No sooner had Baozhu left than Juesheng and Qizhi arrived. “Young Master Wang, we’re planning to borrow some talismans from the small Buddha hall. It’s getting late – would you like to come with us?”

The two of them hung their heads dejectedly, likely still uneasy about the afternoon’s events.

Teng Yuyi was not one to remain idle. Ever since learning the weaknesses of the Corpse Fiend and the Golden-Robed Young Master, she had been contemplating what actions to take. When she heard they were going to see the Five Daoists, she readily agreed: “Let’s go.”

Upon entering, they saw many bamboo scrolls scattered about the small Buddha hall, where the Five Daoists of Dongming Temple were buried in search of something.

“Oh? Young Master Wang came too?” Jianxi pushed aside the bundles at his feet and said with a broad smile, “Please, have a seat.”

Juesheng and Qizhi asked, “Where did the seniors go this afternoon? We searched the front tower and back garden for ages.”

“Where could we have gone? We were with the Young Master, of course.”

Juesheng and Qizhi were startled: “With Master?”

Seeing their expressions, Jianxian burst into laughter: “No wonder your Master scolds you so often – what are those little heads of yours always thinking about?”

Jianle tossed aside the scroll in his hands and snorted: “Don’t just laugh at them. When Lin Chengyou called you over, weren’t you also scampering over thinking something good was happening?”

Jianxian cast him a sidelong glance: “How would you know? For this poor Daoist, upholding righteousness and eliminating evil is a matter of great importance – shouldn’t I be happy about that?”

Teng Yuyi had long felt something was amiss about the afternoon’s events, but hearing this explanation, she wasn’t surprised: “So the seniors were helping the Young Master eliminate evil spirits?”

“It wasn’t quite exorcism. That Qingzhi died so strangely this morning, and the Young Master suspected an evil spirit had infiltrated the tower, so he called us over to help in the afternoon.”

Jianmei continued: “That thing was half-human and half-spirit, controlled by the Corpse Fiend without knowing it. Normal spirit detection methods wouldn’t work, so we had to use unconventional means to test.”

A flash of realization struck Juesheng and Qizhi – so that’s why Master had ordered so many bathing tubs prepared.

“Master called all the young ladies of the tower over because he wanted to find the evil spirit?”

“What else?”

Juesheng and Qizhi awkwardly scratched their heads. They had said so many thoughtless things – Master must be furious.

Teng Yuyi pursed her lips. She couldn’t blame Juesheng and Qizhi for the misunderstanding. Lin Chengyou had kept everyone in the dark, even his two disciples, and made such a grand show of it – being mistaken for a lecher was hardly surprising.

“Did Master dissolve the Yin-pointing talismans in the bath water?”

“Correct. Though that thing is already half-human and half-ghost, it still retains half its human nature. With gold as bait, it would certainly try to hold its breath in the water. But since it’s being used by the Corpse Fiend, its seven apertures have long been invaded by yin energy. Just staying in the bath a bit longer would reveal its flaws.”

Teng Yuyi asked curiously: “So did you find that person?”

“No.” The Five Beauties sighed in confusion. “This method has never failed when testing those who are half-yin and half-yang, but today after trying everyone, not a single person showed any abnormality.”

Qizhi crouched down and pondered, chin in hand: “Have all the ladies in the tower been checked? Could someone have been missed?”

Jiantian shook his head: “The Young Master called over even the old women responsible for cleaning. Even He Mingsheng was forced to soak in the bath for a while. After checking everyone young and old, we still couldn’t find anyone unusual.”

Jianmei pointed at Teng Yuyi: “Not quite everyone – Young Master Wang and the others didn’t go test the water.”

“That’s because those three couldn’t possibly be puppets,” Jianle opened the bamboo scroll in his hands. “Don’t forget, Juan’er, Li, and Miss Gejin were once kidnapped by the evil spirit and barely rescued. Young Master Wang has been pursued by the Corpse Fiend twice. If the Corpse Fiend only wanted to make them puppets, it wouldn’t need to go to such trouble – it could just feed them some saliva and they’d obey its every command.”

Teng Yuyi was shocked: “The Corpse Fiend turns people into puppets by feeding them saliva?”

Jianle slapped his thigh and laughed: “Disgusting, isn’t it? Its saliva is precious and not given lightly, but just one mouthful is enough. Even though the person appears normal on the surface, their body and mind are completely under its control.”

Teng Yuyi shuddered. By that logic, those who became puppets at Prince Cheng’s mansion that night must have all consumed the Corpse Fiend’s saliva. She thought of Master Gu from Nanzhao – if he knew he’d been fed the Corpse Fiend’s saliva when he woke up, he probably wouldn’t be able to eat for a month from disgust.

“The more saliva fed, the longer the control lasts. Less saliva means shorter control. This method is crude but direct, and the puppets are very obedient. Even when the Corpse Fiend eventually carves out their hearts, the puppets feel no resentment. That’s why the Corpse Fiend never takes a puppet’s heart – those whose hearts it takes must be clear-minded people because only they have the seven emotions and six desires that can be tormented by the Corpse Fiend’s illusions.”

Jianxi added: “There’s another reason – after Juan’er and Gejin were rescued last time, they were immediately given the Heart-Clearing Pills. For those who have long been puppets, this medicine has little effect, but for those recently controlled by the Corpse Fiend, one pill is enough to wake them.”

Teng Yuyi nodded inwardly. No wonder Lin Chengyou so readily agreed to let Juan’er leave – he never intended to have her test the water in the first place.

She casually remarked: “Since everyone who needed testing has been tested, doesn’t that mean there’s no evil spirit hidden in the tower? Then Qingzhi’s death isn’t suspicious after all – she simply drowned herself in the well.”

Jiantian puckered his lips into a rosebud: “I examined her this morning too. Looking at Qingzhi’s corpse alone, it clearly shows signs of drowning. But the Young Master crouched by Qingzhi’s corpse for a while and seemed to discover something on her clothes. However, there were no traces of evil spirits or ritual arrays by the well. Before I could examine the corpse carefully, the judicial officials arrived and drove me away, not letting me get close.”

Jianxian said in confusion: “This suggests the Young Master discovered something – why won’t he say a word about it?”

“The Young Master must have his concerns. I just wonder, if Qingzhi was murdered, why couldn’t the killer wait a few more days? Why act while we and the Young Master were here, risking exposure?”

Teng Yuyi thought for a moment, then bent down to pick up a bamboo scroll by her feet: “Perhaps it had reached a point where they had to act. If Qingzhi didn’t die, that person’s secret could have been exposed at any time. With Qingzhi dead, you might not be able to uncover the truth. I guess that’s what the killer was betting on.”

Just then, a voice came from outside: “Young Master Wang, not staying in your room but coming to visit us instead?”

Everyone turned to see a young man in fine robes and a jade crown entering – none other than Lin Chengyou.

Juesheng and Qizhi jumped up as if their bottoms had been burned: “Master!”

Lin Chengyou wore a quiver on his back, and his temples seemed damp with sweat. Upon entering, he cast a glance at Teng Yuyi before casually tossing something onto the table. Teng Yuyi peered at it – a small package, contents unknown.

The Daoists asked curiously: “Young Master, where have you been? You look like you’ve just been in a fight.”

Lin Chengyou said: “I was just about to tell you about Qingzhi—”

He suddenly turned to Teng Yuyi and smiled: “Young Master Wang, it’s getting late. It’s not convenient to keep you here – please return to your quarters.”

Teng Yuyi had been wondering why Lin Chengyou brought up Qingzhi unprompted, but one look at his mocking gaze made it clear – he had overheard her earlier words outside, knew she was curious about the matter, and deliberately started the topic only to cut it off with a dismissal. Even if she was dying of curiosity, she would have to leave.

Qizhi said anxiously: “Master, night has fallen, and the Corpse Fiend could intrude at any time. It might not be safe for Young Master Wang to stay alone in her room. Should we accompany her back? But we still wanted to spend more time with Master.”

“You two need to stay. Starting tonight, you’ll learn some proper rules from me. That way you won’t forget you’re disciples of Qingyun Temple just because someone stirs you up with a few words!”

Though he spoke with a smile, his eyes were cold as frost.

Juesheng shrank his neck in fear and quickly signaled Qizhi to stop talking. Couldn’t he see Master was still angry? He’d started finding fault with Miss Teng as soon as he arrived. They were already in trouble themselves – at least Miss Teng had the jade bell Master gave her. If the Corpse Fiend came, one ring of the bell would bring Master running.

But rather than leave, Teng Yuyi sat down with a smile: “Young Master, I came because I have important information to share. I’ve waited so long for you to appear, only to have you drive me away as soon as you arrive. I can leave, of course, but this concerns how to eliminate the Corpse Fiend – not sharing it might lead to trouble.”

Lin Chengyou feigned surprise: “I didn’t know Young Master Wang knew how to eliminate evil spirits. If you have a good method against the Corpse Fiend, you could protect yourself – why would you need protection from Qingyun Temple and Dongming Temple?”

“I only learned of this method this afternoon. If applied cleverly, it might truly succeed in eliminating the Corpse Fiend.”

Lin Chengyou didn’t believe a word. The Corpse Fiend was the king of evil spirits – many highly skilled Daoists had no way to deal with it. Teng Yuyi had been confined in Caifeng Tower these past days – where could she have learned of any wonderful methods? This woman was full of schemes, always ready to manipulate others when they weren’t careful. Just that afternoon she had stirred up Juesheng and Qizhi against him to protect herself. She was first-rate at causing trouble, and now she shows up offering help for no reason – who knows what she’s plotting.

On normal days, he would have plenty of time to play her game, but right now he was tired and hungry with no patience for it.

Won’t leave, eh? He had ways to deal with her.

He turned and walked to the other side, removing his quiver as he went.

At first, Teng Yuyi waited for Lin Chengyou to ask more questions, but as she watched, she realized something was wrong. There was a thick mattress laid out in the side hall, apparently for sleeping at night. These past two days, Lin Chengyou had probably been sleeping on the cushions in the Buddha hall for convenience in catching evil spirits.

Lin Chengyou walked to the mattress and flopped down lazily: “I’m exhausted from these past few days, and there’s still more to deal with tonight. I’ll rest for a bit first.”

The Daoists were startled.

Teng Yuyi blushed and stood up abruptly.

Lin Chengyou smiled roguishly and turned over to sit up, making as if to remove his boots: “Don’t leave, Young Master Wang. If you’re willing to observe my sleeping face, I don’t mind at all – I just worry it might not be good for your reputation if word gets out.”

Teng Yuyi silently gritted her teeth and turned her back to Lin Chengyou, walking quickly toward the exit: “This method once successfully subdued the Corpse King of Nanzhao, using means unrelated to Daoist arts. But since Young Master doesn’t want to hear it, why should I say more? Very well then, I’ll take my leave.”

Lin Chengyou hadn’t intended to undress – he was just putting on a show to scare Teng Yuyi away. But when she mentioned the Corpse King of Nanzhao, his hands paused – could she know some effective method?

He quickly said with a laugh: “Young Master Wang, don’t forget – if the Corpse Fiend isn’t caught, you’ll be the first to suffer.”

Teng Yuyi also laughed, but her feet didn’t stop: “Even if I die, won’t Young Master still have to deal with the Corpse Fiend? There’s a ready-made solution, but Young Master doesn’t want to hear it. In any case, with your great magical powers, you probably don’t need others’ help with strategies. At worst, you’ll have to struggle a bit more, but you’ll surely subdue the two evil spirits eventually.”

Lin Chengyou coughed once and used his eyes to signal Juesheng and Qizhi to stop Teng Yuyi.

Juesheng and Qizhi reluctantly chased after her: “Young Master Wang, please stay.”

Teng Yuyi walked past them toward the exit: “No need. Your Master offended me first – unless he apologizes, I won’t say a word.”

Juesheng and Qizhi hurried to surround her again, but Teng Yuyi was determined to leave.

Hearing the commotion, Butler Cheng came in and stood before Juesheng and Qizhi, saying pleasantly: “Venerable Daoists, please make way.”

Juesheng and Qizhi hesitated. Butler Cheng was a loyal servant of the Teng household – though outwardly courteous and amiable, he was steady and resourceful. If they continued blocking Miss Teng from leaving, it would surely damage relations.

The two were at a loss and looked to Lin Chengyou for help.

The usually eloquent Daoists now maintained a mischievous silence – Lin Chengyou had offended, so shouldn’t he be the one to make amends?

Lin Chengyou had already gotten up and walked over to Teng Yuyi with a smile: “Young Master Wang, have you eaten yet?”

Teng Yuyi raised her delicate eyebrows. Given Lin Chengyou’s proud nature, getting him to admit fault and apologize would be harder than ascending to heaven. His sudden question about food was an attempt to gloss over what had just happened.

She said coolly: “Your Lordship reminds me – I was just about to return to my room to eat.”

With that, she stepped forward again.

“What a coincidence, I’m hungry too.” Lin Chengyou was thick-skinned indeed as he smiled and blocked Teng Yuyi’s path. “I was worried the two evil spirits might break in tonight, so I had Master He preparex a large feast. If Young Master Wang would honor us by staying to eat, I’ll have them bring some of that Dragon Cream Wine you like.”

