Yuan Qingzhi looked at Yuan Xiangming with the expression one reserves for an unlucky sap, feeling a deep sense of kinship in her heart.

Who could understand! In this lonely, desolate opera world, how moving it was to find a familiar face from home!

But she had to admit, this guy Yuan Xiangming had entered the play far too deeply.

Yuan Qingzhi had been secretly observing him and found he had completely forgotten the real world, purely living out the script as his own life.

In that case, waking him up… might be a bit difficult.

Unfortunately, this was also Yuan Qingzhi’s first time doing this job. She had been forced into it and could only take things one step at a time.

The old Priestess stammered, “Lord Shi, someone violated the rules. We were preparing to punish her.”

After listening, Yuan Xiangming frowned. “We haven’t even passed the palace gate yet, so the Ritual Master selection naturally cannot be considered started. As the head Priestess in charge, you should first recite the rules to the candidates, not immediately try to establish dominance.”

These simple words made the old Priestess’s face flush then pale, losing all her previous imposing manner.

However, given his status, she could only reluctantly yield. “Lord Shi’s lesson is correct.”

Yuan Xiangming nodded, not pursuing the matter further. “We have come under orders to escort the candidates to the Holy Spring for the purification ritual.”

He turned around, his gaze not lingering on Xie Shuyao.

Right. Yuan Qingzhi’s eyes darted around as she thought.

In this public place with so many eyes, Xie Shuyao absolutely couldn’t reveal in front of everyone that she had already pledged her life to the male lead.

Furthermore, Xie Shuyao had been very careful to avoid suspicion back then; after rescuing Shi Honghua, she hadn’t shown her face directly but had asked her maid to deliver medicine.

Even when exchanging tokens, she wore a veiled hat.

In short, the Weaver Girl knew the Cowherd, but the Cowherd didn’t know the Weaver Girl.

Thinking of this, Yuan Qingzhi wanted to shout: Female Lead, you fool!

If the male lead hadn’t seen the female lead’s face, how could the melodramatic plot point of the female antagonist assuming her identity have happened later!

“In that case, let’s go. If we delay past the auspicious time and anger the Head Priest, no one can bear the responsibility.”

A good show having been forcefully interrupted, the old Priestess’s face fell, and she led the way into the palace first.

Yuan Qingzhi followed, lifting her foot.

Almost at the instant she crossed the palace threshold, the hair all over her body stood on end.

In the countless tales of gods and ghosts recorded in Night Journey Chronicles, the word “gate” undoubtedly held extreme significance.

Rather than just a switch connecting the space inside and outside, a gate functioned more like a boundary dividing territories.

Crossing the threshold meant stepping from the realm of the living into the realm of the dead.

After taking two steps, Yuan Qingzhi couldn’t resist looking back.

The deep vermilion palace walls effortlessly divided heaven and earth into two dimensions.

Looking forward from beneath the white jade archway, the last sliver of blood-red sunset draped the magnificent palace in an eerie, sinister hue.

Row upon row of halls and pavilions stood like imposing memorial tablets, overlapping in layers, sleeping in tranquil silence.

Her vision began to blur, which perfectly matched the script’s description of Wu Wu suffering from night blindness.

And she herself, as if by magic, wore a face that wasn’t hers at all.

Never before had Yuan Qingzhi been more certain that she was inside the play.

She needed to finish performing Evil Omen and awaken Yuan Xiangming, who was playing the male lead, Shi Honghua.

Perhaps because she turned her head too sharply and was standing near the front, she immediately caught the attention of Xie Niyun beside her.

“Wu Wu, what are you doing?”

Having failed to see Xie Shuyao disfigured, the spoiled Eldest Miss was in a terrible mood, her tone harsh, just looking for someone to vent on.

“N-nothing.” Although her head was bowed, Yuan Qingzhi habitually made her expression flawless. “I just accidentally glanced up at Eldest Miss and was blinded by your ever-increasing beauty.”

Xie Shuyao: “…”

The others who heard this spontaneous nonsense: “…”

This lackey’s skill in flattery has really improved!

She can lie through her teeth!

