A master of comedy!

The next day, early morning.

As the first rays of dawn illuminate this white, dragon-like mountain range, the pine forest rustles in the mountain breeze, shaking off the cold mist like clouds, as if the mountain is breathing.

As the morning light shone, Bao Ying was the first to embark on her journey back.

"Brother Zhou, this parting is a long and uncertain journey. I don't know when we will meet again. There is something I shouldn't say, but after thinking about it, I can't help but tell you."

Before parting, Bao Ying held Zhou Sheng's hand, her gaze sweeping over Jinse in the distance, a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Although Jinse still cherishes the affection she had for you back then, she has changed too much over the years. As the Holy Maiden of Longhua, she has killed too many people she shouldn't have killed, and is now the number one wanted criminal in the Xuanqiong Division."

“I really don’t want to see her in prison one day. I hope Brother Zhou can persuade her to turn over a new leaf. Perhaps only you in this world can do this.”

Zhou Sheng frowned and asked, "Brother Bao, is it really as serious as you say?"

Bao Ying nodded and continued, "Moreover, as far as I know, although Jinse is the Holy Maiden of Longhua, with the disappearance of the Buddha Mother, her situation in the sect is becoming increasingly difficult. The old sect leader is nearing his end and intends to pass the position to his adopted son, so he is very wary of Jinse..."

When Zhou Sheng recalled the conversation between the Queen Mother and Jinse that he heard when his spirit left his body, he knew that what Bao Ying said was true.

Jinse came to the Feast of Bliss this time because she was alone and wanted to win over allies, but she unexpectedly ran into Yang Ying, and then resolutely broke with the Queen Mother.

If she goes back this time, she will have gained nothing, and her situation will likely become even more difficult.

That's all I have to say. Take care, Brother Zhou!

Take care, Brother Bao!

The two exchanged greetings, and then Bao Ying led his men on their hurried return journey, still trudging through the mud and traveling light.

Looking at his travel-worn figure, Zhou Sheng couldn't help but show a hint of admiration in his eyes.

The steamed buns are still the same steamed buns.

Last night he made it clear that he did not want to get involved in the case and advised Xi Jinping not to investigate it anymore, but Xi Jinping just smiled and did not say anything.

On that dark face was an indescribable determination, the courage to knowingly venture into danger.

Looking at the travel-worn figure of the other person, he knew that Bao Ying was that kind of person—either investigating a case or on his way to investigate one.

Whether it takes ten or twenty years, we will never stop.

"Brother Bao, the Great Xuan of today is not worthy of your loyalty."

Only after Bao Ying's figure disappeared from sight did Zhou Sheng sigh softly and mutter to himself.

The reason he was unwilling to help investigate the case was not because he was afraid of the mysterious old eunuch who had served two dynasties, but because he simply didn't want to.

Unlike the head transplant case from years ago, the victims in that case were innocent civilians, and every entry in the case file represented the shattering of a family.

But in this case, the victims are the royal family of Da Xuan, and the fate of the imperial court.

He, Zhou Sheng, possesses six dragon veins. If we're talking about rebels, he's the number one rebel against the emperor. So why would he risk his life for the Great Xuan Dynasty?

Driven by chivalry and ideals, he dared to risk his life, but for the sake of his family's empire, he felt it was not worth it.

Bao Ying understood what he was thinking, so she didn't ask again. Zhou Sheng also understood his convictions, so he didn't try to persuade him further.

Two former best friends, after a brief meeting, parted ways in haste.

"Senior Brother Zhou, we must also bid you farewell."

The Yu Ruyi sisters, along with the rest of the Qunyu Troupe, came to say goodbye. They had received the immortal peaches and were eager to take them back to their old troupe leader, so although they were reluctant to part, they had no choice but to take their leave.

Zhou Sheng gave the two women some pointers on their performance of the Yin-Yang Opera, and then watched his old friend leave.

