CH 23

Shi Jingzhi stood there in a daze.

He wasn’t the only one taken aback. Even Matron Wuxue didn’t expect Yin Ci to be so straightforward—she was momentarily stunned before shifting her gaze to Yin Ci.

“Is this an admission that your Kushan Sect has concealed the treasures? Or is it that you are truly the person in white?”

Yin Ci didn’t answer immediately.

He put on the appearance of an inexperienced youth, released his grip on Shi Jingzhi’s hand, and stepped forward to stand in front of his cheap master. “I was making a living in the mountains before, and I don’t recognize any of you seniors. But I know that all of you are renowned figures with vast knowledge and experience. I’m sure you can tell that Shizun’s reaction is genuine, and he was completely unaware.”

Even though Shi Jingzhi was cunning, he was only twenty-seven years old and lacked significant life experiences. Faced with such a major turn of events, he couldn’t deceive the likes of Monk Juehui and Matron Wuxue, who were his elders.

But Yin Ci was different.

Having experienced life’s trials and tribulations for hundreds of years, Yin Ci could fake not only his breath, heartbeat, and facial expressions but even cold sweat.

Indeed, Monk Juehui observed Shi Jingzhi for a while, nodded at Shi Zhongyu, and both of them relaxed slightly. As long as Shi Jingzhi didn’t do anything unjust, they could openly protect him.

Even if it was only protecting him alone.

Matron Wuxue’s gaze was sharp, and she let out a wicked chuckle. “So what if Shi Jingzhi doesn’t know? Regardless of whether it’s the master violating the rules or the disciple committing taboos, the Kushan Sect has broken the rules… Of course, if Shi Jingzhi is willing to expel this person and leave him to our discretion, I won’t trouble the Kushan Sect.”

Yin Ci wasn’t surprised.

He was even somewhat secretly hopeful—would Shi Jingzhi, for the sake of self-preservation, ignore the reasons and simply abandon him?

But to his surprise, Shi Jingzhi didn’t hesitate. “A’Ci has a gentle nature and is not a person who is greedy and unprincipled. Since he concealed it from me, there must be his reasons. Let’s listen to his explanation first.”

Yin Ci glanced at him while Shi Jingzhi was still fuming, but his tone remained firm.

Interesting.

Yin Ci deliberately put on a frightened look. “This Buddhist bead was definitely given to me by that person in white. I was too nervous before and didn’t even notice it. I only discovered it in my pocket yesterday.”

“I don’t have a discerning eye and can’t tell if this is the Buddhist bead everyone is looking for. I only dared to confirm it just now.”

Shi Zhongyu asked, “Why didn’t you report it?”

Yin Ci smiled wryly. “Even if I told the truth, would anyone believe me? I don’t even know that person in white, yet he specifically gave me the Buddhist bead. If Matron Wuxue were to say that the Kushan Sect colluded with the person in white, we wouldn’t be able to refute it. If they want to find fault, then…”

“There’s no reason to worry about that,” Shi Jingzhi added in a low voice.

Yin Ci curled his lips in response, then unexpectedly dropped to one knee and performed a grand salute to Matron Wuxue,

There was a sharp tearing sound.

Yin Ci tore off his sect attire, revealing a white inner garment. As soon as everyone saw the clothes, they held their breath.

On the inner garment, there was a row of crooked blood characters, dried and long since faded—

[On the second day after the Human Shaped Coffin was broken, a Buddhist bead was found in my pocket.]

Yin Ci’s expression was sincere. “If Shizun had known in advance, no matter what I do now, Matron can say that Shizun ordered it—but now that Matron has seen that Shizun is completely unaware, it’s clear that I acted alone.”

“To prove that I have no intention of concealing, on the day I found the bead, I wrote the blood inscription on my clothes. After we leave the tomb, the Jinyu Group will thoroughly examine our clothes. This obviously shows I can’t hide it… You’re all highly skilled masters and can certainly tell the freshness of blood.”

Shi Zhongyu suddenly realized something. “Young Friend* Yi, are you afraid of implicating Shi Jingzhi?”

*[Xiaoyou] (小友) Used to address someone younger or less experienced than you in a polite and friendly manner often in a mentorship or guidance context.

As expected, the Taiheng Sect came forward to resolve the situation, aligning perfectly with Yin Ci’s plan. He had prepared this way out when he decided to “play a little longer”.

Yin Ci raised his head. “That’s right. It would be fine if the Buddhist bead was fake. But if it’s real and it’s already in my possession, I can’t pass it on and harm others.”

“Whether reporting it to the Yueshui Pavilion or secretly informing Shizun, it may implicate Shizun. That’s why I came up with this terrible idea.”

Yin Ci’s current words weren’t his true thoughts, but his voice was gentle and pleasing, making it sound extremely convincing.

