This time, Lin Chengyou did not passively accept her kiss. The moment her lips touched his, his arms suddenly tightened around her.

Teng Yuyi was caught off guard, accidentally biting his lip. As teeth met flesh, the skin broke slightly. Her eyelashes trembled with concern that she had hurt him, but he didn’t make even the slightest sound of pain. He remained focused and gentle, like a parched traveler who had finally found an oasis after wandering the desert for ages.

Teng Yuyi’s eyes grew misty. Several months ago, on that night when she sacrificed herself to feed the demon, it was Lin Chengyou who defied heaven’s laws to piece her soul back together bit by bit. After awakening, she had wandered like a melancholic spirit, searching everywhere for her lost treasures. Fortunately, all their shared memories remained etched in her bones, beyond anyone’s power to erase.

Those were their precious moments, the most valuable things in heaven.

She had traversed mountains and waters, and finally, on this night, she had found her treasure again. Listening to his ragged breathing, her heart melted into a warm pool. She closed her slightly misty eyes and responded with all her being. His breath was as crisp and pure as ever, reminiscent of a bamboo forest in early summer.

Suddenly, he released her lips and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her against his chest.

“A’Yu.”

Those two soft syllables carried such profound weight.

Over these past months, they had both crawled through hell, experiencing life and death, and accumulating countless scars. She had nearly lost her life, while he had lost his sight. But at least she had found her way back.

He remembered that night when he touched her corpse, his heart instantly crumbling to ash. Yet now, she was safe and sound in his embrace. Her body was warm, no longer the cold, pale form he had pulled from the well that night.

For months, he had constantly hoped to regain his sight, but now, he suddenly felt that trading his eyes for her longevity seemed worth it.

If this was heaven’s punishment, if this was the price, he was willing to bear it.

Teng Yuyi buried her face in Lin Chengyou’s neck. This was the second time tonight he had shown such raw emotion, though he was usually such a carefree and unrestrained person. She wanted to say something but didn’t know where to begin. A thousand words and countless feelings were locked in her heart. In the silence, she could only tightly embrace the person before her, gently rubbing her cheek against his.

Suddenly, Lin Chengyou whispered in her ear, “It hurts.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart jumped, and she quickly raised her head. “Where does it hurt?”

Lin Chengyou pointed to his lips. “Here. You bit me again.”

Teng Yuyi studied his face carefully, moving closer until their foreheads touched. Looking down, her gaze swept across his lips, where she saw a small cut with a tiny spot of blood.

She raised her hand, carefully touching his lip with her fingertip. It was his fault for embracing her without warning.

“You’re quite fierce. How many times have you bitten me now?” Lin Chengyou said softly.

“You’ve bitten me too.”

As she spoke, her long eyelashes occasionally brushed against his skin, causing a ticklish sensation that reached deep into his heart.

“When did I ever bite you?”

“That time in the Seven Desires Heaven, in the python spirit’s water cave, you bit me.”

Lin Chengyou’s face grew warm. He lowered his head and kissed the tip of her nose. “Was it here?”

“Or here?” He kissed her cheek.

She felt ticklish and instinctively backed away, but he leaned forward and captured her lips again.

Teng Yuyi’s heart fluttered rapidly as she wrapped her arms around his neck, gently kissing his wound.

The room was completely silent except for their intertwined breathing.

They were as careful as butterflies first tasting honey – inexperienced yet drawn to each other, so close they couldn’t be separated.

Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside, quickly reaching the door.

The sound struck the room like a thunderclap. Teng Yuyi and Lin Chengyou abruptly separated, their breathing still notably irregular.

“Young Master, someone from the palace is looking for you. My Lady, His Majesty, and Prince Cheng heard that the Young Master was here and have summoned both the Master and you to the palace.”

Lin Chengyou steadied his breathing and cleared his throat. “Understood.”

Teng Yuyi also managed to compose herself. “Then let’s prepare the court attire.”

The footsteps quickly receded.

In the room, both of their faces were flushed.

Once their faces had cooled somewhat, Teng Yuyi remembered her original intention in kissing him. She touched Lin Chengyou’s eyes hopefully and asked, “How is it?”

Lin Chengyou removed his blindfold.

Teng Yuyi held her breath.

His lip had been bitten, so theoretically, the gu worm should have loosened its hold by now.

