Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 14: Ghost Eyes

Yan Qing planted his sword tip on the ground, standing upright. His facial features were handsome and refined, but coupled with a pair of blood-colored irises, he looked like an evildoer no matter how they looked at him. Jin Lan stood there in a daze; face filled with disbelief.

The most famous characteristic of Yan Budu back then was his pair of deep red “ghost eyes”. Even among the descendants of the Yan family, not everyone possessed them. It was the ironclad proof of the Yan bloodline.

Yan Qing turned his crimson gaze towards Jin Lan and said, “Ten years ago, you brought me into the Taiheng Sect. Today, I have repaid the debt of gratitude for that act.”

Jin Lan opened his mouth, and his expression was still somewhat blank. “You were only eleven years old that year. How could… You deliberately infiltrated the Taiheng Sect; is it for revenge?”

Worried that Yin Ci might miss out on the big show, Shi Jingzhi explained in a whisper, “Yan Budu was excessively debauched and had many offsprings. During the two years when the righteous martial world besieged the Ling Sect, almost all of the descendants of the Yan family were wiped out. The Taiheng Sect was at the forefront. Ah, we’ve stumbled upon a scene of revenge! Ten years of biding one’s time and enduring setbacks, tsk tsk…”

Yan Qing looked helpless. “Do I look like someone seeking revenge to you?”

Shi Zhongyu didn’t lower her sword. “If you don’t seek revenge, then why did you lurk in my sect for ten years and even secretly learn martial arts?”

“With these ‘ghost eyes’, I can only pretend to be blind. It’s not easy for a blind person to find a job. The Taiheng Sect is a prestigious orthodox sect, with high monthly wages for servants and free food and lodging.”

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci: “…” This young man is too honest, without a trace of Yan Budu’s wickedness.

Shi Zhongyu’s grip on her sword loosened. “Regarding the matter of secretly learning our techniques—”

“It was wrong of me to learn it secretly, but I just didn’t want to be in this kind of situation.” Yan Qing felt embarrassed. “Senior Shi understands righteousness deeply, and I wanted a chance to be able to explain. If I were to encounter any seniors who are hostile to evil, I would need some confidence to escape.”

An eerie silence fell over the scene.

“Why don’t you become a monk at Jianchen Temple? It’s not a bad choice.” Jin Lan muttered. “Specifically picking the Taiheng Sect, it’s hard to believe you have no ulterior motives…”

“I am indeed quite curious. As the saying goes, ‘Misfortune does not befall one’s wife and children¹.’ The Taiheng Sect advocates the doctrine of the golden mean², and in theory, they wouldn’t do something to such an overkill. During these ten years, I tried to investigate the truth but couldn’t find anything…”

¹Idiom implying that even in times of misfortune or danger, one’s family members remain safe and unaffected, and the one at fault takes sole responsibility for their action. || In this context, it means he’s not out to seek revenge against everyone at the Taiheng Sect just because they are simply in the sect and had no involvement with the massacre.
²Middle of the road.

Jin Lan held his breath.

Yan Qing continued, “So I gave up and decided that saving money was more important.”

The members of the Taiheng Sect: “……”

Not far away, the red threads seemed to come alive again, binding the scattered bones together. Just as Yin Ci was about to speak up to warn them, Shi Jingzhi swiftly rushed over.

He covered his shoes with golden fire, firmly stepping on the bones while his eyes remained fixed on the Taiheng Sect.

Yin Ci: “…Shizun, do you really want to watch the show that badly?”

This was the Corpse Explosion Bone Curse, and it was extremely fast. Once it touched flesh and blood, it would explode the entire human body. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a chance to demonstrate, as Shi Jingzhi forcefully crushed it on the ground.

Yin Ci reasonably suspected that surname Shi was afraid that this spectacle would be interrupted by the Bone Curse.

Shi Jingzhi focused intently. “Shh!”

Shi Zhongyu glanced silently in his direction and softly said, “The Taiheng Sect’s hunting order hasn’t been canceled. According to the sect’s rules, anyone from the Yan family is to be killed on sight. Those who steal martial arts shall have their arms severed.”

Yan Qing pursed his lips.

Shi Zhongyu nodded slightly at him and deliberately raised his voice. “We’re now inside the Ghost Tomb and shouldn’t discuss our positions but instead work together. These past few days, you have helped us obtain many treasures, offsetting your previous actions… On behalf of the sect, I hereby expel Yan Qing from Taiheng.”

After saying that, she walked up to Shen Zhu. “Miss Shen, although Yan Qing is a descendent of the Yan family, I can assure you that he has nothing to do with the Ghost Tomb. Please refrain from reporting to the Yueshui Pavilion.”

If this information were to be leaked, aside from those seeking the secrets of the Ghost Tomb, even the remaining enemies of Yan Budu alone would be enough to kill Yan Qing several times over.

Shen Zhu smiled. “It is said that the Green Maiden way is stubborn and rigid, but it seems everyone has been mistaken. Isn’t it too lenient to just ‘expel him from Taiheng’ when it concerns a demonic bloodline?”

Shi Zhongyu responded sincerely, “My sect’s pursuit of the Yan descendants a hundred years ago is nothing to be proud of. Yan Qing entered Taiheng when he was only eleven years old and grew up in the sect without causing any trouble. The servants accompanying us on this trip were randomly selected, and initially, he was unwilling to come…”

At this point, Shi Zhongyu hesitated slightly. Shen Zhu tapped her lips with the tip of her pen. “Continue. I’m still listening.”

Shi Zhongyu: “Um, Yan Qing only learned the basic techniques of a junior disciple, and his skill level is very poor. He has helped me greatly this time, and it’s not righteous to force him into a dead end like this.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Shi Jingzhi: “Oh, I guess that’s where he learned his honesty from.”

Yin Ci rested his chin on his master’s shoulder and lazily nodded, feeling sleepy again.

Shen Zhu rolled her eyes and tore off a page of her notes, crumpling it casually. “Yan Qing’s identity as a younger brother* is not significant, and this news isn’t worth much. If I encounter any difficulties in the future, please keep in mind today’s event, Senior Shi.”

*[Didi] (弟弟).

She casually pointed to the sedan chair in the distance. “But what of them from the Rong Palace…?”

“Don’t worry, they won’t be interested,” Shi Zhongyu said indifferently.

Shi Zhongyu walked toward Shi Jingzhi, who was diligently crushing the bones, gesturing for him to step aside. Just as those bones were struggling to piece themselves back together, Shi Zhongyu swung her sword a few times at their vital points, and they ceased to move.

Seizing the opportunity while everyone was at a distance, Shi Zhongyu whispered, “Yan Qing, you are dexterous, with keen hearing. You will definitely be able to assist Sect Master Shi.”

Shi Jingzhi understood and gladly offered another favor. “Rest assured, Miss Shi.”

With the Buddhist bead obtained, the group resumed their journey. Yan Qing followed at the back of the team, feeling a bit lost. Jin Lan hesitated for a while and finally stamped his foot, handing his own baggage to Yan Qing.

“There’s some drinking water inside, consider it a token of gratitude for earlier. You don’t need to return the sword to me. Keep it for self-defense,” he said stiffly. “Yan Qing, take care of yourself.”

Yan Qing accepted the baggage in silence.

Seizing the opportunity, Shi Jingzhi ran over with Yin Ci on his back and said in a gentle voice, “Brother* Yan, do you want to join the Kushan Sect?”

*[Xiong] (兄) Big brother.

Yan Qing turned his head, somewhat surprised. “Sect Master Shi, don’t you mind my identity?”

“I don’t mind at all, the Kushan Sect is in need of manpower.” Shi Jingzhi smiled warmer. “It’s just me and my discipline. We still haven’t recruited any servants. I’ll provide a monthly allowance of five hundred wen, including room and board. Are you willing?”

A trace of pain appeared on Yan Qing’s face: “……”

‘It seems his monthly allowance has decreased a lot,’ Yin Ci thought. But this kid was quite aware of the situation without honestly mentioning it.

“Okay.” After a while, Yan Qing said sorrowfully, “Fi—Five hundred wen is enough. Thank you, Sect Master Shi, for your hospitality.”

“No need to be downcast. The food at my sect is definitely tastier than that of the Taiheng Sect. Oh, and change into a set of our sect’s attire and put on a mask… The mask is in A’Ci’s bag. You can carry it for him.”

When it was just the two of them, Yin Ci carried the luggage while Shi Jingzhi carried Yin Ci on his back, making the burden quite heavy. When Yan Qing joined, Yin Ci originally thought he would make Yan Qing carry him, but Shi Jingzhi only handed over the luggage.

