Teng Yu’yi was startled – this demon was truly extraordinary. Lin Chengyou, as Clear Void Master’s grand disciple, surely possessed some real abilities, yet not only had he failed to capture the demon, he had been wounded.

Looking further into the courtyard, she saw an old woman with white hair sitting cross-legged in the formation. Mist swirled around, enveloping her entire form. The old woman raised both arms high, muttering incantations – clearly performing some kind of sorcery.

Two chubby young Daoist acolytes also sat in the formation, presumably disciples of Azure Cloud Temple.

Looking around, the only one missing was the fake Lady of Duke An’guo. Teng Yu’yi found this strange until her gaze swept past and she noticed the old woman was missing her right hand.

Her heart thumped – so this old woman was the monster whose claw she’d chopped off in the forest. Earlier it had worn the beautiful skin of Lady An’guo, but now it showed this form.

This must be its true appearance, Teng Yu’yi thought nervously as she reached for the jade short sword in her sleeve. Lin Chengyou had already suffered greatly – who knew if he could still subdue this demon?

Lin Chengyou coughed, head lowered, clearly severely injured. Blood stained his gold-embroidered robe, and he remained unable to stand for quite some time.

The guards had never seen their young master in such a sorry state. They drew their swords in unison: “Young Master.”

Lin Chengyou wiped blood from the corner of his mouth: “Fools, hurry and leave!”

Silver light ignited at his fingertips as he waved his hand, sending talismans shooting forth that transformed into waves of fire upon hitting the ground.

Just then, rustling sounds emerged from below ground. The old demon’s eyes remained closed, but a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth.

The guards halted abruptly. No wonder their young master was so angry – judging by the old woman’s expression, she was just waiting for them to rush into the formation. Not daring to act rashly now, they quickly turned to escort everyone: “Leave this place immediately!”

Supporting her aunt, Teng Yu’yi led the escape. Back in Yangzhou, she had seen high-ranking Talisman School masters perform rituals, which required much ceremony – outsiders were not allowed to approach carelessly.

The jade short sword had come to her by chance, and she had yet to investigate its origins. Even though she’d managed to cut off one of the demon’s claws in the forest, that was only because the demon had been caught off guard. Now that the old demon was alert, rushing forward would only mean death.

With guards clearing the way ahead, just as the group was about to charge down the steps, waves of sound began emanating from underground. Though not terrifying at first, the noise gradually increased, like a hundred rivers rushing to the sea. Accompanied by subtle creeping sounds, countless evil spirits gushed forth.

In an instant, the Lan Xia Pavilion had become a hell realm.

Everyone stared in horror, feet glued to the steps, neither daring to move forward nor willing to retreat to the corridor.

Though the guards were as agile as leopards, they had never dealt with evil spirits before. Weapons in hand, they didn’t know how to confront these netherworld entities.

Fortunately, Lin Chengyou had laid down a circle of talismans beforehand – the evil spirits were burned to black ash as soon as they emerged from the ground.

However, this time the number of evil spirits was shocking, truly a horde of demons. Even with Lin Chengyou moving as fast as a shooting star, many still slipped through.

Once breaking free of containment, the evil spirits instantly transformed – either taking ghostly forms or growing several times larger.

Among the mass of spirits, a headless monster completely black in color was closest to the corridor. Sensing people behind it, it swayed as it turned around, taking crooked steps as it charged wildly toward them.

This thing had no head, but its form was massive. Each step it took made the ground thunder.

None had ever witnessed such a sight. The housekeeper’s wife from Director Dong’s household clung to a pillar, screaming in terror. Teng Yu’yi drew her jade sword and quickly moved to protect Madam Du. The guards thrust their blades forward, but before the evil spirit could get close, it was bound by a chain thrown by Lin Chengyou.

The giant demon first crashed to the ground, and then was dragged back into the formation. It swung its arms trying to grab Lin Chengyou, but before it could touch even the hem of his robe, Lin Chengyou expressionlessly tightened the iron chain in his hands. In the blink of an eye, the giant demon was reduced to a pile of pitch-black powder at his feet.

