After chatting endlessly with the new fan, the fan boy finally left the room, returning the space to Bai Lixin.
After Zhang Biao left, S419M inquired in Bai Lixin’s mind, [Lord Host, earlier at the coffin home, you mentioned finding clues to the murderer of the scribe. What were they?]
Bai Lixin: [The fact that the body was so realistically staged as a supernatural case indicates something.]
[He is familiar with the case and the bodies. Would an ordinary bystander know that the victims’ mouths had black stuff?]
S419m: [So?]
Bai Lixin: [So, the killer likely had close contact with the bodies and the case. Suspects include constables, coroners, those guarding the bodies etc.]
S419m: [This, it’s a bit tricky for an official to commit the crime. Could it be Zhang Biao? ]
Bai Lixin shook his head. [I don’t know the rest yet. I’ll investigate at the yamen these days to see if I can find anything.]
He walked to the bookshelf piled with books, picking up one from the top left and started reading.
Similar to what Zhang Biao had said, most of the case files here were trivial matters. Missing chickens, street fights, pickpocketing, harassment of young girls – various minor cases.
Bai Lixin started reading from cases two years ago. That year, Qingcheng Town experienced four murder cases. One was killed by bandits outside the city, another during a fight, a third case was a robbery that developed into murder, and the last one was a woman who was raped and killed but the case was quickly closed.
Bai Lixin stopped at the fourth case file.
The woman who was killed was named Xiaocui, a singer in a brothel. According to the initial records, she was invited to sing at a merchant’s house that night.
She didn’t return for a long time after leaving. The brothel sent someone to the merchant’s house, but the merchant claimed she had left late at night.
Later, Xiaocui’s body was found by the river.
She had many whip marks all over her body, indicating signs of assault.
At that time, the brothel momo immediately reported the case, but within a few days, she came to withdraw the case, saying Xiaocui’s maid, Tao’er, found her. According to Tao’er, Xiaocui couldn’t stand the lecherous and demeaning life. Unable to bear the thought of selling her body one day, she jumped into the river in despair.
Tao’rr had been shocked and remained silent for two days before recovering her senses, returning to the brothel and revealing the truth.
And then, the case was closed.
This was one of the cases. In the case of the first victim killed by bandits outside the city, the culprit also hadn’t been found.
Bai Lixin read meticulously, finishing all the cases from two years ago in one morning.
At noon, County Magistrate Lin prepared a welcome feast for him. The banquet was held at Tongfu Inn.
A group of people headed towards Tongfu Inn in a mighty manner.
Bai Lixin couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t Tongfu Inn specifically catering to the Immortals from Qingcheng Sect? Are we allowed to go?”
“It depends on who is going,” a slightly younger constable replied. “Master is the parent official of Qingcheng Town. Moreover, the elder of Qingcheng Sect has a great favor towards Master. So, only Master is allowed.”
“Master rarely goes there. The fact that he chose this place this time shows that you, young sir, have deeply touched his heart.”
“Don’t talk nonsense, you brat,” Zhang Biao scolded the younger constable, “This is our yamen’s scribe. There will be many times where we’ll have to rely on him in the future. Show him some respect. Also, don’t joke around with the scribe.”
He glanced at the sedan chair not far behind and lowered his voice, “This sir is the county magistrate’s younger brother-in-law. You can’t afford to offend him.”
The younger constable’s face changed instantly. He quickly bent down to apologize to Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin didn’t mind. He waved his hand casually, and the incident was dismissed.
They soon arrived at Tongfu Inn, which indeed welcomed them openly.
The waiter was very enthusiastic, leading them to a private room on the second floor.
Not everyone from the yamen came this time, County magistrate Lin chose a few capable subordinates from the yamen.
There was Zhang Biao, and beside the young constable earlier, there were two more constables, County Magistrate Lin, a coroner, and a middle-aged man who looked like a businessman.
