Chapter 20

With the help of Helan Xi and Zhu Ruo Shuang, the alchemy room of the Ruthless Sect was finally restored to normal. The ominous-looking “fragrant ointment” on the stove, which seemed capable of ending lives, was thoroughly cleaned up.

Afterward, Helan Xi dragged a small stool over, sat beside Song Xun Ji, crossed his arms, and said coldly, “Now, make the [Please Stay, My Lord] again.”

Song Xun Ji: “…”

With five rounds of guidance and six rounds of corrections from Helan Xi, Song Xun Ji’s [Please Stay, My Lord] finally shifted from a pitch-black mess to a pleasing dark red. It was still far from the ideal pale pink hue with a light fragrance, but at least it was no longer poisonous.

The next day, Lord Fei Yue inspected the students’ [Please Stay, My Lord] as promised. Unsurprisingly, Helan Xi received the highest marks, while Song Xun Ji earned a respectable second-tier grade.

After class, the trio from the Ruthless Sect returned to their courtyard, only to find Shangguan Zhiling standing at the entrance.

Seeing the disciplinary senior brother, Helan Xi felt a pang of guilt, remembering his plan to sneak out that night and break sect rules. He wondered if Changsun Ce had leaked the information.

Though he had no qualms about bending the rules for the sake of uncovering the truth, he had no desire to get caught in the act of doing so!

Fortunately, Shangguan Shen wasn’t there about the night escapade. Instead, he turned to Song Xun Ji and asked, “Xun Ji, did you visit the [Lantern Flower Pavilion] yesterday with Guan Ning from the Hehuan Path?”

Song Xun Ji: “Yes.”

Shangguan Shen: “And after that?”

Song Xun Ji: “?”

Shangguan Zhiling: “After you and Bai Guanning collected the herbs from [Jianhua Cage], where did you go?”

Song Xun Ji: “.”

Song Xun Ji answering two questions already showed quite a bit of patience. Helan Xi vaguely sensed that Song Xun Ji was getting annoyed. Not wanting to provoke any conflict with Shangguan Zhiling, whom he had a fairly good impression of, he spoke up before Song Xun Ji’s sharp tongue could unleash its venom: “Senior Brother Shangguan, why so many questions?”

Shangguan Zhiling’s tone grew heavy. “Bai Guanning has gone missing.”

Helan Xi was a bit surprised. “Missing?”

Shangguan Zhiling nodded. “The last time anyone from the Hehuan Dao Academy saw Bai Guanning was when he and Song Xun Ji went together to retrieve herbs from [Jianhua Cage]. He never returned that night and hasn’t been seen since.”

Zhu Ruo Shuang asked, “Does True Lord Fei Yue know about this?”

Shangguan Zhiling: “Yes, True Lord Fei Yue is also currently searching for Bai Guanning.”

No wonder True Lord Fei Yue had seemed less carefree and relaxed than usual during class earlier and hadn’t playfully teased them afterward as was his custom.

It wasn’t unheard of for disciples to go missing in Taihua Sect. Surrounded by vast mountains as large as cities, disciples occasionally got lost or disoriented. They usually carried signal flags with them, and if they got lost, they could send a flare into the sky for help.

Since Shangguan Zhiling described Bai Guanning as “missing,” it meant there had been no distress signal. The situation was indeed suspicious.

Helan Xi glanced at Song Xun Ji, speaking softly, “Would you mind answering a few more questions from Senior Brother Shangguan?”

Song Xun Ji paused briefly and said, “I never spoke to Bai Guanning.”

Shangguan Zhiling: “Not a single word?”

Song Xun Ji: “Hm.”

“And him? Did he say anything to you?”

“I wasn’t paying attention. Don’t remember.”

Shangguan Zhiling studied him for a moment but realized he wouldn’t get more information. Helplessly, he said, “Alright. If any of you learn anything, please inform me immediately.”

Helan Xi was about to agree when Song Xun Ji added, “Is Bai Guanning the only one missing?”

Shangguan Zhiling was momentarily stunned. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

Song Xun Ji said nothing more.

The strangeness of Bai Guanning’s disappearance aside, Helan Xi didn’t feel inclined to meddle. Although Bai Guanning had once warned Zhang Wuyan on their behalf, Helan Xi wasn’t particularly fond of his conduct.

The priority now was the matter of the Bianyin Seal. Bai Guanning’s disappearance would be handled by True Master Fei Yue.

When Helan Xi returned to his quarters, he found a package at the door containing three sets of black nightwear in various sizes—likely delivered by the snow-bellied courier at Changsun Ce’s behest.

Tucked inside was a sloppily written note from Changsun Ce:
“I worry you three will insist on wearing white for the sake of Unfeeling Dao aesthetics while night-strolling with me.”

Helan Xi: “.”

As if they’d be that foolish.

When curfew struck, the gates of the Twelve Courtyards shut promptly. Only patrol disciples and monitors were permitted to roam; everyone else was to remain obediently in their quarters.

