Chapter Seventeen: Peril at Every Turn

The mourning hall was set in the most secluded courtyard of the mansion. Even before approaching, a chilling aura swept over them, as if carrying countless whispered voices swirling through the night. Thick fog blanketed the area, obscuring the moonlight, and the shadows of trees twisted within the mist like clawing phantoms.

“This atmosphere is straight out of a horror movie!” Qu Wanqing muttered inwardly, but her hand instinctively clutched Jiang Yu’s arm. Jiang Yu grasped her hand in return; the warmth of his touch brought her a measure of comfort.

Inside the mourning hall, flickering candlelight cast wavering shadows, making everything appear faint and eerie. The old master’s coffin rested at the center, surrounded by offerings. Incense smoke curled upward but could not mask the pervasive stench of decay. Several servants huddled in a corner, their faces pale with fear.

No sooner had Qu Wanqing stepped inside than the night-watching Ma Pozi let out a piercing scream, pointing at her and shouting, “The calamity star has arrived! The old master died because of her!”

This sudden accusation froze the already tense atmosphere. The guests, still drowned in sorrow for the old master’s passing, shifted their gazes toward Qu Wanqing, eyes filled with loathing and dread.

“I’m the one who caused the old master’s death? Not on my watch!” Qu Wanqing sneered inwardly. She was no pushover, having grown up in harsh circumstances and seen all manner of schemes. She was determined to expose the tricks of Ma Pozi and the Taoist Liu. Yet outwardly she remained calm, taking a deep breath to suppress her rising anger.

Before she could speak, a man in a Taoist robe wielding a peach wood sword stepped forward—it was the Taoist Liu previously invited to the mansion. He pretended to be profound, counting on his fingers before pointing at Qu Wanqing and declaring harshly, “This woman’s fate is cursed—a lone star of misfortune, bringing ruin to husbands, children, and elders alike. The evil must be exorcised at once!”

“Exorcise? I think you’re the real charlatan!” Qu Wanqing cursed silently. Liu’s performance was convincing enough.

Taoist Liu gave a sinister smile and slowly advanced toward Qu Wanqing...

With the peach wood sword in hand, muttering incantations, his eyes gleamed with malice as he closed in on her.

Just as he was about to perform his ritual, Qu Wanqing suddenly pulled out a talisman from her sleeve. The talisman seemed to originate from some ancient mysterious realm, radiating a pale blue glow wrapped around golden runes. She quickly recited a spell, and the talisman flared like ignited flame with a thunderous roar. The light intensified, as if the surrounding air itself was ablaze, rolling waves of heat surging outward.

The onlookers squinted against the sudden brightness, some shielding their eyes. Taoist Liu’s eyes widened in terror; before he could react, the overwhelming force knocked him back several steps. He stumbled and fell, his peach wood sword flying from his hand and clattering to the floor, powerless.

“What the hell is going on?!” The crowd gaped in shock. The plot twist was thrilling!

The once domineering Taoist Liu was defeated by a single talisman?

This reversal was more exhilarating than a rollercoaster ride!

Ma Pozi turned ghostly pale, trembling as she shrank into a corner, fearing the talisman might fly at her next.

Qu Wanqing cast a disdainful glance at the fallen Taoist, clapped her hands lightly as if she had just performed a trivial task.

“That’s it? Still talking about exorcism? I think you’re the one who needs to be exorcised!”

The crowd was stunned by Qu Wanqing’s display. The eyes that had been filled with disgust and fear toward her now held a hint of respect.

This woman had some real skill!

At that moment, Qu Wanqing suddenly sensed an abnormal spiritual energy fluctuation coming from a corner of the mourning hall.

Her brow furrowed slightly—something felt off!

She walked steadily toward that direction, each step resolute and measured.

The crowd was frightened by her sudden action; no one dared to follow, watching as she approached the dark, eerie corner with wide eyes.

“What’s... over there?” Qu Wanqing murmured, her gaze fixed tightly on the shadowy corner, palms slightly sweating.

The coldness in the air grew increasingly intense, as though something was about to break free from the earth...

“Wanqing...” Jiang Yu watched her move toward the sinister corner, anxiety gripping his heart.

Without hesitation, he followed closely, holding her hand firmly as if to transfer all his strength to her.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.” Those four simple words brought more reassurance than a thousand others.

Feeling the warmth in his palm, a wave of comfort flooded Qu Wanqing’s heart. She squeezed his hand back, giving him a steadfast look.

This damned danger was strangely tinged with a hint of romance.

Suddenly, several black shadows darted out of the darkness, like ghosts, lunging toward Qu Wanqing!

“What the hell are those things?!” The crowd screamed in terror, their souls nearly fleeing.

Jiang Yu acted swiftly, shielding Qu Wanqing behind him as he drew a dagger from his side. The blade was inscribed with ancient runes, glinting eerily under the dim candlelight of the hall.

The black shadows swooped like smoke. Jiang Yu swung the dagger, each strike tracing a silver arc that clashed with the dark claws, scattering sparks of pale light.

Blade clashed with shadow; the movements were unpredictable and ever-changing. Gradually, Jiang Yu felt his strength waning. Yet only one thought filled his mind: he must not let Wanqing get hurt. Since the first time he saw her, that stubborn figure had been engraved in his heart. He was willing to protect her with his life.

Clenching his teeth, his eyes sharp, Jiang Yu’s dagger flew relentlessly, determined to defend Qu Wanqing at all costs.

“Jiang Yu, be careful!” Qu Wanqing called out anxiously, touched and worried to see him fight so fiercely for her.

This display of devotion was truly heartening.

The onlookers trembled in fear, hiding silently in corners, anxiously witnessing the intense battle.

Just as Jiang Yu was about to falter, a golden light suddenly burst forth from Qu Wanqing, forming a protective barrier that instantly dispelled the shadows!

The black figures emitted a piercing wail before vanishing without a trace.

“What’s happening?! What kind of miraculous move is that?” The crowd was dumbfounded by the rapid turn of events.

From near death to a sudden counterattack—this was more exciting than any movie!

Qu Wanqing looked at the golden light emanating from herself, equally puzzled.

What was this light...

Could it be that she was some hidden expert?

This divine blessing had arrived completely unexpectedly!

She glanced at Jiang Yu, her eyes full of questions.

He looked back with equal bewilderment, a flicker of concern in his gaze.

This mourning hall was indeed no ordinary place.

“Looks like we still have many mysteries to unravel...” Qu Wanqing whispered, her gaze once more fixed on that ominous corner.

She sensed that something else was waiting for them there...

“Wanqing, wait...”