Heavenly soldiers arrived to investigate a disturbance after the sky bell rang, signaling a rogue ancient beast wreaking havoc in the human realm and disrupting order.
The soldiers were horrified by the scene of devastation before them. Streets where the ancient beast had passed were largely in ruins, with many archways half-collapsed and their upper halves still floating in the clouds. The pillars supporting houses had been gnawed into fragmented debris, with faint tooth marks still visible. These archways were constructed by immortals using celestial materials, making them more than three times stronger than ordinary wood, which illustrated the beast's immense destructive power.
After a general inspection of the surroundings, the heavenly soldiers' gaze shifted towards the source of the destruction.
In the center of the ruins lay a ferocious beast, resembling a wolf and a tiger. It had a tiger-like form, a human-like face, tiger-like limbs, the tusks of a wild boar, and a tail eighteen feet long. It was lying with its eyes closed, feigning sleep.
The heavenly soldiers immediately recognized it as Taotie, one of the Four Fiends. Taotie's teeth were strong enough to withstand a thousand-jin greatsword, and its unique body made it a rare combat-type demonic beast. If used as a war mount, it would surely surpass ordinary beast cavalry.
Unfortunately, this ferocious beast was too brutal. Even the heavenly beast tamers could not handle it, forcing them to expel it to the Demon Capital. Once in the Demon Capital, even the most ferocious divine beasts were unable to escape. Its appearance in the human realm clearly indicated deliberate action by someone to disrupt order.
The heavenly soldiers turned their attention to the two people before them. Gripping their spears, they descended from their sky-skiff. "It is strange that this exotic beast escaped. Only the two of you are present, so please cooperate with our investigation and come with us to the heavenly realm. Otherwise, do not blame us for being discourteous."
Ye Ziling refused to take the blame. She had no interest in Taotie and would not bother dealing with the monster if it weren't for self-preservation. "What two people? Are you mistaken, sir?" Ye Ziling glanced at Ling Xi, her lips curling into a slight smile, her aloof aura exuding a distant, ethereal quality.
The heavenly soldiers followed her gaze and saw a man in dark robes nonchalantly playing with a jade pendant at his waist. The cold light in his eyes was like the ghost fire of a tomb, chilling and sinister. He was tall and slender, with an air of laziness and devilish charm about him. He calmly said, "I was merely passing by and saw this young lady attempting to extract Taotie's inner core, so I spoke up for the beast."
Seeing the man shift the blame, Ye Ziling continued, "You flatter me, sir. How could I possibly have such ability?" She forced a smile, walking slowly to his side. Her gaze lingered on the sachet at his waist, her smile vanishing in an instant as she said coldly, "However, I cannot say the same for the beast-controlling powder."
Ling Xi's eyes flickered. A sudden chill swept across his waist. Ling Xi dodged sideways, grabbed her wrist, and his fingertips slid upwards, gently caressing her fair, tender palm. His fingertips were soft, much like the finest mutton-fat jade. Though slightly rough, they felt exceptionally good and pleasant to the touch.
Ye Ziling's breath hitched. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but he held her wrist firmly, his fingers gently entwining and teasing her palm. The flames in his eyes flickered, and a smile of unknown meaning played on his lips. Shamelessly, he continued to caress her palm repeatedly, his gaze entranced.
Ye Ziling's expression turned cold. This was pure seduction. She had initially thought him a cunning rogue, but unexpectedly, he was a dissolute rake who flirted with every woman.
Ling Xi released her hand, guessing her thoughts. He chuckled, "If I don't have the beast-controlling powder on me, what then, young lady?"
"According to heavenly rules..." Ye Ziling collected herself, remembering her current mortal identity. She replied calmly, "According to mortal regulations." She then turned and walked past him, handing a handkerchief to the leading heavenly soldier, her tone indifferent, "Only beast tamers can concoct beast-controlling powder. Taotie lost its senses because it was controlled by the powder. If you want to know the truth, search him to see if he has any."
"Beast... beast-controlling powder?" The heavenly soldier paused, recalling the legendary powder that could control the will of divine beasts.
