The Legend of Taotie – An Yuexi, Wang Youshuo

The gluttonous beast Taotie, known for its insatiable appetite, accidentally wandered into the human realm, living freely without restraint. Eventually, Lian Deng, a monk, moved Taotie with compassion, but this inadvertently opened the Heaven-Connecting Gate. This led to an alliance between the armies of the Black Ridge King and Qiongqi, who aimed to dominate the human world. Lian Deng and Taotie personally led troops to a fierce battle outside Songyang Gate. The battle was perilous.

Even though Taotie was incredibly powerful, the enemy forces outnumbered her by tens of thousands. Struck by countless arrows, Taotie was severely wounded. Upon hearing that Lian Deng had sacrificed his physical body to transform into a protective tower, she fell into despair. Reminiscing about the days when they fought side by side, her grief consumed her. Without hesitation, she detonated herself, ending her life.

Five hundred years later, in a resplendent mansion known as Tianxiang Tower, Chang Qing was painting a portrait of Zhu Chengbi. Zhu Chengbi, who had been without fresh delicacies for days, lay idly, dozing off out of boredom. Curious about Chang Qing’s painting, she leaned over to take a closer look, but Chang Qing intentionally concealed the canvas. Just as Zhu Chengbi was about to snatch it, a visitor arrived at the door.

At that moment, Zhu Chengbi, who had been lamenting the lack of fresh ingredients, was greeted by a male guest, Gao Zong. Gao Zong brought in a large water tank, inside of which was a stunning mermaid. Zhu Chengbi immediately grabbed her chopsticks to sample the fish, only to find the flesh bitter and far from sweet. Puzzled, she questioned Gao Zong, who revealed his backstory with the mermaid.

Recently, Gao Zong had encountered a beautiful woman by the sea, who left him utterly captivated. Unable to forget her, he returned to the riverbank daily in search of her but found no trace. Determined, Gao Zong jumped into the river, prompting the mermaid, who had been hiding behind a rock, to reveal herself and save him. From then on, Gao Zong and the mermaid lived together, even renting a small courtyard by the river to enjoy a tranquil life.

Unfortunately, fortune turned against Gao Zong, and after squandering his wealth, he could no longer provide for their livelihood. Desperate, he spent his days wandering between pawnshops. Frustrated, he returned home one day, accidentally spilling the tea the mermaid had brought him. The hot tea scalded the mermaid's wrist, causing her to reveal her true form and flee to the courtyard pond, thus exposing her real identity.

Overcome by greed, Gao Zong learned from a friend that a powerful court official, Master Jia, had a penchant for eating rare fresh fish. He decided to offer the mermaid as a tribute. Surprisingly, when the mermaid learned of her husband’s plan to sell her, she agreed willingly. When she was brought to Tianxiang Tower, though she wasn’t forcibly restrained, Zhu Chengbi still found the fish meat bitter and unpalatable.

Together, Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing questioned the mermaid and Gao Zong about their relationship. The mermaid explained that she had once seen Gao Zong release a flower carp back into the river. Later, when his ship was caught in a storm and overturned, she saved him without hesitation. Zhu Chengbi remarked that wealth often conceals a person’s true nature, but adversity reveals it.

Gao Zong, who was willing to trade his wife for benefits, was by no means a virtuous man. At this moment, the Langya King, ruler of Wuxia City, arrived at Tianxiang Tower to pay a visit. Initially, Zhu Chengbi had declined to see anyone, but the sudden presence of an extraordinary fragrance compelled her to run outside.

The Langya King, Zhao Heng, visited Zhu Chengbi, bringing along two small sea turtles and requesting her to cook them. Zhu Chengbi took one glance at the turtles and refused immediately, pointing out that these had been dried for so long they were no better than ham and not worth her effort in cooking. She suggested that Zhao Heng have his household chef prepare them instead. Despite being politely shown the door, Zhao Heng had no intention of leaving.

He even ordered his guards to search Tianxiang Tower. Fortunately, Zhu Chengbi’s two clever maidservants quickly hid the mermaid in a fish tank, preventing her from being discovered. Zhao Heng left empty-handed. Upon returning, he consulted Xu Shuying, a scholar known for his knowledge of mythical beasts. When Zhao Heng inquired about the origin of the Lotus Heart Tower, Xu Shuying explained that the fall of the tower marked the emergence of the Black Ridge King, signaling great danger.

Xu also recounted the story of how Lian Deng had sacrificed his body and blood to seal the tower. Additionally, rumors circulated that the proprietress of Tianxiang Tower, Zhu Chengbi, was the reincarnation of Taotie. Two days later, Gao Zong, consumed by guilt and longing for his wife, returned to Tianxiang Tower to reclaim the mermaid.

Tearfully, he confessed to Zhu Chengbi his deep regret for bringing his wife there and declared that he now understood she was an irreplaceable treasure. The mermaid, overhearing his heartfelt words, believed him and willingly followed him back home. Meanwhile, Jia Lian, who had been plagued by recurring nightmares, heard that consuming a mermaid could alleviate his suffering. Determined to acquire mermaid flesh, he began scheming and reaching out to anyone who could help him achieve his goal.

