Chapter 18: The Eerie Incident at the Academy - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 18: The Eerie Incident at the Academy Night, under the blackened moon with gusty winds. South Mountain Academy is located outside Yan Jiao City, built alongside the South Mountain, hence its name. Behind the academy lies a small lake, tranquil and secluded. In the summer nights, it was once a favorite haunt for young couples. But recently, no one dares to venture near. Because someone died here not too long ago. Yet tonight, two scholars seem drawn to this place. As they near the lake, a chilling wind pierces through their garments, sending involuntary shivers down their spines. "Why did you bring me to this place, Shao An? Isn't this... the place where Si Tu Yan took her own life?" As they approach the blackened edge of the lake, the weak scholar in the rear trembles in fear, unable to take another step forward. The scholar leading the way has a sturdy build, his silhouette tall and imposing. His voice is deep and resonant: "To truly resolve this matter, we must come here." The wind rustles through the woods, as if someone is trailing them, causing the frail scholar to jerk around in terror. After scanning twice and seeing nothing, he heaves a sigh of relief. He continues, directing his words to the person in front: "I honestly see nothing to resolve. To be clear, I barely had anything to do with what happened to Si Tu Yan back then. I didn't bully her much... I only ever called her ugly a few times. Now that she's gone, what else is there?" The frail scholar babbles continuously, using incessant chatter to mask his mounting fear. "Sure, you didn't do much..." The tall scholar's voice has an unsettling edge. "Stop being mysterious!" the frail scholar exclaims in agitation. "Then..." The tall scholar turns his face slightly, his features starkly illuminated by the moonlight. "Do you recognize me?" "Wu Shao An!" The frail scholar, seemingly shaken by the tone, reacts with irritation, "What are you trying to do? If there's nothing serious, I'm not staying here with you any longer! I might as well pack up and leave Yan Jiao City tomorrow, save myself the fright." "Zhang Cong, do you really not recognize me?" the tall scholar asks again, suddenly turning fully to reveal his face. The right side of his face remains untouched, but the left is marred by scars, as if severely burnt, even distorting the eye socket in a terrifying manner. Moreover... it resembles a woman's face! "Ah!" The frail scholar screams, stumbling backward in shock, his legs giving way as he collapses. Then, as he watches, the intact skin on the tall scholar's face starts to peel off in chunks like cracked plaster, revealing a pale, bloodless female visage underneath. "Si Tu Yan... spare me... spare me..." The frail scholar retreats while stammering, before scrambling up and fleeing into the forest with all his might, shouting for help along the way. He stops only after sprinting out of the woods, gasping for breath. Peering back into the dark forest, it seems no one is pursuing him... "Uh—" Relieved, he is suddenly gripped by his hands around his own throat, his eyes bulging. The left side of his face begins to dry and flake, revealing burnt scars... "Spare me... I beg you, spare me..." "Please... ah..." ... "Why are we being called to deal with the haunting at South Mountain Academy?" On the bustling streets of Yan Jiao City, Chu Liang questions Lin Bei. Lin Bei had hastened down from the mountain with him, stating the mission was highly rewarding. Trusting him, Chu Liang didn't ask many questions until now. The vicinity isn't far from Mount Shu, and Shu sect disciples are familiar with Yan Jiao City, typically handling any strange incidents. But some places are exceptions. For example, if a temple faces issues, Buddhist practitioners handle it; if an academy is troubled, it's for Confucian scholars to address. Without special circumstances, practitioners of the three teachings do not overstep boundaries, as it invites trouble and could be seen as provocation. "Heh heh," Lin Bei chuckles, "Matters within the academy naturally fall under the jurisdiction of Confucian practitioners. We're merely tasked with protecting a student." He points to a grand mansion guarded by stone lions ahead, with a plaque above reading "Li Residence." "Li Lao Ye is a prominent figure in Yan Jiao City, and his only son, Li Jue, studies at South Mountain Academy. With the recent hauntings and the deaths of two students, he fears for his son's safety and has thus requested the Shu sect to safeguard him for a while. Once this eerie case is solved, our mission concludes." "Pay is daily." Relieved by this final detail, Chu Liang relaxes. Li Lao Ye is providing real money, and Shu sect rewards them with sect currency. Chu Liang plans to save up for a flying sword, making this high-paying mission timely. Talk about convenience. "Ah, the young heroes from the Shu sect, you've finally arrived," Li Lao Ye, with his entire family, comes forth in greeting, extending generous hospitality. This is one benefit of being a cultivator—even the most wealthy and powerful mortals must show you respect. "No need for such formality. We're just humble juniors from the Shu sect." Lin Bei responds warmly, "I'm Lin Bei, and this is my fellow disciple, Chu Liang. I see you're a bit younger than my father, so I'll address you as Uncle Li and treat your son as a brother." He even turns to motion Chu Liang: "Don't be too reserved, feel at home here." Chu Liang smiles slightly. With someone as sociable as Lin Bei, he can avoid much of the trouble of interpersonal exchanges. He notices behind Li Lao Ye stands a silent, downcast youth, dressed in simple home attire, seemingly around sixteen or seventeen, pale but with dark circles and an exhausted demeanor. This must be Li Lao Ye's son, Li Jue, who looks preoccupied with many worries. Through the large residence, reaching the inner hall, Lin Bei has already wrapped his arm around Li Lao Ye's shoulder. "Uncle Li, rest assured. My younger brother is under my protection, I'll guarantee his safety. From now on, we'll be his constant companions. Check around Shu Mount if you doubt my prowess..." "Dear nephew, there's actually an unspoken favor..." Li Lao Ye chuckles, his mustache twitching, "Although I have asked you to protect my son, could you... ensure no one knows of it?" "Ensure no one knows? What do you mean?" Lin Bei and Chu Liang are both puzzled. "I will arrange for your enrollment at South Mountain Academy tomorrow. You’ll attend classes, keep an eye on Li Jue during the day, and accompany him back home after school. But during all this, can you ensure it doesn't appear you're specially protecting him?" Li Lao Ye pleads, rubbing his hands. "Of course, Uncle Li, we'll do as requested. But may we ask... why?" Lin Bei inquires. "That's rather complicated," Li Lao Ye replies, giving a reserved smile. Protecting him... yet wanting it unseen by outsiders? Chu Liang glances at the mum, silent Li Jue, then at the hand-wringing Li Lao Ye. What are they hiding?