When they arrived, they didn’t encounter anyone from the Qingcheng Sect. The inn was very quiet. It seemed the cultivators were out hunting monsters during the day, hence their absence.
As soon as they sat down, County Magistrate Lin called the waiter over, meticulously listing a bunch of dishes and then sent the waiter away.
Bai Lixin pointed out, “Master, you are so knowledgeable, you actually know so many dishes by name.”
‘This corrupt official, what not coming here so often? The bribe you gave can’t withstand your eating habits.’
“Haha, it doesn’t matter. It’s nothing compared to your ability to reconstruct die,” County Magistrate Lin chuckled, “I just often dine here, so I remember the dish names.”
Bai Lixin continued with a few compliments.
This Magistrate Lin couldn’t sense the hidden sarcasm; it seemed this man wasn’t very clever.
“Bai Lixin, let me introduce these people to you.”
“These are our yamen’s constables, you’ve met Zhang Biao. Alongside him are his three capable subordinates.”
County Magistrate Lin’s hand made a half-circle, landing on a man wearing coarse linen clothes. “This is our yamen’s coroner, his name is Zhu Er. We usually call him Lao Er. There are no corpses that have passed through his hands. He has dealt with hundreds of corpses, very experienced. After you become the scribe, you’ll need to record the characteristics of the bodies when recording cases. Then, it will be Zhu Er who informs you.”
Zhu Er was thin and dark-skinned. Although he looked somewhat emaciated, Bai Lixin could see the tight muscles beneath his skin.
He didn’t seem accustomed to such occasions, and his mannerisms were a bit awkward. After the introduction, he quickly raised his teacup with both hands, nodding towards Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin exchanged greetings with him and shifted his gaze to the last man.
The man had a big face and ears, greasy skin, and was about the same age as County Magistrate Lin. His face carried a smile like Maitreya Buddha, suggesting he was a well-rounded person.
“As for this person,” County Magistrate Lin pointed to the man with the big face and ears, “he is our yamen’s steward, in charge of procurement and managing the warehouse.”
County Magistrate Lin paused. “Xiao Xin, I believe you know me. I am the county magistrate of our yamen. I oversee court cases and all affairs in town. Therefore, I am often busy, anxious and angry, and in my haste, I sometimes speak without thinking.”
Bai Lixin’s eyes flickered slightly. “Master, you’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all, not at all. What hardship is this? It’s all for the sake of letting the common people have good days. It’s just because of my quick temper that I may offend my family members at times.”
The steward immediately flattered, “Master, you not only consider the public but also your family. You are both upright and tender-hearted. Having a magistrate like you in Qingcheng Town is our good fortune.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘This guy is even better at flattery than I am.’
While County Magistrate Lin was laughing heartily, the waiter walked in with two dishes in hand.
He skillfully reported the names of the two dishes and was about to leave when a pure white figure appeared at the door.
The waiter hurriedly hugged the trays in his hands, bowed deeply, and said nervously, “Greetings, Immortal Master!”
With one call, everyone, who had been preparing to start eating and toasting, was drawn to the door.
Chopsticks that were raised halfway into the air were quickly placed back down, and everyone stood up to look in the direction of the entrance.
Bai Lixin’s position allowed him to see the door clearly. He raised his eyelids and saw the Daoist with one hand behind his back and the other in front, standing silently at the entrance, looking inside.
Upon hearing the simultaneous greetings from everyone inside, the Daoist walked in without changing his expression. His gaze swept around the room. When he passed by Bai Lixin, he paused for a moment longer before his eyes finally landed on County Magistrate Lin. “Magistrate Lin, long time no see.”
In front of Elder Qingcheng, County Magistrate Lin was like a tailless old dog, absolutely obedient. “Immortal Master, have we disturbed you?”
Elder Qingcheng: “No, I was just taking a walk and happened to pass by here. I heard your voice, so I stopped and took a look. County Magistrate Lin, how have you been recently?”
County Magistrate Lin humbly replied, “Thank you for your concern, Immortal Master. Everything is fine.”
