Chapter 48 - After Failing to Find Immortality

“......” Lin Tianlu silently watched the dispersing light, sighing inwardly. He hoped that these murdered women could have a happier life in their next reincarnation, no longer suffering such cruel fates. Buzz—— The jade pendant in his pocket seemed to stir, while the surrounding black mist slowly gathered and merged into it. "Senior," Hua Shuya approached slowly with her sword, her expression complex. "Has the evil ghost been eliminated?" Lin Tianlu carefully confirmed the surroundings once more. "Turned to ash." Hua Shuya sighed in relief. But shortly after, she lowered her head in guilt. "Please forgive me, Senior. Despite all the guidance and teachings I've received, I still couldn't slay this demon and had to rely on your rescue. I feel undeserving of your mentorship." "You did very well, don't belittle yourself." Lin Tianlu smiled gently. "It's good that everything is fine now." Hua Shuya pressed her pink lips together, her heart filled with mixed emotions. If the Senior hadn't arrived in time, she might have met the same tragic end... Now, she owed a debt of gratitude that was difficult to repay. "Just be more cautious when chasing down thieves or similar criminals in the future. Avoid falling into such ambushes again," Lin Tianlu advised. "I'll remember, Senior!" Hua Shuya sheathed her long sword and nodded solemnly. After a brief exchange, their attention shifted to the black-haired girl sitting limply on the ground. The girl gazed at Lin Tianlu with wide eyes, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. "Miss, are you alright?" Lin Tianlu stepped forward, intending to ask. "I..." The black-haired girl barely opened her lips, trembling slightly, but her eyes dropped as her body swayed. Lin Tianlu quickly reached out to support her, only to realize she had already fainted. "Senior, this young girl..." "She was controlled by the dark energy for a long time, leaving her body weak. But at least she still has her life." Lin Tianlu gently lifted her, then looked back at the Li residence. "This matter is finally settled." ... Half an hour later. Government officials had taken over the ill-fated Li residence, which was now brightly lit with guards patrolling. "The Li residence ultimately faced disaster." Tang Haifeng arrived in front of the Li residence, looking at the corpses covered with white cloth being carried out from the yard. His brows creased with sorrow. "Magistrate." A nearby guard bowed. "There were fifty-one people in the Li residence. Among them, Li Yu's wives, concubines, and servants had all died several days ago. The other people in the house were cold to the touch and barely conscious. Some of the men appeared to have been drained of their vitality, awakening from a deep sleep unable to stand steadily." "Did you inquire about their experiences during this period?" "They were all evasive and embarrassed when questioned. It seems to be related to the Xiao clan member of the Li family." The guard spoke seriously, "When we mentioned that the Xiao clan member had passed, those men showed a strange mix of fear and regret, suggesting possible illicit affairs." Tang Haifeng's brows furrowed slightly. "What about Li Yu?" "He died about two days ago. The room was in a mess, and he appeared to have been completely drained, his death... was quite miserable." The young guard hesitated slightly. Tang Haifeng shook his head. Such a tragedy couldn't be easily spread. "Who was the superior individual who eradicated the ghosts in the Li residence?" "It was Mr. Lin and Miss Hua." "As expected, it was him." Tang Haifeng's expression turned slightly solemn, instinctively straightening his clothes. "Where is Mr. Lin now?" "After we arrived, they left quietly. But Mr. Lin was carrying an unconscious young girl, possibly taking her to a medical clinic." "Didn't you ask them to stay and help?" The young guard, anxious, replied, "Mr. Lin is benevolent and didn't want to disturb our investigation. He advised us to diligently handle our duties and left smiling gently. He was so kind and polite that we didn't know how to persuade him to stay. By the time we realized, they had already left." Tang Haifeng sighed, marveling inwardly. "Mr. Lin seeks no fame or reward and even shows concern for us. Truly, he is like a celestial being, a blessing to Changling." The young guard nodded in agreement. Though they had exchanged only a few words, Lin Tianlu had left an impression of warmth and elegance. Only now did he understand why so many spoke highly of him; such noble conduct truly befitted a Confucian scholar. "Tomorrow morning, instruct the clerks to prepare some silver and deliver it to Mr. Lin's residence. Say it is a token of gratitude from the county office..." Tang Haifeng thought briefly and then corrected himself. "No, say it is from the county residents, a small recompense for Miss Hua's efforts in eradicating evil." "Understood!" As the guard hurried away, Tang Haifeng discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Meeting Mr. Lin, I don't know whether to feel joy or regret." Recalling his past encounter at Lin's residence, he couldn't muster the courage to visit again. ... The night had deepened. The incident at the Li residence hadn't spread, and the town remained silent. Lin Tianlu and his party had returned after seeking medical attention. Although the black-haired girl bore no visible injuries, her unknown identity and lack of family in the town meant she had to be temporarily taken to recuperate at his home. Hua Shuya carefully laid the black-haired girl down, covering her with a thin blanket before quietly leaving the room. "This girl's background is quite intriguing." Awaiting outside the room, Lin Tianlu smiled lightly. "Despite her elegant attire, she's not from Changling County. Perhaps she's the beloved daughter of a wealthy family, sneaking out for an adventure?" "This girl's martial skills are exceptional, indicating a significant status," Hua Shuya shook her head. "The female ghost mentioned that they met by chance on the street." "Indeed, quite unfortunate to run into such misfortune." Lin Tianlu chuckled, then turned his gaze to the girl. "Miss Hua, you should rest early as well. You've likely exhausted yourself from the recent dangers." "Mm..." Hua Shuya responded softly. But as she turned, she suddenly stumbled, clutching her forehead with a groan. Lin Tianlu's expression changed, hastily supporting her. "Miss Hua?!" "Senior... I'm just a little... sleepy..." With a soft murmur, Hua Shuya, her face weary, leaned against his shoulder and quickly fell asleep. Lin Tianlu was momentarily stunned but soon understood... In the past days, this girl had been tirelessly busy inside and outside Changling County, fighting combatants and spirits. Even for a martial artist, her energy wasn't limitless, and exhaustion finally took its toll. Looking at the beautiful girl resting peacefully in his arms, Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment before gently carrying her to the next room to rest. Now that the matter was resolved, they could all take some time to recuperate. Knock knock knock—— But as he stepped out of the room, an unexpected knock resonated from the courtyard entrance. Lin Tianlu, intrigued, quickly went to the gate and opened it. "Mr. Lin!" An urgent voice rang out. A gentle brush of snow-white hair fluttered, and the skirt of the figure danced as she rushed forward. Before he could discern the figure clearly, Cheng Yishi threw herself into his arms, her face full of worry. "I just heard from the coachman about the incident at the Li residence, and that you were involved. Are you hurt?!" "Miss Cheng, calm down." Lin Tianlu laughed awkwardly. "That was merely ghostly mischief. You know I have some skills in dealing with such things. How could I get hurt?" "Really?" Cheng Yishi quickly examined him. After a thorough look, she sighed with relief. "Thank goodness you're alright." Lin Tianlu chuckled, bowing slightly. "Miss Cheng, your visit is likely not merely to ensure my safety, correct?" "I intended to seek your advice but heard the news halfway here, hence my momentary loss of composure." Cheng Yishi's face blushed slightly as she stepped back, bowing. "I hope you can forgive my rudeness." "For you to worry about my safety, how could I... hmm?" Lin Tianlu's words trailed off, his eyes narrowing. It was only then he noticed beside Cheng Yishi was a large sack filled with— Swords, spears, axes, and halberds?! Under the moonlight, these cold weapons glinted ominously, creating a rather intimidating scene!