At one glance at Ge Lian, Jing Hengbo felt uncomfortable all over. It wasn’t that she feared Gong Yin would fall for her schemes – enemies capable of tricking Gong Yin probably hadn’t been born yet – but this woman’s eyes always reminded her of another white lotus, Ming Cheng. Such pitifully delicate creatures often had the biggest ambitions and acted without limits. If one wasn’t careful, they’d be covered in toxic pollen.
She stood up, one hand supporting Zuoqiu Mo, one hand leaning on Yong Xue, Er Gouzi on her left shoulder and Feifei on her right, swaying as she walked toward the hall exit under the Luoyun Great King’s personal escort. Outside the hall indeed stood a group of handsome young men, all at the fresh meat level, eagerly coming forward to help her onto the palanquin, arranging her clothes and lifting her skirt, pushing the confused “royal husband” aside.
Jing Hengbo had been queen for quite a while but was mostly a miserable queen. Before anything happened, she was wholeheartedly in love with Gong Yin and had no mind to look at others. After the palace coup, she was focused on revenge and returning to Di Ge, with little thought for enjoyment. This kind of “heroes competing for beauty” decadent ruler scenario was her first taste, making her laugh until she swayed like flowers in the wind. Sitting comfortably, enjoying the wonderful pleasure of having fresh meat massage her shoulders on both sides, she squinted and thought she’d really been brain-damaged before – sitting on top of the world yet insisting on crashing headfirst into a stone mountain until bloodied. She should have done this long ago – enjoying life while admiring fresh meat while watching someone get jealous. Having suffered so much pursuing him, now it was time to send him back a barrel of vinegar.
Her Majesty the Queen rode the phoenix palanquin, leaning against a group of stylishly hatted, graceful, and attentive fresh meat, drunkenly waving at the Luoyun ruler and ministers below, smiling with satisfaction and pleasure: “Uh… your tribe is truly sincere… truly sincere… very good… I shall retire now… let no idle persons disturb…”
A complete lecherous female tyrant demeanor.
Zuoqiu Mo wanted to follow the phoenix palanquin to care for her but was intentionally or unintentionally squeezed out by the fresh meat. General Zuoqiu swayed unsteadily in place, holding her forehead and thinking – had the queen been replaced?
The assembled Luoyun ruler and ministers respectfully saw off the lecherous female tyrant, satisfied smiles rippling across their lowered faces. Looking at Zuoqiu Mo, their eyes carried a trace of cold killing intent.
Her Majesty the Queen had always had countless beautiful men around her – how could she truly take such a Zuoqiu Mo seriously? Indeed, tonight’s test proved that Zuoqiu Mo was just an appetizer for Her Majesty’s momentary freshness.
After tonight’s attentive service, by tomorrow when Her Majesty arose lazily from spring passion, would she still remember the royal husband Zuoqiu Mo she’d just chosen?
And Zuoqiu Mo, having lost family and subordinates overnight – would she hate the Luoyun royal family more, or the queen?
At that time there would probably be another scene of drawing swords to strike heaven in mutual destruction. Zuoqiu Mo was destined to die. If this frightened the queen and made her leave Luoyun territory earlier, that would be even better. Didn’t she know her title “Royal Graveyard Digger” was quite annoying?
The queen and Luoyun ruler and ministers, all wearing sweet smiles, waved goodbye. Each went back to dream sweet dreams.
As for whose dreams would come true, the night was still long.
Jing Hengbo was arranged in Jingcheng Hall in the inner palace, a gorgeous but somewhat remote palace chamber, far from both the outer halls and the Great King’s bedchamber. This was normal – no one would provide the Royal Graveyard Digger with convenient access.
Due to the distinction between men and women, according to rules, Pei Shu and the Seven Kill were arranged in the outer halls. Only the three “future royal husbands” followed the queen. Jing Hengbo wore a completely infatuated expression, as if she’d forgotten everything else.
There were a full dozen fresh meat, making a complete set. They surrounded the queen front and back as they entered the bedchamber. Inside were incense burners and jade tripods with curling smoke. Whatever fragrance was burning had a particularly mysterious and seductive scent that made one’s body feel soft and drowsy. The curtains and brocade carpets were all in seductive peach colors embroidered with gold. Crystal curtains shimmered with smoky light, the white jade bed’s brocade bedding was fragrant, and even the porcelain lamp stands featured half-undressed lady figurines with clear, beautiful features and seductive poses. The entire bedchamber’s arrangement exuded an atmosphere of “this place is suitable for pleasure, don’t waste the spring night.”
