The autumn rain fell in a continuous, drizzling mist.
Inside the cave, the atmosphere had dropped to the freezing point. Both of them stared sharply at each other, and the silence stretched on for several breaths before Jiang Yueyi finally parted her thin lips.
"Do you admit it? Or do I need to bring out more evidence? For instance, the fact that you left your real name behind when you first entered the secret realm. That was likely your only mistake."
Jiang Yueyi had gone to great lengths to find this single piece of evidence, and it was the strongest proof to support her theory. She felt as though the heavens themselves were on her side regarding this matter.
Ling Feng let out a long, low sigh, which served as his silent admission. When she saw the complex emotions swirling in his eyes, Jiang Yueyi knew he had given in.
"That is just how the world works. If I hadn't known that interesting story, or if you hadn't gone to the Thunder Pole Secret Realm, our paths might never have crossed. If you weren't so outstanding, or if more people had made it out alive, or even if my curiosity wasn't so strong, we wouldn't have this shared destiny."
Jiang Yueyi toyed with a strand of her black hair with her slender fingers while she continued in a playful tone.
"Besides, you seem quite attached to your name. Even when you aren't using the full version, you still use one of the characters as an alias. If you truly wanted to hide, you shouldn't have done that. It makes it far too easy for someone like me to notice the discrepancy."
Ling Feng felt helpless. He wondered how he had managed to run into someone like her. Why would anyone be interested in a mere piece of firewood that was meant to be used and discarded?
"That name is important," he answered simply, offering no further explanation.
It was a small obsession of his, which was why he had accidentally written his full name when he was first asked for it.
"Aren't you afraid she will find you if you leave a trail like that?"
"I'm not afraid."
The two simple words left Jiang Yueyi feeling that there was a deeper, more intriguing meaning behind them.
"Fine. Putting those questions aside, we should talk about you joining the Pale Pavilion."
"When did I ever say I was joining?"
"Then let me give you another reason." Jiang Yueyi's phoenix eyes curved into a mischievous smile.
"What is it?"
"To put it bluntly, you are very poor." Jiang Yueyi pointed out a key fact that he simply could not deny.
Ling Feng found himself unable to argue. He was indeed broke, and Jiang Yueyi was absolutely right. A normal person might be able to get by while being poor, but that was impossible for a cultivator. Cultivation required a massive amount of resources, and it wasn't as simple as just absorbing the spiritual energy from the world. Techniques, pills, spiritual tools—all of these resources were a significant expense.
Furthermore, his current method of cultivation was a bit unconventional. A broke person had no business trying to cultivate, let alone aiming for immortality. Ling Feng was so poor that he didn't have a single coin to his name. The phrase 'penniless' didn't even begin to describe his situation.
"Do you know how my subordinates describe you?"
He shook his head slightly, assuming it wouldn't be anything flattering.
"A beggar." Jiang Yueyi didn't hold back, and she even emphasized the words. However, her tone didn't sound mocking; it was more like she was teasing him.
It certainly wasn't a nice term, but it wasn't exactly... inaccurate. He was well aware of the state of his own life.
"It is truly baffling that a cultivator with your level of strength lives such a miserable life."
"I am only [Level 1]."
"But your [Level 1] can kill me at [Level 6]. I don't know why you refuse to increase your [Level], but I can't see through your [Level 1] at all."
Jiang Yueyi had suffered a loss at the hands of that supposed [Level 1] when they first met.
"Even at [Level 1], you could join a sect or become an enforcer for some organization if you wanted to. You could at least make a living and look like a decent human being. To put it another way, with your abilities, you wouldn't be this poor if you just turned to highway robbery. Since you haven't done any of those things, I can only assume that you value your freedom as much as your life. You have your own moral compass and don't easily commit evil acts. Or perhaps, you simply don't know how to be evil."
As she finished speaking, Jiang Yueyi's gaze became predatory. Her phoenix eyes locked onto Ling Feng with a strange light, and she spoke with a half-smile. "Also, I learned from that story that you are hiding a certain skill. Pulse Tuning, right? If you used that to make money, you could become the richest man in the world."
"She wouldn't have told you that. What did you do?" Ling Feng asked in a heavy voice, and a cold glint flickered in his eyes.
