He Bang was furious. She had no idea which wretched individual — knowing full well that her reading ability was limited — had sent over such a bewildering mess of a thing to humiliate her! At first she suspected it was the neighboring great white shark, but then dismissed the idea — that great white shark was even more illiterate than she was; it couldn’t have written something like this.

The sprawling pages of text gave her a splitting headache. She had only glanced at it once before casually tossing it aside, not knowing where it had ended up. So that by the time Chunyu Lin returned and she wanted to produce the evidence and identify the culprit, she could not find it anywhere.

Meanwhile, at Qingxu Temple, Rong Chen Zi showed neither approval nor disapproval of Zhuang Shaoqin’s scheme to lure He Bang into lending her assistance: “She and I no longer have any connection whatsoever. Whatever you intend to do, there is no need to come and inform me.” As he spoke, his expression was detached and indifferent — as though he were speaking of some utterly unfamiliar passerby. When he had finished, he pressed a hand to his chest and began to cough softly again. “Why has Xiao Ye not come?”

Zhuang Shaoqin found this rather troublesome, yet still handed him a cup of herbal tea while trying to reassure him: “Junior Sister is keeping watch at the Liu residence. That snake’s whereabouts are currently unknown — it’s uncertain whether it will return.”

Rong Chen Zi gave a slight nod, just about to speak, when suddenly a household servant from the Liu residence came rushing in from outside, face etched with urgency: “State Preceptor — a woman’s body has been discovered in the rear garden of the Liu residence, but it has been in the water so long it is beyond recognition…” Zhuang Shaoqin had not yet had a chance to stop him when he finished what he was saying: “The Grand Secretary fears it may be Ye Zhenren, and has specially ordered this servant to come inform you with all haste.”

Before Zhuang Shaoqin could even speak, Rong Chen Zi’s expression had already changed drastically: “Xiao Ye has not been found?” He pressed a hand to his chest, which heaved violently. Blood began to seep again from the wound wrapped in its heavy layers of medicinal gauze. “Qingxuan — help me change my clothes!”

Zhuang Shaoqin knew his temperament well, and though he knew it would be futile, could not help but offer a few gentle words: “Senior Brother, with your injuries not yet healed, even if you go, you would be unable to…”

Consumed by frantic anxiety and grief, Rong Chen Zi cut him off with a stern rebuke: “Unable to what? Master entrusted you and Xiao Ye to me on his deathbed. If Xiao Ye were to meet with misfortune, how would I face Master in the next life?”

He forced himself upright and dressed in haste: “It is my fault — I knew something was off about Liu Qinfang, yet I still allowed her to take the risk!” Filled with remorseful self-reproach, he was also consumed by desperate anxiety. Zhuang Shaoqin could see there was no stopping him, and had no choice but to ride on his sword alongside him, making their way to the Liu residence together to identify the body.

The rear garden of the Liu residence contained a natural lake over ten zhang in diameter. A few white cranes waded through it at leisure. In the late days of the eleventh month, the chill had grown steadily more pronounced. With no plants covering the water’s surface, the lake looked especially wide and open.

The body lay beside the lake. With Zhuang Shaoqin not yet having spoken, Grand Secretary Liu had not dared to handle it, and fortunately, in early winter, the odor was not yet too strong. Rong Chen Zi still wore his white Daoist robe, and because his injuries had made him sensitive to the cold, he had draped a bamboo-green cloak over it. He crossed to the body in what seemed like a single stride. When he lifted the white cloth, his right hand was trembling.

The body beneath the cloth was even more difficult to identify than he had imagined. Having been submerged for too long, the entire face had swollen and distorted beyond recognition. The skin had taken on a white pallor like that of a silkworm that had died mid-cocoon. The eyeballs appeared to have been gnawed away by fish — only two dark hollows remained. The entire body bore no other wounds, except that the back of the skull had been caved in — a hole the size of an infant’s fist — and the brain matter within was gone.

Rong Chen Zi ran his hand from the body’s right shoulder all the way down to the hand, and after a long while finally let out a slow, deep breath: “It’s not Xiao Ye.”

Zhuang Shaoqin also exhaled in relief: “If the snake is not Liu Qinfang, should we have people search the Liu residence to find out where the real Liu Qinfang is?” He gazed at the female body in the lake for a moment, carefully venturing a guess. “Or could it be that this body is Liu Qinfang?”

