Chapter Forty-Eight: Those Who Live in the Shadows

Demon Realm

This time, Lin Mao descended the mountain without the guidance of Qingfu. The beauty he yearned for was, alas, unattainable. Instead, a young boy arrived. After exchanging formal greetings, they headed straight for the Demon Child’s waterside pavilion.

The boy said, “Ahead lies the destination. Please proceed on your own. I have other matters to attend to and cannot accompany you further.”

“Thank you!” Though Lin Mao felt disdain, he kept up appearances.

The boy turned to leave; he was only substituting for Qingfu, who had been delayed by other affairs.

As for Lin Mao’s attitude—at its root, it mattered little to him.

“You have come unbidden. What is your reason?” The Demon Child spoke suddenly from within the pavilion.

“Reporting to you, I have urgent news,” Lin Mao replied, gathering his robes and hastening to kneel beneath the dripping eaves.

The Demon Child picked up a piece of charcoal and tossed it into the brazier, sending sparks flying. “Speak.”

“Today, I received a Shadow Jade. Upon careful inspection, I discovered that Miss Spoon from Yin Mountain Lake is gone.” With these words, he produced the Shadow Jade and held it out in his palm.

He dared not look within, keeping his eyes lowered.

Hearing this, the Demon Child’s charcoal tongs snapped. With a gesture, the Shadow Jade flew to her hand.

Infusing it with demonic energy, she instantly saw the crane at Yin Mountain Lake murdering and stealing treasures.

“Crack.”

The Demon Child crushed the Shadow Jade, rubbing it into dust that trickled through her fingers...

Outside, Lin Mao heard the commotion and quietly looked up. Good—her anger meant the matter had struck a nerve, something intolerable. Having presented such an important issue in time, it seemed his merit was secured...

Within the pavilion, the Demon Child’s rage constricted her heart.

Spoon and Wan’er, both young maids, had been gifts she sent out when forging alliances with the Three Evils of Eight Winds Island. Even the Wind-Stilling Pearl, now seized by the crane, had been among her gifts.

She had not expected, after hunting geese all day, to have her own eye pecked out by one.

Her maid murdered, her treasure stolen.

Baili Suhe—she had not demanded his life at once, yet he dared provoke her further. How excellent.

But before the matter settled, another storm arose. Qingfu hurried back to the pavilion.

Seeing Lin Mao kneeling at the door, she ignored him and stepped inside straight away.

“Qingfu…” Lin Mao began, but the girl disappeared within before he could finish.

Kneeling on the ground, Lin Mao’s eyes flickered with a strange light. Damn woman—one day she would beg him.

Inside the pavilion, Qingfu’s return forced the Demon Child to suppress her fury for the moment. “What matter is so urgent?”

Qingfu stepped forward and whispered, “The First and Second Palace Masters…”

Moments later, the Demon Child was shocked. “What?”

Catching herself, she asked, “Has anyone discovered who leaked the news?”

Years ago, she had destroyed the records on the roster. She had acted with utmost secrecy; no one should have known. How had it resurfaced after so many years?

Who was the adversary?

Qingfu bowed her head. “The issue began with the burning of Desire Sea Heaven, then the Demon Realm issued a warrant. The situation spiraled out of control, and rumors now say it’s a game of hunting criminals.

Earlier, the two suffered losses at Poison Gate’s Hu Xihe, and Soul Gate is involved as well.

Additionally, someone in Twin Fiends Palace took the job. A few fell at their hands, and by their methods, trouble is likely.”

“You mean Twin Fiends Palace has a buyer behind them?”

“Yes. The current situation is extremely unfavorable for the Palace Masters. Shall we recall them?” Qingfu glanced at the Demon Child, then lowered her head again.

Given the circumstances, keeping them outside could cause complications.

After all, harboring traitors from the Demon Realm could ignite war between two realms. With the Demon Realm’s internal unrest, the risks outweighed the benefits.

Though the Heart Demon Clan now held power, many strong factions watched hungrily. Even with the Demon Child favored, the Realm Lord would not start a war with the Demon Realm just for her sake.

Inevitably, someone would be sacrificed as a pawn...

The Demon Child fell into deep thought.

Qingfu’s words were reasonable, but recalling them so soon would be too easy for Suhe.

She paced. “Summon Rain Su’er back. Leave the rest to Flower Shadow.”

“Not recall the Palace Master?” Qingfu’s brows furrowed—by ability, she far surpassed Rain Su’er. Why did the Demon Child always favor the latter?

To forsake a loyal servant for one of no use. Unthinkable...

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Yet the Demon Child knew Qingfu’s thoughts well, but she was the Demon Child; her word was law.

Orders from above; obedience below.

That sufficed.

“No need to discuss further. Follow my instructions,” she commanded.

She knew Flower Shadow’s capabilities well, and Rain Su’er likewise. Weighing the two, it was clear Rain Su’er could not remain outside to drag them down.

With Flower Shadow’s ability, there would be no trouble.

“Yes.” Qingfu looked up, hesitated briefly, then hurried from the pavilion.

As when she entered, she ignored Lin Mao entirely.

Lin Mao watched her departing figure, darkness gathering in his gaze.

“Lin Mao?” the Demon Child called.

“Present.” He looked up, all emotion wiped clean, appearing nothing but loyal and reverent.

“This counts as a merit for you. You may go.”

“As you command.” Lin Mao withdrew, then rose and left.

As he turned, that fierce energy returned. Looking ahead, he cursed inwardly. This was not what he wanted—nothing tangible. What good was an empty promise? Who knew if tomorrow the Demon Child would remember today’s words?

