[POV: Meng Rong]

  I woke up in a haze, my thoughts sluggish and disjointed. The last thing I remembered was the so-called evil spirit striking my body, followed by a terrifying pulling sensation, as if my soul had been grabbed and stretched taut. I remembered screaming, or perhaps I only thought I did. Either way, it had been deeply unpleasant.

  “Hey, Rong-Rong, wake up…”

  Rong-Rong? Who in the heavens came up with that ridiculous nickname again?

  “Should I do CPR? Or maybe I should’ve fed her the antidote like in the movies?”

  The voice was male. Familiar, yet irritating in a way that made my temples throb. My memories swam, refusing to settle, and focusing felt like trying to grasp mist.

  Another voice followed, younger and cautious. “Senior, what is a movie? Or a CPR? Are they something like a powerful spell?”

  I finally forced my eyes open as strength slowly returned to my limbs. The world snapped into focus bit by bit, and the first thing I saw was Yakuza Man’s face hovering above me.

  I screamed, “Evil spirit, begone!” and struck out with a palm infused with qi.

  The figure was clearly caught off guard. He flew backward, crashing into a bookshelf, then another, sending books and broken wood scattering across the room. Even injured, I was at least capable of that much.

  As I pushed myself upright, I realized where we were. The Pine Wind Book Hall had returned, shelves partially destroyed, scrolls littering the floor. My heart skipped as I turned my head.

  Tao Yu was there, kneeling beside the Meteor Child, who was still sleeping peacefully. Both of them were unharmed.

  What… happened?

  I turned more slowly then, my eyes landing on Yao Yazhu. He was bound tightly in thick layers of rope. The sight should have reassured me, yet it only deepened my confusion. He could break free from this if he wanted to, unless something else was at play.

  From the pile of shattered shelves, Yakuza Man climbed back to his feet. He raised his hands in a placating gesture, his expression unusually cautious.

  “It’s ‘me’ again,” he said. “I’m not an evil spirit, you darn woman.”

  That tone. That utterly frank, bizarre way of speaking.

  It was the Yakuza Man I knew.

  “But how?” I asked, my voice still hoarse.

  Yao Yazhu answered calmly from where he sat bound. “Isn’t it obvious? I lost.”

  Yakuza Man glanced at me, his expression oddly serious. “I’m more worried you wouldn’t wake up.”

  I froze.

  Ignoring the lingering pain, I immediately checked my dantian and the deeper layers of my soul. My breath caught. So that was what he had done. The ‘evil spirit’ had rewritten the Binding Vow. The realization sent a chill through me. A Binding Vow was intertwined with destiny itself, something even high-realm cultivators treated with reverence and caution. To alter it so casually was nothing short of horrifying.

  I examined the change he had made. It wasn’t complex, nor particularly difficult in structure, but it felt weird. What kind of ‘condition’ was that? Regardless, there was something more important at hand.

  I looked back at Yakuza Man and said quietly, “I apologize, Yakuza Man, for acting inappropriately.”

  He opened his mouth, likely to respond or explain, but I raised a hand and cut him off.

  “I believe there is a time and place for us to talk properly.”

  As I spoke, I subtly glanced toward Yao Yazhu. Some matters were not meant to be discussed openly, not with others present.

  Yakuza Man scratched his cheek and said, “I hope you didn’t mind. I called in the Xincheng Constabulary just to be safe. Did you finally get your wits back?”

  I frowned instinctively, my tone turning sharp despite the lingering weakness. “It’s normal. Having one’s soul dissociated from the body is a terrible development. Most people would be left crippled, their cognitive abilities hindered. It’s fortunate there wasn’t any lasting damage.” I straightened slightly and fixed him with a steady gaze. “Brief me. How long was I unconscious? What happened during that time? Tell me only what I need to know so I can make the most informed decision.”

  As I spoke, I carefully felt through my limbs and circulated my qi. My body responded sluggishly but intact. My meridians were unbroken, though turbulent qi rampaged within them like a flood after a storm. It would take time and effort to calm it down, but I was far from helpless.

