Chapter 4 - 20
Chapter 4: The Divine
Snap.
The sound of a tile breaking came from above.
Mi Feixue looked up, her eyes vacant, her expression slightly puzzled.
The tiles on the eaves above were intact; even the one previously pried open by Banlu had been meticulously repaired, showing no sign of abnormality.
After dipping the brush in ink, Mi Feixue lowered her head again and thought for a moment.
---------
[Right, the porcelain figurine girl holding her heart is about to crack, about to crack.]
---------
Finishing the last stroke, Mi Feixue carefully reviewed her writing, ensuring there were no typos. She then gently blew on the ink to dry it, closed her diary, hopped off the chair, and slid the diary into a fixed spot on the bookshelf behind her.
A child’s face popped out from the bookshelf. “Young Master, want to play a bedtime game?”
Mi Feixue shook her head.
She extended her hand and raised her index finger, indicating she wanted a blank book.
A book that was just within her reach popped out.
Mi Feixue pulled it out and returned to her desk. She picked up the brush but hesitated to write.
Her large, vacant eyes stared blankly at the page, her thoughts already drifting far away.
After a long while.
The child pursed her lips and finally began to write earnestly.
---------
Gods
---------
She opened the first page and wrote with utmost care, stroke by stroke.
[Her body carries a sweet fragrance]
[Her voice is gentler than the evening breeze]
[Her fingers are softer than flowing water]
[So she is a divine being]
---------
…
Meanwhile, Mi Bayue, who was studying the [Book of Good and Evil], suddenly saw the book flash with a faint glow. It automatically flipped to the title page.
A line of text appeared out of nowhere on the blank page.
---------
Mi Bayue asked, “Can you explain this?”
Ink-colored text appeared below and then faded away:
No matter how deeply Mi Bayue probed afterward, the book gave no further response.
Having witnessed more strangeness in half a day than she had in half a year, Mi Bayue decided not to dwell on it for too long.
Calculating the time, she realized it was about time to coax the child to sleep. She opened the door and stepped out, only to unexpectedly see two figures collapsed on the corridor floor not far away.
“H-help… help me,” Liu Jinbao cried out desperately upon seeing her, stretching out a hand in plea.
Mi Bayue approached. The steward appeared out of nowhere, holding a lantern to illuminate the scene.
Mi Bayue saw Yu Hu lying on the ground, his waist twisted in a posture that seemed almost severed. For an ordinary person, such an injury would have been fatal, yet sweat poured from his forehead, and his eyes rolled beneath his eyelids—clearly, he was still conscious.
Liu Jinbao showed no visible external injuries, but within ten seconds, he had already clutched his chest and groaned in agony three times.
“Save us, save us,” Liu Jinbao mumbled, his eyes rolling back, consciousness fading, his pleas driven by pure instinct.
Mi Bayue crouched down and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the chest he had been clutching.
It was pale and unmarked.
Mi Bayue glanced at it and said, “I don’t know what illness you have or how to treat it.”
Her gentle voice, soothing in the cool night, eased Liu Jinbao’s mind, stripping away all his defenses. “My heart hurts… it feels like it’s cracking.”
Mi Bayue looked at his chest again, thought for a moment, and said, “I don’t have any instruments. Would you mind if I cut it open to take a look?”
Liu Jinbao was in too much pain to understand her words clearly. All he saw were her gentle, watery eyes, and he nodded foolishly.
Mi Bayue stood up and instructed the steward, “Take them back to the guest room first. I’ll be there shortly.”
The steward carried one person on each shoulder and moved them away.
Mi Bayue continued on to Mi Feixue's residence. Upon arrival, she saw a girl wrapped in hair, her condition unknown, and a boy covering his ears while banging his head against the ground.
After a quick glance, she knocked on Mi Feixue's door.
The sound of light, hurried footsteps could be heard from inside.
The door opened from within, and Mi Feixue looked up at her from inside.
Seeing that she had already changed into her pajamas, Mi Bayue patted her head and praised, "Good girl." Then she added, "Go lie down first. I'll take care of a few patients and come over soon."
Mi Feixue tilted her head.
Mi Bayue said, "The guests who came today are sick."
Mi Feixue tugged at her sleeve, her face full of reluctance.
"Alright, then we'll go see them tomorrow," Mi Bayue smiled indulgently. "Anyway, from the looks of it, they won't die anytime soon."
Mi Feixue, being doted on like this, shyly lowered her head but didn't let go of her sleeve.
"Let's go," Mi Bayue said, taking her hand and walking inside.
The child's room was simple and clean, with the most eye-catching feature being the massive bookshelf that took up half the room, filled with rows of thread-bound books.
Most of these books were originally there, while a small portion were written by Mi Feixue herself.
The child loved writing. Half a year ago, when Mi Bayue first arrived, she noticed the child often stayed alone in her room, spending entire days sitting at her desk.
After they became more familiar, Mi Bayue asked Mi Feixue what she wanted to do in the future.
The tiny child replied innocently, "Write books."
Mi Bayue praised her as a little scholar and began planning ways to save money and find connections to enroll her in a private school.
Now, the path was paved, but it was no longer convenient to use.
Mi Bayue told the child to go lie down on the bed first. She randomly picked a book from the shelf and, under the child's expectant gaze, sat on the bed with her. She opened the book titled Little Lantern.
"Little lantern, white and bright, two eyes shining so bright, loves to eat hair, loves to lick cheeks, creak creak, so strange, so strange..."
Mi Bayue finished reading the title page and looked at the child beside her. "Newly written?"
Mi Feixue nodded shyly, her trembling eyelashes over her lifeless eyes betraying some hidden anticipation in her heart.
Mi Bayue praised, "Well written, very rhythmic."
...
Outside the room.
A lantern hanging on the corridor swayed and drifted down. A candle flame lit up inside, flickering and casting overlapping shadows like two eyeballs, directly descending toward Ban Lu's head.
Crack.
The lantern split open like a mouth, engulfing Ban Lu's hair.
The hair, as if facing a great enemy, was burned into a hole by the candle flame inside, revealing Ban Lu's face.
Thinking she had escaped, Ban Lu opened her eyes only to see the lantern's fiery maw.
"Ahhhhhhh!"
A tongue of flame extended from inside the lantern, licking toward her cheek.
Sizzle—
The licked skin turned scorched red.
Tears streamed down Ban Lu's face, whether from pain or fear.
"Wuwuwu, help, help!!!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 5: The Cause of Illness
After having breakfast with Mi Feixue, Mi Bayue opened the [Book of Good and Evil] to the page titled [Ghostly Artifact: Shared Senses].
The illusory form of a two-faced doll—one side crying, the other laughing—drifted out from the page. The laughing face turned toward Mi Bayue, and a Baobao’s tender yet unnervingly sinister voice whispered in her ear, “Hehehehe~ I want your affection for her~”
Ghostly artifacts belong to the Yin realm, and using them comes at a price.
For ordinary people to command them, they must pay the price demanded by the artifact.
Suddenly, a small claw reached out from the side and grabbed the two-faced doll’s illusory form.
Mi Feixue’s expression was dark and icy with anger as she stuffed the illusion into her mouth.
The doll’s laughing face instantly switched to the crying side, bursting into loud sobs before turning to sheer terror.
“Waaah—!!!”
Just as the illusion was about to be devoured, Mi Bayue pressed down on the small claw.
A pair of vacant, wide eyes stared at her in confusion and helplessness. The child obediently stopped trying to stuff the doll into her mouth but held onto it tightly.
Mi Bayue glanced at the illusion—its waist was nearly crushed.
“Sweetie, don’t put dirty things in your mouth.”
She reached out toward Mi Feixue.
The latter silently handed over the two-faced doll, though not before giving it another secret, forceful squeeze.
Shared Senses · Two-Faced Doll’s eyes bulged: Almost kicked the bucket~
Mi Bayue noticed all these little actions. After taking the artifact, she first patted the child’s head in encouragement.
Then, she asked the artifact in her hand, “Still want a price?”
[Shared Senses] responded with its crying face.
“Good.” Mi Bayue smiled.
[Shared Senses] perked up, momentarily healed, but in the next second, the ghostly air around it thickened and condensed. A dense, suffocating malice centered around the four- or five-year-old child. In the darkness, it felt as though a colossal, unfathomable terror had glanced its way—any wrong move would tear it to shreds.
“……”
[Shared Senses] froze like stagnant water, then plunged into Mi Bayue’s palm.
No price, it dared not ask for anything!
As soon as the ghostly artifact entered her body, its user manual seemed to merge into her mind. Mi Bayue instantly understood how to use it.
She took Mi Feixue’s small hand. “Let’s go test it outside.”
The two stepped out, and Mi Bayue glanced at the sky—a clear, brilliant blue, perfect weather.
“Wait a moment.” Mi Bayue walked behind Little Feixue.
Mi Feixue instinctively turned to look for her, only to have her eyes gently covered by something soft and warm.
She immediately froze, not even daring to blink.
Warmth and a faint fragrance spread from behind her. Mi Feixue’s little face grew increasingly warm—this gesture felt as though she were being embraced.
Unaware of the child’s tension, Mi Bayue activated [Shared Senses], merging their visual perceptions.
Through the [Shared Senses], Mi Bayue experienced firsthand the wonders of this world.
Her vision now overlapped with two images. She could choose one as the primary perspective, while the secondary perspective became semi-transparent and faded into the background.
Currently, her secondary perspective came from Mi Feixue—a world of black and gray, where a hand glowing with soft, milky-white light stood out starkly.
Mi Bayue was taken aback.
In the child’s eyes, did she always have this soft glow effect?
Mi Bayue removed her hand.
In the secondary perspective, the glowing hand withdrew, leaving behind a world like a charcoal sketch—lifeless grays and boundless blacks.
So this was the world through Mi Feixue’s afflicted eyes.
"Use my eyes to see." Mi Bayue looked up at the sky, then bent down beside Mi Feixue's face and asked, "What does Baobao see?"
"..."
"There's the sky and clouds. Do you know what color they are?"
Mi Feixue stirred. She crouched down and wrote on the ground with her finger: Blue.
After writing, she looked up at Mi Bayue anxiously.
"Clever." Mi Bayue saw the words on the ground.
Mi Feixue shyly curled her fingers, then wrote: I haven't seen it before, but I knew as soon as I saw it.
Innate knowledge?
Mi Bayue looked at the child crouched on the ground writing.
Then the two saw themselves from each other's perspective.
Mi Bayue was momentarily stunned again by the "human-shaped glowing figure" in the secondary vision.
Could it be that for the past six months, in Mi Feixue's dark world, she had always been glowing? Was the original body like this, or did it only happen after she took over?
If it was the latter, did the child hiding behind the door peeking when they first met notice something unusual about her identity?
And was this why Mi Feixue had never called her "mother" in the past six months?
What kind of existence was she in Mi Feixue's heart?
Thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant. Mi Bayue was pulled back to awareness by the sensation in her hand and found the child holding her hands tightly, looking at her with worry and tension.
Mi Bayue smiled. "It's fine. Let's go look somewhere else."
...
Arriving at the guest room arranged for Yu Hu, Mi Bayue saw the four patients who had been left there overnight.
These four were truly the kind of people who could sacrifice the savior's mother at the beginning. After a night of torment, they still clung to life.
Mi Bayue let go of little Feixue and then noticed something interesting.
In the overlapping vision with Mi Feixue, she saw a phantom overlapping with Yu Hu's body, which lay on the ground as if cut in half at the waist—a short, sturdy figure with a blue face and fangs, naked from the waist up, wearing only a tattered cloth around his waist, carrying a rock larger than his own body on his shoulder. At this moment, he appeared to be crushed by the giant rock, kneeling on the ground.
The girl named Ban Lu had suffered burns to her hair and face. Her phantom was a head without facial features, with hair chaotically spreading and tangling across her face and the ground, at least three meters long. Her face bore the same burns as Ban Lu's, and tears dripped down continuously.
The twins with panda-like dark circles under their eyes.
One had a phantom behind him—a thin, small figure with a pointed mouth and rodent-like cheeks, large ears, resembling a rat that had gained sentience, rolling around on the ground.
The other had a phantom of a ceramic girl statue holding a heart in her hands, the porcelain surface densely covered with fine cracks.
Mi Bayue recalled what one of the twins had said to her last night: "My heart hurts, it feels like it's about to split open."
She glanced again at the cracked, heart-holding ceramic girl through Mi Feixue's perspective. Hmm, indeed, it was almost completely shattered.
Beside her, Mi Feixue tilted her head, her lifeless eyes showing no emotion.
But Mi Bayue knew she was curious. "Do they look good with colors?"
Mi Feixue shook her head, then stared at her and nodded.
They aren't good-looking, but you are.
Mi Bayue understood what she meant and smiled. "Thanks to Baobao, I think I know the cause of their illness."
Mi Feixue shyly curled her fingers.
Mi Bayue said, "I'm going to try to treat them. Does Baobao want to watch here or go play on your own?"
Mi Feixue pointed at her.
"That's fine too. Then Baobao can assist me." Mi Bayue smiled.
Hearing that she could help too, a serious expression spread across Mi Feixue's little face.
"Don't be nervous, it's fine if we can't save it, we're just trying." Mi Bayue pinched her earnest little cheek and glanced at the cracked ceramic girl. "Come on, let's go outside and get some mud."
The two went out, and the ever-present House Spirit steward brought a container and stood behind them.
Mi Bayue and Mi Feixue each dug up some soil and tossed it in.
Mi Bayue observed it. "A bit dry."
Mi Feixue ran off and returned a moment later holding a bowl of water.
Mi Bayue praised, "Baobao is so clever."
She had Mi Feixue pour the water into the soil, then gave her a staff to stir it with.
Watching the child seriously stirring the mud with the wooden staff, Mi Bayue smiled with satisfaction.
A childhood without playing in mud is not Perfection.
When the two returned to the guest room.
Four pairs of eyes stared fixedly at them.
Actually, Yu Hu and the other three had not lost consciousness. They had known when Mi Bayue and the others entered and had clearly heard their conversation.
But seeing with their own eyes a four or five-year-old child come in holding a small bowl, the bowl indeed containing stirred mud and definitely not some medicine or the like, the four's expressions turned incredulous.
Mi Bayue always treated patients with a gentle, spring-like warmth. Whether patients cursed, cried, broke down, or went mad, she could maintain the most appropriate professional smile.
Walking to Liu Jinbao, Mi Bayue crouched down and reached toward the heart-holding ceramic girl.
What she touched was the twin boy's body.
"Hmm."
Preliminary experiment failed.
Mi Bayue said, "Baobao, you try."
Just like when she grabbed [Shared Senses] last time, Mi Feixue directly reached forward and seized it.
The smiling painted expression on the heart-holding ceramic girl's face suddenly twisted into a distorted look of terror, her entire face screaming: Scared, don't come over!!!
Mi Feixue pursed her lips, unhappy that she couldn't immediately retrieve what Bayue wanted.
This anger caused something to churn in her lifeless eyes.
Ka-cha——
Several porcelain pieces fell from the heart-holding ceramic girl's body.
"Ah! Pfft!!" Liu Jinbao let out a miserable cry, spitting out a large mouthful of blood.
Some shredded flesh could still be seen in the bloody foam on the ground.
His face visibly withered, instantly taking on a short-lived appearance.
Mi Bayue habitually wanted to take out her pocket notebook from her pocket to record the experiment report.
Reaching in, she found it empty, remembering she wasn't wearing her previous professional attire and hadn't brought the pocket notebook with her.
Mi Feixue was still struggling with the ceramic girl, determined to pull this thing out this time.
Snap, snap, snap
Porcelain pieces from the shattering ceramic girl fell in a shower. Her watercolor face was a mess of tears, as if foreseeing the despair of her doomed fate.
Liu Jinbao was even worse off, vomiting blood mouthful after mouthful.
The other three didn't know exactly what was happening. What they saw with their own eyes was the child extending a hand to grab at the air a few centimeters in front of Liu Jinbao, but they felt the terror transmitted from their own bound Ghostly Artifacts. Affected by this group connection, their entire bodies convulsed, as if suffering from epilepsy.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 6: A Little Heart for You
When Liu Jinbao was in so much pain that his thoughts grew numb, foreseeing his own death...
"Done." This gentle voice was like a heavenly melody.
His agony ceased at that very moment.
Deep within his soul, he heard the sobbing of a young girl, weeping as if she had been saved from the brink of death.
It was the crying of his cursed artifact, [Heart's Whisper]—the first time he had ever heard it.
After pulling Mi Feixue's hand back, Mi Bayue said to the steward, "Bring the other two relics."
The house spirit steward pretended to turn and leave, retrieved the bronze mask and token spat out by the beam outside the door, and returned in less than five seconds, handing over the relics Mi Bayue had requested.
Taking the mask, Mi Bayue spread her hand to manifest the [Book of Good and Evil] and directly shoved the two divine relics into it.
And indeed, she managed to stuff them inside.
Two more pages appeared in the [Book of Good and Evil].
[Divine Artifact]
[Everything in the world has its price, and even gods are no exception. Are you ready?]
[Wearing this mask, you will transform into the only Yin God capable of walking in the mortal realm, gaining the divine power of a Yin God, tasked with overseeing ghosts and monsters, punishing evil and rewarding good. Friendly reminder: Do not easily indulge in worldly desires, as misjudging good and evil due to emotions will bring you unbearable suffering.]
[Divine artifacts have spirits; do not attempt to wield them without proper authorization~]
-----------
[Night Warden's Token]
[Divine Artifact]
[A token representing divine authority]
[...]
[Conditions not met; temporarily unusable]
-----------
After reading the descriptions of the two divine relics in the [Book of Good and Evil], Mi Bayue realized that [Night Warden's Token] was not applicable to the current situation, but the other one could be tested.
Her gaze lingered on the word "price" in [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play] for two seconds before she swept her hand over the page, causing the mask to materialize in her hand.
Without hesitation, Mi Bayue pressed the mask to her face.
Though the mask appeared heavy, it felt weightless against her skin, transforming into a layer of gray mist that enveloped her vision.
Just like the instructions that came with [Shared Senses], the effects of [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play] were directly imprinted into her mind.