Teng Yuyi’s eyes flickered. Lin Chengyou could certainly be flexible when needed – confident she would be tempted, he was using Dragon Cream Wine to make peace. The wine was too expensive to drink daily, no matter how generous one was with spending on alcohol. She had to admit she was tempted, and besides, she hadn’t intended to leave in the first place. So, feigning reluctance, she asked: “How many jugs?”

Lin Chengyou studied Teng Yuyi intently. Those bright, lively eyes of hers seemed to sparkle with mischief every time they moved. He had expected her to push her advantage, and sure enough, here it came. She was counting on his desire to know her method, which made her so bold.

On any other day, would anyone dare try to leverage him like this? Before they could scheme against him, he would have made them suffer dearly. But the Corpse Fiend was too cunning – he didn’t want to miss any chance to deal with it. Besides, he had just behaved somewhat improperly toward her, and given her personality, she wouldn’t let it go easily. What were a few jugs of wine? If it could help him learn useful information, let her drink as much as she wanted.

“Since I’m hosting, Young Master Wang can drink as many jugs as she likes.”

Teng Yuyi’s face broke into a smile: “With the Young Master’s kind offer, this Wang cannot refuse. Butler Cheng, since the Young Master is being so hospitable, call Huo Qiu over – tonight we servants will dine here as well.”

Juesheng and Qizhi were overjoyed – one happily went to the front tower to instruct the kitchen to prepare the meal, while the other busied himself wiping down the cushions.

Lin Chengyou stopped Qizhi and handed him the package he had placed on the table earlier: “Have the kitchen make this into soup and bring it over. Watch them while they do it.”

Jiantian and the others craned their necks to look, then lost color in surprise: “Fire Jade Spirit Root!”

Teng Yuyi was puzzled – what was a Fire Jade Spirit Root?

The Daoists swarmed around Lin Chengyou, examining it while clicking their tongues in wonder: “It is the Fire Jade Spirit Root. ‘Jade Pool Clear Water Nourishes Spirit Root’ – we’ve only ever seen the name in the Wenqing Yusan Scripture. This is our first time seeing it in person. They say the Venerable Yanming brought it from the Poluo Kingdom long ago and planted it using Daoist methods. It takes decades of weathering seasons to grow a single plant. Drinking it not only cures illness and extends life but also has the power to ward off evil.”

Jiantian excitedly waved Teng Yuyi over: “Quick, come look! We know you come from a noble family and have seen many extraordinary things, but this old Daoist would bet you’ve never seen this before.”

Teng Yuyi walked over to examine it carefully. In Lin Chengyou’s palm lay a large mushroom-shaped object. At first glance, it looked like a lingzhi mushroom, but this thing was two-colored – its cap was flame-red while the stem below was gleaming jade-white. The red and white reflected off each other like ice and fire in perfect opposition.

Juesheng and Qizhi asked: “So this is what Master went to get earlier. After eating this, will it be easier to deal with the Corpse Fiend?”

Lin Chengyou said: “It’s not that miraculous, but it does offer some protection. Drinking this soup will guard your heart meridians with medicinal energy. Even if injured by evil spirits, you might fortunately escape death. Unfortunately, its effects are very short-lived – three days at most.”

“Three days is enough!” The Daoists were too excited to care about anything else. “For years, countless people have sought the Fire Jade Spirit Root, but half of that scripture was lost. People neither know where it grows nor how to use it. Today we learn it should be made into soup. Young Master, where did you get such a rare item?”

Only after speaking did they realize the question was unnecessary. Such precious herbs couldn’t be found outside – it must have come from the palace. Besides, with Lin Chengyou’s nature of moving heaven and earth to get what he wanted, whether it flew in the sky, ran on the ground, grew as an immortal herb in deep mountains, or swam as a red dragon in the waters – there was nothing he couldn’t obtain.

Lin Chengyou said: “The two evil spirits have been dormant for exactly two days, with no movement inside or outside the city. This is too unusual. By my calculations of when the array will be complete, they’ll come looking for trouble within these two days at the latest. To ensure nothing goes wrong, I specifically had someone fetch this.”

The Daoists were overjoyed: “Wonderful! Who would have thought we’d live to drink a soup made from Fire Jade Spirit Root?”

Qizhi left carrying the Fire Jade Spirit Root as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Everyone else busied themselves cleaning the small Buddha hall. Before long, they had cleared a large space in the middle, but the kitchen was slow. Even after the maids finished setting out bowls and chopsticks, the food hadn’t arrived.

Everyone sat around the table, no longer separated by rank. Despite Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu’s repeated attempts to decline, the Five Daoists insisted on having them join. Seeing that neither Lin Chengyou nor Teng Yuyi objected, they had no choice but to accept the lowest seats.

The hall became wonderfully lively. With doors and windows wide open, one could see the garden in the night. A clear breeze provided comfort, the moon was hazy, creating a scene of perfect contentment.

Jianle took a delighted sip of Dragon Cream Wine: “Young Master Wang, what’s this method you mentioned for dealing with the Corpse Fiend? This old Daoist’s heart is itching like a cat’s scratching – stop keeping us in suspense and tell us quickly.”

Teng Yuyi smiled: “When the Corpse King of Nanzhao was terrorizing the region back then, those who subdued it weren’t monks but soldiers from the military camp. The method had nothing to do with Daoist arts – it’s quite ordinary really.”

“An ordinary method with no connection to Daoist arts?” Lin Chengyou’s voice carried mockery. “Don’t tell me Young Master Wang is going to say they pulled out its fangs.”

Teng Yuyi smiled slightly: “That’s exactly right. The Corpse King kept raiding military camps, killing dozens of soldiers every night. Later, following a shaman’s strategy, the general had people find two extremely sharp zither strings, made hooks at the ends, and looped one around each of the evil spirit’s fangs. All the soldiers pulled together and yanked out the pair of fangs.”

Lin Chengyou’s expression turned strange, and the Daoists were too surprised to speak.

Teng Yuyi’s gaze swept from left to right, and doubt arose in her heart: “Is something wrong with what I said?”

Lin Chengyou sneered: “Young Master Wang, where did you hear this story?”

Teng Yuyi blinked. Butler Cheng had always been steady and would never lie about such things, but why were Lin Chengyou and the others acting so strangely?

“In response to the Young Master.” Butler Cheng took the initiative to stand and bow. “I told this story to my young master. Years ago, I had a friend named Tan Xun who was once stationed in Nanzhao with the military. He told me about the Corpse King after returning to Chang’an. According to Tan Xun, after its fangs were pulled out, the Corpse King immediately dissolved into a pool of pus. No evil spirits caused trouble after that. He spoke with certainty, claiming to have witnessed it personally, but I didn’t inquire further. That was ten years ago. Only when the venerable ones mentioned the Corpse Fiend’s fangs today did I recall this incident.”

Lin Chengyou exchanged glances with the Daoists, and an extraordinary silence fell over the table.

Teng Yuyi asked suspiciously: “Is something wrong?”

Lin Chengyou smiled coldly: “This story doesn’t make sense.”

Butler Cheng’s expression changed: “Young Master, every word I spoke was true—”

Lin Chengyou said seriously: “Butler Cheng, I’m not doubting your honesty, but whether it’s a Corpse Fiend or Corpse King, the fangs are their vital point. Once pulled out, they would indeed dissolve into pus as you said. For self-preservation, they cultivate their fangs to be as hard as rock. Fire, blade, lightning, rope saw – none can damage them even slightly. Others have tried using refined iron ropes to pull out the fangs, but all failed. So when Tan Xun claims two zither strings could do it, it’s hard to believe. Not only has this method never succeeded, but zither strings break and snap easily – how could they pull out something so hard?”

Teng Yuyi’s heart suddenly jumped as she recalled the thread in the hand of that strange person who had killed her in her previous life – though it looked extremely thin, it could slice through skin and bone. But one was thread, the other zither strings.

“I think this Tan person was just making things up,” Jianle said disapprovingly. “The Corpse King’s powers were far inferior to the Corpse Fiend’s. Perhaps the Nanzhao people subdued it by some other means, but local people passed on distorted versions, creating such an unreliable tale.”

“Whether it’s unreliable or not, we can find out by locating this Tan Xun.” Lin Chengyou looked at Butler Cheng. “Butler Cheng, is this person still in Chang’an?”

Butler Cheng responded calmly: “I don’t know. I heard Tan Xun retired four years ago due to a back injury and has been living in leisure at Ande District in the south of the city, but I haven’t been in contact with him for a long time, so I don’t know his current situation.”

“I’ll have someone inquire. If he’s still in Chang’an, we’ll have news within these two days.”

Lin Chengyou glanced at Teng Yuyi – she had been acting strange since earlier, her face pale, clearly troubled by something.

“Young Master Wang?”

Teng Yuyi covered her sleeve as she took a drink of wine, then smiled and said: “I understand now – the most implausible part of this story is those zither strings. But what if there exists such an extremely sharp weapon in this world? Even if it’s as thin as rain threads, it could slice through skin and bone. If twisted into a cord, it could be as strong as a divine object. Why not investigate the origin of these so-called ‘zither strings’? If we find it to be true, we’d have a way to deal with the Corpse Fiend.”

Juesheng was momentarily stunned, suddenly remembering the drawing Teng Yuyi had shown them that night – it showed a thread as thin as rain. Could this “thread” be related to the “zither strings” used against the Corpse King in Nanzhao?

“As thin as rain threads? And able to slice through skin and bone?” Lin Chengyou frowned. “I’ve never heard of such a wonderful item. Where did Young Master Wang hear about this?”

Teng Yuyi felt slightly disappointed. If even Lin Chengyou had never seen such a hidden weapon, this matter was too unusual. Could she have been mistaken that night? What she thought was a hidden weapon might have been just an ordinary thread, only becoming a lethal weapon because of that person’s profound martial arts.

“I know nothing about weapons,” she answered after some thought. “I heard this mentioned by travelers on a nearby boat when I was coming to Chang’an. Do you know how warriors and scholars often drink and chat on deck when winds delay ships? During the journey back to the capital, stopping and starting, I heard quite a few strange tales from overseas.”

Jiantian asked: “You’ve made this old Daoist curious – does such a weapon exist? Why have we never seen it in Chang’an’s markets?”

Lin Chengyou rubbed the rim of his wine cup. The story about using zither strings to pull out fangs in the Nanzhao military camp might be false, but the Corpse King truly never caused trouble again afterward. If not this method, how was the Corpse King subdued? Even if eight-tenths of the story was false, at least two-tenths must be true. Should he send someone to investigate this Tan Xun tonight?

Just then, someone peeked in from outside: “Young Master, someone has come with a message. They’re in the front tower, saying they must deliver it to you in person.”

Lin Chengyou stood up: “Please continue drinking, everyone. Excuse me for a moment.”

Not long after Lin Chengyou left, Qizhi happily led several maids bringing in the dishes.

“Sorry to keep the seniors waiting.”

As the colorful dishes were served, the small Buddha hall became cheerful.

The Fire Jade Spirit Root had looked strange before cooking, and after being made into soup, it tasted peculiar. Juesheng and Qizhi distributed the soup, busy walking around the table.

Everyone at the table got a bowl, including Teng Yuyi. She stared at the soup in her hands – the color had completely faded, looking like piles of white cotton cloth.

Juesheng and Qizhi carefully covered Lin Chengyou’s bowl with a lid, then sat down and drank their soup in one go. Seeing Teng Yuyi hesitate to drink, they quickly urged: “Young Master Wang, drink quickly! The medicinal properties work best when the soup is hot.”

Teng Yuyi nodded and forced herself to take a sip. Fortunately, though the soup tasted strange, the flavor wasn’t too strong. Just as she was about to finish it in one gulp, Lin Chengyou returned holding a letter. Seeing Teng Yuyi drinking from the soup bowl, his expression changed slightly: “Wait—”

But it was too late – Teng Yuyi had already finished the remaining soup. Meeting Lin Chengyou’s strange gaze after drinking, she asked puzzled: “What’s wrong?”

Lin Chengyou quickly returned to his normal expression and went back to his seat, giving Juesheng and Qizhi a meaningful look.

Juesheng and Qizhi uncovered Lin Chengyou’s bowl: “Master, drink your soup quickly before it gets cold.”

Lin Chengyou thought for a moment without speaking, then took the bowl and drank it in one go.

Teng Yuyi had always suffered from cold hands and feet. After drinking, she felt her entire chest cavity heating up, and her feet seemed to be soaking in warm water as a gentle warmth rose from her soles. Soon after, even her back began to sweat, and her whole body felt wonderfully warm as if sitting before a stove.

She gently wiped away her sweat – the medicine’s effects were truly remarkable.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu anxiously put down their chopsticks: “Young Master, why is your face so red?”

The two of them looked normal, showing no signs of sweating. Teng Yuyi asked puzzled: “Don’t you feel hot?”

“Hot?” Jianxian was busy adding food to his bowl. “After drinking the soup and eating, it does feel a bit warm. Oh? Young Master Wang, why are you covered in sweat?”