Thinking it over, it must have been Qingfu who spoke to the Demon Child. She had come and gone in haste, never looked at him. Perhaps she already knew of the Demon Child’s promise and found him unworthy?

He pondered all the way down the mountain, growing ever more convinced.

He flew back to the Xiaotong Basin, and arriving at the door of Willow Heart Studio, he ran into Red Widow, who had come looking for someone.

Red Widow had not wanted to leave; life at Yin Mountain Lake was comfortable and easy.

But the past days had seen her supplies cut off. She sent a maid, but the girl never returned. She waited and waited, no one came back. The two debated whether to venture out in search.

Considering the two’s appearance, she decided to come herself.

Too conspicuous, too troublesome.

Besides, without the Wind-Stilling Pearl or the wooden hairpin, Wan’er, that girl, was of little use. If she didn’t come, there was no other choice.

Lin Mao saw her approaching, suspicion rising. He braced himself. As she drew near, he asked, “Who are you?”

Red Widow glanced at him. “I’m looking for someone.”

“Who?”

“My maid has gone missing. Do you know where she is?”

A maid? Lin Mao was startled. She had come straight to him, claiming her maid was missing. Could it be...?

After a moment’s thought, his attitude changed abruptly. He stepped back, bowed, and said, “How should I address you?”

“Good. You’re observant—call me Sister Red. Where’s my girl?” Red Widow gazed at Lin Mao.

She was a striking woman, her brows and eyes always slightly arched.

Beauty veiled with unmistakable cruelty.

Lin Mao glanced around, lowered his voice. “This is not the place to talk. Let’s return to Yin Mountain Lake.”

Red Widow raised an eyebrow. “Very well.”

With that, the two vanished.

Soon, Lin Mao appeared by the Solitary Shade Bridge.

“Speak. Where is she?” Red Widow arrived, adjusting her hair, alluring yet chilling.

“Follow me.” Lin Mao dared not meddle with such a beauty. Fortune only counts if one survives...

“What’s this?” Red Widow entered the woods, noting the dead snake and a shattered bronze spoon on the ground, murderous intent flashing in her eyes.

On her way out, she’d noticed signs of battle but had not thought of Miss Spoon. Who knew the calamity had occurred right at her doorstep?

Lin Mao said, “This was Baili Suhe’s doing. He killed Miss Spoon and took her Wind-Stilling Pearl.”

“Baili?” Was he related to the Baili family of Desire Sea Heaven?

“The Baili clan of Desire Sea Heaven is a branch of Baili Si You. Baili Suhe was the heir of Baili Si You. His mother’s reputation was poor, and his father abandoned her.

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Baili Suhe suffered for it.

Later, instigated by others, he disrespected the current matron. Rumor has it, Baili Suhe tried to assassinate her, was discovered by his father, and expelled from Si You.

The heirship passed to his younger brother, Baili Wushuang.

But…”

“Out with it. Don’t stutter.”

“It’s said Baili Suhe hated his father’s fickleness and favoritism toward Baili Wushuang and his mother, thus rebelled against Si You. In the end, he died beneath Si You’s spiritual force.

Many claimed to witness it—his body left no trace.

Yet somehow, he gained some mysterious fortune. After many years vanished, he returned to Desire Sea Heaven, reborn in flesh.”

Red Widow, hearing this, shifted lightly, stepping onto a branch.

“Crack.”

She stared long at Lin Mao, then slowly spoke, “How do you know all this?”

And in such detail.

One might think he’d seen it himself.

Lin Mao smiled obsequiously, stepping back and bowing. “I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Sister Red. I am also a mortal enemy of Baili Suhe.

He destroyed the statue of the goddess.

For this reason, the Demon Child deeply hates him.”

“You investigated him?”

“Exactly.”

Red Widow nodded in understanding, waved Lin Mao away. “You may go. I’ll speak to the Demon Child myself shortly.”

She paused, eyeing the Solitary Shade Bridge. “Also, send the removed offerings over.

This is no place for prayers and fasting.”

If worried they won’t pass the threshold, leave them behind.

More mouths to feed—no matter.

“Understood. I’ll arrange it. Please.” With that, Lin Mao vanished in a few leaps.

Surveying her surroundings, Red Widow summoned her beloved Blood-Patterned Spider, bent to kiss it. “Little Red, go tell those two shameless old fools—she’s dead.

I’m off to the Demon Realm, and they’d better keep my share.”

As she spoke, the spider hopped to the ground and crawled toward the Solitary Shade Bridge.

Soon, it was out of sight.

And so was she.

The Blood-Patterned Spider crossed the bridge without the troubles humans faced, soon reaching the dungeon, where it found Worm and Chang Daizi.

Worm parted his hair, letting the spider crawl onto his palm. “Little fellow, why hasn’t your master returned?”

The spider opened its mouth at him, unclear in meaning.

But Worm understood. “She’s gone to the Demon Realm? The girl was killed?”

“A broken spider, and you really think it can talk?” Chang Daizi coiled bonelessly on the ground, flicking his tongue like a snake.

“It says the Wind-Stilling Pearl sent by the Demon Child was stolen too.” Worm grinned, showing his yellow teeth, teasing the spider.

“Who did it?”

Had they been absent so long, the world forgot to fear them?

“You called it a broken spider—it’s angry, won’t tell me.” Worm opened his other palm, a mass of black insects crawling out.

He held them out as a snack. “Here, your treat.”

Chang Daizi: “…”

But the spider looked away in disgust and crawled off.

Worm switched hands, letting the insects crawl back. He eyed Chang Daizi, “You want to move?”

Chang Daizi replied, “Don’t you?”

Who wouldn’t…