《A Three Inch Adorable Wife Hidden in the Sleeve of the Chu King》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Ghost Gate opens wide on the night of the full moon.


    An eerie wind blows outside Shi Mo Vige.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sits on a grassy mound, pinching a candy figurine in her hand and a gleaming cleaver at her waist.


    On the vige path nearby, a handsome youth in a blue shirt carries a basket on his back and hurries home,ntern in hand.


    The youth is the "noble person" Jiang Xiaoxiao came down the mountain to find.


    There''s not a noble air about him. A gloomy aura even lingers over his head.


    Truly a ma for bad luck.


    Behind the youth floats a hideous female ghost in red.


    The ghost spies her chance and is about to strike the youth.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gives a "crunch" and bites off the head of the candy figurine.


    The sound of her noisily chewing reaches the ghost''s ears.


    The ghost looks back, fixing her gaze on Jiang Xiaoxiao, then lets out a string of eerieughter.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao holds out the candy, asking the ghost, "Want some?"


    Hearing this, Xie Xun on the vige path nces back. Not far away on a grassy mound sits a figure.


    The moonlight is hazy and he can''t make out her face, but judging by her voice, it seems to be a girl.


    A rather slow-witted girl.


    Xie Xun has been able to see ghosts since he was little.


    It''s precisely because he knows a ghost follows behind that he hurries home. He didn''t expect to run into such a silly girl halfway.


    It''s the middle of the Ghost Festival in July. Everyone else hates to even leave their doors open before dark to avoid attracting dirty things.


    Yet she sits brazenly outside the vige, seeing a ghost but not running away.


    With the female ghost''s attentionpletely captured by the silly girl, Xie Xun keeps his head low and continues on his way.


    He doesn''t have the habit of heroicallying to the aid of strangers.


    What''s more, he''s facing a fierce ghost. He can hardly protect himself.


    But he hasn''t gone more than a few steps when suddenly shrieks of agonye from the ghost behind him.


    Xie Xun whips around to see the girl has jumped down from the mound, still holding the headless candy figurine in one hand and raising a cleaver in the other.


    She moves with great agility, chasing the ghost around the mound at high speed for half ap before pivoting sharply and slicing at the ghost who has suddenly darted behind her.


    The de traces a dazzling arc of golden light, chopping straight into the ghost.


    "Ah--- Ah ah ah---"


    An evil wind rises around them.


    The ghost''s cries grow ever more shrill and agonized, its already hideous features twisting in pain.


    Next, Xie Xun watches the ghost get hacked in two and dissolve into ck smoke, quickly blown away by the wind.


    "Don''t like the candy? Had to start a fight."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao mutters and tucks the cleaver back at her waist before going "crunch" and biting off the figurine''s arm.


    Her cheeks puff out as she chews with great satisfaction.


    ...


    That silly girl used a meat cleaver to chop a fierce and ominous ghost to death!


    Still stunned, Xie Xun looks on withplex emotions.


    He''s seen exorcists dispel evil, always setting up formations and talismans to cast magic.


    A cleaver can kill ghosts?


    But what does any of this have to do with him?


    Xie Xun turns expressionlessly back around, about to enter the vige and nearly home.


    "Hey!" Jiang Xiaoxiao calls out behind him.


    Xie Xun doesn''t break stride.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asks, "Aren''t you Xie Xun, the eldest son by primary empress who had his fortune stolen and was banished to the countryside to take his mother''s surname as a child?"


    Hearing this, Xie Xun''s eyes sh with frightening coldness and ferocity. "Just who are you?"


    He''s lived in Shi Mo Vige for years and no one from the capital has evere looking for him. No vigers know his identity either.


    "Oh, I''m Jiang Xiaoxiao. I''vee to be your wife."


    Her tone is utterly devoid of emotion.


    Xie Xun: "???"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nces up at the sky. "The moon will reach its zenith soon. Can you take me home with you?"


    On nights of the full moon, the curse on her takes effect. This is Jiang Xiaoxiao''s fatal weakness since birth - every full moon night she shrinks to three inches tall.


    Her master said she was cursed but was cryptic about the cause, not saying a word.


    He only told her that at sixteen, she would meet a noble person whose purple gold dragon aura could help lift her curse.


    Xie Xun is the "noble person" her master guided her to.


    Eyeing the ck gloom over Xie Xun''s head, Jiang Xiaoxiao crunches off the figurine''s leg.


    Xie Xun raises hisntern and finally sees the silly girl''s face clearly.


    She wears an ill-fitting, loose robe, her hair simply tied up with a wooden hairpin. Her skin is fair and tender, her brows gracefully curved,shes curled and eyes round, moist and clear without the slightest worldly taint.


    Fatal purity!


    When she said she came to be his wife, Xie Xun even wondered if she actually understood the meaning of those words.


    Yet such an innocent, foolish girl has a vicious cleaver at her waist, which just chopped a fierce ghost to death!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao doesn''t care how Xie Xun looks at her. She just licks the candy figurine and repeatedly nces skyward, repeating her plea for him to take her home as the moon nears its zenith.


    Xie Xun narrows his eyes as a shred of ferocity leaks out.


    Every viger treats him like a gue god or evil star, wishing they could drive him from the vige.


    This is the first time someone has dared proposeing home with him.


    "Can you take me home?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asks again.


    "No!"


    Xie Xun coldly throws down the refusal and leaves Jiang Xiaoxiao alone on the vige path as he turns and walks away.


    ...


    In a dpidated thatched hut east of the vige, an oilmp lights up.


    Xie Xun sets down his basket and sees the bruises at the corner of his mouth and on his arm reflected in the copper mirror under themplight.


    Bandits had robbed him of the money from his day''s sales of mountain goods when he was returning, and beat him up too.


    That''s why he was sote getting back today.


    In all these years, something goes wrong every time he leaves home. It''s be the norm.


    When he was born, the entire imperial pce was bathed in auspicious glow, a sign of the imperial star''s descent.


    Yet at three, someone used evil arts to forcibly steal his purple gold dragon aura. His mother soon died in anger.


    Everyone believed him inauspicious. The national master''s remark that "If the Third Prince remains in the capital, it may harm the fortunes of the state" made him a target of public condemnation.


    Thus his once exalted identity as eldest son by primary empress Murong Xun was overturned. He was banished to the countryside to take his mother''s surname, the pitiful Xie Xun.


    Since then, nothing goes smoothly no matter what he does. Misfortune befalls anyone close to him.


    Even the wet nurse who came to care for him was affected by the ill fate around him. She fell ill and died.


    Vigers see him as a gue god and evil star, avoiding him at all costs.


    Xie Xun finds it a miracle he''s even lived this long.


    ...


    There is medicine in the house. After simply applying some, Xie Xun goes to the kitchen to start a fire.


    It''s toote to cook so he washes some sweet potatoes and puts them in the steamer.


    When the potatoes are done, Xie Xun inadvertently nces out the window. The moon has reached its zenith, the hour of deepest yin energy.


    That silly girl kept stressing the moon would soon reach its zenith. He wonders what she meant.


    Shaking the thoughts from his mind, Xie Xun heads back to his room to fetch a te for the potatoes.


    But just as he reaches the threshold, he sees a sight even more terrifying than a ghost.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t know when she hade to his house.


    At this very moment!


    Right under his nose!


    A living girl!


    With two swooshes she shrank and turned into a three-inch tall little person!


    Three inches tall!


    Three inches!


    Tall!


    Even Xie Xun, who had a strong heart from seeing ghosts since he was little, couldn''t help but feel his scalp tingle now.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just finished transforming. Her eyelids were heavy with sleepiness. Her little arms and legs crawled to the te on the table where Xie Xun had prepared to put sweet potatoes. She curled up in it and yawned, ready to sleep.


    Xie Xun walked over, bent down, and pinched the back of her cor with his thumb and index finger. He lifted her onto his palm to stand.


    The little thing was even more exquisite than when he had seen her before. Her eyes, nose, and mouth were all small, like a finely carved porcin doll.


    Especially now that she was sleepy, her little head nodded and pecked like a chick eating rice, both silly and cute to the extreme.


    Xie Xun raised his eyebrows. So cute and adorable, he really wanted to squeeze her to death.


    As he thought this, he slowly tightened his five fingers.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was really unable to resist her sleepiness. Her body tilted to one side and fell onto his palm. Her little ear just happened to be pressed against his fingertip.


    Xie Xun was startled and inexplicably extended the index finger of his other hand to gently poke her little face.


    It was soft.


    So small and soft, and still warm.


    It seemed like with just a pinch, she would die in an instant.


    Nevermind.


    Giving up the thought of pinching her to death, Xie Xun''s face darkened. He casually threw her outside the door.


    The next morning, Xie Xun was awakened by a ttering sound.


    When he opened his eyes, he saw that Jiang Xiaoxiao hade to his house again at some point.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, who had been chasing ghosts with a cleaverst night, was now being chased around by a mouse.


    Xie Xun: "..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had crawled back in through the window not long after being thrown outst night. She still curled up on the te, originally sleeping soundly. A mouse had climbed onto the table and scratched her with its ws.


    She was so frightened that she jumped up and ran away.


    During her transformation period, Jiang Xiaoxiao was at her weakest. She basically couldn''t use any abilities. Forget about waving a meat cleaver to chop ghosts, even a normal person was a giant to her that could stomp her t with one foot. When she saw the mouse she had to run.


    Seeing her red puffy little face panting, Xie Xun got out of bed and lifted the quilt.


    Hearing the movement, the mouse was frightened and dashed away in a sh.


    Xie Xun pinched Jiang Xiaoxiao over with two fingers.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao plopped down in his palm and continued panting.


    Xie Xun stared at her for a long time, his face darker than the bottom of a pot. "Are you human or demon?"


    If it wasn''t for him having trained his courage since he was little from seeing ghosts, this little thing would have scared him to deathst night.


    "I was born this way," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "Every full moon night I''ll turn small like this. After three days I''ll turn back!"


    After speaking she patted her little belly again, "So hungry, can I eat now?"


    Xie Xun knitted his brows, "Who told you toe find me?"


    "Um... Master."


    "Your master? Who?"


    "The Old Heavenly Master of Cangwu Mountain."


    Xie Xun''s face showed a rare hint of surprise. "You''re from the Heavenly Master''s residence?"


    "Mm-hm."


    The Cangwu Mountain Heavenly Master''s residence in Yan Country was the holynd of Taoism. The current Old Heavenly Master, Zhang Dingde, was highly respected with a famous reputation.


    If she was from the Heavenly Master''s residence, then the possibility of her being sent by the imperial pce to secretly plot against him could be ruled out directly.


    Moreover, even if they wanted to plot against him, they wouldn''t arrange such a little thing with a fatal weakness to do it.


    The coldness in Xie Xun''s eyes receded by more than half. He went out and brought in a basin of water. "Wash your face before eating."


    After speaking, he went to the stove shed to start the fire and cook porridge.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood on the table, tiptoeing and craning her neck as she looked at the wash basin so much higher than herself.


    Her little arms and legs couldn''t reach it.


    Left with no choice, she dragged a teacup over as a stool and with great difficulty climbed up to the wooden basin''s rim. But she didn''t hold on steadily and plopped into the cold water, soaking herself in an icy bath.


    Xie Xun had just started the fire. Hearing the sshing sound in the room, he hurried back. Seeing that the little thing had fallen into the wash basin at some point, he waspletely drenched. Her little hands and feet were struggling to climb up.


    Xie Xun: "..."


    It seemed he had forgotten something earlier by giving her such a big basin.


    He fished out the little thing with two fingers and habitually flicked off the water.


    He did shake off a lot of water, but Jiang Xiaoxiao was shaken dizzy with spinning eyes and disheveled hair sticking to her face.


    Limply sprawled in Xie Xun''s hand, Jiang Xiaoxiao clenched her fist and punched his palm, weakly saying "I''m alive, alive!" before passing out.


    "Oh, I''ll be more careful next time," Xie Xun said. He fetched a dry towel and wiped the water droplets off her face and head.


    After wiping her, he brought her directly to the stove and used the fire to dry her.


    In between he would check her breathing every so often, confirming she was still alive before continuing to dry her.


    ...


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao woke up, the porridge was already cooked.


    She perked up her little nose and sniffed. Ah, it smelled so good!


    Xie Xun ced her on the table.


    Learning from the basin lesson, he didn''t dare give the little thing too big a bowl.


    But even the small eating bowl was big enough for her to soak in a bath.


    The porridge spoon was even bigger than her face.


    Xie Xun thought for a moment, then reced it with a small teacup filled halfway with porridge. He also went to the garden outside to pick a hollow cucumber vine, washing it clean and carefully removing the fuzzy little thorns.


    Only then did he hand one end to Jiang Xiaoxiao and bury the other end in his just cooled porridge.


    The "stool" was made by Xie Xun just now. He had chopped a small square block of wood with a firewood axe and padded it with soft shredded cloth before cing it on the table.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat down and hugged the vine, slurping two mouthfuls. Her peripheral vision nced at the bruise at the corner of Xie Xun''s mouth.


    She tilted her little head and looked at it. "Someone bullied you?"


    "No one did." Xie Xun looked away. Thinking of those people, the ferocity in his eyes couldn''t be hidden at all, but he still tried his best to restrain himself. "I bumped into something in the darkst night."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed at his head. "With such a big mass of evil energy on your head, it''s impossible for you to go out smoothly."


    Xie Xun was startled. "You can see it?"


    "Mm-hm," Jiang Xiaoxiao murmured. "It''s so big, but there''s a way to resolve it."


    "Resolve it?" Xie Xun looked at her incredulously.


    Ever since his Purple Gold Dragon Qi had been seized, he had been gued by continuous bad luck.


    Although he couldn''t see it, he could vaguely guess that there must be something affecting him.


    Xie Xun had also gone to the county to ask Taoist priests before, but those chatans always hemmed and hawed with shy useless tricks, just trying to scam his money.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun, thinking and thinking. What method should be used to resolve this again?


    However, with her current form, her brain capacity was too small. Not long after, she got stuck, dizzy and muddled. Her eyeballs kept rolling upwards.


    Xie Xun hurriedly pinched her up with two fingers and shook her.


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao recovered normally, she continued hugging the vine to drink porridge.


    In her current form, ording to Xie Xun''s estimate, she probably couldn''t even finish half a cup of porridge, and that half cup would take her a long time to drink too.


    But before Xie Xun could react, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already pushed the emptied teacup in front of him. "Any more? Fill it up."


    Xie Xun: "..."

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Xie Xun moved his hand and scooped another full bowl of porridge for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao happily hugged her melon vine, her little face bulging as she quickly finished the porridge.


    When she looked up at Xie Xun again, her eyes seemed to be filled with the word "porridge".


    Xie Xun''s eyelid twitched. "Still not full?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded her little head.


    Xie Xun looked at her strangely, not understanding how the little thing who was shorter than a teacup could fit so much porridge.


    He had no choice but to serve her another bowl.


    The result was that she finished that one quickly too.


    At least this time, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t look at him again.


    Only then did Xie Xun pick up his own spoon and start eating.


    While cleaning up the bowls and chopsticks, Xie Xun said, "I''ll take you out of the vigeter."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was standing in the yard, looking left and right, when she suddenly eximed.


    Thinking she wanted to ask why, Xie Xun scowled and grumbled, "You eat too much!"


    For over ten years, he had been a loner and didn''t want to take in this little thing he had picked up halfway.


    To him, Jiang Xiaoxiao was a big headache.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t even hear what Xie Xun was saying. She mbered onto the wall of the yard and stood up.


    After confirming her guess, she climbed back down and walked over to Xie Xun in her little steps, saying, "Your house has bad feng shui."


    In feng shui, there is the azure dragon on the left and the white tiger on the right, with the vermilion bird in front and the ck tortoise behind.


    Looking out from the house, the left side is the azure dragon position and the right side is the white tiger position.


    Xie Xun lived in the east end of the vige, the only household so far from the other vigers.


    The white tiger position of this house happened to be a small hill.


    The white tiger position being higher than the azure dragon position was called the white tiger lifting its head, a white tiger evil spirit.


    The white tiger lifting its head evil could lead to loss of wealth and disasters, or even death.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was always sparing of words, but in exining to Xie Xun she went straight to the key points.


    Hearing this, Xie Xun paused in clearing up the bowls and chopsticks.


    He remembered Granny saying this house was arranged early by the pce, and only by living here could he avoid affecting the national fortune, as the national teacher said.


    Back then he was still young and ignorant, only knowing that from then on he had to take his mother''s surname and could no longer be called Murong Xun, but had to change to Xie Xun.


    And he could never return to the capital again.


    He had always thought Granny''s death was because of his "inauspiciousness".


    He never imagined someone would use feng shui to secretly take a life.


    If Granny''s death was due to feng shui, then Mother...


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up.


    Morning light streamed in through the window cracks, illuminating the youth''s face.


    She saw his hand gripping the little bowl tighter and tighter, his eyebrows and eyes gloomy and cold.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never been down the mountain and didn''t understand the intrigues of the world below, let alone how tofort someone. She just silently climbed onto a stool and sat down.


    The room sank into silence for some time.


    It was a while before Xie Xun looked at her and asked, "Is there a way to dispel it?"


    "Oh, yes yes." Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Buying a pair of small qilins will do."


    ording to Jiang Xiaoxiao''s description, Xie Xun carefully recalled it.


    There probably weren''t these small qilins in town, only the county town would have them.


    ...


    Knowing Xie Xun was going on a long trip, Jiang Xiaoxiao had crawled into his carrying basket early and sat inside.


    When Xie Xun came out and locked the yard gate, seeing the little thing in the basket, and recalling the bad luck from going out yesterday, he simply grabbed her out with two fingers and stuffed her into the money bag to ward off evil.


    With the money bag hanging at his waist, Jiang Xiaoxiao stood inside, poking out just her little head. On her head were two small flower buds that Xie Xun had styled her hair into. Her petite face was so exquisite to begin with, and with the Taoist nun hairstyle changed to little flower buds, she looked even more like a vivid porcin doll.


    However, as soon as Xie Xun started walking, Jiang Xiaoxiao was jostled until her eyeballs were rolling.


    Noticing her difort, Xie Xun moved her to hang around his neck instead.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao adjusted to afortable position, then seemed to remember something and slowly asked Xie Xun, "What did you say to me before?"


    She seemed to remember he said she ate too much. Is the appetite of people below the mountain different from hers?!


    Oh, it seemed different even on the mountain. Her three senior brothersbined didn''t eat as much as her.


    Xie Xun lookedpletely calm. "You misheard."


    Although he wasn''t happy to add another person to the household, if she was an auspicious mascot, then that was different.


    From Shi Mo Vige to Kaihe County was a very long way.


    Walking was impossible, and Xie Xun didn''t have a car himself. The ox carts and donkey carts in the vige also avoided him, let alone would be willing to give him a ride.


    Xie Xun could only first go to town to hire a vehicle before he could head to the county town.


    From Shi Mo Vige to town, he didn''t encounter any troublemakers or bandits, and didn''t unexpectedly trip or step into a hole.


    In all his years, this was the smoothest ever.


    Satisfied, Xie Xun transferred the lucky charm into the carrying basket so she wouldn''t attract trouble from the crowdster.


    Putting the basket on his back again, Xie Xun strode towards the transportation depot.


    Probably because of his notorious inauspicious reputation spreading too far, and it being just after Ghost Festival, the drivers in town were also unwilling to carry him. They looked at him in fright and disgust.


    After Xie Xun walked away, those people would even spit and curse him as ill-omened.


    After so many years, Xie Xun was long used to this and didn''t show much emotion on his face.


    On the other hand, Jiang Xiaoxiao, sitting in the basket, was counting on her fingers.


    Although her voice was small, Xie Xun heard it and asked her, "What are you doing?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Counting them just now, so I can chop the one who yelled the loudest after I recover."


    Xie Xun: "???"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao finished counting before reacting that those were people.


    It seemed people shouldn''t be casually chopped.


    She changed her words slightly regretfully, "Then beat them up."


    Last night Xie Xun had seen with his own eyes this little thing wielding a cleaver chasing and hacking at a ghost, and heard with his own ears her saying she came to be his daughter-inw.


    Hearing such startling words from her mouth now didn''t feel strange at all.


    "Couldn''t hire a vehicle, we''ll go another day."


    Xie Xun wasn''t adamant about buying the small qilins today. He turned around, preparing to head back.


    Just then, someone called out from behind him, "Hey, brother, wait!"


    Xie Xun looked back to see a youth driving a donkey cart, looking to be around the same age as him.


    As the youth spoke, he had already arrived in front of Xie Xun, eyebrows raised, "Brother, going to the county?"


    Xie Xun gave a light hmm.


    The youth grew more excited. "I can give you a ride, free! Going or not?"


    Having seen through the scam, Xie Xun directly rejected it. "No need."


    "Hey hey hey, don''t rush to refuse!" The youth grinned. "I''m called Chen Sixi, from town. I happen to be going to the county too, can''t I kindly give you a ride when I saw you couldn''t hire a vehicle?"


    Xie Xun remained unmoved. "You haven''t mentioned the condition yet, it seems."


    Chen Sixi probably didn''t expect Xie Xun to see through his intentions at a nce. Somewhat awkwardly, he scratched his head and coughed before saying, "That''s right, there is a condition."


    Looking earnestly at Xie Xun, he continued, "Brother, do you buy coffins? Reservations work too."

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Chen Sixi came up to ask if he wanted to buy a coffin right off the bat.


    Xie Xun had seen gloomy people before, but none as gloomy as this one.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was so startled that her eyes went wide.


    Fortunately, she was sitting in the back basket on Xie Xun''s mule cart at the moment.


    She couldn''t see Chen Sixi, and Chen Sixi couldn''t see her either.


    Chen Sixi was still enthusiastically introducing his wares to Xie Xun. "Don''t get the wrong idea, brother. My family runs a coffin shop, so I''m just trying to drum up business here.


    You may not need one right now, but you could put down a deposit to reserve one in advance.


    When the timees, our shop will not only deliver the coffin to your door, but also provide aplimentary band to ensure you get a grand and resonant send-off.


    What do you think, doesn''t that sound tempting?"


    "No thanks," said Xie Xun as he boarded his mule cart. "Let''s go."


    Chen Sixi''s eyes bulged in their sockets. "You''re not going to buy a coffin but you''re getting on my cart?"


    Xie Xun replied: "Earlier you only asked if I wanted to buy a coffin. You didn''t say I had to buy one to catch a ride into town with you. Since I declined to purchase, now I''m getting on your cart. What''s the problem with that?"


    Chen Sixi was momentarily struck speechless. What kind of robber logic was this?


    From inside the back basket, Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded emphatically in agreement. "No problem at all."


    Chen Sixi leaped in fright. "Who''s that? Who''s talking?"


    Xie Xun acted nonchnt. "No one''s talking."


    "I didn''t imagine it! I definitely heard someone speak just now!"


    The more Chen Sixi spoke, the colder his back felt, and his hair stood on end. Lookingpletely freaked out, he said, "It was just Ghost Festivalst night. Could there really be some unclean thing nearby?"


    Xie Xun looked at him askance. "You''re in the coffin business and you''re actually afraid of this kind of thing?"


    Chen Sixi eximed, "I''m human, why shouldn''t I be afraid of ghosts?" He looked ready to stomp his feet in agitation. "And we''re talking ghosts here. Aren''t you freaked out?"


    Xie Xun: "Oh, sure, very freaked out."


    Chen Sixi: Why do I feel like this guy''s tone is forced?


    "Forget it, bro. Today I''ll be generous and give you a free ride into town."


    Chen Sixi didn''t want to admit he was scared and just wanted somepany.


    After getting seated properly, he snapped his whip and headed towards Kaihe County.


    Xie Xun wasn''t very talkative, and the journey passed quietly.


    Chen Sixi couldn''t stand the atmosphere, and kept ncing back at him. "Hey friend, let''s chat a bit?"


    The road was littered with paper money offerings left over from Ghost Festivalst night, blown everywhere by the wind. With no one to talk to, the mood was downright creepy.


    Xie Xun asked: "Chat about what?"


    That stumped Chen Sixi. After all, they''d only just met, so there weren''t many topics to discuss. But for the young master of a coffin shop who dared proposition customers right off the bat, no topic was off limits.


    "Let''s chat about your surname, given name, where you''re from, how many in your family, if you''re married, and whether your wife is a looker or not."


    Xie Xun clearly wasn''t interested.


    Seeing this, Chen Sixi switched topics. "Or how about we chat about Cangwu Mountain Heavenly Master''s Residence?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had been dozing off in the back basket, but perked up instantly at the mention of "Heavenly Master''s Residence".


    She listened as Chen Sixi chattered away. "The Heavenly Master''s Mansion has always only epted male disciples, but this generation has a female disciple who''s reportedly really ugly, and especially vicious."


    Xie Xun raised a brow. "Vicious?"


    "That''s right. Other exorcists have to set up formations and draw talismans, but she just wields a cleaver to hack away. It may be a ritual implement, but what kind of girl walks around with a meat cleaver all the time?"


    At this point, Chen Sixi''s head drooped mournfully.


    "Get this - my dad actually wants me to marry her! He says with our unusual family business, having a wife like that could ward off evil spirits."


    This was the first Jiang Xiaoxiao had heard that not only was she ugly and ate a lot, she could also ward off evil.


    She supposed that made her useful, and sort of justified the severalrge bowls of rice at every meal.


    Xie Xun nced back at the basket and said slowly, "Then you definitely shouldn''t marry her. Too much of an eater would be hard to provide for."


    "Why would she be hard to provide for?" Chen Sixi huffed. "I''ve saved up a decent amount...it''s just..."


    He heaved a sigh. "If only she was a bit better looking, I wouldn''t be so conflicted."


    Xie Xun didn''t expect someone was actually eyeing his pet. There was no way he would let go of the lucky charm that hade into his care. So he kindly advised Chen Sixi, "I also heard she''s very ugly. You shouldn''t force yourself."


    "Is that so?" Chen Sixi looked back suspiciously at Xie Xun. "Then I''ll reconsider."


    Having gotten her gossip fix, Jiang Xiaoxiao could finally rx and nap.


    Cangwu Mountain sect didn''t restrict who its disciples could marry.


    So she had known for a long time that she would wed the noble person who could help lift her curse one day.


    That "noble person" was Xie Xun.


    Lacking a carriage, Xie Xun rarely came to town and wasn''t familiar with which shops sold the mystic kirin figurines. After getting off the cart, he asked Chen Sixi for pointers.


    Chen Sixi''s eyes lit up at this. "I knew we were fated to meet. It just so happens our shop sells those kirin for warding off evil."


    Xie Xun: "I thought your shop just sold coffins?"


    Chen Sixi grinned. "On the side, on the side. As you know, the coffin business isn''t easy, so we have to think up other ways to get by."


    That reminded him of something else, and he asked Xie Xun, "Bro, why do you suddenly need a kirin? Have you consulted a geomancer?"


    Xie Xun murmured affirmation.


    "Which master did you ask?" Chen Sixi was even more curious now. "Give me a rmendation too. If he''s really an expert, I''ll ask him over sometime to take a look too. I''ve felt like something''s been off at our shoptely."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just woken up and the breeze made her sneeze out loud.


    Chen Sixi freaked out all over again, his face ashen as he looked to Xie Xun. "Did you hear something just now?"


    Xie Xun calmly shook his head. "Nothing."


    "It can''t be..." Chen Sixi''s lips were trembling. "I must be hearing things fromck of sleepst night, right?"


    Xie Xun: "Are you still selling those kirin or not?"


    "Selling, of course selling!"


    He wouldn''t turn down business that fell into hisp.


    But Chen Sixi''s calves were shaking so badly that he couldn''t take a single step. It took him a long time to walk ahead and lead Xie Xun to his shop.


    Considering there was a small creature in his basket, Xie Xun didn''t n on entering the coffin shop. He said to Chen Sixi, "I''ll wait out here for you."


    Given the heavy yin energy, many people hesitated to set foot in a coffin shop, so this was normal.


    Chen Sixi didn''t think too much of it. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow and went inside to find his dad.


    With Chen Sixi gone, Jiang Xiaoxiao could finally yawn, stretch, and move her limbs.


    But before she could finish loosening up, her little brows suddenly knitted together.


    Xie Xun had clearly noticed the abrupt silence from the creature and worried something was wrong. He quickly set the basket down to check on her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "There''s something inside the shop."

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    When Chen Sixi came out again, he was holding a heavy wooden box in his hands. Inside the box was a pair of stone carved small qilins.


    Handing the wooden box to Xie Xun, Chen Sixi said, "My dad said ever since our family started selling these things, you''re the first person to buy them. Consider it an auspicious sign, they''re yours, free of charge."


    After saying that, he rubbed the back of his neck and couldn''t help but mutter, "Why do I still feel chilly even though it''s hot as hell?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s small stature meant she was sitting in the back basket and couldn''t see Chen Sixi. She could only peek through the gaps in the basket.


    After peeking, her small hand knocked on the back of Xie Xun''s basket where he couldn''t see.


    Xie Xun guessed Jiang Xiaoxiao had something to say, so he didn''t reach for the small qilins. Instead, he told Chen Sixi something suddenly came up and he''de back for the qilinster.


    As Xie Xun walked away, Chen Sixi shouted loudly behind him, "Hey, what did you say your name was?"


    "Xie Xun."


    Only when he turned into the alley did Xie Xun stop. He put down the basket and took Jiang Xiaoxiao out.


    There was no padding in the basket, it was very ufortable.


    Now sitting in Xie Xun''s broad palm, it was as if there was a soft flesh cushion.


    Jiang Xiaoxiaozily stretched.


    Xie Xun looked at her and said, "Just now you said there''s something in Chen Sixi''s shop, a ghost?"


    "Not a ghost," Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head. "An evil spirit."


    Seeing Xie Xun lost in thought, Jiang Xiaoxiao exined, "It''s different from the feng shui evil spirits in your room. The one in their shop formed after someone died, it''s more dangerous than a regr ghost."


    "Chen Sixi is tainted by some of the evil spirit''s ominous energy. If it''s not dispelled in time, he will undoubtedly die within three days."


    Xie Xun was silent.


    He recalled Jiang Xiaoxiao saying earlier there was arge cloud of ominous energy hovering over his head.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t know what Xie Xun was thinking. She just asked, "Do you want to save Chen Sixi?"


    Xie Xun nodded.


    Even though they''d only met today, after all he got a pair of qilins from their family for free. Consider it repaying the favor so they don''t owe each other anything going forward.


    Xie Xun asked, "How do I save him?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao organized her words and exined to Xie Xun that evil spirits have several types.


    Some were brutal and vicious people when alive. After death they turn into evil spirits, absorbing the energy of ughtered creatures to cultivate their demonic powers.


    These are rarely seen.


    The mostmon are those who were buried on an inauspicious date.


    Like one of the Three Mourning Days - the Chen Day in spring, Wei Day in summer, Xu Day in autumn, and Chou Day in winter.


    Burying the dead on those days easily vites the Three Mourning Evil Spirits taboo.


    Vitions range from family ruin within 100 days for minor cases and three or more family deaths within a year for serious ones.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "To dispel it, we first need to figure out what taboo he vited."


    "The basket blocked my view earlier so I couldn''t see Chen Sixi''s face clearly."


    "But I guess thetter is more likely."


    After saying so much, Jiang Xiaoxiao was out of breath.


    If she could use her ritual tools there wouldn''t be so much trouble!


    Xie Xun also felt it was too troublesome. He only wanted to repay the favor, not get involved with the whole thing.


    So he asked Jiang Xiaoxiao again, "Can you draw talismans?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded her little head, "I can."


    "Can''t we just suppress it with normal talisman paper?"


    "In my current state, I can only draw ordinary talismans. And those can only subdue small ghosts," Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head. "To subdue an evil spirit, it needs a grand seal on it to work. My grand seal is at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, I didn''t bring it."


    Things like the great Compass Seal for dispelling demons and the Evil Expelling Sword are too cumbersome for her. She didn''t even bring a knife when she snuck out, just a vegetable cleaver that was her ritual tool.


    "If Chen Sixi can hold out until I recover in two days, it''ll be fine."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "The talismans I draw during my normal periods can subdue evil spirits without a seal."


    She''s just toozy to draw them usually, such a hassle!


    She grew up in the Heavenly Master''s Mansion ever since she could remember. She doesn''t know who her parents are or even who she herself is.


    All she knows is that she''s gifted in many ways.


    Like mastering mystic arts.


    Sheprehends things instantly, as if she was born to do it.


    The aforementioned evil spirit suppressing talismans, even her master and a few senior brothers have to put on the grand seal to make them work.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao doesn''t need the seal.


    In the entire Heavenly Master''s Mansion, only her and the Ancestor Grand Heavenly Master can reach this level.


    Another example is her appetite.


    She eats as much as two senior brothersbined.


    The Third Senior Brother often jokes if she keeps eating like this she''d be a fat Daoist nun.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao still hasn''t gained weight.


    She''s put the Third Senior Brother on her unreliable list.


    And alsoziness.


    Toozy to talk, toozy to entertain people, best to just space out alone quietly.


    But she still has to marry someone to break her curse. It doesn''t seem she can bezy about that.


    Hopefully the marriage process isn''t too cumbersome, the simpler the better.


    Mm...said too much, so sleepy.


    Xie Xun watched as the little thing in his palm closed her eyes and started dozing off again. He gently put her back in the basket, unconsciously much more gentle than before.


    Chen Sixi had felt chilly on his back these days, especially today.


    He originally wanted to bask in the sun outside, but his dad was out for a bit and left him to watch the shop alone.


    Chen Sixi could only pull up a stool to sit legs crossed at the door, getting some sun while watching the shop. When people passed by he''d try to peddle them coffins.


    Naturally he''d get white-eyed stares and curses in return.


    But Chen Sixi was already used to it and still had a cheerful look on his face.


    That was how Xie Xun saw him when he came back.


    "Oh? Xie...Xun?" Chen Sixi suddenly remembered the name this guy gave earlier. "You''re from Stone Mill Vige?"


    Chen Sixi lived in town so he''d heard of Xie Xun''s infamous reputation for bad luck.


    Xie Xun looked at him and got straight to the point, "It''s best if you don''t go out ore back to the coffin shop for the next three days."


    Chen Sixi was baffled. "Say what?"


    Xie Xun''s expression was calm. "You gave me a pair of qilins, I gave you a piece of good advice in return. We''re even now."


    "Wait wait..." Chen Sixi was confused. "Why can''t I go out?"


    "For your own good."


    At first Chen Sixi was stunned, then heughed while clutching his stomach, "What joke is this? You think you''re some fortune telling grandmaster?"


    Chen Sixi didn''t believe him. And Xie Xun didn''t n to keep exining forcefully.


    He didn''t want the qilins either, he''d find a proper shop to buy another pair.


    "Oh, you don''t want the qilins anymore?"


    Afterughing, Chen Sixi brought out the earlier wooden box to give to Xie Xun again.


    "My dad said it was for you so they''re yours. Us Chens keep our word!"


    "Thank you." Xie Xun took the wooden box and deeply looked at Chen Sixi once more.


    "Alright alright." Chen Sixi shooed him away.


    "You''re an unlucky ghost yourself yet try to tell my fortune. Only ghosts would believe you."


    "Also, my family runs a coffin shop. What do I have to fear!"

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    After returning home, Xie Xun ced the two little qilins ording to the directions given by Jiang Xiaoxiao, then went to the kitchen to cook.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat at the table, waiting for food.


    After witnessing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s appetite in the morning, Xie Xun cooked two extra bowls of rice.


    However, rice was different from the porridge in the morning.


    Porridge could be slurped with a gourd vine, but rice couldn''t.


    Xie Xun had to whittle her a pair of tiny chopsticks.


    Since there were no bowls small enough, he plucked a gourd leaf.


    He scooped the rice onto the gourd leaf, ced it in front of Jiang Xiaoxiao, and added a bit of each of the three dishes.


    Upon seeing the food, Jiang Xiaoxiao perked up, grasped her little chopsticks, and buried her face in the food, her cheeks puffing out.


    Watching her, Xie Xun felt a strange sensation rising in his heart.


    It was like raising a little pet.


    Only this pet could... eat a bit too much.


    Xie Xun only ate one bowl of rice himself, while the rest went into Jiang Xiaoxiao''s belly.


    After finishing, the little creature licked her lips contentedly, looking fully satisfied.


    As if eating was the most beautiful and wonderful thing in the world.


    Xie Xun had no doubt that she could have finished two more bowls.


    "During your transformation period, you shouldn''t eat so much. You might get stuffed," Xie Xun said, standing up and clearing the bowls and chopsticks.


    After eating, Jiang Xiaoxiao wanted to sleep, but he carried her outside and forced her to walk around, saying it would aid digestion.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was sulking.


    Xie Xun raised an eyebrow, "Haven''t you heard the saying, ''A tiger shouldn''t roar in Pingyang''? If you don''t listen, I''ll toss you out again!"


    Remembering how delicious his cooking was, Jiang Xiaoxiao decided not to make a fuss and obediently walked around the courtyard.


    After judging that she had digested enough, she happily trotted back inside on her little legs.


    Xie Xun had prepared a little nest for her, with pink bedding, a pink pillow, and even a pink canopy made from cloth.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was used to wearing drab gray robes, so she found this color novel.


    Even more novel was that Xie Xun, a man, had pink cloth in his home.


    It wasn''t until the afternoon, when she saw Xie Xun washing clothes, that she noticed a little pink rabbit embroidered on his nightgown.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao figured she had found the source of the pink fabric.


    She yawned andy back down in the pink little nest to sleep.


    ...


    When Xie Xun''s nursemaid passed away, he was not yet ten years old, and no one in the vige was willing to take him in.


    He could only live in this thatched hut and fend for himself.


    Gathering and drying wild produce to sell in town became Xie Xun''s only source of ie.


    Once, he found an injured rabbit.


    The lonely young boy felt as if he had found some sce.


    It took him a long time to nurse the rabbit back to health.


    Then one day, when he returned from outside, he saw that the rabbit in the cage had been killed, its body covered in blood.


    No matter how much he washed, the blood wouldn''te out, and it eventually turned pink.


    Later, he embroidered this pink rabbit onto his nightgown.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao woke up, she found Xie Xun sitting in front of her little nest, looking at her with a peculiar gaze.


    Like he was looking at... a pet he was raising.


    "You''re awake?" Xie Xun said, unusually without a scowl, extending his hand with his fingertips resting on the edge of the nest.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao walked onto his palm and looked up.


    Seeing the little creature staring nkly for a while, afraid she had frozen up again, Xie Xun was about to pick her up and shake her.


    Suddenly, Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed at the top of his head. "I finally know what that is!"


    Xie Xun was puzzled. "What?"


    "The thing on your head," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "It''s not just negative energy, but a seal."


    "A seal?" Xie Xun frowned.


    "Yes," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "If I''m not mistaken, the purple golden dragon qi that was taken from you can regenerate, but someone sealed you with negative energy to prevent it from regenerating."


    Xie Xun''s gaze was full of scorn. "Not only did they take it, but they also sealed me?"


    "To put it simply, it''s the principle of taking from one to give to another," Jiang Xiaoxiao exined. "People with purple golden dragon qi generally have a hardy fate, and evil spirits would avoid them, making it difficult to take their qi."


    "Even using evil arts would require a heavy price."


    "And if your dragon qi regenerates, however much it regenerates, the person who took your qi would lose that much, and eventually be bacshed."


    At this point, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun. "Do you know who took your dragon qi?"


    "Who else could it be?" Xie Xun sneered coldly. "It must have been someone who wanted to ascend to the throne."


    His nursemaid said the capital was a terrifying ce, the pce a den that devoured people without spitting out the bones, and his mother had died there. She told him to stay in Shimo Vige and never enter the capital.


    But Xie Xun was unwilling to ept this. He had to find a way to enter the capital, avenge his mother, and reim everything that was rightfully his!


    "The current Crown Prince, Murong Yuan?" Jiang Xiaoxiao had heard this name from her third senior brother.


    Reportedly, he was the most astonishingly talented prince in the history of Yan Country, earning fame at the age of five for his strategy to control flooding in the Golden Pavilion.


    Since then, he had been praised by all officials and deeply favored by the Emperor, being directly granted the title of Crown Prince at his tenth birthday celebration.


    Murong Yuan was five years old around the time Xie Xun''s purple golden dragon qi was taken when he was three.


    "Can you remove the seal on me?" Xie Xun asked.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "Removing the seal is simple, but since you''ve been sealed for many years, it will be difficult for your purple golden dragon qi to regenerate from nothing."


    "Unless you can get close to the person who took your dragon qi."


    Xie Xun understood. "So I need to find a way to enter the capital?"


    "Yes."


    That night, Xie Xun couldn''t sleep well.


    His mind was filled with what Jiang Xiaoxiao had said during the day.


    He had to get close to Murong Yuan in order to reim his purple golden dragon qi.


    Originally, he had nned to change his appearance and enter the capital as a schr through the imperial examinations.


    Now it seemed that wouldn''t work.


    Even if he excelled and became the top scorer, he would still only enter the Imperial Academy.


    The chance of getting close to the Crown Prince would be virtually nonexistent.


    For the time being, Xie Xun couldn''t think of any identity that would allow him to easily enter the capital and get close to the Crown Prince.


    The next morning, just as dawn broke, the courtyard gate was pounded heavily.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao woke up from her dream, and saw that Xie Xun had also been woken up.


    His morning temper was quite bad, his brow furrowed and his face dark.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Do you have guests?"


    "No."


    Xie Xun had never had any friends, nor did he associate with the vigers.


    In his memory, aside from his nursemaid, that rabbit, and the little creature he had just picked up, no one had ever entered his home.


    And such fierce knocking at the gate was unprecedented.


    He didn''t want to acknowledge it, but the knocking outside grew increasingly excessive.


    Xie Xun''s face darkened further, and he put on his outer robe, opened the courtyard gate, and saw Chen Sixi, whom he had just met the day before, standing outside.


    Chen Sixi''s face was deathly pale, and upon seeing Xie Xun, he was on the verge of tears.


    "Xie Xun, Master Xie, please save me!"

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Xie Xun looked at Chen Sixi.


    The other should not have slept well the previous night,ing to Shi Mo Vige before daybreak.


    His body was damp with morning dew, eyelids dark, lips pale.


    The whole person looked disheveled.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Xie Xun''s morning grumpiness had not yet dissipated, his tone rather cold.


    "Brother, brother I was wrong," Chen Sixi grabbed his hand, "I shouldn''t have mocked you like that yesterday. You can hit me, scold me, anything, but please save my life!"


    Xie Xun shook him off, rubbing his brow, his irritated mood bing more apparent, "Get to the point!"


    "Okay, okay, I''ll say it!" Chen Sixi was afraid Xie Xun would really get angry, so he quickly exined what had happened.


    Apparently, after his father returned home yesterday, he reenacted Xie Xun''s words in front of his father,ughing as he did so, almostughing himself out of breath.


    But after listening, his father''s face stiffened, cursing him as a fool who didn''t recognize nobility when he encountered them.


    Chen Sixi was dumbfounded.


    Xie Xun''s unlucky reputation, the viges within ten li of Taoyuan Town probably all knew it, right?


    Chen Sixi didn''t think much of other nobles.


    But Xie Xun?


    That wasn''t a joke!


    His father berated him mercilessly, giving the disobedient son a beating before personally escorting him back to town and locking him up, not allowing him to leave.


    With the young master away, the worker Ma Liu was in charge of the shop.


    Last night in the middle of the night, another worker Song Zi rushed pale-faced from the county to the Chen family shop in town to report a death, saying Ma Liu had hanged himself.


    At the time, Chen Sixi was having a nice dream when his father dragged him out of bed.


    Chen Sixi''s mind was still a muddle when he heard that Ma Liu, who had been watching the shop for him, had died.


    The two workers at the shop had a good rtionship with Chen Sixi.


    Chen Sixi didn''t believe that someone who had been fine during the day would suddenly grow despondent, so he said he wanted to take a look.


    "You dare go out at a time like this!" His father berated him again, telling him to go to Shi Mo Vige to find Xie Xun, while he apanied Song Zi to the county.


    On the way to Shi Mo Vige, Chen Sixi grew more and more apprehensive the more he thought about it.


    His demeanor when asking the vigers about Xie Xun''s residence even frightened them considerably.


    After finishing his story, Chen Sixi asked weakly, "So, brother, do you think there''s any way I can still be saved?"


    Seeing Xie Xun remain silent, he continued, "I have money, just name your price!"


    As he spoke, he deftly untied his money pouch and shoved it all into Xie Xun''s hands.


    Xie Xun said, "It''s not me who will save you, but someone else. However, I can ept this money on her behalf."


    Hearing this, Chen Sixi felt his anxiety lessen somewhat.


    He asked in a low voice, "Brother, can I stay at your ce for a couple of days?"


    "No!" Xie Xun refused outright.


    Chen Sixi pulled a long face, "You won''t let me stay even if I pay?"


    Seeing Xie Xun''s expression that brooked no negotiation, Chen Sixi''s voice grew weaker, "Then you have to at least tell me what to do?"


    Xie Xun said, "As long as you stay home and don''t go out, before the day after tomorrow, a master wille find you."


    "Alright, brother you truly are a good person." Chen Sixi expressed his gratitude profusely and left.


    After returning inside, Xie Xun casually tossed the money pouch onto the table, then grabbed Jiang Xiaoxiao from her little nest, pouring her a small bowl of face-washing water as well.


    During her transformation period, Jiang Xiaoxiao grew sleepy easily. She had been woken up earlier by Chen Sixi, clearly not having slept enough.


    Now standing in front of the little bowl, her head bobbed slightly as she nodded off.


    Xie Xun went in and out a couple times, seeing she was still standing there, calling out, "Are you going to sleep in or eat breakfast? Choose!"


    "Eat!" Jiang Xiaoxiao hurriedly perked up, bending down to wash her face.


    For breakfast, he cooked eggs and vegetable porridge.


    Xie Xun had one egg, Jiang Xiaoxiao three. Xie Xun had one bowl of porridge, Jiang Xiaoxiao three bowls.


    Xie Xun watched her eat, his mind naturally turning to thoughts of that rabbit...


    Ah, never mind, the rabbit couldn''t eat like her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ate her fill satisfactorily, wiping her little mouth and asking Xie Xun, "What will we be doing today?"


    Xie Xun asked back, "What can you do?"


    In her current form, one careless move could cause her to get squashed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Make a list of anyone who''s ever bullied you before, and when I recover, I''ll avenge you."


    "When about will you recover?" Xie Xun asked.


    "After the midnight hour tonight."


    Xie Xun''s gaze couldn''t help but shift to the little nest he had just prepared for her.


    Once she recovered, she certainly wouldn''t be able to sleep in the little nest anymore.


    He had probably grown ustomed to Jiang Xiaoxiao''s miniature form during her transformation period these past couple of days. Just thinking about suddenly having a girl of around ten years old in the house felt a bit strange to Xie Xun.


    The next night, Xie Xun didn''t dare sleep, waiting until midnight just in case something else untoward happened.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did indeed recover on schedule.


    The three-inch little person once again transformed before Xie Xun''s eyes into the fresh and translucent girl he had first met.


    Her features were exquisite, her skin smooth and delicate, her red lips soft, her eyes possessing a rare purity untainted by worldly matters.


    Although he had been prepared, Xie Xun still couldn''t help but show a few traces of shock.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, however, seemed long ustomed to it, her expression unchanged.


    Xie Xun asked her, "Were you not caught by some demonic arts?"


    Otherwise, how could it be possible for a person to suddenly shrink and then suddenly grow again?


    "It should be a curse," Jiang Xiaoxiao calmly replied. "My master ancestor said I was cursed in the womb. In all my years studying arcane arts, I''ve never encountered such a curse before."


    To this day, she had never found a way to break it.


    Her only hope was Xie Xun.


    That was what her master ancestor had told her too.


    As for the specifics of what to do, once Xie Xun regained his Dragon Qi, she might have to return to Cangwu Mountain to ask her master ancestor.


    Xie Xun seemed to think of something, slowly narrowing his eyes, "You came looking for me intentionally on the fifteenth of the seventh month, surely not without reason?"


    Such a matter would inevitably be exposed sooner orter, so it seemed unnecessary to conceal it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said most earnestly, "The Purple Gold Dragon Qi within you can help me break the curse. Although you don''t have it now, you will eventually be able to regain it."


    Hearing this, Xie Xun let out a mockingugh.


    "Then why didn''t you just go find Murong Yuan directly? If you found him, you might even be the imperial princess consort one day. But if you find me, you might end up being devoured by me instead - haven''t you heard? My own mother was devoured by me."


    As he spoke these words, the corners of his lips curved up, a mixture of hatred and grievance towards being robbed of everything intermingled, his eyes reflecting a dejected madness.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gazed at him silently.


    Although unable to empathize, she felt a sense that he was very angry, and that it was probably not a good time to say too much more.


    Thinking it over, she said, "It''s nothing, I just simply want to be your wife."


    Xie Xun: "..."

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Xie Xun was angry.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao could probably guess that Xie Xun was unhappy because he knew she was trying to use him.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never coaxed anyone before.


    But she felt that if she were the one who was angry, just words wouldn''t be enough to appease her; actions would be required, at the very least cooking lots of delicious food.


    However, Xie Xun didn''t seem to be particrly fond of eating...


    Staring at Xie Xun''s tightly closed bedroom door, Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t sleep.


    She sat in the main hall for most of the night, using qimen dunjia to deduce the direction of the gang that had robbed Xie Xun''s money and beaten him up that day.


    As soon as the sky began to brighten, Jiang Xiaoxiao left Shi Mo Vige with her kitchen knife.


    Not far from Taoyuan Town, there was a fork in the road. The small path led to Shi Mo Vige, while the main road led to Kaihe County.


    Usually, there were many passersby.


    The gang that had robbed Xie Xun were seasoned bandits, and this fork in the road was their usual ce tomit crimes.


    Today happened to be a market day in the town, so the gang hade to lie in wait early.


    However, after a long wait, they didn''t see anyone passing by, and the few of them began to grow restless.


    The leader was a man with a ferocious scar on his face, known as Knife Scar Face Man.


    He squatted on a tree, chewing on a de of grass with his brow tightly furrowed, cursing loudly: "Damn it, why isn''t anyone going to the market passing through here today?"


    "Boss, why don''t we go back and get something to eat first beforeing back? Look, the brothers have been starving all morning, they really can''t take it anymore...ah! Boss, look over there, there''s a girl, tsk, that pretty little face, she''s really damn good-looking!"


    The speaker was a tall, thin man nicknamed Long Insect.


    Originally starving with his belly pressed against his back, Long Insect''s beady eyes instantly lit up when he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao walking slowly towards them.


    He rubbed his hands in anticipation.


    "Heh heh, if the money''s noting to us, at least a little girl is being delivered to old man."


    Knife Scar Face Man spat out the de of grass in his mouth and jumped down, giving the others a subtle signal.


    This was something they had done many times before.


    Thus, with just a nce, everyone understood and split into two groups to surround Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Littledy, where are you heading?" Knife Scar Face Man stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with lust.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Looking for you."


    Knife Scar Face Man became even more excited. "Looking for me? How about brother keeps youpany and ys with you for a bit?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "Okay."


    Completely unlike the decent housewives they had teased before, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s reaction was far too calm and eerie.


    Knife Scar Face Man was taken aback for a moment.


    Could she be a fool?


    A fool would be even better, as she wouldn''t understand anything and would be easier to handle.


    Thinking this, he grinned again and reached out to embrace Jiang Xiaoxiao''s waist.


    But instead of a soft waist, what his hand touched was a sharp, cold kitchen knife.


    A kitchen knife!


    This little girl was actually carrying a kitchen knife on her!


    The others also noticed the kitchen knife tucked into Jiang Xiaoxiao''s waist.


    "Boss, this little girl has a knife!" Long Insect''s face turned pale as he shouted, "She''s looking for trouble!"


    "Trouble?" Knife Scar Face Man sneered contemptuously. This delicate, tender littledy could barely lift the kitchen knife, let alone use it, how could she possibly cause any trouble?


    However, before he could finish his thought, Knife Scar Face Man saw the girl, who was shorter than him, suddenly leap into the air and then raise her leg high.


    That leg came straight at his head.


    "Damn it¡ª" Knife Scar Face Man''s expression changed drastically.


    Immediately after, everyone saw their formidable leader being pressed to the ground by this little girl, who pinned his head down with her heel.


    The sound of his kneecap shattering made their hearts tremble with fear.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao calmly looked at Knife Scar Face Man. "How much money did you rob from Xie Xun?"


    At this point, Knife Scar Face Man was in so much pain that he just wanted to roll around on the ground.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s leg was still pressing down on his head.


    He didn''t know where this wicked girl''s strength came from, but she was so heavy that he couldn''t move an inch.


    "How much money did you rob from Xie Xun?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked again.


    Knife Scar Face Man was almost crying from the pain.


    "Xie Xun? What Xie Xun?"


    He had robbed so many people, how could he possibly remember each one?


    It seemed there was no way to get an answer.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao turned her head towards Long Insect. "Find a rope."


    Her gaze wasn''t cold, but rather soft and gentle, even a bit dazed.


    Yet her ruthless actions made their backs break out in a cold sweat.


    Who could have imagined that this delicate, tender-looking girl was hiding such formidable skills?


    Today, they had certainly kicked an iron nail!


    Long Insect gulped.


    He didn''t doubt for a moment that if he dared to resist, he would be the next one kneeling on the ground with a shattered kneecap.


    "Miss...miss, don''t be angry, a rope, right? I''ll go find one right away, I''ll go right now!"


    When Xie Xun woke up, the day had already brightened.


    Out of habit, he looked towards the small nest.


    The nest was empty.


    It was only then that he remembered Jiang Xiaoxiao had regained her human formst night.


    She had said that she came to find him because the purple golden dragon aura on his body could help break her curse.


    In other words, she wanted to use him.


    A strange restlessness arose in his heart.


    Xie Xun opened the door and stepped out.


    His peripheral vision nced at the room to the right of the main hall.


    This room was where his nanny used to live.


    Last night, in his anger, he had told Jiang Xiaoxiao to tidy up the room and rest there, then he closed the door and went to sleep.


    He had no idea what happened after that.


    He walked up to the door and knocked.


    There was no movement inside.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao!" he called out.


    Still no movement from inside, but instead the wooden door opened a crack.


    Xie Xun pushed it open further and peeked inside, finding the bedding neatly arranged, without any sign of being slept in.


    Had she left?


    The restlessness in his heart grew even more apparent.


    Xie Xun shut the door forcefully, then went to the well to draw a basin of water and wash his face.


    After washing his face and going back inside, Xie Xun noticed that the kitchen knife he had ced on the wooden cab was also gone.


    During Jiang Xiaoxiao''s transformation, the kitchen knife couldn''t be shrunk down.


    Xie Xun was afraid it might identally hurt someone, so he had ced it on the cab.


    Now, both she and the knife were missing, a truly clean departure.


    When he realized he was feeling irritated for no reason, Xie Xun''s expression darkened even further.


    He quickly regained hisposure, deciding not to light the stove and cook breakfast. Instead, he took a small hoe and started weeding the vegetable garden.


    The vegetable garden was on the west side of the courtyard, with raised dirt beds.


    As he stood on the higher ground tying up the bean vines, he unintentionally nced over and saw someone approaching on the vige path.


    It was Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    She was dragging a rope.


    At the end of the rope was a bound man.


    The man had a robust build, and clearly wasn''t light.


    Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao dragged him as effortlessly as dragging a dead dog.


    Vaguely, Xie Xun could even hear the man''s cries and pleas for mercy.


    Xie Xun''s eyelids twitched.


    He wiped his hands and walked down.


    He saw Jiang Xiaoxiao dragging the man through the gate.


    Their eyes met.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s gaze was somewhat different from her initial dazed look, now containing a hint of pleading.


    "Xie Xun, I brought back the one who robbed you. I shattered his kneecaps, and on the way, he agreed to pay you back ten times the silver he stole. Are you happy now?"


    Xie Xun looked deeply at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "So you went out early to find him and make me happy?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao obediently nodded. "Mmhmm..."

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Xie Xun looked at Knife Scar Face Man writhing in pain on the ground, sweating profusely and tears streaming down his face, then at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s nk stare directed at him.


    He pursed his lips, unsure what to make of the situation.


    "Xie Xun... Master Xie, Lord Xie!" Knife Scar Face Man cried, his limbs bound, tears welling in his eyes. "I was wrong. I''ll repay you ten times the money. Please, have mercy and spare me!"


    He vowed never to be so greedy again.


    He had assumed Jiang Xiaoxiao was just a naive fool, but she turned out to be a master in disguise!


    It must have been an inauspicious day when he decided to try his luck.


    What terrible misfortune!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao handed a money pouch to Xie Xun.


    It was the same one Knife Scar Face Man had stolen from him.


    But instead of the original one or two taels of silver, it now contained over ten taels.


    Xie Xun took out one tael for himself, then tossed the pouch back at Knife Scar Face Man, looking down at him coldly. "I''ll take back my one tael. For the rest, you can pay with one of your fingers."


    Upon hearing this, Knife Scar Face Man let out a terrified wail, eyes wide with horror. "W-What are you going to do?!"


    Without another word, Xie Xun grabbed his cleaver.


    With one swift motion, the de fell.


    The courtyard was filled with Knife Scar Face Man''s bloodcurdling screams, like a pig being ughtered.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao watched the entire scene unfold without the slightest change in expression.


    After kicking Knife Scar Face Man out of the courtyard, she turned to Xie Xun.


    "I''m hungry. Is there anything to eat?"


    Xie Xun suddenly realized he hadn''t started the fire yet.


    He had been upset about her leaving without a word, but now...


    "Just a moment."


    Xie Xun washed his hands and headed to the kitchen area.


    That afternoon, he had to help Chen Sixi exorcise an evil spirit.


    Exhausted from staying up all night, Jiang Xiaoxiao pushed open the door to the nursemaid''s room, intending to rest for a bit.


    Xie Xun cooked arge bowl of noodles and three eggs.


    When he brought the food to the main hall, Jiang Xiaoxiao was nowhere to be seen.


    He went to the east wing, where the door was slightly ajar.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was lying on the bed, seemingly fast asleep.


    The eggs would be fine, but the noodles would turn stale if not eaten promptly.


    Xie Xun hesitated, debating whether to wake her, when Jiang Xiaoxiao opened her eyes herself.


    "Smells good. What did you make?"


    "Noodles," Xie Xun replied.


    After a pause, he added, "A big bowl."


    ...


    Much to Xie Xun''s surprise, Jiang Xiaoxiao polished off the entirerge bowl of noodles and three eggs, leaving nothing behind.


    As she set down her chopsticks, Xie Xun asked, "You didn''t sleepst night. Will you be able to go into town this afternoon?"


    "A single night without sleep is nothing for a cultivator like me," Jiang Xiaoxiao said.


    Xie Xun didn''t understand the ways of cultivation, so he simply said, "If you''re too tired, don''t force yourself."


    But of course Jiang Xiaoxiao intended to go.


    Chen Sixi was someone Xie Xun wanted to help. If she could help Chen Sixi, it would make Xie Xun happy.


    Chen Sixi had been anxiously awaiting their arrival for a day and a half. Finally, the person he had been longing for was here.


    Upon seeing Xie Xun, Chen Sixi was so overwhelmed with emotion that he nearly called out to his ancestors.


    One look at Chen Sixi''s haggard, sunken eyes told Xie Xun that the man probably hadn''t slept the previous night.


    Chen Sixi nced behind Xie Xun. "Didn''t you say you were bringing a master? Why is there a youngdy here?"


    "She is the master," Xie Xun said.


    Chen Sixi immediately broke down in tears. "Brother, I''m calling you brother out of desperation. This is a matter of life and death. Please don''t trick me!"


    Without further exnation, Xie Xun turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    After appraising Chen Sixi, Jiang Xiaoxiao dered, "We must find the root cause before midnight, or it will be toote."


    Chen Sixi was utterly bewildered. Wiping away his tears, he said, "Miss, you may be a beauty, but this is no trifling matter of exorcising evil spirits. It''s not child''s y."


    Ignoring Chen Sixi''s ramblings, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Has anyone in your household passed away in the past year?"


    "No!" Chen Sixi shook his head vigorously.


    "What about a recently deceased apprentice at your carpentry shop?"


    "No one like that either," Chen Sixi said. "Ma Liu is an orphan. He started learning the carpentry trade from my father at age thirteen, but no one knows who his parents were."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment. "If there are no deaths, then there is another possibility."


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s knowledgeable demeanor, Chen Sixi recalled mocking Xie Xun earlier, only for something untoward to happen.


    He immediately became respectful. "Miss, can you really divine the cause?"


    Once again ignoring his question, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "When did you first notice something was amiss?"


    "Just the past couple of days, I suppose," Chen Sixi recalled. "Despite the sweltering heat, I kept feeling chills down my back, like a cold gust of wind blowing past."


    Shuddering at the memory, he continued, "What was the exact time of Ma Liu''s death?"


    At the time, it was Sonzi who had informed Chen Sixi of Ma Liu''s passing, so he could only ry the details Sonzi had provided to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao went into the courtyard and used the time of death to calcte and divine the root cause based on the celestial stems and terrestrial branches.


    Xie Xun remained inside.


    Chen Sixi whispered, "Hey, Xie Xun, is this master you brought really reliable?"


    Xie Xun replied calmly, "The one who told you not to leave your home for three days was her."


    Chen Sixi''s eyes widened in shock, and he fell silent.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao returned, Chen Sixi regarded her with a newfound reverence.


    "Master, have you discerned the cause?" he asked tentatively.


    "Has anyone from your household recently traveled to the western outskirts of the county?" Jiang Xiaoxiao inquired.


    Chen Sixi pondered for a moment. "The wood for our carpentry shop is sourced from the western outskirts. In the past two days, only Ma Liu has been there."


    Realization dawned on him, and he eximed, "Master, could Ma Liu have been possessed by an evil spirit?"


    "Not possession, but he has offended the spirits. We need to go to the western outskirts," Jiang Xiaoxiao said.


    Hearing this, Chen Sixi clung to a bedpost in fright. "C-Can I stay behind?"


    Xie Xun frowned. "If you don''t go, who will show us the way?"


    "I have a general idea about the situation in the western outskirts," Old Man Chen said as he entered from outside, shaking his head at his son''s cowardice.


    "Father?" Chen Sixi looked at his father in disbelief. "What happened in the western outskirts?"


    Old Man Chen sat down, his expression grave. "A few days ago, Ma Liu went to the western outskirts to gather wood. When he returned, he told me about something he witnessed.


    He said he identally saw a group of people performing ritual ceremonies in the forest.


    But instead of a proper burial mound, there was only a pit where they buried the deceased.


    From their conversation, Ma Liu learned that the deceased was a woman who had been beaten to death by her mother-inw, who then secretly buried her.


    The day of the burial was an inauspicious one ording to the calendrical calctions.


    By the time this family realized something was amiss, someone else had already died. That''s when they decided to seek help from ritual masters."


    Old Man Chen looked remorseful. "If only I had known sooner that Ma Liu would... I should have had someone take a look at him."


    Chen Sixi grew increasingly confused. "But what does this have to do with Ma Liu?"


    "Originally, nothing," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "But the ritual masters they hired couldn''t suppress the vengeful spirits below, so they resorted to a practice called ''transferring the grievance'' to shift the resentment of the deceased onto someone else.


    And so, Ma Liu became the substitute corpse."

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s exnation, Chen Sixi trembled even harder.


    "So if I didn''t go home, but stayed in the shop instead, would that mean..."


    Knowing what he wanted to ask, Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded.


    "You two would have been in trouble."


    "Dad, please take them to the western suburbs quickly. I don''t want to die."


    Chen Sixi''s voice was quivering.


    He was originally timid, and this was his first time encountering such a thing, so his soul was almost scared out of him.


    Old Man Chen could tell that the girl Xie Xun brought, Jiang Xiaoxiao, was no ordinary person.


    Being able to deduce the direction of the trouble based on the time of Ma Liu''s death, she was undoubtedly a highly skilled individual.


    His attitude towards Jiang Xiaoxiao became more respectful.


    Turning to his son, he said, "You stay home properly and don''t wander around. We''ll go ande right back."


    Chen Sixi had been motherless since childhood, and there were no servants in the household.


    Once his father left with Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao, he would be the only one left.


    "Maybe I should go with you?"


    Compared to being alone in an empty house, he preferred to go to the western suburbs with them.


    Old Man Chen frowned.


    "Dad..."


    Chen Sixi was afraid of his father''s stern look, so he quickly exined.


    "What if the Master needs me there? It would be more convenient, wouldn''t it?"


    For such matters, Old Man Chen dared not make the decision alone, so he nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Let hime along."


    Seeing that time was running short, the group didn''t dy any further.


    Old Man Chen hitched up the mule cart and headed towards the western suburbs of the county.


    Chen Sixi secretly stole a nce at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The youngdy was exceptionally beautiful.


    Especially her eyes, which were pure and innocent.


    She was a delicate beauty who effortlessly evoked a protective instinct in anyone who saw her for the first time.


    But!


    Who could have imagined that she was actually a highly skilled individual from the outside world!


    She didn''t look the part at all!


    Chen Sixi was puzzled and boldly asked, "Master, may I be so rude as to ask where you practice your cultivation?"


    Before Jiang Xiaoxiao could answer, Xie Xun spoke up first, "At my home."


    Chen Sixi: "???"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun.


    Although she didn''t know why he was lying, as long as he was happy, it was fine.


    Facing Chen Sixi''s disbelieving gaze, Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement.


    "Yes, I''m going to be Xie Xun''s wife."


    Chen Sixi: "!!!"


    Were all cultivators so blunt and direct?


    Chen Sixi felt like he had been dealt a critical blow.


    Xie Xun was marrying a highly skilled cultivator as his wife, undoubtedly because of his unfortunate constitution, to ward off evil.


    But why, when they were both marrying Taoist nuns, did Xie Xun get a beautiful, gentle, and powerful one, while he had to marry a fierce woman wielding a cleaver to fight ghosts?


    "Um..."


    Chen Sixi said in a low voice, "Master, do you have any fellow female disciples, or perhaps an elder female master? Even a female master would do..."


    Before he could finish speaking, Old Man Chenshed him with a whip on his bottom.


    Chen Sixi immediately howled in pain, clutching his bottom.


    The western suburbs were densely forested, so the mule cart stopped at the foot of the mountain.


    They couldn''t bring the cart up, but they also couldn''t leave the mule tied at the bottom in case someone stole it.


    Old Man Chen had no choice but to unload the cart and leave it behind, leading the mule while bringing Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao up the mountain.


    The asional call of the cuckoo in the forest made Chen Sixi''s hair stand on end.


    He dared not walk in front or behind, and after pleading with Xie Xun, he walked in the middle.


    Following Ma Liu''s description, Old Man Chen easily found the ce where the family had buried the body.


    There was nothing there before, but now a small grave mound had been erected, surrounded by thorny bushes covered in talisman papers.


    There were remnants of firecrackers and unburnt paper money scattered around.


    At a nce, it looked unsettlingly eerie.


    Chen Sixi''s legs were trembling, and he couldn''t even make a sound. Wherever Jiang Xiaoxiao went, he followed.


    "Stand there and don''t move!" Jiang Xiaoxiao turned back andmanded sternly.


    Chen Sixi gulped and immediately froze in his tracks, not daring to even breathe heavily.


    Old Man Chen had been running a coffin shop for so many years, so he understood a bit about geomancy.


    As soon as he saw that grave mound, he felt an indescribable sense of ominousness.


    Now, they had barely approached when a chilling wind suddenly started blowing through the forest, sending cold shivers across people''s skin and making their hair stand on end.


    The mule whinnied restlessly, pawing at the ground with its hooves.


    Old Man Chen walked up to Jiang Xiaoxiao and asked in a low voice, "Master, what do you think we should do? Do you need me to prepare anything?"


    The reason he asked was that he noticed Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hands were empty, and she hadn''t brought anything with her.


    This waspletely different from the Taoists he had seen before.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had already walked a full circle around the grave mound. Upon hearing Old Man Chen''s question, she shook her head, "No need."


    Old Man Chen''s heart was in turmoil.


    They had promised toe and subdue the evil spirits, but she didn''t have any cinnabar ink, yellow paper, or brushes - nothing at all.


    What was going on?


    "You all step back."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly said.


    Old Man Chen could only retreat a few steps.


    When he looked up again, he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao extend her index finger and rapidly draw something in the air while murmuring an incantation.


    Soon after, a talisman glowing with a golden light shot straight down towards the grave mound.


    "Sh-sh-she drew the talisman with her bare hands?!"


    At this moment, Chen Sixi''s expression was even more shocked than if he had seen a ghost.


    Old Man Chen''s reaction wasn''t much better than Chen Sixi''s.


    He had heard that at a certain level of mastery, cultivators no longer needed ordinary tools to draw talismans.


    And while ordinary cultivators had to set up an altar and spend a long time preparing to draw a single talisman, for true masters, not only was there no need to use a brush, but they could also draw and use talismans in an extremely short time.


    Such masters were even rarer than the famous Taoist masters of the renowned Cangwu Mountain, of which there was only one - the current Head Celestial Master, Zhang Ding.


    Yet today, he had witnessed it!


    And the person was just a young girl of fifteen or sixteen years old!


    If Old Man Chen had any lingering doubts about Jiang Xiaoxiao before, at this moment, he was filled with nothing but reverence.


    She was undoubtedly a true master, a genuine highly skilled individual!


    After the golden talisman shot down, it disappeared as if Jiang Xiaoxiao had never done anything.


    However, the chilling wind around them suddenly stopped, and dappled sunlight filtered through the branches, creating a scene of peaceful tranquility.


    Chen Sixi felt uncertain, "Great... Great Master, is that it? It''s over?"


    He did feel that his previously chilly back was no longer cold, but he still couldn''t feelpletely at ease.


    "You''re safe now," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "In the future, if you encounter such things, it''s best to seek help immediately."


    "Can... Can I seek your help?" he asked.


    After witnessing a master who could draw talismans with her bare hands, Chen Sixi no longer trusted the street fortune-tellers.


    Xie Xun''s brow furrowed slightly as he looked at Chen Sixi, "Do you wish for trouble to befall you again next time?"


    Chen Sixi immediately realized his mistake, "Ah, no no no, I was just joking!"


    He then sped his hands together and bowed in all directions, "Everyone, I was only kidding. As long as I can eat and drink well here, that''s enough. Goodbye to you all!"


    With that, he scurried away without a trace.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    On the way down the mountain, Chen Sixi became much quieter.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao also didn''t say a word.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was simply because she disliked talking.


    Xie Xun, on the other hand, was deep in thought.


    Earlier, when he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao draw talismans barehanded, it wasn''t just the Chen family father and son who were shocked - he was too.


    Ever since that first encounter on the night of the fifteenth of July, there hadn''t been a single ordinary thing about this little creature.


    She could wield a kitchen knife to sh ghosts.


    She could transform into a three-inch-tall figure on full moon nights.


    She could draw talismans out of thin air to subdue evil spirits during normal times.


    And she could really hold a grudge.


    When taking revenge for him, she shattered someone''s kneecap without even blinking.


    Outwardly gentle and soft, yet inwardly tough and taciturn.


    Completely unlike Xie Xun''s imagination of a righteous and kind cultivator concerned for all living beings.


    Although Xie Xun didn''t understand cultivation, just seeing her skill in drawing talismans from nothing told him that Jiang Xiaoxiao was definitely no ordinary disciple from Cangwu Mountain.


    Indeed, how could the female disciple that the Heavenly Master''s Mansion broke a century-old precedent to ept be ordinary?


    Since Jiang Xiaoxiao had helped the Chen family so much by saving Chen Sixi''s life, the old man Chen insisted on inviting the two of them to stay for a meal.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t mind either way, it mainly depended on Xie Xun''s decision.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him, Xie Xun directly refused, "No need, we still have things to do."


    "It''s just a meal, Xie Xun, do you really have to be like that? It''s not like I''m trying to steal your wife," Chen Sixi muttered.


    Xie Xun''s attitude was firm, "It''s gettingte, we still need to hurry back to the vige, or else it''ll be dark before we get there."


    With things havinge to this, the old man Chen couldn''t insist on keeping them, so he said he would see them off personally.


    But Xie Xun refused that offer too.


    The old man Chen could only send them to the gate.


    Before parting, he slipped a red lucky bag into Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hands.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao probably guessed there was silver inside, she weighed it - six taels and six qian - and gave a light "thank you."


    The Chen family home was in town, not far from the gate was the market street.


    Xie Xun nced at a clothing store nearby, and suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    But when he turned his head, Jiang Xiaoxiao was nowhere to be seen.


    Just in the blink of an eye, she had vanished!


    Xie Xun''s eyes darkened as he started walking back, asking around as he went.


    But before he could finish asking, he saw a carriageing from not far away.


    There were two people seated up on the carriage shaft.


    One was a bruised and battered coachman, and the other was an innocent-looking Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The carriage soon stopped right next to Xie Xun.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed at the coachman and said to Xie Xun, "That day, he was the loudest in cursing at you, so I''m making him give you a free ride back."


    As she said this, her eyes were clearly filled with pure innocence.


    Who would believe that those small, seemingly frail hands could have beaten a man much taller and stronger than her to the point where even his parents wouldn''t recognize him?


    "Sir Xie, I was wrong that day, I was blind and spoke disrespectfully. Wah wah wah, could you be magnanimous and spare me this once? I''ll never dare to do it again..."


    The coachman begged for mercy through his tears, clearly having been brutally beaten.


    Xie Xun raised his eyebrows.


    He had said this little creature held grudges, and true to his words!


    She said she would take revenge for him, so she dragged the man who robbed his silver to him to be punished.


    She said she would hit the one who cursed at him, so she beat that man to a pulp and tantly forced him to drive the most expensive carriage to take them back.


    She rarely spoke, but whenever she did, she would always follow through.


    So pure, so decisive.


    As if she would never be tainted by selfish desires.


    She might not even know what "selfish desires" meant.


    Xie Xun''s gaze fell on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s shabby Daoist robe.


    "Get off."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked puzzled, "Aren''t we going home?"


    Xie Xun eyed her, "You n to keep wearing those clothes?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao saw the clothing store by the street and seemed to understand.


    She hopped off the carriage and followed Xie Xun inside.


    The coachman obediently parked the carriage by the side and waited.


    The clothing store owner was a plump woman who smiled at Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao upon seeing them.


    "Young sir, buying clothes for the young wife?"


    She gave them a once-over and let out an admiring "Woah."


    "In all my years in business, this is the first time I''ve seen such a handsome young couple."


    "Come,e, we have all thetest styles here. Feel free to pick and choose whatever you like."


    Xie Xun said mildly, "You''re mistaken, we''re not..."


    But the owner giggled and covered her mouth, "My, the young sir is so shy!"


    Xie Xun''s face darkened, and he didn''t argue further, going to sit by the side instead.


    The owner was experienced in her trade and had a keen eye, quickly picking out the right sizes for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    She chose a bright, rosy set and led Jiang Xiaoxiao to the inner room to change.


    Xie Xun waited a long while before hearing footsteps.


    He looked up to see Jiang Xiaoxiao now wearing a rose-red double-breasted long dress.


    For full effect, the owner had also added some hair essories and styled Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hair.


    As the sun set, the room grew dimmer, so the owner lit some candles.


    In the warm candlelight, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s face seemed even more porcin-pale and translucent, like exquisite jade.


    Her movements werenguid and graceful, her figure slender and willowy.


    As a former nun, Jiang Xiaoxiao naturally exuded an aura of pristine detachment from the mundane world.


    Yet purity taken to the extreme evokes desire.


    The unseen allure is most fatal.


    Xie Xun''s eyes rippled slightly before he swiftly averted his gaze.


    "We''ll take this set," Xie Xun said to the owner. "How much?"


    The ownerughed lightly, "Young sir, aren''t you going to buy the young wife a couple more sets? We have plenty of styles and colors that youngdies love."


    "Whatever you think is best, you pick them out."


    After saying that, Xie Xun lowered his eyelids, hiding the strange emotion in his eyes.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was used to wearing Daoist robes and had never worn such fancy clothes before.


    She had no real concept of what looked good or not, only noticing that Xie Xun seemed a little dazed when he saw her in this new outfit.


    That probably meant it looked good.


    She told the owner she wanted this set, and asked if there was another identical one, she wanted two of the same.


    The owner exined that for ady''s clothes, having identical sets didn''t look as nice, and suggested choosing different styles instead.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao insisted, "I want two identical sets!"


    Unable to dissuade her, the owner had no choice but to get another set that was exactly the same.


    The two dresses cost three hundred wen.


    It was only after paying that Xie Xun realized the two sets were identical.


    He looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Did you get the wrong ones?"


    "No, I didn''t," Jiang Xiaoxiao stuffed the clothes into her bundle. "I like wearing the same clothes."


    Seeing how she must have worn Daoist robes year-round at Cangwu Mountain out of habit, Xie Xun didn''t ask further.


    The coachman was still obediently waiting outside.


    Upon seeing the two of them, he hurriedly got off and put down the step stool, practically kowtowing as he ushered them onto the carriage.


    How could he not be extremely respectful? This youngdy was simply too formidable. Earlier, she had charged right into the stable and beat up every single coachman who had cursed at Xie Xun that day, not even sparing the stable master.


    She was especially vicious when beating him.


    Her fists felt like they were made of iron.


    He had never seen a woman so terrifyingly fierce before, nor even heard of such a thing.


    It was like seeing a ghost!

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    The carriage was quite spacious, with an oilmp hanging inside that swayed with the jolting of the carriage.


    Neither of the two passengers spoke a word.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was resting with her eyes closed.


    Xie Xun noticed that her hair had be a bit disheveled.


    Earlier at the clothing store, the shopkeeper had arranged her hair with ornaments to better show off the outfit.


    After trying on the clothes, the ornaments were removed, leaving only a simple wooden hairpin holding her hair in a bun.


    Now, due to the swaying of the carriage, the wooden hairpin was tilted, with a few stray strands draping down her cheek, adding a touch of allure.


    Xie Xun unconsciously raised his hand.


    But before he could touch her hair, Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly opened her eyes, "What''s the matter?"


    Xie Xun paused for a moment, then naturally reached over to steady the swaying oilmp, his voice devoid of any emotion.


    "We''re almost home."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao let out a soft "oh," and when the carriage stopped, she nimbly hopped off.


    The carriage driver, who had been beaten quite badly earlier, was now too afraid to move rashly. He trembled as he asked Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Young Miss, c-can I leave now?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, borrowing the light from the carriage''s oilmp, looked at the driver''s injuries and frowned slightly, seeming unsatisfied.


    The driver was terrified, his face pleading as he looked to Xie Xun for help.


    They heard Jiang Xiaoxiao mutter, "Didn''t do a good job on the left cheek, will have to make up for it next time."


    The driver thought: "..."


    There better not be a next time!


    From now on, he would run as far as possible if he ever saw this young miss again!


    Xie Xun symbolically asked, "How much do I owe you?"


    The driver hastily replied with ttery, "No need for payment, Sir Xie, this was my honor to serve you."


    Xie Xun didn''t bother with further pleasantries, simply saying, "Then be on your way."


    Hearing this, the driver felt immensely relieved and quickly urged his horses away from Shi Mo Vige as if being chased by ghosts.


    After arriving home, Xie Xun''s first task was to start a fire in the kitchen to cook.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao squatted by the vegetable garden, watching as a small grass snakezily slithered over.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao reached out and pinched it between her fingers, carefully examining it, as if considering whether it would be edible.


    The tiny grass snake, terrified, struggled desperately.


    Finally breaking free from Jiang Xiaoxiao''s grasp, it fled for its life, not daring to slow down for fear of being swallowed whole.


    Xie Xun, who had just started cooking the rice, came out and witnessed this scene.


    He felt his eyelid twitch slightly, "That''s a snake, you can''t eat it."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao let out an "oh," then added, "You''ll be having a visitor soon."


    "A visitor?"


    Was she able to tell from the little snake?


    Xie Xun pondered for a moment.


    Given his limited social circle, he couldn''t imagine who would specifically visit him.


    But seeing that Jiang Xiaoxiao had no intention of exining further, Xie Xun didn''t pursue it.


    At dinner, Jiang Xiaoxiao happily picked up her small bowl.


    After spending a few days together, Xie Xun had developed a basic understanding of her.


    This girl was always indifferent towards anyone and anything else, but her expression would change during mealtimes.


    For her, eating was truly more important than anything.


    Yet seeing her hearty appetite, a pleased smile graced Xie Xun''s lips.


    Having the food he cooked eaten up was probably the most satisfying feeling for any cook.


    Xie Xun had lived alone for many years, forcing him to learn many skills.


    He considered himself a decent cook, but he never had anyone to share his cooking with.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s presence allowed him to experience an unprecedented feeling¡ªthat of providing sustenance.


    Whether it was the miniaturized Jiang Xiaoxiao or her normal self,


    whenever he saw her eating so happily, he felt an urge to cook every delicious dish in the world for her to taste.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao waspletely oblivious to Xie Xun''s thoughts, only looking at him longingly after finishing her te.


    "Those steamed spare ribs were so delicious, can we have them again tomorrow?"


    Instead of answering, Xie Xun asked, "What did you eat at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, "Porridge and steamed buns."


    The Heavenly Master''s Mansion did not restrict its disciples from marrying, so naturally there were no restrictions on their diet¡ªthey were allowed to eat meat.


    But her master said that eating meat was not conducive to her cultivation, so the kitchen was instructed to prepare only vegetarian meals for her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s appetite was already muchrger than others, and being restricted from eating meat only made her crave it more.


    Usually when she felt a craving, she would sneak into the Ancestor Master''s yard to roast and eat fish with him.


    Hearing that she could only eat vegetarian food on the mountain, Xie Xun understood.


    No wonder everything tasted so delicious to her after leaving the mountain.


    "Here, take this. I''ll buy some spare ribs tomorrow."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao handed Xie Xun the pouch of money that Old Man Chen had given her.


    The pouch still contained the original six taels and six qian of silver, untouched.


    Xie Xun didn''t ept it, "What, you think I can''t afford to keep you?"


    He simply didn''t have many sources of ie, but that didn''t mean he was broke.


    Before her death, his wet nurse had given him two keys.


    The keys were tokens for a money house.


    The wet nurse said that Xie Xun''ste mother had left him something.


    The first key held money, which could be retrieved from the money house in the county town.


    The second key held something in the capital city, which he could only retrieve by going there himself.


    Xie Xun didn''t know exactly what it was.


    Due to the seal ced on him, Xie Xun had been unable to seed at anything he tried over the years.


    He couldn''t easily leave Shi Mo Vige, so he wasn''t foolish enough to reveal his wealth.


    On idle days, he would go to the mountains to gather things, dry them, and sell them.


    Firstly, it gave him something to do.


    Secondly, he wanted to test if he couldpletely leave Shi Mo Vige.


    However, he had failed many times.


    ...


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand the nuances of Xie Xun''s words, only looking at him curiously and asking, "Don''t you need silver to buy spare ribs?"


    Xie Xun rubbed his brow, "I have my own money, no need for yours."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao let out an "oh," "The spare ribs are bought by you, the food is cooked by you, the clothes are also bought by you. I don''t seem to need this, so I might as well throw it away? It''s troublesome to carry it around."


    This attitude of treating money like dirt...


    Xie Xun said, "...Why don''t you just give it to me then."


    The next day, Xie Xun rose early. As soon as he opened the door, he saw that Jiang Xiaoxiao was already standing in the courtyard.


    Xie Xun asked, "Up so early for cultivation?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head, "I''ming with you to buy spare ribs."


    Xie Xun asked, "...Don''t you need to cultivate?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, "No need."


    The Ancestor Master always said that she was an exception.


    She didn''t need to wake up early and cultivate diligently like her fellow disciples.


    Whenever she ate more, she would feel her spiritual energy replenishing.


    Especially after being miniaturized, her appetite was evenrger than normal, because at that time she was particrly weak. She needed to consume food to supplement her spiritual energy and ensure that the curse would not backfire, leaving her unable to return to her normal size.


    But she didn''t know how to exin all this to Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun was already ustomed to Jiang Xiaoxiao''s peculiarities. He felt that no matter what else he discovered about her, nothing would surprise him anymore.


    Taking the key, he locked the courtyard gate and said, "Let''s go to the town."


    The town wasn''t far from Shi Mo Vige, and the hour was still early, so they went on foot.


    As soon as they reached the entrance of the town, they encountered an old Taoist priest selling his wares.


    Seeing Xie Xun, the old priest''s eyes lit up, "Good sir, please wait a moment."

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Xie Xun had previously encountered many wandering tricksters who used deceptive means to swindle people, so he did not intend to pay attention to the Old Taoist.


    However, the Old Taoist did not n to let him go. He walked over and grabbed Xie Xun''s hand.


    "Sir, you and I have a karmic connection!"


    Xie Xun smiled faintly, "Is that so?"


    "Why don''t you sit down and let me tell your fortune?" The Old Taoist said as he pulled Xie Xun towards his stall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao originally thought Xie Xun would shake off the Old Taoist and leave, but to her surprise, he did not resist and actually sat down in front of the stall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had no choice but to set aside the spare ribs she had been looking forward to and stand quietly behind him.


    The Old Taoist''s stall was well-stocked, offering not only fortune-telling but also selling talismans and various jade and stone pendants.


    Xie Xun nced around and asked the Old Taoist, "Master, are your fortune-tellings urate?"


    The Old Taoist stroked his beard, pretending to be profound, "Young sir, have you heard of the Cangwu Mountain Taoist Sect?"


    Xie Xun nodded, "I have heard of it."


    The Old Taoist raised his eyebrows, "I am the direct disciple of the old master from that sect. This time, I havee down from the mountain on an important mission and have set up a stall to tell fortunes for those with whom I have a karmic connection. Let me be honest with you, young sir, you are the first destined person I have met today."


    Xie Xun asked, "Does telling fortunes cost money?"


    The Old Taoist continued stroking his beard, "If it''s not urate, it''s free."


    "Oh, then how much for one reading?"


    "One tael of silver for one reading."


    "One tael?" Xie Xun frowned.


    "Young sir, don''t think it''s too expensive."


    The Old Taoist spoke with conviction, "Telling fortunes means revealing heavenly secrets, which will shorten the lifespan of us cultivators. One tael of silver to know your fate and fortune is already a great bargain."


    Xie Xun smiled, "I mean, it''s too cheap."


    The Old Taoist was taken aback.


    "How about ten taels of silver for one reading?"


    The Old Taoist was stunned again, then looked serious, "Although young sir''s request is a bit excessive, I cannot help but ept it, so..."


    "We''ll tell your fortune instead." Xie Xun interrupted him.


    "What?!" The Old Taoist was dumbfounded.


    "Isn''t it true that as long as the fortune-telling is urate, one can call oneself a master and charge money?" Xie Xun said. "We can also tell fortunes."


    After saying that, he gave Jiang Xiaoxiao a meaningful look.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao carefully observed the Old Taoist''s facial features and palm, pondered for a while, and then concluded:


    "Sun Dazhu, from Wuli Town in Baiyang County, a former schr who failed the imperial examinations three times in a row. On his way to take the fourth examination, he was swindled out of his money by a fortune-teller, which changed his mindset. Since then, he has been wandering around deceiving and swindling people''s money. Recently, he was chased out of Baiyang County."


    The Old Taoist''s face changed drastically upon hearing this.


    He did not know these two people, especially the girl. How did she know all these things about him?


    "Nonsense!" The Old Taoist red at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "I am the true direct disciple of the old master from Cangwu Mountain. Don''t nder me with your reckless words!"


    "Oh." Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "The old master has three direct disciples. You are the ny-eighth person iming to be his direct disciple down the mountain."


    Then she stretched out her hand towards the Old Taoist, "Pay up."


    The Old Taoist was unconvinced, "What you said just now doesn''t count! Those things you mentioned, anyone who knows me can find out by asking around."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did not want to argue with him anymore, "Then let me tell your fortune. You will face a bloody disaster today. Want me to tell it?"


    Before the Old Taoist could react, he was struck heavily in the left cheek by a punch.


    A tooth, wrapped in blood, fell out.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao squatted down, looking at him, "Telling fortunes means revealing heavenly secrets and shortening one''s lifespan. Ten taels of silver is not expensive. Pay up!"


    The Old Taoist: "!!!"

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Ten taels of silver in hand, Xie Xun slowly slipped them into the money pouch at his waist. Then he left with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    On their way to the meat stalls, Xie Xun asked, "Can you fortune tellers really make such urate predictions?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head. "I didn''t make any prediction."


    "Huh?"


    "I saw him when I wasing down the mountain."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "There are many people at the foot of the mountain pretending to be direct disciples of the celestial masters. I remembered this Sun Dazhu."


    "I''ve seen this person before too."


    Xie Xun said, "A few years ago, I went to the county town to have my fortune told and met him. I was young and naive back then, and he swindled me out of some silver."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked enlightened.


    No wonder Xie Xun hadn''t shooed that old Daoist priest away earlier but had simply sat down to confront him.


    So he had run into an old enemy and seized the opportunity to take revenge!


    The meat stalls were just ahead.


    Xie Xun bought a b of pork ribs, then went to the fish stall and got three plump catfish. Finally, he went to the grocer''s to buy spices.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t know how to cook any of these ingredients.


    But she knew Xie Xun was a good cook.


    Thinking about the delicious meal awaiting them, she felt an indescribable satisfaction.


    Xie Xun noticed the subtle changes in her expression and smiled faintly.


    They had bought too much to carry it all back on foot.


    Luckily, an ox cart came by, and Xie Xun gged it down, negotiating the fare to Shi Mo Vige with the driver.


    Just as they were about to board, someone rushed ahead and climbed into the cart first. "Master, hurry up, I''m going to the county town!"


    Xie Xun recognized the speaker as Yang Wei, the only schr from Shi Mo Vige studying at Luming Academy.


    The driver felt a little awkward. "Young sir, he was here first."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Wei became displeased. "I''m rushing to take an exam. Why should you send him first? Besides, you''d make more money sending me to the county town than sending him. Right?"


    Xie Xun''s reputation of being gued by bad luck was well-known within ten li of the vige. As a fellow viger, Yang Wei was naturally aware of it too.


    With the pride of a schr, Yang Wei had never considered Xie Xun worth his attention, let alone interacting with him.


    If it weren''t for the urgent need to catch this cart due to the time constraints, he wouldn''t have wanted anything to do with Xie Xun at all.


    Thus, when he spoke, he didn''t even grant Xie Xun a nce, as if looking at Xie Xun would tarnish his noble dignity as a schr.


    "This..." The driver looked at Xie Xun in a dilemma.


    Before Xie Xun could respond, Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke first, telling the driver, "If you send him, the cart will overturn halfway. By the time you factor in the repair costs, you''ll probably end up losing money."


    Hearing this, Yang Wei''s face darkened. He pointed at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "What uncouth girl is spouting nonsense and wishing ill on others? Mind your foul tongue!"


