Hua Jingchun’s goal was simple. She wanted Wu Huai to disappear—whether he was killed or taken away by that inexplicable masked master and disciple, it didn’t matter. As long as she could obtain that fake sword and verify it on the spot, that surname Wu would never approach the Chigou Sect again.
She was missing a leg and couldn’t act as an assassin, and she had limited reliable people around her. Now with the addition of these mysterious figures, the sharpness in her brows faded slightly.
The bandit Ma Shili dutifully played the role of a shield, showing off his might and influence in the surroundings. The merchant caravans that once passed through were almost nonexistent. With Shi Zhongyu watching over the village, there weren’t many disturbances. The dilapidated courtyard had become a temporary base for the Chigou Sect, and in just a few days, the assassination plan was taking shape.
This time, they didn’t need information from the Yueshui Pavilion. The impending arrivals of Qu Duanyun and Xu Jingming could be inferred from the tight security. The officials of Shafu had long been accustomed to dealing with the Chigou Sect and had lost their curiosity about the martial world. However, with the Prince of Rong arriving, they had to put on a good front to keep their positions.
That night.
Shen Zhu packed her clothes under her blankets and left the courtyard alone. Even though members of the Yueshui Pavilion weren’t particularly skilled in martial arts, they were still proficient in qinggong due to their years of wandering. Shen Zhu had a chubby sparrow with her and headed straight for Shafu, carefully scaling the walls to enter the city.
She stepped into the local branch of the Yueshui Pavilion, tidied her clothes, and entered the room reserved for the “Ministry of Heaven”.
“Isn’t this Little Red of the Ministry of Heaven?”
Inside the room sat a few members of the Ministry of Heaven, all of varying ages but with the weathered looks of people who had faced the elements. Shen Zhu smiled sweetly at them and found herself a stool to sit on.
The first speaker clearly didn’t like Shen Zhu’s manner. “The monthly salary of the Yueshui Pavilion isn’t given for nothing. What have you achieved since joining the Ministry of Heaven? I wonder who allowed you to get promoted. You must have gained quite a few benefits.”
He emphasized the word “benefits” sarcastically.
“I’ve read Brother Chen’s investigation into the ‘Mystery of the Disappearance of the Wushu Ore’, which is insightful. Unfortunately, some details are glossed over,” Shen Zhu replied with a poised smile.
Brother Chen hadn’t expected Shen Zhu to be so calm. Pointing out flaws in his research, he immediately lost his sarcastic mood. “What oversight? I traveled through half of Great Yun to investigate!”
“Sun Village, Wang’ankou, and Shenhe Village—all three produced refined wushu ore, yet you only wrote ‘no longer produced’ without explaining why.”
The face of the man surnamed Chen darkened as he was gently pointed out his oversight. After a moment, he retorted, “Such minor details, I can clarify them in three months!”
Shen Zhu intertwined her fingers and smiled even more brightly.
“Who is that lady?” the youngest one whispered. “I’ve never heard of her. I thought the Yueshui Pavilion didn’t admit women. How did she get in?”
“‘The Yueshui Pavilion does not admit women’ is an unwritten rule. Nowadays, there are few women who are literate, so how can they enter the Yueshui Pavilion? But she answered the incomplete question on the Divine Stone, so the Ministry of Heaven had to admit her.”
“Wow, that sounds impressive.”
“It’s nothing special. Since she joined, she hasn’t made any major discoveries. Every puzzle she turns in is mediocre. But they can’t find fault with her. Clearly, she’s just here to coast by. And she has quite an attitude. Did you know? On her first day in the Ministry of Heaven, she took on the ‘Seeking Immortal’ puzzle.”
“I’ve heard about that. If it’s solved, one can become the Minister of the Ministry of Heaven, right? That puzzle has been unsolved for centuries. My seniors told me that it’s not really a question but more of a symbolic decoration to represent the spirit of the Ministry of Heaven… Maybe she just didn’t know.”
The eldest snorted. “She knows what she’s doing. Look at Brother Chen. She’s playing him like a fiddle. That tricky ‘Mystery of the Disappearance of the Wushu Ore’ was something they bet on—”
Shen Zhu placed a book on the table. “I have other urgent matters to attend to. Once the instructions from the word cloth are passed on, I won’t join you for drinks.”
“Tsk, not even accompanying us for a drink,” the senior member snorted.
Shen Zhu flipped through the book, ignoring them.
The meeting concluded quickly, as per usual. After recording the instructions from the Yueshui Pavilion, Shen Zhu stealthily left the city. However, this time, she didn’t return to the village. Instead, she headed to an open space outside the city.
The place was overrun with wild grass, clearly an old graveyard. The atmosphere was dense with an eerie energy. The little sparrow on Shen Zhu’s shoulder shrank into a ball. Shen Zhu adjusted her hairpin and turned around. “Sister, come out. I’m tired of waiting outside for so long.”
A strong wind blew, and Shi Zhongyu landed from a tree. She still wore her coarse and tough attire, and her long hair was tied into a convenient bun. Shi Zhongyu frowned as she looked at Shen Zhu with a slightly stiff expression.
“Being women of the martial world, you shouldn’t be so wary of me,” Shen Zhu said, not with reprimand, but with a hint of teasing in her voice.
“Warriors don’t ask about one’s origins. As for Shi and Yin, I know about them,” Shi Zhongyu said formally, bowing in respect. “But from what I’ve observed over the past few days, you don’t seem to be the loyal servant of Sect Master Shi. If you’re just collaborating with him…”
“You think I might leak information about the Chigou Sect, since we don’t have a direct interest at stake?”
“Yes,” Shi Zhongyu admitted openly. “I saw you sneaking out in the middle of the night, and I was worried.”
Shen Zhu took two steps forward, patting Shi Zhongyu on the shoulder. “I have deep hatred for the Immortal Assembly, and I won’t play into their hands. Don’t worry, with the strength of those two from the Kushan Sect, even if the Heavenly Emperor Laozi himself tried to interfere, they could still forcibly take Wu Huai.”
Shi Zhongyu shrank back. “You don’t seem like someone harboring deep hatred. From the age of six or seven, you were taken in by a family in Qizhou, and they are still doing well today.”
That family had nothing to do with the Immortal Assembly. And how could a child less than six- or seven-years old hold onto such a deep-rooted hatred? Shi Zhongyu had seen those consumed by hatred, and they always looked miserable. But there was no sign of such shadows in Shen Zhu’s eyes.
“It must have been hard for you to investigate,” Shen Zhu said with a playful smile. “The Immortal Assembly probably thought the same as you; that’s why they spared my life back then.”
“If you’re so resentful, why not learn martial arts and take revenge yourself?”
Shen Zhu raised an eyebrow. Although she still appeared playful, there was a growing intensity around her. “What you said makes sense. It’s a pity that I, being a weak woman, can’t kill them all one by one. Maybe it’s better to eliminate their roots and branches.”
Shi Zhongyu took a step back, sensing the genuine and serious tone in Shen Zhu’s words.
“I’m only collaborating with Sect Master Shi out of mutual need. Aren’t you also using us? Didn’t you intentionally bring the Kushan Sect into the courtyard of Hua Jingchun to help Chigou?” Shen Zhu stepped closer to Shi Zhongyu, almost causing the sparrow on her shoulder to fall.
Shi Zhongyu stared at Shen Zhu’s delicately made-up face for a long while, at a loss for words.
“…I was presumptuous tonight,” she finally admitted, bowing her head in seriousness. “I apologize for my offense.”
Inside the village courtyard, the atmosphere had lightened significantly.
With their plans in motion, Hua Jingchun provided them with the woodshed and added some straw meant for feeding cattle. Despite its simplicity, the master and disciple finally had a clean, private room.
“Should we leave the door open?” Shi Jingzhi said cautiously, recalling how Yin Ci had a falling out with the villagers who had taken him in due to being forcibly locked in a woodshed.
He now didn’t want this person to suffer even the slightest bit; his feelings were a mix of bitterness and numbness, which felt very unfamiliar to him.
Yin Ci glanced at Shi Jingzhi, as if seeing right into his heart. “It’s fine. I came in willingly.”
Sect Master Shi finally breathed a sigh of relief. Utilizing his skills in making makeshift shelters, he constructed a relatively clean straw bed in the woodshed. The surrounding air, once tainted with the unpleasant odors of urine and sweat, was now filled only with the scent of the person in his embrace and the fresh aroma of straw. He fell asleep almost instantly.
For the first time in a long while, Shi Jingzhi slept peacefully. However, in the middle of the night, he inadvertently rolled off the bed.
There was a ripping sound.
Shi Jingzhi rolled too leisurely, and not only did his clothes tear, but he was also jabbed awake by the branches stacked against the wall. In pain, he shook his head, ignoring the ripped clothing, and muttered under his breath as he crawled back to the straw bed.
Once on the bed and holding his lover tightly, Sect Master Shi sect realized something was amiss. There used to be a slight touch of a hard object against his chest, but now that spot felt hollow, as if a piece of his heart was missing.
…The protection brocade pouch A’Ci gave him was gone!
It felt as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, and Shi Jingzhi fully woke up. He glanced at the peacefully sleeping Yin Ci, then carefully got out of bed. Without even lighting a fire, he began searching under the moonlight.
The protection brocade pouch was dropped near the bed.
When Shi Jingzhi had rolled into the pile of branches earlier, its strap had gotten caught, leaving it behind. Moonlight shone through the window, casting a faint halo on the pouch. The embroidered peach blossoms seemed even more lifelike. Heartbroken, Shi Jingzhi quickly picked up the pouch, examining it for dirt or tears.
Upon examination, he indeed found something amiss. There was some wet mud in the corner of the woodshed, and a corner of the pouch was damp, giving off a slight earthy smell. Sect Master Shi’s face fell, and he felt deeply saddened.
He decided immediately to clean it outside.
He would get someone to sew an inner pocket in his clothes later. If one day, during a fierce battle, it fell into a deep ravine off a cliff, he wouldn’t even have a place to cry. As Shi Jingzhi carefully cleaned the pouch, his mind wandered. He was so lost in thought that he failed to hold back a mouthful of blood, which he spat out.
Having learned from past mistakes, Shi Jingzhi turned quickly, and all the blood landed on the ground.
However, at that moment, the pouch in his hand suddenly became a tad warmer.
The change in temperature was extremely subtle. As perceptive as Shi Jingzhi was, he only vaguely noticed it because of the contrast with the cold water. He had always kept it close to him and never noticed anything unusual.
Shi Jingzhi furrowed his brows. Closing his eyes, he brought the pouch close to his nose and sniffed carefully. The faint earthy scent mixed with the smell of medicinal ingredients, reminding him of a spider’s web thread that’s about to break, but he managed to discern it.
…The scent was very similar to the materials used by Chen Qianfan for his spells.
Yin Ci said it was a tranquility charm written by Chen Qianfan. However, tranquility charms were usually made with medicinal paper and cinnabar and shouldn’t have the scent of a monster’s corpse.
Shi Jingzhi splashed cold water on his face, took a deep breath, and decisively opened the small pouch.
The Northwest was arid and sandy. Not long after venturing out, Xu Jingming quickly grew reluctant. Fine wine and delicious food here inevitably came with a hint of sand as an ingredient. The Prince of Rong almost broke a tooth, and the wind-filled sand roughened his fair complexion considerably.
“Qu Duanyun, I don’t understand. Are you trying to avoid the Shirou or what? Dealing with the Chigou Sect wasn’t enough, why detour so far?” Xu Jingming moisturized his hands with some fine cream inside his palanquin. These days, they had been constantly traveling through sandy plains, and he felt restless.
“Your Highness, it’s good to see the scenery of the northwest while you’re here. Once we approach the Northwest Great Prohibition, it will become lively.” Qu Duanyun, pulling on his horse’s reins, replied, somewhat evasively.
“I don’t have time for scenery. I just want to get the Shirou as soon as possible and present it to my Emperor Brother.” Xu Jingming wasn’t swayed by him.
The Emperor had always detested the Imperial Preceptor’s lineage and consequently showed little interest in the immortals. Xu Jingming, having grown up in the Imperial Preceptor’s Residence, feared that his brother would despise him by association. The Imperial Preceptor’s Residence hadn’t done anything wrong, but if the Emperor could appreciate the abilities of the immortals, the tension might ease.
“My Emperor Brother is always concerned about the wellbeing of the kingdom, and his complexion worsens daily. Even if the Shirou doesn’t grant immortality, it must be a divine tonic. The sooner we get it, the less he’ll suffer.”
The more Xu Jingming spoke, the more convinced he was that he was doing something beneficial. His tone even carried a hint of pride.
Qu Duanyun was silent for a moment, then without turning back, he said, “A fast horse and light agility make the journey easier. Your Highness’ convoy is not suited for these paths. Only near the Northwest Great Prohibition is there a major trade route, so…”
The implication was clear: If not for the prince’s slow entourage, they would’ve arrived long ago.
Pretending to misunderstand, Xu Jingming changed the subject. “The Northwest Great Prohibition sounds daunting. How did it become a bustling place?”
“The area here is dry and lacks rain, often plagued by sandstorms. Sandstorms from the west are particularly troublesome. Initially, the place was uninhabitable. When the kingdom was established, the Great Prohibition was put up here by the Saint. It blocked the sandstorms, allowing people to live here.”
Qu Duanyun finally turned around.
Using a fan to shield his face, Xu Jingming frowned. “I’ve heard that formations need materials to sustain them. How has such a huge barrier been maintained for three hundred years? I haven’t heard of any mystical materials produced in Shafu.”
“The Saint have their own secrets,” Qu Duanyun replied dismissively.
Retreating to his sedan chair, Xu Jingming muttered, “…If the barrier was so effective, why did we end up eating so much sand?”
Unbeknownst to him, his casual complaint was prophetic.
The market at the barrier wasn’t as lively as Xu Jingming had described. While the sandstorms weren’t as devastating, a lot had slipped through from the west. Fresh fruits placed on stalls were quickly covered in dust. Passersby wore light scarves to protect their faces, looking like wrapped dumplings in the warm wind.
Thankfully, there was an inn for them to rest. With walls on all sides, Xu Jingming felt a bit rejuvenated. He donned his dashing young master’s attire and began mingling in the dining hall.
Qu Duanyun had already left the inn early to communicate with someone. With no outsiders around, Xu Jingming felt quite relaxed.
Within an hour, he was chatting with a young waitress at the inn. Given his lavish attire, it was clear he was no ordinary person. The waitress, hoping for a generous tip, played along.
“My grandmother says the sandstorms have been getting worse. This used to be a big market, but now fewer people come. Our inn doesn’t make much money anymore.”
The waitress poured wine for Xu Jingming, her accent bearing hints of Shafu.
“Sir, look at the decorations in this room. Do you like them? In my grandmother’s time, they were gilded with gold leaf. Now, they’re all worn away. If the sandstorms get any worse, my family will move back to Shafu.”
Tapping his fan against his palm, Xu Jingming parroted, “This barrier was set up by a Saint using a secret method. How could it fail?”
“It must be the Chigou digging everywhere, damaging the formation,” the waitress whispered conspiratorially. “I’ve also heard that when the Saint set up the barrier, there were tomb robbers stealing things.”
Xu Jingming wasn’t surprised. Such rumors were common in Great Yun. “Impressive, stealing right under the Saint’s nose.”
Meanwhile, near Shafu.
Shi Jingzhi remarked, “Steal from under He Cheng’an’s nose?”
He Cheng’an was the name of the first Imperial Preceptor. Out of resentment towards the Immortal Assembly, Sect Master Shi refused to use the title “Saint” for him.
The yard was filled with an incessant stench and noise that kept people from sleeping. Everywhere he looked, there were eyes watching. Shi Jingzhi felt uncomfortable being too intimate with his disciple, so he decided to strike up a conversation with Yin Ci about Hua Jingchun.
As a recruiter of the Hua Clan, “Su Zhi” naturally knew more—the Hua family specialized in making tools for tomb exploration, and these techniques were passed down only within the family. Hua Jingchun was in charge of repairing and creating these tools within the sect, making a living off this expertise.
…However, when it came to stealing from the first Imperial Preceptor, the Hua Clan’s ancestors were truly exceptional. No wonder “Su Zhi” wanted to recruit members from the Hua Clan. Shi Jingzhi took several deep breaths in succession.
Yin Ci seemed unimpressed. “Indeed, they stole right under his nose. It’s said that the Hua ancestors infiltrated the construction crew of the formation, took advantage of the ‘Awakening Formation’ moment, and stole several buckets of mercury from it. The anti-poison mouthpiece and water bags made by the Hua Clan are still in use by the Chigou Sect.”
He sighed regretfully after saying this.
“When the ‘Awakening Formation’ was activated, the surroundings were filled with toxic mercury vapor. Nothing grew, and there were no living beings, not even insects. I am quite curious about the techniques of the Hua ancestors.”
Shi Jingzhi leaned close to Yin Ci, humming softly. After a tumultuous day, he was already exhausted. Yin Ci’s voice was gentle and pleasing, and it seemed to shield them from the surrounding noise. Listening to tales from a hundred years ago, Shi Jingzhi finally felt sleepy.
Noticing the slight movement of Shi Jingzhi’s head, Yin Ci gently pressed it onto his shoulder, lowering his voice. “Sleep.”
“Say something, anything,” Shi Jingzhi mumbled. “As long as you’re talking, I won’t hear the noise.”
Yin Ci paused, then chuckled. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell you some ghost stories?”
“I’m so tired, and you definitely won’t,” Shi Jingzhi declared decisively. “You can’t scare me…”
He figured out Yin Ci’s ways. Normally, Yin Ci would tease him with spooky tales, but now that he wanted to sleep, Yin Ci wouldn’t dare wake him with such stories.
Strangely, despite the dilapidated environment and their casual conversation, Shi Jingzhi had never felt this content. It was like a starving man finally getting a full meal or someone stepping on soft satin after walking on needles.
Shi Jingzhi’s voice faded, becoming a murmur.
Confirming that Shi Jingzhi was asleep, Yin Ci adjusted his position and leaned against the wall. The moment his gaze left the man beside him, it turned cold as ice.
A hundred years ago, he had decided to give up the search for answers about his unique constitution and instead seek a way to die, which led him to join the Chigou Sect.
Back then, the Chigou Sect was just a small sect scavenging for ancient weapons from old battlefields. Its followers were poor locals struggling to make ends meet. Although they were involved in morally questionable activities, few among them were truly evil.
Yin Ci, in his “mad” state, had wandered the desert for a long time and had vague memories of various battle relics. He led a group to each site, and they sold the good weapons to the government and melted down the rest to make agricultural tools. With a larger workforce, Yin Ci led his people to raid several tombs of the nobles in the Western Regions, bringing wealth to the Chigou Sect.
Unlike other sects, the Chigou Sect had a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community. The rise of Chigou brought a shade of gray to the clearly defined good and evil of the martial world in Great Yun.
Although Yin Ci wasn’t deeply attached to the Chigou sect, he wasn’t heartless. Over the last hundred years, the sect had prospered, adhering to his initial rules. Now, it was about to be broken by the Immortal Assembly, which made him slightly anxious.
It was a good time.
No matter the motives of the Immortal Assembly, they only needed to derail the situation—disrupt the ascension ceremony and capture the fake Patriarch. Both Chigou and Taiheng had people present, so they wouldn’t have trouble finding members of the Immortal Assembly.
But appearing directly was risky. Fortunately, they had a perfect “shield”.
The next day.
“You want to help me?” Hua Jingchun laughed. “Do you even know the situation, and yet you offer assistance?”
Her injured leg was healing, but the wound was still open, making it impossible to fit a prosthetic. She found a bench to sit on, still exuding a fresh scent of blood.
Yin Ci said, “Of course we know. You’re hiding here, trying to gather villagers who are dissatisfied with the Chigou Sect, to disrupt the ascension ceremony of the new Patriarch.”
Hua Jingchun merely responded with an “oh”, neither confirming nor denying. “How can you tell?”
“The few around you are members of the Chigou sect. They look different from ordinary villagers, and the calluses on their hands aren’t from farm tools,” Yin Ci said with a slight smile.
“Interesting. But this unsolicited help feels suspicious.”
