Chapter 45: The Vulture

The site chosen for Gathering Beauty Manor was truly one of a kind—at least, Li Yu could see that the Jade Tiger had invested much thought and effort into it. Even the lake before the manor bore traces of having been artificially shaped.

Li Yu sat by the water with a fishing rod, quietly angling for fish. Meanwhile, Flame Spirit Maiden amused herself by tossing stones into the lake, especially aiming for the spot where Li Yu had set his bait, her mischief at its most exuberant. Unparalleled Ghost simply grabbed her lamb leg and roasted it over the fire.

“If you keep throwing stones like that, there’ll be no fish to eat tonight,” Li Yu remarked, exasperated by the little cat’s antics.

“But I have no interest in fishing!” Flame Spirit Maiden pouted, kicking the stones at her feet into the water.

“Fishing can teach you patience—help you temper your impulsiveness,” Li Yu replied with a smile.

“So you’re saying I’m too impatient?” Flame Spirit Maiden summoned a ball of flame on her fingertip, giving Li Yu a teasing, ambiguous look.

“Of course not—I adore you, how could I ever complain?” Li Yu hastily shifted his tone.

“If I had the time, I’d love to visit your homeland, to see what sort of place could produce such a cherished son as you,” Li Yu lamented, gazing across the distant waters.

“Why don’t we go raise some hell in Xinzheng? That would let me vent my frustrations,” Flame Spirit Maiden suddenly proposed.

“What’s the good in making a scene? If you want to vent, better to wipe them out entirely,” Li Yu answered lazily.

At this, Flame Spirit Maiden’s eyes sparkled. She leaned close to Li Yu, kneading his shoulders. “You have a plan?”

“Naturally. Throwing a tantrum is for brutes; how many can you kill that way? It won’t hurt them a bit. Hey! Why are you burning my clothes?” Li Yu yelped as his shoulder suddenly grew hot, hurriedly stripping off his jacket and leaping to his feet.

“Who are you calling a brute?” Flame Spirit Maiden laughed gleefully at Li Yu’s disheveled state.

“Sister, can’t we just talk things out? Why do you always have to burn my clothes?” Li Yu looked helplessly at his scorched coat on the ground.

“Bah! Who’s your sister?” Overjoyed to see Li Yu at a loss, Flame Spirit Maiden darted away.

Li Yu gave chase, undeterred. “Just you wait—I’ll show you some family discipline!”

...

Watching the pair running across the grass, Unparalleled Ghost was quite bewildered. Weren’t they hungry? She stared at the lamb leg in her hand, mouth watering.

It was April; flowers were blooming in wild profusion, and the willow leaves had begun to sprout. Li Yu wove a garland of wildflowers for Flame Spirit Maiden, who accepted it without protest. After she put it on, she spun in a circle before him, dazzling Li Yu to the point that he could hardly keep from drooling.

“Lustful fool,” Flame Spirit Maiden scoffed, rolling her eyes at Li Yu’s infatuated expression before going to check if any fish had bitten.

“In those days, our family was poor, but carefree. Father hunted, Mother wove sweaters, and my brother and I picked fruit…” Flame Spirit Maiden sat by the fire, leaning on Li Yu’s shoulder as she reminisced.

“Until one day, a great fire broke out in the village and destroyed everything…” Her enchanting eyes began to well with tears.

“When did you meet Tianze?” Li Yu asked curiously.

“Right after the fire ended. The master saved me.” She replied, clearly unwilling to linger on the painful memory.

“Really? Such a coincidence?” Li Yu sensed something was amiss but said nothing.

“I’ll be spending my days in Xinzheng for a while, and can only keep you company in the evenings,” Li Yu apologized.

“It’s nothing. I’ve been alone for so many years, I’m used to it. Besides, meeting you has made me happy. I know you truly care for me, but I’m afraid…” Flame Spirit Maiden finally voiced her worries.

“Life is long—trust that your future will be brighter,” Li Yu said tenderly, gazing fondly at the little cat who nestled against him.

