in disbelief, as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over him.


    Was it true? Would he never see her again?


    Shen Jizhi raised his voice slightly, calling out to those outside the door, "We¡¯re done."


    Jian Huan pushed the door open with a smile, closed it behind her, and walked over. She nced at the folded drawing and kindly said to Fu Li, "Young master, let me help you burn this."


    Without peeking, she lit a match and reduced the drawing to a small pile of gray ash.


    Fu Li, still in a daze, muttered, "Th-thank you."


    Shen Jizhi extended an arm toward Jian Huan, who nced at him before helping him to his feet.


    The two prepared to take their leave.


    Just as Jian Huan was about to escort Shen Jizhi out the door, Fu Li suddenly came to his senses and called out, "W-wait."


    Jian Huan turned back, puzzled. "Is there something else, young master?"


    Fu Li suppressed the ache in his heart and said gratefully, "Th-thank you... both... for helping me."


    Deep down, he had known he would never see that person again, but he had still held onto hope.


    Now, knowing for certain that he would never see her again, he could finally let go.


    The gentleman truly was a gentleman, unlike anyone Fu Li had met before. Those others only spoke sweet words to him and always asked for money before leaving.


    These two, however, didn¡¯t even ask for a single coin.


    Fu Li walked over and pulled out all the remaining spirit stones he had on him, handing them to Jian Huan. "I... I only have this much left..." He tilted his head up, calcting for a while, then lowered his head and said, "It¡¯s probably around five thousand spirit stones. Please don¡¯t... look down on it."


    Jian Huan, holding a pile of spirit stone pouches, was utterly stunned by this sudden windfall.


    Wait, this person was about to be sold off by them, and he was still giving them money?


    The Daoist gentleman, who had been staring straight ahead without a nce to the side, also lowered his head ever so slightly.

 Chapter 93

    Downstairs, it seemed someone had arrived, their footsteps thudding heavily on the stairs.


    The boisterous chatter of the guests mingled with the enthusiastic calls of the waiter, "This way, esteemed guests!" The voices grew faint as they moved further away toward the private room at the far end of the third floor.


    The purse in Jian Huan''s arms felt heavy, and she instinctively tightened her grip, forcing an awkward smile. "Young Master Fu, this... this is too much. We agreed not to ept payment, just to build a good rtionship. Look at you, really, how could my master ept this..."


    The girl''s voice sounded genuinely troubled.


    Shen Jizhi, standing quietly and pretending to be blind, lowered his eyelids and nced at her through the ck veil.


    She hadn¡¯t let go of the purse, after all.


    Fu Li, oblivious to the subtlety, grew flustered and waved his hands, his face reddening. "N-no! You must take it. If I don¡¯t give it, I... I won¡¯t feel at ease..."


    With such insistence, how could Jian Huan refuse?


    She quickly tucked the purse into her wide sleeves, sped her hands in front of her waist, and bowed shyly to Fu Li. "In that case, I thank Young Master Fu. You need not worry, your..."


    At this point, Shen Jizhi''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Standing close to her, he tugged discreetly at her sleeve, out of Fu Li''s sight.


    Jian Huan paused mid-sentence, her eyshes fluttering briefly before she continued, "Your fortune is still ahead of you. In the future, everything will go smoothly, and your wishes wille true."


    ...


    Not far from the tavern, deep in a narrow alley, stood a deserted courtyard.


    The gate was locked, the ancient bronze lock half-rusted, and the crevices of the door were thick with cobwebs, wherezy spiders lounged motionlessly on their silken threads.


    Inside, Shen Jizhi, now dressed in ck, stood by a stone table overgrown with weeds, bent over a piece of paper as he painted.


    Behind him, under the corridor, Jian Huan, fastening her belt, turned around in disbelief. "You actually told him he wouldn¡¯t find her?"


    Aren¡¯t fortune-tellers supposed to say only good things?


    Even if they mention something unfavorable, they¡¯d usually offer a solution¡ªfor a fee, of course.


    Shen Jizhi countered, "What else should I have said?"


    As the figure of a woman gradually took shape on the paper, he added indifferently, "I didn¡¯t even need to divine anything to know he wouldn¡¯t find her."


    Jian Huan scoffed and walked toward him. "The act¡¯s over, ''Master.'' You really think you can tell fortunes? Luckily, Young Master Fu is kind¡ª"


    At this, Jian Huan chuckled. Fu Li really was a good person. "If it were someone with a worse temper, they might¡¯ve chased you out with a broom... Ran Mu''er?!"


    Shen Jizhi was still a few strokes short of finishing, but the woman¡¯s features were already vivid on the paper.


    He paused, setting down the brush. "You know her?"


    Jian Huan frowned, reaching out to take the painting.


    The bright autumn sunlight spilled onto the portrait, the semi-dry ink shimmering faintly.


    The woman in the painting had delicate features, but her most striking aspect was her eyes¡ªa blend of shyness, innocence, allure, and a touch of aloofness.


    This uniquebination left a deep impression on Jian Huan.


    She had only seen Ran Mu''er once, years ago in Yujiang City, but she had never forgotten her.


    "Yujiang City again," Jian Huan murmured. "I met Madam Gao there, and now Ran Mu''er too."