Following the instructions, Yan Qing put on the sect’s attire and took out another rough Nuo mask, obediently wearing it on his face—there were only two small holes carved for the eyes, perfectly concealing his red irises.

The Kushan Sect now had another masked individual, looking even stranger.

As the only member dressed normally, Yin Ci cleared his throat lightly. “Since we are now family, let’s speak openly. Brother Yan, why were you unwilling to enter the tomb initially?”

Yin Ci now understood the matter with the Faceless Monk—Yan Budu had given special treatment, and his descendants didn’t need to possess high-level martial arts to perceive the clues. But on the flip side, if this bloodline attracted something unpleasant…

Yan Qing: “The divination result wasn’t good.”

Yin Ci was momentarily speechless. This person wasn’t just beyond practical, he was excessively practical.

Yan Qing explained voluntarily. “I have learned a bit of divination, occasionally trying to predict good and bad fortune. Before setting off, I cast a divination*, and the result was truly bizarre.”

*Hexagram.

Shi Jingzhi’s spirit was stirred. “I’ve also read many books on divination. Come, tell us about your results.”

Yan Qing: “I use apricot stones for divination, one side coated with cinnabar and the other with ink. The outcome is determined by the number of red and black sides. The previous time, all the apricot stones stood upright.”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t catch the allusion and could only express his true feelings. “…Indeed, it’s frightening.”

Yan Qing lowered his head. “The Taiheng Sect’s fortune is auspicious, except in my case. That’s why I faked an accident to withdraw but ended up encountering the two of you… Perhaps this is fate.”

Seeing Shi Jingzhi starting to become suspicious again, Yin Ci calmly interjected, “Brother Yan, no need to worry. Our Sect Master is a traveling healer. I can cook, and you can play the role of a blind fortune teller. If things really become unbearable, we can set up a stall at the street corner together.”

Shi Jingzhi immediately reacted as if his tail had been stepped on. “Nonsense! I can support the two of you!”

Yin Ci chuckled softly, tightening his embrace around Shi Jingzhi’s neck. His cheap master was warm, and there was a faint medicinal scent about him. Perhaps it was from years of consuming medicine, seeping into his being.

Although this person was peculiar and kept some things hidden, his emotions were genuine in every aspect.

Yin Ci didn’t dislike this kind of person.

If the Buddhist beads had no relation to the Shirou, then everything was like fetching water with a bamboo basket*. He might be able to find a way to let this person live a few more years and add some variety to his own dull life.

*Idiom used to describe a futile or fruitless effort, similar to attempting to carry water with a bamboo basket, which would only result in all the water leaking out.

After all, watching fallen flowers turn into mud was always better than watching filth breed maggots.

After walking through the serpent bone maze for several more hours, the group stopped to rest.

Yan Qing rearranged the luggage, then sat down properly, savoring the ham and glutinous rice cake. The anguish on his face from the salary cut eased slightly.

The surroundings were as bright as day, the scenery magnificent, and the presence of monsters abnormally scarce. Shi Jingzhi used his inner force to heat up a pot of tea and sat down with Yin Ci still on his back, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Yin Ci had a faint sense that something was off.

The Blood Rope had a time limit, and it could only catch up to someone by killing and extracting their blood. Even so, this level was too straightforward, not even resembling a proper challenge. It was less intimidating than the Paper Figures Street. Yin Ci bit into the jerky given by his master and spoke in a muffled voice, “Shizun?”

“Hmm?”

“Is this level too easy? There aren’t many monsters, and the prayer beads can be abandoned so easily. Is Yan Budu really that accommodating?”

Shi Jingzhi sighed. “Ah, I can’t figure it out either. With his design, every step should be a deadly trap, but the Ascension Hall is quite sloppy. If I were Yan Budu… at the very least, I would wait until the Buddhist beads on this level are collected and focus on attacking those without beads—those people are either lacking in ability or desire, so they’re not easily manipulated.”

As soon as the words fell, the ice surface rumbled and began to slowly tilt.

Yin Ci: “…” Speak of the devil. That person surname Shi has to be a descendant of Yan Budu.

In the next moment, everyone stood up.

Not only was the ice surface tilting, but the entire Ascension Hall began to rotate. In no time, this level would flip upside down.

The survivors would be trapped beneath the ice, destined to plunge into the flesh-devouring lake.

The author has something to say:

Comrade Yan Qing, wanting to avoid overtime, took sick leave but failed to escape, being forced to go on a business trip. In the end, he was laid off when the project was nearing completion, not only losing the bonus but also his salary…

It’s a tragedy, a real tragedy.

Kinky Thoughts:

I debated back and forth between keeping the form of addresses in pinyin or translating them, and ultimately decided to translate them while making a footnote on their pinyin term.

I find that leaving too many terms untranslated would make it confusing and convoluted, especially for readers who are not familiar with the xianxia/wuxia setting (me included, and I have read my fair share of works). Though I have decided to keep the more known form like Shizun, as that’s a pretty common term that most people know.

I may change my mind later down the line if I find the localization too jarring and awkward and will make fixes accordingly.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 13: Bloodline

Shi Jingzhi’s fingers were cold, and his palms slightly damp. This wasn’t acting; he was genuinely afraid. Yin Ci couldn’t be bothered with etiquette anymore and tightened his grip.

It was such a rare opportunity for a top-notch thrill that he couldn’t let it slip away easily.

When Yin Ci didn’t let go of his hand, Shi Jingzhi breathed a sigh of relief and muttered a barely audible “thank you”.

A strange thought suddenly occurred to Yin Ci—when Shi Jingzhi first learned that Yin Ci was willing to explore the tomb, he was so happy. Could it be that he was actually scared of ghosts and didn’t want to explore alone?

Fear could easily affect performance, so he needed some reassurance.

“Shizun.”

“Yes?”

“There are no ghosts in this world.”

Shi Jingzhi thought of it as the ramblings of a young one. He turned to the side and patted Yin Ci’s head with his other hand. “Master understands.”

Yin Ci continued to comfort him. “Someone once said that I have an incredibly strong fate and specialize in dealing with evil spirits. Even if a ghost appears, I can protect you.”

Shi Jingzhi turned his face, giving him a complicated look. “Specializing in dealing with evil spirits, huh? That’s great.”

After saying this, Shi Jingzhi strangely calmed down, and even his pulse became steadier. Yin Ci was quite satisfied.

Inside the hall, there were arrays set up. It didn’t feel like descending; it felt more like moving forward in a dark tunnel. The Chigou Sect led the way, walking and exploring, advancing slowly in the darkness.

“A’Ci.” Shi Jingzhi suddenly exerted more strength in his hand. “Walk slower.”

After speaking, Shi Jingzhi quietly turned around, put something around Yin Ci’s neck, and adjusted his collar. The movements were astonishingly swift that onlookers would only think he was tidying up his disciple’s clothes.

Yin Ci lowered his head and saw a round shadow inside his collar—Shi Jingzhi had threaded the Buddhist bead with a sturdy thread and hidden it on him.

Yin Ci was almost confused by the intermittent vigilance of this person. What was he thinking to entrust him with such a thing?

“Wear it properly.” Shi Jingzhi pulled back his hand, and there was a bit of warmth in it.

“Shizun, aren’t you afraid I’ll run away?”

Shi Jingzhi replied without hesitation, “If you really run away, no matter where you go, I will catch you.”

Yin Ci: “…” Forget it. Let him dream for now.

At the end of the tunnel, there was a faint blue light. When they reached their destination, everyone stopped in their tracks.

The scene before them was like an illusion.

However, as soon as Yin Ci saw the scene clearly, he pushed Shi Jingzhi to the ground, and both of them fell. Before Shi Jingzhi could ask why, blood from the person beside them splattered across his face.

Just as everyone reached the end of the tunnel and was stunned by the sight of the second layer, several steel wires came from behind like a gust of wind.

The major sects had abundant experience in battle and didn’t lose many people. However, the rest weren’t so lucky—many had been cut into segments by the steel wires, leaving blood and entrails covering the ground.

The group, which had nearly three hundred people, now had less than a hundred remaining, excluding the injured who stayed on the first level.

“It’s… It’s truly vicious. Brother Yin, you have quick reflexes.” Jin Lan’s reaction was a bit slow, and he ducked a bit late, losing a good amount of hair from the back of his head.

“Intuition. Being targeted by mountain beasts from behind feels similar to what just happened,” Yin Ci mysteriously explained.

As he had expected, Shi Jingzhi’s external martial arts were mediocre, and his muscle reflexes hadn’t been trained well. He had come close to becoming a soul under the wires. His cheap master sat on the ground, still in a dazed state.

