Chapter 102: The Endless Corridor

Lin Jianyān explained, “This second method allows me to extend my special ability outward, sharing the scenes I perceive with others.”

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Chuci was first pleased, but then recalled how Lin Jianyān needed to eat candy twice before conducting her investigations to bolster her courage, indicating that this method was no ordinary feat for her.

Tonight on the beach, she had nearly been ambushed by that monstrous fish.

This time, not only would the light be completely extinguished, but the process would also be further intensified, making it all the more perilous.

With this in mind, Shangguan Chuci asked, “Director Lin, turning the palace lantern further down must consume more of your spirit. Will that not increase the danger?”

Lu Chenyuan, ever meticulous, caught the crucial point immediately and quickly interjected, “Indeed. If Miss Lin is to take such a risk, it need not be rushed; I can recuperate for a few more days.”

Unexpectedly, Lin Jianyān shook her head repeatedly, her delicate face slightly flushed as she replied, “Not quite. Extinguishing the light to survey is a passive act, gathering all the chaotic dangers within sight, thus more hazardous. This sharing method, however, projects what I see outwardly in an active manner, so the danger is not much less.”

She paused before continuing, “But this method drains a great deal of true essence. If I share it with only you, Young Master Chu, I imagine it could last for a few incense sticks’ time.”

Lu Chenyuan said with interest, “That would be excellent! Is there anything I can do to assist?”

Hearing his question, Lin Jianyān’s eyes involuntarily flicked to the doll lying on the couch, her expression tinged with hesitation and unspoken worry.

Lu Chenyuan immediately understood and gently picked up the doll, stroking it softly. “Don’t cause trouble. If you behave, I’ll reward you later with a few drops of my essence.”

Lin Jianyān’s heart stirred at this, thinking silently, “So when he said ‘tasty treats’ earlier, he meant his own essence? Not some savage beast after all.”

Yet just as this thought arose, she smiled bitterly to herself, “Nonetheless, the doll’s forging must still be completed with a living sacrifice. That fact is hard to reconcile.”

Meanwhile, Shangguan Chuci asked, “Director Lin, how should I cooperate with you?”

Lin Jianyān did not answer directly. Instead, she took from her sleeve a familiar oil-paper packet, opened it, and timidly asked, “Young Master Chu… would you like some candy? I still have some here.”

Seeing her produce candy again, Shangguan Chuci recalled how she always ate one before performing her spells, and curiously asked, “Is there some special reason behind this?”

Lin Jianyān’s pretty face reddened further and she stammered, “N-no. It’s just that when sharing the vision, some scenes might be frightening, and I fear it might scare you. I usually eat one to feel better inside.”

After she spoke, she regretted it, expecting Young Master Chu to laugh at her childishness. To her surprise, he pondered briefly before nodding, “If that’s the case, then give me one too.”

Lin Jianyān was taken aback by his acceptance and hesitated before asking, “I have several flavors. Which would you prefer?”

Though she kept a composed expression, the palace lantern emitted a warm honey-gold glow, clearly reflecting the young lady’s slight happiness.

Shangguan Chuci found her demeanor amusing and, pretending not to notice the lantern’s subtle change, asked, “What flavors do you have?”

Lin Jianyān rattled them off as if listing treasures: “Malt, sesame, and nut-filled… When I investigate, I choose candies based on the threat level. The more dangerous, the sweeter the candy I eat. For routine patrols, malt candy suffices.”

Lu Chenyuan found this interesting and interjected, “So, Miss Lin’s favorite must be the nut-filled one? Yet I recall on the beach, when the danger was great, you ate sesame candy. Why is that?”

Lin Jianyān did not expect him to see through her small quirks so clearly. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she whispered, “I eat the nut-filled ones when I’m feeling down. If I ate them all the time, they wouldn’t seem so sweet.”

Lu Chenyuan nodded thoughtfully. “I see.”

Shangguan Chuci smiled, “Then give me a piece of sesame candy. Besides that, is there anything else I should be mindful of?”

Lin Jianyān picked a piece from the oil-paper bundle and handed it over. “Nothing else. Just perform as usual. When you find Lu brother’s heart sea and need light, let me know and I will assist you.”

Lu Chenyuan carefully placed the doll back and said, “Then let us begin.”

Shangguan Chuci unwrapped the candy and placed the sesame piece on his tongue. A fragrant sweetness unfurled on his palate, lifting his spirits. He smiled, “Good.”

The two then sat cross-legged on the couch, palms facing one another.

After a moment, Shangguan Chuci said, “I’m ready. Director Lin, please.”

Lin Jianyān had just swallowed her candy. Taking a deep breath, her expression solemn, she extended her slender fingers and slowly turned the three-petaled iris mechanism atop the palace lantern.

When the light finally extinguished completely, the surrounding environment visibly grew eerie, yet no terrifying changes occurred. The doll lay obediently on the couch, causing no trouble.

She continued turning, and a soft “click” sounded, as if shifting to a new setting.

Within the lantern, a brilliant golden flame suddenly ignited, radiant and sacred in appearance, yet strangely it cast no light within the humble wood cabin.

Grasping the lantern’s handle, the girl directed the lantern toward Shangguan Chuci.

In an instant, darkness engulfed her vision as if she had plunged into boundless chaos.

Just as her heart leapt in alarm, a beam of light burst forth from the lantern, illuminating this dark realm brightly.

Turning her head, she saw that Young Master Chu was there too, standing beside her.

“Director Lin, you’re here as well? Could this be an illusion?” Shangguan Chuci’s voice came from beside her, tinged with surprise.

“Not an illusion, Young Master Chu.” The girl held the lantern high and glanced around anxiously. “Is this Lu brother’s heart sea? It looks… peculiar.”

Using the lantern’s glow, Shangguan Chuci scanned the surroundings.

They found themselves in an endless corridor lined on both sides with tightly closed doors.

The architectural style stirred a sense of déjà vu in her. Looking up, her breath caught slightly.

It was the fluorescent tubes she knew all too well from a past life.

Rows upon rows of pale, elongated light tubes emitted faint buzzing sounds.

The flickering light fractured the corridor into countless eerie patches of brightness and shadow, as if leading to some long-abandoned, ominous place.