Today, The Villain Couple is Settling Scores Again

Chapter 113

Medicine Granny eventually sent the three of them away with a stern face.

In the early morning, the deep alley, sparsely populated, was shrouded in a thick mist.

Jian Huan, dressed in a light green dress, walked in the middle, arm in arm with Ran Mu'er, who was leaning against the wall on the left. They giggled and chattered, seemingly discussing something.

Probably about burning men.

At the outermost edge of the street, a young man in black held a sword in one hand and intertwined his fingers with Jian Huan's with the other.

Medicine Granny stood at the entrance of the small courtyard, her deliberately stern expression softening, her eyes filled with worry as they reflected the figures of the young man and girl gradually walking away.

The first ray of dawn broke through the mist, illuminating the old woman's silver-white hair, shining like snow on tree branches under the winter sun.

She stood there for who knows how long, until hurried footsteps approached from a distance. An eight-year-old boy from the neighboring alley ran over, anxiously saying, "Granny! My little sister is acting strange—she can't get up, and she cries whenever she moves! My parents sent me to fetch you to take a look at her!"

Medicine Granny snapped out of her thoughts, frowned slightly, and without delay, followed the boy to his home.

As she turned the corner of the alley, she glanced back at the now-empty distance, murmuring silently.

In her life, whether as a disciple of South Dust Immortal Island or as Medicine Granny hiding in this remote corner, she had never forgotten her identity as a healer.

If the world truly rewards good and punishes evil, then may the heavens, in recognition of her years of kindness and virtue, grant these young travelers their wishes and a safe return.

Beyond that, Yao Yingting had no other desires.

...

"Is Medicine Granny's real name Yao Yingting?"

Inside the spirit-horse-drawn carriage sent by the Jiang family to pick up the Jin siblings, Jian Huan whispered to Ran Mu'er, somewhat surprised.

Beside them, Shen Jizhi sat with his eyes closed, meditating, his expression cool and detached.

A few days ago, because of Ran Mu'er's use of Harmony Fragrance, Jian Huan had been quite resentful and even wanted to stand up for him.

But in just over ten days, Jian Huan and Ran Mu'er had become as close as honey, sharing everything, and their conversations had far surpassed those with him.

Moreover, they both seemed to have a fondness for Buddhist cultivators.

He didn't understand.

It was noisy.

And their taste was questionable.

Shen Jizhi shook his head slightly, clearly disapproving.

Ran Mu'er: "Yes, surprising, isn't it? Granny's name is quite beautiful."

"Yao... Ying... Ting," Jian Huan unconsciously repeated the name, her mind inexplicably conjuring images of Medicine Granny's graceful and elegant demeanor during her time at South Dust Immortal Island. She rested her chin on her hand, daydreaming, "Granny must have been very beautiful when she was young."

"She was! When I was little, my mother told me that many people admired her back then," Ran Mu'er said, her eyes dimming slightly at the mention of her mother, but she continued as if nothing was wrong, "Granny was one of the most talented healers at South Dust Immortal Island. When my parents went to the island seeking medicine to conceal my brother's and my spiritual roots, they asked several people in private, but none were willing to help. Granny agreed as soon as she heard..."

Jian Huan listened quietly, then muttered softly, "...Sometimes, the heavens are truly unfair."

Thinking of how Medicine Granny was forced to flee South Dust Immortal Island, her cultivation greatly diminished, and even her appearance no longer maintainable, Ran Mu'er sighed, "Yes..."

The atmosphere in the carriage grew inexplicably heavy, and the two girls seemed downcast.

Shen Jizhi opened his eyes, his gaze lingering on Jian Huan's face for a moment before he suddenly asked, "Are Buddhist cultivators really that great?"

Jian Huan and Ran Mu'er exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison, "Mhm!"

"..." Shen Jizhi's lips twitched, and he scoffed lightly, "What's so great about them? Is it because they have a bald head?"

He deliberately glanced at Jian Huan, implying, "You can't even pull their hair."

Jian Huan, who had been tugging at his hair the previous night, whimpering and refusing to let go: "..."

She silently turned her face toward the carriage wall, covering it with her hands, unwilling to look at Shen Jizhi any longer.

