Chapter Fifteen: Winds Stirring in the Shadows

The Demon raised his hand, pinching a bead of vermilion from the table, playing with it delicately. The vermilion turned to sand, falling grain by grain through his fingers. He sneered, both self-mocking and sinister. “Already can’t bear it? How fragile.”

A fleeting, playful curve touched his lips, vanishing at once.

Meanwhile, Qingfu, having left the lakeside pavilion, made her way to the Terrace of Blooming Flowers.

From afar, a handmaiden approached with deference. “Greetings, Envoy Qing.”

Qingfu glanced at the profusion of blossoms surrounding her, then asked, “Are your First and Second Mistresses present?”

The maid replied, “To answer the envoy, both Mistresses are resting in the Pavilion of Whispering Moon. Please allow me to lead the way.”

“Go ahead.”

They followed the pebble path, passing through fragrant groves of peach and plum, until at last the Pavilion of Whispering Moon appeared, veiled in red gauze.

The Second Mistress was lounging on the steps, idly trailing her fingers in the stream. Even her thin robe, damp with dew, outlined her graceful figure.

At the sight of the maid leading Qingfu toward the pavilion, she rose languidly, supporting herself against the steps before returning to the pavilion to sit quietly with the First Mistress.

Moments later, Qingfu lifted the red gauze and bowed. “Greetings, Mistresses.”

The First Mistress glanced sidelong at the Second, rising with a trace of weariness to welcome Qingfu and bid her sit at the stone table. She dismissed the maid herself, poured tea for Qingfu, and gently slid the cup before her, pouring another for herself.

“What commands does the Demon have for us, Envoy?”

Qingfu lifted the cup, tasting lightly. “Worthy indeed of the Demon’s favor, Mistress. You guessed my purpose before I spoke.”

“I dare not claim such merit. The envoy is entrusted with all the Demon’s commands, and I am but a humble servant. How could I possibly deserve such regard?” With that, she raised her cup to Qingfu.

“You flatter me, Mistress…”

The Second Mistress leaned against the railing, muttering inwardly, “Hypocrite.”

But the First Mistress, as if she had eyes in her back, arched an eyebrow. “What is it? Sister, do you find my words untrue?”

“Why would I?” the Second Mistress replied with a silvery laugh. “I was only so impressed by your wisdom that I lost myself for a moment. Sister, you won’t hold it against me, will you?” She fluttered her eyes, the memory of their last quarrel flickering in her gaze. Good, Flower’s Shadow, still brooding over that old grudge. True, I tricked you, but you didn’t come to harm. Otherwise, would the Demon have rewarded you with so many rare elixirs? You made a fortune, and yet you still scheme against me?

The First Mistress arched a brow but could not be bothered to pursue the matter further. She turned to Qingfu, “What commands does the Demon bring?”

Qingfu’s gaze flickered between them, idly swirling the tea leaves in her cup. “Baili Suhe goes to Moon-Summoning Peak to seek the Human Emperor Bird’s egg stone. The Demon’s orders are simple: whatever he desires, see that it is destroyed. In the days to come, let him find all things beyond his reach.”

“I understand. However, Shuxing Tower has held Moon-Summoning Peak for years. If we are to destroy the stone, I fear my sister and I may lack the strength.”

“That is of no matter. The Demon has other plans. If you can destroy the egg stone, do so. If not, it is no loss. As long as Baili Suhe finds no peace, that will suffice.” Qingfu paused, her tone sharpening on the words “find no peace.” She glanced at the Second Mistress, rose, and said, “I have tarried long enough. The Demon awaits my return. I trust you two will work with utmost sincerity and not disappoint him.”

The Second Mistress, startled, immediately withdrew her airs, linking arms with the First Mistress, smiling brightly. “But of course, isn’t that so, Sister?”

The First Mistress gave her a sidelong look, gently extricating herself, and said to Qingfu, “Allow me to see you off.”

Qingfu nodded. “Please.”

As the two left the Pavilion of Whispering Moon, their figures could still be glimpsed through the red gauze, walking closely, occasionally whispering.

“Tch, a pack of petty souls. They can’t stand to see me at ease. But what does it matter? As long as the Demon cannot do without my blended teas, they’ll have to keep their claws sheathed. Hmph…” The Second Mistress snorted, raising a cup to her lips, only to recall it belonged to the First Mistress. With annoyance, she set the cup down heavily. “What bad luck.”

She didn’t expect the First Mistress to appear at her side in the blink of an eye. “What are you muttering about, Sister?”

The Second Mistress nearly choked. Since her injuries healed, had her cultivation shot up so quickly? She hadn’t sensed her approach at all.

Startled, she forced a laugh, reaching to take the First Mistress’s arm. “Nothing, nothing. I was only thinking your tea is cold and should be changed.”

