Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 24: Uninhabited Village

Everyone had just left the mountainous area, and the ground beneath their feet was still mixed with rocks and gravel. The surroundings were desolate, with sparse weeds and no signs of villages. The shadows of the mountains loomed close, making the night even darker.

The cold of the winter night was as sharp as a thin blade, slicing through the feeling of fear and seeping into their limbs. Looking at the panicked Shi Jingzhi, Zheng Fengdao seemed to be enjoying himself. “Have you made up your mind? Tell me.”

Shi Jingzhi clenched his fists tightly. “If I hand over the prayer beads, Senior won’t hurt us, right?”

Zheng Fengdao’s long face revealed a smile. His small, triangular eyes glanced from top to bottom, resembling someone sizing up three dead dogs.

“Huh? Well, maybe.”

“Swear on your Hierarch. Otherwise, I’ll burn the prayer beads to ashes, and no one will be able to take them.”

Shi Jingzhi’s fingers slightly spread, and a ball of flame appeared in his palm. He didn’t take off his mask, but his determined expression clearly showed the characters “burning jade and stone*” written all over his face.

*(玉石俱焚) Idiom describing a situation where everything, regardless of its value or worth, is destroyed or sacrificed together.

Zheng Fengdao exhaled a white mist, and his smile turned cold. “Tsk… I, Zheng Fengdao, swear on my Hierarch that I won’t harm the three members of the Kushan Sect after obtaining the Buddhist beads today.”

He stared at Shi Jingzhi fiercely, revealing his slightly sharp teeth.

“Is that enough?”

Yan Qing whispered, “Sect Master, he said he won’t harm us today. You have to think it through—ugh!”

Zheng Fengdao suddenly flashed in front of the two of them, striking Yan Qing’s abdomen with the back of his saber. Yan Qing was tall, but he was sent flying three zhang away. He fell to the ground in pain, vomiting in the snow foam.

Yin Ci almost exclaimed, ‘Elder, you just sent the endangered heir of your Hierarch flying.’

Shi Jingzhi couldn’t afford to indulge in random thoughts. He swallowed his saliva nervously. If Elder Zheng had used his blade, Yan Qing would have been literally cut in half.

“After obtaining the Buddhist beads today, I won’t harm the three members of the Kushan Sect.” Zheng Fengdao took two steps back and slowly repeated it, dragging out the word “after” for a long time.

Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath and took out two Buddhist beads that smelled of rice wine. His fingers were stiff, and his palm trembled, whether from the cold or fear.

“I’m still not satisfied. You have so many tricks up your sleeve, kid. How about Sect Master Shi also make a solemn oath? Hurry up.”

Shi Jingzhi closed his eyes. “If these Buddhist beads are fake, let me, Shi Jingzhi, be childless and without descendants.”

Zheng Fengdao took the Buddhist beads with satisfaction and sniffed them hard. “Not bad, you know your place.”

He put away his nine-ringed saber and swaggered away. Shi Jingzhi quickly walked to Yan Qing’s side and checked his injuries.

Yin Ci watched the scene with some displeasure. “Shizun, you actually gave it to him?”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “How is that possible? Those beads are fake.”

Yin Ci: “…”

Yan Qing: “?”

The panic on Shi Jingzhi’s face disappeared instantly. “Thanks to Matron Wuxue, I’ve gained a lot of experience with fear. A’Ci, do I look convincing?”

“Very convincing.” Shi Jingzhi had astonishing natural talent; even Yin Ci was deceived.

“I had guessed that the Ling Sect would block our way. Zheng Fengdao has been loitering around us these past few days. I got old Buddhist beads similar to the real ones from a monk and boiled them in glutinous rice wine. Now, with the sky so dark, he can’t tell the difference since he’s not from the Chigou Sect.”

Yan Qing trembled as he said, “Sect Master, you didn’t mention this before.”

“If you two were aware and reacted accordingly, what would we do if we exposed ourselves?” Shi Jingzhi’s relaxed attitude had returned as he handed Yan Qing a bottle of medicine.

Yan Qing was somewhat dazed. “But you swore…”

“Swore? I don’t believe in all that nonsense. The Kushan Sect has been mingling with the Taiheng Sect for too long, and Zheng Fengdao actually took us for righteous individuals.”

Yan Qing became even more confused. “Aren’t we?”

Shi Jingzhi smiled. “When did I ever say I wanted to join the righteous path?”

Yan Qing groaned, unsure if it was the pain in his abdomen or the stomachache from being caught off guard. He curled up like a lonely shrimp, exuding a faint sense of resignation.

Yin Ci was satisfied and began to play along. “Shizun, let’s escape quickly. Once Zheng Fengdao realizes something is wrong, he’ll expose it and kill us all… At this point, should we still go to Qizhou?”

Although the Ling Sect was declining, its disciples were akin to mad dogs. Even if they suffered a setback the size of a grain of rice, they would fiercely fight back. Zheng Fengdao, as an esteemed elder, would probably grow resentful of being played around by Shi Jingzhi, a novice. They would most likely become annoyances in his eyes.

Qizhou was prosperous, which undoubtedly meant there were spies from the Ling Sect. It was possible to go there, but it would inevitably lead to a chaotic situation and several complications.

Constant vigilance against thieves could be exhausting. Shi Jingzhi and Yan Qing were both fragile, and if he happened to look away for a moment, they might disappear without a trace, which would be a huge disappointment.

With these thoughts in mind, Yin Ci proactively approached Shi Jingzhi and softened his voice. “Shizun, let’s not go to Qizhou. It’s better to find a small place to hide for a while.”

Shi Jingzhi, overflowing with the heart of a good master, fell for his words. “A’Ci makes a good point. Let me think…”

Yan Qing remained curled up for a while, but when he heard the crucial point, he finally got up from the ground. “I—cough—I know a place where we can temporarily hide.”

He brushed off the ice debris from his body, and the contrast against the darkened ground made his complexion even paler.

“Sect Master, this location is connected to the same mountain range as Zongwu Mountain. We can travel along the mountain. Inside Zongwu Mountain, there’s a village called Xizhuang. It’s usually cut off from the outside world, which makes it very difficult to find, so hardly anyone knows about it.”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes lit up. “How do you know about it?”

Yan Qing’s gaze dropped to his feet. “I’m half a Xizhuang native.”

This was like dozing off and being handed a pillow. Shi Jingzhi immediately became enthusiastic, grabbing Yan Qing and bombarding him with questions, almost asking him to recite the genealogy of the Xizhuang villagers. Yan Qing answered honestly, but there was no trace of nostalgia in his words.

Yin Ci had never heard of Xizhuang, but he was familiar with Zongwu Mountain.

Zongwu Mountain was vast, with Yongsheng to the west, Qizhou to the east, and the Ling Sect’s territory to the south. The northern side of the mountain was treacherous and filled with steep peaks, and the land was particularly barren, with hardly any human presence.

To travel from Qizhou to Yongsheng, one had to take a detour to the north.

Coincidentally, the Ghost Tomb wasn’t far from Zongwu Mountain. By turning southwest, they could directly enter the Zongwu Mountain range. According to Yan Qing, he knew a shortcut—if they were willing to take a risky path and endure hardship, they could reach Xizhuang in three or four days.

Now that their destination was confirmed, Shi Jingzhi, eager to survive, led them on an overnight escape. The three of them kept running until the sun was high, and then they settled in the forest.

The place they arrived at was near a river. The water was clear and not completely frozen, making it a suitable resting spot.

After their trip to the Ghost Tomb, they had another mouth to feed, and there was little food left in their bags. Shi Jingzhi looked earnestly at Yin Ci. “Good disciple, I want to eat fish, but a pheasant will do.”

He even placed an order.

However, the winter forest was desolate, with no wild fruits to be found. They could only rely on hunting for meat. With his mountain-dwelling background, Yin Ci could be regarded as returning to his original occupation.

Yin Ci stood up. “Martial artists can withstand the cold. Shizun, go catch the fish. I’ll look for pheasants and rabbits, and Yan Qing can gather some firewood. I’ll cook for you later.”

An hour passed.

Yin Ci carried three pheasants in his hands and looked up to see his pitiful master—Shi Jingzhi was sitting by the river, using his inner force to dry his clothes. Steam rose from his body, turning him into a freshly steamed bun.

Demonic Lord Yin asked cruelly, “Shizun, where’s the fish?”

The steamed bun of a master looked mournful and pointed to the red mark on his chin. “I caught a big one, but… cough, it almost knocked me unconscious.”

Yin Ci’s mouth twitched. “It’s fine if there’s no fish. The pheasant meat is enough.”

