Returning to Dustless Island, Xu Shulou brought Xuan Yang to the Punishnt Hall and greeted the disciple Li Qi inside, instructing him not to treat the prisoner harshly. Then she headed straight for Bright Moon Peak.
Though autumn had settled over the mortal world, peach blossoms still blood in the mountains.
Zhang Baihe, clad in white robes, reclined beneath a peach tree, sipping wine. When he spotted her, a faint smile flickered in his eyes.
"Shulou, you're back."
Xu Shulou's nose tingled with emotion. "Uncle Zhang..."
"Co, sit," Zhang Baihe beckoned warmly. "Song Ping has already told everything. You went through so much to bring back."
She took her seat. On the small table beneath the tree sat a wine jar and two cups—one of jade, clearly reserved for her.
Zhang Baihe studied her with concern. "The gu poison in you..."
"It's been cured," Xu Shulou poured the wine. "Everything is fine now."
"Good, that's good." He exhaled in relief. "That Fan Yang truly was a despicable wretch. You did well to kill him."
Xu Shulou laughed. "For that, I'll drink to you."
Zhang Baihe retrieved sothing from his sleeve and handed it to her. "While I still had my wits about , I made you a bamboo dragonfly. But you've grown so mature now—I don’t know if such a simple toy can still cheer you up."
Her heart ached. The letters from her sect had ntioned that Zhang Baihe’s lucidity wasn’t permanent.
In monts of clarity, he was the gallant, free-spirited swordsman in white. But when lost to madness, he beca a lowly demon—devoid of dignity or reason, consud only by the craving for human flesh.
He couldn’t wield his magic, lest he lose control entirely. Even sothing as simple as a storage pouch was beyond his use, forcing him to carry the bamboo dragonfly carefully in his robes.
Beside him lay a sword, though not his fad spiritual blade, "Youth’s Ardor." That treasured weapon had long been lost sowhere during his mindless wanderings.
"Then I thank you, Uncle Zhang." Xu Shulou accepted the dragonfly with a smile, then retrieved a slightly worn one from her Qiankun Bracelet. "I’ve kept the old one all this ti."
She always cherished the kindness others showed her.
Zhang Baihe’s expression softened. "You’ve always been such a thoughtful child..."
Xu Shulou downed her wine in one gulp. "Uncle, there’s sothing I need to ask you."
"I know what you want to ask." He sighed. "You wish to know who hard ."
She nodded, her gaze firm and unyielding.
"It was Elder Wei who gave a cultivation manual," Zhang Baihe said, still holding his cup.
"Elder Wei?" Xu Shulou’s expression darkened. "Wei Xuandao?"
Wei Xuandao was Lu Beichen’s master, a high-ranking elder of the Lingxiao Sect whose status even overshadowed Fan Yang, the sect leader’s trusted aide.
Xu Shulou had t him years ago during a joint campaign between their sects, and her impression of him had been far from favorable. Wei Xuandao and his beloved disciple Lu Beichen were cut from the sa cloth—both unbearably arrogant. The only difference was that the elder knew how to veil his disdain slightly better.
Back then, he had insisted on commanding her in battle. Her temper had been shorter in those days, and she hadn’t humored him.
So she had every reason to believe Wei Xuandao’s opinion of her was equally poor. Their mutual dislike was a two-way street.
Zhang Baihe gave a faint nod. Remarkably, he seed to harbor little resentnt toward the man who had ruined him. "I don’t believe he ant to harm . There was no benefit for him in doing so. We had no grudges, and his cultivation and status far surpassed mine. I was no threat to him."
Xu Shulou lowered her eyes. "Uncle, can you tell what happened?"
"Very well. I knew you wouldn’t rest until you heard the whole story. It’s actually quite simple. Elder Wei gave a manual along with so pills, claiming they were serendipitous finds. He said combining them would rapidly enhance one’s cultivation. Naturally, I was skeptical, but I thought there was no harm in trying." Zhang Baihe smiled bitterly. "Who knew that one attempt would reduce to this state?"
Xu Shulou frowned. "But you’ve always been a free spirit, Uncle. You never seed the type to seek such shortcuts."
"At the ti, the sect was preparing for a grand competition. The sect leader had reprimanded several tis for lagging behind," Zhang Baihe admitted. "He accused elders like of dragging the Lingxiao Sect down. I figured I ought to at least make an effort. Elder Wei likely took pity on and offered the manual out of kindness. But in the end..." He sighed. "I’m certain that after what happened to , he’ll never dabble in such things again. Still, do a favor and warn him to destroy that manual before it harms anyone else."