Wearing it granted the divine power of a Yin God, but this power was tied to faith. Among the seemingly impressive array of divine skills listed, only two were usable:
[Door of Anywhere]: Split the house spirit's sub-body and attach it to any door, allowing passage between two doors.
-----------
Reading this, it became clear that the Yin God's skills were designed to work in tandem with Yin-type ghosts and monsters. Among the former god's inheritance, only the house spirit of the old mansion remained.
The original body's ex-husband probably died "poor."
Wearing the mask, Mi Bayue felt no physical changes. Her vision remained the same, split between the primary and secondary scenes shared with Mi Feixue.
She reached out again toward the shattered ceramic girl's phantom on Liu Jinbao's body, and this time, she managed to grasp it.
"Wuwuwu~"
Mi Bayue heard the girl's crying.
"Save me," the girl pleaded.
A judgment surfaced in her mind: This cursed object has not actively committed evil.
Immediately afterward, an overwhelming, irresistible sense of responsibility washed over Mi Bayue, compelling her to agree to the ceramic girl's request. The slightest thought of refusal was drowned by waves of guilt and self-blame. The longer she delayed, the stronger this tidal wave of remorse grew, threatening to crush her spirit entirely.
Mi Bayue's eyes darkened.
She seemed to understand why the saviors in post-apocalyptic stories and films were so "saintly"—why they continued to accept others' pleas for help even after experiencing countless betrayals and wounds.
Mi Bayue did not deliberately resist this sense of responsibility. She spoke softly and gently, "Alright, I will save you."
The voice that emerged from behind the mask had changed from her original tone, losing its feminine softness and brightness, yet not becoming a deep male voice either. It held no gender distinction, retaining only the most primal ethereal and healing quality of sound.
The voice of the divine.
Even Mi Bayue herself felt a slight flutter in her heart upon hearing it.
The porcelain girl immediately stopped crying, her gaze filled with reverence and trust as she looked at her.
She offered no resistance when Mi Bayue held her and extracted her from Liu Jinbao's body.
A palm-sized ceramic statue of a girl, shattered and covered in cracks.
Thud.
Liu Jinbao collapsed to the ground as if struck by a heavy blow, unconscious.
"It's [Heart's Whisper]!" Ban Lu exclaimed in shock.
Ever since binding with the Ghostly Artifact and merging it into their bodies, even they themselves did not know where the artifact was hidden within them. According to the Seniors' experience, unless something unexpected happened, they would not see the artifact's true form again until death.
Now, Liu Jinbao's Ghostly Artifact, [Heart's Whisper], had been extracted from his body out of thin air.
Yu Hu's pupils trembled violently, his face showing only pain and no other expression—he truly did not know what expression to make.
Liu Zhaocai was even more helpless, his ears nearly deafened by the ghostly wails and howls coming from all directions, their source unknown.
And what Mi Bayue did next repeatedly challenged their psychological endurance.
Mi Bayue held the shattered ceramic girl in one hand while picking up ceramic fragments from the ground with the other.
In the eyes of Yu Hu and the others, Mi Bayue simply pinched the empty ground, and a fragment visible to the naked eye appeared in her hand.
"Baobao, come apply some mud." Mi Bayue compared the fragment to the ceramic girl statue, found the correct position, and said to Mi Feixue.
Mi Feixue carefully applied mud to the edges of the fragment with a stirring stick, then looked up and nodded at Mi Bayue.
"Well done," Mi Bayue praised, then pressed the mud-coated fragment into the gap on the ceramic statue.
The three still conscious—Yu Hu and the others: ...
This is a Ghostly Artifact! A Ghostly Artifact! It's not some real ceramic mud ball; you can't just stick it back together with a bit of mud and expect it to be fixed!
One piece, two pieces, three pieces, four pieces, five pieces.
The ceramic girl statue revealed a smile as if reborn. The cracks on the porcelain surface began to heal the moment Mi Bayue pressed the first fragment into place, and now they had completely disappeared, leaving only a few gaps where fragments had yet to be restored.
Yu Hu and the other two felt as if they were in a dream: ............
"Done," Mi Bayue stopped her repair work.
Heart's Whisper · Ceramic Girl: ??????
Done? How is it done? Half of her body is still on the ground.
Mi Bayue spoke in her divine voice, "I saved you. Now it's time to discuss the medical fees."
[Heart's Whisper] had yet to sense the mercenary undertone beneath this divinity. In a tender, girlish voice, she asked, "Medical fees?"
Mi Bayue said gently, "Yes, everything in this world comes with a price, even gods are no exception." A line she had recently read in the [Book of Good and Evil] was now put to use. "I saved your life. What can you offer in return?"
[Heart's Whisper] wore a bewildered expression.
She could not refute this.
Humans also had to pay a price to use Ghostly Artifacts.
Mi Bayue said gently, "Choose one: the fragments on the ground or working for me for ten years."
[Heart's Whisper] was stunned.
The shards on the ground were half her body, equivalent to the condensation of her power—how could she possibly lose them!?
The ceramic girl’s watercolor face once again twisted into a pitiful expression.
Before she could shed tears and play the victim, Mi Bayue gently stroked her cheek.
“Room and board included, health insurance provided, salary guaranteed, and commissions offered.”
【Heart’s Whisper】: …
【Heart’s Whisper】 extended the little heart it was holding toward Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue stuffed it into the [Book of Good and Evil].
…
[One Star (Damaged)]
[Listens to the inner voices of any living being]
[Someone as wonderful as you~ should have a black heart~ Don’t hide it, your heart is whispering secrets to me]
[Heart’s Whisper is a gossipy coward]
-----------
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 7: Public Property
With the initial success of the previous treatment experiments, the subsequent treatments became much simpler.
Helping the long-haired faceless woman comb her hair, plugging the ears of the big-eared rat man, and removing the massive stone that was about to crush the blue-faced, fanged man.
For the medical fees, they were given the choice between "cutting half their hair," "cutting off one ear," "a whole boulder," or ten years of labor.
Mi Bayue's [Book of Good and Evil] thus gained three new illustrated pages: [Ghostly Artifact: Great Strength], [Ghostly Artifact: Long Hair], and [Ghostly Artifact: Whispering Ear].
All three were one-star artifacts.
Removing her mask and putting away the [Book of Good and Evil], Mi Bayue asked Yu Hu and the other two, "Do you need me to take a look at your injuries?"
The three, pale as death, shook their heads in unison.
Mi Bayue felt a bit disappointed. She instructed the house spirit steward to take good care of the guests, then took Mi Feixue's hand and left.
With six new and intriguing items now in the [Book of Good and Evil], Mi Bayue's interest in research was immediately piqued.
She had always loved the unknown and enjoyed unraveling it. Anything that came into her hands had to be mastered as soon as possible.
Spending the entire morning in her room, Mi Bayue quickly realized that taking notes during formal research was too slow and couldn't keep up with her thought process.
"Can you automatically record based on my dictation?" Mi Bayue asked the [Book of Good and Evil].
A blank page appeared with the question she had just asked.
"Excellent," Mi Bayue smiled. "I'm starting to like you."
The corners of the [Book of Good and Evil] curled slightly.
This reminded Mi Bayue of how Mi Feixue would curl her fingers when she was shy. She casually instructed, "House Spirit, notify me when it's time to eat so I can accompany the Baobao."
A face protruded from the wall. "Yes, Madam."
It seemed that, having noticed Mi Bayue's acceptance and smooth adaptation to the divine relics, the house spirit no longer bothered to pretend to be an ordinary person.
One dared to give orders, the other dared to obey. Even though their living situation had turned upside down overnight, every being in this household seemed unfazed.
When Mi Bayue immersed herself in research and experiments, she easily lost track of time. By the time the house spirit came to notify her as instructed, she was still reluctant to stop.
She opened the [Book of Good and Evil]. After the title page, there was now a bookmark, and the five original artifact introduction pages had been transformed into the medical record format Mi Bayue was most familiar with—complete with name, age, date of birth, marital status, weight, occupation, illness, and more.
"This is much more comfortable to look at," Mi Bayue nodded in satisfaction. Closing the book, she stared at the title and murmured, "Why not rename it 'Complete Medical Records'?"
The [Book of Good and Evil] trembled, hesitating.
Mi Bayue shook her head. "No rush. There aren't enough patients yet to meet the 'complete' standard."
She walked out, intending to find Mi Feixue, only to see the child, not yet waist-high, waiting at the door.
Mi Bayue was momentarily surprised, then bent down to take the nervous child's hand. "Thank you for coming to get me, Baobao."
Mi Feixue relaxed and shook her head, attempting a stiff smile.
As soon as she tried, Mi Feixue, through [Shared Senses], saw the strange expression of her own attempt to smile reflected in Mi Bayue's eyes and immediately shut down.
But... but she had practiced hundreds of times, and the other person smiled so beautifully.
Mi Feixue lowered her head in self-loathing, her eyes reddening with frustration.
The air around them churned invisibly and silently, and the house spirit, directly sensing it, struggled not to tremble.
This invisible wave of Qi was kept away from Mi Bayue, not daring to touch her in the slightest.
"Young Master, the floor was just mopped today, be careful not to slip," the House Spirit steward emerged, trembling as he spoke, inwardly shouting silently at Mi Bayue: Look at the Young Master, notice her mood, comfort her quickly! My fragile body can't bear such grievances.
Mi Bayue had indeed noticed Mi Feixue's unusual behavior, but she wasn't in a hurry to comfort her. Some things, if paid too much attention, can become forced and easily yield counterproductive results.
By the time the two reached the dining hall, Mi Feixue's emotions had mostly recovered.
After lunch, Mi Bayue asked the House Spirit about the condition of Yu Hu and the other three.
The House Spirit said, "Their lives are not in danger, and they can already move."
Mi Bayue: "Was lunch delivered?"
House Spirit: "Yes."
However, as a House Spirit limited to its own home, its abilities were limited. The fine grains it could obtain were reserved for the mistress and Young Master. Outsiders? The old house had plenty of rats, grasshoppers, insects, and such—all edible meat. With a bit of illusion magic, the guests still ate quite heartily.
Mi Bayue nodded, "I trust you to handle things."
The House Spirit steward made a move that didn't quite fit its dignified image: it puffed out its chest.
As the sun was about to set, Yu Hu and the other three came to visit.
Mi Bayue met with them, thinking it was sooner than she had predicted.
This also indicated that the four's physical recovery was better than she had anticipated, even though she had based her predictions on double the physical fitness of modern special forces.
During this meeting, the attitudes of Yu Hu and the other three were completely different from their first encounter.
Yu Hu immediately clasped his fists and bowed to Mi Bayue. Though Mi Bayue didn't recognize this gesture, she could sense respect from his demeanor.
"We were blind and failed to recognize Mount Tai, offending you, Master," Yu Hu said with utmost reverence.
Mi Bayue: "I am no Master."
Yu Hu changed his address, "Yes, Miss, living in seclusion here, it was our fault for being reckless. Thankfully, Miss was kind enough to teach us a lesson, making us remember. We will definitely not act so rashly in the future."
Mi Bayue glanced at him again. No wonder he was the captain—though he looked like a simple-minded brute, he knew exactly what to say to whom.
Yu Hu: "We forgot to introduce ourselves yesterday. The four of us are from the Nightfall Bureau in Beiyuan City. The Nightfall Bureau is under the Spirit Investigation Commandery of the Yi Kingdom."
As he spoke, Yu Hu secretly observed Mi Bayue's expression. When she heard "Nightfall Bureau" and "Spirit Investigation Commandery," she showed no reaction, which made Yu Hu even more wary of her.
In fact, Mi Bayue was still pondering what the Spirit Investigation Commandery was. She had seen mentions of the Nightfall Bureau in the last will's story and knew that Yu Hu and the others were public officials.
This was a special department responsible for handling supernatural and strange occurrences in the world, referred to by ordinary people—whether aware or unaware—as "Night Wanderer Envoys," who operated primarily at night.
Seeing Mi Bayue remain silent, Yu Hu had no choice but to brace himself and continue, "The four of us are constables of the Nightfall Bureau. The Ghostly Artifacts we use are public property of the office, not our private possessions."
Mi Bayue snapped back to attention, knowing the main topic had arrived. "I see."
Behind him, Ban Lu with her bruised face and disheveled hair, along with the twin boys supporting each other, looked at her eagerly.
Mi Bayue smiled, "You want to say that these public items are not yours to decide, and they must be returned to the authorities."
The three of them had shining eyes, nodding like chickens pecking at rice.
Yu Hu said tactfully, "You saved our lives, miss. If these were our personal belongings, we would gladly offer them to Your Excellency."
Mi Bayue always had principles. "I saved those Ghostly Artifacts, not you. There's no need for thanks or gifts."
Hearing the first part, the four felt a surge of joy, but Mi Bayue's next words dashed their hopes.
"Since these are public property, the public authorities should pay. Once the Spirit Investigation Department arrives to cover the medical fees, I'll return the patients to them."
"..."
Silence fell all around.
Mi Bayue asked Yu Hu, "We originally agreed to set off today. Are you ready?"
Only when she mentioned it did Yu Hu remember the arrangement. "...Wen Qingyu, that little thief, has disappeared."
Mi Bayue looked at the House Spirit.
The House Spirit steward went out to fetch the person.
Mi Bayue turned back to Yu Hu. "Don't worry, we'll find him for you."
Yu Hu's throat felt dry. "Thank you."
Mi Bayue said, "Yesterday we agreed that you would escort us back to the city today in exchange for lodging. Since we're not leaving today..."
"We can go. We're ready," Yu Hu insisted.
Ban Lu and the twin youths perked up as well, nodding vigorously.
If they didn't leave now, they might end up being tricked into selling themselves for ten years, just like their Ghostly Artifacts.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 8: Precious Steeds and Carved Carriages
When Wen Qingyu was brought out, he reeked of foul odor, his face pale and ashen, looking as if half his life had already been drained away.
The house spirit steward handed him over to Yu Hu and the other three, who were both shocked and bewildered, feeling a mix of disgust and relief.
So, they weren’t the ones in the worst shape after all.
Ban Lu whistled sharply, and before long, four sturdy horses galloped over from a distance.
Yu Hu asked Mi Bayue, “Do you have any means of transportation, Your Excellency?”
Mi Bayue shook her head.
Yu Hu then arranged for the twins to share a horse, leaving the finest steed for her.
Before departing, Mi Bayue took out the [Book of Good and Evil].
The old mansion shook as if the earth were trembling and mountains collapsing. In the blink of an eye, a colossal structure transformed into a palm-sized wooden house toy before merging into the [Book of Good and Evil].
【House Spirit】
[Spiritual Entity]
[A dwelling brought to life, it guards the home and brings peace, its uses endless]
[Within the mansion, there is nothing it cannot do—only what you cannot imagine. It excels at both homemaking and plundering, leaving others green with envy]
[This house spirit is incredibly powerful yet excessively cautious]
-----------
Mi Bayue glanced over the description before closing the [Book of Good and Evil]. She lifted Mi Feixue onto the horse, seating herself behind the child, and said to Yu Hu and the others, who stood frozen in place, “Lead the way.”
Yu Hu hurriedly complied. Once mounted, he noticed the other three hadn’t moved and barked, “Hurry up!”
The three scrambled onto their respective horses.
Yu Hu took the lead, with Mi Bayue and her group in the middle, and Ban Lu and the other two bringing up the rear.
They galloped across the land, hooves kicking up grass and dirt.
After nearly an hour of riding, they finally spotted a merchant caravan on the official road.
Yu Hu paid it no mind and was about to overtake it directly.
“Wait,” Mi Bayue called out to stop him.
Her words were not to be ignored. Yu Hu quickly halted and asked, “Your Excellency?”
Just then, the caravan ahead also came to a stop. The foot guards below and the people in the carriage exchanged words before turning to look in their direction.
Shortly after, a middle-aged couple descended from the carriage and, accompanied by guards, approached Yu Hu.
“Sir, are you a Night Wanderer Envoy of the Nightfall Bureau?” the middle-aged man, dressed as a merchant, asked with a friendly smile.
The identity of a Night Wanderer Envoy carried a certain prestige among ordinary people, and Yu Hu had always taken pride in it. However, with Mi Bayue present, he felt it inappropriate to act too arrogantly. He merely gave the merchant a reserved nod and asked, “How did you know?”
The merchant replied, “I once had the honor of seeing the official insignia on the token hanging from your waist.”
Yu Hu said, “You’re quite observant.” Though he appeared calm on the surface, inwardly he was restless and anxious, worried that the delay might displease Mi Bayue. He then asked the merchant, “What brings you here?”
Sensing the impatience in Yu Hu’s tone, the merchant smiled apologetically. “I noticed you’ve been traveling hard, and since my caravan happens to have an empty carriage, I thought to invite you to ride in comfort.”
“No—” Yu Hu instinctively began to refuse but suddenly remembered Mi Bayue. He turned to her and asked, “What do you think, Your Excellency?”
The merchant glanced at Mi Bayue in surprise. Seeing the young girl’s delicate, picturesque features and harmless beauty, he dismissed any lingering doubts in his heart.
Mi Bayue said, “I think that sounds good. Riding a horse is too bumpy.”
Hearing this, the merchant’s last trace of caution vanished. What a pampered, delicate young lady.
The merchant said warmly, “A young lady with skin as fair as ice and jade like yours shouldn’t endure such jostling. Hurry and bring the carriage over to escort the esteemed guests aboard.” The latter part was directed at the guards beside him.
The guards departed.
The merchant continued chatting with Yu Hu, probing for information about this and that.
In the rear...
Ban Lu asked Liu Jinbao, "Isn't this person being too enthusiastic? Do we Night Wanderer Envoys hold such a lofty status in the hearts of commoners? Quickly tell me, what is he thinking in his heart?"
Liu Jinbao gave her a feeble, exasperated look.
Ban Lu: "Oh, I forgot you can't hear right now."
Liu Jinbao: "Your hair isn't useful either."
Liu Zhaocai stopped the two, "Why hurt each other like this?"
Mi Bayue's gaze shifted from the merchant to the woman holding her arm. The woman didn't have the merchant's composure; the pity in her expression wasn't well hidden. As soon as she met Mi Bayue's eyes, she forced an awkward smile.
