Page 399

Chu Yuening observed the entire process, concerned that the spiritual power of the peach wood sword might harm their souls. She picked up a plastic bag containing sugar water from the ground and placed the sword inside it.

As two stiff bodies tumbled down the steps.

Two ghostly figures exuding intense malevolence knelt before her.

"Thank... thank you, Master, for saving us."

With their revenge exacted, the two souls were now unstable, on the verge of disintegration.

Closing her eyes, Chu Yuening recited incantations to help their souls pass on peacefully.

"Ama!" Tears streaming down his face, Qi Tianrui attempted to embrace them but saw both women shake their heads.

The girl's aura of negativity gradually diminished, returning her to her former appearance. Dressed in her favorite pink sportswear, she smiled like a blooming flower.

The middle-aged woman, however, kept her eyes closed, not looking at Qi Tianrui.

"We have no connection with the Qi family anymore."

In the next instant, both figures dissipated into specks of golden light.

"Mother! Tianmei! Farewell!" Qi Tianrui bowed deeply in that direction.

After a while, he turned to Chu Yuening with reddened eyes, forcing a smile that was uglier than a cry. "Master, I truly don't deserve forgiveness from Mother and Tianmei."

Even if he didn't want to admit it, his fortune had been improving under the nourishment of his mother's and sister's blood.

To Lady Qi, after witnessing Qi Ru kill Qi Tianmei in the basement, she could never forgive any member of the Qi family whose fortune had been augmented.

Their hatred was justified.

Chu Yuening opened her eyes and gazed at the scattering golden light. "A year later, they will be reincarnated. If you wish to ease your conscience, do more good deeds in their names. Every time you do something virtuous, silently recite their birth dates and inscribe those merits in their Book of Life and Death, ensuring them a better life in their next reincarnation."

With sobs choking his voice, Qi Tianrui replied, "Yes."

"Master," the butler helped Qi Tianrui up, his heart aching as he said, "I'll take you out."

Just as they were about to ascend the steps...

Suddenly, the chains on the wall jingled once more.

The severed Soul Shackles bound a new spirit.

Qi Ru's soul was bound to the wall, and with every movement, the chains tightened further, causing his face to contort in agony as he let out a pained howl. The malevolent aura once again permeated the entire cellar.

"Save me! Tianrui, it's your father. Come quickly and save me!"

With Qi Tianrui's divine eye fading, he looked back at the wall where only the chains remained. He inquired, "Master, how long will it take for this array to vanish?"

With the peach wood sword in hand, Chu Yuening rubbed her wrist and gazed at the Soul Trapping Array on the ceiling of the cellar. She said, "Two decades, perhaps."

Qi Tianrui remained silent.

He would never beg Chu Da to break the formation – Qi Ru must atone for his sins.

For the next two decades, Qi Ru would endure the same agony that his mother and sister had suffered in this very cellar.

It was then...

The sound of police sirens echoed from above.

A large crowd descended into the basement, led by Inspector Liang, followed by Zhou Fengxu's Team D and Guo Xiao from Team C.

Inspector Liang was visibly agitated upon seeing Chu Yuening. Realizing there were outsiders present, he glanced at Qi Tianrui, who adjusted his uniform, before addressing her with extra respect.

"Master Chu, I went to the dessert shop to seek forgiveness when I heard about the Qi family. Upon reflection, I realized you might be here."

A smile graced Chu Yuening's fair face as she nodded gently. "Inspector Liang," she acknowledged him politely.

Her gaze shifted in surprise to Group D, "You guys came too?"

Zhou Fengxu fixed his eyes on her until he was certain that she bore no wounds or signs of blood, only then did he subconsciously exhale in relief, his heart settling back into its place. He brushed off the dust that had settled on his sleeve from their descent into the cellar.

"Inspector Leung wants to see you."

"Me?" Chu Yuening was even more puzzled now, trying hard to recall if she had done anything wrong.

Inspector Leung felt his face flush under Chu Yuening's puzzled gaze. He coughed into his fist, a bit embarrassed as he said, "Master Chu, I wonder if you could come with me for a moment. There's something very important I'd like to ask your help with."

With that, Inspector Leung stepped out of the cellar first.

"Huh?" Chu Yuening was taken aback, locking eyes with Zhou Fengxu once more. Noticing the amusement in his eyes, she whispered, "What's with Inspector Leung? Just so you know, if someone died down here, it's not my fault. There are witnesses."

"No," Zhou Fengxu replied with a smile, "Inspector Leung wants to hire you as an external consultant for the police station."

Shi Boren leaned in and whispered, "Ning Ning, remember to choose our team. That bunch from Group C, they've heard the news and are also trying to snatch you. They're daydreaming."

Officer Guo Xiao, who was examining Qi Ru's cause of death, noticed the crowd around Chu Yuening from Group D and immediately sensed a threat.

Upon receiving the news that Inspector Leung was heading to Temple Street, they set off together to follow her, all worried that Master Chu might be snatched away by someone else.

Boni whispered softly, "Brother Xiao, we've lost our chance."

"Why is that?" Guo Xiao asked, puzzled.

Boni tugged at the flesh on his cheek. "Your skin is loose; how can it compare with Inspector Zhou's? He's handsome and young. If I were Master Chu, I'd know who to choose."

Guo Xiao smacked Boni's head and said angrily, "You're the one who's always comparing! If you were even remotely good-looking, I wouldn't have to come myself."

The two teams burst into laughter as Guo Xiao finished speaking.

Zhou Fengxu watched Chu Yuening ascend the steps before turning his gaze back to the corpse submerged in the wine vat. Putting on gloves, he declared, "Let's get to work."

"Understood," Shi Boren replied hastily, donning a mask. As he carried the body out, he couldn't help but glance at the entrance to the cellar and worry aloud, "Brother Xu, do you think Ning Ning might refuse to join Team D?"