47. Alive in Peace

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Bai Zongnan spoke with a calm indifference: “Get lost. Don’t ever provoke me again.”

Chen Haonan was in such pain that tears streamed down his cheeks. He glared at Bai Zongnan with venomous hatred and roared, “Damn you! How dare you humiliate me like this? I won’t let you get away with it.”

Bang! Bai Zongnan kicked him over again.

Chen Haonan let out a muffled groan as he crashed to the ground, staring at Bai Zongnan in shock. He couldn’t understand where Bai Zongnan—a man he considered a coward—had found the courage to trample on him.

Bai Zongnan ignored him, merely wiping his hands with a tissue.

“Brother-in-law, stop putting on airs,” Chen Haonan sneered. “You may be my brother-in-law and the teacher of Tang Qi and the others, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a pathetic loser.”

“I can understand you, though. You’ve been oppressed for years, so you’re sensitive around the powerful, always afraid of angering Ye Jincheng. Actually, you don’t need to be so timid—Ye Jincheng won’t dare retaliate against you, but you’ll still have to answer to the Ye Hall.”

“You might as well just lend me fifty million. I’ll give you fifty million as working capital, so you can live in peace and be with Lin Ruoxue for the rest of your life,” Chen Haonan continued, his breath hot with vehemence. “What do you say?”

Bai Zongnan’s voice turned icy: “Get out.”

Chen Haonan gritted his teeth, forcing out a threat: “Brother-in-law, your stubbornness will be the death of you! Your mother and your sister are both in my hands. If anything happens to them, not only will your reputation be ruined, but Lin Ruoxue will be implicated too. The entire Ruoxue Group will be destroyed.”

“Get out!” Bai Zongnan’s tone deepened.

Seeing Bai Zongnan’s unyielding resolve, Chen Haonan realized persuasion was pointless. Frustrated and resentful, he could only leave.

Bai Zongnan paid him no mind, lowering his gaze in thought. He’d long suspected Lin Ruoxue would run into trouble, but without concrete details, he hadn’t bothered to get involved. After all, it was an old grudge between Lin Qiuling and Tang Ruoxue, not his concern. But now that he needed to help, he couldn’t just stand by—otherwise, people would think him weak.

Besides, he needed money to save Lin Qiuling; otherwise, Ye Jincheng would squeeze him for every last drop of value. He decided to take time to contact Yang Hongxing and ask for a loan.

As for whether the Tang Clan or Tang Shier would take advantage of the chaos, Bai Zongnan chose not to dwell on it for now. His sole focus was to raise five hundred million as quickly as possible to save Lin Qiuling.

Ding-dong!

Just as Bai Zongnan was considering whether to try his luck at the casino, there was a gentle knock at the door.

A beautiful and mature woman entered, her presence gracing the room. She wore a white blouse and a black skirt that hugged her long, shapely legs, her figure alluringly defined. She was about one meter seventy-five, with perfect proportions and porcelain skin.

Her face was strikingly exquisite, radiating both maturity and seduction, though her expression was haughty and playful—like a snake poised to strike.

Bai Zongnan was momentarily taken aback upon seeing her face. He hadn’t expected to see Song Hongyan here. What was she doing in this place? Had she somehow learned that Chen Haonan had come looking for him?

This could be trouble—if she complained, things might get difficult.

He cleared his throat and spoke, “Hongyan, it’s late. What brings you here?”

“What do you think?” Song Hongyan replied, moving with intent to the coffee table and sitting down. “Why did you come to the hospital tonight? Why are you in such a sorry state?”

“What’s wrong with the way I am?” Bai Zongnan replied, rubbing his aching shoulder. “I don’t like dressing up and living a life of pretense. I just want things simple and plain.”

“Can’t you show a little ambition?” Song Hongyan’s tone carried a hint of disappointment. “I remember the biggest dream I once had for you was that you’d earn your own money, buy a house and a car, get married, have children, and live out your days in comfort.”

“You even promised me you’d never be tainted by any worldly filth. But look at you now—you’re so stingy you won’t spend a cent on yourself, and you’ve even gone to work at a nightclub, disgracing the Ye family name. How am I supposed to explain this to Mother?”

“If she asks me, ‘Where’s Bai Zongnan?’ what should I say? That my brother is off hiding somewhere again? Is this how you show filial piety to me and Mother?”

