He changed Tiwat

"Oh right, does that mean this door actually leads outside? Let's all go visit Jiaming's house!" Paimon exclaimed excitedly.

“…No.” Jiaming immediately shook his head. “My family’s house has been moved, but the rooms here are still the same as when I was a child. And…my mother passed away a few years ago.”

"Ah... sorry." Paimon immediately covered his mouth.

Ye Lan frowned and pondered for a moment, then said, "Jiaming, could you please try again?"

"it is good."

Jiaming did not refuse and immediately turned around to open the stone door once again.

The scene behind the stone gate has changed this time.

Although it's still a living room, the furnishings have changed, and the tables and chairs look much more impressive.

"Yes, this is what my house looks like now... After my dad's business got better, the house was renovated..." Jiaming said as he stepped into the house.

This time, however, it wasn't Jiaming's parents who appeared at the door, but a young man wearing a short-sleeved shirt.

"Young Master Jiaming, you're finally back." The man grabbed Jiaming as soon as they met.

"Oh, it's Xiao Liang. What's wrong?"

Xiao Liang is a helper in Jiaming's household. He usually runs errands for his father, delivering messages and letters to Jiaming, who is far away in Liyue Harbor. Jiaming is very familiar with him.

Young Master Liang shook his head and sighed, "Young Master, you're late... Didn't you go on a long trip with that legal consultant? But shortly after you left, the Master fell down, and a few days later... now..."

As he spoke, he pointed behind him.

A black-and-white portrait of Jiaming's father, Ye De, has been prominently displayed on the living room wall.

"How could this be... Dad!"

Jiaming immediately shook off Xiao Liang and rushed to the portrait of the deceased.

In front of the portrait was an offering table, on which, besides incense, candles, fruits, and a letter, was placed.

Jiaming's fingers trembled as he picked up the letter signed by Ye De, a family letter that had never been delivered.

The letter contained only a few short sentences: "Jiaming, I used to tell you that animal dance shows had no future and that starting a business was difficult, so I asked you to come back and help me manage the business... But you're right, starting a business is difficult, but maintaining it is even more difficult. You don't like doing business, so I shouldn't force you."

“I’ve always felt that your mother’s illness stemmed from the stress of supporting me in starting my business when she was young. After she passed away, I felt guilty towards her, so I wanted to keep you by my side, afraid that if anything happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to face your mother…”

"But I secretly went to Liyue Harbor to see your animal dance performance later. You were amazing. A father should support his son's career... Keep up the good work."

“Dad…” Jiaming held the letter, tears streaming down his face.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Dead End (Part Seven)

In fact, whether Jiaming joined the "Sword Box Escort Agency" or created the "Weishui Dance Beast Team," it was all his own decision—because he had left home after his mother passed away.

As his father wrote in his letter, his father, Ye De, always wanted to keep his son by his side and force him to inherit his tea plantation. Jia Ming, who was eager to make his way in the world, was not willing to follow in his father's footsteps and always had conflicts with his father.

When his mother was alive, there was always an arbitration between the father and son when they argued, and his mother could always subdue them both in the end... But since his mother passed away, the "glue" between the father and son has disappeared.

One day, after Jiaming was injured again while practicing animal dance, his father finally snapped—he secretly gave away all of Jiaming's animal dance equipment, keeping only an animal head made by his mother.

Upon discovering this, Jiaming left Qiaoying Manor the next day without even saying goodbye, taking the beast head with him.

For the next few years, the father and son were in a cold war and would not even meet during the Lantern Festival, relying entirely on their helper, Xiao Liang, to relay messages.

Jiaming knew perfectly well that his rapid promotion within the "Sword Box Escort Agency" was due to the fact that the agency's head镖师 (chief escort) was an acquaintance of his father, who had probably secretly used his connections to ask him for favors. As for the helper Xiao Liang, who would always seek him out during holidays to chat about awkward and irrelevant topics, it was obvious even to a fool that it was most likely at his father's behest.

Of course, Jiaming wasn't as fierce and carefree as he appeared. Even though he knew perfectly well what was going on, he never exposed it. Instead, he cooperated with Xiao Liang in replying to his letters, intentionally or unintentionally inquiring about the situation at home...

Two weeks ago, an elder in the clan passed away. Jiaming went back to pay his respects and secretly glanced at his father through the crowd. His father seemed to be in good health, which made him feel relieved.

He always thought that once he made his "Prestigious Beast Dance Troupe" the most prestigious in Liyue Harbor, he would go back in style, adorned with red ribbons and colorful decorations, to show off to his stubborn father... If he was afraid of anything, it was that his father wouldn't live to see that day.

