It was a moonless night marked by howling winds.
Nanshan Academy, located outside Yanjiao City, was nestled against the southern mountains, hence its name. In the mountains behind the school, there was a secluded little lake where youngsters often played during summer evenings. However, recently, people had grown afraid of approaching the area.
This was because someone had died here not long ago.
Nevertheless, that very night, two scholars ventured to this ominous place.
As they got closer to the lake, a ghastly chill seeped through their clothes, causing an uncontrollable shiver in both.
"Brother Shaoan, why on earth would you want to meet me at this... isn't this where Situ Yan killed herself..."
As they neared the sinister lakeside, the frail scholar behind was shivering with fear, unable to take another step forward.
The scholar in front was rather hefty, his tall silhouette evident even from behind. His voice was deep and soothing, "To bring closure to this, we have to come here."
The wind whistled through the trees, making the leaves rustle as if someone was passing by. The frail scholar, startled, whipped his head around to check. After confirming that there wasn't anyone, he took a deep sigh of relief.
He then said to the bulky scholar, "I don't understand what there is to resolve. I had absolutely nothing to do with this. When you all were tormenting Situ Yan, I barely participated... I just called her an ugly freak a couple of times... Now that she's dead, what can we do?"
The frail scholar chattered on, seemingly using his chatter to distract himself from his fear.
"Sure, you didn't do anything..." The tall scholar's voice was chillingly flat.
"Oh, would you stop beating around the bush!" the frail scholar pleaded anxiously.
"Then..." The tall scholar turned, revealing his rigid face in the moonlight, "Do you recognize me now?"
"Wu Shaoan!" The frail scholar seemed taken aback by the chilly tone in his voice and retorted somewhat angrily, "What are you trying to do? If there's nothing else, I'd rather not stay in this haunted place! I'll just pack up my family and leave Yanjiao City tomorrow. That way we won't have to live in constant fear."
"Zhang Cong, you... really don't recognize me?" The tall scholar asked again, suddenly turning to reveal his full face.
One half of his face bore his normal features, but the other half was covered in deep scar tissue, as if he had suffered a horrific burn. Even his eye socket was disfigured, creating a terrifying sight.
And... it had a feminine resemblance!
"Ah!" The frail scholar shrieked at the sight, stumbling back a couple steps, then his legs gave out, and he fell to the ground.
Almost immediately, the skin on the tall scholar's unscarred face began to peel off like dry, cracked plaster. Falling off in chunks, it revealed the pale, bloodless face of a woman beneath.
"Situ Yan... spare me... spare me..." the frail scholar mumbled, scrambling to his feet and running for the forest's edge.
As he fled, he yelled, "Help! Ghost!"
He didn't stop until he was out of the trees and out of breath. Looking back at the dark woods, there seemed to be no one following him...
"Ugh—"
Just as he was about to catch his breath, suddenly, his hands shot up, strangling himself. His eyes bulged out of their sockets, and the skin on the left side of his face began to shrivel and peel, revealing a dense patch of burn scars...
"Spare me... spare me, please..."
"I beg you... ah..."
...
"Why do they want us to come if a ghost is haunting Nanshan Academy?"
Chu Liang asked Lin Bei on the bustling streets of Yanjiao City.
Earlier, Lin Bei had hurriedly invited him to join an assignment off the mountain because it paid well. Chu Liang had agreed without asking any questions but now wanted to know more about the situation.
Yanjiao City was not far from Shu Mountain, and disciples of the Shu Mountain Sect were somewhat familiar with it. The Sect was often called upon to handle any peculiar incidents in the city.
However, there were some exceptions.
For instance, if something strange happened at a temple, it was handled by cultivators of Buddhism. Similarly, if something unusual occurred at the academy, it was dealt with by cultivators of Confucianism.
Unless exceptional circumstances arise, practitioners of each doctrine generally do not cross into each other's territories. Going beyond one's bounds not only creates trouble for oneself but also provokes others.
"Well..." Lin Bei answered with a smile, "Incidents in the academy are certainly handled by Confucian cultivators. Our job is merely to protect a student."
With that, he pointed to a large mansion ahead, marked by stone lions at the entrance and a plaque that read "Li Mansion."
"Old Master Li is a renowned figure in Yanjiao City. His only son, Li Jue, studies at Nanshan Academy. But two students have died there recently because of some ghost rumors."
"He fears for his son's safety, so he's asked the Shu Mountain Sect to assign someone to protect his son for a while. Once this incident is resolved, our task will be complete."
"We're paid by the day."
When Chu Liang heard that last statement, he relaxed.
Old Master Li was offering cold, hard cash to the Shu Mountain Sect, who, in turn, would reward him and Lin Bei with Sword Coins. He happened to be saving for a Flying Sword and needed high-paying assignments like this one.
This was like finding a pillow when he needed sleep.
"Ah, the two young heroes from the Shu Mountain Sect, you're finally here." Old Master Li personally welcomed them with his family in tow. He was courteous and considerate.
Being a cultivator had its perks. Even wealthy and influential people would show reverence upon meeting them.
"You're being too kind; we're just lower-ranking disciples from the Shu Mountain Sect", Lin Bei replied warmly. "My name is Lin Bei, and this is my fellow disciple Chu Liang. Considering you're younger than my father, may I cheekily address you as Uncle Li? It'll make it easier for us to interact with your son as brothers."
He then turned to Chu Liang, "Don't be too formal; treat this like your own home."
Chu Liang just smiled slightly.
Having someone like Lin Bei, who was great at socializing around, was definitely a respite from such interaction for Chu Liang.
He noticed that behind Old Master Li stood a slender youngster in simple attire. Looking to be around sixteen or seventeen, the boy had a pale, delicate face with noticeable dark circles under his eyes. He seemed haggard.
He must be Old Master Li's only son, Li Jue. He seemed to be burdened with worries.
Once they had made their way to the inner living area of the expansive mansion, Lin Bei was already on friendly terms with Old Master Li.
"Uncle Li, rest assured. With me around, your son will be safe. From today, we will be watching over him around the clock. You can ask anyone about Lin Bei at the Shu Mountain Sect..."
"Dear nephews... I actually have another small request..." Old Master Li smiled, his moustache quivering slightly, "Even though I invited you here to protect my son, could you... possibly avoid letting others find out?"
"Avoid letting others find out? What do you mean?" Both Lin Bei and Chu Liang were puzzled.
"That is... tomorrow, I'll arrange for your enrolment at Nanshan Academy. You can keep an eye on Li Jue constantly and accompany him home after school. But, during all this, can you ensure no one realizes you're there specifically to protect him?" Old Master Li rubbed his hands together as he asked.
"Uncle Li, of course, we'll respect your wishes. But may I ask... why?" Lin Bei asked.
"Well, that's a bit tricky to explain," Old Master Li laughed, his expression growing more cryptic.
He wants them to protect his son... without anyone finding out?
Chu Liang cast a glance at the silent Li Jue and the nervously fidgeting Old Master Li.
What were they hiding?