158: Chapter 158 Strangers

"Wow!" Song Zhixia ran out of the temple, looking at the peach tree outside in shock. "Brother, come out and see!"

"The Empress has shown her divinity."

Peach blossoms drifted down.

Pink and white petals fell from the branches like rain, scattering like sleet.

Song Zhiran walked out the door, equally amazed. "Has she truly manifested?"

He raised his hand to catch a peach blossom petal.

Could this be a sign that he would surely pass the Autumn Examination this year and have pupils all over the world in the future?

After all, this scene appeared right after he had finished making his wish.

It was hard not to draw a connection.

Meanwhile, Song Zhixia had already excitedly run deeper into the falling flower rain, spinning with her arms wide open, overjoyed.

Li Shutang stood outside the door, standing silently.

She wanted to call out to him, but she was afraid it wasn't him.

Even though she knew that the familiar Aura in the incense couldn't be wrong.

Li Shutang was waiting for him to turn around.

But Jiang Xun looked left and right, yet hesitated to turn toward her.

"Brother Jiang!" Song Zhiran shouted loudly.

Jiang Xun's body paused for a moment before he turned around, responding with a look of pleasant surprise, "Brother Song."

He glanced slightly at Li Shutang beside them.

Then he looked away.

The mist on Li Shutang's face dissipated, revealing a pair of slightly reddened eyes.

I finally found you.

"Brother Dao Xun..."

Jiang Xun walked over, and Li Shutang also took a step forward.

Seeing the person getting closer, Li Shutang couldn't help but raise her hands.

She wanted so much to hold him tight.

However, Jiang Xun did not stop for her, but instead brushed past her.

It was as if they were two strangers.

Li Shutang's hands froze.

She felt a sharp pain in her heart.

"Brother Jiang, this... what's going on?" Song Zhiran's voice carried an irrepressible astonishment. "How did these peach blossoms... how did they all bloom?"

"I don't know either," Jiang Xun said with a puzzled expression. "Perhaps an Immortal has emerged nearby."

In the Great Tang, Immortals and Mortals lived together, and Cultivators often walked the world.

So it wasn't strange for miraculous events to occur.

It was just that some people saw more of it, while others saw less.

But when encountering such things, it was better to stay far away.

After all, no one knew if they were encountering a demon performing demonic arts.

"An Immortal?" Song Zhiran pondered for a moment and felt that this was the only possibility.

It couldn't be that the Empress had truly manifested!

Although the number of Cultivators was very rare compared to Mortals, they weren't extinct.

It was just that they usually hid within the great sects of spiritual mountains and would not easily descend.

While the Cultivators of the county's Demon Suppression Division were also Cultivators, they practiced the standard Cultivation Techniques issued by the imperial court.

So in Song Zhiran's eyes, they lacked the elegance and grace of an Immortal.

They couldn't be considered True Immortals.

"Let's go."

"Go? Leaving already?" Song Zhiran hadn't yet recovered from his shock. "But this..."

"There's nothing to see."

Jiang Xun turned around and prepared to head down the mountain.

He desperately suppressed his heart, which was about to race wildly, truly wishing this was all a dream.

Who would have thought that upon turning around, he would see another Ascension Realm great Cultivator standing before him?

It nearly scared him to death.

Fortunately, Jiang Xun reacted immediately, and his face didn't show any intriguing expressions or looks.

He really didn't want to get involved with these Big Shots anymore.

Right now, he just needed to deal with White Fox Jiu; he didn't want an Empress added to the mix.

Song Zhiran agreed; it was indeed better not to get involved in the affairs of Immortals.

Everyone in the world sought an Opportunity.

But they often forgot whether they had the ability to handle it.

"Zhixia!" Song Zhiran shouted to his sister. "Let's go, we're heading back."

"Huh!?" Song Zhixia said with some dissatisfaction, "So soon?"

"I haven't had enough fun yet!"

"If you want to walk home, you can play as long as you want; I won't care one bit," Song Zhiran said casually.

"Hmph!" Song Zhixia curled her lip.

Jiang Xun brushed past Li Shutang once again.

"Young Master," Li Shutang called out to him.

Hearing this, Song Zhiran, who was walking beside him, was the first to turn his head; he had long wanted to catch a glimpse of the lady's face.

He had only refrained from looking directly at her because of the principle of not looking at what is improper.

Now he finally had the chance.

With just one look, Song Zhiran's heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly; she was too beautiful.

Like a Fairy descending to the Mortal realm, every frown and smile was captivating.

"Does the lady have some business?" Song Zhiran said blankly.

At this time, Jiang Xun also turned his head.

He just didn't speak.

"My carriage is broken and stopped at the foot of the mountain," Li Shutang explained softly. "I wanted to ask if the two Young Masters could do me a favor and give me a ride back."

