When they arrived at the Da-Li Temple, Li Mu Yun had already been waiting there. He bowed to Yan Chi and Qin Wan before saying, “These case files are from six years ago. It took quite a while to find them. Everything is ready now. Please, come inside—”
Qin Wan followed behind Yan Chi, looking at the familiar government office layout, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Like in her dream this morning, she seemed to see scenes of when her father first brought her to the office. It was during one afternoon when she came to Da Li Temple for the first time to help her father deliver piles of official documents from their residence.
Da Li Temple was the highest authority for criminal investigation and supervision in the Great Zhou Dynasty. The entire office complex was magnificent and solemn, exuding a cold dignity of law and justice.
On her first visit, she felt struck by the power of this state institution, and reverence naturally arose in her heart. She also understood that her father’s work concerned justice and law for all under heaven. At that time, she didn’t yet know what each department and division of Da Li Temple did.
Following the corridor toward the rear courtyard, Li Mu Yun invited everyone into a side hall. More than ten yellowed and very old case files were laid out on the desk. Li Mu Yun said, “Here are all the confessions, autopsy reports, case statements, and official documents from the presiding officials at the time, as well as verification documents from various deputy officials of the Ministry of Justice, Da Li Temple, and the Prefecture’s Inspection Bureau. There are quite a few documents. I looked through several volumes last night. Official Zheng is most familiar with the case. Looking through these now with Your Highness and the Princess will likely yield some insights.”
Li Mu Yun ordered tea to be served, and everyone began reading together. Qin Wan ignored the rest and only selected the case statements, autopsy reports, and the Daoist Zhang’s confession to read. Before long, she finished reading about the first victim.
The first victim who was skinned was found in a dilapidated house south of Guanyin Town. The death was brutal, and the body wasn’t discovered until three days after death. The corpse was severely decomposed, and at the time, no ashes or cinnabar patterns were found.
The second victim had their tongue pulled out and fingers cut off, dying by the small river on the western edge of Guanyin Town. This victim had also committed crimes of the tongue, and no ashes or cinnabar patterns were found near the body.
The third victim was frozen to death in the mountain forest north of Guanyin Town. It was winter at the time, and the victim was buried in the snow and froze to death. The body was only discovered when hunting dogs dug it up.
All three methods of killing were unusual, and they perfectly matched the doctrines of the Moon Worship Cult. Since Daoist Zhang lived alone in his temple with no one to provide an alibi, and given his skill at carving Buddha and Daoist deity statues, he became the most logical suspect. After the authorities arrested Daoist Zhang, indeed no more deaths occurred.
In prison, Daoist Zhang endured many severe tortures, but he never confessed.
Qin Wan turned through the case files page by page but noticed that one volume seemed to be missing at the end. She said, “Official Li, there seems to be a missing volume. The details of the third victim’s death and the crime scene investigation records are not here.”
Li Mu Yun raised his eyebrows, “Then I’ll go look again. Documents from several years ago are all mixed in storage, it was probably overlooked.” With that, Li Mu Yun led people back to the archives.
Zheng Bai Shi asked Qin Wan, “Has the Princess noticed anything strange?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “These records don’t mention whether the crimes were committed on moonless and starless nights. Besides the similar methods and conditions of death, I haven’t noticed much else. It’s just unfortunate that one volume is missing.”
The recorded details weren’t exhaustive, and since the case happened in a very remote place, there were more omissions. However, Daoist Zhang’s confession was interesting. The records stated that even during severe torture, Daoist Zhang showed no signs of fear, at most only anger. His shoulder blades were pierced with nails, yet even then, he didn’t admit guilt. The presiding official, fearing Zhang might die from torture, finally stopped and had him imprisoned. In his confession, Zhang claimed to know nothing about the case, but the presiding official, convinced of his guilt, gave him little chance to defend himself.
Later records described how he spoke disrespectfully in prison, which matched what the prison warden had said. Seeing all this, not only Yan Chi but even Qin Wan became quite interested.
This Daoist Zhang had also said he was fated to endure this tribulation, so he remained calm. Could someone calculate their fate and tribulations? Qin Wan felt uncertain thinking about this, still remembering how Daoist Zhang had looked at her that day.
“We found ashes and cinnabar patterns near Zhao Jia Xu’s body, but according to these files, there were no such special characteristics with the victims from six years ago. Also, these records don’t mention the weather conditions when the crimes occurred.”
Zheng Bai Shi and Zhan Yang had experienced that case firsthand. Zheng Bai Shi said, “At the time, the cases occurred in Guanyin Town, and we could only send limited personnel. Many things weren’t thoroughly considered. After suspicion fell on Daoist Zhang, no further investigation was done…” Zheng Bai Shi lowered his voice, “At that time, the northwestern war situation was critical, which Your Highness surely understands. Both inside and outside the court were tense due to the war situation. And with three consecutive deaths, it was considered inauspicious, so several officials wanted to close the case quickly.”
