Du Tinglan was secretly startled – how did Yu Yi know Lu Zhao’an’s name when she had just arrived in Chang’an?

After a moment’s thought, she realized it wasn’t so strange. The Imperial Examination celebration at the Moon Lantern Pavilion had been quite lively, and Lu Zhao’an was this year’s top scholar. With all of Yu’s connections, it made sense she would know of him.

She nodded bashfully, “Yes.”

Madam Du was heartbroken and furious: “So you secretly left the temple to meet this Lu Zhao’an?”

Du Tinglan clutched the corner of her quilt, tears streaming down like broken strings of pearls. Teng Yu Yi silently patted Du Tinglan’s shoulders. Once she had calmed somewhat, Yu Yi asked with restrained anger: “Sister, what exactly happened after that?”

Du Tinglan wiped her tears and struggled to steady herself: “I was determined to get those letters back. Worried that mother would discover I’d left Jingfu Temple, I rushed to the bamboo grove. But outside the grove were many servants who had set up screens blocking passage. I inquired and learned that the Crown Prince of Cheng was taking a shortcut to play cuju at Moon Lantern Pavilion.”

“The Crown Prince of Cheng?”

“Yes.” After crying for a while, Du Tinglan grew calmer and slowly recalled, “Several ox carts were blocked outside the grove. I knew forcing my way through wouldn’t work, so I had to leave with Hong Nu. But passing by the western side of the grove, I discovered there were no screens at the western entrance. Lu Zhao’an and I had agreed to meet at the northwest corner, so I turned back. Sure enough, no one blocked the western side.”

Teng Yu Yi thought silently – so that’s how it was. Even though Lan Chengyou had ordered the grove sealed off, sister was still able to enter through there.

“Hong Nu and I waited in the grove for a while, but Lu Zhao’an never appeared. The bamboo grove was pitch black and I grew frightened. Just as I was about to leave the way we came, a woman’s laughter drifted down from the treetops. Looking up, I saw a huge dark shape crouching silently in the branches. Before we could cry for help, that thing pounced down. After that… I don’t remember anything.”

Du Tinglan’s face turned deathly pale recalling that horrifying scene. It took Madam Du’s comforting pats and soothing words quite sometime before Du Tinglan calmed down.

Teng Yu Yi asked in an icy voice: “Sister, did you see Lu Zhao’an in the bamboo grove at all?”

Still shaken, Du Tinglan shook her head and said: “The grove was too dark. To find one’s way there, you’d need a lantern. But when Hong Nu and I were attacked, we neither heard any voices nor saw any lights nearby. So either Lu Zhao’an never intended to come, or he hadn’t reached the grove yet.”

Teng Yu Yi gave a cold laugh: “When Duan Fu and I went in, we saw no one besides that demon. Even after rescuing cousin, there was no one lurking or wandering nearby.”

Madam Du trembled with rage: “What a coward! I suspect he either fled early or was hiding somewhere watching.”

Red-eyed, she glared at Du Tinglan: “What am I to do with you? Such an obedient child usually, yet you went behind your parents’ backs… and if that weren’t enough, you fell for such a shameless scoundrel!”

How could Du Tinglan not regret it? She had given her heart foolishly and nearly lost her life. Tears poured down as she cried: “Mother can scold me however she wishes. All the wrongs are mine. Please don’t harm yourself with such anger.”

Though furious, Madam Du still felt her daughter was wronged. After glaring at her daughter a while longer, she pulled Du Tinglan into her embrace, and mother and daughter cried together.

Teng Yu Yi’s gaze was cold as frost. This man was no coward – he was a vicious beast in scholar’s clothing. If cousin and Hong Nu had truly been harmed by Lu Zhao’an in her previous life, then this time seeing someone else do his dirty work must have delighted him.

But one thing didn’t make sense – when Lan Chengyou passed through the bamboo grove, if that demon had been there, someone of his cultivation level couldn’t have failed to notice it. Therefore the creature must have sneaked in after Lan Chengyou left.

In such a short time, for the old tree demon to discover cousin and Hong Nu’s whereabouts and attack – wasn’t that too convenient?

If it was hunting for beautiful women as prey, why choose such a secluded spot rather than a crowded place?

Unfortunately, before the old demon could explain everything clearly, it was disrupted by a strange thunderbolt and accidentally struck into its true form by Lan Chengyou.

“We absolutely cannot let this scoundrel off!” Madam Du said hatefully. “Not only does he still have your letters, we can’t be sure whether he was involved in that night’s events. I must tell your father about this and let him decide what to do.”

As she spoke, Du Yuzhi and Du Shaotang arrived. Before father and son could check on Du Tinglan, Madam Du told them everything that had just been discussed.

Du Yuzhi’s eyes rolled back and he fainted on the spot.

After Madam Du and Du Shaotang vigorously pressed his philtrum for a while, Du Yuzhi slowly came to.

Du Tinglan was overwhelmed with guilt. If not for Teng Yu Yi holding her back, she would have fallen from the bed.

Du Yuzhi was so angry his hands and feet turned to ice. Too upset to scold his daughter, he first cursed Lu Zhao’an thoroughly.

Working at the Imperial Academy, he had read Lu Zhao’an’s poetry and prose after the examination results were posted. At the time he had felt the writing showed great ambition and was certain this man had lofty aspirations. Who knew he was such a despicable creature?