Jing Hengbo kicked off her shoes upon entering and threw herself onto the couch, carelessly exposing her white legs and feet, hugging the quilt and rolling around. The group of beautiful young men laughed at first, but then their gazes became somewhat fixed – Her Majesty the Queen with her hair loose and graceful posture needed no special description of any particular beauty; every part was extremely refined and beautiful. But most beautiful was the feminine charm radiating from her brows, eyes, and even every pore. Such grace and charm came from her bones – without any coquettish posing, she became a human invitation, truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Yong Xue had long since taken Er Gouzi and Feifei to sleep. Her Majesty the Queen’s affairs didn’t require much concern. If she truly had interest in taking these beautiful young men, Yong Xue felt she would definitely support it with both hands and willingly clear the field for Her Majesty.
Si Rongming and Fang Cheng both retreated uneasily to the hall entrance, wanting to look but not daring. Having followed the queen for some time, they gradually understood that the queen’s romantic reputation was all surface; she had no romantic thoughts toward them at all. This so-called selection of royal husbands probably had other purposes.
Zuoqiu Mo endured several times before finally striding forward, blocking in front of Jing Hengbo, blocking the fresh meat’s gazes, and using a murderous look to drive that group of fresh meat out.
Behind her, Jing Hengbo opened her eyes and looked at her with relief – she still had some conscience.
On the roof, Pei Shu watched that group of beautiful young men retreat, snorted coldly, lazily rolled over, casually pulled a weed from between the glazed tile gaps, chewed it, spat it out with a “bah,” and glanced sideways at the other side of the roof where Meng Potian was sleeping with hands behind his head facing the sky.
Pei Shu quickly rolled over, turning his butt toward her.
Over there, Meng Potian also immediately rolled over, turning her butt toward him.
The roof creaked and groaned. Jing Hengbo looked up and sighed helplessly.
A palace maid came to ask if Her Majesty would bathe first. The fragrant bath pool specially prepared in the rear of the hall was ready, with mist rising and dim yellow lamplight entering the hall. Clearly the pool was large – standard equipment for a decadent ruler.
Jing Hengbo seemed quite drunk, giggling as she forcibly pulled Zuoqiu Mo along. Though that group of fresh meat had retreated, they refused to leave the bedchamber, all crowding at the hall entrance, looking eagerly with expressions of longing for favor, though their eyes flashed with vigilance and unease.
Tonight, the entire royal palace was heavily guarded. Outside Jingcheng Hall, night patrol guards’ torches formed long dragon lines, flowing endlessly.
In another direction from Jingcheng Hall, that area of palace chambers was much quieter by comparison. Gong Yin followed two quiet eunuchs, walking through corridors and over bridges into a separate hall.
This hall was naturally much plainer compared to where Jing Hengbo stayed, but the people waiting to serve him were no fewer than those serving Jing Hengbo.
The eunuchs stood at the dark hall entrance and clapped softly.
Instantly lights blazed bright, colorful embroidery was brilliant, and two teams of young women danced out from within the hall. These dancers, compared to the earlier hall dancers, not only surpassed them in beauty but wore especially revealing clothing. All in light gauze and small sleeves, with tube tops and bare feet, beautiful features and graceful figures. Under candlelight they glowed with powder, full of plump crystal brightness and exquisite curves.
This dim palace chamber seemed instantly filled with rich spring radiance.
The eunuch closely watched Gong Yin’s expression. Ge Lian had sent the most skilled at reading people’s faces, determined to discover the guest’s true preferences. Women were just the first and simplest test.
Beyond everyone’s expectations, Gong Yin showed neither surprise nor rejection. He even sat down with interest, carefully appreciating those women’s dances, and said to the eunuch: “I’ve long heard that Luoyun tribe women have light, graceful bodies, like clouds first descending. Seeing them today, their reputation is well-deserved.”
“If the young master is pleased, it’s our honor.” The eunuch smiled obsequiously as he retreated. He had to quickly report back to the princess – the guest wasn’t difficult to handle. He accepted the first gift and seemed very pleased.
Gong Yin seemed to have his full attention on those dancers, even lightly keeping time. When the eunuch took leave, he only waved his hand without turning back.
