Chapter 9: The Feline King Decides to Be Magnanimous and Forgive…

Chu Tingyan merely smiled.

Seeing his disbelief, Yun Huan said nothing more and silently turned her head away. Hmph, ignorant human.

But this person probably wouldn’t betray her trust—after all, he fed cats. How could someone willing to diligently feed cats and groom them be a bad person? Even if the portions he provided were insufficient, it was due to human ignorance rather than malice. The feline king decided to magnanimously forgive him.

Yun Huan mentally issued him a good person card and let down some of her guard.

Danfeng Palace was vast. It took the two an entire day to complete a full circuit. Through subtle probing, Chu Tingyan discovered that Yun Huan’s life was indeed highly routine, rarely venturing beyond Danfeng Palace.

If there were demons in Danfeng Palace, where had they gone?

*

It might not necessarily be demons, said the white-haired elder with celestial air and Daoist bones, clad in Taoist robes. Chu Tingyan moved to support him from behind, but the elder brushed his hand away: I’m not that old yet.

Chu Tingyan didn’t insist, following respectfully behind and addressing him as Master.

That the Crown Prince would follow an ordinary-looking elder like an attendant and call him Master would shock anyone who witnessed it. The two ascended the steps and entered the hall.

There were few palace servants inside or outside the hall. His return to the capital remained top secret, and only the most trustworthy individuals were present here.

Xi Changyun sat before the desk, flipping through the thin notebook Chu Tingyan had compiled. What makes you think there are others besides those two demons from that day?

The bronze mirror only revealed a raccoon dog and a bear, Chu Tingyan said, but what I saw that day was a pair of cat ears.

Xi Changyun nodded. Any leads on the traces of those first two demons?

None yet, Chu Tingyan replied. But they’ve left no traces since that day. I suspect they’re likely no longer in the palace.

Escaped? Xi Changyun raised an eyebrow.

Dead, Chu Tingyan stated his conjecture succinctly.

All four palace gates had Restrictions. With their concealment magical artifact shattered and their forms revealed by the bronze mirror, the Restrictions would never have allowed them to leave.

Xi Changyun nodded approvingly. Well reasoned.

Master—

I had a senior brother who once entered the palace, but I was unwilling to engage with worldly affairs at the time, intent on traveling far and wide. Thus I only heard bits and pieces, Xi Changyun said. It’s said the last emperor of Xia Dynasty was obsessed with seeking immortality and Dao, recruiting many sorcerers. During this Age of Dharma Decline, with groups of demons running rampant, the Palace Justice Department not only handled offending palace staff but also specialized in suppressing demons. There should still be many residual Magic Arrays. Later I’ll take the Luopan and bring you to find the ruins of the Palace Justice Department.

He continued, Those two demons are minor matters. Tell me about the last one you discovered—well, let’s call it a demon for now.

Chu Tingyan explained the situation concisely in just a few sentences. After pondering momentarily, Xi Changyun said, This matter is of great importance. By principle, you should report it to the palace.

But apparently no one else knew—Chu Tingyan had intentionally concealed the matter, only informing Xi Changyun. Otherwise, Xi Changyun wouldn’t have come immediately upon receiving the letter.

Indeed, Chu Tingyan admitted, but—

You’re worried about harming the innocent, Xi Changyun said.

Nothing escapes you, Master. Chu Tingyan gave a slight nod, his sitting posture remaining perfectly upright.

Xi Changyun looked at him—the only person in his life who couldn’t quite be called a disciple, yet was the junior he took the most pride in—and slowly said, You did the right thing.

His immediate follow-up was: But also not entirely right.

Chu Tingyan showed neither pleasure nor pride, remaining seated in a posture of earnest receptivity.

You possess the Heavenly Eye, Xi Changyun said. Regardless of how this ability came to be, since it is a gift bestowed by heaven, you must trust yourself. In truth, you cannot misjudge, isn’t that so?

Chu Tingyan’s jaw tightened slightly.

Indeed, he knew in his heart that he couldn’t be mistaken, yet he couldn’t discern the background of the person behind it all. That was why he deliberately appeared before that palace maid to lure the snake out of its hole. If any unusual movement occurred, it wouldn’t affect others—he would bear the responsibility alone.

But what you can see isn’t necessarily a Demon, Xi Changyun continued. It might be that there was something amiss with the place where you first encountered that palace maid. Talismans left by Sorcerers, residual Demon Qi from monsters—all are possibilities. These are not the same times as over a decade ago. There’s no need to be so overly vigilant and hard on yourself. Let me take a look at Danfeng Palace, and we’ll have our answer.

Yun Huan sneezed.

Coincidentally, she was on duty today. Li Yan had brought an old man dressed as a Daoist, though she didn’t know for what purpose. Were they performing rituals in Danfeng Palace?

