The group hurriedly carried Lu Sheng into his bedroom, laying him gently on the bed as the Lu Manor’s physician-in-residence was summoned at once.
The physician entered the room, his brows furrowed in concentration. After a brief examination, he stepped back out, wiping his hands with a cloth.
“No major issues. He’s just physically spent and suffered a heavy blow to the abdomen,” the physician reported calmly. “Young Master is strong and sturdy. As long as there are no internal injuries, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Only then did Lu Quanan release the breath he’d been holding. Relief washed over him, though a trace of guilt lingered. It had been too reckless of Lu Sheng to intervene personally. As the Young Master of the Lu Family, if anything had happened to him, who would the family rely on in the future?
“Quanan, this was our only resort,” Eldest Uncle said with a weary sigh. “I plan to bypass the Prefect and report this directly to the court. Song Duanchi, the city’s parent official, had already promised to handle this, but nothing has been done. As Deputy Commander, I’ve asked Commander Yang Duanrui to file the report several times, yet he always gives excuses.”
“Could there be more to this than meets the eye?” Lu Quanan asked quietly.
“Not sure… and we’ve still no word from that lass Qingqing or the others who went missing,” Eldest Uncle replied, shaking his head.
They stood outside the room in uneasy silence, both burdened by the weight of uncertainty. The situation had grown far beyond what either of them had imagined.
They had heard of strange incidents like this in other places—but now that it had struck their own household, they were utterly at a loss.
“How about…” Lu Quanan hesitated, “we offer a reward to hire people skilled in dealing with… supernatural matters?”
“Courage is born from the lure of gold. It may work,” Eldest Uncle agreed. “These incidents are already the talk of the city. There’s no hiding them anymore.”
After some discussion, the two finally reached a decision.
Soon, Lu Manor servants could be seen carrying stacks of bright red paper, pasting them on the gates of the manor and on nearby public noticeboards.
Before long, those striking red notices spread to the busiest parts of the city, drawing curious eyes wherever they appeared.
............
Several days later, at the city gate.
The main road bustled with travelers and creaking carriages, the air thick with dust and chatter. A merchant caravan hauling grey-laden cargo slowed to a stop before the gate, the leader barking orders as porters began unloading part of the goods.
This convoy was merely passing through Nine Links City—only a small portion of its wares was meant to be dropped off here.
As the leader oversaw the work, two figures stepped down from one of the carriages—one tall, one short.
Both were clad in Taoist robes. The taller of the two, a middle-aged man with a broad, ruddy face, carried a sword across his back. His white cloth shoes, edged with black soles, were coated in the dust of many roads.
Beside him stood a young woman in a matching robe, her features gentle and refined. Though her face showed traces of fatigue, there was an unmistakable grace in her bearing—the kind that only came from a well-bred upbringing.
“Brother Yan, this is Nine Links City.”
Her voice was clear and youthful, like that of a girl just past childhood.
“Mm. It should be the one he mentioned,” the man—Yan Kai—replied, scanning the streets ahead. “You’ve endured a long journey, Rongrong.”
As he spoke, something caught his eye—a bright red paper posted on the gate, surrounded by a small crowd. Even the two gate sentries had stepped forward to read, chatting animatedly with the townsfolk.
Faces in the crowd showed surprise, curiosity, and even a hint of envy.
“It’s not tiring at all to travel with Brother Yan Kai!” Rongrong said lightly, following his gaze. “That looks like a reward notice. Let’s go take a look—maybe someone’s in trouble and asking for help.”
She had accompanied Yan Kai on many such journeys before; posted notices like this were often how their paths to new cases began.
Yan Kai gave a short nod. “Let’s go. We’ll take a look.”
The two made their way toward the city gate, weaving through the throng gathered before the noticeboard.
“…So it’s the Lu Manor… things have been chaotic in the city lately. Even the Lu Family’s caught up in it now.”
“The Lu Family, huh? I heard one of their men fled not long ago—looked like their former guard commander. The whole manor’s in an uproar.”
“It’s been days since I’ve seen Sister Yu out running errands. Could something really have happened?”
The murmurs of the crowd rose and fell like ripples, carrying fragments of rumor and speculation.
Yan Kai listened quietly, then turned his gaze to the red notice pasted on the gate.
