"I really have a solution," Lingxi said firmly.
Zeyan looked at her for a long moment. "Fine," he said at last. "Say what's going on in your mind."
"You said that if you catch the evil spirit while it is in the process of sucking blood, you can trace the person controlling it," Lingxi said. "Then let me become that person."
"What are you saying?" Zeyan asked sharply.
"Let the evil spirit absorb my blood," she continued without hesitation. "Through my body, you can reach the mastermind behind all this."
"That's an excellent idea!" Yanlong exclaimed loudly.
"No way," Zeyan cut in immediately. His expression changed completely. He stepped toward Lingxi, anger and worry flashing in his eyes. "Are you mad? Do you want to die?"
"Why would I die?" Lingxi replied. "You yourself said you can seal the spirit. I know you will save me."
"You think this is a game?" Zeyan snapped. It was clear from his face that he was deeply worried, though he refused to admit it. "This is not something to joke about."
"But Master," Yanlong interrupted again as Lingshi's safety was his last concern then, "if she herself is willing—"
Zeyan turned sharply toward him, not even allowing him to complete the sentence , his sharp gaze pinning Yanlong in place. "Are you willing to do this?" he asked coldly.
"N–no, Master," Yanlong stammered. "I was just saying… if she is ready, then—"
"I said no, and that means no," Zeyan said icily. "There is no need to argue further."
"But—" Lingxi tried to speak.
"If you really want to die ," Zeyan interrupted her, his voice dangerously calm, "then tell me—why are you playing such a long game? What exactly do you want?"
"I know you won't let me die," Lingxi replied confidently.
"And what if I change my mind?" Zeyan shot back.
"You are not allowed to argue with me. What I decide is final. You will leave with Yanlong. I will handle everything here. Otherwise, you will only become a disturbance."
Zeyan turned toward Yanlong to give him instructions.
Behind his back, Lingxi's mind was already weaving a plan.
This is my chance, she whispered to herself. I have to win his trust. That's why I came here. I can't back out now. These evil spirits are dangerous to all realms—and this is the only way to catch the
mastermind.
Silently, Lingxi took out her hairpin—a long, white, shining pin with a sharp pointed edge.
Zeyan's back was still toward her. Without hesitation, she raised her left arm and, in one swift and elegant motion, made a shallow cut across her palm.
Blood immediately flowed.
"You should go now," Zeyan said, turning around—
—and froze.
His eyes widened as he saw what she had done. He rushed toward her and grabbed her bleeding palm instantly.
"Are you insane? What have you done?" he shouted.
A few drops of blood had already fallen onto the ground. Before Zeyan could heal the wound, a red spark suddenly flashed through the air and struck Lingxi near her heart.
She gasped violently.
Everything happened so fast that Zeyan didn't even get the chance to react.
In the blink of an eye, the evil spirit entered Lingxi's body.
Her body went limp. She was about to fall, but Zeyan caught her immediately, holding her with his left arm. He gently patted her cheek to keep her conscious.
"Lingxi… don't close your eyes," he said urgently. His voice trembled, worry clearly breaking through his composure.
Lingxi began breathing heavily. In the deep silence of Night Valley, the sound of her labored breaths echoed clearly as the evil spirit moved inside her body.
Without wasting a second, Zeyan raised his right hand and formed a complex seal in front of him. He was about to pull the evil spirit out—it would only take him seconds—
—but Lingxi suddenly grabbed his hand.
Her grip was weak, yet desperate.
She closed her eyes tightly, then opened them again, gathering all her remaining strength. In a broken voice, she said, "Don't do this… If you remove it now, everything I did will be meaningless. You know why I did this. Instead of pulling it out, do what you said earlier—trace the mastermind through it."
"Stop this nonsense!" Zeyan shouted. "The pain you're feeling right now is just the beginning. This evil spirit will start sucking your blood and killing you from inside."
"I can bear it," Lingxi whispered weakly.
"But I can't," Zeyan snapped instantly.
The evil spirit was inside Lingxi's body, yet it felt as if it were tearing at Zeyan's own soul. The pain was clearly visible in his eyes.
Zeyan started forming the seal again, refusing to listen. He couldn't bear watching her suffer even for a moment. But before he could complete the move, Lingxi grabbed his hand once more.
"If you continue," she said faintly, "I will hold my breath. You won't be able to do anything without my cooperation… so stop."
"Have you completely lost your mind?" Zeyan shouted, tightening his hold on her as she trembled in his arms.
"My lord…" Lingxi tried to speak again. Tears filled her eyes, yet a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Why are you being so gentle with me today?"
She looked at him softly, seeing the concern he was desperately trying to hide.
"I don't remember ever being rude to you," Zeyan replied in a low, quiet voice.
He paused, looking at her pale face.
"Fine," he said at last. "If this is what you truly want, then I will do it your way. But be prepared—this will not be easy."