Chapter 077 Betrayal

Qi Shuyu’s blunt words naturally provoked all the sect immortals present, and the atmosphere at once grew tense and fraught. Just then, the previously silent Gu Xi, an immortal from the Moon Gathering Sect, yawned languidly, stretched, and said, “If we kill a Purple Yu Guard here, we’ll be neck-deep in trouble. In my opinion, this little girl has been scared out of her wits—she likely has no connection to the Blood Sword Demon Lord. Rather than wasting our time here, we’d do better to return and enjoy a good early drink.”

Song Ye had a strong impression of Gu Xi; last time, she’d drunkenly fallen off a giant crane and slept the afternoon away at his tea stall. After Gu Xi spoke, the tension eased immediately. Truthfully, none of the sect immortals wished to offend the people of the Grand Yu Temple.

“Let’s go, it’s time for a drink!” Gu Xi turned, dragging Duan Ling along with her. As she left, several immortals followed. Seeing the situation shift, Su Xiqiu could only withdraw with her people. Before leaving, she said to Murong Qingyi, “I believe you truly have no connection with the Blood Sword Demon Lord. But I hope you understand: he is a villain beyond redemption, a butcher who has fed his sword with countless lives—he must be destroyed by all. If we don’t seize this chance while he’s gravely wounded, disaster will surely follow. Once he recovers, none of us here would be his match. So, if you recall any detail about the Blood Sword Demon Lord, please come to Xuanqing Palace and tell us at once.”

Murong Qingyi nodded solemnly, and Su Xiqiu departed with her group. Zhou Zhengyang, still disgruntled, spat on the ground before leaving.

Qi Shuyu turned to Murong Qingyi, saying, “In case they come back to trouble you, you should hide for a while at the Grand Yu Temple’s residence.” The temple had long since established a new office in Yan City. Murong Qingyi agreed, “Alright!” She truly dared not stay alone in the courtyard anymore; Zhou Zhengyang, with his sharp features, quick temper, and utter lack of manners, had thoroughly frightened her.

Qi Shuyu hopped down from the sword’s hilt, gave Song Ye a sharp look, and said, “You’re just a mortal bailiff, yet you’re so reckless. Had I not arrived in time, you’d have ended up with your ashes scattered. Don’t meddle in cultivators’ affairs again, focus on your duties, and—take good care of your sister!” Her words carried a note of earnest concern. Song Ye wanted to ask if she’d secretly followed him, but in the end, kept silent.

Afterwards, Murong Qingyi left with Qi Shuyu for the Grand Yu Temple, while Song Ye continued his patrol.

...

Night fell, and at the hour of Xu, Song Ye began his night shift. Knowing in advance he’d be on duty, he’d fed Song Yan at dusk and asked Qin Xuanxi, who lived next door, to look after her. He instructed, “Song Yan has eaten. Just let her play quietly in a corner; she won’t disturb you. But when the hour of Hai begins, you must put her to bed. Tonight is chilly, so make sure to cover her—”

“Enough!” Qin Xuanxi cut him off. “I’ve got it. Just let her sleep till morning, right?”

Song Ye wasn’t sure if she truly understood, but he felt at ease leaving Song Yan in her care. In all Yan City, Qin Xuanxi’s side was the safest place—at least for him. Yet, to most across the continent, wherever Qin Xuanxi was, danger and dread followed.

There was no curfew in Yan City, so by the hour of Xu, the streets remained lively. Many taverns and teahouses were still open. By Hai, only a handful of drunken souls wandered outside. By the end of Hai, the entire eastern market and its commercial avenue were deserted, and all was silent.

At that time, at the Grand Yu Temple’s residence, Murong Jingtian knocked at the gate. A temple bailiff came to open the door; being merely a minor clerk, he was not entitled to wear the Purple Yu robes.

Murong Jingtian said apologetically, “Forgive me for disturbing you so late, but I heard Murong Qingyi is staying here—I have urgent business with her. Please inform her that I, Murong Jingtian, have come; she will come out to see me.”

The bailiff nodded and went inside to deliver the message. Soon, he returned with Murong Qingyi.

Upon seeing her, Murong Jingtian’s face darkened. “Why are you still hiding here? Did you finish refining the pills I asked for? I need them in the morning!”

Murong Qingyi trembled and replied, “Cousin, I’ve prepared the ingredients at home, but... I haven’t started the fire yet. I’ll hurry back now and finish them by morning!”

With that, she left the temple residence, hurrying toward her home, Murong Jingtian following behind.

...

Under the bright moonlight, Song Ye, having patrolled the commercial street once more, returned to the eastern market. This time, he perched on the eaves of a house, holding a wine gourd in his hand. He reasoned that at this hour, anyone on the streets was likely a petty thief scaling walls, and sitting on the eaves would help him spot them quickly.

Yet, no thieves appeared—instead, he saw two familiar figures. Song Ye’s sharp eyes could see clearly even in pitch darkness, moonlight or none.

He watched Murong Qingyi and Murong Jingtian enter the alley leading to Murong Qingyi’s home. Song Ye was puzzled; hadn’t Murong Qingyi been staying at the Grand Yu Temple with Qi Shuyu? Why return home so late, and with Murong Jingtian in tow? Could something have happened?

As a night patrol bailiff, he felt responsible for preventing crime, so he decided to follow and investigate.

Murong Qingyi entered the alley, shrouded in darkness and silence, hearing only her own hurried footsteps. She reached her courtyard and pushed open the gate. Bathed in moonlight, she saw four figures within. Among them, one gaunt, sharp-featured silhouette seemed to be Zhou Zhengyang from earlier that day.

Murong Qingyi turned in panic to Murong Jingtian for help. “Cousin, they—”

But Murong Jingtian had already shut the gate behind her.

In that moment, she understood: she had been betrayed by her own cousin.