The Ji Clan was an Eternal Divine Clan and had existed for eons in the Ninth Heaven Domain. No one would be foolish enough to cause trouble in front of the Ji Clan's stronghold, as that would be tantamount to suicide.

The old man felt quite strongly about this, which was why he cautiously ‘reminded’ Lin Xun. However, Lin Xun simply smiled and said, "I'll cover for you if anything happens, but if you cause any trouble, I'll say we're in cahoots."

The old man’s face immediately blanched. Just what kind of farce was this? Why was he so unlucky today?

"Don't worry, once you're inside, I'll let you leave, and I guarantee that no matter what happens, you won't be implicated." Lin Xun casually added, "However, if you choose to leak information to the Ji Clan..."

"Absolutely not!" Before he could finish, the old man patted his chest and guaranteed it. What a joke! He was the one who was bringing this unknown person in; if the Ji Clan found out, he wouldn't be able to escape the consequences either. This was like mud falling onto one’s pants—even if it wasn't shit, it was still shit in other people’s eyes.

"Let's go then."

Lin Xun withdrew his hand and walked side-by-side with the old man towards the gate of Origin Divine Mountain.

Along the way, the old man remained extremely docile. He was a Nirvana Spirit Immortal, yet he had been subdued before he could even react. This made him acutely aware that if he made the slightest move, he would be the first to suffer!

Soon, the two arrived at the gate. After the old man presented his invitation, they entered smoothly. Behind the mountain gate lay a world of unparalleled grandeur. It was vast and expansive, filled with peaks shrouded in chaos qi.

A young servant stepped forward and asked in a manner that was neither too humble nor arrogant, "Seniors, do you require my services?"

The old man shook his head in refusal and walked with Lin Xun into the distance. When they were alone, the old man couldn't help but ask telepathically, "Fellow Daoist, may I ask what brings you here?"

Lin Xun patted his shoulder and said, "It's best that you don't know."

The old man's expression changed slightly, as if he realized something. After a long silence, he said, "Fellow Daoist, although we've only met by chance, I must remind you, this is Origin Divine Mountain, the stronghold of the Eternal Divine Ji Clan. Even Eternals must behave respectfully. You...please don't do anything inappropriate."

Lin Xun smiled enigmatically. "You're worried I'll implicate you, aren't you? After all, many people saw both of us enter together."

An awkward expression flashed across the old man's face, then he said solemnly, "I'm only thinking of you, Fellow Daoist. Whether you listen or not is entirely up to you."

Lin Xun’s smile stayed steady. "You're a smart man; you certainly wouldn't do anything foolish. Alright, let's part ways here."

He strode forward, overtaking the other man easily.

"That's right, this is the stronghold of the Eternal Divine Ji Clan. Who would dare cause trouble here?" murmured the old man to himself, as if trying to comfort himself. However, the thought of Lin Xun's calm and composed demeanor filled him with unease. He had a feeling that something was about to happen today...

...

Today, the Ji Clan was bustling with activity. Lanterns and colorful streamers decorated every area, and the entire clan was filled with joy. Guests arrived in waves, bringing meticulously prepared gifts.

Lin Xun walked with his hands behind his back, attracting little attention, as there were simply too many people visiting the Ji Clan today.

He didn't even need to inquire to figure out the place he needed to go. From the conversations between the guests and Ji Clan members, he learned that Ji Xi, the bride who would be marrying into the Taihao Clan tomorrow, was currently residing on Wenzhu Peak.

Wenzhu Peak was easy to find. However, it had been designated a private, inner area, so outsiders were forbidden from approaching it. This, of course, posed no challenge to Lin Xun. As he proceeded, the guards stationed near Wenzhu Peak along the way remained completely unaware of his presence.

This is Wenzhu Peak?

Lin Xun arrived at a serene mountain peak shrouded in spiritual energy. Looking up, he saw rows of brightly lit red lanterns hanging from the summit, stretching all the way to the foot of the mountain. It made for a festive and vibrant display.

He climbed the stone steps, encountering many servants and maids along the way, but none of them noticed him. Soon, he reached halfway up the mountain where there was an antique-style pavilion that was entirely unguarded.

After thinking about it slightly, it made sense. This was the core territory of the Ji Clan, protected by a Divine Rank law, so there was no need to have guards everywhere. Taking a deep breath, Lin Xun walked towards the pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, a brilliant red carpet had been laid out, and incense burned softly. Various festive decorations were displayed in abundance.

A graceful figure sat before a bronze mirror. Reflected in the mirror was an exquisitely beautiful face, with star-like eyes, a high-bridged nose, and slightly pursed pink lips. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down to her slender waist. Even sitting there quietly, she possessed a beauty that could stun all who saw her. However, a lingering aloofness lingered between her brows.

While sitting on a round stool to the side, Ji Shanhai couldn't help but ask, “Sister, have you truly decided?”

She wore a plain, wide-sleeved dress, with skirts that reached the floor. Her beauty was as pure as jade, as serene as an orchid. In terms of elegance and charm, she rivaled her older sister in her own way.