"Does Baobao want to hear people's hearts?" Mi Bayue asked softly, looking down at the child in her arms.
Mi Feixue pointed at her.
Mi Bayue smiled, "This is something Baby must decide for herself."
Mi Feixue became conflicted.
Mi Bayue gently smoothed her furrowed brow, "It's not that important. Use it if you want to, or discard it if you don't. But sometimes it's better not to listen to people's hearts—hearing them can be nauseating."
As she spoke, she handed [Heart's Whisper] to Mi Feixue.
The moment it fell into Mi Feixue's hands, the serene expression on the palm-sized ceramic girl turned to terror.
"Oh, it's here, it's here!" The merchant's enthusiastic, booming voice startled everyone.
Ban Lu: "Goodness, you scared me!"
The guard who had been called earlier to fetch the carriage arrived, pulling a carriage with a stern expression.
When the carriage came fully into view, even Ban Lu, who had just criticized the merchant's attitude, set aside her prejudice.
A fine steed and an ornate carriage—nothing could surpass this.
The white horse was majestic, the carriage splendid.
Not even the carriages of noblewomen and delicate young misses from the influential families of Beiyuan City could compare.
Yu Hu asked suspiciously, "Is this your merchandise?" He almost said tribute instead, as such an exquisite carriage would be worthy of being offered even to royalty.
The merchant shook his head repeatedly, "Master, you jest. This is the private carriage my foolish child insisted on buying at a high price after taking a fancy to it. Since he has already ridden in it, it cannot be sold again. Oh, but he only rode in it once, so I hope the Masters won't mind."
No one could find fault with this carriage. Anyone who did would surely be nitpicking.
Ban Lu's eyes grew dreamy, "It's truly beautiful."
Yu Hu felt something was off and glanced toward Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue had already dismounted and was helping Mi Feixue down by holding her hand.
"Hurry and provide a step for the Young Miss!" the merchant scolded the guard holding the horse.
The guard released the reins and knelt, prostrating himself to serve as a human stool.
"No need," Mi Bayue said, leading Mi Feixue to step into the carriage from the other side.
Mi Feixue entered the carriage first. As if remembering something, Mi Bayue turned and said gently to Yu Hu, "Wen Qingyu isn't feeling well and shouldn't be jostled outside. Let him ride in the carriage with us."
Yu Hu was surprised, but the merchant reacted even more strongly, exclaiming, "Could it be Young Master Wen of the Kaiyun Maritime Trading House?"
"What's wrong? My team has a physician who can..." The merchant stepped forward to examine the unconscious youth slumped over the horse.
Mi Bayue's voice was soft and gentle, yet it effortlessly overshadowed the merchant's loud presence, "I am a physician. There's no need for another. Bring him up."
She looked at Yu Hu.
The latter's heart skipped a beat, not daring to make the great one repeat herself a third time.
Ignoring the merchant's continued rambling about how experienced the team's doctor was, he lifted Wen Qingyu and headed towards the carriage. Halfway there, the merchant blocked his path, and Yu Hu impatiently shoved him aside with his shoulder, sending the man stumbling.
"Hey, how can a young girl compare to an old doctor's medical skills? I'm just trying to help."
Amid the merchant's persistent attempts to persuade him, Yu Hu placed Wen Qingyu inside the carriage.
As he did so, he took a careful, extra glance out of his own curiosity, and his pupils instantly contracted, goosebumps rising all over his body.
An overly cautious House Spirit who is incredibly powerful: Because there are two big shots inside me!!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 9: The Wooden Puppet
Yu Hu returned to his horse, and Ban Lu approached him. "Boss, I want to ride in the carriage too."
"Shut up," Yu Hu snapped in a low voice.
The haze in Ban Lu's eyes cleared significantly at his rebuke.
Yu Hu said coldly, "Have you lost even your basic sense of vigilance without the ghostly artifact? I’ve never seen you so eager to ride in a carriage before."
Ban Lu was jolted to her senses, and the last traces of her infatuation were replaced by caution. When she looked at the alluring treasure carriage again, it no longer seemed so appealing.
She lowered her voice and whispered, "Is there something strange about that carriage?"
The twin siblings, Zhao Cai and Jin Bao, also leaned in closer.
Yu Hu took a deep breath and said, "There’s a wooden puppet inside. It’s unclear whether it’s a ghost or a monster."
The three of them paled. Ban Lu said angrily, "I knew that merchant was too enthusiastic—there must be something off about him. He’s probably using us as a shield. Let me go and deal with them."
Yu Hu grabbed her and scolded, "When will you ever learn to control your impulsive nature?"
Ban Lu protested indignantly, "So we’re just going to let them scheme against us like this?"
A fierce glint flashed in Yu Hu’s eyes. "Of course not. But the lady noticed the merchant convoy earlier and ordered us to stop. She must have some plan in mind. Teaching these fools a lesson is trivial, but ruining the lady’s plans would be a serious matter."
Remembering Mi Bayue’s unfathomable and unpredictable methods, Ban Lu felt the pain from her still-unhealed burns flare up again. She obediently nodded and muttered, "Then we’ll settle the score with them after the lady’s business is done."
Once their discussion concluded, on the other side of the carriage, the merchant and his wife were embroiled in an argument.
The merchant was named Du Yuanda, his wife was Madam Li, and beside them was a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl in the bloom of youth—their daughter, Du Xiaomei.
Ever since returning to the carriage, Madam Li had been restless, muttering incessantly.
"That girl looks like she’s just come of age. It’s obvious she’s never been out in the world and doesn’t understand its dangers. The child beside her is even younger, so thin and frail—probably a poor soul rescued by that young girl."
"Enough," Du Yuanda snapped irritably, his tone and demeanor completely different from the kindness and warmth he had shown to Yu Hu and the others. "Nightfall is approaching. If they don’t go up, and if the man-eating demon carriage decides to target women this time, the only women left in our convoy are you and Xiaomei. Will you go, or will you send Xiaomei?"
Hearing her name, Du Xiaomei clung tightly to Madam Li’s arm, trembling with fear. "I won’t go! I don’t want to be eaten! Mother, I’m scared!"
"Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid," Madam Li comforted her young daughter, her own face pale with distress. Gradually, her expression shifted to one of silent resignation.
"Hmph," Du Yuanda sneered, his eyes dark and sinister. "Running into Young Master Wen was unexpected, but there’s nothing we can do about it now. Let’s see how lucky this Young Master Wen is. Tonight, whether the demon carriage wants to eat a man or a woman—and if it’s a man, whether it’ll be him or that child."
Mi Feixue, with her shoulder-length hair and frail appearance, was easily mistaken for a boy by outsiders at first glance, and Du Yuanda was no exception.
"If he’s eaten, we’ll shift the blame onto those people from the Nightfall Bureau. I did everything I could to stop them and even kindly arranged for a doctor to treat Young Master Wen. It was the Nightfall Bureau who interfered, causing Young Master Wen to fall ill and die on the journey. Do you all understand?" Du Yuanda demanded of his wife and daughter.
Madam Li asked softly, "But what if the Night Wanderer Envoys come after us?"
Du Yuanda sneered, "They're nothing but a pack of dogs barking in the night. Exorcising demons and defending the Dao is their duty. That we suffered such a disaster on the official road is already a dereliction of their duty. When we reach Beiyuan City, I'll file a complaint with the prefect and make sure they regret it."
Du Xiaomei said, "Father is truly formidable."
Du Yuanda snorted proudly.
Inside the treasure carriage.
Silk cushions and a sandalwood side table.
Incense smoke curled faintly, the aroma of tea filling the air.
The interior space was far more spacious than it appeared from outside.
Mi Bayue leaned against a soft cushion, holding a book as she read, while Mi Feixue sat beside her, also watching intently.
On the floor lay a young man in brocade robes, his face bruised and swollen, limbs limp, still unconscious.
Seated cross-legged in front of the sandalwood table was a wooden puppet, dressed in a light green maid's uniform, her hair styled in twin buns. From behind, she looked no different from a real person.
Click.
The wooden maid was brewing tea when she suddenly turned her head toward Mi Bayue.
Her body remained completely still below the neck, only her head swiveling to the side in a way no human could ever achieve.
"Where do you come from, guest, and where are you going?"
In stark contrast to her smiling face, the puppet's voice was ghostly and grating, dry and hoarse like a saw cutting through wood.
Based on the puppet's past experiences, the guest would surely be startled, their face filled with fright.
The puppet's smile deepened.
"From Hell, to the mortal realm," Mi Bayue lifted her gaze, returning a polite smile.
The puppet: "..."
It stared fixedly at Mi Bayue, as if trying to bore through her skin.
Mi Bayue kindly asked, "Are your eyes uncomfortable?"
The puppet, whose initial attempt had failed, wore a gloomy expression. The eyeballs in its sockets shifted to the left, targeting Mi Feixue. "And this guest?"
Mi Feixue remained silent.
Ten seconds later.
The puppet: "Guest?"
Mi Bayue said, "Baby's throat is uncomfortable and can't speak for now."
The puppet: "..." Why didn't you say so earlier!?
Now seething with malice, the puppet lost all patience with the last prey in the carriage.
"And the final guest, what about you?"
Gloom seeped from every syllable.
"Guest?" The puppet leaned its upper body over the table, bringing its head close to Wen Qingyu's ear. "Guest, don't pretend to be asleep. If you don't state your destination, I might lead you astray."
Wen Qingyu, who had been feigning unconsciousness, was exposed by the voice in his ear. The grating sound tormented his ears, like a saw grinding inside his skull.
Forced to open his eyes, he was met with a sinister wooden face. The puppet's eyeballs, filled with red veins, rolled in their sockets before one dropped out.
"Ah—"
Caught off guard, Wen Qingyu trembled in terror, a scream escaping his lips.
The puppet cackled "gegege," and the eyeball on the floor seemed infected by its glee, bouncing up and down joyfully.
Wen Qingyu suddenly felt his legs sinking. He turned to look, and the sight nearly made his eyes burst.
The carriage floorboards beneath his feet had turned into a swamp. His legs were sinking into it, and something slimy from the unfathomable depths licked at his legs with each touch, sending shivers down his spine and covering him in goosebumps.
"Save me!" At this moment, Wen Qingyu could think of nothing else and cried out to Mi Bayue and the others in the carriage. "I am a direct descendant of the Wen family from Kaiyun Maritime Trading! Save me, and you'll be rewarded with ten thousand gold!"
Seeing Mi Bayue unmoved, the youth was both shocked and furious, then his expression turned pitiful, his tone exceedingly sincere and obedient, "I know Master looks down on worldly vulgarities. My family has spirit crystals; as long as Master saves me, I will offer whatever Master desires. If Master does not believe me, look at this ring on my hand. It originally held a spirit crystal; though it has been used, some spiritual energy remains. Master may observe."
Mi Bayue's gaze fell on Wen Qingyu's finger, the latter full of hope.
"So you kept this as a backup plan," she murmured softly, her eyes devoid of joy or sorrow.
Puppet: Give me some face?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 10: The Witching Hour
The story Mi Bayue read unfolded with the savior’s mad mother sacrificing herself to the heavens, buying Wen Qingyu a chance to escape.
During this time, Wen Qingyu hid with the savior, faking traces of their escape to mislead Yu Hu and his three companions into giving chase. Seizing the opportunity while Yu Hu and the others were away, Wen Qingyu and the savior hid overnight until dawn the next day, confirming that Yu Hu’s group had pursued far into the distance. Only then did they set out on foot toward Beiyuan City.
They walked for most of the day before encountering a merchant caravan. With the help of the caravan’s owner, they boarded a carriage.
What they initially thought was a stroke of luck turned into a nightmare when they encountered a malevolent entity inside the carriage.
In the story, the puppet asked the same question. The savior, hindered by a speech impediment, remained silent, leaving only Wen Qingyu to face the ordeal.
In the midst of danger, Wen Qingyu pleaded with the savior for help. To assist him, the savior fought fiercely with the puppet, revealing to Wen Qingyu that the savior possessed a unique constitution—an innate spiritual awareness, different from ordinary people, marking them as a potential candidate to become a spiritual master.
This also laid the groundwork for Wen Qingyu’s future exploitation of the savior’s spiritual awareness through [Shared Senses], using it to disguise as his own for personal gain.
Afterward, the two returned safely to Beiyuan City, and Wen Qingyu exacted revenge on the merchant caravan, leaving them ruined and broken.
Notably, in the original story, Wen Qingyu did not use the spirit crystal ring during the carriage crisis. Mi Bayue speculated that it wasn’t because he didn’t possess the ring in the original timeline, but rather that even in such dire circumstances, this scoundrel was still unwilling to use the spirit crystal ring to save himself, preferring to exploit every available resource around him first.
With this in mind, she had specifically set out today with the thought of possibly encountering the story’s plotline.
If she missed it, so be it. But since she had encountered it, how could she not let this scoundrel taste the experience he was meant to endure?
The longer Mi Bayue remained silent, the deeper Wen Qingyu’s desperation sank.
His expression shifted from obedient and respectful to utterly distraught. When attempts at bribery failed and threats were ignored, his body sank further, now submerged from the waist down. His composure shattered, and he cried out for help.
The puppet giggled even more gleefully, “Scream, scream! Louder! How can anyone outside hear you with such a feeble sound?”
It picked up an eyeball and placed it back into its empty socket, then pulled out its own tongue—a fresh, crimson tongue that looked indistinguishable from a real human’s.
The puppet said, “This tongue belonged to the last girl. She screamed with much more vigor than you. I’ll lend it to you.”
The tongue, still alive in its hand, licked Wen Qingyu’s face.
“Ahhh!!!” Wen Qingyu’s body sank another alarming depth.
The puppet nodded in satisfaction before turning its gaze to the other two quiet passengers, its wooden face twisting with malice and greed.
No rush, no rush. As they say, the world is vast, yet not all of it belongs to you. The destination is still far away.
Mi Bayue pushed against the carriage window.
The puppet sneered darkly, “Passenger, once you’re on my carriage, you cannot disembark until we reach our destination.”
“Understood,” Mi Bayue replied, withdrawing her hand. She opened a blank page in the [Book of Good and Evil] and made a note.
Upon seeing the [Book of Good and Evil], the puppet faintly sensed a hint of danger, though the feeling vanished as quickly as it came. It scrutinized Mi Bayue carefully but detected no trace of spiritual energy—she was undoubtedly an ordinary person.
Wen Qingyu, already sunk up to his chest on the floor, seemed to grasp at his last straw. "I didn't state a destination. I want to get off. Let me off."
The puppet's eyes were filled with malicious mockery. "That's right, guest. You didn't state a destination. You can try opening the door."
With his tendons severed, Wen Qingyu was powerless. Suddenly, he remembered there was another person in the carriage who hadn't stated a destination either.
"..." He opened his mouth but realized he didn't know the child's name. Wen Qingyu stared intently at Mi Feixue, recalling how Mi Bayue addressed the child. "Baobao, help me. Please help me open the door, okay? I'll repay you. I'll remember your kindness for the rest of my life and be good to you forever."
The puppet's expression shifted slightly, not because it feared its prey might escape, but because its prepared meal was about to run away.
Wen Qingyu noticed this, and his will to survive surged to its peak.
"I, Wen Qingyu, swear to heaven: if you save me today, I will marry you when you come of age. You will be my only one for life. I will hold your hand and grow old with you."
Mi Bayue glanced sideways.
The oath that would betray the savior years later had arrived early, without a single word changed. A scoundrel's nature knows no age—even at twelve or thirteen, he knew how to use emotions to deceive hearts.
The puppet snapped back to reality, putting on an expression of furious exasperation. Its bloodshot eyes were filled with the mockery of someone waiting for a good show.
The taste of despair after hope is shattered is the most delicious.
Mi Feixue moved.
Mi Bayue saw this but did not stop her.
The child stood up in the carriage without crowding the space. She walked over to Wen Qingyu in a few steps, grabbed the carpet on the floor, rolled it up, and forcefully stuffed it into his mouth.
The puppet was stunned.
Mi Feixue ran back to Mi Bayue's side and opened her mouth.
Mi Bayue pondered for a moment, then handed her a cup of tea.
Mi Feixue dipped her finger in the water and wrote on the small table: I am your Baobao.
After writing, she shot Wen Qingyu a glare before obediently looking at Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue took her small hand and smiled. "That's right."
As the sun set in the west, the moment the last ray of twilight was swallowed by the horizon, the puppet in the treasure carriage suddenly revealed a triumphant, vicious expression. Wen Qingyu, who had still had half his shoulders above ground, plunged down and was instantly swallowed.
Without even a final scream, a living person vanished inside the carriage.
The ground returned to normal, but the carriage's "gurgling" chewing sounds lingered for a long time.
The puppet stared evilly at Mi Bayue and the other, its long tongue licking the corner of its mouth as if savoring a delicacy.
Knock, knock.
The carriage door was knocked from outside.
Yu Hu's voice came through. "Your Excellency?"
Mi Bayue glanced at the puppet and replied, "Hmm?"
Yu Hu's tone carried a hint of caution. "It's time for the evening meal. Would you like to come down to eat?"
Mi Bayue reached out to push the carriage door open. This time, the door opened, but an invisible pressure held her firmly in place.
Outside, Yu Hu peered inside, his expression changing abruptly.
Following his gaze, Mi Bayue turned her head. The puppet sitting at the small table had changed its clothes at some point, and its maid's hairstyle had transformed into a Young Master's bun. The familiar stench emanated from the clothes and hair—clearly, it was now wearing Wen Qingyu's previous attire.
Yu Hu's gaze wavered, scanning the area but finding no trace of Wen Qingyu. In his heart, he already had a grim answer.
"We'll come down to eat later," Mi Bayue said.
Yu Hu's expression turned grave.
The carriage door closed.
Regardless of size or attire, it had transformed into a puppet identical to Wen Qingyu. A sinister chuckle rang out, "I thought you would let this little one get off. She can disembark. With your clever appearance, how could you not have guessed this?"
Mi Feixue's face immediately darkened with gloom.
The puppet was delighted at its successful provocation when it met Mi Feixue's gaze—a pair of eyes filled with dense, oppressive Qi.