“If not for fear of ruining Lan’er’s reputation, I would expose this man’s true character tomorrow. How can the court tolerate such a swine? Let me think about what crime to charge him with… Yes! I’ll first report him to the Ministry of Personnel for defaulting on loans. Then this scoundrel won’t just fail the selection examination – he may not even keep his scholarly rank.”

Madam Du said in shock: “My lord, you don’t even have a loan agreement to show. If you make baseless accusations, not only will Lu Zhao’an not admit guilt, but he may counter-accuse you of framing him.”

Du Yuzhi paused: “My anger clouded my judgment! Then we’ll investigate his past. A scoundrel like him must have committed improprieties in his three months in Chang’an. Once we find his misdeeds, I’ll immediately have my old friend at the Censorate impeach him. If we can bring him down, we’ll have done a service in exposing evil for the court. I’ll also write to Yangzhou to thoroughly investigate his conduct there.”

Du Shaotang had always been close to his sister. Since entering the room, he had been red-eyed while wringing handkerchiefs for her. Hearing his father’s words, he grew excited: “Son will go find someone now- no, no need for such trouble, I’ll immediately have someone put a sack over this bastard’s head and beat him soundly.”

Madam Du shouted: “Come back here! Be careful not to show your hand. We have no evidence of wrongdoing to hold over him. Don’t end up getting yourself in trouble without achieving anything. If anyone is to punish that man, it should be your father.”

Du Shaotang deflated, stamping his foot weakly: “If this won’t work and that won’t work, what are we to do?”

He crouched by his sister’s bed, completely at a loss.

Teng Yu Yi thought silently that Uncle and Shaotang were only considering obvious methods, but dealing with a snake like Lu Zhao’an required more subtle approaches.

Minister Zheng was a cautious man. Before marrying his only daughter to Lu Zhao’an in her previous life, he must have conducted a thorough investigation. With the Zheng family’s vast network of students and disciples, if they couldn’t uncover Lu Zhao’an’s misdeeds, it showed how skilled he was at concealment.

Perhaps their cousin was Lu Zhao’an’s only vulnerable point, which was why he had been so eager to erase that connection before marrying into the Zheng family in her previous life.

Du Yuzhi said angrily: “Never mind, I’ll go make arrangements now.”

Teng Yu Yi suddenly asked: “Uncle, how do you plan to handle this?”

Du Yuzhi said heatedly: “Have Dong’er find some people, hire eight or nine street toughs to thoroughly investigate everything Lu Zhao’an has done these past months!”

“Good idea. But uncle has never dealt with street toughs before – will you investigate their backgrounds before hiring them?”

Du Yuzhi froze: “This…”

“Hiring so many people to investigate will be quite expensive. If there are no results after ten days or half a month, when will it end?”

Du Yuzhi stroked his beard repeatedly: “Then we’ll keep investigating! Even if we have to sell some property to properly punish that scoundrel!”

Teng Yu Yi asked: “Then where does uncle plan to start investigating, and how will you negotiate with these street toughs?”

Du Yuzhi snorted: “I’ll handle it personally. I don’t believe I can’t arrange this properly.”

Teng Yu Yi was getting a headache. Though Uncle appeared stern and unyielding, he was quite naive. If he handled this, it would certainly be bungled.

She said: “Such ruffians and scoundrels are double-edged swords. With many people involved, there will be loose lips. If Uncle can’t control them, not only will we fail to catch Lu Zhao’an’s misdeeds, but we may invite trouble upon ourselves.”

Du Yuzhi and Madam Du were struck with sudden fear. Yes, above all they feared Lan’er’s private matters being leaked.

Teng Yu Yi said seriously: “I have a suggestion, if Uncle is willing to hear it.”

Du Yuzhi waved his hand impatiently: “Speak freely.”

“Could we have my father’s subordinates investigate this matter?”

Du Yuzhi looked up in surprise. Teng Yu Yi smiled: “The longer this drags on, the worse for sister. My father’s subordinates are seasoned military men who know how to handle villains. Better to let them handle it early than create other troubles.”

Du Yuzhi wavered. His salary barely covered household expenses. To economize, he had already dismissed many servants, leaving few capable ones among mostly elderly, weak, women and children. If he recklessly hired people from the West Market, the cost would not be small.

Moreover, Yu Yi made sense. He had never dealt with street toughs before. Even if he found some in the West Market temporarily, they would all be unruly rascals. If they spread rumors damaging Lan’er’s reputation, it would be worse than doing nothing.

Teng Yu Yi patiently waited for her uncle to agree. Though stubborn by nature, he normally couldn’t bring himself to ask for help, but surely he wouldn’t be pig-headed about his children’s important matters.

Du Tinglan had been quietly wiping tears nearby. Seeing her father’s indecision, she gently urged: “Father, Yu Yi, and uncle are not outsiders. This matter has many thorny aspects. To prevent complications, the father should decide quickly.”

Teng Yu Yi secretly sighed in relief. Though my cousin was much more easygoing than my uncle, she was the most decisive person in the family.

Madam Du nodded: “Yu’er and Lan’er are right. I fear that if we can’t find evidence against Lu Zhao’an, it will only harm Lan’er. My lord, let’s do as Yu’er suggests and leave this to her brother-in-law’s old subordinates.”

