Qionghu Island was a place of jagged cliffs, riddled with strange rock formations and eerie caves. Rumor had it that when the imperial court first selected this site for a prison, officials were sent to survey the grottoes. Using a capacity of one hundred people as the standard, they recorded a total of thirty-three caves, large and small.
However, at first glance, Qin Jiuye felt there were far more than thirty-three caverns on the island.
As for why the count stopped there, it was likely because the soldiers tasked with the survey grew weary and simply reported the number thirty-three to be done with it. After all, the mountains are high and the Emperor is far away; the old man on the throne would hardly be bored enough to personally travel to this desolate island to verify the count.
Qionghu Island was small—small enough to be cradled within the expanse of Lixin Lake. Yet it was also vast—vast enough to be filled with deep, unexplored reaches where secrets that never saw the light of day remained hidden.
By day, Qionghu Island hid its true face beneath the warm sunlight. Only as night descended did its genuine nature reveal itself.
There was no sunset over Lixin Lake today. The sun had long since been swallowed by thickening clouds, leaving behind only a faint, sickly yellow glow. In the heavy dusk, the island’s silhouette became black and gargantuan. Its reflection in the water grew blurred, making it difficult to tell if it was merely a shadow or another ghostly world lurking beneath the surface.
To the southwest, a few points of light flickered on the lake—signals from the various sects’ vessels preparing to dock. The shimmering lights tore a small rift in the impenetrable blackness, only to be swallowed an instant later by the shadows cast by the towering cliffs. Those steep precipices stretched upward into the approaching night, turning into stone pillars that reached the heavens, merging with the dark clouds that obscured the moon. It felt as though the sky itself was pressing down, creating a stifling sense of oppression.
The wind and rain were coming, and the stars and moon were devoid of light. It seemed the academy scholar waiting to observe the "Seven Stars Alignment" tonight would be disappointed.
As the last trace of light vanished from the horizon, Qin Jiuye rubbed her aching neck and finally withdrew her gaze from the sky. She focused on the path beneath her feet, which was littered with small pebbles and snail shells, following Qiu Ling toward the heart of the island.
After rounding several massive boulders, the sound of the water behind them gradually faded. They walked another hundred paces until the gravel path vanished, replaced by coarse rock. These giant stones were part of the island’s central massif; the trail resembled a fissure split into the mountain itself. Travelers from all corners of the martial world poured into this gap one after another, like ants sealing their nests before a storm—a fitting sight for Lixin Lake on this turbulent night.
Once they entered the mountain, the surroundings fell into total silence. Even the sound of the wind vanished. The stone path grew wide then narrow, ascending, descending, and branching off in different directions. It was as if a giant, earth-burrowing beast had once frequented this place, boring holes through the bluish-black reefs. These great hollows, eroded by wind and rain, connected with one another, and in between them stood many natural stone bridges. These bridges were staggered at different heights; looking up, there were seven or eight layers, and looking down, another seven or eight. Though the drop was not as vast as a hundred-fathom cliff, it was enough to induce a sense of vertigo.
From the gravel path to the stone tunnels and finally to the bridges, the way became increasingly difficult to traverse. The stone bridges were open on both sides with nothing to hold onto. Qin Jiuye started out steady enough, but as she crossed one section, she caught an accidental glimpse of the abyss below. An uncontrollable shudder instantly ran through her.
It turned out her sweating since entering this place wasn't without reason. Hidden at the bottom of these intersecting caves were scalding hot springs that branched out like veins. Hot steam rose from beneath their feet, dispersing only briefly when a stray wind passed through before quickly gathering again to shroud the boiling vents, creating a deceptive illusion of celestial mist.
Her pace faltered slightly, and the man ahead noticed immediately.
Qiu Ling turned around, instinctively reaching out a hand. But when the woman saw him turn, she thought he was impatiently urging her on. Ignoring the cold sweat on her brow, she hurried forward with quick, small steps.
His half-raised hand tightened and withdrew. He turned back around, pretending nothing had happened, though his pace slowed considerably.
"Is Miss Qin afraid of heights?"
Was she? She had been to places higher than this. For some reason, when she was atop the city wall last time, she hadn't felt this sense of trepidation.
