Chapter 17

Wei Huai’s estate was spacious and serene. He did not like being waited on by too many people, so the entire estate had only three or five servants and no demonic beasts for guarding it. Qixue felt that this was the perfect opportunity for him to escape, so he decided to leave before Wei Huai returned.

He packed a small bundle, which contained Sang Chi’s Young Master’s Command Token, Ying Niang’s scent pouch, and Prefect Xu’s gold bars.

In addition, he planned to pack the golden ankle bracelet that Wei Huai had given him, but he discovered that he could not remove the bracelet from his ankle. Had he gained so much weight recently that it was stuck?

Qixue was a bit puzzled but did not pay it much mind. After all, once he reverted to his original form, the bracelet would naturally fall off.

With everything prepared, he tossed a fragrance pill into the incense burner and called Apricot and all the estate’s servants into the room, saying he had something to say.

The fragrance pill burned slowly, releasing the Soul-Bewitching Technique. Before long, everyone except Qixue had fallen asleep. This way, Qixue could walk right out the front door without any effort.

Luxiangqiu flew in from outside the room, flapping her wings as she said, “Let’s get going!”

She had wanted to leave for a long time. Ever since she learned that Wei Huai was not human, she had been under constant pressure. Fortunately, they could now escape this miserable place—she truly did not want to stay a moment longer.

Qixue nodded. Unlike Luxiangqiu, the thought of leaving Wei Huai filled him with some reluctance. But compared to the heavy burden on his shoulders, this bit of personal affection was nothing.

He left a letter for Wei Huai, roughly saying that he had matters to attend to and had no choice but to leave. Once they were accomplished, if Wei Huai had not taken another spouse, they could still rekindle their romance.

Luxiangqiu did not recognize human writing and asked what he had written. Qixue told her truthfully, and Luxiangqiu gaped: “You really want to marry him?”

“Of course not. I’m just stringing Wei Huai along,” Qixue said. “Leaving some goodwill behind means he might still be useful in the future.”

Luxiangqiu relaxed. “You’re the clever one.”

Finally, Qixue stuffed two gold bars into Apricot’s arms as thanks for her care during this time, then left the estate with Luxiangqiu.

A carriage waited at the gate. This was the one Qixue had asked Sang Chi to arrange for him in advance, and the coachman was from the Spirit Fox Clan.

The coachman was stunned by Qixue’s peerless beauty and praised him effusively.

After Qixue boarded, the coachman smiled and said, “No wonder the Young Master told me to prepare women’s clothes and disguise items for the young master. I was worried they might not fit before seeing you, but now I see I was overthinking it.”

Qixue peeked into the carriage compartment and saw, just as the coachman had said, women’s clothes, makeup, and jewelry laid out inside. The skirt looked familiar—it was the peony-colored floral cage skirt he had worn during the mountain trial.

Qixue did not mind wearing men’s or women’s clothes, but he suspected Sang Chi had sent the skirt just to mock him. He used the command token to contact him: “Are you mocking me?”

Sang Chi did not understand. “Mocking you about what?”

“You sent a skirt just to laugh at me, didn’t you?” Qixue said as he changed clothes.

Sang Chi snorted. “Do I even need a reason to mock you? You’re really something.”

“…” The coachman overheard his Young Master and hesitated to speak but said nothing, focusing on driving instead.

Sang Chi continued, “You want to enter the palace to repay the favor, right? I’ve prepared a fake identity for you. The new identity pass is in the carriage—remember to take it when you get out. Just show the identity pass to the eunuch surnamed Dong, and he’ll arrange a position for you in the palace.”

Emperor Helan Ji did not favor beauties, leaving the rear palace empty and never holding selections. To stay in the Imperial Palace, one had to start as a palace servant and then seek the Emperor’s favor.

Qixue changed into the clothes and found the identity pass Sang Chi mentioned. He happily tucked it into his small bundle. “It’s rare for you to be so thoughtful.”

“I’ve always been like this,” Sang Chi huffed lightly, then asked hesitantly, “How do you plan to hide your demonic form? You’ll often run into Cloud Moon Temple Daoists in the Imperial City, and there are even more in the palace. With your meager demon power…”

“That’s not for you to worry about.”