    As schrs, they didn''t believe in supernatural forces or nonsense.


    Yet this was an exam, and who didn''t hope for a smooth journey?


    Yang Wei had been at the bottom of his ss for six consecutive months.


    The master had warned that if his grades didn''t improve, he wouldn''t be eligible for the children''s exam next year.


    Of course Yang Wei was anxious - he was the only schr from the vige.


    Everyone believed he would achieve great things by studying at the prestigious Luming Academy.


    Yang Wei believed this himself too.


    Luming Academy''s admission requirements were extremely stringent. Apart from passing the almost soul-crushing entrance exam, there were various oral interviews to test each candidate''s adaptability.


    Yang Wei was probably the luckiest student ever admitted to Luming Academy.


    When he enrolled, he didn''t take the entrance exam or the rumored "interview."


    His admission seemed to be through the back door.


    One day, someone from Luming Academy came and said out of the blue that he had saved the dean''s life.


    Then, just as inexplicably, they gave him an admission letter, and he enrolled just like that.


    To this day, Yang Wei didn''t remember when he had saved the dean''s life. He didn''t even know what the dean looked like.


    But what did that matter?


    In the entire Baoqing Prefecture, even in all of Kaihe County, there wasn''t a single student who hadn''t heard of the renowned Luming Academy.


    They considered it the highest honor to be admitted there.


    For Yang Wei to study at such an esteemed institution was naturally a glorious event that brought honor to his ancestors. His family was overjoyed and even threw a grand feast inviting the whole vige to let him bask in the limelight.


    However, Yang Wei''s performance after enrolling was less than ster.


    He always struggled to keep up with the lessons taught by the masters and naturally performed poorly in exams.


    While he could pretend in front of the vigers, at the academy, he could only hang his head and tuck his tail between his legs.


    To this day, he had yet to meet the dean whose life he had supposedly "saved."


    Thinking of this, Yang Wei felt resentful.


    Before leaving home, his mother had even burned high-quality incense to pray to their ancestors, hoping he would perform well in today''s exam.


    Yet before even reaching the town, some uncouth girl had cursed him, saying the cart he was riding would overturn halfway.


    Who wouldn''t feel unlucky hearing that?


    Yang Wei red at Jiang Xiaoxiao with eyes that seemed to hold knives, as if he wanted to y her alive.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was usually quick to act and never argued with people. She calmly looked back at Yang Wei.


    If he dared to bark another word, she would give him a couple of punches to let him experience the harsh realities of the world.


    However, it was then that Xie Xun spoke to the driver, "Never mind, you can send him first."


    The driver felt a little embarrassed as he looked at Xie Xun, then drove off with Yang Wei.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao watched the departing ox cart, then turned to Xie Xun. "Do you know that person?"


    "He''s from the vige," Xie Xun said. "But we''re not close."


    "Is he a schr?"


    "Yes."


    "Do you want to study too?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked again.


    "No."


    Xie Xun strode forward.


    He had considered it before, but his intention to study was only to find a way back to the capital.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiao had told him that to reim what was rightfully his, he would need to get close to the crown prince Mu Rong Yuan after returning to the capital.


    The path of the imperial examinations was clearly not feasible.


    Yang Wei was in a rush the whole way.


    They had been on holiday yesterday and were supposed to return to the academy yesterday evening.


    He had lingered to drink with some childhood friends from the vige and ended up oversleeping until this morning.


    Now he was rushing to the exam, and time was clearly tight.


    Yet the ox cart was so slow, barely faster than walking.


    As they went along at a snail''s pace, Yang Wei''s brow furrowed more deeply. "Hey, can''t you go a little faster?"


    The driver said helplessly, "Young sir, ox carts are just slow. If you''re in a hurry, you should have taken a horse carriage earlier. Horse carriages are much faster!"


    Horse carriages were fast, but they were also exorbitantly expensive!


    There were only two horse carriages at the town''s transport station. What ordinary person could afford that?


    Yang Wei said, "Just whip the ox a few more times, and it''ll go as fast as a horse carriage."


    The driver: "..."


    Yang Wei added, "I''ll give you five extra copper coins if you can go faster. Otherwise, I''ll bete for the exam."


    "Alright, I''ll try my best." The driver cracked his whip against the ox''s back.


    Stung by the pain, the ox indeed broke into a gallop.


    At this speed, they would definitely reach the academy on time.


    Yang Wei felt relieved.


    However, before he could fully catch his breath, he saw arge puddle ahead.


    There was no way to slow down in time.


    The ox charged through the puddle, the left wheel sinking into the water.


    Before anyone could react, the cart overturned, spilling driver, passenger, and all.


    Yang Wei''s pristine schr''s robe was covered in mud.


    The driver wasn''t faring much better either.


    But his first thought wasn''t to check on the ox cart, but to recall the words of the girl back in town.


    She had said that if the ox cart was headed to the county town, it would overturn halfway.


    The driver was no spring chicken, yet he had been spooked by the mere words of a young girl?


    Yang Wei didn''t take her words to heart at the time, thinking the girl was just venting her anger after someone had stolen her carriage.


    But now, looking at the overturned ox cart in the muddy pit, the carter broke out in a cold sweat on his back.


    Yang Wei also recalled Jiang Xiaoxiao''s words, his face darkening.


    He didn''t believe in any premonition nonsense; that dead girl must have tampered with the ox cart while he wasn''t paying attention!


    Now that things had turned out like this, there was no way he could make it to the exam site on time.


    The more Yang Wei thought about it, the angrier he became, ultimately deciding to cut his losses.


    He didn''t pay the fare and abandoned the ox cart, turning around and running back.


    He was going to find that dead girl and settle the score!


    In Shi Mo Vige.


    Xie Xun was steaming the spare ribs, squatting by the well to kill fish.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was holding a wooden dipper, watering the vegetable garden.


    The fragrance of steamed spare ribs wafted out from the steaming pot in the kitchen from time to time, making her mouth water.


    Before long, someone was knocking heavily on the courtyard gate.


    "Xie Xun, get your ass out here!"


    Xie Xun recognized the voice and ignored it, continuing to kill the fish with his head down.


    Themotion outside the gate grew louder and louder, with Yang Wei even disregarding the demeanor of a schr, knocking on the door while cursing loudly.


    "Xie Xun, you gue-ridden scoundrel, you''ve harmed someone and can only cower like a turtle now? Have the guts toe out!"


    Hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked over at Xie Xun, "Someone''s knocking on the door."


    Xie Xun said indifferently, "No need to bother."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t want to bother either, but the person outside was too annoying.


    She tossed the wooden dipper aside, grabbed a half-bucket of water, jumped onto the courtyard wall, and poured it directly towards the gate.


    The drenched Yang Wei immediately jumped up and down. "Xie Xun, you..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao squatted on the courtyard wall, propping her chin and frowning, "You''re so annoying."


    Yang Wei looked up, saw the person on the courtyard wall, and grew angrier. "You dead girl, was it you who tampered with the ox cart earlier?"


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao realized the ox cart had overturned.


    And judging from Yang Wei''s mud-covered appearance, he must have taken a nasty fall.


    She shrugged nonchntly, "You say it was, then it was."


    "You!" Yang Wei was furious, shouting curses, "You pair of bastards, I''m going to tell the vige chief and get you kicked out of the vige!"


    As Yang Wei was about to leave, Jiang Xiaoxiao leaped down in front of him, blocking his way.


    It was then that Yang Wei realized this dead girl actually had some martial arts skills.


    "You, you want to do what?"


    He stepped back in fear.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves, about to take action.


    At this moment, a stern rebuke came from behind, "Stop!"

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Jiang Xiaoxiao turned around and saw that the speaker was an old man in in clothes, leaning on a crutch.


    The old man''s gaze was piercing cold as he stared at her.


    Not just staring? She could do that too!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao widened her almond-shaped eyes and red back at the old man.


    The old man: "..."


    Next to him was a younger man.


    When the young man saw Jiang Xiaoxiao, he seemed slightly distracted for a moment.


    Then, realizing hisck ofposure, he cleared his throat and asked Yang Wei, "What''s going on?"


    As soon as Yang Wei saw the two men, it was as if he had found a lifeline. With tears in his eyes, he cried out, "Waaah! Vige Chief, this wild girl has gone too far and wronged me! You must stand up for me!"


    The old man with the crutch was indeed the Vige Chief.


    The younger man was the Vige Chief''s son, Yang Dashun.


    Upon hearing Yang Wei''sint, Yang Dashun frowned, "Get to the point!"


    After wailing for a while, Yang Wei finally got to the point.


    "Early this morning, I was on my way to take the exam at the Luming Academy when this wild girl sabotaged me, causing the ox-cart to overturn halfway through the journey."


    "I went to confront them, but they wouldn''t open the door. And this vicious girl even poured water all over me!"


    Yang Wei''s drenched and mud-stained appearance certainly didn''t seem like he was lying.


    Not only was Yang Wei from the prestigious Yang n, but he was also the only educated person in the vige.


    If he seeded, the entire Shi Mo Vige would bask in his glory.


    Naturally, the Old Vige Chief had high expectations for him.


    Seeing him mistreated like this, the old Vige Chief frowned, his wrinkled face darkening as he looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao with displeasure, "Who are you?"


    Shi Mo Vige wasn''t veryrge, with only about thirty households.


    The Old Vige Chief Yang had managed Shi Mo Vige for many years and knew every household and its members like the back of his hand.


    The only one he hadn''t seen before was this wild girl.


    Yesterday, his wife had mentioned seeing a girl following Xie Xun into the vige.


    Xie Xun wasn''t from Shi Mo Vige, and he lived far away from the other vigers.


    As long as he didn''t cause any trouble, the Old Vige Chief didn''t care who he brought back home.


    But if the person Xie Xun brought back was bullying the vigers, then he couldn''t turn a blind eye anymore.


    "I''m Xie Xun''s fianc¨¦e," Jiang Xiaoxiao said as she squatted on the ground, drawing circles and feeling annoyed.


    Why did everyone want to interrogate her? Wouldn''t it be better to just have a fight?


    Yang Dashun hesitated for a moment, looking puzzled, "Miss, are you lost or have you been kidnapped?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was currently at Xie Xun''s house.


    It was obvious who had "kidnapped" her.


    Although Yang Dashun didn''t have much interaction with Xie Xun, he knew that Xie Xun was an orphan with no rtives.


    For a person whom even dogs disliked to suddenly have a beautiful young fianc¨¦e seemed unbelievable.


    Yang Dashun grew increasingly concerned, "Miss, don''t be afraid. My father is the Vige Chief here. If you have any difficulties, you can tell us."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded and pointed at Yang Wei, telling Yang Dashun, "I do have a difficulty now. I want to beat him up."


    Yang Dashun: "..."


    "Father, this girl seems to have some mental issues," Yang Dashun said, looking at his father.


    Although the Old Vige Chief was annoyed, he was still an elderly man. It didn''t seem right for him to point fingers and use a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl.


    He turned towards Jiang Xiaoxiao and called out loudly, "Is Xie Xun there?"


    Footsteps approached from behind Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    She turned around and saw Xie Xuning out.


    He stood at the gate, his features calm and elegant, his tall figure imposing. His recently washed hands were still damp, with water droplets sliding down his slender, well-defined fingers and dripping onto the ground.


    The corner of his clean blue robe was slightly wet from washing the vegetables.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never had a strong concept of beauty or ugliness.


    But at this moment, she somehow felt that Xie Xun was remarkably good-looking.


    Standing next to Yang Dashun and Yang Wei, Xie Xun''s noble and graceful demeanor, inherited from his royal bloodline, was something the other twocked.


    The difference in quality was evident.


    "What''s the matter?" Xie Xun''s voice was calm and unruffled as he nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was squatting on the ground.


    His attitude only caused the Old Vige Chief to frown repeatedly.


    "Xie Xun, I don''t care who you bring into your home, but since you''re living in Shi Mo Vige, you must abide by the vige rules. The person you brought has bullied one of our vigers. What do you have to say for yourself?"


    Xie Xun looked at Yang Wei with a hint of a mocking smile, "Who do you say bullied you?"


    Yang Wei was intimidated by Xie Xun''s gaze and unconsciously took half a step back, "You... you dare deny that this wild girl sabotaged the ox-cart?"


    Xie Xunughed lightly, "Do you dare deny that you were trying to avoid the exam by framing Xiaoxiao?"


    Upon hearing this, Yang Wei jumped up, "Xie Xun, how dare you nder me!"


    Xie Xun calmly continued, "The Luming Academy had an exam this morning. You should have been in the dormitoryst night, but you only set out this morning to catch the cart. Was it because you were too confident?"


    "Xie Xun, shut up!" Yang Wei clenched his fists.


    Then he looked anxiously at the Old Vige Chief, "Vige Chief, don''t listen to his nonsense. I didn''t!"


    Initially, when Yang Wei was admitted to the prestigious Luming Academy, the Old Vige Chief was overjoyed and even sponsored him with ten taels of silver.


    Whenever Yang Wei came back for holidays, the Old Vige Chief would visit and inquire about his studies.


    Of course, Yang Wei couldn''t let the Old Vige Chief down, so he always said he was doing well.


    The Old Vige Chief rarely went to the county, so he had no idea about the actual situation at the Luming Academy.


    He only knew that students admitted to the renowned Luming Academy would have a promising future, and Yang Wei was the hope of the entire Shi Mo Vige.


    Little did he know that even at the most prestigious academies with the most esteemed teachers, there were still students who couldn''t be taught.


    Yang Wei was one of them.


    The Old Vige Chief Yang had pinned all his hopes on Yang Wei alone.


    Now, hearing Xie Xun say that Yang Wei deliberately made himself look like this to avoid the exam, the old man''s frail body swayed.


    Yang Dashun was rmed and quickly held his father steady, "Father!"


    Yang Wei''s face turned pale.


    Initially, he didn''t intend to skip the exam, but after the ox-cart overturned, preventing him from going to the county, he felt relieved.


    Compared to facing the disdainful looks of the teachers and ssmates for failing, he preferred to be absent.


    But he needed someone to take the me for his absence.


    That vicious girl was the perfect scapegoat!


    However, he never expected that Xie Xun would expose him in front of the Old Vige Chief.


    "Vige Chief, if there''s nothing else, we''ll head inside now," Xie Xun said, bending down to pull Jiang Xiaoxiao up from the ground where she was drawing circles to vent her frustration.


    "Wait!" The Old Vige Chief suddenly spoke up.


    Xie Xun paused.


    The Old Vige Chief looked at him with uncertainty, "Are you familiar with the Luming Academy?"


    "You''re mistaken," Xie Xun replied without turning around, leading Jiang Xiaoxiao into the courtyard and closing the gate behind them.


    Rather than questioning Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun further, the Old Vige Chief was more concerned about Yang Wei''s performance at the academy.


    He didn''t know much about Xie Xun, but his impression was that this was a quiet outsider.


    Since there was no vested interest involved, Xie Xun had no reason to nder Yang Wei without cause.


    What puzzled the Old Vige Chief even more was why Xie Xun seemed so familiar with the exam schedule of the Luming Academy...


    The Old Vige Chief pondered over this for the entire afternoon and decided to visit the county city in the afternoon to inquire about the situation at the Luming Academy.


    Initially, Yang Wei was only admitted to the academy because he had saved the life of the principal.


    The Old Vige Chief couldn''t believe that a person like Yang Wei hadn''t learned anything substantial at the academy.


    Seeing through his father''s thoughts, Yang Dashun apanied him to the county city after lunch.


    Upon inquiring at the Luming Academy, they discovered that even the gatekeeper recognized Yang Wei.


    The Old Vige Chief Yang finally felt he had regained some face, and stroked his goatee. "It seems you all know about him saving the Principal''s life."


    "What do you mean by saving the Principal''s life?"


    The gatekeeper was stunned, with a look of bewilderment on his face, gazing at the Old Vige Chief as if he were a fool daydreaming.


    The Old Vige Chief squinted his old eyes. "How..."


    The gatekeeper asked, "Aren''t you looking for that student Yang Wei who often skips sses, submits nk exams, scores at the bottom, and missed today''s exam? What does he have to do with the Principal?"


    Skipping sses!


    Submitting nk exams!


    Scoring at the bottom!


    Missing exams!


    Each phrase was like a heavy p across the Old Vige Chief''s face.


    The muscles at the corner of his lips twitched.


    Yang Dashun was afraid his father might have difficulty breathing, so he hurriedly said, "Father, don''t get angry. Calm down, or it will be bad for your health."


    The Vige Chief carefully recalled the situation when Luming Academy came to their vigest year.


    "Dashun, how did those people from the academy describe it when they came to our vigest year?"


    Yang Dashun said, "Father, those people said that Yang Wei had saved the Principal''s life, and the Principal, with his discerning eye, saw that he was a promising seedling, so the academy made an exception and admitted him."


    "That''s right," the Old Vige Chief remembered those people describing Yang Wei as a promising seedling.


    But how could a promising seedling skip sses, submit nk exams, and miss exams for no reason?


    The more the Old Vige Chief thought about it, the more it didn''t add up. Without saving face any longer, he called his son and returned to the vige, immediately summoning Yang Wei.


    After themotion with Xie Xun in the morning, Yang Wei noticed that the Vige Chief had shifted his attention to him, so he had been sitting at home anxiously.


    Now, being summoned to the Vige Chief''s house, Yang Wei stood there, not daring to breathe a word.


    The Vige Chief said, "Don''t just stand there, have a seat."


    Yang Wei dared not. "Vige Chief, I''ll stand."


    "Wei, don''t be nervous," the Vige Chief said. "I called you here because I have something to ask you."


    At this point, how could Yang Wei not be nervous? His fingers clenched tightly. "Vige Chief, please ask."


    "After you arrived at Luming Academy, did you meet the Principal?"


    Yang Wei swallowed hard and said, "I did."


    In fact, not just him, but many of his ssmates had never seen the Principal since enrolling until now.


    It was said that the Principal was rarely at the academy, and even the teachers had to be lucky to catch a glimpse of him.


    "Did he ever give you any guidance on your studies?"


    As his life-saving benefactor, the Principal should have treated him differently from others.


    "Uh..." Yang Wei hesitated. "The Principal is very busy."


    It was understandable for the head of an academy to be busy.


    But the Old Vige Chief still felt something was off.


    He squinted at Yang Wei, recalling what the gatekeeper had said at the academy earlier, and felt a fire burning within him.


    "How have your grades beentely?"


    As Yang Wei was about to open his mouth, Yang Dashun reminded him, "Yang Wei, my father has already personally inquired about it at the academy. It''s best for you to confess honestly, or else if you lie, you''ll face the consequences!"


    Upon hearing this, Yang Wei''s legs went weak, and he immediately knelt before the Old Vige Chief, tears streaming down his face. "Vige Chief, I made a mistake. I swear I will work hard from now on."


    The Vige Chief looked at him, feeling that the Yang Wei before him seemed different from the one described by the academy when they came to find him.


    "How did you originally save the Principal''s life?" the Old Vige Chief asked the question that had been bothering him.


    "This..." Yang Wei had no memory of such an event, so how could he know?


    "It''s been too long, I can''t remember clearly," Yang Wei could only respond vaguely.


    The Old Vige Chief frowned and exchanged a nce with his son.


    Yang Dashun said, "Try to think harder?"


    Yang Wei shook his head. "Big Brother Dashun, I really can''t remember."


    "Forget it," the Old Vige Chief waved his hand.


    Although he had doubts in his mind, Yang Wei was the only schr in the vige, and he had invested all his hopes and efforts in him.


    If he told him now that Luming Academy had gotten the wrong person, he feared he might not be able to bear it.


    "I went to the academy today to inquire, and your performance has been unsatisfactory," the Old Vige Chief said sternly. "If your grades are poor, we can work hard to catch up, but skipping sses, submitting nk exams, and missing exams, what''s the meaning of this?"


    Yang Wei had nothing to say, for these were indeed his own misdeeds. "Vige Chief, I swear I will never do it again!"


    The Vige Chief felt helpless. "Pack your things quickly. I''ll have Dashun send you back to the academy."


    After Yang Wei left, the Old Vige Chief''s youngest son, Yang Ershun, peeked from outside the door, peering curiously into the room.


    The Old Vige Chief noticed him and frowned. "You little brat, what are you doing?"


    Yang Ershun''s eyes darted around, and he scampered off towards the east of Shi Mo Vige.


    The gate of the Xie family''s courtyard was closed.


    Yang Ershun propped up a rock to climb onto the wall, and soon found himself face-to-face with Jiang Xiaoxiao inside the courtyard.


    Yang Ershun was so startled that he nearly fell off the wall. He widened his eyes. "Who are you? How did you end up in Xie Xun''s house?"


    Another one inquiring about her identity, and just a little brat, so Jiang Xiaoxiao ignored him.


    Yang Ershun, straddling the wall, scanned around and shouted again, "Xie Xun, Xie Xun..."


    Xie Xun had been taking an afternoon nap and was awakened by themotion outside. Recognizing the voice, he chose to ignore it and closed his eyes again.


    Yang Ershun shouted again, "If you don''te out, I won''t be able to keep it a secret!"


    After shouting, he noticed Jiang Xiaoxiao sitting by the well, sharpening a kitchen knife that gleamed brightly, looking unsettlingly intimidating.


    Yang Ershun felt a chill down his spine, and his unsteady bottom slipped off the wall, causing him to tumble down with a loud thud.


    "Ow ow ow!" his cries of pain echoed through the small courtyard.


    Xie Xun got up and opened the door, seeing the chubby lump lying in the corner of the wall. "What are you here for?" he asked.


    The chubby Yang Ershun eventually picked himself up, dusting off the dirt from his body, and muttered, "I came to give you a secret message!"


    Xie Xun: "..."


    "Oh yes," Yang Ershun continued with his half-baked idioms, "Yang Wei was just taken away by my father, and he''s in a difficult situation now."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Yang Ershun sniffled and scratched his head as he looked at Xie Xun. "If you want me to continue keeping your secret, I want a scallion pancake."


    Xie Xun coldly said, "No."


    "Hey!" Yang Ershun got anxious. "Come on, we''re like brothers! It''s just a scallion pancake, you''re too stingy!"


    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll go tell my dad that the person who saved the dean back then was you?"


    ''Like brothers'' - this phrase from him was hard to swallow.


    Xie Xun remained calm on the surface. "Do as you wish."


    Yang Ershun pulled a long face.


    He had always known that Xie Xun made delicious food, and today he finally had a chance to score a scallion pancake.


    But Xie Xun didn''t even bat an eye at him.


    Yang Ershun wasn''t disheartened.


    He pattered over to the well.


    He squatted down and looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was intently sharpening a knife.


    "Hey, you want a scallion pancake? We''ll split er."


    As he spoke, he slurped up some drool.


    Xie Xun was about to drag Yang Ershun away when he heard Jiang Xiaoxiao slurp up some drool as well.


    Xie Xun: "......"


    ......


    Xie Xun went to knead the dough in the kitchen.


    Yang Ershun dragged a stool over and sat next to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    He was quite familiar, saying that out of all the people in the vige, he and Xie Xun were the closest.


    He also said that his dad was the vige chief, and after eating the scallion pancake, Xie Xun would be under his protection. No one would dare bully Xie Xun, or they''d have to answer to him.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "What if you don''t get to eat the scallion pancake?"


    Yang Ershun said, "Impossible, absolutely impossible! I can already smell the aroma."


    ......


    Xie Xun fried two pancakes, giving one to Jiang Xiaoxiao and keeping the other for himself.


    Seeing no portion for himself, Yang Ershun burst into tears.


    Hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao chew the scallion pancake and smelling the aroma, Yang Ershun couldn''t help but drool again.


    With tears in one eye and drool in the other, he looked pitiful enough to leave Jiang Xiaoxiao dazed.


    "I''m not that hungry," Yang Ershun said, patting his growling stomach. "I just want a taste."


    There was no hope from Xie Xun, so he could only gaze longingly at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao "ooph"-ed and swallowed the rest whole.


    Yang Ershun: "!!!"


    He looked like he was about to cry again.


    Xie Xun handed his pancake over, ordering, "Take the pancake, but nevere again."


    Yang Ershun took a bite of the long-awaited pancake. It was crispy, fragrant, and more delicious than he had imagined.


    With one bite, he was satisfied from head to toe.


    "Why?" he sniffled, the pancake in his mouth making his words muffled. "Aren''t we like brothers?"


    Xie Xun said, "My family eats children."


    Yang Ershun: "!!!"


    Before Xie Xun could finish, the little kid had already made a run for it.


    After Yang Ershun left, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun.


    She remembered that Yang Ershun had said Xie Xun was the one who saved the dean.


    Xie Xun seemed to know what she wanted to ask, and calmly said, "It wasst year. I had just returned from the county and unintentionally came across an old man being harassed by a ghost."


    "As soon as I approached, the ghost retreated for some reason."


    At this point, Xie Xun looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "I did not mean to rescue him, it was just a coincidence."


    "Then how did Yang Ershun find out?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was puzzled.


    "He happened to see it," Xie Xun exined. "I told him that when the old man woke up, he could say anyone rescued him, just not me."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao understood.


    "So when the old man woke up, Yang Ershun conveniently pinned it on Yang Wei?"


    "Yes."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao roughly understood why Yang Wei was admitted to the Luming Academy.


    It turned out he had pulled some strings.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao''s focus wasn''t on Yang Wei.


    She was wondering what Xie Xun did to scare the ghost away.


    He had been sealed with malicious energy, and such a constitution was most likely to attract impurities.


    Logically, a ghost would only be more excited upon seeing him.


    "Were you injured that day?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    Xie Xun didn''t expect her to figure that out too, and nodded. "Yes, I was slightly injured."


    Before Jiang Xiaoxiao came, he was truly the "ill-fated" person the vigers described.


    Often, even without provoking anyone, he would get injured for no apparent reason.


    It was only during these days with Jiang Xiaoxiao that he could go to town or the county without incident and return unscathed.


    "Did you bleed?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked again.


    Xie Xun nodded.


    "That exins it," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "You have a pure Yang constitution. Those things fear your blood."


    Xie Xun had never known his blood could have such an amazing effect.


    "It''s a pity it''s being suppressed too much now," Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at the seal on his head. "Once the seal is removed and your dragon energy revives, no impurities will dare approach you again."


    At the mention of the seal, a thought crossed Xie Xun''s mind. "In your current state, can you help remove it for me?"


    "Yes."


    Xie Xun was unsure. "Will suddenly removing it have any drawbacks?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "The person who used evil arts on you will know."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun''s eyes darkened with turbulent thoughts.


    Sure enough, although the Capital City never sent anyone to monitor him, they kept him firmly in their grasp.


    Because of the seal, he was destined to never leave Shi Mo Vige, so there was no need for surveince.


    But as soon as his seal was removed, the Capital City would know immediately.


    In other words, if he recklessly removed the seal without any preparation or backing, he would soon invite grave danger.


    "Do you want to remove it now?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    "Let''s wait a bit longer," Xie Xun rubbed his brow.


    It seemed he needed to find a way to go to the Capital City as soon as possible.


    With no connections, Xie Xun would need to gather information about the Capital City beforehand if he wanted to go there.


    Shi Mo Vige was an impoverished and isted ce with limited news.


    To learn about the Capital City, he would have to go to the teahouses in the county town.


    Teahouses were crowded and diverse - spending a day there would allow him to overhear gossip from many ces.


    So after breakfast that day, Xie Xun set out with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Just like before, they walked to town first, then hired transportation to the county.


    But as soon as they reached the town entrance, they ran into Chen Sixi.


    Spotting the two of them, Chen Sixi grinned widely and shouted to Xie Xun from afar, "Xie Xun, it''s me, Chen Sixi!"


    Xie Xun nced at him indifferently.


    Chen Sixi waved his whip and drove his mule cart over.


    "Where are you two headed?"


    "The county."


    "Perfect timing then, I can give you a ride."


    Xie Xun didn''t get in right away, asking, "Not selling coffins today?"


    The implication being that Chen Sixi used to only give rides if the passengers bought his family''s coffins.


    Chen Sixi scratched his nose. "Oh yeah, my bad, you''re an honorable guest destined for longevity. Who would dare sell you a coffin? Stop dallying and hop in!"


    Today''s mule cart had a carriage with cushioned seats.


    After getting in, Jiang Xiaoxiaofortably leaned against the back wall and dozed off.


    Chen Sixi adjusted his direction and asked inside, "The county has been recruiting ghost masters recently. Xie Xun, you''re not taking your bride-to-be to sign up, are you?"

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    "A ghost-catcher?" Xie Xun noticed that Jiang Xiaoxiao was dozing off and lowered his voice. "I''ve never heard of such a thing."


    Chen Sixi became curious. "Then what are you two going to the county town for?"


    "Some business."


    "Oh, I..." Chen Sixi was about to say something.


    Xie Xun cut him off. "If you have anything to say, we can talk about it when we get to the town."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi had no choice but to close his mouth.


    Although he was a chatterbox, having no one to talk to on the journey made him feel stifled.


    But who was he toin when his life-saver Jiang Xiaoxiao was sitting in the same carriage?


    The two remained silent until the donkey cart entered the county town, with the noisy sounds of the busy streets filtering in from outside.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao opened her eyes.


    "We''re here," said Xie Xun.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded and was about to get off the carriage with Xie Xun.


    Suddenly, amotion arose not far ahead.


    Soon after, they saw an old man wearing a gray robe running swiftly towards them, as if his feet were greased.


    Behind him, a woman wielding a cleaver was in hot pursuit.


    The woman looked ferocious, chasing him while cursing loudly, "Gu Ergou, how dare you hide your private savings! I''m going to chop you up!"


    The old man, called "Gu Ergou," seemed ustomed to being chased by the cleaver, deftly dodging the people on the street.


    He had intended to turn into a side alley.


    But he hadn''t expected a donkey cart to be parked there.


    Before he could stop, he collided with the cart with a "bang."


    Fortunately, he wasn''t knocked unconscious.


    He nimbly jumped onto the donkey cart and climbed into the carriage, then promptly instructed the driver Chen Sixi, "My good man, please help me avoid my wife."


    Chen Sixi couldn''t help but grimace.


    When he saw that woman, the first thing that came to his mind was the female disciple from Mount Cangwu that his father wanted him to marry.


    He was only sixteen years old, yet he didn''t have the agility of the old man. If he were to be chased and hacked at like that in the future, wouldn''t he be doomed?


    Thinking of this, Chen Sixi broke out in a cold sweat before he was even married.


    Inside the carriage, Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao, and the suddenly appeared old man exchanged nces.


    The old man shed a polite and courteous smile. "Pardon me, but the situation is urgent, and I''ve borrowed your carriage for a moment."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t say a word, while Xie Xun gave the old man a few extra nces before falling silent as well.


    Chen Sixi couldn''t help but ask, "Hey, old sir, was that woman just now your..."


    "My wife," the old man said.


    Chen Sixi clicked his tongue. "She''s so fierce. How can you still live with her?"


    "Ah, my good man, you speak too rashly," the old man sat up straight. "A wife may asionally throw a tantrum, but us husbands must be more tolerant. It won''t escte, it won''t escte."


    This was the first time Chen Sixi had heard someone describe being afraid of his wife in such a refreshing and elegant manner.


    "Your wife has a rather...unique way of throwing tantrums," Chen Sixi remarked.


    After talking to Chen Sixi, the old man looked over Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Young man, where are you two headed?" the old man asked Xie Xun.


    "Just wandering around," Xie Xun replied.


    From behind the donkey cart, the woman''s enraged voice rang out, "Gu Ergou! How dare you hide from me? Get down here right now!"


    The old man leaned out the window and shouted back, "Don''t worry, my dear. I''m just taking a stroll and will be back soon."


    Chen Sixi was genuinely afraid that the woman would catch up and hack his donkey cart to pieces.


    "Old sir, why don''t I pull over and let you off? If there''s anything, you should talk it over with your wife."


    "No need, no need," the old man replied cheerfully. "Just keep driving, young man. I''ll treat you to some tea once things have settled down."


    With everyone on the street staring at a crazy woman chasing and shing at a donkey cart with a cleaver, how could Chen Sixi stay calm?


    He trembled as he shouted, "Xie Xun, say something, will you!"


    Xie Xun said, "The donkey cart is yours. If you want to stop, stop. If you want to go, go. No one can stop you."


    With that tone, how could Chen Sixi dare to stop?


    He could only keep whipping the donkeys'' backs.


    Donkeys were not horses, after all, and could never run as fast.


    Yet the old man remained calm, parting the curtain to precisely direct Chen Sixi in avoiding obstacles, gradually leading them into the alleys until they finally shook off the woman.


    The donkey cart eventually stopped in front of a small teahouse that didn''t have too many customers.


    Chen Sixi was shaken up, his forehead and back drenched in cold sweat.


    When he turned and saw the old man disembarking calmly and nonchntly, he felt somewhat disgruntled.


    The old man seemed to know every pothole, wooden post, crowded area, safe passage, and secure alleyway like the back of his hand.


    How many times must he have been chased and hacked at to gain such familiarity?


    "My friends, I promised to treat you to tea, and this is the ce," the old man said after dismounting, his tone courteous and schrly.


    No one could have imagined that just a moment ago, he was being pursued and hacked at on the streets by his wife.


    Chen Sixi remained silent, looking towards Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao as they disembarked.


    "Thank you," Xie Xun said.


    A smile appeared on the old man''s face. "This way, please."


    The teahouse was located deep in the alley, not as lively as those on the main streets where one could listen to tunes or storytelling.


    This ce was exceptionally quiet.


    But it had one advantage ¨C it was clean.


    At a nce, although there weren''t many furnishings, everything was neat and orderly.


    The few customers spoke softly, not causing any disturbance, making the atmosphere feelfortable.


    The old man must have been a regr here, as the waiter, upon seeing him, didn''t ask any questions and simply arranged for them to sit in an inner private room.


    Since the old man offered to treat, he went to the counter himself and ordered a pot of tea, a te of salted peanuts, and a te of braised duck tongues.


    While the old man was away, Chen Sixi whispered to Xie Xun, "Do you think he''ll want to ride our cart backter?"


    Xie Xun couldn''t be bothered to discuss such matters with him. "He treats you as a carriage driver, so take his money."


    "Yeah, right!" Chen Sixi sneered. "Didn''t you hear what that crazy woman said? The old man was hiding his private savings. If I take his money, and it''s from his secret stash, I might be the one getting hacked at!"


    At this point, he became fearful again. "If you ask me, we shouldn''t even drink this tea. Why don''t we sneak away while he''s still not back? We don''t know him anyway, so let''s just consider this my bad luck for not checking the almanac before going out."


    He then looked towards Jiang Xiaoxiao. "Master, could you take a look and see if I''ve offended some evil spiritstely?"


    Otherwise, how could he have such rotten luck from the moment he stepped out?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "You''ve offended the spirit of excessive talking. Keep your mouth shut, and it''ll be resolved."


    It took Chen Sixi a while to realize that Jiang Xiaoxiao was calling him a bbermouth.


    He had to swallow the words he was about to say, but he couldn''t sit still and peeked his head out of the private room.


    He saw the old man standing at the counter, talking to the shopkeeper.


    Although Chen Sixi couldn''t hear what they were saying, he could tell from the shopkeeper''s demeanor that he was being very respectful towards the old man.


    Chen Sixi was puzzled. "This old man''s dressed so inly, and there''s nothing special about him. Could he be some important figure?"


    "No, no!" He then refuted his own spection. "That crazy woman called him Gu Ergou. What important person would have such a lowly name? That would be demeaning."


    Xie Xun, unusually, didn''t remain silent and continued the conversation, speaking slowly, "The Dean of Luming Academy."


    Chen Sixi was stunned. "???"

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    When Dean Gu returned, Chen Sixi, who had been grumbling earlier, immediately fell silent and put on a broad, friendly smile.


    The private room was notrge, with seating for four people.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao sat on one side, while Chen Sixi sat on the other.


    After Dean Gu entered, he took a seat next to Chen Sixi in a very casual manner.


    Chen Sixi straightened his back and barely dared to breathe.


    Shortly after they were seated, the tea arrived.


    There was a pot of Biluochun green tea, two small dishes of snacks, and another te of sweets provided by the tea house.


    Dean Gu picked up the teapot and personally poured tea for the three of them, casually ncing at Xie Xun.


    "Where do the two young gentlemen study?"


    "We... we''re not students," Xie Xun replied.


    Learning of their identities, Chen Sixi became a bit less tense.


    Although he was usually a brash person, he knew which people he could offend and which he couldn''t.


    Even though this Dean was different from what he had imagined, the man was still a respected Dean, not someone Chen Sixi could provoke at will.


    "Oh?" Dean Gu set down the teapot and looked back at Xie Xun. "From your demeanor, this old man thought you were students from some academy."


    "I have no interest in studying," Xie Xun said.


    Dean Gu let out a heartyugh. "Those words from the young gentleman remind me of someone."


    "Who?" Chen Sixi asked, his face full of curiosity.


    Dean Gu did not directly name the person but said with a slightly mncholic tone, "I first met him when he was three years old, a particrly mischievous and rambunctious little fellow."


    "I still remember that day. While I was napping, he drew a turtle on my face. When I caught him in the act, he red at me with a pout and said he had no interest in studying."


    "Yet that child who imed to have no interest in studying turned out to be a once-in-a-century genius."


    "And then what happened? Tell us more!" Chen Sixi was extremely curious.


    Kaihe County was just a small ce. How had he never heard of such an incredible person before?


    "And then..." Dean Gu''s mind seemed to wander.


    That godly prince who could debate with the schrs of the Imperial Academy at the age of three and recite three-fifths of the books in the Wenyuan Pavilion from memory was said to have fallen gravely ill and had to be sent out of the capital city of Yanjing.


    After that, there was no news of him at all.


    Nowadays, there were barely any people left in Yanjing who could still remember him.


    "After that, I never saw him again," Dean Gu uttered the final words.


    His tone carried sighs of regret and sorrow.


    "Were you that young prodigy''s teacher?" Chen Sixi seemed to understand something.


    "Not quite," Dean Gu said. "After all, I didn''t teach him for long."


    "That''s such a pity!" Chen Sixi eximed. "If he had continued studying under your guidance, he might have even be the top schr in the imperial examinations!"


    Be the top schr?


    That child was blessed by divine light from the day he was born, causing the statues in the Imperial Ancestral Temple to shine for an entire night¡ªhe was a celestial prodigy.


    If the tragic events had not urred, if the Third Prince Murong Xun had not been sent out of Yanjing, how could Murong Yuan have risen to such prominence in the current capital?


    Dean Gu had been immersed in his own mncholic emotions.


    When he finally came to, he seemed to realize something and reached out to tap Chen Sixi''s head. "You cheeky boy, trying to probe this old man in a roundabout way?"


    Chen Sixi grinned. "I wouldn''t dare."


    In fact, as soon as Xie Xun had mentioned that the old man was the Dean of Luming Academy, Chen Sixi had believed him.


    His subsequent words were simply to further confirm the old man''s identity.


    Now it seemed that the old man was indeed the Dean, without a doubt.


    Clearing his thoughts, Dean Gu smiled and asked, "After this chance encounter, I still don''t know the names of the two young gentlemen?"


    Chen Sixi answered first, "My name is Chen Sixi!"


    Dean Gu''s gaze shifted to Xie Xun.


    There was something about this person''s facial features that seemed familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before.


    Xie Xun calmly said, "Xie San."


    Chen Sixi let out an "eh" sound. "Aren''t you called Xie..."


    "These sweets are not bad," Xie Xun interrupted, picking up a sweet and bringing it to Chen Sixi''s mouth.


    Chen Sixi opened his mouth and swallowed the sweet, mumbling through his stuffed mouth, "Mmm, it''s delicious."


    Xie Xun showed no intention of staying any longer and stood up. "We have matters to attend to, so we''ll take our leave now."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just stuffed a sweet into her mouth, making her cheeks bulge.


    Seeing Xie Xun about to leave, she got up without a word and followed him.


    "Hey, hey, hey! What are you two doing? Is this how you treat guests?" Chen Sixi had encountered a high-ranking person like the Dean for the first time and wanted to stay and chat longer.


    But these two were such a buzzkill.


    "If we don''t leave now, your mule cart will be shed," Xie Xun said.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi was so startled that he immediately stood up.


    Dean Gu: "..." This boy''s mouth is really quite rude, isn''t it?


    "Well, we''ll be going now. Hopefully, we''ll have the chance to meet again!" Chen Sixi couldn''t directly address Dean Gu since thetter hadn''t revealed his identity, so he politely bid farewell.


    Before leaving, he didn''t forget to snatch up two more sweets.


    ...


    After getting back on the mule cart, Chen Sixi cracked the whip, feeling a bit disgruntled.


    "Xie Xun, that was the Dean of Luming Academy, you know? When you met him, why didn''t you have any reaction at all? No, wait, how did you even know he was the Dean?"


    "A wild guess," Xie Xun replied.


    Chen Sixi became agitated. "So all this time, you''ve just been messing with me? That old man wasn''t really the Dean at all?"


    "You don''t study yourself, so what difference does it make to you whether he''s the Dean or not?"


    "I may not study, but my future son will!" Chen Sixi fretted. "And my son''s son will have to study too, won''t he? If that old man really is the Dean, then by building a good rtionship with him now, maybe in the future, he could help me pull some strings..."


    "Your son''s son... wouldn''t that be a matter for the next Dean to consider?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    Chen Sixi: Suddenly realizing that this girl''s mouth was even more poisonous than Xie Xun''s.


    The old man was just a respectable Dean, but with one sentence from her, his status was utterly negated.


    "Hey, where are you two headed next?" Chen Sixi aimlessly steered the mule cart out of the alley.


    After a moment of silence, Xie Xun asked him, "What was that you mentioned earlier about a ghost-catching master?"


    "It seems to be the wealthy Nie Family in the county," Chen Sixi exined. "Word is that their household has been hauntedtely, with strange urrences happening every night. The Nie Family''s son-inw paid to have an announcement posted, saying they wanted to hire a master with real skills in catching ghosts and exorcising evil spirits."


    At this point, he rolled his eyes. "Ever since the announcement went up, quite a few people havee, but it seems none of them were truly skilled. Otherwise, the Nie Family wouldn''t still be in such an uproar."


    The Nie Family?


    Xie Xun had heard of them.


    They started as small merchants but now had branch stores for their cloth business all the way in Yanjing.


    If he could use this opportunity to get close to the Nie Family, he might be able to gather valuable information about Yanjing.


    With this in mind, Xie Xun said, "Take us there to take a look."


    ...


    The Nie Family residence was located on Huayang Street in the eastern part of Kaihe County, the most prosperous and expensive area in the entire county town. The grand, five-courtyard mansion stood majestically.


    Chen Sixi often wandered around the county but had only seen the exteriors of these grand mansions and never knew what they looked like inside.


    As the mule cart stopped outside the gate, he seemed quite excited.


    The Nie Family, ah, they could be considered the wealthiest in Kaihe County.


    It was said that with the masters and servantsbined, their household had over a hundred mouths to feed, and their daily meals could consume three years'' worth of expenses for an ordinary farming family.


    "Xie Xun, we''re here."


    Chen Sixi skillfully hopped off the mule cart and called out to the carriage.


    Before long, Xie Xun pulled back the curtain and dismounted, followed by Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Outside the gate, a few young servants were sitting on a long bench, chatting in low voices.


    Chen Sixi took the initiative to approach them and inquire, "Hey, fellows, I heard the Nie Family is looking for a ghost-catching master. Are they still seeking one?"


    Upon hearing this, the young servants all turned their heads to look at him.


    One of them couldn''t help but snicker. "A ghost-catching master? You?"


    "Of course not me," Chen Sixi said, pointing behind him with his finger.


    The gazes of the young servants followed the direction he pointed, naturally falling upon Xie Xun... err, the youngdy behind Xie Xun.


    The servant who had spoken earlier twitched the corner of his mouth, then clutched his belly and burst intoughter.


    Chen Sixi muttered, "What''s so funny?"


    The servant said, "To tell the truth, since our Young Master posted that notice, there have been quite a few iming to be expertsing to our door, but you''re the first like this."


    He spoke whileughing, looking as if he was about tough his breath away.


    "I say, couldn''t you at least disguise yourselves a little better? A youngdy catching ghosts? Are you kidding me?"


    By the end of that sentence, the servant had clearly lost patience, waving dismissively at Chen Sixi like shooing away a fly. "Go on, get lost! Deceiving and cheating in broad daylight like this, do you really think the Nie Family is a vegetable market?"


    At this time, another group of people dressed as Taoists approached from the side.


    The younger ones wore ck Taoist robes, while the older ones had goatees and heldpasses, wearing yellow Taoist robes.


    In Taoism, Taoist robes are also called "fayi" or ritual garments.


    The color grades of fayi, from lowest to highest, are white, ck, green, blue, red, purple, and yellow.


    Yellow fayi are generally worn by those of the rank of Celestial Master or higher.


    However, in Cangwu Mountain, Jiang Xiaoxiao had never seen her ancestral master wear one.


    An enlightened Taoist master had transcended the mundane world and would not be bound by such clothing regtions.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao herself did not follow the dress code on the mountain either. She was ustomed to a free and unrestrained lifestyle, dressing however wasfortable.


    However, the people below the mountain would not see it that way.


    Especially in the present situation.


    The young servant who had previously sneered at them immediately took on a respectful demeanor upon seeing the Taoists in yellow fayi.


    "Masters, our Young Master has been waiting for a long time. Please,e inside."


    The servant''s nodding and bowing were in stark contrast to his earlier attitude towards Chen Sixi.


    Chen Sixi stared wide-eyed in disbelief.


    The difference in treatment was far too obvious!


    "Hey! Our master here is a true great master! Even if you want to chase us away, at least test her abilities first, will you?"


    Chen Sixi was not disheartened, frowning at the yellow-robed Taoists, finding them increasingly unsettling no matter how he looked at them.


    The young servant looked at him, "We''ve already shown you respect by not chasing you away with a broom. If you continue to make a fuss, we brothers won''t be so polite!"


    As he spoke, a few of them rolled up their sleeves.


    Chen Sixi was startled and took a step back, turning to look at Xie Xun and asking in a low voice, "Xie Xun, they''re not letting us in, what should we say?"


    Xie Xun nced at the que above the main gate, then calmly withdrew his gaze. "Let''s go back."


    "Huh? We''re just leaving like that?" Chen Sixi had expected Jiang Xiaoxiao to demonstrate her skills.


    On the way back, Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao did not ride in the donkey cart, walking one in front of the other.


    Chen Sixi had hoped to see Jiang Xiaoxiao exorcise ghosts, as the youngdy was a skilled expert capable of drawing talismans with her bare hands, and the scene of her exorcising ghosts would undoubtedly be thrilling and impressive.


    However, these two had no intention of entering the Nie Family residence.


    Finding it dull, he hurried back to the coffin shop in the donkey cart.


    Xie Xun watched Chen Sixi''s donkey cart depart, then turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao and said, "Just now, I felt like there was a pair of eyes watching me from the shadows."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "You''re not mistaken. There is indeed something in that residence, but it doesn''t daree out during the day."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was not concerned about the Nie Family''s affairs. What she was thinking about now was Dean Gu.


    With Chen Sixi present earlier, she hadn''t had a chance to ask Xie Xun.


    "Is Dean Gu your mentor?"


    Xie Xun hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "You could say that."


    In the past, the Third Prince Murong Xun, due to his exceptional talent, was feared by Emperor Hongtai that he might overshadow the Crown Prince. As such, the Emperor did not allow him to study with the other princes.


    The Third Prince''s education followed the same standards as the Crown Prince.


    Emperor Hongtai assigned him a Crown Prince''s Preceptor, Mentor, and Guardian, all of whom were great schrs of the era.


    However, these men were all driven to resignation by the Third Prince.


    Dean Gu was thest to arrive, and he remained in the pce longer than the others because his temperament differed from the previous pedantic and stuffy old men.


    But he did not stay for long either.


    After one death after another, with the Third Prince being the falling wall that brought everyone down, the teachers assigned to him by Emperor Hongtai were naturally recalled.


    "Then why didn''t you recognize him earlier?"


    Xie Xun said, "No need."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun''s cold expression.


    He seemed to hold an unfavorable view of Dean Gu.


    But the vige chief said that Xie Xun was very familiar with the examination dates of Luming Academy.


    That meant he had been keeping a close eye on Luming Academy in private.


    Although she didn''t understand why Xie Xun was being so evasive, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t intend to ask.


    She changed the subject, "Where to next?"


    "A tea house."


    The two chose a lively tea house crowded with people and found a good spot by the window on the third floor.


    As soon as they arrived, they heard a storyteller spitting out words as he recounted the history of the Nie Family.


    Xie Xun remained silent, quietly listening for a while.


    The storyteller had decent skills, narrating smoothly without sounding dull.


    He told of how Old Master Nie had been a porter carrying a shoulder pole in his early years, wandering the streets and alleys, before eventually settling down and starting a cloth business.


    The couple only had one daughter, and they were reluctant to let her marry out, originally intending to take a son-inw into the family.


    When their daughter was fourteen, the two of them found a homeless and seriously injured young man on the side of the road.


    The young man was taken into the Nie Family, and he was extremely filial to his life-saving benefactors, with both his appearance and conduct deemed excellent by the old couple.


    The old couple figured that instead of letting an outsider benefit, they might as well have the young man marry their daughter.


    From then on, the young man became the Nie Family''s son-inw.


    After the marriage, the son-inw took over his father-inw''s cloth business, doting on his young wife to the envy of others.


    Unfortunately, their daughter was ill-fated, dying in childbirth that night, leaving only the son-inw with a son born without a mother, greatly saddening the old couple.


    After their daughter''s passing, the old couple, being open-minded, had suggested the son-inw remarry.


    The son-inw refused, saying his inws had shown him immense kindness, and he ought to serve them until their old age, vowing never to remarry as long as he lived.


    Upon hearing this, a chorus of praise rang out in the tea house,mending the Nie Family''s son-inw as a truly loyal, filial, and upright man.


    Xie Xun raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, "Not necessarily."

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Xie Xun''s voice was very soft, he didn''t intend for others in the teahouse to hear him.


    Only Jiang Xiaoxiao heard him clearly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Do you know Bai Xiao, the son-inw who married into the Nie family?"


    "Just happened to see him once or twice."


    Due to the baleful influence over his head, Xie Xun often had idents whenever he went out, so he didn''te to the county town frequently.


    The few rare times he did, it was because of some urgent matters.


    And it was during those infrequent visits that he had seen Bai Xiao, the son-inw of the Nie family.


    At that time, Bai Xiao was with a beautiful woman, and they were holding the hand of Nie Xiaoyan, the Nie family''s grandson.


    Actually, back then, Xie Xun didn''t know that Bai Xiao was the Nie family''s son-inw. It was onlyter, when he saw Bai Xiao entering a restaurant and the waiters respectfully addressed him as "Master Nie," that he realized who Bai Xiao was.


    Xie Xun had an incredible memory, and he had just retained the impression.


    Xie Xun didn''t know much about the Nie family''s affairs. He had thought that the woman apanying Bai Xiao was the Nie family''s daughter.


    But after hearing what the Storytelling Master said earlier, he realized the truth.


    The Nie family''s daughter had died fromplications during childbirth long ago.


    That woman was an outsider.


    Or rather, she was a woman that Bai Xiao kept outside of his marriage.


    While swearing to his inws that he would never remarry for the rest of his life, he secretly kept a mistress outside.


    This Master Nie was truly not as simple as he seemed.


    After listening to Xie Xun''s exnation, Jiang Xiaoxiao fell silent without saying a word.


    Xie Xun thought she was trying to figure out if the things in the Nie family''s mansion had anything to do with this son-inw.


    In fact, Jiang Xiaoxiao was just wondering why people down the mountain had suchplicated thoughts? Why couldn''t they just eat and sleep properly?


    The two of them were leisurely drinking tea and listening to the storytelling when the weather outside suddenly changed.


    It had been clear and sunny when they went out, but in the blink of an eye, dark clouds gathered, thunder rumbled, lightning shed, and a violent thunderstorm broke out, pouring down torrential rain.


    Xie Xun didn''t bring an umbre when he went out, so he definitely couldn''t leave now and could only temporarily take shelter in the teahouse from the rain.


    The rain was so heavy, pounding on the windowsills and blowing in cold wind.


    Xie Xun noticed that Jiang Xiaoxiao''s clothes were thin, so he got up to close the window.


    As his gaze lowered, he inadvertently caught sight of someone in a rain cloak hurrying upstairs.


    Not long after, the person in the rain cloak stood panting in front of them.


    It was Chen Sixi.


    "I knew you two would be here," Chen Sixi said as he poured himself a cup of tea.


    After quenching his thirst, he continued, "Xie Xun, you missed quite a brilliant show earlier!"


    Seeing Xie Xun''s indifferent expression, Chen Sixi pretended to be mysterious, "Don''t you want to know what brilliant show it was?"


    Xie Xun said, "If you want to tell me, you don''t need to ask. You''ll tell me either way."


    "So boring!"


    Chen Sixi pouted, pulled up a chair to sit down, and quickly circled back to the topic, excitedly saying, "Earlier, I was running an errand for my dad when I happened to pass by the Nie family''s main gate. Guess what happened?"


    "A tree in the Nie family''s courtyard was struck by lightning, and it hit a Taoist priest in yellow robes who was holding a ritual right under the tree. The priest was charred ck, his clothes disheveled, and he ran out with his disciples, rolling on the ground and screaming about ghosts."


    At this point, Chen Sixi could no longer hold it in, "Everyone on Huayang Street saw that old fraud running around with his bare buttocks exposed! Hahaha, it was hrious!"


    After speaking, he noticed that neither Xie Xun nor Jiang Xiaoxiao had much of a reaction, so he began to doubt himself, "How... wasn''t that funny?"


    Xie Xun said, "Your family runs a coffin shop, and you''re still afraid of ghosts. What''s so strange about a Taoist priest being afraid of ghosts?"


    Chen Sixi: "...Brother, can''t we have a proper conversation?"


    Xie Xun ignored him.


    Chen Sixi then turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Master, you really don''t want to take action?"


    He really wanted to see Jiang Xiaoxiao, a true master, teach those self-proimed "masters" a lesson.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "This isn''t my business. You should ask Xie Xun."


    Chen Sixi looked disappointed, "You''re such a renowned transcendent at such a young age, yet you listen to your husband so strictly? Master, you can''t just listen to Xie Xun about everything, or he''ll lead you astray!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand what Chen Sixi meant by "lead astray," but she earnestly and sincerely said, "If I don''t listen, I won''t get dinner tonight."


    Chen Sixi: "You can''t just think about eating!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "If I don''t eat, I''ll get hungry."


    Chen Sixi gave up.


    Is she the reincarnation of a ravenous beast, only opening her mouth to talk about eating?!


    As they were talking, someone was seening up the stairs. It was none other than Bai Xiao, the Nie family''s son-inw, followed by two young servants.


    Bai Xiao''s expression was extremely gloomy at the moment, not at all like someone who hade to drink tea.


    As if he had already determined his target, as soon as he came up, he went straight toward the Storytelling Master.


    The Storytelling Master had just finished praising Master Nie for being a loyal, filial, and virtuous son-inw when he found himself cornered by Master Nie and his men. He was a little perplexed, "Master Nie, what''s the matter?"


    Upon hearing this address, Bai Xiao''s brow furrowed, and his already unsightly expression darkened further.


    He stared at the Storytelling Master, "That Taoist master from Yishui Mountain, was he introduced by you?"


    The Storytelling Master roughly understood why Master Nie hade, so he nervously replied, "Yes, I introduced him."


    Bai Xiao sat down on an empty seat nearby, "Now that man has been scared away. You owe me an exnation!"


    "Scared... away?" The Storytelling Master widened his eyes in disbelief, "My old friend is a renowned Taoist master. How could he possibly have been scared away? Master Nie, there must be some misunderstanding here."


    "Misunderstanding?" One of the young servants behind Bai Xiao sneered, "Half the people on Huayang Street saw that Taoist master get so scared that he wet himself and ran away while screaming about ghosts. Are you saying that our Master Nie is deliberately ndering him?"


    "No, no, I don''t dare," the Storytelling Master replied. He clearly hadn''t expected his good intentions to backfire so badly, and he was quite worried.


    Bai Xiao had always had a pretty good reputation outside, and although he was angered today, he didn''t intend to make a scene at the teahouse and be aughingstock.


    He calmed down, "Since you''re the one who messed things up, then you''ll have to take full responsibility. Within three days, bring me a real master. Otherwise..."


    He didn''t finish his words, but the Storytelling Master understood.


    If he couldn''t find a real master within three days, he would no longer be able to make a living in Kaihe County.


    After Bai Xiao and his men left, the Storytelling Master hurriedly wiped his sweat and looked around.


    Due to the rain, almost no customers had left, so everyone had witnessed the scene that just unfolded.


    Among them were many regr customers of this teahouse, who not only knew that the Nie family''s mansion had recently be unclean, but also that the Storytelling Master had volunteered to rmend a supposedly highly skilled Taoist master to Master Nie.


    The Nie family was already in a hurry to solve the problem, and now the matter had been botched. It was only natural for Master Nie to be angry.


    Everyone looked at the Storytelling Master with sympathy.


    The Storytelling Master''s heart was heavy with bitterness.


    He had truly meant well initially, never expecting things to turn out like this.


    Finding a truly capable master to exorcise evil spirits within three days would be no easy task.


    With a sigh, the Storytelling Master prepared himself to leave Kaihe County.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Inside the teahouse, some tea guests who were on good terms with the storyteller Mr. Guo couldn''t bear to see him in such a predicament, and one of them stood up and made a gesture of respect.


    "Everyone, we''ve been listening to Brother Guo''s storytelling for years now. We''re all from the same vige, so now that Brother Guo is facing trouble, we can''t just stand by and watch, can we? If anyone here knows any eminent masters, please rmend them to help Brother Guo out."


    Upon hearing this, the crowd remained silent.


    Even the Yishui Mountain Daoist Master introduced by Mr. Guo had fled, which showed that whatever was hidden in the Nie residence must be terribly dangerous, and only a truly powerful master could subdue it.


    They were all just ordinary folks, having never been to Yishui Mountain, let alone knowing any masters from Cangwu Mountain.


    The Daoists they had seen before were mostly half-baked, so who would dare to easily rmend them for such a task?


    Someone said, "In this situation, it seems we have no choice but to go to Cangwu Mountain, where the Daoist Abbey is said to be full of masters."


    The man who had previously spoken in support of the storyteller sighed, "Cangwu Mountain is located on the border between Yan Country and Li Country, which is far too distant from our Kaihe County. Forget about three days, it would take thirty days to make the round trip, and there''s no guarantee we could even recruit a master."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, who had been listening to the sighs andments, spoke up, "That yellow-robed Daoist wasn''t from Yishui Mountain."


    Upon hearing this, Mr. Guo was taken aback and looked in her direction.


    Seeing that the speaker was a young girl, he frowned slightly, but still tried to maintain a polite tone, "Miss, that Daoist Master was a good friend of mine. What evidence do you have that he wasn''t from Yishui Mountain?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at the storyteller calmly, "Yishui Mountain is home to a Daoist monastery, presided over by Master Ziyang. There are no Daoist Masters there."


    Mr. Guo''s face stiffened.


    The other people were also stunned.


    To be honest, this so-called "Yishui Mountain" wasn''t well-known in Yan Country. When it came to the Profound Sect, everyone immediately thought of the Daoist Abbey of the Zhengyi Sect on Cangwu Mountain.


    As for whether other mountains had sects or Daoist Masters, they were unaware and unconcerned.


    Moreover, Kaihe County was a small ce, isted from information. They had even less understanding of the Profound Sect, which ordinary people rarely had ess to.


    Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s words, someone realized and asked, "Miss, you seem to be quite knowledgeable about Yishui Mountain. Do you know any masters from that realm?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t answer, but looked towards Xie Xun instead.


    Xie Xun slowly said, "Indeed, I do know one."


    Mr. Guo''s previously stiff expression instantly softened upon hearing these words, as if he had seen a lifeline.


    He hurried over to Xie Xun and made a gesture of respect, "Young Master, is what you say true?"


    Xie Xun nodded, "However, this friend of mine is rather entric, and there are conditions if you wish to request her aid."


    At this point, Mr. Guo would naturally agree to any conditions, "What are the conditions, Young Master? Please tell me."


    Xie Xun beckoned him over.


    Mr. Guo bent down.


    Xie Xun whispered something in his ear.


    At first, Mr. Guo seemed somewhat dazed, but then he broke into a smile, stood up straight, and made another gesture of respect, his face full of gratitude, "If Young Master can truly help me invite this master, I will definitely do as you say."


    Xie Xun gave a faint "hmm" in response, "Tonight at the hour of Xu, I will bring the master to the Nie residence. I''ll have to trouble you to inform them."


    "Tonight?" Mr. Guo''s eyes lit up, "Wonderful! Wonderful! I''ll go to the Nie residence right away."


    At the Nie Residence.


    Nie Xiaoyan had been crying nonstop due to the thunder, and no matter how Bai Xiao tried to console her, she wouldn''t calm down.


    Already vexed by the haunting incident, this added further to Bai Xiao''s frustration and anger.


    At that moment, a young servant rushed in, "Sir, that Mr. Guo from the teahouse is here again."


    "What does he want?" Bai Xiao was already in a foul mood.


    "I don''t know," the young servant shook his head. "He only said that he has something very important to discuss and must see you in person."


    If it were someone else, Bai Xiao might not have agreed to meet them, and would have simply sent someone to dismiss them.


    However, this Mr. Guo had been telling stories at Baihe Teahouse for many years. His mouth could easily fabricate stories and throw mud at Bai Xiao''s reputation.


    Although angry, Bai Xiao still wanted to maintain a good image in front of others, so he suppressed his impatience and went to the front hall.


    Mr. Guo had already been invited into the hall room.


    However, feeling ashamed of the "Yishui Mountain Daoist Master" incident, he felt uneasy and didn''t even dare to sit down, remaining standing.


    When Bai Xiao entered, Mr. Guo respectfully made a gesture of greeting.


    "Sir Nie, I''m truly sorry about today''s events. To be honest, I was also deceived. Onlyter did I realize that the so-called ''Yishui Mountain Daoist Master'' was a fraud."


    Bai Xiao took a deep breath, "Now that you''vee to apologize, what''s the use? Instead of apologizing at my door, you should spend your time finding someone who can help. You only have three days left."


    "No need for three days," Mr. Guo hastily replied.


    "Oh?"


    Seeing Bai Xiao''s doubtful gaze upon him, Mr. Guo exined, "Sir Nie, this time I''ve truly encountered a master. If you''re willing to believe me, tonight at the hour of Xu, I will personally bring the master here."


    Having already been taught a lesson once before, Bai Xiao certainly wouldn''t trust him based solely on his words.


    "I gave you three days, but not even half a shiter, you''re telling me you''ve found a master again?"


    His tone was full of skepticism.


    Mr. Guo knew he couldn''t defend himself, so he pleaded, "Sir Nie, please trust me one more time. If this doesn''t work out, you won''t even need to take action. I''ll leave Kaihe County on my own."


    Bai Xiao rubbed his brow, "Since you''ve said so much, I''ll give you one more chance."


    "Thank you, Sir Nie." Finally, Mr. Guo could breathe a sigh of relief.


    When he returned to the teahouse, Xie Xun and the others hadn''t left yet.


    Learning that they knew a true master, the tea guests in the teahouse looked at the three of them differently.


    Some even nned to wait in the teahouse until evening, hoping to catch a glimpse of the master''s demeanor.


    The hour of Xu was still some time away, so Mr. Guo, not wanting to neglect his guests, offered to treat them to a meal at the restaurant across the street.


    Xie Xun politely declined.


    Mr. Guo then took out his own money and had the server bring them a couple tes of delicacies.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ate happily.


    They sat there for a few hours.


    As night fell and the hour drew near, Mr. Guo grew anxious, not seeing Xie Xun leave his seat once.


    "Young Master, the hour is almost upon us. When will the master you mentioned arrive?"


    He had made a promise to Sir Nie, so if there were another mishap this time, where would he be able to show his face?


    Xie Xun nced at the night sky outside, his tone calm and unhurried.


    "Just wait a little longer."


    Mr. Guo had no choice but to wait with him.


    The teahouse proprietor had probably heard about this matter as well, as the establishment hadn''t closed for the night.


    Some of the daytime guests had left, but those who remained were hoping to witness the excitement.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao paid no mind to what others were thinking. She happily finished two tes of delicacies and added another two, still looking unsatisfied, which left Chen Sixi staring in amazement.


    When the hour arrived, Xie Xun stood up, "Let''s go."


    Finally, a smile appeared on Mr. Guo''s face, "Young Master, has the master arrived?"

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Xie Xun led Jiang Xiaoxiao and Chen Sixi downstairs.


    Mr. Guo followed closely behind them.


    Behind them were three or four tea guests.


    These were the people who had been waiting since the daytime, eager to witness the skills of a renowned master.


    Mr. Guo had been telling stories at Baihe Teahouse for years. Although he could not be considered widely famous, the mention of "Mr. Guo" was a name that almost everyone in the vicinity knew.


    He himself was an affable person, but the "Celestial Master" from Yishui Mountain had caused him to lose facepletely. Now all his hopes were pinned on Xie Xun.


    Initially apprehensive during the day, at this moment he finally saw Xie Xun preparing to meet the master, he felt much more at ease.


    However, upon seeing Xie Xun and the others heading directly towards the Nie Residence, without the "weing the master" ritual he had envisioned, Mr. Guo was dumbfounded.


    He stood rooted in his spot, staring at Xie Xun''s slender back, "Xie, Young Master Xie, didn''t you say earlier that you knew a renowned master?"


    Chen Sixi had been holding back all day, and now it was finally his turn to show off. With a smug expression, he pointed at Jiang Xiaoxiao and said, "There she is, the master!"


    That little girl?


    What a joke!


    Mr. Guo nearly passed out from the shock, and was promptly supported by the tea guests behind him.


    Mr. Guo was almost driven mad with anger, "Young Master Xie, this is a serious matter for me, how could you y such a big joke on me!"


    His earlier civility and courtesy vanished in an instant, his brows furrowed with rage, clearly very upset.


    Xie Xun stopped outside the Nie Residence''s gate, turned around and looked at Mr. Guo, "Where did you see me joking?"


    Mr. Guo pointed at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "She, she..."


    "She is just a young girl," Xie Xunpleted the sentence for him.


    Then he countered, "Who made the rule that young girls cannot learn ghost-catching?"


    Mr. Guo was left speechless, the words stuck in his chest, unable toe out or go down, causing him great difort.


    "Mr. Guo, our master has been waiting for a long time, where is this renowned master you mentioned?"


    A servant suddenly came out from inside the gate.


    As soon as he finished speaking, he caught sight of Xie Xun and the others in his peripheral vision and immediately widened his eyes, "It''s you guys again!"


    Mr. Guo asked in a low voice, "You know them?"


    The servant mocked coldly, "These three came here earlier today as well, but we turned them away at that time, and they left."


    "What are you up to now, trying to sneak in under the cover of night? What do you take the Nie Residence for?"


    Upon hearing this, Mr. Guo''s face alternated between pale and flushed.


    He had been happily thinking that he had fortuitously encountered a true master, only to find out they were mere tricksters!


    The few tea guests who hade to watch the spectacle also had various expressions.


    One of them advised Mr. Guo in a low voice, "Why don''t we just go back? The master has given you three days, right? As long as you can find a skilled exorcist within three days, he shouldn''t me you."


    Mr. Guo closed his eyes and clenched his fists, feeling that he had lost all face umted over decades today.


    How could he me Xie Xun?


    The other party had neither taken his money nor epted his hospitality, only having two small dishes of snacks.


    The faulty solely with himself for being too easily trusting of others.


    With this thought, Mr. Guo steeled his resolve and said to the servant, "Please trouble yourself to inform the master that I was rash today. I will give him an exnation within three days."


    The servant seemed to understand something and eyed Mr. Guo suspiciously, "Don''t tell me the master you hired is actually these people?"


    Mr. Guo pursed his lips, unable to respond.


    The servant was rendered speechless, "You really went too far! To actually try to deceive our master like this!"


    "I didn''t!" Mr. Guo protested vehemently, "I was just too hasty and..."


    Before he could finish, a voice came from inside the gate.


    "What is all thismotion?"


    The one who appeared was Bai Xiao. He looked like he had just bathed, his dark hair loosely draped over his shoulders. In the dimmplight, his tall figure and handsome features were entuated.


    "Master." The servant bowed, then pointed at Mr. Guo, "This old man is trying to deceive you by iming these three tricksters are renowned masters."


    He then proceeded to recount in detail how Xie Xun and the others hade to the Nie Residence earlier that day and were driven away.


    Bai Xiao''s anger red upon hearing this, but in front of so many people, he could not lose hisposure and had to maintain his image.


    Suppressing his rage, Bai Xiao looked at Xie Xun, the corners of his lips slightly curved in a gentle smile.


    "Young brother, if you have any difficulties, you can directly tell me. As for the matter of exorcists, our residence has indeed been uncleantely. This is no joke, so I hope you can understand and not treat it as child''s y."


    "Your residence is indeed quite unclean," Jiang Xiaoxiao chimed in, extending her hand to point behind Bai Xiao, "Look, she''s right there."


    Bai Xiao turned pale with fright upon hearing this. After a long while, he finally found his voice, "Who?"


    "A woman covered in blood," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "She''s also carrying a newborn baby."


    Bai Xiao''s vision went dark.


    A woman covered in blood, carrying a newborn baby... Could she be referring to...?


    "Crazy girl, how dare you spout such nonsense!" Bai Xiao raged.


    If earlier Bai Xiao had doubted Jiang Xiaoxiao''s abilities and refused to let her enter, now he was afraid to let her in precisely because her abilities were too strong.


    He knew the residence was haunted, as several servants had imed to have seen the ghost, and he himself had often been woken up at night.


    However, until now, no one had seen clearly what the ghost looked like.


    Bai Xiao had always thought it was a problem with the feng shui, attracting impurities.


    Now, upon hearing this crazy girl''s words, he realized with dread that it was not a feng shui issue at all.


    It was Nie SangSang, the woman who should have been long dead, she had returned!


    This was something he absolutely could not let outsiders know about.


    Taking a deep breath, Bai Xiao managed to regain hisposure, his gaze towards Jiang Xiaoxiao turning icy cold, "If you don''t leave, I''ll report you to the authorities."


    Chen Sixi had already been frightened to the point of wobbly legs, cowering behind Jiang Xiaoxiao as he asked her, "Master, is that ghost real or not?"


    Although he loved stirring up excitement, once ghosts were mentioned, he had to admit his cowardice.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ignored Chen Sixi and instead carefully examined Bai Xiao''s forehead before softly saying, "A vengeful spirit is demanding retribution. You won''t survive past tonight."


    Veins bulged on Bai Xiao''s forehead.


    Mr. Guo and the others sensed something was amiss, and all stepped forward. They saw the Nie Residence''s master with an unsightly expression, while Jiang Xiaoxiao stood there with an impassive demeanor.


    The young girl who had earlier been engrossed in her meal at the teahouse now exuded an otherworldly, transcendent aura.


    Neither arrogant nor agitated, neither joyful nor angry.


    Her eyes were devoid of any distracting thoughts.


    This poise alone was enough to prove that this girl was unlike those who imed to be "masters" yet were mere chatans.


    Mr. Guo, recalling his earlier rudeness and doubts, felt a burning shame on his face.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    The servant boy was increasingly annoyed by Jiang Xiaoxiao''s impertinent words.


    "Sir, should I drive them away?"


    Bai Xiao clutched his fingers tightly.


    He dared not let Jiang Xiaoxiao enter the residence, fearing she was too skilled and would easily uncover the cause of Nie SangSang''s death.


    But if he let Jiang Xiaoxiao leave now, what if what she said was true and Nie SangSang''s resentful ghost came back to haunt him? He wouldn''t live to see another day.


    While Bai Xiao was torn, Old Master Nie came out apanied by a group of servants.


    "Xiao Bai, what''s going on?"


    Bai Xiao had a decent reputation outside, and was very filial to the elders at home.


    He had even sworn that for the rest of his life, he would not remarry and would serve his parents-inw till old age.


    Old Master Nie waspletely satisfied with him and treated him like his own son.


    "Father." Bai Xiao said, "It''s nothing, just some friends chatting outside the gates."


    Old Master Nie gave him a look. "What''s so serious that you have to hide it from me? I''ve already heard from the servants that you spent a fortune hiring officials to post notices seeking a supernatural expert toe exorcise the residence."


    He looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s group. "Are they the ones?"


    Bai Xiao neither nodded nor shook his head.


    Old Master Nie said, "Although I haven''t seen it myself, there has indeed been unrest in the residence recently, and it can''t go on like this. If word spreads to our guests, we''ll have to close the estate down.


    Since an expert hase, we should invite them in to properly exorcise the evil spirits and put everyone''s minds at ease."


    At the end, Old Master Nie asked, "Oh, and has Yan fallen asleep? I heard he was startled by the thunder during the day and has been unsettled. I''ll go check on him."


    "Please go ahead, Father."


    Bai Xiao instructed a servant boy to personally escort Old Master Nie to see the young master, while he weed Jiang Xiaoxiao in with mixed emotions.


    Mr. Guo wiped his cold sweat, and the tea guests behind him were about to follow suit.


    But Bai Xiao suddenly said, "Everyone, since the expert has arrived, the rest is a family matter of the Nie Residence. You may all disperse!"


    The implication was clear: don''t meddle in affairs that don''t concern you.


    Mr. Guo, whose emotions had risen and fallen, didn''t mind. As long as Sir Nie didn''t me him, he would have preferred to go home right then.


    As for the few tea guests, they had also sensed something unusual in Jiang Xiaoxiao''s earlier words.


    Although they were curious to see how the youngdy would catch ghosts and exorcise spirits, Sir Nie had made his stance clear, so they didn''t want to impose any further.


    After exchanging nces, they gradually dispersed one by one.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, Xie Xun, and Chen Sixi were led to the main hall.


    Bai Xiao had tea served.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had already drunk a lot of tea at the teahouse earlier in the day, and her stomach was full of water. She didn''t want to see any more tea, so she didn''t touch it.


    Thinking she simply didn''t like it, Bai Xiao had the Long Jing green tea reced with Xinyang Maojian.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao still didn''t touch it.


    Bai Xiao said, "Miss, if you prefer a different beverage, you can tell the servants."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao just wanted to sleep.


    If she hadn''te to Kaihe County, she would have been asleep by now.


    But she still had to stay awake to deal with the matter at the Nie Residence.


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s drooping eyelids, Xie Xun directly told Bai Xiao, "We''re in a hurry. If you have any requests, you might as well state them. If you don''t need us, we''ll take our leave."


    "No, no, no!"


    Bai Xiao had been scared out of his wits by what Jiang Xiaoxiao said outside the gates. How could he dare to casually drive them away now?


    After a moment of silence, Bai Xiao said, "Since you''ve already seen the malevolent spirit, I''ll get straight to the point."


    "That''s right, the one who has been causing trouble in our residence is her. Name your price, and no matter how much, I''m willing to pay, as long as you can get rid of her."


    "But there''s one thing ¨C I hope that once this matter is resolved, you won''t speak about it outside. After all, it''s a family matter of the Nie household, and I don''t want too much attention drawn to it."


    Chen Sixi''s mouth twitched.


    You don''t want attention but you spent money posting notices all over the streets?


    This Sir of the Nie household says one thing but does another!


    Xie Xun spoke up, "Sir Bai, we didn''te for money."


    Bai Xiao was taken aback.


    Up until now, whether at home or outside, everyone had only addressed him as "Sir Nie."


    As if constantly reminding him that he was merely a kept son-inw who ate the soft rice of his wife''s family, to the extent that even his son had to take the Nie surname.


    This was the first time a youth younger than him had addressed him with such an unfamiliar yet reassuring title.


    Sir Bai.


    Yes, his surname was Bai.


    But in the entire Nie Residence, in all of Kaihe County, how many people remembered that his surname was Bai?


    Bai Xiao snapped out of his daze. His previous resistance toward Xie Xun and the others dissipated instantly because of Xie Xun''s one form of address, and his attitude became much more cordial and amodating.


    "Young man, your surname is Xie, right?"


    "Yes."


    "You just said you didn''te for money."


    "Correct." Xie Xun nodded. "I only came to meet Old Master Nie."


    Bai Xiao was taken aback again. "You know him?"


    "No, but I''ve admired him from afar."


    Bai Xiao was relieved and turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Miss, if it''s convenient, please begin the exorcism now. I see you haven''t brought any tools. If there''s anything you need, just let the servants know, and they''ll prepare it promptly."


    "I can''t subdue this ghost," Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly said.


    "What?"


    "She has grievances that burden her spirit, and her resentment is too heavy. Unless I find the root cause and resolve her resentment, forcibly subduing her will only backfire on me."


    "Ridiculous!" Bai Xiao scoffed. "A stray, resentful spirit from who-knows-where ¨C she has grievances, so I''m supposed to take responsibility for addressing them? What is the Nie Residence, a charity house?"


    Seeing Bai Xiao''s unwillingness to admit the truth, Jiang Xiaoxiao continued, "She just told me her name is Nie SangSang, the young Miss of the Nie Residence ¨C yourte wife."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi was so startled that he fell off his stool.


    But Xie Xun remained calm, so he tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Hey, Xie Xun, that ghost seems to be in this room. Aren''t you scared?"


    Xie Xun nodded. "Scared."


    Chen Sixi was almost in tears.


    If you''re scared, at least show it a little!


    The aforementioned Bai Xiao froze upon hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s words, his entire face rigid. "You... you''re saying she''s in this room?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded.


    Bai Xiao felt a chill down his back, and his soul was nearly scared out of his body.


    It really was that woman.


    Nie SangSang, even though you''ve been dead for so long, why did you have toe back?


    "It was my fault," Bai Xiao suddenlymented mournfully. "I failed to take good care of her, which is why her delivery was so difficult. She must resent me for being too busy to keep herpany back then."


    "Sir Bai," Xie Xun said, "if you insist on not telling the truth and admitting your mistakes, then we can only help you this far."

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Upon hearing Bai Xiao''s words, Nie SangSang gripped the teacup tightly in her hand.


    After a long while, he said with reddened eyes: "I admit that Nie SangSang''s death was not a simple case of difficult childbirth, but it was all her own fault!"


    As he said this, he was not looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao or Bai Xiao, but rather into the void.


    He was clearly reprimanding the ghost of Nie SangSang.


    "I told Yu Er that she didn''t need any status, and she wouldn''t have toe into the residence. I just wanted to buy her a house outside so she had a ce to stay."


    "Yu Er was heavily pregnant, just like you were about to give birth."


    "As someone who was about to be a mother, why couldn''t you be more understanding toward her?"


    "Yu Er never fought or made demands. Whenever she saw me, she worried that you would get angry and urged me toe home early."


    "But you? As the daughter of the prestigious Nie Family, you didn''t even have the slightest bit of tolerance!"


    "Nie SangSang, you have truly disappointed me!"


    The bloody Nie SangSang, who had been standing beside Jiang Xiaoxiao, suddenlyughed upon hearing these words.


    The eerie, terrifyingughter echoed through the room, sending chills down one''s spine.


    Chen Sixi''s eyes rolled back, and he fainted from fright.


    Suddenly, a gust of ominous wind swept through the room, and the front hall doors mmed shut.


    Nie SangSang revealed herself, with disheveled hair and a blood-stained body. Her eyes had lost all human warmth, seeping with blood and resentment, twisted and eerie.


    In a sh, she circled behind Bai Xiao and grabbed his throat with her icy hands, her long, ck nails digging into his flesh.


    In that instant, Bai Xiao felt that he was just a hair''s breadth away from death.


    All his voices were choked back in his throat.


    In his ears was Nie SangSang''sughter.


    Gloomy, terrifying.


    Bai Xiao was frozen from head to toe, unable to move a muscle.


    "Since you love her so much, why are you still staying at the Nie Residence? You should have gone down to apany her!"


    After saying this, Nie SangSang increased the force of her grip.


    It was only then that Bai Xiao began to struggle.


    He kept reaching out to pry off the icy hands around his throat.


    But to no avail.


    Nie SangSang had clearly made up her mind to take his life.


    "Mas...ter..."


    Unable to speak, Bai Xiao could only look at Jiang Xiaoxiao with pleading eyes.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Only the one who tied the bell can untie it. Since you were the one who caused her death, only you can now allow her to dispel her resentment."


    Bai Xiao felt desperate.


    Nie SangSang had already be a vengeful spirit.


    Besides death, what else could he do to appease her anger?


    But he didn''t want to die!


    Old Master Nie had recently drafted a will, and he was about to be the heir to the Nie Family''s fortune.


    The will...


    Oh, right, the family started being haunted since the drafting of the will.


    And it was precisely because of the haunting that the will had not yet been finalized.


    Thinking of the immense wealth within his grasp, Bai Xiao was unwilling to die just like that.


    There was also Xiaoyan, his and Yu Er''s child...


    With these thoughts, Bai Xiao mustered all his strength to try and shake off the female ghost strangling him.


    But human strength could never match that of a ghostly spirit, and the more he struggled, the tighter she strangled him.


    He could no longer breathe at all.


    Bai Xiao red defiantly, was he really going to die tonight?


    "Stop!" Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Nie SangSang, "If he dies, you will never be able to reincarnate."


    But Nie SangSang would not relent, surrounded by an ominous aura of resentment, utterly terrifying.


    "For someone like him, death would only be a mercy," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "Let him suffer in life, unable to either live or die."


    "If you agree, release him now. But if you still feel unsatisfied, you can also take him away. I won''t stop you."


    Upon hearing this, Nie SangSang released Bai Xiao while bursting into tears.


    "My child..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "I know."


    The real Nie Xiaoyan had already died along with Nie SangSang that night.


    The current Nie Xiaoyan was the son of Bai Xiao and that other woman.


    Since their due dates were close, Bai Xiao had long nned to make Nie SangSang "suffer a difficult childbirth" on the night she was due, and then substitute his child with the other woman for the real Nie Xiaoyan.


    His goal was to gradually usurp the Nie Family''s fortune.


    The son-inw who had been raised as a member of the Nie Family for so many years had ultimately turned out to be a wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    In the back courtyard.


    Old Master Nie was trying to lull Nie Xiaoyan to sleep when a maid suddenly rushed in, "Master, Master, something terrible has happened!"


    Old Master Nie''s face darkened, "Can''t you see Young Master is sleeping? What''s with all the ruckus?"


    The maid said in a panic, "It''s the son-inw, he has gone to the county office to turn himself in!"


    "What!" Old Master Nie thought he had heard wrong and stood up abruptly, hurrying toward the front courtyard.


    Indeed, Bai Xiao was nowhere to be seen, only those few people who hade to exorcise the haunting remained.


    Old Master Nie''s face turned grim, and he was about to question the servants when he heard a sobbing voice from behind, "Father..."


    Old Master Nie froze, turning around to see Nie SangSang standing beside Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Though the resentment had faded, she still bore her beautiful appearance, only paler than usual.


    "Sang...Sangsang?" Old Master Nie called out, tears streaming down his face.


    At that moment, nothing else mattered. He rushed over in a few quick strides and gazed at his daughter, "Sangsang, is it really you?"


    Nie SangSang knelt before him with reddened eyes, "Your daughter has been unfilial, unable to apany her parents any longer."


    "Sangsang..." Old Master Nie took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears but found he could not touch Nie SangSang.


    Old Master Nie seemed to understand something, turning to look at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Miss Nie''s time is limited, Old Master Nie. Say what you need to say to her quickly."


    When Old Master Nie looked back at his daughter, his face was already streaked with tears.


    No wonder he and his wife had always felt that their daughter had never left - she had truly never gone.


    "Master, is there no way for Sangsang to stay with us forever?"


    Old Master Nie knew his request was selfish, but as a father, he wanted tovish all his selfishness on his only daughter.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head, "She was able to remain at the residence before because her resentment had not been resolved. Now that her grievances have been avenged, if she does not reincarnate, she will only be a homeless, wandering ghost."


    "Resentment?" Old Master Nie was bewildered, "Don''t tell me, Sangsang''s death..."


    "Father, you and mother were all deceived by that beast Bai Xiao."


    Nie SangSang tearfully exined the whole truth to Old Master Nie.


    After hearing everything, Old Master Nie nearly fainted.


    The son-inw he had been so proud of was actually a hypocritical wolf in sheep''s clothing!


    The grandson he had doted on had no rtion to their family at all!


    "That beast, how dare hemit such an unconscionable act?" Old Master Nie trembled with rage.


    "Sangsang, don''t worry. Even if I have to spend the entire family fortune, I will make sure he rots in prison for the rest of his life!"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    The man once hailed as the Nie Family''s exemry son-inw, Bai Xiao, not only killed his wife and child with his own hands, but also brought another woman''s son and passed him off as the Nie Family''s legitimate heir!


    Not long after Bai Xiao turned himself in at the county yamen, this bombshell news exploded in Kaihe County.


    Some sighed, some found it hard to believe.


    But most were scolding and cursing.


    The magistrate of Ning County held an emergency court session.


    It was alreadyte, but the yamen was still packed with onlookers.


    Even at the Nie Residence, the maidservants were huddled in small groups whispering about it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just seen Nie SangSang off to be reincarnated and was struggling to keep her eyes open.


    Old Master Nie had arranged guest rooms for them.


    Chen Sixi, who had already fainted from fright, was carried into a guest room by servants.


    After a hot bath assisted by the Nie Family''s maids, Jiang Xiaoxiao fell straight into bed as soon as she returned to her room.


    When she woke up, the outside world had changed.


    Bai Xiao confessed to all his crimes.


    Originally, such heinous crimes would merit the death penalty.


    Butst night, somehow someone sneaked into the prison, not only cutting off Bai Xiao''s tongue and manhood, but also severing the tendons in his hands and feet.


    Overnight, the once high and mighty son-inw of the Nie Family had be a limbless, tongue-less murderer whom everyone spat on.


    Only Old Master Nie could have done such silent and thorough work.


    Everyone knew it in their hearts, but no one spoke of it.


    As Nie SangSang''s father, if he remained unmoved even after his daughter''s tragic death, he would truly have failed as a parent.


    Those who had previously supported the Nie son-inw now loathed Bai Xiao so much they wanted to spit in his face.


    Even Mr. Guo at the Baihe Teahouse was rewriting his story book to retell Bai Xiao''s tale.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had no interest in any of this - she was just incredibly hungry.


    Her hunger always intensified after using her spiritual powers.


    Fortunately, after washing up, a Nie Family maid soon brought her breakfast.


    There was bird''s nest soup, milk, as well as unnameable dishes and snacks.


    Now the entire residence knew this youngdy was a deeply hidden master, so the maid addressed her reverently, "Great Master, breakfast is served. Please take your time."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat down and picked up her spoon.


    The bird''s nest soup was sweet, the milk fragrant.


    But her mind still wandered to the lean pork and veggie congee that Xie Xun used to cook.


    When Xie Xun came in, he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao sitting at the table, spoon in hand, staring vacantly.


    "Why aren''t you eating?" Xie Xun asked.


    "It''s not delicious," Jiang Xiaoxiao tossed the spoon back into the bowl and looked up at Xie Xun. "I want to eat lean pork and veggie congee."


    Xie Xun nced at the table.


    As the wealthiest family in Kaihe County, the Nie Family naturally used the freshest and finest ingredients.


    This breakfast table offered an abundance of colorful, fragrant, and delicious foods.


    "Not delicious?" Xie Xun noticed she hadn''t touched the bird''s nest soup or milk.


    "It''s just not delicious!" Jiang Xiaoxiao puffed out her cheeks stubbornly, clearly refusing to eat any of it.


    Xie Xun seemed to understand something. "Shall we go home then?"


    "Okay."


    As the two headed out to bid Old Master Nie farewell, they saw Chen Sixi running towards them from the corridor, wailing.


    "Xie Xun, Xie Xun! I had a nightmarest night, about ghosts. It was freaking terrifying!"


    Even now, Chen Sixi still felt that the scene before he passed outst night must have been a dream.


    It had to be a dream, otherwise how could he have heard a ghost''s voice? Hehehe...


    That''s right, it was just a dream!


    "But, can someone tell me what''s going on with the Nie son-inw?" He looked bewildered. "Did the world change while I was asleep?"


    Xie Xun nced at him. "If you don''t go home now, your family''s world will really change."


    Chen Sixi suddenly remembered he hadn''t been home sincest night.


    His father must be going crazy with worry.


    "Oh no no no, I gotta go, buddy! Xie Xun, next time there''s fun stuff happening, don''t forget to call me!"


    Chen Sixi turned and dashed towards the main gate.


    Xie Xun took Jiang Xiaoxiao to the main courtyard to see Old Master Nie.


    Although Old Master Nie had vented his anger over his deceased daughter, this incident had taken a toll on him as well.


    Overnight he had aged significantly.


    His health was already poor, and now there were streaks of white in his sideburns.


    Lady Nie was out making Buddhist offerings and wasn''t home these past few days, so a maid was attending to Old Master Nie.


    Upon entering, Xie Xun briefly paid his respects to Old Master Nie.


    Old Master Nie was lying on a small couch and struggled to sit up when he saw the two of them.


    "Thank you both forst night."


    Old Master Nie looked grateful.


    He never expected to see his daughter onest time in his lifetime.


    With that final meeting, he could die without regrets.


    After he finished speaking, he gave a meaningful look to the maid.


    The maid left and soon returned with a tray.


    On the tray were stacks of silver ingots.


    "This is just a small token of my gratitude. I hope you won''t refuse to ept it."


    "You misunderstand, Old Master," said Xie Xun. "Although we didn''te to help for free, what we want is more valuable than silver."


    "Oh?" Old Master Nie narrowed his eyes. "I can''t imagine what our family has that''s worth more than silver."


    Xie Xun smiled faintly. "Information."


    "Information?" Old Master Nie was stunned for a moment.


    "The Nie Family has already opened a branch of its cloth business in the capital Yanjing City. Obtaining information from there shouldn''t be too difficult, right?"


    Xie Xun didn''t beat around the bush. "If Old Master Nie insists on showing gratitude, I hope you can leverage your connections to help me gather some information about Yanjing City, especially about the imperial family."


    Old Master Nie grew increasingly curious. "Young man, you''re interested in Yanjing City?"


    Xie Xun smiled calmly. "Just some personal matters."


    Old Master Nie understood instantly. "Ah yes, who doesn''t have a few secrets? Since you refuse the silver, I won''t pry into your private affairs."


    "Our family branch managers submit their ounts at the end of every month, including the Yanjing City branch."


    "Here''s what we''ll do -e by my residence at the end of each month, and I''ll give you a report."


    With his objective achieved, Xie Xun left the Nie Residence with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Old Master Nie arranged for a carriage to take them back.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hadn''t eaten breakfast earlier and was still hungry, which always made her drowsy.


    She leaned against the carriage wall and quickly fell asleep.


    Before she knew it, her head lolled onto Xie Xun''s shoulder.