Zhao Heng returned to Tianxiang Tower once again, bringing two pieces of prime meat. Zhu Chengbi personally cooked the meat into a dish so exquisite it melted in the mouth. Both being connoisseurs of fine cuisine, Zhao Heng and Zhu Chengbi shared a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. Zhao Heng then proposed that Zhu Chengbi prepare the mermaid for him, and this time, she did not refuse.

After Zhao Heng left, Chang Qing immediately warned Zhu Chengbi against harboring murderous intentions. He reminded her that while she could consume mythical beasts, the mermaid A Jiao now possessed human emotions and should not be treated as food. Though Chang Qing’s reasoning was sound, Zhu Chengbi, driven by hunger, was unwilling to listen. The two argued fiercely, and in frustration, Zhu Chengbi stormed off to the Lotus Heart Tower.

Whenever Zhu Chengbi had something on her mind, she would visit the Lotus Heart Tower, speaking as though Lian Deng were still there to listen. This time, she chastised the monk for leaving her to guard the tower while depriving her of the pleasures of fine cuisine. However, her solitude was interrupted by Zhao Heng’s arrival. Weakened from days without food, Zhu Chengbi nearly fainted, and Zhao Heng carried her back to Tianxiang Tower.

Meanwhile, the city was abuzz with guards searching for the mermaid. It wasn’t just Zhao Heng’s men; even the mermaid clan had begun searching for A Jiao. Since the mermaid clan’s weapons were no match for human tools, they soon gave up on A Jiao, allowing Gao Zong and her to reunite once more. Time passed, and the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived. Once again, Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing quarreled over food, refusing to speak to each other.

While the tension lingered, Zhao Heng suddenly appeared, inviting Zhu Chengbi to a Mid-Autumn feast. He brought along luxurious, glowing white silk, which immediately caught Zhu Chengbi’s attention. Delighted by the fine fabric, she agreed to join Zhao Heng for moon-viewing, completely ignoring Chang Qing’s objections.

Zhu Chengbi changed into the clothes Zhao Heng had gifted her, making her fair skin and striking beauty even more radiant, resembling a celestial maiden. Even the usually stern and unyielding guards beside her were momentarily stunned. Chang Qing attempted to stop her again, but Zhu Chengbi paid him no heed and stepped directly into Zhao Heng’s sedan chair. Worried, Chang Qing quickly hired a carriage to follow them.

Zhao Heng’s sedan stopped by the riverside, and he and Zhu Chengbi boarded a boat together. To Chang Qing's surprise, he saw Gao Zong and A Jiao also boarding the boat, carrying an invitation. Realizing that no one could board the boat without an invitation, and knowing the city was full of people hunting for mermaids, Chang Qing grew anxious. Desperate, he jumped into the water and snuck aboard the boat.

Gao Zong held A Jiao’s hand tenderly and declared that today they would wed and become a couple. Deeply moved, A Jiao was overcome with tears, captivated by Gao Zong’s sweet words. When Gao Zong suggested they drink a ceremonial cup of wine together, A Jiao drank without hesitation. Moments later, she fainted and reverted to her true form. Zhu Chengbi emerged from the shadows, praising Gao Zong’s plan.

She noted that the wine she had brewed herself would naturally force A Jiao to reveal her true form. As planned, Zhu Chengbi was to prepare the mermaid into exquisite delicacies for the banquet guests. Closing the kitchen doors, Zhu Chengbi asked A Jiao if she regretted anything. A Jiao pleaded for Zhu Chengbi to spare her. Zhu Chengbi cast a spell, surrounding A Jiao with a layer of blue mist. The banquet soon began.

After ensuring the guests had bathed and changed to fully appreciate the delicacies, Zhu Chengbi presented each one with meticulously crafted dishes. Jia Lian, delighted, ate with great enthusiasm and even spoke to the guests about the rarity and profound story behind the dish. He narrated how the mermaid endured hardships, experienced human love, and, at the moment of death, was still intoxicated by the illusion of affection. Eating such a dish, he claimed, would naturally bring unparalleled happiness.

Listening to this, Chang Qing was heartbroken. As a compassionate person, he could not accept Zhu Chengbi harming any being other than mythical beasts. He believed mermaids, with their pure emotions, should not fall victim to such cruelty. Hearing that Zhu Chengbi had killed such a deeply affectionate creature, he was overwhelmed with sorrow. Zhu Chengbi then encouraged everyone to drink the aperitif she had prepared.

Zhao Heng, observing Zhu Chengbi’s expression closely, noticed her satisfied smile when the guests began sipping their wine. Sensing something amiss, he discreetly put his cup down. Jia Lian, impressed by Gao Zong’s apparent devotion to A Jiao, praised him lavishly, promising him promotions and rewards, including a special fish dish to enjoy.

