Volume 1, Chapter 18: Mirror Flower, Water Moon—Shattered!

A plan was gradually forming in Zhao Wujiang’s mind; he now knew exactly how to flush out the true culprit, Ling Qingxue.

"Thanks. Now for the second task."

Having betrayed her senior sister, Liu Ruyan was filled with guilt. Her brow was furrowed in sorrow, and with her clothes in disarray, she looked even more heart-wrenchingly alluring than before. Upon hearing Zhao Wujiang’s words, a look of terror crossed her eyes as she pleaded pitifully, "I’ve already told you my weaknesses truthfully—you can’t whip me anymore!"

"Don’t worry, I’m a good man." Zhao Wujiang tossed the whip aside. "Come, help me boost my inner strength."

...

Three hours later, at the Commandery of the Brave Cavalry Battalion.

"Zhao Wujiang found the killer?" Ling Qingxue had just received word from the Prince of Northern Suppression’s estate. Her jade-like face first showed surprise, followed by a sneer.

Long Zhan couldn't help but laugh as well. "It’s what the people at the Prince’s estate are telling everyone; half the city knows by now. Senior Sister, that Zhao Wujiang has likely just found a scapegoat to save his own skin..."

"That incompetent second-generation heir can only come up with such a pathetic scheme. But if he really manages to bluff his way through, it would be a waste of my hard work." Ling Qingxue’s eyes turned sharp. "Tonight, I shall give him a proper slap in the face!"

If Zhao Wujiang claimed to have caught the killer, what would happen if "Chiba Nichiteru" appeared and committed another murder tonight? How would Zhao Wujiang explain that? By then, the Prince of Northern Suppression’s estate would be utterly disgraced!

Long Zhan, sharp-witted, immediately understood her intent. "Then I shall trouble you tonight, Senior Sister."

"Focus on your training, and don’t become as useless as Zhao Wujiang..." Ling Qingxue glared at him, then tapped her toes and drifted away, her figure morphing into the appearance of Chiba Nichiteru, vanishing into the night.

Long Zhan felt a bit embarrassed by the scolding, but having been the type to work harder the more he was berated since childhood, he clenched his fists, thinking of Ling Qingxue’s metamorphic abilities. *If I could sleep with Fourth Senior Sister, wouldn't I be able to have her transform into any woman I want? Wouldn't that be like sleeping with a whole harem? First, have her turn into Li Yunrui, then the Grand Princess... and then Third Senior Sister, Second Senior Sister, First Senior Sister, and even our Master!*

Full of anticipation, Long Zhan began practicing his swordsmanship under the moonlight.

...

In the capital of the Great Xia, in the East District, lay the Tianshui Ward. It bordered the Tianmu Ward, where the Prince of Northern Suppression’s estate was located, and was home to the residences of many civil officials.

Ling Qingxue’s figure flickered through the night. Standing atop a wall, she scanned the Tianshui Ward for a new target. The reason she had chosen the family of Cao Xiaolan during her last impersonation was twofold: first, Cao Xiaolan was a confidante of the Grand Princess, and second, the proximity of Tianshui Ward to Tianmu Ward made it easier for people to believe that Zhao Wujiang had let Chiba Nichiteru loose.

It was the same tonight. Having found a new scapegoat, she leapt from the wall, landed lightly on the roof tiles, and strode brazenly toward the gate. She wanted her face to be seen.

The servant, who was busy topping up the door lantern, was startled. "Who... who are you?"

"Chiba Nichiteru!"

The servant had, of course, heard of this murderous demon. It must be that playboy heir who had failed to guard his prisoner again! "Chiba Nichiteru is here to kill! Chiba Nichiteru is here to kill!"

At the