Chapter Nine, to test poison with one's own body is to court danger

"It is possible, Liu Er can do it." Bian Zhen Er sat by the bed, holding Liu Zhui Yi's hand, her mind filled with the image of Liu Zhui Yi, who once feared nothing. How could such a resilient girl not make it to that time

Let us return first. Bian Zhen'er carried Xun Yan as they walked towards Luoyan Mountain. Duangan Shan, feeling somewhat uneasy, glanced back at the entrance of the ancient tomb three times before following back with lingering apprehension.

He is aware of the dangers beneath the tomb and does not wish to involve Duan Ganshan and others in it. He plans to handle it himself at a later time. Moreover, Xun Yan has now been bitten by a bat and requires medical attention

Liu Zhuiyi held Bian Zhen'er’s hand and approached the tombstone, bowing repeatedly as he said: "The deceased is of utmost importance, the deceased is of utmost importance. We had no choice but to offend you for the sake of the people of Lingqiu County. Please do not hold it against us. Tomorrow, I will definitely offer you more incense"

But we have not made any enemies with anyone. At this point, Liu Zhuiyi suddenly recalled the matter of her being poisoned. If that was not an accident, it is likely that someone intended to harm her life, yet she had not offended anyone.

Xun Yan shook her head and said with determination: "At Qiu Feng Zhai, I do not know anyone, I only know you. Do you think that because I am a weak woman, I am afraid of ghosts? I am not afraid, Bian Zhen'er, I will not hold you back."

This tomb chamber is circular, approximately twenty zhang in length on either side, with three stone coffins placed in the center, the middle one being the largest and most intricate, while the two side coffins are exquisite and simple. Iron chains run across the surroundings of the coffins, securing them firmly.

Duan Ganshan chuckled and said, "This girl seems delicate and fragile, yet she has quite a bit of courage. Unlike Liu Zhuiyi, who appears fearless and dauntless, when faced with a ghost, she behaves like a little mouse."

Even in the hot spring, her body remained icy cold

Duan Ganshan was taken aback, sensing Liu Zhuiyi's thoughts, and could not help but ask: "Could it be that you... this, this is not permissible! You are a woman, and a woman's body is inherently more yin and cold. If you were to transfer the cold poison onto yourself, you might very well lose your life."

On that day, Duangan Mountain brought Liu Zhuiyi and Bian Zhen'er down the mountain, instructing Er Ye, Tu Ye, and Gou Ge to take good care of Qiufeng Village. When the people of Lingqiu County learned that Duangan Mountain had come down to assist in investigating the haunting incidents, an inn specifically opened three rooms free of charge. As a result, Duangan Mountain boasted about this several times in front of Liu Zhuiyi

After a day and a night like that, Liu Zhuiyi embraced Bian Zhen'er from behind, their fingers tightly interlocked. She pressed against his broad shoulders, feeling the coldness within him gradually eroding her body and bones.

Duan Gan Shan crossed his arms and, with a scowl, exclaimed: "Damn it, you all just keep finding trouble for me!"

Bian Zhen'er asked: "Master Duan, could you please help Bian Zhen'er find these forty-four herbs once more?"

Bian Zhen'er and Liu Zhuiyi walked along the passageway leading to Duangan Mountain for a long time, yet they had not reached the end

Liu Zhuiyi sat down and carefully unfastened the garments on Bian Zhen'er one by one, helping him to sit comfortably in the hot spring. Afterwards, she also loosened her own clothing, entered the hot spring, and sat behind Bian Zhen'er

"She has transferred the cold poison within you to herself; it is likely that she will not awaken for a while." The voice of Duan Gan Shan echoed from behind.

Bian Zhen'er, accompanied by the two of them, relied on the route memorized in his mind to search for the correct passage. After approximately the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, they had already found the exit. He first climbed out of the exit and then pulled Liu Zhuiyi out, while Duangan Shan was injured, so Bian Zhen'er and Liu Zhuiyi worked together to pull him up.

"Grandma, you little girl, you always turn your back to me and talk bad about me!" Duan Gan Shan's figure gradually became clearer, and Liu Zhui Yi looked at him grinning, with his right arm already suspended around his neck.

Bian Zhen'er extended her palm, gently stroking Liu Zhuiyi's hair a few times to help her fall into a peaceful sleep, before finally returning.

I... I do not mean to refuse to help; I just do not know whether this method is feasible or not!" Duan Ganshan said hesitantly

Liu Zhuiyi and Duangan Shan both looked towards the night sky. Yes, it was the second watch of the night on the eighth day of the tenth month, marking the beginning of winter. But what does this have to do with Bian Zhen'er’s condition? Liu Zhuiyi shook Bian Zhen'er, almost in tears, and said, "Little monk, don't scare me, don't fall asleep, what's wrong with you? I will take you back to Qiufeng Village right away, and I will get you a doctor, okay?"

"I am not doing this for the little monk's safety." Duan Gan Shan turned away, dipped his pen in some ink, and said, "But for you."

As Bian Zhen'er and Duan Gan Shan turned their backs to her and walked down the mountain, the smile in Xun Yan's eyes suddenly took on a strange quality

Duan Gan Shan gasped for breath and said, "Fortunately, I have a strong life."

Liu Zhuiyi hurriedly approached and asked, "Master Duan, what happened to your arm?"

A year passes so quickly, yet twelve days felt exceedingly long for them

Do you have the right to interfere?

"That kid, can he really take care of others?" Duan Ganshan did not trust Yun Yao; in his eyes, Yun Yao was just a brash and impulsive young master who could barely take care of himself, let alone look after others

Liu Zhuiyi tightly held Bian Zhen'er’s hand and smiled, saying, "Let us go down."

Since they are not the people of Lingqiu County, they are very likely tomb raiders. The period from the pre-Qin dynasty to now is nearly a thousand years. If a high-ranking official is hidden inside, there must be many burial treasures accompanying them. " Bian Zhen'er analyzed carefully while drinking the freshly brewed medicine.