The "gulp" sound of the carriage swallowing abruptly ceased, the final note resembling a choked gasp.
The puppet was frozen in place by an invisible, terrifying aura.
Its eyes widened, and the eyeballs belonging to Wen Qingyu exploded with two "pop" sounds within the wooden sockets, blood staining the puppet's cheeks.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 11: Listening to the Snow at Night
Mi Bayue opened the [Book of Good and Evil], speaking slowly and clearly, "Once the destination is stated, one cannot disembark. Judging by the light filtering through the window, Wen Qingyu was completely devoured just as night fell. So, nightfall is when you feed. Before that, even if you wanted to, you couldn’t."
The puppet man: "..."
Black characters appeared on the blank pages of the [Book of Good and Evil], each word matching Mi Bayue’s speech.
Mi Bayue looked at the ghastly and terrifying puppet man. "Earlier, you pretended to be frightening, deliberately provoking Wen Qingyu’s emotions. Every time Wen Qingyu screamed, you grew pleased, and each time her voice grew too loud, her body sank faster."
Even with its hollow eye sockets, the puppet man’s shock was evident.
"Is it the screaming? No, it must be the volume. Just like the precondition that once a passenger states their destination, they cannot disembark before arriving, the volume determines whether one becomes prey, right?"
Mi Feixue’s attention was drawn to Mi Bayue. The puppet man realized the terrifying pressure that had nearly crushed him had vanished, and his body regained mobility.
He scrambled to the corner, kneeling and crawling. "No, no, I was just joking. You can get off now, right away."
Mi Bayue shook her head. "I haven’t reached my destination yet."
The puppet man wept tears of blood. "This is the mortal world."
Mi Bayue smiled. "But it’s not the mortal world I wish to reach. How can you force a passenger off the carriage early?"
Hearing this, Mi Feixue glared at the puppet man with shared indignation.
Crack.
A fissure appeared on the puppet man’s face.
"No, no, I meant, noble guest, aren’t you going for supper? If you’re late, you might go hungry. How about you go eat first? I’ll clean up the carriage and change clothes while waiting for you both, so as not to offend your eyes and noses."
The puppet man’s voice, once sharp and raspy, now turned sweet and soft, expressing sincerity. In his heart, he resolved that once these two terrifying figures disembarked, he would flee immediately, as far away as possible.
"That’s true. Baobao is still growing and shouldn’t miss mealtime for too long." Mi Bayue gently touched Mi Feixue’s cheek.
The latter shyly lowered her head.
The puppet man noticed the air in the carriage had cleared.
The next moment, a tremendous force struck.
[One Star]
-----------
The illusory shadow of a short, burly man capable of lifting mountains appeared behind Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue’s hand lightly grasped the puppet man’s hair and pressed it against the small table.
The burly man’s shadow raised a small mountain with a ferocious expression and smashed it against the puppet man’s forehead.
Boom—!!!
Outside.
In the wilderness camp, hanging oil lamps formed a circle, illuminating the area.
Everyone was eating supper, yet it was so quiet that even the chirping of insects in the wild could be heard.
Yu Hu and his three companions were invited by Du Yuanda to share the meal.
Since Yu Hu returned alone after calling Mi Bayue to eat, the atmosphere had grown unusually tense.
Du Yuanda’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with his earlier enthusiasm. Yu Hu and the others understood the situation and didn’t press for an explanation.
Li Shi frequently glanced toward the carriage with unease until Du Yuanda nudged her arm, giving her a warning look. She silently lowered her head, eating without tasting the food.
Thud—!!!
Suddenly, the ground shook violently, causing even small stones to bounce slightly.
Yu Hu abruptly stood up, looking toward the treasure carriage.
Everyone set down their food, expressions filled with shock and uncertainty.
Under the watchful eyes of all, the door of the treasure carriage, its wheels sunk three inches into the ground, was pushed open from the inside.
Mi Bayue emerged, holding Mi Feixue’s hand. After stepping down, she faced the stares of over a dozen pairs of eyes.
“My apologies for arriving late,” she said.
Du Yuanda reacted the fastest. “Not at all, not at all, we saved a spot for you. Hmm? Why isn’t Young Master Wen with you?” he asked, feigning confusion.
Mi Bayue sat on the cushion Ban Lu eagerly offered, accepted the chopsticks handed to her by the twin boys, and found herself facing the small table Yu Hu had brought over, laden with a rich evening meal.
She looked up at Du Yuanda and said, “He’s not feeling well and is still resting in the carriage.”
“I see, but the worse one’s health, the more care one must take. How can he go without an evening meal? He should eat something regardless. I considered this earlier and had someone prepare light, suitable food for the sick,” Du Yuanda said warmly.
Mi Bayue smiled. “How thoughtful. Then why don’t you go call him down?”
Du Yuanda looked toward the guards.
Every guard around avoided his gaze.
Who would dare approach that man-eating carriage after nightfall?
Du Yuanda gave Mi Bayue an awkward smile. “On second thought, what you said makes sense. It’s best for the patient to rest more. Young Master Wen will come down to eat when he’s hungry.”
A scoff came from nearby. Du Yuanda turned to see a girl with sleek, oiled twin braids looking at him mockingly.
Du Yuanda seethed inwardly but showed nothing on his face.
Aside from Mi Bayue and her companion, everyone else ate the evening meal absentmindedly.
After finishing her meal, Mi Bayue set down her chopsticks and said to Du Yuanda, “Esteemed elder.”
Du Yuanda quickly replied, “My surname is Du.”
Mi Bayue said, “Master Du, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Du Yuanda said, “You’re too polite, miss. Just say it. If it’s something I, Du Yuanda, can do, I won’t refuse.”
Mi Bayue smiled. “I’m in a hurry to travel and can’t stay here long. I really like that treasure carriage and would like to buy it from you.”
Du Yuanda was still anxiously thinking of a reason to keep her when he heard the latter part of her words, which to him sounded like heavenly music. He said in disbelief, “You want to buy this carriage?”
He pointed at the treasure carriage.
Mi Bayue nodded. “We can discuss the price, but I don’t have it on me right now.”
She reached out and pulled the token from Yu Hu’s waist. Under the latter’s helpless expression—unable to show anger or speak—she placed it on the small table with the food. “Next time, take this token to the Nightfall Bureau to collect payment.”
Before Du Yuanda could fully process the situation, his merchant instincts took over, and he quickly pocketed the token on the table. He confirmed with Mi Bayue again, “You really want to buy this carriage?”
Mi Bayue nodded.
Du Yuanda’s expression shifted. Beside him, Madam Li tugged at his sleeve and shook her head slightly.
Du Yuanda glared at her, then turned to Mi Bayue with a hearty laugh. “It’s this treasure carriage’s good fortune to have caught your fancy, miss. Please, take it.”
Mi Bayue thanked him, then took Mi Feixue’s hand and left, glancing at Madam Li before departing.
Madam Li clenched her teeth tightly.
Mi Bayue withdrew her gaze and was about to re-enter the carriage when Yu Hu hurried over and whispered, “Your Excellency removed their misfortune, but some may not feel grateful.”
Mi Bayue simply said, “Once you’ve eaten, we’ll set off.”
She stepped onto the carriage.
Before the door closed, Yu Hu stole a glance inside.
The puppet, now dressed again as a young servant, was brewing tea and adding incense, wearing a cautious, ingratiating smile on its face.
…
The four riders escorting the treasure carriage faded into the distance, disappearing from sight in moments.
Everyone in the caravan breathed a collective sigh of relief, their expressions easing as if a guillotine blade hanging over their heads had been lifted.
"Tonight, we can finally sleep soundly."
A low murmur spread through the crowd.
Du Yuanda shouted angrily, "Everyone, keep your mouths shut tight. You've been with me long enough to know what should and shouldn't be said."
The crowd agreed.
As night fell and bedtime approached, Du Yuanda, who had been restless all along, suddenly jolted upright in alarm. "Not good!"
Li Shi, startled, asked, "What's wrong?"
Du Yuanda scrambled up and threw on the outer robe he had just removed, cursing, "Get up and hurry on the road. We've been fooled by a little girl. If the hounds from the Nightfall Bureau reach Beiyuan City first and lodge a complaint, we'll never clear our names!"
...
The white steed galloped, its steps light yet powerful, pulling an ornate carved carriage as swiftly as an urgent military dispatch.
Yu Hu and the others spurred their horses in pursuit, their own mounts straining to keep up.
"Good heavens, this is too fast!" Ban Lu exclaimed, swallowing a mouthful of rushing wind as he spoke.
On Liu Zhaocai's horse, Liu Jinbao was jostled so violently his eyes rolled back.
Yu Hu gazed at the treasure carriage with a gleam of admiration in his eyes. "Though it's a cursed carriage, if used well, it could be a rare and valuable treasure."
Inside the carriage.
Mi Bayue flipped through the newly added page in the [Book of Good and Evil].
[Strange Tale]
[It is said that when walking outside at night, one may encounter a treasure carriage. From within, the voice of a woman or man may invite the lost and weary traveler aboard to share the sound of falling snow in the deep night. This carriage particularly favors scholars and artists, while despising the vulgar and unrefined. Those who disembark at their destination after boarding are invariably talented individuals, while those who never return are inevitably cunning and wicked.]
【Tingxue (生)】: Tingxue is a beautiful divine horse.
-----------
After reading, Mi Bayue added a line under the [Ye Lai] entry.
-----------
[Can transform and devour the appearance of individuals, seemingly capable of absorbing their related skills, such as brewing tea or lighting incense.]
-----------
Mi Bayue circled the word "seemingly" and glanced at the puppet dressed as a young attendant.
In the future, she could research how to remove that "seemingly."
The puppet shivered.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 12: Self-Provided Residence
The sun rose in the east.
At the gates of Beiyuan City, people and horses had already begun to come and go early in the morning.
A white divine steed galloping from afar drew countless gasps of admiration. As it drew closer and the exquisite carved carriage behind it became clear, people began to wonder which noble or dignitary might be seated inside.
The treasure carriage entered through another, wider but less crowded gate on the opposite side of Beiyuan City. Mi Bayue did not show herself inside the carriage; instead, Banlu took the token from her waist and held it up for the city gate guards to see.
The guards recognized it as belonging to an official of the Siye Mansion and stepped aside to let them pass.
Within Beiyuan City, there were designated carriage roads and pedestrian walkways. However, not just anyone could freely use the carriage roads—merchants from outside the city needed to obtain a permit from the government office to travel on them.
The Siye Mansion enjoyed many privileges, one of which was priority access to the carriage roads.
They arrived at the Siye Mansion under the watchful eyes of the common folk all along the way.
Yu Hu dismounted and invited Mi Bayue and the others to step out of the carriage.
Mi Bayue led Mi Feixue down, and another pair of hands extended from inside the carriage.
The wooden grain on the puppet’s arms was clearly visible in the sunlight. In its hands, it held a neatly folded set of clothing and a crown.
It was Wen Qingyu’s attire.
Mi Bayue said, “You can take this to complete your task.”
Yu Hu had originally thought the case of Wen Qingyu was doomed, but now, unexpectedly, a new opportunity had arisen.
He thanked Mi Bayue, took the clothing and crown from the puppet’s arms, and did not glance inside the carriage.
He tossed a hairband adorned with gemstones from the clothing to Banlu and instructed her, “Take this to the Wen Mansion and inform Master Wen how his son was harmed by that merchant during the journey after his arrest.”
Banlu understood immediately. She accepted the hairband and replied, “I’ll go now. Giddy up!” Without resting for even a moment, she rode off toward the Wen Mansion.
Yu Hu invited Mi Bayue into the Siye Mansion but found himself at a loss regarding how to handle the treasure carriage that followed them inside.
Mi Bayue opened the [Book of Good and Evil], and the [Listen to the Snow at Night (Carriage)] transformed into a streak of light, merging into the book.
The gatekeeper’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Next, Yu Hu arranged accommodations for Mi Bayue and the others, explaining that he needed to report back and could not stay to disturb them further. He left a maidservant behind, instructing them to direct any requests to her.
After Yu Hu left, Mi Bayue asked the maidservant to show her around.
The maidservant had been instructed earlier by Yu Hu to fulfill all the guests’ requests. She respectfully replied, “What would the young lady and young master like to see? This way leads to the rear courtyard, here is the garden, over there is the training ground, and the direction Master Yu went is the administrative office of the Siye Mansion.”
Mi Bayue did not correct the maidservant’s form of address and said, “Let’s stroll around the rear courtyard first.”
The maidservant led the way.
On the other side.
Yu Hu arrived at the administrative office and stood before the desk of Shen Li, the Director of the Siye Mansion. He recounted his experiences during the pursuit of Wen Qingyu.
After listening, Shen Li said, “This matter is not your fault. No one could have expected to encounter a true spiritual master in a small, remote place like Yongmeng Village.”
Yu Hu said with a hint of envy, “She appears to be just of age, yet she already possesses such unfathomable abilities.”
Shen Li mused, “From your description, she is certainly not a local of Yongmeng Village but rather a talented scion of some great clan traveling abroad.”
Yu Hu nodded in agreement. “By the way, the child with her also seemed unusual.”
Shen Li pondered thoughtfully. “Where are they staying now?”
Yu Hu replied, “I arranged for them to stay at the Lichun Courtyard.”
The Lichun Courtyard was the finest guest accommodation in the Siye Mansion.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Hu noticed a change in the Director’s expression and asked, “Did I handle this improperly?”
"No, it has nothing to do with you. You returned late and were unaware." Shen Li rubbed his temples. "Before you returned, I received a message from the main headquarters. They already know about the loss of contact with the Ghostly Artifact and have dispatched a special envoy, who will arrive in a few days."
Since a special envoy from the main headquarters was coming, naturally the best accommodations had to be arranged.
Yu Hu immediately realized there had been a misunderstanding.
No wonder when he arranged for Mi Bayue and the other to stay in the Li Chen Courtyard, it had already been cleaned spotlessly, with servants prepared as well.
It was likely a fortunate coincidence—Shen Li had just mentioned that distinguished guests were coming, and he had arranged for Mi Bayue and the others to stay there right after. Even the servants must have mistaken Mi Bayue for the distinguished guest the Director had mentioned.
Yu Hu looked at the Director with concern.
Shen Li said, "I will go pay a visit to that prodigy."
The two men arrived at the Li Chen Courtyard but found no one there. Following the traces, they headed in a certain direction, and servants along the way who had seen the distinguished guests pointed them toward their destination.
The two men moved quickly, heading into increasingly desolate terrain. Suddenly, the ground trembled slightly—even the aftershocks reaching them were enough to make the two sturdy men sway.
Fearing something might have happened, they exchanged a glance and hurried forward using qinggong.
Soon, they finally saw figures in the distance, along with an unfamiliar mansion.
Unfamiliar to Shen Li, that is. Yu Hu remembered this mansion vividly. After staring blankly for a moment, he whispered to Shen Li, "...There’s no need to worry about arranging accommodations for the special envoy."
They brought their own residence.
Shen Li: "..."
The subsequent visit took place in the mansion Mi Bayue had brought with her.
The House Spirit, in the Incarnation of a maidservant, served hot tea.
Shen Li glanced at it with a sense of realization before introducing himself to Mi Bayue.
"Shen Li, Director of the Siye Mansion in Beiyuan City."
"Mi Bayue." Mi Bayue then pointed to Mi Feixue beside her and introduced her name.
Shen Li took a sip of tea and said respectfully, "What are Young Lady Mi’s plans for the time being?"
Mi Bayue replied, "I’ll take things as they come. No specific plans."
Shen Li didn’t press further. "If there’s anything you need help with, please don’t hesitate to ask."
Mi Bayue chuckled lightly. "Actually, there is something. I’d like to borrow and read the books in the Siye Mansion’s collection."
"That’s no problem. I’m just afraid our collection may not satisfy Young Miss’s expectations," Shen Li said.
Mi Bayue shook her head. "As a token of gratitude, if anyone in the mansion is injured or ill, they can be sent to me for free treatment."
"Then it is I who should thank you, Young Lady," Shen Li said with gratitude.
He then stood up and took his leave. "The two of you must be tired from your journey. I won’t disturb you further. We can meet again when you have time."
After saying this, he performed a gesture of respect among spiritual practitioners toward Mi Bayue and left with Yu Hu.
"Director, did you notice anything?" Once they were out of the old mansion’s vicinity, Yu Hu whispered to Shen Li.
Shen Li shook his head warily. "Both of them appear to be ordinary people without any cultivation. Such flawless ordinariness either means they possess artifacts for disguise or their strength is far beyond our comprehension. In either case, we must not offend them."
Yu Hu agreed. No wonder the Director hadn’t probed deliberately. With prodigies from major clans like these, they could only show respect and avoid any suspicious actions.
"When the special envoy arrives, we’ll leave it to them to handle," Shen Li said, keeping a private thought to himself. When he spoke and made eye contact with Mi Bayue, his eyes had felt a faint sting, and he had experienced an inexplicable sense of dread without knowing why.
Old Mansion.
After Mi Bayue and the others left, she took Mi Feixue’s hand and stepped forward to ask her, “Baby, what do you think of that person’s eyes?”
Mi Feixue looked puzzled.
Mi Bayue gently touched the delicate skin at the corner of her eye. “Are they pretty?”
Mi Feixue shook her head without hesitation.
Mi Bayue fell into thought. “That’s true. Judging by the Ghostly Artifacts Yu Hu and the others use, the Ghostly Artifact used for those eyes is probably only one-star. Its effect might not even be as good as Baby’s own eyes.”
Mi Bayue stroked Mi Feixue’s hair. “One day, I’ll make sure you can see all the colors in the world.”
Mi Feixue opened her mouth but couldn’t make a sound.
Mi Bayue noticed and thought to herself: Right, and her voice too.
After the two washed up, Mi Bayue went to the laboratory, while Mi Feixue obediently returned to her room.
She skillfully pulled the Gods diary from the bookshelf and brought it to the desk.
…
[The kind that can see all the colors in the world]
[I want to tell my Heavenly God]
[I’ve already seen the most beautiful color in the world]
[Feixue only wants to see the world through Bayue’s eyes]
…
In the room serving as the laboratory.
