[Meifang Pavilion]
The Crown Prince had just placed the copied core contents of the ledger, the sample of Spirit-Devouring Insect eggs, and the porcelain bottle of Bone-Drunken Powder onto the table.
His gaze swept past a familiar figure by accident, startling him so badly he nearly knocked over the porcelain bottle at the edge of the desk. His voice suddenly rose:
“Zhiwei! Why are you here?”
His tone brimmed with astonishment, as though seeing Zhiwei in such an ordinary place was something utterly unimaginable.
Zhiwei was dressed in black combat attire stained with patches of dust. A dried blade of grass still clung to the hem of his trousers, and beads of sweat slid down his jawline from his temples. It was obvious he had rushed here through the night.
He lifted a hand to wipe away the sweat and cupped his fists in greeting, the corners of his lips still carrying a trace of casual amusement.
“Your Highness may not know this, but ten days after you left Fenghe Granary, I uncovered something suspicious in the cave on South Mountain—
Two figures, moving even more strangely than ghosts, came out of the cave.
Following the Alliance Leader’s secret orders, I took the shadow guards and tailed them for three days, tracking them all the way from the wilderness into the capital.”
“After entering the city, the two split up. I had the shadow guards follow the man who ran like a wild beast, while I personally kept an eye on the female asura. Who would’ve thought that after weaving through several streets and alleys, she walked straight into Chancellor Li’s estate?”
“Because Chancellor Li’s residence is heavily guarded and difficult to infiltrate, I stationed shadow guards outside to keep watch and came to Meifang Pavilion first to wait for their report.”
“Did you uncover the truth behind that cave?” the Crown Prince pressed urgently.
He even leaned halfway forward, desperate to hear the answer immediately.
Zhiwei’s expression turned grave.
“The Alliance Leader has already reached a conclusion. That cave most likely leads directly to the back mountain of the Hidden Dragon Camp.”
“What?!”
The Crown Prince slammed the table in shock, causing the porcelain bottle on top to tremble three times.
Grand Preceptor Bai’s hand suddenly froze, disbelief filling his eyes.
“Digging through mountains and earth? From South Mountain at Fenghe Granary to the rear mountain of Hidden Dragon Camp—that’s at least two to three hundred li! Such a massive undertaking would take no less than three to five years and enormous manpower and resources. These people must have been planning in secret for years, yet no one noticed?”
Before he finished speaking, a shadow guard hurried in, dropping to one knee. Even his breathing was uneven as he reported:
“Report, my lord! The brothers following that man sent word—after entering Xunhua Pavilion, he never appeared again. I have already stationed men around the building to keep watch.”
“Xunhua Pavilion?”
Grand Preceptor Bai’s eyes sharpened like blades, as though recalling something crucial. He turned toward Zhiwei.
“Do you know exactly who these two people you followed are?”
“Yes, Grand Preceptor. The man should be Qin Hui—the one who escaped from Hidden Dragon Camp some time ago. He was imprisoned after falsely accusing Commander Zhao’s shadow guards over the Purple Resolution Flower incident.”
Zhiwei spoke with certainty, then paused before adding:
“As for the woman, she is not to be underestimated, especially skilled in illusion arts. When Young Master Li Xuan was attacked, traces of spiritual energy left in the attacker’s corpse carried colorful butterfly shadows. After investigation, it matched the unique secret technique Phantom Butterfly Shadow. There is a high probability she is Mo Feiyan, known in the martial world as the Butterfly Shadow Enchantress. Rumor has it her illusions can drive living people to slaughter one another—ruthless to the extreme.”
The Crown Prince’s brows instantly knotted together. He paced around the desk twice before suddenly scratching his head in confusion.
“So, Zhao Jinzhou has secretly been helping the Lingxi Merchant Guild dig tunnels all these years, and Mo Feiyan from the Li residence used that passage to rescue Qin Hui?”
His eyes lit up, though uncertainty lingered.