Setting aside her wandering thoughts, she smiled and silently greeted Li Yan. Li Yan, with a hand resting lightly on his sword hilt, nodded back at her.

The Daoist made a fine impression, with a celestial air and Daoist bones, holding a strangely shaped Luopan. He looked at her carefully a couple of times, his gaze almost tangible. However, Yun Huan had always disliked old Daoist priests with their lofty airs, so she quietly took a few steps away and continued trimming the flowers and plants with her head bowed.

Don’t see me, don’t see me…

Fortunately, that gaze soon vanished. At noon, Mo Gugu suddenly announced that the Yuan Festival rewards would be distributed early. All the Eunuchs and palace maids gathered in the main hall. Yun Huan, happily holding her reward pouch, promptly forgot about the morning’s incident.

*

That palace maid is not a Demon, Xi Changyun said, casually brushing aside the rubble on the ground. The palace is also quite clean. When the rewards were being distributed, I took a careful look—none of the palace staff carry any Demon Qi.

As the sun set in the west, the earth trembled slightly and split open. Xi Changyun, holding his Luopan, pointed at the massive pit in the ground: Look.

The accompanying Imperial Guards stood at a distance, but even if they had been at the edge of the pit, they wouldn’t have been able to see anything. Chu Tingyan focused slightly and saw something different.

Beneath the ground, a ferocious and terrifying Totem was drawn in Demon Blood. Ordinary people couldn’t smell it, but Chu Tingyan could detect the heavy scent of blood. Above the Totem, a faintly glowing, indistinct Magic Array shimmered, and a cluster of eerie green flames enveloped two half-digested Demon Cores, constantly tearing at them and emitting a grating screech. Beyond that, not even the skeletons of those two great Demons, centuries old, remained.

No need to worry, Xi Changyun said leisurely. We are all human. This Magic Array will only be activated by Demon Qi.

Chu Tingyan didn’t speak, merely giving a faint nod.

Alright, Xi Changyun said. I’ve checked the palace as well. Since there are no Demons inside, the rest is up to you.

Your disciple respectfully sees you off, Master.No need, Xi Changyun laughed heartily, saying casually, You’re just a mortal—your pace is no match for mine. I’m off!

With that, he waved his hand, and the cracked earth slowly closed up.

Xi Changyun snapped his fingers, and a golden talisman flew into the air, quickly consumed by flames. In a flash of light, his figure vanished without a trace.

The twenty or so Imperial Guards were Chu Tingyan’s personal troops, standing rigidly at attention with indifferent expressions as if they hadn’t witnessed the strange phenomenon before them.

Father Emperor.

As Chu Tingyan entered the hall and was about to kneel in greeting, a hand lifted him up. The owner of that hand lightly smacked him: You rascal, what are you calling me randomly?

Chu Tingyan laughed: I haven’t formally paid my respects yet. Since Father doesn’t mind, I’ll just skip the formalities.

Having secretly returned to the palace as a guard these days, he had rarely seen the Emperor and Empress. As he spoke, he simply performed a family salute: Father, Mother.

The Empress and Emperor sat together on the throne dais, their eyes carrying some amusement: You’ve lost weight. Sit quickly.

It’s not too bad. Chu Tingyan sat as instructed and concisely reported the situation.

The two demons had been located, and Xi Changyun had confirmed that there were no major demons left in the palace. Since what he saw that day wasn’t a demon, it could only be attributed to a mortal carrying demon qi.

Most likely a spy from Shu, Chu Tingyan said calmly. Father and Mother, give me two more months. I’ll investigate around the palace using my guard identity.

Originally scheduled to return triumphantly with the army in October, he had secretly returned to the capital early without revealing his identity precisely because he had heard about the suspicious movements of Shu spies possibly entering the palace. Though the palace appeared calm on the surface, one question remained unresolved—

Those two major demons were indeed dead, but who had brought them into the palace?

The palace gates’ restrictions weren’t made of paper. Even with magical artifacts, someone would have needed to guide them from inside. Could the guide and the owner of those cat ears be the same person?

Whether they were or not, given time, he would find out.

Agreed, the Empress consented, though worry lingered in her eyes. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but the precious son shouldn’t sit under a crumbling wall. Don’t act alone these days. Discuss matters with your father and me first, understand?

I understand, Chu Tingyan smiled slightly, but I’m the only one with the Heavenly Eye. If I don’t investigate, who will?

That’s exactly what worries me! Firstborn— The Empress wanted to say more but restrained herself. The Emperor patted her hand, interrupting her.

To bear the disgrace of the state is to be sovereign of the altar of grain and soil; to bear the calamities of the state is to be king of the world. He is the Crown Prince, the future heir. Since he’s destined to inherit this empire, he should bear these responsibilities, the Emperor said with approval. But your mother is right too. We’re still here. Consult with us when matters arise—no taking unnecessary risks.

