Chapter 44: Reward

The Zhang Manor was immense, complete with pavilions, courtyards, gardens, and corridors. Some of the decorative rocks in the gardens were actually rare treasures. Zora had walked for several days and still hadn't covered the entire estate.

At night, she slept comfortably in her blankets, while Vane stood before her door. After a long time, he would close his eyes to rest his mind, arms crossed, leaning lightly against the frame. Occasionally, a servant would come by to see if they needed service, only to catch sight of the youth guarding the door; startled, they would immediately return to report.

With Zhang Jin in prison, Master Zhang was too worried to sleep. His portly face showed signs of exhaustion, with dark circles under his eyes. He had considered hiring sects that practiced wicked ways to solve this, but the thought that the two youths represented the December Sect made him hesitate; he didn't want to strike a small one only to bring out a whole string of elders.

A servant stammered: "Master... that black-clad immortal is... guarding in front of the other immortal's door. Even the servants cannot go in... they..."

Aren't they fellow disciples?

"Do not speculate blindly! Careful the immortal masters don't hear you—I'll hold you responsible!" Master Zhang scolded for appearance's sake, but then a thought occurred to him—if he could persuade the blue-clad immortal master, his son might be released!

After the servant withdrew, the fat man was quiet for a moment. He turned a vase, and a secret door in the wall opened. As a wealthy man, he naturally hoarded many magical tools and medicinal herbs; he wanted to live as long as possible. Master Zhang stroked a magical tool for a long time but ultimately put it back. Clearly, his son was not a large enough bargaining chip for him to reveal his trump cards and lose those hard-earned treasures.

If only I had talent for cultivation!

Master Zhang thought with resentment for the umpteenth time. The heavens were so unfair! Even those mutts could have spiritual roots, yet he did not!

The secret door slowly closed.

Zora continued her investigation out of boredom, going to see the wives in the back courtyard. Since Zhang Jin was the son of the primary wife, it was only natural that Zora received a venomous glare from Zhang Jin's mother when she sat down in her courtyard.

Zhang Jingshu was in her thirties, with fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. She held a cup of tea, looking at the girl with barely suppressed rage.

"What has the immortal master come here for?"

"At the Pavilion of Identified Knowledge, did you find anything unusual?"

The Pavilion of Identified Knowledge was the spot where Master Zhang said someone had been killed—a tea pavilion in the back garden.

Though Zhang Jingshu answered, her tone was cold: "I found nothing unusual."

Zora nodded indifferently.

Zhang Jingshu seemed flustered, taking a sip of tea to hide it. As she raised her arm, her sleeve slid down slightly. Her fair wrist bore old green bruises, looking like marks from a beating. Looking closely, even the woman's collar was buttoned high near her chin, covering her exceptionally tightly.

Zora’s gaze was blunt and undisguised. Zhang Jingshu seemed to realize her injuries had been seen and hurriedly pulled her sleeves together, her expression panicked—clearly hiding something. The surrounding servants watched her every move with blank, lifeless faces; over time, those emotionless gazes felt like eerie, prying eyes that made one's heart tremble.

Zora looked toward the door calmly: "Oh, then I'm leaving."

Zhang Jingshu, still fixing her sleeves: "..."

A trace of subtle surprise flashed across her face before she quickly calmed down, reverting to the image of a mother "enraged on behalf of her son."

Zora then went to the room of the concubine, Hong Yan. When asked, she also said there was nothing, yet she too bore injuries, appearing to "accidentally" reveal her wounds before Zora. As usual, Zora scanned them with a heart as still as water, leaving no trace of them in her memory.

Hong Yan: "..."

Later, Zora went back to the Pavilion of Identified Knowledge, wandering behind the structure. A butterfly fluttered past her. Behind was a small stone path lined with colorful flowers, except for one patch of empty soil. Zora hadn't cared last time, but this time she asked: "This part is empty."

A servant cleaning nearby hurriedly said: "Because the Second Mistress likes Tranquility Flowers, some were planted here. But recently, strange things have been happening—monsters appearing and people dying. The Second Mistress thought it was bad luck, so she had the flowers moved away."

Zora gave an acknowledgment and left the pavilion. Only then did the servant cautiously look up at the girl's receding back.

These two immortal masters had become quite famous within the Zhang Manor. After all, everyone envied immortals, and the fact that they had sent Young Master Zhang to prison was a source of great wonder to everyone in the manor. Not just because they punished him, but because they actually handed him over to the Yamen.

The servant dazed for a moment, then lowered his head to continue sweeping.

The remaining matters were left to Vane.

