Chapter 1 A Leisurely Day

Liang Xi's predicament was entirely unknown to Zhuang Yunzhen. At this moment, Zhuang Yunzhen was truly riding high. Not only had he become the master of the Poison King Sect, but he was also accompanied by his beloved Li Moqing. He felt that at this juncture, his life had reached its absolute peak. His mood had never been so thoroughly fulfilled. Just like the gentle, warm sunlight outside, comforting and sweet, it brought with it the pleasant illusion of wanting to drift off to sleep. Junior Brother, at a time like this, I truly wish I could share the joy in my heart with you.

Having not seen you for a while, how are you faring? Perhaps you have run into trouble, for you were always that kind of person—no matter what you encountered, you would never speak a word of it. Rest assured, once I have settled all matters concerning the Poison King Sect, I will definitely come looking for you. Until then, you must hold on.

In truth, Zhuang Yunzhen harbored a rather ominous premonition in his heart, though such a feeling was truly unpleasant. Recently, life had been far too comfortable, leading to a slackening in his cultivation. Every day was spent simply eating and eating. Actually, Zhuang Yunzhen was not a glutton; the one who truly loved to eat was Li Moqing. Having grown up in the Suiyi Pavilion, she had never lacked for material comforts, yet something intangible had always been missing. Upon arriving at the Poison King Sect, Li Moqing finally realized what she had been lacking: the rich, vibrant flavor of ordinary life.

If there was one thing Li Moqing loved to do most recently, it was visiting the bustling marketplace every single day to sample various delicacies. Though the Poison King Sect did not occupy a vast expanse of land, the market sprawling at the foot of the mountain was absurdly huge. Every day brought different foods to try, and she viewed everything with fresh eyes.

Not only did Li Moqing love to eat, but she also enjoyed delegating the arduous task of tasting to Zhuang Yunzhen. If Zhuang Yunzhen's expression was favorable, then the food was worth trying; otherwise, it was strictly off-limits.

"Big Brother, let's go, go, go! Today I discovered another rather marvelous treat. Let's go taste it!"

Ah well, it seemed today's wish for a quiet rest was destined to be shattered once more. Zhuang Yunzhen was completely wrapped around Li Moqing's finger, utterly incapable of offering even the slightest resistance. The moment he dared show any hint of defiance, she would resort to tears!

Zhuang Yunzhen could endure anything, save for Li Moqing's tears. It must have been three days ago when such an event truly played out before his eyes. He had never seen Li Moqing looking so heartbroken, her eyes brimming with mist as if she were genuinely recalling past hardships. With her tears acting as such a powerful deterrent, how could Zhuang Yunzhen possibly refuse?

Returning to the present, Zhuang Yunzhen was being dragged forcibly into the marketplace by Li Moqing. No matter what time they visited, Zhuang Yunzhen always found the market thronging with countless people. Did these folks never sleep?

He was convinced that from now on, he would develop a phobia of places like marketplaces. Still, complaints aside, seeing Li Moqing so radiantly happy made Zhuang Yunzhen feel that everything he did was entirely worthwhile. He himself genuinely appreciated this down-to-earth vitality, for such a feeling had been absent from his life for a very long time.

The air was laden with a faint, appetizing fragrance. Li Moqing looked left and right, currently suffering from a severe bout of indecision regarding what she should eat.

"Big Brother, tell me, with so many delicious things, what on earth should I choose? This is so vexing! For the first time in my life, I actually don't know what to do when faced with good food."

Li Moqing, aren't you being a bit too modest? Could there really be someone in this world distressed by an inability to choose? Heavens, why did he ever fall for such a woman? If there were a crack in the ground right now, he would gladly crawl right into it.

"Why bother choosing? Only children make choices. Listen to me, we'll take the lot!"

Zhuang Yunzhen felt he was getting entirely too bold these days, daring to utter such extravagant words. It seemed he had been hanging around his wealthy Junior Brother for far too long! Next time, he simply had to maintain a lower profile.

Look at the stars sparkling in Li Moqing's eyes right now. "Big Brother, are you serious? You aren't just saying that to humor me, are you?"

In this young girl's heart, was Zhuang Yunzhen really regarded as a fraud? "Hmph, what kind of person do you take me for? Since I've said it, I will definitely follow through. Everything in the market today is on me! Starting with the morning's first cup of milk tea!"

