Bai Yinshuang nodded, "That's correct."
Chen Yang said, "So it seems that despite all his scheming, Cheng Jianhua still didn't get the Jade Disc of Creation?"
"Not exactly," Bai Yinshuang replied. "The Jade Disc of Creation actually comes in a pair - male and female. It's composed of two jade pendants: a dragon jade and a phoenix jade. This is a secret unknown to outsiders. Cheng Jianhua stole the dragon jade, while I've been relying on the phoenix jade. The Grandmaster once said that when the Jade Disc is separated, my death crisis would arrive. However, what the Grandmaster didn't anticipate was that by keeping half of the phoenix jade, I managed to preserve this spectral form. Regardless, I've managed to survive my fated demise."
Chen Yang asked curiously, "This Jade Disc of Creation sounds impressive, but in the end, it's still just jade. What makes it so special?"
Both Chen Yang and Qin Moyao were dying to know the answer.
Bai Yinshuang gave Chen Yang a long look before saying, "You came barging in here without even knowing what the Jade Disc does?"
Chen Yang rolled his eyes. "I just wanted to open a bar. I don't care much for material treasures. Besides, no matter how valuable your Jade Disc is, to me it's just something I could sell for money. And with my skills, do you think it would be difficult for me to make money if I really wanted to?"
Bai Yinshuang was momentarily taken aback.
Chen Yang continued, "Often, what you consider precious and valuable may not be seen the same way by others, right?"
Bai Yinshuang pondered this for a moment before speaking. "When the dragon and phoenix jades of the Creation Disc are combined, they emit a benevolent aura that can cure all ailments. It can also alter the surrounding magnetic and energy fields. To be honest, I couldn't fully explain its value before. It was only after Cheng Jianhua betrayed me and stole the dragon jade, when I became a spirit, that I gained a deeper understanding of the Jade Disc."
Chen Yang and Qin Moyao listened intently.
Bai Yinshuang continued, "The dragon jade's function is to change a person's luck and fate through its unique material properties. Cheng Jianhua was so desperate for it because he had foreseen his own death crisis. He wanted to defy fate and avoid death. As for the phoenix jade, let's put it this way: the dragon jade governs one's life, while the phoenix jade governs what happens after death. After Cheng Jianhua strangled me, I was consumed by hatred. I felt confused and disoriented, filled with an intense desire to destroy everything, though I wasn't sure who or what I hated. That's when the phoenix jade emitted its subtle magnetic field. This energy nourished my soul like celestial essence. I gradually regained clarity and used the phoenix jade as the core of an array to transform the energy of the Golden Era bar into the resentful energy I needed."
"At first, I was full of hatred and killed indiscriminately. When people came in, I consumed their blood to nourish my soul. It wasn't until last year that I finally gained enough control to start mastering my own heart."
As Bai Yinshuang spoke, she noticed Qin Moyao's fascination.
What happens after death has always been one of humanity's greatest mysteries. Now, Bai Yinshuang, someone who had experienced death firsthand, was explaining it to Qin Moyao, who couldn't help but feel excited. She asked, "So, does this mean there's no cycle of reincarnation? No Underworld or judgment by Yama?"
Bai Yinshuang glanced at Qin Moyao and said, "The cycle of reincarnation and the Underworld are part of our Chinese cultural beliefs. Western cultures have their concept of Heaven. These are comforting ideas people imagine out of fear of death. If the cycle of reincarnation and the Underworld truly existed, where would they be? Why has no one ever seen them? It's not scientific."
Qin Moyao was impressed and turned to Chen Yang, saying, "That sounds similar to what you've said before."
Chen Yang cleared his throat and said, "Now isn't the time to discuss this." He looked at Bai Yinshuang and asked, "Where do you think Cheng Jianhua is now?"
Bai Yinshuang, excited by Chen Yang's interest in Cheng Jianhua, said, "Cheng Jianhua should be in the Xuanyi Sect. He had been planning to obtain my Jade Disc for a long time. He used an alias before, but with his abilities, he's likely become a pillar of the Xuanyi Sect by now."
Chen Yang asked, "Where can I find the Xuanyi Sect?"
Bai Yinshuang replied, "In Kunming, Yunnan Province, there's a city called Anning. Beyond Anning, about a hundred kilometers into the mountains, you'll find a small town called Xuanyi. The Grandmaster set up an array there, using light and magnetic field convergence to create a mirage. People often mistake Xuanyi Town for the ancient Dian Kingdom, believing it doesn't really exist. In fact, it's the core location of the Xuanyi Sect."
Chen Yang asked, "How do I get in?"
Bai Yinshuang explained, "Getting in is simple. At night, without the light refraction, you can walk right in. However, you'll have to pass through a bamboo forest filled with spirit snakes raised by the Grandmaster. These snakes are highly intelligent and extremely venomous. At night, they release a poisonous mist that deters outsiders. Xuanyi Sect members use a special snake-repelling technique to enter. I can teach you this technique, and if you wear a gas mask, you should be fine."