As everyone barely recovered from their shock, Lin Chengyou took a moment in his busy state to look up, his sharp gaze sweeping briefly before landing on Teng Yu’yi.

Teng Yu’yi was busy tending to her cousin’s veiled hat but felt something very unusual. If she hadn’t been mistaken, the evil spirits were ignoring the three people in the formation with Lin Chengyou, showing far more interest in their group instead. Lin Chengyou’s gaze also held deep meaning, as if she had something strange about her.

Perhaps due to his injuries, Lin Chengyou’s face was somewhat pale, his peach-blossom eyes gleaming coldly against his ink-black hair. His gaze held scrutiny mixed with puzzlement as he looked her up and down several times before turning away, just in time to split an attacking evil spirit in half.

The guards now saw the pattern – though the evil spirits were fierce, they couldn’t get near the young master. Another group of monsters tried to escape but remained trapped in the formation. The young master, injured internally, couldn’t call out warnings but had already cleared an escape route for them.

“Hurry!” While the old woman still hadn’t moved, the guards led everyone down the steps, first getting the wounded out, then going to fetch reinforcements.

Teng Yu’yi supported Madam Du as they fled, occasionally observing the situation in the courtyard.

The evil spirits were all wrapped in mist-like black gauze. As soon as they emerged from the ground, the black mist would separate from their bodies, gathering like clouds and smoke, successively entering the old woman’s nostrils and ears.

Seated firmly in the formation, with each thread of black mist she inhaled, the old woman’s face grew brighter by a fraction.

Who knew what changes would occur once she had absorbed enough? As Teng Yu’yi pondered this privately, Madam Du beside her was running too quickly in her panic and accidentally caught her skirt.

“Yu’er!”

“Aunt!” Teng Yu’yi quickly caught Madam Du, inadvertently looking up to see the old woman had opened her eyes at some point. Her pupils were like dim, deep blue, casting two cold gazes directly at her.

Teng Yu’yi narrowed her eyes. With so many people in the courtyard, this old demon ignored everyone else and stared at her, showing she had been paying attention to her actions all along.

Was it to avenge that sword strike in the forest, or did she have other intentions? If this old demon escaped, she would likely come after her first.

***

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom had just turned nine, their temperaments still quite childish. Seeing the endless stream of evil spirits, they grew increasingly anxious.

The reason their senior brother had set up the Five Viscera Formation was because five injured people had lost consciousness. This formation could both trap the old demon inside and reclaim the five soul essences of the injured.

But since the tree demon could summon spirits and evil beings even within the Golden Web of Pan Luo, it had already become a demon.

The Five Viscera Formation couldn’t contain it – breaking out was only a matter of time.

Their senior brother must surely regret not examining the injured more carefully now. The claim of “five people unconscious” was wrong. From the moment the senior brother decided to lay the Five Viscera Formation, he was destined to be at a disadvantage.

The three brothers had been badly deceived. At this point, there was no use investigating who had lied – if they didn’t break the deadlock quickly, no one would be able to leave.

Thick, putrid air permeated the formation, filled with the piercing cries of evil spirits. This was no illusion – these were evil beings gathering from a hundred li around. Anyone touched by these things would be lucky to escape with just losing a layer of skin.

The two were greatly disturbed, when suddenly something came flying through the air. The evil spirits had been about to bite Absolute Saint’s plump arm when they were suddenly repelled far away by an invisible wall.

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom quickly opened their eyes to see Lin Chengyou had inserted his altar wood between the Kun Palace and Li Palace positions.

The Gou hexagram and Fu hexagram were thus connected in a line, forming a “demon-breaking knot.”

“Senior Brother!” Their hearts sank sharply – the altar wood was a life-protecting item. If the senior brother gave it to them, wouldn’t he be completely without protection?

“The Golden Web of Pan Luo is above the courtyard – the evil spirits can’t escape even if they want to. The ‘demon-breaking knot’ can protect you for the time of one incense stick. As long as you don’t disrupt the formation yourselves, that old demon won’t dare approach and can’t break free of the formation either. There’s a Nine Heavens Dark Sword enshrined in the Moon Lamp Pavilion – I’ll be right back.”