“We both are from Shafu. Who doesn’t have a relative in Chigou there? We just returned from Qizhou and only then learned about the current state of Chigou,” Shi Jingzhi said in a perfect Shafu accent. “Protector Hua, with your leg injured like this, you mustn’t have a good doctor nearby, right?”
After a long silence, Hua Jingchun revealed a smile. “Fine, we are so short on hands right now, we could even use a dog.”
Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci: “…….”
“You two wait for me in the woodshed. We usually discuss things there. I’ll be there after getting some sun.” She then subtly signaled one of her subordinates.
Yin Ci noticed but remained silent with a smile.
The woodshed was cramped, filled with stacks of dry firewood and hay bundles. The master and disciple waited inside for the duration of an incense stick. Soon enough, Hua Jingchun, limping, approached with several subordinates and stopped at the entrance.
She smirked maliciously at them and made a gesture. Shen Zhu exclaimed in surprise as one of the followers of the Chigou Sect threatened her with a knife, making her shiver as she entered the woodshed.
“Offering unwarranted help implies deceit or thievery, especially from those afraid to show their true face,” she scoffed. “This is the ‘Miss Sun’ you’ve been escorting. This lady is frail and often ill, needing medical attention… I’ve had someone examine her condition just now. You can repeat the diagnosis. If it matches, we can talk. If not, don’t blame me for not acknowledging past favors.”
“…Truly the characteristics of a demonic sect.” Shi Jingzhi murmured. “A’Ci, they’re harder to deal with than Taiheng.”
Even if they sold Protector Hua a hundred favors, even if she was down on her luck, she wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. Yin Ci nodded with a strange sense of satisfaction on his face.
“The more challenging, the better.”
If Protector Hua was someone who mindlessly agreed to everything, it would be hard for them to act. They had been waiting for this moment.
Before he could finish, Yin Ci utilized his qinggong, instantly appearing behind Protector Hua and pressing two fingers against a fatal acupoint on her neck. Shen Zhu sighed, deftly dodging the person trying to capture her. Sparrows descended from the sky, aiming for the eyes of her attacker. Startled, the man dropped his knife.
The long knife fell, but no sound was heard when it hit the ground.
Shi Jingzhi didn’t signal, instead stepping forward and catching the knife by its handle. He then held the gleaming blade against the neck of another person; the one who had been close to Protector Hua the previous night and talked a lot.
A last surge of vital qi was released, the door of the woodshed slammed shut, followed by a cloud of dust settling.
“Can we talk now?” The smile on Sect Master Shi’s face was hidden behind a mask, but it lingered in his tone.
From the beginning, the master and disciple didn’t expect Hua Jingchun to agree.
Protector Hua had chosen a good spot. This remote woodshed seemed well prepared by her, with no bandits in sight, making it an ideal place to take action. To persuade someone from a demonic sect, mere words and favors weren’t enough. Strength was the key.
“I was wondering why I was suddenly captured.” Shen Zhu touched her neck. “There are bandits outside, so I couldn’t move. Who would’ve thought there would be such excitement here.”
Seeing that the other party still wanted to negotiate, Hua Jingchun wasn’t in a hurry. She looked over the three members of the Kushan Sect and snorted. “It seems that even though I’m used to hunting geese, there are times I’m pecked in the eye by them*. Which warriors are you? Care to introduce yourselves?”
*(终日打雁，叫雁啄了眼) Proverb referring to a person who has subdued a certain person or thing all his life has been subdued by the very person/thing.
“Well…”
“As for the matters of the Chigou Sect, it should be resolved by its own people,” Hua Jingchun said coldly, showing no sign of weakness. “If outsiders take advantage of us, I would be too ashamed to face our Patriarch Su in the afterlife.”
Yin Ci: “…” It was a pity he wasn’t in the afterlife.
Shi Jingzhi was also taken aback. This Protector Hua was really good at turning conversations awkward. Knowing Hua Jingchun’s predicament, he realized she would not easily back down. They weren’t intentionally hiding their identities, but the Kushan Sect had deeply offended Matron Wuxue before. Compared to the reputable sects hunting them outside, the Chigou Sect might dislike them even more.
The situation was a bit complicated; they needed to come up with another story.
Suddenly, there was a loud noise.
As Sect Master Shi was racking his brain for a response, the fragile door of the woodshed was thrown open. A silhouette rushed in, illuminated by the morning light. Her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were worn, but the aura was very familiar to those present.
Shi Zhongyu walked in hastily, almost colliding with Shen Zhu, who was guarding the door. She glanced around and let out a sigh of relief. “It’s good that nothing happened.”
Shi Jingzhi seized the opportunity. “Miss Shi, your arrival is timely.”
Yin Ci stepped back, releasing the still weak Protector Hua.
“What do you mean by ‘nothing happened’?” Hua Jingchun shifted her focus. “Sister, what do you mean by that?”
Shi Zhongyu replied, “I heard you brought them to the woodshed, so I knew there would be a fight. Sister Hua, they are… Well, you’re no match for them.”
Being away for days, she was still as blunt as ever.
Hua Jingchun wasn’t offended by Shi Zhongyu’s words, instead asking urgently, “From what you’re saying, do you recognize them? Who are these three?”
Having witnessed Matron Wuxue’s disdain for the Kushan Sect, Shi Zhongyu understood the situation. She struggled to find the right words, neither lying nor revealing the truth.
“Sister Hua, it’s not convenient for me to say.” She shook her head. “But I’ve known these people for several months, and each of them is a highly skilled warrior. I can vouch for that.”
Hua Jingchun’s expression darkened. She leaned against the stacked wood, lost in thought. Her aura stabilized somewhat, no longer emanating the same level of hostility and murderous intent as before.
“Miss Shi, do you also intend to intervene in the ascension ceremony?” Shi Jingzhi asked in surprise.
“No, this is an internal matter of Chigou. Other major sects should avoid involvement.” Shi Zhongyu shook her head. “Even if I leave Taiheng, if I act rashly, it will tarnish Taiheng’s reputation. Instead, I can only help Protector Hua… That Young Patriarch truly treats lives like grass; he shouldn’t lead Chigou.”
Only her eyes remained clear on her face. She gazed at Shi Jingzhi with an extremely sincere expression.
Shi Jingzhi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
He was delighted to have demonstrated his strength first. With Shi Zhongyu’s endorsement following, Hua Jingchun, who was devoted to Chigou, would no longer refuse their help. He felt a bit sad… Shi Zhongyu’s intention was clear: No matter how much the Kushan Sect caused chaos, there wasn’t much reputation left to tarnish.
“So, you all are not from the major sects.” Hua Jingchun finally sighed in relief. “In light of Miss Shi’s endorsement, I can discuss matters with you.”
“Protector Hua, let me ask once more. To my knowledge, that Young Patriarch has the Bone Sweeping Sword as a token, insiders to vouch for him, and even the lineage of the Su Clan. Protector Hua, with your devotion to Chigou, are you also willing to break the rules?”
Breaking the rules to save the sect wasn’t a new concept. However, seeing Protector Hua’s composed demeanor, it didn’t seem like she would “abandon rules for righteousness”.
Hua Jingchun looked at Shi Zhongyu again. Seeing no reaction from Shi Zhongyu, she slowly said, “That Bone Sweeping Sword is fake. My family has always been responsible for repairing antiques; I can tell at a glance.”
Yin Ci raised an eyebrow—the claims about his lineage were false, and the sword he carried was also fake; he wondered where the Young Patriarch got his confidence.
“It’s all about intuition. Wu Huai won’t hand over the sword, so I can’t get definitive evidence,” Hua Jingchun’s tone grew heavy. “Wu Huai knows I can see through it. Shortly after joining the sect, he found an excuse to throw me off Three Provinces Cliff… This leg of mine was a result of that fall.”
Shi Jingzhi asked, “Where is the real Bone Sweeping Sword? Shouldn’t it be in the sect? That imposter can’t have destroyed the real thing just to disguise his identity…”
‘That’s A’Ci’s sword,’ he thought displeased.
Hua Jingchun’s expression darkened. “It’s embarrassing to say, but Patriarch Su’s Bone Sweeping Sword was stolen at some point, and we still haven’t found it. This time, to stop Wu Huai from ascending, we can only fight.”
“I don’t know why you’re helping, but this fight won’t be easy. That pesky Prince of Rong just had to come at this time, so the security in Shafu tightened. Taiheng’s Qu Duanyun is also here. Without evidence, he’ll treat us as bandits causing disorder. If you’re hoping to gain from this battle, I don’t think there’s much to be gained… Even if you want a reward, I don’t have much to give.”
“No problem.” Sect Master Shi handed over the knife he was holding. “For me, I only ask for two things—hand over Wu Huai to us, how about it?”
“Do as you please. We have no use for that bastard. What’s the second?”
“In Chigou’s warehouse, there should be a mud statue made personally by Lady Sun. After the chaos in Chigou subsides, Protector Hua can hand it over to us.”
Hua Jingchun frowned. “That thing isn’t very valuable. It’s more of a keepsake, but it’s not impossible to give…”
“That’ll do.”
On the other side of the courtyard, Su Si and Yan Qing were unaware of the chaos. Under the rule of the sand bandits, many in the courtyard had injuries. The bandits were normally lazy, but now they had a few able-bodied men. Yan Qing was currently busy helping distribute porridge and pastries to the people, extremely preoccupied.
Su Si didn’t want to serve strangers. He chose the coolest corner to sit and roasted a bird—they only had thin porridge and pastries here. Yan Qing practiced daily, so they needed to add some meat.
He played with his butcher knife, humming a discordant tune. The crude wooden handle had new blood on it, making it shiny. Su Si added a small iron ring to the base of the handle, with the ghost coin gifted by Yan Qing tied to it. The crude knife, combined with this pendant, had a certain rustic charm.
After Yan Qing finished his work, the meat was roasted. Su Si tore the meat into pieces and threw it into the porridge. “You eat first. I’ll roast another.”
“Thank you.” Yan Qing took the bowl with both hands, smiling very warmly.
“It’s not as delicious as what Senior Yin makes. Don’t complain.” Su Si sneezed and wiped his nose. “But this damned place stinks so much that even delicacies would be tasteless.”
“It’s delicious.”
“San Zi, if you’re playing dumb, then just play dumb. Don’t talk nonsense. Don’t I know my own skills?”
Yan Qing just smiled and looked at Su Si cleaning the bird. “That knife of yours is really good. We’ve been out for so long, and I’ve never seen you sharpen it.”
Su Si flicked the blood off the knife, looked left and right, and his smile became mischievous.
“Of course, I made it myself,” he winked at Yan Qing. “This knife may look ugly, but it’s made of the best material.”
“Where did you get the material?”
The knife blade swept through the air, cutting thin bones as if slicing through butter. Su Si looked at the courtyard full of people and put on a mysterious expression. “Hmm… I’ll tell you when I’m in a good mood.”
The moonlight was like water, and hundreds of ghosts surged out like waves from various alleys.
Zhou Qian stood with his back to the crowd of ghosts, leaning slightly against a streetlamp. The light illuminated his long and beautiful eyes, making him appear calm and composed but also cold and ruthless.
Silently, he pulled out a snow-white and eerie object—it was the Rib of God.
He then raised his eyes and calmly gazed down the long street, the corner of his mouth curling up with a determined smile.
Ahead of him, Yun Xiangrong and He Xiaowei saw the message he sent. Pretending to walk towards Situ Qing, they slowed down after a few steps and quickly moved away from her.
Situ Qing was oblivious to what was happening behind her.
She just shivered all over and took a long breath. The sensation of the ghosts crawling on her just now was terribly uncomfortable, reminding her of eels. That cold and chilling sensation seemed to penetrate her soul, making every cell of hers tremble, completely different from her own icy aura.
By comparison, Da Shou standing next to her felt much warmer. Now, she just wished for a living person to come closer.
With that thought, Situ Qing took a few more glances at Da Shou. She found his appearance and demeanor reminded her of Mu Sheng when he was young.
When they were both young, there was no rift or conflict between them. They were of the same status—neighbors, childhood friends, closer than real siblings. She was two years older than Mu Sheng. They went to school together, and she helped him with his homework. However, Mu Sheng was so smart that he soon didn’t need her help, sometimes even solving problems faster than her.
Back then, he often cheerfully called her “sister” without any mockery. His innocent and kind expression was exactly like Da Shou’s just now.
Outside the game, separated by a screen, Mu Sheng saw Situ Qing actually walking with Da Shou. He shook his head slightly and quickly sent her a message: [Stay away from this kid. He will hurt you.]
But Situ Qing didn’t see it in time because Da Shou had grabbed her wrist.
In the game, Situ Qing felt a vibration at her wrist, but Da Shou’s position blocked her view of her watch panel. She didn’t push him away immediately, partly because she longed for the warmth on her wrist, especially after being surrounded by the coldness of the ghosts. She was desperate for the warmth of a living being.
However, after just thirty seconds, she tried to pull her hand back but found that Da Shou had a firm grip on her, making it hard for her to break free. Realizing something was amiss, she pushed Da Shou away, quickly accessed her system panel, and saw Mu Sheng’s message.
But it was already too late. Before she could turn and run, she saw Da Shou take action—he removed his jacket, revealing explosives strapped to his waist. He intended to take both of them down!
Situ Qing heard him say, “Sister, I’m sorry. But if I don’t do this, I won’t be able to see my mother. I just want to see her… I miss her so much!” Then with a click, Da Shou triggered the explosives.
Situ Qing’s heart sank.
She knew she couldn’t escape. In theory, her special ability might be able to freeze everything, including the explosives that hadn’t detonated. If Mu Sheng had sent the message earlier, she would have had time. But all her skills had a long casting time, and she would be blown to pieces before her icy powers took effect.
She knew she couldn’t make it. Mu Sheng’s message came too late, and she saw it half a minute too late.
She knew she was going to die in this instance.
Despite knowing she couldn’t survive, her survival instinct made her turn and try to run back. At that moment, she saw Zhou Qian standing under a nearby streetlight—under its illumination, he was holding up a bone and seemed to be murmuring something.
Then, the entire street, including the reflected moonlight and streetlights, started to warp. The explosion behind her didn’t happen immediately, and her running became extremely slow.
Zhou Qian has slowed down time!
Did he use such a massive amount of mana just to save me?
Why would he waste mana to save me?!
Wait, he only slowed down time. He didn’t stop it entirely.
Just as Situ Qing realized this, she heard a massive “boom” behind her.
The bomb had exploded!
A heat wave suddenly rose, and the entire back of Situ Qing was engulfed in flames, causing her so much pain that she couldn’t help but scream.
At that moment, she realized that there was not an inch of good skin left on her back.
[Player Situ Qing’s HP has dropped to 50%]
By the time she saw this prompt, Situ Qing was drenched in cold sweat.
But she knew she wasn’t dead yet. She was only slightly hurt by the outermost layer of the explosion.
Immediately after, time slowed down even more, so much so that the truly life-threatening shockwave was still delayed.
Biting her teeth hard, Situ Qing trembled from the pain. She then looked up and saw Zhou Qian slowly approaching her. He looked like a demon about to slay her, but at the same time, like a god who could save her.
Zhou Qian was smiling.
In Situ Qing’s eyes, that smile was endlessly mocking.
Situ Qing knew Zhou Qian was toying with her.
If he wanted to kill her, he wouldn’t need to slow down time.
But if he wanted to save her, why did he wait until after she was hurt by the outermost shockwave to further slow down time?
Does he want to save me or send me to my death?
The intense pain from her back made Situ Qing’s mind a bit foggy. She could even smell her burnt skin. Cold sweat had completely soaked her forehead, neck, palms, and back.
“What do you want?” Situ Qing managed to ask him, her voice hoarse.
She wasn’t even sure if she had actually said the words.
Because her time was also slowed down, perhaps she never got the words out.
But Zhou Qian seemed to have understood her.
Holding the Rib of God, he walked step by step towards her, looking down on her, and said, “Of course, I want you to beg me. Beg me, and I might consider saving you.”
“Don’t you see? Who pushes you into hell, and who saves you?”
“You… you…” Situ Qing wanted to argue, but she had to admit that Zhou Qian was right.
Considering Mu Sheng’s intelligence, he should have known that the child was problematic, so why didn’t he tell her sooner? Why wait until the very last moment?
Suddenly, Situ Qing looked at her watch again, as if trying to question Mu Sheng through the system panel, who was watching her in danger.
From this action, Zhou Qian saw right through her.
Walking up to Situ Qing, he placed the Rib of God on her shoulder.
And with that, Zhou Qian took Situ Qing out of time.
Unable to bear the pain on her back, Situ Qing almost collapsed.
Zhou Qian chuckled softly and said in a deep voice, “He pushes you into grave danger, and just before that danger strikes, he sends you a warning to save you. This way, you’ll become more and more reliant on him.
“He’s the one who sets the trap for you, but he’s also the one who rescues you. It’s like him slapping you and then offering you candy… Gradually, you can’t break free from him. Not only can you not leave him, but you might even begin to feel sympathy for him, empathizing with him to some extent…”
“Situ Qing, this isn’t love. You’re sick. This condition is similar to Stockholm syndrome*. He’s the kidnapper that trapped you. How can you fall for him?”
*Condition in which hostages develop a psychological bond with their captors.
“I guess he’s used this method many times. But if you walk in the night too often, you’ll eventually encounter ghosts*. Maybe the previous times he saved you at the last second. But just now… seems like he made a mistake. If he had warned you a bit earlier, would you be in this situation?”
*Idiom referring to if one constantly engages in risky or dubious activities, they will eventually face negative consequences or run into trouble.
While gasping in pain, Situ Qing asked Zhou Qian, “Putting me in extreme danger and then saving me at the last moment… Zhou Qian, isn’t what you’re doing now the same?”
Zhou Qian laughed again, looking into her pain-filled eyes. “Of course not. I’m not asking you to love me.”
“There’s no emotional entanglement between us. If there is any, it’s just hatred. After all, you killed a good man named Gao Shan.”
His tone turned cold as he looked into her eyes. “Situ Qing, I’m just trying to wake you up. You’re in an extreme emotional state because of him. How can I wake you up if I don’t use extreme methods?”
“Come on, Situ Qing, grab this bone and come see the light with me.”
No, I cannot be swayed by him.
How can there be any light on him?
I’m just stepping from one abyss into another.
The constant pain in her back reminded her that if she didn’t hold onto that bone, she would die. She would definitely die.
“Come, Situ Qing. Look behind you.”
Zhou Qian pressed the bone against the side of her head, forcing her to turn and look behind her.
Immediately, Situ Qing saw a sight that filled her with unspeakable terror.
A mushroom cloud from an explosion was just a stone’s throw away from her.
The mushroom cloud almost illuminated the sky, blindingly bright yet seemingly having the power to obliterate everything.
If… If Zhou Qian were to release that bone, she would be instantly blown to smithereens.
Situ Qing shivered uncontrollably, her survival instincts overtaking her rational mind and any mental defenses, making her swiftly grab the bone pressed against her head.
Seeing this, Zhou Qian gave a faint smile, turned, and ran with her out of the explosion’s range.
Then he deactivated his skill, and time returned to normal.
“Boom—!” The mushroom cloud bloomed, like the most magnificent flower.
But apart from the explosion’s epicenter, no one died.
Watching this from a distance, sweat poured off Situ Qing as if she had been drenched in water countless times.
The boundless terror and never-ending pain had completely sapped her strength, and she collapsed onto the ground.
After catching her breath for a moment, she looked up at Zhou Qian beside her. “What did you—”
Unexpectedly, Zhou Qian had used an ordinary skill on her.
[Bone Nightmare]: Induces the target into an illusion, with a 30% backlash chance.
This ordinary skill of Zhou Qian had a unique feature.
If the target’s mental and physical conditions were good, the induced illusion would be extremely basic, similar to seeing an elf in water when drinking. It would be neither harmful nor particularly offensive.
However, if the target’s mental state was compromised, Zhou Qian could exploit it.
He remembered the detailed skill description mentioning that his current level was too low to maximize this skill’s potential. If he tried, he might suffer a backlash that could even threaten his life.
But when he reached a higher level with stronger base attributes, he could create and control the illusion.
Currently, Zhou Qian couldn’t craft or control an illusion to make Situ Qing completely lost in it.
But given her current fragile state—pain from the explosion, fear of death, threats from Zhou Qian, combined with her feelings of disappointment, fear, love, and hate towards Mu Sheng—all these negative emotions were overwhelming her.