Since there were indeed no monsters, the mission was effectively complete. Zora instantly lost all motivation and didn't want to think any further. She was single-mindedly focused on the mission; those tangential matters merely brushed past her eyes without leaving a mark.

Approaching from a different angle, while Zora focused entirely on finding monsters, Vane focused on the truth. Within a day or two, he had unearthed the details.

"Those flowers do indeed have a hallucinogenic effect, but they require a specific catalyst. They were planted a year ago, but she only added the catalyst recently, which is why Master Zhang didn't suspect them," Vane reported.

Zora rolled over on the couch, turning her back to him.

"Master Zhang likely mistreats his wives regularly, which is why Zhang Jingshu and Hong Yan are often injured. Zhang Jin seems to be Hong Yan's biological son, but he was adopted by Zhang Jingshu, so on the surface, the two women are at odds."

"However, it seems the flowers were actually procured by Zhang Jingshu," he said nonchalantly. Digging up such secret information must have been difficult, yet it was unclear how Vane managed it. "But on the surface, it was Hong Yan who planted them."

Zora rolled over again to face Vane, her eyes closed, filled with lingering sleepiness. She was using Vane’s rambling as a lullaby.

Vane’s voice grew lower. "...I suspect they planned to wait until the flowers' effect reached its peak before moving them back—for instance, Master Zhang's personal servant being scared to death by a hallucination was a signal that the flowers had matured."

"Then they would kill Master Zhang. It’s just that Master Zhang posted the mission for an immortal first—though they weren't afraid; the second plan was likely to ask the immortals for help."

But there were so many cultivators in the world. Those who blindly believed that all cultivators were noble and pure were truly foolish, and these two women who had suffered greatly would naturally not make such a mistake. Thus, they chose to drop subtle hints to Zora. Unfortunately, Zora hadn't received them, and they couldn't figure out if Zora’s stance was good or evil... she seemed to lean more toward the middle?

For a moment, things were at a standstill.

"And when I went to see them, I told them the final decision rests with you. They are outside the door now," Vane said, looking at her.

Zora took a few heartbeats to process what he was saying. She sat up, the blanket sliding off the couch. Vane moved closer as a matter of course, gently smoothing her slightly messy hair.

The girl's nape was fair and smooth as she bowed her head; a small bone protruded slightly under her white skin with her movement, wrapped in plump, soft flesh—barely noticeable, it vanished down into her collar.

His hands didn't stop as he tied her hair. His dark eyes were lowered, yet they were fixed on that single point of bone that was hard to see without close inspection. No one could have noticed his gaze unless they were right beside him.

The youth enjoyed killing enemies cruelly; he understood the human body—meridians, bones, flesh, and organs—he knew them all. For instance, when a person bends their neck, the most prominent vertebrae will always show beneath the skin; for some it was obvious, for others not. It was the most ordinary movement of the human body, yet he was instantly captivated, finding that bone exceptionally cute. Very cute—a cuteness separated from the turbid flesh of the world.

It had nothing to do with desire; it was a pure, entranced attraction. He looked at that bone without thinking of anything else, merely wanting to look at it forever, his dark eyes unmoving.

But the next moment, Zora, groggy with sleep, urged: "Hurry up."

Vane snapped back to his senses and immediately moved his gaze away. Having tied her hair, she turned her head slightly to look at him. The bone at the back of her neck vanished from sight, replaced by her amber eyes, filled with fatigue. He suddenly realized that even her pupils were beautiful enough to make one unable to look away; the blood flowing through her neck didn't trigger a killing intent, but rather a hidden sense of fondness and a desire to cherish.

The youth set out her shoes and silently went to open the door. He had called them on the pretext of questioning, so the servants outside didn't grow suspicious.

As soon as Hong Yan entered, she knelt, her beautiful eyes shedding tears: "Immortal Master, I beg you not to report us. I will do anything!"

Zhang Jingshu adopted a more dignified posture, bowing her head: "We truly have no way out. If we can escape all this, we will accept any punishment from the Immortal Master..."

The girl on the bed remained indifferent, completely unmoved. She asked in confusion: "Since it has nothing to do with the mission, why would I report you?"

"...What?" The two were stunned, teardrops still clinging to their lashes.

Zora: "If you can kill him, then just kill him."

Does... does that mean she’s looking the other way?

The two were dazed for a moment. Suddenly, Hong Yan said: "Even if I want the Immortal not to release Zhang Jin, is that okay too?"

Zora looked over. Vane’s lips curved slightly, his somewhat cold dark eyes glancing at Hong Yan before returning to Zora. He remained still, as if he had already cast the matters of this manor to the back of his mind; he was merely waiting for her decision to carry it out.