After a moment of hesitation, the heavenly soldier approached Ling Xi with suspicion, ordering a few men forward to search him. Ling Xi remained still, his fingers slowly clenching beneath his sleeve, allowing the heavenly soldiers to search him.
"Nothing."
"Nothing here either."
After searching him, the heavenly soldiers shook their heads, indicating they found nothing.
[System: Lord Ling Xi, the sachet has been transferred for you. I told you, you can't do anything without me!]
[Ling Xi: I'll let you off for now.]
"Young lady, are your words to be trusted? If the powder is not found, you will have to bear the responsibility," the leading heavenly soldier said, unable to remain calm. He paused, looking at Ye Ziling's face. Seeing her meet his gaze, he lowered his head unnaturally, blushing. The last time he had seen such a stunning beauty was ten years ago, which was ten days ago in the mortal realm. Goddess Tu Yao was once known as the foremost goddess in the heavenly realm, revered by all immortals, possessing a captivating appearance. When he was on duty at the South Heavenly Gate, he had secretly glimpsed her, and the memory remained unforgettable. Although this girl resembled Goddess Tu Yao in appearance, her mortal aura was vastly different from a celestial being. While she was enchantingly beautiful, she paled in comparison to Goddess Tu Yao.
It was a pity that Goddess Tu Yao, in her youth, was defiant and broke heavenly laws, receiving punishment from the Emperor. Her whereabouts were now unknown. It was rumored she had committed grave sins and fallen from the ninth heaven. Even with her powerful immortal arts, she likely suffered a shattered body. What a pity for her celestial bones, which so many envied. As the saying goes, beautiful women often meet with tragic fates.
Ye Ziling blinked slightly, lost in thought. The sachet that had contained the beast-controlling powder was clearly on him moments ago, so why had it disappeared? No, this thing could not have slipped away under her nose. Had this fellow used some sort of magic to make the sachet vanish?
"According to your earlier statement, whoever has the beast-controlling powder is the criminal. You have searched me, and since it is not on me, you cannot escape suspicion either," Ling Xi said with a half-smile. The heavenly soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes all turning towards Ye Ziling, settling on the芥子袋 (mustard seed pouch) at her waist.
It was improper for men and women to touch each other. If they searched her personally, it might lead to misunderstandings and tarnish the heavenly realm's image. The best solution was for her to open the bag herself, leaving no room for error. "Please, young lady, open your pouch and let us have a look," the heavenly soldier said, half-believing, half-doubting, watching her every move cautiously.
Guessing the heavenly soldiers' hesitation, Ye Ziling opened the芥子袋 at her waist with an open demeanor. Just as she was about to open it, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Nestled within was a golden silk sachet embroidered with white cranes, identical in style to the one Ling Xi had worn. She looked up; Ling Xi's waist now bore only a white jade ornament, the sachet having vanished. Their eyes met a moment later. He looked at her with a smile, a curve of triumph on his lips.
Ye Ziling was curious. What kind of devious magic had this man used to transfer the sachet into her芥子袋 so subtly, without her even noticing? It seemed she was destined to bear the blame today. Ye Ziling smiled leisurely and unhurriedly opened the芥子袋. The heavenly soldiers intently watched her movements, drawing closer and peering inside.
However, before they could see what was inside, a thick white smoke wafted from the bag, followed by a pungent odor that assailed their nostrils. The heavenly soldiers instinctively retreated a few steps, covering their noses to ward it off. Seeing this, Ye Ziling snatched the sachet, scattered the smoke, and quickly departed.
"Quick, pursue! Don't let the criminal escape!" the leading heavenly soldier roared. The heavenly soldiers reacted, immediately boarding their sky-skiffs and giving chase. Ye Ziling leaped and dodged, silently flitting over rooftops, soon leaving the heavenly soldiers behind. The sky-skiffs circled in the air. No matter how fast Ye Ziling ran, she couldn't outpace the sky-skiffs. In a short while, they caught up and surrounded her. Ye Ziling frowned, her gaze landing on a white jade dragon boat docked in the distance. Without hesitation, she jumped onto the boat. Since the collapse of the heavenly pillar, immortals were restricted from flying freely and could only travel using these sky-skiffs. Now that humans and gods coexisted, convenient modes of transportation were essential.