I have a persona specifically for acting.

“What’s happening with the male lead?”

No one knew who asked the question, but it jolted everyone awake.

The storylines for both sides were running in parallel, and once all scenes were shot, the main and assistant directors would decide what to cut and what to keep. This dual-lead format was somewhat like a variety show, where the more engaging subconscious would have the upper hand.

“Isn’t the assistant director always watching?”

“Yes,” Assistant Director Zeng replied, “but there’s not much to see.”

Compared to the female lead, the male lead’s storyline was rather lackluster.

Shao Xuanzheng was happily welcoming the female supporting character, enjoying food and fun at the fairy estate, creating an ideal picture of what life would be like if she stayed on as the lady of the house.

The Li family was also quite prestigious, and Li Qiaoqiao had remained unmarried due to being spoiled by her family, so there was no need for her to attach herself to anyone. Thus, Shao Xuanzheng had to show her utmost sincerity and dare not be the least bit negligent.

Shao Xuanzheng and Li Qiaoqiao reminisced about the early days of their acquaintance.

Back then, Shao Xuanzheng had average talent and didn’t dare to pursue the daughter of the Li family, also wary of her heart condition. However, over the years, their dual cultivation had significantly improved his skills, and he had gained attention from his own family, allowing him to flourish in all aspects.

After Liu Bang became emperor and Han Chengwang returned to see his first love, the position of a first love in a man’s heart was special.

Ascending to power, becoming wealthy, and changing wives—his new partner was the childhood sweetheart he had longed for.

Shao Xuanzheng felt it was all worth it.

If they didn’t look at the scenes with the female lead, Tong Zhao, and only focused on Shao Xuanzheng’s shots, most of the male crew could feel a sense of exhilaration, even if they didn’t dare to say it outright; there was still some secret enjoyment.

Assistant Director Zeng sighed, “Chen Zhuzhi, despite his other flaws, truly excels in portraying the role of a toxic husband who finally gets his way.”

Everyone’s gaze slowly turned towards Assistant Director Zeng, then to Shi Qianqiu.

The tone of praise was becoming increasingly similar.

The props assistant whispered, “But I still think the female lead’s perspective is more exciting.”

“Of course,” Shi Qianqiu nodded in agreement. “The comeback from adversity is one of the points the audience loves; for the actors, danger represents an opportunity to shine. I set up so many obstacles precisely to enhance her dramatic moments.”

Everyone then exchanged glances, questioning, “So it turns out you don’t enjoy making things difficult for the protagonist?”

In any case, Tong Zhao had endured the challenges set by the heartless director and arrived at a critical turning point.

—

“Brother Shao, do you really want to hold the couple ceremony with me?”

Although Li Qiaoqiao felt deeply moved by everything her childhood friend had prepared, she thought it was a bit too fast. She didn’t believe brother Shao was after her family background; after all, cultivators were different from mortals. His current cultivation level was vastly improved compared to before, while she was still frail, surviving only thanks to the Li family’s resources. She couldn’t compare to his former partner.

“As long as brother Shao wants, it wouldn’t be hard to find a partner of equal cultivation,” Li Qiaoqiao said with a furrowed brow. “I had been feeling a bit better for three days, but it worsened again last night. My condition is so unstable… why bother…”

Shao Xuanzheng fixed his gaze on her, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination. “Don’t think too much. If you’re not well, I’ll take care of you slowly. I don’t want an equal partner; I just want you.”

Li Qiaoqiao was deeply moved.

Shao Xuanzheng was speaking the truth. He truly didn’t want a partner who could match him; he wanted a well-bred lady who would always place him first, someone not like Mu Yingchen, who, despite her beauty, didn’t know how to please her husband and always overshadowed him.

Shao Xuanzheng had grown tired of that.

At this moment, he was full of patience for Li Qiaoqiao—every man is typically very patient with a woman he’s interested in but hasn’t fully claimed yet. With sweet words, he made her believe that all she needed to do was focus on her appearance and wait for the couple ceremony. Once he had calmed the anxious Li Qiaoqiao, he switched to another persona and lashed out at his subordinates.

He had known about Mu Yingchen killing the guards and escaping from the water dungeon that very night. He didn’t think much of it.

