Dreams of the Ancient Mountain: The Cat's Masquerade | Chapter 61 | Wealth Found in Danger | Novela.app

Wei Qingming did not spare another glance at Xu Xingze, who lay on the ground fitfully humming his opera tunes. With a flick of her wrist, she shook the filth from her blade, and the Still-Water Blade was instantly enveloped in layers of piercing, fierce flames. Only after every trace of the malevolent influence had been purged did she sheathe the weapon. She looked at me from a distance. I walked up to her in silence and, disregarding the blood and grime covering her, I pulled her into an embrace and gently patted her back. Lu Lingfeng, meanwhile, happily tossed the Ghost Manifestation aside and stepped forward to observe Xu Xingze for a good while. She pulled out the broken half of the Ghost-Binding Rope, but finding it insufficient to wrap around his entire body, she simply tied one end to his slender wrist. I was suddenly reminded of what I had seen at the slave market that day—those sold into bondage were led by a single rope, dragged into an abyss of ruin by their masters. He had once made all the nobles of the capital bow at his feet, yet after all his wandering, he had returned to his original fate. I hesitated for a long time, but in the end, I could not bear it. "He is... a ghost now," I said softly. "Second Senior Sister, could you put him in your bag instead?" Lu Lingfeng seemed to have a sudden realization. She pulled out a pouch, slipped it over him, and fastened it to her waist. By now, Wei Qingming had regained her usual composure. She spoke to Lu Lingfeng with polite formality. "Breaking this Ghost Domain is as easy as turning one's palm; it all depends on the Ghost Scepter in Senior Sister's hand." Lu Lingfeng nodded. She was in the middle of rapping on the wooden bucket to force the Ghost Manifestation to reveal the method for dissolving the domain when she suddenly looked up. Pointing at me—as I was still supporting Wei Qingming and checking her wounds—she said, "You two. I’m going to tell my brother." My face instantly flushed crimson. Terrified, I moved to let go of Wei Qingming’s arm, but Wei Qingming remained unhurried. She reached back, caught my hand in hers, and said with a faint smile, "I have a few curios at home that I suspect Senior Sister would enjoy." "Mm." Lu Lingfeng finally looked satisfied. "One hug equals one item. You owe me two." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. When did this dazed goose learn how to commit extortion? And her victim was the high-ranking and powerful Master Wei, a person whom others usually only dreamed of offering tribute to... And why did it count as two! That brief hug just now was one, and the long flight on the sword was another? Should I call her generous, or just simple-minded... The deal was struck between them. Lu Lingfeng gave the bucket another heavy thwack. The Ghost Manifestation had no choice but to reluctantly extend a resentful claw and shoot out a burst of ghostly qi. The green scepter erupted in brilliant light, and the entire Ghost Domain began to dissipate bit by bit. I closed my eyes and leaned into Wei Qingming’s arms. It suddenly occurred to me that Sister Jasmine hadn't come to Ziyun Tower at all today; she likely knew Xu Xingze wouldn't turn back and didn't want to witness his death with her own eyes. Xingze surely wanted to leave his beautiful image in the hearts of those who cherished him. The ghost hole vanished, and a powerful force flung us outward. The three of us tumbled back onto the stage. Caught off guard, I felt Wei Qingming—who was actually near the point of collapse—force herself to reach out and grab me, shielding me in her arms as we rolled across the floor. I scrambled up in a panic, cursing myself for not training my body harder and for having such poor reflexes. I also resented her for being too considerate; what did it matter if I took a fall? She was covered in injuries; how much must it have hurt her to hit the ground! Seeing her unconscious, my regret turned into tears that began to fall. To my surprise, she couldn't bear to see me cry after all. Her long, thick lashes flickered, and she looked at me with a beaming smile, signaling that she was fine. Perhaps because I knew we had returned to a safe world, my spirit relaxed. Coupled with the lingering, inexplicable sadness, once the floodgates of my tears opened, they couldn't be closed. Wei Qingming struggled to sit up, turning to hold me and coax me gently. At that moment, Lu Lingfeng landed lightly before us and said expressionlessly, "Three items." "Make it five," Wei Qingming said with a curve of her lips. "Fine." Lu Lingfeng nodded. "She owes you twice more." I was so angry I couldn't even keep crying. I never expected