    After hearing Jian Huan¡¯s ount, Shen Jizhi tapped the stone table with his fingers, his expression growing cold. "The demons are stirring."


    "But I don¡¯t think Ran Mu''er is one of them," Jian Huan said, handing the painting back to Shen Jizhi, her expression thoughtful. "I actually... quite like her."


    Though the girl often spoke inappropriately, casually bringing up topics about rtionships and even trying to pass on her extensive collection of dual cultivation manuals to Jian Huan...


    Jian Huan still held a favorable impression of Ran Mu''er.


    Over the years, Ran Mu''er had never bought a single talisman from her, yet Jian Huan had never removed Ran Mu''er¡¯s Xuantian ID.


    Shen Jizhi took the painting and immediately destroyed it. "Then let¡¯s find her first."


    Jian Huan looked at him. "I know where she is."


    Shen Jizhi: "?"


    "She went to Luo''an City to repair the Harmony Bell," Jian Huan said, her expression turning serious. "My senior sister told me. Ran Mu''er seems to be close with Senior Sister, Yang Ye, Yin Yusheng, and Jiang Qiaoqiao. They were all together before the disappearance of the Bodhi Pagoda."


    This made Jian Huan wonder if any of them were involved with Ran Mu''er.


    Wen Jiu, Yang Ye, and Yin Yusheng were oldrades who had fought side by side, and she had never noticed anything amiss during their time together.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao was the heroine of the story, always doing good deeds. So far, Jian Huan hadn¡¯t seen any ws in her character.


    After learning about Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi¡¯s engagement, Jiang Qiaoqiao had never privately approached Shen Jizhi again. During their recent encounter in Jiuzhou City, Jiang Qiaoqiao had been with her close senior sister and had even deflected a poisoned dart Madam Gao had aimed at Jian Huan that morning.


    When Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi returned to the inn, Wen Jiu and the others had alreadye back from the Imperial Pacification Office.


    The group gathered in the pavilion in the inn¡¯s backyard, discussing something in low voices.


    Yang Ye¡¯s pig suddenly darted out of the pavilion, and Yang Ye turned to look, quickly waving them over. "Jian Huan, Senior Brother Shen,e here!"


    The two exchanged a nce. Jian Huan, holding a bag of peanuts Shen Jizhi had bought, winked at him.


    Shen Jizhi gave a slight nod, and they walked toward the pavilion together.


    These days, Yin Yusheng, as the decision-maker, had been so busy he barely had time to rest. His face showed signs of fatigue, but he smiled and took a sip of tea when he saw them. "Where have you two been? You¡¯re only returning now?"


    Yang Ye also asked, "Did you find anything?"


    Jian Huan shook her head, her eyes filled with affection as she nced at Shen Jizhi. She ced the peanuts on the table and offered, "No, we just went for a stroll. These peanuts are delicious, everyone try some."


    The others understood, exchanging looks and smirking withoutment.


    Jiang Qiaoqiao lowered her head, staring nkly at her toes.


    A senior sister nearby, unable to hold back, whispered discontentedly to Jiang Qiaoqiao, "...Not doing anything useful. If the Bodhi Pagoda is found, should the reward really be split with them?"


    The pavilion was small, and though her voice was soft, everyone present had sharp hearing and caught her words.


    An awkward silence fell.


    The atmosphere in the pavilion grew tense.


    Yin Yusheng rubbed his temples and stepped in to mediate, speaking gently, "We¡¯re all fellow disciples. Let¡¯s not let minor issues cause discord. The priority now is to find the Bodhi Pagoda."


    He turned to Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi. "We just learned that Madam Gao¡¯s..." Yin Yusheng was about to share important information when the senior sister interrupted coldly, "Senior Brother Yin! Be careful with your words!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She stepped forward, pointing at a male disciple nearby. "This information was gathered by Senior Brother Wen. Is it appropriate for you to share it so casually?"


    Senior Brother Wen also looked displeased, his face dark as he added sternly, "Yin Yusheng, we agreed that if we find the Bodhi Pagoda, we¡¯ll split the reward equally. Will Junior Sister Jian and Senior Brother Shen also be included in this split?"


    Yin Yusheng gestured for Yang Ye to stay calm and replied, "Junior Brother Wen, if it weren¡¯t for Junior Sister Jian, we wouldn¡¯t have known about Madam Gao¡¯s connection to the incident in Yujiang City. Everyone has contributed, so an equal split is only fair."


    "But I was the one who discovered Madam Gao¡¯s whereabouts!" the senior sister protested, growing more agitated. "If I hadn¡¯t found her, Junior Sister Jian wouldn¡¯t have even met Madam Gao! And without her, we might still have uncovered the truth!"


    Jian Huan¡¯s dark eyes swept over everyone present.


    Fine, let¡¯s part ways here.


    These people were too closely connected to Ran Mu''er, and someone among them might be involved. This matter couldn¡¯t be discussed openly. Investigating Ran Mu''er would have to be done in secret.


    She exchanged a nce with Shen Jizhi, then put on a conciliatory smile. "Senior brothers and sisters, please don¡¯t be angry. Today was our fault. But I swear!" She raised her hand. "This won¡¯t happen again. We¡¯ll do our best to work with everyone to find the Bodhi Pagoda..."