In such a state, Zhou Qian could show her the illusion she feared the most.
……
The intense pain on her back made Situ Qing drift in and out of consciousness.
The moment the bone passed before her eyes, she felt a weight on her head and fell unconscious.
She felt like she was back in her childhood, with scenes from her past fast-forwarding before her eyes. At first, she was an observer, but eventually, she merged completely with her past self, reliving her life.
Situ Qing’s mother was named Situ Xue, who, to many, seemed as pure and beautiful as snow*.
*[Xue] (雪) means snow.
Situ Xue raised Situ Qing by herself. When Situ Qing was nine, they moved into an apartment where she met Mu Sheng. They were neighbors, living door-to-door.
Situ Qing and Mu Sheng weren’t siblings, but their bond was even stronger. She was very kind to Mu Sheng, largely because Mu Sheng’s mother was kind to her and her mother.
Mu Sheng’s mother, feeling sorry for the mother-daughter duo, always invited them over whenever she made something tasty.
Thus, the two families got along very well.
But no one expected Mu Sheng’s father to end up with Situ Xue.
They claimed they were in true love. Mu Sheng’s mother went through immense emotional pain, eventually falling into depression.
One day, while she was driving to pick up Mu Sheng, her mental state was compromised. It was unknown if it was due to a momentary lapse or if she wanted to end both their lives. Regardless, a tragic accident occurred.
After the accident, Mu Sheng’s mother passed away, and Mu Sheng was left with a lifelong disability.
At his bedside, Situ Qing was consumed with guilt. She kept apologizing to Mu Sheng, saying she would dedicate her life to make up for it.
Finally, Mu Sheng said to her, “Then let’s run away. I can’t stand being in this house, even for a moment. How can I face my father and your mother? They are murderers. Maybe I’ll lose control and kill them.”
And so, Situ Qing really took him with her.
No one had ever told her that the mistakes of adults should not be something a child should bear.
Yet, she felt so guilty towards Mu Sheng. Because of her mother, his entire life was ruined.
In reality, Situ Qing’s life trajectory had also been completely altered.
Back then, Situ Qing was only in her second year of high school.
To pay for Mu Sheng’s school fees and their living expenses, she dropped out of school early and worked various jobs, doing loads of work every day.
She was tired and resentful but bore it silently. Even when Mu Sheng’s temper was extremely bad, even when he dragged her into a bottomless abyss with him.
There was one incident that Situ Qing remembered particularly well.
One day, she was working at a milk tea shop. As it was close to the end of the year, many office workers from nearby buildings were working overtime and having lots of meetings. Hence, the demand for milk tea was particularly high.
That afternoon, Situ Qing made almost 300 cups of milk tea. She was almost exhausted to death and didn’t finish work until midnight.
She was so worn out that she could barely walk. She texted Mu Sheng that she wouldn’t come home that night and would spend the night at the milk tea shop and return the next morning.
After sending the message, Situ Qing laid down on the shop’s sofa to rest.
But she barely rested before deciding to return home.
She was worried about Mu Sheng being alone at home. If she didn’t cook dinner, Mu Sheng might not eat at all, especially given his mobility challenges.
Dragging her exhausted body, when Situ Qing arrived home, she encountered something she’d never expected.
Below their rented apartment, she saw Mu Sheng’s father’s car.
The next day, Situ Qing asked Mu Sheng, “Did your father find us?”
Mu Sheng replied, “Sister, how can you be so naive? We’re two minors. Is it hard to find us? They reported it to the police and found us long ago. It’s just that you were working that day, so only I met them.”
Situ Qing asked, “Didn’t they ask us to go back?”
“Of course they did. But I told them if they dared to force us, I’d not only kill myself but also take you with me. They got scared and let us stay out for the time being.” Mu Sheng chuckled. “My father foolishly believes… in at most half a year, I’d cool down and be willing to return. Who does he think he’s driven to death?”
Situ Qing, puzzled, inquired further. “Then… What was your father doing here last night?”
Mu Sheng’s gaze became inscrutable. “He came to see me and brought some money. I told him to just transfer it to my bank account in the future.”
Situ Qing frowned. “If he knew where we were all along, has he been sending money before?”
Mu Sheng nodded, “Of course. They’re afraid we won’t have enough to eat or wear.”
“Why then… Why…” Situ Qing clenched her fists. “I could have continued studying and not worked. Why did you…”
Interrupting her, holding Situ Qing’s hand, and looking into her eyes, Mu Sheng said, “Because I love you, sister.”
Situ Qing found herself unable to understand Mu Sheng’s actions. “What… What did you just say?”
“I said I love you.” Whispering into Situ Qing’s ear, Mu Sheng continued, “Without seeing you willingly sacrifice for me, how would I know you love me? I just wanted… you to prove your love for me.”
“Sister, I’m disabled. How can I be sure you’ll stick with me for life?”
“I just wanted to make sure… you were truly willing to sacrifice everything for me.”
“No, Mu Sheng… my mother wronged you, but I have my own life. I could’ve—”
“Sister, I just love you too much. Maybe I’m young and don’t know how to handle our relationship. After all, I hate your mother, and you resemble her… but I truly love you. Can you forgive me? I was just too afraid you’d leave me.”
“Mu Sheng…”
“If you knew my father would give us money, you might just abandon me.”
Situ Qing didn’t know what to say. Her grievances turned into tears.
But she couldn’t push Mu Sheng away.
She’d rushed to the scene of the accident and saw Mu Sheng’s mother in a pool of blood, her eyes staring at her as if Situ Qing had committed an unforgivable sin, owing her too much.
“Sister, don’t cry.” As Mu Sheng wiped her tears, he said, “I don’t want to use my father’s money. It feels dirty. Only what you give is good. I just want to love you.”
When this incident first happened, Situ Qing was deeply shocked. However, as similar incidents occurred more frequently, she seemingly became accustomed to it, even becoming numb.
What could she do even if she felt terrible? How could she leave such a Mu Sheng? She already owed him, so how could she really abandon him with his disability?
For a long time, Situ Qing had been having a recurring nightmare. After preparing breakfast for Mu Sheng, she forgot to turn off the stove and hurried to work. A fire indeed broke out at home, but since she was out working to earn money, she knew nothing about it. Poor Mu Sheng, due to his physical disabilities, couldn’t escape and perished in the flames.
In her dreamlike state, Situ Qing never imagined that this dream would come true.
Dragging her tired body, Situ Qing returned to the entrance of her building only to see her rented apartment engulfed in flames. Thinking of the helpless Mu Sheng, she felt she had once again failed him—because she was busy working and couldn’t attend to him at all times, leading to this disaster.
Fear and guilt surrounded Situ Qing, and she recklessly tried to rush into the fire.
“It’s dangerous, young lady!”
“Don’t go! The firefighters are here!”
Such voices continuously echoed in her ears, and she was held back by the crowd.
After an unknown period of worry and anxiety, when guilt and concern nearly suffocated her, two firefighters carried out Mu Sheng. However, by that time, Mu Sheng had turned into a charred corpse.
Mu Sheng was dead, completely and utterly.
“No—!”
Situ Qing knelt on the ground, completely devastated. The person she loved the most, who also tormented her for a lifetime, was now dead. Her world suddenly felt empty. It seemed like she couldn’t feel anything.
It seemed like Situ Qing and Mu Sheng had been intertwined for a long time. Both were young, but they seemed to have been entwined for countless days and nights. Love or hate between them was indistinguishable. Who owed whom was also blurred.
All Situ Qing knew now was that all her guilt, concern, secrets, heaviness, and twisted love and attachment had abruptly left her before she could thoroughly understand it, before she was prepared.
Her world used to be colorful and sweet. Back then, the boy next door was adorable, her mother was beautiful, and the neighboring aunt and uncle were friendly… Later, after a sudden change, she lived alone with Mu Sheng, working tirelessly. Her world turned black and white.
Now… Staring at the charred corpse, where even the facial features were indiscernible, Situ Qing felt her world was empty. It seemed like she lived in a world where nothing existed. No Mu Sheng, no parents, no one. That world was void of even black and white.
This emptiness lasted for a long time until Situ Qing gradually regained her senses. She realized she was kneeling on the street with many kind-hearted people around, seemingly comforting her. They must have been doing it for a while, but she felt deaf to it all.
It was only then that her senses gradually returned, and Situ Qing started feeling the pain in her heart. It felt as if someone was tightly squeezing and crushing it, the pain even surpassing the severe injuries on her back.
Wait…
Where did the injuries on her back come from?
At that moment, Situ Qing abruptly woke up from the most terrifying dream and found herself in tears. She hadn’t cried when she was close to death or when her back was severely burned by the explosion wave. But she was utterly shattered because of a dream.
Instinctively touching her face, feeling as if it had been repeatedly drenched in rain, Situ Qing took several breaths and opened her eyes, seeing Zhou Qian looking down at her. His eyes were cold and cruel. He was mocking her—the most ruthless and terrifying devil in the world!
With all her strength, Situ Qing reached out and tightly grabbed Zhou Qian’s shirt.
“Zhou Qian, I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you!”
Zhou Qian’s face remained calm. He looked at Situ Qing with deceptive eyes while speaking in a soft voice. “Situ Qing, tell me, what was your most genuine feeling just now? Face me honestly and face yourself honestly. When you saw his corpse, what was your first reaction?”
“I…”
Seemingly recalling a feeling of emptiness, as if everything was drained from her, Situ Qing was left speechless.
The deep voice of Zhou Qian continued, “Situ Qing, be honest. You’ve felt it, haven’t you? Let me see if there’s any hope left for you.”
“I… I…”
Tears streamed down Situ Qing’s face once again. She couldn’t help but break down. Unconsciously, she let go of Zhou Qian’s shirt, which she had been gripping. She covered her face and began to sob uncontrollably.
Ever since the day after Mu Sheng’s mother died, she started suppressing herself, holding back all the pain, even the longing for her mother. And now, for the first time in so many years and countless nights, she cried her heart out.
Amidst this emotional breakdown, she answered Zhou Qian with sobs. “I felt… relieved, as if a weight had been lifted. I feel liberated. I feel free now. I feel like I should be happy… I feel like I can have a normal life. I… Zhou Qian…”
“When I saw him die, my first reaction was… relief. So, Zhou Qian…”
“Are you satisfied?!”
“Are you satisfied now, Zhou Qian?!”
Zhou Qian waited quietly for her to cry for a full minute. Then, he extended his hand and patted her shoulder. “This proves there’s still hope for you. Remember this feeling, Situ Qing.”
“Remember this feeling of freedom, liberation, and relief.”
“Now you can let him go.”
“Forgive yourself and live for yourself.”
Outside the game, in front of the tablet screen.
Mu stared as Zhou Qian looked up. His cold gaze seemed to pierce through the screen, staring right at him. With a malicious, mocking tone, he said, “Did you hear that? Seeing you dead, her first reaction was relief.”
“The thing she feared most in her life was causing your death due to her negligence.”
“But what she most looked forward to was also—to see you die.”
Later on, this game video of Zhou Qian was watched countless times, garnering the highest attention and eliciting numerous comments.
[Holy shit, that’s next-level strategy! I’ve never seen such a crafty move! He’s so skilled at winning people over!]
[I don’t get it. He expended so much mana, just to anger Situ Qing and turn her against her gambler? So, what’s Zhou Qian planning for Situ Qing next?]
[I don’t know about later, but in this instance, his move was worth it.]
[Right? Among the four of them, who could deal normal damage? If he doesn’t win over Situ Qing now, then when? There’s a tough fight coming up!]
[I kind of feel sorry for Situ Qing.]
[To the person above, there’s something hateful in every pitiable person!]
[That might be true… She was forced into this. Let’s see if she can make amends in the future. Maybe she’ll work hard to earn gold coins and finally trade them to Yun Xiangrong to get Gao Shan back?]
[I think you guys are missing the point. Why would a low-level player like Situ Qing, who seemingly has no past grudge with Zhou Qian, attack him? Whose orders?]
[Peach Blossom Legion, perhaps? I heard they gave her a pass to enter this hall…]
[Why would Peach Blossom want to kill Zhou Qian? Didn’t their senior retire?]
[Didn’t Priest analyze for us last time? Zhou Qian caught the eye of a Rank God player, who wants to train him as his “shepherd”!]
[Is Zhou Qian caught in a struggle between Rank God players? I heard there are factional struggles among high-level players… Could that be true? I’ve heard rumors that Rank God players are selecting who can truly stand beside the gods!]
[Yeah, isn’t it a contest between [Scholar] and [Blood Demon] for the top spot? Whoever’s on top will rule the game and lead all of us!]
[I’ve heard the same. They’re even forcing players to pick sides. There’s a big battle brewing between them! It’s unclear which side the Peach Blossom Legion is on. High-level players are currently vying for powerful [Shepherds]. For someone like Zhou Qian… it’s better to kill him if they can’t have him!]
[Having only completed two dungeons, Zhou Qian is already the most watched newbie, currently ranking first. So being pursued is the treatment for the top newbie? I really don’t envy that!]
[Yeah, high-level players, please don’t give me the same attention as Zhou Qian! Leave me be; I don’t want to be your [Shepherd]. Let me be free, thank you!]
[The two above are so narcissistic. Do you see anyone paying attention to you?]
Inside the private room, Priest silently observed everyone’s comments and, for some reason, sighed softly.
Then he opened a letter he had received, bearing a distinct peach blossom mark at the corner.
……
At this moment, in the game.
Dark clouds approached, obscuring the moonlight.
The long street became even darker.
Situ Qing broke down in tears, while Zhou Qian looked towards the street.
Not long ago, Da Shou, with explosives strapped to him, wanted to drag the players to death with him. However, he failed in the end, and only he died.
On the other side, Xiao Pang ran swiftly down the entire street, scattering dog’s blood everywhere and sticking talisman papers.
As a result, all the ghosts that were in groups vanished one after another.
After receiving a message from Zhou Qian, Yun Xiangrong and He Xiaowei not only quickly distanced themselves from Da Shou but also quickly paid attention to Xiao Pang’s movements.
When Zhou Qian used the “Bone Nightmare” skill on Situ Qing, Xiao Pang had just dealt with a horde of ghosts. Seeing that Da Shou blew himself up without taking any players with him, Xiao Pang rushed towards the players again.
He Xiaowei’s eyes widened instantly. “Fuck, does he also have a bomb on him?”
Yun Xiangrong said in a deep voice, “Quickly, use the guqin to control him!”
As soon as Yun Xiangrong spoke, He Xiaowei took out his guqin and began to play it.
The system didn’t provide any warnings about the danger of Xiao Pang and Da Shou. This meant that they were not the “monsters” that needed to be defeated in the instance. Their attacks were covert, without any special skills, which also meant they were vulnerable.
Sure enough, when He Xiaowei plucked the strings aimed at Xiao Pang’s feet, Xiao Pang immediately tripped.
As he fell, Yun Xiangrong swiftly attacked, with willow catkins falling, precisely targeting Xiao Pang’s arms.
Yun Xiangrong’s damage output was mediocre, but it was enough to handle Xiao Pang, an NPC that wasn’t even considered a monster.
Once Xiao Pang was incapacitated, Yun Xiangrong quickly brought out a rope, first tying his hands behind him to prevent him from triggering the explosive. Once the explosive risk was neutralized, she tied up his feet.
He Xiaowei rushed forward to help, and in the end, together with Yun Xiangrong, they tied Xiao Pang to a lamppost.
After staring at Xiao Pang for a while, He Xiaowei heard footsteps and turned to see Zhou Qian.
“Qian’er, I don’t understand. What’s happening?” He Xiaowei nudged Zhou Qian’s arm and glanced at the still-crying Situ Qing.
Zhou Qian said, “Using some mana now is worth it. Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome later. With Situ Qing around, things are a bit easier.”
He Xiaowei glanced at Xiao Pang again and couldn’t help but ask Zhou Qian, “So… what’s going on? Why did they want to harm us? Are they children? The ghosts… don’t pose a threat to us?”
Zhou Qian counter-asked, “Did you see any ghost hurt you?”
He Xiaowei rubbed his hands. “Well, not really.”
Zhou Qian continued, “It’s all easy to deduce. Think about it, what’s the background of this city?”
He Xiaowei replied, “The S army invaded… The Seventh Army protects the civilians!”
“Right,” Zhou Qian said. “Now, think about it, what did the old lady ask us to do when she saw us?”
“Aha, I get it,” He Xiaowei exclaimed. “She said there are many traitors in the city lately and warned us not to reveal our identities. She asked us to take off our military uniforms. In a way, she was protecting us!”
“Exactly,” Zhou Qian replied. “Additionally, remember when you were about to get married as Dong Shui, the young Jiang Yuqing appeared. In his perspective, he didn’t see those people as ghosts. He looked at them the same way he looked at us.”
“Don’t forget, we deduced early on that young Jiang Yuqing would protect us and is on our side.”
“So, his appearance, besides introducing a subplot, was also a hint from the game—that the ‘ghosts’ in this level are actually on the good side.”
After a brief pause, Zhou Qian added, “Recall not long ago when we were surrounded by those young beggars. They didn’t intend to harm us. They didn’t know they were dead and continued to rob, just like when they were alive. But when they saw me take out the uniform of the Seventh Army, they immediately stopped and were overjoyed. They spread the word that the Seventh Army had arrived. They thought… they could be saved.”
He Xiaowei paused, then said, “The old lady told us to change our clothes. But we were still exposed. We…”
After a brief moment of distraction, he said, “We’ve been exposed for a while! Hearing the suona sound on the way to the wedding, we wore our military uniforms. We were seen by people long ago. But, the people who saw us were… were…”
He Xiaowei’s gaze turned to the tied-up Xiao Pang. He furrowed his brow tightly, as if feeling that the truth he discovered wasn’t only saddening but also so incredible that it was almost hard to accept.
“In times of war, nothing is impossible,” Zhou Qian said. “When the S army invaded Baicheng, they slaughtered the civilians… Miss Zhang couldn’t wait for her Dong Shui to return and had already passed away.”
Thinking of the smiling expression in Miss Zhang’s eyes in the photograph and thinking of the piece of red wedding dress and the embroidered shoe found in the mass grave, tears welled up in He Xiaowei’s eyes.
“This is a world of mixed truth and illusion,” he continued. “What happened in that mass grave probably really happened. This city is empty because nearly everyone in Baicheng was slaughtered back then. As for the wedding of Dong Shui and Miss Zhang, it never really happened. This was Jiang Yuqing’s vision. He knew everyone was dead, but he hoped that even in ghost form, his comrade and Miss Zhang could have their wishes, so he created such an illusion in this conscious world.”
Zhou Qian narrowed his eyes and said, “Real memories and false visions together make up this world. We need to discern which parts are real and which are fake. For example, the malicious intent of those two children may be real.”
Jiang Yuqing’s memory couldn’t have possibly conjured the bones and mass graves from thin air. This was probably from what he had seen with his own eyes. The most logical guess was that after Dong Shui and Miss Zhang broke off their engagement, they left Baicheng, met up with the rest of the Falcon Squadron, and began the mission to escort Jiang Yuqing to Nancheng.
Perhaps during their escape, they passed through Baicheng and saw the desolation and emptiness left behind by the war. They came across numerous bodies, found many mass graves, and even discovered parts of Miss Zhang’s wedding dress and the embroidered shoe.
But entering Baicheng must have been extremely dangerous, as it would have been filled with S Army forces. So, what role did these two children play at that time?
Being locals and children, they would have easily gained the trust of the Falcon Squadron.
Perhaps at a moment of crisis, Xiao Pang and Da Shou appeared and said, “Big brother, big sister, follow us. We can save you.”
Maybe someone in the Falcon Squadron fell for it, and the children detonated the bombs they carried, sacrificing themselves in the process.
He Xiaowei looked at the tied-up Xiao Pang, struggling to find words, and then asked Zhou Qian, “But why? If the entire city was surrounded by the S Army, wouldn’t it be easy for them to exterminate the Falcon Squadron? Why would they force two children from Baicheng to do this? Why would the children agree?”
Zhou Qian’s expression turned cold. “The S Army is like their name implies—they are venomous snakes. Perhaps even more venomous than snakes. They not only wanted to kill the people of Baicheng but also wanted to watch them kill each other. Perhaps ordinary killing methods no longer satisfied them, so they forced two children from Baicheng to turn against those they originally looked up to in the Seventh Army.”