Trembling, Gao Zong picked up a piece of fish, forced it into his mouth, and, despite his difficulty swallowing, remarked that it was both delicious and brought him a sense of happiness. Meanwhile, in a water basin, A Jiao overheard the men shamelessly commenting on the taste of her flesh. Enraged, she wailed in despair.

Watching the banquet, Zhu Chengbi finally revealed the truth with a laugh: the wine everyone drank was the same poisoned wine Gao Zong had served to the mermaid. It not only exposed their true forms but also caused hallucinations and weakened their limbs. The guests were shocked, and many began collapsing. At that moment, the mermaid clan stormed the boat, seeking revenge while protecting their own.

Amidst the chaos, a young servant from the mermaid clan urged A Jiao to eat Gao Zong, saying it would help her completely forget him. However, as A Jiao recalled the happy moments she had once shared with Gao Zong, she chose not to devour him. Instead, she silently left.

A Jiao left in tears, filled with hatred, as the mermaid clan erupted in fury. They began slaughtering everyone at the banquet. Zhu Chengbi quickly grabbed Chang Qing and jumped into the river to escape the dangerous situation. Amid the chaos, the Langya King was nowhere to be seen. He had revealed his true form—clearly a mythical beast.

His two astonished subordinates saw that their master had grown a qilin arm, but they didn’t have time to process this, as the Langya King swiftly took their lives. Zhu Chengbi and Chang Qing surfaced in the water, breathing heavily. They had narrowly escaped as many mermaids surrounded the boat in pursuit. Fortunately, they had fled quickly. Chang Qing felt reassured, believing he had judged Zhu Chengbi correctly. Despite her mischievous nature, she maintained her principles at critical moments.

Feeling that Zhu Chengbi should not hide anything from him, their misunderstandings were resolved. Zhu Chengbi even invited him to admire the moon together. The Tianxiang Pavilion returned to its usual quietness. Bored, Zhu Chengbi decided to prepare some exquisite snacks for her friends. This time, she set her sights on pufferfish and scorpions. Though aware of their toxicity, her curiosity got the better of her. After steaming, boiling, and cooking the ingredients, she eagerly tasted them herself.

Xu Shuying arrived uninvited, having long suspected that the owner of Tianxiang Pavilion might be the reincarnation of a gluttonous beast. This time, he was particularly aggressive, questioning Zhu Chengbi outright if she was indeed a taotie. Chang Qing, standing nearby, broke into a nervous sweat, fearing Zhu Chengbi would be unable to handle the interrogation. Fortunately, Zhu Chengbi, intoxicated by the pufferfish’s poison, had lost her senses. She babbled incoherently, unable to answer any questions.

Seeing this, Xu Shuying left in frustration. Zhu Chengbi had abstained from meat for several days. This time, she specifically went to the market to buy a small mythical beast, intending to enjoy a feast. On the way back, she encountered a foolish young scholar who claimed that mythical beasts were living creatures and pleaded with her not to kill indiscriminately. Seeing the naive look in his eyes, Zhu Chengbi pushed him aside.

She directly asked if he wanted to buy the creature to set it free, explaining that she had spent a considerable amount of silver to purchase it. If he didn’t want the beast to become food, he could pay to release it. However, the scholar had no money and secretly followed Zhu Chengbi. Seizing the moment when Zhu Chengbi and her maid weren’t paying attention, he freed the mythical beast.

Zhu Chengbi and her maid refused to let the young scholar get away with it. They chased him relentlessly, eventually arriving at Xu Shuying’s residence. It turned out the scholar was Xu Shuying’s son. Xu Shuying, smelling the scent of the mythical beast on his son, grew furious and punished him, warning him to stay away from mythical creatures. However, his son repeatedly ignored these warnings. To discipline him further, Xu Shuying dripped melted candle wax onto his son’s palms.

Seeing this, Zhu Chengbi’s maid, Ying Tao, was so frightened that she immediately reported it to Zhu Chengbi, remarking that Xu Shuying was truly ruthless. In the Langya region, a spy was discovered murdered. Upon investigation, the guards found that the wounds contained a unique venom. Zhao Heng showed the venom to Zhu Chengbi, who quickly identified it as bee venom, a type found only in the northern Di territory. This suggested a deep connection with the northern Di.

A few days later, the Southern King of the northern Di attended a banquet hosted by the Langya King. Zhao Heng invited Zhu Chengbi to prepare the feast, intending to test whether the Southern King knew anything about the bee venom. When the Southern King refused to disclose any information, Zhu Chengbi gave her maid a signal. The maid exclaimed in panic, claiming that the pufferfish meat had been mistaken for mandarin fish. The guests were horrified.

The Southern King, too, began to feel severe abdominal pain. Zhao Heng quickly remarked that only bee venom could act as an antidote, but the Southern King denied knowing anything about bee venom. Seeing this, Zhu Chengbi dismissed the panic, stating that the maid had been mistaken—the fish was indeed mandarin fish. After hearing from Zhu Chengbi that his son had stolen her mythical beast, Xu Shuying became furious.