Qin Jiuye forced herself to focus on the ground beneath her feet and replied quickly, "Not at all. Lord Duanyu need not worry."
"Then it must be the dark. The light is poor here; it is indeed easy to lose one's footing..."
He meant well, but for some reason, his words made Qin Jiuye feel strangely looked down upon.
She cleared her throat and said with a serious face, "I manage a pharmacy alone and often travel mountain paths at night. If I were afraid of the dark, I wouldn't have made it this far."
The figure ahead paused. After a moment, he turned slightly.
"If you do not mind, you may hold onto my scabbard."
Qin Jiuye looked at the scabbard extended toward her, then looked up at the expression of the man offering it. She finally confirmed he wasn't joking.
As expected of Lord Duanyu. Even deep within the heart of the martial world on this desolate island, he did not forget his self-restraint and etiquette, never overstepping the bounds of propriety. Or perhaps he simply didn't want her to get too close, but out of concern for a traveling companion, he had come up with this compromise. If she acted coy, would he misunderstand her as being ungrateful?
Seeing no response for a while, Qiu Ling finally turned fully toward her. After a moment of hesitation, he said softly, "Though this is a place of the martial world, Miss Qin is not a member of it. I have never admired those who claim to be 'unrestrained' but are actually offensive in their conduct, and I do not wish to cause you displeasure. However, leading the way is a small matter compared to the danger of a fall. If you are willing to stand a little closer to me, my heart would be more at ease."
The more he displayed his upright, gentlemanly heart, the more embarrassed Qin Jiuye felt.
The Qiu family of this generation was truly split down the middle. The younger brother had a heart full of schemes, while the older brother carried a solid weight of integrity in his chest.
Holding the scabbard didn't actually help her much; at most, it provided some psychological comfort. It made her feel like a child in need of supervision, and for a moment, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
After her expression shifted through several emotions, she finally reached out slowly and grasped the scabbard he held out.
"In that case, I thank you, Lord Duanyu."
The lacquered wood scabbard, inlaid with copper and iron, felt slightly cool and exceptionally hard in her palm. She stole a quick glance down and could vaguely see a piece of lustrous white jade embedded at the end of the scabbard—elegant and beautiful.
Before she could look closer, the sword’s master began leading her forward.
No one else was visible on the winding stone bridge. Silence fell again, with only the monotonous echo of their footsteps ringing against the stone walls.
Qiu Ling kept his eyes fixed forward. Perhaps because the atmosphere was too deathly quiet, Lu Zican’s reminders rang in his ears again. He began to reflect on his behavior on the boat earlier, and his heart began to pound for no clear reason.
After a moment of thought, he finally made up his mind and took the initiative to break the silence.
"Does Miss Qin know that there was actually a hidden story behind the fire on Sjtiaozi Street in the south of the city last month?"
As the question was asked, the air around them grew even stiller.
Distant memories instantly flooded back into her head. Qin Jiuye’s throat tightened. After a long pause, she spoke in a dry voice.
"I heard it was related to the Baoshen Pavilion."
Since things had reached this point, she didn't want to deceive a partner she was investigating with. Based on her understanding of Qiu Ling, his sudden mention of an event from half a month ago was likely not simple. Could he be suspicious? Was he testing her?
Qin Jiuye’s pupils trembled, and her legs felt even weaker.
Her reaction fell into Qiu Ling’s eyes, deepening his confusion.
He had brought this up because he saw how nervous she was on the stone bridge, thinking that discussing the case might ease her tension. But now, she seemed even more tense. Could it be that the day of the Baoshen Pavilion incident had left her with traumatic memories, and recalling it now filled her with lingering fear?
With this thought, he continued in a low voice.
"That pavilion was a place that habitually dealt in the business of the martial world, accustomed to playing at ghosts and gods. Once exposed to the light of day, its true form was revealed, and it is no longer a threat. I sent men to investigate secretly and have almost confirmed that the true master behind Baoshen Pavilion is an underground manor called Chuanliu Court. They started their business in the 'Eight Outlaw Professions' of the martial world, and Baoshen Pavilion was one of them."
So the blind young master Li Qiao mentioned was from Chuanliu Court. But could someone with such formidable methods truly have the heart of a mere businessman? Likely, the business was a front, and his true actions were hidden behind it.
