"Four lanterns!"
The answer made Chen Lin's expression change dramatically.
He hurriedly asked, "Who has these four lanterns?"
"My lord, one is in the hands of the Zhao family's young master, Sage Yue's illegitimate son, and another is with Little Green, the girl who guards the well. Counting mine and the guardian lantern at the Liu Family Old Residence, there are exactly four."
"Damn it!"
Chen Lin's face turned livid.
It was obvious.
The Zhao family's young master and Liu the Cook had played him. There were four lanterns in the village, not three. But dawn was almost upon them now, and he did not know whether he still had enough time.
"Where is the Liu Family Old Residence?"
Drawing on his memories, Chen Lin conjured a simple map of the village in midair and asked urgently.
"Right behind the Zhao Family Manor."
Red Hairpin Woman pointed out the location, then asked, "Do you need me to lead the way, my lord? I know the entire layout of the Liu Family Old Residence. I also know they have an Underground Chamber where they worship a mysterious statue. The Dawnstar Lantern should be there."
"There's no time."
Chen Lin answered and dispersed his projection.
He returned outside.
Raising his hand, he fired a beam of deep, dark light, striking Liu the Cook to the ground with the Soul-Destroying Finger.
Not a trace of life remained in him.
Then he told Gu Youlan, "Guard me. Don't let any living being approach. If I lose all signs of life later, just take me somewhere secluded and bury me. Whatever you do, don't go to Heavenly Tranquility City."
"Remember one thing."
"Until the sky is completely light, this lantern must not leave my hand. Tie it to my hand if you have to!"
Before