“I’m not here today to settle old scores. I’m here to give you money.” She raised a check. “One hundred million—I’ve paid it for you. You don’t need to pay me back a single cent. Take the money and return to where you came from!”

Bai Zongnan frowned, surprised that Song Hongyan had come to bring him money. He sighed, “Hongyan, that’s not necessary. This is my debt to repay—I won’t default. I may be broke now, unable even to buy a house, and you’re giving me a hundred million…”

He gave a bitter smile and shook his head. A month ago, when he’d fallen out with Song Hongyan, he’d indeed wanted to draw a clear line between them. But now that they’d reconciled, he didn’t want to dwell on past grievances—he didn’t want to betray the bond they still shared.

“Bai Zongnan, stop being so fake!” Song Hongyan leaned forward, locking eyes with him. “All of our past grudges are gone. I don’t want to dwell in the past—only look ahead.”

“But you won’t let things end amicably; instead, you’re always finding fault with me, always crossing me at every turn.”

“I admit I wronged you once, made you believe I’d cheated on you, but that’s in the past. Now we’re together again—I want to make amends. I want to atone for what I did.”

“What are you still holding on to? Have you forgotten how I once took a knife for you?”

“I don’t expect you to love me now. I just hope you don’t destroy everything between us—otherwise, we’ll never have a chance.”

“Besides, today I’m not here to talk about feelings. I want to discuss your five hundred thousand debt.”

She reminded him, “You owe me a hundred million.”

Her words left Bai Zongnan awkward and embarrassed.

“You’re my sister, a member of the Ye family, and the Song family,” he said, exhaling to ease the tension. “It’s only right for you to help me clear my debts. After all, you’re my sister and I’m your brother. Besides, your grudge with Ye Jinfeng is already resolved. There’s no reason to keep holding this over me.”

“Besides, I’ve already paid you thirty million. There’s forty million left. If you want me to repay it all, I can’t manage it. Didn’t you say we should keep out of each other’s affairs from now on? Why keep harping on my debt to you?”

He did his best to preserve their relationship.

“Stop playing dumb,” Song Hongyan said, taking a sip of the tea he’d just brewed—its fragrance and sweetness clearly to her liking. “You do owe me, but I don’t mind if you take your time repaying me. That’s fine.”

“I’m here for two reasons: one, to see how you’re recovering; and two, to introduce you to a job and check how you’re doing.”

“Dragon City—how is it?” she asked. “Are you getting used to working at Longjing Restaurant? I heard you almost lost your job. But don’t worry, I’ve already resigned on your behalf. Tomorrow, you’ll be the head chef at the Imperial Hotel. With your skills, you’re more than qualified.”

“And once you’re head chef, your debt to me will be offset. I’ll never have to worry about you running off with the money.”

“Isn’t that a good thing I’ve done for you?” she teased, handing him the teacup.

“Thank you, Hongyan!” Bai Zongnan squeezed out a smile as he accepted the cup. “But why are you being so good to me?”

“We’re siblings, born of the same mother. If I don’t look after you, who will?” There was a touch of gentleness in her eyes. “And you’re also a relative of my husband. If I don’t care for you, who should I care for?”

“You need money now—I can lend it to you. Just pay me back when you can.” She was understanding. “But you must promise me, no running away, and definitely no embezzling Song Group assets. If I find out you’ve absconded with funds, I’ll have you arrested and toss Tang Qiqi into jail too.”

Her threat was cold and sharp—she clearly held plenty of leverage over him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t run,” Bai Zongnan replied with a helpless smile. “I still need your protection.” He wasn’t afraid to go up against Song Hongyan and Tang Ruoxue, but he didn’t want to stir up trouble either, so he chose to compromise for now. As for running off with the money—never, for the burden he carried was too heavy.

He had to stay in Dragon City to protect his father and the others, and only by remaining there could he quickly resolve the Jin City matter.

“That’s more like it.” Song Hongyan smiled with satisfaction, then wheeled herself into the corner and pulled out her phone to issue a command.

Moments later, Bai Zongnan’s computer beeped, and an email popped up with five colorful bills attached—fifty million yuan. Song Hongyan had truly sent him the money.

He wheeled himself to the window, gazing out at the dawn.

