Coroner's Diary

Wei Qizhi’s expression first stiffened, then he forced a faint smile. “Brother Ning?! What brings you here?”

The one who had followed the gray-clad old servant out was indeed Ning Buyi. Dressed in a blue robe, he appeared both carefree and refined. Though his face still seemed somewhat pale, it was clear he had applied powder, now giving him a jade-like complexion—elegant and handsome.

The corners of his lips curved upward, carrying a smile that Wei Qizhi found hard to describe. His voice was gentle and soothing to the ear as he spoke, “This is my residence. Brother Wei, you don’t seem pleased to see me?”

“Hehe, of course not!” Wei Qizhi felt his throat grow dry, and even his laughter sounded strained. “It’s just that the servant who came to deliver the message earlier said you were still recuperating at the painting gallery. How is it that you’re here now? Speaking of which, your injuries haven’t fully healed, have they? Moving around like this might have quite an impact…”

As he spoke, Wei Qizhi glanced around the courtyard, his heart filled with unspoken bitterness.

Ning Buyi approached and gestured for him to sit. Wei Qizhi forced another dry laugh and took a seat.

No sooner had he sat down than Ning Buyi swept his sleeve aside and poured tea for him. “Brother Wei, please enjoy the tea. This residence is old and humble—I fear my hospitality may be lacking. However, this tea is this year’s Pre-Rain Dragon Well. Do give it a try.”

Wei Qizhi was in no mood for tea. “Brother Ning, what exactly is going on? Weren’t you supposed to have me come to collect a painting?”

Ning Buyi smiled. “It is indeed about the painting. I’ve already retrieved it for you—it’s at the painting gallery now. If the Princess wishes to see it, she can go directly to the gallery.”

Wei Qizhi’s brow twitched. “If the painting is already at the gallery, why did you ask me to come here?”

He glanced at the sky as he spoke—the sun was already high, and the summer heat was beginning to assert itself unabashedly.

Wei Qizhi laughed again. “I promised the Princess I would visit the Marquis’s residence to see her before noon. Since the painting isn’t here, I’ll go retrieve it now and deliver it to her—”

As Wei Qizhi made to stand up, a smile surfaced on Ning Buyi’s handsome face, and he raised a hand to stop him. “Brother Wei, there’s no need to rush. It’s still early. Besides, you’ve devoted so much effort to the Princess these past days. As you yourself have said, isn’t it time to step back and observe from a distance?”

Wei Qizhi’s smile grew even more strained. “Brother Ning, this…”

Noting that Wei Qizhi hadn’t touched his teacup, Ning Buyi picked up his own and took a sip. “Letting the Princess wait a little will also reveal her current feelings toward you. Isn’t that a good thing?”

Wei Qizhi pressed his lips together. “In that case, I suppose it’s fine…”

His smile was forced as he lifted the teacup but did not drink. Ning Buyi savored the tea and praised, “This batch of tea is truly excellent. Why aren’t you drinking, Brother Wei?”

Wei Qizhi smiled, his grip on the teacup tightening slightly.

Ning Buyi set down his cup and suddenly asked, “Brother Wei, do you believe in Buddhism?”

Wei Qizhi’s pupils contracted slightly at the question, and he shook his head. “I’m not one to believe in anything.”

Ning Buyi laughed openly. “So you believe in nothing at all? That’s actually quite good. The Daoists say ‘The Way follows nature,’ while the Buddhists claim ‘All living beings are suffering.’ Ordinary people spend half their lives in faith, only to find it all amounts to emptiness. If fasting, chanting, purifying the heart, and cultivating the Path could help people fulfill their wishes, then everyone in the world would do so. In the end, the Buddhas and Celestial Worthies are merely illusions created by the people to cling to hope. To put it bluntly, it’s nothing more than deceiving oneself.”Hearing Ning Buyi's words, Wei Qizhi sighed helplessly, "Such matters exist only for those who believe, and mean nothing to those who don't. Neither is wrong. When people have faith, they develop reverence. Someone like me who believes in nothing wouldn't fear karmic retribution."

Ning Buyi studied Wei Qizhi carefully, "Brother Wei is quite perceptive. But if there were a Path that could grant you gains upon belief, would you be willing to try?"

Wei Qizhi straightened his back and waved his hand, "Brother Ning just said there's no such free lunch in this world. Now that you ask me this, naturally I wouldn't believe it, nor would I try."

