Upper Capital, Si Tianjian.
Di Yiqiu received three guests—He Xijin, Zhang Shujiu, and Wu Zichou.
These three were also renowned figures in the immortal sects. He Xijin cut a fine figure, but due to an old injury to his tongue, his speech was impaired, so he had always been taciturn. Zhang Shujiu loved alcohol as much as life itself, but because his wife deeply detested drinking, after getting married he styled himself “Zhang Shujiu Who Doesn’t Touch a Drop.”
Wu Zichou lived up to his name—short and ugly. He was born with the face of a villain; the four words “utterly vicious and evil” described his appearance to perfection. In his youth, while rescuing a young woman, he fought fiercely with a lustful bandit. The grandmaster Dai Tianshuo, acting chivalrously, took one look and decided he was the villain, beating him on the spot and breaking one of his legs. Thus he walked with a limp. But this misfortune also brought him fortune. Dai Tianshuo felt deep remorse over his impulsive action and simply took him as a disciple. Later, seeing his exceptional talent, he even married his beloved daughter to him.
“Wine! Wine!” Zhang Shujiu shouted the moment he entered.
Wu Zichou snorted coldly and limped inside, cursing: “How long have you been holding that in? Spineless worm! If you ask me, you should divorce that woman of yours and send her back to her parents’ home, never to set foot in the Zhang family again! See if she dares to meddle in everything then!”
“…” He Xijin curled his lips in disdain.
The moment these three entered, Li Lu had already brought in wine—seeing these three arrive, he knew they were craving alcohol again.
As soon as the wine was brought in, Wu Zichou immediately rushed forward and grabbed a jar.
—Says he doesn’t want it, but his body is quite honest. Li Lu silently observed these three. They were sworn brothers, mockingly called by the immortal sects the “Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives!” In recent years, they had been in close contact with Jianzheng, reportedly because their wives were all very enthusiastically trying to introduce women to Jianzheng.
Sure enough, the usually taciturn He Xijin said: “Have… have business.”
Zhang Shujiu next to him was preoccupied with drinking, so Wu Zichou continued: “He Xijin’s wife has an unmarried younger sister at home. Sister-in-law He hopes you’ll have time to meet her.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Shujiu boasted: “Sister-in-law He truly likes you. She says you’ve been so upright and proper all these years, of excellent character. If you marry Sister-in-law He’s younger sister, then we’ll truly be family from then on.”
He Xijin added: “Right.”
Wu Zichou had already draped his arm over Di Yiqiu’s shoulder, continuing: “By that time, we four brothers will burn incense again and swear brotherhood anew. You’re younger than all of us, so you’ll be the fourth brother!”
—Well, congratulations then. Madam He was famously a tigress of a wife. Her younger sister would be a jackal at the very least. The Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives would become the Four Heroes Who Fear Their Wives. Li Lu’s cheek muscles twitched as he thought silently.
Di Yiqiu sat behind his desk, pondering carefully for a long while, then said earnestly: “I thank Madam He for her regard. This seat’s inner chambers are indeed empty, lacking a worthy helpmate. However, at present, this seat has a matter and wishes to ask the three seniors for help. After this matter, this seat will go together with the three seniors to the He residence to express thanks to Madam.”
This clearly meant it was settled!
The Three Immortals Who Fear Their Wives were very pleased. He Xijin was first to respond: “Speak!”
Wu Zichou also said: “We’re brothers now, why be polite? Just tell us!”
Zhang Shujiu only focused on drinking, but didn’t forget to nod.
Di Yiqiu took out a list from his desk and handed it to the three, saying: “This is the procurement list from various departments of Si Tianjian that Xie Yuanshu made not long ago.” While the three lowered their heads to examine it, he added, “In his personal name.”
After looking for a long time, the three murmured: “Something big is going to happen at Yuhu Xuanzong.”
Zhang Shujiu couldn’t help but exclaim: “What’s this bastard buying all this for? Is he planning to rebel?”
He Xijin said nothing, still staring at the list. Soon, he pointed at that treasure that absorbed cultivation and asked: “This?”
Di Yiqiu said: “Also specially procured by Xie Yuanshu.”
He Xijin slammed the wine jar on the desk: “Re-re-re…”
Zhang Shujiu finished for him: “The hell with him.”
Only then did He Xijin continue: “He-he-he wants…”
Zhang Shujiu continued to supplement: “Who does he want to deal with?”
Di Yiqiu gave a shocking answer: “Initial estimate is that he’s dealing with Xie Hongchen.”
The three were greatly alarmed. Wu Zichou asked: “This… Xie Lingbi’s intention?”
Di Yiqiu shook his head, saying: “Xie Lingbi has always valued Xie Hongchen highly, but is quite cold toward this son of his. Moreover, this Xie Yuanshu’s cultivation is truly beyond redemption. Xie Lingbi isn’t that confused.”
The four thought it over. He Xijin finally said: “Look-look-look…”
Wu Zichou, resigned to his fate, supplemented: “We’ll know if we just go take a look, won’t we?”
Di Yiqiu immediately stood up and cupped his hands: “This seat precisely wishes to ask the three seniors to remain for a few days and investigate the situation at Yuhu Xuanzong with me.”
He Xijin immediately said: “Still-still-still calling-calling…”
This time, Zhang Shujiu said: “What’s with still calling us seniors? From now on we can address each other as brothers!”
Di Yiqiu said solemnly: “Younger brother thanks the three elder brothers.”
The three were immediately filled with joy, agreeing to go together to Yuhu Xuanzong.
At this time, at Yuhu Xuanzong.
Xie Yuanshu had just awakened from the illusion. Huang Rang’s outer skirt still lay on the ground. Xie Yuanshu shook his head vigorously, saying: “Ah Rang, you’re truly too enchanting. I feel as if I’m floating in clouds and dreams.”
Huang Rang sighed and helped him put on his robe, saying: “I don’t know how many more days I have to stay with Young Master Shu.”
Xie Yuanshu patted the back of her hand, saying: “Don’t worry, I’ll go find my father right now.”
Huang Rang hurriedly said: “You mustn’t.”
Xie Yuanshu paused, clearly puzzled: “Why?”
Huang Rang was very accommodating of his intelligence, slowly explaining: “Young Master Shu, Anlei Peak is where Old Ancestor has long resided. He’s extremely familiar with that place. Though you now have Hongchen’s internal power, I’m afraid you still can’t match him. How can I feel at ease letting you take such risks?”
Xie Yuanshu indeed asked: “Does Ah Rang have another strategy?”
Huang Rang glanced at Xie Hongchen and said: “Old Ancestor and Hongchen are nominally master and disciple, but their bond is like father and son. Young Master Shu, why not have someone invite Old Ancestor here, saying Hongchen’s cultivation went awry and asking him to come quickly to rescue him? When he arrives, he’ll surely save Hongchen first. At that moment, you can seize the opportunity to strike.”
“Wonderful.” Xie Yuanshu praised.