There was not even a single human at the foot of Fengya Mountain; could there be a maiden of good standing? That crazy, demented Master of the Ghost Valley had come across her when she was still an infant, and kept her by his side. She had neither father nor mother, and all that met her eye was either slaughter inflicted, or slaughter experienced--could she grow into a maiden of good standing?

Even Gu Xiang was lost. She had always gotten whatever she wanted, occasionally resorting to unscrupulous means, occasionally by being unreasonable and stubborn, and although her temper was nothing great at times...this was the first time she knew that she was a woman who did not belong to the light.

An ugly bride could still face the in-laws, but she was Purple Danger. She dared not.

Gu Xiang pondered about it for a long while, before she finally squeezed out a smile and told Wen Kexing, “That spouse of yours has it much better. He doesn’t have to worry about mouths to feed once he’s eaten his fill--doesn’t have a gaggle of aunts hanging around...aiyo!”

Before she could even finish her sentence, an object struck her skull. She raised her head to see Zhou Zishu looking down at her from above on the roof. The wine bowl in his hand was missing, and he was looking at Gu Xiang with the hint of a smile.

In pain from the impact, Gu Xiang clutched her skull and said to Wen Kexing, "Why don't you keep him in check!"

Zhou Zishu glided down from the roof, patted Wen Kexing’s shoulder, and instructed, “Go and warm your lord’s bed.”

Wen Kexing made a very solicitous sound of agreement, and went without a second word. Gu Xiang’s eyes widened as she sucked in a deep breath. Either this world had been turned upside down, she thought, or she was having a nightmare.

Zhou Zishu sat on the ground, sighed, and said, "What are you worrying blindly for, untroubled as you are? I haven't even been worried--at first, I thought that I could still live well for a year and a half, but it looks like there actually isn't that much time now. According to the Great Shaman, my meridians cannot withstand my internal energy…this gongfu has become a burden instead. At any time, the candle of my life might sputter out, I'll kick the bucket, and go off to meet King Yama in Hell."

Gu Xiang stared at him with wide eyes, not knowing what to say. A very long while later, she finally said in a small voice, “You really have terrible luck.”