He Xiaowei’s eyes reddened, and he was rendered speechless. Zhou Qian walked towards Xiao Pang and asked, “Did they force or trick you by using your mother? Did they tell you that if you carried the bomb and led us into a trap, they would spare your mother?”
Looking up at Zhou Qian, Xiao Pang trembled and tears flowed. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to find my mom… I just wanted her to come back.”
Just then, there was a “bang”.
Xiao Pang was killed, lying in a pool of blood.
The S army had killed everyone in the city, leaving only Da Shou and Xiao Pang. When the Falcon Squadron entered the city, they were trapped, and the two children were tasked to kill them. If they succeeded, the S Army would have enjoyed a cruel spectacle of brethren killing each other. If they failed, the S Army would simply take care of the Seventh Army members themselves.
Now, the two children had undoubtedly failed, and the S army lurking in the shadows was about to emerge.
Zhou Qian stepped closer to Xiao Pang. Although Xiao Pang could no longer hear, Zhou Qian whispered, “You don’t need to apologize. You’re not our enemy, the S Army is.”
“Qian’er, we… we…” He Xiaowei swallowed hard, torn between fear and rage.
The system soon sent a message.
[Player triggered main plotline: Jiang Yuqing was captured by the S Army in Baicheng, where they tortured him to extract scientific research secrets; Jiang Yuqing would rather die than betray but was later saved by a spy from the Seventh Army hidden within the S Army inside Baicheng.]
[Player Mission: On behalf of the Falcon Squadron, locate Jiang Yuqing and take him to the western pier to escape by boat.]
“Xiaowei Ge—”
Suddenly hearing this voice, He Xiaowei turned to look at Zhou Qian.
At this moment, the clouds had dispersed, and the moonlight made Zhou Qian’s gaze exceptionally clear.
“What’s…what’s up?” He Xiaowei asked.
Unlike his usual comedic demeanor, affected by the plot, He Xiaowei’s tone was dull, lacking energy.
Then he saw Zhou Qian, with his shining eyes, say, “How about we go all out?”
“How do we go all out?” Seemingly influenced by Zhou Qian, He Xiaowei gradually became somewhat excited.
Zhou Qian said, “In reality, we can only be the villains. So, in this instance, let’s be… heroes.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Of course, to annihilate all the members of the S Army and avenge everyone!”
For a moment, Ying Feng was in a daze, not knowing if the principal was speaking to the Qizhu who abandoned him or to Ying Feng himself. When he came back to his senses, the man in front of him had disappeared.
“Sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it?” A voice with a completely different tone intruded into Ying Feng’s ears. “Who would’ve thought someone as arrogant as him would one day spill out such sentimental words.”
Seeing Ying Feng’s incredulous expression, Fu Yao candidly revealed the truth. “Don’t be fooled by your principal’s downtrodden appearance now. Back in the day when he reigned supreme over the entire Bikong Academy. He was so arrogant that one would want to strangle him.”
Ying Feng roughly guessed the relationship between these two. “Do you hold a grudge against the principal?”
“A grudge? Ha!” Fu Yao sneered. “It’s more like mutual disdain. Even though I had major reservations about his character, I still recognized his strength and once considered him a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, after he was defeated by someone, he was defeated by the entire world. Despite previously boasting about whose achievements in the military would be greater, he ended up taking a position as a principal in a small academy. Seeing him now, constantly in a melancholic state, I would rather he maintained his former arrogance.”
Adversaries of equal strength, entirely different fates—the success or failure of a single coming-of-age ceremony could change so much.
Fu Yao waved it off, not wanting to discuss the principal any further. “Although your medical report shows no issues, I’m afraid your Qizi isn’t as optimistic. As his Qizhu and a direct witness, I have the right to detain you.”
Ying Feng knew there was more to come and waited patiently.
“But I don’t intend to. Even if I forced you to stay now, it would only be temporary. Once the restriction is lifted in the future, you can still leave. Your principal was right, if you really want to go, no one can stop you.”
He shifted slightly. “So, I have something to say. I wonder if you’d be interested in hearing it out?”
Ying Feng intuitively felt that what was coming next wasn’t what he wanted to hear, but he had to listen anyway.
“Speak.”
“After you leave, the idea that your Qizi will be sent to the Disease Control Center is a naïve notion… You should know, by procedure, he has to be arrested and await trial under incarceration.”
“For someone like him, who has just completed the coming-of-age ceremony and is forced to be separated from his Qizhu and sent to a detention center without any medical protection,” Fuyao slowed down his words, “I guarantee, he won’t survive 72 hours inside. His spirit will collapse, and his willpower will wither. He won’t even have to wait for the trial; he can directly report to the base.”
Ying Feng’s expression darkened. “Are you threatening me with him?”
“I haven’t finished my threat yet,” Fuyao responded with a smirk.
He took a step forward and walked out of the medical station’s gate. In front of him was a vast expanse of land.
“Our race is inherently aggressive. Our unique physical attributes allow us to easily defeat any opponent. If we wanted, the entire galaxy would bow to us. But to this day, the armies of our people have only set foot on a few neighboring planets. Do you know why?”
Ying Feng was clueless.
Fuyao tapped his chest. “Because of the soul’s traction.”
“I have led armies to many places and found that once we leave this planet, a sense of unease arises among my kind. The further we are from our homeland, and the longer the duration, this feeling intensifies. Once a certain limit is crossed, even the morale to fight disappears.”
“We later realized our movement is restricted by a circle with the Soul Lighthouse at its center. Venturing far from this center, our souls worry about returning and resist the journey. Only standing on our own soil do we feel grounded. This restriction has curtailed our race’s expansion. The reason behind this remains unclear and is often attributed to an implicit balance.”
He extended his hand, grasping at the distance. “It’s a pity that we are confined to this limited space in such a vast universe. Our view of the world is limited, and many never venture beyond it in their lifetimes.”
“Now, do you understand what I’m trying to say?” He turned around. “The soul’s traction always exists. Even if you go to the closest place from here, like the Wolfsbane, it will increasingly beckon you to return.”
“Don’t think that being a Qizhu means you won’t have mental pressure, and don’t assume the person who bit your principal is freely wandering the world. Freedom only exists here, under your feet. Once you leave, invisible chains will bind you. I hope by then, you won’t regret your impulsive decision.”
Suddenly, Fu Yao shifted his tone. “If you really want to see the world outside, come to the military. I’ve seen your profile; you are a promising newcomer, just what we’re looking for.”
“In the past, only the Qizhu had to take the entrance exam for the Royal Sky Military Academy. If the Qizhu passed, the Qizi was also admitted but could only choose auxiliary majors like communications or medical.”
“I was admitted to Royal Sky without taking the exam. My only condition was that my Qizi be treated equally. Thus, he became the first Qizi to be admitted to the Combat Command major since the founding of the academy.”
“During our time at the academy, we developed a unique fighting style exclusive to a Qizhu and their Qizi. As long as the two cooperate, the energy they unleash is far greater than two Qizhu of similar strength.”
“Our training model was recognized by the academy. Five years after my graduation, Royal Sky officially established the Joint Combat major, recruiting talented Qizhus and Qizis. Both have to pass the entrance exam.”
“I’m satisfied with the abilities of both you and your Qizi. If you’re willing to apply, I can write a recommendation letter for you. You might not realize the weight my recommendation holds in your application.”
Fu Yao paused, then routinely asked Ying Feng’s opinion, “What do you think?”
“First intimidation, then enticement? Your methods differ from the principal’s, but your goals are strikingly similar. Our unfamiliarity, all the things you’ve done and said behind my back, are they all out of regard for the principal? Maybe the relationship between you two isn’t as adversarial as it seems.”
“It can’t be helped. Even though I find him annoying, Bikong is my alma mater, and he’s my fellow alumnus. Doing him a favor feels good, especially imagining his unease. Moreover, not everyone gets so much talk from me. It’s a kind of camaraderie; a strong recognition of another’s potential. I’m willing to lend a hand seeing a promising junior heading the wrong way.”
Ying Feng didn’t explicitly agree or decline. “I appreciate your kindness. If I do choose Royal Sky, I’ll get in based on my own abilities.”
“Having ambition is good. But I must remind you kindly that, at your current level, joining the military is a delusion. The premise of joining is full development. If you follow in your principal’s footsteps, you’ll undoubtedly be rejected. That eternal virgin, hahaha.”
“Really?” Ying Feng said expressionlessly. “Considering your height, I thought you hadn’t developed either.”
No sooner had Ying Feng finished speaking than a heavy punch landed on his abdomen. He was sent flying, crashing into the courtyard wall after flying several meters.
Ying Feng, falling from mid-air, felt as if the air was sucked out of his lungs. After a few painful coughs, he managed to breathe again. Having just exited the healing chamber, he felt he’d have to return soon.
Fu Yao approached without a hint of remorse, his wrist cracking. “Given your current endurance, you can probably take two of my punches. So, you’re welcome to repeat what you just said.”
Clutching his painful spot, Ying Feng struggled to speak, realizing that this man was mad.
“You probably don’t yet know the true strength of our people. What you learned at the basic academy barely scratches the surface of combat.”
He suddenly produced a crystal in his palm, tossed it, caught it, and gripped it firmly, releasing a blinding white light. After fluidly completing these actions, Fu Yao punched a stone pillar nearby. The massive column was instantly shattered, and Ying Feng raised his hands just in time to shield his face from the debris.
Fu Yao blew off the residual ashes on the back of his hand. After such violent actions, surprisingly, there was not even a slight injury left. Ying Feng was greatly shocked. Even if he tried hard to maintain his composure, a part of his emotions uncontrollably seeped out.
“Did you see that? There are many interesting things in the future waiting for you to discover. If you don’t want to miss them, walk step by step on the right path!”
Ying Feng leaned against the wall and stood up. Fu Yao casually threw something at him. His casual attitude made it seem like something worthless.
Ying Feng took it and saw that what Fu Yao threw looked like a stone the size of a goose egg, crystal clear, perfectly round, and flawless, with a dark gold flow inside. It was by no means something ordinary.
“What is this?” Ying Feng was puzzled. “Why are you giving it to me?”
“It’s originally yours. A soul stone that fell off from the Kui. You left it in the mine. The highest level—a triple S-grade soul stone. It’s probably worth a city, right? Among all those who just completed the coming-of-age ceremony, you are probably the richest.”
Ying Feng’s face turned a bit pale, half because of Fu Yao’s attack. “This isn’t mine.”
Fu Yao chuckled. “The person is yours, so the item is naturally yours. Qizis don’t have personal property. Legally speaking, it’s yours. Of course, whether you keep it or give it to him is your choice.”
A notification sounded from the terminal on his wrist. Looking at the message, Fu Yao’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.
“Your Qizi is finally awake. Aren’t you going to visit him?”
……
“Have you woken up?” The chief physician saw Ling Xiao open his eyes and quickly approached. “How do you feel?”
Ling Xiao sat up in a daze; his expression was either blank or vacant.
The chief physician checked his pupils to make sure he was conscious and repeated, “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”
Only then did Ling Xiao respond. He looked up with almost transparent gray eyes and asked, “Where am I?”
The physician reassured him, “This is an emergency medical station set up by the military. You’ve been here for a while.”
“What happened to me?”
“You encountered danger during your field practice, but the military rescued you in time,” the physician explained vaguely.
Ling Xiao gave a soft acknowledgment and then began to space out again.
A medical staff member’s words triggered some of his missing memories. He recalled that they were on a field training exercise. He made a bet with Ying Feng on who would score higher, and then a Kui appeared…
He remembered challenging the Kui fearlessly and got knocked aside. In his dizziness, Ying Feng pulled him away. He just remembered Ying Feng holding his hand and later holding him in his embrace.
When Ying Feng pushed him away and charged at the Kui, Ling Xiao regained consciousness. He then found the “Ember II” in his embrace—he had stolen it from the lab out of youthful curiosity, never thinking it would come in handy one day.
His memories were fragmented after that. Seeing his dazed expression, the physician suspected that perhaps the paralytic component in the saliva might have affected him, making him appear somewhat dull.
However, the next moment, Ling Xiao swiftly grabbed the physician’s clothes, surprising him. “Was I the only one rescued?”
“No, both of you. Your companion was with you.”
“Is he alright?”
The physician hesitated slightly. “His injuries are much lighter than yours. He should be fine now.”
Ling Xiao sighed in relief, whispering that’s good.
But why did he feel like he had forgotten something very important? He tried hard to remember, but the path to those memories felt tangled, leading him back to where he started.
“If you’re feeling better, maybe take a shower,” the physician kindly suggested.
Only then did Ling Xiao realize his terrible state. His entire right arm was stained with unknown blood. His uniform shirt was missing, and he had several dark red spots on his chest.
“Is my treatment finished?” he asked innocently.
The physician wasn’t sure how to tell him; while physical injuries could be healed, hickey marks weren’t physical injuries. Many who just became a Qizi would subconsciously forget certain things because they couldn’t accept the reality, and it seemed he was no different.
“Your injuries are severe and won’t heal quickly. They’ll heal over time.”
“Oh.” Ling Xiao nodded blankly. “Let’s go then.”
Ling Xiao’s feet touched the ground again, and every step he took seemed as if he were walking on clouds, making everything feel unreal. The surrounding environment, nearby objects, and the person leading the way all seemed to materialize from illusion. This moment felt like a dream, with white fog obscuring his vision. All sounds were banished miles away, with the narrow corridor never seeming to end.
The physician opened a door connecting dream to reality for him. “The bathroom is here, and the clothes have been placed inside. Call me if you need anything.”
Ling Xiao nodded, stepping through the door absentmindedly. The bathroom was immaculately clean. There was a bright mirror hanging on the wall, mercilessly reflecting all it saw. Just a brief glimpse, and Ling Xiao found himself unable to look away.
He walked closer, staring at the stranger in the mirror. The stranger stared back with pale gray eyes. They looked at each other for a moment that felt like an eternity.
After a long while, Ling Xiao reached out, his fingers trembling slightly in the air, advancing and retracting several times.
The reflection mimicked his actions, timidly approaching him until the cold sensation of the mirror met his touch, leaving no room for delusions.
Finally, he touched the reflection’s eyes, his fingertips lightly brushing the corners of its eyes, drawing a faint arc along the contour.
How could this be him? How could this possibly be him?
The author has something to say:
Tip: The people of Tianxiu need to continuously mate in order to develop. However, there is a peak in development. Once this peak is reached, both parties will not grow any further, but physical desires will always persist.
[You have triggered a hidden quest: Life or Death.]
[Normal achievement: Leave the Dream Edge without dying during the process.]
[Perfect achievement: Leave the Dream Edge without dying during the process; rescue the dying succubus tribe.]
[Quest rewards: Massive experience points [Normal]; Bewilderment dew [Normal]; Reputation with the succubus tribe [Perfect]; Immunity to mental magic [Perfect].]
[Rejection/Failure Penalty: Level reduction by 10.]
[Do you accept the quest?]
Before the succubi could speak, the system message slapped onto Nol’s face.
…Even refusing the quest would result in a penalty. Clearly, they must accept it.
Beside him, there was a slight movement from Teest, who probably received a similar quest.
Their quest was clearly different from the Players’, with no mention of “helping the Succubus Queen with her troubles” and no rewards involving “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This must be a special version triggered only upon arriving at the palace, and undoubtedly, it was generated by AI.
[Just escaping from the dream would complete the quest. This place must be very dangerous.]
Teest’s thoughts echoed. [Is life always this exciting by your side? I admire you, honey.]
Nol wasn’t sure if Teest was sincere or just being sarcastic, but Teest sounded genuinely cheerful.
They stopped in the center of the grand hall. Light from an unknown source shone through the stained glass, casting dreamy colors all around. The chairs on both sides of the throne were filled with succubi, each more withered than the last. At a glance, this place looked more like a carefully designed tomb than a beautiful palace.
The male succubus who had led them turned around and straightened his white robe—
The same robe, when worn by Teest, looked enticing. But on this living skeleton, it looked like a freshly washed burial shroud. The tail of the succubus hung limp, devoid of any luster, resembling a tie on a shroud.
“You claim to want to help us and have shown enough sincerity.” He spoke with a raspy voice. “We have come to an agreement—please participate in our prince selection. If you qualify, you can meet the queen. But if you don’t, please leave with those humans immediately.”
“Alright,” Teest replied succinctly.
…What?
Nol looked at Teest in shock.
[This is the prince selection of the succubus tribe!] he conveyed to Teest. [Do you even know how it works? Each tribe has its own rules, and they’re all troublesome.]
[You even have to sign a magical agreement beforehand, and if you violate it, there’s a huge penalty—]
[But it sounds so fun! After all, only I need to sign. It won’t affect any of you,] Teest thought cheerfully. [Maybe you can even become the succubus queen? King consort? …Such a rare experience!]
‘It’s really not a time to be joking around,’ Nol internally grumbled.
The succubus throne wasn’t hereditary. They tend to select the strongest from within the tribe. But what constituted “the strongest” varied: the smartest, the best at collecting life force, the most popular, and so on. Even within the same tribe, the criteria for each selection might differ.
For a regular Player, the smartest move would be to support a candidate rather than trying to become one.
Yet, Mr. Mad Monk seemed quite interested—
“What should I do?” Teest asked calmly.
The male succubus managed a smile and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
This tribe was clearly struggling. They didn’t even have magical ink as the contract was written in blood.
Nol frowned. This wasn’t a system contract, and thus wouldn’t be affected by Teest’s “God’s Forsaken” curse. The paper radiated strong dark magic, and the consequences of violating the contract were evident.
Teest quickly read the contract.
Its requirements were straightforward. The signer must actively participate in the Black Forest Tribe’s “Crown Prince Selection”, not act passively or quit halfway, not use unfair means to win, and not harm any succubus of the Black Forest Tribe.
If chosen as the crown prince, the signer must ascend to the throne after Queen Wilimina abdicates and protects the tribe. The violator would have to pay with their eyes, tongue, and all limbs.
Just the thought of it caused Nol’s tongue to ache. [Don’t sign it.]
Just because the succubi were in a bad state didn’t mean one should act recklessly. Especially the clause about “not harming any succubus” was too restrictive. What if Teest was attacked by a malicious succubus? He wouldn’t even be able to defend himself.
“I can’t accept this.” Teest waved the contract at the succubus. “It doesn’t specify how my companions will be treated. I also need to protect my lover and friends.”
“We understand. We’ll add that,” the male succubus replied promptly.
“That’s still not enough.” Teest smiled. “Even though I want to help, I’m not going to blindly commit… Let’s compromise. If I’m really chosen and the current queen can still rule for more than two months, you have to let me go. If her condition is very bad, I’ll take on the responsibility.”
Nol’s relief was short-lived—
Teest was serious.
What on earth was he thinking? Even if he wanted to gather information, this wasn’t the way to go about it. Nol didn’t have the time to become, well, the king consort of the succubi.
The male succubus looked down briefly, showing a fleeting sadness, and then quickly agreed. “We can accept those terms on behalf of the tribe.”
As if afraid Teest would change his mind, the succubus immediately cut his palm, allowing the blood droplets to form the words on the paper.
‘Oh no,’ Nol thought. ‘It seems Queen Wilimina’s days are numbered.’
The so-called “troubles” that Players needed to solve might be synonymous with “last wishes”. Who knew how heavy that task would be.
Without hesitation, Teest picked up the pen and signed “Teest”. The moment the pen was lifted, the blood turned back into droplets, wrapping around Teest’s wrist, forming tattoo-like red patterns.
Only faint gray letters remained on the paper. The succubus frowned at the signature. “Teest? Just now, your companion called you ‘Landus’.”
“Oh, sometimes he also calls me ‘Mr. Knight’, ‘Lunatic’, and ‘Slow Down’. Should all these be written down?” Teest innocently shook his pen.
Nol: “.…..”
I didn’t—I never—I only called him by the first one…
Of course, what was done was done, so he wisely remained silent.
“It’s not necessary. The contract is already in effect. You can retrieve your belongings. Those two humans…” The male succubus hesitated for a moment and continued with some difficulty, “We’ll release those two humans. You’re in charge of watching over them. Remember, you cannot harm any succubus in the tribe. If you direct them to do evil, it’s also within the contract.”