    Xie Xun had been about to straighten her up, but catching sight of her serene sleeping face made his heart settle.


    He withdrew his hand, slightly adjusting his posture, then sat properly without moving again.


    The carriage stopped at the entrance of Shi Mo Vige, and Jiang Xiaoxiao woke up right on time.


    Realizing she had been leaning on Xie Xun''s shoulder, she rubbed her eyes but showed no sign of embarrassment.


    If it had been another youngdy, Xie Xun might have thought she was shameless.


    But with Jiang Xiaoxiao, he understood her nature.


    She wasn''t shameless - she simply didn''tprehend theplexities of human emotions. In her world, all that existed was eating and sleeping.


    Perhaps it was precisely because shecked the ordinary human experiences of joy, anger, sorrow and desire that she had achieved such astounding cultivation at her young age.


    Xie Xun pulled his wandering thoughts back.


    When they arrived home, they unexpectedly saw someone standing outside the small courtyard.


    Xie Xun recalled Jiang Xiaoxiao mentioning she would have a visitor these past couple of days, but never imagined it would be him!

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Waiting at the small courtyard gate was none other than Dean Gu, whom Xie Xun had just met yesterday.


    Upon seeing Xie Xun, Dean Gu''s face immediately broke into a smile, "Young man, we meet again."


    Xie Xun said, "You''ve been waiting at my door for a while, how could we not meet?"


    "I''m here for official business," Dean Gu straightened his back and stroked his goatee. "I pondered it after returning home yesterday, and I believe you are most suitable for Luming Academy."


    Xie Xun knew that this old man must havee specifically for this matter.


    He remained stoic and repeated his words, "I have no interest in studying."


    "Don''t reject so hastily, for I have not finished speaking!"


    Dean Gu nced towards Jiang Xiaoxiao, "I''ve heard that this youngdy by your side is a practitioner of the arts. If you agree to join Luming Academy, I shall grant her a position in the Yin Yang Office."


    "The Yin Yang Office?"


    The term was unfamiliar to Xie Xun.


    "It was established upon the Crown Prince''s proposal, a secret agency dedicated to dealing with demonic forces. I shall be in charge."


    Dean Gu exined, "The imperial court established the Yin Yang Office specifically tobat the rampant evil spirits these days. As you know, chatans roam the streets while true practitioners are hard to find."


    "Some time ago, the Crown Prince personally visited the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to request that the senior disciple Zhang Hengyi take charge of the Yin Yang Office, but was rejected. The matter has now fallen upon my shoulders."


    "Thus far, I have yet to find suitable candidates. However, I''ve heard about the case you both handled at the Ning residence yesterday, and I believe this youngdy shows promise."


    The Yin Yang Office was proposed by the Crown Prince himself, and Dean Gu was recruiting talents on his behalf.


    Understanding the crux of the matter, Xie Xun''s eyes darkened, his tone chillingly cold.


    "No!"


    He stepped forward, retrieved his keys, and opened the courtyard gate.


    "Hey, you brat..." Before Xie Xun could shut the gate, Dean Gu squeezed himself in, ring at him, "Still as stubborn as you were as a child!"


    Xie Xun remained silent, calmly observing Dean Gu.


    Unable to sway him, Dean Gu decided toy his cards on the table.


    "When I saw you yesterday, I felt an indescribable familiarity. After pondering, I realized - who else could it be but you? All these years, and you''ve grown so much."


    Xie Xun clearly had no patience to listen further and turned to enter the house.


    "Your Highness, the Third Prince!"


    Dean Gu''s demeanor finally turned solemn as he swept his robe aside and knelt before Xie Xun.


    "Fourteen years ago, when the Empress met her unfortunate end, I was reassigned away from the capital."


    "Upon my return, I learned that the Empress had passed away, and Your Highness had already been sent away."


    "It was my failure that I could not remain by Your Highness''s side during those crucial moments."


    "The reason I havee personally is not to serve the Crown Prince. I merely wish to... offer my humble assistance in facilitating Your Highness''s return to the capital."


    Dean Gu''s words reminded Xie Xun of that rainy night fourteen years ago.


    After his mother''s sudden death, everyone imed he had brought ill fortune, that he was a cursed star who not only harmed his mother but might one day harm the nation itself - a cursed star deserving to be burned alive.


    He knelt outside the Imperial Pce, but his father, enraged, refused to see him.


    His only mother was gone, and the only teacher he trusted had also left.


    At the age of five, Murong Yuan came to him with an umbre, telling him that the teacher had resigned upon learning of the Empress''s demise, allegedly caused by Xie Xun''s ill omen.


    The icy rain pierced his small body like needles, piercing his heart.


    The three-year-old Xie Xun fell gravely ill, burning with fever and unconscious.


    When he awoke, he found himself in Stone Mill Vige, with only an old nursemaid by his side.


    It was only by chance that heter discovered his former teacher had taken over Luming Academy.


    Yet he never went to seek him out, even when they sat face-to-face at the teahouse yesterday.


    For a three-year-old child, the trauma of those events had left too deep a scar, too dark a shadow.


    "So you were reassigned away from the capital?" Xie Xun murmured softly.


    "There is nothing I can say now to make amends," Dean Gu regretted not being there to protect the child who lost everything overnight. Taking a deep breath, he raised his head.


    "Your Highness, if you wish to return to the capital, the Yin Yang Office presents a great opportunity. At the very least, Luming Academy is an option. I can forge you a false identity to gain admission through the imperial examinations."


    After a long silence, Xie Xun slowly replied, "You may return for now. I need to consider this matter."


    Hearing that Xie Xun did not outright refuse, Dean Gu knew there was hope. A smile finally spread across his aged face, "Then I shall await Your Highness''s favorable response."


    ...


    After Dean Gu left, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked Xie Xun, "Why didn''t you agree to his proposal?"


    Xie Xun said, "Gaining admission to the capital through the imperial examinations would make it difficult to approach the Crown Prince."


    "What about the Yin Yang Office?" Jiang Xiaoxiao suggested, "I could pass the entrance exam."


    After considering, she added, "If you dislike the idea of attending the academy, I could clear the path for you to be the head of the Yin Yang Office instead."


    Xie Xun looked at her deeply, "If I''m not mistaken, the senior disciple Zhang Hengyi whom the Crown Prince requested from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion is your martial uncle, correct?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded in affirmation.


    "Since your martial uncle refused to leave the sect, it''s evident that the Heavenly Master''s Mansion is unwilling to be entangled with the imperial court. Do you realize that by joining the Yin Yang Office, you would be involving the entire Heavenly Master''s Mansion?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "I am no longer a disciple of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion."


    "Hmm?"


    "I am your bride-to-be."


    Xie Xun: "..."


    ...


    Xie Xun went to the kitchen to cook porridge for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    That morning, the servants from the Ning residence had delivered identical breakfast meals to both Jiang Xiaoxiao''s room and Xie Xun''s quarters. The culinary skills of the Ning household''s cooks were exceptional.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiaoter imed that the food did not taste good.


    With such exceptional skills, it was impossible for the food to be unptable.


    Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression at the time did not seem like she was lying.


    Xie Xun realized that Jiang Xiaoxiao exhibited a reaction akin to an imprinting reflex.


    The first bowl of porridge she ate after leaving the mountain was cooked by him, and she had be ustomed to that taste. Anything prepared by others would be subconsciously rejected.


    The first set of clothes she wore after descending the mountain was bought by him. She had grown attached to that set and expected every subsequent outfit to be identical, regardless of color, style, or even if made from precious materials. She would not spare a second nce at any other options.


    The porridge was done, bearing the familiar taste.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao dutifully picked up her spoon and finished the entire bowl.


    The heavy rain from the previous night had caused some damage to the vegetable garden. After tending to the fallen crops, Xie Xun returned to the house.


    Perhaps due to thete hour they had retired the previous night, he felt a lingering drowsiness and decided to take a short nap.


    He had justin down when the rain started again outside.


    The sound of raindrops aided his slumber, and Xie Xun fell into a deep sleep.


    Having finished her meal, Jiang Xiaoxiao was brimming with energy.


    With Xie Xun napping in the west wing and no one to keep herpany, the constant croaking of frogs in the fields grew increasingly irritating.


    Once the rain eased, Jiang Xiaoxiao grabbed a small hoe and rushed outside. She dug a hole, caught all the frogs, and tossed them into the pit, covering it with a broken sieve she had found by the roadside.


    Finally, peace and quiet.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao returned to the small courtyard, but Xie Xun had not yet awoken.


    She sat idly in the main hall, losing track of time until dusk fell.


    It was only then that she realized something was amiss.


    Entering the west wing, she found Xie Xun lying motionless on the bed, his breathingbored and an unnatural flush on his face.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ced her hand on his forehead - it was burning with fever.


    There didn''t seem to be any vige doctors nearby, and seeking medical assistance in the town would require a lengthy journey, wasting precious time.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered a remedy she had learned in the mountains: using egg whites to reduce fever.


    So Jiang Xiaoxiao got up and went to the kitchen to beat two eggs with a small bowl. It took her a great effort to separate the egg whites from the yolks.


    She brought the whipped egg whites back to the west room and started to undress Xie Xun.


    Applying egg whites to reduce fever is a folk remedy, but she had seen the Third Senior Brother use it before, and it was quite effective.


    It''s just that the areas to be rubbed were quite extensive - the forehead, palms, soles of the feet, the front and back of the chest, all needed to be rubbed.


    Xie Xun was lying t, and being unconscious, he was much heavier than when he was awake.


    At first, Jiang Xiaoxiao undressed him with great caution, but after failing to take off his robe for a long time, she became increasingly impatient. With a forceful tug, she tore it right off.


    ...She used too much force, and his pants were also ripped off.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao picked up the small bowl, scooped out some egg whites, rubbed them carefully in her palms, and then rubbed them on his forehead.


    Next were his palms, chest and back, andstly the soles of his feet.


    In his dazed state, Xie Xun felt someone touching him all over, and a chilly sensation covered his body.


    He woke up with a start. Jiang Xiaoxiao was squatting at the edge of the bed, continuously applying something to the soles of his feet.


    More importantly, he...wasn''t wearing pants!


    "You...!"


    Xie Xun''s face, which had been flushed from the fever, instantly turned pale with rage, too angry to speak.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao heard the sound and looked up with her little head.


    When her gaze met Xie Xun''s eyes, filled with embarrassment and anger, she was still somewhat dazed.


    It wasn''t until she saw Xie Xun turning around on the bed, searching for clothes, that Jiang Xiaoxiao realized what had happened. She let out a dyed "Oh" and said, "I didn''t rub that area."


    Then she added, "That area doesn''t normally require egg whites, but if you need it, I can try..."


    Xie Xun''s temples throbbed. "...I don''t need it!!!"


    After all, Jiang Xiaoxiao was a cultivator, with superhuman strength. Her previous forceful undressing had ruined all of his clothes.


    Xie Xun had no choice but to find a clean set of clothes to change into.


    He didn''t even dare return to the bed, sitting on the farthest stool from Jiang Xiaoxiao, frowning at her. "What were you doing just now?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed to the egg whites in the small bowl. "Reducing your fever!"


    "Who reduces fever like that?"


    Recalling her previous actions, Xie Xun''s breathing quickened, and his face darkened a few shades.


    "I saw the Third Senior Brother do it on the mountain. It was quite effective."


    After saying that, Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun''s tense expression remained unchanged.


    "Are you angry because I undressed you?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, her face full of sincere innocence. "If you''re really that upset, you can undress me too!"


    Xie Xun: "..."


    Doesn''t the Heavenly Master''s Mansion teach about propriety between men and women?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao carefully observed Xie Xun''s reaction and realized he didn''t seem too keen on undressing her.


    "I''ll go cook for you as an apology."


    It wasn''t until Jiang Xiaoxiao left that Xie Xun dared to lie back down.


    The fever hadn''t fully subsided, and his head was still heavy and his eyelids drooping.


    However, Xie Xun didn''t dare sleep.


    He was afraid the previous incident might happen again.


    In all his life, he had never experienced such a shock.


    Especially when an utterly clueless girl looked at him with the most innocent expression and uttered the most suggestive words.


    It was simply too much!


    ...


    There were still embers in the stove, so Jiang Xiaoxiao added a few sticks of firewood. Once the mes rose, she started rinsing the rice to cook porridge.


    This was the first time in her life that she had cooked.


    Beside her were a bag of white rice and a bag of broken rice.


    The white rice looked more nutritious, so for someone who was sick, she should cook the white rice.


    She scooped out threerge bowls'' worth.


    For the water...she just added randomly, enough to get it cooked.


    Xie Xun had been waiting for a long time for the porridge Jiang Xiaoxiao was cooking, but before he could smell the porridge, he caught a whiff of a scorched aroma.


    Xie Xun propped himself up and walked towards the kitchen, pushing open the door.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s face was ckened by the smoke.


    But the rice in the pot was even cker than her face.


    "It seems...scorched."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gripped the rice paddle and gave it a forceful stir, flipping even more scorched rice to the surface.


    Xie Xun looked at the pot bottom, which was nearly burned through, and couldn''t help but hold his forehead. "In the future, please stay away from the kitchen!"


    The scorched rice was scooped out by Xie Xun and ced in a washing basket for Jiang Xiaoxiao to take out and discard.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought it was a pity, and then remembered she had caught many frogs earlier, so she carried the scorched rice towards the pit.


    She removed the broken bamboo basket, grabbed one of the frogs, and tried to feed it some scorched rice.


    The frog, which had been croaking "gu-gu gu-gu," made a "ge" sound as it frantically tried to spit out the scorched rice, its eyes rolling back.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."


    Dinner was cooked by Xie Xun - he stir-fried cured meat, braised eggnt, and made stir-fried eggs with chives and a pot of mushroom soup.


    The portions were generous, made ording to Jiang Xiaoxiao''s appetite.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiao ate very little today.


    Xie Xun noticed that she barely touched her chopsticks and asked, "Not to your taste?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao held her chopsticks and, instead of answering, asked back, "Are you still angry?"


    If she hadn''t brought it up, it would have been fine, but now that she did, Xie Xun felt his face darken.


    But he couldn''t stay angry either, or else he would have to exin the reason for his anger.


    After thinking it over, Xie Xun said, "In the future, you can''t undress men randomly."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t expect that her attempt to help would cause so much trouble. She nodded, "Okay."


    Then she asked, "So you''re not angry anymore, right?"


    Xie Xun: "I''m not angry."


    Only then did Jiang Xiaoxiao feel relieved and finally dared to pick up her chopsticks.


    Xie Xun watched her eat with a good appetite and suddenly realized that his fever had indeed subsided significantly.


    His cheeks were no longer hot, and his head wasn''t as heavy as before.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ate very quickly today, almost finishing her meal as soon as Xie Xun put down his chopsticks.


    After wiping her mouth, Jiang Xiaoxiao stood up and prepared to go outside.


    Xie Xun called out to her, "What are you doing?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "I''m going to call a doctor for you."


    "No need to call a doctor." Xie Xun said, "We have regrly stocked medicinal herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying. I''ve already prepared them, just need to decoct them. Do you know how to decoct medicines?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment. "I think...I do."


    Apart from turning small on the full moon nights, she had never been sick before. Decocting medicines was something she had seen, so she should know how to do it, right?


    Hearing the words "I think," Xie Xun knew he couldn''t trust her.


    "I''ll do it myself then."


    He swiftly retrieved the medicine packet, rinsed it, and ced it in a medicine pot, then set it over the fire.


    It had rained during the day, and the sky seemed to have been cleansed, with bright, twinkling stars in the evening.


    While waiting for the medicine to decoct, Xie Xun noticed the stars in the sky. He thought of something and turned to look at Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was standing by the door. "Your next transformation into a child form seems to be during the Mid-Autumn Festival."

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just been staring intently at the constetion map in the sky.


    Hearing the sound, she turned her head, "What did you say?"


    "Nothing."


    Xie Xun withdrew his gaze, opened the lid of the medicine jar and looked inside, then closed it again. He squatted in front of the stove, fanning the mes with a woven fan.


    By the time he finished drinking the medicine, the night hadpletely fallen.


    Xie Xun was not in the habit of staying upte.


    Moreover, he was still recovering from an illness.


    He nned to go to bed early, but saw Jiang Xiaoxiao sitting motionless in the hall and asked her, "Isn''t it toote to not be resting?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao frowned slightly.


    She wanted to go to sleep too, but suddenly her abdomen started aching.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s constitution was quite special. She rarely fell ill under normal circumstances, and even when she got injured during cultivation, her tolerance for pain was extremely high.


    But this abdominal pain that had just appeared made her feel ufortable.


    Seeing her paleplexion, Xie Xun''s drowsiness dissipated, "What''s wrong?"


    "My stomach..." Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t quite describe the pain, it felt like her lower abdomen was being twisted into a knot.


    Xie Xun carefully thought back to what they had eaten that evening. Could there have been a problem with the mushroom soup?


    But if there was an issue with the soup, he should have been affected too.


    "You go back to your room and lie down. I''ll go to the town and call a doctor for you."


    At thiste hour, the clinic in town had most likely closed, so getting a doctor would depend on luck.


    But even so, that was better than doing nothing.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was in too much pain to speak, her gaze was vacant.


    At that moment, there was a sudden knock on the courtyard gate.


    Xie Xun went out and opened the door to find Lin Guifang, the vige chief''s wife, standing outside.


    Lin Guifang was holding arge b of cured pork.


    Seeing Xie Xun, she smiled warmly, "Young Master Xie, you''re not asleep yet?"


    "Young Master Xie" was how the vige elders addressed Xie Xun.


    But since he was an outsider, and had beenbeled as an "ominous star," few vigers ever approached him closely.


    It had been a long time since Xie Xun had heard this address.


    He nced at Lin Guifang indifferently and asked, "Is there something you need?"


    Lin Guifang had been sent by the vige chief.


    Earlier that day, Dean Gu hade to see Xie Xun, but Yang Ershun saw them and hurried back to tell his father.


    That kid had a loose tongue, and he couldn''t help but spill the beans about how Xie Xun had saved Dean Gust year, but refused to take credit for it and let Yang Wei take the credit instead.


    Although the vige chief regretted that Luming Academy had wrongly rewarded Yang Wei, a hopeless case, with ten taels of silver, he was not an unreasonable man.


    After careful consideration, he felt that he had spoken too harshly to Xie Xun that day.


    But as the vige chief, he couldn''t bring himself to go in person, so he sent his wife with a b of cured pork as a gesture of apology to Xie Xun.


    "We cured this pork before the new year, and I''m bringing you some to taste its freshness," Lin Guifang said with a smile.


    In fact, she had always had a good impression of Xie Xun.


    It wasn''t just because her son Yang Ershun constantly praised Xie Xun in front of her, but more because as a mother, she couldn''t bring herself to dislike a child who had grown up without parental love and support.


    Xie Xun didn''t ept the pork. "If you have something to say, just say it directly."


    Lin Guifang lowered her head, "About you saving Dean Gu, Ershun told us the truth. My husband, the vige chief, feels quite remorseful about it. But you know how he values his reputation and can''t bring himself toe see you in person, so he asked me toe and apologize to you."


    Xie Xun said, "I didn''t want to admit it myself originally, so you don''t need to apologize."


    Lin Guifang looked at his detached manner, rejecting her a thousand miles away, and sighed helplessly.


    Xie Xun had endured so much criticism and disdain from the vigers over the years, living a difficult life. It was unrealistic to expect him to let go of the past just like that.


    "I heard a youngdy hase to stay with you," Lin Guifang said. "If you need anything, you can alwayse to me."


    Just as she finished speaking, Jiang Xiaoxiao emerged unsteadily from the hall.


    Twonterns were lit in the courtyard, and the light was not very bright, so it was difficult to clearly see Jiang Xiaoxiao''splexion, but her unsteady gait indicated that something was amiss.


    Lin Guifang was startled, "Miss, what''s wrong with you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao held her lower abdomen and said, "I think I''m bleeding."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun turned to look at her, his expression revealing a hint of surprise.


    Was the food he cooked that poisonous?


    Lin Guifang looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s condition and suddenly realized what was happening. She smiled and asked, "Have you ever experienced this before?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head, saying she hadn''t.


    "Come with me," Lin Guifang said, taking Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand.


    Seeing this, Xie Xun frowned.


    Lin Guifang noticed his concern and exined in a low voice, "Young Master Xie, your young wife has most likely started her menstrual cycle. Since you''re not prepared at home..."


    Xie Xun waspletely baffled, having no idea what "menstrual cycle" meant.


    No use exining further.


    Lin Guifang said, "If you''re really worried, you cane to our house and wait. I''ll get some things for your young wife."


    Lin Guifang took Jiang Xiaoxiao away, while Xie Xun remained standing at the courtyard gate.


    ...


    Old Vige Chief Yang was pacing anxiously in his courtyard, waiting for news from Lin Guifang.


    Finally, there was movement outside.


    Unable to wait any longer, Old Vige Chief Yang was about to go and ask how Xie Xun had responded, when he saw his wife leading a youngdy inside.


    Old Vige Chief Yang recognized her as Jiang Xiaoxiao, the youngdy staying with Xie Xun who had nearly struck Yang Wei a few days earlier.


    Why was she here?


    The words he wanted to say stuck in his throat, and the vige chief could only go and sit in the hall.


    Lin Guifang took Jiang Xiaoxiao to the bedroom and retrieved some unused sanitary pads from the bedside cab for her to change into. Then she went to the kitchen to brew some brown sugar water for her.


    It was then that Jiang Xiaoxiao learned that when girls reach a certain age, they start to "bleed" ¨C a phenomenon known as the "monthly cycle" ¨C with some mild abdominal pain being normal.


    Lin Guifang said that she herself didn''t start her cycle until she was sixteen, which was consideredte.


    Had it not been for Lin Guifang''s timely appearance, Jiang Xiaoxiao might have thought, like Xie Xun, that there was something wrong with a part of her body.


    The brown sugar water was ready soon, and Jiang Xiaoxiao held the small bowl in both hands, enjoying its warmth.


    Lin Guifang sat down and looked at her with maternal affection. "Normally, these things should have been taught to you by your mother, but it seems I was the first to encounter this. From now on, if you have any questions, juste and ask me."


    She then gently patted Jiang Xiaoxiao''s head.


    "Mother..." Jiang Xiaoxiao murmured, slightly dazed.


    In the past sixteen years, she had never seen what her mother looked like, let alone knew who her father was.


    At one point, she had even suspected that she was not born from parents, but had sprouted from a crack in a rock.


    Seeing her daze off, Lin Guifang reminded her, "Drink the brown sugar water while it''s hot. It will warm your body and ease the pain in your abdomen."


    After finishing the brown sugar water, Lin Guifang personally escorted Jiang Xiaoxiao back with antern.


    Xie Xun was still waiting at the courtyard gate.


    Upon seeing him, Lin Guifang spoke in a low voice, "These few days are the most difficult for youngdies. Don''t let her drink tea or eat cold foods, and don''t... ahem, be intimate. Make sure she rests properly."


    Xie Xun''s brow twitched slightly, "We haven''t..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao moved closer and asked, "What does ''be intimate'' mean?"


    Xie Xun replied, "It means letting you stay in your room and rest, without going out for a stroll."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Oh, I see."

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    After returning home, Lin Guifang went straight to the hall.


    The Vige Chief asked eagerly, "How did it go?"


    "Young Master Xie declined our gift." Lin Guifang said, "It''s understandable though. Young Master Xie has lived an aloof life in the vige for so many years. Before, you turned a blind eye, and now you suddenly try to curry favor with him. If I were him, I wouldn''t bother with you either."


    Lin Guifang was the stepmother of Yang Dashun and the biological mother of Yang Ershun. As the Vige Chief''s young wife, she couldn''t help but possess some pride of a young bride.


    The Vige Chief rubbed his nose, "But I sent you to apologize, didn''t I?"


    He knew he was in the wrong, and his voice softened considerably.


    "But it''s alright," Lin Guifang said with relief. "At least I caught Young Master Xie''s young wife''s celebration. Since Young Master Xie is not approachable, we''ll try through his young wife. Sooner orter, we''ll thaw the freeze between us."


    After saying that, Lin Guifang looked towards the Vige Chief again, "By the way, about Yang Wei..."


    "Don''t mention him to me again!" The Vige Chief got angry just thinking of Yang Wei.


    He was not only upset about the ten taels of silver, but also furious at Yang Wei''s character.


    Since Yang Wei didn''t actually save the Dean, he should have confessed when Luming Academy came knocking instead of taking advantage of the situation to freeload there.


    You see, because of Yang Wei''s "lifesaving grace," Luming Academy waived all his tuition and boarding fees.


    After a year of enrollment, he did get fatter but didn''t learn a single thing. He would often skip sses and submit nk papers.


    Thinking about how he had personally brought his eldest son to the academy to inquire, the Vige Chief''s old face burned with anger.


    Lin Guifang knew men didn''t like being nagged, but she still said, "Since Dean Gu has personally visited Young Master Xie, he must know who his real lifesaver is. What if Luming Academy expels Yang Wei?"


    "He deserves it if they expel him! That good-for-nothingyabout!" The Vige Chief''s face was tense with frustration.


    If only Yang Wei had been a little more diligent, he could have swallowed his pride and pleaded with the academy to let that little scoundrel stay.


    But now...


    "Those ten taels of silver are as good as gone. Tomorrow I''ll visit Xie Xun myself."


    After drinking a warm cup of brown sugar water, Jiang Xiaoxiao did feel much better and not as ufortable as before.


    Back in her room, shey down and fell asleep with a yawn.


    Xie Xun couldn''t sleep, so he rummaged through his belongings until he finally found an old tattered book being used as a table leg support.


    The book was given to him by a pharmacist a long time ago when he went to stock up on medicine. Since he didn''t enjoy reading, he had simply used it as a table leg support.


    After dusting it off, Xie Xun sat under the oilmp and carefully flipped through it.


    When he finally saw the words "Gui Shui" and read the annotations that followed, Xie Xun awkwardly put the tattered book back under the table leg.


    Having taken an egg white remedy from Jiang Xiaoxiao the day before to reduce his fever, and drinking a medicinal concoction for cooling and detoxifying in the evening, Xie Xun felt much better after a night''s rest.


    He woke up early, went to town for a medical consultation and medicine, and also bought some brown sugar.


    When he returned home, Jiang Xiaoxiao hadn''t risen yet.


    But the Vige Chief hade.


    After Lin Guifang''s visitst night and now the Vige Chief, Xie Xun didn''t need to ask to know what the visitor wanted.


    Although he didn''t care much for the vigers, since he owed Lin Guifang a favor fromst night, he couldn''t turn the Vige Chief away now, so he invited him in.


    After sitting down, the Vige Chief looked at Xie Xun with remorse, "It was my failure as the vige chief that the quota meant for you went to Yang Wei instead. If you have any demands, feel free to voice them. As long as I can fulfill them, I''ll do my best to meet your needs."


    "There''s nothing wrong with Yang Wei going to Luming Academy," Xie Xun said. "I have no interest in studying, and besides, I''ve never received any education. If I went, I''d be even worse than him."


    Upon hearing Xie Xun''s words, the Vige Chief suddenly recalled this fact.


    Xie Xun hade to Shi Mo Vige at the age of three and grown up right under the vigers'' noses. He had indeed never attended school or studied, and might not even recognize all the written characters.


    With this realization, the Vige Chief felt somewhat less remorseful, but still uneasy. He looked around and said, "What if I call some people to help repair your house?"


    Most of the vige homes were brick and tile houses. Even those living in thatched cottages kept them well-maintained and bright.


    Only Xie Xun''s house, though clean and tidy inside, appeared rather dpidated from the outside.


    "No need," Xie Xun declined directly.


    "Xie Xun, you... sigh..."


    The Vige Chief sensed Xie Xun''s cold and aloof attitude, and felt helpless.


    It was their own fault for neglecting this child for so many years.


    Indeed, there were many vigers who spread rumors that Xie Xun was an ominous harbinger of bad luck.


    Although the Vige Chief had never supported those ims, he hadn''t stopped them either.


    In a sense, by not stopping them, he had be an aplice.


    No wonder Xie Xun still held a grudge.


    The Vige Chief knew this visit was fruitless, so he stood up and said, "You may not need help now, but we''re all living in the same vige. There will be inconveniences eventually. When you''re in trouble, juste and find me."


    After the Vige Chief left, Jiang Xiaoxiao came in from outside and said as she walked, "I know how to repair houses."


    Afraid that Xie Xun wouldn''t believe her, she emphasized again, "I really do know how."


    As long as she didn''t add "probably" in front, it meant she really knew.


    Xie Xun gave Jiang Xiaoxiao a strange look, not understanding how a youngdy who could burn a hole through a pot in the kitchen could also know how to repair houses.


    "No need to repair," Xie Xun said. "As long as it doesn''t leak when it rains and the feng shui is alright, it''s fine."


    The real value lies within, not on the surface. If he cared about appearances, he would have hired someone to renovate it a long time ago.


    "Xie Xun! Xie Xun!" Chen Sixi''s hoarse voice suddenly came from outside.


    Xie Xun went out and saw the fellow, not knowing when he had arrived, looking excited.


    "Found some money?" Xie Xun nced at him.


    Chen Sixi pondered for a moment, "More or less!"


    Seeing that Xie Xun didn''t intend to ask what good thing had happened to him, Chen Sixi pouted and had to exin himself.


    "Although I really don''t want to admit there were ghosts that night, your little stunt with thedy haspletely spread throughout the county. Now everyone is looking for this master by your side to exorcise their homes!"


    "Hey, hey, hey, Xie Xun, you''re not going to refuse, are you? You''re not going to refuse, right? Right?"


    Xie Xun said, "I don''t have time recently."


    "No time?" Chen Sixi looked baffled. These two didn''t study or farm, so when were they not free?


    He thought Xie Xun was just beingzy.


    So he went to ask Jiang Xiaoxiao, not forgetting to pour himself a cup of water to quench his thirst.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao also said she didn''t have time.


    "Why?" Chen Sixi was a little disappointed.


    He was afraid of ghosts, but he loved watching Jiang Xiaoxiao perform exorcisms the most.


    A true master is a true master, it was so impressive!


    "I need to stay home," Jiang Xiaoxiao carefully recalled, "Oh yes, Xie Xun said it''s called... what was it? Oh right, housekeeping."


    "Pfft--" Chen Sixi sprayed out a mouthful of water.


    Xie Xun, who had just stepped over the threshold with one foot: "!!!"

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    "Tsk tsk, Xie Xun, you''re quite something, aren''t you!"


    Chen Sixi turned his head and looked at Xie Xun, who was standing at the door with a furrowed brow.


    Xie Xun said, "If you have no business, you can leave."


    "Hey..." Chen Sixi became anxious. "I just got here, and you won''t even let me stay for a meal? At least let me finish my tea?"


    He sat down with his teacup and refused to drink, ncing at Jiang Xiaoxiao and then at Xie Xun, wanting tough but not daring to, his face flushed red from holding it in.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Chen Sixi. "Is it that funny?"


    Chen Sixi immediately straightened up with a serious expression. "Not funny, not funny at all, not even a little bit funny. I just... pfft, hahahahaha, cough... cough cough. Eh? Something''s wrong with my throat! I clearly wanted to speak, but howe sounds just came out randomly when I opened my mouth? Master, I must have been cursed!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand what Chen Sixi wasughing about. She frowned, grabbed him by the back cor with one hand, and tossed him out, mming the door shut behind him.


    Finally, the room was quiet.


    Chen Sixi''s wails could be heard from outside the courtyard.


    Xie Xun ignored him and sat down, ncing at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "I made a mistakest night. ''Xing fang'' doesn''t mean for you to stay in the room."


    "Then what does it mean?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was very curious about why Chen Sixi wouldugh upon hearing that phrase.


    "In any case, it''s a phrase that would invite ridicule if said out loud. Don''t say it again in the future."


    For the first time, Xie Xun experienced the feeling of digging a pit and burying himself in it. He didn''t understand why he had told herst night that "xing fang" meant for her to stay in the room instead of going out.


    Xie Xun mentioned that he was considering going to Luming Academy, but he hadn''t contacted Dean Gu since then, nor had he gone to the county.


    However, Dean Gu couldn''t wait any longer and came to visit in person.


    Dean Gu rarely appeared at the academy and was a low-profile person with in clothing.


    Therefore, even if he were being chased and hacked at on the streets by some shrew, no one would recognize that this was the famous Dean Gu Xiaohao of Luming Academy, nicknamed "Er Gou" (literally "Second Dog").


    On the day Dean Gu came to Shi Mo Vige, Yang Weixun happened to be taking a day off.


    To avoid drawing too much attention from the vigers, Dean Gu''s carriage stopped at the town, and he hired an ox cart for the rest of the journey.


    Recent heavy rains had made the rural dirt roads difficult to travel, and the ox cart''s wheels sank into a muddy pit.


    The carter inspected the situation and informed Dean Gu that they couldn''t move for the time being.


    Dean Gu nodded, thinking that since they were already at the vige entrance, he could walk the remaining distance.


    He paid the carter and was about to get off the cart.


    Suddenly, a voice came from behind. "Hey! Old geezer, are you getting off or not?"


    The speaker was none other than Yang Wei.


    He had made ns with his buddies to go out and y today after missing sses the other day, and he was in a hurry.


    Who would have thought that he would encounter this unlucky old man right at the vige entrance?


    The dirt road was muddy from the rain, and Yang Wei didn''t want to walk and get his shoes dirty.


    Dean Gu turned around to see a student wearing a Luming Academy uniform sitting on a mule cart behind them.


    In the entire Shi Mo Vige, the only one who could have been admitted to Luming Academy was the one who had "saved his life" - Yang Wei.


    When Yang Wei enrolled at the academy, Dean Gu had seen him from a distance.


    At that time, Dean Gu knew that this person was not the one who had saved him.


    After all, he had encountered an evil spirit back then.


    Yang Wei didn''t seem like someone who could exorcise evil spirits, and he looked nothing like the face Dean Gu had vaguely seen.


    His true savior must have had their reasons for not revealing themselves.


    Although Dean Gu didn''t want to force his savior, he also didn''t want someone else to take credit for the deed.


    Therefore, from the time Yang Wei enrolled until now, Dean Gu had never approached him directly, only giving him the opportunity to study at Luming Academy.


    He never expected to encounter Yang Wei in such a situation today.


    "Old geezer, what are you staring at? I''m talking to you!" Yang Wei was filled with irritation. "Who are you? Blocking our vige entrance, trying to bring bad luck or what?"


    Dean Gu smiled and looked at Yang Wei. "Young friend, are you a student at Luming Academy?"


    Yang Wei frowned. "What''s it to you? Hurry up and move that ox cart!"


    The carter said, "Our ox cart is stuck in a pit, and we can''t move it for the time being. Young master, if you could lend a hand, with all of us working together, we could move the cart quickly."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Wei''s face darkened instantly. "What are you thinking? You want me to help move the cart? Then give me your day''s earnings!"


    The carter looked helplessly at Dean Gu.


    At that moment, a childish voice spoke up from the side.


    "I, I, I..."


    Yang Ershun had appeared from somewhere, raising his paw eagerly and looking this way with an earnest expression.


    "I don''t want cart money. I just want one of the pancakes Xie Xun makes. If you promise, I''ll go find my dad and big brother right away, and they''ll definitelye and help."


    Although Dean Gu didn''t know how this child recognized him, he still responded politely, "Thank you, young friend."


    Yang Ershun turned and scampered back home.


    When he returned, he was followed by the vige head and Yang Dashun''s father and son.


    Thest time Dean Gu had visited the vige, Vige Head Yang had seen him from afar.


    Now, he recognized him at a nce, his old face filled with excitement. "Dean, wee to our vige."


    "Dean...?" Yang Wei looked at the enthusiastic expression on Vige Head Yang''s face and a hint of disdain shed in his eyes as he sneered inwardly.


    Dressed so inly and riding an ox cart - what kind of dean was this?


    Vige Head Yang turned to see Yang Wei still sitting on the mule cart and immediately frowned. "Yang Wei, what''s the matter with you? When you see your academy''s dean''s cart stuck in the mud, you don''t even get off to help?"


    Upon hearing this, Yang Wei''s eyes widened instantly. "Dean... Dean Gu?"


    Seeing his expression, Vige Head Yang shook his head in disappointment.


    It seemed it was true!


    Yang Wei never expected that with a few careless words from his foul mouth, he had offended the dean.


    He was so shocked that he lost his bnce and tumbled off the open mule cart.


    Now, not only were his shoes dirty, but he was covered in mud from head to toe.


    Vige Head Yang called his eldest son, and together with the carter, they pushed the ox cart out of the mud.


    Dean Gu washed his shoe soles in the river and headed towards Xie Xun''s house in the eastern part of the vige.


    Vige Head Yang, his two sons, and Yang Wei followed behind.


    Yang Wei picked himself up, not caring about the dirt all over him, and rushed to catch up.


    "Vige Head, Vige Head, let me exin..."


    Yang Wei was filled with regret, his voice almost tearful.


    Yang Ershun nced back at him and whispered to Vige Head Yang, "This idiot just cursed at Dean Gu."


    Upon hearing this, Vige Head Yang was furious.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Dean Gu had originally intended to keep a low profile, which was why he switched to an ox cart to enter the vige.


    Little did he expect that he would still attract the attention of the vige head''s family.


    Seeing the father and son trio following behind, Dean Gu turned his head and said, "Gentlemen, this old man needs to have a word with Third Royal Highness... er, Xie Xun alone. I hope you wouldn''t mind giving us some privacy."


    Vige Head Yang immediately realized his mistake, his face showing a hint of embarrassment. "As the Dean says, please go ahead. We won''t disturb you."


    After watching Dean Gu walk away, Vige Head Yang turned his gaze back.


    Yang Wei, covered in mud, stood not far away with a dejected expression on his face.


    Even if you threw ten taels of silver into the water, it would still make a sound. But throwing it at this waste of a person not only showed no improvement or learning, but he even dared to insult the Dean!


    Just thinking about it made Vige Head Yang''s anger re, and he grabbed a stick from the side of the road. He rushed forward and struck Yang Wei on the back with two blows of the stick.


    "Vige Head, uncle, I didn''t mean to," Yang Wei cried. "I really didn''t mean it. I didn''t know he was the Dean."


    "Even if he wasn''t the Dean, is that any way to treat an elder?" Vige Head Yang grew angrier with each word. "Have you forgotten all the teachings of the sages?"


    With that, he struck Yang Wei with two more blows.


    Thest time Yang Wei failed an exam, he didn''t even have the heart to hit him.


    He had always thought that young people deserved a chance to redeem themselves for their youthful indiscretions.


    He had hoped that Yang Wei would have shown some improvement over these days, but to his dismay, he only grew more useless and more infuriating than before.


    Mrs. Wang, Yang Wei''s mother, was returning from the fields carrying a hoe. Seeing her son being beaten and made to kneel on the vige road, she immediately grew furious and demanded an exnation from the vige head.


    Vige Head Yang was too angry to speak, so he let Yang Er exin to her.


    At first, Mrs. Wang angrily defended her son, but after hearing that he not only failed to recognize the Dean but also verbally abused him, she lost all her strength.


    "Vige Head, this..."


    "If Yang Wei ends up being expelled from Luming Academy in the future, it will be his own fault!"


    Vige Head Yang left those cold words and walked away with his two sons.


    Yang Wei watched the retreating back of the vige head, his heart filled with fear.


    "Mother, I don''t want to be expelled from the academy. Please help me think of a way."


    On the east side of the vige.


    Dean Gu knocked on the door of the residence.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao came to open the door.


    Dean Gu nced around inside, asking her, "Is Third Royal Highness here?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gestured with her eyes towards the kitchen area. "He''s cooking."


    Upon hearing this, Dean Gu''s expression turned serious. "Miss, how could you let Third Royal Highness work in the kitchen?"


    Despite his temporary fall from grace, he was still of esteemed royal lineage. How could he be reduced to being a cook for others?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Isn''t it you who does the cooking in your own home?"


    Dean Gu paused, unwilling to admit his fear of his wife. "That''s because I choose to!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. "Go tell Xie Xun that if he''s willing, I can also cook for you."


    That''s more like it!


    Dean Gu grunted, about to head to the kitchen to find Third Royal Highness.


    Suddenly, he remembered something and stopped. He asked Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Can you cook?"


    If she were just an ordinary girl, Dean Gu wouldn''t have asked further.


    But this youngdy was a highly aplished exorcist and a local celebrity in the county.


    Would a person like her know how to handle culinary tasks?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao responded honestly, "Although I nearly burned a hole in the pan a few days ago, I''ve now grasped the essence, and it definitely won''t happen this time."


    Dean Gu: "..."


    Dean Gu arrived just in time to join Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao for their midday meal.


    Gazing at the dishes on the table, which looked homely but smelled incredibly appetizing, Dean Gu couldn''t help but swallow.


    Although it was undignified for Third Royal Highness to cook, one had to admit, it smelled delicious!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao brought over bowls and chopsticks.


    Just as Dean Gu sat down, Mrs. Wang''s cries could be heard from outside.


    "Dean, sir, our Wei has been feverish and delirious these past few days, which is why he spoke such nonsense to you. Afterward, he didn''t even remember it himself. I beg you, sir, to be magnanimous and not hold it against him!"


    As Mrs. Wang cried, she approached the residence.


    Just as she was about to step onto the porch, a chopstick suddenly flew out from inside, hitting the ground right in front of her with pinpoint uracy.


    Mrs. Wang was startled.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s voice came from inside, calm andposed, yet somehow sending chills down one''s spine. "Take another step forward, and whichever foot you move will be left behind."


    "You... you... you!"


    Mrs. Wang pointed towards the hall, too angry to speak.


    She had already heard about the youngdy who hade to live with Xie Xun, with rumors spreading that she was Xie Xun''s unbetrothed wife.


    Xie Xun himself was an orphan with no parents, so where did this supposed unbetrothed wifee from?


    Not to mention that they were living together before even getting married, which was simply scandalous and a breach of propriety!


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao, I didn''te looking for trouble today, so don''t go inviting misfortune upon yourself!"


    Mrs. Wang was someone who bullied the meek but feared the forceful. She especially looked down on Xie Xun the most in the vige.


    Whenever the vige women gathered to gossip, Mrs. Wang never failed to add her ownmentary.


    Many of the rumors that Xie Xun was a harbinger of cmity and misfortune could be attributed to her contributions.


    Now, to be intimidated by a mere girl, how could she swallow such humiliation?


    Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Wang kicked the chopstick aside and was about to step onto the porch when Xie Xun''s chilling voice rang out, "Uninvited and unwee, it seems you have no intention of leaving here unharmed."


    Hearing those words, Mrs. Wang felt a sense of dread.


    Xie Xun had always struck her as an eerie person.


    Several years ago, Xie Xun had acquired a rabbit from somewhere.


    One time, when Xie Xun was not home, the rabbit had escaped and stolen some vegetables from her garden.


    Mrs. Wang recognized it as Xie Xun''s rabbit and beat it to death with her hoe, then deliberately sent the carcass back to him, locking it in its cage.


    Later, she saw Xie Xun washing the rabbit by the riverte at night.


    Eventer, she noticed that Xie Xun had embroidered a pink rabbit on his sleeve.


    For a man to embroider flowers was one thing, but to embroider a rabbit on his clothes was simply bizarre.


    In all her years, Mrs. Wang had never seen such an odd person.


    Being a big mouth, she had spread this story to everyone in the vige the very next day.


    Some said that Xie Xun had likely used this method to keep the rabbit''s spirit by his side.


    Others said that the rabbit''s spirit might even turn into a human someday.


    Xie Xun had lived in Shi Mo Vige for over a decade, and no one had ever seen his parents or what they looked like. The only wet nurse he had was even killed by him.


    For Xie Xun to suddenly have an unbetrothed wife was something Mrs. Wang didn''t believe.


    She thought instead that it was that rabbit that had turned into a human.


    Yes, it had to be that.


    Because the vigers all said that Xie Xun''s so-called unbetrothed wife was dazed and foolish, able to sit quietly all day without speaking.


    Wasn''t that just like a rabbit?


    The more Mrs. Wang thought about it, the more afraid she became, forgetting why she hade in the first ce. She retreated two steps and ran away, screaming at the top of her lungs, "Ghost! There''s a ghost!"


    The once arrogant and aggressive woman was now panic-stricken in an instant.


    Dean Gu waspletely baffled and looked towards Jiang Xiaoxiao. "Is there a ghost in the house?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, "It''s her mind that''s haunted by ghosts."

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    Dean Gu lingered over a meal at Xie Xun''s ce.


    Originally just simple home-cooked dishes, yet Dean Gu ate heartily, nearly moved to tears.


    It was simply too, too, too delicious!


    Dean Gu marveled that the Third Prince could possess such exquisite culinary skills, whilementing that had he not been sent to this impoverished rural area from a young age, without anyone to care for him, how could a noble prince be reduced to such straits?


    Dean Gu ate tworge bowls with tears in his eyes. When Jiang Xiaoxiao went to wash the dishes, he cleared his throat, sat up straight, and looked at Xie Xun, "Third Prince, about the matter of Luming Academy and the Yin Yang Office, have you given it some thought?"


    Xie Xun asked, "You mentionedst time that joining the Yin Yang Office also requires an exam?"


    "That''s what they say up top."


    Dean Gu said, "The entrance exam has task requirements. If you meet them, you can join. Once in the Capital City, there will be more advanced exams set by the Imperial Tutor."


    The Imperial Tutor, Bai Cheng?


    Xie Xun recalled fourteen years ago when Bai Cheng had said, "If the Third Prince continues to remain in the Capital City, it may bring harm to the nation''s fortunes," which had led to his fall from noble prince to the gue star everyone cursed.


    It was time to repay that fourteen-year-old grudge!


    Seeing Xie Xun''s silence, Dean Gu quickly added, "Your Highness, rest assured, this girl is quite capable. The entrance exam will be a piece of cake for her."


    Of course, Xie Xun was not worried about Jiang Xiaoxiao passing the entrance exam. He asked again, "What are the conditions to be the Head of the Office?"


    "This..." Dean Gu did not expect this question and hesitated, "The Yin Yang Office has not been officially established yet, and the Crown Prince has not been able to recruit disciples from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, so it is said that the Imperial Tutor will temporarily serve as the Head for now."


    "Although this old servant understands Your Highness''s eagerness to return to the Capital City, this matter must proceed step-by-step. That girl does have some skills, but at her age, at most her talents exceed others slightly. For you to want her to take over the Yin Yang Office, I''m afraid... it will be very difficult, unless..."


    Xie Xun looked at him, "Unless what?"


    "Unless she is from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion."


    Dean Gu sighed continuously, "It is said that in the past hundred years, the Heavenly Master''s Mansion has only epted one female disciple, whose talents far surpassed all other disciples. The old Heavenly Master treasured her like the apple of his eye. How could he easily let her descend the mountain?"


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun''s lips curved slightly. He had not guessed wrong - for Jiang Xiaoxiao to make the Heavenly Master''s Mansion break their hundred-year precedent and ept her must mean she is no ordinary person.


    "Your Highness, Miss Jiang..." Up until now, Dean Gu still did not understand what Jiang Xiaoxiao''s status was or from which sect she came.


    However, Xie Xun said, "It''s nothing, just arrange for her entrance exam."


    With that said, he had agreed.


    Dean Gu finally broke into a smile, "As long as Miss Jiang joins the Yin Yang Office, whether Your Highness goes to Luming Academy or not does not matter."


    "I''ll go." Xie Xun said, "To enter the Capital City, I should have an identity."


    Hearing this, Dean Gu became even more excited, "In fact, I have already thought of a new identity for Your Highness - how about using your previous ''Xie San''?"


    Xie Xun nodded and hummed in agreement.


    After obtaining the information he wanted, Dean Gu took his leave and walked happily towards the vige entrance.


    Yang Ershun had been waiting on the ridge. Seeing the old mane out empty-handed, without even a trace of the promised pancakes they had agreed on, he burst out crying.


    Dean Gu was at a loss seeing the child cry.


    "You lied to me, old man! Wah, my pancakes!" Yang Ershun cried and sobbed in anger.


    Dean Gu pped his forehead, having been too preupied with official matters earlier andpletely forgotten about this little one.


    But now that he was already out, he could hardly go back and ask the Third Prince to make pancakes, could he?


    How improper would that be?


    Wouldn''t the Third Prince lose face?


    Oh well.


    "Little one, don''t cry. You want pancakes, right? I''ll give you money, you can buy them yourself." Dean Gu took out about ten copper coins from his money pouch and handed them over.


    "I don''t want it, I don''t want it - I want my pancakes!" Yang Ershun began rolling on the ground.


    Money could neverpare to the fragrance of pancakes made by Xie Xun.


    He did not want money, he wanted pancakes!


    Dean Gu, as an educated man, felt regretful for failing to keep his promise. Seeing Yang Ershun''s tantrum, he sighed helplessly, "How about I take you to town to buy some?"


    Yang Ershun rolled around even more vigorously.


    What town pancakes? He did not want those, he only wanted to eat the ones made by Xie Xun!


    When the vige chief Yang arrived, he saw his youngest son throwing a fit in front of Dean Gu.


    He immediately frowned, quickly apologizing to Dean Gu.


    Then he dragged his son away.


    Dean Gu looked at Yang Ershun and smiled, "Little one, I''ll keep a tab this time. The next time Ie, I''ll make sure to make it up to you."


    Yang Ershun grumbled but felt a little better.


    Luming Academy''s enrollment was in September, so Xie Xun could remain at home for another month.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s entrance exam had to be arranged as soon as possible.


    Because once the full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived, her curse would activate and revert her to a child, making her unable to use her abilities.


    The first part of the entrance exam was to transcend twenty lonely souls within seven days.


    Chen Sixi had been making frequent trips to Shimo Vige, practically wearing out his mouth trying to persuade Jiang Xiaoxiao to descend the mountain.


    On this day, Chen Sixi came again, with the same familiar opening and lines.


    He said that besides the Cheng Family, there were many other wealthy households in the county who had heard of her great abilities and were willing to pay a generous sum to invite a master to survey their mansions'' feng shui.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had heard it all before.


    After Chen Sixi finished speaking, she nodded, "I ept."


    Chen Sixi had expected another futile trip, never imagining Jiang Xiaoxiao would agree so readily.


    It left him dumbfounded for quite a while before he recovered, "Master, are you serious?"


    "We can set out now."


    Chen Sixi was ted, "Alright, Master, where are we going?"


    "Chaotic Burial Grounds."


    "What?!" Chen Sixi was dumbstruck.


    "Didn''t you want to see me exorcise ghosts? Where else would we go besides the Chaotic Burial Grounds?"


    "But the Chaotic Burial Grounds, it..." Chen Sixi''s smile gradually became strained, "Won''t that ce be too gloomy? We can just exorcise one or two ghosts, no need to go there."


    "To save you from nagging me again, let''s get it over with and have our fill."


    The main reason Jiang Xiaoxiao wanted to go to the Chaotic Burial Grounds was because of the abundance of lonely souls and wild ghosts there.


    The reason she wanted to bring Chen Sixi along was because Xie Xun could not go to the Chaotic Burial Grounds.


    The Chaotic Burial Grounds was a ce teeming with all sorts of ghosts, some having wandered there for who knows how many years.


    Xie Xun''s sealed aura of cmity would attract ghosts like flies.


    If a swarm of ghosts were to attack, Jiang Xiaoxiao alone would have difficulty ensuring his safe return.


    Learning that he could not go, Xie Xun''s brows furrowed slightly.


    "You said before that I am of pure yang constitution, and my blood could make ghosts retreat three steps. Won''t that work this time?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at the ck ominous aura above his head and shook her head, "Your dragon aura is currently suppressed. Your blood can only affect lower-level minor ghosts. Against powerful vengeful ghosts, even if your blood was drained dry, it would be useless."


    Xie Xun understood. If he went, he would only be a burden.


    "Then you two should go and return quickly."


    Standing at the entrance, Xie Xun watched the two depart.


    Today was for transcending souls, so Jiang Xiaoxiao did not bring her cleaver.


    On the way, Chen Sixi was particrly lively, driving the mule cart while frequently turning back to look at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Seeing that she was empty-handed, Chen Sixi could not help but recall the scene of her using bare hands to draw talismans to exorcise spirits in the western town of the county capital.


    "Master, are you going to draw talismans barehanded again today?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Today is for transcending souls."


    "Transcending souls?"


    Chen Sixi had seen guests at his home invite Taoists to perform rituals to transcend deceased souls, with all the paraphernalia of setting up altars, hanging banners, offerings of flowers, candles, water, fruits, and incense.


    "It doesn''t seem like we''re going to transcend souls!"


    Chen Sixi probed, "Could it be that the Master has an even better method?"


    "More or less like them," said Jiang Xiaoxiao. "Except that I''ve brought a living soul-summoning banner to attract some wandering ghosts and spirits. I''ll select a few that can be transcended."


    Chen Sixi: "..."


    No wonder he felt something was off. Jiang Xiaoxiao, who had previously refused to leave the mountains, had agreed so readily today.


    It turned out she was using him as a tool!


    A living soul-summoning banner...


    So how many ghosts would he have to summon?


    Chen Sixi''s legs trembled. "G-Great Master, can I back out? I don''t want to witness exorcisms or transcendences."


    "You can," Jiang Xiaoxiao said calmly, looking at him. "But don''te to me if something happens to your family in the future."


    Chen Sixi immediately changed his tone. "Actually, I think being a soul-summoning banner is fine. I enjoy being a soul-summoning banner for others!"


    When they arrived at the disorderly graveyard, it was still early.


    Mist hung thick on the mountain, and the asional cawing of crows could be heard.


    After tying up the mule cart, Chen Sixi stuck close behind Jiang Xiaoxiao, not daring to stray even half a step.


    They hadn''t gone far when they encountered scattered graves and exposed bones.


    A chilling aura assaulted them, as if the wind carried the shrieks and wails of ghosts.


    Chen Sixi''s legs weren''t the only things trembling anymore; his mouth was quivering too.


    But remembering Jiang Xiaoxiao''s words, he mustered his courage. "Great Master, what should I do?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao raised her hand and touched his forehead.


    Then she withdrew her hand. "Go walk around inside for an hour, thene back to me."


    Although he couldn''t see it, Chen Sixi had the intuition that Jiang Xiaoxiao had ced something on his forehead.


    He plucked up his courage to ask, "Will I be torn to shreds by ghosts?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao studied him carefully. "If you can resist the temptation of female ghosts, you should be fine."


    "Ah!" Chen Sixi was about to cry.


    He could barely resist the allure of ordinary beauties, let alone ghostly ones. Wouldn''t he be doomed then?


    After instructing him, Jiang Xiaoxiao found a grassy spot at the entrance and sat cross-legged, closing her eyes to meditate.


    Chen Sixi called out to her a few times with no response, so he could only venture inside with a mixture of fear and trepidation.


    As he walked, he sped his hands and said, "Dear brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, I mean no offense. I''m just passing through. Please pretend you haven''t seen me!"


    After speaking, Chen Sixi shut his eyes and ran a good distance.


    When he opened them again, he saw a scantily d female ghost with alluring red lips sitting on a rock in front of him.


    "Well, well, what a handsome young man," she purred. "Now that you''re here, why not stay and keep mepany?"


    As the female ghost spoke, her foxy eyes glinted seductively, luring Chen Sixi towards her. In the blink of an eye, she was in front of him, her icy hands caressing his neck as her red lips neared his.


    Chen Sixi''s breath caught, nearly losing his soul to her charm. But the remaining shred of rationality in his mind reminded him that she was a ghost capable of taking his life.


    Chen Sixi quickly shut his eyes. "Amitabha, Amitabha, may the Buddhas protect me..."


    After muttering those words, he realized they were inappropriate and spat, changing his chant to: "The Highest Elder Lord, protect my body. The Infinite Heavenly Lord of Bountiful Blessings, protect my body. Please keep me safe as I depart."


    After chanting that a couple of times, he dared to crack open an eye.


    The female ghost, who had been oozing seduction moments ago, had suddenly been sted away and was sprawled on the rocks, staring wide-eyed towards something behind Chen Sixi in apparent horror.


    Chen Sixi''s scalp prickled.


    This was a disorderly graveyard. For a ghost to be terrified like that, it could only mean an even more formidable ghost was present.


    Oh mother, he was only sixteen this year and didn''t want to die so young!


    Couldn''t ghosts fighting each other just pretend they didn''t see him?


    His legs gave out, and Chen Sixi knelt without daring to turn around.


    The footsteps behind him grew closer, and Chen Sixi tensed up, feeling utterly paralyzed from head to toe.


    "I ept your respect. You may rise."


    It was Jiang Xiaoxiao''s voice!


    Chen Sixi''s eyes flew open, and he burst into tears. "Wah... Great Master, if you hadn''te, I would have been scared to death."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at the female ghost sprawled on the ground. "Is she the only one?"


    The female ghost remained frozen in her pained position after being sted away.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t want to move; she simply couldn''t.


    Apart from the fluctuations of spiritual power emanating from the young girl before her, there was something else.


    The moment the girl had approached earlier, the ghost had felt an overwhelming pressure she couldn''t resist.


    Yet this girl only appeared to be fifteen or sixteen years old.


    What was going on?


    Upholding humanitarian principles, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at the female ghost in a humanitarian way and then asked in a very humanitarian manner, "Are you willing to be transcended by me?"


    Here ites again.


    The female ghost''s mind was buzzing.


    The dark aura flickering around the girl seemed to be suppressed by something, but even the slightest hint of it made the ghost feel as if her soul would be torn apart.


    What kind of monster was this girl?


    No, if this continued, her soul would scatter.


    The female ghost had no choice but topromise, gritting her teeth. "I... I''m willing."


    Without the traditional Taoist altar or offering of fruits, Jiang Xiaoxiao simply sat cross-legged on the ground and began chanting sutras to transcend the ghost.


    The female ghost had lingered in this ce for many years and had developed some cultivation, but now she was being sent for reincarnation.


    Before departing, she looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao resentfully.


    After the female ghost left, Chen Sixi''s perspective was once again refreshed.


    He was about to praise the Great Master''s incredible power and omnipotence when he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly clutching her chest in apparent agony.


    Chen Sixi''s face changed. "Great Master, Great Master, what''s wrong?"


    It took Jiang Xiaoxiao a long time to recover, and she shook her head. "There are neen left. Go summon them for me. After I transcend them, we''ll head back home."


    She couldn''t exin why, but whenever she came here, she felt as if something was trying to burst forth from her body, causing her great difort.


    With the previous experience with the female ghost, Chen Sixi now knew that no matter how formidable a ghost was, it would cower before Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    So he happily went to summon more souls.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    As soon as Chen Sixi left, Jiang Xiaoxiao plopped down on the ground.


    Her heart and lungs were all in distress, as if scorched by zing fire, as if something was about to awaken.


    ...


    At the same time, Chen Sixi, who had just summoned all the deities he could to protect himself and was about to go and beckon souls for the second time, suddenly felt the ground shake violently.


    A powerful and terrifying aura descended upon them.


    The crows in the woods pped their wings and flew away, and the stray ghosts and ghouls around howled in panic, screeching and scattering.


    Chen Sixi: "..."


    He had heard of the night parade of a hundred ghosts.


    But this was the first time he had seen a hundred ghosts cry in fright.


    Look, you''re all spirits, and you''re crying in front of a human like this, showing no face at all?


    The mountain was still shaking.


    Chen Sixi couldn''t think too much about it either, immediately turning to run back.


    Although the Venerable was powerful, she was still a youngdy. In this situation, if it really was an earthquake, he had to go back and protect her, lest he couldn''t exin it to Xie Xunter.


    However, when Chen Sixi returned to where Jiang Xiaoxiao had been, he witnessed an unforgettable scene.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao seemed unwell, her face pale and beads of cold sweat on her forehead.


    She looked like she was about to copse.


    Just as Chen Sixi was about to go over and help her up, he saw the Venerable, who had been sitting cross-legged, suddenly shrink down to just three inches tall in the blink of an eye.


    The ground-shaking that had urred just stopped instantly.


    The surroundings gradually returned to calm.


    Chen Sixi froze where he stood, almost forgetting to breathe.


    The little thing on the ground no bigger than his palm, that was Jiang Xiaoxiao?!


    "Ven... Venerable?"


    Chen Sixi squatted down, picked up a small twig, and gingerly poked at Jiang Xiaoxiao with equal parts fear and caution.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had already passed out, unresponsive.


    Chen Sixi felt he must be dreaming, for otherwise none of this made any sense.


    Now, what was he supposed to do when faced with such a situation in a dream?


    Ah, that''s right, find a high ce and jump off, that should wake him up.


    Having figured it out, Chen Sixi quickly spotted a high point and nned to jump off from there in a moment.


    Before jumping, he didn''t forget to scoop up the little thing on the ground and tuck it into his sleeve.


    Standing atop the mountain, listening to the howling mountain wind below, Chen Sixi took a deep breath.


    This feeling was too damn real.


    To be able to dream like this, he really was a genius!


    Closing his eyes, Chen Sixi took a step forward, about to jump, when a voice came from behind.


    "Even insects cling to life, what knot is so tangled that you must untie it by taking your own life?"


    Chen Sixi turned back to see a man in white robes walking over slowly.


    The disorderly burial ground had always been a gloomy and grim ce.


    But the man''s appearance seemed to be a ray of light, instantly dissipating the aura of terror around him.


    With his limited education, Chen Sixi couldn''t describe the man''s appearance and bearing, only the words "radiant and graceful" came to mind.


    "Are you... human or spirit?"


    After encountering ghosts and seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao turn into a little person, Chen Sixi was nearly deranged.


    So much so that even now, he couldn''t tell if this was reality or a dream.


    The man in white robes came forward and gently pulled Chen Sixi away from the cliff edge.


    Chen Sixi seemed to understand something, exining, "I''m not trying to kill myself, I just want to wake up quickly."


    The man didn''t seem to care about Chen Sixi''s reason for jumping off the cliff, only stretching out his hand, "Give her to me."


    "What?" Chen Sixi instinctively took a half step back.


    The man said, "The little thing in your sleeve."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi''s expression turned vignt, "How did you know... No, wait, who are you?"


    Before the man could answer, Chen Sixi bolted down the mountain recklessly, holding his sleeve as he ran, afraid that he might lose the Venerable with a misstep.


    "Woo woo woo... Xie Xun, I saw ghosts today!"


    As soon as the donkey cart stopped, Chen Sixi rushed through Xie Xun''s courtyard gate in a panic, crying, "So many ghosts!"


    Xie Xun was watering the vegetable garden and looked over upon hearing this, "You went to the disorderly burial ground to perform rites, seeing ghosts is normal, isn''t it?"


    "It''s not normal at all!"


    Now recalling it, Chen Sixi''s hair stood on end.


    He then recounted in detail what happened on the mountain - how Jiang Xiaoxiao used him as a living spirit-summoning g, how the soul-beckoning was going well until the ground started shaking violently. He was about to go check on the Venerable when he saw her shrink down to a minuscule size.


    Then a man appeared out of nowhere and tried to take her away.


    Xie Xun''s attention was caught by that part in the middle, "You said what? She shrank?"


    "Yeah!"


    Chen Sixi spoke as he took the little thing out of his sleeve.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was still asleep, subtly breathing as shey in Chen Sixi''s palm.


    Xie Xun dropped the watering can and took the tiny figure from Chen Sixi''s hand withrge strides.


    "Xie Xun, what''s going on? Am I not fully awake yet?"


    Chen Sixi was still in a daze.


    Xie Xun didn''t hear Chen Sixi''s mumbling, only looking at the shrunken Jiang Xiaoxiao in his palm with a deep frown.


    Just two days ago, he had calcted that Jiang Xiaoxiao''s next shrinking would be on the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao herself had said that she only shrank on the night of the full moon each month.


    But the full moon was still several days away, the timing didn''t line up at all. How could she have shrunk early?


    "Xie Xun..."


    Chen Sixi was still utterly confused.


    "Shut up!"


    Xie Xun ignored him, taking the miniature Jiang Xiaoxiao back to her small nest and letting her sleep.


    The nest was soft, allowing the tiny Jiang Xiaoxiao to finally adjust to afortable sleeping position as she turned over and continued her slumber.


    At this moment, there was a knock at the gate outside.


    Chen Sixi turned to look and saw the man in white robes he had encountered at the disorderly burial ground.


    With too many baffling events happening today, Chen Sixi was already unnerved. Seeing the man in white robes again, he let out a shriek, and then his eyes rolled back as he fainted and copsed backwards.


    Xie Xun heard themotion and came out.


    The man in white robes stood at the gate with a slight smile at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun frowned instinctively, "Who are you?"


    The man cupped his hands in salutation, "I am Zhang Hengyi, an insignificant Daoist priest from Cangwu Mountain."


    Zhang Hengyi, Xie Xun had just heard this name from Dean Gu a few days ago.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s senior martial brother, and the current head disciple of Cangwu Mountain whom even the Crown Prince himself couldn''t summon from the mountain.


    Learning that the visitor was Jiang Xiaoxiao''s senior martial brother, Xie Xun''s expression remained cold, "What brings Daoist Zhang here?"


    Zhang Hengyi said, "I''vee to see Xiaoxiao."


    The way he called her "Xiaoxiao" made Xie Xun inexplicably ufortable.


    But he still let Zhang Hengyi in.


    The two of them dragged the unconscious Chen Sixi to the small couch in the main hall.


    Xie Xun went to the kitchen to boil water and brew tea for Zhang Hengyi.


    Zhang Hengyi epted it with polite thanks.


    Xie Xun looked at him, "Daoist Zhang happened to appear right when Xiaoxiao transformed, this can''t be a coincidence, can it?"


    Zhang Hengyi smiled, "When Xiaoxiao left the mountain, she didn''t bring anything with her. I knew this girl would bezy and not soak in the medicinal bath."


    Zhang Hengyi took out a prescription from his robe and handed it to Xie Xun, "Xiaoxiao has a special constitution, as you''ve seen. She''s been soaking in medicinal baths since she was little to grow up.


    Keep this prescription. From now on, whenever she shrinks, remember to brew this for her. At least half a period each day."


    Xie Xun opened the prescription and nced over it - many of the herbal ingredients were ones he had never even heard of.


    Zhang Hengyi exined, "These medicinal herbs are difficult to gather at ordinary apothecaries. The Heavenly Master''s Mansion has a specialized shop at the foot of the mountain.


    I just prepared the shop in Kaihe County these past few days. From now on, just take this prescription to the address there when getting the herbs, the disciples will recognize it and not charge you."


    After a pause, Zhang Hengyi added, "I''ll leave Xiaoxiao in your care for now."


    Zhang Hengyi''s tone did not reveal too much emotion, but Xie Xun still detected a hint of indulgence.


    With a slight curl at the corner of his lips, Xie Xun said, "The Daoist is too polite. It''s only natural for me to take care of my fianc¨¦e."


    Upon hearing the words "fianc¨¦e", Zhang Hengyi fell silent, saying no more.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao slept particrly soundly, showing no signs of waking up from the time they descended the mountain until almost noon.


    Before leaving, Zhang Hengyi took a nce at her.


    The little girly in the pink little nest Xie Xun had made for her.


    She had an unsightly sleeping posture, kicking off the nkets, with her hair in disarray.


    Zhang Hengyi reached out his hand, intending to tidy her hair.


    Xie Xun spoke up in time, "Xiaoxiao is still sleeping. Perhaps the Daoist should not disturb her?"


    Such a strong sense of possession.


    Zhang Hengyi shook his head with a wry smile.


    No wonder the Patriarch had said that Xie Xun had an obstinate streak in his bones that could one day erupt and shake the entire Yan Country.


    "Then I''ll take my leave," Zhang Hengyi stood up. "Remember to prepare a medicinal bath for Xiaoxiao."


    After seeing Zhang Hengyi off, Xie Xun closed the courtyard gate.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was still asleep, and Chen Sixi was still unconscious.


    Xie Xun didn''t feel like eating much, so he made a couple of egg pancakes.


    Just as the pancakes were done and he was about to bring them back to the hall, he turned around and saw Jiang Xiaoxiao stuck on the doorstep.


    Her small size prevented her from getting over it, and her little hands and feet waved about aimlessly as she couldn''t get a foothold.


    In her normal state, her martial prowess was formidable, enough to make even ghosts worry. Yet after being miniaturized, she could be chased around by rats and end up stuck on a doorstep, unable to get over or out.


    What a contrast...


    Xie Xun set down the te of pancakes and walked over in a few strides, scooping her into his palm.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao panted heavily, then her eyes turned to the te of egg pancakes.


    Indeed, she had been awakened by their aroma.


    She had intended to wait for Xie Xun to finish cooking and then dig in directly, but her hunger got the better of her, and she came to the kitchen on her own.


    Little did she know she would end up stuck on the doorstep!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao eyed her diminutive form with dissatisfaction, her little face puffed up.


    While she disliked her current state, to others, she looked indescribably adorable, capable of melting even the hardest of hearts.


    Chen Sixi was still asleep in the hall, and Xie Xun suddenly didn''t feel like going back in. He ced Jiang Xiaoxiao on the round wooden stool, cut the egg pancakes into smaller pieces, and put them on a smaller te in front of her.


    Just as Jiang Xiaoxiao was about to start eating, she heard a stern reprimand from above, "Wash your hands first!"


    She retracted her outstretched hand.


    Xie Xun squatted down, holding her soft little hand in one hand and a damp cloth in the other, carefully wiping her hands clean.


    After washing her hands, Jiang Xiaoxiao happily picked up a piece of egg pancake.


    Xie Xun sat beside her, watching her eat, his lips curling up slightly.


    Given Jiang Xiaoxiao''s appetite, two egg pancakes would definitely not be enough.


    However, Xie Xun had no intention of cooking more.


    After finishing the pancakes, Jiang Xiaoxiao could only eye him longingly.


    Xie Xun asked her, "When you were at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, did you take medicinal baths every month?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao dreaded medicinal baths, and she didn''t know where Xie Xun had learned about them. On instinct, she wanted to lie.


    Xie Xun seemed to see through her intentions, saying first, "You can either tell the truth or lie to me. Think it over before answering."


    His tone was full of threat.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao rubbed her still-hungry little belly, deted, and nodded in affirmation.


    Although Xie Xun didn''t know the benefits of medicinal baths for Jiang Xiaoxiao, he guessed that if she didn''t take them, the curse would manifest prematurely, as had happened this time before the night of the full moon.


    With dough still remaining, Xie Xun fried two more pancakes for her, and ate one himself.


    After a simple lunch, Xie Xun prepared to take Jiang Xiaoxiao to the county to gather medicinal herbs.


    Chen Sixi woke up at this moment.


    Upon seeing the little creature sitting in Xie Xun''s palm, he rolled his eyes, feeling faint again.


    Xie Xun warned, "Dare to faint again, and I''ll kick you out!"


    Chen Sixi immediately sobered up, rubbing his face. He looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao again, his expression one of bewilderment.


    "Xie Xun, the one you''re holding, is the Master, right? Right?"


    Xie Xun remained silent.


    Chen Sixi continued, "But how did someone so formidable end up like this?"


    As he spoke, he extended his index finger, intending to poke Jiang Xiaoxiao''s little face.


    Who could have imagined that someone so powerful in her normal state would be so adorable when miniaturized, with no martial ability whatsoever?


    Chen Sixi found it hard to believe, but his heart was close to melting from the sheer cuteness.


    Such a tiny little thing, he wanted to keep her too!


    Just as his finger was about to touch Jiang Xiaoxiao''s face, Xie Xun''s gaze turned cold. "Touch her, and you might lose that finger."


    Chen Sixi felt a real sense of threat.


    He quickly retracted his hand, sniffling beforeining, "Come on, Xie Xun, I was just curious. Did you have to go that far?"


    Xie Xun ignored him.


    Chen Sixi couldn''t help but sneak another nce at Jiang Xiaoxiao. She was still so adorable, and his desire to keep her only grew stronger.


    "Xie Xun, what''s going on exactly? Why did the Master be so small?"


    "You don''t need to know the reason," Xie Xun warned him. "When we go out, you should understand what you can and cannot say."


    "I understand, I understand!" Chen Sixi nodded obsequiously.


    Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Oh, right, I remember seeing a man in white robes before I passed out. Where did he go?"


    Xie Xun frowned, "What man in white robes?"


    "A man wearing white robes!" Chen Sixi exined forcefully. "About this tall, walking silently, with decent martial skills, it seemed."


    "Oh," Xie Xun said. "I didn''t see anyone."


    His words sent a chill down Chen Sixi''s spine. "You really didn''t see him?"


    If so, then who was the person he encountered? Surely not another ghost?


    On Cangwu Mountain, it was because the Master needed to exorcise ghosts that he had temporarily be a living target to lure them in.


    But they were now at the foot of the mountain, where ghosts supposedly couldn''t follow.


    So who was that man in white robes?


    Xie Xun said unhurriedly, "You probably encountered another ghost."


    Chen Sixi fell backward, fainting once more.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    Chen Sixi was awakened by a ssh of cold water.


    Upon opening his eyes and meeting Xie Xun''s dark gaze, he was startled, jumping up from the small bed like a leaping carp.


    Wiping the water droplets from his face, Chen Sixi protested, "Xie Xun, buddy, I acted as your soul guide and helped you out big time, and this is how you repay me?"


    Xie Xun looked at him expressionlessly, "If you want to sleep, go home and sleep. We''re going out."


    "Going out? Where to?"


    "The county."


    "Hey, I''m heading that way too!" Chen Sixi stood up, stretchedzily and yawned, "Why don''t I give you a ride?"


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun handed him a note, "Go to this address."


    Chen Sixi: "......"


    Good grief, he even wrote down the address, so he was nning to use him as a driver from the beginning?


    ......


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was ced by Xie Xun into a small cage.


    The cage was made of bamboo that Xie Xun had cut down a few days ago.


    The outside was covered with a thin, breathable cloth, and the inside was padded with a soft mat and a small pillow.


    Thest time Jiang Xiaoxiao shrank, Xie Xun had trouble finding a way to carry her when they went out.


    Putting her in a money bag, either hanging at the waist or the chest, was too conspicuous.


    Putting her in a basket was also risky, as she could get hit by things thrown inside.


    Before, when Xie Xun went out, people had thrown stones into his basket.


    After some consideration, Xie Xun finally made a small cage for her.


    This way, he could carry her in his hand at all times, while concealing the fact that there was a person inside the cage.


    From the time they returned from the burial ground until now, Chen Sixi had been dazed several times, but his mind finally cleared at this point.


    Seeing Xie Xun skillfully carrying the cage containing the miniaturized Jiang Xiaoxiao, Chen Sixi gulped, "So, you''ve seen the master''s shrunken form before?"


    Xie Xun neither confirmed nor denied, which was tantamount to admitting it.


    "Truly, there are no strange things in this world!" Chen Sixi marveled, "In all my life, this is the first time I''ve seen a living person who can actually be so small."


    If he hadn''t witnessed Jiang Xiaoxiao''s ability to exorcise demons earlier, Chen Sixi would have thought she had be a spirit.


    But such a tiny and cute spirit waspletely defenseless, right?


    Wouldn''t everyone want to have one?


    Chen Sixi''s heart itched, thinking that one day if Xie Xun mistreated Jiang Xiaoxiao, he would steal her away and keep her for himself.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao in the cage waspletely unaware that she was being coveted again.


    This time when she shrank, her tendency to sleep excessively became even more pronounced.


    Despite the bumpy ride of the mule cart, it didn''t affect her deep slumber at all.


    The address on the note was not in the busy district.


    The mule cart stopped, and Xie Xun got off, walking through a moss-covered stone bridge.


    There were a few ducks swimming in the small river under the bridge, and two willow trees on the riverbank.


    The shop was located at the end of the stone bridge, and the shopkeeper was a middle-aged man.


    He wore a brown robe, with his hair tied in a bun wrapped in a cloth, dressed like an ordinarymoner.


    But Xie Xun could sense at a nce that the man was a Taoist priest, a true Taoist priest, probably from Cangwu Mountain.


    Upon seeing Xie Xun, the shopkeeper''s attitude was amiable, "Young sir, what would you like to buy?"


    "Help me prepare some medicine," said Xie Xun, handing over the prescription.


    The shopkeeper took it and examined it, first with his pupils constricting, then as if understanding something, he didn''t ask Xie Xun any unnecessary questions, only saying "Wait a moment" before taking the prescription to the inner courtyard.


    An hourter, the shopkeeper came out again, the medicine already prepared and packed.


    He handed the medicine pack along with the prescription to Xie Xun.


    "This is a three-day supply. First, decoct it, then remove the dregs, and soak the herbal juice in water for half an hour."


    The shopkeeper also reminded, "Remember toe again next month."


    From his tone, it seemed that when the shopkeeper went into the inner courtyard earlier, he was seeking advice from someone inside.


    Xie Xun guessed that Zhang Yu was also there, but he didn''t n to go in and meet him. He merely said a faint "thank you" before carrying the medicine pack in one hand and the cage in the other, leaving the shop.


    Chen Sixi was still waiting on the other side of the bridge.


    Seeing Xie Xun carrying the medicine pack, he was utterly perplexed, "With so many proper pharmacies out there, why would youe to this rundown ce?"


    Instead of answering, Xie Xun asked back, "Don''t you have anything else to do today?"


    Chen Sixi thought for a moment, "It''s not busy at the shoptely, and besides, I''ve already asked my dad for time off."


    Xie Xun said, "You don''t, but I do."


    Making it clear that he should know his ce and leave.


    Chen Sixi: "......"


    What''s with that tone as if he''s something to be used and thrown away?


    "Xie Xun, I''ve never seen you act like this!"


    Chen Sixi gritted his teeth, "I went to your ce this morning, and until now, I''ve only had a sip of water, no food. Is this how you treat guests? No way, you have to treat me to a meal today!"


    Xie Xun remained silent, carrying the cage and medicine pack towards the White Crane Tea House.


    Thest time the storyteller Mr. Guo asked Jiang Xiaoxiao for help, Xie Xun had set a condition that Mr. Guo would use the flow of people in the tea house to gather useful information for him, preferably about the capital city of Yanjing.


    Some time had passed since then, so there should be some progress.


    Xie Xun walked ahead, with Chen Sixi following behind.


    Seeing Xie Xun enter the White Crane Tea House, Chen Sixi hopped off the cart, skillfully handing the mule over to the little attendant outside, and then followed Xie Xun upstairs.


    It was the same private room asst time, and Xie Xun ordered a pot of tea.


    Starving, Chen Sixi had the waiter add a te of snacks.


    Just as Xie Xun sat down, Mr. Guo noticed him and hurried over with a smile, "Master Xie, you''ve arrived."


    Xie Xun asked, "About what I told youst time, have you made any progress?"


    "There is some progress," Mr. Guo hesitated, "But I''m not sure if it will be useful to you, Master."


    Xie Xun carefully ced the cage down, "Let''s hear it."


    Mr. Guo sat down and spoke softly, "I overheard it from a few merchant customers, who said that a major incident has urred in the capital city of Yanjing. Princess Qinshui has requested to cancel her engagement to the Third Prince."


    King Ning was the only king of a different surname in Yan Country.


    His daughter Ye Chan was born on the same year, month, and day as Xie Xun, and was designated as a "Phoenix Destiny" at birth.


    "Phoenix Destiny," as the name suggests, meant that she would one day assist the emperor.


    So from the time Xie Xun could remember, he knew he had an arranged marriage.


    But he had never met Ye Chan before.


    Xie Xun was sent away from the capital at the age of three.


    Until this day, if not for Mr. Guo''s mention, he would have forgotten about this betrothal.


    "Come to think of it, this Third Prince is quite pitiful," Mr. Guo sighed. "He lost his mother at a young age, was scolded by many, and was eventually sent out of the capital. Just when so many years had passed, he is now facing a broken engagement and has be theughingstock of the entire capital city of Yanjing."


    Someone at the next table, overhearing Mr. Guo''s words, scoffed coldly, "What''s so pitiful? You must not know, this Third Prince was born under an ominous celestial phenomenon. Initially thought to be an auspicious sign, it turned out to be a baleful omen, and he subsequently caused the deaths of others through his ill fate."


    With a tsk tsk sound, the person continued, "Princess Qinshui is the number one beauty in Yanjing and possesses a Phoenix Destiny. Her future status needs no exnation. How could she marry a wastrel prince?"


    "That''s right!" someone echoed. "If you ask me, Princess Qinshui did well to cancel this marriage. Marrying a wastrel and ill-fated prince who was sent out of the capital over ten years ago would be like cing a fresh flower in dung - a sheer waste of thedy."


    Chen Sixi, listening to the crowd discussing Princess Qinshui''s cancelled engagement, nearly choked on a snack. After taking a sip of water, he sneered, "For a subject''s daughter to brazenly cancel a marriage to the royal family, does the imperial household not care about its dignity?"


    Mr. Guo''s expression changed, warning him, "Young friend, you can be careless with your food, but not with your words. Be careful, or disaster maye from your mouth!"


    Although Kaihexian County was remote from the imperial capital, the tea house was a ce where all sorts of people gathered. Someone might overhear what he just said and spread it around.


    Then he would really be in deep trouble!


    Chen Sixi pondered for a moment, although he still felt that Princess Qinshui was too arrogant, he stuffed two pieces of pastry into his mouth, then shifted his gaze towards Xie Xun.


    He saw Xie Xun sitting upright and proper, and after everyone had spoken, he leisurely picked up his tea cup and took a shallow sip.


    Chen Sixi was full of puzzlement, "Hey, Xie Xun, why are you inquiring about this?"


    Xie Xun said indifferently, "Nothing, I''m just getting some information in advance since I''ll be going to Yanjing City to study."


    I see.


    Chen Sixi nodded in realization.


    Halfway through nodding, he reacted, "What, you''re going to Yanjing City to study?!"


    Xie Xun looked at him, "Is it that surprising?"


    "No, no." Chen Sixi hastily shook his head.


    It wasn''t that he found it surprising, but rather unbelievable.


    Although he didn''t know Xie Xun before, living in the town, he couldn''t help but hear various rumors about Xie Xun.


    The rumor was that Xie Xun had been an orphan since a young age.


    The rumor was that Xie Xun carried a heavy ominous aura, bringing misfortune to those around him, and no one in the vige dared to get too close to him.


    The rumor was that Xie Xun ate people, and when angered, he would open his mouth wide like a bloody basin, able to swallow a person whole.


    Because of this, many people in the town used Xie Xun to scare disobedient children.


    In Chen Sixi''s impression, Xie Xun had probably never attended school before.


    For someone who had never attended school, it might be a problem for them to even recognize all the characters, so how could he suddenly say he wanted to go to Yanjing City to study?


    If this wasn''t boasting, then it was just a pipe dream.


    However, Chen Sixi didn''t feelfortable saying such words, he only changed the way he looked at Xie Xun.


    This guy better not be possessed by a ghost, talking nonsense with a muddled mind.


    Thinking of this, Chen Sixi''s originally strange gaze turned into sympathy, and he specially pinched a walnut pastry for Xie Xun, "Xie Xun, eat this, it''s good for the brain."


    Xie Xun did not take the pastry, nor did he forcibly exin anything, only a shadowy light shed quickly in his eyes.


    Third Prince Murong Xun had been forgotten for many years, but unexpectedly, he became popr in Yanjing City again, all because of being divorced.


    It was not until muchter that Xie Xun looked towards Mr. Guo, "Any other gossip?"


    Mr. Guo said, "None for now, but if there is any in the future, I will honestly ry it to you, sir."


    After a pause, he deliberately covered his mouth and leaned closer to Xie Xun, lowering his voice, "There is actually one more thing."


    "Oh?"


    "It''s a minor rumor." Mr. Guo said, "I''ve heard that the court is recently nning to establish an office, seemingly rted to exorcism and demon-ying."


    "Although I don''t know if it''s true or not, but I think, since you, sir, understand these things, and have an extraordinary expert by your side, there''s no need to go to school. You might as well try to join this office instead."


    Although Yan Country emphasized civil service examinations, in this era of rampant ominous events, exorcists were clearly more sought after.


    Otherwise, the National Master Bai Cheng would not have been held in such high esteem.


    Throughout Yan Country, whenever themoners mentioned National Master Bai Cheng, who didn''t revere and worship him?


    It was as if with him around, Yan Country had gained half of its territory.


    Now that the court was specifically establishing an office to deal with ominous events, it showed how much importance they ced on this matter.


    If the news was true, then this office would most likely be led by the National Master, which was a plum position. Those who joined first would benefit first.


    The corners of Xie Xun''s lips curved slightly as he thanked Mr. Guo.


    Of course, he had to join the Yin Yang Office, but he couldn''t enter together with Jiang Xiaoxiao. He had to prepare two paths.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao would go to the Yin Yang Office, and he would go to Luming Academy.


    That way, even if one path ran into problems, the other could still support them.


    Seeing that Xie Xun took his words to heart, Mr. Guo smiled and stood up.


    Inadvertently catching a glimpse of the tightly covered cage beside Xie Xun, Mr. Guo curiously asked, "Sir Xie, you also keep a pet?"


    Xie Xun made an affirmative sound.


    After Mr. Guo left, Chen Sixi couldn''t help but twitch his mouth, "Xie Xun, you''re really too unscrupulous."


    For a perfectly good person to be locked in a cage was one thing, but to even call them a pet...


    Although, that said, he really wanted to have such a ''pet'' too.


    After inquiring about what he wanted to know, Xie Xun picked up the medicine pouch and the cage, paid the bill, and left the tea house.


    Chen Sixi trotted to catch up, eagerly taking the medicine pouch from his hands, "Brother, let me apany you?"


    This guy''s fawning behavior clearly meant he was up to no good.


    Xie Xun''s expression remained unchanged, "Just say what you want."


    Chen Sixi said, "Nothing much, I just want to mooch a mealter."


    Since he was motherless from a young age, and his family didn''t have servants, for many years it had always been him and his dad taking turns cooking.


    However, the cooking skills of the two of them were not very good.


    The dishes they cooked were barely edible, let alone tasty or not. He really wanted to taste someone else''s cooking.


    "Alright." Xie Xun readily agreed, then immediately changed the subject, "The chores of fetching water, chopping firewood, and sweeping the courtyard will be yours."


    Chen Sixi''s eyelid twitched.


    He knew Xie Xun would never let anyone get even half a benefit for free.


    But even so, it did not deter Chen Sixi''s determination to mooch a meal.


    "Got it!" he grinned, "You lead the way, Brother."


    After arriving home, Xie Xun put Jiang Xiaoxiao back in her little nest and immediately went to the kitchen to decoct the medicine.


    The tub for the medicinal bath was dug out by Xie Xun a few days ago when he was making the cage, using old tree roots. It wasn''t much bigger than a rice bowl.


    In other words, the medicinal liquid had to be decocted and concentrated to at most half a bowl, then diluted with water.


    The smell of this medicine was far more pungent than ordinary herbal medicine.


    Seated in the courtyard chopping firewood, Chen Sixi sneezed several times.


    While chopping wood, heined, "Xie Xun, are you sure this unorthodox prescription is reliable?"


    As soon as Jiang Xiaoxiao smelled the odor, she wilted, trying to sneak out of her little nest.


    Xie Xun grabbed her with two fingers, holding her up and raising his brows, "Where are you going?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "My stomach hurts."


    Xie Xun: "It''s because you haven''t taken the medicinal bath."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "I''m tired."


    Xie Xun: "It''s because you haven''t taken the medicinal bath."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "I want to eat!"


    Xie Xun: "Just take the medicinal bath."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "......"

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was carried to a small wooden tub to soak in a medicinal bath.


    The Shopkeeper instructed that she should soak for at least half an hour, without changing or adding to the bath.


    In other words, Jiang Xiaoxiao could soak in the hot medicinal soup for at most the time it takes one incense stick to burn, and after that, even if the medicinal soup got cold, she couldn''t get out.


    With her current tiny size, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t take up much space in the bath, so the small tub was ced on a small round stool in her room.


    The door was closed tightly, and Xie Xun was waiting outside.


    Chen Sixi had chopped some firewood and was listlessly sweeping the courtyard with a broom, asionally ncing at Xie Xun.


    "Brother, when are we eating?" he asked.


    He was really too hungry, and the snacks they had at the Baihe Teahouse earlier were not even enough to fill the gaps between his teeth.


    Seeing that Xie Xun had no intention of responding to him, Chen Sixi sighed and went to the vegetable garden to weed.


    He had nearly pulled all the grass out of the soil before finally seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao emerge from the room.


    Fresh from the medicinal bath, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s whole body smelled of herbs.


    Chen Sixi rubbed his nose, "Master, that medicinal bath you took was really pungent!"


    Xie Xun brought a dry towel and dried Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hair, then ced a small pad on a stone stool in the courtyard and put her on it to sunbathe.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stretchedzily andfortably.


    Although she was afraid of taking medicinal baths, after each one, her whole body felt like it had been massaged, and it was veryfortable.


    Xie Xun went to the kitchen to cook, and called Chen Sixi to help out.


    By the time the food was ready, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hair had also dried in the sun.


    Xie Xun then moved her to the hall.


    He ced her special "small stool" on the table and brought her a tiny spoon made just for her.


    Chen Sixi looked at the scene with amazement on his face.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was already small, and the utensils she used and the stool she sat on were so tiny they looked like toys for ying house.


    Chen Sixi thought that since the Master was so small, her appetite must also be very small, such that one tiny spoonful of rice would be enough to fill her up.


    Until Xie Xun brought over arge te full of rice.


    Chen Sixi stretched out his hand, a little embarrassed, "Brother, you don''t need to be so generous."


    But then he watched in astonishment as Xie Xun ced the huge te of rice in front of Jiang Xiaoxiao and added some side dishes.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao grabbed her tiny spoon and stuffed a spoonful of rice into her mouth, her little cheeks puffed out.


    She ate quickly, and in no time, she had eaten a third of therge te of white rice.


    Chen Sixi: "!!"


    Chen Sixi fell into deep self-doubt.


    Since meeting these two people, nothing had been normal.


    It was unbelievable enough that a living person had shrunk down in size.


    But now, who could tell him where all that rice, piled so high on the te, was being stored after she ate it?


    The dazed Chen Sixi dazedly picked up his chopsticks and dazedly put a piece of bamboo shoot in his mouth.


    And then he froze.


    "Xie Xun, did you cook this dish?"


    Even though he had just helped Xie Xun in the kitchen, Chen Sixi found it hard to believe.


    They were both men, so why did the dishes made by Xie Xun''s hands taste so good?


    It made him feel like everything he had eaten in the past decade was like chewing on wax!


    Xie Xun ignored the rambling Chen Sixi and instead kept ncing at Jiang Xiaoxiao, and when she had eaten half, he served her a bowl of soup.


    After eating and drinking her fill, Jiang Xiaoxiao went back outside to sit on the stone stool and sunbathe.


    Chen Sixi squatted beside the stool, staring at Jiang Xiaoxiao with a perplexed expression.


    The little creature looked the same as before she ate, her tiny belly not bulging at all.


    She had eaten so much, yet there was not a single change!


