Chapter 82: A Night Visit to the Goddess Hall

Night had fallen. After presenting the garments for everyone to inspect and discussing for a while longer, Suhe and Huaijin quietly slipped out of the December Wind Pavilion.

They concealed their tracks all the way to the vicinity of Willow Heart Studio. Once certain that no suspicious figures lingered nearby, the two vaulted over the high wall and, familiar with the terrain, circled around to the Full Moon Archway. Just as they were about to peer out, the sound of conversation approached.

"Someone's coming," Suhe whispered, springing up to grasp a beam, pressing herself flat against it.

Huaijin, unable to follow, darted beneath the nearby flower bushes, crouching low.

No sooner had they hidden than the newcomers spoke, "Who would've thought, this little thing is quite feisty."

"Too bad. Once she's in our hands, even the fiercest will be tamed into a lamb. Hahaha, wouldn't you agree, brother?"

"What's so funny? Haven't you noticed the Master of the Studio and the Silent Man have been off lately? Jobs like this—when did we ever get a share? At most, we were sent to fetch a few, run errands; we were never allowed inside."

"Hey, Fan Si, what do you think is really going on with the Master and the Silent Man? On the surface, the Master treats him better. But when it comes to important matters, he keeps him at arm’s length. Do you think... could it be—" The Silent Man has betrayed the Master, that's why it's like this.

Fan Si frowned, clicking his tongue, "What shouldn’t be seen, don’t see. What shouldn’t be heard, don’t hear."

Otherwise, we’d be the next Silent Man.

"True enough. But how much longer will these days of capturing people last?"

"Who knows? Neither you nor I, nor Liu Kou Zhang, get to decide. Instead of worrying, better think about where to find some fun." With that, Fan Si nudged Liu Kou Zhang with his elbow.

Liu Kou Zhang clutched his stomach, chuckling, "You came to the right man for fun, but is now really the time? If the Master finds out, won’t it be trouble?"

"Relax. The Master said tonight a big fish will enter the net. Too many people might scare it off. We can do as we please, just don’t get in the way."

"Hehe, alright, let’s go. Honestly, I haven’t seen Little Phoenix in ages. My heart is itching."

"Tsk... Who knew you were such a romantic?"

"Come off it, how can you say that?"

"I'm just speaking the truth."

...

As the pair moved off, Suhe dropped down first, moving to the railing and whispering, "It’s clear now, come out."

Huaijin emerged, his form silent as a leaf, urging, "Let’s go. Looks like you’re the big fish they’re after."

"Yes. Let’s go inside and see."

With that, they hurried toward the Goddess Hall.

Meanwhile, after relaying a message from Jade Perfection Peak, Bian Qing, his mind set on revenge, should have returned to White Gourd Mountain, but instead slipped quietly into Willow Heart Studio.

Strangely, his path was unusually smooth. He began to think Suhe had exaggerated her warnings—he wandered through the manor undetected. Clearly, her words were not to be trusted. He wondered if Suhe, in speaking to Gengci, was a wolf in sheep's clothing, harboring ulterior motives.

From outside, Willow Heart Studio seemed an ordinary residence. Only upon entering did one realize its hidden depths. The place was vast; he wandered for ages before finally finding the Full Moon Archway, by which point retreat was no longer possible.

Suddenly, torches were raised and red lanterns ignited all around.

He was surrounded so tightly not even water could leak through.

Lin Mao arrived with Butler Zou, pushing through the crowd and addressing him, "Baili Suhe, I’ve been waiting for you."

"So, are you satisfied with the Master’s hospitality?"

Bian Qing’s face turned cold, murderous intent flashing in his eyes. His grip on his sword tightened as he slowly edged backward.

"Trying to leave? Do you think you’ll get the chance tonight?"

Bian Qing kept silent, remaining wary.

Lin Mao burst out laughing, then suddenly shouted, "What’s this? You think changing swords and masking your face means you won’t be recognized?"

"Men, seize him!"

As the crowd rushed in, Bian Qing’s killing intent erupted. So it was all a misunderstanding—they’d taken him for Baili Suhe.

It wasn’t Lin Mao’s fault; Bian Qing’s build was six-tenths like Suhe’s, masked and shrouded in night, making the resemblance rise to eight-tenths.

Suddenly, thunder crashed, and rain began to pour—heavy drops pelting so fiercely it was hard to keep one’s eyes open.

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Yet none used magic to shield themselves; instead, they stared unblinkingly at their opponent.

A metallic clang rang out as someone drew their sword. Instantly, everyone joined the fray, their moves unleashed.

Bian Qing was capable, but only moderately so. He could hold his own for a short time, but as the battle dragged on, his shortcomings became apparent.

Gradually, he began to falter.

At first, Lin Mao suspected nothing, but after a few exchanges, he sensed something was amiss.

He had fought Suhe before and knew her strength well. The person before him was no fool, but to his eyes, he was merely mediocre.

Such mediocrity could never have foiled him time and again.

Realizing this, his anger flared.

How dare someone mock him—an unforgivable offense.

"Kill him. No need to hold back."

Butler Zou was startled. "Master? If we kill him, how will we explain to that person?"

"Hmph. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed?"

"But... Forgive my poor eyesight, I don’t know who you mean?"

"You’ve suffered at Baili Suhe’s hands; tell me, is this really her ability?"

Lin Mao’s words were sharp and caustic. If there was once a veneer of cordiality, now it was utterly shredded.

"Forgive me, Master—I truly don’t know. Baili Suhe is adept at hiding her strength; perhaps this time as well. We’ve suffered greatly for that reason before, haven’t we?" Zou forced himself to suppress his urge for confrontation, maintaining his habitual humility.