“I understand.” Teest rubbed the blood mark on his wrist and answered with a smile.
A hint of softness finally appeared on the male succubus’s face. “Welcome, brethren. I am Adonis. From today, I am in charge of your ‘Crown Prince Selection’. There has been a lot happening today. I think the two of you should rest.”
Although his words were polite, his gaze never once landed on Nol.
……
“Look, honey, we’re completely free!” Teest stretched lazily in the fragrant breeze. “You can retrieve that noisy candle, and the two Players might be released from prison. And me—I might even have the opportunity to become the king of the succubi. Perfect.”
“Really? Are you sure your eyes, tongue, and limbs feel the same way?” Nol ominously said. “Once you break the contract, the blood mark will instantly dig out your eyeballs and tongue and sever your limbs. With such deadly restraint, I have to act as your knight in return.”
“What are you worried about? I’m definitely going to breach the contract.” Teest looked at Nol in confusion. “The succubi are so cute in their stupidity. Those injuries aren’t fatal at all. Can’t you just heal me?”
Nol stopped. “No.”
“I thought you liked my eyes and limbs… Are you going to abandon me?” Teest said pitifully.
“Not really.” Nol stared at the swaying succubus tail. “But if you always treat things like this as a joke, who knows.”
Teest’s tail stopped swaying and drooped dejectedly. Nol grabbed it.
“Let’s go.” Nol sighed. “We still need to explain to the Players.”
If he had to find a silver lining in this farce… the drama caused by Teest’s sudden antics somewhat dulled his own rage against reality.
Meanwhile, in the dungeon.
There were no succubus guards inside the dungeon, so the two Players had a brief tour. Rogue Solo picked the locks, while Anakin used an illusion to hide. The two sneaked out of the cell and inspected the human-filled prisons one by one.
The succubi were meticulous. Even though the humans were paralyzed on the ground, barely breathing, there were no traces of rotten food or excrement smell in the cell. Maybe it was the peculiar environment of the dream? The Players weren’t sure.
All they could be certain of was that these people wouldn’t live past this year.
The prisoners lay haphazardly, with bones poking through their saggy skin. Among the prisoners were both men and women, mostly in their prime. Their eyes were shut, with only faint chest movements indicating life. Anakin selected one in the best condition and discreetly released a recovery spell.
Under the soft glow, the emaciated man slowly opened his eyes. His eyeballs looked carved from wood, the pupils dilated, completely void of any sparkle.
He half-laid on the ground, staring blankly at Anakin, lips moving incessantly. Anakin leaned closer and felt even the man’s breath was eerily cold.
“Ma… y…”
“Take your time. Don’t rush,” Anakin whispered comfortingly.
“May… everything be eternal…”
Anakin jerked back, staring at the man in shock. His facial muscles twitched, pulling into a disturbing smile.
“Everything… Everything for… the Eternal Son…” he murmured, moving his hand to his rib-exposed chest, trying to form a circle.
Solo’s face showed undisguised disgust. He waved at Anakin. “Sister, I got this.”
He approached, pulling a tightly sealed glass vial from his pocket. The thick liquid inside glowed a fluorescent blue.
“That one?” Anakin realized.
“Yes, that one.” Solo replied. “What was it called… The Hogwarts special gloomy blue DND-flavored truth serum for living humans. Don’t make me say that guy’s name, the damned alchemist you’re thinking of*.”
*Referencing the Veritaserum. I’m not sure who he’s referencing, but it’s most likely Severus Snape.
“Got it—the drug that lets you ask five questions.” Anakin summarized.
While the two chatted, the man was already under the effect. He became eerily still, like a statue. Solo took a few deep breaths and cleared his throat.
“Other than the two of us, is everyone else here a follower of the Eternal Church?” The Rogue asked seriously.
“Yes, yes.” The man’s eyes half-closed, his gaze scattered. “We came for a great mission… for the Eternal Son… How dare these vile creatures imprison us as food… They will invoke the wrath of God…”
“How did the Eternal Church push the succubi to this state?” Solo ignored the man’s rambling.
“We were just capturing,” the man answered blankly. “Just capturing, capturing…”
“Damn, his head isn’t clear. Wasted a question.” Anakin clicked her tongue. “Ask about the quest. Let’s finish this quickly.”
Rogue Solo nodded understandingly. “Regarding the current succubus queen, what do you know?”
“She’s called-she’s called Wilimina. She ascended the throne less than twenty years ago. Hehe… hehe. The ruler of the succubi, each generation lives shorter lives… She won’t live much longer, not much longer…” His tone was oddly moist, making it hard to determine whether it was a curse or a statement. “She’s dying… She’s going to die… First, she’ll go mad, then she’ll die… Ah, divine punishment! Divine punishment!”
Anakin’s expression became somewhat rigid. She directly asked, “Do you know of her troubles or desires?”
“Who can understand the thoughts of a monster? …When you’re eating lamb chops, do you understand the worries of the lamb?” The man coughed twice and chuckled, trying to catch his breath.
“We have only one chance left.” Solo scratched his head. “I only have one bottle of truth serum. We have to choose the next question carefully.”
Up to now, besides knowing that the “Eternal Church is causing trouble”, they hadn’t obtained any effective information. If it weren’t for the strong side effects of this thing, it would actually be more appropriate to give it to the succubus.
Anakin pressed her lips together, pondering for a while. About half a minute later, she stepped forward, grabbed the man’s hair, and forced him to lift his head.
“Listen well, scum.” Her voice was clear and cold. “I guess you captured the succubi in order to create a ‘Supplement Demon’.”
The Supplement Demon was a terrible creature brought into existence by the Eternal Church alone.
It was said that the Eternal Church possessed a method that could strip away a certain “power” from the bodies of dead creatures—perhaps calling it “attributes” or “skills” would be more apt—to bestow upon its key members.
However, this method had significant limitations, and the process was extremely painful. It was like forcibly transplanting foreign organs onto a human. Those who were “supplementally enhanced” either died on the spot or manifested incurable deformities.
Those who managed to survive were referred to as “Supplement Demons” by the outside world. This wasn’t just a derogatory term. The Temple of Life had confirmed that, on a physiological level, these things were no longer human…
As far as Anakin knew, using “human corpses” to enhance the “human” attributes was the gentlest process, with the highest survival rate for those being enhanced. Even so, the enhanced individuals would transform into bizarre and terrifying “Supplement Demons”, who could only mimic humans through external forces…
“But after all these years, you’re still capturing these otherworldly succubi,” Anakin continued. “Have you mastered a method to handle the monsters, or…?”
“It began as… experiments. But recently, there have been… successful cases.”
The man chuckled, his breathing becoming even more rapid.
“We need those proficient in mental magic… If the experiment succeeds once, it can succeed a second time… God is watching us… God is blessing us…”
“Fuck your ancestors!” Rogue Solo cursed. “Human experimentation? What kind of perverse crap is this? Your god can go eat shit!”
The Eternalist suddenly became silent. He lifted his tree-branch-like neck, staring in Solo’s direction.
“Those chosen by God will surely not die because of this. Those abandoned by God have no value in this world.”
His eyes gradually widened, emitting a frightening light. “It’s only logical that those who are dead and useless should reflect…”
Bang—!
Just as the follower of the Eternal Church was about to continue, Anakin punched him in the head. Already incredibly weak, he couldn’t withstand the Player’s powerful punch.
He twitched as he fell to the ground and soon was silent.
“It seems you are also one of the ‘useless ones’ ‘abandoned by God’,” Anakin said after a few seconds, her voice hoarse.
“Sister, you…”
“Don’t tell me you wanted to keep him alive,” Anakin said. “Anyway, now we indeed know something.”
“No, you…”
“Enough.” Anakin stretched out her hand, covering her slightly trembling fist. “I’m fine. It’s not the first time. Did you think being a Saint of the Temple was a game? At least I can comfort myself knowing that those I’ve killed are scum.”
Solo remained silent.
After a while, he sighed and gently embraced his kin.
“Let’s go back,” he said. “You’re right. You just killed a bug. He’s an invader without humanity. He doesn’t deserve to be called human.”
Anakin tugged at the corner of her mouth but didn’t speak.
The heavy atmosphere dissipated when they saw the two brothers… No, the two lovers. The “younger brother” was tightly holding the “older brother’s” tail, and the “older brother” seemed a bit downcast. The atmosphere between the two was indescribably delicate.
“I have bad news, bad news, and more bad news. Which one do you want to hear?” Nol said.
“Is there a difference?” Solo replied shakily.
“The first bad news: this guy wants to run for the title of Succubus Crown Prince. Of course, if he succeeds, we might be able to meet the queen, but we’ll have to stay here to inherit the throne.”
Nol said with a smirk, “Coincidentally, none of us plans to stay.”
Solo grunted. “That’s kind of half good news. At least we can meet the queen.”
Although this approach is a bit… outrageous.
“The second bad news,” Nol continued coldly. “We don’t know where the queen is, and she can only live for another two months. You’d better start praying that her wish list isn’t too long.”
Anakin and Solo: “…”
Anakin: “If it doesn’t work out, we can go back and check again in two months.”
Perhaps the quest could be refreshed.
“The third bad news. The Dream Edge is dangerous. If we act recklessly, we may be in danger.”
Nol rubbed his face.
“We need to make the current situation clear because, next, we want to save this tribe.”
The author has something to say:
The mighty Mad Monk is applying to be the Succubus Crown Prince!
The dreamy Black Forest was devoid of its usual gloom. A light blue mist floated among the branches, and the leaves glittered like jewels.
Nol wasn’t in the mood to appreciate this beauty. His thoughts were still fixated on the words of Rogue Solo—
They all died more than a hundred and fifty years ago.
It was likely that Decoste died of old age. However, for the succubus queen Hyacinth, her death was tragically premature.
Nol still remembered the time they were creating the backstory for these two characters. There was no AI assistance in this task, and his colleagues were genuinely excited. After the story was outlined, they all excitedly shared their input, even discussing it during lunch breaks.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was just a sidequest, but the team added countless adorable details to it. From the childhood experiences and habits of the two NPCs to the weather of the Black Forest when they first fell in love, everyone gave it their all. Even the art team put extra effort into the models.
Beautiful Hyacinth and handsome Decoste. They were lovers separated by the chasm of lifespan. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, they had a unique and genuinely happy relationship. They felt like children personally nurtured by the production team or like old friends they had known for years.
But they died over a hundred years ago.
What shocked Nol most was that Hyacinth committed suicide—by design, Queen Hyacinth was a strong and rational woman. Even if Decoste betrayed her countless times, she would never abandon her life.
Nol couldn’t understand. His good mood disappeared instantly, leaving only confusion and sadness.
“…Why?” he murmured.
“Why what?”
Rogue Solo scratched his face. “Why did they break up? Or why did the queen commit suicide? Haa, I don’t know about that.”
Nol looked at him sorrowfully.
Feeling uneasy, Solo continued, “I’m told the records were collected by Decoste’s descendants. To them, Queen Hyacinth wasn’t only their father’s ex-wife but also a real monster.”
“According to the records, after Decoste broke up with the queen, he never talked about her again. How could his heirs know much inside information?”
“The news of the succubus queen’s suicide was big. The Temple of Life is still researching the case… Succubi have always symbolized intimacy and pleasure. ‘Suicide’ fundamentally goes against their nature,” Anakin added.
Solo curled his lips and remarked, “It definitely wasn’t for love. They hadn’t spoken in decades by the time Decoste died. The queen only killed herself years after his death.”
“I see,” Nol replied hesitantly. “Anyway, the queen we’re helping this time isn’t Hyacinth. Do you have information about the new queen?”
Anakin shook her head helplessly.
Teest didn’t seem to take it seriously. “Guess we’ll have to try our luck.”
His “Betrayer” badge was fastened to a belt around his waist, concealed by a loose-fitting white cloth, making it especially hard to detect. Now, dressed in a revealing succubus-style outfit, large patches of his skin were exposed, and there didn’t appear to be any baggage on him, making him look pure and harmless.
Nol stepped forward, moving beside Teest. A warm succubus tail emerged from beneath the cloth, gently wrapping around Nol’s wrist.
[It seems you need a hug,] Teest thought. [Now might not be the best time, so let this be a substitute.]
Nol managed a weak smile. At times like these, Teest didn’t seem like the legendary murderous lunatic at all. Knowing this was likely one of Teest’s tricks to make him more reliant, Nol still indulged in the comfort.
He gently pinched the thick tip of Teest’s tail. The tail stiffened slightly before playfully scratching his palm in return.
……
The four of them wandered around the Black Forest in their dreams. The fallen leaves on the ground were softly colored and looked like clouds when stepped on. But after wandering for most of the night, everyone was experiencing aesthetic fatigue.
“Aren’t succubi supposed to build their nests on the edge of the forest? Where’s the promised edge?”
Anakin pounded her own legs, too lazy to maintain her dignified and holy image, and simply sat down under a tree.
Nol: “My information is a bit outdated. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no, it’s not your fault,” Anakin hastily said. “The succubi have been isolated for so many years. Who knows what they’ve been up to secretly.”
“It feels like we’ve been going in circles, but I can’t find the markers I made.” Rogue Solo was scratching the nearby tree bark with his eyebrows furrowed.
Teest was sitting gracefully under a tree. “I think we indeed have been moving in circles, and I feel like we’re being watched.”
“Huh? Aren’t you a swordsman?” Solo gasped. “Can swordsmen sense this?”
“I was born with keen intuition.” Teest smiled. “Personal advice, if you want to continue peacefully, it’s better for us to just let them observe. Of course, if you two want to forcefully take the ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ from the succubi…”
“No way! We’re not like those lunatics from the Eternal Church. I’m just a little worried,” Solo quickly interjected.
“If the succubi are no longer friendly towards humans, my brother and I swear to protect both of you,” Nol said.
He too sensed the presence of the succubi not far away. Strangely, the aura of the succubi was much weaker than expected, indicating they were in poor condition. That being said, even if the succubus queen Hyacinth herself came, he and Teest could still ensure the safety of the two Players.
“However, if you two change your minds, you can leave here,” Nol added.
Anakin shook her head, her expression turning serious. “Let’s just stay like this. Don’t act and let’s just see what they want to do.”
And so they walked on and off for most of the day. The sky at the Dream Edge seemed never to change, and by Nol’s rough estimate, they had been “lost” until noon the next day.
Finally, the succubi who had been following them revealed themselves.
Not just one succubus appeared—during their wanderings, nearly twenty succubi quietly approached from all directions, forming a tight encirclement.
They resembled humans. The front row held whips, shields, or spears, while the back row set up bows and arrows, and several magic wands pointed at the four from all sides.
Unfortunately, their appearance undermined the imposing nature of the encirclement.
The surrounding succubi, both male and female, were all emaciated with protruding bones. Their features were very delicate, and their bone structures were perfect. But their dried-out skin made even the most beautiful features look terrifying.
…Starving people.
The words unexpectedly popped into Nol’s mind.
But how could this be? Even if the succubi were isolated, they shouldn’t have become like this. Nol looked into the beautiful eyes of the succubi, which should have been full of joy but now only held caution and numbness.
“State your purpose,” the nearest male succubus said sternly, his sword point almost touching Teest’s nose.
“I came to visit you all.” Teest looked both innocent and surprised. “These humans are my companions, and we’re on an adventure… I heard there were others of my kind here, so I came to check. If we did something wrong, I apologize first.”
“You?” The succubus’ emaciated face showed deep sarcasm. “With that appearance, out in the open? Impossible!”
He gripped his sword tighter, not lowering its point.
“I certainly have my ways of disguise! But to avoid the Eternal Church, it’s easier for me alone than a group,” Teest added with a hint of anger in his voice. “I was born in the Shiva Realm. I just came to visit my kind here! Of course, assuming you’re aware of the situation in the Shiva Realm.”
The sword-wielding succubus hesitated. “How can you prove—”
Before he could finish, his face stiffened, and his sword fell to the ground. He reached out to Teest as if enchanted. Nol looked over, and indeed, Teest’s golden eyes were shimmering.
The succubus’ innate ability [Charm] was astoundingly effective. Even if Players could disguise themselves as a succubus, they couldn’t use Charm.
[Charm] strictly followed the principle of “might makes right”. Apparently, Kando wasn’t lying. Teest’s skills were indeed stronger than the average succubus. Of course, the opponent’s poor condition might also be a factor.
“Enough!” A female succubus behind Teest shouted. “We recognize your identity—take your humans and leave immediately. Outsiders are not welcome here.”
Teest obediently closed his eyes and bowed slightly. “I want to see your queen.”
A murmur of whispers erupted. The succubi huddled together, and the atmosphere of suspicion thickened.
“I have no other intention. I just can’t bear to see my kind suffer. As a representative from the Shiva Realm, I want to know if I can help… You all must know, at this rate, you won’t last much longer!” Teest’s sincerity was palpable, as if he truly was a saint. Even Nol felt touched.
“Yes, Landus is my most important companion, and I don’t want to see his kind suffer either.” Nol recalled Teest’s pseudonym and joined the conversation.
The male succubus, having just recovered from Charm, sneered at Nol’s statement. “Really? If you’re willing to wear magic-restricting chains and come with us, we might believe your sincerity.”
He emphasized every word, dripping with hostility.
“I’m willing,” Nol replied without hesitation, even offering his wrist before Teest.
The two Players behind him exchanged glances and also extended their hands. Finally, Teest, with an exaggerated sigh, extended his arms.
His arms were perfectly shaped, in stark contrast to the dried arms of the succubus putting the shackles on him.
…What had these succubi been through in the past two hundred years?
……
A few minutes later, Nol understood why they couldn’t find the entrance. On the Dream Edge, the succubi created another dream within a dream, hiding the entrance inside it.
One of the succubi slit her wrist and smeared a layer of fresh blood on the eyelids of the four, allowing them to enter this hidden area.
Ordinary succubi definitely didn’t possess such a level of power; Nol was quite certain of that.
Such tactics were reminiscent of the style of the succubus queen Hyacinth. As for the power to maintain these illusions… it was likely that the succubi borrowed external forces through other means.
However, Nol had no chance to investigate further. The group of succubi imprisoned them in a separate dungeon directly, without Nol ever seeing their real stronghold.
A dungeon in a dream was still a dungeon. The surroundings here were far from dreamy. The damp air and the moldy smell of straw felt very real. The dungeon of the succubi was near an endless corridor, very dim, with a visibility of no more than five meters. From the depths of the darkness, faint moans could occasionally be heard. Nol could sense the presence of humans and… human skeletons.
It was hard to say whether the human presence or the succubi’s was weaker. They were equally on the edge of life and death.
The decaying prison door creaked shut, and the four were confined in the same cell.
“So, can I ask what’s the deal with the Eternal Church and the Shiva Realm?” Solo whispered. “Now it’s your turn to share some details.”
“You don’t seem worried at all,” Teest remarked.
“Think about my skills. These shackles are no problem,” Rogue Solo whispered even more quietly. “We’re playing the whole act, right? You start.”
Nol looked at Teest curiously. He apparently knew more about the succubi than anyone else here, having likely encountered the succubus group while acquiring his skills.
“The Eternal Church has always been hunting succubi. The Shiva Realm is where the Eternal Church’s power is weakest, and it’s the only public settlement of the remaining succubi,” Teest succinctly summarized.
“Ah, those Eternalists even offend succubi? Makes sense, they’re the type to kick every dog they see on the side of the road,” Solo lamented. “The world is getting worse and worse…”
Anakin frowned in silence, lost in thought.
“Why are they capturing succubi?” Nol inquired.
Instead of answering, Teest tilted his head, signaling something. Nol then felt the presence of a succubus.
“Because floating feather birds have valuable feathers, silver unicorns have rare horns, and we have enchanting spiritual magic… They want everything. Humans always want everything,” a hoarse voice responded.
The newcomer was none other than the male succubus who had earlier threatened Teest with a sword. Holding a lantern that illuminated only himself, he approached in an eerie manner. He stopped outside the cell, lifting his lantern to illuminate his skeletal face, creating a spooky and icy atmosphere.
“With ‘Infatuation’, we can get everything, from secrets that can’t be pried out to information that can’t be extracted through torture,” the succubus coldly said. “You all don’t know this? And you claim to be comrades of the succubi.”