A Nine Heavens Dark Sword enshrined in the Moon Lamp Pavilion? Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom were stunned. In their years by their master’s side, they had never heard of this sword, but the senior brother’s tone was serious, not at all like he was making it up.

The old demon, busy absorbing the evil qi in the formation, suddenly laughed coldly: “Lin Chengyou, if you want to flee then flee – why make lies to deceive your little junior brothers? In such a hurry to leave – could it be you know to be afraid too?”

Lin Chengyou cleared a path of survival and leaped outside the formation amid a chorus of terrible screams: “Fine, fine – I can’t beat you, but can’t I at least go fetch reinforcements?”

The old demon spat: “Why put on such airs! Moon Lamp Pavilion neighbors Purple Cloud Tower – if you wanted to fetch that so-called Nine Heavens Dark Sword, you could just send a servant to get it. Why go yourself?”

Lin Chengyou said: “This shows you don’t understand. That sword has been sealed away unused for ten years – even if I told servants where it was hidden, they wouldn’t know how to retrieve it. The Nine Heavens Dark Sword is a Daoist treasure – it cannot suffer the slightest mishap. Wait till I fetch it myself – perfect for testing its edge on you.”

Having possessed Lady An’guo’s skin, the old demon had naturally seized her memories: “I often heard that the Crown Prince of Cheng was unruly, never putting rules and constraints in his eyes since childhood. If you knew such a treasure sword was enshrined in Moon Lamp Pavilion, how could you let it gather dust? All this talk of ‘sealed for ten years’ is just an excuse to slip away.”

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom were full of doubts – these words seemed to make some sense.

In their years at the temple, they had heard many stories of their senior brother’s childhood. Senior brother feared neither heaven nor earth, often angering the Duke and Duchess of Cheng. Among all the noble sons in Chang’an, the senior brother had been beaten the most times.

With senior brother’s heaven-defying nature, if he knew a family treasure was hidden in Moon Lamp Pavilion, he would have found a way to get it out to play with long ago.

Lin Chengyou said seriously: “The consecration of Daoist magical implements also depends on destiny. The Nine Heavens Dark Sword differs from ordinary magical tools – it requires demon flesh and blood as a catalyst. Though I was curious about this sword, I didn’t dare rashly break its seal. Running into a demon like you tonight perfectly suits my intentions. Using demon blood cultivated for many years to feed the sword – it hasn’t waited ten years in the Moon Lamp Pavilion in vain.”

The old woman’s face was full of mockery: “Nonsense! If there was a so-called Nine Heavens Dark Sword, why wouldn’t it be enshrined in Azure Cloud Temple? Why put it in Moon Lamp Pavilion, which has nothing to do with the Dao?”

Lin Chengyou’s smile slowly faded. The old woman, thinking she had exposed Lin Chengyou’s lie, smiled triumphantly.

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom looked worriedly at Lin Chengyou. Their senior brother’s voice was hoarse and his steps unsteady – even if he appeared calm, he was clearly forcing himself.

But their senior brother always planned thoroughly – how could he let evil beings spot flaws so quickly?

They stole glances at the old demon. Originally disheveled and gap-toothed, in this short time she showed signs of rejuvenation – her sparse white hair had become thick, her sunken cheeks gradually filling out. Just listening to her clear laughter, one might mistake her for being just sixteen years old.

Looking up at the sky, under the gloomy heavens, even the stars seemed stained with a murky luster. These celestial signs were truly strange – either a great disaster or great evil was coming.

Beads of sweat rolled down the two boys’ foreheads. Once that old demon absorbed enough evil qi, everyone would likely suffer.

Wait – why were senior brother’s steps so strange? Three steps east, then back to the west side. He said he wanted to leave, yet lingered before the formation.

A flash of white light struck Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom’s minds – senior brother was—

They were both anxious and excited, staring fixedly at Lin Chengyou’s steps, not daring to move.