    "Enough," Shen Jizhi said coldly, grabbing Jian Huan¡¯s hand and snatching the bag of peanuts. He pulled her out of the pavilion, leaving behind a final remark, "Let¡¯s each go our own way."


    "Senior Brother Shen! Jian Huan!" Yang Ye chased after them for a few steps, trying to call out to the two, but the ck-d young man paid no heed, his footsteps unwavering as he held the girl''s hand and walked further away, soon disappearing through the inn''s entrance.


    Wen Jiu and Yin Yusheng also stepped out, standing beside Yang Ye.


    To be fair, they all preferred to stay with Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi.


    But they had already invested too much in this team, and now with crucial information in hand, it was hard to simply let go.


    A million in bounty, well, that was quite important.


    [Home Has a Pig: They''re gone.]


    [Home Has a Pig: I¡¯ve already discussed it with Senior Brother and Senior Sister. Once we get the bounty, we¡¯ll treat you all to drinks.]


    Not long after leaving the inn, Jian Huan received Yang Ye''s message.


    But she didn¡¯t like the tone of it, as if they were already certain of victory.


    [Qian Duoduo Has Talismans: What a coincidence. Shen Jizhi and I were thinking the same. Once we get the bounty, we¡¯ll treat you to a feast.]


    [Home Has a Pig: Haha, alright then. We¡¯ll see whoes out on top.]


    [Qian Duoduo Has Talismans: Leaving? Where are you going?]


    [Home Has a Pig: Haha, noment. See you in Yuqing.]


    Jian Huan: "?"


    Jian Huan turned off the Xuantian Mirror, tilting her head left and right to examine her reflection. She turned to Shen Jizhi beside her and said, "They just left? That was so sudden. What do you think they found out? About Madam Gao? What about Madam Gao?"


    She was still thinking about what Yin Yusheng had left unsaid earlier.


    Shen Jizhi shook his head, indicating he wasn¡¯t sure either.


    Although Jian Huan was indeed curious about Yang Ye''s whereabouts, she herself was hiding the matter of Ran Mu''er from them.


    Now that they werepetitors, she decided to let it go.


    Perhaps it was her sixth sense, or perhaps the plot of the story had changed drastically, but Jian Huan felt that while the Gao family had some shady dealings, the matter of the Bodhi Pagoda wasn¡¯t closely tied to them.


    When Madam Gao had spoken those words, Jian Huan didn¡¯t feel like she was lying.


    She still leaned more toward Ran Mu''er''s side.


    The two checked and found that the teleportation array to Luo''an City would activate in an hour, so they decided to sit in a cheap tea shop not far from the array.


    "Not bad, Shen Jizhi. You actually remembered to bring peanuts. I almost forgot!" Jian Huan smiled brightly as she took the bag of peanuts, cing one on the table and giving it a tap with her palm, causing the red peanut to roll away.


    As she rubbed the peanut shell, she pulled out the Xuantian Mirror from her pocket. "I remember Baili Dao¡¯s family is in Luo''an City, right? I¡¯ll ask him."


    "Go ahead," Shen Jizhi stood up. "I¡¯ll be back in a moment."


    ...


    The sun dipped westward.


    On the street they had just walked down, an elderly man with graying hair was selling sugar paintings.


    A small crowd of children, along with a ck-d young man, gathered around the stall.


    The chattering children finally ran off happily with their sugar paintings, and Shen Jizhi¡¯s brows rxed as he stepped forward, crouching down. "I¡¯d like a golden ingot," he said.


    "?" The old man looked up, giving him a strange nce.


    He had been in the sugar painting business for years, and almost no one had ever asked for a golden ingot.


    Dragons, phoenixes, rabbits¡ªthose were the usual requests.


    But the old man didn¡¯t say anything. He simply tossed a couple of dry sticks into the fire.


    The nearly extinguished mes red up again, and the small iron pot above it bubbled with melted sugar syrup.


    The old man scooped up a spoonful of the syrupy liquid, his wrist deftly flicking as he prepared to start painting.


    But then Shen Jizhi suddenly spoke up, "Wait a moment."


    The old man was slightly startled, thinking something was wrong. "What is it?"


    Shen Jizhi pulled out a small porcin bottle of spirit honey he had bought while tailing Fu Li, uncapped it, and poured the golden, syrup-like liquid into the spoonful of sugar syrup, mixing them together.


    A rich aura of spiritual energy wafted through the air, and the old man inhaled deeply, praising, "This is good stuff."


    Shen Jizhi put the bottle away and nodded slightly. "Thank you."


    Just as the old man began painting the golden ingot, a five-year-old girl with a topknot ran over, holding a copper coin given to her by a woman across the street. "Grandpa, I want a little rabbit!" she said sweetly.


    "Alright, alright. Let me finish this for the big brother first, then I¡¯ll make yours," the old man replied with a smile.


    The little girl nodded, her topknot bobbing.


    She crouched down, curiously looking at Shen Jizhi. In a childish voice, she asked, "Big brother, do you like sugar paintings too? My mommy says only kids like this. When I give it to her, she won¡¯t eat it."


    Shen Jizhi remained crouched in front of the stall, his eyes fixed on the golden ingot being painted. Without looking up, he replied, "I don¡¯t like it."


    The girl¡¯s topknot swayed as she tilted her head. "Then who are you buying it for?"


