Meanwhile, in a remote corner at the other end of Qingshui County, two people with unfortunate destinies also collided under the guidance of fate.

Pushing open the main gate and entering the backyard, the stable looked like it hadn't been cleaned for many days. The injured steed could barely stand and its eyes were filled with weariness.

The separate estate of the family was not small. This property originally belonged to the Xue family, and years ago, she had lived here. Even after the subsequent disaster that befell the Xue family, the property was not transferred to others but continued to be her residence, and the main house of the Xue family still stands today.

As for the reason...

It simply couldn't be sold, and no one dared to take over. Even the local government was reluctant to deal with this mess; after all, the resentment in this place was overwhelming, and there was a risk of retaliation. It's said that a few years ago, an Immortal had slain the Xue family father and son here. Although it brought great satisfaction, it also made everyone fearful.

Even those who coveted it couldn't gamble with their family's lives, so it remained vacant and unapproached.

The old plaque on the gate starkly contrasted with the once-glorious Xue family. Outside, the rain continued to pour, and the night almost obscured their vision. Xue Caiyan was very familiar with the household, feeling her way through the darkness to the stable and then opening the house's door to light an oil lamp.

Her graceful figure bustled around, setting fire to the pile of wood in a corner of the house with flint, wiping tables and chairs with a cloth. Her movements were evidently clumsy, indicating she had not been doing housework since childhood but had learned over time.

Unable to continue watching the girl's labor, Wu Daoxu suppressed the pain in his meridians and flicked his left hand, sending a spark to ignite the wood. With another flick, he lit the candle, filling the house with warm light.

"I must have amused the Immortal Master."

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Xue Caiyan hadn't even changed her clothes, still soaked as she was. After wiping herself with a towel, she continued with the housework, taking out bedding from the wardrobe, showing that she had preserved things well before leaving last year.

Making the bed, rolling the quilt — her actions were skillful. By rights, someone of her status as a young lady should not be doing these chores. However, since the family upheaval, although she had some assets and business left outside, those around her had already fled.

Therefore, this young lady had no choice but to start working herself. She was initially clumsy, but she learned quickly.

Soon, the bed was made, and Wu Daoxu understood her intention. This room was clearly not Xue Caiyan's boudoir; it looked like a man's room. He immediately realized it should belong to Guard Qian, so he put him down of his own accord.

Even in his unconscious state, Guard Qian's brows were furrowed, his expression pained, and his breathing unstable. But at least his complexion looked better.

"Uncle Qian..."

The girl's expression was somewhat gloomy. Although she wished to brave the rain and seek a doctor, no medical hall would be open at this late hour. No matter how anxious, she could only wait until dawn.

"Miss Xue need not worry. His life is not in danger. Tomorrow, I, Wu, will personally take him to visit other cultivators in the county. Even if they are unwilling to help, the regular medical halls should have ways to heal him. Though it might cost some effort and could leave internal injuries, I will do my best."

"Hmm, thank you, Immortal Master. I invite you to make do with staying at this humble abode for the night. Please do not disdain..."

She bowed respectfully.

He opened his mouth, almost wanting to say not to call him Immortal Master again, for the title was somewhat mocking to him. A few years ago, he might have shamelessly acknowledged it, but now he was an Evil Cultivator.

A rat in the gutter suddenly appearing as a legendary Immortal before a girl — how laughable.

But Xue Caiyan was busy tidying up other rooms. Although the house was large, it was rather empty. As if to find a topic and conceal her embarrassment, the girl chatted while working.

"If my manners are inadequate, I hope the Immortal Master will not blame me."

"Once, the house was filled with servants, but after the upheaval years ago, they were all dismissed. After my uncle's death, others in the family fought over the inheritance and reportedly were at each other's throats."

"The upheaval was well-known throughout Qingshui County and beyond. Ultimately, it was my uncle and cousin's wrongdoing. I won't make excuses for them; their downfall was deserved. But... they were still my family."

"Perhaps the Immortal Master is unaware, but the Yan family son-in-law who narrowly escaped death years ago gained a mysterious fortune and comprehended the Dao. Later, I heard that the county, wanting to deal with him, sent for experts from the state city, for only an Immortal can counter another Immortal."

"The two fought fiercely in the city, causing trouble and affecting many citizens. Fortunately, no lives were lost. The wrath of Immortals is beyond common mortals' ability to bear. After the Immortal battle, our Xue family fell into ruin."

"Even offering silver won't hire a house servant. Everyone steers clear of us, fearing involvement. Otherwise, with your esteemed status, dozens would have served you in our family, awaiting your orders."

The girl valiantly lifted a water bucket, apparently intending to boil water for Wu Daoxu to take a bath and wash away travel dust. She chatted while working, seeking topics to avoid awkwardness, and Wu Daoxu merely smiled.

With a pinch of a spell, a strange sensation flowed around him. Before she could react, she saw the water in the wooden bucket rising, and the fire was also easily lit. Despite his current circumstances, mastering the Five Elements Taoism was fundamental — something every cultivator practiced.

Even the sword-obsessed Liu Tangxi knew these, let alone ordinary cultivators. His marvelous technique might be ordinary to other cultivators, but to Xue Caiyan, it seemed miraculous.

Just as she intended to express admiration with a comment like "The Immortal Master is impressive," she was interrupted by Wu Daoxu's ashamed and slightly awkward voice.

"Miss Xue, I am the one who caused the commotion in the city three years ago. I feel deeply ashamed."

"..."

Before the girl could respond, Wu Daoxu's once-ashamed face suddenly turned stern, eyes snapping with authority even in his fallen state. A genuine Core Formation Stage expert, he quickly turned his head and bellowed at the door.

"Who is it! Come out!"

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