He returned home and scolded his son harshly, even threatening to kill the beast himself. However, the young scholar immediately fled with the creature in his arms. From the assassins, Xu Shuying learned that the northern Di had been using venomous bees to kill, targeting individuals with three moles on their palms. It was said that these individuals were prophesied to destroy the northern Di in ten years.

Uneasy, Xu Shuying visited Zhu Chengbi to confirm the lethality of the venomous bees. Zhu Chengbi confirmed that once targeted, the bees would eliminate their victim within three days. After careful thought, Xu Shuying used a heated iron needle to burn three moles into his palm. Then, he went to the marketplace to search for his son.

Xu Shuying arrived at the marketplace, searching everywhere for his son. He had an ominous feeling—a major event was about to unfold. At the market, he encountered a strange man whose face twisted into a sinister expression before letting out a couple of eerie laughs. The man shook a bell in his hand, and a swarm of black bees surged toward Xu Shuying, seemingly intent on taking his life. Instinctively, Xu Shuying raised his hand to shield his face.

As he did so, the three moles on his hand became visible, and the black bees unexpectedly dispersed. This strange occurrence left Xu Shuying even more unsettled. That evening, Xu Shuying tracked down the residence of the peculiar man he had seen earlier at the market. After carefully searching the place, he discovered a massive beehive inside the room, housing thousands of venomous bees.

Alarmed, Xu Shuying rushed home, retrieved a precious family heirloom—a painting—and delivered it to Tianxiang Tower overnight. Offering the painting, he pleaded with Zhu Chengbi to protect his son and ensure his safe upbringing. Zhu Chengbi was surprised by Xu Shuying’s late-night visit and was about to ask for an explanation, but he refused to elaborate and resolutely left. As soon as Xu Shuying departed Tianxiang Tower, he was stopped by a strange young man dressed in white, with white eyebrows.

Sensing something was amiss, Xu Shuying shouted, “The Beidi are killing people! ” But before he could escape, he was killed by the mysterious youth. Lu Ying received a report from his subordinates and immediately went to examine the body of Scholar Xu. He learned that Xu Shuying had visited a woodshed before his death and hurried to the location with his men. Unfortunately, it was too late—the property had already been reduced to ashes.

While Lu Ying lamented his delay, the same white-clad, white-browed young man appeared. Although Lu Ying had the opportunity to capture him, Xu Ruoxu intervened, pulling the youth away to safety. Lu Ying’s guards prepared to shoot the pair with arrows, but Lu Ying, mindful that Xu Ruoxu was Scholar Xu’s only son, relented and allowed them to escape. Unbeknownst to Xu Ruoxu, the black bee demon he rescued, known as Ling, was the very one who had killed his father.

Xu Ruoxu acted out of gratitude, recalling how Ling had once saved his life, and was now repaying the favor. Ignorant of his father’s fate, Xu Ruoxu wandered the streets at night with Ling. Hungry and unable to find food, they suddenly caught the scent of something delicious. Looking up, they saw Tianxiang Tower and climbed into one of its second-floor rooms. Zhu Chengbi caught them red-handed.

A bookish man by nature, Xu Ruoxu was fully aware of the shame in stealing and immediately admitted his wrongdoing. To make amends, he stayed to help Zhu Chengbi cook. When Zhu Chengbi mentioned needing some black bee honey, Xu Ruoxu had Ling produce extra for her. At this point, Ling obeyed Xu Ruoxu without question and even joined him in learning how to fold wontons.

In private, Zhu Chengbi confided in Chang Qing that Ling was originally a transformed black bee. Black bees typically worked diligently, gathering food and making honey to serve their tamer. However, one bee had gained spiritual power and taken on a human form, gaining some awareness in the process. Zhu Chengbi’s ultimate goal was to awaken Ling’s free will and help him break free from his tamer’s control. Yet for now, Ling’s subconscious still obeyed the commands of the one who had tamed him.

Zhu Chengbi often found herself chatting with Chang Qing, only to feel that he could never truly understand her. The two of them were like opposites, yet they spent every day together. Zhu Chengbi didn’t fully understand Chang Qing’s background. She only thought of him as kind-hearted and simple, though she couldn’t figure out why she always kept him by her side, enduring his endless chatter. Zhu Chengbi opened the treasure map sent by Xu Shuying.

Years ago, a monk had given her a drop of Qilin blood, and now she found it strange that the monk had gifted a demon-identifying map to Xu Shuying and a drop of Qilin blood to her. With Xu Shuying now dead, she tried to uncover the connection between the two. For the time being, she decided to let Ling stay at Tianxiang Tower for a few more days.

Zhao Heng objected to letting Ling reside at Tianxiang Tower and instructed Lu Ying to take action. However, Chang Qing was no ordinary man and managed to match Lu Ying in skill. After a brief exchange of moves, Lu Ying conceded defeat and returned, frustrated. The Southern King of Beidi had stayed in the Xia Kingdom for several days without any intention of leaving. Zhao Heng handed him a secret letter.