But darkness still filled his vision.

After a moment of silence, Lin Chengyou smiled. “Seems it still doesn’t work.”

His casual manner suggested he didn’t care whether he regained his sight or not.

But Teng Yuyi was deeply disappointed. After going to such lengths, why hadn’t the gu been broken? Fearing Lin Chengyou might be upset, she quickly helped him replace the blindfold. “They say gu worms don’t take effect in a single day, so breaking the gu must also take time. Don’t worry, perhaps it will naturally heal in a few days.”

As she moved to help him stand by supporting his arm, Lin Chengyou suddenly asked, “A’Yu, what if I never regain my sight?”

These words struck Teng Yuyi’s chest like a heavy blow, not for any other reason than the hint of melancholy in Lin Chengyou’s tone.

She cupped his face again, pressing her forehead against his, and spoke softly, “Then I’ll be your eyes. You’ve protected me so many times, now it’s my turn to protect you. If you want to investigate cases, I’ll investigate with you. If you want to hunt demons, I’ll hunt them with you.”

With her by his side, she would never let him suffer even the slightest grievance.

Lin Chengyou clasped her hands and listened quietly. She was his rose – no matter the place or circumstance, when she bloomed, his eyes and heart could contain nothing else.

That one promise was worth more than anything. After a long silence, he placed a bittersweet kiss on her forehead. “Alright.”

***

The palace was extraordinarily lively.

Besides His Majesty and the Empress, Prince Cheng and his wife, the Crown Prince and Second Prince, there were also many faces Teng Yuyi hadn’t seen before.

His Majesty descended from the throne to personally help Teng Shao up. Teng Shao put down his cane and was about to kowtow when Prince Cheng caught his arm.

The Princess Consort pulled Teng Yuyi aside. Though only months had passed, it felt like lifetimes. She wanted to say something but felt words were too insignificant, finally just sighing, “It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back.”

Teng Yuyi, teary-eyed, kowtowed to each of her elders in turn.

Since Lin Chengyou couldn’t see, A’Shuang and A’Zhi enthusiastically helped introduce everyone to Teng Yuyi.

Over there, the elegant middle-aged man was Lin Chengyou’s maternal uncle, Qu Ziyu, while the beautiful noble lady with gentle features was Lin Chengyou’s maternal aunt, Wang Yingning. As it happened, Wang Yingning was from the same clan branch as Teng Yuyi’s mother.

At the head were Lin Chengyou’s maternal grandfather and grandmother.

There were also several refined young men and women – Lin Chengyou’s cousins.

When the Qu family saw Lin Chengyou’s current condition, every one of them showed shock and heartache.

In an instant, everyone gathered around.

Teng Yuyi stepped slightly back. The Qu family elders’ care for Lin Chengyou was bone-deep; just one glance warmed the heart.

During the subsequent conversations with the Princess Consort, Empress, and others, Teng Yuyi learned that months ago, when Lin Chengyou helped summon her soul, he had used a Buddhist ghost relic. Unlike the relics left behind by high Buddhist monks after their enlightenment, this was a remnant left by fierce ghosts of the Asura realm after abandoning their demonic thoughts, hence called a ghost relic.

Ghost relics, originating from Asura realm demons, existed between yin and yang and were considered inauspicious objects. However, when used for soul summoning, they were more effective than any Daoist formation. But in hundreds of years, few demons were willing to abandon their obsessions. Even at the advanced ages of Master Qingxuzi and Master Yuanjue, they had only seen this twice.

One was left behind by Imperial Consort Hui, His Majesty’s late mother, who had been forced to become the great evil “Female Star” more than twenty years ago.

Half of it had entered His Majesty’s body, and the other half entered Prince Cheng’s body. For twenty years afterward, this object continuously helped her sons neutralize the residual poison in their bodies.

The other was the black relic left behind by Naizhong after being enlightened by the high monks of Dayin Temple.

After Naizhong was subdued, that black relic had been enshrined in Dayin Temple.

Flying Yaksha feared nothing except Naizhong, the King of Ten Thousand Ghosts. Lin Chengyou had used this ghost relic to activate the Spirit Flying Six Jia Formation, instantly connecting the realms of yin and yang.

