Lanterns illuminated the Qingyun Temple brilliantly.

In the scripture hall, Imperial Physician Yu and Daoist Master Qingxuzi were working together to save Inspector Yan.

Though the water clock had already indicated the early hours of the Tiger Watch, no one in the temple rested. Everyone waited anxiously outside the scripture hall, including Prince Cheng and his Princess Consort.

Prince Cheng, known for his astuteness, had immediately dispatched a large contingent of guards to escort Inspector Yan’s wife to Qingyun Temple upon learning of his injury during the investigation.

At this moment, Lady Yan waited safely in the corridor for news.

Teng Yu’yi and Juesheng Qizhi sat on the steps of another long corridor, their eyes never leaving the scripture hall since entering the temple.

Everyone remained silent, even the Five Paths were quieter than usual. Each person held onto a thread of hope, though they knew how slim the chances were.

Near dawn, the chamber door finally creaked open, and Imperial Physician Yu emerged followed by Daoist Master Qingxuzi.

Teng Yu’yi rushed down the steps in three strides, with Juesheng Qizhi springing up behind her.

Lady Yan stumbled forward, trembling as she asked, “Master, Physician, how is Wanchun—”

Imperial Physician Yu looked utterly exhausted, and Daoist Master Qingxuzi appeared deeply troubled. Facing Lady Yan’s tear-filled eyes, Imperial Physician Yu sighed heavily: “Forgive my inability to reverse Heaven’s will.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart felt as if it had been violently wrenched. Lady Yan’s face turned paper-white in an instant. “No… impossible.” Her body swayed like a wisp of cotton, and she frantically pushed past everyone to see her husband. She had barely taken a step when she fainted.

Princess Cheng gasped and hurried with Teng Yu’yi to catch Lady Yan. “Lady Yan!”

Princess Cheng anxiously said to Juesheng Qizhi: “Quickly prepare a chamber to accommodate Lady Yan.”

“Yes.” Juesheng Qizhi wiped away tears and ran off swiftly.

Prince Cheng and Daoist Master Qingxuzi stayed behind to attend to Inspector Yan’s body, while Imperial Physician Yu was pulled away by Juesheng Qizhi to check Lady Yan’s pulse.

The Five Paths sighed deeply, volunteering to help Daoist Master Qingxuzi set up the altar and perform the rites.

The chamber was quickly prepared. Princess Cheng sat on the couch helping to tuck in Lady Yan’s blanket, anxiously looking back to see Teng Yu’yi busy about the room.

Closing windows, boiling water, preparing washcloths and combs, helping with cleaning—she attended to everything.

Princess Cheng’s heart melted with warmth. A’Yu had been busy all night helping both Inspector Yan and his wife.

This child truly valued loyalty and righteousness to her core.

She beckoned to Teng Yu’yi: “A’Yu, come, help lower the curtains.”

Teng Yu’yi quickly responded, rising to hand the wrung washcloth to Princess Cheng.

Both felt indescribable regret. Inspector Yan must have worried most about his wife, and now that he had passed, they both naturally made caring for Lady Yan their primary duty.

Just then, the sound of multiple voices chanting sutras drifted in from outside. The sound was deep and desolate, like pine winds and ocean waves, steadily reaching every corner of the temple.

Teng Yu’yi was startled at first, then realized it was Daoist Master Qingxuzi and the Five Paths combining their powers to perform the soul-protecting ceremony for Inspector Yan.

From the sound, this was the most grand funeral vigil she had ever witnessed. Those mournful waves of sound represented Daoist Master Qingxuzi and others’ infinite regret and respect.

Lady Yan was also awakened by the chanting. She looked around in confusion and pushed aside her quilt to get up: “Wanchun.”

Though grief-stricken to the extreme, Lady Yan still maintained her composure and propriety. But before she could get up, she seemed crushed by overwhelming pain. With a whimper, she let out a heart-rending cry. Fortunately, Princess Cheng and Teng Yu’yi caught her in time before she could fall to the floor. Lady Yan’s cries pierced their hearts, and Teng Yu’yi and Princess Cheng’s eyes instantly grew moist: “Lady Yan.”

Lady Yan wept in despair, her body curled into a ball: “Wanchun—”

Everyone’s eyes reddened, and they quickly invited Imperial Physician Yu into the chamber. Without a word, he began checking Lady Yan’s pulse.

Princess Cheng asked anxiously: “Physician, how is she?”

“Lady Yan is with child. Early pregnancy often brings some blood deficiency, which combined with the severe shock causes this state. Fortunately, the fetus appears stable and should improve with rest. Princess, would you like me to prescribe for Lady Yan to calm her spirit and protect the pregnancy?”

Everyone in the room froze. Teng Yu’yi looked toward the bed where Lady Yan’s face was covered in messy tear stains, unsure if she had heard the physician’s words.

Princess Cheng assumed Lady Yan had fainted again from grief and sighed softly: “Such matters must respect Lady Yan’s wishes. She is alone now—raising a child single-handedly would be no easy task. When she wakes, let her make her own decision.”

Lady Yan’s expression had been blank, but hearing this, her eyes filled with tears again: “This is the flesh and blood Wanchun left me. No matter how difficult, I will raise this child well. If it’s a daughter, I’ll teach her to be an upright person who can hold up the sky. If it’s a son, I’ll raise him to be an honest official like his father…”

Everyone’s noses stung with emotion. Lady Yan struggled to throw off her covers, begging Teng Yu’yi and Princess Cheng to help her to the scripture hall.

Inspector Yan still wore his official clothes, lying quietly in the center of the spirit altar. Juesheng and Qizhi, worried Lady Yan might accidentally disturb the altar, hurried over to receive her. Lady Yan’s tears poured down as she made her way step by step to the funeral bed, carefully studying her husband’s face. As she bent down, her tears fell onto his forehead—that cold, lifeless face. Lady Yan’s heart felt like it was being cut by knives. She bent down to embrace her husband’s body, crying in anguish: “Wake up and look at me, I still have words to tell you. Yesterday when you left, you said you wanted to eat the millet soup I make. I made it and waited for you to return. How could you break your promise…”

The wife’s surging tears instantly soaked Inspector Yan’s green official robes.

Everyone in the courtyard’s eyes grew wet as well.

