Chapter Fifty-Three: Heavenly Grace

General’s Mansion

Li Yu gazed at the white-haired figure before him, utterly speechless. That striking cloak stained with blood—he didn’t even need to see the face to know who stood there. It could only be Bai Yifei, ever the embodiment of aloof arrogance.

When had he returned? Li Yu regretted not going to see Chaoxi Yue yesterday—he’d miscalculated.

“A body of Nine Suns… No wonder you’re so captivating,” Li Yu appraised the Blood-Robed Marquis before him. Bai Yifei, too, was sizing him up. Owing to his own cultivation, Bai Yifei immediately sensed Li Yu’s constitution was the inverse of his own.

No wonder his haughty cousin had fallen so easily.

Li Yu’s sword-shaped brows and star-bright eyes, that ever-present, elusive smile at his lips, and his breezy, spirited air—all of it stood in stark contrast to Bai Yifei’s chilling presence. If Bai Yifei was the wintry moon in the highest heavens, then Li Yu was sunlight bathing the world in the warmth of spring.

Things too perfect were never meant to linger in this world.

Bai Yifei licked his blood-red lips, a wicked smile playing about his mouth.

“The General summoned me—was it just to introduce me to the Blood-Robed Marquis?” Li Yu didn’t bother to look at Bai Yifei and turned directly to Ji Wuye, seated in the place of honor.

“Oh? The Grand Tutor and the Blood-Robed Marquis are acquainted?” Ji Wuye asked, smiling.

“Who hasn’t heard of the idol of all Han’s people, the one who claims lives and bleaches bones, who stains snow and robes alike with blood? Besides, the Marquis’s bearing is quite inimitable.” Li Yu replied with a smile.

“I am rather curious—where do you come from?” Bai Yifei disliked beating around the bush. He asked directly, his tone blunt.

“No one of consequence, not worth mentioning. Marquis, do you not trust me? Surely you trust General Ji’s judgment.” Li Yu thought fondly of Chaoxi Yue for not giving him away; he silently gave his wife a large mental thumbs-up.

“If you want my trust, just eat this.” At some point, Bai Yifei had produced a jade bottle from his robes and tossed it to Li Yu.

“Thank you!” Li Yu accepted it with a carefree grin, opened it, and glanced inside.

A chill rushed up to meet him. Inside was a white silkworm gu, translucent and crystalline, its tiny pulsing heartbeat visible.

Without hesitation, Li Yu swallowed its contents.

The little creature seemed to possess a mind of its own, tunneling straight for Li Yu’s heart, but before it could reach its target, it was drawn away by something else—a white object. The silkworm gu had no time to resist and was absorbed, becoming nothing but nourishment.

A shiver ran through Li Yu—he felt as if he’d swallowed a great tonic. Unable to help himself, he exhaled a plume of smoke.

“This is the Heart of Ice Gu. It flares up every six months. I’ll give you the antidote in half a year.” Bai Yifei said as soon as Li Yu had swallowed it, his tone now somewhat gentler.

“My dear friend, this gu is quite the supplement. Shouldn’t you thank our Blood-Robed Marquis?” Ji Wuye looked at Li Yu with a beaming smile, unconcerned about any potential fallout.

“Then I thank the Marquis. I have pressing matters to attend to and cannot stay.” Li Yu cupped his hands and took his leave.

“Safe travels. Mo Ya, see our Grand Tutor out,” Ji Wuye said cheerfully, noting Li Yu’s displeasure but making no move to detain him.

Watching Li Yu depart, Ji Wuye turned to Bai Yifei with a hint of reproach. “You’ve made an enemy of him—it will be hard to resolve this peacefully in the future.”

Bai Yifei gazed after Li Yu’s retreating figure, his eyes glinting with wicked amusement. “It’s of no consequence. The matter with the money house is already on track. The rules of the game are clear—his presence or absence is irrelevant.”

