Chapter 79 (End of Main Text)

◎First Release◎

They had already received a considerable amount of betrothal gifts a few days ago.

Then another heavy wooden box was brought over.

He's really willing to spend that much.

Looking at the dazzling array of jade artifacts and treasures in the box, Pei Xueyan couldn't help but tug at Jiang Qiye's sleeve softly, "Husband, we've given away so much at once, will it be enough for us in the future?"

Jiang Qiye glanced at her and said calmly, "We are both cultivators, and we have long since transcended worldly concerns. We can even abstain from grains for several years without any problem. Why would we need these mundane things to get through our days?"

Indeed, in the Qingzong Sect, only disciples who have recently joined the sect still need to eat three meals a day. Once they reach the level of a Dharma Master, True Person, or even a Master, they can absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for their own use. Grains are merely a supplementary pastime.

"Keep some of them."

"You can say this here, but once you leave, you can't say a word."

Pei Xueyan covered her mouth with her fingers, pretending to be silenced, which was extremely cute.

Unlike the misty fairyland of Qingzongmen, Yishui Villa is located at the foot of the mountain not far from the mortal world.

When Master Pei got married, the manor held such a lively celebration for the first time. People from the surrounding area came to watch the excitement at the manor gate.

This was the first time Granny Jiang had met Jiang Qiye, and she praised him from time to time for his upright character and his ability to calmly restrain himself from evil and wicked ways.

This requires immense patience and a righteous heart.

Yes, she had seen Ye Xiuluo cultivate the demonic path in his youth, suffering from qi deviation, but there was no way to cure him.

The madness and pain of going astray, the struggle of being devoured by inner demons day and night, in order to suppress that evil power, he absorbed other people's internal energy, searched for secret methods, and tried all sorts of unorthodox methods.

She took countless detours to carve out a bloody path in this martial world, earning a reputation that intimidated others with her numerous wounds.

This young master can easily suppress it.

Granny Jiang was a maid left behind by Ye Xiuluo's mother. Everyone in the manor had lost their families and lives, and Ye Xiuluo was the only one who could hold on. He wandered around the martial world and earned a little reputation.

I originally thought that little Ayan would repeat the same mistakes, with every experience similar to Ye Xiuluo's.

When Ye Xiuluo wanted to transfer his cultivation to the innocent and ignorant girl, he asked for her opinion.

At that time, Granny Jiang remained silent, not uttering a single word.

In fact, not speaking means tacit agreement.

She watched little Ayan grow up, a lively, clever, and adorable girl, but she was also entrusted with taking care of Ye Xiuluo.

If forced to choose between the two, I would definitely abandon Pei Xueyan and choose Miss Ye.

Ye Xiuluo and Granny Jiang sat there silently, neither of them speaking, and quietly agreed to the matter.

Ye Xiuluo transferred his demonic cultivation to the innocent and ignorant girl.

From then on, Granny Jiang would calculate every day when this little girl, who loved to sleep and eat all day and only knew how to enjoy herself, would go mad, when she would become bloodthirsty and ruthless, and when she would end up as a monster.

If this little girl, Ayan, had been kind-hearted and hadn't been able to bring herself to do evil, she might have ended her life much earlier—perhaps in her teens or early twenties.

This girl was born to suffer and be abandoned; that was her fate.

But she knew nothing about any of these things.

If, after becoming a demon, she had a stronger will to survive and followed in the footsteps of Miss Ye, becoming obsessed with magic and shortcuts, then she could become the second Ye Xiuluo, and perhaps even be famous throughout the martial arts world for twenty years, before choosing someone else to succeed her.

But how could someone with such a carefree personality be devoted to cultivation?

Heaven must have been on her side; her luck was so good that her cultivation was quickly destroyed before long.

At that time, Grandma Jiang was very happy to know about this. In her opinion, it would be better for little Ayan to be an ordinary mortal, suffering from birth, old age, sickness and death, than to be a demon or monster controlled by her inner demons.

Being tormented all night long is unbearable; she certainly couldn't endure that pain.

Jiang Qiye noticed that Granny Jiang was glancing at him from time to time, so he politely stepped forward and bowed respectfully to her: "Grandma, is there anything you wish to tell me?"