Though everyone’s faces were flushed, none were drenched in sweat like Teng Yuyi. As she looked around, she accidentally met Lin Chengyou’s strange gaze, and her heart skipped a beat.

Lin Chengyou acted as if nothing was wrong: “Fire Jade Spirit Root is highly nourishing. Unlike us who have internal energy, Young Master Wang might feel some discomfort when first consuming it. After a few days of adaptation, it will be fine.”

“Yes, yes! When this old Daoist first took qi-nourishing substances in his early years, I also experienced full-body heat and sweating like Young Master Wang.”

Juesheng and Qizhi nodded vigorously: “Young Master Wang needn’t worry – this is a good thing! Master also said the Fire Jade Spirit Root has countless wonderful uses. If you have any chronic ailments, it might even cure them completely.”

Hearing this, Butler Cheng felt both joy and concern. Ever since his young master’s fall into the water last time, he had worried about lasting effects. Drinking this spiritual herb soup might be beneficial. He studied Teng Yuyi’s expression and asked anxiously: “Young Master, do you feel better?”

Teng Yuyi silently assessed herself for a moment, feeling no other discomfort, and smiled: “I’ve made everyone laugh at me. I should be fine after sweating it out.”

Just then, another temple servant appeared, peering in from outside the hall: “Young Master, I have something important to report.”

Lin Chengyou beckoned to him.

This temple servant was named A-Yan, normally responsible for greeting visitors at the tower entrance. He was a large, burly man who came running up: “Miss Gejin and Juan’er are fighting. Juan’er broke Miss Gejin’s jade pendant, and Miss Gejin was furious, scolding Juan’er terribly. Juan’er was frightened and kept apologizing, but Miss Gejin wouldn’t let it go, insisting Juan’er move out of her bedroom immediately. They’re arguing uncontrollably, disturbing everyone in the tower. Madam E, Madam Wo, and the proprietor tried to mediate for ages without success, so they sent me to ask the Young Master: such quarreling is unseemly – could they be separated?”

Everyone at the table was startled. Juan’er had originally lived with the younger performers in another courtyard, but because she was targeted by the Corpse Fiend, Lin Chengyou had temporarily arranged for her to share a room with Gejin. Teng Yuyi lived across from them, making it convenient to watch over them if the evil spirits caused trouble.

A-Yan was good at reading the room and had some eloquence. Looking somewhat embarrassed, he said: “The proprietor said such trivial matters shouldn’t trouble the Young Master, but since you had specified that Juan’er and Miss Gejin couldn’t move their lodgings freely, the proprietor specially sent me to seek your instructions.”

Lin Chengyou readily agreed: “Since they’re already fighting, let them separate. However, Juan’er can’t move too far away – find her another place along the corridor, no more than two rooms apart, to make supervision easier. Once she’s settled, tell Juesheng and Qizhi, and they’ll redraw the talismans outside the doors.”

A-Yan bowed as he listened: “Pardon my saying so, but Miss Gejin has been like a different person since her face was disfigured. Everyone used to like her, but now she’s practically mad. Though one can’t blame her…”

He suddenly caught himself and said with a fawning smile: “I’ve said too much – the Young Master must have heard all this before.”

Lin Chengyou made an encouraging sound: “I like talkative people like you. It’s fine to hear more fresh details – just keep talking, and say whatever comes to mind. There’ll be a reward if you speak well.”

A-Yan perked up and happily rubbed his hands together. After wracking his brains, he said with a troubled expression: “I have a problem – the more I try to speak, the less I can say. Why doesn’t the Young Master ask me some questions?”

Jianle said with a grin: “Then this poor Daoist won’t be polite. Since the courtesans in your tower are ranked, who was most prominent before Gejin, given that she hasn’t been at Caifeng Tower long?”

“In response to the Daoists, before Miss Gejin came, Wei Zi and Yao Huang were most prominent. Once Miss Gejin arrived, these two were overshadowed. From what the proprietor implied, if Miss Gejin hadn’t met with misfortune, she would have been named the premier courtesan this month. By then, Gejin would have received two thousand in wine money alone, not counting other gifts. At that rate, Miss Gejin could have bought her freedom in a few years, but now it’s all gone to waste.”

The Five Daoists asked: “Wei Zi? Yao Huang? Aren’t they the two who were ill? We remember today when the Young Master called the tower ladies to bathe, these two claimed illness and stayed in their rooms until the Young Master personally invited them out.”

“Those are the ones. Miss Wei Zi is skilled in both dance and poetry – she was famous even before the Caifeng Tower opened. Though she’s plumper than the other ladies, she dances with incredible grace, especially the Hu Xuan dance. Even on the smallest platform, she can spin like a top.”

“As for Miss Yao Huang, well, there’s even more to say. She excels in both beauty and talent, and her singing is as lovely as an oriole’s. Moreover, she has another special skill – she can imitate monkey calls and bird songs. She says she learned ventriloquism from a master in her youth, so she can imitate anything perfectly. In the first few months after Caifeng Tower opened, generals and young nobles came specifically for these two.”

Jiantian asked: “When did they fall ill?”

“Miss Wei Zi has been sick for several days, while Miss Yao Huang was frightened this morning after Qingzhi jumped into the well.”

The Five Daoists’ expressions became subtle – the timing of these illnesses was too convenient. Jianxi asked further: “Are they on good terms with Miss Gejin?”

A-Yan laughed awkwardly: “I’m only responsible for greeting visitors at the front door and rarely see the tower ladies. These famous courtesans are like celestial beings – I’m lucky if I catch a glimpse of them. I can’t say anything about their relationships with each other.”

But Jiantian persisted: “Miss Gejin’s disfigurement was a major incident – Caifeng Tower must have been in chaos those days. Where were Wei Zi and Yao Huang that night? Didn’t anyone suspect them?”

A-Yan was dumbfounded: “Wasn’t it said to be done by an evil ghost? The tower has been in turmoil for days – many people have seen the female ghost.”

“Did your proprietor believe this explanation? Even if he doesn’t care about people, he should care about money when his premier courtesan is disfigured. After it happened, didn’t he think to question everyone one by one?”

“He questioned them – Wei Zi was attending a poetry gathering with Minister Lin from the Ministry of Revenue that night, while Yao Huang went to the Qujiang Lantern Festival with Young Master Wei of Baron Ning’an. They were accompanied by many others, enjoying themselves until returning the next day,” Lin Chengyou said unhurriedly.

The Five Daoists were startled: “So the Young Master has already investigated.”

A-Yan smiled bitterly: “Actually, our proprietor questioned everyone too. Coincidentally, all the prominent courtesans were either entertaining guests in the front tower or out with clients. No one was suspicious. Combined with the real ghost haunting the tower, the proprietor believed Gejin was indeed injured by an evil spirit.”

Teng Yuyi sat quietly for a while, feeling increasingly feverish. Though she wanted to listen carefully to the temple servant’s words, sweat kept pouring out layer after layer. To distract herself, she couldn’t help saying: “At noon while drinking tea in the front tower, I vaguely heard someone say Qingzhi had become quite wealthy recently. There aren’t many people in Caifeng Tower – though you’re not familiar with the courtesans, you must have some acquaintance with Qingzhi. Do you know where her money came from?”

A-Yan said in surprise: “Qingzhi became wealthy? No wonder that little minx hasn’t been mooching wine from us lately. Young Master doesn’t know, but Qingzhi is sometimes foolish, sometimes clever. Her biggest flaw is gluttony – when it comes to food and wine, she’ll cheat or grab whatever she can. She served beside Miss Gejin and was quite proud of it, but after Miss Gejin was disfigured, the servants’ circumstances also plummeted. Qingzhi didn’t dare steal from the kitchen anymore and could only mooch food and drink from various rooms. No one could drive her away, but everyone was annoyed by her. Now that Young Master mentions it, I recall she did seem a bit odd these past few days – smiling like a flower as if she’d found treasure.”

Teng Yuyi glanced at Lin Chengyou, finding it strange that his face remained as calm as jade, showing no surprise.

“With evil spirits causing trouble lately, everyone in the tower is fearful for their safety. What made her so happy? Did anyone come to see her? Has she made any new acquaintances recently?”

“Probably not,” A-Yan thought carefully. “After Miss Gejin was disfigured, she couldn’t be left alone. At first, Qingzhi still hoped Miss Gejin would recover her beauty and serve her very attentively – she could barely get proper sleep those first few days, let alone make new friends. Soon after, the evil spirit incident occurred, the Caifeng Tower was sealed, and no one could leave, including Qingzhi. Besides, I’m at the entrance greeting visitors all day and have never heard of anyone coming to see Qingzhi.”

“These details aren’t fresh enough.” Lin Chengyou played with his wine cup. “Is there anything else? Think harder, or I won’t be able to justify giving you that wine money.”

A-Yan wracked his brains and then said happily: “Ah! Qingzhi often talked about having an older sister. The sisters were separated years ago with no news since. She used all her saved money to have people search for her sister’s whereabouts. When Madam Wo heard this, she always scolded Qingzhi for being crazy, saying Qingzhi never had an older sister, only a younger one who died when they were sold years ago. After so many years, where could an older sister suddenly appear from?”

Lin Chengyou seemed very interested in this and after a moment of silence asked: “Anything else?”

A-Yan’s scalp tightened, wishing he could scrape out everything from his gut: “Let me think hard, think hard.”

Lin Chengyou prompted: “Has Qingzhi said anything strange recently?”

A-Yan stared blankly into space for a long while: “Ah! I remember! Once when everyone was discussing the ghost haunting, while everyone was scared, Qingzhi suddenly said something out of nowhere: she was from the same hometown as that beautiful concubine who was driven to death by the proprietor’s wife. We were all startled and nervously asked her: ‘We’ve heard of people currying favor with the powerful, but never of someone claiming connections with the dead. When that concubine jumped into the well, Caifeng Tower wasn’t even open yet. Qingzhi, how could you have met that concubine? How do you know you’re from the same hometown? You’ve been sold for so many years – do you even remember where you’re from?’

“We asked her a string of questions, but Qingzhi just smugly jumped down the steps and ran away. We couldn’t understand what she was so proud about – acting like knowing a ghost was finding treasure.”

Lin Chengyou, who had been casual until now, darkened his expression: “Same hometown? She said she was from the same hometown as the previous proprietor’s concubine?”

“Yes, but Qingzhi loves to boast – hardly anyone believes her words anyway. She probably just said it to scare people since everyone was afraid of ghosts. Nobody wanted to humor her, so no one asked further questions afterward.”

Lin Chengyou’s gaze flashed like lightning: “Think carefully – did Qingzhi say anything similar after that?”

A-Yan was startled – every time he’d seen the Young Master before, he had been relaxed and smiling, maintaining a carefree, unrestrained manner. This sharp tone and manner inexplicably made one’s heart race.

He held his head and thought hard, but the more anxious he became, the less he could remember. Finally, he shook his head and was about to force a smile when someone called from outside: “A-Yan, what are you dawdling for? The proprietor is calling for you.”

A-Yan hurriedly responded: “Coming!”

Then with an awkward smile: “Young Master—”

Lin Chengyou pulled a string of coins from his sleeve and tossed them to A-Yan: “Don’t mention tonight’s conversation to anyone else. If you remember anything, come find me immediately, no matter the hour.”

A-Yan left happily, and only then did Lin Chengyou open the letter in his hand.

Juesheng and Qizhi asked softly: “Master, is it a letter from Luoyang? Did they find out about that Luoyang Daoist’s background?”

Lin Chengyou didn’t answer and quickly finished reading the letter, his gaze settling for a moment before he turned to look at the Pure Youth Lotus Treasure statue behind the incense table. He stood up and began pacing around the statue.

While Jianxi and the others were still pondering A-Yan’s words, they began discussing: “After listening to all this, something seems off about this Qingzhi. Could she have been the one who disfigured Miss Gejin’s face?”

Jiantian finished his bowl of water shield soup without looking up: “Fool, it couldn’t possibly be Qingzhi. Don’t forget, that Qingzhi was Miss Gejin’s maid. When the evil spirit scratched Gejin and cursed so loudly, if it had been Qingzhi’s voice, Miss Gejin would have recognized it immediately.”

“Oh, right,” Juesheng scratched his head. “Could it have been Miss Wei Zi or Miss Yao Huang then? After all, they were about to become the premier courtesans before Miss Gejin came and ruined their chances.”

Jianmei laughed: “Didn’t your Master already say? Neither of them was even in the tower that night, and both had witnesses – Minister Lin and Young Master Wei.”

“That’s too convenient. Could they have begged Minister Lin and Young Master Wei to cover for them? Beautiful women are like precious flowers, rare and cherished. Weren’t they all quite intimate? Perhaps Wei Zi and Yao Huang shed some tears, and Minister Lin and Young Master Wei softened their hearts.”

