Chapter 14: Another Visit to the Magistrate’s Residence (Seeking Continued Reading)

This battle had taken a heavy toll on Lu Sha’s vitality, energy, and spirit. After clearing the battlefield, he leaned against the wall in exhaustion and soon drifted into sleep.

For several days thereafter, Lu Sha focused on restoring his essence. Fortunately, the Turtle Origin Qi Cultivation Method proved highly effective for replenishing his vitality, and within a few days, he had recovered what he had lost.

He had worried that the death of the demonic priest might draw the attention of the county magistrate, as it seemed the two shared some history. To prevent any complications, Lu Sha personally left the death cell to dispose of the priest’s body. Thankfully, several days passed without incident, easing his concerns. It seemed their relationship had not been deep; otherwise, the demonic priest would not have been so destitute.

Once his recovery was nearly complete, Lu Sha’s thoughts turned to the nemesis who had caused his downfall—County Lieutenant Zhou Bo.

Zhou Bo believed Lu Sha to be dead and had long since forgotten him. But Lu Sha would never forget Zhou Bo. He had previously attempted a nighttime infiltration of Zhou Bo’s residence, only to be thwarted by a barrier of azure light that prevented entry. Now that the Hundred-Eyed Demon’s power had grown substantially, it was time to pay Zhou Bo’s home another visit.

That very night, Lu Sha set his plan in motion. In the late hours, when the world was silent, the Hundred-Eyed Demon detached from his body, and with a flash, leapt out of the small window of the death cell.

Unlike the Cat Demon, the Hundred-Eyed Demon possessed a physical form and could not pass through walls at will, but its speed was remarkable. Before long, Lu Sha had guided the demon to the high walls of Zhou Bo’s mansion.

A faint hum sounded as the Hundred-Eyed Demon drew near—a layer of pale azure light enveloped the entire residence. The pressure returned, but this time, Lu Sha felt it much less intensely.

The demon’s tendrils writhed rapidly, closing in on the county lieutenant’s home. Ten meters… five meters… three meters… This had been the limit last time, but now it felt effortless. After a pause, the Hundred-Eyed Demon pressed forward. With each step, the pressure intensified. Two meters… one meter… half a meter!

Finally, the demon leapt atop the mansion wall, gaining a full view of the compound. But before Lu Sha could examine the premises closely, a sudden change occurred—

The sharp sound of bells rang out—shrill and piercing.

Above the main gate hung two strings of earth-colored bells. Previously motionless, they now swung wildly, producing a cacophony that roused the entire household.

Could these be magical warning instruments? Lu Sha’s heart sank, suspecting as much.

He did not retreat, however. Instead, he directed the Hundred-Eyed Demon to shrink into a shadowed corner, attempting to conceal its presence.

Azure light for warding off evil, magical warning bells—upon closer inspection, he noticed talismans affixed to many rooms. What was happening in this residence? Why was it so heavily equipped with ghost-repelling and evil-banishing items?

Lu Sha resolved to remain and observe what Zhou Bo was up to.

“The warning bells are ringing! The warning bells!” Servants shouted at the disturbance, rousing the house into a flurry of activity as everyone emerged from their rooms.

Zhou Bo, a corpulent, greasy middle-aged man, hurried out amid a crowd, his flesh quivering with each step.

“What’s going on? Has a demon invaded?” he cried. “Master San Dao, quickly, subdue the fiend!”

His face was pale with panic as he turned to a chubby Daoist beside him. This Daoist was about the same age as Zhou Bo, slightly slimmer, and full of energy, lacking any trace of oily degeneracy.

“Don’t worry, Master Zhou. Let me have a look,” the Daoist soothed, forming a hand seal to open his spiritual eye.

But just then, the magical bells gradually quieted and finally fell silent.

“Hmm? Seems the demon has retreated—probably was just passing through,” the Daoist said, opening his spirit eye and scanning about, finding nothing amiss.

“Is that so? Well, that’s good, very good,” Zhou Bo exhaled in relief, sweat beading on his brow.

“Hmph! Charlatan!” A muscular, fierce-looking man strode forward with a cold snort. He stood a head taller than Zhou Bo and the Daoist, over eight feet, and was powerfully built.

“Master, I say this fellow is nothing but a trickster,” he growled. “What demons and fiends? I’ve never seen any!”

He glared menacingly at the Daoist, clearly dissatisfied.

The Daoist, however, was not offended. Smiling, he replied, “Chief Lin, you practice martial arts and have shed much blood. Your energy is robust and your aura fierce. To ordinary ghosts and lesser demons, you’re like a raging fire—none would dare show themselves before you. But if you ever do see a demon or ghost in person, you’d best be careful.”

He chuckled, his words gentle but laced with warning.

Lin Yuantiger did not take it to heart. He had once been a notorious bandit, with countless lives on his hands. Zhou Bo had saved him, and out of gratitude and a desire for a quieter life, Lin had cleaned up and become the chief instructor in Zhou’s household. He enjoyed good food and drink, taught martial skills to the staff, and lived quite comfortably.

Within Zhou Bo’s household, aside from the family, Lin Yuantiger held the highest status. In Wuling County, he walked with impunity.

Yet the arrival of this Daoist had instantly placed Lin beneath him, which irked him greatly.

Zhou Bo, of course, saw this clearly. He spoke kindly to Lin Yuantiger, “Chief Lin, you must show respect to Master San Dao! There are many things in this world you won’t understand until you encounter them. A little reverence never hurts.”

Strange events had been frequent in Wuling County in recent years, though the authorities suppressed the news and common folk remained unaware. Zhou Bo had encountered several such incidents himself, frightening him half to death. Fortunately, he owned some protective items and had escaped harm.

But this could not continue forever—Wuling County was no safe place. Zhou Bo had been aggressively amassing wealth, bribing his superiors in hopes of being transferred. Recently, he had seized the Lu family’s assets, sending eighty percent to his higher-ups, hoping for good news soon.

Regardless, until he was reassigned, he had to remain in Wuling County. Thus, Zhou Bo spent a fortune to hire a master to safeguard his home—Master San Dao.

This Daoist truly possessed real skill, Zhou Bo knew. With Master San Dao’s arrangements, magical instruments and talismans adorned the residence, greatly enhancing its security.

“All right, it’s nothing. Everyone, disperse and return to sleep,” the Daoist said after another sweep found no trace of demons or ghosts. He yawned and headed to his room.

Seeing this, the others relaxed and returned to their quarters. Once everyone had gone, the mansion regained its calm.

Yet, moments later, in a shadowed corner, a dark shape stirred slightly, emitting a faint crimson glow.