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Matron Wuxue and inserted a subtle suggestion. “Matron, indeed, Shizun has offended the Chigou Sect, and it’s natural for you to disapprove of him. However, this matter has nothing to do with him. As for what you asked earlier about whether I am the person in white…”

Yin Ci reached up and untied his blood-soaked clothes, revealing his upper body wrapped in the ghostskin robe.

“That master saw the face of the person in white, and a Buddhist monk wouldn’t lie. Master, do you remember what the person looked like?”

The monk joined his hands together. “That person had white skin like jade and an otherworldly appearance that clearly showed they were not an ordinary person. There is not the slightest resemblance between this Young Patron and that person.”

Yin Ci’s upper body was lean and muscular. The ghostskin robe made his skin appear dull and rough, covered in small scars. At a glance, he resembled a lively and beautiful beast.

Unfortunately, there was no connection to “white skin like jade” or an “otherworldly appearance”.

“I grew up in the mountains since I was young and just turned twenty this year. After fulfilling my three years of mourning for my father, Shizun brought me down from the mountain. You can investigate as much as you want. Matron, how could I, a poor mountain dweller, have any connection with that skilled person in white?”

Matron Wuxue was left speechless with a slightly annoyed expression. “The Kushan Sect, the Kushan Sect… What a fox’s den.”

The Chigou Sect placed the most emphasis on lineage and couldn’t stoop as low as the Ling Sect in terms of shamelessness. Although Matron Wuxue was shrewd, throughout the journey, she followed her own rules and couldn’t bring herself to severely punish Yin Ci, who emphasized the importance of respecting “one’s master and teachings”.

Yin Ci took a breath and took out his prepared trump card. “I understand the rules. Even if it’s for the sake of our sect, if I make a mistake, it’s still a mistake. I have a suggestion; I don’t know if everyone can accept it…”

Zheng Fengdao sneered. “Speak up.”

“For the time being, let’s entrust this Buddhist bead to the Jianchen Temple for safekeeping. When we reach the surface, we can use it to make a few maps, with each person having one. As for me—Matron, please give me a palm strike. As long as I can stay alive, I don’t mind.”

When Shi Jingzhi heard the first half of the sentence, he didn’t react much. But when the latter half was spoken, he became anxious. “A’Ci, what nonsense are you talking about?!”

He wanted to rush over, but Shi Zhongyu firmly held him back. “We’re all here. Matron Wuxue wouldn’t dare to kill on the spot… Sect Master Shi, calm down!”

“I only hope Matron won’t make things difficult for Shizun,” Yin Ci lowered his head and continued.

Matron Wuxue coldly said, “If I strike you, your meridians will be severely damaged, and you’ll become a useless person. Your master was just using you to make up the numbers. Whether he wants you back or not is another matter. Even so, are you willing?”

Yin Ci initially shrank back, but then tremblingly said, “Regardless, Shizun has shown me kindness.”

“Good boy.” Matron Wuxue’s tone was complicated. “Fine, I’ll strike you, you little fox, and spare the bigger one.”

Before anyone could react, her palm struck Yin Ci’s chest.

Yin Ci was immediately forced back over ten steps, violently crashing into the wall and spitting out a mouthful of blood. He tried to move a few times but couldn’t stand up, feigning weakness.

On the other side, Shi Jingzhi unexpectedly broke free from Shi Zhongyu’s grip with eyes almost ablaze.

Matron Wuxue halted her steps. “What’s this? Your disciple managed to rescue you at great difficulty, and you want to come and die?”

When Shi Jingzhi spoke, his voice was filled with a sinister chill. “I wouldn’t dare. I just want to remember what happened today.”

Having said that, he rushed to Yin Ci’s side, took off his coat, and covered his disciple. Then he took out a medicine box and carefully fed Yin Ci some medicine.

“After we leave this tomb, I will settle accounts with you.” Shi Jingzhi gritted his teeth. “If she cripples your hands and feet, what will you do in the future?”

“In the future? Does Shizun no longer want me?”

Shi Jingzhi’s hand trembled, spilling half of the medicine. “Nonsense, I would never do such despicable things. Don’t think about those meaningless thoughts.”

Yin Ci chuckled.

Crippled hands and feet were just external injuries that could be healed. The Chigou Sect was ultimately a demonic sect, so Matron Wuxue wouldn’t be so merciful.

She would definitely use the Chichi hand technique, which can sever a person’s meridians* and completely cripple him. Unfortunately, Yin Ci’s meridians had long been ruined, like a sieve with multiple holes, which had no practical significance.

*Clarity: Meridians are a channel of network in the body through which qi flows. By severing/striking/sealing the meridian (or pressure points), it can kill, cripple, or immobilize the person.

Letting Matron Wuxue take action was advantageous because it wouldn’t leave any obvious external injuries, so as not to raise suspicion.

As for internal injuries… Shi Jingzhi would investigate immediately, coinciding with Yin Ci’s incomplete recovery from his internal injuries. All Yin Ci had to do next was act convincingly, allowing Shi Jingzhi to check again after a few days.