Grandma Jiang shook her head, a relieved smile on her face. She picked up the pastries on the table and carefully cut them: "Little Ayan loves pastries the most. Buy her more in the future. Don't let her go hungry. She is greedy and playful, but she can be very patient in important matters. Don't be fooled by her carefree appearance."

Jiang Qiye listened attentively and nodded solemnly: "Between Yanmei and me, there has never been any formality; we are inseparable. What she wants is very simple, and I have very few worries. Being with her in this vast and lonely world adds so much joy to my life."

Granny Jiang paused in her chopping of pastries, her voice lowered, tinged with apology: "Young Master Jiang is a trustworthy person. Little Ayan is better off with you than here, so you don't need to accept these gifts. We feel guilty towards her, which is why we suspect others. Please don't take offense, Young Master Jiang."

Jiang Qiye didn't understand her implication and didn't delve into it further.

After staying at Yishui Villa for a few days, the couple bid farewell and left.

As they parted, Pei Xueyan and Zhou Wenjian embraced and wept. They had grown up together and been through so much together. Even if they could visit each other often in the future, they could no longer sleep together every day and whisper sweet nothings like young girls.

Thinking about it this way, it's hard not to feel a little sad.

After crying her fill, Pei Xueyan went to Granny Jiang's side again, took her hand and gently comforted her: "Granny, my master was taken away by Master Wangyu, he will be fine, you don't need to worry, he will definitely recover and live a long and healthy life."

Grandma Jiang's eyes reddened, and she choked up with emotion, tears streaming down her face.

Our connection has lasted for over a decade.

She was brought here, and Miss Ye treated her with a mixture of cruelty and pity. When choosing between two girls to target, she found countless reasons to protect Zhou Wenjian.

Pei Xueyan was always the first one to be abandoned.

She is exceptionally intelligent, with pure blood and a balance of yin and yang, making her an ideal candidate to transfer her cultivation.

Now, having left this place that was abandoned many years ago, she has a man who would give his all for her, even unto death.

We should be happy.

Everyone should be happy.

Pei Xueyan waved to everyone, took Jiang Qiye's hand, and they flew away together on their swords.

Master Xuanjing was already waiting for the two of them at the foot of the mountain.

Pei Xueyan secretly observed this elder she had never met before. He looked much kinder and younger than Master Wangyu.

Jiang Qiye gently tugged at her sleeve, and Pei Xueyan immediately reacted, falling to her knees with a thud.

"Master, your granddaughter-in-law Pei Xueyan pays her respects. It is an honor to see your esteemed face today. May you enjoy good health, a smooth path in your cultivation, and a long and blessed life!"

Jiang Qiye could never say these words in his entire life.

Master Xuanjing laughed.

"Stop kneeling, get up."

The Mirror of Suspense possessed profound inner strength; with just a glance, it discerned Pei Xueyan's cultivation level. Her spiritual energy was pure and peaceful, unlike her master's, which was chaotic and demonic.

As for his good disciple, he had known about his situation for a long time. His cultivation became more and more profound and vigorous, and his aura was warm and gentle. He was also nourished by other things, that is, he was radiant from being nourished by love.

Jiang Qiye stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Master, you have emerged from seclusion a year early. I am still able to handle the affairs of the sect. If you wish to continue your cultivation, I will do my utmost and live up to your expectations."

Master Xuanjing nodded: "Ye'er, I have always trusted you to do things. However, your master's whereabouts are unknown, and the demon realm barrier at the foot of Luoshan Mountain needs to be reinforced. I have made an appointment with Master Qilin to meet next month, and I cannot break my promise."

"Thank you for your trouble, Master." Jiang Qiye bowed again.

The three walked slowly along the mountain path. Xuanjing looked at Pei Xueyan and earnestly advised, "Miss Pei, Ye'er's cultivation is too fierce. You must not borrow it casually. Be careful and don't hurt yourself."

Pei Xueyan mumbled incoherently, stammering and not daring to respond.

Jiang Qiye glanced at her helplessly, then smiled indulgently: "I already know about Yan'er's matter. Master, rest assured, your disciple will know what to do."

