Chapter 18

Just then, with a crisp sound of ‘dingling’, and before he knew it, Qu Panyan swiftly shoved a Fire Bell into his mouth. 

Immediately, the Fire Bell Silk swiftly twirled around his head, tightly sealing his mouth, preventing him from spitting it out even if he wanted to. His hands were restrained by the guards, and since he was weaker than them, he could only use his mental powers to control the undead maids in the mansion. However, after waiting for a while, not a single maid appeared, and he fell into a state of despair.

Qu Panyan looked down at him from above, as if she had already seen through all his thoughts. “Didn’t I tell you? My Qu Family’s guards are not just decorations.” She leaned down, her voice tinged with disdain. “Come on, try to touch her, let me see.”

Duan Yang’s face turned ashen, he made a faint whimpering sound, but Yue Xiaomeng was completely unharmed, further confirming Qu Panyan’s suspicion—Duan Yang could only manipulate the dead using his mental powers, and for the curse to work on the living, he had to give a verbal command. Once his mouth was sealed, he became a useless brother.

Qu Panyan immobilized him and ordered the guards to step back, then she kicked him to the ground. Looking at his sweaty appearance, she asked, “How can you kill so many people without any guilt and still be afraid now?”

Qu Panyan spread her palm upwards, and Duan Yang’s body floated up with it. The feeling of being suspended in mid-air terrified him. He whimpered in his sealed mouth, but it was futile, as Qu Panyan paid no attention to him at all. When he was raised to a high altitude, Qu Panyan suddenly asked with an evil grin, “Do you think I’m going to throw you down?”

Facing the dark night sky, Duan Yang was taken aback for a moment, and an inexplicable anticipation arose in his heart. Was she implying she wouldn’t do that?

In the next instant, he heard Qu Panyan say kindly, “Well, since you wish for it!”

Without any warning, Duan Yang was thrown down heavily, smashing into the ground and creating a large crater that sent up a cloud of dust. He lay motionless in the pit, wracked with pain as if his organs had been shifted. His expression was hideous, and his mouth was filled with a Fire Bell the size of a palm, rendering him unable to utter a word.

What kind of woman is she? Why is she so ruthless?! Duan Yang thought resentfully in his heart.

Why can’t she be like those foolish women? 

Just being beautiful is enough, why does she have to be so smart!

Suddenly, a shadow flew past his eyes. He struggled to widen his eyes and saw that it was a rock floating above him. If it fell, he would be killed on the spot. He wearily looked at the rock and suddenly felt resigned to his fate.

Go ahead, smash me, let me die quickly.

The rock moved, aiming for his lower body. Duan Yang’s eyes widened, and he whimpered frantically. He helplessly watched the rock transform into a blur, plummeting towards his lower body, and then everything went black as he lost consciousness.

With a loud bang, blood and flesh splattered everywhere. His lower body was completely unrecognizable, reduced to a pile of mangled flesh. The scene was gruesome.

Qu Panyan thought of all the dead bodies in the mansion and felt indignant. Why did he have the audacity to harm others so recklessly just because he had something extra between his legs? Did he think he had a free pass to escape death? Today, she would crush that privilege into pieces!

The more Qu Panyan thought about it, the angrier she became. Qu Panyan manipulated another stone to rain down on him. Seeing that he was still unconscious, she became displeased and made the Fire Bell inside his mouth burn: “You dare to be unconscious? Do you think I’ll allow you to faint?”

The Fire Bell grew hotter and hotter, eventually burning Duan Yang back to consciousness. Blood oozed out of his mouth, and a faint smell of burnt flesh lingered in the air. His eyes bulged, nearly popping out of their sockets, and his face turned bright red.

Qu Panyan looked at him with disgust, “Why does your face irritate me more the longer I look at it?”

With that, Duan Yang’s entire head suddenly caught fire. The crimson flames licked at other parts of his body, and in no time, he was completely devoured by the fire, leaving only a pile of ashes that vanished with the night wind.

The Fire Bell Silk completed its task and excitedly rushed out. After a while, it returned, all damp, and only flew back into Qu Panyan’s sleeve after rubbing against one of the guards to clean itself. It looked exquisite, leaving people astonished.

Qu Panyan: “…” it seemed as if she could hear it crying and saying it had become dirty.

“It’s gone!” Yue Xiaomeng suddenly exclaimed in excitement. “Qu Panyan, look, the curse is gone!”

Qu Panyan smiled lightly in response, “Hmm, that’s good.”