In order to make the act more convincing, Yin Ci spat out some medicine with difficulty. Shi Jingzhi’s medicine was extremely bitter, causing his throat to feel sour.

“Don’t force me to drink, Shizun. I have chest pain and can’t swallow,” Yin Ci said sullenly, then spat out another mouthful of medicinal soup.

Shi Jingzhi’s gaze became complicated. He took back the medicine bowl and drank it himself, slowly.

Suddenly, Yin Ci had an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, in the next moment, Shi Jingzhi grabbed his hair and pressed his lips against his. His strength was so strong that it frightened Yin Ci, and he instinctively struggled but was held down by Shi Jingzhi.

Yin Ci was used to teasing others but had never been played with like this.

Yin Ci originally wanted to push Shi Jingzhi away, but there were people watching nearby, so he had to continue the act and obediently let Shi Jingzhi administer the medicine.

…This kid really has a strong desire for revenge.

Yin Ci clenched his teeth reflexively, but Shi Jingzhi took advantage of it and even used his tongue, scaring him into quickly opening his mouth and swallowing all the medicine.

After feeding the medicine, Shi Jingzhi wiped his mouth with a cold expression and silently inserted the Buddhist bead back.

His aura of righteousness was so strong that no one could say a word for a moment. Yan Qing, who had been observing the whole process, sat down slowly, hugging his knees and pretending to be a potted plant.

Yin Ci remained seated, with the taste of bitter medicine in his mouth. It seemed that his plan wasn’t so perfect after all, and he expressionlessly smacked his lips.

An instant barrier appeared, and the ground rumbled as the floor slowly rose.

Everyone stared vigilantly at the ceiling, afraid that Yan Budu would leave behind some tricks. Fortunately, this time it ended safely, and the stone slabs sent them back to a familiar place—the entrance of the first floor.

The injured people who had stayed on the first floor protected their luggage and crowded against the wall, with faces full of lingering fear.

The Buddhist beads were distributed among the group, and the barrier finally disappeared. According to the agreement, Shi Jingzhi took a bead and gave it to the Jianchen Temple. Then he carried his “seriously injured” disciple and stood by the door.

Compared to when they arrived, there were new large characters added to the door, in brownish-red color, written boldly and exuberantly, seemingly in blood.

At the first glance of those characters, Zheng Fengdao respectfully kneeled down and performed a solemn salute.

“‘Tired bones form a tower, disdainful of riding the wind’…” Shi Jingzhi softly recited and looked at Yan Qing. “Is this a message left by Yan Budu? Yan Qing, what does it mean?”

Yan Qing had an expressionless face. “I really don’t know anything.”

Yin Ci didn’t understand it either, but he knew the other meaning behind these characters. Yan Budu wantonly left a message at the exit of the Ghost Tomb, which pointed to one possibility—

“Yan Budu is truly not inside the tomb,” Matron Wuxue said. “This just got interesting.”

“Matriarch, we… We haven’t found a way to unlock this door.” The members of Chigou Sect gathered around Matron Wuxue, relieved to see her return unharmed. “We need your help.”

“At this stage, Yan Budu wouldn’t set up something too difficult. If the Buddhist beads were lost here, how could it cause chaos in the mortal realm? Now get out of the way and let me have a look.”

She circled around the door for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

“Yan Budu, you clever one. No wonder I couldn’t figure out the puzzle before. The blood characters were actually a clue. Everyone, just walk straight out.”

Jin Lan remembered the horrific state of the servant of the Changle Sect and shivered. “But this door devours people!”

“Is that so? Then why didn’t it devour these blood characters? I’ve observed them, the blood characters are deeply soaked into the door, and the bloodstains are still visible. This door can be penetrated by flesh and blood and is unlikely to be broken with other tools.”

Matron Wuxue prodded her cane against her attendant.

“Go on, you. Walk over and take a look. Remember, use your true qi to cover your clothes, and after you go out, don’t touch the surface of the door. And make some noise when you’re outside.”

The person obediently nodded and walked briskly towards the door. Just as he touched the surface of the door, he seemed to sink into a swamp and was engulfed vertically.

He walked steadily, without struggling or screaming. However, after waiting for a long time, there was no sound heard from the other side.

“Hmm, it seems there’s another mystery on the other side of the door. No matter, I won’t misjudge Yan Budu’s character. Children, let’s go.”

“Wait, Matron.” Monk Juehui suddenly spoke.

Matron Wuxue didn’t mince her words. “What is it?”

Monk Juehui took out his own three Buddhist beads and put them together with the one Yin Ci had given them earlier. “Your sect still has sticky rice wine, right?”

“…Monk, what do you mean?”

“Amitabha Buddha. The Buddhist map beads are ominous objects, and our temple has no intention of getting involved in the dispute. It’s better to copy all four Buddhist beads here. Once the copying is done, I will destroy them myself.”