Although there were two people, she was looking at Jiang Xun the entire time.

Jiang Xun was speechless; how could a girl as beautiful as her feel so safe riding in a carriage with two men, without any fear at all?

Feeling a bit uncomfortable under her gaze, Jiang Xun pointed to Song Zhiran beside him and said, "The carriage belongs to Young Master Song; you can just ask him."

Song Zhiran didn't dare to look at her.

His eyes wandered elsewhere as he said in a low voice:

"A lady alone on the mountain with a broken carriage is indeed inconvenient."

"If you don't mind the squeeze, then come back with us."

Song Zhixia ran over happily, taking Li Shutang's hand. "Sister, are you coming with us?"

She had long wanted to make friends with her, but the other woman had a mysterious sense of aloofness that made her afraid to approach.

Li Shutang smiled slightly. "Yes, thank you for the trouble."

Song Zhiran waved his hand. "You're welcome."

The carriage swayed as it headed toward the county town.

Inside the carriage, Song Zhixia sat by the window, with Li Shutang sitting next to her.

Jiang Xun and Song Zhiran sat opposite them.

Song Zhixia was someone who couldn't stay still; as soon as she got in the carriage, she started asking questions.

"Sister, what is your name?"

"Li Shutang."

After saying this, she looked at Jiang Xun, but unfortunately, he showed no reaction.

It was as if he truly didn't recognize her.

"Sister Li, where do you live?"

"The Imperial Capital."

"The Imperial Capital?" Song Zhixia's eyes widened. "That far? Why did you come here all by yourself?"

Li Shutang smiled. "I originally had attendants accompanying me, but I gave them the slip."

Song Zhixia said happily, "I don't like attendants following me either."

Song Zhixia wanted to ask more, but Song Zhiran glared at her; she shrank her neck and stopped talking.

But after a short silence, she spoke again.

"Sister Li, what do you do?"

"I'm in business."

"What business?"

"A little bit of everything."

Song Zhixia nodded, then suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Jiang Xun.

"Young Master Jiang, are you going to take part in this year's Autumn Examination?"

Jiang Xun was resting with his eyes closed; hearing this, he opened them.

"Yes."

"Then you must test well," Song Zhixia said with a grin. "My brother says you are very talented; if you pass, don't forget to treat us to a meal."

Jiang Xun nodded but didn't respond.

Song Zhixia turned back to Li Shutang: "Sister Li, do you know about the Autumn Examination?"

Li Shutang's eyes brightened slightly, but they quickly returned to normal.

"I know, it's the examination for the imperial court to select talent."

"Right, right, right!" Song Zhixia became energetic. "Young Master Jiang is very impressive; even my brother admires the poems he writes."

"My brother said if he goes to take the exam, he will definitely pass."

"Is that so?" Li Shutang's gaze fell on Jiang Xun. "The Young Master is going to take the Autumn Examination?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

Jiang Xun glanced at her. "To seek a Scholarly Honor."

"And after achieving Scholarly Honor?"

"To become an official."

"And after becoming an official?"

Jiang Xun didn't answer, appearing annoyed by the questioning.

Song Zhixia chimed in from the side: "Sister Li, don't ask anymore; Young Master Jiang hasn't been in a good mood these past two days."

"Why?" Li Shutang asked curiously.

She wanted to know everything about Jiang Xun.

"His wife was taken to prison," Song Zhixia lowered her voice as if telling a secret. "I heard it's because..."

She glanced at Jiang Xun and didn't dare to continue.

Li Shutang's brow furrowed slightly.

"The Young Master has a wife?"

"Yes," Jiang Xun said normally.

Li Shutang was silent for a moment.

"What kind of person is she?"

"A very good person."

Li Shutang didn't ask further.

She lowered her head, her two fingers twisting together.

Song Zhiran sat beside them, not speaking the whole time.

Seeing how Jiang Xun remained unmoved by such a beauty, he felt deep admiration; at the same time, he also tried to rest with his eyes closed, not letting desires affect him.

Meanwhile, his intellect took the high ground.

Setting aside her beauty and looking at the woman again.

He always felt there was something wrong with this woman named Li Shutang, an indescribable sense of dissonance.

She was too composed.

A beautiful woman alone with a broken carriage shouldn't be this composed.

Recalling those tales of the strange and supernatural, Song Zhiran felt a chill down his spine.

But he didn't say it aloud.

...

The carriage stopped in front of the Tavern.

Jiang Xun jumped off the carriage and walked inside without looking back.

"Young Master," Li Shutang's voice came from behind him.

Jiang Xun turned around. "What is it?"

"Thank you for giving me a ride," Li Shutang said. "I wonder if I could trouble you for a cup of water? I've grown a bit thirsty on the way."

Jiang Xun was silent for a moment.

"Come in."

