Lin Chengyou looked at Teng Yuyi in his arms and smiled. “So Young Lady Teng recognized me all along. You saved Qizhi’s life, and I saved yours. We’re even now, so there’s no need to talk about debts.”

With that, he tossed Teng Yuyi onto Qizhi’s round form. Caught off guard, Qizhi collapsed under the weight. “Ouch!”

Teng Yuyi, both startled and angry, turned her head. “Lin Chengyou!”

But there was no one there – Lin Chengyou had vanished into the corridor in the blink of an eye.

The two scrambled to their feet. In that brief moment, the corridor had come alive with noise. Drunken guests stumbled out of their chambers, and courtesans emerged in single file carrying platters of food. They all froze in surprise at the sight of Teng Yuyi and Qizhi.

Qizhi hurriedly explained to Teng Yuyi, “Don’t be surprised. We’re still in the same place. Senior Brother just broke the demon’s illusion array.”

Teng Yuyi looked around. Indeed, everything was as it should be. She moved her arm – the writing brush was still in her hand. She dusted off her robes and grabbed Qizhi’s sleeve. “Come downstairs with me. I’m going to take you back to Qingyun Temple right now. Since this is your Qingyun Temple’s technique, you can learn it quickly. Remove this Killing Spirit Ring for me immediately, and then I’ll have nothing more to do with your Qingyun Temple.”

Qizhi was speechless. Young Lady Teng usually wore a smile, keeping her emotions hidden, but now even her eyebrows were standing on end – clearly, she was truly angry.

“Young Master Wang, please don’t be angry. This technique requires extremely high cultivation. Neither I nor Juesheng are qualified to learn it yet. Ah, ah—” Qizhi stumbled down the stairs, surprised by Young Lady Teng’s strength despite her delicate appearance. “Senior Brother didn’t show himself at first to test me. He probably doesn’t know exactly what happened either. Once I tell him everything, he’ll remove the curse for you.”

“No need to trouble your esteemed Senior Brother.” Teng Yuyi laughed bitterly. “Haven’t we had enough trouble already? You brothers must be my nemeses – I nearly lost my life just now!”

Qizhi apologized with a red face: “Young Lady Teng, please let go first. You saved my life, and I’ll never forget that. I’ll help you remove the Killing Spirit Ring tonight no matter what, even if Senior Brother puts me in confinement for three months.”

Three months of confinement? What did that have to do with anything?

“I’ve heard enough of these empty promises. No matter how flowery your words are, my Jade Sword is still useless. Your Senior Brother is too cruel.”

Qizhi scratched his head. What could he do? Young Lady Teng harbored a deep hatred for Senior Brother now. Senior Brother didn’t mind being hated, but this would make it even harder for Qizhi to mediate.

They ran into E Ji and Bao Zhu, who were looking around, clearly searching for someone.

Bao Zhu happened to look up and exclaimed in surprise and joy: “Mother, look! Young Master Wang!”

E Ji rushed over: “Young Master Wang, how did you two just disappear like that? Where did you take Juan’er Li? We’ve been searching everywhere, even thinking you might have jumped out the window.”

She peered behind Teng Yuyi but only saw a young lord of about nine years old. There was no sign of Juan’er Li.

E Ji and Bao Zhu stared in shock: “Where’s Juan’er Li?”

Teng Yuyi froze for a moment, suddenly remembering what she’d seen in the illusion array. The demon had been playing with a woman’s silk painting – Juan’er Li’s possession. She had thought the demon was just playing tricks, but it seemed Juan’er Li was in trouble. Her expression darkened: “When did Juan’er Li disappear?”

E Ji’s face went white instantly: “Young Master, please don’t joke. Wasn’t Juan’er Li with you the whole time?”

Sensing something was wrong, Qizhi quickly asked: “Was this Lady Juan’er Li also on the second floor?”

“Yes.” E Ji was panicked. “She was just outside the chamber. Then she vanished in the blink of an eye. Young Master, stop teasing me – did you hide Juan’er Li somewhere?”

Just then, chaos erupted downstairs. A group of people burst in, their background unknown, as the temple servants failed to stop them. They moved like lightning, striding straight into the main hall and up the stairs, only stopping in surprise when they saw Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi went to meet them: “Huo Qiu.”

Huo Qiu cupped his hands in greeting: “When Young Master suddenly disappeared, I feared something had happened, so I urgently gathered all the guards.”

Seeing this display, E Ji was both shocked and afraid. Young Master Wang and his servants didn’t seem to be joking – perhaps the Young Master had truly disappeared earlier.

Teng Yuyi finally explained to E Ji: “To be honest, we just encountered some strange events, but Juan’er Li wasn’t with us then. I didn’t even know she was missing. I fear she’s in grave danger now. We need to think of a way to save her quickly. There are too many people here – let’s discuss this outside.”

Bao Zhu nodded frantically. She and Juan’er Li were as close as sisters, and E Ji was counting on Juan’er Li to earn her a fortune, so she too was extremely anxious.

The group quickly left the building.

A crowd still waited outside: “The old immortal has been in there so long – why hasn’t he come out yet?”

Huo Qiu led the way. As they passed a wine shop, Juesheng suddenly ran out and rushed up to them, saying urgently: “Qizhi, are you alright?”

Qizhi asked in surprise: “Juesheng, why were you in the wine shop?”

Inside sat the elaborately dressed madam, watching curiously as Juesheng ran out.

Teng Yuyi instructed Huo Qiu: “The cart can’t fit this many people. Go find another wine shop. I need to question E Ji.”

Huo Qiu quickly returned and led the group to sit in a wine shop.

As soon as they entered, Juesheng pulled Qizhi aside: “When I heard your distress signal, I tried to rush into the building but was stopped by an old Daoist downstairs. Guess who he was – no, you must already know who he was.”

“I know, and Young Lady Teng knows too.” Qizhi briefly explained what had happened. “Why did Senior Brother have you wait in that wine shop? Who was that woman?”

“She’s also a madam from Caifeng Tower. Senior Brother had the same idea as Young Lady Teng – to get to the truth, we need to start with the people from Caifeng Tower. That’s why he disguised himself as a wandering Daoist to slowly get information. The madam was already completely charmed by Senior Brother and had revealed quite a few strange incidents at the tower. Unfortunately, before she could finish, Senior Brother heard your distress signal. He told me to continue getting information from the woman while he went to save you. Where is Senior Brother now?”

“Senior Brother broke into the demon’s barrier. Who knows when he’ll come out? A musician just disappeared from the tower – probably taken by that demon. I just fought with that thing, and its demonic power is extraordinary.”

