The Incident Ends, A Late-Night Visitor

"..."

Lin Tianlu silently watched the light streams dissipate, a sigh escaping him.

I hope the women who met their demise find happiness in their next lives, free from cruel harm.

Hummm--

The jade pendant in his embrace seemed to stir, and the wisps of gray energy floating around them gathered, flowing into it.

"Senior." Hua Shuya approached, leaning on her sword, her expression complex. "Has that evil spirit been slain?"

Lin Tianlu carefully confirmed their surroundings. "Turned to ash."

Hua Shuya let out a sigh of relief.

But she quickly lowered her gaze, guilt etched on her face. "I hope Senior will forgive me. Despite receiving so much guidance and instruction, I still couldn't defeat this demon, and even needed your special rescue. I am truly unworthy of your cultivation."

"You've already done very well, no need to be so self-deprecating," Lin Tianlu said with a gentle smile. "The important thing is that everyone is safe now."

Hua Shuya pursed her lips, a whirlwind of emotions churning within her.

If Senior hadn't arrived in time, I might have met the same tragic end… In this way, I owe another insurmountable debt of gratitude.

"However, when you go to hunt down thieves or the like in the future, you must be more careful and vigilant. Don't fall into such ambushes again," Lin Tianlu advised.

"This junior will engrave it in my heart!" Hua Shuya sheathed her sword and nodded solemnly.

The two exchanged a few hurried words, their gazes quickly shifting to the black-haired young woman slumped on the ground.

The young woman's eyes were wide open, staring blankly at Lin Tianlu, her expression a mixture of shock and bewilderment.

"Young Lady, are you unharmed?" Lin Tianlu stepped forward, intending to ask.

"I…"

The black-haired young woman parted her lips slightly, a faint tremor in her voice. Her eyes drifted downwards, her head hazy, and her body swayed.

Lin Tianlu quickly reached out to support her, only to discover she had fainted.

"Senior, this young girl she…"

"She was controlled by yin energy for a long time, so her body is still a bit weak, but at least she's alive." Lin Tianlu carefully picked up the young woman, then glanced back at the Li mansion:

"This matter has finally come to an end."

Half an hour later.

Officials had already taken control of the affected Li mansion. The once somber and dark residence was now brightly lit, with yamen runners moving about.

"Something has indeed happened at the Li mansion."

Tang Haifeng rushed to the entrance of the Li mansion upon hearing the news. He looked at the bodies covered in white cloths being carried out from the courtyard, a touch of melancholy appearing on his brow.

"County Magistrate."

A yamen runner beside him bowed. "The Li mansion had fifty-one people. Li Yu's wives and concubines, as well as the gatekeepers and servants, all died many days ago. As for the others in the mansion, they were all ice-cold and unconscious. Some of the male members seemed to have had their energy drained, and after waking from a deep slumber, they could barely stand."

"Have you been able to question them about their experiences during this period?"

"When these people mention it, they all become tight-lipped and embarrassed. We probed them indirectly, and it seems to be related to Lady Xiao of the Li mansion."

The yamen runner said gravely, "We deliberately mentioned the news of Lady Xiao's death, and those male members all showed expressions of fear, yet also a strange sigh of reluctance. Your subordinate suspects there may have been an illicit affair."

Tang Haifeng frowned slightly. "And what about Li Yu?"

"Steward Li died about two days ago. The room was in disarray, as if he had been drained dry and died of exhaustion. His death was…" the young yamen runner hesitated slightly. "Most tragic."

Tang Haifeng shook his head upon hearing this.

Such a tragedy, it's probably not something that can be casually spread around.

"I came in a hurry and don't yet know which esteemed expert annihilated the ghosts in the Li mansion?"

"It was Master Lin and Miss Hua."

"As expected." Tang Haifeng's expression turned slightly serious, and he subconsciously adjusted his collar. "May I know where Master Lin is currently?"

"After our men arrived, those two had already left without a word. However, Master Lin was holding a young girl who was unconscious, so he might have taken her to a clinic for treatment."

"Didn't you try to ask them to stay and help?"

The young yamen runner said fearfully, "Master Lin was benevolent and said he didn't want to disturb our investigation, asking us to focus on thoroughly investigating and tracking. His smile was warm and kind, and his attitude humble, so we didn't know how to persuade them to stay. By the time we came to our senses, those two had already quietly departed."

Tang Haifeng clasped his hands behind his back and pondered, unable to help but sigh inwardly. "This Master Lin seeks no profit or fame, and doesn't covet any credit. He even showed concern for you all. He is truly like an immortal or god. Such great benevolence is truly a blessing for Changling."

