"I declare again that I absolutely detest hospitals. You'd better hurry and tell me why you brought me here!" Huo Er swaggered into the hospital, perching atop a fluorescent light fixture to deliver this ultimatum with uncharacteristic hauteur toward Nan Yu.

Nan Yu, crouched over the patient at her elbow, slowly adjusted her stethoscope while murmuring, "Watch yourself - don't let humans see or hear you. Just wait a moment longer."

"Hmph!" Huo Er's tail lashed ominously.

This morning Nan Yu had suddenly summoned it to the hospital. For Huo Er, hospitals carried a bitter memory of their delectable cuisine that once nearly killed them. The thought of returning there triggered an immediate refusal - until Zhou Ying interjected, "Just take a look. It's not like you have to eat." With such logic from its rational companion, magnanimous Huo Er reluctantly agreed despite stewing in resentment. Yet upon arriving, finding Nan Yu tending patients instead of immediately addressing their presence...

"Hmph! No demon has ever kept me waiting this long (seven whole minutes!), You'd better not push your luck or I'll really lose my temper!" Huo Er muttered petulantly beneath its breath.

Nan Yu only finished escorting her patient out before turning around to say, "Apologies for making you wait, Huo Er."

"Better late than never! Just get on with it already!" The tone positively bristled with irritation.

"I have something I'd like to ask about. Want it?" Nan Yu led Huo Er through the corridors as she spoke. "Yesterday a Zhuanye came here to feed. It injured a hospitalized child, so I dealt with it. Since I don't consume such things, and recalling Zhou Ying mentioned you liked them... I brought it for you." She opened an autopsy locker to reveal an apelike demon.

Huo Er's eyes widened instantly: "Zhuanye! Real Zhuanye! I've tasted them in the mountains but never encountered one here. This is delicious!" They swallowed convulsively, already salivating.

"Of course it's real. Keeping it serves no purpose for me."

"Nan Yu, you're my favorite!" Huo Er instantly discarded all grievances with an enthusiastic hug before confirming, "All of it? Not just the bloodied parts?"

Nan Yu smiled gently, "The whole thing."

"Waah!" Huo Er whooped joyfully before pouncing on the carcass.

"If you'd prefer cooked, I can prepare it," Nan Yu offered.

"Nuh-uh... chomp-chomp..." Huo Er continued feasting with obvious pleasure. "...This is amazing... chomp-chomp... It's been months since I've eaten a demon..."

As they watched Huo Er devour the meal joyfully, Nan Yu mused aloud, "Huo Er, you're truly remarkable - not merely for your power but for how you temper such immense strength with restraint. If you chose to indulge freely in demons and humans alike, no one could stop you. This city's demon population would vanish overnight. Yet you resist these impulses. All creatures naturally seek greater rights when endowed with great power. Only the most rational and wise understand self-restraint - which is exactly what makes you special."

"Hahahaha! Naturally!" Huo Er accepted this praise unreservedly, though puzzled by its meaning. "I'm clearly the greatest!"

Nan Yu poured a glass of water for the messy eater.

After devouring half the Zhuanye and satiating 80% of their appetite, Huo Er finally found time to ask, "Why aren't you eating it? Such a delicious thing - if you want some, I'll give you half this half."

"I don't eat meat."

"Then at least have some blood," they offered generously.

"I avoid drinking the blood of beings I've personally killed."

"Why then do you kill them?"

"I... not for consumption."

"Wasting such delicacies is too cruel," Huo Er lamented. "You must squander many fine things."

"So I'm indeed inferior to you..." Nan Yu mused aloud.

"Naturally!" Huo Er readily agreed. "But why waste your time? You need blood and flesh to survive, right?"

"Blood - sustaining life through others' blood while eating meat is just a preference... draining it all then consuming the remains... that's how I once lived." Nan Yu closed her eyes briefly.

"Oh," Huo Er inquired with interest. "But you stopped? Why?"

"That was many years ago..."

Huo Er eagerly responded, "Quick! Tell me the story! Stories are my favorite!"