Rules, however, only worked on those willing to follow them. To Changsun Ce, they were as effective as several hundred sheets of scrap paper.

He knew Taihua Sect better at night than during the day. No gate of the Huntian Dao, let alone the Unfeeling Dao, could keep him out.

The lecture halls at Mizhi Crossing were now silent and shrouded in darkness. A short-haired youth leaned lazily against a tree, chewing a blade of grass with a dagger at his waist.

He liked all weapons equally, but tonight the dagger felt just right.

When the wind rustled the leaves, he finally saw his fellow rule-breakers approaching.

Changsun Ce spat out the grass and prepared to mock them as usual. But when he got a proper look, his words died in his throat.

In black garb, Helan Xi’s entire aura changed. His eyes sparkled like stars, and his movements were light and nimble, like a graceful creature made for nocturnal escapades.

Song Xun Ji’s cool, moonlit elegance took on a deeper, more commanding intensity. With his golden hairpin removed, his handsome features became even sharper, exuding a refined, untouchable restraint.

As for Zhu Yun… well, propriety kept him from staring too long. Suffice it to say, none of them were lacking.

Changsun Ce thought, wearing black and still looking that good—don’t you think it’s unfair?

Helan Xi guessed the reason behind his silence. To be honest, even he had been momentarily stunned by Song Xun Ji’s appearance. Yet, true to form, Song Xun Ji had no particular reaction, offering neither compliments nor criticism. Thankfully, Zhu Ruo Shuang had praised him repeatedly for how well black suited him.

Zhu Rushuang: “Changsun Strategist?”

Changsun Ce snapped out of his reverie and coughed lightly. “You know the rules.”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Already done.”

Helan Xi: “Same here. Song Xun Ji hasn’t yet.”

They turned to Song Xun Ji, silently passing the baton.

Changsun Ce handed him a bottle of Huaduo Chili Spray from his pouch without preamble.

Song Xun Ji: “.”

Changsun Ce urged, “Come on, hurry up.”

Song Xun Ji accepted the bottle.

“Alright!” Changsun Ce cracked his neck and grinned. “Let’s go!”

The scene of these four gathered together reminded Helan Xi of the events in Xizhou, when they had combined their efforts to reclaim Ghost Image Whisper. More precisely, it had been Song Xun Ji who delivered the fatal blow to the demonic entity.

This time, however, they were within the boundaries of the Taihua Sect, where no evil spirits should lurk. Their primary concern now was avoiding detection by patrolling disciples and supervisory seniors.

Helan Xi asked, “So, where exactly did you see that Bian Yin mark?”

Changsun Ce looked southward. “One of the restricted areas of Hehuan Institute: Mistshroud Garden.”

Mistshroud Garden was a vast rose garden within the Hehuan Institute. Legend had it that the first headmaster of Hehuan personally planted the roses, and successive generations meticulously nurtured them.

Every part of the roses from the Mistshroud Garden—roots, stems, leaves, and flowers—held medicinal value, making each blossom exceptionally precious. Some parts were even poisonous, prompting Hehuan Institute to declare it a restricted area to prevent accidental harm to disciples.

As Helan Xi effortlessly vaulted over the gate of Hehuan Institute, he asked, “Why did you go to Mistshroud Garden in the first place?”

Changsun Ce led the way confidently. “Curiosity.”

Helan Xi: “That’s it?”

Changsun Ce: “That’s it. Mistshroud’s roses are reputed as the finest in all three realms. Who wouldn’t want to see them?”

Helan Xi: “Fair enough.” He wanted to see them too!

Though it was past curfew, the Hehuan Institute remained aglow with red lanterns and adorned with falling petals reflecting the universe’s grandeur.

Under rows of swaying crimson lanterns, Helan Xi gently brushed away a petal that had fallen on his shoulder. Faint laughter echoed from afar, a sound so indistinct that it felt like a dream where no effort could make the words clear.

The dim red lights cast a soft sheen over the youths, as though draping them in crimson gauze. Even Changsun Ce, with his worldly knowledge, muttered, “Every time I visit Hehuan Institute at night, it feels strange, like I’ve stepped into a ghostly flower market.”

Zhu Ruo Shuang surprisingly agreed. “An apt description.”

Song Xun Ji: “Move forward.”

Guiding them with ease through the dormitories and deeper into the rear mountain, Changsun Ce finally reached their destination.

Despite its name, Mistshroud Garden was enveloped in an abnormally thick fog. The countless roses, vivid and full of life, appeared as mere silhouettes within the mist—until one moved closer, when, for a fleeting moment, the full beauty of the blossoms would become startlingly clear.

Brilliant yet eerie. Seductive yet distorted.

A sudden chill crept over Helan Xi. “This place is full of roses. Where’s the Bian Yin flower?”

Changsun Ce: “What’s the hurry? Aren’t you disciples of Wuqing Path supposed to value tranquility and patience?”

Helan Xi: “I drank too much spice water.”