"Naturally, I used some methods and paid a price you couldn't possibly imagine. I can't tell you the specifics, but I can tell you that only you, me, and she know about this. Also... I'll give you a guarantee."
Jiang Yueyi tapped her forehead and condensed a drop of blood-red liquid. She flicked her hand, sending the bead toward Ling Feng's brow. He sensed its intent and then absorbed the drop. This was a [Blood Oath] established by Jiang Yueyi. Unless he gave his consent, she would be unable to speak of this matter to anyone, or her soul would instantly shatter.
Seeing him accept it, Jiang Yueyi knew the deal was practically sealed.
"That skill truly shouldn't be known by anyone. it would attract too much Karma. Dying because of it would actually be the easy way out..." Jiang Yueyi's expression became exceptionally serious. "In that case, it makes sense that you are poor. I suppose I can't blame you for being so down and out."
"I do have some income from mapping out secret realms as firewood. I'm not as pathetic as you make me sound," he tried to defend himself.
"Oh? Do you want me to mention how you wander around not just to find secret realms, but to deliver the rewards you earn to the families of the rogue cultivators who died while following you?"
Jiang Yueyi had investigated him thoroughly, and there was nothing she didn't know.
Ling Feng sighed again. He had underestimated Jiang Yueyi from the start. This woman was far more troublesome than he had imagined. Her assertiveness was much stronger than he expected, and she truly wanted to keep him by her side.
Perhaps he had realized this the moment they met, but he couldn't help it. Jiang Yueyi had offered far too much back then, so much that he couldn't refuse.
"Alright, let's get back to my goal. I'll give you a price. As long as you want it, I can give you a pool of this medicinal liquid anytime you need it. Consider this condition as a betrothal gift."
"A betrothal gift... shouldn't it be a salary?" Was he about to become a live-in son-in-law?
"It's a betrothal gift." Jiang Yueyi smiled beautifully, looking quite crafty. "I don't think you're stupid enough to refuse this price. I don't know why you need this liquid, but it must be related to your cultivation method. You enter secret realms over and over again just to find spirit herbs, don't you?"
Seeing that Ling Feng still hadn't responded, Jiang Yueyi spoke again. "By the way, I planned to use this as my bargaining chip from the very beginning. From the fact that you came back with me despite being ambushed by my men and suppressed by me personally—all because I gave you compensation—it's clear you really need these things. You're even willing to risk your life for them. So, I don't think you'll refuse. Even the strongest sects in the Canghua Realm wouldn't spend these kinds of resources to support one person, but I can do it. If you're smart, you won't turn me down."
Ling Feng did hesitate. He had to admit that the price Jiang Yueyi offered left him with no reason to refuse. This woman had accurately targeted his greatest difficulty.
"Then why didn't you just say so at the start?"
"Do I need a reason to tease you?" Jiang Yueyi laughed charmingly. She had wanted to do it, so she did. Even if it resulted in her getting her bottom slapped earlier.
Given Jiang Yueyi's troublesome personality, he still felt like avoiding her even with such an irresistible offer. Jiang Yueyi spotted the hesitation in his eyes and spoke once more.
"You can refuse. I know you're wavering, and you might say no for now. But after some time, you'll probably change your mind. After all, no one wants to live a life on the edge of a blade forever."
Jiang Yueyi pressed her advantage. "I have the means to make it impossible for you to ever enter a secret realm again, but if I did that, you would hate me. You might even want to kill me. That's why I only want to entice you with benefits rather than threaten you. We need to have a good start, after all."
She offered both the carrot and the stick, revealing everything with perfect timing. Ling Feng could see that while she was using lures, she was also showing her sincerity. In his eyes, this woman had changed. He felt as though she was only missing a fluffy tail and fox ears. She really was a charming and cunning fox.
"You were teasing me just now because you wanted to mess with my state of mind so I'd be easier to handle, right?"
"Unfortunately, I'm not very good at it. I'll just have to use you for practice from now on." Jiang Yueyi's smile grew even more radiant, and her eyes sparkled with the joy of success.
In this round, she hadn't lost, but she hadn't exactly won either. However, she had gained something, and her mood was excellent. The curve of her lips deepened.
***
Inside the Pale Pavilion, Jiang Yueyi's gaze drifted over the fabrics spread across the table. Her phoenix eyes scanned them as she carefully considered her options, and she visualized countless images in her mind. After looking at the last bolt of cloth, she looked at the maid standing respectfully behind her with a look of disappointment.
