TDIC 10

Chapter : 10

“Master!”

Yin Wu almost ran in, while the Twin Stars lingered silently in the courtyard for a moment, saying nothing, before departing.

Leaning against the doorframe, she fixed her gaze on the person sitting at the tea table, warming tea. Li Lingjiang’s posture was straight, her movements smooth and flowing, betraying no sign of wavering. Two dragons flapped in with snorts and landed near her hands.

“Yin Wu, tea?”

Li Lingjiang lightly held a cup between her fingers and gently pushed it across. She took a sip and swallowed before asking, “Will you join me?”

Yin Wu understood the meaning behind Li Lingjiang’s words. She silently scrutinized the woman before her. Even though Li Lingjiang was gravely ill, she was still determined to take risks. Yin Wu didn’t even remember the last time they had come to Bu Gui Mountain or explored it.

Yet after a moment of divination, everything lined up perfectly.

Yin Wu sat opposite Li Lingjiang, her eyes full of worry. “Master, are you really going? I’m afraid your body won’t hold up.”

Li Lingjiang, however, seemed indifferent. She exhaled, appearing unconcerned. “If something is destined to happen, even if I don’t go… Bu Gui Mountain has been called a death zone for years. Suddenly, a magical artifact appears. And since I’m present, suspicion will naturally fall on me. It’s better that I confirm it myself.”

“Then I—I’ll go with you!” Yin Wu declared with a fearless expression. She raised the tea cup and drank in one gulp, only to immediately stick out her tongue and blow on it repeatedly. “Too hot…”

Li Lingjiang froze for a moment, then pressed her lips in a helpless smile, taking another sip herself. “Be careful.”

“Hehe.” Yin Wu awkwardly scratched her head. Then, straightening her expression, she coughed lightly. “By the way, I think I’ve seen quite a few ghostly figures these past few days.”

Li Lingjiang pressed a fingertip to the table. “Ghosts?”

Yin Wu nodded. “I couldn’t be mistaken. I can still sense the aura of the underworld. But most of them are wandering spirits without consciousness—they don’t pose any real threat.”

Li Lingjiang let out a quiet “Ah,” her expression unreadable, and said no more.

The underworld rarely dealt with demons. Occasionally she would converse with the King of the Underworld, but because the two races’ auras clashed, interactions were mostly awkward. Only a few centuries ago had relations improved slightly. Bu Gui Mountain’s demonic aura was severe; in theory, nothing like this should happen. It seemed the situation was far more serious than she had imagined.

After a long silence, Li Lingjiang finally spoke: “It doesn’t matter. We’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

“Mm.” Obediently, Yin Wu nodded. She stood, ready to leave. “I’ll handle the remaining bodies, then. Master, would you like some porridge tonight? You’ve only taken medicine these past few days.”

Li Lingjiang folded her sleeves and nodded, giving tacit approval.

Hearing this, Yin Wu happily left, leaving Li Lingjiang kneeling alone. In the reflection of her cup, the stars seemed faint and lonely.

Li Lingjiang wasn’t sure when night had fallen in Bu Gui Mountain, nor when she had collapsed into bed in a deep sleep. When she woke, her head felt dizzy.

The room’s candlelight was already lit. Yin Wu, using her magic, carefully warmed a bowl of porridge and a bowl of medicine. Seeing Li Lingjiang awake, she was overjoyed. “Master! Are you feeling unwell anywhere? You were already resting when I came in.”

“Would you like some porridge?”

Li Lingjiang’s agreements rarely changed. She hummed softly and sat up. “Bring it to me, thank you for your effort. Have you eaten?”

Yin Wu nodded, carefully bringing the porridge over. “I have. Take it slowly.”

Li Lingjiang took it; the temperature was perfect, controlled by Yin Wu. To avoid straining her body, the porridge contained mostly tonic herbs with little else. It tasted good, and Li Lingjiang smiled. “Delicious.”

Yin Wu immediately brightened, unable to stop herself from talking. “Once you’re feeling better, I’ll make this for you every day.”

Li Lingjiang agreed.

She had only taken a few bites when both of them suddenly became alert, glancing toward the door. Soon, someone knocked forcefully. “Is anyone there?”

Li Lingjiang’s gaze sharpened. She put down her bowl, her tone slightly serious. “Yin Wu, help me cover my ears with a diversion spell.”