Yan Qing was shocked. “Sect Master, you said ‘I can give them away, and naturally, I can take them back ‘ …Did you know that Venerable Juehui would do this?”

“Mm. The monks aren’t interested in immortality. They retrieved the <Woodless Sutra>, so their purpose has been achieved. They certainly don’t want to see the martial world in chaos,” Shi Jingzhi said absentmindedly. “They can’t control other major sects, but at least they can take care of themselves.”

Yan Qing: “But…”

“Yin Ci handed over the Buddhist bead of the white-clothed person. The Jianchen Temple has four beads, while the other sects each have two. With this revelation, everyone will have three-sevenths of the map, which will save a lot of trouble.”

He turned his head and looked at Yin Ci on his shoulder. “I just didn’t expect that you, A’Ci, would come up with a similar idea. You really get along well with the monks.”

Yin Ci hummed twice and continued to feign his injuries with closed eyes.

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci had been thinking along the same lines. Yin Ci made that suggestion precisely to influence Monk Juehui’s thinking. Now it was his turn to say some foolish words and act innocent.

However, the taste of the medicine made him reluctant to open his mouth. Not to mention that he still felt Shi Jingzhi’s touch on his lips.

So Yin Ci remained silent and started to think about how to get back at him.

Yan Qing continued to be confused. “I can’t understand. You already guessed it, so why did you give the Human Shaped Coffin’s beads to the monks? Isn’t that giving everyone an undeserved advantage?”

“We don’t have many Buddhist beads in our hands. If everyone focuses on snatching them, we’ll definitely be targeted. But if everyone has enough of the map, they will be more concerned about the major sects conducting a carpet search. It will reduce the attention directed towards us.”

As the members of the Kushan Sect muttered among themselves, Monk Juehui finished copying the precious map and began distributing them. After each representative received their copy, Monk Juehui clutched the four Buddhist beads in his palm and crushed them into powder.

After the dust settled, Monk Juehui let out a long sigh.

“Is it over? I’m going first then.” Matron Wuxue waved her hand and instructed the members of her sect to use their true qi to protect their belongings as she led the way through the gate.

The members of the Chigou Sect left, yet outside the gate, there was still silence—not even the sound of footsteps.

Shi Jingzhi took a deep breath. “Let’s go too.”

Yan Qing tensed up with fear, but Shi Jingzhi immediately grabbed the back of his collar and dragged him forward. “Don’t worry, even if someone has to encounter trouble, it won’t be you.”

While saying that, Shi Jingzhi’s warm inner force enveloped Yin Ci again. Yin Ci simply buried his nose in his master’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

Matron Wuxue’s judgment was correct.

However, the “other side of the door” no longer existed. The tomb passage was packed with grotesque creatures, with their slimy limbs pushing them towards the exit. In an instant, the three of them were pushed out and fell to the ground.

They opened their eyes.

A certain ash-red creature filled the tunnel. Its limbs were intertwined and covered in mucus, each one as thick as a thigh. Those who couldn’t enter the tomb on the first day were probably squeezed to death by these things.

Yan Qing silently took out the farewell letter from his pocket and tore it into pieces. Shi Jingzhi sat on the ground, desperately shaking off the sticky fluid from his body, almost shaking his head off.

Yin Ci looked up at the sky—it had been so long since he had carefully looked at the blue sky, almost forgetting how refreshing it could be.

Perhaps Yan Budu had obtained an opportunity and truly found the path to immortality. And they, holding three-sevenths of the map, were going to play this treasure hunt game with the major sects. All he had to do was enjoy the process and claim the treasure in the end.

Regardless of whether it held any physical clues, he wouldn’t be bored in the coming year.

They didn’t wait long before the other sects were also thrown out by those creatures. Once everyone had left, the creatures let out a sharp screech, retracting back, and the tomb passage was left empty and dark.

The Ghost Tomb was sealed once again.

The legend of the Shirou, circulating for a hundred years, didn’t fade away with it but revealed a potential blaze.

The scattered group of people lay in front of the tomb square. The Jinyu Group provided dry robes and offered hot water, towels, and sweet porridge. While everyone cleaned themselves up, the Jinyu Group finished organizing the list of treasures.

Except for the Kushan Sect, all the other sects could be considered returning with full loads. Aside from the treasures that belonged to their respective sects, there were countless other valuable items that could be traded.

Within the designated area of the Jinyu Group, there was no conflict among the representatives of various sects. They maintained tacit understanding, allowing the Jinyu Group to inspect and purchase the treasures, which they would then immediately sell to those interested. Those who didn’t want to trade were already packing their treasures and planning a safe return route.

The cold square suddenly became lively, faintly resembling a marketplace.

“We don’t have much from our sect, so we won’t stay here. We’ll go to the resting area first. Please help pass on the message to the Jinyu Group.” Shi Jingzhi bowed to Shen Zhu.