Lin Chengyou staggered a few steps, glancing over imperceptibly. Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom nodded slightly. Lin Chengyou barely steadied himself, gathered his qi, and leaped backward onto the eaves.

Standing on the roof tiles, he smiled and clasped his hands behind his back as he walked forward: “You’ve wasted hundreds of years of cultivation, only knowing how to work on appearances, never bothering to cultivate your mind. Moon Lamp Pavilion is where sages feast on successful examination candidates. Each year when the imperial examination results are posted, the noble qi of Confucianism makes heaven and earth clear.

“Though this sword is a Daoist artifact, it was born cruel and bloodthirsty. Using ordinary Daoist methods to suppress it would only backfire. Rather, the sage teachings of Confucianism might cleanse its violent qi. My master enshrined the Nine Heavens Dark Sword in Moon Lamp Pavilion precisely because it is a Confucian sacred ground.”

He spoke with authority. The old demon’s slender eyes flashed with ghostly light – she finally couldn’t sit still.

Tonight was her demon ascension day. If she could just endure until the Zi hour, everything would fall into place. Who knew this youngster Lin Chengyou would suddenly appear, repeatedly disrupting her plans?

She was about to become a demon, her flesh comparable to qilin liver and phoenix marrow. To summon the horde of evil spirits to deal with Lin Chengyou, she had to use herself as bait. Though knowing it would damage her true form, she resolutely cut off a finger.

From the moment she planted the severed finger in the earth, it attracted a large number of covetous evil spirits.

On one hand, she lured the spirits to trap Lin Chengyou; on the other, she used Lin Chengyou to contain the horde. While the two sides were locked in a fierce battle, she sat reaping the benefits, massively absorbing the spirits’ power.

The more she absorbed, the faster her power grew. No need to wait for the Zi hour – this vast stolen evil qi was enough to help her become a demon ahead of schedule.

She still needed a bit more time – absolutely couldn’t leave the formation at this crucial moment. But Lin Chengyou was full of schemes, unlike any Daoist. Even if he was lying, what if it was true? If he got the Nine Heavens Dark Sword and returned, he might be able to turn the tide.

Should she leave the formation to stop him? She couldn’t decide. Under the silvery moonlight, the youth in purple robes stepped across the blue glazed tiles, his clothes fluttering like wind as he flew toward the courtyard exit.

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom secretly watched the old demon’s expression, not daring to breathe as they couldn’t gauge her reaction.

After what seemed an eternity, the old demon suddenly laughed coldly: “I advise you to stop your scheming. Never mind a mere broken sword – even if you brought your master here, he couldn’t do anything to me. Let’s make a bet – how long can that ‘demon-breaking knot’ you set up hold me? Before you return, can I eat both your little junior brothers?”

Absolute Saint and Abandon Wisdom’s scalps tingled – not only had this demon refused to take the bait, but she was also turning it around to threaten their senior brother with them.

Lin Chengyou’s laughter drifted from afar: “The one on the right is called Abandon Wisdom – he likes to keep himself clean. If you don’t mind, you might as well eat him first.”

The old demon was stunned.

The two young Daoist boys covered their mouths, whimpering.

By now everyone had fled to the courtyard gate. Madam Du, being older, ran the slowest, causing Teng Yu’yi to fall behind as well. Hearing Lin Chengyou’s words, she stumbled.

Lin Chengyou was bluffing – if there was a Nine Heavens Dark Sword, why would he bandy words with that old demon for so long? Unfortunately, no matter how Lin Chengyou provoked her with words, the old demon refused to leave the formation.

She turned to look at the courtyard. The horde of evil spirits was trapped by the golden net above, crashing about the formation like headless flies. The flowers and plants burned by Lin Chengyou showed signs of revival – when a fragrant breeze blew past, the scorched branches and leaves transformed into dazzling colors.

The old demon sat in the sea of gorgeous flowers, her stature grown even larger.

Teng Yu’yi felt a chill – she had never seen such strange sights. If they couldn’t think of a solution, a huge disaster would surely unfold.

