Nighttime.

Tian Ming Mountain.

Qiu Bei had just finished his six-month-long secluded cultivation and hadn’t even had a chance to change out of his training robes when a dagger silently pressed against his neck.

“Don’t move.” A strange voice sounded from behind him. “This dagger’s poisoned. If it draws blood, even if you manage to survive, your six months of training will have been for nothing.”

Qiu Bei froze, but he snapped back angrily, “Who are you to dare trespass on our Tian Ming Mountain!”

The person behind him answered, “Someone who needs to talk to you.”

As he spoke, the pitch-black room suddenly brightened, illuminated by a Night Pearl’s white glow.

Up until then, Qiu Bei had been entirely focused on the person behind him. Only now, with the darkness dispelled by the light, did he realize someone else was sitting at the table in the room.

That person sat motionless, his calm face betraying no emotion.

Qiu Bei would never fail to recognize that person.

“Wenren Clan Head,” Qiu Bei gritted his teeth, glaring at Wenren Zheng. “Not only do you trespass on Tian Ming Mountain in the dead of night, but you also have your lackey treat me like this. Truly, Wenren Clan Head, you act with real honor.”

Wenren Zheng was unfazed by Qiu Bei’s sneering. He didn’t instruct Wenren Yao to release Qiu Bei, but instead, tapped his fingers on the table twice. After a moment of consideration, he spoke directly, “Qiu Bei, I have something to ask you. As long as you answer truthfully, I’ll let you go. You only need to pretend this night never happened.”

Qiu Bei scoffed, “So, even the ever-distant, rarely-seen Wenren Clan Head has times where he goes to such lengths over one matter.”

“Of course,” Wenren Zheng replied, ignoring Qiu Bei’s words. “You can also choose not to answer. However, my nephew here has a bit of a reckless streak, and if he accidentally does something to you, I can’t be held accountable.”

At Wenren Zheng’s words, Qiu Bei felt the dagger against his neck tighten, as if Wenren Yao might slice him at any moment.

Realizing the danger he was in, Qiu Bei swallowed nervously, his eyes fixed intently on Wenren Zheng.

Wenren Zheng didn’t waste words; seeing his threat take effect, he asked, “Was it you who sent HuLü Yan to find Zhai Feng?”

At this, Qiu Bei’s eyelashes quivered almost imperceptibly. Keeping his face steady, he answered in an emotionless tone, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Wenren Zheng’s tapping fingers paused, and his eyes narrowed. “Qiu Bei, I think you’re smart. HuLü Yan went to the Demon Realm, seized the title of Drunken City’s Lord, and has even summoned the other city lords to Drunken City these past few days. Clearly, he intends to claim the Demon Lord’s position. Within a few short months, the Demon Realm has already undergone enormous changes. And tracing it back, it all leads to your handiwork. If you tell me the truth, I can protect you. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I expose this.”

Despite the coercion and temptation, Qiu Bei remained unmoved, lifting his chin and saying boldly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I cut all ties with Zhai Feng long ago. He’s been missing for years without contacting me, so why would I risk my life for him?”

At this point, Wenren Zheng’s face darkened, a cold anger settling into his gaze, as if a layer of frost covered his face.

“Besides, I wasn’t the only one who entered the Peach Blossom Array back then,” Qiu Bei continued. “If it hadn’t been for Lin Ji organizing us to go to the Medical Hall to hunt down HuLü Yan, I wouldn’t have encountered him there. If you want to blame someone, blame Lin Ji. He’s had the most contact with HuLü Yan. Why suspect me instead of him? Just because I managed to escape? Wenren Clan Head, your judgment is far too subjective.”

Wenren Zheng stared coldly at Qiu Bei.

Qiu Bei unconsciously tightened his lips, trying to hold his gaze steadily against Wenren Zheng’s stare.

After a while, Wenren Zheng let out a low laugh, though his eyes remained humorless, his smile slightly sinister. “You’ve talked so much, but in the end, it’s all about saving your own skin.”

Qiu Bei’s face went pale as Wenren Zheng’s words hit home.

