“Imperial Preceptor’s Manor?!”
Wen Ningwan halted beneath the imposing gates. The Imperial Preceptor didn’t look back, continuing up the stone steps alone.
After a moment’s hesitation, Wen Ningwan called out, “Why have you brought me to your residence?”
“You’ll understand once inside.”
“…” Wen Ningwan stuck out her tongue at his retreating back. “Can I refuse?”
The Imperial Preceptor turned, his expression icy.
“Understood.” Wen Ningwan immediately put on a cheeky smile and hurried after him.
The manor stood as a century-old symbol of the Feng family’s accumulated power, every brick and tile bearing witness to generations of influence.
Majestic. Imposing.
Yet this renowned residence held no laughter. Maids and servants moved about with bowed heads, their cautious movements creating an atmosphere so tense one could walk on eggshells. Accustomed to livelier surroundings, Wen Ningwan trailed uneasily behind the Imperial Preceptor, noticing how servants would glance up only to immediately lower their eyes.
He led her to the rear courtyard where Youran and another woman her mirror image emerged from a chamber, offering polite bows.
After servants exited the compound, Youran glanced meaningfully at Wen Ningwan. “May I speak freely?”
“Proceed.”
“We’ve found Cai’er,” Youran reported. “Her gland was extracted. She’s dead. Based on evidence Miao Shiyi collected, we can close the case.”
“How?” Wen Ningwan frowned.
“Cai’er committed suicide out of guilt. Case closed.” The twin beside Youran spoke coldly this must be Yuqi, the other formidable aide mentioned in the original work.
Seeing their intent to minimize the matter, Wen Ningwan nodded along.
“Come see for yourself.”
As the Imperial Preceptor advanced, Wen Ningwan followed hastily into the chamber where a white-shrouded form lay. Without warning, Youran pulled back the cloth, revealing a blood-drained corpse.
Wen Ningwan’s mind went blank.
The original novel’s revelation struck like lightning, the Imperial Preceptor sustained his power by consuming Omega glands, leaving victims as desiccated husks.
Am I next?
Darkness swallowed her vision as she fainted.
The Imperial Preceptor caught her effortlessly. Youran stared in dismay. “I didn’t know she feared corpses.”
With a resigned look at his unconscious burden, he glanced at the body. “Remove it.”
Youran signaled Yuqi, and together they carried out the corpse. The Imperial Preceptor exhaled deeply before bending to lift the unconscious woman.
The twins gaped as their master walked past effortlessly carrying his load, then exchanged glances at their own awkward corpse-bearing posture.
Yuqi straightened abruptly, forcing Youran to follow suit until she suddenly bent again. “Attendants!”
“You need exercise,” Yuqi scoffed.
“Says you!” Youran rubbed her waist, studying the removed corpse pensively. Who would kill so brutally after the case was solved? Unless… someone needed to hide something?
Wen Ningwan awoke with a start, bolting upright to clutch her nose in terror.
With a mischievous grin, Youran pocketed her special-effect medicine bottle and smugly glanced at the Imperial Preceptor standing nearby. “Now you’re sober.”
Wen Ningwan nervously watched the Imperial Preceptor, who calmly stated, “You all leave first.”
Youran looked momentarily stunned before Youqi dragged her away and shut the door.
Facing the imposing Imperial Preceptor, Wen Ningwan hastily rose respectfully, offering an ingratiating smile.
When the Imperial Preceptor took a step forward, Wen Ningwan immediately scurried behind a chair, forcing an awkward smile.
Noticing this, the Imperial Preceptor eyed her curiously. “Why are you hiding?”
If you’re going to bite me, shouldn’t I hide?
Wen Ningwan gave a mental sigh but shook her head. “This distance is just right.”
Then with a cheeky grin, she added, “Distance creates beauty, after all.”
Observing the person standing several steps away behind the chair, the Imperial Preceptor arched an eyebrow. “Are you afraid of me?”
“No, just reverent awe,” Wen Ningwan replied with a nervous smile, not daring to provoke her now death was preferable to becoming a terrifying mummy.
“Do you know what happens when an Omega is discovered in court?”
Wen Ningwan shuddered, her spine turning to ice. “They, they die.”
“Flayed alive, bones carved out, tortured to death.”
Her legs gave way in terror, and Wen Ningwan clutched the chairback, tearful eyes pleading pitifully at the Imperial Preceptor. “Save me!”
“Fine.”
“Huh?” Wen Ningwan gaped at the composed Imperial Preceptor in surprise.
“You must agree to one condition.”