Ran Mu'er's gaze shifted ambiguously between the two: Oh?

...In any case, the topic had strayed far from its original path.

They chatted about everything under the sun until the spirit horse began descending from the clouds, and the carriage finally quieted down.

The Jiang family was located in Yue'an City, in the southern part of the Nine Provinces Continent.

The city's residents were prosperous, and the city lord was Jiang Wei, the father of the female lead, Jiang Qiaoqiao.

Within the city lay Yue'an Lake.

Beside the clear, pristine lake stood a vast expanse of white walls and black-tiled roofs.

The spirit-horse-drawn carriage carrying Jian Huan and the other two landed lightly within this hidden world of white walls and black tiles.

The coachman jumped off the spirit horse, and the three of them, disguised as the Jin siblings, stepped out one by one.

Two young maids quickly approached, curtsying to them. The older maid, who exuded a calm and composed demeanor, said, "We have been awaiting the arrival of the three chefs for some time. You must be weary from the journey. Shall I take you to your rooms to rest?"

Shen Jizhi, imitating the demeanor of Jin Da, carried a kitchen utensil box on his back and placed one hand behind him, exuding the air of an elder brother. He replied solemnly, "Thank you, miss. Please lead us to our rooms first, and then take us to the kitchen. We need to inspect the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for tomorrow."

The two younger sisters, arm in arm, nodded obediently, appearing to follow their elder brother's lead.

The maid's gaze swept over the three of them, and she smiled as she led the way, saying, "Chef Jin, you flatter me. This is what I should do. Madam has instructed me to take good care of you. If there's anything you need during your stay, please don't hesitate to let me know..."

As the group followed the maid's soft-spoken words, they passed through a round archway and onto a winding corridor, where they coincidentally ran into a woman in white walking gracefully toward them.

Ran Mu'er, who was holding onto Jian Huan's arm, tightened her grip slightly.

That was... Jiang Qiaoqiao.

If her suspicions were correct, the mutated wind spiritual root within Jiang Qiaoqiao belonged to her younger sister.

Her entire family had paid the price, all for the sake of the Jiang family having a child with a mutated single spiritual root.

Jiang Qiaoqiao might not know these secrets, but was she innocent? Ran Mu'er couldn't say for sure. All she knew was that she didn't have a favorable impression of Jiang Qiaoqiao at the moment.

Jian Huan discreetly glanced at Jiang Qiaoqiao and gently nudged Ran Mu'er in reassurance.

Ahead, the two maids quickly stepped to the side of the corridor and curtsied respectfully to the approaching figure, "Greetings, Miss."

The three of them also bowed their heads and bent slightly.

Jiang Qiaoqiao's eyes curved into a smile, her innocent gaze sweeping over them. When she saw the unfamiliar faces, she paused, hesitating before asking, "Who are these three?"

The maid hurriedly replied, "Miss, these are the three chefs from Gathering Spirit Pavilion."

The three chefs from Gathering Spirit Pavilion?

Jiang Qiaoqiao nodded politely to them, her voice soft, "Tomorrow is my mother's birthday celebration. I'll be counting on the three of you."

The 'Jin siblings' responded with exaggerated humility, "You flatter us, Miss..."

After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them didn't linger and followed the maid to their rooms.

Jiang Qiaoqiao turned and walked in the opposite direction.

As she walked, her steps gradually slowed, and she unconsciously gripped her skirt, her head lowered and her mind unsettled.

Jiang Qiaoqiao couldn't shake the feeling that the eldest Jin brother seemed familiar, reminding her of a young man she had kept in her heart for many years.

Years ago, during a grand banquet hosted by the Beast Taming Sect, Gu Shan had brought Shen Jizhi along.

Jiang Qiaoqiao had also attended. At the time, she was young and unaware of the dangers. She had tried to touch a spirit beast but nearly ended up in its mouth.

It was Shen Jizhi, passing by, who had saved her.

Since then, Jiang Qiaoqiao had secretly used every means at her disposal to keep tabs on Shen Jizhi.

As a result, she knew him all too well.

The eldest Jin brother looked nothing like Senior Brother Shen, with ordinary features.

Yet, Jiang Qiaoqiao couldn't help but feel that the two were similar.