A monk might run, but the temple stays; with her shattered Golden Core and depleted spiritual power, Mu Yingchen was essentially a cripple. Let her run; she could experience the fear of death closing in. Shao Xuanzheng wasn’t worried at all, especially with Li Qiaoqiao, who was becoming increasingly well despite harboring maternal gu.

However, just yesterday, things changed.

Li Qiaoqiao’s heart condition suddenly worsened that evening. After lying on the couch for an hour, her maid expertly attended to her, and Shao Xuanzheng rushed over in a panic. Seeing him more anxious than herself greatly moved Li Qiaoqiao, who then comforted him.

But what Shao Xuanzheng was truly anxious about was another matter. Li Qiaoqiao’s heart condition shouldn’t have flared up again unless something had changed on Mu Yingchen’s side.

Shao Xuanzheng could only think that she had gone back to her sect for help… but that shouldn’t be! He had anticipated everything she might consider. The North Qing Sect had his spies, and no matter how he inquired or tested the waters, he received no answers. Instead, the North Qing Sect felt a hint of regret for him, having heard the rumors he had spread about being “abandoned by their own disciple.”

Now it was Shao Xuanzheng who found it hard to endure.

He was filled with regret.

Not regret for the wrongs he had committed, but for not having done the job cleanly enough.

If he had known better, he shouldn’t have let his concerns for his own state of mind get in the way; he should have just killed her.

Now, he could only hasten the couple ceremony, making the Li family and himself two peas in a pod.

There are differences between men and women, and it doesn’t sound good for a woman to remarry.

Cultivators should be more carefree and not bound by trivialities, but Li Qiaoqiao was delicate and couldn’t withstand too much stress.

If things were to be revealed, the Li family would likely help suppress the matter for Qiaoqiao’s sake… As long as Qiaoqiao was with him, he would treat her well, making her understand that his past with Mu Yingchen was merely a mistake. Besides, the life-exchanging gu he used on Yingchen was also for her sake, right? He was trying to secure a complete future for the two of them.

With this thought, Shao Xuanzheng felt a sense of calm.

…

The couple ceremony was approaching.

Shao Xuanzheng invited everyone he could, including the main branch of the Shao family and cultivators from the South China Sword Sect. Given the prominence of the bride’s family, there were even more esteemed guests this time, making the ceremony far more grand and spectacular compared to the one held with the grassroots cultivator Mu Yingchen years ago.

News spread quickly, and some cultivators who disapproved of Shao Xuanzheng began to gossip. Since Mu Yingchen had gone missing, there had been no word of her; it seemed too quick for him to engage in dual cultivation with someone else, especially with a childhood sweetheart. Who would believe there wasn’t something shady going on?

Supporters of Shao Xuanzheng pointed out that he had invested considerable time and resources in searching for Yingchen, making it clear that his feelings were genuine.

The critics scoffed, muttering in frustration—

“Maybe Shao Xuanzheng is just eager to find someone to silence?”

Regardless of their thoughts, on the day of the couple ceremony, everyone wore smiles.

The North Qing Sect did not reply, and given their previous comments, Shao Xuanzheng guessed they were too embarrassed to attend. That was fine; even if that woman managed to break the poison curse, she wouldn’t dare cause trouble on his territory alone. Her future would likely involve running away, while he would gain the support of the Li family, paving a smooth path for his cultivation!

Seeing the smiling faces in the audience, Shao Xuanzheng felt a rush of satisfaction.

This felt different from the joy he experienced during his first couple ceremony.

Back then, it was Mu Yingchen’s unparalleled beauty that brought him prestige, but few notable figures came to congratulate him. It was already a feat that gifts were sent on behalf of the Shao family, all because Yingchen lacked an impressive family background.

Today, however, many prominent figures from the South China Sword Sect were in attendance.

So what if there were private discussions about his relationship with Yingchen?

In front of him, everyone wore smiles.

This was the thrill of power and fame!

Shao Xuanzheng remembered how Mu Yingchen used to tell him to focus on cultivation and avoid unnecessary socializing. When it really mattered, no one stepped up to speak for her, simply because she didn’t know how to manage relationships.