Du Yuzhi sighed heavily: “Fine, fine, it’s all because of my incompetence.”

Realizing how this could be misinterpreted, he cleared his throat and said awkwardly: “Yu’er, I leave everything to you.”

Teng Yu Yi rose and bowed: “There’s one more thing to discuss with Uncle and Aunt first. Lu Zhao’an originally avoided meeting their sister, yet last night he unusually asked to meet her in the bamboo grove. Then sister encountered that demon, and Lu Zhao’an disappeared so promptly. Examining this closely, there are many suspicious points.”

Du Yuzhi and Madam Du asked uncertainly: “Do you suspect that demon had some connection to Lu Zhao’an?”

Teng Yu Yi snorted: “That’s not yet certain, but right after Lu Zhao’an arranged to meet their sister in the bamboo grove, that demon appeared. To call it pure coincidence – I don’t believe it. His Majesty most hates evil and heterodox ways. If we can prove Lu Zhao’an summoned evil spirits to harm people, not only will his career be ruined, he won’t be able to stay in Chang’an anymore.”

Du Shaotang perked up, running to Teng Yu Yi’s side: “Cousin Yu, how should we investigate?”

“We don’t understand magic, but fortunately someone is already investigating. We just need to make this person suspect Lu Zhao’an, then the truth will certainly come out.”

Everyone in the room asked: “Who is this person?”

Teng Yu Yi said: “The Daoist from Azure Cloud Temple.”

Madam Du considered: “Master Qingxu is not in Chang’an-“

Suddenly thinking of someone, her eyes widened: “The Crown Prince of Cheng?”

Du Yuzhi wore a thunderstruck expression: “No, no! That youth has always been unrestrained. Better for us to avoid provoking him.”

Teng Yu Yi raised an eyebrow. Uncle rarely showed such fear – clearly Lan Chengyou’s reputation preceded him.

Madam Du said: “My lord, we met the Crown Prince of Cheng last night. Though his temperament is somewhat arrogant, he’s extremely intelligent and knows what’s important. But Yu’er, if we involve the Crown Prince in this matter, won’t Lan’er’s relationship with Lu Zhao’an be impossible to keep secret?”

Teng Yu Yi considered: “Aunt, don’t forget – the Crown Prince already sent a young Daoist to ask about the bamboo grove incident last night. Does aunt think that even if we don’t say anything, the Crown Prince won’t investigate thoroughly?”

Du Shaotang couldn’t help coughing. One of his classmates at the Imperial Academy had a grandfather who was an official in the Court of Judicial Review. Last year when Lan Chengyou passed the Ming Jing examination and took a position there, this classmate often told them about him.

Through various conversations, he had some idea of the Crown Prince of Cheng’s temperament.

He timidly said to his parents: “If not for the Crown Prince of Cheng giving us the Six Elements Pills, sister would have already perished. If the Crown Prince wants to investigate the case, but our family deliberately conceals things, it will only make matters worse.”

Cold sweat broke out on Du Yuzhi and Madam Du’s backs.

Du Shaotang continued: “At this point, the best approach is to be honest. If we wait until the Crown Prince discovers something before speaking up, we can’t hope for his help anymore. As for sister’s private meeting… the Crown Prince doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys gossiping about such matters.”

Du Yuzhi stroked his beard silently. Though the Crown Prince showed disdain for others – beating the Bohai prince at age ten and plucking out Minister Wu’s white beard at fourteen – despite all his notorious faults, he had never been known to meddle in others’ private affairs.

Teng Yu Yi spoke up: “Though I’m not very familiar with Lan Chengyou’s character, as the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Cheng, and having studied under Master Qingxu for so many years, he must have some principles despite his wild nature. Most importantly, whether or not Minister Zheng intends to marry his daughter to Lu Zhao’an if Lan Chengyou can prove that the demon was connected to Lu Zhao’an, Minister Zheng wouldn’t dare protect him. And given Lan Chengyou’s temperament, he would certainly make Lu Zhao’an suffer the consequences.”

This would save both the Teng and Du families considerable effort.

Madam Du considered: “Yu’er and Shaotang are right. My lord, why don’t we wait for the two young Daoists to visit, then proactively tell the Crown Prince why Lan’er went to the bamboo grove?”

Du Yuzhi pressed his lips together stubbornly, but his resolve was weakening. Somehow today he kept having his authority challenged by his wife and juniors. Though he was the head of the household, even if he agreed internally, he was reluctant to show it easily.

During this standoff, a servant came to report: “Master, Madam, the two young Daoists from Azure Cloud Temple have arrived.”

Madam Du’s eyes lit up: “Quickly invite them in.”

Du Tinglan beckoned to Teng Yu Yi: “Yu Yi, help me put on my outer clothes.”

Teng Yu Yi rose and went behind the screen. Soon after, Juesheng and Qizhi were led in by the servant. Standing in the room, they said in unison: “This humble Daoist pays respects.”

Du Yuzhi returned the greeting formally: “Please be seated, Daoists.”

Juesheng and Qizhi affected an air of maturity: “We’ve come to check on the injured. After a night’s rest, have all the injured awakened?”

Du Yuzhi said: “They have awakened, but can’t stop vomiting. We didn’t dare summon physicians without permission, so we’ve been waiting for your examination.”