Nan Yu smiled at their rapt expression. Though reluctant to share personal history, this curiosity wasn't voyeuristic - rather a genuine thirst for knowledge that made her feel compelled to recount it.

"It was still humanity's Song Dynasty when I first transformed from human remains..."

By dusk Huo Er languidly lifted the remaining half of Zhuanye as they exited the hospital. Sated and praised repeatedly by Nan Yu, who promised future kills and had shared several ancient tales, this afternoon proved thoroughly delightful. Their perspective toward hospitals now shifted entirely - a secret promise to frequent them in the future already forming. Flying home with thoughts of refrigerating their prize before narrating it all to Zhou Ying (who lamented his companion's lack of storytelling interest), they mused: If only Zhou Ying shared such enthusiasm, he'd eagerly purchase storybooks and VCDs without needing reminders!

"Ah!!!" Liu Di clutched his head, leaping up and startling Zhou Ying. "Do you know I have four bars to visit tonight, three dates, and that long-awaited target already chosen?"

"No," Zhou Ying answered honestly. "I was just asking if you've seen Huo Er. Never said I wasn't going."

"This perfect evening! These wonderful things waiting for me! You mention this jinx!" Liu Di raged. "Last time the person I wanted to eat disappeared because it took it first! The previous capture vanished similarly! Once a beautiful white snake date collapsed when it forced storytelling, even receiving an ear slap afterward! Another human rendezvous failed because it claimed wanting to consume that person - leaving me no chance for hand-holding (5000 words omitted)..." Liu Di recounted his tragic post-Huo Er existence. "...I've already scheduled tonight's plans yet you want me to help search!"

"I only asked if you've seen it," Zhou Ying protested, "never said I needed your help."

"Wouldn't I help?" Liu Di leaned in threateningly. "Huo Er missing? This unpredictable creature actually absent? Would I not assist?"

"That means you haven't seen it."

"Come on, let's find it... my dates... my snacks..." Liu Di lamented while dragging Zhou Ying.

Though worried about Huo Er, Zhou Ying couldn't suppress a smile - Liu Di remained unchanged, willing to help heartily yet needing endless complaints for satisfaction.

A tray of small dishes and warmed vintage wine awaited Lu Wema as he moved his chair near the window. Lately business at his fortune-telling stand flourished despite cousin Lu Jiu's refusal to assist (so-called business merely involved deception). Occasionally other demons worked there, earning locals' trust who bestowed him with a "Ominous Seer" title. With Lunar New Year approaching, requests for 2024 predictions increased, fattening his purse and gift collections.

"This is excellent wine!" Lu Wema raised the cup in one gulp, savoring it heartily.

"What? Let me try."

"Waah!" Lu Wema leapt up, knocking over chair and table while Liu Di hastily rescued the decanter. Staring at the suddenly appearing duo, he stammered, "Y-Y-you..."

"Don't worry," Liu Di sipped from the decanter. "Not eating you. Just asking about something."

"Please... please ask anything. I'll speak freely."

"Do you know where Huo Er is?"

"H-Huo Er?"

"The Beifu bird!"

"B-B-Beifu..." Even uttering these words shook Lu Wema's composure. "N-Never..."

"Ponder!" Liu Di encouraged, slapping his shoulder.

Each slap made Lu Wema shrink several inches until he nearly sat on the floor, tearfully pleading, "Esteemed sir, I flee when spotting Beifu, how could I possibly track its whereabouts?"

"True," Zhou Ying noted to Liu Di. "Unlikely entangled with Huo Er."

"You don't understand," Liu Di sipped more wine. "This fellow has exceptionally long ears - this city's whispers reach him faster than me! If something as major as missing Beifu occurs, he'd surely know clues!"

"Praise not!" Liu Di smacked his head again, "Speak quickly - any leads?"

"N-" He gulped at their expressions and added, "Let me think... let me think."

"Quickly!" Liu Di feigned a clapping motion.

"Lingzhuo!" Lu Wema blurted.

"That's it," Zhou Ying asked. "The Beifu bird is already here."

