Chapter 226: Never Again Like the Play of Youth

Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

Nan Gong Ye, clad in a black-and-white Daoist robe, entered the Eight-Faced Illuminated Pagoda; the personnel moving about were far fewer than usual.

The Imperial Astronomical Bureau originally had thirty-six Immortal Officials and over seventy Astronomy Students, all drawn from the great clans and sects of Da Qian. With the establishment of the Protect-the-Country Temple, Jingkong and others formerly affiliated with the Buddhist sect were naturally transferred over.

Recently, Huangmen Lang Xu Tong and others petitioned again to bring Wei Wu Yi to the capital; naturally, Immortal Officials like Huo Zhonghu, who came from martial sects, were also reassigned there.

Although the Three Wu Ancestors all held the nominal title of Deputy Director at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, in reality the old bureau had been split into three parts, each with identical duties and fierce competition among them; Director Wu Zheng merely played a mediating role.

As Sect Master of Zi Hui Mountain, Nan Gong Ye naturally felt deep concern at this scene, for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau did not merely oversee the capital, but the entire Da Qian’s sects.

Previously, Lu Wu Zhen’s word was law; if he suspected trouble in Fengzhou, he could directly deal with Duan Yuechou—Fengshan Society, if it wished to remain legitimate, had to say, “I too can negotiate; I too love Da Qian.” But from now on, people like Duan Yuechou would unquestioningly obey Wei Wu Yi and no longer grant the Daoist sects any face.

Nan Gong Ye did not know whether the three factions would now join hands to suppress demons, or descend into open and covert strife, becoming a tangled mess; as she pondered thus, she arrived at the meeting hall.

Last time, when borrowing the Yin-Yang Ruler, Nan Gong Ye told Xie Jin Huan that an elder from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, who was close to Lu Wu Zhen, would return it; naturally, she came now to return it and also recounted the events at Huofeng Valley.

Lu Wu Zhen had already heard of Huofeng Valley’s situation; after taking the Yin-Yang Ruler, he shook his head and sighed:

“The Divination School excels at observing stars and qi; predicting the approximate year when fate’s opportunity arises is not strange. But the presence of Xu Guanfu, Yan Lang, and Jiang Qizi is suspicious—if we assume the worst, someone deliberately orchestrated this.”

Nan Gong Ye had secretly gone ahead to seek the treasure, only to encounter four local warlords in succession; she found it impossible to believe no one had manipulated events, and asked doubtfully:

“Could Master Lu guess who is behind this scheme?”

Lu Wu Zhen had some suspicions, but without evidence, he could not speak plainly; he merely said:

“Only someone of profound cultivation, an ancient elder, could track your movements and set a trap to pit one tiger against another, drawing in three Super-Class figures from both inside and outside the pass. But this scheme was executed with extreme secrecy; those on the surface are all pawns, making it nearly impossible to confirm identities.”

Nan Gong Ye frowned, realizing that in the south, few possessed such ability—but their identities were too sensitive to mention lightly.

Lu Wu Zhen chatted casually for a moment, then asked:

“Xie Jin Huan is soon leaving for Bei Zhou. Are you going with him?”

?

Nan Gong Ye’s heart stiffened; after a moment’s deliberation, she said:

“I’ve only met this boy by chance; we’re separated by a generation. His travels should be with Qing Mo; constantly trailing behind to guard him isn’t appropriate…”

Lu Wu Zhen had already been shocked to hear Li Chi had a concubine; he naturally never imagined that the ever-cold Nan Gong Sect Master had done anything beyond guarding him behind the scenes. Seeing this, he said:

“Xie Jin Huan is drawing too much attention; it’s no harm to accompany him as his guardian. But a new emperor means new ministers; our Dan Ding Sect cannot remain silent. I just discussed with several Daoist friends—we plan to gather the Sect Masters from across the realm to the capital in a few days. It’s merely ceremonial, but as Sect Master of Zi Hui Mountain and a key figure tied to the Dan Wang family, if you have time, you must attend.”