As they say, it “created a bridge between life and death.” The netherworld spirits, fearful of Naizhong’s lingering might, had no choice but to retrieve Teng Yuyi’s scattered soul pieces one by one. As fate would have it, Teng Yuyi had played a part in successfully subduing Naizhong. Perhaps Xiaoya’s words about “accumulating merit by exorcising demons” didn’t solely refer to slaying demons, but rather using wisdom and perseverance when dealing with supernatural entities to leave oneself a lifeline for future tribulations.

However, Lin Chengyou had paid a devastating price for this. It was only thanks to his noble fate and great fortune that he hadn’t fallen gravely ill.

Teng Yuyi silently watched Lin Chengyou as she listened. Finally, Master Qingxuzi, seated at the head, couldn’t hold back any longer: “How is it?”

The question was directed at both his grand disciple and Teng Yuyi.

The room fell silent as everyone’s gaze fell upon Lin Chengyou’s face.

Lin Chengyou “met” everyone’s concerned gazes and after a moment’s pause, frankly said, “I… still haven’t recovered.”

Everyone couldn’t hide their disappointment. Master Qingxuzi looked at Lin Chengyou, then at Teng Yuyi, stroking his beard in silence.

His Majesty and Princess Consort anxiously asked, “Master, since Lady Teng broke through the gu poison and remembered Young Master Yu, doesn’t that mean the gu worm inside her has died? The one in Young Master Yu’s body, sensing the death of its partner, shouldn’t survive alone. If so, why hasn’t the gu poison been neutralized?”

Master Qingxuzi paced back and forth in the hall. After several rounds, he suddenly stopped and said, “It seems we must hasten their marriage.”

Everyone was startled.

The statement was extremely abrupt, but it came from Master Qingxuzi.

His words carried more weight than anyone else’s.

“Heaven created all things with yin and yang. That Uncontending Recluse never married his beloved, and it was the unbearable heart-eating pain that led to this most vicious gu poison. One worm would be simple enough, but with two worms, they must be complementary, calling and responding to each other. The one in Young Master Yu is the primary gu, while the one in Lady Teng is the secondary gu. If ordinary methods cannot lure them out, then only marriage remains—”

The rest need not be said.

“This…” everyone looked toward Teng Shao.

In the silence, Lin Chengyou moved first. He lifted his robe and bowed in Teng Shao’s direction: “General Teng, even if it weren’t for breaking the gu, this junior has long wished to ask for your daughter’s hand. Your daughter and I have known each other for a long time, but due to various twists of fate, we’ve faced many obstacles. Over the past year, we have gone through life and death together, weathering tribulations. All of these experiences are etched in our hearts. On this auspicious night, I humbly request General Teng to grant me your daughter’s hand in marriage. I will cherish and love her, never failing her throughout my life.”

These words rang with sincerity, each syllable touching the heart. Teng Yuyi’s face still carried a rosy glow, but tears glistened in her eyes.

Teng Shao looked at his daughter, his chest tightening with emotion, and declared loudly, “Good, good, good! To gain such a son-in-law fulfills all my wishes.”

He knelt before the throne: “Your subject boldly requests Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to grant an auspicious date, to complete the six marriage rites, and join our two families in celebration.”

His Majesty and the Empress exchanged glances, smiling through tears at Prince Cheng and his wife: “Lin Xiao, Qinyao, what do you say?”

The Princess Consort’s eyes were brimming with tears. Prince Cheng looked at his son, then at Teng Yuyi, overwhelmed with emotion: “General Teng is loyal and righteous, and Lady Teng is kind and wise. Our eldest has been mischievous since childhood, but after all this time, he’s finally fortunate. Tonight is auspicious, and rare to have all our relatives present. We request Your Majesty to arrange the marriage for these two children.”

***

Early the next morning, as soon as Teng Yuyi awoke, she caught a whiff of delicate fragrance. With matters weighing on her mind, she jumped out of bed. Lifting the curtain, she saw a fresh apricot blossom arranged in the crystal ball on the table.

Beiluo came over happily saying, “Early this morning, many spring flowers bloomed in the courtyard. It seems the weather is warming up.”

Chunrong also smiled: “News of His Majesty arranging the marriage between you and the Young Master spread throughout Chang’an early this morning. Many guests have arrived, and the Master is busy receiving them in the main hall. Later, Aunt Du and Elder Sister will probably visit too.”

