Weeks passed since the wedding ceremony, Xie Yuan and Xiao Xue should be basking in marital bliss but unfortunately, for Xie Yuan, aside from Yi Xin and Xie Shan there's another addition to the people who wouldn't leave his wife alone.
"Lian'er, taste this. You loved this when we were young. I remember, you would always ask me or our elder brother to buy some for you whenever we go out." Shui Ren ingratiating smiled as he handed sweets wrapped in oiled paper to Xiao Xue.
For the past few days, Shui Ren has been going around the city buying various knick-knacks that, according to him, Shui Lian used to love and enjoy. To Xiao Xue's surprise, most of the offerings Shui Ren bought for her were indeed things that she actually liked.
At first, Xiao Xue was a bit uncomfortable receiving gifts from a male, who was neither her family or friend. But when she noticed how happy it made Shui Ren and how much effort he was putting in on the task of finding the small trinkets, she eventually gave in. This display of interest from Xiao Xue fueled Shui Ren's lavish spending and Xie Yuan's irrational jealousy towards his brother-in-law.
Not to be outdone, Shui Gui, Yi Xin and Xie Shan also started buying small things outside which made the craftsmen within the town quite happy and made Xie Yuan more depressed. Because he now has more rivals, everytime Xie Yuan tries to give something to Xiao Xue, either Shui Ren or the other three have already bought it for her. This incident was repeated numerous times and caused Xie Yuan to suffer and silently swallow a load of frustrations. But because the people surrounding his wife were her brothers, his own older sister and her senior apprentice brother, Xie Yuan couldn't do anything particularly harsh to any of them.
In order to keep the peace, Xiao Xue took it upon herself to stop everyone's conflicting behavior and prevent them from competing with each other. She made it a point to spend as much time with each person, equally, and specifically asked them not to buy more things outside. The room she now shares with Xie Yuan is filled with various gifts and trinkets that she doesn't know what to make of.
Although Xiao Xue enjoyed the attention and was very thankful for their sincere thoughts, it was becoming harder to pacify her husband whenever he got into a mood. Xiao Xue knew Xie Yuan easily gets jealous and could be a little petty at times. But in order to lessen Xie Yuan's grievances, she had to act with determination and convey her thoughts firmly.
The others seemed to take Xiao Xue's decision in stride but Shui Ren was not easily swayed. It was mostly selfishness on his part, as well as a hidden heartache that Xiao Xue only came to understand after a long chat with Shui Gui. After that, Xiao Xue decided to get to know Shui Ren better and help him slowly overcome obsession.
In truth, the more Xiao Xue interacts with Shui Gui and Shui Ren, the more she feels that it's not bad being their sister. Oh yes, they dote on her and it feels quite good to be pampered. But to Xiao Xue it was more than that.
In her previous life, Xiao Xue didn't have brothers or sisters, she didn't even have a family. She was an abandoned child left in the steps on the temple and was raised by the abbot. Like the original Xiao Xue, she doesn't remember who she was and where she came from before she arrived at the temple. The abbot used to tell her that the past would reveal itself when it's time to be revealed and not any second earlier or later. There was no need to worry about it during the present and she should strive to move on with her life.
Xiao Xue didn't understand those words back then but she believed what the abbot said. And she carried that belief until the day she died and transmigrated to this new world. Now, she's left with conflicting emotions about that past. But perhaps with this new life she could settle her past heartache and assuage her longing. Perhaps being in Shui Lian's body is heaven's way of settling her past grievances, since she died in the previous world not knowing anything. Now she also thinks that allowing her to meet everyone, in a timely manner, is also through heaven's guidance.
Xiao Xue always believed that things happen for a reason. No matter how small, there is a meaning to everything in one's life. And after transmigrating to this world, she felt there was no purpose except for survival. But now, after meeting Xie Yuan and the Shui Young Masters, spending time with Yi Xin, Zhang Lao and the others and having Yi Sheng as a Master, Xiao Xue feels like this life is worth living. That this is indeed a second chance given by the heavens.
After spending some time with Xiao Xue and determining that she was well cared for, Shui Gui decided to set off and inform the clan about her. Everyone has been working hard all these years, searching for Shui Lian and tirelessly combing the entirety of the Middle Realm for any news of her whereabouts. Now that it is confirmed that Xiao Xue is Shui Lian, the clan has to be told. Their parents have been anxious for the news, since he and Shui Ren set off, and this is something that has to be told in person.
It is unfortunate that Xiao Xue is not well enough to travel between realms otherwise, Shui Gui would have wanted to take her back to the Shui Clan. Even if it meant dragging Xie Yuan back with them.
Shui Ren, of course, refused to leave. It's been many years since he spent time with his sister and there is nothing and no one that would be able to make him leave her side. At least not for the time being. Shui Gui tried to reason with Shui Ren. He knew his brother's temper and if Shui Ren is left alone, he would surely offend Xie Yuan and at some point, the two would come to blows.
Shui Gui wasn't worried about Shui Ren. His younger brother is more than capable of defending himself. But Shui Gui is worried how Shui Ren's behavior would affect Xiao Xue and her standing within the Xie Clan as Xie Yuan's wife. Although Xiao Xue and Xie Yuan's marriage was accomplished under cunning circumstances, orchestrated by members of the Xie family, it is a fact that the two are already married.