Ning Buyi smiled, "Of course there's no such free lunch in this world. The Path I speak of requires giving something in return for what you seek. However, what you sacrifice are merely trivial things."

Wei Qizhi's smile gradually faded as his eyes narrowed slightly, "How could anything requiring sacrifice be considered trivial? Those who practice vegetarianism, chant scriptures, cultivate purity, or make incense offerings - what they truly cultivate are their body, speech, and mind. They don't need to sacrifice anything. What Brother Ning describes sounds no different from evil arts to me."

Playing with his teacup, Ning Buyi chuckled, "When people cultivate, doesn't everyone seek something? Whether seeking freedom from attachments and emptiness of the four elements, or seeking peace and happiness - both are forms of seeking. How can we distinguish between righteous and evil paths?"

Wei Qizhi took a deep breath, his tone relaxed but his eyes alert and somber, "The Daoist saying goes: 'To have the Way without the skill benefits only oneself; to have the skill without the Way harms both oneself and others.' What does Brother Ning's chosen Path seek? What does it sacrifice? Brother Ning hasn't specified what constitutes 'trivial things' to you either."

Setting down his teacup, Ning Buyi looked at Wei Qizhi, "Though Brother Wei doesn't believe in karmic retribution, surely you believe in the concepts of good and evil in this world?"

Wei Qizhi nodded unconsciously. Ning Buyi's eyes narrowed, his gaze suddenly tinged with desolation, "Have you ever wondered why so many people with hands stained by Evil Karma can still live in peace and happiness, enjoying wealth and honor?"

Wei Qizhi pressed his lips together, "I'm but an insignificant person who can only focus on self-cultivation. As for those evil-doers Brother Ning mentioned, that's for the law and authorities to handle—"

"Haha—"

Ning Buyi laughed aloud, "Brother Wei comes from wealth, with a ducal household as maternal relatives, an imperial consort for an aunt, and your own family being among the great merchant houses. Yet you can still say such words? Before power and wealth, what is law? What are authorities?"

At this point, Wei Qizhi could no longer maintain his forced smile, "So Brother Ning intends to Act on behalf of Heaven yourself?"

Ning Buyi's gaze drifted over, his sharply defined face composed and leisurely, "And why not?"

Wei Qizhi suddenly stood up, "Our paths differ - we cannot work together. The princess is waiting for me, so I'll take my leave."

Before Wei Qizhi could move after speaking, a "thud" sounded behind him. Turning around, he saw Wu Shu, who had been standing perfectly fine, suddenly collapse unconscious.

Wei Qizhi's face changed, "Ning Buyi, you—"

Before he could finish his accusation, his vision suddenly blurred, his head heavy as if weighed down by a thousand-pound hammer. Unconsciously, he began to collapse toward the ground. As he looked at Ning Buyi, he saw him sitting calmly on the stone stool, drinking tea undisturbed.

Wei Qizhi's heart filled with despair - he clearly hadn't touched the tea, so how could he—Before completely succumbing to darkness, Wei Qizhi caught the faint scent of sandalwood drifting to his nostrils once more. Only then did he realize with belated clarity, thinking of Yue Ning and Qin Guan waiting for him, but despite his immense unwillingness, he could only sink into deep slumber.

……

……

As the sun climbed to its zenith, Wei Qizhi still hadn't arrived at the Marquis Manor.

Having waited for over half an hour, Qin Guan said to Yue Ning, "Perhaps he's been delayed by some matter. Let's go to the Wei residence."

Yue Ning naturally had no objections and nodded, setting out with Qin Guan in the carriage.

When they arrived at the Wei residence, they learned from the servant that Wei Qizhi had already left.

"Someone from the painting house came," the servant explained. "They said the old gentleman delivering the paintings required the buyer to come in person. Upon hearing this, our young master immediately changed clothes and left to retrieve the paintings."

Qin Guan frowned and quickly asked, "Do you know where he went to get them?"

The Wei servant shook his head. "I don't know. The messenger gave him a note with an address written on it."

Exchanging a glance with Yue Ning, Qin Guan checked the sky and promptly summoned a guard. "We're heading to the painting house now. You return to Marquis Anyang Manor immediately. If Young Master Wei arrives there, report to us at once."

The guard acknowledged the order and departed, while Qin Guan and Yue Ning boarded the carriage and hurried toward the Ink-Stained Painting House.

Yue Ning remarked, "Do you think something's wrong? Given that we agreed to view the paintings today, Ning Buyi's instructions seem reasonable enough."