The sound of crying is too eerie, as if it is coming from the main coffin, yet it keeps echoing in my ears

"What! That little hole can swallow people?" Duan Gan Shan exclaimed in surprise

Duan Gan Shan once again mobilized all the brothers from Qiu Feng Zhai to search for the forty-four medicinal herbs. Bian Zhen Er brought Liu Zhui Yi back to the room, gently caressing her face and softly saying: "Liu Er, you will definitely be fine"

There was a commotion outside the inn, and the townsfolk hurriedly opened their doors. Duangan Shan quickly opened the inn's door, and the townsfolk pointed towards the direction of the ancient tomb, saying: "Master Duan, Master Duan, it is this crying sound, listen, it has come again!"

Bian Zhen'er still harbored doubts in her heart, but did not express them

He did not tell anyone, and no one knows.

Duan Gan Shan could not withstand Liu Zhui Yi's reminiscence, saying: "This requires gathering forty-four rare medicinal herbs and throwing them into the hot spring, allowing Bian Zhen Er to soak in it for twelve days. However, this must begin before the cold poison erupts within him; it has already erupted now, and the medicinal hot spring will have little effect."

No, it is not allowed

If you can figure it out, then why do you still want me to call you and the little monk

"Master Duan," Bian Zhen'er approached, seeing the seriousness of the situation, and said, "How about I accompany you to conduct a thorough investigation? It would be unfortunate if another life were lost."

If he cannot survive this harsh winter, will he never awaken again

"Is there a dagger and a rope?" asked Bian Zhen'er.

Duan Ganshan hesitated several times before speaking; if he had to say it this way, then he also bears some responsibility for this matter. It was he who imprisoned Liu Zhuiyi first

The young servant hurriedly explained, saying: "When Uncle Li's son passed by the cemetery in the north of the city, he was swept into a grave by something strange. Uncle Li searched for a long time with others but could not find him."

Little Monk ... ... Liu Zhuiyi gently rubbed the earlobe of Bianzhen'er, hoping to draw some warmth from him. She kept calling out to him, fearing that he might fall asleep and not hear her voice. "Little Monk ... ... Little Monk, you must hold on, I will save you soon, soon, Little Monk ... ..." Liu Zhuiyi held Bianzhen'er tightly, her scalding tears streaming down her cheeks and falling onto his skin, instantly turning into frost. "Little Monk ... ... Little Monk, you must hold on, I will save you soon, soon, Little Monk ... ..." Liu Zhuiyi held Bianzhen'er tightly, her scalding tears streaming down her cheeks and falling onto his skin, instantly turning into frost.

"Yes, I will write it for you. If anything happens to you, just wait for Bian Zhen'er to skin me alive!" A surge of anger rose within Duan Ganshan. Liu Zhuiyi was pressuring him, and he could not refuse to write. Moreover, Bian Zhen'er held immense importance in Liu Zhuiyi's heart; if he did not write, she would likely seek other means to save this little monk.

Bian Zhen'er rose to her feet, looked around, and discovered that the terrain of the tomb chamber had returned to the scene they had initially seen. The two coffins, large and small, remained in the center of the tomb chamber, still bound by iron chains.

Duan Ganshan was about to jump down when he was stopped by Liu Zhuiyi, who asked: "Master Duan, how will you come back up after going down? The opening of this cave is narrow, and the three of us have already had to bend down to reach this point. It is easy to go down, but difficult to come back up."

Duan Ganshan was deeply shocked, wondering if the bats here could eat people, or if there were even more ferocious man-eating monsters living in the tomb. He walked to Bian Zhen'er’s side and saw him staring blankly at the coffin, so he asked: "Monk, you don't suspect that those man-eating creatures reside in these three coffins, do you?"

Liu, who is inherently afraid of the dark and ghosts, felt her legs weaken upon hearing the tragic sound of crying

Liu recalled without falling into the trap, saying: "I do not dare to go down with you, but if the little monk goes down, then I will dare to go down."

In the dungeon, Yun Yao sat at the door, inquiring daily about Liu Zhuiyi's safety. Only upon knowing that she was well could he feel at ease

Duan Gan Shan gazed at the steaming hot spring before him and said, "During these twelve days, I will take good care of both of you."

Liu reminisced with a soft sob, ultimately falling silent once more

Bian Zhen'er felt icy all over, and Liu Zhuiyi held him as if he were embracing a large block of ice. Bian Zhen'er spoke faintly, saying: "Has winter begun... Liu'er?"

Duan Gan Shan rushed into the house and said: "Monk! I have called all my brothers from Qiu Feng Zhai to help, it will be ready soon. Can this girl Liu hold on until we find the herbs?"

"Duan Ye... Duan..." Liu Zhuiyi's voice grew hoarse from shouting. She turned her head to look at Bian Zhen'er, who was deeply focused, and, not wanting to disturb her, could only continue to shout, "Duan Ganshan! You bastard, can you hear what this young master is saying?"

Before Bian Zhen'er could respond, Xun Yan suddenly exclaimed sharply: "Bian Zhen'er, be careful!"

After the bats flew away, Bian Zhen'er brought Xun Yan down to the tomb chamber. Duan Gan Shan was sitting on the ground, covering a wound on his forehead, his face contorted in pain. Bian Zhen'er hurried over to check on him and saw that a bat's tooth had lodged in the wound on his forehead. Bian Zhen'er instructed Duan Gan Shan to endure the pain as she extracted the bat's tooth. Subsequently, Xun Yan tore a piece from her skirt to bandage Duan Gan Shan's wound.

He is about to give up

The thick clouds obscure the moonlight in the night sky outside. Duan Gan Shan lies on the ground, listening to the chirping of the dry insects in the wild grass, and says: "It is still better outside, it is still good to be alive"

Therefore, she will certainly be able to endure it

Before Bian Zhen'er could turn around, he saw Xun Yan pounce onto his back. Immediately after, he heard Xun Yan let out a muffled groan and fall into his arms, as a black bat flew away from her shoulder

The terrain has indeed changed, but it is far more complex than Bian Zhen'er had imagined. At this moment, the terrain resembles a maze; if one is not careful, they may end up back where they started. Bian Zhen'er, accompanied by Liu Zhuiyi, has taken a tour and has already seen several marks made by Liu Zhuiyi.