Yin Ci squatted down, poking his numb face. “Shizun, look, I told you I have a strong fate.”

Shi Jingzhi slowly extended both hands and tightly held Yin Ci’s hand. “Good disciple, there is nothing I can do to repay you but to use my body and… Uh, slave like a horse*.”

*(做牛做马) Idiom referring to working hard or toil diligently to the point of servitude or self-sacrifice.

Yin Ci hinted, “You can increase my monthly allowance.”

Shi Jing immediately became serious. “That matter is a separate issue.”

Most of the people had experienced hardships in the martial world and wouldn’t panic because of corpses. Only the Changle Sect had suffered near-total annihilation, and their thin leader was still crying and sobbing. The others quickly regrouped and observed the scene inside the “Ascension Hall”.

Yan Budu had chosen his timing quite well; the scene inside the hall was indeed awe-inspiring, causing people to forget their actions.

Unlike the Paper Figures Street, the Ascension Hall was filled with a cold light, standing on the lake. There was no solid ground; only an ice surface with neat patterns. Underneath the ice, a liquid shimmered with a faint blue fluorescence that was crystal clear.

So clear they could vividly see it—the lake bottom was adorned with various corals and landscapes, all constructed from translucent white bones, including human bones. Bone fish swam leisurely under the influence of the arrays.

The surroundings were brightly lit, as if it were daylight. Beautiful green lights enveloped various bones as if all signs of life were sealed within the ice. Compared to a palace, it felt more like a courtyard of bones.

The view at the center of the lake was particularly magnificent. A giant fishbone was located at the spatial center, unrivaled in size. The fish’s head leaned forward, with half of its body frozen in ice and the tail naturally connected to a serpent’s bone. The serpent’s bone covered the entire second level, with rib ends embedded in the ice surface, creating countless passages.

Carp leaping over the dragon gate symbolized auspiciousness, but the atmosphere was extremely eerie.

Shi Jingzhi: “… Did Yan Budu misunderstand the meaning of ‘ascension’? Has this carp only transformed halfway and gotten stuck at the Dragon Gate*?”

*Clarity: The Dragon Gate holds transformative and auspicious opportunity or challenge that can lead to great success, advancement, or a higher level of existence (ascension). According to legend, carp that can swim upstream and successfully leap over the Dragon Gate transform into dragons. This symbolizes overcoming obstacles, perseverance, and achieving greatness. || In this context, it would mean immortal ascension.

Yin Ci wiped his face. It seemed this kid hadn’t been scared out of his wits and had recovered quite quickly.

The attention of everyone wasn’t focused on the half-transformed carp fish. In front of them was a dazzling maze of bones, with no hints or information to guide them. They couldn’t even form teams. If they wanted a large group to explore together, it would take an eternity.

“Stop searching. There won’t be any hints. Yan Budu made this to prevent intruders; it’s not meant for entertainment,” Matron Wuxue said indifferently. “Given the current situation, we can only go our separate ways.”

She tapped her cane on the ice surface and led the Chigou Sect into the maze.

A lone ranger seemed eager to follow the Chigou Sect, hastily rushing after them. However, as soon as he stepped onto the ice surface, it suddenly collapsed, and he fell into the lake in an instant.

He was enveloped in pearl-like bubbles. After the bubbles dispersed, his clothes, weapons, and flesh were all dissolved, leaving behind only a set of pristine white bones and a complete network of blood vessels that made people uneasy.

The intricate dark red network of blood vessels hung in the air for a moment after detaching from the skeletal frame. Eventually, it sank to the bottom of the lake, gradually losing color and crumbling into fine sand.

The leader of the Changle Sect was on the verge of collapse. He attempted to retrace his steps, only to find a solid wall behind him and the tunnel had disappeared.

“The Chigou Sect used inner force beneath their feet.” Shi Zhongyu recalled for a moment, then raised her voice. “Everyone, gather your true qi at the soles of your feet at all times and don’t slack off.”

She led by example, stepping onto the previously collapsed ice surface, which remained intact.

After contemplating for a moment, Shi Jingzhi crouched down. “A’Ci, come up. Master will carry you.”

Yin Ci politely declined, “Shizun, it’s really…”

“It’s fine. I can’t just leave you here.” Shi Jing didn’t hesitate. “We’re following the Taiheng Sect, so it won’t be that dangerous.”

Shi Jing was slightly taller than Yin Ci, and with ample inner force, carrying him wasn’t much of a burden. Yin Ci hooked his arms around Shi Jing’s neck and nestled quietly. Although his hands and feet were cold from fear, the temperature of Shi Jingzhi’s body was warm, making him quite comfortable.

Yin Ci’s emotions involuntarily relaxed a bit, and he began to look around again.

Previously, with the fireworks on the Paper Figures Street, he hadn’t paid much attention. But now, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the people from the Rong Palace had brought a sedan chair inside, seemingly somehow managing to evade the steel wires.

The sedan chair was adorned with expensive talismans and was carried by several masters, steadily advancing.

At every major intersection, both the Taiheng Sect and Rong Palace would send a few people in different directions. After walking for two to three hours, Shi Zhongyu’s group was left with less than ten people.

Among them were the Changle Sect, the Kushan Sect, and Shen Zhu from the Yueshui Pavilion.

The sedan chair from the Rong Palace followed behind at a steady pace. Shi Zhongyu’s gaze flashed with a hint of disgust. She maintained a steady breath and whispered to Yan Qing, “Is that sound still there?”

“Yes, it’s a regular clicking sound. We’re getting closer,” Yan Qing honestly replied.

Yin Ci didn’t perceive the danger. Feeling the warmth from Shi Jingzhi’s back, he nearly fell asleep amidst the swaying. In a daze, a dense yin qi swept over, and Yin Ci’s consciousness suddenly became clear.

Not long after, Shi Jingzhi also stopped in his tracks.

The serpent bone maze revealed an “end”. There was no exit at the end, only a transparent ice well.

The well was built on top of the ice surface, and dangerous green liquid rippled within it. Directly beneath the well, deep within the lake, sat a skeleton.

The skeleton was entangled with red threads, with its bones intact. It sat cross-legged, counting prayer beads in its hand with its hollow eye sockets gazing upward.

The prayer beads were also carved from white bones, totaling fourteen in number, with only one of them being dark in color—the wooden Buddhist bead was mixed among them looking undamaged. However, the entire skeleton sank beneath the lake’s surface, a distance away from the ice.

Shi Zhongyu attempted to cover her spirit weapon with yin fire, but as soon as the spirit weapon touched the water, it dissolved instantly. The people from the Rong Palace also tried for a while but couldn’t find any tools that could be submerged in water.

Yin Ci coldly observed, already knowing how to retrieve it—the Buddhist bead from the Ascension Hall was probably beyond their reach. This mechanism was completely different from the Paper Figures Street, filled with pure malice.

After pondering for a while, Shi Jingzhi turned his head. “Let’s not go for this Buddhist bead. Let’s find a place to rest.”

At the same time, Shi Zhongyu furrowed her brow and slowly shook her head. “Mm, let’s find the exit first.”

One of the masters from the Rong Palace opened the curtain of the sedan chair and reported to the person inside. Shortly after, one of them approached the Taiheng Sect. Shi Zhongyu thought the person was coming to talk, and she took a step forward—

That person grabbed the leader of the Changle Sect and snapped his neck. He placed the thin leader, who refused to close his eyes even in death, at the edge of the well, and used a blade to cut open his neck.

Immediately, blood fell into the lake, forming a twisted blood rope in the water.

The length was still not enough, so the person reached out to grab Yan Qing. Shi Zhongyu drew her sword, and yin fire brushed against the blade. “How dare you!”

Taking advantage of Shi Zhongyu’s distraction, another person replicated the same action and killed the remaining disciple of the Changle Sect.

Another corpse was added, and more blood fell onto the blood rope.

Shi Zhongyu’s face turned incredibly grim. “You won’t get away with this—”

Unexpectedly, one of them assessed the length of the rope and swiftly committed suicide by cutting their own throat at the edge of the well. Finally, the blood rope reached the prayer beads, solidifying with the bead string. At the same time, the initially formed blood rope began to crumble.

The other person grabbed the blood rope and started to retract it. The blood rope, stained with lake water, quickly corroded his hand into a bloody mess. However, without uttering a word, he continued pulling the blood rope.

The Buddhist bead was quickly retrieved, lifted up by the almost bone-only hand of the person, and sent into the sedan chair.