Nan Gong Ye understood the meaning—upon the new emperor’s ascension, the Sect Leader must convene a meeting to instruct all Sect Masters in loyalty and patriotism; as the local authority tied to the Dan Wang family, she too must speak well of the Dan Wang, affirming Dan Ding Sect’s political stance.

“Understood. I’ll prepare these two days and will certainly attend.”

…

—

She emerged from the palace already in the afternoon.

Xie Jin Huan stood at the palace gate, scanning the towering city where he had lived for sixteen years; since his loved ones were gone, his heart had already flown to Bei Zhou. After standing still for a moment, he hurried to Fengyi River.

A two-story building stood by the riverbank, windows open, but no dream bride waited like a stone of longing.

Xie Jin Huan leapt through the window and saw the woman in a black dress seated on the terrace in meditation, her expression cold and distant—as if she hadn’t noticed his arrival…

Xie Jin Huan felt the ice block still hadn’t thawed; he sat down beside her, tilting his head to observe:

“You’re back? You vanished without word a few days ago—I worried all the way. I’m about to leave for Bei Zhou…”

Nan Gong Ye, hearing Xie Jin Huan’s voice, recalled the mortifying scene of being caught riding a horse while accepting his caresses—and publicly humiliated. But since it had happened, she suppressed her emotions and said calmly:

“I still have official duties. You go ahead; I’ll come straight to Yanjing after I’m done.”

Xie Jin Huan frowned, reaching out to grip her shoulder:

“Still angry? Sister Hua already left you to handle it yourself—and kept it secret for you…”

Nan Gong Ye truly feared meeting the demoness, but this wasn’t an excuse; her eyes showed faint helplessness:

“I’m not a little girl; I won’t keep throwing tantrums. I really have official business—it’ll take four or five days. Go ahead. I’ll join you soon; it’s only a few days.”

Xie Jin Huan was half-skeptical, studying the ice block:

“You’re always cold. How do I know you’re telling the truth? You say you’re not angry—prove it.”

How can I prove it?

Nan Gong Ye couldn’t drag Xie Jin Huan to Lu Wu Zhen for verification; after a moment’s hesitation, she offered a faint smile:

“Is this enough?”

Xie Jin Huan rarely saw the ice block smile beyond the “Smile-Dispelling Pills”; he thought this look was truly beautiful, but shook his head:

“Your smile’s fake—you’re clearly lying. I’ll stay with you these days. When you’re no longer angry and ready to leave, then I’ll depart.”

Nan Gong Ye didn’t mind Xie Jin Huan waiting for her—but as she waited, dressed in her Daoist robe with thigh-high stockings, speaking from above, Xie Jin Huan below stared in disbelief. After a moment’s thought, she could only speak calmly:

“I’m truly not angry. How can you believe me?”

“Hmm…”

Xie Jin Huan scanned the ice block’s statuesque figure, deep in thought.

??

Nan Gong Ye still bore psychological trauma from being caught in flagrante; she dared not act rashly again.

But she had promised to co-practice to Super-Class; she couldn’t refuse him now just because she’d been caught…

Seeing this brat insist she prove she wasn’t angry, Nan Gong Ye hesitated, then turned her gaze away—neither responding nor refusing.

Xie Jin Huan now knew the dream bride had something on her mind; he made no pretense, slid his hand under her knees, and lifted her up:

“We won’t see each other for seven or eight days, plus the previous four or five—that’s half a month. Cultivation is a slow, steady art; we can’t waste it. So I’ll complete half a month’s practice in one go—with you.”

?!

Nan Gong Ye had not resisted before, but hearing this, she panicked instantly.

After all, every previous detox or practice session had been limited; now to practice half a month’s worth at once—would she even survive?

“No! I’ll only practice once with you—then you must leave immediately…”

“You’re still angry, aren’t you?”

“I’m not angry! Hey?”

Thud~

Xie Jin Huan tossed the ice block onto the bed; seeing her shrink back with her phoenix eyes wide, he grabbed her ankle and yanked her forward:

“You already agreed—how we practice is no longer up to you, Lady Mu. Lie still…”

“Xie Jin Huan!”

