Chapter 48: The Case Closed, A Late-Night Visitor
“…”
Lin Tianlu watched the fading light, a sigh escaping his lips.
He hoped that these murdered women would find peace and happiness in their next lives, free from such cruelty.
Hum—
The jade pendant in his pocket vibrated slightly, drawing the lingering gray mist towards it.
“Senior.” Hua Shuya approached slowly, her sword still in hand, her expression complex. “Is the evil ghost gone?”
Lin Tianlu carefully scanned the surroundings. “Completely destroyed.”
Hua Shuya sighed in relief.
But she quickly lowered her head, her voice filled with guilt. “Please forgive me, Senior. Despite all your guidance, I still couldn’t defeat that ghost. You had to come and save me. I’ve failed you.”
“You did well, Miss Hua. There’s no need to blame yourself.” Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “The important thing is that you’re safe.”
Hua Shuya bit her lip, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
If Senior hadn’t arrived in time, she might have suffered the same fate… She owed him another debt she could never repay.
“But be more careful when pursuing criminals in the future, Miss Hua. Don’t fall into another trap.” Lin Tianlu reminded her.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Senior!” Hua Shuya sheathed her sword and nodded seriously.
After exchanging a few words, they both turned their attention to the black-haired girl, who was still sitting on the ground, her eyes wide with shock and confusion.
“Are you alright, Miss?” Lin Tianlu approached her, about to ask.
“I…”
The girl’s lips trembled, and she muttered softly, her eyes downcast, her body swaying.
Lin Tianlu quickly reached out to support her and realized that she had fainted.
“Senior, this girl…”
“She was controlled by Yin energy for a long time. Her body is still weak, but at least she’s alive.” Lin Tianlu carefully picked her up and glanced at the Li residence. “This matter is finally settled.”
…
Half an hour later…
The authorities had taken control of the Li residence. The once dark and eerie mansion was now brightly lit, with officers moving about.
“So something did happen to the Li family.”
Tang Haifeng arrived at the gate, his face grim as he looked at the bodies covered in white sheets being carried out of the courtyard.
“Magistrate.”
An officer bowed. “There were fifty-one people in the Li residence. Master Li’s wives and concubines, as well as the guards at the gate, have been dead for days. As for the others, their bodies were cold, their minds confused. Some of the men seemed to have had their life force drained. When they woke up, they could barely stand.”
“Did you ask them what happened?”
“They were all evasive and embarrassed, Sir. We tried to pry some information from them, and it seems that it’s related to that Xiao woman from the Li family.”
The officer said in a low voice, “We mentioned that she was dead, and the men’s faces were filled with fear, but also a strange sense of regret and longing. We suspect there might have been some illicit affairs.”
Tang Haifeng frowned. “And what about Li Yu?”
“Master Li has been dead for about two days, Sir. His room was a mess. It seems he was drained of his Yang energy and died. His death…” The young officer hesitated. “It was quite gruesome.”
Tang Haifeng shook his head.
Such a tragedy shouldn’t be spread.
“I came here in a hurry. Which master was responsible for eliminating the ghost in the Li residence?”
“It was Master Lin and Miss Hua.”
“As expected.” Tang Haifeng’s expression turned serious, and he instinctively straightened his robes. “Where is Master Lin now?”
“After we arrived, they left quietly. But Master Lin was carrying an unconscious girl in his arms. Perhaps he took her to the clinic.”
“You didn’t try to stop them?”
The young officer said nervously, “Master Lin was kind and said he didn’t want to interfere with our investigation. He told us to focus on our duties. His smile was so gentle, his demeanor so humble, we didn’t know how to persuade him to stay. By the time we realized it, they were gone.”
Tang Haifeng clasped his hands behind his back, sighing inwardly. “Master Lin seeks neither fame nor fortune. He even showed concern for you. He truly is a divine being, a blessing to Changling.”
The young officer nodded in agreement.
Although they had only interacted briefly, Master Lin had left a lasting impression on him. He now understood why everyone in the town praised him. His noble character was truly worthy of respect.
“Tomorrow morning, order the clerks to prepare some silver and send it to Master Lin’s residence. Tell them it’s a token of gratitude from the county government…” Tang Haifeng paused, then changed his mind. “No, tell them it’s from the people of the county, a reward for Miss Hua’s efforts in protecting us and eliminating evil. A small gesture of appreciation from the county government and the citizens.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Watching the officer hurry away, Tang Haifeng discreetly wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“I can’t decide if I’m relieved or disappointed that I didn’t see Master Lin.”
Recalling his experience at Lin Tianlu’s residence, he couldn’t muster the courage to visit again.
…
It was late at night.
The incident at the Li residence hadn’t spread, and the county was silent.
Lin Tianlu and the others had returned from the clinic.
Although the black-haired girl had no visible injuries, her identity was unknown, and she had no family in the county. For now, they could only take her back to their residence and let her rest.
Hua Shuya carefully laid the girl down on the bed, covering her with a blanket, then quietly left the room.
“This girl’s background is quite intriguing.”
Lin Tianlu, who was waiting outside, chuckled softly. “She’s dressed in fine clothes, but she’s not from Changling County. Could she be the daughter of a wealthy family, sneaking out for a trip?”
“Her martial arts skills are quite impressive. Her status must be high.” Hua Shuya shook her head. “That female ghost said she encountered her on the street.”
“She’s quite unlucky to have been caught up in such a mess.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, then turned to Hua Shuya.
“Miss Hua, you should get some rest too. You’ve been through a lot today, fighting that ghost.”
“Mm…”
Hua Shuya nodded softly.
But as she turned to leave, she stumbled, clutching her forehead with a groan.
Lin Tianlu’s expression changed, and he quickly supported her. “Miss Hua?!”
“Senior… I… I’m just a little tired…”
She murmured, her voice weak, leaning against his shoulder. Within moments, she fell asleep.
Lin Tianlu was stunned for a moment, then he understood…
This girl had been running around Changling County day and night, fighting criminals and ghosts. Even a martial artist’s stamina had its limits.
Looking at the beautiful girl sleeping peacefully in his arms, Lin Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then gently carried her to the next room and laid her down on the bed.
Now that the incident was over, she could finally get some rest.
Knock, knock, knock…
But just as he left the room, there was a knock on the gate.
Lin Tianlu let out a soft exclamation and hurried to the courtyard, opening the gate.
“Mr. Lin!”
An urgent voice called out.
A figure with flowing white hair and a swirling skirt approached.
Before Lin Tianlu could even see her clearly, Cheng Yishi rushed into his arms, her face filled with worry. “I just heard from my coachman about the incident at the Li residence! You were involved, Sir! Are you injured?!”
“Calm down, Miss Cheng.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “It was just a ghost causing trouble at the Li residence. You know I’m quite capable of dealing with those things. I’m not injured.”
“Are you sure?”
Cheng Yishi quickly examined his body.
After confirming that he was unharmed, she sighed in relief. “Thank goodness.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and bowed slightly. “You didn’t come here just to check on me, did you, Miss Cheng?”
“I was coming to visit and ask for your guidance, Sir, but I heard about the incident on the way and lost my composure.” Cheng Yishi blushed and took a step back, curtsying. “Please forgive me.”
“It’s alright. I appreciate your concern. But—”
Lin Tianlu suddenly stopped speaking, his pupils constricting.
He had just noticed a large sack filled with weapons – swords, spears, axes – beside Cheng Yishi!
The cold, metallic glint of the weapons under the moonlight was chilling!
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