Teng Yuyi frowned as she listened. It seemed Lin Chengyou wouldn’t be out anytime soon. If she left now in anger, she would have those long nightmares again after going to sleep, and would surely fall seriously ill within days. That would be bad enough, but now Juan’er Li had fallen into the demon’s hands. She wasn’t usually one to meddle out of kindness, but she had just promised to keep Juan’er Li safe for half a year, and now this had happened. It seemed improper to simply wash her hands of it.

While she was considering this, Juesheng formally introduced himself to E Ji as a Daoist priest, then said seriously: “If you want to save Lady Juan’er Li, you need to tell us about all the strange incidents that have happened at the tower.”

E Ji’s eyes flickered as she pointed at the madam in the wine shop across the way and asked Juesheng quietly: “Venerable Daoist, what did Wo Ji tell you?”

Juesheng said solemnly: “You tell your story, she’ll tell hers. At this point, don’t think staying quiet will keep you out of this.”

Teng Yuyi finally spoke up: “From the looks of it, tonight’s events are just the beginning. More people might suffer in the future. Don’t forget – first there was Ge Jin who was disfigured by the ghost, now Juan’er Li has vanished without a trace. As long as you stay at Caifeng Tower, you could be next at any time.”

E Ji had maintained her composure until now, but hearing Teng Yuyi’s words finally unsettled her. She shifted in her seat and forced a smile: “Our master is timid and fearful. If he learns that I’ve been talking too much, I won’t be able to stay in Pingkang Ward anymore. Young Master and venerable Daoists, please be kind and don’t reveal that this information came from me.”

She cleared her throat: “Actually, when Caifeng Tower first opened, our master invited a spiritualist to take a look. The spiritualist was from Luoyang and was said to have powerful techniques. I remember after his inspection, he had people dig a cellar in the northwest corner of the back courtyard and said we needed to enshrine a Lotus Pure Youth treasure statue to ward off evil. The spiritualist was very specific, even specifying how many feet deep to dig. The master followed all instructions, but later…”

Teng Yuyi stroked her beard. This account differed from what Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li knew – they only knew that a powerful expert had helped ward the building, not these details.

E Ji continued nervously: “The craftsmen followed the blueprints exactly at first, but one time, two master craftsmen drank too much. The next day when they came to work, they were dizzy and accidentally broke a stone below. That stone was buried deep, clearly exceeding the depth specified by the spiritualist.”

Juesheng and Qizhi exchanged glances and quickly asked: “Did the craftsmen tell your master about this?”

E Ji shook her head: “The craftsmen felt that since they only cracked a shallow line and hadn’t disturbed the foundation, it probably didn’t matter. They were also afraid of angering the master – if he refused to pay them, wouldn’t their work have been for nothing? So they kept quiet about it.”

Teng Yuyi snorted: “Never mind whether it mattered or not – how did you come to know about this?”

E Ji covered her mouth with her fan and cast a flirtatious glance: “The lead craftsman was my lover. That night when he came to my chambers, in the heat of passion, he let slip a few words.”

Juesheng and Qizhi shuddered. Teng Yuyi coughed: “Since you knew, did you tell your master?”

“No.” E Ji said quietly. “It’s not that I didn’t want to, but if I had said something, the master would have gone after my man, and my man would have been angry at me for talking too much. Wouldn’t that have put me in a difficult position? But I did hint to the master that the building was haunted again and suggested inviting that expert from Luoyang back to check what was wrong – wouldn’t an expert know right away? The master did go to Luoyang several times after that but never found the spiritualist again. The master suspects it was all a scam and is thinking of reporting it to the authorities.”

Juesheng and Qizhi looked dissatisfied. Teng Yuyi looked at them: “What do you two venerable Daoists think?”

“Just hearing Madam E’s account, we can’t draw any conclusions, but since that spiritualist specified a certain depth, he must have had his reasons. To understand what’s going on, we’ll need to see for ourselves.”

Qizhi asked E Ji: “Where exactly is this cellar in the back courtyard?”

E Ji replied: “In the northwest corner, facing the performers’ chambers. Temple servants guard the back garden entrance, so it’s not easy to get in. I can take you in to look, but you should disguise yourselves as patrons like Young Master Wang… and spend some money on wine.”

Juesheng and Qizhi privately scorned her – she had only been honest for a moment before reverting to type. This was just a ploy to get money for wine from them. But if they didn’t go along with it, would she refuse to take them?

Qizhi glanced at Teng Yuyi. Surely Young Lady Teng had a way, but after what she’d just been through in the tower, he didn’t want to trouble her further.

To their surprise, Teng Yuyi smiled: “That’s easy enough. Crown Prince Cheng is here tonight, and exorcism was his idea. These two young Daoists are his disciples – if they need to pose as patrons, just put their wine bill under Crown Prince Cheng’s name.”

Juesheng and Qizhi were dumbfounded.

“Let’s get started then. Bring out your Caifeng Tower’s finest food and wine. What’s your most expensive wine?”

E Ji’s face lit up: “The most expensive is Dragon Cream Wine. With all the patrons who visit our Caifeng Tower, only true nobility can afford it. The price? One hundred strings of cash for a small cup.”

Teng Yuyi didn’t bat an eye: “Bring us a large jar first. After all this business, these two young Daoists must be hungry.”

Juesheng and Qizhi hesitated, then reasoned that while they had no money, Senior Brother was wealthy – a wine bill probably meant nothing to him. This E Ji was full of schemes; if they didn’t offer her some benefit, she might prevent them from investigating the back garden in time.

“Then… then let’s do as Young Master Wang suggests.”

E Ji scurried away: “I understand. The food and wine will be right here. Fortunately, the master isn’t here, and the back garden is easier to access than usual. Young Master and venerable Daoists, please wait a moment while I make arrangements inside.”

Before long, a procession of beautifully adorned courtesans brought wine and food, and in the blink of an eye, the table was covered with fragrant delicacies.

Juesheng and Qizhi were still somewhat dazed, but couldn’t help saying: “Um… Young Master Wang, after your frightening experience, please have some wine and food to calm your nerves. Don’t… don’t stand on ceremony with us.”

Teng Yuyi graciously declined: “This is your Senior Brother treating you. I dare not be presumptuous – I’ll just keep you company at the table.”

“If you don’t eat, we won’t be able to eat either,” Juesheng spoke while standing up to forcefully place chopsticks in Teng Yuyi’s hands.

Teng Yuyi reluctantly accepted the chopsticks: “Alright, actually I’m not very hungry.”

