In the room, Bai Hehuai inserted a silver needle into the Great Elder’s forehead, waited a moment, then withdrew it.

The needle had turned milky white and emitted a sweet yet strange fragrance.

Bai Hehuai shook her head slightly. When she had used the Soul-Moving technique earlier, besides investigating her father’s past, she had indeed sensed the nature of the Snow-Fallen Plum Blossom poison in the Great Elder’s dream. While she had concealed part of her purpose, she hadn’t deceived the Great Elder. She had gained significant insights in the dream, but unfortunately, too much time had passed—the poison had now invaded the bone marrow, likely beyond even divine intervention.

There was only one method…

“Divine Physician, can the Great Elder still be saved?” the hunchbacked elder asked quietly, noting Bai Hehuai’s expression.

Su Zhe, standing guard at the door, turned slightly, gripping his Buddhist staff.

“He can be saved, but it would only barely extend his life,” Bai Hehuai sighed softly. “And I cannot use this method.”

“Why not?” the hunchbacked elder pressed.

Bai Hehuai turned to look at him: “Using it would kill me.”

The golden rings on the Buddhist staff chimed as Su Zhe shook his head: “That won’t do.”

The hunchbacked elder pondered for a moment before asking: “Must it be your death, or could someone else’s death suffice?”

Outside, Su Muyu sat alone in a wooden pavilion, gazing up at the azure sky.

He was tired.

Usually, when not on missions, he would often find a secluded corner in the mountains to be alone, doing nothing but watching the sky and listening to the wind, contentedly passing the day. Sometimes that chatty fellow would bring wine to find him, but even he would tactfully remain quiet then, sitting with Su Muyu for the entire day.

These were the rare moments when Su Muyu could feel happiness.

And in these recent days, his only moment of happiness had been during the journey here with Su Zhe and Bai Hehuai.

He could sense the joy, excitement, and happiness of the long-separated father and daughter in their seemingly casual conversation. He thought, seeing such emotions in the Dark River was truly rare.

But that happiness quickly vanished when Su Muyu returned to the Spider’s Lair and reality confronted him. Hours had passed, but Dragon Chen’s words still echoed in his ears.

“Chief, joining the Shadows was once such an honor, so why are we now hunted by our clan members like criminals!”

Su Muyu had his principles, which was why he insisted on standing against the family, protecting the Great Elder to the death. But the Twelve Zodiac Shadows followed him—his choices had created their current situation. He could disregard fighting against the Su family, even willing to cross swords with his closest friend, but the Shadows who followed him likewise couldn’t turn back. Abandoned by their families, they had become wandering spirits in the Dark River with nowhere to belong.

“Lord Puppet.” A gentle female voice sounded from outside the pavilion. Su Muyu turned to see a woman wearing a snake-head mask. He nodded: “Ah, Snake Six.”

“Forgive me for disturbing your solitude, Lord Puppet.” Snake Six walked forward, placing something on the pavilion’s railing. “I finished remaking your umbrella last night. Please try it, Lord Puppet—if anything feels wrong, just call for me.” Having spoken, Snake Six turned to leave.

Su Muyu quickly called out: “Snake Six, don’t leave yet.”

Snake Six stopped, turning slightly: “Lord Puppet, do you have other instructions?”

“Snake Six, you must have the shortest tenure among the Shadows, right?” Su Muyu asked.

Snake Six nodded: “The previous Snake Six suddenly fell ill and passed away a year ago. Lord Puppet chose me from many candidates.”

“Yes. If I hadn’t chosen you then, you wouldn’t be caught in this strife now. Looking back, I’ve dragged you down,” Su Muyu sighed softly.

“Lord Puppet.” Snake Six suddenly turned around. “May I ask you a question?”

Su Muyu started: “Go ahead.”

Snake Six stepped forward: “Are we, the Dark River, evil?”

Su Muyu frowned slightly. This question was an unspoken taboo in the Dark River. He hesitated before choosing not to answer.

“The Dark River—people tremble at our name as if seeing demons. In both court and martial world, how many bear grudges against us, and how many wish us dead? Are we evil? Of course, we are!” Snake Six’s tone lost its earlier gentleness, gaining an edge of ruthlessness. “Killing for money, asking no questions about cause and effect—each of us carries countless souls on our backs. How could such people not be called evil?”

Su Muyu shook his head slightly, still silent.

“But who would choose to be evil from birth? Yet I was born to the Mu family of the Dark River. From my earliest memories, I learned how to kill. Lord Puppet, you’re a Nameless One—adopted by the Dark River. If you didn’t kill, the Dark River would erase you. We’re all people without choices, all among the world’s most evil. For the first twenty years of my life, I wanted to end myself every moment, to end this sinful existence. But Lord Puppet, you’re different!” Snake Six spoke passionately. “I thought joining the Shadows would just continue this nightmare, but Lord Puppet, you were the first person I met in the Dark River who still held goodness, who still had sunlight in their heart! You said joining the Shadows meant our blades could protect instead of kill—then I am willing to die protecting.”

Su Muyu sighed: “Even if what you protect is the master of this evil path?”

“No, I protect Lord Puppet,” Snake Six smiled. “I think Dragon Chen and the others feel the same.”

Su Muyu looked at the paper umbrella on the railing and asked softly: “Then what am I protecting?”

“No one is born evil, and even after becoming evil, what we cherish in our hearts is still goodness. Lord Puppet, if the Dark River is endless night, then you are the first ray of sunlight I’ve encountered,” Snake Six said slowly. “Lord Puppet, if the Great Elder dies, please take up the Sleeping Dragon Sword and succeed in his position!”

“Please take up the Sleeping Dragon Sword and succeed as Great Elder.” The other Shadows emerged from their corners, kneeling on one knee outside the pavilion.

Su Muyu felt moved but maintained his usual calm expression. He rose and walked forward to help Snake Six, who knelt at the front, to her feet: “I promise you all, I will lead you home.”

“With honor and freedom!”