Though the original tale gave Flame Spirit Maiden a rather tragic end, Li Yu was determined it would not happen again. He would cherish her above all.

“I heard the person behind Zilan Pavilion is Fang Yu—isn’t that you?” Flame Spirit Maiden suddenly sat upright as this thought occurred to her.

As the soft fragrance left his side, Li Yu felt a pang of regret. To have her lean against him, he had spent an entire hour talking, recounting the whole story of Journey to the West.

“I only planned Zilan Pavilion behind the scenes, don’t really manage it,” Li Yu admitted, surprised at how thoroughly this little cat had investigated.

“They say the Legend of the White Snake was wonderful—it’s a pity it’s finished,” Flame Spirit Maiden remarked, her interest in tales of ghosts and love piqued by Journey to the West.

“No worries—all these stories will return after a time, it’s called a nostalgia revival,” Li Yu explained his future plans.

“People love to reminisce—it’s in our nature,” he mused.

“When we grow old, I’ll stay by your side, watching the sunset, reminiscing about the days gone by,” Li Yu gazed at her with deep affection.

Flame Spirit Maiden found Li Yu’s gaze overwhelming. At first, it was he who hadn’t dared meet her eyes; now, she found herself growing immune and returned his look, only to turn away, muttering, “Bah—only you will get old.”

Li Yu tried to draw her close again, but the little sprite slipped away, darting off.

“I won’t fall for your tricks. You’re nothing but a sweet-talking scoundrel!” she called back, laughter ringing like silver bells as she ran toward the lake—a spirit of fire, beloved of heaven.

...

Zilan Pavilion

With the establishment’s successful transformation, the girls no longer had to stay up late and went to bed early. That night, a figure in black quietly slipped into Zilan Pavilion, heading straight for the back garden. After a careful survey, he confirmed the room and slipped inside.

The shape on the bed showed someone lay beneath the covers. Slowly, the assassin drew a broadsword, its menacing gleam chilling beneath the moonlight. As he approached, he raised the blade high and brought it down—only to find the resistance soft, nothing like cutting into flesh.

Realizing something was wrong, the black-clad man spun around—only to find someone already standing in the doorway. The woman’s silhouette was graceful, a soft sword in her hand glinting like a crimson serpent in the moonlight.

His every move must have been seen. At that moment, a handsome youth in white, wielding a wooden staff, appeared at her side.

“Are you the infamous Wolf with the Severed Lock?” the youth inquired.

The black-clad man said nothing, simply leveled his sword at them and charged. The woman’s sword flicked like a living thing, its tip darting for his throat. The man, seasoned in battle, blocked swiftly with his broadsword and kicked at her, countering attack with attack.

She spun away gracefully, drawing her sword for another assault.

Li Yu, witnessing Purple Lady in combat for the first time, could not help but admire her beauty in action. Fearing for his wife, he too raised his staff and assumed a sword-drawing stance.

The black-clad man, wary of the young man at her side, threw all his strength into a sweeping attack at Purple Lady and dashed for the courtyard.

“He was nothing special—why not let me capture him?” Purple Lady sheathed her sword and addressed Li Yu.

“He can’t die yet—he still has his uses,” Li Yu replied with a smile, watching the black-clad figure vanish into the night. “But darling, you were truly stunning just now—I could die of desire.”

With that, he swept her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her vivid red lips.

After a tender moment, Li Yu apologized, “I have other matters tonight; I must go.”

“Should I help?” Purple Lady sensed his business might be connected to the intruder.

“No need—the Net’s people are with me, there’s no danger. I value my own life most,” Li Yu said with a wave, disappearing into the night.

...

Left Sima Liu Yi had been particularly troubled of late. The fire agate pendant hanging at Nongyu’s waist in Zilan Pavilion was uncannily similar to the one his wife once had. He had watched that child thrown into the river with his own eyes all those years ago.

Madam Hu had dared to save her, deceiving him.

Though he did not know how she had managed it, Liu Yi could no longer tolerate this. Even without absolute certainty, he was sure he guessed right.

He closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Tonight, he would confront Madam Hu. If she could not give a satisfactory explanation, she would have only herself to blame.