Teng Yuyi smiled knowingly. She had someone bring out another set of newly made clothes and sat at the dressing table to carefully prepare herself: “Oh yes, ask Duan Fu to bring me a set of cotton clothes worn by young Daoist priests. I might need them when I go out today.”

After saying this, Teng Yuyi habitually reached for her sleeve, but once again failed to find that familiar cool jade. Ever since last month when she remembered Lin Chengyou, she had also remembered the Xiaoya sword. However, perhaps believing that her tribulation had passed and its time to retire had come, Xiaoya had vanished without a trace.

These days, no matter how thoroughly Teng Yuyi searched through her belongings, she couldn’t find Xiaoya.

Thinking of this, Teng Yuyi felt inexplicably melancholic. She had fine wine and fresh fruit placed on the window couch and searched carefully around the room: “Old fellow, after spending so much time together, how can you leave without saying goodbye? I’ve warmed your favorite Stone-Frozen Spring wine, come out and have a few cups with me.”

But no matter how she coaxed, everything remained quiet. Teng Yuyi had even searched under the bed but found no trace of Xiaoya.

Seeing that she would be late if she didn’t leave soon, Teng Yuyi had to leave the pot of wine and plate of fruit behind and hurriedly left the room.

***

At Prince Cheng’s mansion.

Lin Chengyou sat in the corridor, surrounded by many children.

He was naturally talkative and cheerful and had always been good at playing. During festivals and celebrations, the children among their relatives always liked to gather around him.

Though his eyes couldn’t see anymore, his carefree nature remained unchanged. Early in the morning, his cousins from the Qu family had come to play with him. Of course, this included A’Zhi and A’Shuang, who were determined to take care of their brother.

As Lin Chengyou felt around to distribute plum candy to his younger siblings and cousins, his attention remained on the courtyard, ears perking up at every hurried footstep.

Soon, Kuannu came over excitedly saying: “Young Master, officers from the Department of Justice came with news. There’s been another murder in Magpie Lane in Tonghua Ward. Based on the method, the killer seems to be the same one who murdered Old Man Liu last time.”

Lin Chengyou frowned: “A murder is nothing to be happy about. Why are you so excited?”

Kuannu’s face fell: “How could I be happy about that? It’s because Lady Teng has also arrived. Lady Teng asked me to inquire if the Young Master plans to investigate the case, and if you would like her to invite the new Wuwei junior Daoist from Qingyun Temple to assist?”

A smile instantly spread across Lin Chengyou’s face: “Where is Lady Teng now?”

“She’s talking with the Princess Consort in the flower hall.”

“I can’t walk well enough to reach the flower hall. Please invite Lady Teng here instead, I’ll speak with her.”

Before leaving, Kuannu grinned at the children: “Young masters and ladies, the Princess Consort personally made some incredibly delicious pastries. Hurry over to try them!”

The children cheered, but A’Zhi insisted on staying by Lin Chengyou’s side: “I need to take care of Brother. Just bring a plate of Mother’s pastries here later.”

A’Shuang held his sister’s hand and gently persuaded her: “Didn’t you say the kites made in the mansion weren’t good enough and you wanted to buy some yourself? Today Brother will take you to the West Market.”

The surroundings quickly grew quiet. Lin Chengyou sat in the courtyard waiting, as a gentle breeze caressed his face with impossible tenderness.

Once everyone had left, the smile gradually faded from Lin Chengyou’s face. When he woke this morning, everything before him was still pitch black as usual. A night had passed, but the gu poison hadn’t naturally dissolved as everyone had hoped. Although he had prepared himself for this, when he opened his eyes, his heart still sank. No matter how keen his hearing might be when Teng Yuyi came to find him, he wouldn’t be able to see what clothes she was wearing or what ornaments adorned her.

As soon as Teng Yuyi entered the courtyard, she saw Lin Chengyou sitting beneath the red plum tree. He wore a jade-colored padded robe with a snow-white fur vest, his hair bound with a white jade crown, and a white jade belt at his waist. From a distance, he looked like someone from an immortal realm, but there was an inexplicable air of dejection about him.

However, upon hearing her footsteps, Lin Chengyou instantly shed all his melancholy. He turned his head toward the sound and smiled: “I’m waiting for the junior Daoist Wuwei. Who might you be?”