Elder Qingcheng glanced at Bai Lixin, “And your wife, how is she lately?”
County Magistrate Lin’s body stiffened, and the others’ expressions became subtle.
Usually, married women should avoid suspicion. When another man mentions a married woman, it carries a strange implication.
County Magistrate Lin: “My wife is doing well, thank you for worrying, Immortal Master.”
Elder Qingcheng seemed unaware of the inappropriate topic, continuing, “I recently heard that your wife fell seriously ill on the night of her wedding. Is she feeling better now?”
County Magistrate Lin’s cold sweat was almost trickling down from his forehead to his neck. “My wife is much better now. I’ve arranged for servants to take good care of her.”
Only then did Elder Qingcheng nod, his gaze shifting directly to Bai Lixin. “And who is this?”
Bai Lixin immediately lowered his head, clasping his hands over his head as he bowed, concealing his face. “I am Bai Lixin, a scribe recently hired by the yamen. I have seen Immortal Master.”
“You are from Qingcheng Town too? You seem unfamiliar to me,” Elder Qingcheng remarked.
Bai Lixin: “Immortal Master, I stay at home daily, reading various texts to prepare for the imperial examination. I rarely go out.”
“I see,” Elder Qingcheng’s eyes flickered, “Your name is Bai Lixin?”
When he said the words “Bai Lixin” he strongly emphasized them with a somewhat profound meaning.
When he repeated the name “Bai Lixin,” he emphasized each word, giving it a meaningful tone.
Bai Lixin was uncertain about the Elder’s intentions, so he remained calm and responded, “Yes, Immortal Master.”
“The name Bai Lixin holds a deep spiritual connection,” Elder Qingcheng’s deep eyes mirrored Bai Lixin’s slender frame. “Do you have any interest in joining our Qingcheng Sect?”
With these words, everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin lifted his head from the raised sleeve, his eyes earnestly meeting the man’s gaze. “Immortal Master, I humbly decline. I am the only heir of my family and need to establish my career and carry on the family line. I am enamored with worldly pursuits and do not deserve to become a Daoist as noble and ethereal as you.”
“Very well,” Elder Qingcheng nodded. “Since you are unwilling, I won’t force you. Please continue your meal, I won’t disturb you any longer. Farewell.”
With that, he nodded slightly to Lin Xiangling and turned to leave.
Elder Qingcheng had left for a while but no one at the dining table spoke.
They exchanged glances, the chopsticks untouched.
In this heavy atmosphere, a pair of chopsticks reached into the middle, picking up a piece of crisp cucumber and quickly retreating.
Everyone stared at the cucumber in a daze, then turned to look at Bai Lixin. He bit into the cucumber and swallowed it, not forgetting to praise, “This tastes really good, no wonder the magistrate likes to eat here.”
County Magistrate Lin lowered his voice, “Bai Lixin, be more discreet. Immortal Master is a master of Taoism with boundless powers. He sees in all directions and hears in all directions. He can hear what you say here.”
Bai Lixin replied, “Master, even if Immortal Master possesses such abilities, considering his elegant and otherworldly nature, he would never stoop to eavesdropping. Master, I’ve been reading case files all morning and I’m quite hungry. Aren’t you going to eat?”
County Magistrate Lin exchanged glances with the people around him. Fanboy Zhang Biao was the first to pick up his chopsticks. “Eat, of course we’ll eat. Such delicious food shouldn’t be wasted. We have to go back to work in the afternoon; we can’t starve ourselves.”
County Magistrate Lin also picked up a piece of food. “Bai Lixin, you truly are your sister’s brother. Elder Qingcheng just said my wife has immortal fate, and now he says you have it too. But don’t you really want to cultivate immortality? With immortality, you can live forever. If you practice for long enough, you might even become an immortal.”
“How many people would give anything to enter this sects that is difficult to join? The Elder even invited you, yet you won’t go in.” The more Magistrate Lin thought about it, the more he felt regretful, He sounded as if he was the one who had missed the chance.
