Chapter 49: The Minotaur (Please Stay Tuned)

The pure white flames of the Southern Bright Departure Fire danced in the air, like countless nimble butterflies, gently settling upon the two headless corpses. The fire devoured flesh and bone bit by bit, reducing them to pitch-black ashes.

The flames cast their light into Zhu Ying’s pupils, where the blood-red mandala pattern appeared even more eerie beneath the flickering blaze. This experience had taught her just how foolish it had been to close her Rakshasa Eyes. The spiritual energy consumed to keep them open was nothing compared to the horror of facing another such attack unprepared.

Had her Rakshasa Eyes remained open, she would have sensed the anomaly in the living room the moment she stepped onto the balcony, even pinpointed the exact hiding spots of those two. Moreover, the Rakshasa Eyes not only granted sharp insight, but also greatly enhanced her resistance to psychic assaults. If she had kept them open earlier, that level of mental attack would never have rendered her helpless; she might even have turned the tables, pulling her assailants into the illusory world of the Divine Throne’s Abyss, seizing total control of the battle.

Without the Rakshasa Eyes, her combat prowess was a world apart from what it could be. This was a lesson worth remembering.

Zhu Ying watched coldly as the flames died down, the two bodies now reduced to ashes, the blackened residue mixing with the crimson blood, creating a stark and jarring sight. The mandala within her pupils spun once, and the Southern Bright Departure Fire ignited anew. This time, the fire spread to the shattered furniture—sofa, coffee table, blood spattered on the walls—every trace of battle consumed, leaving nothing but cinders.

With a muffled burst of air, Bai Yujing returned. His sky-blue crane robe was immaculate, as if he had never engaged in combat.

Zhu Ying turned her head, her gaze calm. “Master, did you catch anyone?”

“No. The one who leaked your information fled in advance. Seems they have some sort of possession or disguise ability.” Bai Yujing replied casually. “But you needn’t worry. That group from Korea will have no time to trouble you.”

He had already cut off any chance of further attacks from Korean agents.

Zhu Ying didn’t doubt him for a moment. Her voice was solemn: “Master, let me handle the follow-up investigation concerning the mastermind.”

Bai Yujing considered it—since he would back her up, there was no harm in letting Zhu Ying investigate. He nodded. “You can take charge, but remember to exercise restraint. Understood?”

“I won’t do anything that would damage Qingyun Sect’s reputation,” Zhu Ying pledged.

Bai Yujing said no more, vanishing from the living room in a silent burst of air.

Zhu Ying turned and made her way to the bathroom, fetched a broom, and began sweeping away the blackened remains.

…

The night was deep, the city’s lights twinkling in the distance like fallen stars.

On the balcony of the eighteenth floor, a cool breeze stirred, fluttering the corners of the man’s robe as he reclined on a lounge chair. He rocked leisurely, a plate of sliced steak resting on the side table, its aroma rich and tantalizing—yet it failed to rouse his appetite.

He gazed up at the starry sky, unaware that a mass of green liquid, silvery as mercury, was silently approaching. It crept noiselessly across the floor, like a venomous serpent stalking its prey. When it was just a step away, the liquid sprang up from the ground, lunging at the man like a bolt of green lightning.

“Ah!” The man’s scream was cut short as the green liquid engulfed him. It swiftly covered his entire body, forming a thin membrane that clung to his skin. The film quivered slightly, as if some living thing were adapting to its new host.

Moments later, the membrane faded away, revealing the man’s original complexion as though nothing had happened.

The Grass Demon flexed his new body, a satisfied smile curling his lips.

When it came to combat, he had little to boast of. But in stealth, transformation, and intelligence gathering, he excelled. He could absorb the memories of others and seamlessly merge into their lives. Every gesture, every subtle habit—he could imitate them perfectly, deceiving even the closest of acquaintances.

The Grass Demon quickly drew out the phone, skillfully unlocked the screen, and browsed through the contacts. The owner of this body, like his previous one, was an information broker with connections both above and below the law.

A few calls later, the Grass Demon confirmed that there were no Korean clients on tonight’s smuggling ship. Those two Ninth-Class Spirit Masters from the Blue House had failed. Though they possessed means specifically designed to counter the Rakshasa Eyes, they still hadn’t managed to take Zhu Ying—clearly, outside interference was at play.

Fleeing in advance had been the right move. Bai Yujing’s strength was every bit as formidable as rumored.

As this thought crossed his mind, a voice sounded in his ear.

“Chief Yoon was assassinated at the Hannam Presidential Residence.”

“He’s dead?” the Grass Demon muttered, recalling how he had taken advantage of the situation. Was this Bai Yujing’s doing? Yet, not to mention the vast distance from Shanghai to Seoul—even if he could have made it there, how could he have assassinated Chief Yoon, surrounded by guards?

Even if such foreign leaders were mere puppets, shields set up by hidden powers to prevent public resentment, they were still heavily guarded. The Hannam Presidential Residence was shrouded in barriers woven by high-level scriptures. Even for him, infiltrating silently would be no simple feat.

If it truly was Bai Yujing, then his power was unfathomable.

The Grass Demon found himself once more grateful for his foresight in fleeing. Had he hesitated, he would surely have been reduced to ashes by now.

His thoughts wandered to the history of the Qingyun Sect. From its obscure beginnings, it wasn’t until the second sect master, Master Qingyang, joined the Netherworld Exploration Team that it earned the title of “Heroic Sect.” And now, the third-generation master, Bai Yujing, had only cultivated for perhaps a decade, yet already possessed such might. Even figures as legendary as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors would surely bow before such talent.

How could anyone hope to defeat a monster like that?

The Grass Demon wore a troubled expression, murmuring inwardly, “Bai Yujing’s strength must not be underestimated. I must plan carefully regarding Zhu Ying—acting rashly would end badly.”

Soon another voice echoed in his mind.

“For a thousand years, among all the descendants of Lord Di Hong, only Zhu Ying has awakened the Rakshasa Eyes. No matter how difficult, the plan must be carried out.”

“I will do my utmost,” the Grass Demon replied internally, though his face showed distress. Easier said than done—the gap in strength was simply too vast. In a head-on fight, he’d be annihilated before he could even show himself.

Indeed, brute force was not the answer against such a monster; cunning would be his only hope. But what could he do?

He frowned, feeling the mental strain of plotting against a vastly superior foe.

Just then, the sound of a key in the lock came from the entryway, and a striking woman entered, her high heels clicking crisply on the floor. “Darling, sorry to keep you waiting~”

Hearing that sweet voice, the Grass Demon instantly cast aside his worries, rising to greet her. “No matter how long I wait, it’s worth it, my love.”

Compared to outwitting Bai Yujing, he thought he might as well make the most of this body before it began to decay and “take care” of his wife. Otherwise, once it rotted, it would be useless.