Wei Qizhi’s face first stiffened, then forced a slight smile. “Brother Ning?! How are you here?”
The person who walked out with the elderly servant in gray was indeed Ning Buyi. Wearing a blue robe, he carried himself with an elegant demeanor. Though his complexion was still somewhat pale, he had applied powder, now appearing as refined as jade and radiantly handsome.
With a curved smile on his lips and an indescribable expression that Wei Qizhi couldn’t quite read, he spoke in a soothing voice, “This is my residence. Brother Wei, you don’t seem pleased to see me?”
“Haha, how could that be!” Wei Qizhi felt his throat becoming dry, his laughter equally brittle. “It’s just that the servant who came with the message said you were still recuperating at the art gallery. How did you suddenly appear here? Besides, your injuries haven’t fully healed, have they? Moving about now might have serious consequences…”
As he spoke, Wei Qizhi surveyed the courtyard, his heart filled with bitterness.
Ning Buyi approached and gestured for him to sit. Wei Qizhi forced another dry laugh and sat down.
As soon as he was seated, Ning Buyi lifted his sleeve to pour tea for Wei Qizhi. “Brother Wei, please have some tea. This old residence is modest, and I apologize if the hospitality is lacking, but this is this year’s Pre-Rain Dragon Well tea. Please try it.”
Wei Qizhi was in no mood for tea. “Brother Ning, what’s going on here? Wasn’t I supposed to collect a painting?”
Ning Buyi smiled. “Indeed, it was about collecting a painting. I’ve already helped Brother Wei retrieve it – it’s at the art gallery now. If the Princess wants to see it, she can go directly to the gallery.”
Wei Qizhi’s brow twitched. “If the painting is already at the gallery, why did Brother Ning ask me to come here?”
Wei Qizhi glanced at the sky – the sun was already high, and the summer heat was beginning to rise unabashedly.
Wei Qizhi smiled again, “I promised the Princess I’d meet her at the Marquis’s mansion before noon. Since the painting isn’t here, I should go collect it now and deliver it to her—”
As Wei Qizhi began to stand, a gentle smile appeared on Ning Buyi’s refined face as he raised his hand to stop him. “Brother Wei, there’s no need to hurry. It’s still early, and besides, after all your efforts with the Princess, shouldn’t it be time to watch from the sidelines?”
Wei Qizhi’s smile grew more bitter. “Brother Ning, this…”
Seeing Wei Qizhi hadn’t touched his teacup, Ning Buyi lifted his cup and took a sip. “Letting the Princess worry will help reveal her true feelings toward Brother Wei. Isn’t that good?”
Wei Qizhi pressed his lips together. “Well, if you put it that way…”
Wei Qizhi’s smile became strained as he held the teacup without drinking. Ning Buyi savored another sip of tea and praised, “This tea is indeed excellent. Why isn’t Brother Wei drinking?”
Wei Qizhi smiled, his hand gripping the teacup tightly.
Ning Buyi set down his cup and suddenly asked, “Does Brother Wei believe in Buddhism?”
Wei Qizhi’s pupils contracted slightly as he shook his head. “I’m not one for faith.”
Ning Buyi broke into a smile. “So Brother Wei believes in nothing? That’s quite good. Taoists speak of following nature’s way, and Buddhists say all beings suffer – common people believe for half their lives only to find its emptiness. If meditation and devotion could fulfill one’s wishes, everyone would do it. In the end, Buddha and the Celestial Lords are just illusions people create to have hope. Simply put, it’s self-deception.”
Hearing Ning Buyi’s words, Wei Qizhi responded helplessly, “In such matters, belief makes it real, disbelief makes it void – neither is wrong. People need faith to have reverence. Someone like me who believes in nothing won’t fear karma.”
Ning Buyi studied Wei Qizhi. “Brother Wei is quite perceptive. But if there were a path that could grant wishes to those who believe, would you be willing to try?”
Wei Qizhi straightened his back and waved his hand. “Brother Ning just said there are no such good things in this world. Asking me this now, I naturally can’t believe it and won’t try.”
Ning Buyi smiled. “Of course, there are no such good things in this world. The path I speak of requires sacrifice to gain anything, but what you sacrifice are merely insignificant things.”