In truth, his teeth were clenched so hard they bled, but he swallowed his anger.

He kept reminding himself: endure, endure. He was no match for Lin Mao; patience was the only path to survival.

"Is that so? Let me tell you, this person... is a fake. Don’t you owe me an explanation?"

"Me?" Zou retreated several steps, knowing Lin Mao’s trust had faded.

He still clung to memories of old loyalty, hoping that, if nothing else, their shared history would count for something.

Now it seemed all his years of service had been wasted.

Lin Mao sneered, barking, "Heed my command—everyone to the cave to catch the thief. This one, I’ll deal with myself."

"Yes, Master!"

Once they had gone, Lin Mao walked from the corridor into the pouring rain and hoisted the blood-drenched Bian Qing, tearing the mask from his face.

Bian Qing’s delicate features, now ghostly pale from blood loss and illuminated by lightning, looked as if he already had one foot across the threshold of the afterlife.

"Speak—who are you? Where is Baili Suhe?"

Bian Qing spat a mouthful of blood at Lin Mao’s face, wishing he could tear him apart.

He didn’t know where Baili Suhe was, and even if he did, he would never say. If before he had doubted Suhe’s intentions, now he believed everything was the work of Willow Heart Studio.

Lin Mao chuckled, carelessly wiping the blood from his face, and turned to Butler Zou, "Silent Man, what if I send him there?"

As food for Yingshan Lake, perhaps, a fitting choice.

Bian Qing didn’t know what Lin Mao meant, but anyone allied with him was surely no friend.

"Outmatched. If you want to kill me, do it. Spare me the nonsense."

"Hehehe..." Lin Mao slapped Bian Qing’s left cheek hard. "Good, you want to play the tough guy? Let’s see how tough you really are."

He shouted, "Silent Man, come break him for me. Shatter his limbs, crush his fingers—every one. Remember, don’t let him die before I say so."

"Haha... If you have any guts, make it quick. Torturing people doesn’t make you a hero."

"Hero? Can you eat that? Will it increase your cultivation? Will it keep you alive tonight?" Lin Mao shot a glare at Butler Zou. "Why aren’t you moving? Or is it... you truly wish to betray me?"

Perhaps the rain blurred vision, or lightning awakened some final resolve.

Suddenly, Butler Zou broke into laughter, the rain making it impossible to tell if his tears were salty or sweet. There was grief, desolation, and loneliness.

Years of loyalty were undone by a single doubt.

He bowed his head. "You’re right, Master—betrayal... betrayal... hahaha."

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"So today, I betray. What of it?"

With that, Butler Zou strode forward, palm striking at Lin Mao.

Lin Mao’s expression turned cold as he caught the blow one-handed. "A heart of wolf and tiger—I cannot let you live."

As soon as he spoke, his true energy surged, striking Zou back and following with several blows aimed at vital points.

Butler Zou understood the danger—though his cultivation lagged behind Lin Mao, his skills in movement and martial arts surpassed him.

For a time, neither could gain the upper hand.

Just then, cries rang out.

"Catch them! Don’t let them escape!"

"Ow, my waist..."

"Hurry, ah..."

Looking up, Suhe and Huaijin were fighting their way out of the cave. As they emerged, they were met by the forces of Willow Heart Studio.

Without hesitation, they broke through.

Though these were Willow Heart Studio’s elite, they were no match for Suhe and Huaijin.

The two shot through the Full Moon Archway, leaping to the high wall. As they passed, Suhe suddenly doubled back, her wide sleeve scooping up Bian Qing to make their escape.

Lin Mao, seeing this, was convinced they were all in league. He abandoned Butler Zou, blocking Suhe’s path.

Butler Zou, noticing, immediately slipped away from Willow Heart Studio, vanishing without a trace.

"Men, surround them!"

"Yes, Master!"

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—the wounded men closed in again. Before they could form ranks, Huaijin suddenly drew his blade.

"How can you brawl without me? Will you all take me on, or shall I take on all of you?" His words were swift as his actions—voice, blade, and body all arrived together.

The men had suffered at their hands before and were spitting blood with rage. To their shock, this fellow’s skin was as thick as iron; his words cut like steel against bone.

He was flagrantly mocking their limits.

As the saying goes, what can’t be tolerated must be confronted—he had poked their faces, and they could not endure.

"Kill him!"

"Charge..."

"Come on, if you’re not afraid to die, come forward—I’ll show you why blood is red!" With that, Huaijin drew his Silver Wolf, launching into battle.

Suhe looked at Lin Mao. "Master Lin, may I borrow a path?"

"Certainly. The road to the underworld—which one do you want? Will you die by my hand or be butchered by the crowd?"

"No, no, there are many roads to the underworld. I wish to borrow the road of life behind you. They say saving one life is worth more than building seven pagodas. Why not be generous?"

"Hmph. I’m no monk. I don’t eat vegetarian, nor believe in Buddha—what use have I for pagodas? If you know what’s good for you, die now and spare me the trouble."

"So, you won’t negotiate?"

"Correct. Prepare to die."

"Alas, I have urgent matters tonight. This path I will borrow, whether you grant it or not."

Anxious to save lives, Suhe held nothing back. With a single palm, she sent Lin Mao flying dozens of meters, crashing through the window frame and deeper into the house.

"Withdraw!" she called, sweeping up Bian Qing, vanishing in an instant.

Huaijin’s blade swept across, its light dazzling—four or five lives lost in a moment.

Before the others could react, he struck again.

"Gone now—no more games!"

"Stop! Where do you think you’re going?"

"After them!"

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