Chapter Seventy-Seven: Killing with a Borrowed Blade

Although I wished desperately to tear him apart, I was powerless to do so. The sense of frustration was almost unbearable.

I waited quietly for his next move, certain that he would help me rescue my cousin. The reason was simple: he had to masquerade as me, and therefore was compelled to act.

The afternoon passed swiftly. The Scarlet-Eyed Demon sat cross-legged on the bed; I could not discern a single thought from him.

It wasn’t until Lin Wei Yan gently knocked on the door, inviting him out for dinner, that he stirred.

Seated at the dinner table, Xiao Ling beamed and said, “Big brother, have some meat—Sister Wei Yan made it just for you.”

I sighed helplessly; even Xiao Ling had mistaken the Scarlet-Eyed Demon for me, and my heart grew more anxious and conflicted.

The Demon, on the other hand, had fully immersed himself in my role; his every gesture, even his habits, were flawless.

In my usual manner, he said to Xiao Ling, “Thank you, Xiao Ling. Here’s some nutritious meat for you.” He picked up a piece for her, mimicking my movements precisely.

Xiao Ling giggled and ate with delight.

Watching them eat happily together, I suddenly felt superfluous.

I couldn’t explain why I felt this way—perhaps it was the effect of being an outsider, merely observing.

After dinner, Xiao Ling and Feng Zi Mo watched television on the sofa, while Lin Wei Yan tidied up in the kitchen.

The Scarlet-Eyed Demon rose and walked toward the kitchen. A wave of unease swept over me.

Was he planning to harm Lin Wei Yan?

If he truly intended it, I had to stop him. I could not allow him to act recklessly.

He stopped at the kitchen doorway, leaning against the frame, watching Lin Wei Yan’s alluring figure with a wicked smile at the corner of his mouth.

Though it lasted only a moment, I caught it.

A chill ran down my spine. Was he really…?

I never imagined the Demon would have lustful thoughts.

This was my body, after all; no matter what, I couldn’t let him do such things.

Silently, I warned him again and again not to cross the line, or else he’d regret it.

He responded with a cold laugh: “And what exactly can you do to me?”

---

His tone was filled with contempt and a hint of mockery.

“Though I can’t do anything to you now, don’t forget: you are nothing but a pair of eyes, and you’re not invincible. If I die, you won’t survive either.”

I had no fear of angering him, striking directly at his weakness.

Yet he showed little reaction, replying with a taunting grin, “Ridiculous. Do you think you’ll ever get the chance to be yourself again?”

His words betrayed his ambition: he truly wanted to seize my body completely.

But he forgot one thing—my three-year pact with the Emperor Ziwei when I was in the Valley of Immortals.

I refused to believe that the Emperor wouldn’t notice the Demon occupying my body.

I chuckled, “Do you really think you can hide your deeds from everyone?”

He was clever; he would understand my implication.

His brows furrowed, as if recalling those days sealed in darkness.

He fell into a deep silence.

I sensed the disturbance within him; the fear of being sealed was strong.

Just then, Lin Wei Yan finished washing the dishes and turned, seeing the Demon leaning in the kitchen doorway.

She smiled softly, wiping her damp hands. “Brother Chu Yun, what are you doing here?”

He snapped out of his reverie and looked at her, replying, “Nothing. Just wondering if there’s anything I can help with.”

Her smile lingered, but there was an indescribable emotion behind it—perhaps touched, perhaps relieved.

She left the kitchen, and everyone gathered in the living room around the TV.

No one mentioned how to rescue my cousin.

Time slipped by, minute by minute; my anxiety mounted.

“What’s the meaning of this? Is my cousin’s rescue just going to be ignored?” I demanded of the Demon.

He replied inwardly, “Why rush? How about we make a deal?”

A deal?

Was he trying to exploit the situation?

I didn’t need to guess; I knew what he wanted—a bargain for my body.

Feigning ignorance, I asked, “What kind of deal?”

---

The Scarlet-Eyed Demon said, “It’s simple. As you know, I want your body. If you willingly hand it over, I’ll rescue your cousin for you.”

“Don’t even think about it. If I give you my body, what will become of me?” I retorted coldly.

He snorted, “Then prepare for your cousin’s death. To be frank, she has at most three days left. Don’t blame me for not giving you a chance.”

I knew full well this was his scheme, yet I found myself caught between two agonizing choices.

On one side was my cousin; on the other, myself.

If I chose to save her, I’d have to relinquish my body.

If I didn’t, the Demon would never willingly return it.

If it were the past, I would have chosen to save my cousin without hesitation.

Yet now, I couldn’t agree to his terms so easily.

So I said, “I can consider your request, but you must rescue my cousin first. Only then will I agree.”

My words were bait; anyone attentive would realize I said I’d consider it, not promise. Now it remained to be seen if he would fall for it.

“Very well. It’s a deal,” said the Demon.

Sure enough, he took the bait.

He was too eager to possess my body and failed to grasp the nuance of my words.

Maybe he thought that even if I refused, he could still seize me by force.

But he didn’t know one thing: as long as he was injured, I could retake my body.

The Emperor Ziwei had confided this secret to me, and I had never told anyone.

Once all was agreed, I asked, “When do you plan to rescue her?”

He replied, “Tonight, at midnight. Watch how I save your cousin.”

Hearing this, I felt relieved; it would be best not to let things drag on.

I had to admit, the Demon was more desperate than ever to possess my body. His desire blinded him, and he failed to see my strategy—a borrowed blade and a golden cicada shedding its shell.

By the time he realized it, everything would already be too late.