"Blood?"
During Zhang Yuan's seclusion, Ao Xiu had stayed with him inside the Dao Domain. At first, she had wanted to explore the [Great Grotto Yin-Scenery Immortal Domain], but the moment she saw its scenery, she lost all interest.
Ao Xiu had remained curled up inside his robes ever since, sleeping whenever Zhang Yuan meditated.
Now that she finally saw daylight again, Ao Xiu quickly slipped out of his robes and climbed onto his shoulder, eager for some fresh air. Yet her very first breath brought a powerful reek of blood, leaving her bewildered.
Ao Xiu scratched her head with her tail and turned to Zhang Yuan. If she could smell it, he certainly could too, so she wanted to ask him about it.
But no sooner had Ao Xiu opened her mouth than she shut it again. Zhang Yuan's face was frighteningly dark. She had never seen him wear such an expression, and she hardly dared to speak.
Zhang Yuan walked slowly toward the courtyard gate.
Someone had opened the latch. Clearly, there had been visitors-and judging by the traces, several different groups had come.
Zhang Yuan pushed open the courtyard gate.
Three months had passed, and all the osmanthus blossoms on Osmanthus Fragrance Mountain had withered. Instead of their fragrance, a thick stench of blood and decay now hung over the mountain. Nearly every slope had been stained crimson, with the bodies of the Chu Family strewn haphazardly throughout.
Not a single living person remained in sight.
Ao Xiu's eyes widened. She could not help turning to Zhang Yuan and asking cautiously:
"Zhang Yuan, are you all right? Would you like me to massage your shoulders...?"
Zhang Yuan exhaled a stale breath, gently patted Ao Xiu on the head, and said evenly:
"The Chu Family and I were