Chapter 32: You Still Owe Me an Enormous Favor...

Chen Hui looked at A Chan with hopeful eyes: "What method?"

"There's an incense that can keep a corpse looking as fresh as when it was alive."

"Really?"

What kind of incense could do that?

In Chen Hui's understanding, it was utterly impossible. But then again, if a dead woman like herself could sit here talking, perhaps nothing was impossible.

"Really."

A Chan didn't tell Chen Hui that the recipe was originally for embalming sacrificial offerings. There was a peculiar tribe that held annual ancestral rites, offering their best hunted game to their forebears.

But before presenting the offerings, they would beautify them, developing this incense to ensure the sacrifices remained as lifelike as possible on the altar.

It sounded bizarre—and it truly was.

A Chan had never witnessed it firsthand, yet through the records in those books, she could almost glimpse the vibrant, intriguing past of her mother’s clan.

"However..."

A Chan's voice faltered. She calculated the materials needed to preserve one person, and her heart sank—even after counting twice, she was still short on funds.

"However what?"

"I don't have enough silver to buy the materials." A Chan felt a slight blush of shame; admitting it was a bit embarrassing.

Chen Hui forced her stiff face into a smile: "That's alright. I have five hundred taels saved at home."

It was the dowry money Yan Liru had forced her ex-husband to repay when they divorced. She had bought a shop with part of it and kept the rest.

She had thought life would only get better from then on, but fate had played this cruel trick on her.

"Good. Once we get the silver, we'll split up to buy the materials."

As they spoke, the dark patches on Chen Hui’s face had faded to just one.

A Chan took out another incense pill. After consuming it, the sores on her face and body healed completely.

She looked no different from when she was alive—except she had no heartbeat.

A Chan told her, "Though you don't need to breathe, it's too easy for others to notice something's wrong. You should practice breathing and simulate a heartbeat. You can do these things."

These were the basics of body control—as a living corpse, she should possess such abilities.

Chen Hui nodded. Following A Chan’s instructions, she began breathing, making her chest rise and fall, and mimicking a heartbeat.

At first, it wasn't easy—her breath kept hitching, and her heartbeat was terrifyingly slow. Gradually, however, she got the hang of it.

A Chan thought to herself, Chen Hui was indeed a clever person, quick to grasp things.

By the afternoon of the next day, though the sky remained overcast, the rain had finally stopped.

A Chan took the silver Chen Hui had stashed at home, and the two went to separate markets to gather the materials.

A Chan still went to the West Market, as two special materials—cartilage vine and tiger-jiao skin—were only available at the Hunting Shop there.

This time, however, she chose a different shop. The deal went much like last time, but since she needed the items urgently by the next day, the price was slightly higher. The cartilage vine wasn’t too bad, costing only fifty taels per pound, but the three pieces of dried tiger-jiao skin cost her two hundred taels.

A Chan couldn’t help but reminisce about the days when she could kill a whole pond of tiger-jiao with a single swipe of her claws. She’d burned through so much silver.

After placing her order, she returned home, where Chen Hui had already rounded up all the materials A Chan had requested.

Chen Hui had mostly bought various herbs and branches. The common ones were easy enough to find at stalls selling fodder or firewood, but those with special properties had to be purchased at Datong Lane.

Datong Lane was a hive of hustlers and drifters. In the past, Chen Hui had only heard about it and never dared to go herself.

Now, cloaked in a hooded robe, she snapped the wrists of two men who tried to pull at her cloak, and no one dared so much as to glance her way after that.

In addition to these, she also bought a giant vat and hired a cart to deliver everything to A Chan’s house.

By then, it was already evening. The sky was overcast, and few people were out on the streets. The surrounding shops had barely seen any customers all day and had closed early.

Only A Chan’s place still stood open, as if waiting for her return.

After unloading the goods at the door and paying the deliveryman, Chen Hui began carrying the items inside.

She grabbed the rim of the vat and, with just a slight exertion, hefted the person-sized vat like it weighed nothing.

