Pei Bu Chen had appeared behind her at some unknown moment…
In her previous life, Pei Bu Chen had endured ten strikes upon the Pou Xin Stage, resulting in half his heart being shattered.
As an outer sect disciple, Ning Xi hadn't been qualified to witness the punishment when Pei Bu Chen received it. Only later, from casual conversations among other disciples, did she learn of the terrifying scene.
The ten-thousand-catty Poxin Hammer, wreathed in purple lightning, rose high before crashing down upon the kneeling youth's straight spine. With each strike, Pei Bu Chen would answer "Innocent" once.
If the person was lying, the Poxin Hammer would smash through them.
Yet if the condemned was truly innocent, they could withstand all ten strikes completely unharmed—but when it came to Pei Bu Chen's punishment, the Poxin Hammer malfunctioned for some reason. Though it proved his innocence, it still shattered half his heart.
Ning Xi clenched her fingers.
She didn't know what hidden circumstances existed, but she knew she absolutely couldn't let Pei Bu Chen ascend the Pou Xin Stage again.
If only to repay his kindness from her previous life, when he traveled thousands of miles to save her.
Accompanied by the faint clinking of shackles, Pei Bu Chen slowly descended the steps.
He commanded great respect among Baiyujing's disciples. Wherever he went, disciples in the hall parted like retreating tides.
Someone muttered discontentedly: "How could Da Shi Xiong be the murderer! Someone must be framing him!"
"Ah. Our Da Shi Xiong is too kind-hearted, letting even Kunlun Hill's Helian brute bully us like this!"
"Watch your words, watch your words. If Da Shi Xiong hears you, he'll scold you for speaking improperly."
"Never mind, the innocent need no defense. Since Da Shi Xiong says so, he must have a plan. Nothing will go wrong."
"Right, the Poxin Hammer doesn't harm the innocent. When Da Shi Xiong proves his innocence, that'll shut those people up!"
Though some disciples still resented seeing their revered Da Shi Xiong suffer this unjust punishment, most stepped aside as instructed.
Except for Ning Xi.
She stood rigidly in the center of the path.
The young girl wore coarse brown hemp clothes, her hair simply tied with a matching ribbon. A faded white cherry blossom was embroidered on her sleeve—clearly an overlooked outer sect disciple.
Yet she stood unmoving, like a tough wild grass stubbornly growing across Pei Bu Chen's destined path.
Before Pei Bu Chen stood several He Lian Family disciples tasked with escorting him to the Pou Xin Stage. Seeing Ning Xi blocking the way, they shouted sharply:
"Hey! Don't block the path!"
When Ning Xi didn't comply, one disciple strode forward and grabbed her arm, trying to pull her aside. But the girl struggled free and instead rushed forward.
The thwarted disciple, flushed with anger, drew his sword and struck her back hard with the hilt.
Ning Xi grunted and stumbled forward. Just as she was about to hit the ground, a gentle breeze lifted her up.
Pei Bu Chen withdrew his spell-casting fingers, his jade-white fingertips disappearing back into wide sleeves. He nodded slightly toward her: "Be careful, junior sister."
Having spoken, he continued striding forward, iron chains clinking with each step as he passed her by.
Ning Xi struggled to her feet and hurried after him two steps, blurting out: "Da Shi Xiong!"
She thought he wouldn't stop, but Pei Bu Chen paused and turned back curiously: "Is something wrong, junior sister?"
He possessed calm, willow-leaf eyes that remained undisturbed even now, on his way to receive punishment at the Pou Xin Stage, his expression still gentle as a spring breeze.
Anyone being gazed upon with such focus by him would easily develop the illusion that you were the only one in his eyes.
Ning Xi was momentarily speechless.
The words reached her lips but were swallowed back down—how could she explain her rebirth?
Speaking of supernatural forces and chaotic spirits in front of a crowd would likely lead to immediate accusations of demonic possession or evil spirit usurpation, resulting in execution on the spot.
Moreover, she and Pei Bu Chen were strangers at this point.
Twenty-three years had passed since she joined Baiyujing, and her only encounter with Pei Bu Chen had been a chance glimpse during the seventieth year of Tian Shu.
And it was a one-sided sighting of Da Shi Xiong.
At that time, Ning Xi was responsible for gathering fruits for the ancestral ceremony. Outer sect disciples bullied her, assigning her the entire cherry grove to harvest alone. Accustomed to enduring adversity, Ning Xi said nothing.