Many people grumbled inwardly.

However, Xie Niyun bought it completely. After a moment of surprise, her anger dissipated considerably. “Hmph, that’s only natural.”

Yuan Qingzhi waited and waited, but nothing followed.

She thought to herself, as long as you stroke her, this Eldest Miss is actually quite easy to coax.

The further they climbed, the lower the sun sank.

Just as Yuan Qingzhi felt her eyes couldn’t hold out much longer in the dim environment, the guards timely raised palace lanterns.

Along both sides of the mountain path, palace maids lit the standing lamps beneath the temple towers, scattering like stars across the mountainside.

Unfortunately, Wu Wu’s night blindness was worse than she imagined. Yuan Qingzhi felt a bit melancholic.

A few palace lanterns were useless in her current situation, at most illuminating the steps below to ensure she wouldn’t fall while walking.

If she tried to look further, it was pitch black; she was completely blind.

The palace after nightfall was far more treacherous than during the day; even the chirping of insects was absent.

Visually impaired and feeling somewhat creeped out, Yuan Qingzhi could only force herself to think about other things.

Because it was a combined palace-temple structure, the human emperor’s palace section was built at the foot of the mountain, including the main hall used for court sessions.

Conversely, the main divine palace was built atop the mountain, symbolizing the divine right to rule.

The higher they climbed, the more the architectural style leaned towards the mystical. These eerie, peculiar religious buildings didn’t match the architecture of any real-world dynasty, but bore some resemblance to the Wu Xian state described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

After another incense stick’s worth of time, the group finally climbed from the bottom of the white jade steps to the top.

Beyond the Lingxing Gate was the mountaintop’s open-air divine palace. Inside lay a deep pool emitting a blue glow.

Closer inspection revealed the glow came from countless scattered blue light particles floating in the spring water.

It somewhat resembled the bioluminescent ‘blue tears’ Yuan Qingzhi had seen during beach trips in the real world, but far more beautiful.

“This is the Holy Spring worshipped by the Qing Nation for generations.”

A fervent gleam lit the old Priestess’s eyes. “Beneath the Holy Spring lies the shrine of the Qing God!”

Standing at the front of the crowd, Yuan Qingzhi immediately saw the giant shrine situated in the center.

The bizarrely shaped shrine was submerged in the water, its spire painted with gold seals, its entire body an ominous deep red. Refracted by the ripples in the spring water, it almost seemed to bleed, vibrant to the extreme.

Strangely, eight thick, black iron chains, wider than a person, hung from eight directions around it. Dense golden threads and red silk were wound around the chains, binding the tightly closed shrine in the middle.

This scene matched exactly the description given by the witness who saw it in a puddle on that rainy day in Qingcheng back in reality.

Yuan Qingzhi let out a soft breath.

She knew she was looking at the structure described in vivid detail in the first volume of Night Journey Chronicles—the Night-Red Shrine.

As Yu Mengjing’s symbol, the Night-Red Shrine always remained submerged, rarely showing itself to people.

Called a shrine, it was actually more like a cathedral of white bones piled within a viscous sea of blood.

Just a glance was enough to make one’s scalp tingle, compelling them to look away.

Yet it was undeniably magnificent and beautiful, exceptionally evil, causing the minds of those seeing it for the first time to go blank, filled only with the urge to prostrate themselves in worship.

“The Qing God is the deity worshipped by the Qing Nation for generations, with a history of one thousand six hundred years.”

At the front, the old Priestess was still explaining passionately, her voice rising. “Since the founding of the nation, the Qing God has always slumbered in the Night-Red Shrine within the Holy Spring Divine Palace, protecting the people of Qing. Historically, invading cavalries have repeatedly attacked Qing, but all dangers were averted thanks to the god’s blessing. Now that Qing faces hardship, with rebel armies rising and enemies on all sides, you Ritual Master candidates must worship even more devoutly, pray for blessings, and awaken the Qing God. Otherwise, the Qing Nation will surely suffer devastation, war will spread, and the consequences will be unthinkable.”

Hearing this, the noble young ladies all stood up straighter.