Wearing the [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play], Mi Bayue was conducting experiments using the hair strands of the Ghostly Artifact [Long Hair].
On the table behind her, the [Book of Good and Evil], which automatically recorded Mi Bayue’s dictated experiment reports, flickered with a faint glow.
The title page flashed by.
[Good and Evil Values: 20]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 13: Heart's Words
Mi Bayue spent three days at the Siye Mansion following a strict routine: mornings in the library researching, afternoons treating patients sent by the mansion, and evenings conducting experiments.
Today, Shen Li came to visit and brought her news.
"Ban Lu was detained at the Wen Mansion three days ago and hasn't returned. The Wen family refuses to admit that Wen Qingyu stole Siye Mansion property and instead accuses us of murdering the Wen family's legitimate heir. The matter has already escalated to the magistrate..."
It turned out that while Mi Bayue had been secluded at home for three days, many events had unfolded outside.
Three days ago, Ban Lu took Wen Qingyu's hair ribbon to the Wen family to deliver the news of his death but never returned.
Du Yuanda's merchant caravan arrived just before the city gates closed that evening. Shortly after settling into their lodgings in Beiyuan City, they were surrounded and arrested by a group of soldiers.
The next day, the magistrate publicly announced Du Yuanda's arrest for criminal activities. However, the Siye Mansion knew that it was the Wen family who had seized Du Yuanda and his men overnight. The reason was that when Ban Lu failed to return by nightfall, Shen Li personally led a team to the Wen Mansion to demand his release. During the visit, Old Master Wen took Shen Li to the dungeon to see Du Yuanda.
By then, Du Yuanda was barely clinging to life, and the rest of the caravan had been tortured for confessions, revealing every detail.
Old Master Wen handed the confession to Shen Li.
The confession paper was stained with blood.
It turned out that what Du Yuanda had previously told Yu Hu and the others was only half true. The magnificent carriage with the fine horses was indeed something his frivolous son had taken a fancy to on the journey and purchased from another merchant.
Du Yuanda saw the carriage as a splendid gift, and the merchant's asking price was surprisingly low. Despite his suspicions, his profit-driven nature got the better of him, and he agreed to buy it.
The purchase was made during the day. Young Master Du, as if bewitched, insisted on riding in the carriage. Unable to refuse him, Du Yuanda let him go.
Accompanying Young Master Du into the carriage were his two personal maids. Once the three entered, they never came out.
At night, Li Shi went to call them for dinner, but Young Master Du's voice came from inside, saying they didn't need it.
At that time, Du Yuanda and the others hadn't yet noticed anything amiss. It wasn't until the next day, when no one emerged, that Du Yuanda began to suspect something was wrong and sent guards to forcibly search the carriage.
The guard who forced the door open saw Young Master Du sitting with his back turned, but the maids were nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, he called out several times, but Young Master Du remained motionless, only his voice inviting the guard to board the carriage.
The guard dared not disobey and stepped inside.
The door closed.
By nightfall, the guard had not returned.
By then, the caravan members realized something was terribly wrong.
Li Shi refused to believe her son was dead and insisted on seeing his body. Du Yuanda personally led a group to the carriage and ordered another guard to open the door.
Everyone gathered outside saw the scene clearly: there was no sign of Young Master Du or the maids. Only the guard who had opened the door during the day sat with his back turned, inviting them to board.
No one dared to step inside. Trembling, Li Shi asked where her son was.
The guard with his back turned replied, "Come up and you'll know."
Li Shi didn't dare.
Afterward, Du Yuanda made the difficult decision to abandon the strange carriage, and the caravan departed overnight. However, the carriage, without a driver, followed closely behind the caravan. No matter how fast they traveled, they couldn't shake it off.
Du Yuanda had no choice but to order that no one was to approach the carriage. During the day, nothing happened, but as soon as night fell, someone would become entranced and wander toward the strange carriage. They were always discovered in time by the guards, who would drag them away.
The next day, when everyone woke up and took a headcount, they discovered that one person was missing from the team. From inside the carriage came the voice of the missing person, inviting those outside to board.
Everyone shuddered, knowing full well that the missing person must have been devoured by this strange carriage.
Afterward, the carriage could not be shaken off, nor could anyone approach it. During the day, nothing happened, but at night, someone would inevitably be lured away—one day a man, the next a woman.
The caravan members soon discerned the pattern: the strange carriage only consumed people at night. If it ate a man today, it would eat a woman tomorrow. Alternatively, if someone was offered voluntarily during the day, they could buy a night free from fear.
The day they encountered Yu Hu happened to be after the demon carriage had devoured a guard the previous night. Only Li Shi and her daughter Du Xiaomei remained among the women in the caravan. Seized by malicious intent, Du Yuanda hatched a plan to harm them.
Master Wen claimed that Du Yuanda was indeed the one who had harmed Wen Qingyu and vowed to make him pay with his life. However, as Night Wanderer Envoys of the Nightfall Bureau, Yu Hu and his companions were responsible for handling such supernatural incidents that harmed people. Failing to save Wen Qingyu was a dereliction of duty. Moreover, based on Du Yuanda’s confession, it was clear that Yu Hu and the other three had deliberately allowed Wen Qingyu to be harmed.
The matter escalated to the Prefect.
Though both the Prefect and the Nightfall Bureau were government officials, they were not allies.
The two sides had long maintained a facade of mutual disdain thinly veiled by superficial cordiality.
Now that Master Wen had handed evidence to the Prefect’s office, the Prefect seized the opportunity to secretly undermine the Nightfall Bureau, demanding proof that Wen Qingyu had stolen official property from the office, as well as the suspects who had shared the carriage with Wen Qingyu.
These suspects were Mi Bayue and her companion.
“I understand. I’ll go with you,” Mi Bayue said, grasping Shen Li’s purpose.
Shen Li replied, “Thank you, Miss Mi.”
Her sleeve was tugged, and Mi Bayue looked down to see Mi Feixue gazing up at her.
“Want to come along?”
Mi Feixue nodded.
“Then let’s go together,” Mi Bayue said, patting her head. “Do you have Xinxin with you?”
Mi Feixue pulled out the ceramic figurine of a young girl, named Xinxin, from a pocket sewn into her sleeve.
“We’ll need to use it today,” Mi Bayue said.
Mi Feixue immediately handed [Heart’s Whisper] to her.
Mi Bayue accepted it and stored it in the [Book of Good and Evil]. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes as she read its description, and she gently stroked Mi Feixue’s cheek, smiling. “You’ve raised it so well.”
Mi Feixue revealed a faint, almost imperceptible smile—the result of three days of secret practice.
At the yamen.
The carriage stopped at the main gate. Mi Bayue, holding Mi Feixue’s hand, stepped down. The surrounding commoners instinctively made way as Shen Li led them into the courtroom.
A bailiff announced their arrival in a loud voice.
Mi Bayue crossed the threshold and surveyed the scene inside.
The Prefect sat high on his seat. On the ground knelt Du Yuanda, half-dead. To the left stood Yu Hu and his three companions. To the right, several people gathered around a middle-aged man seated in a chair.
This middle-aged man wore luxurious brocade robes and a ceremonial crown, exuding an air of authority.
Judging by his resemblance to Wen Qingyu, he was undoubtedly Master Wen, Wen Likang, as Shen Li had described.
The Prefect struck the gavel. “State your names.”
Shen Li stepped forward. “This is Miss Mi. As a Transcendent, Miss Mi is exempt from kneeling before officials by law.”
Ordinary people were unaware of spiritual cultivation, so in the Kingdom of Yi, those who transcended the mundane were collectively referred to as Transcendents—a term both simple and easily understood.
The Prefect scrutinized Mi Bayue with displeasure before ordering the bailiffs to splash water on Du Yuanda to rouse him.
After dousing him, the bailiffs hauled Du Yuanda up by his arms, forcing him to face Mi Bayue as he opened his eyes.
“Look carefully. Is this the person who boarded the carriage with Wen Qingyu?”
Du Yuanda, his eyes swollen like walnuts, stared at Mi Bayue. As soon as he opened his mouth, blood flowed down, and he murmured with difficulty, "It's her, it's her and this child."
The Prefect turned to ask Mi Bayue, "Master Wen accuses you of colluding with the Nightfall Bureau constables, secretly harming his son Wen Qingyu on the carriage. What do you have to say?"
Mi Bayue countered the Prefect, "From your tone, it seems you don’t believe this was the work of a ghostly creature but rather a human act."
The Prefect slammed the gavel again and scolded, "Right now, I am the one questioning you."
Shen Li frowned. Since taking office, this Prefect had always been at odds with the Nightfall Bureau, often mocking them as performers of tricks, refusing to believe in ghostly creatures or spirits, and even looking down on those who had transcended the mortal realm.
He was about to speak when Mi Bayue turned around.
She flipped open the pages of the book in her hand, her face showing no displeasure, her tone as gentle as ever.
Facing Master Wen, she said, "Do you truly not know that Wen Qingyu stole public property from the Nightfall Bureau?"
Shen Li’s eyes widened abruptly.
Master Wen’s face was cold with the grief of losing his son, but his words were sharp and mocking. "Of course I know."
As soon as he finished speaking, Master Wen’s expression changed dramatically.
The Prefect and everyone else in the hall were stunned.
Only Shen Li stared intently at the over-one-meter-tall phantom that appeared behind Mi Bayue.
The porcelain girl holding her heart, with a watercolor-like face, smiled, her gaze at Master Wen seeming both compassionate and gloating.
[Heart’s Whisper] was originally public property of the Nightfall Bureau, personally bestowed by him to Liu Jinbao. How could he not recognize it?
But Shen Li had never seen [Heart’s Whisper] used in this way. The ghostly Qi emanating from the nearly two-meter-tall phantom was ten, even a hundred times stronger than when Liu Jinbao used it.
In the [Book of Good and Evil] in Mi Bayue’s hand:
[Ghostly Artifact: Heart’s Whisper]
[Two Stars]
[Listen to the inner thoughts of any living being] (Can also broadcast the inner thoughts of a target living being to others. Distance and range depend on the target’s defensive will and the Ghostly Artifact’s energy—added by Mi Bayue after research and experimentation)
Mi Bayue’s original plan was to resolve this trial by broadcasting inner thoughts.
But when she received [Heart’s Whisper] from Mi Feixue, she discovered it had unknowingly upgraded to [Two Stars], with an additional line in its description:
-----------
[Make any living being speak their inner thoughts]
-----------
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 14: The Bone-Seeking Wraith
“Do you believe it was the monster carriage that devoured Wen Qingyu?” Mi Bayue asked again.
Master Wen’s expression shifted, but his mouth moved against his will as he spoke: “Damn it, this woman is strange. So what if I believe it? I’ll make sure you, who ruined my plans, pay with your lives for my son!”
After saying this, he abruptly stood up from his seat and pointed at Mi Bayue, shouting, “This woman practices sorcery! Seize her at once!”
The bailiffs hesitated, not daring to move forward. The prefect slammed his gavel and declared, “Take her—”
Mi Bayue turned her gaze to the prefect. “Your Honor, didn’t you say you don’t believe in tales of ghosts and monsters? Master Wen’s conscience has led him to reveal the truth of the case. How does that make me a sorceress?”
The prefect understood Master Wen’s predicament in the next moment, for he, too, found himself speaking uncontrollably: “I indeed do not believe in tales of ghosts and monsters, but I will not tolerate you pretending to be gods or ghosts.”
Mi Bayue glanced at him again. “Your Honor is at least consistent in word and deed.”
The prefect, however, did not take this as a compliment. His heart was filled with shock and uncertainty.
If the words came from the heart, then Master Wen’s statement was true—not the result of manipulation or deception.
When Mi Bayue turned her attention back to Master Wen, he turned away to avoid her gaze and moved behind someone.
It was only then that everyone seemed to notice there was another person in the courtroom. He wore a mouse-gray robe, had a pale, beardless face, and a slender jaw that accentuated his delicate, almost feminine features. He resembled a frail scholar yet lacked any scholarly demeanor.
Despite being someone who should have easily drawn attention, no one had noticed him until now.
The young man smiled at Mi Bayue.
“A little girl whose spiritual senses remain unawakened. Did your elders not teach you that when you’re away from home, you must not act arrogantly or flaunt your wealth?”
Shen Li looked at Mi Bayue in surprise.
Was it true that her spiritual senses were unawakened? Was she not pretending?
But there was no time to dwell on this. Through his eyes, Shen Li saw the young man’s shadow churning beneath him. A pair of filthy, sharp claws emerged from the shadow—a creature with a human face, long claws, massive teeth, crawling on all fours, its back adorned with bone spikes, its features twisted and grotesque. Drool dripped from its mouth, sizzling as it hit the ground and emitted green smoke.
“A bone wraith,” Shen Li murmured under his breath.
Mi Bayue also examined the hideous wraith. Based on its features and a book she had recently read in the Nightwatch Archives titled A Compendium of a Hundred Wraiths, she identified it as a type of bone wraith.
Bone wraiths were classified as malevolent.
They had grotesque appearances and used bones as blades.
They were often accompanied by bone claws and bone wings.
The more bone wings they had, the more ferocious they were.
They delighted in dismembering people, tearing them apart bone by bone, and feeding on their bones.
A bone wraith without wings was in its nascent stage, with limited ferocity and destructive power, posing a threat only to ordinary people. The one before them already had a pair of bone wings, indicating it had passed its nascent stage. An adult bone wraith could sweep through all spiritual novices below the level of a formal spiritual master.
“Become nourishment for my little treasure,” the young man sneered coldly. “Without these delicate bones, you still have this beautiful skin and soft, fragrant flesh. I’ll make good use of them, ensuring your death serves a purpose.”
He was convinced that Mi Bayue, whose spiritual senses remained unawakened and who was not even a spiritual novice, could at most wield a single wraith artifact and had no other means of attack.
Killing and seizing treasures were second nature to him. Besides the treasures on Mi Bayue’s person, he also regarded her body as his for the taking. A body with awakened spiritual senses could be used for many purposes, whether for medicine or experiments.
The bone wraith lunged toward Mi Bayue.
Ordinary people with mortal eyes could not see what was happening. When the Bone Wraith swept past them, they only felt a gust of cold, foul-smelling wind blow by, followed by a sharp pain in their arms.
The constable looked down and saw that the clothes on his arm had somehow been torn, and a cut had appeared on his skin, with blackish blood oozing out.
He was horrified, then felt dizzy, his vision went dark, and he collapsed to the ground.
The people around saw the constable’s face rapidly turn bluish-black, and in the blink of an eye, he stopped breathing. Panicked screams erupted as everyone scrambled to flee and distance themselves.
"Be careful!" Shen Li, who could see everything clearly, was not skilled in martial arts. Knowing he was no match for the Bone Wraith, he could only shout a warning to Mi Bayue.
As he retreated, he saw a small figure run in front of Mi Bayue, fearlessly spreading its arms in a protective stance. He couldn’t help but freeze.
This child...
Mi Bayue had already flipped the [Book of Good and Evil] to the page of [Great Strength] and was about to deal with the approaching Bone Wraith when she unexpectedly saw Mi Feixue rush in front of her.
Without wearing the [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play], she could only see the Bone Wraith by sharing Mi Feixue’s vision.
Even Master found the wraith terrifying and grotesque, yet Mi Feixue stood firmly in front of Mi Bayue, spreading her pale, thin arms as if determined to block the creature.
"Hahaha, little mouse, let’s have you fill my treasure’s teeth first," the young man sneered.
Mi Feixue seemed oblivious to the mockery, her dull eyes fixed intently on the approaching Bone Wraith.
A surge of fury churned and boiled deep within her, ready to erupt at any moment.
Not allowed.
Absolutely not allowed.
No one could harm Bayue!
No one saw that on the covered title page of the [Book of Good and Evil], the black characters of the Good and Evil Values emitted a faint red glow, continuously dropping from 20 to 19, 18, 17, 16...
The Bone Wraith had no intelligence. When free, it acted on its savage instincts; after being captured and bound by a contract, it obeyed the commands of its controlling wraith master.
It sensed a deadly pressure but was compelled by the command to continue forward.
Its bone spikes tore toward the child, who was shorter than its bone wings.
Something seemed about to surge forth from Mi Feixue’s eyes when a hand pressed on her shoulder, pulling her behind.
[Great Strength] manifested.
Whoosh—
A string of bronze-colored chains shot in, trapping the Bone Wraith firmly.
The Bone Wraith’s razor-sharp bone blades could not cut through these chains.
"Look who I’ve caught—Chang Dehai. No wonder I couldn’t find you in Dianling Province. So you fled here."
The voice was heard before the person appeared.
The young man controlling the Bone Wraith, who had been confident and composed earlier, now panicked. "How could he be here?!"
He abandoned the Bone Wraith and turned to flee.
Another string of chains shot out, entangling his feet.
The young man fell to the ground.
The chains spread from his ankles, quickly binding him completely.
Mi Bayue put away the [Book of Good and Evil] and looked toward the entrance.
Two people entered, both dressed in black. The man holding a coil of chains wore a pure white mask, followed by a youth of about fifteen or sixteen.
The youth’s eyes were lively, scanning the surroundings as soon as he entered. When his gaze met Mi Bayue’s, he gave her a bright smile.
Mi Bayue smiled back.
At that moment, the white-masked man raised his hand and made a sweeping motion. The chains binding the Bone Wraith moved like snakes, their tips transforming into curved blades that severed the Bone Wraith’s head.
The Bone Wraith let out a shrill cry and immediately shattered into pieces.
The young man on the ground spat out a mouthful of foul blood and angrily cursed at the white-masked man, "Suo Wuchang, you’ve violated provincial regulations by coming here! You’re breaking the law knowingly!"
Suo Wuchang produced a chain whip in his hand and lashed it toward him. "Do you think everyone is as foolish as you?"
Chang Dehai screamed in agony under the whip strikes.
In the courtroom, aside from Mi Bayue, Mi Feixue, and Shen Li, everyone saw the pale-faced man wave his hand from a distance. The young man on the ground seemed to be whipped, and soon his clothes were torn, revealing skin that was split and flesh torn open.