By now, Teng Yuyi had drunk much cool cane juice, yet the heat in her body showed no signs of subsiding. Hearing their increasingly far-fetched theories, she couldn’t help saying: “Don’t forget, Miss Wei Zi attended a poetry gathering – such occasions are usually crowded with guests. Whether Wei Zi was present could be easily verified. Even if Minister Lin wanted to cover for someone, he wouldn’t tell such a clumsy lie. As for Miss Yao Huang, she went to the Qujiang Lantern Festival – not only does she have Young Master Wei’s testimony but also many attendants as witnesses.”

Jiantian let out a satisfied burp: “Young Master Wang is right. I advise you all to speak less – anything you can think of, the Young Master and the Court of Justice officials must have already investigated.”

Jianle exclaimed in shock: “Oh right! Qingzhi always talked about having siblings, and just now that temple servant mentioned she claimed to be from the same hometown as the proprietor’s concubine. Could that concubine have been her sister?”

Teng Yuyi sighed heavily, and Qizhi couldn’t help but laugh: “Qingzhi has been thinking about her sibling for years. If she suddenly learned her sister was dead, and in such a tragic way, she’d be crying inconsolably – how could she be ‘smugly pleased’?”

Jianle waved his hand in embarrassment: “Let’s stop guessing! We’re usually quite clever, but the wine has made us muddle-headed. Besides, we’re not judicial officials – it’s no surprise we can’t figure it out.”

Teng Yuyi glanced at Lin Chengyou. When they mentioned Qingzhi having a sibling, he didn’t even turn around, despite his clear interest in Qingzhi’s affairs. Such indifference could only mean one thing: he had heard about this before.

Teng Yuyi stroked her fake beard. If Qingzhi was murdered and the killer was still at large, since Lin Chengyou was investigating, she felt she should share what she had heard.

“I heard that Qingzhi had hidden a package of dried cherries in her room – food on top, but jewels hidden underneath. When someone discovered it, she claimed it was a gift from an old acquaintance.”

Lin Chengyou crouched down to examine under the table and didn’t even turn around at her words, showing no interest.

Teng Yuyi raised her eyebrows – he had heard this too?

She had heard this from Baozhu, and it was Baozhu who had discovered Qingzhi’s secret. So only Baozhu could have told Lin Chengyou.

Everyone turned their attention to Lin Chengyou, wondering what was written in that letter from Luoyang. Since reading it, he had been pondering the treasured statue.

“Young Master, who sent that letter?” The Five Daoists curiously moved closer.

Lin Chengyou didn’t look up: “Remember when He Mingsheng first acquired this tower? Because of the ghost haunting, he specially invited a mystic from Luoyang. This shrine was built on that mystic’s instructions.”

Teng Yuyi examined the incense table. That night when the Golden-Robed Young Master transformed into a golden dragon and fought an earth-shattering battle with Lin Chengyou, the small Buddha hall was severely damaged. This statue had fallen from its pedestal but was now restored, though much of its lacquer had peeled off.

Jiantian crossed his arms: “This formation is fine – it’s a perfectly square Taibal Demon-Subduing Formation, the statue is flawlessly crafted, and the talismans are drawn properly. If it hadn’t happened to be pressing down on the Corpse Fiend and Golden-Robed Young Master, this formation would have been enough to keep the tower safe. But we can’t blame that mystic – who could have known there were hundred-year-old monsters trapped underneath?”

“I can’t see any problems either,” Lin Chengyou examined the traces of cinnabar outside the formation’s focal point. “But the letter from Luoyang says they searched the entire city and couldn’t find this mystic.”

The Five Daoists were startled: “Gone traveling?”

“He Mingsheng went to Luoyang himself in the first few days but couldn’t find this mystic even then. I’m not surprised this person’s whereabouts are unknown, but the timing of his disappearance seems too convenient.”

Since drinking the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup, the heat in Teng Yuyi’s body hadn’t subsided. By now, several layers of her inner clothes were soaked with sweat, making her feel uncomfortably sticky as if sitting in mud. She fanned herself and stood up: “My apologies, I’m feeling unwell and need to return to my room to change clothes. Please continue your conversation – I’ll take my leave first.”

The Five Daoists hadn’t expected Teng Yuyi to leave so abruptly and had no chance to try to keep her.

Lin Chengyou turned to look at Teng Yuyi, wanting to say something, but she left quickly without looking back.

Outside, the evening breeze didn’t help – instead, Teng Yuyi sweated even more. It felt as if some internal energy was propelling her forward, each step worth three normal ones.

She moved as light as a feather, walking and bouncing along the way, soon leaving Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu far behind.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu were both surprised and suspicious – how had their young master suddenly become so agile? Fearing something might go wrong, they quickly used their internal energy to chase after her. Though Teng Yuyi’s pace was quick, her internal energy was insufficient, so they soon caught up.

Teng Yuyi felt a hot energy coursing chaotically through her body, her chest feeling ready to explode from heat. She had to run forcefully to release this strange, unexplained power. Running like the wind back to Nanze, she happened to pass by Gejin’s room just as Juan’er and Baozhu were carrying bedding out.

The corridor was crowded with people – some consoling Gejin, some comforting Juan’er, some making snide remarks, others trying to mediate. Gejin sat motionless by the window, her face frost-like.

Normally, Teng Yuyi would have stayed to watch the commotion, but now she had no interest. She rushed back to her room like a whirlwind and asked the maids outside to bring bath water. There was already a bathtub in the room, and hot water was readily available in the tower. Once everything arrived, Teng Yuyi closed the door to bathing, but even after washing, the heat in her body hadn’t subsided.

She paced around the room with her hands on her hips. She had only brought one set of Hu clothing; all that remained were Han-style robes and headbands. There was no time for elaborate dressing – she hastily found a clean set of men’s clothes to change into, then put on the string of mystic bells before opening the door: “Butler Cheng, Huo Qiu.”

As soon as she spoke, Teng Yuyi startled herself – the heat from her dantian surged upward, making her voice notably louder than usual. Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu darted out from the neighboring room, looking at Teng Yuyi in surprise: “Young Master.”

Teng Yuyi coughed twice, lowering her voice: “Accompany me for a walk in the garden.”

Before they could respond, Teng Yuyi turned and walked – or rather, ran – outside. At the steps, she was moving too quickly to see clearly and couldn’t stop in time, stumbling forward awkwardly.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu were horrified and rushed forward, but surprisingly, Teng Yuyi managed to steady herself in her panic with a horse stance.

Butler Cheng’s expression changed several times: “Young Master, this isn’t right, your martial arts—”

How had she suddenly become as agile as a monkey?

Teng Yuyi panted while examining her strange posture, then gritted her teeth: “It must be that Fire Jade Spirit Root soup’s doing! Lin Chengyou!”

Just then, Juesheng and Qizhi came running with armfuls of talismans.

The two were startled to see a graceful youth in a dark green round-collared robe, not recognizing who it was at first. Only upon seeing Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu did they realize it was Teng Yuyi.

“Oh? Young Master Wang, why are you here?”

The fire in Teng Yuyi’s heart far exceeded the strange heat in her body. Without a word, she grabbed Juesheng’s plump arm: “Where is your Master?”

Juesheng and Qizhi were frightened – Miss Teng seemed completely different, her voice no longer gentle and pleasant, her eyes burning bright enough to start a fire.

Juesheng said in bewilderment: “Master was furious about this afternoon’s events and said he would punish us properly. He ordered us to first paste talismans outside Juan’er’s door, then return to clean the formation’s focal point in the small Buddha hall. He said even if we had to stay up all night, we must clean the tomb chamber that originally sealed the two monsters.”

Qizhi anxiously examined Teng Yuyi: “Young Master Wang, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Teng Yuyi was furious. “It’s all your Master’s doing! Tell me truthfully, what was strange about that Fire Jade Spirit Root soup?”

The two panicked: “Is Young Master Wang feeling unwell after drinking the soup? But that’s not right – we drank it too, and so did Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu, as well as the seniors from Dongming Temple. Everyone else is fine.”

Teng Yuyi tried to suppress her anger, thinking this was Lin Chengyou’s trick – how could Juesheng and Qizhi explain it? She nodded restrainedly and released Juesheng’s arm before walking forward.

Juesheng and Qizhi stood dumbfounded for a moment before hurrying to follow.

Butler Cheng’s face was like frost: “The two young Daoists must have seen it too – something is very wrong with my young master. Everything was fine before the meal, but strange things started happening after drinking the soup. If you young Daoists know anything, you’d better speak up soon.”

“We don’t know,” Juesheng and Qizhi stamped their feet, then turned to see Teng Yuyi already hurrying toward the small Buddha hall. They had to lift their robes to chase after her.

“Young Master Wang, the Fire Jade Spirit Root is recorded in orthodox Daoist scriptures – it won’t harm people. Young Master Wang, what exactly feels wrong? Could it be you caught a cold? Theoretically, the Fire Jade Spirit Root should only have benefits, no drawbacks.”

“Everything feels wrong.” Teng Yuyi felt hot energy coursing chaotically in her chest as if she could breathe fire. If she breathed on the flowers and plants, she might set the whole garden ablaze.

She instinctively kept her mouth tightly shut. Good heavens, this thing not only gave her tremendous strength but seemed to affect her temperament – she felt possessed by Xiao Ya, becoming so irritable she just wanted to curse at people.

“Didn’t Daoist Jianxian say that half the scripture about the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup was lost? Perhaps its drawbacks were recorded in the other half. Since Lin Chengyou dared to bring out the Fire Jade Spirit Root to eat, he must know what’s written in the other half. I must ask him face-to-face what trick he just played!”

Qizhi said anxiously: “Master isn’t in the small Buddha hall.”

Teng Yuyi stopped abruptly and turned toward the garden gate: “Then he must be in the front tower!”

Juesheng and Qizhi’s eyes widened – Miss Teng seemed to have wheels on her feet, disappearing into the distance in the blink of an eye. Though they wanted to intervene, they couldn’t abandon Juan’er and Gejin. They could only stay put, watching helplessly as Teng Yuyi vanished at the garden gate.

Teng Yuyi ran to the front tower in one breath. It was getting late, and lanterns were lit along the corridors. Only a few temple servants and maids were working in the main hall.

Teng Yuyi’s gaze swept around wildly: “Have you seen Prince Cheng’s Young Master?”

Those people turned to look, somewhat confused – they were used to seeing Teng Yuyi in Hu clothing and almost didn’t recognize this handsome young gentleman.

“Oh, it’s Young Master Wang!” A temple servant came to his senses and approached with a smile. “His Highness is on the second floor.”

Before he finished speaking, a gust of wind brushed past his face, and Teng Yuyi had vanished.

The temple servant was dumbfounded, hearing only the “thump, thump, thump” of someone running upstairs. Looking up in confusion, he saw Teng Yuyi had already darted around the stair corner.

Teng Yuyi rushed to the second floor. She had long since memorized the front tower’s layout – the second floor was all private rooms, usually full of guests but now empty due to the tower’s closure.

She searched along the corridor but couldn’t find Lin Chengyou. Opening the door of the last room, she still saw no one, but a glass lamp on the window table indicated someone had been there.

Teng Yuyi quickly walked to the window. The small lamp cast flickering shadows across the room. A bamboo scroll lay on the table – one of Dongming Temple’s records of strange occurrences.

After running all this way, Teng Yuyi had sweated through countless layers – her bath had been for nothing, with steam rising from her collar.

She wiped her sweat while pacing anxiously around the room, unable to calm down. Strangely, while earlier only her body had felt hot, now her cheeks were beginning to tingle.

“Lin Chengyou!”

Hearing no response from Lin Chengyou, Teng Yuyi looked around suspiciously. A person couldn’t just vanish into thin air. She leaned against the window to look outside when suddenly she heard a “clunk” from above as if someone had accidentally knocked a roof tile while walking along the ridge.

Normally, this would have frightened Teng Yuyi terribly, but with the strange power supporting her body now, that “fear” transformed into “anger.”

Strangely, her hearing had also become extraordinarily sharp. She listened intently but couldn’t identify who it was. Just as she was about to call out, she heard someone laugh from far above – who else but Lin Chengyou?

Teng Yuyi burned with rage and looked up: “Lin Chengyou! Get down here!”

This time she was shouting.

However, whether Lin Chengyou hadn’t heard or was deliberately ignoring her, there was no response at all. Teng Yuyi clutched at her collar – her chest felt like it contained a furnace, heating her entire body. If this continued, steam would start coming from all seven apertures.

Unable to reach the roof beam, she could only fret helplessly. Her gaze swept wildly around the room until she suddenly noticed something odd about a bookshelf’s position. It should have been flush against the wall but had been pulled halfway out.

Teng Yuyi’s heart stirred. She went closer to examine it carefully and saw an obvious mechanism on the shelf, likely used by craftsmen for accessing the roof.

Teng Yuyi shook the mystic bells on her wrist – they remained silent, indicating no evil spirits nearby. Reassured, she pressed the mechanism. With a “whoosh,” a rope ladder dropped from the ceiling. As she lifted her robes to climb, Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu burst in.

“Young Master.”

“Lin Chengyou is on the roof. I’m going up to ask him some questions – follow quickly.”