Wei Qizhi’s smile slowly faded as his eyes narrowed. “How can anything sacrificed be insignificant? Meditation and devotion require only sincere offerings – what’s truly cultivated is one’s conduct in body, speech, and mind. No sacrifice is needed. What Brother Ning describes sounds more like dark magic.”
Ning Buyi played with his teacup, smiling. “When people practice cultivation, don’t they all seek something? Whether seeking freedom from attachments or peace and joy, it’s all seeking. What difference is there between orthodox and heterodox paths?”
Wei Qizhi took a deep breath, his tone light but his gaze alert and dark. “Taoists say: having the Way without technique benefits oneself alone; having technique without the Way harms both self and others. This path Brother Ning believes in – what does it seek? What must be sacrificed? And Brother Ning hasn’t said what these supposedly insignificant things are to you?”
Ning Buyi set down his cup and looked at Wei Qizhi. “Brother Wei doesn’t believe in karma, but surely you believe in worldly right and wrong?”
Wei Qizhi nodded unconsciously. Ning Buyi’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze suddenly turning desolate. “Have you ever wondered why so many people with blood on their hands can live in peace and prosperity?”
Wei Qizhi pressed his lips together. “I am of humble status and can only mind my conduct. As for these evil-doers, Brother Ning speaks of, that’s for the law and officials to handle—”
“Heh heh—” Ning Buyi laughed. “Brother Wei comes from wealth, with the Duke’s family as maternal relatives and an imperial consort for an aunt. Your own family is merchant nobility, yet you can still say such things? Before power and wealth, what are laws? What do officials matter?”
By now, Wei Qizhi could no longer force a smile. “So, Brother Ning wants to take justice into his own hands?”
Ning Buyi’s gaze drifted over lightly, his angular face showing complete composure. “And why not?”
Wei Qizhi suddenly stood up. “Those who follow different paths cannot work together. The Princess is waiting for me, so I’ll take my leave.”
Before he could move after speaking, there was suddenly a “thud” behind him. Wei Qizhi turned to look and saw Wu Shu, who had been standing fine moments ago, suddenly collapsed unconscious.
Wei Qizhi’s expression changed. “Ning Buyi, you—”
Before he could finish his rebuke, his vision suddenly blurred and his head felt as heavy as lead. He unconsciously began to fall toward the ground. He looked at Ning Buyi, who sat unmoved on the stone bench, drinking tea.
Wei Qizhi was crying bitterly inside – he hadn’t touched the tea, how could he—
Just before falling into complete darkness, Wei Qizhi caught the lingering scent of sandalwood incense. Wei Qizhi finally realized too late, thinking of Yue Ning and Qin Wan who were waiting for him, but could only sink into unconsciousness despite his intense unwillingness.
…
…
As the sun climbed to its zenith, Wei Qizhi still hadn’t arrived at the Marquis’s mansion.
Having waited for over half a watch, Qin Wan said to Yue Ning, “Perhaps something delayed him. Let’s go to the Wei residence.”
Yue Ning naturally had no objection and nodded, joining Qin Wan in the carriage.
When they arrived at the Wei residence, they learned from a servant that Wei Qizhi had already left.
“Someone came from the art gallery saying the old master selling the painting wanted the buyer to come in person. When our young master heard this, he immediately changed clothes and left to collect the painting.”
Qin Wan frowned and quickly asked, “Do you know where he went to collect the painting?”
The Wei household servant shook his head. “I don’t know, but the messenger left a note with the address.”
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances. Looking at the sky, Qin Wan quickly called over a guard and instructed, “We’re going to the art gallery now. You return to An Yang Marquis’s mansion – if Young Master Wei goes there, immediately come report to us.”
The guard accepted the order and left, while Qin Wan and Yue Ning boarded their carriage and headed for the Ran Mo Art Gallery.
Yue Ning said, “Do you think something’s wrong? It seems normal for Ning Buyi to make such arrangements for viewing the painting today.”
Qin Wan shook her head. “Usually it would be fine, but today is the killer’s last chance.”