Bai Lixin shrugged, “I’ve said it, I’m attached to the mortal world. I have no desire to become immortal.”
“You will regret it. When you reach my age, you’ll understand,” County Magistrate Lin sighed, “Let’s stop talking about these bothersome matters. Come, let’s eat.”
‘When I reach your age?’
So, have you regretted it? Regretted what?’
Bai Lixin calmly moved his chopsticks. Due to Elder Qingcheng’s interruption, their meal was consumed rather quickly. County Magistrate Lin had intended to order some wine, but fearing Elder Qingcheng’s return, he refrained from doing so.
The food was good, but it was a rather unpleasant meal for them.
After returning to the yamen, Bai Lixin continued to examine case files at the bookshelf.
He was now looking at cases from the previous year. Qingcheng Town should have a high level of safety, there are only a few homicides occurring each year.
Of course, there was also the possibility that the homicides were all disguised as various forms of suicide.
There were only three cases of murder last year and all perpetrators were caught.
Bai Lixin was about to continue examining other case files when he heard knocking and noisy voices from outside.
“Sir, are you in, sir?!”
He put down the case file in his hands, opened the door, and found the young constable.
The constable’s appearance seemed anxious. When he saw Bai Lixin open the door, he didn’t waste any words and grabbed Bai Lixin’s wrist, intending to drag him outside.
However, just as he turned around to leave, he found Bai Lixin unmoved, like a statue, fixed in place.
Young Constable: “Sir, it’s urgent, please save us.”
Bai Lixin raised an eyebrow, “What happened?”
Young Constable: “One of our colleagues in the yamen has a gambling problem. Today, he took a leave, saying he was visiting his mother, and we believed him. But it turned out he was hiding in the gambling den. When the boss went in to fetch him, not only did he fail to rescue the man, but he’s now in trouble himself. The boss said to find you, he believes you can help them!”
Although he said this, the young constable was skeptical.
The man in front of him was just a frail scholar. Why ask for his help?
Could the boss be seeking help in desperation?
What could he do? Gamble? This delicate appearance didn’t seem like someone who frequented gambling dens.
Fight? He might end up beaten to death by the opponent.
Was he to stay behind to settle the debts?
The more the young constable thought, the more outrageous his thoughts became. Just as his thoughts were about to fly off into the sky, he shook his head vigorously, shaking off those whimsical thoughts. “Sir, please, hurry, it’s extremely urgent!”
Bai Lixin lifted his foot and stepped outside. “Alright, let’s go!”
On the street, the young constable led the way, and the two figures swiftly moved through the crowd.
At first, the young constable was afraid that Bai Lixin couldn’t keep up. He would walk a short distance and then turn back to check on Bai Lixin. However, he saw Bai Lixin consistently following behind him, not falling behind in the slightest.
He was surprised, this young master, who looked delicate, had such good physical fitness. It seemed he had some training.
Seeing Bai Lixin keeping up, he no longer had concerns and increased his pace.
After running for a while, he looked back and saw that Bai Lixin was still steadily following.
Not only that. He himself was starting to pant a bit but the young man didn’t seem out of breath at all.
A master… could he really be a master?
The young constable took a deep breath, planning to speed up again.
Just at that moment, Bai Lixin patted his shoulder. “Is the gambling den you mentioned called Xu Family Gambling Den?”
The young constable nodded, ”Yes.”
Bai Lixin uttered an “I see,” then said, “Since it’s extremely urgent, I’ll go ahead. Take your time.”
With that, before the young constable could react, the young man in light-colored clothes had turned into a streak of fast-moving light, disappearing at the street corner.
The young constable stood still in confusion.
Ah, ?
What did he just say?
Did he say the young man was a weak scholar?
Can he take back his words now?!
‘Sorry, I admit, my inner voice was a bit loud just now!
A master better at arresting and fighting than them, the constables?
One word: impressive!’