Su Lingyu had been watching the whole process with her hands folded. In that moment when Duan Yang’s ashes were scattered by the wind, the uneasy feeling in her heart disappeared instantly, as if it had been blown away by the night breeze. Her emotions at this moment were complex. She had come here guided by fate, and after Duan Yang’s death, the uneasiness she felt vanished as well.

What was the meaning of fate?

Why did her ominous premonition become connected to this stranger, Duan Yang?

Her gaze shifted between Qu Panyan and Yue Xiaomeng, scanning back and forth between the two of them, and finally settled on Yue Xiaomeng.

Perhaps it was because Yue Xiaomeng was a disciple of Xianmeng Sect, and she was the Sect Master. As the master, it was natural for her to feel a sense of unease when her disciples were in danger.

She quickly accepted this explanation, realizing that she needed to intensify the disciples’ cultivation. She couldn’t let herself be filled with anxiety every time one of her disciples faced danger; that would be absurd.

Yue Xiaomeng had been frightened tonight, so Qu Panyan arranged for someone to escort her to the inn to rest while she stayed behind. Once Yue Xiaomeng’s figure was completely out of sight, Qu Panyan softly called out, “Sister Lingyu?”

Su Lingyu appeared in response.

Qu Panyan smiled as soon as she saw Su Lingyu. Her demeanor instantly became meek, completely different from the unflinching killer she was before. Even Su Lingyu was taken aback by the transformation.

Qu Panyan chuckled embarrassedly and said, “I’m sorry for making you hide for so long, Sister Lingyu.”

Then she lowered her head, fidgeted with her hands, and stammered, “It’s just that I was… a bit uncivilized just now… Sister Lingyu, please don’t take it to heart.”

Uncivilized?

Su Lingyu recalled Qu Panyan’s earlier irritable and blunt demeanor, and then looked at her current meek and cautious appearance, finding it somewhat amusing.

Su Lingyu chuckled lightly and asked, “Did I appear elegant when I killed An Cheng in front of you that day?”

Qu Panyan thought to herself, Elegant? Not just elegant, you were absolutely stunning! You emitted a radiant aura while carrying out justice and killing An Cheng!

Qu Panyan was very honest and replied with admiration, “It’s extremely elegant, Sister Lingyu, you always look beautiful, even more so when carrying out justice!”

Su Lingyu had intended to talk to her about how killing is killing, regardless of superficial manners, but her words got stuck when she heard Qu Panyan’s response. She couldn’t help but laugh and playfully flicked her forehead, saying, “You’re talking nonsense again.”

Seeing Su Lingyu smile, Qu Panyan’s doubts dissipated. She had been so impulsive and reckless earlier, not caring about her actions, and had even urged Duan Yang to kill Mu Qian in front of Su Lingyu, calling him useless, and ultimately turning him into ashes. She was worried that Su Lingyu might think she had two different faces and develop a sense of aversion…

Qu Panyan tapped her forehead and smiled foolishly, “Sister Lingyu, did you think what I did earlier was inappropriate?”

Su Lingyu repressed her smile and calmly replied, “He deserved to die, so there was nothing inappropriate about your actions.”

Qu Panyan tentatively asked, “Then… Sister Lingyu, are you tired?”

Su Lingyu felt that she had something to say and turned her ink-black eyes towards her, “Hmm?”

Qu Panyan smiled and said, “I want to invite Sister Lingyu to accompany me for a stroll in the bustling market. I wonder if Sister Lingyu is available?”

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of anticipation, making it difficult for anyone to refuse. Su Lingyu agreed.

Qu Panyan was so happy that she almost jumped up in excitement.

In the evening, the bustling streets of Lincheng became even livelier. Lanterns were hung high with candles flickering, creating a scene reminiscent of stars falling to the mortal world. The streets were crowded with people, and various stalls lined on both sides, with vendors enthusiastically promoting their goods, filling the air with a festive atmosphere. Seeing the various fragrant foods on the street stalls, Qu Panyan was indeed feeling a bit hungry.

She bought a piece of Zao’er cake¹, which was said to be the best in Lincheng. The cake was infused with the fragrance of osmanthus, and upon tasting it, the flavor was indeed excellent and authentic. She ate happily and didn’t forget to offer some to Su Lingyu, “Would Sister Lingyu like to try?”

Su Lingyu didn’t usually eat such things, but looking at Qu Panyan’s eager eyes, she couldn’t help but soften her heart. She took a piece and elegantly took a bite before nodding, “Mm, it’s good.”

Hearing Su Lingyu’s praise, Qu Panyan felt even happier, as if Su Lingyu was praising not just the Zao’er cake but also Qu Panyan herself. Her eyebrows couldn’t hide the undisguisable joy.