...It was an indescribable feeling.

Jiang Qiaoqiao turned back and glanced, even though the other party's steps were deliberately large, they still felt familiar.

Over the years, even without joining Jade Clarity Sect, she had found opportunities to visit the sect several times a year.

From the shadows, she had seen his back many times.

If the eldest Jin brother was Shen Jizhi, then the two Jin sisters must include Jian Huan.

Why had they come to her home? And why were they sneaking in under false identities?

Jiang Qiaoqiao's heart wavered uncertainly.

The 'Jin siblings' rested briefly in their rooms before heading to the kitchen to busy themselves.

Having spent ten days learning from the real Jin siblings, the three of them worked together in the kitchen with some semblance of skill.

Since Approaching Immortal City and Yue'an City were far apart, and few in the Jiang family had ever seen the Jin siblings, no one suspected them.

Especially since, as Jian Huan thought, Shen Jizhi had always been good at putting on airs. Just standing there, he exuded the aura of a master chef.

The next day was the birthday celebration, and the ingredients to be prepared were numerous. The three of them had been busy from afternoon until late at night before finally returning to their guest rooms to rest.

At the same time, on a small hillside within the Jade Clarity Sect.

On the branch of the "First-Grade Spirit Tree" behind the cottage, the Earth Fruit Spirit was happily swinging, absorbing the moonlight.

How wonderful! Today, Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were gone, and the house belonged to it alone!

When they were around, they wouldn’t let it come out at night. How unreasonable!

Naturally, ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????the Earth Fruit Spirit wasn’t one to obey. It had sneaked out once before, only to hear some noises from inside the house.

Ew.

So embarrassing.

Its green face was about to turn yellow!

The Earth Fruit Spirit covered its earless, eyeless, noseless green head with its matchstick-like hands, its matchstick-like legs swinging leisurely, causing the branches to sway gently with its movements.

Suddenly, the little green figure sprang up.

Someone was coming, and it wasn’t the familiar presence of Jian Huan or Shen Jizhi!

In the blink of an eye, it curled into a green ball, rolled into the tree roots, and burrowed deep into the ground.

On the eerily silent hillside, five black-clad figures swiftly infiltrated.

The door opened without a sound, and the figures slipped inside one after another, only to be stunned by the sight of the empty room.

It was truly empty.

No one was there—only a bed, a table, and a chair. Beyond that, not even a cup or a vase remained.

Jian Huan’s room had once held a gilded Vermilion Bird bronze lamp, but now, even that was gone.

After a moment of silence, the leading man’s hoarse voice broke the quiet: “Where are they?”

A younger figure replied nervously, “Elder, I saw them in the sect just yesterday…”

“Useless!” the man snapped coldly. “Find them at all costs. Shen Jizhi must be captured!”

Otherwise, how would he explain this to the master?

At the beginning of the hour of Zi (midnight), in the Jiang family’s guest courtyard.

Inside the shared room of Jian Huan and Ran Mu'er, Jian Huan handed Shen Jizhi a stack of improved Concealment Talismans.

The Jiang residence was protected by a high-level formation, making regular Invisibility Talismans useless.

However, the Concealment Talismans she had crafted using the sword intent of her talisman sword, which could blend with all things, were still effective.

Ran Mu'er stood by the window, cautiously opening a small gap. The Harmony Union Sect’s charm technique, which could lull people into a deep sleep, mingled with the cool night breeze and drifted through the guest courtyard.

Upstairs, those who had been tossing and turning, unable to sleep, suddenly tilted their heads and fell into a deep slumber.

Ran Mu'er withdrew her hand and asked the two behind her with a hint of reluctance, “Do I really have to stay here? Can’t one of you two stay, and I’ll go with the other to explore the Jiang residence?”

She didn’t mind—whether it was with Jian Huan or Shen Jizhi, either was fine.

Jian Huan replied matter-of-factly, “No.”

Among the three of them, someone had to stay behind to keep watch and alert the other two if anything went wrong.

No one wanted to be the one left behind, but Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi outnumbered her, two against one, so Ran Mu'er was outvoted.

Shen Jizhi didn’t say anything, merely giving her a glance that spoke volumes—his eyes clearly conveying, “What else?”

