Night had fallen, and Bai Tu successfully infiltrated the magistrate’s residence under the guise of a performer with the troupe of dancers and singers.

In the magistrate’s estate, a floating stage had been erected over the water, serving as a platform for the magistrate, his family, and esteemed guests to enjoy performances. One by one, the dancers and singers took to the stage. From a small room behind the stage, Bai Tu cautiously peered out, gazing across the water.

Seated in the position of honor was a portly middle-aged man, likely the master of the estate.

However, after scanning the area, Bai Tu found no sign of the enigmatic itinerant daoist mentioned by the senior disciples.

As the performance on stage came to an end, Bai Tu slipped away unnoticed.

He moved quickly across the courtyard and had just stepped into the rear garden when a voice called out from behind him. “Halt.”

Bai Tu froze in his tracks.

A figure emerged from the shadows, the sound of footsteps drawing nearer. Without hesitation, Bai Tu swung his arm backward, but the stranger effortlessly caught his strike.

With a gentle tug, the figure pulled Bai Tu closer. A slightly teasing voice sounded near her ear. “Master, take it easy, won’t you?”

Bai Tu frowned slightly, withdrawing his restraint. This time, his palm struck with real force, sending the figure stumbling back several steps. The young man let out a pained grunt, clutching his chest with an aggrieved expression. “Master, you actually hit me.”

Bai Tu snapped irritably. “Weren’t you unable to get in?”

Yun Ye blinked innocently, evading the question. “I was worried about Master’s health, so of course, I came to check on you.”

It was only then that Bai Tu noticed Yun Ye was dressed in the uniform of a household servant which he had no idea where he had managed to acquire it.

Anger bubbled up inside him. “If you could disguise yourself as a servant, why did you make me dress like this?”

Yun Ye opened his mouth to reply, but footsteps suddenly echoed from behind them.

Bai Tu’s expression shifted, and Yun Ye reacted first, pulling him into the shadows of a nearby rockery. Bai Tu’s back pressed against the cold stone, while Yun Ye positioned himself in front of him, completely shielding his from view.

However, Yun Ye’s body leaned in closer, the gap between them shrinking rapidly. Bai Tu could even feel the faint warmth of his shallow breaths.

Instinctively, he tried to move, but Yun Ye caught his wrist, pinning it gently against the stone wall.

“Shh, don’t move.” Yun Ye whispered softly.

Bai Tu froze, his eyes widening as he helplessly watched Yun Ye lean in closer… until he felt the faintest touch against his lips, like a fleeting brush of something soft.

Every hair on Bai Tu’s body stood on end, and a rush of blood surged to his face, coloring it crimson.

What—what—what was he doing!?

Though his face was still covered by the vibrant red veil, thin as silk, the sensation on his lips was unmistakably clear. Bai Tu struggled to suppress the urge to shove him away, but fortunately, Yun Ye didn’t push further. He simply pressed his lips lightly against his, a delicate, fleeting touch before pulling back.

At that moment, a voice sounded from behind them. “Who’s there?”

Bai Tu’s lashes quivered. Yun Ye, still pinning Bai Tu’s wrist with one hand, let his other hand slide slowly down from Bai Tu’s shoulder to encircle his slender waist, pulling him closer against him.

From behind came a faint beam of light—it seemed the person had raised a lantern.

But in the next instant, the light was withdrawn, and the person let out a disdainful scoff. “Ugh, in broad daylight? Aw-Wei, have you no shame? Little Feng still has her reputation to think about! Be careful, or I’ll report this to the mistress!”

Yun Ye gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head toward Bai Tu. When he spoke, his voice had already shifted to mimic another person’s tone, rough and impatient. “Get lost.”

The man grumbled a few curses under his breath but didn’t press further and soon walked away.

As soon as the footsteps faded, Yun Ye released Bai Tu.

Bai Tu’s face burned with heat as he shot him a glare, furious and on the verge of lashing out, but Yun Ye quickly said. “Master, don’t be angry. I had no choice just now.”

