Chapter 20: Aftermath in the Mourning Hall

The clamor in the mourning hall gradually faded, leaving the moonlight to spill like water over the chaotic courtyard. Qu Wanqing stood still, inhaling deeply; though the night breeze brushed against her cheeks with a hint of chill, it could not dispel the doubts swirling in her mind. Was the matter truly so simple? Had Master He really been deceived only by Daoist Liu and Steward Feng? She sensed that something was amiss, and a feeling of unease coiled tightly in her chest.

"Wanqing, the hour is late. Let us return," Jiang Yu said, walking to her side and gently taking her hand. Qu Wanqing shook her head, her gaze firm. "No, I do not believe this is so simple." With that, she pulled her hand away and walked toward the mourning hall, her eyes scanning the surroundings like a leopard hunting its prey.

The air was thick with a faint, nauseating scent of blood mingled with incense. She crouched down to examine the marks on the ground, her brow furrowed.

Suddenly, a white-clad figure drifted over and stopped before her. It was Miss Bai. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes held a warning: "Do not continue your investigation, or you will invite catastrophe." Qu Wanqing rose and met her gaze without fear. "What do you mean by this? Do you know something?" Miss Bai sneered, "I know far more than you can imagine. I advise you: there are some things better left unknown." "Who exactly are you, and how are you connected to these affairs?" Qu Wanqing pressed, step by step. Miss Bai offered no answer; she merely looked at her deeply before turning and vanishing into the night, leaving behind only that cryptic warning.

Watching where Miss Bai had disappeared, Qu Wanqing felt her suspicions deepen. The appearance of Miss Bai confirmed that a greater conspiracy lay beneath the surface. She clenched her fists, a flicker of resolve flashing in her eyes. "I will uncover what is hidden behind this!" She picked up a scrap of fabric from the ground and clutched it tightly. The material was unfamiliar—coarse to the touch, like sackcloth, and entirely unlike the silks and satins of the He estate. The scrap felt like a spark, igniting the fire of her indignation. "I knew it! This was never an accident!" she declared firmly.

The crowd gathered around, whispering to one another. Old Woman Ma hid behind the others, trembling as she muttered, "A sin, a terrible sin... this woman is a harbinger of disaster..."

Just as the onlookers murmured and expected Clerk Qin to jump out and accuse Qu Wanqing of spreading heretical nonsense, the clerk did the unexpected. He stroked his beard and said in a low, grave tone, "Since Miss Wanqing is so certain, she must have discovered a clue. Though I am a pedantic old man, I understand that when events are abnormal, there is usually a demon at work. Proceed with your search, young lady; I shall assist you with all my might." This transformation left everyone stunned. In truth, Qu Wanqing had once politely asked him about an ancient allusion when he had been ignored by the other servants; the clerk had been moved by her gesture, and remembering it now, he stood firmly by her side.

Qu Wanqing’s lips curled into a slight smile; she thought to herself that she truly was remarkable—her charm was such that even an old fossil like Clerk Qin could be won over. She looked around and closed her eyes to take a deep breath. A cold, eerie aura emanated from a side room to the left of the hall. She opened her eyes abruptly and pointed. "Something is wrong in there!" At her words, the crowd looked toward the room and collectively recoiled. Old Woman Ma clutched her broom tightly, as if to ward off some unseen threat. "That... that used to be where the coffins were stored!" she stammered, and the atmosphere grew tense. Everyone held spirits in awe, and no one dared to move forward.

Qu Wanqing, however, did not hesitate. She told herself that she possessed the ability to investigate supernatural matters, so what was there to fear? Moreover, she felt a premonition that the truth lay within. Each of her steps seemed to land on the hearts of those watching. They held their breath, watching her figure vanish into the doorway of the side room as if witnessing a warrior heading into battle.

"Creak—" The door swung open. "Wanqing!" Jiang Yu whispered, gripping her hand tightly. Qu Wanqing looked back, her eyes filled with gratitude and love. Their bond deepened in this moment of peril, and they seemed enveloped in a warm aura.

Suddenly, however, a mysterious supernatural force surged from the darkness, lunging at Qu Wanqing. Jiang Yu reacted with lightning speed, stepping in front of her and forming hand seals to combat the energy. Jiang Yu hailed from a mysterious lineage whose generations had cultivated arts to oppose such forces; he had practiced diligently since childhood to master these skills. The grueling scenes of his family training flashed through his mind, hardening his resolve.

The supernatural force was erratic and shifting. Jiang Yu struggled at first but, relying on his wit and courage, began to find a way to counter it. Some of the onlookers turned deathly pale, while others sought to flee. Old Woman Ma huddled with her broom, trembling as she chanted, "A sin, what kind of demonic power is this..."

Just as Jiang Yu was about to repel the force, Miss Bai suddenly appeared from the shadows. She formed her own seals and recited a string of incantations, causing the supernatural energy to become even more terrifying—like a tidal wave in the dark, it bore down on Jiang Yu, pinning him firmly. Seeing this, Qu Wanqing was filled with anxiety. She knew Miss Bai’s presence was no coincidence; a grander conspiracy was at play. She inhaled deeply, a surge of determination rising within her. She would not sit idly by; she had to act. Sensing her resolve, Jiang Yu turned and nodded, his eyes filled with strength. Their gazes met, communicating without a word.

At that moment, Miss Bai’s incantation reached its peak, and the supernatural power intensified. The temperature in the room plummeted, as if the air had frozen. Qu Wanqing clenched her fists, her gaze unwavering. She whispered to herself, "I will see exactly what kind of game you are playing!" With that, she took a sharp step forward, ready to engage. Jiang Yu followed closely behind, the two standing shoulder to shoulder, vowing to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, a strange smile crept across Miss Bai’s face, as if everything remained within her grasp.

"Do you really think you can stop us?" Qu Wanqing’s voice echoed through the darkness, steady and powerful.