As she spoke, she climbed the ladder to the roof. As soon as she emerged, she turned her head searching for Lin Chengyou. Sure enough, he was on the eastern roof ridge. He had heard the commotion below, and seeing Teng Yuyi, showed no surprise, merely sneering: “If it isn’t Young Master Wang? Not staying in your room, but what are you doing up on the roof beams?”

Teng Yuyi’s eyes blazed with fury as she quickly surveyed the surroundings. There was no one else on the roof, which was strange – she had heard Lin Chengyou talking and laughing with someone. Where had that person gone in the blink of an eye?

But now wasn’t the time to worry about that. She carefully stepped onto the tiles, spreading her arms for balance: “I came to settle accounts with you. What did you do to that soup? Give me the antidote quickly.”

Lin Chengyou laughed inwardly – those two foolish disciples Juesheng and Qizhi had meant well but caused trouble, reducing Teng Yuyi to this state. The idiots only knew the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup was beneficial and had eagerly urged Teng Yuyi to drink it, not knowing this spiritual herb was difficult to process – those with internal power would increase their strength, but those without would only suffer chaos.

This could only be blamed on Juesheng and Qizhi’s unauthorized actions, certainly not on him. But he couldn’t be bothered to explain – watching her anger was quite entertaining. Let her think he had done it deliberately.

He said seriously: “Young Master Wang, I kindly offered you soup, and not only are you ungrateful, but you’re blaming others?”

Teng Yuyi was grinding her teeth in fury. After drinking the soup, she felt like she was being roasted over intense flames, yet Lin Chengyou dared to put on this act. She tried taking a step forward, then stopped – she had expected to be unsteady, but surprisingly her feet were quite stable. Growing more confident, she started slowly but soon walked as swiftly as flying, moving faster and faster until she was right in front of Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou watched her approach with amusement. The soup was indeed interesting – not only was Teng Yuyi’s voice brighter, but her movements were more agitated than usual. Her cheeks and lips were crimson, giving her a somewhat intoxicated appearance, and she ran as if divinely assisted – completely different from her usual delicate manner.

“Where does Young Master Wang feel unwell?” he asked with feigned concern.

Teng Yuyi stood firm: “Tonight I ate nothing but that bowl of Fire Jade Spirit Root soup, yet I’ve become like this for no reason – it must be related to the soup. Lin Chengyou, don’t think I don’t know you’re behind this. Give me the antidote quickly, or I won’t let you off!”

Lin Chengyou sneered: “Won’t let me off? Even if I had an antidote and refused to give it to you, what would you do about it?”

Before he finished speaking, a palm strike came at his face – Teng Yuyi had attacked without warning.

Lin Chengyou tilted his head aside and caught her arm: “Teng Yuyi, you’re quite bold, daring to act wild before me!”

Teng Yuyi was drenched in sweat but swung her other hand without a word, coldly laughing: “If you hadn’t schemed against me first, I wouldn’t bother with you! Quickly produce the antidote, or I’ll die together with you!”

How could Lin Chengyou let Teng Yuyi succeed? He flipped backward onto a ridge ornament, thinking to himself that though Teng Yuyi was usually full of schemes, she wasn’t one to anger easily. Tonight’s dramatic change in temperament showed the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup could affect one’s nature.

He calmly observed her: “I advise you to save your strength. Even if you had actual martial arts training, let alone just having slightly more strength now, you wouldn’t be my match.”

Teng Yuyi shouted fiercely: “Just try me!” But although she had inexhaustible strange power, when it came to technique, she couldn’t even touch Lin Chengyou’s clothes – whenever she got close, he would slide away with a wicked smile.

Seeing Lin Chengyou slip away like a loach, the fire in Teng Yuyi’s heart burned ever fiercer. Suddenly seeing him stop, she thoughtlessly struck out, but instead of catching Lin Chengyou, her foot slipped, and she fell along the tiles.

Teng Yuyi instantly broke out in cold sweat: “Butler Cheng!”

With a heavy sound from the window, Butler Cheng had already leaped out from the room, performing a mid-air somersault to catch Teng Yuyi. However, the distance was too great – even with his lightning-quick movements, he was still an arm’s length short.

Butler Cheng’s mind raced as he changed direction to dive toward the ground below. With his profound internal power, if he could land first, protecting Teng Yuyi wouldn’t be difficult. Behind him, Huo Qiu also leaped from the window to assist, planning to coordinate with Butler Cheng from above and below.

Teng Yuyi’s soul seemed to have left her body in fright, worried Butler Cheng couldn’t catch her. But just as she rolled off the eaves, someone grabbed her collar from behind. In her panic, she looked back and caught a glimpse of Lin Chengyou’s robe front.

Lin Chengyou hauled her back onto the roof beam by her collar: “Tsk, I warned Young Master Wang earlier, but you wouldn’t listen. You’re lucky it’s the fifteenth day, and I must practice good deeds and abstinence. But this is the only time – if you fall again, I won’t bother to help.”

Teng Yuyi sat on the tiles wiping sweat and looked up at Lin Chengyou. He looked down at her, mockery in every feature.

Teng Yuyi patted her clothes trying to stand, but her legs were weak. Strangely, the fierce flames inside her seemed to have diminished somewhat, and her mind was clearer. She wondered if it was because of the cold sweat from her fright.

She had always known when to be firm and when to yield, so she quickly softened her tone: “I didn’t mean to fight. But surely the Young Master has seen how after dinner I’ve been sweating strangely, unable to control my joy or anger, as if my body is in flames and my heart in purgatory. All this started with that bowl of Fire Jade Spirit Root soup. Many people drank it tonight – why am I the only one affected this way? Since the Young Master brought this spiritual herb, please explain.”

Lin Chengyou walked far to one side, lifted his robes, and sat cross-legged: “Has that heat in Young Master Wang’s body subsided somewhat?”

Teng Yuyi asked suspiciously: “Yes, but what does this mean?”

“If Young Master Wang is truly uncomfortable, just exercise a bit, or if nothing else, exchange a few moves with someone. After sweating it out thoroughly, you’ll feel better.”

Teng Yuyi walked closer slowly: “So the Young Master admits to tampering with the soup? I don’t know how I’ve offended you, but please be merciful and give me the antidote.”

Lin Chengyou gazed forward: “Now I don’t understand what Young Master Wang means. Though your offenses against me are countless, I didn’t force you to drink the soup. Even with heaven-defying abilities, I couldn’t have schemed against you under everyone’s watchful eyes. You can only blame your body for being too weak to process spiritual herbs like the Fire Jade Spirit Root. Just look at your two guards – aren’t they fine?”

Teng Yuyi followed Lin Chengyou’s gaze. On this clear, moonlit night, standing atop the high building offered a complete view of Caifeng Tower. Her wild running and jumping in the courtyard earlier had probably all been seen by Lin Chengyou – he must have been holding his stomach laughing, no wonder he was in such a good mood.

She took a deep breath of cool air. The fierce flames in her heart that had been doused showed signs of rekindling: “Among all who drank the soup tonight, I’m the only one without internal power. The Young Master knew I couldn’t process the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup yet didn’t warn me. Now that I can’t sit still, who else should I look for but you?”

Lin Chengyou took a jade flute from his waist and tapped it in his palm. At the time, his mind had been full of thoughts about the culprit, and he had indeed forgotten to specifically warn Teng Yuyi. But when he left, the soup hadn’t yet been served – he had only gone to the front tower to get a letter, and when he returned, everyone had already drunk the soup.

“I’m truly wronged here. I only knew the Fire Jade Spirit Root could ward off evil and strengthen the body – how could I know Miss Teng would become so frenzied after taking it? Usually when people can’t process herbs, they just need to sweat it out and they’re fine. Perhaps this is different from other herbs, otherwise, why would it come to this? How about this – when I got the Fire Jade Spirit Root from the palace, I also brought the incomplete scripture. I haven’t had time to look at it yet, but seeing how much you’re suffering, I’ll check how to process it for you?”

Teng Yuyi narrowed her eyes. What nonsense about not having looked at it – he had planned everything. This man was endlessly devious. He had been nursing anger all afternoon and probably wanted to torment her. After letting her suffer for half an hour, he was still waiting to see her make a fool of herself – how could he voluntarily tell her how to process it?

She wanted to see how much more he would toy with her. Through gritted teeth, she said: “Then I trouble the Young Master for his guidance.”

As she spoke, Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu silently landed on the corner of the eaves.

Lin Chengyou pretentiously took out a palm-sized booklet from his chest, flipped through it, and casually pointed to a spot: “Here it is. The Fire Jade Spirit Root’s properties are tricky – it strengthens the strong but harms the weak. While martial artists who take it can benefit from its qi-strengthening properties, when the elderly, weak, women, or children take it, the medicinal energy will harm their constitution. Minor symptoms include fever, thirst, and mood swings; in severe cases, heat sores will develop all over the body.”

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu, who had been tense all along, relaxed slightly at these words. Just sores – it wouldn’t damage her internal organs: “Then may we ask the Young Master, what is the method for processing it?”

“Ordinary methods for clearing heat and detoxifying won’t work. Only one’s internal power can neutralize its heat properties. The person who drinks the soup must develop a set of martial techniques in the shortest possible time, otherwise, heat sores will keep appearing endlessly.”

When Teng Yuyi heard about the heat sores, her expression grew even worse. If she had a knife in her hand, she would have already scarred Lin Chengyou’s face. But at the mention of “martial arts,” she was momentarily stunned.

Since her rebirth, she had indeed planned to learn martial arts but had postponed it until now because of Duan Fu’s unhealed broken bones. If they could successfully eliminate the Corpse Fiend this time, she would probably arrange to learn martial arts after returning.

But choosing freely and being forced were two entirely different matters.

“Why is Miss Teng looking at me like that?” Lin Chengyou’s smile was quite meaningful. “The Fire Jade Spirit Root is a rare treasure in this world – many seek it but cannot obtain it. I generously gave you the medicine, and instead of thanking me, you attacked me. Now I’ve told you how to process it – it’s just practicing martial arts, isn’t it? You’re still young – why not take this opportunity to train your body? Not only will it help process the medicine, but it will also strengthen you. The Fire Jade Spirit Root is remarkably effective at increasing internal power. If you can process it successfully, gaining seven or eight years worth of power at once is not impossible.”

Lin Chengyou studied Teng Yuyi as he spoke as if trying to determine where the first heat sore would appear. He didn’t believe Teng Yuyi would endure the hardships of learning martial arts, so those heat sores would appear whether she liked it or not.

Looking at her now, he realized Teng Yuyi’s face didn’t have even a single small pockmark – her skin was as delicate as jade, more tender than spring cherry blossoms. If a bunch of angry red heat sores appeared, now that would be quite a sight.

As he studied her in his mind and withdrew his gaze with a wicked smile, unexpectedly, Teng Yuyi’s long lashes fluttered, and a crystalline tear emerged.

The tear rolled down silently, hanging like a dewdrop on her pink cheek. Then she sniffled, and the tears in her eyes fell like scattered pearls from a broken string, falling more and more.

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows – she was feeling wronged already? She had chosen to drink the soup herself; he hadn’t forced her. Come to think of it, he hadn’t had a moment’s peace since meeting her. Compared to her recent actions, he had been positively saintly. Tonight she had only herself to blame – after manipulating Juesheng and Qizhi so many times, who would have thought they’d prove unreliable?

“Take your time crying, Miss Teng.” Lin Chengyou smiled pleasantly, walking past her with his hands behind his back. “This medicine particularly dislikes the qi of melancholy and sorrow – the more you cry, the more heat sores will appear.”

Teng Yuyi let out a sob. Though Lin Chengyou’s heart was like a stone, even he found it strange – Teng Yuyi wasn’t the type to cry over everything. It was just some heat sores – why was she acting like the sky was falling?

Curiosity made him pause and look back, but suddenly a silver flash came at him – a rain of silver needles attacking his face.

“Master, watch out!” Qizhi shouted.

Having been caught by Teng Yuyi’s tricks before, Lin Chengyou knew she liked to hide poison needles as hidden weapons and had been staying vigilant. Her crying had almost fooled him.

He swept his sleeve to catch most of the silver needles, but the attack had been so sudden that even with his lightning-quick movements, several needles still flew toward his chest and abdomen. Lin Chengyou leaped sideways, stepping on tiles as he flew down toward the building, landing gracefully in the open space before the hall.

He suddenly looked back up – Teng Yuyi stood in the moonlight, watching him.

“Teng Yuyi, you dare scheme against me again!”

Teng Yuyi’s tears vanished in an instant as she proudly strode away across the tiles: “Thank you, Young Master, for telling me how to process it. As for whether I can handle this spiritual herb – that depends on my abilities.”

Lin Chengyou was about to leap back to the roof beam but withdrew his hand, casting an amused glance at Teng Yuyi’s retreating figure before heading toward the back courtyard.

Meanwhile, Juesheng had just finished pasting talismans outside Juan’er’s room and was checking each room along the corridor. After driving Juan’er out, Miss Gejin had shut her door and remained silent – almost no sound could be heard from outside, but at least the talismans on the door were intact.

As he was pondering this, he turned to see Lin Chengyou and Qizhi approaching, and hurried to meet them: “Master, how is Young Master Wang?”