Grand Secretary Liu could barely stand the sight of the body’s condition. One thing after another had gone wrong, and he was already utterly exhausted in both mind and body: “State Preceptor — this old one had his wife identify the body. It does not appear to be my daughter.”

Rong Chen Zi pondered for a long while. The early winter wind carried moisture as it swept across his face, stirring his hair and the hem of his robe. The withered grass and barren branches only deepened the impression of his haggardness. Zhuang Shaoqin could not bear to burden him further, yet with Ye Tian’s fate at stake, his misgivings had to be set aside for now: “Senior Brother — I came face to face with that Three-Eyed Snake once. Its hide is nearly impervious to blades, and it can absorb souls. Now that its cover has been blown, I fear it will only grow more brazen…”

Before he could finish, Grand Secretary Liu interjected: “Honored Rong Zhenren, honored Zhuang State Preceptor — I will not conceal this from you: since the creature escaped the last time, in just two short days Lingxia Town has had six or seven people die of no apparent cause. The regional official has already submitted a report, and I fear this will draw the attention of the Emperor. The court’s dispatch to the State Preceptor will likely arrive here within two days.”

Rong Chen Zi’s five fingers clenched into a fist, and he pressed his sleeve to his mouth, coughing for a long while: “Do you believe the Sea Emperor is truly capable of dealing with this wretched creature?”

He looked toward Zhuang Shaoqin. Zhuang Shaoqin frowned: “I have not witnessed He Bang’s abilities with my own eyes, but that person’s strength is beyond doubt. If we can secure her aid and eliminate this thing as swiftly as possible, it will spare us many more casualties.” A grim light returned to his eyes. “And she had the audacity to scheme after Senior Brother’s flesh and blood, nearly costing Senior Brother his life. Once this matter is settled, that debt will have to be reckoned with.”

Rong Chen Zi’s expression settled into something still and grave as water: “What was between her and me has already been settled. That matter need not be raised again in the future. If she can indeed be of assistance in this, I will go to the Sea Clan myself.”

At these words, not just Zhuang Shaoqin — even Qingxuan and Qingsu voiced their opposition: “Master — that clam demon has been coveting Master’s flesh and blood, and has stopped at nothing. If Master were to go there…”

Rong Chen Zi raised a hand to stop them: “She is by nature extraordinarily timid and cautious. This matter cannot be accomplished without my going in person.”

Zhuang Shaoqin was still relatively calm: “Then I will accompany Senior Brother. Should anything go wrong, at least we will have each other for support.”

Rong Chen Zi shook his head: “I am not going to confront the Sea Clan with force. The Three-Eyed Snake could appear at any moment — you should remain here. Since it is a snake, start looking into methods for repelling snakes and try scattering some realgar powder and sparrow droppings.”

Xingzhi Zhenren, upon hearing that Rong Chen Zi had arrived, came to receive him as well. Jiuding Palace and Qingxu Temple had long maintained a policy of not interfering with one another, yet there had always been a quiet undercurrent of rivalry between them — in particular, Yuyang Zhenren had always looked at Rong Chen Zi with barely concealed displeasure. Yet now, with a great threat before them, everyone understood the importance of the greater picture, and so even Yuyang Zhenren paid his respects to Rong Chen Zi.

With Ye Tian’s fate still unknown, Rong Chen Zi dared not delay. He set off with Qingxuan and Qingsu, heading straight for the sea territory of Lingxia.

At that time, Chunyu Lin was out inspecting the sea defenses, and He Bang — having eaten her fill — was lying on the surface of the sea sunbathing. The winter sun cast a warm, drowsy glow over her entire body, and she felt rather sleepy. She flipped over and yawned.

Just as she was thinking of heading back to the Sea Emperor’s Palace to sleep, someone suddenly came treading across the water in the distance, his voice bright and clear: “Your Majesty the Sea Emperor — it has been some time. I trust you have been well?”

He Bang turned around and saw Zhuang Shaoqin — still in his blue Daoist robe, his sword slung across his back at an angle, carrying himself with the distinguished bearing of a nation’s State Preceptor.

He Bang was a little puzzled: “How did you come to be here?”