    At this, Shen Jizhi¡¯s lips curved slightly, his eyes glinting like the melted sugar in the pot. "For someone who likes sugar paintings."


    ...


    Back at the tea stall, a gust of autumn wind swept by, swirling fallen leaves from one end of the street to the other.


    Jian ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Huan sat at a small table by the wall, holding a string of golden ingots that glistened brilliantly in the setting sun.


    The sweet aroma of sugar, mixed with a faint trace of spiritual energy, lingered in the air.


    She instinctively sniffed, realizing that this sugar painting wasn¡¯t ordinary¡ªit must have been infused with some kind of spiritual herb.


    Jian Huan lifted her bright, clear eyes, sneaking a nce at the young man across from her.


    Shen Jizhi was sipping tea, the steam rising like white incense smoke, partially obscuring his delicate features, as if half-hidden among the clouds of a distant mountain.


    Jian Huan lowered her gaze, torn between wanting to eat it and not wanting to waste it.


    She nced at him again, and though she meant to say thank you, what came out instead was, "When I buy sugar paintings, I always get dragons."


    Shen Jizhi, who had been in a good mood, froze mid-sip: "?"


    Jian Huan also felt a bit annoyed with herself, but there was no turning back now. A true woman never looks back at explosions, so she continued, "Dragons are more cost-effective. They use more sugar..."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Shen Jizhi reached across the narrow table, cing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair with a bit of force, as if venting his frustration. "Just eat it and stop talking."

 Chapter 94

    The teahouse grew busier by the minute, with each table buzzing with different conversations. Laughter and chatter blended into a lively, albeit noisy, atmosphere.


    Jian Huan crunched on a piece of sugar, her peach-like face scrunching up in frustration. Her lips were red, and her teeth white, but her expression was anything but sweet.


    She angrily fiddled with her disheveled hair, ring fiercely. "I already told Baili Dao we¡¯d meet him outside the teleportation array in Luo''an City. How am I supposed to face him with my hair like this?"


    Shen Jizhi''s eyshes fluttered slightly, an inexplicable irritation flickering across his face. He scoffed lightly, "Do you really need to be so meticulous just to see Baili Dao?"


    He had never seen her put in such effort for him.


    Baili Dao, someone with a temperament simr to Fu Li, was he really worth all this fuss?


    Jian Huan nodded earnestly, her words slightly muffled by the sugar in her mouth. "Yeah, it¡¯s been so long since Ist saw him. I kind of miss him."


    It had been three years since they parted ways outside Azure Dragon City.


    She wondered if Baili Dao had gotten any fairer or if he was still as simple-minded as before.


    As memories of the past surfaced, a smile crept onto Jian Huan''s lips.


    Shen Jizhi watched her in silence, drinking cup after cup of tea without a word.


    When it was time, the two got up and left the teahouse, heading toward the teleportation array.


    Jian Huan had finished her sugar painting, tossing the long bamboo stick into a nearby basket. As she turned around, she heard Shen Jizhi''s voice.


    "You¡¯ve got sugar crumbs on your face."


    Not wanting to waste even a speck of sweetness, Jian Huan nced at the crowd, then turned slightly toward Shen Jizhi. She half-covered her face with her right hand and quickly licked the corners of her mouth with her tongue.


    No sweetness lingered on her tongue. Puzzled, she asked, "I don¡¯t feel anything."


    She looked up at him, her almond-shaped eyes filled with suspicion. "Were you lying to me?"


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    Recalling some scenes from his dreams, Shen Jizhi''s thickshes trembled guiltily. He quickly averted his gaze and remained silent.


    He nced around, noticing a few onlookers, and lowered his eyes, striding forward on his own.


    Jian Huan watched his retreating figure, her eyes narrowing as a thought struck her. She had seen this trick before!


    When a boy tells a girl there¡¯s something on her face, he¡¯s just waiting for the perfect moment to sneak a kiss on her cheek, followed by blushing, heartbeats, and bubbles of romance...


    "Such a clich¨¦ move!" Jian Huan muttered, clutching her bag of peanuts as she followed Shen Jizhi like a shepherd herding a sheep. She raised her voice slightly, "Shen Jizhi, why are you walking so fast? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to..."


    What a sly man, full of little tricks.


    Who taught him all this?


    His unreliable master, perhaps?


    Up ahead, the crowd thinned, and a cluster of flowers spilled over the wall of a nearby courtyard, casting a patch of shade.


    The young man in ck suddenly stopped, turned around, and grabbed Jian Huan¡¯s arm, pulling her into the shade and out of sight of the teahouse.


    Shen Jizhi bent down, guiding Jian Huan¡¯s finger to her own cheek. He pressed her fingertip against her face, then showed her the reddish-brown sugar crumb stuck to her finger. His voice was tense as he said, "I meant your face."


    Before she had licked her lips, he hadn¡¯t been thinking of anything.


    Jian Huan: "...Oh."


    By the time they arrived in Luo''an City, it was alreadyte at night.


    The Hundred Artifacts Sect was established on Luo''an Mountain, and the city at its foot was renowned throughout thend as a hub for master craftsmen.


    Every day, countless cultivators traveled great distances to Luo''an City to purchase spiritual artifacts or have their weapons repaired.