As soon as the blood rope touched the air, it rapidly transformed into sticky blood clots, scattering in a messy mix of black and red on the ground. Yin Ci narrowed his eyes, suddenly having an unpleasant premonition.

“Those from the Rong Palace are truly despicable. Senior Shi seems very angry. Shizun, let’s move a bit further away…”

Before he could finish his sentence, the ice surface began to tremble. The red threads on the skeleton changed their binding method, tying the bones into an insect-like structure. It suddenly moved, crawling out of the well and pouncing towards Jin Lan, who was closest.

Despite drawing her sword, Shi Zhongyu was still too far away. Jin Lan, with his back to the skeleton, didn’t react in time, and the tragedy seemed inevitable—

“Ding.”

The hard bone collided with a longsword.

Yan Qing accurately unsheathed Jin Lan’s sword, blocking the attack. He gritted his teeth as a flurry of sword techniques erupting as he flung the skeleton away.

Yin Ci couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. This kid’s skill level wasn’t great, but his movements were quite delicate. It was evident that he had put in a lot of effort in training and had potential.

There was only one problem—that was the orthodox sword technique of the Taiheng Sect, impossible to pass down to servants. A blind man couldn’t learn such precise moves.

“Yan Qing, explain!” Shi Zhongyu shouted while her Green Maiden Sword Technique slashed at the skeleton.

Without receiving an answer, she casually waved her sword, aiming the tip at Yan Qing’s black cloth eye patch. Yan Qing sighed, opening his eyes.

His eyes were perfectly intact, clear and lucid. However, the color of his irises wasn’t like that of an ordinary person; it was a deep crimson, like blood.

Shi Zhongyu’s face quickly paled.

“…Are you a descendant of Yan Budu?”

“Yes.”

The author has something to say:

The blind man is not blind√

Shi Jingzhi: Xiao Yin, thank you for your contributions to the company.

Yin Ci: Give me a raise.

Shi Jingzhi: I will hang your photo on the wall of honor.

Yin Ci: Give me a raise.

Shi Jingzhi: (eyes wandering)

…You’re heartless! Boss Shi!

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 12: Ascension Hall

At sunrise, three rooster crowing sounds came from the room of the Chigou Sect.

Shi Zhongyu, open and upright, clarified the events of the previous night in front of everyone. The Chigou Sect gained nothing, but surprisingly remained calm. Matron Wuxue made only one request—

“Kid with the surname Shi, bring the Buddhist bead here.”

There was a saying that each profession has its own specialization. When it came to the things in tombs, no sect was as knowledgeable as the Yueshui Pavilion, and the Yueshui Pavilion wasn’t as knowledgeable as the Chigou Sect. Shi Jingzhi didn’t hesitate in the slightest and promptly presented the Buddhist bead.

Matron Wuxue didn’t immediately accept it, but instead looked at Shi Jingzhi and asked, “Why aren’t you no longer afraid of me?”

Shi Jingzhi: “If this thing catches Matron’s eye, it must be extraordinary. Regarding the incident with the jade bead, I have caused some offense. If Matron is interested, feel free to take it as compensation from our sect.”

He smiled faintly and performed a salute in front of everyone. “This junior has only one request. If there is a secret within this item, please let me know.”

“That little brat Chen Quna always loves to stir up trouble. If you’ve killed him, then it’s done. This matter won’t be related to the Kushan Sect. Sect Master Shi can rest assured.”

Matron Wuxue replied indifferently. Her sharp nails pinched the wooden bead, and then she tossed it back to Shi Jingzhi. “My Divine Chigou Sect holds the upper hand here, so how could we publicly snatch something from a junior? This thing does indeed have a secret, and there’s no harm in speaking it out.”

The gaze of everyone returned to the Buddhist bead.

No matter how anyone looked at it, the bead seemed unremarkable, as if it had been dug out from a pile of old items, without any special features. Matron Wuxue signaled to her subordinates, and a Chigou disciple brought a small jar of glutinous rice wine. The old woman held the jar in her hand, and within moments, the wine began to boil.

Once the wine had boiled for a moment, Matron Wuxue directly threw the Buddhist bead into it.

In the next instant, the jar exploded with a bang, revealing a strangely shaped hollow wooden carving. The carving was small and exquisitely crafted, with intricate details resembling strands of hair.

Shi Jingzhi exclaimed, “A map engraving.”

Matron Wuxue: “Just a fragment of an engraving. This bead bears the style of the Jianchen Temple; a string of fourteen beads.”

She splashed some cold water onto the engraving, and it quickly contracted, turning into a smooth Buddhist bead. Matron Wuxue flicked the bead, and Shi Jingzhi raised his hand, catching it steadily.

“Good boy.” The old lady chuckled sullenly. “If you want to play tricks on your seniors, you’d better weigh your own capabilities first. But I like clever little brats who can read people well, so I’ll spare your life this time.”

Seemingly not understanding, Shi Jingzhi retrieved the Buddhist bead and smiled as usual. “Thank you, Matron. This junior has been taught well.”

After the morning gathering, each sect needed to have separate discussions. They agreed to depart one hour later. The disciples of the Kushan Sect returned to their room. The old lady stood there for a moment and snorted, “I underestimated him.”

Confused, her subordinate asked, “Matriarch, what’s the matter with that guy surnamed Shi?”

“That surname Shi dared to steal a jade bead from our divine sect. I thought he was just a reckless fellow. But now it seems he’s quite a decent opponent. That kid knew from the beginning that there was more than one Buddhist bead. He had a good grasp of our sect’s intelligence and didn’t hesitate to snatch the treasure in front of everyone.”

Leaning on her cane, the old lady’s voice was hoarse.

“He pretended to be harmless all the way and even took the opportunity to apologize when so many eyes were watching. This old one had no choice but to promise ‘not to target the Kushan Sect’. That kid is very cunning. Truly cunning.”

The subordinate’s blood pressure rose. “How about we—”

“No, look at Shi Zhongyu’s attitude. That surname Shi probably earned some favor. The fools of the Taiheng Sect are most likely being led by the nose. Besides, publicly promising something and then going back on it would violate the rules set by Elder Su.”

“But should we let him go like this…”

“In the end, you might not be his match. I used about half of my strength to pop that bead out.” The old lady touched her fingertips. “Keep an eye on that kid, but don’t provoke him.”

The subordinate’s expression became serious. “Yes!”

Meanwhile, in the room of the Kushan Sect.

“For the next two days, we’ll stay here and not go anywhere.” Shi Jingzhi sat on the edge of the bed. “After all, each sect intends to keep their people here, so it won’t be deserted…”

“Aren’t we going to look for the Buddhist beads, Shizun?”

Shi Jingzhi took off his Nuo mask and smiled. “We just obtained one. Searching for more would make us look greedy, unlike the Taiheng and Chigou Sects.”

Knowing what he meant, Yin Ci asked, “We only have one bead, but didn’t the Matron say there were fourteen beads?”

“Don’t forget, Yan Budu intentionally led us to discover this bead. He wanted us to find out that there are fourteen beads, hoping to create conflicts and competition among us. After all, everyone can see the treasures in the tomb and roughly estimate their value. In this way, everyone has their own calculations, but it can still be a forced cooperation. But this wooden Buddhist bead…”

“No one knows what’s hidden in the Buddhist bead engraving, so it’s difficult to simply give up,” Yin Ci interjected.

“Exactly.” Shi Jingzhi stretched lazily. “So, these beads are just sweet bait; at most there’s only one or two. The remaining beads will be hidden deeper and guarded more tightly.”

At this point, he glanced coldly at Yin Ci. “When the time comes, relying solely on ‘good luck’ won’t be enough. Take these two days to rest and recover. Understood?”

Yin Ci smiled bitterly and nodded in agreement.

Everything went smoothly. Shi Jingzhi voluntarily picked up the Buddhist bead while he was still calculating how to get his hands on it. Later, Matron Wuxue publicly revealed the secret, so he didn’t need to imply anything.

As for the other function of the Buddhist bead, it wouldn’t be long before the Jianchen Temple made it public.

The only drawback was that Shi Jingzhi was sticking around all the time, and Yin Ci couldn’t confirm the identity of the person who had followed them last night.

Yin Ci raised his eyes with interest and observed his master, who was getting ready to go back to sleep.

Shi Jingzhi was by no means a simple “martial arts genius”.

First, there was the smell of blood, and then the golden hairpin. Yin Ci hadn’t experienced this peculiar sense of oppression for a long time. Before he got tired of the new excitement, it would be a bit of a pity if this person died.

“Sect Master Shi?” There was suddenly a knock at the door.