"Is this all?" Her tone was clearly dissatisfied.
The maid trembled slightly and hurried to speak. "The rest are on their way. They should arrive in about an hour."
Jiang Yueyi nodded and stopped looking at the cloth. she stood in thought, trying to create a design that satisfied her. Then, she turned her attention to the dozens of spiritual swords.
"Vulgar, flashy, boring..." She gave her evaluation of each one. Finally, her gaze stopped on a plain-looking spiritual sword. The scabbard was simple, featuring a black body with silver patterns. She picked it up and drew it, revealing a bright silver blade that seemed to swallow the light. Its edge was incredibly sharp.
She immediately decided that this was the sword that suited him best. It looked simple and unadorned on the outside, but it was deep and restrained. It perfectly matched his peerless appearance—one that was almost too bold to be judged.
An hour later, the new fabrics arrived. She finally selected the ones she liked and immediately ordered the clothes to be made.
***
Ling Feng changed into the clothes that had been delivered. Along with the outfit, a spiritual sword had been sent as well. When his eyes fell upon the weapon, he didn't look happy or impressed. Instead, a hint of worry appeared on his brow.
He could tell at a glance that it was a magnificent sword. It looked plain, but it was made of precious materials. He could imagine that while it might not burst with sword light when drawn, its power would be terrifying. He picked it up and drew it halfway, and the clear, long ring of the blade echoed in his ears.
As he thought, it was a great sword. However, he wasn't a sword cultivator—or at least, he wasn't one right now. No matter how good a sword was, it was no different from scrap metal in his hands. But since Jiang Yueyi had sent it, he had to accept it. He had already given her his word, and he truly couldn't find a reason to say no.
The power of a wealthy woman could shake the heavens. A poor guy like him really couldn't withstand a strike like this.
Over the years, he had mostly wandered around without a fixed home. He had no place to call his own. Clean grass, thick tree branches, or hidden caves were his usual resting places. It sounded like the life of a wild animal, but that was how he lived. He didn't even have a warm blanket, let alone a shelter from the wind and rain.
While he didn't usually mind—since that kind of life was quite free and easy—money was still an issue. He needed a vast amount of cultivation resources, which was why he spent his years in secret realms looking for spirit herbs. After living outdoors for so long, he occasionally wanted to stop and rest for a while.
Moreover, Jiang Yueyi had offered so much. He wasn't sure what he could even provide for her in return. Given her mysterious background, it was hard to imagine what she could possibly lack. But he was too lazy to think about it. He had always been the type to take things as they came.
'I'll just have to be a bit thick-skinned when dealing with her from now on. I might get some unexpected gains that way,' he told himself.
He walked out of the building and was met with the sight of deepening autumn. Red leaves drifted through the air, accompanied by the whistling wind. Jiang Yueyi was already waiting for him. She sat under a red maple tree in front of the pavilion, and the scent of wine wafted from the table beside her.
Hearing his footsteps, she turned her head. The moment she saw him, it felt as if ten thousand years had passed in a single glance. Her eyes were filled with amazement, and she didn't hide her admiration at all. After looking him over, she finally spoke.
"As I thought. You look exactly as I imagined."
The white robes weren't entirely white. The left side of the chest was decorated with a few falling red leaves, perfectly matching the beautiful autumn scenery. The gold thread patterns on the hem weren't flashy; they were subtle and refined. With a white porcelain belt, a black and gold hair crown, and the sword hanging at his waist, he looked like a [Sword Immortal].
He was like a piece of uncut jade that didn't need polishing. Everything he wore was just an ornament. Though it was said that clothes make the man, Jiang Yueyi felt that he was the one making the clothes look extraordinary.
He stood there quietly with a calm gaze and a relaxed expression. He truly had the aura of a young heroic swordsman, though he still looked a bit too youthful and lacked a sharp edge. Jiang Yueyi was looking forward to seeing him in a few years.
She was willing to treat him as a treasure. Now that this treasure belonged to her, this was likely the happiest day Jiang Yueyi had experienced since coming to the Canghua Realm from her hometown.
"So, what should I call you? Pavilion Master? Boss? Or maybe... Big Sister?"