Qin Jiuye’s expression grew more solemn. She followed up with a question.
"Is there more information on this Chuanliu Court? My storyteller friend mentioned those three words once when he wasn't performing, but other than that, I’ve never heard the name elsewhere. It seems the person behind it is low-profile and cautious—not an easy character to deal with."
The image of the stiff yet slightly devious storyteller from Tingfeng Hall flashed through his mind. Qiu Ling paused for a moment before continuing.
"The origins of this court are indeed mysterious. It doesn't seem to hail from any particular sect or school; it simply appeared out of thin air one day. It has only been four or five years since it emerged, yet it has rapidly risen to the top tier of underground manors. Rumor has it that besides meddling in martial world affairs, the Master of the Court also has dealings with the imperial court. Perhaps what they seek to plot is far more than we imagine."
Hearing this, the small doubt in Qin Jiuye’s heart was finally answered.
The tree that stands taller than the forest will be the first to be toppled by the wind. To put it more crudely, the rafter that sticks out is the first to rot. If one wishes to use the power of the martial world to plot something great that cannot be achieved overnight, one must be prepared to hide one's tracks from the start. Establishing a sect based on martial arts is the fastest choice, but it isn't secretive enough, and one would inevitably be targeted by competitors. But starting with the "Eight Outlaw Professions" is different. These trades and crafts are considered the bottom tier of the martial world, beneath the notice of orthodox sects. Naturally, they draw less attention. By the time anyone notices, the organization has already grown deep roots.
Baoshen Pavilion was just the tip of the iceberg. What exactly were the people of Chuanliu Court trying to do? Why did they seek out Li Qiao and force him to take the secret formula back then...
As she fell into deep thought, Qiu Ling’s voice suddenly rang out.
"Did Miss Qin agree to come with me this time because you guessed that the people from Chuanliu Court might also appear here, and thus wanted to investigate?"
Qin Jiuye stiffened, feeling as though her "private agenda" had been exposed on the spot.
Adjusting her state of mind, she responded as naturally as possible. "Precisely. Chuanliu Court is inextricably linked to the matter of the secret formula. If we can truly confront them, we will surely gain something."
By the time she finished speaking, a layer of sweat had broken out on her palms. Her nervousness caused her to involuntarily tighten her grip on his scabbard, which in turn caused the sword’s master to slow his pace.
Qiu Ling vaguely knew that now was not the best time to confirm that answer, but he also didn't know when the "right time" would be.
He couldn't be blamed.
From the time he joined the military at twenty until now, as long as he wore his Moon Armor, he had never done anything with the slightest bit of selfishness.
But tonight, he had shed that armor. It was as if a long-standing seal had been briefly lifted, and that thought began to sprout like wild grass, growing uncontrollably in his heart.
He wanted to know the answer.
Just once. Just this once.
He would let his selfishness be satisfied for once.
The light from distant, flickering torches cast a warm glow over his green robe. He asked the question again.
"Besides that? Does Miss Qin truly have no other aim?"
Qin Jiuye looked at the man’s profile—cold and elegant as jade. Suddenly, she couldn't read the expression on his face. Her heart grew increasingly uneasy. After a long pause, she answered hesitantly.
"I am not a member of the martial world. Stepping into this territory was originally to pursue the truth. Besides that, what else could I possibly seek?"
As she said this, she seemed afraid he would press further. She quickly looked toward the faint outline of a stone door at the end of the bridge.
"This island looks desolate, but many people from the martial world have gathered here. Should Lord Duanyu be more careful when discussing these things with me? After all, walls have ears..."
Before she could finish, a dozen shadows suddenly stood up from the hidden spots on either side of the stone door with a rustling sound.
Qiu Ling’s expression sharpened, and the long sword at his waist was out of its sheath in an instant.
Qin Jiuye felt her hand go empty and was also startled. But when she squinted at the dozen dark figures, she recognized some familiar faces.
She had seen these people just yesterday at Xuanyu Ledge by the lake. They were the "Huang Guzi" who had been squatting nearby looking for business these past few days.
