Night had fallen, approaching the hour of midnight. A bitter wind howled, rattling the branches into a rustling frenzy, and Wei City was already plunged into deep silence. In the alleyways, nothing could be heard save for the night watchman's muffled cries echoing down the deserted streets.
Ordinary households could not afford candles, and thus they rarely lit even a single lamp. Yet the other end of the city was as bright as day, blazing through the night.
The disciples of the Gushan Sword Sect stood upon the eaves, taking in the scene below.
"What is that place with all the lights?" asked Chang Le.
Zhou Zixuan glanced over at the spot and turned to lead the way. "It's where the wealthy citizens and rogue cultivators gather. Let's go."
Following Zhou Zixuan's movements, Chang Le's robes fluttered as she slipped silently into the night like an owl, moving swiftly behind him.
Most of Wei City was inhabited by mortals, but it also housed numerous gatherings of rogue cultivators, as well as disciples from other immortal sects. Some came to trade, others to plant spies, each with their own agenda.
Without them realizing it, these immortal sect disciples drew an invisible line between mortals and immortals, a distinction that became especially stark on nights like this.
As the group drew closer, Chang Le finally realized that the pleasure district happened to lie right along the boundary line between light and shadow. It hid here, looking like any ordinary alley by day, but suddenly bursting with life and brilliance by night.
Huge lanterns were draped in translucent colorful gauze, their light spilling onto the walls and pavement, creating a shimmering, iridescent display. They connected together like flowing ribbons of light.
Carriages shuttled back and forth, disgorging extravagantly dressed figures from time to time, and occasionally a few immortal sect disciples could be seen melting into the crowd.
Along both sides of the road stood pretty young girls waving handkerchiefs and handsome young men, beckoning and smiling as they solicited customers, rolling honeyed words off their tongues that left people feeling light as air.
The scent of face powder and wine blended together, lingering in the alleyway as if pickling the very streets.
Everyone looked as though they were smiling, smiling with such joy and happiness. Life was short, yet here one could find the intoxicating illusion of reliving one's days.
Yet who would have thought that accumulated in an alley like this was enough resentment to drown the bitterness of someone who had died a violent death?
Chang Le pinched her nose in discomfort.
She followed close behind Zhou Zixuan, who was walking at a brisk pace. If anyone tried to reach out and grab his sleeve, a slight flick of his robe would send them reeling away, causing the crowd to part before him like the Red Sea, clearing a convenient path.
"We're here."
The Fragrance-Washing Pavilion was deep within the alley, yet it was also the most prosperous and bustling spot of all.
Guo'er had received instructions from Madam Liu and was already waiting at the entrance for them.
The madam couldn't help trembling at the sight of Zhou Zixuan, and she whispered, "Immortals, we still have to open our doors for business."
Zhou Zixuan said, "Rest assured, there won't be any commotion. In the back courtyard."
The madam breathed a sigh of relief, patted her chest, and shoved Guo'er between the shoulder blades. "Go quickly and come back just as fast, don't dawdle. Cover that face of yours with a hat right now so you don't offend our noble guests."
Guo'er whispered her assent. Clearly quite accustomed to this, she produced a square cloth, covered her nose and mouth, and led the way forward.
Behind them, Hou Jing muttered indignantly, "Judging people by their covers."
Guo'er said softly, "Immortal Sister, Madam is actually pretty good to us. My face is ruined, but she didn't sell me off, and she even lets me make a living following the young mistress. The mistress is very good to me too. I'm quite content."
As she spoke, she raised her eyes slightly, genuine relief shining in her gaze.
Hou Jing was momentarily speechless. She looked at Mu Youzhi, then at Chang Le. Both of them remained silent, their faces showing pity.
In Chang Le's mind, a child Guo'er's age ought to be happily going to school without a single worry in the world. And if a child of the immortal sects possessed a Spirit Root, even a mixed one, they should be studying in a classroom, scratching their heads over exams.
Not living like this.
