Capture the Jade (Attacking the Jade) - Chapter 30
Chaper 30
However, Xiao Ya’s antics reminded Teng Yuyi that if she wanted to claim the merit for herself, it would be best to actively participate in the demon-catching process.
She glanced at Lin Chengyou, who remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.
The flickering lamplight cast shimmering reflections in his dark eyes.
She picked up her brush and quickly wrote several pages, then set the brush down and pushed the first sheet of paper toward him.
Lin Chengyou glanced down and saw the words: How does the shizi plan to deal with the corpse demon?
He lazily set down his teacup.
“Do you have any brilliant ideas, Miss Teng?”
Teng Yuyi pushed over the second sheet: I have a good plan to deal with the corpse demon.
A hint of a smile appeared in Lin Chengyou’s eyes as he leaned back.
“I’m all ears.”
Teng Yuyi slid the third sheet in front of him: Master Jian Tian mentioned that the corpse demon looks as fresh as if she were alive, and her powers far surpass those of ordinary demons. Even if she brushes past someone in a crowd, talismans might not burn to warn of her presence. Once she hides, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. So even though you and the other masters want to capture her as soon as possible, you can only wait for her to show herself again. But this approach is too passive. Since we know the corpse demon is interested in me, why not use me as bait to lure her out?
The room fell silent for a moment before the five Taoists exclaimed, “Miss Teng, it’s a good plan, but using a person as bait to catch a demon goes against the principles of righteousness!”
Teng Yuyi smiled inwardly.
Whether it was righteous or not, as long as someone was willing, it would work.
Lin Chengyou was a maverick who cared more about catching demons than whether the methods were orthodox.
She bet he would agree to this plan.
Unexpectedly, Lin Chengyou shook his head with a smile.
“No, this plan isn’t good.”
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The corpse demon was cunning and dangerous.
Using Miss Teng as bait would be far too risky.
Teng Yuyi was stunned.
Huh? Does Lin Chengyou actually have principles?
She quickly wrote again: But this is the fastest way. The corpse demon is inherently vicious. After failing tonight, she won’t give up easily. I suspect she’ll come after me again soon. Why not set a trap and lay a formation around me to capture her in one fell swoop?
Lin Chengyou, as if he had anticipated her words, didn’t take the paper. Instead, he said seriously, “Miss Teng, the reason the corpse demon is different from ordinary demons is that she was already cunning in life, and after death, she became even more adept at reading people’s minds. If we set up a formation around you in advance, she would sense it as soon as she got close. So if we really use you as bait, we can’t set up any formations beforehand. And once you’re without any protective spells, have you considered how dangerous that would be?”
Du Tinglan’s face turned pale, and she anxiously grabbed Teng Yuyi’s hand.
“Ah Yu, don’t suggest such reckless ideas. Let the shizi and the others come up with a plan. You stay safely in the residence. I’ll stay with you.”
Teng Yuyi met Du Tinglan’s worried gaze and felt a pang of sadness.
Sister, of course I know how dangerous this plan is. But I don’t want to die. I want to live. Sometimes, you have to risk everything to survive. Besides, this is the only way to claim the merit of defeating the corpse demon.
Tonight’s events had made her fully aware of her situation.
She had just escaped the tree demon, and now the corpse demon was after her.
Since the corpse demon was determined to pursue her, why not fight for survival?
She let go of Du Tinglan’s hand and quickly wrote three words: I’m willing.
Lin Chengyou took the paper and remained silent for a moment.
These words didn’t seem like something Teng Yuyi would say.
The plan was too reckless.
Even though he had briefly considered it, he had quickly dismissed the idea.
Given Teng Yuyi’s cunning nature, she would know how risky this was.
Why would she willingly put herself in harm’s way?
Had she been scared out of her wits by the corpse demon?
He raised the crystal lamp and used its light to examine Teng Yuyi’s face.
Her complexion was a bit off, but her eyes were clear, and her lips were like spring cherry blossoms.
She didn’t look like she had lost her mind.
Jue Sheng and the others were stunned.
Teng Yuyi tilted her head away from the crystal lamp in Lin Chengyou’s hand.
She knew Lin Chengyou wouldn’t be easily fooled.
Now he was even doubting whether she was in her right mind.
She turned her face and wrote on the paper: I’ve thought it through. Even if I hide behind you, the corpse demon won’t let me go. Instead of waiting for death, I’d rather take the initiative. I don’t want to live in constant fear. Whatever it takes to get rid of the corpse demon quickly, I’m willing to fully cooperate with you and the five masters.