“Bai Zongnan, I’ve always felt guilty toward you over the years,” Song Hongyan said, looking out as well, her beautiful face tinged with melancholy. “Especially after you were expelled from the Tang Clan. I’ve always felt I owed you.”

“You don’t need to feel guilty—you never wronged me,” Bai Zongnan replied coolly.

“You’ve changed, Bai Zongnan,” she sighed. “You’ve become withdrawn, a stranger, distant from everyone. I once thought I could change you, but I was never ruthless or forceful enough.”

“When you left the Song family, nearly everyone opposed it—grandparents, parents, everyone. Even I and Mom and Dad were adamant. Regardless of your merits, your contributions, or whether you’d wronged me, you had to go.”

“We even threatened to sever all ties and forced Uncle to transfer the Song Group to me. But in the end, Uncle and the others bowed their heads, and they even asked me to tell Grandpa not to push you out.”

“You’ve truly done all you could for the Song family and for us.” There was regret in her voice, as if she felt she hadn’t done enough, though she held no grudge against her family.

“President Song, let’s not talk about old, trivial things,” Bai Zongnan replied playfully. “I may not like you, but I respect you as my sister. I don’t hate you, nor do I resent you. You’re a good person.” He hinted that her past pressure was for the Ye Hall’s benefit. He hoped his sister would live happily.

“Fine, let’s not mention those old matters. And don’t call me President Song anymore,” she said with a charming smile. “Call me Sister, or Brother-in-law.”

Bai Zongnan gave a wry smile, choosing not to respond, and continued gazing at the setting sun.

“There’s one more thing I want to ask. Are you truly unwilling to return to the Ye family?” she asked, shifting the topic. “Mom and Dad really need you.”

“To return to the Ye family?” Bai Zongnan laughed. “I never knew you all growing up, never felt your love or indulgence. I couldn’t even afford a full meal. What’s the point of going back?”

“Don’t try to pressure me with my brother-in-law. Unless the Ye Hall is truly in danger, I won’t return.”

“Fine, you’ve got backbone. Just remember your promise.” Song Hongyan smiled charmingly but sighed, “It was only a few days ago I learned you’d vanished on an island, disappeared from a plane, and the Song family sent countless people to search with no trace.”

“Later, news came you’d been expelled from the Song family, and they even announced your death. Over these years, I’ve felt sad and pained, wishing you’d return to the Ye family and reclaim your roots. But then I’d remember all the old grievances, and our blood ties, and I’d stop myself—only able to pray you’d be safe and well…”

She sighed softly. “Who would have thought we’d meet again—like this.”

Bai Zongnan turned slightly. “Don’t be sad. The world is vast—maybe one day we’ll meet again. But you needn’t worry about me. I’m fine,” he said, steering the conversation away from their entanglements. “How is the Song family doing?”

He’d guessed she would come to him again, but not so soon.

Song Hongyan didn’t hide anything: “The Song family is worse off than before, but not to the point of collapse. It’s still one of the three great houses of China. As long as it stands, it’ll always be a top player on Wall Street.”

“We have a team of elites running the entire China Merchants Bank. That fund I seized from Grandpa brings in fifty billion yuan of pure profit every year. If I wanted, I could keep injecting capital into the Song family.”

“That’s the key reason we’ve endured—and why we’re the top of Dragon City’s four great clans.”

“Even if times are hard, we still have many partners in the industrial chain—leaders in their fields, all eager to serve us, so our status in Dragon City is unshakable. But there are problems—some partners are dissatisfied.”

“It’s not about prices, technology, or channels—they’re worried we control too much of the core competitiveness.”

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“Although the Song Group has five or six pillar enterprises and pharmaceutical factories, that only accounts for seventy percent of Dragon City’s pharmaceutical market.”

“Our two private equity funds under Song Pharmaceuticals only control about twenty to thirty percent of that market.”

“You know what these numbers mean. In other words, your influence in Dragon City is lower than we expected.”

“That’s exactly why Ye Jincheng and the others dare attack us so brazenly.”

“Ye Jincheng not only controls the majority of Song Pharmaceuticals’ shares, but also holds a billion in assets. That’s more than enough for him to turn the tables, and he could easily crush my Imperial Hotel.”

“So I’d like you to join the Imperial Group. Let’s work together to resist Ye Jincheng’s oppression and help the Ye family truly rise.”

