Chapter 222: A Bloody Battle, A Heartfelt Plea
“N-no, that’s not right!” Hu Siqi quickly interjected. “Sir, Magistrate Hua had just gotten married. He was a young man, and quite handsome, according to the rumors. How could this Magistrate Ma be him?”
Their age and appearance were completely different.
Could it be some kind of advanced disguise technique, transforming his appearance into that of a frail old man?
“That’s a good question, young lady.”
The magistrate’s expression returned to its usual calmness. “My body was destroyed by those demons and ghosts. My lifespan was drained, and even though my soul was reborn as a vengeful ghost, I couldn’t restore my original body. I had to possess this old man, who died in the mountains, to return to Anshi County.”
Hu Siqi’s face paled.
To be forced to resort to such measures… what horrors had those demons and ghosts inflicted upon this magistrate?
Lin Tianlu’s voice was deep and serious. “Is that why you resumed your duties, to fight against the demons and ghosts in Anshi County?”
“I have nothing left but my hatred and resentment. I won’t rest until I’ve eradicated every last one of them.”
The magistrate clenched his fists, a dark and ominous aura flickering across his face, making Hu Siqi take a step back, her heart pounding.
The rage and hatred within him were truly terrifying.
“You’re not planning to reveal your true identity?”
Lin Tianlu sighed softly. “I just arrived in Anshi County today, but I’ve already heard about your family. Your wife is heartbroken, grieving for you. Even if you’re worried about being judged, you should at least let your family know that you’re safe…”
“There’s no going back.”
A sad smile appeared on the magistrate’s lips as he continued moving the pieces on the sand table. “How can I let my family see me like this? How can my wife accept that her husband has become a decrepit old man?”
Love was a complex emotion, and physical appearance was undoubtedly a factor.
Even the strongest love could be tested by such a drastic change.
“This is just a suggestion, but…”
Lin Tianlu sighed. “No matter the reason, you should at least see your family.”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore.”
The magistrate took a deep breath, changing the subject. “I’ll handle my family matters. You don’t have to worry about it, Master Lin.
Now, I’m more curious about what you intend to do, knowing that I’m a demon.”
His expression returned to its usual calmness, his gaze steady. “A righteous scholar like yourself, Master Lin, surely despises evil. If you could restore order to Anshi County after my death, bringing peace to its people, I would gladly die by your hand.”
His voice was calm and resolute, as if he had already accepted his fate.
Lin Tianlu was silent for a moment, then he nodded slowly, his voice filled with admiration. “You’re a truly honorable man, Magistrate Hua.”
Even after death and rebirth, transformed into a frail old man, he still cared deeply about the people of Anshi County. Such a selfless official was truly rare.
“But I’m not here to judge or punish you.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “How could I harm such a good official?”
Magistrate Hua was startled.
He had assumed that this Master Lin, despite his fame and extraordinary abilities, would still be driven by youthful idealism.
But after talking to him, he realized that Lin Tianlu was far more mature and understanding, not bound by the simplistic notions of good and evil, human and demon.
“…I apologize for my presumption, Master Lin.”
“You’ve dedicated your life to serving the people, Magistrate Hua. There’s nothing to apologize for.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “Hold your head high. Your achievements are worthy of praise, even as a demon.”
“Thank you.”
Magistrate Hua looked up and sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Your words are a comfort, Master Lin. Knowing that my efforts are appreciated gives me the strength to continue.”
Click.
The mechanism beside the bookshelf activated again.
He quickly composed himself and glanced at the scroll, then resumed moving the pieces on the sand table.
And now that his true identity had been revealed, he no longer bothered to hide it. He waved his hand, and a stack of papers and writing tools flew from another bookshelf, landing on the table. He began writing rapidly, dividing the information into neat stacks, placing them into designated slots.
He was clearly analyzing the movements of the demons and ghosts, summarizing the information into concise reports, adding detailed instructions, and sending them to his subordinates through the hidden mechanism.
He was using his limited demonic power to its fullest extent.
With himself as the anchor, he had created an intricate intelligence network, controlling the entire county from behind the scenes, knowing where to retreat, where to advance, where to strike, every move carefully calculated. The constables simply had to follow his instructions.
“Now, Magistrate Hua, I’d like to discuss this young lady’s case.”
Hu Siqi, who had been listening quietly, froze, her face paling as the topic shifted to her.
The magistrate glanced at her, then shook his head. “I intended to execute her after capturing her, but that was too hasty. We’ll confiscate her stolen goods and imprison her for ten days. That should be enough.”
Hu Siqi’s eyes widened in relief, and she bowed repeatedly. “Thank you for your mercy, Magistrate!”
“You should be thanking Master Lin.”
Magistrate Hua’s voice was calm. “If it weren’t for him, you would have been executed by those constables.”
“I-I understand!” Hu Siqi quickly bowed to Lin Tianlu. “Thank you for your kindness, Master Lin, for giving me a second chance.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no need for thanks. But I’m curious, Miss Hu, where did you learn those Yin techniques?”
For an ordinary woman to be able to use Yin techniques… it was quite unusual.
