Jiang Mu and Chu Ying both breathed a sigh of relief—they had finally managed to meet Lady Qinru.
Chu Ying, however, couldn't shake the beggar's cryptic words from her mind. Every sentence he had uttered was slowly unfolding into reality.
They stepped into the main hall where Lady Qinru awaited, adorned in simple but elegant robes, her presence vast yet gentle. Her eyes fell on Jiang Mu, and a trace of confusion flickered across her expression.
She narrowed her gaze and asked with a faint smile, "How's your master, little cutie?"
Jiang Mu's calm eyes rippled.
Little cutie...
That was a nickname from years ago—back when he had just stepped into the path of cultivation. Lady Qinru had seen him then, tagging along behind his master. The fact that she still remembered him was... unexpected.
But to call him that now, so casually... wasn't that a bit much?
Despite his internal dissatisfaction, Jiang Mu bowed more deeply than before. "Junior greets Lady Qinru. My master is currently wandering in search of sword inspiration."
"Oh, that eccentric. Left you behind again?" she chuckled. "Well, I suppose I'm partially responsible for his current state."
Her eyes drifted toward Chu Ying. "So? Why have you brought this girl to me?"
Jiang Mu straightened and gestured politely. "Senior, this Miss Ying sought you out personally. She came to return something... important."
Chu Ying snapped out of her daze at the sound of her name. Lady Qinru's presence was overwhelming—elegant yet deadly.
Lady Qinru's eyes narrowed as she glanced at Feng Ruilan nearby, then locked onto Chu Ying. "You. Come with me."
"Ah… me?" Chu Ying blinked, pointing hesitantly at herself.
"Didn't you come here to see me?" Lady Qinru smiled. "Who else would I be referring to?"
"Y-Yes," Chu Ying stammered, still trembling slightly as she followed.
The two entered a quiet side chamber. With a wave of her sleeve, Lady Qinru sealed the space entirely. A layer of golden light shimmered briefly before vanishing.
Chu Ying tensed. She knew that cultivators above the Void Transformation Realm could seal an area to prevent eavesdropping. But even so, a strange unease crept into her bones.
Lady Qinru, sensing it, said lightly, "No need to be nervous. This is just to prevent any... unwanted ears."
Only then did Chu Ying exhale softly and relax her shoulders.
"Now," Lady Qinru said, turning back, "give me that wooden hairpin."
Without hesitation, Chu Ying brought out the simple wooden hairpin and handed it over.
Lady Qinru took it gently, studying it for a moment. Then, with practiced grace, she slid it into her hair bun.
Chu Ying's eyes widened. That plain wooden hairpin... She had expected Lady Qinru to tuck it away or store it in a treasure pouch. But to wear it so openly?
Why?
Surely, she must own countless spiritual artifacts far more valuable...
But she kept her thoughts to herself and merely watched in silence.
Lady Qinru spoke again. "What did that old beggar say to you?"
Chu Ying's breath caught in her throat. "How... how did you know he said something?"
"Heh," Lady Qinru gave a light laugh. "Even without my cultivation, I can still sense something so basic. You've been tampered with. And besides..." She circled around Chu Ying slowly, examining her closely. "For someone like you—betrayed by her own people... something like this was bound to happen."
Chu Ying's heart thundered. How does she know so much about me?!
Before she could process further, her body suddenly rose off the ground.
Lady Qinru's eyes gleamed as she scrutinized every inch of Chu Ying's form. "Found it."
She stopped behind Chu Ying and flicked her finger toward the back of her neck. A dull crack echoed in the sealed chamber.
An intricate red-black sigil—almost like a tattoo—shattered into tiny fragments of light and faded.
Chu Ying gasped as a wave of oppressive energy left her body. The strange, gloomy aura that had clung to her for days now dissolved. Her limbs felt lighter. Her mind, clearer.
"What... What did you do?" she asked, bewildered. "What was that thing?"
Lady Qinru withdrew her hand and calmly replied, "It was a mark—woven from demonic energy. Whoever placed it on you was no amateur."
"Demonic energy..."
Chu Ying froze.
How could she forget?
That day... the wedding soaked in blood.
It flashed through her mind like a blade of lightning.
Was it Yaoyao? No... she didn't have the ability.
The elders? Someone from the sect?
But who gained the most?
She was lost in her thoughts when Lady Qinru's voice cut through.
"Now, tell me what that old man said."
Snapping out of her daze, Chu Ying nodded. "He just recited a strange poem:
'One glass of water, two glasses of wine,
Give me something better, what isn't mine.'"
Lady Qinru stared for a moment. Then scoffed. "That half-buried old ghost still spouting nonsense..."
She didn't sound angry, only bemused. Moving to the side, she sat on a throne-like seat and crossed her legs.
"Did he say anything else?"
Chu Ying shook her head. "No, he disappeared after saying that."
Lady Qinru sighed. "That old lunatic still thinks he's some divine messenger... If I ever see him again, I'll bury him alive just to shut him up."
Chu Ying didn't quite understand, but wisely kept silent.
Then, with a flick of her wrist, Lady Qinru took out a glowing jade token and tossed it to Chu Ying. The moment it touched her skin, it pulsed with light as if... alive.
"What is this?" Chu Ying asked instinctively.
But before she could continue, Lady Qinru spoke first.
"That jade token will help restore your damaged meridians. If used properly, it'll even prepare your body to re-enter the path of immortality."
Chu Ying's eyes trembled.
"But..." Lady Qinru paused, her expression unreadable. Then she waved her hand. "That's enough for now. Go back outside and wait with the others."
"Yes, Senior."
Chu Ying bowed and stepped out of the room, still clutching the glowing jade token in her hand.
Once the door closed, Lady Qinru leaned back in her throne. Her gaze grew distant.
"So... in the end, you chose this girl to carry your legacy, old friend," she whispered.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
"She even looks like her…"
And the room fell silent.