Juesheng made a mature-sounding “hmm”: “This is residual poison. Some detoxifying medicine will suffice.”

Madam Du warmly invited Juesheng and Qizhi inside: “Daoists, please come this way. When my daughter first woke, she was somewhat confused and became frightened when speaking of last night’s events.”

As she spoke, she led Juesheng and Qizhi behind the screen. Teng Yu Yi had already helped Du Tinglan get ready. Unable to rise, Du Tinglan sat properly on the bed, raising both hands to her forehead: “Greetings, Daoists.”

Juesheng and Qizhi said “Excuse us” and stepped forward to examine Du Tinglan’s eyelids, nodded, then had her stick out her tongue, and finally checked her fingernails and palms. After completing their examination, both tilted their heads to study Du Tinglan.

Madam Du and Du Shaotang privately marveled at how Master Qingxu had taught them. Though young, these children’s conduct was impeccable, even if their unconscious mannerisms still revealed their childish nature.

“No major problems,” Juesheng took out a medicine bottle from his robes. “Grind these pills into powder, take one pill with water each morning.”

Then Juesheng looked around: “Where are the other injured people?”

Teng Yu Yi was worried about Duan Fu: “Baizhi and Hong Nu are in the side room. I hear they’ve awakened. The injured male servant is in the front courtyard. The steward hasn’t reported back yet.”

Juesheng and Qizhi said: “Then let’s check on the two maids first.”

Baizhi and Hong Nu were in far worse condition than Du Tinglan. After waking, they screamed constantly. Juesheng and Qizhi used two spirit-calming talismans and urgently chanted a heart-purifying spell before seeing improvement.

Finally came Duan Fu, who had been placed in the Pine and Bamboo Hall in the front courtyard since the previous night.

The Du family well understood this old servant’s importance to Teng Yu Yi. Except for Madam Du who stayed to care for Du Tinglan, father and son both voluntarily accompanied Teng Yu Yi to visit Duan Fu.

Duan Fu lay silently on the couch. An empty bowl sat on the side table. Seeing Teng Yu Yi’s group enter, he struggled to get up.

Teng Yu Yi and Du Shaotang hurried forward: “You’re just awakening from serious injuries, don’t stand on ceremony. Lie back down.”

Duan Fu stubbornly refused to lie down, rasping: “Is the young mistress unharmed?”

Teng Yu Yi nodded solemnly: “I am unharmed.”

Only then did Duan Fu relax, slowly lying back down.

Juesheng and Qizhi found this very strange. This man was over fifty with graying hair, a hawk nose, and piercing eyes, seeming to have some Hu ancestry. Moreover, his hands were hard as a rock, showing considerable internal martial arts cultivation. No wonder he could exchange blows with such a demon despite not knowing magic.

Strange that this old servant’s eyes seemed to see only his young mistress, neither acknowledging them as guests nor exchanging pleasantries with the Du father and son.

But the Du father and son were used to this, especially Du Shaotang. When he first met Duan Fu years ago, he had mistaken him for a mute – such a large man, silently following behind cousin Yu Yi all day.

For a while, he had been curious why this man had no wife or children. After pestering his mother several times, he learned Duan Fu was a eunuch.

When the household hosted banquets, young guests found Duan Fu odd and couldn’t resist teasing him. Though frightening in appearance, Duan Fu was good-natured and would only silently withdraw even when severely teased.

But if anyone dared bother her Duan Fu, Yu Yi would become furious. With Yu Yi protecting him, no one dared tease Duan Fu anymore.

Du Shaotang thought about how, if not for Duan Fu’s resistance in the grove last night, a sister might have perished there. Thus he had gained new respect for Duan Fu.

“Duan Fu, these are Daoists from Azure Cloud Temple,” Du Shaotang said gently. “You were most severely injured last night, with a broken arm. Fortunately, the Daoists have come personally – take this chance to let them examine you properly.”

Duan Fu showed no reaction, like a wooden post. Du Shaotang scratched his head awkwardly. Teng Yu Yi patted Du Shaotang’s shoulder to show he shouldn’t mind, then turned to face Juesheng and Qizhi, saying seriously: “Please excuse my old servant’s taciturn nature. Though he doesn’t speak much, he has a good heart. He fought the tree demon at close quarters, likely suffering serious injuries though he won’t admit it. I must trouble you two Daoists.”

Juesheng and Qizhi nodded gravely: “We will examine him thoroughly.”

Only then did Duan Fu react, slowly turning his gaze to the two young Daoists.

They cut away a section of Duan Fu’s sleeve, revealing a wound a finger’s width on his shoulder, white bone faintly visible within. The wound edges had curled dead flesh, but fortunately, no blue-black coloring, suggesting the poison had cleared.

“His internal energy is profound, his blood flows faster than others. He needn’t take medicine, just rest quietly for a few days. However, a physician should treat this wound.”

Most people would cry out in pain being handled with a broken arm like this, but Duan Fu sat still as a pine tree, not even furrowing his brow.

Teng Yu Yi said: “Duan Fu, you heard what the Daoists said.”

Duan Fu nodded.

“Rest well, and when the physician comes, you must cooperate and let them examine you carefully. Don’t let any ailment linger.”

Duan Fu agreed.