Ran Mu'er pouted, tossing a flirtatious look at both Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi. “I’m very useful, you know. Don’t leave me here all alone.”

Both Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi were used to Ran Mu'er’s antics and paid her no mind. They pushed open the window and leaped into the depths of the night, one after the other.

The night breeze lifted the hems of their robes, like sails dancing on a dark sea, gradually fading into the distance.

Ran Mu'er stood alone by the window, wiping the corner of her eye with her sleeve. She muttered to herself, her voice tinged with mock sorrow, “How unfortunate my life is! Among the three of us, I’m the only one left alone, and I’m even a vegetarian…” She looked up at the moon in the sky and lamented, “Heaven, how unjust you are!”

Ran Mu'er’s fake sobs were left far behind as Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi circled out of the guest courtyard and made their way toward the main residence.

The Jiang residence was vast, with the main courtyard and guest courtyard separated by a large garden.

After the time it took to burn an incense stick, the two of them hid in a secluded corner of a bamboo grove at a fork in the garden path.

On the ground, covered with fallen leaves, lay a map of the Jiang residence.

Although they had collected the map beforehand, a quick reconnaissance revealed that some parts of it were inaccurate.

The Jiang family seemed to have made renovations, so the previously planned route needed to be redrawn.

Shen Jizhi crouched down, one knee slightly bent, his eyes scanning the map. He pointed to a spot and said, “We’re here right now.”

“Mm,” Jian Huan acknowledged, tapping her chin lightly. Feeling a bit tired from crouching, she leaned to the side, resting one hand on Shen Jizhi’s thigh while using the other to draw two new routes on the map. “You take this route, and I’ll take this one?”

Shen Jizhi casually wrapped an arm around Jian Huan’s waist, responding with a nonchalant “Mm.”

For a moment, neither of them moved to leave.

Both of them knew that any step they took from here on out could be dangerous—it might even be the last time they saw each other.

Since there was still time, they lingered, even if only for a little while longer.

Jian Huan leaned against him gently, glancing up at him before looking down again. After a moment of thought, she blurted out, “I’m actually… a little worried that Jiang Qiaoqiao might recognize you.”

When they had crossed paths with Jiang Qiaoqiao on the corridor earlier, it hadn’t seemed like a big deal.

But in the evening, while Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi, and Ran Mu'er were busy in the kitchen, Jiang Qiaoqiao had come again, claiming to fetch her mother’s dinner.

Yet, such tasks were usually handled by the servants. Why would a young lady of the household do it herself?

Jian Huan couldn’t shake the feeling that Jiang Qiaoqiao had come to see them.

Shen Jizhi was puzzled. “Why?”

He thought his disguise was flawless, with no obvious flaws.

Jian Huan glanced at him, pursing her lips. “Don’t you know that, uh—” She paused, feeling a bit awkward saying it, but considering the situation, she continued, “Jiang Qiaoqiao likes you?”

At this, Shen Jizhi’s expression shifted slightly.

He wasn’t oblivious—he knew when someone had feelings for him.

Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze and simply said, “There’s nothing about me worth liking.”

Jian Huan raised an eyebrow. “?”

What did that make her, then?

She blurted out, “Are you calling me blind?”

Shen Jizhi: “…”

He glanced at her, thought for a moment, and then smiled.

He pulled Jian Huan into his arms, wrapping his hands around her waist and holding her tightly. Softly, he said, “I’ve never been kind to Jiang Qiaoqiao.”

Jian Huan huffed inwardly.

He was indirectly saying that he treated her well, so she wasn’t blind after all.

Jian Huan gazed into the dark forest and said, “Forget it, overthinking won’t help.”

Whether Jiang Qiaoqiao had noticed anything or not, there wasn’t much they could do about it now.

They’d just have to adapt to the situation—whatever came their way, they’d handle it.

Shen Jizhi hummed in agreement, burying his face in the crook of her neck and taking a deep breath.

The autumn moonlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows of bamboo on the young lovers, who had only recently crossed the line into intimacy less than half a month ago.

The air around them grew warmer, though it was an autumn night.

Jian Huan’s face flushed slightly as she played with Shen Jizhi’s hands, which were clasped in front of her stomach.