Don’t worry, Chu Tingyan laughed heartily. Father, Mother, I’ll take my leave now!

The Emperor nodded slightly. Chu Tingyan waved his hand casually and strode out with elegance.

Everyone was saying the Crown Prince would return to the capital half a month ago, but there’s been no news since. Where has His Highness the Crown Prince gone?

Could he still be at the front lines?

But there’s no news from the front either. What’s really going on?

Who knows? Today a captain brought in a Taoist priest. Maybe they’re surveying the grounds in preparation for the Crown Prince’s return? But shouldn’t they be constructing the Eastern Palace instead? Why come to our Danfeng Palace?

Are such matters something we should know about?

Yun Huan listened to the two young palace maids chatting nearby while lazily slacking off.

When the two couldn’t reach agreement, they turned to ask her together: Sister Yun, what do you think?

What could she possibly think? It wasn’t her place to manage such matters anyway. From her perspective, the Crown Prince not returning to the capital was actually a great blessing—it significantly reduced her workload. Back when rumors first spread about his return, even the plants in Danfeng Palace had been meticulously trimmed! She’d had to frequently visit the greenhouse to replace poorly blooming potted plants, though knew the Crown Prince would likely—actually, certainleveryoney—never notice an ordinary plant beneath the corridors.

Nothing compared to now, with the Crown Prince’s return no longer mentioned. Yun Huan had returned to her leisurely state of slacking off. She conserved energy by idling during the day, visited Shoveler No.1 at the Imperial Guards’ quarters at dusk, and headed to Shoveler No.2 at the royal study after dark. Her schedule was packed—truly a master of time management.

As month-end approached again, her Demon Power gradually weakened. Preserving energy was crucial—better if the Crown Prince stayed away.

Of course, she’d never say this aloud. Yun Huan declared, We shouldn’t speculate privately. Just follow Mo Gugu’s instructions and avoid prying.

To cherish these heavenly days, one must learn to be a qualified worker—ask no unnecessary questions, do no unnecessary tasks. Who knew if asking one question might make your supervisor assign future duties? These were slacking skills she’d learned in her previous life at a state-owned enterprise.

After uttering this correct but meaningless statement, she watched two young maids nod in agreement.

Noticing the end of her shift, Yun Huan immediately straightened up and shooed them away: Go on, it’s mealtime. Why are you still here?

Delaying even one second past quitting time betrayed one’s status as an exploited laborer!

The young maids giggled as they left. Yun Huan returned to her room, consumed her first meal, then carefully scanned her surroundings before transforming into a cat and slipping out under gathering twilight.

According to her schedule, it was time for her second meal at the Imperial Guards’ courtyard.

Chu Tingyan was indeed in his room. Yun Huan leaped through the window and collapsed by the table leg. Having acquainted themselves over time, they skipped formalities—she merely meowed once, and Chu Tingyan familiarly pushed her portion toward her.

After eating, she curled up beside his hand, arranging herself into a comfortable circle and rubbing her head against his wrist.

Bonding with regular shovelers was essential. Her second shoveler wouldn’t appear in the former dynasty’s Library Pavilion until complete darkness, sometimes not at all, so Yun Huan confidently lounged in the warm room.

She yawned lengthily, gripping Chu Tingyan’s sleeve with her front paws while kneading his arm with her hind paws. He softened his scratching motions and glanced down at her.

The cat lay beside him as usual—trusting, warm, and fluffy, her fur rising and falling with each breath.

Because the cat didn’t know what kind of monster he was.

He was a Heavenly Eye capable of detecting Demon Qi.

Most Heavenly Eyes and Heavenly Ears possessed innate talents, but not him. Acquired gifts often heralded misfortune.

Back when his father was still a duke, he was five years old living in Chang’an with his parents. The empire teetered on collapse as the last emperor of Xia Dynasty grew increasingly paranoid, unwilling to let military leaders have rebellion opportunities. The emperor secretly summoned sorcerers to the palace to devise solutions.

Father was quick-witted and took the lead in proposing to surrender the fiefdom’s military power, but it was too late—the Pagodatree Pill that attracted Demons had already been secretly delivered to the Duke’s residence.

Whether by fortune or misfortune, he was mischievous at the time, rummaging through the storeroom, and accidentally swallowed that Pagodatree Pill. He miraculously survived but awakened a talent.

…If that could even be called a talent.

At the convergence of the realms of yin and yang, Demons ran rampant. Those things were terrifying enough for adults, let alone a five-year-old child who couldn’t control his sudden ability. Soon, all of Chang’an knew: the Duke’s eldest son seemed to be haunted by something. From then on, he refused to speak, behaved abnormally, and cried daily. One day, he even accidentally burned down a wing of the residence when he opened his mouth. The Duke’s residence posted notices seeking extraordinary talents across the land, and the palace, showing particular concern, sent imperial physicians and Sorcerers.