However, compared to the spectacular sight of "a hundred tails crossing the river" on the lake the first day, only about a dozen Huang Guzi had made it onto the island today. They were all bold and skilled enough to reach this point, but once they passed the stone door, they would be entirely within the territory of the World's Greatest Manor. They didn't dare take another step forward and could only squat for "outside business."
Over the past few days, Qin Jiuye had learned some characteristics of martial artists. Their ears and eyes were sharper than ordinary people's, but most of the time, they didn't actually hear or see things—they sensed killing intent and malice. Conversely, if you just stood aside with the mindset of doing business, you were no different from a tree by the road to them. These Huang Guzi carried no killing intent and were experts at hiding, which was why even someone as vigilant as Qiu Ling hadn't noticed them.
Qin Jiuye understood the situation and was about to signal Qiu Ling not to be too tense when she suddenly heard a surprised shout.
"Yang Yuanzhi?"
Qin Jiuye’s heart skipped a beat.
She had thought earlier that since she used the name "Yang Yuanzhi" to mingle in the martial world, using her identity as "Miss Qin" to board the island today was perfect. She hadn't expected her low-profile face to be recognized at a glance.
Moreover, the voice sounded familiar, as if she had heard it just yesterday.
Qin Jiuye suddenly remembered something. She quickly lowered her head and turned her face away, wanting to leave immediately. But from among the group of Huang Guzi, a figure wearing a small yellow fur cap stood up. It was Qigu, the one who had examined Yuan Qi with her yesterday.
Qigu was certain she wasn't mistaken and hurried over in a few steps.
"Isn't this the master of needlework who brings the dead back to life, Yang Yuanzhi? We parted yesterday and meet again today. Our fate is truly extraordinary."
Indeed, she didn't know what was going on these past two days. Any random person seemed to have a "second encounter" with her. She now felt an indescribable fear toward the word "fate," fearing that this "fate" might grow crooked and turn into a complete disaster.
Beside her, Qiu Ling had already turned to look at her. He clearly didn't know the story of "Yang Yuanzhi," but he was a man of steady temperament and didn't immediately ask any questions.
Seeing this, Qin Jiuye quickly pulled Qigu aside. Putting on a cautious face, she lowered her voice and said, "I’m out doing errands for someone today. These scions of noble families are very difficult to serve and have bad tempers..."
Before she could finish, Qigu interrupted her rudely.
"Sister, why bother playing dumb with me? That is clearly Lord Duanyu of Kunxu, the famous 'Ice Beauty' of the martial world! When did you hook up with such a figure? For the sake of us facing life and death together yesterday, be generous and take me along, won't you? I promise I only want to go in and broaden my horizons. I certainly won't delay your tender moments with Lord Duanyu..."
Qin Jiuye’s head began to throb.
She would love to have "tender moments," but she was born to labor and suffer. Whether she could successfully retreat from this island tonight was still unknown; how could she have the mind to worry about others?
Thinking of this, she curled her lips into a fake smile, her voice carrying a hint of coldness.
"I truly have important business. Do not insist on pestering me, or I shall not be polite."
Qigu wasn't intimidated by her attitude. Clearly, after the events of yesterday, she considered Qin Jiuye one of her own. She snorted disdainfully.
"What important business? Isn't it just about money? If you don't want to share the profit, just say so. I only thought you were a newcomer and might not know the rules, so I kindly wanted to give you some pointers."
Who was the one wanting to "broaden their horizons"? Now she was talking about giving pointers.
Qin Jiuye felt a surge of irritation. She was about to use some "strong medicine" to drive away this thick-skinned medicine peddler when Qiu Ling’s voice unexpectedly rang out behind her.
"Since she is your friend, there is no harm in her coming along."
How could there be no harm? They had important business tonight; how could they bring an outsider of unknown identity?
Qin Jiuye’s eyes widened. She desperately signaled to the oblivious Lord Duanyu, indicating she had little acquaintance with this person and couldn't vouch for her character. If something went wrong later, she couldn't take the blame.
But Qiu Ling’s mind was made up.
Having "seen the light" under his adjutant’s earnest teachings, he was determined to show his magnanimity and friendliness before the lady.
"Since this is a martial world gathering, all people of the martial world may enter."
Qigu was already beaming, nearly pulling out two silk scarves to perform a dance on the spot.
