The street was pitch dark. At the back gate of Yi Manor, several carriages that had just arrived today came to a stop, and people quickly slipped inside.
Ghost Painting Book Immortal held a jar of wine, gulping it down with sighs. He could already sense it—at this moment, countless soldiers lurked throughout the city, silently closing in on this place.
“Natural disasters can be avoided, but man-made calamities are unstoppable. For the sake of this so-called greater good, how many people die quietly in nights like this?”
Directly across from Ghost Painting Book Immortal was the Octagonal Tower. At this hour, Isabelle Frost was already asleep. Earlier, she had waited as promised for Ghost Painting Book Immortal, but he hadn’t gone to her. He had no intention of meddling in worldly affairs—nor did he need to. People are stubborn creatures; even if you save this family tonight, their mindset won’t change. Still, Ghost Painting Book Immortal came tonight because he couldn’t quite let go of this little girl.
“Clearly not good at interacting with people—so why is that?”
Ghost Painting Book Immortal smiled, then tilted his head back to gaze at the moon hanging high in the cold night. Faint sounds echoed around him—soldiers clad in armor and carrying weapons were closing in.
As the central hub of Qi Kingdom, Liao City was a major transit point. Many things passed through here, especially intelligence.
“Someone capable of creating such beautiful paintings—why is his heart so stubborn? He knows he’s nothing, that this so-called greater good doesn’t exist. He knows what truly matters right now. He should know all of this, Master Yi.”
Ghost Painting Book Immortal glanced back. The street behind him was filled with soldiers wielding sharp blades—they were already surrounding the Yi family’s courtyard.
“It’s tragic, really. If little Yvette could keep living, perhaps she could inherit everything from you. As a painter—yet at this moment, is the greater good truly your destination? Blind loyalty brings only destruction; blindness keeps you from seeing anything. Does all of this add up to less than your so-called greater good?”
Ghost Painting Book Immortal muttered to himself, then burst out laughing.
At this moment, Master Yi was in a room in the backyard, discussing something with a group of people, apparently about matters concerning Qi Kingdom.
Master Yi spoke excitedly, then began writing something on a ceramic shard, drawing a map. He kept drawing until he finished an extremely precise map. After waiting for the dye to dry, he quickly added details using a washable material.
The item Lord requested is finally obtained. I’ll leave it to you to deliver, gentlemen.
With a bang and a scream, torches were raised outside the courtyard, and soldiers climbed over the walls.
Master Yi’s face suddenly changed. He quickly blew out the oil lamp and hurried to the front yard. The servants were already being dragged out of the house. Master Yi looked toward the Octagonal Tower, where the sound of ceramic shards breaking echoed. He turned to face the general before him.
General Mo, I don’t know…
Master Yi, hmph, what exactly are you doing in this courtyard?
Master Yi immediately pretended to know nothing, but soon those who had spoken to him were also dragged out. Soldiers searched the courtyard.
What crime have I committed? Shouldn’t there be some proof?
A soldier stepped forward with a ceramic shard painting—this was the evidence. Another soldier quickly brought a basin of water. The general submerged the shard, and the colors quickly washed away. Master Yi’s eyes widened.
You’ve colluded with the enemy state—is that charge sufficient?
Master Yi’s face changed completely. He began to tremble. The general grabbed Master Yi by the collar, pressing a blade to his throat.
If you know what’s good for you, tell us everything you know—your bases in the surrounding counties. If you don’t talk, I won’t go easy on you.
With a slash and a spray of blood, Master Yi, without a word, pressed his neck against the blade. Blood gushed from his mouth as he collapsed, limp. The general stared in shock.
Take them all back for harsh interrogation. Leave no one in the manor untouched.
At the general’s command, the soldiers sprang into action. In Mrs. Yi’s room, her body was already hanging in the air—she had long since hanged herself.