Unlike the vibrant, festive halls of ordinary weddings, the couple ceremony emphasized elegance and purity. Immortal lanterns floated in the air, each arrayed with formations that harnessed the spiritual energy within, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in the grand hall.

Li Qiaoqiao wore a bright red bridal gown, her cheeks flushed.

She stood beside Shao Xuanzheng, smiling shyly.

Due to her frail health, this pampered young lady of the Li family seldom showed her face in public. Today, seeing her, people couldn’t help but praise her: she was even more impressive in person, a true beauty worthy of the Li family, though her inherent heart condition was regrettable.

A seasoned onlooker whispered, “If we’re talking about beauty, Mu Yingchen is in a league of her own.”

“You’ve seen her?”

Mu Yingchen also rarely appeared in public.

Her health was robust, and she was quite strong.

It was said that when she was at the North Qing Sect, she could take on ten opponents easily, although she had a tendency to seclude herself for cultivation. Since the North Qing Sect was located in a frigid region, even flying on a sword required extra spells, or one would suffer the harsh winds. Thus, very few present had ever seen Mu Yingchen.

“I saw her at the last couple ceremony,” the gossiping onlooker described the female lead in eight words: “Unparalleled elegance, captivating beauty.”

“Really? I don’t believe it.”

“Shh, don’t say that on Yaoxia Fairy’s big day.”

The murmurs didn’t reach the stage.

On stage, Shao Xuanzheng was passionately recounting his difficult journey and how he met Yaoxia Fairy: “Love in this world, like the path of cultivation, is fraught with pitfalls. Fortunately, after all the twists and turns, we found each other again, knowing and loving one another.” He looked down lovingly at the one who held his heart: “Heaven has not been unkind to me.”

Everyone listening understood that the “pitfalls” he referred to were about Mu Yingchen.

His eagerness to curry favor with the Li family was too obvious.

However, no one pointed it out.

Mu Yingchen was too reclusive; the nature of their relationship was solely in Shao Xuanzheng’s words. Who would speak for a stranger? Everyone was more concerned with how to network with other cultivators on this joyous day, to become familiar faces in front of powerful figures and gather the latest news.

Looking at the two standing side by side, they couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

“I, Shao Xuanzheng, swear before the heavens that in this life and the next…”

Just as he was about to make an important vow during this auspicious moment, a sharp sword cry pierced the sky, shattering his words. Everyone instinctively held their breath, turning to the source of the sound.

It was truly a face of unmatched beauty.

With features seemingly carved from pristine white snow, she gazed coldly at the stage.

Her bright eyes shimmered with a faint golden light, characteristic of a peak Golden Core cultivator.

Easily breaking through layers of formations, she landed in a flowing white robe…

“See, I wasn’t wrong,” the audacious onlooker whispered, “Yingchen Fairy is way more beautiful than her.”

The guests couldn’t help but murmur among themselves.

They hadn’t heard that Shao Xuanzheng’s ex-wife had such high cultivation!

So why was she here today?

To cause trouble?

Aside from those with vested interests, the other invited guests, regardless of their status, transformed into onlookers, secretly hoping for some exciting developments. It had been too dull in the cultivation world; a bit of excitement was rare. If a fight broke out, it would be the talk of the day!

“On this joyous day for Master Xuanzheng, I apologize for my tardiness.”

Tong Zhao’s voice rang clearly throughout the hall with a hint of enchantment.

Shao Xuanzheng’s expression darkened, but he was prepared. He retorted, “Yingchen, I have already granted you your freedom. Why have you come today?”

Li Qiaoqiao tightened her grip on his arm, furrowing her delicate brows, and quietly asked him what was going on.

While calming her, Shao Xuanzheng pulled out a response he had prepared: “Yingchen and I were not compatible. After one argument, we decided to part ways. When she disappeared from the estate that day, I searched everywhere for her… Yingchen, you say our severing of ties was just a moment of anger, but it truly broke my heart. Some words, like spilled water, can never be taken back!”

Tong Zhao didn’t respond immediately, only coldly staring at him.

Seeing the golden glint in her eyes, he felt a pang of fear.

What method had this woman used to advance her cultivation instead of regressing? He had clearly shattered her Golden Core while she was poisoned! It was impossible; such a demonic technique couldn’t exist… However, with her so splendidly appearing before everyone, he couldn’t claim to have treated her poorly!

