chapter 39

Zhan Yunwei didn't linger over the decision for too long. What was never meant to happen had already happened. Now, insisting that Yue Zhiheng sleep on the floor would seem strange.

If it weren't for the lingering intimacy between them, she and Yue Zhiheng would never have come this far. In her previous life, things had always been fine between them. Now, there was nothing wrong, so it should be no problem.

Seeing her nod, Yue Zhiheng moved aside and allowed her to enter first.

The last time they shared a bed was before Zhan Yunwei let Zhan Shujing go.

At first, Zhan Yunwei didn't feel anything, but once Yue Zhiheng lay down, waved his hand to extinguish the light of the pearl, she suddenly realized that things seemed a little different now.

She couldn't quite say what was different, but even with her eyes closed, she seemed to feel the warmth emanating from his side, the heat that belonged solely to a man.

It was strange because, on that day, she had been unusually awake at the wrong time. If it had been entirely over, it would have been fine; after all, she wouldn't remember anything.

But she had a vague recollection of it. Even though the memories were fragmented, in such a private moment, they felt like a burning fire.

The fireflies of Fenhe County had long disappeared, replaced by the crisp, weak sounds of insects chirping in the night.

She sat up, trying to move past Yue Zhiheng to get off the bed. As soon as she moved, Yue Zhiheng spoke: "What are you doing?"

Zhan Yunwei hadn't expected him to still be awake. She hesitated, not sure whether she should cross over him. "I'm going to sleep in the Dendrobium room."

Just as she was about to crawl over, her wrist was suddenly grasped.

Looking up, Zhan Yunwei realized that, at some point, Yue Zhiheng had also sat up. The hand on her wrist was warm, almost burning, making her instinctively want to pull away.

But she couldn't break free.

"Are you very bothered by what happened earlier?" he asked.

Zhan Yunwei could only reply, "It's not that I'm bothered, it's just... it feels strange."

Yue Zhiheng asked, "What's strange about it?"

In the dark night, she couldn't make out his expression, and she couldn't tell the tone of his voice. She hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

Zhan Yunwei realized that no matter how she worded it, it would come out wrong. She had no choice but to ask him, "Don't you feel uncomfortable about it?"

The summer night was hot, and the temperature around her wrist was so high that even the divine jade bed couldn't cool it down. After a while, his voice came: "Miss Zhan, the lingering affection will flare up again next month. If you don't find the antidote by then, will you be so ashamed that you wish you were dead?"

"That's impossible, right? Didn't you say the Kunyuan Secret Realm will open?" Zhan Yunwei responded.

Yue Zhiheng didn't answer.

Zhan Yunwei knew her question didn't make much sense. Even if Yue Zhiheng was powerful, he couldn't guarantee everything would go perfectly. Entering the secret realm to find the flower nectar would require good luck.

If things went wrong... she couldn't help but feel as though it might feel like a thunderclap out of the blue.

Yue Zhiheng looked at her and said calmly: "Miss Zhan, I don't want to lose my cultivation. Can you stop running away from things every time?"

Unlike her, who couldn't see anything because of her lack of spiritual power, the night hardly affected Yue Zhiheng.

Zhan Yunwei understood what he meant. She didn't want to die either. She retorted: "I'm not running away from everything. I can handle other things, but tell me, how am I supposed to calmly deal with something like this?"

"Do you really want me to tell you?"

He exerted a little force on her wrist, and without any effort, he pulled her directly in front of him.

They were already close, but now, when she looked up, she found herself facing Yue Zhiheng's chest.

The atmosphere between them was strange, and Yue Zhiheng's words weren't something she could answer casually.

If she did answer, what would he do?

Her mind was in a chaotic mess, and for some reason, she recalled a few things Yue Zhiheng had said to her on that day when he accidentally praised her.

In some ways, it seemed that Yue Zhiheng really didn't mind having something happen with her.

She thought carefully, and realized that Yue Zhiheng probably didn't mind it. That day, he had even seemed... quite involved.

But he had clearly said that he didn't like spiritual masters.

Was it because of the decadence of the imperial court? Even though he didn't like such things, perhaps he didn't care who it was with? Otherwise, she couldn't understand how someone who didn't like something could still act this way.

