“I… I don’t know.” Chaosheng struggled to describe the sensation. It was less “seeing” and more “sensing.” All things had flows of Spiritual Qi—like cultivators such as Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun, whose bodies had Pulse Wheels with distinct directions of Spiritual Qi flow. Wu Yingzong was a demon; the Yao Clan’s Pulse Wheels and Inner Elixirs had their own characteristics.
As for demons, in his perception, they appeared as swirling black qi.
“Hard to put into words, but… yeah.” Chaosheng grew less confident under questioning.
“But half a shichen ago, he personally delivered a letter,” Xiang Xian murmured. “If he’s possessed, what’s the point of sending us to Chang’an?”
Xiao Kun: “Obvious—he wants to get us out of the way for now.”
Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun had already begun discussing when to depart for Gaochang, and Chang’an lay directly on the route to the Western Regions, perfect for handling en route. But this complication changed everything.
Xiang Xian pondered, while Xiao Kun, as if unconcerned, began eating dinner.
Xiao Kun asked Wu Yingzong, “Didn’t your master say that after today’s cuju match, plenty of noble houses would come proposing marriage? Where’s the list? Let me see it.”
Wu Yingzong said, “Sorry to disappoint Lord Xiao—none so far.”
Xiang Xian laughed, knowing Xiao Kun was just teasing.
But then Wu Yingzong added, “Right now, everyone in Kaifeng City says Lord Xiao and my master are a pair. Folks know better than to propose now.”
Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun both spat out their tea at the same time.
Chaosheng burst out laughing, while Xiao Kun looked utterly embarrassed.
“It’s true!” Chaosheng said. “During the cuju match today, quite a few people in the viewing stands said you two kept exchanging glances and passing the ball to each other despite being on opposing teams—clearly lovers.”
Xiao Kun rubbed his forehead and shooed them to eat quickly and stop talking. That night, everyone’s thoughts wandered. After dinner, Xiang Xian suddenly said, “No, I still need to go out for a bit.”
Xiao Kun naturally understood his intent and replied, “I’ll go with you.”
On the night of New Year’s Day, Kaifeng City bustled with revelry as common folk flooded the streets, with fireworks set to launch at the hour of zi for added excitement. Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun left the Exorcism Division, each wrapped in loose bathrobe-like casual clothes, wearing leather clogs on their feet. Xiao Kun carried only his Tang Dao, while Xiang Xian went empty-handed except for a Qiankun Bag at his waist.
At the base of Yuwang Platform, Xiang Xian first leaped onto the rooftops and pulled Xiao Kun up. They traversed connected eaves and brackets toward higher ground.
“This is the Gold Stone Bureau.” Xiang Xian knelt on one knee atop the eaves.
“Mm.” Xiao Kun gazed at a vast compound with strict defenses—Guo Jing’s official residence. Established personally by Zhao Ji, the Gold Stone Bureau’s purpose was to collect rare treasures from across the land for the imperial family, its vaults holding items of inestimable value.
The Deputy Emissary and emissary of the Exorcism Division hid in the darkness, surveilling for anomalies in the night.
“Nothing unusual visible,” Xiang Xian said.
Xiao Kun signaled to wait.
He placed a hand on Xiang Xian’s shoulder. Their bodies still carried the scent of soap pods and bamboo from their baths. Xiang Xian’s hair had dried quickly and was tied up, while Xiao Kun’s remained half-wet and loose, revealing his fair neck in the lamplight.
Xiao Kun closed his eyes, then opened them again. His Nether Eyes glowed faintly blue as he peered at the guards in the Gold Stone Bureau, whether seated or standing.
This was not the first time Xiao Kun had displayed the power of his Nether Eyes, but Xiang Xian refrained from asking—after all, he would speak if he wished.
A Huang flew in from the night sky. Xiang Xian asked, “How’s the situation at his home?”
“No one there,” A Huang replied. “Not in the Gold Stone Bureau either?”
Meanwhile, back at the Exorcism Division.
Wu Yingzong began packing supplies—mostly cold-weather gear for the northwest journey, plus preserved rations prepared in advance for spots without inns en route, with water being most crucial.
“When are we leaving?” Chaosheng asked from nearby.
“Probably in the next few days,” Wu Yingzong replied.
“To Gaochang?” Chaosheng asked again.
“Yes, to find the Heart Lamp,” Wu Yingzong said. “Desert travel means shortages of food and water; we must prepare fully.”
Wu Yingzong packed survival supplies for four. Chaosheng asked, “Isn’t Gaochang close to Kunlun? Can we make a trip back to Kunlun? It wouldn’t take much time even riding a dragon.”
Wu Yingzong said, “If Master and Lord Xiao agree, of course.”
Chaosheng glanced outside, knowing Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun had gone investigating, and felt faintly worried.
“Big Brother didn’t take the Wisdom Sword,” Chaosheng said after checking around outside and returning.
“What?” Wu Yingzong said. “You’re worried? Master’s skills are the World’s Number One—rest easy. Even without his sword, nothing can beat him. Besides, Lord Xiao is there too.”
Wu Yingzong knew Xiang Xian well, but Chaosheng still felt restless. After all, this matter stemmed from him, and now even passing Guo Jing had become uncertain.
At Dragon Pavilion Lakeside, A Huang glided lightly through the night toward a corner tower of the Guo residence before returning. The Guo manor blazed with lights, colorful lanterns hung at all four corners, while Xiang Xian and Xiao Kun crouched hidden on a rooftop.
But tonight, the Guo household was unusually quiet—no laughter, no banquet.
“Entered the palace again?” Xiang Xian wondered. “A Huang, check the palace.”
A Huang flapped away. Xiao Kun simply sat on the roof as light snow began falling from the night sky.
Xiao Kun: “Who was Guo Jing’s master?”
“No sect, no school,” Xiang Xian thought and replied. “Come to think of it, hmm, that does seem suspicious.”
Snowflakes settled on Xiao Kun’s hair but melted instantly on Xiang Xian’s head. Xiang Xian brushed the snow from Xiao Kun’s hair and said, “One more place—I’ll take you there.”
Moments later, they arrived at Ting Hua Lou in the Jiaofang District. Xiao Kun, dragged around late at night by Xiang Xian, finally lost patience.
“Hey… wait, Deputy Emissary, stop!” Xiao Kun said.
