This was a small inn run by a private owner. The manager nodded and let them go upstairs without asking questions. They went up to the third floor, and Grandmother led Gu Qin to room 302. Grandmother looked at Gu Qin, who nodded, and she knocked on the door. A sultry voice answered, "Who is it?"
"Room cleaning service," Gu Qin replied.
"Alright, no need for cleaning," the woman inside rejected.
Hearing this, Gu Qin paused, recognizing the woman's voice. She opened her Heavenly Eye and saw a beautiful woman sitting at the dressing table, using ancient cosmetics. Gu Qin knew this woman, who had once helped save the life of Su Jia's daughter by transferring her heart. She didn't know the woman's name but remembered meeting her briefly when she was setting up a maze array in her neighborhood.
Unexpectedly, they met again here.
Gu Qin searched the room, finding it was a suite. Inside, there was another small room where she saw a couple unconscious on the bed, about forty years old, resembling Dingding's parents. Gu Qin closed her Heavenly Eye as Grandmother tried to knock again. Gu Qin grabbed the door handle, sending qi through the lock, and the door clicked open.
They entered, and the woman named Yan Zhen turned, startled. Gu Qin had been concealing her qi, so Yan Zhen hadn't noticed anything unusual. Thinking it was a maid, she was surprised to see them. Seeing the old woman and the girl, her expression froze.
Yan Zhen asked, "You... I remember you. We met before in Daisan City. Why are you here?"
Gu Qin raised an eyebrow, "I hope we never meet again."
Yan Zhen smiled seductively, "Are you here with your master?"
"Guess," Gu Qin replied with a smile. Yan Zhen had been at the early stage of Essence Transformation, but now seemed stuck. Gu Qin had long surpassed that stage, and with Liuguang and Heavenly Eye, she believed she had a fighting chance against Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen was slightly fearful. These two had no discernible qi, and she was already at the mid-stage of Essence Transformation. She was hesitant because she couldn't sense their qi. She guessed they were either ordinary people or much stronger than her.
Inside, Grandmother checked the couple's pulse, finding them barely alive. Outside, Yan Zhen smiled at Gu Qin, "What a coincidence, meeting you again."
Gu Qin responded, "I wish we hadn't."
Yan Zhen said, "Arrogant girl." Then, she attacked, palm striking Gu Qin. Gu Qin dodged, countering with a forceful strike.
Yan Zhen was shocked, realizing Gu Qin was stronger than she thought. Gu Qin's strength was beyond her comprehension, having reached the stage of Essence Transformation. Yan Zhen, still in the early stages, was outmatched.
Yan Zhen quickly changed tactics, using a dark spell to gather yin energy. Gu Qin's Heavenly Eye allowed her to see the yin energy. She realized Yan Zhen practiced unorthodox techniques.
She didn't want to prolong the fight and summoned Liuguang, which easily devoured the yin energy. Yan Zhen was astonished, realizing Gu Qin's weapon was extraordinary. Gu Qin swiftly approached, thrusting Liuguang at Yan Zhen, who narrowly escaped, rolling away.
Yan Zhen threw a golden talisman, but Gu Qin deflected it with a barrier. Yan Zhen's face changed, realizing Gu Qin was formidable. She regretted underestimating her.
Yan Zhen pleaded, "Miss Gu, perhaps we have misunderstood each other. There's no real enmity between us. Why fight to the death?" She glanced at the inner room, "If it's about them, I can apologize and release them. They're fine, just injured. I have medicine to help them recover."
Gu Qin remained silent, opening her Heavenly Eye to observe Yan Zhen. Yan Zhen continued, "We're both practitioners. Perhaps we can become friends. Let's resolve this misunderstanding."
Gu Qin lowered her gaze, her eyes turning cold. Yan Zhen thought she was softening, standing cautiously. Yan Zhen patted Gu Qin's arm, smiling, "Since the misunderstanding is cleared..."
Her words were cut short. Stunned, she looked down at her chest, where Gu Qin's weapon pierced her. She murmured, "Why..."
Gu Qin checked Yan Zhen's breath. She was dead.
Indeed, she thought, it was inevitable for someone who had been stabbed in the heart by such a heavily cursed flow of light to not die.
Gu Qin indeed did not particularly like killing, but after opening her Heavenly Eye and looking at the woman, she realized that this woman held grudges easily and seemed to have some connection with Brother Qin. She was from Qin’s sect, having taken something and escaped. Gu Qin only saw a few fragments, so she wasn’t entirely sure what had happened. Moreover, she saw an old man’s figure through the woman, dressed in black clothes with his face wrapped in a black cloth, making it impossible to see his features. This old man appeared to have given something to Yan Zhen.
What was more important was that Yan Zhen had already seen the Flowing Light, which was considered a heaven-grade magical tool. No one could be without desire. For cultivators, the Flowing Light was already an excellent magical tool; anyone who practiced would be tempted by it. She also couldn't let Yan Zhen live if she wanted to continue thinking about the Flowing Light or leak information about it.
The person was dealt with, but the body was a problem. Gu Qin was hesitating when the old lady had already walked out of the room. Seeing the woman lying on the ground, she was somewhat surprised. She didn’t expect this little girl to have such great abilities.