Shi Jingzhi emerged from the bed and put on his Nuo mask. “Yes, who is it?”

“It’s Yan Qing.”

“Please come in. A’Ci, is there any rice cake left? Bring it out for our guest—”

Yan Qing, the blind man, entered the room cautiously. “I’ve come to apologize to both of you.”

“Oh?”

Yan Qing pursed his lips. “That day, I intentionally bumped into Brother Yin… I didn’t want to enter the tomb, so I purposely twisted my ankle. I’m really sorry for causing trouble to both of you.”

“I thought it was something else. I don’t mind at all. A’Ci, look—”

“It’s fine.” Yin Ci shook his head.

Yan Qing visibly breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed determined and took out two strings of money. “Could you help me take a look at Jin Lan’s injury? His status in the sect isn’t high, so he can’t see a good doctor. If Sect Master Shi can cure him, this money might not be enough, but I…”

Shi Jingzhi cleared his throat. “Jin Lan is your friend? He doesn’t seem very nice to you.”

“We’re not friends.” Yan Qing immediately denied. “When I was young, I tried to become a servant in the Taiheng Sect. Jin Lan didn’t mind that I was blind and let me in. Although he has a bit of a temper, his nature isn’t bad, and…”

His expression turned somewhat grim. “Yesterday, when I said I heard strange noises, only he believed me and was willing to report it to Senior Shi. It was me who involved him.”

Shi Jingzhi readily agreed. “I see. This money is enough. After we finish this cake, I’ll go and take a look at him.”

Jin Lan had average talent, but his meridians were intact, which restored a bit of confidence in Shi Jingzhi. In the remaining time, he kept trying different methods to treat Yin Ci’s “heart failure symptoms”.

Two days later, the scheduled meeting day arrived.

The Chigou Sect found a new Buddhist bead, and the others also obtained many treasures. With their wounds and spoils of war, they set off on the road they came from. While the wounded were being transferred, Yin Ci pulled out the short hairpin from his heart and threw it into a stained, discarded cloth.

The meeting point was at a crossroads, and the other group arrived on time as well. Both groups had similar circumstances, with a few casualties but no fundamental damage to their vitality.

Jin Lan whispered, “The Ling Sect hasn’t lost a single person. Yan Budu must have given them a backdoor.”

After receiving treatment, Jin Lan’s relationship with the master and disciple became closer. Yan Qing remained the same, silently following behind.

A monk walked over from the opposite side, opening his palm. “Have any of you seen this item?”

In the palm of his hand lay a Buddhist bead.

“That’s Monk Juehui,” Jin Lan eagerly explained. “The head of the Jianchen Monastery. He’s very powerful.”

Monk Juehui appeared to be around forty years old, with a simple and austere appearance, resembling an oppressed old farmer. He walked unsteadily, but his voice was exceptionally solid. “This Buddhist bead has been infused with our temple’s Nightmare Breaking Technique, but the formation is only one-third complete. I believe that there are three beads in this layer, and only by finding them all can we activate the spell and find a way out.”

Matron Wuxue sneered. “That bastard leader of the Ling Sect is truly something, using the Buddhist beads as a key and not allowing others to possess them… By the way, how did Yan Budu manage to learn the Nightmare Breaking Technique when you guarded it so strictly?”

Monk Juehui didn’t answer. Matron Wuxue snorted coldly and threw the Buddhist bead back. “Forget it. Keep it.”

Monk Juehui joined his hands together, bowed, and then turned to the Taiheng Sect.

The members of the Taiheng Sect looked at each other: “…” Sorry, we really don’t have any.

Shi Jingzhi cleared his throat. “Grandmaster, the third bead is with me.”

With the three beads gathered, Monk Juehui placed them in an iron bowl and struck the edge of the bowl with a copper hammer. An annoying low sound hovered in the air, as if a tongue licked across everyone. The fork in the road slowly separated, revealing a new path.

This new path was adorned with colorful decorations and bustling with activity. Paper figures on the street had their backs turned to the crowd and faced in the same direction. The silence vanished, replaced by the sound of music and the voices of performers.

On the other side, near the tomb entrance, it remained silent without any food or water supply, and there was no sign of reinforcements.

The Nightmare Breaking Technique succeeded, and Monk Juehui returned the Buddhist beads, quietly reciting a Buddhist mantra.

“I will leave some people to deal with the tomb entrance.” Matron Wuxue broke the silence. “Why don’t we maintain our groups and continue forward? Those from Taiheng, are you coming or not?”

Shi Zhongyu nodded calmly.

Shi Jingzhi shook with excitement.

Yin Ci had become accustomed to his master’s frequent excitement. He held onto Shi Jingzhi’s wrist. “Shizun, don’t worry, I’ll go with you.”

“A sudden gust of cold wind blew, and I’m feeling a bit cold,” Shi Jingzhi said stubbornly. “Now that we have the Buddhist beads, we must continue.”

Everyone had similar thoughts. Each sect placed their wounded and spoils of war near the tomb entrance and prepared for battle.

“The Jinyu Group has surveyed the surroundings. The Ghost Tomb is in the shape of an inverted triangle, divided into three layers. This is the first layer, and the space gets smaller as you go deeper. Even if we only have four days of rations left, we can ration it and make it last.”

Jin Lan spoke with a serious expression with his hands behind his back.

“Senior Sister said before that she would only guarantee you the first floor. Now, we have a life-long friendship, so we’ll go through the second layer together.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised—though Shi Zhongyu was a bit straightforward, she was rational and wasn’t foolish. Shi Jingzhi had great strength and knew when to advance and retreat, making him an excellent ally. The Kushan Sect wouldn’t refuse the shelter of a major sect, creating a perfect mutually beneficial arrangement.

Looking at it this way, last night’s impressive display of skill might have been part of Shi Jingzhi’s plan. Going deeper into speculation, it was possible that he had already noticed the Threads of Worries, but in order to learn the Green Maiden Sword technique, he only spoke up after entering the shop.

His tremulous master always managed to reveal new surprises.

At that moment, Shi Jingzhi suddenly reached out and grabbed Yin Ci’s hand, saying, “A’Ci, if I really die here, you must witness everything until the end.”

“How could that happen?” Yin Ci smiled. “Didn’t Shizun say that I would survive great calamities and share in our future blessings?”

Shi Jingzhi didn’t respond and kept gazing towards the end of the path.

The melodic singing was mournful and haunting, and the flames illuminated the vibrant silks. The group moved forward with slight sways, carefully avoiding the paper figures. Due to their uniform direction, it was difficult to distinguish between living people and paper figures when viewed from behind.

At the end of the street stood a building. One by one, people entered through its grand gate, as if being swallowed by it.

A plaque hung on the gate with two powerful and vivid characters: “Ascension Hall”, shining like blood.

The author has something to say:

Shi Jingzhi: I’m scared to continue going deeper, but I’ll keep going to survive. (Fragmented thoughts and statements.jpg)

Yin Ci: If we consider that I’ve survived a great calamity, that’ll mean we’ll have so many blessings to enjoy.

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 11: Gold and Wood

The group took a rest on the first floor and inspected each coffin, only to find piles of ball-shaped human bones stuffed inside. Jin Lan’s face turned pale as gold, and he vomited for a while before recovering.

Jin Lan had an old leg injury, and when stimulated by the Threads of Worries, he walked with a limp. Yan Qing suggested carrying him, but Jin Lan refused.

“This is the servant’s job indeed, but there are hidden dangers in the tomb. You should take care of yourself first.” Jin Lan shook his head. “I can manage on my own.”

Yan Qing responded with a muffled hum and suddenly hitched his breath. “There’s a sound upstairs.”

Yin Ci listened carefully and indeed heard faint scratching sounds, as if someone was scratching the wooden planks with their nails. Shi Jingzhi glanced at the blood essence beads and then discreetly shook them.

“I didn’t take the poison earlier, and I feel fine. I’ll go up and look.” Yin Ci practically wrote “I’m so courageous” all over his face.

Shi Jingzhi: “You didn’t take it?”

Yin Ci looked apologetic. “I was caught off guard by those strange monsters we encountered earlier and didn’t react in time.” If he had taken the poison and then showed no symptoms of poisoning, it would only lead to trouble.

Shi Jingzhi pursed his lips and remained silent for a moment. “I’ll accompany you upstairs. Please take care of things downstairs, Miss Shi.”

Yin Ci looked at him, somewhat surprised.

Upstairs was quite empty, with a beautifully crafted red coffin lying in the center of the room. The stench grew stronger, and there was a strange sweetness mixed in.