Only Yuan Qingzhi, possessing a god’s-eye view, looked particularly listless and uninterested.

Worshipping Yu Mengjing and still hoping for eternal prosperity and a glorious reputation?

The Qing Nation deserved its fate in Evil Omen‘s ending as the last dynasty.

“The selection for the Ritual Master this time will be judged in three days.”

As she spoke, Yuan Qingzhi suddenly felt the old Priestess’s voice grow quieter.

Unnoticed, wind had started blowing around the divine palace.

The wind was strong, striking the ancient bell hanging in the vermilion pavilion on the other side of the mountaintop.

Dong— Dong— Dong—

The long, drawn-out bell tolls echoed through the mountains, interwoven with the jingling of wind chimes, like the opening prelude to a grand symphony.

In the fierce wind, palace lanterns extinguished one after another.

Yuan Qingzhi’s vision instantly plunged into pitch darkness where she couldn’t see her hand in front of her face.

Only the Holy Spring emitted a faint blue glow nearby.

“Demonic wind! Protect the Holy Spring!”

Yuan Xiangming reacted first, his hand already on the hilt of his sword at his waist, shouting back.

At the command of the Commander of the Palace Guards, the remaining saber-wielding guards obeyed in silent solemnity.

For a moment, only the crisp sound of swords being drawn could be heard around the Holy Spring.

“What’s happening?”

Everyone was frightened by this unexpected turn of events, huddling together.

Xie Niyun clutched her handkerchief, standing behind Yuan Qingzhi. In the blood-red light, half her face was submerged in shadow. “Wu Wu… Xie Shuyao is behind you to your left, quick, give her a push!”

Yuan Qingzhi: “…”

Even at a time like this, anyone seeing this would have to praise her dedication.

In this part of the script, Wu Wu followed Xie Niyun’s instruction, intending to secretly harm Xie Shuyao.

Unexpectedly, Xie Niyun mixed up left and right, pointing in the opposite direction, causing herself to be tripped up by her own incompetent teammate, ultimately failing.

Yuan Qingzhi wasn’t about to do such a thankless task, so she casually found an excuse fitting her timid persona.

“Eldest Miss, I… I’m scared. Have you forgotten? I have night blindness.”

Xie Niyun’s distinct black and white eyes turned dissatisfied towards Yuan Qingzhi. Just as she was about to speak, she was suddenly interrupted by Yuan Xiangming.

“Who’s there?!”

As if in response, a light source quietly appeared.

A palace lantern swayed down from the wall, and along with it, the sole of a black, cloud-patterned boot was illuminated.

Someone sat casually atop the divine palace roof, darkness obscuring his features.

But the hazy yellow light practically ignited the crimson robe embroidered with gold patterns he wore, making it flow like the same viscous, scalding blood as the Night-Red Shrine.

“It’s so lively here, why not let me join in?”

A pleasant, sweet voice, deliberately drawn out, held a certain rhythm, yet carried an inescapable air of disdain.

Hearing the familiar voice, the guards below visibly relaxed, sheathing their swords.

“Head Priest!”

The divine palace had Priestesses and Priests.

The leader of the Priestesses was the Ritual Master, and the leader of the Priests was the Head Priest—the two highest divine officials.

The Priestesses showed surprise, the wrinkles on their faces bunching together. “Y-you, why are you here?”

Head Priest? Yuan Qingzhi was confused.

She had just read the script; this character wasn’t written in Evil Omen!

The newcomer didn’t answer, instead, amidst the gasps of several noble young ladies, he suddenly leaped down from the high roof.

Only when he stood steady did everyone realize, judging by his stature, this Head Priest was excessively young.

The teenager’s skin was pale as snow. His figure, wrapped in red robes, was tall, straight, and elegant. A head of ink-black hair cascaded down loosely; even the tips seemed to carry the unique wildness of his age, shining wantonly.

This beauty was highly aggressive, sharp as a blade yet transcending gender, like a beautiful ghost from storybooks that fed on human essence—decadent and brilliant, leaving a treacherous, gorgeous, richly colored mark.