Pei Xueyan opened her eyes wide and looked at him.

Pei Xueyan looked confident and as if she already knew what was going on.

"Now that you two have successfully cultivated together, do not be too greedy or too attached. Spend a few days a month cultivating alone, and your inner strength and cultivation will double."

Both of them understood.

The master saw that they were young and unrestrained, and had too many affairs, so they needed to be separated in time and not forget their important matters.

Cultivating the Tao!

After seeing her master off, Pei Xueyan immediately pouted and tugged at Jiang Qiye's sleeve: "I don't want to be separated from you, not even for a moment."

Jiang Qiye stroked her face and said softly, "Of course we won't separate. Master and Shizun don't understand these things."

What do these bachelors know about marital bliss, perfect union, mutual affection, and infatuation?

Pei Xueyan gave him a thumbs up: "Brother, you're awesome!"

The two walked hand in hand, aimlessly.

The sun was high and the weather was hot. They saw a teahouse by the roadside in the distance and walked over together.

The waiter at the teahouse was very enthusiastic and quickly came forward to greet her: "Miss, what would you like to drink? We have Longjing tea, jasmine tea, green tea, and chrysanthemum tea, all of them are excellent!"

Pei Xueyan sat down: "I'd like some jasmine tea? Bring him a pot of light tea."

"Okay!"

Pei Xueyan was waiting for tea with a dry mouth when a gentle breeze suddenly blew by, and a few petals drifted down onto the table.

She reached out and picked up a petal, examining it in her palm: "Isn't this an apricot blossom?"

The surrounding scenery had a strange sense of familiarity.

Pei Xueyan stood up and looked around in confusion.

On the right side of the road, passing through a grove of trees, a vast expanse of vibrant apricot blossoms suddenly appears before your eyes.

She turned around and looked around, her heart skipping a beat.

Isn't this the scene she saw in her dream?

The same teahouse, the same teapot, the same enthusiastic waiter, and the same apricot grove.

But at this time of year, the apricot blossoms are probably about to fade.

So, when the wind blew, they all fell to the ground.

She instinctively turned to look for the person beside her, but Jiang Qiye was nowhere to be seen.

Pei Xueyan suddenly felt breathless and her limbs went weak in panic. She ran around frantically looking for someone.

"Jiang Qiye! My husband! My husband, where are you?"

"Brother, where are you? Don't leave me."

She ran breathlessly, as if in a drunken dream, her vision blurred and she feared she would never wake up.

“I am A-Zheng… I am A-Zheng…”

With a "bang," I unexpectedly bumped into someone's arms.

Jiang Qiye held a large bunch of apricot blossoms in his hand. Looking at her tearful face, he was full of surprise: "What's wrong? You once said you liked apricot blossoms, so you went to find an old farmer to pick some. He walks slowly, so he came back late."

Pei Xueyan hugged him tightly, buried her head in his chest, and sobbed uncontrollably, "I don't want to be separated from you, I don't want to be separated from you!"

Jiang Qiye gently patted her back, thinking she was still worried about her master's words about monthly cultivation, and softly comforted her: "As long as you don't leave, I will never leave you for a moment."

Pei Xueyan reached out and touched his entire body to make sure he was a real person before she slowly stopped crying.

He took her hand and walked back to the teahouse, asking softly, "Are you thinking about the illusion again?"

Pei Xueyan nodded vigorously.

Jiang Qiye sighed, seemingly talking to himself, yet also to her: "Back then... I wasn't passionate enough. Now, even at the risk of backlash from my cultivation, I would stay with you for three lifetimes."

Pei Xueyan was holding the apricot blossoms in her arms, admiring them with great excitement. She probably didn't hear what he said and kept praising, "Husband, they are so beautiful, even more beautiful than those in the illusion!"

He gazed at her bright smile, took her hand tightly, and walked forward side by side.

A gust of wind blew by, and apricot blossoms fluttered down, enveloping the two of them as if they were in a sea of ​​flowers.

It's unbelievably beautiful.

[Author's Note]

Extra chapters will be updated later -- [Keep it up!]