Zora felt even more puzzled: "Why would I release Zhang Jin?"

Hong Yan didn't know how to speak or explain anymore. She murmured: "Because... because... the Immortal Master pities us, and I am Zhang Jin's biological mother..."

She couldn't go on. As a mother in the worldly sense, she should love her child. Zhang Jin was the son of her and Master Zhang. Initially, she did love him; he was flesh and blood separated from her own body. Even when he was given to Zhang Jingshu, she still loved him. And she and Zhang Jingshu had indeed been enemies for a time because of this.

But Hong Yan spent her days being tortured by her husband, her heart full of bitterness. Even Zhang Jin, who crawled out of her womb, eventually became someone who aided the tyrant. One day, watching her son casually slap a concubine, Hong Yan didn't think he was just being "mischievous" like other mothers might. On the contrary, her heart went cold; in an instant, his silhouette overlapped with Master Zhang's. That poor woman was herself, that cruel, mocking slap was landing on her own face, and the servants' laughter intended to please Zhang Jin was a mockery of herself.

How well she had birthed him; how well Master Zhang had sired him. Zhang Jin also looked down on her, his unrefined biological mother; though he was under Zhang Jingshu, he similarly treated her as a disposable tool.

—

If I hadn't been born, where would your wealth and status come from?

Zhang Jin was incredibly conceited.

The debt of birth reversed—how ridiculous.

Unlike Hong Yan, who came from a small family and didn't know when to retreat or advance, Zhang Jingshu was a lady from a fallen noble family. Unlike Hong Yan, she never showed cowardice. Being treated this way by Zhang Jin, she simply and calmly let the relationship fade; she was the one who designed the plan to kill the husband. Even now, her kneeling was dignified and elegant. Zhang Jingshu interrupted Hong Yan, bowing her head solemnly: "Thank you, Immortal Master."

Hong Yan hurriedly followed with a bow, flustered, nearly knocking the hairpin from her head.

Zora said sincerely: "We are leaving today. If you want to kill him, do it quickly. But not too quickly—he hasn't paid yet."

A person as weak as Master Zhang could be killed with the flick of a finger. Zora thought.

Vane saw the guests out at the appropriate time, smiling: "In that case, please leave."

The two rose. Hong Yan was unsteady and had to be supported by Zhang Jingshu to stand. They bowed again and walked out. Before Vane closed the door, he lifted his eyes to see Zhang Jingshu looking back, seemingly staring at Zora’s shadow by the window.

He gave a small smile, causing Zhang Jingshu to shift her gaze. The youth’s eyes curved slightly, yet it was unclear if there was any mirth in them: "Being able to take revenge with your own hands is the most exhilarating thing. By the way, I am curious as to what delicacies and scenery Huaichuan has to offer, and where one might find amusement."

Zhang Jingshu was stunned. She was clever and quickly understood his meaning. Likely the blue-clad immortal master hadn't found any monsters and was in a bad mood, so he was looking for a way to please her. Hong Yan was more direct, without so many convolutions; beneath her beautiful skin was a coarseness from the mountain villages. She rattled off a long list like she was reciting a menu.

Vane: "Thank you."

He continued: "It seems there are many low-grade magical tools in Master Zhang's secret room. They are of no concern to us, but they may be to you. Keep these well."

He handed them some of the useless legacy items from Guan Qianyi, using spiritual power to float the bag toward them. Zhang Jingshu caught it.

"...Thank you."

"Thank Zora." He didn't care much. "Once the task is done, you may write a letter using the envelopes inside to inform her. I imagine she will be pleased."

After all, her decision was to "let them kill Master Zhang." It was just that Zora didn't know the man had magical tools; her heart was only on the mission. Vane didn't bother telling her; he just ensured her decision was successfully implemented.

Pity, empathy, justice, and condemnation—none of these existed in the slightest in this conversation. These two immortals had no compassion, yet they were more moving than those who did. Zhang Jingshu and Hong Yan liked Zora’s gaze very much. She looked at them as she would anyone else, and spoke to them as she would to anyone seen on the street. It was as if them killing someone was an ordinary matter, needing no affirmation, no denial, and no agreement.

Immortal Master Vane’s gaze was even colder; that was true indifference.

Immortal Master Zora was more like a girl who hadn't entered the world, naive and direct about emotions.

It turned out the cultivation world was truly so large—large enough to have someone like Immortal Master Zora.

Zora was used to seeing people struggle for survival. In her eyes, the actions of Zhang Jingshu and Hong Yan were no different from the countless people she had seen in the Arena, so she quickly cast them to the back of her mind.