So even though Daoist Zhang never confessed, the case was shelved.
Having followed Shen Yi for many years, Qin Wan naturally understood that criminal cases weren’t simply about right and wrong. Once official circles became involved, there were too many unclear factors at play. Officials would often bend rules for political situations or personal gain. At least the presiding official at the time hadn’t falsified Daoist Zhang’s confession through torture, which was already commendable.
“I wonder if Official Li can find those case files…”
Qin Wan frowned slightly, remembering what Daoist Zhang had said. The Moon Worship Cult’s doctrine was to punish evil and redeem sins, and its followers mostly believed in the power of gods and Buddha with specific requests in mind. What was this killer seeking?
Yan Chi looked at the case files thoughtfully, “Official Zheng, make a copy of that cinnabar pattern. I’ll make a trip to the Imperial Prison.”
Zheng Bai Shi was slightly surprised. Yan Chi said, “Since it’s neither Daoist nor Buddhist, it’s very likely something from the Moon Worship Cult. Daoist Zhang would be the most suitable person to ask about this.”
Zheng Bai Shi’s eyes lit up, “Ah, why didn’t I think of that?!”
Qin Wan was also slightly surprised internally, as she hadn’t thought of this angle either. The cinnabar pattern looked like some kind of charm or talisman, and Daoist Zhang had first believed in Daoism before converting to the Moon Worship Cult. He would likely know what it was upon seeing it.
Zheng Bai Shi continued, “Then this official will have the pattern sent over now.”
With that, he instructed Zhan Yang, who had a runner fetch it. While they were waiting, Li Mu Yun came out from inside, with a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. “Only the last volume remains missing, who knows which corner it’s fallen into. People below are still searching, but who knows when it will be found…”
It was normal not to find everything, given that Da Li Temple had accumulated decades of official documents, and this case was from six years ago. Zheng Bai Shi said, “No rush. After all, it’s been many years. Although we’re missing the volume about the third case, looking at it now, the two cases indeed seem identical. However, when Daoist Zhang was arrested back then, I don’t think he seemed like the real killer. As for who the real killer is, these case files don’t reveal any crucial clues.”
Yan Chi said, “Let me visit the Imperial Prison and see what Daoist Zhang has to say.”
Li Mu Yun hadn’t known Yan Chi planned to visit the prison. After Zheng Bai Shi explained, Li Mu Yun quickly agreed this was a very reasonable idea. By then, the runner had brought the pattern.
Yan Chi took the pattern and prepared to leave, then asked Qin Wan, “Would the Princess like to come along?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment before nodding. That Daoist Zhang was very strange – she felt nervous yet wanted to investigate further.
Given Qin Wan’s current status, she could now be involved in case investigations. Li Mu Yun and Zheng Bai Shi showed no surprise at this. Qin Wan and Yan Chi bid farewell to the two men and left first, while Zheng Bai Shi stayed behind and ordered Zhan Yang to investigate the Wei Yuan Earl’s mansion and other members of the Zhao family.
Leaving Da Li Temple’s gate, Qin Wan paused and looked back. Da Li Temple’s official plaque hung high and magnificent, naturally inspiring a sense of solemnity. Qin Wan withdrew her gaze and quickly followed after Yan Chi.
The first time they went to the Imperial Prison, Daoist Zhang claimed to know nothing and showed no fear of their high status. Would Yan Chi be able to learn anything this time? Qin Wan wasn’t sure, but she wanted to know if this Daoist Zhang possessed the mystical powers she worried about.
After boarding the carriage, the two traveled for a short while before arriving at the Ministry of Justice. Upon entering, when they heard Yan Chi wanted to enter the Imperial Prison, the lower officials immediately followed. Entering the prison, the same warden led the way.
“Your Highness and Princess may not know, but these past two days, Daoist Zhang has shown no fear at all, constantly muttering something under his breath. We don’t know what he’s saying, or if he thinks he’s going to be released.”
Yan Chi said nothing and led Qin Wan to the door of Daoist Zhang’s cell.
Just like that day, Daoist Zhang was again sleeping deeply. The warden said impatiently, “Daoist Zhang, the Crown Prince, and the Princess have arrived, get up and answer their questions! If you contribute meritoriously, you might be able to leave, wouldn’t that be good?”
Daoist Zhang shifted slightly, without opening his eyes, and said, “I know nothing.”
The warden was both angry and annoyed. Yan Chi spoke in a calm voice, “A second person died the other day, with their tongue pulled out and fingers cut off. We found this beneath the body. It’s neither Daoist nor Buddhist – you should recognize it.”
