Chapter 59: One Day Apart Feels Like Three Years

Cheng Guang left the Duke of Zhen’s mansion and headed to the Lantern Bureau.

The streets were bustling with beauty and splendor, but he had no mood to appreciate it now. Riding his dragon-horned horse, he urged it forward, and in no more than a quarter-hour arrived at the Lantern Bureau.

Handing the horse to his attendant Lin Cheng, Cheng Guang entered alone.

The Lantern Bureau, the largest investigative institution in Great Zhou, possessed powers of oversight, investigation, case handling, enforcement, and detention. Within its halls were prisons specifically designed to hold offenders.

The interior of the Lantern Bureau was vast; Cheng Guang walked for some time and nearly lost his way. He stopped a passing member of the Bureau, who enthusiastically offered directions and even wished to accompany him. Cheng Guang declined, proceeding alone and soon, following the given instructions, came upon a towering wall.

The thick, high walls were studded with watchtowers, rising into the clouds. The prison’s gate was carved from a single massive stone, etched with images of beasts—Bixie and Suanni.

On either side of the gate stood several robust members of the Lantern Bureau, clad in iron armor, their faces expressionless, eyes glinting with coldness.

Upon seeing Cheng Guang, their usual stern expressions twisted into stiff smiles. They recognized him and bowed slightly in greeting.

Cheng Guang nodded. “Open the gate. I wish to enter.”

The heavy door swung open, releasing a chill that washed over him. Inside, it was deep and gloomy, illuminated only by a handful of oil lamps struggling against the darkness.

Cheng Guang walked in at a measured pace, followed by an attendant who began explaining the prison’s layout to him.

The prison was divided into five levels.

Each level held prisoners of varying abilities—court ministers, wandering swordsmen, spies of foreign races, and others. Only those of significant value were detained here; those without value might be executed on the spot during capture.

Bai Shuxuan, being of the demon race and possessing considerable strength, was held on the third level.

From this, Cheng Guang surmised her abilities were likely around the sixth rank.

He pondered this as he stepped across cold blue stone slabs, making his way to the third level, winding through corridors, passing rows of cages, until he finally arrived before a cell.

Bai Shuxuan and her maid, Red Candle, were both confined there.

In the shadows of the cell, Bai Shuxuan sat upon the icy floor, like a wilted rose—tragic and defiant. Her once luxurious purple gown had become a torn, filthy prison garment, unable to conceal the faint curves beneath.

Despite the harsh conditions, her posture remained upright, revealing a resilient beauty amid fragility.

Her legs were elegantly crossed, revealing a glimpse of snowy-white, smooth, and shapely thighs.

Cheng Guang observed her.

Bai Shuxuan noticed Cheng Guang as well. Her expression changed, pearl-white teeth biting her crimson lips. Her exquisite face revealed pain, resentment, and humiliation.

The most striking feature was her eyes—deep and bright, sparkling like stars with stubborn radiance.

Even in captivity, her gaze contained an indescribable firmness and hope.

Cheng Guang chuckled softly.

Seeing Bai Shuxuan’s spirit was intact, he felt reassured.

At least it proved one thing: Bai Shuxuan still had means to escape, otherwise she would not behave as she did.

Cheng Guang said, “Open the cell.”

The burly man behind him responded, hesitated briefly, and then cautiously reminded:

“My lord, though this demoness was gravely injured by Lord Qian and her abilities sealed, she may still have hidden tricks. Best to be careful.”

“If you need to interrogate her, I can do it for you.”

Cheng Guang shook his head. “No need.”

With that, the man quietly unlocked the black iron cell door, keeping a measured distance from Cheng Guang, ready to respond should anything unexpected occur.

Cheng Guang said nothing more about the man’s caution. After all, it was for the best.

He stepped into the cell, his gaze sweeping around before finally settling on Bai Shuxuan’s face.

“Miss Bai, it’s been a while,” Cheng Guang greeted with a radiant smile.

Bai Shuxuan’s heart tightened at his words, afraid of this unfathomable man.

She had once believed she had him wrapped around her finger, only to discover it was she who had been toyed with all along.

If Cheng Guang had not revealed himself at the end, she would have thought he’d already fallen under the spell of her enchanting body, his mind changed.

“No matter how high one’s cultivation, after spending day and night with me, they are inevitably affected by my charm, growing closer to me in one way or another.”

“Why is it that the young lord never falters?”

“Does he possess some treasure that protects his mind from influence? It shouldn’t be possible—such treasures exist, but the power from my charm is subtle and silent…”

“Besides, even without the help of my charm, my methods should suffice to make him fall for me—he shouldn’t be able to resist…”

Bai Shuxuan speculated in her heart, taking a deep breath, her beautiful features stiffening as she forced a smile.

“My lord, it was only a day since we last parted.”

Cheng Guang tapped his forehead lightly, as if suddenly realizing, “Only a day? With your current state, Miss Bai, I thought much more time had passed.”

Then, as if understanding, he added, “The ancients were right—one day apart feels like three years.”

“Last night we were at the Flower Pavilion, today you’re in a cage. Fate is indeed fickle.”

At his words, Bai Shuxuan’s face grew ugly, no longer wishing to feign composure.

Her smile faded slowly, fingers clinging to her dress, her voice turning hoarse.

“My lord, must you come here just to mock me? Though I am of the demon race, I believe I have never done anything excessive to you.”

“If you despise me simply for my race, you’re making much ado about nothing.”

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes dimmed, tears glistening at the corners.

If outsiders saw this scene, they would surely feel pity.

Yet Cheng Guang merely smiled lightly, unmoved.

Bai Shuxuan’s acting was excellent; the tears fell quickly.

If Cheng Guang lacked the Eye of Enchantment and could not detect her methods, he might have believed her words true.

After all, Bai Shuxuan had never harmed him—at most, her skills in the art of tea were exceptional.

“Miss Bai, your charm is indeed remarkable, though it happens to have no effect on me.”

Cheng Guang smiled, slowly approaching Bai Shuxuan.