His fists clenched, his broad frame trembling with anger.

He had been duped for so many years—what man could endure that?

He had always thought Madam Hu weak and easily cowed, never expecting she had hidden depths.

With a touch of drunkenness, Liu Yi strode toward Madam Hu’s quarters, his face dark as thunder.

In a shadowy corner, a pair of eyes slowly opened, coldly tracking Liu Yi’s entry into the courtyard. A moment later, a figure slipped into Madam Hu’s quarters from a side wall.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, another masked figure in night-clothes nimbly scaled a corner of the Sima residence, heading straight for Madam Hu’s boudoir with practiced ease, as if he had rehearsed it countless times.

Bathed in moonlight, the figure was wrapped so tightly that only his eyes showed—the eyes of a man with a barely contained thrill, a look every man would recognize.

Of course, it was Li Yu. He had returned home briefly, changed clothes under Jing Ni’s puzzled gaze, and slipped out again.

...

Li Yu moved with practiced ease, dodging the guards—after all, he knew this residence as well as his own. He couldn’t help but marvel at the thrill of scaling someone else’s walls in the dead of night to visit someone else’s wife. No wonder some in his former life enjoyed the art of stealing—not for the thing itself, but for the illicit pleasure of the act. As the saying goes: a wife is less than a concubine, a concubine less than a theft, and the best is what you cannot steal—what you can’t have only makes the heart itch more.

At this moment, Li Yu realized that the ancients understood human nature with astonishing clarity. If only he had read more in his past life—he would have studied diligently and read more history to better comprehend the ways of the world.

But back to the present.

Li Yu was alert and focused, his eyes bright, keeping track of both Liu Yi and the black-clad man ahead—none other than the Wolf with the Severed Lock, who had escaped from Zilan Pavilion. Bested there, the man had come straight to Liu Yi’s residence, and Li Yu had anticipated this, which was why he hurried over.

Fortunately, the Wolf with the Severed Lock was unfamiliar with the Sima estate and had fumbled about before following Liu Yi into the inner quarters. Both men, keeping low and dodging guards and maids, finally reached the inner courtyard, where there were fewer guards, only sentries on duty, since the inner quarters were for the womenfolk.

Soon after they arrived, several maids exited, whispering among themselves:

“The master and lady are quarreling again, and it sounds fierce this time.”

“Isn’t that so? In the study, too—they chased everyone out. You should have seen the master’s face, like he would eat someone alive. The lady is in for it tonight.”

“Sigh, she’s always been such a good person…”

The maids drifted away, their voices fading.

So—the study.

Li Yu’s eyes flickered. He knew the way. Not far off, the Wolf with the Severed Lock seemed to know as well, darting toward the study as soon as the maids were gone.

“At least he’s done his homework,” Li Yu thought, following after him.

In the study, Left Sima Liu Yi glared at Madam Hu, his eyes burning with suppressed anger, his voice cold as ice: “Will you admit it? Was it you who saved that little bastard all those years ago?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s late—I’m going to bed.” Madam Hu frowned, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, lips tightly pressed, her voice gentle but resolute. She could not fathom why Liu Yi had suddenly dredged up old wounds.

He must surely know the truth of what happened back then. As for the child, she had no wish to discuss it with him.

“Bed? You won’t sleep until this is settled! Do you think I have no temper? You’d best confess, lest I have to use force!” Liu Yi seized her arm, eyes narrowing, his laugh cold.

He figured he’d been too lenient these years, letting her forget what sort of man he truly was.

“Let go—I owe you no explanations.” Madam Hu’s gentle eyes hardened suddenly as she struggled to free herself.

Smack!

Angered and drunk, Liu Yi slapped her to the floor, gritting out, “I knew you still pine for Li Kai. I should have killed that little bastard outright back then so you’d forget him. Only my moment of weakness spared her!”

Mention of Li Kai brought a flood of complicated feelings to Madam Hu, who sat on the floor, silently nursing her stinging cheek. She had long grown used to being struck; since marrying Liu Yi, beatings were commonplace. If not for Lady Hu’s favor at court, her lot would have been far worse.

