The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Chang'an City, southern suburbs.

The night is as dark as ink and the north wind is biting.

The cold wind whipped up the dust that hadn't yet frozen solid, rustling as it hit the withered grass and trees.

Unlike the bustling and noisy north of the city, this place is more secluded and desolate, with a few ordinary manor houses scattered here and there. One of the unassuming houses looks no different from its neighbors, with its blue bricks and gray tiles, and its unassuming gate, perfectly blending into the atmosphere of this southern suburb.

However, once you step through that wooden door and pass through the courtyard and corridors cleverly arranged using the art of Qimen Dunjia, the scene before you suddenly opens up, a stark contrast to its simple exterior.

The hall was extravagantly luxurious. The floor was covered with soft brocade carpets from the Western Regions, vibrant in color and embroidered with intricate mandala patterns. The walls were inlaid with fine sandalwood, carved with images of celestial demons dancing and phantoms of the heavens. The celestial demonesses in the paintings were depicted in countless poses, their lines fluid and lifelike, seemingly about to come alive under the flickering lights. A high dome hung down, with several layers of semi-transparent silk gauze draped down, like clouds and mist, both dividing the space and adding a touch of hazy allure.

At each of the four corners of the hall stood a bronze-gilded floor lamp, its branches adorned with strangely shaped trees, each holding a thick, tallow candle. The flames were steady and bright, illuminating the entire hall as if it were daytime. The candlelight, refracted by the glass lampshades, flowed with a golden halo, filling the room with brilliance. A sweet and decadent fragrance permeated the air, neither quite orchid nor quite musk, a "bewitching incense" concocted with a special secret method, capable of silently relaxing one's defenses and amplifying inner desires.

Seated languidly in a large, jewel-inlaid rosewood chair with phoenix patterns at the head of the table was an exquisitely beautiful figure. It was none other than Zhu Yuyan, the leader of the Yin Kui Sect, the head of the eight great masters of the Demonic Sect, and known as the "Empress of Yin."

Because of her greatly improved skills, Zhu Yuyan now appeared to be only twenty years old. Her features were exquisite, her skin as white as snow, so smooth that not a single trace of time could be found. She wore a well-tailored black palace dress, the hem of which was embroidered with large clusters of spider lilies in dark gold thread, further accentuating her slender figure and graceful demeanor. Her cascading black hair was loosely tied up with a simple black jade hairpin, a few strands falling beside her cheeks, adding a touch of charm.

Her slender, jade-like fingers were gently toying with a luminous cup, the crimson grape wine inside rippling slightly, making her fingertips appear even whiter. Her posture was languid, yet she exuded an invisible, suffocating pressure. The light and atmosphere of the entire hall seemed to flow slowly around her, a natural manifestation of the eighteenth level of the Heavenly Demon Great Art at its peak.

However, what is most striking are his eyes, clear as an autumn pool and deep as a starry night sky. With each glance, they naturally exude an aura of dominance over all living beings and the power to control life and death.

To Zhu Yuyan's lower left sat a beautiful woman with a graceful figure, appearing to be around thirty years old. She wore a colorful brocade dress with a semi-transparent crimson gauze over it, her eyes sparkling with allure. A faint smile played at the corners of her lips, her fingers gently twirling a strand of hair that fell to her chest. Her posture was captivatingly seductive, but upon closer inspection, one could discern a hint of coldness lurking deep within her alluring eyes.

This woman is Wen Caiting, an elder of the Yin Kui Sect and one of the "Four Enchantresses".

Seated opposite Wen Caiting was a woman with a completely different aura. Her pristine white robes stood out starkly against the room's opulent and ornate decor. Her face was almost translucent, devoid of color, and her silver hair, flowing like moonlight, was loosely draped over her shoulders. Her eyes were icy, like a snow-capped mountain that never melts. Her hands, resting on her lap, had slender, pale fingers, but those who knew her well understood how swift and deadly they were when wielding the "Yin Wind Palm" or manipulating the "Soul-Locking Silk."

She is Danmei, the "silver-haired beauty" who is as famous as Wen Caiting.

The several elite disciples of the Yin Kui Sect standing on either side of the hall entrance were all beautiful young women.

Suddenly, the faint sound of clothes rustling in the wind and almost inaudible footsteps came from outside the hall. The elite disciple guarding the gate bowed and entered to report: "Reporting to the sect leader, Elder Pi and Senior Sister Bai have arrived."

Zhu Yuyan didn't even lift her eyelids, only giving a faint "hmm": "Let them in."

The hall door slid open silently, and the two entered one after the other.

The leader, dressed in an indigo scholar's robe, had a fair complexion and appeared to be around fifty years old. His three long tufts of beard were neatly trimmed, giving him the air of a learned scholar. However, his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, flashing with a keen light when they opened and closed, subtly revealing a depth that belied his age. His aura was faint and elusive, as if he had blended into the chilly environment around him. This was none other than Bi Shouxuan, the head elder of the Yin Kui Sect.