Seeing Bai Yifei’s look of utter confidence, Ji Wuye had no choice but to take his side. Compared to Li Yu, Bai Yifei was a true partner; Li Yu was merely a grasshopper, easy to crush at any moment.

“Besides, many have forgotten what fear feels like. I think it’s time for them to remember the agony and screams of the past.” Bai Yifei’s blood-red, demonic eyes flashed.

Ji Wuye joined in his wicked laughter.

“My lord, are you all right?” Mo Ya asked, his face filled with concern as he glanced at Li Yu.

“I’m fine. Are you worried that if something happens to me, you’ll all be buried with me? No need to worry—I cherish my life.” Li Yu replied with a laugh.

Looking at Mo Ya’s gentle, warm demeanor, Li Yu felt it had been worth the effort to win him over. He was surrounded by many women, but had precious few male friends.

But Li Yu felt he couldn’t blame himself for that—his ability to attract the opposite sex was simply too strong.

Mingzhu’s Residence

After two days apart from Chaoxi Yue, Li Yu, upon seeing Lady Mingzhu, greeted her with a kiss from head to toe, not sparing even her toenails, to ease his longing.

Chaoxi Yue, eyes twinkling with laughter, watched Li Yu nuzzle her body and said, “My cousin is back—aren’t you afraid?”

“I’ve already met him, and even ate the Heart of Ice Gu he gave me. It tasted rather good,” Li Yu replied.

The beauty beneath him instantly slipped away to the side, her lovely eyes filled with worry.

“Do you know the Heart of Ice Gu has no cure?” For the first time, Chaoxi Yue looked truly anxious.

“I suspected as much. But I’m not afraid. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself.” Li Yu stretched out his right hand.

“I was afraid your cousin would check, but I knew he’s exceedingly arrogant.”

Lady Mingzhu pressed her fingertip to Li Yu’s pulse.

Seeing Chaoxi Yue’s concern for him, Li Yu felt a surge of tenderness and wanted nothing more than to hold her forever.

“I told you, I’m fine.” He spoke with certainty.

“Why is that?” Chaoxi Yue asked, curiosity evident in her gaze.

“Perhaps it’s due to my constitution. I’m not sure myself.” Li Yu didn’t dare mention the mysterious jade—it seemed too unbelievable. Since the jade’s disappearance, he’d searched everywhere. Only in moments of intimacy with his beloved did he sense its presence in his chest.

Moreover, the true energy he cultivated each time was always returned to him by the jade.

It was all so fantastical—if it was fantasy, then surely a mere gu worm was no problem. That was Li Yu’s reasoning, and it turned out he was right.

Looking at Chaoxi Yue, her robe half-loosened, the very image of a rare and blooming beauty, Li Yu felt his desire flare. Catching the scent of her, he leaned in to kiss her.

Crackling—

As the flames danced, a few sparks scattered, their faint glow illuminating the surrounding scene.

Rows of barred cells, some containing only desiccated bones, others rotten corpses, and some holding figures curled up and reeking of decay. It was impossible to tell, from their silhouettes alone, whether they were human or ghost. The walls were smeared with dark, dried blood, a testament to this being a death prison.

The air itself was thick with a nauseating stench. The flickering flame was the only glow in this sunless dungeon.

From the depths of the prison came, at intervals, howls and wails, as if the lamentations of ghosts.

Suddenly, a cold wind swept through, the flames along the passage dimming in its wake.

The temperature dropped, as if declaring its dominion. Those still-living prisoners curled in their cells opened their eyes, madness lurking within, staring unblinking at the figure striding down the corridor.

Cloaked in blood-red robes, with a mane of silver-white hair, exquisitely dressed, he stood in stark contrast to the condemned around him.

It was none other than Bai Yifei, the Blood-Robed Marquis.

He walked as if surveying his domain, making his way deeper into the prison.