***

By evening, the grand ceremony was finally drawing to a close. As everyone discussed Inspector Yan’s funeral arrangements, Prince Cheng said: “Inspector Yan was not only Yu’er’s colleague but also a senior he deeply respected. Now that Inspector Yan has passed, the Prince Cheng Manor naturally should take good care of his family—”

At that moment, someone suddenly arrived from outside, saying the Emperor had urgently summoned Prince Cheng to the palace.

The messenger wasn’t a palace servant, but rather a commander from the Imperial Guard.

Teng Yu’yi immediately felt uneasy. The Imperial Guard had always only protected the Emperor personally. For them to personally deliver a message, could there be trouble brewing in the capital?

This seemed inconceivable.

Though Father and Lin Chengyou had not yet returned triumphant, Peng Zhen’s defeat was already certain. Given how the court had seized the initiative at every turn, this war had only lasted a few months before victory. Now the capital was surrounded by either the remaining Divine Strategy Army or the Northern Frontier Army which had always been loyal to the royal family. How could anyone dare attempt a palace coup now and expect to succeed?

Right—lately even Uncle Cheng often told her the capital might face upheaval. Uncle Cheng was Father’s eyes and ears in Chang’an, always better informed than others. With such concerns, he must have heard some rumors.

And looking at those cases, the mysterious master behind Haoyue Sanren had considerable power in the capital, but Uncle Cheng said in the end that person was unlikely to succeed… unless they could eliminate the royal family in one stroke and seize control of the Northern Palace Army.

But wasn’t that just a fantasy?

Not to mention the Emperor and Prince Cheng were in their prime, even the Crown Prince could now handle matters independently.

The Second Prince was training with the Northern Frontier Army, but upon hearing of trouble in the capital, he could return within half a month.

Lin Chengyou was also on his way back to the capital.

Under these circumstances, how could anyone ensure success?

But given that person’s scheming nature, how could they allow themselves to fail…

Teng Yu’yi pondered silently. If she were planning a coup, what would she do?

Suddenly she recalled a dramatic palace coup from nearly a hundred years ago. That puppet Crown Prince had secretly nurtured many strategists and warriors. One night, the Crown Prince suddenly deployed troops to control the Imperial Army, palace grounds, and the Southern Palace officials, thereby seizing power from his formidable Empress Dowager.

By the time the court officials realized the change, everything was already decided.

Could that person have similar plans?

The court had no shortage of loyal ministers and generals, but when sharp blades were at their throats, most people probably wouldn’t dare say a word of defiance.

Once both Northern and Southern Palaces were in that person’s hands, it meant the entire Chang’an city would be firmly controlled.

With control of the Three Departments and Imperial Army, that person could force several chancellors to establish an edict overnight. The Emperor already had a chronic illness—this person would only need to announce the Emperor’s death externally and pin the crime of harming the Emperor on Prince Cheng and Lin Xiao, thereby legitimately taking the Imperial Seal.

The Northern Frontier Army and Divine Strategy Army were central direct armies that had always only followed the Emperor’s orders. Once an imperial edict was issued, the two armies would no longer follow Lin Chengyou and the Second Prince’s commands.

Then, whether assassinating the Second Prince and Lin Chengyou on their journey or setting traps in Chang’an to lure them in, neither would escape.

Whether under house arrest or execution, their fate would be sealed. Meanwhile, by also charging Lin Chengyou and the Second Prince as “treasonous rebels,” that person could even gain a reputation for suppressing the rebellion.

Even if the Second Prince and Lin Chengyou survived by luck, without any troops under their command, how could they seize power?

In other words, success required just one thing: Kill.

Just be ruthless enough, and the throne would be within grasp.

Human ambition and desire were endless, and the throne was incredibly tempting. This mysterious master had dealt with Haoyue Sanren and Wuji Gate’s evil arts for so many years—their character must have already become warped.

She remembered that time at Rainbow Phoenix Tower when Lin Chengyou used evil arts once to summon the souls of the Tang couple. Just once, and there were signs his mind was being bewitched. Fortunately, the Five Paths and Juesheng Qizhi were there desperately stopping him, preventing Lin Chengyou from becoming addicted.

Lin Chengyou’s willpower was already extraordinary, yet even he was like this… showing how corrupting this so-called “Soul Scripture” evil art could be.

But all this presumed that person could successfully ambush the Emperor and Prince Cheng.

Thinking of this, Teng Yu’yi’s heart suddenly settled.

This was impossible.

Wait—wasn’t the residual poison in the Emperor’s body about to act up?

Last time Father told her the Emperor and Prince Cheng each had a Female Star soul-locking tablet. When the Emperor had attacked, only Prince Cheng could help maintain the formation. At such times, if someone broke into the formation, they could successfully ambush both the Emperor and Prince Cheng. Therefore, although news of this had leaked years ago, few knew exactly which day the Emperor would have attacks, much less where exactly they performed the formation.

If something went wrong while Prince Cheng was protecting the Emperor… for certain people planning to take action, it would undoubtedly achieve two goals at once.

Teng Yu’yi’s back grew cold at the thought, but when she looked toward Prince and Princess Cheng and Daoist Master Qingxuzi, her worries disappeared once again.

The elders appeared so calm and composed—surely it must still be far from when the Emperor’s condition would act up. Lin Chengyou had investigated the cases for so long, he would definitely warn his uncle and parents to be extra careful before leaving the capital.

The note Inspector Yan left had already been carefully collected by Prince Cheng. From Prince and Princess Cheng’s manner, they also seemed to have grown suspicious early on. Think about her previous life—didn’t Lin Chengyou fake being hit by poisoned arrows in Fuzhou Prefecture to draw that person out?

The Emperor Prince and Princess Cheng must know and anticipate more than she did.

Meanwhile, Prince and Princess Cheng had clearly expected the Emperor would summon them. They went to discuss with Daoist Master Qingxuzi in the main hall, then emerged shortly after.

Prince Cheng’s face was dark as water as he left with the Imperial Guard commander, but the Princess stayed at the temple voluntarily, though worry lingered faintly between her brows.

After the Prince Cheng Manor guards escorted Inspector Yan’s body and Lady Yan from the temple, the atmosphere became much more subdued. Everyone’s hearts still felt heavy as Daoist Master Qingxuzi gathered Teng Yu’yi and the others in the courtyard.

After they sat down, Qingxuzi pointed at Teng Yu’yi and said to Five Paths and Juesheng Qizhi: “We all saw it—Young Lady Teng’s glabella has darkened.”

Teng Yu’yi was startled.