Indeed, his master had amazing inner force but lacked practical combat and life experience. He definitely didn’t take the strength of the fish into account and ended up with his dignity wounded.

“You’re laughing at me,” Shi Jingzhi said bitterly.

“No, Shizun, you just misjudged.”

“A’Ci…”

Before they could continue their banter, Yan Qing returned. Seeing his spoils, the master and disciple both fell silent.

Yan Qing carried a bundle of tall firewood on his back and dragged a small, skinny wild boar in his hand. His head and neck were covered in sweat and mud, clearly indicating a tough battle.

Receiving the surprised gazes of the other two, he explained while gasping for breath, “I found it while gathering firewood and decided to try catching it.”

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze became vacant. “Does the Taiheng Sect have this kind of training?”

“Somebody taught me when I was young.” Yan Qing smiled shyly. “I don’t know how to cook, so I have to trouble Brother Yin. Oh, no fish?”

Shi Jingzhi looked at the pheasants in Yin Ci’s hands and then glanced at the wild boar Yan Qing had dragged along. He raised his head and said, “As the Sect Master, I suddenly don’t feel like eating fish. It’s too extravagant in this remote wilderness. We’ll have it another day, yes, another day.”

Master Zhuang could never have imagined that his masterpiece would be used for slaughtering chickens and pigs a hundred years later—Yin Ci unsheathed the Hanging Shadow Sword and efficiently dealt with the prey.

The three pheasants were stuffed with herbs and spices, salted, smoked with pine branches, and then roasted. The whole boar was skillfully butchered by Yin Ci into neat pieces. He smoked the pork ribs and fried the herbs and salt on a stone slab, instructing Yan Qing to heat water, peel the sausage casings, and make some sausages as dry rations.

The aroma of roasted meat filled the air, and golden fat dripped onto the flames, sizzling and crackling.

Yan Qing watched with respect. “Indeed, you come from a hunting background. I thought using a sword would be more troublesome…”

Yin Ci didn’t even lift his head. “As long as you’re familiar with the connection of bones and flesh, you can pick the meat with your bare hands.”

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze finally shifted away from the roasted pheasant, seemingly enlightened.

But when he started eating, any trace of seriousness vanished.

With his mouth full of pheasant and holding a rib in his hand, the Sect Master said, “Yan Qing, you’ve got ghost eyes. Why didn’t you join the Ling Sect? If you open your eyes in front of Zheng Fengdao, he would never dare to harm you.”

Yan Qing’s face turned red from eating. “I would never want to have any association with the Ling Sect, even if it costs me my life.”

“Why?”

“The people in the demonic sects are all crazy. The Chigou Sect worships Su Zhi, and the Ling Sect is fanatically obsessed with the Yan family bloodline. I’m just a servant who doesn’t understand anything. Even if I were to obtain a high position in the Ling Sect, I would only be a puppet, and countless enemies would emerge out of thin air.”

“The so-called ‘benefits’ would be nothing more than having enough food to eat and being forced to mate with innocent women like an animal.”

The more Yan Qing spoke, the more aggrieved he seemed.

“It’s better to be a law-abiding citizen. You can support yourself legally and spend your life with the person you love.”

Yin Ci: “…” This kid is realistic, and he sees things quite clearly.

Ironically, Yan Qing, who had the highest talent among the descendants of the Yan family that Yin Ci had seen, had no interest in the Ling Sect.

Shi Jingzhi was also satisfied with this answer. After they finished eating and resumed their journey, he helped Yan Qing carry the smoked sausages and bacon.

With the wild boar, the group had no shortage of food. They were young and strong, and they all had a foundation in martial arts, so they traveled quite quickly. In just under two days, the Kushan Sect found Xizhuang.

However, something seemed odd about Xizhuang.

The small village lay silently beneath the accumulated snow, with no smoke rising from chimneys, and the crops in the fields were completely buried under the snow. The houses were well-preserved, with cured meats and fish hanging from the eaves, fresh rice in jars, and cold leftovers on the stove.

Livestock lay frozen stiff in their sheds.

But the villagers seemed to have vanished into thin air.

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The author has something to say:

Considering that Demonic Lord Yin is skilled in everything except… Well, he can’t give birth (…) Shi Jingzhi’s oath seems to have come true.

Also, as modern people in reality, let’s stay away from so-called “wild game”! Trustworthy meat is the one that has gone through quarantine. ☆-∑(>ω0)b

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Kinky Thoughts:

Well, technically, he will be punished for lying (though I don’t think he’ll consider that punishment).

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 23: Hanging Shadow

Shi Jingzhi stood there in a daze.

He wasn’t the only one taken aback. Even Matron Wuxue didn’t expect Yin Ci to be so straightforward—she was momentarily stunned before shifting her gaze to Yin Ci.

“Is this an admission that your Kushan Sect has concealed the treasures? Or is it that you are truly the person in white?”

Yin Ci didn’t answer immediately.

He put on the appearance of an inexperienced youth, released his grip on Shi Jingzhi’s hand, and stepped forward to stand in front of his cheap master. “I was making a living in the mountains before, and I don’t recognize any of you seniors. But I know that all of you are renowned figures with vast knowledge and experience. I’m sure you can tell that Shizun’s reaction is genuine, and he was completely unaware.”

Even though Shi Jingzhi was cunning, he was only twenty-seven years old and lacked significant life experiences. Faced with such a major turn of events, he couldn’t deceive the likes of Monk Juehui and Matron Wuxue, who were his elders.

But Yin Ci was different.

Having experienced life’s trials and tribulations for hundreds of years, Yin Ci could fake not only his breath, heartbeat, and facial expressions but even cold sweat.

Indeed, Monk Juehui observed Shi Jingzhi for a while, nodded at Shi Zhongyu, and both of them relaxed slightly. As long as Shi Jingzhi didn’t do anything unjust, they could openly protect him.

Even if it was only protecting him alone.

Matron Wuxue’s gaze was sharp, and she let out a wicked chuckle. “So what if Shi Jingzhi doesn’t know? Regardless of whether it’s the master violating the rules or the disciple committing taboos, the Kushan Sect has broken the rules… Of course, if Shi Jingzhi is willing to expel this person and leave him to our discretion, I won’t trouble the Kushan Sect.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised.

He was even somewhat secretly hopeful—would Shi Jingzhi, for the sake of self-preservation, ignore the reasons and simply abandon him?

But to his surprise, Shi Jingzhi didn’t hesitate. “A’Ci has a gentle nature and is not a person who is greedy and unprincipled. Since he concealed it from me, there must be his reasons. Let’s listen to his explanation first.”

Yin Ci glanced at him while Shi Jingzhi was still fuming, but his tone remained firm.

Interesting.

Yin Ci deliberately put on a frightened look. “This Buddhist bead was definitely given to me by that person in white. I was too nervous before and didn’t even notice it. I only discovered it in my pocket yesterday.”

“I don’t have a discerning eye and can’t tell if this is the Buddhist bead everyone is looking for. I only dared to confirm it just now.”

Shi Zhongyu asked, “Why didn’t you report it?”

Yin Ci smiled wryly. “Even if I told the truth, would anyone believe me? I don’t even know that person in white, yet he specifically gave me the Buddhist bead. If Matron Wuxue were to say that the Kushan Sect colluded with the person in white, we wouldn’t be able to refute it. If they want to find fault, then…”

“There’s no reason to worry about that,” Shi Jingzhi added in a low voice.

Yin Ci curled his lips in response, then unexpectedly dropped to one knee and performed a grand salute to Matron Wuxue,

There was a sharp tearing sound.

Yin Ci tore off his sect attire, revealing a white inner garment. As soon as everyone saw the clothes, they held their breath.

On the inner garment, there was a row of crooked blood characters, dried and long since faded—

[On the second day after the Human Shaped Coffin was broken, a Buddhist bead was found in my pocket.]

Yin Ci’s expression was sincere. “If Shizun had known in advance, no matter what I do now, Matron can say that Shizun ordered it—but now that Matron has seen that Shizun is completely unaware, it’s clear that I acted alone.”

“To prove that I have no intention of concealing, on the day I found the bead, I wrote the blood inscription on my clothes. After we leave the tomb, the Jinyu Group will thoroughly examine our clothes. This obviously shows I can’t hide it… You’re all highly skilled masters and can certainly tell the freshness of blood.”

Shi Zhongyu suddenly realized something. “Young Friend* Yi, are you afraid of implicating Shi Jingzhi?”

*[Xiaoyou] (小友) Used to address someone younger or less experienced than you in a polite and friendly manner often in a mentorship or guidance context.

