The skin across its features had withered entirely, dry as old firewood, the eyeballs within their sockets shriveled down to little more than cotton wisps.Studying the withered head in his hands, the old temple keeper nearly choked with shock. He recognized this phenomenon all too well.The Filthy Blood technique?!Hastily stuffing the head back into the jar, he glanced around anxiously, confirming no one else was nearby before quickly reburying the jar.Walking back toward the City God Temple with his wine jar cradled in his arms, the old keeper's thoughts churned with worry. I've no idea which unscrupulous practitioner buried these remains after some ritual here. Seems I'll need to find a different burial spot for my wine next year.Past midnight, the new year of Xinchou had officially begun!Firecracker sounds grew noticeably more energetic throughout the city, and by this point, Xiao Yu had grown thoroughly drunk.Mo Qian's own weathered complexion carried a faint flush as well.

Mo Qian walked behind her, studying her contemplative profile, the warm winter sunlight illuminating the fine down along her cheek.A sudden sense of peace and quiet contentment welled up within Mo Qian's chest.He recognized immediately that this feeling stemmed directly from Xiao Yu's presence.Whatever existed between them clearly wasn't the simple affection of childhood companions—it was something else entirely, a quieter, deeper kind of feeling.In his previous life, Mo Qian's parents had died when he was very young, before he'd ever truly experienced family life. When his soul had crossed into this world of Jiuzhou, he'd found his new parents already deceased as well.Across two entire lifetimes, he'd never once experienced the genuine warmth of family.Yet somehow, whenever he looked at Xiao Yu, he felt an unexpected sense of warmth and stability settle over him.Behind them, numerous prayer boards hung from the ancient mulberry tree at the temple entrance, Mo Qian and Xiao Yu'

Sitting quietly, Fan Yuanhai found his gaze repeatedly drifting toward Lu Qingzhu and her attendant Amo, seated not far away.It wasn't mere idle curiosity on Fan Yuanhai's part—this particular mistress-and-attendant pairing genuinely struck an unusual contrast. One strikingly beautiful, the other remarkably unconventional in appearance; anyone would find themselves glancing their way more than once.Lu Qingzhu possessed hair as dark and lustrous as polished black spirals, delicate eyebrows, and skin as smooth and translucent as peeled lychee flesh. She sat with perfect posture, her bearing refined and composed, lips pursed thoughtfully as though lost in contemplation, brow slightly furrowed.Beside her, Amo presented a striking contrast—thick-boned and remarkably tall, she occupied the carriage seat like a small mountain. Despite being a woman herself, she easily took up the space that would normally accommodate two grown men.Though Amo's appearance struck most as rather unconventio

The two strolled leisurely along the streets. Since Amo's custom clothing wouldn't be ready yet, and Lu Qingzhu hadn't changed into men's attire either, she remained in her flower-patterned skirt for the time being.They sampled numerous street snacks along the way—having only picked at food during the earlier banquet, Lu Qingzhu found she'd never particularly enjoyed that overly formal atmosphere anyway."Miss, this beef pastry is absolutely delicious..." Amo savored the spicy flavor with evident delight."Mm, it really is quite good." Lu Qingzhu took a bite herself, chewing slowly with appreciation.The two continued eating and walking together until Lu Qingzhu suddenly paused at the entrance to a particular alley.Noticing her mistress's sudden stop, Amo turned to look at her questioningly.Standing at the alley's entrance, Lu Qingzhu surveyed the narrow street beyond—modest in width, yet lined densely with vendor stalls, the alley bustling with activity and crowds.Her eyes bright

Watching Mo Qian identify the painting's authenticity with a single glance, Lu Qingzhu's eyes brightened with genuine interest. He truly is an expert, just as they said!Delighted, Lu Qingzhu turned to Guan Kui. "How much for this black chrysanthemum painting by Master Cang?"Guan Kui's expression shifted with surprise. Though the painting was indeed authentic, it bore no seal or signature identifying its artist—and Mo Qian certainly hadn't mentioned the creator's name aloud. Yet this young woman had somehow identified the artist as Master Cang entirely on her own, clearly demonstrating she'd already recognized the painting's true origin independently.Mo Qian certainly hadn't revealed this detail himself, simply because he'd never actually heard of this particular "Master Cang" before.Glancing between Mo Qian and Lu Qingzhu, Guan Kui's expression turned somewhat sheepish. He realized he'd essentially been showing off his limited expertise in front of genuine connoisseurs..."This pa