  Yakuza Man scoffed lightly. “Yeah, yeah, always so bossy. It’s only been half an hour since I fed you the antidote. I took the liberty of calling in the Xincheng Constabulary. I didn’t dare move us around recklessly since Yao Yazhu here might have accomplices.” He gestured vaguely around us. “From what I saw, this place was rigged with your formations, right? If the worst happened, we could rely on you, but I didn’t expect the antidote to take that long to work. Also, we found Tao Fang. He’s recovering his pride at the Red Ember Inn by now.”

  I nodded slowly. “You did good.”

  Extending my senses outward, I used sound transmission. “Teng Wen, enter.”

  The Chief Constable, who had clearly been guarding just outside, stepped into the library with measured, almost timid movements. His posture was respectful to the point of stiffness, and his eyes flicked between Yakuza Man and Yao Yazhu with barely concealed unease.

  I observed him briefly and then dismissed the question forming in my mind. There was no need to think too deeply about his reaction.

  “Yakuza Man,” I said, “escort Tao Yu and the Meteor Child out of here. Be discreet. I leave the rest to your independent judgment.” I then turned to Teng Wen. “Tell your constables to bring this with them.”

  He accepted the bundle I handed him, looking puzzled. “What is this, Lady Meng?”

  “Talismans I made,” I replied evenly. “Each is capable of unleashing a spell at Qi Gathering. If you encounter anyone suspicious or deem them a threat, do not hesitate to use them.”

  I walked toward Yao Yazhu and activated several talismans in quick succession. Light flared as the bindings tightened, layering seal upon seal until his qi was firmly suppressed. He did not resist. He merely smiled, as if amused.

  Behind me, Yakuza Man gently lifted the Meteor Child into his arms. His movements were surprisingly careful. Tao Yu followed closely at his side, her eyes never leaving the little girl. Teng Wen exited with them, closing the distance between safety and secrecy.

  I exhaled slowly and turned back to Yao Yazhu.

  “Now,” I said, “it’s time for interrogation. The talismans I used compel you to tell the truth, and only the truth. Is that correct?”

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “Yes,” Yao Yazhu answered immediately, his eyes widening as if surprised by his own response. “An interesting technique. I wanted to keep quiet, but my mouth moved on its own. The Shadow Corps could make good use of something like this.” He chuckled softly. “What do you think? Wouldn’t you like an exclusive deal with the Shadow Corps?”

  I met his gaze coldly.

  “I will be the one asking questions.”

  “Of course, please, ask away,” Yao Yazhu said calmly, as if we were discussing the weather rather than his attempt to assassinate a child.

  “Does the Shadow Corps know you are here?” I asked.

  “No.”

  “Good.”

  I reached into my storage ring and withdrew a thin, ancient-looking contract. The parchment looked fragile, but the moment it touched the air, the surrounding qi subtly warped around it. Yao Yazhu’s composure finally cracked.

  “That’s an artifact, isn’t it?” he said, eyes widening.

  “Yes,” I replied evenly. “Something I found in the ruins while traveling with my master. It’s one of a kind.” I let a thread of qi flow through it, and faint runes surfaced. “This ensures you will never be able to turn against us.”

  Yao Yazhu let out a dry laugh. “This is quite generous. Wouldn’t it be easier for you to just kill me?”

  “Yes,” I said without hesitation. “But it’s not worth it. Your death would raise suspicion among your people. They would investigate, and that would only increase the chances of them discovering the Meteor Child.”

  I knelt and began inscribing terms onto the contract, each stroke precise and deliberate. “This is what’s going to happen. You will cover for us. You will falsify information if necessary. You will ensure that the Shadow Corps never discovers the existence of the Meteor Child. Do I make myself clear?”

  He stared at the contract for a long moment before speaking. “You should think more carefully about using an artifact like that on me. You could practically turn me into a slave.”

