"Crash—"

The glass shattered upon hitting the floor, the sound instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Turning toward the noise, they saw Yu Jiao staring at the ground, her voice trembling slightly—or was that just their imagination?

"My apologies... I didn't grip the glass properly."

She moved to kneel and pick up the broken shards.

Tian Jianmu grabbed her wrist. "Don't use your hands—wait for a broom—"

But when he felt her faint trembling, his words died in his throat, his brow slowly furrowing.

...What's wrong with Yu Jiao?

He hesitated before speaking. "You..."

Yu Jiao gently pulled her hand free and turned away without a word.

"I'll go find a broom. You all have breakfast first."

Watching her retreating figure, Tian Jianmu belatedly lowered his hand, then turned a suspicious gaze toward Yu Li across the table, his suspicion plain.

Yu Li: "..." Why look at me?

Truthfully, Yu Li was equally baffled.

She had merely smiled at Yu Jiao, but the other woman had suddenly reddened, looking on the verge of tears.

Yu Li tapped the armrest thoughtfully, her gaze sweeping over the broken glass.

Meanwhile, Bo Jingmo had been summoned back by the yao ghost.

He stood even farther away than last time.

He saw no issue with this, but the yao ghost flew into a rage.

"Bo Jingmo! Why are you standing so far away!?"

The man glanced up but didn't answer the question, his voice emotionless behind the mask.

"You broke the rules yesterday."

This only enraged the creature further. "I broke them!? That woman was the one who violated them!! She even ate your portion!!"

"My rules never stated helping others eat was forbidden." Bo Jingmo's voice turned icy. "But after your appearance yesterday, they've grown wary of me. They no longer trust me."

His calm tone carried unmistakable accusation.

"Because of you, I failed to kill anyone yesterday."

The yao ghost faltered, then sounded flustered. "Th-that's my fault? I didn't mean to... Bo Jingmo, you're the one who went on that date."

The vines coiled around the tree trunk loosened, creeping toward the man.

Its voice turned resentful. "I haven't even complained about you being with that woman. New teams form today—don't let another woman exploit loopholes, or I'll get angry..."

Bo Jingmo remained silent, but the creature wasn't satisfied. It lowered its voice with deliberate temptation.

"Bo Jingmo, I don't want to hurt you. We're the same, you know? Just give me your body, and I'll grant you eternal life."

Bo Jingmo's eyes flashed coldly. "Withdraw your vines."

When they continued advancing, tendrils of black energy shot from his back, mercilessly severing them.

"Aaaah—!!" The yao ghost shrieked in agony. "How dare you!!"

"I warned you. Withdraw."

Both pained and furious—especially at the man's perpetual coldness—it gave a chilling laugh.

"Bo Jingmo, perhaps I've been too kind lately. You've forgotten... I still hold your heart."

"I think you need reminding."

Before Bo Jingmo could react, excruciating pain tore through him. His eyes widened slightly as he hunched over, clutching his chest, jaw clenched tight against a groan.

Damn it. The yao ghost still had his heart.

No wonder his body felt so strange.

Amused by his suffering, the creature chuckled. "Bo Jingmo, I gave you life. You'll obey me—understood?"

Behind the mask, Bo Jingmo smiled coldly.

Gritting through the pain, he straightened. "If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

He turned to go.

"Wait!" The yao ghost called sharply.

Its voice turned sinister. "Since you claim they distrust you now... I'll help. Don't fail again."

Bo Jingmo's narrow eyes gleamed behind the mask, his lips curving in sunlight.

"Very well."

Returning to the villa, Bo Jingmo encountered Yu Jiao standing outside.

Their eyes met briefly before he looked away.

As he moved to pass her, she spoke: "Bo Jingmo, may I ask you something?"

He didn't stop until she uttered a name.

"Do you know Limu?"

He paused but didn't turn.

Yu Jiao stared at his back, voice shaking. "...You must know what connects Yu Li and Limu, right?"

With Black Moon, he had to know something.

The masked man turned. His dark eyes showed no emotion, deep as an ancient well.

"Why should I tell you?"

As if expecting this, Yu Jiao rushed on: "Tell me, and I'll reveal everything about deva. Everything."

She just wanted confirmation, that definitive answer.

But he refused calmly. "I'm not interested."

Lifting his gaze indifferently, he added: "Investigate me, try to kill me—I don't care."

Yu Jiao swallowed hard, voice hoarse:

"But... what if I told you everything deva does now is because of Limu?"

Bo Jingmo froze, emotions churning in his eyes.

"...Limu?"

Unnoticed, his fist clenched slowly at his side.