These past few days, she and Shen Jizhi had indeed been a bit reckless, indulging without restraint.

But he must have felt it too, right?

This trip to the Jiang residence was fraught with risks. Who knew what lay ahead?

So, when they had the chance to indulge, they did.

Life was like a play, after all.

Why not play a little game?

Jian Huan’s eyes sparkled mischievously as an idea popped into her head.

She poked Shen Jizhi’s hand with a finger and said, “Hey, Shen Jizhi, want to do something exciting?”

Shen Jizhi’s voice came muffled from her neck. “Go on.”

“Let’s have a little competition,” Jian Huan said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Whoever uncovers the most crucial information tonight gets to make the other do one thing, no questions asked.” She lifted her chin, eager. “Dare to try?”

At this, Shen Jizhi raised his head, his thumb gently brushing her chin. His gaze lingered on her face, and even his ordinary features seemed captivating under the light of his eyes, which shimmered like spring water. “A swordsman never backs down from a challenge.”

He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, and before Jian Huan could react, he vanished in a ripple of spiritual energy, disappearing into the night.

Jian Huan, who had been leaning against him, stumbled slightly as her support vanished. She caught herself with a hand on the pile of leaves, her eyes blazing with anger.

Damn that Shen Jizhi! He’d used such a cheap trick to get a head start! Shameless!

…

In the bamboo grove, a single leaf fell from a branch. Before it could reach the ground, it was caught in two gusts of wind, spinning endlessly in the air.

The young man and woman who had been there moments ago were already gone, leaving no trace behind.

Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi raced toward their respective investigation routes, each determined not to fall behind the other.

Jian Huan had only casually suggested the idea, but she hadn’t expected Shen Jizhi, that competitive man, to be so eager to outdo her that he would resort to tricks to get ahead!

...What did he plan to make her do if he won? Judging by his expression, he probably had some mischievous scheme in mind but hadn’t voiced it yet.

Damn it.

She had to win.

Since he disliked Buddhist cultivation so much, if she won, she’d make him personally cultivate for her!

The fiery determination that suddenly flared up in her heart extinguished any lingering romantic thoughts. It was as if a vicious dog were chasing her from behind, and Jian Huan’s speed increased noticeably, her efficiency soaring.

Fortunately, she had chosen a more valuable route earlier, one that included important locations like Jiang Wei’s study.

A master’s study was always the best place to hide secrets.

However, it was already the second day—Madam Jiang’s birthday.

Jiang Wei, who was rumored to love his wife dearly, wasn’t accompanying her to bed at this late hour but was instead still in his study?

Jiang Wei was a powerful cultivator at the Divine Transformation stage. While in Ningzhang City, Jian Huan had been testing her talismans with Gu Shan, who was also at the Divine Transformation stage.

After numerous modifications, she had finally perfected her current stealth talisman.

With this stealth talisman, even Gu Shan couldn’t sense her from ten steps away, but if she got closer, he would notice her.

Covered from head to toe in stealth talismans, Jian Huan was extremely cautious. She lay in the bushes outside the study, sealing off four of her five senses, leaving only her hearing active.

The sound of the night wind rustling through the treetops, the faint rustling of insects crawling through the bushes, and the subtle noises from inside the study all reached her ears.

Inside the study, a middle-aged man with sharp features sat at his desk, flipping through scrolls from Yue'an City and occasionally jotting down a few words.

Time passed slowly as the candlelight flickered, but Jiang Wei showed no unusual movements.

No one spoke in the study; the only sound was the scratching of a brush on paper.

Jian Huan lay on the damp ground, her eyes closed as if asleep.

Ants, crickets, earthworms, and various unnamed insects crawled over her from time to time, but she had sealed off her sense of touch, lying as still as a log, patiently listening.

At such a late hour, Jiang Wei couldn’t possibly be merely reviewing scrolls.

He was waiting for something.

Sure enough, after nearly half an hour, at the boundary between the hour of the Rat and the hour of the Ox, the study door opened and closed again.

