Chapter 12: Unyielding Bonds – Pei Zichen’s Choice and Jiang Zhaoxue’s Next Move

Pei Zichen stared at her in a daze after hearing those words.

Jiang Zhaoxue thought for a moment before adding, “Oh, and if you don’t use blood to awaken it, this jade token can also be used to contact me.

“If you need anything, just call for me.”

“Alright.”

Pei Zichen slowly processed her words, then quickly added, “Thank you, Miss Jiang.”

“Alright then, I’m leaving.”

Jiang Zhaoxue turned and left.

As she stepped out of the prison cell and neared the doorway, A’Nan couldn’t hold back any longer and screeched sharply in her mind, “What are you doing, Master?!

“If you miss this chance, it’ll be much harder to take him with you later!”

“Do you think I could take him now?”

Jiang Zhaoxue stepped outside.

Qingye immediately approached, glanced behind her, and asked curiously, “Mistress, where is he?”

“He won’t leave.

“We’ll need another plan.

“Once we’re out, send someone to investigate the whereabouts of all disciples under Shen Yuqing’s command at Luoxia Peak especially Gu Jinglan.”

Jiang Zhaoxue’s voice was cold.

Qingye paused, then quickly understood and followed behind her.

As they walked, she muttered curses under her breath, “That ungrateful brat!

“He refuses a fortune dropped right into his lap!

“He needs to be taught a lesson.

“Mistress, don’t bother with him for now.

“Let Wen Xiaoyan torment him for a while.

“When he’s half-dead from the torture, we’ll talk again and see just how stubborn his bones are!”

Jiang Zhaoxue listened to Qingye’s chaotic ranting.

She wanted to ask just how many dramatic novels Qingye had read over the years, but she also didn’t want to start an argument.

Qingye had only gotten more talkative over the years once she started talking, she wouldn’t stop.

Jiang Zhaoxue held her tongue.

A’Nan, however, sighed in her mind, “You know, your little maid’s rambling is nonsense, but she has a point about tormenting Pei Zichen a bit…

“Wait, huh?”

A’Nan suddenly noticed something strange.

“Who are all these people?”

Hearing A’Nan’s words, Jiang Zhaoxue looked up.

She saw many people moving porcelain objects back and forth.

At the front of the group was Zilu, whom Jiang Zhaoxue recognized instantly.

Shen Yuqing had two chief disciples one for official duties and one for personal matters.

Pei Zichen handled sect affairs, while Zilu managed Shen Yuqing’s personal matters.

Zilu was directing people to carry the porcelain into the house.

When he noticed Jiang Zhaoxue, he immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Mistress.”

“What are you doing?”

Jiang Zhaoxue found the scene a bit odd.

Zilu quickly explained, “Master noticed that your chambers were too plain, so he sent these as gifts.

“He also hired craftsmen to renovate all of Yunfu Mountain.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue froze for a moment.

She glanced at the expensive porcelain being moved inside and thought for a moment before nodding at Zilu.

“Thank you.”

Zilu was stunned.

It was the first time he had ever heard her express gratitude.

He looked up in shock.

Jiang Zhaoxue, however, paid him no mind and simply walked inside.

Zilu knew better than to say anything more.

Jiang Zhaoxue found a quiet place to meditate.

Once Zilu finished arranging the furnishings, she returned to her room.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Qingye returned.

She spoke in a hushed voice, “Mistress, I asked around at the disciples’ quarters.

“Luoxia Peak’s Lord Shen Yuqing has seventeen disciples in total.

“Thirteen of them are still within the sect.

“Gu Jinglan was part of the four disciples who followed Pei Zichen to Wuyue Forest.

“Three of them are confirmed dead their life lamps at the Hall of Longevity have gone out.

“But Gu Jinglan’s lamp is still lit though his whereabouts are unknown.”

Jiang Zhaoxue frowned.

She clearly remembered that night all four disciples from Luoxia Peak had run away.

So why had three of them died after escaping?

And where was Gu Jinglan?

In the original novel, all four disciples died in Wuyue Forest that night.

But her presence had changed things

They escaped, triggering the framing of Pei Zichen earlier than expected.

“Find him.”

Jiang Zhaoxue contemplated for a moment.

She pulled out her oracle turtle and performed a divination.

Then, she turned to Qingye.

“Start from Wuyue Forest.

“Head northeast.

“Follow that path and search quickly.”

“Understood.”

Qingye immediately rushed off to carry out the order.

A’Nan, watching her leave so efficiently, couldn’t help but comment, “Wow, what kind of spirit is she?

“How is she so good at running errands?”

“A bee.”

Jiang Zhaoxue answered.

A’Nan instantly understood why Qingye was so obsessed with Jiang Zhaoxue’s love life.

She must have been frustrated by Shen Yuqing’s monogamy for a long time.