Teng Yu Yi left reassured. When the group reached the courtyard, Juesheng and Qizhi exchanged glances before speaking up: “Senior Brother sent us not only to clear the poison from the injured but also to inquire about that night’s events in the bamboo grove. That demon’s appearance was strange. If we don’t dig up its roots, it will surely plant great hidden dangers. Since Miss Du has awakened, why don’t we return to the rear courtyard now and ask her to tell us what happened in the grove that night?”

Teng Yu Yi glanced at her uncle – here it comes.

Du Yuzhi wiped the sweat from his brow.

Du Shaotang also hurriedly signaled his father: Father, make a decision quickly! We can’t avoid this – they’re being polite now, but when Lan Chengyou comes to ask personally, he won’t be so courteous.

Du Yuzhi’s features twisted together, his brow furrowing and relaxing, relaxing and furrowing, before finally reaching a decision: “My daughter has indeed recalled some strange occurrences. But please tell the Crown Prince that this concerns the Du family’s private matters. The fewer who know, the better. Even if we must speak of it, we can only tell the Crown Prince alone and must request his discretion in not spreading it. Given the Crown Prince’s dedication to supporting righteousness and suppressing evil, surely he will agree.”

Juesheng and Qizhi were stunned – only tell Senior Brother alone?

Du Yuzhi’s face was set like stone, indicating this point was non-negotiable.

The two nodded dumbly: “Very well, we’ll relay this to Senior Brother.”

Then they said solemnly: “By the way, we have something to discuss privately with Miss Teng.”

Du Yuzhi and Du Shaotang looked at Teng Yu Yi in surprise. Teng Yu Yi laughed inwardly – this had been arranged beforehand. When young Daoist Juesheng brought the itching bug, she had shown him the jade sword to play with. Seeing Juesheng hadn’t forgotten last night’s agreement, she coughed lightly: “Uncle, Shaotang, why don’t you go ahead? I’ll stay to speak with the Daoists briefly.”

Du Shaotang was increasingly puzzled but feared Cousin Yu Yi’s displeasure if he inquired further. Du Yuzhi stood silently with hands behind his back. By reason this was improper, but these two young Daoists were only eight or nine years old – there was truly nothing to be concerned about. After giving a few stern reminders, he left with Du Shaotang.

In one corner of the garden was a small winged pavilion. Teng Yu Yi pointed that way: “Daoists, shall we talk in the pavilion?”

Juesheng and Qizhi kept their faces tight but unconsciously started walking: “We’re very busy and must leave after a few words.”

Teng Yu Yi nodded, suppressing a smile. She had Chunrong and Biluo wait where they were while she led Juesheng and Qizhi to the pavilion.

In the pavilion, she straightforwardly placed the jade sword on the stone table: “Here, please examine it, Daoists.”

Juesheng and Qizhi pretended to have no interest in the jade sword, busying themselves looking at the garden scenery. After putting on airs for a while without Teng Yu Yi speaking, Juesheng finally couldn’t resist: “Miss Teng, why aren’t you asking if we brought the itching bug?”

Teng Yu Yi was slightly surprised: “What itching bug?”

The two quickly exchanged glances – what’s going on? Why isn’t this going as expected? Miss Teng brought out the jade sword on her own but isn’t asking about the itching bug.

They looked puzzledly at the jade sword.

Last night they were too far to see clearly, but now in the daylight, this sword truly had the luster of colored glass, smooth as ice.

Qizhi carefully lifted it: “Truly a divine object. Unfortunately, even Senior Brother couldn’t determine this sword’s origins.”

Juesheng also praised it endlessly: “It’s strange – it looks like jade, but if it were truly made of jade, how could it remain completely undamaged?”

Just as Qizhi was about to speak, he suddenly exclaimed in surprise: “Eh? Am I seeing things, or is the sword’s radiance not as bright as last night? Juesheng, look carefully.”

Juesheng rubbed his eyes: “Something does seem off.”

Speaking thus, he took out a dark talisman paper from his robes, lit it with a red flame, and moved to burn the sword’s body.

Teng Yu Yi snatched back the jade sword: “Daoist, what are you doing?”

Juesheng said righteously: “Miss Teng, this is a Qingji talisman. It can be used to test magical objects’ spiritual power. I see something odd about this sword and want to test it with this talisman.”

“Qingji talisman?”

“Correct. ‘Qingji’ refers to the essence of dried-up waters, commonly known as water ghosts. Though water ghosts have weak magical powers, their resentful energy is extremely strong. By applying a water ghost’s corpse energy to the talisman paper, it can be used to test Daoist magical objects. If a Daoist object’s spiritual power is undamaged, the Qingji talisman’s fire will extinguish on contact. But if the magical power has disappeared, the talisman’s fire absolutely won’t go out.”

As Qizhi spoke, he lit a talisman at his fingertip and brought it near the jade sword. Sure enough, the flame didn’t waver at all, but when he tried it on his peach wood sword, the flame instantly extinguished.

Qizhi and Juesheng turned pale with shock: “Miss Teng, your sword has lost its spiritual power. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself.”

Teng Yu Yi’s gaze moved back and forth between Juesheng and Qizhi’s faces as she drawled: “I don’t think that’s necessary. This sword was by my side all night – how could it lose its power for no reason?”

“But the Qingji talisman never fails…” Juesheng pondered for a moment. “How about this – let’s try something else?”