Monkey King was also leaving. He said his staff had broken and he needed to find a suitable weapon. After eating the immortal peach, his cultivation had improved considerably, and he remembered the whereabouts of the Golden Cudgel from his previous life, so he prepared to go and find it.

Once he finds the Ruyi Jingu Bang (the magic staff), his combat power will definitely increase significantly, and he won't be forced into danger by a witch.

All good things must come to an end. After everyone had left, Zhou Sheng turned his gaze to Jinse and Yang Ying.

“Master, Kunlun is beautiful and the scenery is magnificent. Let Xiaoying and I stay for a few more days. I can also take care of her while she takes the immortal peach.”

The sisters reunited, and it seemed they had endless things to talk about.

Born in a general's mansion and raised in the Kunlun Mountains, Yang Ying had few friends growing up. But when he met Jinse, they hit it off immediately, their close and affectionate interactions surpassing even those of Zhou Sheng.

"Alright, then let's stay in the mountains for a few more days."

"Yes, thank you, Brother Zhou..."

Yang Ying wanted to call him Uncle Zhou, but she quietly changed her mind before she could finish speaking. However, her bright eyes remained lowered, and she dared not meet Zhou Sheng's gaze.

After learning the truth last night, she had a splitting headache, but after a good night's sleep she felt fine. However, she still felt awkward whenever she saw Zhou Sheng, and had an indescribable special feeling about him.

Sometimes I can't help but steal a few glances at him, and when he seems to notice, I quickly turn my gaze away and pretend to be calm.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the three of them had been living in the Kunlun Mountains for seven days.

During these seven days, the three of them traveled together in Kunlun, their journeys taking place amidst clouds and snow. They watched the sunset from the summit of Yuxu Peak and observed the fleeting clouds before the Yaochi Stele.

At night, when the stars are as vast as the sea, Jinse often plays a tune, and Zhou Sheng sings while playing his sword, harmonizing with her. Yang Ying is deeply immersed in the music.

At the same time, Zhou Sheng and Jinse will also teach her cultivation. After consuming the immortal peach, Yang Ying broke through two orifices in one go, and her magical power increased greatly.

The three grew closer, but she sometimes sensed something was amiss.

Looking at Jinse, who was dressed in white and looked pure and otherworldly, and Zhou Sheng, who was dressed in green and looked refined and handsome, she always felt that the other party seemed to be the real perfect couple.

Her intuition told her that Jinse's gaze towards Zhou Sheng was very different.
This fairy-like Longhua Saintess was unusually indifferent when looking at others, but when she looked at Zhou Sheng, there was something hidden in her eyes that was restrained and subtly turbulent.

When he looked at her, there was a hint of guilt mixed with affection.

Jinse likes him too!

Seven days later, Yang Ying finally confirmed her guess. She couldn't describe the feeling; it was a little sour, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Although it was a predestined relationship from a past life, she had only known Zhou Sheng for a few days, while her sisterly bond with Jinse had grown stronger.

If all else fails, I'll grant their wish...

As this thought arose, Yang Ying, though feeling bitter, still made a decision. She left a letter under the cover of night and then prepared to quietly descend the mountain.

But as soon as he stepped outside, he saw a figure in a green robe standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the mountains in the pine forest under the moonlight.

"Are you leaving?"

Zhou Sheng asked softly.

"……Um."

Her voice was muffled; she dared not look at that figure.

"So be it. A forced relationship won't be sweet. Our fate hasn't come yet, and forcing it will only make things worse."

Zhou Sheng appeared beside her in a flash, reaching out to stroke her soft, delicate hair and gently brushing away the fallen leaves from her temples.

Yang Ying's pretty face was flushed, and she lowered her head as if she wanted to bury her whole body in the snow.

"There are two swords that you used in your previous life. I have repaired them for you and named them Wind and Thunder."

With a flick of his finger, Zhou Sheng sent the Wind and Thunder Swords into her body as streams of light.

"Remember, after you go down the mountain, if anyone dares to bully you, kill them with one sword. If you still can't beat them, just say my name."

...(End of this chapter)