In the past, the Southern King had witnessed his elder brother solidify his power by murdering their sibling. Although his brother had countless justifications, the Southern King was convinced that returning to Beidi would bring nothing but misfortune, which explained his reluctance to leave Xia. The letter Zhao Heng gave him bore the Beidi King's seal, falsely claiming that the Southern King had been kidnapped and calling for an alliance with Xia to attack other nations.

Lu Ying eventually tracked down Ling and relentlessly pursued him. However, Xu Ruoxu continually shielded Ling, preventing Lu Ying from taking action. Finally, Lu Ying found an opportunity and shot an arrow that struck Ling in a critical area. Xu Ruoxu didn’t understand why Lu Ying was so determined, and Lu Ying revealed the truth: Ling was the one who had killed Xu Ruoxu’s father in the street. The revelation hit Xu Ruoxu like a thunderbolt.

Grieving his father’s death, he wept bitterly but still believed that Ling had been manipulated by villains. Zhu Chengbi persuaded Xu Ruoxu to follow her plan: uncover the identity of Ling’s tamer, the one who had compelled the black bees to commit atrocities. After careful consideration, Xu Ruoxu agreed and brought Ling to the site of the old hive that had been burned down.

Seeing the massive hive where he had once lived as a child, Ling was flooded with memories. Just then, the tamer’s bell rang, and Ling’s consciousness was involuntarily awakened. He couldn’t help but walk toward the bell-ringer. Xu Ruoxu recognized the sinister-looking old man as the one his father had encountered. The tamer ordered Ling to follow him, but Ling hesitated, repeatedly mumbling that he had killed Xu Ruoxu’s father.

At that moment, Ling realized he had been a puppet used to kill countless innocents, and he now felt unworthy of Xu Ruoxu’s trust. The tamer shook his bell to summon a swarm of black bees to attack Xu Ruoxu, but Chang Qing arrived in time to save him. Though Chang Qing was slightly outmatched, Zhu Chengbi soon arrived to assist, preventing a tragedy. Seeing that Xu Ruoxu was safe, Ling spread his wings and flew away.

Zhao Heng invited the Southern King of Beidi on a hunting trip, and Xu Ruoxu, too, received an invitation. Zhu Chengbi appeared on horseback, graceful as ever. She had once struck a deal with Zhao Heng: if Xu Ruoxu was not handed over, Zhao Heng would ensure the safety of the Northern Xia Kingdom. Since the hunt was taking place in the mountains, Zhu Chengbi had been called to ensure everyone’s safety.

While Zhu Chengbi was guarding the group, Tianxiang Tower was infiltrated by an unknown intruder who stole the spirit map that Xu Shuying had delivered. The black bee tamer appeared again and assassinated the Southern King of Beidi in full view of the crowd. Panic erupted as people fled in all directions. As the Southern King collapsed to the ground, his true form was revealed—a large brown gorilla, confirming that he was also a demon.

Zhu Chengbi returned to Tianxiang Tower only to discover that Bai Ze's spirit map had been stolen. She declined Zhao Heng’s offer to help. After seeing Zhao Heng off, she immediately shut the door and questioned Chang Qing directly, asking if he was the one who had stolen the map. Chang Qing was utterly shocked and quickly explained that he had already worked hard to catch the thief. He didn’t understand why he was always the one being suspected.

Even Zhu Chengbi couldn’t understand why Chang Qing, standing before her, bore such a striking resemblance to Bai Ze. Keeping someone so suspicious by her side was undoubtedly dangerous. Determined to send him away, Zhu Chengbi declared her decision. However, Chang Qing stubbornly retorted that he owed Zhu Chengbi a significant sum of money and wouldn’t leave Tianxiang Tower until the debt was repaid.

Helpless, Zhu Chengbi tore apart a drawing of a maid named Ying Tao that Chang Qing had personally sketched. By destroying this drawing in public, she made it clear she would no longer tolerate him. Furious, Chang Qing left. The Langya King of Wuxia personally escorted the slain Southern King of Beidi back to Beidi, publicly clearing himself of any involvement before leaving. Late at night, the Beidi King summoned the black bee tamer.

Furious about what had happened during the day, the Beidi King could understand wanting to eliminate rivals, but to have someone switched out midway was embarrassing. The tamer was equally shocked and deeply frustrated about killing the wrong person. Seeking to atone for his failure, he begged the Beidi King to spare his life, promising to return to Wuxia and assassinate both the real Southern King and the hateful Langya King.

In reality, the true Southern King of Beidi was still alive. Zhao Heng had used a demon beast to impersonate the Southern King, hoping to open his kind-hearted eyes to his elder brother’s true nature. This experience finally made the Southern King see his brother’s methods for what they were. After Chang Qing left Tianxiang Tower, Zhu Chengbi felt a deep sense of loss.