“Does that mean the Lingxi Merchant Guild, Tianji Pavilion, the shamans, the Li family, and Qin Hui are all connected?”
“They must be bound by mutual interests and colluding together,” Zhiwei nodded, then changed the subject.
“But Qin Hui is only a prisoner. Why go through so much trouble to rescue him? And now he’s hiding inside Xunhua Pavilion without showing himself. There’s definitely more to this than meets the eye. Too many questions remain unanswered.”
Grand Preceptor Bai tapped the table and said gravely:
“Rather than wasting time speculating here, we should immediately summon Commander Zhao, Alliance Leader Chu, and Commander Zhao to gather in the secret chamber. We will report today’s intercepted clues and all verified findings, then discuss how to break this deadlock together.
We cannot sit idly and wait for the enemy to expose themselves. Being forced into such a passive position means even the slightest delay could render all our investigations meaningless. No wise person would act so foolishly.”
The Crown Prince picked up the ledger on the table, his face filled with triumph.
“Exactly! I finally got my hands on proof of their dealings. This time, we can drag out the fox tails of the Lingxi Merchant Guild, the shamans, and Tianji Pavilion! They’re definitely all in this together!”
Peony immediately responded:
“Then I shall contact the Alliance Leader through the Sound Transmission Stone at once to discuss the meeting time and arrangements.”
“This matter cannot wait—the sooner, the better. As for Commander Zhao, I will contact him myself.”
Grand Preceptor Bai’s expression was solemn.
“Zhiwei, continue leading men to guard Xunhua Pavilion. Under no circumstances are you to alert the enemy. Keep a close eye on Qin Hui’s movements and investigate the connection between Xunhua Pavilion and this group.”
“Today’s events involve far too many people. I fear Rushi’s identity has already been exposed. The shamans of Tianji Pavilion are sinister and treacherous. Steward Peony, arrange for Rushi to evacuate Xunhua Pavilion immediately. Every extra moment increases the danger. We must not let him fall into harm’s way.”
“Yes, Grand Preceptor Bai!”
Zhiwei and Peony answered in unison, their expressions grave.
[Agarwood Courtyard – Study]
“Alliance Leader, the investigation mission at Xunhua Pavilion has concluded successfully. Grand Preceptor Bai proposes a confidential meeting with you, Commander Zhao, Commander Zhao, and the relevant parties.
Qin Hui is hiding within the pavilion, Mo Feiyan remains concealed in the Li residence, and we now possess evidence including the ledger and Spirit-Devouring Insect eggs.
We request your decision regarding the meeting time and final location. Shall we still use the secret chamber at Meifang Pavilion?”
The other end of the Sound Transmission Stone fell silent for a moment before Chu Wanran’s voice slowly came through.
Compared to his earlier exhaustion, there was now a calm steadiness of someone strategizing from above. Yet a trace of raspiness still lingered in his voice, as though worn down by the night wind.
“Use the secret chamber at Meifang Pavilion. We meet tomorrow at the Hour of Xu. Inform Grand Preceptor Bai that Commander Zhao’s safety during transit must be ensured. The ledger and evidence in the Crown Prince’s possession must be carefully safeguarded. No rash actions.
I will contact Commander Zhao immediately. Remember—everything must remain confidential.”
Peony respectfully acknowledged the order and had just tucked the Sound Transmission Stone back into her sleeve when Grand Preceptor Bai spoke again:
“I shall wait here for Commander Zhao first thing tomorrow morning.”
She nodded and turned to arrange Rushi’s evacuation, only to be stopped again.
“Have shadow guards disguise themselves as servants of Xunhua Pavilion and quietly escort Rushi out through the back alley to the safe house in the western district. Set up diversions along the route. Under no circumstances can Tianji Pavilion catch sight of him.”
The candlelight flickered weakly, casting trembling shadows across the desk.
The moment Chu Wanran’s message reached Commander Zhao, the transmission stone grew faintly warm from the urgency in his voice, rage and anxiety almost bursting through the spiritual barrier.
