Ji Eterni's fingers tightened around the crimson Spirit Stone. The faint red light reflected in his eyes, gleaming like blood.
He said nothing for a long moment, his silence heavy with calculation.
Qi Siqing lowered her gaze, voice trembling just enough to sound sincere.
"I didn't give this for free, Your Highness. I only ask the Third Prince for one favor."
Her eyes shimmered with false innocence as she continued, "When I return this time, I'll be punished. So I beg the Third Prince not to mention this matter to anyone. I'll simply say I gained nothing on this trip, and the Yun Family will have no reason to question me."
Her words were humble, her tone soft, but her intentions were sharp as blades.
Ji Eterni's lips curled faintly. "The Yun Family sent you to gather Spirit Stones outside, didn't they?"
Qi Siqing hesitated, eyes darting aside. Her silence was answer enough.
She pressed the ruby into his palm and bowed deeply.
"I will take my leave, Your Highness."
Then she turned and fled down the forest path, the hem of her dress fluttering in the wind.
Ji Eterni stared after her, his expression unreadable. The red stone gleamed between his fingers as his killing intent flickered like a hidden flame.
"Yun Family…" he murmured coldly.
So that was it. The treasure of the Yun Family hidden, vast, and ripe for the taking.
No wonder Ji Eterni had agreed to marry her in the previous life. It wasn't love. It wasn't duty. It was greed.
Qi Siqing had made him believe the Yun Family possessed countless Spirit Stones. It wasn't because of the Emperor's decree or the pressure of noble clans. He had simply wanted what was theirs.
Yun Qianyue watched from the shadows, her face calm but her heart burning cold.
So that was the truth.
She'd once thought Ji Eterni's distance came from her ruined spiritual root and her plain face. But now she understood he had only wanted the Yun Family's wealth and secrets.
She had two "good sisters."
One poisoned her.
The other sold her soul to her enemies.
How pitiful she had been in her last life, blind to their schemes and still calling them "sister."
Now, the Spiritual Lime and the stolen stones were in her hand.
Let's see how they plan to climb higher this time.
"Little Yun," she whispered, turning away. "We're leaving."
The little boy blinked up at her, his tiny dragon tail hidden under his robe. "Yes, Mother!"
Together, they disappeared into the forest's shadow.
In Mu City, Bai Family Residence
The Bai Manor stood tall and quiet under the glow of the evening lanterns. Its courtyards were vast, its walls high, and behind its gentle fragrance of orchids hid countless secrets.
Yun Qianyue crouched on the tiled roof, eyes narrowed.
So she hadn't guessed wrong. In her previous life, when she'd been framed and ruined, Qi Siqing had still somehow joined the Luo Chan Sect. Yun Qianyue had always felt guilty,she'd believed she'd caused Siqing's misfortune.
But in truth, Qi Siqing's entry into the sect had nothing to do with pity or fate. It was because of the Bai Family's help.
Qi Siqing had claimed her late aunt was close to Madam Bai, gaining her sympathy. Yun Qianyue had believed that lie once.
Now, she would see the truth for herself.
From her perch, she watched Qi Siqing slip into the Bai residence through the side gate.
Moments later, a tall man stepped out from behind the rockery and caught her by the wrist.
Yun Qianyue's eyes narrowed.
Bai Fu. The Bai Family's second son, born of a concubine. His father had died young, leaving him and his elder brother, Bai Rui, to struggle for inheritance.
So… this was her true alliance.
No wonder Qi Siqing had gained the Bai Family's favor so easily.
Yun Qianyue clenched her fist, striking the tree beside her. The bark splintered beneath her knuckles.
"Mother?" Little Yun looked up at her in surprise. He rarely saw her lose composure. "You're angry."
Yun Qianyue exhaled slowly. "Yes. Angry at my blindness."
Her mind drifted back to Bai Rui the only friend she'd ever had in that cold, treacherous sect. Her only light in the darkness.
And he had died because of these two vipers.
She had trusted Qi Siqing. Even trusted Bai Fu's guidance. Now she saw their smiles for what they were, fangs hidden behind silk.
Below, Bai Fu clasped Qi Siqing's hand. His expression was smug, possessive.
Together, they emerged from behind the rockery and entered the front hall of the Bai estate.
Yun Qianyue moved like a shadow, following silently along the roof beams until she could see inside.
Inside the Bai family's front hall, Qi Siqing fell to her knees, her face pale and pitiful.
"Madam Duan," she wept, "forgive me. There was a problem with the medicine. Please allow me more time."
A dignified woman frowned. "More time? The selection for the Luo Chan Sect draws near. How much longer do you intend to delay?"
Another woman, younger and sharper, added coldly, "My son Rui will enter the sect regardless. But if your incompetence hinders us, don't expect mercy."
Qi Siqing trembled, lowering her head. "Madam Duan… Concubine Juan… please. I only ask for one chance."
Her tears fell like scattered pearls. Her voice cracked with perfect sorrow.
"I grew up in the Yun Family, but I was never treated as one of them. I was humiliated, shamed, ignored. Even Yun Qianyue and Yun Qianyin were favored over me. The strong are always worshiped in our house, and the weak are trampled."
Madam Duan's expression softened slightly. "You poor child…"
Qi Siqing seized the moment. "Madam, my parents died early. Their only wish was for me to become someone worthy. I can practice medicine and care for Young Master Rui's health. If I can accompany him to the sect, I will never trouble your family again!"
Madam Duan hesitated, her heart moved by pity. "Get up first. I'll think about it."
Qi Siqing's face lit up with joy. She rose quickly and bowed again, her smile hidden beneath lowered lashes. She knew she had succeeded.
Madam Duan's father was the sect master of the Qing Chen Sect,one of the four great houses of cultivation.
If Madam Duan recommended her, Qi Siqing would undoubtedly be accepted.
Everything was falling perfectly into place.
Until…
A cold laugh echoed through the hall, slicing the calm like a blade
"I'd like to know," a calm, icy voice said, "how exactly our Yun Family treated you badly."
The room fell silent.
Qi Siqing froze, her body going rigid.
That voice,impossible.
"Yun… no, Sister…" she stammered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Yun Qianyue stepped into the hall, her dark robes billowing like a storm. Her eyes gleamed with quiet fury, her presence commanding and serene.
The Bai attendants flinched instinctively, uncertain whether to block her or bow.
Ignoring Qi Siqing, Yun Qianyue turned to Madam Duan and bowed respectfully.
"Forgive my intrusion, Madam Duan. I am Yun Qianyue of the Yun Family."
Her voice was steady. Graceful. Polite.
Yet beneath her calm exterior, a spark of satisfaction ignited.
In her previous life, she had never been given the chance to speak to Madam Duan properly. She had died before she could expose Qi Siqing's lies.
But this life was different.
This time, she would face them all unmasked.
And she would make sure the serpent's smile never fooled anyone again.