Qiao Xuan’s heart skipped a beat when he met Lu Chen’s gray eyes.

No way, no way…

His appearance was entirely different now—even his own sister hadn’t recognized him. There was no way Lu Chen could tell, right? I mean, even Bai Cang and Hua Lan couldn’t figure it out at first glance, so how could a mere mortal?

Quickly calming himself, Qiao Xuan put on a confused expression and looked at Lu Chen, asking, “Does this brother need something?”

Lu Chen stared intently at Qiao Xuan, his gray eyes darkening as he remained silent for a long while before speaking slowly, “You look very much like an old friend of mine.”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

No way. They don’t look alike at all! Qin Mu had a rugged, heroic look, a strong and steady man, while his current appearance was that of a youthful boy, much more refined and delicate. Their styles were completely different!

This had to be nonsense!

If Qiao Xuan didn’t know Lu Chen so well—if he wasn’t aware of the backstory—he might have thought this was some cheesy pickup line.

But…

Qiao Xuan furrowed his brow slightly. Was he perhaps jumping to conclusions? Maybe the friend Lu Chen was referring to wasn’t Qin Mu at all. What if he hadn’t recognized him and just happened to have another friend who looked like him?

Though that seemed unlikely, it was far more plausible than Lu Chen actually recognizing him, right?

Qiao Xuan thought it over and then smiled lightly. “Oh?”

Lu Chen kept his lips pressed tightly together, staring at Qiao Xuan for a while longer. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a low chuckle and said, “Yes, meeting someone by chance is fate. Allow me to buy you a drink.”

With that, he removed the wine gourd from his waist and filled Qiao Xuan’s cup.

As the fragrant liquid poured into the cup, its enticing aroma wafted through the air. Qiao Xuan swallowed hard. To be honest, the only thing he truly missed from his past life was Lu Chen’s wine—arguably the best in all realms, a flavor that rivaled even the finest wines of the heavens and the luxurious indulgences of the demon realm.

Qiao Xuan took a moment to reflect. Had he and Lu Chen really become friends just because of his desire for this wine?

He found himself lost in thought…

Lu Chen set the wine gourd on the table and chuckled, his voice hoarse. “Try it. I think you’ll find it just as good as Qin girl’s brew.”

Qiao Xuan squinted. That, I can definitely believe!

He raised the cup and downed it in one gulp.

Good wine!

The same flavor as before.

It brought back memories…

Lu Chen watched Qiao Xuan intently. “How is it?”

Qiao Xuan’s eyes sparkled. He exclaimed in admiration, “This is the finest wine I’ve ever tasted—truly extraordinary.”

Finest ever!

Did you catch that? Ever!

Qiao Xuan smiled contentedly as he held the cup. No matter what kind of person Lu Chen was, he was always generous when it came to sharing drinks…

Back then, they had only met by chance, and yet Lu Chen had shared his wine with him. And now, another chance meeting, another shared drink.

Moreover, Lu Chen had taken care of his sister all these years. The more Qiao Xuan thought about it, the more favorably he viewed Lu Chen. Maybe he wasn’t as indifferent as he had once thought. Maybe there was some humanity in him after all… When he had left, Qiao Xuan had worried that if the Crown Prince fell, his sister would be in danger, even though he had asked others to look after her. This was why he had rushed back after his trial.

But now, everything seemed much better than he had feared.

And, as for Lu Chen’s old talk of destiny and fate, saying Nanyue was doomed—well, the country was doing just fine! Clearly, all that talk about inescapable fate wasn’t entirely accurate. If he were still Qin Mu, he’d definitely tease Lu Chen about this. Look, with a bit of effort, the world can change. Why give up so easily and say everything is hopeless? But alas, he wasn’t Qin Mu anymore, so there was no point in bringing it up.

As Qin Jingbai finished her work, she returned with a plate of braised pork and peanuts. Smiling at Lu Chen, she asked, “Brother Lu, is this your friend?”

Lu Chen shook his head. “We’ve only just met. He reminded me of an old friend, so I thought we could share a drink.”

Qin Jingbai paused, then smiled. “I see. This young master does seem quite familiar. I’ll cover today’s drinks.”

She smiled sweetly at Qiao Xuan, her eyes curving into crescent moons, before cheerfully turning away.

Qiao Xuan thought, My sister is still as adorable as ever, but Lu Chen’s persistent comments about his resemblance to an old friend made him uneasy. He needed to test this further.

Qiao Xuan looked at Lu Chen and smiled. “Do I really resemble your friend that much?”

Once again, Lu Chen fell silent, his eyes filled with complex emotions. After a long pause, he nodded.

So much time has passed. I thought I would never see you again…

Qiao Xuan’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his face neutral, blinking innocently. “What kind of friend? Could you tell me more about him?”

Lu Chen’s voice deepened. “He was an interesting and steadfast person, someone who never gave up easily. He believed that, no matter how difficult things got, everything would eventually turn out for the better…”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

Damn, that really sounds like Qin Mu. Did he figure it out?!

Qiao Xuan was baffled. How could Lu Chen, a mere mortal, recognize him when even powerful figures like Bai Cang and Hua Lan couldn’t? Was this some ridiculous romance novel situation where someone just knows their person at a glance? But Lu Chen had never had feelings for him before!

Their time together had been brief, and there had never been any deep connection.

