“A thousand-year-old peach demon has a weakness for beauty, and it has already set its sights on you. It will definitely return. When it does, dissolve this talisman into wine and persuade it to drink…”
Yang Zhen’s face darkened. “Outrageous!”
Hong Ning said calmly, “Great accomplishments require boldness. This is the perfect opportunity. Since Young Master Yang is determined to rid the world of this threat, why be so concerned about appearances?”
Yang Zhen suppressed his anger. “I’ll have someone else—”
“Have someone else do it?” Hong Ning interrupted.
“Young Master Yang holds a noble status. Naturally, when it comes to risking one’s life, such tasks should fall to those of lower rank.”
Her tone was laced with mockery.
“But if you send someone like Zhao Xing to offer him wine, do you really think it will work?”
The implication was clear.
Yang Zhen pressed his lips into a thin line, his expression unreadable.
Hong Ning shrugged. “If you’re unwilling, then forget it. I just can’t say when he’ll return next. When that time comes, I may not be able to protect everyone…”
Yang Zhen narrowed his eyes. “Is that a threat?”
Hong Ning shook her head and turned to leave. “I wouldn’t dare. You are free to leave as soon as you wish.”
Yang Zhen’s voice was low and sharp. “Stop.”
Hong Ning did as he said and turned back. “Does Young Master Yang have any further instructions?”
Yang Zhen did not answer.
Hong Ning understood his meaning and spoke plainly. “Tonight’s events will not be spread. If you still don’t trust me, you’re welcome to silence me.”
This woman was always cold and detached, yet when she smiled, it was strikingly bright. Her words were sharp—hard to swallow, but not without reason.
She was unlike anyone he had ever met.
Yang Zhen studied her for a long moment. “Good. You’d best remember that.”
Hong Ning nodded. “As for our cooperation, I hope you will reconsider, Young Master Yang.”
Yang Zhen remained silent, his face impassive.
Three days passed, and Bi Qin did not reappear. Zhao Xing and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief, but Hong Ning grew increasingly anxious.
Had she really driven him away?
After thinking it over carefully, she rejected that possibility.
Humans were said to be the most spiritually refined of all creatures, their hearts, vitality, brains, and blood all serving as prime materials for demons and spirits cultivating the dark arts. Bi Qin could come and go as he pleased, yet for so many years, he had confined his actions to this abandoned residence, never harming the nearby villages or towns. This suggested that his motives were not so simple.
Could it be that… he was guarding this place?
Was there something here important enough to keep him from leaving?
The more Hong Ning thought about it, the more reasonable her suspicion seemed.
If he had remained here for so many years, he wouldn’t simply abandon it now. He was likely hiding somewhere within the residence.
But where?
Despite searching high and low, she couldn’t figure it out.
The days were damp with endless rain, making the abandoned house feel even more desolate. Everyone was in a low mood.
“Is there any?”
“You have to check under sunlight.”
“…”
The moment she stepped through the door, Hong Ning caught the scent of blood.
Hearing the hushed voices, she sighed and abruptly stopped, then turned around.
The person behind her hadn’t expected her to react so quickly and was startled, instinctively stepping back. Guilt flashed across his face as he hesitated, unsure whether to act.
At the same time, Zhao Xing and the others immediately placed their hands on their weapons, tense and alert.
Hong Ning’s voice was calm. “Take it out.”
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