Ni Manxin watched Dong Yue’s retreating figure, finding him utterly inscrutable. Where did all that anger come from today? Had he argued with Fang Yi, and she ignored him, making him take it out on her?
Recalling the jealous look he gave her earlier, it must be the case, definitely. Who would have thought men in love could be so unreasonable.
Trembling with fear, Ni Manxin finally endured until the end of her shift. She quickly changed clothes, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door. Just outside the shop, she saw Tang Yubo sitting on a leisure chair across the street, waiting for her.
Why was he so free today, seeking her out twice? Had something happened to him?
“Tang Yubo, is something wrong?” Ni Manxin scrutinized him, hoping he wouldn’t lie to her.
Tang Yubo pulled two movie tickets from his coat pocket and handed one to her. “Come on, I’m treating you to a movie.”
A movie? Ever since her father sold their house, she hadn’t stepped into a cinema in a long time. Accepting his invitation without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and headed toward the theater.
But before they reached the entrance, dark clouds gathered, and a fierce wind swept through. Ni Manxin was momentarily blinded by the dust, unable to open her eyes. Tang Yubo pulled her into his embrace and found a sheltered spot nearby.
“Are you okay, Ni Manxin?” Tang Yubo whispered softly.
Ni Manxin rubbed her eyes in discomfort, tears involuntarily streaming down. Tang Yubo lowered his head, seemingly unintentionally lifting the hem of her long coat.
Where could it be? Each time, it appeared in a different form—what would it become this time? A personal pendant? Or a birthmark?
Others might not know, but he was fully aware. During Ni Chang’s battle with the Ancient Python, he had seen everything clearly. The giant serpent had unexpectedly lost to Ni Chang at the most critical moment and soon vanished within the prison.
Using every means possible, he finally managed to contact his subordinate. However, Dong Yue’s powers were too formidable, and the officer could only transform into a small bird to meet him.
It was then that he realized Ni Chang was the key to defeating Dong Yue. Unfortunately, he was too weak at the time, and the matter was postponed.
“Tang Yubo, are you done? Hurry up and blow on my eyes—it’s so uncomfortable,” Ni Manxin urged.
Tang Yubo lowered his head and blew gently on her eyes for a moment. “How is it? Feeling better?”
Ni Manxin rubbed her eyes and instantly felt much better. She then pulled Tang Yubo into the cinema. A wisp of blue-green shadow vanished from the tree in an instant.
“Tang Yubo, thank you. The movie tonight was really good.”
“Why thank me for just a movie? Ni Manxin, I wanted to ask if we could…”
Tang Yubo stood at the entrance of Ni Manxin’s home, ready to confess his feelings. But for some reason, he suddenly found himself unable to speak. Dong Yue, it’s you causing trouble again, isn’t it?
He had long sensed the series of events that had occurred at Dong Yue’s residence but couldn’t reveal it, feigning ignorance instead. Now, you’re sabotaging me again today, proving that Ni Chang still holds some weight in your heart.
Outsiders claim you’re cold and unfeeling, but it seems that’s not entirely true. If I can find that magical artifact, the Four Seas and Eight Desolations will be mine. I will repay you double for the humiliation I suffered back then, and I will watch you fall with my own eyes. Dong Yue, just you wait!
Ni Manxin watched Tang Yubo struggle to speak for a long moment and laughed. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head in now. Goodbye.”Tang Yutong furiously cursed Dong Yue in his heart. Meanwhile, Dong Yue leaned against his own doorway, glaring fiercely at him. Fearing Dong Yue might detect something, Tang lowered his head and hurried past.
Dong Yue pensively rested his chin on his hand, watching until Tang’s figure disappeared before returning indoors.
He had always felt there was something indescribably peculiar about this man named Tang Yubo, and now this feeling grew stronger. It was time to investigate thoroughly.
In the Hall of the King of Hell, Bei Yin leisurely sipped tea. The King of Hell said, “Great Emperor, the Monarch has been in the mortal realm for quite some time now. Why hasn’t he returned? Could it be he’s waiting for Ni Chang to die again before coming back?”
Bei Yin fanned himself while placing a chess piece: “Why the rush? The Monarch has his own plans. Though his appearance might cause some trouble in the mortal realm. By the way, go check when Ni Chang will die in this reincarnation cycle, so we can prepare in advance.”
The King of Hell sat as still as a clay statue. What exactly did Bei Yin mean?
When Ni Chang returned after dying again, were they supposed to line the streets to welcome her? Perhaps even say: “Ni Chang, you’ve finally died, wonderful! We’ve missed you so much?”
Imagining this bizarre scene, the King of Hell couldn’t help but shudder.
Dong Yue returned to the Grand Dusk Palace and summoned Bei Yin.
Bei Yin arrived fanning himself: “So you’ve finally returned. I thought you might bring Ni Chang back to the Netherworld this time.”
Dong Yue looked displeased at Bei Yin, not wanting to waste words, and went straight to the point: “Since my return today, how fares the Netherworld? Any notable occurrences?”
Bei Yin immediately dropped his ingratiating smile: “Rest assured, Monarch. Nothing major has happened in the Netherworld recently. All remains peaceful.”
Dong Yue nodded, pondering for a moment: “I need you to investigate Tang Yubo for me. I suspect his background is far from simple.”
“His aura feels both familiar and strange to me. Regardless, you must conduct a thorough investigation. If you encounter danger, be sure to blow the ancient flute I gave you.”
“Yes, Monarch.”
As Dong Yue rose to leave, he suddenly remembered something and paused: “Take my personal token to Buddha Demon Mountain. See if he’s nearing awakening.”
Bei Yin expressed doubt: “Monarch, you’ve imprisoned him there for thousands of years. His demonic nature should have long perished. Why still fear him?”
Dong Yue: “Just remain vigilant. That fellow is exceedingly cunning.”
Bei Yin nodded, thoughts of Buddha Demon Mountain inevitably bringing back memories of Ni Chang from those years.
This mountain had been specially chosen and created by Dong Yue to seal away Demon Lord Xiao Yan. Its caves were filled with hell flowers, other shore flowers, serving as his path to rebirth.
Besides the Monarch’s enchanted other shore flowers, the mountain was also guarded by an Ancient Python. This python was extremely ferocious, with a particular fondness for devouring souls – especially Mortal Souls, which were its favorite.
Just hearing the name “Buddha Demon Mountain” was enough to make Netherworld souls collapse in terror. Yet unexpectedly, in this sinister and eerie place, Princess Long Chuyao had thrown Ni Chang inside.
Whether it was fortune or misfortune remained unclear, but Ni Chang accidentally ingested the Ancient Python’s blood, leading to all subsequent events.
Bei Yin arrived alone at Buddha Demon Mountain. Producing the token Dong Yue had given him, he effortlessly located the water prison where the Demon Lord was confined.
At this moment, the Demon Lord’s limbs were shackled by thick chains, making it difficult for him to move. His head hung low, devoid of any demonic aura.
Bei Yin nodded with satisfaction. Dong Yue had said he was about to awaken, but did he look like he could wake up in this state?
After staying for only a short while, Bei Yin flicked his sleeve and left.