Chapter 15: Master’s wife, his god.(Part 3)

That night’s wine was not an apology.

Not a reconciliation.

Not for the future.

It was…

A farewell.

He suddenly remembered the day he left Lingjian Xiange.

She stood at the gate in a purple robe.

She never wore purple in front of him because she knew he did not like it.

Why did she deceive the sect master’s seal?

To open the sect’s grand formation?

What matter required opening the sect’s grand formation to summon someone from Penglai?

People from Penglai only came once every hundred years.

That was when a marriage took place.

They sent her here.

And now they had come…

To take her away.

Realizing this point, Shen Yuqing could no longer restrain himself.

He turned and sprinted madly towards the exit of the Wuyou Secret Realm.

“Master!”

Seeing Shen Yuqing turn around, Mu Jinyue called out in panic.

“Don’t abandon me, Master!”

But Shen Yuqing could not hear her.

He only thought, faster.

He had to be faster.

She was only acting on impulse.

Just like many times before.

She was only trying to provoke him.

She just wanted his attention.

She just wanted him to care about her.

This time was no different.

Just a bit more extreme, a bit more reckless.

It was nothing serious.

He was her husband.

He should tolerate her, guide her, and accept her.

If she wanted him to lower his head, he could do that.

As long as he rushed back and explained everything to her.

She would not make such a big joke out of this.

She was his wife.

She did not understand things.

She did not know the rules.

She acted recklessly.

He had to teach her.

After their Dao companion bond was formed, she was his wife for life.

Regardless of love or separation, they could not part.

He was not doing this out of love.

Not out of affection.

He was doing it for his dignity.

For the rules of Lingjian Xiange.

At that moment, he desperately deceived himself.

He used all his strength, abandoned all grace, and ran back like a young man to stop her.

Not because he loved her.

But just to keep her.

When Shen Yuqing rushed back from the Wuyou Secret Realm, Jiang Zhaoxue was sitting on the high platform, eating honeydew melon.

After she struck the bell of the Fate Tribunal, it wasn’t long before the disciples gathered.

Seeing Pei Zichen and Jiang Zhaoxue, many disciples were surprised.

Discussions erupted among them.

The news of the Nine Nether Realm’s barrier being broken had already spread throughout the sect.

Most of the disciples had heard about it.

But they did not expect Jiang Zhaoxue to return.

They whispered among themselves.

“Isn’t she the Sect Master’s wife?”

“Is she here to stand up for Senior Brother Pei? After all, he is the Sect Master’s disciple…”

“Senior Brother Pei wouldn’t do such a thing, right?”

“But the disciples who returned said… it wasn’t intentional, but it’s hard to say.”

Jiang Zhaoxue listened to the murmuring.

She glanced at them but pretended not to hear.

Fanning herself, she continued eating honeydew while watching Pei Zichen kneeling quietly.

She cursed inwardly what a troublesome person.

If he hadn’t insisted on proving right from wrong, she would have just taken him away.

Reputation?

What was there to care about?

Just like when everyone accused her of poisoning Mu Jinyue.

She couldn’t be bothered to refute it.

She listened lazily as the disciples gathered at the Fate Tribunal.

Wen Xiao’an did not appear in person.

She sent her disciple Zhu Ming to preside over the matter.

Jiang Zhaoxue lost interest quickly.

The testimonies had already been coordinated.

They merely replaced what Gao Wen did with Pei Zichen.

Before Gu Jinglan arrived, there was nothing to change.

Pei Zichen had clearly heard these statements more than once.

He remained silent, kneeling on the ground, listening.

But when he heard “seven dead, three injured,” he finally reacted.

“Seven dead?”

He looked up at the disciple speaking, confused.

“Who died?”

Jiang Zhaoxue immediately noticed the issue.

He clearly remembered seeing only four disciples dead at the scene.

Who were the other three?

Why did they die?

“Three disciples from Luoxia Peak Song Feng, Zhao Qian, and Liu Wen.”

Zhu Ming, hearing Pei Zichen’s question, spoke without emotion.

“They encountered a Fire Spirit Beast along the way and were devoured completely.”

“If not for you ”

Gao Wen immediately chimed in.

“We’ve already explained.

That wall was an illusion.

The sect warned us long ago not to touch anything on the walls, but you refused to listen and even fought me.

In the end, they fled and were eaten by the Fire Spirit Beast.

They deserved it.”

“You’re lying!”

Pei Zichen caught the key point.

He roared angrily, stepping forward.

“Where did they encounter the Fire Spirit Beast? There are no Fire Spirit Beasts near Wu Yue Forest! How did they die? Tell me!”

“Restrain him!”

Zhu Ming shouted.

Disciples immediately rushed forward to hold Pei Zichen down.

Both sides started arguing.

The crowd erupted in noise.

Wen Xiao’an, seated nearby, played with a teacup lid.

She said leisurely,

“I heard the Lady summoned the Young Lord of Penglai today by activating the sect’s teleportation formation.