She collected the mission payment from Master Zhang, gave one final look to the two women behind him, nodded seriously to indicate they could strike, and then left.

...Immortal Master Zora is quite cute.

Hong Yan and Zhang Jingshu thought in their hearts, instantly looking away after a glance.

Master Zhang didn't realize what that serious nod of Zora’s meant, sending them off like he was seeing away a great deity. He had to think of a way to get his son out, since he was to be executed in three days.

Although the mission was complete, there were no monsters at all. Zora was a bit disappointed, her brow drooping slightly. After walking a few steps, Vane, following behind her, said softly: "I heard from those two that a Lantern Festival is being held in Huaichuan recently."

Zora gave a hum, not particularly interested.

"And in western Huaichuan, there is a custom of spring hunting."

Zora ignored him and kept walking. Vane mentioned several things in a row, then said: "Even closer is the Kite Festival."

"Kites?" Zora finally stopped. She looked at Vane. "Do you know of the custom where people are tied to kites and flown?"

Where is such an interesting custom? It doesn't seem to exist in the Demon Realm.

Vane’s expression didn't change: "I've heard of such behavior, but I didn't know it was a custom."

"Is the Kite Festival there like that?"

"Unfortunately, it's just ordinary kite flying."

Zora gave an "oh" and stopped talking.

"By the way," Zora suddenly thought of something and stared at him. "You did well this time. Whether it was investigating the Zhang Manor or allowing them to successfully kill Master Zhang, you did a good job."

Vane was stunned. She rarely, or rather, had never spoken such words of praise before. Zora had simply remembered that a master-servant relationship required not just criticism, but praise as well. Her path to conquest had taken another step forward.

Zora looked at Vane, who was a good head taller than her, and said: "Lower your head."

"..."

Vane silently leaned over and lowered his head. His dark eyes stared into hers. The youth's features were clear, with starry eyes and thin lips—a face that could make countless people stop and stare. The moment her hand touched his head, the youth’s thick lashes trembled; as if unable to help himself, he looked down toward the ground, but the next moment he lifted his eyes to look at her again.

Zora was stroking his head. She thought about it, then patted his head gently.

Vane: "..."

Then she stroked him like she was petting an animal, smoothing his fur. Her palm occasionally touched his ear, her expression serious. As she stroked, she reached near his eyes. Vane's right eye had to squint slightly. The youth leaned his head toward her hand like a large cat; it was unclear if he was doing it on purpose or to prevent her from accidentally touching his eye.

Throughout, he watched her—watched her as she looked up with her almond eyes fixed on him. The youth understood her meaning in an instant.

This was a reward? A head pat?

The girl's palm was very soft; occasionally rubbing against his skin, it felt even more tender, like a light feather or a cloud. Her sleeve would brush his chin, bringing a slight itch. The girl’s temperature was very low, icy and cool, while his was very high; thus, every tiny contact between them was exceptionally vivid. Vane was like the most loyal servant, motionless, allowing her to stroke his head haphazardly.

Zora stroked for a long time before remembering to say the words of praise, saying bluntly: "You did well. Keep it up, or do even better."

The youth paused for a long while, unsure what he was thinking or what he was entranced by. His lips were pursed, revealing only a tiny bit of emotion on the surface. He took a long time to react, giving a slow "Mhm."

"Maintain it for several hundred years."

This time his "Mhm" was a bit faster.

"This is the reward."

Vane gave another slow "Mhm."

Both kindness and punishment must be applied.

Zora thought while she spoke: "If you ever stand against me—"

She didn't say anything about falling into the demonic path or betraying the sect. In Zora’s eyes, being a demon or an immortal was the same, and loyalty to a sect was irrelevant. The most important thing was that whichever side she was on, he had to be on as well; he must never stand on the opposing side. That was "standing against" her.

Zora’s hand stroking him stopped. The youth was leaning over, she was looking up, and their breaths seemed to slowly intermingle. A strange spark occurred in their gaze.

"I will kill you."

Her gaze was open and natural.

Perhaps he had relaxed a lot, for Vane’s dark pupils curved slightly. Using his own preferences for enemies as a benchmark, he asked: "Will you torture me, kill me cruelly, or make me wish I were dead?"

Zora refuted seriously: "That’s a waste of time, and there’s a risk of being counter-killed. Killing should be as fast and clean as possible."

"..." His face had been slightly red since she started stroking his head. The youth radiated an aura different from his usual self, a smile on his lips, his eyes as beautiful as obsidian. He quickly followed her words and said: "True."