A Chan observed her. Chen Hui had never trained in martial arts and had only recently become a living corpse, so her strength should be comparable to that of a first-realm human cultivator. However, in an actual fight, she might still be at a disadvantage. That said, living corpses had advantages in strength and speed—Chen Hui could probably lift five of herself with ease and even juggle them.

Chen Hui placed the vat in the backyard and returned to carry the rest of the items inside. A Chan closed the door behind her and threw the bolt into place.

The backyard was now filled with the items they had bought during the day. Chen Hui only remembered purchasing nine types of herbs and nine types of branches, which alone formed a small mountain.

A Chan took about a third of each, first breaking the branches into hand-length sticks and arranging them neatly at the bottom of the vat. Then she layered the herbs on top, leaving only a fist-sized gap in the center.

Next, she lit the branches, waiting for them to smolder slowly.

"The vat needs to burn all night. No flames—just smoke," A Chan explained.

"I’ll mind it," Chen Hui said immediately.

A Chan initially wanted to refuse, but remembering that Chen Hui no longer needed sleep, she didn’t insist.

Worried that Chen Hui might get bored watching the vat, A Chan found her a few interesting storybooks to read, which Chen Hui gladly accepted.

Early the next morning, A Chan woke up without her usual dawdling and went straight to the backyard to check the vat.

After a night of smoking, the herbs and branches had turned into a layer of ash at the bottom, with another layer clinging to the sides. A Chan wiped a finger along the inside, brought it to her nose, and inhaled—smoke and a whisper of herbs lingered.

This step seemed successful. Once the goods from the Hunting Shop arrived, Chen Hui could sit inside the vat for the smoking process.

At this thought, A Chan realized Chen Hui wasn’t around. Figuring she’d stepped out, she was surprised when the kitchen door opened and Chen Hui emerged, balancing a bowl of porridge, a plate of cold side dishes, and two scallion pancakes with egg.

Seeing A Chan standing there dumbfounded, Chen Hui asked, "Not hungry?"

"I am," A Chan replied, trailing after her.

Living corpses didn’t need to eat, and even if they did, they lived on blood and meat.

Chen Hui was different—she could stomach human food just fine, though she couldn’t taste it.

The scallion pancakes were a touch too salty, but to A Chan, they still hit the spot.

After finishing the simple yet delicious breakfast, A Chan patted her stomach and said to Mrs. Chen, "Thank you."

"It's me who should thank you for being willing to help."

"You can thank me properly once you're recovered."

A Chan first had Mrs. Chen bathe and checked her body. A day had passed, and some patches had reappeared on her skin, though they hadn’t begun to rot yet.

It seemed the two scented pills only lasted a day.

A Chan simply took a bit of dragon bone powder and had Mrs. Chen swallow it with water. The effect was still excellent—the patches quickly faded.

Once her body had fully returned to normal, A Chan, just like the day before, arranged wooden branches in the vat. But this time, she first poured half a pound of flexible vine over the branches before covering them with herbs.

By noon, the goods from the Hunting Shop arrived. As expected, paying top silver made all the difference—not only was the delivery right to us, but the quality of the goods was also top-notch.

After inspecting the goods and completing the handover, A Chan closed the door and carried the items to the backyard.

With everything prepared, A Chan used a flint striker to ignite the tiger-jiao hide. The hide was greasy and burned like a small candle. She placed it in the gap between the herbs to light the branches and soft vine beneath.

Soon, the tiger-jiao hide melted away, and wispy smoke curled up from the remaining gap.

A Chan placed a stool inside and had Mrs. Chen sit in the vat, then covered it with a large wooden lid.

Mrs. Chen needed to stay inside, steeped in the fumes for three straight days, without leaving even once.

On the second day of Mrs. Chen’s confinement in the vat, a squad of constables suddenly arrived in Changping District. A Chan had to stay in the shop, but Shopkeeper Xu went to see the commotion.

When he returned, he told A Chan, "The cosmetics merchant on Back Street, Boss Yao, had an intruder break into her home yesterday and kill her."