Qin Jiuye forced a smile, thinking about how to explain things to Qiu Ling privately later, when another voice rang out from behind.
"We parted yesterday, and I have missed you dearly. I wonder if Shopkeeper Qin has spared a thought for me?"
Tonight, Qionghu Island was truly a parade of ghosts. Before the King of Hell could answer, the little imps had already come out to greet the guests.
Qin Jiuye turned around expressionlessly and, unsurprisingly, met Xu Qiuchi’s face.
The second young master of the Qiu family had shed his voluminous, ornate brocade robes today, replaced by a dark, straight-sleeved, round-collared robe. He looked much more capable, though his swaying gait—lacking any semblance of a martial artist—meant he could only pass as a young disciple of some minor sect.
Recalling the series of events triggered by boarding the flower boat yesterday, Qin Jiuye felt a lump of anger in her chest. But before she could speak, Qiu Ling had already stepped in front of her.
"The moon is dark, the wind is high, and this is martial world territory. I advise you to behave yourself."
"A sincere display of affection—what is improper about that?" Xu Qiuchi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze lingered on his brother’s green robe for a moment before turning to Qin Jiuye and Qigu. He spoke meaningfully, "However, Brother’s 'arrangement' today is something I find difficult to understand."
On the surface, he seemed to be referring to Qiu Ling’s clothes, but he was secretly mocking the two women by his side.
Qigu had clearly overheard some scandalous information in these few words. She tried to remain calm and act nonchalant, but she lacked depth. Her eyes darted back and forth, looking shifty as she glanced from left to right. The culprit, however, ignored her and continued to expose their mutual history.
"Could it be that Brother did not come tonight as a disciple of Kunxu, and thus brought a few more 'helpers' for the case? Do not blame me for testing you, Brother. It’s just that last night we both spoke harsh words, saying we wouldn't walk the same path. Yet the martial world is narrow, and we meet again today. If I said I was only here for the excitement, would Brother believe me?"
Hearing this, Qin Jiuye was certain the two brothers had parted on bad terms last night.
She would never believe Xu Qiuchi was on Qionghu Island just for the excitement, especially after seeing Manager Liu following behind him.
Liu Caiwu was still dressed in green today, showing no trace of a martial artist’s aura. With her eyes downcast, she looked like a matron from a wealthy household accompanying a foolish young master to a play.
Qin Jiuye didn't like being part of a play. No matter how the play ended or who called the shots, she hated the feeling.
Qin Jiuye snorted coldly and stepped forward to stand beside Qiu Ling.
"I remember at the Su Manor birthday banquet, the Second Young Master brought Manager Liu. Why is it still the same here in the martial world? You would rather leave Miss Jiang aside and make her unhappy just to make this arrangement. It doesn't look like you're here for the excitement."
Her intuition was too sharp, instantly hitting the mark. As soon as she spoke, Xu Qiuchi’s face stiffened. Though the curve of his lips remained, the mirth in his eyes vanished.
"Xin'er and Manager Liu are both members of my household; it is not strange for them to come or go. On the other hand, Shopkeeper Qin is the head of a pharmacy. Last night you were with the begonia, and tonight you lean on the pine and cypress. You wouldn't be thinking of plucking a 'twin lotus' to have the best of both worlds, would you?"
"Begonia" referred to the clothes he wore last night, while "pine and cypress" referred to Qiu Ling’s attire today. Since the two were brothers, the implication was self-evident.
Xu Qiuchi was being incredibly blunt in shaming her in front of Qiu Ling, but Qin Jiuye was not one to be bullied. Relying on her thick skin, she held her ground and responded with an even more shameless tone.
"The Second Young Master jokes. A 'twin lotus' blooming on both sides is hard to find in Jiugao City, but boats rowing side-by-side are everywhere. I merely stepped onto a larger ship to broaden my horizons. For the Second Young Master to be so resentful—could it be that you cannot handle the wind and waves yourself, and must blame others for not helping you steady the boat?"
The two sides were at each other's throats, looking ready to tear off all pretenses and have a showdown. Others couldn't find a gap to intervene.
After a long while, the woman in green finally spoke coldly.
"If the Second Young Master intends to chat here for much longer, I shall take my leave first."