Qizhi took out a spirit-binding wood from his robes: “Try this.”

They brought the spirit-binding wood near the Qingji talisman’s flame, and the flame silently extinguished. They tried several more times with the same result, but Teng Yu Yi’s jade sword alone failed the test.

Qizhi’s expression tightened: “This is bad, Miss Teng. Your sword’s spiritual energy can’t even match the spirit-binding wood that everyone in our temple carries.”

Juesheng said urgently: “Is it because you didn’t make offerings in time after cutting off that demon’s claw? Did the demon’s energy bind the sword’s spirit? Miss Teng, you may not know this, but the more powerful such divine objects are, the more carefully they must be consecrated.”

“Consecrated?”

“Yes, regular offerings are needed to maintain a magical object’s spiritual power.”

Juesheng spread his chubby hands: “Miss Teng, your sword’s spiritual power is already damaged. If we don’t find a solution quickly, it might become useless.”

The two spoke back and forth, their claims growing increasingly mysterious.

Teng Yu Yi’s face remained calm, but her heart secretly began to pound.

She had obtained the jade sword after falling into the water on her way to Chang’an. At first, she had only felt strangely drawn to it, constantly touching it after waking. Program Uncle and Duan Fu were convinced the sword was strange. Once when she was asleep, they took it and quietly threw it back into the water.

That night she had endless nightmares. The next day she searched everywhere for the sword. Program Uncle and Duan Fu had no choice but to cast nets to fish it out. Strangely, the sword hadn’t sunk to the river bottom and was retrieved with one cast.

When the sword returned to her side, those nightmare demons all vanished. But even so, she had never thought the sword had any supernatural powers until last night in the grove, when she desperately thrust it out and discovered it could counter demons.

So such objects needed offerings? She had never heard of this before.

Seeing Teng Yu Yi’s hesitation, Juesheng seized the opportunity: “Ordinary magical objects naturally don’t need offerings, but our temple has collected many strange artifacts. When it comes to methods of consecration, none in the world surpasses Azure Cloud Temple. Miss Teng might as well entrust the sword to us, and we’ll return it once its spiritual power is restored. But first, you must tell us where this sword came from.”

Teng Yu Yi lightly stroked the sword’s body: “I could entrust the sword to you Daoists…”

Juesheng and Qizhi’s eyes lit up.

Teng Yu Yi continued unhurriedly: “But I have several other rare objects, all given to me by my mother on her deathbed. Truth be told, the jade sword is only the most ordinary among them.”

Juesheng and Qizhi’s eyes widened slightly. The jade sword had already amazed them, yet it was only the most ordinary item.

“I fear the cost would be considerable to have all my treasures consecrated at Azure Cloud Temple.”

The two secretly wondered whether Teng Yu Yi was speaking truth or falsehood. But earlier she hadn’t asked about the itching bugs at all, instead placing the sword on the stone table first. That casual manner suggested she truly didn’t value the jade sword highly.

Teng Yu Yi said slowly: “If the Daoists are interested, I can have the remaining items brought out.”

This time even Qizhi couldn’t maintain his composure, saying happily: “Please do! We can help take them all to Azure Cloud Temple for consecration.”

Teng Yu Yi suddenly changed tone: “However—”

Both exclaimed: “What is it?”

“These magical objects can’t stay at Azure Cloud Temple forever for consecration. They must be returned someday. Could the Daoists tell me what methods of consecration are used for Daoist treasures?”

The two were stunned. Today’s actions had all been according to Senior Brother’s instructions – truth mixed with falsehood, falsehood wrapped in truth’s shell. Only one thing was true: Daoist objects indeed each had their consecration methods.

Since Miss Teng had already agreed to hand over the jade sword, there was no harm in telling her these trivial matters. Without a Daoist’s assistance, knowing the methods would be useless anyway.

Qizhi said seriously: “Take Senior Brother’s Soul-Locking Beast for example. It was originally an insect that, due to low spiritual comprehension, couldn’t achieve transcendence even after a thousand years of cultivation. Later it met a great master who by chance transformed it into a spirit weapon. When it was cultivating, it fed on honeybees, and even now maintains its habit of craving sweet syrup. Every seven days it must be soaked in a jar of sugarcane syrup, or its spiritual power greatly diminishes.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of a magical object that loves sweet syrup,” Teng Yu Yi said curiously. “What else?”

Juesheng: “There’s also Master’s Eternal Wind Broom, made from wormwood by the Blue Lotus Venerable of Mount Zhongnan. The Blue Lotus Venerable was simple and disliked having people serve him personally. Back then he used this Eternal Wind Broom to sweep the courtyard himself, infusing cultivation techniques while sweeping. Over time, even the Eternal Wind Broom gained spiritual power. After the Blue Lotus Venerable’s death, the broom was made into a duster and passed down to his Mount Zhongnan disciples. The spirit within the duster misses the Blue Lotus Venerable and causes trouble once every month. The method of consecration is to use it to sweep the courtyard, otherwise it will jump off its altar and run wildly around the yard.”

Teng Yu Yi asked curiously: “Oh? How does a duster run?”

Juesheng jumped up and down to demonstrate: “Like this, bouncing along – it runs so fast no one can catch it.”

“How interesting!” Teng Yu Yi couldn’t help laughing. “After saying so much, are there any spirit weapons that eat insects?”