“This matter is quite peculiar. Though Young Lady Teng bears the Wronged Path Curse, she has spent the past half a year vanquishing demons and evil spirits. Even if she cannot completely dissolve the curse’s resentment, the predestined time should not arrive early. After much consideration, it likely relates to the curse itself. The grievances on Young Lady Teng remain unresolved—any attempts to pray for blessings or dispel disasters for herself will invite backlash.”

“Backlash?”

Daoist Master Qingxuzi grunted: “What you and Yu’er slayed were not ordinary evil spirits, but great demons capable of disturbing the natural order. The merit you accumulated from this is not insignificant—it might even break the curse in one stroke. But this curse-breaking is unlike any other. More than one person cast this curse. Sensing the curse’s imminent dissolution, how could they not release sky-piercing resentment? This resentment surges through heaven and earth, attracting other grievances. As they gather and accumulate, like feathers sinking a boat, they concentrate in one place enough to alter fate. That’s why Chang’an has seen frequent strange phenomena lately: not only have the Chi Rulers appeared, but also frequent manifestations of the Seven Desires Heaven. These two entities differ from previous demons and spirits—they have neither hun nor po souls, formed purely from concentrated great killing energy. From these various signs, precisely because you accumulated great merit, it instead caused the calamity in your fate to arrive early—this is called ‘as one wanes, the other waxes.’ Breaking this curse won’t be as easy as we thought.”

Teng Yu’yi thought anxiously—no wonder the Chi Ruler came straight for her that night. It wasn’t just because she was a borrowed-life person; all along, she was the source of this killing energy in heaven and earth.

She shuddered in shock. By this reasoning, could Father also be in danger?

Just then, Princess Cheng also came over. She had changed into practical attire, removed all her hairpins and rings, and wore a Soul-Devouring Bell on her fair neck, as if ready to capture spirits at any moment.

Seeing Teng Yu’yi’s unease, Princess Cheng sat down and patted the back of her hand: “Master is right, but A’Yu, don’t be afraid, child. As they say, ‘extreme misfortune brings supreme fortune.’ Though the calamity has come early, it also proves you’ve reached the crucial stage of breaking the curse. If you can successfully overcome this challenge, you might completely resolve the curse on both you and General Teng.”

Princess Cheng’s words always carried a warm strength, often reminding Teng Yu’yi of her mother. Her heart felt warm, and just as she was about to respond, the Dark Sound on her wrist suddenly rang. Without realizing it, night had completely fallen. Juesheng Qizhi climbed the wall to look—countless wandering souls had drifted to the outside of the temple.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi looked outside the wall and explained to Teng Yu’yi: “You were already a person bearing calamity, and your recent actions to dispel disasters for yourself have caused heaven and earth’s killing energy to gather. You alone are enough to draw all wronged souls from every direction.”

After thinking, he continued: “The first batch of wandering souls appeared three days ago. This poor Daoist initially thought someone had secretly damaged the evil-repelling net outside the city walls, but after careful inspection by Qinyao and Lin Xiao, no breaches were found… If there are no leaks, where did these wronged souls come from? Last night Lin Xiao reminded me that the breach might be hidden within the city itself. When wronged and wild spirits drift above ground, they naturally cannot break through the evil-repelling net outside the city, but if there’s an entrance to the netherworld within the city, spirits can emerge without hindrance.”

Jiantian suddenly clapped his hands: “So that’s it! Perhaps this breach appeared long ago but was quietly sealed by those Wuji Gate remnants. No wonder we couldn’t find any trace of the Chi Rulers even after digging three zhang deep outside the city—they’ve all been nesting underground.”

Teng Yu’yi shuddered. Last time Lin Chengyou told her that Chi Rulers never appear alone—they come in groups. Recalling that creature’s strange elderly face, just one Chi Ruler’s eerie laugh was enough to make one’s whole body cold. If a group of Chi Rulers emerged from underground simultaneously…

Princess Cheng said: “The Prince and I planned to lead a search of the entire city overnight, but then Inspector Yan’s incident occurred. The Prince’s men continued searching the city all night but found nothing. This isn’t surprising though—if truly skilled practitioners tampered with the entrance, only those with extremely profound Dao techniques could identify it. Seven days hence will be another Yin Day. We must find the netherworld entrance before then at the latest.”

“Not only that,” said Daoist Master Qingxuzi, “we must quickly resolve the curse’s resentment on Young Lady Teng. Until the curse is removed, these lonely spirits and wild ghosts won’t leave. If we allow them to gather in large numbers in Chang’an, this poor Daoist fears it might attract true hell demons to massacre the city.”

Teng Yu’yi looked at Princess Cheng, who also frowned deeply—clearly the master and disciple had other hidden concerns.

Could they be worried… it would affect the Emperor? But from the elders’ expressions, they didn’t seem entirely certain.

Five Paths explained candidly to Teng Yu’yi: “These wronged souls haven’t committed evil deeds—we cannot forcibly disperse them. If we were to perform rites for them, they each carry different grievances and cannot be transcended together. If we do it one by one, with so many wronged souls it would take at least half a year to complete. We don’t want to damage our cultivation, yet we don’t want them to continue lingering in the city. Currently, the best solution is to directly help you break the curse.”

By now Teng Yu’yi completely understood. As the calamity-bearer attracts killing energy, she must stay near the netherworld entrance until it is sealed.

Otherwise, the evil spirits would continuously surge out following the direction of the killing energy. Wherever she went, they would surge there, not only harming common people along the way but as the city’s resentment and killing energy accumulated, it would eventually brew into a great disaster.

No wonder Master Jinchen said Chang’an would soon face a calamity. The Wuji Gate must have some unique method of observing heaven and earth’s killing energy and have long suspected someone bearing heaven’s killing energy was hidden in the city.

“Grandmaster, can’t we use a compass to locate the netherworld gate in the city?” Juesheng and Qizhi asked anxiously.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi waved his hand: “This entrance not only lacks form and color but also changes constantly. When small, it’s only the size of a needle’s eye. Even if we search the entire city with all our might, it would take at least four or five days.”

“What about asking fellow Daoists from other temples to help?”

Princess Cheng shook her head: “…Wuji Gate has been secretly causing trouble for years. The various Daoist temples in Chang’an must have some ill-intentioned individuals mixed in. Jinchen from the Yuzhen Nunnery is a living example. We could have various temples search separately, but I fear some might deliberately confuse.”