She lifted the wine jar and was immediately struck by its exotic fragrance. Without another word, she took a sip of the Dragon Cream Wine. Indeed, its spicy intensity justified its price. She drank nearly half the jar before feeling satisfied.

Seeing Teng Yuyi’s enjoyment, E Ji took the opportunity to bring another jar. This gesture perfectly matched Teng Yuyi’s mood, and she contentedly drank three jars before stopping.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, E Ji said: “I’ve made all the arrangements. We’ll enter through the back door – it’s less conspicuous. Venerable Daoists, change into these clothes and follow me quickly.”

After the earlier fright, Teng Yuyi had no desire to join the excitement, so she said to Juesheng and Qizhi: “I’ll leave Juan’er Li to you. With your Senior Brother’s abilities, saving her shouldn’t be difficult. I don’t understand these mystical practices, so I won’t go in with you.”

She turned to leave but was caught by Qizhi grabbing her sleeve. Teng Yuyi asked in surprise: “What are you doing?”

Qizhi whispered: “Young Master Wang saved my life, and I promised to help remove your Killing Spirit Ring. If you leave now, I won’t be able to think of a way. Please trust me. I will keep my word.”

Teng Yuyi remembered how they had nearly ended up in the demon’s belly and pulled her sleeve back: “Trust you? Do I want to be chased by a demon again?”

Qizhi’s face was full of shame, but he refused to let go. After much persuasion, he forcibly dragged Teng Yuyi into the building.

At Caifeng Tower’s back garden, E Ji greeted the burly guards at the gate and led Teng Yuyi’s group inside.

“That place is behind the row of chambers. Since we learned about the shrine there, we rarely go to that area.”

Teng Yuyi observed as they walked. No wonder Caifeng Tower had risen to fame so quickly – the front had magnificent carved walls, and the back garden had jade railings and vermillion balustrades. The night wind blew in their faces, rustling the peony flowers before the steps. But the further they walked, the colder the wind felt.

E Ji shivered and rubbed her arms: “Young Master, venerable Daoists, don’t you find this place eerie?”

Juesheng nervously looked around and suddenly glimpsed a figure darting ahead. E Ji saw it too and was about to scream in terror, but fortunately, Qizhi covered her mouth in time and whispered: “Oh, it looks like a Daoist.”

Juesheng’s eyesight was also better than most. He ran forward a few steps and called softly: “Elder Daoist, is that you?”

The figure leaped across the treetops and landed, holding a horsetail whisk – it was Lin Chengyou disguised as the old Daoist.

Qizhi and Juesheng breathed huge sighs of relief and gathered around him: “Elder Daoist.”

Lin Chengyou swished his whisk: “My goodness, that demon is truly formidable. This old Daoist nearly didn’t escape.”

E Ji looked at the old Daoist in surprise – wasn’t Crown Prince Cheng supposed to be here? How had he become a somewhat improper, down-and-out Daoist?

Lin Chengyou asked Qizhi and Juesheng: “How did you find your way here?”

Qizhi and Juesheng pointed behind them: “Young Lady Teng took this Madam E aside and, through a combination of threats and coaxing, got her to reveal some things, so we came to investigate. Senior Brother, why are you here?”

Lin Chengyou looked at Teng Yuyi, who returned his gaze coolly.

Lin Chengyou carefully observed Teng Yuyi without showing emotion. That large package of itching bugs would take up considerable space and would show if hidden on her person. She wore Hu people’s clothing, but neither her sleeves nor boots seemed to be concealing anything. Her guard wore close-fitting clothes and didn’t even carry a bundle. Although she had come tonight seeking to have the curse removed, she hadn’t brought the itching bugs with her at all. She refused to return what she had stolen from Qingyun Temple, yet still expected him to remove the Killing Spirit Ring.

He had been planning to help remove her curse, but instantly changed his mind, smiling as he said: “This place hides that thing’s lair. I just searched around the garden and discovered that someone had set up a great formation here years ago. Something went wrong with it, and it can no longer contain what’s below. However, I’ve searched for a long time and haven’t yet found the formation’s eye.”

Juesheng and Qizhi urgently explained what had happened earlier.

Lin Chengyou clicked his tongue: “When will you learn to focus on what’s important? Why didn’t you mention such crucial information earlier?”

Qizhi also mentioned Juan’er Li’s disappearance: “Senior Brother, did you see a young lady who looked like a Hu person in the barrier?”

“Didn’t see her.” Lin Chengyou beckoned to E Ji. “Where is that broken stone? Quickly show us the way.”

E Ji came closer to examine the old Daoist and discovered that he had a pure aura about him, with particularly long, clean hands. When he spoke, his smile was pleasant – not at all like a slovenly person.

Born with shrewd eyes, she vaguely guessed that he was the Crown Prince Cheng, and her legs inexplicably went weak. She no longer dared to let her eyes wander and led them forward with lowered head, saying softly: “Please follow me.”

Qizhi hurried to catch up: “Senior Brother, Young Master Wang’s sword—”

Lin Chengyou interrupted him: “Saving people is urgent now. Unrelated matters can wait.”

E Ji nodded anxiously: “Juan’er Li is likely in grave danger. Please, venerable Daoist, help find her quickly.”

Qizhi bit his lip and looked helplessly at Teng Yuyi.

Teng Yuyi glanced at Lin Chengyou’s back, knowing he would deliberately make things difficult for her. Staying here was dangerous, and since she couldn’t find an opportunity at the moment, it would be better to leave first.

She turned gracefully to leave, saying to Huo Qiu: “This is no longer our business. Let’s go.”

But after just a few steps, Qizhi ran over and grabbed her sleeve again: “Young Master Wang, you can’t leave.”

Before Teng Yuyi could scold him, Lin Chengyou stopped and looked at Qizhi in surprise: “What are you doing?”

Qizhi steeled himself and wouldn’t let Teng Yuyi leave: “To save Juan’er Li, we absolutely cannot do without Young Master Wang.”

Teng Yuyi pulled hard at her sleeve: “I don’t know any Daoist arts – why are you dragging me along? I’ve had enough tonight. If you don’t let go, I won’t be polite anymore!”

Huo Qiu had initially thought Teng Yuyi was joking and hadn’t acted, but now seeing his young master truly angry, he moved without hesitation to strike at Qizhi.

Qizhi was busy restraining Teng Yuyi and couldn’t attend to what was behind him. Juesheng was too far away to help in time. Just as Huo Qiu’s palm force was about to strike Qizhi, an arm shot out diagonally and seized Huo Qiu’s wrist.

Huo Qiu winced in pain, knowing this person’s martial arts were formidable. He wanted to retaliate but looked up to find it was Lin Chengyou.