As expected, the Taiheng Sect came forward to resolve the situation, aligning perfectly with Yin Ci’s plan. He had prepared this way out when he decided to “play a little longer”.

Yin Ci raised his head. “That’s right. It would be fine if the Buddhist bead was fake. But if it’s real and it’s already in my possession, I can’t pass it on and harm others.”

“Whether reporting it to the Yueshui Pavilion or secretly informing Shizun, it may implicate Shizun. That’s why I came up with this terrible idea.”

Yin Ci’s current words weren’t his true thoughts, but his voice was gentle and pleasing, making it sound extremely convincing.

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Matron Wuxue and inserted a subtle suggestion. “Matron, indeed, Shizun has offended the Chigou Sect, and it’s natural for you to disapprove of him. However, this matter has nothing to do with him. As for what you asked earlier about whether I am the person in white…”

Yin Ci reached up and untied his blood-soaked clothes, revealing his upper body wrapped in the ghostskin robe.

“That master saw the face of the person in white, and a Buddhist monk wouldn’t lie. Master, do you remember what the person looked like?”

The monk joined his hands together. “That person had white skin like jade and an otherworldly appearance that clearly showed they were not an ordinary person. There is not the slightest resemblance between this Young Patron and that person.”

Yin Ci’s upper body was lean and muscular. The ghostskin robe made his skin appear dull and rough, covered in small scars. At a glance, he resembled a lively and beautiful beast.

Unfortunately, there was no connection to “white skin like jade” or an “otherworldly appearance”.

“I grew up in the mountains since I was young and just turned twenty this year. After fulfilling my three years of mourning for my father, Shizun brought me down from the mountain. You can investigate as much as you want. Matron, how could I, a poor mountain dweller, have any connection with that skilled person in white?”

Matron Wuxue was left speechless with a slightly annoyed expression. “The Kushan Sect, the Kushan Sect… What a fox’s den.”

The Chigou Sect placed the most emphasis on lineage and couldn’t stoop as low as the Ling Sect in terms of shamelessness. Although Matron Wuxue was shrewd, throughout the journey, she followed her own rules and couldn’t bring herself to severely punish Yin Ci, who emphasized the importance of respecting “one’s master and teachings”.

Yin Ci took a breath and took out his prepared trump card. “I understand the rules. Even if it’s for the sake of our sect, if I make a mistake, it’s still a mistake. I have a suggestion; I don’t know if everyone can accept it…”

Zheng Fengdao sneered. “Speak up.”

“For the time being, let’s entrust this Buddhist bead to the Jianchen Temple for safekeeping. When we reach the surface, we can use it to make a few maps, with each person having one. As for me—Matron, please give me a palm strike. As long as I can stay alive, I don’t mind.”

When Shi Jingzhi heard the first half of the sentence, he didn’t react much. But when the latter half was spoken, he became anxious. “A’Ci, what nonsense are you talking about?!”

He wanted to rush over, but Shi Zhongyu firmly held him back. “We’re all here. Matron Wuxue wouldn’t dare to kill on the spot… Sect Master Shi, calm down!”

“I only hope Matron won’t make things difficult for Shizun,” Yin Ci lowered his head and continued.

Matron Wuxue coldly said, “If I strike you, your meridians will be severely damaged, and you’ll become a useless person. Your master was just using you to make up the numbers. Whether he wants you back or not is another matter. Even so, are you willing?”

Yin Ci initially shrank back, but then tremblingly said, “Regardless, Shizun has shown me kindness.”

“Good boy.” Matron Wuxue’s tone was complicated. “Fine, I’ll strike you, you little fox, and spare the bigger one.”

Before anyone could react, her palm struck Yin Ci’s chest.

Yin Ci was immediately forced back over ten steps, violently crashing into the wall and spitting out a mouthful of blood. He tried to move a few times but couldn’t stand up, feigning weakness.

On the other side, Shi Jingzhi unexpectedly broke free from Shi Zhongyu’s grip with eyes almost ablaze.

Matron Wuxue halted her steps. “What’s this? Your disciple managed to rescue you at great difficulty, and you want to come and die?”

When Shi Jingzhi spoke, his voice was filled with a sinister chill. “I wouldn’t dare. I just want to remember what happened today.”

Having said that, he rushed to Yin Ci’s side, took off his coat, and covered his disciple. Then he took out a medicine box and carefully fed Yin Ci some medicine.

“After we leave this tomb, I will settle accounts with you.” Shi Jingzhi gritted his teeth. “If she cripples your hands and feet, what will you do in the future?”

“In the future? Does Shizun no longer want me?”

Shi Jingzhi’s hand trembled, spilling half of the medicine. “Nonsense, I would never do such despicable things. Don’t think about those meaningless thoughts.”

Yin Ci chuckled.

Crippled hands and feet were just external injuries that could be healed. The Chigou Sect was ultimately a demonic sect, so Matron Wuxue wouldn’t be so merciful.

She would definitely use the Chichi hand technique, which can sever a person’s meridians* and completely cripple him. Unfortunately, Yin Ci’s meridians had long been ruined, like a sieve with multiple holes, which had no practical significance.

*Clarity: Meridians are a channel of network in the body through which qi flows. By severing/striking/sealing the meridian (or pressure points), it can kill, cripple, or immobilize the person.

Letting Matron Wuxue take action was advantageous because it wouldn’t leave any obvious external injuries, so as not to raise suspicion.

As for internal injuries… Shi Jingzhi would investigate immediately, coinciding with Yin Ci’s incomplete recovery from his internal injuries. All Yin Ci had to do next was act convincingly, allowing Shi Jingzhi to check again after a few days.

In order to make the act more convincing, Yin Ci spat out some medicine with difficulty. Shi Jingzhi’s medicine was extremely bitter, causing his throat to feel sour.

“Don’t force me to drink, Shizun. I have chest pain and can’t swallow,” Yin Ci said sullenly, then spat out another mouthful of medicinal soup.

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze became complicated. He took back the medicine bowl and drank it himself, slowly.

Suddenly, Yin Ci had an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, in the next moment, Shi Jingzhi grabbed his hair and pressed his lips against his. His strength was so strong that it frightened Yin Ci, and he instinctively struggled but was held down by Shi Jingzhi.

Yin Ci was used to teasing others but had never been played with like this.

Yin Ci originally wanted to push Shi Jingzhi away, but there were people watching nearby, so he had to continue the act and obediently let Shi Jingzhi administer the medicine.

…This kid really has a strong desire for revenge.

Yin Ci clenched his teeth reflexively, but Shi Jingzhi took advantage of it and even used his tongue, scaring him into quickly opening his mouth and swallowing all the medicine.

After feeding the medicine, Shi Jingzhi wiped his mouth with a cold expression and silently inserted the Buddhist bead back.

His aura of righteousness was so strong that no one could say a word for a moment. Yan Qing, who had been observing the whole process, sat down slowly, hugging his knees and pretending to be a potted plant.

Yin Ci remained seated, with the taste of bitter medicine in his mouth. It seemed that his plan wasn’t so perfect after all, and he expressionlessly smacked his lips.

An instant barrier appeared, and the ground rumbled as the floor slowly rose.

Everyone stared vigilantly at the ceiling, afraid that Yan Budu would leave behind some tricks. Fortunately, this time it ended safely, and the stone slabs sent them back to a familiar place—the entrance of the first floor.

The injured people who had stayed on the first floor protected their luggage and crowded against the wall, with faces full of lingering fear.

The Buddhist beads were distributed among the group, and the barrier finally disappeared. According to the agreement, Shi Jingzhi took a bead and gave it to the Jianchen Temple. Then he carried his “seriously injured” disciple and stood by the door.

Compared to when they arrived, there were new large characters added to the door, in brownish-red color, written boldly and exuberantly, seemingly in blood.

At the first glance of those characters, Zheng Fengdao respectfully kneeled down and performed a solemn salute.

“‘Tired bones form a tower, disdainful of riding the wind’…” Shi Jingzhi softly recited and looked at Yan Qing. “Is this a message left by Yan Budu? Yan Qing, what does it mean?”

Yan Qing had an expressionless face. “I really don’t know anything.”

Yin Ci didn’t understand it either, but he knew the other meaning behind these characters. Yan Budu wantonly left a message at the exit of the Ghost Tomb, which pointed to one possibility—

“Yan Budu is truly not inside the tomb,” Matron Wuxue said. “This just got interesting.”

“Matriarch, we… We haven’t found a way to unlock this door.” The members of Chigou Sect gathered around Matron Wuxue, relieved to see her return unharmed. “We need your help.”

“At this stage, Yan Budu wouldn’t set up something too difficult. If the Buddhist beads were lost here, how could it cause chaos in the mortal realm? Now get out of the way and let me have a look.”