    "Master, are you even human?" Chen Sixi couldn''t help but mutter.


    Xie Xun''s voice came, "It''s just that your knowledge is too limited and narrow-minded."


    Chen Sixi had originally wanted to pick up Jiang Xiaoxiao and weigh her, but seeing Xie Xun standing nearby, ring daggers at him, he gave up.


    He stood up, "Alright, today has really opened my eyes. I should go home and clear my head!"


    Otherwise, if he stayed any longer and saw something else shocking, he was afraid he wouldn''t be able to take it and would faint again.


    After Chen Sixi left, Xie Xun dragged a stool over and sat beside Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "The first trial only has seven days left, but now there''s been an ident, and you won''t recover for at least three days. Will you make it in time?" Xie Xun asked.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If there are no more idents, I can finish the first trial in half a day."


    Although Xie Xun didn''t go to the cemetery himself, he learned the general situation from Chen Sixi.


    The situation at that time must have been very strange.


    "I''ll go with you next time."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought that next time, she couldn''t go to the cemetery again and would have to choose a different ce.


    That morning when she went, she found that she couldn''t adapt to the heavy yin energy at the cemetery.


    In theory, as a cultivator, she shouldn''t be afraid of ces with heavy yin energy, but she kept feeling that her body wasn''t listening to her.


    "Do you have an unmarried wife?" Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up at Xie Xun.


    Earlier at the Baihe Teahouse, although she had been locked in a cage, she had heard everything they said.


    Xie Xun didn''t deny it, and his tone was even self-mocking, "As you can see, I''ve just been left at the altar."


    Ye Chan was born on the same year, month, and day as Xie Xun, so she was seventeen this year too.


    If she didn''t marry at seventeen, she would be called an "old maid."


    So Ye Chan''s decision to cancel the engagement at this timing could only mean she was going to marry someone else.


    And Ye Chan was born with a "phoenix destiny," so it was clear who she would marry.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If you want to marry her, wait until I get to Yanjing City, and I''ll help you take her back from Murong Yuan."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun''s expression suddenly darkened.


    "Why would you assume I want to marry a woman I''ve never met?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand, "Wasn''t that princess betrothed to you from a young age? If something belonging to you was taken away, aren''t you angry?"


    If it were her possession that was taken, she would definitely grab a kitchen knife and go get it back.


    Xie Xun gave a coldugh, "All that was taken from me was my dragon aura."


    In other words, he had never acknowledged Ye Chan as his betrothed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao slept a lot during the day, so she was energized at night and refused to sleep.


    Xie Xun usually had a fixed sleeping schedule, and as the time neared, he prepared to go out and lock up and put out the lights.


    But just as he left the hall, there was a knock on the courtyard gate.


    Xie Xun didn''t rush out, because there were four knocks from outside.


    Humans knock three times, ghosts knock four.


    Four knocks, and the sound was unusual, proving that the visitor wasn''t human.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Sinceing to Shi Mo Vige, Xie Xun had seen all sorts of ghosts.


    But being knocked on the door by a ghost was a first.


    Even through the courtyard wall, Xie Xun could feel the gloomy and ominous energy approaching.


    Inside the house, Jiang Xiaoxiao also heard the knocking.


    She climbed down from the stool, struggling to step over the threshold with her short little legs.


    Xie Xun said in a deep voice, "What''s outside is probably not human."


    If it were during Jiang Xiaoxiao''s normal period, he wouldn''t have to worry at all.


    But now...


    Looking at the tiny being not even as big as his palm, Xie Xun frowned slightly, "Go back inside."


    This room''s overall feng shui had been rearranged by Jiang Xiaoxiao. As long as he didn''t open the door, the thing outside wouldn''t dare to barge in recklessly, so it should be fine.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao stood there, unmoving.


    After practicing spell-casting for so many years, having a ghost knock on her door was a first for her.


    "Open the door," Jiang Xiaoxiao said.


    Xie Xun asked, "Are you confident in dealing with it?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded.


    Xie Xun hesitated, then went to the courtyard gate and slowly opened the wooden door.


    Upon seeing the sight outside, Xie Xun instinctively stepped back half a pace.


    What was outside was indeed not human, but ghosts.


    And not just one, they were standing there in rows, around twenty or so, and all wore horrifying death masks different from one another.


    One of the little ghost children, who seemed to have just learned to walk before dying, had snot still hanging from its nose and was gnawing on a wax candle with relish.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood on Xie Xun''s palm, looking at the crowd of ghosts.


    At the forefront was a female ghost in a big red wedding dress. She stepped forward and knelt before Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Great One, please help us transcend..."


    Xie Xun: "......"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "......"


    The female ghost spoke with a sobbing voice that trembled, "Great One, we don''t want to remain as wandering spirits anymore. We want to reincarnate."


    Earlier that day at the chaotic burial ground, when the earth shook and mountains moved, all the ghosts felt that terrifying yet immense force.


    If it had persisted any longer, every single ghost on the entire mountain would have been torn to shreds.


    That sense of horror was even more suffocating than when they died.


    It''s just that during the day they didn''t dare leave the chaotic burial ground, let alone the mountain, so after some discussion they decided toe find that Great One at night.


    Compared to being torn apart into nothingness, it was better to reincarnate.


    Life was hard enough, but being a ghost was even harder and there was simply no way out!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao roughly understood the ghosts'' intentions and nodded, "Come back in three days."


    The female ghost was grateful to tears and quickly left with the other ghosts.


    Xie Xun closed the courtyard gate and asked Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Why are they afraid of you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Isn''t it normal for ghosts to fear spell-casters?"


    Xie Xun narrowed his eyes, recalling the ghost he encountered on the night of the fifteenth of July, whose reaction was clearly different from these ghosts.


    That ghost wanted to possess Jiang Xiaoxiao at the time.


    However, these ghosts just now were terrified upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, trembling all over.


    Not a single ghost wondered why she was so small, but instead uniformly called her "Great One."


    It''s normal for ghosts to fear spell-casters.


    But for so many ghosts toe personally seeking transcendence, is that normal?


    Something must have happened at the chaotic burial ground during the day.


    Xie Xun had doubts in his heart, but Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t seem to be lying.


    This little thing never lies, except when avoiding medicinal baths and making up excuses.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was forced to take three days of medicinal baths.


    Three dayster, she finally returned to normal at nightfall.


    Xie Xun had already witnessed this once before, so he was used to watching Jiang Xiaoxiao grow from small torge, her graceful features not eliciting any reaction from him.


    Each time she shrank, itsted three days, and Jiang Xiaoxiao''s recovery was very punctual.


    However, that group of ghosts was even more punctual than her.


    Almost as soon as Jiang Xiaoxiao returned to normal, those ghosts arrived.


    The courtyard gate was knocked on again.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao opened the door, and standing at the front was still the wedding dress female ghost fromst time, but herplexion was even paler than three days ago.


    Although they imed to want to reincarnate, after all, as lingering souls and wild ghosts in the human realm, they were inevitably tainted with resentment and obsession to some degree.


    It was precisely because of this that they couldn''t directly reincarnate and needed to be transcended.


    The little ghost child fromst time was still gnawing on the candle, with only a small stub left. Reluctant to finish it and have nothing left, he stuck out his tongue to lick it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was unusually interested and brought out a table to offer them food and wild fruits she had picked from the mountain.


    Only after the ghosts had eaten and drunk their fill did she begin to transcend them.


    A few of the ghosts had particrly deep obsessions and resentments, which cost Jiang Xiaoxiao a great deal of spiritual power.


    By the time she finished transcending all the ghosts, the sky was almost bright.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao copsed from exhaustion and went straight to bed as soon as she returned to the house.


    Dean Gu came early that morning.


    Upon learning that Jiang Xiaoxiao had transcended dozens of ghosts in a single night, shock covered his aged face, "That little girl is really that powerful?"


    He had given her a seven-day time limit!


    Although it was an entrance exam, transcending twenty ghosts within seven days would be quite difficult for an average spell-caster.


    The Yin Yang Office clearly intended to recruit the talented in this area.


    But to transcend dozens in just one night, that was simply too inconceivable!


    Xie Xun gave Dean Gu a look.


    If this old man knew those ghosts had willinglye knocking to request transcendence, he might be scared silly.


    After recovering from his shock, Dean Gu cleared his throat, "Although it may be a bit presumptuous, this old official still wants to ask, which sect or school is Miss Jiang from?"


    To be able to cultivate such a talent, the Yin Yang Office would definitely try to poach people from her backing sect in the future.


    Xie Xun said, "That''s not important, as long as she passed the first test."


    Xie Xun was unwilling to say, and Dean Gu didn''t dare ask further, only repeatedly agreeing, "As Your Highness says, Miss Jiang has already passed the first test."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s second test was to draw talismans.


    Dean Gu referred to a book, rambling on and on.


    In short, he wanted her to draw many talismans.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t remember what specific talismans he asked for, but after buying the talisman-drawing tools, she drew from the Five Thunder Talisman to the Ghost Capturing Talisman to the Six Beast Pestilence-Repelling Talisman, producing over a hundred talismans in total.


    After finishing, she pushed them over to Dean Gu and said with a yawn, "You can pick out the useful ones. I''m so sleepy, I''m going to bed."


    Leaving Dean Gu petrified, Jiang Xiaoxiao calmly returned to the house.


    Dean Gu''s expression was as if he had seen a ghost, and it took him a long time toe back to his senses and ask Xie Xun, "How did this girl manage to draw so many talismans in such a short time?"


    He couldn''t help but wonder if these talismans were just useless pieces of paper.


    Xie Xun said, "If you don''t believe it, pick out a few and let the people above test them, and you''ll know."


    Drawing talismans on paper should be the easiest task for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Not long ago, Xie Xun had witnessed her drawing talismans out of thin air.


    ...


    As the head of the Yin Yang Office, Dean Gu was only responsible for selecting suitable candidates.


    The actual examiner was Zhu Yan, the senior disciple of the National Preceptor Bai Cheng.


    Zhu Yan had already arrived in Kaihe County a few days ago and was currently staying at the post station.


    Dean Gu brought the talismans drawn by Jiang Xiaoxiao to him.


    Zhu Yan tested each of the required talismans one by one, and incredibly, they all worked despite being unsealed.


    Zhu Yan was a bit surprised but quickly dismissed it calmly, "It''s just the basic level for a spell-caster, a few talismans don''t amount to much."


    "But she drew all these in one go," Dean Gu muttered softly.


    Zhu Yan''s pupils suddenly constricted, "What did you say?"


    Dean Gu straightened his back, "These talismans, I watched her draw them all in one breath."


    "That''s impossible!" Zhu Yan angrily eximed, "Even my master couldn''t draw so many talismans in one breath, and she''s just a little girl in her teens. Dean Gu, do you think that''s realistic? At your age, there should be limits to joking around!"

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    You must know that drawing talismans ispletely different from simply wielding a brush on paper.


    For the talismans to take effect, the one drawing them must employ their cultivation base.


    Furthermore, ordinary Daoist priests need to seal the talisman paper with an imprint for it to work, even after pouring in their cultivation base.


    Zhu Yan needed to imprint the talismans he drew himself, so how could a mere maid not only forgo imprinting but also draw so many at once?


    Unless she had an inexhaustible supply of Spiritual Power.


    But a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl?


    Zhu Yan found itughable.


    Seeing his mocking expression, Dean Gu did not argue further.


    Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Yan suddenly said, "For the next test, I''ll set the questions. Bring her to see me."


    When Dean Gu returned to Shi Mo Vige, Jiang Xiaoxiao was sitting on the roof, lost in thought.


    Had he not known of her extraordinary martial prowess, Dean Gu would have worried she might identally fall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao noticed Dean Gu and leaped down in front of him.


    "Have you submitted the talismans?"


    Dean Gu nodded, confirming he had submitted them.


    "What''s the next test?"


    Dean Gu paused for a moment, "The Examiner from Yanjing City wants to meet you."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression remained calm, merely responding with a faint "Oh."


    Recalling Zhu Yan''s expression upon seeing those talismans, Dean Gu felt a twinge of concern.


    "Although I don''t know which sect or school you hail from, youngdy, judging from the first two tests, your skills are undeniable."


    "However, I''m wondering if you should perhaps conceal your abilities somewhat? The waters of the capital city run deep, and your formidable talents may unnecessarily attract unwanted attention."


    "Why should I conceal my abilities?" Jiang Xiaoxiao calmly looked at Dean Gu, "Are you afraid someone might cause me trouble?"


    Dean Gu nodded in agreement.


    "Don''t worry."


    Dean Gu did not expect this seemingly naive girl to reassure him, and his heart warmed.


    Then he heard her calmly add, "I''ll just kill them directly."


    Dean Gu: "..."


    The most delicate appearance, the most serene tone, uttering the most domineering words.


    What was this sudden sense of security?


    Dean Gu shuddered, snapping back to his senses.


    This girl, how interesting!


    After conversing with Jiang Xiaoxiao, Dean Gu visited the hall to see Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun leaned against a bamboo couch by the window, holding a book.


    d in a simple, pale gray robe, his refined bearing remained undisguised.


    His deep, natural eye lines added a touch of sharpness to his brow.


    Though his lips were thin and pale, his tall figure exuded an elegant nobility, casually reclining on the couch, a picture of graceful refinement.


    His exceptional beauty was striking.


    Upon seeing Xie Xun, Dean Gu recalled the once breathtaking Empress.


    The Empress was brought back from the battlefield by The Emperor during his military campaign.


    It was said that her appearance had miraculously turned the tide of the losing Yan army, leading them to an astounding victory against all odds.


    Everyone imed the Empress was a divine maiden sent by Heaven to bless the Yan nation.


    The Emperor believed this wholeheartedly.


    So much so that when the Third Prince was born, The Emperor immediately drafted an imperial edict, intending to crown him as the Crown Prince upon his fifth birthday.


    But then, many events unfolded.


    First, the Third Prince could no longer make the deity statues in the Imperial Deity Temple shine. Shortly after, the Empress met an untimely death.


    The people of the capital city, who had onceuded and revered the Third Prince, now spewed the most vicious curses upon him.


    Dean Gu was deliberately transferred out of the capital at that time.


    He only learned of these eventster.


    But by then, the Third Prince had already been sent away.


    All the servants who knew of the Third Prince''s whereabouts had been silenced.


    In this vast Yan nation, Dean Gu had no idea where to begin searching.


    Disillusioned with the court, he resigned his post and returned to his hometown to take over Luming Academy.


    Over the years, he had made countless inquiries about the Third Prince''s whereabouts, but all efforts proved futile.


    The Third Prince had simply vanished from the world, it seemed.


    Fortunately, by a stroke of luck, he had inadvertently found the Third Prince.


    ...


    Xie Xun was not usually fond of reading, but since he would soon be attending Luming Academy, he decided to skim through the foundational materials from the books.


    With his remarkable memory, he could memorize the content after a single reading, thus his reading speed was extremely fast.


    By the time Dean Gu entered, Xie Xun had already flipped through several pages.


    "Third Prince."


    Dean Gu respectfully bowed.


    Xie Xun closed his book and looked towards him.


    Dean Gu said, "Miss Jiang has passed the second test."


    Xie Xun lightly acknowledged with a soft "hm," his expression betraying no surprise.


    Their goal was to take over the entire Yin Yang Office, so passing the second test was expected.


    Dean Gu hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "There is something I''m unsure how to broach with you, Your Highness."


    "What is it?"


    "The Princess Qinshui of King Ning''s Mansion sought an imperial decree to annul her betrothal to you during the recent pce banquet."


    Dean Gu had been holding back on this for several days, unsure of how to inform Xie Xun.


    Today, with Jiang Xiaoxiao having passed the second test, he thought it might be a good time to break the news, hoping it would mitigate the Prince''s anger.


    However, to his surprise, Xie Xun merely gave a cold smirk, showing no signs of rage, though his tone was icy.


    "So they''ve annulled my betrothal, yet still refuse to let me return to the capital. It seems they intend to seal me away here for life."


    "Seal you away?"


    Dean Gu was dumbfounded, having never heard of such a thing.


    Xie Xun asked him, "Is it not Murong Yuan who can now light up the deity statues in the Imperial Deity Temple?"


    Dean Gu nodded in affirmation.


    The Yan nation worshiped deities, and the statues in the Imperial Deity Temple depicted the founding emperor who lived a century ago.


    It was a chaotic era, and even as he ruled the realm, the founding emperor would still lead his troops into battle.


    ording to folklore, in the final battle, he sacrificed his mortal body to achieve unification, his meritorious deeds shaking the heavens, thus allowing him to ascend to divinity.


    Whether such mystical events truly urred is now impossible to verify.


    But since then, the Yan nation built the Imperial Deity Temple and began worshiping deities.


    Prior to the birth of the Third Prince, most people tacitly understood the underlying reasons.


    The imperial family''s worship of deities was not necessarily due to a belief in their existence, but rather to provide the people with a sense of reassurance and a constant reminder of the founding emperor''s valor and martial prowess, ensuring that even in his celestial form, he would continue to bless and protect the Yan nation.


    However, on the day the Third Prince was born, the deity statues in the Imperial Deity Temple shone brilliantly for an entire night.


    When the news spread, not only the imperial household but the entire capital city was in an uproar.


    In the eyes of some, the deity statues in the Imperial Deity Temple were akin to the Buddha and Bodhisattva statues in temples.


    One could believe or disbelieve as they wished.


    In essence, they were merely psychological anchors.


    But if the statues lit up, that was a different matter entirely.


    It signified that the Third Prince was the chosen one, destined to be the unparalleled ruler of the Yan nation.


    Thus, the people of the Yan nation ced great hopes upon the Third Prince, Murong Xun.


    The Empress and the Prince were elevated to divine status, mother and son revered as deities.


    s, the higher they were exalted, the more tragic their subsequent fall.


    ...


    Dean Gu refocused his thoughts, his face etched with confusion, "Your Highness, what does this have to do with the Crown Prince?"


    Xie Xun''s eyes darkened, "If not for the theft of my Dragon Aura, he would never have been able to illuminate the deity statues in this lifetime!"


    Upon hearing Xie Xun''s words, Dean Gu was struck dumb.


    He muttered as he stepped back, "No wonder, no wonder..."


    No wonder Murong Yuan could unexpectedly light up the deity statues.


    No wonder the Third Prince was once cursed as an ominous star, a bane to his father, mother, and the nation.


    It turned out his Dragon Aura had been stolen.


    If he was not mistaken, someone must have used devious arts against the Third Prince.


    "Those beasts!"


    Dean Gu clenched his fists, his eyes reddening with rage.


    The Third Prince was only three years old at the time!


    To forcibly strip away his Dragon Aura, what immense suffering must he have endured?


    How could they sink so low!


    "I cannot leave Kaihe County." Xie Xun said, "Initially, I did not understand why, but Xiaoxiaoter told me that I had been sealed, because they feared my return and dreaded the revival of my Dragon Aura, which could threaten Murong Yuan''s position."


    Xie Xun''s tone remained indifferent, as if narrating someone else''s story.


    Dean Gu had already listened with fury rising in his heart.


    He immediately said, "Since they are afraid, then Your Highness should return to the capital as soon as possible to reim what rightfully belongs to you!"


    "This old servant originally nned to have Your Highness register for the imperial examinations next year, allowing you to journey to the capital on the sess of your studies. But now it seems next year would be toote."


    Thinking of His Highness being sealed away in this broken ce, while that group indulges in pleasure and luxury in the imperial pce, Dean Gu could not wait a moment longer.


    "This old servant has an idea - if Your Highness enrolls in the academy, I will secure you a direct admission to the Imperial Academy to study."


    "This way, there is no need to wait until next year. Your Highness can enter the capital this year."


    Xie Xun did not expect Dean Gu to be so furious. He smiled, "Teacher, please make the arrangements."


    Teacher...


    That address he had not heard in fourteen years.


    Dean Gu''s old tears flowed freely, "Your Highness, rest assured. Even if this old servant must sacrifice his life, he will ensure Your Highness returns to Yanjing City."


    After Dean Gu left, Jiang Xiaoxiao quietly came in and sat beside Xie Xun without a word.


    Xie Xun nced at her, "You heard our conversation just now?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded.


    "It won''t be long before we have to go to the capital."


    Xie Xun said, his gaze falling on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s face, "If I sessfully regain my Spiritual Power and help you break the curse, will you have to return to Cangwu Mountain?"


    He remembered that day when she found him, her expression as she said her only reason was because he could help break her curse.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did not answer.


    She was still trying to find the words.


    Because she did not know how to exin that she was destined to marry him.


    Even if the curse was brokenter, she would not return to Cangwu Mountain.


    However, her silence appeared to Xie Xun as confirmation.


    Something in his eyes dissipated, and Xie Xun stood up, "I understand."


    Seeing Xie Xun about to leave, Jiang Xiaoxiao hurriedly grabbed his sleeve.


    Xie Xun turned back, his gaze fixed on the hand grasping his sleeve, his brow slightly furrowed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up, and after a long moment, finally said, "That day when I came to find you, I said I came to be your wife. You haven''t married me yet!"


    Xie Xun''s thin lips pressed together as he stared at her wordlessly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s heart raced, "I want to make you happy, but I don''t know how. You haven''t taught me yet."


    She possessed the divine talents envied by all Daoist disciples. At such a young age, her cultivation nearly rivaled that of Celestial Masters over a hundred years old.


    She could make demons cower at her feet, even proactively seeking her out to beg for deliverance from suffering.


    Yet she did not understand the depth of human emotion.


    She did not know why Xie Xun suddenly asked if she would leave, but she felt that if she said she would, he would definitely be unhappy.


    "Xie Xun, I don''t understand the ways of the world beyond the mountain. You can''t find me guilty without teaching me first."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand clutching his sleeve tightened as her innocent eyes seemed to use him.


    The hint of vexation Xie Xun felt at her implication of leaving instantly dissipated.


    That''s right, she does not understand.


    The first bowl of porridge she ate after descending the mountain was cooked by him, and she remembered the taste.


    Later at the Ning residence, faced with expensive cow''s milk and bird''s nest soup, she asked for the porridge he personally cooked instead.


    The first dress she wore was bought by him. Just because he said it looked nice, all her subsequent dresses were of the same color and style.


    She may not even know why until now, nor had she ever wondered why.


    Xie Xun deted.


    Forget it, why was he getting worked up over this oblivious woodblock?


    The next day was the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    Xie Xun prepared many ingredients.


    Chen Sixi should have celebrated at home, but a neighbor''s elderly rtive had passed away.


    Old Man Chen went to help, leaving Chen Sixi bored and alone. So he brought a jug of wine and a box of mooncakes to Shi Mo Vige.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was crouched by the well, washing vegetables.


    Seeing Chen Sixi, she nced at him without a word.


    "Master, you''ve recovered?"


    Chen Sixi set down the items inside the hall, then came out to speak with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Yes, the normal Jiang Xiaoxiao looked normal. Although her miniature form was adorable, there was something off about it.


    "Master, let me do it!"


    Chen Sixi felt awkward sitting idly while a youngdy worked, so he rolled up his sleeves and squatted down as well.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did notpete with him, standing to wipe her hands before entering the kitchen to assist Xie Xun.


    At lunch, braised chicken, steamed fish, stir-fried river shrimp, and even the few vegetable dishes were beautifully colorful and appetizing.


    Just the aroma alone made Chen Sixi''s mouth water.


    Seeing Xie Xun about to serve the food, he hurriedly brought the wine jug to the table, "Xie Xun, on such a great day, how can we not have a couple drinks?"


    As he spoke, he uncorked the jug and pulled Xie Xun''s bowl over to pour wine into it.


    After pouring, seeing Xie Xun''s dark expression, Chen Sixiughed until he could not stand straight, "No way, no way? Xie Xun, don''t tell me you can''t drink alcohol?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "I''ll drink on his behalf."


    Just as she reached for the wine bowl, Xie Xun snatched it away first.


    Chen Sixi could only ask Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Master, shall I pour you your own bowl?"


    Before Jiang Xiaoxiao could respond, Xie Xun coldly scoffed, "Chen Sixi, don''t bring your nasty habits into my home."


    Chen Sixi inwardly rolled his eyes. So he just didn''t want to pour any for the Master? Why not just say so directly? So needlessly convoluted.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao roughly understood that Xie Xun did not want her drinking alcohol.


    Although her alcohol tolerance was genuinely supreme, if Xie Xun was unhappy about it, she would not drink.


    "Brother,e, let me toast you."


    Chen Sixi raised his wine bowl and clinked it against Xie Xun''s, "I''ll drink, you can casually sip as you like."


    His alcohol tolerance was clearly quite good, as he downed the entire bowl without any reaction.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked toward Xie Xun, only to see him nonchntly take arge gulp as well.


    But before Chen Sixi could pour the next round, Xie Xun''s face had already flushed red, his eyes hazy and unfocused.


    Chen Sixi stared in shock.


    Hahaha, he had guessed correctly - Xie Xun could not handle his liquor.


    "Whack¡ª"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao swiftly knocked Chen Sixi unconscious with a hand chop.


    His expression mocking Xie Xun''s misfortune was too unsightly.


    Xie Xun''s alcohol tolerance was abysmal. He had not even finished half a bowl before bing thoroughly drunk.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao knew the experience of drinking for the first time was unpleasant, so she stood to help Xie Xun back to rest in his room.


    But to her surprise, once they reached the courtyard, Xie Xun refused to return to his chambers, stumbling as he tried to leave.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked him, "What are you going out to do?"


    Xie Xun: "Apanying you to catch frogs."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival.


    At this mealtime hour, the vige path is deserted, with only the asional bark of a dog being heard from the vige.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao supports Xie Xun as they walk towards the ridge where she used to catch frogs.


    Xie Xun, drinking for the first time, is clearly in a poor state, with flushed cheeks and slightly intoxicated eyes. After walking for a while, he stubbornly plops down on the ridge, refusing to go any further.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao is puzzled by what Xie Xun intends to do when he suddenly grabs her wrist, causing her to fall down beside him.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao."


    Xie Xun looks at her, his breath carrying a faint hint of alcohol.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao."


    Seeing that she doesn''t respond, he calls out again.


    Each word sounding like a sulk.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao says, "You''re drunk."


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao..."


    Xie Xun grips her wrist.


    His fingers are long and his palm is dry.


    Due to the alcohol, his body temperature is much higher than usual.


    "Why did youe to find me?"


    As if afraid she might leave, he tightens his grip, like shackles binding her, with reddened eyes from the drunkenness.


    Of course, it''s because she has been cursed by an enchantment that even the Old Celestial can''t undo, and the only person in this world capable of breaking her curse is Xie Xun.


    That''s why she came.


    But these words are probably not what Xie Xun wants to hear.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao carefully considers her words, "Because I want to marry you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thinks she has answered wlessly, but she overlooks the fact that she is currently facing apletely drunk Xie Xun.


    The usually stern and unshakable Xie Xun, who remains unmoved even when chased and called a gue demon, is nowhere to be found.


    He simply grips her wrist, repeatedly calling out.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao."


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao."


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao..."


    Like a child with no sense of security.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sits silently.


    He says, "I''m not going back to the Capital City. I''ll stay here with you, catch frogs with you, and cook the dishes you love to eat."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looks at him, "But the Capital City is your home."


    Xie Xun asks, "Will you send me back home then?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nods, "I will."


    "Then what?" he asks again.


    "Then I''ll help you avenge those who need avenging and reim what rightfully belongs to you."


    "And then what?" he stares at her with drunken eyes, as if trying to see through her from skin to bone.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao reaches out and brushes a fallen leaf from his head, "Xie Xun, you''re drunk."


    "I''m not drunk, I can still catch frogs."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."


    She remembers that the day she caught frogs, Xie Xun was unconscious from a fever. How did he know about that?


    And is it really necessary to be so fixated on catching frogs?


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao."


    Xie Xun tightens his grip on her wrist, his palm burning hot.


    "Why did youe to find me?"


    He has circled back to the initial question.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao patiently answers again, "Because I want to marry you."


    He suddenly falls silent, staring at her nkly as the drunken haze in his eyes grows more apparent.


    After a long while, Xie Xun still hasn''t released her hand, and he opens his other palm, "Stand in my palm, and I''ll take you home."


    This is the first time Jiang Xiaoxiao has seen Xie Xun in such a state.


    She never expected the usually aloof and dignified man to disy such a stark contrast when drunk.


    Of course, it''s impossible for her to stand in his palm since she hasn''t transformed.


    In the end, the one who promised to take Jiang Xiaoxiao home ends up lying on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s back.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao carries him home.


    Xie Xun obediently stretches out his arms, encircling her neck, his chin resting on her shoulder, his mouth still fixated on that question, "You don''t even know me, why did youe to find me?"


    As she walks, Jiang Xiaoxiao replies, "Because the divination says we are a fated pair destined by the heavens, so I came to marry you."


    "Hmm..."


    Xie Xun seems satisfied, letting out a soft hum, followed by the sound of even breathing.


    He has finally fallen asleep.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao breathes a silent sigh of relief.


    As they pass the vige chief''s house, Yang Ershun gapes at the sight of these two.


    It''s not until Jiang Xiaoxiao has walked away that Yang Ershun snaps out of his daze and hurries to catch up, waddling behind them.


    "Sister Jiang," Yang Ershun calls out.


    Usually, when addressing outsiders, he would call them by their full name, but after being spanked twice by his mother, he has learned his lesson.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao turns around.


    Yang Ershun cups his hands around his mouth like a megaphone and whispers, "Has Xie Xun fallen asleep?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nods.


    "Then do you have food at your house?" Yang Ershun licks his lips hungrily.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao recalls the table full of untouched dishes and nods that they do.


    Yang Ershun grows even more excited, "Can I go have a taste? I''m not hungry, not hungry at all, I just can''t bear to see food being wasted at other people''s homes. My mother always says, ''Don''t waste!''"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pauses for a moment, then says, "All right."


    Seeing Yang Ershun''s eyes light up, she adds ominously, "But remember to wash the dishes afterward."


    Yang Ershun: "..."


    Okay, to eat the dishes personally cooked by Xie Xun, he''ll wash the dishes!


    The little boy follows behind Jiang Xiaoxiao, and before long, they reach the east end of the vige.


    Upon entering the house and seeing Chen Sixi knocked unconscious on the table by Jiang Xiaoxiao, Yang Ershun is startled.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remains unfazed, "You can just pretend you didn''t see him."


    With that, she carries Xie Xun into the bedroom.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao doesn''t know how to brew a hangover soup, so she can only bring cold water and wet a towel to wipe his face.


    Perhaps roused by the sudden chill, Xie Xun abruptly sits up, his gaze fixed intently on Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Fearing he might try to go out and catch frogs again, Jiang Xiaoxiao quickly casts a sleeping spell on him.


    Xie Xun falls back down, finally settling downpletely.


    This spell will keep Xie Xun asleep until nightfall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao puts away the towel and returns to the main hall.


    Yang Ershun is already wolfing down the food, his bulging cheeks stuffed to the brim.


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao enter, he grins at her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sits down beside him.


    Yang Ershun swallows the food in his mouth and looks at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Sister, are you Xie Xun''s wife?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao considers for a moment, then says, "I will be in the future."


    Yang Ershun praises her, "You have great taste."


    He pops a piece of fish into his mouth, then continues, "Xie Xun cooks so deliciously. If I were a girl, I would have married him too. I don''t understand why people in the vige don''t want to be friends with him."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asks, "Then why do you keeping to find Xie Xun every few days? Aren''t you afraid your parents will beat you?"


    Yang Ershun had been beaten by his father before foring to see Xie Xun.


    He snorts, "If my dad beats me, I''ll just roll on the ground and threaten him that I''ll acknowledge Xie Xun as my father from then on."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nods, "If Xie Xun had such a filial son as you, he would be very happy."


    "No way!" Yang Ershun feels aggrieved just thinking about it, "I used toe find him all the time, but he never paid any attention to me."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao says, "Then you must have had the wrong approach."


    Yang Ershun sniffs, "I even called him ''dad,'' but he just told me to scram!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Yang Ershun puffed out his cheeks and stuffed another mouthful of vegetables into his mouth.


    "Sister..." he looked towards Jiang Xiaoxiao again, his eyes filled with admiration, "Aren''t you very powerful?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "Hm? What do you mean by that?"


    Yang Ershun said casually, "One night, I saw a lot of peoplee to Xie Xun''s home, but not a single one came back, so I guessed that Sister Jiang must have taken care of them."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was taken aback, "What people?"


    Apart from Dean Gu and Chen Sixi, she didn''t remember anyone elseing to her home.


    Yang Ershun said, "Lots of them, young and old. Oh, and there was a child who seemed to be an idiot, eating candles instead of food."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao instantly realized that Yang Ershun was talking about the group of ghosts that hade to seek her help for exorcism a few days ago.


    But that wasn''t the point.


    The point was, how could Yang Ershun see them?


    After all, not everyone was like Xie Xun and possessed the ability to see ghosts and spirits.


    Yang Ershun didn''t notice Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression and became increasingly indignant as he thought about it.


    "I told my dad that I saw a little idiot eating candles, and he didn''t even ask any questions, he just beat me up. My butt still hurts now, I need to eat more meat to recover."


    "Apart from that night, have you seen any other strange people?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked again.


    Yang Ershun thought carefully, "I think I have."


    "Where?"


    "When Xie Xun rescued that old manst year."


    Yang Ershun looked disgusted, "There was a very beautiful sister, lying on the old man''s back, I don''t know what she was thinking, she had her own hands and feet but still let the old man carry her."


    It seemed he was talking about the time when Xie Xun saved Dean Gu.


    Xie Xun had said that Yang Ershun saw it at that time.


    He meant that Yang Ershun saw him save Dean Gu.


    Xie Xun probably didn''t know that Yang Ershun could also see ghosts.


    It''s just that this little kid didn''t realize that what he saw wasn''t a person, but a ghost.


    "Sister, you''re so powerful, can I follow you and learn your skills?" Yang Ershun finished eating and drinking, and rolled up his sleeves to wipe his mouth.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Why do you want to learn skills?"


    Yang Ershun said, "My dad beats me all the time, and if I learn some skills, then if he beats me again, I can beat him back!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "...Then you should ask your dad first."


    "That won''t work! If I ask him, won''t that give it away? He''ll definitely beat me again!"


    As they were talking, Chen Sixi, who had been slumped over the table sleeping, finally woke up.


    He opened his eyes to see Jiang Xiaoxiao and an unfamiliar little brat sitting across from him, and looked around, "How did I suddenly fall asleep? Where''s Xie Xun?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said gloomily, "With such a poor alcohol tolerance, you shouldn''t drink anymore."


    "Something''s not right here!"


    Chen Sixi rubbed his forehead. He had always been able to hold his liquor quite well, he shouldn''t have passed out after just one bowl, right?


    If he couldn''t even out-drink Xie Xun, how would he survive in this town?


    Thinking of this, Chen Sixi asked again, "Where''s Xie Xun?"


    "Taking an afternoon nap in his room." Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed at the table, "You don''t need to look for him, just wash the bowls and you can leave."


    ...


    In the end, Chen Sixi was assigned to wash the bowls and chopsticks together with Yang Ershun.


    In the kitchen.


    Chen Sixi nced at Yang Ershun beside him, "You little brat, how did you end up at Xie Xun''s ce, trying to mooch food?"


    Yang Ershun snorted, "I came to do whatever you came to do."


    "Well, well! You''re young but you''ve got quite the temper!"


    Yang Ershun shot back, "You''re old but I don''t see your temper being any better."


    Chen Sixi red at him, "You dare talk back? You little brat, do you want me to smack your butt?"


    Yang Ershun wasn''t afraid of him, "If you dare hit me, I''ll have my sister hit you."


    "Your sister?" Chen Sixi was taken aback.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao will be my sister from now on," Yang Ershun said. "I just acknowledged her as family."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi burst outughing.


    "Your sister? She''s a great master, how could she be rted to you? Do you think she''d acknowledge someone like you?"


    Yang Ershun looked at him, ground his teeth, and after a moment, he began to wail loudly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao heard themotion and came in, "What''s going on?"


    Yang Ershun wiped away his tears as he cried, "Sister, this man hit me."


    Chen Sixi: "...I didn''t, Master, please let me exin."


    This little brat was good at making false usations!


    However, before he could finish his exnation, Jiang Xiaoxiao grabbed him and threw him out.


    Yang Ershun ran out, stuck his tongue out at the battered and bruised Chen Sixi.


    Chen Sixi cursed, "You little brat, just you wait, I''ll get you back for this sooner orter!"


    After Chen Sixi left, Yang Ershun returned and obediently washed the bowls. Afterwards, he tugged at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s sleeve, "Sister, sister, you still haven''t agreed!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pried his chubby little hand off her sleeve, "I don''t take apprentices."


    "I won''t be your apprentice," Yang Ershun said. "I''ll be your brother, and you''ll be my sister."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said again, "I''ll be leaving soon anyway."


    As Dean Gu had said, Xie Xun would be able to enter the capital this year.


    Luming Academy would be epting new students next month, so it seemed the time was drawing near.


    "Leaving?" Yang Ershun looked puzzled, "Where to?"


    "A very distant ce."


    "Then I''ll go with you!" Yang Ershun puffed out his chest, "It''ll be great, if I leave then my old man won''t be able to beat me anymore."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao grabbed the back of his cor and easily lifted him to throw him out of the courtyard, "Go tell your dad these words, and if he doesn''t get mad, thene find me again."


    Yang Ershun cried out as he walked home, realizing he had been rejected.


    Xie Xun slept through till nightfall, and when he woke up,nterns had already been lit in the room.


    Xie Xun sat up and rubbed his temples.


    He pushed open the door, and the moon had already risen. Jiang Xiaoxiao was sitting in the courtyard eating mooncakes.


    Xie Xun realized that this was the first time he had drunk alcohol and gottenpletely drunk.


    But he really couldn''t remember anything, so after some hesitation, he looked towards Jiang Xiaoxiao, "During the day, did I say anything strange?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Nothing too bad."


    He had just acted like a stubborn puppet, repeatedly calling out her name and asking why she hade to find him, as if he wouldn''t stop until he got a satisfactory answer.


    "Then I didn''t do anything strange?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "Nothing too bad."


    He had just kept insisting on going to catch frogs, and in the end she had to carry him back.


    This tone didn''t sound too good.


    Xie Xun felt his eyelid twitch violently, "I''ll go make you some food."


    There were still ingredients left over from the morning, so Xie Xun made a chicken stew.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao finished thest bite of her mooncake and walked into the kitchen.


    Xie Xun thought she must be hungry, but instead she said, "Did you know that Yang Ershun can see ghosts?"


    Xie Xun shook his head, "Did he tell you that himself?"


    "That night when the ghosts came to seek my help for exorcism, Yang Ershun saw them all," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "He also saw the female ghost that possessed Dean Gust year. But he didn''t realize they were ghosts, he just thought they were people."


    Xie Xun understood Jiang Xiaoxiao - she wouldn''t bring up a child for no reason.


    "So, do you have any ideas?" he asked.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    "Yang Ershun is a promising seedling," Jiang Xiaoxiao finished, then shifted the conversation, "It''s just a pity..."


    The Yang family would never allow him to embark on the path of cultivation.


    As dinner was served, half a jar of wine brought by Chen Sixi during the day remained.


    Xie Xun reached for it, but Jiang Xiaoxiao beat him to it, her palm unexpectedlynding on the back of his hand.


    The young girl had fair skin, with a delicate touch.


    The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.


    Xie Xun didn''t recall holding Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand earlier in the day, let alone letting her piggyback, behaving as obediently as a little cub on her back.


    He only felt his heart skip a beat as if it was the first time he touched her, yet he remained calm on the surface.


    Retracting his hand, Xie Xun said, "This wine is quite strong, let''s discard it."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "Seems like it packs quite a punch."


    Xie Xun had barely drunk half a bowl when he got so drunk that he was unconscious, moring to go catch frogs.


    No one spoke during the rest of the mealtime.


    In the end, the silence was broken by a knock on the door from outside.


    The visitor was Lin Guifang, holding a roughly crafted wooden food box.


    "It''s a big festival, yet this little courtyard of yours is too quiet," Lin Guifang smiled upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    As she spoke, she handed the food box to Jiang Xiaoxiao, "These are mooncakes I made myself, to celebrate. Give them a try, see if they taste good."


    Before she finished speaking, Yang Ershun poked his head out from behind Lin Guifang, grinning, "Sister Jiang, I''m here again!"


    "Adults are talking, what are you running around for?" Lin Guifang frowned, raising her hand to smack his bottom twice.


    Yang Ershun yelled in pain, holding his buttocks.


    Lin Guifang felt somewhat embarrassed, "Sorry for embarrassing you in front of Miss Jiang."


    "It''s okay," Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Yang Ershun.


    The little guy squatted in the corner, holding a twig and drawing circles, muttering something under his breath.


    "Ignore him," Lin Guifang said, "This mischievous stuff is all spoiled by his dad."


    After all, he was their youngest child. Although he was scolded and beaten often, he was definitely loved more.


    "Mom, I won''t ignore it, I want to learn skills from Sister Jiang!" Yang Ershun suddenly stood up, pouting stubbornly.


    "What nonsense are you talking?" Lin Guifang''s expression turned serious.


    A few days ago, her youngest son suddenly said he saw a child eating candles, and today he said that child had wandered into Xie Xun''s house and never returned, and Jiang Xiaoxiao took care of that child, saying Jiang Xiaoxiao was very capable, and he wanted to learn from her.


    At that time, his father almost fainted from fright.


    Lin Guifang brought her youngest son over specifically to ask Jiang Xiaoxiao face to face, hoping to put an end to his various thoughts.


    After thinking for a moment, Lin Guifang spoke, "Miss Jiang, I have something to ask you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "Go ahead."


    "Has a little kid visited your house?" Lin Guifang asked, feeling somewhat anxious.


    Although she wasn''t superstitious, some things were really hard to say.


    She had heard a saying before, that the younger you are, the easier it is to see dirty things.


    If Jiang Xiaoxiao''s house hadn''t been visited by children, and if her youngest son hadn''t insisted he''d seen them, Lin Guifang might have to go to the county tomorrow to invite a master to perform rituals at home.


    "Not just one, but many!" Yang Ershun snorted. "Besides the child eating candles, there''s also a very beautiful bride, ame old man, and there''s more..."


    The more he spoke, the more absurd it became!


    Lin Guifang''s expression changed repeatedly, and she abruptly covered Yang Ershun''s mouth.


    "Mmm... Mmm..." Yang Ershun struggled in his mother''s grip.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at the mother and son duo and said lightly, "They''ve visited."


    Lin Guifang was taken aback. "Are you saying, the child who eats candles, really came?"


    "They came."


    "But..." Lin Guifang''s lips trembled. "How could a normal person eat candles?"


    "Oh, because that child isn''t human, it''s a ghost."


    Lin Guifang''s eyes rolled back, and she fainted.


    In the end, it was Yang Ershun who ran home to get his father to carry her back.


    When Lin Guifang woke up, her eyes stared nkly at the canopy, unable to regain her senses for a long time.


    Vige Head Yang frightened her into fainting. "You went to Xie Xun''s house and fainted. What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"


    Lin Guifang stiffly turned her head, looking at him. After a long while, she broke down in tears. "His father, Ershun encountered a ghost!"


    ---


    The next day, Vige Head Yang personally went to the county to invite a Taoist priest to perform rituals at home.


    The news of Yang Ershun encountering a ghost spread like wildfire in the vige.


    Except for Yang Ershun himself, who waspletely unaffected, everyone else in the vige thought he was possessed.


    If he wasn''t possessed, how could he possibly see ghosts?


    Early in the morning, the perimeter outside Vige Head Yang''s house was filled with vigers who came to watch the excitement.


    Among the chatter, Mrs. Wang, Yang Wei''s mother, had the loudest voice.


    Mrs. Wang held Lin Guifang''s hand. "I told you, sister, you shouldn''t have let Ershun go to the east side of the vige. I''ve long said that Xie Xun''s family is eerie. How can this sudden appearance of a young bride be normal?"


    Lin Guifang didn''t hear what Mrs. Wang said, just kept wiping tears.


    Inside the house, Vige Head Yang turned everything upside down, cing twenty taels of silver on the altar.


    The Taoist priest, holding a peach wood sword, closed one eye and peeked, then satisfied, closed his eyes again and continued chanting.


    Yang Ershun was tied to a chair, feeling like a monkey being watched by so many people. He wrinkled his little brows, struggling non-stop.


    "Father, let me go!"


    Vige Head Yang scolded, "Shut up! Don''t disturb the master''s ritual!"


    Yang Ershun red at the old Taoist priest hatefully, then looked at Vige Head Yang again, shouting, "Father, are you full and tired? I''m your son!"


    Mrs. Wang eximed loudly, "Ershun, your father is doing this for your own good. Who let you hang out with that person from the east side of the vige all day? Now you''ve been possessed and seeing ghosts? Sit still and don''t move, the master will expel the evil spirits for you."


    After speaking, she asked the old Taoist priest, "Master, how is it going?"


    The old Taoist priest''s expression was solemn. "At the critical moment of casting the spell, please do not disturb with idle talk!"


    Vige Head Yang nced at Mrs. Wang.


    Mrs. Wang shut her mouth with dissatisfaction.


    Yang Dashun looked at the silver on the altar and couldn''t help but frown. He quietly asked Vige Head Yang, "Dad, who did you find for this? Can we trust them?"


    "How can we not trust them?" Vige Head Yang snorted coldly. "I''ve already inquired. This Daoist Sun is a direct disciple of the Old Celestial Master of Cangwu Mountain. If we can get him, we''ll be in luck!"


    "But isn''t the Old Celestial Master''s disciple surnamed Zhang? Why the change of surname?" Yang Dashun questioned.


    Vige Head Yang hesitated for a moment, then angrily replied, "The Master temporarily changed his surname for convenience when traveling down the mountain. What''s wrong with that?"


    Yang Dashun found it all dubious. "There''s a renowned expert in the county recently. She just solved a major case for the Nie Family. Why don''t you invite her instead of this Daoist with unknown origins? Who knows if he''s just a swindler trying to cheat us out of our money."


    "You think I didn''t consider that?" Vige Head Yang''s frustration was evident. "But I''ve asked around, and while she''s famous, no one knows her real name or where she lives. How am I supposed to invite her?"

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had to go to the county town today.


    Dean Gu said that the examiners from Yanjing City wanted to see her.


    After breakfast, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun locked the courtyard and went out one after the other.


    Xie Xun''s ce was far from the other vigers, but to get out of the vige, they still had to pass through the center of the vige.


    Especially, they had to pass by the gate of the Vige Head''s house.


    Right now, arge group of people were anxiously watching the Taoist priest perform an exorcism in the courtyard.


    Mrs. Wang''s eyes were sharp, and when she saw Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun, she immediately spat and shrieked, "This is really inauspicious! Just as the exorcism is about to seed, these two people suddenly appeared at this critical moment. Isn''t it obvious that they are trying to ruin it?"


    Vige Head Yang heard themotion and came out to look. Sure enough, it was Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Vige Head Yang''s face was a bit gloomy.


    Although the truth about saving Dean Gu was clear, he felt a bit guilty towards Xie Xun. But now that it involved his own son, he could no longer remain indifferent.


    Er Shun had always been a bit mischievous, but he had never heard him say anything as shocking as a child eating candles.


    But ever since Er Shun went to find Xie Xun, he couldn''t sit still a single day without going to the east end of the vige, and now he had even reached the level of encountering ghosts.


    "Oh, you''ve caused such a big mess, and you still have the face toe?" Mrs. Wang crossed her arms, looking at Xie Xun with a mocking and sarcastic tone.


    Xie Xun ignored her and took a few steps forward.


    Feeling ignored, Mrs. Wang was immediately inmed with anger and rushed up to block Xie Xun. "Er Shun has been haunted by ghosts because of you two. Aren''t you going to give an exnation?"


    "That''s right!" the other vigers echoed, "Er Shun was such a good child before. He must have been influenced by this inauspicious star!"


    "What''s there to ask about? Anyone who can kill their own wet nurse is bound to bring misfortune to those around them. Tsk tsk tsk, and there''s even a girl daring to go to him willingly. Aren''t you afraid of being killed?"


    Xie Xun bent down, picked up a stone, and weighed it in his palm.


    His handsome face had an eerie calmness, his pupils like ink, deep and dark, and inexplicably chilling, making people feel a shiver down their spine.


    "Bang¡ª"


    Before the man could react, Xie Xun gently raised his wrist and threw the stone, hitting the man squarely in the mouth.


    The man who was hit fell to the ground with a thud, covering his bloody mouth and ring at Xie Xun. "Xie Xun, how dare you hit me?"


    Xie Xun threw the stone, then took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands.


    "You insulted my fianc¨¦e, so I shut your mouth. It''s very fair."


    His tone was light and calm, but it gave people the impression that "he''s not someone to be trifled with."


    The man suppressed the panic in his heart and ced all his hopes on Vige Head Yang, pleading, "Vige Head, Xie Xun hit me in front of so many people. You have to stand up for me!"


    Vige Head Yang was greatly shocked.


    In his impression, Xie Xun, although not well-liked by the vigers, had always been well-behaved. Hitting someone was something he had never seen Xie Xun do before.


    "Xie Xun, couldn''t you have just talked it out instead of using your hands?" Vige Head Yang said sternly.


    Xie Xun simply ignored him and walked past the man on the ground.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao followed him.


    "Vige Head!" The man was both angry and in pain, his eyes brimming with tears. "After all this, are you still not going to drive him out of the vige?"


    "This bastard without a mother is too arrogant!" Mrs. Wang stood with her hands on her hips and shouted loudly, "Vige Head, I propose that Xie Xun be driven out of the vige!"


    The phrase "bastard without a mother" angered Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    She turned back and pped Mrs. Wang twice on the face.


    Mrs. Wang didn''t expect Jiang Xiaoxiao to be able to hear her from that far away.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao used a lot of force, and Mrs. Wang spat out blood, her ears ringing, and it took her a while toe to her senses. She then red furiously at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "You bitch, how dare you hit me!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Because I can''t find a reason not to hit you."


    She was originally simple-minded, and when she spoke, she looked even more innocent.


    Mrs. Wang was nearly sent into a frenzy.


    Xie Xun had just hit one person, and now Jiang Xiaoxiao had hit another!


    Vige Head Yang''s blood pressure rose, and he pointed at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "You..."


    Themotion outside had affected the Taoist priest who was "performing the ritual" in the courtyard.


    The Taoist priest came out with a dark face.


    When he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao, his legs suddenly went weak, and he felt dizzy.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao saw him too.


    "Oh, Sun Dazhu, are you out here again trying to cheat and deceive?"


    This Taoist priest was the same one who had sat at the entrance of the town, ready to trick Xie Xun, but was punched in the teeth by Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    He could never have imagined that he would see Jiang Xiaoxiao in this rundown vige.


    "I, I..." Sun Dazhu''s lips were trembling.


    Thinking about the injury he had suffered from that punch, he knelt down on his knees.


    "Master, Master, I was wrong. Please let me off the hook. I have elderly parents and a young child to support. I need to make a living!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him. "The year you failed the imperial examination, your mother had already passed away, and your wife remarried with your son. Where are the elderly parents and young child you need to support?"


    Sun Dazhu froze.


    Vige Head Yang and the other vigers were also dumbfounded.


    What was going on?


    "Master!" Sun Dazhu''s forehead touched the ground as he kowtowed to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "I haven''t done anything outrageous. I just wanted to earn a few silver coins to live on. I... as long as you let me off this time, I will definitely turn over a new leaf and go back home to farm thend, never to deceive people again. I swear!"


    Vige Head Yang looked at the crouching and cowering Sun Dazhu, his temples throbbing. "Master, what is the meaning of all this?"


    Mrs. Wang spat out a mouthful of blood and said hatefully, "It must be this witch who has bewitched the Master!"


    Sun Dazhu heard Mrs. Wang''s insults and his face turned ugly. "You fool, shut your mouth!"


    If that fool kept cursing, the Master might end up putting all the me on him again.


    Mrs. Wang was still resentful. "Master, could it be that this witch has bewitched and blinded you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t say anything, just calmly looking at Sun Dazhu.


    Sun Dazhu had experienced Jiang Xiaoxiao''s fists before, and the calmer she was, the less she would hold back when she started to fight.


    His body trembled a bit, and Sun Dazhu said, "I''m not a Master, I''m just a failed schr who has taken on the role of a Taoist priest to make a living."


    "This youngdy is the true expert, the one who cracked the big case for the Nie Family in Kaihe County, the renowned expert."


    "What?!" Mrs. Wang waspletely dumbfounded.


    The Nie Family was the richest family in Kaihe County, and their case was known throughout the surrounding ten-plus viges.


    At the time, there were many people in the vige discussing this "expert."


    Because it was said to be a very young girl, and for someone so young to have such cultivation, she was undoubtedly a true expert.


    But who would have thought that the expert was actually the young girl by Xie Xun''s side in this Shi Mo Vige!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Vige Head Yang still found it hard to believe, looking at Sun Dazhu. "Master, are you sure? Jiang Xiaoxiao is just a girl of fifteen or sixteen."


    Although there were rumors in the county about a young girl solving a major case for the Nie family, it couldn''t possibly be Jiang Xiaoxiao!


    A bunch of fools!


    Sun Dazhu retorted angrily, "Believe it or not, it''s none of my business!"


    After yelling, he turned back to Jiang Xiaoxiao with an indescribable sense of humility on his face. "Master, can I leave now?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, "Since you enjoy unting the name of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to deceive others, you might as well go there and serve as aborer."


    Sun Dazhu faltered, "..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression was serious, not joking at all. "If I don''t hear news of you showing up at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion in half a month, be prepared for trouble."


    Finally, she threw one word at Sun Dazhu, "Get lost!"


    "Fine, fine, fine, Master, I''m leaving right away."


    Sun Dazhu stood up, abandoning the props in the courtyard, and ran desperately towards the vige outskirts.


    How far was it from Kaihe County to Cangwu Mountain?


    In half a month, he might not even make it on horseback.


    Feeling his empty purse, Sun Dazhu cried out in despair.


    ---


    As the farce ended, Jiang Xiaoxiao ignored the gazes of others and was about to leave.


    Suddenly, from the courtyard came the voice of Yang Ershun, "Sister Jiang, help me!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao paused.


    Yang Ershun cried, "My dad hired a chatan who almost ruined me. Sob, sob, sob, Sister Jiang, I want to go with you!"


    Upon hearing his younger son''s words, Vige Head Yang''s face darkened.


    But considering that he did hire a quack from the rivers andkes, and almost got swindled out of his entire fortune, he sighed helplessly again.


    Looking back at Jiang Xiaoxiao, there was no trace of disrespect in his eyes. "Miss Jiang, did you really solve the Nie family''s case?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t answer directly, just calmly asked him, "Do you still want to save your son?"


    Vige Head Yang hesitated.


    After all, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s identity hadn''t been confirmed yet.


    He had just been fooled once; it was difficult to ept that such a delicate girl could be a formidable "expert" who even made the chatans of the rivers andkes tremble.


    Lin Guifang wiped her tears and red at her husband. "At this point, why are you still hesitating?"


    "I..." Vige Head Yang couldn''t make up his mind and asked his eldest son, "What do you think?"


    Yang Dashun also wore aplex expression. When he first saw Jiang Xiaoxiao, he thought she seemed a bit dull, perhaps mentally challenged. Who would have thought she was hiding such a mysterious identity?


    And judging by her tone just now, she seemed familiar with the Heavenly Master''s Mansion. Who exactly was she?


    "If you don''t want to save him, then forget it."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao grew impatient and walked away after speaking.


    Lin Guifang''s eyes reddened, pounding on her husband, "If anything happens to Ershun, I''ll hold you responsible!"


    Helpless, Vige Head Yang caught up, "Miss Jiang, let''s talk things through, let''s talk..."


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao ignoring him, Vige Head Yang continued, "We do want to save him, but we just don''t know how. Since you''re an expert, could you show us the way?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke frankly, "Your son has the Yin and Yang eyes, making him susceptible to evil spirits. Unless he learns Taoist skills in the future, he won''t be able to fend off evil on his own. Otherwise, he''ll just await his fate."


    Vige Head Yang''s face turned pale. "Is it that serious?"


    "He''s seen ghosts more than once. If you don''t believe me, you can ask him yourself."


    What else is there to ask?


    Seeing a ghost eating a candle is already rming!


    Vige Head Yang was in a panic, "Master, can you take in our Ershun?"


    He added, "We will follow your teachings and won''t let you down."


    He even used honorifics.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t quite grasp the speed at which people from the mountains changed their attitudes, but she still said seriously, "I can take him in, but if you have any doubts about me, I''ll return him immediately."


    "We dare not doubt you," Vige Head Yang hastily replied. "We absolutely trust your abilities."


    Now he had no choice but to believe!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll leave now."


    Vige Head Yang showed utmost respect, "Master, please take your time."


    Xie Xun stood on the vige road and witnessed almost everything.


    As Jiang Xiaoxiao walked towards him, he smirked. This naive girl had learned how to trap people.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao noticed his gaze and paused, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing, let''s go."


    As they turned away, they heard Yang Ershun shouting from behind, "Jiang Jiejie, wait for me!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t stop.


    Yang Ershun caught up quickly, panting but excited, "Jiang Jiejie, my dad agreed to let me learn from you!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied casually, "Is that so? Congrattions then."


    Yang Ershun was a bit proud, "Anyway, I''ll follow you from now on, Jiejie."


    Although he didn''t fully understand the recentmotion, Yang Ershun realized one thing: Jiang Jiejie was incredibly powerful, a figure even the chatans in the martial world would kneel to. With Jiang Jiejie''s protection, his dad wouldn''t dare toy a finger on him anymore!


    They still needed to hire a carriage to go to the county.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun remained silent.


    It was Yang Ershun who kept chattering along the way, asking if he could eat at their house anytime and if they would start training tomorrow.


    Xie Xun furrowed his brows and warned him, "Stay a yard away from us, or I''ll kick you into the fields!"


    This threat proved effective.


    Yang Ershun sniffled, feeling aggrieved but dared not approach them again.


    In town, Xie Xun went to the same carriage shop asst time, the only one in town.


    The shopkeeper recognized him and, from some source, knew that Jiang Xiaoxiao was the expert who had solved the Nie Family''s murder case.


    Seeing the two, he grinned broadly, "Oh, Mister Xie, it''s been a while since you visited our humble shop."


    Xie Xun remained expressionless and pulled out some coins, "I need to hire a carriage."


    "Don''t, don''t, don''t!" The innkeeper hastily pushed the copper coins back. "In the future, you can ride whichever carriage you like in our shop. Talking about money is unnecessary, isn''t it?"


    After saying that, he signaled to the coachman, "Know your manners, hurry up and prepare the carriage for Master Xie, and add a couple of extra cushions."


    The coachman immediately went to do as instructed.


    Yang Ershun stood dumbfounded, staring at the scene.


    He knew Xie Xun''s reputation very well; previously, calling him a street mouse that everyone would shun was not an exaggeration.


    And now, he was being treated like royalty in the carriage and horse business!


    It must be because of Sister Jiang.


    Wow, Sister Jiang is formidable!


    When it came to taking advantage, Xie Xun never refused. He decisively took back his copper coins.


    Fifteen minutester, the carriage was ready outside. The coachman walked in, wearing a respectful expression. "Master Xie, Miss Jiang, please."


    Yang Ershun: "..."


    I feel like I''m invisible.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was the first examinee selected by Dean Gu for the Yin Yang Office, so he naturally had to personally take Jiang Xiaoxiao to find the examiner Zhu Yan.


    Dean Gu wasn''t often in the academy; he usually preferred to stay at home, tending to his flowers and fish.


    Xie Xun knew where he lived, so he gave the address to the coachman and they went straight there.


    Contrary to the grand estates expected by outsiders, Dean Gu lived in a simple alley courtyard.


    Amidst the numerous wealthy households in the county, their home seemed particrly inconspicuous.


    As a result, apart from a few schrs in the academy, no one else knew where he lived.


    The carriage stopped at the entrance of the alley.


    Xie Xun and the others got off one by one.


    The coachman was thoughtful and didn''t rush to leave. He asked softly, "Master Xie, where should I wait for you?"


    Xie Xun replied, "No need to wait, you can go back."


    "But..."


    The coachman was somewhat hesitant.


    He knew very well the attitude of the innkeeper towards this gentleman. If he just went back like this, it would upset the innkeeper, and he still wanted his wages for this month!


    Xie Xun nced at him, "We probably won''t be back until evening. If you''re willing to wait, I don''t mind."


    After thinking for a moment, the coachman said, "Then I''lle back to pick you up in the afternoon."


    With that, he drove the carriage away.


    Xie Xun walked to the courtyard gate and raised his hand to knock, but from inside came the scolding of a woman, "Gu Ergou, taste this dish of yours. Do you want to kill someone? Is salt free? What a squandering nonsense!"


    Immediately followed by Dean Gu''s low, soothing voice, "Darling, calm down. I''ll make it again for you."


    The woman snorted, "Hurry up, I''m starving."


    "Alright, alright, it''ll be ready soon."


    Xie Xun''s hand, prepared to knock, paused.


    In his memory, the teacher''s wife was a very gentle person, and they had a son together.


    But ever since the teacher and his wife came to Kaihe County to take over Luming Academy, the teacher''s wife''s temperament had changed.


    She became irritable and easily angered.


    Their son had never been seen.


    Seeing Xie Xun distracted, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Xie Xun snapped out of his reverie, without hesitation this time, and knocked on the wooden door''s brass ring.


    Soon, footsteps were heard from inside.


    After a while, the door opened, revealing a woman in a sapphire blue horse-face skirt.


    The woman was none other than Xie Xun''s teacher''s wife, Madam Song.


    Madam Song hadn''t seen these people before, but she felt Xie Xun''s features were somewhat familiar. However, she didn''t dwell on it and asked, "Who are you looking for?"


    "Teacher''s wife, it''s me."


    At Xie Xun''s call, Madam Song paused, then her brow furrowed imperceptibly, but she quicklyposed herself, "Oh, it''s you..."


    Noticing there were others behind Xie Xun, she changed her address from "Your Highness" to "you," "Pleasee in quickly."


    Dean Gu, who heard themotion from the kitchen, quickly wiped his hands and came out.


    When he saw Xie Xun, a smile spread across his old face, "I was thinking of going to pick you upter, but I didn''t expect you toe on your own."


    Seeing Yang Ershun behind Xie Xun, Dean Gu suddenly remembered that he still owed thisd a cake.


    "Hahaha." Heughed heartily, walked up to Yang Ershun, and ruffled his hair. "Little rascal, remember how you were moring for pancakesst time? I''ll personally make them for you today, how about that?"


    "Forget it!" Madam Song scoffed. "With your cooking skills, don''t bother trying to poison people here, go eat outside if you want!"


    After tossing his purse to Dean Gu, Madam Song entered the main hall.


    Dean Gu took off his apron, washed his hands by the well, and then stood up with a smile, looking at Xie Yun. "Let''s eat out."


    Xie Yun sensed that something was off with Madam Song''s mood, and he nodded in acknowledgment.


    The group followed Dean Gu out the door.


    Dean Gu and Madam Song usually lived frugally, but they couldn''t take the Third Prince to a shabby ce.


    Eventually, they settled on a decent restaurant.


    As they entered the private room, Xie Yun recalled Madam Song''s earlier reaction and asked Dean Gu, "What''s wrong with Madam?..."


    "Don''t mind her, ever since Ming Feng''s passing, she''s been different," Dean Gu said.


    Ming Feng was Dean Gu and Madam Song''s only son.


    "Gone?"


    Xie Yun was somewhat surprised. "How did he...?"


    Actually, when Dean Gu returned to the capital, he learned that the Third Prince had been sent away. Anxious and frustrated, he spent a lot of money hiring people to search.


    At that time, their son Ming Feng was also sent out by him.


    But unexpectedly, Ming Feng encountered a sh flood halfway, and was swept away.


    When they finally found him, only a lifeless body remained.


    Their only flesh and blood was gone just like that, and Madam Song cried bitterly, holding deep grudges over the years.


    Dean Gu knew it was toote for anything he said, so he could only amodate her in everything.


    But Dean Gu didn''t want the Third Prince to know about this, fearing it would burden him psychologically.


    Sighing, Dean Gu said, "There was an ident a few years ago."


    "Rted to me?"


    Xie Yun, being so astute, wouldn''t Madam have reacted differently if it had nothing to do with him?


    "...Not rted to you," Dean Gu quickly corrected himself upon noticing Yang Ershun''s presence. "It''s just an ident."


    Afraid that Xie Yun would dwell on this matter, Dean Gu quickly changed the subject, "Are you going with us to meet the examiner at the innter?"


    Xie Yun wanted to go, but upon hearing that the examiner was Zhu Yan, a senior disciple of Bai Cheng, he became cautious and asked Jiang Xiaoxiao, "If I go like this, will it expose me?"


    It shouldn''t expose him appearance-wise, after all, Zhu Yan hadn''t seen him before, let alone knowing what the so-called Third Prince Murong Xun looked like.


    What Xie Yun was worried about was the seal on his head.


    As a senior disciple of Bai Cheng, Zhu Yan definitely had the ability. It shouldn''t be difficult for him to see through the seal on his body.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Just wear a bamboo hatter, and I''ll put a talisman inside the hat. That should be fine."


    Yang Ershun was dizzy from listening to these people''s conversation the whole time. He barely understood anything, but the food at the restaurant was really good, although not as good as Xie Yun''s cooking.


    Looking at Yang Ershun, who was enjoying his meal, Dean Gu asked again, "What about this little guy?"


    Yang Ershun finally heard his name mentioned and eagerly waved his paws, "I want to go, I want to go!"


    No matter what Sister Jiang was going to do, he was determined to follow along.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t object.


    If they hadn''t agreed for him toe to the county with them, they wouldn''t have agreed for him to apany them to meet Zhu Yan.


    With everything settled, Dean Gu went downstairs to buy a straw hat for Xie Xun. Just as he was about to mention theck of tools for drawing talismans, Jiang Xiaoxiao took the hat, gracefully swirled her index finger in the air, and swiftly sketched a symbol the size of a palm, gleaming with golden light, which firmly adhered to the inside of the hat.


    Dean Gu: "???"


    Yang Ershun: "!!!"

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Dean Gu''s appointment as the person in charge of the recruitment for the Yin Yang Office was not just a formality by the imperial court.


    Although Dean Gu himself had not been able to pursue the path of cultivation, he had delved deeply into the study of mystical arts and cultivation. He was well-versed in much of the theoretical knowledge.


    For example, the ability just used by Jiang Xiaoxiao belonged to the field of talisman arts.


    The Yan Country had many sects that practiced cultivation, and among them were those who specialized in the art of talismans.


    But to his knowledge, in the entire Yan Country, nay, the entire Profound Sect Realm, there was only one person who could draw talismans in the air - the Old Celestial Master of the Cangwu Mountain Heavenly Master''s Residence.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao drew that many talismans in a single breath during her second test, Dean Gu had already found it utterly absurd.


    However, now he had witnessed her drawing talismans in the air!


    The dual shock to his vision and his mind left him unable to recover for a long time.


    Yang Ershun''s expression was even more exaggerated than Dean Gu''s.


    He knew his "Older Sister Jiang" was highly capable, but he never imagined that her fingers could produce shimmering golden objects.


    Wow! Older Sister Jiang must be a celestial maiden from the heavens!


    Inparison to the two, who were almost petrified, Xie Xun''s reaction was much moreposed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao returned the hat to him, "There."


    Xie Xun raised his hand and steadily ced it back on his head.


    Dean Gu''s body was still stiff, and he shifted his eyes towards Xie Xun, "Was I... just dreaming just now?"


    Yang Ershun casually pinched him.


    Dean Gu winced in pain.


    Yang Ershun spoke earnestly, almost chanting, "I can testify that you were not dreaming, Dean!"


    Dean Gu fell into deep self-doubt.


    Could it be that the information he had gathered was incorrect?


    Has drawing talismans in the air be somonce now?


    No, no, only someone at the level of the Old Celestial Master could aplish such a feat.


    Could it be that Jiang Xiaoxiao is the mysterious female disciple of the Cangwu Mountain?


    That should not be possible.


    Dean Gu shook his head inwardly.


    The Heavenly Master''s Residence had made it clear that they did not interfere in worldly affairs, and they would never send a female disciple down the mountain to assist Xie Xun.


    Moreover, ording to the rumors, that female disciple had extraordinary talents and was deeply favored by the Old Celestial Master. If she were a male disciple, she would be the next Celestial Master.


    Would the Old Celestial Master be willing to let such a remarkable person leave the mountain?


    But if Jiang Xiaoxiao is not that person, then where did she acquire such high cultivation?


    It doesn''t make sense!


    Just as Dean Gu was lost in thought, the two had already descended the stairs.


    Yang Ershun tugged at Dean Gu, "Old man, let''s go!"


    You brat, he addressed him so casually.


    Dean Gu didn''t bother arguing with him and followed along.


    They descended the stairs, settled the bill, and headed towards the inn.


    Kahe County wasn''t particrlyrge, and the inn was not far from the county government office, so they walked there instead of hiring a carriage.


    Zhu Yan happened to be at the inn, studying the talismans Jiang Xiaoxiao had drawn.


    More than a hundred of them, and he had tried most of them.


    They all worked without him having to seal them!


    This is impossible!


    As the senior disciple of National Master Bai Cheng, Zhu Yan felt his pride of many years being shattered, and his self-esteem was severely wounded.


    He flipped through the talisman papers one by one, trying them again.


    They worked, just as they had before.


    Why was this happening?


    How could someone as young as fifteen or sixteen be able to draw so many talismans that didn''t require sealing?


    If this were true, then what were all his years of diligent cultivation worth?


    Thinking about this, Zhu Yan raised his hand and directly overturned the table in front of him, scattering the talisman papers on the floor.


    "Sir Zhu, the Dean of Luming Academy has arrived, saying he has brought some candidates to seek an audience."


    A servant outside reported loudly.


    "Is that so? Then I shall meet them properly today!"


    Zhu Yan took a deep breath, barely managing to suppress the anger in his heart, and then stepped out, instructing the servant who had reported earlier, "Tidy up the room, and I will hold you responsible if even a single talisman paper goes missing!"


    "Yes, sir."


    Zhu Yan entered the front hall.


    Dean Gu, Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao, and Yang Ershun were already seated inside.


    Xie Xun was wearing the hat, drawing attention to himself.


    After Zhu Yan entered, his gaze lingered on Xie Xun for a moment.


    Dean Gu exined calmly, "This is Xie San, Jiang Miss''s fianc¨¦, who has apanied her here today. Unfortunately, he is having a facial reaction and cannot remove the hat, so I hope Sir Zhu will excuse it."


    Addressing him as "Sir Zhu" was only because the others were respecting the status of National Master Bai Cheng.


    In reality, Zhu Yan had no official position in the court.


    This time, the establishment of the Yin Yang Office, Zhu Yan had a 90% chance ofpeting for the position of Director.


    Hearing that Jiang Miss might be up against him in the future, he wondered how much of a chance she would have.


    After listening to Dean Gu''s exnation, Zhu Yan quickly averted his gaze.


    He didn''t have much interest in this "Xie San," but rather the youngdy sitting next to him...


    Zhu Yan gave Jiang Xiaoxiao a once-over, "So you are the first candidate selected by Dean Gu?"


    "Yes," Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "but I''m not here to be a candidate."


    Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow, "Then what are you here for?"


    Originally, he had thought she was a formidable recluse.


    Now, looking at her, she was just a beautiful youngdy with a somewhat dazed appearance, though her eyes did have a certain purity and rity of a cultivator.


    But this didn''t mean anything.


    From the moment she entered, he hadn''t been able to sense her cultivation level at all.


    Hmph, she''s just putting on an act.


    If those talismans were indeed drawn by this girl, he would immediately give up his cultivation and never enter the path of cultivation again in this lifetime!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was unaware of the many assumptions Zhu Yan had already made in such a short time. She simply looked at him and said in a very casual tone, "I''m here to defeat all the candidates and be the Director."


    Zhu Yan''s face darkened, "What kind of girl are you, with such a big mouth!"


    His teacher had said that the position of Director of the Yin Yang Office would most likely be his.


    He had waited for so many years, and finally, he had the chance to be prominent and stand out. How could a girl snatch it away from him?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was perplexed, "You''re getting so angry, is it because you also want the Director''s position?"


    Zhu Yan''s face darkened even further.


    Where did this annoying girle from, didn''t anyone teach her how to speak?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, "Xie Xun said that you people of the londs remain silent to signify agreement, so if you''ve already agreed, then stop talking and let''s have a fight!"


    She then rolled up her sleeves and stood up.


    Zhu Yan: "???"


    After all, he was the chief examiner, and candidates were usually supposed to be obsequious and fawning, begging him to go easy on them during the examination.


    But she came straight at him, wanting to fight? This was nothing like the scenario he had imagined!


    This girl was too bold.


    Dean Gu looked at Xie Xun with concern.


    Xie Xun gently shook his head, signaling him not to act rashly.


    The youngdy''s actions, though seemingly crude, were simple and effective.


    If she wanted to be the Director, she would first have to defeat those who also aspired to that position.


    This would both eliminate the obstacles and establish her authority.


    It was a two-birds-with-one-stone approach, without any downsides.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had a nk, defiant look on her face, which angered Zhu Yan.


    "Little miss, didn''t anyone teach you that there are consequences for making bold ims?"


    He said, standing up and a cold, mocking sneer appeared on his face.


    "To prevent outsiders fromughing at me, the examiner, for bullying you, here''s the deal - I''ll let you have three punches. If you can knock me down within those three punches, I''ll exempt you from the rest of the exam."


    "Three punches?"


    "What, are you scared? If you''re scared, just admit defeat now while you still have the chance."


    Zhu Yan''s mocking grew even more, "Although I don''t know where you stole those talisman papers from, if you can acknowledge your mistake in time and leave the inn voluntarily, I''ll be magnanimous and not pursue it further. Otherwise..."


    He trailed off, his tone carrying a dangerous warning, "the consequences could be dire!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was still pondering what he had said about the "three punches".


    Zhu Yan saw her head bowed and snorted disdainfully, then rubbed his brow, somewhat exasperated with himself.


    Why was he wasting time engaging in a meaningless contest with a little girl who was no match for him?


    The atmosphere in the hall was somber for a moment, then Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly spoke up, "Just now you said that if I can knock you down within three punches, you''ll exempt me from the rest of the exams?"


    "Of course."


    Knowing the other was just a delicate flower, Zhu Yan''s earlier agitated mood hadpletely settled.


    "The condition is that you can''t rely on any external forces."


    He said this just to make the delicate flower back down.


    But to his surprise, the delicate flower looked at him again, "And if I can knock you down with one punch, can I directly be the Director?"


    Exams, how troublesome, Jiang Xiaoxiao preferred to solve everything with her fists at once.


    After a pause, she politely asked again, "Or is there a condition even if I can knock you down with one punch? If so, what level of injury would I need to inflict - a flesh wound? Internal injury? Partial disability? Total disability? Brain damage? - for me to be the Director, you can set the requirement."


    Zhu Yan spat out a mouthful of tea.


    With such a delicate, gentle appearance and polite tone, she was actually spouting such arrogant and presumptuous words!


    Damn it, this is so infuriating!


    mming down the teacup, Zhu Yan''s face turned extremely ugly, "You impudent girl, don''t act so shameless!"


    "Oh, are we going to fight now? If you don''t mind the table and chairs getting damaged, I can do it right here in the room."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao still had a docile expression on her face.


    Clenching his fists, Zhu Yan''s facial muscles twitched, and he was already fuming with rage. He shouted, "Go outside, I want to see what skills you have toe up here and spout such nonsense!"


    The servants quickly set up a sparring tform.


    Aside from Xie Xun and a few others, Zhu Yan''s personal servants were also standing by to watch the spectacle.


    The things Jiang Xiaoxiao had said in the front hall had already spread, and they were discussing and sneering.


    They couldn''t understand whether it was the little miss on the stage who was crazy, or if it was the Supervisor Gu who was crazy, actually daring to pit a little girl against their Lord Zhu.


    After all, Lord Zhu was the personal disciple of the Grand Master, and once he became the Director of the Yin Yang Office, he would be a big shot who could walk around Yanjing City with impunity.


    If she had just acknowledged her mistake and left, she could have retained some dignity. But now that it hade to the stage, not only would the girl lose face, so would the Supervisor Gu for shamelessly indulging her reckless behavior.


    The servants snickered, then turned their gaze to the tform.


    The two stood on the tform, facing each other from a great distance.


    Zhu Yan''s patience had run out, and he said, "Little miss, if you''re ready, begin!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao rubbed her chin with her finger, as if in deep thought, muttering softly, "I still have to talk to him after this, can''tpletely disable him... After all, it''s our first meeting, partial disability might also be impolite, so internal injury it is!"


    Zhu Yan heard every word of this, and a raging fire instantly burned on his head.


    Just as he was about to curse her out, Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly charged at him with lightning speed, and before he could even see clearly, shended a heavy punch right on his chest.


    The punch was so powerful that it felt like it could have punched through him.


    Even though Zhu Yan had quickly mobilized his spiritual energy to protect himself, he still heard the sound of his rib bones shattering.


    Soon, he could no longer hold back, and a mouthful of blood spewed out.


    His legs unstable, Zhu Yan copsed to the ground.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked down at him, "One fractured rib on the left side, is that enough for me to be the Director? If not, I''ll add another one, and if that''s still not enough, I''ll just shatter them all."


    It was as if she was asking a street vendor if the price could be lowered a bit. If this price won''t do, I''ll add another rib.


    Clutching his chest, Zhu Yan suddenly realized that he had underestimated this girl - her strength was definitely not just empty talk.


    "Hahaha..." Zhu Yan suddenly burst intoughter, his face twisted in rage, "You brat, you''ve injured me, do you think you can just walk out of here alive?"


    He then sat down cross-legged on the spot, and after resting for a moment, a massive Qimen formation appeared beneath him.


    Seeing this, Supervisor Gu''s expression immediately changed, "Oh no!"


    It seemed Zhu Yan had mastered the Qimen Divination Technique, and if he used it against Jiang Xiaoxiao, she might not be able to win.


    "Your Highness, this..."


    He wanted to ask Xie Xun if he should stop the match immediately.


    However, before he could speak, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already been drawn into Zhu Yan''s Qimen formation.


    The brim of Xie Xun''s hat creased slightly as his brows furrowed.


    After much inner struggle, he chose to trust Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Now that Zhu Yan had already lost his temper, even if he went up to stop the match, with his abilities, he wouldn''t be able to help Jiang Xiaoxiao, and would only end up causing more trouble for her.


    ...


    Although Zhu Yan''s Qimen Divination Technique wasn''t exactly top-notch, he could still easily manipte the powers of the Eight Trigrams.


    The first one he summoned was the Fire of Separation.


    He pushed his hands forward, and two raging fires rapidly flew towards Jiang Xiaoxiao. These mes were a hundred times hotter than normal fire, and if they touched the skin, it would instantly turn to ashes.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood still.


    She was looking for the position of Zhu Yan''s right ribs.


    As the two fires approached her, she nimbly slipped past the Fire of Separation, and quicklynded a heavy punch on the spot she had targeted earlier.


    Zhu Yan, who had been struck again, was greatly rmed.


    The Qimen Divination Technique should not only be able to manipte the powers of the Eight Trigrams, but also allow him to predict the opponent''s attack patterns in advance.


    Yet, just like before, he couldn''t react in time, and two more of his right ribs were broken.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao crouched down, looking at the blood-vomiting Zhu Yan on the ground, and without any expression of triumph or mockery, she asked with determination, "Now that I''ve added two more ribs on the right side, can I be the Director?"


    With three ribs broken in session, even though Zhu Yan had spiritual energy protecting him, he couldn''t hold on anymore.


    The Qimen formation on the ground quickly disappeared, and he was drenched in sweat from the pain, his gaze towards Jiang Xiaoxiao filled with hatred and a hint of indescribable fear.


    Why? Even his Qimen Divination Technique couldn''t predict her attack pattern?


    This girl, who is she?

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Everyone saw what happened on the stage.


    The attendants who had previously mocked Jiang Xiaoxiao for talking nonsense were dumbfounded.


    "Did any of you see how that girl made her move just now?"


    "We didn''t see clearly, boss. She was too fast."


    "Was it an illusion? The master used the Qimen Divination Technique, yet she managed to dodge it. How could she be so fast?"


    "If it was an illusion, the master wouldn''t have been injured. But now, the master has already broken three ribs, and that girl hasn''t even lost a single hair!"


    The more they talked, the angrier they became.


    Zhu Yan was the chief disciple of National Master Bai Cheng, the Qimen Divination Technique master. If word got out that he was beaten by a yellow-haired girl and had three ribs broken, where would National Master Bai Cheng''s face be?


    Zhu Yan also thought so.


    He had worked hard day and night for many years, seeing himself about to rise above. Yet, as the chief examiner, he was actually punched and made to spit blood by a girl of unknown origin!


    If his master found out, all his efforts would be in vain.


    No, he didn''t believe it!


    Just a yellow-haired girl, how could she break through his Qimen formation and cause him serious injuries with just her speed?


    Even if his Qimen Divination Technique was not yet mature, the other party was just a girl of about ten years old!


    "Whoever you are, today you won''t escape alive from my hands!"


    Zhu Yan sneered, sitting up again, ready to use all his spiritual power to break Jiang Xiaoxiao''s defenses.


    Dean Gu watched with trepidation, constantly looking back at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun kept his eyes on the stage, his gaze dark, not saying a word.


    Dean Gu sighed. If he had known that Zhu Yan was like this, he wouldn''t have implicated Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    How could the personal disciple of National Master Bai Cheng be easily defeated?


    However, Yang Ershun suddenly stood up, cheering for Jiang Xiaoxiao while waving his little ws, "Jiang Jie-jie is the best, Jiang Jie-jie can do anything, Jiang Jie-jie, beat him to death!"


    The attendants nearby gritted their teeth, intending to throw this brat out, when they heardmotion from the stage.


    Obviously, Zhu Yan also wanted to break Jiang Xiaoxiao''s speed using his own speed. His attack was extremely fast.


    For a moment, the forces of wind, fire, thunder, and water, corresponding to several kinds of Bagua, kept appearing alternately.


    A huge vortex, dyed with the colors of natural forces, formed on the stage, and the people below couldn''t see what was happening inside the vortex.


    Seeing this scene, the attendants felt relieved.


    To push Mr. Zhu to this point, that girl had some skills.


    However, she could only go this far.


    Once she died at Mr. Zhu''s hands, even if Dean Gu went out and told everyone that Zhu Yan was seriously injured by a girl, no one would believe him.


    The vortex on the stage became stronger and stronger, and the residual power of natural forces even affected the audience.


    Dean Gu himself felt the oppressive feeling of not being able to breathe.


    But Xie Xun remained silent, not saying a word.


    Dean Gu couldn''t sit still anymore, standing up and angrily shouting, "Zhu Yan! As a disciple of National Master Bai Cheng, you''ve gone back on your word. Do you know that from the moment you used the Qimen Divination Technique, you''ve already lost?"


    "So what if I can die in my hands? It''s an honor for this girl."


    Within the vortex, Zhu Yan''s coldughter echoed.


    Originally, a few days ago, he had been simmering with jealousy over the symbols painted by Jiang Xiaoxiao. Today, he finally encountered her, only to be knocked down with just two punches.


    And Jiang Xiaoxiao still had a nk expression on her face.


    That look seemed to mock him with a high posture, as if saying, "After cultivating for so many years, what''s the use if you can''t even withstand a girl''s fist?"


    The calmer and moreposed Jiang Xiaoxiao appeared, the more Zhu Yan hated her for not being able to kill her!


    Dean Gu couldn''t believe someone could be so shameless.


    Hepletely disregarded any sense of righteousness, as a senior, actually using all his strength to deal with a junior.


    "Your Highness, Miss Jiang is in danger."


    Dean Gu knew the power of the Eight Trigrams Formation.


    The fact that Zhu Yan could still fight even after breaking three ribs proved his strength. Even if his skills were not refined, using his full strength was terrifyingly lethal.


    Continuing to stalemate would not benefit Jiang Xiaoxiao in any way.


    Dean Gu was somewhat afraid, afraid that the young girl''s life would be lost just like that because of himself.


    He had experienced the pain of losing a child and knew the gut-wrenching feeling.


    If something really happened to Jiang Xiaoxiao, her parents would be heartbroken.


    Xie Xun finally spoke up, but it wasn''t to answer Dean Gu''s words. Instead, he shouted to the field, "Xiaoxiao, fight seriously, and I''ll cook you something delicious tonight."


    Hardly had he finished speaking when cries of pain from Zhu Yan echoed, one more pitiful than the other.


    Dean Gu: "..."


    Zhu Yan''s followers: "..."


    Zhu Yan himself: "@#&%£¤#@"


    As Zhu Yan''s cries of pain grew louder and louder, the shy vortex on the field finally stopped.


    The scene where the vortexpletely dissipated was Jiang Xiaoxiao pressing Zhu Yan''s head with one hand, forcing him to kneel on the ground.


    There was blood on her hand.


    Xie Xun finally couldn''t sit still, hurriedly got up and walked over, pulling Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand, "Are you hurt?"


    As he spoke, he took out a handkerchief to bandage her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "It''s not my blood."


    Zhu Yan''s blood?


    That''s even more disgusting.


    Xie Xun didn''t care about themotion on the field and onlookers, he just took Jiang Xiaoxiao directly to the edge of the pool, wet the handkerchief, and kept washing her hands.


    He washed them over and over again until his hands were almost red.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t say a word throughout, quiet and obedient.


    When the smell of blood finally disappeared, Xie Xun lifted her sleeves to dry them for her.


    "I was too hasty. I shouldn''t have involved you so early."


    Xie Xun was somewhat regretful.


    He hadn''t stopped worrying for a moment while sitting on the sidelines.


    The path of the Yin Yang Office might be much more difficult than he had imagined.


    But Jiang Xiaoxiao asked him, "You said just now, you''ll cook me something delicious tonight, is that true?"


    He hadn''t been so enthusiastic when he spoke earlier.


    Xie Xun: "Um."


    By the time they returned, Zhu Yan had already been carried back to his room by his attendants.


    The state where he was barely breathing made the doctors tremble.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao could have easily killed him, but she was afraid that doing so would cause trouble for Xie Xun, so she left him a breath.


    As a cultivator, Zhu Yan could still slowly recover with this breath in the future.


    He held on with all his might, not allowing himself to lose consciousness, even as he watched Jiang Xiaoxiao approach.


    Zhu Yan now regarded Jiang Xiaoxiao with the eyes of someone facing a fearsome monster.


    He knew better than anyone else what had transpired on the battlefield earlier.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood within the formation, personally altering his Qimen tactics, which resulted in his subsequent attacks rebounding onto himself.


    "Who are you really?" Zhu Yan''s heart brimmed with unwillingness. Even now, he refused to acknowledge that she was merely a girl of around ten.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gazed back at him. "Can I take over as the leader now?"


    Her words felt toxic, as if with each utterance, she inflicted another wound upon him. With only a breath left in him, she still dared toe forward?


    "You!" A spurt of blood, and Zhu Yan was ovee by dizziness, sumbing to unconsciousness.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Whether Zhu Yan can be the palm supervisor is still unknown, but he won''t be able to leave the ground within three months.


    There is no skilled doctor in Kaihe County, so Zhu Yan needs to be transferred back to Yanjing City as soon as possible for treatment by the imperial physician.


    The attendants were both afraid and resentful of Jiang Xiaoxiao, but they dared not show any disrespect on their faces.


    They did not want, nor did they dare to be the second Zhu Yan who got beaten up.


    Coming out of the inn, Yang Ershun was particrly excited.


    "Jiang Jiejie, the fight you had today was so amazing! Will you teach me that too in the future? Can we start tomorrow?"


    The thought of being able to beat the enemy so badly that they scream made Yang Ershun''s chubby face full of anticipation.


    Dean Gu was still feeling lingering fear, "You really scared me just now, Jiang Miss, are you really okay?"


    Even if you weren''t hit on the skin because of the speed, there must have been some internal injuries, right?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao truthfully replied, "At the beginning, when Zhu Yan used all his strength, I was indeed affected, but he was seriously injured, and gradually his strength waned. I found the loophole andunched a counterattack without hurting myself."


    Dean Gu patted his chest, "That''s good, that''s good."


    Previously, under thepetition stage, Yang Ershun''s attention was all on the stage, and Dean Gu could still quietly shout "Your Highness," but now he couldn''t.


    He looked at Xie Xun, "The restaurant we went to this morning still has a lot of fresh dishes, shall we go and try themter?"


    "No need," Xie Xun said, "It''s gettingte, we should go home."


    Dean Gu did not insist further.


    He remembered that Your Highness had promised to cook something delicious for Jiang Xiaoxiao at the inn to cheer her up.


    Although it was frustrating, the dignified Third Prince of Yan country had actually be a cook, but he had to admit that Jiang Xiaoxiao''s ability was indeed unexpected.


    Having such a talented person by Your Highness''s side, Dean Gu felt relieved.


    Xie Xun took Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yang Ershun to the market and let Jiang Xiaoxiao choose a bunch of ingredients.


    It would take quite an effort to return to the county, and it was alreadyte afternoon. Xie Xun didn''t want to waste time and nned to hire a fast horse carriage.


    Before they entered the carriage shop, they saw the coachman from this morning driving the carriage over, smiling, "Young Master Gu, Miss Jiang..."


    Seeing Xie Xun looking at him, the coachman exined, "I haven''t left all this time. I saw you appearing just now and guessed that you were about to go back. Get on the carriage!"


    After saying that, he kindly got down to put the footstool in ce.


    Xie Xun didn''t refuse, and the few of them got on the carriage one after another.


    Back in Shi Mo Vige, it was already evening, and the vigers working in the fields were all rushing back home.


    Xie Xun was never well-received in the vige, and in the past, when these people saw him, they would only keep their distance.


    However, today, they greeted him for the first time, "Xie Xiang, what did you buy, such a big package?"


    The vige chief''s incident in the morning had spread throughout the vige, and now when Xie Xun was mentioned, people immediately thought of the seemingly delicate and soft but actually deeply hidden little girl by his side.


    Knowing that Jiang Xiaoxiao was a master, who would dare to offend Xie Xun?


    In this world, there are many types of people you shouldn''t offend, and one of them is a sorcerer.


    They can seek revenge on anyone, even without personally taking action, just by casually adjusting the Feng Shuiyout or even drawing a talisman, they can make someone''s home restless, or even cause harm invisibly.


    Xie Xun understood very well what these people were thinking.


    He didn''t pay any attention to that woman.


    Upon returning home, Xie Xun washed his hands and headed towards the kitchen.


    Yang Ershun knew there was good food today and was nning to mooch off a meal, but Xie Xun took him to start a fire instead.


    Although the little guy was clumsy, he knew how to start a fire.


    After stuffing some straw into the stove, Yang Ershun turned to Xie Xun and asked, "Can you fight?"