But it was her own fault—she had not been blameless, marrying Liu Yi already pregnant.

“Nothing to say? Tonight I’ll put an end to your longing—you’ve always searched for that little bastard, haven’t you? I’ll oblige. Once I find her, I’ll let you watch as I torment her to death!” Liu Yi, growing more furious at her silence, crouched to snatch the fire agate pendant from her waist—the only link she had to her lost daughter, her sole solace all these years.

Tonight, he would sever all hope. Then, using the pendant, he would lure Nongyu out. Once he had her, he would have plenty of ways to torment her. The very thought brought a sick thrill.

“Give it to me!”

Madam Hu clung to the pendant, her gentle eyes filled with both hope and grief. She now realized the child must still be alive—otherwise Liu Yi would not react so violently.

She was alive!

That was all the light she needed in her dark world.

“What a show,” came a hoarse, ghostly voice, freezing the air in the room.

“Who’s there?” Liu Yi straightened, face tense, voice sharp.

A cold gust of wind blew the door open, revealing a thin, withered figure in black at the threshold. As the robe fell away, a gaunt, scarred face appeared, half covered by a vulture-shaped metal mask. Cold, mocking eyes surveyed the room.

The skin was crisscrossed with strange markings, making the newcomer seem even more sinister.

“You—how can this be? You should be dead!” Liu Yi stared at the mask, his composure breaking, fear in his eyes. The man was supposed to be dead—he had made sure of it himself.

“But I’m not dead,” the vulture-man replied, slowly removing his mask to reveal a face lined with scars. “Surprised?”

He had hidden for years, even joining the Hundred Birds, living as a dog for years just to investigate the truth.

“Madam Hu, it’s been a long time,” he said with a cruel smile.

“You… you’re the Wolf with the Severed Lock?” Madam Hu stared in shock, fear and panic rising as memories of the fire at Rainfire Manor resurfaced—how the marauders destroyed everything, killed everyone, leaving only her, pregnant, and her young sister to survive.

She shuddered, cowering in terror.

“So you remember me. What an honor,” the vulture-man sneered. “Liu Yi, you’re truly heartless. We slaughtered Rainfire Manor for you, and helped you kill Li Kai, letting you win the beauty’s hand, but you turned on us, killed us to cover your tracks, and left me to rot. Don’t you think it’s time to settle the score?”

Madam Hu sat frozen, staring in disbelief at her husband. She had never imagined the man who destroyed her family and murdered her parents was her own husband.

She had never hated Liu Yi, despite the abuse, because she believed it was her own fault—her guilt over the child outweighed any resentment.

But never had she dreamed that the origin of her tragedy was Liu Yi himself.

“Why…?” she asked, tears streaming down her face, her voice filled with despair.

“Why else? Madam Hu, after all these years, surely you know Liu Yi’s condition—especially in that regard. He’s not even a proper man anymore,” the vulture-man sneered, stripping Liu Yi of all dignity.

“On the battlefield at Baiyue, because Li Kai was slow to reinforce him, Liu Yi was ambushed and suffered a grievous wound below the waist. Ever since then… heh!” he jeered.

His words dropped like a bombshell, even shocking Li Yu outside the room.

No wonder Liu Yi kept so few women in his house, and had no heirs. Li Yu had always thought it was because his sister-in-law was so beautiful that ordinary women failed to catch his brother’s eye, or because Lady Hu’s favor at court kept him in check. Now he realized there was a far deeper problem.

Madam Hu no longer cared about the truth—she simply sat on the floor, hopeless, unable even to stand. Li Yu’s heart ached for her—such a beauty, with no one to cherish her. Clearly, neither man inside cared for her at all.

“Enough! What do you want?” Liu Yi snapped, his face red, fists clenched, body trembling.

“What do I want? Isn’t it obvious? I want what’s owed to me from all those years ago,” the vulture-man said coldly.

“Fine, I’ll return the treasure to you,” Liu Yi answered, his eyes flashing.