From the pre-Qin period to now, nearly a thousand years have passed, so it is unlikely that ghosts would only appear at this time. Moreover, where in this world are there really ghosts? After hearing Duan Gan Shan's description, Liu Zhuiyi firmly believes that someone is playing tricks and pretending to be a ghost.

Duan Ganshan was unconcerned and said: "To speak frankly, where are there any female ghosts? Even after all the commotion here, I haven't seen any female ghosts at all"

Duan Gan Shan looked at Liu, reminiscing about her pitiful appearance, and said: "If I had known, I would have let you stay at the inn."

At the top of the mountain, there is a spring with water dripping. Bian Zhen'er slowly opened her eyes, and the blurry scene before her gradually became clear. Just as she was wondering why she was in the hot spring at that moment, she suddenly felt someone leaning against her from behind, and her hands were tightly intertwined with that person.

"Shall we try calling Lord Duan? Can he hear us?" Liu Zhuiyi asked

At that moment, the coffin beside him suddenly emitted a sound of stones grinding against each other, and at the same time, the sound of wings flapping came from within.

The truth is just one step away, but they are unaware of the terrifying events that await them inside this coffin.

So you are only seeking the little monk out of fear

Good! Xun Yan nodded vigorously

Duan Gan Shan slapped his thigh and said, "Am I, Duan Ye, such a petty person?"

It must be done even if it is unfeasible! Treat a dead horse as if it were alive, what do you say!" Liu recalled, her eyes wide open.

For the first time embracing Bian Zhen'er like this, Liu Zhuiyi felt as if time had frozen. Her cheek pressed against his back, she whispered softly: "Little monk, I do not know if you can hear me, but I do not know to whom I should speak these words; I just want you to listen."

The location of the three individuals at Duangan Mountain is on the half wall of the tomb chamber, which is surrounded by a circle containing a total of sixteen openings, and they are situated in one of them. This opening is approximately three zhang high from the ground of the tomb chamber, and if one were to accidentally fall, it would certainly result in injury.

"What does this mean?" Liu Zhuiyi asked, raising her head, her eyes filled with trepidation

"Then why haven't we reached the tomb yet? This tomb is so large?" Liu Zhuiyi asked again

Bian Zhen'er had a grave expression; he could not see the night here and was unaware of the time. If he did not leave soon, the consequences could be even more unimaginable

He turned his head and said to Bian Zhen'er: "Little monk, thank you for earlier."

Bian Zhen'er picked up the extinguished torch from the ground, took out a fire starter to ignite it, and only then did the surroundings become illuminated. He pulled over Liu Zhuiyi and said, "The terrain here has changed. To avoid retracing our steps, let's mark all the places we have passed through."

Duan Ganshan did not dare to act rashly, only gazing at the half-sized stone coffin and said, "This person must be extremely wealthy, right? The coffin in the middle is enough to accommodate five corpses."

"Go away, you little girl, stop talking nonsense!" Duan Gan Shan said irritably as he walked behind Liu Zhui Yi, allowing Bian Zhen Er to lead the way in front, while he followed behind.

She is extremely afraid that Bian Zhen'er will not be able to endure this harsh winter

The shop assistant, who had been dozing off at the counter, was startled awake and hurriedly shouted, "It's this sound! It's coming again!" The commotion from the shop assistant roused Liu Zhuiyi and Duan Ganshan. Liu Zhuiyi, hearing the faint yet piercingly sorrowful cries, felt a chill run down her spine and was so frightened that she hid behind Bian Zhen'er.

"Look at me as I break this tomb, let’s see if she dares to cry again!" Duan Gan Shan could no longer tolerate the sound of crying, brandishing his large sword as he leaped towards the stone coffin. Bian Zhen Er sensed that something was amiss and hurriedly shouted, "Master Duan! Stop!"

Liu Zhuiyi furrowed her brows in contemplation for a moment, tears rolling down from her eyelashes. She shifted the topic and shook her head, saying, "No, the little monk did not do it on purpose; it was because of me..." Duangan Mountain looked at Liu Zhuiyi, who held back her tears and, in a hoarse voice, said, "If those who possess the pupil in the center of their brows must think of ways to keep warm before the beginning of winter, then it is I who delayed the little monk... Because previously, I seemed to be possessed and left the group ahead of them, asking them to wait for me in Lingqiu. Consequently, when the little monk arrived in Lingqiu, he certainly had no opportunity to find any means of keeping warm, as he came up the mountain to save me. And at this very moment, winter is approaching; he has no time left, do you understand?"

"It is highly likely." Bian Zhen'er furrowed her brows

Duan Gan Shan cast a glance at her, then cleaved open the entrance to the ancient tomb with a large knife. The earth there collapsed, and the cries abruptly ceased. The world seemed to have fallen into a dark ice cellar, and the silence instilled fear.

Indeed! Liu Zhuiyi's heart leaped with joy, almost rushing over to give Bian Zhen'er a hug. At that moment, a faint sound of cursing came from outside the passage, and Liu Zhuiyi looked over in confusion, seeing a figure approaching.

Liu turned back to look at Bian Zhen'er, noticing that his eyes were dazed and his complexion had turned pale

Bian Zhen'er turned back to glance at Liu Zhuiyi and said: "You should release Yun Yao and Xun Yan, allowing Yun Yao to take care of Liu Er"

Isn't my little monk impressive? Liu Zhuiyi stood with her hands on her hips, blocking Duan Gan Shan's path, her face filled with pride

On the back mountain of Qiufengzhai, there is a cave that contains a natural hot spring. Duangan Mountain brought Liu Zhuiyi and Bian Zhen'er here, where they placed all forty-four medicinal herbs they had gathered into the mountain spring.

How could he possibly deserve her affection? He is unworthy of anyone's love. Bian Zhen'er is a person devoid of courage, with feelings related to the initial thrill of discovering that Liu Zhuiyi is a woman, the deep-seated worry upon learning that she is in danger, and the impulse to risk his own life to ensure her safety.