The disciples of the Jinyu Group who were nearby immediately approached. “Sect Master Shi, you can still buy even if you don’t sell! We obtained a large batch of divine weapons this time, and the leader has invited masters to maintain and repair them. Huh, they’re even better than new.”

Shi Jingzhi slowly took out the golden hairpin, and his eyes filled with sadness. “This is all I have.”

The smile on the face of the Jinyu Group’s disciple froze. “This… um, isn’t this the Hanging Shadow Sword you’re wearing? It certainly can be exchanged for a handsome sum.”

Shi Jingzhi: “No. This that’s a gift I gave to my disciple. I can’t just sell it.”

Yan Qing looked at the pained Shi Jingzhi and pursed his lips as he handed over his own backpack, “Sect Master.”

“Hmm?”

“When we were at the Paper Figures Street, Senior Shi asked me to collect some jewels as hardship pay. You can take half of it.”

Shi Jingzhi was shocked. “That wouldn’t be right, would it?”

“If Sect Master Shi hadn’t taken me in, I would have died down there a long time ago. I’ll have the remaining half delivered to Senior Shi… Thank you both for saving my life.”

Shi Jingzhi’s eyes were filled with tears. “Good, good. Yan Qing, I’m raising your monthly allowance to 800 wen!”

Yan Qing looked numb.

Yin Ci, relying on his identity as an injured person, was once again carried on Shi Jingzhi’s back. Seizing the opportunity, he cleared his throat. “Shizun, what about me?”

Shi Jingzhi replied, “A’Ci, after going through so much, you and I are like father and son. What’s mine is yours, so why bother about such trivial matters?”

Yin Ci: “?” You bastard. Who’s the father and who’s the son?

Shi Jingzhi knew that Yin Ci’s meridians were already damaged, and when Matron Wuxue struck him, it only added some internal injuries that could be slowly healed. But since his disciple liked being carried on his back, he would carry him.

He winked at Shen Zhu, asking her to step back, and then walked towards the depths of the marketplace.

Yan Qing was quite knowledgeable and didn’t take too many jewels when Shi Zhongyu asked him to. Shi Jingzhi looked longingly at the divine weapons, and a small sigh escaped his throat.

Yin Ci was comfortable lying down but was annoyed by Shi Jingzhi’s groaning. He whispered in his master’s ear, “Shizun, Yan Budu lived a luxurious life so even his daily necessities are top-notch. Your flag is damaged, so why not go over there and see if there are any alternative materials…”

Before Yin Ci could finish speaking, Shi Jingzhi put him down on the ground and swiftly rushed out.

Yin Ci: “?”

Yan Qing patted him sympathetically. “Brother, it’s not easy.”

Yin Ci gritted his teeth. “Indeed.”

Half an hour later, Shi Jingzhi returned happily, holding a large pile of things in his hands.

“A’Ci was right; the burial objects are treasures… Look at this Clear Silver bamboo pole; it was taken from a burial fan and is much sturdier than ordinary swords. Do you see this piece of fabric? It’s cold-silk hemp cloth used to wrap divine weapons, impervious to water and fire. The feel of it, tsk tsk.”

Shi Jingzhi’s face was filled with happiness, as if he wanted to hug them tightly and kiss them fervently.

Seeing Yin Ci’s and Yan Qing’s deadpan expressions, Shi Jingzhi revealed a mysterious smile.

“These are for you… Here! This is a self-defense sword for Yan Qing. It may not be a famous sword, but at least it’s something from the Ghost Tomb, which is stronger than ninety percent of the weapons on the market. Yan Qing, you’ll be in charge of the remaining money. Use it for future food, drink, and daily needs as you see fit.”

Yan Qing received the money pouch and the sword, remained silent for a while, and finally showed a shallow smile.

“Next is A’Ci… I bought a scabbard made of ambergris for your Hanging Shadow Sword. I had it painted black, which suits it perfectly.”

Shi Jingzhi placed the Hanging Shadow Sword into the scabbard and handed it to Yin Ci with both hands. “Its sharpness can harm others, so be sure to keep it safe… I traded it for the golden hairpin. From now on, I won’t inquire about your personal matters.”

Yin Ci was taken aback.

Shi Jingzhi naturally patted the top of his head. “Let’s consider ourselves a good master and disciple pair, alright?”

His tone was gentle, and his smile was unchanged. Yet, there was a hint of hidden vigilance in his eyes, along with a touch of sadness and a plea.

Yin Ci pretended not to understand but ambiguously responded, “What is Shizun saying? As long as you don’t kick me out, you will always be my good master.”

Shi Jingzhi’s smile brightened a bit. “Mm.”

Then, he proudly took out two delicate pastries and whispered, “Look, these are high-quality pastries sold by the Jinyu Group. You two have been waiting for so long, so let’s eat some before we leave.”

As he said that, he didn’t take a single bite himself. Instead, he pulled out a leftover pancake from his bag and gobbled it up.

