Lu Bai and Incense Master Shi arrived at Lord Bai the Fourteenth's residence to find the courtyard still deserted. Only an old woman stood in the middle of the main hall, leaning on her cane.
That wasn't surprising.
After all, most of Lord Bai the Fourteenth's Incense Officers were stationed at the Mourning Hall outside the city. It was already a wonder they could gather three Incense Officers, including Lu Bai.
Lord Bai the Fourteenth could clearly sense how many Incense Officers were in the county seat. Once Lu Bai and Incense Master Shi arrived, it stopped waiting and emerged from the portrait in its true form.
Its round face looked grim. "I want you three to head to Liu Family Village immediately."
At the mention of Liu Family Village, Lu Bai narrowed his eyes.
"What happened?" Incense Master Shi asked with a frown.
"Tao Gui's life incense has grown very weak."
Lord Bai the Fourteenth's head turned slightly, as though it could see all the way to Liu Family Village, despite the many hours' journey. "There were no signs before this happened, and Tao Gui hasn't sent me any information.
"I'll be honest with you. This trip will be dangerous. If you don't want to go, I won't force you."
Lu Bai asked, "Grandpa Tao was in Liu Family Village when it happened, right?"
Lord Bai the Fourteenth confirmed it. Lu Bai rubbed his face to make sure he wouldn't accidentally grin.
He nodded calmly and answered succinctly, "I'll go."
"Though this old woman's strength has waned, I haven't forgotten my duty as an Incense Officer." The old woman's deeply wrinkled face remained expressionless.
Seeing that both his companions had agreed to go, Incense Master Shi said helplessly, "All right, I'll go with you."
Lord Bai the Fourteenth looked