After chatting endlessly with the new fan, the fan boy finally left the room, returning the space to Bai Lixin.
After Zhang Biao left, S419M inquired in Bai Lixin’s mind, [Lord Host, earlier at the coffin home, you mentioned finding clues to the murderer of the scribe. What were they?]
Bai Lixin: [The fact that the body was so realistically staged as a supernatural case indicates something.]
[He is familiar with the case and the bodies. Would an ordinary bystander know that the victims’ mouths had black stuff?]
S419m: [So?]
Bai Lixin: [So, the killer likely had close contact with the bodies and the case. Suspects include constables, coroners, those guarding the bodies etc.]
S419m: [This, it’s a bit tricky for an official to commit the crime. Could it be Zhang Biao? ]
Bai Lixin shook his head. [I don’t know the rest yet. I’ll investigate at the yamen these days to see if I can find anything.]
He walked to the bookshelf piled with books, picking up one from the top left and started reading.
Similar to what Zhang Biao had said, most of the case files here were trivial matters. Missing chickens, street fights, pickpocketing, harassment of young girls – various minor cases.
Bai Lixin started reading from cases two years ago. That year, Qingcheng Town experienced four murder cases. One was killed by bandits outside the city, another during a fight, a third case was a robbery that developed into murder, and the last one was a woman who was raped and killed but the case was quickly closed.
Bai Lixin stopped at the fourth case file.
The woman who was killed was named Xiaocui, a singer in a brothel. According to the initial records, she was invited to sing at a merchant’s house that night.
She didn’t return for a long time after leaving. The brothel sent someone to the merchant’s house, but the merchant claimed she had left late at night.
Later, Xiaocui’s body was found by the river.
She had many whip marks all over her body, indicating signs of assault.
At that time, the brothel momo immediately reported the case, but within a few days, she came to withdraw the case, saying Xiaocui’s maid, Tao’er, found her. According to Tao’er, Xiaocui couldn’t stand the lecherous and demeaning life. Unable to bear the thought of selling her body one day, she jumped into the river in despair.
Tao’rr had been shocked and remained silent for two days before recovering her senses, returning to the brothel and revealing the truth.
And then, the case was closed.
This was one of the cases. In the case of the first victim killed by bandits outside the city, the culprit also hadn’t been found.
Bai Lixin read meticulously, finishing all the cases from two years ago in one morning.
At noon, County Magistrate Lin prepared a welcome feast for him. The banquet was held at Tongfu Inn.
A group of people headed towards Tongfu Inn in a mighty manner.
Bai Lixin couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t Tongfu Inn specifically catering to the Immortals from Qingcheng Sect? Are we allowed to go?”
“It depends on who is going,” a slightly younger constable replied. “Master is the parent official of Qingcheng Town. Moreover, the elder of Qingcheng Sect has a great favor towards Master. So, only Master is allowed.”
“Master rarely goes there. The fact that he chose this place this time shows that you, young sir, have deeply touched his heart.”
“Don’t talk nonsense, you brat,” Zhang Biao scolded the younger constable, “This is our yamen’s scribe. There will be many times where we’ll have to rely on him in the future. Show him some respect. Also, don’t joke around with the scribe.”
He glanced at the sedan chair not far behind and lowered his voice, “This sir is the county magistrate’s younger brother-in-law. You can’t afford to offend him.”
The younger constable’s face changed instantly. He quickly bent down to apologize to Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin didn’t mind. He waved his hand casually, and the incident was dismissed.
They soon arrived at Tongfu Inn, which indeed welcomed them openly.
The waiter was very enthusiastic, leading them to a private room on the second floor.
Not everyone from the yamen came this time, County magistrate Lin chose a few capable subordinates from the yamen.
There was Zhang Biao, and beside the young constable earlier, there were two more constables, County Magistrate Lin, a coroner, and a middle-aged man who looked like a businessman.
When they arrived, they didn’t encounter anyone from the Qingcheng Sect. The inn was very quiet. It seemed the cultivators were out hunting monsters during the day, hence their absence.