She circled around the door for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

“Yan Budu, you clever one. No wonder I couldn’t figure out the puzzle before. The blood characters were actually a clue. Everyone, just walk straight out.”

Jin Lan remembered the horrific state of the servant of the Changle Sect and shivered. “But this door devours people!”

“Is that so? Then why didn’t it devour these blood characters? I’ve observed them, the blood characters are deeply soaked into the door, and the bloodstains are still visible. This door can be penetrated by flesh and blood and is unlikely to be broken with other tools.”

Matron Wuxue prodded her cane against her attendant.

“Go on, you. Walk over and take a look. Remember, use your true qi to cover your clothes, and after you go out, don’t touch the surface of the door. And make some noise when you’re outside.”

The person obediently nodded and walked briskly towards the door. Just as he touched the surface of the door, he seemed to sink into a swamp and was engulfed vertically.

He walked steadily, without struggling or screaming. However, after waiting for a long time, there was no sound heard from the other side.

“Hmm, it seems there’s another mystery on the other side of the door. No matter, I won’t misjudge Yan Budu’s character. Children, let’s go.”

“Wait, Matron.” Monk Juehui suddenly spoke.

Matron Wuxue didn’t mince her words. “What is it?”

Monk Juehui took out his own three Buddhist beads and put them together with the one Yin Ci had given them earlier. “Your sect still has sticky rice wine, right?”

“…Monk, what do you mean?”

“Amitabha Buddha. The Buddhist map beads are ominous objects, and our temple has no intention of getting involved in the dispute. It’s better to copy all four Buddhist beads here. Once the copying is done, I will destroy them myself.”

Yan Qing was shocked. “Sect Master, you said ‘I can give them away, and naturally, I can take them back ‘ …Did you know that Venerable Juehui would do this?”

“Mm. The monks aren’t interested in immortality. They retrieved the <Woodless Sutra>, so their purpose has been achieved. They certainly don’t want to see the martial world in chaos,” Shi Jingzhi said absentmindedly. “They can’t control other major sects, but at least they can take care of themselves.”

Yan Qing: “But…”

“Yin Ci handed over the Buddhist bead of the white-clothed person. The Jianchen Temple has four beads, while the other sects each have two. With this revelation, everyone will have three-sevenths of the map, which will save a lot of trouble.”

He turned his head and looked at Yin Ci on his shoulder. “I just didn’t expect that you, A’Ci, would come up with a similar idea. You really get along well with the monks.”

Yin Ci hummed twice and continued to feign his injuries with closed eyes.

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci had been thinking along the same lines. Yin Ci made that suggestion precisely to influence Monk Juehui’s thinking. Now it was his turn to say some foolish words and act innocent.

However, the taste of the medicine made him reluctant to open his mouth. Not to mention that he still felt Shi Jingzhi’s touch on his lips.

So Yin Ci remained silent and started to think about how to get back at him.

Yan Qing continued to be confused. “I can’t understand. You already guessed it, so why did you give the Human Shaped Coffin’s beads to the monks? Isn’t that giving everyone an undeserved advantage?”

“We don’t have many Buddhist beads in our hands. If everyone focuses on snatching them, we’ll definitely be targeted. But if everyone has enough of the map, they will be more concerned about the major sects conducting a carpet search. It will reduce the attention directed towards us.”

As the members of the Kushan Sect muttered among themselves, Monk Juehui finished copying the precious map and began distributing them. After each representative received their copy, Monk Juehui clutched the four Buddhist beads in his palm and crushed them into powder.

After the dust settled, Monk Juehui let out a long sigh.

“Is it over? I’m going first then.” Matron Wuxue waved her hand and instructed the members of her sect to use their true qi to protect their belongings as she led the way through the gate.

The members of the Chigou Sect left, yet outside the gate, there was still silence—not even the sound of footsteps.

Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath. “Let’s go too.”

Yan Qing tensed up with fear, but Shi Jingzhi immediately grabbed the back of his collar and dragged him forward. “Don’t worry, even if someone has to encounter trouble, it won’t be you.”

While saying that, Shi Jingzhi’s warm inner force enveloped Yin Ci again. Yin Ci simply buried his nose in his master’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

Matron Wuxue’s judgment was correct.

However, the “other side of the door” no longer existed. The tomb passage was packed with grotesque creatures, with their slimy limbs pushing them towards the exit. In an instant, the three of them were pushed out and fell to the ground.

They opened their eyes.

A certain ash-red creature filled the tunnel. Its limbs were intertwined and covered in mucus, each one as thick as a thigh. Those who couldn’t enter the tomb on the first day were probably squeezed to death by these things.

Yan Qing silently took out the farewell letter from his pocket and tore it into pieces. Shi Jingzhi sat on the ground, desperately shaking off the sticky fluid from his body, almost shaking his head off.

Yin Ci looked up at the sky—it had been so long since he had carefully looked at the blue sky, almost forgetting how refreshing it could be.

Perhaps Yan Budu had obtained an opportunity and truly found the path to immortality. And they, holding three-sevenths of the map, were going to play this treasure hunt game with the major sects. All he had to do was enjoy the process and claim the treasure in the end.

Regardless of whether it held any physical clues, he wouldn’t be bored in the coming year.

They didn’t wait long before the other sects were also thrown out by those creatures. Once everyone had left, the creatures let out a sharp screech, retracting back, and the tomb passage was left empty and dark.

The Ghost Tomb was sealed once again.

The legend of the Shirou, circulating for a hundred years, didn’t fade away with it but revealed a potential blaze.

The scattered group of people lay in front of the tomb square. The Jinyu Group provided dry robes and offered hot water, towels, and sweet porridge. While everyone cleaned themselves up, the Jinyu Group finished organizing the list of treasures.

Except for the Kushan Sect, all the other sects could be considered returning with full loads. Aside from the treasures that belonged to their respective sects, there were countless other valuable items that could be traded.

Within the designated area of the Jinyu Group, there was no conflict among the representatives of various sects. They maintained tacit understanding, allowing the Jinyu Group to inspect and purchase the treasures, which they would then immediately sell to those interested. Those who didn’t want to trade were already packing their treasures and planning a safe return route.

The cold square suddenly became lively, faintly resembling a marketplace.

“We don’t have much from our sect, so we won’t stay here. We’ll go to the resting area first. Please help pass on the message to the Jinyu Group.” Shi Jingzhi bowed to Shen Zhu.

The disciples of the Jinyu Group who were nearby immediately approached. “Sect Master Shi, you can still buy even if you don’t sell! We obtained a large batch of divine weapons this time, and the leader has invited masters to maintain and repair them. Huh, they’re even better than new.”

Shi Jingzhi slowly took out the golden hairpin, and his eyes filled with sadness. “This is all I have.”

The smile on the face of the Jinyu Group’s disciple froze. “This… um, isn’t this the Hanging Shadow Sword you’re wearing? It certainly can be exchanged for a handsome sum.”

Shi Jingzhi: “No. This that’s a gift I gave to my disciple. I can’t just sell it.”

Yan Qing looked at the pained Shi Jingzhi and pursed his lips as he handed over his own backpack, “Sect Master.”

“Hmm?”

“When we were at the Paper Figures Street, Senior Shi asked me to collect some jewels as hardship pay. You can take half of it.”

Shi Jingzhi was shocked. “That wouldn’t be right, would it?”

“If Sect Master Shi hadn’t taken me in, I would have died down there a long time ago. I’ll have the remaining half delivered to Senior Shi… Thank you both for saving my life.”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were filled with tears. “Good, good. Yan Qing, I’m raising your monthly allowance to 800 wen!”

Yan Qing looked numb.

Yin Ci, relying on his identity as an injured person, was once again carried on Shi Jingzhi’s back. Seizing the opportunity, he cleared his throat. “Shizun, what about me?”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “A’Ci, after going through so much, you and I are like father and son. What’s mine is yours, so why bother about such trivial matters?”

Yin Ci: “?” You bastard. Who’s the father and who’s the son?

Shi Jingzhi knew that Yin Ci’s meridians were already damaged, and when Matron Wuxue struck him, it only added some internal injuries that could be slowly healed. But since his disciple liked being carried on his back, he would carry him.

He winked at Shen Zhu, asking her to step back, and then walked towards the depths of the marketplace.

Yan Qing was quite knowledgeable and didn’t take too many jewels when Shi Zhongyu asked him to. Shi Jingzhi looked longingly at the divine weapons, and a small sigh escaped his throat.

