Chapter 7

Outside, the sound of flowing water murmured gently. The pale green curtain was drawn aside from the outside, producing a crisp, tinkling noise. A pair of hands reached in—long, strong, with distinct knuckles and neatly trimmed nails. A few coils of red thread were wound around the middle finger. These hands grasped mine firmly.

I felt puzzled. Who was this person?

I silently pondered in my heart until I heard the low, deep voice call out, "Madam."

I was taken aback. The familiar voice sounded cold and distant, as if from a stranger. "I’m tired," I said.

The other person seemed to smile slightly, then asked calmly, "They say a thousand gold coins are easily spent, Madam. Why is it that you won’t even smile at me?"

Suddenly, I cried out in surprise as he lifted me up around the waist. My golden hair ornaments and pearls scattered to the ground, and my snow-white fur cloak slipped off. I was forced to wrap my arms around his neck, struggling to see his face clearly, but no matter how I tried, it remained indistinct. I heard myself say angrily, "You—shameless!"

"Say more, I love to hear it," he chuckled. "After all these years, Madam, you still haven’t improved in scolding. Didn’t he teach you before?"

Panic surged as I realized he was loosening my sash. Whether dreaming or not, I struggled fiercely. A kiss landed near my lips. He sighed softly, "What exactly do you want?"

I was momentarily stunned. Shouldn’t that question come from me?

"Jiuzhong Mountain, I helped you rebuild it. I released Zhu Jianzhu. If you want Tianzhu Jun’s life, I will personally fetch it for you... If you want the stars from the heavens, I will pluck them for you. Madam, what will satisfy you?"

"Who... are you?" I hesitated.

He sighed again, then laughed, "Forget it. Hating me is better than ignoring me. Madam, don’t rush to kill me. I owe too much in this life. When I’ve repaid it all, you can scatter my ashes however you wish."

I was still confused but soon flushed with shame and anger. He—he actually kissed my earlobe. His warm palm pressed tightly against the skin at my waist, climbing upward along my curve. I felt a mix of familiarity and resistance, as if this wasn’t the first time. A wave of nausea overwhelmed me; I shoved him away and crouched down, gagging violently. My throat ached, but nothing came up.

He gripped my wrist firmly, refusing to let go. After a long while, I heard his somewhat drifting voice.

"Madam, from now on, we must sleep in separate rooms."

I woke up drenched in cold sweat, the pungent scent of medicine filling my nose. Before my eyes were stark white walls and a familiar figure with white hair. At the moment of awakening, all memories vanished like smoke. I desperately tried to grasp something, but the memories slipped through my fingers like flowing sand. Feeling wronged and terrified, I threw myself into my father’s embrace, gasping heavily.

Tears fell like broken pearls. I sobbed, clutching my father’s waist, unable to catch my breath. After a moment’s silence, he patted my back gently, his voice calm and reassuring, "It’s alright, it’s over now."

I cried for a long time before regaining composure. The oppressive feeling from the dream still lingered behind me. I held my chest with a wistful heart, "Father, I... I think I had a nightmare..."

He sat by my bedside, his tone even and soothing, "It was just a dream. No need to take it seriously."

It was just a dream, just a dream... I told myself, but the dread would not leave, still clutching my heart tightly. I instinctively grabbed the hem of his white robe, only to find it stained with my tears. Embarrassed, I let go.

It had been many years since I last suffered such an episode, never had nightmares like this before. Lately, they plagued me incessantly—fragments of dreams with red-threaded fingers, shimmering golden palaces.

Father placed his personal sword by my bedside; only then did my nightmares ease slightly. Naturally, the planned trip to the Hundred Families Banquet fell through.

Jiang Wen came to visit several times, bringing calming incense made by Zou Yan. After lighting it, he comforted my lost spirit, "When you’re better, I’ll take you down the mountain to play."

---

Though reluctant, I had long since forgotten much of the original story’s plot, barely recalling even the protagonist’s names. The Hundred Families Banquet, a key event, was something I only barely remembered with effort.

I buried my head in the quilt, feeling this illness had arrived at the most inconvenient time. Jiang Wen noticed my distraction, sighed silently, and gently closed the door.

Day after day, I lay in bed feeling like a mushroom. One day, as usual, I held my script to pass the time, when suddenly the door was flung open from outside. A figure in red gracefully appeared before me.

Her jet-black hair fell like ink, and her red dress bloomed brilliantly like peach blossoms. Her features were exquisitely beautiful and alluring; her eyes sparkled like spring waters and pear blossoms. She reached out her hand with a smile and said, "Senior Master just left yesterday. Want to come with me to catch up?"

I was stunned, "Ying, Senior Sister Ying Zhen?"

Among the five disciples of the Heavenly Lord, Ying Zhen ranked second. She was capricious, extraordinarily gifted, skilled in sword and artifact, and versed in the Five Elements. Her words and actions were unlike ordinary people.

