After getting a clear look at Shen Bozhou's face, Tao Mian's first thought wasn't about their past grievances.

Instead, it was...

Why the hell are you saving me!

Tao Mian could have escaped on his own. As an Immortal, being trapped by a fire set by his own disciple was embarrassing to say the least.

After getting a promise from his Fifth Disciple that she wouldn't jump into the flames when he wasn't looking, Tao Mian had already mapped out his escape route.

But then Shen Bozhou, this fool, ruined his perfect plan.

Tao Mian was furious.

Now they were blocked by a fallen beam, the fire raging so intensely that a single breath could choke them unconscious.

Having missed the best chance to escape, Tao Mian had no choice but to follow Shen Bozhou, wearing his heavy, wet clothes, as they dodged left and right.

Finally, they reached a secret passage.

This seemed to be a backstage exit for the performers of Mist Tower, allowing them to leave after a show. Some surviving dancers were escaping through here, and a few guests, noticing this, followed suit.

The ventilation in the passage was surprisingly good. Tao Mian took a deep breath and handed the wet clothes back to Shen Bozhou.

"I saved you, and you don't even say thank you?"

Shen Bozhou's words were annoying the moment he spoke.

Tao Mian was irritated to death.

He wasn't sure if Shen Bozhou had recognized him. During their encounter at the Thousand Lantern Tower, he had worn a mask.

But from Shen Bozhou's current tone, it seemed he hadn't recognized him and instead mistook him for some naive, foolish rich young master.

Tao Mian admitted he looked young, handsome, and wealthy, but it was still annoying.

"I had already figured out how to escape," Tao Mian said honestly, "but you blocked my way out of nowhere. If you hadn't shown up, I would have been long gone."

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Shen Bozhou didn't expect this and laughed awkwardly.

"My bad, let me apologize."

"…"

His easygoing attitude made Tao Mian suspicious.

Something was off.

The Shen Bozhou he remembered was eccentric and domineering. His actions at the Thousand Lantern Tower had shown what kind of person he was.

Moreover, Xue Han and Rong Zheng had both talked to him about Shen Bozhou. From his infamous past deeds, his reputation matched the impression Tao Mian had from their encounter.

…How could he be so different upon meeting again?

Was this really Shen Bozhou? Could it be his good-natured brother Shen Qinglin?

Tao Mian's doubts didn't last long, as Shen Bozhou soon introduced himself.

"I am Shen Bozhou from the Illusionary Truth Pavilion. May I ask your name, brother?"

It really was Shen Bozhou himself.

Tao Mian frowned, unwilling to reveal his name.

"Just a chance meeting. Though today was a misunderstanding, I still thank you."

Seeing that Tao Mian had no intention of revealing his identity, Shen Bozhou didn't press further. They continued moving forward, slowly following the long line.

They weren't completely silent, but mostly it was Shen Bozhou talking. He seemed to think Tao Mian was overwhelmed by the situation and reluctant to speak, so he brought up unrelated topics.

How could he know that Tao Mian was wondering if this person had been possessed?

Did he hit his head? Take the wrong medicine? Or maybe he had transmigrated?

His mind was filled with questions, each more far-fetched than the last.

You couldn't blame him for thinking wildly; there was simply no reasonable explanation for Shen Bozhou's drastic change in personality.

From a dark, walking madman to a sunny, cheerful fool.

It was like night and day.

No one could easily accept such a drastic change.

A minor incident occurred midway. The line was disrupted when a frail woman accidentally fell.

Tao Mian peered over the shoulders of those in front and recognized the woman's face—it was Xiang Yi.

He remembered Shen Bozhou had just spent a fortune on this woman, but in a sudden turn of events, they were all now fleeing for their lives.

Tao Mian bent down, intending to see if the woman could be saved, but Shen Bozhou pulled him back by the arm.

"She's beyond saving," Shen Bozhou said coldly, reminding Tao Mian of the Shen Bozhou he remembered, "Don't crouch down. People are pushing forward, and if you fall, it'll be hard to get up."

The logic was sound, but as Tao Mian stood up, he checked the woman's breath.

Indeed, she was no longer breathing and couldn't be saved.

What a pity.

A beauty like her, now eternally resting in this dark passage. Tao Mian silently recited a prayer for the dead, hoping this stranger, Xiang Yi, could find peace.

He wondered if her real name was Xiang Yi and if she had any ties left in this world.

Throughout, Shen Bozhou never looked at the woman again.

Tao Mian found it odd.

For someone willing to spend so much money on a woman, he must have admired her talent and beauty.

Now, with the money spent and the woman gone, Shen Bozhou showed no extra reaction.

Tao Mian didn't ask anything, but Shen Bozhou seemed to read something from his expression.

He said spending the money was just a whim, and now that he had lost interest, he didn't even want to take another look.

Not even a trace of regret.

This conversation seemed to bring out a glimpse of the old Shen Bozhou, making Tao Mian instinctively want to distance himself.

Just then, Shen Bozhou spoke again.

"The exit is just ahead."

Tao Mian turned to look, and sure enough, the cold night air hit him, the exit of the passage within reach.

All the escaping guests breathed a sigh of relief, their legs giving way as they sat on the ground.

Shen Bozhou moved to a wide area, gesturing for Tao Mian to join him. Tao Mian hesitated, not stepping forward.

He said he needed to find his companions.

Shen Bozhou had no choice but to let it go.

"For some reason, I feel a connection with you. I hope we can sit down for tea someday."

As Shen Bozhou finished speaking, before Tao Mian could respond, a carriage hurriedly stopped behind him.

Someone lifted the curtain, revealing a face somewhat similar to Shen Bozhou's.

This must be the eldest son of the Shen family.

Shen Qinglin saw Shen Bozhou standing confidently, while Tao Mian appeared a bit lost. He instinctively thought his brother was bullying someone again and quickly got off the carriage to apologize to Tao Mian.

"Young master, if my foolish brother has offended you, please don't hold it against him."

Hearing his brother call him foolish, Shen Bozhou's face immediately turned sour.

"Brother, I'm not stupid."

"…"

Tao Mian remained silent.

It seemed he really was foolish now.