Master, come with me.

Half an hour later, Yun Feiyue returned to her bedchamber.

Since she couldn't confront You Tong head-on—a direct conflict would bring her no advantage—she had obediently withdrawn to the rear. Alone and bored, she stared at her cup.

Little Mumu lay beside Yun Feiyue, watching her. "Mother, what should we do?"

"First, we have to deal with your father. Otherwise, we can forget about ever leaving this place." Yun Feiyue was certain this was the only way out.

Little Mumu nodded in earnest agreement. They had to find a way past their iceberg of a father. He blinked up at Yun Feiyue. "Then, Mother, what do we do now?"

Yun Feiyue lay sprawled on the table and sighed softly. "Let's act now."

Watching his mother smearing black powder across her face, Little Mumu instantly guessed her plan. He obediently darted outside, crying as he ran, "Iceberg Father, something's wrong! Mother is gravely ill!"

Mo Feiyuan, who was still reviewing memorials, heard Little Mumu's cries and his expression tensed. Had she really gone to fight You Tong just to get out? That wouldn't surprise him in the least; in fact, he would've been more surprised if she hadn't.

He turned his head to see his pitiful, tearful son. "Iceberg Father, Mother is very sick!"

Without hesitation, Mo Feiyuan snatched up Little Mumu and hurried to Yun Feiyue's bedchamber.

At that moment, Yun Feiyue lay on the bed, her face tinged with greenish hues, appearing truly frightening. Mo Feiyuan quickly pressed his fingers to her pulse and found it in complete chaos.

"What happened?" A surge of panic rose in him as he scooped Yun Feiyue into his arms.

Yun Feiyue, nestled in his embrace, wrapped her arms around his neck—and seized the opportunity to clasp her hand around his throat.

"Husband, I'm sorry. I have to leave. The Yun family is a place I cannot abandon, no matter what. So I hope you understand. I believe you do." Yun Feiyue gazed at Mo Feiyuan with hopeful eyes.

His throat bobbed, but he said nothing, only regarding her quietly. He knew that Yun Feiyue always did what she set her mind to. Still, he hadn't expected her to use such means.

Under his gaze, Yun Feiyue felt uneasy, as if she'd done something wrong again. But what choice did she have? She had to go—there was simply no other way.

At last, Mo Feiyuan gave a faint smile. "Wife, I've already sent people to suppress the trouble. I believe those who dare to move against the Yun family are few indeed. You are my wife—surely they all understand that."

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips together. Precisely because of that, she had to go.

"If you were an oak, then I never wanted to be a vine that could only cling to you for shelter. I want to be an oak as well—to live a life of my own value." She cradled Mo Feiyuan's face in her hands and smiled gently. "So there are things I must face alone. Let me go."

This was the first time in this life—and even in the last—that Yun Feiyue had spoken such sentimental words. But they came from her heart.

She had never wanted to hide under Mo Feiyuan's protection as a naïve young wife. From the beginning, she had her own ideas, her own ambitions, her own character.

"I understand," Mo Feiyuan replied with a soft smile. He reached out and gently stroked her hair. "Though I wish I could keep you here forever, always under my protection, I suppose I can't be that selfish."

Because he loved her, he had to respect her choices.

"Go, then."

With permission, Yun Feiyue nodded, kissed him, and left with her son.

Watching their retreating figures, Mo Feiyuan said in a low voice, "You Tong, Han Cheng, ensure their safety. If anything goes wrong, you'll answer to me."

"Yes," came the response.

Once they had gone, his brush swept lightly across the paper, etching the words "Gui Ming" deep into the page.

Yun Feiyue and Little Mumu had scarcely left the Mo family palace when they encountered Mo Twelve. Rather than a chance meeting, it was clear Mo Twelve had been waiting for them.

"You seemed to know I would come," Yun Feiyue said with some resignation.

Mo Twelve grinned. "I thought you'd show up when Mo Zhi made his move, but here you are already."

"You seem to know a great deal about the Mo family’s affairs," Yun Feiyue said, tilting her head.

Mo Twelve lifted his chin proudly. "Of course—I am Mo Twelve, after all!"

Little Mumu gazed up at him. "Handsome brother, can I have a hug?"

Mo Twelve looked stunned—this little fellow actually wanted a hug from him? He hesitated. Somehow, it felt suspicious. Nevertheless, after a moment's pause, he picked Little Mumu up.

"Little one, are you satisfied with your new father?"

Little Mumu nodded. "Of course. Though he does like to compete with me for Mother. It would be perfect if he'd just sleep alone at night."

Yun Feiyue nodded in agreement. "Exactly. He could sleep by himself, but insists on sharing my bed."

Mo Twelve chuckled. "Then, beautiful sister, why not marry me? If I were your husband, you'd want to sleep with me every night."

"People can be shameless, but not this shameless. I'm your sister-in-law, after all," Yun Feiyue admonished.

Mo Twelve laughed even more roguishly. "As they say, nothing tastes better than dumplings, and nothing’s more fun than a sister-in-law."

"Ah!" He hadn't finished speaking before pain shot through his hand. Little Mumu had swiftly leapt from his arms back to Yun Feiyue’s side.

