Chapter 15: He’s Not Like You

Yan Qiao explained coolly: “The invasive evil energy is about to take control of you.”

Li Xiao’s expression darkened at her words.

“Master, do you know who’s targeting me?” Mu Yunzhe asked urgently, his voice trembling. From Yan Qiao’s tone, his situation seemed dire.

“Someone close to you. This is a Peach Blossom Calamity,” Yan Qiao stated plainly.

“Peach Blossom Calamity?”

Mu Yunzhe’s face twisted with confusion and dread.

“You mentioned hiring a Taoist priest earlier?” Yan Qiao seized on his earlier remark.

Mu Yunzhe dared not lie, especially under Li Xiao’s watchful gaze.

“Yes! But after all that ritual, my condition only worsened!” Mu Yunzhe spat bitterly.

“Did he ask for something from you?”

“You truly are a master! He took my blood, a piece of clothing, and a lock of hair,” Mu Yunzhe admitted truthfully.

Yan Qiao’s face turned stormy.

“Fool!” she snapped coldly.

“You—” Mu Yunzhe bristled, but a sharp glare from Li Xiao silenced him instantly.

“Those items he took from you should have killed you by now. The only reason you’re alive is your accumulated karma from past deeds.”

“If you hadn’t met me, within three days, you’d have become a mindless puppet—your soul devoured by the evil energy.”

“So… can I still be saved?” Mu Yunzhe broke into a cold sweat.

“Yes. But it’s complicated. Your adversary has some skill. The price will be high.”

“Name it! I’ll pay any amount!” Mu Yunzhe vowed desperately.

“Wait here. I need to fetch tools.”

Yan Qiao headed upstairs, followed by Su Min, who lingered anxiously in the living room.

Downstairs, Mu Yunzhe eyed Li Xiao warily. “Xiao-ye… is she reliable? I’ve been burned before by frauds!”

“Would I bring you a fraud?” Li Xiao replied icily.

“Right, of course not…”

“When did you arrive in Jiangcheng? You never mentioned it.”

“A few days ago.”

“How long are you staying? Shame I’m tied up with this mess, or I’d host you properly!”

“Undecided.” Li Xiao remained terse.

Mu Yunzhe sighed, clutching the protective charm Yan Qiao had sold him. “This charm… it’s helping. My mind feels clearer.”

“Yan Qiao is exceptional. Trust her,” Li Xiao said with uncharacteristic conviction.

Mu Yunzhe gaped. “Xiao-ye… in fifteen years of friendship, I’ve never seen you regard anyone—let alone a girl—with such… admiration. Could it be…?”

“Silence.”

Upstairs, Su Min fretted as Yan Qiao gathered supplies. “A-Qiao… is this dangerous?”

“No harm will come. Don’t worry, Mother.”

When Yan Qiao returned, Li Xiao stood. “Where to?”

“His residence first.”

“I’ll accompany you.”

Mu Yunzhe’s eyes darted between them, catching Li Xiao’s warning look.

“Aren’t you tired?” Yan Qiao asked bluntly, recalling their late return the previous night.

“I rested. Let’s go.”

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Mu Yunzhe’s villa in Jiangcheng’s affluent southern district. Assistant Ling followed closely.

Upon entering, Yan Qiao frowned. “The stench of evil here is overwhelming.”

Mu Yunzhe shivered—the protective charm at his chest grew warm as cold seeped into his bones.

Li Xiao moved closer, his discomfort eased by multiple charms on his person.

“Stay near me,” Yan Qiao ordered.

“What about me?!” Mu Yunzhe protested weakly.

“You have the charm. And he,” she nodded at Li Xiao, “is different from you.”

A ghost of a smile touched Li Xiao’s lips as Mu Yunzhe rolled his eyes—of course the untouchable Xiao-ye received special treatment!

Yan Qiao swiftly placed talismans at key points, their golden script glowing faintly. The oppressive atmosphere lifted slightly.

Yet her frown deepened. “This house… there’s something unnatural here.”

Mu Yunzhe paled. “Unnatural? What do you mean?”

Before she could answer, the lights flickered violently. A bloodcurdling wail echoed from the upper floor—