Those prisoners who recognized him were seized by an instinctive terror, a fear etched into their very souls. Years of torment had driven most of them mad or killed them outright; few remained both alive and sane.

To Bai Yifei, they were little more than experimental subjects and collectibles.

His footsteps receded into the distance.

Soon, he reached the deepest, most distinctive cell in the prison.

Bai Yifei raised his head and looked at the figure suspended from the ceiling by heavy chains.

The man’s upper body was bare, his lower half wrapped in tattered cloth. His skin bore a sickly blue-white hue with a hint of purple, and, most astonishingly, patches of scales. He was like a humanoid beast.

Sensing someone’s presence, the chained man slowly lifted his head, deep blue hair falling away to reveal a pair of crimson eyes, cold and bloodthirsty. A savage aura erupted from him.

Clink—

The chains binding his body rattled violently, as if struggling to contain the power within.

“All these years, and you still haven’t learned.” Bai Yifei regarded Tianze calmly, his voice indifferent.

Tianze was perhaps the most valuable and longest-surviving specimen in this prison. Truly a worthy scion of the Hundred Yue’s aberrant kin.

With a guttural roar, Tianze gave no reply. The chains linked to his body rose like living things, hissing like snakes, a dark aura surging over him, making his presence even more terrifying.

But this terror lasted only a moment. Unbearable pain shot through Tianze’s body, instantly suppressing all resistance.

He glared at Bai Yifei, brows furrowed, silent.

“Must I always remind you what gu poison feels like, Tianze? Isn’t it foolish?” Bai Yifei’s eyes glimmered red as he spoke coolly.

Tianze closed his eyes, the chains drooping as if resigned.

Bai Yifei saw he was spent but also gathering strength for his next rebellion. It didn’t bother him; Tianze’s stubbornness was what had kept him interesting all these years. If he stopped resisting, he’d be as dull as the rest.

“Do you want to leave?” Bai Yifei suddenly asked.

The unexpected question made Tianze fix his gaze on Bai Yifei, puzzled.

“I know you’re consumed by vengeance. I can give you that chance—let you go and take your revenge,” Bai Yifei said blandly.

“What are you scheming?” Tianze’s voice was hoarse and stiff, as if unused to speech.

Hands clasped behind his back, Bai Yifei replied impassively, “I want you to help some people remember their old fears.”

“Does that include you?” Tianze’s gaze grew cold.

“Me?” Bai Yifei chuckled at the notion, as if it were an amusing joke. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m just letting you stretch your legs. In the end, you’ll come back, for this is where you belong. Cherish this rare freedom, brief though it is.”

His tone brimmed with utter confidence, even arrogance. He trusted his own gu poison—without an antidote, Tianze could only be his ferocious hound. Unless he sought death, he would never turn on his master.

“You’ll regret this!” Tianze spat.

Bai Yifei ignored him, instead activating the mechanisms around the cell, unlocking Tianze’s shackles and loosening the leash.

With the chains falling away, Tianze felt freedom for the first time in years.

He was serious.

Tianze eyed Bai Yifei, confused by his actions but keenly aware of the opportunity for vengeance it presented. Bai Yifei’s motives were unimportant; what mattered was that he was free.

With the last of the chains gone, Tianze dropped from the air, landing on bestial feet. An invisible pressure radiated outward.

He clenched his fists and, without hesitation, unleashed a wave of murderous aura. Behind him, five snake-skull chains hovered as if alive, crimson light in their sockets as they lunged for Bai Yifei.

The moment Tianze struck, a surge of icy air exploded outward, freezing everything around Bai Yifei.

At the same time, massive crystalline thorns erupted from the ground, twining rapidly around Tianze and hurling him against the wall. Bai Yifei’s frigid voice sounded:

“Treasure your hard-won freedom. Do not test my patience. I’m in no mood for games.”

“I will.” Tianze slid down from the wall, coldly staring at Bai Yifei. “Remember everything you’ve done to me—I’ll repay it all.”