She called out, “Where is everyone? Have you all died? The First Mistress’s tea is cold and no one sees to it? What use are you if you can’t even manage this?”

With a flicker, the First Mistress avoided her grasp, gathered her skirts, and sat down. “Enough. Everyone’s gone. Who are you putting on a show for? If you have time to spare, better spend it packing to leave with me.”

“So soon?” At the mention of business, she could not be reckless. If she incurred the Demon’s displeasure, the loss would be hers.

“Not soon? Would the Envoy come in person otherwise? You know what her presence represents.”

“Heh… True enough. I have nothing to pack. If you’re ready, let’s go.”

“Let’s.”

With that, the Pavilion of Whispering Moon was left in silence, veiled only by its red gauze.

After Qingfu left, she did not return to the Demon’s side but instead made her way to a secluded place, descending the mountain in secret.

Her journey brought her at last to the Bridge of Solitude.

Lin Mao, upon seeing her, was flustered as a startled deer. “Miss Qingfu, what brings you here? Are there orders from the Demon?”

“There are.”

“What is it?” Lin Mao glanced at the woman beside him, hesitating as he was about to send her across the bridge. Did this mean the Demon had changed his mind and could not bear to part with her? Yet he dared not ask, only watching Qingfu for a sign.

“Once you cross the bridge, you will see the first house. Madam, once inside, find something to eat and bring it into the locked room next door. Quietly release the prisoner from the dungeon, but do not let the guards see. Afterwards, simply hand the jade cicada to the guard. Do you understand?”

“Why? If these are the Demon’s orders, why avoid the guards? Why not simply explain our purpose to them?” Lin Mao was perplexed. Such instructions seemed contradictory.

“Just do as you’re told. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts,” Qingfu replied, casting a glance at the woman.

She shivered, looking down at the pitch-black abyss beneath the bridge. Her foot, poised to step forward, faltered. Clutching her handkerchief, she stammered, “Husband, couldn’t we do this another day? I’m afraid.”

A cold gleam flashed in Lin Mao’s eyes, and the woman’s voice caught in her throat, unable to utter a complete word.

“Hus…”

Why did her husband seem so unfamiliar now? The man she had once regarded as her sky and earth, for whom she had sacrificed family and children, now appeared a stranger.

Noticing his lapse, Lin Mao quickly masked the chill in his gaze and took her trembling hand in his own. “It’s all right. I’ll be right here waiting for you. If anything happens, I’ll come immediately. Be brave, don’t be afraid.”

“I… I…” The woman looked from Lin Mao to Qingfu, her fear growing as she listened. She clutched her chest, shrinking back.

But at this point, Lin Mao would not permit hesitation, and Qingfu would not allow refusal.

Qingfu smiled faintly. “Rest easy, Madam. The Demon awaits your triumph. Go with a calm heart.”

“I… I…” Panic overwhelmed her, and she could not believe them. Yet, seeing the earnestness in Lin Mao’s eyes, she wavered.

Qingfu gave Lin Mao a look, and he understood. He walked to her side, drawing her into his arms. “This is our chance for distinction. Don’t you wish to join me in immortality one day?”

At his words, she melted against his chest, her fingers tracing lightly. “But I’m afraid…”

He gently patted her back. “Don’t be. With me here, what’s to fear? Or do you doubt me?”

“No, of course not. I just… I just…” Her heart was uneasy, fearing disaster.

“Is that so?” Suddenly, Lin Mao’s voice turned icy. Before she could react, his palm struck her chest.

“Husband?”

Terror seized her as Lin Mao seemed to recede into the distance, leaving her cold to the bone. An unnamed chill pierced her very core.

Lin Mao straightened his sleeve, smoothing his attire with deliberate calm. “Go on, Madam. I’ll be here waiting.”

But before she could speak, the world spun. When she landed, all was empty and blank—no sign of Lin Mao, nothing but endless mist ahead. The Bridge of Solitude, once a narrow path behind her, now wound into infinity. Gales rose from the abyss below, and one wrong step would mean obliteration.

She looked down at her handkerchief, released it, and let the wind tear it to shreds. She could not return.

Qingfu glanced at Lin Mao. “Farewell.”

He, reluctant to part with beauty, tried to detain her. “Miss Qingfu, won’t you wait with me? When it’s done, we can report to the Demon together—surely he’d be pleased.”

“No need. I’ve seen your sincerity and will report it as such.”

“Ha… Then I’ll trouble you to speak well of me. I won’t forget your kindness.”

“Just keep watch.” With that, she vanished into the clouds, heading for the horizon.

“Think you can escape me? Pretend all you like—you’ll be mine soon enough,” Lin Mao muttered, a cruel smile on his lips as he looked back at the Bridge of Solitude. “Madam, let your suffering pave the way for my future.”

No sooner had he finished than a shadow flashed by.

“Who’s there?”