Is this... could this be the mechanism to open the coffin?" Duan Gan Shan asked

Duan Gan Shan still had doubts and said: "I have encountered someone with the same 'Brow Heart Eye' as Bian Zhen Er before. That person committed numerous evils using the Brow Heart Eye, and every winter, they would become extremely strange, their whole body as if covered in frost, and their temper particularly irritable"

Duan Ganshan, skeptical of the supernatural, brandished his large knife and walked over, saying: "I want to see who is there pretending to be a deity."

"Are you going back or not? How do you plan to explain this to the people of Lingqiu County?" Liu Zhuiyi asked.

Duan Ganshan compromised and said: "Alright, since you say it's suitable, I will let that kid take care of Liu Meizi. You, come down the mountain with me and see what exactly is going on"

Duan Ganshan sneered, "No matter how big, I can still drag that fellow out."

At that moment, the light on the table suddenly tilted, as if a breeze had blown through. However, all the doors and windows were tightly shut, so where could the wind be coming from? Suddenly, a faint sound of a woman weeping could be heard from outside, startling Zhen'er awake from her dream, and she immediately became alert.

The white steam in the hot spring grew increasingly thick, making it nearly impossible to see Liu Zhuiyi's face, with only the tears sliding down her nose visible, along with the sound of her voice, which was no longer as clear as it once was

"I called you to catch ghosts, not to see people's coffins," Liu Zhuiyi glared at him and said

"Or, it is something like a bat." Bian Zhen'er turned around to look at them

"No, Liu, why are you so talkative?" Duan Gan Shan turned his head and said

Duan Ganshan and Xun Yan were momentarily stunned, and in unison exclaimed: "Bat!"

Hmm. Bian Zhen'er was drawing a schematic on the wall with a stone, saying, "This tomb chamber is actually the same size as what we see, it is just deeper. When you activate the mechanism, the terrain rises and collapses, altering the routes and depths, but the size remains unchanged. The reason we are going in circles inside is that the current terrain is chaotic, resembling a maze, and if one is not careful, they may end up back at the starting point."

Bian Zhen'er, upon hearing this, turned to look over here. Duan Gan Shan, with his hands on his hips, spoke in a rough and gruff voice: "What is it now?"

Duan Ganshan found it amusing; he was the first to jump down into the entrance of the ancient tomb, saying: "Everyone get down here."

Duan Gan Shan asked again: "But what is the reason for a woman crying?"

Impressive, impressive, let's head back first, this cursed place is too distressing. I kept hearing strange noises all the way here," Duangan Shan said, waving his healthy hand, feeling a lingering fear.

Duan Gan Shan turned his head to look at the entrance of the cave, but there was nothing protruding to tie a rope to. If they jumped down, they would have no means to come back up.

Duangan Mountain Road: "As long as it can save Liu Meizi, I will go find it."

In the evening, Bian Zhen'er and the two others sat on the first floor of the inn. At first, the three of them were still full of energy, but now Duan Gan Shan and Liu Zhui Yi had started to doze off, leaving only Bian Zhen'er awake. Although winter had not yet arrived, the north was colder than the south, and it was already the season of chill. The biting north wind blew in from outside the inn. Liu Zhui Yi, feeling drowsy, rubbed his shoulders and murmured, "It's cold..."

What responded to her was the echo that bounced back from within the cave

"There is a light ahead." The previously silent Bian Zhen'er noticed a flicker of firelight not far away. Upon hearing this, Duan Gan Shan and Liu Zhui Yi both looked forward. The three of them exchanged glances and walked towards the source of the light.

The servant who was kicked down quickly got up and knelt, exclaiming, "Elder brother, all the people of Lingqiu County have gone up to Luoyan Mountain, saying they ask you to save them!"

How wonderful it would be if, in this life, he were not that stubborn little monk

Liu recalled being held in Zhen'er’s embrace, unable to see anything, only hearing the sound of rolling stones around them, until they ceased to sink further and the surroundings gradually quieted down

"But the little monk merely fell into a deep sleep, showing no signs of agitation," Liu Zhuiyi said with a frown. Duan Gan Shan walked over to Bian Zhen'er and said, "Perhaps it is also related to the fact that he has used the Heart Eye technique less frequently. The Heart Eye, when opened with a drop of blood, can see a hundred miles; when opened with anger, it can slay a hundred men. As a monk, he harbors no grievances or hatred, so it is likely that he has never opened it with anger, thus maintaining a heart as pure as water, merely falling into a deep sleep."

Duan Gan Shan found it difficult and said, "That won't do, you still have to take care of Liu Meizi"

"Good." Bian Zhen'er nodded.

A person's face suddenly emerged in his mind, which involuntarily caused Liu to shiver in recollection

"Fell down and broke a bone." Duan Ganshan did not take it to heart and asked Bian Zhen'er, "Little monk, have you found the way out?"

If Liu were to see his appearance at this moment, he would surely smile and wipe away the tears on his face, saying: "Little monk, you need not say anything, Liu knows in his heart."

"During these twelve days, she has spoken to you about many things. During the time spent searching for herbs, she also told me everything about your relationship." Duan Gan Shan squatted behind them and said, "Bian Zhen Er, you truly do not deserve her affection"

The common people at the foot of the mountain continue to speak of that strange and eerie cry, yet Duan Gan Mountain has lost the inclination to intervene. Every day, he goes to the cave, witnessing the two individuals tightly embraced in the hot spring, waiting for them to awaken and come over

Little monk, meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life. If heaven shows mercy, grant me a bit more luck. Can you take me to see a scene of red plums amidst the snow? Can you play a tune for me to listen to? Just the two of us, little monk, it seems winter has arrived outside, and it looks like it is going to snow... It is snowing, can you wake up, okay?