Despite being the young master of the Suiyi Pavilion, Li Moqing had somehow never tasted milk tea in all her years. This poor child had endured too much. Ever since coming to the Poison Sect, every single day had to begin with a cup of milk tea; without it, her entire body would feel out of sorts!

"Yay!"

Hearing this, the little girl went absolutely wild. What were mere delicacies? In the face of milk tea, they were all defeated soldiers.

"What can I get for you two today?"

The milk tea shop owner was a warm-hearted soul. The moment he laid eyes on Zhuang Yunzhen and Li Moqing, his little eyes would immediately crinkle into two slits. No help for it—they were his gods of wealth, and he couldn't afford to offend them!

Today, Zhuang Yunzhen was truly determined to play the wealthy patron. "Naturally, whatever you have that tastes the best. Just one condition: make it large size. See? This young lady looks delicate, but she just loves her milk tea."

Li Moqing instantly felt a surge of bashful indignation. Just what was this man saying now? Was being able to eat a crime? "Right! Today I want the absolute best, and it has to be the largest cup. This distinguished patron, Mr. Zhuang, is paying the bill today!"

Look, this was Li Moqing—she would never concede defeat to Zhuang Yunzhen on minor issues. Their dynamic was simple: never compromise on major principles, but feel free to lose your way on trivial details.

The first ray of morning sunlight cast a golden halo around Li Moqing. The beauty remained breathtaking, the scenery picturesque. At this moment, warmth filled Zhuang Yunzhen's heart, and time itself seemed to pause. If possible, how he wished time could freeze right here. Such a beauty was a sight he could never grow tired of, even if given a lifetime.

"Let's go, what are you staring at? Is there something on my face?"

A beauty's playful reproach was always such a lovely sight.

"Nothing, I was just admiring a beauty. Tell me, how was my judgment ever so good? Out of a boundless sea of humanity, I chose you just like that. Wouldn't you say this is a kind of fate?"

Li Moqing had discovered that the real Zhuang Yunzhen actually had a remarkably sweet tongue. Whenever they were together, he would constantly utter words that made her heart skip a beat. Though it was undeniably embarrassing, hearing those phrases felt utterly comforting. "Hmph, as long as you know. With the world so vast, only this young lady deigns to fancy you. From now on, you'll follow my lead, and this elder sister guarantees you'll eat well and drink heartily."

Right, right, eat well and drink heartily. So Li Moqing was actually someone harboring hidden depths! Holding her soft, smooth hand, Zhuang Yunzhen strolled leisurely along the straight bluestone avenue. In the past, he would never have imagined that loving someone could be such a wonderful thing. But looking at it now, his former mindset had indeed been somewhat biased.

Ahead stood a noodle shop with a long and storied history, drawing numerous diners every day. Some even traveled thousands of miles simply to partake in a bowl of their noodles. A cup of milk tea merely warmed the stomach and served no real purpose; Li Moqing walked into the noodle shop and chose a window seat, adhering to her usual habit.

Perhaps owing to the rush of business, the waiter failed to notice Li Moqing and Zhuang Yunzhen immediately. Under normal circumstances, the two might have taken offense, but today there was no need for that. Their sole mission was to eat good food. Everyone had a hard enough time making a living; once the rush subsided, the waiter would naturally notice them. Therefore, a little patience was all that was required!

"Apologies, apologies! The shop is truly swamped today. Distinguished guests, please bear with us. What would you two like to have? Our shop's specialty is noodles of every variety—you name it, we make it."

Li Moqing usually enjoyed increasing the difficulty for others. Hearing the waiter's boast, she pondered for a moment. "Actually, anything will do. I have only one requirement: make it delicious. That's all. My standards are very simple—just make it taste good."

A seemingly simple requirement was, in reality, quite troublesome. The waiter possessed no special talent save for one: sizing people up. With a single glance, he could roughly discern a diner's background and the depth of their martial prowess. The pair before him were youthful in appearance yet possessed formidable internal energy. More importantly, this young woman must have partaken of countless rare delicacies in her life. Having no specific demands for flavor was, in itself, the ultimate demand. Thus, truly satisfying her would be no easy feat.

"Very well, young lady, please wait a moment. Your noodles will be served shortly."