At these words, Yue Ning also grew worried, but said, “Wei Qizhi is quite clever – he shouldn’t get into trouble.”
Qin Wan remained silent. Wei Qizhi was clever by normal standards, but the killer was capable of anything in their madness.
After traveling for nearly half a watch, the carriage arrived at Ran Mo Art Gallery. As soon as they reached the gallery, Qin Wan sensed something was amiss.
As they alighted from the carriage, a servant quickly came out to greet them, but it wasn’t the usual person they saw.
“Young ladies, are you here to purchase paintings?”
Bai Ying frowned. “These are Princess Yongning and Princess Yongci.”
The servant’s expression changed instantly as he bowed deeply. “This humble one failed to recognize the honored guests. Please forgive me.”
Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t blame him, only asking, “Where is Master Ning?”
The servant blinked and quickly replied, “Princess, Master Ning has already left.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed deeply. “Master Ning has left?”
The servant smiled. “Yes, Princess. Master Ning has already sold the gallery.”
As he spoke, a well-dressed man in his thirties walked out from the gallery. The servant quickly said, “Princess, this is our gallery’s new owner, Master Li—”
The servant turned to introduce Qin Wan and her companion to Master Li, who immediately became enthusiastic. Qin Wan only asked, “Master Li, when did Master Ning decide to sell you the gallery?”
Master Li smiled, “Princess, I’d been interested for a while and mentioned it about two months ago, but Master Ning wasn’t planning to sell then. We couldn’t reach an agreement until last night when he suddenly accepted. I had the money ready, so I sent my people to finalize everything. I’m an art lover myself, so he should feel assured entrusting it to me.”
Yue Ning grew anxious. “When did he leave?”
Master Li, not understanding the princesses’ urgency, quickly replied, “When I arrived this morning, Master Ning was already gone. He probably left last night. Princess, is something wrong?”
Then, seeming to remember something, Master Li added, “Oh right, I recall now! Master Ning’s people mentioned there were paintings here that the Princess liked, ones he left behind. Did you come to see those paintings?”
Qin Wan was in no mood to look at paintings and asked further, “Did you send anyone out this morning?”
Master Li looked bewildered. “No, I just took over today, and everything’s still in chaos inside.”
Qin Wan’s heart sank. If Master Li hadn’t sent anyone, then it must have been Ning Buyi. The painting was delivered here, yet Ning Buyi had prevented Wei Qizhi from collecting it – this clearly showed ill intent toward Wei Qizhi!
Anxious, Qin Wan bid farewell to Master Li and left with Yue Ning.
Yue Ning urgently asked, “What’s Ning Buyi playing at? He quietly sold the gallery and left, yet still asked Wei Qizhi to collect a painting from the magistrate’s office?”
Qin Wan replied while boarding the carriage, “This is Ning Buyi’s scheme! Let’s go to the magistrate’s office!”
Yue Ning asked, “Shouldn’t we check the Marquis’s mansion first?”
Qin Wan decisively responded, “He hasn’t gone back there. We need to find Zhan Yang for help. Today is the last day – he won’t miss this opportunity—”
Yue Ning’s expression grew grave. “Then Wei Qizhi…”
“Don’t worry.” Qin Wan grabbed Yue Ning’s hand. “We won’t let anything happen to him.”
After a moment’s thought, Qin Wan knocked on the carriage door and instructed Bai Ying outside, “Go find the Young Lord immediately. We’ll likely need his people’s help today—”
Hearing this, Bai Ying jumped down from the carriage and headed to the Ministry of Justice to find Yan Chi.
…
…
At the magistrate’s office, Zhan Yang hadn’t expected such a sudden turn of events. “How can we find Young Master Wei? The capital is so vast!”
Qin Wan furrowed her brow. “Let’s ask Taoist Zhang for help—”
When the three arrived at the office, Taoist Zhang was still inside divining. Seeing them enter, he wiped his sweaty brow and said, “After Your Highness’s instructions, this humble one has been calculating continuously, but so far, I’ve only determined two locations.”
Qin Wan quickly asked, “Which two places have you identified? Wei Qizhi has disappeared, and I suspect the killer has taken him to the intended crime scene!”