Moreover, Liu recalled that she had not yet waited for Bian Zhen'er to take her to see the scene of the red plum blossoms amidst the snow, nor had Bian Zhen'er performed a piece of music for her alone

"I simply do not believe in the existence of ghosts in this world, which is why I am not afraid," Xun Yan said with a smile

"Master Duan, please bring clothes for Liu'er. She risked her life to save me, and I cannot stand idly by." Bian Zhen'er protected Liu Zhuiyi's body as Duan Ganshan walked over, picked up the clothes on the ground, and threw them to Bian Zhen'er. Bian Zhen'er wrapped Liu Zhuiyi's body in the clothes and carried her out of the hot spring.

Duan Gan Shan could not bear it and said: "Those who possess the eyes in the center of their brows find it difficult to withstand the severe cold; they usually seek ways to alleviate the chill before the onset of winter. This time, Bian Zhen Er is likely doing it on purpose"

What happened? Duan Gan Shan also approached with a sense of unease

However, "..." Bian Zhen'er still felt uneasy. Duan Ganshan waved his hand beside her and interrupted, "Alright, stop being so wishy-washy. Let's take her along. Is Liu Zhuiyi's skills really that impressive? Hiding behind you with her neck shrunk is no different from walking out of a grave, right? Let's go, let's go.

"Is Old Li's son alive or dead now? If he is dead, where is the body?" Duan Gan Shan threw out several questions in quick succession, while Bian Zhen Er's gaze lingered on the coffin, saying, "He is most likely dead."

Thank you, Master Duan. Liu reminisced with a light sigh and turned to say, "Leave this to me."

Bian Zhen'er held Liu and walked outside, saying: "Liu has no worries about her life, but I am concerned that when she wakes up, her body will be extremely weak, making it difficult for her to even get out of bed. Those herbs, when crushed and sewn into her clothes, will warm her body, and the residue of the herbs can be boiled to make medicine for her to drink, helping to regulate the balance of yin and yang within her. This is how my master protected me during the winter."

Bian Zhen'er was filled with deep sorrow; he knew that Liu Zhuiyi had deep feelings for him, yet he never expected her to be so foolish as to gamble her own life on the outcome of these twelve days. Bian Zhen'er's eyes were misty, and in this relationship he had been avoiding, he felt he could never match her bravery.

"Whether one endures or not, it is all fate." Duan Gan Shan sighed lightly, "After all these years, hasn't he managed to get through it all?"

Liu Zhuiyi recalled and followed to the back of Duan Gan Mountain, asking: "If this is truly the case, Master Duan, do you have any way to save the little monk? I am so afraid he won't be able to endure it. If he can't endure it, will he..." At this point, Liu Zhuiyi choked up.

Duan Gan Shan chuckled and said, "There are so many openings here; most of the sounds are likely caused by the wind whistling through, producing a howling noise. Where are the ghosts? There is just this one tomb chamber; where could the ghost be? Come out!"

Little Monk? Liu Zhuiyi gently called out to him, but saw that Bianzhen's body had gone limp. Liu Zhuiyi quickly supported Bianzhen and asked anxiously, "Little Monk, what happened to you?"

I want him to be able to hear. "Bian Zhen'er suddenly spoke, and Liu Zhuiyi turned around in surprise. Bian Zhen'er smiled and said, "I have found the way out and also know the location of Master Duan."

"If I don't speak, I will be afraid," Liu Zhuiyi said, feeling wronged, evoking a sense of sympathy rather than anger

Bian Zhen'er climbed up to the cave entrance with one hand, now sending Xun Yan up. Afterward, he leaped up to the cave entrance, with Duan Gan Shan closely following behind. When Bian Zhen'er pulled him up, he discovered that the coffin was slowly opening, and a swarm of dark bats surged out from within. If it had not been for the triggering of the iron chain mechanism, which altered the terrain and blocked the bats' advance, the three of them would surely have been torn to shreds by this bloodthirsty swarm of bats at this very moment

Xun Yan's face showed a look of joy, and she looked at Bian Zhen'er to seek his opinion. Bian Zhen'er, feeling helpless, said: "Alright, then you follow closely behind me"

"Master Duan." Liu Zhuiyi grasped Duan Ganshan's shoulder and said urgently, "You must have a way to save the little monk, right? You brought me back from the gates of hell, so you can definitely save the little monk!"

"No, no, no, we still need to catch ghosts, catch ghosts..." Liu Zhuiyi hurriedly waved his hand, as if in a dream.

I am not afraid, Xu Yan said

But I am just afraid that you are stingy" Liu Zhuiyi murmured softly, fortunately, Duan Gan Shan did not hear it, otherwise, he would have to teach her a lesson again

"I am fine," Bian Zhen'er said as she held her hand and helped her up. Looking around the cramped space, she continued, "First, we need to find Master Duan, and then we can discuss how to get out. The iron chains I saw in the tomb were not like those that had been buried underground for years; I am worried that someone is up to no good and wants to harm one of us."

They turned around and saw that it was Xun Yan who was calling them. Xun Yan ran over, slightly out of breath, and said: "Bian Zhen'er, please let me go too."

Liu cherished his love for him deeply, yet he had never responded.

Bian Zhen'er stood up to close the inn doors, and upon returning, she took off her outer garment and draped it over Liu Zhuiyi's shoulders

Duan Gan Shan arrived with people, and they lifted Bian Zhen Er onto a makeshift stretcher, wrapping him in several layers of warm quilts. Liu Zhui Yi followed the bearers of the stretcher as they climbed towards Qiu Feng Zhai, fearing that Bian Zhen Er might fall asleep and never wake up again, so she kept talking to him all the way.

The light grew increasingly brighter, and as I approached, I could see that it was a spacious tomb chamber inside

Regardless of whether he can hear or not, if the words "I hope" could bring about a change, she would very much wish for him to be able to hear

Liu Zhuiyi urged Duan Gan Shan to write the prescription, ensuring that not a single herb was omitted. After receiving the prescription, Liu Zhuiyi felt a wave of anxiety and said: "Master Duan, let's not inform Yun Yao about this for now. Just keep him confined for as long as possible. If he finds out, he will definitely try to stop me from doing this."