Then, Su Lingyu’s hand suddenly reached out towards her, gently wiping away the crumbs from the corner of her mouth, and said in a gentle voice, “Eat slowly, you’ve got some on your lips.”

Qu Panyan was stunned, and the Zao’er cake in her hand fell to the ground with a thud. Her face flushed instantly, unable to resist the embarrassment, making her fair cheeks look like blooming peach blossoms, shy and captivating.

Su Lingyu’s gaze was momentarily drawn to the fallen cake, so she didn’t notice Qu Panyan’s changing expression. Taking advantage of the distraction, Qu Panyan turned and hurriedly said, “Let me go buy another one. Sister Lingyu, please wait for me here!” With that, she fled.

Left alone, Su Lingyu shook her head helplessly.

Qu Panyan took quite a while before returning, during which Su Lingyu had to fend off several men who tried to approach and strike up a conversation with her.

Qu Panyan rushed back, holding the newly bought Zao’er cake in her hand. Su Lingyu couldn’t help but remind her, “Don’t run, walk properly.”

Upon hearing this, Qu Panyan immediately stopped running and obediently walked over. When she reached Su Lingyu, she chuckled foolishly and apologized, “Sorry for keeping Sister Lingyu waiting.”

Sulei Yu replied, “No need to be so polite.”

Qu Panyan touched her nose and mustered up her courage, “Sister Lingyu, can I be friends with you?”

Su Lingyu looked at her and said, “Of course.”

Qu Panyan’s smile blossomed like flowers, and she took out a delicately crafted plum blossom jade hairpin from her pocket, offering it to Su Lingyu, “This is for you, Sister Lingyu. It’s proof of our friendship.”

Su Lingyu chuckled, accepting the hairpin. The plum blossom jade hairpin had a smooth and delicate texture, exquisitely crafted to lifelike perfection, truly a fine piece.

It was the first time she received such a gift, not for celebrating her birthday or to please her as the Sect Master of Xianmeng, but solely as proof of their friendship.

A gift with such pure and touching sentiment.

She closed her five fingers, holding the jade hairpin tightly.

“Thank you, Panyan. Sister Lingyu will cherish it dearly.”

Qu Panyan was dumbfounded; it was the first time she heard Su Lingyu speaking this way. No longer as the high and mighty Sect Master but like a friendly sister next door.

Most importantly, it was the first time Su Lingyu addressed her by name!

Once again, the Zao’er cake in Qu Panyan’s hand met an unfortunate fate and fell to the ground.

Both of them looked down at the innocent Zao’er cake on the floor in unison.

Qu Panyan solemnly protested, “It was the Zao’er cake that moved first!”

Su Lingyu calmly glanced at her.

“You’re talking nonsense again.”

The next day, Su Lingyu left early. Qu Panyan was dragged by Yue Xiaomeng, who demanded assurance that she would never act recklessly again and promised to practice diligently. Qu Panyan nodded and agreed to everything before having the guards escort Yue Xiaomeng back to the Yue residence.

Later, Qu Panyan returned to the Qu residence. The matter at Duan Mansion didn’t require her to speak; someone would thoroughly report it to the Qu family’s head, Qu Muqiu.

After hearing the report, Qu Muqiu looked at the body of Mu Qian in the hall, the corners of her mouth still bearing a smile, but she appeared incredibly cold. Qu Panyan quietly left the reception hall. She knew that Qu Muqiu would not spare the Mu family, as it was not only about their lives but also the dignity of the Heavenly Gate Qu family.

The Qu family was not to be provoked.

Qu Muqiu would make the Mu family understand that the Heavenly Gate Qu family could still thrive without the Mu family.

As she was leaving, Qu Muqiu said to her, “Don’t forget to thank your Sister Lingyu.”

Qu Panyan naturally agreed, even considering it as an excuse to visit Xianmeng Sect and see Su Lingyu.

However, at this moment, she received an urgent message transmission from Lou Wuhua, the Sect Master of Cangnan Sect, which read:

Good disciple, come to Xianmeng Sect immediately. Your Sister Lingyu has stopped the Sect Master from leaving!

Prev / ToC / Next

---

We’re currently looking for editors, so if you’re interested at all, then please contact @Glariosa or @sinensis on discord.

Come join the Discord, where all the cool kids hang out!

Please support us on Ko-Fi. You can now read extra chapters by supporting.

Translator: Glariosa
Editor: iToon

---

1. 皂儿糕 ↩︎