Several gasps echoed in the night.

Strangely, he seemed to possess an odd, bewitching magic.

Merely standing there lazily seemed to distort the surrounding space, naturally making him the sole center of vision.

Unfortunately, the teenager was too far from the glowing Holy Spring, and the candlelight he held was too faint.

The human eye simply couldn’t penetrate the darkness to see his true face. Yet, the more this was the case, the more it aroused the desire to pry.

Abnormal, utterly abnormal.

Not just the Priestesses and noble ladies, but the saber-wielding guards nearby also stood dumbfounded, even deliberately softening their breathing.

As if entranced.

Yuan Xiangming stood nearby, holding his sword, surveying the surroundings.

He trained in martial arts daily and had excellent night vision. Seeing the scene of collective soul-loss before him, he was filled with confusion.

Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly noticed someone amidst the crowd of infatuatedly gazing noble ladies furtively lowering her head.

“…”

That person was Yuan Qingzhi.

Unlike the others staring wide-eyed at the Head Priest, desperately trying to see his face, her forehead was sweating, her heart panicking like a mantis shrimp.

Although she couldn’t see anything clearly due to night blindness, hearing the silence around her and recognizing that signature entrance, how could Yuan Qingzhi, having read the script, not understand?

This teenager was clearly Yu Mengjing, masquerading as the Head Priest, stirring up trouble everywhere!

It was Yu Mengjing, Yu Mengjing himself! Alive!

She couldn’t help but scream internally.

This isn’t right, big brother, you’re not supposed to appear at this time!

You’re off-script, dammit!

This is still the first act of Evil Omen!

How can you release the final boss right at the beginning of the story!

Are you trying to kill me?!

Evidently, the teenager was long accustomed to being the center of attention.

He yawned nonchalantly. “The night is cold, the dew is heavy. A bit boring, so I came to see the Ritual Master selection.”

“What? Am I not allowed out?”

This retort made everyone snap back to reality.

“You jest, Lord. It’s just for your safety; it’s best if you usually remain inside the hall.”

The old Priestess quickly bowed low, hiding the gloom on her face. “The Ritual Master selection is a small matter, truly not worth troubling your lordship. Besides, your body and face are supreme gifts from the Qing God, they absolutely cannot be casually seen by these candidates who haven’t undergone the purification ceremony.”

Saying this, she immediately ordered the Priestess behind her sharply. The latter’s eyes flashed with ecstasy as she took a golden mask from a tray beside the Holy Spring and knelt on the ground. “Head Priest, please allow me to help you put it on…”

“You’re so ugly, how dare you touch His Lordship with your dirty hands?”

Before the Head Priest could say anything, the other Priestesses violently pushed her away, their eyes, completely filled by pupils, overflowing with obsession.

“Exactly, like a toad, don’t dirty His Lordship’s eyes!”

“Just the other day I saw her hands weren’t clean, what if she scratches His Lordship’s precious face…”

All the chaos and strife ceased at a lazy “Shut up.”

The Head Priest lifted his hand, picked up the mask, examined it with a half-smile for a moment, then suddenly turned and walked away.

Countless gazes moved along with that treacherous, beautiful red robe.

Finally, he stopped before a noble young lady, who was practically pierced into a sieve by the stares.

Yuan Qingzhi, who had been secretly observing with her head down, quickly shut her eyes, unable to bear watching.

Alright, alright, the unlucky one has been chosen.

The teenager curved his lips into a bewitching smile. “Miss, could I trouble you to help me put on the mask?”

The chosen young lady was almost rendered breathless by this pie falling from the sky. Her vision swam, and after a long moment, she finally took the mask, stammering, “O-of course.”

In the unseen darkness, the Head Priest curved his lips into a malicious smile and slowly lifted the palace lantern in his hand.

Coincidentally, the spot the Head Priest chose was right at the edge of the crowd. Plus, he had his back to everyone, so it wasn’t immediately noticed.

However, it was different for the noble young lady standing before him.

The moment the teenager raised his hand, the dim candlelight within the silk lantern moved upwards.

