Chapter Four: Kill Him, Then Kneel! I'm Sorry.

Li Yan, quick-witted in his desperation, began chanting the Puppet Curse.

After completing the incantation, he commanded the infant, "Release my restraints; let me move."

The baby's eyes glowed crimson, and with a dull expression, it sealed its mouth shut, then crawled down from Li Yan’s body.

Seeing the infant dismount, Li Yan tested moving his arms and found he could indeed move.

He breathed a sigh of relief but had no intention of letting the infant go.

“Come with me,” Li Yan said coldly, his voice sharp as ice, then resumed climbing the steps.

The infant followed silently behind him.

After some time, Li Yan reached the top, just a few steps away from the door.

Once he confirmed the surroundings were safe, he turned to face the infant, scrutinizing it carefully.

Then, swiftly approaching, he raised his hand and struck the infant's mouth and face with force.

He scolded as he struck, “Ungrateful little brat! If I hadn’t reacted quickly, you would’ve bitten me! How detestable!”

The infant’s face and mouth soon swelled from the blows, but Li Yan was not yet satisfied.

He wanted to continue his revenge, but unexpectedly, the infant’s puppet control was lifted.

The infant sneered wickedly and lunged at Li Yan’s head, attempting to bite him.

Li Yan met its attack with cold eyes, bringing two fingers together before his face and chanting.

As the incantation took hold, golden sparks flickered on his fingers.

Once the golden light fully coalesced, Li Yan caught the infant’s flying head midair and pressed his fingers to its forehead.

The infant shrieked in agony, then dissolved into a wisp of smoke, vanishing into the air.

The entire spectral domain began to tremble and collapse.

Before the ghostly realm crumbled entirely, Li Yan slipped through the door and found himself back in the courtyard of the Xue family’s old mansion.

Dawn had already broken.

To avoid drawing attention, Li Yan began doing menial chores.

But not long after, the steward hurried over.

Soon, the steward stood beside him, speaking sternly.

“Stop working. Come with me immediately. The master wants to see you.”

Li Yan was puzzled and asked, “What’s the matter? So urgent? Can I finish my work first?”

The steward’s face darkened instantly, and he summoned others to drag Li Yan toward the main hall.

Annoyed, Li Yan shouted, “Let go of me! What’s this for? I’ll come willingly!”

But it was futile.

They forced him into the hall, where the police chief and detectives were already present, along with Master Xue and his family.

On the floor lay a corpse.

The body was entangled with hair, damp, and radiated a heavy aura of resentment.

Li Yan was bewildered, unsure of what had happened.

Just as he was trying to process it, the police chief came over.

After a careful glance, he asked seriously, “Are you Li Yan?”

Li Yan looked from the corpse to the chief, realizing what was about to unfold.

He had no choice but to cooperate with the investigation.

“Yes, I am Li Yan.”

The chief pressed on, “Were youI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.