Taoist Zhang handed the papers on his desk to Qin Wan. “Princess, please look—”
Qin Wan looked. “The East City? Xingle District? This is… the East Market?”
The killer had struck in the East City before. Looking at the writing, Qin Wan urgently said, “Captain Zhan, we need to send people to look for Wei Qizhi now. Today is the killer’s last chance – I fear he might act rashly and strike early.”
Zhan Yang took the paper and understood the locations, nodding immediately. Qin Wan then asked, “Taoist Zhang, how long until you can determine the third location?”
Taoist Zhang considered. “This humble one will try his best, but I cannot say for certain when I’ll have the answer.”
Though anxious, Qin Wan didn’t want to pressure Taoist Zhang and said, “Very well, we’ll head out now. If you determine the location, tell us immediately. If we find Wei Qizhi at either of these two places, that’s fine. If not, we’ll be counting on you!”
Taoist Zhang wiped his brow again and quickly agreed.
Leaving the office, Zhan Yang began gathering his men. Just as they were about to depart, Yan Chi arrived.
“What happened? Wei Qizhi is missing?”
Qin Wan responded, “Yes, we were supposed to meet at An Yang Marquis’s mansion at noon, but he was lured away early by Ning Buyi’s people. We went to the gallery and found that Ning Buyi had sold it in just one day…”
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed. “He’s going all in!”
Qin Wan nodded. “Taoist Zhang has identified two possible locations for the crime. Captain Zhan is about to lead men there. I feared there wouldn’t be enough manpower, so I had Bai Ying notify you.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s anxiety, Yan Chi said, “Now that I’m here, you can rest assured. Leave this to Captain Zhan and me.”
After speaking, Yan Chi instructed Bai Feng and told Zhan Yang, “You go ahead and investigate as usual. I have my arrangements.”
Zhan Yang nodded and left with his men.
After Zhan Yang left, Qin Wan finally showed signs of distress before Yue Ning and Yan Chi. “This is my fault. I didn’t expect Ning Buyi to be so desperate. I should have warned Wei Qizhi earlier, after all, I dragged him into this.”
Yan Chi couldn’t help patting her shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry. Wei Qizhi isn’t foolish – he should be able to buy time. He had arranged to meet you, so he’d know you’d look for him when he didn’t show up. Wait here, and if Taoist Zhang determines the third location, come find me—”
As a woman, Qin Wan couldn’t go house to house with the constables anyway, so it was better to wait here for news.
Qin Wan nodded, and Yan Chi left without further words.
After Yan Chi’s departure, Qin Wan felt as if she’d lost support and straightened her back. Beside her, Yue Ning wore a grave expression. “Why would Ning Buyi act like this? Isn’t he afraid we’d suspect him? Even if we hadn’t suspected him before, his suspicious sale of the gallery would make him the prime suspect if anything happens to Wei Qizhi.”
Qin Wan frowned deeply. “Has Ning Buyi realized we suspect him?”
This was a question Yue Ning couldn’t answer, and even Qin Wan herself couldn’t be certain.
Taoist Zhang continued his divination in the office. After sitting briefly, Qin Wan and Yue Ning went to check on him. The door was half-closed, and inside, Taoist Zhang was still muttering incantations. Qin Wan realized there was still no result.
Two hours passed, and the sun began to set. Zhan Yang’s team hadn’t returned, indicating their search had been unsuccessful. The two locations – Xingle District and East Market – weren’t easy places to search. If Ning Buyi had planned, it would be impossible to find them quickly.
As time passed, Qin Wan maintained her composure, but Yue Ning couldn’t hide her anxiety. Though Wei Qizhi could be noisy at times, now that he was in real danger, she felt deeply worried.
“I can’t wait any longer. Let me go search too, or perhaps I could ask the Nine Cities Patrol for help?”
Yue Ning stood up and paced around the hall. Qin Wan shook her head. “This matter is in the Young Lord’s hands. If you can’t trust anyone else, surely you trust him?”
Yue Ning sighed. “It’s almost dark outside. If we don’t find Wei Qizhi soon, it’ll be too late.”