"Mother, let's go!"

Yun Feiyue took Little Mumu and dashed away, finally shaking off Mo Twelve.

She looked at Little Mumu in wonder. "What did you just do?"

"I took two spatial stones, Mother, but I don't know their activation phrase," Little Mumu said helplessly, tossing the stones to her.

Such advanced spatial stones required a password. So even though they had them, they were useless.

Yun Feiyue thought for a moment, then beamed and hugged Little Mumu. "Next time, remember to get the password."

Little Mumu nodded gravely. What a loss—not getting the password.

"Mother, I feel like someone is nearby," he said, looking adorably befuddled.

Yun Feiyue sensed the familiar presence too—and a familiar voice.

"Found you! Here you are!"

Yun Feiyue looked up in resignation. "Cousin."

Murong Fenghua and Murong Shengqing stood before her, clearly intent on taking her away.

"So you do remember I'm your cousin?" Murong Fenghua replied, looking displeased.

Yun Feiyue grinned. "Dear cousin, fate really brings us together—even if you turned to dust, I’d never forget your dashing features."

Murong Fenghua’s lips twitched violently. "Yun Feiyue, what are you trying to say?"

"Nothing. Cousin, I’m leaving now. Enjoy yourself." She tugged Little Mumu along to leave.

But Murong Fenghua was not so easily shaken off, blocking her path. "Trying to leave? Grandfather ordered me to bring you back to the Murong family."

"I'm not going," Yun Feiyue replied firmly.

Murong Fenghua glared coldly. "This is not up to you. You think you can just refuse?"

His sword flashed from its sheath, clearly intent on coercion.

Yun Feiyue pressed her hand to her forehead. "Cousin, don’t be so violent. Let’s all behave civilly, all right? I’m really, truly busy right now. I trust you can understand?"

Murong Fenghua shook his head. "I don't."

Oh, for heaven’s sake!

Yun Feiyue lost her temper. Enough of talking nicely.

"The Yun family is in trouble."

"I know."

"Then why on earth won’t you let me go?" Yun Feiyue fumed. Was her cousin deliberately refusing to help the Yun family? Not only that, but he was actively obstructing.

"I’m following Grandfather’s orders to bring you back as quickly as possible," Murong Fenghua replied, gripping his sword, the air around him stirring with wind.

The wind whipped around Murong Fenghua, fluttering his white robe, which now seemed tinged with a chilling air. A faint aura of Daoist power seeped from him, weaving itself into a net.

Yun Feiyue frowned helplessly. "Cousin, I’m not polite when I act. Best not to provoke me, or I’ll be displeased."

She popped a Fire Essence Pill into her mouth, and the power of fire radiated from her, her red robes swirling. Flames unfurled like beautiful lotus petals, and she was the heart of the blossom—stunningly gifted, but exuding killing intent.

She had never feared a confrontation.

Murong Shengqing quickly stepped between them. "Cousin, brother, please don’t fight. Grandfather would be upset. If cousin must return to the Yun family, let’s go together. Once she’s settled things, we can all return to the Murong family."

"No!" Murong Fenghua refused flatly.

"Brother..." Murong Shengqing pleaded.

"Fine." Murong Fenghua, ever weak to his younger brother’s entreaties, relented.

Yun Feiyue was speechless. Truly, nothing trumps a little brother’s wheedling when it comes to family affection.

"Let’s negotiate," Yun Feiyue said, proposing terms. She didn’t mind going to the Murong family, but she’d just recalled something she needed.

"You know how to use Spiritual Transmission Stones, right?" she asked Murong Fenghua.

He nodded. "Of course. You just need a Spiritual Transmission Stone, but only Grandfather can make them."

"Then, can you get one for me?" Yun Feiyue smiled at him.

Murong Fenghua nodded—it was possible—but, "Why should I give you one?"

He had no intention of giving anything to Yun Feiyue. Sometimes you just dislike someone for no reason, and so it was with their lifelong rivalry.

"Fine, then don’t expect me to go to the Murong family. Goodbye, cousin. In fact, let’s never meet again." She walked off with Little Mumu.

Murong Fenghua was momentarily stunned. His cousin really had changed—maybe she still couldn’t best him, but she was far more brazen. And he found he rather liked it.

Murong Shengqing hurried after Yun Feiyue. "Cousin, I have one. Here you go."

He handed her a Spiritual Transmission Stone.

Yun Feiyue accepted it with a bright smile. "Little cousin, you’re so thoughtful—unlike some people, who are just insufferable."

Murong Shengqing shrugged helplessly. "Cousin, it’s not that I’m thoughtful. That’s just my brother’s nature—you know how he’s always been."

All right, Yun Feiyue admitted to herself, she did know. Still, it annoyed her. He’d bullied her as a child, and even now he wouldn’t let her off. Infuriating.

She grinned. "I’m off. Come find me after I’ve settled things at the Yun family."

Soon, she arrived at the Yun family estate.

But there was no siege, no bloody carnage. The place was eerily calm—so much so that Yun Feiyue felt uneasy.