“Since I’ve come here, I’ve already prepared to pry open your mouth,” Wenren Zheng paused, his gaze shifting to Wenren Yao behind Qiu Bei.

Wenren Yao understood instantly, pulling out a pill that he had prepared long before from his chest pocket.

With a frosty gleam in his eye, Wenren Zheng spoke in a voice that was chillingly cold. “You won’t talk, huh? I have ways to make you talk.”

A foreboding sense of dread washed over Qiu Bei, his entire body tense with apprehension. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly thrust his elbow back to attack Wenren Yao.

But Wenren Yao was faster. In one swift motion, he retracted the dagger and, moving with lightning speed, grabbed Qiu Bei’s chin, forcing his mouth open.

The next moment, Wenren Yao shoved a black pill into Qiu Bei’s mouth.

Qiu Bei’s heart pounded wildly as he instinctively tried to force the pill out with his inner energy. But Wenren Yao anticipated his move, grabbing Qiu Bei’s throat tightly to prevent him from doing so.

The suffocating sensation overwhelmed him.

Although Qiu Bei was the top disciple under the Tian Ming Mountain elder, his skill level was no match for Wenren Yao, who was several years his senior.

In the blink of an eye, the pill dissolved silently in Qiu Bei’s throat.

Seeing this, Wenren Yao released his grip.

Qiu Bei, half-conscious, collapsed to the ground, his expression dazed, his half-open eyes staring blankly ahead.

After the pill took effect, Wenren Yao bent down, grabbed Qiu Bei by the collar, and dragged him before Wenren Zheng.

Looking down at Qiu Bei’s ghastly pale face, Wenren Zheng repeated his earlier question, “Did you send HuLü Yan to find Zhai Feng?”

Qiu Bei’s brow furrowed, and it seemed as though he was struggling against some force within him. His expression alternated between conflicted and pained, but he eventually succumbed.

“Yes…” Qiu Bei nodded weakly. “Yes…”

Wenren Zheng glanced at Wenren Yao.

Wenren Yao looked as if he had expected this answer all along.

Wenren Zheng asked, “Why did you do it?”

“I…” Qiu Bei, lying weakly on the ground, hesitated for a long moment before speaking, confusion coloring his words. “I don’t know…”

“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Wenren Zheng laughed bitterly. “You did all this, and you don’t even know why?”

Qiu Bei opened his mouth but remained silent.

“Then tell me,” Wenren Zheng bent down slightly, moving closer to Qiu Bei. His tone was half-cajoling, half-persuading. “Did you want to help HuLü Wan and HuLü Yan of your own accord, or did someone else put you up to it?”

Qiu Bei hesitated again.

Wenren Zheng fixed his gaze on Qiu Bei, refusing to miss even the slightest change.

It was clear that Qiu Bei was once again struggling against that force within him. Before long, he gave in once more. “Someone…someone told me to do it…”

Wenren Zheng’s eyes darkened, his tone rising. “Who?!”

“I don’t know who he is…he told me to tell HuLü Yan the truth…to go to Drunken City…” Qiu Bei spoke haltingly. “But he also cast a silencing spell on me…preventing me from saying much. Then he told me to tell HuLü Yan to find Zhai Feng first…”

Wenren Zheng exchanged a dark look with Wenren Yao. Both their expressions were grim.

Who was this person, manipulating everything right under their noses?

And what was their motive?

This person’s skills clearly surpassed theirs, and while they were in the light, he remained in the shadows. If he intended to aid HuLü Yan in striking against them, they’d be powerless to resist.

Moreover…

It seemed this person knew everything they’d done.

For the first time, Wenren Zheng felt a genuine fear, like someone had stripped him bare and thrown him onto the street. The nakedness, under all those watchful eyes, felt like a hammer pounding on his mind, over and over.

He abruptly stood, kicking away the chair behind him, and squatted in front of Qiu Bei. “Think carefully. What did this person look like? How did he contact you? Think hard!”

Qiu Bei racked his brain to the point of near-bursting, his voice trembling as he replied, “I…I don’t know…I don’t remember…his voice just appeared in my ear…”

“When did it happen?!”

