He always chooses his words precisely. Using the word "almost," he conveys his deep emotions while avoiding deceit.

"But you spanked her…"

Chen Yi heard the hesitation in her voice and, in a defiant chuckle, replied, "Don't be jealous. When I spanked her, I was thinking of you too. Satisfied?"

Almost instantly, Chen Yi was forced backward, crashing to the ground.

Zhou Yitang let out a cold laugh and sheathed her sword.

At nearly the same moment, Chen Yi scrambled up, took a step forward, and pulled her into his arms.

"Master…"

A rush of emotions swept over Chen Yi in an instant, leaving him unsure of what to say. He drew in several breaths.

"Master."

Zhou Yitang, held in his embrace, appeared slightly unaccustomed to it but remained calm, saying nothing.

Finally seeing Zhou Yitang again, Chen Yi's heart churned with countless thoughts. It felt like there were endless things he wanted to say, yet when the words reached his lips, he could only say,

"You've gotten thinner."

"You're imagining it."

Hearing this familiar voice and response, Chen Yi parted his lips slightly, eventually shaking his head and smiling wryly.

Compared to Chen Yi, Zhou Yitang seemed far calmer.

She gently nudged him away, glancing at the fainted Lu Ying on the ground, then turned back to sweep her gaze over Chen Yi.

Chen Yi clasped his hands and said, "I truly didn't lie to you."

Zhou Yitang replied indifferently, "Make sure it doesn't happen again."

Hearing the trust in her tone, a warmth blossomed in Chen Yi's heart. He recalled how, earlier, when he hugged her, she hadn't pulled away.

She no longer resisted his embrace.

Perhaps, now that they were married, the distance between them had closed considerably.

Chen Yi said softly, "Along the way, all I thought about was getting to Yin Sword Mountain as quickly as possible."

Zhou Yitang glanced at him.

"Don't believe me? You can verify it with Taoist Skill if you like." Chen Yi spoke candidly. "I didn't dare delay even for a moment."

The one-armed woman said, "Well, I'll trust you. But tell me, were you more eager to meet your master or the Xiang King's daughter Yin Tingxue?"

Chen Yi: "…"

After a good while, he coughed and said, "You are unmatched in my heart."

Zhou Yitang turned her face away, ignoring him.

Yin Tingxue was also unmatched. How could she not understand the meaning of this rebellious disciple's words? But it was fine—after all, this was a reunion after a long time apart. Her emotions remained steady, and she did not dwell on it.

Chen Yi rubbed his neck and said, "I think Senior Sister is already starting to suspect something."

The one-armed woman fell silent, her gaze serene.

"This can't go on."

"She mustn't find out."

"Alright." Chen Yi chuckled and acquiesced. "Though I'll need a new identity, or it will be hard to explain."

It was just like in his past life—going to great lengths to hide things from Lu Ying, deceiving his teacher in places where she wouldn't know.

He was already well-versed.

After some thought, Zhou Yitang lowered her eyes and said, "Nephew?"

Chen Yi blinked at her.

Master Tongxuan was, indeed, a true Taoist—someone who severed worldly ties—and Zhou Yitang rarely mentioned her family affairs. Chen Yi didn't know her origins. Perhaps she was just a common girl, or perhaps she was a lady from an aristocratic family. Either way, Zhou Yitang had never spoken of it.

For those devoted to cultivating Taoism, lineage and background are not of concern.

Chen Yi pondered for a moment before saying, "Nephew works too. It also explains why I practice Yin Sword Mountain's swordsmanship. Should I call you Auntie, then?"

Zhou Yitang replied calmly, "I'm the one who's missing an arm."

"So, The Return of the Condor Heroes, huh? I guess I'm the Little Dragon Girl." Chen Yi took the bait and said, "Tang'er."

Zhou Yitang shuddered with discomfort and protested, "Disgusting."

Chen Yi chuckled to himself.

A long-awaited reunion, coupled with their earlier marriage, had made their relationship less frosty. Chen Yi had once shared his world with her; among everyone in this life, she was always the one who understood him best.

"Where are you heading next?" Zhou Yitang asked, looking at the unconscious Lu Ying.

Chen Yi immediately sensed something was afoot, but he didn't hide his intentions. "I'd like to go to Western Shu. Though, now it seems you have something you want me to do?"

"Indeed."

"But…" After some hesitation, Chen Yi added, "I'd hoped to see Min Ning if possible."

Zhou Yitang, as if she had predicted this, said, "Your Senior Sister needs you more."

Chen Yi weighed it carefully and decided to ask first for clarification: "What is it you need me to do?"

"A Secret Realm has emerged near Shantong City. It's tied to Lu Ying's fate." Zhou Yitang paused for a moment and said, "I've divined it. If I go, it will ruin things for her. Only you can handle it."

The appearance of the Secret Realm was a prelude to chaos spreading across the martial world. Chen Yi stroked his chin. Was he really about to abandon his original plans and make a detour to Shantong City?

While both Shantong City and Western Shu were in the western regions, they were far from each other.

Chen Yi spread his hands and said, "I'm really not keen on going."

"Shantong City is within Taihua Mountain's territory," Zhou Yitang replied.

Chen Yi froze for a moment, quickly shifting his expression. "I've been ready to head to Shantong long ago."

Zhou Yitang snorted lightly at his reaction.

"That being said, can I make a trip to Cangwu Peak?" Chen Yi asked softly.

Having finally arrived in Yin Sword Mountain's territory, he felt a distinct lack at not seeing the little fox. The main reason for coming was to meet Yin Tingxue and to see how she was doing. But as a man, it would be difficult to gain access to Yin Sword Mountain.

"Not enough time. You won't make it. You need to go directly." Zhou Yitang shook her head.

Chen Yi sighed softly, "I feel a bit shortchanged."

Zhou Yitang glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

"Is that not the case? I have to go to Shantong City for Senior Sister, running errands without even a reward." Chen Yi rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"What do you want?"

Showing a hint of his rebellious nature, Chen Yi said, "I should at least get some sort of reward. Like a kiss from you."

As his words fell, a chill swept through the cave, and the blade glimmered with light.

Maintaining his composure, Chen Yi said softly,

"It's a reasonable request, don't you think? Besides, aren't we already… married?"

Before marriage, he had presented his plan to Zhou Yitang, and his master hesitated for a long time before finally agreeing.

Even though the ceremony hadn't been fully completed, they were still married in the end.

"Look at how much I've done for you—running all over the place with no sign of the little fox, no sight of Min Ning, and no guarantee of seeing Yin Weiyin. The sacrifices are huge." Chen Yi added with exaggeration.

Perhaps swayed by his words, Zhou Yitang lowered her gaze slightly and gave a barely perceptible nod.

Chen Yi grinned and prepared to step forward.

"After you return," Zhou Yitang said flatly.

Chen Yi stopped, pretending to sigh as he said, "Aren't you afraid I'll kiss Tingxue first and then kiss you?"

Zhou Yitang: "…"

"So instead," Chen Yi rubbed his hands and began to step closer, intending to hold her in his arms, "Wouldn't it be better if we did it now? After all, kissing Tingxue first and then kissing you wouldn't be ideal…"

As he approached within a single pace, he stopped abruptly.

Sword Intent flooded the space, forming an invisible wall that cut off his path.

Then he heard the one-armed woman say,

"I'd prefer it that way."

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