Amid the blazing cherry blossoms, she worked tirelessly all day. Finally stealing a moment of rest, she hid beneath a cherry tree for a nap. But scarcely had she fallen asleep when the canopy shook, white petals scattering like rain and covering her entirely.
The young girl struggled indignantly to emerge halfway from the pile of petals, wanting to see who had disturbed her peaceful sleep. Instead, she saw a brilliant rainbow streak across the black-and-white sky like a shooting star.
In the distance, ceremonial bells chimed, auspicious birds flocked, and lanterns suddenly brightened the night into day. The mountain gates of Baiyujing opened one after another to welcome the returning traveler.
Ning Xi stared blankly upward as the sword light descended lower and lower, until she could clearly see the rider's slender bamboo-like figure and strikingly handsome features.
Only when she returned to Outer Sect Peak carrying the heavy immortal fruits did she learn it was Da Shi Xiong Pei Bu Chen returning from his training journey. He had meritoriously slain a demonic serpent and saved numerous mortal commoners.
Coming from mortal origins herself, Ning Xi deeply understood the harm caused by demons. Hearing about Da Shi Xiong's numerous demon-slaying and life-saving deeds, she unwittingly developed admiration for him.
What pleased her even more was that after returning to Baiyujing, Pei Bu Chen began purging misconduct within the sect, expelling all who indulged in extravagance or abused their power.
The outer sect senior disciple who frequently bullied Ning Xi—the one who deliberately assigned her to harvest the entire cherry grove—was expelled from Baiyujing for misconduct.
After that, Ning Xi truly enjoyed a period of peace. Unfortunately, it didn't last long. With Pei Bu Chen frequently away on training missions, people gradually grew lax, and the bullying culture in the outer sect resurfaced. But that, of course, came later.
…
Now, facing the familiar-yet-unfamiliar Da Shi Xiong who had stopped before her, Ning Xi remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "I'm the attendant assigned to clean Pou Xin Stage today."
Someone in the crowd snorted softly, clearly disdainful of a mere attendant daring to approach Da Shi Xiong.
Pei Bu Chen merely nodded slightly and said, "So it's a junior sister from Outer Sect Peak."
Whispers circulated praising Da Shi Xiong's boundless compassion and equal treatment of all sect members, even acknowledging an outer sect attendant as junior sister.
Ignoring the piercing stares, Ning Xi said quietly, "While cleaning Pou Xin Stage today, I accidentally noticed what appeared to be cracks on the Poxin Hammer. I haven't had time to report it to Weapon Peak for repairs."
In her previous life, Ning Xi had also been assigned to clean Wen Xian Tang and Pou Xin Stage. But back then she'd been dull and obedient, working diligently all afternoon without looking up, completely unaware of the significant events unfolding around her. When awakened by rumbling thunder, she'd mistaken it for an approaching storm, only learning later that it was Pei Bu Chen being punished on Pou Xin Stage.
In truth, Ning Xi had no idea about the actual situation on the Pou Xin Stage.
But words spoken were like water spilled—irretrievable. She lowered her gaze, hoping to buy as much time as possible.
The He Lian Family disciple escorting Pei Bu Chen snapped, "You're just a lowly servant! Who are you to dictate terms?! I think you're using the excuse of the Poxin Hammer being damaged to delay the punishment!"
"Cleaning the Pou Xin Stage is my responsibility. If anything goes wrong, I'll be held accountable. This is no trivial matter. Even if there's only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, I… I can't hide it."
"Don't think I don't know what you girls are scheming. You're just drawn to this Pei fellow's handsome face, swarming around him like bees to honey—"
"Seeing is believing. Since junior sister insists so strongly, why not come with us?" Pei Bu Chen spoke up at that moment, still smiling amiably. "You can also show us exactly where the Poxin Hammer is damaged so we can repair it promptly and avoid delaying the punishment."
The He Lian disciple snorted but didn't object further.
The execution procession moved forward again. Since the Wen Xian Tang was close to the Pou Xin Stage, they didn't need to Ride the Sword.
Ning Xi followed closely behind Da Shi Xiong, repeatedly trying to strike up a conversation with him but never finding the right opportunity.
The He Lian disciples guarding Pei Bu Chen watched him vigilantly, as if fearing the Golden Core cultivator—rumored to have slain a demonic dragon with a single sword strike—might suddenly erupt in violence.