Chen Yang rubbed his nose thoughtfully. By now, his blood essence had mostly recovered, thanks to his extraordinary self-healing ability. He asked, "Are there many skilled fighters in the Xuanyi Sect? Will I be in danger of getting killed?"
Bai Yinshuang replied, "Most Xuanyi Sect members specialize in esoteric arts and techniques. They don't practice martial arts. Once you're inside, find my Grandmaster first. After you explain the situation, he won't let Cheng Jianhua off the hook."
Chen Yang asked, "As a stranger, will I be able to meet your Grandmaster?"
Bai Yinshuang hesitated, then said, "I have a childhood nickname, Nana. When you get there, mention this name and say I sent you. They should grant you an audience."
Chen Yang nodded and said, "I have one last question. I've never seen Cheng Jianhua before, and I'm worried I might mistake someone else for him. He seems quite cunning."
Bai Yinshuang replied, "That's easily solved."
Her form began to change, transforming into the appearance of a man.
The man wore a long cyan robe and had an elegant, refined demeanor. He looked like the typical leading man in a period drama - the very picture of a good person.
After showing this, Bai Yinshuang returned to her original form.
Her transformation was truly remarkable, reminiscent of Sun Wukong's 72 transformations. However, it wasn't as miraculous as it seemed, since Bai Yinshuang had no physical body. All the changes were manipulations of brain waves.
Ordinary people's brain waves are invisible, but Bai Yinshuang's were so powerful they could be seen with the naked eye.
"I'll bring you Cheng Jianhua's head," Chen Yang said as he was leaving.
It was already midnight when they left the Golden Era bar.
Chen Yang and Qin Moyao stood outside the bar, its metal shutters now closed.
Nearby bars flashed with neon lights, and luxury cars lined the streets.
This was a bustling area, a city that never sleeps.
"Your hand?" Qin Moyao asked concernedly, grabbing Chen Yang's hand.
Chen Yang tore off the bandage and said, "It's fine now."
Qin Moyao looked at Chen Yang's wrist wound, which had already scabbed over. "How did it heal so quickly?" she asked in disbelief.
Chen Yang shrugged it off as he walked towards the car. "Strong blood essence means faster healing. What's so strange about that?"
They got into the car, with Qin Moyao driving this time.
"Where to now?" Qin Moyao asked Chen Yang.
Chen Yang leaned back in his seat, feeling a bit tired. "I'm covered in blood. It would be troublesome to explain to Jing if she saw me like this. Just take me somewhere I can sleep and shower."
Qin Moyao said, "Alright!"
She decided to take Chen Yang to her home.
After their life-and-death experience, she now trusted Chen Yang completely.
Seeing Chen Yang's fatigue, Qin Moyao remained silent for the rest of the journey.
Qin Moyao lived in a two-bedroom apartment on the 20th floor of an elevator building.
The interior was cozy and welcoming.
After parking in the community lot, they entered the elevator.
"Thank you for today," Qin Moyao said as the elevator ascended.
Chen Yang brushed it off, saying, "No need to thank me. I was the one who brought you there. I also put you in danger."
Qin Moyao insisted, "I still want to thank you."
Chen Yang chuckled and didn't say more.
Suddenly, Qin Moyao said, "There's something I don't understand."
"What is it?" Chen Yang asked.
Qin Moyao said, "I couldn't have been much help to you in there. Why did you bring me along?"
Chen Yang rubbed his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I thought it would be simple. We could handle Bai Yinshuang with our weapons. This case has been unsolved for a long time, and you're a police officer. Solving it would earn you merit. That's one reason. Secondly, after solving the case, you could publicize it widely. This would dispel people's fear of the Golden Era bar and might even spark curiosity, attracting more customers."
Qin Moyao suddenly understood.
She paused, then added, "Actually, Bai Yinshuang is quite pitiful."
Chen Yang nodded in agreement.
They soon reached the 20th floor and entered Qin Moyao's apartment.
Qin Moyao directed Chen Yang to the shower. Before he went, Chen Yang said to her, "Could you prepare some food for me? I need milk, meat, and eggs."
Qin Moyao replied helplessly, "I only have instant noodles and sausages."
Chen Yang said, "There's a supermarket downstairs. Could you go buy some?"
Qin Moyao had just come up and was exhausted from the day's events. She didn't want to go out again and suggested, "How about we make do with instant noodles and sausages tonight, and have a proper meal in the morning?"
Chen Yang, usually easygoing, insisted this time. He said seriously, "It's not that I'm craving these foods. I've lost a lot of blood, and even though I recover quickly, I need to replenish my nutrition."