As the eunuch left, he secretly made a gesture to the lead dancer.
A quarter hour later, Ge Lian and Ge Shao, who were still in the palace waiting for news from this side, were somewhat surprised to hear this report.
Ge Shao snorted coldly: “No matter how snow-pure and noble-looking a man appears, deep down they all love this tune.” Her expression showed considerable disappointment.
But Ge Lian frowned without speaking. After a long while she said: “Then let’s watch first. We still have important business tonight. Tell them to put their hearts into it.”
The eunuch respectfully accepted the order and retreated.
Guards came forward offering hooded cloaks and bringing carriages. The two women were about to board when they saw lights moving ahead, a large guard escort approaching majestically. The leader shouted: “His Highness the Crown Prince exits the palace – idle persons stand aside.”
The two women hurriedly bowed and retreated to one side. Even the coachman quickly reined in the horses, fearing they might make noise and disturb that procession.
Nearly a hundred people surrounded a gorgeous palanquin rolling past. Inside the palanquin were vague sounds of flirtation and murmuring. Everyone passed without sideways glances – no one paused even briefly because princesses stood nearby.
Ge Shao slightly turned her face. Ge Lian had a trace of smile at her lips, looking especially gentle.
Only after that palanquin passed did it suddenly stop. Someone inside lifted the silk curtain, stuck out their head and asked: “What are you two doing?”
Ge Shao didn’t answer. Ge Lian respectfully said: “Responding to Third Brother, we’re leaving the palace on the king’s orders to handle business.”
The Luoyun Crown Prince gave her a sideways glance: “Father always trusts you two too much, never thinking what business two women could handle? How about this – Zhan Hui.”
A gray-clothed person stepped out from the palanquin’s shadow and bowed before the Crown Prince.
“Go help the two princesses. Tell me if you need anything.” The Crown Prince casually gave this order, then shrank back. Before lowering the silk curtain, he suddenly said: “I am ruler, you are subject. Don’t call me so intimately next time, understand?”
Ge Shao silently bit her teeth. Ge Lian forcibly pulled her along, smiling as they bowed: “Yes, Ge Lian respectfully follows Your Highness’s teaching.”
The palanquin rolled away, the Crown Prince’s half-mocking, half-scornful laughter seeming to still echo in the wind.
Ge Shao’s fingers clenched tightly in her palms as she bit her teeth and said in a low voice: “Still doesn’t trust us! Still sends people to monitor! Still wants to steal credit!” After a moment she couldn’t help adding: “Just because he’s the favored concubine’s son and Father dotes on him. Playing and enjoying himself all day, didn’t even attend tonight’s banquet, who knows where he went for pleasure, yet has the face to lecture us now!”
Ge Lian glanced at Zhan Hui standing far away, shot him a sharp look, and Ge Shao turned and shut her mouth.
Ge Lian thought slowly, then suddenly smiled.
Ge Shao looked at her puzzledly.
“I think…” Ge Lian said leisurely, “having a helper is always good. His Highness the Crown Prince is so noble and inviolable – if something happened to his trusted aide, do you think His Highness would stop at nothing for revenge regardless of who the opponent is?”
…
Before the fragrant bath pool, Zuoqiu Mo looked troubled. Though she was a woman, being used to going alone, she really didn’t like bathing naked with another woman.
Suddenly a powerful dragon claw struck her back, unceremoniously slapping her into the pool.
The loud splash of a human body entering water was followed by Jing Hengbo’s excited giggling: “My dear minister, tonight you and I… you and I mandarin ducks playing in water… quite romantic…” While smiling and driving out all the palace maids: “My marital intimacy… what business is it of yours to interfere… out, all out!”
These words clearly reached the ears of everyone with pricked ears outside. Everyone blinked.
On the roof, Pei Shu frowned and rolled over, ghostily crawling to the position above the bath pool, lifting some roof tiles to peek inside.
Suddenly a stone hit his butt. Pei Shu angrily looked up and saw Meng Potian glaring.
Pei Shu glared at her viciously and lowered his head to look again. He vaguely saw it seemed to be Zuoqiu Mo who had entered the water, while Jing Hengbo laughed charmingly but was fully dressed by the poolside. He immediately broke into a grin.
Suddenly he felt something wasn’t right. Just as he wanted to see more clearly, another stone was thrown over – this time even bigger than the last, hitting his butt with fiery pain. Pei Shu flew into a rage and jumped up with a whoosh, ready to teach Meng Potian a lesson.