As the sun sank toward the west and darkness approached, even Qin Wan was losing her patience. She turned toward the office again, but seeing Taoist Zhang’s closed door, she didn’t want to disturb him. She knew that he wouldn’t be able to divine the location anytime soon.
Unable to wait any longer, Qin Wan pulled Yue Ning along. “Come, let’s find the Young Lord at the East Market.”
…
…
When Wei Qizhi opened his eyes again, he found himself lying weakly on a cold, hard table, his limbs powerless.
Dim lamplight flickered in the room. Turning his head, he saw Ning Buyi standing by the window. Outside, the night was as thick as ink. Wei Qizhi didn’t know how long it had been dark, but he knew tonight was the killer’s last chance.
Seeing Ning Buyi’s back turned, Wei Qizhi tried to get up, but after a brief struggle, he couldn’t move at all. He had no strength in his body, and even breathing was difficult – clearly, the effects of the incense hadn’t worn off.
Wei Qizhi secretly cursed Ning Buyi and closed his eyes, pretending to still be unconscious.
“It’s almost the Hour of Zi. I just received word that all the constables from the magistrate’s office are searching for someone in the East Market. They’re looking for you, but unfortunately, they’re searching in the wrong place.”
Wei Qizhi opened his eyes, cursed inwardly again, and looked at Ning Buyi’s silhouette.
“So you planned all this for today? You’re ready to go down fighting?”
“If anything happens to me today, you won’t escape the consequences—”
After speaking just a few sentences, Wei Qizhi began breathing heavily. With powerless limbs and a dizzy head, escape was impossible, especially against Ning Buyi’s martial arts skills.
Ning Buyi turned around unhurriedly, appearing elegant and refined – nothing like a ruthless killer. “You’ve been too close to both princesses and Princess Yongci is skilled at deductive reasoning. I guess you’ve suspected me for a while.”
Wei Qizhi closed his eyes briefly, then opened them in anger. “Your supposed sacred ritual – does it require harvesting the heart of someone unfaithful? Well, you probably don’t know, but I’m quite devoted. Those things I said before were just to deceive you, and you believed them? Killing me today won’t benefit your ritual at all!”
Ning Buyi walked over to Wei Qizhi, looking down at him. “So you’re saying your feelings for Princess Yongning are genuine?”
Wei Qizhi gave a cold laugh. “True! Couldn’t be truer! Since I’m not unfaithful, what use is killing me?”
Ning Buyi showed no surprise, only an unprecedented calmness. “It’s too late to say this now. At this point, whether I want to or not, I have to kill you.”
Wei Qizhi closed his eyes tightly upon hearing this. Indeed, now that he knew Ning Buyi’s true nature, he’d have to die either way.
Wei Qizhi gritted his teeth. “Fine, at this point, do what you want. But I’d like to know – why go to such lengths? Harm so many people? Is it for your old affliction?”
Ning Buyi looked into Wei Qizhi’s eyes, seemingly finding him amusing. “How do you know I’m not carrying out heaven’s justice? There are too many evil people in the world. By eliminating a few, aren’t I helping the authorities?”
Wei Qizhi smiled bitterly. “Brother Ning, do you consider me evil? Killing me now goes against your original principles.”
Ning Buyi smiled as he watched Wei Qizhi’s various attempts to beg for mercy. “You indeed shouldn’t die, but you plotted against me, so I have no choice. If you feel wronged in the underworld, come back and find me.”
Wei Qizhi wanted to roll his eyes hearing this. After killing so many people, this was probably Ning Buyi’s most harmonious scene yet. Knowing Ning Buyi wouldn’t soften, Wei Qizhi said, “You’ve killed five people – how did you do it? Tell me. Since I’m going to die anyway, at least let me die knowing the truth?”
Ning Buyi smiled and walked to the side, doing something Wei Qizhi couldn’t see. He heard a series of clear metallic sounds – the clashing of metal implements. As he wondered about this, Ning Buyi approached with a thin blade. “I’ve been searching for targets in the capital for years. The art gallery has been very helpful.”
Ning Buyi ran his finger along the blade’s edge. Wei Qizhi watched as he pressed down, immediately drawing blood, the sight making Wei Qizhi wince though Ning Buyi’s expression never changed.