Zhuang Shaoqin drew slowly closer, affecting the manner of a man entranced: “Ever since our chance meeting at the sea that day, this poor Daoist has not been able to stop thinking about Your Majesty’s celestial grace. Now that I have some free time, naturally I have come to pay you a visit.”

He Bang warily retreated several steps. A ring of rippling water spread around her, cutting between herself and Zhuang Shaoqin. She suddenly called out in a sharp, clear voice: “Foul Three-Eyed Snake, stop pretending — I can see your snake’s tail!!”

The expression on the Zhuang Shaoqin before her suddenly became very strange. “He” looked himself up and down, head to toe, then twisted his neck three hundred and sixty degrees to examine his own back, and after a long moment said with genuine bewilderment: “Impossible — my tail hasn’t even come out yet!”

He Bang broke out in a cold sweat from head to toe. Without another word, she turned and plunged straight down to the bottom of the sea.

By the time Rong Chen Zi and his two disciples arrived at the gates of the Sea Emperor’s Palace, He Bang was still clutching Chunyu Lin’s arm and recounting the Three-Eyed Snake incident in a breathless, animated rush. The two approached from the distance. He Bang was still chattering away, while Chunyu Lin’s expression remained tranquil: “Think nothing of it — if we can kill one, we can certainly kill a second. Besides, we are in the water. What is there to fear from it?”

He Bang was timid by nature and was still breaking out in cold sweats: “And it was even trying to trick me! I’ve been wondering what on earth it came looking for me for…” Her words trailed off, and she looked up — straight into Rong Chen Zi’s face.

In the cerulean blue of the sea, his long robes drifted and billowed, his sleeves lifting in the wind — he had the air of an immortal. Yet in just these past few days, he had visibly become thinner and more gaunt, and even his ordinarily robust frame showed a hint of frailty.

At the sudden sight of him, He Bang felt a distinct twinge of guilt. She edged closer to Chunyu Lin. Chunyu Lin, who had previously been maintaining a careful three feet of distance from her, instinctively drew her slender waist closer to him at the sight of Rong Chen Zi.

Their eyes met. Rong Chen Zi gave a soft cough, pressed his palms together in a single-handed salute, and observed every courtesy: “Your Majesty the Sea Emperor — it has been some time. I trust you have been well?”

His expression and manner were entirely those of a stranger. He Bang hid herself behind Chunyu Lin, and after a long while slowly peeked out her head: “You… you’ve come to seek revenge?”

Rong Chen Zi’s manner was cool and distant: “This poor Daoist has neither enmity nor grudge with Your Majesty. My visit today is to propose a transaction.” Though he was speaking to He Bang, his gaze was on Chunyu Lin — it was Chunyu Lin who managed the affairs of the Sea Clan, and he had learned as much before coming.

Chunyu Lin shielded He Bang behind him, watching Rong Chen Zi and his three disciples with an expression of wariness: “Since it is a transaction, standing outside is hardly appropriate. Please come inside so we may discuss it.”

Within the Sea Emperor’s Palace, there were many protective formations. If the three of them entered, surviving and walking out again would be no easy matter. Qingxuan and Qingsu were both somewhat hesitant. Rong Chen Zi’s bearing remained composed and unhurried: “Please lead the way.”

He Bang was timid by nature. The Sea Emperor’s Palace was decorated primarily with crystal, allowing one to see clearly through the walls — and so she did not feel fearful or unsettled. Chunyu Lin had tea served. Rong Chen Zi clearly laid out his purpose in coming, and Chunyu Lin did not hedge at all: “Please, Zhiguan, sit and wait a moment. I will consult briefly with Her Majesty, and return shortly.”

Rong Chen Zi naturally had no objection. Chunyu Lin took He Bang by the hand and they withdrew to another room. Qingxuan and Qingsu stood on either side of Rong Chen Zi, stealing glances at his expression. His manner was detached and indifferent — as though he had never been acquainted with that He Bang at all.

Chunyu Lin led He Bang away beyond Rong Chen Zi’s sight and hearing. He Bang’s thoughts were still drifting toward immortal flesh — then she thought, actually, Rong Chen Zi’s vital essence would be very nourishing too… She was daydreaming when Chunyu Lin rested both hands on her shoulders and discussed the matter with her: “Now that this Daoist has come seriously wounded, if you truly covet immortal flesh, you might as well simply detain him here.”