Yin Ci recognized this sweet stench—it was the Qinyuan Poison hidden inside the coffin.

This design was particularly ruthless. The scent of Qinyuan Poison was faint and easily masked by the putrid smell of corpses, making it difficult to detect. To deal with the Threads of Worries, experts like Shi Zhongyu would consume poison to protect themselves. Even if they took the antidote, the effects of the poison wouldn’t immediately disappear. If they were then exposed to a potent dose, not even the gods could save them.

Qinyuan Poison was extremely rare, and Yin Ci had only managed to obtain a small vial of it. Even with Shi Jingzhi’s heightened senses, it would be impossible for him to identify an unfamiliar toxin.

If he fell victim to it, his Xiao Shizun would undoubtedly die.

Shi Jingzhi seemed to also realize the danger, coughing lightly. “In such situations, there are usually mechanisms inside the coffin lid, commonly using poison and curses. This coffin looks unusual, so we should…”

Yin Ci turned his back to him, pretending to be impatient. “I’ve already opened many coffins downstairs, so I’m quite skilled at it.”

Before Shi Jingzhi could say anything else, Yin Ci took a few steps forward and lifted the coffin lid.

With a crisp sound, a thin, transparent barrier rose around the coffin. Shi Jingzhi wanted to chase after Yin Ci but ended up colliding heavily with the barrier, emitting a muffled sound.

Yin Ci acted as if he didn’t hear anything. He moved the coffin lid aside and was indeed sprayed in the face with Qinyuan poison powder.

It didn’t disappoint as the world’s most potent poison, with a stimulating flavor that even had a slight intoxicating effect. Yin Ci smacked his lips and pressed down on something inside the coffin.

The figure inside the coffin was dressed in fine silk, with beautiful and radiant eyes, portraying the appearance of a young girl. However, as the former leader of the Chigou Sect, Yin Ci recognized its true nature with just one glance—

A finely crafted corpse puppet.

It wasn’t a monster, but a creation made from fresh corpses with a lifelike texture resembling a living person, often accompanied by an enchantment. Yin Ci swiftly and precisely immobilized its core mechanism with his hands. It couldn’t move even a fraction, only able to assume a tearful expression that tugged at one’s heartstrings.

Demonic Lord Yin’s heart remained as hard as iron with unwavering eyes.

Not to mention letting go; even if he eased up a bit, this thing could spring up and tear him apart. Although Yin Ci himself didn’t mind, there was still Shi Jingzhi observing behind him, and witnessing shredded flesh turning into a living person would be too stimulating.

Seeing Yin Ci’s lack of reaction, the enchantment activated once again. The corpse puppet instantly transformed into a handsome man, wearing a vulnerable expression.

Yin Ci: “…?” This craftsman had considered everything.

Unfortunately, his appearance wasn’t as good as his cheap master’s. Yin Ci remained unmoved, continuing to exert force. The corpse puppet struggled in vain, changing its face once again.

Yin Ci was very familiar with that face.

The enchantment directly affected the mind, transforming into Yin Ci’s true appearance inside his mind—a person in the coffin with long ink-black hair, pale complexion, intense chest movements, and a pained and desperate expression. It looked up with a pleading gaze, evoking a strange sense of fragmentation.

Yin Ci smiled instead, moving his lips silently as he spoke to the corpse puppet.

“This is truly a wish come true.”

Having said that, Yin Ci increased the pressure once again. He exerted so much force that the bones in his hand emitted a sound of strain, and the core mechanism even developed a crack in his grip.

The illusion suddenly dissipated, revealing the true form of the corpse puppet. A female corpse lay quietly in the coffin with eyes tightly closed. Her nose was almost completely decayed, and her face corroded by a venereal disease, resembling a demonic creature.

Yin Ci coldly released his grip, and his injured bones almost instantly returned to their original state. He didn’t turn around but continued to lean against the coffin, taking out a hairpin from the female corpse.

Carefully, he pushed aside his outer garment and pierced his chest, inserting the hairpin directly into his heart. His wounds healed quickly, but the foreign object wasn’t so easily removed. His heart struggled to beat, and despite wearing the ghostskin robe, Yin Ci’s face remained deathly pale.

After making the preparations, Yin Ci finally spat out a mouthful of blood, thoroughly concealing the bloodstains on his chest.

He didn’t move, lying motionless with his back to Shi Jingzhi. From Shi Jingzhi’s perspective, Yin Ci had merely moved away from the coffin, stood still for a moment, and then collapsed weakly.

At that moment, the sound of the barrier shattering finally resounded.

Accompanied by the flag ignited with golden flames, Shi Jingzhi rushed forward, gasping for breath. The barrier was incredibly strong, evidently requiring a great deal of his strength.

Upon seeing Yin Ci, who was covered in blood, Shi Jingzhi’s eyes flickered with displeasure.

“Don’t touch the coffin. It’s poisonous,” Yin Ci said weakly while supporting himself on Shi Jingzhi’s shoulder.

“No kidding. I just said that earlier!”

Shi Jingzhi grabbed Yin Ci’s wrist and clenched his teeth as he examined his pulse. “Signs of heart failure… Damn it, didn’t I tell you to wait a moment?”

“The Taiheng Sect has its own big plans, but there are only two of us. If there really are treasures here, I’m afraid they…”

“The Taiheng Sect is not a bandit gang.” Shi Jingzhi’s face hardened as he rummaged through the medicine box and produced a glass bottle. “Drink it quickly! If you had taken poison earlier, you might not even be alive now.”

Shi Jingzhi gently placed Yin Ci down and then hurriedly prepared the medicine. Yin Ci obediently swallowed the medicine with a face filled with an expression of “I’m really sorry. I messed up.”

Shi Jingzhi clenched and loosened his fist, ultimately refraining from beating up the patient.

‘How interesting,’ Yin Ci thought, ignoring the intense pain in his chest. He found this quite intriguing. That anger didn’t seem feigned; Shi Jingzhi was genuinely angry. It seemed that this person’s “utilization” of himself wasn’t limited to mere appearances.

Could it be that Shi Jingzhi truly considered him his disciple? That would be too ridiculous.

The noise from the shattering barrier was significant, and the four people downstairs arrived late. Upon seeing the scene before them, Shi Zhongyu was slightly startled and then sighed. “Sect Master Shi.”

“No need to be polite. I picked up this disciple from the mountains, and his mind is still filled with dirt.” Shi Jingzhi’s face grew serious, and his tone sank like water. “There’s poison in the coffin, and the thing inside seems to be a corpse puppet. Please, Miss Shi, examine it.”

Shi Zhongyu made her sword bloom* from a distance, causing the coffin to instantly shatter, and the wooden boards fell in all directions. Jewels and treasures scattered all over the ground, but no one bothered to pick them up.

*Sword flower. It’s a sword technique where you spin the sword so fast that it looks as if it’s a flower.

“It is indeed a corpse puppet. Its core mechanism seems to have malfunctioned. Your disciple is quite lucky.” The core mechanism was incredibly sturdy and almost impossible to destroy with bare hands. Shi Zhongyu momentarily had no doubts about it.

“He was poisoned in a peculiar manner. It’s the first time I’ve seen this kind of heart failure symptom. However, the situation has stabilized.” Shi Jingzhi fed Yin Ci some more medicine and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“There’s something off about the sound.” Yan Qing suddenly spoke up, pointing to the corpse puppet. “There’s a sound of friction and movement inside.”

Shi Jingzhi and Shi Zhongyu exchanged glances, and the latter covered her hands with silk as she carefully dismantled the corpse puppet.

Shi Zhongyu opened the eyelids of the corpse puppet and found two hollow wax eyes. She then pulled Yan Qing over and had him listen closely, before extracting a black short sword from the spine of the corpse.

While pretending to be uninterested, Yin Ci cast a sideways glance.

Shi Zhongyu opened the wax pellets, and two round beads rolled out. The left eye shimmered with a dazzling golden light, while the right eye was dull gray with a texture like wood.

“Let me see… one golden bead, one wooden Buddhist bead, the Hanging Shadow Sword, several precious gemstones.”

Shen Zhu chewed on the tip of her pen. “How do you two masters plan to divide them?”

Shi Zhongyu let out a sigh of relief. “The Kushan Sect has saved my life. Sect Master Shi, please choose first.”

Yin Ci’s gaze circled around the wooden Buddhist bead and then turned to Shi Jingzhi. After a moment of contemplation, Shi Jingzhi answered decisively, “I want the wooden Buddhist bead and the Hanging Shadow Sword.”

