Blue Stone Alley was deserted. Only the Yang Household's lanterns swayed gently in the night breeze.
Linghu Qingmo entered the familiar alley with his sword, surveying the white walls on either side. He felt keenly that the scenery remained, but the people had changed. Yet as he approached Courtyard Six, he suddenly heard a faint noise. Hmm...
The sound of someone swatting mosquitoes?
Linghu Qingmo thought Ling'er had left a maid to look after the courtyard before leaving. After a moment's consideration, he leaped over the perimeter wall.
He found the courtyard spotless; someone did indeed clean it regularly. But the noises from the back courtyard suddenly stopped again.
Somewhat puzzled, Linghu Qingmo passed through the moon gate and looked toward the lit bedroom.
Logically, even if a maid had been left to clean, she could hardly be staying in the owner's bedroom...
Seeing that whoever was inside seemed awake, Linghu Qingmo called out:
"Anyone here?"
Rustle-
The sound of someone getting up immediately came from the room, seemingly mixed with the pop of a bottle being uncorked. Then a familiar, clear voice rang out:
"Momo?!"
His voice was full of shock, with a trace of nervousness.
Linghu Qingmo shuddered too. He first glanced around, confirming that he was in Danyang, before walking toward the door:
"Xie Jinhuan?! What are you doing here too?"
"Uh... I was doing some Demon-Slaying and Evil-Exorcising at Pine Crane Bay tonight. Someone ambushed me, so I escaped here to recover. Well..."
"Really?"
Linghu Qingmo hurried forward, pushed open the door, and went straight to the bedroom doorway to look inside.
The room was spotless, with a small lamp burning by the bed and two weapons leaning nearby.
Xie Jinhuan sat on the bed, drenched in sweat, his skin flushed. His left arm was visibly