    Xie Xun ignored his nonsense.


    Yang Ershun felt frustrated, "If you can''t fight, then it means you''re not tough, and if you''re not tough, how did Sister Jiang marry you?"


    Xie Xun replied, "Because I don''t go around asking people if they can fight."


    "Do you drink?" Yang Ershun continued, "Sister Jiang was so amazing today, she defeated the bad guys, we should celebrate with a drink!"


    Seven-year-old Yang Ershun had already secretly learned how to drink behind his father''s back.


    Thinking back to thest time he drank and lost control, not remembering anything afterwards, Xie Xun didn''t say he couldn''t drink, but instead said, "I''m not someone who likes to drink."


    "What?" Yang Ershun didn''t believe him, "But I saw a jar on your family''s table on Mid-Autumn Festival!"


    Xie Xun gave him a look, "The person who brought the alcohol was eventually thrown out."


    Upon hearing this, Yang Ershun remembered, indeed there was someone that day, named something like Chen Sixi?


    "Never mind." Although a bit disappointed, if Sister Jiang didn''t like it, he could refrain from drinking in the future.


    At dinner, all the dishes were Jiang Xiaoxiao''s favorites.


    The portions were far beyond the normal serving for three people.


    However, Yang Ershun didn''t find it surprising, he even thought it was normal.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had fought so hard during the day, she should eat more, eating more would help her grow taller... oh no, develop skills!


    Yang Ershun was the only one among all those who had seen Jiang Xiaoxiao eat, who didn''t show a surprised expression.


    Xie Xun looked at him and squinted.


    After dinner, Xie Xun didn''t let Yang Ershun stay a moment longer, and directly kicked him out.


    Yang Ershun waspletely puzzled, "Why did you suddenly kick me out, from now on, don''t call you Xie Xun, call you Xie Lunatic!"


    Inside, Jiang Xiaoxiao was also puzzled, "Why did you suddenly drive Ershun away?"


    Xie Xun replied, "You''re tired today, you should rest, him staying would only disturb you."


    "Oh." With Jiang Xiaoxiao''s cognitive abilities, she couldn''t even notice Xie Xun''s abnormality.


    The daytime fighting had indeed consumed a lot of physical energy, and Jiang Xiaoxiao went straight to bed after taking a hot bath.


    Xie Xun went out to close the courtyard gate, and from a distance, he saw someone carrying an oilmping towards him.


    As he got closer, he could see that it was Mrs. Wang, Yang Wei''s mother.


    Mrs. Wang was carrying a basket of eggs, and upon seeing Xie Xun, her face lost the arrogance from the morning, and she smiled, "Xie Xiang, what happened this morning was my fault, take these eggs, consider it as my way of apologizing to you."


    Before today, in the entire Shi Mo Vige, Mrs. Wang was the most adept at orchestrating rumors about Xie Xun.


    Many of the negative rumors about Xie Xun were mostly fabricated by her.


    Now that it has been confirmed that there is a master by Xie Xun''s side, even the vige chief''s son has be his disciple, Mrs. Wang no longer dares to act recklessly.


    However, she couldn''t bear to lose face, not wanting to be seen by others in the eastern part of the vige apologizing to Xie Xun, fearing that she would beughed at early the next morning, so she specifically chose the evening.


    But as soon as she finished speaking, she realized something was wrong. Several vigers had unknowingly gathered behind her, both men and women, old and young, each holding something in their hands.


    Mrs. Wang: "..."

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    A cool breeze rustled through the air.


    A group of vigers stood outside Xie Xun''s house, exchanging awkward nces, their faces filled with embarrassment.


    Xie Xun showed no emotion, his voice cold, "Please leave, I need to rest."


    Mrs. Wang felt anxious, "Xie Xiang..."


    But all she got in return was the sound of Xie Xun mming the door shut.


    Mrs. Wang gripped the basket of eggs, feeling both anxious and angry.


    She was anxious because she had offended Xie Xun many times before, and this morning was no exception.


    Now, the woman she had insulted, Xie Xun''s fianc¨¦e Jiang Xiaoxiao, had suddenly be a feng shui master.


    She feared that Xie Xun would hold a grudge, and that Jiang Xiaoxiao might do something to their family''s feng shui, bringing them bad luck.


    She was angry because she had humbled herself so much, yet Xie Xun did not appreciate it!


    ...


    Vige Head Yang was about to call it a night when he heard Lin Guifang mention that most of the vigers had gone to the east end of the vige.


    Vige Head Yang had a hunch about what was going on, so he quickly got up and hurried towards Xie Xun''s house.


    Sure enough, he found a group of people standing there, each holding antern and something else in their hands.


    It was clear they hade to make amends to Xie Xun.


    Vige Head Yang''s mouth twitched.


    Knowing Xie Xun''s temperament, a few gifts and a simple apology would not make him let go of past grievances easily. Just like the incident with Yang Wei, they had been at odds for so long, and neither his wife nor he could resolve it.


    "Everyone, disperse, okay?" Vige Head Yang suddenly raised his voice, "It''s sote, why are you all crowding at someone''s doorstep? Don''t you need to sleep?"


    Mrs. Wang heard Vige Head Yang''s voice and her eyes reddened.


    "This is so frustrating. I''ve been humbling myself to apologize, and that Xie Xun... Xie Xiang doesn''t appreciate it. Will he let his little wife retaliate against me? Vige Head, you have to help me!"


    Mrs. Wang was known as the vige''s gossip.


    In the past, because Yang Wei was studying at Luming Academy, Vige Head Yang had given her some face and treated her kindly.


    But now, hearing her unreasonableints, Vige Head Yang''s face darkened, and he scolded, "You keep running around gossiping all day long, causing trouble for yourself. How can I clean up after you?"


    Mrs. Wang was stunned by the scolding, then she shouted, "I said those things to Xie Xun this morning for the sake of your son, and in the end, I''m the one who''s treated like this?"


    Vige Head Yang''s ears were ringing from her sharp and sarcastic tone, and his face darkened even more, "Your son offended Dean Gu, and you don''t think about how to make amends. Instead, youe to someone else''s door to make a scene. Is that how you raise your voice?"


    Mrs. Wang waspletely speechless at his words.


    "Everyone, disperse, disperse," Vige Head Yang waved his hand, signaling for everyone to leave Xie Xun''s doorstepte at night.


    The vigers, seeing Mrs. Wang being rejected, knew they had no chance either, so they turned and walked back, discussing the incident of Yang Wei offending Dean Gu.


    If Vige Head Yang hadn''t mentioned it, they wouldn''t have known!


    ...


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had been sleeping peacefully when the noise outside woke her up.


    When she opened the door, Mrs. Wang had already left.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao leaped onto the roof and could still see Mrs. Wang''s figure on the path.


    She frowned and muttered a spell under her breath.


    The next day, Yang Ershun arrived exceptionally early.


    Eagerly watching Jiang Xiaoxiao eating porridge, the young boy asked, "Jiang Jie, can I tell you something interesting? Can I have one of your eggs?"


    As he said this, Jiang Xiaoxiao was reaching for thest egg.


    Xie Xun frowned, "Didn''t your family have breakfast?"


    Yang Ershun muttered, "We did, we had steamed buns."


    Because he wanted to learn skills from Jiang Jie and pay ten taels of silver for tuition, the family''s food wascking.


    Yang Ershun was already growing, and he wanted to eat meat every day.


    But his mother said they could only have meat twice a month from now on.


    Eggs and such were just a luxury.


    Thinking of this, Yang Ershun said, "Xie Xun, how about I wash the dishes after eating?"


    Xie Xun remained silent.


    Yang Ershun: "Plus sweeping the yard?"


    Xie Xun still didn''t respond.


    Yang Ershun, feeling determined, added, "Plus doing yourundry."


    He was sure that Xie Xun''s crazy temper wouldn''t agree, so he casually added more tasks.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, Xie Xun handed him an egg and smiled slightly, "Eat slowly, don''t choke."


    No matter how you heard it, it didn''t sound like care, it was obvious that she was afraid he would choke and couldn''t work!


    Xie Xun was not only crazy but also cunning!


    Yang Ershun, with tears in his eyes, epted the egg, peeled it, took a bite, and sighed, it was really delicious.


    After finishing the egg, Yang Ershun obediently washed the dishes, swept the yard, and clumsily carried a basin to wash the clothes.


    Xie Xun stood by, continuously dissatisfied, saying it wasn''t clean, and Yang Ershun was tossed around three times.


    After washing the clothes, he was exhausted and refused to get up, lying down on the small couch.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao lifted him up and carried him to the yard, saying that the morning was the best time for cultivation.


    Only then did Yang Ershun reluctantly perk up, sitting cross-legged on the ground, following Jiang Xiaoxiao''s guidance to start breathing exercises and preliminary qi cultivation.


    Cultivation at the beginning was about refining qi, corresponding to the five organs with the five elements of qi, bringing the five organs to the best state where they wouldn''t easily get sick by introducing the qi of the five elements between heaven and earth, thus tempering the body and starting the foundation for formal cultivation.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had been cultivating since she was three years old, born with extraordinary talent and innate qi.


    Furthermore, she had no distractions, so her cultivation speed was several times faster than other fellow disciples.


    Yang Ershun had no innate qi and could only rely on postnatal cultivation.


    The process of meditation was very boring, and Yang Ershun was also someone who liked to move around. After several failed attempts, he looked up at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Sister, why do we have to practice this? Can''t you just teach me martial arts directly?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Even if I teach you martial arts, you don''t have a strong and resilient body to learn."


    Seeing Yang Ershun looking dejected, Jiang Xiaoxiao added, "If you can withstand one punch from me, I will teach you martial arts directly."


    Thinking of the day he was beaten to a pulp by Zhu Yan, Yang Ershun suddenly felt a chill down his spine, "I''d better continue meditating!"


    Before meditating, he nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao again, "Sister, I was going to tell you something interesting earlier."


    "What is it?"


    Yang Ershun couldn''t hold back hisughter before he even spoke, "Um, Yang Wei''s mother, Aunt Wang, seems to have fallen into a ditchst night, her mouth is all bloody from the fall."


    "I heard they urgently brought a barefoot doctor from the neighboring vige overnight, but even the doctor couldn''t do anything. He said her mouth was ruined, and from now on, she can only eat and drink in small amounts. If she speaks loudly, her mouth will split open."


    "Aunt Wang is crying in the house right now, but she dares not make a sound, afraid that her mouth will get worse if she cries loudly."


    After saying this, Yang Ershun couldn''t help but burst intoughter, "Serves her right! Who told her to bully Sister Jiang? This is just karma from the heavens!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously in agreement, "Yes, yes, it must be karma from the heavens."

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Just a couple of dayster, Yang Wei came back from Luming Academy crying, carrying several bundles in his hands.


    Vige Head Yang ran into him on the vige road, and was taken aback for a moment. "Why did you suddenlye back?"


    Yang Wei choked back a sob and said the academy had dismissed him without any reason.


    In the past, the vige head might have believed him to some extent.


    But now, the vige head had lost all favor for Yang Wei''s family.


    With a mother like Mrs. Wang, how could her son ever amount to anything?


    Looking at Yang Wei, the vige head snorted coldly, "If you hadn''t done something wrong, why would the academy dismiss you for no reason?"


    Actually, the academy did have a reason for dismissing Yang Wei.


    The academy held exams every month, and the Dean had warned Yang Wei many times before that if he failed another exam, it would mean he couldn''t keep up with the academy''s pace, and he would be advised to transfer.


    But Yang Wei had always thought that since he had "saved" the Dean''s life, even out of this face alone, the Dean wouldn''t really dismiss him.


    Otherwise, on the day he identally insulted the Dean, the Dean would have kicked him out much earlier.


    So, he failed the exam again this time.


    But things didn''t turn out as he had expected.


    The teacher directly told him that it was the Dean''s decision to advise him to transfer.


    Advise him to transfer?


    That just sounded nice, but it was really just kicking him out!


    Yang Wei felt that he had lost face, and the more he thought about it on his way back, the angrier he became.


    Seeing Yang Wei in this state, Vige Head Yang sighed, "It''s better that you were dismissed. After all, the person who saved the Dean wasn''t you, so you couldn''t have enjoyed that good fortune."


    Yang Wei was taken aback, but he didn''t dare show it on his face. "What? The person who saved the Dean wasn''t me? Uncle Vige Head, what are you joking about?"


    Vige Head Yang had hoped that Yang Wei would recognize the reality and reform himself, but he didn''t expect Yang Wei to persist in his shameless attitude.


    Sighing, Vige Head Yang shook his head, "Never mind, pretend I didn''t say anything."


    Staring at the vige head''s retreating back, Yang Wei gritted his teeth and caught up with him. "Uncle Vige Head, do you mean that you know who the real person is that saved the Dean?"


    "Well, it''s someone you can''t afford to offend. Don''t worry about it if you don''t know."


    That night, when Mrs. Wang came back from the beating she got from Xie Xun, she fell into a ditch halfway and smashed her mouth.


    Vige Head Yang didn''t believe it was a coincidence - it was clearly retaliation from Xie Xun for repeatedly offending him.


    The more the vige head said this, the more Yang Wei''s curiosity was piqued.


    "Uncle Vige Head, since you know, just tell me. Even if I''m not the real person who saved the Dean, can''t I inquire about it?"


    The vige head had seen the true colors of this family over the past few days.


    If he told Yang Wei now that the real person who saved Dean Gu was Xie Xun, Yang Wei would definitely go and make trouble.


    Patting Yang Wei''s shoulder, Vige Head Yang said, "Go check on your mother first!"


    "My mother?" Yang Wei was confused. "What happened to my mother?"


    Vige Head Yang didn''t answer and simply turned and left.


    When Yang Wei returned home, he learned that his mother had fallen into a ditch and smashed her mouth, leaving her unable to open her mouth fully due to the scars, and needing to be fed by others.


    Lying on the bed, Mrs. Wang realized something must be wrong when she heard her son had been dismissed from the academy.


    It wasn''t a coincidence, but retaliation from Xie Xun!


    This meant all her previous worries hade true.


    Mrs. Wang was filled with hatred, but in her current state, what could she do?


    An influential Feng Shui master like Xie Xun was someone ordinary people like them couldn''t afford to offend. If they caused more trouble, the consequences would be much worse than just a smashed mouth.


    Thinking of this, Mrs. Wang cautioned her son, "Wei... son, don''t... bother Xie... Xun."


    She couldn''t open her mouth, so her voice was muffled and unclear.


    Yang Wei thought his mother was just nagging again, so he ignored her and walked away.


    In September, Luming Academy was recruiting new students, and Xie Xun was going to study in Kaihe County.


    Kaihe County was an hour''s journey from Shi Mo Vige, somuting daily was impossible.


    Most other students lived at the academy.


    Although the academy conditions were decent, Dean Gu didn''t want to inconvenience the Third Young Master by having him room with the students.


    He specially rented a decent small courtyard, intending for Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao to move there.


    Although the vige head couple was reluctant to see their younger son leave, they didn''t dare say anything considering his safety.


    Before leaving, Lin Guifang came to help pack their belongings.


    "Young Master Xie, you two can go with peace of mind. I''ll take care of your vegetable garden."


    "No need," Xie Xun declined tly.


    He wasn''t ustomed to letting unfamiliar people into his home, even if it meant letting the vegetables rot.


    Seeing Xie Xun''s cold expression, Lin Guifang hesitated but said nothing.


    Dean Gu came to pick them up before noon, and not just one carriage, but two!


    Unlike before when the carriages would stop outside the vige, today they went straight into the vige.


    Yang Wei happened to see this grand procession and followed out of curiosity, wanting to know whose home the carriages were going to.


    To his surprise, the carriages went straight to the eastern part of the vige!


    Yang Wei peeked from behind a wall and soon saw Dean Gu alight from the carriage.


    He frowned.


    The time Yang Wei identally insulted Dean Gu, he learned that the Deanter had a meal at Xie Xun''s house.


    But at that time, Yang Wei was too worried about being dismissed from the academy to think much of it.


    Now, it was different.


    Vige Head Yang had just told him that someone else had saved Dean Gu''s life, and Dean Gu immediately came to see Xie Xun.


    If he still couldn''t figure it out, he''d be a real fool!


    But then again, how could Xie Xun have saved Dean Gu''s life?


    They must have gotten the wrong person again!


    Unwilling to ept it, Yang Wei quickly went over and called out to Dean Gu before he could knock on the door.


    Dean Gu turned around and, seeing it was Yang Wei who had just been advised to leave the academy, he smiled slightly. "You made it home safely?"


    Yang Wei didn''t care about Dean Gu''s concern and demanded bluntly, "You''re here to see Xie Xun?"


    Dean Gu nodded.


    "Why are you looking for him?"


    Yang Wei said, "I remember Xie Xun is an orphan without any rtives. Could it be that, Dean Gu, you''re rted to Xie Xun?"


    "No, that''s not it."


    Well, if they weren''t rted, that made things easier.


    "Dean Gu, you don''t know, do you?" Yang Wei raised his eyebrows. "Xie Xun is a very sinister person. Anyone close to him ends up meeting misfortune."


    "Although I don''t know why you''re looking for him, but as a student, I should warn you out of teacher-student affection - it''s best to keep your distance from Xie Xun. Otherwise, you''ll meet great disaster."


    Dean Gu didn''t refute him. "Oh? Is that so? For example?"


    "For example..." Yang Wei was about to cite himself as an example, but suddenly realized the person in front of him was Dean Gu.


    Yang Wei thought he was dismissed because of the real person who saved the Dean''s life, which was Xie Xun.


    But in the Dean''s eyes, Yang Wei was dismissed purely because of his poor grades.


    How could he exin this?


    The words on his lips changed, and Yang Wei said, "For example, when he was very young, he killed his own wet nurse."


    Dean Gu eximed, "I heard that when you were five years old, your grandmother passed away, also killed by you?"

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Yang Wei felt a sharp pang in his heart.


    He only wanted to use Xie Xun''s past to impress the head of the Gu''s estate, but he didn''t expect the head to retort with just one sentence.


    The head of the Gu''s estate looked meaningfully at Yang Wei, "Young man, poor academic performance is not a big deal, but character cannot becking. If your character iscking, then your life will becking as well."


    Yang Wei pursed his lips.


    The head of the Gu''s estate patted his shoulder, "Go back, cultivate yourself, improve yourself."


    Yang Wei was a bit indignant, "When ites to character, I am much better than Xie Xun!"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a stone flew out from the courtyard and hit Yang Wei squarely on the head.


    Yang Wei immediately felt the pain and eximed, "Xie Xun, are you crazy?"


    Even though the head of the Gu''s estate was nearby, Yang Wei didn''t hold back, cursing loudly.


    No one paid him any attention in the courtyard.


    The head of the Gu''s estate sighed, shook his head, and walked into the courtyard, closing the door behind him.


    Lin Guifang took Yang Ershun back home, while Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun were tidying up the house.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t have much luggage, except for clothes, there was only a kitchen knife wrapped in thick cloth.


    The room used to be where Xie Xun''s nanny lived, and Jiang Xiaoxiao noticed a wooden box under the bed. She was afraid Xie Xun had forgotten about it, so she bent down to open it and took a look.


    And then, she froze.


    In the wooden box was a fluffy toy rabbit.


    It was very lifelike, but it seemed to have gathered some dust from being left in the box for too long.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered that Xie Xun had rabbits embroidered on his sleeves, as if he had done it himself.


    Did he really like rabbits so much?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was lost in thought when Xie Xun''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "What are you doing?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had no intention of hiding, so she honestly replied, "Looking at the rabbit."


    Xie Xun''s eyebrows twitched, and as he approached, he indeed saw the rabbit in the box.


    "Do you like this?" Jiang Xiaoxiao pointed to the box.


    If he didn''t like it, why would someone make a rabbit toy and embroider it on their clothes?


    "I don''t like it!" Xie Xun turned his head away, his voice bing somewhat cold.


    The year his nanny died, he was still young, and suddenly losing his support was like the sky falling. The rabbit he picked up became his only psychologicalfort.


    But in the end, even the rabbit left him.


    That was when Xie Xun knew that the vigers weren''t making things up; he truly was a doomed solitary star, unable to keep any living things around him.


    So he made a rabbit toy and would hug it when he was scared at night.


    But gradually, he found himself bing dependent.


    It was as if only seeing that rabbit every day made him feel secure.


    To prevent himself from relying too much on the sense of security brought by the rabbit, Xie Xun reluctantly locked it in the wooden box.


    Later, when he couldn''t resist taking it out, he found a needle and thread to embroider it on his clothes.


    Yearster, he had almost forgotten about this rabbit, but Jiang Xiaoxiao unexpectedly unearthed it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun''s reaction, "If you don''t like it, do you want to throw it away?"


    Xie Xun swallowed hard.


    Without waiting for him to speak, Jiang Xiaoxiao bent down again and closed the wooden box, "Let''s keep it, what if you end up liking it one day?"


    The two carriages brought by the head of the Gu''s Manor, one for cargo and the other for passengers.


    The carriage was spacious, Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao, the head of the Gu''s Manor, and Yang Ershun did not feel crowded.


    It was the first time going far away, not having to be chased around the vige by his father with a rolling pin every day, Yang Ershun was very excited, looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Sister Jiang, we will be away for a long time before wee back, right?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t say anything, looking at Xie Xun.


    Yang Ershun looked at Xie Xun again, "Xie Xun, stand your ground, don''t end up expelled from the academy like Yang Wei, then we can stay in the county for a long time!"


    Xie Xun nced at him, "Do you like the county so much?"


    Yang Ershun said confidently, "No, I just like a ce without my father."


    The head of the Gu''s Manorughed heartily, "Little Yang, when we go further in the future and you can''t see your father, don''t cry."


    "I won''t!" Yang Ershun snorted, "I haven''t cried in a long time."


    After hearing this, Yang Ershun felt relieved.


    The small courtyard rented by the head of the Gu''s Manor was very close to Luming Academy.


    The courtyard had been cleaned in advance, with new tables, chairs, benches, and bedding arranged.


    Although it was just one courtyard, the main house plus the east and west wing rooms totaled seven or eight rooms, more than enough for three people.


    Xie Xun''s status naturally meant he would stay in the main house.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao chose the first room in the west wing.


    Yang Ershun wanted to choose a room in the west wing too and even wanted to stay next to Jiang Xiaoxiao, but Xie Xun took him to the east wing with a stern face.


    The head of the Gu''s Manor helped them settle in with the belongings they brought and soon it was time for dinner.


    Just moved in today, although they had rice, noodles, salt, and oil, they couldn''t cook for some reason.


    So the head of the Gu''s Manor treated them to a meal at the same restaurant asst time.


    Knowing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s extraordinary appetite, the head of the Gu''s Manor specially ordered arge table of dishes.


    At the dinner table, he exined the process of being rmended to the Imperial Academy to Xie Xun.


    In order to take care of local academies, the court would give each local academy a spot to rmend a student to the Imperial Academy every year.


    The Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning in the entire Yan Kingdom, and going there to study was the dream of many schrs.


    ording to the usual practice, the students rmended were usually the top performers.


    The head of the Gu''s Manor''s meaning was simple, he hoped Xie Xun would participate in a few exams, as long as he ranked in the top three, he could easily get Xie Xun the spot.


    Xie Xun smiled faintly, "Do you think I can rank in the top three?"


    Head of the Gu''s Mansion stroked his beard: "Others may question how someone who hasn''t studied could possibly take the exam, but I trust you."


    How could a prince who dazzled the court at the age of three truly be seen as a useless fool in the eyes of outsiders?


    All these years in the Shimu Vige were just a facade.


    "Besides, with me around, even if you don''t perform well in the exam, you will definitely be in the top three in the end."


    ---


    The matter of Xie Xun going to the academy was settled.


    On the way home, Xie Xun bought some groceries.


    Knowing that Xie Xun had to study for several hours every day, which was very tiring, Jiang Xiaoxiao volunteered, "I can cook and wait for you toe back to eat."


    Thinking back to the time when she burned the braised pork to a charred ck after burning through the bottom of the pot, Xie Xun''s mouth twitched slightly, "The academy is close to home, I''ll cook when I get back."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao felt a bit frustrated.


    She was clearly so skilled in cultivation, but she just couldn''t learn how to cook.


    Those dishes, they were fine when she was washing them, but once they hit the pot, they wouldn''t listen to her.


    ---


    On the first day of school, Xie Xun woke up early and simmered the porridge on the stove before heading to the academy.


    It''s not advisable to eat half an hour before practicing cultivation, so Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yang Ershun practiced breathing exercises before starting to eat breakfast.


    Yang Ershun rarely came to the county, and he was full of curiosity about the ce, suggesting going out to y with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head, "No, we can''t. We have guestsing today."


    Yang Ershun was shocked, "Really? We just moved to the county, and we already have guestsing? Is it Chen Sixi?"


    "It shouldn''t be."

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Earlier, when Yang Ershun was practicing meditation, Jiang Xiaoxiao casually drew divination sticks, which foretold that visitors would arrive today.


    Of course, Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t predict exactly who the visitors would be with her powers.


    But it definitely wouldn''t be Chen Sixi.


    ...


    After an incense stick''s worth of time, there was a knock on the courtyard gate.


    Hearing the sound, Yang Ershun looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao in awe, "Sister Jiang, you''re truly gifted!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remained calm, "Go open the gate!"


    Yang Ershun immediately stood up and scurried out.


    Soon after, he rushed back in, panting, with an unsettled look on his face, "Sister Jiang, the visitor says they''re from the Nie Family. Do you know anyone from the Nie Family?"


    The Nie Family, it must be the same one fromst time.


    They had agreed previously that for cracking the Nie Family''s case, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun would not charge any fees, but the Nie Family would help them gather intelligence about Yanjing City.


    Lord Nie is a straightforward man, and said he would provide intelligence once a month.


    Counting the days, it was time for another delivery.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked Yang Ershun to stay inside, then went to the gate herself.


    The visitor was the Nie Family''s head butler, who treated Jiang Xiaoxiao with great respect.


    "Master, our lord has sent me to convey that the items you and Master Xie requested have arrived. Over the next two days, our lord will be avable, and you can visit the manor at your convenience."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "How did you find this ce?"


    They had just moved to the county yesterday.


    The butler smiled, "To be honest with you, Master, ever since that incident, our lord has been immensely grateful to you. He instructed the guards to keep track of your movements at all times, and to lend a hand immediately if needed."


    "So, when you moved to the county yesterday, the guards reported it to our lord right away. Our lord was quite pleased, saying that with you living closer, it would be easier to seek your assistance whenever needed."


    After chatting for a while, the butler finally remembered his main purpose, "Master, when would you and Master Xie like to visit our manor? I''lle to escort you personally."


    "This evening."


    That evening, Jiang Xiaoxiao went to wait for Xie Xun outside the main gate of Luming Academy.


    She wore a russet narrow-sleeved jacket and skirt, the fabric coarse but failing to conceal her beauty.


    With her fair skin, rosy lips, alluring almond-shaped eyes more ravishing than peach blossoms in spring, yet not appearing frivolous.


    Those pure, unreadable eyes, as serene as ripplingke waters, were captivating.


    Nearly every student who passed by had their gaze linger on her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao always ignored others'' nces, and she remained oblivious this time as well.


    Until she noticed Xie Xun approaching with a sullen expression.


    It was only then that she reacted, "What''s wrong? Didn''t your first day at the academy go smoothly?"


    Xie Xun noticed others still looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao, and frowned slightly, instinctively walking beside her to block their line of sight.


    Even so, the youngdy remainedpletely unaware.


    Xie Xun had to remind her, "Don''te to pick me up anymore. It''s close, I can return by myself."


    "I came to take you to the Nie Family''s manor."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao told Xie Xun about the butler''s visit earlier that day.


    Xie Xun nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Brother Xie¡ª"


    Someone called out to Xie Xun from behind.


    Xie Xun turned around.


    The person wore the azure robes of Luming Academy and had a genial smile.


    It was Fang Changyue, the senior who had personally guided Xie Xun through the admission procedures earlier that day.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at him.


    Fang Changyue had dark circles under his eyes and a haggard appearance, looking utterly exhausted.


    "Is there something you need, Senior Brother?" Xie Xun asked.


    Upon hearing Xie Xun''s words, Fang Changyue appeared slightly abashed, "I just wanted to let you know, if you have any questions or need help with anything, feel free toe to me."


    Xie Xun nodded, "Thank you."


    "No need to thank me, after all, I''m your senior brother," Fang Changyue said with a pleased expression.


    At present, Xie Xun was one of the few at Luming Academy who would still interact with him.


    After Fang Changyue left, Jiang Xiaoxiao lowered her head in contemtion.


    Noticing her unusual behavior, Xie Xun asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "That person you just met, are you close with him?" Jiang Xiaoxiao inquired.


    "I just met him today," Xie Xun answered truthfully. "He assisted me with the admission procedures."


    "He has a heavy aura of yin energy around him," Jiang Xiaoxiao stated firmly. "There must be evil spirits around him."


    Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s words, Xie Xun recalled something.


    When Fang Changyue was helping him with registration, other students had quietly advised Xie Xun to keep his distance from this person.


    Although Xie Xun had no intention of prying into others'' private matters, he couldn''t help but overhear the gossiping nearby.


    Apparently, just three months ago, Fang Changyue had been a top candidate for rmendation to the Imperial Academy.


    However, not long after, he seemed to have be apletely different person. His exam scores plummeted, he constantly fell asleep during lectures, and was frequently reprimanded and punished by the instructors.


    The instructors were utterly disappointed in him and revoked his rmendation to the Imperial Academy.


    With one lesspetitor, somemented while others rejoiced.


    But Fang Changyue remained indifferent, ignoring the criticism and advice from those around him and the instructors, persisting in his carefree ways and sleeping through sses as usual.


    For a long-time top student to experience such a dramatic decline in performance within a few short months was evidently abnormal.


    At the time, however, Xie Xun hadn''t considered supernatural causes.


    He could only see ghosts, not the yin energy or inauspicious aura surrounding living people.


    For that, he had to rely on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s insights.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up at Xie Xun, "The seal on you hasn''t been lifted yet. If you get too close to him, you might be affected by the yin energy. Why don''t you try to probe for information another day, and I''ll find an opportunity to examine his situation."


    When they returned home, the Nie Family''s carriage was already waiting outside the small courtyard.


    Upon seeing Xie Xun, the butler greeted him cheerfully, "Master Xie, how was your first day at the academy?"


    "Not bad."


    "Our lord has invited you both for dinner at the manor," the butler said. "If Master Xie has no other matters to attend to, shall we depart now?"


    Before he could finish speaking, Yang Ershun darted out from the courtyard, "And me too!"


    The butler had previously informed Yang Ershun as well.


    The youngd had changed into a new outfit his mother made for himst New Year''s.


    Although he didn''t know whose residence they were visiting, judging by the luxurious carriage, he couldn''t risk embarrassing Sister Jiang.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Ever since the incidentst time, Old Master Nie had treated Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun as honored guests.


    Hearing from the housekeeper that they wereing today, he had specially ordered the kitchen to prepare the mostvish dishes.


    As soon as Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun stepped through the entrance, they were warmly escorted by the maids to Old Master Nie''s main courtyard.


    "Young Brother Xie, it''s been a while since youst visited," said Old Master Nie, standing at the entrance with his cane, a kindly smile on his face.


    Thest time they saw the old master, he was in lively conversation with Bai Xiao.


    Now, his temples had grayed, and he needed a cane to walk.


    Xie Xun responded calmly, "I''ve been busytely."


    "Come, let''s sit inside."


    Old Master Nie cheerfully ushered the trio inside, ordering the servants to serve tea for Xie Xun, while Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yang Ershun were served walnut dew.


    Once they had their fill, Old Master Nie gave a signal to the maids, who then escorted Yang Ershun to the garden to y.


    Yang Ershun, unaware that he was intentionally separated, was simply thrilled by the vastness of the Nie residence, brimming with fun ces to explore, and thus he happily followed the maids.


    After Yang Ershun left, Xie Xun got straight to the point, "I heard that you summoned us because you have news from Yanjing City?"


    Old Master Nie hesitated for a moment, and instead of answering, he asked, "I''ve utilized many connections and have heard some things, but I''m unsure about what information Young Brother Xie is seeking, so..."


    After all, the matter was of great importance, and he didn''t dare to disclose it carelessly.


    Xie Xun replied, "Anything about the royal family, all of it!"


    Old Master Nie, who had been traveling between Yanjing City and Kaihe County, was well-informedpared to the local people.


    He had heard about many incidents in Yanjing City.


    For instance, fourteen years ago, a prince was cursed by the entire city for "matricide", and under pressure, the royal family exiled him from the city.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao had greatly helped the Nie familyst time, presenting a golden opportunity.


    However, Xie Xun did not take a dime, stating that he wanted information about Yanjing City.


    Having been a businessman for many years, Old Master Nie was adept at reading people.


    After observing Xie Xun''s reactions, he was certain of his identity.


    Xie Xun was none other than Murong Xun, the Third Prince who was gradually forgotten by the world after his exile.


    "There was a prince who was exiled from the city, have you heard about this, Young Brother Xie?" Old Master Nie asked.


    Xie Xun lowered his eyes, "I''ve heard something about it."


    "That prince was betrothed, but recently the girl had personally requested to cancel the engagement."


    Xie Xun simply nodded, "I heard about it at the teahouse."


    He then asked Old Master Nie, "Is there anything else?"


    Old Master Nie sighed, "People say respect the dead, and the mother of that prince, the Former Empress, has been gone for over a decade. I never thought that someone would dare to disturb her tomb."


    Xie Xun, usually unppable, finally showed a change in expression, "What did you say?"


    "It''s some secret information they found out. The Crown Prince is nning to exhume the Former Empress''s tomb under the pretext of sorcery, and let the court''s priest perform some rites."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun fell silent.


    Under an eerie calm, a frightening streak of ferocity surfaced in his eyes.


    Without even waiting for a meal, Xie Xun called Jiang Xiaoxiao and left the Nie family, heading straight to find Dean Gu.


    Upon hearing the news, Dean Gu was so angry that he stomped his feet, "These scums! The Former Empress hasn''t been gone for many years, and they dare to dig up her tomb! What kind of evil is this? These people clearly have ulterior motives!"


    The more Dean Gu thought, the angrier he got, "Your Highness, rest assured, at most three days, I will be able to arrange everything properly and ensure your smooth journey to the capital."


    He couldn''t care less about anything else now. Once the tomb of the Former Empress was dug up by that group...


    How could he face the Former Empress beneath the earth?


    "It''s toote to go to the capital now,"


    Xie Xun suddenly said.


    Dean Gu was taken aback, "Your Highness, so you mean..."


    Xie Xun chuckled coldly, "At this point, there''s only one way to make them stop in time."


    "What way?" Dean Gu was anxious.


    He simply couldn''t think of a way that would not require going to the capital yet could deter that group.


    Xie Xun slowly said, "Jiang Xiaoxiao can help me lift the seal."


    Dean Gu was first stunned, then his eyes filled with admiration, "Indeed, Your Highness is wise."


    Murong Yuan relied on seizing the dragon energy from Xie Xun to sessfully ascend the Crown Prince''s throne.


    So, the person who helped him seize the dragon energy must be by his side.


    Once the seal on Xie Xun is lifted, that sorcerer will know immediately, and naturally, he will tell Murong Yuan at the first opportunity.


    The removal of Xie Xun''s seal means that the dragon energy will be reborn.


    And the more he generates, the less dragon energy will remain in Murong Yuan.


    For Murong Yuan, what could be more terrifying than losing the Crown Prince''s throne?


    Originally, Xie Xun nned to take it step by step. By the time Jiang Xiaoxiao had secured her footing in the Yin Yang Office, he would almost have his slot in the Imperial Academy.


    Then, they would go to Yanjing City together and slowlyy out their n.


    But the situation in Yanjing City seemed to be slipping out of his control.


    Since they''ve gone to such lengths, he didn''t want to keep ying Tai Chi slowly.


    A yful smile appeared on the corner of his lips. Xie Xun said, "I want them to personallye and escort me back to the capital!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement, "You''re not wrong. They are the ones who are wrong. Why should you go back in disguise and under a different identity? They should be the ones to carry you back on a pnquin."


    Hearing this, Dean Gu''s eyes moistened. After enduring so many years of hardship, His Highness could finally return with dignity!


    He looked towards Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Miss Jiang, I will have to trouble you with lifting His Highness''s seal."


    ---


    Yang Ershun was left at the Nie family.


    This gave Jiang Xiaoxiao the perfect opportunity to lift the seal for Xie Xun.


    She lit thenterns in the yard, put two cushions on the ground, and had Xie Xun sit across from her.


    After Xie Xun sat down, he slowly closed his eyes.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao formed a seal with both hands, murmuring something, then shouted, "Break..."


    Before long, a golden exorcism seal hovered over Xie Xun''s head, ceaselessly drawing out dark energy from him.


    It took about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn for all the dark and ominous aura to bepletely absorbed from Xie Xun''s body.


    Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s deration of sess, Xie Xun slowly opened his eyes and rose to his feet.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "How do you feel?"


    Xie Xun took a deep breath.


    All this time, he had felt as if something had been pressing down on his shoulders and head, oppressing him and making him ufortable.


    However, the priests he had seen were all chatans.


    For fourteen years, Xie Xun had grown ustomed to this.


    He never thought that he could actually return to normalcy one day.


    Now, he felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, his breathing was smooth, and the air was sweet. It seemed like it had been a very long time since he had been able to properly perceive his surroundings.


    Taking two steps forward, Xie Xun opened his arms and pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao into his embrace.


    This sudden embrace startled Jiang Xiaoxiao, making her stiffen, her hands fluttering uncertainly.


    Xie Xun buried his face in her shoulder, and after a long while, he murmured softly, "Xiaoxiao, thank you."


    So, a hug could make him happy?


    With this thought, Jiang Xiaoxiao reached out and gently patted Xie Xun''s back.


    Seeing that she didn''t push him away, Xie Xun nuzzled his head into her shoulder.


    "Xie Xun, you left me behind just to hold your woman when I''m not around? Wow, you''re such a grown man, but you still need someone to hold you. Aren''t you ashamed?" Yang Ershun''s voice suddenly came from outside.


    Yang Ershun was originally nning to have dinner at Nie''s house. However, upon hearing that Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao had already left, he was unwilling to stay. Afraid that this pair of heartless people would leave him behind, he quickly asked Nie''s servant to send him back.


    Who would have thought that upon pushing the courtyard door open, he would witness this scene.


    Xie Xun slowly let go of Jiang Xiaoxiao, turned around, and nced at Yang Ershun, "Not satisfied?"


    Yang Ershun snorted disdainfully.


    Xie Xun said, "You can also find someone to hold."


    Yang Ershun immediately opened his arms towards Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Sister Jiang, hug me¡ª"


    Xie Xun swiftly pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao behind him, frowned, and said, "Scram!"


    Yang Ershun cried out and ran back to his room.


    ---


    Meanwhile, in Yanjing City, at the Crown Prince''s Pce.


    Crown Prince Murong Yuan had just returned from the regr worship at the Imperial Deity Temple when he saw a man in a ck robe sitting in his study.


    Murong Yuan was somewhat surprised, then he respectfully saluted, "Teacher, why are you here?"


    Murong Yuan was the Crown Prince, and he had several masters who taught him literature and martial arts. However, nobody knew that his real master was this man in the ck robe sitting before him.


    He was also the one who helped him seize the dragon aura.


    The man in the ck robe casually flipped through the books on the desk, his head covered by a hood and his face hidden behind a mask, revealing only a pair of aged hands.


    Upon hearing Murong Yuan''s voice, the man in the ck robe asked, "Have you felt any difort in your body recently?"


    "No!" Murong Yuan was somewhat puzzled, "Why does teacher ask this?"


    The man in the ck robe''s voice was solemn, "The one in Yunzhou, has been unsealed."


    "What!" Murong Yuan''s face turned pale, "Wasn''t he restrained by your seal? How could it¡­"


    "Most likely, he encountered a master."


    Murong Yuan was taken aback, "Could it be someone from Cangwu Mountain who could easily break your seal?"


    Murong Yuan pondered, feeling something was amiss.


    Thest time he personally led a group to Cangwu Mountain, the Heavenly Master''s attitude was already clear - the Heavenly Master''s Mansion would not interfere in the affairs of the Jianghu or the court.


    Surely the Heavenly Master''s Mansion wouldn''t refuse him on one hand, and then aid Xie Xun on the other?


    The old Heavenly Master was over a hundred years old. Unless he wanted to tarnish his reputation in his twilight years, there was no reason for him to do so.


    But if it wasn''t the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, then who could it be?


    "Master, what should we do now?"


    The expression on Murong Yuan''s face was grim.


    Heaven knows how much effort he had put into securing his current position. If Xie Xun broke the seal and the dragon aura was reborn, all his efforts would be in vain.


    Not only that, he would be the second Xie Xun, scorned by the people, exiled by the court, and condemned by the officials.


    The thought of these unbearable consequences slowly brought a ruthless killing intent to Murong Yuan''s eyes.


    "Master, if ites to it, we should eliminate the threat once and for all by killing him."


    After all, Xie Xun''s reputation was already tarnished.


    Some days ago, in order to test the Emperor''s attitude, he had secretly contacted King Ning''s Mansion to request a divorce during the pce banquet.


    The officials attending the banquet took a moment to remember that there was such a prince in the royal family.


    Murong Yuan''s eyes were fixed on Emperor Hongtai throughout.


    The Emperor''s reaction was so indifferent that Murong Yuan was almost certain that his father hadpletely given up on his son, Murong Xun.


    At Murong Yuan''s words, the man in the ck robe frowned deeply, "How many times have I told you? We must keep the Third Prince alive!"


    "Master, I don''t understand," Murong Yuan gritted his teeth, "We clearly have the chance to kill him, why must we leave this threat to ourselves?"


    The man in the ck robe said solemnly, "The dragon aura chooses its master."


    "Chooses its master?" Murong Yuan took a step back in disbelief.


    The man in the ck robe continued, "Even though you can light up the statues in the Imperial Deity Temple with the purple gold dragon aura, that aura has never been yours. I merely used a spell to trap it within you. Once the master of the dragon aura dies, the aura will dissipte."


    Murong Yuan''s hands clenched into fists, "I''ve been nurturing it carefully for fourteen years, and this damn dragon aura can still choose its master? Then what am I?"


    His voice was hoarse with anger, and veins were throbbing on his forehead.


    "Murong Xun! I am the rightful eldest son, the perfect heir to Yan Kingdom."


    "But why is the purple gold dragon aura in you? Since it chose the wrong person, then I should take it back! I''ve done nothing wrong, the dragon aura should be mine! Yan Kingdom and even the entire world should be mine!"


    The more he thought about it, the more unwilling he became. Murong Yuan furrowed his brows, "Master, do I just have to watch as he breaks the seal and the dragon aura is reborn?"


    The man in the ck robe nced at him, "Put aside the matter of opening the tomb for now. The most urgent thing is to bring the Third Prince back. I will reseal him, and from then on, he will stay in the capital. I''d like to see who has the audacity to help him unseal it under my watch!"


    Although he didn''t want Xie Xun to return to the capital, Murong Yuan didn''t dare to object to his master''s arrangements and nodded in agreement.


    Yunzhou, Kaihe County, Luming Academy.


    It was the time when sses were dismissed. As usual, Xie Xun was the one to slowly walk out of the grand entrance alone.


    "Xie Xun!"


    The voice of Fang Changyue echoed from behind.


    Xie Xun''s steps paused slightly.


    Fang Changyue caught up with him, a hint of embarrassment on his face, as though he feared being refused, "I... I would like to invite you to my home for dinner, would you honor me with your presence?"


    Fang Changyue had been in a daze for quite some time and was always sleepy during the day, struggling to stay awake in ss.


    However, these past couple of days, he suddenly realized that whenever he was near Xie Xun, his drowsiness would disappear and he would feel invigorated.


    Although he didn''t understand why, Fang Changyue considered it as Xie Xun doing him a great favor and thought he should repay him with a meal.


    Xie Xun nced at him, "Our house is closer, why not eat at our ce instead?"


    "Huh?" The one who nned to be a host suddenly became a guest, Fang Changyue scratched the back of his head, "Wouldn''t that be inappropriate?"


    "There''s nothing inappropriate about it. It''s just dinner, it doesn''t matter where we eat."


    In the end, Fang Changyue followed Xie Xun back to Tong Hua Lane.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao and Yang Ershun were practicing in the courtyard.


    Hearing footsteps outside, Jiang Xiaoxiao slowly opened her eyes.


    Upon seeing Fang Changyue following behind Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao was slightly taken aback.


    The aura of gloom around this man seemed to have grown even heavier than a few days ago.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Fang Changyue was somewhat shy by nature. Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao staring at him, he smiled sheepishly, "Pardon me, I''m a fellow student of Brother Xie, Fang Changyue."


    "I know," Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "We''ve met before."


    Thest time Jiang Xiaoxiao went to the gates of Luming Academy to pick up Xie Xun, Fang Changyue was too busy chatting with Xie Xun to notice her.


    Today, with a closer look, she realized this girl was not only beautiful but seemed to possess something even more intense than what Xie Xun had, instantly dispelling the fatigue he had felt for months.


    With guests around, Yang Ershun could no longer continue his meditation and hurriedly brought out stools from inside.


    Afterwards, he went to the kitchen to assist Xie Xun.


    Fang Changyue sat down in the courtyard.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at him and casually asked, "Aren''t your parents worried that you''re out sote?"


    "My parents passed away when I was very young," said Fang Changyue. "It''s just my wife and me at home now."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, realizing the suspicion against his wife grew stronger.


    With Xie Xun''s seal lifted, there was bound to be action in Yanjing City.


    At such a critical juncture, Jiang Xiaoxiao should not have gotten involved with unrted matters.


    Yet she had a hunch that the ominous aura surrounding Fang Changyue, or rather, the entity beside him, was connected to her somehow.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had been part of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion since birth.


    To this day, she did not know who she was, where she came from, or whether her parents had any grievances that led them to leave her at Cangwu Mountain.


    She was even more clueless as to why she was cursed to turn small every full moon night.


    Today, Fang Changyue had actually intended to invite them for a meal, but Xie Xun called him over instead.


    Feeling awkward, he told Xie Xun at the dinner table, "Tomorrow is our day off, Brother Xie. If you don''t mind,e over to our ce. After knowing each other for so long, I haven''t even had a chance to treat you to a meal. It''s quite embarrassing."


    Xie Xun''s reason for bringing Fang Changyue back was solely to let Jiang Xiaoxiao inspect the issue surrounding him, not because he intended to be close friends with Fang Changyue.


    Just as Xie Xun was about to decline, Jiang Xiaoxiao beat him to it, "Sure!"


    A smile appeared on Fang Changyue''s face. "It''s settled then. You twoe over tomorrow."


    He did not linger at Tong Hua Lane for long and left after the meal.


    Yang Ershun went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.


    In the main hall, only Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao remained.


    Xie Xun asked, "Do you need to go to their home in person?"


    "I don''t know why, but I have a feeling that the entity beside your fellow student is no ordinary thing. It seems to be intentionally luring me over."


    As a cultivator, Jiang Xiaoxiao could not divine her own fortunes and had to rely on her intuition.


    Her intuition was usually urate.


    Xie Xun understood. "Then I''ll apany you."


    The next day, Fang Changyue came to fetch them personally.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao noticed the ominous aura around him had intensified again.


    It had just subsided significantly after meeting her yesterday.


    To cause such a drastic change in Fang Changyue overnight, the only likely culprit was the person closest to him.


    If yesterday was mere suspicion, today Jiang Xiaoxiao was almost certain that Fang Changyue''s wife, Lady Li, had an issue.


    Lady Li was a child bride purchased by Fang Changyue''s parents and was two years older than him. She was very good at taking care of him.


    After Fang Changyue enrolled at Luming Academy, Lady Li moved to the county for his convenience, doing housework and cooking for him.


    Lady Li ran a small business to support Fang Changyue''s studies, and the couple had a good rtionship.


    When they arrived home, Fang Changyue pushed open the courtyard gate with a joyful tone, "Wife, we''re back."


    Lady Li was squatting by the well washing vegetables. Upon hearing him, she looked up, her gaze meeting Jiang Xiaoxiao''s.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao frowned immediately.


    She had not guessed wrongly - Lady Li had an issue, but she was not a spirit, rather... she had been possessed!


    As the saying goes, a ghost had taken over her body.


    Since leaving Cangwu Mountain, Jiang Xiaoxiao had never met a ghost that was not afraid of her.


    Yet the one before her not only showed no fear but even smiled at her slightly.


    Fang Changyue invited Xie Xun and the others inside and was about to roll up his sleeves to help.


    "Fellow Student," Xie Xun said in time. "Let''s chat for a bit. As for helping out, let Xiaoxiao do it."


    "But... you''re all guests. It''s not right to have guests help out," Fang Changyue protested.


    Before he could finish, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already gone out.


    Lady Li had moved to the kitchen.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao entered, Lady Li was holding a knife, slicing meat.


    "Little girl, have a seat," Lady Li said in a rather casual tone.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked her, "Were you the one who lured me here?"


    Lady Li smiled. "You really are as clever as they say!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did not sense any killing intent from her, so she asked again, "Do you know me?"


    "Not exactly, but I''ve known of your existence for a long time. I''m just here to take a look at you on someone''s behalf."


    She was a ghost, but who could she be acting on behalf of to observe Jiang Xiaoxiao?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao felt there were many secrets behind Lady Li''s words.


    "Who are you exactly?"


    "Who I am doesn''t matter," Lady Li turned around and raised an eyebrow at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "The one who sent me to observe you said that when you go to Yanjing City, you''ll face a great cmity. She hopes you''ll return to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, or alternatively, you coulde with me."


    Of course, Jiang Xiaoxiao would not believe the words of a ghost.


    If there really was a great cmity, her master would have warned her long ago.


    "Well, little girl? Have you considereding with me?" Lady Li said. "A highly skilled cultivator like you is rare in the underworld. Moreover, you are..."


    As the words reached a critical point, Lady Li suddenly fell silent.


    "What am I?" Jiang Xiaoxiao stared at her intently.


    Lady Li waved her hand dismissively. "In any case, I''ve said what I needed to say. Whether you return to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion or continue following that young man to Yanjing City is up to you. Of course, if you''re willing toe with me, I''ll be delighted."


    As will she.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    "Lady Li''s" disjointed words not only failed to resolve Jiang Xiaoxiao''s doubts but left her increasingly perplexed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao detested this feeling.


    She frowned, "No matter who you are, harming the living adds an extra sin!"


    "Lady Li" was greatly rmed, "Young Miss, you mustn''ty a hand on me. I''vee here solely to wait for you. You have no idea how difficult it is to get an audience with you¡ªthe Heavenly Master''s Mansion isn''t somewhere I can just go..."


    "Lady Li''s" tone was full of grievance.


    "Then tell me, who am I?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked as she formed hand seals.


    If Lady Li dared utter a single lie, she would instantly reduce her to ashes.


    "I...I can''t say."


    Seeing that Jiang Xiaoxiao meant business, "Lady Li" immediately separated from the body she was possessing and fled desperately.


    The real Lady Li, freed from the ghost''s control, copsed unconscious on the ground.


    As Jiang Xiaoxiao chased after it, Xie Xun happened to emerge from the hall.


    "Xiaoxiao, what''s wrong?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced in the direction the ghost had fled and shook her head, "I''ll tell youter."


    When Fang Changyue learned that Lady Li had fainted, he was instantly white with fear and hurried to carry her to the bedroom.


    There was no way they could have the meal now.


    Fang Changyue looked apologetic, "I''m really sorry about this. I''d hoped to treat you all to a nice meal, but then my wife suddenly fell ill. Please make yourselvesfortable inside while I fetch the doctor. I''ll have you dine outsideter."


    "No need," Xie Xun said. "It just so happens that we have other matters to attend to, so we''ll take our leave."


    As Fang Changyue tried to say more, Jiang Xiaoxiao handed him a talisman, "Have your wife keep this on her person. It will protect her safety."


    Although not superstitious, Fang Changyue would not refuse others'' goodwill.


    He epted the talisman and thanked her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao and the others soon left the Fang residence and returned to their small courtyard.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao instructed Yang Ershun to kindle a fire in the kitchen while Xie Xun took the opportunity to ask her, "Did you encounter that thing at the Fang residence earlier?"


    "Yes." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "She was possessing Lady Li''s body and said the reason she came here was because someone summoned her to see me.


    I have a feeling it must be rted to my origins, but when I tried to ask for more details, she had already fled."


    "Your origins?"


    Xie Xun seemed to have never heard Jiang Xiaoxiao mention her origins before.


    "I don''t know who I am," said Jiang Xiaoxiao, her gaze distant. "I''ve been at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion since birth, with no memories of a father or mother.


    It wasn''t until my first menstruation in Guishui that Mother Ershun told me a mother was supposed to teach me about such things that I realized I needed a mother."


    "Didn''t you ask your master or your master''s master?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao answered gloomily, "My master gets upset whenever I bring it up. As for my master''s master, he never gets angry but just beats around the bush¡ªit feels like he''s said everything and yet nothing at all."


    Xie Xun looked at her. "Do you want to find your parents?"


    Atst, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s eyes held a glimmer beyond bewilderment. "If I find them, will I have a home to return to?"


    Xie Xun nodded. "Once we''re back in Yanjing City, I''ll help you find a way."


    Half a monthter, the carriage sent by the imperial pce to fetch Xie Xun arrived in Kaihe County.


    In addition to the lead escort, it was apanied by over a dozen armor-d guards and a stream of pce maids in powder-pink robes.


    These people had been brought by Chen Sixi.


    "Well, well!" Chen Sixi grumbled as soon as he entered the courtyard. "If I hadn''t run into these folks asking about Xie Xun on my way back to town, and they went to Shi Mo Vige only to find you two had already snuck off to the county, I wouldn''t have known you''d moved here behind my back."


    As he spoke, he effortlessly dragged over a stool and plopped down, continuing toin, "Xie Xun, you sure have some nerve! I treat you like a brother, but how do you treat me?"


    Xie Xun remained silent, his gaze fixed on the head escort, Su Hai.


    Fourteen years ago, Su Hai had been the guard specifically assigned by Emperor Hongtai to secretly protect the Empress Xie.


    Now, he was likely under themand of the Crown Prince.


    Su Hai''s expression was cold and stern. Sweeping his robe aside, he knelt. "This subject greets the Third Royal Highness."


    Following his lead, the other guards and pce maids all knelt in unison.


    In the midst of his grumbling, Chen Sixi suddenly heard those words and froze, whipping his head around to gape at Su Hai. "What''s going on?!"

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    No one paid attention to Chen Sixi.


    Su Hai cupped his hands and said, "I am under orders to escort Third Royal Highness back to the Capital City."


    Xie Xun looked at him with scorn, "Under orders? Whose orders are you following? The Crown Prince''s?"


    Su Hai pursed his lips, "The Emperor has decreed that Third Royal Highness, now seventeen years old, must return to the Capital City to be invested as a prince."


    Chen Sixi felt as if he had been struck by lightning. It took him a long time to recover from the shock, staring at Xie Xun in disbelief.


    "Xie... you''re actually a prince? But how is that possible?"


    As far as Chen Sixi knew, Xie Xun had grown up in Shi Mo Vige since he was a young child.


    If he truly was a prince, how could he have been left to wander for so many years without anyone inquiring after him?


    "Ah!" Yang Ershun eximed in surprise, "Xie Xun... ah no, Prince Xie? The Third Prince? So you had such an illustrious identity? Have I been too loud in speaking to you before?"


    Before he could finish, Yang Ershun was dragged aside by Chen Sixi, who covered his mouth.


    Xie Xun kept his head down, holding a writing brush and methodicallypleting the assignments given by the teacher.


    After kneeling for a long time without receiving a response from Xie Xun, Su Hai spoke up again, "Third Royal Highness, the carriage to return to the Capital City is ready. As you can see..."


    "What''s the rush?" Xie Xun''s tone was indifferent. "It''s not like the time when I was sent away from the Capital City. Whether I return a day earlier orter, what difference does it make?"


    Su Hai''s body trembled slightly.


    He was the one who had personally escorted Third Royal Highness and his wet nurse out of the Capital City all those years ago.


    Back then, Third Royal Highness had fallen gravely ill and remained unconscious throughout.


    Fourteen yearster, the mischievous, trouble-making little boy who used to find ways to lure Su Hai out of hiding to yfully torment him was gone, his demeanorpletely changed.


    When Dean Gu received the news, he hurried over and found Su Hai kneeling in the courtyard with a group of guards and pce maids.


    Meanwhile, Xie Xun sat on a stone bench, writing as calmly as a monk in meditation, seemingly oblivious to the people around him.


    Dean Gu nced at Su Hai.


    He knew someone woulde from the Capital City, but he didn''t expect them to arrive so quickly.


    Judging by the timing, they must have traveled day and night.


    In other words, the Crown Prince in the Capital City was even more anxious than Dean Gu had imagined after Third Royal Highness had broken the seal.


    Dean Gu chuckled, "It''s been many years. You seem to have gained weight. The food in the Capital City must be good? You''ve been promoted and made a fortune, haven''t you?"


    Su Hai looked up, "Dean Gu jests. I am merely themander of the imperial guards."


    "So you admit you''re just themander of the imperial guards?" Dean Gu snorted. "Why is it that when ites to escorting Third Royal Highness back to the Capital City, they couldn''t even arrange someone of importance?"


    Su Hai replied, "It was I who escorted His Highness out of the Capital City back then, so it should be I who brings him back."


    Dean Gu chuckled coldly, "Have you not heard that times have changed? Fourteen years ago, you sent him away out of necessity, with no other choice. Now, Third Royal Highness has every right to choose whether or not to return to the Capital City."


    Su Hai frowned, "Dean Gu, mind your words. This is the Emperor''s will."


    Dean Gu had thrown caution to the wind ever since the day he resigned and returned to his hometown. Whether it was the Emperor or not, in his heart, Third Royal Highness was the one he should support and be loyal to.


    Thus, even when Su Hai invoked the Emperor''s authority, there was no change in Dean Gu''s expression. Instead, his tone became even more mocking, "Has the Emperor forgotten the reason why Third Royal Highness was driven out of the Capital City all those years ago?"


    Su Hai clenched his fists tightly, unable to respond.


    He had been themander of the imperial guards assigned by Emperor Hongtai to secretly protect Empress Xie.


    Su Hai had always believed that the Emperor loved the Empress and Third Royal Highness.


    Butter, when the Empress was found dead and everyone used Third Royal Highness of causing her death, the Emperor, who should have been Third Royal Highness''s only remaining support, personally sentenced him to "death."


    Su Hai witnessed with his own eyes how Third Royal Highness knelt in the rain outside Jianzhang Pce. At first, he still had red eyes and argued defiantly with those who mocked him, insisting that he did not kill his mother and that his father would certainly believe him.


    However, what he received in the end was Emperor Hongtai''s decree, ordering Su Hai to send him away from the Capital City.


    From that moment, Third Royal Highness fellpletely silent, his resistance and defiance extinguished.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Xie Xun was in no hurry to return to the capital. First, he was certain that the Prince''s attention was now fully absorbed by the seal he had already unlocked from him, so he would not send anyone to disturb the Former Empress''s tomb for a while.


    Second, he was still waiting for news from the Yin Yang Office.


    Ever since Jiang Xiaoxiao had beaten the examiner Zhu Yan to near death, there had been no word from Yanjing City.


    Dean Gu, as the person in charge, had already sent a thousand-mile message inquiring about it, saying that news should arrive within the next few days.


    Xie Xun had an even more important reason for not rushing off ¨C the night of the full moon was approaching, when Jiang Xiaoxiao''s curse would take effect.


    If they left now, it meant Jiang Xiaoxiao would revert to a child form midway. No matter how well he concealed it, he would inevitably reveal signs of her secret.


    The little girl''s secret could not be known to outsiders.


    ...


    Su Hai brought his guards and pce maids to stay at the inn. He woulde over every day to probe Xie Xun''s intentions and see when he would return to the capital, so he could make arrangements.


    However, Xie Xun''s response was indifferent. He went about his routine, attending the academy every morning as usual.


    Su Hai could tell that the Third Prince harbored some resentment towards Yanjing City and the Emperor.


    But he could not say much, so he simply stood guard outside quietly.


    Ever since learning Xie Xun''s true identity, Yang Ershun spoke to him in a much softer tone.


    As he put it, he had never been so respectful even towards his own father.


    That day, Su Hai came again.


    Xie Xun had already gone to the academy and was not home.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was in the courtyard, supervising Yang Ershun''s meditation.


    The boy was unruly ¨C whenever someone came, he would lose focus. Taking advantage of Jiang Xiaoxiao''s momentary distraction, he peeked an eye open to nce at Su Hai.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao swiftly pulled a ck cloth over his eyes, then thought for a moment and stuffed cotton into his ears as well.


    Yang Ershun muttered, "Sister, isn''t that a bit too harsh?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If you aren''t serious now, those bad people will treat you even worse when they beat you upter."


    Yang Ershun pursed his lips, not daring to retort.


    He couldn''t even avoid his own father''s beatings, let alone those from outsiders.


    He''d better focus on cultivating!


    Jiang Hai stood by the courtyard wall, holding a sword as he watched the two of them.


    It was hard to imagine that the unruly, bright Third Prince would have a silly girl and a lively child around him.


    But on second thought, the Third Prince used to have that temperament too, mischievous yet smart and endearing.


    If not for that incident, he would have been a carefree prince today.


    Unlike now, his heart filled with so much hatred and resentment that his entire being had be cold and aloof.


    From a certain perspective, Su Hai did not quite agree with how the Emperor had handled things. But he was just a guard after all.


    His master gave the orders, and he could only follow, not ask questions or make his own judgments.


    Thinking of this, Su Hai sighed quietly.


    At noon when sses ended, Xie Xun would return to cook for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Dean Gu came back with him.


    Seeing Su Hai there, Dean Gu was taken aback for a moment.


    But Xie Xun acted as if nothing was amiss, washing his hands and heading straight to the kitchen.


    The fire had already been lit by Yang Ershun, and the vegetables washed, waiting only for Xie Xun to start cooking.


    Afraid that Xie Xun would call him over to helpter, Yang Ershun obediently stayed in the kitchen to assist.


    Previously he had called out "Xie Xun", but now he addressed him as "Your Highness".


    Xie Xun disliked that title, finding it grating, so he told him to use another.


    Yang Ershun scratched his head. "Well, you''re a prince, so I can''t very well call you ''brother'', can I?"


    Xie Xun gave him a sidelong nce. "Think harder."


    Yang Ershun''s eyes lit up. "Sister...brother-inw?"


    Since he treated Jiang Xiaoxiao as his sister, calling Xie Xun his brother-inw wasn''t too much, was it?


    Xie Xun raised an eyebrow.


    Seeing no objection from him, Yang Ershun took it as consent.


    Suddenly having a prince as his brother-inw, he could barely contain his delight.


    In the main hall, Dean Gu was talking to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Lady Jiang, news hase from Yanjing City."


    After Zhu Yan had been beaten to near deathst time, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already given up hope of being admitted to the Yin Yang Office. She had made the worst preparations.


    Since Xie Xun would soon return to the capital openly as a prince, even if she could not join the Yin Yang Office, she could find another way to help him in the future.


    But to her surprise, Dean Gu''s words took a turn. "It''s a message from National Master Bai Cheng himself. He admires you greatly and wishes to invite you to join the Yin Yang Office under his name as a master. He has even sent his youngest disciple Qin Fengmian to escort you, Lady Jiang."


    "The Master?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was astonished. "Shouldn''t he be furious that I nearly killed his senior disciple?"


    Dean Gu said, "I know a bit about National Master Bai Cheng''s character. He has always valued ability above all. Knowing that his senior disciple was severely injured by you alone, Lady Jiang, his focus would undoubtedly be on your skills rather than Zhu Yan''s injuries."


    After all, he could take in new disciples, but a talent as extraordinary as Jiang Xiaoxiao was rare to find.


    Had Dean Gu himself not witnessed it at the inn that day, no one could have convinced him that a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl had beaten a disciple who had cultivated for over ten years to the point of shattering his bones.


    "So he''s not angry? He''s a strange person," Jiang Xiaoxiao once again found the people in the mundane world inscrutable.


    But she would not dwell on such matters.


    As long as she could join the Yin Yang Office, it did not matter whether there were any conspiracies. After all, she had her de in hand to cut down any who dared cross her path.


    She much preferred using her fists to talk.


    Qin Fengmian was National Master Bai Cheng''s youngest disciple, a youthfuld of only sixteen. His temperament waspletely different from his senior brother Zhu Yan.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao went with Dean Gu to meet him, he was sitting on the roof, holding a jug of wine and humming a tune, singing so out of tune that it was enough to make one''s face fall.


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, Qin Fengmian let out a heartyugh. "Indeed, just as I imagined ¨C an outwardly frail and delicate youngdy, yet capable of beating Zhu Yan to the brink of death. Haha, how interesting, most interesting!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up at him.


    Qin Fengmian raised his eyebrows at her. "Little girl, I want to have a bout with you too."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao showed no expression. "A bout of what?"


    "Nevermindparing martial arts ¨C if you could defeat even Zhu Yan, I''m certainly no match for you."


    Qin Fengmian said, "How about youe up here, and we have a drinking contest instead? I''m renowned for being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. If you can beat me, I''ll grant you one request."


    Dean Gu frowned upon hearing this, "Mister Qin, isn''t this joke going too far?"


    Qin Fengmian remained silent, only looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Dean Gu said in a low voice, "Miss Jiang, the National Master himself has invited you to join the Yin Yang Office, which means he has acknowledged your abilities. There''s no need for you topete with Qin Fengmian now.


    This fellow is just a drunkard. You''re a youngdy - what business do you have drinking alcohol?


    Besides, if the Third Prince finds out about this, I won''t be able to exin myself!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao barely listened, only responding to Qin Fengmian on the roof with a simple "Okay."


    Dean Gu was dumbfounded.


    Even Qin Fengmian didn''t expect her to agree so readily, "Are you sure you want topete?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "After Xie Xun enters the capital, he''ll need a little attendant. I think you''ll do well - if you lose, you''ll go be his attendant."


    Qin Fengmian didn''t get angry. Instead, heughed, "Little girl, what if I win?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke in her usual calm tone, "If you win, you can name your terms."


    "What if I want you to marry me?"


    "Okay."


    Dean Gu''s face turned ck with anger, "Qin Fengmian, you''re going too far!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Qin Fengmian took a big gulp of wine, wiping his mouth with his sleeve in a bold and brash manner befitting his age.


    "Why is Dean Gu in such a hurry? In our circle, ability is paramount.


    My master has always favored those with great talent and strength, and I am no different.


    A powerful practitioner like Miss Jiang is hard not to be attracted to!"


    Dean Gu had lived many years but had never seen someone so shameless. His old face was ck with anger.


    However, before he could say anything, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already flown up to the roof.


    Qin Fengmian smiled sweetly at her, "Since Miss Jiang is so eager, I won''t decline. Servants, bring the wine!"


    An hourter, a long row of wine jars was arranged on the roof.


    Qin Fengmian handed one to her, "If you can''t drink anymore, just say so."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao took it, opened the lid, and tilted her head back to pour the contents into her mouth.


    Soon, the entire jar was empty.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao reached for the second jar.


    Qin Fengmian hadn''t taken a single sip yet, and the confident expression on his face gradually turned to disbelief.


    Because the second jar was already empty, and Jiang Xiaoxiao was opening the third.


    This was strong liquor - even if she drank it like water, it would be understandable.


    But the key issue was, how could she handle chugging so much liquor at once?


    Qin Fengmian was utterly baffled. Even if it were just in water, drinking that much so quickly would make most people vomit, right?


    Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao not only didn''t throw up, she didn''t even show the slightest sign of being drunk from the alcohol.


    What kind of devilish drinking ability and tolerance was this?!


    Dean Gu, who had been watching from below, was also astonished by Jiang Xiaoxiao''s drinking capacity.


    This youngdy never ceased to surprise him.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was about to open the fourth jar.


    Qin Fengmian grabbed her wrist, "Enough, enough, I concede. Don''t drink anymore, or something bad might happen."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him, "So are you going to be Xie Xun''s attendant now?"


    Qin Fengmian produced a folding fan from somewhere and used it to fan her, "As long as he doesn''t mind keeping a romantic rival by his side, I have no objections."

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao arrived home, Xie Xun had already finished sses.


    He was standing at the entrance, with the evening sun casting its glow on his jade-like profile, making his deep, dark eyes appear even more captivating.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao paused for a moment, looking up at him, "Why are you standing at the entrance?"


    As Xie Xun was about to speak, he suddenly scrunched his nose, as if detecting a certain scent. His gaze slowly shifted downward, eventually fixating on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s wrist.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced down, but didn''t notice anything amiss.


    Xie Xun grabbed her hand and led her into the courtyard.


    To Jiang Xiaoxiao''s bewilderment, he drew water from the well and brought some soap nuts, repeatedly washing her hands.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao recalled the previous time when her hands were stained with Zhu Yan''s blood, and Xie Xun had washed them for her, over and over again.


    He remained silent, very quiet.


    His actions were gentle, yet there was a hint of suppressed frenzy within that gentleness.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao tried to retract her hands, "Xie Xun, they''re clean now, no need to wash anymore..."


    Dean Gu witnessed the entire scene.


    He remembered that Jiang Xiaoxiao''s wrist had been touched by Qin Fengmian.


    Leaving aside how the Third Royal Highness discovered this, his current reaction was truly rming.


    Dean Gu was an insightful observer of human nature. In fact, he had long realized that the Third Royal Highness had some psychological abnormalities, though they rarely surfaced.


    Fearing that Yang Ershun might suffer misfortune if he stayed any longer, Dean Gu went inside and dragged him to his own residence.


    Su Hai had visited earlier but had already returned home at this hour.


    With Yang Ershun gone, only Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun remained in the small courtyard.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood outside the kitchen.


    Inside, Xie Xun was cutting vegetables, his long, slender fingers gripping the knife as he moved with focused precision.


    An oilmp hung on the wall, casting a gentle glow on his features.


    Cooking was usually a smoky, fiery task, but he made it look graceful and pleasing to the eye.


    Dinner was served, and Xie Xun portioned rice and her favorite soup for her.


    Apart from his silence, everything else seemed normal.


    Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao still felt that something was amiss.


    She didn''t touch her chopsticks, tilting her head as she looked at him, "Xie Xun, did I upset you again?"


    Xie Xun ced the deboned fish onto her small bowl, simply saying, "When I''m not around, don''t drink alcohol, and... don''t let others touch you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was somewhat surprised.


    Earlier, Qin Fengmian had touched her wrist briefly to stop her from drinking alcohol.


    It was just that one touch, and afterward, nothing else happened. She hadn''t even given it much thought.


    How did Xie Xun find out?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t think she possessed such keen senses herself.


    Then there was only one exnation: Xie Xun''s sense of smell was extraordinary.


    Rumor had it that even as a child, his memory was astonishing. Now it seemed his sense of smell was equally sharp.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao felt a little self-conscious and lowered her head, "Okay."


    Initially, she had intended to tell him about the little attendant she had found for him.


    However, it seemed that Xie Xun didn''t particrly like Qin Fengmian.


    After some thought, Jiang Xiaoxiao ultimately decided not to mention it.


    That night, Jiang Xiaoxiao went to bed early.


    She usually had a good quality of sleep and rarely dreamed.


    However, she was awakened in the middle of the night by amotion.


    Outside, there was a loud croaking of frogs.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had an inkling of what was happening, her eyelids twitched, and she quickly got up to dress and open the door.


    Sure enough, she found Xie Xun carrying a cage full of frogs he had caught from somewhere.


    He was standing outside, holding a wine jar.


    The autumn night was cool, and the moonlight was crisp and clear, while the scent of wine carried faintly on the breeze. Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao could still smell it.


    Xie Xun had been drinking, and he was drunk again!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao never quite understood his peculiar hobby of catching frogs when he was intoxicated.


    But she couldn''t simply ignore someone who was drunk.


    She turned to fetch a fire striker to light the courtyard''snterns.


    Her wrist was gently grasped by him.


    "Xiaoxiao..."


    When drunk, Xie Xun appeared entirely different from his usual self. He was particrly obedient, like a child afraid of being abandoned, making every effort to appearpliant and devoid of any aggression.


    He said, "I''ll drink with you. From now on, don''t find anyone else, okay?"


    After a pause, he added, "You like catching frogs, don''t you? I''ve caught them all for you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought, ''No, I don''t like it at all!''


    Jiang Xiaoxiao reached for the wine jar and realized that more than half of it had already been consumed.


    "You have a poor alcohol tolerance, yet you still drank..." Jiang Xiaoxiao muttered.


    Xie Xun pulled her close, his gaze intense, "From now on, don''t find anyone else, okay?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had experienced Xie Xun''s drunken habit of repeatedly asking the same question before.


    If she didn''t respond well, he could keep repeating the question endlessly.


    "Mmhmm..." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "I won''t find anyone else, just you."


    Xie Xun tightened his grip on her hand slightly, as if afraid of hurting her by using too much force, yet also afraid that letting go would make her disappear.


    His usual cool demeanor and cunning nature had melted away, reced by cautious tenderness.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao crouched down to ce the wine jar on the ground. As she stood up, she was unexpectedly pulled into his embrace.


    They were so close, their heartbeats intermingled, making it impossible to discern whose was racing.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never experienced such a feeling before.


    A tingling, numb sensation, unfamiliar and strange.


    He suddenly leaned closer, his tone tinged withint, "I don''t believe you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao grew flustered, "I''m not lying. From now on, I definitely won''t find anyone else."


    Xie Xun said, "Unless you kiss me."


    Kiss?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, then said with a troubled expression, "I don''t know how. Teach me."


    Xie Xun fell silent for a while.


    It seemed he didn''t know how either.


    To Jiang Xiaoxiao, Xie Xun''s reaction appeared to be the result of his drunken state andck of rity.


    She carefully recalled how her third senior brother used to charm those beauties from the mountains.


    ...After recalling, she still didn''t quite know how, but she could give it a try.


    The room was unlit, making it difficult to see clearly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao reached out, felt his lips, and once she had located them, she stood on her tiptoes and "chomp!" bit down.


    Xie Xun: "..."

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    The next day, Xie Xun woke up in Jiang Xiaoxiao''s room.


    When he opened his eyes and saw Jiang Xiaoxiao sleeping next to him, Xie Xun was startled.


    His lips seemed a little swollen, and he touched them gingerly, feeling pain.


    His face darkened, and he immediately lifted the covers to take a look inside.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had just woken up, blinking her eyes innocently at him, "I didn''t take off your clothes."


    Xie Xun eyed her warily, "How did you end up in my..."


    Realizing this was Jiang Xiaoxiao''s room, he corrected himself, "Why am I here?"


    Adhering to her principle of not lying, Jiang Xiaoxiao told him seriously, "Because you got drunkst night, and when you''re drunk, you want me to kiss you."


    Xie Xun''s heart skipped a beat, feeling as if he''d been struck by thunderbolts, "And then?"


    "And then I kissed you."


    She pointed at Xie Xun''s lips, "I kissed you for a long time, and it seems to have swollen up."


    She reflected for a moment, "So kissing can make you happy? Then I''ll try harder next time."


    Sitting at the head of the bed with her hair down, she propped her chin on her hand and said this so seriously that it made Xie Xun lose focus for a moment.


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao," he suddenly became solemn.


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you know that in the mountain vige, there are rules? If you touch someone, you have to take responsibility."


    "I''ll take responsibility!" Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Besides kissing you, what else do I need to do?"


    "Jiang Xiaoxiao..."


    Xie Xun raised his hand and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    "You said you don''t understand the seven emotions and six desires of the mountain vige. I can teach you how to like someone, how to treat someone well, but once you learn, you can only use it on one person."


    He paused for a moment, his gaze tinged with a possessiveness that Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''tprehend.


    "That person can only be me."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously, "Okay."


    The marks on his lips were too obvious, so Xie Xun took the day off and didn''t go to the academy.


    When Dean Gu saw him, he cleared his throat.


    Ah, the young these days, quite the lively spirit!


    Xie Xun shot him a nce.


    Dean Gu immediately resumed a serious expression, "Your Highness, this old servant has identified a good day for travel in the next couple of days. Shall we prepare to return to the capital?"


    Xie Xun said, "Wait a little longer."


    "Does Your Highness have any other matters to attend to? This old servant can assist."


    Of course, he was waiting for the curse on Jiang Xiaoxiao to take effect.


    However, up until now, besides Xie Xun, only Chen Sixi knew about this.


    Xie Xun didn''t n to tell Dean Gu, only saying, "Xiaoxiao is feeling unwell, so it''s not suitable for her to travel far for the time being."


    Dean Gu looked at the rosy-cheeked Jiang Xiaoxiao with puzzlement.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, I''m really unwell!"


    Dean Gu: "..." What are these two up to?


    Chen Sixi came over in the afternoon.


    Seeing Xie Xun, he clicked his tongue, "Your Highness, you''re quite the bold one! Take it easy, our Miss Jiang is still young!"


    Xie Xun shot him a re, "What brings you here?"


    Chen Sixi said, "I''ve calcted the date, and the master should be transforming soon. I''vee to take the little brat to stay at my ce for a couple of days."


    Originally, Xie Xun had nned to send Yang Ershun to Dean Gu''s ce, but since Chen Sixi had thought of it first, he didn''t object and nodded, "Take him away, then."


    Chen Sixi looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was daydreaming outside, and felt a slight itch, "Or maybe we can leave the little brat here, and you let me take the master back to my ce for a couple of days after the transformation?"


    He used to quite enjoy collecting dolls, but ever since seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s transformed appearance, he felt that all the dolls on the market were no longer cute.


    He wanted a living one!

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    In the end, it was a bucket of cold water from Xie Xun that sent Chen Sixi out.


    Wiping the droplets of water from his face, Chen Sixi hopped in the yard, "Xie Xun, it was just a joke, was that necessary?"


    No one paid him any mind, the courtyard door closed with a loud bang.


    Chen Sixi nced at the gloating Yang Ershun beside him and couldn''t hold his anger, "Brat, what are youughing at?"


    Yang Ershun made a face at him, "Hahaha...you deserved it!"


    Chen Sixi snorted, "You wouldn''t understand, it''s because we''re close. If he didn''t care about you, he wouldn''t even bother with you!"


    Yang Ershun pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized, "No wonder he told me to scram when I called him ''Dad'' before. He must see me as his own son."


    Chen Sixi: "..."


    ¡ª¡ª


    As Jiang Xiaoxiao''s next transformation was approaching, Xie Xun hadn''t been going to the academytely.


    He didn''t start going to the academy for the sake of studying and advancing his career in the first ce, now that people from Yanjing City hade to pick him up, his attendance didn''t matter.


    Any visitors, including Su Hai and Dean Gu, were prohibited from visiting.


    Xie Xun remembered the words of the pharmacistst time, he needed to go early this month.


    Although his current residence wasn''t far from the pharmacy, Xie Xun couldn''t guarantee whether Jiang Xiaoxiao would have an early episode.


    To be safe, it was better to get the medicine early.


    Upon hearing about the need to fetch the medicine, Jiang Xiaoxiao waspletely disheartened.


    Xie Xun raised an eyebrow at her, "Are you that scared of taking a medicinal bath?"


    "Uh-huh." Jiang Xiaoxiao earnestly nodded her little head, "Very scared, very scared, can I not take it?"


    As she spoke, she rushed forward and threw herself into Xie Xun''s arms, rubbing her head against his chest.


    In reality, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand any of this, she was just recalling the things her third senior brother taught her and picked out some easy-to-learn and potentially useful ones.


    Her third senior brother said, it''s beneficial for a girl to act a little spoiled in front of a man from time to time.


    He also said she was too dull, making her seem like a monk who has seen through the red dust of the world.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hummed in her heart, she wasn''t dull at all, she was actually incredibly clever.


    Xie Xun looked down.


    The young girl was hugging him, her pure white and tender face was close at hand, her eyes watery and innocent.


    Xie Xun''s breath hitched, "Let go!"


    If she kept hugging him, he wouldn''t be able to hold back.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand that hugging him like this would elicit a response in him, she just tightened her arms around his waist, shaking her head vigorously, "No no..."


    She continued to rub against him, stirring up a storm within Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun reached out, finally managing to pull her out of his embrace.


    Looking at the pitiful look in Jiang Xiaoxiao''s eyes, Xie Xun couldn''t help butugh, "Little thing, you provoke me and yet expect me to take responsibility, you are..."


    "Hmm?" Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t quite understand.


    Xie Xun took a deep breath to calm his restless desire, "Didn''t you say you wanted to make me happy? If you take a medicinal bath, I''ll be happy."


    "Oh." Jiang Xiaoxiao, with her head drooping, obediently followed him to fetch the medicine.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Zhang Hengyi had not returned since he descended the mountainst time.


    When Xie Xun brought Jiang Xiaoxiao into the shop, he was quietly speaking with the shopkeeper.


    Upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, a smile spread across the handsome face of Zhang Hengyi, "How have you been feeling these past few days? Have there been any abnormal changes to your body?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was surprised that her Senior Brother had descended from the mountain. After recovering from her surprise, she shook her head, indicating that she didn''t feel anything.


    She rarely fell ill and had a high tolerance for pain. Minor injuries were nothing more than a tickle to her.


    "Come here, let me take your pulse," Zhang Hengyi''s gaze was gentle.


    The Taoist arts consist of five techniques: Mountain, Medicine, Destiny, Appearance, and Divination.


    The second, "Medicine," refers to medical skills.


    Zhang Hengyi, as the current chief disciple of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, although less talented than Jiang Xiaoxiao, his medical skills could be described as masterful.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao took a few steps forward, exposing her wrist and cing it on the small pulse pillow.


    Just as Zhang Hengyi was about to take her pulse, Xie Xun''s eyes darkened, and he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and promptly covered Jiang Xiaoxiao''s wrist.


    Zhang Hengyi was taken aback for a moment, then he couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand and asked Xie Xun, "Why cover with a handkerchief?"


    Xie Xun replied, "Because covering it will make the diagnosis more urate."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t doubt him and agreed by nodding her head, "Then I''ll prepare one in the future."


    As Zhang Hengyi was taking her pulse, Xie Xun''s gaze was fixed on his hand. His eyes were cold as knives.


    Zhang Hengyi withdrew his hand.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hurriedly asked, "Senior Brother, am I better? Can I stop taking medicinal baths?"


    Zhang Hengyi spoke softly, "Your body has always been robust, but during this special period, you still cannot stop the necessary medicinal baths."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s spirits deted again.


    But soon, she thought of another question, "Senior Brother, since you''ve descended the mountain, who will deliver food to Junior Uncle?"


    Zhang Ding, the old Heavenly Master, has three disciples. Jiang Xiaoxiao had only ever met her master during her many years at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s master was the second in line.


    Junior Uncle was named Zhang Yichu. He was said to be the most promising sessor of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion. Not only was he extraordinarily handsome and elegant like a fairy, but his talent was also incredibly exceptional among all male disciples at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    However, no one knew what had happened, but Junior Uncle had been in seclusion on the back mountain ever since.


    When she was on the mountain, Jiang Xiaoxiao was responsible for delivering meals to Junior Uncle.


    The day she descended the mountain, she entrusted this task to Senior Brother Zhang Hengyi.


    The other disciple of the old Heavenly Master that Jiang Xiaoxiao had never met was her Senior Uncle. Few people on the mountain talked about him, as if his name was taboo.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was not a gossip, and if no one told her, she would not go out of her way to inquire.


    "Don''t worry, there are so many disciples at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, there will always be someone to take care of Junior Uncle," Zhang Hengyi''s voice brought Jiang Xiaoxiao back from her thoughts.


    "Junior Uncle''s injury... it hasn''t healed yet?"


    Having been in seclusion for sixteen years, Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t imagine what kind of injury needed such a long time to heal.


    Zhang Hengyi hesitated for a moment.


    In fact, he also didn''t quite understand the matters of the previous generation. Although he had entered the Heavenly Master''s Mansion when he was very young, he was too young then and didn''t understand anything.


    He only knew that Junior Uncle had entered seclusion the year when little Jiang Xiaoxiao was sent to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, swaddled in her nkets.


    Now, sixteen years have passed, and he could no longer recall what Junior Uncle looked like.


    At this thought, Zhang Hengyi said, "Last time, I inadvertently heard from my master that my junior uncle is likely toe out of his seclusion soon."


    "Really?"


    A rare excitement appeared on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s usually stoic face.


    "Then, when my junior unclees out of seclusion, I''ll go back to see him."

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Upon leaving the pharmacy, Jiang Xiaoxiao saw a man, Qin Fengmian.


    Qin Fengmian was leisurely strolling on the pedestrian street across the stone arch bridge, fanning himself.


    He caught a glimpse of Jiang Xiaoxiao by chance, paused for a moment, then smiled and waved at her, "Littless!"


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun''s face instantly darkened.


    It seemed that only now did Qin Fengmian notice Xie Xun at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s side.


    When the two got closer, he hesitated and asked, "And this gentleman is¡­?"


    Xie Xun answered in a deep voice, "Jiang Xiaoxiao''s fianc¨¦."


    "Ah... so Miss Jiang already has a fianc¨¦?¡±


    Qin Fengmian''s words that day were true, in their circle, strength was indeed revered.


    It was precisely because of this that the Elder Celestial Master of Cangwu Mountain was so respected.


    Although Qin Fengmian didn''t know that Jiang Xiaoxiao was from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, he was well aware that a powerful person like Jiang Xiaoxiao was a "hotmodity" in their circle, a sweet bun that wouldn''tck admirers.


    But he didn''t expect, this young girl was already engaged.


    And this fianc¨¦¡­


    Qin Fengmian''s gaze swept over Xie Xun.


    He hadn''t been with National Master Bai Cheng for long, and he didn''t know or remember the Third Prince of the royal family, who had a notorious reputation.


    Even if Jiang Xiaoxiao had told him that day that if she lost, she would have to be a little follower for Xie Xun, he still couldn''t associate Xie Xun with Murong Xun.


    He just thought that this man, other than being somewhat handsome, seemed nothing special.


    What kind of taste did this girl have?


    Opening his folding fan, Qin Fengmian fanned himself and looked at Xie Xun, "That day the littless made a bet with me, saying that if I lost, I would have to be a little follower for someone. That person... wouldn''t happen to be you, would it?"


    Xie Xun calmly looked at Qin Fengmian, "It seems you lost quite miserably."


    Qin Fengmian coughed to conceal his embarrassment.


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao left that day, he had tried to drink three jars of wine in one breath.


    It wasn''t that his alcohol tolerance was bad, but such a way of drinking was something most people simply could not bear. He vomited after just one sip from the third jar.


    So strictly speaking, he lost, and lost quite miserably.


    Xie Xun''s voice echoed solemnly, "Also, my Xiaoxiao''s surname is not ''Xiao'', it''s ''Jiang''. ''Littless'' is not what you should call her. Since you lost, from now on you''ll work like an ox and a horse and call me ''master''. All the chores in our house, such as chopping wood, carrying water, and washing clothes, are now your responsibility."


    Qin Fengmian was thoroughly choked.


    How could he, the distinguished disciple of the National Master, be a servant chopping wood, carrying water, and washing clothes?


    He couldn''t tell at all, but this guy was really ruthless!


    "Err, can we negotiate something?"


    Qin Fengmian didn''t want to waste his talents.


    "I heard you''re going to Yanjing City. The waters in Yanjing City run deep. I''ll be responsible for the two of you. That should be alright, right?"


    Xie Xun nodded in agreement saying it''s settled, then changed the subject, "But once we get to Yanjing, we''ll still need to chop wood, carry water, sweep the courtyard, and wash clothes."


    "¡­" Qin Fengmian felt like vomiting blood.


    Qin Fengmian followed Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao back to their house.


    Xie Xun didn''t even offer him a drink when he came in. As soon as he stepped through the door, he started giving orders, asking him to chop the firewood they''d just bought a couple of days ago and wash all his clean clothes again.


    The final task was cleaning the house, meticulously wiping every table, chair, and stool with a cloth.


    Bizarrely, he could only use his left hand.


    Qin Fengmian didn''t quite catch on. It was the left hand he had used when he touched Jiang Xiaoxiao that day.


    He just felt that he had never been bossed around like this in his life.


    After doing a series of rough tasks, he was tired and frustrated.


    Turning around, he saw Xie Xun sitting under the eaves, leisurely peeling an orange for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The corner of Qin Fengmian''s mouth twitched harshly, "Xie Xun, I suspect you''re deliberately messing with me."


    Xie Xun looked at him with a nd expression, "No need to suspect, it''s deliberate."


    Qin Fengmian was frantic, "Why? I have martial arts skills and spiritual power, can''t I do something else?"


    Xie Xun thought seriously for a while, then told him, "No reason, just for some pleasant feelings."


    "..."


    Qin Fengmian was filled with regret, why on earth did he propose apetition with Jiang Xiaoxiao that day?


    Why not just take her away!


    He threw down the broom, sat on the stone bench opposite Xie Xun, poured himself a cup of water, "Where''s my room?"


    Xie Xun replied, "We don''t manage these things. You have to solve your own eating and living problems."


    Qin Fengmian choked on a mouthful of water, coughed for a while, his face turned red, "So, after all my hard work, I get nothing?"


    Xie Xun looked at him scrutinizingly, "Your eldest brother also prepared fully to be carried out after thepetition with Xiaoxiao. I thought you were like him, conscious to be someone''s cattle or horse before thepetition."


    The more he mentioned it, the more regretful Qin Fengmian became.


    What made him think that a seemingly weak little girl couldn''t drink?


    A person who could break Zhu Yan''s bizarre Bagua formation with speed, one can imagine that the level of cultivation has reached a level that ordinary people cannot reach.


    Could that be an ordinary person?


    In the end, Qin Fengmian, who had hit a wall, could only return to his dwelling hungry.


    ---


    In the blink of an eye, it was the night of the full moon.


    Xie Xun had washed all the bedding in Jiang Xiaoxiao''s nest in advance.


    After dinner, Jiang Xiaoxiao was too sleepy.


    However, until midnight, she still couldn''t transform.


    Seeing her drooping eyelids, Xie Xun said, "Why don''t you go to sleep, I''ll wake you up at midnight."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head, trying to make herself a little more alert.


    "I''m not sleepy, just wait a little longer."


    She said she wasn''t sleepy, but soon after her words fell, she closed her eyes, and her little head leaned and leaned onto Xie Xun''s shoulder.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao wouldn''t normally be this sleepy.


    It was because as it got closer to the night of the full moon, she became weaker.


    Seeing her fall asleep, Xie Xun reached out, gently picked her up, and moved towards his room.


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao shrinks, she will be chased by mice.


    For her safety, Xie Xun had specially moved her nest into his room.


    But at this moment Jiang Xiaoxiao had not transformed, so he could only let her lie on his bed for a while.


