One Worse Than the Other

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Qin Gou frowned, feigning anger as he scolded her. “Are you complaining that I’ve been too gentle with you?”

Yi Chengying, her cheeks flushed, removed her socks and placed her delicate, snow-white foot on the table. Blinking her large, innocent eyes, she said shyly, “Isn’t the Heavenly Master interested in playing with Little Chair’s feet? I’ve heard some men have such peculiar tastes. But if the Palace Master finds out, Little Chair will meet a terrible end.”

“Ridiculous!” Qin Gou nearly exploded in frustration at her wild imagination. Glaring at her, he growled, “I’m interrogating you. Show some respect!”

“Oh…” Yi Chengying didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, unsure if she should be relieved or beg for mercy.

—

Ignoring her reaction, Qin Gou grabbed her right foot, channeling a unique energy from his Enlightened Body into his fingertips. “I’m giving you one last chance. Will you confess or not?”

“I would if I could, but Little Chair doesn’t even understand the Heavenly Master’s question. How can I answer something I don’t know?” Yi Chengying said softly, deliberately avoiding his gaze.

“You asked for this,” Qin Gou said, pressing his finger against the red mark on her toe.

Yi Chengying let out a sharp cry, her face turning crimson. A strange, indescribable sensation overwhelmed her, leaving her flustered and struggling.

“What are you doing to Little Chair? I really don’t know anything!” she cried, her earlier strength and composure forgotten as she panicked like an innocent girl.

Qin Gou tightened his grip on her foot, preventing her from escaping. “Speak, or not. Your choice.”

Yi Chengying stared at him silently, her lips tightly sealed. Her unwavering gaze even made Qin Gou feel slightly awkward. Deciding not to waste words, he continued his interrogation.

—

“Ah!” Yi Chengying cried out again, her voice filled with distress. She wanted to call for help, but all the maids had been dismissed earlier. Using spiritual energy to alert the Palace Master was too risky—she feared the Heavenly Master might kill her on the spot. Trapped and tormented, she felt utterly hopeless.

—

After a stick of incense had burned, Yi Chengying finally broke. “Heavenly Master, I’ll confess! I can’t take it anymore—please stop!”

Qin Gou released her foot, watching as she slumped in defeat, too drained to even pull her leg back.

—

“Yes, the Palace Master knows you’re here in the Mystic Maiden Palace,” Yi Chengying admitted, her voice weak. “She’s been trying everything to uncover your true identity.”

Hearing this, Qin Gou’s expression darkened. “What’s her goal? What does she plan to do once she finds me?”

“The Palace Master’s goal is…” Yi Chengying hesitated, then looked at him pleadingly. “Heavenly Master, I won’t lie—I know everything about the Palace Master’s plans. But I can’t tell you. Forcing me is as good as killing me.”

Qin Gou sighed, grabbing her foot again. “You haven’t had enough, have you?”

—

“I…” Yi Chengying’s face turned bright red. Summoning her spiritual energy, she quickly declared, “I, Yi Chengying, swear an oath upon my spirit. If I reveal the Palace Master’s secrets, may my cultivation be destroyed, my body torn apart, and my soul annihilated. Let the heavens bear witness!”

A mysterious force swept through the room, sealing her oath.

—

Qin Gou blinked in surprise. Why are all of Ye Qishuang’s followers so terrifyingly loyal? Each one is more extreme than the last.

“Well, Heavenly Master, now I truly can’t say anything,” Yi Chengying said, her eyes resolute. “Do what you will—I’m ready.”

Qin Gou chuckled. “Fine. If that’s the case, I won’t waste any more time. If you won’t talk, I’ll find someone else. But… the moment I leave, you’ll report everything to Ye Qishuang, won’t you? I can’t let you ruin my plans here in the Mystic Maiden Palace. I’m afraid I’ll have to inconvenience you.”

Tears welled up in Yi Chengying’s eyes. “Are you going to kill me, Heavenly Master? After all, only the dead can keep secrets. I understand.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Qin Gou said, waving dismissively. “You’ve been corrupted by that Ye Qishuang, haven’t you? Do I look like a cold-blooded villain to you? From start to finish, have I done anything too extreme to you?” Killing Yi Chengying would only draw unwanted attention, especially if the disappearance of a Saintess like her spread through the palace. That would alert Ye Qishuang and derail his plans.

Yi Chengying nodded furiously, her survival instincts kicking in.

“Good,” Qin Gou said, pulling out a pitch-black oil lamp from his spatial ring. Lighting the wick with spiritual energy, he said casually, “This is a Memory Lamp. Nothing special—it just records a series of images for posterity.”

Yi Chengying, eager to please, nodded again. “Yes, I’ve heard of it. A very convenient single-use artifact.”

“Smart girl,” Qin Gou praised, giving her an approving look. Then, to her shock, he added with a smile, “Now, I’ll activate this lamp. All you have to do is kiss me under its light, and we’ll be done. Simple, right?”