"Murdered?"

Boss Xu sighed. "Not just murdered. Someone saw the body—it was chewed to pieces."

A Chan’s heart skipped a beat. This manner of death… why did it sound so familiar?

"Did the officials say anything?"

"What could they say? A bunch of useless parasites lining their own pockets. I bet this case will end up in the hands of the Bright Mirror Bureau. Hopefully, they’ll solve it quickly before that foul creature continues wreaking havoc in the district."

Boss Xu’s words proved prophetic. On the third day, another person died—a night watchman. The body indeed looked as if something had gnawed on it.

During that morning’s court session, another imperial censor stepped forward to impeach the Bright Mirror Bureau Commander.

"Your Majesty, your servant heard yesterday that an evil spirit has entered the city. Not only did it injure the city guards, but it also killed civilians for two consecutive days and gnawed on their corpses, causing panic among the people. The Bright Mirror Bureau is responsible for handling supernatural cases, yet it failed to act promptly. This is a serious failure."

No one noticed the sudden change in Yan Liru’s expression upon hearing about the gnawed corpses among the court officials.

"Bai Xiuming, what do you have to say?" the Emperor asked.

Bai Xiuming stepped forward without defense. "Your servant is guilty and begs Your Majesty’s punishment."

"Then you shall be—"

"Your Majesty." At that moment, Yan Liru stepped forward. "Your Majesty, all cases in the capital are first investigated by the Metropolitan Prefecture. This case was not reported in time by them, so the blame cannot fall on Lord Bai."

"If it’s not his fault, then how should this case be handled?" the Emperor asked.

"The Ministry of Justice is willing to take over this case. Your servant guarantees the culprit will be swiftly apprehended," Yan Liru added.

"Bai Xiuming, what do you think?"

"Your servant has no objections."

"Then it is settled. The case is handed to the Ministry of Justice. Yan Liru, give me an answer as soon as possible."

"As you command."

After the court session ended, Yan Liru returned to the Ministry of Justice and summoned Xue Mingtang. Once Xue Mingtang entered, he immediately closed the door.

When Yan Liru got a clear look at Xue Mingtang’s face, he was taken aback. Whatever had happened, the man looked much thinner, with dark circles under his eyes and bloodshot eyes, as if he hadn’t slept well in days.

"What happened?" Yan Liru frowned.

"My lord, the Snow Needle Snake was captured by the Bright Mirror Bureau," Xue Mingtang said, fear flashing in his eyes. "I was nearby when they caught it. They might already suspect me."

These past few days, every time Xue Mingtang closed his eyes, he imagined the sound of Bright Mirror Bureau guards kicking down his door, as if they might drag him from his home to the prison at any moment.

Under such immense pressure, he hadn’t slept soundly for days.

Yan Liru’s expression darkened. "You’ve disappointed me greatly. You couldn’t even keep watch over a bound snake."

Xue Mingtang lowered his voice in defense. "I was badly wounded recently and couldn’t suppress the Snow Needle Snake. It slipped away on its own. My lord, if the Bright Mirror Bureau traces the contract back to me, what should I do?"

"Has there been any unusual activity in your contract with the snake?" Yan Liru asked.

"None so far."

Yan Liru sat in his chair, pondering for a moment, before finally saying, "Come to my residence in two days' time. I’ll sever your contract with the Snow Needle Snake."

"Thank you, my lord." Xue Mingtang showed gratitude, though a flicker of doubt soon crossed his eyes. "My lord, I’ve heard contracts can only be broken upon the death of one party. Surely you don’t mean…"

"Nonsense. The Demon Seal is still in my possession. I can forcibly dissolve the contract."

"That’s a relief." Xue Mingtang exhaled. As long as the contract was broken, he’d be safe.

Hearing Yan Liru mention the Demon Seal left a bitter taste in his mouth.

That artifact was something he’d gone to great lengths to steal from the imperial vault. At first, he’d thought it was merely a valuable magical tool—only after handing it over to Yan Liru did he learn it was the former imperial seal of the demon kingdom.

