Yang Zhen frowned slightly but spoke in an indifferent tone. “I had my men investigate. The report just arrived. In recent years, apart from those who entered this residence—who have all met misfortune—the surrounding villages have remained untouched. However, in Dingzhou and Mingzhou, a hundred miles away, there have been multiple murders. Some of them bear a striking resemblance to Bi Qin’s methods. I noticed a pattern—the incidents occur roughly every three months.”
Hong Ning said, “A rabbit doesn’t eat the grass near its own burrow. He doesn’t like changing nests.”
There were villages nearby, yet he deliberately traveled a hundred miles away to commit his crimes, constantly shifting locations. Without a doubt, he didn’t want the rumors here to spread too far and attract unnecessary trouble.
He truly couldn’t bear to leave this residence.
Yang Zhen looked at her. “You’re quite clever.”
Hong Ning, impressed by how quickly he had uncovered so many cases, responded, “Young Master Yang is not simple either.”
Yang Zhen inclined his head slightly. “Much appreciated.”
Hong Ning shook her head, got up, and walked to the door. Then, she paused.
“I gave them the talismans only to help them detect anything unusual. Bi Qin is very important to me.”
Yang Zhen remained silent.
Hong Ning turned back to look at him. “What about what I asked you last time? Has Young Master Yang given it any thought?”
Yang Zhen’s expression darkened.
Hong Ning smiled and quickly walked away.
Since she had already caught Bi Qin’s attention, it was only a matter of time before he returned. Cooperation was the best course of action. Yang Zhen wasn’t a fool, but expecting him to lower himself to such an extent—to use his own beauty as bait—was indeed a hard pill for him to swallow.
* * *
The Flower Festival was approaching, and the Flower Palace City was brimming with joy. Ribbons fluttered in the breeze, carrying a fragrant scent, and the warm atmosphere felt like spring.
Inside the palace walls, celestial maidens and attendants bustled about, preparing for the grand event. They carried trays and cups shaped like various flowers, their movements practiced yet filled with excitement.
Though most of them had witnessed many such gatherings, this time, flower spirits and demons from all directions would assemble to pay homage to the Flower God. For many newcomers, it would be their first time seeing such a spectacle, and even the seasoned ones couldn’t afford to be careless.
Besides, the path of immortality was long and monotonous—it was rare to have an occasion like this to indulge in merriment.
On the terrace, Jin Xiu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.
Beside him, Mei Xian held a flower register, flipping through its pages as he reported, “In the past hundred years, our clan has registered 957 new demons. The total number of attendees this time will be 15,681.”
Jin Xiu frowned. “Last time, there were 16,873.”
Mei Xian lowered his head. “No one can escape the tribulations of heaven.”
Jin Xiu remained silent.
Mei Xian quickly closed the register. “There is no need for Your Eminence to worry. Our kind, due to the limitations of our form, has always struggled in cultivation. This is common knowledge.”
Then, as if recalling something, he opened another book. “However, there is some good news. The number of newly ascended immortals has increased by three compared to last time.”
Jin Xiu was slightly surprised. “Three?”
Mei Xian looked somewhat embarrassed. “Two of them are from the Mei Clan.”
Jin Xiu smiled. “It seems your disciples have cultivated well.”
Mei Xian added, “The last one is from the Camellia Clan. Their numbers have been dwindling for years, yet unexpectedly, one has finally ascended this time.”
Jin Xiu remained silent for a long time before finally nodding. “That is good.”
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