Ninghai Zen frowned slightly:

"What does it have to do with me?"

Qiu Changtian exclaimed in surprise:

"It really wasn't you?"

Ninghai Zen's eye twitched:

"Why would I kill a Dragon Court Daoist Official for no reason? Besides, I had already left Yihai Prefecture by then."

Qiu Changtian rubbed his chin:

"Could it be that the White Sun Sect Leader is really hiding in the County City?"

He had previously consulted with Chongxu Zi of Yuanyang Temple, discovering traces of White Sun Sect followers.

From various clues and observations, they surmised that the White Sun Sect Leader, who had been silent for ten years, was hiding in Yihai Prefecture.

"Why get involved in this mess? You should peacefully avoid disaster and calamity, and finish the rest of your life.

Ninghai Zen shook his head. Although he was known as "Ning the Madman" in the Thirteen Sects, his actions defied all conventions.

But the old Daoist Official from Zhi Xin Temple, Master Qingxuan, didn't have any major conflicts with him.

Moreover, the Dragon Court Daoist Officials are ordained through rituals. Their presence is recorded in the Divine Capital's register, equivalent to lighting an eternal lamp.

After the person dies, the light extinguishes, immediately revealing the truth, making it hard to conceal from pursuit.

"Ten years ago, during the great battle between Yan Xin and Kou Qiuyue, where were you?"

Qiu Changtian suddenly asked.

"Loitering by the Nu Yun River, doing nothing, casting a couple of rods. They made such a commotion and scared away a twenty-pound carp I almost caught."

Ninghai Zen said angrily, then smiled:

"What, could I be the elusive White Sun Sect Leader?"

Qiu Changtian scratched his temple:

"It just seems strange. The first time I met you was at a fishing village outside the Yihai County City.

At that time, the storm had settled; Yan Xin wielded his sword across, Kou Qiuyue was beheaded, and the Daoist Officials were so frightened they didn't dare breathe a word.

I was tracking the heavily injured White Sun Sect Leader but lost the trail inexplicably, then saw you with an empty fish basket."

Ninghai Zen protested discontentedly:

"I already said, I had hooked a twenty-pound carp, only for it to be scared away.

A Feng Shui Daoist who hasn't even become a Ghost Immortal dares to scheme against a Divine Power Giant. They could crush you with one hand. Lao Qiu, your courage is no less than mine."

Qiu Changtian smiled bitterly:

"I suffered from the backlash of Heaven's secrets. Unless suppressed by the Profound Mysterious Divine Soldiers, the misfortune is like a bone-attached gangrene, hard to dispel. My path is considered broken in this life as well.

Not only does Kou Qiuyue believe in the existence of the Seventh Profound Mysterious Divine Soldier, but I also firmly believe in it."

...

...

"How are you feeling, Madam?"

Chen Xing sat on the edge of the bed, carefully feeding her hot porridge, his every move gentle and meticulous.

The maids and old women nearby all sighed, thinking how their master truly cherished his wife.

In the houses of the Thirteen Sects' elite, such loving couples were rarely seen.

"Daoist Xuanji has just presided over a Water and Land Dharma Assembly. He said that the calamity in Zhao'Er's fate was inevitable.

After the ritual, he is at peace, so Madam, please do not grieve excessively."

The woman had been recuperating for several days, her complexion gradually improving, yet there was still a hint of weariness between her brows:

"The way you care for Zhao'Er, I shouldn't have..."

Chen Xing placed the porcelain bowl into the maid's hands, speaking softly:

"Between husband and wife, we are one; we should be open and honest with each other. Whatever plans you have, feel free to share them with me. As long as it can be done, I will exhaust every effort."

The words seemed light, but their weight was immense.

The woman's heart warmed; as Chen Xing's wife, how could she not know that this Martial Arts Leader of Yihai Prefecture always meant what he said and never resorted to deceit or evasion?

"The greatest fortune of my life was meeting you, my lord."

Chen Xing's face relaxed into a warm smile:

"Madam, you saved my life; no matter how I repay, it will never be enough."

The woman thought, perhaps it was truly a blessing from the heavens.

She would never have imagined that ten years ago, the half-dead man she picked up at her doorstep

would bring her such abundant return.

She dressed in fine silks, enjoyed gourmet food, and lived in a luxurious mansion.

"If Madam wants the stars in the sky, I will do my best to pluck them for you."

Chen Xing's eyes were full of tender affection, devoid of any pretense, as he gently held those once calloused, now smooth hands:

"My life belongs to Madam. As long as I live, my feelings for you will never change."