  I met his gaze, unflinching. “I’m not so foolish as to tempt fate. Destiny is fickle, but it has rules. The harsher the constraints imposed on you, the harsher the backlash on me if by some miracle, the contract were ever broken. Vice-versa, the simpler and easier the contract is, the harsher the constraints become.”

  I straightened, my voice steady but firm. “And besides, don’t you feel it? Times are changing. The Milky Way Domain will not remain the dominant region forever. The world isn’t fully mapped, not even close. There are lands, peoples, and forces our so-called silent alliance has never encountered.”

  I continued, “Signs have been appearing more frequently. Incursions between domains are increasing as populations expand and borders blur. This may be a time of peace, but peace never lasts. When chaos comes, your Shadow Corps will be far too busy to concern itself with a single child hidden in a minor domain.”

  Yao Yazhu exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing in resignation. “You make too much damn sense,” he said. After a pause, he nodded. “Fine. It’s an agreement, then.”

  At his consent, the contract ignited and burned itself into nothingness. The moment the last ember faded, a hollow ache settled in my chest. It was a tremendous loss. I had once intended to use that artifact to bind a divine beast, something that could guard a sect or an entire city for generations. Instead, I had spent it on this. On survival, secrecy, and a fragile future.

  I lifted my hand and dismissed the bindings restraining Yao Yazhu. The talismans unraveled into ash, and he rose to his feet, rolling his shoulders as if waking from a long nap.

  He glanced at me sidelong. “Just what is Yakuza Man’s identity?”

  I stiffened slightly. The question touched a nerve I had no intention of exposing. I was still trying to reconcile what I had witnessed myself. By all logic, that evil spirit should not have spared him. An evil spirit was an existence that delighted only in destruction and malice toward the living. The fact that Yao Yazhu stood here intact made no sense to me.

  “It’s none of your business,” I replied flatly.

  He chuckled, unconcerned. “Fine. I’ll find out eventually.” His expression sobered. “As the loser, I have no right to lecture you. Still, I will warn you. I think you’re underestimating the danger the Meteor Child represents.”

  “I will handle matters as they come,” I said.

  He shook his head. “I understand your confidence. Your master is extraordinary. Someone who learned to read destinies through dreams would naturally pass that assurance to you.” His gaze sharpened. “But when I speak of danger, I’m not referring only to the child herself. I’m talking about what she attracts. The disaster that follows her.”

  He continued, “If a demonic faction were to get their hands on her, the outcome would be far worse than anything you’re imagining. It wouldn’t matter if she ended up with the Boulder Path Sect, the Dragon Heart Sect, or even my own. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “I do,” I replied, frowning. “But you’re making it sound excessive. Demons are nothing new. My master hunted many of them, and I’ve dealt with my fair share as well.”

  “That,” he said sharply, “is where you’re wrong.” His tone lost its casual edge. “You’re young, so you don’t see it yet. There are demons in this world even your master cannot touch. And there are certainly demons far beyond anything you can imagine.”

  I wondered if he was exaggerating. Yao Yazhu reached into his storage ring and withdrew a jade vial, pressing it into my palm.

  “Consider this compensation,” he said. “It’s an elixir. It will heal the injuries you sustained and circulate your qi for at least a dozen additional cycles.”

  I accepted it without refusing. He then added, almost thoughtfully, “I trust Yakuza Man to keep the Meteor Child safe. Frankly, I would rather entrust her to him than to you.”

  That statement unsettled me more than I cared to admit. Just what had transpired between him and that… thing inside Yakuza Man?

  Yao Yazhu met my gaze squarely. “Strength matters. Turbulent times are ahead. I’ll play my part and help erase any trace of the Meteor Child’s existence. It will cost me favors and require sacrifices from my sect, but the sect master should be willing to comply.”

  So it really was the Phantasm Star Sect Master behind this. I noted it silently.

  “One last thing,” he added. “I trust you’ll keep quiet about my identity as a member of the Shadow Corps. If that leaks, there will be a kill order. On me, or on anyone who speaks.”

  “I will tell Yakuza Man,” I said simply.

  Yao Yazhu laughed under his breath, shook his head once, and turned to leave.