Xu Qiuchi took one last look at the woman standing there like a fighting cock. He finally regained his usual demeanor and smiled as he returned to the green-clad woman’s side.
"Manager Liu is so impatient. Don't let outsiders laugh at us."
Liu Caiwu ignored his teasing. Without looking aside, she gave a slight bow to Qiu Ling and Qin Jiuye, then led her directionally-challenged young master away first.
Only after the two had completely vanished from sight did Qigu finally find her voice. She immediately spoke in a sarcastic tone in Qin Jiuye’s ear.
"Should I call you Sister Yang or Shopkeeper Qin?"
"When traveling abroad, who doesn't have a few changes of clothes?" Qin Jiuye was composed, completely unfazed by the other’s mockery. "Does Qigu’s surname happen to be Qi and her name Gu? Your 'skin' might not be the same inside and out either. If you don't believe me, shall we peel it back and see?"
Qigu was speechless. She clearly understood the underlying meaning. Thinking about it, it made sense, and she was instantly convinced.
"I couldn't tell. Besides your skill with pulses, your luck with men is quite something—not letting either brother go. No wonder you thought of that 'seven emotions and six desires' angle and carved out a new business path." She stroked her chin, talking to herself as her thoughts drifted elsewhere, her voice dropping. "By the way, did Lord Duanyu bring you along this time for your 'Tiger-Slaying Pill'?"
The medicine peddler felt she had discovered something monumental, and her gaze grew increasingly lewd. Qin Jiuye cursed inwardly. While stealing a glance at Qiu Ling walking ahead, she clamped a hand over the woman’s mouth.
"What nonsense are you talking? Shut your mouth this instant."
When she had been chatting with those crude Huang Guzi before, she never took these things to heart. But even if her skin was thick, she had to consider others' feelings, didn't she? For Qigu to talk about "Tiger-Slaying Pills" in front of Qiu Ling was practically a desecration.
The next moment, the silent figure ahead paused. Seeing this, Qin Jiuye hurried forward to explain.
"The situation forced me to mislead her before. No matter what Lord Duanyu heard, please do not take it to heart."
Qiu Ling paused for a moment before turning to ask, "What is a Tiger-Slaying Pill?"
As soon as he spoke, both women fell into a stunned silence.
After a long while, Qin Jiuye replied dryly, "...A type of tonic."
Qiu Ling nodded and continued walking forward.
Perhaps the "clash" with Xu Qiuchi earlier had disturbed his mind again, for he didn't ask anything else. For a time, only Qigu’s murmurs could be heard in the cave.
"Who would have thought the legendary Lord Duanyu was so innocent? I must write this down properly when I pen my memoirs..."
***
On the other side of a stone wall, the green-clad woman’s expression stiffened. She moved slightly away from the wall behind her.
Xu Qiuchi, still lingering by the wall, glanced at her. As he continued to look around, he asked casually, "Why is Manager Liu silent? Did you overhear any useful information?"
The woman in green rubbed her ear and replied briefly, "Perhaps some water got into my ear at the Tang Springs a few days ago. I didn't hear a thing."
Xu Qiuchi didn't press her. He clearly had other things on his mind. He turned in a circle, then pulled a yellowed half-sheet of stationery from his person. Squinting by the light of a torch on the wall, he seemed to be confirming something.
"Judging by Miss Qin’s appearance just now, the Second Young Master’s performance last night was likely a failure."
Xu Qiuchi waved his hand without looking up, clearly unbothered by the sarcasm.
"Manager Liu worries too much. the play was performed brilliantly; I just wasn't there to see it."
Liu Caiwu’s expression grew colder, her voice devoid of emotion.
"I am merely kindly reminding the Young Master not to forget the main task. You share the Qiu family’s glory and its ruin. If in the end you busy yourself for nothing and instead fall into a quagmire, be careful not to drag others down with you."
"Manager Liu should find a time to recite that logic to my brother. I am but an idle man, unlike him, who is watched by so many eyes..."
Xu Qiuchi stopped mid-sentence. He took a few steps back to a cramped corner and fixed his gaze on a fissure in the rock wall.
"This statue... looks somewhat familiar."
Liu Caiwu followed his gaze and noticed a dark shadow about half a person's height deep within the crack. Looking closely, it was indeed a stone statue.