Seeing that the little girl was still hesitant, the old lady said, "Don't worry, I have some chemicals that can dissolve bodies. Just melt the body." Then, looking at the body on the ground, she couldn’t help but hum, "This person who has committed many evil deeds, dissolving her body is actually a mercy. Such people should be fed to the worms."
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"Grandma, there's no need," Gu Qin thought for a moment and said, "This person must have committed many crimes before. We just need to get Uncle and Auntie to testify and report directly to the police station."
The old lady had no objections. Gu Qin then called the police, who arrived quickly. Afterward, they returned to the police station for statements and other procedures.
Yan Zhen had been active in Yunman during this period, and each time she caught someone, it was from here. Once Gu Qin reported the case, the police became very busy. There had been several missing persons in nearby counties each month, and their bodies were found later. They showed no visible wounds externally, but upon detailed autopsy, small injuries at the heart were discovered. After further dissection and expert examination, it was determined that the victims had their hearts removed for their blood.
This case had caused unrest for months, with no breakthroughs found. Unexpectedly, someone reported it today. With the parents' testimony and Gu Qin's self-defense, the matter was almost settled.
Despite encountering some minor issues, the police asked how Gu Qin and her group found the victim and the criminal, and it was the old lady who solved the issue. Since this was within Yunnan Province, everyone knew a bit about the abilities of the Miao people, so they didn’t pursue it further. The matter was resolved.
The old lady brought her son, daughter-in-law, and Gu Qin back to the small town. Ling Dang finally breathed a sigh of relief seeing her parents and grandmother return safely. Gu Qin nodded and went upstairs. When Qin Xian Sheng saw her return, he smiled and said, "Everything's resolved?"
Gu Qin nodded and sat next to him, saying, "It's all resolved, Brother Qin. I killed someone."
Qin Xian Sheng replied, "Qin Qin, some people deserve to be killed. You're not someone who can't distinguish right from wrong. I believe this person deserved to be killed."
He never felt that killing was wrong. Having lived for so long, laws had little constraint on him. Similarly, he wasn’t a person who killed innocents randomly. Those who died by his hand were at least deserving.
Gu Qin briefly recounted the events, telling Qin Xian Sheng about her previous encounters with Yan Zhen, and finally expressed her doubt, "Brother Qin, I feel like this woman has some connection to you."
She only mentioned her feeling, not revealing that she saw it through her Heavenly Eye. Her Heavenly Eye was too special, and even for those closest to her, she didn’t want to casually reveal such things.
"Can you describe what she looks like?" Qin Xian Sheng asked as he straightened up.
Gu Qin described Yan Zhen's appearance. Qin Xian Sheng rarely frowned but did so now, "I do recognize her. Speaking of our connection, it isn’t significant. It’s more that Ninth Brother Qin has a deeper connection with her. She was once Ninth Brother’s apprentice. Back then, Ninth Brother was quite showy and well-known. This woman is named Yan Zhen, with no father or mother. She was picked up by Ninth Brother as a child and trained as an apprentice. Her talent wasn’t great, so even though she worked hard, her progress was slow."
Gu Qin listened quietly.
Qin Xian Sheng continued, "Following Ninth Brother for over a decade, she grew up with a skewed heart, fond of petty tricks. Ninth Brother was naturally carefree and didn’t pay much attention. Unexpectedly, she developed feelings for Ninth Brother. Ninth Brother rejected her bluntly. Later, after two years, she stole something from the sect and ran away. It was a somewhat sinister magical tool that Ninth Brother had acquired unintentionally and kept in the sect. He never expected her to take this tool and run away. Ninth Brother was somewhat angry, thinking he had raised her for over a decade only for her to run off with something. However, Ninth Brother didn’t intend to hunt her down. He felt that regardless of the future, she had nothing to do with him anymore."
Gu Qin knew that Qin Xian Sheng had lived for a long time, and his cultivation only allowed his appearance to remain youthful. Yan Zhen’s cultivation was similar to hers, not enough to maintain her youth. Yan Zhen must be quite old, yet why did she still look around thirty?
Perhaps guessing her thoughts, Qin Xian Sheng added, "Based on your description, this woman appears relatively young. Her cultivation isn’t high, so she might have practiced some techniques to maintain her appearance. The sinister magical tool she stole was likely one that could keep her appearance youthful but would disturb her mind and incline her towards evil. Based on what you’ve told me, she seems to have been practicing some evil arts by taking others’ heart blood, probably doing many wicked deeds over the years. So, Qin Qin, you made the right choice."
"If so, shouldn’t that sinister magical tool still be on her? If it falls into the wrong hands, wouldn’t it harm others? Brother Qin, tomorrow I’ll go to the police station to check. If the item is still with her, I will destroy it. This kind of sinister magical tool is harmful if left in the world."
At dinner, Ling Dang formally apologized and thanked Gu Qin. Ling Dang’s parents also came to thank Gu Qin. The next day, Gu Qin went to the place where Yan Zhen’s body was stored but didn’t find the magical tool on her. Originally planning to use her Heavenly Eye to check, she heard footsteps outside and had to leave first.
