Lí Yí Níng was known as the most beautiful man in the capital, with a slim figure, long, silky black hair cascading down his back, and delicate features that seemed sculpted from the finest jade. But he was a beauty that was not easy to provoke.

The scent of sandalwood filled the air around him, clinging to his traditional Taoist robes as he moved with the grace of a crane. Since childhood, he had studied fortune telling, drawing talismans, exorcising ghosts, and other mystical arts. It was said he could read a person's entire life story, knowing their past and near future just by looking into their eyes.

The ancients warned that no one should provoke a Taoist, otherwise they might die without knowing the reason. Therefore, Lí Yí Níng's reputation spread far and wide, fearsome for both his beauty and his supernatural strength.

Previously, Lí Yí Níng had met the prince - a young man abandoned by the king who considered him a bad omen for the royal family. The Taoist master immediately sensed the darkness surrounding the prince, recognizing the symptoms: hallucinations, insomnia, and an unnatural pallor, all caused by a powerful demon that had attached itself to him.

At that time, Lí Yí Níng had told the prince about this spiritual affliction, but the royal had scoffed in disbelief. The Taoist had simply smiled and said nothing, knowing the desperate prince would return when the torment became unbearable.

And return he had, three months later. Now the symptoms had worsened dramatically, dark circles beneath his eyes and a tremor in his hands revealing his suffering.

At this moment, they sat across from each other at a low table, a half-played Go board between them. Lí Yí Níng gently waved the paper fan in his hand, the corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smile: "If you beat me in a game of Go, I will help you. What do you think, Your Highness?"