Qin Guan shook her head. "Under normal circumstances, perhaps. But today is the killer's last opportunity."

Hearing this, Yue Ning grew concerned but said, "Wei Qizhi is clever as a fox. He probably won't run into trouble."

Qin Guan remained silent. Though Wei Qizhi was sharp, he was only ordinarily so—whereas the killer was capable of any madness.

After traveling for nearly half an hour, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Ink-Stained Painting House. The moment they reached the painting house, Qin Guan sensed something amiss.

As they alighted from the carriage, a servant hurried out to greet them—but it wasn't the one they usually saw.

"Young ladies, are you here to purchase paintings?"

Baiying frowned. "This is County Princess Yongning and County Princess Yongci."

The servant's expression changed abruptly, and he quickly bowed. "This humble one has failed to recognize your esteemed selves. I beg your forgiveness, County Princesses."

Qin Guan naturally didn't blame him and simply asked, "Where is your Master Ning?"

The servant blinked and replied hastily, "County Princess, Master Ning has already left."

Qin Guan's brow furrowed instantly. "Master Ning has left?"

The servant smiled. "Yes, County Princess. He has sold the painting house."

As he spoke, a man in his thirties, dressed in luxurious robes, emerged from inside the painting house. The servant quickly said, "County Princesses, this is our painting house's Boss Li—"

After the servant introduced Qin Guan and Yue Ning's identities to Boss Li, the latter became exceedingly attentive. Qin Guan asked directly, "Boss Li, when did Master Ning decide to sell the painting house to you?"

Boss Li smiled. "County Princess, I expressed interest quite early, about two months ago. But at that time, Master Ning wasn't ready to sell. We couldn't reach an agreement until last night, when he suddenly agreed. I had the silver prepared and settled the matter immediately through my servants. As an art lover myself, I believe he trusted me to take over."

Yue Ning grew anxious. "When did he leave?"Boss Li didn't understand why the two princesses were so anxious and quickly explained, "When I arrived this morning, Master Ning was already gone. He must have left last night. Princess, is something wrong?"

As he spoke, Boss Li suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh yes, I recall now. The person Master Ning left behind mentioned that there are paintings here that the princess likes, left by him. Did the princess come to see the paintings?"

Qin Guan had no mood for paintings at the moment and asked further, "Did you send anyone out this morning?"

Boss Li looked completely bewildered. "No, I just took over today, and everything inside is still in chaos."

Qin Guan's heart sank immediately. If Boss Li hadn't given any orders, then it must have been Ning Buyi. The paintings had clearly been delivered, yet Ning Buyi had Wei Qizhi go fetch them—this was clearly a scheme to harm Wei Qizhi!

Anxious, Qin Guan bid farewell to Boss Li and left with Yue Ning.

Yue Ning urgently asked, "What does Ning Buyi mean by this? He quietly transferred the gallery and left without a word. If that's the case, why did he make Wei Qizhi go to the magistrate's office to retrieve the paintings?"

As she boarded the carriage, Qin Guan replied, "This is Ning Buyi's scheme! Let's go to the magistrate's office!"

Yue Ning asked, "Shouldn't we check the Marquis residence first?"

Qin Guan decisively said, "He definitely hasn't returned. Let's seek Zhan Yang's help. Today is the last day—he won't let this opportunity slip."

Yue Ning's expression turned grave. "What about Wei Qizhi...?"

"Don't worry." Qin Guan grasped Yue Ning's hand. "We won't let anything happen to him."

After a moment's thought, Qin Guan knocked on the carriage door and instructed Baiying outside, "Go find the Crown Prince immediately. We'll likely need his men's assistance today—"

Upon hearing this, Baiying jumped off the carriage and headed to the Ministry of Justice to find Yan Chi.

...

...

At the magistrate's office, Zhan Yang hadn't expected such a sudden turn of events. "How are we supposed to find Young Master Wei? The capital is so vast!"

Qin Guan frowned. "Let's ask Zhang Daoshi for help—"

The three of them went to the duty room, where Zhang Daoshi was still deducing inside. Seeing Qin Guan and the others arrive, Zhang Daoshi, sweating profusely, said, "After the princess's instructions, I've been calculating nonstop, but so far, I've only pinpointed two locations."

Qin Guan urgently asked, "Which two locations have you identified? Young Master Wei is missing, and I suspect the culprit has taken him to the intended crime scene!"

