Before dawn, the quiet paths of Qingyun Village echoed with the sound of light, measured footsteps.
A woman in a pale moon-colored gown approached, her face hidden behind a veil, her aura suppressed to the extreme.
Her name was Su Wanning, a true disciple of the Chiyan Sect — after hearing last night's rumors of "demon gods descending upon Qingyun Village," she had rushed here to investigate.
She stopped outside Lin Heng's courtyard, raised a hand to probe—
"Hm? No spiritual fluctuation at all?"
Under the veil, her brows furrowed slightly. Could it have been just a false rumor?
Just as she was about to scale the wall for a look, the courtyard gate creaked open.
Lin Heng stepped out, stretching lazily, a worn bamboo basket in hand. "Yo, out this early? Looking for someone?"
Su Wanning was momentarily taken aback — the young man before her was dressed plainly, holding a few wild scallions in his basket, looking every bit the ordinary rustic villager.
"Last night… was there any unusual phenomenon here?" she asked.
"Unusual phenomenon?" Lin Heng thought for a moment. "Oh, you mean those idiots making noise at night? I scared them off."
Su Wanning's heart jolted — scared off dozens of cultivators? Was he playing dumb, or hiding something far more dangerous?
Before she could press further, a sound rang out from inside the courtyard—
"Meow—"
It was like a cat's cry, yet also like a low hum rising from some ancient abyss, carrying a chill that seeped into one's bones.
Su Wanning's body tensed instantly, spiritual shield flaring to life.
But the next moment, she saw — a gray cat, fur bristled into a hedgehog, strolling out at a leisurely pace, tail swishing once to smack Lin Heng on the leg.
Lin Heng: "You damn cat, still haven't digested last night's fish?"
Gray Cat: "Meow-wu~ (Translation: You dare bring up the fish? You shorted me a piece last night!)"
Su Wanning: "…"
Wait… why do I feel like I'm being stared at by an ancient beast king?
Before she could regain her composure, the big black dog in the yard suddenly lifted its head and barked once toward the sky.
In the next instant, a deafening boom echoed from the distant woods — like boulders being ground into dust.
Lin Heng sighed. "You two fighting again?"
The gray cat fluffed up in defiance, while the black dog bared a mouthful of sharp white teeth — the pressure in the air made Su Wanning's back break out in a cold sweat.
And then, Lin Heng turned toward her with a cheerful smile.
"Don't be afraid, miss, they just like to play rough. I'll make some meat later to help you calm your nerves."
Su Wanning: "…"
Calm my nerves? Should I be calming down… or should the entire cultivation world be calming down?!
—
Before she could leave, several streaks of sword light swept across the sky, stopping at the village entrance.
A group of cultivators stormed in, brimming with killing intent — but the moment they saw the gray cat and black dog locking eyes—
Bang! Bang! Bang! Three of them dropped to their knees in fright.
"They… they're still here!"
"Retreat! Don't look into their eyes!"
Su Wanning: "…"
I'm beginning to suspect this so-called "mortal" is the true heart of the taboo.