The Mountain Lord's Daughter

"What are you angry at me for?"

In the human realm, at the Jade Pavilion Cottage.

Inside the hall, several elder priests with white beards sighed heavily.

"Are we really going to keep this from Yu Jing forever?"

"This is something he'll find out sooner or later. When he knows the truth, he will surely resent us. The child from the Zhan family is so pitiful. Are we really going to watch him die without helping? By doing this, won't we be letting down the Lord of Changya Mountain?"

When this matter was mentioned, the elders felt as though a heavy stone was pressing on their hearts. They could not express the suffocating weight of their emotions.

During the battle of the Immortal Sect, Pei Yujing had been ordered by his master to recover the Xihe Divine Sword under the covetous eyes of the dynasty. At that time, he had suffered severe injuries, but his mind was still on his fiancée at Changya Mountain, Zhan Yunwei, and he wanted to go back to save her. Pei's mother had to stop him and deceive him, saying, "Yunwei has already left with the Lord of Changya Mountain."

"Mother didn't lie to me?"

"Of course not. How could your mother lie to you?"

He had been too seriously injured and eventually passed out. The elders of Penglai quickly took him to the human realm.

But as always, the truth cannot be concealed forever. A few days ago, Pei Yujing woke up, found that both his mother and the Penglai elders were present, but Zhan Yunwei was nowhere to be seen. He vaguely realized something and coldly asked, "Where is Junior Sister Zhan?"

One lie always needs another to cover it up. Pei's mother, knowing full well that the Lord of Changya Mountain had lost his spiritual pill, and that Zhan Yunwei and Zhan Shujing had been captured by the dynasty, still lied to him, saying, "It was too chaotic at that time. We got separated from the people of Changya Mountain. You should rest and heal. Once you're better, we will go find them."

The elders could only follow suit with the lie.

The lie was half true. They had indeed been separated from the people of Changya Mountain. If this had been any other time, they might not have gone so far to deceive Pei Yujing, who was so focused on the purity of his sword heart and had sacrificed everything for it. However, the Immortal Sect was in its weakest state now, and the dynasty's power was on the rise.

Pei Yujing was the hope of the Immortal Sect, and the Immortal Alliance would do anything to protect him. How could they allow him to risk his life for Zhan Yunwei and destroy his future?

Pei Yujing had been raised with such purity that he had never imagined that the elders who had carefully taught him all his life would secretly deceive him.

Two days ago, the Jade Pavilion Cottage sent another message—the dynasty had arranged a marriage for Zhan Yunwei with Yue Zhiheng. The wedding was scheduled for today.

The elders felt uneasy, their hearts full of guilt. They were not evil people. They remembered the clever and kind little girl from the academy, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion. They also recalled how Zhan Yunwei's father had worked tirelessly for the Immortal Sect and the people of the world, which made their hearts waver.

What had Zhan Yunwei done wrong? In the final moments of the great battle, she had still held the mountain gate to protect more people.

Should they tell Pei Yujing? Or, even if they kept it hidden, how long could they keep up the lie?

"It can't be told," said Pei Yujing's mother as she entered. Her eyes were weary but firm. "If Yu Jing finds out later, let him hate me! I'll bear all the consequences myself."

As a mother, she would rather bear her son's hatred than risk his life for this.

"But how can we do nothing?"

"Everyone knows how precious Spirit Masters are. The dynasty won't kill them," Pei's mother said coldly. "Zhan Yunwei's life is not in danger. The Sect Leader has also said that the people trapped in the dynasty are not abandoned. They just need to be rescued slowly. Right now, Yu Jing is badly injured. If he goes, he will never come back. The dynasty wants to marry her off, just thinking that he's injured. The Immortal Sect can no longer afford any sacrifices."

The elders looked grim, and after a long pause, they nodded. "But what if Yu Jing finds out later..."

Pei's mother closed her eyes. "If we can bring her back, then let him go. But..." She thought coldly, "Do you think Yue Zhiheng's people are easy to handle? Even if we bring her back, she will be someone else's wife by then."

Missed chances were missed. Even if they didn't mind, how many more times could they bear such estrangement?