“Just now Qinyao gave me an idea,” said Daoist Master Qingxuzi. “Young Lady Teng bearing a curse and being trapped in this reincarnation isn’t strange. What’s strange is that Lady Li San, who carried no curse, would also reincarnate again. Last time this poor Daoist found it peculiar and repeatedly questioned her with Yu’er. Lady Li San couldn’t withstand it and finally admitted she had stolen something from you—not an ordinary item, but a lantern your mother made to pray for your blessings. The lotus on that lantern was made of gold thread and jade, meant to be sent to Baolian Temple to pray for your blessings…”

Teng Yu’yi was startled, then cursed inwardly.

“That day, Lady Li San happened to leave your Teng Manor. Coveting the lanterns’ exquisite craftsmanship, she took advantage when your servants weren’t paying attention and stole one. She had long heard that prayers at Baolian Temple were extremely efficacious and envied how your mother was willing to spend so much silver to request high monks’ prayers for you. She also wanted to share in some of that fortune, so she secretly changed your birth time and date on it to her own. After playing with it all afternoon, she claimed to have found it outside Teng Manor’s gate and sent the lantern to Baolian Temple. Little did she know that those bearing curses cannot pray for blessings carelessly—from the moment the lantern was lit, it would attract endless resentment. When Lady Li San’s prayer lantern was lit, within half a year she was already entangled with grievances. So shortly after you died in the previous life, she also died of the plague. But since the curse wasn’t directed at her, she had the opportunity to be reborn. Unfortunately, this poor Daoist and Yu’er didn’t carefully ask her exactly where she awakened. By reason, since Lady Li San was a minor ghost affected by this curse, her rebirth location should have been near the netherworld entrance—”

Princess Cheng pondered: “I heard Lady Li San was only a year older than A’Yu, and she started fabricating that doll ten years ago. I guess her rebirth year must have been before age six. So many years have passed—even if she’s in Chang’an now, she might not remember clearly—”

So there was no solution. Five Paths sighed in disappointment. Juesheng Qizhi grew somewhat anxious: “The wronged spirits outside the wall are increasing. The Chi Rulers will likely arrive soon. If countless evil spirits surround Qingyun Temple, we won’t be able to go out searching.”

Princess Cheng decisively stood up: “Let’s do this—I’ll lead people to search through the night. We’ll have to check every ward, every corner if needed. That’s better than being trapped here.”

Teng Yu’yi suddenly said: “Perhaps someone could help us think about this. A classmate from my academy, Minister Deng’s granddaughter. Miss Deng has mentioned more than once that she saw Li Huaigu in her childhood, but Li Huaigu only came to Chang’an once or twice in her early years. Something unusual must have happened then—”

Everyone’s eyes lit up. Princess Cheng joyfully instructed her guards: “Time is of the essence. The hour is still early—take my card to invite Miss Deng.”

Since Princess Cheng personally sent an invitation, before long the Deng family enthusiastically escorted Deng Weili over.

After hearing Teng Yu’yi’s description, Deng Weili was stunned for quite a while.

She thought Teng Yu’yi was still angry about Lady Li San’s shameless impersonation and wanted to tease her, but suddenly remembered it was Princess Cheng who had invited her. She quickly answered honestly: “In response to the Princess, this junior did see Li Huaigu once in childhood. It was the eighth year of Longyu when this junior attended a feast at the Marquis of Lin’an’s manor with family elders. There was a well in the back courtyard of the manor. Li Huaigu fell in while playing, but fortunately, a wooden bucket in the well caught her. Her mother was right by the well and was terrified. But I remember that after Li Huaigu was rescued, the first thing she did wasn’t cry, but ask her mother: ‘What year of Longyu is it now?’ My sisters and I all thought her behavior was very strange. When Lady Li San heard it was the eighth year of Longyu, she ran to the garden despite her wet clothes. I was curious what this young lady was going to do, so I pulled my sisters to follow, but Lady Li San quickly returned dejected and was beaten by her mother.”

At this point, Deng Weili said to Teng Yu’yi: “People say I have a good memory, but I don’t remember everything. The reason I have such a deep impression of this incident is because Lady Li San’s behavior was so unusual. Last time when Li Huaigu falsely claimed to Prince Cheng’s heir that she was his lifesaver, I was somewhat puzzled, because I remembered she wasn’t holding a doll that day, yet the doll in Li Huaigu’s room had indeed been used for many years. I thought I must have remembered wrong, but soon after heard she was an impostor—”

***

Everyone hurried to the Marquis of Lin’an’s manor. Over the night, the number of wronged souls on the road had increased considerably. As Daoist Master Qingxuzi said, they were no longer just masterless lonely souls—a large number of wolf spirits and Five Constants ghosts had mixed in.

These evil spirits came howling, each able to devour over ten wandering souls at once. Five Paths drew his sword, pointing it directly at the evil spirits. The sword light gleamed like a rainbow, almost taking one spirit per strike.

Teng Yu’yi watched carefully—Five Paths’ sword light indeed consistently avoided touching those wandering souls and wild ghosts.

Princess Cheng and Juesheng Qizhi did the same when casting spells.

Besides this, they could occasionally see Palace Guards on the streets, far exceeding the usual number of night patrols. It seemed the Emperor and Prince Cheng had already made preparations to prevent chaos in Chang’an.

Thus they proceeded, capturing evil spirits along the way, and quickly arrived at Glory and Wealth Lane where the Marquis of Lin’an’s manor was located. At the manor gates, they found the doors wide open. Though it was deep into the night, stewards and servants were running out in panic.

Everyone was somewhat surprised. Since the old Marquis passed away from illness five years ago, the Lin’an Marquis Manor’s prestige has greatly declined. But even at their worst, the household servants shouldn’t be so unruly.

Seeing Daoist Master Qingxuzi, the steward reacted as if seeing a savior. He ordered the servants to wait at the gate and approached with a pale face: “Forgive us for this unseemly sight, Princess and Master. Something’s not right in the manor—we servants dare not stay inside any longer. We were just discussing going to find our Marquis.”

“The Marquis isn’t in the manor?”