An idea came to her. She said softly: “Aunt, wait a moment.”

Then she called out: “Young Master Lin, I have a protective magical implement called the Jade Sword. Earlier in the forest when the old demon ambushed us, I used this sword to cut off the demon’s right claw. If you don’t mind, perhaps you could make use of it.”

These words were meant specifically for the old demon to hear. The sword was quite strange – it might not willingly submit to Lin Chengyou’s control, and Lin Chengyou, proud as he was, might not deign to use another’s magical tool. But just mentioning the lost right claw would surely strike at the old demon’s heart.

Before her words faded, she felt two cold, venomous gazes fall upon her. Teng Yu’yi smiled slightly and continued: “Don’t let this demon’s arrogance fool you – it’s helpless against this sword. Its flesh becomes like mud, falling away in chunks with each strike, chunks with each strike…”

She smiled as she spoke, deliberately drawing out her words. The fury in the old demon’s eyes erupted as if she wanted to burn holes in Teng Yu’yi’s clothes.

In the night, the roof tiles clattered. Lin Chengyou, being quite clever, immediately said with interest: “Such a fine weapon? If it’s convenient, young lady, throw it up for me to see.”

Teng Yu’yi secured the scabbard and tossed it toward the beam. Lin Chengyou caught it – it was a three-inch short sword.

In the moonlight it showed a crystalline green color, its blade as thin as a leaf, cold as ice to the touch, jade-like yet frigid.

He had seen countless silk paintings and precious jewels, but this was his first time seeing a sword made of jade. Strange that such a fragile material could last years without breaking.

However, before he could examine it closely, the sword’s luster lost its transparency, as if covered by a layer of grey mist, gradually turning dim.

He discreetly used his sleeve to block the old demon’s view. What a pity – it turned out to be a soul-bound magical tool. Away from its master, it was no different from ordinary jade ornaments. Not only could it not harm the demon, it would needlessly damage the blade.

He looked up at the veiled young woman standing in the courtyard. She stood gracefully in the night, showing not a hint of panic. He had met Teng Shao several times – a famous general guarding the borders. With such an extraordinary sword, it was most likely given by Teng Shao to protect his daughter.

But this young lady didn’t seem to know martial arts. Even if he returned the sword to her, with her skills she had no hope of getting close to that demon.

He instantly changed his mind, smiling and nodding: “Good sword, good sword. Moon Lamp Pavilion is too far – a young lady’s offer is like sending charcoal in snowy weather. I’ve caught many demons but never eaten demon meat. When I cut it into strips, it’ll be perfect with wine.”

He casually pointed at several guards by the door: “Go get some vinegar soup from the front, and bring a few jugs of pine wine.”

This stance was less like demon-hunting and more like hosting a feast in the prince’s garden. Though the guards were extremely nervous, they dared not disobey their young master’s orders. While warily glaring at the old demon, they slowly retreated, finally putting away their weapons and hurrying off to make arrangements.

Teng Yu’yi said: “Young Master, when you strike, don’t forget to leave its left claw for me.”

Lin Chengyou raised his chin: “You want to drink with it too?”

Teng Yu’yi shook her head: “I already have its right claw – I want to make a pair. Its skin is tough and flesh thick, extremely difficult to chew. I plan to pickle it in a jar for a few days. Once the meat is tender and skin crispy, I’ll eat it with orange sauce.”

The two of them carried on their exchange, their casual tone treating the old demon like mere drinking food.

This not only infuriated the old demon to smoke coming from her seven apertures but left Madam Du and the remaining guards dumbfounded.

Author’s Note: Orange sauce: Just orange preserves, a common Tang Dynasty condiment. Used for dipping sliced fish or meat. This sauce seems to have been quite popular – you often see Tang and Song people mentioning this seasoning in poetry or stories. The Tang poet Wang Changling has the famous line “On winter nights, feeling lonely by the Five Streams, snow falls on blue fish with orange sauce.” I think this must have tasted sweet and sour, perfect for neutralizing the fishiness when used as a dip (I’m not… I haven’t…).