Yin Ci was comfortable lying down but was annoyed by Shi Jingzhi’s groaning. He whispered in his master’s ear, “Shizun, Yan Budu lived a luxurious life so even his daily necessities are top-notch. Your flag is damaged, so why not go over there and see if there are any alternative materials…”

Before Yin Ci could finish speaking, Shi Jingzhi put him down on the ground and swiftly rushed out.

Yin Ci: “?”

Yan Qing patted him sympathetically. “Brother, it’s not easy.”

Yin Ci gritted his teeth. “Indeed.”

Half an hour later, Shi Jingzhi returned happily, holding a large pile of things in his hands.

“A’Ci was right; the burial objects are treasures… Look at this Clear Silver bamboo pole; it was taken from a burial fan and is much sturdier than ordinary swords. Do you see this piece of fabric? It’s cold-silk hemp cloth used to wrap divine weapons, impervious to water and fire. The feel of it, tsk tsk.”

Shi Jingzhi’s face was filled with happiness, as if he wanted to hug them tightly and kiss them fervently.

Seeing Yin Ci’s and Yan Qing’s deadpan expressions, Shi Jingzhi revealed a mysterious smile.

“These are for you… Here! This is a self-defense sword for Yan Qing. It may not be a famous sword, but at least it’s something from the Ghost Tomb, which is stronger than ninety percent of the weapons on the market. Yan Qing, you’ll be in charge of the remaining money. Use it for future food, drink, and daily needs as you see fit.”

Yan Qing received the money pouch and the sword, remained silent for a while, and finally showed a shallow smile.

“Next is A’Ci… I bought a scabbard made of ambergris for your Hanging Shadow Sword. I had it painted black, which suits it perfectly.”

Shi Jingzhi placed the Hanging Shadow Sword into the scabbard and handed it to Yin Ci with both hands. “Its sharpness can harm others, so be sure to keep it safe… I traded it for the golden hairpin. From now on, I won’t inquire about your personal matters.”

Yin Ci was taken aback.

Shi Jingzhi naturally patted the top of his head. “Let’s consider ourselves a good master and disciple pair, alright?”

His tone was gentle, and his smile was unchanged. Yet, there was a hint of hidden vigilance in his eyes, along with a touch of sadness and a plea.

Yin Ci pretended not to understand but ambiguously responded, “What is Shizun saying? As long as you don’t kick me out, you will always be my good master.”

Shi Jingzhi’s smile brightened a bit. “Mm.”

Then, he proudly took out two delicate pastries and whispered, “Look, these are high-quality pastries sold by the Jinyu Group. You two have been waiting for so long, so let’s eat some before we leave.”

As he said that, he didn’t take a single bite himself. Instead, he pulled out a leftover pancake from his bag and gobbled it up.

Yin Ci stopped nibbling on the pastry. “Shizun, aren’t you going to eat?”

“I’ve already eaten.”

It was a lie. Shi Jingzhi still had traces of monster slime on him, but he didn’t touch a single crumb of the pastries. It seemed that he was trying to save money and didn’t want to buy anything for himself.

They say life is short, and this kid’s life is especially short. Why bother?

Yin Ci handed over the pastry. “I don’t like sweet things. Shizun, please have it.”

Shi Jingzhi solemnly accepted it. “To receive such a good disciple like you is truly a blessing from heaven.”

However, in that instant, when Shi Jingzhi picked up the pastry, his movement slightly stiffened.

Immediately, he elegantly began eating, savoring each bite and eating as if he were in a trance. The momentary stiffness seemed like an illusion. Yin Ci didn’t notice anything amiss and let it go.

He took a bite of the pancake that Shi Jingzhi had nibbled on, chewing casually. Although the pancake had been sitting for a few days in the cold of the tomb, it still tasted fresh and delicious.

Yin Ci was used to his own cooking and quickly finished the pancake. Shi Jingzhi and Yan Qing, on the other hand, ate slowly and leisurely, chatting as they ate.

Shi Jingzhi, with a mouth full of powdered sugar, spoke unclearly. “Do you two know the origin of this Hanging Shadow Sword?”

Yan Qing licked the crumbs from his palm and shook his head.

“Have you heard of Zhuang Wufeng? He was a master swordsmith a hundred years ago, and he personally forged the Guanwu Sword that was buried in the Human Shape Coffin. In his later years, he crafted the Hanging Shadow Sword and incorporated wushu ore into the sword—wushu ore is extremely lightweight and can disperse true qi. Nowadays, wushu ore is hard to come by, and there’s not a price for its value.”

Yan Qing politely asked, “So, this sword should be very valuable, right?”

Shi Jingzhi smiled awkwardly. “Well, wushu ore is usually used to make armor. Wushu soft armor can disperse incoming true qi and is a precious protective gear. Using wushu ore to forge a sword means that the user’s own sword techniques cannot be infused with true qi, which is suitable for A’Ci.”

Yan Qing: “But, just like wushu armor, can it also block the enemy’s inner force?”

Yin Ci interjected coldly, “Well, it has to be able to block it in the first place. The enemy won’t be fixated on the sword; they’ll just chase after the person and beat them.”

“Then… what if it’s melted to make wushu armor?”

Shi Jingzhi shook his head. “There’s very little wushu ore inside the sword. If you were to make armor with it, it wouldn’t even cover the back of your hand.”

Yan Qing racked his brains, “This sword can break through inner force, so it can at least be used for assassination.”

Shi Jingzhi’s face was filled with emotion. “Master Zhuang thought the same way, but unfortunately, assassins didn’t buy it—their poison can kill instantly without any additional tricks. The sword is indeed a good one, but he couldn’t find a buyer, which made him furious, so he named it the ‘Hanging Shadow* Sword’… Maybe he thought ‘Lonely Sword’ wasn’t elegant enough.”

*In this context, “hanging shadow” connotes a melancholic or sorrowful state of mind, most likely reflective of the fact that no one wanted to buy his sword.

Yin Ci suddenly realized—it was no wonder the sword looked familiar to him. Zhang Wufeng had tried to sell it to him years ago.

What did he say at that time? Something like, “Even if I don’t have inner force, I can still use a top-notch sword. At most, this sword is just a decoration. Whoever uses it is a fool.”

The principles of heaven were evident, and retribution was unfailing*. Even as the leader of a demonic sect, one shouldn’t speak carelessly.

*Proverb conveying the idea that the universe is just and fair and consequences of one’s actions, whether positive or negative, will inevitably manifest.

Silently, he hugged his Lonely Sword tightly and let out a sigh.

Zhang Wufeng had excellent skills, but he had long surpassed the stage of relying on weapons. He would make do with it.

The three members of the Kushan Sect spent several days in the temporary marketplace. With the concoctions given by Shi Jingzhi, Yin Ci’s pretense of “weakness” ceased, and he gradually resumed his normal mobility.

However, peace was short-lived.

The Jinyu Group made a fortune, acquiring numerous treasures to be sold at high prices when they left the mountain. This was the last night of revelry, with colorful lanterns and joyful red decorations everywhere.

But as the day of the Buddhist beads emergence drew closer, in the eyes of the martial world, the festive atmosphere gradually turned bloody.

That night, Matron Wuxue was in her tent, calculating the clues on the treasure map. She heard a few extremely subtle sounds outside the tent and perked up her ears, tossing the papers on the table into the brazier.

“Who?” she sternly shouted, but there was no reaction from her nearby disciples.

Then, she saw someone in white attire.

“Shh—” Yin Ci raised a finger.

Matron Wuxue’s eyes widened, and her killing intent suddenly diminished. “You’re the one in the white clothes? You… You look like…”

Her lips trembled for a moment. “You look exactly like the portrait of former Patriarch Su. Who exactly are you?”

Yin Ci smiled. “A member of the Su family.”

“That’s impossible!” Matron Wuxue insisted. “If former Patriarch Su had descendants, our sect would have known!”

“He didn’t want you to know, and he had his reasons.”

Yin Ci casually took her cane and made a few random gestures. As the leader of the Chigou Sect, Matron Wuxue could definitely tell—

“The Sweeping Bones Sword Technique… So you are the successor of former Patriarch Su. No wonder you concealed it so perfectly, leaving me clueless,” Matron Wuxue said hoarsely. “You revealed yourself because of the tomb. I apologize for offending you.”

After speaking, she held her left wrist with her right hand, about to break it, but Yin Ci used the cane to flick it away.

“Ignorance is not a sin. I had secretly entered the tomb beforehand and considering your status as the leader of your divine sect, it’s normal for you to be cautious,” Yin Ci said leisurely. “Since you didn’t find me, let’s just forget about it. I don’t want to torment an old woman.”

“If you want to enter the tomb, why not join my divine sect? I can provide you with any identity other than that of Sect Master.”