The vulture-man sneered, “Don’t play tricks, or I’ll send you to the next world ahead of schedule.”

Li Yu, listening outside, perked up. Inside, Liu Yi, forced at swordpoint, walked to the bookshelf, pulled a bamboo scroll—and with the sound of gears, the bookshelf slid aside, revealing a hidden door leading to a secret chamber.

“The treasure is inside,” Liu Yi said, his face cold, anger gone as he eyed his old enemy. But inside, he was smirking; if he’d disposed of him once, he could do so again.

“Lead the way,” the vulture-man ordered, pressing his sword to Liu Yi’s throat. He was excited, but did not lose his composure—he knew Liu Yi’s cunning. If only he and his brothers had been more cautious back then, they would not have been betrayed.

Liu Yi glanced at the sword. “Hold it tight—if you kill me, you’ll never get Rainfire Manor’s treasure.”

“Don’t worry—I won’t kill you until I have it,” the vulture-man replied coldly.

What happened afterward was obvious—Liu Yi knew tonight would not end well, especially with Madam Hu knowing the truth. He could not allow the Rainfire Manor affair to leak, or he would be destroyed. Even Lady Hu’s influence at court would not save him, let alone the swarm of nobles who would come for the treasure.

“Madam Hu, please, you’ll lead the way,” the vulture-man said, turning to her. He did not know what traps the chamber held, but there was no better way to test it than with a living person—Madam Hu, one of the principals, was the perfect candidate. After it was over, he would kill her as well.

Why did everyone want to kill the sister-in-law? The vulture-man’s intent finally made Li Yu decide he couldn’t just stand by. With a sigh, he flickered into the room, his movement ghostly swift. Alarmed, the vulture-man grabbed Liu Yi, retreating to the secret door, wary of this unexpected arrival.

But the newcomer simply knelt beside Madam Hu, gently lifted her into his arms, and gave the two men a cool glance. “You two carry on—I’ve no interest in the treasure,” he said, and walked out with her.

Both men stared, dumbfounded.

What did that mean? Had they been toyed with? How did he not notice being followed? No interest in the treasure—was Madam Hu his target?

The vulture-man was shaken, but there was no turning back—if he did not get the treasure now, he never would. Gritting his teeth, he ignored the mysterious stranger who had taken Madam Hu, and dragged Liu Yi into the secret chamber. The treasure he had sought for half his life was finally within reach—afterwards, he could flee, hide, even escape to Baiyue. With treasure, anything was possible.

...

Madam Hu’s face was ashen, her eyes lifeless, her brow etched with sorrow, yet her delicate features and gentle bearing persisted. She was the image of a classical beauty, but hardship had made her life a misery. It pained Li Yu deeply.

“My apologies for frightening you,” Li Yu said, removing his mask and revealing his youthful, handsome face. He gently stroked her cheek, his voice soft and warm. In that moment, he seemed a beacon of light in the darkness—a comforting embrace in her darkest hour.

Touched by his gentleness, Madam Hu’s eyes finally flickered with emotion. Tears brimming, she instinctively clung to his clothes, like a drowning person grasping for safety.

It seemed the whole world had collapsed around her, her life nothing but betrayal and lies. Only this man—Li Yu—seemed a good person.

“I heard everything inside. I never imagined the brother I just acknowledged could be such a scoundrel—he deserves to die, and I, as a scholar, will not let such villains go unpunished. Don’t hold back your tears—let it out. I’ll be here for you, and I’ll see justice done!” Li Yu hugged her tightly, stroking her hair to comfort her.

Madam Hu, listening to his words, tried to hold back but could not. She buried her head in his chest, clutching his clothes, her shoulders trembling as she wept quietly, her sobs as soft and heartbreaking as her habits had made them.

Li Yu held her, standing just outside the study, gently caressing her hair and watching the night, waiting for the outcome inside. This time, he was firmly on the assassin’s side—the Sima was too vile to support. He hoped the assassin would prevail; otherwise, matters would be complicated.

After all, he had no desire to become a cuckolded magistrate, nor did he see Madam Hu as a wanton woman from a scandalous tale.