“That’s because they’re all pure-hearted people,” Teest softly replied. “Dear brethren, are you here to set us free?”
“We have questions for you alone,” the indifferent succubus stated. “These humans will stay here. You come with us.”
“No! I’m going with him,” Nol blurted out.
The prison might be somewhat safe, and these shackles wouldn’t confine Players. But if Teest was taken away alone, there was no telling what would happen to him.
The succubus sneered, “You don’t have the right—”
“He’s my husband, so he certainly has the right,” Teest interrupted. “We made vows before the Goddess of Life. Only death can separate us.”
Anakin and Solo were stunned. While Anakin was somewhat calmer, Solo nearly gasped out loud.
“Lies.”
“If you don’t believe us, look at the necklaces we wear,” Teest continued in his gentle tone, playing the role of a harmless, affable succubus. “We wear matching wedding rings, see?”
The succubus, half-doubting, pulled out their necklaces and saw the rings. His expression turned complicated. Nol felt the shock from the two Players, their intense gazes piercing through the darkness.
“This could mean something else,” the succubus finally said after a pause. If it weren’t for Anakin nudging Solo in time, Solo might’ve agreed.
‘There’s no other way,’ Nol thought to himself. They shouldn’t be wasting time on such trivial matters. It was dim here anyway, so why not let a modern person like himself take charge?
He tilted his body, getting close to Teest’s face.
Just a second before their lips met, Nol turned his head, trying to deceive the succubus by pretending to kiss. However, his “legal husband” seemed to have the same idea.
The two shifted towards each other simultaneously, and their lips met firmly in a genuine kiss.
Nol: “.…..”
Teest: “.…..”
Nol’s mind was almost blank.
‘My first kiss was to a man… What a twist in life,’ he thought blankly. He wondered how they appeared to the two Players. At this moment, the pupils of the two Players trembled so violently that it seemed like they’d cause an earthquake.
Teest’s breathing paused for a moment, and he elegantly shifted away, pretending the kiss was practiced.
“Isn’t that enough?” Teest’s tone was almost accusatory. “It’s very rude to treat our kind like this. Are you trying to make enemies with the clan of Shiva by even taking away my lover?”
The succubus remained silent even longer before finally letting out a deep sigh.
“You both come with me,” he said wearily. “The other two humans stay here—and don’t try anything suspicious, or we won’t be so courteous.”
The two Players remained silent. Nol suspected they weren’t scared but simply in shock. Avoiding their intense stares, Nol wobbly stood up, leaving the cell with Teest. As they departed the dungeon, the Players’ eyes followed them.
Nol wanted to mentally communicate with Teest to explain, but Teest remained silent as if nothing happened. Emphasizing now would seem forced. With the situation being so odd and serious matters at hand, it was best to pretend nothing happened. After all, it wasn’t a deep kiss, just a peck.
Thus, the two maintained their silence, and the only sound nearby was the clinking of chains against the floor.
Watching them leave, Anakin and Solo gasped almost simultaneously.
“You said you used the ‘Silent Truth’ to verify, right?” Rogue Solo stuttered. “You said they were half-brothers! Ah, brothers with a couple’s ring pendants?!”
“Maybe they were just acting.” Anakin’s voice was filled with uncertainty.
“You can’t act that out, sister. Imagine us kissing… urgh!” The young rogue didn’t finish before making a gagging sound.
Anakin gagged even louder. “No, no, no. Absolutely not. Just kill me now.”
“Same here.” Solo grimaced. “Did you see any disgust between them? I didn’t. Don’t tell me they’re actually together…”
“’Even though we have different mothers, I swear in the Goddess’ name that our bond is close…’ Landus said so.” Anakin recalled, taking deep breaths. “Thinking about it, this statement also applies to those officially engaged.”
“I get it now.” Solo sighed in relief. “The Temple of Life publicly doesn’t oppose but doesn’t exactly support same-sex marriage either. Given your ‘Saint’ status, they might have been wary of you being radical… Well, misleading us like this is kind of sad.”
“Indeed.” Anakin reflected.
“…So, are they really a couple? Even married? They must be rare NPCs!”
“Exactly, we have to build a good relationship with them.” Anakin nodded seriously.
Ignoring their handcuffs, the two decisively high-fived.
……
Nol and Teest followed the succubus towards the main chamber of the nest.
Slowly, Nol recognized the familiar design. The surroundings grew brighter, with colorful stones forming beautiful patterns on the tiles. The milky-white walls were spotless, adorned with ever-fresh flowers and leaves. The increasingly sweet fragrance gave a sense of lightheadedness.
The succubi maintained their nest well. Everything was vibrant, and the guards diligently stood their posts—though dressed in refined armor, they looked like dried-up corpses.
This made even the most charming scene eerily uncanny. Nol’s mood grew heavier, almost forgetting the lingering sensation on his lips.
The succubus leading them remained silent, guiding them to the royal court’s grand hall. As they arrived at the grand door, it opened on its own.
Behind the slowly opening doors, Nol saw the succubus’ throne. It was decorated with gem-carved flowers, an exquisite seat of power that was as beautiful as a work of art.
However, the seat was empty.
The author has something to say:
Laughing to death at how they kissed for the first time——
Nol: “Teest didn’t mention it, so he probably didn’t mind. I shouldn’t awkwardly bring it up…”
Teest: “Nol didn’t mention it, so he probably didn’t mind. I shouldn’t awkwardly bring it up…”
The two Players: “They must be involved!”
Kinky Thoughts:
I believe the term for a male succubus is an incubus. However, I don’t want to change too much terminology in case it’s important to the story and want to reflect the author’s intention since she didn’t specifically use (梦魇).
The bride as beautiful as a blooming flower, the enthusiastic old matchmaker, the kind and approachable parents, the guests chatting and drinking at the banquet…
All vanished in an instant.
He Xiaowei’s “husband and wife bow” ended up being made of thin air.
For a moment, he should’ve felt relieved, perhaps even exhilarated from narrowly escaping a dangerous situation. Yet, strangely, looking at the now-empty wedding hall, he felt a sense of loss, as if he had truly lost his bride.
After some time, He Xiaowei quickly took off his wedding clothes and ran to Zhou Qian. “Qian’er, what’s…”
But he saw Zhou Qian facing a direction, seemingly waiting for something. After a while, a little dragon climbed over the white wall and jumped into Zhou Qian’s arms.
Without turning his head, Zhou Qian said, “See? You’re so undesirable, even a ghost bride didn’t want to marry you.”
Unable to hold back, He Xiaowei retorted, “Damn it, Zhou Qian, your mouth is too poisonous! You weren’t like this when you needed my help!”
At this point, everyone had a question in their minds—was that it?
One player was forced to marry a ghost bride, while others were made to attend… Everyone was constantly on edge, thinking there might be some greater danger lurking.
But now, the ghosts just vanished out of thin air. The players, vigilant for so long, were unsure whether to relax or brace themselves for further risks. This game was so bizarre, keeping their nerves taut as if they had no room to relax.
Suddenly, a system notification sounded.
A new exclamation mark appeared on the map, instructing players to head to that location to trigger the next part of the storyline. It was a location everyone was familiar with—the wide street they had walked down twice when they first left the pier and entered the main city.
Having read the system prompt, He Xiaowei blinked twice. “So, should we go now?”
Zhou Qian petted the dragon’s head, saying, “You guys go first. I’ll catch up.”
Upon hearing this, Situ Qing was the first to ask, “Where are you going?”
Seeing that Situ Qing seemed keen to follow and fearing he might harm Zhou Qian, He Xiaowei immediately said, “Then I’ll come with you!”
If both of them were to accompany Zhou Qian, it seemed unreasonable for Yun Xiangrong to go alone to the street.
She said, “Then I’ll come see as well. For now, the system hasn’t set a time limit for us to trigger the next event. Before we go, it might be necessary to explore freely.”
Zhou Qian didn’t look at the two ladies and just nodded at He Xiaowei. He then left the wedding hall from the back door, went to the west chambers, passed its courtyard, and reached the back door of the house.
Pushing the door open, he found a narrow alley. Following the alley, he arrived at a large orchard.
“Why are we here?” He Xiaowei asked, pulling a powerful flashlight from his bag.
“When you changed into the wedding clothes, I explored the alley and had the little dragon help me find something.” Zhou Qian pointed ahead and continued, “There—”
Though the system stated that the little dragon didn’t have any special skills, was weak in offense and defense, and couldn’t heal, its advantage was that it had human-like life energy. It obeyed commands and could walk, jump, and search for things just like a human.
So, Zhou Qian had instructed it to find an open area like a lawn, wasteland, or garden. The more open, the better. If it found such a place, it was to dig. The dragon quickly located an open orchard and actually dug up something. It swiftly returned to Zhou Qian’s side and led him back.
At that moment, when the flashlight shone in the direction Zhou Qian was pointing, everyone could see that its beam was shaking erratically—because He Xiaowei’s hand was trembling violently. When he saw what was buried in the orchard, he was so terrified that he could hardly control himself.
Zhou Qian stepped forward, patting He Xiaowei’s shoulder to steady him and raising his arm for better illumination. With He Xiaowei serving as his makeshift spotlight, Zhou Qian moved closer to inspect what the light revealed—a vast pit filled with one skeleton after another.
This place appeared to be a makeshift mass grave. Many corpses were discarded here, hastily buried under the soil, making it easy for the little dragon to unearth them. At this moment, the little dragon let out a couple of whimpering noises at Zhou Qian.
Zhou Qian looked at it and nodded, and the little dragon immediately jumped out of his embrace, then rummaged through the dirt for a while. In no time, the little dragon had found numerous clues.
As the group of curious onlookers approached, Zhou Qian put all the clues into his bag. He Xiaowei was taken aback. “Qian’er, what do you mean by this?”
Zhou Qian glanced towards Situ Qing and Yun Xiangrong. “My little dragon and I spent so much effort exploring, and you two just want to reap the benefits? If you want to see the clues, we can negotiate a trade. I’ll show you the clues, but in return, you need to promise not to backstab or harm me until this instance ends.”
Situ Qing frowned. “What if you want to kill me? If you attack me, shouldn’t I defend myself?”
“It seems you still harbor intentions to kill me. Even if you change your mind now, I won’t show you the clues. Xiaowei Ge, let’s go somewhere private to look.”
Zhou Qian didn’t need to look to guess that Situ Qing made an unpleasant expression. Knowing she was upset, he felt extremely pleased.
With a joyful smile, Zhou Qian indeed led He Xiaowei to another corner of the orchard.
Before leaving, he heard Situ Qing say to Yun Xiangrong, “No matter who you want to seek revenge on after the instance ends, right now you don’t have the strength to confront anyone. I think—”
“No need to consider. The one I want to deal with is Zhou Qian. He’s not completely evil and still has a shred of humanity. Because of Gao Shan, he won’t hurt me. But unfortunately, without him, Gao Shan wouldn’t have died. I will definitely seek revenge on him.”
Yun Xiangrong’s voice was cold and heavy. “I was willing to destroy all my skills at this stage. I fear nothing. And of course, you’re next. After Zhou Qian dies, if I’m still unsatisfied, maybe it will be your turn.”
“Your current skills are useless. We won’t need you for the next challenges,” Situ Qing told her. “Aren’t you afraid I might kill you now?”
Yun Xiangrong scoffed, “At least I have a brain, and it works better than yours.”
Situ Qing paused, seemingly not angered by this. “By damaging your skills like this, are you trying to show your allegiance to me? Showing that you have completely broken ties with Zhou Qian while also demonstrating that you’re presenting yourself to me defenselessly, so I should trust you? After all, in your current powerless state, you can only cooperate with me.”
Yun Xiangrong replied indifferently, “I see. You’re not that dumb after all.”
Situ Qing asked her, “What kind of grudge… makes you willing to cooperate with his enemy to kill Zhou Qian?”
“The love of my life is dead. From now on, I will live only for revenge. Is that reason hard to understand?”
Situ Qing pressed. “How can I be sure… you won’t seek revenge on me later?”
“As I said, I definitely will. But Zhou Qian is my top priority. You can cooperate with me, and after he’s dead, you can deal with me. Or, if you don’t trust me, you can kill me now. Consider which option is more beneficial for you. The only promise I can make is—” She took a step forward, looking directly into Situ Qing’s eyes. “During our cooperation, I won’t turn against you. I’ll plan my revenge meticulously.”
With that, Yun Xiangrong headed towards the mass grave. “Let’s also find some tools to dig. The little dragon might have missed something. There might be more clues here.”
On the other side, as He Xiaowei walked away with Zhou Qian, he overheard the conversation between the two women.
“Shit, they’re openly discussing a conspiracy against you!”
Zhou Qian seemed unconcerned. “So, are you going to team up with me or them?”
He Xiaowei decisively replied, “With you. Women… I can’t handle even one. The heart of a woman is like finding a needle in the sea… But, speaking of which, figuring out what’s on your mind is even harder than guessing a woman’s. That’s like finding a needle in the Pacific Ocean…”
Feeling the murderous glare from somewhere, He Xiaowei quickly changed the topic. “Oh, Miss Zhang, my heart belongs to her…”
Zhou Qian ignored his rambling and, feeling they had put enough distance between themselves and Situ Qing, stopped and took out the clues found by the little dragon. “Perhaps among these clues, there’s a story about your beloved Miss Zhang.”
Using a flashlight, the first thing the two of them saw was a black-and-white photo.
The people in the photo were easily recognizable—it was a photo of Dong Shui and Miss Zhang.
Both were dressed in school uniforms, indicating it was taken during their student days.
This couple truly were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love.
After Zhou Qian looked at the photo, He Xiaowei quickly took it, holding it as if it were a precious treasure, as if he really saw himself as Dong Shui.
Zhou Qian then looked at another photo.
It was a group photo of six people with the caption: [Falcon Squadron Memorial Photo, December of XX36.]
Upon seeing it, He Xiaowei exclaimed, “There are only six people in this? Eh? Jiang Yuqing isn’t in it!”
Zhou Qian pondered while holding the photo. “Jiang Yuqing never really seemed like a soldier. He should be a physicist.”
After thinking for a moment, He Xiaowei said, “Jiang Yuqing and us belong to the Seventh Army—the seven of us are comrades-in-arms. However, Jiang Yuqing isn’t a frontline soldier; he’s a researcher and not a member of the Falcon Squadron. Only the six of us here are squad members.”
“Yes, that seems about right,” Zhou Qian concluded as he put away the photo and found a letter.
The letter was signed “Dong Shui,” likely written to Miss Zhang.
“A’Hua, the Falcon Squadron has received a very important task, and I will be temporarily leaving Baicheng. A doctor surnamed Jiang has just returned from studying abroad. He possesses vital knowledge that might completely change our nation’s passive fate. However, he’s been targeted by the S Army. I heard that the S Army either wants to capture him alive and make him serve their country or kill him.
“The Falcon Squadron needs to escort him to Nancheng. The journey is perilous, and I can’t guarantee my return. Our engagement, merely a verbal joke from our parents, shouldn’t be taken seriously. I’m heading north to join the rest of the squad. If I don’t return within a year, find a good man and marry him. Don’t wait for me.”
After reading the letter, a part of the buried historical truth was truly revealed.
The “Dr. Jiang” mentioned must be Jiang Yuqing.
It seemed he indeed wasn’t part of the Falcon Squadron. He and the Falcon Squadron belonged to the Seventh Army and was an important researcher. To protect him from being captured by the enemy, the Falcon Squadron’s mission was to escort him to Nancheng.
Zhou Qian wondered—Yun Xiangrong said that Jiang Yuqing liked Bei He. Could it be that he fell in love with Bei He while the Falcon Squadron was escorting him? Did Bei He like him?
He Xiaowei, who took the letter, read it three times, then asked Zhou Qian, “If I’m understanding correctly, this…this…”
Zhou Qian replied, “You’re not mistaken. Dong Shui never married Miss Zhang. Neither the Falcon Squadron nor Jiang Yuqing came to Baicheng for the wedding. Judging from the beginning of the letter, Dong Shui wrote it after leaving Baicheng. When he wrote the letter, Jiang Yuqing might have been nearby. That’s why, deep in his consciousness, there’s the memory of this letter.”
He Xiaowei exclaimed, “So you’re saying…all of this might be Jiang Yuqing’s wish?”
“He must have visited Baicheng when he was young; otherwise, there wouldn’t be such a vivid city environment deep in his consciousness. So, what we’re seeing is probably a mix of reality and fiction. We need to keep investigating to understand the whole truth.”
After saying this, Zhou Qian looked at the last two clues found by the little dragon.
The first was a piece of red cloth, possibly torn from a red wedding dress.
The other was a red embroidered shoe, which also seemed to be worn during a wedding.
Upon seeing these items, He Xiaowei’s hands trembled. “Could this be…”
Without saying much, Zhou Qian handed him the items and headed down the street. “Let’s go to the next location marked with an exclamation point. By the way, where’s the military uniform you took off? Did you leave it at that house?”
“No! It’s in my bag,” He Xiaowei replied.
“Good.”
“Is the uniform…useful?”
“It is. Just wait. After so much foreshadowing… the climax is probably coming.”
……
A short while later, Zhou Qian and He Xiaowei arrived at the marked location first, with Situ Qing and Yun Xiangrong trailing behind.
When they first arrived at this street, it was close to dusk.
But now, the entire street was shrouded in darkness.
A crescent moon hung high, illuminating the road. Streetlamps stood silently on both sides of the street. From a distance, they looked like shining stars, echoing the moon in the sky.
In the curve of the moonlight, Zhou Qian once again saw the beggar he had glimpsed through the little dragon’s eyes. The little girl was still squatting at the street corner, holding a broken bowl.
But unlike before, when she was alone, this time there were many children behind her. These children, boys and girls of varying heights and weights, looked different in age. Some appeared to be in their late teens, around sixteen or seventeen, while others looked as young as six or seven.
They all had one thing in common: dirty faces, ragged clothes, and none of them had feet.
The group of children initially went about their own business, but as Zhou Qian and his party approached, their eyes immediately turned towards them.
Under the moonlight, the children’s eyes shone eerily, like a pack of hungry wolves spotting their prey.
He Xiaowei was the first to retreat. For him, ghosts were already terrifying, but ghost brides and ghost dolls, which were often featured in countless horror stories, were even more so. He never imagined he’d encounter both in such a short span of time.
He Xiaowei was the first to move back and was also the first to be noticed by the little ghosts. A child of about eight lunged at him. He let out a piercing scream and was immediately surrounded by seven or eight of them.
In no time, not just him but everyone was completely surrounded by these ghosts. He Xiaowei couldn’t scream anymore as one of the little ghosts had covered his mouth, making him feel like he couldn’t breathe.
Even Situ Qing took out her bell, summoning wind and snow to try to fend off the ghosts. But it was no use. These ghosts seemed to fear neither weapons nor the biting cold.
Zhou Qian glanced at the other three players and then at the children surrounding him. A very young child jumped onto his shoulder, his cold breath chilling Zhou Qian’s ear, feeling even colder than Situ Qing’s icy spell.
Another child hung upside-down from his neck, patting his chest. Ghostly hands swiftly moved over Zhou Qian’s waist and thighs. But soon, Zhou Qian realized that they were just searching for the pockets in his clothes.
It seemed their main interest was money, not causing harm.
With this realization, Zhou Qian calmly stood still, glancing in both directions of the street. He quickly spotted Xiao Pang and Da Shou, holding a variety of items, likely things like dog’s blood and talismans, presumably to exorcise ghosts.
They peeked out from behind a streetlamp, curiously observing Zhou Qian and his group, pondering their next move.
Pretending not to notice them, Zhou Qian shifted his gaze back to the other players. They were all being entangled by the ghosts, and the more they resisted, the tighter the grip became.
Among them, Yun Xiangrong was the calmest. Perhaps after experiencing the death of Gao Shan, she felt nothing could be worse. Still, facing this situation, her face turned pale. Unlike the previous wedding scene, where none of the ghosts touched her, these ghosts clung to her, their icy touch sending chills down her spine.
Beside her, the “Ice Queen” Situ Qing was also rattled.
It felt as though the gates of the underworld had opened, and every ghostly touch felt like an invitation to hell…
Zhou Qian momentarily pondered how he’d feel under normal circumstances, concluding he’d probably be afraid. But unfortunately, he was currently emotionally impaired and felt no fear.