“You’re a member of the Song family—it’s only right you help us.” Song Hongyan was candid, reaching out to clasp Bai Zongnan’s hand, her eyes blazing. “If you join us, the Song family has a bright future.”

Bai Zongnan replied coolly, “Thank you for your offer, President Song, but the Imperial Hotel already belongs to the Ye Hall.”

“I know it belongs to the Ye Hall, but that’s only part of the picture—it’s not complete. You should be part of it.”

“If you’re willing to join, the Song family will lift you to the highest pedestal!” she promised, clearly aware of his obsession with the Imperial Hotel.

“The highest pedestal?” Bai Zongnan smiled. “You know my identity. You must realize I’m irreconcilable with the Martial Alliance of China!”

“It’s not just about our personal grievances, but also the traps set by the authorities, and Ye Jincheng’s hostility.”

“Sooner or later, the Ye Hall and the Martial Alliance will be at war. I’ll not only be an enemy of the Song family, but Ye Jincheng’s foe as well. I have no interest in getting involved.”

He was blunt and made his stance clear.

“Bai Zongnan—” Song Hongyan’s lips parted in surprise at his stark refusal. “What happened to you all these years? Why have you changed so much—grown so cold and full of hatred for Ye Jincheng and the others? You’re a different person from ten years ago.”

“What triggered this? And why did my father abandon you back then?”

“I don’t know!” Bai Zongnan shrugged with helplessness. “When I woke up, there was a new memory in my head, a half-finished martial technique, and a pile of bones and a coffin.”

“I know nothing of medicine or esoteric arts, but looking at those bones, I felt it was Heaven’s punishment on me—to make me forget everything, to leave me alive but hollow inside.”

“From then on, I resolved to take my revenge on the world.”

Song Hongyan was stunned, never realizing the depth of his inner struggle.

After a long pause, she managed a smile, gently caressing his cheek. “Bai Zongnan, I understand your pain. I won’t force you to work for the Song family. I just hope you won’t let your mother down, or squander my efforts.”

“I know it sounds sentimental, even selfish, but you must realize—the Song family is so lonely now. My father’s disengaged, Uncle and my cousins are unreliable, and I’m left to shoulder everything alone.”

“I’m not asking for your help. I just want you by my side. Your presence alone would mean so much.”

“The Song family’s difficulties now are largely due to the Ye Hall.”

“Especially those families closely allied with them—they’re suppressing us, hoping we’ll lose our edge.”

Bai Zongnan reminded her, “You need fresh blood in the mix.”

“The Ye, Zhao, Sun, Wang, and Qin families?” Song Hongyan sneered. “They’re all waiting for our downfall. I doubt we’ll last three days before they push us to the wall.”

“Their pressure means nothing,” Bai Zongnan mocked. “Even the Council of Elders in China is hardly worth our concern. Over the years, we haven’t hesitated to challenge and suppress them, but their deep backgrounds and wide connections make them impossible to truly hurt. We’re the ones who’ve suffered most.”

“These years, they’ve tried to annex the Song family, but I’ve fought to keep it intact, not letting it fall into other hands.”

Bai Zongnan was surprised, then nodded. “So you’ve been locked in this struggle all along?”

“That’s right. But now the Song family is in real danger,” Song Hongyan sighed. “If it weren’t for the Ye Hall’s inspection team coming this month, the Imperial Hotel would probably have changed hands already.”

A shadow of sadness passed through her eyes—the glory of the Song family was fading.

“The inspection team is coming?” Bai Zongnan narrowed his eyes. “Which team?”

“Lin Qiuling, vice president of the China Business Alliance—your grandmother,” Song Hongyan sighed. “She’s vice president and also one of Ye Jincheng’s people, a good friend of my father’s…”

“Lin Qiuling is coming to Dragon City?” Bai Zongnan frowned deeply. “Why?”

“She leads the Ye Hall’s inspection team, supervising the operations of the Dragon City Chamber of Commerce and investigating any issues. After all, Dragon City is full of the powerful—if anything goes wrong, it’s a scandal.”

Bai Zongnan’s voice was composed. “If she’s coming, it must be for the Imperial Hotel!”

“Let’s put that aside for now,” Song Hongyan said, clutching his sleeve with a pleading look. “Let’s talk about you.”

All these years, after failing to oppose the Ye Hall, she had never shown such weakness or begged anyone.