Her expression became conflicted, and she asked, "Do you... feel good about it?"

Yue Zhiheng, thinking that Zhan Yunwei would shift the topic as usual, was surprised when she asked such a bold question.

He paused for a moment but still replied calmly: "Mm."

Zhan Yunwei couldn't help but ask, "Did you ever do this before? With other women?"

Yue Zhiheng finally understood what she meant, and sneered: "There's no 'before.'"

In the stunned and confused look on Zhan Yunwei's face, Yue Zhiheng released her wrist, lying back down coldly. Along with the ridiculous thoughts that should never have arisen, he suppressed them.

Zhan Yunwei later realized that her question had been quite hurtful.

In fact, the atmosphere in the spiritual domain was not very open. Spiritual cultivators were often very loyal to their partners. If someone had two wives or two husbands, they would be looked down upon by others.

However, the decadence of the imperial court had created a different culture. Many nobles, like the Third Prince, would have beautiful women accompanying them even at feasts.

Over time, this kind of behavior was no longer considered shameful, but rather a sign of flaunting one's power.

Zhan Yunwei was suddenly aware that she had been biased against Yue Zhiheng. If he were from the immortal sect, she would never have thought of him that way.

Realizing her mistake, she had always wanted to apologize or make amends, but hadn't found the right opportunity.

On the morning of the sixth day of July, the mute woman's medicine had run out.

When the news came to the Chentian Mansion in the morning, Yue Zhiheng simply said, "I know."

He burned the secret letter in his hand.

That afternoon, Zhan Yunwei noticed that the mute woman appeared at the courtyard gate, looking anxious as she waited for Yue Zhiheng to take her to the imperial court.

The mute woman only ever left her home on the day her medicine ran out.

Her medicine required a peculiar concoction: her own blood as a base and a rare catalyst, Fo Yi Jia Lan. This ingredient could now only be found in the possession of the Spiritual Emperor.

This day was also when Yue Zhiheng demonstrated his loyalty to the emperor—personally presenting his greatest vulnerability into the emperor's hands.

Initially, Zhan Yunwei didn't know what the mute woman was going to do.

In her past life, she had seen Yue Zhiheng take Yue Qingluo to the imperial court. Back then, she hadn't cared about their affairs. But this time, when the mute woman stood at the gate, she smiled at Zhan Yunwei before remembering something and motioning toward Yue Zhiheng.

Yue Zhiheng approached her, blocking Zhan Yunwei's view of their interaction, so she couldn't see what the mute woman said.

The mute woman said: "Ah Heng, why don't you bring your wife along?"

Her eyes were eager. "This is your first year of marriage. Tomorrow is Qixi Festival, and I heard that couples usually spend it together. There will be fireworks and lanterns in the imperial court. Bring her along; she'll love it."

Yue Zhiheng remained unmoved and said coolly, "Why are you trying to please her?"

After all, Miss Zhan might not appreciate it. She didn't like the imperial court's lanterns; she only admired the immortal mountains and the people there.

The mute woman was puzzled. "Did you two have a fight? Your temper seems off."

Yue Zhiheng didn't respond, merely saying, "Let's go."

The mute woman ignored him. In this matter, she was exceptionally stubborn, convinced that she and Yue Zhiheng could win Zhan Yunwei over. She walked up to Zhan Yunwei, took her hand, and said, "Sister-in-law, let's go see the lanterns."

Zhan Yunwei couldn't help but glance at Yue Zhiheng. He leaned against the doorframe, meeting her gaze with an indifferent expression.

In the end, all three boarded the Xuanwu Carriage.

The mute woman couldn't speak, and the other two remained silent. Zhan Yunwei wanted to apologize, but it didn't seem appropriate to bring it up in front of Yue Qingluo.

When the carriage hit a bump, the mute woman, sitting in the best spot, barely swayed. Zhan Yunwei wasn't so lucky; the tilt of the carriage almost sent her flying.

Just when she thought she was going to fall, someone caught her. She ended up in Yue Zhiheng's arms.

Before she could steady herself, Yue Zhiheng grabbed her by the back of her collar and placed her to the side.

"..."

The mute woman gave them a surprised look, then smiled knowingly.