The haunted place is an ancient tomb located north of Lingqiu County, where a high-ranking official from the pre-Qin period and his two beloved women are buried

I can no longer manage so much. Liu Zhuiyi said, Before enduring the cold poison, I will first soak in the yam hot spring for a whole day, so that my body will have antibodies, and then it will be no problem to accept the cold poison. After saying this, she extended her hand and insisted, Write the prescription for me.

Bian Zhen'er nodded slightly and said, "That's right"

Duan Ganshan was knocked over when Xun Yan suddenly pounced on him, stumbling a few steps and accidentally hitting the switch on the coffin.

"How is this graveyard so perilous?" Duangan Mountain sat on the ground, panting heavily, having nearly lost a significant portion of his life.

Twelve days later, the medicinal properties of the herbs in the hot spring gradually diminished. Liu reminisced while sleeping on Bian Zhen'er’s shoulder, showing no signs of waking up. However, Bian Zhen'er slightly furrowed his brows, gently parted his lips to exhale, and was about to awaken

Suddenly, the graveyard shook violently, the gray stones in the tomb chamber sank into the ground, while the white stones remained connected to the surface

However, before that, he had a master by his side, and the young monk must have known how to endure. But now he is in a coma, and I have no way of knowing. Liu Zhuiyi gently caressed Bianzhen's face, feeling anxious and restless in his heart

Let us find the entrance again, shall we? Xu Yan suggested

Alright, I will take care of it right away! Duan Gan Shan does not dare to delay. Earlier, Liu Zhui Yi mentioned that Bian Zhen Er had a way to survive the harsh winter, but he has been in a coma and thus cannot be informed. Since Bian Zhen Er had previously managed to survive using the method of sewing with herbs, Liu Zhui Yi also has hope of waking up

Duan Ganshan spat and cursed, "What the hell is this? Wasn't this place unblocked the last time I came out?"

Well," he said.

I have a dagger. Liu Zhuiyi took out a small knife, and Duangan Shan quickly handed over the rope he had brought to Bian Zhen'er. Bian Zhen'er took it and said to Duangan Shan, "Take Liu down first."

The outdoors was enveloped in silence, and Bian Zhen'er rested her chin on one hand, gradually succumbing to drowsiness

Returning to Qiufeng Stronghold, Duangan Mountain placed Bian Zhen'er in the main hall, surrounding her with numerous torches. Yet even so, Bian Zhen'er's body still did not regain warmth

Liuzhuiyi opened her eyes wide, and a thin layer of frost covered the skin of her arms where she held Zhen'er. Even the hair on her arms had tiny ice crystals on it. Liuzhuiyi trembled all over and shouted towards Lingqiu County: "Master Duan... Master Duan! Xiaoheshang, he... he..."

Suddenly, the black wall moved. Bian Zhen'er, with sharp eyes, saw that the black wall was a group of bats, but the fire was too dim to see clearly. He shouted to be careful, protected Xun Yan, and lay on the ground. The bats flew away, and Duan Ganshan lost his balance because he stepped into the air and fell into the tomb room, with a bat bite on his forehead.

Currently, the people of Lingqiu County are in a state of panic, saying... saying that a female ghost is eating people. The young servant knows that Duan Gan Shan is most averse to discussions of ghosts and deities, and thus his voice gradually diminished as he spoke the last sentence

Duan Ganshan was taken aback, he swallowed hard and hurried to comfort Liu Zhuiyi, saying: "Don't cry, I will go call someone to come and help, and we will carry him to Qiufeng Stronghold first." Saying this, he quickly ran back to the county to summon help.

Liu Zhuiyi and the brothers from Qiufengzhai searched for a full five days before they managed to gather the forty-four herbs needed to treat Bian Zhen'er

Duan Ganshan gazed at the flames, his mind somewhat dazed as he looked at Liu Zhuiyi's tear-filled eyes. He felt a twinge of envy for Bian Zhen'er, who lay on the couch, and couldn't help but sigh at his good fortune. As someone beyond the mundane world, he had someone from within it who cared for him.

Duan Gan Shan looked at Bian Zhen Er with admiration in his eyes, and he patted his chest, saying: "Fortunately, I called you over."

Duan Gan Shan let out a sigh, unsure of what to say in remembrance of Liu.

"Miss Xunyan, the tomb is fraught with danger; it is better for you to stay at Qiufeng Stronghold." Bian Zhen'er was not at ease, believing that Xunyan knew nothing and would not be of any assistance by her side

"Master Duan, have we taken a wrong turn?" Liu Zhuiyi asked from behind. Duan Ganshan interrupted, saying, "This is the only road; how could we possibly be going the wrong way?"

Liu Zhuiyi thought for a moment and said, "You can cover all the expenses for going down the mountain, Master Duan." As she spoke, she raised her eyebrows at him.

We are going in circles, "Liu Zhuiyi said, looking at the marks he made on the wall.

"Tick-tock" is the sound of tears falling into the hot spring

Upon descending into the tomb chamber, one realizes how spacious it is inside. The ground is covered with stones of varying shades of gray and white, and there is a peculiar trench on the floor, situated between the halfway point and the wall.

Liu Er?" Bian Zhen'er instinctively shouted, turning around to find Liu Zhuiyi's body weakly slumped against his chest. Bian Zhen'er was immensely surprised, and then as if recalling something, he no longer cared that they were both bare, wrapping his arms around Liu Zhuiyi and shouting, "Liu Er!"

Their conversation did not weigh on his mind; he looked up at the clouds, and a gust of cold wind swept them aside, revealing the dim moon hanging high in the sky

Big brother—big brother! Someone suddenly barged into the room without any notice. Duan Gan Shan, furious, raised his leg and kicked him, saying, "What are you shouting about? Can't you see someone is resting?"

"This sounds pleasant." Duan Gan Shan was in high spirits and no longer complained about the dim light. The three of them walked to the entrance of the cave they had visited earlier, only to find that the entrance had been blocked.

You may give it a try

Sixteen entrances! And if they are all blocked like this, when will we find a way out?" Duan Ganshan, filled with exasperation, looked at the hole in front of him blocked by a black wall, a surge of heat rising within him, and he lifted his leg to kick, "Damn it!"