“If I can set you free, I can also bring you back.” Bai Yifei replied coolly, then turned and strode away, surrounded by shimmering ice crystals, untouched by the world.

…

Zilan Pavilion

Li Yu entered the house to find Hu Ningyue in a dress of emerald green, sitting gracefully in the courtyard, listening as Nongyu played the zither.

“Mother-in-law, you’re here! Your son-in-law pays his respects!” Li Yu called out, moving as if to bow.

Lady Hu shivered at his words, quickly turning and rising. “No need for such formality, Yu’er—we’re all family here.”

Li Yu laughed. “Your daughter is named Yu’er, your son-in-law is Yu’er—Mother-in-law, isn’t that fate?”

His predatory gaze left the widowed lady flustered—she truly feared this rogue. If her daughter ever discovered the truth, she’d rather be dead.

Li Yu didn’t push his teasing further, turning his gaze to the elegant Nongyu at the zither.

“Yu’er’s playing grows more ethereal by the day,” he sighed.

“It’s only because husband gifted me this instrument—such strings must be the work of a master,” Nongyu replied with a smile.

Li Yu loved seeing her smile; it was as soothing as a spring breeze.

“Master, yes, but not a master of music—I designed it, Gongshu Zi crafted it. A true master of music could hardly have made such a thing.” Li Yu confessed.

“I have a new melody, wife. Will you critique it for me? It’s called ‘Guangling San.’”

He took out a vertical flute and began to play.

The tune was lively and simple; Nongyu picked it up after a single hearing.

Their duet soon drew the other girls in the house to listen.

“Husband, you are truly the music in my sister’s life!” Zi Nu sighed to Nongyu.

“Sister, you’re no different—hasn’t husband taught you plenty of piano pieces?” Nongyu replied with a shy smile, always the child when facing Zi Nu.

“Mother, it’s late. Why not stay and rest here tonight?” Nongyu said as Lady Hu prepared to leave.

“No, I’m not used to staying here—and I’d only be in your way,” Lady Hu replied hastily.

“Mother-in-law, it’s late. I’d worry for you out alone—why not let your son-in-law escort you?” Li Yu said eagerly.

Lady Hu shivered under his wolfish gaze. “No, perhaps I’d better stay after all.”

Li Yu grinned, his scheme successful.

Deep into the night, a shadow sneaked along the walls to a corner room.

He tugged at the door—locked. So he crept to the window—unlatched. Agile as a cat, he slipped inside.

“Mother-in-law, it’s me—your son-in-law, come to comfort you.”

“How did you get in?”

“Mother-in-law, you were careless—the window wasn’t shut. Lucky it was only me.”

“Yu’er, we cannot—”

“Rest assured, mother-in-law. Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know. I’m here to relieve your worries.”

“Don’t—”

Morning.

Nongyu gazed at the sleeping Li Yu, gently caressing his handsome face, her eyes full of bliss.

Leaving Zilan Pavilion, Li Yu strode down the road, feeling refreshed.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, he altered his course and headed straight for Lanshow Villa.

At the foot of the mountain, he could already sense the tense atmosphere above. In a flash, he appeared in the great hall, where three factions stood locked in standoff.

One group consisted of the Net Assassins, tasked with protecting the adorable Yanling Ji.

Another was the small fairy Yanling Ji herself, alongside the simple-minded Wu Shuang Gui.

The last group, the most eye-catching of all, was a three-person troupe of chaos: one with wild dark blue hair, blood-red eyes, snake tattoos on face and waist, and chains draped all over—a vision of cruelty and wickedness. The second, a decrepit old man who looked as though he hadn’t bathed in a century, reeked so strongly Li Yu could smell him from across the room. The third, by contrast, was the most normal—cloaked, holding a slender trumpet-shaped weapon adorned with a tinkling bell.

They certainly hadn’t wasted any time getting here.