    Though the night was dark, the teleportation array outside the city was still bustling with activity.


    Baili Dao hadn¡¯t arrived yet, so Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi waited under a tree in a secluded corner.


    Jian Huan idly chatted with Shen Jizhi, "Are the people from your Equipment Forging Hall not as skilled as those from the Hundred Artifacts Sect?"


    The Jade Purity Sect was aprehensive sect, with sword cultivators, artifact forgers, talisman masters, and more. But the Hundred Artifacts Sect specialized solely in artifact forging, so logically, they should be more skilled.


    Shen Jizhi: "Do you know who founded the Hundred Artifacts Sect?"


    Jian Huan didn¡¯t want to y along with his riddles. "Just tell me."


    Shen Jizhi: "...The first sect leader of the Hundred Artifacts Sect was a senior sister from our Jade Purity Sect¡¯s Equipment Forging Hall, seven hundred years ago."


    In other words, Shen Jizhi and his peers were the more skilled ones.


    Jian Huan shrugged, her eyes flicking upward as she used a flicker of spiritual energy to guide a falling leaf onto Shen Jizhi¡¯s head.


    Shen Jizhi brushed it off and asked, "Did you tell Baili Dao why we¡¯re here?"


    "No, I was afraid he might let it slip," Jian Huan shook her head, muttering, "I just said you¡¯ve hit a bottleneck in your forging skills, and you¡¯ve been so anxious you can¡¯t sleep. That¡¯s why we came to Luo''an City for guidance."


    Shen Jizhi: "..."


    After a few more moments of idle chatter, they suddenly heard a loud, heartfelt call: "Miss Jian! Master Shen!"


    Jian Huan quickly turned toward the voice and was momentarily stunned. It took her a moment to recognize Baili Dao by his bright,ntern-like eyes.


    The night was overcast, the moon hidden behind clouds, and the surroundings were dimly lit. The man before them was dressed in ck, and Baili Dao, who hadn¡¯t been fair-skinned three years ago, was now as dark as coal.


    Back then, hisplexion could have been described as caramel, but now it was closer to charcoal.


    Jian Huan was so shocked she almost didn¡¯t recognize him. "Brother Baili?"


    Baili Dao stopped in front of them, his excitement evident as he looked at Jian Huan and then Shen Jizhi. His dark skin made his eyes seem even brighter. He sped his hands in apology, "I¡¯m really sorry! Some important guests were leaving tonight, and my parents asked me to see them off, so I got dyed! You haven¡¯t been waiting long, have you?"


    Shen Jizhi, with his hands sped behind his back, shook his head with a hint of reserve. "Not at all."


    "No, no, we just got here," Jian Huan said with a bright smile, walking over to Baili Dao and circling him, inspecting him from all angles. "You look great! Seems like these three years have treated you well..."


    A faint, familiar fragrance wafted into the air, and Jian Huan¡¯s words trailed off.


    It hadn¡¯t been there earlier... She leaned closer to Baili Dao, sniffing carefully.


    The scent was unmistakable. She had smelled it before when she lived with Senior Sister Wen Jiu in Jiuzhou City. Senior Sister had said it was the scent of Ran Mu''er.


    Baili Dao had the same scent on him, and it hadn¡¯t faded yet, which meant he had been with Ran Mu''er recently!


    Shen Jizhi, standing nearby, noticed Jian Huan¡¯s reaction. His eyes flickered thoughtfully as he nced at her, then turned his gaze to Baili Dao, who was nearly invisible in the darkness.


    Baili Dao, oblivious to the undercurrents, was genuinely happy. His smile revealed two rows of white, even teeth, and he gestured ahead with a broad hand. "My house is in the city. I told my parents you wereing, and we¡¯ve prepared rooms for you..."


    "Thank you, Brother Baili! We won¡¯t stand on ceremony with you," Jian Huan said, her sharp eyes glinting as she continued to smile. She casually asked, "You said you were seeing off some guests earlier? Was it because you needed to make room for us that they left?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Of course not!" Baili Dao scratched his head. "We¡¯ve got plenty of rooms at home. She came to have my mother repair her Harmony Bell, and my mother finished it today, so she left..."


    Harmony Bell.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a quick nce.


    With a million gold bounty at stake, Shen Jizhi dropped his reserve and asked, "Did she leave by the teleportation array?"


    Baili Dao shook his head. "She has her own spirit horse."


    "A spirit horse?!" Jian Huan eximed, feigning interest. "Which way did she go? Let me see if we can still catch a glimpse of it."


    Baili Dao turned around and pointed in a direction, enthusiastically saying, "That way, but the spirit horse is probably long gone by now..."


    When he turned back, he found the spot beside him empty.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, who had been there just moments ago, were now far away. All that remained was the wind rustling through the leaves, scattering them across the ground.


    "???"


    Baili Dao stood there dumbfounded, hisntern-like eyes blinking once, then twice, before he finally snapped out of it. He hurried after Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi, shouting anxiously, "Where are you going?! My house isn¡¯t that way!!"


    The night grew quieter.


    The stars and moon were dim, and the autumn wind was chilly.


    Suddenly, the clouds obscuring the full moon parted slightly, revealing most of its round shape.


    A spirit horse pulled a small, exquisite carriage, galloping through the clouds, covering ten miles in a single step.