Outside, a few mutated evil spirits appeared, but Yue Zhiheng didn't need to intervene. The guards from the Chentian Mansion swiftly dealt with them.

When they arrived at the imperial court, Zhan Yunwei finally understood that the mute woman was there to prepare medicine. Was this also part of why Yue Zhiheng served the emperor?

Now only Yue Zhiheng and Zhan Yunwei were left in the Xuanwu Carriage. The mute woman wouldn't be out until the next day, so they had to stay overnight at the Chentian Mansion.

"Lord Yue, I spoke out of turn before and held prejudices against you. I apologize."

"Also, thank you for saving me earlier."

Seeing his indifferent expression, she hesitated before pulling out a small item she had been holding.

The sachet had been completed a few days ago. She had planned to give it to Yue Zhiheng before leaving.

Since she would have to leave on Qixi, this might be her only chance.

"This is your gift for the Zhongyuan Festival. I've finished it. Could you see if there's anything that needs to be changed?"

As she said, it was a beautiful sachet in icy blue.

The design of the artifact soul on it was incredibly lifelike. Yue Zhiheng glanced at it, but before he could speak, the artifact soul flew excitedly out of his jade belt, circling the sachet curiously.

Zhan Yunwei watched the artifact soul closely. It seemed to like the sachet.

So that meant Lord Yue liked it too, right?

The artifact soul placed the sachet in Yue Zhiheng's hand. He stared at it for a long time before saying, "No changes are needed."

In truth, there was no reason for such things to stir up emotions.

When they first met, he hadn't been this way. Even years later, when he saw Zhan Yunwei for the first time again at the Third Prince's residence, her disheveled state hadn't stirred his emotions.

But in just two short months, it wasn't only Zhan Yunwei who had crossed a line.

A faint sense of resentment rose in his heart as he gripped the sachet tightly.

Is this your apology, Miss Zhan? For this time or for the next?

That Qixi night was bustling with activity. The mute woman had yet to return.

Sky lanterns fell continuously, but the Chentian Mansion was like an impenetrable fortress, with not a single lantern able to enter.

Zhan Yunwei looked up. Most of the nearby lanterns bore the wishes of ordinary people.

One orchid-shaped lantern caught her eye. Its content was no different from the others—simple poetry, yet the handwriting was unmistakable. Her heart raced. Pei Yujing was here.

"What's on that lantern?"

The sudden voice behind her startled her, and her heart nearly skipped a beat. Turning around, she saw Yue Zhiheng's gaze coincidentally fixed on the same lantern that bore Pei Yujing's writing.

Zhan Yunwei's scalp tingled for a moment.

She had always feared Yue Zhiheng's sharp instincts. But seeing no change in his expression, she let out a sigh of relief.

There was no need to be so nervous. After all, Yue Zhiheng couldn't possibly recognize Pei Yujing's handwriting.

"Just some ordinary poetry. Are you done with your work, Lord Yue?"

Since morning, Yue Zhiheng had been sketching artifact designs. It seemed he hadn't drawn for a long time.

"Mm." Yue Zhiheng withdrew his gaze. "You've been looking for a while. Do you want to take a walk?"

Zhan Yunwei had been prepared to spend the night in the Chentian Mansion. She hadn't expected Yue Zhiheng to ask her that.

If they could leave, it would naturally be for the best. After all, the Chentian Mansion was Yue Zhiheng's territory. In a real fight, the immortal sect wouldn't have the upper hand.

She hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

Yue Zhiheng glanced at her but said nothing, leading her out.

The streets were bustling with activity. This was a special day, and the Chentian Mansion guards hadn't followed them. Everywhere, there were sugar figure vendors and street performers—some of them spirit tamers.

Spirit tamers in the imperial court had limited freedom. Some noble spiritual cultivators believed it was safest to keep them confined in their inner courtyards. Perhaps only on this day did so many spirit tamers venture out. Most of them carried lanterns in their hands.

Zhan Yunwei couldn't help but glance around. She knew that Senior Brother Pei and the others from the immortal sect were definitely nearby. Yet everyone looked like them, and yet no one did.

A jade rabbit lantern was held out in front of her. It was exquisitely crafted and adorable.