This method shocked everyone present. Even the prefect, who claimed not to believe in supernatural tales, paled, his steadfast beliefs wavering and on the verge of collapse after being shaken.
After Chang Dehai was whipped unconscious, Suo Wuchang turned to the others. "Where are the members of the Nightfall Bureau?"
Shen Li, Yu Hu, and the other two responded in unison, "Here."
Suo Wuchang pointed at Chang Dehai on the ground. "Carry him and follow me."
Yu Hu complied as instructed.
Suo Wuchang had arrived without notice and left without a word, taking the accused with him. The prefect could only watch them depart, unable to utter a word of protest.
"Aren’t you leaving?" The youth approached Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue said, "The case isn’t concluded yet."
The prefect and Master Wen both changed expressions.
The youth tilted his head. "Oh, I heard from people outside that someone accused the Nightfall Bureau of murder for profit. Hah, leave it to me."
He raised his head and spoke bluntly to the prefect. "Do you have any personal belongings of the victim?"
Having just witnessed Suo Wuchang’s unfathomable methods, the prefect, despite his displeasure, ordered a bailiff to fetch them.
Wen Qingyu’s clothes were brought over. The youth pinched his nose in disgust, then took a small cauldron from his sleeve and placed it on the ground. He formed a hand seal with his fingers, conjured a flicker of ghostly flame, and tossed it onto the clothes.
The prefect and the others were startled once again by this display.
The clothes caught fire but showed no signs of damage. After burning for a while, the flame leaped into the small cauldron.
Tendrils of smoke drifted from the cauldron, taking the shape of Wen Qingyu’s silhouette.
The smoky figure of Wen Qingyu reenacted his theft of Nightfall Bureau property and his subsequent escape. The scenes shifted rapidly but were clearly visible. However, when it reached the moment he fled to the old mansion in Yongmeng Village, the image suddenly distorted and dissipated.
"Huh?" The youth exclaimed in surprise.
He quickly composed himself and returned the small cauldron to his pocket.
"You’ve all seen the truth. Not only was this youth not killed by the Nightfall Bureau, but even if he had been, it would have been the Nightfall Bureau carrying out justice. He got what he deserved."
After speaking, the youth ignored the prefect’s reaction and smiled at Mi Bayue. "Shall we go?"
Mi Bayue nodded. "Alright."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 15: Schemes
The youth introduced himself as Jiang Shou, a special envoy dispatched by the Capital’s Lingji Commandant’s Office to the Nightfall Bureau to investigate the case of the missing ghostly artifacts from the Beiyuan City branch.
After introducing himself, he waited for Mi Bayue to reveal her identity as well.
But Mi Bayue didn’t. Instead, she asked him, “From what you said, it sounds like the Commandant’s Office knew about the missing artifacts as soon as they disappeared?”
Jiang Shou replied, “All the ghostly artifacts used by the branch bureaus are issued by the Commandant’s Office and recorded on its registry plates. Any unusual activity, and the plates will react immediately.”
Jiang Shou added, “Even if they’re just low-grade one-star artifacts, if they fall into the hands of evildoers, they could bring disaster to ordinary people.”
From his tone, Mi Bayue could sense his dismissiveness toward the Nightfall Bureau’s ghostly artifacts.
“You still haven’t told me your name or where you’re from,” Jiang Shou pressed.
Mi Bayue said, “Mi Bayue, from Yongmeng Village.”
Jiang Shou looked puzzled. “What kind of place is Yongmeng Village?”
Mi Bayue replied, “A small, remote place with harsh mountains and treacherous waters.”
“Stingy,” Jiang Shou muttered, unconvinced that such a small place could produce someone with her demeanor.
The two returned to the Nightfall Bureau.
Yu Hu, waiting at the entrance, hurriedly greeted them. “You’re finally back! Lord Suo is waiting for you in the main hall.”
Mi Bayue glanced at him, and as she lowered her head, Yu Hu noticed Mi Feixue, whom he had unconsciously overlooked. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly added, “And the young master.”
In the main hall, only Suo Wuchang and Shen Li were present.
As soon as Mi Bayue entered, Suo Wuchang’s eyes behind his white mask fixed on her.
“The Du’e Academy?”
Seeing Mi Bayue’s puzzled expression, Suo Wuchang studied her more intently.
“I asked her about her background, but she wouldn’t say,” Jiang Shou shrugged, speaking to Suo Wuchang with a casual tone. “Sir, have the artifacts been recovered?”
Suo Wuchang replied, “The artifacts weren’t taken by Chang Dehai. They’re with her.”
Jiang Shou looked at Mi Bayue in surprise.
When he and Suo Wuchang had seen Chang Dehai at the government office, they had assumed he was the culprit.
Suo Wuchang had brought Chang Dehai to the Nightfall Bureau and forced him to return the artifacts, only for Shen Li to inform them that the disappearance of the bureau’s artifacts had nothing to do with Chang Dehai.
Under the gaze of several pairs of eyes, Mi Bayue nodded calmly and asked Jiang Shou, “Is the medical fee ready?”
Jiang Shou was taken aback. “What medical fee?”
This time, Shen Li stepped in to explain. “The ghostly artifact went out of control, and thanks to Miss Mi’s timely intervention, it was repaired. She negotiated a ten-year usage right as compensation for saving it. Miss Mi’s meaning is that if the bureau covers the medical fee, the artifact can be returned.”
After hearing this, Jiang Shou looked at Mi Bayue as if seeing her for the first time, studying her over and over.
“You can repair ghostly artifacts?” Suo Wuchang’s tone behind the mask carried a hint of strangeness.
Mi Bayue replied calmly, “I’m just a beginner.”
A beginner for a day was still a beginner.
Suo Wuchang waved his hand and tossed something into Mi Bayue’s grasp.
“Repair this,” Suo Wuchang said. “You’ll be rewarded once it’s done.”
Mi Bayue looked at the tattered cloth doll in her hand and didn’t refuse the experimental material that had come her way.
“Hey, Lord Suo, by doing this, aren’t you acknowledging her rule about medical fees? Now I have no choice but to pay up,” Jiang Shou complained, looking troubled.
Suo Wuchang replied, “Everything has its price. That’s the rule among spirit masters.”
Mi Bayue glanced sideways.
Jiang Shou seemed not to be hearing this for the first time, muttering, "Everything emphasizes equivalent exchange, it's too impersonal."
From behind the white mask came Suo Wuchang's meaningful sneer, "When you owe a debt of human favor someday, you'll understand that equivalent exchange of all things is the rule most beneficial to both parties."
After saying this, Suo Wuchang rose from his seat and left.
Jiang Shou quickly regained his composure and asked Mi Bayue, "How much do you want?"
But Mi Bayue said, "No hurry, why not first go to my place to see the patient's recovery?"
"You're really interesting, it sounds like you treat Ghostly Artifacts as people." Jiang Shou laughed, "Then let's go take a look. Where do you live?"
When they arrived at the old mansion, Jiang Shou shook his head upon entering, "The courtyard is quite large, but the place is too old. The Nightfall Bureau of Beiyuan City isn't handling things properly, actually arranging such an old place for you to live in."
When the House Spirit, incarnated as the steward, came to the courtyard, Jiang Shou expressed disdain again, "Even the servant is an old man."
Mi Bayue pondered thoughtfully, confirming that Jiang Shou wasn't pretending—he truly hadn't seen the true nature of this mansion and the House Spirit.
"Earlier at the government office, could your eyes see the ghostly creatures?"
Jiang Shou widened his eyes, seemingly surprised that Mi Bayue would ask such a question, and retorted indignantly, "Of course I can see them. Although I wasn't born with spiritual eyes, my spiritual sense opened naturally, and my spiritual apertures formed on their own. Not only can I see the ghosts and monsters of this world, but I've also learned a Spell."
As he spoke, he performed the hand seal he had used earlier at the government office again, and a faint spark floated from his finger.
"Impressive," Mi Bayue praised.
Jiang Shou smiled proudly.
Mi Feixue, who had been curiously watching the faint fire on his finger, pursed her lips.
Mi Bayue then opened the [Book of Good and Evil] and released [Long Hair] and [Whisper].
The physical forms of these two Ghostly Artifacts were a lock of severed hair and a stone-carved ear.
Jiang Shou picked them up and examined them for a while, saying, "I don't know what damage they suffered, but they seem fine now."
Putting down the two Ghostly Artifacts, Jiang Shou said, "I remember there were four Ghostly Artifacts in total that lost contact."
Mi Bayue nodded, "I want to keep the other two. Let's offset them with the medical fees for these two, so you won't need to pay extra."
It sounded reasonable, but Jiang Shou felt something wasn't quite right and said suspiciously, "I feel like I'm still at a loss somehow."
Mi Bayue imitated his earlier tone, saying, "They're just some one-star Ghostly Artifacts, how much could you possibly lose?"
Jiang Shou: "That's true, but I came with a mission."
Mi Bayue's gentle voice sounded very understanding, "Then why not wait until I heal the Ghostly Artifact Master Suo gave me, and settle the account with you according to the reward Master Suo offers."
Looking into the girl's clear, bright eyes, Jiang Shou really couldn't find a reason to refuse.
His compromise was within Mi Bayue's expectations. From their brief interaction earlier, she could tell that although Jiang Shou was young, he was sent as a special envoy from the main office. His mission was likely secondary; traveling with Master Suo was probably the real purpose.
He must be a noble son of the main office, having lived a privileged life since childhood. What Yu Hu and the others considered treasures as precious as half their lives—one-star Ghostly Artifacts—were not rare items in his eyes.
At night.
Mi Bayue put on [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play] and took out the tattered doll Suo Wuchang had given her.
The doll had multiple holes, with a particularly large dent in its abdomen.
"House, needle and thread."
The table cracked open a hole, from which it spat out needle and thread.
Mi Bayue threaded a needle under the candlelight and began her mending work.
For a doctor skilled in both internal and surgical procedures, mending a cloth doll was far too simple. As Mi Bayue lowered her head to stitch, her mind wandered to other matters.
In the story, Wen Qingyu brought the savior back to Beiyuan City, exacting revenge on the merchant caravan that had schemed against him until their families were ruined and their lives destroyed. Then, using the savior’s spiritual senses through [Shared Senses], he profited repeatedly, often placing the savior in peril for his own gain. Behind all this, a hidden figure manipulated everything.
Years passed, and Wen Qingyu finally surpassed the age limit for awakening spiritual power. Knowing he truly had no chance of becoming a spiritual master, he sold the savior to the mastermind behind the scenes in exchange for one final benefit.
At that time, he deceived the savior, claiming he was dying and that only a mysterious spiritual master could save him. The price for this salvation was the savior’s cooperation in the spiritual master’s experiments.
—I, Wen Qingyu, swear to heaven that if you save me today, I will marry you when you come of age. You will be my only one for life, holding your hand and growing old together.
With this lie, he sent the savior into a living Hell.
The executioner in this Hell was named Chang Dehai.
…
With meticulous, seamless stitches, Mi Bayue mended the tear on the cloth doll’s face. She lowered her head to bite off the thread, her lips inadvertently brushing against the doll’s cheek. A faint blush spread across the doll’s fabric surface.
Mi Bayue secured the thread and continued mending the doll’s other damages. Her lowered eyes were serene and gentle, enough to drown a person within them.
Handing Yu Hu’s token to Du Yuanda was bait, luring him to exploit it for his schemes.
Giving Wen Qingyu’s clothing to Yu Hu was a ploy, inciting him to seek revenge against Du Yuanda.
In the end, the three parties would tear each other apart, none sparing the others, none escaping retribution—and in doing so, drawing out the hidden Chang Dehai.
The story mentioned that Chang Dehai had hidden within the Wen family for years to recuperate from injuries and evade pursuers.
Mi Bayue intended to strike while he was vulnerable, aiming to take his life. Even if she couldn’t kill him, she would ensure the Nightfall Bureau noticed him, preventing him from continuing to hide, recuperate, and plot against Mi Feixue.
Suo Wuchang and Jiang Shou were unexpected guests in this plan.
If she hadn’t caused the Nightfall Bureau’s Ghostly Artifact to lose connection, the headquarters wouldn’t have sent special envoys, and today’s events wouldn’t have unfolded.
Though unexpected, it was a favorable surprise.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 16 It Became Your Believer
After mending the numerous tears on the cloth doll, only the large, sunken hole in its abdomen remained.
Mi Bayue asked softly, “What would you like to fill it with?”
The cloth doll shook its head shyly.
Mi Bayue patiently suggested, “Cloth? Cotton? Straw or flower petals?”
“Flower petals would be nice. Dried petals stuffed inside could even release fragrance, but unfortunately, there aren’t any in the courtyard.” As she spoke, Mi Bayue remembered something and turned to retrieve a bundle of hair from a drawer. She asked the cloth doll, “How about using this for now?”
The cloth doll was already intoxicated by the gentle tone and divine power, offering no resistance to Mi Bayue’s request.
Receiving no response, Mi Bayue took it as agreement. She stuffed the bundle of hair—an experimental sample taken from the ghostly artifact [Long Hair]—into the doll’s abdomen, then skillfully sewed up the opening with the same expertise used for suturing human wounds.
With everything completed, Mi Bayue set down the needle and thread and examined the cloth doll in her hand.
It had a round face adorned with two round buns of hair, crescent-shaped eyes, two rosy cheeks, and was dressed in bright red short attire, its limbs hanging limply.
At first glance, it appeared festive and adorable; upon a second look, its smile seemed peculiar; and by the third glance, a sense of dread crept in.
Now completely renewed, it bore no trace of its previous tattered state, with stitches invisible to the naked eye.
Mi Bayue tucked it into the [Book of Good and Evil], and the doll offered no resistance.
[Ghostly Artifact: Curse of Resentment]
[One Star (Mutated)]
[Curses others with one’s own wounds]
-----------
…
The [Book of Good and Evil], having assisted Mi Bayue in numerous experiments, seemed to have grasped her methods.
Beneath the original brief description of [Curse of Resentment], two additional lines appeared, matching the experimental terminology Mi Bayue often used.
-----------
[This is an ghostly artifact that inflicts a thousand wounds on the enemy at the cost of eight hundred to oneself. Perhaps because of this, its curse power far surpasses that of other ghostly artifacts of the same rank. Once fully unleashed, no one below the level of a Spirit Master can withstand it.]
[Originally, Curse of Resentment had no other offensive capabilities beyond cursing through self-inflicted wounds. However, this Curse of Resentment was fortunate enough to be reshaped by the hands of a deity, undergoing a strange mutation. It is currently digesting the newly generated ghostly power within its body.]
[Curse of Resentment has never been treated with gentleness.]
[It has become your believer.]
-----------
In the background illustration on the book page, the [Curse of Resentment] doll had crescent-shaped eyes and two round, rosy cheeks, as if gazing through the page with a shy, adoring smile.
Mi Bayue gained a new divine skill in her mind.
[Curse of Resentment Protection]: Curses those who harm you, inflicting double the damage they dealt back upon them.
-----------
Truly a divine skill—not only practical and powerful, but when used by her in the form of the Yin God, it wouldn’t damage [Curse of Resentment].
If she were to use [Curse of Resentment] in her usual state without wearing the [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play] Mask, it would only function with its ordinary effects.
“This puts me in a difficult position,” Mi Bayue murmured, stroking the doll’s round buns on the book page. “How could I bear to return you to the employer?”
Speaking of the employer, Suo Wuchang was at that moment quietly approaching the old mansion’s wall.
He stood outside the wall for a long while, his eyes behind the white mask flickering with suspicion as he surveyed the surroundings.
“The ghostly aura is faint yet not leaking, dark yet not malevolent. It doesn’t seem like a ghostly creature’s illusion. Could it truly be a spiritual object?”
At this thought, a trace of greed flashed in Suo Wuchang’s eyes.
Ghostly artifacts were toxic, strange tales were difficult to tame, and spirits and demons each formed their own factions, remaining hidden and elusive. Spiritual objects, however, were treasures born from the convergence of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy, each extraordinary and rare in number. Once encountered, they would inevitably become the focus of fierce contention among all parties.
Suo Wuchang never expected to encounter a spiritual object in this mundane world of Canglan Continent.
The thought of killing for treasure flashed through his mind for only a moment before he calmly suppressed it.
Another reason spiritual objects were so rare was that they possessed sentience and would choose their own masters. Forcibly seizing them carried a high risk of triggering the spiritual object's self-destruction, delivering a lesson the plunderer would never forget.
He shot out a copper chain, leaped onto the high wall, and from afar, seeing a lit room, began making his way toward it.
Inside the room.
Mi Feixue stared intently at her own fingers, then nimbly performed a set of hand seals, exactly as Jiang Shou had done that afternoon.
She fixed her gaze on her fingertips, but ultimately still did not see the ghostly flame that Mi Bayue had praised as impressive appear.
Anger surfaced on Mi Feixue's face, her brows furrowing. Just as she was about to stubbornly attempt it for the hundred and eighth time—
A cute, obedient child's face appeared on the bookshelf. "Young Mistress Feixue, it's almost time for Madam to come and coax you to sleep."
Hearing this, Mi Feixue immediately stopped the practice that had consistently ended in failure.
She felt frustrated. She had done it exactly the same way, so why couldn't she conjure the fire that Bayue had praised?
This frustration turned into an urge to write in her diary. Mi Feixue pulled out the small booklet titled Feixue's Days.
The previous page still recorded the time she first met Yu Hu and the others.
Mi Feixue turned the page, picked up a brush, and poured all her indignation, unwillingness, grievance, and frustration onto the paper.
[Wind blows, fire flies]
[Wind makes the fire dance]
[Fire chases, wind recovers]
[Fire lights a stove for the wind]
[Big fire burns, big fire burns]
[The outsider villain burns to ashes]
-----------
...
Suo Wuchang's black clothes were the best camouflage in the night, his pale face like a phantom flickering through the darkness.
He approached the lit room without incident, with only a corridor left to cross.
A wisp of night breeze brushed past his exposed skin, slightly scorching.
This slight heat was nothing compared to the air of Dianling Prefecture.
Suo Wuchang had this thought and prepared to approach the house.
Wait!
This was Canglan Continent. The air held no spiritual poison, so how could the night breeze be scorching like in Dianling Prefecture?