“Of course. The temple has a Dark Mirror that was transformed from a burrowing divine beast. This mirror can perceive the netherworld and clear evil energy – it’s very powerful. But every forty-nine days it needs a basin of white ants placed before it to eat, otherwise, it wails and howls inside the mirror. White ants are becoming increasingly scarce in Chang’an lately. We have to search many places to find them. Later Master started using maggots instead of white ants, and the Dark Mirror wasn’t picky about eating them.”

Teng Yu Yi exclaimed in surprise: “Your Senior Brother turned maggots into those strange itching bugs – doesn’t that mean they can’t be used as feed anymore?”

Qizhi said: “Itching bugs have their use, maggots have theirs – they’re unrelated. Besides, maggots grow easily, just in time to have enough to feed the Dark Mirror after forty-nine days. Once past that time limit, they won’t work.”

Teng Yu Yi listened with great interest, asking seemingly casually: “It seems the cycles for consecrating spirit weapons vary. What’s the shortest and longest period?”

Juesheng was speaking smoothly and replied: “Shortest is seven days, longest is several months.”

Teng Yu Yi suddenly said: “Oh? If the shortest is seven days, how could my sword have problems after just one night of first use?”

Juesheng and Qizhi looked dumbfounded, regretting getting carried away and accidentally revealing too much.

“A single Qingji talisman probably can’t determine if it’s lost spiritual power.” Teng Yu Yi held out her palm to them. “Bring out the itching bugs. Whether the sword has truly lost its power can be tested with these strange insects.”

The two felt their hearts twist like braided rope. They had thought they had led Miss Teng in circles, but in the end, they were the ones who had been led astray.

If they refused to produce the bugs, it would be tantamount to admitting they had tried to deceive her about the jade sword. If word spread, it would ruin Azure Cloud Temple’s reputation.

But if they brought them out, Miss Teng would test them and know the jade sword hadn’t lost its spiritual power, and today’s task from Senior Brother would be ruined.

They had busied themselves for nothing, not only failing to trick away the jade sword but also giving away a packet of itching bugs. If only they hadn’t been so careless earlier – this Miss Teng was indeed craftier than they had imagined.

Seeing the two’s hesitation, Teng Yu Yi feigned surprise: “What’s wrong? Could it be the Daoists dare not test it?”

Juesheng and Qizhi wavered. An evil-suppressing object like the jade sword might not react to evil insects. They might as well try – they could always adapt to the situation.

Clinging to a thread of hope, they took out the “Make You Wish You Were Dead Itchy Itchy Flowering Bugs” from their sleeves, placing them on the table along with the antidote.

Teng Yu Yi looked carefully. The left pouch was slightly smaller and lay still and heavy, while the right one was bulging, clearly containing something writhing.

Opening the writhing package revealed a mass of emerald– – all green hard-shelled insects crowded together.

Qizhi warned Teng Yu Yi: “Miss Teng, these insects move extremely fast. Be careful they don’t fly onto you.”

Teng Yu Yi smiled and opened the other package on the table: “With this, there’s no problem, right? Does this contain the medicine powder? Thank you, Daoists, for bestowing the medicine.”

Juesheng opened and closed his mouth, nodding sullenly.

Teng Yu Yi untied the thin cord. Inside was turmeric-colored powder that, when she brought it close, had a faint, subtle fragrance.

“Now we have both the itching bugs and the antidote.” Teng Yu Yi casually slipped the package of antidote into her sleeve. “We can now test whether my sword truly has spiritual power.”

Qizhi sullenly pouted as he drew two itching bugs from the pouch. Making chirping sounds, he drove the insects onto the jade sword.

The insects extended a pair of fine blue antennae, slowly crawling up the sword’s body. The jade sword allowed the venomous insects to trample over it, remaining completely still with no reaction.

Juesheng deliberately sighed: “See? The sword has indeed lost its spiritual power – it can’t even handle two mere itching bugs.”

Qizhi quickly seized the opportunity: “Now do you believe us, Miss Teng? Your sword is no longer effective. Quickly tell us its origins so we can devise a method of consecration.”

“Wait.” Teng Yu Yi picked up the sword. “I’ve heard magical objects recognize their masters. Since this sword is mine, I should test it myself.”

As soon as the sword reached her hands, a strange light flickered on its thin blade. The two insects seemed to sense danger, suddenly spreading their nearly transparent blue wings to reveal dense crimson bristles underneath.

Teng Yu Yi frowned deeply. She had thought the insects looked distinctive before, but now that their fierce appearance was revealed, they no longer seemed cute at all.

The insects writhed briefly before targeting Teng Yu Yi for the attack, their antennae swelling as they viciously sprung from the sword’s blade.

Teng Yu Yi’s heart raced. These things moved like lightning, and being struck would take only an instant. The sword in her hand remained silent – had it truly lost its power? Just then, the sword’s body flashed brilliantly, and the two insects fell back onto the table as if scalded.

Juesheng and Qizhi turned pale with shock. They crowded forward to look – the emerald insects had instantly become two small piles of ash.

While wiping the jade sword with a handkerchief, Teng Yu Yi said with a smile: “As I said, how could it lose its power for no reason? Even if it needs consecration, the time hasn’t come yet. I didn’t expect the Daoists would misjudge.”