    Until heid her t, Jiang Xiaoxiao had no sense of it. She slept very deeply, showing no signs of waking up.


    Xie Xun looked at the hourss on the bedside table.


    Midnight was approaching.


    However, Jiang Xiaoxiao did not transform as promptly as expected.


    Xie Xun thought that perhaps he had calcted the time too precisely and decided to wait a bit longer.


    But he wasn''t good at staying upte, he started to feel sleepy after midnight.


    In the end, he couldn''t hold on any longer andid down next to Jiang Xiaoxiao, unknowingly falling asleep.


    ---


    The next day, Xie Xun was woken up by Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    As he opened his eyes, he saw a tiny creature that had transformed at some point, hopping repeatedly on his chest.


    "Xie Xun, Xie Xun, I''m hungry!"


    The little creature had to jump for quite a while to wake him up, eventually sitting down tiredly.


    Xie Xun lifted her up with two fingers, scrutinizing her closely, and asked with some confusion, "When did you transformst night?"


    "I don''t know." Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head.


    She always felt tired after transforming, and since she had been asleep when she transformedst night, how would she know?


    Xie Xun pondered for a moment, "You didn''t transform promptly at midnight, could it be rted to my unsealing?"

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Was it not time for the transformation at midnight?


    Apart from the previous incident at the chaotic burial ground where she transformed early, Jiang Xiaoxiao had never encountered such a situation before.


    She pondered but couldn''t figure out the reason.


    She then tilted her little head and scrutinized the top of Xie Xun''s head carefully.


    Although the Evil Aura seal had beenpletely broken, his Dragon Aura had not regenerated.


    Logically, it should not have affected the spell on her temporarily.


    Then why did she not transform on time?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao continued to ponder.


    However, with her limited mental capacity after miniaturization, she soon hit a wall, her eyes spinning and her entire being feeling dizzy.


    "Don''t think too much if you can''t figure it out," said Xie Xun, shaking the little creature. After she recovered, he got up and fetched her personal small washbasin to wash her face, thenbed her hair before preparing to go to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    Before leaving, remembering how the little thing had gotten stuck on the doorwayst time when she went to the kitchen by herself, Xie Xun took her along to the kitchen.


    While Xie Xun lit the fire, Jiang Xiaoxiao sat on the cab with her short legs stretched out.


    If she remained still, from a distance she would look like a lifelike doll.


    Xie Xun nced at her asionally.


    Thinking about how Jiang Xiaoxiao attracted admirers wherever she went in her normal form, Xie Xun suddenly had the urge to lock her up in that little cage, so she would never grow up or leave him.


    "So hungry..." Jiang Xiaoxiao rubbed her empty little belly, looking at him pitifully.


    Xie Xun acknowledged with a hum, "Just a little longer, it''ll be ready soon."


    Considering that Jiang Xiaoxiao had been hungry since her transformation, it was toote to cook porridge. Xie Xun first fried a few eggs for her, cut them into thin shreds, and put them in a small bowl in front of her.


    Afraid that she might choke, he also boiled a pot of hot water.


    During her transformation period, the weaker Jiang Xiaoxiao was, the more she needed to replenish her energy through eating. A few eggs were clearly far from enough.


    Xie Xun said, "Eat the eggs first, then rest a while. After the herbal bath, I''ll make something more filling for you."


    It was only then that Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered she was about to undergo a three-day hellish herbal bath!


    The eggs in her mouth suddenly lost their appeal.


    She had been eating them quickly and happily earlier, but now she was as slow as azy mule, taking forever to finish a single slender shred of egg.


    Xie Xun paid no heed to her dawdling as he washed the herbal jar and began preparing the herbs for decoction.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao herself was quite puzzled. She wasn''t afraid of pain or cultivation, yet she dreaded the herbal baths.


    More often than not, it wasn''t that she didn''t want to take the baths, but her body instinctively resisted them.


    As she hadn''t studied medicine, she had no idea about the specific effects of the herbal form given by her master, only knowing that she had to take the baths after each miniaturization, or else something bad would happen.


    This "something bad" probably referred to situations like thest time at the chaotic burial ground, where she was nearly out of her own control, right?


    When Xie Xun finished decocting the herbs, he turned around to see the little one tilting her little head, deep in thought, while unconsciously finishing all the eggs.


    The corners of his lips curved upward as he fetched her small bathtub, poured in the herbal decoction, and added warm water. Finally, holding the small bathtub in one hand and cradling Jiang Xiaoxiao in the other, he returned to her room.


    The small bathtub was ced on the table.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao jumped from Xie Xun''s palm, she noticed a set of small clothes next to the towel, identical to the ones she was wearing!


    Each time Jiang Xiaoxiao transformed, her clothes would miniaturize too, but only the set she was currently wearing.


    All other spare clothes remained regr-sized.


    This set of clothes was clearly made specifically for her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao wondered, "Did you make these?"


    She remembered that Xie Xun could make plush rabbits and embroider rabbits on clothes, and his craftsmanship was excellent.


    Xie Xun looked at her, "Don''t you like them?"


    "I love them!" Jiang Xiaoxiao''s eyes crinkled.


    As long as they were identical to what she was wearing, she loved them.


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s reaction, the corners of Xie Xun''s lips curled upward.


    Having settled on the first set of clothes, all future sets had to be exactly the same.


    When it came to obsession, no one could surpass this little creature.


    "It''s chilly, so take your bath while it''s hot," Xie Xun leaned down and gently pinned up her hair to prevent it from getting wet with the herbal liquid. "I''ll be right outside. Call me if you need anything."


    "Okay."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao watched Xie Xun leave and close the door before starting to undress.


    The weather wasn''t great today, with a cool wind blowing outside.


    The small bathtub was already tiny, and after half an hour, the herbal liquid inside had cooled down.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao climbed out of the small bathtub, she shivered involuntarily.


    It wasn''t until she had dried herself and put on her new clothes that she called out, "Xie Xun, Xie Xun, I''m done bathing!"


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the door opened.


    Xie Xun''s gaze immediately fell on her.


    Hmm, the new clothes fit her well.


    Xie Xun first took her to the stove and ced her on a small round stool to warm herself. Only then did he return to dispose of the herbal liquid from the small bathtub.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was already ustomed to being warmed by Xie Xun after every bath. She didn''t find it strange, only lowering her head to admire her new clothes.


    When Xie Xun saw this scene as he entered, he told her, "There are two more sets besides this one."


    After a pause, he added, "Including shoes and socks."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao opened her mouth in surprise.


    Not only Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t believe it, but even Xie Xun himself never imagined that one day, as a grown man, he would enjoy making clothes, shoes, and socks for a tiny three-inch creature.


    The desire tob her hair, dress her up, cook delicious food for her, and watch her take tiny bites until finished was overwhelmingly strong.


    So, Jiang Xiaoxiao put on her new little shoes and socks.


    As promised, Xie Xun prepared a whole table of delicious food for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Afraid that she would eat too quickly and soil her newly changed clothes, he even put a bib on her.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    After finishing the meal, Jiang Xiaoxiao sat on her "little stool," waiting for Xie Xun to take her down.


    After Xie Xun had cleaned up the dishes, he took her out to the courtyard for a walk to aid digestion.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao grew tired, she climbed onto a stone table and looked up at him, "Xie Xun, when are we going to Yanjing City?"


    Xie Xun stretched out his hand, and with his fingertips, he gently brushed her hair that had been disheveled by the wind.


    "Once we enter Yanjing, you will be inseparably linked to me, and what dangers we may encounter in the future are unknown."


    Xie Xun''s gaze was focused on her small face, "If you want to regret it now, it''s not toote."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hummed, "Is it as dangerous as Zhu Yan?"


    "Perhaps even more so."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao seemed to understand, "Then I will sharpen my kitchen knife. If I encounter people, I will chop them. If I encounter ghosts, I will chop them too."


    Xie Xun: "......"


    After being taken care of meticulously for three days, Jiang Xiaoxiao finally returned to her normal state.


    Dean Gu and Su Hai were banned from visiting their home.


    Now, it was only Xie Xun who could go to them. He went straight to Dean Gu''s house.


    When he arrived, he found that Dean Gu was directing people to move things out.


    Xie Xun stepped forward, "Professor, what is this......"


    Dean Gu stroked his beard, his face full of joy, "The things in the house, those that should be sold are sold, preparing to follow His Highness to Yanjing City."


    Afraid that Xie Xun would think too much, Dean Gu exined, "The Luming Academy was just something I took over when I was disheartened with the court, to avoid the world. Although I have managed it for over ten years,pared to His Highness, these are nothing."


    Xie Xun said, "Once back in Yanjing, the professor might not be able to live as before."


    Dean Gu was once a Grand Schr of the Wen Hua Hall, not only was he heavily used by Emperor Hongtai, but he was also a renowned schr in Yan Country.


    Because of the issue with the Third Prince, he resigned.


    Now going back, naturally, he won''t be able to regain his former glory.


    Hearing this, Dean Gu just gave a light smile, "Wealth and rank, they are all external things. If there''s anything left to desire in my life, it would be to find His Highness and personally send him back to Yanjing."


    And to do everything possible to clear His Highness'' name.


    Thest sentence, Dean Gu did not say it out loud.


    Although he has this ambition, he also knows his abilities are limited.


    Since his abilities are limited, then he would first do what''s within his power.


    Hearing Dean Gu''s statement, Xie Xun hummed in response, not preventing him.


    At this time of his return to Yanjing, he needed help, and the professor could assist him a lot.


    Thinking of this, Xie Xun asked again, "Approximately how long does it take from Kaihe County to Yanjing City?"


    He was calcting the time.


    If it takes more than a month, that means Jiang Xiaoxiao would transform again during the journey back to Yanjing, he needs to find a way to reduce the time, he can''t expose any ws on the way.


    Dean Gu, like Xie Xun, hasn''t left Kaihe County since he arrived over ten years ago, let alone return to Yanjing.


    Letting out a sigh, Dean Gu said, "Your Highness might as well ask Su Hai, he should know better than me."


    Xie Xun did not go to find Su Hai personally, Su Hai came to him on his own.


    As a shadow guard, he always treated his master''s words as an ironmand.


    Three days ago, when Xie Xun told him not toe for three days, he didn''te for three days.


    On the fourth day, right on schedule, he appeared outside the small courtyard, still starting with the familiar opening remark, "Your Highness, if you n to return to Yanjing City, please inform me as soon as possible, allowing me to make arrangements."


    Xie Xun nced at him indifferently, "How long would it take to return?"


    Su Hai responded, "If we hurry, around twenty days, otherwise, over a month."


    Xie Xun chuckled coldly, "Why do I recall that you made itst time in just half a month?"


    Su Hai was shocked. The Third Prince knew about their departure time from the city?


    Of course, Xie Xun knew.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had mentioned that as soon as he broke the seal, the person in Yanjing City would know immediately.


    Murong Yuan certainly wouldn''t sit still; he would either send someone to fetch him or send someone to kill him.


    But regardless of the former ortter, Murong Yuan would have to act within three days.


    In the face of Xie Xun''s cold gaze, Su Hai lowered his head, "Your Highness, we had traveled day and night when we came."


    Day and night?


    As he had anticipated, Murong Yuan could not remain idle.


    "When you sent me away from the city that year, you rushed like fleeing for your life, and now you rush to bring me back, day and night. Back then, someone didn''t want me to stay in Yanjing City, and now who can''t do without me? Interesting!"


    Xie Xun''s words were filled with icy mockery.


    Su Hai dared not speak.


    All of this was ording to the Crown Prince''s wishes.


    As the only Crown Prince in Yan Country who could make the statue of the Imperial Deity Temple manifest, Murong Yuan''s poprity in Yan Country even surpassed Emperor Hongtai.


    Murong Yuan''s requests were generally granted by Emperor Hongtai.


    And this time was no exception.


    Su Hai still remembered how, one dayst month, the Crown Prince had hurriedly run to Jianzhang Pce and said this to Emperor Hongtai.


    He said, "Father, themon people are speaking ill of the Third Prince. He is of royal blood and should not endure such humiliation. Even if hemitted any crimes, it''s been fourteen years.


    I don''t understand why people harbor such resentment towards the Third Prince. He was just divorced, and they are digging up the past. I can''t bear to watch."


    When Emperor Hongtai asked him what he wanted to do, the Crown Prince appeared regretful and self-ming.


    "It''s my fault. These years, I have been busy with state affairs and forgot to send someone to visit the Third Prince. As his elder brother, I failed him. I implore you, Father, to issue an edict to bring the Third Prince back to the city. From now on, I will take care of him myself."


    So Emperor Hongtai issued the edict.


    Su Hai didn''t have a good impression of the Crown Prince.


    He couldn''t understand why everyone only remembered Murong Yuan when it was the Third Prince who had lit up the statue of the Imperial Deity Temple for a night.


    ¡­


    ording to Su Hai, it would take about twenty days to reach Yanjing City at a normal pace.


    Xie Xun was even less anxious. He either took Jiang Xiaoxiao to the tea house to watch a y or got a fishing rod to fish, but he never mentioned going back to the city.


    Su Hai was anxious inside, but there was nothing he could do.


    ¡­


    While Xie Xun was not in a hurry, Murong Yuan, the Crown Prince of Yanjing City, was so anxious that he couldn''t sleep for several nights.


    That night he even had a nightmare. He dreamt that Murong Xun had returned, snatching away the dragon aura from him, causing him to fall into hell overnight, being cursed by thousands of people.


    When he woke up in fright, Murong Yuan found himself covered in cold sweat.


    He took a sip of cold tea, beckoned a servant in, "Go check if the teacher is resting. If not, ask him to see me."


    Murong Yuan had deliberately arranged a courtyard in the eastern pce for the man in the ck robe, for easy ess to him whenever needed.


    A quarter of an hourter, the man in the ck robe appeared in Murong Yuan''s sleeping chamber.


    Murong Yuan sat under the light, draped in arge cloak.


    The light from themp cast a glow on the cold sweat on his forehead.


    The man in the ck robe found a round chair to sit on, "Having nightmares?"


    "Teacher..."


    Thinking of the scene in his dream, Murong Yuan was somewhat emotionally shattered, "When can we seal Murong Xun again?"


    As long as the matter of the seal was not settled, he wouldn''t be able to sleep peacefully.


    The man in the ck robe took a sip of tea, and said indifferently, "The person who is supposed to fetch him has not returned yet."


    Murong Yuan said angrily, "If I had known, I would have arranged for my people to fetch him."


    Su Hai was originally sent by histe father to protect Queen Xie specifically, so he would naturally have a sense ofpassion for Queen Xie''s son.


    The man in the ck robe smiled, "Your Highness is overthinking. Regardless of whether the Third Prince enters the capital early orte, the result will be the same. He will be sealed again."


    Seeing Murong Yuan still frowning, the man in the ck robe added, "Your Highness, you don''t need to worry about the Third Prince. What you need to consider now is the thing in the tomb of thete empress."


    Murong Yuan was slightly taken aback.


    His teacher told him that the Purple Gold Dragon Qi light illuminating the statue in the Imperial Deity Temple didn''t have any substantial effect.


    In the hands of thete empress, there might be something that could allow him to inherit the power of the founding emperor from a hundred years ago.


    But this thing, his teacher had been looking for it for a long time. It was not in the pce, so it could only be in the tomb.


    The founding emperor, he was a god-like figure.


    If he could inherit his power, from then on, not to mention the citizens of Yan Country, even the whole world, would have to bow at his feet!

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    As they were about to reach the Capital City, Chen Sixi still hadn''t sent Yang Ershun back.


    Xie Xun had lived in the vige for so many years and knew Yang Ershun very well. That kid would never obediently stay at the Chen family for so long.


    Xie Xun didn''t care whether Yang Ershun could go to the Capital City or not, but the main concern was that Yang''s family had entrusted Yang Ershun to Jiang Xiaoxiao. If anything happened to him, it would cause trouble for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Since they had to return to the vige before going to the Capital City, Xie Xun nned to ask Chen Sixi about it on the way.


    Before leaving, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression suddenly became serious.


    "Something happened."


    Xie Xun frowned slightly, "Is it about Yang Ershun?"


    "Yes."


    "Then let''s hurry back."


    Xie Xun asked Su Hai for a carriage, pointed out the route to the coachman, and then pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao onto the carriage.


    Just as they were about to leave, Chen Sixi''s loud shouts came from a distance, "Xie Xun, wait a minute..."


    He ran and shouted, and when he reached the carriage, he was already out of breath.


    Xie Xun opened the curtain and looked at him, "Where''s Yang Ershun?"


    Chen Sixi swallowed, "That''s exactly what I came for."


    He said, "A few days ago, I took the kid to the town, right? It just so happened that his mother came to the market, and they ran into each other. She insisted on wanting to see her son, so she took him home for a couple of days."


    "And then what?"


    "Then something happened!"


    Chen Sixi said anxiously, "His mother just came to find me, saying that the little brat was acting strange on the second day of returning home. He wouldn''t eat cooked rice, but instead grabbed the undercooked rice from the pot and ate it. He even gnawed on candles, and the dogs at home would bark at him nonstop."


    At this point, Chen Sixi felt a little scared himself, "His mother was almost driven crazy. She didn''t know where you were, so she could only ask me to find you. Xie Xun, what do you think..."


    He knew that Xie Xun was about to go to the Capital City, and this matter might dy their arrival. But he was entrusted with this task.


    Moreover, a few days ago, the little brat was handed over from him to Lin Guifang, so he would also be responsible if anything happened.


    Xie Xun didn''t speak, but looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao beside him.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, after listening to Chen Sixi''s description, had already figured out the situation.


    "Yang Ershun''s Yin-Yang Eye, if not properly cultivated, would inevitably cause trouble."


    Xie Xun understood, and told the coachman outside, "Set off, return to Shi Mo Vige."


    "Um, should Ie with you?" Chen Sixi hade on a mule cart, which was now parked at the coffin shop. If he wanted to go to Shi Mo Vige, taking the mule cart would be too slow.


    Xie Xun let him board the carriage.


    It was an urgent matter, so no one spoke in the carriagepartment. Chen Sixi had lost his usual carefree demeanor.


    He remembered what Lin Guifang had said and looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Master, is the little brat''s symptom... a case of being possessed by a ghost?"


    His family ran a coffin shop, so he had heard some stories.


    In such a situation, it was most likely an encounter with a ghost.


    Thinking of this, Chen Sixi felt a bit puzzled.


    Ever since he got to know Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao, he had seen his fair share of ghosts, but each time, he was the only one afraid, and nothing ever happened to him afterward. He could still eat and drink as usual.


    He had never encountered a situation like Yang Ershun''s before.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Yang Ershun has the Yin-Yang Eye, which means he can see all kinds of ghosts. Perhaps the ghosts he saw before meant no harm, but this time he encountered a malicious one."


    "The little brat actually has the Yin-Yang Eye?" Chen Sixi was utterly shocked.


    How brave must the kid have been to have seen ghosts before without anything happening?


    The carriage went straight into the vige and stopped in front of the vige chief''s house.


    Just as Chen Sixi had said, their family''s yellow dog tied at the door was very aggressive, barking incessantly.


    When it saw Jiang Xiaoxiao, the yellow dog''s barking gradually weakened, wagged its tail at her, and soon retreated to its den.


    Crying sounds came from the east wing.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao naturally looked over.


    Yang Dashun had juste out of the main hall and, upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, quickly turned back and said loudly, "Dad, Miss Jiang is here!"


    As soon as the words left his mouth, the haggard vige chief hurriedly came out, his old eyes red and swollen. He bent down to kneel before Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "Master, we really didn''t know that taking him back would cause trouble. Ershun is my son, and I wouldn''t want anything to happen to him more than anyone else. But now... Please, Master, save my son!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao promptly supported him, "Let''s talk."


    Ever since his younger son''s incident, the vige chief hadn''t slept for two days. He dared not seek help from the half-baked wandering monks in the town, so he could only pray to the Buddha, hoping for Jiang Xiaoxiao''s early return to the vige.


    Now that he had finally seen her, the tension he had been holding finally released, and he fainted on the spot.


    Yang Dashun took his father back to the room, then invited Xie Xun and Chen Sixi to sit in the main hall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao went to the east wing.


    Yang Ershun was lying unconscious, and Lin Guifang sat in front of the bed, her eyes swollen from crying.


    Hearing the footsteps, Lin Guifang raised her head, and upon seeing that it was Jiang Xiaoxiao, she seemed to have found a lifeline, "Master, please, save my Ershun."


    She wore an expression of heartbreak and self-me.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat down, examined Yang Ershun''s facial features, and then looked at Lin Guifang, "When did he start acting strange?"


    Lin Guifang told the truth, "Three days ago, I brought him back from the town. He was fine that day, able to eat and drink. But on the second day, he became strange. He slept the whole day and only got up at night.


    When I called him for dinner, he didn''t even look at it. Instead, he went straight to the kitchen and grabbed the undercooked rice from the pot to eat. He also found the white candles used for ancestor worship..."


    At this point, Lin Guifang covered her face and cried out loud.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "It''s not a big deal, he''ll be fine by tonight."


    Lin Guifang was stunned after hearing this, "Really?"


    It wasn''t that she doubted Jiang Xiaoxiao''s ability, but for an ordinary person, such an incident was truly terrifying.


    The unknown nature of ghosts and spirits amplified the fear.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If you have time, find some colored paper and cut out a few sets of small clothes. Also, prepare some undercooked rice."


    "Okay, okay, I''ll go do that right away."


    Lin Guifang hurriedly left.


    In fact, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t need to be so troublesome when exorcising ghosts. She just didn''t want Lin Guifang to keep crying in the room.


    Crying was not only useless but would also make her feel irritated.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never cried in her life. She didn''t even understand why people would cry instead of finding a solution to the problem first.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    After Lin Guifang left, Jiang Xiaoxiao finally looked toward the wardrobe in the corner.


    "Come out!"


    The wardrobe remained still.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "I''ll count to three, and if you don''te out, the kitchen knife will serve you!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the wardrobe suddenly opened, and a pale-faced little ghost stood there.


    Out of ghostly instinct, it shed a challenging yet eerie smile at Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The room was heavy with ominous energy.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao examined it, "Why do you want to steal people''s souls?"


    The little ghost didn''t answer, but instead pounced at her with a ferocious look.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nimbly dodged and grabbed it, lifting it up in the air, "Is that all you''ve got?"


    The little ghost felt that the hand holding it weighed a thousand pounds, no matter how hard it struggled, it couldn''t break free.


    It deted and suddenly burst into tears.


    As it cried, the ominous energy in the room grew heavier, and the yellow dog outside began barking frantically.


    Lin Guifang, who had just started cooking rice, was startled and came to knock on the door, "Master, is everything alright?"


    "It''s fine," Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Just prepare the things I told you earlier."


    Lin Guifang was still worried, but since Jiang Xiaoxiao had told her to prepare the items, she had no choice but to do so.


    Inside the room, the little ghost was still being held up by Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    No matter how much it cried, Jiang Xiaoxiao remained unmoved.


    The little ghost could only plead with her, "Sister, I was wrong, please let me go?"


    Ordinary people, even if they saw a ghost, would never be able to touch it, but this sister not only could touch it but also restrain it and prevent it from escaping, clearly indicating she was a sorceress!


    It had only intended to possess someone to alleviate its grudge, never expecting to encounter a master.


    "Woo woo woo, sister, I really made a mistake."


    The little ghost started crying again.


    While pleading, it was also looking for an opportunity to bite Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    However, just as it was about to open its mouth, it suddenly sensed apletely different kind of aura emanating from Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Darkness, oppressive, suffocating despair.


    The little ghost''s face changed drastically, its eyes widened in terror, and it struggled frantically with its hands and feet, trying to escape.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t quite understand why the little ghost had suddenly be so frightened, as she hadn''t drawn any talismans, set up any formations, or even used a kitchen knife.


    "Sister, I don''t want his soul anymore, please let me go, please let me go?" The little ghost was now crying out of fear.


    Woo woo woo, this sister was so terrifying.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "You don''t want the rice or clothes anymore?"


    "I don''t want anything anymore!" It just wanted to get away from this sister as quickly as possible.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t let go, "If I release you, you''ll just go harm others again. I might as well chop you up with a knife."


    "..." The little ghost weakly reminded her, "Sister, I can still be reincarnated..."


    Not long after the little ghost left, Lin Guifang''s sticky rice was also ready.


    This dish was meant to be an upside-down rice bowl, and she knew a little about it herself. Without waiting for Jiang Xiaoxiao''s instructions, she had already inverted a bowl into arger bowl, allowing the rice to take the shape of an upturned bowl, and inserted chopsticks into it.


    Then she stir-fried some dishes, both meat and vegetable, found some incense paper and candles, and ced the small clothes she had cut out.


    Although the little ghost had left, Jiang Xiaoxiao still performed a ritual as if it were real, and took the opportunity to drive away the ominous energy from Yang Ershun''s body.


    When Yang Ershun woke up, it was already dark outside.


    He opened his eyes, saw Lin Guifang sitting at the head of the bed, and called out, "Mother."


    Upon hearing this call of "mother," Lin Guifang knew her son had recovered, and she immediately burst into tears, hugging him and crying loudly.


    "Mother..."


    Although her son''s recovery should have been a joyous asion, Lin Guifang didn''t remain happy for long before she became angry and resentful again, lightly punching Yang Ershun, "Following the master, you didn''t learn properly, did you?"


    "I..."


    Lin Guifang angrily said, "Don''t give me that look. I asked her today, and she said you were half-hearted, and never had the determination to learn the craft. From now on, you''re to stay at home and not go to her anymore."


    Yang Ershun was anxious, "Did Sister Jiang really say that?"


    "You unfilial brat, get out!" The vige chief''s angry roar came from outside the courtyard.


    Yang Ershun clutched the edge of the nket. He roughly understood why his parents were angry.


    Previously, he didn''t know what a ghost was until a few days ago when he encountered a little child.


    That child had yed with him for a long time and then said he had no home, asking if Yang Ershun could take him back.


    Yang Ershun agreed.


    So the little child came to their house.


    But during mealtimes, his father, his mother, and his elder brother couldn''t see the little child.


    It was then that Yang Ershun suddenly realized that the little child was not human, but a ghost.


    Later, when he was possessed by the little ghost, Yang Ershun was somewhat conscious, having practiced the vital energy techniques with Sister Jiang for some time.


    But he couldn''t resist, and could only watch helplessly as the little ghost used his body to eat the sticky rice and gnaw on candles.


    "If the master hadn''t arrived in time today, do you know your little life would have been forfeited?" Lin Guifang was bitterly disappointed in him.


    Yang Ershun had nothing to say.


    He knew that the little ghost would have taken his soul away.


    With a substitute soul, the little ghost could dissipate its resentment and be reincarnated.


    These were things he had learned from following Sister Jiang.


    But at the time, he hadn''t thought to study diligently, and whenever he was told to meditate, he would always let his mind wander.


    "Mother, please don''t let father stay angry. I''ll go apologize to Sister Jiang myself."


    Yang Ershun threw off the nket, put on his shoes, and without waiting for Lin Guifang to say a word, pushed open the door and ran outside.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao had returned to pack up their belongings but hadn''t gone to sleep yet.


    Chen Sixi was also there.


    It wasn''t that he was lingering and refusing to leave, but because Yang Ershun hadn''t woken up, he didn''t dare leave, fearing that if something really happened to the little brat, the Yang family would vent their anger on his family in a fit of rage.


    After all, his family ran a coffin shop, and if people said that Yang Ershun had been possessed by evil spirits due to being tainted by the inauspicious energy of the coffin shop, he would have a hard time exining it even with ten mouths.


    When the courtyard gate was knocked, Chen Sixi guessed it might be someone from the Yang family and went to open the door first.


    To his surprise, the person outside was actually Yang Ershun himself.


    Chen Sixi''s eyes lit up, "Little brat, you''re awake?"


    As he spoke, he ced both hands on Yang Ershun''s shoulders, "How are you feeling? Any difort anywhere?"


    Then he added, "Sticky rice isn''t something to be eaten!"


    In the past, Yang Ershun would have argued back, but today he was unusually quiet.


    Chen Sixi''s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he wasn''t fully recovered and was still possessed by the ghost?


    The hands he had rested on Yang Ershun''s shoulders were pulled back as if scorched by boiling water, and he stepped back a few paces.


    Yang Ershun paid him no heed, striding directly into the room and kneeling before Jiang Xiaoxiao. "Sister Xiaoxiao, I''m sorry, I was wrong."


    Chen Sixi followed, looking perplexed. "What''s going on?"


    Yang Ershun''s voice was choked with tears. "Before, I was foolish and didn''t understand Sister''s efforts. Please don''t drive me away. From now on, I''ll study diligently and never ck off again."


    Chen Sixi made a clicking sound, understanding dawning. Just as he thought, this bratty kid''s flightiness made it unlikely he''d seriously learn from the master. It seemed he only shed tears upon seeing a coffin.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remained unmoved by Yang Ershun''s repentance. "Regardless of the tuition your family paid, whether you follow me is up to you. Practice or ck off, but if you''re possessed again, I won''t help."


    "No, no, no!" Yang Ershun shook his head vigorously. "I won''t ck off ever again, Sister, believe me."


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s silence, Yang Ershun turned to Xie Xun. "Brother-inw, please put in a good word for me?"


    Xie Xun asked him, "Do you know why your parents entrusted you to Xiaoxiao initially?"


    Yang Ershun shook his head.


    "Because you have the yin-yang eye and can see spirits, attracting evil forces," Xie Xun exined. "If you don''t learn the craft, possession will be the least of your troubles."


    "I understand, I understand now..." Yang Ershun kowtowed, tears pattering on the floor boards. "Sister, I was wrong."


    "Alright, go get some sleep. We leave for Yanjing City tomorrow morning." Jiang Xiaoxiao waved a dismissive hand.


    Hearing this, Yang Ershun stood, eyes brimming. "Thank you, Sister."


    Night had fallen, and with no guest rooms at Xie Xun''s, Chen Sixi had to spend the night at the vige head''s home.


    After the two left, Xie Xun turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao. "That little ghost was gone by the time you performed the rites this afternoon. Did it leave on its own out of fear of you?"

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was a bit perplexed by the question.


    She seriously recollected the incident and remembered that the Little Ghost did seem to be terrified of her, crying and begging for mercy.


    "It seems... I scared him away?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn''t entirely sure herself.


    Xie Xun felt that something was amiss but couldn''t quite put his finger on it.


    In the end, the only exnation was that Jiang Xiaoxiao was a sorceress, a highly skilled and unconventional one, so it was normal for the Little Ghost to fear her.


    Not dwelling further on Jiang Xiaoxiao''s matter, Xie Xun lit thenterns in the courtyard and found an iron shovel.


    Seeing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked puzzled, "It''s sote, and you still have work to do?"


    "I have something buried in the ground here."


    With those words, Xie Xun headed towards the only osmanthus tree by the western wall and started digging.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t ask what was buried, only standing by and watching.


    After a while of digging, Xie Xun pulled out a well-preserved box from the ground.


    Brushing off the dirt and unwrapping the multipleyers of oiled paper, Xie Xun slowly opened the box.


    Inside, a red silk cloth cushioned a blue pyramidal crystal, which had a thread tied to it, allowing it to be worn as a ne.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never seen anything like it and was curious, "What is this?"


    "A key," Xie Xun said, taking out the crystal.


    This was the second key left to him by his Mother.


    The Wet nurse had told him before her passing that the second key was very important, and he must cherish it like his own life.


    The first key was a bank token that Xie Xun would asionally use to withdraw money when he was short on funds.


    He could understand his Mother leaving him some silver, but this second key...


    Xie Xun couldn''t fathom what could be so important that he had to guard it with his life.


    Moreover, the shape of the key was quite peculiar; he had never seen a lock that could be opened by a key of this shape.


    As for things from the mountains, Jiang Xiaoxiao had never seen many of them before.


    So when Xie Xun said it was a key, shemitted it to memory, not asking any further questions.


    During their previous move to the County City, they had packed up almost everything from home.


    Xie Xun had returned this time solely to retrieve this key.


    Not wanting to put it back in the box, he wore the crystal around his neck, keeping it close to his body.


    "Aren''t you going to take anything else?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    Xie Xun surveyed the surroundings, "There''s nothing else worth taking."


    "Yes, there is!" Jiang Xiaoxiao returned to her room and dragged out the box from under the bed, opening the lid.


    Inside was the stuffed rabbit she used to love.


    "You used to like it so much, but you don''t like it anymore?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was puzzled.


    If one likes something, shouldn''t they like it forever?


    The rabbit was made many years ago, and during their previous visit, Xie Xun had wanted to discard it, but Jiang Xiaoxiao stopped him, saying that he might like it again in the future.


    Xie Xun had only embraced the rabbit when he was young due to ack of a sense of security and having no adults at home. He was afraid to sleep at night, so he hugged the rabbit for psychologicalfort.


    But now...


    Xie Xun nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was crouching and examining the rabbit, his gaze softening slightly, "It''s not that I don''t like it; I just don''t need it anymore."


    In the end, Jiang Xiaoxiao could only watch helplessly as Xie Xun locked the rabbit back in the box.


    The carriage driver who had brought Xie Xun and the others to the vige yesterday had returned to the County City, but he was back early this morning.


    The horse carriage was parked outside the small courtyard.


    As Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao were leaving, Yang Ershun and Chen Sixi happened to arrive.


    Vige Head Yang, his wife Lin Guifang, and their eldest son Yang Dashun followed behind.


    Lin Guifang looked reluctant but, thinking about how her son had nearly lost his life just days after staying at home, she could only swallow her sorrow. She took two steps forward, "Young Master Xie, I just prepared breakfast. Why don''t you twoe and have something before leaving?"


    Vige Head Yang nced at her, "What did you call him? Stop babbling nonsense."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Guifang hurriedly closed her mouth.


    Yang Ershun had briefly mentioned Xie Xun''s identity to them.


    The couple were both tight-lipped, and although they didn''t spread the news, they still found it hard to believe that Xie Xun, who had lived in their vige for over a decade and faced insults and abuse as a child, was actually a Prince. It felt like a dream.


    "No need," Xie Xun declined politely.


    Seeing his cold demeanor, the Vige Head sighed inwardly.


    If only he had spoken up for Xie Xun when the vigers had mistreated him, and protected him, would things be different now? Would Xie Xun not be so distant?


    Whenever he thought of his silence back then, the Vige Head felt profound remorse.


    The silence of bystanders is often a silent knife, killing without a trace.


    But he only realized this truth now, when it was toote.


    No matter what he said, Xie Xun would never harbor any goodwill towards the vigers or even the Yang family.


    Looking at Xie Xun, the Vige Head said, "From now on, our Ershun will be troubling you. If he misbehaves, feel free to scold or even beat him; don''t go easy on him."


    Chen Sixi could sense the strained rtionship between Xie Xun and the vigers.


    Even if Yang Ershun followed Jiang Xiaoxiao in cultivation, Xie Xun''s attitude towards the Yang family remained just as cold.


    He nced at everyone present but didn''t say a word, not daring to meddle.


    It wasn''t until Xie Xun instructed them to depart that Chen Sixi pulled Yang Ershun onto the carriage.


    After the Little Ghost possession incident, Yang Ershun had indeed be much more obedient and well-behaved.


    As soon as he boarded the carriage, he took out a few eggs from his bulging bundle and handed one each to Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao, and Chen Sixi.


    "My mother boiled them," Yang Ershun exined. "She said we didn''t have breakfast before getting on the carriage to the County City, so we''d definitely get carsick. She told me to bring them to settle our stomachs on the way."


    He then produced a water sk, "Sister, this is cool boiled water. Drinking it will prevent stomach aches."


    As he spoke, the atmosphere in the carriage finally eased.


    Chen Sixi raised his eyebrows, "Little brat, you''ve transformed after just a few days, haven''t you?"


    Yang Ershun lowered his eyshes.


    Seeing this, Chen Sixi felt somewhat regretful, realizing he might have said the wrong thing.


    People need to grow and mature, and Yang Ershun was only seven years old.


    The little brat wasn''tpletely disobedient before; it was just that, being a child, he didn''t think as thoroughly as adults.


    Moreover, he hadn''t fully understood why he needed to learn cultivation before.


    From the few days Chen Sixi had interacted with him, he had only heard that Yang Ershun wanted to learn abilities to avoid his father''s rolling pin beatings, which was why he followed Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    After experiencing a life-and-death ordeal these past two days and understanding his goal, it was only natural for him to change.


    Chen Sixi, fearing that Yang Ershun might be sullen, quickly finished thest bite of his egg, wiped his hands, and draped his arm over Yang Ershun''s shoulder, speaking in a nonchnt tone.


    "But you know, when I was seven years old, I was much more troublesome than you are now. These days, you''re already a little grown-up."


    Hearing this, Yang Ershun initially felt somewhat gratified, but upon raising his head and seeing no reaction from Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao, he lowered his gaze again, nervously fidgeting with his fingers.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t want to argue with a seven-year-old child, but she didn''t know how tofort him, so after a long pause, she said, "The eggs were delicious."


    Upon hearing these words, the dim light in Yang Ershun''s eyes gradually brightened.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao arrived at the county residence, she saw Qin Fengmian and Su Hai standing together as soon as she got out of the car.


    The weather was a bit gloomy today, and Qin Fengmian was still holding a folding fan in his hand.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t help but wonder if this guy''s weapon was a folding fan.


    Otherwise, who would be waving a fan around in such cold weather?


    Qin Fengmian happened to see her too, and he walked over with a smile to greet her, "Little girl!"


    After saying this, he felt a chill on his back.


    When Qin Fengmian turned his head, he was met with Xie Xun''s cold gaze.


    Qin Fengmian quickly coughed, "Well..."


    Xie Xun interrupted him, "Call her master."


    Qin Fengmian: "That''s too..."


    Xie Xun: "Xiaoxiao, save some breath."


    "Oh, okay." Jiang Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves and walked towards him.


    Qin Fengmian immediately put on a serious face: "Master!"


    Chen Sixi almostughed out loud.


    Before, he was the only one who was constantly teased by Xie Xun. Now, finally, he found apanion. It wasn''t easy!


    Qin Fengmian didn''t want to be in this situation either, but the little girl Jiang Xiaoxiao was too powerful. If he fought her, wouldn''t he just end up being pinned to the ground?


    More importantly, Xie Xun turned out to be the third prince!


    Even if he was the personal disciple of the national teacher, with status and dignity, he could only bow down in front of the prince.


    The title "Master" was not undeserved.


    Xie Xun took Jiang Xiaoxiao inside to get their stuff.


    Apart from change of clothes and Jiang Xiaoxiao''s magical instruments, there was almost nothing to bring to the capital.


    When they came out carrying their bundles, Dean Gu and Madam Song had also arrived in a carriage.


    Seeing this, Chen Sixi realized that they were leaving today.


    He walked up and patted Xie Xun''s shoulder, "Bro, I can only see you off to here. I am going to Cangwu Mountain to learn from a master. I don''t know if I will have the chance to meet you again."


    Then he turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Master, remember any exciting events, and tell me all about it when we meet again. I always enjoy hearing your stories about defeating those river andke chatans."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s attention was on his previous sentence, "You''re going to Cangwu Mountain to learn from a master?"


    "Yep." Chen Sixi nodded, "Isn''t my father hoping that I marry someone? If I just sit at home, the girl won''te to me. What''s that old saying again, if the mountain won''te to me, I will go to the mountain.


    So I decided to go to Cangwu Mountain myself. Learning from a master is one thing, but the main purpose is to shamelessly chase my future wife."


    When he finished speaking, he noticed that Xie Xun''s face hadpletely darkened.


    Chen Sixi waspletely puzzled and mouthed to Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Did I say something wrong?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao arranged her words, "No, you might have stepped on a tail."


    Chen Sixi instinctively looked behind Xie Xun.


    But Xie Xun didn''t give him time to react. He directly pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao into the carriage.


    Chen Sixi was still puzzled, "Hey, Xie Xun, what did I say wrong? At least give me a hint!"


    Xie Xun, separated by the brocade curtain, threw him a sentence, "Good luck with your wife-chasing."


    Chen Sixi thought it was a big deal, chuckled, "Oh, okay, thanks."


    Yang Ershun went to Dean Gu''s carriage, while Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao took another.


    Qin Fengmian was originally tasked by his master, Bai Cheng, to escort Jiang Xiaoxiao to the Yin Yang Office.


    But now, Jiang Xiaoxiao has acquainted herself with the third prince, and their parties have merged, with Qin Fengmian''s men and Su Hai''s men escorting them together.


    The caravan set off from Kaihe County.


    With their sizable party and grand procession, they attracted quite a crowd of onlookers even before they left the county, all of them specting on which young master from a noble family was embarking on a journey.


    As they were about to leave the city, the Steward of the Nie Family rushed up in a hurry, iming to be looking for Young Master Xie.


    Su Hai had no choice but to order a halt.


    The steward approached Xie Xun''s carriage, his voice low, "Young Master Xie, our master says that your status is no ordinary one and items of gold and silver are likely beneath you.


    The men who helped you gather information before were assets he cultivated in Yanjing City. Now that they have crossed paths with you, they will serve at yourmand.


    This is our master''s token. Once you arrive, you just need to find Shopkeeper Cheng at the Nie Family Cloth Shop. Once he sees the token, he will understand everything."


    As he spoke, the steward handed a jade pendant to Xie Xun.


    This Old Master Nie was indeed extraordinary. His character was transparent and open-minded, his judgment sharp and steady. He had managed to guess Su Hai''s identity before he even arrived.


    Xie Xun had lived in Kaihe County for fourteen years, and there were few people there who were kind to him. Old Master Nie was one of them.


    He epted the jade pendant, "Please thank the master for me."


    The stewardughed, "Young Master Xie, you are too kind."


    There were no further pleasantries, such as asking him to look after them when he returned to Yanjing City.


    Old Master Nie knew about Xie Xun''s royal status, but as a businessman, he refused to exploit this rtionship for profit.


    This level of integrity was much higher than that of the average businessman.


    Xie Xun watched the steward leave, then slowly let the curtain fall.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao rarely saw Xie Xun ept things from others. Seeing him take the jade pendant, she asked, "You seem to have a good impression of Old Master Nie?"


    Xie Xun nodded, "In terms of how he conducts himself, the old master is indeed admirable."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "So you''ve gained a few more helpers."


    Being able to gather such top-secret information as the crown prince nning to open the tomb of thete queen in Yanjing City, Old Master Nie''s assets were certainly not ordinary.


    And he had given them so readily to Xie Xun, indicating that his impression of him was also favorable.


    Xie Xun responded with a nomittal grunt, "I''ll have a chance to thank him in personter."


    The caravan resumed its journey.


    They traveled by day, rested by night, eating and sleeping at inns along the way.


    Xie Xun had timed it perfectly. As long as they could arrive in Yanjing City before Jiang Xiaoxiao''s next transformation, any dys along the way would be eptable.


    His goal was to make Murong Yuan as restless as an ant on a hot pot.


    As expected, Murong Yuan was indeed on edge, unable to eat or sleep properly.


    That night, Su Hai received a message via carrier pigeon.


    The message was written in code by someone from the Pce of the Crown Prince. Tranted, it asked where he was.


    When Su Hai initially left the capital, he was given the order to bring back the third prince within a month.


    But they had taken half a month just for one-way travel, and the third prince had not mentioned anything about returning to the capital.


    By now, the month had long passed.


    Seeing the urgency in the message, Su Hai had no choice but to report truthfully that it would likely take another half a month.


    When Murong Yuan received the reply, he was so angry he almost spat blood, "Does it really take this long from Yunzhou to Yanjing City?"


    The scout knelt on the ground, carefully saying, "It could be because winter ising and the roads are tough to travel."


    Murong Yuan took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    "Fine, half a month it is. When they arrive in the capital, I will personally go out of the city to greet them. I''m curious to see, after fourteen years apart, what thend and water of Yunzhou have made of my dear little brother."

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    On the way to Yanjing City, Yang Ershun indeed shed his previouszy habits and diligently rose early every day to practice cultivation with Jiang Xiaoxiao on a quiet hilltop, as instructed.


    ording to Jiang Xiaoxiao, the moment of dawn when the first rays of sunlight broke through was when the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth was at its purest.


    Having been frightened by that little imp before, Yang Ershun did not dare dy even for a moment now. Even if someone spoke nearby or an earthquake suddenly urred, as long as Jiang Xiaoxiao did not call for a stop, he would not open his eyes.


    "Sister, I feel like the energy within me can slowly condense into a mass," he said with delight, even though the progress was slow and not much different from before he began practicing. However, it was still iparable to Jiang Xiaoxiao''s level of attainment.


    "Practicing inner energy cultivation really makes one feel energized a hundredfold. In the past, I would easily fall ill after getting rained on, but a couple of days ago when we got caught in the rain on our journey, I arrived at the post station without any issues," Yang Ershun remarked.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "Cultivation is a long and tedious process. Take it slow."


    "Yes, understood."


    This was a small hillock where frost had formed on the grass and trees, making it a bit chilly.


    After Yang Ershun finished his meditation, Jiang Xiaoxiao immediately led him down the hill.


    At the post station, breakfast had already been prepared. Knowing that the Third Prince was staying there, the station officials spared no effort, instructing the kitchen to make an exceptionally sumptuous breakfast.


    Qin Fengmian had just set the bowls and chopsticks when Xie Xun entered carrying a y pot of freshly cooked shredded chicken porridge, still steaming hot.


    Ever since their journey began, Xie Xun would personally cook for Jiang Xiaoxiao whenever they reached a post station.


    Qin Fengmian was utterly perplexed. "If you''re concerned about someone poisoning the food, couldn''t you just have someone taste it first? Why go to the trouble of cooking yourself?"


    As he finished speaking, he felt a chilling gaze fixed upon him.


    Qin Fengmian shuddered, quickly realizing his mistake and changing his tone. "Ah, haha, my lord, the post station''s food is actually quite decent. Why don''t you try it first? You are of royal blood, precious and noble. How could you lower yourself to cooking?"


    Fundamentally, Qin Fengmian did not hold the notion of men cooking.


    Moreover, Xie Xun was a prince.


    The very thought of a prince cooking personally seemed utterly incongruous to Qin Fengmian.


    Xie Xun coldly replied, "Set the table and go guard the door. Another word, and I''ll cut out your tongue!"


    Qin Fengmian did not doubt the sincerity of these words for a moment. He shrank his neck and hurried out.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao brought Yang Ershun back, they caught the aroma as soon as they entered the courtyard.


    It was a familiar scent - the porridge cooked by Xie Xun himself.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s sense of smell was not as keen as Xie Xun''s, but she was highly attuned to the food he prepared.


    It was as if after tasting the first bowl of porridge he made, her brain had been imprinted, and she would only remember this taste from then on.


    Having risen early and practiced for so long, she was indeed a little hungry.


    Xie Xun was portioning out the porridge. Upon seeing her return, his usually aloof expression softened. "Hungry?" he asked.


    "Hungry," Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, washing her hands and taking a seat at the table.


    Yang Ershun sensibly went to join the Steward and his wife for their meal.


    Only Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao remained in the room.


    There were many dishes on the table, but Xie Xun was not concerned about leaving any unfinished. He moved the dishes Jiang Xiaoxiao loved closest to her.


    After taking two sips of porridge, Jiang Xiaoxiao asked him, "Are we about to reach Yanjing City?"


    Xie Xun nodded. "I estimate we''ll arrive within a day or two."


    Then he smiled at her. "Nervous?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded slightly. "A bit."


    Taking another sip of porridge, she continued, "I heard there are many rules in Yanjing City. I''m afraid that if I identally hurt someone, they''ll cause trouble for you."


    Xie Xun replied, "...When we''re in Yanjing, try not to use your cleaver unless absolutely necessary."


    "But what if someone bullies you?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked with utmost sincerity. "Can''t I at least cut them then?"


    Xie Xun fell silent. Aside from her formidable cultivation, she seemed to have learned nothing of the virtues expected of a cultivator from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    He had initially intended to say that if someone truly deserved severe punishment, she could cut them down, and he would handle the aftermath.


    However, considering her innate violent tendencies, such advice would only lead her further astray.


    "No," Xie Xun patiently exined. "There are rules to be followed in the mundane world. Hurting someone carries consequences like imprisonment."


    "Oh," Jiang Xiaoxiao responded with a look of understanding. "Then I''ll just beat them up instead!"


    On the day their procession was about to enter Yanjing City, snow and sleet fell from the sky, making the outdoor temperature freezing.


    Although Xie Xun knew Jiang Xiaoxiao was not bothered by the cold, he still provided her with a hand warmer to hold.


    Suddenly, their carriage came to a halt on an official road.


    Xie Xun pulled back the curtain. "What''s the matter?"


    Su Hai rode his horse over and reported truthfully, "Your Highness, a family''s carriage has broken down ahead, blocking our path. It seems we''ll be dyed for a while."


    Xie Xun responded with a casual acknowledgment and slowly lowered the curtain.


    At the same time, not far ahead...


    The disabled carriage belonged to the King Ning''s Mansion.


    Princess Ye Chan of the King Ning''s Mansion had apanied her maternal aunt to visit a temple. On their return today, they encountered this unexpected incident.


    With the bitter cold outside and the carriage unable to be repaired quickly, Ye Chan, her mother, and two maidservants were forced to disembark and wait by the roadside.


    When Xie Xun pulled back the curtain, Ye Chan happened to nce in that direction.


    With just one look, her heart rate raced uncontrobly.


    As a princess, Ye Chan had attended many noble banquets and even pce events, so she was familiar with the distinguished scions of Yanjing City''s elite families.


    Yet not a single one couldpare to the breathtaking beauty of the man behind that brocade curtain.


    Even the crown prince, Murong Yuan, to whom she was betrothed, would pale in insignificance before this paragon of perfection.


    To think that such an exquisitely wless man truly existed in this world.


    "Chan''er, what''s wrong?" The Consort of King Ning asked, noticing her daughter''s distraction.


    "Nothing, nothing," Ye Chan responded hastily, averting her gaze.


    By the time she thought to look again, that person had already lowered the brocade curtain.


    Seeing her daughter lowering her head and twisting her handkerchief, the Consort of King Ning assumed she must have been chilled by the cold, and sternly urged the coachman to hurry.


    Ye Chan nced toward the other carriage and suddenly said, "Mother, it seems our carriage has blocked the way for those people behind us. Shouldn''t we go and apologize?"


    Earlier, someone had indeede to inquire, but the Consort of King Ning''s attention had been solely focused on their ill-fated carriage, leaving no room for other concerns.


    At this moment, prompted by Ye Chan''s reminder, she lifted her head and carefully examined the situation.


    Immediately after, her expression changed severely.


    Seeing the Consort of King Ning''s reaction, Ye Chan also became tense, "Mother, what''s wrong?"

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Consort of King Ning whispered, "They seem to be from the pce."


    Su Hai was the Commander of Dark Guards, usually concealed in the shadows.


    Unless in special circumstances, he would not reveal himself.


    This time, he was obeying Emperor Hongtai''s decree to escort the Third Royal Highness back from Yunzhou.


    Consort of King Ning had never seen him before.


    As for Qin Fengmian, the disciple of the National Master, Consort of King Ning had neverid eyes on him either.


    In Yan Country, Daoist priests held a higher status than officials, forming a hierarchy of contempt.


    As the direct disciple of the National Master, Qin Fengmian rarely deigned to associate with these official families.


    He seldom appeared in public, so few had seen him.


    Even though she did not recognize Su Hai and Qin Fengmian, Consort of King Ning could still discern their identities from their imposing aura and attire.


    Such well-trained guards and maids could only belong to the imperial household.


    Consort of King Ning had just heard that the pce had sent people to Yunzhou to fetch the Third Royal Highness Murong Xun, whose betrothal to her family had been called off.


    Could it be... them?


    With mixed feelings, Consort of King Ning wondered.


    But Ye Chan said, "Mother, you''re overthinking. If they were nobles traveling, how could they not have an escort?"


    "Moreover, if they were from the pce, they would have sent someone to clear the path earlier. Why would they wait there?"


    Consort of King Ning realized Ye Chan was right. The Third Royal Highness was just an abandoned prince deemed useless for over a decade. To fetch him back to the capital, such a procession would be unnecessary.


    "Regardless, we''ve blocked their way. We should send someone to apologize."


    If the carriage carried some influential figure, it would show King Ning''s Mansion''s impable courtesy.


    Consort of King Ning beckoned a maid and instructed her to go apologize.


    The caravan had been stopped for a while now, and even the patient Su Hai was growing impatient.


    But the narrow official road was nked by a mountain wall on one side and a cliff on the other.


    As long as those ahead did not move, they could not proceed.


    Just as Su Hai was about to send someone to inquire, a maid came running, panting, "Ourdy said the carriage will take a while to be fixed. You''ll have to wait."


    Such a perfunctory and arrogant apology.


    Even Qin Fengmian, whose hands were turning red from clutching the reins, had a deeply furrowed brow from the cold.


    "Can your carriage be fixed or not? If not, just toss it down the mountain!"


    The maid was taken aback by his outburst. "What did you say? Do you know who mydy is?"


    "The King of Heaven himself?"


    Qin Fengmian, already chilled from riding, was now enraged. "Unhitch the horses, move the carriage closer to the mountain wall and let the people through. She insists we wait? Who is yourdy? She can''t evene to apologize herself, and sends an ill-mannered servant to act arrogant? What a big show!"


    Never had a maid of King Ning''s Mansion suffered such insult. With reddened eyes, she turned and ran back to report.


    Initially, Consort of King Ning was still considerate, thinking the other party might be some noble from the imperial capital. She feared spoiling the mood, so she sent someone to inquire first.


    Little did she expect such rude words in response.


    Even with her good temper, she could not swallow this humiliation.


    Leaving the maid behind, Consort of King Ning came forward herself.


    Concerned, Ye Chan followed her mother.


    With a dark expression, Consort of King Ning red at Qin Fengmian. "Young Master, we only have one coachman and two servants. How could we possibly move such a heavy carriage? On the contrary, you have so many people watching from behind. Couldn''t youe forward and help? And you speak in such an unpleasant way. What, do you have a problem with King Ning''s Mansion?"


    Upon hearing "King Ning''s Mansion," Qin Fengmian suddenly clicked his tongue and nced back at the tightly curtained carriage.


    Soon after, a voice drifted out from inside, "Even a five-year-old child knows to say ''please'' when asking for help. Thedy opens her mouth to question our offense and use us of standing idly by."


    "To rify, I have no issue with King Ning''s Mansion, but with King Ning''s Mansion''s manners."


    The voice was calm and melodious, yet every word pierced like a de.


    Consort of King Ning''s face turned ck with rage. "You!"


    Qin Fengmian realized that this Third Royal Highness''s true powery in his sharp tongue.


    When he insulted others, not a single word was vulgar, yet each struck mercilessly.


    "Young Master, aren''t you being a bit excessive with your words?" Ye Chan''s brows creased slightly.


    Although she could not deny being captivated by the voice from the carriage, her mother was the one being put in a difficult position, and she could not remain unmoved.


    The voice from the carriage came again, "You think it''s excessive?"


    Ye Chan bit her lip lightly, her autumn eyes reddening slightly with grievance.


    A beauty wronged would normally garner sympathy.


    However, Xie Xun from inside the carriage merelyughed lightly, "How wonderful."


    Ye Chan was taken aback. "Young Master, you..."


    As the renowned top beauty of the imperial capital, she was used to being admired wherever she went, even earning the affection of the Crown Prince himself.


    This was the first time a man had insulted her so.


    Ye Chan could not hold back her tears.


    Qin Fengmian burst outughing, clutching his stomach.


    Su Hai nced at him and ordered his men to help move Ye''s carriage aside.


    It was only after much effort that the road was finally cleared.


    Ye Chan stood there, weeping like a wilted flower.


    Consort of King Ning was incensed. "Which family are you from? Dare you dere your household?"


    "Enough, old woman?" Qin Fengmian was growing impatient. "It''s not so terrible to humiliate yourself, but why pursue more insults?"


    Consort of King Ning was practically numb with rage, pointing at him. "You, you all... My husband the King will not let you off!"


    Qin Fengmian spread his hands. "I''m so scared. Please don''t let me off."


    After the caravan resumed its journey, Su Hai gave Qin Fengmian a disapproving look. "What you did earlier, aren''t you afraid of causing trouble for the National Master?"


    Qin Fengmian said, "Let me correct you. I''m now the Third Royal Highness''s subordinate. My words and actions only represent the Third Royal Highness and cannot bring trouble to my master."


    "Fair point." From inside the carriage, Xie Xun agreed, "Su Hai, take him to be cleansed when we enter the pce. My people cannot be treated shabbily."


    Su Hai sped his hands. "Yes."


    Qin Fengmian: "!!!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, unaware of the meaning of "cleansing," only asked Xie Xun, "Thedy you spoke to earlier, is she your former fianc¨¦e?"


    Xie Xun looked at her. "If she were my fianc¨¦e, then who are you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao faltered. "I... the next one?"


    Xie Xun started teaching her again: "Down the mountain, there''s no such thing as ''firste'' or tere''. An unmarried wife is an unmarried wife."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked again, "Then will you bully me like you bullied her in the future?"


    Xie Xun paused for a moment, and his gaze toward her became a few degrees hotter.


    He said, "Maybe I''ll be even crueler."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao felt this person was bad. She had been helping him all along, but he still wanted to bully her.


    ring at Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao huffed, "If you dare bully me, I''ll dig a pit and bury you!"


    In the capital Yanjing, outside the West Gate.


    The Crown Prince Murong Yuan sat on horseback, his fur-cored cloak billowing in the wind.


    He gazed at the carriage slowly approaching the city gate, a faint, enigmatic smile on his lips.


    Su Hai jumped off his horse and came to the side of the carriage, speaking softly, "Third Royal Highness, the Crown Prince hase in person to receive you."


    There was no movement from inside the carriage.


    Su Hai called out again.


    Still no movement from inside the carriage.


    Su Hai looked helplessly at Murong Yuan.


    Murong Yuan rode his horse over, his eyebrows slightly raised. "Third Brother, wee back to the capital."


    The Ye family''s carriage had just arrived, and hearing that the Crown Prince was at the city gate, Ye Chan parted the curtains and stepped down from the carriage. She happened to hear Murong Yuan calling out "Third Brother" to the person inside the previous carriage.


    Ye Chan froze, her entire body rigid.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    The Consort of King Ning followed behind, also hearing the Crown Prince''s address for Ye Chan.


    Her expression instantly froze.


    Murong Yuan noticed the disturbance from the mother and daughter, and his smile deepened at the corners of his lips, "Oh? Ye Chan is here too? Why don''t youe over and greet your Third Prince?"


    Ye Chan did not expect the Crown Prince to call her name so quickly. She clutched the handkerchief in her hand and immediately regained the elegant and refined demeanor of a nobledy, taking small lotus steps toward him and slightly bending her knees.


    "This servant greets the Crown Prince and the Third Royal Highness."


    "It''s so cold out, why are you wearing so little?"


    Murong Yuan chided affectionately, then jumped off his horse and casually removed his fur-lined cloak to drape over her shoulders.


    After doing so, he turned his gaze back to the closed carriage curtain, "Allow me to introduce to the Third Prince, this is my fianc¨¦e, Princess Ye Chan of King Ning''s Mansion."


    At this point, Murong Yuan revealed a hint of regret on his face, "I must sincerely apologize, this prince had almost forgotten that Ye Chan was once the Third Prince''s fianc¨¦e."


    Every word was a provocation toward the person inside the carriage.


    Su Hai frowned with displeasure.


    Qin Fengmian remained silent, with an expression of waiting to see the show.


    However, there was still no movement from inside the carriage.


    With so many people watching, Murong Yuan was losing face and growing impatient, "This prince has waited so long, is the Third Prince not going to show his face?"


    Not long after he finished speaking, the tightly closed curtain finally stirred, and a small head peeked out.


    It was Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Murong Yuan with sincerity, "Big brother, you''ve been babbling on for so long, are you thirsty? I have water in the carriage."


    Not expecting it to be a youngdy in the carriage, Murong Yuan''s face suddenly darkened, "Who are you? Where is Murong Xun?"


    "He''s sleeping," Jiang Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand, "I''m his fianc¨¦e, was there something you needed?"


    Fianc¨¦e!


    Murong Xun had just been stripped of his engagement, so where did this fianc¨¦ee from?


    Ye Chan looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao with mixed feelings.


    Half an hour ago, she had felt something in her heart from the fleeting glimpse of the man in the carriage.


    But now the man had transformed into the disgraced Third Prince Murong Xun, the very one whose engagement she had recently annulled by imperial decree.


    More importantly, he had actually acquired a fianc¨¦e!


    Ye Chan did not believe that a man of such elegant bearing could have settled such an important matter of his life in such a short time.


    The Third Prince must have found this girl to provoke her out of displeasure from having his engagement broken off.


    With this realization, the Third Prince''s earlier disparaging remarks about King Ning''s Mansion and herself on the official road made sense.


    Once she understood the key point, Ye Chan secretly felt relieved instead. She looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao with a warm and kind gaze, "Miss, since the Third Royal Highness is resting, we won''t disturb him then."


    She turned toward Murong Yuan, "Crown Prince, it''s cold outside, please take care of yourself and return to the pce first?"


    This gracious and understanding manner greatly pleased Murong Yuan, sweeping away his previous discontent. The corners of his lips curved upward, "Very well, I''ll follow Ye Chan''s advice."


    He added, "There will be a pce banquet tonight, Ye Chan, remember to prepare."


    "This servant understands."


    Before leaving, Ye Chan nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao again, confirming that this girl was indeed simple-minded. Her smile grew even warmer.


    If not for the many witnesses that this was their first meeting today, one might mistake them for close sisters who had known each other for years.


    Ye Chan returned to the carriage, and the Consort of King Ning hurried to pay respects to the Crown Prince before returning and softly asking her daughter, "Ye Chan, what''s the situation?"


    Ye Chan said, "The person we encountered on the official road earlier was the Third Prince."


    The Consort of King Ning had already learned this from the Crown Prince.


    However, hearing Ye Chan say it again, she still felt uneasy.


    "Then why does it seem like... he already has a fianc¨¦e?"


    If it was someone he acquired after the broken engagement, that would be one thing, but if it was before the broken engagement, then where does this prince ce the face of King Ning''s Mansion?


    Ye Chanughed lightly, "It''s nothing more than him being unable to ept having his engagement to me broken off, so he deliberately found someone to act as a shield to provoke me."


    The Consort of King Ningughed, "I knew it, my Ye Chan is the number one beauty in Yanjing, what man wouldn''t want to kneel before your crimson skirt? That Third Prince had the hope of marrying you, but had his engagement broken off before the entire court. It''s no wonder he''s vexed."


    Ye Chan smiled, always extremely confident in her appearance.


    The girl the Third Prince found was passable in looks butcked intelligence, posing no threat to her whatsoever.


    Ye Chan had been doted on since childhood, reveling in being the center of attention.


    Even if the Third Prince was someone she rejected, his thoughts could only linger on her.


    Murong Yuan had put on such a grand disy earlier, yet Murong Xun never even left the carriage.


    It was like punching cotton - he had frustrations with nowhere to vent, so he could only return to the pce with a sullen expression.


    The carriage procession set off again.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao retracted her head into the carriage.


    Murong Xun had been awake the whole time and was now looking at her with an amused expression.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was puzzled, "What''s wrong?"


    Murong Xun raised his eyebrows, "Is that how you introduce yourself to others when I''m not around?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was still puzzled, "Is there a problem?"


    "No problem," Murong Xun said, "It''s quite good."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao recalled what Murong Yuan had said earlier, "That Crown Prince or whatever, he said there will be a pce banquet tonight, specially arranged to wee you?"


    "Probably."


    "Does that mean you''ll be drinking?"


    Murong Xun was taken aback, thinking Jiang Xiaoxiao was concerned about him not being able to drink.


    "I''ll try to drink less."


    "Either way, just stay a little sober," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "Last time you got drunk, you kept insisting I kiss you, but you fell asleep halfway through after I listened to you. Then afterwards, you didn''t even remember anything. If you forget again this time, wouldn''t that mean I kissed you for nothing?"


    Murong Xun: "..."


    Qin Fengmian had good hearing and basically overheard the conversation inside the carriage.


    In his entire life, this was the first time he had encountered such an amusing youngdy.


    Her frank disposition truly did not let down the Profound Sect at all.


    Thinking of Murong Xun''s silent expression, Qin Fengmian couldn''t hold it in and informed Su Hai that he was going to relieve himself before riding off tough.


    Murong Xun did not have his own pce quarters in the imperial city, nor did he have a mansion outside.


    Murong Yuan had previously promised Emperor Hongtai that he would personally look after Murong Xun.


    Since the teacher was still waiting, he simply took Murong Xun directly toward the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    As for Dean Gu''s couple and Yang Ershun, they returned to the Gu family''s mansion in Yanjing City.


    The caravan halted before the Xuanwu Gate, where they needed to transfer to sedan chairs to proceed to the Crown Prince''s Pce.


    After dismounting, Murong Yuan looked towards Su Hai and Qin Fengmian, "Gentlemen, I have already informed my royal father, and will personally look after the Third Prince. You need not apany us any further."


    Qin Fengmian didn''t mind, as the person he was supposed to receive was Jiang Xiaoxiao, not the Third Prince. As long as he ensured she had arrived in Yanjing City, his task wasplete.


    Su Hai was about to say something, but Murong Yuan raised an eyebrow at him, "Commander Su, the person has been received. Aren''t you going to report back to my royal father?"


    Not far away, Jiang Xiaoxiao saw this scene and whispered to Xie Miao, "It seems the Crown Prince deliberately sent them away."


    Xie Miao nodded, "If there are no unexpected incidents, there will be someone waiting for me at the Crown Prince''s Pce."

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, "Do you remember how they took away your Dragon Aura back then?"


    Xie Xun shook his head, "I was knocked unconscious at the time, so I don''t remember anything. I only recall that after I woke up, anyone who approached me would end up in trouble."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao understood.


    After Xie Xun''s Dragon Aura was taken away, he was sealed by the Evil Aura formed within him.


    It was no wonder that ordinary people who got close to him would be harmed.


    "It doesn''t matter that you don''t remember," said Jiang Xiaoxiao. "In the end, they used Evil Arts. Even if there are evil cultivators waiting for you in the Pce of the Crown Prince, you don''t have to be afraid. I''m here!"


    Xie Xun looked at her deeply, "Are you really confident?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao exined, "Using Evil Artses with a price. The person who took away your Dragon Aura back then must have suffered significant damage as well. If they want to seal you again, they''ll have to pay an even higher price than before."


    "The sealing process takes a long time. Unless they can defeat me, as long as I''m still breathing, I won''t let anything happen to you."


    Xie Xun pursed his lips, such a heavy promise...


    As soon as Jiang Xiaoxiao finished speaking, she felt Xie Xun''s gaze fixed on her, an expression she didn''t quite understand.


    "Did I say something wrong again?"


    "No."


    Xie Xun reached out and patted her head, "At tonight''s pce banquet, eat more if you find the food tasty. If you don''t like it, I''ll make something for you after the banquet."


    The mention of food immediately perked up Jiang Xiaoxiao''s spirits.


    "Anything I want?"


    "Mm." His tone was indulgent.


    Murong Yuan dismissed Su Hai and Qin Fengmian, then turned to see Xie Xun patting Jiang Xiaoxiao''s head. He narrowed his eyes.


    Xie Xun''s appearance bore some resemnce to thete Empress Xie that Murong Yuan remembered.


    Both were equally striking, and equally... irritating.


    But what did it matter?


    Soon, this thorn in his side, the former crown prince, would be sealed for the second time.


    In Yan Country, there would only be one chosen son of heaven, and that would be him, Murong Yuan!


    Pulling his thoughts back, Murong Yuan smiled and approached them, "Third Brother, after being away from the capital for so many years, how do you feel? Are you adjusting well?"


    Xie Xun smiled, "Yanjing City has always been my home. How could I not adjust?"


    Murong Yuan''s smile became strained, "That''s good that you''re adjusting. Come with me. The pce banquet won''t start for a while, so let me take you to the Pce of the Crown Prince first to bathe and change clothes. You can also rest properly."


    As he spoke, he instructed the eunuchs to bring over a pnquin.


    Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao got into the pnquin and followed Murong Yuan to the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    The room was one that Murong Yuan had ordered to be prepared earlier. Inside, there was a treasure pavilion filled with golden, stone, and jade ornaments. From the tables to the chairs to the beds, every piece of furniture in the room was exquisitely valuable, unting the owner''s wealth and extravagance.


    Xie Xun surveyed the room.


    This was clearly no ordinary guest room, but rather a deliberate setup.


    And the purpose, of course, was to disgust him.


    "I had this room prepared casually," said Murong Yuan. "Third Brother can stay here for now. I expect Father will grant you a royal title in a few days."


    Once Xie Xun was granted a royal title, he would have his own manor and be assigned pce guards.


    At that point, it would be much harder to take action against him.


    So Murong Yuan had to have the master seal Xie Xun again before he received his title.


    Preferably, today.


    This was something that had kept Murong Yuan from sleeping well for several days.


    Yet today, when he saw Xie Xun, not only was hisplexion ruddy, but he also maintained a calm and unruffled demeanor toward Murong Yuan, fueling the fire burning in Murong Yuan''s heart that had yet to be vented.


    "The servants have prepared hot water. Would Third Brother like to bathe now?" Murong Yuan asked.


    "I''ll rest for a bit first," replied Xie Xun, taking a seat in a round chair.


    "As you wish." Murong Yuan smiled, "Then please make yourselvesfortable. I have some matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave for now."


    After leaving the guest room, Murong Yuan went straight to the courtyard of the hooded man.


    It was cold, so the hooded man had added a small brazier in his room, brewing tea over it.


    Seeing Murong Yuan enter, the hooded man calmly poured him a cup of tea. "The Third Prince has arrived?"


    "Yes," said Murong Yuan, sitting down. "Master, I''ve had someone tamper with the bathwater, so he''ll fall into a deep sleep soon. To avoid any unforeseenplications, it''s best to seal him today."


    The hooded man took a sip of tea, "Did hee alone?"


    "It seems there was a maidservant with him."


    When Murong Yuan went to greet Xie Xun outside the city earlier, he had taken note but didn''t see the highly skilled cultivator that the master mentioned, the one who could help Xie Xun break the seal. So he didn''t pay much attention to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    "A maidservant?" The hooded man said, "Did Your Highness happen to hear that the Sect Leader Bai Cheng sent his junior disciple Qin Fengmian to Yunzhou to fetch someone?"

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    The man in the ck robe did not hurry to say who Qin Fengmian had sent Zhu Yan to meet. Instead, he continued, "Not long ago, Bai Cheng''s senior disciple Zhu Yan went to Yunzhou to recruit people for the Yin Yang Office, but he was severely beaten on his return. Rumor has it that the person who beat him was a youngdy."


    Murong Yuan''s pupils constricted. "There was such an event?"


    Initially, he had proposed establishing the Yin Yang Office to please his father, the Emperor, and also with his own future in mind.


    The purple gold dragon aura he possessed was stolen, and after nurturing it for fourteen years, it still felt like a stranger, unable to fully integrate with his body.


    Although he now had a teacher to guide him, he did not have to worry about the dragon aura being stolen back.


    But what about the future?


    After all, his teacher was getting old. Once the teacher ascended to heaven, how would he cope?


    Therefore, he needed to establish his own power base as soon as possible and recruit all the high-ranking cultivators in Yan Country to serve him.


    However, his teacher was nearly invisible, seldom interfering in such matters. Murong Yuan did not understand these matters himself, so he had entrusted everything to Bai Cheng, the Imperial Tutor.


    Since then, Murong Yuan had hardly inquired about the Yin Yang Office''s affairs.


    He never expected such a small incident to ur.


    But his teacher had just said that the person who severely injured Zhu Yan was a youngdy?


    "It must be fake news," Murong Yuan did not believe it. "Zhu Yan has been Bai Cheng''s disciple for over ten years. I have witnessed his skills, and he practices the Qimen Divination Technique. Even if Bai Cheng fought him, it would take half a day''s effort to break his Qimen formation. How could a youngdy severely injure him?"


    "An ordinary youngdy certainly could not," the man in the ck robe sneered. "But what if she was from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion?"


    The Heavenly Master''s Mansion!


    A ringing sound echoed in Murong Yuan''s mind.


    The Heavenly Master''s Mansion had a mysterious female disciple, rumored to be the only female disciple epted by the sect in its hundred-year history since its establishment on Cangwu Mountain. She possessed exceptional talents and was extraordinarily mysterious.


    She never descended the mountain, and no one at the foot of the mountain knew her name or appearance.


    Even when Murong Yuan personally led people to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to request the senior disciple Zhang Hengyi toe down from the mountain, they could not catch a glimpse of her true appearance.


    This unseen female disciple of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion had a great reputation in the cultivation world. Even Murong Yuan, an outsider, had heard numerous rumors about her.


    However, Murong Yuan still did not believe it.


    "Thest time I personally led people to Cangwu Mountain, their attitude was clear. The Heavenly Master''s Mansion would not interfere in imperial court affairs."


    "How could that female disciple appear around Murong Xun?"


    The man in the ck robe was also perplexed.


    Aside from the female disciple from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, he could not think of any other sect whose female disciple could injure Zhu Yan so severely and easily break his Qimen Divination Technique formation.


    Murong Yuan could not associate the young maidservant around Xie Xun with the disciple from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion either.


    But since his teacher had this spection, he could not entirely reject it.


    "If it really is the disciple from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, can the teacher handle her?"


    The man in the ck robe pondered for a moment. "With utmost effort, I may be able to fight her."


    Murong Yuan''s heart trembled. "The teacher''s decades of cultivation can only match her with utmost effort?"


    "Cultivation has nothing to do with age; innate talent is the key," the man in the ck robe exined. "That youngdy possesses a celestial spirit root and is blessed with a divine-level talent. On the surface, her master is the second disciple of the old Heavenly Master.


    However, in reality, she was personally taught by the old Heavenly Master himself.


    Her cultivation level is second only to the old Heavenly Master."


    Murong Yuan was utterly astonished. "But no matter what, she is just a youngdy in her early teens!"


    The man in the ck robe did not borate further.


    Murong Yuan was not a cultivator, so he would not understand what a "divine-level talent" meant.


    For ordinary people or those without any talent who could only rely on hard work, it would take ten years of effort to catch up with what someone with a divine-level talent could achieve in a single year.


    A divine-level talent was something countless cultivators dreamed of, yet he had encountered only one such individual in his life.


    "Then what should we do?" Murong Yuan grew anxious.


    If the young maidservant around Xie Xun was truly the female disciple from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, then it was clear that she hade for him.


    The man in the ck robe smiled. "Why the hurry? I haven''t finished speaking."


    This had Murong Yuan catching his breath.


    He could only restrain himself and sit back down, personally refilling the man''s tea.


    The man in the ck robe slowly continued, "There is a reason why this youngdy has not descended the mountain for over ten years."


    "What reason?"


    "She has a fatal weakness," the man in the ck robe curled his lips. "During the full moon nights, she is at her most vulnerable. While I cannot defeat her under normal circumstances, I may be able to try during the full moon nights."


    Murong Yuan''s previously dejected heart regained hope.


    "So does the teacher mean for me to hold off for now and wait for the full moon night?"


    The man in the ck robe nodded. "Calcte the days, and it''s not far off. These few days won''t make a difference."


    "Good, I''ll follow the teacher''s instructions."


    Then, he thought of something else. "Did the teacher say earlier that the youngdy has been recruited by the Yin Yang Office?"


    The man in the ck robe raised his eyebrows. "Your Highness previously wanted to invite someone from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to manage the Yin Yang Office, right? Now that someone has voluntarilye to you, wouldn''t it be better to take her under your wing?"


    Murong Yuan realized it made sense.


    Whether it was the destined Princess Ye Chan from the King Ning''s Mansion or the divine-talent female disciple from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, they should all serve him!


    After returning, Murong Yuan had the contaminated bathwater reced while Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao were still bathing.


    He also had some tea and snacks sent over, saying that the pce banquet was still some time away, and they should have something to fill their stomachs first.


    During the bath, Xie Xun used his keen sense of smell to check, and the bathwater was fine.


    Until thete afternoon, when the pce banquet was about to begin, no one hade to them.


    Xie Xun couldn''t help but frown. "Could it be that I misjudged the situation?"


    The person trying to steal the dragon aura from Murong Yuan must be in the Eastern Pce, and Murong Yuan had invited them specifically to allow that person to get close to him and reseal the dragon aura.


    But they had been waiting, and there was no movement from the Eastern Pce at all.


    "If they don''te, then they don''te," Jiang Xiaoxiao stuffed a snack into her mouth. "Whenever theye, I''ll deal with them!"


    Not long after, Murong Yuan personally came with two pce maids.


    The maids each carried a tray, with one set of borate robes for a man and another for a woman.


    Murong Yuan had the air of an elder brother. "I didn''t know your size, Third Brother, so I couldn''t have new robes made. These are mine, but they should fit you. You can wear this set when you meet Father Emperorter."


    Xie Xun''s expression was calm and indifferent. "Your Highness can keep it. I''m not in the habit of wearing other people''s discarded clothes."


    These words, at first nce, seemed innocuous, but upon closer examination, they were clearly a veiled insult towards Murong Yuan.


    As the old saying goes, a woman is like a piece of clothing. Even though the Princess of King Ning''s Mansion had taken the initiative to break off her engagement, she was once Xie Xun''s fianc¨¦e.


    Now that she belonged to Murong Yuan, it was as if he was wearing someone else''s ragged clothes!


    Murong Yuan''s face stiffened for a moment, but he quickly regained his smile. "It seems that my third brother has grown ustomed to theidback lifestyle of a small ce like Yunzhou. Since you don''t want to use it, there''s no need. Prepare yourselves, we shall depart for the Jianzhang Pce to meet our father the Emperor immediately."


    Let you gloat for a couple of days first. When the full moon arrives, I shall make you wish you were dead!

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    At twilight, Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao followed Murong Yuan to Jianzhang Pce.


    After fourteen years of absence, the majestic pce remained as solemn as ever.


    Only this time, it wasn''t as cold as when Xie Xun had knelt outside fourteen years ago, begging Emperor Hongtai.


    "You two wait outside for me."


    Murong Yuan instructed, ascending the white marble steps.


    Emperor Hongtai was reviewing imperial edicts in his study when the grand minister Du En entered and quietly reported, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience."


    Emperor Hongtai hummed, "Let him in."


    Du En withdrew, and shortly after, Murong Yuan strode in, kneeling respectfully before the Emperor, "Father Emperor, my third brother has safely arrived at the Pce of the Crown Prince and is waiting outside. Shall I summon him in?"


    Emperor Hongtai''s vermilion brush paused momentarily, "No need, let him return. He can attend the banquet at Ganlu Hallter."


    Murong Yuan''s lips curved slightly, "Father Emperor, since he hasn''t been seen for fourteen years, wouldn''t it be... improper to simply dismiss him?"


    "Hmm?" Emperor Hongtai nced at him.


    Murong Yuan immediately straightened up, "Yes, I shall convey your message to my third brother."


    Outside, Xie Xun hadn''t looked anywhere but at Jiang Xiaoxiao, afraid she might feel cold, he took her hands and warmed them in his palms.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao muttered softly, "To think we''d have to wait so long just to see the Emperor."


    Xie Xun smiled faintly, "He won''t see me."


    "Ah? Why?"


    "Because that''s how it was fourteen years ago."


    Xie Xun spoke of it as if the past agony had long faded, sounding nonchnt.


    "Then whye if you knew the Emperor wouldn''t see you?"


    Xie Xun lowered hisshes, "Just to retrace the path myte mother walked."


    As he finished, Murong Yuan emerged, his expression apologetic and awkward, "My apologies, third brother. It seems Father Emperor is in a foul mood and doesn''t wish to see you for now. But rest assured, the Pce of the Crown Prince will always be your home. Stay there, and let me know if you need anything."


    Xie Xun understood, "In that case, we won''t attend the pce banquet either. Myte mother had a private vi outside the pce when she was alive - I can stay there, no need to trouble the Crown Prince."


    Murong Yuan paused, "Ohe now, third brother!"


    He smiled wryly, "You''ve grown ustomed to life in Yunzhou and picked up quite the temper. Tonight''s pce banquet is specifically for weing your return to Yanjing. All the civil and military officials will be there. Are you really going to skip it just like that?"


    "Besides, you can''t take out your frustrations on Father Emperor!"


    Xie Xun scoffed coldly, "You expect me to join those ''loyal officials'' who once vilified and sought to expel me from Yanjing in merrymaking?"


    "Third brother, those are ancient grievances from years ago. Why hold onto them?" Murong Yuan reasoned, "Listen to me - what''s done is done. Life is long, you can''t cling to those old grudges forever, or how will you live?"


    He continued, "Don''t worry, I''ll speak up for you with Father Emperor. It''s not what you think - he''s probably just afraid that seeing you will remind him of thete Empress... Er... Mmm..."


    Murong Yuan''s words were cut off mid-sentence as he found himself unable to speak. He turned his piercing gaze toward Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The daft girl wore an utterly innocent, clueless expression.


    He had clearly underestimated her before!


    His master''s judgment must have been urate - this girl was no ordinary person.


    And that appearance...


    Disregarding her foolish demeanor, her face surpassed even Ye Chan''s beauty.


    Thinking that in a few days Xie Xun would be sealed, and this girl would be his, Murong Yuan felt a sense of intrigue as he eyed Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao met his gaze, "Big brother, if you can''t talk, it''s better to stay silent, or you might get scolded."


    After speaking, she followed Xie Xun out of the pce.


    It took Murong Yuan a long time to find the man in ck robes and undo the spell Jiang Xiaoxiao had cast on him.


    When he returned to Jianzhang Pce and informed Emperor Hongtai of Xie Xun''s refusal to attend the banquet, he had expected his father to be furious with Xie Xun, further souring his impression.


    But to his surprise, the moment he finished speaking, Emperor Hongtai unleashed a torrent of reproaches upon him.


    Scolding him for previously swearing to take care of his younger brother but now failing even a simple pce banquet - an act of defiance against the Emperor.


    Murong Yuan was dumbfounded. How could he shoulder such a grave me? He hurriedly knelt, promising to leave the pce and find Xie Xun immediately.


    Outside Jianzhang Pce, Murong Yuan recalled Jiang Xiaoxiao''s earlier words - that if he couldn''t talk, he should say less, or face scolding.


    That wretched girl!


    Murong Yuan''s face darkened.


    Xie Xun led Jiang Xiaoxiao out of the pce.


    "Did yourte mother really leave you a private vi?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    "There is one, but I''ve never been there," Xie Xun replied, "My old nanny only told me the address. Whether we can find it remains to be seen. But it''ste now, so we''ll find an inn to rest first and search tomorrow."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded - as long as Xie Xun was happy, she didn''t mind where they went.


    As the two walked side by side, the sound of hoofbeats approached from behind.


    The rider was none other than Murong Yuan.


    "Third brother!"


    Murong Yuan reined in his horse and called out, "Where are you two going?"


    Xie Xun didn''t turn around, his tone indifferent, "Is there something?"


    "Third brother, let''s not make a fuss, alright?" Murong Yuan pleaded, "All the officials are waiting for you at Ganlu Hall right now. You''re the guest of honor - how can you not show up?"


    Xie Xun said, "They''re weing Murong Xun, the third Imperial son, but I''m not him. My surname is Xie."


    "Look at you, still bearing grudges, aren''t you?" Murong Yuan chided, "Father Emperor has promised that as soon as you return to Yanjing, he''ll bestow a royal title upon you. Aren''t you a grown man now? Stop acting so childish!"


    He dismounted and approached Xie Xun, tugging at his sleeve, "Listen to me ande back. You''ll get to see Father Emperor at the banquet soon. Whatever grievances you have, you can tell him then."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun''s expression turned mocking, "Someone took something from me, and I despise that person. I want him to go to hell. Can I say that?"


    Murong Yuan''s facial muscles twitched - Xie Xun clearly knew that his purple gold dragon aura had been seized by him.


    "Oh? Was the one who stole from you in Yunzhou? Don''t worry, no need to bother Father Emperor with this. I, your brother, can take care of it for you. But right now, you must return with me to the pce immediately!"


    Xie Xun stood motionless, the chill in his eyes seemingly solidified into substance. "Who was it that decreed my exile from Yanjing back then? Let the same person request my return, or else I will not go."

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Murong Yuan was unable to bring Xie Xun back with him.


    The ministers waited in vain in Ganlu Hall.


    Emperor Hongtai¡¯s face was gloomy and dark, "Crown Prince, where is the third prince?"


    Murong Yuan knelt on the ground, full of self-me, "Father, I am ipetent. My younger brother said that the person who banished him from the capital years ago must personally fetch him, then only would he agree toe."


    On hearing this, the ministers frowned and began to discuss.


    "Even back then, we knew the third prince was a wastrel, unabashed and indifferent to learning. Unsurprisingly, after sending him to the countryside for fourteen years, there''s no change in him. He even dares to demand the emperor to personally retrieve him, he has grown too bold!"


    "That¡¯s right, a man who could infuriate several top-ranking schrs to the point of resignation at the age of three clearly has a natural rebellious streak. It''s hard to change one''s nature; not just fourteen years, even forty years would not make a difference."


    "Emperor, the third prince''s tant provocation is too arrogant. Please punish him severely!"


    "I second that."


    "I, too, support this."


    "Please punish the third prince severely, to uphold the imperial authority ¡ª¡±


    For a while, the grand hall was filled with the unified voice of the ministers.


    Murong Yuan raised an eyebrow, he initially thought Murong Xun would be difficult to deal with, but it turned out he was a fool, offending all the civil and military officials as soon as he entered the capital, effectively digging his own grave.


    In the women''s section, Ye Chan stood out in her soft water-blue waist-pinching robe among all the nobledies.


    The Consort of King Ning, sitting beside her, sneered, "I told you so, he was worthless fourteen years ago, and he is still worthless now. He even dared to ask the emperor to personally receive him, is he tired of living?"


    Saying this, she took her daughter''s hand and spoke with a relieved tone.


    "Fortunately, Chan broke off the engagement early. Otherwise, if you were to marry such a man, he would ruin the King Ning''s mansion in the future."


    "My Chan is born with a phoenix destiny, destined to mother the world. The third prince, even if he is the legitimate son, has no family, no background, and no ability, he is not worthy of you."


    Thete Empress was brought back from the battlefield by Emperor Hongtai. Being alone, she had no maternal family, and naturally, Xie Xun had no maternal grandparents.


    In the power struggle of the royal family, the influence of the maternal family is indispensable.


    Xie Xun, despite his status as the legitimate son, was a notorious wastrel. Compared to the "chosen son" Murong Yuan, he obviously had no advantage.


    Ye Chan listened to her mother''s words and responded with a soft hum.


    However, as she lowered her eyshes, she inadvertently recalled the brief glimpse she caught of him in the daytime.


    Ye Chan shook her head, casting aside the chaotic thoughts.


    Her mother was right, he was nothing but a worthless pretender, not worthy of her.


    The calls of the ministers continued, and Emperor Hongtai''s face grew more and more unsightly.


    "This wretch!"


    His chest heaved as he cursed, gripping the armrest of the dragon chair.


    He then called Du En over, "Issue my decree, have the Imperial Deity Temple ready. Bestow him a title and let him go live there. I don¡¯t want to see him!"


    Du En asked quietly, "Emperor, about the third prince''s title..."


    Emperor Hongtai paused, his dry hand tightened, and after a moment, he slowly uttered two words.


    "King of Chu."


    Murong Yuan had waited a long time, but it was all bark and no bite; his imperial father had dismissed his concerns so easily.


    Despite the disappointment in his heart, Murong Yuan knew he couldn''t push too far in this situation, not with civil and military officials all around.


    Thinking about the fact that he could take his revenge on the night of the full moon, Murong Yuan had to swallow his anger for the time being and return to his seat.


    ---


    Meanwhile, Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao were oblivious to the happenings within the Imperial Pce.


    At this very moment, Xie Xun was taking Jiang Xiaoxiao on a tour of the night market.


    Yanjing was bustling, and the night market was adorned with lights, as bright as daylight.


    It was Jiang Xiaoxiao''s first time at such a lively ce, and everything seemed novel to her.


    Seeing her standing fixedly in front of a candy stall, Xie Xun suddenly remembered that she was holding a string of candy figures when he first met her.


    "Do you like these?" Xie Xun stepped forward, his tone gentle.


    "Mm." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, her innocent eyes filled only with the candy figures.


    Xie Xun asked the vendor to blow one for her.


    Once Jiang Xiaoxiao received it, her attention was entirely on the candy figure. She didn''t even look where she was going.


    Concerned that she might get hit by someone, Xie Xun decided to hold her hand while she was engrossed with her candy, navigating through the busy crowd.


    There were mostly men in the night market, and Jiang Xiaoxiao''s striking appearance often attracted the gazes of passersby.


    Xie Xun frowned, and when they passed a mask stall, he bought two that could hide the upper half of their faces. He put one on Jiang Xiaoxiao, and wore the other one himself.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand the purpose, but as long as she had her candy, she was happy to go wherever Xie Xun took her.


    They passed a tower, and Xie Xun suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky.


    "Xiaoxiao, do you want to stargaze?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought about it. What''s so special about a few broken stars? But she still nodded, "Okay."


    Xie Xun originally nned to climb the tower, but Jiang Xiaoxiao found it troublesome. In a single leap, she brought him to the top of the tower.


    Xie Xun: "......"


    So much for the sense of ceremony.


    And so, atop the tower, Xie Xun gazed at the stars alone, and Jiang Xiaoxiao was engrossed in her candy.


    Watching her, Xie Xun didn''t know whether to be annoyed or amused.


    Suddenly, they heard noisesing from the room below.


    Xie Xun listened carefully for a moment and his face turned strange as he realized what was going on.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao also heard it. She wanted to lift the roof tile to take a peek.


    Xie Xun immediately covered her eyes, "No peeking!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "There''s someone moaning down there. It sounds like they''re in pain."


    Xie Xun choked, "That''s none of our business."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had never heard such sounds before. Since the tile was already lifted, she thought there was no harm in taking a nce. What if it was a spirit she had never seen before?


    Seeing her bend down to sneak a peek, Xie Xun reached out, held the back of her head, and kissed her urately.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao froze, the candy figure in her hand fell, sliding down the sloped roof.


    It was different this timepared to when Xie Xun was drunk and asked her for a kiss.


    This time he initiated it. Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t put into words how she felt, she only felt her heart pounding wildly, beating fast and chaotic.


    Finding the mask bothersome, Xie Xun ripped it off and kissed her again. She had just eaten the candy, her lips were soft and sweet.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was dumbfounded.


    She had no idea how to respond, only feeling overwhelmingly hot, as if she had lost control of her body.


    Her breath was fast, so was her heartbeat.


    "Xie Xun... I-I''m ufortable."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao whimpered.


    However, Xie Xun, as if addicted, would not let her go, his lips sealing hers tightly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao felt her body''s temperature reaching its peak.


