Nanhong, the Immortal's Cave.

Two figures stood outside the cave, plainly arguing about something.

"No, Zilan, listen to me. I really never thought it would turn out like this. You know my elder brother isn't right in the head!"

Yue Tiance clasped his fists like a man pleading for his life, a wry smile fixed on his face. His shoulder stayed planted in the Immortal Maiden Zilan's path. "Don't be hasty. I don't want him going mad and hurting you. Don't worry, I'll get those people out for you. Just trust me this once."

"……" The Immortal Maiden Zilan glared at the man in front of her. She remembered how he had helped her before, whatever it cost him. Her chest rose and fell fast, but at last she brought her breathing under control. "An incense stick's time. I'll wait one incense stick's time, and no longer."

She truly could not imagine it. The Nanhong Seven were already this cautious, tucked away in their corner of Nanhong.

And Yue Tianji, the eldest direct-line son of a great Beihong clan, had still come all this way to make trouble for them and kick them while they were down. It was disgraceful!

"Don't worry! That's plenty! I'll go talk him down right now."

Yue Tiance calmed her down, then turned and walked into the cave. The moment he was inside, the apology vanished from his face.

He folded his arms, leaned against the wall, and quietly watched the scene ahead.

Among the ruins of a shattered great hall, a thick beam lay at a slant. A wooden body was tied tightly to it with spirit rope.

A man was crouched before the beam. He looked a great deal like Yue Tiance, just aged and worn down. His five fingers slowly ran over the wooden man's body, and his hoarse voice echoed through the Immortal's Cave.

"What an interesting trick. So this is how you've clung to life."

"What have you been doing these hundred thousand years? Hiding under a woman and shaking?"

"I really can't imagine it. The man This Exalted One…