Qixue had great confidence in the spell Lady Shanyin had cast on him and believed no one could see through his true form. He had visited several Daoist temples before, including South Cloud Moon Temple, and none of the Daoists had detected he was from the Demon Clan.

Sang Chi was not convinced. “Can you really pull it off?”

“You’re so nagging,” Qixue scoffed.

“If you’re caught by the Daoists, hand them the token—at least it’ll save your life,” Sang Chi said.

Qixue replied, “What, aren’t you afraid your dad will beat you to death?”

Sang Chi fell silent. In truth, he was bedridden recovering from injuries—his father had found out he had privately given the token to Qixue. He had not died, but his right leg and left arm had been broken.

He did not want Qixue to know how pathetic he looked, so he said nothing about it. “Saving your life comes first. Don’t be reckless, got it?”

“Got it.” Qixue ended the connection and carefully stowed the token.

He knew how valuable the token was. Even if caught by Daoists, he would not hand it over—he could not get Sang Chi in trouble.

The carriage proceeded onward. Qixue lifted the curtain and gradually saw the moat and the Imperial City’s walls.

The moat consisted of two channels, sparkling like silver ribbons. The city walls, built of massive snow-white stones towering dozens of feet high, gleamed like white jade in the sunlight. The city gates featured vermilion roofs and green tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, resembling a celestial palace of jade and silver.

This was Shangjing Imperial City, the divine capital that all under heaven yearned for—the holy land in Qixue’s heart.

Still some distance from the moat, the Spirit Fox Clan’s coachman stopped the carriage and switched with another coachman.

The new coachman was an ordinary human whose employer did business with the Spirit Fox Clan. He was responsible for taking Qixue into the city because a demon-detecting artifact hung at the gates, and the Spirit Fox coachman could not enter. He had found a trustworthy replacement.

The Spirit Fox coachman bid Qixue farewell. “Take care, young master. If you run into any trouble in Shangjing, come find us anytime.”

Qixue nodded and said goodbye, then rode the carriage to the bridge over the moat.

Each moat channel had eight wide arch bridges for passage, guarded by heavily armed soldiers on demonic beasts who checked identity passes to prevent villains from sneaking in.

When it was Qixue’s turn, he presented the new identity pass and passed the inspection smoothly.

The carriage continued toward the city gate. Each gate had three archways, but only the left and right ones were open—the largest central one remained closed unless the Emperor traveled, a general marched out, or the State Preceptor entered the capital.

The coachman enthusiastically explained to Qixue, “The central gate only opens for the Emperor’s processions, generals departing for battle, or the State Preceptor entering the city. The last time we saw it open was half a year ago when Great General Wei Huai marched south.”

He drove toward the left city gate because Luxiangqiu was in the carriage too. She was registered on the identity pass as Qixue’s demonic pet and needed extra inspection by a Daoist.

Shangjing differed from other places. With Cloud Moon Temple Daoists stationed there, the Imperial City allowed demons inside, but only in beast form, with restrictions on size and type—for instance, man-eating demons were forbidden.

In front of the left gate’s archway stood two magical platforms about half a zhang high. Two young Cloud Moon Temple Daoists sat cross-legged on them, their sharp gazes scrutinizing passersby.

They wore simple attire: ebony hairpins, plain white Daoist robes and boots, long swords on their backs, and nothing else by way of ornament. Yet their presence was fiercely intimidating, making people avert their eyes.

A small demon like Luxiangqiu did not even dare breathe during the inspection. The Daoist tied a cloth strip around her neck inscribed with spells. If the demonic beast harmed anyone or shifted to human form, the strip would snap, and the spells would instantly kill it.

Fortunately, Luxiangqiu could not transform into a human anyway, so she faced no danger. Once back in the carriage, the coachman took her and Qixue into the Imperial City.

The Imperial City’s prosperity was incomparable. No sooner had they entered than the surroundings grew noisy and bustling. Colorful birds and butterflies flew overhead; carriages, demonic beasts, and pedestrians jostled shoulder to shoulder. Merchants from distant lands set up stalls overflowing with spices and jewels. Dancing girls swayed their lithe waists to music, singing enchanting songs.