“Chu Wanran! Where did you take Li Xuan?!”
Chu Wanran had expected this reaction. His tone remained calm, yet unwavering as frozen water in a cold pool.
“I told you—Li Xuan is under my care. He possesses a key ability. Keeping him with you would only alert the enemy. Too many people are watching, desperate to find him.
I have placed him somewhere absolutely secure, under dedicated care. You need not worry.”
“Tomorrow at the Hour of Xu, come to the secret chamber at Meifang Pavilion. There is news regarding Tianji Pavilion. Keep everything discreet and follow the plan.”
“Plan? Nothing in this world matters more than Li Xuan’s life!”
Commander Zhao’s anger remained unabated, his voice filled with unwillingness and agitation.
“If you don’t tell me where he is, I won’t come to Meifang Pavilion tomorrow!”
“Commander Zhao,” Chu Wanran’s tone cooled, edged with warning,
“You do not have the luxury of acting on impulse. Chancellor Li’s estate is colluding with Tianji Pavilion, and we have already obtained Tianji Pavilion’s ledger. If you refuse to attend this meeting and the conspiracy remains unresolved, then you are neglecting the greater good.”
Silence followed on the other end. Only Commander Zhao’s heavy breathing remained, like a trapped beast struggling against its cage.
Chu Wanran understood his inner turmoil and softened his tone slightly.
“As long as I am here, Li Xuan will come to no harm. Be careful on the way tomorrow. Do not let anyone follow you.”
After a long pause, Commander Zhao finally spoke again. Most of his anger had faded, leaving only helpless compromise and a hoarse warning.
“Fine. I’ll trust you this once. But if anything happens to Li Xuan, I will never forgive you.”
Chu Wanran acknowledged him and put away the transmission stone, exhaustion flickering briefly in his eyes.
At that moment, the study door was gently knocked upon. The old steward’s voice came from outside.
“Master, Young Master Li’s medicine has finished brewing.”
“Bring it to his room. I’ll feed him personally.”
Chu Wanran’s voice softened slightly as he rose, his robes brushing against the desk and stirring a faint breeze.
[Xunhua Pavilion]
The night at Xunhua Pavilion was wrapped in powdery perfume—and hidden killing intent.
Seated before the vanity mirror, Rushi quietly tucked a jade pendant engraved with the character “Mu” (牡) deep into his hair.
He had long sensed that something was wrong tonight.
There were many unfamiliar faces outside his room. The number of patrolling guards had multiplied several times over, their footsteps heavy as iron, suffocating the atmosphere.
A bad feeling settled in his chest.
As he pondered how to escape, a secret note suddenly slipped through the crack in the window and landed on the vanity table.
The handwriting was elegant yet rushed:
“By Steward Peony’s order: evacuate through the back alley. Head west immediately.”
Relief washed over Rushi.
At once, he took out a short flute carved from Hetian jade.
His fingertips lightly brushed across it, and a clear melody flowed out like moonlit spring water—yet hidden beneath it was a subtle hypnotic force.
The asuras and guards standing watch outside suddenly felt their limbs go weak. Their eyelids grew unbearably heavy, and before long, they collapsed one after another, unconscious.
Half an hour later, Rushi quickly changed into rough commoner’s clothing. He tied his hair up tightly and wrapped it in cloth, concealing the jade pendant.
Taking a deep breath, he gently pushed open the door.
But the instant it opened a crack, a chill swept over him.
His head snapped downward.
A young woman stood gracefully in front of the doorway, blocking his path—
A shaman of the merchant guild.
She was delicate in appearance, yet an eerie coldness lingered between her brows. Her high ponytail was neat and sharp, while a streak of silver bangs fell across her forehead, making her dark eyes seem even deeper.
It was Lingxi.
A faint smile curved Lingxi’s lips, but her gaze was as poisonous as frozen blades.
Her palm came down directly onto Rushi.
His heart jolted in alarm.