The young yamen runner showed a hint of agreement on his face.

Despite only a brief exchange, Master Lin's presence felt like a gentle spring breeze, incredibly elegant. He finally understood why the neighborhood was always filled with praise for him. Such noble character truly lived up to the name of 'Master'.

"Tomorrow morning, you will order a clerk to prepare some silver and deliver it to Master Lin's residence. Say it is from the county yamen to express our gratitude…" Tang Haifeng paused for a moment, then quickly changed his words. "No, let's say it is from the county residents, as a token of our appreciation to Miss Hua for her tireless efforts in eliminating evil and punishing wickedness during these past days, a small gesture of thanks from our county yamen and the county residents."

"Yes!"

Watching the yamen runner hurry away, Tang Haifeng subtly wiped a bead of cold sweat from his forehead.

"To have missed meeting Master Lin… I truly don't know whether to be happy or sigh."

Recalling the encounter at the Lin mansion's gate some days ago, he ultimately couldn't muster the courage to visit again.

The sky had already turned deep into the night.

The incident at the Li mansion had not spread, and all parts of the county were silent and still.

Meanwhile, Lin Tianlu and his companions had returned from seeking medical help.

Although this black-haired young woman had no obvious injuries, her identity was unknown, and she had no relatives in the county. For now, they could only bring her back to their home to recuperate.

Hua Shuya carefully laid the black-haired young woman down, covered her with a thin blanket, and then quietly withdrew from the room.

"The origin of this young lady is quite intriguing."

Lin Tianlu, who was waiting outside the room, chuckled lightly, "She's dressed in fine clothes, yet she's not from Changling County. Could she be a pampered daughter of some prominent family, out playing on her own?"

"This woman's martial arts are impressive. Her status is likely not low," Hua Shuya shook her head. "According to what that female ghost said at the time, she encountered her by chance on the street."

"Indeed, it was rather unlucky to run into such troublesome affairs."

Lin Tianlu let out a wry laugh and then turned his gaze to the young woman.

"Miss Hua, you should also go rest early. You were in danger just now, and I imagine it took a lot out of you."

"Mm..."

Hua Shuya responded softly.

But as she turned, her steps suddenly faltered, and she groaned, clutching her forehead.

Lin Tianlu's expression changed slightly, and he quickly supported her. "Miss Hua?!"

"Senior... I... I'm a little sleepy..."

Murmuring softly, Hua Shuya leaned her tired and weary face against his shoulder. Within a few breaths, she quickly fell asleep.

Lin Tianlu was slightly stunned for a moment but quickly reacted...

Lately, this girl had indeed been working from dawn till dusk, rushing around inside and outside Changling County. She had also fought with people and battled ghosts consecutively. Even with her martial artist's body, her stamina wasn't inexhaustible; she would eventually get tired.

Looking at the beautiful young woman sleeping peacefully in his arms, Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then gently picked her up and carried her to the room next door to rest.

Now that the incident was resolved, they could probably have a good period of rest.

Knock, knock, knock--

But just as he exited the room, a knocking sound suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

Lin Tianlu gave a soft "Oh?" and quickly went to the front of the courtyard to open the large gate.

"Mister Lin!"

An urgent voice suddenly rang out.

A strand of snow-white hair gently fluttered, and the hem of her skirt danced with her graceful figure.

As soon as Lin Tianlu saw the figure clearly, Cheng Yishi, her face full of worry, rushed into his embrace. "I just learned from the coachman about the incident at the Li mansion, and that Mister Lin was involved. Are you injured anywhere?!"

"Miss Cheng, please calm down."

Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. "That Li mansion was merely haunted by ghosts. Miss Cheng should know that I have some skill in dealing with sinister things. How could I possibly get injured?"

"Really?"

Cheng Yishi quickly examined his entire body.

After confirming he was unharmed, she sighed with relief, placing a hand over her chest. "Thank goodness you're alright."

Lin Tianlu let out a wry laugh and cupped his hands. "Miss Cheng, your visit shouldn't be solely to check on my safety, right?"

"I originally intended to bother you for some advice, but I heard the news on the way, which caused me to lose my composure." Cheng Yishi's pretty face flushed slightly, and she took a couple of steps back, bowing slightly. "I hope you can forgive me, Mister."

"If Miss is so worried about my safety, how could I... Hmm?"

Lin Tianlu's words suddenly stopped, his pupils constricting.

Only then did he notice that beside Cheng Yishi, there was a large sack filled with--

Blades, spears, axes, and halberds?!

These cold weapons gleamed menacingly under the moonlight, looking extremely eerie!