Shen Zhu raised an eyebrow. “Really? Knowing Yan Budu’s nature, he might have purposely given us a worthless Buddhist bead. And although the Hanging Shadow Sword was crafted by a renowned master, it is more of a collectible than a divine weapon. The combined value of the two is still inferior to a single fragment of the unchanging gold.”

“It can be considered a gesture of gratitude for saving my life, since I have already learned some martial arts from Miss Shi. There’s no need to mention it again.”

Shi Jingzhi stuffed another pill into Yin Ci’s mouth, signaling him to remain quiet.

“The unchanging gold can forge divine weapons, making it invaluable. But for our small sect, even possessing a decent weapon is difficult, let alone affording to forge with the unchanging gold.”

Yin Ci looked approvingly.

Although the unchanging gold could fetch a high price, its value was limited to them. It would be better to take advantage of the situation and transfer it to the Taiheng Sect, earning some good favors.

Taking the worthless Hanging Shadow Sword and an uncertain Buddhist bead seemed just right. Shi Zhongyu would find it difficult to oppose this decision.

…Moreover, it appeared that only this Buddhist bead was related to the Shirou. Shi Jingzhi was usually chaotic, but he was surprisingly calm in critical moments.

Indeed, Shi Zhongyu nodded with a trace of admiration on her face. “Thank you, Sect Master Shi. It would be best if you also take some lightweight jewelry for easier travel after leaving the tomb.”

Shi Jingzhi nodded. Yin Ci was still lying on the ground, and he had no intention of moving far away. He simply kept an eye on him at his feet.

In the light, a short hairpin sparkled with a golden glow. Its design was almost identical to the one in Yin Ci’s heart. Shi Jingzhi’s gaze focused, and he picked it up. He played with the hairpin distractedly, lost in thought.

“That’s it,” Shi Jingzhi said absentmindedly after a while.

He then sat down beside Yin Ci, tucking the hairpin into his pocket. “A’Ci, if something like today happens again, I will expel you from the sect. Considering it’s your first offense, I will only cut your monthly allowance in half for six months.”

Yin Ci: “……” My friend, it seems like you can live for one year at most.

After Shi Jingzhi finished speaking, he placed the short sword next to Yin Ci. “As for this… You have become my disciple, and I haven’t given you a proper gift yet. Since you like swords, take it.”

Yin Ci weakly smiled. “Shizun, you’re giving me both the carrot and the stick together?”

“It’s all because you have great fortune. Since you have survived a great disaster, we can share the good fortune together.”

Shi Jingzhi forced a smile. “… After all, considering your heart failure, you should have died a long time ago.”

The author has something to say:

Corpse Puppet: You see, you’re going to die, you’re going to die, and this is your face when you die!

Yin Ci: ? Such a good thing exist?

Shi Jingzhi: …Salary cut. 50% salary cut!

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

Chapter 10: Threads of Worries

Before Shen Zhu arrived, her voice preceded her. “In principle, one disciple from the Yueshui Pavilion should accompany ten people. Since there are only five of you, I alone will be enough. Having more will only add to the confusion.”

Jin Lan exclaimed in surprise, “When did you arrive?”

“From the time when Sect Master Shi started bouncing around.” Shen Zhu smiled brightly.

She didn’t embarrass Shi Jingzhi further and continued, “I recognize this technique. It’s called ‘sticky shadow’, a guiding technique. However, creating an image for guidance is too extravagant and not intuitive enough. As a result, it has been lost for a long time. I didn’t expect to see it here… Sect Master Shi, please step back ten paces. Don’t worry. It’s just a phantom image, and it can’t harm anyone.”

Shi Jingzhi obediently took ten steps back. The phantom initially followed suit but stopped halfway, no longer following him.

“This is the effect of going the wrong way. Sect Master Shi, please move forward twenty steps and head towards the fork in the road.”

Shi Jingzhi complied, and the phantom walked ahead of him, choosing a path at the fork.

Shen Zhu: “You see, this is how it leads.”

Jin Lan: “…It’s really troublesome. No wonder the technique has been lost. Isn’t a compass good enough? Who has nothing better to do than create something like this?”

Yin Ci calmly remarked, “Perhaps a hermit?”

Yan Qing remained silent for a moment and reluctantly asked, “Can I not go? I don’t want the treasure.”

“No.” Shi Zhongyu shook her head. “Just now, you were the first to notice the footsteps, and I need your ears. When we return to the sect, I will report this matter to the sect leader and request recognition for your contribution.”

Yan Qing reluctantly agreed, and Yin Ci glanced at him a few times.

With a single collision, he knew that this blind man had mediocre martial arts skills, even inferior to Jin Lan’s. And those who could see the sticky shadow technique also had mediocre martial arts skills. Explaining it solely based on their keen ears wouldn’t hold up.

Could it be that the technique had other selection criteria?

Coming to explore the Ghost Tomb was indeed the right decision. Interesting events were truly unfolding one after another.

Yin Ci smiled and poked the blind man. “Brother Yan, you have Senior Sister Shi protecting you, but I can only follow my Shizun. Look, I dare to go, seeking fortune in dangerous situations.”

Shi Jingzhi: “…Good disciple, there’s no need to be so frank.”

Jin Lan was trembling like a sieve but didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his Senior Sister. So, the three members of the Taiheng Sect, the two members of the Kushan Sect, and Shen Zhu, forming a group of six, set off discreetly.

Shi Zhongyu consciously took on the role of team leader. “We are few in number, so our focus is on exploration. If conflicts arise, don’t get entangled.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised. Shi Zhongyu was the senior disciple of the Taiheng Sect, well-known and highly regarded in the martial world. In terms of overall strength, Shi Jingzhi was no match for her.

The faceless monk quietly moved forward, leading them away from the brothel and into the narrow alleyways. Unfortunately, even with their caution, Yin Ci still noticed a trailing presence.

An aura followed closely behind, neither too near nor too far, accompanying them all the way to their destination—

The faceless monk stopped in front of a coffin shop. It turned around, clasped its hands together, and dissipated like thin smoke. The shop had two levels, a typical and inconspicuous establishment within the dim alley.

Shi Zhongyu rolled up her sleeves, making sure the others could see the blood essence bead bracelet. The beads were pure white like snow before but had turned dark red as if they were dripping with blood.

She brandished her sword and said, “There are monsters nearby, so be cautious.”

The other five instantly took cover behind her, forming a neat and orderly line, resembling a row of chickens.

Old Hen Shi Zhongyu: “……”

She pricked her finger and smeared a few drops of blood on a pebble before flicking it towards the shop’s entrance. The pebbles fell silently, without making any noise. Shi Zhongyu looked at Yan Qing, who shook his head.

“It seems that the monsters are not the type to attack proactively,” she sighed.

Shi Zhongyu put away the blood essence beads bracelet, held a sword in her right hand, and switched to a bronze dagger in her left hand. When she stepped into the coffin shop, her white clothes cast a pale-yellow hue, but her fierce aura remained undiminished.

The “chickens” followed behind her quietly, maintaining a distance of about five steps.

Inside the coffin shop, there was nothing particularly special. The shopkeeper, made of paper, was leisurely reading a book. There were no customers, and only lacquered coffins lined up. The air carried a faint smell of blood, and the blood essence beads grew increasingly red, on the verge of turning pitch black.

Suddenly, Shi Jingzhi stopped in his tracks. Despite wearing the Nuo mask, his demeanor and aura were completely different from before, even causing Shi Zhongyu to give a sideways glance.

“Nobody move.” His tone lacked the previous ease. “Miss Shi, the monster is the ‘Three Thousand Threads of Worries’.”

Shi Zhongyu immediately became serious. She tossed the bronze dagger to Jin Lan and said, “Cut a circle around our feet and quickly go back to report!”

Shi Jingzhi shook his head. “It’s too late. This group is quite numerous, and I’m afraid we’ve already fallen into their trap outside the shop.”

Jin Lan and Yan Qing were bewildered by their cryptic conversation and looked at the empty coffin shop, expressing their confusion. Yin Ci lowered his head, hiding his face in the shadows, remaining silent.

“‘Threads of Worries’ is a type… Well, whether it’s an insect or a vine, there’s no definitive conclusion. In any case, it’s a kind of creature that is as thin as spider silk, weightless, and invisible to the naked eye. When they gather in the thousands, they form the ‘Three Thousand Threads of Worries’.”

Shen Zhu explained smoothly, still composed. “They start climbing up from the feet. When they pass the waist and abdomen, it causes a slight itch, and it only becomes noticeably uncomfortable after they reach the neck. Unfortunately, by the time that happens… Well, we’ve only just entered, so there must be a solution.”