Yin Ci stopped nibbling on the pastry. “Shizun, aren’t you going to eat?”

“I’ve already eaten.”

It was a lie. Shi Jingzhi still had traces of monster slime on him, but he didn’t touch a single crumb of the pastries. It seemed that he was trying to save money and didn’t want to buy anything for himself.

They say life is short, and this kid’s life is especially short. Why bother?

Yin Ci handed over the pastry. “I don’t like sweet things. Shizun, please have it.”

Shi Jingzhi solemnly accepted it. “To receive such a good disciple like you is truly a blessing from heaven.”

However, in that instant, when Shi Jingzhi picked up the pastry, his movement slightly stiffened.

Immediately, he elegantly began eating, savoring each bite and eating as if he were in a trance. The momentary stiffness seemed like an illusion. Yin Ci didn’t notice anything amiss and let it go.

He took a bite of the pancake that Shi Jingzhi had nibbled on, chewing casually. Although the pancake had been sitting for a few days in the cold of the tomb, it still tasted fresh and delicious.

Yin Ci was used to his own cooking and quickly finished the pancake. Shi Jingzhi and Yan Qing, on the other hand, ate slowly and leisurely, chatting as they ate.

Shi Jingzhi, with a mouth full of powdered sugar, spoke unclearly. “Do you two know the origin of this Hanging Shadow Sword?”

Yan Qing licked the crumbs from his palm and shook his head.

“Have you heard of Zhuang Wufeng? He was a master swordsmith a hundred years ago, and he personally forged the Guanwu Sword that was buried in the Human Shape Coffin. In his later years, he crafted the Hanging Shadow Sword and incorporated wushu ore into the sword—wushu ore is extremely lightweight and can disperse true qi. Nowadays, wushu ore is hard to come by, and there’s not a price for its value.”

Yan Qing politely asked, “So, this sword should be very valuable, right?”

Shi Jingzhi smiled awkwardly. “Well, wushu ore is usually used to make armor. Wushu soft armor can disperse incoming true qi and is a precious protective gear. Using wushu ore to forge a sword means that the user’s own sword techniques cannot be infused with true qi, which is suitable for A’Ci.”

Yan Qing: “But, just like wushu armor, can it also block the enemy’s inner force?”

Yin Ci interjected coldly, “Well, it has to be able to block it in the first place. The enemy won’t be fixated on the sword; they’ll just chase after the person and beat them.”

“Then… what if it’s melted to make wushu armor?”

Shi Jingzhi shook his head. “There’s very little wushu ore inside the sword. If you were to make armor with it, it wouldn’t even cover the back of your hand.”

Yan Qing racked his brains, “This sword can break through inner force, so it can at least be used for assassination.”

Shi Jingzhi’s face was filled with emotion. “Master Zhuang thought the same way, but unfortunately, assassins didn’t buy it—their poison can kill instantly without any additional tricks. The sword is indeed a good one, but he couldn’t find a buyer, which made him furious, so he named it the ‘Hanging Shadow* Sword’… Maybe he thought ‘Lonely Sword’ wasn’t elegant enough.”

*In this context, “hanging shadow” connotes a melancholic or sorrowful state of mind, most likely reflective of the fact that no one wanted to buy his sword.

Yin Ci suddenly realized—it was no wonder the sword looked familiar to him. Zhang Wufeng had tried to sell it to him years ago.

What did he say at that time? Something like, “Even if I don’t have inner force, I can still use a top-notch sword. At most, this sword is just a decoration. Whoever uses it is a fool.”

The principles of heaven were evident, and retribution was unfailing*. Even as the leader of a demonic sect, one shouldn’t speak carelessly.

*Proverb conveying the idea that the universe is just and fair and consequences of one’s actions, whether positive or negative, will inevitably manifest.

Silently, he hugged his Lonely Sword tightly and let out a sigh.

Zhang Wufeng had excellent skills, but he had long surpassed the stage of relying on weapons. He would make do with it.

The three members of the Kushan Sect spent several days in the temporary marketplace. With the concoctions given by Shi Jingzhi, Yin Ci’s pretense of “weakness” ceased, and he gradually resumed his normal mobility.

However, peace was short-lived.

The Jinyu Group made a fortune, acquiring numerous treasures to be sold at high prices when they left the mountain. This was the last night of revelry, with colorful lanterns and joyful red decorations everywhere.

But as the day of the Buddhist beads emergence drew closer, in the eyes of the martial world, the festive atmosphere gradually turned bloody.

That night, Matron Wuxue was in her tent, calculating the clues on the treasure map. She heard a few extremely subtle sounds outside the tent and perked up her ears, tossing the papers on the table into the brazier.

“Who?” she sternly shouted, but there was no reaction from her nearby disciples.

Then, she saw someone in white attire.

“Shh—” Yin Ci raised a finger.