He Bang looked up: “What do you mean?”

Chunyu Lin steered her toward something wicked: “We could keep him here — he’s badly injured anyway, and his two disciples are no match for us. You could eat a little each day, without any further trouble.”

He Bang drooled at the thought for a long while, but in the end suppressed the temptation: “That won’t do. He has come this time because of the Three-Eyed Snake — his cause is righteous, and he harbors no ill intentions. If you and I were to lay hands on him now, the reckoning of the Heavenly Way for good and evil would weigh very heavily on us, and we might very well bring down a heavenly punishment.”

Chunyu Lin was skeptical: “You are always speaking of this so-called Heavenly Way. Does the Heavenly Way truly exist?”

He Bang nodded with great seriousness: “Don’t always doubt me. When your cultivation is a little higher, I will take you to see for yourself.” She wrapped her arms around Chunyu Lin, her manner sweetly coquettish. “So stop being angry about me sleeping with him. I reasoned at the time that even if we had killed him then, it would have ultimately been because he harbored a moment of improper thoughts — and even the Heavenly Way’s reckoning would not have been too severe for that. Besides, Rong Chen Zi holds a position of great virtue and prestige within Daozong. If we had truly eaten him, the Sea Clan and Daozong would certainly be drawn into another confrontation. Hmph, the Dragon King would be strangling me before I knew it. And besides—” she drew closer to Chunyu Lin, her expression sly and knowing — “that Three-Eyed Snake, by the looks of it, knows how to swim… We’d best join forces with Daozong and kill it. It’s been swimming around in our waters and I’m frightened of it.”

Chunyu Lin was thoroughly exasperated — he had never been able to fully fathom He Bang’s way of thinking: “But how do we know this isn’t a trap set by Daozong? Once we leave the water, it will be greatly to their advantage.”

He Bang shook her head: “The fact that Rong Chen Zi came alone is precisely meant to prove this is not a trap.”

She bounced back into the main hall. Rong Chen Zi rose to greet her again with a bow, courteous yet distant. He Bang found the manner unsettling — unfamiliar. She perched herself atop the crystal table, all artless innocence: “Old Daoist, I agree. For dealing with this Three-Eyed Snake — how much flesh will you give me?”

Rong Chen Zi considered for a moment: “Two liang.”

He Bang narrowed her eyes and leaned in to say quietly: “Three liang.”

“…” The corner of Rong Chen Zi’s mouth twitched, but finally he said, “Very well.”

He Bang still had more to say: “Old Daoist, when you cut the flesh you’ll definitely bleed, won’t you? That blood would otherwise go to waste — you might as well let me lick it up too. I promise I’ll only lick and not bite. How about it?”

“Your Majesty does know how to drive a bargain.” Qingxuan’s expression twisted in discomfort; Qingsu seethed inwardly. But Rong Chen Zi’s expression did not change. “Agreed.”

He Bang clapped her hands with delight: “Chunyu Lin, pack up — we’re going snake-catching!” She suddenly remembered something, dashed back into the inner palace and rummaged around for a long while, then emerged holding up a small vial of ointment toward Rong Chen Zi: “This is Muscle-Regenerating Bone-Knitting Balm. I was badly injured once and had no medicine, so I made this myself. It works very well. Old Daoist, here — this is for you.”

Qingxuan dared not take it, thinking inwardly: made it yourself? More like Muscle-Regenerating Bone-Knitting Cake at this rate.

Qingsu showed no gratitude either — Master treated you so well, yet you could harbor such vicious intentions toward him. Now you come putting on this act of kindness?

Rong Chen Zi gave a slight bow of acknowledgment: “Your Majesty’s kind gesture is deeply appreciated, but this poor Daoist cannot accept something for nothing. Please keep it for Your Majesty’s own use.”

He Bang looked a little disappointed. Chunyu Lin drew her into his arms — and somehow, in Rong Chen Zi’s presence, he always found himself being deliberately and visibly affectionate with He Bang: “Such a precious thing — how can Your Majesty give it away so casually?” He gently ruffled He Bang’s glossy black hair, his voice soft and soothing. “Besides, Rong Zhiguan holds a position of great distinction within Daozong, and his junior brother is the current State Preceptor — he is certainly not short of medicinal supplies. Let us be on our way.”