Closely following her was a graceful and captivating woman. She wore a light pink palace-style dress over a pure white fox fur coat. Her face was delicate and beautiful, evoking a sense of pity and vulnerability. Her eyes naturally carried a hint of fragility and submissiveness, easily arousing a man's protective instincts. Her steps were light and graceful, like a willow swaying in the breeze, her eyes timid, as if she could not withstand the slightest fright. This was none other than Bai Qing'er, the second disciple of Zhu Yuyan and the favored concubine of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng of the Tang Dynasty.

As Bi Shouxuan and Bai Qing'er entered the hall, they immediately felt the omnipresent pressure.

Bi Shouxuan's gaze quickly swept over Zhu Yuyan in the main seat, as well as Wen Caiting and Danmei beside her. A respectful smile instantly appeared on his face. He strode forward and bowed when he was still three steps away from the soft couch.
"Bi Shouxuan greets the Sect Master! I was overjoyed to hear of the Sect Master's arrival in Chang'an and have come here immediately to await your orders!"

Bai Qing'er was even more submissive, kneeling down lightly and touching her forehead to the ground. Her voice was soft and melodious, with just the right amount of excitement: "Qing'er greets Master! May Master be well!"

Zhu Yuyan leaned back lazily, her gaze indifferently fixed on the luminous cup in her hand, as if the crimson wine within was more alluring than the two people before her. For a moment, only the crackling of the charcoal fire and the pervasive, sweet, exotic aroma filled the hall.

The brief silence caused the smile on Bi Shouxuan's face to stiffen slightly, and Bai Qing'er's body, which was lying on the ground, trembled imperceptibly.

After a few breaths, Zhu Yuyan slowly raised her eyelids, first glancing at Bi Shouxuan, a barely perceptible hint of mockery flashing in her eyes, before finally landing on Bai Qing'er.

"Get up."

Zhu Yuyan's voice was devoid of emotion: "Qing'er, now that you are the Crown Prince's favored concubine, your status is different from before. These formalities should be avoided in the future."

Bai Qing'er quickly replied, "Master, you flatter me. In your presence, Qing'er will always be your disciple."

Her tone was fearful, her posture humble, and she captured that vulnerability perfectly.

"Giggle~"

Wen Caiting chuckled sweetly, her voice alluring and seductive: "Qing'er is such a sensible girl, unlike some people who, just because they're older and have a higher seniority, forget their place."

Bi Shouxuan's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't noticed the barb in Wen Caiting's words. He smiled and said, "Junior Sister Wen is joking. How could I dare to be negligent when the Sect Master summoned me? I set off immediately upon receiving the secret order. May I ask what important matter the Sect Master has to instruct me on?"

Zhu Yuyan gently adjusted her posture, her slender, jade-like fingers tapping the armrest of the rosewood chair. Her gaze swept over the two people below her again, and she slowly spoke: "I, Elder Wen, Elder Dan, and I have come to Chang'an in person. You must know why."

Pi Shouxuan quickly cupped his hands and said, "Sect Master's personal presence must be about the 'Yang Gong Treasure Vault'. Your subordinate and Qing'er received the secret order and came immediately to await your orders."

Bai Qing'er softly echoed, "Qing'er has also heard some rumors in the palace, but without the sect leader's explicit instructions, I dare not act rashly."

Zhu Yuyan nodded slightly. In the candlelight, her profile was breathtakingly beautiful, yet chillingly cold: "Indeed. The treasure left behind by that old devil Lu Miaozi is of great importance. It contains not only endless riches and divine weapons, but also our Holy Sect's most precious treasure—the Evil Emperor's Relic."

Upon hearing the words "Evil Emperor's Relic," apart from Danmei who remained expressionless, a flicker of barely suppressed heat and greed flashed in the eyes of Wen Caiting, Bi Shouxuan, and even Bai Qing'er. Bi Shouxuan, in particular, had a glint of light flash in his lowered eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

Zhu Yuyan took in everyone's reactions and smiled slightly: "The Evil Emperor's Relic contains the essence of all the Evil Emperors of the past generations. For those of us who cultivate the Heavenly Demon Great Art, it is an unparalleled treasure. Although I was fortunate enough to break through the eighteenth level, I cannot reach true perfection and penetrate the eighteenth supreme secret realm without the power of the relic."

She paused, then her gaze sharpened, suddenly fixed on Bi Shouxuan and Bai Qing'er: "The day after tomorrow is the night of the full moon. The mechanism to enter the treasure vault will appear near Yue Ma Bridge at midnight. At that time, countless eyes, both openly and secretly, will be watching that place from all sides in Chang'an City."

“Bi Shouxuan,” Zhu Yuyan called out.

"Your subordinate is here!" Bi Shouxuan's body tensed up, and he quickly replied.

