Fairy, you call this repaying a debt of gratitude?

"However... when I hurriedly returned to the sect, it was already too late. My master had already died at the hands of the sect. On trumped-up charges, as his disciple, although I was not implicated, I was confined to the sect and not allowed to leave even for a moment."

Ye Qingci gave a bitter smile.

"The promise I made was ultimately not fulfilled. But since I am trapped within the sect, I have no choice but to secretly investigate the true cause of my master's death, hoping to clear her name."

Shen Wei listened silently from the side, without saying a word. He had long forgotten that so-called promise, yet she still remembered it.

Ye Qingci continued speaking,

"I cannot reveal the full reason, but the reason I was hunted down was because I discovered part of the truth about my master's death—that truth is far-reaching. I drew my sword not only to clear my master's name but also to ensure my own clarity of mind."

Shen Wei's heart stirred. So, Ye Qingci's master must know some secrets.

Otherwise, why would he have instructed Ye Qingci to save him at the critical moment when the Lu family was about to be wiped out?

If that's the case, then her death might be inextricably linked to me.

The thought that a complete stranger might die because of him, even though the matter had no direct connection to him, still stirred up a complex mix of emotions within him.

In this light, the evil dragon spirit contained within his body seems to be inextricably linked to the Shangqing Sect.

However, the reason why the evil dragon's aura exists within his body remains a mystery, with no clue whatsoever.

Over the years, he has never given up investigating this matter, though he has a vague outline in his mind.

But he had promised Gu Lengyue that he would not dwell on past grievances and would simply live peacefully in the present.

That's what he said, but that basement and that night will always be an unresolved knot for him. No matter how much he pretends to be carefree and live a life of debauchery, he can't turn a blind eye to it.

Qin Yunshang had somehow found her way here, and seeing that the two seemed to be talking about something, she didn't interrupt.

Seeing that others were present, Ye Qingci stopped the conversation:

"Is there anything I can help you with, Miss Qin?"

"Have you finished talking?"

"We've almost finished talking."

After saying that, Ye Qingci drew his sword and left the place.

The matter they had just discussed was too heavy, and Ye Qingci's words stirred up Shen Wei's painful past, making him look somewhat melancholy.

Upon seeing Qin Yunshang's arrival, he still forced a smile and put on a brave face.

"What do you need me for now?"

"This is important business."

Shen Wei quickly composed himself and asked in a deep voice, "What's wrong?"

"I'm returning to the capital tomorrow."

Qin Yunshang spoke slowly, her tone tinged with reluctance.

"Huh? Why so suddenly? Didn't you say you were going to stay a few more days?"

"I also feel it was rushed, but this seems to be an imperial edict."

Qin Yunshang frowned slightly. "Moreover, my subordinates have been investigating for days, but they haven't been able to find any more information about the demonic path. Judging from this situation, it seems that they have really given up."

"..."

Shen Wei fell silent, seemingly caught in a dilemma.

If the demonic path truly ends...

Should he send Ye Qingci away first, or continue searching for the elusive Ji Lingyuan?

"You seem to be struggling with something?"

Shen Wei looked up and gave a wry smile: "Hmm? Is it that obvious?"

When he is with Qin Yunshang, he will unconsciously let down his guard and reveal his struggles and confusion without reservation.

"Is it because of... that younger sister you mentioned to me before?"

"Um......"

"In my opinion, you should send Fairy Ye away first. Your other sister doesn't seem to be in any immediate danger. After you've safely arrived at the Jade Balance Sect, you can come back to find her."

Qin Yunshang paused for a moment, then said, "But once you find her and settle her in, you must obediently return to the capital with me."

Shen Wei appreciated her understanding, so he decided to tell her the truth:

"Even if I do find her, I'm afraid I won't be able to return to the capital easily."

Qin Yunshang's expression didn't change much upon hearing this, as if she had expected it all along:

"Go do whatever you need to do. Don't worry about me. As long as you come back to me in the end, that's all that matters."

She paused, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said softly:

"Didn't you sign that marriage contract the day before yesterday? I suppose you didn't notice that the contract didn't have any date on it."

Shen Wei was completely stunned, his eyes filled with surprise. He really hadn't noticed this.

Seeing his bewildered expression, Qin Yunshang smiled:

"I will wait for you forever, no matter how long you are gone, no matter what you are going to do, I will wait."

......

After Qin Yunshang finished speaking such sentimental words, her cheeks turned even redder. She dared not look at Shen Wei again, turned around hurriedly, and left with light steps.

Shen Wei was left alone, sitting quietly.

At this moment, his mind was filled with a thousand thoughts, a chaotic jumble of emotions. The mysteries of the past, the choices of the present, and the unknowns of the future were all intertwined, leaving him at a loss as to where to begin.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Wei finally made up his mind to do as Qin Yunshang had said—first send Ye Qingci to Yuheng Sect, then go back to find Ji Lingyuan.

So he set off to find Ye Qingci, who had just left.

She didn't go far; she sat alone in a nearby pavilion, quietly drinking tea.

"Have you finished talking with your fiancée?"

Seeing Shen Wei approach, Ye Qingci looked up at him.

"Um."

"Then why have you come looking for me?"

Ye Qingci put down her teacup, her tone becoming somewhat indifferent.

"If you want to continue our previous topic, then forget it. I don't have that intention right now."

"Uh, no, that's not true."

Shen Wei waved his hand, his tone frank.

"I have come to fulfill the responsibility brought by the three thousand spirit stones—to escort you to the Jade Balance Sect."

Three thousand spirit stones to send a Nascent Soul cultivator to escort a Deity Transformation cultivator to a certain place is a pretty good deal.

"Um?"

Ye Qingci seemed somewhat surprised by his answer. "Why the sudden change of heart? You didn't seem to find the girl you saw that night, did you?"

"It's troublesome to say, but since you don't plan to stay here anyway, wouldn't it be a good thing for both of us if I sent you there sooner?" Shen Wei avoided her question and said in a calm tone.

Ye Qingci pondered for a moment, then said, "Very well, let's do as you say. When shall we set off?"

"Let's set it for the day after tomorrow."

He could have set it for tomorrow, but after thinking it over, he gave up – the Jade Balance Sect is located in the Central Continent, and if he set off tomorrow, he would inevitably be traveling the same route as Qin Yunshang.

He felt a vague sense of unease, fearing that the Shangqing Sect's pursuers might suddenly arrive. Although the Shangqing Sect had remained silent these past few days, he worried that if they sent even more powerful cultivators to hunt her down, it might endanger her.

He had no reason to be greedy for this moment of time together and put Qin Yunshang in danger.

Even if the probability of danger was extremely low, he was unwilling.