The scenery of Dragon and Tiger Mountain is pleasing, with mist swirling among the distant peaks, and nearby, the sound of rushing water echoes. The copper bell beside the waterfall has rusted to a bluish-green, with water collected in the indentation at its top, and suddenly, a line of egrets flies past the waterfall, soaring into the blue sky.

Yin Tingxue, when alone, always enjoys observing meticulous details, a habit left behind after her mother’s passing, for as a Saintess, she was locked in the pavilion all day, with her handmaidens dismissed, leaving her only endless scriptures for company. Everything there was silent, except for the spider webs.

During that period, she often found amusement this way: standing by the window lattice, gazing at a speck of dust on the beam—a fuzzy little patch that remained motionless. In the depths of stillness, Yin Tingxue would suddenly lift her head and witness movement, whether of birds, clouds, or the sky. In retrospect, it was quite interesting.

The habit of enjoying solitude remained unchanged even after being with Chen Yi. Whether she feared him or loved him, Yin Tingxue liked to wander alone between the study and the bedroom. As dusk approached, she would sit on the doorstep at about the same time, resembling a wife awaiting her husband’s return. Every time Chen Yi saw this, he felt both comforted and softened, always feeling he had neglected her. What he didn’t know was that she wasn’t that eager for his return.

"Just waiting for the moment he appears," Yin Tingxue muttered while admiring the scenery of Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

Reflecting on the past, Yin Tingxue gazed northward,

wondering how Father was faring. Was life in exile still bearable...

She rarely thought of her father, but when she did, it was often with pity—an emotion that should not be found in a child towards their parent. However, after her mother’s death, Prince Xiang’s disposition changed dramatically, drifting further from his past amiable demeanor, and as she was confined to the pavilion by Prince Xiang for years, whatever affection remained had been eroded by such neglect.

Yin Tingxue shook her head, dispelling the chaotic thoughts, and resumed appreciating the elegant scenery along the way.

"Please make way."

Just as she passed the silver osmanthus a dozen steps ahead, a woman in mourning clothes approached. Yin Tingxue looked up, and the latter froze instantly, staring blankly as if recalling something. Their gazes met briefly, and the woman rushed to turn back and head away.

Lin Wanxiao?

Though it was just a fleeting encounter, Yin Tingxue did not mistake her. That aura of sorrow and resentment was one few possessed, and the Little Fox sprinted after her.

Miss Lin fled recklessly, losing sense of direction, yet it was impossible for her to outrun Yin Tingxue, soon cornered in an alley with nowhere to go.

Yin Tingxue took a few deep breaths before noticing Miss Lin was panting even more heavily. The latter, always indoors and widowed for long, even learning from Yin Weiyin’s cultivation method, nearly exhausted herself with this chase.

"Lady Lin..."

Yin Tingxue paused,

"How come you are here?"

...

The Old Heavenly Master intercepted in the corridor of Qilin Hall, not inviting him to another side hall or guest room, merely to avoid formalizing the conversation and raising Chen Yi’s guards.

Chen Yi understood this well, but opted for courtesy, saying, "What business does the Qi Long Heavenly Master have?"

"Not quite business," the Old Heavenly Master laughed and said, "During that time, the Heavenly Official scaled good and evil, weighed your unspeakable merit; you seemed not too surprised."

The question sounded strange, yet was implied. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

No matter how chaotic the world or heaven becomes, to this day, the sky remains the sky, still standing firm.

However, the most perplexing and unbelievable fact was that someone had measured merit capable of repairing heaven.

Those unaware might assume Dragon and Tiger Mountain opened backdoors or had shady dealings, yet the Old Heavenly Master was exceptionally clear on the matter.

Chen Yi chuckled, "Having done it myself, of course I’m not surprised."

The Old Heavenly Master narrowed his eyes, contemplating Chen Yi’s words, eventually responding, "Regardless of what the Battalion Commander did, I have no intent to inquire, but why did one who could repair heaven end up here at my Dragon and Tiger Mountain?"

Chen Yi replied casually, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

"Fate is predetermined by heaven."

The Old Heavenly Master paused, and just as he was about to speak further, Chen Yi raised his hand to interrupt:

"Qi Long Heavenly Master needn’t say more. Whether you intend to slay immortals or demons, it has nothing to do with me. I climbed the mountain merely to find someone. I’ll be leaving soon. If you want me to bear the heavenly karma... slaying immortals, I’m afraid."

"I’m afraid"—these words, slightly trembling, sounded ironic to the Old Heavenly Master, who wished to laugh bitterly but remained helpless, his cultivation unable to avoid silent ridicule.

So many immortals died at his hands; did he slay them while being afraid?

After weighing merits and transgressions, the Old Heavenly Master had consulted divination, asked gods, and inquired with allies with incense ties, forming a vague impression of this person’s origins.

Standing firm for a while, the corridor lay silent, Chen Yi moved as if to pass the Old Heavenly Master.

The Old Heavenly Master hastily raised his hand to block him, saying:

"Battalion Commander Chen, you and my Dragon and Tiger Mountain may have misunderstood before, yet our immediate crisis is imminent, how can you bear to see two thousand years of Taoist tradition destroyed overnight?"

Chen Yi paused, retorting indifferently:

"Two thousand years ago, when you ravaged mountains and temples, where was your concern for others’ traditions?"

The Old Heavenly Master was instantly speechless, Chen Yi resumed his steps.

Having endured the Demon Refining Abyss, Chen Yi’s goodwill toward Dragon and Tiger Mountain had long dissipated. At the Hero Conference, where he was attacked and the Hidden Crown Prince intervened shockingly, how could that have proceeded without the Old Heavenly Master’s nod of approval?