Blood River

Inside the room, Bai Hehuai inserted a silver needle into The Head's forehead, waited a moment, then withdrew it.

The needle had turned milky white, emitting a sweet yet peculiar fragrance.

Bai Hehuai shook her head slightly. When she had previously used the Soul Transference Technique, aside from wanting to uncover her father's past, she had indeed sensed the toxicity of Snow Falling on a Plum Branch within The Head's dreams. While she had concealed part of her intentions, she hadn't deceived him. In the dream, she had gained significant insight, but unfortunately, the journey had taken too long. Now, the poison had penetrated deep into the marrow, beyond even a miracle's reach.

There was only one method left...

"Miracle Healer, can The Head still be saved?" The hunchbacked elder asked calmly, observing Bai Hehuai's expression.

Su Zhe, standing guard by the door, tilted his head slightly and tightened his grip on the Buddhist staff.

"He can be saved, but only barely prolong his life," Bai Hehuai sighed softly. "And this method... I cannot use it."

"Why not?" the hunchbacked elder pressed.

Bai Hehuai turned to him. "If I use it, I will die."

The golden rings on the Buddhist staff chimed faintly as Su Zhe shook his head. "That won't do."

The hunchbacked elder pondered for a moment before asking again, "Must it be you who dies, or... can someone else take your place?"

Outside, Su Muyu sat alone in the wooden pavilion, gazing up at the clear blue sky.

He was tired.

On ordinary days, when there were no missions, he often sought solitude in remote, uninhabited corners of the mountains. Doing nothing but watching the sky and listening to the wind, he could pass an entire day in peace. Occasionally, that chatterbox friend of his would bring a jug of wine to share, but even then, he would wisely remain silent, sitting with Su Muyu for hours on end.

These were the rare moments when Su Muyu felt happiness.

In recent days, the only time he had felt such joy was during the journey here with Su Zhe and Bai Hehuai.

In their seemingly mundane conversations, he could sense the joy, excitement, and warmth of a father and daughter reunited after long separation. To witness such emotions within Dark River was truly rare.

But that happiness had faded quickly. When Su Muyu returned to Spider Nest, reality confronted him once more. Hours had passed, yet Chen Long's words still echoed in his ears.

"Boss, joining Spider Shadow was once a great honor. So why do we now face persecution from our own kin, as if we were criminals?"

Su Muyu had his principles, which was why he stood firmly against his family, vowing to protect The Head at all costs. But the Twelve Zodiac Shadows had followed him—his choices had led them to this plight. He could endure opposing the Su Family, even drawing swords against his closest friend, but his followers had no way back either. Cast out by their clan, they had become wandering spirits with no place to call home in Dark River.

"Lord Puppet." A gentle woman's voice came from beyond the pavilion. Su Muyu turned to see a woman wearing a serpent mask. He nodded. "Si She.""Apologies for disturbing Lord Puppet's solitude," Si She said softly as she stepped forward, placing an object on the bench in the wooden pavilion. "I remade Lord Puppet's umbrella last night. You may test it later—if it feels awkward in any way, summon me anytime." With that, she turned to leave.

Su Muyu quickly called out, "Si She, don’t leave yet."

Si She halted and tilted her head slightly. "Does Lord Puppet have further instructions?"

"Among the Spider Shadows, you must have joined most recently," Su Muyu remarked.

Si She nodded. "The previous Si She fell gravely ill and passed away a year ago. Lord Puppet chose me from among many candidates."

"Indeed. Had I not chosen you then, you wouldn’t be entangled in this turmoil now. Thinking back, I’ve dragged you into this," Su Muyu sighed softly.

"Lord Puppet," Si She suddenly turned around. "May I ask you a question?"

Su Muyu was taken aback. "Go ahead."

Si She took a step forward. "Are we of the Dark River... evil?"

Su Muyu frowned slightly. This question was an unspoken taboo within the Dark River. He hesitated but ultimately remained silent.

"The Dark River—our name alone strikes fear into the hearts of the world, like demons in the eyes of both court and martial circles. Countless bear grudges against us, countless wish for our deaths. Are we evil? Of course we are!" Si She’s tone lost its earlier gentleness, replaced by a sharp edge. "We kill for coin, heedless of cause or consequence. Every one of us carries the weight of countless souls. How can such people not be called evil?"

Su Muyu shook his head lightly but still said nothing.

"But who is born willing to be evil? I was born into the Mu Family of the Dark River. From my earliest memories, I was taught how to kill. Lord Puppet, you are one of the Nameless Ones, raised by the Dark River. If you refuse to kill, the Dark River will erase you. We are people with no choice, and we are the vilest in this world. For the first twenty years of my life, I wished every moment to end my own existence, to escape this sinful life. But Lord Puppet, you are different!" Si She spoke fervently. "I thought joining the Spider Shadows would only extend this nightmare. Yet, Lord Puppet, you are the first person I’ve met in the Dark River who still harbors kindness, who still holds sunlight in your heart! You said joining the Spider Shadows could mean no longer being a blade for slaughter, but a blade for protection. So I am willing—to die defending that."

Su Muyu sighed softly. "Even if what you defend is me, the one who commands this path of utmost evil."

"No. I defend Lord Puppet," Si She smiled. "I believe Chen Long and the others feel the same."

Su Muyu gazed at the paper umbrella on the bench and murmured, "Then what is it that I defend?"

"No one is born evil. And even those who become evil still cherish kindness in their hearts. Lord Puppet, if the Dark River is an endless night, then you are the first ray of sunlight I’ve encountered." Si She spoke slowly. "Lord Puppet, if the Head falls, I beg you—wield the Sleeping Dragon Sword and succeed him as the next Head!"

"Lord Puppet, we beseech you to wield the Sleeping Dragon Sword and inherit the position of the Head," the rest of the Spider Shadows emerged from the shadows, kneeling on one knee outside the wooden pavilion.Su Muyu felt somewhat moved, yet his expression remained as composed as ever. He stepped forward and helped Si She, who was kneeling at the front, to his feet. "I promise you, I will bring you all home."

"Home with honor and freedom!"