Lin Chengyou’s lips twitched.
There’s progress.
This time, her reasoning seems a bit more solid.
But he still felt something was off.
Teng Yuyi didn’t seem like she was trying to avoid disaster.
Instead, it seemed like she was deliberately creating an opportunity to get close to the corpse demon.
With just a divine sword?
That was too overconfident.
The other party was a corpse demon.
Ordinary young ladies would faint at the mere sight of such a creature, let alone confront it.
He glanced at her subtly. Teng Yuyi met his gaze and knew she hadn’t dispelled his doubts.
So she wrote again: The reason I’m willing to be bait isn’t just because this is the most effective method, but also because you’ve already promised to protect me. With your skills in slaying demons, if you fail to capture the corpse demon and I, the bait, end up harmed, well…
She sighed leisurely and didn’t continue writing.
The Taoists’ eyes flickered, and they all turned their gazes to Lin Chengyou.
With things having reached this point, if Lin Chengyou didn’t agree, it would be tantamount to admitting he couldn’t protect Teng Yuyi.
Lin Chengyou smiled inwardly.
Now this sounds like something Teng Yuyi would say.
He clapped his hands and nodded.
“Miss Teng’s plan is flawless. Even I can’t find a reason to say no.”
Teng Yuyi modestly bowed, indicating she didn’t deserve such praise.
Lin Chengyou pondered for a moment, then stood up and began pacing with his hands behind his back.
“Actually, it’s not that we can’t think of other methods, but the corpse demon and the Golden Robe Gentleman are elusive. Luring them out won’t be easy. The longer we delay, the more chaos there will be. Especially in places we can’t monitor, innocent people will inevitably suffer. After careful consideration, using a person as bait is the best way to lure them out. Since Miss Teng is willing, the five masters and I will start planning immediately. But I must remind you, Miss Teng, the other party is the corpse demon and the Golden Robe Gentleman. Even with all our preparations, there’s no guarantee something unexpected won’t happen. You need to be mentally prepared.”
Teng Yuyi nodded solemnly and wrote: To ensure timely communication, I’ll need you to think of a way to restore my voice. Otherwise, if I can’t speak, it will be inconvenient when the corpse demon arrives.
Lin Chengyou couldn’t let her know his plans for dealing with the corpse demon.
His smile remained unchanged: Sorry, no discussion on this matter.
Teng Yuyi’s smile grew sweeter, but her eyes shot icy daggers: Lin Chengyou, you’re going too far.
Lin Chengyou coughed and waved for the old servant to come in.
“Prepare the horses. Miss Teng and Miss Du are in danger. I need to escort them back to their residence.”
Teng Yuyi’s anger flared.
He’s even issuing a dismissal order. It seems there’s no hope of getting the antidote from Lin Chengyou tonight.
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi, hearing this, eagerly waited nearby.
“Miss Teng, Miss Du, let’s go.”
The five Taoists stretched lazily.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve stayed up this late. We need to apply some beauty cream before bed.”
Master Jian Tian, yawning, suddenly noticed Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan beside him.
He quickly took out a small porcelain jar from his sleeve.
“You two are connected to our Dongming Temple. This is our temple’s beauty cream. You can’t tell our real age, can you? Hehe, it’s all thanks to this cream! You young ladies are so beautiful; you need to take care of your skin. Why not take a jar and try it? I’ll settle the bill with you later at the Teng residence.”
Du Tinglan was both amused and exasperated.
She politely declined, “Thank you for your kind offer, but it’s unnecessary. My sister and I are still young. We don’t need this.”
Teng Yuyi, however, seemed oblivious.
She kept glancing outside the main hall, her mind preoccupied with Gu Xian from Nanzhao.
She wondered if he had woken up yet.
As the heir apparent of Nanzhao, if she could subtly inquire about Wu Yingying through him, she might be able to unravel the mystery that had haunted her for two lifetimes.
After waiting for a while, she realized it probably wouldn’t happen tonight.
That’s fine. The Prince’s residence is crowded and not a convenient place to act. I’ll find another opportunity later.
As everyone left the main hall, the two fake maids who had accompanied Teng Yuyi into the residence were already waiting outside.
Commander Chang had earlier informed Teng Yuyi about the maids’ situation.
When the corpse demon caused chaos, many servants in the residence encountered ghost walls by the shore, wandering in circles and unable to escape the forest.
The two fake maids were no exception.