"...I will," Xu Shulou agreed. Then, hesitantly, she added, "You know the Lingxiao Sect sent Fan Yang to..."
"Silence ?" Zhang Baihe chuckled dryly. "Those people have always prized reputation above all else. I’m not surprised. At least I’ll never have to return."
"..."
"Enough about ," Zhang Baihe said, his tone brightening. "I stayed here waiting for you because I wanted to hear about you. Our little pride and joy—how have you been all these years?"
"I’ve been well," Xu Shulou smiled. "As you can see, I have so many juniors now, all clinging to . You don’t have to worry about being alone anymore."
"Good. That’s truly good." His smile was tender. "And what of you and Beichen?"
"We’re fine."
Zhang Baihe tugged playfully at one of her braids. "Don’t hide things from . You’re both dear to , and of course I want you to be happy. But if it isn’t working, don’t force it. That boy’s arrogance might not suit you. An engagent is just a promise—if it doesn’t bring you joy, break it. If you’re too polite to say it, let that brat Beichen be the one to call it off."
Xu Shulou laughed. "I knew you’d side with ."
"How could I not? You’ve always been easy to adore," Zhang Baihe sighed. "Even as that stubborn child, you tugged at hearts. And now... Song Ping says you let nothing trouble you, not even a love gu. That only made worry more. I had to see you for myself."
"Uncle Zhang, I’m truly happy. I swear, I find joy in every day." She pulled items from her Qiankun Bracelet, forcing a smile. "Look—this copper pot, crab roe noodles, pretty dresses—all bought from the mortal realm. I truly savor these little pleasures. You... you don’t have to worry about ."
Zhang Baihe knew she had seen through his intentions. She was reassuring him in the only way she could. His face twisted with sorrow. "You’ve always been too perceptive for your own good..."
Xu Shulou bit her lip, then finally blurted out, "Can’t you just... not..."
Zhang Baihe lowered his head with a faint smile. "I want to apologize to you. I know what you sacrificed to save . But we both know this clarity won’t last forever—I could revert to that demon at any mont. And I don’t wish to live burdened by such sins. I rember every single one of them, those who died by my hand. I rember their pleas for rcy, how I slit their bellies while they still breathed… Shulou, I’m grateful you restored my sanity, allowing this final dignity to make my own choice."
Xu Shulou studied him quietly before replying softly, "I understand. Elder Zhang, Dustless Island has done its best to compensate the families of the deceased. You… can rest easy."
"I heard. Thank you."
"…"
"Don’t grieve for ."
"Alright."
"Step away. I don’t want you to see this."
"No."
"Shulou, listen to ."
"I won’t."
Zhang Baihe relented with a sigh. "Then turn around."
"…Very well."
Xu Shulou obeyed. The sound of a drawn sword and a heavy thud followed. Her grip tightened around the bamboo dragonfly in her hand.
But she didn’t shed tears. She had promised many to live joyfully.
"You go ahead. Once I uncover the truth, I’ll send those who hard you to join you."
The peach blossoms still blood brilliantly beneath the tree where two cups sat—now only one person remained to drain the jar of wine.
After Zhang Baihe’s passing, Xu Shulou’s junior disciples took turns keeping her company to ease her sorrow.
That day, it was Bai Roushuang’s turn. Leaning against Xu Shulou, she chatted idly about her visit to Dustless Island’s ancestral hall. "Among the portraits of ascended ancestors, there was a beautiful woman holding a rabbit—she looked just like the Moon Goddess Chang’e!"
Understanding her intent, Xu Shulou humored her with a nod. "That was Chang’e."
"What? Chang’e was a cultivator from Dustless Island? I thought she beca immortal by drinking the elixir of life?"
"There are two legends about Chang’e. The first, the most widespread, tells of her stealing the elixir and forever regretting it. The second claims she ascended as a martial goddess through sword cultivation."
"So which is true?"
"It’s been a thousand years. Even I don’t know. Believe whichever you prefer."
Bai Roushuang sighed. "You’re terrible at storytelling."
Xu Shulou chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Go practice your sword now."
"Elder Sister Xu," a disciple interrupted, "Lu Beichen of Lingxiao Sect has arrived with his entourage."
Xu Shulou nodded. "I’ll et him."
