"Who told him to be so unfaithful before?" Bai Chenxiang pouted, speaking with a hint of girlish petulance.
"This time, I'll let him have a taste of what it's like to wait. Once he passes my test, I'll naturally treat him well."
Tang San smiled but said nothing more.
He chatted with Bai Chenxiang for a while longer, asking about her recent life and whether she had encountered any difficulties in her cultivation.
Bai Chenxiang answered every question naturally and looked relaxed, no different from usual.
Before leaving, Tang San could not help but remind her.
"Xiangxiang, the situation has been rather unstable lately. That guy Ye Xuan is still lurking in the shadows and could appear at any time."
"You must be extra careful. If you notice anything unusual or encounter any danger, tell me immediately, understand?"
"I know, Cousin!" Bai Chenxiang nodded obediently, a sweet smile appearing on her face.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself."
"Besides, my strength isn't weak anymore. I can handle ordinary dangers."
Seeing Bai Chenxiang's confident expression, the last trace of worry in Tang San's heart dissipated.
He smiled, turned, and left Agarwood Court.
As she watched Tang San's departing back, the smile on Bai Chenxiang's face slowly faded. A trace of complicated emotion flickered in her eyes—guilt, helplessness, and a barely perceptible pain.
She reached out and gently stroked a spirit herb beside her, her fingertips trembling faintly.
"Cousin, I'm sorry..." she murmured silently in her heart.
"I don't want to do this to you either, but I have no choice."
Deep within her sea of consciousness, a pale green mark quietly flickered with faint light. Like a parasite clinging to bone, it had taken firm root in her soul.
This mark was the Life Brand Ye Xuan had planted.