"No! Not Beifu. Beifu is fire essence, but I spotted that Lingzhuo in the lake!"

"Beifu isn't afraid of water but hates it," Zhou Ying noted.

Liu Di gripped Lu Wema's shoulders, "Clarify."

"This morning at my park stall, strange sounds erupted suddenly. Sneaking a look, artificial lake waves spiraled upward like whirlpools with fierce energy rising from depths. Having seen Beifu before, I recognized that Lingzhuo scent and fled to the park's far end where I hid among bushes until it vanished."

"What kind of Lingzhuo?" Zhou Ying demanded.

"Dared not look! Otherwise couldn't speak now!" He hesitated, "But... a giant one!"

"What does that mean?"

"Twice Beifu's size based on its scent intensity!"

"Lingzhuo..." They exchanged glances. Though young, Huo Er once faced mature Beifu shadows - mere remnants from thousands of years ago nearly defeating them. Contemplating adult Lingzhuo power...

"Frightening..." Zhou Ying murmured. If such a being appeared here, chaos would erupt. "Huo Er encountered it?"

"Perhaps..." Even fearless Liu Di shivered slightly. "With its stubborn nature, it wouldn't submit to other Lingzhuo..."

"Lingzhuo..."

Another shared glance.

Beifu ranked among top Lingzhuo in power. This one likely surpassed mature Beifu but equaled shadow strength - easily defeating young Huo Er...

"Waah! Heaven! Why didn't I think sooner!" Lu Wema screamed. "Two Lingzhuo battling could destroy this city instantly! Must escape now!" He frantically packed, muttering about leaving immediately to find cousin Lu Jiu.

No one stopped him.

"I'm going after Huo Er!" Zhou Ying declared resolutely. No force - not gods or devils - would harm it. "Unless I die... I'll..."

Liu Di gripped his fist tightly and inhaled deeply.

"Found Huo Er?" Nan Yu rushed, nearly colliding with their departing forms. She immediately asked upon recognizing them.

"No..."

Liu Di recounted everything.

"Lingzhuo..." Nan Yu paled instantly. Initially thinking Huo Er simply forgot time playing like human children (though it had departed from her), now hearing this news shook her. In a millennium, she'd only encountered mature Lingzhuo Dafeng once - one wing slash annihilated thousands of demons during their siege. Fortunately recognizing her innocence spared her with "Take care", flying away forever. That image and power haunted her endlessly. Though rational Dafeng saved her, could other Lingzhuos match his fairness? If...

"Leave this city immediately if possible," Zhou Ying advised.

"And you?"

"I'm searching for Huo Er."

"If it confronts that Lingzhuo..." Nan Yu saw Zhou Ying's resolve and nodded firmly, "I'll go with you."

"Nan Yu..." Zhou Ying looked helpless.

"Stop! Stop!" Liu Di interjected between them, mimicking their voices: "I'll accompany you!" vs "Why must you...". "Don't ignore me!"

"..."

Both turned elsewhere.

"This gives me goosebumps!" Liu Di stood between them, waving. "Come on, let's go together."

"Check the park?"

"No," Liu Di shook fingers. "Considering Huo Er's temperament - carrying food means rushing home to refrigerate it immediately. It wouldn't detour through parks! Let's retrace its route from hospital to home for clues!"

They nodded in agreement.

Liu Di groaned, propping up with arms as he sat upright, rubbing his head until it throbbed blankly.

"Thud..."

Opening bloodshot eyes toward the sound, Liu Di saw dense shrubs behind which the noise originated. Rising unsteadily to investigate while calling, "Zhou Ying! Nan Yu... are you there?"

Behind the brush worked a young man binding firewood, his head nodding from effort. Dressed in ancient blue robes with a topknot and ax nearby, sweat poured down as he labored.

"Making a movie?" Liu Di muttered.

The youth looked up, eyes widening comically at spotting Liu Di before screaming, "Demon! Ghost! Yeren!" Though stumbling, his escape speed amazed - vanishing into the woods within moments.

