Mu Rongsa was just wondering why Hua Che suddenly acted so strangely, when he suddenly caught sight of Chu Binghuan standing in the distance. His hair stood on end instantly.

It was widely known that the eldest son of Yuntian Shuijing, Chu Binghuan, had a cold temperament and a lofty character. Mu Rongsa, as the distinguished young master of Fengming Valley, wasn't afraid of his imposing aura. However, he felt a chill running down his spine when considering the situation from Hua Che's perspective. In Mu Rongsa's opinion, Hua Che's enmity with Chu Binghuan left him in a pitiful state, being pursued by the powerful Chu Binghuan. This made Mu Rongsa shudder.

Adding to that, Chu Binghuan's intimidating dark expression.

Mu Rongsa's intuition told him that things were about to get bad.

In the world of cultivation, the main focus of the Shang Qing Immortal Sect was the path of the sword, while the Ye You Mansion focused on musical instruments. On the other hand, Yuntian Shuijing specialized in the healing arts. Chu Binghuan, a young cultivator who had gained fame in the cultivation world, was the most outstanding medical cultivator in the history of Yuntian Shuijing.

Normally, sword cultivators were considered the strongest, and medical cultivators the weakest, as the former possessed a natural cutting edge with a body full of killing intent, while the latter exuded the fragrance of medicinal herbs, showing compassion and mercy.

Thus, sword cultivators and medical cultivators were complete opposites.

However, Chu Binghuan was an exception. Despite cultivating in the healing arts, he was not to be underestimated in combat. Not to mention his skill in sprinkling poisonous powder, causing bleeding from all seven orifices and the burning of internal organs within minutes.

In the unpredictable world of cultivation, it was unwise to offend a skilled medical practitioner, even if Chu Binghuan had a terrible personality.

Mu Rongsa couldn't understand why Hua Che had to provoke Chu Binghuan. This was like seeking trouble from a formidable adversary. However, there was nothing he could do; after all, they were brothers!

Sighing inwardly, Mu Rongsa put on a stern expression, stepped forward with his sword, and courteously said, "Sir Chu, please give us some face."

Chu Binghuan's gaze bypassed Mu Rongsa and fell on Hua Che, who was shrinking behind Mu Rongsa.

Cancelling the engagement……because of a sweetheart.

Hah, very good!

Chu Binghuan's expression darkened. As he approached with his sword, Hua Che, like a startled bird, grabbed Mu Rongsa's arm and shouted, "Run, run, run!"

Mu Rongsa quickly changed direction, his sword soaring into the sky.

Hua Che exclaimed, "Land quickly."

Escape was futile; Chu Binghuan caught up in an instant.

Mu Rongsa, unable to adjust his chaotic aura in time, instinctively shielded Hua Che behind him. He looked at Chu Binghuan with a flattering expression and said, "Brother, brother, let's discuss this. Don't act recklessly!"

Chu Binghuan's gaze was cold as he pointed at Hua Che. "I have something to say to him."

Glancing at Mu Rongsa and supplementing, "Alone."

Mu Rongsa looked at Chu Binghuan and then at Tingquan Sword in his hand. That sword was currently shining brightly while flickering with a icy-cold light. He decisively betrayed Hua Che: "Well, brother Hua, I think some things need to be clarified. Running away blindly isn't right. After repaying your debts, you'll be a hero! Don't worry, I'll wait for you over there."

Mu Rongsa ran away dejectedly.

Hua Che stretched out his hand but didn't catch anything, feeling utterly helpless. "We agreed to face difficulties together, and now you're abandoning me like this?"

Mu Rongsa gave him a thumbs up with a triumphant expression.

Hua Che sighed. With no one around, only he and Chu Binghuan were left alone. Remembering the grudges and entanglements from his past life, the regrets in the face of death, and the frustrations of delaying others for a lifetime, he felt embarrassed to meet Chu Binghuan again.

The air became tense, filled with an awkward atmosphere.

Hua Che felt like he was being stared at by Chu Binghuan the entire time, with an unblinking and hair-raising gaze.

After an unknown amount of time, Chu Binghuan suddenly spoke, "Are you... afraid of me?"

Hua Che's heart trembled slightly.

Chu Binghuan's voice was melodious, like a mountain spring splashing like jade. It had been a long time since he had heard it.

In the past life, in the Fen Qing Palace, Chu Binghuan was either silent with a cold face or shouting hoarsely when forced by Hua Che. During those days, the most common phrases were "Don't touch me," "Shameless," "If you touch me again, I will cut off my own meridians," and similar expressions of this kind.

The dignified Demon Lord afraid of people? It was just because of guilt.

"I just... don't feel comfortable meeting you," Hua Che forced a dry laugh.

Chu Binghuan asked, "Why?"

Hua Che raised his head, summoning the courage to look at Chu Binghuan's face. "The majestic eldest son of Yuntian Shuijing tragically faced a broken engagement. If this news gets out, it wouldn't sound good. So, I..."

Chu Binghuan questioned, "So why did you break off the engagement?"

For the prideful son of the heavens to be "rejected," it was normal for him to want to understand. So, Hua Che honestly confessed, "Inappropriate social status. I didn't dare to climb too high."

Chu Binghuan probably guessed that Hua Che would say that.

In the past life, when Hua Che arrived at Yuntian Shuijing, he had missed Chu Binghuan, who was traveling to practice medicine. Mei Cailian didn't specifically mention this to him, so he didn't know that his fiancé had come looking for him and had a fierce argument with Mei Cailian.