"You really know how to give people a hard time. They probably have no idea how particular you are about food. When you're with me, you can naturally afford to be casual, but what kind of demeanor you display before outsiders is perhaps something even you aren't aware of. Yet, I know it better than anyone. What? Did you not even realize this yourself?"

"Nonsense! How could I be such a person? I've always been very obedient in front of you. Even if others don't know it, could you possibly be unaware? Forget it, I really don't feel like arguing with you about this. Once the noodles arrive, I'll sample the taste first. Actually, you wouldn't know, but I've always longed for a life like this—ordinary and peaceful, free from any combat. You might find it hard to believe, but I despise fighting; I despise it intensely!"

"Yet, I understand all the better that being caught in this world, how can one avoid fighting? Therefore, I can only force myself to grow stronger, because only in this way will I ultimately have the right to choose. The final outcome has actually turned out quite well; my current strength has become formidable indeed. Otherwise, how else would I have crossed paths with you?"

These words sounded remarkably sweet, and she liked them immensely. "You, you just love spouting nonsense. Still... I like it."

"Here are your noodles! To tell you the truth, today's bowl is practically the pinnacle of our shop's craft. The proprietor personally stepped into the kitchen to prepare it. I'm certain you'll love it in the end. The proprietor hasn't cooked a meal himself in many years, young lady; you're truly in for a treat today!"

The bowl of noodles looked utterly ordinary—merely clear soup noodles. Yet the more unassuming a dish appeared, the less it should be underestimated, for such fare often harbored hidden depths. Owing to her background, Li Moqing had naturally sampled innumerable dishes. "This broth must have been simmered on an aged stock base for over a decade. The color is splendid. Let me taste it."

Initially, the broth's flavor seemed unremarkable, but after three seconds, a distinct richness bloomed across the palate—truly an exceptional taste. "Delicious! One can tell your proprietor is someone who truly understands food."

In his entire life, the waiter admired no one more than his proprietor. Any mundane ingredient placed in that man's hands would be transformed entirely; the proprietor possessed a pair of hands capable of turning the ordinary into the miraculous. The waiter aspired to become a man like his proprietor one day. He had no idea how long it would take to reach that level, but no matter how much time passed, he was certain he would achieve it.

At present, the waiter wore an expression of immense pride, as if he had personally crafted the bowl of noodles.

"Now I'll try the noodles."

A mouthful of noodles went down, and Li Moqing remained silent. It wasn't that she didn't want to speak, but rather that she had no opportunity—the noodles were simply too exquisite. In the blink of an eye, the entire bowl was polished off. To be honest, she hadn't anticipated that things would turn out quite like this.

"Big Brother, today's bowl of noodles is truly magnificent. Strictly speaking, I love it. However, I wonder if I might have the privilege of meeting your proprietor? Never in all my years have I tasted such wonderful noodles!"

More accurately, the proprietor had elevated noodles to the absolute pinnacle of their art; across the entire realm, surely no one could resist them!

"The proprietor is quite busy at the moment and likely lacks the spare time to receive guests. However, if you insist, I can certainly go put in a word. Whether the proprietor chooses to see you, though, rests entirely upon his own will."

"Hahaha, actually, for many years I've searched for someone capable of truly understanding me, yet as the years passed, such a person never materialized. You know, upon meeting you, I feel that everything I've done has been worthwhile. To be honest, I haven't been this happy in years."

The noodle shop's proprietor was a young and affable man. A faint aroma of chopped scallions clung to him, his white tunic was immaculate, and a gentle smile perpetually graced his features. It brought him immense joy whenever customers appreciated his culinary creations. Regrettably, over the passage of so many years, such kindred spirits were exceedingly rare. When was the last time he had hosted someone like this? It must have been ages ago—he was almost beginning to forget.

"I certainly didn't expect the one capable of appreciating my noodles to be such a young girl. It seems your background is undoubtedly extraordinary, too. Very well, I am truly delighted today. Since that is the case, I shall prepare another bowl for you personally to let you experience a different flavor!"

"Wouldn't that be imposing too much? Still, since you've put it that way, I'm genuinely eager to experience your true caliber. Let me state this in advance, though: if it doesn't taste good, I absolutely refuse to pay!"

