Crimson Powder Bride's expression changed sharply. Her slender finger flicked, and the dagger flew back into her hand.
She turned and looked toward the moon gate.
Beneath the swaying tree shadows, winds howled and yellow leaves flew. A frail figure emerged at a slow pace, wrapped up tightly in layer upon layer of brocade robes.
But his face was covered by a smooth, mirrorlike mask without features. It looked much like the mask worn by the maid, except that two faint streaks of blood marked the corners of its eyes, as if bloody tears had run down and dried there.
It was Xiao Zheng, the man from earlier that day!
After recognizing him, Crimson Powder Bride fled without a moment's hesitation.
As soon as she left, the maid's body paused slightly. Then she abruptly drew in her hair, which had spread across the entire courtyard, and her ghostly claws returned to delicate hands. As though she had forgotten everything that had just happened, she stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Pei Ling. "Young Master Zheng!"
Pei Ling coughed a few times. He had already prepared for battle, but seeing this, he immediately reined in his aura and gave the maid a slight nod.
He had only just left the house when he heard the sounds of fighting nearby. By the time he hurried over, he had found the scene unfolding before him.
In truth, both Crimson Powder Bride and the maid were Ghostly Beings.
Who won or lost between them made no difference to Pei Ling. He simply couldn't let Crimson Powder Bride damage the maid's mask.
Thinking of this, he immediately ordered, "Come to my bedroom."
The maid was clearly taken aback. Hesitantly, she said, "This servant is looking for Miss Xiang'e..."
The maid had already been searching for