After the Demon Emperor’s death and the fall of the demon kingdom, the Demon Seal had fallen into the hands of the Great Xia royal family and was stored in the vault until recently, when it was stolen.

If only such a treasure could have remained in his possession! Instead, it ended up with Yan Liru, a man incapable of cultivation. What a crying shame.

Of course, Xue Mingtang would never dare voice such thoughts.

With his mortal danger temporarily resolved, he remembered to ask, "Did my lord summon me for further orders?"

Yan Liru nodded. "A living corpse has apparently entered the capital. It has killed two people in Changping District. You must capture it as soon as possible and destroy the evidence."

Without questioning why, Xue Mingtang immediately complied. "I understand."

Just then, a knock came at the door.

Xue Mingtang opened it to find another of Yan Liru’s trusted men standing outside.

The man entered and reported to Yan Liru, "As my lord predicted, the living corpse’s body has indeed disappeared. I suspect the young master may not have brought himself to sever its head."

A living corpse would die if beheaded. Yan Liru had ordered his son to dispose of it, but it seemed the boy had dared to disobey orders.

He closed his eyes, fighting back his anger as he asked, "Anything else?"

"Also, as per your orders, your subordinate went to the mountain where Chen Hui was buried. The mountain had been struck by lightning a few days prior, and everything on it was turned to blackened ash. There was no sign of the body."

"Even if struck by lightning, there should still be remnants," Yan Liru said, feeling something was off.

"This subordinate found no remains." After speaking, the man hesitantly added, "My lord, since Chen Hui was bitten by the living corpse, is it possible she also turned into one?"

The higher the grade of a living corpse, the more potent the corpse poison in its saliva and blood, increasing the likelihood of turning its victims into living corpses.

The one raised by the madam and the young master was already a Second Realm living corpse, equivalent to a human cultivator of the Second Realm—an exceedingly rare occurrence.

Yan Liru thought for a moment before turning to Xue Mingtang. "Later, I will give you a portrait. While investigating the living corpse in Changping Ward, also check if the woman in the painting has appeared recently."

"Don't worry, my lord. This subordinate knows what to do."

The major events in the court had nothing to do with A Chan. Today was the final day of the incense fumigation—once the smoke dissipated, Lady Chen would emerge.

A Chan was making sachets in the shop. Though her craftsmanship was still lacking, with Lady Chen’s guidance, she could now at least shape them properly.

Just then, a ruckus broke out outside. A Chan stepped to the door and saw Shopkeeper Xu and his assistant also looking out.

"What’s happening?" she asked.

"They say the Ministry of Justice has arrived, searching house by house for living corpses—seems they’re also looking for someone." Shopkeeper Xu sighed. "What times we live in, with living corpses running about."

A Chan’s face changed slightly. She was about to head to the backyard when she saw Xue Mingtang leading a group of Ministry of Justice clerks toward her.

Xue Mingtang spoke coldly, as if he didn’t recognize her. "Are you the owner of this shop?"

"Yes."

"Men, search the place."

As the clerks stormed in, A Chan worried about Lady Chen being discovered in the backyard, too distracted to care about her incense balls being tossed around.

One clerk suddenly shouted, "My lord, there’s someone in the backyard!"

The moment he spoke, a beautiful woman in her early twenties emerged from the backyard. She wore a cloak, her hair loose, looking somewhat disheveled.

With a confused look, she asked A Chan, "Miss Ji, why have people suddenly barged in?"

A Chan was briefly startled by the familiar-looking woman before replying, "It’s nothing. The officials from the Ministry of Justice are searching for a fugitive."

Xue Mingtang glanced at the young woman, comparing her to the portrait in his hand. She looked somewhat similar, but the age clearly didn’t match.

The clerks who had entered the backyard soon returned, reporting to Xue Mingtang, "My lord, there’s a vat in the backyard—something seems to be burning inside."

"That’s incense I’m preparing. It’s quite valuable."

"Silence! You have no right to speak here," the clerk barked at A Chan.