“Half a month ago, our in-laws’ elderly madam celebrated her birthday. The young Marquis took his wife and children to Luoyang, saying they’d stay for several days, so they haven’t returned yet. Now only us servants remain in the manor. Things haven’t been right here since several days ago. I invited Master Ruoque from the nearby Zhishan Temple to look, but he insisted he couldn’t detect any evil energy at the entrance. Three days ago, many people suddenly encountered ghosts in the manor. We were terrified and went to find Master Ruoque again, only to find him packing with his disciples to leave Chang’an. He said there were unusual signs in the heavens, that these wandering souls and wild ghosts weren’t just in our manor but all over the streets. He prepared to leave for a few days, gave us some talismans, and told us to fend for ourselves. Tonight in the manor, we felt an unnatural cold. Fearing evil spirits would attach to us, we decided to leave and hide.”

Five Paths listened with a grimace: “That old Ruoque is even less reliable than us.”

Daoist Master Qingxuzi and Princess Cheng looked up to examine the manor’s airspace. No wonder Master Ruoque couldn’t detect any problems—someone had tampered with this place, concealing all traces of evil energy.

“How many wells does your manor have?” Princess Cheng asked.

Under the steward’s guidance, the group quickly found that well from years ago. It was located deep in a garden path, surrounded by fragrant flower beds. The well was covered with a stone lid, apparently long abandoned.

As soon as they entered the garden, Teng Yu’yi felt waves of yin wind assailing her. Earlier, Juesheng Qizhi had opened her celestial eye, allowing her to see the garden filled with grotesque ghost forms. Walking against that yin wind, the cold seemed to penetrate her marrow.

If she felt this way while carrying the Xiaoya sword, others must feel worse. Looking back at the manor’s steward, his lips had indeed turned purple from the cold.

Having found the well, Princess Cheng quickly had Juesheng Qizhi lead the steward outside.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi walked a circle around the well.

“Open the lid.”

Everyone worked together to move forward. As soon as the well cover was moved, piercing shrieks erupted from the bottom. Dense yin and killing energy, like a gushing waterfall, shot skyward in an instant.

Five Paths and others turned pale with shock: “This is bad. The yin energy wouldn’t be this heavy with just Chi Rulers and minor ghosts—could we have attracted flying night yaksha from the netherworld?”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart pounded. Black mist wreathed the well’s mouth, its bottom invisible in the depths. Through the thick fog, one could vaguely see an endless black sea below, waves moving silently, filled with pale corpses. That vast, gloomy sea surface made one dizzy and heart-palpitating at just a glance.

Even Five Paths couldn’t help shuddering. This sinister scene from the netherworld was far more terrifying than facing demons like Naizhong and Corpse Evil.

Teng Yu’yi had heard of flying night yaksha. Last time while taking refuge at Dayin Temple, she had read descriptions of these creatures in Buddhist scriptures. They were famous demons of the Asura path, but unlike Naizhong, they came in male-female pairs, always appearing together.

Legend said these yaksha pairs were “shaped like bats with wings like mats,” moving as swiftly as the wind. Their sharp claws could tear through the hardest rocks, and even those with the most profound magic arts could hardly withstand one strike.

Princess Cheng’s face turned frosty: “First Corpse Evil and Naizhong, now attracting a pair of flying night yaksha isn’t surprising. From this situation, they’ve already fled. Kuannu, go quickly to Dayin Temple to inform Abbot Yuanjue. Ask the Abbot to gather all the city’s monks and Daoists tonight to vanquish demons together. I and the Five Seniors will stay here to assist Master in performing the ritual. Juesheng, Qizhi, A’Yu—your cultivation isn’t sufficient. Stay outside the formation with Commander Chang to protect it.”

“Yes.”

Before activating the formation, preparations were needed. The more urgent the situation, the more steady and resolute Princess Cheng became.

She had Juesheng Qizhi escort the Lin’an Manor’s servants to Qingyun Temple while having Commander Chang report to the palace overnight. Soon, large numbers of Palace Guards and Imperial Guards surrounded the Lin’an Manor.

By dawn, Prince Cheng had also arrived from the palace.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart settled. The Imperial Guards were well-trained and personally commanded by Prince Cheng. With the Prince’s steadiness and wisdom, there was no need to worry about mishaps during the ritual.

The well’s mouth was instantly covered with talismans, but evil spirits continued surging out endlessly. Before long, Daoist masters from several major Chang’an temples including Yuxu Temple had also rushed to the manor upon hearing the news.

With them came Disciples Yuanhui and Yuanqing from under Abbot Yuanjue.

Considering the incident with Master Jinchen, the Abbot feared evil practitioners might have mixed in among these Daoists. Being too busy searching for the flying night yaksha to come himself, he sent several sharp senior disciples to help Daoist Master Qingxuzi protect the formation.

Qingxuzi didn’t thank them but couldn’t help glancing several times at the two monks.

After a series of rapid arrangements, the Lin’an Manor was prepared inside and out.

The huge manor was filled three layers deep with forces from various sides in the blink of an eye.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi sat cross-legged in the center of everyone and said gravely: “Once hell’s gate opens, Chang’an’s citizens cannot escape calamity. This gate has been open for over three days—sealing it cannot be done in one day. Even if this poor Daoist uses the Five Phases Soul-Returning Formation to suppress it, it will take at least seven days and nights to seal the entrance. Moreover, as you’ve all seen, besides evil spirits, there are many innocent wandering souls here. Suppressing them all with magic would violate heaven’s way. Therefore, when we cast spells, I ask the Daoists from Yuxu Temple, Lingyun Temple, and other temples to help chant for their transcendence. This way we can both send away nearby wronged souls and wild ghosts while preventing them from being devoured by surrounding evil spirits.”

The assembled Daoists responded in a thunderous voice: “We shall do so.”

Qingxuzi then said to Yuanhui and Yuanqing: “Please help protect the formation’s perimeter.”

“Yes.”

Qingxuzi then looked at Teng Yu’yi: “Young Lady Teng is the person bearing calamity. Wherever you go, evil spirits will follow. While we perform the ritual, please make sure to stay outside the formation.”

Teng Yu’yi replied solemnly: “Yes.”

Qingxuzi then turned his gaze to Prince Cheng outside the formation.

Prince Cheng stood in the pavilion holding his sword, truly as jade-like and straight as a pine. Not far before him was Princess Cheng, busy examining the formation.

The Chixiao sword in Prince Cheng’s arms seemed to sense the surrounding evil energy, continuously emitting warning hums. Though not yet unsheathed, its sword light already rippled like waves, pushing back the surrounding yin energy.

Prince Cheng had been watching his wife’s figure, but noticing Qingxuzi’s gaze, he turned and nodded to Qingxuzi, his eyes very gentle.