Li Shutang followed him into the Tavern.

Tao Fu was wiping a wine jar behind the counter; he was stunned to see Jiang Xun bring in a strange woman but didn't ask questions.

"Uncle Tao, pour a cup of tea."

"Right away."

Tao Fu poured a cup of tea and placed it on the table.

Li Shutang sat down and picked up the teacup; she didn't drink it but just held it in her hands.

Song Zhiran and Song Zhixia also came in.

Song Zhixia ran to the counter, asked for a plate of peanuts, and looked around while eating.

"Young Master Jiang, so this is your Tavern? It's quite big."

"It's alright, just barely enough to make a living," Jiang Xun said.

Song Zhixia wanted to ask more, but Song Zhiran pulled her back.

"Zhixia, we should go."

"So soon? I just sat down."

"Don't disturb Brother Jiang." Song Zhiran cupped his hands toward Jiang Xun. "Brother Jiang, we'll be going first; if you need anything, come find me anytime."

"Alright!"

But after walking a few steps, Song Zhiran suddenly leaned close to Jiang Xun and whispered, "That woman isn't right."

Jiang Xun was startled, then nodded. "Thank you, Brother Song."

He had thought he was the only one who saw through Li Shutang's full-of-holes lies.

Song Zhiran pulled Song Zhixia outside.

Song Zhixia looked back as she walked, waving at Li Shutang: "Sister Li, goodbye!"

Li Shutang smiled slightly: "Goodbye."

The siblings left.

The Tavern fell silent.

Tao Fu tactfully took the teapot to the back room, leaving the front hall to Jiang Xun and Li Shutang.

Jiang Xun ignored Li Shutang and simply went about calculating today's accounts.

Time passed between the two of them.

Li Shutang held a bowl of weak wine and sipped it for a long time.

She stood up, placed the empty cup on the table, and suddenly asked:

"What is your wife's name?"

"Bai Jiu," Jiang Xun said casually.

"Bai Jiu..." Li Shutang repeated the name and nodded, "I see."

She walked toward the door. When she reached it, she stopped but didn't look back.

"Young Master, the Autumn Examination is imminent; prepare well."

"Okay."

Li Shutang stepped over the threshold and left.

Jiang Xun stood by the counter, looking at the still-swaying door curtain.

His heart finally settled.

...

The county yamen prison.

Li Shutang walked inside.

It was very dark in the prison, with oil lamp flames flickering on the walls.

People were locked in cells on both sides, but no one made a sound.

They all lowered their heads and closed their eyes, as if asleep, or as if awake but not daring to move.

Li Shutang frowned; all these prisoners had been refined into Puppets.

Their will was gone, and their five senses were lost.

They were already objects, not people.

Walking down the long corridor, she came to a cell.

The iron door was open.

White Fox Jiu stood in the center of the cell.

She stood there as if she had long known someone would come.

Li Shutang looked at her.

"flower-faced fox," Li Shutang spoke. "The Void-Piercing Great Demon reported by the Demon Suppression Division."

"Entered from the Southern Region, wounded seven Soul Transformation Stage Cultivators, and forcibly tore open the barrier."

White Fox Jiu tilted her head and said indifferently, "So you've come to capture me?"

"You are hiding in Lean County under the name Bai Jiu," Li Shutang continued to herself. "You married a man named Jiang Hu—no, he should be called Jiang Xun."

White Fox Jiu's face turned cold. "What business is it of yours?"

"You know him," Li Shutang said. "For how long?"

White Fox Jiu looked directly at Li Shutang.

"A long time."

Li Shutang said, "I have also known him for a long time."

"Then what are you here for? To capture me? Or to steal him?" White Fox Jiu's eyes narrowed into a pair of golden vertical pupils.

Li Shutang said calmly, "You could clearly take him away, yet you insisted on locking yourself in prison and leaving him outside."

"You want to see him worry for you, run around for you, and suffer for you."

"You want to torture him."

White Fox Jiu's Aura surged, and the phantom of nine fox tails grew behind her. She said, "What I do to him is none of your concern."

She slowly walked toward Li Shutang. "He is my husband; I can do whatever I want to him."

Li Shutang laughed softly. "Is he truly your husband?"

"It's one thing to deceive others, but don't deceive yourself."

White Fox Jiu instantly grabbed Li Shutang's neck, but it was like grabbing a handful of air; she passed right through.

"I didn't expect that it wasn't even a Clone, but just a Wisp of Consciousness." White Fox Jiu gave a mocking smile. "You're probably too busy to look after yourself right now, yet you have the time to meddle in my business?"

"I want to make a deal with you," Li Shutang said.

"Why should I make a deal with you?" White Fox Jiu retracted her tails.

A mere Wisp of Consciousness posed no threat to her.

"Don't you want to know who the tail that was cut off back then was given to?"