“Your Highness—”

Lin Chengyou’s eyes held no trace of humor: “He belongs to my Qingyun Temple. If he makes mistakes, I will discipline him. Who do you think you are to act wild in front of me?”

Terrified, Huo Qiu tried to withdraw, but Lin Chengyou’s expression darkened as he launched an attack toward Huo Qiu’s chest. This move carried the force of a sweeping blade. Huo Qiu barely managed to leap backward, fortunately possessing enough internal energy to narrowly avoid the strike.

The two separated after this single exchange. Teng Yuyi watched with her heart in her throat, fearing Huo Qiu would be hurt, and glared at Lin Chengyou: “Huo Qiu, don’t tangle with him. Let’s go.”

But Qizhi still wouldn’t let go. His eyes filled with tears as he looked at Teng Yuyi: “Young Master Wang, please trust me just this once. Please don’t leave. If you stay just a bit longer, I’ll think of a way.”

Lin Chengyou said expressionlessly: “Let go of Young Master Wang. Come here.”

Qizhi refused to release his grip.

Just then, a strange noise came from ahead. Lin Chengyou’s patience was exhausted. He turned to walk forward, saying harshly: “If you still can’t tell right from wrong, you’ll face six months of confinement when we return!”

Juesheng stamped his foot in anxiety: “Qizhi, the Elder is angry. Quickly let Young Master Wang go. Young Master Wang doesn’t want to stay – why force the issue?”

Teng Yuyi tried hard to pry off Qizhi’s fingers, but Qizhi shook his head tearfully. Meanwhile, E Ji tremblingly led Lin Chengyou forward. Qizhi looked up for a moment, then used all his internal force to drag Teng Yuyi forward.

Teng Yuyi was filled with doubt but allowed Qizhi to pull her forward a few steps. She simply waved to Huo Qiu behind her. After their previous encounters, she knew these two young Daoists were kind-hearted, with Qizhi being particularly steady. For him to suddenly act so out of character, he must have his reasons.

So she changed from threats to coaxing: “What exactly do you want to do? If you can’t say it loudly, that’s fine – you can tell me quietly too.”

Qizhi just kept shaking his head as he pulled Teng Yuyi to catch up with Lin Chengyou and the others.

E Ji led the group deep into the garden before stopping. Ahead was a quiet small Buddhist shrine. Qizhi, estimating that Teng Yuyi wouldn’t run away now, finally let go of her hand but hid himself in the shadows, doing who knew what.

Teng Yuyi felt increasingly that something was wrong and called out: “Daoist Qizhi?”

Qizhi responded in a muffled voice from the shadows: “I’m fine, Young Master Wang. Please wait a little longer.”

E Ji pushed open the door to the shrine housing the golden youth statue and timidly said to Lin Chengyou: “The cellar entrance is inside, behind the altar. That’s where the craftsmen hit the huge stone while digging.”

Lin Chengyou looked around once, stepped onto the stairs, and tucked his long robe into his belt. He said to Juesheng and Qizhi: “The demonic energy is very strong here. Follow me in. As usual, one guards the Kan position, and one guards the Xun position. When you hear my signal, throw out the Panluojin Net.”

Juesheng immediately agreed, but Qizhi said in a trembling voice: “Elder, I can’t do it. My little finger is broken – I can’t form hand seals or hold a sword. You’ll need to find someone to replace me.”

Lin Chengyou and Juesheng were both shocked. Teng Yuyi was also completely bewildered – all ten of Qizhi’s fingers had been fine when he grabbed her earlier. How had one suddenly broken?

Lin Chengyou dragged Qizhi out of the shadows. Qizhi was tightly protecting his right hand, his features twisted in pain.

Lin Chengyou lifted his arm to look and saw that the little finger on his right hand was indeed bent. His expression changed, and without a word, he took out a medicine bottle from his robe and had Qizhi take it. Examining the wound in the light, he asked: “How could you be so careless? When did this happen?”

“When I was fighting the demon in the tower, I accidentally got it crushed. Elder, saving people is urgent now. In this condition, I can’t protect the formation. We’ll have to find someone else who can use spiritual tools to replace me.”

Lin Chengyou suddenly understood and glanced at Teng Yuyi before deliberately asking Qizhi: “You make it sound so simple. Where can we find someone who knows how to use spiritual tools on such short notice?”

Qizhi turned and pointed at Teng Yuyi, saying urgently: “Young Master Wang knows how to use spiritual tools, and the one in her possession is no ordinary tool.”

Teng Yuyi had also figured out what was happening but was too shocked to believe it at first.

Lin Chengyou snorted with laughter: “Young Master Wang’s? Do you mean the Jade Sword? It’s currently under the Killing Spirit Ring – as good as useless.”

Qizhi quickly said: “As long as Senior Brother removes her Killing Spirit Ring, it will work. Senior Brother, don’t you remember? Last time, when that tree demon was nearly fully transformed, Young Master Wang was able to cut off one of its claws with the Jade Sword. That shows how powerful the sword is. Moreover, it has accepted her as its master – only Young Master Wang can command it!”

Lin Chengyou could no longer contain himself and shouted: “What benefit did she promise you, that you would break your finger to force me to remove her Killing Spirit Ring?”

At these words, everyone was shocked. Juesheng looked at Qizhi’s injured hand in disbelief: “Qizhi? You… you deliberately broke your finger?”

Qizhi’s face went white, and he hurriedly tried to change the subject: “Elder, time is of the essence. If we delay any longer, we might not be able to save Juan’er Li.”

Teng Yuyi quickly walked to Qizhi’s side. No wonder Qizhi had said he would definitely remove her Killing Spirit Ring tonight. She had thought he was just talking, not knowing he would do something like this.

She grabbed Qizhi’s arm to examine it carefully and gasped: “Have you gone mad?”

Qizhi bit his lip: “Young Master Wang, thank you for saving my life. Senior Brother, now Young Master Wang is the only one who can help you protect the formation.”

Lin Chengyou said with a dark expression: “You’re so certain I won’t remove her curse? Do you know how impossibly foolish you’re being?”

Qizhi was sweating profusely, clearly in extreme pain.

Lin Chengyou contained his anger and looked at Teng Yuyi. He had planned to force her to return those harmful bugs, but after Qizhi’s dramatic action, he had no choice but to remove her curse: “Fine, hand over the item.”

Qizhi said: “Senior Brother, this has nothing to do with Young Master Wang. This was my idea.”

“Shut up!”