Fortunately, after drinking the talisman soup, they were now fine.
Teng Yuyi had the fake maids send a message to the Du residence, informing them that Du Tinglan would be staying at the Teng residence tonight.
She then got into the carriage with Du Tinglan.
Lin Chengyou, finding their carriage too slow, whipped his horse and galloped off into the night.
After a while, he reined in his horse and patiently waited by the roadside.
After stopping and starting several times, it took a full half hour to reach the Teng residence.
Steward Cheng, who had been informed earlier and was worried, was already waiting at the gate.
He was startled to see Lin Chengyou and hurried forward to bow.
Lin Chengyou nodded with a smile, dismounted, and handed the reins to a servant behind him.
He turned to Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi and said, “Remember to behave yourselves while staying here. Don’t forget you’re disciples of our master. Don’t embarrass Qingyun Temple.”
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi puffed out their chests.
“We will follow senior brother’s teachings.”
At this moment, Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan got out of the carriage.
Lin Chengyou glanced at Steward Cheng beside Teng Yuyi and said to Jue Sheng, “Tell Miss Teng I have a few things to discuss with her privately about exorcising evil.”
Jue Sheng, not understanding the situation, eagerly went to relay the message.
“Miss Teng, senior brother wants to discuss some exorcism matters with you.”
Steward Cheng’s face showed a flicker of surprise.
Teng Yuyi turned to look, then followed Jue Sheng to Lin Chengyou’s side.
Lin Chengyou took something from his waist and handed it to her.
“Wear this on your wrist. If anything unusual happens, it will alert you immediately.”
Teng Yuyi took it and saw it was a string of small golden bells, each the size of a fingernail, round like grapes.
She shook her wrist, but the bells remained silent.
She tried shaking them again, but Lin Chengyou stopped her.
“Enough. Even if you shake your hand off, it won’t ring.”
Teng Yuyi was puzzled.
Then why give this to me? How can a silent bell alert anyone?
“The bell will only ring if it detects demonic energy. If it rang every time you shook it, how would I sleep? It only alerts when it senses evil. Understood? Remember to keep it with you at all times. I’ll be outside the residence. As soon as the corpse demon enters the inner courtyard, I’ll know immediately.”
Teng Yuyi was both surprised and delighted.
She had been worried and resentful the entire journey, cursing Lin Chengyou in her heart and even considering having Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi stay in the same room as her.
With this, she wouldn’t need to make such awkward arrangements.
She quickly bowed to Lin Chengyou and smiled as she tied the bells to her wrist.
Thank you, shizi. I won’t let it leave my side.
Lin Chengyou glanced at her, then walked to his horse and mounted it.
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi curiously followed.
“Senior brother, did you give the Mystic Sound Bells to Miss Teng?”
They had seen the bells on his waist earlier that afternoon and guessed he had plans.
But the corpse demon seemed to have three targets: Miss Teng, Juan er’li from Caifeng Tower, and Ge Jin.
There was only one set of Mystic Sound Bells.
They didn’t know Miss Teng had lost her voice, only that many seniors from their temple were stationed at Caifeng Tower.
However, Ge Jin had been disfigured and kidnapped by demons, suffering greatly.
Her movements were likely less agile than others.
So they asked, “Senior brother, were you planning to give the Mystic Sound Bells to Ge Jin?”
“Her?”
Lin Chengyou looked strange.
“Then—was it for Juan er’li?”
Lin Chengyou clicked his tongue.
“Although I don’t often use the Mystic Sound Bells, they’re still my personal belongings. Even if I were to give them away, I wouldn’t give them to someone of that profession.”
So senior brother had already decided to give them to Miss Teng.
This was good.
The sound of the bells could penetrate any barrier set up by evil spirits.
If danger arose, she wouldn’t have to worry about shouting herself hoarse without anyone hearing.
Lin Chengyou turned and saw Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi curiously looking at him.
He scoffed, “It’s not like I gave them to Teng Yuyi. I’m just letting her keep them for a few days. She’s cunning, but at least she won’t have any ulterior motives. I’ll take them back after we capture the corpse demon.”
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi nodded, but they vaguely felt something was off.
The Mystic Sound Bells were indeed Taoist magic tools, but senior brother had carried them with him since childhood.
Giving them to Miss Teng to wear on her wrist—wasn’t that like something out of a Buddhist tale? What was it called again?
They racked their brains but couldn’t remember the term.
They couldn’t help but ask, “Senior brother, why would you rather give the Mystic Sound Bells to Miss Teng than cure her?”