For him, receiving a letter from Xiao Liang was like defusing a bomb; sometimes he even wished he wouldn't receive a letter from him at all.

Just like when he was a child, he was terrified of people in the village spreading rumors that "your dad is on his way to beat you up." Now, he is most afraid of someone spreading rumors that "your dad has fallen down at home." No matter in the past or present, no news is the best news.

And now, his worst fears have come true.

Several minutes had passed by the time Jiaming wiped away his tears and came out of the door.

When he left, the "letter home" in his hand vanished like smoke.

Jiaming looked at his hands and forced a smile: "See, they're all fake."

...Although it was fake, Jiaming's worries were real.

Yan Fei patted Jia Ming on the shoulder and gently comforted him, "Don't worry, Jia Ming, your father will be fine. We'll be out of here soon too."

Wenzai also circled around his feet, his "woof" sounds much gentler.

Ye Lan, who was standing at the back, spoke up at this moment: "The scene inside this house can change, and the things inside cannot be taken out, which means that this is just an illusion created based on people's memories—as for what kind of memories they are, they are probably the things that people who enter the house are most afraid of."

Jiaming nodded silently.

Han Fulai also spoke up, "I have also experienced such an illusion in the mansion of True Lord Qixia of Minghai. In the terminology of the Liyue Immortals, this is a kind of 'inner demon,' and eliminating the 'inner demon' seems to be an inevitable path for cultivation. Although there are no demons here, as a 'trial,' it may be more difficult than facing demons."

Ye Lan interjected, "In other words, being able to pass this 'inner demon' trial might open a path to reunite with the Demon-Slaying Great Sage... The Demon-Slaying Great Sage's situation is likely quite critical, so let's not delay any longer. Who wants to try again?"

Paimon looked at Yelan with some dissatisfaction: "Hey, you're talking so logically, why don't you go in yourself?"

Ye Lan crossed her arms: "No thanks. If it's something scary inside, I don't want to try. And if someone can find a way out, it won't be me."

Paimon asked curiously, "Why?"

Ye Lan glanced at her and replied, "I can't say. If you're curious, you can try it yourself."

"Ugh." Paimon stomped his foot in anger.

Yan Fei quickly separated the two, "Alright, alright, I'll do it."

"Go Yanfei!" Ying quickly encouraged Yanfei.

Han Fulai was somewhat worried, after all, he had experienced the illusion at the Minghai Zhenjun's mansion. Shen He had been trapped in that illusion and couldn't get out. If Yan Fei also had some psychological trauma, she might suffer the same fate...

"Yanfei, don't force yourself. If there's something you're particularly afraid of, it's best not to go in..."

Yan Fei shook her head: "Logically speaking, everyone should have weaknesses deep down... but I can't imagine them. You know, the contract I made with my dad is to 'live happily,' and up to now, I don't think I've ever experienced anything like 'psychological trauma.'"

"Well, it's fine, we'll know once we open the door."

Honestly, it's quite enviable that Yanfei can live such a happy life and that it's hard to imagine her having any sad experiences.

Yan Fei opened the door.

Inside the door, Yan Fei was sitting at her desk, seemingly covering her ears.

If you listen carefully, you can faintly hear some strange creaking sounds coming from the surroundings...

Yan Fei immediately blushed and retreated, turning back to glare fiercely at someone—"This doesn't count!"

The person tilted their head innocently, "?"

Yan Fei took a deep breath and opened the door again.

This time the scene has changed; it's no longer Yanfei's house, but an ordinary residence with a strong Liyue Harbor vibe.

Inside, a middle-aged woman stood with her hands on her hips, shouting loudly, "You old fool, of these eight catties of salt today, you gave away three catties, sold two catties, and used the remaining three catties to exchange for wine. How much money did you make in total?"

The middle-aged man with slightly graying hair smiled apologetically: "Oh? But you said that the things in the shop can be sold casually, what's wrong with giving them away?"

The woman sighed deeply: "You fool! You asked the old man next door to come and pick up the salt, and who knew he'd fall and hurt his leg on the way! Didn't you hear his son say he wanted compensation? You old man, sigh..."

"..."

Yan Fei silently withdrew once again.

"I never expected it to be a civil dispute."

Paimon asked curiously, "Who was that just now?"

Yan Fei shook her head: "It's not anyone in particular, just a microcosm of the many civil cases that have troubled me."

Ye Lan raised an eyebrow with interest: "Oh? You mean you're afraid of disputes over daily necessities?"

Yan Fei scratched her cheek: "I should say, I'm a little afraid of people who get caught up in trivial matters. Especially like the one just now, who meant well but ended up causing a huge mess... Good intentions turned into the beginning of harm and accidents, sigh. It's such a pity."