Meng Potian showed no retreat, her face flushed red as she mouthed words at him: “What are you looking at!”
“I’ll look at whatever I damn well please!” Pei Shu mouthed back.
“It’s just women! Haven’t you seen them before!” Meng Potian cursed back.
“She’s more worth looking at than you!” When cursing at Meng Potian, Pei Shu was always completely unrestrained.
Meng Potian stopped talking, staring at him unblinkingly. Seeing this made Pei Shu somewhat guilty. He stiffened his neck, about to tell her to get lost, when he saw Meng Potian suddenly strip off her outer garment and thrust out her chest.
In the cool breeze, high on the palace roof, under the melting moonlight, her body wearing only a belly band suddenly appeared in Pei Shu’s vision.
The young marshal seemed to be struck by lightning in court, his mind blank for a moment, mouth agape, unable to make any sound.
The wind was a bit cool, but Meng Potian’s face was red as cinnabar. She stared challengingly at Pei Shu, saying word by word in a breathy voice: “She has them, I have them too – who’s really worth looking at!”
The young marshal’s open mouth snapped shut. He pointed at Meng Potian, seeming to want to curse but unable to. Suddenly he charged forward, his footsteps uncontrolled and cracking roof tiles. Below, Jing Hengbo looked up and quickly raised the volume of her flirtatious sounds.
Pei Shu couldn’t care about that. In the next instant he appeared before Meng Potian, reached out to roughly pull her clothes inward, then took off his outer garment and threw it over her head, angrily saying: “What madness is this? Go back!”
Meng Potian, covered by his robe, only smelled the strong masculine scent on those clothes. Suddenly her heart heated and her nose felt sour. She suddenly reached out and hugged Pei Shu.
“Hey, what are you doing—” The young marshal was rarely somewhat panicked, reaching out to push her away. Meng Potian gritted her teeth and used force, hugging him as she leaned backward. The two rolled down from the palace roof.
After quite a bit of creaking and groaning, Jing Hengbo looked up and cursed: “What are you doing! Even sex makes less noise than you!” While quickly calling for tea, water, and service, splashing the water loudly to cover those sounds.
After a vague low “thud” followed by silence, Jing Hengbo didn’t want to care anymore. Anyway, Pei Shu’s self-preservation wasn’t a problem.
With a splash in the pool, Zuoqiu Mo swam over and leaned against the pool edge looking at her. Being steamed by the water vapor, her face was even redder, but her mind was much clearer.
“What does Your Majesty mean by this…”
“Shh.” Jing Hengbo threw her a set of dark clothing. “Wash off the alcohol smell, change clothes, let’s go watch a good show.”
Zuoqiu Mo was somewhat puzzled but still did as she arranged. While changing clothes she said hurriedly: “There are many people outside.”
“Just follow me.”
A white shadow flashed as Feifei slipped in through the door crack and rubbed against Jing Hengbo’s skirt hem.
Zuoqiu Mo was after all a woman, and always felt moved seeing cute creatures. She reached out wanting to hold it, but Feifei glanced at her small steamed bun chest, turned around, and harshly slapped her hand with its big tail.
Jing Hengbo laughed heartily, cursing “perverted beast,” knowing the outermost group of people had definitely been dealt with.
Lifting the curtain to go out, indeed there were people collapsed everywhere. Though Jing Hengbo could teleport out anytime, she couldn’t stand these people frequently coming in to check – once they discovered she wasn’t there they would shout, which was inconvenient.
Mass knockouts of people without martial arts was Feifei’s specialty.
The room’s fragrance was strange – the incense probably had little monster urine mixed in. Jing Hengbo took Zuoqiu Mo and vanished in a flash.
Moments later they appeared in the outer hall. Tonight the royal palace was naturally under tight security, but those endlessly flowing night patrol guards were quite busy – the Seven Kill dressed in black had been running around the palace, making people think they were assassins and playing “chase me” games with night patrol guards many times. Each time they had to release them with apologies. After half the night, everyone was exhausted. So when Jing Hengbo and Zuoqiu Mo’s black shadows moved through the palace, the guards who thought it was another “wolf cry” no longer reacted.
Soon they left the palace. Jing Hengbo asked Zuoqiu Mo: “Where are all your family’s generals imprisoned?”