The two were extremely embarrassed. Juesheng glanced left and right before taking out the Qingji talisman from his robes, saying with forced laughter: “It’s been raining recently, this talisman must have gotten damp. Qizhi, don’t be lazy – go dry it out when we return. Miss Teng, since the jade sword hasn’t lost its power and the injured are temporarily stable, this humble Daoist shouldn’t stay long. We’ll take our leave now.”

Qizhi dejectedly followed behind Juesheng. Their first attempt at deception had ended in complete failure – not only had they failed to trick away the jade sword, but they had lost the itching bugs and medicine powder too. Senior Brother wouldn’t let them off easily. They’d surely be confined when they returned.

Teng Yu Yi pointed to the maids outside the pavilion, smiling: “I’ve prepared several generous gifts specifically to thank the two Daoists for their generous gift of insects.”

Juesheng listlessly looked up as the maids filed in, carrying several gleaming red brocade boxes and standing quietly to the side.

Even the thank-you gifts had been prepared in advance – Miss Teng had been determined to obtain the itching bugs.

The two felt deeply humiliated and kept their faces rigid as they walked out proudly. Yet Miss Teng’s humble words and generous gifts made it impossible to truly hate her.

Teng Yu Yi was in excellent spirits as she smiled and picked up the insect pouch from the stone table. Just as she was about to tie the red cord, something else flew out of the pouch-like lightning, heading straight for the jade sword on the stone table.

She assumed it was just another itching bug and didn’t pay much attention, but as it flew closer, she saw it was a completely black moth. Qizhi happened to glance back and his eyes suddenly widened as he called out urgently: “Miss Teng, be careful!”

Before Teng Yu Yi could respond, the thing had landed on the jade sword. With a “puff puff” sound, it transformed into black smoke that circled the sword three times before dissipating.

Teng Yu Yi was puzzled: “What was that?”

Looking closer, her expression changed dramatically. The originally clear and bright sword blade now appeared covered in dirty earth, suddenly becoming dull and gray.

Qizhi and Juesheng stared in astonishment. When had Senior Brother mixed that thing in? Could it be he feared they wouldn’t be a match for Miss Teng and had prepared a backup plan?

Now the jade sword’s spiritual power was completely sealed.

Teng Yu Yi knew something was wrong and quickly put another itching bug on the jade sword, but no matter how the bug acted up, the jade sword remained like a frozen dead pool.

Teng Yu Yi quietly gazed at the two: “Daoists, what exactly is going on?”

This being their first time harming someone on orders, they couldn’t help feeling awkward. Juesheng slapped his forehead: “There are matters at the temple. We’ve stayed too long at your residence – this humble Daoist must leave first.”

He scurried down the steps, calling back as he went: “Miss Teng, just apply the medicine powder to your skin and the itching bugs won’t dare approach you.”

Qizhi felt guilty: “That was a Spirit-Killing Ring, specifically used to seal magical objects’ power… Miss Teng, your sword has been sealed, and only Senior Brother can undo it. Um… tomorrow night at the Rainbow Phoenix Tower there’s a wine-tasting gathering. That place has had heavy evil energy lately, and Senior Brother will take us there to exorcise it. Miss Teng, if you’re willing to tell us the sword’s origins, you can find us at Rainbow Phoenix Tower. If Senior Brother is in a good mood, he might unseal it on the spot. That’s all I can say – farewell!”

Teng Yu Yi stared in shock as Juesheng and Qizhi ran away extremely fast, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

A thousand thoughts raced through her mind as she sat back down in the pavilion dejectedly.

Lan Chengyou was skilled – she had been careless. The young Daoists were Lan Chengyou’s junior disciples; how could he not know when his junior disciples were being tricked?

She just never imagined that for a mere pouch of insects, she would have to trade a divine sword.

She forced herself to stay composed and tried testing with several more itching bugs, but failed. The sword was still the same, but its power was gone.

She looked up with a long sigh. The sword was enough for self-protection – she couldn’t just abandon it. But she knew nothing of Daoist arts, so how could she undo the “Spirit-Killing Ring”?

Should she go to this Rainbow Phoenix Tower? Would more traps be waiting?

She was rubbing her temples and considering countermeasures when Chunrong hurriedly led Program Uncle in: “Young Mistress, Program Uncle is here.”

Teng Yu Yi collected herself and turned to look: “How did it go?”

Program Uncle came close and said softly: “Last night Madam Dong Er was confined in the Prefecture Office. After entering the jail, she rolled on the ground saying her body was unbearably itchy, begging the jailers to call for a physician. Her father, Official Dong Ming, went to plead with Prefect Yu overnight, but the Crown Prince of Cheng had already sent people to explain this woman’s crimes. The case hasn’t been formally tried yet, so no one dared summon a physician without authorization.”

He glanced at Teng Yu Yi as he continued: “Young Mistress predicted everything perfectly. Near dawn, Young General Duan suddenly arrived and seemed to pull some strings. Soon after, physicians were brought in, but unfortunately, two physicians tried and both were helpless. This old servant has now successfully laid the net, but Young General Duan’s people are very vigilant. To conclude this matter will take some more maneuvering.”

Teng Yu Yi smiled, opening her palm to reveal a cloth pouch with something visibly writhing inside.

“No matter. I’ve just obtained something excellent.”