Xu Qiuchi looked around. Liu Caiwu quickly understood and took a fire-starter from her sleeve, lighting it and bringing it close to the fissure.
The statue was partially blocked by collapsed rubble and hidden in the shadows. It was roughly the height of a person, without paint or gold leaf, and the carving was crude. The details of the face and clothing were no longer clear; only a dark, vague silhouette could be discerned. It truly wasn't something that would attract much attention.
"It was likely erected by villagers for sacrifices in the past. Nothing unusual," Liu Caiwu judged.
Xu Qiuchi didn't respond immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and scanned the statue from head to foot. After a long while, he suddenly spoke.
"Don't you think something is missing from the bottom of this statue?"
Liu Caiwu paused, then looked at the statue again.
This time, she also noticed something.
The folds of the statue’s robes were carved from the waist down to the base, but the lines remained vertical. There was no sign of the robes bunching or draping over feet. It looked as if the robes were long enough to cover the shoes, or perhaps something else was hidden in the rubble below.
"This statue... has no feet."
The so-called "gods in human form" meant that human imagination of the divine was mostly limited. Whatever form humans took, they carved the gods in that same image—including faces, clothing, and even hair accessories. Sometimes, the region and time of a statue’s creation could be deduced from its features.
But no matter where a statue was from, no matter how crudely carved, it wouldn't omit a pair of feet.
Xu Qiuchi folded his fan and lightly tapped the rock wall near the fissure. He eventually selected a spot.
"Is Manager Liu willing to stretch her limbs a bit?"
Liu Caiwu’s fine eyebrows arched, her voice carrying a hint of mockery. "If I said I wasn't, would the Second Young Master stop?"
As she spoke, the hands she had kept tucked in her sleeves finally slid out. She pressed them against the rock wall.
She didn't make a striking motion, but the force that fell from her fingers was like a giant wave hitting the shore. There was a muffled thud, and a crack appeared in the rock wall. The surrounding walls shook.
The next moment, the cracked wall shattered into several large pieces, falling away like the outer crust of a pastry. Xu Qiuchi covered his nose with his sleeve. Without waiting for the dust to settle, he lifted his hem and stepped into the newly opened gap.
Liu Caiwu clapped her hands clean but didn't follow. Xu Qiuchi didn't urge her, busying himself with feeling around the statue.
A stone door hidden beneath the statue had been jarred open slightly. He pushed the door with force, and loose soil and stone fell from the hollow space, revealing a stone entrance wide enough for one person. The lower half of the statue was finally revealed—it was a snake’s tail extending downward.
Simple stone steps were carved into the curved snake tail, spiraling down into the darkness as the tail coiled. The end was nowhere in sight.
"This is truly 'finding it by chance after searching in vain,'" Xu Qiuchi said, looking into the depths of the darkness, his eyes lighting up. "Or perhaps there are indeed some unspeakable, wondrous fates in this world."
If he hadn't been to Tingfeng Hall and seen that headless statue with half a snake tail, he never would have noticed the oddity of this statue, and thus wouldn't have found this collapsed entrance.
Noticing his expression, Liu Caiwu frowned.
"Though this is a side path leading to a dead end, it is still the territory of the World's Greatest Manor. The commotion just now will surely have alerted the manor’s people. At most, someone will come to investigate in fifteen minutes."
"The routine patrols on this island usually move in pairs. I imagine two mere disciples of the World's Greatest Manor who haven't even left the manor yet would be no match for Manager Liu."
Liu Caiwu smiled, but except for the exaggerated curve of her lips, there was no mirth in her narrowed eyes.
"The Second Young Master jokes. I am but a servant who accompanies her master to pour wine at banquets. I am not as capable as Miss Xin'er, and I certainly cannot do such things as fighting and brawling with others."
"Since Manager Liu is unwilling to wade into these muddy waters, helping to lead them away should be fine, right?"
Without waiting for her response, he took the fire-starter and stepped into the entrance.
Liu Caiwu watched his figure vanish into the darkness and spoke heavily.
"The wind and rain are great tonight; I fear it will not be peaceful. If the Second Young Master hasn't returned by sunrise, you'll have to swim back to the city yourself."
***
**Glossary**