Jin Lan and Yan Qing were only in their twenties, and this change of topic frightened them. “You mentioned it, but what happens when they reach that point…?”

‘The Threads of Worries would knead a person into a half-dead lump of flesh, feeding on them with tomb-dwelling insects and rodents, slowly devouring them,’ Yin Ci added in his mind.

Actually, there was no problem if it directly ate insects and rodents. Yin Ci had seen the Threads of Worries mold live rats into lumps of meat. It was just that human bodies were larger and possessed more vitality, making them particularly appetizing.

The group of Threads of Worries was so numerous that their appetite seemed insatiable. No wonder Yan Budu kept them in the coffin shop, where the coffins were undoubtedly filled with “feed”.

Ever since becoming immortal, Yin Ci gradually gained the ability to see various invisible creatures. At this moment, countless fine threads flowed before him like a stream. Flowing down from the second floor, they climbed the walls and covered the coffins, forming a large puddle outside the shop. The items in the room were covered in silver-white threads, as if struck by a snowstorm.

Silently, they bypassed his feet, whether out of fear or disdain, refusing to touch him even slightly.

Yin Ci glanced at the other five. The Threads of Worries had climbed on the ankles of the three from Taiheng Sect and Shen Zhu. On the other hand, the Threads of Worries had already reached Shi Jingzhi’s knees, as if he had donned a pair of white fur leg guards.

Yin Ci: “…” Why? Have they identified him as tender and tasty with delicate skin?

But that didn’t stop him from continuing to watch the spectacle. After all, he was just a “weak mountain dweller”. When the situation became critical, he would find a way to help Shi Jingzhi.

Shi Zhongyu reacted quickly. She drew a blood circle in her palm, splattering blood around her. Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the Threads of Worries, she took out several pills and threw them to the others.

“These are poison pills. Take them quickly,” Shi Zhongyu whispered, then threw five white pills. “The white ones are antidotes. Take them after escaping.”

Shen Zhu gulped down the poison pills. “Not bad, not bad. Mixing poison in the blood slows down the erosion speed of these things… Sect Master Shi, you seem to be quite familiar with Threads of Worries. Have you dealt with this thing before?”

“I’ve read about it in books. It can be resolved by setting fire to burn it.”

Everyone fell into silence—this was a street full of paper figures. Even touching a paper figure required first chilling oneself. If they were to set fire on the spot, all the firefly spiders within a radius of two li would come rushing for the feast.

Shi Jingzhi seemed to have thought of something and became playful again. “Yan Budu is quite interesting, using a monk to lead us to slay the Three Thousand Threads of Worries. Is he trying to get us all to become monks?”

Yin Ci: “… Shizun, please be quiet. If we don’t escape soon, we’ll have a collective funeral.”

Shi Zhongyu had no interest in listening to Shi Jingzhi’s nonsense. A faint green light flashed on her sword, emanating a subtle heat. Yin Ci watched as her sword danced like the wind, cutting through all the surrounding Threads of Worries.

Shi Zhongyu used the Green Maiden Sword technique that embodied yin and yang. Her sword emitted a green shade of yin fire. The sect leader of Taiheng Sect specifically chose her to lead the team, most likely because of this skill.

Shi Jingzhi fell silent and stared at her swordsmanship without blinking.

Yin fire belonged to yin and was highly effective against living creatures but less effective against evil beings. Shi Zhongyu had taken the poison and was specifically targeted by the Threads of Worries, causing her complexion to gradually turn pale.

Meanwhile, Jin Lan used the bronze dagger to make random slashes beneath everyone’s feet, attempting to lead them on an escape. However, before they even reached the door, their feet felt as if stuck in a quagmire, firmly entangled by the Threads of Worries.

Seeing the dire situation, Shi Zhongyu decided to abandon defense and instead clear the path for the other five.

Jin Lan’s eyes instantly turned red. “Senior Sister…”

Unexpectedly, just as the Green Maiden Sword technique was swung halfway, a flagpole appeared out of nowhere. Shi Jingzhi’s voice carried a smile. “Miss Shi, life is precious. Don’t always think about sacrificing yourself heroically.”

The words “Medicine Cures Illness” appeared on the flag, and a layer of golden fire emerged. The golden fire was dazzling and radiant, yet the flag itself remained unscathed.

“I have no intention of stealing the skills of my peers. It’s just an urgent situation, so please bear with me. Thank you for your guidance.”

Shi Zhongyu: “…You’re welcome?”

Shi Jingzhi received the affirmation and then inverted the flag with his hand… and began sweeping the ground with it.

He did something to the Green Maiden Sword technique, transforming the yin fire into yang fire. The yang fire adhered closely to the flag, never dispersing. The flag was much broader than the sword’s blade, resulting in an excellent effect. The Threads of Worries immediately lost interest and scattered, fleeing in all directions.

Shi Zhongyu stood bewildered in place, only turning her head after a while and speaking to Jin Lan. “Remember to bring a dust cloth next time we exorcize demons.”

After saying that, she fell into deeper perplexity—converting vitality into fire and using fire to cover objects was her unique skill. How could it be so easily learned?

Yin Ci watched with amusement as the Threads of Worries formed a heap, trembling and squeezing into the corner, resembling a pile of snow that had been swept up.

…It seemed that this time, he didn’t need to intervene.

While Shi Jingzhi was busy sweeping the shop, the others simply sat on the ground and consumed the antidote. Jin Lan and Yan Qing had the weakest martial arts foundation and were still affected by the Threads of Worries, making it difficult for them to walk for a while.

By the time Shi Jingzhi finished cleaning, the large mass of Threads of Worries had already crawled out of the coffin shop, rolling away in sadness.

Shi Zhongyu’s blood essence beads had turned white again, but the awkward atmosphere remained unchanged. Shen Zhu said she wanted to take samples and make records, then disappeared to an unknown location. With one person missing, the atmosphere became somewhat colder.

Jin Lan attempted to liven up the mood. “Thanks to Senior Sister and Sect Master Shi, we managed to drive away the monster with great difficulty. Now we can freely search. With so many coffins in the shop, there must be a lot of treasures hidden.”

“Jin Lan, be cautious with your words.” Shi Zhongyu finally snapped out of her thoughts. “The absence of monsters doesn’t mean there are no trap mechanisms.”

Meanwhile, Shi Jingzhi put away the flag and opened his medicine box. “The poison and monster’s attack surely depleted our vitality. Come, everyone, take some medicine.”

Having witnessed Shi Jingzhi’s strength, Shi Zhongyu spoke with a hint of respect. “May I ask, Sect Master Shi, what is this?”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “It’s a specialty of the Kushan Sect called the Power Pill.”

Shi Zhongyu: “…”

Shi Zhongyu sighed and patted her own face, regaining some composure. “Thank you, Sect Master Shi, for your assistance just now…”

“It’s a family imitation technique that’s difficult to explain. It worked out by chance. Don’t dwell on it, Miss Shi.” Shi Jingzhi stood up. “You all go ahead and take the medicine! I’ll go out and investigate. The Threads of Worries might still be around.”

Yin Ci chewed on the pill and looked meaningfully towards the main entrance.

Outside the coffin shop.

[Apologies, I haven’t found the right opportunity since I received the demon sparrow’s message.] Shen Zhu put on a more serious expression and communicated through lip-reading. [Yin Ci indeed has a grandfather who was well-read, and his father sold fur in town for a while. However, I haven’t found much information about Yin Ci himself.]

Shi Jingzhi gazed quietly at her.

Shen Zhu frowned. [It’s not surprising there is little record since Yin Ci’s family lives deep in the mountains. It’s not a flaw but…]

[You’ve done well.]

Shi Jingzhi replied in the same manner.

[Rest assured. I have my own measures.]

The author has something to say:

Demonic Lord Yin: Enjoyed the show, though it’s not convenient to applaud.

Master Shi, the real sweeping monk. (×

Kinky Thoughts:

In terms of whether something is a demon or monster, I’ve decided to translate it within context and what just flows better. Generally, there is a difference though. The Threads of Worries are a type of [yao] (妖) which could be considered a monster or demon. Different from “devils/fiends” [mo] (魔) which could also be considered demons as well.

The difference lies in that [yao] generally isn’t inherently evil, while when westerners think of “demon” it’s always within an evil context. Likewise, [mo] are demons that are inherently evil.

This nice glossary breaks it down in more detail.

On another note, in terms of cultivation, yin and yang represent the duality of the universe and are opposite forces.

Yin is commonly associated with feminine energy (cold, darkness, ice), while Yang is commonly associated with masculine energy (light, fire, heat).

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