Teng Yuyi glared at Lin Chengyou. At this point, she truly didn’t want to have her curse removed by Lin Chengyou’s hand, but if she didn’t, Qizhi’s actions would have been for nothing. She took out the Jade Sword from her robe: “How can the venerable Daoist blame his junior brother? If you weren’t so unreasonable, he wouldn’t have resorted to such measures.”

Lin Chengyou stared at Teng Yuyi but took her sword. He raised two fingers and ran them along the blade. A mysterious light appeared, and the previously dull sword became crystalline and radiant once more.

Teng Yuyi took back the Jade Sword, the joy of regaining its power momentarily making her forget her anger toward the man before her.

Lin Chengyou observed her expression: “Actually after you saved Qizhi, I had already planned to remove the Killing Spirit Ring. But firstly, you wouldn’t return the itching bugs, and secondly, even in a life-or-death moment, you didn’t forget about the Jade Sword. I became curious and decided to test you a bit.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart thumped. Since waking up, she had been careful not to let anyone notice anything unusual, and she never spoke to anyone about the sword’s origins. Lin Chengyou’s words carried hidden meaning – could he be suspicious of something?

She replied casually: “This is an heirloom from my mother. I cherish it because I miss her. You’re used to commanding wind and rain, venerable Daoist – perhaps you don’t understand what it means to ‘cherish’ something. Such words might be beyond your comprehension.”

Lin Chengyou’s mouth twitched: “Young Master Wang is indeed silver-tongued. You swindled so many itching bugs from Qingyun Temple without cause, and when I gave you a small punishment, you acted wronged?”

Teng Yuyi took the opportunity to bow, smiling: “That day’s events were entirely due to my foolishness. I’ve been at home reflecting on my actions these past few days, deeply regretful. I came to find the venerable Daoist tonight specifically to apologize. As for the itching bugs I obtained that day, I accidentally lost a few, but the rest can be returned intact. I hope the venerable Daoist will forgive me this once, seeing my sincere repentance.”

Lin Chengyou deliberately looked at her hands: “Where are the bugs?”

“I left in such a hurry today that I forgot to bring them, but I guarantee I’ll return the remaining bugs to your temple tomorrow.”

Lin Chengyou said with light sarcasm: “Those few ‘lost’ poisonous bugs have probably already been used up. I don’t care what mischief you’re planning with the itching bugs, but you’d better not implicate Qingyun Temple, or I won’t let you off.”

Teng Yuyi snorted inwardly but kept a serious expression: “I never do anything wicked.”

Lin Chengyou looked down at Teng Yuyi: “You said you wanted to apologize to me. Do you think such light words count as making amends?”

“Of course not. I sincerely wish to apologize to your noble temple.”

Though she said this, she didn’t move.

Lin Chengyou smiled meaningfully: “You don’t think I’ll make you apologize properly?”

Teng Yuyi calculated in her mind. She had gotten two packages of itching bugs for free, and tonight the Jade Sword’s curse was removed. Carefully considered, she hadn’t lost anything.

As for Lin Chengyou, having his bugs stolen through trickery must have left him unhappy. This arrogant, overbearing man would surely cause trouble for her later if she didn’t appease him tonight.

She still needed to move freely in Chang’an, and making an enemy of Lin Chengyou would do her no good. It was just an apology – she could consider it as apologizing to Elder Qingxu. Once they left Caifeng Tower, she and Lin Chengyou would never cross paths again.

She smiled at Lin Chengyou, mentally reciting “Thank you Elder Qingxu for the gift of itching bugs,” and was about to bow to him as if he were the old man when suddenly a muffled sound came from beneath the altar. Lin Chengyou turned and walked away: “I’m busy catching demons now. When I’m free, you can make your apology then – I can accept it.”

With that, he quickly walked to the altar, bent down, and disappeared.

Juesheng hurried after him: “Young Master Wang, quickly.”

Teng Yuyi drew her sword but heard Lin Chengyou say from inside: “No. Young Master Wang, I’ve removed the Killing Spirit Ring. You’ve achieved your goal – you can return home now.”

“Return home?” Teng Yuyi looked at Qizhi, who was still standing to the side. “Young Daoist Qizhi is injured – don’t you need my help protecting the formation?”

Lin Chengyou’s voice came from far away: “This place is dangerous. Being able to use spiritual tools doesn’t mean you can protect a formation. Besides, I don’t have the habit of letting women help protect formations. Go wherever you need to go – just don’t follow me.”

Lin Chengyou and Juesheng vanished in the blink of an eye. Qizhi anxiously watched the altar inside the room.

Teng Yuyi examined Qizhi’s right hand again and found his broken little finger had swollen and bruised terribly.

“The wound needs immediate treatment, or it will leave lasting damage. It must hurt – let me take you to see a physician first.”

Qizhi shook his head worriedly: “Young Lady Teng, I can’t leave. This formation has stood here for nearly a hundred years – what it contains must be extraordinary. Now we’re short one person to protect the formation, and I’m worried about Senior Brother and the others. Young Master Wang, don’t worry – Senior Brother gave me medicine, and it doesn’t hurt much anymore.”

He wiped his eyes with his other hand, mumbling: “Senior Brother must be very angry. He didn’t even look at me when he left.”

Teng Yuyi clicked her tongue in wonder. This child was truly thick-headed – first breaking his finger to help remove her Killing Spirit Ring, and now stubbornly standing guard despite his injury.

“Your Senior Brother’s anger is his business. You can’t form hand seals or use a sword – staying here is pointless. Why not take this chance to get your wound bandaged? There’s a medical hall nearby, it won’t take long.”

Qizhi shook his head stubbornly: “Though I’ve injured one finger, I can still watch over the formation’s eye just fine.”

Teng Yuyi looked at him sideways: “Have you considered that your Senior Brother might have deliberately not assigned you a task, hoping you’d take this opportunity to treat your wound?”

Qizhi’s face brightened: “Oh, you’re right! That’s just like something Senior Brother would do. He may be harsh with his words, but he’s always been good to me and Juesheng.”

Good? Teng Yuyi snorted internally. She had just made that up to persuade Qizhi to get treatment, but he immediately started praising Lin Chengyou. If this man counted as good, there would be no evil people in the world.

Qizhi’s spirits lifted, and he became more talkative: “Senior Brother must have felt confident he could handle the demons alone to say that, but Master has always said we must never leave the formation’s eye unguarded, so I absolutely cannot leave.”

E Ji hugged herself and moved closer to them: “Though this place usually feels gloomy, it’s never been as cold as an ice cave before. Young Master, venerable Daoist, I’m terrified – when can we return to the front building?”

Before she finished speaking, the curtains on the altar suddenly moved without wind, and the flickering lamplight cast sinister shadows on the golden youth statue’s face.