Fragrances wafted everywhere, music and dance swirled about—everywhere the carriage passed was a scene of vibrant splendor. Qixue watched in a daze until they arrived at the residence.

The residence was serene and secluded, private property of the Spirit Fox Clan. It was usually empty save for an old servant who kept house—perfect for Qixue and Luxiangqiu to stay temporarily.

The old servant prepared a bedroom for Qixue. He would stay there that night and seek out Eunuch Dong for a position the next day.

Since Helan Ji ascended the throne, getting a palace job was not difficult—nobody wanted to go.

Deaths of a few eunuchs or palace maids were commonplace in the Imperial Palace, but now people died too frequently, with batches replaced every few days. Naturally, no one volunteered.

Another reason: Emperor Helan Ji was proficient in witchcraft and extremely wary. He never let anyone approach him closely, instead using man-eating demons called “Yan” to serve nearby. Many palace servants never saw Helan Ji even before dying.

Thus, the palace cared little about servants’ backgrounds as long as there were no obvious issues—they were all admitted.

Qixue, his head swimming with excitement over entering the palace, gave no thought to the risk to his own life. His past life-saving grace filled him with boundless admiration for Helan Ji. He insisted the Emperor was not one to kill innocents indiscriminately—even if he killed, he had his reasons.

That night, Qixue tossed and turned late before falling asleep. Part of it was excitement, but also the absence of Wei Huai beside him. The northern weather was chilly; the bedding felt cold even with a brazier lit. It was not as warm as being held in Wei Huai’s arms.

Perhaps missing Wei Huai’s warmth too much, as Qixue slept soundly, he vaguely felt someone pick him up. Recognizing the familiar scent of Wei Huai, Qixue naturally nestled his face into the other’s chest and drifted off again in a haze.

Only when he heard Luxiangqiu’s chirping did Qixue wake groggily. Opening his eyes, he was shocked to find himself back in the bedroom at Wei Huai’s estate. How had he returned?

“You’re finally awake! I’ve been calling you forever!”

Luxiangqiu flapped her wings frantically. Qixue was stunned to see her locked in a birdcage. “Who did this?”

“Who else but Wei Huai?” Luxiangqiu said, still shaken. “He suddenly led soldiers in and took you away. I wanted to flee the city for help, but he saw through me and caught me too. You slept like a log through all the commotion.”

Qixue felt a bit guilty and quickly got up to release Luxiangqiu from the cage. “I have no idea how he found me.”

“I don’t get it either. What now?” Luxiangqiu asked.

“Of course, we leave immediately. This time I’ll revert to my original form and hide outside the city for a while. Then Wei Huai won’t find me,” Qixue said.

He had hidden his small bundle before sleeping, so his things were surely still safe at the residence—no need to worry.

“Let’s go then!” Luxiangqiu urged.

But after waiting a while with no sign of Qixue transforming into Rabbit Tuan, she asked strangely, “What’s wrong?”

“I…”

Qixue stared at her blankly. “I… I can’t transform back. My demon power is sealed…”

“What?” Luxiangqiu cried in alarm. “How?”

Qixue looked at his ankle. “It seems this ankle bracelet is the problem…”

No wonder he could not remove it—it was clearly a magical artifact.

Luxiangqiu paled in fury. “It’s Wei Huai! He gave you the bracelet, and he knows you’re a demon! He probably tracked you with it too!”

Qixue could not believe it. “But how could Wei Huai know I’m a demon? I never slipped up in front of him.”

Luxiangqiu had somewhat guessed the reason and was about to speak when the door was suddenly pushed open, revealing Wei Huai’s handsome face.

Wei Huai gazed at Qixue and asked mildly, “Trying to run again?”

The farewell letter lay open on the table—clearly Wei Huai had read it. He added, “Your business isn’t finished? No matter. I can help you. Our fates weren’t exhausted to begin with, so why speak of rekindling?”

He stepped closer step by step, his gaze locked on Qixue. Though his expression remained unchanged, Qixue felt as if he were being stared down by a ferocious beast, sending chills down his spine. Instinctively, he whipped his head around and ran.