With a whimper, Isabelle Frost covered her mouth, tears streaming from her eyes. Ghost Painting Book Immortal drank in silence, saying nothing. He thought the girl’s tragedy wasn’t just tonight, but what she would have to endure after death. Her life as a human had only just begun—if she died now, what was the point of being born? The girl’s body was unusual, but Lady Meng had already intervened, so Isabelle’s instincts wouldn’t run wild again.
Screams rang out as soldiers began slaughtering the servants in the courtyard. Those who had conspired with Master Yi fought desperately as they were dragged away, their eyes already filled with death’s resolve.
Dawn broke faintly. No one remained in Yi Manor. The soldiers kept searching for Isabelle Frost, but no matter what, they couldn’t find a trace of her.
After dawn, many people in the city noticed the commotion at the Yi family last night and gathered to watch.
The main culprit’s head had already been severed and placed at the gate. Soldiers searched everywhere. At that moment, Zhou Kan appeared beside the general, speaking—he had betrayed Master Yi. He smiled with satisfaction as he received a heavy parcel from the general, who promised him a lucrative post.
At last, the soldiers left the Yi family’s compound. Ghost Painting Book Immortal let go. In Isabelle Frost’s room, nothing remained; all the ceramic shard paintings had been taken away. The room was a mess, and some soldiers had stolen valuables. Everything in the manor was looted.
Isabelle Frost sat silently on the bed. Ghost Painting Book Immortal sat by the window, quietly waiting for her to speak. He knew how cruel this was for a girl of her age, but he felt no regret. If things continued, this day would come sooner or later.
Even if Master Yi hadn’t been betrayed, one day his lord would have killed him after using him. Such is the fate of those entangled in power—ruined families, extermination, even the slaughter of kin.
Ghost Painting Book Immortal had witnessed such scenes countless times. Isabelle Frost moved, slowly walking into the sunset-lit courtyard—now deserted. The gate was locked, corpses burned on the spot, and the stench of death drifted through the yard. Isabelle collapsed to the ground, laughing miserably, her tears dried up, sobbing endlessly. Ghost Painting Book Immortal stood silently by her side.
Ghost Painting Book Immortal had watched this little girl grow up and knew her strength well. She never showed such intense grief on her face; everything was buried deep in her heart.
Yvette.
Night fell. Ghost Painting Book Immortal walked over and gently called out. Isabelle Frost lifted her head in a daze. The shock of it all was far too much for a six-year-old—especially seeing her father die before her eyes. Such a thing is unbearable for a child.
Why didn’t you…
Isabelle Frost spoke. A faint sound came, and she looked over.
Miss, why are you here?
Zhou Kan ran over in fear, reaching out to embrace Isabelle Frost. With a slap, she pushed Zhou Kan’s hand away. He looked at her in confusion.
It was you. I saw it. You brought those people here.
Isabelle sobbed, and Zhou Kan’s expression changed—his previous concern and sadness vanished, replaced by a cold stare.
Miss, where were you hiding? They searched all day and couldn’t find you. Come with me, Miss.
Zhou Kan reached out and grabbed Isabelle Frost. She screamed and glared angrily at him. Ghost Painting Book Immortal stood motionless, doing nothing, choosing to watch coldly.
After all, I am a ghost and she is human. I owe her nothing, and she is just a passerby in my long existence.
Ghost Painting Book Immortal spoke, then transformed into a green light, rising up. He watched silently as Isabelle’s mouth was covered and her limbs bound. Zhou Kan stuffed her into a large sack and carried her out of the courtyard, leaving quickly in the night.
A scream rang out. Yin Choujian sat up in bed, wiping away tears. In his dream, he saw that girl—not smiling, but crying helplessly, as if calling for help. Yin Choujian wiped his cheeks.
He quickly got up and walked to the window, quietly looking out at the night sky, which was tinged with red.
What’s wrong with me? Who is that girl, and why is she so sad? Maybe she’s just like me. I wish I could meet her someday.