"What nonsense..." Liu Di slumped onto abandoned firewood. "If I were demon/ghost/yeren? Demon=not ghost=yeren? Basic logic?" Glancing at his own transformed form, he sighed dramatically over his lost beauty as a fox-demon before pondering his situation.

At that time he had flown several times with Zhou Ying and Nan Yu along the route from the hospital to Zhou Ying's home, but found nothing suspicious. It was he who suggested going down to walk instead. Halfway through their journey, suddenly...

"Oh!" Liu Di exclaimed in realization.

There had been a faint demonic aura at that moment, so they followed it. They walked for a long while until reaching a museum, where the aura remained elusive. Entering the building, Nan Yu lit a flame with magic since she couldn't see in darkness. The instant her light appeared, a flash of white energy surged forth, binding all three of them and dragging them forward forcefully. Though they resisted through magical means, the power overwhelmed them completely. Liu Di stepped forward resolutely to shield Zhou Ying and Nan Yu's escape as best he could. Dragged several steps further before the blinding light intensified sharply, he lost consciousness...

"Where in the world did I end up?" Liu Di scanned his surroundings. Lush green mountains dotted with birdsong and floral scents stretched out before him like a picturesque paradise."I remember it was nearly Lunar New Year - why are these trees still so verdant? Southern regions? How southern could it be, the equator? Africa? Australia?" He muttered nonsense while attempting to sense his location through magic. Just as he made a hand gesture, an enormous force sent him sprawling.

"Ouch! What rotten luck..." Liu Di rose again."Even my divination magic isn't working... This must be another realm entirely besides the Human World or..." Transforming back into human form and confirming no injuries beyond mild disorientation, he leapt onto a tree to survey the landscape.

Layer upon layer of emerald hills surrounded him. Near the foot of one mountain lay a small riverside village.

"Guess I'll start there." Liu Di stuffed his hands in pockets as he swayed unsteadily toward the village below.

"Zhou Ying..." Nan Yu opened her eyes to find herself on what felt like a bed, with Zhou Ying seated beside her watching anxiously.

"You're awake!" Zhou Ying helped her sit up promptly.

After Liu Di vanished into the white light, Zhou Ying and Nan Yu couldn't escape either. Though Nan Yu's spiritual cultivation surpassed Zhou Ying's, the latter being a shadow entity had stronger physical resilience. While Nan Yu fainted immediately, Zhou Ying only experienced momentary dizziness before regaining consciousness. Scanning for Liu Di in vain, he remained with her until she awoke.

"This place is..." Nan Yu looked around questioningly.

"Seems to be... an inn." Zhou Ying responded uncertainly.

"I see why you're saying that," Nan Yu observed the carved wooden bed beneath her, silk quilts embroidered with flowers on cotton padding. Wooden tables and chairs stood alongside copper basins, mirrors, and oil lamps - no electric lights or televisions. The lattice windows and doors were closed tightly but covered with rice paper instead of glass.

With a simple gesture from Zhou Ying to clear the air, Nan Yu could suddenly see outside through the rooms.

The street revealed pedestrians in ancient fashions, shops and carriages along both sides...

"Period costumes..." Nan Yu widened her eyes.

Zhou Ying nodded solemnly.

"A film set?"

Shaking his head, Zhou Ying recalled awakening on this strange street with unconscious Nan Yu cradled in his arms. The surrounding crowd of people in antiquated attire staring at them caused immediate panic, especially since Liu Di was nowhere to be found. He brought her to an establishment marked "Old Zhang's Shop", where the owner accepted coins rather than paper money (Zhou Ying's crude alchemy could only transform metals into gold). Now they waited anxiously for answers.

"Could it be... a space-time anomaly?"

"You're right, this is a space-time anomaly!" Liu Di stood in the village road muttering to himself while villagers gathered around like he was some oddity. Dogs barked and chickens clucked as chaos erupted.

"That's impossible! I've watched too many sci-fi movies!" He smacked his head to dismiss the thought."Besides, this place isn't even the Human World!"

"Hey old man!" Grabbing a curious villager, Liu Di demanded,"Where exactly are we? Which realm is this?"