As he spoke, he continued to transcribe the prescription on the paper, the flickering candlelight in the room reflected in his eyes, as well as in Liu Zhuiyi's eyes

Bian Zhen'er quickly pulled Liu Zhuiyi and chased after him

The two of them were bare, exposed in the hot spring, with the water just covering their chests. The clothing prevented their bodies from better absorbing the herbal treatment; only in this way could Bian Zhen'er have a chance to awaken, and Liu Zhuiyi could transfer the cold poison within him to himself.

Bian Zhen'er seemed to understand something in his heart, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he said, "I previously thought this mechanism was set up by someone later, but now that I think about it, the workers from the pre-Qin period must have already established this mechanism when constructing this tomb chamber. Since this iron chain is a mechanism, it is possible that there are also mechanisms on the coffin." As he spoke, he approached the three stone coffins. The large coffin in the middle was nearly the height of a person. He walked slowly around the coffin and said, "The mechanisms in the tomb chamber are all left to deal with tomb robbers. Since the builders of this tomb chamber dared to place mechanisms on the coffin, there are only two reasons. He approached the three stone coffins again, the large coffin in the middle nearly the height of a person, and he walked slowly around the coffin, saying, 'The mechanisms in the tomb chamber are all left to deal with tomb robbers. Since the builders of this tomb chamber dared to place mechanisms on the coffin, there are only two reasons. First, they do not wish for future generations to open it; second, the method of opening the coffin is different from that of ordinary burial coffins. Ordinary burial coffins are opened by directly lifting the lid, while this one is the coffin body. You all come and take a look.'

The fierce bats from just now instilled fear in him, and his forehead still throbbed painfully. If they were to open it and release another large group of bats, the three of them would likely become prey to them.

"It's nothing." Hearing the voice of Bian Zhen'er, Liu Zhuiyi finally dared to slowly pull his head out from his embrace

"Good." Duan Ganshan moved swiftly, reaching out to pull Liu Zhuiyi and leaped down using lightness skill. Bian Zhen'er tied one end of the rope to the hilt of the dagger and drove the dagger into the ground. He jumped down into the tomb chamber with the other end of the rope, which was just four feet long enough to reach the ground.

How could this happen? He has such a strange condition, why has she only just found out now

I understand, "Duan Ganshan said, "I will copy a few more copies and have my subordinates go buy the medicine. If they cannot find it, they will go into the mountains to search for it. No matter how much it costs or how far they have to travel, they will definitely find these forty-four kinds of medicine for you.

Duan Gan Shan immediately understood, and with a quick retort, Zhen Er leaped up, his toes barely touching the iron chain, and he sprang towards the cave entrance

So... should we open it? Duan Ganshan hesitated a bit

If the reason cannot be determined, we will first descend the mountain and stay overnight in Lingqiu County tonight to investigate the situation

Liu recalled that she had some understanding of the art of Qi and Huang, and she asked: "What if the cold poison within him is transferred to another person?"

Liu Zhuiyi had just wanted to admonish him not to shout loudly, but before the words left his mouth, he heard that piercing cry again. This time, the wailing was even more sorrowful and clear than what he had heard outside the grave. Liu Zhuiyi was so frightened that he clutched Bian Zhen'er’s arm tightly, and even Duan Ganshan, a man of seven feet, couldn't help but shiver.

As Duan Gan Shan arrived beside the ancient tomb, the cries grew even more mournful, seemingly emanating from beneath the tomb. Liu Zhui Yi tightly grasped Bian Zhen Er's arm, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. Bian Zhen Er instinctively reached out to pull Liu Zhui Yi into her embrace, providing her with a sense of security.

It is now the hour of Hai, and the cries of the woman spoken of by the common people have yet to emerge. Bian Zhen'er sat back down and waited for a while, noticing that Liu Zhuiyi had already fallen asleep at the table. He stood up, leaned closer to Liu Zhuiyi, and softly called out: "Liu'er, I will take you to the room to sleep"

Bian Zhen'er was taken aback: "Not good!" He picked up Xun Yan and said to Duan Gan Shan, "Leap to the exit before the terrain changes!"

It was too late; the broadsword of Duan Gan Shan struck the iron chain that crossed the tomb wall, and the blade immediately broke into two pieces. The iron chain, disturbed by external forces, began to move on its own.

"Alright, I will come to see you again." Duan Gan Shan turned his back, paused for a moment, and left the cave

"It is so dark here even in broad daylight, it's really annoying," Duan Gan Shan complained, the light from the torch in his hand was not bright enough. Bian Zhen Er asked Xun Yan behind him, "Be careful, if you're scared, you can hold onto me, it doesn't matter."

"Good... good!" Liu recalled and cleared his throat, not caring about what he was saying, as long as his voice could be heard. "Master Duan, can you hear me? If you can hear me, please respond. The little monk and I are looking for you... Master Duan, can you hear me? Are you still alive? Are you awake? Master Duan..."

They spent more than ten days like this

Liu Zhuiyi gently caressed Bian Zhen'er’s face, kissing him with warm lips on his cheeks and lips. However, although the kiss could melt the frost at the moment it landed, the frost quickly reformed shortly after. Liu Zhuiyi, at a loss for what to do, held Bian Zhen'er and began to cry in self-reproach.

Liu released Bian Zhen'er’s hand and arrived at the entrance, calling out, "Master Duan, can you hear me?" The sound struck the stone wall and bounced back. Upon hearing it, Bian Zhen'er’s heart brightened, and he quickly said, "Liu, keep calling. I will discern the direction by sound. If the sound returns from the stone wall, it indicates a dead end that cannot be traversed. If the sound passes through the passage without returning, it indicates a viable route. As long as I can remember the viable paths, I will be able to find the way out." "Liu, keep calling. I will discern the direction by sound. If the sound returns from the stone wall, it indicates a dead end that cannot be traversed. If the sound passes through the passage without returning, it indicates a viable route. As long as I can remember the viable paths, I will be able to find the way out."