But he couldn’t revert to his original form, so he had no chance of outrunning Wei Huai. Soon, Wei Huai pinned him down on the table. Luxiangqiu wanted to help him, but as small as she was, she couldn’t stop Wei Huai at all. Qixue endured the pain and shouted at her, “Run, quick!”

Luxiangqiu was heartbroken, but she knew staying wouldn’t help; it was better to escape and get reinforcements. With a whoosh, she flew out the window, and Wei Huai didn’t stop her.

Wei Huai flipped Qixue’s body over, making him lie on the table, and gripped his throat—but without applying pressure, merely to restrain him. “Why won’t you answer me? Are you feeling guilty, or are you scared? Tell me, A Xue, why did you leave me?”

“Qi… Qilang, listen to my explanation…”

Qixue instinctively felt terrified. The current Wei Huai resembled the man he’d first met—those smiling peach-blossom eyes now emanated a chilling, murderous aura.

Wei Huai lowered his gaze to look at him. “Go ahead, I’m listening.”

Qixue thought of the ankle bracelet binding him; Wei Huai must already know he was from the Demon Clan. He simply said, “Perhaps you’ve already figured it out. The letter I left you was just an excuse. The real reason I left is because I’m a rabbit demon. Humans and demons can’t be together; there’d be no good end for us.”

“So you’re the little rabbit.” Wei Huai showed no surprise whatsoever. “A white rabbit?”

Qixue inwardly cursed that Wei Huai had indeed figured it out, and timidly replied, “Yes…”

“Your fur is snow-white; no wonder you’re called ‘A Xue.'” Wei Huai released his grip and gently stroked his cheek. “Is that why you wanted to leave me?”

Qixue bit his lip. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Wei Huai chuckled softly. “Then I should thank A Xue for your consideration. But don’t worry—I’m not truly human either. Marrying a demon clan wife suits my status even better.”

…What? What did that mean? Why did Wei Huai say he wasn’t human?

Under Qixue’s bewildered gaze, Wei Huai’s pupils turned into eerie green vertical slits. A vast, profound aura of demon qi—reeking of blood and savagery—spread instantly, plunging Qixue into what felt like a hell of malevolent ghosts.

The terrifying pressure enveloped his entire body. Qixue was frozen in fear, his limbs turning ice-cold, his face paling like paper.

Wei Huai’s vertical pupils fixed firmly on Qixue, as if eyeing captured prey. “Are you happy, A Xue? You deceived me, and I deceived you. We’re a match made in heaven.”

“But my promises to you were all real. I truly like you and want to spend my life with you. What about you? Did you ever mean a single bit of it toward me? Which of your sweet words were sincere?”

Qixue couldn’t speak, trembling all over. Wei Huai knew he was terrified but showed no mercy, not restraining his demon qi in the slightest. Roughly, he tossed Qixue onto the bed and tore his inner robes to shreds.

Ecstasy and terror intertwined, quickly shattering Qixue’s consciousness.

Dazed, he collapsed into Wei Huai’s arms, dimly sensing a prick of pain at his chest. But amid the pleasure, this minor ache seemed insignificant—until he looked down and saw two tiny rubies dangling from his chest, finally realizing what had happened in his haze.

The pierced soft flesh oozed tiny beads of blood. Wei Huai lifted one into his mouth, then leaned down to kiss Qixue’s lips, inviting him to taste his own blood.

The metallic tang of blood mingled with fragrance, and Wei Huai’s kiss gradually took on a different flavor.

Savagely, he bit into Qixue’s throat, teeth sinking deep into the flesh as if blood would spray forth the next instant. But in the end, he released it, planting tender, loving kisses instead.

“I know you’ve been deceiving me all along.”

He held Qixue close, murmuring softly by his ear.

“But that’s alright. The vows you promised before won’t go unfulfilled. I’ll make every one of them come true.”

Come true… But what had he promised Wei Huai? He couldn’t remember anymore.

A final thought flashed through Qixue’s mind, and then he could no longer hold on. Utterly exhausted, he fainted.