His parents soon found Xi Changyun, who gifted him a White Jade Token. Over the course of a year, Xi suppressed the other terrifying talents that were too much for a five-year-old child, leaving only the Heavenly Eye for him to gradually refine and adapt to on his own.

He saw Demons and ghosts—not in nightmares, but as real, tangible presences before his eyes. When the violently surging force that shook his entire body finally stabilized, Chu Tingyan spoke his first words in a year: There are ghosts.

The Sorcerers from the palace were nearby and heard everything.

The last emperor, who firmly believed in spirits and ghosts, launched a massive purge upon hearing that there were indeed ghosts in Chang’an. The Duke’s residence was nearly implicated, forcing the family of three to flee overnight to their fiefdom, thus avoiding death in Chang’an.

He spoke two words, and all of Chang’an ran with blood.

Yun Huan, seeing Chu Tingyan had stopped moving, looked up and let out a dissatisfied meow to remind him: Human, I’m still here!

Chu Tingyan’s gaze softened. The cat was always here—with pointy ears, a fluffy tail, and occasional sweet or mellow meows as she pleased. She knew nothing of human affairs, only that he was someone to trust.

She lay unreservedly by his hand, curled into a ball, her fine whiskers occasionally lifted by her breath. That warm, trusting body constantly reminded him: he was human, not a destructive monster straddling the realms of yin and yang.

Chu Tingyan obediently scratched the base of her ears a couple more times. By now, he had mastered the perfect pressure—just right and very comfortable. Yun Huan narrowed her eyes contentedly, flicked her tail, and meowed again.

On the shelf ahead was a Buddha’s hand fruit, just out of her reach. Too lazy to sit up, she stretched a paw forward, trying to make Chu Tingyan understand.

Chu Tingyan glanced at her, his gaze holding something indescribable. Yun Huan paid no mind to his look and continued meowing persistently: Human, hurry up and get my toy.

After several chirpy meows from the chatty little cat, the somewhat slow-to-comprehend human finally understood and reached out to hand her the Buddha’s hand fruit.

Yun Huan let out a sweet meep and buried her whole head in his palm, nuzzling it as a reward.

Today, she made a new discovery: humans are voice-activated!

Author’s Note:

———————-

To bear the disgrace of the state is to be the master of the altar. To bear the misfortunes of the state is to be the king of the world. —From the Tao Te Ching

Once again tossing out the preview for collection [Let me see]

Quick, Put Your Tail Away

When Liu Shanshan ascended Luoxia Mountain carrying that heavy longsword, she was determined to become a female cultivator who severed all emotional attachments.

With blood debts still unpaid and her great mission yet unfinished, the half-demon blood flowing through her veins constantly reminded her: focus on cultivation, form her golden core as soon as possible, and never reveal her true identity.

Who had time for romance?

But life is long, and there are always moments when one’s heart stirs.

Before the century’s Joyous Union Ceremony, Liu Shanshan found herself blocked by several people on the path back to her cave dwelling.

The jade-cold immortal sect leader asked her: Has Ying Niang ever held me in her heart?

The impartial Discipline Hall master looked at her and snorted coldly: I’m only giving you this one chance. Even if you come looking for me later, I won’t see you again.

The cheerful young talisman master from a prestigious family had red-rimmed eyes: Sister Liu, could you please look at me?

Liu Shanshan: Everyone, please calm down… I don’t wish to form a cultivation partnership with anyone. Absolutely no one.

Someone pointed indignantly behind her: Then what about him? Is he some male fox spirit?!

The renowned top sword cultivator Jiang Zhuo simply stood behind her holding his sword, lowering his gaze without saying a word.

Liu Shanshan: …

To be fair, I think you all have prejudices against fox spirits

Turning a corner, whoosh—Liu Shanshan found herself encircled by a giant fluffy tail.

Quick, put your tail away! she hissed in a low voice.

No. Jiang Zhuo said, his ears twitching slightly—even the most aloof and restrained half-demon still had fluffy ears.

Your ears… seem to be showing. Liu Shanshan poked Jiang Zhuo’s pale gray wolf ears.

Unable to resist, she also touched Jiang Zhuo’s tail—fluffy and soft, it felt really good.

…Yours are too. Jiang Zhuo murmured softly.

Liu Shanshan gasped in surprise as the ears that had unknowingly appeared on her head were caught between Jiang Zhuo’s slightly sharp teeth, gently nibbled and rubbed.

I really don’t want to form a cultivation partnership with humans, but he’s not human

Neither am I

How can anyone resist fluffiness

Possessive, aloof yet pure young wolf pup VS Outwardly warm but inwardly cold, heart-uninvested seductive little fox

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