    From a distance, it looked as though it were flying toward the moon.


    Fortunately, they hadn¡¯t wasted much time.


    Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi had been hurling teleportation talismans nonstop, and after about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they finally caught sight of the spirit horse¡¯s fading silhouette.


    The teleportation talismans used along the way could have been sold for two to three thousand spirit stones.


    Jian Huan felt a pang of regret. Together with Shen Jizhi, they rode their swords at the fastest speed, chasing after the spirit horse like two dazzling meteors streaking across the sky.


    The spirit horse was incredibly fast, its speed creating a gust of wind that lifted its shimmering, brownish feathers.


    Sensing its pursuers, the horse raised its head high and neighed at the moon, its hooves kicking with even more vigor.


    Still ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????some distance away, Shen Jizhi''s eyes flickered as he calmly calcted. With a sudden stomp on his snow sword, his spiritual energy surged, propelling him forward like an eagle diving toward the spirit horse.


    He reached out first to grab the horsewhip, his long legs twisting agilely in mid-air, flipping his body as hended precisely on the horse''s back.


    The snow sword flew back to his hand. With one hand gripping the sword and the other clutching the horsewhip, he nted his right foot on the horse''s neck and his left on its body.


    The spirit horse reared its head in fury, its hooves kicking high into the air as it struggled violently.


    The ck-d youth held on firmly, his wooden hairpin torn off by the fierce wind, his long ck hair scattering and dancing in the air.


    A cold, murderous sword intent emanated from him.


    Feeling this oppressive aura, the spirit horse''s struggles began to weaken, and its neighs gradually grew quieter.


    With a thud, a hand grabbed the horizontal beam of the carriage.


    The girl hung from the carriage, lifting her face, radiant as spring sunshine.


    Below her stretched an endless forest, shrouded in the eerie darkness of night.


    Her pink skirt fluttered incessantly as Jian Huan pushed herself up with a burst of strength,nding lightly on the carriage.


    The carriage curtains were tightly shut. How could the person inside remain unresponsive after such amotion?


    Jian Huan''s eyes narrowed with caution, and she refrained from entering rashly.


    She raised her sword, and with a sh of sword intent, the moon-white curtain was instantly torn apart.


    A fierce wind rushed in, scattering the items inside the carriage.


    Jian Huan nced inside.


    The carriage was empty!


    Just as the curtain was destroyed, a red pill suddenly fell to the ground.


    The moment it touched the ground, a loud explosion rang out, and the pill instantly turned into a cloud of red dust.


    The red mist quickly spread through the air.


    A strange fragrance filled the space.


    Jian Huan''s eyelids twitched, and without hesitation, she covered her nose and leaped off the carriage. She was about to shout for Shen Jizhi to be careful when he suddenly rushed over, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into his embrace. A cold mask was swiftly pressed over her face.


    The strange fragrance vanished as the two of them plummeted through the air, locked in each other''s arms.


    When theynded, Jian Huan could clearly sense that something was... off with Shen Jizhi.


    ...


    Thousands of miles away, atop a mountain peak, a woman in a blue-purple dress rolled up her teleportation scroll and gently brushed aside the strands of hair by her ears. Her eyes carried a shy yet flirtatious charm, exuding an innate allure.


    With a smile on her lips, she picked up the vibrating Xuantian Mirror.


    Someone had asked her: "Mu''er, is it done?"


    Ran Mu''er replied: "It''s done. I''m nearby now."


    After exchanging a few more words, Ran Mu''er''s eyes sparkled as she sent a message to Jian Huan.


    [Let''s Part on Good Terms: Ah, I originally nned to leave quietly, but when I saw it was you two, I couldn''t resist leaving a little gift.]


    [Let''s Part on Good Terms: Don''t panic. It''s just a bit of Harmony Fragrance, very easy to resolve.]


    [Let''s Part on Good Terms: Miss Jian, Young Master Shen, I shall now impart to you the dual cultivation techniques of Ran Mu''er from the Harmony Union Sect. When cultivating, use this technique to ascend Wu Mountain together and revel in the clouds and rain. It has wondrous effects, guaranteed to make you feel as if you''re floating in a heavenly realm, unable to tear yourselves away.]


    After sending the message, Ran Mu''er covered her mouth and chuckled as she left.


    It wasn''t really her fault, after all.


    She had been urging Jian Huan for three years. In those three years, she had already "parted on good terms" with so many cultivation partners. How could these two still not have made any progress?


    She was just worried for them, that''s all.

 Chapter 95

    While still in mid-air, Jian Huan noticed something unusual about Shen Jizhi.


    The snow sword beneath his feet seemed to have suddenly lost its connection with its master, falling straight down like a useless piece of scrap metal.


    The arm wrapped around her waist tightened, so tight it felt like wearing pants two sizes too small, making it hard for Jian Huan to breathe.


    But for now, she had no time to worry about him. She hastily summoned her silver sword, letting it guide her as they managed tond safely.


    The autumn night breeze blew gently, cool as water.


    Yet the person holding her from behind felt as hot as the ground scorched by the summer sun.


    Shen Jizhi leaned heavily on her.


    Though he appeared slender, he was surprisingly heavy.


