Chapter 217: Trouble on the Street, Nighttime Disturbance
A commotion outside the restaurant naturally drew Lin Tianlu and the others’ attention.
Several young men in sturdy attire rushed down the street, accidentally knocking over a middle-aged woman.
However, there didn’t seem to be any conflict. One of the men quickly helped the woman up, apologized, and they parted ways.
The woman didn’t appear angry. It seemed like a minor incident.
But…
Judging by their attire and the weapons at their waists, those men were probably constables or guards.
“Could there be an urgent case in Anshi County?”
Hua Shuya, who had just sat down, wondered aloud, “Those constables seemed to be in a hurry, as if they were chasing someone.”
“You’re quite observant, Miss.”
The waiter’s cheerful demeanor faded slightly, and he said seriously, “If you’re just passing through Anshi County, it’s best not to wander around at night. There have been several murders lately, and bandits are rampant. It’s quite dangerous without proper protection.”
“Bandits?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Are the bandits so bold as to operate openly within the town itself?”
“Perhaps it’s because the New Year is approaching, and they’re desperate for money. They’re probably trying to make a big score before the holidays.”
The waiter sighed, his face filled with worry. “But those criminals are truly a nuisance. And they’re dangerous. There have been several deaths this past month. Even the number of travelers passing through has decreased.”
Although he tried to maintain a calm facade, his tone revealed his true feelings.
The ordinary people of Anshi County clearly despised these bandits.
Lin Tianlu nodded thoughtfully and pointed at the menu hanging on the wall, ordering a few dishes. “And three bowls of rice, and a pot of wine.”
“Right away! Your food and drinks will be ready shortly!”
The waiter’s cheerful smile returned as he hurried towards the kitchen.
“…”
Mao Ruoyu, sitting beside Lin Tianlu, watched the bustling crowd outside the restaurant and sighed softly. “Even if the world isn’t in chaos, there will always be suffering and injustice, criminals disrupting the peace and causing hardship for ordinary people.”
“If there truly are so many bandits, it might be due to poor governance, unequal distribution of resources, and a struggling economy, forcing people to resort to desperate measures,” Hua Shuya said thoughtfully.
Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes. “Do you think that’s the case in this town, Shuya?”
“I don’t know the local situation well enough to make a judgment.”
Hua Shuya shook her head. “Perhaps it’s just a group of ruthless criminals. They deserve to be punished severely.”
No matter how tragic their past might be, those who chose the path of evil deserved no sympathy or forgiveness. And those who harmed others, taking innocent lives, should be punished accordingly.
“You’ve gained a lot of experience as a constable, Miss Shuya.”
Lin Tianlu poured her a cup of tea.
“It’s not really experience, Senior. The difference between right and wrong is something we learn from a young age. Working as a constable in Changling just taught me more about human nature.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly. “And you’ve taught me a lot about being more tactful and diplomatic, Senior.”
“Me?”
Lin Tianlu was startled, then chuckled. “I don’t remember teaching you anything like that.”
“But you clearly… Hmm?”
Hua Shuya’s brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at a nearby table.
She could hear a few diners talking amongst themselves, their conversation seemingly about the recent events in Anshi County.
…
“You’ve been working outside the town for half a month, and you don’t even know what’s been happening here? How could you wander around alone like that?”
A middle-aged man’s voice was filled with concern and reproach. “It’s dangerous!”
“I apologize for my ignorance, Brother Chang. I’ve heard about the bandits, but what does that have to do with us?”
The young man beside him popped a peanut into his mouth and chuckled. “Are they going to rob us poor folks? We have nothing but our lives.”
“You fool! Don’t you know about the big incident a few days ago?”
“What incident?”
“Magistrate Hua… is dead!”
The young man’s chopsticks clattered to the table, his face filled with shock. “Dead?! But he’s only in his thirties! He just got married! How could he—”
The middle-aged man lowered his voice, his tone grim. “I heard it was those bandits. They killed him to get revenge. It was a brutal murder. And with the magistrate dead, the government has been in chaos for days. Everyone’s terrified!”
“That’s terrifying. To think they would dare to kill a government official… Those bandits are truly…”
…
Snippets of their conversation reached Lin Tianlu’s ears.
It wasn’t just that table. Several other diners were also discussing the magistrate’s death.
Lin Tianlu put down his teacup, his expression grim. “So there’s been a murder in this town.”
“No wonder those constables were in such a hurry. They must be on high alert.”
Thud!
A sudden sound, like someone falling to the ground.
“What was that?”
Mao Ruoyu turned to look outside, her eyes widening in surprise.
With her enhanced vision, she could clearly see a child, small and frail, lying on the ground. His clothes were ragged and dirty, clearly from a poor family.
But what was truly shocking was…
A group of constables surrounded the child, their expressions grim.
This sudden scene drew the attention of many diners in the restaurant.
“If you dare to run again, we’ll cut off your hands and feet, on Magistrate’s orders!”
One of the constables roared, drawing his sword.
The gleaming blade terrified the child, who curled up on the ground, trembling.
“P-please don’t kill me! I didn’t do anything!”
“Silence!”
Several constables produced chains and shackles, approaching the child.