May I ask why?”

“So many years have passed, yet you still haven’t learned to call me sister-in-law?”

Jiang Zhaoxue avoided answering and changed the subject.

Wen Xiao’an’s expression grew impatient.

She simply said,

“The way you forced Senior Brother, you know in your heart.

As for this so-called sister-in-law title, if I refuse to acknowledge it, what can you do?”

“If you don’t recognize it, then you don’t.”

Jiang Zhaoxue responded carelessly.

“It doesn’t change the fact that I am still the Sect Master’s wife.”

Wen Xiao’an sneered coldly.

“That may not be the case.

If someone is found to have an illicit relationship with a disciple, bringing shame to the sect, how could she still be worthy of being the Sect Master’s wife?”

Jiang Zhaoxue remained silent.

She sipped her tea.

Wen Xiao’an did not bother hiding her intentions.

She continued,

“I heard from Gao Wen that a Blue-Eyed White Tiger appeared in the forest that day.

The matter seemed minor, so I forgot to report it to Senior Brother.”

“A Blue-Eyed White Tiger?

Common in Penglai.”

Jiang Zhaoxue seemed to ponder.

“Yu Qing told me that a demon cultivator from Penglai was present that day.

Could it have been a Blue-Eyed White Tiger?”

“Who knows?”

Wen Xiao’an chuckled.

“But if I recall correctly, the Lady’s true form is also a Blue-Eyed White Tiger, isn’t it?”

“You remember wrong.”

Jiang Zhaoxue frowned in displeasure.

She lied effortlessly.

“My eyes are golden.

Blue eyes are common in Penglai.

I am not some ordinary creature.”

Her tone was so natural that Wen Xiao’an hesitated.

For a moment, she even doubted her own knowledge.

Gold did sound more prestigious than blue.

After all, she had never seen Jiang Zhaoxue’s true form.

She had only heard about it.

She was also unfamiliar with Penglai.

After thinking for a moment, Wen Xiao’an decided to test her theory.

If things were as she suspected, she would expose Jiang Zhaoxue’s scandal.

Then report it to the elders.

For the reputation of Lingjian Xiange, they would surely take action.

By then, Pei Zichen would definitely die.

There would be no need for further deliberation.

Wen Xiao’an made up her mind.

She turned to Zhu Ming, who was presiding over the tribunal.

“Zhu Ming.”

Hearing Wen Xiao’an’s call, Zhu Ming immediately stepped forward.

“Master.”

“Punish him.”

Wen Xiao’an ordered directly.

“This man is deceitful.

He must be punished severely.

No need for mercy.

Beat him until he confesses.”

Her words were measured but loud enough for Jiang Zhaoxue to hear.

Jiang Zhaoxue glanced at her and understood her intention.

She said nothing, idly twirling her fan.

Zhu Ming hesitated momentarily.

“But so many disciples are watching…”

“As long as it is not a false accusation,” Wen Xiao’an reminded him.

“What does it matter?

The Punishment Hall has its own rules.

Interrogating a criminal also serves as a warning.

If they have doubts, they can ask me at the Punishment Hall.”

With these words, Zhu Ming understood.

Wen Xiao’an meant that if trouble arose later, she would take responsibility.

Zhu Ming no longer hesitated.

He stepped forward and shouted.

“Pei Zichen, there is irrefutable evidence against you!

Do you still refuse to confess?

What is your connection to the Penglai demon cultivators?

Are there other accomplices?”

“I want to see my master.”

Pei Zichen gritted his teeth.

“I am innocent!

I want to see my master!”

“Still refusing to admit it?”

Zhu Ming raised his voice sharply.

“Strike!

Beat him hard!

Beat him until he tells the truth!”

At these words, the disciples were shocked.

Yi could not help but raise his voice: “Senior Brother Zhu, what is the difference between this and forcing a confession through torture?”

“What do you mean, Junior Brother?”

Zhu Ming raised his eyes and said coldly: “Just now, the fellow disciples present have already explained the ins and outs clearly, and all the evidence is in place.

There is no doubt that the boundary of the Nine Nether Realm was opened by him.

What remains to be determined is whether he did it intentionally or unintentionally, whether he acted alone or had accomplices.

Now that you are speaking up for him, do you truly believe that I am being unjust, or do you have a vested interest in this matter?”

As soon as he said this, the voice of the person questioning instantly lowered.

Jiang Zhaoxue coldly watched Wen Xiao’an’s disciple and could not help but chuckle lightly: “Your disciple is quite sharp-tongued.”

“Is speaking the truth something the Lady Sovereign cannot bear to hear?” Wen Xiao’an tested the waters and said, “This is the first time I have seen the Lady Sovereign care so much about a mere disciple.”

“Ah?” Jiang Zhaoxue looked up in confusion.

“Is this called caring?”