The foot he had stepped forward paused mid-air, then abruptly shifted direction as he retreated.
The sudden scene before him proved his retreat was correct.
A crimson, nearly black flame burst forth from the ground where he had been about to step.
The terrifying, ghostly Qi emanating from this flame filled Suo Wuchang with shock.
Run!
Rich life-and-death experience made Suo Wuchang choose to retreat without hesitation.
Just the oppressive feeling from this ghostly flame left him powerless to resist, let alone imagine how terrifying the being controlling it must be.
He turned to flee but was blocked by a fierce gale.
The howling wind spread out like an invisible, vast net, and he was the insect trapped within. His copper chain flew out, clashing against the wind net with loud bangs.
Then Suo Wuchang felt the scorching sensation again, far more intense than the first time.
He looked around in horror. Flames spread across the ground around him, and fire coiled within the wind net, sweeping toward him to engulf him.
"Defend!"
The copper chain links clattered as they encircled him in a protective ring, resisting the wind and fire outside.
Within three seconds, the copper chain cracked.
"Pfft!" Suo Wuchang spat out a mouthful of blood.
Scattered sparks drifted through the gaps in the chain, landing on him.
His clothes remained undamaged, but his skin felt the pain of being fried in oil.
If he didn't use spiritual power to resist, the scorching pain from these sparks would spread, turning the skin they touched into charcoal ash.
Spiritual power rapidly depleted, [Wuchang] wouldn't last much longer before being destroyed.
By then, he would be hard-pressed to escape death.
Suo Wuchang desperately shouted, "I meant no offense!"
...
Mi Feixue put down her brush, tidied the desk neatly, then read through her diary once more.
Her gaze paused on the last line.
If Bayue saw this, would she think the Baobao was so, so bad?
As soon as this thought surfaced, Mi Feixue grew uneasy, fearful and pessimistic thoughts continuously bubbling up.
That gentle Bayue would definitely dislike bad people.
The child hurriedly grabbed the brush again, dipped it in ink, and crossed out [burned to ashes]. Remembering Jiang Shou's smug face during the day, she pursed her lips and wrote [ran away in shame].
Reading through the graffiti-modified diary once more, Mi Feixue nodded in satisfaction.
One day, she would definitely produce a bigger fire than anyone else!
...
The wind-net fire prison suddenly dissipated, the wind ceasing and the fire extinguishing.
Suo Wuchang, on the brink of death, saw the way out with disbelief. The hope of survival invigorated him, and he scrambled out of the courtyard, half-running, half-crawling.
Not long after.
Mi Bayue's figure passed by the corridor.
Approaching Mi Feixue's room, she caught sight of flickering sparks in the outer courtyard from the corner of her eye. Looking closely, she saw a lantern shade that had fallen to the ground, half-burned.
Mi Bayue walked over and stomped out the fire.
The sound of a door opening came from behind.
Mi Feixue ran out, her small face filled with confusion as she looked at Bayue, then at the burned lantern shade on the ground.
"Perhaps it was blown down by the wind and accidentally caught fire. I'll make you a new one next time," Mi Bayue guessed, then added softly with a smile, "Do you like rabbits? The white ones, with two ears standing up."
As she spoke, she playfully placed her hands on her head, then wiggled two fingers.
Mi Feixue squinted her eyes, brimming with joy, and nodded.
"I'll make it for you next time. Let's go inside now, it's cold out here," Mi Bayue said, taking her hand and leading her back into the room.
Suo Wuchang (melancholically lighting a cigarette): Life is unpredictable, trouble falls from the sky.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 17: The Promise
Daybreak arrived, and Mi Bayue took the repaired [Curse of Resentment] doll to find Suo Wuchang.
Suo Wuchang and Jiang Shou resided in the Li Chen Courtyard.
The servants in the courtyard were their own, all robust martial artists.
A servant announced their arrival, and the door swung open from within. Jiang Shou, who opened it, said, "Lord Suo invites you inside."
As Mi Bayue entered, she caught a faint whiff of medicinal scent, cool and refreshing to the senses.
Jiang Shou closed the door behind her and seized the opportunity to whisper, "Lord Suo seems unwell today. Be careful."
"Miss Mi," Suo Wuchang's voice echoed from the inner chamber. "Forgive my inability to move. If you have business, please come in and speak."
He didn’t seem difficult to deal with; in fact, his demeanor was far more amiable than the indifferent attitude he had shown the day before.
Mi Bayue glanced at Jiang Shou.
Jiang Shou looked even more puzzled than she did.
The two walked one after the other into the inner chamber.
Mi Bayue saw Suo Wuchang seated on the couch.
His face was concealed behind a white mask, and he was dressed in black robes as before.
The cool medicinal scent emanated from him, enveloping him from head to toe, with no noticeable variation in intensity.
"Lord Suo," Mi Bayue greeted.
Suo Wuchang shifted his shoulders slightly and asked, "What brings you here, Miss Mi?"
Mi Bayue thought she hadn’t misheard earlier—Suo Wuchang’s voice was hoarse and low, as if he had indeed suffered severe injuries.
"I’ve come to return the patient," she said, retrieving the [Curse of Resentment] doll from her sleeve.
Suo Wuchang paused, looking up to see the cursed doll, its exterior intact.
Mystical artifacts were not ordinary objects; their external form reflected their true condition. If its function hadn’t genuinely been restored, no amount of stitching would alter its appearance.
"...It was repaired in just one night?"
Mi Bayue immediately understood—the repair had been too swift, exceeding Suo Wuchang’s expectations.
Although she had read the story of the Savior, it only detailed the Savior’s experiences, without delving into specifics like the world’s power system or the stages of genius.
These were things Mi Bayue had to explore on her own. That she had discovered a method to repair ghostly artifacts was no mere stroke of luck—it stemmed from her analytical reasoning. The Yin God governed the world’s ghosts and anomalies, which belonged to the Yin realm. The House Spirit was a spiritual entity, and its physical form was undoubtedly extraordinary. Thus, using the Yin God’s power and the House Spirit’s essence to repair ghostly artifacts had a high probability of success.
Her practical experiments had proven her logical assumptions correct.
"This is the promised reward," Suo Wuchang said, unexpectedly bypassing the issue of the rapid repair. He untied a pouch from his waist.
Ten fingernail-sized pale gray crystals were placed on the table.
Beside him, Jiang Shou’s eyes gleamed with admiration as he glanced at the crystals before turning his envious gaze toward Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue remained expressionless, guessing that these were likely the spiritual crystals—the common currency of the spiritual master world. In the Canglan Continent, they were treasures beyond the reach of ordinary wealth.
If the Cursed Doll weren’t of greater value to her at the moment, she would have gladly exchanged it for a spiritual crystal to study.
Suo Wuchang had been observing Mi Bayue closely. Seeing her unmoved by the spiritual crystals, his wariness toward her identity deepened.
"Do you think it’s insufficient?" Suo Wuchang asked.
By now, Mi Bayue was certain that Suo Wuchang’s attitude toward her today differed from yesterday’s.
He had shed the arrogance he displayed in her presence the day before and was unusually accommodating.
"Not at all. It’s just that I wish to purchase this ghostly artifact from you, Lord Suo," Mi Bayue replied.
"Alright." It was originally a tool to test Mi Bayue's abilities. Even if the [Curse of Resentment] doll was effective, it was still a disposable item, insignificant to someone of Suo Wuchang's Realm.
He thought for a moment and quoted a low price, "Five spirit crystals."
Cheaper than the repair fee.
But Mi Bayue couldn't afford it.
"Does Master Suo have any other Ghostly Artifacts that need repairing?"
"..." Suo Wuchang was momentarily stunned, staring at Mi Bayue uncertainly.
Mi Bayue said frankly, "Deduct it from the repair fee."
Suo Wuchang opened his mouth, and the glance he gave Mi Bayue couldn't help but reveal a trace of resentment. "Yes, but you definitely can't fix them at your current level."
Mi Bayue turned to Jiang Shou to borrow.
Jiang Shou reluctantly took out three crystals.
Mi Bayue glanced at him.
So even this noble son, who looked down on one-star Ghostly Artifacts, was a pauper.
Jiang Shou, unaware of her thoughts, tried to persuade her, "Ghostly Artifacts are easy to come by, but spirit crystals are hard to obtain. Why buy this thing?"
Mi Bayue shook her head, didn't take his three spirit crystals, and instead took out [Heart's Whisper] and placed it on the table.
"I'd like to use this as collateral."
"Collateral, not an exchange?" Suo Wuchang recognized it as one of the missing Ghostly Artifacts from the Nightfall Bureau. "Even if [Curse of Resentment] was damaged before, it's still a treasure among one-star Ghostly Artifacts."
Mi Bayue said, "This is a two-star Ghostly Artifact."
"Oh?" Suo Wuchang picked up [Heart's Whisper] and examined it closely, then asked Mi Bayue, "What abilities does it have?"
Mi Bayue took out the prepared product usage and maintenance instructions and placed them on the table.
"Young Lady Mi already has the bearing of an Artifact Master." Suo Wuchang had long heard that Artifact Masters had some peculiar quirks. What could be resolved with a single sentence, Mi Bayue insisted on presenting a piece of paper—in his view, this was one of those Artifact Master eccentricities.
He picked up the paper on the table somewhat indifferently, but upon seeing its contents, his eyes behind the mask widened. His hand gripping [Heart's Whisper] tightened, then slowly relaxed without a trace of expression.
"Hey, isn't this one of the Nightfall Bureau's Ghostly Artifacts? When did it become two-star?" Jiang Shou asked in surprise.
Mi Bayue replied, "It changed not long after I repaired it."
Jiang Shou said, "No wonder you were reluctant to return it—it upgraded."
Suo Wuchang glanced sideways.
Mi Bayue: "I'm just used to it and haven't fully studied it yet."
Jiang Shou joked, "You're using something you owe me as collateral. You owe me a favor now."
What a character. Suo Wuchang inwardly exclaimed.
But Mi Bayue didn't let Jiang Shou take advantage. "I'll count it as interest."
"Believe it or not, I'll take it back right now?" Jiang Shou threatened playfully.
Mi Bayue calmly replied, "Ten spirit crystals."
Young Master Jiang, the pauper with only three spirit crystals in his pocket, fell silent. Yesterday, they had agreed to calculate the medical fees according to the standard set by Suo Wuchang. Now, with two Ghostly Artifacts, that would be twenty spirit crystals.
Jiang Shou sulked for two seconds before regaining his composure. "According to Master Suo's standard, a damaged one-star Ghostly Artifact is worth five spirit crystals. If you want to keep those two artifacts, you still owe me ten."
Mi Bayue: "Alright, let's set the interest at one crystal per year. Anything less than a year still counts as a full year."
Seeing her so straightforward, Jiang Shou felt a bit embarrassed. "I was just joking."
Mi Bayue remained firm in her principles.
Jiang Shou, still wanting to show some goodwill, refused to accept interest from Mi Bayue. Suo Wuchang spoke up, "How about exchanging it for a promise to repair a Ghostly Artifact?"
Both of them turned to look at him.
Suo Wuchang said indifferently, "If this boy ever wants to repair a Ghostly Artifact and seeks out Miss Mi in the future, help him once within your capabilities, free of charge, regardless of success or failure. Naturally, the Materials needed for repairing the Ghostly Artifact must be provided by the boy himself."
With that white mask covering his face, Mi Bayue couldn't discern Suo Wuchang's expression as he spoke, but Jiang Shou had already agreed, "That's good, let's do as Master Suo says. Don't bother with any talk of interest or not."
Clearly, Jiang Shou didn't take this promise seriously.
Suo Wuchang turned to the silent Mi Bayue, "If Miss Mi thinks it's not good, you can refuse."
"No, it's fine. Master Suo has arranged it appropriately," Mi Bayue replied with a faint smile.
Even without the mask, Suo Wuchang couldn't tell whether Mi Bayue's reaction was genuine.
He glanced at the foolishly grinning Jiang Shou, thinking to himself, This silly boy doesn't even know what a great benefit I've fought for on his behalf.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 18: This House Spirit Loves Money
After finalizing the matter of the cursed artifact, Mi Bayue turned to Suo Wuchang and inquired about Chang Dehai.
Suo Wuchang replied, "He's locked up in the dungeon."
Suddenly, an idea struck Suo Wuchang. He rolled the product usage and maintenance manual in his hand into a scroll. "This cursed artifact you've sent couldn't have come at a better time—it's quite useful. I happen to need to interrogate him about some matters."
This made Suo Wuchang suspect that Mi Bayue's gift of [Heart's Whisper] was not merely coincidental.
Mi Bayue asked, "When do you plan to interrogate him, Lord Suo? And what do you intend to do with him afterward?"
Suo Wuchang responded, "Why do you ask?"
Mi Bayue said, "I'd like to use him for some research."
"Research?" Jiang Shou interjected in surprise.
Mi Bayue explained, "He once threatened to feed my bones and blood to a bone demon and make good use of my flesh and skin."
However, Jiang Shou couldn't believe that this gentle, soft-spoken young woman intended to repay cruelty in kind.
Suo Wuchang remarked, "You're quite forthright."
"Once I've finished interrogating him, I'll send him to you. You can use him for revenge, but you cannot take his life. I still need to bring him back to hand over as evidence," Suo Wuchang said, showing clear appreciation for Mi Bayue's vengeful nature.
"Thank you," Mi Bayue expressed her gratitude, then added curiously, "I have one last question I'd like to ask you, Lord Suo. You may answer or not as you wish. Why have you been so friendly toward me?"
"Since you've noticed my goodwill, it means my efforts haven't been in vain," Suo Wuchang replied, his tone softening by another three degrees. He admired Mi Bayue even more—despite her youth, she could hold grudges yet also remember kindness.
He despised those who benefited from others' help yet showed no gratitude. "Consider it an investment. What I've done today is merely a small favor, but if one day you soar to great heights and remember this kindness, I'll have profited."
Mi Bayue understood and nodded to Suo Wuchang in farewell. "Then I won't disturb your rest any longer."
Suo Wuchang watched her retreating figure and suddenly said, "Since you asked me a question, I have one for you as well."
Mi Bayue stopped. "Please go ahead, Lord Suo."
Suo Wuchang asked, "Did you truly lack spirit crystals to pay, or were you simply unwilling to part with them? I heard from Yu Hu and the others that you seem unusually concerned with money."
Mi Bayue's expression remained unchanged. "Both."
Suo Wuchang burst into laughter upon hearing this, not bothering to question the truth of her statement. He waved his hand, signaling they could leave.
This "they" included Jiang Shou, making it clear he was being dismissed.
After the two left, Suo Wuchang's smile vanished instantly.
"She seems completely unaware of what happened in the courtyard last night. It appears someone is protecting her from behind the scenes but keeping her in the dark."
"This must be the usual training method those major clans employ for their prodigies."
As someone who rose from humble origins, Suo Wuchang occasionally felt a mix of envy and resentment toward these clan prodigies who seemed to have won half a lifetime's advantage from birth.
However, as he unrolled the paper scroll in his hand and read its contents again, he regained his composure.
"Regardless of why she came to Canglan Continent or what secrets she holds, with such talent, as long as she doesn't fall prematurely, she is destined for greatness. Befriending her is the best choice."
As soon as Mi Bayue stepped outside, she bid farewell to Jiang Shou, saying she needed to return to have a meal with Mi Feixue.
Jiang Shou asked, "What exactly is your relationship with that boy?"
Another person mistaking Mi Feixue for a boy.
Mi Bayue replied, "What do you think?"
Jiang Shou said, "A child you kindly adopted? Siblings? Even if you're siblings, you're not blood-related, right?"
From his reaction, it could be estimated that most people shared the same assumption.
Mi Bayue knew she currently looked like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, while Mi Feixue, though thin and small, appeared to be around four or five years old. Even when she first arrived, she found it strange how the original body could have given birth to a child like Mi Feixue, so it was no wonder others couldn’t guess they were mother and daughter.
Mi Bayue herself didn’t care much about the labels of their relationship. What she had taken a liking to and spent half a year with was simply Mi Feixue as a person.
"We are family," she said.
"That’s as good as saying nothing," Jiang Shou remarked, exasperated.
Mi Bayue stopped a servant passing by them, handed them a piece of silver, and instructed them to buy some things for her.
The servant carefully noted it down and left.
Jiang Shou said, "The things you mentioned sound like materials for making lanterns."
Mi Bayue replied, "Exactly for making lanterns."
Jiang Shou chuckled, "If you want a lantern, why not just buy one? Making it yourself is such a hassle."
"It’s different," Mi Bayue said.
The two arrived at the gate of the Li Chen Courtyard. Jiang Shou didn’t follow further but waved goodbye to Mi Bayue.
Returning to the old house, Mi Bayue called for the House Spirit as soon as she entered.
"Did Suo Wuchang come last night?"
The House Spirit replied, "Yes."
Mi Bayue asked, "Was his injury caused by you?"
The House Spirit said, "It was sustained within the courtyard."
Mi Bayue glanced at it, gaining a clearer understanding of the description of the House Spirit in the [Book of Good and Evil].
[This House Spirit is clearly strong but overly cautious.]
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Being called "strong" in the [Book of Good and Evil] surely meant it had some real ability.
Originally, the House Spirit was part of her planned contingency.
"Within the range of your true form, how many star-level spiritual masters can you contend with?"
"Above one star, I cannot guarantee," the House Spirit replied with excessive caution.
From its expression, Mi Bayue estimated that this answer held back at least half the truth.
Later, she went to have lunch with Mi Feixue. A servant came from outside, delivering the items she had requested to purchase along with the remaining small change.
Mi Bayue didn’t take the change but instead gave the servant another ingot of silver. "Take this to the person in charge of purchasing provisions at the Siye Mansion. Buy some rice, flour, dried fruits, candies, and the like. Once delivered, hand them over to the steward."
The servant accepted the order and left again.
Mi Bayue handed a money pouch to the House Spirit steward. "If there’s anything else needed, have someone handle it as you see fit."
The House Spirit’s face visibly brightened as it took the money pouch.
Mi Bayue said calmly, "If it’s not enough, come to me for more."
The House Spirit’s eyes gleamed.
