"Are you threatening me?" Ouyang Qian's voice was as cold as ice, each word cutting into Hei Wuchang's heart like a sharp blade.
Hei Wuchang's body trembled violently, experiencing an unprecedented fear. Under the night sky, Ouyang Qian's flowing red hair was strikingly conspicuous, but what terrified him even more was the familiar killing intent emanating from her.
Hei Wuchang's spine chilled as if doused in cold water. Instinctively wanting to withdraw, he found his legs inexplicably rooted to the spot, unable to move. At that moment, his fear reached its peak, his eyes filled with terror.
"Just over a month, and you've forgotten who I am. To prevent others from forgetting, I'll borrow your head," Ouyang Qian said casually, as if discussing a trivial matter. Yet her words sent chills down Hei Wuchang's spine.
Ouyang Qian raised her arm, swiftly drawing a talisman from her sleeve and pressing it against Hei Wuchang's forehead with lightning speed. Hei Wuchang only managed a brief scream before an irresistible force instantly obliterated his consciousness.
The next moment, his terror-stricken head fell with a snap, caught securely in Ouyang Qian's jade-like hand. His body, headless, was then heavily slapped by Ouyang Qian and flew back like a broken kite, landing directly into Longquan Well.
Everything happened too suddenly, leaving the six ghost-exorcising palanquin bearers and Bai Wuchang unable to react in time. They stood dumbfounded at the scene, a nameless fear welling up within them. Especially the bearers, drenched in cold sweat, glanced nervously at Ouyang Qian, fearing they might be next.
Bai Wuchang silently shook his head, sighing internally. He knew well of Hei Wuchang's considerable strength, yet he was so easily defeated by Ouyang Qian, illustrating her formidable power. Hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward to receive Hei Wuchang's head.
"Who else remembers him?" Ouyang Qian's gaze swept across the palanquin bearers, her voice cold as ever.
The bearers were stunned but quickly realized Ouyang Qian referred to the young man who had just departed—Luo Chen. Their hearts tightened, knowing this was a highly sensitive issue.
"We don't know," the six responded in unison, kneeling respectfully on the ground to show their stance, aware that any unnecessary words could lead to their demise.
"Good." Ouyang Qian nodded, looking into the depths of the night, her gaze flickering with complex emotions, seemingly recalling something or pondering her next move. The crowd breathed a sigh of relief, knowing this sudden storm had temporarily subsided. Yet, they were even more in awe and wary of the young yet ruthless woman before them.
She stood silently, as if merged with the surrounding night, not uttering a word. The ghost army's experts wisely maintained their silence, not daring to urge her. This silence was not out of fear but respect for the unique aura that Ouyang Qian exuded.
After a long while, Ouyang Qian finally moved. She turned gracefully, elegantly stepping onto the palanquin, her actions smooth and natural as if every detail was meticulously designed. The experts quietly sighed in relief, knowing this young lady had finally made her decision.
"Let's return." Ouyang Qian spoke calmly, her gaze landing on the bead chain on her wrist, seemingly communicating silently with it.
The ghost-exorcising palanquin bearers perked up at her words, exhaling in relief, lifting the palanquin, gently swaying the poles, and steadily moved forward. Following behind, Bai Wuchang watched Ouyang Qian's retreating figure, his eyes complex and profound.
As they proceeded, the bell sounds became gentle and melodious, seemingly careful not to disturb the night's tranquility. Even if the townsfolk heard the bell in their dreams, they wouldn't awaken, merely feeling it as a heavenly sound from afar, enchanting them.
The night in Chang'an was bustling and enchanting; the vibrant streets dazzling to behold. Yet, as the bearers entered Yanhua Lane, the Old Tang Ancient Road, and Chang'an's city alleys, they seemed shrouded in mist. Their figures became blurred and mysterious, invisible to the outside world.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Jade Hall, Luo Chen groggily opened his eyes. He rubbed his throbbing temples, trying to clear his head. However, upon seeing the two figures in front of him, he couldn't help but pause.
A fat and thin man were peering at him with curious and peculiar expressions. Luo Chen recognized them as Wang Xiaofa and Marquis Xiao, and a sense of familiarity welled up inside him.
"Kid, you finally woke up." Wang Xiaofa exclaimed joyfully, unconsciously using the local Yuanjing Village dialect in his excitement.
Luo Chen rubbed his eyes vigorously, sitting up. It was then he realized he was lying on the bed Ouyang Qian once slept in, causing a wave of inexplicable emotions to surge within him.
"Fa'Er, where is Qianqian?" Luo Chen yawned, asking without thinking. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he sensed something amiss. Wang Xiaofa and Marquis Xiao's expressions turned peculiar, as if he had asked something he shouldn't have.