Up ahead, Zhou Zixuan said, "Do not pry into mortal affairs."
Hou Jing said with some lingering resentment, "But I see plenty of immortal sect disciples visiting these pleasure houses."
Zhou Zixuan turned his head to look at Hou Jing. "Entangling yourself in mortal karma is like a small boat entering a rushing river. The helmsman must maintain self-control; one might find fortuitous encounters, but more often than not, they are swept into the current and dragged to the bottom. Naturally, you may try if you wish."
Frowning, Hou Jing was about to retort when Mu Youzhi gave her sleeve a hard tug. Hou Jing shut her mouth and said no more.
Chang Le, too, noticed that the bustling scenes were gradually receding. The sound of stringed instruments and laughter seemed quarantined in another world, and the scents of wine and powder faded away, leaving only the smell of damp earth and rotting timber.
Guo'er pointed to a well ahead and whispered, "Right there. That's where I saw that great villain bullying Xiaocui."
Zhou Zixuan nodded. "I understand. Thank you, you may go back now."
Guo'er nodded. She took a few steps away, then turned back to look at Chang Le and the others. They wore magical artifacts and their clothes looked plain, yet not a single thread was out of place. In the mortal world, these were luxuries beyond her imagination.
"It's almost time." Zhou Zixuan looked up at the sky.
Midnight was the hour when Yin energy was at its peak, making it ideal for summoning spirits.
"Forty-nine days after a person dies, if they have no other fortuitous encounter that turns them into a ghost cultivator, they will enter the netherworld to undergo reincarnation," Zhou Zixuan explained. Knowing that these newly initiated junior martial brothers and sisters were still tethered to sect habits—unskilled in talismanry and overly fond of magical artifacts—he spelled it out very clearly.
"Since Wei Huai hasn't been dead for forty-nine days, we can use a soul-summoning talisman. The art of ghost-calling requires locating the place where the deceased had the strongest obsessions while alive. This pleasure alleyway was inherently the source of Wei Huai's resentment. Even though we don't know the exact location of that resentment, this place was both the site of his wrongdoing and the safe haven of his subconscious. Therefore, our success rate will be drastically increased."
With that, Zhou Zixuan produced a yellow talisman. "A mortal soul requires a low-grade soul-summoning talisman, worth two low-grade Spirit Stones."
Chang Le let out a gasp. "So expensive."
Zhou Zixuan was taken aback, then glanced at the others standing nearby; every single one of them wore an expression of deep agreement. Zhou Zixuan fell silent. Were this batch of junior martial siblings really this poor?
He shook his head and said no more. Instead, he brought two fingers together, held the yellow talisman upright, and shouted, "By my decree, wandering spirits of all directions, manifest at once!"
A gloomy green ghost-flame abruptly ignited on the talisman, casting a rather eerie glow across Zhou Zixuan's upright features.
Before transmigrating, Chang Le had been nothing more than an ordinary corporate drone. She rubbed her arms, suddenly wishing for someone to lean against. Someone pressed close against her side, and when Chang Le turned her head, it was Mu Youzhi.
Mu Youzhi offered Chang Le an apologetic smile.
Before Chang Le could reply, another warm body pressed against her other side. Turning again, she found Hou Jing. Pressing close while speaking in a hushed voice, Hou Jing said, "Senior Sister Chang, I'm sorry, but please bless me, I'm genuinely terrified."
Chang Le: "..."
She was too embarrassed to admit that she was terrified too.
The three of them huddled tightly together like a trio of little quails, drawing an envious gaze from Chen Wei nearby. He was terrified too and desperately wanted to join the huddle, but alas, they were all senior and junior sisters and had no room for him. He could only bite his bullet and stand there, completely immobilized.
The surroundings seemed coated in a pale gray filter. A chill slowly seeped into this confined space, and Chang Le felt goosebumps erupt across her skin. Fortunately, having Mu Youzhi and Hou Jing pressed against her left and right offered her a modicum of comfort.
She glanced left and right, and suddenly spotted a faint, black human figure.