She hurried to knock at the door, but for a long while, no one answered.

Her heart began to pound. Please let nothing have happened...

"Mother, what do we do?" Little Mumu asked helplessly.

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips together, at a loss herself.

Just then, the door creaked open and the steward, upon seeing Yun Feiyue, was overcome with emotion. "Young Miss, you’re back!"

Yun Feiyue nodded. "Where’s Grandfather? And my parents?"

The steward quickly opened the door wide. "They’re all well, inside. Please come in, Young Miss."

Everyone was safe? Surprised but mostly relieved, she felt a weight lift from her heart. Had anything happened, she would never have forgiven herself.

If she hadn’t rashly used the Red Lotus Token, perhaps she wouldn’t have provoked that madman, Gui Ming. The thought of someone who could single-handedly slaughter so many sent a chill down her spine.

She rushed inside and found her elder brother and sister-in-law, Yun Hai, Yun Hen, Murong Guiji, and Old Master Yun all gathered in the hall. Their presence reassured her.

Taking a deep breath, she forced a relaxed smile. "I’m home."

But this time the atmosphere was odd—not cold, but not particularly warm either.

"What’s wrong?" Yun Feiyue asked, puzzled.

"Your third brother and the young master of the Jun family are missing," Murong Guiji said sadly. She hadn’t cared much while her son was around, but now that he was gone, she was heartbroken.

Yun Feiyue patted her mother’s shoulder. "Mother, third brother is at the Mo family—he’s safe. The Jun family’s young master is with him."

Murong Guiji’s expression eased a little. "You’re not lying to us, are you?"

Yun Feiyue sighed. "Why would I lie? They’re both fine."

Only then did Murong Guiji smile in relief, and the mood in the room lightened.

"Since you’re home, Yue’er, go have something delicious prepared," Yun Kuang ordered the servants, picking up Little Mumu to play with him.

Yun Feiyue asked, "Did the Yun family suppress those righteous sect people?"

Yun Hai grinned sheepishly. "Of course not. It’s because our Yue’er married well—the Mo family came to our aid. Even the people from Qingwu Hall lent a hand. So for now, the crisis is over."

Hearing this, Yun Feiyue finally felt at ease. As long as her family was safe, nothing else mattered.

After exchanging a few words with Old Master Yun, she found Yun Hai.

"Second brother, do me a favor."

Yun Hai sighed. "Since you went to the Mo family, I haven’t even been able to see Yun Huang. And you didn’t bring her back. I’m not helping."

"It’s about the Yun family," Yun Feiyue said, glaring at him.

At that, Yun Hai’s attitude changed immediately. "Really?"

She nodded, and after discussing their plans, Yun Feiyue returned to her room.

The first thing she did was take out the Red Lotus Token.

The blood-red token no longer looked as beautiful as before. It felt uncomfortable in her hand, as if it were a red-hot yam.

She sliced open her palm, letting blood drip onto the token.

"I, Yun Feiyue, in the name of blood, summon you."

A summons.

Far away, Gui Ming heard Yun Feiyue's call and paused, his blade frozen mid-swing. He’d been in the middle of a massacre. At her summons, he set aside his scythe, a smile curling at his lips.

At last, she was summoning him.

He gazed at Yun Feiyue. "Master."

"I wish to negotiate," Yun Feiyue said coldly, looking down at him from above.

Gui Ming nodded, his blood-red tongue licking his lips. "Negotiate? That sounds rather ominous. Do we have any reason to negotiate?"

"We do. Because you’ve killed so many. Because you framed the Yun family. Because your crimes are unforgivable." Her eyes were hard as she stared at him.

Gui Ming paused, then laughed darkly. "Is that so? Unforgivable? But you are my master."

"And that’s why I don’t wish to be your master any longer." Yun Feiyue held out the blood-stained Red Lotus Token. "Cease your slaughter against the righteous sects, and I’ll give you your freedom."

Gui Ming broke into a dazzling smile. "You really don’t understand me at all. I never wanted freedom. Not even a little. If possible, I’d rather you imprison me—bind my life and my body. I’d do anything for you, even be steeped in endless blood."

"Madman," Yun Feiyue muttered, at a loss as to how to reason with such utter madness.

"Yes, I am a madman," Gui Ming replied, almost pleased by the label.

He was a madman—so what?

"If you want me to stop the killing, you have only one choice: come with me to the Ghost Realm. There, I’ll give you anything you desire."

His pale face, those hellish eyes brimming with bloodlust, and that smile—he spoke the truth. If Yun Feiyue agreed, he would not only stop the slaughter, he would even betray the Ghost Realm for her.

It was all up to her.

A life that had once been flat and empty now rippled with meaning since meeting her. Someone who’d always thought himself a corpse now felt alive again. There was hope flickering in his eyes.

But Yun Feiyue still looked at him as if he were insane.

"Gui Ming, all this killing just to force me to the Ghost Realm? You’ve gone to quite some lengths," she said with a soft laugh.

Gui Ming shook his head, a smile playing about his lips. "For you, killing more would be worthwhile. Now answer me—Master, will you come with me?"