They hadn’t even had a close, intimate relationship.

Qiao Xuan stared at Lu Chen and remarked, “You seem close with Qin girl. Does your friend have anything to do with her?”

Lu Chen was taken aback and then laughed, shaking his head. “Why would you think that?”

His gray eyes showed genuine surprise, as though he found Qiao Xuan’s imagination amusing. The look of shock and bewilderment on his face seemed entirely sincere…

Now it was Qiao Xuan’s turn to be surprised.

He had been sure that Lu Chen had recognized him, and had deliberately said that to probe him. If Lu Chen really knew he was Qin Mu, he wouldn’t have been indifferent to that sudden question—he would have reacted in some way. But Lu Chen’s reaction wasn’t what he expected.

It truly seemed like he had never thought of Qin Mu—at least, that was the feeling Lu Chen gave Qiao Xuan.

But that made things all the more baffling.

Qiao Xuan had encountered several past lovers, and there had always been some clues or signs about their thoughts. But today’s conversation left him completely puzzled.

He thought he had figured out the truth, only for it to be overturned again.

Never mind. After all, Lu Chen was just a mortal, and Qiao Xuan would be leaving soon. They wouldn’t meet again.

What Lu Chen thought didn’t matter.

Qiao Xuan stood up, smiling. “Thank you for the drink, but I should be heading back.”

Unexpectedly, Lu Chen also stood up, casually saying, “Heading back to the city? I happen to be going that way too. Why don’t we go together?”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

Suddenly, he felt like this mortal was even harder to deal with than the gods and demons…

They left the tavern.

Lu Chen’s horse was tied up outside—a gray mare that looked a bit lethargic, lazily pawing the ground. Qiao Xuan’s recently purchased skinny horse stood nearby, also looking pitifully weak.

Qiao Xuan: Two useless horses.

By the time they reached the city, the sun was halfway down, casting a yellowish glow on the road. Many people were already heading home.

As they walked, a frantic man suddenly came barreling down the street, tumbling past Qiao Xuan while letting out a terrified scream, as if he were being chased by some dreadful ghost. Behind him, several beautiful maidservants ran after him, calling, “Young Master! Young Master, what’s wrong? Madam is waiting for you at home!”

Qiao Xuan looked awkward. Wasn’t that one of the lecherous men I played a trick on earlier? Clearing his throat, he glanced over at Lu Chen.

Lu Chen, however, didn’t even blink, walking calmly as if nothing had happened.

Now this felt more like the old Lu Chen, indifferent to everything. Normally, people would at least glance at such a scene, right?

But this confirmed one thing—Lu Chen really was just a mortal, unable to see through the small trick Qiao Xuan had played.

Qiao Xuan felt a little more at ease. I must have been overthinking things earlier, worried that Lu Chen might be some hidden big shot who could see through his magic…

He continued riding his horse slowly back to the city.

Strolling through the familiar streets, surrounded by familiar faces, Qiao Xuan felt a strange sense of nostalgia. Yet, even though the capital was still as bustling as ever, it was much more peaceful and harmonious now. Back in the day, Prince Jin had ruled the capital like a tyrant, and the streets had been filled with fear. Nobles had lived in luxury while the people suffered.

The place remained the same, but the people had changed.

Back then, refugees from all over had flocked to the city, but the emperor had forbidden them from entering. The Crown Prince had set up porridge stalls outside the city to keep the starving alive, though many still froze to death in the cold…

The rich feasted, while the poor perished.

Things were better now.

Qiao Xuan smiled at Lu Chen. “It’s been years since I left the capital. Coming back, I can see how much it’s changed.”

Lu Chen glanced at him. “Do you like it better now or how it was before?”

What kind of question is that?

Qiao Xuan replied, “Of course, I like it better now.”

Lu Chen’s lips curled slightly, and he said in a soft voice, “I also prefer it this way.”

Qiao Xuan was taken aback. It seemed Lu Chen had really changed.

In less than fifteen minutes, they had reached the inn. Qiao Xuan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw his master waiting for him downstairs. He suddenly remembered he had told his master he was just going out to find something to eat but had ended up running all the way to Nanlu Mountain, completely forgetting about dinner!

Fearing his master’s wrath, Qiao Xuan quickly dismounted. Just as he was about to run inside, Lu Chen grabbed his wrist, his gray eyes filled with an indecipherable emotion.

His lips moved slightly as he hoarsely said, “I haven’t told you my name yet…”

No need to tell me! We’re not going to meet again anyway! Plus, Master’s waiting!

Qiao Xuan yanked his hand free and darted over to his master, signaling desperately with his eyes, I didn’t mean to forget, and I swear I didn’t mess around with anyone. I’ve completely reformed! No more messing around—I’m focused on the Dao! How could I flirt with anyone the moment I stepped out? This was just a total accident…

“Master, let’s go back…” Qiao Xuan tugged on his master’s sleeve, acting all obedient and trying to please him.

But his master didn’t move. He stood still, staring straight ahead.

A gust of wind lifted the white veil, revealing Yun Tingshu’s face.

Lu Chen stood no more than ten meters away. He looked at Yun Tingshu, and a sudden chill flashed in his eyes. After a long pause, he spat out two cold words: “It’s you.”

Qiao Xuan: ???

Wait a minute, you two know each other???