Wenshu’s dagger plunged into Wang Jue’s belly. With a sharp cry, she released her grip on the weapon, as if unable to believe what she had done. Then, resuming the demeanor of a fragile woman, she turned to flee, only to find her path blocked by Zhang Yuqiu and Hou Dayong.

Zhang Yuqiu seized her arm and dragged her before Wang Jue, who was slumped nearby. "I told you," she snapped, "this woman is mercurial; even the Puppet King must treat her with caution."

Wang Jue clutched his wound, large beads of sweat tracing paths down his forehead. He managed a weak smile for Zhang Yuqiu. "How did you know the Puppet King couldn't control her?"

Zhang Yuqiu pulled Wenshu closer to Wang Jue, slicing Wenshu’s palm with the dagger. As the blood welled up, she swiftly pulled the blade from Wang Jue’s stomach and dripped Wenshu’s blood, drop by drop, onto the wound, explaining, "Because her fear trumps her hatred. Fear can break the grip of hatred."

Wang Jue half-reclined as instructed. The moment the wound was bathed in Wenshu's blood, it began to close. Mustering his strength, he asked, "Then how did she kill those ninety-nine people? Wasn't she afraid then?"

"God knows. We'll only know the answer once she's truly herself again," Zhang Yuqiu sighed helplessly, glancing at the sky. "Perhaps it was the illusion of love."

"Heh," Wang Jue chuckled, looking at his nearly healed injury. "Now I understand why the villagers of Miao Village revered that old crone like a deity. She was likely using her own blood to heal everyone in the village."

"Huh?" Zhang Yuqiu was completely baffled by Wang Jue's sudden comment. She knew nothing of Miao Village, nor had she ever heard the story of Mingmei. Yet, she remained practical, realizing this was not the time for tales. She merely hummed dismissively and asked no further questions. Once Hou Dayong had retrieved a length of hemp rope from the vehicle, she twisted Wenshu's hands behind her back and bound them tightly. "Take us to Ming Xiaoyu and Li Xiaoshu," she commanded.

Once restrained by Zhang Yuqiu, Wenshu became remarkably composed. The murderous intent from moments ago was gone, as was the hysterical tension from the beginning. She simply gazed at Wang Jue, quiet as a porcelain doll that knew how to blink. After a long silence, she murmured, "Xiaoyu told you to follow me."

"What?" The three exchanged confused glances, unsure what this sudden statement from Wenshu implied. They all froze.

Wenshu repeated it softly, "Xiaoyu told you to follow me."

Zhang Yuqiu blinked, her small head processing information faster than a computer. She transformed instantly from a fierce tigress back into a gentle woman, speaking softly. "So, it wasn't Xiaoyu who controlled you to attack Wang Jue just now, and now it is Xiaoyu who has calmed you down and told you to lead us to him?"

Wenshu nodded silently. Wang Jue watched her and said with a hint of dry humor, "It seems the master control system glitched. Two controllers were fighting for command, and now Ming Xiaoyu’s faction has won."

At this point, Hou Dayong, silent until now, finally moved. He scrambled swiftly onto Wang Jue's shoulder and patted his head. "Since we have the invitation, let's go with her. Whether it’s hell or paradise, we won't know until we make the trip."