Lin Chengyou said: “You have time to worry about irrelevant matters? Have you finished the tasks I assigned?”

“Don’t worry, Master, everything’s done.” Juesheng patted his chest.

They returned to the room full of concern. Qizhi stood honestly beside Lin Chengyou and said in a muffled voice: “Master, is Miss Teng’s suffering really because she drank the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup?”

Lin Chengyou took out a stack of papers from his robe: “She can’t process the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup, so she’ll have to endure some hardship these next few days.”

The two were shocked – so it was because she couldn’t process it?

“Then… then Master, how can she process it?”

“I’ve already told her the method. If she doesn’t want heart sores, she’ll have to practice martial arts. If she’s willing to cultivate internal power, it’s like gaining seven or eight years of power for free. If she won’t even endure this bit of hardship, she can’t blame others.”

Qizhi now understood everything and felt both guilty and regretful: “Master, Miss Teng has never practiced martial arts before. Though she’s still young, I hear she’s already of marriageable age. Starting from scratch now will be incredibly difficult. If she can’t open several major meridians quickly enough, will she get heat sores?”

“Not just one or two – a whole lot of them.”

Juesheng imagined Teng Yuyi’s face covered in heat sores and suddenly shuddered: “Master, forget about young ladies – even the palace eunuchs don’t like getting pockmarks on their faces. Miss Teng is so beautiful; it would be such a shame if her face was scarred by heat sores. Master, isn’t there any other way?”

“No.” Lin Chengyou moved the lamp closer and unfolded the papers in his hand. “The Fire Jade Spirit Root is the world’s greatest spiritual herb. Since she happened to drink it by chance, she can only rely on her abilities to handle it. How can one expect to gain benefits without enduring any hardship?”

Qizhi paced anxiously: “It’s all my fault! It’s all my fault! If I had known, I never should have given Miss Teng the soup.”

Suddenly his eyes lit up: “Master, last time the Sage told Master about a sword manual in the palace called ‘Runan Peach Blossom Sword’ – they say this sword technique is most suitable for weak people to begin with. Master, you even said you would teach Princess Azhi and Princess Changyi. Why don’t you give Miss Teng some pointers first?”

Lin Chengyou’s expression turned strange: “The Peach Blossom sword technique? Me, teach Teng Yuyi? I think the heat hasn’t addled Teng Yuyi’s brain – it’s addled yours, Qizhi.”

Juesheng sighed heavily: “Master, would you still be unmoved if Princess Azhi got heart sores?”

Lin Chengyou unrolled the bamboo scroll: “Of course, I wouldn’t be unmoved, but Azhi is my sister – what is Teng Yuyi to me?”

“That’s true, but if you just imagine how anxious Princess Azhi would be about getting heat sores, you might understand how Miss Teng feels right now.”

Lin Chengyou interrupted them: “Have you forgotten you’re still being punished? Have you finished copying the talismans? Completed your lessons? If you don’t want to go back to confinement, then hurry to the small Buddha hall to clean the formation’s focal point. Remember what I said – don’t miss a single corner. If you dare be lazy, there will be heavy punishment tomorrow.”

Juesheng and Qizhi knew they couldn’t persuade him for now. Since Miss Teng had returned to her room, no matter how urgent, they could only wait until tomorrow. The two could only rise reluctantly: “Master, if we go to the small Buddha hall tonight, who will watch over Miss Teng and the others?”

“I’ll sleep here tonight.”

The two had reached the door but rushed back: “Master, have you discovered something?”

As they spoke, they looked at the table and saw a stack of pawnshop tickets – almost all for pawned jewelry and hairpins.

They wanted to see who had pawned them, but where the name should have been signed in the bottom right corner, there was only a red fingerprint – they realized the person must have been illiterate.

“Master, where did these pawn tickets come from? Why did this person pawn so many accessories?”

Lin Chengyou ignored the question. Juesheng and Qizhi awkwardly shifted their gaze elsewhere. There was another pile of papers on the table – flipping through them revealed contracts for the tower’s ten courtesans, with Miss Wei Zi and Miss Yao Huang’s names and places of origin at the top.

That was one thing, but the paper in Lin Chengyou’s hand had completely unfamiliar names.

“Master, who is this Tian Yunde?”

Lin Chengyou trimmed the lamp wick to make it brighter: “The owner of the previous silk shop.”

Juesheng and Qizhi tensed – this shopkeeper had died of migraines last year.

“And who is this Madam Qi?”

Lin Chengyou: “Tian Yunde’s first wife.”

“The one who drove her husband’s concubine to death?” Juesheng asked in confusion. “Master, weren’t you investigating Qingzhi’s death? Why are you now looking into the silk shop owner and his wife? I heard Caifeng Tower only opened half a year ago, but this couple died over a year ago.”

Another “I heard.”

Lin Chengyou cast a sidelong glance at the two: “During these days you’ve spent in the tower, have your little ears had any rest at all?”

The two dared not speak – Master was still angry, and saying more might only increase their punishment.

“You were chattering endlessly earlier, but now when it’s time to talk, you’ve gone mute. What have you heard? Tell me.”

Juesheng perked up: “Master, last time I heard Juan’er say that the shopkeeper had been sick for several months before dying, and several medical officials testified that night – there was nothing suspicious about his death. As for Madam Tian, she was known for being greedy and fierce. Even if her husband died of illness, she wouldn’t likely take her own life, but though the judicial officials investigated several times, they couldn’t find anything.”

Qizhi also spoke softly: “I also heard this shopkeeper was extremely afraid of his wife. Even knowing his concubine was driven to death by his wife, he didn’t dare react. Tian Yunde became ill from fright, always saying he saw the concubine’s ghost wandering in the courtyard.”

Lin Chengyou began writing on the paper:

Tian Yunde, died at age 40, from Zhangqiu. Ancestors were merchants. Due to poor business acumen, family fortunes declined. In the year of Dingmao, during Henan famine, whole family moved to Chang’an. His wife Madam Qi pawned all her dowry to maintain livelihood. Tian Yunde used this capital to purchase silk, thus starting silk trade.

Madam Qi, died at age 41, from Zhangqiu. Came to Chang’an with husband in the year of Dingmao.

Juesheng said: “The year of Dingmao? Wasn’t that ten years ago when they came to Chang’an? I heard Madam E say this silk shop only sold the finest silks and had flourished for years. When people mentioned silk shops in Chang’an, everyone recommended Old Master Tian’s shop first. I thought Old Master Tian must have had family wealth to build such a big business – I didn’t expect he only started ten years ago. Master, would this count as starting from nothing?”

Qizhi shook his head: “Not really – if Madam Tian hadn’t sold her dowry, Tian Yunde wouldn’t have had capital for business. No wonder he was so afraid of his wife.”

As they talked, they curiously looked around. Though the building had become a pleasure house, most of the furnishings were left from the silk shop. Just looking at the pavilions and corridors, everything had been exquisite before. To achieve such luxury in just ten years was quite remarkable, but sadly the couple died suddenly, and their vast fortune was scattered in a single night.

Lin Chengyou let them mumble as he wrote down the background of a third person:

Miss Rong, from Yuezhou. Mother was a Yuezhou weaver, father unknown. In the year of Yinbing, Tian Yunde went to Yuezhou to purchase silk and paid a large sum to take Miss Rong as a concubine. The same year in June, Miss Rong followed Tian Yunde to Chang’an. In October, died from falling into the well, at age 16.

Qizhi looked sympathetic: “So the concubine’s surname was Rong. She was pitiful indeed – died by jumping into the well less than four months after marriage. Oh right, Qingzhi said she and Miss Rong were from the same hometown – could Qingzhi also be from Yuezhou?”

Juesheng’s gaze swept the table and quickly found Qingzhi’s name: “No, no – Qingzhi is from Xingyang. Strange, why did she say she and Miss Rong were from the same hometown? Did she make a mistake, or was she deliberately lying?”

Qizhi was stunned for a moment, his expression turning strange: “Whether she was lying or not, Juesheng, don’t you find it odd? Qingzhi only came after Caifeng Tower opened, by which time Miss Rong had been dead for a year. They never crossed paths – how could she have met Miss Rong?”

Juesheng tilted his head in thought: “That’s not so strange. Don’t forget, that Qingzhi has been with Madam Wo since childhood. Madam Wo is a well-established madame in Pingkang Ward, and Qingzhi often moved around the ward, inevitably passing by the silk shop. Perhaps Qingzhi had seen Miss Rong a year or two ago.”

Lin Chengyou flicked the paper: “Had enough chattering? Look at the water clock – what time is it?”

Juesheng and Qizhi lingered at the door, remembering how Gejin had caused a scene by refusing to live with Juan’er, and suddenly said: “Master, we’ve been wanting to ask – last time when we came to Caifeng Tower, Miss Gejin’s facial wounds were still fresh. Whether it was done by a person or an evil spirit could be seen at a glance. Miss Gejin was injured by a person – why did Master say it was done by an evil spirit?”

Lin Chengyou smiled: “Good, you’re showing some progress. Though you knew I deliberately spoke wrongly, you didn’t rashly point it out. Why don’t you tell me why I did this?”

Juesheng’s eyes sparkled: “Master must have feared that revealing the truth would alert the culprit. Master, do you already know who harmed Miss Gejin? I guess it was one of the ten courtesans, who resented Miss Gejin for always stealing the spotlight and so disfigured her.”

Qizhi said: “But tonight that temple servant said Proprietor He had already investigated when Gejin was injured – none of the ten courtesans were in the back garden.”

“There are still personal maids and old women – even if they weren’t present themselves, they could have ordered others to act. I always thought Miss Wei Zi and Miss Yao Huang were the most suspicious. After all, the temple servant also said that while the other courtesans were outstanding, they had no hope of becoming the premier courtesan. Wei Zi and Yao Huang were just one step away from securing the position. Master, am I right?”

Lin Chengyou neither confirmed nor denied.

Juesheng took this as confirmation and excitedly patted his chest: “Let me think. When we rescued Miss Gejin from the Golden-Robed Young Master, we had already examined everything in her room. Besides the window by the bed, there was only the door. That night Miss Gejin retired early, and the ‘evil spirit’ went straight to the bedside to scratch her face. If it was someone pretending, how did they sneak into the room?”

Lin Chengyou clapped lightly: “You’re improving. Think carefully – given the conditions that night, how did that ‘ghost’ sneak into Gejin’s room?”

“Did they pick the lock? But other ladies lived right next door – even if they weren’t afraid of Gejin hearing, someone in the corridor might have seen them.”

Qizhi’s face brightened: “Could they have climbed in through the window?”

Then he drooped his head: “No, the water in the pond isn’t very deep, and people were always coming and going in the garden. Climbing through a window at midnight would be seen immediately.”

Juesheng paced the room twice. This room had a similar layout to Gejin’s, just slightly smaller. He looked at the door in confusion: “Perhaps they had obtained a key to Gejin’s door beforehand? But from the door to the bedside is quite a distance. Weren’t they afraid Gejin might suddenly wake up? If she screamed, people would come running before they could scratch her face.”

Lin Chengyou dipped his brush in ink while reminding them: “What did you say was in Gejin’s room just now?”

Juesheng and Qizhi were stunned: “A window, bed, door. Oh right, and a dressing table, side table, couch, cushions, screen.”

Their eyes grew wider and wider, and suddenly they spoke in unison: “The bed? That person was hiding under Miss Gejin’s bed?”

Lin Chengyou clicked his tongue and rubbed his ear: “Even if you’ve guessed right, there’s no need to be so startled.”

“We guessed right?” Juesheng and Qizhi excitedly hugged each other.

Juesheng continued: “Not just anyone could crawl under a bed. Miss Wei Zi is quite plump – it would have been difficult for her. I think it was Miss Yao Huang. She’s petite – she could hide under the bed for an hour without being noticed.”

Qizhi shoved Juesheng: “Why are you circling back to Wei Zi and Yao Huang? Didn’t we establish they weren’t at Caifeng Tower that night?”

Lin Chengyou glanced at the water clock: “That should be enough. Keep talking and it’ll be dawn. Don’t just be lazy – get to work. Don’t make noise when you leave, or people will say Qingyun Temple’s young Daoists have no manners. If I hear you talking, you’ll copy the Yin Fu Scripture another hundred times tomorrow.”

Though burning with curiosity, Juesheng and Qizhi had no choice but to leave. Only after exiting did they realize – Master forbade them from talking in the corridor to prevent them from finding Miss Teng.

The two looked at Teng Yuyi’s tightly closed door. Tomorrow they must explain everything to her clearly, lest she misunderstand that Master had done it deliberately. But they feared she wouldn’t believe them – after all, she and Master had fought several times already.

***

By this time, Teng Yuyi had already bathed again in her room. After that fight with Lin Chengyou, the chaotic strange energy in her body instantly calmed. Not only did she no longer feel hot, but she felt cool and comfortable. The tingling in her face had also subsided.

It seemed there would be no more attacks tonight. Teng Yuyi paced her room – earlier she had been too busy running and jumping around, only feeling exhausted afterward. Seeing how late it was, she decided to rest first.