Seeing that the three players were tied up by the little ghosts, Zhou Qian relaxed.
With the ghosts tugging at him, he slowly moved backward, then addressed the ghost child around his neck. “Trying to steal something?”
A ghost child skillfully replied, “If you want to pass through the West Pier, you have to pay the toll!”
“Oh? Quite young, but seems you’re quite seasoned in mischief,” Zhou Qian remarked, and from that, he had a rough idea of the children’s background.
It was a time of war and chaos, and there were too many people who were neither well-fed nor well-clothed.
Coastal cities, however, were relatively prosperous during that period. In places like the docks, there were many visits from high-ranking officials and aristocrats. As a result, homeless children gradually formed a small organization, often banding together to steal or rob at this place.
During the day, probably wary of the patrol guards, they would act discreetly, begging innocently or looking for opportunities to steal. But when it became dark and the streets were deserted, they would brazenly rob.
Zhou Qian couldn’t help but think, ‘This is Jiang Yuqing’s conscious world. Everything here isn’t fabricated out of thin air.’
The wedding of Miss Zhang and Dong Shui may not have actually happened, but it might be Jiang Yuqing’s hope and imagination. He wished for his comrade Dong Shui to find happiness in life; hence, the wedding existed in his consciousness.
As for the robbery by the young beggars… Zhou Qian doubted Jiang Yuqing would imagine himself being robbed. Thus, this scene likely stemmed from the real-life experiences of the scholarly Jiang Yuqing.
For someone like him, if he was harassed by a bunch of rascals, he probably wouldn’t know what to do. Imagining him trying to manage urgent matters while being bothered, but unable to harshly reprimand the hungry and cold kids due to his sympathy, Zhou Qian thought that the scene must be quite amusing.
However, Zhou Qian’s analysis wasn’t meant to mock Jiang Yuqing. He actually realized a crucial point— the presence of these kids in this conscious world indicated that they had a profound impact on Jiang Yuqing.
Zhou Qian thought that based on this judgment, he knew what he should do next.
Moments later, on a street facing away from his three teammates, Zhou Qian took out a military uniform from his bag. He deliberately displayed the part marked with the number “7” and made a “shush” gesture to the children.
Their eyes lit up immediately, and they quickly started to laugh. They seemed very happy, wanting to shout out loud but holding back after reminders from their peers.
“It’s the Seventh Army!”
“I can’t believe it’s someone from the Seventh Army!”
“You’re here to fight the S Army, right? I knew you’d come! Please drive them away!”
“This is great! I need to tell others! I need to inform everyone!”
“Me too! I want to tell the entire city!”
In an instant, the seven or eight kids surrounding Zhou Qian disappeared. He Xiaowei couldn’t handle it anymore. After being surrounded and freed repeatedly, he yelled out desperately, “Qian’er! Qian’er, help me! My Qian’er, where have you gone?”
Suddenly, He Xiaowei saw Zhou Qian standing alone under a streetlamp, not bothered by any ghost. He shouted, “Qian’er! How did you do that?! Teach me! Help me! I’m about to be eaten! Ahhh, little brats, where are you touching! Wuwuwu Qian’er—”
After his loud cry, Situ Qing and Yun Xiangrong also looked towards Zhou Qian, wondering how he always finds solutions so quickly. But before they could relax, they saw a more terrifying scene. Those kids had come back, and they brought a horde of ghosts.
Men, women, tall, short, elderly, children, and even crawling babies… a large group of ghosts surged towards the players like a tidal wave. Every ghost had a ghastly pale face, and when gathered together, they shone even brighter than the moonlight.
None of them had feet, but they floated swiftly towards the group of players.
He Xiaowei’s legs gave out, and he knelt down. “Now I’ve really seen what a ‘sea of ghosts’ looks like…”
Just then, he heard a child’s voice from behind. “Brother, sister, come with us. We can handle these ghosts.”
Turning around, He Xiaowei saw two children, one thin and one chubby. They looked normal and had feet.
Finally seeing humans, he let out a sigh of relief. The chubby child then sprinkled some black blood from a bottle around them, followed by the thin child placing some talismans. The surrounding ghosts vanished instantly.
Seeing the effectiveness of the two children, He Xiaowei laughed. “Damn, that’s impressive! Wait a minute. Zhou Qian mentioned there were exorcists outside the wedding earlier. Were you guys the ones?”
The two children nodded and then urged them to leave quickly.
Xiao Pang said, “There are too many ghosts here. We’re not sure if we can handle them. Anyway, you guys go with my elder brother first. I’ll stay behind and try to seal them as much as possible so they can’t catch up!”
Da Shou then took the hand of the nearest Situ Qing. “Yes, let’s go quickly, sister.”
The word “sister” seemed to make Situ Qing momentarily dazed.
Then she nodded, lifted a foot, and prepared to flee with the two children.
Not far away, a large group of ghosts was pouring out of the alleyway, heading their way.
If they intended to harm anyone, Zhou Qian would undoubtedly be the first victim.
However, with a bright moon overhead and street lights shining like stars, the mountain of ghosts surged forward… Zhou Qian stood motionless against such a backdrop, expressionless, as if he were a detached bystander.
He turned his back to the group of ghosts, looking distantly at the two living children.
Da Shou was leading Situ Qing and the others away, while Xiao Pang was sprinkling dog’s blood and throwing talismans along the way; both of their expressions were tense.
Squinting slightly, Zhou Qian raised his left hand, accessed the system panel, and quickly sent two messages.
Then a smile crept onto his lips.
Previously, he thought it would feel satisfying to kill Situ Qing in the side quest. He had to thank Yun Xiangrong for sparing her life. Indeed, what’s the use of killing a puppet?
Destroying all of the puppet’s beliefs, completely controlling it…
Then the master behind her would truly… feel enraged.
At that moment, outside of the instance, in Game Hall A711.
In a certain private room.
On a wheelchair, a pale and sickly young man named Mu Sheng was quietly watching on a tablet, but he hadn’t sent any messages for a long time.
Sitting next to him was an inscrutable figure, Priest.
Priest asked him, “Mu Sheng, you haven’t sent a message for a long time. Don’t you care about her?”
Mu Sheng pressed his lips together, not responding.
Priest continued, “Ah, I see. Do you want her to be in danger? Wait for her to fall into peril, then send instructions, rescuing her at the crucial moment… so she’ll be grateful and can’t leave you?”
Mu Sheng lifted his cup and took a sip, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. “She hasn’t improved at all. She can’t even see such an obvious trap.”
Priest laughed. “In my opinion, it’s not that she hasn’t improved. It’s probably that child’s calling her ‘sister’ that softened her heart.”
With that, he glimpsed a hint of amusement in Mu Sheng’s eyes as Priest added, “So you see, she cares about you. And you still care about her. I suggest you send her a message soon. Otherwise… I’m afraid Zhou Qian will beat you to it.”
“Zhou Qian…” Mu Sheng’s eyes turned icy. “Even if I have to use that thing, I… will make sure he dies in this instance!”
As soon as Ying Feng emerged from the medical chamber, he found an extra person sitting next to him. The man wore a military uniform, and the epaulets on it indicated his high rank. His sharp eyes, which seemed both smiling yet not, stared at Ying Feng, making him uncomfortable.
Most importantly, though the man was short in stature, he emanated an oppressive aura. Even without the advantage of height, he held an air of disdain, as if he was born superior.
As expected, when he spoke, his tone was one of self-importance. “Let me introduce myself; I’m from the military. You can call me ‘Sir’.”
‘What kind of introduction is that?’ Ying Feng thought.
Fu Yao, not caring about Ying Feng’s thoughts, continued, “Firstly, I want to congratulate you on becoming an adult.”
Unsurprisingly, Ying Feng’s expression darkened, confirming Fu Yao’s suspicion that he didn’t voluntarily undergo the coming-of-age ceremony and was reluctant to accept the reality of its outcome.
Fu Yao, still prodding, added, “Secondly, I must congratulate you on defeating a Kui. Do you know how many people go their whole lives without seeing this epic creature? Not only did you encounter one, but you also defeated it. Quite surprising.”
“The Kui wasn’t killed by me,” Ying Feng retorted coldly. “It has nothing to do with me.”
“It had nothing to do with you before, but now it does.” Fu Yao leaned forward. “Because the one who defeated the Kui is your Qizi. You’re not only involved, but you’re also deeply connected.”
Ying Feng remained silent with a dark face, and Fu Yao sat back.
“Do you have anything to say about why your Qizi could kill the Kui alone? Or can you explain why he possessed Ember II, which even the military doesn’t allow?”
Seeing Ying Feng still silent, Fu Yao stood up. “I know you’ve just experienced some unplanned events and might be a bit overwhelmed. That’s fine; take your time to think.”
He left Ying Feng’s ward, and a medical staff member entered, pretending to check on Ying Feng’s condition casually. “The officer you just spoke to is Fu Yao, a Major General from the military,” he said nonchalantly while examining.
Ying Feng wasn’t interested in who that man was but remembered the name. The staff member clearly wanted to communicate further, but Ying Feng pretended not to notice.
Unable to contain his curiosity, the staff finally asked bluntly, “Did you and your Qizi really defeat a Kui?”
Ying Feng had thought that this news was already widespread. It turned out some still didn’t know.
He kindly advised, “No matter how you got the Ember, I suggest you cooperate with Major General Fu Yao’s investigation. Though he might be a bit sharp-tongued, he is a graduate of Bikong, essentially your senior, and he won’t treat you too harshly.”
“Is there a problem with my medical results?” Ying Feng suddenly asked.
The medical staff was taken aback and quickly shook his head. “You’re very healthy; one couldn’t tell you’ve just undergone the coming-of-age ceremony.”
“If there’s no issue, I’d like to take a shower,” he said. Covered in blood and dirt, Ying Feng, a bit of a clean freak, was reaching his limit of tolerance.
“Oh, alright. Please follow me.” The staff member led him to the bathroom. “Wait a moment; I’ll get you a change of clothes.”
As Ying Feng was led to the bathroom, he was unaware that in a room he’d just passed, Ling Xiao was lying inside, unconscious. While Ying Feng was nearly recovered, Ling Xiao wasn’t so fortunate and remained in a coma. Perhaps, being oblivious to everything was better luck for him at the moment.
Ling Xiao’s primary doctor and his assistant were discussing treatment plans when Fu Yao entered.
“How’s it going here?”
“He’s recovering steadily. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he’s not waking up anytime soon,” the staff informed Fu Yao.
“I’ve confirmed the unknown drug in his system.” Fu Yao handed over the test results of Ember.
“It’s really Ember? The second generation?” Though they had speculated this, the confirmation still surprised them. “No wonder he could kill a Kui all by himself, and no wonder his hormone levels are so chaotic. If he was injected with Ember II, it explains everything. We just don’t know where he got it from.”
“It’s not urgent. I believe that when he wakes up, we’ll get the answers we want. The second generation has strong side effects, and despite researchers’ best efforts, they couldn’t mitigate them, which is why its use has always been prohibited. Have you injected him with a purifying agent?”
“We haven’t,” the assistant answered.
Fu Yao looked surprised. “I remember during the experiment, the military doctor mentioned that those who are injected with the second generation, if not given a purifying agent in time, would die from Ember in their blood.”
“Presumably, those involved in the experiment were all Qizhu, right?” the lead doctor inquired.
“Yes, because the Qizhu generally have a better physical constitution. We feared that the Qizi wouldn’t withstand its side effects, so we selected only the best physically fit Qizhu from the military for the experiment.”
“Actually, it’s the opposite.” The lead doctor displayed Ling Xiao’s health data. “During our check, we found that inside him, there’s a stronger, purer, and more natural purifying energy at work, completely suppressing the negative effects brought by the second generation. With our current medical understanding, no man-made purifier can match it. We didn’t give any additional treatment because of this discovery.”
Fu Yao, sensing new information, quickly inquired, “What is it?”
“It’s a well-known fact that a Qizhu’s saliva has calming, detoxifying, and even paralyzing effects on the Qizi. But no one imagined that it could purify the side effects of the second generation. If not for that, he might have died in the mine long ago. Initially testing the second generation on Qizhu was a mistake. Perhaps it only shows its full potential in the Qizi.”
Fu Yao’s eyes lit up. “That’s an unexpected gain.”
“If this result is confirmed, Ember II can be officially put into use. This would significantly enhance the military’s strength.”
Fu Yao patted the doctor’s shoulder in approval. “Well done.”
Fu Yao dialed the military research institute as he quickly left the room. The two remaining people inside exchanged looks, realizing that the eager Major General had already notified relevant departments for testing. Soon, the long-shelved Ember II might become the military’s secret weapon, elevating the combat level of the Tianxiu people by leaps.
“So, the Qizi obtained Ember II through unknown means, defeated a Kui with it, and saving the Qizhu’s life. The Qizhu, drawn into the coming-of-age ceremony, suppressed the side effects of Ember II, inadvertently saving the Qizi in return. It seems the two are quite fated.”
“Hopefully, they’ll cherish this bond. I just saw the new Qizhu pass by here, and he didn’t look too good.”
Ying Feng washed away the grime, and as he stepped out of the shower, he paused as he passed a mirror.
Hesitating for a while, he wiped away the condensed mist on the mirror. A clear reflection appeared; wet black hair dripping water, its dark hue dominating the bright mirror. Yet more striking were the eyes beneath the bangs—eyes that were as dark as the hair, absorbing every shade of light; they were cold yet immensely heavy.
All the things he refused to acknowledge, accept, or remember were reflected in these dark orbs, constantly reminding him of what had happened.
He still remembered his last thought before going berserk and the reckless brawl that ensued, with rocks falling on them, oblivious to the collapsing mine.
He remembered the feeling of fangs piercing skin and the taste of blood, how he lost himself to instinct and did things he never had before. But the clearest memory was waking up and realizing Ling Xiao was beneath him.
Even if he tried to forget everything else, seeing these eyes in the mirror brought it all rushing back.
A once-in-a-lifetime chance, a bond even the brightest researchers couldn’t sever. Whether willing or not, it couldn’t be changed!
Dressed, Ying Feng left the bathroom and walked down the medical center’s corridor. He passed various military personnel; some eyed him curiously, others nodded politely. Yet none restricted his movements, seemingly convinced he wouldn’t leave.
Ying Feng, dressed neatly, emerged from the bathroom and walked along the corridor of the medical station. He encountered various uniformed soldiers along the way. Some looked at him with curiosity, while others nodded courteously. No one restrained him; everyone seemed to believe he wouldn’t leave the premises.
Ying Feng walked up to the main entrance, and not far from there, a conspicuous road sign stood. Upon reading its directions and distance, he realized that they were very close to the starport, almost as if one step would take him there.
He stood there, staring at the sign, lost in thought, until a crisp, youthful voice came from behind.
“Are you leaving?”
Ying Feng turned in confusion to see the principal of his academy. The principal had just completed treatment on his hand. Being a Qizi and not yet fully matured, his recovery was much slower than that of Fu Yao.
“Where would I go?”
“I don’t know. I just felt like you were about to leave.” The principal walked over and stood next to Ying Feng, both gazing at the sign.
“There once was a man, arrogant and conceited. He wanted someone he desired, regardless of the person’s feelings. He hoped that one day, after becoming a Qizhu, he could freely control the Qizi’s actions.”
“So, he waited for that person to awaken and arranged a perfect enclosed space. No one could escape from inside, nor could anyone enter from the outside. Only upon completing the coming-of-age ceremony would that space open.”
“He was overconfident and presumptuous, thinking he’d surely win the fight. However, to his surprise, the other party, to avoid his obsession, had been hiding their true strength for years to not pique his interest.”
The principal suddenly asked, “Can you guess the result of that battle?”
Ying Feng paused for a moment before replying, “Are you referring to yourself?”
“Yes,” the principal admitted candidly. “I set myself up in a losing situation. He wanted to leave, and the only way out was the coming-of-age ceremony. I thought I’d surely win, but I lost in the end.”
There were many rumors about the principal’s Qizhu, and Ying Feng had finally heard the most genuine version.
“The person who wanted to forcefully take the heart’s blood lost it. The space meant to trap someone else ended up trapping him for hundreds of years. That’s poetic justice.”
“Where is he… Your partner now?”
“He left. By the time I woke up, he was already gone. The last trace of him was at the starport, and he’s never returned since.”
Just when Ying Feng didn’t know what to say, the principal surprised him with another revelation.
“You look a lot like him, almost identical. The first time I saw you, I thought he had reincarnated. But I soon dismissed the idea. The chances of a reincarnated soul having the exact appearance as before would be incredibly slim, right?”
“More importantly, I believe he’s still alive, somewhere in this universe. If I, as a Qizi, have endured until now, how could he, as a Qizhu, be dead?”
The principal hadn’t shared his inner thoughts with anyone for many years, but once he started, he couldn’t stop.
“Although I was the one who made the initial mistake, I resented him for leaving so abruptly at first.”
“You’re a Qizhu, so you can’t understand the feelings of an abandoned Qizi. It’s like the soul is constantly wandering, never finding peace or warmth. Each night is torture.”
“Every day at the Disease Control Center felt endless. Gradually, I realized the unforgivable mistake of my past.”
“Now I’m grateful that I lost in the coming-of-age ceremony. If I had won, I wouldn’t have realized my mistake. I would have continued in my arrogance and conceit, wielding power carelessly and hurting the one I loved.”
“Thankfully, I lost, teaching me the difference between love and theft. I deeply regret my actions, but he decisively left, leaving me no chance to apologize.”
“I know that today’s incident isn’t what you wanted, and you might not want to face the person responsible for all of this. But if you decide to leave, no one can stop you.”
“But if you do, Ling Xiao will walk the path I walked, enduring what I’ve endured. He’ll be sent to the Disease Control Center, with no certainty of ever coming out. And if he does, he’ll be like me, relying on medication to survive, experiencing the pain of abandonment.”
“Back then, my pride prevented me from saying certain things. But now, if I could return to that day, I would say one thing to him as he was about to leave.”
“Ying Feng, you look so much like him. Sometimes I even get confused. Seeing you standing here, gazing at the sign to the starport, it’s as if I’m seeing him from years ago, knowing that once he took that step, he’d never look back.”
“I know this next request might be presumptuous, but can you grant me a wish? Pretend to be him, and let me finish what I want to say?”
Ying Feng’s eyes flickered. “What do you want to say?”
The principal turned and looked deeply into Ying Feng’s eyes. “Please stay.”
The author has something to say:
Tip: The saliva of the Qizhu has effects on the Qizi such as heat-clearing and detoxifying, pain-relieving and paralyzing, and hypnotic purification. The above effects do not take place simultaneously but adjust intelligently based on the subjective consciousness of the Qizhu and the physical needs of the Qizi.
Across from him was someone from the martial world. Subconsciously, Shi Jingzhi rolled up his flag, fearing to be recognized. He murmured in agreement, preparing to leave in a hurry. However, just as he was about to take a step, he heard Yin Ci speak, “Chigou Protector Hua Jingchun?”
Hua Jingchun’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Indeed. It seems you know quite a bit.”
Shi Jingzhi stopped abruptly, a bit stunned. Without Yin Ci explaining, he had already recognized Chigou… The Chigou Protector had fallen to such a state?
There were six Protectors in the Chigou sect, each with eighteen elders under them, responsible for different tasks. Though the title of Protector wasn’t the highest in the sect, anyone who could become a Protector in the huge Chigou sect was notable. Shi Jingzhi had no impression of the woman before him, who had lost a leg. Considering she rarely showed herself, she likely served as an “Internal Protector”, responsible for tools and artifacts.
Sadly for her, both of them wore masks and had simple clothing, making them seem unimportant. Hua Jingchun wasn’t particularly interested in them and focused on her injured leg. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory medicine Shi Jingzhi applied, it seemed her remaining half leg might be saved.
However, Yin Ci continued to inquire with a series of lies. “Senior, I have relatives in Chigou and haven’t heard from them for a while. I’ve heard some rumors about the sect, but wasn’t the Young Patriarch brought back?”
Feeling obligated due to their help, Hua Jingchun replied, “Your relative? What do they do?”
Yin Ci bowed slightly. “They serve tea in the Immortal Seeker’s Residence.”