The worry in the old man’s eyes completely disappeared.

Having arranged everything, Qingxuzi threw something like a cloth bag into the air, while simultaneously swinging his whisking brush and declaring in a clear voice: “Evil spirits run rampant, common people suffer disaster. This disciple Qingxuzi requests an audience with the Supreme Lord. Between life and death, even Dao spirits are helpless. This disciple wishes to sacrifice himself to control all evil and ghosts, so the true Dao may eternally exist. I respectfully request the Five August Old Lords use the Supreme Void’s light to save those in danger, cover heaven and earth, and illuminate the four seas.”

These words rang like a great bell, momentarily shaking the four seas. Qingxuzi’s voice rose high: “Racing to sun and moon my supreme Dao, urgent as statute commands, rise—”

At first, only the garden’s plants rustled. Then the wind suddenly surged up like armies gathering with gongs and drums, driving thousands of flags, commanding hundreds of soldiers, converging from all directions.

Meanwhile, that worn bag in the air suddenly blazed with spiritual light, like a full moon steadily suspended above the well’s mouth. From its opening fell a straight beam of dim light, endlessly countering the yin and killing energy from the well’s bottom.

The bitterly cold, howling yin wind from the well’s mouth seemed pressed down by an invisible heavy quilt, instantly diminishing.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart surged. Amidst the chanting of a hundred Daoists, this world-famous Five Phases Soul-Returning Formation was officially activated.

Once set, this great formation would last exactly seven days.

Under the protection of Daoist Master Qingxuzi and others, the formation’s spiritual energy remained strong and unwaning. The well’s yin energy sometimes weakened, sometimes surged, but showed no signs of closing. At least it no longer endlessly spewed evil creatures.

To avoid mishaps, before the entrance was officially closed, those in the formation could only rest briefly during the most yang-filled noon hour. Only then could they stop to eat something or stand up to walk around the area.

At these times, Teng Yu’yi and Juesheng Qizhi would deliver steaming soup and porridge to everyone in the formation.

Though the Emperor and Empress remained in the palace, they paid great attention to the demon-vanquishing in the city. Besides issuing edicts overnight to summon Daoist masters from places like Luoyang to help eliminate evil, the Empress also had the Imperial Kitchen prepare meals for everyone daily. Considering how protecting the formation extremely consumed one’s primordial spirit, each meal included items to boost energy and nourish.

By noon of the seventh day, Daoist Master Qingxuzi still sat unwavering, but his complexion had become quite terrible. Juesheng and Qizhi personally fed their grandmaster, but Qingxuzi only ate two mouthfuls before waving for it to be taken away.

Teng Yu’yi worried endlessly. Such a great formation demanded extremely high internal force from the main operator. The Master was advanced in years—it was inevitable he couldn’t hold on after several days.

Prince and Princess Cheng also showed worry. Princess Cheng rose to say something by Daoist Master Qingxuzi’s side, probably suggesting having another Daoist master take over the formation. The Master opened his eyes to look around, then closed them again and slowly shook his head. One might know faces but not hearts—if anything went wrong, not only would the calamity-bearing Teng Yu’yi suffer, but these people in the formation and Chang’an’s common people would all face disaster.

Juesheng and Qizhi carried the food box out of the formation. Teng Yu’yi pushed prepared meals before them: “The Master—”

Qizhi anxiously shoveled a mouthful of food and said in a muffled voice: “Don’t worry. With Grandmaster’s internal force, he can hold on another two days without problem.”

“That’s right, that’s right,” Juesheng chimed in. “Tonight is a Yin Day. Once we get through tonight, it’ll be a great success. Besides, Senior Brother is about to return to Chang’an. At worst, if Grandmaster can’t hold on, Senior Brother can take over.”

Teng Yu’yi was startled—Lin Chengyou was coming back? She didn’t know if Father was well, and being trapped in the manor these past days meant she couldn’t have Uncle Cheng inquire about the war front. Her heart was unsettled as she gazed ahead worriedly. In just a few days, even Princess Cheng had grown noticeably thinner.

“Besides using this formation to suppress it, isn’t there a simpler method?”

Five Paths was eating nearby and hearing this, Jianxi said carelessly: “Of course, there’s a way. Young Lady Teng is the person bearing calamity. This current killing energy of heaven and earth arose because you forcefully eliminated evil to break your curse. You’d only need to use your body to plug the well’s mouth—guaranteed even the flying night yaksha would pursue you instead. But then your little life couldn’t be preserved. How could the Master and we possibly—”

Jiantian immediately slapped the back of Jianxi’s head: “Stop talking nonsense! Can’t even eating stop your mouth?”

Jianxi knew he had misspoken and was too frightened to say another word.

Teng Yu’yi frowned slightly. So that was it. Looking at Daoist Master Qingxuzi and Princess Cheng again, her eyes held even more gratitude.

Juesheng and Qizhi hurriedly pulled Teng Yu’yi to eat: “Young Lady Teng, if you don’t eat soon, we’ll finish this bowl of taro cream soup.”

By evening, the sky was unprecedentedly dark, the vault of heaven covered with dense clouds. Correspondingly, the scene at the well’s bottom changed again. No longer an endless black sea, it was now filled with blazing magma and fierce flames. Yin energy once again shot skyward as countless evil spirits tried to crawl out from the rolling magma.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi’s chanting grew even brighter than before. Under everyone’s combined effort, the clear light from the bag was instantly pushed to its limit, covering the well’s mouth and once again firmly containing that surging yin energy.

As the yin energy surged, those in the formation needed to expend more spirit. In just a few hours, everyone was covered in sweat.

Late at night, someone suddenly came urgently seeking Prince Cheng.

It was Public Servant Guan from the palace.

Public Servant Guan wore a kindly smile, saying: “This servant comes by imperial command to check on the Master and fellow Daoists.”

However, when others weren’t paying attention, he quickly whispered something in Prince Cheng’s ear.

Prince Cheng’s expression indeed changed, and after sitting only briefly, he left with Public Servant Guan.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart sank. Though Prince Cheng instantly returned to normal, anything that could change his expression couldn’t possibly be a small matter.

Shortly after Prince Cheng left, Commander Chang came to find Princess Cheng. His manner appeared normal, but his steps were slightly more hurried than usual.