“I forgot…I truly forgot…”

“Think!”

“I can’t…”

Wenren Zheng seized Qiu Bei by the front of his robe, his eyes full of malice, his expression twisted into a fierce grimace. He glared down at Qiu Bei, forcing out his words through gritted teeth, “If you can’t remember, then next year on this day will be your death anniversary.”

He finished, tossing Qiu Bei towards Wenren Yao’s legs. Wenren Yao swiftly drew his poison-tipped dagger and pressed it to Qiu Bei’s neck again.

“I’m giving you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to recall.” Wenren Zheng rose slowly, his voice filled with cold menace. “Or else you can wait for your master to come and claim your corpse.”

Qiu Bei, hanging his head listlessly, didn’t respond to Wenren Zheng’s words.

Sensing something was wrong, Wenren Yao lifted Qiu Bei’s chin, forcing him to look directly at Wenren Zheng.

Unexpectedly, Qiu Bei’s expression was vacant, his mouth opening and closing like a puppet, as he uttered, “Go after that person with the surname Mi.”

Wenren Zheng froze, momentarily not understanding. “What did you say?”

Qiu Bei’s face had none of the conflict or pain from before. His expression was blank as he stared directly at Wenren Zheng, his voice a strange mixture of his own and another’s speaking through him.

“If you want to deal with HuLü Yan, target that person with the surname Mi.”

Realization dawned on Wenren Zheng, his eyes narrowing as he said firmly, “You’re not Qiu Bei!”

Qiu Bei didn’t respond.

“You’re the one who’s been manipulating him!” Wenren Zheng took a quick step forward, drawing his sword and pressing it to Qiu Bei’s chest. “Who are you? What’s your aim?”

Qiu Bei showed no fear of the blade, even smirking in irritation. “You don’t need to know who I am. Just do as I say, and you can completely destroy HuLü Yan.”

Wenren Zheng’s gaze became wary. “Why should I believe you?”

“Because you want HuLü Yan gone, and I want to help you do it.”

Although Wenren Zheng had been through countless storms, he wasn’t naive enough to trust this person’s words. But he dared not act recklessly either.

For one, this person seemed to know every secret of the Wenren clan, and for another, his true form wasn’t here—he was only temporarily using Qiu Bei’s body. Any injury would only affect Qiu Bei.

All of these thoughts ran through Wenren Zheng’s mind in an instant. After a moment, he contained his emotions, masking his wariness with a steady voice, “What grudge do you have against HuLü Yan that you’d seek my hand to kill him?”

“No, HuLü Yan isn’t my target.”

Surprise flashed in Wenren Zheng’s eyes. “Then who is?”

“Mi Lu.” As he spoke the name, a trace of bitter resentment spread across Qiu Bei’s face, like a web covering his features.

“Mi Lu?”

“Do you know of a creature called a barnacle?” Qiu Bei began. “It’s a parasite that attaches itself to a turtle’s shell, drawing nutrients from it. But the turtle is helpless, watching as the barnacle slowly spreads beneath the shell, eventually digging into its flesh.”

A frown appeared on Wenren Zheng’s face.

“The turtle suffers, each day watching as its body is slowly consumed. Desperate and heartbroken, it searches for someone to free it of the barnacles.”

From Qiu Bei’s words, Wenren Zheng began to understand, and the puzzlement on his face faded, replaced by undisguised shock.

He stumbled backward, momentarily losing his balance and collapsing into the chair. His sword slipped from his grip, clattering to the floor.

“Wenren Zheng, do as I say, and you’ll get what you desire. When the time comes, the Seven-Star Kunlun Sword, deprived of its intended bearer, will fall into your hands. You’ll no longer have to use HuLü Wan’s blood to nourish your children and those other women.” Qiu Bei sneered. “After all, none of those children are HuLü Wan’s. No matter how much of her blood they consume, they’ll never draw out the Seven-Star Kunlun Sword.”

Wenren Zheng’s eyes widened in disbelief, pointing a trembling finger at Qiu Bei, his chest heaving. “How do you know these things…”

He had never shared these secrets with anyone, not even Wenren Yao or Wenren Xiao!