Nan Gong Ye was no one to be easily subdued; she immediately tried to rise and refuse.

But now she had no choice—her back was pinned to the pillow, and she twisted and thrashed, pummeling him wildly.

But this brat was thick-skinned and utterly unfazed; amid the tussle, he delivered the Silver Dragon Eight Forms!

What followed—Crimson Dragon Tail Sweep, Yellow Dragon Reclining Path, Black Dragon Ramming Pillar—Nan Gong Ye couldn’t endure half of it before her mind went numb; she could only submit, even enduring again the most forbidden acts, thankfully sustained by her Grain Grain Bigu Pills…

When she finally came to, it was noon the next day; she wore red-heeled shoes, sprawled on the embroidered bed like a cat stretching, hair disheveled, eyes dazed…

All of Xie Jin Huan’s accumulated fatigue from days of travel vanished; though his body had been overtaxed, he lay beside her, gazing at the dazed ice block:

“We agreed—if I don’t see you in Yanjing in a few days, you’ll bear the consequences.”

“Huh…”

Nan Gong Ye pulled back a fraction of her scattered spiritual sense; she wanted to scold the brat, but lacked the energy. She turned her cheek inward, giving Xie Jin Huan only the back of her head.

“Still ignoring me? Looks like Lady Mu hasn’t been properly tended to yet…”

“Hey! I’m satisfied! I keep my word—I’ll come after I’m done!”

“That’s better…”

Nan Gong Ye gritted her teeth, yet had no recourse…

—

On the other side, Qingmiao Alley.

Qingmiao Alley lay near the National Academy, filled with low, century-old houses that stood out starkly against the surrounding magnificent buildings.

At noon, three figures dressed as ordinary drinkers sat at the entrance of an old tavern.

The elderly shopkeeper, past seventy, chopped cold dishes by the window, humming a folk tune passed down since ancient times:

“Heaven is bitter~ Earth is bitter~ Ten thousand li from south to north, yet all are heroes’ graves~…

“Buddhism is empty~ Daoism is empty~ Eighty years wandering east and west, all end as bones in tombs~…”

Wei Wu Yi, dressed in a simple scholar’s robe and carrying no weapon, sat in the main seat, tapping the table lightly with one hand, smiling as he asked:

“You’ve run this tavern for quite some time.”

The old shopkeeper chuckled, slightly proud:

“Almost a hundred years. Don’t let the size fool you—those who’ve drunk here, if you named them, would shock you.

“Back when the dynasty was founded, Ye Sheng taught at the National Academy and often came here for a drink; True Person Qixia loved the spicy chicken claws here…

“As for the Four Wu Ancestors and other youngsters, they were all green kids. My grandfather said Wei Wu Yi had a huge alcohol tolerance, constantly drank on credit and couldn’t pay, so afraid my grandfather would complain, he borrowed ten taels from Wu Xin the monk…”

Lu Wu Zhen, seated to the left, recalled his student days and gave a faint smile.

Opposite him, Wu Xin the monk sat quietly sipping tea, showing no reaction.

A century ago, during the Witch Cult rebellion, the previous dynasty collapsed entirely; nearly all senior figures of the great sects perished, leaving only mediocre ones who stayed behind. All accumulated resources were consumed in the war.

To swiftly restore order to the cultivation world, Ye Sheng personally selected a hundred promising youths from across the land, concentrated resources to train them, and served as their teacher; Mu Yunling, Fan Li, and others were among the students. The Four Wu Ancestors, the four most gifted, were placed together in a courtyard in Qingmiao Alley.

Due to their youth and constant proximity, the four were extremely close.

Lu Wu Zhen was the top student, always buried in books, often uttering foolish, bookish phrases like “The Path to Immortality, the Welfare of All.”

Wu Xin the monk had no scheming mind; he handled all chores—cleaning, fetching water—alone. His only flaw was he couldn’t bear seeing Sikong Tianyuan tormenting small animals; whenever he had time, he secretly released them.