"Hahaha! It has been a very long time since anyone dared speak to me in such a manner. You shall be the last. Rest assured, since you've made such a declaration, I will certainly let you experience what a truly exceptional bowl of noodles tastes like."

By evening, Li Moqing finally emerged from the noodle shop. Though she loved food, she had always exercised restraint. Yet today, she had completely abandoned all inhibition—noodles being merely noodles, she had consumed a full three large bowls. This could safely be classified as a gargantuan appetite, right? Zhuang Yunzhen could only voice this thought internally; in reality, he didn't dare utter a single word of criticism. The woman was in exceptionally high spirits today, and crossing her would spell utter disaster.

"I truly underestimated this young girl; I never imagined she possessed such an appetite. Damn it, had I known, I should have prepared a larger portion. Such an interesting young lady—I am delighted to have made her acquaintance today."

"Big Brother, I really was so happy today. I never imagined I could eat so much. As you know, my appetite is usually tiny, but looking at it now, everything has been simply wonderful! However, I've just discovered that I can actually eat this much. To be honest, I never knew my appetite was so good."

Did she still want to eat? Was something auspicious happening to this woman today? Normally, coaxing her into eating even a little extra was nearly impossible, yet her appetite tonight was remarkably robust.

"Alright, alright. As long as you like, you can eat however much you want. I've dedicated all my time today entirely to you, so there's no problem at all!"

The night market differed greatly from the daytime, brimming with even more of the vibrant pulse of human life and bustling crowds. Roadside stalls were ubiquitous, and ironically, the most delicious fare was often found at these very humble stands. For a veteran foodie like Li Moqing, street food was an absolute temptation she could never refuse.

"Big Brother, I suddenly realize that living in the Poison King Sect is such a blissful thing. I feel as though all my past years were lived in vain. Ever since I met you, I've found that everything has become so much more interesting. My life used to be utterly dull, though I never used to think so back then. But looking at it now, it seems that wasn't the case at all!"

"Alright, alright. Perhaps you endured great hardship in the past, but you no longer need to worry. With me here, you don't have to fret about a thing! I will protect you properly. Eat! Whatever you want, just eat!"

Innumerable street stalls lined the thoroughfare, each serving distinct fare. Most people assumed Li Moqing possessed a cold and aloof disposition, but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Having dropped her guard, the woman revealed her true nature—she was surprisingly innocent and childlike!

Partaking in food mattered immensely to everyone, especially when confronted with irresistible delicacies. Sometimes, Zhuang Yunzhen simply couldn't fathom how Li Moqing maintained such an endless appetite. Within this short span of time, her hands were once again laden with various meat skewers. Yes, skewers—an obligatory indulgence at any roadside stand, featured at nearly every single vendor.

Yet determining which stall offered the finest skewers required relying on one's own palate. Of course, this was never a problem for Li Moqing. By now she was actually quite full; she continued purchasing these treats merely to share them with Zhuang Yunzhen.

Having known each other for so long, she had never once asked what Zhuang Yunzhen liked. Even if she had asked, this man surely would have kept it to himself.

"You must be wondering what I like, right? Very well, I'll tell you now: what I like is simply you. You mentioned leading a dull life; looking back, I suppose mine was much the same. Our upbringing and experiences were likely quite similar. Before I met my Junior Brother, my days were spent solely in cultivation, without a single moment of rest. Therefore, compared to all that, meeting you is the happiest thing that has ever happened to me!"

The starry firmament was truly breathtaking. Such a magnificent view could be witnessed every single day merely by lifting one's gaze, yet both she and Zhuang Yunzhen had spent their pasts consumed by relentless cultivation, leaving zero time to appreciate these ordinary splendors. Perhaps after today, they would once again lack such opportunities, but being able to rest for a single day was already a magnificent blessing.

At the far end of the marketplace lay a lush expanse of grass. Zhuang Yunzhen had discovered this spot long ago, though previously he had never found the occasion to enjoy it. Now, everything was vastly different. With his deeply beloved by his side, any obstacle they might face in the future could surely be resolved!

The air carried the faint scent of fresh grass, possessing a calming, soothing effect. Zhuang Yunzhen knew this tranquil period would soon draw to a close. To be honest, a part of him felt reluctant to let it go. Yet Li Moqing had spoken wisely: since they had chosen the path of a cultivator, they were bound to strive ceaselessly. The very purpose of that struggle was precisely to witness more and grander vistas!