Everyone believed that those children were HuLü Wan’s. Over time, as more people spoke of it, he had almost come to believe it himself.

Qiu Bei chuckled, “I know everything.”

Wenren Zheng felt as if his soul had left his body, his mind dazed and stunned by the overwhelming revelation.

Only when he heard Wenren Yao call him softly, “Uncle?” did he snap back to reality, his eyes fixed on Qiu Bei. “You said to go after Mi Lu. How should I go about it?”

“You’re a knowledgeable clan head; you must know the fate of a soul from another world.”

“Another world?!”

Wenren Zheng’s voice shot up in shock.

Gradually, a sly smile spread across his lips.

No wonder he’d always found that Mi family heir’s actions odd, abandoning his parents and family to follow HuLü Yan into the demonic path.

So that’s why…

It was an otherworldly soul.

With this realization, everything made sense.

Two days later, Mi Lu and HuLü Yan prepared to leave Drunken City.

Joining them on the journey were Yan Fu, Lady Wan, and Hehuan Sect’s Sect Master, Yu Shuihui.

Though Mi Lu and HuLü Yan didn’t bring many people, with the addition of the others and their retinues, they had enough to fill four flying artifacts.

Flying artifacts required a massive amount of spiritual stones to operate, and they couldn’t carry heavy loads for long, needing to stop for rest every two or three days.

Their first rest stop was a small oasis, a patch of green flora encircling a shimmering lake under the sunlight.

In the desolate, arid Demon Realm, finding such a spot was indeed rare.

As Mi Lu and HuLü Yan disembarked from the artifact, they noticed they weren’t the only ones resting here. Several spirit beasts were gathered by the lake, drinking in groups of twos and threes.

Following them, Yan Fu saw Mi Lu looking at the beasts and explained, “Not all demon realm spirit beasts are bloodthirsty and aggressive. Some subsist on plants, gathering near water sources. Unless provoked, they generally don’t attack people.”

Mi Lu asked, “Are all the spirit beasts here plant-eaters?”

“Yes,” Yan Fu nodded. “That’s why they can coexist peacefully here.”

Mi Lu led HuLü Yan a bit closer and noticed that the spirit beasts were rather cute. They resembled animals like rabbits and antelopes, but larger and more colorful.

Hearing footsteps approaching, the spirit beasts drinking by the lake raised their heads, their round black eyes warily eyeing them.

Just then, Yan Fu’s voice came from behind them, “Lord of the City, the rabbit-like spirit beasts over there aren’t ordinary rabbits. They’re called Bigfoot Rabbits. Normally, they don’t bother travelers, but when provoked, they kick wildly.”

“You better be careful,” Lady Wan grumbled. “Those Bigfoot Rabbits sure have big feet, and their kicks hurt!”

Yan Fu smiled wryly at Lady Wan. “That’s because you keep teasing them.”

Lady Wan huffed, “I only wanted to pet them because they’re cute. How was I to know they were so temperamental and wouldn’t even allow a single touch?”

She pouted in indignation.

Though she had been through many things, she was still a twenty-something-year-old unmarried woman with no resistance to cute things.

Every time she saw those Bigfoot Rabbits, her hands itched to pet them.

The result was predictable.

Each time, she ended up being chased around by the Bigfoot Rabbits.

And those Bigfoot Rabbits certainly held grudges. It was as if a single touch cost them a pound of flesh—they wouldn’t stop until they’d kicked her several times.

And, in large numbers, they were hard to deal with.

Thinking of this, Lady Wan couldn’t help but feel a bit smug.

She figured that soon enough, two others would follow in her footsteps and be chased around by those Bigfoot Rabbits. She was looking forward to watching the chaos.

She particularly enjoyed seeing HuLü Yan make a fool of himself.

After all, HuLü Yan had publicly rejected her, embarrassing her in front of everyone!

Lady Wan’s smile grew wider until Yan Fu waved his hand in front of her face. “What’s on your mind?”

“Huh? Oh,” Lady Wan snapped back to reality, covering her mouth to hide her smile. “Nothing.”