that I, too, would become the kind of female demon sold back and forth by wicked humans! Wei Qingming led me back to our seats. Lu Kaifeng was still dutifully maintaining the Phantom Array. He glanced at his sister’s waist and said, "Quickly, give him to Master Wei." Only then did Lu Lingfeng reluctantly hand Xu Xingze over to Wei Qingming—perhaps she was only being so generous because of the gifts that were coming her way... Seeing that Wei Qingming’s true essence was exhausted and she was covered in blood, Lu Kaifeng smiled faintly. "Go and rest. I can hold this for another quarter-hour. However, regarding this Phantom Array..." "I understand," Wei Qingming said. "I shall take responsibility for it." After saying that, she turned toward the dressing room to tidy her appearance. I saw my First Senior Brother looking at her with unabashed approval mixed with a hint of worry. I didn't understand what riddles they were speaking in at all. Wei Qingming did not rest. She emerged having changed into the official uniform used for meeting superiors—gauze cap, waist saber, hairpins, and fish-pouch. With this ensemble on her, martial prowess and scholarly elegance were perfectly intertwined. Who could tell that she currently couldn't even cast a basic light spell and was in a state where I could knock her over with a single finger? Lu Kaifeng had begun to gradually dissolve the Phantom Array. The silent world slowly regained its sound—yawns, snores, calls for water or tea, and the clatter of chairs and tables all rushed in at once. Seeing Wei Qingming emerge, he stood up, tugged on his sister’s sleeve, and took his leave. "Hard work on the cleanup." Wei Qingming nodded in salute and watched them walk toward the stairs. I scratched my head and tugged at Wei Qingming’s collar out of concern. "You still have to work? Your subordinates are awake; why not let them handle it?" She smiled and said nothing. Instead, she pulled me into her arms and breathed softly against my temple. The ticklish sensation made me annoyed, and I swatted at her. "There's only one time left!" "The creditor isn't here," she said roguishly, still clinging to me and refusing to let go. "I can hug you as much as I want." I spat at her, but considering her current "weak willow in the wind" state, I couldn't truly roughhouse with her. We were in public; if I pushed her and she fell flat on her back, how would Master Wei ever show her face again? Still, I sternly repeated that she should rest. She only laughed. "This particular task cannot be handled by anyone else." "What task?" I cried. "Then I'm coming with you. I really don't feel safe leaving you like this." "Oh? Then let us go together," she said. "To have an audience with the Emperor and receive our rewards." My hair practically stood on end from fright. Before I could wave my hands and refuse, a decree-bearing eunuch floated down from the third-floor viewing gallery. In a voice audible only to the two of us, he said, "By Imperial Decree: Wei Min, Emissary of the Yingzhao Temple, and Su Yuzhi of Mount Gomeng, enter the viewing gallery for an audience—" I kept my head bowed and followed Wei Qingming obediently into the gallery. I didn't dare look to see if the imperial relatives had slept well or if they were drooling; I could only see from the corner of my eye as Wei Qingming briskly flicked her robes and knelt gracefully on one knee. She lowered her head and saluted. "Your servant, Wei Min, kowtows before the Heavenly Countenance." I followed suit immediately. "This common woman, Su Yuzhi, greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor." I heard the soft rustle of fabric and the tinkling of hair ornaments. Likely, the consorts watching from behind the distant curtains were covering their sleeves, exchanging glances and whispering. I was so nervous I didn't dare breathe. I waited for the Emperor to speak, but instead heard footsteps. The toe of a man’s boot entered my field of vision; the Emperor had actually walked down himself. He looked the two of us up and down as if we were curiosities before walking back to his throne with his hands behind his back. He didn't speak to us, but instead chuckled to Feng Zhen. "Old Companion, I have seen many of your subordinates. They are all terrifyingly brash; every time I see them, I feel a few points of fear in my heart. Yet this young, unfamiliar Emissary is quite refined and truly elegant. Was it he who captured the evil ghost?" My soul nearly fled my body. What kind of Emperor openly says he fears his subjects? And what subject wouldn't be terrified to hear such words? This middle-aged man looked lukewarm and harmless, but he must be full of wicked schemes... Feng Zhen smiled faintly. "Yes. He comes from a prestigious family, so