One day later, Li Si received a letter from Lou Tianming.

Xiao Ning was discovered in the woodshed of Li Si’s old residence. Aside from physical weakness, he was unharmed. Three hours later, Gao Ling and Meng Fanchuan returned from Budong Manor looking disheveled. After learning of Meng Xiu’s suicide by hanging, Meng Fanchuan cried bitterly in grief. Gao Ling had a lengthy night conversation with Li Si. After the night talk, Gao Ling’s face showed more anticipation and joy. He urgently desired to rush to the Holy City to meet the girl he loved.

Li Si collected all the miniature carved walnuts. Accidentally, he broke the first walnut and was surprised to discover a line of characters clearly written on the small walnut inside.

Li Si coated the tiny walnut with cinnabar water and rolled it on white paper, revealing a line of small characters:

“The greatest sound has no voice. The greatest form has no shape. The Way conceals itself without name.” —Lou Tianming.

Li Si looked at the inscription and shook his head with a smile.

Late at night, the strong wind ceased.

Beneath the dilapidated broken walls of Budong Manor, a youth with devastatingly beautiful features gazed up at the bright moon in the distant sky, revealing a smile of pure innocence. In his eyes, his purple pupils flickered with light. He said, “Mother, I miss you.”