The Double

The cries of the girl suddenly filled the courtyard, startling everyone. Some of the more timid maids even started crying.

Jiang Li, however, hung her head as if she had lost all her strength, yet she strangely maintained her upright posture.

This commotion also took Chongxu Daoist Master by surprise, for his act did not include this scene. Logically, the drug mixed with the glutinous rice was supposed to make one temporarily lose their senses. All Jiang Li needed to do was to maintain this appearance to frighten everyone. Everything she did that was beyond comprehension could then be explained as "being haunted."

This tactic had been used by Chongxu Daoist Master countless times, and it had never failed. He knew exactly what he should do next and was well-practiced. Yet Jiang Li’s subsequent actions today were not part of his plan.

Before he could react, the girl’s voice erupted even louder, almost piercingly so.

"Wu wu—wu wu," combined with the dark clouds in the sky and the altar burning with incense, it was particularly eerie.

Ji Shuran hugged Jiang Youyao tightly, as Youyao had already burrowed into her embrace. Initially somewhat afraid, Shuran no longer felt fear, thinking happily that it wouldn’t be long before Jiang Li would be accused of being evil, and scorned by all. She even marveled to herself that Chongxu Daoist Master certainly had a talent for frightening people, no wonder he dared to perform before the Emperor without stage fright. Having such an accomplished person in her sister was truly fortunate.

With this thought, she turned to look at Chongxu Daoist Master, only to find that he had not made a move, and seemed to be transfixed, staring straight at Jiang Li, even taking a step back.

Ji Shuran frowned, thinking that even though the act needed to seem real, shouldn’t a master display a commanding and upright presence and stand out at this moment? Chongxu Daoist Master was not performing well here.