In this life, Chu Binghuan knew that Hua Che would come to Yuntian Shuijing, but he didn't know when, so he rushed home as quickly as possible.

Who knew he was still a step too late?

What surprised Chu Binghuan was that in the past, Hua Che had been resolute and unwavering in wanting to go through with the engagement. In this life, why did he straightforwardly break off the relationship and leave?

Could history have deviations?

*

When they first met, Hua Che gave the impression of being libertine, frivolous, and careless. As they got to know each other, Chu Binghuan found that Hua Che was carefree and easygoing, optimistic and sincere, despite being talkative and never taking anything seriously. Though he spoke frivolously, he was kind and genuine.

At that time, when they were chased by demonic beasts and hiding in a cave, Hua Che, seemingly accepting death, muttered, "I promised someone to marry, and now I'm about to be eaten by demonic beasts. How pitiful! Hero, if you can survive, please send my bones to Hangzhou and give them to my dearest Nanny Jiang."

Chu Binghuan couldn't be bothered to argue about the absurdity of sending bones when he had been devoured by demonic beasts. He simply asked, "Marriage?"

"Oh, a pre-arranged marriage," Hua Che lazily leaned against the stone wall and lay down. "I come from a prestigious family, walking on roads paved with jade and drinking from vessels made of glass. I... I'm self-aware. I originally planned to take a token and break off the engagement. But then the lady of the house came out, scolded me thoroughly, and in my haste and anger, I... exaggerated and claimed we were a perfect match, that I wouldn't marry anyone else's child, that we were destined for each other. Later, I got kicked out."

"One-half of the reason I went to Shangqing Immortal Sect was to defy that lady's contempt. The other half is that I truly couldn't accept mediocrity. Even if I don't seek enlightenment and ascension, at least I can live a couple more years, explore the world, and try to do something well, not letting down my youth."

"If the hero has time, could you do me a favour? Just say that I died, the engagement is null and void, and he should marry someone else. I won't turn into a vengeful ghost to haunt him."

Chu Binghuan: "..."

"Okay, a token." Hua Che willingly handed it over. "Please return it to him for me!"

In the moment he received the jade pendant, Chu Binghuan's mind exploded. He widened his eyes in disbelief and asked, "What's the name of your fiancé?"

Hua Che, looking proud, replied, "Chu Binghuan, the eldest son of Yuntian Shuijing. Impressive, right?"

Chu Binghuan burst into laughter on the spot. Whether it was the damn fate that irritated him or some other reason, he didn't know why he was laughing, he just found it amusing.

He thought it was an ordinary encounter, never expecting that this stranger was supposed to be his future spouse.

Looking at Hua Che, who seemed completely clueless about the situation, Chu Binghuan felt extremely exhausted. "If you die, can I safely escape?"

"In that case, we can only die together," Hua Che frowned at first, then smiled again, "Dying with a distinguished gentleman like you is worth it in this lifetime."

*

"Just because of this?" The memories of his past replayed in Chu Binghuan's mind, and his expression turned cold. "I heard that you already have someone in your heart."

Chu Binghuan's gaze fell on Mu Rongsa, who was waiting in the distance.

???

Hua Che looked at Chu Binghuan, then at Mu Rongsa. Immortal Lord, did you misunderstand something?

Chu Binghuan stared at Hua Che, blocking his line of sight and forcing him to look only at him. "This engagement was arranged by my grandmother and your grandmother. If the junior doesn't comply, it's considered unfilial." Chu Binghuan's tone was firm, and he took something out of his sleeve and forcibly stuffed it into Hua Che's hand, saying, "Don't lose it."

Hua Che looked down, and it was the jade pendant engraved with the words "Tianyu."

No.

How did he end up back here after going in circles?

Hua Che: "Chu Young Master, I..."

"Where are you going?" Chu Binghuan interrupted him. This path wasn't leading to Shangqing Immortal Sect.

Hua Che naturally wouldn't tell him. Just when he was about to come up with a random excuse, Mu Rongsa, acting as the mischief-maker again, chimed in, "Hey, have you finished talking? The registration for Lingxiao Treasure Hall is until tomorrow night. We need to hurry to Lingxiao Peak!"

Hua Che: "..."

Chu Binghuan looked surprised. "Are you going to Lingxiao Treasure Hall?"

Now there was no way to make up excuses. Hua Che could only reluctantly nod.

"Let's go." Chu Binghuan naturally held Hua Che's wrist, saying, "I'll go to Lingxiao Treasure Hall with you."

Hua Che almost stumbled.

What's going on?

Going together? No, no, no!

Aren't you supposed to go to Shangqing Immortal Sect?

Hua Che was going crazy inside but couldn't question him face-to-face. He could only look up at the sky with a look of despair.

*

Lingxiao Treasure Hall—

Tile houses, thatched cottages, and stone-bricked floors with beautiful spider-web-like cracks, and walls with faded red paint that flaked off at a touch.

Under an old pagoda tree was a recliner, where an old man lay, lazily shaking a palm-leaf fan.

This was the current head of Lingxiao Treasure Hall, unaware that his declining sect was about to welcome two esteemed guests.

One, the head of the number one immortal sect that spanned the six realms, with formidable cultivation that could make demons and evil spirits flee within a thousand miles.

The other, the ruler of the ghost and demon realms, commanding the two paths of ghosts and demons, the overlord of the ages.

Oh, and one more.

Aspiring to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jade Emperor, eyeing the position of the sect leader, Mu Rongsa, the young master.

 

Translator : DarNan