"Enough," Xue Mingtang immediately reprimanded his subordinate before giving A Chan a long look. "Let’s go."

As he turned to leave, A Chan wasn’t going to let him leave so easily.

Her voice rang out behind him. "Lord Xue, all high and mighty, letting your subordinates trash my shop’s incense and pellets—and now you just walk away?"

"What do you want?"

"Compensation, of course," A Chan said matter-of-factly. "Fifty taels—that’s not too much."

"Outrageous!" one of Xue Mingtang’s subordinates snapped before he could speak.

Unfazed, A Chan deliberately provoked him further. "If Lord Xue is short on cash, perhaps you could borrow some from your sister."

Xue Mingtang’s expression darkened. "Ji Chan, you’re provoking me."

"I thought it was only right to pay for what you destroy. If you refuse today, that’s fine. I’ll just have Lord Bai come by another time to collect." She chuckled lightly. "Lord Xue can ask your sister—she’s already familiar with Lord Bai’s methods."

Xue Mingtang was well aware of how Bai Xiuming had gone to the Marquis of Jinyang’s residence to demand Ji Chan’s dowry. The mention still rankled.

Taking several deep breaths, he finally untied the money pouch from his belt and threw it at A Chan’s feet.

"Take care now, Lord Xue."

Humiliated by A Chan’s threats and under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xue Mingtang called off the search of the street, ordering his subordinates to continue while he made a quick exit with the rest.

The shopkeepers who’d come to watch dispersed, satisfied.

The rumors about A Chan’s connections with officials were nothing new, but today confirmed one thing—Miss Ji’s backing was indeed formidable.

While others paid to get rid of those troublemakers, she had got fifty taels out of them with a single demand. Thankfully, Miss Ji was good-natured, polite to everyone she met, so they didn’t have to worry about accidentally offending her.

With them gone, A Chan closed the door and turned to face Lady Chen, now looking decades younger.

She looked exactly like a living person—soft skin, bright eyes, normal breathing, and a heartbeat—all proof she was alive.

Even Xue Mingtang, a cultivator, hadn’t noticed anything wrong.

As A Chan turned, Lady Chen suddenly knelt.

Startled, A Chan heard her say, "Miss, your giving me new life is something I'll never forget."

A Chan helped her up. "Just call me A Chan."

Lady Chen smiled—her facial muscles no longer stiff, the expression genuine and warm. "Then, A Chan, call me Hui Niang. That’s what my parents called me."

"Hui Niang, what are your plans now?"

Chen Hui’s desire to regain her human appearance wasn’t about vanity.

Hui Niang touched her face—now that of her twenties, a face Yan Liru would surely recognize.

Remembering how he had vowed his love for her countless times, Chen Hui thought it was time to put those words to the test.

She said, "I’m going to the Yan residence. Someone has to get justice for my family."

"Yan Liru is the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice. His home isn’t safe, and you’re not strong enough."

"I know." Hui Niang smiled. "Fang Yu is the only daughter of the Marquis of the North, always protected. If I want revenge, I’ll have to find another way."

"Even if it means getting caught and dying again?"

"Yes."

A Chan wasn’t surprised by Chen Hui’s choice, though she didn't think it wise and had no intention of stopping her.

She had helped Chen Hui simply because she believed she shouldn't have died that way—it was too harsh. But this was Chen Hui’s own decision.

A Chan sighed softly, "Hui Niang, do you know the phrase 'demonic talk leads people astray'?"

Chen Hui looked puzzled.

"Demons have demonic words, and corpses have the language of the dead. Some people are naturally strong-willed and hard to sway, but there is actually a way." A Chan gazed at her. "Start with small things. The first time he agrees to you, your influence over him will grow by a fraction. If you can successfully sway him a thousand times, you'll have succeeded."

A Chan smiled. "Hui Niang, you still owe me a huge favor. I'm counting on you to repay me. Just don't make me wait until the next life—I don't believe in the afterlife."

Chen Hui nodded firmly. "Alright."