She reminisced about how lively and happy things had been when Chang Qing was around, regretting that she had personally driven away a good friend. Zhu Chengbi went to the Lotus Heart Pagoda again to confide in the monk, expressing how much she had taken on to protect all of Wuxia. While wandering through the market, Zhu Chengbi unexpectedly came across Ling, sitting in a daze. Fortune had truly brought him back to her.

Zhu Chengbi had just acquired the copper bell used by the tamer to summon the black bees and thought that testing it on Ling wouldn’t hurt. Since Ling had defied the tamer, his senses had begun to deteriorate, and his eyesight was now blurry. Realizing his life was nearing its end, Ling deeply missed Xu Ruoxu. Meanwhile, Xu Ruoxu, feeling restless, couldn’t resist returning to Tianxiang Tower to see Ling.

When Ling had killed Xu Ruoxu’s father, he had absorbed some of the father’s memories and unconsciously inherited the deep love the scholar had for his son. The tamer created a new, more powerful puppet, stronger and more obedient than Ling. A fierce battle broke out in the forest. The new puppet aimed to kill both Ling and Xu Ruoxu, but Zhu Chengbi arrived just in time.

Black bees carried deadly poison, and seeing that Zhu Chengbi couldn’t protect Xu Ruoxu, Ling immediately fled with him. Chang Qing also appeared, using his signature large brush to draw a sturdy iron net, trapping the puppet and the black bees. The tamer, shot in the abdomen, remained defiant and ordered the puppet black bee to reveal its true form and fly away.

Ling engaged in a desperate battle with the puppet black bee but was ultimately overpowered and fell to the ground. The puppet black bee mercilessly killed Ling. In his final moments, Ling transferred his remaining consciousness into the puppet to protect Xu Ruoxu. The puppet black bee, now imbued with Ling’s memories, began to experience self-awareness. Ling entrusted it to never forget the names of its benefactors and to protect what it cherished most.

After Ling’s death, the puppet black bee inherited his consciousness, calling out Xu Ruoxu’s name and gently touching the grieving Xu Ruoxu’s face in a familiar motion Ling had once used. Xu Ruoxu watched as countless specks of light gradually disappeared before him. He called out Ling’s name in anguish, his heart breaking.

When Chang Qing saw the bell in Zhu Chengbi's hand, he assumed she had schemed to harm Ling and angrily stormed off. Not wanting him to misunderstand, Zhu Chengbi immediately went to his residence to explain. She told him that Ling was not dead—his memories had been transferred to the new puppet black bee. Moreover, the bee poison that Ling had once hated in himself was now consumed by Zhu Chengbi, giving him closure on that matter.

Chang Qing returned to the scene and saw Xu Ruoxu happily playing with his new companion. Feeling relieved, he was content knowing that Xu Ruoxu, who was always so kind-hearted, now had a close companion. It was always hard for Chang Qing to witness harm come to good people or noble demon beasts, so seeing this harmony was a welcome change.

During the time that the Southern King of Beidi, Di Feng, was away, his elder brother would occasionally recall their childhood closeness. Back then, he had been grateful that his younger brother had sacrificed himself to become a hostage in another nation for the sake of the country. Now that his throne was secure, the elder brother found it unbearable to coexist with his sibling, a feeling that left him filled with shame.

Zhao Heng went to find Di Feng, but his room was empty. A guard informed him that Di Feng had gone out early in the morning. Fearing for his safety, Zhao Heng immediately led people to track him down. When they arrived, Di Feng was indeed surrounded by assassins. Although Zhao Heng managed to save him, Di Feng was utterly despondent.

He lamented that ever since leaving Zhao, he had realized how much his elder brother, who once protected him as a child, had changed. Zhao Heng had changed too. Overwhelmed by despair, Di Feng raised a blade and ended his own life. Witnessing Di Feng's suicide, Zhao Heng was overcome with sorrow. Holding Di Feng’s lifeless body, he couldn’t help but sigh, wondering why someone with freedom couldn’t cherish themselves. Zhu Chengbi fell into a peaceful sleep on her couch.

Normally cheerful and lively, she often dreamed of herself as the gluttonous General Taotie, dying tragically in battle with arrows piercing her front and back. She also dreamt of the heart-wrenching pain she felt when hearing that the monk of Lotus Heart Pagoda had sacrificed his body to sanctify the pagoda. Upon waking, she saw Chang Qing fanning himself nonchalantly and couldn’t help but think he was heartless.

She asked him if there was anyone in his past that he wished he could never forget. Chang Qing pondered for a moment but remained silent. This only made Zhu Chengbi more convinced that his past was as blank as a piece of white paper. One day, a distinguished guest arrived at Tianxiang Tower—Zhou Guangping, a member of the Zhou family from Jiangling.

Zhou Guangping, who lived in the famous Four Jing Garden, was an only son cherished as a precious gem by his mother. Rarely leaving home, he had to report everything he did to her. If his mother didn’t see him for even a minute, she would become frantic and, in her agitation, sometimes scratch her own face with her prosthetic hand. This time, Zhou Guangping insisted on meeting Chang Qing alone.