Using his bloodied finger, Ning Buyi began drawing symbols on Wei Qizhi’s body, making his skin crawl. Wei Qizhi asked, “Was the incident six years ago also your doing?”
Ning Buyi looked up. “That was just a trial run.”
Wei Qizhi said helplessly, “What happened to you to make you resort to such madness?”
“Brother Wei, better not ask. Those aren’t things you want to know.”
Wei Qizhi smiled. “I’m about to die anyway, what harm is there in telling me?”
Having finished drawing the symbols, Ning Buyi wiped his finger with a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve. He looked outside and said airily, “It’s almost the Hour of Zi.”
Wei Qizhi, who had been able to joke around until now, felt his chest grow cold at these words. Seeing the knife in Ning Buyi’s hand, his whole body wanted to flee.
Though he’d been through many things before, facing a knife about to cut out his heart still filled him with terror. Wei Qizhi forced a grin. “Brother Ning, if I were you, I’d flee right now. Killing me won’t help your ritual at all. Better to escape while you can. Believe me, the Princess will find this place soon.”
Ning Buyi smiled faintly. “At this point, Brother Wei, stop trying to talk your way out.”
As he spoke, Ning Buyi’s knife descended, slicing open Wei Qizhi’s collar. Wei Qizhi felt the cold on his chest, his laughter trembling. “Brother Ning, this is quite indecent. I’ve never had my clothes removed by another man before…”
“Don’t worry, it won’t hurt much.”
As he spoke, Wei Qizhi’s entire chest was exposed as Ning Buyi cut away his clothes. Wei Qizhi laughed dryly. “Brother Ning, please don’t let your handshake. You must watch the time carefully – it’s not yet the Hour of Zi…”
Ning Buyi traced Wei Qizhi’s chest with the knife tip as if planning where to cut.
The cold blade’s touch made Wei Qizhi shudder. His heart beat faster and faster, and though he couldn’t move, cold sweat appeared on his face. The blade hadn’t pierced his skin yet, but the feeling that it could plunge into his heart at any moment was unbearable—
“Brother Ning, the Princess has a Taoist Zhang who can divine the future. He can calculate where you’ll commit each crime. In my opinion, you can still escape now. Once the Hour of Zi arrives, you might not get the chance to use that knife.”
Ning Buyi smiled mockingly. “What use is calculating correctly every time if they still can’t catch me?”
Wei Qizhi, drenched in cold sweat and with a forced smile, continued, whether from fear or something else, “Brother Ning, for the sake of our past friendship, couldn’t you show mercy just this once? Each additional life taken adds another crime. By your logic, with six lives on your conscience, which level of hell would you end up in?”
Ning Buyi remained unmoved by Wei Qizhi’s words. Whatever Wei Qizhi said was just noise to him. He kept glancing outside as if calculating the time. Wei Qizhi’s sweat increased as he looked around the old room, truly not knowing what to do.
Seeing Ning Buyi’s increasingly solemn face, Wei Qizhi knew the Hour of Zi was approaching!
“Brother Ning, my feelings for the Princess are truly sincere! Killing me might undo everything you’ve done before. I say you should let me go and allow a destined romance to bloom—”
Ning Buyi flourished the thin blade in his hand and brought it down toward Wei Qizhi’s chest.
Wei Qizhi saw it clearly and struggled violently in terror. “Brother Ning! I’m telling the truth! You’re supposed to kill the unfaithful – surely your Bai Yue sect’s teachings don’t allow such indiscriminate killing!”
Though Wei Qizhi couldn’t rise, his struggle made his body shift slightly. Ning Buyi pressed down on his shoulder and continued to bring down the knife—
Wei Qizhi felt a pain in his chest and, believing his end had come, shouted with all his might, “I’m telling the truth! I’m not unfaithful! The Princess and I are destined for three lifetimes! If you let me go, I—”
Wei Qizhi’s earth-shattering scream, as if trying to make it hurt less, was suddenly interrupted by a loud “BANG” as the tightly closed door was kicked open. A furious voice shouted from outside, “Wei Qizhi, I swear I’ll tear your mouth off—”