Chapter Fifteen: So Things Can Be Understood This Way After All

The girl instructed her people to seize the senior members of the merchant guild, along with those involved in the events of years past. She brought forward the incriminating evidence—signatures and seals on confessions—and together they reported the matter to the authorities. She demanded an impartial investigation, insisting on a public trial so that the entire capital could witness justice being served.

Under the girl’s formidable pressure, the officials complied one by one. Eventually, all those involved were sentenced to immediate execution.

Yet the officials were puzzled and asked, “With your abilities, you could have wiped them out in a single night, leaving no trace. Why then go through the courts, especially as someone from the underworld?”

The girl replied, “First, there are surely innocent people within the guild. If I killed them directly, how unjust would that be? How would that differ from what they did back then? Second, I want those who seek vengeance to understand that wrongdoing carries consequences. I am not afraid of their revenge, as long as they have reason.”

When the girl finished speaking, Wenyue emerged from this dream and immediately entered another.

Meanwhile, Ao Qing’s expression was contemplative. “So matters can be handled this way—exposing everything to the light of day, letting the public partake in judgment, and entrusting enforcement to the officials. If Xiaoying had thought like this back then, she wouldn’t have fallen into madness.”

Little Golden Silk leapt onto Ao Qing’s sleeve. “Ao Qing, what are you talking about?”

“You’re still young. When you grow up, you’ll understand.”

This time, Wenyue’s dream shifted again, transporting her into the body of a prodigy—though one who had fallen on hard times.

This genius, under a hundred years old and in the Golden Core stage, was blessed with a lifespan of five hundred years. But an accident left him injured, unable to advance in cultivation any further. Facing ostracism by peers, disappointment from his master, and the temptation of inner demons, this prodigy wavered.

Just at that moment, Wenyue arrived within him, unshaken by the seduction of the inner demon.

The demon whispered, “Aren’t you afraid of being looked down upon by your peers?”

Wenyue answered calmly, “My cultivation surpasses theirs. It is I who should look down on them.”

The demon countered, “But they have infinite potential. Your cultivation won’t increase anymore.”

“Who knows which comes first—tomorrow or the unexpected? Maybe they’ll never reach the Golden Core in their lifetime!”

The demon sneered, “Your cultivation has stalled; your life is over.”

“Who said that? The Golden Core stage grants five hundred years of life. I haven’t even lived a hundred yet. How can my life be over?”

The demon pressed, “If you can’t cultivate, what else can you do?”

Wenyue smiled, “There are countless things I can do. First, I can enjoy life! I can travel to famous mountains and rivers—wherever I want, I have the strength to go. I can savor delicious food, wear beautiful clothes, live in a lovely house, even find ten or eight handsome men of all types. Life would be wonderful! And you shouldn’t call yourself a demon. Join me in enjoying life instead!”

The demon asked skeptically, “Is it really that good?”

“Of course. Ordinary people struggle to live a hundred years. I have over four hundred left; life will be beautiful. If I’m interested, I might even witness the rise and fall of a dynasty.”

The demon warned, “Don’t you think that’s too decadent?”

“Is that really something a demon would say?”

The demon insisted, “You’ve been cultivating since birth. How can you just stop now?”

“Oh, cultivation? That’s easy. My injury only means my magical power won’t increase. I can still refine my body, purify my soul, even walk the path of ghosts. Why must I fall into madness, or hang myself from this one tree?”

As Wenyue finished speaking, the scene changed again.

Ao Qing clicked his tongue in admiration, “Where did this young girl come from? She’s so enlightened—many people older than her haven’t grasped such truths.”

This time, Wenyue entered the body of a great emperor—a formidable man who led his troops to victories across the south and north, ending centuries of war on the continent. Yet he was troubled by age; his body no longer as vigorous, and he grew anxious.

One day, a sorcerer presented him with a pill, claiming it would triple his spirit and vigor. The emperor was tempted. At that moment, Wenyue entered him.

Upon arrival, Wenyue first praised the sorcerer warmly. “Sir, your talent is great. Your efforts are appreciated. What reward do you seek?”

The sorcerer, exuding an otherworldly presence, replied humbly, “Your servant dares not ask. Only wishes Your Majesty good health.”

What a sly fellow, Ao Qing thought.

“And how effective is this pill?”

“Your Majesty, after taking this pill, one feels a hundred times more spirited. No more aches in legs or waist, a clear mind, rosy complexion—most importantly, boundless vigor,” the sorcerer added with a lecherous grin.

“Is it really that effective?”

“Your Majesty can try and see for yourself.”

“What? How dare you ask me to test your medicine!”

The sorcerer explained, “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. The pill has already been tested. I meant that if you try it, you’ll truly know its effects—it’s even better than my boasts.”

“Oh! Then I misunderstood. How did you test the medicine?”

“I took one pill myself. Afterward, I was full of vigor and didn’t sleep that night. Everything felt powerful,” the sorcerer said.

The court ministers murmured with interest. “This sounds promising!”

“Really? Then these old arms and legs of mine might yet be saved.”

“Such a fine product should be enjoyed by Your Majesty first,” the sorcerer said.

“Your medicine is effective, and I am pleased. But I do not approve of your testing method.”

“Then how do you suggest it be tested?” The sorcerer was confident that once tried, no one would refuse the pill.

“I’ll tell you my plan. The secretaries and imperial physicians will accompany this master. Every three days, he shall take one pill, and his reactions will be observed for twelve hours daily for any side effects.”

“In the following month, one pill daily. Then two daily the month after. If the effects are truly good, his apprentices will be brought to test it as well. If it proves effective, I will reward generously.”

“I am a man who fears death—not death by an enemy’s blade, but death by unknown causes.”

Six months later, upon seeing the sorcerer now resembling a drug addict, Wenyue asked the ministers, “Is this what you wanted me to become?”

No one dared admit it openly, but from then on, the subject of the pill was never mentioned again.

No sooner had that matter been dropped than another visitor arrived—a Taoist priest.

“Your Majesty, legends speak of immortals in the East. May your servant have permission to seek them out?”

“You have my leave. Go forth!”

Yet the Taoist did not move from the hall.

“What’s the matter? Do you want me to see you off?”

Seeing the Taoist’s hesitation, a minister kindly explained, “He wishes to bring gifts.”

“That is his personal matter; I do not interfere,” the emperor declared firmly.

The minister pressed, “He represents Your Majesty on this journey. The gifts should be prepared by Your Majesty.”

“No need. He does not speak for me. Besides, I will not seek out those immortals. I am the Son of Heaven, far above their station. It would be absurd for me to go meet them,” Wenyue said with righteous conviction.