Matron Wuxue’s eyes widened, and her killing intent suddenly diminished. “You’re the one in the white clothes? You… You look like…”

Her lips trembled for a moment. “You look exactly like the portrait of former Patriarch Su. Who exactly are you?”

Yin Ci smiled. “A member of the Su family.”

“That’s impossible!” Matron Wuxue insisted. “If former Patriarch Su had descendants, our sect would have known!”

“He didn’t want you to know, and he had his reasons.”

Yin Ci casually took her cane and made a few random gestures. As the leader of the Chigou Sect, Matron Wuxue could definitely tell—

“The Sweeping Bones Sword Technique… So you are the successor of former Patriarch Su. No wonder you concealed it so perfectly, leaving me clueless,” Matron Wuxue said hoarsely. “You revealed yourself because of the tomb. I apologize for offending you.”

After speaking, she held her left wrist with her right hand, about to break it, but Yin Ci used the cane to flick it away.

“Ignorance is not a sin. I had secretly entered the tomb beforehand and considering your status as the leader of your divine sect, it’s normal for you to be cautious,” Yin Ci said leisurely. “Since you didn’t find me, let’s just forget about it. I don’t want to torment an old woman.”

“If you want to enter the tomb, why not join my divine sect? I can provide you with any identity other than that of Sect Master.”

Yin Ci raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want to ride on my ancestors’ coattails. Alright, now that you know my identity, tell your people not to probe around anymore. It’s unpleasant.”

“Yes.”

“One more thing. The affairs of the sects are busy. Even if the matter of the Ghost Tomb is significant, a sect leader should not personally attend.”

“I have already selected a successor and am cultivating them within the sect.”

“I see.” Yin Ci nodded and turned to leave.

“Young Friend, please wait!” Matron Wuxue coughed twice. “Aren’t you interested in seeing the Buddhist bead treasure map?”

“At this stage, you still want to test me?” Yin Ci didn’t look back, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “I have no interest in that thing. I didn’t take it in the tomb, and I certainly won’t take it now.”

He threw the cane behind him.

“I originally wanted to give you a chance to snatch the bead, so I gave it to the young disciple of the Kushan Sect. Who knew that kid would be so stubborn, refusing to report for the sake of his sect.”

Matron Wuxue’s wrinkled face twitched slightly. “This old one is stubborn and failed to create an opportunity to snatch the treasure, wasting your efforts.”

Yin Ci smiled and said, “No need for such words. I’m delighted that you’re willing to abide by our ancestors’ rules… Is there anything else you want to ask?”

Wu Xuepo lowered her head. “Young Friend, take care.”

Yin Ci left the tent, quickly put on the ghostskin robe, and made his way back to the territory of the Kushan Sect. He felt a sense of relief being able to separate the relationship of the “person in white” and the “Kushan Sect”,

The Kushan Sect’s tent was far from comparable to Matron Wuxue’s; it was cramped and had a slight draft.

The scene inside the tent was the same as when he left.

Yan Qing honestly hugged the blanket, curling up in a corner. Shi Jingzhi was also sound asleep with his brows furrowed as if he were having a nightmare.

Just as Yin Ci was about to lie down next to Shi Jingzhi, the latter turned over, and his arm draped over Yin Ci’s waist.

Yin Ci: “…”

He was about to push that arm away when he saw Shi Jingzhi’s brows relax, and his complexion improve.

What’s with this guy?

“A’Ci.” Shi Jingzhi applied a bit of force with his arm and mumbled groggily. “A’Ci, don’t go… Master will treat you well…”

Yin Ci stopped moving and patiently listened.

“If you leave, Master… will have to spend time catching another… obedient one…”

Shi Jingzhi made a few more murmurs before swallowing the rest.

He swallowed it just in time, and Yin Ci snorted. He resolutely pushed away that arm and tucked it back into Shi Jingzhi’s blanket. Shi Jingzhi slept soundly, completely unaware and unresponsive.

However, the next day, before dawn, Shi Jingzhi woke up. He danced with his newly acquired Clear Silver bamboo pole and poked Yin Ci and Yan Qing awake.

Yin Ci wasn’t polite. “Is Shizun hungry again?” It was still the hour of the tiger, but god knows how this slacker managed to wake up so punctually.

Shi Jingzhi: “Am I someone who’s that unreserved? Get up. We have to escape.”

Yan Qing yawned. “We haven’t left the Jinyu Group’s territory yet…”

“You still want to leave with them? The major sects have arrangements outside. We’re like rats sneaking into a beast’s herd, and everyone wants to catch us. You two shouldn’t wear your sect attire. I bought some old servant clothes for you to change into.”

Yan Qing obediently changed his clothes. “Does the Sect Master have to keep wearing a mask?”

A Nuo mask was much more noticeable than their sect attire.

“No, they will definitely be watching groups of three. A’Ci has a pale complexion; smearing something on his face will help him pass as inconspicuous. Yan Qing, you should hunch over, squint your eyes, and stick on a fake beard. Later, I’ll hide in the box, and you two can carry the box to mix into the Jinyu Group. We’ll take the opportunity to leave the mountain.”