The candlelight flickered, and a new figure appeared in the room. A man who looked like a steward didn’t dare to look at Jiang Wei, his gaze fixed on the ground as he prostrated himself before him. His aged voice trembled with fear: “Your Excellency, we failed… We couldn’t capture Shen Jizhi…”

The scratching sound of the brush abruptly stopped. The man, who had an air of righteousness, paused his writing, a flash of darkness passing through his eyes.

The room fell silent for a moment before the brush resumed its movement. A deep, authoritative voice spoke slowly: “You have five days to bring him to me. Otherwise, you know the consequences…”

The steward’s expression hardened. “Understood!”

Jiang Wei finished his last stroke, closed the scroll, and stood up. His eyes, now filled with swirling black mist, gleamed with madness.

Everything was ready; all that was missing was the final push.

After centuries of meticulous planning, his grand ambition for the demon race was about to come to fruition!

Jiang Wei smiled silently and walked out of the study.

The steward remained pressed to the ground, not daring to breathe, drenched in sweat.

Shen Jizhi didn’t have much to show for his efforts.

His route grew increasingly remote, with buildings disappearing behind him. Ahead lay a dark, tangled forest shrouded in night.

Unlike the meticulously trimmed gardens in the main courtyard, this forest stood silently in a secluded corner, its dense canopy blocking out the moon, exuding an aura of danger and mystery.

The map also marked this forest, but something felt off.

Shen Jizhi stood at the forest’s entrance, hidden in the shadows of the night.

He closed his eyes lightly, recalling the map of the Jiang estate he had seen earlier that day when the spirit-horse-drawn carriage descended from above.

The estate did have a large forest, but it shouldn’t have been this expansive.

The forest before him seemed endless, stretching as far as the eye could see.

It was as if a massive section of a mountain forest had been transplanted here and hidden away.

Shen Jizhi opened his eyes and made a decision.

He didn’t recklessly enter but instead lurked nearby, searching for what he needed.

Among the branches of the forest, a snake coiled itself, resting.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept through, and the snake, with its cold, shimmering scales, began to writhe frantically, struggling for its life. But within a breath, it grew still and dull.

Shen Jizhi controlled the snake, carefully calculating the ten-step distance Jian Huan had mentioned, and followed behind it as it slithered into the dark forest.

The snake moved through the piles of dry leaves, creating a rustling sound that was unusually loud in the eerily silent forest.

After advancing for about half an hour, a wave of dark energy surged. The snake, which had been moving steadily, was suddenly sliced into several pieces, its remains scattered around.

Shen Jizhi’s figure swayed, but instead of moving forward, he retreated, hiding behind the trunk of a century-old Chinese tallow tree. He clung to the tree like a gecko, motionless.

Faint whispers drifted through the wind.

“...What was that?”

“A snake.”

After this brief exchange, the area fell silent again, as if nothing had happened.

After waiting for another incense stick’s worth of time, Shen Jizhi lightly stepped onto the tree, his eyes hidden among the leaves as he peered out.

The surroundings were filled with shadowy trees, but in one corner, there was an old well covered in vines. Nothing else stood out.

The people who had spoken and acted earlier were hidden, their forms invisible, but their cultivation levels were above his—either at the Nascent Soul or Divine Transformation stage.

No, to be precise, they weren’t cultivators. They were—

Demons.

Shen Jizhi lowered his gaze, staring at the well for a few moments before quietly retreating the way he had come.

At the third quarter of the hour of the Ox, Jian Huan, Shen Jizhi, and Ran Mu'er sat around a table in their shared room.

The room was unlit. Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi recounted their discoveries in detail.

Because Ran Mu'er was present, Jian Huan omitted Shen Jizhi’s involvement, saying only, “Jiang Wei is trying to capture someone but failed. Also, I heard his servant…”

Jian Huan paused, her eyes flickering with intensity, speaking softly but clearly, “call him ‘Your Excellency.’”

Ran Mu'er clenched her fists, her eyes filled with hatred. She gritted her teeth and said, “A well guarded by demons… ‘Your Excellency’… That’s how the demon race addresses their leaders. Jiang Wei, the Jiang family—they’re the real demon nest!”

Yet the blame had been shifted to her Mu family.

The good had become evil, and the evil had become good? How absurd, how laughable!

Ran Mu'er suddenly stood up, trembling with anger and resentment, her frail body shaking.