However, she woke up in the middle of the night, hot again.

Teng Yuyi opened her eyes in the darkness, feeling her cheeks itching strangely.

Could the heat sores be coming? Her sleepiness instantly vanished. She instinctively touched her cheeks but couldn’t tell anything. Hurriedly finding a fire striker to light the lamp, she moved to the mirror and saw her cheeks were indeed crimson.

She drew in a sharp breath. No wonder Lin Chengyou had been willing to tell her how to process it. Butler Cheng was right – just moving around a bit wasn’t nearly enough. Unless she quickly learned martial arts to process the medicine, the heat sores could appear at any time.

She couldn’t afford even a single heat sore – she had to learn martial arts. But how and when to learn would depend on Butler Cheng’s judgment.

While silently cursing Lin Chengyou, she shook the mystic bells. Confirming no evil spirits were outside her door, she knocked on the wall: “Butler Cheng.”

“Young Master.” Someone quickly knocked softly on the door outside.

Teng Yuyi tidied her clothes and opened the door, saying quietly: “What time is it?”

“The hour of Zi (11 PM-1 AM).”

“The medicine is acting up again. I can’t wait until morning – let’s start learning tonight.”

Butler Cheng had been planning to send Huo Qiu with a message to Teng Shao, never expecting Teng Yuyi to voluntarily bring up learning martial arts.

He felt both joy and concern. The master had always hoped his daughter would learn some self-defense techniques, but she had steadfastly refused. Today’s incident could be considered a blessing in disguise.

He and Huo Qiu both came from military backgrounds, trained in forceful styles – one specializing in fist techniques, the other in blade techniques. Their common moves all required strong internal power to support them. The young master had no foundation – even after a year of teaching, she might not grasp it. After discussion, Butler Cheng decided to start with the most basic Cheng Family Fist.

But Teng Yuyi hesitated: “Isn’t there a simpler sword technique? I’m already used to using Xiao Ya’s sword. If I’m going to use it for self-defense in the future, knowing sword techniques would be better than not knowing any.”

“Then there’s only the Ke’e Sword Technique.” Butler Cheng drew his dagger and flourished it in the air. “Though called a sword technique, it can also be used with daggers or short blades. It has only ten moves, simple and ancient. Young Master, the room isn’t spacious enough – follow this old servant to the garden.”

The three, afraid of disturbing others, tiptoed out of the room.

The night was deep, the surroundings silent. All of Caifeng Tower had retired. Moving quietly to the garden, they saw a luxuriant locust tree in the distance. Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu approached and carefully checked for anything unusual. Finding nothing, they said to Teng Yuyi: “Young Master, let’s practice under the tree.”

Teng Yuyi adjusted her headband and tucked her robe hems into her belt. About to formally begin martial arts training, she actually felt nervous.

“Let’s begin.”

Butler Cheng made a soft sound, put his left hand behind his waist, and thrust his right hand forward like a swimming dragon: “Watch carefully, Young Master.”

Huo Qiu, understanding propriety, didn’t watch Butler Cheng’s swordplay but turned around to keep watch of their surroundings.

Teng Yuyi thought the moves looked unremarkable and assumed they were simple. After Butler Cheng demonstrated all ten moves, she silently reviewed them in her mind. Butler Cheng performed each move very slowly, making them clear and distinct. She drew Xiao Ya’s sword and began to imitate them.

But she couldn’t maintain it past three moves – her joints felt like they were splitting apart, and her hot sweat turned cold from pain.

“I don’t think we need to learn something this difficult,” she said casually while rubbing her shoulders. “Since this is my first time learning martial arts, we should start with simpler moves. This sword technique is too strange – let’s switch to something easier to grasp.”

Butler Cheng had expected her to try to get out of it – she had been like this since childhood, becoming even more cunning as she grew older. No one could do anything with her.

“This is already the simplest sword technique,” he said seriously. “Only ten moves, no jumping required, and all close-combat techniques. You could hope to regulate your true qi in three days. Other sword techniques almost all require qinggong as a foundation – it would take at least half a year to show any results.”

Teng Yuyi hissed – in half a year, her face would probably be covered in scars from heat sores. With no choice, she raised her arms and began practicing again.

Butler Cheng was determined to use this opportunity to help Teng Yuyi begin properly, so he was extremely strict.

“Shoulders level, waist stable. That’s not right – let this old servant show you again.”

“Wait, wait.” Teng Yuyi managed to squeeze out a smile. “Butler Cheng, do we need to raise our arms so high? Thrusting at chest level would work too, right? And the waist doesn’t need to be so low – we can kick with a straight back too, right?”

Suddenly there was a light laugh from the treetop. Teng Yuyi is startled and instinctively looks up. Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu leaped up, drawing their blades: “Who’s in the tree!”

The leaves rustled as the person in the tree seemed to stretch: “Today I’ve learned even studying martial arts can be bargained over.”

Lin Chengyou? Teng Yuyi was astonished. Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu were skilled martial artists, yet Lin Chengyou had hidden in the tree for so long without them noticing. This couldn’t be achieved by internal power alone – unless Lin Chengyou had set up some kind of Daoist barrier in the tree beforehand.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu were also caught off guard. They withdrew their blades and jumped to the treetop, confirming it was indeed Lin Chengyou, then said calmly: “How long has the Young Master been here?”

Lin Chengyou shifted to a more comfortable position, leaning against the tree: “I was napping here when unexpectedly Miss Teng came to practice at midnight. I had no intention of stealing techniques, but Miss Teng’s witty remarks kept coming. Rather than bear the false crime of ‘technique theft,’ I thought I should kindly remind you all.”

Teng Yuyi snorted: “So that’s it – I’ve given the Young Master something to laugh at. Thanks to you, I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to learn. Afraid of disturbing others, I especially found a quiet place to practice. Who knew the Young Master would hide in the tree like a thief, acting so suspiciously – no wonder you were mistaken for a villain. I can’t suppress this strange power, so I need to continue practicing. Please move elsewhere, Young Master, to avoid mutual inconvenience.”

Lin Chengyou remained unmoved as a mountain: “Miss Teng jests. Everything has its order – I was here first, you came later. If anyone should leave, it should be you.”

Teng Yuyi looked around. Lin Chengyou wouldn’t be here in the cold wind for no reason – setting up tricks around the tree beforehand must have had its purpose. Since he wouldn’t leave, she had no reason to make way for him. Better to ignore his presence, finish practicing, and leave immediately. She gave him an annoyed glance and resumed her stance: “Butler Cheng, let’s continue.”

Butler Cheng returned to the ground. The Ke’e Sword Technique was the most basic sword art – given Lin Chengyou’s martial skill, he certainly wouldn’t need to steal it. The garden was only so big, and finding another spot would be troublesome. If they kept moving around, his young master might use it as an excuse to stop practicing.

So he flourished his sword again, raising his left leg and thrusting with his right arm: “Watch carefully this time, Young Master. Your bones hurt because you haven’t opened your major meridians. This makes it all the more important to be precise – a hair’s difference leads to a thousand miles of error. You can’t go through the motions with any move. Once you truly understand, it won’t be so difficult.”

Lin Chengyou closed his eyes to rest in the tree, hearing only the sound of sword movements. He didn’t want to listen, but they were too close.

Seeing her run here earlier had truly surprised him. By his thinking, Teng Yuyi would likely try to get out of practice – after all, heat sores were temporary, but martial arts training brought endless hardship. He had expected her to return to her room either crying or sending an urgent message to Teng Shao for help. Who knew she would be so decisive, starting to learn immediately?

But before long she started making excuses, trying to turn proper sword techniques into flowery nonsense. He thought mockingly that this was more like it – Teng Yuyi was naturally crafty, always looking for shortcuts. But in learning martial arts, there were absolutely no shortcuts to be found.

He smiled mischievously – if she couldn’t regulate her internal qi within three days, she wouldn’t be able to process the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup. Without processing it, heat sores would spring up like bamboo shoots after rain.

Thinking this, he glanced down. Teng Yuyi had her arms stretched out, left leg raised high – the White Crane Spreads Wings stance.

Remarkably, her shoulders were level, her leg high – she was executing it properly.

He was somewhat surprised – she was truly serious about learning.

Looking at her face again, he saw her lips tightly pressed, brows slightly twitching – she had reached her limit of endurance.

He gave her a meaningful look. Interesting – Teng Yuyi seemed to genuinely want to learn martial arts. Whether or not she had come of age, she was no longer a child. Learning martial arts at this age was a hundred times harder than in childhood. To master the moves, all the body’s tendons and bones had to be reformed – truly “bending a foot to straighten an inch.”

As this thought arose, he suddenly felt he couldn’t quite see through her any more.

Since he had dealt with her, she had manipulated Juesheng and Qizhi multiple times, even using children – how could such a person have an upright nature? But watching her with Juesheng and Qizhi these past days, it wasn’t all pretense. That unconscious concern and protection didn’t seem fake.

That afternoon when he summoned the two courtesans, he had expected her to stay uninvolved. Yet to protect them, she had actively come to engage with him. These courtesans were of humble status – they likely had no value for her to exploit. She had done it simply because she feared they would suffer at his hands.

He had thought her wicked, yet sometimes felt she had a deeply loyal nature.

He had been certain she wouldn’t endure hardship, yet she began practicing martial arts without hesitation.

As he turned these thoughts over in the tree, Teng Yuyi wasn’t idle below.

She had indeed reached her limit of endurance. Her body swayed, and she could hear her bones making slight shifting sounds. Beads of sweat rolled down, forming a thick layer of moisture on her eyelashes.

She gritted her teeth: “How much longer must I hold this?”

Butler Cheng nodded with satisfaction: “The form is correct now – just hold it for a few more breaths.”

A few more breaths?

Teng Yuyi felt dizzy – this was only the first move. How would she manage all ten? Could she quit? Let the heat sores come if they must. But there was no turning back – Lin Chengyou’s appearance had reminded her that without some ability to protect herself, she would always be at others’ mercy. In her previous life, even Duan Fu couldn’t protect her when she was killed. Having come back to life, she couldn’t repeat the same mistakes.

Ke’e – overcoming adversity. It was a good name. If she had to learn new skills in this life, she would start with this Ke’e Sword Technique.

She clenched her teeth and struggled to maintain the form. She didn’t know how long she endured as her head began to spin. But Butler Cheng wouldn’t relent, always saying “Just a few more breaths, just a few more breaths.”

Strangely, whenever Teng Yuyi felt she was about to ascend to immortality, the pain in her body seemed to adjust itself. From “pain” it turned to “swelling,” gradually developing a sense of “flow.”

At these times, the chaotic strange power in her body gathered like rivers flowing to the sea, all rushing to one point. But it always seemed to lack something, never achieving that feeling of floodgates opening.

Just as her soul felt ready to leave her body, Butler Cheng said: “Good.”

Teng Yuyi took a deep breath and lowered her arms and legs weakly. This time her whole body felt wonderfully refreshed, even better than after the fight.

Butler Cheng said happily: “Very good. Young Master can learn the next move.”

Teng Yuyi turned and thrust according to the form, but her arm made a cracking sound.

She cried out: “Wait, wait – I’m not pretending this time, it hurts!”

Lin Chengyou lazily closed his eyes in the tree. At this rate, Teng Yuyi probably wouldn’t master it within three days. But if the Fire Jade Spirit Root were so easily processed, it wouldn’t be called a rare treasure.

Teng Yuyi adjusted herself and attempted the second move again. Her arm felt better, but suddenly Lin Chengyou leaped down from the treetop.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu grew alert, unsure of his intentions.

Lin Chengyou stared straight ahead and held his finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet.

Teng Yuyi looked where he was looking and saw someone emerge from Nanze. In the moonlight, they could only see a graceful figure wearing a veil, head lowered, hurriedly circling the water pavilion toward Hong Xiang Yuan.

Teng Yuyi’s heart pounded – only one person in the tower wore a veil all day.

Gejin? What was she doing out in the middle of the night?

Lin Chengyou gathered his qi and followed silently.

Butler Cheng said in a low voice: “Young Master, Prince Cheng’s Young Master wouldn’t wait here without reason – something unusual must be happening. We’d better not linger here; let’s return to your room quickly. You’ve mastered the first move anyway, so the medicine shouldn’t act up again tonight.”

Teng Yuyi nodded, watching the direction Lin Chengyou had disappeared: “Let’s go.”

The three hurried back, but before they could step onto the stairs, they suddenly heard a woman’s piercing scream. Looking over in shock, it came from the direction of the water pavilion.

Butler Cheng and Huo Qiu drew their blades in unison: “It’s from Hong Xiang Yuan.”

Teng Yuyi’s expression changed slightly. Hong Xiang Yuan was opposite Yi Yu Xuan, with a similar layout – two rows of side rooms housing the tower’s courtesans.

Teng Yuyi asked uncertainly: “Doesn’t that woman’s voice sound familiar?”

Huo Qiu and Butler Cheng nodded.

Teng Yuyi drew Xiao Ya’s sword: “Let’s see what’s happened.”