Teng Yuyi watched her surroundings carefully, then heard Huo Qiu’s rebuke. Turning her head, she saw E Ji persistently pressing against her back.

Teng Yuyi asked curiously: “E Ji, what are you doing?”

E Ji shuddered: “I don’t know why, but everywhere feels ice-cold. Only near Young Master Wang is it somewhat warm.”

Qizhi tapped his head: “Young Master Wang’s sword can ward off evil – ordinary demons dare not approach you. It’s not strange that Madam E feels warmth near you, but even such a spiritual tool can only protect one person. This shows how evil the thing below truly is. Senior Brother was right – this place is extremely dangerous. You all need to leave quickly.”

Teng Yuyi said: “If we leave, can you handle things alone? Won’t you be afraid?”

Qizhi patted his chest: “Not afraid! I’m one of the Three Pure Ones’ acolytes under Elder Qingxu. Evil beings fear me – there’s no reason for me to fear them.”

Teng Yuyi said to E Ji: “Go stand near the young Daoist and see if it’s warm there.”

E Ji tried, but immediately ran back, shivering: “Cold, cold, cold!”

Teng Yuyi frowned. Qizhi’s cultivation wasn’t sufficient to handle this situation.

Seeing Teng Yuyi’s hesitation, Qizhi took out a talisman paper from his robe and waved it in the wind. A ghostly blue flame appeared at his fingertip: “Madam E, I wasn’t using my powers before. Try coming over again – isn’t it warmer around me now?”

E Ji had already fled from the small shrine: “Young Daoist, you can play by yourself. This servant needs to return to the front building. Young Master, if we don’t leave now, I’m going first.”

Teng Yuyi called out: “Hey, Juan’er Li’s fate is unknown, and you’re her adoptive mother – you’re just going to leave like this?”

E Ji answered from afar: “This servant can neither catch demons nor exorcise spirits. Not only can I not help by staying here, I might lose my life. Besides, with Qingyun Temple’s Daoists here, what is there to worry about?”

Teng Yuyi figured that with Lin Chengyou’s abilities, he wouldn’t let his junior brother come to harm. She wasn’t a Daoist herself and had waded deep enough into these troubled waters. Now that the Killing Spirit Ring was removed, there was no reason to stay. She said to Qizhi: “Then we’ll leave first. Take care.”

Qizhi nodded vigorously.

Teng Yuyi left with Huo Qiu. E Ji grew more frightened with each step forward, and hearing footsteps behind them, she turned back to run to Teng Yuyi’s side.

After walking a short distance, they heard a woman’s coquettish giggle from the darkness. Someone ran quickly through the flower beds, clearly heading toward the shrine where Qizhi was.

E Ji covered her mouth and said tremblingly: “Young… Young Master, did you hear that? That couldn’t have been human – who could run so fast?”

Teng Yuyi listened intently. Qizhi’s shouts came from the small shrine, followed by chaos, then silence. Her heart tightened as she gripped the Jade Sword: “Let’s go look.”

Huo Qiu hesitated: “Young Master.”

Teng Yuyi walked back first. She wasn’t usually soft-hearted, but Qizhi had helped restore her sword’s spiritual power. Though his method was clumsy, he was still just a child.

Moreover, his demon-subduing tablet had already split in two when they were ambushed by the Hairpin Young Master on the second floor. Now with his injured hand and no one to help him, something could go wrong.

E Ji hadn’t expected Teng Yuyi to return and stood uncertainly in place. The night wind howled like wailing ghosts. She stamped her foot and had no choice but to follow: “Young Master Wang, wait for me.”

Teng Yuyi rushed to the small shrine and upon entering saw Qizhi with one hand clutching his throat while the other struggled to paste a talisman behind him. Though there was no one behind him, several dark red handprints were visible on his face.

His face had turned ashen, and his lips were beginning to darken. Huo Qiu, having never seen such an eerie sight, stumbled backward in fright. Teng Yuyi drew her sword and lunged past him to strike behind Qizhi.

Before she could reach him, Qizhi managed to place the talisman behind his head. A faint burning smell filled the air, and the strange force on his neck was released.

Qizhi gasped: “Young Master Wang, I… I can handle this. It’s just that too many came at once – otherwise, I would have cleared them out already.”

Teng Yuyi sat cross-legged beside him: “Yes, you can handle it – it’s just a bit difficult. Your Senior Brother wasn’t wrong – you need more training. Your Senior Brother should be out soon, right? This place is too strange. I’ll stay and help you, so you don’t die at the hands of these demons.”

Qizhi gave Teng Yuyi a grateful look, then stood up to draw a formation around her before moving to draw formations around Huo Qiu and E Ji.

E Ji looked down: “What are you doing?”

Qizhi said: “You haven’t opened your celestial eye so you can’t see, but there are still several in the room. They dare not approach because they fear Young Master Wang’s sword light. I’m drawing a Pure Child Supreme Formation around you all – they’ll be even less likely to come near. I wasn’t prepared earlier, which is why they were able to ambush me.”

E Ji bit her tongue in fear: “There… there are still several in the room?”

Qizhi glanced at the door: “Don’t worry, they’ve retreated outside.”

Teng Yuyi asked quietly: “These ‘they’ you mention – what exactly are they?”

Qizhi whispered: “They’re like ghosts but with demonic energy. This is unusual. They seem like… like vengeful spirits born from resentment after being killed by demons. Having been controlled by demons for so long, they’ve taken on traits they shouldn’t have.”

A demon that could control vengeful spirits – mustn’t it be clever and scheming? A chill ran down Teng Yuyi’s spine as she instinctively looked toward the altar: “No wonder such a grand formation was needed to suppress this thing. What exactly is the history of what’s below?”

She suddenly remembered when they encountered the demon at the end of the second-floor corridor, how the proper chamber had transformed into an abandoned courtyard.

“Earlier when you were trapped at the door by the demon, the courtyard behind you was full of mist, and I vaguely saw a well. Your eyesight is better than mine – did you see anything else?”

“A well?” Qizhi was startled. “Why did I see a Hu people’s shop selling flatbread? In front of the shop, a Hu man was beating and cursing a young girl. The girl was holding a bili flute and looked about my age. The Hu man called her ‘Qiong Qin Wa’ or something like ‘Qing Qin Wa.’ I saw him beating her so viciously that I wanted to run over and stop him, but accidentally fell into the demon’s trap.”

“How strange – why did we see different things?”

E Ji’s face changed dramatically: “Young Daoist, did you say the Hu man called that girl ‘Qiong Qin Wa’?”

“What’s wrong, Madam E?”