    The next moment, she grunted, and then suddenly shrank.


    She transformed!

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Xie Xun had not yet recovered from his embrace with Jiang Xiaoxiao when she was suddenly gone from his arms.


    He lowered his gaze to find the recently transformed tiny creature had rolled a couple of times on the nted roof tiles.


    Xie Xun quickly reached out and picked her up.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao seemed drowsy, nodding off slightly.


    Xie Xun was perplexed, "Why did you transform early?"


    "I don''t know," Jiang Xiaoxiao said groggily, struggling to keep her eyes open.


    In this state, she likely wouldn''t register anything he said.


    Xie Xun climbed down from the tower and rented a room at an inn with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    He had brought Jiang Xiaoxiao''s little nest from Yunzhou, but before entering the pce, he had temporarily entrusted it to Dean Gu.


    It was alreadyte, so they couldn''t go to Dean Gu''s residence to retrieve it and had to make do for the night.


    He brought a pot of hot water and carefully removed Jiang Xiaoxiao''s shoes and socks before washing her feet.


    It was too cold outside, so she had to sleep on the bed under the covers.


    The original pillow was too high, so Xie Xun removed it and folded up a towel from the inn for Jiang Xiaoxiao to lean against.


    She was so tiny that only a small portion of the covers were needed.


    After lying down, Xie Xun turned to his side.


    The little creature was already sound asleep, her breathing light and even.


    Xie Xun didn''t dare move or turn over, afraid that one shift would cause the covers topletely wrap around and smother her.


    Eventually, Xie Xun just stayed awake, watching her sleep.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was restless in her sleep, especially after transforming, just like a child tossing and turning.


    So Xie Xun saw her roll into the covers several times, and had to pull her out, only for her to start rolling again shortly after.


    It wasn''t until daybreak that Xie Xun managed to doze off briefly.


    But soon after, he heard the rustling sounds of Jiang Xiaoxiao waking up.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat up and yawned, then tried to climb onto him, failing twice.


    Xie Xun opened his eyes and used two fingers to lift her onto his chest.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up at the erged Xie Xun with a vexed expression on her small face.


    She was supposed to transform only on the night of a full moon, so why did it happen early?


    Xie Xun was also puzzled, "Is this spell of yours not very urate?"


    "It used to be very urate," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "I would always transform on the night of a full moon."


    "What if there was no moon? How would you transform then?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, "If there was no moon, I would transform on the same day as the previous full moon night."


    Xie Xun felt something was off, "If there''s no moon, then it''s not a full moon night. This spell of yours must follow a different pattern. For example, do you feel anything special before each transformation?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered carefully, "Before each transformation, I feel like I can''t control myself."


    "Hm?" Xie Xun narrowed his eyes. "You can''t control yourself?"


    "I can''t really describe it," Jiang Xiaoxiao exined. "It''s like there''s something inside me that makes me lose control, but each time I lose control, I shrink down. Then after two or three days, I''m fine again."


    Xie Xun recalled the times she had transformed since joining him.


    "Was it the same that time at the Chaotic Burial Ground?"


    "Mm-hmm," Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "As soon as I got to that ce, my body started feeling unwell, and then I shrank down and felt better."


    "I don''t think this is a spell," Xie Xun said. "It sounds more like a seal, meant to suppress whatever you said makes you lose control inside you.


    In other words, this so-called full moon night transformation is likely just a monthly urrence under the premise that the inner force doesn''t act up.


    But once it reacts, regardless of whether it''s a full moon night or not, the seal automatically activates its protective function and makes you shrink.


    Put simply, you shrink as a form of protection from this seal."


    "But if there was something inside me, I would know about it," Jiang Xiaoxiao protested.


    With her level of cultivation, there was no way she wouldn''t sense something like that.


    Moreover, if there really was something, her master would never have allowed her to leave the mountain, nor would he remain indifferent about it.


    "Don''t worry," Xie Xun gently rubbed her tiny head with his index finger. "We''ll gradually figure out the patterns. The truth will reveal itself one day."


    "Oh," Jiang Xiaoxiao said simply.


    In her current state, she couldn''t ponder much further. She looked back up at Xie Xun, "I''m hungry!"


    "Okay."


    Since the inn couldn''t prepare a meal for Jiang Xiaoxiao''s tiny size, Xie Xun went downstairs and bought some hot soy milk and steamed buns.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, ravenous, ate two full portions of steamed buns.


    Today they needed to go to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion''s shop in Yanjing City to get medicine for Jiang Xiaoxiao, but her current size made it difficult to bring her along appropriately.


    Before leaving, Xie Xun asked the inn attendant for a needle, thread, and a piece of cloth. He sewed a small pocket into his sleeve, just big enough to tuck Jiang Xiaoxiao inside with her head, neck, and little hands sticking out.


    Xie Xun had inquired about the shop''s address from Zhang Hengyi beforeing to the capital.


    Simr to Kaihe County, it was located away from the bustling city center.


    They easily found it by hiring a carriage, as the drivers were familiar with the roads.


    A shop assistant was standing behind the counter. Xie Xun handed him the prescription.


    The assistant nced at it, his expression changing slightly before studying Xie Xun carefully. He then hurried to the back courtyard to fetch the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper soon rushed out, breathless, "Is this prescription yours, sir?"


    Xie Xun nodded.


    The shopkeeper''s face grew grave, "May I ask when the patient''s episode urred?"


    Xie Xun knew that the Heavenly Master''s Mansion would inform the shops in advance whenever they visited a new ce.


    So he didn''t conceal the truth, "Last night."


    The shopkeeper was startled, "Last night..."


    It wasn''t a full moon night.


    That meant the patient had an early episode.


    This was a serious matter that needed to be reported back to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    After personally preparing the medicine for Xie Xun, the shopkeeper cautioned, "Be sure she doesn''t go out for the next three days."


    Xie Xun acknowledged and left with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    To avoid any trouble, they would have to stay at the inn for a few days before finding a way to the separate estate where his mother resided outside the pce.


    Halfway back, Xie Xun bought a medicine jar and borrowed the inn''s kitchen to brew the medicinal concoction.


    Without a small tub, he could only use a small bowl to soak Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The small bowl was ced on a round stool behind a folding screen.


    Xie Xun stood by the window in the outer room as snow began to fall outside, a thin, salt-likeyer swirling and crunching softly.


    The winters in Yanjing City were colder than Yunzhou.


    Murong Yuan had been counting the days in the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    Finally, as the middle of the month arrived, he personally sought out the ck Robe Man.


    "Master, tonight is the night of the full moon, can we take action?" the ck Robe Man asked with a nod.


    Murong Yuan looked outside at the falling goose feather-like snowkes. "But what if there is no moon tonight?"


    The ck Robe Man curved his lips upward. "It doesn''t matter whether there''s a moon or not. Tonight is when that girl will be at her weakest. If she confronts me, she will surely be gravely injured."


    Murong Yuan felt reassured. "It''s perfect timing as today is the day Prince Murong Xun will be crowned. I''ll go and escort him to the Pce of the Crown Prince now, and I''ll find a way to lure him there. Then you can take the opportunity to seal him, Master."

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    It took Murong Yuan a long time to find Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao at the inn.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s transformation period had passed.


    Outside, the snow was heavy, and Murong Yuan held an umbre, wearing a precious sable fur coat.


    "Third brother."


    He looked at Xie Xun, his smile warm and gentle, "Today is the day of your investiture as a prince. How abouting with me to the pce?"


    Xie Xun didn''t look at him, busy adjusting Jiang Xiaoxiao''s cloak.


    Although Jiang Xiaoxiao kept saying she wasn''t afraid of the cold, Xie Xun still bought her a beautiful, snow-white cloak.


    Xie Xun had originally nned to visit his mother''s separate courtyard today, but he didn''t expect Murong Yuan to suddenly show up.


    Investiture as a prince?


    That was rightfully his.


    "Lead the way!"


    Holding Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand, Xie Xun walked toward the carriage, his tone indifferent.


    Xie Xun''s cold attitude made Murong Yuan''s expression darken slightly.


    Considering that tonight was a full moon, he would tolerate it for a few more hours.


    Suppressing his hatred, Murong Yuan put on a smile again and instructed his subordinates to turn the carriage around after getting in.


    In Yan Country, the investiture ceremony for princes was presided over by the Ministry of Rites, but the location was the Imperial Deity Temple.


    During the investiture, each prince had to kneel before the statue of the founding emperor at the Imperial Deity Temple to receive his witness and be bathed in divine light.


    Of course, apart from the Crown Prince Murong Yuan, no one else could see the divine light of the founding emperor, and as for being bathed in divine light, that was even more imusible.


    For an ordinary prince, it was just a formality.


    Murong Yuan didn''t dy and changed to a sedan chair outside the pce gates, taking Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao directly toward the Imperial Deity Temple.


    The Imperial Deity Temple was a sacred ce for the royal family, and Jiang Xiaoxiao was not allowed inside, so she had to wait outside.


    Before entering the temple, Xie Xun''s steps faltered, and he looked up.


    The overall structure of the Imperial Deity Temple was much taller than the Jianzhang Pce where the emperor resided, and the construction materials were also of the highest quality.


    Its grandeur and magnificence were iparable to the Jianzhang Pce.


    It was evident that the emperor who built the Imperial Deity Temple had put a lot of thought into it.


    Crossing the threshold, ahead was a long and high flight of ny-nine jade steps, covered with a red carpet.


    At the top of the jade steps, the colossal statue of the founding emperor, Lang Jin, stood majestically.


    Xie Xun had been here as a child, but at that time, he was mischievous, and being young, he had never paid much attention to the statue of the founding emperor.


    He only remembered that it was a strange person wearing a mask.


    Now, fourteen yearster, the statue of the founding emperor still wore a mask and held a heavy spear engraved with a snow wolf pattern.


    Lang Jin, the founding emperor of Yan Country, was said to be a deity.


    When he was little, Xie Xun had asked his teacher, Dean Gu, why the founding emperor''s surname was Lang (wolf).


    Dean Gu had answered that there were very few records about this emperor in historical books, as if his life''s deeds had been deliberately erased.


    Dean Gu had to read through many misceneous records to gather a little information.


    The records said that this emperor was raised by a wolf pack and always wore a mask, his true face unseen by anyone.


    After ascending the throne, he never married and adopted a son to inherit the throne, until his final battle when he sacrificed himself.


    The statue in the Imperial Deity Temple was built by his adopted son''s order.


    After climbing the ny-nine jade steps, Xie Xun looked up again, his gaze falling on the mysterious mask of the colossal statue.


    For some inexplicable reason, he felt a strange, long-lost familiarity.


    "Ah, the founding emperor has manifested!"


    The voice of a surprised official from the Ministry of Rites rang out.


    Xie Xun snapped out of his reverie to see Murong Yuan standing beside him, and the previously serene statue was now engulfed in a brilliant divine light.


    The Minister of Rites, ovee with emotion, knelt down with the people behind him, facing Murong Yuan.


    "This divine light is even brighter than before!"


    "Your Highness the Crown Prince is truly the chosen one of the deity, wise and valiant, may you bless our Yan Country with a prosperous and evesting reign¡ª"


    The group was ttering Murong Yuan enthusiastically.


    Only Xie Xun noticed that something was amiss with Murong Yuan''s expression.


    He seemed to be in pain, but he was holding it back, with beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.


    Who doesn''t love being ttered?


    In the past, Murong Yuan would have responded with a few humble words.


    But now, he was in pain from head to toe, as if something was trying to separate from his body.


    He could feel the Dragon Aura that had never fully merged with him acting up.


    But he didn''t dare move, for fear that one wrong move would cause the Dragon Aura to forcibly leave his body.


    "You were called here to invest the third prince, so why are you just standing there!"


    Unable to bear the pain any longer, Murong Yuan red and snapped at them.


    The officials from the Ministry of Rites immediately rose and came over to perform the investiture ceremony for Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun slightly raised his eyebrows.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had said that his seal had been lifted, and if he got too close to Murong Yuan, it would stimte the regeneration of the Dragon Aura.


    If he wasn''t mistaken, Murong Yuan had been affected earlier.


    Xie Xun let out a lightugh and asked, "Is Your Highness the Crown Prince alright?"


    Murong Yuan red at him, his ten fingers tightly clenched.


    Just a little longer, half a day more, and once Teacher hadpletely sealed Xie Xun, he would have no more worries.


    Thinking of this, Murong Yuan took a deep breath, trying to appear calm andposed, "Third brother, the auspicious time is approaching, let''s proceed with the ceremony!"


    The investiture ceremony was not as borate as the one for the Crown Prince, and the proceedings didn''t take long. Xie Xun received his court robes and a jade crown.


    In addition, he was also given a Prince''s Mansion and twenty pce guards.


    Murong Yuan had been waiting on the side, asionally ncing up at the statue.


    After the entire ceremony waspleted, he apanied Xie Xun out.


    "Third brother, your mansion may need some cleaning and preparation, so I''ll send someone over right away. For the next couple of days, you can stay at the Pce of the Crown Prince. If you need anything, I''ll be there to assist you."


    Murong Yuan had thought that he might need to put in some effort to convince Xie Xun to agree.


    After all, this fellow had a terrible temper and was often reckless, not even showing respect to the emperor.


    But to his surprise, Xie Xun readily agreed.


    "Alright."


    Murong Yuan was taken aback, "You mean you agree to stay at the Pce of the Crown Prince with that girl for now?"


    Xie Xun raised his eyebrows, "Didn''t the Crown Prince say he would take care of me? The conditions at the Pce of the Crown Prince are decent. Why not?"


    "Oh...yes, yes, yes, there are many servants at the Pce of the Crown Prince. Feel free to order them around as you please, no need to be polite with me."


    "Thank you." Xie Xun nodded, "Arrange a quiet courtyard for me, and don''t let anyone disturb me for the next two or three days."


    Upon hearing this, Murong Yuan''s heart swelled with joy.


    Indeed, Teacher was right¡ªthat girl had a fatal weakness.


    Not allowing anyone to serve them, eh?


    That would be even better. When I secretly control that girl, sealing you would be as easy as squashing an ant.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    When Xie Xun exited the Imperial Deity Temple, he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao sitting outside, stuffing a handful of snow into her mouth.


    Xie Xun hurried over, pulling her hand away and knocking the snowball out of it. Frowning, he asked, "Why are you eating snow?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, "I''ve got nothing better to do."


    Xie Xun was at a loss for words and didn''t know how to respond.


    After pulling out a handkerchief to wipe Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hands, Xie Xun nced at Murong Yuan, who had just followed him out, and said with a smile, "We''ll have to stay at the Pce of the Crown Prince for a few days while King Chu''s Mansion is being tidied up."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t care where they stayed.


    "Is your title King Chu?" she asked.


    "Yes," Xie Xun replied, seeming somewhat distant. Chu Chu was his mother''s pet name.


    "Huh?" Jiang Xiaoxiao''s voice brought Xie Xun back from his thoughts.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him and eximed excitedly, "It''s grown a little bit!"


    She was being vague probably because she was aware Murong Yuan was listening. But Xie Xun understood immediately.


    What Xiaoxiao was implying was that his dragon energy had grown a little. No wonder Murong Yuan had looked so ufortable in the temple earlier.


    It seemed the Imperial Deity Temple had acted as a catalyst. In other words, whenever Murong Yuan was in front of the deity statue at the same time as Xie Xun, his dragon energy would be greatly affected.


    In a gradually improving mood, Xie Xun carefully warmed Jiang Xiaoxiao''s hand, then led her forward a few steps.


    The sedan chair they had used earlier was still waiting outside the temple. The eunuch who carried it saw Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao walking away and hurriedly jogged to catch up. "Third... oh no, King Chu, we have prepared the sedan for you."


    "No need, you can go back," Xie Xun dismissed him. It was still early, and he didn''t want to return to the Pce of the Crown Prince just yet.


    The eunuchs exchanged nces. They dared not disobey and carried the sedan chair away.


    The snow had stopped, and the pce was buried under ayer of silent white. Snowkes piled up on the tree branches.


    Xie Xun remembered the way to the pce. He suddenly crouched down. "Xiaoxiao, get on. I''ll carry you."


    "Okay."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t know what Xie Xun was nning but obediently climbed onto his back.


    After Xie Xun picked her up, his steps became heavier, leaving footprints in the snow with each stride.


    "Xie Xun, do you have something to tell me?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked.


    Xie Xun nodded. "I think I''ve figured out why the person behind Murong Yuan didn''t show upst time we entered the pce."


    "Why?"


    "I purposely tested Murong Yuan earlier, saying that I agreed to stay in the Pce of the Crown Prince temporarily, but I wanted a quiet courtyard, and I didn''t want anyone to disturb us for the next three days."


    "His reaction was subtle. I suspect that the person behind him knows your weakness and calcted the day we would enter the pce again."


    "Today is the day of my enthronement, but it''s also the night of the full moon."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao understood. "So, that person wants to take advantage of my weakest moment to seal you for the second time?"


    Xie Xun nodded. "It''s very likely."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was silent for a moment.


    "Will it be tricky?" Xie Xun asked.


    "A bit," she replied.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, who waspletely on a different wavelength than him, said, "The holes I''ve dug have only buried frogs, never people. I''m not sure how big a hole I need to dig for a person."


    Xie Xun: "....You can dig as big as you like."


    ---


    Not long after Murong Yuan returned, he couldn''t help but vomit a mouthful of blood.


    A man in a ck robe happened to walk in, and seeing his disheveled appearance, squinted his old eyes, "What happened?"


    "Master...," Murong Yuany on the warm couch, looking weak, "Something was off when Murong Xun was crowned king at the Imperial Deity Temple earlier."


    The man in the ck robe sat down cross-legged and used a spell to investigate.


    As expected, the dragon energy within Murong Yuan fluctuated.


    The man in the ck robe frowned, "You should not have gone to the Imperial Deity Temple!"


    Murong Yuan was defiant, "I just wanted him to see clearly that I am the chosen son recognized by the Emperor and embraced by the people of Yan Country."


    "Nonsense!"


    The man in the ck robe was furious, "Don''t you know where the dragon energy in your bodyes from? Since this dragon energy can make the deity statue manifest, it means that the deity statue is not just a decoration. You dare to show off in front of the rightful owner, it''s utterly foolish!"


    Murong Yuan was full of regret, "I''m sorry, Master, I was wrong."


    The man in the ck robe took out a small porcin bottle from his sleeve, "For now, take this medicine. When it''s nightfall, I will take revenge for you."


    Murong Yuan took the small porcin bottle, his heart filled with hatred for Xie Xun, wishing he could be cut into a thousand pieces.


    ---


    When Xie Xun returned to the Pce of the Crown Prince, Jiang Xiaoxiao, who was on his back, had already fallen asleep.


    The servants of the pce took him to his newly arranged courtyard.


    Xie Xun carefullyid Jiang Xiaoxiao t on the bed and covered her with a quilt.


    Looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao''s peaceful and obedient sleeping face, Xie Xun''s clear and handsome eyebrows rxed.


    He bent down, wanting to kiss her, but suddenly remembered that he had lost control one night and kissed her until she fainted.


    Xie Xun had to give up the idea, sat up straight, and stayed in front of the bed.


    ---


    Jiang Xiaoxiao woke up on time for dinner.


    After the meal, she asked a servant for a shovel and dug arge hole in the flower bed.


    Then she waited with Xie Xun.


    She waited until it was nearly midnight, and then suppressed the spiritual power in her body to the initial stage.


    A very weak state.


    Murong Yuan sent a servant to knock on their door as a test.


    "Prince Xun, the Crown Prince said you didn''t eat much for dinner, so he sent me to bring you some supper."


    Xie Xun''s voice from inside the room was cold, "Didn''t I say not to let anyone disturb us? Get out!"


    After the maid returned, she reported the situation of the guest house to Murong Yuan.


    "The doors and windows are all tightly closed, I couldn''t see anything. Also, Prince Xun said not to let anyone disturb them, I broke the rule, and he was very angry."


    After taking the medicine, Murong Yuan''splexion improved a lot. Heughed coldly when he heard the words and let the maid leave.


    He then walked behind the screen and bowed to the man in the ck robe, "It''s almost certain now, that girl won''t be able to use her power tonight. Master, we can proceed."


    The man in the ck robe hummed in approval and stood up.


    Murong Yuan prepared to follow.


    The man in the ck robe said, "You can''t see him until I''ve sealed Prince Xun."


    Murong Yuan, thinking back to the events at the Imperial Deity Temple during the day, was still somewhat shaken. He nodded and said, "Alright, I''ll wait for the good news from the teacher."


    The man in the ck robe moved swiftly, flying onto the roof, and soon arrived at the guest house by stepping on the roof tiles.


    He was highly alert, notpletely trusting the pce maid''s words. Before descending, he first released his spiritual sense to investigate.


    He confirmed that Jiang Xiaoxiao''s spiritual power had be so weak that he could easily crush her with a single finger.


    A sinister smile yed at the corner of the ck-robed man''s mouth. He took out a spirit talisman he had prepared earlier, chanted a spell, and threw it toward the door that carried Jiang Xiaoxiao''s aura.


    The talisman stuck to the door, and after a burst of golden light, the faint aura of spiritual power inside disappearedpletely.


    The man in the ck robe jumped off the roof and headed step by step towards the room where Xie Xun was.


    With a wave of his hand, the door opened automatically.


    The room was very quiet, Xie Xun had already fallen asleep.


    In a sh, the ck-robed man appeared in front of the bed, barely able to make out Xie Xun''s profile in the dim snow light from the window.


    He was only three years old when his dragon qi was taken away.


    Fourteen years had passed, and he had grown so much.


    However, regardless of who you are, if you dare to obstruct my n, there will be only one consequence!


    The ck-robed man extended his hand, and a mass of dark mist condensed on his palm, hovering over Xie Xun''s head.


    Just as he was about to perform the sealing ceremony, a voice suddenly came from above.


    "Old man, should you ask for my opinion beforeying a finger on my people?"


    The pupils of the ck-robed man contracted sharply, and he looked up abruptly to see Jiang Xiaoxiao hanging upside down from the beam, holding a gleaming kitchen knife in her hand.


    At this moment, that kitchen knife was hovering above his head.


    The ck-robed man was shocked.


    This aura, it is clearly at its peak!


    He had been tricked!


    Just as he was about to retreat, Jiang Xiaoxiao performed a spiral flip, her feetnding solidly on the ck-robed man''s chest, and shended steadily on the ground.


    Without giving the ck-robed man a chance to react, Jiang Xiaoxiao drew a symbol in mid-air. After a sh of golden light, all the doors and windows were sealed.


    The lights in the room came on with a "pop".


    Xie Xun, who had been pretending to sleep, slowly sat up, his gaze coldly fixed on the ck-robed man.


    The ck-robed man had nowhere to retreat, his back against the door frame, looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao with a re that was both sinister and sharp.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at him, "I''ve always been curious about how you would permanently seal Xie Xun for the second time."


    "Today I finally understand. You''re using life essence to create a deadly seal. You''re ying with fire. What are you trying to do?"


    The ck-robed man sneered, "Brat, I advise you, the Heavenly Master''s Mansion does not get involved in court disputes. It''s best not to meddle in King Chu''s affairs, or you''ll have to bear the consequences!"


    "Uh-huh." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "I definitely won''t interfere in King Chu''s affairs. I only care about my husband''s affairs."


    With that, she looked at the ck-robed man, her tone very obedient, "You bullied my man, so I have no choice but to bury you."

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    The ck Robe Man snorted coldly, his eyes shing dangerously, "Do you really think you''re up for it?"


    Although he was no match for this girl in cultivation, if pushed to the brink, he had some trump cards up his sleeve.


    "Then let''s fight." Jiang Xiaoxiao had no intention of bantering with him.


    The chef''s knife in her hand cast a chilling glint in themplight.


    At the moment, all the doors and windows were sealed by Jiang Xiaoxiao''s talismans, leaving the ck Robe Man no way out but to engage her. He took a moment to regte his inner spiritual energy.


    "Too slow!"


    Without using any spells, Jiang Xiaoxiao relied solely on her agility, shing before the ck Robe Man in the blink of an eye, her knife shing at him with a biting chill.


    The ck Robe Man paled in shock.


    This girl was even stronger than he had imagined.


    It seemed the Heavenly Master''s Mansion had not spared any effort in cultivating her over the years.


    But so what?


    No one could stop what he intended to do.


    Whoever stands in his way, dies!


    Years ago, when he seized the Dragon Aura from Murong Yuan, Murong Yuan''s mother had been foolish enough to try to stop him and demand that he return the Dragon Aura.


    The result?


    That stupid woman''s fate was to be buried alive as a concubine for the Former Emperor.


    A sinister grin crept onto his lips. As Jiang Xiaoxiao''s de was about to strike him, the ck Robe Man waved his sleeve, and the spot where he had been standing turned into a plume of ck mist.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao turned to see the ck Robe Man had relocated behind a folding screen. With a wave of his palm, all the round stools on the floor rose into the air and hurtled towards her.


    "Manipting objects, huh?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao cleaved a stool in two, her lovely brows furrowing slightly.


    She had a nagging feeling that the spells this old man was using seemed vaguely familiar.


    "Girl, getting distracted in a fight will give your opponent an opening to exploit."


    The ck Robe Man sneered, unleashing a palm strike wrapped in murderous air and sinister ck mist.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao focused her attention, murmuring an incantation as she raised her arm. The formerly chilling chef''s knife was now enveloped in a brilliant golden light.


    Before the ck mist could approach, it waspletely dispelled by the radiance.


    The de''s dazzling brilliance shed towards the ck Robe Man with terrifying force.


    The air rippled with shockwaves.


    The folding screen was instantly reduced to powder.


    Too fast.


    The ck Robe Man didn''t have time to dodge, taking the full brunt of the strike. He grunted, tasting blood in his mouth, and stumbled back several steps before barely regaining his footing.


    "Damned brat!"


    The ck Robe Man cursed, pausing to catch his breath before forming a hand seal.


    In no time, over a dozen clones of himself appeared in the room.


    Whatever sinister art he had cultivated, each of these clones possessed the same strength as the original.


    "Take care of yourself, Xie Xun."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao issued a warning, closing her eyes to focus.


    These clones couldn''t be discerned by the naked eye; she would have to rely on her spiritual perception.


    But as soon as the words left her mouth, a ck blur lunged straight at Xie Xun.


    The ck Robe Man had truly been angered tonight.


    Over the past two days, he had expended a great deal of spiritual energy creating a second spirit-sealing talisman for Xie Xun, using his own Yang lifeforce, and had yet to fully recover.


    Now, faced with this infuriating girl, she hadn''t even revealed her true abilities thus far.


    If this dragged on any longer, it would not bode well for him.


    He needed to find a way to escape as soon as possible.


    The ck Robe Man set his sights on Xie Xun.


    His target tonight had been Xie Xun all along. As long as he could take this boy away, that insufferable brat would pose no further threat.


    In the future, once he had achieved his grand ambition, he would make that brat beg for her life in vain!


    With this thought, the ck Robe Man swiftly reached out and seized Xie Xun''s arm.


    Just as he was about to break through the roof and escape, a golden talisman suddenly appeared on Xie Xun''s body, its dazzling light forcing the ck Robe Man to squint.


    Before he could react, he was sted away by the golden radiance.


    Two devastating blows had left him gravely injured, coughing up a massive spurt of blood onto the floor.


    With the original incapacitated, the clones dissipated instantly.


    That talisman had been ced on Xie Xun by Jiang Xiaoxiao in anticipation of the ck Robe Man targeting him.


    Her earlier warning for Xie Xun to take care of himself had been deliberate, meant to draw the ck Robe Man''s attention to him.


    The battle had caused too much damage, weakening the talismans sealing the doors and windows, greatly reducing their duration.


    Once the doors and windows opened, the ck Robe Man would instantly attempt to flee.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao fiddled with a small protrusion on the handle of her knife, shaking out a needle.


    The ck Robe Man''s face drained of color. "You damned brat, what are you trying to do?"


    "I''m going to bury you, and you''d better cooperate."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao approached the ck Robe Man, squatted down, and stabbed the needle into him without hesitation.


    This soul-binding needle would prevent him from using any spirit-separating or dimension-shifting techniques to escape.


    The ck Robe Man clenched his teeth, his eyes burning with hatred for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Watching the ck Robe Man writhe in agony, Jiang Xiaoxiao finally stood satisfied. She returned the needle to the knife handle, then dragged the ck Robe Man outside and dumped him into a pit.


    She called Xie Xun over, and the two of them began shoveling dirt over the ck Robe Man, burying him alive.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    The Soul-sealing Needle was a hidden weapon targeting cultivators. Once inserted into the right acupoint, it could not only block the meridians but also temporarily seal the target''s soul.


    For the duration of one hour, no spells could be cast.


    ck Robe Man sustained severe internal injuries and was struck by the Soul-sealing Needle, leaving himpletely immobilized as he watched helplessly while Jiang Xiaoxiao wielded a hoe to bury him alive.


    He chuckled instead of bing enraged, mocking, "You think my decades of cultivation can be so easily ruined by you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ignored him and kept digging.


    Xie Xun hesitated for a moment before asking softly, "Xiaoxiao, should we take a look under his mask to see who he is?"


    "No need. This is not his true form."


    Xie Xun looked puzzled.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao exined, "I only realized this when I struck ck Robe Man with the Soul-sealing Needle.


    The person I fought was merely a puppet being controlled by the true mastermind''s consciousness.


    The real person behind the scenes either anticipated tonight''s events and chose not toe or has never appeared in the Imperial Pce at all."


    If thetter were true, it would mean the mastermind had already mastered the evil arts to perfection.


    The person around Murong Yuan was just a puppet possessing the mastermind''s consciousness and doing his bidding.


    In other words, burying this ck Robe Man would soon lead to another appearing at the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    So the face under the mask didn''t matter; the mastermind was what was important.


    But finding the real mastermind would likely be difficult for the time being.


    "A puppet?" Xie Xun narrowed his eyes. "How could anyone control a puppet so perfectly that it seems like the real person?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao slowly exined, "Cultivation is a long and arduous process. Some are gifted with talent and strongprehension, allowing them to easily break through bottlenecks."


    "But there are far more cultivators of ordinary or even no talent at all. Some of them grow impatient and seek shortcuts to speed up their cultivation."


    "There are many ways to take shortcuts, such as devouring others'' souls, luck, or lifespan to boost one''s cultivation. These methods are condemned by the righteous path, so those who practice them are called the crooked path or the evil path."


    "The mastermind behind this ck Robe Man has been cultivating the evil path for quite some time. Fourteen years ago, he used an evil art to steal your Dragon Aura."


    "It seems this person has cultivated the evil path for many years and doesn''t even need to appear in person to get his puppets to do his bidding."


    Xie Xun recalled something Jiang Xiaoxiao had said to ck Robe Man earlier in the room. "You mentioned that if he tried to re-seal me, he would pay a greater price, so this time he used his lifespan for the seal?"


    Xie Xun couldn''t understand why the mastermind would be willing to risk his life to help Murong Yuan.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn''t figure it out either. This was probably the most vicious seal she had ever seen.


    Once sealed, not only would the mastermind lose years of his life, but Xie Xun''s Dragon Aura would never recover in this lifetime.


    Harming the enemy a thousand but injuring oneself eight hundred.


    Could Murong Yuan really be valuable enough for the mastermind to pay such a steep price?


    The ck Robe Man in the pit heard their conversation and chuckled lightly, "Little girl, the Heavenly Master''s Mansion hasn''t wasted its efforts nurturing you all these years. If my cultivation hadn''t been so depleted recently, I wouldn''t have made a mistake tonight."


    "However, after fighting you, I have a newfound respect for you. Heh heh, if we truly meet one day, I shall gift you something grand!"


    After speaking, ck Robe Man closed his eyes and stopped breathingpletely.


    Without the mastermind''s consciousness, the ck Robe Man was useless. Jiang Xiaoxiao kept digging until he was fully buried.


    Murong Yuan waited untilte into the night at the Pce of the Crown Prince, but ck Robe Man never returned.


    Anxious yet unable to go himself, he could only send guards to the guest residence to inquire.


    The guards reported that it was quiet at the residence, and the inhabitants had already gone to sleep.


    Gone to sleep?


    Murong Yuan frowned. Had the master seeded or failed?


    "Your Highness, you should rest," a nearby eunuch advised softly. "It''ste into the night."


    With no choice, Murong Yuan retired to the inner pce to rest.


    It wasn''t until dawn that he saw ck Robe Man again.


    "Master," Murong Yuan hurried over, delighted. "Were you sessful?"


    "Miscalcted. I didn''t seedst night," ck Robe Man said. "The sealing matter will be postponed. You must urgently find a way to obtain the mechanism diagram of the Former Empress''s tomb."


    ck Robe Man''s voice sounded hoarse, different from usual.


    Murong Yuan grew concerned. "Master, your voice..."


    "Just a cold from the weather. My throat is unwell."


    Murong Yuan nodded. The master had been in simr situations before where his voice changed afterward.


    But Murong Yuan had never paid much attention to such trivial details.


    His focus was on the tomb mechanism diagram that ck Robe Man mentioned.


    The imperial tombs, especially those of emperors and empresses, were fortified with numerous mechanisms. Once burial wasplete and the tomb sealed, it was impossible to open from the outside.


    Even with external forces to pry it open, the inner mechanisms were unpredictable. To reach the main burial chamber and open the coffin to retrieve items, one needed the tomb mechanism diagram.


    And this diagram was in the possession of Emperor Hongtai.


    In the past, Murong Yuan''s personality would never have driven him to take such a huge risk opening the Former Empress''s tomb.


    But the master said that with Murong Yuan now possessing the Dragon Aura of the Chosen One, obtaining that item would allow him to fully inherit the divine abilities of the founding emperor.


    At that point, he could conquer without resistance and rule the entire continent as its only deity.


    What emperor?


    He would be the one true god of thisnd!


    With a man buried at the residence, Xie Xun felt unwell and left the Imperial Pce with Jiang Xiaoxiao the next day.


    As King Chu''s Mansion was not yet prepared, they went to Dean Gu''s residence.


    Upon entering, they saw Yang Ershun meditating in the courtyard.


    He had been quite focused until he heard Jiang Xiaoxiao''s voice.


    The young cultivator immediately opened his eyes and ran over. "Sister, you''ve finallye!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him. "What have you been doing while I was gone?"


    "Cultivating!" Yang Ershun nced back at Dean Gu. "Don''t believe me? Ask the dean."


    Dean Gu stroked his beard. "This kid has been quite diligenttely, even getting up to meditate at the crack of dawn."


    "It seems your meditation period hasn''t ended yet. Continue on."


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao finished speaking, she followed Xie Xun into the main hall of Dean Gu''s residence.


    Madam Song served them tea.


    Dean Gu had been on tenterhooks these days, unable to sleep well.


    When he saw Xie Xun return safe and sound, he finally felt a little relieved. "Your Highness the Third Prince, oh no, I should address you as Your Highness the King of Chu now. How did it go? Did the Emperor give you a hard time?"


    "He didn''t even see me."


    Dean Gu sighed in relief. It was better not to see him, lest a confrontation arise that couldn''t be resolved.


    Xie Xun changed the subject, "Teacher, you have studied the Profound Sect extensively. Have you ever heard of the evil path?"

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    "Heresy?"


    Dean Gu pondered for a moment, "Ever since you mentioned the theft of your Dragon Aura in Yunzhou, Your Highness, I made a point of researching ancient texts on the subject, but unfortunately, heresy is reviled by all, and records about it are scant."


    "Come to think of it, why are you suddenly asking about this? Could it be that you''ve run into trouble in the pce?"


    "Something like that," Xie Xun nodded. "I''ve encountered the person who took my Dragon Aura back then."


    Dean Gu was rmed, "If I''m not mistaken, this person must be a heretical sorcerer who practices the dark arts. How could they freely appear in the pce? Could it be National Master Bai Cheng?"


    When the Former Empress had met her end, Dean Gu had suspected Bai Cheng.


    After all, it was his words that led Emperor Hongtai to banish the Third Royal Highness from the capital.


    However, Dean Gu had no evidence, so this suspicion remained hidden in his heart.


    Xie Xun said, "I''m not sure yet, but from now on, we must remain extremely vignt."


    "Master, please move with Madam to King Chu''s Mansion. I don''t trust the pce guards assigned to protect you, but I have Secret Guardians from Old Master Nie. I will assign some of them to protect you covertly."


    "With you and Madam close by, I can be at ease."


    Dean Gu understood.


    The current situation was that the enemy was hidden while Xie Xun was in the open. If that heretical sorcerer suddenly went mad and used Dean Gu and his wife as hostages to threaten Xie Xun, it would cause great trouble.


    Dean Gu smiled, "Since Your Highness is so thoughtful, then this old man will not stand on ceremony."


    Xie Xun nodded, "As it should be."


    Although the master did not mention it, Xie Xun could vaguely guess that his student Gu Mingfeng''s death was rted to him.


    By affection and duty, he should take responsibility for the elderly couple''s remaining years.


    They would have to wait for King Chu''s Mansion, as Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao would temporarily stay at Dean Gu''s residence.


    Lunch was prepared by Madam Song.


    Dean Gu took the opportunity to slip into the kitchen and wash some vegetables.


    "Madam, let me tell you something."


    Madam Song nced at him, "What good could you possibly have to say?"


    Dean Gu hesitated, "His Highness just told me to bring you to King Chu''s Mansion to live."


    Upon hearing this, Madam Song''s motions cutting the meat came to a halt.


    Dean Gu washed his hands and walked over to Madam Song''s side.


    "Madam, I know you''re still grieving over Mingfeng''s death back then, but in the end, the Third Royal Highness was only three years old at that time. If he could have, he wouldn''t have wanted to watch Mingfeng get hurt either."


    "Even though we haven''t said anything, His Highness is perceptive and must have guessed long ago. By asking us to move in, he''s taking care of us old folks for Mingfeng''s sake."


    "I''m not asking you to let go, but could you not refuse His Highness''s kindness?"


    Madam Song raised her hand and wiped away her tears.


    "Your hands just touched the seasonings, don''t rub your eyes." Dean Gu quickly took out a handkerchief to dab her tears.


    Madam Song pushed him away.


    Dean Gu sighed, "Madam..."


    "What ''Madam''? Stop clinging to me like that," Madam Song shouted. "Can''t you see we''re out of vegetables? Go buy some quickly!"


    Dean Gu was stunned for a moment before his face broke into a smile, "All right, what does Madam want? I''ll go right now."


    "Buy a crucian carp," Madam Song said wistfully. "I remember he loved drinking the crucian carp soup I used to make when he was little. You can decide on the other vegetables yourself."


    "Okay, okay, I''m going now."


    Seeing Madam Song''s change in attitude, Dean Gu''s heart bloomed with joy. After leaving, he went to the vegetable market with Yang Ershun.


    Lunch was a sumptuous affair with a whole table full of dishes.


    For thest course, Madam Song brought out an earthenware pot.


    "Your Highness used to love drinking the fish soup I made when you were little. I don''t know if it still suits your taste after all these years."


    She set the pot on the table and personally served the soup to Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Dean Gu had told her about the incident where Xie Xun''s life fortune was stolen when he was three years old.


    Although she had resented it and been furious because of Xie Xun, their son had lost his life at such a young age.


    But in the end, the Third Royal Highness back then was just a child who didn''t understand anything.


    Moreover, the old man had a point.


    Whether she could let go or not, Mingfeng would nevere back.


    But life had to go on.


    Xie Xun took the soup bowl, "Thank you, Madam."


    Madam Song looked at him, her eyes growing moist before showing a relieved smile, "Eat up!"


    After lunch, Xie Xun went out again with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    He needed to meet the Secret Guardians from Old Master Nie and quickly assign some people to covertly protect the master and his wife.


    ording to the Steward of the Nie Family, he had to go to the Nie Family Cloth Shop and find the manager.


    Worried that Dean Gu''s coachman might get lost, Xie Xun hired a carriage from outside.


    Just as he was about to board the carriage with Jiang Xiaoxiao, a voice called out from not far away, "Hey, you two..."


    It was Qin Fengmian.


    He quickly approached the carriage and, meeting Xie Xun''s profound gaze, shuddered before obediently lowering his head and addressing him as "Master."


    Xie Xun asked, "What are you doing here?"


    Qin Fengmian looked troubled and spoke cautiously, "Well, when I went to Yunzhou before, it was to recruit Lady Jiang into the Yin Yang Office. It''s been so long since we entered the capital, but Lady Jiang still hasn''t reported to her master. Shouldn''t we put that on the agenda now?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered that the Crown Prince Murong Yuan had proposed establishing the Yin Yang Office, so she felt a bit reluctant.


    She remained silent and looked at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun asked Qin Fengmian, "You said before that the Yin Yang Office was established to exorcise evil spirits and dispel demonic presence for Yan Country, right?"


    "Of course," Qin Fengmian said. "There have been many cases involving evil spirits that resulted in loss of life. Whenever such things happen, the victims would report the case to the officials."


    "But how could the officials handle such matters? That''s why establishing the Yin Yang Office was necessary. Cases involving evil spirits that the officials can''t deal with will be handled by us."


    "Several of my fellow disciples have already passed the examination and been recruited. There''s also a group of people from the outside currently being tested. All we''re waiting for now is for the Director Lady Jiang to take her position before we can start taking cases."


    Xie Xun asked again, "So as the Director, can she make decisions independently, or must she follow the orders of the Crown Prince?"


    "Well..." Qin Fengmian scratched his head. "Although the Crown Prince proposed establishing the Yin Yang Office, he doesn''t understand magic arts after all. For now, the Yin Yang Office mainly follows the orders of my master."


    So the Director wouldn''t have full autonomy.


    However, as long as Murong Yuan didn''t interfere too much, it would be enough.


    Xie Xun pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao aside and said in a low voice, "If we take over the Yin Yang Office, we can use their personnel to investigate the people behind Murong Yuan in the future. Why not do it?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment. Using Murong Yuan''s people to investigate the people behind Murong Yuan seemed quite reasonable, indeed a devious scheme that Xie Xun coulde up with.


    Nodding her little head, Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Alright, I''ll do it."

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Qin Fengmian''s heart was finally put at ease when he heard Jiang Xiaoxiao''s reply, "So, shall we leave now?"


    "Not now," said Xie Xun.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "We have something to do."


    "When shall we go then? Give me an approximate time."


    "Three days from now."


    After Qin Fengmian left, Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao took a carriage straight to the Nie Family Cloth Shop.


    Upon arrival, they realized that the Nie family''s cloth shop was no ordinary one. It had everything from needles and threads to fabrics and ready-made clothes, from low-priced sections to high-end areas, from fitting rooms to customer lounges, and even offered custom-made clothing.


    A few days ago, Shopkeeper Cheng had received a message from Old Master Nie, stating that the secret guardians in Yanjing had been transferred, and someone woulde with Old Master Nie''s token.


    Shopkeeper Cheng had expected an old friend of Old Master Nie, but to his surprise, it was the recently returned King of Chu.


    Shopkeeper Cheng was taken aback, and promptly led the noble guest to the lounge, instructing that no one should disturb them.


    In fact, Xie Xun didn''t have many public appearances after returning to Yanjing. Even as an informed businessman, Shopkeeper Cheng might not have recognized Xie Xun in such a short time.


    The main reason was that portraits of the King of Chu were circting in the market, and selling quite well.


    With such a jade-like, exquisitely handsome face, which youngdy wouldn''t blush upon seeing it?


    It was said that the person who created these portraits was making a fortune.


    Xie Xun was still unaware of the portrait matter. He only asked Shopkeeper Cheng, "How many secret guardians are there in total?"


    "Around fifty," replied Shopkeeper Cheng. "Old Master Nie was meticulous. These people have been dispersed across various social strata, including street vendors, teahouse owners, courtesans from pleasure quarters, servants and stewards in official households. It is said that there is even one in the pce, but I have never met them, so I do not know who it is."


    Xie Xun nodded. Old Master Nie was indeed meticulous, which exined how he had managed to uncover the top-secret information about the Crown Prince''s n to open the imperial tombs back then.


    Shopkeeper Cheng epted the token from Xie Xun and handed him a hairpin in exchange. "From now on, these secret guardians will report to you. All their intelligence will be delivered here, and you can eithere and collect it yourself or have me send someone to deliver it to you."


    Xie Xun took the hairpin. "Let''s not worry about the intelligence for now. I want to know if any of these people are particrly skilled inbat."


    "Of course," Shopkeeper Cheng smiled. "These people are mostly trained fighters. As long as they don''t encounter any Taoists, they should have no trouble handling ordinary fights."


    Xie Xun nodded, "Summon eight of them to the King Chu''s Mansion in three days'' time."


    Seeing that Xie Xun had revealed his identity, Shopkeeper Cheng also adjusted his form of address. "Rest assured, Your Highness, they will be there in three days."


    After leaving the cloth shop, a snowy wind was blowing outside.


    Xie Xun reached out and adjusted Jiang Xiaoxiao''s cloak.


    A piece of paper flew straight into his face.


    Xie Xun frowned and pulled it off, looking at it silently.


    It was a portrait, and the portrait depicted none other than Xie Xun himself.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at it and eximed, "Oh! You''ve been wanted?"


    Not far away, a voice could be heard, "Hey, miss, would you like to buy a portrait? It''s the noble countenance of the King of Chu. One portrait is a bargain, two is a steal - the second one is half-price!"


    As he spoke, he showed half of the face to thedy.


    The youngdy''s face immediately flushed red. She asked the price and shyly bought two, carefully folding them and tucking them into her sleeve before hurrying away.


    It was clear that someone was making a fortune by selling portraits of Xie Xun!


    The real Xie Xun''s face darkened.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao found the voice familiar, and then saw the man running over to retrieve the portrait that had flown away.


    The portrait was in Xie Xun''s hand.


    The man lowered his head, looking at the portrait and chuckling, "Hey buddy, this is just a small business. Would you like to buy a portrait? If so, it''s one tael of silver each. If not, why don''t you just give it back to me..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, he looked up and met Xie Xun''s dark gaze, falling silent.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at the man in surprise, "Third Senior Brother? You''vee down from the mountain?"


    Zhang Junyi, a disciple of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion and Jiang Xiaoxiao''s third senior brother.


    It was quite awkward to encounter the subject of the portraits he was selling.


    Zhang Junyi''s eyes shifted, "Oh, it''s my junior sister. I came down from the mountain to earn your dowry!"


    "Dowry?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was a bit confused.


    "Yes," Zhang Junyi said solemnly, "Aren''t you going to get married one day? And don''t you need a dowry to get married? Master is so poor, where would he get the dowry from? So I''m being proactive and earning it for you."


    "And then, I discovered that portraits of your future husband sell quite well, so I made a few more."


    Zhang Junyi looked at Xie Xun, "Since it''s all for my junior sister to marry the King of Chu, Your Highness wouldn''t mind, would you?"


    Xie Xun red at him and extended his hand, "The money?"


    "The money? Of course, I''ve saved it all for my junior sister."


    "I''ll save it for her."


    Seeing Zhang Junyi''s hesitation, Xie Xun raised his eyebrows, "Since it''s all for your junior sister to marry me, her brother-inw wouldn''t mind, would he?"


    Zhang Junyi protested, "That''s not... What kind of son-inw demands money from his mother-inw''s family? Is that appropriate? Is that appropriate?"


    After saying this, Zhang Junyi looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao pitifully, "Junior Sister, you can''t just watch your senior brother being bullied, can you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t react, still trying to process and understand their conversation.


    Suddenly, Zhang Junyi remembered something and widened his eyes, "You haven''t even gotten married yet, but you''re already being improper. Don''t tell me you two have... been intimate?"


    "Huh?" Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Yeah, every month."


    "!!" Zhang Junyi erupted in anger, "Murong Xun, I''ll kill you!"


    Xie Xun: "..."


    Originally, he had deceived the innocent youngdy by saying "being intimate" meant staying at home and not going out.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Zhang Junyi chased after Xie Xun for a few streets.


    However, Xie Xun had Jiang Xiaoxiao by his side.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao used her lightness skills to lead him in flight, so Xie Xun didn''t expend much effort.


    Finally, the twonded on a snow-covered rooftop.


    Zhang Junyi stood in the alley below, panting heavily, bent over with his hands on his knees, puffing out white breaths.


    "I won''t chase anymore," Zhang Junyi said bitterly. "Today you''re lucky to have my little junior sister with you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked him, "Third Senior Brother, you''ve left the mountain, who will take care of Little Junior Uncle?"


    Zhang Junyi waved his hand, "I heard Little Junior Uncle is about to leave seclusion. Recently, our master hasn''t let me deliver his meals, he goes himself."


    Then he muttered, "After sixteen years of seclusion, he must be an old geezer by now."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat down and idly molded a snowball.


    Thest time she saw her eldest senior brother, he also said Little Junior Uncle was about to leave seclusion, but he still hasn''te out?


    "Little Junior Sister," Zhang Junyi called from below. "By the way, have you been doing well recently?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, "Quite well."


    Zhang Junyi said, "I left the mountain for another matter, so I didn''te to find you, as you know, the Heavenly Master''s Mansion can''t get too close to the royal family."


    "Oh, okay."


    Zhang Junyi helplessly pressed his forehead, "You''re really a little ditz."


    After his sigh, he red at Xie Xun and warned, "I don''t care if you''re the King of Chu or the King of Heaven, if you dare make my little junior sister unhappy, I''ll be the first to make you unhappy!"


    With that, he vanished in a puff of smoke.


    Xie Xun asked Jiang Xiaoxiao, "How many senior brothers do you have?"


    "Quite a lot," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "Not counting the outer disciples, there are around ten inner disciples."


    Xie Xun rubbed his brow.


    Just as he expected, Jiang Xiaoxiao was the youngest and the only female disciple, so she must be doted on.


    In the future, wouldn''t each of her senior brotherse to warn and intimidate him?


    Three dayster, Xie Xun moved into the King Chu''s Mansion with Jiang Xiaoxiao, Yang Ershun, and Dean Gu and his wife.


    The pce arranged twenty skilled guards, as well as attendants, maids, servants, eunuchs, and cooks for them.


    From third-ss to first-ss, all the servants responsible for their clothing, food, housing, and transportation were present.


    In total, there were nearly a hundred people.


    Xie Xun wasn''t used to having people attend to him, but such arge mansion required servants to manage it.


    So he didn''t keep any maids in his courtyard, only two young servants, and a few others for Dean Gu and his wife''s courtyard, while the rest were assigned other tasks by the housekeeper.


    At the Nie Family Cloth Shop, Shopkeeper Cheng''s eight secret agents arrived at the King Chu''s Mansion on time.


    Xie Xun had Jiang Xiaoxiao test each of their martial arts skills, and they were indeed trained fighters.


    After confirming their abilities, he arranged for them to hide in secret locations, mainly to protect Dean Gu and his wife, and Yang Ershun.


    The three-day period had passed, and Jiang Xiaoxiao had to report to the Yin Yang Office.


    Before leaving, Xie Xun was worried her feet would get cold, so he had her wear newly made littlembskin boots. Worried her ears would get cold, he had her wear a hooded cloak. Worried her hands would get cold, he specially prepared a hand warmer for her with hot coals inside, covered in fur to prevent burns.


    He also prepared a small wooden box filled with Jiang Xiaoxiao''s favorite snacks.


    After doing all this, Xie Xun carefully looked her over.


    Thinking that Jiang Xiaoxiao would be going to a ce full of men, he felt inexplicably agitated.


    Finally, Xie Xun said, "I''ll apany you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "The Yin Yang Office is an official government agency under the Crown Prince''s influence. You''re a king, wouldn''t it be inappropriate for you to appear there?"


    Xie Xun said, "Who says it''s inappropriate? I''ll just shut them up forever."

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    The Yin Yang Office, a government agency specializing in handling supernatural cases, was situated across from the Ministry of Justice to provide convenience for the people.


    It had been nearly half a year since the Crown Prince proposed the establishment of the Yin Yang Office and the proposal was passed.


    However, the Yin Yang Office had yet to operate normally.


    Not for any other reason, but due to the difficulty in recruiting personnel.


    Unlike other government agencies that selected talents through civil and military examinations, the Yan Country had no institution dedicated to teaching ult arts until now. Therefore, to recruit, they had to look elsewhere.


    Truly capable masters of the Profound Sect generally did not wish to enter officialdom and be bound by rules.


    This was also the reason why the Crown Prince appointed Dean Gu as the Person in Charge of Yunzhou, yet Dean Gu had been struggling to recruit anyone.


    Although the office had not officially opened, the facilities within the agency were mostly prepared.


    When Xie Xun took Jiang Xiaoxiao there, the National Master Bai Cheng also happened to be present.


    Those cultivating slowed their aging processpared to ordinary people. Already nearing fifty, Bai Cheng looked merely in his early thirties,posed and schrly, in the prime of his life.


    Upon seeing the two, Bai Cheng first bowed to Xie Xun, then shifted his gaze to Jiang Xiaoxiao, momentarily stunned before smiling warmly.


    "I have heard from Zhu Yan about how you defeated his Qimen Formation in Yunzhou with your prowess, little girl. Upon seeing you today, I am indeed amazed."


    After all, judging by her appearance, she was but a delicate girl who easily evoked a desire to protect her.


    Bai Cheng considered himself well-versed in judging people, yet today he truly understood the saying "one cannot judge a book by its cover."


    No wonder Fengmian always said this girl was interesting.


    "Wee to the Yin Yang Office, Miss Jiang." Bai Cheng''s tone was sincere. "From now on, you will be the leader of the Yin Yang Office."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "No need for further exams?"


    Dean Gu had mentioned that the National Master would set another test upon their arrival in Yanjing.


    Bai Cheng chuckled lightly, "By breaking my disciple''s Qimen Formation, you have already achieved a perfect score on the best test."


    "Oh." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, then said, "The Yin Yang Office belongs to the Crown Prince, but I am under the King of Chu. Can you let me, the King of Chu''s person, lead it?"


    Bai Cheng corrected her, "The Yin Yang Office does not belong to the Crown Prince, nor the Emperor, nor myself, but to the people of the entire Yan Country. We need those truly capable of alleviating the people''s burdens, not those seeking to use the Yin Yang Office for power and profit."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun looked at Bai Cheng, his eyes filled with profound disdain.


    Bai Cheng avoided Xie Xun''s gaze. "Your Highness, if you have no objections, this humble one will apany Miss Jiang to familiarize her with the office''s environment."


    "No need." Xie Xun refused coldly. "I will take her myself."


    Bai Cheng cupped his hands, "Then I shall leave it to Your Highness."


    The front courtyard was the main hall. Xie Xun took Jiang Xiaoxiao for a tour before heading to the back courtyard.


    Apart from offices for Jiang Xiaoxiao and her capable subordinates, there was also a dedicated cultivation room.


    Bypassing the corridor, there was a small garden to the west with a frozen pond.


    Xie Xun intended to lead Jiang Xiaoxiao to the pavilion by the pond when he suddenly heard voices behind them.


    He turned around to see five or six young men approaching.


    Upon noticing Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao, they paused briefly before hastily bowing, "Greetings to the King of Chu, greetings to the Director of the Yin Yang Office¡ª"


    Their voices rang with youthful vigor in unison.


    Xie Xun roughly guessed their identities. "You are all Bai Cheng''s disciples?"


    "Yes." The one in the lead was polite and refined. "We have passed the examination and will henceforth serve in the Yin Yang Office. We hope for the King of Chu and the Director''s guidance."


    Qin Fengmian was thest to appear, walking up cheerfully to introduce them to Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao. "The one who spoke earlier is my Seventh Senior Brother, Qiu Hong."


    "And this..." He pointed to the man behind Qiu Hong. "This is my Sixth Senior Brother, Yu Tiang."


    Xie Xun interrupted him, "No female disciples?"


    "Er..." Qin Fengmian exined, "There are already few female disciples in the Profound Sect, let alone those who can pass the additional screening to join the Yin Yang Office."


    Xie Xun frowned.


    In such arge Yin Yang Office, apart from Xiaoxiao, there would be only men!


    ...Intolerable.


    Xie Xun pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao to her feet. "Forget it."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked puzzled. "Why?"


    With her innocent nature, devoid of worldly attachments, exining would likely be futile.


    Xie Xun stated directly, "They have enough people without you."


    "Oh." Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t say anything further, allowing him to lead her away.


    "Hey, hey, hey?" Qin Fengmian hurried to block their path. "But we agreed, didn''t we? Your Highness...ah, Master, how can you change your mind like this?"


    Xie Xun was expressionless. "Back then, you also didn''t mention the Yin Yang Office would have only my Xiaoxiao as the lone girl."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao seemed to understand why Xie Xun had suddenly changed his mind.


    "It''s fine." She said, "I didn''t see them as people anyway."


    Qin Fengmian: "..."


    Xie Xun refused to agree no matter what.


    Even finding the mastermind behind the theft of the Dragon Qi or reiming the Dragon Qi itself could be figured outter, but he could not leave her alone in this den of wolves.


    Seeing Xie Xun''s firm stance, Jiang Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Then how about Ie to the Yin Yang Office, and you apany me? I go out on cases, and youe with me. Would that work?"


    "Alright." Xie Xun agreed immediately.


    Qin Fengmian''s eyes widened. "But doesn''t the King need to attend court?"


    Xie Xun scoffed, "I heard there are rumors spreading that I am unruly and uneducated?"


    Qin Fengmian swallowed hard.


    It seemed to be true.


    Not only that, due to the recent broken engagement with the Kingdom of Ning, this King of Chu''s reputation had be downright foul, with all sorts of insults hurled at him.


    However, recently it seemed that because of a portrait, the King of Chu had transformed into the dream lover of the capital''s youngdies.


    What was once called unruly and uneducated, those deluded women now called having character.


    Indeed, in the face of beauty and charm, everything else faded into insignificance.


    Appearance blinds wisdom!


    Xie Xun was unaware that Zhang Junyi''s portrait had already caused his reputation to make aeback. He merely looked at Qin Fengmian and raised his brow slightly.


    "To rify, it''s not just a rumor that I''m unruly and uneducated, I''m also indulgent in pleasures of the flesh. Attend court? What nonsense!"


    Qin Fengmian: "...Got it, as Master pleases."


    "Also," Xie Xun said, "Tell your master that Jiang Xiaoxiao must have at least three days off per month, and those days must be consecutive."


    "This..." Qin Fengmian looked troubled, "The Yin Yang Office allows a seven-day purification break once a month, which amounts to about four days already."


    "Hmm?"


    "Okay, okay." Qin Fengmian conceded, "I''ll try my best to convince my master."


    Facing Xie Xun''s icy gaze, he cleared his throat and quickly corrected himself, "No, not try my best, I will definitely ensure that our Dean allows Jiang Xiaoxiao at least three consecutive days off every month."

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Until Xie Xun left with Jiang Xiaoxiao, the others did not dare to whisper their discussions.


    "Hey, Qin Fengmian, was our eldest senior brother really severely injured by that girl when he went to Yunzhou?"


    The speaker was the sixth senior brother, Yu Tiang, with a disbelieving expression on his face.


    Qin Fengmian snorted, although it was his fellow senior brother questioning him, the thought of someone doubting the little girl''s strength annoyed him.


    "Why don''t you challenge her yourself one day, sixth senior brother?"


    Yu Tiang recalled the miserable state of their eldest senior brother Zhu Yan when he was sent back to the capital, barely clinging to life. Even now, he still couldn''t leave his bed.


    He shuddered involuntarily.


    "What kind of cultivation does she practice?" Yu Tiang asked again. "I heard she broke the eldest senior brother''s Qimen Formation. Does that mean she also cultivates the Qimen Divination Technique?"


    Qin Fengmian had no idea about that. He only knew that the little girl was very mysterious, and he hadn''t seen her use any real techniques since meeting her.


    ncing at Yu Tiang, Qin Fengmian said, "Why are you asking me? If you have the guts, go ask her yourself someday!"


    When Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao arrived home, it was still early. Madam Song personally made them ginger soup to prevent them from catching a cold.


    Everyone sat around the charcoal brazier.


    Yang Ershun was extremely curious about the Yin Yang Office and kept pestering Jiang Xiaoxiao to tell him about it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao briefly described it to him.


    Yang Ershun was full of admiration. "Sister Jiang, if I study hard, can I join the Yin Yang Office like you in the future?"


    "Yes," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "With your talent, you could join after studying for ten or twenty years."


    "Huh?" Yang Ershun''s face turned pale with fright, prompting Dean Gu to burst intoughter beside him.


    Ten or twenty years? By then, the cabbage would have wilted!


    Yang Ershun cried and stood up, "I''m going to start cultivating now."


    He just couldn''t believe that Sister Jiang became the Chief of the Yin-Yang Office at sixteen, while he would need twenty years just to reach the threshold.


    Not long after, a messenger from the pce arrived, none other than the imperial steward Du En.


    Knowing the prince''s foul temper, Du En didn''t dare ask Xie Xun toe out and receive the imperial decree. Instead, he slipped in with the gatekeepers.


    Then, standing in the front hall, he shouted in a loud voice, "Imperial decree!"


    Dean Gu hurried to kneel on the ground with Madam Song and a few servants.


    Xie Xun leaned against the armchair, unmoved.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao tried to stand up, but he pulled her back down.


    Du En''s mouth twitched slightly, but he didn''t dare say anything and pretended not to notice, continuing to read the imperial decree.


    The decree stated that since the Prince of Chu had just arrived in the capital and was unfamiliar with the affairs of other government offices, he would first manage the Western Outskirts Stables.


    Dean Gu was taken aback.


    The Western Outskirts Stables housed war horses, each one carefully selected and prepared for battle at any time.


    Although the title of managing the stables didn''t sound as prestigious as overseeing the capital''s government offices, it was an extremely important task.


    Emperor Hongtai had given the prince such an important task upon his arrival, which surprised Dean Gu.


    However, Xie Xun didn''t even raise an eyebrow, dismissively saying, "No interest."


    "This... Your Highness..." Du En was at a loss for words.


    No matter how Du En tried to persuade him, Xie Xun remained indifferent and even radiated a chilling aura of displeasure.


    Du En didn''t dare bother him any further and took the imperial decree back to report the truth to Emperor Hongtai.


    "What?" Emperor Hongtai, who was reviewing memorials in the imperial study, frowned upon hearing that Xie Xun refused to take charge of the Western Outskirts Stables.


    "What did that ingrate say?"


    Du En didn''t dare hide anything and lowered his head, his voice growing softer. "The Prince of Chu said he has no interest."


    A vein throbbed on Emperor Hongtai''s forehead. "Then what is he interested in?"


    Du En hesitated, not daring to speak.


    Emperor Hongtai shouted, "Speak!"


    Du En said, "This servant heard that the Prince of Chu wants to apany a girl surnamed Jiang. That girl is the newly recruited Chief of the Yin-Yang Office, who has just arrived in the capital."


    So he was infatuated with a woman!


    Emperor Hongtai''s eyes turned ck with rage. "Despicable wretch!"


    With that, he smashed the precious inkstone on the imperial desk.


    Coincidentally, Crown Prince Murong Yuan entered and was startled by the spilled ink on the floor. "Father Emperor, why are you so enraged? Has the third brother angered you again?"


    Emperor Hongtai snorted coldly.


    Murong Yuan bent down to pick up the shattered pieces of the inkstone and approached. "Father Emperor, the third brother has lived in a small ce like Yunzhou for many years, so it''s no surprise that his words and actions may seem uncouth. Why should you bother with someone of his caliber?"


    Though his words seemed persuasive, he was subtly implying that no matter how highly titled the Prince of Chu might be, he couldn''t conceal his rustic background.


    Du En nced at Murong Yuan with mixed feelings.


    Emperor Hongtai was clearly still fuming as he spoke to Murong Yuan with a hint of irritation. "What brings you here?"


    Murong Yuan cleared his throat.


    Du En took the hint and withdrew.


    Once only the father and son remained in the imperial study, Murong Yuan cupped his hands and said, "Father Emperor, regarding my previous suggestion to renovate the Former Empress''s mausoleum, have you considered it?"


    Emperor Hongtai asked him, "Aren''t you getting married by the end of the year? Why trouble yourself with matters of imperial mausoleums?"


    Murong Yuan smiled, "This matter pales inparison to the Former Empress''s affairs. The mausoleum guards have reported strange urrences within the mausoleum recently. They have carefully inspected the exterior and confirmed that there are no signs of grave robbers, so the only possibility is an internal problem, perhaps due to the failure of the mechanisms after all these years. Therefore, I suggest opening the mausoleum and renovating the mechanisms."


    Since the passing of the Former Empress, Yan Country has not had another empress.


    It''s obvious that His Majesty cherished the former empress deeply.


    It was precisely because of his deep love for her that he harbored such resentment towards Xie Xun, who was responsible for her death all those years ago.


    Murong Yuan was certain that upon hearing of issues with the mausoleum, his father would be distressed due to his affection for the Former Empress.


    Indeed, Emperor Hongtai frowned. "The mausoleum was just built fourteen years ago, and it''s already having problems?"


    "The workers who built the imperial mausoleum must have cut corners!" Murong Yuan expressed indignation. "Father Emperor, I will thoroughly investigate this matter and provide you and the Former Empress with an exnation."


    "However, the mechanisms inside the mausoleum areplex. Without a map of theiryout, no matter how well-intentioned I am, I fear I will be powerless."


    "I understand. You may leave now."


    "Father Emperor..."


    Murong Yuan wanted to say more.


    But Emperor Hongtai looked at him sternly.


    After all, he was a ruler who had governed the realm for many years, and hismanding presence exuded an aura that made one shudder without anger.


    Murong Yuan immediately lowered his head, "Yes, your son takes his leave."


    Upon returning to the Pce of the Crown Prince, Murong Yuan''s first action was to find the person in ck robes.


    The person in ck robes asked him, "What progress has been made?"


    Murong Yuan was full of resentment, "The Emperor still refuses to relent. I don''t understand what he is hesitating about."


    The person in ck robes said, "We don''t have much time left to wait. I have a n that will surely make your father agree to open the Tomb of Ling."

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Upon hearing these words, Murong Yuan''s eyes rekindled with hope. "Teacher, what method?"


    The figure in ck robes sneered coldly, slowly uttering four words: "Stirring up trouble first."


    Murong Yuan suddenly recalled something, "Teacher''s meaning is that we should first cause a disturbance at the imperial mausoleum, creating an uproar and forcing the Emperor to open the mausoleum?"


    "Yes."


    "But can this really work?"


    Murong Yuan remembered that the Teacher could not approach the Great Emperor''s Divine Image or the Emperor himself. Besides the imperial guards guarding the mausoleum, there were also many stone beast sculptures that were meant to guard it.


    He did not know if the Teacher could approach those stone sculptures.


    Thinking of this, Murong Yuan realized something, "Has Teacher considered that since it is a treasure that can inherit the founding Emperor''s divine abilities, is it possible that the previous Emperor did not bring it to the mausoleum, but left it in a ce we have overlooked, such as with Murong Xun?"


    "The King of Chu does have something on him," the figure in ck robes said. "But that item is not very relevant to the treasure I spoke of. Otherwise, would this old man have let him keep it until now?"


    Murong Yuan frowned slightly. Although he coveted the Emperor''s divine abilities, this matter was not easy to handle.


    After all, it was the imperial mausoleum, the ce the Emperor cherished the most.


    If there was even the slightest misstep that allowed the Emperor to discover any traces, Murong Yuan dared not imagine the consequences.


    The figure in ck robes nced at him, "What, are you afraid?"


    "No, no." Murong Yuan quickly said, "I''m just concerned for Teacher. You''ve just recovered from a cold, and now you have to travel to the imperial mausoleum. As your student, I cannot be of any help, and I feel deeply ashamed."


    "Just wait patiently," the figure in ck robes said. "Within ten days, this old man will make Emperor Hongtai open the mausoleum himself!"


    Xie Xun refused to take over the West Stable, nor did he attend court. Instead, he apanied Jiang Xiaoxiao to the Yin Yang Office.


    The Yin Yang Office opened on the first day when other government offices were closed for a break.


    Apart from National Master Bai Cheng and his disciples, various officials also came to show their support, making the asion quite lively.


    As the true master behind the Yin Yang Office, Murong Yuan put on a grand disy, even bringing a ceremonial guard.


    As soon as the pce eunuch finished shouting "The Crown Prince has arrived," the officials hurriedly knelt on the ground.


    Murong Yuan, dressed in a yellowish-brown python robe, walked in slowly with his hands behind his back. Pce eunuchs held parasols behind him, and his attendants moved in unison, well-trained.


    His demeanor and bearing were so imposing that no one dared to look at him directly.


    Murong Yuan gazed at the kneeling officials, feeling quite satisfied, the corners of his lips curving upward slightly.


    But soon, that smile froze on his face.


    Because two people followed him in.


    He recognized both of them. One was the newly recruited Director of the Yin Yang Office, the same silly girl Jiang Xiaoxiao who had apanied Xie Xun to the capital.


    The other was Xie Xun himself!


    Why was he here?!


    Recalling the incident at the Imperial Deity Temple, Murong Yuan still felt uneasy and dared not get too close to Xie Xun, instinctively taking two steps back.


    Bai Cheng was the first to notice Murong Yuan''s unusual behavior and looked up, asking, "Is the Crown Prince unwell?"


    Murong Yuan realized hispse and quickly regained hisposure, straightening his body. "Please, everyone, rise."


    The crowd stood up and expressed their thanks.


    Murong Yuan''s gaze, filled withplexity, fell upon Xie Xun. "I heard the Emperor granted my third brother the West Stable. Why is the third brother not at the stable but here at the Yin Yang Office?"


    Xie Xun casually lifted his eyelids, "The Yin Yang Office''s doors are open, so this king came as he pleased."


    His tone was so arrogant and unruly.


    Upon hearing this, the crowd exchanged nces.


    No wonder there were constant rumors outside that the King of Chu had a willful and unrestrained nature. Although they had doubts before, seeing him in person today, he was indeed even more outrageous than the rumors suggested.


    Truly a country bumpkin raised in the provinces. Even though he had imperial blood flowing in his veins, he could notpare to the gracious and noble Crown Prince.


    Ignoring the mocking or displeased looks from the crowd, Xie Xun pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao along, heading straight inside.


    And he did not show any respect to Murong Yuan.


    One official, unable to tolerate it any longer, angrily said, "Crown Prince, the King of Chu is openly defying imperial authority. He..."


    Murong Yuan smiled and raised his hand to stop him, "The third brother has just returned from Yunzhou and is still unfamiliar with many of the capital''s customs. Everyone, please understand."


    The speaker was the Minister of Rites. Upon hearing this, he snorted coldly.


    What did he mean by not understanding the capital''s customs?


    This was clearly ack of proper upbringing!


    Originally, the Ministry of Rites had arranged for an etiquette officer to visit the King of Chu''s mansion two days ago to teach him court etiquette, as per protocol.


    The King of Chu did let the etiquette officer in, but instead of learning properly, he insisted that the officer sing lewd and obscene songs for him.


    In the end, the etiquette officer left in tears, his eyes red.


    Fourteen years ago, he had infuriated several great schrs to the point of resignation. Now, just after returning to the capital, he had reduced an etiquette officer to tears.


    This dissolute prince, apart from his noble title as a prince, was nothing special!


    Murong Yuan saw through the crowd''s resentment towards Xie Xun, and his lips curved into a gentle smile once more.


    "Originally, I should have stayed longer for the Yin Yang Office''s opening, but I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave early. Everyone, please carry on."


    The incident of coughing up blood was still fresh in his mind, and Murong Yuan dared not stay too close to Xie Xun.


    However, Xie Xun''s presence might not be a bad thing.


    At least, he had gained a wave of hatred, had he not?


    Raising his eyebrows slightly, Murong Yuan swiftly left with his entourage.


    After the Crown Prince''s departure, the other officials remained to participate in the Yin Yang Office''s opening ceremony.


    Bai Cheng stood on the podium and briefly exined the purpose and mission behind establishing the Yin Yang Office. He then introduced the Director, Jiang Xiaoxiao, to the crowd.


    After the introduction, Bai Cheng asked Jiang Xiaoxiao to say a few words.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked a bit dazed and nced at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun''s gaze was gentle, "Say whateveres to mind."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded and went up to the podium.


    Facing all those eyes below, she showed no trace of nervousness or shyness, and immediately spoke:


    "My name is Jiang Xiaoxiao, I''m Xie Xun''s fianc¨¦e. I can eat and sleep, and when I''m not busy, I like to daydream. That''s all."


    The crowd: "???"


    What kind of nonsense was that?


    This person was fit to be the Director?


    Everyone turned their gaze towards Bai Cheng, clearly expecting the National Master to provide a reasonable exnation.


    Letting a young girl take charge of the Yin Yang Office was one thing, but she was also a dimwit. Was he mocking them?


    Qin Fengmian covered his belly,ughing so hard he nearly rolled on the ground.


    The little girl truly did not disappoint him - she was so amusing!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at the crowd''s resentful looks, her face still wearing the same vacant expression.


    "When I initially found the Great Master''s senior disciple Zhu Yan annoying, I beat him up and took the position of Master Governor. If any of you find me displeasing, you can alsoe and beat me up."


    This statement was far too provocative.


    The crowd''s faces darkened.


    "I''ll go!" The one who spoke was Qin Fengmian''s sixth senior brother, Yu Tiang.


    He lightly tapped his toes and leapt onto the high tform. Without giving Jiang Xiaoxiao a chance to react, his long sword carried a sharp sword aura, thrusting directly at her.


    Qin Fengmian''s heart skipped a beat, inwardly eximing that this was bad.


    This sixth senior brother of his was renowned for his swift swordsmanship.


    The sixth senior brother had originally been dissatisfied with Jiang Xiaoxiao bing the Master Governor, and this sword strike was clearly imbued with resentment.


    If it truly struck her, the little girl would be unable to dodge it.


    "Be careful, Miss Jiang!" The seventh senior brother, Qiu Hong, called out a warning.


    His impression of this Master Governor was actually just so-so, but today, in front of so many people, if Yu Tiang''s sword truly struck her, their National Master Mansion would be bullying others with their power, and their reputation would suffer.


    The officials watched the high tform, almost no one showing concern on their faces, all waiting to see the show.


    Bai Cheng couldn''t help but slightly furrow his brow.


    Today, it seemed unlikely to end well.


    However, just as Yu Tiang''s sword tip was about to make contact with Jiang Xiaoxiao, everyone suddenly saw a semi-transparent heavy sword appear in her hand. She raised it, deflecting Yu Tiang''s powerful sword strike in the blink of an eye.


    Yu Tiang was instantly blown away, his internal organs churning, unexpectedly coughing up a mouthful of blood.


    Bai Cheng''s face was filled with shock, his whole body frozen.


    "Spirit-Power demaking!"


    Could someone really cultivate to this realm?

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    "What just happened?"


    The officials watching themotion were utterly bewildered.


    "Didn''t see it clearly, but it seemed like that disciple of the National Master was sted away."


    Looking back, indeed Yu Tiang was lying on the ground, having coughed up a fair amount of blood, with no strength left to even get up.


    The crowd turned pale.


    This girl... just what is her background?


    Qin Fengmian hurried over to Bai Cheng''s side, lowering his voice, "Master, did you catch a glimpse of what happened?"


    Bai Cheng nodded.


    Qin Fengmian''s expression of shock was impossible to conceal, "Spirit-Power demaking, is this truly a realm that humans can reach?"


    He had only heard of it in legends.


    Thest person capable of such a boundary was the mystical founding emperor over a hundred years ago.


    Could it be that this girl is a descendant of the Great Emperor?


    But that doesn''t seem right either, aren''t the descendants of the Great Emperor from the Murong family?


    Moreover, there are rumors that the Great Emperor never married and died without leaving an heir.


    Regardless, Qin Fengmian had his eyes opened today.


    The ordinary officials could notprehend Spirit-Power demaking with their mortal eyes, but Bai Cheng and his few disciples saw it clearly.


    That strike just now, Jiang Xiaoxiao had held back, otherwise Yu Tiang would not still be alive.


    The struck Yu Tiang felt like he was dreaming even until now.


    Spirit-Power demaking, Spirit-Power demaking...


    Apart from the legendary Great Emperor, there was actually someone who had cultivated to such a divine realm.


    "Master..." He looked towards Bai Cheng.


    Bai Cheng''s expression darkened, "Why don''t you hurry and apologize to the Director?"


    With the support of his fellow disciples, Yu Tiang struggled to his feet, wiping away the blood from the corner of his mouth, and lowered his head, "Director, your powers are formidable. Earlier, I was reckless. Please forgive me."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked towards the others, "Anyone else want to take me on?"


    The crowd dared not make a sound.


    "If not, then I''ll go to sleep."


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao said that, she stepped down from the high tform and walked towards Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun asked her, "Sleep here or go home?"


    "Either is fine."


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao said that, she obediently extended her hand to let Xie Xun hold it.


    She hadn''t intended to reveal her trump card so soon, but there were too many of them. If she had to face their challenges one by one, she would get tired. It was better to just reveal her trump card and give them a show of force.


    Moreover, she couldn''t expose her identity as a disciple of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion. The techniques cultivated at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, she couldn''t easily use in the future. If she wanted to quickly subdue these people, she had no choice but to reveal her trump card.


    Spirit-Power demaking was something her little Shixiong taught her through the stone door when she brought him food. It wasn''t a technique from the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    Her little Shixiong said that her talents and physique were special, her Spiritual Power was overflowing, and Spirit-Power demaking required an abundance of Spiritual Power as a foundation, so it suited her to learn this.


    Now it seemed the effect was quite good.


    Xie Xun directly took Jiang Xiaoxiao back to the Prince of Chu''s manor.


    Leaving behind the astonished officials and disciples of the National Master.


    The officials soon dispersed, but the disciples of the National Master remained, recounting that scene from before.


    It happened quickly, but everyone saw it clearly.


    "Master, your disciple was wrong."


    Yu Tiang clutched his chest, standing before Bai Cheng, not even daring to raise his head, "Your disciple was blindly arrogant, judging by appearances, almost disgracing our school''s reputation."


    Bai Cheng sighed, "Never mind, go back and recuperate."


    Not to mention Yu Tiang, even he had doubted Jiang Xiaoxiao the first time he saw her.


    But the facts proved that he had misjudged her.


    Spirit-Power demaking was a realm that only existed in legends.


    Just which sect is this girl from?


    It doesn''t seem like the Heavenly Master''s Mansion teaches this either!


    On the way back to the manor, Jiang Xiaoxiao leaned on Xie Xun''s shoulder and fell asleep.


    When getting out of the carriage, Xie Xun carried her horizontally, his movements very gentle, all the way back to the main courtyard, cing her on the soft bedding.


    Earlier at the Yin Yang Office, Xie Xun had clearly seen Jiang Xiaoxiao''s Spirit-Power demaking.


    Even if he didn''t understand cultivation, he could guess from Bai Cheng''s reaction that Xiaoxiao was very powerful, more powerful than he could imagine.


    But in his heart, she was just a little girl who needed him to personally feed and take care of.


    After covering Jiang Xiaoxiao with a nket, Xie Xun didn''t leave, keeping watch by her bedside.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao slept until the afternoon before waking up to see Xie Xun sitting by the bed. She let out a yawn and sat up.


    Xie Xun looked at her, "You didn''t have lunch, are you hungry?"


    "Hungry," Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded.


    "Wash your face first, I''ll go to the kitchen and prepare something for you to eat."


    In order to personally make food for Jiang Xiaoxiao, Xie Xun had a small kitchen set up in his courtyard.


    Earlier, when Madam Song saw Jiang Xiaoxiao being carried back by Xie Xun, she was worried she might be ill and came to check on her.


    Just as she entered, she saw Xie Xun busying himself in the small kitchen.


    Madam Song was stunned for a moment.


    Previously, the steward had told her that the Prince had a small kitchen set up in his courtyard so he could personally cook for Jiang Xiaoxiao, but Madam Song didn''t believe it.


    She never expected to see it with her own eyes today.


    Madam Song looked at Xie Xun diligently cooking in the kitchen, then at Jiang Xiaoxiao who had moved a small stool to sit obediently by the door, waiting for her food, and suddenly she smiled.


    These two didn''t seem out of ce at all.


    This must be what the old saying meant by "a match made in heaven."


    Madam Song went over and gently asked Jiang Xiaoxiao a few questions.


    After hearing that Jiang Xiaoxiao was just tired and had no other issues, Madam Song felt relieved.


    Since Xie Xun was already in the kitchen, Madam Song didn''t feel it was appropriate to offer to make food for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    After a few more words, she left.


    It didn''t take long before Jiang Xiaoxiao was eating piping hot dishes.


    With food in her stomach, she felt energized and grounded.


    However, she had only taken a few bites when the doorman rushed in with an urgent report that Qin Fengmian had arrived with an extremely pressing matter.


    No matter how urgent, it couldn''t disrupt her little Xiaoxiao''s meal.


    Xie Xun darkened his expression, "Let him wait!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao figured it must be about the Yin Yang Office, so she quickened her pace of eating.


    Xie Xun noticed and frowned, "No matter what it is, it''s not more important than you eating. Don''t rush and hurt your stomach just for those people."

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Qin Fengmian waited in the front hall for nearly an incense stick''s worth of time before Xie Xun slowly arrived with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Qin Fengmian immediately stood up and saluted Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun asked him, "What''s the matter?"


    Qin Fengmian nced at Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Earlier, my sixth senior brother Lu Mang was reckless. I''m apologizing on his behalf to the Director. I hope you can forgive him."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat down on a ring chair, "You came all this way just for that?"


    "No!" Qin Fengmian hurriedly said, "Apologizing is only a side note. I came because the Yin Yang Office has received an urgent case."


    It was the Yin Yang Office''s first day opening and they had already received a case. Jiang Xiaoxiao was somewhat surprised, "Urgent?"


    "Yes."


    Qin Fengmian took a sip of tea and quickly organized his thoughts.


    "It''s like this. A few nights ago, the Jingzhao Prefecture received a report that a pregnant woman had been killed on the street, a single death with two victims."


    "The officials immediately sent people to investigate, and then discovered that the woman''s husband had hanged himself at home."


    "The people from the Jingzhao Prefecture could only gather information by visiting the neighbors, and they did eventually find a few eyewitnesses who saw the woman before she was killed."


    "However, before the officials could bring them back to the courthouse for further questioning and evidence gathering, these eyewitnesses all died in a bizarre manner - they all hanged themselves."


    "Even more bizarrely, the locations where they hanged themselves were all on the same crooked tree in the alley where the woman was killed."


    "The Jingzhao Prefecture confirmed repeatedly that the tree was the original crime scene, and there were no signs of a struggle. The coroners'' examinations also showed that these people hadmitted suicide and were not murdered."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao understood, "So the Jingzhao Prefecture suspects this case is rted to an evil spirit?"


    "How else can you exin three or four people all hanging themselves at the same location?" said Qin Fengmian. "The Jingzhao Prefecture has just transferred this case''s file to the Yin Yang Office, and now they''re waiting for the Director to go back and open the case."


    "Let''s go then."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand how to open a case, so she could only bring Xie Xun along.


    When they arrived at the Yin Yang Office, Qin Fengmian''s fellow disciples were already waiting there.


    Some of them had been looking at Jiang Xiaoxiao with disdain before.


    But after Jiang Xiaoxiao demonstrated her spiritual power earlier, they werepletely convinced and dared not show any disrespect on their faces now.


    "Director," Qiu Hong cupped his hands and then passed the file from the Jingzhao Prefecture to her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao flipped through it.


    The case had barely progressed, with only the eyewitness ounts recorded.


    There were four eyewitnesses, each with their name marked with a red cross, indicating they were deceased.


    As for their ounts, they werergely simr - they had unintentionally glimpsed the situation in the alley at different times while passing by.


    One eyewitness said the alley was very noisy thatte at night, so he didn''t dare approach and left.


    Another said she was with her child and it was too dark to see clearly.


    The third said it looked like a woman was being surrounded and robbed by a gang, but he was in a hurry and didn''t pay much attention.


    Thest eyewitness said he shouted into the alley, but was threatened by the gang that they would kill him if he got involved, so he left out of fear.


    "None of these people tried to help or even report it to the officials," said Qin Fengmian. "The most likely scenario is that the woman''s resentful spirit came back to haunt those who ignored the incident."


    Xie Xun disagreed, "Then how do you exin the woman''s husband also hanging himself?"


    "Suicide out of grief!" Qin Fengmian wore a confident expression like he was about to solve the case. "After all, it''s understandable for the husband to be distraught after losing his wife and child in one night, isn''t it?"


    "Let''s go to the crime scene!" said Xie Xun. "No baseless conclusions without evidence. If the Yin Yang Office lets you operate this way, we''d have to close up shop the very night we opened."


    With that, he closed the file.


    This casual tone...


    Qin Fengmian: "..."


    Who''s in charge of the Yin Yang Office again?


    Since it was the first day the Yin Yang Office opened, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s investigation team wasn''t organized yet.


    She surveyed the group, "What skills do you all have?"


    The others looked at each other.


    Qin Fengmian was the first to answer with a smile, "I can guide spirits."


    Qiu Hong followed, "I''ll handle thepass."


    Thepass was used to record the heavenly stems, earthly branches, month and time.


    These tasks would likely be too bothersome for the Director''s taste.


    The others, like Qiu Hong, were skilled in geomancy, exorcism, and talisman drawing.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao could understand those skills.


    But what did Qin Fengmian mean by guiding spirits?


    "The National Master is so knowledgeable and talented, skilled in both the Qimen Divination Technique and talisman drawing, and even guiding spirits?"


    The senior disciple Zhu Yan practiced the Qimen Divination Technique, the junior disciple could guide spirits, and the others could perform exorcisms.


    If all these skills were taught by Bai Cheng, then this National Master was truly a genius.


    At least Jiang Xiaoxiao had never seen someone so multi-talented in her life.


    "Not at all," Qin Fengmian didn''t seem to mind exining. "Guiding spirits is my family''s specialty. I joined the National Master''s school out of personal interest."


    "Then we won''t need you to guide spirits this time."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao motioned to Qiu Hong, her seventh senior brother, and Liu An, her fourth senior brother.


    "Ah? Well, besides guiding spirits, I can also perform exorcisms and draw talismans!" Qin Fengmian didn''t expect to be eliminated so quickly and wanted to advocate for himself again.


    But when he looked up and met Xie Xun''s gaze, he shrank back, "I''ll pass this time. If there''s a case more suited for me, I''ll go then."


    "You can go," said Xie Xun. "Just put away your skills, disguise yourself as one of the eyewitnesses from that night, and go to Sophora Lane ahead of us. When we arrive, you can approach Xiaoxiao and im you''re afraid because all the other eyewitnesses have died, and seek the Yin Yang Office''s protection."


    Qin Fengmian immediately understood, "Your Highness intends to lure the snake out of its den?"


    Xie Xun nodded.


    Qiu Hong spoke up, "Your Highness, perhaps I should go instead. Fengmian''s cultivation is still shallow. If a spirit possesses him and lures him to hang himself, Fengmian may not be able to control it."


    Xie Xun smiled faintly, "From what you''re saying, it sounds like you all passed your examinations by cheating?"


    Qiu Hong was stunned into silence.


    Qin Fengmian said, "Seventh Senior Brother, no need to dissuade me. I''ll go."


    An hourter, Qin Fengmian changed intomoner''s clothes and set off for the crime scene at Sophora Lane from the Yin Yang Office.


    About an incense stick''s time after Qin Fengmian left, Xie Xun, Jiang Xiaoxiao and others finally set off. They first went to Jingzhao Prefecture to examine a few corpses, which were generally consistent with the descriptions in the case files.


    Half an hourter, the carriage stopped outside Sophora Lane.


    Since it was the crime scene, this area had already been cordoned off by Jingzhao Prefecture, with constables guarding outside.


    As night was falling, the few constables were cold and frightened, shivering.


    Only after Jiang Xiaoxiao showed the token of the Director of the Yin Yang Office did they temporarily stop guarding.


    The constables seemed to have seen a lifeline, expressing gratitude profusely before hurrying away from the ce.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stepped forward and stood under the crooked-neck tree.


    ording to the case files, the woman was harmed under this tree at the time.


    The murder case happened several days ago, and the bloodstains on the ground had long been covered by snow. Only faint marks left by the hanging rope could be seen on the crooked-neck tree.


    As night gradually fell, Liu An held up antern while Qiu Hong carried apass.


    At the end of thene, a gust of ominous wind suddenly blew.


    The needle of Qiu Hong''spass began spinning incessantly.


    "Director," Qiu Hong called out to Jiang Xiaoxiao, slightly rmed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao raised her hand, "Don''t speak."


    Qiu Hong could only cover thepass, pretending not to know what was happening.


    Not long after, Qin Fengmian''s frantic voice came from outside thene.


    They saw him stumbling in, kneeling on the ground with a thud, "Lords, please save thismoner!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked him, "Who are you?"


    Qin Fengmian trembled as he spoke, "I''m a resident nearby. I... I heard that anyone who passed through Sophora Lane on the night of the murder case died. I''m so scared, lords, please save me."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao realized, "So you mean you also passed through here that night?"


    "Yes." Qin Fengmian lowered his head, his voice choked with tears, "Not only did I pass through, but I also saw a group of people robbing a pregnant woman at knifepoint. I wanted to help, but I was too afraid. I... felt very guilty afterwards. If I had known a murder would ur, I should have reported to the officials, but I..."


    At this point, his whole body was shaking.


    He was acting incredibly convincingly.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun exchanged a nce.


    Xie Xun said, "Since that''s the case,e back to the office with us."


    "Thank you, lords, thank you..." Qin Fengmian kowtowed a few times, then stood up, "Let me inform my family first, and I''ll be right back."


    After saying that, Qin Fengmian ran out of Sophora Lane.


    Xie Xun gave Qiu Hong and Liu An a subtle signal.


    The two understood and left thene, following Qin Fengmian from a distance, neither too close nor too far away.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    Not far after Qin Fengmian walked out, he felt the wind behind him was different.


    The normal snow wind was bone-chillingly cold, but the wind behind him was suffocating, and the howling sound was like someone wailing, sending shivers down one''s spine.


    As a child, Qin Fengmian had dealt with corpses while learning to perform exorcisms.


    But dealing with ghosts was a first.


    He could only steel himself and continue walking forward.


    Qiu Hong and Liu An followed not far behind him, clearly seeing a ghost behind Qin Fengmian.


    A male ghost.


    His overwhelming resentment caused a dark aura to emanate from his entire body.


    Sensing people behind him, the ghost turned his head and gave Qiu Hong and Liu An a sinister and terrifying grin.


    Liu An gasped, "Not good, we''ve been discovered."


    Qiu Hong frowned, "Chase!"


    The two no longer hid, one carrying antern and the other holding apass, channeling their spiritual energy to chase after him.


    However, their speed could not catch up with the male ghost.


    In the blink of an eye, the male ghost possessed Qin Fengmian''s body and quickly disappeared at the end of the street.


    "Damn it!" Liu An cursed, "We lost him."


    Qiu Hong pondered for a moment, "Since the previous witnesses were all found hanged on that tree, this ghost will most likely take Fengmian to Sophora Lane, let''s go back."