After all, Yin techniques weren’t like martial arts, something you could learn by simply swinging a sword around. One needed to have contact with demons or ghosts to cultivate Yin energy.
Just like Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, there was always a demon, a ghost, or a ghost practitioner involved, either directly or indirectly.
Hu Siqi’s face stiffened, and she stammered, unable to answer.
But Magistrate Hua quickly spoke up. “This young lady had a brief encounter with a demon half a month ago, a creature named ‘Wang Linle.’ He infused her with Yin energy, allowing her to learn a few basic techniques. Other than that, she hasn’t had any contact with other demons or ghosts.”
Hu Siqi’s body trembled, and she lowered her head, her face filled with shame.
She should have just told them the truth…
Lin Tianlu stroked his chin, his expression thoughtful. “So it’s not just you who’s trying to control the situation in Anshi County, Magistrate Hua. Those demons and ghosts are also actively trying to create chaos, using ghost practitioners like this young lady as pawns.”
“Indeed, Master Lin.”
Magistrate Hua nodded slightly and moved a piece on the sand table. “The situation is quite precarious.”
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then picked up four more pieces and placed them on the board.
He smiled faintly and placed the final piece.
“And tonight… is the night we close the net.”
On the sand table, the miniature fortress representing the county office was surrounded by black and white pieces, almost twenty in total, blocking all escape routes.
Magistrate Hua’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “You’ve seen through my plan, Master Lin.”
“The threads might seem complex, but they’re not difficult to understand. And the reports we just received confirm it.”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Have you prepared an escape route?”
“Why would we run? And where would we go?”
Magistrate Hua scoffed. “I’ve been playing this game for half a month. Even the most foolish demon should have realized what I’m doing by now. Even if I fled to the ends of the earth, they would still find me. And I can’t abandon the people of Anshi County. I’m their magistrate.”
“So you’re planning to—”
“I’ve gathered almost all my men tonight.” Magistrate Hua took out a dagger and plunged it into the sand table, his movements slow but deliberate.
“They’ve been fighting demons and ghosts for half a month now. They have some experience, and their morale is high. With all the forces of Anshi County, and the help of those martial artists…
We’re not helpless.”
His words were firm and resolute, his determination unwavering.
Lin Tianlu, seeing his unwavering resolve, nodded approvingly.
Even in his current state, old and frail, his spirit hadn’t been broken. He was facing this crisis with courage and determination, ready to fight to the death.
Such bravery was admirable.
“Hehehe…”
A chilling laughter echoed through the air, a sinister aura spreading through the room, like a woman’s mournful cry, mixed with a mocking sneer.
“Wh-what’s happening?!”
Hu Siqi, who had been confused by their cryptic conversation, suddenly shivered, her arms wrapped around herself, her eyes filled with fear.
Lin Tianlu glanced towards the door, then at Magistrate Hua, whose expression remained calm. He chuckled. “It seems they’re impatient to get rid of you, Magistrate.”
“I’ve been expecting them.”
Magistrate Hua sighed and released his grip on the dagger.
“But the hundred or so men waiting in the county office are just the last line of defense.”
“The true weapon—”
Lin Tianlu smiled, his expression calm and confident, and walked towards the door. “—Is me.”
Magistrate Hua’s eyes widened slightly.
After a moment, he bowed deeply, his voice filled with respect and gratitude. “Thank you for your help, Master Lin. On behalf of the people of Anshi County, I offer you my deepest gratitude. I’ll prepare a—”
“There’s no need. I’m not doing this for rewards, Magistrate Hua.”
Lin Tianlu waved his hand dismissively without turning around, opening the door and stepping outside, alone. “Slaying demons and ghosts, protecting the innocent… it’s a scholar’s duty.”
He walked away, his steps light and unhurried.
The dozens of constables waiting outside the study, ready for battle, were surprised to see him emerge alone.
But they remained silent, their hands gripping their weapons, their gazes fixed on his back.
He reached the main gate of the county office and slowly pulled it open.
A terrifyingly cold wind swept through the courtyard, far more chilling than any winter draft, making even these seasoned warriors shiver, their hearts filled with unease.
As they watched his figure disappear into the thick, dark mist that had enveloped the street outside, they finally realized…
…the true terror of those gathered demons and ghosts.
Could they truly face such a threat?
Would they all die here tonight, Anshi County falling into darkness?
And what about that unknown scholar… would he also perish?
Countless thoughts raced through their minds, their bodies growing colder, their breaths shallow.
Then, Magistrate Hua emerged from the study, his face pale but resolute, his frail figure seemingly unyielding.
Seeing their leader still standing, their pillar of support, the constables took a deep breath, their eyes hardening with renewed determination as they drew their swords, their gazes fixed on the darkness outside.
With their magistrate by their side, they had nothing to fear!
They would fight to the death!
—Click.
Soft footsteps echoed through the silent courtyard.
A moment later…
Lin Tianlu reappeared, his robes clean and unblemished, a gentle smile on his face.
He waved his hand, and the dark mist outside the gate dissipated like smoke.
“I’ve completed my task.”
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