As soon as they sat down, County Magistrate Lin called the waiter over, meticulously listing a bunch of dishes and then sent the waiter away.
Bai Lixin pointed out, “Master, you are so knowledgeable, you actually know so many dishes by name.”
‘This corrupt official, what not coming here so often? The bribe you gave can’t withstand your eating habits.’
“Haha, it doesn’t matter. It’s nothing compared to your ability to reconstruct die,” County Magistrate Lin chuckled, “I just often dine here, so I remember the dish names.”
Bai Lixin continued with a few compliments.
This Magistrate Lin couldn’t sense the hidden sarcasm; it seemed this man wasn’t very clever.
“Bai Lixin, let me introduce these people to you.”
“These are our yamen’s constables, you’ve met Zhang Biao. Alongside him are his three capable subordinates.”
County Magistrate Lin’s hand made a half-circle, landing on a man wearing coarse linen clothes. “This is our yamen’s coroner, his name is Zhu Er. We usually call him Lao Er. There are no corpses that have passed through his hands. He has dealt with hundreds of corpses, very experienced. After you become the scribe, you’ll need to record the characteristics of the bodies when recording cases. Then, it will be Zhu Er who informs you.”
Zhu Er was thin and dark-skinned. Although he looked somewhat emaciated, Bai Lixin could see the tight muscles beneath his skin.
He didn’t seem accustomed to such occasions, and his mannerisms were a bit awkward. After the introduction, he quickly raised his teacup with both hands, nodding towards Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin exchanged greetings with him and shifted his gaze to the last man.
The man had a big face and ears, greasy skin, and was about the same age as County Magistrate Lin. His face carried a smile like Maitreya Buddha, suggesting he was a well-rounded person.
“As for this person,” County Magistrate Lin pointed to the man with the big face and ears, “he is our yamen’s steward, in charge of procurement and managing the warehouse.”
County Magistrate Lin paused. “Xiao Xin, I believe you know me. I am the county magistrate of our yamen. I oversee court cases and all affairs in town. Therefore, I am often busy, anxious and angry, and in my haste, I sometimes speak without thinking.”
Bai Lixin’s eyes flickered slightly. “Master, you’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all, not at all. What hardship is this? It’s all for the sake of letting the common people have good days. It’s just because of my quick temper that I may offend my family members at times.”
The steward immediately flattered, “Master, you not only consider the public but also your family. You are both upright and tender-hearted. Having a magistrate like you in Qingcheng Town is our good fortune.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘This guy is even better at flattery than I am.’
While County Magistrate Lin was laughing heartily, the waiter walked in with two dishes in hand.
He skillfully reported the names of the two dishes and was about to leave when a pure white figure appeared at the door.
The waiter hurriedly hugged the trays in his hands, bowed deeply, and said nervously, “Greetings, Immortal Master!”
With one call, everyone, who had been preparing to start eating and toasting, was drawn to the door.
Chopsticks that were raised halfway into the air were quickly placed back down, and everyone stood up to look in the direction of the entrance.
Bai Lixin’s position allowed him to see the door clearly. He raised his eyelids and saw the Daoist with one hand behind his back and the other in front, standing silently at the entrance, looking inside.
Upon hearing the simultaneous greetings from everyone inside, the Daoist walked in without changing his expression. His gaze swept around the room. When he passed by Bai Lixin, he paused for a moment longer before his eyes finally landed on County Magistrate Lin. “Magistrate Lin, long time no see.”
In front of Elder Qingcheng, County Magistrate Lin was like a tailless old dog, absolutely obedient. “Immortal Master, have we disturbed you?”
Elder Qingcheng: “No, I was just taking a walk and happened to pass by here. I heard your voice, so I stopped and took a look. County Magistrate Lin, how have you been recently?”
County Magistrate Lin humbly replied, “Thank you for your concern, Immortal Master. Everything is fine.”