Jian Huan quickly rose as well, half-hugging Ran Mu'er. Normally eloquent, she found herself at a loss for words, unsure how to comfort her.

The pain of losing one’s family couldn’t be soothed with mere words.

Jian Huan could only pat Ran Mu'er’s back gently, shooting a glare at Shen Jizhi, who remained calmly seated.

Shen Jizhi returned her look.

His meaning was clear: comforting people? He was even worse at it. Don’t count on him.

Jian Huan: “...”

Ran Mu'er took a deep breath, calming herself after a while, and sat back down at the table. She asked, “What’s your plan for tomorrow?”

The two had returned together, so they must have discussed it on the way.

Jian Huan and Shen Jizhi exchanged a glance before Jian Huan said, “You’ll cause a scene at the birthday celebration, and Shen Jizhi and I will jump into the well…”

“No!” Ran Mu'er refused. “The well is definitely dangerous. It might lead to the Demon Abyss…”

“This matter involves you because of me. I’ll jump into the well alone. You two should cause a scene at the celebration and find a way to escape.” Ran Mu'er’s face was pale, but she was firm. “I’ve left the spirit stones with Medicine Granny. When you return, she’ll give them to you…”

Jian Huan lowered her head, her hand on her knee interlacing with the hand Shen Jizhi had extended.

The demon race had already targeted Shen Jizhi.

On their way back, the two had discussed it, and both had a bad feeling.

In the Nine Provinces, only Shen Jizhi, Jian Huan, and his master Gu Shan knew about the demon core within Shen Jizhi.

Gu Shan and Yu Qing hadn’t been in contact for a while. Based on their deductions, they had likely infiltrated the Demon Abyss through the Ningzhang City lord’s connections.

Now, the demon race probably knew Shen Jizhi’s secret.

How had they found out?

It could only be from Gu Shan.

Gu Shan and Yu Qing had most likely fallen into the hands of the demon race.

Ran Mu'er was still speaking, but Jian Huan interrupted with a smile. “Let’s each state our positions, and the minority will follow the majority.”

Ran Mu'er: "...There are two of you!" Is it her fault for being alone?

Jian Huan shrugged, making a final decision: "So it's settled then."

Ran Mu'er: "..."

Ran Mu'er glanced at Shen Jizhi, who had been silent, and tried to stir trouble: "Are you really willing to let Jian Huan go for such a dangerous task?"

Hearing this, Shen Jizhi merely lifted his gaze to look at her, unfazed, and replied calmly, "It's not about whether I'm willing or not. It's about whether she wants to or not."

Ran Mu'er: "..."

The three of them carefully discussed the details of the operation for the following night, after which Shen Jizhi returned to the adjacent room.

The guest room was elegantly furnished, with all the necessary furniture in place.

The young man slowly approached the bronze mirror and removed the spiritual talisman from the back of his head, revealing his exquisitely sculpted face.

He sat down, lost in thought for a moment, then slowly retrieved a scroll of secret techniques from his storage pouch.

This was something he had purchased through the channels of the Hidden Immortal Pavilion during the ten days he spent learning cooking with Big Brother Jin in Approaching Immortal City.

He had been unsure whether to use it, but—

Shen Jizhi lowered his head, his lashes like crow feathers casting a shadow under his eyes. His cool fingertips brushed over his dantian through his clothes.

Master, the dry well, the demonic origin stone...

This matter was far from certain, so he had to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Shen Jizhi sat quietly in front of the bronze mirror, lifting his gaze to look at his hazy reflection.

Tomorrow was the birthday banquet, and the three of them were responsible for preparing the evening feast. The morning and noon meals would be handled by the Jiang family's chefs.

Most of the preparations had been completed today, so they didn't need to wake up too early tomorrow.

From now until dawn, these two and a half hours were the last opportunity to use this scroll of secret techniques.

Shen Jizhi exhaled slowly, made up his mind, and took out the Xuantian Mirror, writing on its surface:

[Pi Xiu Has a Sword: Did I win today?]

In the adjacent room, the soft glow of the Xuantian Mirror illuminated the delicate face of a girl.