Yan Fu didn’t press further, instead nodding toward the scene. “Look at them.”

Following Yan Fu’s gaze, Lady Wan’s mouth dropped in shock.

She couldn’t believe her eyes!

The Bigfoot Rabbits were quietly sitting beside Mi Lu and HuLü Yan, allowing Mi Lu to pet their fluffy white fur.

What the heck!

Where had their ferocious attitude gone? The very rabbits that used to chase her all over were now behaving like docile pets!

Lady Wan thought back to her own humiliating encounters with the Bigfoot Rabbits, and her face turned red with frustration as she stormed over to Mi Lu and HuLü Yan.

Yan Fu called, “Lady Wan…”

Ignoring him, Lady Wan quickened her pace.

Mi Lu hadn’t expected the Bigfoot Rabbits to be so affectionate. Even after he’d petted them thoroughly, they didn’t show any resistance.

He had to admit, their fur was incredibly soft, like stroking a pet cat.

Smiling contentedly, Mi Lu turned to HuLü Yan. “Do you think I could hold one?”

“Sure,” HuLü Yan answered, his focus entirely on Mi Lu’s face. Seeing the joy on Mi Lu’s face, he felt his own mood lift.

HuLü Yan grabbed a Bigfoot Rabbit by the scruff. It hung there like a slab of meat, limbs dangling, its tail trembling as it stared forward with wide eyes.

Mi Lu couldn’t help but feel he saw a trace of fear in the rabbit’s eyes.

HuLü Yan handed the rabbit to Mi Lu, reassuring him, “Go ahead and hold it. It doesn’t bite.”

With HuLü Yan’s assurance, Mi Lu boldly hugged the rabbit to his chest. After patting its head, he couldn’t help but murmur, “Why is it shaking?”

HuLü Yan’s smile held a mysterious edge as he answered, “Maybe it’s cold.”

“Cold?” Mi Lu looked up at the blazing sun overhead, confused. “Cold?”

How could it be cold in this heat!

HuLü Yan didn’t offer further explanation. He lightly patted the shivering rabbit’s back, whispering, “Enough trembling.”

As if obeying his command, the rabbit froze, ceasing to shake.

Mi Lu was happily petting the Bigfoot Rabbit when a shadow suddenly darkened his view. He looked up and met Lady Wan’s indignant gaze.

Lady Wan seemed displeased, but in front of HuLü Yan, she restrained herself. After calming down, she gave Mi Lu a sweet smile, “Lord of the City, could I hold that rabbit?”

“Of course.” Mi Lu stood and gently placed the rabbit in her arms.

Lady Wan, thrilled to finally hold her long-desired Bigfoot Rabbit, carefully stroked its head. When it remained calm, she beamed, “I’m actually holding a Bigfoot Rabbit!”

Mi Lu chuckled at her exaggerated reaction.

“Lord Yan Fu, look!” Lady Wan called to Yan Fu in the distance. “I’m holding a Bigfoot Rabbit!”

Yan Fu could only shake his head helplessly.

“It’s so obedient! I’ve never seen such a docile Bigfoot Rabbit!” Lady Wan turned back to Mi Lu, admiration and adoration shining in her eyes. The normally proud beauty of the Demon Realm looked like a child, “How did you do it?”

Mi Lu awkwardly scratched his nose. “I didn’t do anything. They’re probably just naturally docile.”

Lady Wan’s eyes sparkled. “Lord of the City, you’re amazing!”

Just as Mi Lu was about to explain, he noticed HuLü Yan standing up with a dark expression. HuLü Yan wrapped an arm around his waist and, as he often did, rested his chin on Mi Lu’s shoulder.

“You’ve said what you wanted, held what you wanted. Could you give us a moment alone?” HuLü Yan said coldly.

Lady Wan, delighted with her Bigfoot Rabbit, didn’t argue with HuLü Yan. She cheerfully thanked Mi Lu and turned away, hugging the rabbit as she skipped off.

Mi Lu was watching her retreat when a pair of hands gently cupped his face.