"I entered this line of work to help solve some problems. The only thing I can't fully control is the complex human heart."

Han Fulai quickly comforted him: "I can understand... The human heart is probably the most complex and saddest thing."

Yan Fei sighed softly, "...Let's not talk about this anymore. Is there anyone else who wants to try this door?"

Chapter Thirty-Eight: A Dead End (Part 8)

All eyes turned to Ye Lan.

Yanfei's experience just now has proven that even the smallest confusion in one's heart will be reflected in this strange room, and Han Fulai said before that this is some kind of "inner demon" trial of the Liyue Clan, which sounds quite plausible.

If we're talking about who here seems to have the strongest inner strength and is also knowledgeable about various mystical arts like Qimen Dunjia, then it's definitely Ye Lan.

Ye Lan maintained her indifferent expression: "Don't look at me, I won't try."

Paimon pouted in dissatisfaction and complained in Jiaming's tone, "Hey Yelan, we're all 'brothers in arms' now, we have to stick together through thick and thin! Even if you don't want to try, at least give me a convincing reason, right?"

Yelan glanced helplessly at the little guy: "...Since that's the case, I'll be frank. I serve Ningguang, the Tianquan star, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue, and my work involves major Liyue secrets. Opening this door means I might have to deal with you to maintain secrecy. Are you satisfied with this reason?"

“Uh…” Paimon shrank back.

Ying, on the other hand, looked as if she had just realized something: "So Ye Lan is Ning Guang's person, I understand now..."

Ningguang is also a woman with many secrets, and she is the most powerful woman in Liyue. Even Ying and Paimon know that if you want to get along in Liyue, the person you can't afford to offend is Ningguang.

Yan Fei quickly chuckled and said, "Well, I didn't mention it before because I wanted to keep it a secret for her... Then Ye Lan shouldn't open this door..."

Her gaze swept across Han Fulai's face, and Han Fulai silently expressed his refusal.

If he were in good condition, he would certainly be willing to try now, but unfortunately, he is currently in a state similar to that of "inner demons," and he relies on the magical artifact given to him by Ye Lan just to stay conscious. Entering this secret realm is too risky for him, and he will not attempt it unless absolutely necessary.

Well, Ye Lan has a lot of secrets, and Mr. Han works at Yuehaiting and also serves as the secretary of Qixing. He probably has even more secrets... Yan Fei didn't ask any further questions, but instead shifted her gaze to Ying.

Ying naturally understood Yan Fei's meaning. After thinking for a moment, she replied, "Then... I'll do it."

Paimon was a little worried: "Ying, you have to be careful... Before you go in, think about whether there's anything you're afraid of, like a nightmare you've had... If you're mentally prepared, you won't be afraid later."

Her words reminded Ying: "Nightmare... Ugh, I dreamt that I was falling into endless darkness... without my Wind Wings."

"Whoa!" Paimon was terrified just thinking about it.

However, Ying quickly reassured her with a smile: "But even without the Wings of Wind, I can still use the wind element to create a tornado that blows me up!"

"That's right, as expected of you!" Paimon was immediately happy again.

Ying teased Paimon in return: "You asked me about the nightmares I've had, and I answered. What about you, Paimon?"

Paimon rolled his eyes: "Hmm, the scariest thing I've ever dreamed of is being swallowed by a giant slime and turned into emergency food..."

"Ah, the slime actually stole my emergency food!" Yingmei feigned anger.

Their interruption immediately lightened the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

Ying patted her chest gently and said, "If what's inside this door can really reflect a person's inner thoughts, maybe I can find some clues inside."

Paimon's eyes lit up: "Yes, yes, what if you open the door and the person we're looking for is inside? Like your blood relatives..."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it." Ying nodded and opened the door.

Inside the door was a deep night sky, dotted with milky-white Milky Way stars against the dark backdrop.

"Huh, where is this place?" Paimon peeked out from the doorway.

Ying was suddenly startled.

"This is... the abyss..."

Before she could finish speaking, the door slammed shut behind her.

"Huh? How did the door close?" Paimon exclaimed in surprise.

Everyone present was equally surprised. When Jiaming and Yanfei entered the room, the door was open, and everyone outside could clearly see what was happening inside.

Ye Lan's so-called "concern about leaks" is also based on the assumption that this door will not be closed.

Because there was such a fallback option, allowing her to back out at any time, she felt comfortable letting everyone give it a try.

Now that the door has suddenly closed, Ye Lan immediately sensed something was wrong and rushed to the mechanism, trying to input elemental power to open the door.

However, no matter how she tried, the mechanism remained motionless, as if it were locked.

"Jiaming, break down the door!" Ye Lan made a decisive decision.

"okay!"