Recognizing the name of the guest courtyard in the Chigou sect, Hua Jingchun seemed to relax. After observing Yin Ci for a moment, she sighed. “Whether he has returned or not, having this Young Patriarch is worse than not having one at all.”
Yin Ci tried to further steer the conversation. “From what I’ve heard, if the position of the Patriarch is vacant, it is up to the three Great Protectors and the six Protectors to nominate a new leader. The returned Young Patriarch should have a token and be endorsed by at least a Protector.”
“That’s right.” As Hua Jingchun used a knife dipped in strong alcohol to cut away the decayed flesh from her wound, she hissed in pain.
“If that’s the case, then it’s settled. The Young Patriarch has the Bone Sweeping Sword, surely chosen by Matron Wuxue herself. Matron Wuxue has an excellent judgment of character, so how could she choose someone who’s ‘worse than having none’?”
Hua Jingchun paused, her expression darkening. “Your relative won’t die. It’s better if you don’t ask too many questions.”
She then signaled to the people around her. The leader among them smiled and said, “For saving Sister Hua, you won’t be short changed. Please follow us. It’s getting crowded here, and the air isn’t great.”
Though the setting was just a mud wall and straw ground, the message was clear: they were being dismissed.
But patience was key. The master and disciple didn’t protest and turned to leave. As they moved away, Hua Jingchun started whispering with her group. Due to their abilities, one having formidable inner force and the other with three hundred years of hearing and eyesight, they managed to catch some of the conversation.
“…That Young Patriarch absolutely cannot ascend…”
“Our brethren are from humble beginnings… He’s not just persecuting the commoners; those injured are our own kin…”
“…He barely got started and sent Sister Hua away… She’s in charge of the artifacts. The Bone Sweeping Sword might be fake…”
Shi Jingzhi signaled to Yin Ci. The Chigou Sect had been orderly for a long time, and the members weren’t blindly loyal; they wouldn’t be led like sheep to the slaughter.
“From what they’re saying, this new Young Patriarch has major issues. If he’s from the Immortal Assembly, that would be even better,” Shi Jingzhi said excitedly. “In any case, he’s not a good person. We’ll find an opportunity to capture him and let Su Si interrogate him.”
“Mm.” Yin Ci paused, pretending to remove a piece of grass from Shi Jingzhi’s hair.
Back with Hua Jingchun, the conversation continued, “… But isn’t he the grandchild of Su Zhu? If we take action, it won’t be justified… What if the Protectors…”
Shi Jingzhi’s smile froze, and Yin Ci’s hand stilled in the air. Shi Jingzhi slowly turned his head, with terror evident in his eyes shooting out of the Nuo mask.
“Ah Ci, you… I, this…” Shi Jingzhi, leaning on the flagpole, seemed to be in a daze. “That Young Patriarch…”
He was the great-grandson of Sun Huaijin, who lived during the same era as “Su Zhi”. Given that Yin Ci was ageless, it wouldn’t be strange if he had a family. Shi Jingzhi’s mind was a mess, and a sour feeling emerged within the confusion.
It felt like his nose was blocked. He couldn’t smell the stench of blood in the courtyard, only the scent coming from Yin Ci.
Yin Ci finally removed the blade of grass from his mouth and gazed deeply at the swaying Shi Jingzhi. Waiting until he stopped wobbling, Yin Ci, with a hint of amusement, shook his head and gently tapped Shi Jingzhi’s face. “I have never married, nor do I have children. Don’t worry, you can’t possibly be someone’s great-grandfather.”
Sect Master Shi finally recovered from the dizziness of the confusing generational discussion. “Is the Young Patriarch an imposter?”
“‘Su Zhi’s’ reputation is well known. Over the years, I’ve encountered many claiming to be my descendants.” Yin Ci scoffed. “However, to get the acknowledgment of the Chigou Sect, this person’s martial arts skills must be extraordinary—isn’t it wonderful? My lovely grandson will ascend to power soon, and the ‘great-grandparents’ will attend the ceremony.”
Shi Jingzhi: “……”
Suddenly, he empathized with Sun Huaijin’s past confusion. For the first time, he felt much older. Standing in sorrow for a while, he touched his non-existent beard. “Husband is right. Let’s proceed this way.”
A hint of Yin Ci’s fierce expression drained away. Unexpectedly stunned, he turned his head. Shi Jingzhi looked left and right, noticing a hint of blush on Yin Ci’s ear.
The Chigou Sect’s Main Branch.
The new Young Patriarch leaned by the window, looking at the barren desert view outside. The winter snow had completely melted, leaving only desolation outside. He picked up a candy from a small table and popped it into his mouth. His hands, thick with calluses, revealed him as a martial artist.
“I’m sick of this.” He frowned at the servant.
The servant, fearing any mistakes, quickly removed the candy and replaced it with clear tea.
This Young Patriarch looked young and refined. Although his features weren’t strikingly handsome, they were comparable to Su Si. Unlike Su Si, who was always amidst worldly affairs, this man seemed somewhat detached, reminiscent of Su Zhi from the past.
He wore a long sword with a bone handle which bore the emblem of the Chigou Sect. He always kept a hand on his sword, as if fearing it would run away.
“Young Patriarch,” the servant, who had always been by his side, said with a hint of bitterness.
“Mm, what happened to Hua Jingchun?”
“She was thrown off Three Province Cliff according to the rules. No sign of her now; she’s probably dead,” the servant said cautiously. “Young Patriarch, since you haven’t officially taken over yet, the external plundering…”
The young Patriarch swiftly drew his sword, its sharp tip pointing at the servant’s throat.
The servant persisted. “The external plundering is too excessive, not our Chigou’s doing. If Matron Wuxue were still here, she would be furious.”
The Young Patriarch said with a smirk, “I’ve said it countless times. Matron Wuxue has grown old and conservative; only her insights were valuable. As they say, ‘a whole nest of bears*’. We are the top demonic sect, yet we’re afraid of a few villages?”
*(将熊熊一窝) It’s a term used to describe someone’s incompetence and can’t be a leader. Bear means cowardice or lack of ability.
“Our Divine Chigou doesn’t consume living people; we only rob the dead. This is a strict rule set by Patriarch Su. Wu Huai, you…”
Wu Huai slowly advanced his sword. “Who allowed you to call me by name? Su Zhi is merely bones now, and you still cling to his old rules—I too have the blood of the Su Clan. Isn’t live blood more interesting than the dead? Say one more word, and you’ll lose your tongue.”
The subordinate was stabbed in the shoulder, and his voice was tinged with the metallic taste of blood. “Our Divine Chigou Sect…”
He didn’t finish, as the tip of the sword pried open his teeth. Half of his tongue fell to the ground. The subordinate, in a mixture of shock and anger, spat out a pool of saliva-mixed blood. Wu Huai’s swordsmanship wasn’t as eerie as that of the “Bone Sweeping Sword technique”, but it was equally sinister and unpredictable.
“Clean the floor,” Wu Huai ordered, sheathing his sword and gesturing to the attendants.
The injured man fell to the ground, choking and coughing on his own blood. Wu Huai stepped forward, placing a foot on his head. “Disrespecting the Bone Sweeping Sword is one thing, but I am the great-grandson of Su Zhi, and you should at least respect this lineage.”
Another attendant, trembling, moved closer to clean the blood. The injured subordinate sorrowfully looked towards the window. The window was embedded with high-quality glass, so clear that it seemed as if there was nothing there. A few months ago, a thin elderly woman often sat there, sipping tea and enjoying the view. Now, not even her shadow remained.
Even if Matron Wuxue was still alive, she wouldn’t treasure a descendant of the Su Clan like a precious gem. Such practices were typical for the Ling Sect but not for Chigou. However, the injured man, now only able to utter indistinct noises and unable to move or shout, could only slump defeatedly on the floor.
He wondered about the fate of Hua Jingchun.
Days earlier, Hua Jingchun had offended Wu Huai for reasons unknown and was ordered to be thrown off the “Three Provinces Cliff”. As a Protector in the sect, Protector Hua was well-liked and trusted by Matron Wuxue. The injured subordinate had, out of caution, given Protector Hua a small rope hook before her fall. With Hua Jingchun’s skills, she surely wouldn’t have died at the bottom of the cliff.
Since Wu Huai’s return to the sect, although not overtly arrogant, his actions were cruel and ruthless, incongruent with his refined appearance. Unfortunately, with the symbols of his authority and his guarantees intact, the established rules that had governed Chigou now seemed like obstacles. The subordinate, from his years of experience serving Matron Wuxue, believed that Wu Huai wasn’t fit to lead Chigou. After the upcoming ascension ceremony, it would be too late to act.
Before then, Wu Huai must be eliminated.
The subordinate’s vision started to blur, and his thoughts became fuzzy. Just as he tried to get up, an icy sensation pierced his temple—Wu Huai, with his foot still on his head, drove a sword through his skull.
“To be so distracted even in such a situation. It seems Chigou really hires just about anyone,” Wu Huai remarked casually as he pulled out the sword. “He was just a personal servant; I’ll personally select a replacement tomorrow.”
He wiped the blood off his sword.
“Sect Master Qu will be arriving soon. Having an old and dull servant by my side is a mood killer just thinking about it.”
The author has something to say:
Demonic Lord Yin: I’m used to it. People always seem eager to claim they’re my grandchildren.
Shi Zhongyu came from a prominent family and always dressed in elegant and refined attire, exuding an air of righteousness. Seeing Shi Zhongyu in her current state, as if she’d just been fished out of the mud, even Su Si was taken aback for a moment.
Luckily, Su Si was used to playing roles. He quickly softened his aggressive stance, and the killing intent faded from his eyes, transforming from menacing to feigned strength. Within moments, under Shi Zhongyu’s pressure, he melodramatically surrendered. Shi Jingzhi discreetly donned a Nuo mask, grabbed the medicine box and flag, and strutted out of the medicine pile.
Yin Ci, seeing the dramatic turn, had no choice but to follow suit and wear a Nuo mask as well.
The Sun Clan was a major medicine dealer, so any associated doctors would surely be skilled. As expected, the bandits didn’t harm the two of them. They just seized their horses and took the people, returning fully laden. These bandits didn’t return to any stronghold but went straight to a village near Shafu. Everywhere within the village, torches were lit, with big pots placed on stone stoves. Liquor jars were scattered haphazardly, with leftover lamb bones strewn all around—it looked just like a bandit hideout.
The leader ordered their horses to be taken away, and the five members of the Kushan sect were pushed to kneel in front of the stove.
“Come on, one by one, state your names. The doctor can stay; if the rest of you aren’t worth anything, I’ll kill you all for entertainment today.”
Shi Zhongyu stepped forward, shielding the five. “Kill for fun? Ma Shili, you and I agreed before—rob the wealthy, but harm no one. Why did you lay a hand on those coachmen?”
Ma Shili grinned, revealing his yellow teeth, and said slyly, “Young lady, I haven’t killed anyone today. The Sun Clan isn’t like any other. If we don’t kill them, and Elder Sun traces this back to us, we won’t be able to handle the consequences.”
Shi Zhongyu’s expression darkened. With one hand behind her back, she subtly signaled Shi Jingzhi to stay calm.
Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci exchanged glances—it seemed that this woman from Taiheng had other plans here and was trying to buy them some time.
Shi Zhongyu continued, “I’ve only been here for two days, and you’ve already broken our agreement. With Taiheng coming, you all…”
Ma Shili’s smile faded quickly. “Enough of your prattle. Young lady, I listened to you the other day because of your pretty face. You know very well the situation in this village. Acting all high and mighty here? When there are bad guys everywhere, why is Taiheng specifically targeting me?”
Shi Zhongyu took a deep breath, her face even more clouded.
However, she bought enough time for Sect Master Shi to concoct a story. The cunning Shi Jingzhi began a dramatic act, lamenting to Shen Zhu. “Miss, oh Miss! Why is your fate so bitter? If you had just reached Shafu and gotten married, the old master wouldn’t have pursued this matter…”
Shen Zhu, seeing the emotional performance, casually wiped away “tears” with a handkerchief, hiding her rolling eyes.
Shi Jingzhi, with feigned sadness, turned to the bandit leader Ma Shili. “Sir, our young mistress is the great-granddaughter of Elder Sun. She’s had a hard life, having taken medicines from a young age. Now, she’s eloped, even needing me, her physician, to accompany her.”
Ma Shili, feeling smug and astute, remarked, “Tsk, I knew it was about an elopement. The girl is pretty, but untouchable. Good, someone take care of them. We’ll find a way to blackmail that old man later!”
With so many descendants of Sun Huaijin, even Yin Ci would have to check in detail. This bandit certainly couldn’t determine the truth.
“Which of them is this bitch’s lover? Kill him first!”
“Stop!” Shi Jingzhi stepped in front of Su Si. “The young mistress is deeply in love with this young master. If you kill him, she won’t be able to bear the grief.”
Su Si was so taken aback by this sudden twist that he stood dumbfounded for a moment before remembering to play along. “Yes, that’s right. My family is respectable and local to Shafu. If you kill me, the authorities will surely investigate to the end.”
He had lived in the Chigou Sect for a long time, so naturally, he picked up the Shafu accent.
Ma Shili hummed twice and looked at Yan Qing with narrowed eyes—Yan Qing had a blindfold and carried a sword on his back, dressed simply like a martial artist. If he wasn’t the lover, then he was useless. The bandit rubbed his stubble, revealing a hint of murderous intent.
Su Si pulled Yan Qing over. “This is my brother, with whom I grew up with. On this journey, as I fled with… Miss Sun, it was thanks to him that we were safely escorted. If my brother dies because of me, I’d be too ashamed to live!”
As he said this, he forced out a few tears, looking even more pitiful than Shen Zhu.
Yan Qing: “…”
This was Ma Shili’s first encounter with such a thrilling scene. He counted on his fingers: If he killed the doctor, the young mistress would die. If he killed the lover and his brother, after the lover died, the young mistress would still die. They say beauties have short lives*, but the beauty’s luck before him seemed paper thin and was simply a walking dead.
*(红颜薄命) Idiom referring to how beautiful women (in the olden days) often suffers badly despite their beauty and talents (AKA beauty and tragedy often go hand in hand).
Feeling frustrated that he couldn’t kill anyone, Ma Shili turned to Shi Jingzhi. “Remove your mask; it’s ominous.”
“My face has been burnt. It’s hideous. If you see it, you might find it even more unlucky.” Shi Jingzhi replied, pushing Yin Ci slightly behind him. “My disciple suffered the same fate. We were burned together.”
Ma Shili: “…”
Ma Shili: “Fine, fine. We have too many doctors already. All of you, get out. Miss, take these people with all their baggage and leave. It’s annoying.”
Sect Master Shi babbled on, barely placating the bandits. Unfortunately, Shi Zhongyu, being new here, was obviously not trusted by the bandits. She and the members of the Kushan Sect were taken into the largest courtyard in the village.
Despite being the largest courtyard, the walls were made of straw and mud. The yard was crowded with dirty-looking people. The smell of urine and sweat was overpowering, causing some to gag. Inside the house, there was a brick bed filled with straw and old cloth, which served as the communal sleeping area.
Under his Nuo mask, Sect Master Shi’s face turned green.
“Miss Shi,” he said urgently after the bandits left. “Why did you leave us behind?”
Although Shi Zhongyu couldn’t see Shi Jingzhi’s expression, his intention to flee was clear. She wiped the dust off her face and sighed deeply. “You have many treasure maps and the ‘key’. You should be looking for the Shirou. Why come here?”
Shi Jingzhi pondered for a moment, then replied, “We do have the ‘key’ set up by Yan Budu. Once Sect Master Qu finds the Shirou, it’s not too late for us to negotiate.”
Shi Zhongyu looked at him with a complex expression. “It’s said that the Kushan Sect is ungrateful and greedy. But I think Sect Master Shi is straightforward. Have you heard that Chigou is going to have a new Patriarch?”
Su Si remained silent, barely moving.
Shi Jingzhi: “I’ve heard a bit.”
“The young Patriarch who was killed was an imposter. Someone emerged with the Bone Sweeping Sword of ancient origins, and with the endorsement of a great elder under Matron Wuxue, they’ve now been recognized by Chigou. Chigou, known as the top demonic sect, must undergo a universally acknowledged succession process in the martial world—Taiheng and the Yueshui Pavilion are coming. I assume you know.”
Shi Zhongyu touched her cheap sword, looking down.
“The new leader has taken power, and Chigou has completely changed its face. In the past, whenever someone unearthed an ancient relic, Chigou would buy it at a higher price than other shops. Now, they not only refuse to pay, but they also search every household, killing those who refuse and taking their treasures.”
Shafu, close to the ancient northwest battlefield, often had locals trying their luck in the desert. In a village like this, not having an ancient artifact was shameful. Chigou used to only rob major tombs and only targeted the rich, but now, they act just like the original Ling Sect.
Yan Qing couldn’t help but ask, “They just kill people? The government doesn’t care?”
“Shafu is far from the Emperor’s reach. The government, having benefited from Chigou, doesn’t care.”
Shi Jingzhi realized, “So, this village…”
“Yes, it’s a big village known for tomb raiding, producing many skilled people for Chigou. Now that they’re targeted, they can only shelter the bandits, choosing the lesser of two evils.”
No wonder Shi Zhongyu didn’t act against the bandits. For the village, the disorganized bandits were manageable, but not the behemoth Chigou Sect. It wasn’t surprising Chigou initially skipped such problematic villages.
But how long this could last was uncertain.
“I’ll tell you everything I know about the situation here,” Shi Zhongyu said. “With Chigou in front, and Taiheng and the Yueshui Pavilion behind, it’s best to hide here until the situation is clear.”
“That strict?”
“I have informants in Taiheng. The one coming is Qu Duanyun himself, accompanied by Prince Xu Jingming.”
Shi Jingzhi clicked his tongue. “Taiheng’s horses are fast. I thought they were already here.”
Shi Zhongyu shook her head. “They went to the northwest forbidden area first. They won’t reach Shafu for another two or three days.”
“…I understand. Thank you, Miss Shi.”
……
That night, Sect Master Shi couldn’t stand the general sleeping area. He ran out of the room and sat against the wall in the courtyard, burying his head in Yin Ci’s hair trying to use the scent of his lover to dispel the surrounding stench. Fortunately, it was a warm spring night. The two huddled together, not feeling cold at all.
“She said we were frank, but she never mentioned what she’s doing here,” Shi Jingzhi muttered.
“Maybe she’s observing Taiheng’s reactions. With chaos ensuing, the old Taiheng would probably take action. But now, it’s hard to say. Shen Zhu is staying with her. Perhaps she could get some information out of her.”
Yin Ci stroked Shi Jingzhi’s long hair and yawned.
“A doctor, right?” A voice urgently interrupted. “Someone’s in a bad state here. Come quickly!”
The injured person was a woman around forty. She had lost one leg, and the stump below the knee was rotting and swollen, oozing with a foul-smelling pus. The woman was barely breathing and burning with fever, clearly on the brink of death.
Shi Jingzhi, unlike Yan Qing, wasn’t excessively kind-hearted, but he wasn’t cruel enough to stand by and watch either. He immediately rolled up his sleeves to check her pulse.
The woman had a robust physique and solid martial arts skills. Even with one leg missing, she hadn’t reached the point of being completely helpless. The medicine Sect Master Shi had obtained from the Sun Clan was quite effective. Before long, the woman regained consciousness and frowned, “What…”
“Sister Hua, you’re awake,” the person beside her exclaimed. “Ma Shili kidnapped a doctor, and I fetched him to see you.”
“They robbed several medicine carts today, Sister. There’s hope for you.”
This woman, beyond her prime, had black hair streaked with white. Her face showed a few wrinkles. She wasn’t particularly beautiful, with a hint of sharpness in her eyes, but fortunately, she didn’t seem malicious.
Sister Hua scanned the room, her gaze resting on the master and disciple. Struggling, she propped herself up and bowed shakily to Shi Jingzhi. “I am Chigou’s Hua Jingchun. Thank you for saving my life… Ah, I used to be from Chigou. My apologies for any misunderstanding.”
While she verbally expressed gratitude, there was an undeniable arrogance in her tone that left others at a loss for words.
Before Shi Jingzhi could respond, she seemed to realize something and laughed self-deprecatingly. “It doesn’t matter. The Divine Chigou Sect, the Divine Chigou Sect… has died long ago with Matron Wuxue.”
