Outside the gate.
A cool night breeze swept along the ground, stirring the lush vine leaves on the walls until they bumped against one another, producing a fine, lingering rustle.
The Door Gods on the Talisman Board stood silent, just like the blue-black metal gate.
Shentu and Yulei stood sternly erect, their eyes fixed straight ahead, their bearing majestic. The large tiger with golden eyes and white fur, however, crouched at Yulei's feet with its tail curled before it, glaring fiercely and unfriendly at the two guests who had "remembered something funny."
Zheng Qing suspected that the next time he came, this white-furred tiger would give him trouble.
Of course, the thought only flashed through his mind. More of his attention was focused on Dr. Duzem's final remark—"just like a Forbidden Curse." Was he being deliberate, or careless? Or was he testing something?
So preoccupied was he with these thoughts that he failed to notice that after seeing them out, Dr. Duzem had not immediately turned back, but had instead taken a few more steps with them.
Not until Jiang Yu repeatedly stopped him did Zheng Qing realize it.
"Please stay here. We can make our own way back," the witch said, sounding somewhat uneasy. At the same time, she discreetly tugged at Zheng Qing's robe, signaling for him to say something too.
Zheng Qing turned around and only then understood what was happening.
At some point, the cold wind threading through the alley had stopped. Yet the vines on the high walls on either side had not quieted down; instead, they had become increasingly restless. Corners of many broad leaves were quietly lifted, revealing pairs of curious, spying eyes. Perhaps these little sprites—or the eyes behind them—were all wondering what sort of guests could make the legendary Alchemy Master