“The Criminal Justice Department’s heavy punishment section underground prison.” Zuoqiu Mo answered, then suddenly reacted and turned back in shock: “Your Majesty means…”
Jing Hengbo giggled: “Getting you drunk, seducing me – if there wasn’t a show tonight, why would your king go to such trouble for nothing?”
Before she finished speaking, Zuoqiu Mo had already shot out like an arrow.
She hadn’t run far before stopping, standing dazed at the street corner, trembling all over.
In the darkness, on the street near the Criminal Justice Department, a large army was silently advancing.
They were fully armed Capital Guards, along with elite soldiers from the Five Cities Military Commissioner defending the inner city. Everyone moved silently in the night, wearing black military uniforms and full iron armor, swords drawn, arrows nocked. The metal weapons gleamed cold in the moonlight.
And those black and white eyes were also cold, full of killing intent.
Zuoqiu Mo recognized these as elite camp troops, directly controlled by the royal family, only movable with royal decree. Most were nobility’s children, unrelated to her Zuoqiu family.
Her belly full of alcohol instantly evaporated, as if surrounded by ice and snow, cold inside and out.
Light flickered in her eyes – it was grief and anger.
The grief and anger of personally witnessing the killing of hounds after rabbits are caught, the putting away of bows after birds are shot.
The grief and anger of personally seeing the royal family her clan still bled and wept for, whom they refused to betray even after falling into the abyss, turn cold and merciless with blade in hand.
She had thought the royal family would be decisive and act, but hadn’t expected it to be this fast, this ruthless.
The Zuoqiu family’s hot blood and loyalty ultimately became dust silently trampled under military boots this night.
She bit her teeth, silent, standing in darkness watching those soldiers quietly surround the entire government office, all weapons drawn and aimed steadily inside.
With this formation, even a fly escaping from inside would be shot into eight pieces.
This wasn’t all – vaguely from the dark depths came rumbling sounds, as if something heavy was pressing over the bluestone road, making the ground tremble slightly. Then from the shadows vaguely emerged the outline of a giant object – gray-green, gleaming darkly, leaving a trail of faint gunpowder scent wherever it passed…
Zuoqiu Mo began trembling even more violently, the light in her eyes no longer just grief and anger, but disbelief.
Giant cannons!
Was it necessary!
These were the tribe’s only two cannons, purchased at great cost from Fushui tribe regardless of price. Was it necessary to use them to destroy one Zuoqiu family?
She wanted to howl, wanted to laugh, wanted to draw her sword and roar at heaven – the Luoyun royal family truly meant to fight her Zuoqiu family to the death!
And her Zuoqiu family had fought to the death for the Luoyun royal family for so many years!
Zuoqiu Mo suddenly trembled again.
The tribe had two cannons total – if they used one, they wouldn’t hesitate to use the second. Where was the second one?
Zuoqiu Manor…
Her mind thundered. Zuoqiu Mo started to run, then stopped after one step – here too were countless loyal subordinates! They were equally indispensable important members of the Zuoqiu family, uncles who had risked their lives following the Zuoqiu family in loyalty through life and death. Abandoning them would equally fail to pass her conscience.
Family and subordinates couldn’t both be saved at this moment.
“Your Majesty…” Zuoqiu Mo bit her teeth. She had never liked begging anyone in her life, but at this moment, she had to look pitifully at Jing Hengbo, hoping this queen who seemed to see through everything already had wisdom in hand and had prepared for Luoyun tribe’s killing intent in advance.
Jing Hengbo met her gaze and smiled. She had indeed arranged for the Seven Kill to go to Zuoqiu Manor. Once Luoyun tribe acted, they would definitely leave no survivors. Only these cannons were beyond her expectations – quite ruthless.
Inexplicably, she felt somewhat worried about Gong Yin remaining in the palace.
Better to reassure Zuoqiu Mo first, otherwise this impulsive straightforward person might do something life-threatening again, which would be troublesome.
Just about to speak, suddenly Feifei on her shoulder raised its head, sniffing around everywhere, clearly smelling something as it looked left and right. Then it pointed toward somewhere in the darkness and muttered a few sounds.
Jing Hengbo understood, pulling Zuoqiu Mo to hide in darkness, flashing toward that direction and waiting a while before seeing a carriage slowly approach from the shadows.
Feifei’s unease became more obvious, and even Jing Hengbo could smell a familiar rich scent from within the carriage.