Ying Zhen was known for her wild ways. Even on the mountain, I had heard of her deeds. It was said that in the mortal realm, a couple both found immortal fate. The wife had no cultivation talent, but the husband was gifted. The husband, pitying his frail wife, brought her to the sect. Yet within ten years, his cultivation plateaued. His master gave him a cruel choice: kill his wife to advance. After three nights of torment, he beheaded her himself. Her lingering resentment transformed into a vengeful spirit. When Ying Zhen ventured down the mountain, she passed the wife’s burial site, fought the spirit, uncovered the truth, then stormed the husband’s sect, wreaking havoc until it was crippled. From then on, Jiuzhong Mountain was known for the "Affection-Stealing Venerable."

The woman in red smiled brightly at me, "Staying on the mountain all day is dull. Come with me to the Hundred Families Banquet. Let’s stir up some excitement and find you a suitable Dao partner."

My face flushed deeply. "Senior Sister... how did you know—"

Ying Zhen covered my mouth, her smile radiant, "You just need to nod or shake your head."

I blinked, feeling a guilty thrill at doing something mischievous. When I nodded, her smile deepened. She pinched my cheek meaningfully.

"When they find you gone, their faces will be priceless. Yes, very amusing indeed."

That night, we packed and slipped out of Jiuzhong Mountain. Passing the mountain gate, I faintly saw a massive white beast moving through the mist. The beast’s steps were elegant and solemn. Several golden koi fish swam through the air behind it, all like a surreal ancient painting. Suddenly, the beast’s golden vertical pupils turned toward us. I hurriedly looked down. Ying Zhen pressed a talisman to me.

"I almost forgot—these days are the Bai Ze’s patrol days."

I hesitated, sensing the Bai Ze might have noticed us.

Ying Zhen’s efficiency was impressive. I even suspected she had planned this all along. Had I refused initially, she might have tied me up and dragged me to the banquet.

We used the Close-Range Altar to teleport. Many people gathered there. I overheard them discussing the upcoming Hundred Families Feast. The altar’s host waved a whisk, "The formation will commence. Wishing all a safe journey."

A brilliant white light flashed. In the blink of an eye, we were in a bustling market.

It was my first time using the Close-Range Altar’s teleportation. Upon landing, I turned pale and collapsed. Ying Zhen swiftly caught me. I clung to her arm, my stomach churning. "Senior Sister... I feel like vomiting."

Suddenly, many eyes turned toward us. Feeling scared, I hid behind Ying Zhen. Looking up, I found her watching me too. She touched my chin and said, "No wonder the Master Lord forbids you from leaving."

I tilted my head, not quite understanding. She conjured a veil to cover my head. "Little junior sister... from now on, you’re mine. Don’t look at the men outside with that look... not even the ones on the mountain."

I was puzzled but nodded obediently. Ying Zhen led me into an inn. We booked one room. Rarely going out, I was curious about everything. She casually cast a soundproof formation and lazily lay on the bed.

"I heard a few saints came to this year’s banquet. Not sure which sects. If it’s the same old tricks as before, there won’t be much to see."

I looked at her eagerly, "Senior Sister, I want to see."

---

Ying Zhen smiled, "Little junior sister, have you ever coquetted with Senior Brother?"

I honestly shook my head, not understanding why she asked. Senior Brother was always proper, keeping distance from everyone, and usually fulfilled my requests.

"Then if he catches you, remember to act cute... yes, just like that. Let’s see if he’ll help keep our little escape from the Master Lord a secret."

I was stunned, then realized Ying Zhen was joking. I stomped my foot, embarrassed and annoyed, "Senior Sister!"

She chuckled, "Xiwei, remember, don’t let the Master Lord find out."

---

The Jixia Academy lay at the border between north and south of the continent. Nearby were only a few immortal sects. The Lingxu Sect, as the host this time, actively invited guests from across the lands, gaining great prestige. Even the nearby markets were unusually lively.

Disguised with Ying Zhen, we blended in without incident.

The Hundred Families Feast naturally drew representatives from various schools of thought. I spotted disciples from the Legalist, Mohist, and even Buddhist schools. Suddenly, the crowd ahead stirred, and gasps rose.

"Siming?"

"Is that Siming Lord beside the Sage of Law?"

"Since the fall of Emperor Wenchang, the Destiny Pavilion was leaderless for over eight centuries. To think a new Siming has emerged."

"Heaven truly favors our human race."

"Siming actually came to join this festivity..."

Ying Zhen listened with interest. Suddenly, I tugged her sleeve. Her phoenix-like eyes met mine. I touched the warm Longevity Lock at my chest and whispered cautiously, "Senior Sister, I think we’ve been noticed."

"By whom?"

"Siming," I said gravely. Ying Zhen frowned, "Him? What does he have to do with you?"

Only then did I recall that when Siming visited Jiuzhong Mountain before, Ying Zhen wasn’t around. I quickly summarized, "Siming gave me a Longevity Lock. When I get close to him, it heats up."

Ying Zhen asked, "Why did Siming give you the Longevity Lock?"

I whispered, "He said it was a birthday gift and told me never to take it off. Father said it contains causal fate magic to protect my affairs. Taking it off would break the fate... Ah! It’s so hot!"

Ying Zhen glanced at Siming, surrounded by admirers, then at my tearful eyes, and suddenly cursed, "Old pervert!"