Yin Ci raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want to ride on my ancestors’ coattails. Alright, now that you know my identity, tell your people not to probe around anymore. It’s unpleasant.”

“Yes.”

“One more thing. The affairs of the sects are busy. Even if the matter of the Ghost Tomb is significant, a sect leader should not personally attend.”

“I have already selected a successor and am cultivating them within the sect.”

“I see.” Yin Ci nodded and turned to leave.

“Young Friend, please wait!” Matron Wuxue coughed twice. “Aren’t you interested in seeing the Buddhist bead treasure map?”

“At this stage, you still want to test me?” Yin Ci didn’t look back, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “I have no interest in that thing. I didn’t take it in the tomb, and I certainly won’t take it now.”

He threw the cane behind him.

“I originally wanted to give you a chance to snatch the bead, so I gave it to the young disciple of the Kushan Sect. Who knew that kid would be so stubborn, refusing to report for the sake of his sect.”

Matron Wuxue’s wrinkled face twitched slightly. “This old one is stubborn and failed to create an opportunity to snatch the treasure, wasting your efforts.”

Yin Ci smiled and said, “No need for such words. I’m delighted that you’re willing to abide by our ancestors’ rules… Is there anything else you want to ask?”

Wu Xuepo lowered her head. “Young Friend, take care.”

Yin Ci left the tent, quickly put on the ghostskin robe, and made his way back to the territory of the Kushan Sect. He felt a sense of relief being able to separate the relationship of the “person in white” and the “Kushan Sect”,

The Kushan Sect’s tent was far from comparable to Matron Wuxue’s; it was cramped and had a slight draft.

The scene inside the tent was the same as when he left.

Yan Qing honestly hugged the blanket, curling up in a corner. Shi Jingzhi was also sound asleep with his brows furrowed as if he were having a nightmare.

Just as Yin Ci was about to lie down next to Shi Jingzhi, the latter turned over, and his arm draped over Yin Ci’s waist.

Yin Ci: “…”

He was about to push that arm away when he saw Shi Jingzhi’s brows relax, and his complexion improve.

What’s with this guy?

“A’Ci.” Shi Jingzhi applied a bit of force with his arm and mumbled groggily. “A’Ci, don’t go… Master will treat you well…”

Yin Ci stopped moving and patiently listened.

“If you leave, Master… will have to spend time catching another… obedient one…”

Shi Jingzhi made a few more murmurs before swallowing the rest.

He swallowed it just in time, and Yin Ci snorted. He resolutely pushed away that arm and tucked it back into Shi Jingzhi’s blanket. Shi Jingzhi slept soundly, completely unaware and unresponsive.

However, the next day, before dawn, Shi Jingzhi woke up. He danced with his newly acquired Clear Silver bamboo pole and poked Yin Ci and Yan Qing awake.

Yin Ci wasn’t polite. “Is Shizun hungry again?” It was still the hour of the tiger, but god knows how this slacker managed to wake up so punctually.

Shi Jingzhi: “Am I someone who’s that unreserved? Get up. We have to escape.”

Yan Qing yawned. “We haven’t left the Jinyu Group’s territory yet…”

“You still want to leave with them? The major sects have arrangements outside. We’re like rats sneaking into a beast’s herd, and everyone wants to catch us. You two shouldn’t wear your sect attire. I bought some old servant clothes for you to change into.”

Yan Qing obediently changed his clothes. “Does the Sect Master have to keep wearing a mask?”

A Nuo mask was much more noticeable than their sect attire.

“No, they will definitely be watching groups of three. A’Ci has a pale complexion; smearing something on his face will help him pass as inconspicuous. Yan Qing, you should hunch over, squint your eyes, and stick on a fake beard. Later, I’ll hide in the box, and you two can carry the box to mix into the Jinyu Group. We’ll take the opportunity to leave the mountain.”

Yan Qing had followed the Taiheng Sect for ten years and was used to following the rules, so he was momentarily stunned. Yin Ci, on the other hand, accepted it well. “Listening to Shizun’s plan, it seems like our destination is set.”

“Before you two woke up, I traced our exclusive treasure map. We will follow the Jinyu Group to Qizhou first, then head west to Yongsheng.” Shi Jingzhi shook the paper in his hand. “Yongsheng is marked on the map, and there might be clues there.”

“Wait, Qizhou is separated from Yongsheng by the Zongwu Mountain; it’s impossible to cross. Shouldn’t we go north?” Yan Qing asked.

“Other sects would think the same, so we have to climb the Zongwu Mountain.” Shi Jingzhi said excitedly, “Yan Budu intentionally drew this mountain, so there must be a deeper meaning behind it.”

Yan Qing’s gaze drifted again. “We might have to climb this mountain for over a month…”

Yin Ci interjected at the right moment. “Shizun, aren’t you afraid other sects will get there before us?”

“Demonic Lord Yan’s clues won’t be so easily deciphered. Besides, we’re traveling light, and we have enough stamina. We can climb over in just over ten days.”

Before leaving, Shi Jingzhi sneakily left a light on and arranged the bedding to look like a person. The three of them joined the lower ranks of the Jinyu Group caravan—the servants who transported goods without interruption were already half asleep. They blended in and proceeded smoothly along the way.

Until they left the Jinyu Group’s territory.

The Jinyu Group caravan was taking a break when a nine-ringed blade flew through the air and stabbed directly into a large box.

This group was responsible for transporting daily necessities and had lax security. They were momentarily stunned by the sudden attack.

Who would take the risk of offending the Jinyu Group just to steal pots and pans?

The two people in charge of the box didn’t try to escape; instead, they shouldered the burden and rushed towards the outskirts of the group. It was still dark, and the surroundings were dim. The two people with the box quickly disappeared.

“What were those two carrying? Weren’t we just transporting junk?”

“What are you saying? If it was something valuable, would that person be willing to cut through it with a knife?”

“Even if there was something valuable, it must have been a mistake by the people in charge of supplies… Forget it, let’s hurry and leave. Be careful not to get caught up in it.”

The attackers didn’t make another move against the servants. They sneered coldly, leaped over the tips of the grass, and chased after the two “servants” carrying the box.

“Is Sect Master dead?” Yan Qing gasped for breath.

Yin Ci matched his footsteps. “He’s fine. If that strike had really hit him, we would have heard screams.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Yan Qing: “Why do we still have to carry him? Can’t we run together?”

Yin Ci succinctly replied, “The saber belongs to Zheng Fengdao. We definitely can’t escape—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the nine-ringed saber was snatched away in midair. Zheng Fengdao landed in front of the two, emitting a fierce aura that felt as chilling as an icy wind. Even from a distance of seven or eight steps, they could feel the cold.

The box shifted, and it cracked open. Shi Jingzhi gasped for breath and stuck his head out. His Nuo mask was crooked, and he had a pair of pants on his head.

Zheng Fengdao ignored his appearance. “Sect Master Shi, hand over the Buddhist beads. You’ve caused a lot of trouble for that old witch from the Chigou Sect, and just based on that, I will spare your lives.”

Shi Jingzhi straightened his posture. “And if I don’t hand it over?”

Zheng Fengdao laughed heartily. “If you don’t? Then I’ll settle the score for Elder Lu.”

“Lu Fengxi was killed by the person in white. What does that have to do with my Kushan Sect?”

“He was killed while your disciple was present, so it’s as if your disciple killed him.” Zheng Fengdao brandished his blade with blood stains that were still not wiped clean.

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

Yin Ci dryly coughed. “Grandfather said not to reason with the people from the demonic sects. Shizun, this big brother seems to have made Matron Wuxue back down, so he must be formidable. What should we do?”

That was the truth. Zheng Fengdao was much stronger than Lu Fengxi; at this stage, he could probably take on five Shi Jingzhi.

Zheng Fengdao enjoyed the flattery and was in a good mood. “Oh, the kid understands things well. Here’s the deal, Sect Master Shi. If you don’t hand over the prayer beads, I’ll kill your servant first, then kill your disciple after. So, have you thought of an answer?”

Yan Qing: “?!”

Yin Ci became interested once again. How would Shi Jingzhi resolve this situation? Would he make a desperate move, flee in chaos, or…

Shi Jingzhi’s complexion turned grim, gradually revealing the panic he felt when he was being harassed by Matron Wuxue.

“I’ve thought of it,” he said with difficulty.

---

Kinky Thoughts:

Maybe Yin Ci should tone down on the acting. He should consider it lucky (unlucky?) it was oral medicine and not a suppository.

This marks the end of the first arc.

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

Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 22: Settling Accounts

Shi Jingzhi quickly regained consciousness.

