[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-605":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2309265,4512,"Chapter 605: Paper Doll Curse","starlight-professional-chapter-605",605,"\u003Cp>Several days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The mountains rise high, the waters flow long; friend, we shall meet again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing watched Tao Hong depart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-old crone had now reverted to the appearance of a woman in her thirties or forties, still bearing the grace of middle age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the former paper slave, the valley’s managing disciple, had become a dried corpse no larger than a child…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During these days, Fang Xing had not hesitated at all, using the “Mind-Confusing Art” to extract every piece of information from the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most crucial of these were naturally the “Blood Paper Secret Codex” and intelligence regarding the conspirators linked to Qingmu Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the interrogation was complete, Fang Xing gladly did a favor, handing the old man over to Tao Hong to replenish her lifespan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Hong was ruthless and resolute, with no trace of the chaste woman’s mentality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this woman plunged into the demonic path and got a bit of luck, she might truly carve out a place for herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing didn’t care; he silently recalled the contents of the “Blood Paper Secret Codex.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… Since Qingmu Ridge and the Blood Shadow Sect have been at war, most of the origami sect’s secret arts have been seized. In the ‘Blood Paper Secret Codex,’ only a few application techniques—and especially the final ‘Spiritual Paper House Dimension’—are ones I haven’t learned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Fang Xing had already touched upon the secrets of the Paper House Dimension when he forged the Six Paper Generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a little more time, he might have deduced it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that he had the original as a model, it was naturally better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides that, there’s the traitor who betrayed me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s expression turned cold; suddenly, a yellow paper doll appeared in his hand, and he stared at it thoughtfully: “That fool made a pact with a tiger, unaware that someone had already left a trace of his aura, forged into this paper doll, usable as a medium for spellcasting…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ‘Blood Paper Secret Codex’ contains just such a spell—by striking this paper doll, one curses the target… colloquially called ‘beating the paper man.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this spell has severe limitations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, one must obtain the target’s aura, preferably also their blood essence, birth date, and hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more detailed, the stronger the curse, and the less backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, casting a spell across realms invites the strongest backlash—for instance, a Qi-Perception cultivator cursing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, or a Foundation Establishment cultivator cursing a Nascent Soul cultivator—will likely fail, and even if successful, demands an excruciating price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lastly, even if the curse succeeds, the caster must bear some backlash, very likely shortening their lifespan…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This ‘Paper Doll Curse’ is perfect to use.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Foundation Establishment cultivator of the origami sect might only threaten the target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wanted the target dead!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To kill a Foundation Establishment target outright with the ‘Paper Doll Curse,’ the caster would certainly pay a heavy price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Fang Xing, a few years of lifespan—what did that matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingmu Ridge, Shennong Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Brother, you were ambushed by the Corpse Moving Sect and Blood Shadow Sect cultivators?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong, upon hearing Fang Xing’s account, shuddered: “If the Corpse Moving Sect has freed up forces, could it be that Sanjue Pass has changed? Are they drawing in massive attention from the Flying Sword Sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one who reached Foundation Establishment was foolish; he sensed a possibility and turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, this incident of yours is likely not isolated…” Fei Changnong paused, then carefully added: “Earlier, several Foundation Establishment brothers went missing—I found it odd. Now it seems all were tied to the Corpse Moving Sect… If we investigate deeply, we’ll find proof. By the way, how did you escape?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled, slapped his Flying Rat Sack, and pulled out two boxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, unmistakably, were the severed heads of Xie Songshan and Chi Mei Shangren.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These two heads should fetch quite a bit of battle merit, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You killed these two?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, would barely escape alive if he faced these two powerhouses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I dabbled in origami arts—barely achieved some results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing clapped his hands; a Paper General briefly appeared, then shrank to palm-size and was tucked back into his Flying Rat Sack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Late-stage Foundation Establishment? To forge such a Paper General, you must have sacrificed a hundred years of lifespan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong sensed Fang Xing’s cultivation again: “Brother, though you’ve advanced to mid-stage Foundation Establishment… your lifespan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I spotted the trap early. Otherwise, I’d be dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled, but his eyes held madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll take these two heads. The battle merit will be fully credited to your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong bowed solemnly and stored the two heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Fang Xing’s light-speed flight vanished into the distance, a red shadow emerged from behind—it was the Red Senior Sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s insane. I thought this Fang Brother was a dedicated cultivator, but he’s actually practiced origami arts and sacrificed so much lifespan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Senior Sister felt a chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of her own past schemes, she broke into cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, forging a late-stage Foundation Establishment Paper General could cost a hundred years of lifespan—meaning this Fang Xing had few years left to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a terrifying cultivator—nearly dead, alone, yet immensely powerful?