Shao Xuanzheng was not afraid of her causing trouble.

Today, he had invited his senior brothers and sisters from the South China Sword Sect.

How could one sword compete against so many?

He also knew that his ex-wife was not good with words.

…

Shao Xuanzheng’s guess was correct.

Whether it was Mu Yingchen’s character or the subconscious of Master Lu, neither were inclined to defend themselves; they often found it too tiresome to explain.

“Shao Xuanzheng, this is a matter for us to resolve,”

Tong Zhao said, placing her hand on the sword hilt and gently drawing it out.

A cold light flashed, and the corner of her sleeve billowed in the rising wind.

“Mu requests a duel!”

…What the!

This woman was completely unreasonable!

Shao Xuanzheng hadn’t expected her to go this crazy, so he quickly formed a seal to summon his sword.

He managed to summon it just in time, preparing to block her attack when a massive wave surged from the side, knocking him and Li Qiaoqiao over, sending them tumbling through the air before crashing down.

“You actually brought helpers to ambush me!”

Shao Xuanzheng roared in anger, turning to glare at the one who had attacked him, only to find it was his senior brother.

He was stunned.

Then, he watched as the high platform he had been standing on split apart down the middle.

That wasn’t just an ordinary platform; it was made from extremely cold glacial rock that he had purchased at a high price beforehand. Its purity and hardness symbolized steadfastness and good fortune.

The platform made of glacial rock had been split in two by his ex-wife’s sword.

Was that the strike he had just tried to block?

If it weren’t for his senior brother’s intervention, he would have been the one sliced in half.

Shao Xuanzheng felt both anger and fear.

“Mu Yingchen, I intended to treat you with courtesy out of respect for our past as partners, but I didn’t expect you to be so brutal and unreasonable,” he said, clasping his fists. “I earnestly ask the masters of the South China Sword Sect to help me seek justice!”

The shattered glacial platform filled the once joyous hall with swirling smoke.

“Partners? Justice?”

Tong Zhao stood amidst the mist, holding her snow-white sword, her expression unwavering.

She curved her lips into a stunning smile, captivating even the disciples of the South China Sword Sect, who were naturally on the male side.

“Shao thief, you poisoned me to seal my powers, shattered my golden core while I was weak, used a life-exchange curse on me, and imprisoned me in a water prison to take my life. Did you ever consider the bonds of partnership? Did you ever think of giving me justice?”

Her voice rang out, commanding the attention of the guests.

Yet, it lacked convincing power…

“What a joke!” Shao Xuanzheng retorted, righteous indignation in his tone. “If I really shattered your golden core, how could you have performed that sword strike just now? Moreover, your words carry neither resentment nor hatred; it seems you have wronged me, and your act doesn’t even look convincing!”

Indeed.

The crowd turned to look at Tong Zhao.

Her face, strikingly beautiful, displayed no joy or sorrow, colder than the sword in her hand.

Could anyone truly remain unshaken after being treated like that by their husband?

As the crowd pondered this, Tong Zhao raised her hand to her chest, seemingly disregarding her clothing, and reached for her heart.

This gesture was even more shocking to the guests than her earlier words.

Unimpeded by anything, this was the kind of power only a semi-immortal could possess.

Before everyone’s eyes, Tong Zhao extracted an ugly cursed insect from her heart, suppressed by spiritual power. Accompanied by a wave of her hand, a larger mother insect flew from Li Qiaoqiao’s heart into her grasp.

Li Qiaoqiao coughed up a mouthful of blood.

“No, Mu Yingchen, you can’t do this, stop her…!”

Shao Xuanzheng shouted in alarm.

But both insects disintegrated into ashes at Tong Zhao’s command.

The one who used the curse faced backlash, and Shao Xuanzheng fell to the ground, his face pale.

He hadn’t expected his ex-wife to not only recover her golden core but also significantly advance in power. How had she accomplished this?

Shao Xuanzheng had intended for his sect to subdue Mu Yingchen first and then find a way to cover up the truth.

Now, however, the evidence was indisputable, and his brothers dared not intervene.

“Brother Shao,”

Li Qiaoqiao pushed him away in disbelief, standing up with the maid’s help. “When did you place a curse on me?”