His voice was slightly lower than before as he calmly explained. “This outfit was given to me by Little Feng, the girl who helped disguise you earlier. She’s involved with one of the servants here, and most of the household staff are aware of it. Without this connection, there’s no way I could have gotten in.”

Bai Tu, still simmering with anger, snapped. “Even so, you can’t just—”

He opened his mouth, but the rest of the words wouldn’t come out, no matter how hard he tried.

Pressing his lips together, Bai Tu forced himself to calm down a little and asked. “Do you know where that daoist is now?”

“He should be in the secondary residence”

“Good. Let’s go.” Bai Tu turned and began walking in the direction of the secondary residence. However, when he didn’t hear Yun Ye following, he glanced back. “What’s wrong with you?”

A faintly awkward expression flickered across Yun Ye’s face. After a moment, he said in a low voice. “Master, you go ahead. I… I’ll catch up shortly.”

Bai Tu furrowed his brow in confusion but chose not to press further. Instead, he simply said. “Be careful,” before quickly heading toward the secondary residence.

The fiery red figure disappeared from view, leaving Yun Ye to let out a long sigh. He stepped back, leaning against the cold stone wall, and covered his face in frustration, murmuring to himself. “Get a grip already…”

It was just a light touch. Why make such a big deal out of it?

Does he have no self-control at all?

Meanwhile, Bai Tu evaded the servants and slipped into the secondary residence. After searching for a while, he spotted someone seated alone in a pavilion, leisurely drinking wine.

The figure was dressed in a faded indigo daoist robe, with a dust whisk tucked at the waist—the very image of the wandering daoist Pi Chenzi, as described by his senior disciples.

But even without the description, Bai Tu could sense faint ripples of spiritual energy emanating from the man.

Suddenly, a voice spoke behind him. “What are you doing?”

Bai Tu turned to find himself face-to-face with Pi Chenzi, who stood there in his daoist robes, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

When Bai Tu glanced back at the pavilion, the figure seated there dissolved into a wisp of azure smoke, scattering into the wind.

As Pi Chenzi approached, Bai Tu noticed his tall stature but unremarkable features—the kind of face one would struggle to recall.

How had this man discovered him here?

From the moment Bai Tu entered the estate, he had sealed all his spiritual energy and concealed his presence with meticulous care. Even a grandmaster from the Tianyan Sect shouldn’t have detected him so quickly.

Bai Tu’s brow twitched slightly, though he quickly masked his reaction. Pi Chenzi, however, gave a teasing smile. “Well, well, where did this little beauty come from? How is it I’ve never seen you before?”

As he spoke, he reached out frivolously, intending to lift the veil from Bai Tu’s face.

Bai Tu stepped back, feigning a timid and frightened demeanor. His clear, expressive eyes gazed up at Pi Chenzi, giving an impression of innocence and vulnerability.

This only seemed to stoke Pi Chenzi’s interest further. He leaned in closer, his tone softening as he coaxed, though his intent was unmistakable. “You’re one of the dancers brought here today, aren’t you? Don’t be afraid. As long as you’re obedient, I won’t tell anyone about you sneaking into the secondary residence.”

“Now, tell me, little beauty, what are you doing here?”

The syrupy tone made Bai Tu’s skin crawl, but he forced himself to endure it. He shook his head slightly, remaining silent.

Pi Chenzi narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering across his face. “Oh? Can’t speak, can you?”

Bai Tu met his gaze and slowly nodded, his expression perfectly composed.

“What a pitiful little thing,” Pi Chenzi murmured, feigning sympathy. “No matter. Come, keep me company for a drink or two. I’m a man of great skill—make me happy, and I’ll help you get your voice back.”

Grinning, he grabbed Bai Tu’s wrist and began pulling him along.

As they walked, Pi Chenzi muttered to himself with a smirk. “Pretty enough, I suppose. Shame about the chest, though. Tch, what a flaw.”