he is naturally different." "Oh." The Emperor seemed to search his mind for a Wei clan, though he didn't ask if it was the Wei family of the Duke of Wei. The topic shifted to me. "This lady comes from the Myriad Demon Stronghold? Is she of the Yaohua race?" I looked up slightly. Wei Qingming naturally couldn't turn around to prompt me, but I saw Feng Zhen looking at me with encouragement in his smile. I emboldened myself and said, "Yes. My family is from Mount Yifeng, of the Snowy Pallas's Cat tribe." "Heh, no wonder your name is Yuzhi; you are indeed as white as jade." The Emperor was quite cordial toward me. With a nod, he threw a lethal question at Wei Qingming: "Since you knew Xu Xingze was abnormal, why did you not seize him sooner, allowing him to run rampant in this tower?" "Your Majesty governs with benevolence. Without conclusive evidence, how could one presume guilt?" Wei Qingming replied calmly. "Furthermore, your servant believes that the True Dragon Lord would certainly not be intimidated by mere demons and monsters." The Emperor gave a half-smile and a "Ha!" He pointed at her and said, "Old Companion, this lad is arrogant. He means that if I were frightened, I should blame my own cowardice?" Cold sweat had already soaked my back. I felt Wei Qingming’s head was as good as gone, but Feng Zhen took over the conversation with a smile. "Indeed. This fellow Wei Min has always been fond of bravery and fierce struggle. This old servant still needs to break him in before he is fit for use." The Emperor didn't seem to like back-and-forth conversation; the confrontation ended as soon as it began. He turned to ask about the events in the hall—why the entire audience had fallen into a deep sleep and so on. I suddenly understood; this was what First Senior Brother had wanted to discuss with Wei Qingming. If the court knew there was a spell that could even make the monarch lose consciousness, wouldn't they immediately level our mountain! I was so scared my bones felt soft. Then I heard Wei Qingming push all the responsibility onto Xu Xingze. "The arts of the underworld are mysterious and unpredictable, with many unsolved mysteries. It must have been caused by Xu Xingze’s ghostly techniques." "Hmm," the Emperor said, seemingly casually. "You, however, remained alert throughout." "It is all thanks to the teachings of the seniors of the Wujing Sect and the preparations of the superiors at Yingzhao Temple. We subordinates were barely able to resist a little." Hah. She had pushed the responsibility onto her two great backers while simultaneously flattering Eunuch Feng... The more Wei Qingming spoke, the more she steered the topic toward technical details that the Emperor, a non-professional, couldn't follow. In truth, because protecting the Emperor was a great service, he wouldn't truly hold it against her. Finally, with a wave of his sleeve, he granted rewards on the spot and permitted us to withdraw. I had said I came along to look after Master Wei, but in the end, she had to support me as we left. My hands and feet were weak, and I was drenched in a cold sweat. "The Emperor was right," I whispered tremulously. "If I had known that thanking him for his grace would be this terrifying, it would have been better to catch and lock up Xu Xingze beforehand..." Wei Qingming merely curved her lips into a smile. Though she was the picture of aristocratic elegance from head to toe, her expression at that moment had a bit of a rogue’s desperation in it. "If no one assassinates the Emperor, how can one save the Emperor? Wealth has always been found amidst danger." My vision went black, and I nearly fainted. I had a terrible premonition: staying by the side of such a bold, death-defying secret agent, I would surely lose years off my life... *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 止水刀 | Still-Water Blade | Wei Qingming's weapon. 鬼域 | Ghost Domain | The supernatural realm created by Xu Xingze. 鬼笏 | Ghost Scepter | Also referred to as a tablet; the source of Xu Xingze's power. 缚鬼索 | Ghost-Binding Rope | A specialized tool for capturing spirits. 英招寺 | Yingzhao Temple | The imperial intelligence/security bureau Wei Qingming works for. 令使 | Emissary | Wei Qingming's official rank/title within the bureau. 无竟宗 | Wujing Sect | The cultivation sect the protagonists belong to. 雪兔狲 | Snowy Pallas's Cat | Su Yuzhi's specific demon/yaohua race. 玉卮 | Yuzhi | Literally "Jade Goblet"; Su Yuzhi's given name. 冯缜 | Feng Zhen | The powerful head eunuch and Wei Qingming's superior. 大伴 | Old Companion | A term of endearment/familiarity used by the Emperor for a close eunuch. 天颜 | Heavenly Countenance | A respectful way to refer to the Emperor's face/presence. 真龙之主 | True Dragon Lord | A poetic title for the Emperor.