Elder Qingcheng glanced at Bai Lixin, “And your wife, how is she lately?”
County Magistrate Lin’s body stiffened, and the others’ expressions became subtle.
Usually, married women should avoid suspicion. When another man mentions a married woman, it carries a strange implication.
County Magistrate Lin: “My wife is doing well, thank you for worrying, Immortal Master.”
Elder Qingcheng seemed unaware of the inappropriate topic, continuing, “I recently heard that your wife fell seriously ill on the night of her wedding. Is she feeling better now?”
County Magistrate Lin’s cold sweat was almost trickling down from his forehead to his neck. “My wife is much better now. I’ve arranged for servants to take good care of her.”
Only then did Elder Qingcheng nod, his gaze shifting directly to Bai Lixin. “And who is this?”
Bai Lixin immediately lowered his head, clasping his hands over his head as he bowed, concealing his face. “I am Bai Lixin, a scribe recently hired by the yamen. I have seen Immortal Master.”
“You are from Qingcheng Town too? You seem unfamiliar to me,” Elder Qingcheng remarked.
Bai Lixin: “Immortal Master, I stay at home daily, reading various texts to prepare for the imperial examination. I rarely go out.”
“I see,” Elder Qingcheng’s eyes flickered, “Your name is Bai Lixin?”
When he said the words “Bai Lixin” he strongly emphasized them with a somewhat profound meaning.
When he repeated the name “Bai Lixin,” he emphasized each word, giving it a meaningful tone.
Bai Lixin was uncertain about the Elder’s intentions, so he remained calm and responded, “Yes, Immortal Master.”
“The name Bai Lixin holds a deep spiritual connection,” Elder Qingcheng’s deep eyes mirrored Bai Lixin’s slender frame. “Do you have any interest in joining our Qingcheng Sect?”
With these words, everyone’s gaze immediately focused on Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin lifted his head from the raised sleeve, his eyes earnestly meeting the man’s gaze. “Immortal Master, I humbly decline. I am the only heir of my family and need to establish my career and carry on the family line. I am enamored with worldly pursuits and do not deserve to become a Daoist as noble and ethereal as you.”
“Very well,” Elder Qingcheng nodded. “Since you are unwilling, I won’t force you. Please continue your meal, I won’t disturb you any longer. Farewell.”
With that, he nodded slightly to Lin Xiangling and turned to leave.
Elder Qingcheng had left for a while but no one at the dining table spoke.
They exchanged glances, the chopsticks untouched.
In this heavy atmosphere, a pair of chopsticks reached into the middle, picking up a piece of crisp cucumber and quickly retreating.
Everyone stared at the cucumber in a daze, then turned to look at Bai Lixin. He bit into the cucumber and swallowed it, not forgetting to praise, “This tastes really good, no wonder the magistrate likes to eat here.”
County Magistrate Lin lowered his voice, “Bai Lixin, be more discreet. Immortal Master is a master of Taoism with boundless powers. He sees in all directions and hears in all directions. He can hear what you say here.”
Bai Lixin replied, “Master, even if Immortal Master possesses such abilities, considering his elegant and otherworldly nature, he would never stoop to eavesdropping. Master, I’ve been reading case files all morning and I’m quite hungry. Aren’t you going to eat?”
County Magistrate Lin exchanged glances with the people around him. Fanboy Zhang Biao was the first to pick up his chopsticks. “Eat, of course we’ll eat. Such delicious food shouldn’t be wasted. We have to go back to work in the afternoon; we can’t starve ourselves.”
County Magistrate Lin also picked up a piece of food. “Bai Lixin, you truly are your sister’s brother. Elder Qingcheng just said my wife has immortal fate, and now he says you have it too. But don’t you really want to cultivate immortality? With immortality, you can live forever. If you practice for long enough, you might even become an immortal.”
“How many people would give anything to enter this sects that is difficult to join? The Elder even invited you, yet you won’t go in.” The more Magistrate Lin thought about it, the more he felt regretful, He sounded as if he was the one who had missed the chance.