Zhang Daoshi handed the paper on the desk to Qin Guan. "Princess, please look—"

Qin Guan examined it. "The east city? Xingle District? Is this... the East Market?"

The culprit had committed crimes in the east city before. Qin Guan, reading the paper, hurriedly said, "Zhan Butou, we must send people to search for Young Master Wei immediately. Today is the culprit's last chance—I fear he might take desperate measures and act early."

Zhan Yang took the paper, understood the locations, and nodded promptly. Qin Guan added, "Zhang Daoshi, how much longer until you calculate the other location?"

Zhang Daoshi thought for a moment. "I'll do my best, but I can't say for sure when it will be ready."

Though anxious, Qin Guan didn't want to pressure him and said, "Alright, we'll head out now. If you figure it out, inform us immediately. If we find Young Master Wei at these two locations, that's fine. If not, we'll be counting on you!"

Zhang Daoshi wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly agreed.

After leaving the duty room, Zhan Yang began mobilizing his men. Just as they were about to depart from the magistrate's office, Yan Chi arrived."What's going on? Wei Qizhi has disappeared?"

Qin Guan responded, "Yes, we originally agreed to meet at Marquis Anyang Manor at noon, but unexpectedly he was taken away early this morning by Ning Buyi's people. We went to check the painting gallery - in just one day, Ning Buyi had already sold it off..."

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "He's going all in!"

Qin Guan nodded, "Zhang Daoshi has already calculated two possible locations where the crime might occur. Zhan Butou is about to take people there now. I was worried we didn't have enough manpower, so I sent Baiying to notify you."

Seeing Qin Guan's anxiety, Yan Chi said, "Now that I'm here, you can rest assured. Leave this matter to me and Zhan Butou."

After speaking, Yan Chi instructed Bai Feng, then said to Zhan Yang, "You go ahead first, investigate as you normally would in official business. I have my own arrangements here."

Zhan Yang nodded and left the yamen with his men.

After Zhan Yang departed, Qin Guan finally showed some distress facing Yue Ning and Yan Chi, "This is my fault. I didn't expect Ning Buyi to be so desperate. I should have warned Young Master Wei earlier - after all, I was the one who dragged him into this."

Yan Chi couldn't help but pat her shoulder gently, "Don't worry. Wei Qizhi isn't foolish, he should be able to stall for time. Since he made an appointment with you, he would know that if he didn't show up, you would naturally come looking for him. Wait here - if Zhang Daoshi calculates a third location, come find me—"

As a woman, Qin Guan couldn't very well follow the constables door-to-door questioning people. It was better for her to wait here for news.

Qin Guan nodded. Without saying more, Yan Chi turned and left with his men.

After Yan Chi left, Qin Guan straightened her back as if she had lost some support. Yue Ning stood nearby with a grim expression, "How can Ning Buyi act like this without fearing we'd suspect him? Even if we hadn't suspected him before, selling the painting gallery so suspiciously - once something happens to Wei Qizhi, we'll find out with just a little investigation."

Qin Guan frowned deeply, "Could it be that Ning Buyi has already realized we suspect him?"

This question Yue Ning couldn't answer, and even Qin Guan herself couldn't be certain.

Zhang Daoshi was still calculating in the duty room. After sitting for a while, Qin Guan went with Yue Ning to check. They saw the door half-closed, with Zhang Daoshi inside still chanting incantations. Qin Guan realized there were still no results.

After waiting two hours, watching the sun set in the west, Zhan Yang still hadn't returned with his men. It was clear the search had been unsuccessful. The two locations - one in Xingle District, one in the East Market - weren't easy places to find someone. If Ning Buyi had made arrangements in advance, naturally they couldn't be found quickly.

As time passed, Qin Guan remained composed on the surface, but Yue Ning's anxiety was impossible to conceal. Usually she sometimes found Wei Qizhi noisy and bothersome, but now that Wei Qizhi was truly in danger, she felt extremely unsettled.

"I can't wait any longer. Should I go search for him too, or ask the Nine Gates Garrison for help?"

Yue Ning stood up, pacing back and forth in the hall. Qin Guan shook her head, "This matter has been entrusted to the Crown Prince. If you don't trust anyone else, shouldn't you at least trust the Crown Prince?"