The hazy halo spread, landing squarely on the face countless people yearned to glimpse.

A moment passed, yet it felt like a lifetime.

She froze on the spot.

Her eyes, previously just hazy from seeing something beautiful, unable to find herself, rapidly changed.

Expanding darkness caused the black pupils to dilate, and dilate further, finally turning an eerie, ink-like color.

Her eyeballs became turbid, revealing naked desire.

Suddenly, she began crawling forward on all fours.

“Lord, be careful!” The saber-wielding guards immediately rushed over, instantly separating the two.

“Truly ugly,” the Head Priest couldn’t help but murmur under his breath.

Hearing this whisper, the noble young lady abruptly stopped. A moment later, she began frantically digging at her own face with her well-manicured nails.

As if unable to feel pain, blood mixed with scraps of flesh was forcefully scraped away, tendons tearing, revealing the stark white bone beneath.

The scene was utterly horrifying.

“Lord, like this… am I still ugly like this?”

The person, fallen into the abyss of love, giggled foolishly, seemingly completely unaware of the shocking act she had just committed.

Unfortunately, her hopeful question received no answer.

Just as a viscous storm began to gather in the noble young lady’s eyes, a cold blade plunged fiercely into her neck.

Squelch. Blood splattered everywhere.

“Blech!” The Old Sacrificer, who had rushed over to perform the execution, tossed aside the ritual knife in his hand, spat, his aged face filled with disgust. “Improper attire before the shrine, what is this? Don’t defile the Qing God’s eyes!”

“The imperial decree clearly stated before entering the palace: If rules are broken within the divine palace, the light punishment is torture, the heavy punishment is death.”

After making an example (killing the chicken to warn the monkey), the Old Sacrificer turned back to the teenager, his tone carrying obvious dissatisfaction. “Head Priest, before the Ritual Master selection ceremony begins, you should not go out casually, much less without wearing your mask.”

The scene froze for a moment.

Just as Yuan Qingzhi was terrified that Yu Mengjing might fly into a rage over these words bordering on imprisonment and start a massacre on the spot, the latter merely clicked his tongue “Tch”.

Although anyone could see his displeasure, he ultimately snapped the mask firmly onto his face.

Priests flanking him, their eyes covered, immediately stepped forward, skillfully locking the mask securely, hiding the thin gold chain behind his ear.

The key was then broken in two by the old Priestess; one half was given to the Old Sacrificer, the other hung around her own neck.

Seeing this, the Old Sacrificer was finally satisfied and kicked the unrecognizable corpse into the Holy Spring.

It gurgled once, and in an instant, the flesh and blood body disintegrated into countless blue light particles, dreamlike and illusory.

Under the faint glow of the spring, the surrounding Priestesses all revealed hidden, gleeful expressions.

Just those few sentences were enough to breed malice and jealousy.

“Did you see? This is the consequence of violating the divine palace rules.”

“Did you see? This is the consequence of violating the rules.”

“Did you see? This is the consequence.”

Like puppets who had lost themselves, they stared with ink-black pupils, repeating this sentence in low, schadenfreude-filled voices to the noble ladies, completely unaware they were merely tools, knives supplied for someone else’s amusement.

Meanwhile, the instigator had retreated outside the crowd, now appearing perfectly pleased, holding a lantern, untouched by dust, watching the fire from the other bank.

Night Journey Chronicles had long stated: Wherever Yu Mengjing was, conflict, contradiction, bloodshed, malice… were always inevitable. People were easily toyed with in the palm of his hand, exposing the ugliest side of human nature.

Across the surging crowd, the teenager propped up his chin and smiled with delight.

Those upward-slanting, bottomless peach blossom eyes were full of keen interest.

Directly witnessing the big boss effortlessly stir up trouble without lifting a finger, Yuan Qingzhi, who didn’t even dare to breathe loudly: “…”

This is an opera, it’s not real, these are just 2D characters.

A 2D character killing another 2D character, at most, violates 2D character law.

She repeated this sentence over and over in her mind, finally unable to hold back tears.

Dammit, only fifty million!

They definitely underpaid me for this!