It read:
Reward of five hundred gold for individuals with special skills and talents.
In recent days, numerous strange occurrences have taken place in Nine Links City, with people frequently going missing.
Previously, there were the Xu Family tragedy, the Wang Villa well incident—and now, the midnight wails haunting Lu Manor.
For the peace of our household, we offer five hundred taels of gold—worth five thousand in silver—to anyone capable of investigating these events and finding the missing.
The words were plain and direct, but their weight was heavy.
Below it, another sheet had been pasted—an account detailing the entire chain of incidents at Lu Manor. It described, in chilling detail, the disappearances and the strange cries in the dead of night.
Yan Kai read every word, his brows knitting tighter with each line.
“That’s it. We’re going to the Lu Family,” he said decisively.
Rongrong had just finished reading as well. “Perfect timing! We’re already hunting ghosts anyway—and maybe we’ll earn some quick money along the way.”
“We do not practice our arts for the sake of money,” Yan Kai replied, his tone firm.
“Yes, yes, yes,” Rongrong muttered, sticking out her tongue playfully before falling silent. She knew full well that Brother Yan Kai disapproved of using spiritual arts for profit.
Without another word, Yan Kai stepped forward and tore the notice from the wall.
The Lu Manor houseman stationed nearby immediately perked up. “Sir, Miss—this way, please!”
Yan Kai gave a curt nod, then led Rongrong through the bustling gate, following the houseman toward Lu Manor.
The crowd erupted in murmurs and exclamations as Yan Kai and Rongrong departed, a ripple of curiosity following in their wake. A few nosy onlookers even trailed them for a distance, whispering among themselves.
It seemed these two Taoists might truly possess some remarkable skills.
Unfazed by the attention, Yan Kai strode on with a calm, unchanging expression. He had long grown accustomed to being watched by skeptical eyes.
Beside him, Rongrong walked lightly, her tone warm and inquisitive as she chatted with the Lu Manor houseman, asking about recent events at the estate.
Before long, the two boarded a horse carriage. It wound through several turns—left, then right—before coming to a halt before a vast, elegantly built residence.
As they stepped down, attendants were already waiting to receive them.
They entered through tall vermilion gates into a grand manor complex—artificial hills and flowing streams wound between pavilions, small bridges arched over lotus ponds, and gardens brimmed with the scent of blossoms. Birds flitted between trees, their chirps echoing through the open courtyards.
The air of wealth and refinement was unmistakable.
Yan Kai walked forward without sparing the scenery a glance, Rongrong following a step behind. Soon, they reached the Guest Hall.
“Welcome, welcome.”
A plump, middle-aged man with a pale, weary face rose to greet them. His robe was a light blue trimmed with silver, embroidered with the pattern of ancient coins. His neatly combed beard framed his chin, adding to the air of a well-mannered gentleman.
This was Lu Quanan, freshly returned from checking on his son, Lu Sheng.
“Are you the ones who took down the notice from the city gate?” he asked, studying the pair before him.
Both Taoists stood with quiet composure.
The man—his face ruddy and well-kept, his forehead broad and eyes steady—carried an innate dignity. Were he dressed in a scholar’s robe instead, he might easily be mistaken for a refined gentleman.
The young woman at his side was pretty and bright-eyed, her expression lively and curious. The way her gaze wandered about the room gave her the air of a spirited young lady—perhaps one from a noble family, playfully disguised in Taoist robes.
“That’s right. Just a humble Taoist—Yan Kai. Yan as in ‘colour’ (颜), Kai as in ‘open’ (开). My Taoist name is Huanyang-Zi,” Yan Kai said evenly, inclining his head in greeting. “This is my junior sister, Duan Rongrong. We’ve come regarding the case of the missing persons.”
“Please, take a seat,” Lu Quanan gestured politely.
The two sat down as servant-maids moved swiftly, placing fragrant tea and neatly arranged snacks before them. Steam curled in the air, mingling with the faint scent of sandalwood.
“I’ve written the details of the incident on the notice,” Lu Quanan said, his tone measured but weary. “If Taoist Huanyang-Zi wishes to accept the commission, you’ll need to meet my son, Lu Sheng. He’s in charge of assessing those who respond to the reward this time.”