A few young men on the street frowned, about to intervene, but the leader of the constables glared at them. “Don’t interfere! This child is connected to the recent bandit attacks! He’s a suspect! Don’t do anything foolish!”
His words silenced the onlookers, who quickly backed away.
“Help! Someone, please help me!”
The child cried as the constables bound him with chains and shackles.
“Shut up!”
They dragged him away, ignoring his pleas.
Hua Shuya, sitting in the restaurant, frowned, her hand on her sword. “Senior, that child—”
“It’s wise of you not to interfere, Shuya.”
Lin Tianlu’s gaze returned to his table, his voice calm. “That child might look innocent, but his hands are stained with blood.”
“…”
Hua Shuya and Mao Ruoyu were silent.
Lin Tianlu’s eyes flickered as he discreetly scanned the street outside.
…
Late at night…
In their room at the inn…
Hua Shuya sat cross-legged, meditating, circulating her Azure Spirit energy.
At the same time, she was practicing the hand seals and techniques she had learned, trying to control the Moon Shadow Breath within her.
“…”
She and Mao Ruoyu had undergone a trial in the sacred ground, receiving a gift of power, a mysterious energy that had flowed into their bodies.
Although she wasn’t skilled in using Yin energy, and the Yin energy Yu Xuanling had given her had been mostly wasted, the power of the sacred ground had transformed her. Not only had she received the Moon Shadow Breath, but she had also learned a few techniques of the Lunar Valley, allowing her to absorb moonlight and convert it into Yin energy, nourishing her body and enhancing her martial arts cultivation.
The Moon Shadow Breath was remarkably versatile, blending seamlessly with her existing techniques, without any conflict.
However, she hadn’t learned any other Moon Shadow Secret Arts.
But she didn’t regret it. After all, she was still unfamiliar with those techniques.
After finishing her meditation, she opened her eyes.
“Miss Xuanling, do you want to come out for a while?”
“I don’t want to bother you too much, Miss Hua…”
Yu Xuanling’s voice, filled with a hint of embarrassment, echoed in her mind.
“You’re too kind.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly. “You’ve helped me so much, Miss Xuanling. Lending you my body is no trouble at all. And I’m not tired.”
“But I accidentally embarrassed you a few times, Miss Hua. I feel so guilty.”
“That…”
Hua Shuya’s smile froze, and she fell silent, her expression awkward.
Those incidents in the Lunar Valley… were truly unforgettable.
Thankfully, Senior and Martial Aunt had been understanding. Otherwise, it would have been incredibly embarrassing.
But those incidents were in the past now. There was no need to dwell on them.
“You still can’t materialize your own body, Miss Xuanling?”
“Not yet.” Yu Xuanling’s voice was filled with frustration. “I can only use your body, Miss Hua. I still don’t have my own physical form.”
Hua Shuya said thoughtfully, “Perhaps we can ask Senior. He might be able to help you.”
Yu Xuanling didn’t respond.
But Hua Shuya could sense her gratitude.
She sighed softly and glanced at Yun Yue, who was sleeping soundly on the bed beside her.
Since Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu were enjoying their time together, the fox demon had decided not to intrude.
And…
Something seemed to have changed about Yun Yue. She hadn’t woken up all day, remaining in her fox form, fast asleep.
“Miss Yun Yue has been sleeping for so long. Is she really alright?”
Hua Shuya felt a pang of concern and gently stroked Yun Yue’s soft fur.
Hum!
A faint light suddenly emanated from Yun Yue’s body, startling Hua Shuya, who quickly withdrew her hand.
But the light vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
And Yun Yue continued to sleep peacefully, as if nothing had happened.
Hua Shuya was puzzled.
She carefully examined Yun Yue, sensing her calm and steady aura, no signs of injury.
“Was I imagining things? Why does Miss Yun Yue’s body seem… more refined?”
And her fur seemed to shimmer with a moonlight glow, its color more vibrant and lustrous.
And most importantly…
Strange markings had appeared on her forehead, intricate and mysterious.
Where had she seen those markings before?
Hua Shuya pondered for a moment, then her eyes widened in realization.
They were similar to the markings on Miss Cheng’s chest!
But she had only glimpsed them briefly and hadn’t had a chance to ask about their origin.
“At least Miss Yun Yue seems to be alright.”
Hua Shuya decided to inform Lin Tianlu, just in case.
But as she got out of bed, she suddenly frowned.
—Someone was outside.
Knock, knock, knock!
A frantic knock echoed through the room.
Hua Shuya summoned her sword, its scabbard still attached, and walked towards the door, her expression cold.
She opened the door to see a young woman with a delicate face and long, black hair, her expression filled with panic.
“M-miss, can I hide in your room for a while? Some thugs are chasing me. I had to run into this inn.”
Hua Shuya glanced at her bare feet, covered in dust. She must have been running for a while.
She asked in a low voice, “Why are you wandering around alone at this hour, Miss?”
“I have to work to support my family.”
“Where do you live? I can escort you home.”
A soft chuckle echoed through the hallway.
The young woman froze and turned to see Lin Tianlu emerging from his room, a smile on his face, bowing politely.
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