Commander Chang bent down to say something to Princess Cheng. She suddenly opened her eyes, then steadied herself, only smiling slightly as she said: “Tell the Empress not to trouble herself making midnight snacks for us. The formation is reaching its end—even if sent, we won’t have time to eat. Either way, the Master and I will enter the palace tomorrow morning. We can properly enjoy her cooking then.”

Daoist Master Qingxuzi’s white eyebrows trembled as he slowly opened his eyes.

Teng Yu’yi held her breath. This was too strange. Commander Chang should have been guarding Prince Cheng’s side, yet he came specifically to discuss something as trivial as midnight snacks.

Then Princess Cheng said casually: “These past days, Abbot Yuanjue has been busy searching for the flying night yaksha. He must be utterly exhausted. I wonder if the venerable one would like some midnight refreshment?”

Commander Chang smiled and said: “The Abbot has already found the flying night yaksha. Currently, the venerable one is leading the monks in vanquishing the demon. That thing is powerful—I heard it collapsed half the temple.”

Princess Cheng smiled: “It’s good they found it. Do you know if it was one or a pair?”

“I heard they only found one. The other remains untraceable.”

Everyone’s expressions instantly turned extremely poor.

“I understand. You may return to the palace to report,” Princess Cheng said, her manner unchanged.

After Commander Chang left, Princess Cheng and Daoist Master Qingxuzi quickly exchanged glances. Though both tried to conceal it, anxiety could be seen in their eyes.

After much consideration, Princess Cheng seemed to have decided on a strategy. She looked up at Master Hanchenzi from Yuxu Temple: “This junior is somewhat depleted. Please, Senior, help take over for a while.”

At these words, everyone in the courtyard was shocked. Teng Yu’yi’s heart beat faster. The formation had reached its most crucial stage—if not absolutely necessary, Princess Cheng would never leave her master.

Only something more urgent than protecting the formation could move Princess Cheng.

Could it be… could it be the Emperor’s residual poison was acting up? Yes, only being stretched too thin would necessitate Public Servant Guan and Commander Chang rushing here in succession to deliver messages. Both were Prince Cheng and the Emperor’s most trusted confidants, arriving in the dead of night with such vague words.

During the detoxification, the Prince and Emperor would be completely defenseless, essentially entrusting both their lives to others. Those protecting them must not only understand magic arts but be more trustworthy than anyone.

Under heaven, besides Princess Cheng and Daoist Master Qingxuzi, only Abbot Yuanjue remained.

Who would have thought even Abbot Yuanjue couldn’t get away?

The situation was urgent, Princess Cheng had to go…

Teng Yu’yi’s heart jumped chaotically. Could the Emperor’s condition be acting up much earlier than usual? If the Emperor would have an episode soon, Princess Cheng and Daoist Master Qingxuzi would never feel at ease setting up a formation here.

Yet a series of major events had just happened, suddenly trapping everyone… wait… speaking of this, Inspector Yan’s death, the Lin’an Manor’s netherworldly killing energy, the escaped flying night yaksha, Daoist Master Qingxuzi and others being trapped here helping break her curse, the Emperor’s strange illness acting up early… these events happened too coincidentally.

Suddenly remembering Haoyue Sanren’s prophecy from months ago, a cold sweat broke out on Teng Yu’yi’s forehead. Could all this possibly have been premeditated?

Under everyone’s surprised gaze, Princess Cheng rose gracefully: “Juesheng, Qizhi, Master Hanchenzi was recently injured helping fight Naizhong at Dayin Temple. His vital energy hasn’t fully recovered. Stay by his side throughout, helping transmit vital energy when necessary.”

This was to guard against Hanchenzi causing trouble. Juesheng and Qizhi quickly agreed.

As soon as Princess Cheng left the formation’s eye, Hanchenzi took her place. But perhaps because he was too old and had been injured, his internal force was inferior to Princess Cheng’s. With this replacement, the clear light from the bag instantly dimmed somewhat.

Juesheng and Qizhi hurriedly pressed their palms against Hanchenzi’s back. After a while, the light finally became bright again.

Princess Cheng was about to leave with her people when suddenly a strange cry came from outside the manor, heading straight for the garden. The sound at first hearing was like a woodpecker pecking a tree stump, only much more piercing and clear.

Hearing this strange sound, all the Daoists present changed color simultaneously.

“Flying night yaksha!”

They saw a creature, part human part bird, swooping down from the night sky. Its eyes were blood-red, its head like a rat’s, somewhat resembling a bat but enormously large. Its wingspan was over ten zhang wide, diving down to completely block the sky above everyone’s heads.

***

In the night, a carriage galloped into the city.

Inside, Lin Chengyou was using his internal force to keep Teng Shao alive. They had traveled day and night, changing thousand-li horses several times. What should have been a half-month journey took only seven days.

The corpse poison in Teng Shao’s body had spread throughout. Anyone else would have died long ago, but Lin Chengyou’s earlier words had taken effect—because he couldn’t bear to leave his daughter, Teng Shao was still holding on through sheer willpower.

As soon as they entered the city, Lin Chengyou sensed the surrounding yin energy. His expression changed slightly as he lifted the window curtain to look outside.

At this moment, Teng Shao, who had been unconscious for a long time, seemed to sense something too. He suddenly opened his eyes: “Yu’er—”

“General Teng.”

As if foreseeing his daughter would face trouble, Teng Shao raised his head with difficulty: “Yu’er.”

Perhaps connected in spirit with his daughter and knowing she was in danger, or perhaps knowing only his death could exchange for a glimmer of hope for her life, after speaking these words, Teng Shao suddenly lost all will to live. His complexion instantly darkened.

The flying night Yaksha looked down with its blood-red eyes and charged straight for Teng Yu’yi.

People in the courtyard erupted in terrified commotion. Even those with magical powers couldn’t help feeling chilled facing such a massive creature.

Teng Yu’yi retreated in panic, but before the thing could fly close, three fire dragons soared up to meet it, instantly blocking its path.

Princess Cheng activated the Soul-Devouring Bell, steadily positioning herself before Teng Yu’yi.

Unfortunately, Princess Cheng was no match for such a demon. The flying night yaksha not only emerged unscathed but also swept the three fire dragons aside with its claws, suddenly lunging at her.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi opened his eyes with a thunderous shout: “Quick, dodge!”

Princess Cheng moved with extraordinary agility, rolling aside to barely avoid those massive claws.

As the formation’s leader, Qingxuzi’s momentary distraction caused the clear light overhead to weaken again. Wolf spirits quickly emerged from the well’s mouth, cackling as they attacked the Daoists in the formation.

