The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

Chapter 72: Fingers

This area was vastly open compared to the previous one, clearly designed with precision. The ice bed was expansive, and the closer Jiang Yuan approached, the more intense the cold became.

Driven by curiosity, Jiang Yuan stepped closer to the ice bed. The woman lying there appeared healthy, her complexion even rosy, looking more like someone who could awaken at any moment than a long-dead corpse.

Surrounding the woman were vibrant red spider lilies, known as the flowers of the underworld, adding an eerie touch to the scene.

Jiang Yuan, unafraid of ghostly tales, felt a sense of reverence. The woman resembled Lin Kong's mother, Li Yao, confirming her identity and stirring respect.

Jiang Yuan hadn't expected Song Qingwei to preserve Li Yao's body in such a dark, hidden place after her death.

Despite not being a fan of gossip or dramas, Jiang Yuan knew the trope: if a body remained intact for years, it often signaled resurrection attempts. Could Song Qingwei have loved Li Yao?

But if he loved her, why kill her family and her, leaving only a cold corpse?

Puzzled by Song Qingwei's motives, Jiang Yuan recalled Lin Kong's story: Qin Yuanzhong, Li Yao, and Song Qingwei were disciples together. The dynamics were unclear, but a love triangle had formed, reminiscent of tales of love gone mad.

Jiang Yuan nearly dismissed it as another clichéd story until she noticed more than just red spider lilies around Li Yao.

Li Yao's lips appeared normal, but on closer inspection, there was fresh blood at the corners.

Feeding blood to the dead—what did it signify? Jiang Yuan wondered if it was to revive the dead or perhaps... to create a zombie?

The thought made her step back, despite knowing the woman was Lin Kong's mother.

As she retreated, a chill wind brushed her back, sending shivers down her spine. She felt eyes watching her, paralyzing her with fear.

Lacking martial skills and wit for such a situation, Jiang Yuan stood still, mind racing for solutions.

Before she could think, a scent like sandalwood filled the air. Realizing too late, she inhaled it deeply, her body weakening, longing to rest. Kneeling, the hard floor bruised her knees.

The scent seemed to induce hallucinations. Jiang Yuan's mind clouded, vision blurring, as Li Yao sat up zombie-like, turning to her.

Li Yao's face was a bloody mess, flesh falling away to reveal bone. As this grotesque scene unfolded, Li Yao morphed into Lin Kong.

"Kong'er!" Jiang Yuan's heart clenched, the vivid illusion unsettling her. Blinking, she found Li Yao still on the ice bed, Lin Kong absent.

Sweat beaded on her brow, a chill creeping down her back.

These were illusions, she reminded herself, closing her eyes to shut out the horror.

Suddenly, a cold hand gripped her shoulder. Jiang Yuan felt ice seep into her bones, jolting her eyes open. Instinctively, she swung her elbow back, but her agile attacker dodged and pushed her forward.

She nearly collided with Li Yao's corpse, the cold touch chilling her to the core. Steadying herself, she rubbed her face, facing her assailant.

The man, elegant and deep-eyed, looked unfamiliar yet familiar in form. Jiang Yuan squinted, concealing part of his face with her hand, recognizing the shape of Song Qingwei.

The lingering scent weakened her, her hands trembling against the icy bed. "Playing tricks again?" she spat, voice cold.

Song Qingwei's stern face shifted slightly, matching her tone, "Watch closely, my dear student."

He approached with ghostly grace, shadows overlapping until he stood inches away.

The proximity revealed his masculine scent mingled with blood.

Sensing danger, Jiang Yuan instinctively retreated, but the ice bed blocked her. She faced Song Qingwei's inscrutable gaze, asking, "What do you want?"

She was desperate to understand his motives. Before seeing him, she couldn't believe this was the prime minister, expecting a weathered old man. Instead, he was a handsome middle-aged man, save for his sinister eyes.

Surprised by her retreat, Song Qingwei's hand shot to her throat, freezing her skin like a serpent's touch. She resisted, but his grip tightened, her breath stopping, death looming.

"You aren't him," Song Qingwei relaxed slightly, tossing her aside.

Jiang Yuan's body crashed to the floor, pain jolting her bones. She spat blood, gasping for air like a drowning victim.

After coughing, she recovered, puzzled by his words.

Who else could she be but herself and this world's Jiang Yuan?

Struggling upright, Song Qingwei stood by the ice bed, gently touching Li Yao's face, murmuring, "Ah Yao, did you need to oppose me for killing your clan? You couldn't even die with him. If you'd handed over the master's technique, this wouldn't be your fate."

He seemed to forget her presence, speaking freely to the corpse, reminiscing and confessing.

Jiang Yuan listened, confused. Didn't Li Yao and Qin Yuanzhong create the technique? Who was this master?

With no answers, she hoped to gather clues for escape.

"Ah Yao, you were always smart, except with Qin Yuanzhong. So what if you're in Jianghu with the master's help? I, in the court, played you all. The master was stubborn, and now you are too. Even your daughter is, but I don't need her anymore." Song Qingwei's tone grew affectionate, fingers tracing Li Yao's lips, "Once I succeed, you'll be reunited. Now, a family of four."

His loving words contrasted with his cold demeanor, his face twisted in mock tenderness.

He kissed Li Yao's lips, Jiang Yuan helplessly watching his desecration.

Song Qingwei drew a white porcelain bottle, uncorking it. The thick, bloody scent made Jiang Yuan nauseous.

He fed Li Yao the contents, hands roaming her body, intent on further desecration. Jiang Yuan spoke, but he merely adjusted Li Yao's clothing, soothing, "Breathe in the impurities, Ah Yao."

Jiang Yuan watched his madness, fear gripping her. With limited space, she couldn't escape, only gathering small stones with her dimensional pocket for defense.

Only silver and food filled her pocket, nothing useful. Despite her stealth, Song Qingwei noticed.

Touching a stone, Jiang Yuan couldn't act before Song Qingwei appeared, seizing her wrist, grinning darkly, "My dear student, I need your finger."

Author's Note: Lin Kong: Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

To learn who the master is, see Chapter One.