Then she saw the carriage stop under trees several zhang away from the army.
Beside her, Zuoqiu Mo seemed to be inhaling. Jing Hengbo looked at her. Zuoqiu Mo breathed in and said word by word: “The Ge sisters.”
Jing Hengbo wasn’t too surprised – tonight’s formation was clearly commanded by the Ge sisters.
But why did that carriage suddenly stop there so secretively? And that rich bloody smell…
While puzzled, suddenly someone tumbled down from the carriage, very stiffly, landing with a thud.
The sound wasn’t small, immediately attracting the attention of the soldiers ahead. Jing Hengbo followed Zuoqiu Mo’s signal not to move and flashed behind the tree.
Now she could see clearly – in front of the tree, under the carriage wheels, lay a corpse. The face wasn’t visible, but it was a gray-clothed person.
Blood was under the person, clearly stabbed in the back, with vague wounds on the shoulder.
Feifei suddenly jumped up and down on Jing Hengbo’s shoulder, quite angry. Jing Hengbo patted several times but couldn’t calm it down. Feifei desperately pointed at the shoulder wounds on the corpse. Jing Hengbo looked for a long time before discovering those wounds were actually claw marks – and the claw marks weren’t very large. She turned to look at Feifei’s claws and had a realization.
No wonder the little monster was so angry – it was always the one harming others, never having anyone think to frame it.
Jing Hengbo was both angry and amused, thinking the Ge bitch sisters were indeed formidable – managing multiple things simultaneously, wanting to grab everything with both hard and soft approaches. While harming Zuoqiu Mo, they also wanted to cause trouble for her, and in causing trouble actually noticed her pet. Truly natural masters of conspiracy.
This gray-clothed person must be some important figure in Luoyun tribe who hindered the Ge sisters. These two women had just killed him and forged Feifei’s claw marks to blame her. As for what kind of incident they wanted to provoke, they’d have to see how things developed.
For such weirdos who harmed this person while not forgetting to backstab that person, Jing Hengbo felt she might have been too merciful before.
Because soldiers over there had already rushed over, the Ge sisters had also gotten off the carriage – they came down dramatically. Ge Lian, in a very flustered manner, stumbled off the carriage and threw herself toward the corpse, crying in shock: “Mr. Zhan Hui! Mr. Zhan Hui!”
Ge Shao was beside her, making gestures of looking up at the sky and searching around, shouting loudly: “Who is it! Come out!”
Jing Hengbo was startled, thinking these two had discovered them, when suddenly she saw them exchange glances and immediately understood these two were still acting.
This was performing a scene of “Zhan Hui suddenly killed by assassins, two people unable to rescue in time.”
Ge Shao was still shouting: “What person dares sneak attack His Highness the Crown Prince’s retainer…”
Ge Lian suddenly looked up and glanced around.
Jing Hengbo’s heart tightened. Looking sideways, at this time the moonlight was good and shadows on the ground were clear. She herself was hidden behind the tree, well concealed, but the somewhat angry Feifei’s tail kept swishing restlessly – would it be discovered?
Fortunately, Ge Lian’s gaze didn’t turn this way. She seemed to just casually look around before withdrawing her gaze and tugging Ge Shao’s sleeve.
Ge Shao, who was shouting dramatically, turned to look at her.
Ge Lian said in her thin, delicate voice: “Shao’er, I’m feeling somewhat uneasy.”
“How so?” Ge Shao asked.
“That white-clothed gentleman we invited, though he’s a lecher who accepted the eighteen dancers we sent, but…”
Jing Hengbo raised her eyebrows – what? Gong Yin accepted eighteen dancers sent by Ge Lian?
Yo, who was this trying to make jealous?
Her Majesty the Queen smiled indifferently, but then thought while rolling her eyes: Eighteen dancers? Eighteen? Damn, that’s six more than me!
Over there Ge Shao said again: “How so?”
“But I think he’s just playing along.” Ge Lian said unhurriedly. “Pity. If he wants to play along then he lacks sincerity, and lacking sincerity means punishment. Those dancers’ clothes and skin all have poison – he only needs to look and smell to be poisoned. However, the antidote is in those people’s bodies. As long as he truly uses them, the poison resolves itself – he won’t even notice.” She giggled, her eyes flowing, seeming intentional yet unintentional as she stared at a moving point on the ground, saying leisurely: “Then we can use him to our heart’s content.”