HuLü Yan turned his face toward him, their gazes locking. His lips tilted into a slight frown, his brows knitting together, his expression practically shouting, “I’m not happy.”

Mi Lu sighed. “What’s wrong now?”

“Don’t smile at her.”

Mi Lu nodded. “Alright, alright. I won’t smile at her anymore.”

But HuLü Yan didn’t release him, staring at Mi Lu intently for a long time before suddenly asking, “Do you like Lady Wan?”

Startled, Mi Lu quickly glared at him, “Stop saying nonsense. How could I like Lady Wan?”

“But you kept smiling at her.”

“I just thought her reaction was amusing.”

“Really?” HuLü Yan raised an eyebrow before abruptly changing the subject. “Then, how about this? Do you still find it amusing?”

Before he finished, Lady Wan’s scream rang out from a distance.

Mi Lu instinctively tried to turn his head, but HuLü Yan caught the movement, pulling his face back, muttering with irritation, “Don’t look at her!”

Mi Lu: “…”

Although Mi Lu didn’t see what happened, he could easily guess that the Bigfoot Rabbit had turned on Lady Wan, now furiously chasing her around.

Lady Wan’s scream echoed, “Yan Fu! Yu Shuihui! Why are you standing there? Can’t you see this pesky rabbit chasing me? Hurry up and get it away from me!”

Yan Fu remained silent.

Yu Shuihui offered no help, “Lady Wan, if you look closely, it’s not just one rabbit chasing you. It’s a whole group of them. Who would dare provoke such grudge-holding creatures?”

Lady Wan’s screams trailed off into the distance.

Mi Lu lifted HuLü Yan’s hands from his face, sighing in exasperation, “Were you behind this?”

“I didn’t do anything.” HuLü Yan blinked innocently. His already striking features, combined with that expression, left Mi Lu without words to refute.

For a moment, Mi Lu was speechless. “Not long ago, those Bigfoot Rabbits were perfectly docile around me. Why did they turn so fierce with Lady Wan?”

HuLü Yan chuckled, leaning close to give Mi Lu a light kiss on the lips. “Because you’re beautiful, so they all like you.”

Mi Lu rolled his eyes. “I’m being serious.”

HuLü Yan froze, feeling that gaze pierce straight into his heart. A tingling warmth spread through his body as a faint blush tinged his fair skin.

Unconsciously, he hooked his pinky around Mi Lu’s. That single touch shattered any semblance of self-control he had left.

Sunlight poured down like water, drenching Mi Lu in warmth. Even the strands of hair draped over his shoulder gleamed in a soft golden hue.

They were wrapped in circles of radiant light.

In this small world, it was just the two of them.

HuLü Yan wished time would stop.

He could give up on finding the remaining two hands, he could give up searching for his birth mother he’d never met, he could abandon everything…

Except for Mi Lu.

“I used this.” HuLü Yan opened his palm to reveal a square incense block.

Sniffing the faint scent in the air, Mi Lu frowned. “Isn’t this the fragrance by the bath in the City Lord’s mansion?”

“I had the aphrodisiac herbs removed, then made these incense blocks. They allow creatures to follow their instincts, like those Bigfoot Rabbits. Otherwise, they would have fled before we got close.”

So, the Bigfoot Rabbits were only obedient out of fear of HuLü Yan, not by nature.

Realizing the truth, Mi Lu found it amusing and pitiful at once, unsure whether to feel sorry for the frightened rabbits or for Lady Wan, chased around as they vented their fear on her.

Mi Lu checked the time and reminded, “Put away the incense block; we should be on our way.”

Unexpectedly, Yan asked, “Do you like me?”

Mi Lu froze, recalling what happened that night, and instinctively gave a different answer, “I can’t like you.”

The words came out smoothly this time.

But HuLü Yan, not getting the answer he wanted, pressed on, “Why? Why can’t you like me?”

“Because—” Mi Lu’s mouth moved faster than his mind, answering, “I’ll have to leave here someday.”

Realizing his slip, Mi Lu clapped a hand over his mouth in shock.

But words once spoken are like water spilled, impossible to take back.