At these words, Daoist Zhang opened his eyes and looked at Yan Chi.
He glanced at the rubbing in Yan Chi’s hand, then at Yan Chi himself, before finally getting up and walking over. Upon seeing the incomplete charm pattern, Daoist Zhang’s expression changed dramatically. “The Evil-Vanquishing Curse?”
Yan Chi had known Daoist Zhang would recognize this item’s origin. “What is the Evil-Vanquishing Curse?”
A solemn expression appeared on Daoist Zhang’s face. His eyes rolled twice before he said, “The Evil-Vanquishing Curse is the most powerful incantation in our Moon Worship Cult, used in conjunction with the Evil-Vanquishing Arena.”
His eyes widened, “So that’s why he’s killing people!”
His expression became somewhat eerie, his words mystical.
Qin Wan couldn’t help asking, “What is the Evil-Vanquishing Arena? Do you know why he’s killing people?”
Daoist Zhang looked at Qin Wan, paused for a moment, then said, “The Evil-Vanquishing Arena is the Moon Worship Cult’s most sinister and powerful ritual arena. Although punishing evil can redeem sins, our followers shouldn’t create needless bloodshed. This Evil-Vanquishing Arena is a type of soul-crossing ritual arena. The difference is that it requires sacrificing beings who have committed evil deeds – in other words, living people must be killed alive, using this to resolve grudges, eliminate disasters, and transform fate. This method is extremely sinister, practiced by a dark faction within our cult. Legend has it that if this ritual arena is successfully established, it can defy heaven’s will and bring the dead back to life.”
Qin Wan’s heart pounded heavily – defying heaven’s will and bringing the dead back to life…
Yan Chi asked, “Are you certain the killer is trying to establish an Evil-Vanquishing Arena?”
Daoist Zhang nodded gravely, “I’m certain. I couldn’t mistake this charm. Why are you only asking me now – could the killer from six years ago have been aiming for this too?”
Daoist Zhang looked at Yan Chi, then sighed, “Never mind, you weren’t in the capital six years ago.”
Yan Chi’s eyebrows raised. No one had introduced his identity when they previously came to this prison. How did Daoist Zhang know he wasn’t in the capital six years ago? The warden had only called him “Your Highness” – how did he know who he was?
Even common folk in the mountains and countryside might not know his past, yet Daoist Zhang had hit the mark with one sentence.
“How did you know I wasn’t in the capital six years ago?”
Daoist Zhang had been unwilling to engage with people, but he seemed different from Yan Chi. He looked Yan Chi up and down before answering, “This noble one carries heavy killing energy, suggesting a recent return from the battlefield. Such heavy killing energy couldn’t accumulate in just a day or two. Moreover, the noble one has taken many lives.”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed tightly. Had this Daoist Zhang figured out his identity?
“You know my identity?”
Daoist Zhang snorted with laughter, “I care nothing for your noble identity.”
Yan Chi found him somewhat difficult to deal with. There were many practitioners in the world, including quite a few who established their teachings, but this man had seen through his past in just a few glances. He seemed to genuinely possess some ability.
Beside him, Qin Wan’s heart tensed.
“Since you know about this Evil-Vanquishing Arena, you must know how it’s arranged and established.”
Daoist Zhang’s expression became solemn, “The more this arena seeks, the more people must die. The Moon Worship Cult has seven levels of hell – each level must be consecrated before the dead can be restored to life. Six years ago only three people died; this time, I don’t know how many will die.”
After a pause, Daoist Zhang counted on his fingers and said, “This arena doesn’t just depend on timing – it also depends on the weather, geographical location, and the Five Elements destiny of the sacrifice. Beyond that, the purpose of the person establishing the arena – whether seeking life, changing fate, or pursuing wealth and status – different purposes require different methods of establishment.”
Daoist Zhang’s explanation was very complex, and even he seemed unable to fully explain it.
Qin Wan frowned and asked, “Where did this Moon Worship Cult come from? Did you establish it yourself, or did you learn of it from elsewhere?”
Daoist Zhang looked at Qin Wan, the keen insight in his eyes making her somewhat uncomfortable. However, he spoke in an ordinary tone, “Nine years ago, I went south and met someone who claimed to be an elder of the Moon Worship Cult. Upon first meeting me, this person calculated my entire life’s past and how many tribulations lay in my destiny. He accurately calculated everything that had happened before. I immediately felt his Moon Worship Cult was more useful than what I’d been studying, so I took him as my master. What I know was all told to me by him. He was one of the Moon Worship Cult elders, and the cult originated in the Yutian Kingdom of the Western Regions. When he first accepted me, he said our master-disciple relationship would only last three months. Sure enough, after three months he mysteriously disappeared. I didn’t search for him, but returned to my small temple, smashed the Heavenly Official statues, and began believing in the Moon Worship Cult.”
