Breaths like rust, making one nauseous, spat out from the E Shou’s nose, puffing onto the crown of Li Shiyi’s head; instinctively, Li Shiyi tilted her head, the motion enraging the great, drooling beast; a strong wind moved within the cave, and an excited whining howl once again came from the E Shou’s chest, as if praying devoutly before a satisfying meal. Li Shiyi was toppled to the ground by a flick of its right foot, her shoulder feeling as if having been firmly clamped by iron welding pincers; she could feel the E Shou’s steel-like claws about to break through her bones and flesh, with an unwavering, piercing tension. At death’s moment nearing, her senses had all been carried away; the sounds of Tu Laoyao and A Yin wailing by her ear were far away, as if on the horizon, and in the daze, it all shrank into a sharp, small point, only the aching perspiration remaining now, the thick liquid clouding her gaze. She could only barely sense the sound of her own breathing, entering and exit...

Chen Man had only said a few very simple words, and yet they were even more frightening than all the nightmares; Jiang Xichu closed her eyes, unable to sleep anymore. Chen Man was always good on her word; her temperament appeared good, as if she were easy to discuss with, but that was for minor matters; if there was a large issue, no matter what others said, she would never change her decision. Jiang Xichu’s breaths were very light; if one didn’t look attentively, one wouldn’t even be able to tell that she was still breathing; as her breaths became lighter, the hammering of her heart slowed, and the original disorder of her mind gradually cleared as well. After an indeterminate amount of time, as even the sky grew the inky blue of pre-dawn, Jiang Xichu opened her eyes, gazing at Chen Man by her side. Chen Man had already fallen asleep; half her face had sunk into the soft pillow, and a few strands of hair fell messily by her ear; Jiang Xichu cautiously and carefully reached out a hand,...