    The two turned and ran towards Sophora Lane.


    At this time, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already taken Xie Xiangfei to hide on the rooftops of Sophora Lane.


    When the possessed Qin Fengmian walked over, the two saw it clearly.


    Qin Fengmian had a rope in his hand.


    After being possessed by the ghost, his movements were somewhat stiff, but he quickly hung the rope on the crooked-neck tree and tied a knot.


    With a leap, Qin Fengmian jumped up and was about to put his neck through the noose.


    Suddenly, a piece of broken tile flew down from the rooftop, and its sharp edge directly cut the rope.


    Caught off guard by the strike, Qin Fengmian fell to the ground on his bottom.


    It was as if the male ghost inside his body had suddenly sensed something, his expression changed drastically, and he turned to flee.


    However, at the exit, Qiu Hong and Liu An were already waiting with talismans.


    The ghost changed direction, only to see Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xiangfei blocking his path behind him.


    Seeing the walls on both sides of the alley, the ghost was about to fly up.


    Quick as a sh, Jiang Xiaoxiao threw a pre-drawn talisman urately onto Qin Fengmian''s forehead.


    The ghost let out a wail and fell to the ground, writhing in pain.


    But he was temporarily sealed, unable to separate his soul from this body or escape.


    The reason Jiang Xiaoxiao did not directly capture him was that the yamen''s case process required interrogation, even if the culprit was a ghost.


    Leaving him in a human body would make the interrogation much easier.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao squatted down and looked at him, "Why did you kill innocent people?"


    "Innocent?" The male ghost sounded like he had heard a big joke, his voice bing hysterical, his eyes reddening in a suffocating manner.


    "That night, if one of them had reported to the officials, my wife would not have met her doom, but none of them did!"


    The ghostughed, "There were so many people passing by at the time, so many people who saw it, yet they all had an indifferent attitude, don''t they all deserve to die? They should have apanied my wife and child in death!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Grudges have their origins, debts have their owners. You''ve found the wrong people. The ones who harmed your wife were those robbers."


    "They all deserve to die!" The ghost grew more agitated, "The robbers deserve to die, and those who witnessed the crime but did nothing, pretending not to see, deserve to die even more!"


    "But as I know, you didn''t go after those robbers for revenge." Xie Xiangfei looked down at the ghost, "After your death, you became a vengeful ghost, and the first people you found were the innocent passersby that night in Sophora Lane. Isn''t there another reason behind this?"


    Hearing this, the ghost roared, and a ghastly wind suddenly blew through the alley.


    But soon, he burst intoughter again, repeating the same sentence over and over, "They all deserve to die, they all deserve to die!"


    Qiu Hong and Liu An exchanged a nce.


    How could they interrogate him like this?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had lost her patience, "Since you won''t talk, then we''ll take you directly!"


    She reached out, about to pull the ghost out of Qin Fengmian''s body, when Xie Xiangfei suddenly spoke again.


    "Why don''t you let me help you recall what happened?" Xie Xiangfei''s tone was full of ridicule.


    "Five nights ago, your pregnant wife passed through Sophora Lane and was targeted by a gang of robbers. There were several people passing through Sophora Lane at the time, and some of them saw your wife in danger, but each of them chose to ignore it. No one reported to the officials, and no one stepped forward to help."


    "Yes!" The ghost''s anger turned into resentment, "So they''re not innocent at all, they deserve to die!"


    "In fact, there was a fifth person passing by that night." Xie Xiangfei slowly added, "That person was you."


    Suddenly struck at his painful spot, the ghost cried out, "No! No! You''re lying!"


    "How ironic?" Xie Xiangfeiughed coldly, "Because of your indifference and detachment, it led to the loss of your wife and child. After discovering the truth, you couldn''t ept it, so you hanged yourself. But you ced all the me on the four people in front of you."


    "I didn''t, I didn''t..." Borrowing Qin Fengmian''s body, the ghost burst into tears, covering his ears and shaking uncontrobly, "I didn''t mean it, I didn''t mean it..."


    By this point, the case waspletely revealed.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, as the head of the Yin Yang Office, could not randomly y ghosts. There were judges in the Underworld, and they would determine the ghost''s punishment.


    Handing the ghost over to the ghost officers would be Qiu Hong''s responsibility.


    Liu An took the unconscious Qin Fengmian and left first.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was free and boarded the carriage with Xie Xiangfei.


    "How did you know that ghost was the fifth person?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked curiously.


    Xie Xiangfei said, "The fact that he didn''t go after the robbers after his death, but instead the passersby, was already a big problem. His obsession with seeking revenge on the passersby after death showed he had unresolved issues."


    "That man, in life, did not dare enter the alley to confront the thugs. After death, he still did not dare find those people, but instead ced all the me on the innocent passersby."


    "He did this to vent his own inability and try to alleviate the guilt in his heart."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao could not help but sigh.


    So this is human nature? Howplex it is.


    Hmm... Xie Xun is so clever.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    The serial murder case on Sophora Lane had caused quite a stir when it was in the hands of the Jingzhao Prefecture.


    Now it had been transferred to the Yin Yang Office, and the case was surprisingly solved in just a few hours.


    Since this was the first case for the Yin Yang Office since its establishment, Emperor Hongtai was somewhat curious and asked the Crown Prince to fetch the case records.


    The records were sealed, and Murong Yuan did not know their contents, but he followed orders and brought them to the Jianzhang Pce.


    Emperor Hongtai opened and nced through them.


    The records were written by Qiu Hong, a disciple of the National Master, and not only did they contain detailed information about the entire case, but they also recorded Xie Xun''s reasoning process.


    After reading them, Emperor Hongtai''s expression revealed neither joy nor anger, and he simply instructed Du En to pass the records to the Crown Prince.


    Murong Yuan received them and skimmed through them briefly.


    He actually had no interest in catching ghosts or anything of the sort, but the words "King of Chu" on the records suddenly gave him a sense of crisis.


    "Father!" The Crown Prince stood up, his expression ugly. "My third brother is not part of the Yin Yang Office, so why did he interfere in their affairs?"


    Emperor Hongtai''s tone was indifferent, "You were the one who proposed establishing the Yin Yang Office, but didn''t you also not interfere?"


    Murong Yuan was momentarily stunned.


    The reason he established the Yin Yang Office was to leave himself a way out, but as for handling cases, he naturally left that to his subordinates.


    He could ignore the fact that the head of the office was a servant girl Xie Xun had brought to the capital, for human hearts could be bought, and as long as he employed some means in the future, that foolish servant girl would be easy to control.


    But he could not tolerate Xie Xun appearing in the case records of the Yin Yang Office!


    What was Xie Xun trying to do? Was he trying to seize the Yin Yang Office?!


    Murong Yuan gritted his teeth in anger, "Father, my third brother has overstepped his bounds!"


    "Why do I feel that the King of Chu deserves half the credit for this case?"


    Emperor Hongtai did not look up, sipping bird''s nest soup slowly.


    Hearing this, Murong Yuan''s expression became extremely ugly.


    Seeing the atmosphere in the pce bing increasingly strained, Du En spoke up with a smile, "This servant has heard that the head of the Yin Yang Office, Miss Jiang, was brought to the capital by the King of Chu. Yesterday was also the first day the Yin Yang Office started taking cases. It''s only natural for the King of Chu to apany Miss Jiang out of concern."


    Emperor Hongtai finished thest sip of bird''s nest soup, slowly cing the small bowl on the table, taking the towel Du En handed him and wiping his hands. "It''s just a set of records, Crown Prince. You''re overreacting."


    Murong Yuan''s body trembled.


    Emperor Hongtai had always been inscrutable in his distribution of favor and punishment.


    For all the years Murong Yuan had been the Crown Prince, he had never been able to fully grasp his father''s thoughts.


    But there was one thing: whenever his father spoke in a serious tone, no one dared contradict him, for doing so would inevitably incur his great wrath.


    Suppressing the anger in his heart, Murong Yuan lowered his head, "Your son epts your reprimand and will take his leave."


    On the way back to the Pce of the Crown Prince, Murong Yuan thought about his father''s reaction and could not help butpare him to his teacher.


    His teacher had always put his interests first, looking out for him in every way, and whenever something happened, he would carefully analyze the reasons with Murong Yuan and quickly find solutions.


    In contrast, his father...


    Sometimes Murong Yuan felt that his teacher was more like a real father to him than his actual father.


    His teacher had not been at the Pce of the Crown Prince for a few days, and Murong Yuan did not know how the preparations at the imperial mausoleum were going.


    Before the Yin Yang Office began operations, Jiang Xiaoxiao had no idea there were so many incidents caused by evil spirits in the city.


    Just a day after the Sophora Lane case, she received another report.


    This time, the person making the report did not go to the Jingzhao Prefecture but came directly to the Yin Yang Office.


    "Master Jiang, thismoner has seen a ghost!"


    The person making the report was a man named Tang Shun, around forty years old.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao sat in the main seat of the public court, looking at Tang Shun kneeling on the ground. "Tell me the details."


    Tang Shun said, "My grandfather''s nursing home has been sealed with bricks for almost a month now. I was out on business, but I just happened to returnst night. As I passed the graveyard, I thought I''d go and offer incense to my grandfather, but I saw him following a figure in a ck robe. I called out to him several times, but when he turned around, his face was covered in corpse spots..."


    Recounting this, Tang Shun himself trembled with fear.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Xie Xun in confusion and asked in a low voice, "What is a nursing home?"


    Xie Xun patiently exined it to her.


    There was a belief that if an elderly person lived past seventy but did not die, it meant they were stealing the lifespan of their descendants.


    So after many elderly people celebrated their seventieth birthday, they would be ced in an uncovered coffin and carried to a graveyard.


    Their descendants would build them a y jar tomb, ce the coffin inside without sealing the entrance, and send someone daily to deliver food.


    After each meal, they would seal one brick at the entrance, continuing until the hundredth day when the entire entrance was sealed. If the elderly person had not yet died, they would starve to death in the y jar tomb.


    To give this kind of tomb a nicer name, it was generally called a "nursing home."


    This was the first time Jiang Xiaoxiao had heard of such a horrifying custom, and she looked at Tang Shun.


    Tang Shun cried, "Those bricks were bricked up by my own hands a month ago. When I lookedst night, the bricks were still there, sealing it shut. There''s no way he could still be alive! Master Jiang, I must have seen a ghost!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao frowned, "You just said that your grandfather was following a figure in a ck robe?"


    "Yes. But it was too dark at the time, and the figure was also wearing a hood, so I couldn''t see their appearance clearly."


    "Oh, and another thing," Tang Shun suddenly remembered, his face turning pale. "There were also many children following behind them, some two or three years old, some just a month old."


    Xie Xun said, "If there are no idents, those children should be from the Abandoned Infant Tower."


    "And what is the Abandoned Infant Tower?" Jiang Xiaoxiao was confused again.


    Xie Xun exined once more.


    Just as there were customs for abandoning the elderly, there were also customs for abandoning infants.


    In nursing homes were those over seventy years old.


    And in Abandoned Infant Towers were mostly newborn babies.


    Some were stillborn, some had physical defects, and some were sick.


    But most were abandoned baby girls.


    In an era where sons were preferred over daughters, the more daughters a family had, the less valuable they were considered, naturally leading to the phenomenon of abandonment.


    Those infants were initially abandoned in the wilderness, with the predictable consequence of bing food for wild animals.


    Later, some kindhearted people, unable to bear it, built the Abandoned Infant Towers, where abandoned infants could be taken, but even then, those babies were still left to fend for themselves and die naturally.


    Another horrifying custom that made one''s hair stand on end just hearing about it.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had a premonition that the man in ck robe mentioned by Tang Shun was the same one who had been secretly causing trouble in the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    Although she had buried himst time, the aura of the man in ck robe was identical.


    If this was indeed the case, then the man in ck robe''s sudden appearance outside must have been part of a sinister plot.


    "Can you recall the exact time you saw the man in ck robest night?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao wanted to use the Strange Gates Escaping Stems technique to deduce the approximate location of the man in ck robe.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Tang Shun carefully recalled, "It was quitete at the time, probably close to 11 PM."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked Qiu Hong to continue inquiring about the details, while she went to the backyard, calcting the time provided by Tang Shun to deduce the direction.


    The final result pointed towards the northern mountain.


    "The northern mountain?" Jiang Xiaoxiao stood up and asked Xie Xun, who had been apanying her from behind, "What''s at the northern mountain?"


    Xie Xun''s expression turned solemn as he slowly uttered two words, "Imperial tombs."


    Previously, Old Master Nie''s secret agents had uncovered that Murong Yuan was secretly plotting to open the tomb of the former Emperor.


    Xie Xun had actually requested Jiang Xiaoxiao''s help to unseal him due to this very matter.


    Little did they know that Xie Xun was now in the capital, and Murong Yuan and the person in the ck robe behind him were still unwilling to give up.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "The imperial tombs should have guards, right?"


    "The Imperial Guards," Xie Xun nodded. "They are all top-notch experts capable of defeating a hundred foes, but it''s useless against those from the Profound Sect, as they can easily ovee your spells."


    "However..." Xie Xun paused for a moment, "With the strength of the person in the ck robe, if they wanted to break into the imperial tombs by force, it should be an easy task. Why would they resort to such a scheme?"


    "It''s highly likely that they cannot get close to the imperial tombs," Jiang Xiaoxiao exined. "The evil arts cultivated by their true form must have absorbed a significant amount of yin energy from ghosts. As a result, the yin and evil aura surrounding them is too heavy. In ces like temples and imperial tombs, they would be unable to approach, or else they might harm themselves and even their true form."


    Xie Xun was still puzzled, "If even the person in the ck robe cannot approach the imperial tombs, ordinary ghosts would have even less chance of getting close. Then why did they bring so many ghosts to the imperial tombs?"


    "Not ghosts," Jiang Xiaoxiao corrected. "ording to Tang Shun''s description, the ''father'' he saw had already developed livor mortis, meaning they were corpses."


    "Corpse summoning?"


    "Possibly something simr. We need to go to the imperial tombs immediately to see what the person in the ck robe is nning to do."


    "Oh, right." Jiang Xiaoxiao remembered someone else who could be useful. "Qin Fengmian seems to know how to summon corpses. We should bring him along."


    During the previous case on Sophora Lane, Qin Fengmian was possessed by a male ghost and lost all consciousness. He had no idea how Jiang Xiaoxiao had subdued that evil ghost, only hearing the descriptions from Qiu Hong and Liu An afterwards.


    However, those two were honest people, and the exciting story from their mouths became nd and vorless.


    Qin Fengmian was feeling glum when he heard that he could join this case.


    "Really?" Finally feeling useful, Qin Fengmian had a righteous expression, "Don''t worry, Director. I have dealt with corpses for years, let alone corpses, even bones, I can summon them!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao gave him a few instructions, "Our goal this time is for you to use all your lifelong knowledge to reim those corpses from the other side."


    "Lifelong knowledge?" Qin Fengmian raised his eyebrows, "Do you have to be so dramatic?"


    His ability to summon corpses was recognized by his family n.


    If he didn''t want to experience the world, he would have be the heir by now.


    With his skills, he still needed to use his lifelong knowledge to fight for corpses?


    Seeing his overconfident attitude, Qiu Hong quickly reminded him in a low voice, "Fengmian, don''t take the Director''s words lightly. It''s better to be mentally prepared in advance, so you don''t panic when the timees."


    Since the Seventh Senior Brother had spoken, Qin Fengmian didn''t say anything else. After packing up, he rode a horse and followed Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun''s carriage, heading towards the northern mountain and the imperial tombs.


    This time, Jiang Xiaoxiao brought along two subordinates, Qin Fengmian and Qiu Hong.


    Qin Fengmian''s ability to summon corpses was perfect for the current case.


    As for Qiu Hong, up until now, Jiang Xiaoxiao had not seen any particrly outstanding skills from him, but this person was reliable and steady.


    With Qin Fengmian''s temperament, he needed someone like Qiu Hong to supervise him.


    Before leaving the city for the northern mountain and imperial tombs, which were quite far from the imperial city, Xie Xun specifically asked to stop and eat at a restaurant first.


    Huatian Restaurant was an official restaurant, so Xie Xun, being a prince, did not need to pay.


    The manager personally served the group, not only offering their signature dishes from the kitchen but also arranging a private dining room for Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao upon Xie Xun''s request.


    Currently, Xie Xun could not assist Jiang Xiaoxiao with his martial arts, so he could only constantly use his mind to devise strategies.


    Additionally, he would monitor Jiang Xiaoxiao''s eating habits.


    Although Jiang Xiaoxiao had never mentioned it herself, after such a long time together, Xie Xun realized that eating more was beneficial for her.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had a severe "imprinting" issue. She remembered Xie Xun''s cooking skills, and no matter how delicious the food was elsewhere, if it tasted different from Xie Xun''s cooking, in her eyes, it all had the same vor.


    Yes, a vor that could barely fill her stomach and prevent her from starving.


    Xie Xun didn''t eat much himself but spent the entire meal peeling shrimp for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    After finishing the meal, it was almost noon.


    This was the perfect time to go to the imperial tombs, as they would arrive before nightfall.


    Even if the person in the ck robe had any ns, they wouldn''t let those corpses run amok in broad daylight.


    The well-fed Jiang Xiaoxiao was in high spirits, asionally parting the carriage curtains to look outside.


    Qiu Hong said worriedly, "Your Highness, Director, if we go to the imperial tombs at this hour, we may not be able to return tonight."


    At their current speed, they would arrive at the imperial tombs at the earliest by dusk. After dealing with the situation there, it would be deep into the night by the time they returned.


    Hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao nced at Xie Xun.


    She didn''t mind herself, let alone the imperial tombs, she could even sleep in a graveyard for a night without issue.


    Moreover, as long as she didn''t transform into her child form, not sleeping for a night would have no effect on her.


    But it was different for Xie Xun.


    Seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao looking at him, Xie Xun gently stroked her head and said softly, "There''s no need to worry. The imperial tombs have a ce to rest."


    Whenever an emperor or consort was buried, arge group would go to the imperial tombs, making it impossible to return within a day.


    Therefore, a vi was specifically built near the imperial tombs for resting.


    When the former Emperor''s consort was buried, Xie Xun, as the filial son, had gone once and still remembered it vividly.


    The group arrived at the vi near the imperial tombs by dusk.


    Without an imperial edict from Emperor Hongtai, they could not directly enter the imperial tombs.


    The person in the ck robe was likely in the same situation.


    The vi had dedicated attendants to manage it.


    Upon learning that it was the King of Chu, they quickly arranged rooms for them.


    After dinner, night hadpletely fallen.


    Qin Fengmian and Qiu Hong came to Xie Xun''s room together.


    "Director, shouldn''t we take action now?" Qin Fengmian jingled the Soul-capturing Bell in his hand, eager to get started.


    Ever since joining Bai Cheng''s ranks, he hadn''t been able to go corpse-retrieving for a long time.


    Recalling how Jiang Xiaoxiao had urged him to use all his lifelong skills to snatch corpses from others, he couldn''t wait to find out who this formidable adversary was, someone able to surpass even their corpse-retriever n.

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    It was a moonlit night.


    The moonlight was naturally chilly, making the snow on the mountain look like white jade heaped together.


    Qiu Hong carried antern as the group ventured out.


    Qin Fengmian rubbed his frozen hands and followed behind Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Their destination was near the Imperial Mausoleum.


    The man in ck wouldn''t dare approach the mausoleum itself, so he was bound to be keeping watch outside.


    But the mausoleum grounds were vast, and it would likely take until dawn to search the entire area one by one.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao halted, found arge rock, and brushed off the snow before sitting cross-legged on it. She released her spiritual perception to sense the surroundings.


    She had shed with the man in ck before and remembered his aura, so it didn''t take long for her to detect his presence.


    "This way," Jiang Xiaoxiao opened her eyes, stood up, and pointed to the right.


    Qiu Hong''s face disyed utter astonishment. The Grand Mistress had just locked onto the direction using her spiritual perception?


    Even when tracking a disembodied soul, he would have to spin hispass for half a day.


    And now, they were looking for a person.


    Yet the Grand Mistress had managed it in less than a moment!


    Using spiritual perception consumed a tremendous amount of spiritual power.


    And one could onlymunicate with the elemental energies of heaven and earth, opening the Celestial Eye, after reaching a certain level of spiritual power.


    His master had cultivated for so many years, but his spiritual power was still unable to break through the bottleneck.


    But just now...


    Qiu Hong doubted his own eyes, pursing his lips as he gazed towards Qin Fengmian.


    Qin Fengmian shrugged, "Don''t look at me, I''ve been wondering myself if I''ve been following a false master these past two days."


    He was increasingly convinced that what they were learning was from an entirely different worldpared to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Otherwise, how could a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl manifest sword energies as easily as drinking water and release her spiritual perception to locate people as if it were child''s y?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t notice the expressions of the two behind her, only pressing forward.


    After walking for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, she finally stopped.


    Qin Fengmian, lost in thought, nearly bumped into Xie Xun''s back.


    He managed to halt in time and looked up.


    When he saw the sight not far away, Qin Fengmian''s head went numb, and he nearly went limp.


    It was a small hill.


    On top of the hill sat the man in ck, holding a y Xun flute in his hands.


    He brought the flute to his lips and blew gently, causing a swarm of human heads to stir below the hill.


    Oh no, not human heads, but corpses.


    Numerous corpses, mostly infants, all floating in the air, their hollow, lifeless eyes fixed on the man in ck.


    Qin Fengmian had been dealing with corpses since childhood and had seen infant corpses before.


    But this was the first time he had ever encountered so many infant corpses, densely packed, and the sight made his skin crawl.


    "Where did he..." Qin Fengmian couldn''t hide the shock on his face.


    He wanted to ask where the man in ck had obtained so many infant corpses.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly turned and shushed him.


    Qin Fengmian quickly closed his mouth, but his expression remained unsettled for a moment.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If I''m not mistaken, these infant corpses will soon start wailing at the Imperial Mausoleum. Can you try to control them all before they start crying?"


    "All of them?" Qin Fengmian finally understood why Jiang Xiaoxiao had made him exhaust his lifelong skills to seize corpses that day.


    There must be over a thousand infant corpses here?


    He had never controlled so many corpses at once before.


    Could he do it?


    "I''ll try my best." Qin Fengmian''s voice was devoid of confidence, a far cry from his self-assured demeanor earlier that day.


    "Hurry!" Jiang Xiaoxiao frowned.


    The man in ck was blowing the flute faster, and the infant corpses were stirring.


    Qin Fengmian took out the Soul-capturing Bell and recited an incantation before shaking it repeatedly towards the infant corpses.


    But it didn''t work.


    The tune the man in ck was ying seemed to possess some magic power, causing the infant corpses to ignore Qin Fengmianpletely.


    As a corpse wrangler, this was the first time he had encountered corpses disobeying hismands.


    Qin Fengmian, disheartened, tried several more times unsessfully.


    Qiu Hong grew anxious.


    "Grand Mistress, what should we do now?"


    Although the Yin Yang Office was responsible for catching ghosts and investigating cases, they couldn''t turn a blind eye if someone used evil arts to manipte corpses.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn''t surprised that Qin Fengmian couldn''t control these corpses.


    If the man in ck were so easily defeated by a mere corpse wrangler, Jiang Xiaoxiao would have doubted they were facing the real threat tonight.


    "Forget it, I''ll just go fight him."


    Rather than employing convoluted methods, a straightforward approach was better.


    Qin Fengmian felt apologetic, "I''m sorry..."


    But before he could finish, he heard a series of crackling joint movements from behind.


    Qin Fengmian whipped his head around and saw, by the moonlight, a dense crowd of skeletons approaching them.


    The skeletons advanced with synchronized steps.


    Qin Fengmian clearly saw one skeleton whose head had fallen off. It turned back, picked it up, and tried to reattach it to its neck.


    Unable to reattach it, the skull fell again. The skeleton bent down, picked it up once more, cradling its own head in its hands as it continued forward.


    Qin Fengmian: "..."


    He could control skeletons, but he had never encountered such intelligent ones before.


    Had they be sentient?!


    Qiu Hong''s face tensed, "Could these skeletons have also been summoned by the man in ck?"


    If that were the case, the opponent''s evil arts might be formidable, and he didn''t know if the few of them could handle it.


    As he pondered this, those skeletons halted before Jiang Xiaoxiao, each raising their heads to gaze at her, as if awaiting hermand.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."


    Xie Xun: "?"


    Qiu Hong: "??"


    Qin Fengmian: "???"


    Could someone please exin to him what the hell was going on?!

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Qiu Hong was somewhat confused, asking Qin Fengmian, "Are these skulls summoned by your Soul-capturing Bell?"


    "I don''t know!" Qin Fengmian was even more bewildered than him.


    "Then why..."


    Qiu Hong''s gaze fell upon Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Why were these skulls seeking not Qin Fengmian or the ck Robe Man, but the Overseer herself?


    Not only Qiu Hong and Qin Fengmian, but Jiang Xiaoxiao herself was equally clueless.


    Just moments ago, she had simply instructed Qin Fengmian to control the corpses under the ck Robe Man''smand.


    Who could have anticipated that so many skulls would suddenly emerge?


    Moreover, their formation seemed entirely unaffected by the ck Robe Man''s melodies.


    Xie Xun suggested, "Xiaoxiao, why don''t you try controlling them?"


    Prior to this day, Jiang Xiaoxiao had only dealt with ghosts and humans, rarely encountering corpses.


    Let alone such arge number of skulls.


    For a moment, she did not know whether to use talismans or spells.


    "Never mind."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had no interest in engaging these skulls of uncertain origins.


    She said, "Our current objective is to safely retrieve those corpses from the ck Robe Man and return them to their families for proper burial. Even if I could control the skulls, they would only damage the corpses further. It''s better not to involve them."


    As Jiang Xiaoxiao finished speaking, one of the skulls that had been clutching its head suddenly flung it away and began marching down the hill.


    Extending its arm, it snatched a floating infant corpse from the air, holding one in each arm, then turned and brought them to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    The other skulls followed suit, each carrying a corpse.


    Despite the ck Robe Man''s formidable control abilities, the skulls seemed to have no difficulty seizing the corpses at all!


    Jiang Xiaoxiao: "..."


    Qin Fengmian: "!!"


    The skulls could understand human speech, which was unnatural and illogical! This had to be an illusion!


    While the two master and apprentice remained in a state of shock at the bizarre sight, the ck Robe Man suddenly rose to his feet atop the small hill.


    Previously, in order to control the corpses, he had been continuously ying melodies without interruption, failing to notice that the girl had found her way here.


    Now, he watched in horror as the infant corpses he had painstakingly acquired from the imperial mausoleum were snatched away by a band of skulls that had appeared out of nowhere. The face beneath the ck Robe Man''s mask contorted with rage and murderous intent.


    "Wretched girl, time and again you ruin my endeavors. You know not what is good for you. Die!"


    An immense force surged forth from within the ck Robe Man, attacking Jiang Xiaoxiao directly.


    The aura of this lethal strike was clearly more powerful than their previous encounter in the Eastern Pce.


    Qiu Hong reacted swiftly, conjuring a talisman into a protective shield to shield the infant corpses below.


    However, with his level of cultivation, this talisman could only withstand the force for a brief moment.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao could not reveal her identity as a disciple of the Taoism Sect in front of Qin Fengmian and Qiu Hong, preventing her from using her talisman or sword to defend herself.


    She could only employ the same skill she had unleashed in the Yin Yang Office - Spirit-Power demaking.


    But before that, she needed to reinforce Qiu Hong''s defensive talisman.


    Taking out a prepared defensive talisman, Jiang Xiaoxiao flung it out, instantly burning into a golden light that formed a protective shield,pletely separating Xie Xun, Qiu Hong, and the others from the ck Robe Man and the skulls and corpses.


    Having aplished this, Jiang Xiaoxiao leapt onto a tree branch.


    In an instant, a semi-transparent, two-handed greatsword materialized, which she raised high and brought down with the force of a mountain-cleaving strike.


    The sword''s momentum shed with the ck Robe Man''s force in mid-air, seeming topress the very air with an immense pressure bearing down upon everyone.


    Soon, a deafening "boom" erupted.


    The tremendous explosion shook the earth itself, cleaving the small hill where the ck Robe Man stood in two.


    Gales whipped up clouds of sand and debris, shredding the ck Robe Man''s cloak.


    This terrifying, overwhelming power far surpassed what the kitchen knife had been capable of.


    The ck Robe Man raised an eyebrow, "Spirit-Power demaking? Little girl, you never cease to surprise this old man!"


    "If it''s a fight you want, then fight. Why so many useless words?"


    Having spoken, Jiang Xiaoxiao shed forward, shing with the ck Robe Man in mid-air.


    Their movements were too swift to discern, the onlookers below only feeling the immense oppressive force permeating the air.


    Even through the defensive talisman, their chests felt constricted, struggling to breathe.


    Qin Fengmian and Qiu Hong sat down, regting their breathing several times before barely avoiding internal injuries from the shockwaves.


    Xie Xun, having never cultivated, naturally could not regte his breathing and took shelter behind the skulls instead.


    He noticed that these skulls were quite intelligent, automatically identifying the areas of strongest defense and carrying the corpses there.


    Xie Xun found a rtively safe spot and looked up at the aerial battle.


    Although the details were unclear, it was evident that the ck Robe Man''s abilities had vastly improved since theirst encounter.


    Xie Xun frowned.


    Continuing like this was futile.


    The ck Robe Man was merely a puppet controlled by some other consciousness. Even if defeated, the controller would simply possess another puppet.


    Meanwhile, Xiaoxiao would exhaust a significant portion of her cultivation and spiritual power.


    Xie Xun recalled that Xiaoxiao had mentioned the ck Robe Man could not approach the imperial mausoleum or the Imperial Deity Temple, lest he harm his true body.


    So the mausoleum and temple must share some quality that the ck Robe Man feared.


    The temple, of course, housed the deity statue capable of emitting divine light.


    As for the mausoleum, what could it be?


    After some thought, Xie Xun had a revtion.


    The divine beast!


    The imperial mausoleum was guarded by the Candle Dragon, one of the four ancient divine dragons.


    It seemed they needed to lure the ck Robe Man towards the mausoleum.


    Just as Xie Xun was about to discuss a strategy with Qiu Hong and Qin Fengmian, the crystal key he always carried suddenly grew warm.


    Xie Xun looked down.


    Through his robe, he could faintly see the crystal key shing once, followed by a small, inconspicuous wisp of blue light shooting towards the battle in the air.


    This light resembled the divine radiance Xie Xun had witnessed in the Imperial Deity Temple.


    Momentster, Xie Xun saw the ck Robe Man, who had been fiercely battling Jiang Xiaoxiao, spew a mouthful of blood and plummet from the sky, nearly crushing one of the skulls.


    The skull, carrying two infant corpses in its arms, simply kicked the ck Robe Man away with force.


    The ck Robe Many prone on the ground, seeming to have suffered severe internal injuries, twitching uncontrobly but unable to rise.


    Qiu Hong and Qin Fengmian stared at the scene, dumbfounded.


    Of course, they had not seen the wisp of blue light, subconsciously believing that the Overseer herself had vanquished the ck Robe Man.


    "Incredible!" Qiu Hong eximed in awe. "To control skeletons with such supernatural skill, Master''s eye for talent is truly unmatched."


    Qin Fengmian, the pride of the family and a master corpse courier, felt dejected.


    He had only recently be a disciple of Bai Cheng, and his cultivation level paled inparison to his senior peers.


    The only skill he could im was the family''s unique corpse courier ability.


    But now, this girl had directly taken up the art of skeleton couriering, and those skeletons, while looking simr, each seemed to possess its own distinct "personality" upon closer inspection.


    They could think, judge, and perform tasks with remarkable efficiency.


    It was as if theycked only the ability to eat from a bowl.


    Truly, they left no room for him, a mere corpse courier!


    The most dejected person in the arena was, in fact, Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Those skeletons seemed to have emerged from somewhere, but it was clear that someone was controlling them from behind the scenes.


    However, as long as that person did not be her enemy, she could let the matter slide without further investigation.


    Tonight, the ck Robe Man''s power had greatly increased, evidently infused with a significant amount of cultivation, all for the purpose of sessfullypleting the imperial tomb mission.


    The ck Robe Man seemed to have noticed that she couldn''t overuse the Yin Yang Office''s techniques and had been using demonic arts against her.


    Although Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn''t overwhelmed, her spellcasting abilities were somewhat restricted to a certain degree.


    Thus, the strike that made the ck Robe Man cough up blood and fall wasn''t her doing.


    Who was the one helping her from behind the scenes?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao withdrew her power and sat on the snowy ground, regting her breath for a moment before resting her chin on her hand and gazing absentmindedly at the skeletons transporting the infant corpses.


    Xie Xun approached her, his eyes filled with concern. "Xiaoxiao, are you hurt?"


    "No."


    Xie Xun sat down beside her. "Then rest for a while before we head back."


    As he spoke, he took her hand and held it in his warm palm.


    "Xie Xun, the ck Robe Man''s main body was severely injured," Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly looked at him. "Gravely injured, just now."


    Xie Xun smiled. "Isn''t that a good thing?"


    "But I didn''t inflict that injury on him," Jiang Xiaoxiao said. "I can''t deal such a blow to the ck Robe Man''s main body with a single strike."


    "The one who helped me just now is too powerful."


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun remained silent, merely touching the area on his chest where the crystal was located.


    He didn''t know if the effect was truly caused by that little blue light, because someone else was also helping Xiaoxiao tonight.


    Fearing that a misjudgment might disappoint her in the future, Xie Xun decided to temporarily set aside the matter of the crystal key and seek help from the elders to investigate its origins once they returned.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.


    The ck-robed figure had gathered far too many infant corpses. They needed to be returned under the cover of darkness, while the skeletons were still present, using their hands to deliver the bodies back.


    Otherwise, when daylight broke, such a grand spectacle would terrify themon folk.


    Before leaving the imperial tomb, the group returned to the mountain manor to gather supplies, and along the way, they brought out the horses and carriage.


    As before, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun rode in the carriage, with Qiu Hong driving and Qin Fengmian on horseback.


    But between the horses and the carriage was a neatly arranged troop of skeletons.


    Each skeleton held a corpse¡ªthe infants were cradled, while several elderly bodies were carried on their shoulders.


    This scene was indescribably eerie.


    Before dawn, all the infant corpses were delivered to the Abandoned Infant Tower.


    They were all nameless bodies, too numerous, and previously controlled by the ck-robed figure''s dark arts.


    To prevent further incidents, Jiang Xiaoxiao had no choice but to set them all aze.


    As for the elderly corpses, Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn''t sure of their exact origins, so she had Qin Fengmian take them all to the graveyard and post notices for people to im them.


    At the moment when the morning light broke through, the skeletons, havingpleted their task, suddenly vanished.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was unfazed by this.


    She entrusted all the cleanup work to Qiu Hong and Qin Fengmian.


    Upon entering the city, she didn''t even visit the Yin Yang Office but was directly taken back to King Chu''s Mansion by Xie Xun.


    The first thing Xie Xun did upon returning was to have hot water prepared, personally sprinkling numerous flower petals into the bath.


    Only when the air was permeated with a faint, clean fragrance, ensuring Xiaoxiao would be steeped in a delightful aroma, did he turn to leave.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao disliked medicinal baths¡ªan instinctive rejection from within her body, though she wasn''t clear on the reason.


    But she loved therge bath in King Chu''s Mansion.


    After battling the ck-robed figure for so long, she had expended a considerable amount of spiritual energy and was indeed quite fatigued.


    Now, undressed and immersed in the bath, she felt all her bones turning soft.


    Once in, Xiaoxiao didn''t want to leave and unknowingly dozed off by the bath''s edge.


    Xie Xun waited outside for a long while without hearing any movement from within.


    He turned back, gazing at the tightly closed, carved door, and ultimately resisted the urge to enter directly, choosing instead to find Madam Song.


    "Teacher''s wife, Xiaoxiao has been soaking in the bath for quite some time. Could you please help me check on her?"


    Seeing his concerned expression, Madam Song reassured him, "Don''t worry. At most, Miss Jiang is exhausted fromst night''s case and has fallen asleep. I''ll go and carry her out."


    Upon entering, Madam Song indeed found Jiang Xiaoxiao asleep by the bath''s edge.


    She felt a twinge of sympathy for her.


    At just sixteen, the youngdy had taken charge of such arge yamen, unable to rest evente at night, still having to go out and handle cases.


    She must be utterly drained, right?


    Madam Song bent down, about to lift Jiang Xiaoxiao, when she awoke on her own.


    She was naturally alert; no matter how deeply she slept, she would certainly wake if someone approached.


    Rubbing her eyes, Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at Madam Song, "What''s wrong?"


    Madam Song chided, "The water''s almost cold, and you''re still not getting out. His Highness must be anxious."


    "Oh." Only then did Jiang Xiaoxiao realize she had soaked for far too long.


    She exited the bath, and Madam Song dried her with a towel, helping her change before they walked out.


    Seeing Xie Xun waiting outside, Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "Sorry, I seem to have overslept."


    Her just-awakened voice waszy and soft.


    Xie Xun felt as if a small feather had tickled his heart. Seeing she was fine, he rxed, "It''s good that nothing''s wrong."


    He stepped forward, originally intending to embrace Jiang Xiaoxiao, but suddenly realized he hadn''t bathed since returning, andst night he had dealt with corpses.


    Xie Xun retracted his outstretched hand, instinctively stepping back twice.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him,pletely unconcerned that Madam Song was present, and asked directly, "Do you want a hug?"


    She then opened her arms to Xie Xun, "Come, let me hug you."


    Xie Xun: "..."


    Madam Song chuckled softly, feeling it inappropriate to stay longer. "Since Miss Jiang is fine, I''ll head back now. You both should rest well. After you wake, this teacher''s wife will prepare something delicious for you."


    After Madam Song left, Jiang Xiaoxiao walked toward Xie Xun, again opening her arms to hug him.


    "Don''t!" Xie Xun stepped back once more. "I''m dirty."


    "Then I''ll hug you." Jiang Xiaoxiao bent down, looking very much ready to give Xie Xun a princess carry.


    Xie Xun sighed helplessly. With this girl''s stubbornness, she wouldn''t return without a hug today.


    He patted his clothes, which weren''t actually dirty, and lifted her horizontally.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao hadn''t slept enough earlier, and now, with her head resting in Xie Xun''s arms, she felt an added sense of security.


    Before they even reached the room, she fell soundly asleep again.


    Fearing he might jostle her, Xie Xun''s movements became much slower.


    The room was warmed by the Earth Dragon, creating a cozy atmosphere.


    Xie Xun ced Jiang Xiaoxiao on the bed, covering her with a soft, warm nket.


    He kept watch a while longer, ensuring she didn''t want water or anything else, before pushing open the door to leave.


    Like Jiang Xiaoxiao, Xie Xun also hadn''t slept all night, but with matters on his mind, he didn''t feel tired. Upon exiting the main courtyard, he went directly to find Dean Gu.


    Dean Gu, resembling an old schr, held a book in his hands, teaching Yang Ershun to recite the Thousand Character ssic.


    Yang Ershun clearly had no interest in studying, sitting by the fire basin, snoring as he dozed off.


    Dean Gu, exasperated, eximed, "You rascal! If you don''t study now, you''ll be a blind fool in the future!"


    Startled awake by his shout, Yang Ershun yawned and stood up. "Dean, this book is so sleep-inducing. Are we continuing? If not, I''ll go practice."


    Dean Gu''s beard twitched with anger.


    As Yang Ershun stepped over the threshold, he looked up to see Xie Xun standing outside. He immediately deted, "Sis...brother-inw, why are you here?"


    Xie Xun nced at him, merely saying, "Practice diligently."


    "Yes." Yang Ershun felt reprieved and dashed away.


    Dean Gu, having heard their exchange, rose and walked out. "Your Highness didn''t sleep all night, why not rest?"


    "I have a matter to consult with my teacher."


    As Xie Xun spoke, he walked inside.


    Dean Gu followed, preparing tea for him. "What does Your Highness wish to ask?"


    Xie Xun removed the crystal stone from his neck and handed it to Dean Gu. "Have you ever seen this, Teacher?"


    "This is...?" Dean Gu''s face filled with confusion, then he shook his head. "Never."


    "Then have you ever heard of it?"


    Xie Xun continued: "This was left to me by myte mother. On her deathbed, my wet nurse repeatedly and earnestly urged me to preserve it well."


    Dean Gu still shook his head, "Why would Her Majesty leave such a thing for Your Highness?"


    Xie Xun hesitated for a moment before recounting the events of the previous night.


    "I can''t be certain, but I believe it was the light emanating from this key that ultimately helped Jiang Xiaoxiao. Moreover, I have a strong feeling that this light closely resembles the divine radiance I witnessed in the Imperial Deity Temple on the day of my ennoblement."


    Dean Gu abruptly changed the subject, "Speaking of the Imperial Deity Temple, Your Highness, this old man has a matter to discuss."


    "Oh?"


    Dean Gu continued, "Recently, I encountered a merchant from Li Country and acquired an intriguing book from him. It contains records about the Great Emperor. I recall Your Highness frequently inquiring about the Great Emperor in your youth, so I thought this book might pique your interest."


    Li Country was a vassal state of Yan Country, bordering its northern frontier. Merchants often traveled between the two nations.


    Dean Gu retrieved the book and handed it to Xie Xun.


    As Xie Xun began to peruse it, he realized the content was indeed something he had never encountered before.


    More shockingly, the book''s portrayal of the Great Emperor upended all of Xie Xun''s preconceived notions.


    In Yan Country, everyone revered the Great Emperor as a deity.


    Yet, the author of this book expressed nothing but rage and criticism throughout, condemning the Great Emperor as a malevolent god, even if he were divine.


    The reason? Over a hundred years ago, Lang Jin had personally ughtered every single citizen who worshipped him in a city he once protected.


    The city was awash in blood, corpses strewn everywhere.


    That city was none other than the predecessor of Yanjing City¡ªthe capital of Zhao Country.


    After the fall of Zhao Country, Yan Country was officially established, with Lang Jin bing its founding emperor. All records of his actions prior to the nation''s founding were erased.


    The people of Yan Country worshipped him as a godlike figure, unaware of his past descent into madness.


    As Xie Xun gazed at the words on the pages, inexplicably, certain images began to surface in his mind, and an overwhelming tide of hatred surged within his chest.


    The book slipped from his grasp, falling to the ground. Xie Xun clutched his head, his forehead beaded with cold sweat from the pain.


    Dean Gu, greatly rmed, rushed to support him. "Your Highness, Your Highness, what''s the matter?"


    While speaking, he poured a cup of warm water for Xie Xun.


    After drinking the water, Xie Xun''s emotions barely stabilized.


    "I don''t know," he said. "I have a strange feeling that I''ve seen the scenes depicted in this book before."


    Dean Gu paused, then said, "Your Highness, this book is forbidden. Its existence is not permitted in either Yan Country or Li Country."


    Dean Gu seemed regretful, "No wonder it''s a banned book. Had I known, this old man wouldn''t have gone through such lengths to acquire it."


    "Teacher," Xie Xun looked at Dean Gu, "On the day of my ennoblement, when I saw the Great Emperor''s divine statue, I also felt a sense of familiarity."


    Dean Gu chuckled, "Your Highness frequented the temple so often fourteen years ago, of course it would feel familiar."


    Sensing Dean Gu''s disbelief, Xie Xun didn''t exin further.


    The familiarity he spoke of wasn''t the kind from fourteen years ago, but rather a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, as if from a past life.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    After entering the city, Qiu Hong didn''t even have time to take a bath or drink some water. He directly returned to the Yin Yang Office and recorded the details of the imperial tomb corpse control case in the dossier.


    Murong Yuan had previously intended to let the Yin Yang Office take care of itself, after all, he had many other matters to handle.


    Moreover, he didn''t understand catching ghosts and exorcising evil spirits, so even if he wanted to manage it, he wouldn''t know where to start.


    But since thest time he was ridiculed by Emperor Hongtai for his ipetence in supernatural matters, he felt that he should at least make a show of managing it when he had time.


    Hearing that the Yin Yang Office had cracked another case, Murong Yuan immediately had someone fetch the dossier.


    However, upon seeing the description in the dossier, Murong Yuan waspletely dumbfounded.


    Why did the ck-robed figure described bear such a resemnce to his master?


    And the location was the imperial tomb again.


    His master had previously said that within ten days, he would definitelye to coerce Emperor Hongtai into opening thete emperor''s tomb through some form of provocation.


    After that, his master had left the pce and had not returned till now.


    Could it be that the necromancer controlling the corpses in the case was actually his master?


    The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and Murong Yuan''s face turned pale. He hurriedly summoned an eunuch to send for the Yin Yang Office''s recording officer Qiu Hong to enter the pce.


    Qiu Hong did not know why the Crown Prince had suddenly summoned him, so he could only follow the eunuch to the Pce of the Crown Prince.


    Upon arrival, Qiu Hong knelt and paid respects to the Crown Prince.


    Murong Yuan did not even ask him to rise, immediately asking, "Was the case you handledst night near the imperial tombs?"


    "Yes."


    "I saw in the dossier that the one controlling the corpses was described as a ck-robed figure?"


    "Yes."


    "Where is this person now?"


    "Dead." Qiu Hong hesitated for a moment. "He tried to attack the Director, and the Director killed him in self-defense."


    Murong Yuan''s heart sank. "Where is the body?"


    "With the coroner."


    The Crown Prince had been solely focused on questioning about the ck-robed figure, showing no interest in understanding the case details. Qiu Hong found it strange. "Is Your Highness the Crown Prince looking for that ck-robed person?"


    Murong Yuan realized his emotions had been a bit excessive and forced a smile. "I was just curious about what kind of person could control so many corpses at once. It''s rather terrifying."


    "The Director said this person was a necromancer."


    Murong Yuan clenched his fists.


    His master had used necromancy years ago to obtain the Dragon Aura for him.


    Could it be that the Yin Yang Office he had personally established had harmed his master?


    "Take me to see that corpse."


    Murong Yuan had to immediately confirm whether that ck-robed figure was his master or not. If it was, then he would have to quickly find a way out for himself.


    Because without his master, he alone could not contend against the girl by Xie Xun''s side.


    Once the Dragon Aura returned, he would be destroyed by its bacsh.


    For the sake of finding the treasured artifact that could inherit thete emperor''s divine abilities, his master had already sacrificed so much for him.


    He hade this far, there was no turning back!


    Thinking of this, Murong Yuan''s expression grew more resolute.


    Qiu Hong took Murong Yuan to see the corpse.


    Murong Yuan remained tense throughout.


    The ck robe on the deceased closely resembled what his master often wore, and the mask on the face had been removed.


    The face under the mask looked very old, and after being dead for a night, it appeared rather unsightly.


    Murong Yuan took a few steps back, his stomach churning, feeling a bit nauseous.


    Seeing this, the coroner hurriedly covered the body with a white cloth.


    Murong Yuan left the yamen and immediately decided to go to the Jianzhang Pce to have an audience with the Emperor.


    He had previously thought that even if Jiang Xiaoxiao was Xie Xun''s person, since Xie Xun was just a waste, as long as his master was around, they couldn''t cause any real trouble.


    But he never expected that one day, the Yin Yang Office''s investigation would lead them to his master.


    Murong Yuan could not confirm whether the ck-robed corpse in the yamen was truly his master or not.


    But this incident rang an rm bell for him.


    The mission of the Yin Yang Office was to catch ghosts and exorcise evil spirits, walking the righteous path, while his master walked the path of heresy.


    As long as he and his master did not give up their quest for the treasured artifact, the Yin Yang Office would eventuallye into conflict with them.


    Emperor Hongtai was not in the Jianzhang Pce, but was fishing from the Eight-Cornered Pavilion in the imperial garden.


    It was too cold, so Du En had someone break a hole in the frozenke surface.


    Emperor Hongtai had been sitting there for half a day without catching a single fish.


    Murong Yuan arrived just as the first fish took the bait.


    "Your humble son pays respects to Your Majesty."


    At the sound of Murong Yuan''s voice, the fish immediately got spooked and broke free of the hook.


    Emperor Hongtai was somewhat displeased and turned to look at him. "Did you have to disturb Our royal pastime at this very moment?"


    Murong Yuan hurriedly knelt. "Father Emperor, forgive me. I did not intend to."


    Emperor Hongtai put down his fishing rod, sat up straight, and personally used tongs to stoke the charcoal in the small brazier. "What matter has you in such a rush?"


    Murong Yuan said, "The Yin Yang Office handled another casest night."


    Emperor Hongtai raised his brows. "That''s good."


    "But the culprit was killed, by Director Jiang herself." Murong Yuan frowned. "I just saw the dossier, and apart from the case details, there''s no record of the culprit''s motive, which goes against proper procedure."


    Emperor Hongtai made an "oh" sound. "Then what do you propose?"


    "I think Jiang Xiaoxiao is unfit to serve as Director." Murong Yuan spoke sternly. "Her temperament is dull, her actions are rash, and shepletely disregards the regtions. She executed the culprit without any interrogation. If this continues, the Yin Yang Office will surely fall into disarray."


    "So you have a suitable candidate for Director in mind?"


    "The National Master''s disciples are quite capable, with strong abilities and proper conduct." Murong Yuan said, "Why not select one of them instead?"


    Emperor Hongtai''s expression remained inscrutable. "If I''m not mistaken, you personally gave Bai Cheng full authority over establishing the Yin Yang Office back then.


    And this Director Jiang was a distinguished expert Bai Cheng personally invited to the capital. If you say Director Jiang is unfit, then it seems Bai Cheng''s judgement iscking. How could his disciples then be qualified for the Director position?"


    Murong Yuan was stumped.


    After a long while, he argued, "But regardless, as the Director, Jiang Xiaoxiao killing the culprit herself is a crime!"


    Emperor Hongtai had Du En fetch the dossier for this case, nced through it briefly, then closed it slowly, his gaze falling on Murong Yuan.


    "Last time, the Crown Prince said there had been frequent disturbances at the imperial tombs recently and suspected an internal issue with the mechanisms.


    Now the Yin Yang Office has uncovered someone using necromancy to control corpses near the imperial tombs and executed the culprit on the spot, revealing the truth.


    The Yin Yang Office has spared the Crown Prince the trouble of opening the tombs to repair the mechanisms, allowing you to focus fully on preparing for your grand wedding at the end of the year. Shouldn''t the Crown Prince be delighted? Why the gloomy expression instead?"


    Murong Yuan was once again rendered speechless.


    Indeed,pared to his father the Emperor, he was still too naive.


    After the Emperor spoke those two statements, it was absolutely watertight, leaving Murong Yuanpletely at a loss as to how to refute him.


    He had hit a brick wall, so Murong Yuan slunk away from the Imperial Garden, his heart brimming with fury that had nowhere to vent.


    On his way back to the Pce of the Crown Prince, he was suddenly hailed by a female official from the Clothing Bureau.


    Murong Yuan turned around, "What is it?"


    The female official said, "Crown Prince, the wedding ceremonial robe has beenpleted. You need to try it on personally. If the measurements are not right, the Clothing Bureau can make adjustments ordingly."


    The four words "wedding ceremonial robe" reminded Murong Yuan of Ye Chan.


    That woman, deemed to have the destiny of a phoenix from birth, was now his betrothed.


    A brilliant idea suddenly shed across his mind.


    That''s right, how did he not think of this? Since Ye Chan was born with the destiny of a phoenix, and he was the Crown Prince, then as long as Ye Chan was by his side, she would definitely fortify him. Why worry about having his Dragon Aura snatched away?


    With this thought, Murong Yuan''s previous displeasure vanished. He arched his brows and said, "I have something to attend to today. I''ll go and try on the robe another day."


    Back at the Pce of the Crown Prince, Murong Yuan immediately summoned his attendants, "Send an invitation to King Ning''s Mansion, saying that I invite Princess Qinshui to appreciate the plum blossoms together."

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    Ye Chan''s mood had been rather foultely.


    Her two younger sisters had somehow gotten their hands on a portrait of the King of Chu and were acting as if they''d been brainwashed. Every other day, they''de to her, fawning over her.


    The reason was simple: Ye Chan was the future Crown Princess, soon to be the King of Chu''s sister-inw. By staying close to her, they''d have more chances to see the King of Chu in the future.


    Just an incense stick''s burn ago, the group had been sitting in the eastern warm pavilion of King Ning''s Mansion, chatting andughing.


    As soon as the two left, Ye Chan''s face darkened. She clutched the portrait of the King of Chu that she''d had someone procure for her and let out a coldugh.


    "It''s like a toad lusting after swan''s meat. They should look in a mirror and see what they really are!"


    Hong Juan, her maid, stood by, not daring to utter a word.


    She couldn''t understand why the Princess was so angry.


    After all, it was Ye Chan who had initially proposed breaking off the engagement. Now, there was no rtionship between her and the King of Chu.


    The King of Chu was unmarried, and with his looks and status, wasn''t it normal for nobledies in the capital to admire him?


    But Ye Chan didn''t see it that way.


    Though she had been the one to break off the engagement, she didn''t deny that their fleeting encounter on the official road had set her heart aflutter.


    Upon returning, Ye Chan had thought more than once that if that face were on the Crown Prince''s body, she might have been more willing to marry him.


    But how many things in this world can be perfect?


    Yet, even so, no other woman should dare to covet that man, not even a bit.


    Even if she didn''t want him, she wanted him to think of her every day!


    With this thought, Ye Chan slowly calmed herself. "Hong Juan, send an invitation to King Chu''s Mansion. Say that I''m inviting Miss Jiang to go boating with me."


    Hong Juan hesitated, "Princess, that Miss Jiang is the Director of the Yin Yang Office. She doesn''t have a day off today. If you send someone to King Chu''s Mansion, they might make a wasted trip."


    "Isn''t the Yin Yang Office under the Crown Prince?" Ye Chan asked. "You go directly to the Yin Yang Office with the invitation. I''ll send someone else to the Pce of the Crown Prince to ask His Highness to give her a day off."


    "Yes, mydy."


    Hong Juan took the invitation that Ye Chan had personally written and left through the side gate to have someone prepare a carriage. She was about to head to the Yin Yang Office when she saw a carriage from the Pce of the Crown Prince approaching from afar.


    ...


    The Crown Prince had invited Ye Chan to appreciate plum blossoms, while Ye Chan wanted to go boating with Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Everything was converging.


    Hong Juan whispered, "Princess, it''s rare for His Highness the Crown Prince to invite you. It might not be appropriate to decline an invitation from the Pce of the Crown Prince."


    Ye Chan frowned.


    The Crown Prince could have invited her any other time, but he chose this critical moment to send her an invitation.


    "Fine," Ye Chan suppressed her displeasure, "Help me dress. I''ll keep the Crown Prince''s appointment."


    Murong Yuan''s chosen spot for appreciating plum blossoms with Ye Chan wasn''t in the Pce of the Crown Prince, but in a private estate in the western part of the city.


    The estate was home to many plum trees, tended to year-round.


    Murong Yuan personally rode his horse to King Ning''s Mansion to pick her up.


    Today, Ye Chan wore a goose-yellow, stand-cor, double-breasted long shirt, paired with a deep red, floral-patterned skirt.


    Over this, she wore a red fox fur cape.


    As she bowed in greeting, her fine brows and long eyes exuded charm.


    Murong Yuan, seeing this scene, was quite satisfied. He extended his hand to her, "Chan''er,e."


    Ye Chan walked over, and before she could react, Murong Yuan had scooped her up onto his horse.


    She let out a startled cry, "Your Highness..."


    Murong Yuanughed heartily, "We''re about to be husband and wife, Chan''er. Do you still care about such formalities?"


    Ye Chan''s face reddened slightly.


    Murong Yuan said, "Don''t worry, I know you can''t ride. I''ll go slowly."


    With her back pressed against Murong Yuan''s solid chest, the face that floated in Ye Chan''s mind was Xie Xun''s poetic and picturesque visage.


    Murong Yuan sensed her distraction and asked, "Chan''er, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing, nothing at all," Ye Chan turned and smiled at him, "Let''s go."


    True to his word, Murong Yuan slowed his pace considerably. The two rode together through the bustling streets.


    Suddenly, Ye Chan''s gaze fixed on a certain spot.


    It was a candy figurine stall.


    Two people stood beside the stall¡ªnone other than Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Xie Xun was learning the craft from the vendor, personally blowing a candy figurine for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    He was already blessed with the appearance of a celestial being, and with his long, graceful fingers, even when doing such coarse work, he was a sight to behold.


    The King of Chu''s portrait had been circting in the market for a long time, and many citizens in the capital recognized him. Seeing the scene, they all flocked over to watch the King of Chu blow candy figurines.


    Many youngdies and young wives blushed profusely, their hearts racing wildly, just at the sight of his face.


    However, while others were looking at the King of Chu''s face, Jiang Xiaoxiao was focused on the candy figurine in his hands.


    Her eyes were filled with nothing but the candy figure.


    From Ye Chan''s angle, she could only see Jiang Xiaoxiao''s back, but she didn''t need to imagine¡ªshe knew Jiang Xiaoxiao''s expression must be the same as those other women''s.


    An incredibly handsome man, using the most elegant movements to perform a crude street task, all just to blow a candy figurine for you.


    Which youngdy wouldn''t be moved?


    Ye Chan''s hand gripping the reins tightened repeatedly.


    To wait in such a ce and stage a scene of romantic affection¡ªdid the King of Chu really hate her that much?


    Murong Yuan also noticed the two on the street and frowned, "Chan''er, wait for me a moment. I''ll be right back."


    He was about to dismount.


    "Your Highness, let''s go together."


    Ye Chan said, "After all, I''m just a minister''s daughter. When I see the King of Chu, I should pay my respects."


    Murong Yuan had no choice but to help her down, and the two walked toward the candy stall.


    Xie Xun had finished blowing the candy figurine and handed it to Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Ignoring the gazes of the crowd, Jiang Xiaoxiao opened her mouth and, with an "aom," bit off the head in one go.


    Xie Xun looked at her, his exquisite brows and eyes filled with tenderness, "Is it sweet?"


    "Sweet."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded emphatically.


    Xie Xun said, "Let''s go see what else is around."


    The two had barely walked a few steps when a voice came from behind, "Third Brother has such refined tastes."


    Without turning, Xie Xun knew who it was. "Does the Crown Prince have business with me?"


    Murong Yuan said, "If I''m not mistaken, the government offices aren''t closed today. How is Director Jiang out and about?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao turned, looking at Murong Yuan as she chewed on the candy figurine, "I took leave, for a month."


    "Leave?" Murong Yuan''s face showed displeasure. "Why wasn''t I informed?"


    The Yin Yang Office was his, yet he waspletely unaware that the Director had taken a month''s leave¡ªsuch a significant matter?


    Ye Chan chimed in at the right moment, her smile polite, "Miss Jiang, are you feeling unwell? There''s an excellent female physician at King Ning''s Mansion. If you need anything, just let me know."


    Xie Xun smiled faintly, "My little Xiao handled a case a few days ago that drained her excessively. So, she asked Director Bai for a month''s leave to recuperate. There''s no need to trouble the Princess."


    That single phrase, "my little Xiao," made Ye Chan''s face darken to the extreme.


    Wait, was she putting on an act for Jiang Xiaoxiao, and why was she using that tone to speak to her?


    Ye Chan tugged at her scarf, "I''ve heard that Sister Jiang is staying at King Chu''s Mansion. The King of Chu hasn''t taken his bride yet, so this could damage his reputation if it gets out. Jiang Xiaoxiao and I have a connection, and I don''t dislike her. Why don''t youe with me to King Ning''s Mansion instead? I''ll make sure she is well taken care of for the King of Chu."


    "Reputation?" Jiang Xiaoxiao licked her sugar figurine, not detecting the ulterior motive in Ye Chan''s words, and only feeling ufortable as she shook her head, "Sister, I don''t need a reputation."


    "..."


    Ye Chan was enraged.


    Did this fool have no sense of shame?


    By the time she regained herposure, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already been led away by Xie Xun.


    Murong Yuan said, "Chan''er, let''s go too."


    After that little episode, Ye Chan no longer had the desire to appreciate the plum blossoms, "Apologies, Your Highness, this servant is feeling unwell, so I''m afraid I cannot go."


    As she spoke, she used the hand that had been gripping her scarf to clutch her chest, putting on a frail and delicate demeanor.


    Murong Yuan was a bit rmed, "I''ll summon the imperial physician right away."


    "No need." Ye Chan shook her head, "Your Highness, please just send me back to the mansion."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao did indeed request a month''s leave from Bai Cheng, but not because she had overexerted herself and needed rest, as Xie Xun had said.


    Rather, it was because her little Martial Uncle was about to emerge from his seclusion, and she had received a letter from her Third Martial Brother, nning to visit the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    However, based on the timing, Jiang Xiaoxiao would transform into her smaller form during the journey to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    So for this trip, Jiang Xiaoxiao had to bring Xie Xun along.


    The reason they went out today was for Xie Xun to prepare her medicines in advance and pick out gifts for Jiang Xiaoxiao''s masters, grand masters, and the little Martial Uncle who was about to emerge from seclusion.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t understand things like social niceties.


    While Xie Xun was selecting gifts, she just stood by and gnawed on her sugar figurine.


    After wandering around for a day, they finally had everything ready.


    Xie Xun arranged for a carriage.


    The driver was one of the eight undercover guards from his mansion, named Er Gui.


    Apart from Er Gui, Xie Xun didn''t bring any additional people, mainly to avoid too many people and risk exposing Jiang Xiaoxiao''s secret.


    Er Gui was a diligent and dutiful guard. His only responsibility was to drive the carriage, and he never asked Xie Xun any unnecessary questions.


    Eventer, when Jiang Xiaoxiao transformed and he inadvertently caught a glimpse of the three-inch-tall Jiang Xiaoxiao, his reaction was merely a momentary surprise before acting as if he had seen nothing.


    During Jiang Xiaoxiao''s transformation period, Xie Xun yed both father and mother roles, worrying about her food, worrying about her clothes, washing her clothes and utensils, and even supervising her bathing and watching her sleep.


    When going out, he would ce the tiny Jiang Xiaoxiao in the small pouch sewn into his sleeve.


    For Jiang Xiaoxiao''s transformations, Xie Xun had sewn a small pouch into the sleeves of all his clothes.


    Er Gui was a skilled driver, and the journey was smooth without any jolts, until they finally reached the foot of Cangwu Mountain on a cold morning.


    The carriage couldn''t go up the mountain, so Er Gui stayed below to rest and watch over the carriage.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao brought Xie Xun along, with Xie Xun carrying the gifts, and the two climbed up the stone steps.


    Calcting when she would arrive, Zhang Hengyi and Zhang Junyi, her two Martial Brothers, had been waiting at the mountain gate.


    Upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, Zhang Junyi smiled, "Little Martial Sister, did you miss me?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was honest, "No."


    Zhang Junyi: "..."


    Xie Xun handed the bundle containing the gifts to Zhang Hengyi.


    Zhang Hengyi said, "The fact that you came from so far away is already quite difficult, yet you still brought gifts?"


    Xie Xun replied, "It''s only proper."


    "Elder Martial Brother, Third Martial Brother, where is my little Martial Uncle?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked impatiently.


    Zhang Junyi said, "The Elder Martial Brother will take you there."


    He walked over and ced his elbow on Xie Xun''s shoulder, clicking his tongue twice, "The son-inw of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion, ah, you''ll have to let the inner sect disciples have a look too. Come, son-inw, it''s time for your test."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was confused, "What test?"


    Zhang Junyi said, "Don''t worry about it, Little Martial Sister. This is a matter between us men. You want to see your little Martial Uncle, right? He''s with the Grand Master, go on."


    "Oh." Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded, then told Xie Xun, "I''ll be right back."


    Xie Xun nodded, "Go ahead."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao left as Zhang Junyi led Xie Xun away.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao went straight to the old Heavenly Master''s courtyard.


    As soon as she crossed the threshold, she saw the old Heavenly Master sitting on a stone bench beside a plum blossom tree.


    Seated across from the old Heavenly Master was a man.


    The man wore a long white robe, with a beautiful yet stern appearance that exuded an extraordinary aura - the demeanor of a Taoist cultivator.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s mind conjured two words: handsome.


    As handsome as Xie Xun.


    Instantly, she realized who this person was.


    The old Heavenly Master looked at her, "Little girl, aren''t you going to greet your little Martial Uncle?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao walked over and obediently called out, "Little Martial Uncle."


    The man was indeed the old Heavenly Master''s youngest disciple, Zhang Yichu.


    Hearing this, Zhang Yichu smiled, "Not little Martial Uncle, but Father."

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Jiang Xiaoxiao stood stunned.


    She had called that person "Little Senior Uncle" for so many years, yet he turned out to be... her father?


    The Old Celestial Master sighed, "Since Yi Chu has admitted it, I won''t hide it from you either. He is indeed your biological father."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao still couldn''tprehend it, "I... have a father?"


    Zhang Yichu looked at her, his eyes filled with gentle and affectionate love.


    "In the year you were born, I had no choice but to enter closed-door meditation to recover my injuries. That period of closed-door meditationsted sixteen years."


    "Xiaoxiao, not being able to raise you myself was a dereliction of my duty as a father. If you''re not used to it, you can continue to call me Little Senior Uncle."


    "No, no, no!" Jiang Xiaoxiao shook her head vigorously, "You are my father."


    She had finally found her father, and she couldn''t let him go.


    Seeing his daughter acknowledge him, Zhang Yichu revealed a hint of relief on his face.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao then asked, "Father, what about my mother?"


    Zhang Yichu paused for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed, his voice somewhat low, "You''ll have a chance to meet her in the future."


    "Does my mother''s surname happen to be Jiang?"


    "Yes."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao let out an "Oh," "I understand now."


    Since her father was unwilling to talk about her mother''s situation, there must be something unspeakable involved. She didn''t intend to ask further. As long as she knew that the reason she didn''t take her father''s surname was because she took her mother''s surname, and not because she was an unwanted child, that was enough.


    Zhang Yichu gestured for her toe over, "Xiaoxiao,e here."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao obediently walked over and sat beside Zhang Yichu.


    Zhang Yichu extended his index finger and gently tapped her brow.


    A red glow soon appeared on her brow, but Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t feel anything.


    After a moment, Zhang Yichu retracted his hand, "When did youst change forms?"


    "A few days ago," Jiang Xiaoxiao replied truthfully, "On the way to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion."


    "I heard from the shopkeeper in Yanjing that you changed forms earlyst month?" Zhang Yichu''s tone betrayed a hint of anxiety.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, "It was because Xie Xun kissed me."


    Zhang Yichu: "..."


    The Old Celestial Master burst intoughter, "That boy..."


    Zhang Yichu rubbed his brow, "Xiaoxiao, go and bring him here. Your father wants to meet him."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, "Does father want to beat him up?"


    It seemed like she had said something wrong earlier.


    Zhang Yichu chuckled, "No, it''s just a normal conversation."


    "Oh, okay."


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao left, Zhang Yichu''s expression gradually became solemn.


    "Master, the seal on Xiaoxiao is struggling to contain her."


    The Old Celestial Master nced at him, "Back then, you exhausted your lifelong cultivation to seal her, and it took sixteen years of closed-door meditation for you to barely recover. Do you want to go through another sixteen years?"


    Of course, Zhang Yichu didn''t want that. After all, he had just reunited with his daughter. How could he bear to leave her for another sixteen years?


    "But the thing inside Xiaoxiao is growing stronger and stronger. If one day it manages to control her, the consequences would be unimaginable."


    "What''s the hurry?" The Old Celestial Master remained calm. "Once that boy regains his divine abilities, the thing inside the little girl will be easily resolved."


    Zhang Yichu knew that the "boy" the Old Celestial Master referred to was Xie Xun.


    But Xie Xun still didn''t know anything yet. Who knew when he would regain his abilities?


    Sensing his junior''s impatience, the Old Celestial Master snorted, "Even if you exhaust all your cultivation again to seal the little girl, it''s only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. To truly expel the thing inside the little girl, you''ll eventually have to wait for that boy to recover."


    "What you need to do now is go find that scoundrel of a senior martial brother. Over these years, he must have done plenty of evil deeds. It''s time for him to taste some bitterness."


    Although Xie Xun had no martial arts skills or cultivation, his tongue was formidable. After being "tested" by more than a dozen inner disciples in turn, he handled them with ease.


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao arrived, Xie Xun had just dealt with thest inner disciple.


    More than a dozen mouths couldn''t outdo a single mouth. One by one, Jiang Xiaoxiao''s senior martial brothers hung their heads in dejection.


    "Xie Xun," Jiang Xiaoxiao called him directly upon entering.


    "Little Junior Sister, are you that possessive?" Zhang Junyi muttered, "I just brought him here, and you''re already rushing over?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "My dad, er... Little Senior Uncle wants to see him."


    Zhang Junyi''s attitude immediately changed, "Oh, since Little Senior Uncle has summoned him, then go quickly!"


    He silently huffed. They had watched this little junior sister grow up, and they couldn''t just let this guy off easily. Hopefully, Little Senior Uncle would give this young master of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion a good hard time.


    Xie Xun followed Jiang Xiaoxiao out.


    "Have you met your Little Senior Uncle?"


    "Yes, I have," Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t hide it from him, "Actually, my Little Senior Uncle is my father."


    Xie Xun was a bit surprised but quickly realized, "I see."


    He had long heard of the Old Celestial Master''s exceptionally talented junior disciple who had entered closed-door meditation many years ago.


    If he was Xiaoxiao''s biological father, then everything made sense.


    Why the Heavenly Master''s Mansion broke a century-old tradition to ept a female disciple.


    Why Xiaoxiao had such high aptitude, with her cultivation at only sixteen surpassing all her senior martial brothers.


    Only if he was Xiaoxiao''s father could everything be reasonable.


    The two didn''t linger on the way and soon arrived at the Old Celestial Master''s courtyard.


    The Old Celestial Master and Zhang Yichu were still sitting on the stone bench.


    Upon seeing them, Xie Xun took a few steps forward, sped his hands, "Xie Xun from Yanjing pays respects to the Old Celestial Master and... Little Senior Uncle."


    He didn''t know Zhang Yichu''s Daoist title, and given his rtionship with Jiang Xiaoxiao, it would be inappropriate to address him directly by his title.


    But since he hadn''t officially married Jiang Xiaoxiao yet, it was too early to call Zhang Yichu his father-inw. So he could only follow the disciples of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion and address him as "Little Senior Uncle."


    Zhang Yichu looked Xie Xun over and nodded, "Xiaoxiao, you go find your senior martial brothers first. Your father wants to talk to him alone."


    "Okay." Jiang Xiaoxiao agreed but still felt uneasy. She tilted her head and leaned closer, "Father, but you can''t beat him up!"

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    After Jiang Xiaoxiao left, Zhang Yichu finally looked towards Xie Xun, "Have a seat."


    Xie Xun walked over and sat down at the stone table.


    Zhang Yichu personally poured him a cup of tea, "My apologies, on our first meeting, I should not have discussed such topics with you, but as a father, I cannot stand by and watch my daughter get into trouble."


    Xie Xun''s movement of drinking tea paused slightly, "What do you mean, Xiao Shishu?"


    "My daughter Xiaoxiao was born with a nature that is both righteous and evil."


    Zhang Yichu''s tone conveyed deep helplessness.


    "Sixteen years ago when she was born, in order to suppress the evil energy within her, I exhausted all my cultivation attainments to seal it away, but sixteen years have passed, and the seal is about to break."


    "You have been with her for so long, you must have noticed that under normal circumstances, she bes smaller once every month, during the few days of the full moon."


    Xie Xun nodded.


    Zhang Yichu said: "That is because during the nights of the full moon, it is when the evil energy within her rages the most, so I can only use this seal to make her transform during those few days to suppress the evil energy."


    Xie Xun fell into deep thought.


    Indeed, he had guessed correctly that the reason for Xiaoxiao''s transformation each month was not a curse, but a seal.


    This seal existed to protect Xiaoxiao.


    "The herbal baths I prepared for her were also to suppress the evil energy."


    Zhang Yichu sighed after saying this, "But these are merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause."


    Xie Xun roughly understood what Zhang Yichu meant, "Is there anything I can do?"


    Zhang Yichu pursed his lips, and after a long while, he slowly spoke, "Let me introduce myself first. My name is Zhang Yichu, and Ie from a ce called the ''Divine Realm'', not from this continent."


    Xie Xun showed some surprise on his face.


    The Divine Realm?


    He had never heard of such a ce before.


    Zhang Yichu continued, "The rules governing that world are different from here, and the things cultivated are also different, but the one constant is the greed in the human heart."


    "Many years ago, there was a great war between the celestials and demons in the Divine Realm. Some fell into a space-time tunnel during the chaos, and I was one of them. You, the son of the Celestial King, were also one of them."


    "Me?" Xie Xun found it hard to believe.


    Zhang Yichu nodded, "Only, when you fell into the space-time tunnel, you were still just an infant, and you appeared in the Zhao Country over a hundred years ago, while I appeared in the Yan Country over a hundred yearster."


    This was quite a lot of information, and Xie Xun found it difficult to process at first.


    Zhang Yichu looked at him, "As a member of the royal family, you must have heard of the story of the founding emperor Lang Jin, right?"


    Xie Xun responded with an "Mmhm, I''ve heard some things."


    Zhang Yichu said: "Lang Jin was you, a hundred years ago."


    Xie Xun found it even more unbelievable, "This..."


    "You may find it hard to fathom, but this is the truth."


    Zhang Yichu sighed lightly, "I do not know what happened over a hundred years ago, or why you ended up bing a descendant of the Murong family a hundred yearster. But I do know one thing: only you can save my daughter."


    With his mind in chaos, Xie Xun could not sort it out for the time being. He rubbed his brow, "Please tell me, what do you need me to do?"


    Zhang Yichu said: "As I said before, the rules governing this continent are different from the Divine Realm, so the cultivation attainments I had before are basically useless here. I cannot use my own abilities to save my daughter."


    "But you are different. Over a hundred years ago, you had already reached the Deified Realm. If you can regain your former abilities, you will be able to purify all the evil energy within Xiaoxiao."


    It was only then that Xie Xun realized why the statue of the great emperor had seemed familiar to him on the day he became the prince regent, and why the images had vaguely surfaced in his mind after reading the book given by his teacher.


    He was the demonic god recorded in that book, the one who had massacred the entire capital city of the Zhao Country and killed all his believers - the founding emperor of the Yan Country, Lang Jin.


    "Before my mother passed away, she left this for me."


    Xie Xun took out the crystal from around his neck and handed it to Zhang Yichu.


    "Until now, I did not know what it was or what it was used for. But a few days ago, when I was apanying Xiaoxiao on a case, it lit up once. Is it possible that this thing is rted to my former identity?"


    Zhang Yichu held the crystal in his hand and examined it carefully, but did not find anything special. He frowned, "You''re saying this thing lit up?"


    "Yes."


    "But it''s clearly just an ordinary crystal, and I can''t sense any energy from it at all. How could it have lit up? Could you have been mistaken?"


    "Perhaps."


    Xie Xun could not exin it, because after that day, the crystal had never shown any reaction again.


    "Xiao Shishu." Xie Xun looked at Zhang Yichu seriously, "I want to save Xiaoxiao, please tell me how I can regain my abilities as soon as possible."


    The old celestial master, who had not spoken, finally said: "Young man, this matter cannot be rushed. You still need a catalyst."


    "A catalyst?"


    The old celestial master said: "That day is not far off now."


    Xie Xun understood the principle of not revealing heavenly secrets, so the old celestial master could not say more, and he could not force him to borate.


    "Xie Xun." Zhang Yichu suddenly called out to him, his voice rather solemn.


    "Please go ahead, Xiao Shishu."


    Zhang Yichu said: "You also know Xiaoxiao''s situation. She cannot be with you too soon... Moreover, you have not had the grand marriage ceremony yet."


    "I understand."


    Since the time he had inadvertently made Jiang Xiaoxiao transform, Xie Xun had been exercising restraint. Holding her little hand was still eptable, but going any further was absolutely forbidden.


    In other words, he had to regain his former abilities,pletely purify the evil energy within Xiaoxiao, before he could marry her.


    If Lang Jin, the him from a hundred years ago, had already be a deity, why did he end up sacrificing himself and bing the powerless son of the royal family a hundred yearster?


    Xie Xun really wanted to know the answer.


    What had happened over a hundred years ago?

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    When Xie Xun left the Old Celestial Master''s courtyard, Jiang Xiaoxiao was still waiting outside.


    "What did my father say to you?" Jiang Xiaoxiao asked curiously.


    Xie Xun patted her head. "Of course, he reminded me to take good care of you."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao had no doubts. "Oh."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s old room was still preserved, and it would be cleaned every few days.


    Zhang Junyi had arranged a guest room for Xie Xun separately.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao was used to living in the same courtyard as Xie Xun, and she didn''t understand. "Why are my room and Xie Xun''s so far apart?"


    Zhang Junyi tapped her forehead with his finger. "You silly girl, you haven''t married yet, so you can''t live too close to him."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao continued to protest. "But when I was small, I slept on Xie Xun''s bed!"


    Xie Xun: "......"


    Why did he suddenly have a feeling of being constantly taken advantage of? It must be a misunderstanding, right?


    Zhang Junyi''s face instantly darkened, pointing at Xie Xun and sputtering angrily, "You...you...you..."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao pulled Xie Xun behind her protectively. "Third Master, if you dare hit him, I''ll hit you."


    "You haven''t even married yet, but you''re already being so unruly. You really infuriate me!" Zhang Junyi said in exasperation.


    In the past, he had always said that this girl was too naive, and he had taught her to learn to act gentle and coy in front of men.


    But after she came down the mountain, she had be so wild?


    Watching their departing figures, Zhang Junyi stomped his feet in anger.


    That scoundrel Xie Xun was simply a big bad wolf, just look at how he had corrupted their little Xiaoxiao!


    "What''s the use of being angry now?" Zhang Hengyi appeared out of nowhere, giving him a nce. "Wasn''t it you who personally taught her all those nonsensical things in the first ce?"


    Zhang Junyi regretted it deeply.


    He had only wanted his little junior sister to be more "feminine," not for her to be so unruly aftering down the mountain!


    When Jiang Xiaoxiao apanied Xie Xun to find his room, she saw someone cleaning it.


    The cleaner looked somewhat familiar.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao tried to recall.


    Oh, Sun Dazhu!


    That old fraud she had punished to serve as aborer at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion.


    Sun Dazhu was startled when he saw Jiang Xiaoxiao and Xie Xun, but then he remembered that the Heavenly Master''s Mansion had been buzzing about the little junior sister''s return.


    Could it be... the great master?


    Sun Dazhu realized and immediately felt his knees go weak, falling to his knees and bursting into tears. "Great Master, this lowly one was blind and foolish, unintentionally offending you in the past. I have now reformed and returned to the righteous path. Please, do not lump me with ordinary mortals."


    Seeing his sincere attitude, Jiang Xiaoxiao nodded. "Clean it thoroughly."


    "Yes, yes, this lowly one will ensure the room is spotless."


    Sun Dazhu stood up, wiped his tears, and grasped the cleaning cloth as he went into the room to wipe the tables, chairs, and benches.


    Since ascending the mountain until now, Jiang Xiaoxiao hadn''t eaten anything and was already hungry. She rubbed her belly. "Xie Xun, let''s go eat."


    "Mm."


    The two left the guest courtyard and headed straight for the dining hall.


    Halfway there, Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered something. "When we went to the capital before, Chen Sixi said he wanted toe to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to seek tutge. Since we''re back for a visit, why don''t we invite him to join us for the meal?"


    Upon hearing this, Xie Xun seemed to have thought of something, his brow arching slightly. "Alright."


    Xie Xun''s ready agreement to have Chen Sixi join them for the meal was somewhat unexpected for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    But she didn''t overthink it and called a young novice to invite Chen Sixi.


    The disciples of the Heavenly Master''s Mansion were divided into the Inner Sect and Outer Sect.


    The Inner Sect disciples all had the surname Zhang, belonging to the main family, and were personally taught by the Old Celestial Master''s few direct disciples.


    However, since the great master was not around, and the little master Zhang Yichu was always in secluded cultivation, the current Inner Sect disciples were only the dozen or so under Jiang Xiaoxiao''s master.


    The rest were Outer Sect disciples.


    Outer Sect disciples also had the opportunity to be promoted to the Inner Sect, but the promotion assessment was very strict, and few made it through.


    For someone like Chen Sixi with no background to seek tutge, he could only be an Outer Sect disciple.


    The Outer Sect disciples'' cultivation grounds were on another mountain peak.


    When the young novice found Chen Sixi, he was holding a bowl, about to eat.


    "Are you Senior Brother Chen Sixi?" the young novice asked, eyes wide.


    Chen Sixi nodded. "That''s me, who are you?"


    The young novice said, "I''m from the Inner Sect."


    The Inner Sect referred to the ce where the Inner Sect disciples cultivated.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Sixi quickly swallowed the food in his mouth. "The Inner Sect? Could it be that the masters of the Inner Sect have discovered my exceptional talent and intend to promote me to the Inner Sect?"


    The young novice smiled awkwardly. "No, it''s not that."


    Chen Sixi immediately deted. "Then tell me, what is it?"


    "The junior sister has returned," the young novice said, "and she wants to see you."


    In the entire Heavenly Master''s Mansion, including the Inner and Outer Sects, there was only one female disciple.


    When he mentioned the junior sister, Chen Sixi knew exactly who he was referring to.


    He hade here for so long, all for the purpose of pursuing his future wife.


    Today, he would finally get to meet her in person.


    It hadn''t been easy!


    Chen Sixi was immediately overwhelmed with emotion, tears welling up in his eyes. He didn''t even finish his meal, immediately standing up. "Then let me go change my clothes."


    Back in his room, Chen Sixi took off his Taoist robe and specifically changed into the outfit he had worn as the apprentice of his father''s coffin shop, carefully examining himself in the mirror and feeling confident in his handsome appearance before finally leaving and following the young novice to the Inner Sect.


    Chen Sixi was naturally an impatient person, and even if he tried to actposed, he couldn''t help asking the young novice halfway there, "Why did the junior sister seek me out as soon as she returned? Did she know me before?"


    The young novice shook his head. "I don''t know."


    Chen Sixi understood ¨C this was called destiny!


    Fate had arrived, and nothing could stop it.


    Woo woo woo, his father was right in letting hime to seek tutge.


    Although the rumors about this junior sister weren''t very ttering, Chen Sixi had already mentally prepared himself to face the storm.


    After all, the fortune-teller had said that he would have to marry a Taoist nun in the future to ensure his safety.


    "So how about this outfit of mine?" Chen Sixi asked.


    In his entire life, because his family ran a coffin shop, matchmakers had avoided him, considering him unlucky, so apart from Jiang Xiaoxiao, he had never interacted with other youngdies.


    Knowing that he was about to meet the junior sister who was doted on by the entire Heavenly Master''s Mansion, he couldn''t help feeling a little anxious, his heart pounding.


    The young novice looked him over upon hearing this.


    Chen Sixi''s face was full of anticipation. "How is it?"


    "It''s passable," the young novice gave a very fair assessment.


    Chen Sixi felt reassured.


    Soon, the two arrived at the inner courtyard.


    The young novice led Chen Sixi directly to the dining hall.


    Having a meal together upon their first meeting?


    Jiang Xiaoxiao''s warmth made Chen Sixi feel a little embarrassed.


    "We''re here."


    The young novice suddenly stopped and pointed to a seat not far away, "The Senior Sister is waiting for you over there."


    Chen Sixi followed the direction the young novice pointed and, upon seeing the person sitting there, was dumbstruck.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    Sitting not far away, Chen Sixi saw none other than Jiang Xiaoxiao, whom he hadn''t seen in a long time.


    Beside Jiang Xiaoxiao sat Xie Xun.


    Chen Sixi''s head buzzed, and he turned mechanically to ask the young Taoist apprentice, "Is that the senior sister you mentioned?"


    The young apprentice, noticing his strange expression, nodded without thinking much of it.


    "I need to take a moment to process this," Chen Sixi said, clutching his chest.


    After a good while, he walked over to the spot opposite Xie Xun and Jiang Xiaoxiao, his face contorting into a pained smile that was even worse than crying.


    "It had to be you, Xie Xun, ying me for a fool. Doesn''t your conscience bother you?"


    Xie Xun calmly poured him a ss of water. "I warned you long ago to give up. It''s your own fault for being so obstinate."


    Chen Sixi objected, "When did you warn me? I remember thest time I told you I wasing to the Heavenly Master''s Mansion to be an apprentice, learn the arts, and chase after my future wife, you were clearly supportive."


    Xie Xun raised an eyebrow. "I warned you the first time we met."


    The first time they met?


    Chen Sixi struggled to recall what they had said during their first encounter.


    Oh, right. They were sitting in the car, bored out of their minds with nothing to talk about. So he started talking about the Heavenly Master''s Mansion and how he would one day marry that fierce, big-eating female disciple there, mainly for protection against evil spirits.


    Later, as they chatted, Xie Xun said she ate too much to afford and advised him not to marry her.


    Then, Xie Xun also mentioned that he had heard this female disciple was ugly, telling Chen Sixi not to force himself.


    "..."


    So, Xie Xun had known Jiang Xiaoxiao''s identity from the very beginning?


    Chen Sixi felt like vomiting blood.


    With a face on the verge of tears, he cried, "You should have told me earlier! I wouldn''t havepeted with you."


    Xie Xun felt no remorse for keeping it from him. "If I had told you, you''d have spent all day thinking about sneaking my little Xiao away to keep for yourself. If I had told you, wouldn''t you have gonepletely crazy?"


    Chen Sixi choked a bit.


    He had indeed thought more than once about smuggling the miniature Jiang Xiaoxiao away in his sleeve.


    But wasn''t it mainly because she was so adorable?


    Thinking about this, Chen Sixi grew even more agitated.


    Who spread the rumor that the Heavenly Master''s Mansion''s female disciple was ugly and a big eater?!


    She''s so beautiful in her normal form, and so cute when she transforms. What''s wrong with eating a bit more when you''re that good-looking?!


    Knowing the truth now, Chen Sixi''s eyes welled up with tears. "Senior sister, are there really no other girls up on our mountain?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao replied, "The Profound Sect has plenty. You don''t have to stick around the Heavenly Master''s Mansion. Try looking at other sects."


    But not every sect allowed their disciples to marry freely.


    The Taoist nuns in the temples had evenpletely renounced the seven emotions and six desires.


    "Never mind," Chen Sixi quickly recovered from his grief. "I''ll just stay at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion and learn properly. Even if I can''t find a wife in the future, with my own skills, I can at least protect my father and ward off evil spirits for him."


    Despite his usually flippant way of talking, Chen Sixi was, at his core, a filial child.


    Hearing him say this, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn''t press him to go elsewhere.


    The two young Taoist apprentices brought up the meal. For Xie Xun and Chen Sixi, there were vegetables and meat, including steamed pork ribs that Jiang Xiaoxiao loved.


    However, for Jiang Xiaoxiao, there was a pot of in porridge, six steamed buns, and pickled vegetables.


    Chen Sixi''s mouth twitched violently.


    Just as Jiang Xiaoxiao was about to protest with a frown, Zhang Junyi walked over with a smile. "Little junior sister, enjoy your meal!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, miffed, asked, "Why is my food different from theirs?"


    Zhang Junyi raised an eyebrow in response. "Isn''t this how it''s always been for you?"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao thought of the days before she left the mountain when her master fed her in porridge and steamed buns every day. She grumbled, "I''ve been away for so long, and I can''t even have a meal with meat when I return."


    "What does a youngdy need so much meat for?" Zhang Junyi reminded her. "If you get fat, the one beside you might not want you anymore."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao looked up at Xie Xun.


    Xie Xun pushed his meal in front of her. "You have it."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao refused. "If I eat it, you''ll have nothing."


    "I''ll eat the steamed buns."


    "No, no, no. I''ll eat the steamed buns."


    In Xie Xun''s eating habits, it was rare for him to have steamed buns as the main dish, but it was different for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    Before she left the mountain, this was what she ate every day.


    Seeing the two pushing back and forth, Zhang Junyi sighed. "Alright, alright. I was just teasing you."


    He then had the young apprentices take away the untouched porridge and buns, and rece them with meat for Jiang Xiaoxiao.


    She got her meat, but Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn''tpletely satisfied.


    After the meal, Chen Sixi bid farewell to the two and returned to the outer courtyard.


    Jiang Xiaoxiao, along with Xie Xun, prepared to go back to their room to rest.


    Halfway there, Jiang Xiaoxiao suddenly caught the scent of grilled fish.


    "It smells so good!" Jiang Xiaoxiao was nearly drooling, all traces of sleepiness gone. She pulled Xie Xun along, following the aroma.


    They finally found the source of the grilled fish scent by a mountain spring not far from where they were staying.


    It was none other than Zhang Yichu.


    "Father!"


    Jiang Xiaoxiao ran over, too embarrassed to say she was still hungry, and only asked, "Father, haven''t you eaten yet?"


    Zhang Yichu looked at her with a smile. "I knew you wouldn''t have eaten your fill in the dining hall. I grilled all these for you. Go on, eat."


    After sprinkling some seasoning, Zhang Yichu handed Jiang Xiaoxiao a sizzling, oil-dripping grilled fish.


    "Would you like one too?" Zhang Yichu looked at Xie Xun.


    "I''m not hungry. Give them all to Xiao Xiao."


    Xie Xun sat down next to Zhang Yichu.


    Zhang Yichu deliberately sent Jiang Xiaoxiao away. "Xiao Xiao, these fish won''t be enough for you. Go catch a few more upstream."


    "Okay."


    Jiang Xiaoxiao quickly devoured the grilled fish in her hand and then headed upstream along the mountain spring to catch more fish.


    Once Jiang Xiaoxiao was far away, Zhang Yichu asked Xie Xun, "How long do you n to stay at the Heavenly Master''s Mansion?"


    Xie Xun replied, "Xiao Xiao has just reunited with you. She probably doesn''t want to leave so soon. We''ll stay for a while longer."


    Zhang Yichu nodded. "During these days Xiao Xiao has been away from the mountain, I''m grateful for your care."


    "It''s my duty."


    Zhang Yichu continued, "Originally, when we first sent her down the mountain, it was with the intention of using you. Xiao Xiao knew nothing about it. If you have any resentment, don''t me her. It was all my selfishness."


    Xie Xun shook his head. "Your willingness to exhaust your lifelong cultivation for your daughter is a fatherly love worthy of admiration. As for what you call ''using'' me, didn''t I also rely on Xiao Xiao to sessfully return to the capital and be crowned king?


    Now, Xiao Xiao''s affairs are my affairs. Besides her, I don''t want anyone else, don''t want to manage anyone else, and don''t want to worry about anyone else."


    Zhang Yichu turned over the grilled fish on the fire rack. "The old Heavenly Master once cast a divination for you two. It revealed that Xiao Xiao is indeed your destined wife."


    "Although I''m not entirely sure why, I believe this is what they call ''fate.''"


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