Wei Wu Yi was an orphan Ye Sheng had picked up from outside, with no sect, no family, and a wild nature; he was too energetic, always spending his monthly allowance before month’s end, forced to borrow from the other three.

Once, Lu Wu accidentally dug up a work by Qingping Jushi, which so excited Wei Wu Yi that he exclaimed:

“Father, lend me that book—just for one night…”

But Lu Wu Zhen feared the book would be damaged by damp and wind, and refused to lend it.

Sikong Tianyuan, by contrast, was slick—he dressed impeccably every day and spent his time in the capital courting girls with Wei Wu Yi, only for them to flee in terror upon learning he was a poison rat of the Witch Cult…

Later, after completing their studies, the three returned to their respective sects, while Wei Wu Yi ventured out alone into the Jianghu, spending thirty years to claim the title of Number One in the Jianghu.

At first, the four still met occasionally, but as their positions rose and their factions’ conflicts intensified, their old camaraderie inevitably faded.

Wei Wu Yi remembered the last time he saw Lu Wu Zhen was twenty years ago, when he sought the position of Supervisor and was rebuffed. Wuxin Monk had last seen him thirty years prior, while traveling through TianTai Temple on a trip to the northwest to gather herbs.

Now, as the three returned to this old place, regardless of their outward demeanor, each felt deep emotion inside.

Wei Wu Yi gazed at the empty seat across from him, then said:

“Master once made us four live together, hoping we would treat each other as brothers and prevent sectarian strife from plunging the world into chaos. Alas, we all betrayed our master’s hopes. Now that we’ve finally awakened, I wonder if it’s still not too late.”

Wuxin Monk sipped his tea as if it were wine:

“The past cannot be undone, but the future is still within reach. As long as one truly ‘awakens,’ laying down the knife is always timely.”

Lu Wu Zhen stared at Sikong Tianyuan’s former seat:

“Awakening is one thing, but he may no longer share our heart. You were close to him once—until you’ve confirmed his intentions, don’t speak well of him.”

“Sigh… You two tolerating me at all is already rare—how could I say anything to spoil the mood?”

Wei Wu Yi lifted his wine bowl, took a sip, glanced at his two old classmates, then suddenly said:

“I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting old, but the wine doesn’t taste the same as it used to.”

Lu Wu Zhen shook his head and rose:

“Enough. There’s too much to handle in the capital—until it’s sorted, there’s no mood for drinking.”

Wuxin Monk smiled at this:

“See? Of all of us, he’s the only one unchanged—always thinking of the people, never able to sit still.”

Wei Wu Yi remembered how Lu Wu Zhen used to be, and smiled gently:

“I feel I haven’t changed either—only that I never got the chance before.”

Wuxin Monk teased: “When the Immortal Official patrols the streets at midnight and finds you in the brothels of Changle Street, then I’ll believe you haven’t changed.”

Wei Wu Yi laughed and scolded: “I’m past that age—I’ve long given up such follies. Why would I go back to places like that?”

Lu Wu Zhen had already stepped outside, but hearing this, he turned back:

“You’re still the same—fond of wine, beauty, and showing off. I never suspected you. But since you became Number One in the Jianghu, you’ve grown ever more ‘selfless, with the world in your heart.’ We’re neither sages nor saints—how can we be without desire? The more hidden your ambition, the more terrifying it usually is.”

This was a clear warning against Wei Wu Yi.

Wei Wu Yi fell silent for a moment, then raised a hand and nodded:

“You two are eloquent—I can’t argue with you. Fine, I’ll listen. Tonight, I’ll reserve a table for the Eight Immortals Banquet at Zijin Pavilion. My grandson talks nonstop about it—how even true immortals can’t pass the Eight Immortals Array. I’ve never seen it myself.”

Lu Wu Zhen said nothing more and turned to leave the alley.

Wuxin Monk followed him out.

Wei Wu Yi pulled out two taels of silver and placed them on the table. Before stepping out, he glanced back at the three empty seats, then softly sighed:

“Those not of our kind must have different hearts… If my old classmates hadn’t all treated me as an outsider, I wouldn’t have ended up saying that last part…”

…

(End of Chapter)