Su Muyu held his umbrella with its tip pressed against Su Changhe’s back: “Who brought you in?”

Su Changhe twirled his dagger lightly: “Every member of Spider Shadow was personally selected by you. They’re all loyal to you. Don’t you trust them?”

“I trust results more.” Su Muyu glanced at Bai Hehuai on the ground, slightly furrowing his brow.

Bai Hehuai struggled to her feet, slowly backing up to the Great Elder’s door.

“You shouldn’t doubt them. They’ve always been loyal to you, but you made one mistake,” Su Changhe said with a smile.

“What mistake?” Su Muyu asked.

“Their loyalty to you doesn’t mean loyalty to the Great Elder. If they think you’ve made the wrong choice, wouldn’t they help guide you onto the right path?” Su Changhe spun around, slashing his dagger at Su Muyu.

Su Muyu stepped back, a strand of his hair cut by the dagger. He swung his paper umbrella forcefully, shouting: “Get back!”

Bai Hehuai was startled, and immediately diving into the room. The Great Elder was still resting with closed eyes, unmoved by the commotion. She looked up at the wooden bird on the door, reaching to pull its cord.

“That’s enough for today.” Su Changhe leaped over Su Muyu’s head, bounded out of the gallery in a few steps, then jumped down. “Su Muyu, there are many surprises around you, more than I imagined.”

Su Muyu exhaled lightly, not having time to contemplate Su Changhe’s words. He walked to the doorway, seeing Bai Hehuai about to pull the cord. He quickly swung his paper umbrella to stop her hand. Bai Hehuai angrily protested: “What are you doing? Don’t let him escape!”

“Consider it my request. Don’t pull it.” Su Muyu lowered his head.

Bai Hehuai looked up at Su Muyu’s face, seeing the mixture of worry and apology in his expression. Finally, she withdrew her hand. She glanced at the Great Elder lying there, then stood and closed the door as she walked out: “Are you close with that mustached man?”

“Very close.” Su Muyu said quietly.

“Ah, your Dark River is so complicated.” Bai Hehuai shrugged. “He nearly killed me just now. I don’t want to let him go.”

Su Muyu sighed lightly: “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, let him run for now. I’ll call Chouniu and the others later,” Bai Hehuai waved dismissively.

“Divine Physician…” Su Muyu folded his umbrella, hesitating before continuing, “Please don’t mention to anyone about someone infiltrating the Spider Nest. I’ll handle it.”

Bai Hehuai paused, taking a moment to understand: “You want to protect the traitor? Are you insane?”

“Lady, you need only focus on healing the Great Elder. The rest are Dark River’s internal affairs. Please don’t interfere,” Su Muyu said gravely.

Bai Hehuai sneered: “Then can you tell your Dark River people that since these are your internal affairs, could they please leave me out of their killing?”

“I promise you, from today until the Great Elder recovers, no one will harm you,” Su Muyu replied.

“Are you in a position to make such promises?” Bai Hehuai raised an eyebrow.

“Unless I die first,” Su Muyu said slowly.

“I’ll trust you this once.” Bai Hehuai, seeing Su Muyu’s utterly serious expression, finally decided she couldn’t argue with this strange person and returned to the room. The Great Elder was still in deep sleep. Bai Hehuai lay down on the long chair, and somehow, knowing Su Muyu had returned, the anxiety she’d been holding finally eased.

It seemed this person truly had a special charm—no wonder others trusted him so much.

But that man with the small mustache…

Su Changhe walked along the empty street, happily humming an unknown tune while playing with his dagger: “A Divine Physician from Medicine King Valley, Dark River’s killing techniques, how interesting, how very interesting!”

“What’s interesting?” A hoarse voice suddenly came from the nearby eaves.

Su Changhe stopped, his spine instantly straightening, his black robe fluttering. He gritted his teeth: “It’s you.”

“It is.” The person wore silver robes that gleamed particularly bright in the moonlight. “Long time no see, Funeral Master.”

“With your status, you dare come to Jiuxiao City?” Su Changhe sneered.

“With my status, where in the world can’t I go?” the silver-robed person countered. “Where would I not dare to go?”

“Interesting words. If you’re willing to go to that nest, now would be the best time,” Su Changhe said mysteriously.

“Whether it’s a good time or not isn’t for you to decide. I cast a divination today—the signs say I shouldn’t go,” the silver-robed person said with a smile.

“Your business is none of my concern. Did you need something from me?” Su Changhe asked impatiently.

“Nothing particular. I happened to pass by and see you. Oh, I also cast a divination for you and your good brother.” The silver-robed person stood up. “Want to know the result?”

“No,” Su Changhe strode forward.

“All ill omens, nine deaths, and one life,” the silver-robed person called out.

Su Changhe ignored them and walked out of the street, then wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, smiling bitterly. He muttered, “Meeting a monster like you, of course, it’s an ill omen.” He walked back to the entrance of Luo Jiuxiao Inn. The entire inn was dark without a single candle lit, as if everyone had gone to sleep. Su Changhe stood in contemplation for a long while, then suddenly turned around.

At that moment, the inn’s main door suddenly opened.

A breeze blew out from within, carrying a hint of coolness.

“You’re back. Why not come in and rest?” A light appeared inside the inn—it was Su Zhe lighting a match for his tobacco.

“Uncle Zhe, you’re still up so late?” Su Changhe smiled awkwardly, turning to enter the inn.

“I was resting, but someone woke me up.” Su Zhe took a leisurely puff of his pipe. “Rather annoying, but what can you do?”

“Uncle Zhe, you’re speaking so diplomatically now.” Su Changhe continued with his forced smile.

“Go up, they’re waiting for you upstairs.” Su Zhe looked at Su Changhe, shaking his head slightly. His Buddhist staff leaned nearby, its golden rings jingling in the wind.

“Uncle Zhe, those bells sound like death knells. My hands are shaking before I even go up,” Su Changhe narrowed his eyes.

“Your shaking hands are none of my concern.” Su Zhe set down his pipe, tapping it lightly on the table. “Go up quickly, don’t make them come down.”