He hesitated, then added, “Of course, if the Taoist truly has skill, regardless of the outcome, we’ll still offer one hundred taels of silver in gratitude.”
Yan Kai nodded calmly, and Rongrong followed suit in silent agreement.
Lu Quanan then began asking about their origins—their hometown, age, current residence. Yan Kai answered each question with quiet composure, his replies straightforward and unembellished.
After a short rest, the Guest Hall began to fill with others who had also taken down the notices.
Two monks arrived first, their crimson robes identifying them as members of the Red Lotus Temple. Another Taoist followed—an older man with sharp eyes and a worn sword hanging by his side.
Last to enter was a lone adventurer. A pair of twin sabers hung at the waist, both short and well-polished. The figure’s features were strikingly delicate—and upon closer look, it became clear that “he” was, in fact, a “she,” cleverly disguised.
When it seemed that no one else would arrive, Lu Quanan rose. “Since everyone’s here, please follow me. I’ll bring you to meet my son.”
He led them out of the hall, through winding corridors and courtyards paved in smooth stone.
The Lu Manor sprawled magnificently, its many side yards stretching toward the distant city wall. It occupied nearly a third of Nine Links City’s most prosperous district—a clear sign of the Lu Family’s immense wealth and influence.
Among the five great families of the city, none surpassed the Lus in fortune.
The group followed Lu Quanan toward the Yellow Crane Courtyard. Along the way, they passed guards and housemen stationed at every junction, sabers and swords gleaming faintly beneath the sunlight. The air within the manor was calm yet taut, as if even the wind held its breath.
Each of the guards and housemen they passed was tall and broad-shouldered, standing straight with disciplined precision. Their movements were measured, their eyes sharp—one look was enough to tell they were no ordinary servants.
Yan Kai’s expression turned grave. “This Lu Family is not to be underestimated…”
Rongrong blinked in confusion. “Aren’t they just rich? Same as the other families we’ve seen. What’s so special about them?”
Yan Kai shook his head slightly. “It’s not just wealth. The Lu Family likely has a military background. Look at their guards—trained posture, steady breathing, focused eyes. That kind of bearing only comes from proper military drilling. Even retired soldiers wouldn’t maintain such discipline.”
“A military family, huh? And even they’re asking for help? Must mean things are really bad,” Rongrong said, clicking her tongue softly.
The group continued forward, passing through long corridors and winding walkways. After more than a hundred paces, they entered the Yellow Crane Courtyard.
The courtyard stood beside an open training arena. From there came the sharp cries of commands, the rhythmic thuds of footwork, and the clang of wooden practice weapons striking in unison. The sound of disciplined chaos filled the air.
Inside, the Young Master of the Lu Family—Lu Sheng—was reclining in a chair, half-sitting beneath a thick fur blanket. His complexion was pale, and a heavy medicinal scent hung around him. Despite the blanket, his posture suggested fatigue, his spirit clearly not yet recovered.
Yan Kai studied him closely. Even at a glance, he could tell—the young man’s Qi was weak and his vitality thin, like that of one still struggling against illness.
“Greetings to you, brave men,” Lu Sheng said with a gentle cough, pressing a hand to his chest as he clasped his fists in respect. “As you can see, my health is not yet restored. Please forgive me for not standing to welcome you properly.”
“Young Master Sheng is too polite,” said one of the monks, a dignified figure in crimson robes. He stepped forward and bowed slightly. “This humble monk, True Depths of Red Lotus Temple. The Lu Family has long been a devout patron of our temple. When word of your troubles reached the abbot, he sent us to lend what aid we can.”
“I’m deeply grateful, Master. Please convey my thanks to the Red Lotus Abbot as well,” Lu Sheng replied with a faint smile.
Another Taoist from among the gathered visitors began to question him about the recent events. Lu Sheng answered each inquiry patiently, his tone steady despite his weakened state.
Standing quietly to the side, Yan Kai listened intently—his gaze never leaving the young master.
From the faint dullness in Lu Sheng’s eyes, the pallor of his lips, and the trace of cold air coiling faintly around his body, Yan Kai could already tell.
“He’s been struck by Yin Qi,” Yan Kai thought to himself. “And it happened not long ago.”
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