Um! Liu reminisced and nodded, casually drawing two simple little figures on the wall with a small stone

As he recalled the peculiar eyes in the center of the brow, Duan Gan Shan became increasingly certain of his thoughts. He sighed, placed a hand on Liu Zhui Yi's shoulder, and said: "Sister, I fear that the little monk will remain like this throughout the winter."

"No! I feel at ease only when I am beside the little monk." Liu Zhuiyi, unwilling to back down, shouted at Duan Gan Shan, who continued to tease her, saying, "Then do you dare to go down with me?"

Bian Zhen'er had many pieces of lime rolling off his body, and there were also scars on his cheeks from being grazed by falling rocks. Liu Zhuiyi, upon seeing this, couldn't help but reach out to gently touch the wounds on his face, frowning as he said: "Little monk, you..."

Liu reminisced warmly in her heart and said: "Thank you, Master Duan. If the little monk is safe and sound, you will be our savior."

It seemed that a mechanism inside had been triggered, causing the ground where Bian Zhen'er and Liu Zhuiyi were located to suddenly collapse, while other areas of the ground unexpectedly rose. Duan Gan Shan was rebounded by the force of the severed iron chain, landing on a rising stone. He looked at the approaching tomb ceiling, turned over, and fell onto the continuously collapsing stones.

They followed the original path to find the entrance to the tomb, but the main burial chamber had changed since their last visit, making it likely difficult to locate.

Bian Zhen'er closed his eyes, focused his mind, and carefully listened to the flow of sounds, gradually forming a pathway in his mind. He was born intelligent, and during his childhood, while following his master in Penglai, he accidentally consumed a type of fruit due to his gluttony, resulting in a vermilion dot appearing on his forehead. This endowment granted him a peculiar ability, which he later learned was called the "Meixin Tong" (Mind's Eye), possessing the power to shake the heavens and move the earth. However, this ability was so extraordinary that it could potentially harm others, and his master had always forbidden him from using it.

It is already the second quarter of the midnight... "" Bian Zhen murmured, her breath somewhat hurried.

"Cold... I am cold." Bian Zhen'er, in a daze, fell asleep in Liu Zhuiyi's embrace. Liu Zhuiyi, feeling anxious, looked towards Duan Gan Shan and said, "What should we do, Master Duan? You are well-informed and experienced; can you see what is wrong with the little monk?"

Bian Zhen'er tightly held Liu Zhuiyi's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, I am here, and I will definitely not let you come to harm." Liu Zhuiyi felt an inexplicable softness in her heart; such feelings were rare. Yet at this moment, Bian Zhen'er bravely met her gaze and held her hand to provide her with reassurance. Even if the end of this ancient tomb led to the underworld, she would accompany him to face it.

Beneath the ancient tomb lies a winding and dimly lit passage, where even with two torches lit, the path remains somewhat unclear

Outside the cave, the cold wind is biting, yet inside the cave, it is warm as in early summer

Rather than letting her act recklessly, it would be better to try herbal hot springs

Bian Zhen'er smiled and said, "You believe me, there is no one more suitable than Yun Yao here"

Breathing became increasingly difficult, and Liu reminisced as her eyes were filled with mist. She softly said: "In this lifetime, the thing I desire most is to walk together with the little monk through the mountains and rivers, until the end of time. I do not know if heaven will grant me this opportunity. Little monk, you have no home, and I have no home either. I think, if we could become a family, how wonderful that would be..." Little monk, you have no home, and I have no home either. I think, if we could become a family, how wonderful that would be...

Duan Gan Shan nodded and said, "Then I will go down with you. After all, I do not believe in ghosts. If it turns out that someone is playing tricks, I will definitely deal with them properly!"

Liu recalled trying to wrap her own clothing around Bian Zhen'er’s body, holding him tightly, hoping to warm him with her own body heat. However, it was of no use; Bian Zhen'er’s body remained icy to the core, even colder than that of a corpse.

"Apart from the tomb chamber, are there no other places here? Did the three stone coffins have anything to do with the disappearance of Old Man Li's son?" Duan Ganshan also discovered the restoration of the tomb chamber's terrain. Bian Zhen'er shook his head and said, "The coffins do not move; they are not related to these coffins. Perhaps it was something else that drew Old Man Li's son in here."

Hurry up! Liu recalled solemnly

Duan Gan Shan got up and, together with Bian Zhen Er and Xun Yan, walked towards the exit. After climbing out of the tomb, Duan Gan Shan gathered various odds and ends to block the entrance and said fiercely: "Wait until I call someone to burn these beasts!"

Duan Ganshan instructed that Yun Yao and Xun Yan be released, and asked the Second Master and others to assist Yun Yao in watching over Liu Zhuiyi. Just as the two of them arrived at the entrance of Qiufeng Stronghold, they suddenly heard someone calling out the name Bian Zhen'er from behind.

Bian Zhen'er shook her head, looking at Xun Yan, who was drenched in cold sweat in her arms, and said, "Let us go outside first"

Liu Zhuiyi found it strange and asked, "What is that peculiar sound? Is it crying? Oh dear, that female ghost won't be haunting you, will she?"

However, these iron chains are mechanisms; how could those man-eating creatures reside within? As soon as this chain is moved even slightly, the layout of this tomb will change. Duan Gan Shan still remembers the consequences of cutting the iron chains last time, and he incredulously asked.

Duan Ganshan and Xun Yan stepped forward, approaching the location where Bian Zhen'er was situated, and discovered a circular protrusion on the surface of the coffin at the point he was indicating.

What should we do... He has never encountered such a situation before. Liu Zhuiyi sat on the side, staring intently at Bian Zhen'er lying in the center of the hall. Duan Ganshan recalled the few words Bian Zhen'er had said, "Two quarters past midnight," and "Has winter begun?" Could it be that this strange phenomenon related to Bian Zhen'er has something to do with the onset of winter?

The common people of Lingqiu County do not have that kind of courage; who would dare to play tricks and act mysteriously? said Duangan Mountain