Butler Cheng instinctively wanted to stop her, but the scream seemed to have awakened many people. Lights flickered in Nanze as the tower came alive with activity. Soon people from the front tower would come to investigate.

When they reached Hong Xiang Yuan, the corridor was filled with mixed voices. A middle-aged woman rushed out of her room, hastily adjusting her hairpins while saying in a trembling voice: “Did you hear that? It sounded like Wei Zi’s voice.”

Teng Yuyi thought the woman looked familiar and only after careful study recognized her as Madam E. Without her usual makeup, she was far less alluring than during the day.

The ladies in each room opened their doors to look out but, fearing evil spirits dared not come out.

“We heard it – it must be Wei Zi. Look, Madam E, Wei Zi’s door is open.”

“Be careful – don’t forget Prince Cheng’s Young Master forbade us from moving about at night.”

Madam E stared at the open door, hesitating to move. Turning to see Teng Yuyi and her servants, she gathered her courage: “Young Master Wang, you—”

Just then, another woman’s short, sharp cry rang out – this one full of hatred and not Wei Zi’s voice.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Another middle-aged woman with disheveled hair emerged from her room: “That’s Gejin! What’s happening?”

“Madam Wo.”

Seeing Madam Wo rush toward Wei Zi’s room, others couldn’t resist coming out. Madam E turned to instruct several timid old women: “Quickly go inform the Young Master and the Daoists.”

Teng Yuyi reached Wei Zi’s door. The room was lit, but what she saw made her freeze – one person had collapsed by the couch, another was prone on the floor.

The one by the couch was Wei Zi, clearly terrified. She hugged her shoulders, trembling, her face as white as paper.

The other was Gejin, lying face-down but with her head raised defiantly. Her veil was torn, revealing the horrific wounds on her face.

She stared fixedly at Wei Zi, shouting: “Let me go! I must kill this poisonous woman!”

But her hands were bound behind her back, leaving her struggling futilely. Lin Chengyou crouched beside Gejin, taking the dagger from her hands.

The women were frightened and pale: “What… what’s going on?”

Just then, chaotic footsteps came from the corridor as Dongming Temple’s Daoist Jiantian and He Mingsheng arrived one after another.

He Mingsheng’s headband was askew, his belt not yet tied, his fat cheeks quivering as he ran, panting: “What’s happened?”

Seeing the scene in the room, he gave a start.

Lin Chengyou turned back: “Did the seniors help guard the front and back doors tonight? Has anyone left the tower?”

Too many people blocked the door for Jiantian to enter, so he craned his neck to answer: “This old Daoist and several junior brothers were watching – not even a fly could get out.”

Only then did Lin Chengyou look at He Mingsheng: “Proprietor He, the Court of Justice officials will arrive soon. Call everyone to the front tower – I have questions to ask.”

Gejin screamed: “Let me go! Wei Zi! You viper-hearted woman, I must kill you with my own hands!”

Teng Yuyi watched Gejin thoughtfully. No wonder she had insisted on driving Juan’er away tonight – she must have already planned her revenge. Having someone share her room would have ruined her plans.

Lin Chengyou waiting in the tree suggested he had also guessed Gejin would do something unusual tonight.

Wei Zi staggered to her feet, supporting herself on the couch. Her red lips trembled, her phoenix eyes wide: “You mad woman, stop slandering me! You were harmed by an evil spirit – what does it have to do with me?”

Lin Chengyou urged He Mingsheng directly: “Why are you standing there stunned? Get everyone out first.”

He Mingsheng brought two temple servants in. Only after confirming Gejin had no weapons did they dare pull her up. He still seemed shocked: “Gejin, what are you doing? We investigated everything we could. I told you before – it wasn’t Wei Zi and the others who harmed you.”

Gejin’s eyes bulged with rage: “Since she deliberately meant harm, how could you find evidence? But heaven has eyes – I’ve found proof!”

Everyone was stunned: “Proof? What proof?”

Just then someone else came running: “Young Master, Director Yan from the Court of Justice has arrived.”

Before long, everyone from Caifeng Tower had gathered. Teng Yuyi found an inconspicuous seat in the front hall and indeed saw that Court of Justice official from before. He had brought over ten bailiffs who secured the tower inside and out. Then he said to He Mingsheng: “Have two experienced madames lead the way – some of my men need to search the inner courtyard.”

No one knew what they were searching for and grew anxious and uncertain. He Mingsheng tremblingly pointed out two women to lead the officials to the inner courtyard.

The dozen or so courtesans of the tower, except for the bound Gejin, all stood in the main hall, each looking uneasy but not daring to move.

Lin Chengyou ordered Gejin to bring forward: “Speak – why did you try to kill her?”

Gejin suddenly raised her head: “I naturally sought revenge. On the evening of the eighteenth of last month, someone disfigured my face – everyone knows this. At the time, the proprietor investigated everyone in the tower, yet found no suspects. I’ve replayed the ‘female ghost’s’ voice in my mind day and night – it was truly unfamiliar. If it had been someone from the tower, how could I not recognize it? Plus, the tower had been haunted for months, so everyone said it was an evil spirit. The proprietor, wanting to settle things quietly, didn’t report it to officials.”

“If you couldn’t recognize the female ghost’s voice, what made you suspicious?”

Gejin looked coldly at Wei Zi: “I was injured in confusion, thinking I’d never know the truth. But heaven is just – a few days ago, I found something under my bed. It’s in the sachet at my waist – the Director and Young Master will understand when they see it.”

Lin Chengyou had someone fetch the sachet. Opening its drawstring before everyone, he pulled out the contents – a brilliantly colored gem, large as a pigeon’s egg and deep red.

Teng Yuyi, who had been secretly watching Wei Zi’s expression, saw her face change instantly when the object appeared.

Most people in the hall didn’t recognize the item and began whispering among themselves.

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows: “A Mohe gem? This is your evidence?”

Gejin nodded: “The Young Master has good eyes. Such a lustrous, large Mohe gem – there’s only one in Chang’an. A barbarian prince gave it to Wei Zi last year. Afterward, Wei Zi often boasted about it publicly. The proprietor and Madam E can testify – just ask them.”

He Mingsheng looked dumbfounded, but Madam E stood up to look carefully: “That’s right, I remember this item. It was the second night of the Winter Solstice gathering. The barbarian prince came seeking entertainment. They each showed their talents – Gejin played the zither and composed poetry, Yao Huang imitated orioles for amusement, and Wei Zi performed the Hu Xuan dance. The prince favored Wei Zi and gave her this Mohe gem.”

Gejin spoke deliberately: “Please, Proprietor and Madam E, examine it carefully – is this Wei Zi’s gem or not?”

Wei Zi’s expression turned fierce: “No wonder this Mohe gem disappeared a few days ago – so you deliberately meant to frame me—”

Lin Chengyou interrupted Wei Zi: “Proprietor He, Madam E, come look at it carefully.”

Madam E gave Wei Zi a troubled look and nodded silently.

Lin Chengyou looked at He Mingsheng, who also sighed: “It’s the same one.”

Wei Zi’s face changed abruptly: “Young Master, don’t listen to Gejin’s nonsense. Though this Mohe gem was mine, it disappeared days ago.”

Gejin’s voice turned sharp: “Why didn’t you report the loss of such a rare treasure? Because you didn’t dare! Because you knew you dropped it that night while hiding under my bed!”

She turned to Lin Chengyou: “Young Master, Qingzhi usually cleaned my room, but since I was disfigured, she was busy bringing soup and medicine day and night and hadn’t cleaned for a long time. After I was kidnapped by that male demon, when I recovered, I felt unlucky and ordered Qingzhi to clean the room. She found this under my bed – it must have been dropped that night. Wei Zi, afraid of being exposed, didn’t dare come look for it.”

Wei Zi’s face turned red: “Those who wish to condemn will find any excuse. You said it was a middle-aged woman – can’t you recognize my voice? If I had harmed you, you would have recognized me immediately. I already said I was at Minister Lin’s poetry gathering that night – the talents from Zhaohui Poetry Hall can testify.”

“Voices can be disguised. I was too panicked that night – perhaps I didn’t hear clearly. Zhaohui Poetry Hall isn’t far from Caifeng Tower – you could have slipped away at any time. That night, Minister Lin and the others can only testify that you appeared at the gathering, not that you never left. I’ve attended Zhaohui Poetry Hall gatherings many times – after the hour of Hai, everyone drinks heavily and gets drunk, their minds unclear. How would they notice anything? I was attacked after the hour of Hai – if you left during the chaos then, no one would have noticed.”

“Nonsense!” Wei Zi gritted her teeth. “By your logic, anyone could have harmed you!”

Gejin narrowed her eyes: “What fell under my bed wasn’t just anyone’s possession – it was your Mohe gem, Wei Zi. You said you treasured it and never let it leave your person. If you weren’t responsible, how did it end up under my bed?”

“I already said this was stolen days ago,” Wei Zi’s gaze flickered. “Perhaps someone stole it deliberately to frame me.”

“I ask you this: why didn’t you report the theft?” Gejin’s gaze was like a knife, pressing harder.

Wei Zi trembled, unable to respond. Tears streamed down her plump cheeks – whether from guilt or anger was unclear.

Everyone’s expressions varied. Seeing Wei Zi unable to answer for so long, doubt crept into their gazes.

Gejin bowed deeply to Lin Chengyou and the others: “Young Master, this servant suffered family misfortune in childhood and fell into degradation. Though my status was low, my heart remained pure. Last month I was disfigured without cause. I’ve been living like the Walking Dead, surviving only to find the true culprit. This person ruined my life – I won’t die until I’ve avenged myself. Now the evidence is before us – please, Young Master and Director Yan, grant me justice.”

The crowd sighed. Before her misfortune, Gejin had been most magnanimous. Her sudden change in temperament came only after great suffering. Instead of wallowing in self-pity after the incident, she had endured humiliation to seek the culprit – her spirit was admirable and moving.

Lin Chengyou stood and walked to Gejin, crouching before her.

Gejin remained prostrate: “I only seek justice.”

Wei Zi looked between Gejin and Lin Chengyou, saying anxiously: “Young Master, please hear me—”

Lin Chengyou raised his hand for Wei Zi to be silent and continued questioning Gejin: “That day, who suggested cleaning the room – you or Qingzhi?”

Gejin raised her head in surprise. She had expected Lin Chengyou to ask about that night’s details, not this.

Not understanding his intent, she said stubbornly: “It was me.”

“Think carefully again.” Lin Chengyou smiled strangely. “If you want me to avenge you, you must first remember this clearly.”

Gejin thought for a long time, then shook her head: “Several days have passed – I can’t remember.”

Lin Chengyou straightened up and walked around Gejin with his hands behind his back: “I heard this maid Qingzhi was very lazy, and once asked Madam Wo to assign her a new master because serving you was too tiring. When you suddenly asked her to clean the room, didn’t she try to refuse?”

Gejin paused: “Now that the Young Master mentions it, I remember. That day I spilled some detoxifying soup, and Qingzhi said since I had been vomiting while sick, now that I was better, we should take the chance to clean the room thoroughly and clear away the sick air.”

“That’s right.” Lin Chengyou nodded. “After that beast demon kidnapped you, you were unconscious for days at least. Qingzhi served you day and night, surely exhausted. After you recovered, it would have been good enough if she didn’t try to slack off – why would she volunteer for more work? Think about that day – what exactly did Qingzhi say? Did you find the Mohe gem, or did someone else?”

Gejin’s expression changed slightly: “…Something’s wrong… Qingzhi said there was something under the bed. Young Master, are you saying—”

Lin Chengyou glanced at someone in the hall and smiled: “I’m saying someone else harmed you.”

Author’s Note:

White layered cloth: Cotton, which was rarely cultivated during the Tang Dynasty, found only in places like Xinjiang.

I avoided Jinjiang’s comment section but couldn’t escape private messages on Weibo. Yesterday, a reader there asked about the pacing, wondering how many more chapters until the two monsters are caught.

This reader might wonder why we don’t just kill the two monsters directly, but the strange events at Caifeng Tower appeared earlier – why focus only on the monsters?

The volume title “Double Evil” refers to more than just supernatural evil. Isn’t writing about human evil more interesting than just supernatural evil?

The two monsters will appear again at the end of the second volume, dying even faster than the tree demon in the previous volume – finished in just two chapters.

But human evil requires our two protagonists to gradually unravel the truth.

As for why I had A-Yu drink the Fire Jade Spirit Root soup – am I just padding the word count? No, no, no! A-Yu’s combat ability is too low right now and needs improvement. Despite A-Da’s tsundere nature, he’ll still help A-Yu process it at the end of this volume, using a special method to help her gain power.

What “special” method? Hehe, I won’t spoil it now.

The author has considerations for every plot point. Observers like to advise because when a chess game is laid out before everyone, the moves’ dangers are clear to all.

But only the author knows their chessboard.

I have an outline and am writing this story with absolute seriousness. The plot progression follows my planned outline completely – I’ve never deliberately padded a single word.

It’s fine to criticize my writing as poor – that’s about my skill level. But saying I’m deliberately padding the word count is a different issue that needed addressing.