Yue Ning sighed, "It's getting dark outside. If we don't find Wei Qizhi soon, it will be too late."The sun dipped westward, sinking below the horizon. As the sky grew visibly darker, Qin Guan found it increasingly difficult to suppress her impatience. She turned and headed back toward the duty office, only to find Zhang Daoshi’s door still tightly shut upon arrival. Unwilling to disturb him, she knew it would be some time before Zhang Daoshi could complete his deductions.

Unable to wait any longer, Qin Guan tugged at Yue Ning’s sleeve. "Let’s go to the East Market to find the Crown Prince."

……

……

When Wei Qizhi opened his eyes again, he found himself lying limp-limbed on a cold, hard long table.

The room was dimly lit by a flickering lamp. Turning his head, he saw Ning Buyi standing by the window, beyond which the night was as dark as thick ink. Wei Qizhi had no idea how long it had been dark, but he knew tonight was the killer’s final opportunity.

Seeing Ning Buyi’s back turned to him, Wei Qizhi struggled to sit up and get off the table, but after a moment of effort, he found himself completely immobilized. He had no strength left in his body, and even his breathing felt labored and strained—clearly, the effects of the Intoxicating Incense had not yet worn off.

Wei Qizhi cursed Ning Buyi inwardly and closed his eyes, pretending to still be unconscious.

"It’s almost midnight," Ning Buyi said without turning. "I’ve just received word that all the constables from the magistrate’s office are searching for someone in the East Market. They’re looking for you, but unfortunately, they’re searching in the wrong place."

Wei Qizhi opened his eyes and cursed under his breath again, glaring at Ning Buyi’s back.

"So you planned all of this for today? Are you determined to fight to the death, like a cornered fish breaking the net?"

"If anything happens to me today, you won’t escape blame—"

After just a few sentences, Wei Qizhi began panting heavily. His limbs were weak, his head dizzy. Relying on himself to escape was impossible, especially since Ning Buyi was skilled in martial arts.

Ning Buyi turned leisurely, his demeanor carefree and elegant, not at all like that of a ruthless killer. "You’ve been too close to the two County Princesses, and Yongci County Princess is particularly adept at solving cases. I suspect you’ve had your doubts about me for some time."

Wei Qizhi shut his eyes briefly, reopening them with visible fury. "That so-called altar of yours—are you planning to carve out the heart of some faithless man? But you probably don’t know this: I’m fiercely loyal. Everything I said before was just to deceive you. Did you actually believe it? Killing me today won’t do your altar any good!"

Ning Buyi stepped closer to Wei Qizhi, looking down at him from above. "So, you’re truly devoted to Yongning County Princess?"

Wei Qizhi smirked coldly. "True! Truer than true! Since I’m not faithless, what use is killing me?"

Ning Buyi showed no surprise, only an unprecedented calm and composure. "It’s a bit late for you to say that now. At this point, whether I intended to kill you or not, I have no choice."

Wei Qizhi shut his eyes tightly. Of course—he already knew Ning Buyi’s true nature. He had to die, regardless.

Gritting his teeth, Wei Qizhi said, "Fine. At this stage, do what you will. But I’d like to know: why go to all this trouble, harming so many people? Is it for that chronic illness of yours?"

Ning Buyi gazed at Wei Qizhi, as if amused by him, and replied, "How do you know I’m not genuinely trying to Act on behalf of Heaven? There are too many wicked people in this world. By eliminating a few, aren’t I just helping the magistrate’s office?"Wei Qizhi smiled bitterly, "Brother Ning, do you think I count as a villain? Killing me now would go against your true nature."

Ning Buyi watched with amusement as Wei Qizhi tried every trick to beg for mercy. "You truly don't deserve to die, but since you schemed against me, I have no choice but to resort to this. If you feel resentful when you reach the Yellow Springs, you're welcome to come back and find me."

Wei Qizhi nearly rolled his eyes upon hearing this. Considering how many people Ning Buyi had killed, this was likely the most harmonious scene he'd ever orchestrated. Knowing Ning Buyi would never show mercy, Wei Qizhi said, "You've killed five people. How did you do it? Tell me. Since I'm going to die anyway, let me understand what's happening before I become a ghost."

Ning Buyi smiled and walked to the side. After some movement, Wei Qizhi heard a series of crisp metallic clinks. Recognizing the sound of iron tools colliding, he watched in surprise as Ning Buyi returned holding a thin, sharp blade. "During my years in the capital, I've been searching for targets. The art gallery has been of great assistance to me."