At the door, Zhu Chengbi noticed Zhou Guangping’s maid, Liyu, looking incredibly nervous. Out of kindness, Zhu Chengbi reminded Zhou Guangping to return home soon. To avoid suspicion, Zhu Chengbi left Tianxiang Tower with two maids. On the way, she shared Zhou Guangping’s story with them. He had married four wives in succession, but shortly after their weddings, his third and fourth wives had died under mysterious circumstances.

Rumors circulated that the feng shui of his house was unfavorable, particularly the white tiger carved from white stone in the courtyard, which was said to bring bad luck. However, Zhu Chengbi wasn’t sure what secrets lay behind it, and it had nothing to do with Tianxiang Tower. When Zhou Guangping returned home with his maid, he found the room in disarray and his mother in a highly unstable emotional state.

She scolded him for being away so long and even ordered the maid Liyu to whip Zhou Guangping’s wife, Ruifang. Ruifang's cries of pain pierced Zhou Guangping's ears as he knelt and begged his mother for mercy. The pearl that Zhu Chengbi had given him fell to the ground during the commotion. His mother picked it up but felt as though it burned her hand.

Zhou Guangping relayed Zhu Chengbi’s words: “Hold a pearl in your hand too long, and you might get burned. ”At Tianxiang Tower, Zhu Chengbi had already guessed that Zhou Guangping intended for Chang Qing to paint a fake person to replace him so he could escape his mother’s control. Zhu Chengbi warned Chang Qing not to help Zhou Guangping, as his impending dangers and trials were still unresolved.

Zhao Heng acquired a rare pearl—emerald-green, large, and exceptionally beautiful. Admiring its brilliance, he praised it endlessly. At that moment, Zhu Chengbi arrived, expressing her fondness for the pearl and offering a high price to purchase it. However, Zhao Heng refused to sell it, explaining that he was preparing an expensive gift to welcome an important visitor from the palace. In the city of Wu Xia, a carriage slowly approached.

Inside was a noble princess, visiting Wu Xia for the first time. She was filled with excitement. She had long been infatuated with Zhao Heng, and the two had been betrothed for years. This time, she came under imperial orders to marry Zhao Heng. Zhao Heng personally led his men out to greet the honored guest. However, upon seeing only the princess and not his long-anticipated father, he was visibly disappointed and turned away, heading back to his room.

Later in the afternoon, Zhao Heng questioned the princess about palace affairs. She presented the emperor’s decree, revealing that her visit to Wu Xia was solely to fulfill the imperial mandate of marriage. Zhao Heng felt even more disheartened. That evening, the princess made an effort to improve relations, burning soothing pine incense in the room. Zhao Heng relaxed slightly but was soon jolted awake by a nightmare. Realizing it was already the 14th, he hurriedly dressed and left.

Zhao Heng went straight to Tianxiang Tower, where he shared drinks with Zhu Chengbi. Although he had refused to give her the pearl earlier that day, in the quiet of the night, he gifted her the precious gem. Deeply touched, Zhu Chengbi thanked him. Suddenly, Zhao Heng began hallucinating and found himself kissing Zhu Chengbi in a vision. As the scene grew clearer, he realized he might have been affected by the princess’s incense.

With his awareness intact, he quickly excused himself and left. Early the next morning, Zhou Guangping’s mother frantically searched for him. Zhou Guangping was at the ancestral hall offering incense. Seeing his mother’s overwhelming anxiety at not being able to see him, he sighed deeply. Her suffocating love left him breathless. Meanwhile, Chang Qing had already painted an identical likeness of Zhou Guangping, intending to secretly replace him in the Zhou household and grant Zhou Guangping his freedom.

However, within two minutes, someone accidentally spilled water on the illusionary paper figure, instantly revealing its true form. Staring at the soaked portrait on the ground, Chang Qing sighed, knowing Zhou Guangping would endure further torment in the coming days. Zhu Chengbi, suspecting that Chang Qing had secretly visited Zhou Guangping, was furious at his disobedience.

She threw Chang Qing’s belongings into the hall and declared that he was now banished to living on the first floor and forbidden to go upstairs. After discarding his belongings, Zhu Chengbi felt a pang of regret. Facing the Lotus Heart Pagoda, she silently asked the monk of Lotus Heart if she had once again been too willful. According to the plan, Ruifang and Zhou Guangping were supposed to escape together that night.

However, due to the paper figure being exposed earlier, Zhou Guangping failed to get away. Unaware of the situation, Ruifang slipped out during the day and waited at the agreed meeting point at night. When her husband didn’t show up, she grew increasingly anxious. Suddenly, a monstrous beast lunged at her with its gaping jaws. With a blood-curdling scream, Ruifang collapsed into a pool of blood.

