A Family of Seven

The courtyard had been laid out quite impressively, with artificial hills and water, and beautiful scenery.

Even the wealthy households in Qiulin County probably couldn't hold a candle to this place.

This wasn't something an ordinary landlord could have put together. It was easy to imagine that this Old Master Bai's "business" was doing quite well.

He wondered whether his colleagues' glorious records of slaying demons had, in the past, been thanks to Old Master Bai.

As they talked, they soon reached the study in the rear courtyard.

Behind the desk, a lean, distinguished-looking old man stood up and said with a genial smile, "It's been many days, Head Constable Sun. How have you been?"

"Thank you for your concern, Old Master Bai. I've been well!"

Sun Zhi clasped his hands, his expression serious.

He seemed a little nervous, and his right hand never strayed far from the long saber at his waist.

Old Master Bai paid no mind to his behavior and instead turned his gaze to Shen Lin.

Unlike Sun Zhi, Shen Lin had seemed calm from the very start. He even had the leisure to admire the paintings and calligraphy hanging on the walls.

"That's a copy of a work by the current dynasty's Sage of Painting. If you like it, young friend, feel free to take it."

As he spoke, he looked toward Sun Zhi.

Sun Zhi immediately caught on and was about to introduce Shen Lin, but Shen Lin spoke first.

"How amusing. You demons actually know how to appreciate human paintings?"

The moment those words left his mouth, the room fell utterly silent.

Cold sweat broke out on Sun Zhi's forehead, and he cursed Shen Lin inwardly.

Hadn't this guy already promised not to run his mouth?

Damn it...

Fortunately, Old Master Bai didn't take offense.

He simply seemed surprised by Shen Lin's bluntness.

After a brief pause, he resumed his composed smile and said, "You jest, young friend. We demons aren't ignorant beasts. Once we're capable of thought, it's only natural to yearn for these refined arts. Some powerful figures among the Demon Race are every bit as skilled as human masters when it comes to music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."

"Exactly, exactly. Old Master Bai speaks sense."

Sun Zhi hurriedly smoothed things over and changed the subject as he introduced him. "This is Shen Lin. He just broke through to the martial artist realm, and he's working under me now."

Old Master Bai stroked his beard and smiled. "I trust Head Constable Sun's character. Please, sit!"

After leading them to seats nearby, he called out, "Qianqian! We have distinguished guests. Go brew a pot of fine tea!"

Before long, a beautiful young woman walked in carrying tea.

She had delicate features and wore a pale green dress. Her curvaceous figure was quite alluring.

The moment she entered, Shen Lin stared straight at her backside without even blinking.

More accurately, he was staring at the silver-white fox tail swaying in plain sight behind her.

"Y-Young master, could you please not stare at me like that...?"

After Shen Lin had stared at her for so long, Qianqian's cheeks flushed, and her voice held a hint of embarrassed irritation.

Sun Zhi gave an exasperated sigh, nudged Shen Lin, and whispered, "Brother!"

"Haha, it's all right. A gentleman's love of beauty is only human nature. And it isn't just humans—even we demons appreciate a handsome face. Young Master Shen is quite the fine-looking fellow himself. How about marrying my Qianqian? A talented man and a beautiful woman—you'd make a perfect match."

"Father!"

Qianqian shot Old Master Bai a look and fled from the room.

Shen Lin didn't take his words to heart. He merely smiled and said, "Please don't joke, Old Master Bai. Let's discuss the matter at hand."

Seeing this, Sun Zhi cleared his throat and said seriously, "I came to see you this time, Old Master Bai, because..."

Before he could finish, Old Master Bai cut him off with a genial laugh. "I understand what you mean. But you know my rules."

Sun Zhi nodded and gestured to Shen Lin with his eyes.

Clang!

Shen Lin set the cloth bag he had brought onto the table and pushed it over. Not a trace of reluctance showed on his face.

Old Master Bai picked it up. The bag, heavy with gold and silver, seemed weightless in his hand.

He inspected what was inside, put it back on the table, and slowly shook his head.

"Not enough!"

Sun Zhi frowned in confusion. "I thought this was the same amount as before..."

"Things are different now, Head Constable Sun!"

Old Master Bai took a sip of tea and sighed. "Things haven't been peaceful in the mountains lately. They've got a new chief. Unlike the last one, this chief doesn't like getting too entangled with humans. Demons like me have already been specifically warned. Besides, I..."

Before he could finish, the door was suddenly slammed open.

A stocky little boy came running in and cried, "Grandpa, Grandpa! There isn't enough to eat! I'm hungry!"

If you'd only heard his voice, you'd have thought he was a little child pleading with his grandfather for something to eat.

But the little boy's mouth was smeared with fresh blood, and he held a steaming heart in his hands.

"Heh, you greedy little thing, always eyeing the food in the pot while you're still eating what's in your bowl. Don't you still have some in your hand?"

The little boy blinked and said in a babyish voice, "But this is the last piece. Once I eat it, Big Sister Yuniang will die. When she's dead, the meat will go cold and tough. It won't taste good anymore!"

Old Master Bai gave Sun Zhi and Shen Lin an apologetic look. "This boy's been spoiled by me! Please wait a moment while I take the little rascal to his grandmother."

As he spoke, he stood up and carried the little boy outside, soothing him as he went.

"Didn't Grandpa tell you to start with the edges? That way, Big Sister Yuniang can stay alive longer. The tastiest parts, the organs, should be saved for last..."

"But I can't help myself..."

Shen Lin was silent for a long while before suddenly saying, "If I remember correctly, the man outside had a younger sister named Yuniang, didn't he?"

Sun Zhi fell silent for a moment, then shook his head. "In the surrounding villages, five or six out of every ten families have a girl named Yuniang."

"So if it's some other family's Yuniang, then it's fine?"

At Shen Lin's pointed question, Sun Zhi gave a cold laugh. "What else can we do? There are seven in that family. Apart from the child you just saw, the rest have all cultivated demonic energy and become demons. I know you're talented and skilled with a blade, but you might not even be able to handle that little girl you just saw. And that's not even counting the old monster who's lived for over a hundred years and the others."

"A family of seven?"

Shen Lin murmured, his eyes flickering as no one could tell what he was thinking.