Realizing danger, he turned to retreat—but Lingxi moved faster.
With a flick of her fingers, a jet-black Spirit-Devouring Insect glowing faintly with dark light crawled swiftly onto Rushi’s wrist. Its sharp mouthparts pierced his skin and burrowed into his flesh.
“Ah—!”
A short cry escaped Rushi.
An agonizing numbness spread from his wrist, followed by something alien coursing through his bloodstream, rapidly overtaking his body.
The world spun.
It felt as though countless insects were devouring his organs alive. Pain wracked him until his whole body trembled uncontrollably, every limb screaming with the agony of being torn apart.
Staggering backward, he crashed into the vanity table.
The bronze mirror shattered, fragments scattering across the floor and reflecting his twisted, pale face.
His consciousness blurred rapidly.
Lingxi’s figure doubled in his vision.
He tried to raise a hand toward the jade pendant hidden in his hair, remembering Peony’s final smile.
But his fingers felt heavier than mountains.
He could not move at all.
The Spirit-Devouring Insect had injected a “mimetic agent” into his body. Reason and consciousness were slowly being consumed. Even his breathing carried the taste of blood…
“What a pity. Such a prized performer.”
Lingxi slowly crouched beside him, watching him writhe on the floor in agony.
Her smile remained light, but her voice was colder than ice.
“Your music was beautiful.
Unfortunately…”
“No one will ever hear it again.”
Rushi’s lips trembled, trying to say something, but only blood bubbled out.
He cast one final glance toward the night sky beyond the window.
No stars.
Only endless darkness—just like the fate awaiting him.
He thought he saw Peony waiting for him at Meifang Pavilion.
The jade pendant engraved with “Mu” had been placed on him by her own hands. She had once said that after the mission ended, she would accompany him to see the spring snow in Jiangnan.
But now—
He would never make it.
The final trace of light faded from his eyes.
His body stiffened once before collapsing limply onto the cold floor, lifeless.
Lingxi rose, brushing dust from her clothes. Her expression remained utterly unmoved as she disappeared into the dark corridor, leaving behind only shattered bronze mirrors and Rushi’s cold body.
In the back alley, the shadow guard waiting under orders huddled in the darkness, glancing toward Xunhua Pavilion again and again.
Unease grew stronger with every passing moment.
The appointed time had long passed.
Yet Rushi never appeared.
The lantern at the alley’s entrance swayed in the wind, casting dim yellow light over the lone shadow stretched long upon the ground—filled with anxiety and foreboding.
Meanwhile, in Meifang Pavilion, Peony sat by the window, tightly clutching a jade pendant engraved with the character “Shi” (詩).
The warm jade had grown hot in her palm.
Yet her heart only grew colder.
Outside, snow had begun to fall at some unknown hour.
Flakes landed silently against the window lattice, whispering of the night’s chill.
She had already waited a long time—
From glowing lanterns at dusk until snowfall blanketed the silence.
Rushi is clever and cautious. He’ll escape safely…
Perhaps something delayed him.
Perhaps he took a detour to avoid being followed…
She repeated these thoughts to herself over and over.
Yet no amount of warmth from the jade could stop the cold spreading through her chest.
Looking out at the falling snow, her gaze remained gentle and steadfast as she murmured softly to the empty air:
“Rushi, I’ll wait for you to come back.
When you arrive, we’ll go to the western district together. There’s a warm stove there… and your favorite plum blossom pastries.”
The snow fell harder and harder, settling on her hair and lashes with icy softness.
But she did not notice.
She only clutched the pendant tighter, her eyes fixed desperately upon the doorway—
Waiting for the familiar figure to push the door open and smile as he said:
“Peony, I’m back.”
But the only answer was the flickering candlelight inside the hall—
And outside, the boundless wind, snow, and silence.
The jade pendant engraved with “Shi” reflected the hope and loneliness in her eyes beneath the dim light—
Like a vigil destined to end in heartbreak.