From Dao Companion to Vessel

Three years ago, Chen Yang's wife, Zhao Yanran, went alone into the mountains to cultivate on the path of immortality—and vanished without a trace.

Three years later, she suddenly returns.
But behind her stand three senior brothers from the same sect.

They speak bluntly:"Junior Sister Yanran was struck by a Love Gu two days ago. Her life was in grave danger. There was no choice but for the three of us to save her. Now, she has become our Dao companion."

Only then does Chen Yang realize that her return is not meant to rekindle their past, but to end it.
Zhao Yanran asks for a separation, giving him only one day to decide.

That night, Chen Yang lies awake, unable to sleep.
Then, the door quietly opens.

Though bound by the Love Gu and unable to control her fate, Zhao Yanran still carries Chen Yang in her heart. In a trembling voice, she asks softly:"Husband… would you be willing to follow me up the mountain and cultivate together?"