"This is Songjia Village..." The elderly man pulled away."What kind of question is that, and speaking so disrespectfully!"

"What country?" Liu Di persisted.

"The Kingdom of Shu! What else could it be!" the old man retorted."Are you mad?"

"Shu?" Liu Di was bewildered. Only the Human World had ever known such a kingdom - never heard another realm bore this name yet. But he knew for sure this wasn't the Human World...

"Let go!" Now angry, the elder struck Liu Di's hand."Outrageous youth! Explain where you come from and why you're dressed so absurdly or I'll report to authorities!"

Smiling cheekily while tousling his hair, Liu Di replied,"I've lived seven hundred years longer than you!" Scanning around he asked,"If there's a kingdom here, mustn't there be an emperor? A king? President? Whatever title they use - where is he?"

"Insolent!" The elder raised a fist only to find his opponent vanished midair. Gasps erupted among the villagers as Liu Di reappeared outside in common attire, striding away unfazed.

"If there's royalty here then its capital must have learned scholars," Liu Di sighed."Besides I'm an upper-tier demon used to big cities - can't stay in this provincial village forever."

"The Kingdom of Shu?"

Both Zhou Ying and Nan Yu shook their heads. No such kingdom existed in realms they knew.

In ancient silk robes, Nan Yu's natural beauty shone through with porcelain skin, ruby lips and luminous eyes that drew countless stares from passersby. Zhou Ying caught himself admiring her several times - even without magical enhancements, he'd never realized how breathtakingly beautiful she was before, perhaps because the traditional garments suited her better.

"...What do you think?"

"..."

After waiting for a response Nan Yu asked again,"Everything here resembles ancient China in the Human World, right?"

"Yes, yes..." Zhou Ying stammered. He hadn't actually heard most of what she said while secretly gawking at Nan Yu.

"But this isn't the Human World though."

Neither was certain because they'd never left their home realm.

"If Liu Di were here it would be better," Zhou Ying mused. Though his cultivation lagged behind Nan Yu's, Liu Di's worldly experience made him more resourceful than both combined in emergencies. But where had he vanished to? Had the white light separated them?

Liu Di was always ready to throw himself into danger for friends. This time he sacrificed himself unhesitatingly to protect Zhou Ying and Nan Yu - if harm came to Liu Di, Zhou Ying would never forgive himself.

"At least we're safe now, so Liu Di must be fine too," Nan Yu gently comforted him."He's much more resourceful than us."

Zhou Ying forced a smile before stopping abruptly."Then what should we do next?"

"We need to determine where exactly we are first," Nan Yu replied. "If this isn't the Human World then which realm is it? Why did we suddenly arrive here like this? Is inter-realm travel really so easy?"

"As far as I remember, one needs considerable cultivation and specific timing/positioning for such transitions," Zhou Ying recalled his master's teachings."But we weren't using our own power - something dragged us in through that white light."

"Moving three external beings against their will into a realm while they're resisting with magic would be exceptionally difficult..."

"If it were a celestial beast..." Zhou Ying suddenly realized,"Only a celestial beast could achieve this!"

"Celestial beasts!" Nan Yu nodded.

"So Huo must also be here! Liu Di and Huo - both of them must be somewhere in this realm."

"Mm!" Nan Yu agreed."Let's find them first then decide what to do next."

A loud crash made Liu Di clutch his head.

"Wa, why am I getting hurt so often today?" He reached up to touch the sky as clouds drifted beneath him at five or six thousand meters altitude. When attempting higher elevation, he encountered an invisible barrier preventing ascent in all four cardinal directions.

"This is ridiculous! A roof over heaven itself!" Liu Di exclaimed."What kind of realm has such nonsense!"

Despite his complaints the barrier remained real. Flitting dozens of miles away only confirmed its existence.

Liu Di scratched his chin thoughtfully."Do the demons and spirits here never fly? What an inconvenience... Wait!" He suddenly looked around anxiously in midair.

"Nothing... absolutely no demonic energy..." He muttered uneasily...