    Pushed forward by his weight, Jian Huan stumbled slightly, quickly stretching out her left hand to brace against a tree trunk ahead, barely managing to keep both of them upright.


    The young man lowered his head, his chin resting on her right shoulder. He nuzzled her neck restlessly, his disheveled ck hair tickling her, making her shiver.


    Sleep-inducing talismans and immobilizing charms were useless¡ªthey were destroyed before they could even be applied.


    Struggling was futile; the body of a sword cultivator was as hard as an imprable fortress.


    Jian Huan used her other elbow to push him back forcefully, calling out, "Shen Jizhi?"


    No response.


    She raised her voice to the loudest she could manage: "Shen! Ji! Zhi!"


    Her sharp cry pierced the silence, startling countless birds into flight. The dense branches swayed wildly, like ghostly shadows dancing in the night.


    Hearing Jian Huan''s voice, Shen Jizhi finally regained some semnce of awareness.


    The strange fragrance that had entered his body through his nose and mouth was like a spark, instantly igniting the dry kindling of his long-restrained desires.


    A fire capable of consuming everything in its path raged within him, surging like turbulent waves.


    He closed his eyes, silently reciting the Heart Purifying Technique, a mantra he knew by heart. With immense self-control, he tried to let go of Jian Huan, but he couldn''t.


    He thought he had released her.


    Instead, he had grasped the hand she had ced between them.


    The ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????fabric of Jian Huan''s robe was soft and smooth, but it still wasn''t enough.


    Shen Jizhi''s slender fingers, like bamboo, slid beneath her sleeve, caressing the fair, delicate skin of her wrist.


    It wasn''t hard to guess what kind of concoction Ran Mu''er''s incense pill was.


    Jian Huan tightly gripped Shen Jizhi''s fingers, her voice trembling with tension, "Shen, Shen Jizhi, snap out of it!"


    "Mmm..." The young man''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he spoke, his hot breath brushing against her neck. "I''m awake, I just... can''t control myself. Stay away from me... The spirit horse ran off, but it didn''t go far. Go after it..."


    These words seemed to drain all his strength.


    Sweat soaked his ck hair, making his eyes appear moist, as if he had been crying.


    The corners of his eyes were bloodshot, and he panted lightly, struggling to speak, "...Then take me to the Baili family. Get me a bucket of cold water, leave me alone, and don''te near me. Especially you, Jian Huan..."


    Shen Jizhi bit down hard on his tongue, almost severing it. The sharp pain and the taste of blood filled his mouth.


    Seizing this moment, he forcefully pushed himself away from Jian Huan, copsing to the ground. He crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and began reciting the Heart Purifying Technique rapidly, his blood-stained lips moving incessantly, not daring to stop for even a moment.


    Jian Huan didn''t dy either. She ran a few steps in the opposite direction to ensure Shen Jizhi wouldn''t follow her.


    Holding her silver sword, she thought for a moment, then turned back and quickly drew arge circle around Shen Jizhi, setting up a protective formation.


    This way, while she went after the spirit horse, he wouldn''t be carried off by some wild beast.


    ...


    Wearing the mask Shen Jizhi had given her, Jian Huan soon caught up with the spirit horse.


    The horse had pulled the incense carriage for a while, and the strange fragrance had already dissipated. Jian Huan led the horse back, keeping her distance and letting Shen Jizhi climb into the carriage on his own before she returned to guide the horse toward Luo''an City.


    Before long, they encountered Baili Dao, who had been chasing after them. The three of them returned to the Baili family together.


    The Baili family was rtively well-off, with a spacious estate in Luo''an City.


    Since they arrivedte, Baili Dao''s parents had already retired for the night, instructing the steward to handle the guests.


    Seeing Shen Jizhi''s condition, Baili Dao was deeply concerned and asked the steward to call for a medical cultivator who lived on the same street.


    Jian Huan thought about it but didn''t object.


    They were no longer as strapped for spirit stones as they had been years ago, and they could afford the cost of medical treatment.


    In the quiet of the night, in front of a slightly old but clean and tidy small building,


    Jian Huan sat on the highest stone step, frowning as she put away the Xuantian Mirror.


    No matter how many times she asked, Ran Mu''er no longer responded.


    Beside her, Baili Dao paced back and forth, asionally ncing toward the room, his dark face filled with worry. "What should we do?"


    He hurried over, "Miss Jian, will Brother Shen be alright?"


    "The medical cultivator is already inside, isn''t he?" Jian Huan stretched her slender legs out, the pink hem of her skirt glowing softly under the moonlight. She reassured him, "Don''t worry, he''ll be fine."


    Though she said this, her gaze also lingered on the door, her mind elsewhere.


    She wasn''t sure if the Harmony Fragrance would be easy to counteract.


    Though she hadn''t met Ran Mu''er many times, Jian Huan had a rough idea of her personality.


    The girl was reckless and unconventional. Her dual cultivation manual was self-created, and the Harmony Fragrance she used was likely not somemon variety.


    What if it was hard to counteract?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What if the antidote was expensive?


    Then, perhaps, maybe, she would have to...


    The door creaked open, snapping Jian Huan out of her increasingly panicked thoughts.


    An elderly man with graying hair stepped out.


    Jian Huan turned her head, her eyes catching a glimpse of the figure sitting in a bathtub through the slightly open door.