Bai Tu: “…”

Pi Chenzi led Bai Tu to the pavilion from earlier and ordered him to pour wine. Bai Tu obediently filled his cup while silently observing the man.

Though Pi Chenzi had some skill in the daoist arts, it was clear he was only slightly more capable than Bai Tu’s senior disciples, Yin Shaoyang and his brother. In a real fight, he likely wouldn’t even be a match for Yun Ye.

So how had he come to possess a demonic artifact from the Abyss?

And more importantly, how had this man detected Bai Tu’s presence earlier?

Lost in thought, Bai Tu was startled when Pi Chenzi suddenly placed a hand over his. “Little beauty, why are you only pouring wine for me? Aren’t you going to have some yourself?”

Bai Tu shook his head hurriedly, feigning panic.

“Oh, you don’t drink?” Pi Chenzi chuckled, pouring a cup of wine and holding it out to Bai Tu. “No problem. If you don’t know how, this great daoist will teach you.”

He paused, his gaze hardening slightly as he added with a faintly threatening tone. “Drink. Or else I’ll inform the magistrate that you snuck into the secondary residence to seduce me.”

…Could this man possibly be any more shameless?

After a moment’s hesitation, Bai Tu took the cup, removed his veil, and tipped the wine into his mouth. The fiery liquid burned as it slid down his throat, and Bai Tu coughed violently, his stomach churning in protest.

He struggled to suppress the discomfort, managing to stifle his coughing fit after a few moments. However, as he raised his head, a wave of dizziness hit him, making the world around him spin.

Bai Tu shook his head, trying to clear the haze clouding his mind but his body felt weak and heavy, and he slumped against the stone table, barely able to keep upright. In his dazed state, he failed to notice that Pi Chenzi’s expression had completely changed.

A faintly sinister aura surfaced on “Pi Chenzi’s” face as he lifted Bai Tu’s chin, his eyes gleaming with a faint demonic light. “It’s been a long time, Immortal Lord Zhaohua.”

Bai Tu froze, his voice low with uncertainty. “You are…?”

“Who am I?” “Pi Chenzi’s” fingers tightened slowly, and unmistakable hatred flickered in his eyes. “How noble of you to forget. Do you no longer remember how the Abyss was destroyed by your hand?”

Bai Tu’s gaze flickered subtly. “So, you truly are from the Abyss? But the Abyss was already—”

“Destroyed?” The man’s smile twisted into something cold and mocking. “Yes, the Abyss was annihilated—its lands in ruin, its people slaughtered. All thanks to your righteous hand, Immortal Lord.”

Bai Tu’s heart sank as a chilling sense of foreboding swept over him.

“The Abyss has endured for millennia. Do you truly believe it could vanish so easily at your hands? But you don’t need to know anything more. All you need to understand is that today, the Abyss has returned to exact its vengeance.”

Releasing Bai Tu, he raised his hand, where dark energy coalesced rapidly into a short blade brimming with malevolent power.

With a sharp swing, “Pi Chenzi” lunged at Bai Tu, blade aimed directly at him. Yet before the strike could land, a streak of silver light flashed through the air—a silver-white spear shot out from the side, intercepting the dark blade with a resounding clash.

“Pi Chenzi” leaped back with practiced agility, narrowly avoiding the spear’s thrust aimed at his chest.

Yun Ye, wielding the silver spear, stepped forward swiftly and placed himself between Bai Tu and the attacker.

“Pi Chenzi’s” gaze darkened, recognition flickering across his features. “It’s you…”

His voice rose, tinged with disbelief and anger. “Do you even know who you are? How dare you stand with him! How could you—”

His tirade abruptly ended as the cold kiss of a blade pressed against his neck. The sharp edge drew a thin line of blood across his skin. Startled, “Pi Chenzi” turned his head, catching only a glimpse of a fiery red hem swaying in the breeze.

It was then he realized the figure by the stone table—the Immortal Lord Zhaohua—was fading. The figure’s form grew increasingly transparent until it dissolved completely, leaving no trace behind.