  I was alone in the library once more. The shelves stood quietly around me, but my mind was anything but calm. Thoughts ran amok, colliding and tangling until I felt a dull ache forming behind my eyes. I instinctively felt my dantian again, lingering on the subtle changes left behind by the altered Binding Vow. It unsettled me. Still, I forced myself to stop dwelling on it. There was no immediate harm, no obvious backlash. Worrying endlessly would accomplish nothing.

  Something brushed against my fingers inside my robe. I frowned and reached in, pulling out a jade slip. It was vibrating. For a moment, I stared at it blankly before remembering its origin. I stored the elixir Yao Yazhu had given me into my storage ring, then focused my qi into the jade slip.

  An image flared to life, and an old man with short silver hair appeared, shouting so loudly it nearly rattled my soul.

  “Disciple! What have you done!?”

  I stared at the projection in disbelief. That was the first thing he had to say? After everything? My patience, already stretched thin, finally snapped.

  “Hey, old man,” I shot back, “is that a civil way to talk to someone?”

  He blinked, then scowled. “Huh? Brat, I’m your master. Put more respect into your tone—”

  “Why would I?” I cut him off. “Did you forget who suddenly vanished on me? It was you. It’s been two years.”

  “It’s only two years!” he retorted indignantly. “That’s a blink of an eye. Why are you so clingy anyway? Besides, you should have been enjoying that time with your brother. Anyway, what got you so frazzled? I couldn’t even bring myself to scold you properly. This ungrateful disciple is giving his master more white hair.”

  I resisted the urge to point out that all of his hair was already white. Instead, I sighed and lowered my head slightly.

  “Apologies, Master. That was inappropriate.”

  “No, no, it’s fine,” he waved it off. “I kind of miss your sassy attitude. Remember when you were little—”

  “M-Master, no,” I hurriedly interrupted. “Please don’t. Not my dark history.”

  “Oh, right,” he said thoughtfully. “I’m supposed to be angry.” He cleared his throat. “Do you know why I called you?”

  My heart skipped a beat. There were far too many reasons he might be furious with me. Telling him about the Meteor Child now felt like the worst possible timing, so I decided to postpone that revelation.

  “What is it, Master?” I asked carefully.

  He cursed. “Your destiny changed. I can’t read it anymore!”

  I froze. That was unexpected. My thoughts immediately returned to everything that had happened earlier. After a brief pause, I spoke hesitantly.

  “M-Master… I encountered an evil spirit sealed within a certain individual. That evil spirit might have struck me. Yes. Let’s go with that.”

  “Disciple,” he said flatly, “you have to do better than that. Elaborate.”

  So I did. I told him about the Binding Vow, about Yakuza Man, and about the existence lurking inside him. As expected, my master did not take it well.

  “You stupid disciple!” he roared. “Your arrogance could have killed you! And you learned the Binding Vow? I’m impressed, but why would you use it without consulting me first?!”

  “Master,” I asked anxiously, “why? Is there a problem?”

  “Yes!” he snapped. “I didn’t expect you’d grasp it immediately after reading the texts, but you actually did it. You just got married without even realizing it!”

  My mind went blank.

  “W-what?” I whispered.

  “It’s a marriage ritual between supreme beings, you dolt!” he continued angrily.

  The texts never mentioned anything like that. I thought it was just some soul-contract thing. A chill ran down my spine as a realization slowly formed. I swallowed and spoke again.

  “Master… the evil spirit changed something in the Binding Vow. That might be why you can’t see my destiny anymore.”

  His expression hardened. “What did it change?”

  I felt heat rush to my face. “It’s… it’s to n-not f-fall in love with Yakuza Man.”

  There was a long, oppressive silence.

  “M-Master,” I asked weakly, “what’s going to happen now?”

  He sighed deeply, all his earlier fury drained away. “Condolences to your unhappy marriage.”

  I winced, my face burning. There was no doubt left in my mind.

  That thing inside Yakuza Man could only be an evil spirit.