“Yes.” Xi looked calmly at herself in the bronze mirror, her icy eyes seemingly devoid of any emotion.

Ji Shanhai gritted her teeth, stood up, and asked, "Sister, how about I beg Ancestor Ji He to let me marry into the Taihao Clan in your place?"

Xi was taken aback and responded, "They're here for me. Don't do anything foolish. Besides, only if I agree to this marriage can Father keep his position as the clan leader."

Ji Shanhai's beautiful face flickered with uncertainty, filled with sorrow and desolation. She said, "Since when has even the position of clan leader required you to sacrifice yourself to an arranged marriage? Those old fogies...they've gone too far!"

Xi said softly, "In their eyes, clan interests come before everything. To them, sacrificing a single woman who can forge a marriage alliance between the Ji Clan and the Taihao Clan is worth it. Naturally, they're happy to agree to such a deal. Of course, in their eyes, I should also be grateful to them. After all, marrying me to the young clan leader of the Taihao Clan is a great honor."

A cold sarcasm lurked within her voice.

"Why...why did it turn out like this..." Ji Shanhai murmured. She couldn't bear to see her elder sister married off like this; it was tantamount to ruining Xi's life!

“This should have happened long ago, but it was delayed until now because I left the clan without permission back then.” Xi’s expression was scarily calm, as if she were talking about something entirely unrelated to herself. “And because Father secretly sent me away back then, the elders of the clan have accused and rebelled against him for countless years.

“This time, if I refuse again, it won’t be as simple as being confined for life; it will also cause Father to lose his position as clan head. Once he loses power, our situation in the clan will inevitably become even more dire. As his daughter, shouldn’t I stop that from happening?”

Finally, she sighed sadly, “Sometimes I can’t help but think that while outsiders believe that being born into an Eternal Divine Clan is glamorous and the luck of a lifetime, but for us women, it’s ironically an incredible misfortune. Even if we are incredibly talented, even if we embark on the path to immortality, when it comes to the clan’s interests, we are destined to be nothing more than pawns to be manipulated.”

“Sister...” Ji Shanhai felt a pang in her heart as an indescribable sorrow washed over her.

Xi stood up and gently hugged her younger sister before patting her on her back and saying softly, "Alright, don't think too much about this. What's done is done. After I get married tomorrow, our immediate family’s positions in the clan will be secure. You must cultivate diligently; the road ahead is long."

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Xi and Ji Shanhai were startled, exchanging a glance. Who would come to pay a visit at this hour? Xi sat back down in front of the bronze mirror, while Ji Shanhai walked towards the door.

"Didn't I order that no one should bother us with any mundane issues...eh?!" Ji Shanhai scolded while opening the door. When she saw the person outside, she froze as her stunningly beautiful eyes widened in astonishment and disbelief. Her unusual actions made Xi, who was not far away, turn her head to look.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out, "Miss Shanhai, it hasn't been that long, but you don't remember me?" Immediately afterward, Lin Xun's tall and imposing figure strode in.

Ji Shanhai stammered, "You...how did you get here? No, how did you get in? This is Wenzhu Peak, a core inner area of the clan’s stronghold, yet you..."

She was utterly surprised by Lin Xun's sudden appearance, almost unable to believe it.

At the same time, Xi also quietly rose, a hint of disbelief flickering in her clear, cold eyes. So...it’s this kid...

Years had passed. While he outwardly looked exactly the same as before, his aura had completely changed. Now he was calm and composed, as serene as a solitary mountain, with every gesture exuding an invisible majesty. This was a presence that could only be acquired through experiencing the trials and tribulations of life. It was easy to imagine that he must have gone through countless things over the years.

Meanwhile, Lin Xun was also stunned. Before him stood Xi, who was clad in fiery red wedding robes and had an elegant phoenix coronet on her head. Her skin was as white as snow, which accentuated her stunning beauty with an air of dignified elegance. Lin Xun had never seen her dressed in such attire before, making her all the more breathtaking.

Then, a pang of pain shot through Lin Xun's heart. Xi was wearing wedding garments!

"Senior Xi, long time no see." Lin Xun took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions, and bowed respectfully. He acted just as he did when he was a young man!

The dazed look in Xi's eyes faded, replaced by tranquility. She said, "Shanhai, close the door."

Ji Shanhai, as if waking from a dream, quickly stepped forward and closed the door. Then she approached Lin Xun, looking him up and down, and said, "Brother Lin, it really is you!"

Only now did she seem to dare believe it all. Her eyes lit up, and her voice trembled with excitement as she asked, "Could it be that you...came to rescue my sister this time?"

Lin Xun nodded earnestly. "That's right."

However, there was not a trace of joy on Xi's beautiful face. She gazed at Lin Xun, considered for a moment, and then said softly, "Today is different from the past. The affairs of the Ji Clan are not that simple. It's best...not to get involved, otherwise, even I can't protect you."