The police soon announced the case, of course, not going into too much detail. They simply said they found the culprit after a long investigation. They didn’t mention anything about evil magic or the Miao people. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, animals weren’t allowed to become spirits, and practices involving heart blood to create sinister magical tools were strictly prohibited.
Once announced, Yan Zhen’s body was sent for cremation according to procedure. Gu Qin found it difficult to locate the magical tool. This matter had to be put aside for now.
Ling Dang had already gone back to school. Qin Xian Sheng stayed at Ling Dang’s house for a few more days until his health recovered enough to return to Mount Dai with Gu Qin.
Afterward, Gu Qin was busy studying and practicing cultivation, needing to provide feng shui consultations for clients daily. Her days were busy. Qin Xian Sheng, upon learning that Gu Qin had handled the Bai family in Beijing and acquired their company, returned to Beijing to assist. He had his own companies there and could help Lu Qing Rong.
With Qin Xian Sheng in Beijing, Gu Qin didn’t have to worry. He had connections and expertise in feng shui and other matters, far more useful than she would be there.
Though they weren’t together, they spoke daily.
In two months, the weather turned extremely cold. Soon, Gu Qin would have final exams and winter break. The class was busy preparing for the exams, and Gu Qin joined in.
Previously, Qian Shan Shan and Zhu Zhen Yan had some conflicts. Zhu Zhen Yan, unable to provoke Gu Qin, transferred her anger to Qian Shan Shan, pushing her during physical education class. If not for Gu Qin pulling her back, Qian Shan Shan might have been seriously injured. Because of this, students disliked Zhu Zhen Yan even more. Over these two months, Zhu Zhen Yan acted low-key but was often bothered by classmates, making her life difficult.
Gu Qin, on the contrary, was well-liked by all, whether top students or underachievers.
Two days later, after the final exams, the holiday began. Students had a three-day break before returning to school for grades and other matters.
During these three days, Gu Qin continued her practice and provided feng shui consultations. Three days later, she returned to class to collect her grades. As expected, she ranked first again. The teacher gave instructions for the winter break and then dismissed the class, announcing the start of the break on February 16th.
Before leaving, Gu Qin glanced at Zhu Zhen Yan without saying much. Leaving the classroom, a few classmates walked towards the school gate. Some students gathered around Gu Qin, including Qian Shan Shan, who Holding Gu Quilt's arm, he said, "Quilt, what did you see Zhu Zhenyan do just now?”
Gu Qin replied, “I noticed her face changed. This winter, her family might not have a peaceful time.”
Everyone at First High School knew that Gu Qin was a minor clairvoyant, and after numerous events, they believed her face-reading skills were accurate.
Qian Shan Shan pouted, “That’s her own fault. She’s full of malice.”
Since the girl had ill intentions, Gu Qin didn’t plan to tell her anything.
Back home, Yin Cheng Xiang prepared a delicious meal. Gu Jia would return from Beijing in two days, and Yin Cheng Xiang was happy, chatting with Gu Qin about Gu Jia’s situation in Beijing.
Compared to before, Gu Jia had changed significantly. Previously, he was playful, vain, and irresponsible, but now he was the opposite—responsible and mature. Even in Beijing, he would call his mother and sister regularly.
Two days later, Gu Jia returned from Beijing, and Yin Cheng Xiang was overjoyed. As she aged, she cherished family moments more, believing that health and happiness together were the greatest joys.
Gu Jia had grown taller and stronger after six months of training, reaching a height of possibly 185 cm and a robust physique.
About twenty days remained until the New Year. Lu Qing Rong was too busy this year. His company in Beijing was still in its early stages, so he couldn’t return to Mount Dai for the New Year. After considering for two days, Yin Cheng Xiang suggested they go to Beijing for the New Year. Both children agreed since they didn’t want to visit relatives and feared Luo Wen Fen might come crying.
Gu Qin had earned some money, donating part to charity and saving the rest. She planned to buy an apartment in Beijing. Gu Jia would study there for a few years and might live there permanently. Given Lu Qing Rong’s frequent absence due to his company in Beijing, owning an apartment was better than renting.
Yin Cheng Xiang agreed, and Gu Qin had saved some money. Together, they decided to buy an apartment in Beijing, with Yin Cheng Xiang paying the down payment and repaying the mortgage slowly.
Gu Qin intended to pay in full. Beijing’s property prices were high, and Lu Qing Rong’s company was in the city center. She planned to buy an apartment near the city center, which would cost over ten million yuan per square meter. A villa was out of consideration; she aimed for an apartment around 100 square meters, totaling over ten million yuan.
Seeing Gu Qin about to speak, Yin Cheng Xiang quickly said, “Qin Qin, I’m your mother. Please listen to me this time.”
Feeling guilty about relying on her daughter, Yin Cheng Xiang was touched.
Gu Qin didn’t argue further and agreed.
Yin Cheng Xiang informed Lu Qing Rong, who also approved.
Since they planned to go to Beijing for the New Year, they packed their belongings and rested. That night, Gu Qin talked on the phone with Qin Xian Sheng for over an hour. Just as she hung up, a new number rang in.