The realization struck him: the Immortal Lord had used the very same trick he himself had employed moments before.

Bai Tu’s voice was steady and calm as he said. “Get out of that body, Wu Jiu.”

Wu Jiu froze for a moment, then chuckled softly. “As expected of the Immortal Lord Zhaohua. You’re as troublesome as ever.”

Wu Jiu—a minor antagonist in this story.

A loyal follower of the Abyss, he was devoted to its revival. In the previous life, it was Wu Jiu who orchestrated Yun Ye’s descent into darkness, ultimately becoming Yun Ye’s most faithful subordinate.

In short, if not for this man, Bai Tu’s downfall in the previous life might never have happened.

Even now, thinking of it made Bai Tu grind his teeth in frustration. If Wu Jiu’s true form were present, Bai Tu wouldn’t hesitate to stab him several times to vent his anger.

Despite having his vulnerability exposed, Wu Jiu remained unruffled. His gaze shifted to Yun Ye, a faint smirk curling his lips. “Yun Ye, we will meet again.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Tu felt the weight in his hand increase, and the body before him collapsed limply to the ground.

Tendrils of dark mist seeped out from the fallen body, dissipating into the night sky until they vanished entirely.

Bai Tu tossed the unconscious Pi Chenzi aside and lifted his eyes to Yun Ye. This time around, he had painstakingly kept Yun Ye far from anything connected to the Abyss, hoping to shield him from any corrupting influences.

But unexpectedly, what should have been a simple investigation into a demonic flute had led them straight to Wu Jiu.

Bai Tu nervously observed Yun Ye’s expression, but Yun Ye merely stepped forward, his voice full of concern. “Master, are you alright?”

“Ah… I’m fine, I’m fine.” Bai Tu snapped back to his senses, then hesitantly asked. “That person, what he said…”

Yun Ye’s expression was calm. “He was from the demonic race. What he said is obviously untrustworthy.”

Bai Tu quickly nodded. “Yes, that’s right, we can’t trust him.”

Yun Ye didn’t respond further, lowering his head to help Bai Tu adjust his veil. “Master, you scared me just now.”

Bai Tu shook his head. “It’s nothing even if that was just a fragment of the demon’s illusion, even if the demon’s real body had come, it still wouldn’t be my match. Why are you so worried?”

Yun Ye smiled faintly. “You’re right.” He gazed at Bai Tu deeply, then murmured. “Perhaps it’s because I care.”

“Let’s go, we should head back…” Bai Tu started to walk forward, but suddenly, his steps faltered, and a wave of dizziness swept over him.

Yun Ye quickly steadied him. “Master?”

Bai Tu gripped Yun Ye’s arm and immediately realized what had happened.

The cultivation world had always wondered why the Immortal Lord Zhaohua never drank alcohol. The reason was simple: the man was a lightweight.

One glass, and he was done for.

Earlier, Wu Jiu had tricked Bai Tu into drinking poisoned wine. Using his magic, he had expelled the poison from his body while suppressing the effects of the alcohol but now, as the effects began to wear off, the alcohol hit him again, and Bai Tu soon felt dizzy, unable to keep his balance.

Yun Ye immediately reacted, hurriedly saying. “Master, hold on. I’ll take you back.”

The night was deep, and Yun Ye kicked open the door to the inn’s bedroom. He quickly carried Bai Tu inside and placed him gently on the bed.

Bai Tu, already half-drunk and dazed, felt hot and uncomfortable, restlessly shifting around.

Yun Ye’s voice softened. “Master, don’t cause trouble. Just rest well.”

Bai Tu blinked in confusion, his usual authority replaced by an innocent, bewildered expression. His eyes were slightly reddened, shimmering like water—fragile and beautiful.

“…Is that you, Yun Ye?”

Yun Ye responded. “Yes, it’s me. Master, please sleep now.”

But Bai Tu suddenly pushed him away.

He sat up and reached out both arms toward Yun Ye, commanding boldly. “Help me take off my clothes.”

Yun Ye: “…”

=^_^=