Yan Qing had followed the Taiheng Sect for ten years and was used to following the rules, so he was momentarily stunned. Yin Ci, on the other hand, accepted it well. “Listening to Shizun’s plan, it seems like our destination is set.”

“Before you two woke up, I traced our exclusive treasure map. We will follow the Jinyu Group to Qizhou first, then head west to Yongsheng.” Shi Jingzhi shook the paper in his hand. “Yongsheng is marked on the map, and there might be clues there.”

“Wait, Qizhou is separated from Yongsheng by the Zongwu Mountain; it’s impossible to cross. Shouldn’t we go north?” Yan Qing asked.

“Other sects would think the same, so we have to climb the Zongwu Mountain.” Shi Jingzhi said excitedly, “Yan Budu intentionally drew this mountain, so there must be a deeper meaning behind it.”

Yan Qing’s gaze drifted again. “We might have to climb this mountain for over a month…”

Yin Ci interjected at the right moment. “Shizun, aren’t you afraid other sects will get there before us?”

“Demonic Lord Yan’s clues won’t be so easily deciphered. Besides, we’re traveling light, and we have enough stamina. We can climb over in just over ten days.”

Before leaving, Shi Jingzhi sneakily left a light on and arranged the bedding to look like a person. The three of them joined the lower ranks of the Jinyu Group caravan—the servants who transported goods without interruption were already half asleep. They blended in and proceeded smoothly along the way.

Until they left the Jinyu Group’s territory.

The Jinyu Group caravan was taking a break when a nine-ringed blade flew through the air and stabbed directly into a large box.

This group was responsible for transporting daily necessities and had lax security. They were momentarily stunned by the sudden attack.

Who would take the risk of offending the Jinyu Group just to steal pots and pans?

The two people in charge of the box didn’t try to escape; instead, they shouldered the burden and rushed towards the outskirts of the group. It was still dark, and the surroundings were dim. The two people with the box quickly disappeared.

“What were those two carrying? Weren’t we just transporting junk?”

“What are you saying? If it was something valuable, would that person be willing to cut through it with a knife?”

“Even if there was something valuable, it must have been a mistake by the people in charge of supplies… Forget it, let’s hurry and leave. Be careful not to get caught up in it.”

The attackers didn’t make another move against the servants. They sneered coldly, leaped over the tips of the grass, and chased after the two “servants” carrying the box.

“Is Sect Master dead?” Yan Qing gasped for breath.

Yin Ci matched his footsteps. “He’s fine. If that strike had really hit him, we would have heard screams.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Yan Qing: “Why do we still have to carry him? Can’t we run together?”

Yin Ci succinctly replied, “The saber belongs to Zheng Fengdao. We definitely can’t escape—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the nine-ringed saber was snatched away in midair. Zheng Fengdao landed in front of the two, emitting a fierce aura that felt as chilling as an icy wind. Even from a distance of seven or eight steps, they could feel the cold.

The box shifted, and it cracked open. Shi Jingzhi gasped for breath and stuck his head out. His Nuo mask was crooked, and he had a pair of pants on his head.

Zheng Fengdao ignored his appearance. “Sect Master Shi, hand over the Buddhist beads. You’ve caused a lot of trouble for that old witch from the Chigou Sect, and just based on that, I will spare your lives.”

Shi Jingzhi straightened his posture. “And if I don’t hand it over?”

Zheng Fengdao laughed heartily. “If you don’t? Then I’ll settle the score for Elder Lu.”

“Lu Fengxi was killed by the person in white. What does that have to do with my Kushan Sect?”

“He was killed while your disciple was present, so it’s as if your disciple killed him.” Zheng Fengdao brandished his blade with blood stains that were still not wiped clean.

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

Yin Ci dryly coughed. “Grandfather said not to reason with the people from the demonic sects. Shizun, this big brother seems to have made Matron Wuxue back down, so he must be formidable. What should we do?”

That was the truth. Zheng Fengdao was much stronger than Lu Fengxi; at this stage, he could probably take on five Shi Jingzhi.

Zheng Fengdao enjoyed the flattery and was in a good mood. “Oh, the kid understands things well. Here’s the deal, Sect Master Shi. If you don’t hand over the prayer beads, I’ll kill your servant first, then kill your disciple after. So, have you thought of an answer?”

Yan Qing: “?!”

Yin Ci became interested once again. How would Shi Jingzhi resolve this situation? Would he make a desperate move, flee in chaos, or…

Shi Jingzhi’s complexion turned grim, gradually revealing the panic he felt when he was being harassed by Matron Wuxue.

“I’ve thought of it,” he said with difficulty.

Kinky Thoughts:

Maybe Yin Ci should tone down on the acting. He should consider it lucky (unlucky?) it was oral medicine and not a suppository.

This marks the end of the first arc.