Bai Zongnan could feel her tenderness and longing, tinged with guilt. He was about to say he wouldn’t get involved with the Imperial Hotel when Song Hongyan suddenly dropped to her knees.

“Bai Zongnan, accept my gift. I am Song Hongyan—I’ll be your servant, do anything you ask!” Her humility was deeply moving.

“Hongyan, don’t—” he instinctively helped her up.

She stubbornly shook her head, gripping his hand. “Promise me, don’t back down.”

After a moment’s thought, Bai Zongnan said, “Alright, I’ll stay.”

“Thank you, Bai Zongnan!” Song Hongyan was overjoyed and threw her arms around him, kissing him.

He was about to push her away, but his body froze. The familiar scent sent his heart trembling.

His arms instinctively opened, holding her tightly as if to merge her into himself.

Song Hongyan, usually so dignified, responded with the abandon of a young girl, as if trying to meld herself with him entirely.

Memories raced through Bai Zongnan’s mind—girls dying before his eyes, or being defiled. He held Song Hongyan’s waist without thinking…

Who knows how long passed before Song Hongyan finally stopped, nestling against him, her cheeks burning. “Sorry, I lost control.”

Her eyes brimmed with shyness and apology, her charm undeniable. She never imagined she would one day throw herself so passionately into a man’s embrace.

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“It’s nothing—let’s have more moments like this,” Bai Zongnan said gently, helping her up. “Otherwise, I’ll wear you out sooner or later.”

“I like how wicked you are, but I worry you’ll suffer for it,” Song Hongyan pouted. “If that happens, won’t I be a sinner for all time?”

“Nonsense. You’re my wife. If I don’t take advantage of you, should I let someone else?” He squeezed her hand. “Besides, I may not be a good person, but I’m worse than any villain.”

“Oh, you…” Song Hongyan smiled, then sighed. “It’s a pity I’m married, or I’d wander the world with you, leaving all this trouble behind…”

As she spoke, she took out her phone and made a call. Soon, a convoy of black Mercedes arrived, followed by seven armored Audis carrying bodyguards.

“President Song!” the driver called respectfully, opening the back seat. “Where to?”

“Jinzhi Lin!” Song Hongyan ordered. “Prepare five pounds of premium donkey-hide gelatin, ten pounds of bear’s paw, a hundred bird’s nests… I want to make Bai Zongnan a tonic soup, restore him to peak condition, and heal him.”

Her gaze was resolute. “I want everyone to remember—I won’t just be Madam Ye, but the only Madam Ye in the world!”

Bai Zongnan’s eyelid twitched. Song Hongyan was growing ever more ruthless, willing to use any means for the sake of the Imperial Hotel—even these rare tonics.

But thinking of her character, he wasn’t surprised. She’d held up half of the Imperial Bank since she was sixteen and managed vast estates—her mind had to be incredibly strong, or the Song family would have splintered long ago.

Perhaps that’s why she grew so decisive and forceful.

With this thought, Bai Zongnan’s heart ached, and he resolved to do his best to meet her requests.

Song Hongyan was a Ye Hall descendant, and staying on good terms with her would benefit both the Song Group and himself, as well as prevent the Ye Hall from targeting Tang Shier and Shen Baodong.

He gripped Song Hongyan’s palm, his expression serious. “Rest assured, Hongyan. I’ll never let you down, and I’ll protect your legacy. I won’t lose to Ye Zhendong, nor let you or the Song family suffer.”

His eyes blazed with resolve. He would never fail Song Hongyan in this lifetime.

“I believe in you,” she said, gazing deeply at his chiseled features. “I’ll wait for the day you rise again…”

At nine that evening, Bai Zongnan and Song Hongyan returned to Jinzhi Lin, where Mother Song and her secretary were waiting.

Seeing them arrive, Mother Song hurried up. “Hongyan, Dr. Ye, how did it go? Is everything settled?”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Song Hongyan replied, linking arms with Bai Zongnan and smiling gracefully. “Tonight, Bai Zongnan will help us.”

Mother Song was overjoyed. “Wonderful! With Dr. Ye overseeing the Imperial Hotel, we’re sure to win.”

Song Hongyan turned to Bai Zongnan. “We’ll count on you tonight!”

He nodded. “Don’t worry, leave it to me. By tomorrow night, everything will be restored!”