E Ji’s expression was indescribably strange: “‘Qiong Qin Wa’ was Juan’er Li’s original name. I changed it to Juan’er Li after buying her. Her father was a Hu man who used to beat and curse her constantly.”

Qizhi was stunned: “How strange – why could I see these things?”

Teng Yuyi thought for a moment: “You’ve forgotten – Juan’er Li disappeared just when we were trapped at the door.”

Qizhi said: “I understand now. This must be Juan’er Li’s deepest obsession hidden in her heart. I wonder why the demon drew it out and used it to create an illusion array. Young Master Wang, what about that well you saw in the array – what could it mean?”

Just then, Huo Qiu suddenly stood up with his blade drawn: “Young Master, the golden youth statue is moving!”

Everyone froze. Teng Yuyi stared at the statue on the altar, thinking her eyes were playing tricks. But looking closer, it truly was swaying, its face shifting in the light and shadows, its once-innocent expression becoming strangely distorted.

Looking again, it wasn’t the statue moving – it was the altar beneath it.

Seeing the altar about to collapse, Teng Yuyi turned and ran: “Not good, hurry!”

After a few steps, she felt the small sword in her hand growing warm. Looking down, she realized the blade seemed more radiant than before.

Before they reached the door, the altar crashed down with a thunderous sound, raising clouds of dust. Suddenly two figures burst up from below, leaping through the dust to land on the ground. Teng Yuyi looked closely – it was Juesheng, carrying a young woman on his back. She wore her hair in two buns and a short jacket. Teng Yuyi exclaimed with joy: “Juan’er Li!”

“Wonderful!” Qizhi shouted. “She’s rescued! Juesheng, where’s Senior Brother?”

Juesheng’s face was deathly pale. He tried to speak but instead vomited.

Qizhi was startled and hurried to help, but Juesheng shouted: “Don’t come closer – run!”

In that instant, there was another tremendous crash. The altar and golden youth statue shattered to powder behind him, and another figure shot up from below like an arrow from a bow.

Qizhi cried in horror: “Senior Brother!”

Lin Chengyou leaped through the air, striking backward at his chest with his horsetail whisk.

Teng Yuyi turned to flee – had Lin Chengyou gone mad, striking himself? But when she looked back and saw what was wrapped around him, she blanched in terror.

Coiled around Lin Chengyou’s torso was a golden creature as thick as a barrel, covered in golden scales. Each time it moved an inch, it emanated strange, rippling golden light.

Lin Chengyou flipped backward through the air, crashing about with the monster wrapped around him: “I just took your prey – why fight me to the death? If you don’t let go, I’ll start killing in earnest!”

His words had no effect. The monster continued writhing around him. If the horsetail whisk hadn’t prevented it from using its full strength, it might have already crushed Lin Chengyou to death.

Lin Chengyou cursed as he leaped onto the rafters. The demon followed like his shadow, its body dragging out endlessly. Teng Yuyi gasped – the creature’s golden scales glittered brilliantly, its body seeming to have no end.

She turned to flee, but Qizhi rushed back again.

Juesheng shouted: “Qizhi, the demon is busy with Senior Brother – let’s get Juan’er Li out first!”

The two lifted the barely conscious Juan’er Li and together dragged her from the shrine.

Teng Yuyi ran up the corridor at full speed, but heard Juesheng and Qizhi calling from behind: “Young Lady Teng, please help us!”

Did they think she was a bodhisattva? Teng Yuyi ran faster: “I can’t help!”

Juesheng shouted: “No, no, no, Young Lady Teng can help! The shrine is full of demonic energy – Juan’er Li will soon die from demon poison. Just help take her back to the front building, Young Lady Teng. We’ll go help Senior Brother deal with that creature.”

Huo Qiu hesitated: “Young Lady, shall this servant carry her over?”

Teng Yuyi gritted her teeth: “Bring her and let’s go. The rest is none of our business. That thing is terrifying – we need to save ourselves.”

She ran ahead, and soon Huo Qiu caught up. Teng Yuyi glanced back – he had indeed brought Juan’er Li.

But ahead they saw several strong men approaching, all armed with blades and sticks. E Ji had raised the alarm when she fled, alerting the temple servants and guards.

Teng Yuyi hurriedly said: “You’d better not go there – there’s a demon in the shrine, and Qingyun Temple’s Daoists are fighting it.”

“A demon?” The lead guard spat. “We’ve been in Pingkang Ward for years and never heard of any demons. The master’s away today, and you sneak into the back garden in the middle of the night. Now you’re stopping us from going in – aren’t you just afraid we’ll catch you up to no good?”

Another burly man said gruffly: “Look, isn’t this Juan’er Li? Earlier E Ji said Juan’er Li had vanished – so you kidnapped her! You’ve got some nerve. Put her down now! Dare to make trouble at Caifeng Tower? We’ll break your arms first!”

Used to bullying others, they started attacking Huo Qiu even as they spoke. But such common thugs were no match for him. Before their fists could touch him, he sent them flying with a kick.

Teng Yuyi was furious. She’d kindly warned them to leave, but they insisted on causing trouble. She smiled: “The ringleader is still in the shrine. You’re so focused on us but don’t forget your master’s treasure enshrined in there. Quick, go to the shrine and catch them!”

The men hesitated. Everyone knew about the shrine in the back garden – not only was it specially tended, but people weren’t allowed to approach casually. Now there was quite a commotion inside – could someone have found treasure?

The lead man took the bait. Ignoring his pain, he got up: “Don’t let any of them escape! Break their legs first, then take them to the ward chief!”

They split into two groups – half staying to deal with Huo Qiu and Teng Yuyi, the rest rushing toward the shrine. Huo Qiu had been easily handling them before, and with fewer opponents, he was even more at ease. In two or three moves, he sent the thugs scattering.

Master and servant managed to escape and hurried forward, but then they heard that guard scream in terror: “Ahhhhhhh! Mother! It’s terrifying!”

His voice was unbearably shrill as if his soul had been frightened away. The others wailed like ghosts and wolves, crawling out of the shrine in panic.

Behind them, two more figures darted out. Surrounded by demonic energy, Juesheng and Qizhi were pulling a silver chain with all their might as they ran.

From inside the shrine came Lin Chengyou’s voice: “Run faster – watch out, it’s escaping!”

Juesheng and Qizhi used every ounce of strength, running more than ten yards in one breath. The silver chain was long and thin, ringing coldly in the night wind. Suddenly it seemed to reach its limit – Juesheng and Qizhi couldn’t check their momentum and nearly fell.

The two scrambled up, shouting: “Senior Brother, how is it?”

