"What a vicious sorcery!" Lin Qing frowned at what he heard, then changed tack. "How do we cure it?"
"The Soul-Calming Office in Shuzhou City has a rare substance called Moon-Drawn Spring Water. It can purge this evil thing," Lin Siming said.
"As long as there's a cure." Lin Qing relaxed at once.
"Good. In seven days, you'll return to Shuzhou City with me," Lin Siming said.
"All right." Lin Qing nodded.
"First, we return to the Soul-Calming Office. The Spirit-Devouring Demon Child has been killed. That's cause for celebration, and we must announce it throughout the city at once to put people's minds at ease," Wang Ling said gravely.
"Right. Let's go."
The three immediately used their Lightness Skill and sped out of the woods. Before long, they spotted Li Ping and the others still waiting anxiously outside.
Seeing Lin Qing safe and sound, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Greetings, Lord Wang!"
Wang Ling nodded slightly. "Li Ping, you delivered word in time and rendered a great service. From today onward, you are promoted to Grade A Constable."
"Thank you, my lord," Li Ping said respectfully.
Wang Ling nodded. He had made the decision partly because Li Ping was steady, reliable, and diligent in his martial training, and partly to do Lin Qing a favor.
"Let's return to the Soul-Calming Office first."
He pressed his legs against his horse and rode off in the lead, with Lin Siming close behind. Lin Qing was in no hurry. He hung back and traveled with Li Ping's group.
"Lin Qing, how did it go? Are you hurt? What happened to the Spirit-Devouring Demon Child?" Ma Ziye fired off a string of questions.
"The Spirit-Devouring Demon Child has been slain. From today onward, Shichuan Prefectural City will enjoy peace and stability