"Is that him?" Chang Le asked, keeping her voice very low for fear of startling the silhouette.
Terrified yet unable to suppress a faint thrill of anticipation, the jumble of emotions made her voice sound like a tautly stretched bowstring.
Zhou Zixuan stared at the figure as well, his brow furrowing as he said coldly, "Indeed, he is entangled in karmic retribution."
"Come!" With a flick of Zhou Zixuan's talisman, the soul let out a hiss and drifted uncontrollably toward him. Chang Le finally made out the figure's appearance; it was indeed Wei Huai's face, yet slightly different.
In the eyes of others, Wei Huai was an upright, good man. Had Guo'er not pointed the finger, no one would have known he was a beast in human clothing. But right now, the pale face of the phantom writhed with black energy; his features were ferocious and his malice laid bare. No one looking at him could ever mistake him for a good person.
Chang Le stared in astonishment at Wei Huai. Zhou Zixuan shouted, "Who killed you? Point them out at once!"
At those words, Wei Huai—who had just looked like a fierce ghost—suddenly displayed an expression of sheer terror and panic. He whirled around, let out a rattling groan, and bolted frantically into the distance.
Zhou Zixuan paused, about to give chase, but then checked himself. He frowned as he looked at the others, seeming rather hesitant.
Chang Le asked, "What's wrong?"
Zhou Zixuan said, "Evil spirits are notoriously cunning, especially one shrouded in black qi like this. Earlier, when Guo'er identified Wei Huai, she didn't conceal herself; it's possible that the vengeful spirit heard her and might try to harm the girl. Which of you will stay behind to watch over Guo'er?"
At this, everyone exchanged glances. None of them wanted to waste time here, their eyes flashing with eagerness. After a moment of thought, however, Chang Le spoke up: "I'll stay."
Hearing this, Zhou Zixuan looked at Chang Le, and the others wore puzzled expressions as well. Chang Le replied, "Guo'er trusts me more, and aside from Senior Brother Zhou, my cultivation is the highest, so I can protect myself. The three of you have known each other for a long time, work well together as a team, and will be better off staying united."
More importantly, Mu Youzhi was already touching the threshold of a breakthrough. With Senior Brother Zhou protecting her and the practical combat experience, she might just break through. As for Chang Le herself, she had been stuck at the Qi Refining 9th Layer for a while and didn't need actual combat for breakthroughs.
None of them were dilly-dallying sorts. Seeing the sense in Chang Le's words, they cupped their fists toward her, told her to be careful, and vanished into the distance following the vengeful spirit's trail.
With the vengeful ghost gone, the surrounding chill dissipated quite a bit. Chang Le turned back and beckoned toward the shadows. "Guo'er!"
There was no sound from the darkness. Chang Le curled her lips into a smile. "Not coming out yet? I can hear you breathing."
Guo'er sheepishly poked her head out and looked at Chang Le in surprise. "Can you really hear it?"
"Mm-hm," Chang Le replied. Although this body's cultivation wasn't high, its senses were indeed acute. She didn't know if it was because she was a spiritual entity or simply because all cultivators were like this.
Bending down to look into Guo'er's curious eyes, Chang Le lightly flicked the tip of the girl's nose. "You've got some nerve, peeking from the sidelines like that aren't you afraid that vengeful spirit would snatch you away?"
Guo'er shook her head. "I want to see Xiaocui's enemy get what he deserves!"
Chang Le smiled and made no reply.
"Immortal Sister, are you not going to destroy that villain's soul?"
Chang Le blinked, lowering her gaze as she watched Guo'er frown up at her. She had almost forgotten—this little girl had lived in a place like this all her life and was long used to seeing the dark side of human nature. She was a deeply perceptive child. Lowering her head, Chang Le said, "We summoned his soul to find the murderer who killed him. As for that villain..."
Guo'er bit her lip and whispered, "You're not planning to punish him?"
