### Chapter 1: The Riddle (11)
In the empty Grand Hall, flickering flames danced about, appearing and disappearing like a shy ghost.
Luo Ying stared at the old man who lay lifeless beneath her sword, struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation even as the body began to cool.
The old man had seemed formidable enough; even when they had joined forces to attack him moments ago, not a single bead of sweat had graced his brow. So why did he suddenly throw in the towel?
“Quick, let’s go! Stop thinking about it!”
The Male Character, though equally baffled, urgently grasped Luo Ying’s hand as he leaped into the air toward the dim archway, which was on the verge of vanishing.
At that moment, Luo Ying couldn’t help but glance back at the old man lying in a pool of bl**d, as though she had lost something exceedingly precious.
Just as the dark door began to fade, the two of them miraculously slipped through and returned to Si Ling’s study.
Outside, the disciples finally sensed that something was amiss. They rushed into the Grand Hall only to be greeted by the terrifying sight of Sect Leader Ling Xiaozu sprawled in a bloodbath, lifeless.
The disciples stood frozen in shock.
Immediately, they summoned Elder Wang from the Law Enforcement Hall to investigate the scene.
However, no one noticed that amidst their rushing about, several strands of golden fur that had fallen to the ground had already been swept away by the wind, leaving no trace behind.
Back in the study, the Male Character and Luo Ying were treated like heroes.
Everyone in the manor awaited them at the door, and when Little Wild Cat appeared with the two, a thunderous cheer erupted.
The little animals wore smiles as wide as the moon, and at that moment, it felt like the two had completely returned to their rightful home, casting aside any memory of how they arrived or why they persisted thus far.
“Butler, let’s celebrate all night for our humans welcoming two new members!”
“Yes, esteemed master!”
The Squirrel Butler beamed in a way that almost had the two wrapped in a warm, affectionate bear hug.
As the outdoor feast commenced, Luo Ying quickly forgot her discomfort and the tiniest hint of guilt from killing someone, because her attention was immediately snagged by the assortment of drinks gracing the table.
The bonfire blazed bright, and everyone sang and danced with unrestrained joy.
Both Luo Ying and the Male Character were quickly swept away by the intoxicating thrill that alcohol provided.
The next day, when they finally stirred from sleep, the place was a complete disaster, with little animals sprawled across the ground, snoring like chainsaws.
They exchanged knowing smiles, as though they had discovered the perfect place to spend the rest of their lives.
The following days passed with overwhelming joy. Though the butler assigned them some tasks, they could wrap those up in half a day.
With their free time, they strolled leisurely through the garden, completely enamored by the vibrant blossoms that never ceased to delight their eyes.
Their only job was to avoid stepping outside, for as the butler put it, beyond the manor were savage folk, and civilized beings simply didn’t need to mingle with them.
Time passed in happy oblivion, and during this span, they even started to forget the past; apart from their names, all other memories became negligible.
Until one day, a sudden knocking echoed from the long-unopened gates of the manor.
At the sound of the unfamiliar noise, the little animals scattered like leaves in the wind.
Even the Male Character and Luo Ying felt the urge to hide in the bushes.
But then they vaguely remembered they had a few mystical tricks up their sleeves; what if it was an unruly intruder? They might be able to help protect the master.
So they hesitated for a moment, their underlying fear still making them grip each other’s hands tightly while they poked their heads out from the flowers to gauge the identity of the newcomer.
It was still the Squirrel Butler who opened the door, his face set like a wall, almost as if the newcomer owed him a lifetime supply of nuts.
“Excuse me! I’ve been wandering out there and finally found my way back home.”
Standing outside was a scraggy old man dressed in tattered clothes; he looked thin as a twig, with hair like freshly spun silver and a beard hanging askew, as if he had been drenched in sweat from a long journey.
“Come in,” the Butler said with an air of haughtiness, dripping with disdain for the stranger.
The Male Character whispered, “The Butler isn’t really going to let that oddball in, is he…?”
Luo Ying shivered slightly, her voice wavering with fear, “We should probably keep our distance; he gives off a rather creepy vibe.”
“Don’t be scared. However, let’s keep an eye on this oddball. If he causes trouble in the manor, we have to do something for the master.”
“Okay, fine…”
The Butler ushered the old man inside.
As they passed the hiding spot of the two, the old man paused, eyeing the Male Character poking his head out from the flowers, while Luo Ying had long since escaped deeper into the garden, having slipped out of his grasp.
The old man offered the Male Character a slight smile, his age-worn face holding an enigmatic quality.
This caught the Male Character off guard; he was surprised that he hadn’t noticed when the old man had arrived.
Finally, it was Luo Ying who snapped him back to reality. “I told you not to get too close to those peculiar folks! They’re all savages; just making eye contact could spread some horrifying disease!”
Male Character: “…”
At that moment, an unsettling feeling began to creep over him.
It seemed like just days ago, they had walked through that very door, only to be labeled as the odd ones themselves.
He shook his head vigorously, that memory evaporating in an instant, leaving him puzzled as to how he and Luo Ying had even arrived at this manor.
It felt as if they had grown up here, from day one.
“Dinner’s ready!”
Luo Ying pulled the Male Character joyfully toward the dining room.
It was their favorite time of the day.
Before entering the dining area, like all the other little animals, they carefully scoured the place, ensuring that the oddball wasn’t lingering around. Only once satisfied that the master had personally made an appearance did they happily cheer and take their seats at the table.
After a meal, it seemed as though the mention of the oddball had completely vanished from everyone’s minds.
Luo Ying whisked the Male Character back to their room.
Afternoons were their designated relaxation time; even if they took a nap til nightfall, it wouldn’t matter one bit.
In this place, they had all the domestic bliss one could hope for.
Moreover, to everyone else, it appeared they had always been a pair.
So, when it came to anything even slightly scandalous, neither felt it was out of the ordinary.
In short, it was another delightful afternoon.
Exhausted, they lay on the bed, eagerly awaiting the arrival of dinner.
This day’s routine had not morphed even a tiny bit with the presence of the oddball, and it seemed as though their blissful, worry-free days were destined to stretch on forever.
Until the deep of night, just as the Male Character lay embraced by Luo Ying, he suddenly heard a faint knock at the door.
Who could it be?
At that hour, the little animals were usually in deep slumber, and who would be popping by at this time?
Could it possibly be the oddball?!
The Male Character broke into a cold sweat.