Furthermore, there was an even more important matter that would surely delay Pei Yujing.

"The Xihe Sword has reacted."

Ten days ago, the long-dormant Xihe Sword began to show signs of life. The blade started emitting layers of sword intent. There was no sword sheath in the world that could match this divine sword. To prevent the sword from escaping or causing harm, it was necessary to establish a master for the sword first.

However, the ancient divine sword choosing its master was something that only existed in history books. Millions of years had passed, and no one knew how the sword would choose its master.

But this did not stop the elders from looking pleased. Was there anyone more suitable than Pei Yujing to wield this sword?

For this day, the elders had long been prepared. Penglai had a special set of methods specifically for binding the Immortal Sword to its master, but it required six months of seclusion with the sword.

Six months later...

The elders exchanged glances, and even if Zhan Yunwei was rescued, they hoped that Pei Yujing would no longer be so fixated.

In front of the attic, upon learning that Pei Yujing would soon enter seclusion, Ming Xiu breathed a sigh of relief.

She was the daughter of the Lord of the Medicine King Valley and had admired Pei Yujing since she was young. However, Pei Yujing had never shown any interest in her. Her family had long warned her that someone with the "sword bone" like Pei Yujing should never fall in love. If that were the case, then it would have been fine, but unexpectedly, Pei Yujing later grew fond of a woman.

Ming Xiu both envied and resented this, but fortunately, this time, Zhan Yunwei had been kept in the Dynasty and was about to be forced to marry someone else.

Ming Xiu, recalling the gossip she had overheard, felt a sense of joy in her heart. She pushed the door open and said, "Senior Brother Pei, I've brought you some medicine."

Inside the room, the man had a handsome face and a clean, refined demeanor.

In the human realm, it was May, and the wind was blowing outside the window. Countless spirit birds formed from the man's hand flew out of the window.

Pei Yujing coughed lightly twice but did not look at her. "Thank you, Junior Sister Ming, just leave it there."

Ming Xiu glared resentfully at the spirit birds. "Senior Brother Pei, my father said you need to rest and should not consume any more spiritual energy."

"It's fine," Pei Yujing replied indifferently.

Pei Yujing was restless. Although his mother and the elders had promised to find the Lord of Changya Mountain and Zhan Yunwei, until he heard any news of her, he could not find peace in his heart.

In a few days, he would have to enter seclusion with the Divine Sword, and he could only hope that one of the spirit birds he released would find her trace.

Countless spirit birds flapped their wings, flying from the human realm to the Spirit Domain.

Madam Pei stood at the barrier of the Jade Tower, summoning the artifact she had obtained from the Panglai Sect Leader to trap these spirit birds. With her current cultivation, she could no longer stop Pei Yujing's spiritual power.

However, Pei Yujing was too naive and trusted people too much. By the time he learned not to trust others and began to grow cold-hearted, Zhan Yunwei… would have already lost faith in him many times over.

In the Spirit Domain's Fenhe County, at the Yue family.

Today, everyone knew that the eldest son of the Yue family was getting married. The people of Fenhe County gathered early in front of the mansion to watch the commotion. However, unexpectedly, although the mansion was decorated festively, there were no noble guests entering or leaving, and instead, the Dynasty's soldiers surrounded the mansion in layers.

Some people couldn't help but mutter, "This doesn't look like a wedding at all, there are hardly any guests, only dogs from the Che Tianfu."

Another person lowered their voice and said, "You're right, the bride is the fiancée of the 'Heavenly White Jade Capital,' Miss Zhan from Changya Mountain. This is clearly not about the wedding. Everyone can see that their intentions lie elsewhere."

The people of the county sighed in regret, but dared not discuss matters concerning the Che Tianfu, only asking curiously, "I've heard Miss Zhan is extraordinarily beautiful. Will we get to see her today?"

"The Xuanwu carriage is almost here. When she comes out, perhaps we'll get a distant glimpse of her."

Inside the heavily guarded Yue mansion, Fang Huai looked at the returning person, raised his eyebrows, and smiled, "So, did I tell you the truth?"

The person lowered their hood, revealing the cold and stern face of Yue Zhiheng.