By morning, rumors spread across the streets that Ruifang, the wife of the Zhou family, had been killed by a strange creature. Upon hearing about the tragedy, Chang Qing realized he might have been indirectly involved and rushed to the scene. There, he saw Ruifang’s face nearly unrecognizable, with her chest soaked in blood. Chang Qing felt deeply distressed.

Zhu Chengbi, who already knew the identity of the culprit, told Chang Qing not to worry, assuring him that someone would come to Tianxiang Tower to confess later that day. Sure enough, before long, Zhou Guangping’s mother arrived. She confronted Chang Qing, accusing him of promising to help her son escape from the Zhou residence. Observing her domineering demeanor, so unlike an ordinary person’s warmth, Chang Qing instinctively stepped back.

Zhu Chengbi stepped in front of him and questioned Zhou’s mother’s intentions. Enraged, Zhou’s mother revealed her true form—a white tiger. In response, Zhu Chengbi unleashed her own power, revealing herself as the gluttonous Taotie. “Do you think I’d fear a mere tigress? ” she retorted.

Zhou’s mother, sensing her son’s desire for freedom, personally visited Tianxiang Tower to ask Zhu Chengbi to stop Chang Qing from assisting Zhou Guangping. However, Zhou’s mother couldn’t understand why Zhu Chengbi, a Taotie, would comply with the requests of a White Tiger. She was turned away at Tianxiang Tower and returned home in frustration. Knowing that his mother had gone to the Xunlie Bureau, Zhou Guangping waited at the door for her return.

When he heard the marketplace rumors about his wife’s tragic death, he was overwhelmed with anxiety. He asked his mother if she had confirmed the identity of the body. Hearing her confirmation that it was indeed Ruifang, his heart was shattered. Zhou’s mother remained indifferent, even suggesting he not grieve too much, as she could arrange for him to marry another woman. Saying this, she pushed Liyu, a potential new wife, toward him.

Barely coping with his wife’s horrific death, Zhou Guangping was forced into remarriage by his cold-hearted mother, leaving him utterly despondent. Having long prepared a dagger for himself, he decided to end his suffering. However, Liyu secretly reported his suicidal intentions to Zhou’s mother. She arrived just in time to stop him, sternly warning that even if he used a dagger to take his life, she could bring him back to life.

Zhou Guangping went to the family ancestral hall and stood before the plaques of his ancestors. In silent prayer, he lamented that being trapped here was worse than death and desperately hoped for a way out. Seeing his despair, Liyu swore to help him escape. The Xunlie Bureau conducted routine inspections and searched Sijing Garden. When Lu Ying questioned the residents, he noticed their hesitations, as though they were hiding something.

Despite a thorough search, he found nothing and left with his team. As they were leaving, Liyu discreetly slipped a note into Lu Ying’s hand. The note read “madwoman. ” After reporting to the Qilin King, Lu Ying decided to search Sijing Garden again. Meanwhile, Zhu Chengbi had asked Chang Qing to watch the door for her. Earlier, she had gone to Sijing Garden, where Zhou’s mother had gifted her a bronze cauldron.

This cauldron, a precious artifact, had caught Zhu Chengbi’s eye, and Zhou’s mother generously allowed her to keep it for personal use. Zhu Chengbi explained that it could be used for hot pot. As the cooking process required her full attention, she instructed Chang Qing to guard the door and prevent anyone from entering. When Lu Ying tried to search again, he was stopped by Chang Qing. Curious as to why cooking required a closed door, Lu Ying persisted.

At that moment, the Qilin King, who was acquainted with Zhu Chengbi, arrived and ordered Lu Ying to show respect. As the two conversed, Zhu Chengbi opened the door herself. Inside, she was alone, with nothing unusual in sight. Zhao Heng, catching the aroma of the food, joked that he hoped Zhu Chengbi would cook for him someday. Zhu Chengbi agreed with a smile. During his search of Sijing Garden, Lu Ying finally discovered the so-called “madwoman.

” The woman, clearly unhinged, repeatedly muttered the words “White Tiger. ” Observing her erratic behavior, Lu Ying understood the reference to the note. However, Zhou’s mother claimed this woman was her family’s first daughter-in-law, who had been kept in the garden due to her unstable mental state, insisting that her words could not be trusted. Lu Ying reported his findings to Zhao Heng.

Zhao Heng, intrigued, noted that the Zhou family ancestral hall prominently displayed an embroidery of a White Tiger. Coincidentally, the White Tiger in the embroidery had a damaged forepaw, matching Zhou’s mother’s own condition. Zhao Heng playfully suggested to Lu Ying that Zhou’s mother might be the very person they were looking for. For several days, Zhu Chengbi remained in the kitchen, focusing intently on preparing a dish.

Concerned for her well-being, Chang Qing personally cooked a bowl of porridge for her. However, Zhu Chengbi found it unappetizing. Just then, Zhao Heng sent over a variety of exquisite meats, which delighted her. Along with the food came a note from Zhao Heng, which Zhu Chengbi read with a smile, happily accepting his invitation.