    The memory of Shen Jizhi''sbored breathing in the forest still lingered in her ears. She shook her head, her face slightly flushed, and stood up.


    The old man closed the door and spoke in a low voice to Jian Huan and Baili Dao, who had approached, "This Harmony Fragrance is different from what I''ve seen before. It seems to have been modified..."


    As expected.


    Jian Huan''s mind buzzed.


    Baili Dao asked anxiously, "Can you cure it?"


    The old man gestured for him to calm down, "Of course, it''s possible. But you''ll need to show me the fragrance so I can identify itsponents and prepare the appropriate antidote."


    Baili Dao looked at Jian Huan, who blinked and unconsciously picked at her nails, "But we don''t have the Harmony Fragrance..."


    The old man stroked his white beard and sighed, "In that case, I''m powerless to help."


    "..."


    Jian Huan''s body stiffened, and she instinctively held her breath.


    No way... right?


    After a pause, the old man added, "But you don''t need to worry."


    He nced back into the room, his eyes filled with admiration, "This young man is quite skilled with the Heart Purifying Technique, and his cultivation is profound. If he soaks in cold water for seven days while continuously reciting the Heart Purifying Technique, he can slowly neutralize the effects of the fragrance. It''s just that he''ll be extremely ufortable during this time..."


    The old man subtly nced at Jian Huan.


    In truth, this kind of fragrance was quite easy to counteract. But young people had their own thoughts and feelings.


    The old man didn''t borate further.


    He had a good rtionship with the Baili family, and since he hadn''t prescribed any medicine, he didn''t charge any spirit stones. He soon took his leave.


    The previous night had been overcast, and by morning, a light rain began to fall.


    The raindrops pattered against the fallen leaves and scattered petals in the courtyard. The wind blew, causing the petals to tremble like butterfly wings.


    The small building, usually unupied, now housed Shen Jizhi alone.


    He stayed by himself, relying on the Heart Purifying Technique and cold water to keep the Harmony Fragrance at bay. However, if Jian Huan got too close, he would easily lose control.


    So Jian Huan didn''t go to see him.


    The Baili family had over twenty members, including stewards and a few maids and servants who were hired. The rest were disciples taken in by Madam Baili.


    Madam Baili was a weapon smith, but weapon smithing required a fire spiritual root.


    Neither Baili Dao nor his brother Baili Jian possessed a fire spiritual root, so they had to follow their father''s path. Madam Baili had taken in a few disciples instead.


    Jian Huan stayed in the same courtyard as Madam Baili''s female disciples. She borrowed an oil-paper umbre from one of the sisters and made her way through the winding corridors to the main courtyard to pay her respects to Madam Baili.


    Was Ran Mu''er really here just to have Madam Baili repair her Harmony Fragrance Bell?


    Jian Huan had her doubts.


    Now that Ran Mu''er''s whereabouts were unknown, the only way to find the Bodhi Pagoda was to see if Madam Baili had any clues.


    Jian Huan closed her umbre, ced it by the door, and was led by a female disciple into Madam Baili''s bedroom.


    Madam Baili had just taken off her shoes and socks and was sitting on the couch, instructing a disciple on how to repair a broken qin. When she saw Jian Huan, she quickly waved the disciple away.


    Jian Huan approached her, bowed respectfully, and smiled sweetly, "Greetings, Madam Baili. My senior brother is unwell and couldn''te, so I hope you won''t mind."


    "No need to be so polite," Madam Baili replied with a round face and eyes that narrowed into slits when she smiled, exuding warmth.


    She quickly got up, slipped on her embroidered shoes, and enthusiastically took Jian Huan''s hand. "I¡¯ve heard so much about you from Dao''er! Three years ago, thanks to you, he made it home safely. He¡¯s just as foolish as his father, and without your help, who knows what would have happened?"


    Madam Baili¡¯s expressions were lively and animated as she led Jian Huan to sit beside her. "I¡¯ve been telling Dao''er to invite you to Luo''an City for a visit. Why haven¡¯t youe before?"


    Jian Huan, usually quite talkative, found herself struggling to get a word in. She smiled and said, "I was in seclusion before, but now that I have time, here I am. I¡¯ll be staying with you for a few days, Madam. I hope you won¡¯t find me bothersome."


    "Of course not! I love havingpany. Have some of these pastries¡ªthey¡¯re quite good," Madam Baili said, urging Jian Huan to eat while she returned to her seat. She then asked with concern, "How is your senior brother doing? I only heard about it from the steward this morning."


    "The elder said he just needs a few days of rest," Jian Huan replied, looking at Madam Baili. "Madam, I¡­"


    "I know, you¡¯re here to ask about Ran Mu''er, aren¡¯t you?" Madam Baili shook her head, looking troubled.


    She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Five days ago, that young girl came to my workshop to have her Harmony Fragrance Bell repaired. The bell was exquisitely crafted, and I took a liking to it, so I invited her to the manor for a chat. I really liked her¡ªshe had such a free-spirited air about her. I even let her stay here for a few days. Yesterday, once the bell was repaired, she left."


    "Sigh, if I had known there was bad blood between Ran Mu''er and you, I wouldn¡¯t have helped her fix the bell. I would¡¯ve told her to find someone else!"


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