The journey passed in silence, and when they reached the Pou Xin Stage, the stillness deepened.
Other Xian Sect elders were probably still discussing He Lian Han Shan's death in the Wen Xian Tang, or perhaps avoiding involvement. In any case, not a single spectator had come to witness the punishment.
As the saying goes, one should always leave room for reconciliation. If Pei Bu Chen were later proven innocent, their current aggressiveness could be used against them in retaliation.
In fact, had Pei Bu Chen not voluntarily offered to undergo the Pou Xin Stage ordeal, some minor sect leaders would have turned a blind eye.
Not only was Pei Bu Chen widely known for his noble character and unlikely to commit murder, but even if he had, what could be done?
At such a young age, Pei Bu Chen had already achieved Golden Core cultivation and earned the Ba Chong Ying accolade. His future was boundless—he might even ascend to immortality someday. Offending him over a wrongful accusation was clearly unwise.
These elders, having cultivated for centuries, weren't completely detached from worldly affairs. When it came to social savvy, each was exceptional, naturally unwilling to wade into troubled waters.
The only party truly enthusiastic about this interrogation was likely the aggrieved He Lian Family.
Along the way, Ning Xi gradually sorted through her thoughts. The only thing that puzzled her was Baiyujing's stance.
After all, Pei Bu Chen was Baiyujing's head disciple. Yet aside from his junior disciples spontaneously defending Da Shi Xiong, the Sect Leader's Wife and senior elders remained completely silent, showing no concern whatsoever.
Were they so confident that Pei Bu Chen would be fine, or was there more to the story?
As she pondered, the treasure stand holding the Poxin Hammer came into view.
"You claimed the Poxin Hammer was abnormal. Where?"
Ning Xi's heartbeat quickened. She shuffled forward, stood before the treasure stand, rose on her toes, and pretended she couldn't reach it.
"Stop dawdling and wasting time!" the He Lian disciple barked impatiently. "If I find out you're lying, you won't get away with it!"
"The lighting is too dim. I can't see clearly."
The execution disciples grumbled and went to fetch candles.
Ning Xi's mood grew somber.
If all else fails, we might have to force our way out. She thought to herself, if Da Shi Xiong was willing, with his cultivation level, it wouldn’t be impossible to break out of this place…
“What is Shi Mei thinking about?”
She spun around abruptly. Pei Bu Chen stood behind her, having appeared at some unknown moment, and gave her a gentle smile.
How strange—even with iron chains shackling his ankles, he had managed to approach without making a sound, almost like a ghost drifting over.
Ning Xi pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Pei Bu Chen’s captivating willow-leaf eyes curved a little more, and he lowered his voice to a volume only the two of them could hear: “Is Shi Mei thinking of escaping?”
He had actually seen right through her!
Ning Xi stared at him in astonishment.
But Da Shi Xiong didn’t seem to blame her?
The Pou Xin Stage was unlit, shrouded in darkness. The place was vast, and the He Lian Family disciples had to split up to search for candles and lamps, leaving them unsupervised for the moment.
Seizing the rare opportunity, Ning Xi steeled herself and spoke directly: “Da Shi Xiong, I’m sorry for deceiving you, but I truly have my reasons. You cannot endure the Poxin Hammer… you—you will get hurt.”
She gritted her teeth in frustration, thinking that even she found her own words unconvincing. To so rashly insist that he would be injured by the Poxin Hammer was practically the same as implying he wasn’t innocent.
Yet Pei Bu Chen quietly watched her for a moment, his expression somewhat peculiar: “Shi Mei is afraid I’ll get hurt?”
Ning Xi nodded incoherently, unsure how to explain: “It’s not that I don’t trust Da Shi Xiong, it’s just… it’s just…”
Countless thoughts tangled in her mind, impossible to articulate. In the distance, she saw the execution disciples had already found a lamp stand and lit it, now approaching the two of them.
A chill ran down Ning Xi’s spine. Without time to think, she suddenly reached out, drew a decorative sword from a nearby shelf, and swung it toward Pei Bu Chen.
Pei Bu Chen didn’t evade in the slightest. The sword’s gust of wind stirred a strand of his raven-black hair.
“Clang—”
The iron chains around his ankles were severed and fell to the ground.
There was no time to explain. Ning Xi simply grabbed Pei Bu Chen’s wrist and pulled him along as she ran outward: “Da Shi Xiong, I apologize for the offense!”