Volume One, Chapter Seven: Tracing the Source of the Malefic Aura

After strolling all around, Tong Yan emerged from the mall with Jiang Chen, her arms laden with bags and parcels, drawing envious glances from passersby. Tong Yan noticed the looks and asked, "Why are they looking at me like that?"

Jiang Chen corrected her, "They're not looking at you, they're looking at me. They probably think I'm just a pretty boy living off a woman."

After her worldview had been reshaped that morning, Tong Yan no longer judged people by their appearance; she shot the onlookers a fierce glare.

"Don’t worry, Little Master. Even if you were just a pretty boy, plenty of girls would be willing to support you," she said. Tong Yan had to admit that the Little Master before her was not only powerful but also quite youthful-looking. If she got to know him better, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Jiang Chen smiled bitterly and rubbed his forehead, recalling last year when he and his team ventured deep into the Ten-Thousand Mountains for a mission. They endured hardship and nearly lost everyone, but Jiang Chen carried the team out alone. Yet just as he escaped one peril, he stumbled into another, facing the Mountain Witch whose strength rivaled his own. Jiang Chen was prepared for a desperate fight, but she merely wanted him to marry her. In the end, with no other choice, Jiang Chen recognized her as his godmother and managed to escape.

Thankfully, that was last year. If it had been the Jiang Chen of today, after his transformation, the fate of the entire Gu tribe would depend on his mood.

Back at the villa district, Jiang Chen had lunch at Tong Yan’s home. The master of the Tong family, the middle-aged man recently afflicted by evil energy, had just awakened.

Tong Million rubbed his forehead, and the elegant lady beside him helped him sit up. The family gathered around him, and Tong Yan began to cry, her tears falling like pearls onto the floor.

Watching the family, Jiang Chen felt a pang of emotion; his own family had been just as harmonious once, brothers friendly, all so peaceful. Lost in thought, Jiang Chen pressed his foot slightly, and the marble tiles beneath him cracked in a web-like pattern.

After a bout of tears, Tong Million rose with the help of Tong Yan and Tong Wujin, approaching Jiang Chen. He patted the siblings, and they exchanged a glance, knowing he wanted to thank the young Master before them, so they did not interfere.

But as soon as they released their support, Tong Million dropped to his knees.

Before Tong Yan and Tong Wujin could react, a foot gently blocked Tong Million’s knee, effortlessly supporting his feeble yet imposing frame.

Eyes brimming with tears, Tong Million said, "Thank you, Master, for saving my life. I am not unworthy of this kneel."

This towering man of nearly six feet, usually a successful businessman before others, was now just a husband and father, vulnerable and shaken.

Jiang Chen shook his head gently, his tone slightly helpless, "No need for this, Mr. Tong. If you kneel to me, it will shorten my life."

Tong Million protested, "You saved my life; kneeling is the least I can do."

Jiang Chen bent down and helped him up. "You are blessed, Mr. Tong. Even without my intervention, you would have been safe. Besides, you are a good person—I could not ignore you."

In fact, when Jiang Chen first saw Tong Yan, he noticed a faint golden light about the siblings—a sign of accumulated blessings. He’d wondered why they carried such fortune, but seeing Tong Million now, it all made sense.

The man before him was virtuous and charitable, blessed by countless good deeds. Saving him was a stroke of fortune for Jiang Chen himself.

"Mr. Tong, tonight, spend time with your family, enjoy a good meal and conversation. Leave the rest to me," Jiang Chen said.

Tong Million wanted to express his gratitude further, but Jiang Chen simply waved it away. Though there was much he wished to say, he held back in front of this young Master.

Night fell over the rooftop of Happy Community.

The autumn wind howled, sharp and biting. In the northern city of Qingcheng, signs of fall had already appeared.

Tong Yan, wrapped in Jiang Chen’s coat, followed him, shivering from the cold.

"You really didn’t listen to your aunt, did you? This is dangerous, yet you insist on coming. Aren’t you afraid?" Jiang Chen stood hands behind his back, exuding confidence.

Tong Yan stuck out her tongue playfully. "I don’t care. With you here, no one can hurt me."

Jiang Chen blushed slightly. "You’re not wrong, but when I’m handling things, you’d best stay back. Ordinary people exposed to evil energy could fall ill—or worse."

Tong Yan nodded and put some distance between them.

Jiang Chen had changed clothes—ones Tong Yan had bought him at the mall. Seeing her shivering, he flicked his fingers, sending out a beam of golden light.

The golden light paused before Tong Yan, then transformed into a shimmering shield around her.

A breeze swept by, followed by a gust of wind.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and murmured, "Whoever’s coming isn’t friendly."

The clouds above grew heavier, and the sky was soon shrouded in dark clouds, blotting out the moon. The rooftop lay in dim darkness.

A chill wind blew as the evil energy emerged from the clouds, slowly descending and taking on a human shape, barely distinguishable.

"Greetings, Master," the shadowy figure appeared to bow slightly. Though indistinct, both Tong Yan and Jiang Chen guessed the gesture.

Jiang Chen said, "Your life has not yet run its course. Clearly, you’ve been framed by a villain. I don’t blame you. Tell me who wronged you, and I’ll help you find peace."

"Master..." The figure uttered only two words before its voice was abruptly cut off, as if its throat had been seized.

Tong Yan hid in a corner, covering her mouth in fright. Jiang Chen looked at her with new respect; any ordinary girl would have fainted by now, but Tong Yan held her ground.

Jiang Chen dusted off his sleeve. "Enough. Stop pretending—show yourself."

From the shadows, a pitch-black humanoid creature emerged from the ground.

Tong Yan studied it closely, finding it impossible to discern its face—or perhaps it had none. Its gender was unidentifiable; it simply appeared, silent as a phantom.

"You shouldn’t have stopped me. Do you know it will cost you your life?" the creature rasped.

Jiang Chen shrugged. "A lot of nonsense. If I’m not mistaken, your sorcery isn’t native—looks like a technique from the southeast."

"You’ve got some sharp eyes. Now leave, quickly," the creature straightened, its posture exuding arrogance.

Jiang Chen sighed, "Fine, I’ll deal with you myself and investigate the truth."