No sooner had he spoken than the lights went out, and a blinding white glare enveloped the building, forcing everyone to cover their eyes.

“Enemy attack!” Bai Zongnan darted to the window in a flash, drawing the Yuchang Sword to shield his chest.

At that instant, gunfire erupted, dozens of bullets shattering the glass and flying toward him.

With a sweep of his left hand, the Yuchang Sword danced, deflecting the bullets. He darted back into the room and flung a handful of throwing darts, felling several charging assailants.

Song Hongyan and the others ducked behind the sofa, dodging the deadly barrage.

Seconds later, another shrill whistle pierced the night. More masked killers in black surged to the door, firing wildly into the room.

Blood spattered the windowsill, a grim sight.

“Bastards!” Mother Song raged. “Who’s trying to kill my daughter-in-law?”

“Don’t be angry, Mom,” Song Hongyan said, restraining her. “Stay here, don’t go out, and don’t worry about me. I’ll handle it.”

As she made to leave, Mother Song pulled her back. “Don’t be reckless! Without Bai Zongnan, you’d be in danger—get back in bed!”

“Don’t worry, Auntie,” Bai Zongnan reassured her.

“You useless fool!” Mother Song snapped, pulling Song Hongyan back to the sofa. “Hongyan, sit tight—Mother will protect you.”

Bai Zongnan could only obey, lying back down and turning to Song Hongyan. “Hongyan, what’s going on? I just got back from the police station last night—why are there assassins now? And it seems they’re targeting you, or they wouldn’t be using a sniper.”

“You shouldn’t ask me—you should ask your father,” Song Hongyan replied from the bed. “If he hadn’t done what he did, why would anyone attack me?”

Bai Zongnan frowned. “You mean my father colluded with Dragon Granny Pan?”

“Exactly,” she nodded. “I’ve found out: Dragon Granny Pan is not only president of the Dragon City Martial Alliance, but also a Taoist from West China’s Dragon Tiger Mountain. Your dad is a disciple there—they’re closely connected. He owed them money, so he recently contacted Dragon Granny Pan to pay off his debts. Dragon Granny Pan agreed to help him deal with the Tang Clan and the Heng Palace, but demanded a gift from the Song family.”

“Your dad thought it was simple and sent the gift along, hoping Dragon Granny Pan would protect the Song family during this crisis. After all, we’re all in this together.”

She explained how the attempt to acquire the Imperial Hotel had failed.

“I see!” Bai Zongnan nodded in realization. “No wonder I’m under suspension, while my father’s off training at Dragon Tiger Mountain—he’s brought in reinforcements.”

He’d known Song Wansan and Dragon Tiger Mountain were at odds, but now saw they were in the same boat.

“I can’t believe my father would do this. I’m not just disappointed—I’m heartbroken.”

His eyes dimmed. “He’s my father, yet he conspires with Dragon Tiger Mountain, nearly killing me and my mother.”

Though he’d expected Song Wansan to be fickle, he hadn’t thought he’d betray him and Tang Ruoxue so thoroughly.

It left Bai Zongnan both saddened and grateful to have severed their father-son ties—otherwise, he’d be consumed by regret.

“Bai Zongnan, don’t blame your father,” Mother Song tried to comfort him. “This is how the circles of power work. Your father had no choice.”

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“And over the years, our family has had close dealings with Dragon Tiger Mountain—your father is a disciple. He can’t sever that relationship, or your grandparents and uncle would resent him. He’s only trying to do what’s best for you and your sister.”

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Song Hongyan smiled, then changed the subject. “What matters now is solving our immediate crisis.”

Bai Zongnan got out of bed and stretched, as if everything had returned to normal—except his memory.

Memory…

He squinted at the closed wooden door, scraps of information flickering like candlelight in the darkness.

His name was Bai Zongnan. In his memory, there were no parents; he didn’t even recall who had given him his name. He’d always lived in this ancient temple, never glimpsing the world beyond. In his recollection, nothing existed outside the temple’s confines.

There was someone he called “Master,” who visited every three days or so, each time lighting three candles for him.

His master, as he remembered, always wore blue, with a stern, silent demeanor. They rarely exchanged words, but the few things his master said, Bai Zongnan never forgot.

“Today, Bai Zongnan doesn’t need to dwell on yesterday. Just think about what you want to do tomorrow—or what you must do.”