Daoist Zhang spoke with some melancholy, while this strange encounter sounded even more fantastical to Yan Chi and Qin Wan.
Yan Chi then asked, “Since you understand this Evil-Vanquishing Arena, can you determine who the next victim might be?”
Daoist Zhang yawned, “That’s asking too much of me. I only know about this arena but have never established one. Its complexities are surely beyond your understanding. I can only help this much…”
Qin Wan asked, “You can’t calculate anything at all?”
Qin Wan saw Daoist Zhang count on his fingers several times but say nothing, feeling he might be concealing something.
Hearing her question, Daoist Zhang paused, saw both Yan Chi and Qin Wan watching him, and sighed, “Wait until the third person dies, then come find me again…”
Both Qin Wan and Yan Chi frowned – what did these words mean?!
How could they simply wait for a third victim?!
Daoist Zhang looked at Yan Chi, then at Qin Wan, but shook his head without saying more. He turned and went back to sleep. After lying down on the dirty mattress, he said quietly, “Please go back. I really can’t help right now. I can only say that whoever is harming people must be someone who has mastered the Moon Worship Cult’s essence, though I don’t know who. Moreover, this person certainly wouldn’t dare go this far just from hearing what I’ve said – they must have been to the West. As for why they chose to start in Guanyin Town back then, I don’t know either. As for me, I was simply caught up in it all – who knew it would be such a coincidence?”
Then Daoist Zhang added resignedly, “Never mind, never mind, consider it passing through tribulation. After this tribulation, I’m destined for a life of wealth and glory.” He glanced at Yan Chi and Qin Wan, “If you truly care, come find me after the third death. By then, I might know what the killer intends. If you don’t care, there’s no need to come.”
After speaking, Daoist Zhang crossed his legs and began meditating.
Seeing him like this, Yan Chi and Qin Wan naturally knew they could do nothing more with him.
Qin Wan let it go, but Yan Chi extremely disliked this feeling. Given his status, even killing Daoist Zhang now would mean nothing, but he instinctively felt this person was both important and capable – killing him would be truly wasteful.
Yan Chi folded the rubbing and put it in his sleeve, “In that case, we’ll meet again another day.”
With that, he led Qin Wan outside.
Turning a corner, Yan Chi instructed the prison warden, “Treat him well these days. He’s useful.”
Hearing this, the warden hurriedly nodded in agreement.
Leaving the Imperial Prison, Yan Chi’s expression became somewhat heavy. Daoist Zhang’s words left them feeling quite helpless – without finding any clues, they could only wait for the next victim to appear, which was truly cruel.
After boarding the carriage, Yan Chi’s expression remained stern, “The northern barbarians have invaded the northwest for years, and Great Zhou has little contact with the southwestern countries. Yutian is the westernmost country in the Western Regions – it’s extremely far even going through Western Liang.”
Qin Wan said, “From Great Zhou, a round trip to the West takes at least three years. Ordinary people lack the financial resources and courage to undertake such a journey. However, quite a few from Great Zhou have been to the West, including many in the capital. This makes it like searching for a needle in the sea.”
Although this was true, Yan Chi and Qin Wan’s trip wasn’t fruitless. They rode the carriage straight to the Prefecture Office. Zheng Bai Shi had already returned from Da Li Temple, and hearing of their arrival, hurried to welcome them.
Upon meeting, Yan Chi relayed Daoist Zhang’s words. Zheng Bai Shi listened with a strange expression, “Defying heaven’s will? Bringing the dead back to life? How is this possible?! Such nonsensical things could only be fabricated by an evil cult. Now they’re playing with human lives – this is truly the height of evil and demonic madness!”
Scholars generally didn’t discuss supernatural powers, but Qin Wan felt somewhat uneasy as she listened.
She originally didn’t believe in such things, but she was the best example!
She had died once, and though she hadn’t seen ghosts or gods, the return of a soul to a borrowed body was truly real. When she heard Daoist Zhang’s words, she wondered if her life had been exchanged for someone else’s death.
As they were talking, Zhan Yang returned from outside. After entering and paying his respects, he said, “Your Highness, Princess, Sir, I still couldn’t find if Zhao Jia Xu had any lovers outside, but I did discover something about the Wei Yuan Earl’s household.”
Zheng Bai Shi raised his eyebrows. Zhan Yang continued, “It turns out the Wei Yuan Earl’s Third Young Master isn’t the Earl’s biological son. The Earl’s wife had remarried when she married the Earl. Back then, the Earl expended great effort to secure an official position, but at that time, the First Young Master brought back a courtesan and demanded to take her as a concubine. The Second Young Master accumulated huge gambling debts, and the Fourth Young Master was also good for nothing. Only the Third Young Master maintained a clean reputation…”