Yes, the ultimate goal of cultivation was precisely that. Could this sort of sentiment be classified as love? Zhuang Yunzhen genuinely did not know. Before meeting Li Moqing, he hadn't the faintest idea how to interact with a woman—it was something that had to be learned step by step. Perhaps it would prove to be an exceedingly long process. Yet none of that mattered greatly anymore; what truly mattered was that he could now protect her properly.

In stark contrast to the tranquil serenity surrounding Zhuang Yunzhen, Liang Xi's situation was utterly dire. In truth, she had no idea where she currently was. Judging from the surrounding environment, she seemed to have fallen into a spatial rift. Memories of the preceding events flooded back. She never would have imagined that the old fisherman would ambush her at the very end. Upon reflection, it made sense—she had never truly understood the man. He had previously offered her hints; perhaps at that time, he genuinely wished to let her go, and she was simply too foolish to realize it.

Now she seemed entirely cut off from the outside world. The most pressing issue at hand was how to escape. Naturally, that wasn't even the worst of it; the most troublesome detail was that time here appeared to be frozen. Consequently, she had no way of knowing what was transpiring in the outside world!

It appeared short-term escape was out of the question. Yet if she remained out of contact with Ji Anran for too long, that woman would undoubtedly worry sick. Liang Xi could tolerate any hardship, but she would never willingly do anything to cause Anran distress.

"Liang Xi, you clever little fellow. As you well know, I already gave you a chance earlier. It was clearly you who failed to cherish it—what else could I possibly do now? I know your heart is currently filled with doubt, and you likely think I'm a despicable cur!"

"It matters not. Whatever you think of me, I truly do not care. The only thing I care about is the Guild. Do you have any idea what the Guild represents to me? It represents the direction of every effort I've ever made. And now, you brat are attempting to destroy all my hopes. Do you truly believe I could allow such a thing to happen? Naturally not. I imagine if the roles were reversed, you would do precisely the same!"

"This mystical space truly lies within a spatial rift. Matters of the Guild are mine to handle. Even if the Guild is destined to be destroyed, it should be destroyed by my own hands. You are merely an outsider; you lack the qualification. What I say sounds harsh, but it is the absolute truth. Even if you refuse to acknowledge it, this fact remains immutable!"

"Kid, you possess genuine talent. If the Guild survives this battle, I will surely let you out. At that time, you may do as you please—even should you demand I hand the Guild over to you, I would harbor no resentment. But not now!"

It was the old fisherman's voice. Evidently, he recognized that his actions left something to be desired. Was this his version of an apology? If so, she would accept it. "Senior, you could have simply discussed this matter with me!"

"Or perhaps you believed that relying solely on your own strength would suffice to accomplish such a momentous task? That is hardly likely. You must surely realize just how formidable the man known as Earth Dragon truly is. Yet for all these years, that man has never once unleashed his true strength!"

"I know. I am well aware of all this. But do you suppose I genuinely fear that man's prowess? I am fully cognizant of his capabilities. Enough, you need say nothing further. Just watch quietly from here; you need not concern yourself with the rest."

The old fisherman had endured for countless years, and finally, he had seen the light. Some matters could simply no longer be tolerated, for the longer one endured, the less one ultimately retained. Certain lines could never be crossed!

"Senior, release me. I know that with my strength combined with yours, any challenge can be resolved. You've sacrificed so much for the Guild over the years, and I can do the same! What? Even now, are you truly unwilling to trust me?"

Silence followed. The old fisherman was gone—he had truly departed. Today marked the final reckoning of his grievances with Earth Dragon. How long he had waited for this battle, he himself no longer knew!

Earth Dragon had long awaited this very adversary. For years he had sought to defeat the old fisherman, though opportunities had eluded him. A faint murderous intent now saturated the air, a hostility the man genuinely relished. "Hahaha! I knew you would come in the end. You must realize I've been waiting for you. I know you've unleashed your utmost power now, haven't you?"

"Indeed. The only person you've truly wished to defeat all these days has been me. Since that is the case, I shall oblige you. The battle between us should now be brought to a definitive conclusion!"

The old fisherman remained utterly composed. Though advanced in years, his imposing aura was still astonishing. "That you have become what you are today is ultimately my fault. Very well, since matters have reached this pass, everything must end. Let me see what skills you truly possess!"