Highly adaptable, demons should thrive even in human cities. This picturesque village with ordinary inhabitants should be ideal for them yet Liu Di sensed none from forests to villages across thousands of miles.

"Are all the local demons far more powerful than me so I can't sense them? Impossible! I'm quite formidable!" He rationalized."Or... this is a realm without any demons at all..." The thought sent chills down his spine as he gazed at the scenery below...

"Thank you for your kindness," Nan Yu politely acknowledged directions to the capital. Assuming Liu Di would head toward the grandest city available, they decided to follow suit.

"Let's go." Zhou Ying cloaked them in invisibility before flying upward together. Unlike Liu Di's exuberant nature, their discretion prevented discovering this "heavenly roof". But Nan Yu noticed something odd...

"No..." She murmured after passing another town.

"What?"

"No temples."

"Temples?" Zhou Ying was puzzled.

"For the era here humans should have developed religions! Why no Buddhist/Daoist shrines or churches?"

"Hmm..." Though Zhou Ying wasn't well-versed in human society, he'd seen none indeed.

Whether true or false, humans always seek spiritual anchors. Without temples to worship deities or spirits for natural phenomena - this absence created another chill down Nan Yu's spine...

Capital cities are both prosperous and solemn with thriving economies but strict regulations. Unfortunately Liu Di, who loved luxury yet hated rules, became a public disturbance within twenty minutes.

"Alright I'm letting him go." Dropping the short stout man he'd been holding aloft, Liu Di waved at surrounding soldiers."See? No need to be so tense."

"Rash villain! Daunting in the emperor's domain!"

"What did I do? This is excessive!"

Nearby, work crews were digging people out from rubble of a collapsed tavern. Bloodied and disfigured victims lay moaning on roadsides while doctors rushed to treat them.

"Destroying property and injuring people - now you dare resist arrest! Seize him!"

The lead soldier signaled the charge as blades and fists rained down.

"I'm poor! They forced me, it's their fault!" Liu Di weaved effortlessly through the fray, arguing loudly.

"Foul demon!"

"Catch him!"

"Careful!"

"This guy fights like a monkey!"

"Cripple his legs first!"

"..."

"Oh..." Liu Di yawned widely."No food, no drink after such long travel and now getting beaten up here. So cruel!" He casually kicked another soldier as he grumbled.

A dozen soldiers initially attacked while others maintained crowd control. Seeing their comrades failing against Liu Di, the rest joined in en masse.

"Causing chaos! I love causing chaos!

Chaos is fun, la la la..."

Singing nonsense as he delivered blows and kicks, Liu Di actively provoked trouble. In a demon-less realm, his mischief should attract authorities - maybe even reveal the one who had snatched him here.

The skirmish lasted over twenty minutes - more accurately, Liu Di was toying with them unilaterally. Nothing happened however...

"Don't expect results so easily," Liu Di told himself."Let's find food and rest first. Maybe storming the palace would work? Emperor must have beautiful concubines and exquisite cuisine! Decided!" Grabbing a soldier's collar he asked,"Hey where is the imperial palace?"

"Imperial Palace?" The stunned soldier snapped,"Impudent wretch, do you even know what that means!"

"Just asking won't kill me." Mentally noting palaces are usually grandiose structures easy to spot, Liu Di shoved him aside while heading toward the capital. At this moment another soldier lunged with spear thrust - just as Liu Di pushed away his previous target...

"Watch out!" Liu Di grabbed the soldier but was too late. A scream echoed as the spear pierced through left chest.

The sudden tragedy stunned everyone including Liu Di himself, who rushed to heal him desperately.

His magic had no effect - the soldier's breathing slowed and skin began turning black.

"Poisoned tip?" Liu Di barely registered before familiar demonic energy surged from the dying man.

"Demonic aura!" Liu Di recoiled as the soldier transformed midair into a long-legged beast right before expiring, its final claw snared his foot.

"Why didn't I sense this human was a demon? He had none initially... How could he die pierced by that spear like ordinary humans?"

Before finishing his thoughts...

Crunch!

A blow to the head rendered Liu Di unconscious with his last thought:"Impossible! How did my senses fail me..."