Ning Buyi ran his finger along the blade's edge. With a slight press, a cut appeared on his fingertip. The sight made Wei Qizhi wince in sympathy, yet Ning Buyi remained expressionless.

Using his bloodied finger, Ning Buyi began drawing symbols on Wei Qizhi's body. The sensation sent chills down Wei Qizhi's spine. "Was what happened six years ago also your doing?" he asked.

Ning Buyi glanced up. "That was merely testing the waters."

Wei Qizhi sighed helplessly. "What could have possibly happened to you to make you resort to such madness?"

"Brother Wei, it's better you don't ask. These are things you wouldn't wish to know."

Wei Qizhi chuckled. "I'm about to die anyway. What harm is there in telling me?"

After finishing the symbols, Ning Buyi wiped his fingers clean with a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve. He glanced outside and said lightly, "It will be midnight soon."

Though Wei Qizhi had been joking casually moments before, these words sent a chill through his chest. Seeing the blade in Ning Buyi's hand, he felt an overwhelming urge to flee. Despite having faced numerous dangers in the past, the prospect of having his heart carved out filled him with terror. He forced a grin. "Brother Ning, if I were you, I'd escape immediately. Killing me won't help your altar at all. You'd be better off making a quick getaway. Believe me, the princess will find this place soon."

Ning Buyi smiled faintly. "At this point, Brother Wei, there's no need for empty talk."

With that, Ning Buyi's blade descended, slicing open the front of Wei Qizhi's robe. A cold sensation spread across Wei Qizhi's chest, and his laughter trembled. "Brother Ning, this is quite indecent. I've never had a man undress me before..."

"Don't worry. It won't hurt much."

As Ning Buyi spoke, he fully exposed Wei Qizhi's chest by pushing aside the torn fabric. Wei Qizhi let out a dry laugh. "Brother Ning, please don't let your hand shake. Make sure you time it right—it's not midnight yet..."

Ning Buyi traced the blade's tip over Wei Qizhi's chest, as if gauging the perfect spot to strike.

The icy metal sent shivers through Wei Qizhi the moment it touched him. His heart raced uncontrollably. Though immobilized, cold sweat broke out on his face. The blade hadn't pierced his skin, but the anticipation of it plunging into his heart at any second was unbearable—"Brother Ning, the princess has a Zhang Daoshi by her side who can divine and calculate. Every time, he accurately predicts where you'll strike. If you ask me, you should leave now while you can. Once the hour of Zi arrives, I'm afraid you won't even have the chance to wield your blade."

Ning Buyi let out a derisive laugh. "What's the use of always calculating correctly if they still can't catch me?"

Wei Qizhi was drenched in cold sweat, his smile weak and strained. Whether from fear or something else, he kept grinning. "Brother Ning, for the sake of our past friendship, can't you truly show mercy just this once? With each additional life you take, your sins multiply. According to your own words, with six lives on your conscience, I wonder which layer of hell you'll end up in?"

Ning Buyi remained unmoved by Wei Qizhi's pleas. Whatever Wei Qizhi said was nothing but noise to him. He occasionally glanced out the window, as if genuinely calculating the time. Wei Qizhi's sweat continued to pour, and as he looked around the dilapidated room, he truly had no idea what to do.

Seeing Ning Buyi's expression grow increasingly solemn, Wei Qizhi knew—the hour of Zi was approaching!

"Brother Ning, my feelings for the princess are truly sincere! If you kill me, won't it undo all your previous efforts? If you ask me, you should let me go and allow this destined union to be fulfilled—"

Ning Buyi twirled the slender blade in his hand and brought it down toward Wei Qizhi's chest.

Wei Qizhi saw it clearly and, terrified, struggled violently. "Brother Ning! I'm telling the truth! You only kill heartless people—your Moon Worship Sect's teachings forbid killing indiscriminately, don't they?"

Though Wei Qizhi couldn't get up, his thrashing caused his body to shift. Ning Buyi pressed down on his shoulder, still intent on driving the blade down—

Wei Qizhi felt a sharp pain in his chest and was certain he would die here today. With all his strength, he shouted, "I'm telling the truth! I'm not a heartless man! The princess and I have sworn to be together for three lifetimes! If you let me go—"

Wei Qizhi's cries were earth-shattering, as if volume alone could dull the pain. But halfway through his shouting, a loud "BANG!" erupted—the tightly shut door was kicked open. A voice, furious beyond measure, roared from outside, "Wei Qizhi, I swear I'll tear your mouth apart—"