No one knew the specifics of that clash. In the tales of later generations, the encounter became a legendary myth. Following that battle, no one ever laid eyes on the old fisherman again. Although Earth Dragon survived, he remained tight-lipped regarding the events of that day. While the man retained his domineering air, his former combat spirit was entirely extinguished.

Liang Xi eventually managed to escape and tracked down Earth Dragon. Yet a full week had elapsed. Having spent seven days in confinement, seeing Earth Dragon once more made him wonder if an eternity had passed. The man now appeared remarkably aged, as though every ounce of his vitality had been exhausted.

"Hmph! I knew you brat would eventually crawl out. You can see what's become of me. No doubt your heart is still seething with rage. Very well, since that's the case, what are you waiting for? Fight me! Win against me, and I'll tell you what transpired that day. Don't you want to know where the old fisherman went? I imagine he showed you great kindness—don't you wish to repay that debt?"

"No. Seeing you like this, I already understand the outcome of that battle. Yet you should know I didn't come here to fight you. In truth, you are no longer my match, a fact you realize better than anyone else!"

"Then why have you come? To mock my humiliation?"

"Hmph! If you choose to interpret it that way, be my guest. Look at you—all these years you've schemed to seize the Guild. And now? Did you actually get your hands on it? I imagine you understand that better than I do. I must admit, your power was formidable, at least in the past. But ask yourself: how much have you sacrificed for the sake of cultivation? You know precisely what you've thrown away. Given your current state, is there any necessity for me to strike?"

"Liang Xi! You coward, don't run off—come face me in battle! Skulking about like a rat—what kind of ability is that? I know you've always looked down on me, but that matters not. Do you think I'll cower just because you've finally shown your face? Fine! Step out right now, and I'll show you my true power!"

Liang Xi was indeed injured, teetering on the verge of collapse. He was currently in no condition to fight; should he engage in combat now, the outcome was entirely unpredictable. Facing such tedious provocation, his best course of action was simply to leave!

"It seems you are still in decent shape. When rumors claimed you were injured, I actually believed them. But looking at you now, I was mistaken after all. Retaining such vigor proves your foundation runs deep indeed!"

"You're a complete madman. My condition is as clear to you as it is to me. Naturally, if you're so desperate to fight, once I've recuperated, I will certainly grant you a bout—just not today. In any case, seeing you like this brings me a measure of satisfaction. You are utterly alone. I imagine you've never truly experienced what loneliness feels like all these years?"

"Even if your power persists, it is merely an illusion. Soon enough, that strength will dissipate entirely, and you will be reduced to a useless cripple!"

"Perhaps you never imagined you'd end up废人 [a cripple] in the future. Of course, I've known it all along. Save your breath; your complexion is looking rather dreadful, isn't it?"

"Hahaha! Kid, do you really think I'd fall for your bluster at this stage? That power of yours should belong to me! Tell me, how did you manage to escape? Of course, if you refuse to speak, you know I have my methods. Once I apply them, even your formidable strength won't withstand the toll. You understand this perfectly, which is precisely why you've avoided crossing swords with me. But some things are simply beyond your control!"

"So it seems you are hell-bent on fighting after all? Very well, I shall oblige you. Since Senior Old Fisherman failed to eliminate you, I will finish the task. The Guild is a sacred place, and I will never allow someone like you to destroy everything the old man poured his heart and soul into. Do you even know what dedication means?"

"Naturally, you know nothing of the sort, for your greatest specialty is seizing others' power and making it your own. You've pulled this stunt countless times before. Did you really think I wouldn't find out just because you kept silent?"

"Hahaha! So what if you know? Do you imagine I'm helpless against your petty tricks? I have only one desire: to defeat you today. Only by bestowing me a victory do you earn the right to leave!"

"And if you fail to defeat me, do you seriously believe you can walk away? Very well! Today, I'll let you witness the true extent of my might!"

Though the man currently retained barely any power, his remaining strength hovering on the brink of total collapse, he cared not a whit. To seize the Guild, he had to eradicate all obstacles. Even if this opponent stood before him like an insurmountable mountain, he believed that sheer willpower could accomplish anything!

Yet the man ultimately fell, for his power had finally begun to drain away.