The bloody remains were buried beneath a sapling beside a newly made grave on the outskirts of the city.
Ji Jinmo handed a handkerchief to Nan Shiying. Nan Shiying took it and wiped away the stains of blood and soil mixed on her hands.
Xuan Yi's face was pale, and his gaze towards Nan Shiying held a hint of fear.
He had seen many ruthless people, but few who could dismember a corpse into pieces without batting an eye, using them for a ritual. Xuan Yi couldn't help but mutter, feeling that the Princess Consort harbored some hidden ailment.
Incredibly perverse.
But the Master…
The Master also showed no change in expression, even completely retracting the chill around him due to the Princess Consort's presence. The tenderness hidden in the depths of his eyes was somewhat discordant with the scene before them, making him appear even more perverse than the Princess Consort.
Fine, they were clearly a match made in hell.
Dragging her blood-stained skirt, Nan Shiying rose from before the grave. She bowed one last time towards the grave, then turned and looked at Ji Jinmo, "Master, the second act of the good show is about to begin."
Using the cover of night, the two slipped out of the Nan residence and headed towards the black market.
The black market was situated in the most remote and dilapidated alleyways of the capital. Passing through a dirty, narrow alley piled high with杂物 (assorted items), at the dead end against a solid wall, there was a hidden door. Turning a switch hidden in a corner, the secret door swung open. Inside was a long, narrow corridor. On either side of the corridor were more secret doors, each leading to a different place.
After walking past about four or five secret doors, the two finally stopped.
They gently knocked on the door. Three short knocks, followed by one long one. The door opened from within. The gatekeeper, entirely covered in a black cloak, extended a hand to the two.
The two took out two pieces of silver and placed them in the gatekeeper's palm.
"Phantom Twin Fiends? Tsk, looks like you took a beating!"
The gatekeeper's hoarse voice grated like a carving knife on metal, harsh and unpleasant. Even more unbearable was the hint of mockery in the voice.
"You…"
The dwarf's eyes widened, his already protruding eyeballs bulging even further, as if they could no longer be contained by his sockets and might fall out at any moment.
The middle-aged woman placed a hand on the dwarf's shoulder. Everyone knew that the gatekeepers of the black market were all skilled individuals. Each gatekeeper of a secret door was not assigned by the black market, but was the final victor after a brutal struggle among those who wished to become gatekeepers of the world behind that door. The ruthlessness of such a process was like hell itself; one must not provoke such people.
Although this person was a newly appointed gatekeeper after the Demon Hunt Army's massacre of the black market, who knew what other skills this person possessed?
"Don't be rash!"
The woman advised. After all, being mocked a couple of times wouldn't cost them anything substantial.
The gatekeeper let out a 'cackling' laugh, showing appreciation for the woman. "Good, good. As expected of the female fiend of the Twin Fiends. Since you're so sensible, I'll give you some information for free. Today, many outsiders have come to the black market. Be careful!"
"Thank you!"
The woman cupped her fist in thanks and, pulling the dwarf's arm, they entered.
Beneath the black market, there were many intricate tunnels. These were escape routes created by the people of the black market, and some had now become passages for transit.
The black market was not underground, but above ground. Passing through the tunnels and ascending, they emerged from a secret door, and the two appeared in a hidden corner.
The black market was still within the capital, but it was close to the outskirts, surrounded by mountains on both sides. Most of the black market inhabitants were hidden within the mountains.
Their destination was a corner of a simple street. In the darkness, only a precarious sign hanging from the doorframe was visible.
As they approached, under the dim light of the full moon, they spotted a slender figure standing beneath the sign.
"Damn it!"
A tremor ran through the two. They changed direction and immediately fled.
A flash of cold light flickered as a broadsword, imbued with a fierce aura, chopped down from above. The two emitted a shrill whistle. A noise suddenly came from inside the house, and then a flood of crows burst forth, instantly engulfing the already dim night in a dark mire.
The long saber landed, and blood gushed out.
The crows, like wisps of ash, fell in large swathes from the sky.
"Dong~"
The sharp sword sang. The dwarf dodged the fierce sword energy that attacked his ear but failed to evade the subsequent flying kick. He was kicked to the ground, his internal organs churning like a turbulent sea, and a mouthful of fresh blood erupted from his mouth.
Seeing this, the middle-aged woman was greatly alarmed. She instantly reached into her怀中 (bosom), and as she drew out a hidden weapon, a cold glint instantly arrived.
A piercing coldness emanated from her neck. The icy edge of the blade kissed the woman's skin, drawing a splash of vibrant red blood. The fear of death made the woman dare not move rashly.
"Clap, clap, clap~"
The sound of applause echoed in the silent night. This fight, from beginning to end, had lasted but a moment. Now that it had ceased, the surroundings were utterly silent. Apart from the fluttering crows scattering in all directions, there was not a single person on the street who dared to come out and investigate, as if it were a dead alley with no living souls.
"Two, we meet again!"
A voice from behind slowly drew nearer. The figure approaching stepped into the moonlight, finally reaching them.
"It's you!"
"The Regent's Consort!"
Although they had suspected it, upon truly seeing the person before them, their hearts trembled.
Damn it, weren't they told this Regent's Consort was an unloved waste who had usurped the position? How could she have such skilled subordinates? Could these be the people of Regent Ji Jinmo? If they had known this earlier, they wouldn't have taken the job even if offered mountains of gold and silver. This was like walking straight into the King of Hell's domain!
Now, they were like fish on a chopping block, at the mercy of others, and regret was too late.
"Consort, the people have been apprehended."
Xuan Yi held down the dwarf, while Xuan Wu's saber was at the woman's neck. Thirteen bowed respectfully to Nan Shiying and said,
"Take them inside for now," Nan Shiying said.
The residents of this street were a mixed bag. Who knew if anyone was lurking in the dark corners, watching? She had no intention of taking these two back to the Prince's residence; there was no need.
"Yes!"
The three responded, pressing the woman and the dwarf towards their lodging.
"Creak~"
Pushing open the slightly dilapidated door, under the moonlight, a tall and slender figure stood in the rather simple courtyard, as if illuminating the dim surroundings with brilliance.
Upon seeing the person in the courtyard, the woman and the dwarf's eyes widened instantly, a chill surging from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads.
The Regent of Linyuan Kingdom—Ji, Jin, Mo!