Lu Beichen waited at the foot of Bright Moon Peak, hurrying forward upon seeing her. "Shulou, are you alright?"
"I’m fine," she replied. "Elder Lu, have you co for Elder Zhang?"
Lu Beichen confird, "Yes. The sect heard Younger Uncle had regained his senses and sent us to escort him back."
Lingxiao Sect had brought lavish gifts—after all, it was shaful enough that one of their disciples had dared to plant a love curse on another sect’s disciple. They even theatrically expelled the deceased Fan Yang from their ranks, barring him from their ancestral tombs, and announced that Fan Zhi had been punished with bone-piercing nails and confined to a glacial cave for repentance.
Their preparations to retrieve Zhang Baihe were exhaustive.
"…"
Misreading her silence, Lu Beichen hastily explained, "Fan Yang acted alone! I asked the sect leader—no kill order was ever issued. It was all Fan Yang’s doing. Younger Uncle won’t face hostility upon returning."
Xu Shulou shook her head. "You’re too late. Elder Zhang took his own life. Dustless Island sent word—had you departed two days later, you’d have received the news."
"What? Younger Uncle, he…" Lu Beichen paled.
Xu Shulou nodded.
"Why would he…?"
"You know why."
Lu Beichen’s eyes reddened. After a long pause, he whispered, "Then… please let offer incense."
"Of course." She led him silently to the coffin, watching as he paid his respects before sighing softly.
Once the Lingxiao disciples finished their offerings, Lu Beichen pulled Xu Shulou aside. "I should bring Younger Uncle’s remains ho."
Xu Shulou refused. "He didn’t wish to return."
"Damn Fan Yang!" Lu Beichen clenched his fists but finally relented. "Fine. I won’t insist…"
"Others may co to Dustless Island to pay respects."
"I’ll convey that." Lu Beichen hesitated. "There’s another matter. My master believes he can help with your love curse. He asked to bring you to Lingxiao Sect for examination."
"Your master? Wei Xuandao?" Xu Shulou nearly revealed the curse was already broken but held back. "Since when does he study love curses?"
"I never knew either. But it’s an unsavory topic—hardly sothing he’d advertise. Still, he claims he might have a solution."
"He wants to go to Lingxiao Sect?" Xu Shulou arched a brow. "After I killed Fan Yang, I assud your sect would rather never see again."
Lu Beichen frowned. "Master Wei is reasonable. He knows Fan Yang was at fault. He won’t hold it against you."
Reasonable? Skeptical but intrigued, Xu Shulou agreed.
Wei Xuandao…
He lacked motive to harm Zhang Baihe, yet sothing felt amiss.
Mulling over the na, she nodded. "I’ll go with you."
After bidding farewell to her juniors at Bright Moon Peak, Xu Shulou explained her plan to feign the curse’s influence and investigate Wei Xuandao, urging them to keep its dissolution secret.
Ji Ci nearly leapt up. "What if the old fox realizes you’re not cursed?"
"I doubt he understands curses. Even if he does, why offer help? He’s always disliked . I suspect ulterior motives."
Even cautious Song Ping voiced concern. "Elder Sister, better safe than sorry. What if he truly knows?"
"Then I'll just make up so excuse," Xu Shulou shrugged. "You don't need to worry too much. I rember he and Fan Yang aren't particularly close, so it's unlikely he's luring there just to kill ."
The others imdiately erupted in protest.
Xu Shulou sighed. "Wei Xuandao is only at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage. Even if I can't defeat him, I can certainly escape."
"But what if he has other allies?" soone argued.
Xu Shulou shook her head in exasperation. She was rely going to investigate, yet her junior disciples were acting as though she were heading off for a life-or-death duel with Wei Xuandao. She reassured them, "Relax. If I don't return within a month, just drag our master out of seclusion and ask him to trouble the sect leader to co rescue ."
The group reluctantly quieted down, though Bai Roushuang piped up, asking to accompany her.
"Go play sowhere else," Xu Shulou dismissed her little junior sister rcilessly. "If you tag along, I’ll have to pretend the love curse is acting up and get jealous of you."
Bai Roushuang pouted in frustration but couldn't think of a good counterargunt. She briefly considered dumping Lu Beichen on the spot just to prove her sincerity.
Seeing even the most favored junior sister shot down, the others began stirring restlessly again.
With a careless flick of her sleeve, Xu Shulou refused to take a single disciple with her. "Stop fussing over . Stay ho, eat properly, and behave yourselves. I'm off."
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