“Qiaoqiao, I was worried about your health…”

“Caring for me doesn’t mean you can exchange my life for Mu Yingchen’s! I don’t need it!”

Thinking back to her recent, inexplicable recovery, Li Qiaoqiao found it absurd and wanted to laugh. How could it be good? Trading her life for a cultivator at the golden core stage! She couldn’t accept it, covering her face and crying, completely unwilling to hear his explanation, fleeing to the protection of her elders, cutting off Shao Xuanzheng’s hopes of gaining the Li family’s assistance.

Shao Xuanzheng was left to face the sword-wielding woman alone.

His eyes reflected confusion, anger, and fear.

Just like the day when her golden core was shattered after being poisoned.

At that time, he had looked at his wife with satisfaction, his mind filled with thoughts of ascending, gaining wealth, and replacing her.

But now, as his ex-wife looked at him, there was not even a hint of pleasure in revenge.

Cold and detached.

“You must be curious why my cultivation has improved so rapidly,”

Tong Zhao spoke slowly, her voice as sharp as a sword’s cry. Although her tone was melodious, it sent shivers through the hearts of the guests, and those with lower cultivation began to circulate their spiritual energy to protect their minds. “My golden core was shattered, and my remaining spiritual power was minimal. Today was supposed to be the day of my death due to the life-exchanging curse.”

“Do you remember the Emotionless Venerable?”

Shao Xuanzheng instinctively responded, “That was your master.”

“Before her ascension, she said she would leave the Emotionless Sword for me.”

Shao Xuanzheng recalled this: “But she didn’t!”

“Right, because you wanted to cultivate the Emotionless Sword with me,” Tong Zhao seemed to recall some humorous yet tragic memory, revealing a hint of nostalgia. “I declined my master’s good intentions.”

“You found the Emotionless Sword?”

Shao Xuanzheng felt he was beginning to understand the situation.

Every ascendant venerable was a powerful being, so it was quite normal for them to leave treasures for their most trusted disciples.

Shao Xuanzheng started to think about how to rally his brothers and sisters to find an excuse to kill and seize treasures, glancing at his senior brother.

He secretly rejoiced that the people from the North Qing Sect were not present today.

Tong Zhao seemed to completely ignore his small gesture and continued, “No, my master took the Love-Cutting Sword with her when she ascended.”

“…”

Tong Zhao continued, “But she left behind a sword furnace that can still be used once, allowing me to offer my heartfelt love to the furnace.”

Shao Xuanzheng gritted his teeth.

That master was an old prude who disliked men, and during his pursuit of Mu Yingchen, he had been thwarted by her several times. He never expected that even after ascending, she would still try to make her disciple rid herself of him!

At this moment, Shao Xuanzheng completely forgot that he held the same thought.

He showed a face full of humiliation and asked, “So what? Are you going to do the same as your master and kill your husband to prove your path?”

“Kill the husband to prove the path? Ridiculous.”

This was something her master had done.

Even though the victim was a heartless man, it still sounded shocking.

However, just like in the mundane world, disciples should avoid speaking ill of their masters.

Anyone could say the master was wrong, but the disciple could not.

Yet she boldly called it ridiculous?

Tong Zhao continued:

“Shao Xuanzheng, you think too highly of yourself. Killing a husband to prove a path is to sever emotional ties—what connection do you and I have? I am here to seek justice for myself, to resolve past grievances, and to clear my own path.”

“I don’t question why the heavens are unfair to me, nor do I ask why you betrayed me.”

“From now on, the sword in my hand is my path in my heart,”

“Those who obstruct me will be punished by the sword!”

The faces of the disciples from the South Hua Sword Sect changed. They realized she was serious about killing Shao Xuanzheng. If she killed him here, what face would their sect have left? The Shao family wouldn’t just stand by; they had invited so many guests today not only for the sake of pride but also with this consideration in mind.

Layers of pressure descended, trying to deter her actions.

“Even if Xuanzheng has wronged you, it doesn’t justify killing him outright. Spare his life!”

She grasped the sword again.

No fancy moves, no lengthy incantations or gestures.

What remained was only a pure, fierce, and overwhelming sword intent!