The Mistshroud Garden was as vast as Mizhi Crossing. Despite the apparent uniformity of the roses, their slight differences made navigating it feel like an endless labyrinth.

After what seemed like an eternity of weaving through rose-scented pathways, Changsun Ce finally made a discovery.

“Found it!” He darted forward and pushed aside a clump of roses, yelping twice as the thorns pricked him.

Nestled within the roses sat a stone fox, its tail curled around its feet. Its eyes emitted a ghostly blue glow, and its forehead bore the very Bian Yin symbol they had been searching for.

It was the only non-rose plant in Mistshroud Garden.

Zhu Ruo Shuang asked curiously, “How did you find such a hidden fox statue?”

Changsun Ce: “Pure luck. I tripped over something and nearly cracked my skull on the statue, landing with my eyes staring right at the Bian Yin mark.”

Helan Xi tensed, a sense of foreboding creeping into his mind.

Song Xun Ji: “When did this happen?”

Changsun Ce: “Just a few days ago. You should be glad you asked now, or I’d have already forgotten.”

Helan Xi whispered, “Song Xun, do you think someone is using Changsun Ce to lure us here?”

“What? Someone using me?” Changsun Ce bristled with indignation. “Who dares use me?!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Can’t you see the truth even now?”

Although he didn’t fully grasp it, Changsun Ce fumed. “Who? I’ll drag them to the underworld!”

Frustrated, he pulled the dagger from his waist and threw it at the fox statue. The blade struck the center of the Bian Yin mark precisely.

A soft chuckle echoed.

The stone fox grew, expanding until it towered over them. Its slitted eyes, once ghostly blue, darkened to a viscous red. Its belly morphed into a narrow door that slowly opened, silently inviting them in.

Zhu Ruo Shuang’s eyes darkened as he clutched his throbbing collarbone.

Changsun Ce sneered. “So, Wuqing disciples, now that we’re here, shall we see who dares use me to set you up?”

Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Lower your voice. Don’t you fear being discovered?”

“You’ve already been discovered.”

The four spun around to see a figure in sky-blue robes, standing resolute among the roses, sword in hand—Shangguan Zhiling.

Helan Xi recognized the sword, Embroidered Wrath, Shangguan’s natal weapon. The fact that it was drawn meant Shangguan’s suspicions of them had grown severe.

This was going to be troublesome.

Zhu Ruo Shuang frowned. “Shangguan, you’ve been following us all along?”

Shangguan did not deny it. “Why have you violated curfew and infiltrated Hehuan Institute? Is Bai Guanning’s disappearance your doing?”

Helan Xi, understanding Shangguan’s duty as a monitor, still hoped to avoid conflict and explained as calmly as he could, “Shangguan, we found clues related to the Ghost Image Whisper case, so we came to investigate.”

“[Ghost Appearance Language]?” Shangguan Shen wasn’t so easily brushed off. “If that’s really the case, why didn’t you report it to the deans of the academies? Instead, you act in the dead of night, intruding into the forbidden grounds of Hehuan Path?”

Helan Xi replied solemnly, “We have our reasons.”

If Changsun Ce was indeed being used by someone, then was their discovery of the Bian Yin seal in the ancient library merely a coincidence?

And the reason they went to the ancient library in the first place was because…

“What’s the point of all this useless talk?” Changsun Ce said impatiently. “We’ve already broken sect rules. Sooner or later, we’ll be put in confinement a few times. Add knocking out the disciplinary monitor to that, and at worst, I’ll be summoned by my parents again!”

Helan Xi snapped out of his daze, alarmed. “What? I don’t want that!”

“Knock me out?” Shangguan Shen chuckled coldly. It was the first time Helan Xi had seen this disciple of Tai Shan Path reveal such pride and arrogance. “With you?”

Changsun Ce’s temper flared. “What’s wrong with me?”

Song Xun Ji commented, “Stop overestimating yourself.”

Changsun Ce, who knew full well he couldn’t win but refused to back down, immediately felt his weak spot hit. “? Hey, Song Xun Ji, aren’t we on the same side? Why are you turning on me!”

Song Xun Ji walked up to Helan Xi, not even drawing his sword. He merely glanced sideways. “Go.”

Helan Xi hesitated for a brief moment before nodding firmly. “Alright, find us once you’re done.”

Shangguan Shen’s expression darkened slightly. “Helan Xi, are you so sure Song Xun Ji can ‘deal’ with me?”

Helan Xi didn’t answer Shangguan Shen’s question but instead gave Song Xun Ji a warning. “Don’t hurt him.”

Song Xun Ji gave a slight nod. “Understood.”

Shangguan Shen: “…”

“What is this? What is this?! The current sect’s top disciple versus the former top disciple?!” Changsun Ce was so excited he rubbed his hands together. “How can I miss out on such a spectacle? I have to watch this!”

Helan Xi turned and entered the cave, shouting, “Zhu Yun, handle this!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang understood immediately. She grabbed Changsun Ce by the collar and, without hesitation, dragged him away. “No watching. Come with me!”