Mi Bayue confirmed that this House Spirit liked money.
Yet, despite liking money, it didn’t know how to accumulate wealth.
The money pouch she gave the House Spirit was Wen Qingyu’s relic, from the Ye Lai puppet of the [Listen to the Snow at Night (Carriage)].
A few days earlier, she had taken out the [Listen to the Snow at Night (Carriage)] for some research and experiments. She discovered that the strange wooden dolls devoured people and inherited the outer belongings of those they consumed. These belongings included not only clothing and accessories but also their money pouches and valuables.
Among the several money pouches Mi Bayue had obtained so far, Wen Qingyu’s and that Young Master Du’s were the most substantial, far exceeding the money she had saved from working as a doctor in Yongmeng Village for half a year.
No wonder the old saying held true: evil deeds bring quick wealth.
For the entire afternoon, Mi Bayue accompanied Mi Feixue in making handmade lanterns.
By nightfall, a white rabbit lantern was completed.
Outside Mi Feixue’s room in the corridor, Mi Bayue placed the rabbit lantern in her hands, lifted the child by her legs, and raised her up.
Mi Feixue widened her eyes in surprise and delight, staring at Mi Bayue at a loss.
Mi Bayue smiled and said, "Baby, hang our hard work up yourself."
Mi Feixue stared at her blankly.
"Hmm?" Mi Bayue tilted her head.
In Mi Feixue's dark, dull black eyes, a soft white glow appeared, gently swaying and illuminating the gray-black world within her gaze.
Her unblinking eyes grew sore, but Mi Feixue refused to close them.
It was only when Mi Bayue noticed her reddened eyes and asked about it that Mi Feixue shook her head and hung the little rabbit lantern on the hook.
The evening breeze blew, causing the little rabbit to sway slightly, looking adorably clumsy.
Mi Bayue released Mi Feixue and asked, "Do you like it?"
Mi Feixue nodded gently.
At that moment, the House Spirit emerged from the shadows and said, "Young Master Jiang has arrived outside the courtyard with Chang Dehai."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 19: The Underworld Mansion
Upon seeing Jiang Shou and the carried-in Chang Dehai in the main hall, Mi Bayue genuinely felt Suo Wuchang’s goodwill.
Jiang Shou said, “We’ve brought him to you. Lord Suo also asked me to pass on a message.”
Mi Bayue asked, “What is it?”
“Lord Suo said that although his life-bound spirit was destroyed and he suffered severe injuries, he was, after all, once a spirit master. He might still have some hidden tricks up his sleeve, so you should be cautious while conducting your experiments.” Jiang Shou relayed.
Mi Bayue smiled and said, “Please convey my thanks to Lord Suo.”
However, Jiang Shou didn’t leave. Instead, he asked Mi Bayue, “What kind of experiment are you planning to do with him?”
Seeing his curiosity, Mi Bayue replied, “Why don’t you come and see for yourself?”
That was exactly what Jiang Shou had been waiting for. “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
The house spirit steward moved Chang Dehai into Mi Bayue’s laboratory, placed him on a wooden bed, and then withdrew.
The room was brightly lit by candles.
After entering, Jiang Shou looked around and inadvertently caught sight of Mi Feixue hiding by the doorway, only half of her face visible.
He offered a bright, friendly smile.
The child remained expressionless, her dull eyes fixed intently on him.
Under such a piercing gaze, Jiang Shou suddenly felt a chill, and his smile faltered.
“What’s with that kid?” he whispered to Mi Bayue.
Hearing this, Mi Bayue turned and saw Mi Feixue at the door. She first said to Jiang Shou, “Her name is Feixue.” Then she walked to the doorway, bent down, and gently patted Mi Feixue’s hair. “I need to conduct an experiment. I’ll come see you later.”
Mi Feixue glanced toward Jiang Shou inside the room, lowered her eyes to hide the dimness in them, and obediently nodded.
After a moment’s thought, Mi Bayue handed the newly acquired cursed doll to Mi Feixue as her new companion.
Despite the cursed doll’s ferocious abilities, its appearance was rather cute.
With the bond of faith between them, it was absolutely impossible for the doll to harm Mi Feixue against her will.
Mi Feixue held the cursed doll with one hand, rubbed her face against Mi Bayue’s hand, and then left.
The laboratory door closed.
Jiang Shou immediately said, “I think the way she looks at me is off.”
“The child lacks a sense of security and feels you’re stealing my attention.”
Mi Bayue took out her surgical kit.
“So that’s it.” Jiang Shou relaxed after hearing the explanation. “She’s quite jealous.”
“What kind of knife is this?” Jiang Shou stared at the thin, small blade Mi Bayue drew from her surgical kit. He had never seen anything like it before—it didn’t look like a dagger or a throwing weapon.
“A scalpel.” Mi Bayue also put on the custom-made surgical gloves she had ordered.
“Take off his clothes.”
While Jiang Shou was still examining the surgical gloves, he was taken aback by her words.
“Take off his clothes?”
“Yes.”
Jiang Shou was full of questions, but after meeting Mi Bayue’s gaze for a second, he did as she said.
He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but Miss Mi, holding the ‘scalpel,’ seemed different from usual—she exuded an air of authority that inspired trust and left no room for refusal.
Jiang Shou only removed Chang Dehai’s upper garment, revealing a body covered in lash wounds, some so deep the bones were visible.
He glanced at Mi Bayue.
Mi Bayue showed no change in expression. She approached, first collected some blood and flesh from the edges in a container, and set it aside.
“Just a scratch like that—he won’t even feel any pain.” Jiang Shou’s doubts faded, and he found it amusing.
Mi Bayue didn’t respond. Instead, she ran the scalpel across Chang Dehai’s chest.
Jiang Shou’s words abruptly stopped.
The sensation was so smooth and fluid that even the naked eye could perceive it.
The slender saber seemed to slice through not flesh, but cloth.
The flesh parted, yet the blood seemed slow to react, only seeping out in fine threads moments later.
Mi Bayue took out tools to separate and secure the skin and flesh, observing Chang Dehai's condition.
The saber entered the internal organs, meticulously extracting samples one by one.
At that moment, Chang Dehai’s body twitched, and his eyes suddenly snapped open.
They were filled with venomous hatred.
Mi Bayue looked up and met his gaze directly, calmly saying, "Household."
Wooden locks extended from the wooden table, securing Chang Dehai’s limbs, waist, neck, and forehead.
Chang Dehai’s eyes widened.
Mi Bayue continued the dissection calmly, observing the internal state of Chang Dehai’s body while inquiring about the subject’s own sensations.
Chang Dehai naturally refused to comply with her wishes. Not only did he not answer her questions, but he also hurled foul-mouthed insults and threats.
Mi Bayue, now fully immersed in her research, paid no heed to his words. "Recovery rate visually estimated at three times normal, can proceed. Differences in the five viscera compared to ordinary people... hmm, without other cases, no conclusions can be drawn for now. Bone color is abnormal, hardness exceeds the norm..."
She lightly tapped the bone with the scalpel, her eyes flickering with thought. She turned to fetch a surgical tool, her movements so precise and skillful that not a single motion was wasted. Without a sound, she removed a rib.
Time passed quietly, and even a villain like Chang Dehai was driven to the brink of collapse.
He had never experienced anything like this before. Even when captured and tortured by Suo Wuchang, what he feared was merely pain and death.
Now, he wasn’t actually in much pain. Compared to the severe torture inflicted by Suo Wuchang, the pain Mi Bayue caused him felt like nothing more than ant bites.
Yet he was on the verge of breaking down, a terror greater than the fear of death itself.
At least in front of Suo Wuchang, he was still a person—someone who could resist.
But now, he felt like an object, being opened up and disassembled inch by inch.
Throughout this process of disassembly, he watched and listened, and even the excessively mild pain became one of the sources driving him mad, making him feel even less like a human being.
"Blood flow rate has increased," Mi Bayue remarked, glancing at Chang Dehai’s distraught expression. She calmly retrieved a needle and thread to suture the heavily bleeding wound, reminding him, "Calm down. Your emotions will affect the amount of bleeding."
Chang Dehai watched as the young girl sutured one of his wounds with what could only be described as perfect technique. The stitches were so fine they were almost invisible, and even the wound itself transformed from ghastly to neatly closed.
Mi Bayue asked, "Can you still use spiritual energy? Try it. I want to see the flow of spiritual energy usage and the changes it brings to the human body."
Chang Dehai gritted his teeth desperately but still couldn’t control the trembling of his lips.
"If only we had [Heart's Whisper] now," Mi Bayue continued, suturing another of Chang Dehai’s wounds. "Human spiritual awareness is born from the space between the eyebrows, right? I’m very curious about what it looks like."
Mi Bayue cut the catgut thread and looked thoughtfully at the space between Chang Dehai’s eyebrows.
"The spiritual aperture connects to the heart’s eye. I’ve already examined the heart. Now, let’s take a look at one of the eyes."
She lowered her head to exchange surgical tools when she heard the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. She looked up.
Jiang Shou stood there, his face pale, offering an awkward smile. He picked up the container he had accidentally knocked over and hastily found an excuse to mask his nervousness. "Even if we had [Heart's Whisper], it might not be useful. Today, Master Suo used [Heart's Whisper] to interrogate him and found out he had hidden everything in the Yin Mansion, which made Master Suo quite angry."
After speaking, Jiang Shou realized that what he had blurted out had nothing to do with what Mi Bayue intended to do, aside from the connection through [Heart's Whisper].
Mi Bayue, however, picked up on his words, "Yin Mansion?"
Her expression was puzzled, lending her a touch of warmth. Jiang Shou caught a glimpse of her usual gentleness, and his words flowed more smoothly, "You don’t know what a Yin Mansion is?"
Mi Bayue nodded.
Jiang Shou exclaimed in surprise, "You know about Ghostly Artifacts, spiritual awareness, and spiritual apertures—how could you not know about Yin Mansions? Could it be that you follow the path of an Artifact Master, so your elders never taught you?"
Mi Bayue set down the surgical scalpel. "Tell me about it."
With the scalpel put aside, Mi Bayue’s eyes were clear and bright, her demeanor gentle and soft. Under the lamplight, she appeared even more serene and lovely.
Jiang Shou unconsciously relaxed a great deal and explained, "A Yin Mansion is a passage to the underworld that a Yin-aligned Spirit Master opens within their own shadow, specifically used to house the ghosts they command."
Mi Bayue recalled the bone ghost that had crawled out of Chang Dehai’s shadow back at the government office.
She asked, "Apart from ghosts, can a Yin Mansion hold other objects?"
"Yes and no." Jiang Shou scratched his head and said, "I also heard this from my grandfather. The Yin Mansion opened by a Spirit Master is essentially a borrowed area of the underworld accessed through their shadow. Raising ghosts inside allows them to be summoned at any time, and the Yin Qi nourishes them. If a ghost is injured, placing it inside can help it recover. It’s a required skill for any Cultivator following the Yin-aligned Spirit Master path."
"If you throw something from the mortal realm into it, it’s highly likely to destabilize the Yin Mansion. At best, the Spirit Master might be injured; at worst, the Yin Mansion could collapse. The thrown object would also be quickly corroded and damaged by the Yin Qi, making it a completely futile endeavor."
Mi Bayue extrapolated, "What if what’s thrown in is a Yin-aligned treasure?"
"That would have little effect, but there’s a high chance your ghosts might steal and devour it." Jiang Shou chuckled. "When I was young, my grandfather told me a joke. He said that if I ever opened a Yin Mansion, I should never put any treasures inside besides ghosts, because not only might the ghosts steal and eat them, but underworld entities might also sneak in and take them."
Mi Bayue looked astonished.
Jiang Shou revealed a mysterious smile. "I just mentioned that a Yin Mansion is a passage to the underworld opened by a Spirit Master. Ghosts are like residents of the underworld, so putting them inside won’t draw attention. But Yin-aligned treasures are like food to them. If their scent is detected, it might attract petty thieves from the underworld to sneak in through the passage and steal your treasures."
…
The moon hid behind the clouds.
On the desk, the cursed doll leaned against the brush holder.
The child sat upright at the desk.
[The God wove its skeleton]
[I wrapped it in skin]
[The God said it had two rows of teeth]
[I painted it a pair of eyes]
[Little white rabbit, little white rabbit]
[This is the gift the God gave me]
[Little white rabbit, little white rabbit]
[Light the way for the God’s arrival]
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Pouring her longing onto paper, Mi Feixue closed the "Gods" diary after finishing her entry. She then grabbed the cursed doll and ran to the window, leaning on the sill to gaze toward the direction of the laboratory.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 20: Stealing the Treasure
After sending Jiang Shou off, Mi Bayue asked the house spirit on her way back, “Can you knock Chang Dehai unconscious so he can’t perceive what’s happening outside?”
A cylindrical pillar along the path protruded a human face. “As you wish.”
When Mi Bayue returned to the laboratory, she saw Chang Dehai lying unconscious.
Though she only owned one property, its quality was exceptional. Mi Bayue said cheerfully, “Once I make more money, I’ll definitely expand and improve you.”
The house spirit danced discreetly in delight, purifying the air inside the room until it was spotless and dust-free.
With Jiang Shou gone, Mi Bayue took out the [Book of Good and Evil] and placed it on the table. She noticed that one of its pages had already recorded her previous research notes.
She attempted to insert Chang Dehai’s bone sample into the book, but the [Book of Good and Evil] vehemently rejected it.
The trembling pages conveyed utter disgust as if to avoid Mi Bayue’s persistence. The book automatically displayed a pencil sketch of Chang Dehai’s flesh and bones, practically shouting: Don’t shove that disgusting thing into me! If you want a record, I’ll give it to you!
Seeing this, Mi Bayue had no choice but to set the sample aside, storing it in separate compartments of a container. She then retrieved [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play] from the [Book of Good and Evil].
Gray mist veiled her face.
Mi Bayue keenly noticed that this time, the gray mist was slightly thicker than before.
The change was subtle but undeniable.
She reached out, and the mist moved with her will, winding around her fingertips like delicate threads.
[It hurts… it hurts so much… help me… help me…]
Suddenly, a clear, youthful voice pleading for help echoed in her ears.
An overwhelming sense of responsibility surged within Mi Bayue, urging her to investigate.
Her vision blurred momentarily, and through the thin layer of gray mist, a scene materialized as if piercing through space.
Mi Bayue saw a copper lock covered in cracks. On the lock, a bronze-skinned youth with scythes for arms wept, clearly in agony.
[This cursed object has not actively committed evil]
Once the judgment was made, the responsibility solidified.
Mi Bayue frowned, recognizing that the direction of the chain was within the Dust-Free Courtyard. Aside from the cracks, it was unmistakably the same chain Suo Wuchang had used.
But now was not the time to help this chain.
As Mi Bayue gripped [Night Wanderer’s Ghostly Play], preparing to remove it, the incessant pleas for help abruptly ceased.
In the final glimpse of the vision, she saw the chain sink into a shadowy abyss.
The Yin Mansion.
The thought flashed through Mi Bayue’s mind. She guessed that the scene she had just witnessed was the copper chain being placed into the Yin Mansion by Suo Wuchang. Once a cursed object entered the Yin Mansion, its pleas would no longer reach her.
Of course, these were merely her speculations for now. Whether they held true required verification.
Fortunately, she had a ready-made test subject at hand.
Setting aside the distraction of the copper chain, Mi Bayue refocused her attention on Chang Dehai lying on the wooden bed.
“House, lift him up. Make the light brighter.”
The wooden table restrained Chang Dehai, propping him upright. The flickering candlelight cast his silhouette onto the floor.
Mi Bayue walked over to the shadow and crouched beside it. Her fingers, entwined with gray mist, reached toward Chang Dehai’s shadow.
The gray mist merged with the darkness, and her hand sank into the shadow as if dipping into water, her fingertips disappearing within.
Mi Bayue smiled.
The only regret was that it was too dark inside to see the details clearly.
She groped around, feeling the gray mist gradually deplete.
She had an intuition that once the gray mist was exhausted, her journey to the Yin Mansion would also end. If her physical body remained in the Yin Mansion, something very unpleasant would happen.
She touched something.
Having grabbed an object, Mi Bayue pulled it out and tossed it on the ground, then continued.
Time passed quietly. By the time Mi Bayue had exhausted the gray mist in her hand, she could no longer find anything else in Chang Dehai’s Yin Mansion.
Turning her head, she looked at the spoils from her blind search on the ground.
A small, nameless black booklet, a small wooden box about the size of a ring box, a piece of wood the size of an adult’s forearm, and a scroll painting.
The black booklet, the scroll painting, and the small wooden box all appeared well-preserved. Only the wood was corroded and pitted.
From the perspective of her Nether Spirit state, Mi Bayue could see the ghostly, ghostly Qi emanating from the first three items, indicating that the materials used for these three objects belonged to the Yin system. Only the corroded wood emitted Yang Qi.
Clearly, Chang Dehai hadn’t recklessly thrown just anything into his Yin Mansion. A simple piece of Yang-world wood carrying Yang Qi wouldn’t be enough to cause his Yin Mansion to collapse.
Could this be what Suo Wuchang, mentioned by Jiang Shou, wanted?
Mi Bayue examined the four items one by one.
Opening the nameless booklet, she found densely packed, tiny characters inside. What surprised Mi Bayue more than the content of the characters was that the strokes resembled those of a modern pen rather than a brush.
Setting aside the issue of the strokes, she flipped through a few pages of the content and realized this was Chang Dehai’s study notes.
The earlier part of the notes was somewhat disorganized, mostly about learning and applying spells. The latter part became more mature and orderly, but it consisted of various human experiments combined with spells.
This was clearly not a good teaching material, but for Mi Bayue, a novice spiritual cultivator, it still held some reference and research value.
Next was the scroll painting.
When she took it out, Mi Bayue knew it was a Ghostly Artifact.
She took a shortcut and stuffed the scroll into the [Book of Good and Evil].
The [Book of Good and Evil], used as an encyclopedia, dutifully provided feedback.
【Ghostly Artifact: Painted Skin】
[Two Stars]
[Long-term consumption of a person’s flesh and blood allows transformation into their form; the more consumed, the more perfect the transformation until complete replacement]
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