Yue Zhiheng said nothing. Since Yunwei had boarded the Xuanwu carriage, he had secretly followed with the people from Che Tianfu. However, from the Dynasty to the Yue family's mansion, the journey had been unexpectedly smooth.

He had crossed swords with Pei Yujing once. That man had profound spiritual power and exquisite swordsmanship. Without using his "Compassionate Lotus Seal," Yue Zhiheng wasn't even his match.

Considering this, even though Pei Yujing was injured, if he came with the Immortal Sect, he might still stand a chance. But he hadn't come.

Fang Huai said, "Miss Zhan must be heartbroken."

Even if that girl rationally knew Pei Yujing should not come, who would like to be abandoned? Whether intentionally or unintentionally, being let down was still being let down.

The Immortal Sect had trained Pei Yujing too well. One day, they would suffer greatly for it.

Fang Huai couldn't help but glance at Yue Zhiheng. Now, what had originally been a plan to catch Pei Yujing in a trap had turned into a situation where he was stealing another man's fiancée.

Then, he thought again, Yue Zhiheng was certainly not as naïve as Pei Yujing.

"You didn't do this on purpose, did you?" Fang Huai asked. "Could the rumors of the Dynasty be true?"

Yue Zhiheng gave him a cold glance.

"Do it on purpose? Marry a troublesome Spirit Master just to serve them?"

Fang Huai then realized. Everyone in the Spirit Domain coveted Spirit Masters. They had the gentlest dispositions, exquisite appearances, and even the ability to dispel evil spirits for a family. But among them, Yue Zhiheng was not one of those who adored them.

Yue Zhiheng seemed to have a prejudice against Spirit Masters.

Even when dispelling evil spirits, he wouldn't even visit the Danxin Pavilion, preferring to use prepared spiritual cleansing talismans instead.

Yue Zhiheng said, "I need to change clothes. Why are you still here?"

He dismissed Fang Huai and picked up the wedding robe beside him.

Fang Huai's thoughts seemed laughable to him.

Since the moment Yue Zhiheng aligned himself with the Dynasty, he had calculated many things—power, status, and human hearts—but never the emotions that were meaningless.

The Emperor's temperament was unpredictable, and Yue Zhiheng knew he had to find the people from the Immortal Sect. Zhan Yunwei was the perfect leverage. As long as she was in his hands, the remaining rebels would surely come.

At dusk, when the sky was at its gentlest, the Xuanwu carriage, carrying the only bright color, arrived at the gates.

Though May still carried a slight chill, the sky was tinged with a brilliant orange.

Yunwei had traveled from the royal city to Fenhe County, and once again, as in her past life, she had failed to wait for Pei Yujing. But perhaps now, having known the outcome, she wasn't disappointed, and therefore, not heartbroken.

No one was coming to save her or Zhan Shujing. They would have to save themselves.

Along the way, Bai Rui had glanced at her several times, silently signaling, "Miss, you understand."

Yun Wei didn't want to understand much. She touched the demonic puppet pill in her arms, thinking that if it came down to it, she would have to use it. There would only be one chance. If she did this, and if Yue Zhiheng noticed, it would be fine if he just pushed her away. But if he was still loyal to Miss Qu, and felt that she had been defiled, would he kill her on the spot?

While she was contemplating, they had already arrived at the Yue residence. She noticed many people on both sides of the street, but they only dared to watch from afar. A large area was cleared in front of the Yue residence, and no one dared to approach. Thinking of Yue Zhiheng's notorious reputation in this area, she wasn't surprised.

At this moment, someone stood tall at the gate, Yue Zhiheng in a red robe and jade crown, his face handsome and clear. Hearing the noise, Yue Zhiheng lifted his eyes and looked at her from afar. Beside him, the matchmaker, an ordinary person hired by Che Tian Fu, didn't know the complex circumstances of this wedding. Seeing them, she covered her lips and smiled, saying, "Oh, in all my years as a matchmaker, I've never seen such a handsome young master and such a beautiful wife. You two are truly a perfect match."