If during the course of his stay Xiao Xue showed even a bit of resistance, Shui Gui would not hesitate to make a move and take back their sister. But Xiao Xue seemed to be happy and content with her chosen life companion. And Xie Yuan's deep and earnest regard for Xiao Xue put his mind at ease. But if Shui Ren is allowed to come in between the two, due to his attachment to Xiao Xue, then their sister's situation in the Xie Clan would be jeopardized.
Of course, Shui Gui isn't afraid that the marriage between the two would not work out. If all fails, they could take their sister back home and care for her for the rest of her life. The Shui Family is more than capable of raising one daughter. But he's afraid such an outcome would deeply wound Xiao Xue. So in order to ensure her harmonious life with Xie Yuan, Shui Gui had to grit his teeth and take his errant brother back home with him.
But Shui Ren argued that although the Xie Clan is well known within the Middle Realm and have as much influence as their Shui Family, they don't know anything about Xie Yuan, personally. Shui Ren wanted to take this time to get to know the man chosen by their sister and vowed that he would not do anything that would harm Xiao Xue's situation.
This, in truth, is nothing but an excuse to pacify Shui Gui. Shui Ren doesn't give a damn about Xie Yuan. But since he's already married to Xiao Xue, there was nothing he could do about it. The only thing that concerns him is Xiao Xue's happiness and well-being. As long as Xie Yuan continues to make Xiao Xue happy and put her welfare above everyone else, then Shui Ren would not do anything that would hurt their relationship.
Of course, this is not the same as saying that he approved of the match. Shui Ren is still annoyed by the fact that his loving and kind sister was stolen by some stinky brat. Shui Ren wanted to be around Xiao Xue. They've missed a lot of years in each other's life when she was taken and Shui Ren is unwilling to waste more.
Shui Ren understands that his presence would be a burden, especially with Xie Yuan sulking all the time. But he isn't ready to let go of his sister, not yet. And if Shui Ren cannot take Xiao Xue back home with him, then he is going to stay with her no matter where she may be.
As the clan's representative, Xie Feng had to report this development to the family as well. Xiao Xue's connection to the Shui Family has to be reported and preparations have to be made since Xie Yuan and Xiao Xue are already married. And after learning of Xiao Xue's precarious condition, Xie Feng decided to use the clan's authority to source out the herbs needed.
Xie Feng intended to take Xie Shan back with her but the latter kicked up a huge fuss when the matter was brought up. Xie Shan argued that Shui Ren was allowed to stay back, why couldn't she stay back as well? In the end, Xie Shan was left in Zhang Lao's care. This setup was to ensure Xie Shan's safety within the Lower Regions and to protect her from the frustrated Xie Yuan.
The days after Shui Gui and Xie Feng's departure were quite peaceful. Aside from the small scuffles between Xie Yuan, Xie Shand and Shui Ren, nothing monumental happened within the secluded manor. Until the day a bloodied messenger arrived, carrying terrible news.
The Spirit Temple of Infernal Rise Valley was attacked by unknown villains.
When Xiao Xue heard the disturbing report she wanted to travel to Infernal Rise Valley without delay. In name, she was still the High Priestess of Spirit Temple. But the missive containing the dreadful account specifically instructed her not to go back.
Wan Yu sent the messenger the same day the temple was attacked. She hoped to warn Xiao Xue of the impending danger. It seems that the attack on the temple was somehow related to Xiao Xue. Blessedly, aside from suffering injuries, there was no casualty during the attack.
Xiao Xue was once again faced with the realization of her helplessness. Even if she went back to Spirit Temple, with her current condition, she would not be much help. Perhaps she would only be on the others' way as they defend the valley in case those villains return.
During this conversation the matter about Yi Sheng's letter and the location of the Blister Knot Leaf came to light. Due to the sudden attack on Spirit Temple it became more evident that Xiao Xue's condition cannot wait any longer. Yi Xin unthinkingly revealed the details of the letter and it started a debate of whether to venture to the Endless Abyss, in order to find the herb, or not.
Xiao Xue was adamant on not going to the abyss. She believed that there would be another way and another time to acquire the herb. Even if she hasn't been to the Endless Abyss, just the moniker 'Hell's Gate' would cause anyone to pause and think twice about venturing to the dreadful place. The fact that no one survived the journey to the abyss is a testament to its evil as well. And to purposely lead her loved ones to the abyss, even if it was for her sake, Xiao Xue cannot bear it.
Surprisingly, Xie Yuan and Shui Ren disagreed. For the first time, since their meeting, the two agreed on something wholeheartedly and cannot be persuaded otherwise. The matter of the Phoenix Revival Pill and the Body Eroding Poison's detoxification cannot be delayed any longer. The Blister Knot Leaf is a very rare spiritual herb and almost impossible to find within the three realms. If they do not grab the opportunity now, they might not have another chance at a later time.
This problematic issue was left to fester for days until the two opposing sides finally came to compromise.
First, if the condition of the abyss is not fit for seeking the herb, they would immediately turn back. Second, no one is allowed to act on their own and everyone will move with the group. And last, Xiao Xue would be venturing to the Endless Abyss with the group as well.
Everyone had no problem with the first two conditions but the third sparked another furious debate. Xie Yuan and Shui Ren were not willing to take Xiao Xue to such a dangerous place. Even Yi Xin, who usually follows what the majority decides, voiced an opinion.
But Xiao Xue was not moved. If they wanted to go to the Endless Abyss, no matter what, then they would have to take her with them. And so, it was decided...