“Everyone’s present is shaped by their past, but Bai Zongnan is different.”

“Trust no one but me—or trust no one at all.”

“This temple is a world, at least, it is Bai Zongnan’s world for now.”

“If you don’t know what to do each day, look at these three candles—they will help you.”

With that in mind, Bai Zongnan glanced at the low table beside the door, where two candles burned quietly, one long, one short.

On the other side of the door stood a bronze mirror. A jagged crack marred its surface, splitting the flickering candlelight. A pale, gaunt face stared back at him, dressed like a peasant, his hair tied with a simple blue ribbon.

Suddenly, a knocking at the door broke his reverie.

Knock, knock, knock…

At the same time, nearly identical sounds echoed from the wooden bed he’d just been lying on—bang, bang, bang.

The two sounds rang out one after the other, from outside the door and from the bed.

“I’m coming…” two voices spoke as one.

Bai Zongnan actually enjoyed eating and sleeping. After all, there wasn’t much else to do.

Now, lying in a dilapidated temple, he blinked his groggy eyes. The roof was crumbling, rays of sunlight leaking through holes to fall beside him. In that moment, Bai Zongnan felt as if the world revolved around him.

For the sake of survival, he moved between underground lairs, occasionally scavenging valuable items to trade for money.

Of course, Bai Zongnan was not a mole, but a bona fide tomb-raiding enthusiast.

But at present, he was in trouble.

A stone lion glared at him, its bulging eyes fixed on this unwelcome guest. Bai Zongnan’s arm was lodged deep in the lion’s mouth; his other hand gripped its teeth as he stood on tiptoe.

In his hand, the Huanyang Pearl grew warm, as if reminding him of the bright future he and the young girl shared.

The Huanyang Pearl—a rare treasure imbued with immense spiritual energy, a cultivator’s prize.

The girl, named Zhuo’er, should be waiting for him above, at the mouth of the cave.

Ignoring the “angry” stone lion, Bai Zongnan struggled to pull his hand free. The Huanyang Pearl’s power was so vast it was hard to hold with one hand.

As a result, his elbow was stuck in the lion’s throat, unable to move forward or back. But to let go of the pearl—never!

“Brother, are you done yet? What’s taking so long?” Zhuo’er’s soft voice drifted down, quickly carried away by the cold wind.

If not for the pearl’s glow piercing the darkness, he’d be blind now.

Come on, Bai Zongnan stared into the lion’s eyes—who would blink first? He’d never let go, not in a thousand years!

But just then, disaster struck.

The stone walls around him began to tremble. Pebbles and dust rained down as a terrifying pressure filled the stone chamber, a torrent of consciousness flooding Bai Zongnan’s mind.

His vision went white. The world disappeared, leaving only a sword-bearer at the center, raising his blade to the heavens.

He heard a whisper to the sky: “Qi Sheng is immortal.”

When he awoke again, he saw the familiar ruined ceiling, a faint trace of a girl’s scent in the air.

“Zhuo’er, what just happened?” he asked, eyes still closed.

She looked at him with wide eyes, half a steamed bun in her mouth, mumbling, “Bai Zongnan, you’re awake? Just now? Oh—a wild cat passed by, I chased it away.”

Hmm? Bai Zongnan sensed something was off. He sat up quickly, grabbing her arm. “How long was I asleep? Where’s the Huanyang Pearl?”

Zhuo’er stared at him blankly, saying nothing. But images surfaced in his mind, assembling bit by bit.

He remembered: last night, he and Zhuo’er had broken into a nameless ancient tomb. As usual, she kept watch above while he explored below. The tomb was deep. As soon as his feet touched solid ground, he spotted a faint glow…

Without lighting a lamp, he felt his way toward it, groping until his hand closed on a pearl that radiated a gentle warmth.

The moment he touched it, the pearl’s brilliance filled the chamber.

…

After that came the standoff with the stone lion.

As the scene shifted, some images broke apart. He rubbed his forehead, struggling to recall, but the last fragments refused to fit together.

“A collapsing stone chamber… a shattered Huanyang Pearl… swirling violet energy, and… hmm?” Unexpectedly, his mind felt sharper than ever, as if he could easily connect all the clues.

The stone chamber had collapsed—so why was he unhurt? He instinctively checked himself and found he was stronger than before.