Lights flickered in the shrine amid tremendous crashes. Listening carefully, it sounded like something heavy repeatedly striking the beams. The booming vibrations reached their hearts, making their ears ring and eyes blur.

Everyone felt nauseated. Then came two massive impacts, and the air filled with a rank, foul stench. A figure burst through the mist as if fleeing for his life, tumbling and rolling to the ground.

“Senior Brother!” Juesheng and Qizhi rushed to help him up.

Lin Chengyou’s Daoist robe was covered in filthy bloodstains. He staggered several times before standing steady. Without speaking, he first grabbed the strongmen from the ground and then began running wildly with Juesheng and Qizhi.

They ran to the back garden gate. Lin Chengyou threw the men down and gasped: “Too powerful. Can’t beat it, can’t beat it.”

Teng Yuyi and Huo Qiu stood not far away. Seeing even Lin Chengyou in such a sorry state, they stopped in their tracks.

Juesheng and Qizhi were shocked: “It escaped?”

“I couldn’t beat it, so I had to let it escape.”

The two asked urgently: “Didn’t we bind it with the Soul-Locking Chain? How did it still escape?”

Lin Chengyou said: “It tore off its tail, splashing me with foul blood. As it fled, it released demon mist – highly poisonous. Luckily I ran fast enough. If I hadn’t gotten out quickly, you’d be collecting my corpse.”

As he spoke, he turned back. Juesheng and Qizhi followed: “Senior Brother, are you going back to the cellar?”

“The demon is injured and its lair exposed – it will probably flee elsewhere. We need to find a way to uncover their origins.”

“Their? Wasn’t it just one golden flood dragon? Are there other creatures?”

“Golden flood dragon?” Lin Chengyou said. “It was a bird, deliberately transforming into a flood dragon to deceive us. Strange – if it was just a bird demon, why use such elaborate measures to suppress it back then? I suspect there was something even more powerful down there originally.”

Just then, shadowy figures appeared ahead. A group carrying lanterns came running up, led by E Ji.

E Ji’s face was sallow as she trembled to a middle-aged man beside her: “The shrine is terrifying – there must be some extraordinary demon. Master, we can’t keep hiding it. Something terrible will happen sooner or later.”

The man was wrapped in fine silk, relatively young – no more than early thirties. His nose bridge seemed injured, inexplicably sunken. He would have been handsome if not for this disfigurement. His build was quite muscular, and his face somewhat oily.

This was Caifeng Tower’s owner. Catching sight of Lin Chengyou, he paused, then warmly approached: “Are you Elder Qingxu from Qingyun Temple?”

Juesheng and Qizhi smiled awkwardly. E Ji hurriedly whispered something to the owner, whose expression changed slightly: “So it’s—”

Lin Chengyou smiled and interrupted: “So it’s what?”

The owner was perceptive: “So it’s the venerable Daoist from Qingyun Temple. This humble one is He Mingsheng, paying respects to the venerable Daoist.”

“You’re Caifeng Tower’s owner? Impressive – secretly keeping such a fine thing in your back garden.”

The owner’s voice wavered in fear: “Venerable Daoist, when He bought this establishment, I had no idea such things would happen.”

Lin Chengyou said: “You’ve seen it yourself – that evil being had significant origins. If you want to live, better tell us everything quickly.”

“This humble one will tell all, holding nothing back.”

“The demon has escaped. First, seal off the back garden.” Lin Chengyou took out a stack of talismans from his robe. “I’ll inspect this place as quickly as possible – it will take about half an hour. Before then, paste these talismans on all doors and windows. Have the entertainers stay in their rooms – no wandering without permission.”

Teng Yuyi ordered Huo Qiu to return Juan’er Li to E Ji: “Alright, this is no longer our business. Let’s go.”

But Lin Chengyou said: “Wait.”

Wait? Teng Yuyi turned to look at him: “What else does the gentleman wish to say?”

Lin Chengyou’s gaze fell on Teng Yuyi’s neck: “You’ve been poisoned by the demon. Leave Caifeng Tower and you’ll die instantly.”

Teng Yuyi laughed: “I never even encountered the demon – how could I be poisoned?”

Lin Chengyou smiled, slowly walking up to her: “This poor Daoist kindly warns Young Master Wang, but Young Master refuses to believe. Let me count on you – see if you can leave Caifeng Tower. Three, two, one.”

Teng Yuyi took one step, wondering silently if he was just toying with her.

Another step – suddenly her head spun.

The third step she had to take whether she wanted to or not, as her body began to sway. Her steps faltered, and she stumbled forward several paces.

She turned back with effort, staring fixedly at Lin Chengyou. He seemed to shift near and far. She tried to step forward, but her feet tangled. Her tongue felt wrong too – numb and dull, as if she’d eaten a plateful of pepper. Huo Qiu was shouting something in panic nearby, but she couldn’t understand a word.

Lin Chengyou gave her a wicked smile, said something to Juesheng and Qizhi, then turned to leave.

Though her arms were stiffening, Teng Yuyi didn’t forget to reach for the belt at her waist. She hazily aimed at Lin Chengyou, unsure if she’d pressed the mechanism. Her body suddenly pitched forward, and then she knew nothing more.

When she next became conscious, she heard people talking nearby.

“Young Lady Teng is too formidable – even while fainting she didn’t forget to scheme against Senior Brother.”

“No wonder Young Lady Teng disguised herself as a Hu person – it was to conveniently hide weapons in her belt. Who would have thought? Senior Brother fought that demon at close quarters without a scratch, yet was struck by Young Lady Teng’s hidden weapon.”

“Young Lady Teng must have heavy concerns. Other young ladies carry rouge and fruit when they go out, but she carries poison and hidden weapons.”

“It’s not strange – though Young Lady Teng appears delicate, she’s a famous general’s daughter. I only wonder why Senior Brother couldn’t dodge.”

“Senior Brother must have been caught off guard. Who would expect Young Lady Teng, in that state, could still attack him from behind?”

“I think Young Lady Teng is a good person – she wouldn’t harm others without reason. She must have mistakenly thought Senior Brother poisoned her, so she fought back with her dying breath. Young Lady Teng didn’t know Senior Brother was going to cure her demon poison. Who knows what powerful poison was on that hairpin? Senior Brother still can’t speak.”

“Alas, this is terrible. Isn’t this Senior Brother’s first time being hit by a hidden weapon? We’ve used all the antidotes, but he still can’t speak. If we can’t find a solution, Senior Brother might die of anger.”

“He’s already furious – haven’t you seen his face—”

“Shh, Young Lady Teng seems to be waking up.”