Lin Chengyou mounted his horse.
“We need to keep some tricks up our sleeves. The corpse demon is too difficult to deal with. I don’t think we’ll capture it in one or two attempts. Since the corpse demon sees Teng Yuyi as prey, it must have already figured her out. If the prey suddenly can’t speak, even the corpse demon might be caught off guard… This could be a breakthrough in dealing with it. Never mind, you wouldn’t understand. In any case, I have a plan. Oh, and keep your mouths shut. The corpse demon is skilled at reading minds. If Teng Yuyi finds out in advance, the plan won’t work.”
The two nodded seriously.
Meanwhile, Teng Yuyi walked to the carriage and handed the written note to Steward Cheng: Those two are junior Taoist masters from Qingyun Temple. They will be staying at the residence for the next few days. One is named Jue Sheng, and the other is Qi Zhi. They are my honored guests. Treat them well and don’t neglect them.
Steward Cheng followed Teng Yuyi’s gaze and saw two plump little Taoist boys.
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi bowed in unison.
“We pay our respects.”
Steward Cheng had heard of Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi but had never met them.
Though surprised, he still stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
“Welcome, Masters. I am Cheng, the steward of the Teng residence. Please let me know if you need anything.”
With that, he quickly arranged accommodations and led Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi into the residence.
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi said to Lin Chengyou, “Senior brother, we’re going in now.”
***
Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi were settled in the Songtao Courtyard, and Teng Yuyi personally went to check on them.
When she entered the room, Qi Zhi was busy unpacking, while Jue Sheng sat on the edge of the bed, swinging his legs.
“Miss Teng,” Jue Sheng jumped off the bed.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
Having been “mute” for half a day, Teng Yuyi had already come up with a solution.
As soon as she returned to her courtyard, she had Chunrong prepare a small, lightweight tray filled with millet grains and a silver chopstick.
Teng Yuyi picked up the chopstick and wrote in the millet: I came to see if you need anything else.
Qi Zhi happily said, “We don’t need anything else. Steward Cheng knows we recite scriptures morning and night, so he even prepared containers for the scrolls. He also asked if we have any dietary restrictions and showed us a long list of vegetarian dishes.”
Jue Sheng scratched his head.
“We’re only staying for a few days. There’s no need for such a fuss. Miss Teng, you’re too kind. We feel a bit embarrassed.”
Teng Yuyi looked around and saw that everything was tidy and elegant.
She felt relieved: You are my honored guests. It’s only right to be thorough. If you want to eat anything, just let me know. You can also tell Steward Cheng. He’s an experienced steward and quite meticulous.
Jue Sheng said, “Miss Teng, did you tell Steward Cheng about Qi Zhi’s injured finger? Earlier, he called a physician to change Qi Zhi’s bandages. It gave us quite a scare.”
Teng Yuyi nodded and asked Qi Zhi: How is your injured finger? Starting tomorrow, the physician will come regularly to check on you.
Qi Zhi smiled, revealing two round dimples, and spread his hand in front of Teng Yuyi.
“Miss Teng, look. It’s much better now.”
He hesitated for a moment.
“You’re not angry that senior brother refused to cure you tonight, are you?”
Angry? What good would that do?
Teng Yuyi smiled and wrote: I’m not angry. I’m not angry at all.
Rather than being angry, it’s better to find a way to cure myself as soon as possible.
Qi Zhi and Jue Sheng exchanged glances.
They really wanted to tell Miss Teng that senior brother wasn’t deliberately refusing to cure her, but senior brother had said they couldn’t reveal this yet.
So they swallowed their words and awkwardly said, “Miss Teng, senior brother actually has a good heart.”
Jue Sheng nodded vigorously.
“Princess Ah Zhi has been studying in the palace this past year. Whenever she wants to eat or play something, she always acts spoiled with senior brother. Sometimes, if the thing is too hard to find, senior brother pretends not to agree, but in the end, he always finds a way to get it for her. And the second young master, who is four years younger than senior brother, has always liked to follow senior brother around. When the second young master was learning to play polo and ride horses, senior brother personally taught him.”
Qi Zhi added, “Miss Teng, even though senior brother often scolds Jue Sheng and me, he never forgets our birthdays. Every year, he buys us lots of gifts.”
Teng Yuyi raised her hand to stop them.
If she hadn’t remembered she was “mute,” listening to their blind praise, she might have almost mistaken Lin Chengyou for some kind of benevolent gentleman.