“Did I misunderstand?” Wen Xiao’an smiled and simply said, “Well, the Lady Sovereign has always had eyes only for Senior Brother.

For someone unrelated, she naturally wouldn’t care.”

Jiang Zhaoxue knew that Wen Xiao’an was testing her, so she smiled and said, “Not necessarily. Sometimes, I do enjoy watching the drama unfold.”

Although she said this, Jiang Zhaoxue knew she could not say too much.

She had to take Pei Zichen away, and it must not be done too dramatically.

If it became too obvious that she had previous interactions with Pei Zichen, had already severed her bond with Shen Yuqing, and was now demanding to take Pei Zichen away, then those with ulterior motives would certainly label their relationship as ambiguous.

At that point, not only Shen Yuqing but even Lingjian Immortal Pavilion might see it as a disgrace and refuse to release him.

Once Gu Jinglan arrived, everything would naturally be resolved, so she did not need to intervene too much.

Suffering a little hardship was of no consequence.

She rubbed the rim of the porcelain cup and watched as Pei Zichen was pressed to the ground by the others.

The wooden plank struck his body heavily, producing a muffled sound as it collided with flesh and blood.

Pei Zichen let out a suppressed groan. Zhu Ming questioned coldly: “Who are your accomplices?”

“I have no accomplices,” Pei Zichen gasped, “The boundary of the Nine Nether Realm was opened by Gao Wen.”

“Nonsense!” Gao Wen became anxious.

Zhu Ming clapped his hands: “Continue beating him until he tells the truth!”

The sun rose, and the wooden planks struck Pei Zichen’s body one after another.

Blood seeped from his wounds and dried on the ground.

Wen Xiao’an had been observing Jiang Zhaoxue’s expression.

Jiang Zhaoxue could not show any emotion, but inside, something was silently growing.

Troublesome.

She thought, Wen Xiao’an was truly troublesome.

She rubbed the rim of her teacup and secretly transmitted a message to Qing Ye: “How much longer until Gu Jinglan arrives?”

On the other end, amidst the sounds of battle, Qing Ye cursed before replying: “They sent someone to block us.

But we’ve reached the mountain gate it won’t be long now!”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhaoxue felt a little relieved.

Wen Xiao’an seemed to have also received some news and frowned, realizing there was no time left to delay.

If she could not capture Jiang Zhaoxue, then at least she had to deal with Pei Zichen first.

She thought for a moment, set down her teacup, stood up straight, and finally spoke: “Stop.”

At her command, everyone looked up.

Jiang Zhaoxue turned to look at her and saw her stepping forward, coming to stand before Pei Zichen.

Pei Zichen lay on the ground, breathing heavily.

Wen Xiao’an looked down at him with some regret and said, “Pei Zichen, even now, you still refuse to confess your accomplices?”

Blood stained Pei Zichen’s entire face.

He muttered unconsciously, “I want to see my master…”

Wen Xiao’an chuckled: “So, you really had no help in Wuyue Forest?”

“Shishu,” Pei Zichen closed his eyes, “If you wish to accuse me, does it really matter what I say?”

“Just answer me,” Wen Xiao’an stared at him and solemnly asked, “Were you alone in Wuyue Forest?”

Pei Zichen’s eyelashes trembled slightly, but he did not respond.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it.

Shishu will not wrong you.”

As she spoke, Wen Xiao’an clapped her hands.

Jiang Zhaoxue found this strange, not understanding what Wen Xiao’an was doing.

Then, she suddenly heard a familiar barking sound.

Jiang Zhaoxue instantly realized something.

She turned her head in the direction of the sound and saw a disciple dragging a struggling black-and-white old dog forward.

Upon seeing the dog, Jiang Zhaoxue clenched her teacup tightly.

She stared at that old dog the one she had fed and had followed her for so long.

She saw Pei Zichen’s expression change to panic, and he shouted desperately, “Shishu, what are you trying to do?!”

“If you refuse to tell the truth, I can only prove it myself.”

Wen Xiao’an seemed to have anticipated his reaction.

She lifted her hand and pressed the blade against the dog’s belly, speaking gently, “I have asked all the disciples.

No one has been feeding this dog.

If you had no accomplices, then this mere mortal dog should have long since starved.

Its stomach should be empty.”

“Let it go!”

Pei Zichen became agitated upon hearing this: “It has nothing to do with this matter!”

“How could it be unrelated?

It is evidence.

Fellow disciples, has anyone here fed this dog?”

None of the disciples dared to speak.

They glanced at each other hesitantly.

Wen Xiao’an smiled: “See?

Everyone from Lingjian Immortal Pavilion is present today.

No one has fed it.

I heard this dog is as close to you as your own kin.

Did you ask someone to take care of it?”

Pei Zichen was momentarily speechless.

Wen Xiao’an understood his silence as an answer and continued pressing: “Who has been helping you?”

“Even if someone did help me…”

“Then that is your accomplice!”

Wen Xiao’an suddenly raised her voice.