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He was driven to this… pity, Fang Xing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong sighed, then sneered: “Fang Xing’s ambush was no accident. Someone in Shennong Hall must be secretly communicating with the Blood Shadow Sect—that’s a grave betrayal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Senior Sister’s expression shifted: “Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only a few people knew when Fang Brother was off-duty…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong said: “Given his nature, he’ll retaliate. We needn’t interfere—actually, we should help him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Help him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Red Senior Sister frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. How many years does Fang Brother have left? By helping him now, we become his friend… He’s alone, with no one to handle his affairs after death—we must ensure his legacy is properly honored…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong spoke with false compassion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a madman, feared while alive, still invites vultures waiting to plunder his estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the Red Senior Sister’s eyes brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Fang Brother was astonishing in medicinal farming—he must have amassed great wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, even if that late-stage Foundation Establishment Paper General lost its master and weakened, it could still match a beginner-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator—a full Foundation Establishment combat force!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyu Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Manager Shu, you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Tiandong stared at Fang Xing, startled to see a single strand of white hair among his jet-black locks, drifting before his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On this trip, I encountered some trouble—lost some lifespan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled, appearing more mature, then glanced at Dong Meier and the others: “What are you staring at? Don’t you have fields to till?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Meier and the others, fearing bad luck, hurried off to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Indeed, the outside world is dangerous…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just one trip outside, and Fang Shu has lost so much lifespan his appearance has changed…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘We’d better keep tilling.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances and gripped their medicinal hoes tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing had no idea his impulsive change in appearance had made his disciples think so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his treehouse, he sat cross-legged and began to meditate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his cultivation ended, the moon had risen above the branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sensed his surroundings, then sneered, pulling out a palm-sized yellow paper doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he’d extracted the traitor’s information, he had no intention of using Qingmu Ridge to retaliate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such bureaucratic wrangling would inevitably escalate into a clash of backgrounds and power—too messy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I never do things halfway—I either do nothing, or I finish it utterly!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s lips curled into a cold smile as he laid the paper doll atop a wooden stake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the ‘Paper Doll Curse,’ the ordinary dark magic method involves striking the doll repeatedly with filthy objects—like shoe soles or red dragons—to inflict headaches and constant misfortune…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a curse, even if it fails, brings minimal backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for true, mortal vengeance, one uses the ‘Seven Stars Piercing Blood’ method: piercing seven vital points on the doll, then finally decapitating it with a single snip—this is the ‘Death Curse,’ capable of directly cursing even a Foundation Establishment cultivator to death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the cost is terrifying: if a Foundation Establishment cultivator casts it on another, he must sacrifice at least a hundred years of life—nearly a life for a life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for Fang Xing, sacrificing a hundred years of lifespan for peace of mind? Not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The moon is dark, the wind high, the stars bright—perfect timing for the ‘Seven Stars Piercing Blood’ technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing calculated the celestial alignment, then stepped into the Nine Palaces Formation; a fierce wind erupted inside the treehouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a golden needle appeared in his hand, faintly glowing with blood-red light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hollowing sensation arose—he knew his lifespan was draining rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seven Stars Piercing Blood Needle—go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved the needle like lightning, striking seven vital points on the paper doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time the golden needle was about to pierce down, Fang Xing could feel a faint resistance emanating from the paper doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This man’s destiny is somewhat extraordinary… pity…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sneered, and the rate at which his lifespan burned accelerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden needle, streaked with blood, pierced through the paper doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Fang Xing seemed to hear a scream beside his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, that man is severely wounded…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing picked up a pair of scissors, aimed at the broken paper doll’s neck, and brought it down without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a daze, he seemed to hear the scream cut off abruptly, and his own lifespan felt as if it had been slashed by a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lifespan consumption is acceptable…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could this be due to my Druid class?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that my thoughts are clear, it’s time to sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing yawned, burned the yellow paper doll, and sat cross-legged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was napping in a wicker chair beneath the Evergreen Tree of Ten Thousand Years when the valley suddenly erupted in noise as a supply convoy arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He called Meng Tiandong and asked casually: “What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Tiandong looked pale, as if terrified: “New news… Qian Hui, an executive of the Shen Nong Hall, was found dead in his cave dwelling… He was a mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just a mid-stage Foundation Establishment, nothing more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sneered and glanced at Meng Tiandong: “Old Meng, you’ve followed me this long—if you think Qingmu Ridge is dangerous, I’ll write a letter to let you leave. What do you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Tiandong hesitated: “Well… aside from the sect, I have nowhere else to go. I’ll just spend my remaining years here in Qingyu Garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1797,"2026-06-20T11:03:23.251Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b3d352fa4395dd811a88210a316922f4ff4fe9f5fa858deea478694594f762a6","starlight-professional-chapter-606","starlight-professional-chapter-604",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]