"You have cultivated external relationships for many years and have established connections with many officials in the Crown Prince's court. I want you to use your authority and network to get the Crown Prince to issue an order before midnight the day after tomorrow, under the pretext of 'curfew drills,' 'investigating traitors,' or any other plausible reason, to deploy the Imperial Guards to completely seal off the area around Yuema Bridge. No outsiders, especially spies from other forces, should be allowed to approach! Is it possible to accomplish this?"

Pi Shouxuan's mind raced, and he solemnly said, "Sect Master, rest assured! I still have some influence in the Crown Prince's residence, and with Qing'er's assistance, I should be 80% confident in handling this matter! I will definitely not let those eyesores disturb the Sect Master's treasure hunt!"

“Very good.” Zhu Yuyan turned her gaze to Bai Qing’er. “Qing’er.”

"The disciple is here."

"You are deeply favored by Li Jiancheng, so cooperating with Elder Pi should not be difficult. Remember, this matter concerns the future fortune of my Yin Kui Sect, as well as your own future. If this matter is accomplished, I will not treat you unfairly. Your meridian pain caused by practicing the Charming Maiden Technique may be cured."

Upon hearing this, Bai Qing'er's delicate body trembled slightly, and she quickly bowed, saying, "Qing'er understands! I will do my utmost to assist Elder Pi and ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

Zhu Yuyan nodded in satisfaction, her cool gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on the star map on the dome: "The day after tomorrow, at midnight, I will personally infiltrate the treasury to retrieve the Holy Gate's most precious treasures. Elder Wen and Elder Dan will accompany me to provide support. The outer perimeter will be entirely under your responsibility. After the mission is accomplished, you two will have priority in choosing the treasures and divine weapons within the treasury. I will also, as appropriate, impart more profound Heavenly Demon Secret Techniques to help you break through your bottlenecks."

Pi Shouxuan's face showed a look of deep gratitude, and he bowed deeply: "Sect Master's kindness is something I can never repay even with my life! I will definitely serve Sect Master to the death!"

Bai Qing'er also bowed gracefully, her voice choked with emotion: "Qing'er thanks the Sect Master for his kindness, and will certainly live up to your expectations!"

"very good."

Zhu Yuyan leaned back slightly, resuming her languid posture, but her tone carried a chilling killing intent: "This matter concerns my martial arts breakthrough, and even more so, the future fortune of my Yin Kui Sect. Success is the only option; failure is not permitted. Anyone who dares to disobey or leak information..."

She didn't continue, but the sudden, chilling killing intent enveloped the entire hall as if it were a tangible force, even causing the incense burner flames in the corner to momentarily pause. Danmei's icy gaze also swept over Bi Shouxuan and Bai Qing'er at the opportune moment.

Bi Shouxuan and Bai Qing'er both felt a chill rise from their spines and quickly bowed, saying, "Your subordinate (Qing'er) dare not!"

"Don't dare to be the best."

Zhu Yuyan waved her hand: "After the matter is accomplished, you will naturally receive your share of the rewards. I have always been fair in my rewards and punishments."

The two immediately showed expressions of "tears of gratitude": "Thank you, Sect Master (Master)!"

"Go and prepare. Remember, on the night of the full moon the day after tomorrow, before midnight, I want to see the area within a hundred feet of Yuema Bridge completely silent."

Zhu Yuyan closed her eyes, as if she was already somewhat tired.

"Yes, Your subordinate (Qing'er) takes her leave!"

Bi Shouxuan and Bai Qing'er bowed again and then carefully withdrew from the hall.

Stepping out of the warm, yet oppressively suffocating hall, the two of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The humble and respectful smile on Bi Shouxuan's face gradually faded. He glanced at Bai Qing'er, who still looked weak and frail beside him, and sneered inwardly: "The Evil Emperor's Relic... Zhu Yuyan, how could you so easily obtain such a divine object? Perhaps it's time to let Zhao Deyan know..."

Bai Qing'er's eyes flickered beneath her lowered eyelids: "Yang Gong's Treasure Vault... Evil Emperor's Relic... Master, since you want to obtain the relic to break through, the endless wealth and divine weapons in that treasure vault may be the capital for me, Bai Qing'er, to escape my puppet fate and truly establish myself... That idiot Li Jiancheng is really easy to use."

The two exchanged a knowing glance and quickly disappeared into the deep darkness of Chang'an.

Inside the hall, Zhu Yuyan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze icy cold, showing no sign of weariness. As she looked in the direction where the two had disappeared, a cold smile curled at the corner of her lips.

Wen Caiting chuckled and leaned closer: "Sect Master, these two guys might not be so honest."

Danmei also spoke coldly: "Do you need me to keep an eye on them secretly?"

Zhu Yuyan gently stroked the smooth armrest and said calmly, "Clowns can't stir up any trouble. Before absolute power, all schemes are futile. If they know what's good for them, I won't mind sharing the spoils after the deed is done. If they dare to act rashly..."

She didn't say anything more, but the chilling killing intent she exuded said it all. (End of Chapter)