As he regained awareness, Yin Ci was lying beside him. Shi Jingzhi felt around and found Yin Ci’s face—he was still breathing, not dead.

Relieved, Shi Jingzhi ignited the yin fire once again, and this time it radiated its usual brightness. After hesitating for a moment, Shi Jingzhi couldn’t help but worry about his disciple. He propped up Yin Ci and slowly moved forward with some effort. Along the way, the others either remained unconscious or unable to move.

If the Human Shaped Coffin were still intact, it wouldn’t have left so many survivors. It was likely that it had been destroyed.

However, if it had been destroyed normally, several masters wouldn’t be completely silent. If they were also knocked unconscious like himself…

It was probably the work of the person in white.

Shi Jingzhi felt a chill down his spine. He searched behind Yin Ci’s neck for a while, relieved when he found the Buddhist bead still there. The person in white was probably not interested in the Buddhist beads; otherwise, they would have taken advantage of the chaos and killed everyone.

The person’s target must be something else.

But Shi Jingzhi didn’t care—he had no interest in any other treasures. As long as he and his disciple were breathing and the Buddhist beads were safe, it was enough.

After dragging Yin Ci for a while, he finally woke up. Yin Ci blinked in confusion, and said in a hoarse voice, “Shizun?”

“Here,” Shi Jingzhi replied softly. “A’Ci, can you walk on your own?”

“I feel a bit dizzy… but I can manage. Shizun, did the seniors win?”

“They did.” Shi Jingzhi still supported him cautiously.

The two of them walked towards the area with the most wounded, and finally found the Human Shaped Coffin in a certain corner—it was heavily damaged, with the gaping wound in its neck particularly striking. Shi Jingzhi finally released Yin Ci and took out a small cutting knife, smearing the yang flame on its blade.

The array was already broken, and the Human Shaped Coffin had become much more fragile. The yang flame naturally countered yin objects, so the Human Shaped Coffin was easily cut open with the small knife.

Inside the coffin, there wasn’t much, but each item was extremely precious.

In addition to Yan Budu’s Death Whip, there was a long-lost famous sword and an infamous demonic knife. There were also various scrolls, some of which were stained with dried blood, likely secret scriptures stolen by the Ling Sect.

Three Buddhist beads lay quietly among them, carefully picked up by Shi Jingzhi.

He pondered for a moment. “A’Ci, I will keep the lamps burning for you. Go and wake up everyone nearby… Don’t forget the people from the Yueshui Pavilion.”

Yin Ci pretended to be puzzled. “Isn’t it first come, first served?”

“‘With gold and jade filling the hall*, none can guard it all’… Our small sect can’t withstand all of this,” Shi Jingzhi said calmly. “Wake them up as soon as possible.”

*(金玉满堂) Idiom referring to abundant wealth. Combined with the next line, it means it’s impossible for anyone to protect or possess it (wealth) all.

“Understood.”

Yin Ci counted the number of people he had knocked out. Before long, he managed to wake up several key figures and brought two disciples from the Yueshui Pavilion.

Meanwhile, Shi Jingzhi arranged the treasures from the coffin in a row, illuminated by a lantern, so that everything was clear and visible. None of the secret scrolls had been opened.

“Esteemed seniors, these are the treasures from the coffin, along with the three precious map beads.” Shi Jingzhi smiled. “The Human Shaped Coffin was defeated together by everyone. This junior dare not be presumptuous and has only cleaned up and not taken anything.”

Faced with these treasures, no one raised the issue of “first come, first served”. Even the disciples from the Yueshui Pavilion remained silent, and the atmosphere grew tense.

“The Human Shaped Coffin wasn’t destroyed by this humble monk; I dare not take credit.” Monk Juehui broke the deadlock.

“Buddhism emphasizes the cycle of life and death and does not cling to worldly possessions. If this junior may speculate, Venerable probably came for the lost secret books and Buddhist treasures. Just a while ago, I saw the <Woodless Sutra> written by the Jianchen Temple…”

At this point, Shi Jingzhi changed the topic. “Thanks to Venerable for lending me the Infinity Prayer Beads, we were able to successfully battle the Human Shaped Coffin.”

The monks couldn’t help but feel helpless, but they weren’t foolish enough to argue at such a crucial moment. The <Woodless Sutra> was a treasure of Buddhism, and the Jianchen Temple had no intention of getting involved in this mess until Yan Budu hid it in the tomb.

Monk Juehui folded his hands together and chanted “Amitabha*.”

*It’s a general term as a greeting or farewell, but also to express apologies, praise, anger, or in this case, gratitude.

“Shall we return the <Woodless Sutra> to the Jianchen Temple?” Shi Jingzhi asked politely.

“Let them have it already. Stop wasting time,” Matron Wuxue said impatiently, clutching her injured arm. “No one cares about that bald donkey’s scriptures.”

“Thank you, Patron.” Monk Juehui received the scripture with both hands, and the pained expression eased from his face.

“The Death Whip originally belonged to the Ling Sect. The Guanwu Sword is from the Taiheng Sect, and the Cuo Yuan Knife is a treasure of the Chigou Sect. There are also these secret scrolls… Esteemed seniors have contributed greatly to this battle, so it’s only fitting that these items be returned to their rightful owners.”

After speaking, without waiting for the reactions of the important figures, Shi Jingzhi respectfully presented the treasures.

With the major threat eliminated and no external enemies, the various sects were on guard against each other. After weighing their options, they silently accepted the treasures.

Zheng Fengdao took the whip and spoke with a displeased tone, “By bribing everyone like this, kid, do you intend to keep the Buddhist map beads for yourself?”

Shi Jingzhi ignored him and said, “There are still some unclaimed items. Let’s give them to the Rong Palace. After all… ahem.”

He stumbled over his words, but everyone understood. Out of consideration for the imperial court’s face, they couldn’t let the Rong Palace leave empty-handed.

Xu Jingming’s face turned pale with anger. Unfortunately, he was facing esteemed and influential figures, and he wasn’t the emperor. He couldn’t risk a confrontation and could only grudgingly agree.

“Lastly, the Buddhist map beads.” Shi Jingzhi’s voice remained steady. “According to the rules, it’s first come, first served…”

Zheng Fengdao: “Ha, just as I suspected!”

“…But I want to distribute them. The Taiheng Sect has been of great help to me along the way, while the Jianchen Temple suffered the heaviest losses in holding off the Human Shaped Coffin. As for my Kushan Sect, I used my inner force to support everyone and maintain the bead net. I will only take one Buddhist bead. Does anyone have any objections?”

As his words reached the end, a faint hint of authority emerged in Shi Jingzhi’s smile.

Yin Ci was amused as he listened from the side.

Shi Jingzhi’s fox tail was now hooked onto the Taiheng Sect and the Jianchen Temple. The Ling Sect was left with only a single member, and the Chigou Sect was severely weakened. They couldn’t afford to be tough against the two major orthodox sects while dealing with the Kushan Sect.

Shi Jingzhi divided the three Buddhist beads, giving one to Monk Juehui and one to Shi Zhongyu. Finally, he made a grand gesture towards Matron Wuxue and said, “Forgive me, Matron, there aren’t enough prayer beads to go around. How about this? My sect will never touch the items in this tomb again.”

Matron Wuxue stared at him for a while. After a moment, she turned away and said, “Instead of that, who was the hero who destroyed the Human Shape Coffin?”

No one responded.

Wrinkling her brow, Matron Wuxue stopped asking. She pondered on the spot for a long time before finally walking away with her cane.

Yin Ci enjoyed the show and even took out a pack of fried rice, crunching on it loudly. Shi Jingzhi was hungry from watching him, so he grabbed Yan Qing from the crowd, and the three of them started a fire and heated their rice on the spot.

The other sects didn’t have the leisure for such things. They were busy tending to the wounded and exploring, each of them as busy as spinning tops. Only the three members of the Kushan Sect remained motionless with full bellies.

Yan Qing ate carefully and attentively, but once he was full, he didn’t touch his food anymore. He glanced at Shi Jingzhi, who was trying to explode himself from food, and hesitated before speaking. “Sect Master Shi, don’t you want the Buddhist beads? Are you really giving them away like this?”

“I can give them away, and naturally, I can take them back.”

Shi Jingzhi happily took a bite of the fried bun, speaking casually but with conviction.

“…And if it’s what I desire, there’s nothing that I can’t obtain.”

Yan Qing stopped packing his food box. “But Sect Master, you are no match for Senior Shi.”

“What are you thinking? I’m not going to steal them. Rest assured, I will make Miss Shi willingly hand them over.”

On the side, Yin Ci no longer bothered to pretend, allowing a smile to creep up on his lips.