Yuanhui and Yuanqing hurriedly threw their prayer beads while other Daoists cast talismans.

But the hell gate’s yin force was no ordinary matter—the slightest gap allowed numerous evil spirits to emerge.

Block one side, they emerged from another. Five Paths desperately drove his sword against them, further weakening the formation’s spiritual power. In an instant, even more evil spirits surged out, and this time, many swiftly moving Chi Rulers emerged as well.

Teng Yu’yi watched anxiously—at this rate, everyone in the formation would perish. She gripped her sword and stepped forward to help, clearing two or three spirits in one breath. But soon she heard a rushing wind behind her, its essence indescribably foul, chilling to the very core.

The speed was lightning-fast—she couldn’t even dodge. She thrust her sword backward while throwing herself forward. In that split second, Princess Cheng merged the three fire dragons into one stream, the unprecedented heat finally scorching the flying night Yaksha’s back.

The flying night yaksha released a piercing shriek, abandoning Teng Yu’yi to grab at Princess Cheng instead.

“A’Yu, run!” Princess Cheng, light as a swallow, swiftly leaped to nearby tree branches, dodging left and right among the trees, desperately leading the flying night yaksha away.

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes grew moist. Under Daoist Master Qingxuzi’s leadership, the formation barely stabilized again, but the flying night yaksha seemed fixated on Princess Cheng, relentlessly pursuing her.

The monks and Daoists tried every method to cast spells against it, but the flying night yaksha not only remained unharmed, but its yin force grew even stronger. At its summons, the well’s yin energy surged again. Even with Qingxuzi exerting all his strength to resist, he could barely hold on.

Suddenly Yuanhui cried out in alarm—the flying night yaksha had broken through his kasaya and was charging toward the treetops. In mere inches, its massive claws would grab Princess Cheng’s crown.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart leaped to her throat. She rushed forward desperately, then suddenly stopped as a thought struck her.

Should she—

She stared intently at the figure dodging frantically in the treetops. That was Lin Chengyou’s mother. If something happened to her, Lin Chengyou would be devastated.

Looking toward the formation, Daoist Master Qingxuzi and Juesheng Qizhi before her were all precious to Lin Chengyou. At this crucial moment of closing the netherworld gate, they had to maintain the formation, but at this rate, they would eventually perish at evil hands.

If not for protecting her, they wouldn’t be in this predicament.

And Five Paths—usually so crafty, yet tonight likely facing doom helping break her curse. His words might be irritating, but his actions showed true loyalty…

As for the Emperor in the palace, he was a rare good ruler who not only cherished Lin Chengyou but showed great compassion for the common people. If he became simple-minded again because the detoxification wasn’t completed in time, it would be a disaster for all under heaven.

Then there was Prince Cheng, currently busy helping detoxify the Emperor. The Prince was open and upright, loyally protecting the Emperor alongside his wife for years. The Prince’s character and breadth of mind must have constantly influenced Lin Chengyou… if something happened to his father, it was unimaginable how devastated Lin Chengyou would be. How hateful that the Prince and Emperor were both trapped in the palace now, with no close allies to help protect them, leaving them vulnerable to schemes. Having successfully trapped everyone, that person would surely launch their palace coup tonight.

And all the monks and Daoists helping protect the formation tonight, the common people of Chang’an suffering from evil spirits… this disaster had nothing to do with them, yet they were innocently dragged in because of her.

This was her Teng family’s karmic debt—how could she implicate others?

Seeing the flying night yaksha’s massive claws drawing ever closer to Princess Cheng, Teng Yu’yi shouted sharply: “Hey, Naizhong was your good friend, right? I killed it! I’m the curse-bearing person of calamity—eating me won’t just greatly increase your yin force, you can also avenge your friend. Come on, if you have the ability, come at me!”

Hearing this, the flying night yaksha indeed curved in mid-air, releasing a sinister laugh as it swooped toward Teng Yu’yi.

Daoist Master Qingxuzi and Juesheng Qizhi started: “Young Lady Teng—”

Princess Cheng’s expression changed drastically as she urgently employed her lightness skill to chase the flying night yaksha, but how could an ordinary person match its speed? In an instant, it left her far behind.

Teng Yu’yi walked quickly to the well’s edge and turned back, carefully examining each person through her tears: “Master, Juesheng, Qizhi, Five Seniors…”

She called each person’s name carefully in her heart, then laughed loudly: “Though I couldn’t break the curse, being able to know all of you made it worthwhile.”

As she spoke, tears slid down her face.

Five Paths’ expression turned awful: “Young Lady Teng!”

Juesheng and Qizhi, foreseeing what Teng Yu’yi intended, shook their heads desperately through tears: “You can’t, Young Lady Teng, you can’t… Senior Brother will be devastated…”

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes burned as she gripped the jade pendant in her hand: “Your Senior Brother knows I cherish my life most. I tried my best, but fate decreed this. Tell him for me: Next life, I’ll make flower cakes for him again.”

As she spoke, her tears flowed ever more freely. Everyone’s eyes instantly reddened. Teng Yu’yi turned her head, not letting them see her tear-stained face, only laughing sadly: “If my father returns safely, please tell him: If there’s another life, I’ll still be his and mother’s daughter.”

Before her words finished, that huge shadow had already reached her. Princess Cheng seemed to reach the depths of despair, releasing an anguished cry: “A’Yu!”

Teng Yu’yi’s expression darkened. Trading her one life to save everyone—not waiting for the monster’s massive claws to grab her, she clasped the jade pendant to her chest with both hands and jumped into the well without hesitation.

At that moment, a moonlight-white figure leaped down from the outer courtyard. Seeing the situation, his heart and gall split in anguish. This person moved as gracefully as a falcon, desperately soaring over everyone’s heads, grabbing for Teng Yu’yi’s back.

He only managed to tear off a piece of goose-yellow cloth.

“Teng Yu’yi!”

That surging, undying yin energy finally dimmed with Teng Yu’yi’s submergence.

Author’s Note:

Note: Emperor Li Dan and others of the Tang Dynasty mostly came to power through palace coups.

Note: From “Yunji Qiqian.”

Don’t worry, General Teng and A’Yu won’t die. Placing oneself in mortal danger leads to renewal. A’Yu and A’Da have influenced each other and grown much. Compared to “the previous life,” her heart now holds great love, and love can break curses.