Jian Huan was leaning against her pillow, not yet asleep, with one leg crossed over the other as she browsed the Xuantian Garden.

As she scrolled, she received his message.

Jian Huan raised an eyebrow.

He had discovered the dry well, which was more valuable than the conversation she had overheard.

Logically, he had indeed won.

Jian Huan tapped the mirror's surface with her fingertip, thought for a moment, and replied with a touch of reserve: Barely. You just got lucky.

Shen Jizhi: Mmm, if I got lucky, then I won.

Jian Huan didn't care; next time, it might be her turn: A bet's a bet. Go ahead, say it.

In the dark, the reflective surface of the bronze mirror showed Shen Jizhi half-reclining in his chair.

The young man's fingers on the mirror's surface seemed to caress the fair skin of the girl on the other side: Ran Mu'er gave you a dual cultivation manual, didn't she?

After a moment, Jian Huan didn't reply.

He could almost imagine the expression she must be wearing right now. Shen Jizhi suppressed the dark glint in his eyes and smiled faintly: Come over now and teach me, will you?

Next door.

The moment Jian Huan saw the message, she almost instantly extinguished the Xuantian Mirror.

She subconsciously glanced at Ran Mu'er, who was lying on the opposite bed, then turned over in embarrassment, pulling the blanket over her head and curling up into a ball. Her face flushed crimson in an instant.

How could Shen Jizhi be so... regardless of the situation?

But then again, it was true.

From now until dawn, this was their last bit of leisure time.

Tomorrow, after waking up, they would prepare the feast. Once the feast was ready and the banquet began, she and Shen Jizhi would head to the dry well.

The road ahead was uncertain, so...

Jian Huan hid under the blanket for a moment, puffing out her cheeks as she thought. Then, with a rustling sound, she pulled out a few concealment talismans and tucked them into her hair.

A moment later, she peeked out from under the blanket, slipped out of bed, and tiptoed to the window. Just as she pushed it open, she heard Ran Mu'er murmur as if in a dream: "I also want to eat meat tonight, to have my fill before we set out..."

Jian Huan: "..."

...

The manual Ran Mu'er had given them seemed simple, but when put into practice, it turned out to be extremely difficult.

So, Harmony Union Sect disciples weren't just about sleeping their way to cultivation...

With someone next door, the two of them set up a barrier in the room.

Jian Huan's face was flushed, her breathing ragged, her voice trembling: "Shen Jizhi, I can't..."

Shen Jizhi was also struggling. When the technique circulated through his dantian, it felt like he was in hell.

In no time, sweat dampened the hair at his temples.

He gave up, collapsing onto Jian Huan, both of them gasping for breath.

Once their breathing had calmed slightly, he thought for a moment, his voice slightly hoarse: "Would it be better... standing up?"

This was the first time in her life Jian Huan wanted to give up. She lay there, unwilling to move: "Forget it..."

"Let's try once more, okay?" Shen Jizhi gently nuzzled Jian Huan's neck, whispering into her ear as he got up and lifted her from the bed.

Jian Huan's bare feet touched the cold floor, her hands braced against the rosewood wardrobe carved with nine dragons.

Shen Jizhi stood behind her, one hand on the wardrobe, the other pressed against Jian Huan's dantian, reminding her with difficulty: "Jian Huan, remember to circulate your dantian."

Jian Huan barely managed to focus, trying to channel the spiritual energy in her dantian, but as soon as she followed the mantra, an indescribable discomfort washed over her.

It felt like climbing a mountain all day, then waking up the next morning with lactic acid buildup, forcing yourself to massage your calves to relieve the soreness.

Damn it.

Jian Huan couldn't even stand straight anymore, sliding down as she whimpered: "...I can't."

Shen Jizhi caught her, lowering his head to gently bite her shoulder, his chest heaving violently.

In the end, it worked. He murmured distractedly: "Alright, no more trying..."

"We'll try again later." The young man's voice was low as he glanced at the tightly shut window. Outside, the sky was beginning to brighten faintly.

There wasn't much time left.

He kissed Jian Huan's temple, pulling her into the depths of pleasure.

The wardrobe shook incessantly, creaking as if it might fall apart.

Jian Huan whimpered, biting his arm as fireworks exploded in her vision.