Her words were intended to get a few compliments. However, the handsome young man in front of her showed no expression, and the delicate young woman beside him, behind the beaded curtain, just slightly pursed her lips. The atmosphere was strange, and no one spoke. The matchmaker gradually sensed something was wrong, and when she looked around, she saw that the area was surrounded by stern-faced soldiers. Her smile stiffened, but she still had to pretend as if nothing was wrong and urged, "Excuse me, young master, please step forward and help the lady down."

Yue Zhiheng didn't move. He slightly furrowed his brows. The matchmaker, gathering her courage, repeated the request. After a while, through the red beaded curtain in front of her, Yun Wei finally saw the hand extended toward her, long and with distinct joints, somewhat rough in appearance.

In her past life, she had been even more reluctant than this. Her heart had already been wounded, and she didn't have the energy to act indifferent and push away his hand in front of everyone. But Yue Zhiheng was not someone to be trifled with. He seemed to have expected this, and coldly grasped her hand, pulling her down from the carriage.

"Miss Zhan," he said, "He's not here, why are you taking your anger out on me?"

Yun Wei, her spiritual power sealed, nearly fell into Yue Zhiheng's arms, her eyes red and glaring at him. Yet, when she looked into his eyes, she saw coldness, with a hint of mild anger and mockery. Now, Yun Wei had other plans in mind. She looked at Yue Zhiheng and gritted her teeth before placing her hand in his. The hand she held hesitated for a moment, then, unexpectedly, Yue Zhiheng looked at her and didn't make things difficult for her. He gently pulled her down from the carriage.

To her surprise, his palm was slightly warm, but he quickly let go. The matchmaker didn't dare to let him continue holding her hand, so she stepped forward and helped the bride, hastily guiding the strange couple through the ceremony.

Because there were so few "guests," Yue Zhiheng's biological mother, the lady of the Yue family, didn't attend. The two of them only needed to perform the heart jade contract. The heart jade had been prepared in advance, and the two of them pricked their fingers and placed a drop of blood on it to swear an oath. After the contract was formed, a red mark, like cinnabar, appeared on their spiritual pills.

The process was too quick, and before Yun Wei could even gather her thoughts, they were already in the bridal chamber. It was still early, and the red candles in the room had only just started to burn. Yue Zhiheng's shadow was illuminated by the faint light, casting onto her front.

The bridal chamber was large, not the room Yue Zhiheng used to stay in at the Yue family, but the one that had been assigned to him by the Yue family after he became the head of Che Tian Fu. The matchmaker gave the maid a look, and the maid brought a jade plate with the bridal scale.

"Please, young master, lift the beaded curtain for the young lady."

They exchanged glances. Yun Wei, behind the beaded curtain, looked at him, feeling somewhat strange inside. No matter how unwilling she was, in this life and the last, they had still completed the marriage contract. The people from the dynasty were still outside, perhaps hoping to finish quickly. Yue Zhiheng took the bridal scale. As the beaded curtain was lifted, a fair, jade-like face appeared.

Previously, Yue Zhiheng had always scoffed at Fang Huai's words, wondering how low one had to sink to try so hard to steal Pei Yujing's fiancée. However, at this moment, perhaps because of the soft candlelight, he suddenly understood why Fang Huai had such an opinion of him.

On a summer night in Fenhe County, fireflies fluttered about, the moon just rising, and the purple cicada flowers were in bloom at this time. Unlike the chaos of the past few days, today her eyes were like autumn water, her gaze was gentle and full of grace, so much so that one could hardly look away.

She was naturally elegant, and with just a touch of decoration, she seemed to make everything in the summer night appear dull in comparison. Yue Zhiheng had never thought anyone could be so beautiful, and though his own looks were quite exceptional, under such contrast, he realized for the first time that people's beauty could be worlds apart.

He finally understood why those cowardly officials on the court would shamelessly fight over her. Not only that, but today, she had also applied lip gloss, and her already seductive lips were even more attention-grabbing.

Yue Zhiheng looked away, frowned, and turned to the matchmaker, asking, "What else is there to do?"

The matchmaker came to her senses and replied, "You still need to drink the wine of union."

He glanced at Yun Wei, noticing her strange expression, and said, "No need, everyone can leave."

Why go through all the motions when no one truly considered this a marriage?