She accepted the lantern and couldn't help but glance at Yue Zhiheng.

He said, "Ah Jie asked me to take you around. Is there anything else you want?"

She withdrew her wandering thoughts and shook her head. By the riverbank, many people were releasing floating lanterns. At a glance, the river looked as if it were dotted with starlight—an exceptionally beautiful sight.

The crowd grew thicker, and several children holding windmills nearly bumped into Zhan Yunwei.

Yue Zhiheng took off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. The cloak wasn't an ordinary garment but a magical artifact. Wearing it, she didn't feel warm but rather a soothing coolness. It also protected her from being jostled.

The more Zhan Yunwei thought about it, the stranger Yue Zhiheng's behavior seemed today.

In truth, she had noticed something unusual since they set out yesterday. Yue Zhiheng should have stopped being angry at her once she apologized for her thoughtless words.

Yet it felt as if some unspoken frustration lingered, quiet but persistent.

When she looked at him again, Yue Zhiheng's expression was calm, as if her suspicions were just her imagination.

There were stalls selling pastries, and Yue Zhiheng bought a packet and handed it to her. Zhan Yunwei took a distracted bite.

If she wasn't mistaken, the pastry vendor had given her an extra glance too.

This kind of situation was the most nerve-wracking. She looked up and felt that the street performer was watching her as well.

Which one was Pei Yujing? Which one was Zhan Shujing?

If they had used a disguise pill, she wouldn't be able to tell.

When they reached the riverbank, Zhan Yunwei even felt that the boatman on the pleasure barge seemed suspicious. She was about to take a closer look when a sharp pain at her chin made her freeze.

She turned and met Yue Zhiheng's cold eyes. In the past, his eyes were a light shade of ink, but now they had darkened considerably.

"Miss Zhan, did you hear what I just said?"

"…" Oh no. Had he said something?

Yue Zhiheng lowered his gaze and calmly repeated, "I said, there's a crumb of pastry at the corner of your mouth."

So, have you found your Senior Brother Pei after all this aimless searching?

She lowered her head to retrieve a handkerchief, but before she could, his fingers brushed against her lips. She froze, then couldn't help but look up.

"The other day, you asked me how to remain composed. Do you remember?"

Of course, Zhan Yunwei hadn't forgotten the cause of her current predicament. She couldn't say she didn't remember and was now acutely aware of Yue Zhiheng's fingers lightly brushing against her lips.

If he simply wanted to clean off the crumb, he should have finished by now.

The thought of her sect companions potentially being nearby made her want to disappear on the spot. She couldn't help grabbing his wrist. "Lord Yue, I don't think I want to know anymore."

This spot was secluded, shielded by willow trees. Unless someone intentionally focused on them, no one would notice what they were doing.

When she felt a hand gently gripping the back of her neck, Zhan Yunwei immediately guessed his intention.

Her lashes fluttered as her eyes widened. Yue Zhiheng leaned closer.

Though their faces were near, their lips didn't meet. It was as if he only wanted to see the shock on her face. "We've been wandering for a while now, Miss Zhan. Have you spotted where those immortal sect vermin are hiding?"

He waited silently, knowing there was a way to end this without further conflict if she just cooperated.

But Zhan Yunwei realized she'd been outmaneuvered. Yue Zhiheng had probably figured things out as early as yesterday. She could only warn those who came to rescue her: "You all—"

Yue Zhiheng's gaze bore into her. Did she ever consider his fate if he lost? Did she always believe he deserved to die?

Her words faltered and were cut short when Yue Zhiheng pressed his hand firmly over her mouth. With a laugh, he said, "Did you know, Zhan Yunwei, sometimes I want to just strangle you and be done with it?"

In the blink of an eye, a streak of sword energy came slashing toward them.

Yue Zhiheng didn't even look up. A shard of ice flew out, shattering the attack.

So, they were finally done hiding?

Yue Zhiheng lifted his gaze to see a white-clad swordsman standing atop a platform. Their eyes met, and in both, there was unmistakable murderous intent.

The other's white sword spirit had taken on a physical form.

Yue Zhiheng's ice-blue artifact spirit also emerged, its form growing instantly in size.