"He's already dead. Once he enters the netherworld, he will be punished for his actions. Given the beastly things he did, he might even be reincarnated as a beast himself."
Chang Le said this as she frantically searched the original owner's meager store of knowledge.
Earlier, Senior Brother Zhou had only mentioned that the dead enter the netherworld, but she had no idea if there were eighteen layers of hell down there! It was just a pity that the original body was an absolute illiterate; her memories regarding the afterlife were literally blank.
Chang Le scratched her head, watching the little girl lower her head in utter disappointment, her eyes welling with tears as she bit her lip hard. "But how can we count on the next life?"
"He did wrong in this life, so he ought to reap his retribution in this life."
Guo'er snapped her head up to look at Chang Le, and suddenly, her pupils contracted. Sensing something amiss, Chang Le violently twisted her waist and activated the bracelet Tang Huan had given her. The bracelet burst into blinding light, instantly blasting the figure behind her flying.
Shielding Guo'er at her side, Chang Le whipped around to see a hunched figure slowly emerging from the darkness.
"Nanny An," Chang Le said quietly, her voice laced with wariness.
"Hehe, the Immortal Sister doesn't seem surprised." Nanny An let out a low cough, raised her cloudy eyes, and looked at Chang Le. "You knew it was me?"
Chang Le shook her head, then nodded. "I didn't know at first, but when I checked Guo'er's body earlier, my spiritual energy drifted onto Nanny, and it bounced right back."
"Even just that tiny thread of it was enough for you to notice," Nanny An said. "You really can't judge a book by its cover. The disciples of the Gushan Sword Sect are indeed extraordinary."
Chang Le felt somewhat ashamed. Her ability to sense that thread of spiritual energy was entirely due to this body being one-of-a-kind and exceptionally sensitive to spiritual things.
However, since she couldn't probe the old woman's cultivation level, she knew the opponent's power far surpassed her own. What's more, the woman wielded a sharp knife, and Chang Le had no idea if her hundred-percent-disarm skill would work here.
She had to find a way to stall for time and wait for Senior Brother Zhou and the others to rescue her.
Stealthily sending out a communication talisman, Chang Le said, "I believe I have treated you all with courtesy. I don't know why Nanny An would make a move against me."
Nanny An raised her head and suddenly broke into an ugly smile. "Because they begged me to help them. And you were standing in the way of their revenge."
Chang Le froze. "Wh—"
That final syllable never left her lips. She looked down to see Guo'er forcefully driving a sharp blade into her flank, the girl's small face blazing with hatred. "You immortals are always lying to us!"
With a flick of Chang Le's wrist, Guo'er was sent flying backward, the knife still clutched in her hand as it clattered onto the ground.
Clutching her flank, Chang Le sank to her knees. Her face was deathly pale. Had that blade been stained with blood beforehand? Would she get tetanus? And of all places, she never expected that even after transmigrating, she'd get to experience the feeling of having her kidney knifed...
A storm of stray thoughts flooded her mind. She raised her head to see Nanny An pick up Guo'er's knife, brush a finger through the blood on the blade, and lick it off. The old woman suddenly let out a cackling laugh. "Blood with spiritual energy this rich is quite rare. It'll make a fine meal for my daughters."
Daughter...s?
Chang Le felt spots dancing before her eyes. Struggling to lift her head, she saw the surrounding ground suffused with layers of blackness as tiny human figures slowly rose from the earth.
"Xiaocui." Guo'er's voice rang out. Chang Le saw a pale-faced girl turn around, a crude wooden hairpin stuck in her hair.
It was Guo'er's bullied friend, the one murdered by Wei Huai. Swathed in roiling black qi, tattered clothes hanging from her frame, the girl's eyes flashed crimson as she stretched her stiff face into a terrifyingly horrific smile.
Chang Le suddenly understood why this place was so saturated with resentment.
Lifting her head, she saw that at some unknown point, the surroundings had been shrouded in a pitch-black barrier, trapping them all within.
Looks like she'd really kicked an iron plate this time...