Keeping this kid was the right decision.

The three members of the Kushan Sect took turns keeping watch, wasting a full two days in one place. During this time, the various sects thoroughly plundered the Palace of Leisure. The Chigou Sect found the exit and returned as if they were loaded with loot.

However, compared to their initial arrival, their numbers were now reduced by more than half, with only a dozen survivors remaining.

The exit was beneath the bed of the Human Shaped Coffin, and it took considerable effort for everyone to pry open the volcanic rock slab. After the slab was lifted, a set of descending stairs was revealed.

At the end of the stairs was a narrow barrel-shaped space.

The ground was marked with seven lines crossing the center, dividing the circular floor into fourteen equal parts. The surrounding walls were smooth and impossible to climb and there was no ceiling on the top, only darkness.

Around the room, there was a circle of smooth copper rings, with fourteen fist-sized heads attached to them. Each head had an exaggerated, distorted smile, with one eye missing, and the size of the eyeball matched that of the Buddhist beads.

Cautiously, Shi Jingzhi prodded one of the heads, and it smoothly slid and adhered to the nearest head with a ‘pop’. He was startled and hesitated to touch it again, wrinkling his face in disgust.

Shaking his head, Yin Ci stepped forward and effortlessly separated the two heads.

Matron Wuxue glanced at the two of them. “The Yan family won’t let us go so easily. Everyone has to put the Buddhist beads on those faces so we can seize them after leaving the tomb… Children, come over and stand in position.”

After the members of the Chigou Sect stood in place, she collected two heads and placed the Buddhist beads in them one by one. As soon as the beads were in place, two stone slabs beneath her feet lit up.

At the boundary between light and darkness, a transparent barrier gradually rose, shining with reflections. The barrier was as hard as iron, separating the members of the Chigou Sect inside.

Following that, the members of the Jianchen Temple and Monk Juehui took out their three Buddhist beads and placed them in order. The same was done by the Taiheng Sect and Zheng Fengdao of the Ling Sect. Xu Jingming took out two beads and quickly embedded them, remaining vigilant as he glanced at Shi Jingzhi.

Three beads from the Jianchen Temple, two from the Taiheng Sect, two from the Chigou Sect, two from Zheng Fengdao of the Ling Sect, and two from the Rong Palace… a total of eleven beads.

Shi Zhongyu also took out two prayer beads, creating a subtle atmosphere in the room.

Furrowing her brows, Shi Zhongyu asked, “Are we missing one? The disciples of the Yueshui Pavilion, please check.”

The disciples of the Yueshui Pavilion flipped through the records and said, “There were only three prayer beads reported for the ‘Suffering From Parting’. They went respectively to the Rong Palace, the Taiheng Sect, and the Ling Sect… One is missing.”

Shi Zhongyu recalled for a moment and said, “The missing one belongs to the group led by Brother Yin. Sect Master Shi, do you have any clues?”

Xu Jingming added fuel to the fire. “Yes, I heard about it. Sect Master Shi was the first one to leave.”

Shi Zhongyu smiled embarrassedly. “No, I didn’t mean anything by that, just…”

Matron Wuxue sharply interrupted, “The Rong Palace and the Taiheng Sect have obtained the prayer beads, and Zheng Fengdao of the Ling Sect and my sect shared the same room and took the beads in front of me. We will certainly not protect our enemies… Sect Master Shi, if you continue to hide and conceal, none of us will be able to leave.”

She then smiled maliciously. “If it weren’t for Yan Budu leaving a trick, you would have deceived everyone. This is a violation of the rules. Shi Zhongyu and Monk Juehui, two honorable figures, would you protect this insignificant little boy?”

Shi Zhongyu furrowed her brows. “Matron, you’re mistaken. Sect Master Shi was initially with the people from the Rong Palace, and the Buddhist bead was obtained by them. Sect Master Shi rescued two people from another room, and I personally witnessed it—the ‘Suffering From Parting’ had already been deciphered by someone. You should be aware that the ‘Suffering From Parting’ can only be broken from the inside.”

“He rescued Yin Ci and another monk from the Jianchen Temple. Previously, these two were together with Lu Fengxi. With Elder Lu’s skills, they certainly wouldn’t be opponents.”

The monk who had been present at the time also stepped forward. “I can testify that it was a person in white who broke the ‘Suffering From Parting’. Sect Master Shi was initially in another room, so it couldn’t have been him.”

He took a deep breath, muttered a few unclear words, and spoke again, “This humble monk saw the face of the person in white, and it was very… cough. This humble monk can confirm that I have never seen that person before.”

Matron Wuxue narrowed her eyes. “According to your statement, there is a skilled master who disguised their identity and infiltrated the group? No, I heard that you had already fainted. Perhaps the person in white is disguised as that Yin kid. Has anyone heard of this master-disciple pair before entering the Ghost Tomb?”

Her gaze was vicious. “Taking a step back, it’s possible that the person in white didn’t take the Buddhist bead and it was coincidentally picked up by Sect Master Shi.”

Yin Ci sneered inwardly. It seemed that his own junior wanted to kill two birds with one stone—

According to the rules of the Jinyu Group, hoarding loot and hiding one’s identity were major taboos.

If Shi Jingzhi concealed the Buddhist beads, he could be labeled as “breaking the rules”. The Chigou Sect could freely seize them without having to wait until they left the tomb.

If the person in white had taken the Buddhist bead, they would inevitably have to hand them over now, and some flaws would surely be revealed. Likewise, the Chigou Sect could logically besiege that person and see what rare and precious treasures they had obtained.

What was even more wonderful was that the scapegoat would be the monk himself, stirring up trouble.

Yin Ci looked at Shi Jingzhi beside him. His cheap master maintained a calm demeanor, but his lips were slightly pursed, indicating that he had also guessed Matron Wuxue’s intentions.

He was surely aware that if the person in white wanted to continue hiding their identity, they would find a way to shift the blame onto the Kushan Sect.

The Kushan Sect’s prospects were grim.

Shi Jingzhi couldn’t match Matron Wuxue’s expertise, and Zheng Fengdao wouldn’t remain idle. They might even play a trick behind the scenes.

Yin Ci grabbed hold of Shi Jingzhi’s left hand. The hand trembled slightly and was cold as ice.

Matron Wuxue removed the Buddhist beads from the heads, and the barrier slowly disappeared. She tapped her cane on the ground, stepping forward and enunciating each word. “Sect Master Shi, have you thought of an explanation?”

Unfortunately, she had picked the wrong opponent.

Both the prayer beads and Shi Jingzhi were things that Yin Ci had his eyes on. Although the Chigou Sect was a demonic sect, it wasn’t so easy to overstep its boundaries. Matron Wuxue was still too green in his eyes.

The Chigou Sect held great reverence for “persistent authority*”, and he understood its operating rules better than anyone else.

*In this context, it means that they hold high regard for those who hold/held high positions in their sect (like the founder or sect leaders thereafter).

Yin Ci tightened his grip on that hand. “Shizun, as I said—I have a strong destiny and specialize in combating demons and evil. Those in the demonic sect should be associated with the word ‘evil’.”

His words weren’t loud but audible to everyone.

Yin Ci didn’t release Shi Jingzhi’s hand. His other hand reached into his pocket, formed a fist, and then opened his fingers—

“The last one is with me.”

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The author has something to say:

The phrase “Nothing can keep a house full of gold and jade” comes from chapter 9 of Laozi’s <Tao Te Ching>.

———

As usual, here’s a promotional preview. If you’re interested, you can find it in the author’s column. The novel <Evil As Humans>.

Yin Ren is a thousand-year-old rare-born evil creature. He chose an ominous day and happily tore apart the seal. Wherever he went, talismans shattered, stone tablets burst open, fierce ghosts shrank into a ball, and even zombies got weak in the knees.

People around him felt uncomfortable within a three-foot radius due to his presence. Yin Ren wandered around, feeling quite restless.

Zhong Chengshuo frowned. “Why does this person always loiter near the crime scene? I’ll go check it out.”

And he casually took Yin Ren with him.

Yin Ren: (；ω；)!

An atheist gong x Ghost King shou

A mini-supernatural criminal investigation story where an atheist brother encounters a supreme evil, and they cooperate (?) to solve cases.

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Kinky Thoughts:

This is the last of the free chapters on jjwxc. If you’ve been enjoying the novel so far and are able to, please consider supporting the author by buying the raws. I used Google Chrome with their auto translate and this guide on how to buy novels on jjwxc. Remember, only with your (financial) support can artists continue to produce more great works.

The author note is a summary of her next work (which I’m also working on). You can check it out: Evil As Human.

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