Bai Lixin shrugged, “I’ve said it, I’m attached to the mortal world. I have no desire to become immortal.”
“You will regret it. When you reach my age, you’ll understand,” County Magistrate Lin sighed, “Let’s stop talking about these bothersome matters. Come, let’s eat.”
‘When I reach your age?’
So, have you regretted it? Regretted what?’
Bai Lixin calmly moved his chopsticks. Due to Elder Qingcheng’s interruption, their meal was consumed rather quickly. County Magistrate Lin had intended to order some wine, but fearing Elder Qingcheng’s return, he refrained from doing so.
The food was good, but it was a rather unpleasant meal for them.
After returning to the yamen, Bai Lixin continued to examine case files at the bookshelf.
He was now looking at cases from the previous year. Qingcheng Town should have a high level of safety, there are only a few homicides occurring each year.
Of course, there was also the possibility that the homicides were all disguised as various forms of suicide.
There were only three cases of murder last year and all perpetrators were caught.
Bai Lixin was about to continue examining other case files when he heard knocking and noisy voices from outside.
“Sir, are you in, sir?!”
He put down the case file in his hands, opened the door, and found the young constable.
The constable’s appearance seemed anxious. When he saw Bai Lixin open the door, he didn’t waste any words and grabbed Bai Lixin’s wrist, intending to drag him outside.
However, just as he turned around to leave, he found Bai Lixin unmoved, like a statue, fixed in place.
Young Constable: “Sir, it’s urgent, please save us.”
Bai Lixin raised an eyebrow, “What happened?”
Young Constable: “One of our colleagues in the yamen has a gambling problem. Today, he took a leave, saying he was visiting his mother, and we believed him. But it turned out he was hiding in the gambling den. When the boss went in to fetch him, not only did he fail to rescue the man, but he’s now in trouble himself. The boss said to find you, he believes you can help them!”
Although he said this, the young constable was skeptical.
The man in front of him was just a frail scholar. Why ask for his help?
Could the boss be seeking help in desperation?
What could he do? Gamble? This delicate appearance didn’t seem like someone who frequented gambling dens.
Fight? He might end up beaten to death by the opponent.
Was he to stay behind to settle the debts?
The more the young constable thought, the more outrageous his thoughts became. Just as his thoughts were about to fly off into the sky, he shook his head vigorously, shaking off those whimsical thoughts. “Sir, please, hurry, it’s extremely urgent!”
Bai Lixin lifted his foot and stepped outside. “Alright, let’s go!”
On the street, the young constable led the way, and the two figures swiftly moved through the crowd.
At first, the young constable was afraid that Bai Lixin couldn’t keep up. He would walk a short distance and then turn back to check on Bai Lixin. However, he saw Bai Lixin consistently following behind him, not falling behind in the slightest.
He was surprised, this young master, who looked delicate, had such good physical fitness. It seemed he had some training.
Seeing Bai Lixin keeping up, he no longer had concerns and increased his pace.
After running for a while, he looked back and saw that Bai Lixin was still steadily following.
Not only that. He himself was starting to pant a bit but the young man didn’t seem out of breath at all.
A master… could he really be a master?
The young constable took a deep breath, planning to speed up again.
Just at that moment, Bai Lixin patted his shoulder. “Is the gambling den you mentioned called Xu Family Gambling Den?”
The young constable nodded, ”Yes.”
Bai Lixin uttered an “I see,” then said, “Since it’s extremely urgent, I’ll go ahead. Take your time.”
With that, before the young constable could react, the young man in light-colored clothes had turned into a streak of fast-moving light, disappearing at the street corner.
The young constable stood still in confusion.
Ah, ?
What did he just say?
Did he say the young man was a weak scholar?
Can he take back his words now?!
‘Sorry, I admit, my inner voice was a bit loud just now!
A master better at arresting and fighting than them, the constables?
One word: impressive!’