"Captured!"

"This brat wasted our efforts!"

"Poor Xiu, dying so tragically serving duty!"

"Don't restrain me - I'll avenge Brother Xiu!"

"Little Qi calm down! This criminal must be taken to authorities first!"

"But Brother Xiu..."

"Don't worry, officials will handle this properly!"

While soldiers debated and shackled Liu Di, commoners discussed excitedly yet none reacted to the dead demon's form on ground...

Sitting beside Nan Yu as she washed her face by riverbank, Zhou Ying observed her reflection shimmering in water - so beautiful it attracted fish darting to kiss her mirrored image. Dozens of crimson blossoms bloomed at his feet; if he could only pluck the most exquisite bloom and tuck it into her hair... That thought had crossed his mind a dozen times now yet still eluded execution for some unknown reason.

Nanyu watched Zhou Ying lost in thought and playfully flicked her fingers, splashing a few droplets of water onto his face.

Zhou Ying blinked, offered an apologetic smile, and muttered awkwardly, "We'd better keep moving—we still have several days' journey ahead. I really should've hired a carriage for you. A delicate girl like you shouldn't be walking such long distances."

"How unkind of you to call me fragile! Don't underestimate me!" Nanyu pouted.

"Right, right—I was just joking..." Zhou Ying mumbled.

Nanyu secretly smiled. He was always so sincere, sometimes failing to understand even jests—yet this man would make an admirable husband. "The capital must be a dazzling place, isn't it? When you bring me back there… will your parents accept me, a provincial girl?"

"How could they compare to you at all!" Zhou Ying exclaimed anxiously.

Nanyu smiled radiantly and asked another question, "Where exactly is your home in the capital?"

"Number 167, South Road..."

"What?" Nanyu's eyes widened in alarm.

Zhou Ying slammed his palm against his forehead—why had those words popped into his head? His ancestral estate should be at Willow Alley in the capital! He was a merchant who'd met Nanyu during business travels, spent all his savings to buy her freedom from a brothel, and now hurriedly brought her back to meet his parents. Everything made sense—the modest girl with grace and talent would surely win their approval—except… why did an elderly man with white hair appear in his mind when he thought of "father"? That didn't align at all...

"Ying, shall we go?"

"Yes!" Zhou Ying quickly replied. The journey to the capital on foot would still take several days—he longed desperately for home. He had to introduce Nanyu to his parents sooner; that was what mattered most...

"Begone, villain!"

The bailiff's shout echoed through the courtroom as a gavel struck its wooden frame. An kicked Dili in the knees, forcing him to kneel.

Dili glanced up at the stern judge and the lined-up bailiffs with firewood sticks clutched in their hands, his mind swirling with confusion. He knew he'd been imprisoned for some crime and now dragged before this tribunal—but what had he done? Why couldn't he remember anything?

"Who dares defy justice?" The judge's voice boomed authoritatively.

"I am... Dili."

"And from which province?"

"The village of Liu Zhuang in Jiao County!"

"What crime have you committed?"

"...I don’t know..."

The gavel slammed again, and the bailiffs' chant filled the courtroom with authority.

"I..." Dili strained to recall his existence as a wandering ruffian who'd stolen silver from an argumentative family to flee southward—but why was he now locked in this prison? Ah... "I smashed up a tavern!"

"Also!"

"And resisted arrest!"

"Anything else?"

"...Did I injure an officer?" Dili furrowed his brows.

"The infamous Dili—rioting, violence, and murdering an imperial guard! You are sentenced to fifty lashes followed by execution at the autumn solstice!" The judge declared solemnly.

"Execution?" Dili lurched upward, only for bailiffs to knock him back down with fists. Through bruised fingers he muttered something absurd about "eating people"—a thought that shocked even himself.

Two bailiffs dragged his semi-conscious body into a cell. The impact sent waves of pain through his frame, yet he gritted his teeth in silence until their footsteps faded away. Then, curled against the straw in a corner of the grimy stone room, he finally succumbed to unconsciousness as last light filtered through narrow window bars...